Notification of Parents Rights - Student Services

School Information for Parents and Students

Dear Parents:

The State of California requires that all school districts provide parents/guardians with certain annual notices from the State Administrative Code, the State Education Code, and other state codes and regulations relative to the operation of our local school system.  Throughout the year, you will receive additional important information from your child’s School.

This booklet is a guide and reference to inform you of your rights and responsibilities when communicating with Redlands Unified School District staff.   Please read this booklet, then sign and return the attached Emergency Release Card.  Note that there are two places for your signature on the card.  The first signature acknowledges that you have been notified of your rights and responsibilities, and the second signature indicates consent for your child to participate in field trips and/or excursions within the Redlands Unified School District during the current school year.  We take the responsibility of educating your child very seriously.  Please call us whenever you have questions and/or concerns.

Sincerely -

Robert J. Hodges
Superintendent of Schools

Board of Education
Patty Holohan
Pat Kohlmeier
Ron McPeck
Neal Waner
Donna West

MISSION STATEMENT

The Redlands Unified School District, as a unifying agent of several unique communities rich in local history, culture, and tradition, is committed to preparing students to become productive participants in a diverse, multi-cultural, democratic society through quality education, high expectations, flexible programs, and innovative partnerships.  Our students will be empowered with the knowledge and commitment necessary to confront the challenges of our changing world as they become the leaders of the 21st century.

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Academic Eligibility Standards

All students who participate in extracurricular activities will be required to achieve a 2.0 Grade Point Average.  This also affects all students who participate in performing groups.  Grade Point Average will be calculated on the basis of A=4; B=3; C=2; and D=1.  When a Pass/Fail grade is given, a “Pass” grade will be counted as a C grade.  A new eligibility period will begin with the beginning of each quarter.

High School Exit Examination

Commencing with the 2005-2006 school year and each school year thereafter, each pupil completing 12th grade will be required to successfully pass the High School Exit Examination.  Passing the examination will be a condition of graduation. Each pupil shall take the high school exit examination in grade 10 beginning in the 2001-2002 school year and may take the examination during each subsequent administration until each section of the examination has been passed.

 

UC and CSU Subjects Requirement (a-g)

(Education Code §66204)

To qualify for admission to the UC or CSU systems, high school students must meet the Subject Requirements; better knows as the a-g requirements.  For more information please visit the UC or CSU websites or your student’s counseling office.  Information is also available at parent orientations or directly from your student’s counselor.

 

Parental Review of Instructional Materials

 

A prospectus shall be compiled at least once a year which contains the curriculum, titles, descriptions, time allocations and the aims and methods of every course in a public school and made available for inspection. Parents may review any instructional materials and assessments and have the right to observe any instruction or other school activities involving their child, upon written request and within a reasonable time.

 

Complaints Concerning Deficiencies related to Instructional Materials

(Education Code §35186)

Existing law requires a notice to be posted in each classroom in each school in the school district concerning deficiencies related to instructional materials, and facilities.  Notice must also contain a statement informing parents and guardians as follows:  a semester begins and a teacher vacancy exists, a teacher who lacks credentials to teach English learners is assigned to teach a class with more than 20% English learner pupils in the class, and a teacher is assigned to teach a class for which the teacher lacks competency.  Amended by AB 831, Ch. 118, Statutes of 2005.

 

Course Selection and Career Counseling

Pupils in grades 6-12 periodically receive counseling from school personnel regarding alternatives for careers and courses of study.  Parents of these pupils may participate in such counseling sessions and decisions.  Contact the counseling office for details.

 

 

Excuse from Health Instruction

(Education Code §51240)

Education Code 51240 states that whenever any part of the instruction in health, HIV/AIDS, family life education and sex education conflicts with the religious training and beliefs of the parent or guardian of any pupil, on written request of the parent or guardian, the pupil shall be excused from the part of the training which conflicts with such religious training and beliefs.

 

Advance Placement

(Education Code 52244)

State funds are available to cover the costs of advanced placement examination fees for economically disadvantaged pupils.

 

Non-Discrimination

(Federal Regulations, Title VI and Title IX)

 

Sex Education Courses

(Education Code §51550, 51820, 51201.5)

The Redlands Unified School District believes that the home bears the primary responsibility for family life education.  The Redlands Unified School District does, however, share with other community agencies in supporting and supplementing the home’s responsibility in this area.

Health education is offered to all students in grades K-12.  Instruction related to HIV/AIDS prevention and sexually transmitted diseases is offered in grades 6-12.  If instruction about the human reproductive organs and their functions, processes, and diseases is included in your child’s class, you will have an opportunity to inspect and review any written or audiovisual materials to be used.  You may evaluate the materials and, based on first-hand knowledge, determine whether you want your child to participate in the program.  Your child will not be permitted to attend the class during coverage of this material if you request in writing that he/she be excused.  If you have any questions on this matter, contact the principal of the school which your child attends.

 

Required Instruction in Drug Education

(Education Code §51202, §51203)

The Redlands Unified School District Science/Health course of study for grades K-12 includes instruction on drug education with a particular emphasis on the harmful effects upon the human body in the use of tobacco, alcohol, narcotics, restricted drugs, and other dangerous substances.

 

Pupils Rights to Refrain from Harmful or Destructive Use of Animals

 

Education Code 32255 (et seq.) states that courses that include the utilization of live or dead animals or parts shall provide the option for alternative educational projects based upon a student’s moral objection to dissecting or otherwise harming or destroying animals, or any parts thereof.  Teachers are required to notify parents and pupils of the pupil’s right to refrain from the harmful and destructive use of animals.  Positive parent permission must be obtained prior to instruction.

 

Absence for Religious Purposes

(Education Code §46014)

Education Code 46014 and Board Policy 5113 states that pupils who are members of religions which observe religious holidays that fall on school days may absent themselves from school by making prior arrangements with the school. Pupils so absent must accept responsibility for making up work missed.

 

Student Access to Internet and On-line Sites

(Education Code §51870.5)

The Governing Board recognizes the educational value of electronic educational resources.  Technology also enables students to practice skills and to develop reasoning and problem-solving abilities.  In addition, electronic resources foster workplace skills that may be transferable to new technologies.  Every effort shall be made to provide equal access to technology throughout the district’s schools and classes.  The Board intends that the Internet and other on-line resources provided by the district be used to support the instructional program and further student learning.

With access to computers and people all over the world also comes the availability of material that may not be considered to be of educational value in the context of the school setting.  The Superintendent/Designee will take appropriate precautions to insure that students receive training in user obligations and responsibilities, and that students and parents understand the policies governing the access of controversial materials.

Because the Internet contains an unregulated collection of resources, the district cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information or the appropriateness of any material that a student may encounter.  Therefore, before using the district’s on-line resources, each student and his/her parent/guardian shall sign and return the “User Contract”.  This agreement shall specify user obligations and responsibilities and shall indemnify the district for any damages.

The student and parent/guardian shall indicate that the student understands and agrees to abide by specified user obligations and responsibilities. The parent/guardian shall agree to not hold the district responsible for materials acquired by the student on the system, for violations of copyright restrictions, student’s mistakes or negligence or any costs incurred by the student.

Staff shall closely supervise students while using on-line services and may ask teacher aides and student aides to assist in this supervision.  It is the obligation of all students to report any violation of the rules covering on-line access to the appropriate authority.

The Superintendent or designee shall establish administrative regulations governing use of the district’s on-line services.  He/she shall ensure that users have no expectation of privacy and understand that district staff may monitor or examine all system activities to ensure proper use of the system.  Students who fail to abide by these regulations shall be subject to disciplinary action, revocation of the user account, and legal action as appropriate.

 

Administration of Medication for Pupil

(Education Code §49423)

The principal or his/her designee will administer medication, prescription and non-prescription, only after the school receives: 1) a written statement from a physician detailing the kind of medication, the method, the amount and schedule of administration; 2) a written statement from the parent or guardian of the pupil indicating the desire that the school district assist the pupil in the matters set forth in the physician’s statement.  Students may carry and self administer prescription auto-injectable epinephrine if certain requirements are met.

 

Continuing Program of Medication

(Education Code §49480)

State law requires that the parents/guardians must notify the school when a child is on continuing medication for a non-episodic condition.  With consent from the parent, school personnel may contact the physician regarding possible effects of the drug on the child's intellectual, physical, and social behavior and/or possible side effects.

 

Immunization for Communicable Diseases

(Education Code §49403)
(Board Policy 5141.31) (Health & Safety Code 120325-120375); (C.A.C. 17; 6000-6075)

Pupils will not be allowed to enter school unless parents/guardians submit a written immunization record from a physician or clinic showing the month and year of all vaccine doses and showing that all required doses have been received.  Exemptions may be made upon written authorization by a physician or due to personal or religious beliefs.

To prevent and control communicable diseases in school age children, the District may use any funds, property, and personnel of the district and may permit any licensed physician or registered nurse acting under the direction of a physician to administer an immunizing agent to any pupil whose parents have consented in writing to the administration of such immunizing agent.

 

Child Health and Disabilities Prevention Program

(Health and Safety Code §124085)

The California Health and Safety Code requires each child within 90 days of entrance into the first grade to provide a certificate of health examination approved by the Department of Health Services to the school where the child is to enroll.  This certificate documents that within the prior 18 months the child has received the appropriate health screening and evaluation services.  In lieu of such a certificate, the school can accept a waiver signed by the child’s parents/guardian indicating that he/she does not want or is unable to obtain health assessment and evaluation services.  Parents are advised of the availability of free health screening through their local health department.  A student can be excluded from the school for up to five days for failure to comply or sign a waiver.

 

Liability for Emergency Treatment

(Education Code §49409)

It is important for each student to have on file in the school office one or more emergency telephone numbers to be used by the principal when emergency situations arise.  The following section from the California Education Code is relevant to this issue:

“Notwithstanding any provision of any law, no physician and surgeon who in good faith and without compensation renders voluntary emergency medical assistance to a participant in a school athletic event or contest at the site thereof, or during transportation to a health care facility, for an injury suffered in the course of the event or contest, shall be liable for any civil damages as a result of any acts or omissions by the physician and surgeon in rendering the emergency medical care.  The immunity granted by this paragraph shall not apply in the event of an act or omission constituting gross negligence. (Added by Stats. 1978, c. 547, § 1.)

 

Medical and Hospital Services for Pupils

(Education Code §49472)

The medical costs of pupil accidents are normally the responsibility of the parent or guardian.  Pupil accident insurance solves many problems in advance.  Every year the Redlands Unified School District provides parents/guardians with applications for school time accident insurance.  The contract is made between the parent/guardian and the insurance company.  The Redlands Unified School District only supplies the application forms.  This low cost accident insurance helps pay for the medical costs if a child is injured while under the jurisdiction of the school.  The principal of your child’s school will provide you with further information and the application form or you may call Myers-Stevens, Toohey and Co., Inc. at 1-800-827-4695.

 

California Local Educational Agency Program

The Redlands Unified School District, in cooperation with the California Departments of Health Services and Education, has a program to allow the district to be reimbursed with federal Medicaid dollars for selected health services provided to eligible students at school.  In accordance with Local Education Agency rules and guidelines, we are notifying you that eligible student records may be forwarded to the District’s billing agency.  These records will be forwarded in a confidential manner.  Our vendor holds a contract with the District that contains a specific confidentiality clause to ensure information is not disclosed inappropriately; further, our vendor is HIPPA compliant (Federal health Insurance Portability & Accountability Act).

School health services currently provided to all students will not be changed by this program.  Students will not be denied services they require to attend school, and parents will never be billed by the district for services.

 

Release of Students for Confidential Medical Treatment

(Education Code §46010.1)

Education Code 46010.1 states that the Governing Board of each school district shall, each academic year, notify pupils in grades 7 to 12, inclusive, and the parents or guardian of all pupils enrolled in the district, that school authorities may excuse any pupil from the school for the purpose of obtaining confidential medical services without the consent of the pupil’s parent or guardian. It is the policy of the Redlands Unified School District that students will not be excused to obtain confidential medical services without parental consent.

 

Sight and Hearing Testing and Scoliosis Screening

(Education Code §49451-49452.5)

The district is required to test pupils at specific grade levels for sight or hearing problems and scoliosis. The screening will be done by qualified personnel. Children will be exempt only if the parent/guardian requests such exemption in writing to the school principal.

 

Temporary Disability Instruction

(Education Code §48206.3, §48208)

A pupil with a temporary disability which makes attendance in a district day class impossible or inadvisable, is eligible to receive education in his/her home, a hospital, or other location (to be determined by district staff) which is within the school district boundaries. It is the responsibility of the parent to notify the district, in writing, of the need for such instruction and submit a completed district form for home instruction from the attending physician.

A pupil with a temporary disability who is in a hospital or other residential health facility, excluding a state hospital, which is located outside of the school district in which the pupil’s parent or guardian resides, shall be deemed to have complied with the residency requirements for school attendance in the school district in which the hospital is located.

 

Closed Campus

(Education Code §48900)

All school campuses of the Redlands Unified School District are closed campuses.  This includes elementary, middle, and high schools.   Students are under the jurisdiction of and subject to the school rules from the time they leave home until they return to their homes.

 

School Accountability Report Card

(Education Code §33126)

Education Code 35256 requires the district to annually issue a School Accountability Report Card for each school.  A copy of a school’s Report Card is available upon request at the school site. School Accountability Report Cards are also available on the District’s website at www.redlands.k12.ca.us.

 

Comprehensive School Safety Plan:  Annual Notice

(Education Code §32286)

Each school is required to report on the status of its school safety plan, including a description of its key elements in the annual school accountability report card prepared pursuant to Sections 33126 and 35256.

 

Students Records and Information

(Education Code §49063, §49073-§49078)

Directory information may include the student’s name, address, telephone number, date and place of birth, dates of attendance, participation in school activities, weight and height for members of athletic teams, degrees and awards received, and the school most recently attended by the student. Certain groups are permitted directory information about your child without your consent. The groups to which school officials may provide directory information include school personnel with legitimate educational interests, schools of intended enrollment, federal and state educational administrators, those who provide financial or student aid, employers, prospective employers, representatives of organized parent groups, military representatives, and representatives of the news media. Federal Law requires schools to provide directory information to military recruiters unless the parent requests, in writing, that this information not be shared.

If you prefer that no “directory-type information” be released, please notify the school principal in writing within thirty (30) days of receipt of this notice.

 

Release of Non-Directory Type Information

Other provisions of the law permit access to non-directory type information in student records without parental or eligible student consent by the following:

• school officials and employees of the district and members of a School Attendance Review Board with legitimate educational interests (teachers, counselors, nurses, probation officers, etc.)
• public or private school systems where the pupil intends to or is directed to enroll
• specified federal, state and county educational administrators
• prospective grantors of student financial aid
• specified state and local law enforcement agencies for required reports
• appropriate persons concerned with the health and safety of students or others in cases of emergency
• in response to a subpoena or court order, steps will be taken to attempt to notify parents prior to release

All other requests for student information by individuals, agencies or organizations will NOT be honored without a written statement, signed by the parent or the adult student, authorizing its release.

A log is maintained with your child’s record indicating all requests to receive information, other than school officials or employees determined to have legitimate educational interests.

Parents may obtain copies of student’s records for a reasonable fee based on actual cost for copies.

No charge shall be made for furnishing up to two transcripts of former pupils’ records, or up to two verifica-tions of various records of former pupils.  No charge may be made to search for or retrieve any pupil record.

 

Transfer of Permanent Enrollment and Scholarship Record

(Education Code § 49068)

Whenever a pupil transfers from one school district to another or to a private school, or transfers from a private school to a school district within the state, the pupil’s permanent record or a copy thereof shall be transferred by the former district or private school upon a request from the district or private school where the pupil intends to enroll.  Any school district requesting such a transfer of a record shall notify the parent of his right to receive a copy of the record and a right to a hearing to challenge the content of the record.  The State Board of Education is hereby authorized to adopt rules and regulations concerning the transfer of records.

 

Absolute Right to Access

(Education Code § 49069)

Parents of currently enrolled or former pupils have an absolute right to access to any and all pupil records related to their children which are maintained by school districts or private schools.  The editing or withholding of any such records, except as provided for in this chapter, is prohibited.  Each school district shall adopt procedures for the granting of requests by parents for copies of all pupil records pursuant to Section 49065, or to inspect and review records during regular school hours, provided that the requested access shall be granted no later than five business days following the date of the request.  Procedures shall include the notification to the parent of the location of all official pupil records if not centrally located and the availability of qualified certificated personnel to interpret records where requested.

 

Challenging Content of Records

 (Education Code § 49070)
Following an inspection and review of a pupil’s records, the parent of a pupil or former pupil of a school district may challenge the content of any pupil record.

• The parent of a pupil may file a written request with the superintendent of the district to correct or remove any information recorded in the written records concerning his or her child which the parent alleges to be any of the following:

1. Inaccurate
2. An unsubstantiated personal conclusion or inference
3. A conclusion or inference outside of the observer’s area of competence
4. Not based on the personal observation of a named person within the time and place of the observation noted
5. Misleading
6. In violation of the privacy or other rights of the pupil

• Within 30 days of receipt of a request pursuant to subdivision (a), the superintendent or the superintendent’s designee shall meet with the parent and the certificated employee who recorded the information in question, if any, and if the employee is presently employed by the school district.  The superintendent shall then sustain or deny the allegations.  If the superintendent sustains any or all of the allegations, he or she shall order the correction or the removal and destruction of the information.  However, in accordance with Section 49066, the superintendent shall not order a pupil’s grade to be changed unless the teacher who determined the grade is, to the extent practicable, given an opportunity to state orally, in writing, or both, the reasons for which the grade was given and is, to the extent practicable, included in all discussions relating to the changing of the grade.  If the superintendent denies any or all of the allegations and refuses to order the correction or the removal of the information, the parent may, within 30 days of the refusal, appeal the decision in writing to the governing board of the school district.
• Within 30 days of receipt of an appeal pursuant to subdivision (b), the governing board shall, in closed session with the parent and the certificated employee who recorded the information in question, if any, and if the employee is presently employed by the school district, determine whether or not to sustain or deny the allegations.  If the governing board sustains any or all of the allegations, it shall order the superintendent to immediately correct or remove and destroy the information from the written records of the pupil.  However, in accordance with Section 49066, the governing board shall not order a pupil’s grade to be changed unless the teacher who determined the grade is, to the extent practicable, given an opportunity to state orally, in writing, or both, the reasons for which the grade was given and is, to the extent practicable, included in all discussions relating to the changing of the grade.  The decision of the governing board shall be final.  Records of these administrative proceedings shall be maintained in a confidential manner and shall be destroyed one year after the decision of the governing board, unless the parent initiates legal proceedings relative to the disputed information within the prescribed period.

 

• If the final decision of the governing board is unfavorable to the parent, or if the parent accepts an unfavorable decision by the district superintendent, the parent shall have the right to submit a written statement of his or her objections to the information.  This statement shall become a part of the pupil’s school record until the information objected to is corrected or removed.

 

Student Records; Confidentiality

(Board Policy 5125)

The Governing Board believes that it is useful and necessary to keep accurate, comprehensive student records, as required by law.  Procedures for maintaining the confidentiality of student records shall be consistent with state and federal law.  Information about a student shall be used judiciously and in ways that contribute to the student’s welfare.

The Superintendent or designee shall establish regulations for Board approval governing the following:

• The identification, description and security of student records, as well as timely access for authorized persons.
• Parental review, inspection and right to photocopy student records.
• The identification of categories of directory information which may be released.
• The withholding of the student’s grades, diploma or transcripts in cases involving certain student misconduct.
• Safeguards to protect the student and the student’s family from invasion of privacy.

Custodian of Records

The Superintendent or designee shall designate a certificated employee to serve as custodian or records, with responsibility for student records at the district level. (Code of Regulations, Title 5, 431(a)).

At each school, the principal or a certificated designee shall act as custodian or records for students enrolled.  (Code of Regulations, Title 5, 431(b)).

The district shall annually notify parents/guardians in writing of their right to inspect student records.  This notice also shall inform parents/guardians where they can find all related information.  (Education Code 49063).

Notification of rights under the protection of pupil rights amendment (ppra)

PPRA affords parents and students who are 18 or emancipated minors (“eligible students”) certain rights regarding our conduct of surveys, collection and use of information for marketing purposes, and certain physical exams.  These include the right to:

Consent before students are required to submit to a survey that concerns one or more of the following protected areas (“protected information survey”) if the survey is funded in whole or in part by a program of the U.S. Department of Education (ED) –

• Political affiliations or beliefs of the student or student’s parent;
• Mental or psychological problems of the student or student’s family;
• Sex behavior or attitudes;
• Illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating, or demeaning behavior;
• Critical appraisals of others with whom respondents have close family relationships;
• Legally recognized privileged relationships, such as with lawyers, doctors, or ministers;
• Religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the student or parents; or
• Income, other than as required by law to determine program eligibility.

Receive notice and an opportunity to opt a student out of –

• Any other protected information survey, regardless of funding;
• Any non-emergency, invasive physical exam or screening required as a condition of attendance, administered by the school or its agent, and not necessary to protect the immediate health and safety of a student, except for hearing, vision, or scoliosis screenings, or any physical exam or screening permitted or required under State law; and
• Activities involving collection, disclosure, or use of personal information obtained from students for marketing or to sell or otherwise distribute the information to others.

Inspect, upon request and before administration or use –

• Protected information surveys of students;
• Instruments used to collect personal information from students for any of the above marketing, sales, or other distribution purposes; and
• Instructional material used as part of the educational curriculum.

Redlands Unified School District has adopted policies regarding these rights, as well as arrangements to protect student privacy in the administration of protected surveys and the collection, disclosure, or use of personal information for marketing, sales, or other distribution purposes.  RUSD will directly notify parents and eligible students of these policies at least annually at the start of each school year and after any substantive changes.

Parents/eligible students who believe their rights have been violated may file a complaint with:

 

Family Policy Compliance Office
U. S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20202-4605

Assessment

(Education Code §56320-56324)

If you refer your child for consideration of Special Education, you have a right to assessment by a multi-disciplinary team of qualified personnel.  Such assessment shall occur only with written authorization from the parent/guardian.

 

Free and Appropriate Education - Special Education

(IDEA, Education Code §56000; 56365)

All individuals with exceptional needs, ages 3 through 21 years, have a right to a free and appropriate public education which includes Special Education and related services in accordance with an Individualized Education Program.  When no public school program can provide the educational services required by the Individualized Education Program, then a state-certified, non-public school may be considered as an alternative at no cost to the parents.

Section 504, Rehabilitation Act of 1973

The parents or guardians shall be notified in writing of all District decisions concerning the identification, evaluation or educational placement of students made under this policy.  In the notification of any District decision concerning identification, evaluation or placement under Section 504, the parents will be advised of the right to appeal the decision.

Homeless Students

The McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act guarantees certain rights and protections for homeless students.  Contact your school for more information or call The National Center for Homeless Education (1-800-308-2145).

Parents Right To Know

All districts are required to notify parents of all children in all Title I schools that they have the right to request and receive timely information on the professional qualifications of their children’s classroom teachers.  Contact your son’s/daughter’s school for more information.

Uniform Complaint Procedure

(Board Policy and Administration Regulation 1312.3)

The Governing Board of the Redlands Unified School District recognizes that the District has the primary responsibility for ensuring that it complies with state and federal laws and regulations governing educational programs.  The district shall investigate and seek to resolve complaints at the local level.  The District shall follow uniform complaint procedures pursuant to state regulations when addressing complaints alleging unlawful discrimination or failures to comply with the law in Adult Basic Education, Consolidated Categorical Aid Programs, Vocational Education, Child Care and Development Programs, Child Nutrition Programs, Special Education Programs and laws regarding unlawful discrimination.

Complaints alleging unlawful discrimination must be filed no later than six (6) months from the date of the alleged discrimination.

Written complaints of alleged non-compliance with a federal or state law governing education programs must be filed with the Assistant Superintendent of Education Services.  When the subject matter of a complaint is not covered by this policy, the complainant shall be so advised.

Within 60 days of receiving the complaint, the Assistant Superintendent, Educational Services shall prepare and send to the complainant a written report of the district’s investigation and decision.  This time period may be extended by written agreement of the complainant.

If a complainant is dissatisfied with the District’s decision, the complainant may appeal in writing to the California Department of Education within 15 days of receiving written notification of the district’s decision.  When appealing to the CDE, the complainant must specify the reason(s) for appealing the district’s decision and must include a copy for resolution if the individual is dissatisfied with the decision of the Local Education Agency.

Complainants are hereby notified that they may have alternative local civil law remedies via governmental agencies.

Attendance

(Education Code §48260-48264)

Attendance
Good attendance is important to success in school.  Children between the ages of 6-18 are required by law to attend school full-time.  Your child misses out when missing school and the district is committed to working with families to ensure attendance.

Tardiness/Truancy
Any student who is absent from school without a valid excuse for more than three days or tardy in excess of 30 minutes on each of more than three days in one school year is considered truant and will be reported to the attendance supervisor.

Any student who has once been reported as truant and who is again absent from school without valid excuse one or more days, or tardy in excess of 30 minutes or more on one or more days, shall again be reported as a truant to the attendance supervisor or superintendent.

Habitual Truant
A habitual truant is a student who has been reported as truant three or more times per school year.  Students may not be deemed habitual truants unless an appropriate district officer or employee has made a conscientious effort to hold at least one conference with a parent or guardian of the pupil and the pupil himself, after the filing of either of the reports required by law. 

Daily Attendance/CalWorks
Under the Welfare and Institutions Code, children of families participating in CalWorks must attend school regularly.  Parents must provide attendance reports of their child(ren) upon request of the county.  If it is determined that children who are supposed to be in school are not attending, the grant provided to the family may be reduced.

 

School Attendance Review Board (SARB)
The Redlands Unified School District SARB is staffed by District personnel, volunteers and community agency representatives to help students and families prior to being referred to the district attorney or county probation.  The students are referred after all school resources and services resources have been exhausted.

Excused Absences

(Education Code §48205)

Education Code Section 48205.
(a) Not withstanding section 48200, a pupil shall be excused from school when the absence is:

• Due to his or her illness.
• Due to quarantine under the direction of a county or city health officer.
• For the purpose of having medical, dental, optometrical, or chiropractic services rendered.
• For the purpose of attending the funeral services of a member of his or her immediate family, so long as the absence is not more than one day if the service is conducted in California and not more than three days if the service is conducted outside California.
• For the purpose of jury duty in the manner provided for by law.
• Due to illness or medical appointment during school hours of a child of whom the pupil is the custodial parent.
• For justifiable personal reasons, including, but not limited to, an appearance in court, attendance at a funeral service, observance of a holiday or ceremony of his or her religion, attendance at religious retreats, or attendance at an employment conference, when the pupil’s absence has been requested in writing by the parent or guardian and approved by the principal or a designated representative pursuant to uniform standards established by the governing board.
• For the purpose of serving as a member of a precinct board for an election pursuant to Section 12302 of the Elections Code.

(b)   A pupil absent from school under this section shall be allowed to complete all assignments and tests missed during the absence that can be reasonably provided and, upon satisfactory completion within a reasonable period of time, shall be given full credit therefor.  The teacher of any class from which a pupil is absent shall determine the tests and assignments shall be reasonably equivalent to, but not necessarily identical to, the tests and assignments that the pupil missed during the absence.

(c)   For purposes of this section, attendance at religious retreats shall not exceed four hours per semester.

(d)   Absences pursuant to this section are deemed to be absences in computing average daily attendance and shall not generate state apportionment payments.

(e) “Immediate family,” as used in this section, has the same meaning as that set forth in Section 45194, except that references therein to “employee” shall be deemed to be references to “pupil.”

Notice of Alternative Schools

(Education Code §58501)

California State law authorizes all school districts to provide for alternative schools.  Section 58500 of the Education Code defines alternative school as a school or separate class group within a school which is operated in a manner designed to:

• Maximize the opportunity for students to develop the positive values of self-reliance, initiative, kindness, spontaneity, resourcefulness, courage, creativity, responsibility, and joy.
• Recognize that the best learning takes place when the student learns because of his desire to learn.
• Maintain a learning situation maximizing student self-motivation and encouraging the student in his own time to follow his own interests.  These interests may be conceived by him totally and independently or may result in whole or in part from a presentation by his teachers of choices of learning projects.
• Maximize the opportunity for teachers, parents and students to cooperatively develop the learning process and its subject matter.  This opportunity shall be a continuous, permanent process.
• Maximize the opportunity for students, teachers, and parents to continuously react to the changing world, including but not limited to the community in which the school is located.

In the event any parent, pupil, or teacher is interested in further information concerning alternative schools, the county superintendent of schools, the administrative office of this district, and the principal’s office in each attendance unit have copies of the law available for your information.  This law particularly authorizes interested persons to request the governing board of the district to establish alternative school programs in each district.

Tobacco Free Workplace

(Board Policy 4020.1)

It is the intent of the District that all district buildings/schools be tobacco-free. Tobacco-free means the use of tobacco or tobacco products is prohibited on any part of school district grounds or buildings, in district vehicles and at any time by anyone on district property. This includes smoking by staff, students, parents and or other individuals. It is the responsibility of the district administration to make every effort to enforce the policy.

Student Involvement with Tobacco, Alcohol and other Drugs

(Board Policy 5131.6, Administration Regulation 5144.1)

The Board of Education may suspend and/or expel and the superintendent/designee or principal/designee may suspend and/or expel any student who, while under the jurisdiction of the schools, uses, sells, possesses or otherwise furnishes any controlled substance as defined in Section 11053 of the Health and Safety Code.

Sexual Harassment - Students

(Board Policy 5145.7) (Education Code §48900.2)

The Board of Education is committed to maintaining a learning environment free from harassment, intimidation or insult, student-to-student or adult-to-student, on the basis of an individual's sex. Positive action will be taken to eliminate such practices and remedy their effects.

California Education Code section 212.5 defines “sexual harassment” as verbal, visual, or physical conduct of a sexual nature when:

• Submission to the conduct is explicitly or implicitly made a term or a condition of an individual’s academic status, or progress.
  • Submission to, or rejection of, the conduct by the individual is used as the basis of academic decisions affecting the individual.
  • The conduct has the purpose or effect of having a negative impact upon the individual’s academic performance, or of creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive learning environment.
  • Submission to, or rejection of, the conduct by the individual is used as the basis for any decision affecting the individual regarding benefits and services, honors, programs, or activities available at or through the educational institution.

  For the purposes of this policy, and according to Education Code section 48900.2, the conduct described in section 212.5 must be considered, by a reasonable person of the same gender as the victim, to be sufficiently severe or pervasive to have a negative impact upon the individual’s academic performance or to create an intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational environment. This policy shall apply to students in grades K through 12.

  Reporting of Sexual Harassment

  Any student of the school district who believes that she or he has been the victim of sexual harassment is urged to bring the problem to the attention of the proper school authorities so that appropriate action may be taken to resolve the problem.

  Staff shall immediately, or within 24 hours, report complaints of sexual harassment to the principal or designee or to another district administrator. Staff shall similarly report any such incidents they may observe, even if the harassed student has not complained.

  A complaint of sexual harassment of a student by a district employee must also include a report of such allegations to the Superintendent/designee for appropriate investigation and action. When the complaint constitutes an allegation of child abuse or the Principal/ designee taking the complaint suspects that child abuse may have occurred, a report must be filed with the appropriate law enforcement/child protective agency as well.

  Investigation of sexual harassment

  The principal or designee shall immediately investigate any report of the sexual harassment of a student. Upon verifying that sexual harassment occurred, he/she shall ensure that appropriate action is promptly taken to end the harassment, address it’s effects on the person subjected to the harassment, and prevent any further instances of the harassment. In addition, the student may file a formal complaint with the Superintendent or designee in accordance with the district’s uniform complaint procedures. 

  Confidentiality requirement

  The district prohibits retaliatory behavior against any complainant or any participant in the complaint process. Information related to a complaint of sexual harassment shall be confidential, and individuals involved in the investigation of such a complaint shall not discuss related information outside the investigation process.

  Disciplinary action

  Students who have been found to have sexually harassed other student(s) shall be subject to the following disciplinary consequences including, but not limited to:

  • Disciplinary conferencing with the student and/or parent,
  • Suspension and referral for counseling,
  • Recommendation for expulsion for repeated violations.

  Suspension and expulsion as a disciplinary consequence for sexual harassment shall not apply to pupils enrolled in kindergarten and grades 1 through 3, inclusive, per Education Code 48900.2.

  Annual Adjustment To Liability Limit of Parent or Guardian for Willful Pupil Misconduct

  (Education Code §48904)

  Provides that the parent or guardian of a minor is liable for all damages caused by the willful misconduct of the minor that results in the injury or death of any pupil, school district or private school employee, or school volunteer.  The parent or guardian is also liable for damages to real or personal property belonging to the school district or private school, or personal property belonging to a school employee, resulting from the willful misconduct of the minor.  The liability of the parent or guardian shall not exceed $10,000.

  The State Superintendent of Public Instruction is required to annually adjust the above $10,000 liability limits specified to reflect the percentage change in the Implicit Price Deflator for State and Local Government Purchases of Goods and Services for the United States, as published by the United States Department of Commerce for the 12-month period ending in the third quarter of the prior fiscal year.  The adjustment amount is calculated by dividing the third quarter index for the prior fiscal year by the third quarter index for the second prior fiscal year ($10,000 plus COLA).

  Rules and Regulations Regarding Discipline

  (Education Code §35291, §35291.5, 48900, 48904)

  The Governing Board of each school district shall prescribe rules not inconsistent with the laws of the State Board of Education.  Each principal shall take steps to ensure that all rules pertaining to discipline of pupils are communicated to students at the beginning of each school year and to incoming students when they enroll.

  Pupil Discipline: Suspension and Expulsion

  Education Code 48925 defines suspension, as the removal of a pupil from ongoing instruction for adjustment purposes.

  A pupil may not be suspended from school or recommended for expulsion unless the superintendent or the principal of the school in which the pupil is enrolled determines that the pupil has:

  a-1       Caused, attempted to cause, or threatened to cause physical injury to another person.

  a-2       Willfully used force or violence upon the person of another, except in self-defense.

  • Possessed, sold, or otherwise furnished a firearm, knife, explosive, or other dangerous object unless, in the case of a possession of any object of this type, the pupil had obtained written permission to possess the item from a certificated school employee, which is concurred by the principal or designee of the principal.

  c.     Unlawfully possessed, used, sold, or otherwise furnished, or been under the influence of, any controlled substance listed in Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 11053) of Division 10 of the Health and Safety Code, an alcoholic beverage, or an intoxicant or any kind.

  • Unlawfully offered, arranged, or negotiated to sell any controlled substance listed in Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 11053) or Division 10 to the Health and Safety Code, an alcoholic beverage, or an intoxicant of any kind, and then either sold, delivered, or otherwise furnished to any person another liquid, substance, or material and represented the liquid, substance, or material as a controlled substance, alcoholic beverage, or intoxicant.
  • Committed or attempted to commit robbery or extortion.
  • Caused or attempted to cause damage to school property or private property.
  • Stolen or attempted to steal school property or private property.
  • Possessed or used tobacco, or any products containing tobacco or nicotine products, including but not limited to, cigarettes, cigars, miniature cigars, clove cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, snuff, chew packets, and betel. However, this section does not prohibit use or possession by a pupil of his or her own prescription products.
  • Committed an obscene act or engaged in habitual profanity or vulgarity.
  • Unlawfully possessed or unlawfully offered, arranged, or negotiated to sell any drug paraphernalia, as defined in section 11014.5 of the Health and Safety Code.
  • Disrupted school activities or otherwise willfully defied the valid authority of supervisors, teachers, administrators, school officials, or other school personnel engaged in the performance of their duties.
  • Knowingly received stolen school property or private property.
  • Possessed an imitation firearm. As used in this section, “imitation firearm” means a replica of a firearm that is so substantially similar in physical properties to an existing firearm as to lead a reasonable person to conclude that the replica is a firearm.
  • Committed or attempted to commit a sexual assault as defined in section 261, 266c, 286, 288, 288a, or 289 of the Penal Code or committed a sexual battery as defined in Section 243.4 of the Penal Code.
  • Harassed, threatened, or intimidated a pupil who is a complaining witness or witness in a school disciplinary proceeding for the purpose of either preventing that pupil from being a witness or retaliating against that pupil for being a witness or both.

  p.      Unlawfully offered , arranged to sell, negotiated to sell, or sold the prescription drug Soma.

  q.     A pupil who aids or abets, as defined in Section 31 of the Penal Code, the infliction or attempted infliction of physical injury to another person may suffer suspension, but not expulsion, pursuant to the provisions of this section.
  s.     Aiding or abetting an attempt of physical injury.

  In addition to the reasons specified in Sections 48900, a pupil may be suspended from school or recommended for expulsion if the superintendent or the principal of the school in which the pupil is enrolled determines that the pupil has:

  48900.2
  Committed sexual harassment as defined in Education Code 212.5. For the purposes of this chapter, the conduct described in Section 212.5 must be considered by a reasonable person of the same gender as the victim to be sufficiently severe or pervasive to have a negative impact upon the individual’s academic performance or to create an intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational environment. This section shall not apply to pupils enrolled in kindergarten and grades 1 to 3, inclusive.

  48900.3
  Caused, attempted to cause, threatened to cause, or participated in an act of hate, violence, as defined in subdivision of Section 33032.5, for pupils grades 4 to 12.

  48900.4
  Intentionally engaged in harassment, threats, or intimidation, directed against a pupil or group of pupils, that is sufficiently severe or pervasive to have the actual and reasonably expected effect or materially disrupting classwork, creating substantial disorder, and invading the right of the pupil or group of pupils by creating an intimidating or hostile education environment, for pupils in grades 4 to 12.

  48900.7
  Terroristic threats have been made against school officials to school property or both.

  Laser Pointers

  P.C. 417.27  No student shall possess a laser pointer on any elementary or secondary school premises unless possession of a laser pointer is for a valid instructional or other school related purpose.

  A pupil may be suspended or expelled for acts that are enumerated in this section and related to school activity or attendance that occur at any time, including, but not limited to, any of the following:

  • While on school grounds.
  • While going to or coming from school.
  • During the lunch period whether on or off the campus.
  • During, or while going to or coming from, a school sponsored event.

  Education Code 48900.1 authorizes teachers to require parents of pupils suspended by a teacher to attend a portion of the school day in his or her child or ward’s classroom. The attendance shall be limited to the class from which the pupil was suspended.

  Pupil Discipline: Duty Concerning Conduct of Pupil

  Education Code 44807 states that every teacher in the public schools shall hold pupils to a strict account for their conduct on the way to and from school, on the playgrounds, or during recess.  A teacher, vice principal, or any other certificated employee of a school district, shall not be subject to criminal prosecution or criminal penalties for the exercise, during the performance of his/her duties of the same degree of physical control over a pupil that a parent would be legally privileged to exercise but which in no event shall exceed the amount of physical control reasonably necessary to maintain order, protect property, or protect the health and safety of pupils, or to maintain proper and appropriate conditions conductive to learning. The provisions of this section are in addition to and do not supersede the provision of Section 48900.

  Search and Seizure

  (Board Policy 5145.12)

  Under board policy, metal detectors may be used randomly to promote safety and deter the presence of weapons.  Specially-trained, non-aggressive dogs may be used to sniff out and alert staff to the presence of contraband, such as drugs, alcohol, firearms and explosives.  Dogs may not sniff any person, but may sniff around lockers, desks, items or vehicles on school property.

  Vandalism/Graffiti - Students

  (Board Policy 5131.5)

  The principal and the Superintendent of Schools shall suspend and may recommend expulsion of any student, K-12, who has placed graffiti or in any way participated or written on school property without specific permission of the school authorities, or placed graffiti on district or private property while going to and from school. Consequences for graffiti cover may include expulsion, a mandatory work program and full restitution by student or parents for the damage to property.

  Unsafe School Choice Option

  (5 CCR §11992, 11993)

  Any firearms violation must be considered in determining whether a school site is at risk of being classified as persistently dangerous.  An “incident” of a firearm violation occurs when a person unlawfully brings or possesses a handgun, rifle, shotgun, or other type of firearm to school grounds during school hours or a school sponsored activity.

  Dress Code

  Education Code 35183 authorizes school districts to adopt dress codes.  The Board approved the following
  K-12 dress code policy. *

  • Shoes will be worn at all times. A substantial sole is required and enclosed toe and heel footwear is highly encouraged.
  • Extremely brief garments that are a distraction to the educational environment are not appropriate. Clothing shall be sufficient to conceal undergarments at all times.
  • Clothing or accessories shall be free of writing, pictures, or any other insignia which are crude, violent, obscene or sexually suggestive or which advocate racial, ethnic, religious, or other prejudice or the use of tobacco, drugs or alcohol.
  • Earrings, jewelry, or accessories, which present a safety hazard to the wearer or others, are not suitable for school wear.
  • Only prescription sunglasses may be worn in class. Other types of sunglasses may be worn on campus outside of class.
  • Identified gang attire such as bandannas, haircuts or hair rollers, or any gang paraphernalia are prohibited.
  • Students are allowed to wear sun protective clothing, including hats, while outdoors during the school day.  Each school site will develop a policy indicating the type of sun protective hats that are permitted.

  *  Some schools may have additional dress guidelines.

   

  Intra-District Transfers
  (Board Policy and Administrative Regulation 5116.1)
  Open Enrollment / Intra District Transfer Process for 2007-2008
  January 15, 2008 - February 15, 2008
  
  Students who reside within District boundaries may apply for enrollment in any District school. Intra District requests are granted on a space available basis. If the number of requests exceed the number of spaces available at a site, state law requires that a lottery be held to determine which requests are granted.
  The Intra District Attendance Permit Form is available from the Business Department in the District Office located at 20 West Lugonia Avenue anytime from 7:30 A.M. to 4:15 P.M.

  Inter-District Transfers
  (Education Code § 48209, 46600) (Board Policy 5117.1)
  Open Enrollment / Inter District Transfer Process for 2007-2008
  March 1, 2008 - April 15, 2008
  Students who reside outside the Redlands Unified School District boundaries may apply for enrollment in any district school. The inter-district request form is available from the student’s resident district and the request requires approval from the resident district prior to submitting the request to the Redlands Unified School District. Parents will be notified of the status of the request by May 30.
  Inter-district requests are granted on a space available basis and must be renewed yearly. Conditions for approval and renewal are:

  • Parent/guardian assumes responsibility for providing transportation.
  • Student must make satisfactory academic progress.
  • Student must maintain regular and punctual attendance.
  • Student must maintain proper conduct at school and at school related functions and activities.

  
  The inter-district request may be revoked if any of the conditions above are not met, if unexpected growth occurs at the school, or if any of the information in the transfer request application has been falsified.
  Students who reside within the Redlands Unified School District boundaries may apply for enrollment in a district outside of RUSD boundaries. The inter-district request form is available at the Redlands Unified School District Business Services office located at 20 West Lugonia Avenue, Redlands between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 4:15 p.m.

  Asbestos Management Plan

  Code of Regulations, Title 40, states that each school site in the district has an AHERA Report (Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act) which identifies where asbestos is located at the school and the conditions of those areas. A copy of the school report is available at the school site.

  Pesticide Products

  (Education Code  §17612)

  Parents or guardians of students enrolled in school shall receive written notification containing the name of all pesticide products expected to be applied at the school during the upcoming year.  The notice shall also identify the active ingredients in each pesticide.  For access to information on pesticides and pesticide use reduction, you can access information at the Department of Pesticide Regulation. Their web address is: www.cdpr.ca.gov.

  Free and Reduced Priced Meals

  (Education Code  §49510)

  The Redlands Unified School District takes part in the National School Lunch and school Breakfast Programs. Nutritionally adequate meals are served every school day.  Students who qualify can get these meals at a reduced price or free.  Applications for free and reduced-price meals may be submitted at any time during a school day.  Children participating in the National School Lunch Program will not be overtly identified by the use of special tokens, special tickets, special serving lines, separate entrances, separate dining areas, or by any other means.  (Duffy-Moscone Family Nutrition Education and Services Act of 1970).