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2018/2019

Dear Valley Charter High School Student and Parent(s)/Guardian(s):

This handbook was developed as a guide for students and parents to answer commonly-asked questions that come up during the course of a school year and to provide information about school requirements, policies and procedures. Our goal is to create a positive educational atmosphere of learning where handbook rules and procedures and individual classroom standards are enforced firmly, fairly, and consistently for all students. We ask that you read this handbook at home and discuss the contents.

This form is part of the student registration process at Valley Charter High School and must be returned as a condition of enrollment. Your signatures below are evidence that you are fully aware that the student and parent or guardian will be held accountable for all requirements, policies, and procedures in this student handbook. This page will be collected by your child’s Advisory teacher.

___________________ ________

Signature of Parent/Guardian Date ________________________ __________ Signature of Student Date ________________ _______

Printed Name of Student Grade level of Student

On Time • On Task • Excellence • Every Day

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Have you returned the required paperwork to the VCHS office?

o VCHS Parent Choice Referral form o 2018/2019 Student Handbook and Agenda signature page o Your Rights & Responsibilities signature page o VCHS Student Health Inventory form o VCHS Technology Use Policy signature page o VCHS Textbook Use Policy signature page o Free and Reduced Price Meal application

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2018-2019 Student Handbook and Agenda

Valley Charter High School The Leading Stanislaus County Early College High School

108 Campus Way, Modesto, CA 95350

209-238-6801 (phone) 209-238-6897 (fax) https://www.stancoe.org/division/educational-options/valley-charter-high-school

Mike Berhorst, VCHS Principal California Charter #172

Founded in 1999 by the Stanislaus County Office of Education Accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)

Valley Charter High School-Wide Learning Goals

Valley Charter High School will prepare its graduates to be:

Lifelong learners who: · apply organizational skills and self-evaluation in setting academic and personal goals. · implement an individualized plan for postsecondary education and career training.

Integrative technology users who: · utilize various forms of digital media ethically and effectively. · evaluate the context, content and validity of internet resources.

Open and effective communicators who: · exhibit competent listening, speaking, reading and writing skills in multiple situations. · collaborate effectively and interact confidently and respectfully within diverse settings.

Novel and critical thinkers who: · solve problems by accessing resources and integrating knowledge. · analyze, interpret and evaluate information within varied and changing contexts.

Socially responsible community members who: · demonstrate integrity in character and informed citizenship. · contribute time and talents to improve their families and communities.

Each student receives at no cost an agenda with student policies to carry to all classes and meetings. The agenda is the responsibility of the student. The replacement cost for a lost agenda is $5.00.

References to “parent” throughout the handbook refer to the custodial parent/legal guardian. For additional student policies, refer to SCOE Board Policies (BP) and Administrative Regulations (AR) 5020 Your Rights & Responsibilities as a Parent or Guardian and to California Education Codes (EC) as indicated throughout the handbook, or visit www.leginfo.ca.gov/calaw.html for current legal updates.

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The vision of Valley Charter High School is to be Stanislaus County’s first choice in equipping students with confidence and competence for

college, career and community success.

School and Legal Holidays

2018 2019 9/3/2018 Labor Day 12/24 -1/4/2019 Winter Recess (12 days)

9/28/2018 VCHS Staff Only 1/21/2019 Martin Luther King Jr. Day

11/12/2018 Veterans Day 2/15 -19/2019 President’s Day (3 days)

11/21-23/2018 Thanksgiving (3days) 4/19 - 4/26/2019 Spring Recess (6 days)

Important VCHS Dates

8/8/2018

8/22/2018

8/27/2019

9/20/2018

10/12/2018

11/13/2018

12/21/2018

12/17-19/2019

12/22/2019

First Day of Fall Semester

Back to School Night

MJC Classes Begin

After 5’s Teacher Conferences

Fall Quarter Progress Report

Community Open House

Last Day of Fall Semester

Fall Final Exams

MJC Classes End

1/4/2019

1/8/2019

2/21/2019

3/8/2019 5/20-22/2019

5/21/2019

5/23/2019

5/24/2019

First Day of Spring Semester MJC Classes Begin After 5’s Teacher Conferences Spring

Quarter Progress Report

Spring Final Exams

Senior Awards Night

Graduation

Last Day of Spring Semester

On Time • On Task • Excellence • Every Day

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2018/2019 Student Handbook Contents

Signature Page to Return to VCHS

Contact Information

School-Wide Learning Goals

School and Legal Holidays Table

Table of Contents

Mission Statement

Graduation Requirements

MJC Concurrent Enrollment

Course Guide

1 School Rules 18

2 Eligibility for Activities and Sports 18

3 Work Permit Requirements 18 4 Afterschool Detentions 19 5 Cell Phone Policy 20 6 Textbook Policy 20 6 Student Fee Policy 21 7 School Safety 22 8 Administration of Medication 22

Course of Study and Special Education 9 Emergency Contact and Preparedness 22

Core Values/Code of Conduct 10 Food and Drink Delivery and Sales 23

Honor Awards and Senior Honors 11 Nonsmoking, Tobacco-Free Campus 23

Daily Schedule and Tardy Policy 12 Investigations of Harassment 24

Attendance Policy 13 Off-Campus and Field Trip Permission 24

Excused Absences 13 Parking and Crosswalk Use

Searches and Surveillance

Visitors and Volunteers Student Dress and Grooming Code Student Daily Dress Code Discipline and School Climate Alternatives to Suspension Prohibited Student Conduct Suspension and Expulsion VCHS Lion’s Pride and Alma Mater Support for New Students

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Make-Up Work for Excused Absences 13 25

Unexcused Absences 14 25

Violation Letters 14 26

Short-Term Independent Study 15 27

Truancy 15 28

Monitoring of Student Progress 16 28

Homework Policy 17 29

31 32 32

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Valley Charter High School Mission

Valley Charter High School (VCHS), an Early College partnership between the Stanislaus County Office of Education (SCOE) and Modesto Junior College (MJC), provides a personalized and innovative public school option. VCHS collaborates with parents and community members to nurture educational excellence and character development through rigorous standards in individual learning or classroom settings, with relevant technical skills and performance-based projects and opportunities for motivated students to concurrently earn dual high school and college credits.

Graduation Requirements (EC 48980, BP 5127, AR 6146.1)

The following requirements meet all state of California requirements and also meet all University of California/California State University admissions prerequisites (known as a-g requirements) if the following courses are completed with a grade of C- or higher. For admissions information, see http://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/freshman/.

All Valley Charter students must complete the following 230 graduation credits:

a- Social Science • 30 Credits including CP World History, CP or Honors US History, CP or Honors American Government, CP Economics

b- English • 40 Credits including CP English 9 and 10; CP or Honors English11 and12

c- Mathematics • 30 Credits including completion of CP Algebra 1 or 2 (for UC/CSU eligibility students are required to complete at least Algebra 2); CP Geometry; CP Pre- Calculus, Honors Calculus or Personal Finance. Pre-Algebra and Personal Finance earn mathematics credits but do NOT qualify as college-preparatory.

d- Science • 20 Credits including CP Biology and one or more of the following: CP Earth Science and/or a UC/CSU admissions eligible laboratory course in CP or Honors Chemistry, Physics or Environmental Science or an equivalent MJC science course listed in the official MJC course description as UC transferable.

One year of either visual and performing arts, foreign language, or career technical education(EC 51225.3) • 10 Credits required by the state of California with added credits for UC/CSU e-Language Other Than English CP Spanish 1, 2, 3 (20 Credits for UC/CSU)

f- Visual and Performing Arts CP Art History or Fine Art; CP Drama (10 Credits for UC/CSU) Not all courses are available all years.

g- Electives • 75 Credits including courses not listed above plus Career Technical Education (CTE) and MJC courses (UC/CSU admissions eligibility requires at least 10 elective credits or extra credits in items a-f.)

Health • 5 Credits (Unless excused per EC 51240, 9th grade students take a Health class.) or MHE110 Physical Education • 20 Credits: VCHS PE Log and/or MJC PE Class

VCHS Senior GBE Completion: See the Graduation by Exhibition (GBE) Handbook for specific deadlines and requirements for graduation from Valley Charter High School.

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Modesto Junior College Concurrent Enrollment (BP 5121, 6172.1)

VCHS students receive guidance and support for college success and may earn college credit while in high school through an agreement between VCHS and MJC. For each three college units a student earns on a pre-approved MJC class, the student earns 10 high school credits, plus honors grade weighting for classes on the MJC a-g course list at www.ucop.edu/agguide/. All students must complete MGUIDE110 as a pre-requisite to taking MJC classes.

VCHS Early College Honors (ECH) students have streamlined enrollment at MJC. They must attend VCHS and pass at least three units in a UC-transferable MJC class each semester. The VCHS semester begins prior to MJC’s start date and continues after MJC finals. Students may have mandatory VCHS activities during these school days and on scheduled minimum days.

Enrollment in ECH requires VCHS principal/designee permission and these criteria: a. On track for graduation with good behavior and attendance (10 absence limit/semester) b. Earned a minimum grade point average of 3.0 during the last two semesters c. Earned a grade of B- or better in the last semester of English d. Completed previous grade-level credits in English, Social Studies, Science, and Math e. Completed the MJC assessment process required for Early College high school students

Students who lack one of these criteria may be permitted to enroll in ECH on a probationary basis for one semester at the discretion of the VCHS principal and Early College advisor(s).

MJC Permission Forms and Pre-Approved Course Limits (BP 5121) Permission forms are signed by the VCHS principal/designee(s) only after the student has submitted MJC assessment results and an unofficial transcript of all previous MJC classes. A student must obtain an additional permission signature to add or change classes in order for VCHS to grant graduation credit for the MJC units with the following limits*:

9th or 10th graders up to 3 units with a 3.0 GPA, must have completed Algebra 1 11th graders up to 5 units if Independent Learning or College Prep, up to 9 units if ECH 12th graders up to 7 units if Independent Learning or College Prep, up to 11 units if ECH

*Students must attend 185 instructional minutes per day at VCHS Honors Credit (BP 5121) Students earning an honors grade of A, B or C receive extra grade weighting as follows: A (90-100%) Outstanding Achievement 5.0 grade points; B (80-89%) Above Average Achievement 4.0 grade points; C (70-79%) Average Achievement 3.0 grade points; a semester grade of D (60-69%) or F (0-59%) does not receive extra honors credit.

Note: MJC is prevented by privacy laws (FERPA) from providing grades to parents. Parents may print a grade check at www.mjc.edu for a student to take to MJC for updates. To have MJC credits applied to the VCHS transcripts, it is the student’s responsibility to provide official transcripts to the site registrar.

All MJC students, including VCHS students, must pay mandatory health and student fees of approximately $35 per semester. VCHS students who are California residents do not pay the per unit enrollment fee (currently $46 but subject to change by State Legislature).

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Course Guide for Valley Charter High School

VCHS courses designated as College Preparatory (CP) or Honors (H) are validated by the UC for a-g admissions requirements. Students also may fulfill UC a-g course requirements via independent study with online high school coursework in approved courses, with the exception of laboratory science and visual and performing arts.

a. Social Science (3 Years Required for Graduation in CA, 2 Years Required for UC)

World History CP Gr. 10

US History CP Gr. 11

US History H Gr. 11 Prerequisite: 3.0 GPA

Government CP Gr. 12, Fall

Government H Gr. 12, Fall Prerequisite: 3.0 GPA/

Economics CP Gr. 12, Spring (Fulfills UC Area “g” elective)

b. English (4 Years Required)

English 9 CP Gr. 9

English 10 CP Gr. 10

English 11 CP Gr. 11

English 11 H Gr. 11 Prerequisite: 3.0 GPA

English 12 CP Gr. 12

English 12 H Gr. 12 Prerequisite: 3.0 GPA

c. Mathematics (3 Years Required, 4 Years Recommended for UC)

Pre-Algebra Gr. 9-10 Prerequisite: Placement Test

Algebra 1 CP Gr. 9-11 Prerequisite: Placement Test

Geometry CP Gr. 9-12 Prerequisite: Algebra 1

Algebra 2 CP Gr. 9-12 Prerequisite: Geometry

Pre-Calculus CP Gr. 9-12 Prerequisite: Algebra 2 MJC: MATH-121 Calculus H Gr. 10-12 Prerequisite: Pre-Calculus MJC: MATH-171 Personal Finance Gr. 11-12 Prerequisite: Algebra 1

d. Science (2 Years Required, 3 Years Recommended for UC)

Earth Science CP Gr. 9 (Fulfills UC Area “g” elective)

Biology CP Gr. 10

Chemistry CP Gr. 11 Co/Prerequisite: Algebra 2 MJC: CHEM-142 or 143 Students may substitute any UC-transferable MJC science course for one year of science.

e. Language Other Than English (2 Years Required for UC, 3 Years Recommended for UC)

Spanish 1 CP Gr. 9-12

Spanish 2 CP Gr. 9-12 Prerequisite: Spanish 1 MJC: SPAN-101 Spanish 3 CP Gr. 9-12 Prerequisite: Spanish 2 MJC: SPAN-102 Students may substitute any UC-transferable MJC course for two years of language, such as SIGN-125.

f. Visual and Performing Arts (1 Year Required for UC)

Drama CP Gr. 10-12 MJC: THETR-100 Art History CP and Fine Art CP are not scheduled to be offered at VCHS in 2017/2018. Students may substitute any UC- transferable MJC arts course, such as ART-102, ART-160, ART-170, FILM-154, MUSG-101, MUSG-111, THETR-122, THETR-194, including online courses.

g. Electives (1 Year Required for UC)

Psychology CP Gr. 9-12 MJC: PSYCH-101 MJC electives recommended for VCHS students include CLDDV-103, COMM-100, ENGL-101, HUMAN-101, MATH- 134, PHILO-10, and SOCIO-101. All other MJC courses are available as electives to VCHS students, including applied vocational courses. VCHS students are encouraged to enroll in the MJC “mini course” Introduction to College (GUIDE 110) and to visit the guidance office at MJC.

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VCHS Health and Physical Education Requirement

Health/PE Gr. 9 Note: Mandatory unless formally excused (EC 51240) Physical Education Gr. 10-12 Note: 20 Credits total via PE Log and/or MJC PE Class VCHS students may enroll in MJC HE-110 Healthful Living (does not receive honor’s credit at VCHS).

VCHS Requirements with Elective Credit

Advisory Gr. 9-12 Note: 2.5 credits per semester GBE Prep Lab Gr. 12, Period 1 Note: May alternate days with an MJC class

Other VCHS Elective Courses (offerings may vary)

Geography Gr. 9, Fall

World Religions Gr. 9, Spring

Beginning Choir Gr. 9-12 Note: Meets daily, includes basic music theory instruction

Academic Decathlon

Gr. 9-12

Note: Flexible schedule to accommodate MJC classes

Leadership

Gr. 9-12, Period 0

Prerequisite: ASB/Club officer or instructor permission

SkillsUSA Gr. 9-12, Period 0

Driver’s Ed Gr. 9-12, Period 0 Note: Must meet strict DMV requirements for a permit

Math Support Gr. 9-12

Teacher’s Aide Gr. 9-12 Note: 2.5 cr per semester, permission required, letter grade

Career Technical Education (CTE)

Intro to Robotics Gr. 9

Engineering Tech Gr. 10-12 Prerequisite: Previous Robotics or instructor permission Video Game Design Gr. 9-12

Drafting Gr. 9-12

Multimedia Gr. 10-12 Note: Yearbook included in projects

Typical VCHS Course of Study

9th Grade: Advisory, English, Math, Earth Science, Health/PE, and two electives 10th Grade: Advisory, English, Math, Biology, World History, and two electives (including an MJC class) 11th Grade: Advisory, English, Math, US History, and three electives (including MJC classes) 12th Grade: Advisory, English, Government/Economics, GBE Prep and one or more electives/MJC classes

The VCHS College Board code is 052019. VCHS students will use this code to sign up for the SAT or ACT to apply to a four-year university and to apply for scholarships.

GBE Graduation by Exhibition is a four year program that culminates into an extra graduation requirement. During senior, students take one to two semesters of GBE prep to create a presentation that will be judged in the spring semester. Successful presentation of the project is a requirement to walk the graduation stage.

Special Education

All students with disabilities have the right to a free appropriate education with access to the VCHS curriculum. A student with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Section 504 Plan may have adjustments to the typical course of study as determined by the student’s team, which includes the parent and the student. The VCHS resource specialist makes IEP modifications and accommodations in collaboration with classroom teachers and paraprofessionals. The principal and VCHS 504 coordinator oversee the implementation of 504 plans in the general education setting.

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VCHS CORE VALUES and CODE OF CONDUCT

On Time • On Task • Excellence • Every Day

Accountability • On Time • College, career and community commitments require maturity, self-management skills, and well-planned goals. VCHS students take responsibility for their own actions by meeting assignment deadlines and show respect for their families, teachers, classmates, employers and colleagues by being on time to all appointments, meetings and classes.

Academics • On Task • Progress depends upon both academic performance and character development. VCHS students demonstrate academic honesty by how well a task is completed and give due credit by never cheating, copying or plagiarizing another scholar’s work. Success requires discipline for continual improvement and goes far beyond meeting minimal requirements.

Attitude • Excellence • Attitude is the centerpiece in creating a successful future. VCHS students display imagination in determining what they want in life and courage in pursuing their goals. They achieve an academic and personal quest for excellence by balancing confident self-esteem with a modest selflessness in dealing with others.

Attendance • Every Day • Trustworthy attendance indicates readiness to enroll in college courses, to enter the workforce and to participate in community leadership roles. VCHS students show resilience by attending to school, work and service commitments every day. If they must be absent due to illness or other unavoidable conflicts, they demonstrate integrity by arranging in advance to cover their obligations and submit any missed work as soon as possible.

Monthly Character Traits and Lanyard Promotions (BP 5131.2)

Valley Charter students wear lanyards displaying progress through the academic core, career and college readiness, sense of self and community and post graduate plan. A student begins with a white lanyard and promotes to yellow, orange, green, purple, red, blue, and brown. Privileges and responsibilities accompany an increase in color rank. Upon completion of all graduation requirements, a student promotes to the black lanyard.

Lanyard promotions are conducted and Students of the Month representing the following character traits are honored at assemblies to be held the following months:

August Honesty January Leadership

September Respect February Resilience October Discipline March Courage

November Responsibility April Selflessness December Integrity May Imagination

The Valley Charter High School academic year is divided among ten character education themes embedded in the descriptions of the Core Values below. Each theme builds on the previous theme and integrates character and behavioral expectations with the daily academic and personal development program.

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VCHS Honor Awards (BP 5126, 5113.1)

VCHS will hold Honor Awards during regularly scheduled assemblies.

• Good Citizenship – 98% attendance with correct color lanyard and no detention or tardy • Perfect Attendance – no absence or tardy for any reason, excused or unexcused • Silver Honor Roll – 3.0 or higher GPA during the previous semester • Gold Honor Roll – 3.5 or higher GPA during the previous semester • Principal’s Honor Roll – 4.0 or higher GPA during the previous semester

Senior Awards and Graduation Regalia (EC 51460, BP 5127)

The Senior Awards Reception will be held at 6 p.m. on May 22, 2018. Recognition includes scholarships, national, state and local awards for achievement, including the following:

U.S. Department of Education President’s Award for Educational Excellence/Achievement – Excellence = weighted cumulative GPA of 3.5 with recommendations from faculty and staff Achievement = notable growth and commitment despite obstacles, principal recommendation

Congressional Merit Award – GPA of 3.5 or higher and exemplary service to the community

SkillsUSA Red/White Tassel and Honor Cord – GPA of 3.5 or higher and eligible for SkillsUSA Stole (enrollment in both SkillsUSA and a CTE class the entire senior year)

California Scholarship Federation (CSF) Sealbearer – at least four semesters of membership based on qualifying grades earned after 9th grade, including one semester in the senior year

Seal of Multilingual Proficiency – designation on the high school diploma recognizing fluency in multiple languages, based on an application and assessment process in August- October

The following regalia to be worn at graduation will be awarded to deserving students:

• Valedictorian Stole – the highest cumulative weighted GPA for all four years • Salutatorian Stole – the second highest cumulative weighted GPA for all four years • Gold Honor Cord – a weighted cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher for all fouryears • College Achievement Medal – six or more units of college credit with a 3.0 average • Career Ready Medal – ten or more credits of CTE certification with a 3.0 average • Leadership Stole – outstanding Associated Student Body (ASB) service • Community Service Pin – outstanding verified service hours • Leo Voce Choir Award – outstanding participation in the VCHS choral program • GBE Pin – “Distinguished” on two of three GBE tasks (paper, presentation, process) • VCHS Black Lanyard – completion of VCHS character and academic requirements

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2018-2019 Daily Schedule and Minimum Day Schedule (EC 48980)

Doors open at 7a.m. and close at 4 p.m.

Regular Day Schedule 2:45 Dismissal

Minimum Day Schedule 12:35 Dismissal

Period 1 8:04-8:59 Period 1 8:04-8:41

Passing 8:59-9:03 Passing 8:41-8:45

Period 2 9:03-9:55 Period 2 8:45-9:22

Passing 9:55-9:59 Passing 9:22-9:26

Period 3/Advisory 9:59-10:31 Period 3/Advisory 9:26-9:52

Passing 10:31-10:35 Passing 9:52-9:56

Period 4 10:35-11:27 Period 4 9:56-10:33

Lunch 11:27-11:57 Passing 10:33-10:37

Passing 11:57-12:01 Period 5 10:37-11:14

Period 5 12:01-12:53 Passing 11:14-11:18

Passing 12:53-12:57 Period 6 11:18-11:55

Period 6 12:57-1:49 Passing 11:55-11:59

Passing 1:49-1:53 Period 7 11:59-12:35

Period 7 1:53-2:45

Period 8

Period 8 Tutoring Except minimum days

Sack lunch will be available at 12:35 On minimum days sack lunches must be taken off campus.

Minimum Day Detention 12:40-1:40

Tardy Policy (EC 48260) All students must be in class, in assigned seats, with the required materials and ready to work when each class begins. Students who are tardy disrupt class and diminish the learning process for other students. A teacher may record requests to use the restroom during class time as a tardy, at his or her discretion.

Students who are tardy to class incur these consequences: Parent Portal record of tardy, possible automated phone message, and afterschool detention on the next school day. Chronic tardiness may result in a conference with the principal, detention, restriction of extracurricular activity, MJC ineligibility, and possible truancy proceedings.

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Attendance Policy (EC 47605, 48200)

VCHS is a school of choice. A student who chooses not to attend VCHS may enroll in a public school within his or her district of residence The VCHS attendance policy complies with state compulsory education laws for students between 6 and 18 years of age. Students who are absent for 15 consecutive days will be withdrawn from VCHS and must apply for re- enrollment upon return unless written arrangements have been made with the principal prior to the absence.

Excused Absences (EC 48205, 48980 [j]) Under California Education Code, a student shall be excused from school due to the student’s illness; quarantine by a county or city health officer; medical, dental, optometric or chiropractic appointments; attendance at an immediate family member’s funeral (one day in California, up to three days out of state); jury duty; the illness or medical appointment of a child of whom the student is the custodial parent; appearance in court; religious holidays, retreats or education (retreats not to exceed four hours per semester, education not to exceed four days per school year); and other justifiable reasons included in, but not limited to, those in Your Rights & Responsibilities as a Parent or Guardian.

For reasons of family necessity with 48-hour advance notice from the parent and approval from the principal, a student may be excused for a period not to exceed 10 times per school year. A student may be excused for an appointment with an administrator, school nurse, resource specialist, psychologist or counselor, or other activity approved by the principal.

Make-Up Work (EC 46014, 48205, 48260; CAC Title 5, Sec. 420, BP 5113, 6154, AR 5121) For the purposes of make-up work, VCHS will excuse the above types of absences. After an excused absence, a student shall have two days make-up time for full credit, excluding weekends and holidays. The student is responsible to ask for all arrangements to make up missed work, including tests or quizzes. At a teacher’s discretion, time limits may be extended and a grade of Incomplete issued for the class.

If not made up within six weeks, the grade of Incomplete shall become an F and will be recorded on the official transcript.

Clearing Absences by a Parent/Guardian or Health Care Professional

To avoid an automated attendance phone call, absences should be cleared by noon on the day of the absence. Within 48 hours of return to school, absences must be cleared by a parent phone call or email, or by a note signed by a parent or health care professional. Absences not cleared within 48 hours will be considered unexcused and a student may be assigned a minimum day detention or Independent Learning violation letter for cutting class.

Students should avoid unexcused absences in order to maintain good standing. A teacher will not grant full credit to late work following an unexcused absence. Assignments one day late will receive half credit. Assignments more than one day late receive no credit and the student may be assigned to mandatory tutoring.

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The VCHS Senior Grad Night trip is an authorized school event and is not recorded as an absence. Any senior “ditch day” is unauthorized and is marked as an unexcused absence. This absence may make a student ineligible to participate in Graduation Proceedings.

Unexcused Absences (EC 48340, BP 5113.1) All students must maintain a minimum of 95% attendance (no more than 9 absences per year) to remain in good standing in the VCHS program. As soon as a student shows signs of chronic absence, indicated by an attendance rate below 90% for any period of the day, including excessive morning tardiness, the VCHS principal will contact the parent or guardian to develop strategies to improve the student’s attendance and achievement

After 10 absences during a school year, all absences will be marked as unexcused unless a doctor’s note is provided and the student may be placed on Attendance Supervision or referred to the School Attendance Review Board (SARB) at SCOE. SARB may find a student and/or parent in violation of mandatory attendance laws and subject to fines by the courts, incarceration or other program determined by a judge.

Attendance and Violation Letters for Independent Learning (EC 51747 (b), AR 6158) Independent Learning (IL) is available for students making adequate academic progress with a 2.0 GPA (C average) and requires a Master Agreement signed by the student, parent and VCHS supervising teacher. This agreement indicates the maximum number of missed assignments before an evaluation is conducted.

According to state regulations, there are no excused absences in independent study. In the event of illness, a parent or other designated person must make arrangements to submit the student’s work to the teacher by the due date noted on the weekly assignment sheet.

Violation letters are mailed to the parent or guardian of an IL student for failure to:

1. Complete assignments by the time designated on the weekly assignment sheet. 2. Complete assignments of sufficient quality and quantity to meet minimum attendance. 3. Complete a quarterly demonstration or semester exhibition. 4. Attend a scheduled appointment or class (for example, a lab science or math class.) 5. Adhere to Valley Charter High School student standards of dress and/or behavior.

When an independent study student is issued three violation letters in one year and is subsequently referred back to his or her school of residence, the student becomes subject to truancy laws as of the date of the transfer of enrollment. A student in an independent study program is not otherwise subject to truancy laws in the state of California.

A Short-term Independent Study Contract is available to students with a planned absence of multiple days, if approved by the principal and signed by the parent, student and all teachers at least 48 hours in advance. The student is responsible for notifying all teachers and obtaining all signatures. All assignments must be completed and returned to the advisory teacher immediately upon the student’s return to school to avoid a record of unexcused absence for those days. Student vacations or other absences not covered by a Short-term Independent Study Contract or other pre-approval by the principal are recorded as unexcused.

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Cutting Class/Truancy (EC 48260-3, 48900(k), 49164) A student may not be absent from any enrolled class (including IL or ECH class) without verified approval of the parent or VCHS administrator or designee. Any absence or tardy of 30 minutes or more not approved by the parent or by the VCHS principal or designee is a cut. Any student who has been assigned to tutoring due to unsatisfactory grades must attend tutoring until an official progress report shows a C average or the student receives permission from the principal or designee to discontinue tutoring. Loitering in the hallway or Lion’s Den during class or tutoring or skipping a class to complete work from another VCHS or MJC class is considered a cut and will be recorded as truancy.

Note: In-home suspensions are not included in truancy counts. For the purpose of make-up work, students are expected to complete all assignments while suspended, to submit assignments upon return to school, and to take any missed exams within two days.

Notification of Truancy First incident: The parent will be advised by letter of mandatory attendance laws and the

student will be instructed to attend all classes. A detention or alternative may be issued. Second incident: A warning letter will be sent home to the parent. A minimum day

detention will be issued. Student and parent will meet with a VCHS administrator. Third incident: Additional truancy may lead to a truancy citation to the Modesto Police

Department or referral to SARB. Truants may not be issued a work permit and may have driving privileges restricted or suspended for up to one year (Vehicle Code 13202.7).

Excessive absenteeism can also affect eligibility to enroll in Driver’s Education. On the fourth incident of truancy (being absent without verified approval from a parent/guardian or from a VCHS administrator or designee) students will not be allowed to enroll in Driver’s Education until one full semester is completed without another incident of truancy.

A student who cuts school is deemed truant by California law. After a conference has been held, a student reported as truant three times per school year is deemed habitually truant.

Attendance Supervision for Activity Eligibility (EC 49164; CAC Title 5, sec. 421[b]) When a student has accumulated 20 absences for any reason during one school year and has received parental notification by letter, the student will be placed on VCHS Attendance Supervision. In order for the student to remain eligible for extracurricular activities (including participation in senior activities and graduation ceremonies) for the remainder of the school year and to prevent the revocation of any work permit, a licensed medical practitioner must verify all additional absences.

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Monitoring of Student Progress (BP 5145.6, 6020, 6154)

Communication about class assignments must be directed to the teacher of the course.

Parents/guardians are expected to read the syllabus for each course, to read all written communication from VCHS via mail and email, to keep phone numbers up to date for phone and text messages, and to promptly sign permission forms for the student to return.

High school students are expected to monitor their own progress, request clarification and assistance from teachers, and make arrangements for missed assignments after an absence. Each student is expected to check email daily at his or her email account and to promptly share permission forms and other paperwork requiring a parent signature.

Teachers are expected to hold students accountable to complete assignments on time at a college-preparatory level and to notify parents when a student is at risk of failing a course. Teachers shall provide regular feedback and update the Parent Portal for progress reports.

● The website at www.valleycharterhighschool.org offers access to grades and teachers. ● Each parent or guardian receives a login and password to access student information. ● Parents should check the Parent Portal for updated information on a weekly basis. ● Parents may email VCHS teachers and expect a response within two business days. ● VCHS Back to School Night ● “After 5” Conferences

Minimum Course Load (EC 46145, 46146.5) All students are required to take a course load appropriate to maintain progress toward graduation, with a minimum of five courses or 240 minutes of coursework daily unless enrolled in early college classes. VCHS does not grant partial credit for core courses.

All students are required to take the VCHS Advisory classes as part of the unique VCHS program (VCHS Board, approved 3/11/2014). The Advisory class earns 2.5 elective credits per semester and includes character education as well as college and career planning.

Testing (BP 6162.52) VCHS students take all state-mandated assessments, including the grade 9 Physical Fitness Test for all students and the California English Language Development Test (CELDT) for English learners. Parents receive the results of state assessments via mail. A copy is placed in the student’s cumulative folder, which is available for parent inspection by appointment.

Course Grades (EC 49066, BP/AR 5121, 5125.3) The teacher of each course determines the student’s individual assignment scores and enters the semester grade to be recorded on the official transcript. Any plus and minus designations added to letter grades are not used to determine GPA on official transcripts.

Loss of Course Credit for Excessive Unexcused Absences (AR 5121) Teachers who withhold credit due to excessive unexcused absences (10 per semester) shall inform students and parents/guardians at the beginning of the semester via the class syllabus.

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Homework Policy (AR 6154) Submitting work on time is essential to prepare students for college and career success. Full credit is granted for a completed assignment submitted on time. Half credit is granted for a completed assignment submitted one day late, unless the

student had an excused absence as indicated in the VCHS Attendance Policy. Zero credit is granted for work not submitted within two days of an excused absence. A student with excessive late work may be assigned to daily afterschool tutoring.

Withdrawal from a Class (AR 5121) A student who drops a VCHS course after the first six weeks of the semester shall receive an F grade, unless otherwise decided by the principal due to extenuating circumstances.

Repeating a Class (AR 5121) A student may repeat a course with a grade below C in order to raise the grade. Both grades received shall be entered on the student's transcript, but credit will be granted only once for the course. The highest grade received shall be used in determining the student's overall grade point average (GPA). Repeated courses may be limited to summer/online offerings.

Progress Reports, Citizenship Marks and Work Habits (EC 49067, BP 6011, AR 5121) Four times per semester, teachers prepare written progress reports which include grades and citizenship marks based on behavior and work habits displayed in each teacher’s classroom. On at least a quarterly basis, students receive marks of “outstanding,” “satisfactory,” “needs improvement,” or “unsatisfactory.” Students who receive unsatisfactory citizenship marks from two or more teachers are ineligible to participate in extracurricular activities. Any appeal to the next level should be made within two weeks following a decision at a lower level.

Written Appeal Process

A student has the right to communicate with a teacher about classroom concerns or to appeal a grade or citizenship mark which he or she feels is in error.

1. The student shall first contact the teacher concerning the unsatisfactory grade or mark. In order to preserve the confidentiality of the communication, the student shall communicate via email or request a private meeting time for a face-to-face discussion. The meeting with the teacher must be requested within two weeks after the graded assignment or progress report is distributed to students.

2. If the student and teacher do not resolve the concern and the parent feels the grade or mark is in error, then the parent may appeal to the teacher for a private conference with the student, parent and teacher within two weeks of the student’s prior meeting with the teacher.

3. The parent/guardian may appeal the decision of the teacher to the school principal within two weeks of the meeting between the teacher, the student and the parent.

4. The parent/guardian may request in writing that the Educational Options Division of the Stanislaus County Office of Education hear an appeal of the principal’s decision.

5. A student who has lost privileges remains in the restricted status pending the appeal.

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SCHOOL RULES (EC 35291, 48900.1, 48980, BP/AR 5144.1)

VCHS school rules are in effect while a student is going to or from school and at all school activities and breaks whether on or off campus, including before or after regular school hours. Violations result in disciplinary action, such as detention, class or home suspension, or expulsion. Students attending Modesto Junior College are also subject to MJC campus rules.

Academic Integrity, Cheating and Plagiarism (BP 5131.9, 6162.6) Valley Charter High School and the Stanislaus County Board of Education believe that academic honesty and personal integrity are fundamental components of a student’s education and character development. Each student is expected to do his or her own work and to cite references in research papers. Claiming ownership of a piece of work produced by another is plagiarism. Copying work or answers from another student or allowing another student to copy your work without the teacher’s permission is cheating. Electronic downloading without permission of the owner is prohibited and is a violation of copyright and intellectual property rights. In addition to a grade of zero on the assignment, disciplinary consequences will arise from cheating or plagiarizing.

Eligibility for Extracurricular Activities/Athletics (EC 35160.5, BP/AR 5144, 6145) VCHS offers a variety of Associated Student Body (ASB) activities, dances, clubs, intramural and CIF athletic opportunities, off-campus trips and competitions, leadership, and representation on the Principal’s Site Council. To remain eligible to participate in these activities, a student must maintain a 2.0 GPA in the last quarterly grading period, with satisfactory citizenship marks and no more than one F. At the principal’s discretion, eligibility for VCHS dances and field trips may be determined by the last progress report.

Eligibility is restricted for a student who is suspended and may also be restricted due to attendance supervision, truancy notification, a VCHS behavior contract or outstanding bills for school property. If a suspension occurs adjacent to a weekend or holiday, the student is banned from school-related activities for two additional days after the last day of suspension.

Work Permit Requirements (AR 5113.2) Work permit applications are available from the VCHS registrar, based on the following: 1. Offer of a job before applying for a work permit 2. Student eligibility each quarter for a work permit (2.0 GPA and no more than one “F”) 3. Employment must meet California and Federal Labor Codes for students 4. Payment of all outstanding school debts before a work permit is issued

Do NOT request a work permit if your grades are below a C average. It will be denied!

VCHS School-wide Classroom Expectations

1. All VCHS students will attend school regularly. 2. All VCHS students will be on time to class. 3. All VCHS students will be prepared for class. 4. All VCHS students will work for the entire period. 5. All VCHS students will respect the rights of others.

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Duties of Students (EC 48908) California Education Code states: All students shall comply with the regulations, pursue the required course of study, and submit to the authority of the teachers of the schools.

Afterschool Detention (AR 5144) A student may be issued an afterschool detention from 12:35 to 3:00 on a minimum day for a violation of a school rule or other disruption. If the violation is for a tardy, the parent receives a phone message the day before the detention is to be served.

For all other detentions: 1. The faculty/staff member issues a detention to be served on the date indicated on the slip. 2. The student is solely responsible for requesting a parent/guardian signature on the slip. 3. The student submits the signed slip at 12:35 to the staff supervising detention. 4. The supervising staff initials the slip and returns it to the originator’s mailbox.

A student shall not serve any detention simultaneously with any other detention. A student who receives two detentions in one day, for example, for tardiness and disruption of class, would serve two separate detention sessions.

Missed Detention (BP 5113.1) The parent may reschedule in writing or by phone for the next available detention day. The student may not reschedule or skip the assigned date. A student who skips an assigned detention will be assigned a minimum day afternoon detention for a specific date. A student who skips the detention will be subject to truancy proceedings, including a behavior contract and a parent conference. Failure to uphold the behavior contract will lead to a home suspension or alternative and may initiate the School Attendance Review Board (SARB) process, which includes community agency and law enforcement support.

Minimum Day Afternoon Detention (EC 37223, BP/AR 5144, 6176) Minimum day detention may be assigned to make up unexcused absences and truancy, including cut classes and missed afterschool detentions. Detention will be held from 12:15p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on minimum days during the school year, which may include assembly days. Students will be under the supervision of VCHS staff members. Parents will receive phone notification via School Messenger the day before a detention.

1. A student assigned detention may be expected to complete assignments developed specifically for truancy and/or other assignments as directed by VCHS instructors. 2. A parent must contact the school office to request rescheduling of a missed detention. 3. Misbehavior will result in parent contact and possible suspension or alternative activities.

Graduation Ceremony and Activities (BP 5127) A grade 12 student may be denied participation in graduation ceremonies due to unserved detentions. If this privilege is to be denied, the student and parent/guardian shall receive written notice of the denied privilege and the means of appeal.

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Cell Phone Policy (EC 48901.5, BP 5131, BP/AR 5145.12) Students may possess mobile electronic devices, such as personal cell phones and laptop computers, provided such devices are used responsibly and do not disrupt the educational program or any school activity. Devices and headphones must be turned off and out of sight during passing periods and classes unless specific permission has been given by the supervising teacher for the current class period only.

Devices may generally be used before and after school hours and during breakfast and lunch breaks. Devices must be surrendered at any time as directed by a VCHS or SCOE employee, unless a licensed physician has verified a medical necessity for the device.

VCHS staff may confiscate a device for return at the end of the class or school day. For repeated/serious offenses, a device may be locked in a school safe for parent pick up.

Devices may not be used in VCHS technology labs or connected to school equipment unless specific permission limited to that class session has been granted by the supervising teacher.

Students shall not use electronic devices for unethical activities such as cheating on

assignments. All phones must be checked in with the proctor during test sessions. • Students shall not use electronic devices for illegal activities, including bullying

and harassment. A school official may search a student’s mobile communications device, including, but not limited to, reviewing messages or viewing photographs.

Students shall not use mobile devices, even in hands-free mode, while driving on school grounds or to and from a school-related activity. A student who violates this policy may be prohibited from possessing a mobile communications device at school or school-related events and/or may be subject to further discipline.

Textbook Policy (EC 35186, 48904, AR 5125.2) In compliance with the Williams Act, each VCHS student, including English learners, must have a textbook or instructional material, or both, to use in class and to take home. In addition, a limited number of textbooks for MJC classes are available for use on the VCHS campus. A student should contact the principal in writing one month prior to the start of the MJC class, giving all course enrollment and textbook details.

Each student must neatly record his or her name in the front cover of all textbooks. Any other marking in or on school property is considered vandalism and will be subject to replacement and/or penalties. Students are encouraged to use paper covers to protect textbooks and should refrain from lending books. Students will be charged up to the full replacement cost for lost or damaged books or other learning materials and supplies.

The student may lose privileges, including participation in extracurricular activities and graduation ceremonies, until all outstanding bills for lost/damaged items are paid. If the student and parent/guardian are unable to pay for damages or return the property, the principal or designee shall provide a program of voluntary work for the student. When this voluntary work is completed, the student’s grades, diploma or transcripts shall be released.

On Time • On Task • Excellence • Every Day

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Student Fee Policy (EC 32033, 32390, 35330-5, 38084, 39807.5, 49010-49013, BP/AR 3260) VCHS is prohibited from requiring a student to pay fees, club dues or charges in order to participate in an educational activity or charging for school supplies that are necessary and mandated for participation in any class. This prohibition does not limit VCHS from soliciting for voluntary donations, requiring students who choose to participate in an extracurricular program to attend fundraising events, or providing prizes or recognition for participants in such fundraising activities. VCHS will not discriminate in any way based on contributions of time, money or other resources by the student, parent or guardian.

A VCHS student or parent who believes that a student fee is impermissible may file a complaint with the principal or designee in accordance with the Uniform Complaint Procedures in Your Rights & Responsibilities as a Parent or Guardian.

VCHS may impose a fee for the following and other fees permitted by current or future law: Insurance for athletic team members, with an exemption for those financially unable to pay Insurance for medical or hospital service for students participating in a field trip Expenses for a field trip or excursion to another state, the District of Columbia, or a foreign country, as

long as no student is prohibited from making the field trip due to lack of funds School camp programs in outdoor science education, provided that no student is denied the opportunity

to participate for nonpayment of the fee Eye safety devices, sold at cost, to be worn in courses or activities involving the use of hazardous

substances likely to cause injury to the eyes Personal property the student will take home for his or her own possession and use, such as school

photographs, yearbooks, literary publications and art projects kept by the student Food sold at school, subject to free/reduced-price meal program eligibility and other legal restrictions Replacement cost for a lost ID card, lanyard, parking tag or VCHS agenda

Fee Waivers for College Entrance Examinations and College Applications All four-year university applicants are required to submit scores from the SAT or ACT unless transferring from a community college such as MJC with 60 units. For students with financial need, test and application fee waivers are available from the VCHS principal or counselor.

Ticket Sales (EC 38119) A student or guest may be charged an entrance fee or ticket for voluntary attendance as a spectator at sports and performing arts events or as a participant in school dances.

A student and family members cannot be charged a fee for attending graduation ceremonies. At the beginning of the senior year, each student has the option either to borrow from VCHS or to purchase a cap and gown to wear at graduation.

Student Organizations (EC 48930-48937) Students are encouraged to participate and take leadership roles in student organizations. Associated Student Body (ASB) activities must follow rules and regulations set forth in the Fiscal Crisis & Management Assistance Team (FCMAT) Associated Student Body Accounting Manual (fcmat.org). Other voluntary state and national organizations such as the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF), California Scholarship Federation (CSF), and SkillsUSA have additional rules and procedures to which VCHS members must adhere.

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SCHOOL SAFETY

Abuse and Neglect (BP/AR 5141.4) VCHS personnel are mandated reporters of suspected abuse and/or neglect of children under age 18.

Accidents/Illness (BP/AR 5141.4) Never move an injured person. Stay calm and ask for help. Report an accident or illness to the front office immediately.

Administration of Medication (EC49423, 51241, BP/AR 5141.21) Never carry medication with you, including both prescription and NON-prescription medications.

It is the parent's responsibility to notify VCHS if the student is placed on medication or if there is any change in the student's physical condition which limits his or her ability to participate in the regular education program. Students cannot carry or self-administer medications during school hours (including prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, and Asthma Inhalers) without written consent from their medical care provider and parent. Medication must be sent in the prescription bottle or the original container. Medications cannot be brought to school and kept in purses, backpacks or pockets.

Forms to administer or carry medication at school are available in the VCHS office. Medical information necessary to assure student health and safety is shared with appropriate staff members.

MJC Health Services are available with a current semester sticker on the student’s MJC ID for all students enrolled in MJC classes. Students pay a health fee each semester. East Campus: Morris Memorial Building 108; Phone: 575-6037; West Campus: Yosemite Hall 114; Phone: 575-6360

Communication and Confidentiality (BP 5020, 5022) VCHS issues regular and timely communication with parents via email, website and parent grade portal, automated phone calls, mailed quarterly grade reports, and regular meetings and conferences.

As indicated in Your Rights & Responsibilities as a Parent or Guardian, VCHS may provide student directory information, including, but not limited to, the name of a student, school of attendance, grade level, honors, and activities, unless the student's parent/guardian has submitted a written request that such information not be disclosed. Access to confidential student information is restricted by law.

Crisis Intervention (BP/AR 5141.52)

Emergency Contact Information—Extremely Important! (BP/AR 5141) VCHS uses School Messenger to contact parents and guardians. Report to the front office any change in address, telephone number or additions to emergency contact information.

Emergency Preparedness (EC 32001) Every person on campus during an emergency drill is expected to follow VCHS safety procedures. In the event of a serious emergency, you would be notified via a phone message from VCHS.

VCHS is part of the community served by the Modesto Junior College security force 24 hours a day. Students should place the hotline number in their cell phones. The emergency campus security number is 575-6300; the nonemergency number is 575-6351. The current operations status of the Modesto Junior College campus is posted on the college webpage at www.yosemite.edu/safety. Sign up for the MJC Alert U system used in the event of an emergency/crisis on the MJC campus. This service is free, although standard text message rates do apply. To sign up, send the text MJC to 55155.

ID Cards (AR 3515) Each student will receive at no cost an ID card to attach to his or her VCHS lanyard. The cost of a replacement card is $2.00 at the office and is the student’s responsibility in the event of loss or damage.

Take seriously all threats of suicide or signs of severe emotional distress. Contact a VCHS staff member or call 1-800-273-TALK or 1-800-SUICIDE to speak with a counselor. For non-crisis help or a caring listener 24 hours a day, call the confidential “WARM LINE” at 209-558-4600 or contact Stanislaus County Behavioral Health at 888-376-6246.

In a life-threatening emergency, first call 9-1-1.

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Electronic Information Resources Network Use/Internet Acceptable Use (BP/AR 6163.4) Computer files and electronic communications, including email messages, are not private and may be accessed by VCHS or SCOE for the purposes of ensuring proper use. Each student and parent must annually sign and submit a SCOE Network Use policy and a VCHS Internet Acceptable Use Agreement prior to the use of any VCHS electronic resources.

Office Telephones, Messages and Class Interruptions (BP 1321, AR 6116) Students may request permission to use school office telephones to contact parents or guardians. Family and friends are requested NOT to call or text student cell phones during the school day. Emergency messages must be sent through the office at 238-6801 to avoid classroom interruption. Students may not loiter or congregate near the front door or front office at any time. Students must not arrange for food or other deliveries (such as flowers or balloons) to VCHS. School-sponsored fundraisers must not disrupt instruction or conflict with nutrition programs.

Food and Drink (BP/AR 3550, 3553) Nutritionally-balanced breakfast and lunch choices are provided by Nutrition Services. The menu is available on a monthly basis. Fees are waived for students who qualify for the National School Lunch Program. All information about a student’s payment status is kept confidential.

Free filtered water and microwave ovens are available on campus for student use. Vending machines are stocked only with items that conform to the USDA’s “Smart Snacks in Schools” nutrition standards.

A student may not bring homemade food or drink to share with other students. A parent or guardian may send or bring food for his or her own child but must not deliver food to other students. Please do NOT order food delivery, such as a pizza. A student or parent must have the written permission of the VCHS principal/designee to bring purchased food or drink to share with students.

Food and drink, with the exception of water, are not permitted in classrooms for sanitation reasons. Students may not enter classrooms with coffee, soda, energy drinks, breakfast, lunch, or snack items.

Littering is always unacceptable. Students are expected to pick up trash and keep the campus clean. The morning breakfast may be restricted at any time when food and trash are left out.

Gum and Sunflower Seeds (BP/AR 5144) Chewing gum and sunflower seeds are not permitted for sanitation reasons and must be put in the trash. At the discretion of a teacher or staff member, the student may be required to participate in campus beautification or serve an afterschool detention for littering.

Collection of Money on Campus (BP/AR 3554, EC 51520) Students are discouraged from bringing money to campus. All collection of money on campus must follow state law and board policies. Students handling money for ASB and club activities must follow accounting procedures in the FCMAT Associated Student Body Accounting Manual and all deposits must be documented and secured in the ASB drop safe. Students may not participate in fundraisers on school grounds for any outside organization, including boosters, until one hour past the close of the school day.

Students must not sell items for personal benefit or outside fundraisers, e.g. candy or coupon books. Students must not barter or trade goods or services in lieu of cash. Gambling or betting in any form is forbidden on campus and will result in disciplinary consequences. Students must not collect or pool money to place orders for delivery on campus. All deliveries not authorized by the principal or designee will be refused.

Nonsmoking Tobacco-Free School (BP/AR 3513.3, 5131.62) To provide a healthy environment for students and staff, the use of tobacco and nicotine products or any form or method of smoking, including e-cigarettes, by students, staff and visitors is prohibited on the VCHS campus and at any school- sponsored activity off campus. VCHS participates in awareness activities sponsored by the PHAST Club, which stands for Preserving Health and Slamming Tobacco.

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Physical Contact on Campus or during Off-campus School Activities (BP 5131, 5137) In order to promote an orderly educational environment, public displays of affection (PDA), including holding hands, is not permitted during instructional time. Excessive PDA, including but not limited to kissing and cuddling, inappropriate behavior during school dances, and intrusive physical contact such as horseplay or writing on another student’s skin, disrupt the positive school climate and may lead to charges of harassment. Students who engage in excessive physical contact may receive a warning, a change of location, and/or parent notification of behavior via automated phone message and/or email.

Investigations of Harassment/Sexual Harassment/Bullying/Cyberbullying (EC 48900) Any act of sexual harassment, sexual battery, racial slurs, or derogatory remarks directed toward any specific ethnic group or individual will result in disciplinary action that could include suspension and/or expulsion. Sexual harassment may include whistling or catcalling; comments about a person’s body; staring or pointing in a sexual manner; obscene gestures; pestering a person for a date after the person has said no; spreading rumors that someone “went all the way” on a date; dirty jokes; conversations that are too personal; and showing of pornographic pictures or stories. Touching, grabbing, and pinching are examples of sexual battery. Any person who touches an intimate part of another person, if the touching is against the will of the person touched and is for the specific purpose of sexual arousal/gratification or sexual abuse, is guilty of a misdemeanor.

Cyberbullying includes the transmission of communications, posting of harassing messages, direct threats, or other harmful texts, sounds, or images on the Internet, social networking sites, or other digital technologies using a telephone, computer, or any wireless communication device, and breaking into another person's electronic account in order to damage that person's reputation.

A student may submit verbal or written complaint of bullying or sexual harassment to a teacher or administrator. Where practical, all parties who are witness will be interviewed as to the facts of the matter. When a student is suspected of or reported to be using electronic or digital communications to engage in cyberbullying against other students or staff or to threaten district property, the investigation shall include documentation of the activity, identification of the source, and specific facts of circumstances that explain the impact or potential impact on school activity and attendance or the targeted student’s educational performance. In the case of VCHS staff, reports of sexual harassment may be directed to the VCHS principal, of the Office of the Superintendent at SCOE, to California State Fair Employment practices, 2000 “O” Street. Sacramento, (916) 445-9918 or Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (E.E.O.C.), San Francisco.

Sign In and Attendance Procedures (AR 3515) Attendance is taken in each class each period. A student may leave class only with the expressed permission of the teacher. A student who leaves class without permission or remains away longer than originally authorized will receive disciplinary consequences.

Early college students who leave to attend an MJC class or off-campus activity and will return later in the day for a VCHS class or school activity must sign out at the front office and sign in again upon return.

Off Campus Permission (AR 5142) Students must have authorization to leave campus at any time during the school day. A student who leaves school at any time during the school day, including for an excused appointment, must check out through the front office to avoid an unexcused absence. For safety purposes, the parent or official adult emergency contact must provide identification upon request prior to taking a student off campus. A note or phone request to release a student early may be verified by a phone call to the parent’s phone number.

A student driver is not allowed to drive off campus with other students during or after school without specific written permission of the principal or designee.

Field Trips and Permission Forms (BP/AR 6153) VCHS offers field trips throughout the year to universities, science, technology and arts opportunities. All school-sponsored field trips must be approved by the principal and placed on the school calendar before VCHS field trip permission slips are issued. Parental consent signatures are required before all field trips. All school rules, including eligibility requirements and dress code, apply to field trips.

Parking and Traffic Regulations, including Crosswalk Use (BP/AR 5142) Students must use the crosswalk to cross the street. Violations result in a detention or safety duty.

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Parking on the VCHS campus is considered a privilege. Violations of regulations may result in a vehicle being towed at the owner’s expense and/or issued a citation by Modesto Police Department. By entering school property, the person driving any vehicle is deemed to consent to a complete search of the vehicle, all its compartments and contents by school officials or law enforcement personnel for any reason whatsoever. This notice applies to all vehicles of any type and is in force 24 hours a day. California Vehicle Code Section 21113(A).* 1. All vehicles must have a current VCHS parking pass displayed in order to park on campus. 2. Uninsured vehicles and unlicensed drivers will be prohibited from parking on school property. 3. The legal speed limit in school zones is 25 MPH. The speed limit in the parking lot is 5 MPH. 4. Rules of the California vehicle code are enforced at VCHS by the Modesto Police Department. 5. Students and parents must not block traffic, save parking spaces, or double-park. 6. Vehicles on school property are subject to search by school officials upon reasonable suspicion.* 7. Bicycling, skateboarding or the use of scooters, skates, or roller blades is not allowed on campus. 8. Students must securely lock all bikes in the bike rack. 9. Skateboards and other personal belongings should not be left at the front office. 10. Loitering in the parking lot before school, during lunch, or after school is not allowed.

Searches, Surveillance Systems and Crime Prevention (BP/AR 3515, 5145.12, 6163.4) All student backpacks, purses, phones, electronic devices, personal articles and vehicles on school property are subject to search for safety purposes at any time. The use of trained canines may be used without notice. Dogs are not permitted to make contact with or sniff a student.

A student may log in to www.wetip.com or call the anonymous 24-hour hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME to report graffiti, drugs or gang violence on or off campus.

Video cameras monitor campus security in common areas and parking lots. Offices, restrooms, and other private areas are excluded and audio capability is disabled to prevent the recording of sounds. Students will be held responsible for any violations of school discipline rules or illegal activity caught by the cameras. Video containing evidence of a violation of student conduct rules and/or state or federal law shall be retained until the issue of the misconduct is no longer subject to review or appeal as determined by board policy. Any release or viewing of such records shall be in accordance with current law.

Theft and Loss (BP/AR 3515) VCHS is not responsible for lost or stolen items, including cell phones and electronic items. Victims of theft should report immediately to the office and complete a theft report.

Visitors on Campus (BP 1250, AR 3515) In order to avoid disruption to the academic program and promote the safety of all students and staff, unauthorized visitors are not allowed on campus and will be required to leave. All visitors, including parents and guardians, are to sign in at the front office immediately upon arrival on campus and obtain a visitor’s badge issued by the front office. Advance arrangements with the principal or designee must be made to visit or tour VCHS during school hours.

Parents and community members are encouraged to attend Principal’s Site Council and VCHS Advisory Board meetings, in addition to Back to School Night, After 5’s Parent-Teacher Conferences and Open Houses for prospective students.

Visitors, including parents or guardians, must not disrupt instruction or school activities. Prospective students with written parent permission and contact information given in person by the parent may be assigned to shadow a current student and must comply with all VCHS procedures. Former students are not allowed on campus during school hours unless permission has been given by an administrator for a presentation about college, career, community or military service. Animals of any kind, unless approved for situations in which a service dog is needed, are not allowed on campus.

Volunteers and Parent Boosters (BP/AR 1240, AR 3541.1) Volunteers and parent boosters are welcome at VCHS. The level of clearance required for volunteers depends upon their specific activities and duration of interaction with students and the level of supervision by certificated personnel. A driver for a field trip must provide a copy of his or her driver’s license and insurance coverage and must follow all SCOE procedures for drivers. A volunteer who supervises nutrition periods or works directly with students on a regular basis must be fingerprinted and provide recent TB test results. TB tests are not required for volunteers who serve as chaperones on day trips.

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Valley Charter High School Student Dress and Grooming Code (Refer to SCOE BP/AR 5132 Dress and Grooming, 5136 Gangs, 5144 Discipline)

VCHS students must dress in a neat and clean manner that conforms to good taste.

To promote a safe and comfortable environment conducive to education, Valley Charter has established a dress code for all students. Parents and guardians of students attending VCHS have the daily responsibility of ensuring that students meet VCHS dress code requirements.

The VCHS dress code remains in effect while students are in attendance at any school activity whether on or off campus and in all photographs for school publications, except where modified by the principal for specific extracurricular activities, athletic events, or artistic performances. Independent Learning students must adhere to this dress code for all weekly appointments and for any VCHS class or activity for the entire time they are on campus. Early College students attending MJC must also adhere to the VCHS dress code.

As part of the Valley Charter High School Dress and Grooming Code, an official VCHS lanyard with the appropriate earned color must be worn while attending any VCHS class, activity, or field trip, as directed by school personnel. All students, including Independent Learning students, must wear a lanyard at all times while on campus. Replacement lanyards are available for $2.00.

VCHS Professional and Formal Dress Code

“Dress for Success” attire is appropriate for a professional job interview and must be worn by all VCHS students for demonstration/exhibition days and graduation ceremonies. Any student not in “ Dress for Success” attire will not be allowed to participate in presentations including student advocates for GBE, Senior Awards, and Graduation. Professional attire may also be required on special days such as competitions, scholarship interviews, award ceremonies or media events.

Formal evening apparel is required for VCHS students and guests at Winter Formal and Prom. Anyone who is denied entrance will not receive a refund of the ticket price.

● A collared, button-up shirt and a tie with a business suit or slacks and a sport jacket, or ● A business suit with pants or a skirt and a shirt or blouse or a tailored dress that follows the dress code and extends three inches past fingertip length. Party dresses are inappropriate on “Dress for Success” days. ● Appropriate footwear is required at all times. Dress shoes and/or heels must be three inches or less in height. At formal events students may not go barefoot but may wear comfortable shoes for dancing. ● T-shirts, jeans, and shorts are not appropriate for “Dress for Success” days or for formal events. ● No costumes of any sort are permitted for “Dress for Success” days or for formal events. ● Formal or party dresses may be sleeveless, strapless or off-the-shoulder if they fit appropriately and conceal the midriff, lower back, abdomen, and cleavage. Dress fabrics may not be “see-through.” Skirts with slits must be sewn closed so that all garments extend at least three inches past fingertip length.

Students who do not have appropriate clothing may receive assistance by completing a written request to the student’s faculty advisor upon enrollment in VCHS or two weeks prior to an event.

Consequences for Dress Code Violations Minimum Action – Change attire, recorded as tardy if class time is missed Maximum Action – Detention, suspension or alternative activity

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VCHS Daily Dress Code

1. HATS: No hoodies, beanies, caps or hats of any kind may be worn or displayed inside VCHS classrooms or facilities. Gang-related head coverings as identified by local law enforcement are not allowed. Ball caps and other headgear with a bill may not be worn at VCHS and will be confiscated. Hats with a brim all around may be worn outdoors for sun protection and removed indoors. (EC 35183.5) 2. HAIR: Hair must be clean, well groomed, and kept away from the eyes. Hair designs shaved into the hair, scalp, or eyebrows are not allowed. 3. EYES: Nothing may obstruct the eyes during the school day. Prescription glasses only may be worn in classrooms. Sunglasses are not to be worn inside buildings. 4. FACE: Make-up must not be disruptive or distracting to the educational process. Students are not to apply make-up or engage in personal grooming during class, including perfume or aerosols. Cosmetics will be confiscated. 5. JEWELRY: Earrings are allowed. Clothing, jewelry and accessories, including mouth grills, spikes, and items in earlobes, which present a safety hazard to the wearer or other people are not allowed. 6. SHIRTS: Attire must fit appropriately and conceal undergarments, back, abdomen, and cleavage. Low- cut garments, strapless or off-the-shoulder tops, bare midriffs, undershirts, sheer or fishnet tops, tank tops and muscle shirts are not allowed. Shirts must have sleeves that fully cover the shoulder. 7. SKIRTS or SHORTS: Garments must extend at least three inches past fingertip length even if leggings are worn underneath them. Attire which is extremely tight or too sheer is not allowed. 8. PANTS: Pants must fit at the waist and not be more than one size too large or one size too small. If belts are worn, they must not be more than one size too large. Garments with slits, rips or holes, yoga pants, pajamas and sagging are prohibited. Undergarments must not be exposed at any time. 9. SHOES: Shoes must be worn at all times. Sock-like footwear and bedroom slippers are not safe or appropriate for school. Flip flops, Birkenstocks or similar sandals are acceptable footwear except for athletic activities, laboratory wear or official VCHS “Dress for Success” days. *any dress, grooming, etc that interferes or interrupts the learning environment, may be disallowed

Prohibited Items

VCHS and SCOE prohibit any items of clothing, jewelry, footwear, or headgear that could cause injury or be disruptive to the normal education program or to any person or property as determined by the principal or the principal’s designee. In order to promote a secure environment and avoid disruption and disciplinary consequences, an individual student may be required to surrender the item and sign a behavior contract including specific dress restrictions such as the following:

Attire that is worn or altered in such a way as to identify students with gangs is not allowed. (EC 48900[k], EC 35183) This includes, but is not limited to: head coverings, gloves, neck “rags”, long untucked T-shirts, sagging or baggy pants, cut-offs or shorts with knee high socks, items hanging from pockets, hanging belts, canvas belts (military style), suspenders off the shoulders, and gang-related numbers or initials on belt buckles. Any items prohibited at Modesto City Schools are prohibited at VCHS also, e.g. solid red or blue items such as shoelaces, rosaries, or belts worn as a gang identifier. Clothing, including jackets, hats, and shoes with Old English style or other writings that may be determined by local law enforcement to be gang related, and accessories such as chains, jewelry, belts, purses, and sunglasses which have colors, logos, insignias, numbers, signs, symbols or writings perceived as violent or gang- related, including Hyphy, ICP or a hatchet man symbol, are not allowed.

Explicit or implied profanities and/or obscenities are not acceptable. Attire or accessories that advocate or advertise or allude to any type of alcohol, drugs, tobacco or acts which are illegal, violent, obscene, hazardous to one’s health or degrade cultural, religious or ethnic values or advocate racial, ethnic or religious prejudice or discrimination are not allowed.

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DISCIPLINE and SCHOOL CLIMATE (BP 5137)

The VCHS administration reserves the right to objectively determine discipline based on the seriousness of a particular infraction and the student’s discipline history.

Positive School Climate (BP 5131) VCHS shall promote nonviolent conflict resolution techniques in order to encourage attitudes and behaviors that foster harmonious relations. As part of this ongoing character development emphasis, VCHS students shall be taught the skills necessary to reduce violence, including communication skills, anger management, bias reduction, and mediation skills. VCHS faculty will provide encouragement and recognition of appropriate attitudes and behavior and will provide regular positive feedback.

Violations of Conduct (BP 5119 , 5131, 5144.2, EC 48908, 48911, 48915, 48915.5) Students who violate VCHS and SCOE rules and regulations infringe on others’ rights and interfere with the school program. Disciplinary action is a direct consequence of unacceptable behavior by a student and includes, but is not limited to, parent contact, detention, restriction of extracurricular activities, suspension from class, home suspension, expulsion and notification of law enforcement.

Alternatives to Suspension/Expulsion (EC 48900, 48900.5) Alternatives to suspension may be used as a method of correction for a willful act that demonstrates deliberate resistance or refusal to obey a reasonable request or directive issued by a VCHS faculty or staff member. The VCHS principal or designee may use discretion to provide alternatives such as conferences between staff, parent and student; peer mediation; behavior contracts; after-school and minimum day detentions; student study teams or other assessment-related teams; parent shadowing of the student at school; evening family education life-skills classes; restitution or other restorative measures; referral to school support services and SCOE personnel and, with parent consent, community agencies such as Sierra Vista, Family Resource Center, and Center for Human Services.

Suspension from Class and Parental Class Attendance (EC 48900, 48910, 48913) A teacher may suspend from class for the remainder of the day and following day any student who disrupted school activities or otherwise willfully defied valid staff authority. The teacher shall send the student to the principal or designee for appropriate action, including consideration of suspension from school. The student shall not be returned to class during the period of removal without the approval of the teacher and the principal. The student shall not be placed in another regular class during the period of removal. The teacher may require the students to complete any assignments and tests missed during the period of removal. As soon as possible, the teacher shall ask the parent to attend a conference regarding the removal. The principal shall attend at the request of the teacher or parent. The parent and the student may be required to create and sign a behavior contract plan prior to the return to class.

If a teacher requests that the parent attend a portion of a school day in his or her child’s classroom, the principal shall send a written notice that the parent’s attendance is requested pursuant to law, informing the parent of the time and date, by what means an alternate date may be arranged, and asking the parent to meet with the principal after the visit and before leaving school.

VCHS is a free public “school of choice” open to any student who wishes to attend. VCHS is a safe and civil school where responsibility for behavior rests with the individual to respect the rights of others. A parent or guardian who voluntarily enrolls a student in VCHS agrees to the academic and behavior standards in this handbook and also agrees to respond in a timely manner to notifications to meet with a teacher or administrator if a student is not making adequate progress, to provide transportation to and from detentions or supplementary tutoring before or after school (Period 0 or 8), and to accompany the student to classes upon request. At any time the parent or guardian is free to remove the student and enroll elsewhere.

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VCHS students should become familiar with all behavior codes and expectations.

Prohibited student conduct includes, but is not limited to, the following: 1. Tardiness or unexcused absence from school (BP 5113, 5113.1, EC 48900 [v])

Refer to the VCHS Attendance Policy on pages 13-16 for compliance with compulsory education laws

2. Inappropriate attire (BP 5132, EC 48900[k]) Refer to the VCHS Student Dress and Grooming Code on pages 27-28

3. Failure to remain on campus, leaving without proper authorization (BP 5112.5, EC 48900[k])

Minimum Action: Parent notified and/or detention or safety duty, behavior contract Maximum Action: Suspension 1-5 days or alternative

4. Plagiarism or dishonesty on schoolwork or tests (EC 48900[k], BP 5131.9, 6162.54, 6162.6)

Minimum Action: Discipline administered by instructor on assignment, including loss of credit/failing grade, parent notified, restriction of extracurricular activities and MJC permission Maximum Action: Suspension 1-5 days or alternative, possible expulsion recommendation

5. Violating technology, network and electronic use agreement; using another person’s account

Minimum Action: Warning and/or parent notified, behavior contract, loss of network/computer use Maximum Action: Suspension 1-5 days or alternative, possible expulsion recommendation

6. Disruptive electronic devices, cell phones and headphones (EC 48900[r], 48901[5],51512)

Minimum Action: Unauthorized objects must be put away; confiscated devices may be held by the teacher to the end of the period or held at the discretion of the principal/designee for return to the parent Maximum Action: Device confiscated and parent conference required for pick-up; student restricted from bringing device to school, unless a licensed physician has verified a medical necessity for the device Note: Use of electronic signaling or communication devices to bully, harass, cheat, instigate or intensify conflict, such as posting a video of a fight on social media, may result in more severe consequences even if such misconduct occurred off-campus and during non-school hours.

7. Conduct that disrupts the orderly classroom/school environment: Disruption; Verbal or Non-verbal

Defiance; Forgery; Falsification; Altered Passes, Forms or Readmit Slips; Loitering (EC48900[k]) Minimum Action: Parent notified, detention or alternative, behavior contract, restorative practices Maximum Action: Suspension 1-5 days or alternative, possible expulsion recommendation

8. Use of profane, vulgar, or abusive language (BP 5145.2, EC 48900[a1, .2, .7,i])

Minimum Action: Warning and/or parent notified, detention, restorative practices, counseling Action: Suspension 1-5 days or alternative methods, possible expulsion recommendation Note: Profanity or verbal abuse directed toward VCHS staff or other adults will result in the maximum.

9. Damage to or theft of personal or public property (BP 3515.4, 5131.5, EC 48900[f, g. 7]. 48904)

Defacing, cutting, tampering with, or injuring any school property, or malicious injury or destruction of any other person’s property; Vandalism; Stealing or attempting to steal school of private property; Knowingly receiving stolen property; Gambling or wagering or being present during such activity Minimum Action: Parent notified, behavior contract, restorative practices, including restitution Maximum Action: Suspension 1-5 days, possible expulsion recommendation and police notification Note: Restitution is required. Parents are held responsible for damages or costs incurred up to the legally established limit. When the minor and parent are unable to pay for the damages, VCHS shall provide a program of voluntary work for the minor in lieu of the payment of monetary damages. The parent or guardian of the student is also liable for the amount of a reward paid for information leading to the apprehension of the person/persons causing damage, up to the limit established by the state of California.

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10. Harassment or bullying of students or staff, including, but not limited to, cyberbullying, intimidation, hazing or initiation activity, extortion or any other verbal, written, or physical conduct that causes or threatens to cause violence, bodily harm or substantial disruption. Includes Hostile Slurs directed toward a person or group (EC 48900[e] and 48915[4]); Hostile Behavior (EC 48900[a1, o]) or Hate Violence (EC 48900.3) injuring or intimidating another person, interfering with the exercise of a person's civil rights, or damaging a person's property because of race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, disability, gender, identity or sexual orientation; Hostile Educational Environment (EC 48900.4): intentionally engaging in harassment, threats, or intimidation against district personnel or students that is sufficiently severe or pervasive to have the actual and reasonably expected effect of materially disrupting classwork, creating substantial disorder, and invading the rights of school personnel or students by creating an intimidating or hostile educational environment; Terrorist Threat (EC 48900.7): includes any written or oral willful threat to commit a crime which will result in death or great bodily injury to another person, or property damage in excess of $1,000, with the specific intent that the statement is to be taken as a threat, even if there is no intent of actually carrying it out; Sexual Harassment (EC 48900.2, 48900.4, 48900 (n), BP 5145.7) sufficiently severe or pervasive as to have a negative impact upon the victim's academic performance or to create an intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational environment; Hazing (EC 48900[q]): a method of initiation or pre-initiation into a student organization or body, whether or not the organization or body is officially recognized by an educational institution, which is likely to cause serious bodily injury or personal degradation or disgrace resulting in physical or mental harm to a former, current, or prospective student; Bullying (EC 48900[r]): i.e. any severe or pervasive physical or verbal act or conduct, including communications made in writing or by means of an electronic act, including but not limited to: a message, text, sound, or image; a post, impersonation or false profile on a social network Internet Web site, committed by a student or group of students (EC 48900.2, 48900.3, or 48900.4) directed toward one or more students, placing a reasonable student or students in fear of harm to that student's or those students' person or property; or causing a reasonable student to experience a substantially detrimental effect on his or her physical or mental health, interference with his or her academic performance, or ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities, or privileges provided by VCHS; Threats or intimidation of a witness (EC 48900[o, r]): for the purpose of preventing that student from being a witness or retaliation against the student for being a witness, or both Minimum Action: Formal conference, parent notified, detention and/or restorative practices, mediation Maximum Action: Suspension 1-5 days, possible expulsion recommendation; mandatory removal from campus; police notification as required by law at any level

11. Possession or use, including being under the influence or possessing related paraphernalia, of a

substance such as alcohol, steroids, other prohibited drugs or intoxicants of any kind, or tobacco or nicotine products, including but not limited to, cigarettes, cigars, miniature cigars, clove cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, snuff, chew packets, and betel; possession or use of nicotine delivery methods and similar devices, such as electronic cigarettes or vapor pens; possession or use of not more than one ounce of marijuana other than concentrated cannabis, being under the influence of marijuana or any controlled substance; (EC 48900[c], [h] and [j], BP 5131.6 , 5131.62 , 5131.63) Note: This does not include over-the-counter medication or medication prescribed for the student by a physician. Minimum Action: Items confiscated, suspension 1-5 days or substance abuse counseling program Maximum Action: Suspension 5 days, expulsion recommendation, police contact within 24 hours Note: Unlawful sales of the above substances or of any imitation substances or look-alikes represented as and furnished in lieu of illegal substances (EC 48900[c], 48900[d]) will result in the maximum action.

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12. Possession or use of objects of a dangerous nature, including a laser pointer, without permission; possession of a toy/look-alike weapon, stun gun, squirt or paint gun, projectile or water balloon; fireworks, other explosives, or incendiaries; wallet chain or potential weapon; aerosol or spray can or bottle, including fragrance sprays such as deodorants, perfumes and body sprays; silly string, spray paint or permanent marker without appropriate permission (EC 48900[m]) Minimum Action: Item confiscated, parent conference required for pick-up and/or detention, community service, behavior contract Maximum Action: Suspension 1-5 days, possible recommendation for expulsion, police notification

13. Conduct that endangers students, staff, or others: Causing, attempting or threatening to cause

physical injury or willfully using force or violence upon another person, except in self-defense. Fighting; Unprovoked Assault (EC 48900 [a1, a2] r, s); Explosives, including Smoke Bombs, Incendiary Devices; Weapons, including Dangerous Objects; Firearms (EC 48900[b]) Minimum Action: Suspension 1-5 days or alternative, possible expulsion recommendation Maximum Action: Suspension 5 days, recommendation for expulsion, police notification (mandatory for violations of Penal Code 245, 626.9 and 626.10)

Suspension and Expulsion (BP/AR 5144.1, EC 47605 [b] [5] [j], 48900, 48915[a] [c], 48918) Except where suspension for a first offense is warranted in accordance with law, suspension shall be imposed only when alternative means of correction fail to bring about proper conduct, except in those cases where the student’s presence poses a danger to other persons or severely distracts from or interrupts the educational environment, such as deliberately activating a fire alarm.

Expulsion is a formal action taken by the Stanislaus County Office of Education Board for severe or prolonged breaches of discipline by a student. Except for single acts of a grave nature, expulsion is used only when there is a history of misconduct, when other forms of discipline, including suspension, have failed to bring about proper conduct, or when the student's presence causes a continuing danger to him/herself or others. A recommendation for expulsion may be made following a first incident, such as when notification of law enforcement is required (EC 48900[k]).

The principal shall recommend suspension and expulsion for any of the following serious acts committed at school or at a school activity off: possessing, selling, or otherwise furnishing a firearm; brandishing a knife (such as a dagger, ice pick, razor, or other object with a blade designed to cut or stab) at another person; unlawfully selling a controlled substance; committing or attempting to commit a sexual assault or committing a sexual battery; possessing an explosive (EC 48915[c]).

When a recommendation for expulsion is made, VCHS will provide the parent with written notice of the date and place of the hearing; a statement of specific facts and charges upon which the proposed expulsion is based; a copy of disciplinary rules that relate to the alleged violation; and notice of the opportunity for the student or parent/guardian to appear in person or be represented by legal counsel or by a non-attorney adviser, to inspect and obtain copies of all documents to be used at the hearing, to confront and question all witnesses who testify at the hearing, to question all other evidence presented, and to present oral and documentary evidence on the student’s behalf, including witnesses. VCHS shall provide for the fair and equitable treatment of students facing suspension and expulsion by affording due process rights under the law. All proceedings concerning suspension and expulsion will remain confidential. (AR 4158)

On Time • On Task • Excellence • Every Day

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VCHS LION’S PRIDE

The Valley Charter mascot is the lion. School colors are navy blue and silver.

Students are invited to wear school colors at monthly assemblies, which include Student of the Month recognition from each faculty member, lanyard promotions, and invitations to recite the Pledge of Allegiance and sing the Valley Charter Alma Mater. (lyrics by Dr. Bernadette Burns, Choir Director)

Hail to thee, Valley Charter High, Let Lions roar with Lion’s pride. Love of learning and strength of character serve us all our lives. We’re responsible, selfless and resilient. We lead with courage and integrity. Honesty, respect and imagination make us Lions proud and free.

Lion’s Pride Week is in October Grade levels will have a combined lunch with daily ASB activities to show school spirit. We are proud to share Facebook photos of our Lions!

Throughout the school year, student mentors will be available to help you with the VCHS agenda, student email account, website, community service and physical education logs, quarterly Demonstrations and semester Exhibitions. Mentors can provide tips on MJC classes and may even encourage you to earn school service hours by mentoring others. You may want to participate in an Open House panel, become a club officer or a student advocate for a senior GBE presentation, attend outdoor education as a counselor to middle school students, or tutor other students after school.

VCHS Lions are proud to serve the community. You may want to serve your classmates and community by participating in training in restorative justice, peer mediation, suicide prevention techniques and first aid. You will also have opportunities to improve VCHS by serving on a WASC focus group and sharing budget priorities for our Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP).

VCHS Lions are proud to take MJC classes to prepare for college and career. VCHS classes coordinate with the MJC class schedule. VCHS students save thousands in college tuition by taking college classes while at VCHS. More than 20% of the graduates from recent classes were accepted to four-year colleges and universities. Many others are completing transfer units and/or two-year degrees at MJC.

VCHS faculty and staff and your fellow Lions are proud to join your graduation team!