Rights and Responsibilities - OLD: Green Dot Public Schools California

Attendance

C 1.0 Attendance, Absenteeism, Truancy and SART

Rights and Responsibilities Policy C. 1.0

Policy: Attendance, Absenteeism, Truancy and SART

Green Dot believes that regular attendance is critical for a student’s preparation for college, leadership and life. Accordingly, Green Dot will work with parents/guardians and students to ensure their compliance with this attendance policy.

Absences

Students are expected to attend all classes every day. Students and parents should do everything in their power to ensure punctual arrival to school and preventing unexcused absences, including maintaining good health, arranging necessary appointments outside of school time, and scheduling family vacations outside of the academic calendar.

An “absence” means not being present in a class in which the student is enrolled for greater than 30 minutes in a school day.

Any absence will be recorded as an “excused absence” for the following reasons ONLY:

personal illness;
emergency medical, dental, and optometry appointments (verified by a note signed by a physician);
quarantine under the direction of the county or city health officer;
attending funeral services of an immediate family member:
- excused absence in this instance shall be limited to one day if the service is conducted in California or three days if the service is conducted out of state.
- "immediate family" shall be defined as mother, father, grandmother, grandfather, spouse, son/son-in-law, daughter/daughter-in-law, brother, sister or any relative living in the student's immediate household.
court summons;
observance of a religious holiday, instruction, or exercises, as described below; school approved activity;
serious family emergencies, or other justifiable personal reasons, subject to approval by the Principal or designee; and
attendance at the pupil’s naturalization ceremony to become a United States citizen.

Any absence not recorded as an “excused absence” shall be recorded as an “unexcused absence”.

Students with absences (excused or unexcused) from a class period more than four times in a given semester will be referred to the Student Attendance Review Team (SART) for support with interventions. If a student is absent from a class period for more than 15 days during the course of a semester, he/she may not receive credit in that course.

Procedure for Reporting an Absence: The parent or guardian must notify the school office by 9:00 a.m. of each day the student is absent. If the parent/guardian does not make the call by 9:00 am, the school will notify the parent in an effort to find out if the student has an excused absence.

Procedure for Returning to School after an Absence: When the student returns to school, he/she should bring a note from his/her parent. Any student who is absent for medical, dental or other professional services must, in addition, present a note to the school office directly from the respective provider’s office. The school is required to keep on file a note signed by a parent/guardian for every student absence. The note must be legible and written in ink. A valid note should contain:

Full name of the student
Date(s) or time of absence
Specific reason for absence
Telephone numbers where both parents/guardians may be reached (home and work)
Signature of parent or guardian

If a student does not bring a note, he/she will be marked truant.

Procedure for Early Dismissal: After their arrival on campus in the morning, students may NOT leave campus until dismissal time. Students leaving campus without permission are considered truant. If a student requests an early dismissal (for example, if a parent/guardian is picking him/her up for a doctor’s appointment), the parent/guardian reports to the office to sign out the student.

Tardies

A student is considered tardy if he/she is not in his/her seat when the bell rings signaling the start of class. If a student arrives late to school, he/she must obtain a late-slip from the school office. Any tardiness of more than 30 minutes for any class without a valid excuse is considered an unexcused absence. Excessive tardies will result in disciplinary action and may result in an appearance before the Student Attendance Review Team (“SART”).

Tardies between Classes: Students have an allotted time to travel from one classroom to another. Students who take longer than that time will receive an unexcused tardy from the teacher.

Passes

All students must carry passes verifying their authorization to be out of class during class time. Passes are issued by the teacher/Principal/Assistant Principal as necessary.

Dismissal for Work or Participation in Events with External Organizations

In general, students may only be released to parents, guardians, or other individuals as indicated on the student’s enrollment form and/or emergency contact information. Students may be picked up for work or participation in events with external organizations by representatives of such external organizations only with prior written consent from parents/guardians. Upon student pick-up, any representative of an authorized external organization shall be required to show appropriate identification to appropriate school staff in accord with the school’s standard pick-up processes.

Truancy

Students absent from any class or activity period without permission, or students who leave campus after arriving without permission are considered truant, even if they return to campus in time for class. A student is considered a habitual truant if he/she has been reported truant three or more times per school year. In addition, students shall be classified as a habitual truant if the student is absent from school without a valid excuse for 10 percent or more of the school days in one school, from the date of enrollment to the current date. Consequences for truancy will include a disciplinary action, up to and including referral to the Student Attendance Review Team (“SART”).

Student Attendance Review Team

The SART aims to work with families to ensure that students comply with compulsory education laws. The SART is both a prevention and intervention tool that can be utilized to address truancies, excessive tardies, and excessive absences. The SART’s duties include:

Reviewing school-wide attendance data
Creating prevention strategies to encourage consistent student attendance
Identifying students struggling to meet attendance expectations
Creating intervention plans for struggling students
Monitoring progress of students on contracts
Determining consequences for excessive absences, up to and including, loss of course credit or referral to the judicial system

SART Members: The SART consists of the Principal and designated classified and certificated personnel. The student and parent/guardian experiencing attendance issues are encouraged to participate in the SART process. Members shall be trained and shall understand the confidential nature of the SART when dealing student names and identifying information. Members should meet on a regular basis to execute the duties defined above. In addition, the SART should convene as required when a student has accumulated an excessive amount of absences or truancies.

Detailed Description of Working Through the Unexcused Absence Matrix, Above

Iii. After school detention program

Required school counseling

vii. Loss of school event privileges

viii. Required remediation plan as set by the SART

Notice of action recommended by the SART will be provided in writing to the parent/guardian.
If the conditions of the SART Agreement are not met, the student may incur additional administrative action up to and including disenrollment from the school and notification of the disenrollment sent to the student’s district of residence.
For all communications set forth in this process, Green Dot will use the contact information provided by the parent/guardian in the registration packet. It is the parent’s or guardian’s responsibility to update Green Dot with any new contact information.
If student is absent fifteen (15) or more consecutive school days without valid excuse and parent/guardian cannot be reached at the number or address provided in the registration packet and does not otherwise respond to Green Dot’s communication attempts, as set forth above, the student will be in violation of the SART Agreement and shall be disenrolled. Notification of the disenrollment shall be sent to the student’s district of residence.

Legal Interventions: The SART reserves the right to involve the judicial system in cases of excessive absences, excessive tardies and habitual truancy. Once the case is referred to the authorities, the student and parent/guardian may be subject to the following sections of the California Penal Code

Sections 13202.7 (a) California Vehicle Code: “Any minor under the age of 18 years, but 13 years of age or older, who is an habitual truant, or who is adjudged by the juvenile court to be a ward of the court under subdivision (b) Section 601 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, may have his/her driving privilege suspended for one year by the court.” A habitually truant may loss driving privileges for one year.

Section 601. Welfare and Institutions Code: (a) “Any persons under the age of 18 years who persistently or habitually refuses to obey the reasonable and proper orders or directions of his or her parents, guardian, or custodian, or who is beyond the control of that person…is within the jurisdiction of the juvenile court…” A student who does not follow orders of parents or guardians can be placed under the control of the court.
Section 601. Welfare and Institutions Code: (b)“If a minor has four or more truancies within one school year as, or a school attendance review board or probation officer determines that the available public and private services are insufficient or inappropriate to correct the habitual truancy of the minor, or to correct the minor’s persistent or habitual refusal to obey the reasonable and proper orders or directions of school authorities, or if the minor fails to respond to directives of a school attendance review board or probation officer or to services provided, the minor then within the jurisdiction of the juvenile court which may adjudge the minor to be a ward of the court.

Rev. 06/2017

C 2.0 Accommodations for Student Religious Practices

Rights and Responsibilities Policy C. 2.0

Policy: Accommodations for Student Religious Practices

In accordance with Green Dot policy against discrimination and the Establishment Clause of the U.S. Constitution, students are entitled to excused absences for the observance of religious holidays provided that they adhere to the school’s Attendance Notification Procedures and to the extent the accommodation does not place undue burden on the school. Additionally, a student may be entitled for excused absences for participation in religious instruction or exercises provided, again, they adhere to the school’s Attendance Notification procedures. A student may be granted an “Excused Absence” for religious observance for no more than three (3) days per semester, and/or five (5) days total per school year. Students that are absent are responsible for making up any missed assignments. A student may be granted an “Excused Absence” for participation in religious instruction or exercises for no more than four (4) school days per month. Students that are absent are responsible for making up any missed assignments.

If any additional accommodations are required, a student’s parent or guardian must submit a written request to the Principal. The request must state: (a) the specific accommodation requested; (b) why the accommodation is needed and (c) the time and duration of accommodation. To the extent possible, students should fulfill their religious obligations during lunch or free periods. If a student must fulfill a religious obligation during class time, the Green Dot Principal should grant an excused absence for a limited, defined time. Students who are excused from class for religious needs must have an opportunity to make up any work, assignment or test missed as a result of their absence.

Rev. 06/2018

Student Conduct and Behavior

C 3.0 Discipline

Can be localized - see Section G: Localized Policies

Rights and Responsibilities Policy C. 3.0

- - - Policy: Discipline

Green Dot has a progressive discipline plan (“Discipline Plan”) in place at each of its schools. The Discipline Plan is published at the beginning of each school year in this Student Policy Manual. Parents and students who do not sign this Student Policy Manual are not relieved of any obligation to adhere to the Discipline Plan. The Discipline Plan includes day-to-day discipline including, but not limited to, warnings, in-school detentions, parent-teacher communication, behavior contracts, counseling referrals, written assignments or reflections, in-school suspensions, Saturday school, campus community service, disciplinary probation, and guidelines for suspension and expulsion.

No student shall be involuntarily removed (i.e., disenrolled, dismissed, transferred, or terminated) from school for any reason unless the parent or guardian of the student has been provided written notice of intent to remove the student no less than five schooldays before the effective date of the action. The written notice shall be in the native language of the pupil or the pupil’s parent or guardian or, if the pupil is a foster child or youth or a homeless child or youth, the pupil’s educational rights holder, and shall inform him or her of the right to initiate the DRP hearing procedures specified in this Policy C. 3.0 before the effective date of the action. If the student’s parent, guardian, or educational rights holder initiates the specified DRP hearing procedures, the student shall remain enrolled and shall not be removed until the DRP issues a final decision, subject to any appropriate interim placement while the DRP proceedings are pending.

See Policy G. 5.0 for the school’s consequence matrix.

Progression of Disciplinary Procedures

Teacher Detention

Teachers are responsible for the day-to-day discipline in their classrooms to meet students’ individual needs to ensure that learning can take place. Any teacher may also assign a Teacher Detention to a student for minor classroom misconduct (e.g., chewing gum, passing notes, making inappropriate noises, or minor inappropriate conflicts with others). Disciplinary options available to the teachers as a Teacher Detention include: warnings, in-school detentions, parent-teacher communication, behavior contracts, counseling referrals, written assignments or reflections, and discipline referral to the Principal. Repeated minor violations, or serious violations (i.e., any violation listed under Suspension/Expulsion Matrix below), will be referred to the Principal.

Administrative Detention

Administrative Detentions are typically held after school. After a student is issued an Administrative Detention, the student’s parent/guardian will be notified by telephone by the Principal or designee. This detention is served after school and will consist of an activity (e.g., writing an assignment, sitting quietly in a classroom, or assisting with cleaning of the campus) that appropriately corresponds to the student’s misconduct that led to the Administrative Detention. No activity such as listening to music or sleeping is permitted. School events, activities or athletics are not valid reasons for missing an Administrative Detention.

Suspension

Suspension is intended to remove the student from peers and the class environment to provide the student time to reflect on his or her behavior and a possible pattern of behavior that will be more positive, as well as to ensure the school environment is safe and free from disruption upon the student’s return.

A student may only be suspended for misconduct that is related to a school activity occurring within a school under the jurisdiction of the Principal or occurring related to any other school district. The misconduct may occur at any time, including, but not limited to: 1) while on school grounds; 2) while going to or coming from school; 3) during the lunch period whether on or off the campus; or 4) during or while going to or coming from a school-sponsored activity.

A student serving on campus suspension reports to school at the regular time in full uniform. Each teacher will give the student written assignments that he or she must complete under the direct supervision of the Principal or designee. The student will not attend any classes or school-scheduled breaks (e.g., nutrition, recess, or lunch). The student will eat lunch in an assigned room.

Whether suspension occurs in or out of school, the maximum number of consecutive school days a student may be suspended five school days, unless the suspension is extended pending an expulsion hearing with Green Dot’s Discipline Review Panel (“DRP”). Students shall be provided assignments for completion during an out-of-school suspension and are afforded the opportunity to complete work upon returning to school should it be unavailable at the time of, or during, the suspension.

The maximum number of total school days in a school year a student may be suspended is 20 school days, unless a suspension has been extended pending an expulsion hearing. For students on suspension pending an expulsion hearing, the school will work directly with parents/guardians to facilitate the pick-up and delivery of academic work for each course through the school’s main office. The student’s school work may be picked up by parents/guardians and/or delivered by the school on a daily basis, but this should occur at least once per week. Home schooling or the facilitation of an instructor to the student’s home for a designated amount of time per week will be utilized for students on an as-needed basis. School administration will arrange for students to take exams, both teacher-administered and state tests, in the school’s main office under appropriate supervision as needed.

Suspensions shall be initiated according to the following procedures:

Conference

Suspension shall be preceded by a conference conducted by the Principal or designee with the student and his or her parent and, whenever practical, the teacher, supervisor, or school employee who referred the student to the Principal or designee. If a student is suspended without this conference, both the parent/guardian and student shall be notified of the student’s right to return to school for the purpose of a conference.

The conference may be omitted if the Principal or designee determines that an emergency situation exists. An “emergency situation” involves a clear and present danger to the lives, safety, or health of students or school personnel.

At the conference, the student shall be informed of the reason for the disciplinary action and the evidence against him or her. The student shall be given the opportunity to present his or her version and evidence in his or her defense. This conference shall be held within two school days of the date that the school received knowledge of the suspendable offense, unless the student’s parent/guardian waives this right or is physically unable to attend for any reason including, but not limited to, incarceration or hospitalization. No penalties may be imposed on a student for failure of the student’s parent/guardian to attend a conference with school officials. Reinstatement of the suspended student shall not be contingent upon attendance by the student’s parent/guardian at the conference.

Student Discipline Review Board

The school’s Discipline Review Board (“DRB”) is an advisory committee to the Principal or designee on student discipline-related issues. The DRB is comprised of at least one administrator (Principal or Assistant Principal) and at least three teachers, and may also include a classified employee, counselor, or dean of students. The DRB will not include more than seven members.

The DRB convenes for a conference when a student allegedly commits a serious violation of the school’s discipline code (i.e., Categories I and II in the Matrix for Suspension/Expulsion Recommendations above) or when the student has broken the terms of an applicable individualized contract. The DRB conference should be scheduled when the suspension is issued. While it is important that all evidence is collected in advance, the DRB conference must occur before the student returns to school at or near the end of the suspension period.

The Principal or designee is the facilitator and a non-voting member during any DRB conference. The Principal or designee shall make available language translation and other necessary accommodations for students and parents as needed. All other DRB members participate in any DRB conference by reviewing evidence, asking pertinent questions, discussing interventions, and voting to recommend to the Principal or designee any next steps. It is the responsibility of the Principal or designee to have available all pertinent materials for each DRB conference. The DRB may vote to recommend to the Principal or designee disciplinary action, terms of probation, suspension duration, and/or expulsion.

At the DRB conference, a determination will also be made by the Principal or designee regarding whether the student’s suspension should be extended pending a DRP hearing. This determination should consider whether the student’s presence will be disruptive to the education process or the student poses a threat or danger to others.

Academic Dishonesty and Gang Affiliation

The DRB may also recommend to the Principal or designee whether academic dishonesty (e.g., cheating, deceit, and unethical behavior with regard to any student’s academic achievement) or involvement in gang activity warrants disciplinary probation, suspension, or expulsion. The following guidelines should guide a recommendation and decision for appropriate interventions and consequences for students involved in gang activity:

where involvement in gang activity is the cause of a serious violation of the student code of conduct, expulsion should be recommended; and
where involvement in gang activity is identified, but not an immediate threat to school/campus safety, disciplinary probation with a gang intervention plan should be recommended.

§ Expulsion – Dismissal from School

A student may be expelled from the school for any of the violations listed above in the Matrix for Suspension/Expulsion Recommendations upon recommendation by the Principal pursuant to the DRB conference and after a DRP hearing.

It is a federal mandate (pursuant to the Gun-Free Schools Act of 1994) that a school expel, for a period of not less than one year (except on a case-by-case basis), any student who is determined to have brought a firearm to school. The following violations shall result in an immediate suspension and a recommendation for expulsion:

· brandishing a knife at another person;

possessing, selling, or otherwise furnishing a firearm (not applicable to an act of possessing a firearm if the student had obtained prior written permission to possess the firearm from a certificated school employee, which is concurred in by the Principal or the designee);
possession of an explosive (as defined in Section 921 of Title 18 of the U.S. Code);
unlawfully selling a controlled substance listed in Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 11053) of
Division 10 of the California Health and Safety Code, including providing or selling narcotics of any kind (immediate expulsion);
committing or attempting to commit a sexual assault, or committing a sexual battery, as defined in subdivision (n) of Section 48900 of the California Education Code; and
possession of an explosive.

A student may only be expelled for misconduct that is related to a school activity occurring within a school under the jurisdiction of the Principal or occurring related to any other school district. The misconduct may occur at any time, including, but not limited to: 1) while on school grounds; 2) while going to or coming from school; 3) during the lunch period whether on or off the campus; or 4) during or while going to or coming from a school-sponsored activity.

Authority to Expel

A student may be expelled by the DRP following a DRP hearing. The DRP will consist of the following members:

Chief Academic Officer, Vice President of Schools, or designee;
two administrators from a campus not bringing forth the expulsion; and
two teachers or counselors from a campus not bringing forth the expulsion.

Expulsion Procedures

Students recommended for expulsion are entitled to a hearing to determine whether the student should be expelled within 30 school days after the Principal’s or designee’s expulsion recommendation, unless postponed for good cause.

The DRP hearing shall be held in closed session (complying with all student confidentiality rules under the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (“FERPA”)), unless the student requests a public hearing, in writing, at least three days prior to the DRP hearing.

Written notice of the DRP hearing shall be mailed by the Principal or designee to the student and the student’s parent/guardian at least seven calendar days before the DRP hearing. This notice shall include student identification information, a description of the offense, the applicable expulsions provision(s), the student’s rights for due process, a description of the DRP hearing proceedings, the right to request representation, the right for the meeting to be held in public session, the right to inspect and obtain all copies of documentation, the date and time of the DRP hearing, and the right to request a postponement. Upon mailing this notice, it shall be deemed served upon the student.

A Green Dot Area Superintendent, Vice President of Schools, Vice President of Curriculum and Programs, or designee shall be the facilitator of the DRP hearing. The DRP shall make available language translation and other necessary accommodations for students and parents as needed. A record of the hearing shall be made and may be maintained by any means, including electronic recording, as long as a reasonably accurate and complete written transcription of the proceedings can be made.

In a hearing in which a pupil is alleged to have committed or attempted to commit a sexual assault or to have committed a sexual battery, a complaining witness shall be given five days’ notice before being called to testify, and shall be entitled to have up to two adult support persons, including, but not limited to, a parent, guardian, or legal counsel, present during his or her testimony. Before a complaining witness testifies, support persons shall be admonished that the hearing is confidential. These requirements shall not preclude the person presiding over an expulsion hearing from removing a support person whom the presiding person finds is disrupting the hearing. Further, in a hearing in which a pupil is alleged to have committed or attempted to commit a sexual assault or to have committed a sexual battery, evidence of specific instances of a complaining witness’ prior sexual conduct is to be presumed inadmissible and shall not be heard absent a determination by the person conducting the hearing that extraordinary circumstances exist requiring the evidence to be heard. Reputation or opinion evidence regarding the sexual behavior of the complaining witness is not admissible for any purpose.

Within ten school days after the DRP hearing, the DRP’s facilitator shall provide the student/parent/guardian/representative with the DRP’s Findings of Fact, which will include a description of the outcome of the DRP hearing. If the DRP recommends against expulsion, the student will be reinstated immediately and permitted to return to an instructional program. If the DRP confirms the Principal’s or designee’s recommendation for expulsion, the Findings of Fact will include an expulsion order, a rehabilitation plan, and any other recommendations the DRP deems appropriate. The expulsion order shall include a description of readmission procedures for the student.

Appeal Right

Students/parents/guardians have the right to appeal suspensions and expulsions. To appeal a suspension or an expulsion, the student/parent/guardian must submit a written appeal to Green Dot’s Chief Academic Officer outlining the reason for appeal, attaching any supporting documentation, within 30 calendar days from the date of suspension or, in the event of an expulsion, within 30 calendar days from the date of the issuance of the Findings of Fact. Appeals must be submitted to:

Green Dot Public Schools California

ATTN: Chief Academic Officer

1149 S. Hill St., Ste. 600

Los Angeles, CA 90015

If requested, an expulsion appeal meeting will be held with Green Dot’s Chief Academic Officer and the student/parent/guardian/representative. The Chief Academic Officer will review the supporting documentation attached to the written appeal and hear the basis for the appeal from the student/parent/guardian/representative. A decision will be made on the appeal based on a review of all evidence and the Findings of Fact within ten calendar days from the date of the expulsion appeal meeting, unless an extension is mutually agreed upon between the student/parent/guardian/representative and the Chief Academic Officer.

If the Chief Academic Officer denies the appeal, the student/parent/guardian/representative may submit an appeal to Green Dot’s Board of Directors within ten calendar days of the denied appeal. An appeal hearing will be scheduled to be heard by the Board of Directors’ Discipline Appeal Committee (“DAC”), in closed session, within 30 calendar days of receipt of the appeal to the Board. The scope of the DAC’s review shall be limited to whether:

the DRP acted without or in excess of its jurisdiction;
there was a fair hearing;
there was a prejudicial abuse of discretion in the hearing; and
there is relevant and material evidence, which, in the exercise of reasonable diligence, could not have been produced or was improperly excluded at the DRP hearing.

Future Placement

If the student is expelled, Green Dot will assist parents in finding a new placement for the student, including advising parents to call the local district’s student discipline office, if they want their child to attend the local district school or to work with the Los Angeles County Office of Education for an alternative school placement.

Rehabilitation Plans

Students who are expelled from the school shall be given a rehabilitation plan upon expulsion as developed by the DRP at the time of the expulsion order, which may include, but is not limited to, periodic review as well as assessment at the time of review for readmission. The rehabilitation plan should include a date not later than one year from the date of expulsion when the student may reapply to the school for readmission. The rehabilitation plan also should require a student to maintain satisfactory attendance, enrollment in a school setting, make academic progress, and not return to the school campus from which they were expelled. Depending on the expellable offense, the rehabilitation plan may also recommend that the student receive counseling.

Readmission

Upon a request from a student’s parent/guardian, or a student who holds his or her own educational rights, the decision to readmit a student or to admit a previously expelled student form another school district or charter school shall be made by the DRP. The DRP will determine, within a reasonable timeframe, whether the student successfully completed the rehabilitation plan and determine whether the student poses a threat to others or will be disruptive to the school environment. The student's readmission is also contingent upon the capacity of the school at the time the student seeks readmission.

Upon a determination by the DRP that the student successfully completed the rehabilitation plan, and determined that the student does not pose a threat to others and will not be disruptive to the school environment, the school shall readmit the student.

Disabled Students

In the case of a student who has an IEP, or a student who has a 504 Plan, the school will ensure that it follows the correct disciplinary procedures to comply with the mandates of state and federal laws, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

Rev. 06/2019

C 4.0 Due Process

Rights and Responsibility Policy C. 4.0

Policy: Due Process

The school shall provide due process for all students, including adequate and timely notice to parents/guardians and students of the grounds for all suspension and expulsion recommendations and decisions and their due process rights regarding suspension and expulsion, including rights of appeal. A student or the student’s parents/guardians may appeal those disciplinary actions imposed upon a student for school related offenses.

Appeals must be made first in writing at the school level, and should be directed to the Principal within ten (10) school days. The Principal or Principal’s designee will attempt to resolve the appeal with a written response within ten (10) school days.
After appeal at the school level, if further appeal is desired, the appeal should be made to the Green Dot Public Schools Home Office and should be directed to the Area Superintendent for resolution with a written response within fifteen (15) school days.
After appeal at the Green Dot Public School administrative level, if further review is desired, the appeal may be forwarded to the Chief Academic Officer for resolution with a written response within twenty (20) school days.

If any appeal is denied, the parent may place a written rebuttal to the action in the student’s file.

Rev. 06/2018

C 5.0 Personal Property

Can be localized - see Section G: Localized Policies

Rights and Responsibilities Policy C. 5.0

Items Prohibited on Campus

Certain items are not allowed at Green Dot because they interfere with, and/or distract from, instruction and the learning environment. If brought to campus, they will be confiscated. All confiscated items will be kept until the end of the school day and returned to the student, when appropriate, at the end of the school day. Unless for an approved academic purpose, these items include, but are not limited to:

audio devices (e.g., radios, cassette, CD, or MP3 players, iPods);
dolls or stuffed animals;
laser pointers;
permanent markers;
electronic games;
still or video cameras;
balloons;
toy weapons;
lighters;
stink bombs;
gang paraphernalia;
explicit material;
tear gas (e.g., pepper spray)
ammunition; and
any item listed in the “Matrix for Suspension/Expulsion Recommendations” (see Green Dot
Policy C. 3.0, Discipline).

Cell Phones

Cell phones (including smartphones, walkie-talkies, pagers, or any electronic signaling device) must remain turned off and out of sight (i.e., in a student’s backpack and not in pants/shorts pockets) during school hours at the schoolsite or while under the school’s supervision and control, but may be used before and after school. If a student violates such policy:

First Occurrence à Device will be returned to the student at the end of the school day.
Repeated Occurrences à Device will be returned to the student at the end of the school day. Parents will be called and notified, and/or school-level consequence assigned.

However, a student shall not be considered in violation of the above policy under any of the following circumstances:

in the case of an emergency, or in response to a perceived threat of danger; or
when the school’s teacher or administrator grants permission to the student to possess or use a cell phone, subject to any reasonable limitation imposed by that teacher or administrator; or
when a licensed physician and surgeon determines that the possession or use of a cell phone is necessary for the health or well-being of the student; or
when the possession or use of a cell phone is required in a student’s individualized education program.

Lost, Stolen, Or Damaged Items

Green Dot is not responsible for any loss or damage to personal items. Students are responsible for any personal items they bring to school and must watch their belongings carefully.

Skateboards and Bicycles

During school hours, students must store skateboards and bicycles in a storage area designated by the school. Students may not ride their skateboards or bicycles during the school day or on school grounds. Students who do not adhere to these conditions will have their skateboards or bicycles confiscated and returned to the student, when appropriate, at the end of the school day.

Lost and Found

Items that have been found at school should be returned to the office. Students who have lost an item at school may come to the office before school, during break, or after school to check the Lost and Found. Items in the Lost and Found will be discarded on a regular basis.

Rev. 06/2021

C 6.0 Uniform Requirements

Can be localized - see Section G: Localized Policies

Rights and Responsibilities Policy C. 6.0

Green Dot’s uniform requirements are maintained and enforced to provide students with a safe and collegial environment aligned to Green Dot’s mission. Although each Green Dot school may modify school colors as needed for school safety, students must adhere to the requirements below at all times.

A student has the right to dress in a manner consistent with the student's gender identity, subject to any dress code adopted on a school site.

Belts. If a belt is worn, only tan, brown, or black, a standard width, and properly worn at waist level. Belts may be webbed, braided or leather. Belts and belt buckles must not have logos, studs, chains, writings, or initials.

Footwear. Only closed-toes dress shoes or tennis shoes. No slippers or sandals.

Headwear. No hats, bandanas, sweatbands, or visors are allowed. Students may wear ribbons, rubber bands, barrettes, or headbands.

Jackets/Coats/Sweatshirts. Must be all black without writing, initials, emblems, or logos of any kind except the school name. Logos bearing the school name are available for free for all students upon request in the school office. Students may not wear hoods in class.

Pants/Shorts. Only trouser-style khaki pants/shorts. Sweatpants are not allowed. Trousers must be at least ankle length but not touching the ground. It is not permissible to cut the leg seam. Shorts must reach the top of the knee in length. Pants/shorts must be worn at waist level and not at the hip.

Shirts. Only collared shirts, preferably polo-style are to be worn. The only approved logo or name is the school name. Logos bearing the school name are available for free for all students upon request in the school office. Shirts must be tucked in at all times during school hours. When both hands are raised, the shirt must be long enough to remain tucked. All undershirts must be white, grey, or black, and must be worn under the shirt.

Skirts/Skorts. Skirts/skorts must be khaki style, an appropriately fitted size, and fall just above the student’s kneecaps.

Tights/Leggings. Only solid white or beige may be worn under skirts of the appropriate length.

Sweaters. Only V-neck pullover, crew-neck pullover, or cardigan in solid black. All sweaters must be worn over a uniform shirt.

Uniform Violation

Violations of the above Uniform Requirements must not result in suspension. Green Dot recommends that its schools follow these steps as needed:

Meet with the student to understand the challenges and provide a loaner uniform, if available;
Communicate with parents; then
Follow up with student for additional support as needed and provide a restorative intervention

Rev. 06/2021

C 7.0 Acceptable Use of Technology

Rights and Responsibilities Policy C. 7.0

Policy: Acceptable Use of Technology

This policy is for the management and usage of computer resources owned and operated by Green Dot Public Schools (“School”). The policy indicates what privileges and responsibilities are characteristic of acceptable computer usage. Violators of computer resources use policies will lose computer access privileges. Families will be held financially responsible for the loss of or damage to school computers.

Educational Purpose

Use of Green Dot equipment and access to the Internet via Green Dot equipment and resource networks is intended to serve and pursue educational goals and purposes. Student use of the Internet is therefore limited to only those activities that further or enhance the delivery of education. Students and staff have a duty to use School resources only in a manner specified in the Policy.
“Educational purpose” means classroom activities, research in academic subjects, career or professional development activities, Green Dot approved personal research activities, or other purposes as defined by the School from time to time.
“Inappropriate use” means a use that is inconsistent with an educational purpose or that is in clear violation of this policy and the Acceptable Use Agreement.

Notice and Use

Green Dot shall notify students and parents/guardians about authorized uses of school computers, user obligations and responsibilities, and consequences for unauthorized use and/or unlawful activities.

Before a student is authorized to use Green Dot’s technological resources, the student and their parent/guardian shall sign and return the Acceptable Use Agreement in this Manual specifying user obligations and responsibilities. In that agreement, the student and their parent/guardian shall agree not to hold Green Dot or any Green Dot staff responsible for the failure of any technology protection measures, violations of copyright restrictions, or user mistakes or negligence. They shall also agree to indemnify and hold harmless Green Dot and Green Dot personnel for any damages or costs incurred.

Safety

Guiding Principles for Responsible Computer Usage

Concerning Internet Usage

Reasonable precautions are established to prevent access to pornography, "hate groups," and other non-educational Internet sites. Such precautions include, but are not limited to, an Internet firewall system, which scans and limits access to Internet sites, a monitor scanning software allowing the instructor to view each student monitor from the instructor's monitor and instantly blank, lock, or deactivate the student's system. Any student intentionally attempting to or bypassing these precautions will be denied computer access. The discipline board or school officials will determine other administrative disciplinary actions. The student and their parents accept responsibility for the student's online actions. All other disciplinary policies of the School apply to the use of technological resources.

Concerning General Usage

The School will report suspected criminal activity to law enforcement authorities. Criminal activity includes, but is not limited to: defamation; obscenity; discrimination; violation of copyrights, trademark and/or licenses; and/or violation of other rights arising under the law. The School also reserves the right to discipline students for violations of this policy, up to and including suspension and expulsion.

Students are encouraged to remove any "personal" information stored on the School’s computers. Generally, the School will delete information left on computers/networks to better facilitate the use of computers for legitimate School purposes, and the School shall not be liable for any damages resulting from the deletion of personal files or personal electronic information stored on School computers.

Protection Measures

While Green Dot is able to exercise reasonable control over content created and purchased by Green Dot, it has limited control over content accessed via the internet and no filtering system is 100% effective. Neither Green Dot nor its staff shall be responsible for the failure of any technology protection measures, violations of copyright restrictions, or user mistakes or negligence. The student and parent agree not to hold Green Dot or any Green Dot staff responsible for the failure of any technology protection measure, violations of copyright restrictions, or user mistakes or negligence. They also agree to indemnify and hold harmless Green Dot and its personnel for any damages or costs incurred.

Rev. 06/2021

C 8.0 Agency and Police Interrogation

Rights and Responsibility Policy C. 8.0

Policy: Agency and Police Interrogation

Protection of student rights shall be balanced with Green Dot Public Schools’ responsibility to cooperate with local police and agency officials in the investigation of unlawful activities. Inherent in the process of cooperation is recognition of the function of the schools and respect for the civil and constitutional rights of students.

In matters involving threats to the safety of the students or staff, law enforcement officers specifically summoned by administrators or asked to remain on school premises by administrators are authorized to act as agents of the school, unless such authority is explicitly and specifically withdrawn. When acting on behalf of Green Dot, the officers will have the full scope of authority in dealing with students that the Principal would have in such situations.

Security officers and police officers whose regular duties involve working on the school campus shall have the authority set forth in the preceding paragraph.

When any law enforcement officer requests an interview with a student, the principal or designee shall request the officer's identity, their official capacity, and the legal authority under which the interview is to be conducted. The principal or designee shall require the officer to complete the form entitled “Investigations Conducted on [SCHOOL] Premises” prior to any such interview. The principal or designee shall maintain a record of all documentation relative to law enforcement interviews of students. The principal or designee shall accommodate the interview in a way that causes the least possible disruption for the student and school and provides the student appropriate privacy. At the law enforcement officer's discretion and with the student's approval, the principal or designee may be present during the interview.

When appropriate, school personnel will attempt to call parents/guardians to notify them in advance of law enforcement’s request to interview their student.

Except in cases of child abuse or neglect, the principal or designee shall attempt to notify the student's parent/guardian as soon as practicable after the law enforcement officer has interviewed the student on school premises. If a minor student is removed from school into the custody of law enforcement, the principal or designee shall attempt to notify the student’s parent/guardian or responsible relative regarding the student's release and the place to which they are reportedly being taken, except when the minor has been taken into custody as a victim of suspected child abuse, consistent with the law.

Although subpoenas may legally be served at school on students age 12 or older, Green Dot believes that serving officials should be strongly urged to serve subpoenas at the home of the student whenever possible. When served at school, the principal or designee shall take reasonable steps to protect the student's privacy rights and to minimize loss of class time for the student.

If access is required to detain/arrest a student, the principal or designee should be informed. If a student is detained, all reasonable efforts shall be made to remove the student from class or other public area and away from other students in the public prior to such detention.

Victim Interviews by Social Services

Whenever a representative from the Department of Social Services or another government agency investigating suspected child abuse or neglect deems it necessary, a suspected victim may be interviewed during school hours, on school premises, concerning a report of suspected child abuse or neglect that occurred within the child's home or out-of-home care facility. The child shall be given the choice of being interviewed in private or in the presence of any adult school employee or volunteer aide selected by the child.

A staff member selected by a child may decline to be present at the interview. If the selected person accepts, the principal or designee shall inform him/her of the following requirements:

The purpose of the selected person's presence at the interview is to lend support to the child and enable him/her to be as comfortable as possible.
The selected person shall not participate in the interview.
The selected person shall not discuss the facts or circumstances of the case with the child.
The selected person is subject to the confidentiality requirements of the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act, a violation of which is punishable as specified in California Penal Code section 11167.5.

If a staff member agrees to be present, the interview shall be held at a time during school hours when it does not involve an expense to the school.

Rev. 06/2021

C 9.0 Search and Seizure

Rights and Responsibilities Policy C. 9.0

Policy: Search and Seizure

Green Dot Public Schools recognizes its responsibility to maintain order and security within its schools and during school-related activities. Accordingly, administrators or their designees are authorized to conduct searches of students and their personal effects, as well as the property of the school, in accordance with this policy.

Students and Their Personal Effects

Administrators or their designees may search a student and/or the student’s personal effects (e.g., purses, wallets, knapsacks, book bags, lunch boxes, etc.) when there are reasonable grounds for suspecting that the search will produce evidence that the student has violated or is violating either the law or the rules of the school. In addition, the reasonable grounds must be accompanied by particularized suspicion with respect to the individual to be searched. The search itself must be conducted in a manner which is reasonably related to the objectives of the search and not excessively intrusive in light of the age and sex of the student and the nature of the infraction. When feasible, the search should be conducted as follows:

Outside the view of others, including students
In the presence of the Principal, a school administrator, or the Principal’s designee
By a certified employee or administrator of the same sex

Immediately following the search of a student, documentation shall be made by the school authority who conducted the search indicating whether or not improper items were found. The parents/guardians of a student searched in accordance with this policy shall be notified of the search as soon as possible.

Green Dot Pubic Schools reserves the right to use canine services to proactively ensure a safe academic environment.

Green Dot may conduct a random metal detector weapon search at its schools if:

(1) Green Dot determines that a substantial need exists to keep weapons off campus based upon demonstrable data or if Green Dot’s Chief Executive Officer determines that an emergency situation exists that warrants a random metal detector search at Green Dot’s schools;

(2) no system of more suspicion-intense searches are workable;

(3) the searches are minimally intrusive in that students are not touched and are only required to open pockets or jackets if they trigger the metal detector (if clothes are extremely baggy, the clothes may be touched such that the wand is about 3-4 inches away from the student’s person);

(4) the persons searched are selected on neutral criteria; and

(5) parents and students are given prior notice of the practice.

School Property

Green Dot Public Schools authorities may inspect and search school property and equipment owned or controlled by Green Dot (such as, lockers, desks and parking lots), without notice to or the consent of the student. Students have no reasonable expectation of privacy in these places or areas.

Seizure of Property

If a search conducted in accordance with this policy produces evidence that the student has violated or is violating either the law or the school’s rules, such evidence may be seized and impounded by administrators, and disciplinary action may be taken. When appropriate, such evidence may be transferred to law enforcement authorities.

Implementation of Policy

Green Dot Public Schools campus administrators may develop rules and regulations to further implement this policy.

Rev. 06/2021

C 10.0 Harassment and Bullying

Rights and Responsibility Policy C. 10.0

Green Dot Public Schools is committed to providing a learning environment that is free from discrimination, sexual harassment, harassment, intimidation, or bullying of any kind, in compliance with applicable law, including, but not limited to, California Education Code Section 234.4. Harassment, sexual harassment, discrimination, intimidation, or bullying of any student by another student, employee, or teacher is prohibited. The school will treat allegations of harassment seriously and will review and investigate such allegations in a prompt, confidential and thorough manner. This policy is inclusive of instances that occur on any area of the school campus, at school-sponsored events and activities, regardless of location, through school-owned technology, and through other electronic means.

As used in this policy, discrimination, sexual harassment, harassment, intimidation, and bullying are described as the intentional conduct, including verbal, physical, written communication or cyber-bullying, including cyber sexual bullying, based on the actual or perceived characteristics of disability, pregnancy, gender, gender identity, gender expression, nationality, ancestry, race or ethnicity, religion, religious affiliation , sexual orientation, childbirth or related medical conditions, marital status, age, or association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics or any other basis protected by federal, state, local law, ordinance or regulation. In addition, bullying encompasses any conduct described in the definitions set forth in this Policy. Hereafter, such actions are referred to as “misconduct prohibited by this Policy.”

To the extent possible, Green Dot will make reasonable efforts to prevent students from being discriminated against, harassed, intimidated, and/or bullied, and will take action to investigate, respond, address and report on such behaviors in a timely manner. Green Dot school staff that witness acts of misconduct prohibited by this Policy will take immediate steps to intervene when safe to do so.

Moreover, Green Dot will not condone or tolerate misconduct prohibited by this Policy by any employee, independent contractor or other person with which Green Dot does business, or any other individual, student, or volunteer. This policy applies to all employee, student, or volunteer actions and relationships, regardless of position or gender. Green Dot will promptly and thoroughly investigate any complaint of such misconduct prohibited by this Policy and take appropriate corrective action, if warranted.

A charge of harassment or bullying shall not, in itself, create the presumption of wrongdoing. However, substantiated acts of harassment or bullying will result in disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal. Students found to have filed false or frivolous charges will also be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal.

A school principal or designee may refer a victim of, witness to, or other pupil affected by, an act of bullying to the school counselor, school psychologist, social worker, child welfare attendance personnel, school nurse, or other school support service personnel for case management, counseling, and participation in a restorative justice program, as appropriate.

Title IX, Harassment, Intimidation, Discrimination and Bullying Coordinator (“Coordinator”):

Cynthia Ybarra

Principal

4360 Dozier Street
Los Angeles, CA 90022

323-565-3245

Definitions

Harassment

Harassment occurs when an individual is subjected to treatment or a school environment that is hostile or intimidating because of the individual’s race, creed, color, national origin, physical disability, or sex. Harassment can occur any time during school hours or during school related activities. It includes, but is not limited to, any or all of the following:

Bullying

Any severe or pervasive physical or verbal act or conduct, including communications made in writing or by means of an electronic act, that involves an imbalance of real or perceived physical or psychological power among those involved. Bullying includes one or more acts committed by a student group or group of students that may constitute as sexual harassment, hate violence, or creates an intimidating and/or hostile educational environment, directed toward one or more students that has or can be reasonably predicted to have the effect of one or more of the following:

Placing a reasonable pupil* or pupils in fear of harm to that pupil’s or those pupils’ person or property.
Causing a reasonable pupil to experience a substantially detrimental effect on his or her physical or mental health.
Causing a reasonable pupil to experience a substantial interference with his or her academic performance.

Causing a reasonable pupil to experience a substantial interference with his or her ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities, or privileges provided Green Dot.

*“Reasonable pupil” is defined as a pupil, including, but not limited to, an exceptional needs pupil, who exercises care, skill and judgment in conduct for a person of his or her age, or for a person of his or her age with his or her exceptional needs.

Cyberbullying is an electronic act that includes the transmission of harassing communication, direct threats, or other harmful texts, sounds, or images on the Internet, social media, or other technologies using a telephone, computer, or any wireless communication device. Cyberbullying also includes breaking into another person’s electronic account and assuming that person’s identity in order to damage that person’s reputation.

Electronic act means the creation and transmission originated on or off the school site, by means of an electronic device, including, but not limited to, a telephone, wireless telephone, or other wireless communication device, computer, or pager, of a communication, including, but not limited to, any of the following:

Verbal Harassment

Harassment can include verbal conduct such as epithets, derogatory jokes, comments, or slurs. Any written or verbal language or physical gesture directed at a teacher or a student that is insolent, demeaning, abusive or implicitly or explicitly implies a threat of bodily harm is totally unacceptable and shall be deemed harassment and will be dealt with as such.

Physical Harassment

Unwanted physical touching, contact, assault deliberately impeding or blocking movements, or any intimidating interference with normal work or movement, on the basis of any of the protected classes described above.

Visual Harassment

Derogatory, demeaning, or inflammatory posters, cartoons, written words, drawings or gestures.

Sexual Harassment

Title IX (20 U.S.C. § 1681 et. seq; 34 C.F.R. § 106.1 et. seq) and California state law prohibit harassment on the basis of sex. In accordance with these existing laws, discrimination on the basis of sex in education institutions is prohibited. All persons, regardless of sex, are afforded equal rights and opportunities and freedom from unlawful discrimination in education programs or activities conducted by Green Dot.

Includes unwelcome sexual advances, request for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when any or all of the following occurs:

Submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of a student’s academic status or progress;
Submission to or rejection of such conduct by a student is used as the basis of academic decisions affecting the individual;
Such conduct has the purpose or effect of having a negative impact on the individual’s academic performance or creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive educational environment; and/or
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.

It is also unlawful to retaliate in any way against an individual who has articulated a good faith concern about sexual harassment against him/her or against another individual.

Harassment also includes retaliation for reporting or threatening to report such harassment. The illustrations of harassment and sexual harassment above are not to be construed as an all-inclusive list of prohibited acts under this Policy.

It is the responsibility of Green Dot to:

Implement this policy through regular meetings with all administrators, ensuring that they understand the policy and its importance
Make all faculty, staff, students, and parents aware of this policy and the commitment of the school toward its strict enforcement
Provide this Sexual Harassment Policy as part of any orientation program conducted for new and continuing students at the beginning of each quarter, semester, or summer session, as applicable.
Remain watchful for conditions that create or may lead to a hostile or offensive school environment
Establish practices designed to create a school environment free from discrimination, intimidation, sexual harassment, or harassment
Designate a Coordinator to whom any employee or student who believes they have been subject to misconduct prohibited by this Policy can immediately report such misconduct.

It is the responsibility of the student to:

Conduct herself/himself in a manner which contributes to a positive school environment
Avoid any activity that may be considered discriminatory, intimidating, or harassing
Consider immediately informing anyone harassing him/her that the behavior is offensive and unwelcome
Report all incidents of discrimination or harassment to the Principal
If informed they are perceived as engaging in discriminatory, intimidating, harassing or unwelcome conduct, to discontinue that conduct immediately

Grievance Procedures:

Reporting

All staff are expected to provide appropriate supervision to enforce standards of conduct and, if they observe or become aware of misconduct prohibited by this Policy, to intervene as soon as it is safe to do so, call for assistance, and report such incidents. The Board requires staff to follow the procedures in this policy for reporting alleged acts of misconduct prohibited by this Policy.

Any student who believes they have been subject to misconduct prohibited by this Policy or has witnessed such prohibited misconduct is encouraged to immediately report such misconduct to the Coordinator:

Cynthia Ybarra

Principal

4360 Dozier Street
Los Angeles, CA 90022

323-565-3245

While submission of a written report is not required, the reporting party is encouraged to submit a written report to the Coordinator. Oral reports shall also be considered official reports. Reports may be made anonymously, but formal disciplinary action cannot be based solely on an anonymous report.

Students are expected to report all incidents of misconduct prohibited by this Policy or other verbal, or physical abuses. Any student who feels she/he is a target of such behavior should immediately contact a teacher, counselor, the Principal, Coordinator, a staff person or a family member so that she/he can get assistance in resolving the issue in a manner that is consistent with this Policy.

Green Dot acknowledges and respects every individual’s right to privacy. All reports shall be investigated in a manner that protects the confidentiality of the parties and the integrity of the process. This includes keeping the identity of the reporter confidential, as appropriate, except to the extent necessary to carry out the investigation and/or to resolve the issue, as determined by the Coordinator or administrative designee on a case-by-case basis.

Green Dot prohibits any form of retaliation against any reporter in the reporting process, including but not limited to a reporter’s filing of a complaint or the reporting of instances of misconduct prohibited by this Policy. Such participation shall not in any way affect the status, grades, or work assignments of the reporter.

Investigation

Upon receipt of a report of misconduct prohibited by this Policy from a student, staff member, parent, volunteer, visitor or affiliate of Green Dot, the Coordinator or administrative designee will promptly initiate an investigation. In most cases, a thorough investigation will take no more than seven (7) school days. If the Coordinator, or administrative designee determines that an investigation will take longer than seven (7) school days, he or she will inform the complainant and any other relevant parties and provide an approximate date when she the investigation will be complete.

At the conclusion of the investigation, the Coordinator or administrative designee will meet with the complainant and, to the extent possible with respect to confidentiality laws, provide the complainant with information about the investigation, including any actions necessary to resolve the incident/situation. However, in no case may the Coordinator or administrative designee reveal confidential information related to other students or employees, including the type and extent of discipline issued against such students or employees.

All records related to any investigation of complaints under this Policy are maintained in a secure location.

Consequences

Students or employees who engage in misconduct prohibited by this Policy will be subject to disciplinary action.

Right of Appeal

Should the reporting individual find the Coordinator’s resolution unsatisfactory, they may follow the Dispute Resolution Process found in this Student Policy Manual (e.g., filing a complaint under the Uniform Complaint Procedures). In addition, when harassment or bullying is based upon one of the protected characteristics set forth in this policy, a complainant may also fill out a complaint form at any time during the process, consistent with the procedures laid out in this Student Policy Manual.

Rev. 06/2020

C 11.0 Academic Integrity

Rights and Responsibilities Policy C. 11.0

Policy: Academic Integrity

Green Dot Public Schools faculty and administration believe in academic integrity, and the principle of the honor code. Students are expected to do their own homework, to test without external resources, and to submit original work for all assignments.

Examples of Academic Integrity Violations include, but are not limited to the following:

Downloading information from the internet and not citing appropriate sources
Unauthorized assistance from a peer on an exam
Using a non-permitted device (calculator or cell phone) on an exam
Copying
Requests to copy from peers to copy their own work

Consequences for Violating Academic Integrity

All test papers, quizzes, or assignments will be taken from the student(s) violating the policy.
A student found cheating may receive, at the discretion of the teacher, a grade of “F” or a zero for the test, quiz, or assignment. This may lower a quarter or semester grade substantially.
The student may be placed on a cheating contract and will remain on the contract until graduation.
Parents will be notified and a parent conference will be arranged if the teacher deems it necessary.
The Principal will be notified.
Repeated violations or a single serious violation may lead to more serious disciplinary actions.

School Jurisdiction & Field Trips

C 12.0 School Jurisdiction

Rights and Responsibilities Policy C. 12.0

Policy: School Jurisdiction

All students are held accountable to all school rules and policies while under the school’s jurisdiction. The school’s jurisdiction includes an act that is related to school activity or school attendance occurring at anytime including but not limited to: a) while on school grounds; b) while going to or coming from school; c) during the lunch period, whether on or off the school campus; d) during, going to, or coming from a school-sponsored activity. :

Transportation Guidelines

Progressive discipline will be used to maintain a safe and orderly school bus. Travel on the school bus is considered part of the school’s jurisdiction. Green Dot Public Schools reserves the right to take away bus privileges from any student for disciplinary or safety reasons.

Rev. 06/2017

C 13.0 Transportation of Students

Rights and Responsibilities Policy C. 13.0

- - - Policy: Transportation of Students

Green Dot is committed to transporting students safely; accordingly, students shall be provided safety instruction regarding school bus safety and emergency procedures. Green Dot’s Transportation Safety Plan is located on its website. Additionally, Green Dot recognizes that, in addition to general busing of students by licensed bus drivers, situations arise that require student transportation by the staff of Green Dot or its family of schools. Such situations include transportation of students for:

Green Dot or school-sponsored field trips, excursions, or other extracurricular activities (e.g., athletic competitions); and
compelling circumstances (e.g., an emergency situation reasonably requiring action to help ensure student safety and/or health).

Without preventative measures, the foregoing situations may expose Green Dot to potential legal liability. Unconventional transportation arrangements (e.g., staff driving students home after an extracurricular activity), or students being left on or near campus without transportation, elevate the risk of liability to Green Dot and its family of schools.

To help avoid such liability, employees of Green Dot or its family of schools shall not transport students in their personal vehicles unless the:

student’s parent has completed the Transportation Permission and Release of Liability Form and returned it to the student’s school of attendance; and

driver has completed the Employee Driver Agreement, which has been approved by an administrator at the employee’s assigned school. (The driver shall follow all instructions delineated in the Employee Driver Agreement to obtain permission to transport a Green Dot student and adhere to all terms contained therein.)

To quickly determine whether a student is permitted to be transported by an employee of Green Dot or its family of schools, and whether a potential driver is authorized to transport a Green Dot student, the completed Transportation Permission and Release of Liability Form, and the Employee Driver Agreement shall be kept on file at the student’s school of attendance and the employee’s assigned school, respectively.

Transportation of Foster Youth

Green Dot shall not be responsible for providing transportation to allow a foster child to attend school, unless required by federal law. Green Dot is not prohibited from providing transportation, at its discretion, to allow a foster child to attend school.

Rev. 06/2017

C 14.0 Field Trips and Student Travel

Rights and Responsibilities Policy C. 14.0

Policy: Field Trips and Student Travel

Green Dot Public Schools recognizes that field trips and student travel are an enriching aspect of a student’s educational experience. These guidelines are developed to ensure the safety of students and adult chaperones during student trips. Green Dot Public Schools is interested in providing student travel that is educational in nature and provides student knowledge and experiences to supplement the school curriculum. Educational trips include but are not limited to visiting museums, businesses, universities, cultural exhibits, nature centers, and government agencies. Student travel should be avoided during the first three weeks and last two weeks of the academic year, the first or last two or any semester, or during exam week.

All student policies, rules and procedures are in effect during the period of student travel. Students are not permitted to travel in private vehicles on field trips.

When a situation arises that poses a threat to the safety or welfare of the student participating in a trip, the school administrator will consult with supervising faculty to determine whether to cancel a trip.

Field Trips

All field trips require administrator approval. The nature, purpose, cost, and timing of the trip should be outlined for approval no later than TWO WEEKS prior to the trip. No arrangements should be made in advance of the Principal’s final approval.

Overnight and Out-of-State Travel

The Principal must approve overnight trips at least ninety (90) days prior to the anticipated travel date. Only the Principal is authorized to approve of or sign contracts with any travel agency.

Sponsoring faculty members are expected to generate and collect waivers and inform staff about participating students. The school administration can remove a student from the scheduled trip at any time prior to departure for academics, excessive absenteeism, behavior violations, and/or health safety concerns. Students shall not be excluded on the basis of a disability.

Overnight student travel requires appropriate supervision consisting of at least one adult chaperone for every seven student travelers. A minimum of two adult chaperones is required regardless of the number of students on the trip. Chaperones should be Green Dot Public School faculty and staff of adults approved by the administration. Chaperones commit to remaining with students to and from the travel designation and throughout the tour.

Parents/guardians of students participating on an overnight trip must be fingerprinted, and attend an informational session to review the objectives of the trip, standards of conduct required, clothing and equipment needs, responsibilities of students, costs for the trip, daily itinerary, and protocols for handling emergencies.

Bus Rules

Remain seated
Wear seatbelts, if they are available
Refrain from unnecessary noise, singing, whistling, loud conversation or boisterous conduct
Keep all parts of the body inside the bus
Be courteous
No eating, drinking, or gum chewing
Do not wear shoes with cleats or spikes
Do not carry hazardous articles or weapons on the bus
All other school rules will be followed on the bus

Rev. 05/15

Complaint & Grievance Procedure

C 15.0 Conflict Resolution

Rights and Responsibility Policy C. 15.0

Policy: Conflict Resolution

The Green Dot Principal is responsible for making decisions that are in the best interest of the school. Occasionally, a student may make a request and/or have an issue or grievance that they believe is not being addressed consistent with the philosophy of the school, its policies and procedures. If this occurs, it is the responsibility of both parties to address the concerns or issues in a constructive dialogue. The grievance process has a maximum of three steps, but resolution may be reached at any step in the process identified.

Step One

The student presents their grievance or issue to staff member with whom they have the conflict. The staff member should address the grievance, attempt to resolve it, and give the student a decision within ten (10) school days.

Step Two

If there is dissatisfaction with the decision or if is not within the scope of the person’s responsibilities to respond, the student should approach the next appropriate supervisor: Counselor or Administrator. Following a review of the concern, the Counselor or Administrator will confer and determine a response to the issue raised. The response is submitted in writing to the student with the explained decision within ten (10) school days.

Step Three

If the response given by the Counselor or Administrator seems unreasonable to the student member, they should then submit a written request for a meeting with the Principal. Following a review of the request and an investigation of the issue, a meeting will be scheduled with involved parties. After considering the contents of the appeal letter, information collected during the investigation, and information clarified during the meeting, a decision will be communicated in writing to all involved parties. If the complaint is about the Principal, the complainant may file his or her complaint in a signed writing to Green Dot’s Chief Academic Officer ([email protected] or 323-565-1600) or designee, who may conduct a fact-finding or authorize a third party investigator on behalf of Green Dot. In a reasonable amount of time, depending on the circumstances, the Chief Academic Officer or designee, or investigator, will report their findings to Green Dot for review and action, if necessary.

Rev. 06/2021

C 16.0 Uniform Complaint Procedures

Rights and Responsibilities Policy C. 16.0

Policy: Uniform Complaint Procedures

Purpose

Green Dot recognizes its responsibility to ensure compliance with applicable state and federal laws and regulations governing Green Dot’s educational programs. Accordingly, Green Dot shall investigate complaints alleging failure to comply with such laws and regulations, or alleging unlawful discrimination, harassment, intimidation, retaliation, or bullying.

Green Dot shall seek to resolve the following types of complaints in accordance with the uniform complaint procedures (“UCP”) set forth herein and pursuant to Title 5 of the California Code of Regulations section 4600 et seq.:

(1) Green Dot shall use the UCP to resolve any complaint alleging unlawful discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and/or bullying against any protected group in Green Dot programs including actual or perceived characteristics of race or ethnicity, color, ancestry, nationality, national origin, ethnic group identification, age, religion, medical condition, marital or parental status, physical disability, mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, or genetic information, or any other characteristic identified in California Education Code sections 200 or 220, California Penal Code section 422.55, or California Government Code section 11135, or based on association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics.

(2) Complaints of violations of state or federal law and regulations governing the following programs including but not limited to: Adult Education Programs, After School Education and Safety Programs, Agricultural Vocational Education Programs, American Indian Education Centers and Early Child Education Program Assessments, Consolidated Categorical Aid Programs, Career Technical and Technical Education and Technical Training Programs, Child Care and Development Programs, courses of study, instructional minutes for physical education, Local Control and Accountability Plans, school safety plans, Foster and Homeless Youth Services, Migrant Education Programs, Every Student Succeeds Act / No Child Left Behind Act (2001) Programs (Titles I-VII), including improving academic achievement, compensatory education, limited English proficiency, and migrant education, Regional Occupational Centers and Programs, State Preschool, Bilingual Education, Economic Impact Aid, and Tobacco-Use Prevention Education.

(3) A complaint may also be filed alleging that a pupil enrolled in a public school was required to pay a pupil fee, as defined in California Education Code Section 49011, for participation in an educational activity.

(4) Complaints of Green Dot’s failure to comply with the requirements governing the Local Control Funding Formula (see California Assembly Bill No. 97 (2013-2014), California Senate Bill No. 91 and California Education Code section 52075) or Sections 47606.5 and 47607.3 of the Education Code, as applicable; or

(5) Complaints of noncompliance with the requirements of Education Code Section 222 regarding the rights of lactating pupils on campus. If the School finds merit in a complaint, or if the Superintendent finds merit in an appeal, the School shall provide a remedy to the affected pupil. (see California Assembly Bill No. 302 (2015-2016) and California Education Code section 222).

Written notice of Green Dot’s UCP shall be disseminated annually to Green Dot employees, students, parents/guardians, appropriate school officials or representatives, school advisory committees, and other interested Green Dot parties. If 15 percent or more of students enrolled in a particular Green Dot school speak a single primary language other than English, Green Dot’s UCP policy, forms, and notices shall be translated into that language. Distribution may be in any form (e.g., employee/parent/student handbook, brochure, newsletter, memoranda) that will reach the school community. Green Dot’s UCP shall also be posted in all Green Dot schools, including staff lounges and student government meeting rooms, and Green Dot’s Home Office. Copies of Green Dot’s UCP shall be available free of charge. LAUSD’s UCP brochure shall be available at Green Dot school sites under its jurisdiction.

Compliance Officers

The compliance officer(s) shall receive and investigate complaints and ensure the school’s compliance with law. Green Dot school Principals serve as a UCP compliance officers.

Cynthia Ybarra

Principal

4360 Dozier Street
Los Angeles, CA 90022

323-565-3245

The Principal or designee shall ensure that employees designated to investigate complaints are knowledgeable about the laws and programs for which they are responsible. Designated employees may have access to legal counsel as determined by the Chief Executive Officer or designee.

Should a complaint be filed against the Principal, the compliance officer for that case shall be the Chief Academic Officer, Annette Gonzalez, [email protected] or 323-565-1600.

Procedures

The following procedures shall be used to address all complaints which allege that the school has violated federal or state laws or regulations governing educational programs. Compliance officers shall maintain a record of each complaint and subsequent related actions. Prior to filing a formal complaint, Green Dot encourages the early, informal resolution of complaints at the school site level whenever possible.

All parties involved in allegations shall be notified when a complaint is filed, when a complaint meeting or hearing is scheduled, and when a decision or ruling is made.

Step 1: Filing a Complaint

Any individual, public agency, or organization may file a written complaint that alleges a violation of federal or state laws or regulations governing Green Dot’s educational programs or unlawful discrimination as identified above. However, a complaint filed on behalf of an individual student may only be filed by that student or that student’s duly authorized representative.

All complaints must be filed within one year from the date of the alleged violation, except for complaints of unlawful discrimination, harassment, intimidation or bullying, which must be filed within six months of the date of the alleged violation. For complaints relating to Local Control and Accountability Plans (LCAP), the date of the alleged violation is the date when the reviewing authority approves the LCAP or annual update that was adopted by the LEA.

A complaint alleging legal noncompliance regarding the prohibition against requiring students to pay student fees, deposits, or charges may be filed anonymously if the complaint provides evidence or information leading to evidence to support an allegation of noncompliance with Education Code section 49010 et seq.

A complaint concerning unlawful discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or bullying may be filed by a person who alleges that he or she personally suffered unlawful discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or bullying, or by a person who believes that an individual or any specific class of individuals has been subjected to it. However, upon written request by the complainant, the school principal or designee may extend the filing period for up to 90 calendar days.

UCP complaints are to be submitted, in writing, to the principal at the school at which the alleged violation occurred. Such complaints must include the following:

the underlying facts;
details, such as the name(s) of the those involved (including witnesses) as well as the date(s) and location(s) of the incident or alleged violation;
information regarding any attempts to address the complaint at the school site; and
copies of written documentation or evidence that may be relevant or supportive of the complaint.

Any individual who is unable to prepare a written complaint (e.g., disability or illiteracy) can receive assistance from the school site administrator or designee, or by contacting the school site at which the alleged violation occurred.

Green Dot acknowledges and respects every individual’s right to privacy. Unlawful discrimination, harassment, intimidation or bullying complaints shall be investigated in a way that maintain confidentiality of the involved parties to the maximum extent practicable without obstructing the investigation. Green Dot cannot guarantee anonymity of the complainant. This includes keeping the identity of the complainant confidential. However, Green Dot will attempt to do so as appropriate. Green Dot may find it necessary to disclose information regarding the complaint/complainant to the extent necessary to carry out the investigation or proceedings, as determined by the Principal or designee on a case-by-case basis.

Green Dot prohibits any form of retaliation against any complainant in the UCP process, including but not limited to a complainant’s filing of a complaint or the reporting of instances of unlawful discrimination, harassment, intimidation or bullying. Such participation shall not in any way affect the status, grades or work assignments of the complainant. Participation in the complaint process shall not in any way affect the complainant’s status, grades, or work assignments.

Step 2: Complaint Investigation

The compliance officer is encouraged to hold an investigative meeting within five (5) days of receiving the complaint. This meeting shall provide an opportunity for the complainant and/or their representative to repeat the complaint orally. Green Dot shall complete an investigation and provide a written final response within 60 calendar days from the date of receipt of the complaint by the school unless the complainant agrees, in writing, to an extension of the timeline. The complainant and/or his or her representative shall have an opportunity to present the complaint and any evidence, or information leading to evidence, to support the allegations in the complaint. The Compliance Officer also shall collect all documents and interview all witnesses with information pertinent to the complaint.

A complainant's refusal to provide the School’s investigator with documents or other evidence related to the allegations in the complaint, failure or refusal to cooperate in the investigation, or engagement in any other obstruction of the investigation may result in the dismissal of the complaint because of a lack of evidence to support the allegation. Green Dot’s refusal to provide the investigator with access to records and/or other information related to the allegation in the complaint, or its failure or refusal to cooperate in the investigation or its engagement in any other obstruction of the investigation, may result in a finding, based on evidence collected, that a violation has occurred and may result in the imposition of a remedy in favor of the complainant.

Step 3: Final Response: The Investigative Report

Green Dot’s investigative report (“Investigative Report”) shall be written in English and, when required by Education Code section 48985, in the complainant’s primary language, and include the following:

the finding(s) of fact based on the evidence gathered;
the conclusion(s) of law;
disposition of the complaint;
rationale for such disposition;
corrective action, if any are warranted; and
notice of the complainant’s right to appeal the Investigative Report within 30 calendar days to the California Department of Education (“CDE”) and procedures to be followed for initiating such an appeal.

If Green Dot finds merit in a complaint, it must impose corrective actions, including for complaints involving pupil fees, courses of study, instructional minutes for physical education and local control and accountability plans, as well as a remedy to all effected pupils, parents, and guardians.

Any Investigative Report concerning a discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or bullying complaint based upon California law shall include a notice that the complainant must wait until 60 calendar days have elapsed from the date of filing an appeal with the CDE before pursuing civil law remedies. For unlawful discrimination, harassment, intimidation or bullying complaints arising under federal law such complaints may be made at any time to the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights.

If an employee is disciplined as a result of the complaint, the Investigative Report shall simply state that effective action was taken and that the employee was informed of the school’s expectations. The Investigative Report shall not give any further information as to the nature of the disciplinary action.

The Compliance Officer of the school at which the complaint was filed shall maintain a record of each complaint and subsequent related actions, including, but not limited to, Green Dot’s Investigative Report.

Appeal

While Green Dot may use its UCP to address complaints outside the subject matter of the UCP (listed above), only subject matter within the UCP can be appealed to the CDE. See 5 CCR 4610.

The complainant has a right to appeal Green Dot’s Investigative Report to the CDE by filing a written appeal within 30 calendar days from the receipt of Green Dot’s Investigative Report. The appeal shall specify the basis for the appeal, including at least one of the following:

The LEA failed to follow its complaint procedures, and/or
The Investigation Report lacks findings of fact necessary to reach a conclusion of law, and/or
The findings of fact in the Investigation Report are not supported by substantial evidence, and/or
The legal conclusion in the Investigation Report is inconsistent with the law, and/or
In a case in which the LEA found noncompliance, the corrective actions fail to provide a proper remedy.

The appeal shall be accompanied by a copy of the original complaint filed with Green Dot and a copy of Green Dot’s Investigative Report. The appeal should be sent to:

California Department of Education

1430 N Street

Sacramento, CA 95814

Green Dot shall provide the investigative file to CDE within 10 days of notification of an appeal. If Green Dot fails to provide a timely and complete response the CDE may rule on the appeal without considering information from Green Dot. 5 CCR 4633(a).

Reconsideration of an Appeal

Within 30 days of the date of the CDE’s appeal Decision, either party may request reconsideration. 5 CCR 4635(a).

On reconsideration, the CDE will not consider new information unless it was unknown during the appeal and could not have become known with due diligence. 5 CCR 4635(b).

Civil Law Remedies

Complainants may pursue available civil law remedies outside Green Dot’s UCP. Complainants may seek assistance from mediation centers or public/private interest attorneys. Civil law remedies that may be imposed by a court include, but are not limited to, injunctions and restraining orders.

For complaints alleging discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and bullying based on state law, a complainant shall wait until 60 calendar days have elapsed from the filing of an appeal with the CDE before pursuing civil law remedies, provided that Green Dot has appropriately and in a timely manner apprised the complainant of his or her right to file a complaint. The moratorium does not apply to injunctive relief and is applicable only if Green Dot has appropriately, and in a timely manner, apprised the complainant of their right to file a complaint in accordance with 5 CCR 4622.

Rev. 11/2020

Student Privacy

C 17.0 Photo Release and Consent Agreement

Rights and Responsibilities Policy C. 17.0

Policy: Photo Release and Consent Agreement

Permission is granted by the student and the student’s parent or legal guardian for the following terms of release and consent:

Permission for Green Dot to use the below-identified materials in connection with the publication and distribution of materials, in various media, regarding and/or promoting Green Dot and its activities, operations or accomplishments.

1. Video or film materials incorporating student’s name, image, likeness, voice and/or spoken or written words.
2. Photographic materials incorporating student’s name and/or image.
3. Printed materials incorporating student’s name, likeness and/or image.
4. Telephonic or other recorded, electronic or digital materials incorporating student’s name, voice and/or spoken or written words.
5. Web-based or other electronic or digital materials incorporating student’s name, image, likeness, voice and/or spoken or written words.

Green Dot and any of its subsidiaries, affiliates, representatives or agents shall have the right to reproduce, publish, broadcast or otherwise use, throughout the world, in any medium (including, without limitation, print, radio, television, web or other online or electronic media), student materials, or any portion or derivation thereof, in connection with the discussion or promotion of Green Dot or any aspect of Green Dot. Such right shall include the right to reproduce the student materials, in whole or in part, and the right to create derivative works based upon the student materials. All materials prepared by Green Dot that incorporate, consist of, or include student’s name, image, likeness, voice, words or any portion of student materials, including, but not limited to any copyrights or other intellectual property rights shall belong to Green Dot, and Green Dot shall be the author for all purposes.

Green Dot agrees to use student materials in a reasonable manner to fairly and truthfully represent the student.

Student and parent or legal guardian acknowledge and agree that he/she is able to give this release and consent, that he/she gives this release and consent voluntarily and without obligation or compensation. Student and parent or legal guardian further acknowledge and agree that he/she is not a member of SAG or other such professional organization.

Student and parent of legal guardian acknowledge and agree that Green Dot has complete creative control over its use of student’s name, image, likeness, voice, words or student materials, and student waives any right of inspection or approval of any use of the student’s name, image, voice, words or any of the student materials and any liability of Green Dot or its subsidiaries, affiliates, agents or representatives for such use including, without limitation, any typographical or printer errors, alterations, optical illusions or distortions, faulty mechanical or other reproduction arising out of the exercise of any of the rights granted in this Agreement.

C 18.0 Directory Information

Rights and Responsibilities Policy C. 18.0

Policy: Directory Information

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act mandates that Green Dot adopt a policy identifying those categories of personally identifiable information (as defined in Student Records, Policy A. 9.0, above) from a student’s education records considered to be “directory information,” which may generally be released unless the parent/legal guardian notifies Green Dot, in writing, of his/her refusal.

Green Dot may disclose the personally identifiable information that it has designated as directory information, consistent with the terms of Green Dot’s annual notice provided pursuant to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 2001 (20 U.S.C. § 1232g) (“FERPA”). “Directory information” is student information that is generally not considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if released. The primary purpose of directory information is to allow Green Dot to include this type of information from a student’s education records in certain publications, which include, but are not limited to:

annual yearbooks;
graduation programs;
Green Dot/school website(s);
sports activity sheets showing weight and height of team members;
honor roll or other recognition lists; and
a playbill, showing the student's role in a drama production.

GDPS has designated the following student information as directory information:

name;
address;
telephone listing;
electronic mail address;
photograph;
date and place of birth;
grade level
major field of study;
dates of attendance;
participation in officially recognized activities and sports;
weight and height of members of athletic teams;
degrees and awards received; and
most recent previous school attended.

In addition, federal law requires that education agencies receiving assistance under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (reauthorized as the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001) to provide military recruiters, upon request, with students’ names, addresses and telephone listings, unless parents/legal guardians have advised Green Dot that they do not want their child’s information disclosed without their prior written consent.

Directory information does not include a student’s social security number or student identification number. However, Green Dot may disclose a student’s identification number, user identification, or other unique personal identifier used to communicate in electronic systems, provided it cannot be used to access education records without a personal identification number, password, or other factor that only the authorized user knows. A student’s social security number will not be used for this purpose.

Private schools and colleges/universities may be given the names and addresses of 12th-grade students and students who are no longer enrolled in a Green Dot school provided that the information is used only for purposes directly related to the institution’s academic or professional goals.

If parents/legal guardians do not want Green Dot to disclose directory information from their child’s education records without their prior written consent, they must notify their child’s school site principal, in writing, by September 1, or within 30 days upon a student’s enrollment. The request to withhold directory information is applicable only to the school year in which the notification was provided to Green Dot.

Rev. 06/2017

Fees, Textbooks, Student Payments, Work Permits

C 19.0 Student Fees

Rights and Responsibility Policy C. 19.0

Policy: Student Fees

Green Dot shall ensure that books, materials, equipment, supplies, and other resources necessary for students' participation in Green Dot’s educational program are made available to them at no cost.

No student shall be required to pay a fee, deposit, or other charge for his or her participation in an educational activity which constitutes an integral fundamental part of Green Dot’s educational program. This general prohibition against student fees, unless authorized by law, shall not restrict Green Dot from soliciting for voluntary donations, participating in fundraising activities, and providing prizes or other recognition for participants in such activities and events. However, Green Dot shall not offer or award to a student any course credit or privileges related to educational activities in exchange for voluntary donations or participation in fundraising activities by or on behalf of the student and shall not remove, or threaten to remove, from a student any course credit or privileges related to educational activities, or otherwise discriminate against the student, due to a lack of voluntary donations or participation in fundraising activities by or on behalf of the student.

Legally Authorized Fees and Prompt Payment

Students often accrue legally authorized fees during the year in various ways (e.g., lost textbooks, damaged computer equipment, damage to school property, athletic equipment and uniforms, outstanding lunch balances). An itemized record of such fees is kept in PowerSchool and is placed solely on the student’s parent/guardian, unless the student is emancipated at the time the fee is incurred.

Parents/guardians are expected to pay promptly any accrued fees by their child, without constant reminders. Green Dot shall provide the parent/guardian with an itemized invoice for any amount owed that includes a reference to this Student Fees policy and the rights established by California Education Code Sections 49014 and 49557.5. Upon receiving payment for any invoice for student fees, Green Dot shall provide a receipt to the parent/guardian. All services, goods, and bills paid by check are subject to a returned check fee.

Green Dot will ensure that a student whose parent/guardian has unpaid school meal fees is not denied a reimbursable meal of the student’s choice because of the fact that the student’s parent or guardian has unpaid meal fees. Please see Health and Safety Policy D. 15.0 (Wellness Policy) for more information.

A student’s grades, diploma, and transcripts may be withheld, after affording the student his or her due process rights when a school’s real or personal property has been willfully cut, defaced, or otherwise injured or damaged, or whose property is loaned to a pupil and willfully not returned, until the pupil or the pupil's parent or guardian has paid for such damages. Additionally, notwithstanding Section 1714.1 of the Civil Code, the parent or guardian of a minor pupil who willfully cuts, defaces, or otherwise injures or damages in any way any real or personal property of the School, or personal property of any School employee, shall be liable for all damages caused by the minor child. The liability of the parent or guardian may not exceed $10,000 (ten thousand dollars). The parent/guardian shall also be liable for all property belonging to the School that is loaned to a minor student and not returned upon proper request.

Rev. 06/2020

C 20.0 Textbooks and Instructional Manuals

Rights and Responsibilities Policy C. 20.0

- Policy: Textbooks and Instructional Materials

Students assume full responsibility for the security and maintenance of their own textbooks and instructional materials. Should a textbook or instructional materials be lost, stolen, damaged, or defaced after issuance to a student, that student will be required to pay a replacement fee before a new textbook is, or instructional materials are, issued or at the end of the academic year. Students are required to keep textbooks and instructional materials covered (when feasible) and in good condition. Students may not write in or deface their textbooks or instructional materials. Pursuant to the language above, students and/or parents/guardians may be liable for up to $10,000 (ten thousand dollars) for damage to textbooks or instructional materials.

Students may lose the privilege of participating in school activities due to lost or damaged textbooks or instructional materials. These activities include, but are not limited to: dances, field trips, prom, and senior activities.

All instructional materials, including, but not limited to, teacher’s manuals, films, tapes, or other supplementary material that may be used in connection with any survey, analysis, or evaluation as part of any applicable (instructional) program shall be available for inspection by the parents or guardians of students.

Rev. 06/2019

C 21.0 Lunch Applications

Rights and Responsibilities Policy C. 21.0

Policy: Lunch Applications

Free and reduced lunch applications are included in the registration packet or they may be picked up from the office. They must be completed and returned by the due date and students must complete a new application for each school year. If a student fails to complete an application, he/she will be charged the full price for lunch.

C 22.0 Work Permits

Rights and Responsibilities C. 22.0

Policy: Work Permits

Green Dot recognizes that part-time employment can provide students with income as well as job experience that can help them develop appropriate workplace skills and attitudes.

Upon obtaining an offer of employment and prior to accepting employment, minor students shall obtain work permits from the Principal or designated school administrator in accordance with law, regardless of whether the employment will occur when school is in session and/or not in session. The request for a work permit shall be submitted to the Principal or designated school administrator on a form approved by the CDE.

A student is not required to obtain a work permit if they are:

self-employed;
working at odd jobs (e.g., yard work and babysitting in private homes where they are not regularly employed);
employed by their parent/guardian in domestic labor on, or in connection with, premises the parent/guardian owns, operates, or controls; or
otherwise exempted by law.

A Principal or designated school administrator is authorized to issue a work permit to a minor Green Dot student. The Principal or designated school administrator has discretion to determine whether to issue the work permit. However, the Principal or designated school administrator shall not deny a work-permit if all three of the following apply:

the minor student’s school is physically closed for an extended period of time because of a natural disaster, pandemic, or other emergency;
the minor student’s work-permit application is complete and has been successfully submitted electronically; and
the minor student, accompanied by the minor’s parent/guardian, has attended a video conference with the Principal or designated school administrator issuing the work permit.

In determining whether to grant or continue a work permit, the Principal or designated school administrator will consider whether employment is likely to significantly interfere with the student's schoolwork. Students granted work permits must demonstrate and maintain a 2.0 GPA and satisfactory school attendance. However, a work permit shall not be denied based on a student’s grades, GPA, or school attendance when the student’s school has been physically closed for an extended time due to a natural disaster, pandemic, or other emergency. Further, if the student is applying for the work permit in order to participate in a government-administered employment and training program that will occur during the regular summer recess or vacation of the school that the student attends, Green Dot and the Principal are prohibited from denying the work permit on the basis of the student’s grades, grade point average, or school attendance.

Students may be issued more than one work permit if they work concurrently for more than one employer, provided that the total number of hours worked does not exceed the total number of hours allowed by law and Green Dot.

Work permits issued during the school year shall expire five days after the opening of the next succeeding school year. Before the work permit expires, a student may apply for a renewed work permit in accordance with the procedures above.

The Principal or designated school administrator shall revoke a student's work permit whenever they determine that employment is interfering with the student's education, that any provision or condition of the permit is being violated, or that the student is performing work in violation of law.

Rev. 06/2021

Extra-Curricular Involvement

C 23.0 Athletic Eligibility

Rights and Responsibilities Policy C. 23.0

Policy: Athletic Eligibility

Green Dot maintains membership in the California Interscholastic Federation (“CIF”) and requires that interscholastic athletic activities be conducted in accordance with CIF’s bylaws and rules. A copy of the local CIF league rules may be found at www.cifstate.org. In addition, CIF’s minimum standards, to maintain athletic eligibility, Green Dot students must:

earn a minimum 2.5 GPA in the previous grading period (students who fall between a 2.0 GPA and a 2.5 GPA in the previous grading period maintain athletic eligibility but are placed on probation for the following grading period);
not receive a grade of “F” in any subject;
adhere to all Green Dot safety rules, policies, and instructions, as well as satisfactory sportsmanship and citizenship in the regular school environment;
adhere to all current CIF rules and regulations;
pass a physical examination given and certified by a medical doctor;
carry sufficient insurance for injuries to participants arising while engaged in or preparing for interscholastic athletics sponsored by Green Dot;
sign and return an acknowledgement of receipt and review of the Sudden Cardiac Arrest symptoms information sheet posted on the CDE’s website; and
sign and return an Acknowledgement of Opioid Factsheet for Patients.

All student transfers, including intra-Ánimo transfers (i.e., transfer between Green Dot schools), must follow CIF’s transfer regulations that may include one year of non-participation for any student who transfers after the ninth grade year without a change of address.

A foster youth whose residence changes pursuant to a court order or decision of a child welfare worker shall be immediately deemed to meet all residency requirements for participation in interscholastic sports or other extracurricular activities.

Rev. 06/2021

C 24.0 Social Organizations

Rights and Responsibilities Policy C. 24.0

Policy: Student Organizations

Green Dot believes that encouraging students to organize according to a wide variety of interests is part of accomplishing its mission statement. No student organization shall be denied based solely on its topic or subject. However, no student organization shall be formed that, through its bylaws or practices, excludes or harms any member of the student body on the basis of the characteristics listed in Education Code Section 220 (actual or perceived disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, nationality, race or ethnicity, religion, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, immigration status, or any other characteristic that is contained in the definition of hate crimes set forth in Section 422.55 of the Penal Code or association with an individual who has any of the aforementioned characteristics) and Education Code Section 221.5, or that in philosophy or practice does not comply with the mission, expectations, and rules of Green Dot or the school.

Rev. 06/2018

C 25.0 Student Expression and Media

Rights and Responsibilities Policy C. 25.0

Policy: Student Expression and Media

All students are entitled to enjoy the rights protected by the Federal and State constitution and laws for persons of their age and maturity in a school setting. Students should exercise these rights reasonably and avoid disrupting school activities or violating the rights of others. For example, protected freedom of expression does not include acts or threats of violence, harassment or hate speech. Students who violate the rights of others or violate school policies or rules may be subject to disciplinary measures, as the circumstances warrant.

Freedom of expression shall include the right to present a point of view; the right to dissent; and the right to silence and privacy. Student freedom of expression shall be limited only as allowed by law in order to maintain an orderly school environment and to protect the rights, health, and safety of all members of the school community.

Student Opinion

Green Dot Public Schools welcomes the view of student on matters relative to curriculum, class schedules, extra-curricular activities, and all other matters pertaining to the school community. Students are encouraged to express their view first to appropriate faculty or staff and then to school administration.

Student Media Organizations

Green Dot Public Schools commits to freedom of expression for student forums. The school newspapers, yearbook and literary magazines are encouraged to operate in a positive climate in which students demonstrate a high level of responsibility and enjoy the trust and respect of their community. The instruction and training which students receive under the guidance of professional sponsors are expected to ensure that issues of student interest, including topics about which there may be controversy or dissent, be handled with regard for sensitivity and professional ethics. Furthermore, the additional education which student writers, editors, and broadcasters gain through experience of making decisions about the content of student publications is expected to allow students to practice their training commensurate with accepted professional standards.

Pursuant to state law, students shall have the right to exercise freedom of speech and of the press including, but not limited to, the use of bulletin boards, the distribution of printed materials or petitions, the wearing of buttons, badges, and other insignia, and the right of expression in official publications, whether or not the publications or other means of expression are supported financially by the school or by use of school facilities, except that expression shall be prohibited which is obscene, libelous, or slanderous. Also prohibited shall be material that so incites pupils as to create a clear and present danger of the commission of unlawful acts on school premises or the violation of lawful school regulations, or the substantial disruption of the orderly operation of the school.

Student editors of official school publications shall be responsible for assigning and editing the news, editorial, and feature content of their publications subject to the limitations of this section. However, it shall be the responsibility of a journalism adviser(s) of student publications to supervise the production of the student staff, to maintain professional standards of English and journalism, and to maintain the provisions of this section. Leaflets, pictorial, and other printed matter to be distributed shall be submitted to the Green Dot principal or designee at least one (1) school day prior to distribution. Distribution, free or for a fee, may take place any time except during instructional time and providing there is no substantial disruption in the school programs (as determined by the Green Dot principal.) The manner of distribution shall be such that coercion is not used to induce students to accept the printed matter or to sign petitions. The solicitation of signatures must not take place in instructional classes or school offices, nor be substantially disruptive to the school program (as determined by the Green Dot principal.)

There shall be no prior restraint of material prepared for official school publications except insofar as it violates this section. School officials shall have the burden of showing justification without undue delay prior to a limitation of pupil expression under this section.

Bulletin Boards

At least one bulletin board shall be provided in the school for use by approved student organizations. Bulletin boards designated for students may be used to for school activities or matters of interest to students. All posted materials must conform to the general limitation stated in this policy and to the following requirements.

All student-posted notices or communications shall be subject to reasonable size limitations, shall be dated, and must be removed after the posting expiration date to assure full access to bulletin boards for all students.
All materials are to be stamped with the inclusive dates of posting.
If student materials violate the general limitations stated in this policy, they may be removed from bulletin boards and disciplinary action may be taken.

Circulation of Petitions

Subject to the procedures and general limitations stated in this policy, students may collect signatures or petitions concerning either school or non-school matters or issues. Students must seek approval from the Administration in advance of the proposed activity to determine time, place, and manner of conducting the activity. The Administration will respond to a petition request within a reasonable time under the circumstances and approve unless there is a substantial likelihood or past history of disruption.

The school administration may designate certain times for the conduct of activities under this provision, such as before school begins, after dismissal or during lunch periods, to prevent interference with school programming.
The school administration may designate certain places for the conduct of such activities to assure the normal flow of traffic within the school or on the school premises.
The school administration may determine the manner of conducting such activities to prevent undue level of noise, or to prevent the use of coercion or unreasonable interference with any individual or group of individuals.

Buttons, Badges, and Other Insignia of Symbolic Expression

Students shall be permitted to wear buttons, badges, armbands, and other insignia as a form of expression, subject to the prohibitions enumerated in this policy.

Organized Demonstrations

Students have the right to lawful organized on-campus demonstrations, subject to the provisions of this policy and applicable law. Demonstrations that incite pupils to create a clear and present danger of the commission of unlawful acts on school premises or the violation of lawful school regulations, or demonstrations that substantially disrupt of the orderly operation of the school are prohibited.

No organized demonstrations by school groups may take place during school hours off the school campus unless sanctioned by school authorities and supervised by a designated school authority. No individual student may demonstrate in the name of the school or as an official school group at any time unless authorized by the school to participate in the activity.

This policy does not prohibit or prevent the Green Dot Governing Board from adopting otherwise valid rules and regulations relating to oral communications by pupils upon the premises of each MPS school.

No Green Dot employee shall be dismissed, suspended, disciplined, reassigned, transferred, or otherwise retaliated against solely for acting to protect a pupil engaged in the conduct authorized under this policy, or refusing to infringe upon conduct that is authorized under this policy, the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, or Section 2 of Article I of the California Constitution.

Rev. 06/2017

Outside Organizations

C 26.0 Solicitation from Outside Organizations

Rights and Responsibilities C. 26.0

Policy: Solicitation by Outside Organizations

Green Dot Public Schools has adopted the following policy limiting advertising and soliciting for any cause, charity or benefit not sponsored by a Green Dot group or organization.

Students may not sell tickets or solicit contributions in the school for any external agency or charity unless it is a beneficiary of a Green Dot-endorsed charity drive.
The distribution of commercial handbills, cards, or other handouts in or around the school building is prohibited.
The school’s name is not to be used in any testimonial or advertisement in support of a commercial product or enterprise.
Broadcasting by a commercial firm of any sports event or recording for later broadcast of any musical event must be approved by the Principal.

Groups, companies, individuals and/or staff and associations interested in the solicitation and recruitment of Green Dot students for trips, tours, ski and camping expeditions, and other similar activities shall not solicit and recruit such students at any time on school premises. Compliance with this prohibition makes it necessary to prohibit the practices hereinafter enumerated:

The written or oral identification of the activity as being a “Green Dot trip,” including the identification of employees with such activity
The publication of news articles or the publication of paid advertisements describing the activity in student newspapers
The solicitation of students or the promotion of the activity during school hours and on school premises
The promotion of the activity or the solicitation of students for such activities at any time on the school grounds
The promotion of the activity or the solicitation of students by using school mailing lists or school records

C 27.0 Gifts, Donations, Grants, Bequests

Rights and Responsibilities Policy C. 27.0

Policy: Gifts, Donations, Grants, and Bequests

Green Dot and its schools may accept any gift, donation, grant, or bequest of money, property, or service from any individual, private agency or organization, or other public agency that desires to support Green Dot. While greatly appreciating suitable donations, Green Dot shall reject any gift that may directly or indirectly impair its authority to make decisions in the best interest of students or its ability or commitment to provide equitable educational opportunities.

Before accepting any gift, donation, grant, or bequest, Green Dot administration shall carefully consider any conditions or restrictions imposed by the donor to ensure their consistency with the Green Dot’s vision, philosophy, mission, and operations. If Green Dot believes it will be unable to fully satisfy the donor's conditions, the gift shall not be accepted.

Any gift of books and instructional materials shall be accepted only if they meet regular Green Dot criteria for selection of instructional materials.

All gifts, donation, grants, and bequests, including those directed toward a particular classroom or subject of instruction, shall become Green Dot property. Donors are encouraged to donate all gifts to Green Dot rather than to a particular school. At the Chief Academic Officer’s or designee's discretion, a gift may be used at a particular school.

All gifts, donation, grants, and bequests made to particular employees, by virtue of their position and employment with Green Dot, shall become Green Dot property.

C 28.0 Research Requests

Rights and Responsibility C. 28.0

Policy: Research Requests Green Dot recognizes the value of academic research to improve educational programs and practices that are aligned with Green Dot’s mission and is likely to benefit Green Dot without disrupting the school program. The Chief Academic Officer or designee must give prior authorization for research projects within Green Dot or at any Green Dot schools. Researchers shall respect the privacy rights of students, including their right to refrain from participation in research projects in accordance with law and Green Dot policy. The Chief Academic Officer or designee shall ensure that parents/guardians receive prior notification of any surveys or evaluations that collect personal student information and that consent is obtained in accordance with law.

Persons or groups wishing to use Green Dot staff, students, or property in connection with an academic research project shall submit to the Chief Academic Officer or designee a written proposal which includes, but is not limited to:

name of researcher(s) and academic credentials;
purpose, scope, and duration of the project;
method of study or investigation to be used;
approval from the institution’s internal review board;
extent of participation expected of students and staff;
a certification that the researcher(s) will use not use the Green Dot name or brand in any publication of findings without prior approval from Green Dot;
use to which project results will be put; and
benefits to the school(s) or Green Dot.

The Chief Academic Officer or designee shall evaluate the proposal based upon, but is not bound solely by, the following factors:

shows potential for improving instructional programs and strategies;
addresses a relevant educational problem, concern or issue; and
is designed to minimize interruptions and demands upon the time of students and staff.

Should the Chief Academic Officer or designee grant permission for the research project, the researcher(s) shall adhere to the Green Dot Policies for volunteers, including, but not limited to, policies regarding Criminal Background Checks and Tuberculosis Testing.

C. 29.0 Collecting and Retaining Student Information

Policy: Collecting and Retaining Student Information

The Principal or designee shall maintain in writing Green Dot’s policies and procedures for gathering and handling sensitive student information, and appropriate personnel shall receive training regarding those policies and procedures. If Green Dot possesses information that could indicate immigration status, citizenship status, or national origin information, the Green Dot shall not use the acquired information to discriminate against any students or families or bar children from enrolling in or attending school. If parents or guardians choose not to provide information that could indicate their or their children’s immigration status, citizenship status, or national origin information, Green Dot shall not use such actions as a basis to discriminate against any students or families or bar children from enrolling or attending school. Green Dot shall not allow school resources or data to be used to create a registry based on race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, or national origin.

C. 30.0 Inquiries Regarding Immigration Status, Citizenship Status, and National Origin Information

Policy: Inquiries Regarding Immigration Status, Citizenship Status, and National Origin Information

Green Dot personnel shall not inquire specifically about a student’s citizenship or immigration status or the citizenship or immigration status of a student’s parents or guardians; nor shall personnel seek or require, to the exclusion of other permissible documentation or information, documentation or information that may indicate a student’s immigration status, such as a green card, voter registration, a passport, or citizenship papers. Where any law contemplates submission of national origin related information to satisfy the requirements of a special program, Green Dot personnel shall solicit that documentation or information separately from the school enrollment process. Where permitted by law, the Principal or designed no shall enumerate alternative means to establish residency, age, or other eligibility criteria for enrollment or programs, and those alternative means shall include among them documentation or information that are available to persons regardless of immigration status, citizenship status, or national origin, and that do not reveal information related to citizenship or immigration status. Where residency, age, and other eligibility criteria for purposes of enrollment or any program may be established by alternative documents or information permitted by law or this policy, Green Dot’s procedures and forms shall describe to the applicant, and accommodate, all alternatives specified in law and all alternatives authorized under this policy.

C. 31.0 Inquiries About Social Security Numbers or Cards

Policy: Inquiries About Social Security Numbers or Cards

Green Dot shall not solicit or collect entire Social Security numbers or cards. Green Dot shall solicit and collect the last four digits of an adult household member’s Social Security number only if required to establish eligibility for federal benefit programs. When collecting the last four digits of an adult household member’s Social Security number to establish eligibility for a federal benefit program, Green Dot shall explain the limited purpose for which this information is collected, and clarify that a failure to provide this information will not bar the student from enrolling in or attending the school. Green Dot shall treat all students equitably in the receipt of all school services, including, but, not limited to, the gathering of student and family information for the free and reduced lunch program, transportation and educational instruction.

C. 32.0 Information Sharing

Policy: Information Sharing

Green Dot shall avoid the disclosure of information that might indicate a student’s or family’s citizenship or immigration status if the disclosure is not authorized by FERPA. Green Dot personnel shall take the following action steps upon receiving an information request related to a student’s or family’s immigration or citizenship status:

Notify a designated Green Dot official about the information request.
Provide students and families with appropriate notice and a description of the immigration officer’s request.
Document any verbal or written request for information by immigration authorities.
Unless prohibited, provide students and parents/guardians with any documents issued by the immigration-enforcement officer.

Except for investigations of child abuse, child neglect, or child dependency, or when the subpoena served on the local educational agency prohibits disclosure, Green Dot shall provide parental or guardian notification of any court orders, warrants, or subpoenas before responding to such requests. Green Dot shall require written parental or guardian consent for release of student information, unless the information is relevant for a legitimate educational interest or includes directory information only. Neither exception permits disclosing information to immigration authorities for immigration-enforcement purposes; no student information shall be disclosed to immigration authorities for immigration enforcement purposes without a court order or judicial subpoena.

Green Dot’s request for written or parental or guardian consent for release of student information must include the following information:

the signature and date of the parent, guardian, or eligible student providing consent;
a description of the records to be disclosed;
the reason for release of information;
the parties or class of parties receiving the information; and
if requested by the parents, guardians or eligible student, a copy of the records to be released.

Green Dot shall permanently keep the consent notice with the record file. The parent, guardian, or eligible student is not required to sign the consent form. If the parent, guardian or eligible student refuses to provide written consent for the release of student information that this not otherwise subject to release, Green Dot shall not release the information.

C. 33.0 Annual Information Notice to Parents and Guardians

Policy: Annual Information Notice to Parents and Guardians

Green Dot must provide an annual notice to parents and guardians of the school’s general information policies that includes:

Assurances that Green Dot will not release information to third parties for immigration-enforcement purposes, except as required by law or court order.
A description of the types of student records maintained by Green Dot.
A list of the circumstances or conditions under which Green Dot might release student information to outside people or entities.
A statement that, unless Green Dot is providing information for a legitimate educational purpose under FERPA and the California Education Code or directory information, Green Dot shall notify parents or guardians and eligible students—and receive their written consent—before it releases a student’s personally identifiable information.

Per California Education Code Section 51225.8, commencing with the 2020-2021 school year, Green Dot shall ensure that each of its students receives information on how to properly complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (“FAFSA”) or the California Dream Act Application, as appropriate, at least once before the student enters grade 12. The information shall be provided according to applicable state and federal privacy laws and regulations, shall be provided through various options that include, but are not limited to: information dissemination through in-class instruction; an existing program; family information sessions; or group or individual sessions with school counselors. and shall include, but not limited to, material related to:

the types of documentation and personal information that each student financial aid application requires, including, but not necessarily limited to, documents relating to income taxes, finances and income, college choices, academic status, and personal identification such as social security or taxpayer identification numbers;
an explanation of definitions used for each application;
eligibility requirements for student financial aid that may be applied for using the FAFSA or the California Dream Act Application.
application timelines and submission deadlines; and
the importance of submitting applications early, especially when student financial aid is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

Green Dot shall provide a paper copy of the FAFSA or the California Dream Act Application, upon request by that student or upon request of the student’s parent/guardian.

Rev. 06/2019

C. 34.0 Monitoring and Receiving Visitors onto Campus

Policy: Monitoring and Receiving Visitors onto Campus

No outsider—which would include immigration-enforcement officers—shall enter or remain on school grounds of Green Dot during school hours without having registered with the principal or designee. If there are no exigent circumstances necessitating immediate action, and if the immigration officer does not possess a judicial warrant or court order that provides a basis for the visit, the officer must provide the following information to the principal or designee:

Name, address, occupation;
Age, if less than 21;
Purpose in entering school grounds;
Proof of identity; and
Any other information as required by law.

Green Dot shall adopt measures for responding to outsiders that avoids classroom interruptions, and preserves the peaceful conduct of the school’s activities, consistent with local circumstances and practices. Green Dot shall post signs at the entrance of its school grounds to notify outsiders of the hours and requirements for registration. Green Dot personnel shall report entry by immigration-enforcement officers to any on-site school police or other appropriate administrator as would be required for any unexpected or unscheduled outside visitor coming on campus.

C. 35.0 Responding to On-Campus Immigration Enforcement

Policy: Responding to On-Campus Immigration Enforcement

As early as possible, Green Dot personnel shall notify the Chief Executive Officer of any request by an immigration-enforcement officer for school or student access, or any requests for review of school documents (including for the services of lawful subpoenas, petitions, complaints, warrants, etc.). In addition to notifying the Chief Executive Officer, Green Dot personnel shall take the following action steps in response to an officer present on the school campus specifically for immigration-enforcement purposes:

C. 36.0 Parental Notification of Immigration-Enforcement Actions

Policy: Parental Notification of Immigration-Enforcement Actions

Green Dot personnel must receive consent from the student’s parent or guardian before a student can be interviewed or searched by any officer seeking to enforce the civil immigration laws at the school, unless the officer presents a valid, effective warrant signed by a judge, or presents a valid, effective court order. Green Dot personnel shall immediately notify the student’s parents or guardians if a law-enforcement officer requests or gains access to a student for immigration-enforcement purposes, unless such access was in compliance with a judicial warrant or subpoena that restricts the disclosure of the information to the parent or guardian.

C.37.0 Responding to the Detention or Deportation of a Student’s Family Member

Policy: Responding to the Detention or Deportation of a Student’s Family Member

Green Dot shall encourage that families and students have and know their emergency phone numbers and know where to find important documentation, including birth certificates, passports, Social Security cards, doctors’ contact information, medication lists, lists of allergies, etc., which will allow them to be prepared in the event that a family member is detained or deported. Green Dot shall permit students and families to update students’ emergency contact information as needed throughout the school year, and provide alternative contacts if no parent or guardian is available.

Green Dot shall ensure that families may include the information of an identified trusted adult guardian as a secondary emergency contact in case a student’s parent or guardian is detained.
Green Dot shall communicate to families that information provided within the emergency cards will only be used in response to specified emergency situations, and not for any other purpose.

In the event a student’s parent/guardian has been detained or deported by federal immigration authorities, Green Dot shall use the student’s emergency card contact information and release the student to the person(s) designated as emergency contacts. Alternatively, Green Dot shall release the student into the custody of any individual who presents a Caregiver’s Authorization Affidavit on behalf of the student. Green Dot shall only contact Child Protective Services if Green Dot personnel are unsuccessful in arranging for the timely care of the child through the emergency contact information that the school has, a Caregiver’s Authorization Affidavit, or other information or instructions conveyed by the parent or guardian.

C. 38.0 Responding to Hate Crimes and Bullying

Policy: Responding to Hate Crimes and Bullying

Adopting and Publicizing Anti-Bullying and Anti-Harassment Policy

Green Dot shall adopt and publicize policies that prohibit discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and bullying on the basis of a student’s actual or perceived nationality, ethnicity, or immigration status. Those policies must be translated in the student’s primary language if at least 15 percent of the students enrolled in the school speak a single primary language other than English. Green Dot shall notify parents and guardians of their children’s right to a free public education, regardless of immigration status or religious beliefs.

This information shall include information related to the “Know Your Rights” immigration enforcement established by the Attorney General.
Green Dot shall inform students who are victims of hate crimes of their right to report such crimes. Processing Complaints of Harassment and Bullying

Green Dot shall adopt a process for receiving complaints of and investigating complaints of discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and bullying based on any of the following actual or perceived characteristics: The complaint process must include, but is not limited to, the following steps:

A requirement that, if school personnel witness an act of discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or bullying, they shall take immediate steps to intervene when safe to do so;
A timeline to investigate and resolve complaints of discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or bullying that shall be followed by all schools under the jurisdiction of the local educational agency; and
An appeal process afforded to the complainant should he or she disagree with the resolution of a complaint.
Green Dot shall ensure that complaint procedures contain confidentiality safeguards for immigration status information.
Green Dot shall prohibit retaliation against a person who submits a complaint of discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or bullying.

Training Students, Teachers, and Staff on Anti-Bullying and Anti-Harassment Policy

Green Dot shall educate students about the negative impact of bullying other students based on their actual or perceived immigration status or their religious beliefs or customs. Green Dot shall also train teachers, staff, and personnel to ensure that they are aware of their legal duty to take reasonable steps to eliminate a hostile environment and respond to any incidents of harassment based on the actual or perceived characteristics noted above. Such training should, at minimum, provide agency personnel with the skills to do the following:

Discuss the varying immigration experiences among members of the student body and school community;
Discuss bullying-prevention strategies with students, and teach students to recognize the behavior and characteristics of bullying perpetrators and victims;
Identify the signs of bullying or harassing behavior;
Take immediate corrective action when bullying is observed; and
Report incidents to the appropriate authorities, including law enforcement in instances of criminal behavior.

C. 39.0 Transgender and Gender-Nonconforming Student Rights

Policy: Transgender and Gender-Nonconforming Student Rights

To ensure that transgender and gender-nonconforming students are afforded the same rights, benefits, and protections provided to all students, the school shall address each situation on a case-by-case basis, in accordance with the following guidelines:

Consistent with its Nondiscrimination Policy and California Education Code Section 221.5, when Green Dot maintains sex-segregated facilities (e.g., restrooms, locker rooms), or offers sex-segregated programs and activities (e.g., physical education classes, athletics), students shall be permitted to access facilities and participate in programs and activities consistent with their gender identity. To address any student's privacy, safety, or stigmatizing concerns in using sex-segregated facilities, upon the student’s request, Green Dot shall offer available options such as a gender-neutral or single-use restroom or changing area, a bathroom stall with a door, an area in the facility separated by a privacy partition or curtain, or use of the facility before or after the other students. Green Dot shall not require a student to utilize these options because the student is transgender or nonbinary, as the student can determine in which facilities they feel safest and most comfortable. In addition, a student shall be permitted to participate in accordance with the student's gender identity in other circumstances where students are separated by gender, such as for class discussions, yearbook pictures, and field trips. A student's right to participate in a sex-segregated activity in accordance with the student's gender identity shall not render invalid or inapplicable any other eligibility rule established for participation in the activity.

Rev. 06/2021