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Goethe International Charter School Family Handbook, Rev. 082316-C FAMILY HANDBOOK 2016 2017 12500 Braddock Drive Los Angeles, CA 90066 3103063484 goethecharterschool.org

2016-17 Goethe Family Handbook Rev. 082316-C · 2016-09-26 · Goethe International Charter School Family Handbook, Rev. 082316-C !! FAMILY!HANDBOOK! 20162!2017! 12500Braddock!Drive!

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Page 1: 2016-17 Goethe Family Handbook Rev. 082316-C · 2016-09-26 · Goethe International Charter School Family Handbook, Rev. 082316-C !! FAMILY!HANDBOOK! 20162!2017! 12500Braddock!Drive!

Goethe International Charter School Family Handbook, Rev. 082316-C

 

 

FAMILY  HANDBOOK  2016  -­‐  2017  

       

   

12500  Braddock  Drive  Los  Angeles,  CA    90066  

310-­‐306-­‐3484  goethecharterschool.org

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Goethe International Charter School Family Handbook, Rev. 082316-C

WELCOME  ~  WILLKOMMEN  ~  BIENVENIDOS      

“There  are  only  two  lasting  bequests  we  can  hope  to  give  our  children.  One  of  these  is  roots,  the  other,  wings.”    “Zwei  Dinge  sollen  Kinder  von  ihren  Eltern  bekommen:  Wurzeln  und  Flügel.”  

   

Johann  Wolfgang  von  Goethe    1749  -­‐  1832  

           EXECUTIVE  DIRECTOR’S  MESSAGE  

 Welcome  to  Goethe  International  Charter  School  (GICS),  a  2016  California  Gold  Ribbon  School.  At  GICS  we  aspire  for  all  students  to  reach  their  highest  potential  through  the  delivery  of  a  rigorous  curriculum  supported  by  research  based  pedagogy.  Our  International  Baccalaureate  Primary  Years  Programme  (IB  PYP)  combined  with  dual  language  options  provides  a  challenging  and  engaging  environment  for  our  students  to  succeed  and  excel.    This  handbook  outlines  the  policies  and  procedures  that  are  intended  to  maintain  a  highly  structured,  respectful  and  safe  environment  for  our  community  of  learners.  We  encourage  parents  and  students  to  utilize  this  handbook  as  an  ongoing  guide  to  academic  and  behavioral  expectations.      GICS  has  established  a  solid  foundation  of  high  expectations  for  all  members  of  the  school  community,  to  include  students,  staff  and  parents.  Our  parents  demonstrate  impressive  levels  of  involvement  and  a  consistent  desire  to  participate  in  their  children’s  education.  Parental  support  of  school  rules  that  relate  to  attendance,  homework  and  behavior  contributes  to  our  students’  success.    I  appreciate  your  commitment  to  Goethe  International  Charter  School,  and  I  look  forward  to  a  new  school  year  filled  with  endless  opportunities.    Thank you,

Gwenis Laura Executive Director  

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GOETHE  INTERNATIONAL  CHARTER  SCHOOL    Background  Goethe  International  Charter  School  (GICS)  was  founded  by  a  dedicated  group  of  parent  volunteers  who  sought  an  International  Baccalaureate  curriculum  combined  with  dual  language  immersion  program  for  their  children.  The  Los  Angeles  Unified  School  District  (LAUSD)  approved  the  school’s  Charter  in  July  2008,  and  the  school  opened  in  September  2009  with  an  enrollment  of  68  students  in  grades  K-­‐4.  The  Charter  was  renewed  for  an  additional  five-­‐year  term  by  LAUSD  on  February  12,  2013.  Today  the  school  enrolls  approximately  450  students  in  grades  Transitional  Kindergarten  (TK)-­‐5.  GICS’  enrollment  is  reflective  of  an  international  focus  with  over  sixteen  languages  spoken  in  the  students’  homes.    Mission  Statement  With  Preamble  Preamble  -­‐  Goethe  International  Charter  School  was  founded  on  the  premise  of  the  International  Baccalaureate  (IB)  Programme  along  with  a  focus  on  German  language  immersion.    Mission  Statement  -­‐  Goethe  International  Charter  School’s  mission  is  to  foster  a  multilingual  and  international  educational  environment  that  advances  the  knowledge  and  critical  thinking  of  our  students  and  prepares  them  to  be  self-­‐motivated  citizens  who  will  thrive  in  the  global  world.    Vision  Statement  -­‐  Goethe  International  Charter  School  aspires  to  be  the  benchmark  institution  for  multilingual,  IB,  K-­‐12  education  of  future  global  citizens.    Values  Statement  Curiosity  Creativity,  leadership  skills,  citizenship,  strong  work  ethic,  a  core  value  system,  and  a  child’s  natural  curiosity  about  the  world,  its  people  and  cultures  are  key  to  the  learning  environment  at  GICS.    Respect  As  an  internationally  minded  community  that  demonstrates  the  attributes  of  the  IB  learner  profile,  we  work  to  respect  and  celebrate  the  racial,  ethnic,  geographic  and  socioeconomic  diversity  of  the  community  in  which  we  learn  and  live.    Knowledge  Students  become  critical  and  reflective  thinkers  with  a  positive  attitude  toward  learning  through  the  exploration  of  concepts,  ideas  and  issues  that  have  local  and  global  significance  across  a  broad  and  balanced  range  of  disciplines.    Cooperation  Faculty,  staff,  community  and  parental  participation,  committed  to  high  academic  standards  through  collaboration,  continuous  development,  rigorous  accountability  and  individual  attention  to  student  needs,  are  indispensable  in  a  child’s  and  school’s  academic  success.    Empathy  We  thrive  and  contribute  best  when  we  are  open-­‐minded,  reflective  and  compassionate  while  we  share  and  learn  from  our  different  perspectives  and  experiences.    Courageous  We  approach  unfamiliar  situations  and  uncertainty  with  courage  and  forethought,  and  have  the  independence  of  spirit  to  explore  new  roles,  ideas  and  strategies.      

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International  Baccalaureate  Primary  Years  Programme  GICS  bases  its  curriculum  on  the  California  State  Common  Core  Standards  (CSCCS)  delivered  through  the  International  Baccalaureate  Primary  Years  Programme  (IB  PYP)  methodology.  The  IB  PYP  is  premised  on  academic  rigor  as  students  make  connections  between  traditional  subjects  and  the  “real  world”  to  become  critical  and  reflective  thinkers  with  a  positive  attitude  toward  learning.  The  IB  PYP  incorporates  interdisciplinary,  inquiry-­‐based  instruction  in  which  the  concept  of  the  “whole  child”  includes  physical,  intellectual,  emotional  and  ethical  development  in  the  context  of  the  quest  for  “international-­‐mindedness.”        The  IB  PYP  provides  an  opportunity  for  learners  to  construct  meaning,  principally  through  concept-­‐driven  inquiry.  Traditional  academic  subjects  are  part  of  the  program,  but  there  is  an  emphasis  in  the  interrelatedness  of  knowledge  and  skills  through  a  trans-­‐disciplinary  program  of  inquiry.  The  PYP  focuses  on  the  heart,  as  well  as  the  mind,  and  addresses  social,  physical,  emotional  and  cultural  needs  as  well  as  academic  ones.      The  IB  PYP  aims  to  develop  sensitivity  in  children  through  the  experiences  of  others.  Explicit  characteristics  form  the  “Learner  Profile”  a  list  of  attributes  that  promote  academic  rigor  and  the  establishing  of  a  personal  value  system  leading  to  international-­‐mindedness.  It  is  expected  that  PYP  teachers  will  assess  and  report  on  individual  student  development  regarding  each  of  these  attributes.      IB  learners  strive  to  be:  Inquirers  Their  natural  curiosity  has  been  nurtured  and  they  actively  enjoy  learning.  Thinkers  They  exercise  initiative  in  applying  thinking  skills  critically  and  creatively  to  solving  complex  problems.  Communicators  They  receive  and  express  ideas  and  information  confidently  in  more  than  one  language.  Risk-­‐takers  They  approach  unfamiliar  situations  without  anxiety  and  have  the  confidence  to  explore  new  ideas.  Knowledgeable  They  have  explored  themes  that  have  global  significance  and  have  acquired  a  critical  mass  of  knowledge.  Principled  They  have  a  sound  grasp  of  the  principles  of  moral  reasoning  and  have  acquired  integrity,  honesty  and  a  sense  of  justice.  Caring  They  show  sensitivity  towards  the  needs  and  feelings  of  others,  and  have  a  sense  of  personal  commitment  to  helping  others.  Open-­‐minded  They  respect  the  values  of  other  individuals  and  cultures  and  seek  to  consider  a  range  of  points  of  view  Well-­‐balanced  They  understand  the  importance  of  physical  and  mental  balance  and  personal  well  being  Reflective  They  give  thoughtful  consideration  to  their  own  learning  by  constructively  analyzing  their  personal  strengths  and  weaknesses.                              

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IB  PYP  Curriculum  At  the  heart  of  the  IB  PYP  philosophy  is  a  commitment  to  structured,  purposeful  inquiry  as  the  leading  vehicle  for  learning.  Six  transdisciplinary  themes  of  global  significance  provide  the  framework  for  exploration  and  study:    

1. Who  we  are              2. Where  we  are  in  place  and  time    3. How  we  express  ourselves  4. How  the  world  works          5. How  we  organize  ourselves      6. Sharing  the  planet  

 Teachers  are  guided  by  these  six  transdisciplinary  themes  as  they  design  units  of  inquiry  that  both  transcend  and  articulate  conventional  subject  boundaries.  The  programme  is  illustrated  by  a  hexagon  with  the  six  transdisciplinary  themes  surrounding  six  subject  areas:    language;  social  studies;  mathematics;  arts;  science;  and  personal/social  and  physical  education.                  

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Dual  Language  Immersion  Program    Goals  All  students  will  achieve  competency  in  German  and  English  (Listening,  speaking,  reading  and  writing)  in  all  subject  disciplines  with  an  emphasis  in  the  essential  elements  of  the  IB  PYP  Units  of  Inquiry.  Stage  III  (Planned):    Learners  understand  and  produce  paragraphs  and  strings  of  paragraphs.  Stage  IV  (Extended):    Learners  understand  and  produce  cohesive  texts  composed  of  multiple  paragraphs.    Model  With  many  successful  language  immersion  models  to  choose  from,  GICS  has  selected  different  models  to  meet  the  curricular  demands  of  different  grade  levels.  Transitional  Kindergarten  through  fifth  grade  are  structured  to  have  50%  English  instruction  and  50%  German  instruction,  alternating  every  other  week  as  well  as  morning  and  afternoon  between  language  specific  teachers.  In-­‐class  differentiation  is  a  key  element  of  the  program  as  students  use  the  inquiry  cycle,  key  concepts  and  the  approaches  to  learning  skills  to  connect  learning  across  all  core  subjects.  Additionally  all  students  will  participate  in  100  minutes  per  week  of  instruction  in  Spanish.    Curriculum  The  German  language  arts  curriculum  has  been  developed  with  interdisciplinary  learning  in  mind.  It  includes  oral  practice,  language,  writing  skills,  spelling,  penmanship,  phonics,  grammar  and  reading.        German  Language  Acquisition  Program    Goals  All  students  will  achieve  competency  in  English  and  acquire  Stage  II  competency  in  German.  Stage  I  (Formulaic):    Learners  understand  and  produce  signs,  words  and  phrases.  Stage  II  (Created):    Learners  understand  and  produce  sentences  and  strings  of  sentences.    Model  Students  placed  in  the  German  Language  Acquisition  Options  Program  will  be  instructed  in  the  core  academic  subjects  in  English.  German  will  be  the  acquisition  language.  Additionally  all  students  will  participate  in  100  minutes  per  week  of  instruction  in  Spanish.  In  class  differentiation  is  a  key  element  of  the  program  as  students  use  the  inquiry  cycle,  key  concepts  and  the  approaches  to  learning  skills  to  connect  learning  across  all  core  subjects.      Methodology  The  instructional  methodologies  and  techniques  used  in  the  German  Language  Acquisition  Program  will  remain  the  same  as  the  current  Dual  Language  Immersion  Program:  Instruction  will  be  sheltered  to  enable  students  to  achieve  comprehensible  input  at  all  times  utilizing  already  familiar  Guided  Language  Acquisition  Delivery  (GLAD)  strategies.  Lessons  will  be  planned  and  implemented  with  content  and  language  objectives  clearly  defined.  Language  learning  strategies  will  be  taught  explicitly  and  systematically  to  support  and  enhance  rapid  and  efficient  language  acquisition  and  content  learning.  Metalinguistic  knowledge  will  be  taught  explicitly  and  systemically  to  enhance  contrastive  and  analytical  abilities  across  students’  English,  German,  Spanish  or  any  other  languages.    

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School  Structure  and  Governance    The  Organizational  Chart  is  reflective  of  our  current  management  structure.          

GOETHE  INTERNATIONAL  CHARTER  SCHOOL  Organizational  Chart  2016-­‐2017  

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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BOARD  OF  TRUSTEES    The  Board  of  Trustees  is  the  governing  body  of  Goethe  International  Charter  School,  a  non-­‐profit  public  school.  The  Board  of  Directors  has  overall  responsibility  for  the  oversight  and  guidance  of  GICS,  focusing  the  efforts  and  resources  of  the  organization  on  the  successful  execution  of  its  mission.  The  Board  of  Directors  ensures  proper  fiscal  oversight  of  the  organization,  ensures  that  legal  requirements  are  met,  selects,  supports,  and  reviews  the  Executive  Director,  recruits  and  orients  board,  task  force  and  committee  members,  and  ensures  that  the  organization's  goals,  mission,  vision,  accomplishments,  means,  and  primary  constituents  served  are  articulated  to  the  public.  As  stewards  of  GICS,  the  board  actively  participates  with  the  staff  in  an  overall  strategic  planning  process  and  assists  in  implementing  and  monitoring  the  plan's  goals  and  objectives. The  composition  of  the  board  includes  two  parent  representatives  elected  by  parents  of  currently  enrolled  students.  The  Board  of  Trustees  holds  regularly  scheduled,  monthly  meetings  during  the  school  year.  All  board  meetings  are  open  to  the  public.    EXECUTIVE  DIRECTOR    The  Executive  Director  is  responsible  for  the  administration  of  the  charter  and  reports  to  the  Board  of  Trustees.  The  Executive  Director  is  in  charge  of  establishing  and  implementing  best  practices  for  all  school  operations,  including  student  achievement,  enrollment,  marketing,  finance,  facilities,  and  fundraising.    PRINCIPAL    The  Principal  provides  leadership  and  expertise  in  the  development,  implementation,  monitoring  and  evaluation  of  the  educational  program  and  provides  support  and  guidance  to  the  school’s  instructional  staff.    ASSISTANT  PRINCIPAL    The  Assistant  Principal  supports  the  Principal  in  the  implementation  of  the  school  wide  discipline  system,  student  behavior  and  Special  Education.    LANGUAGE  COORDINATOR    The  Language  Coordinator  is  responsible  for  the  development,  implementation  and  evaluation  of  the  GICS  Language  policy.    INTERNATIONAL  BACCALAUREATE  COORDINATOR    The  IB  Coordinator  is  responsible  for  the  whole  school  implementation  and  organization  of  the  Primary  Years  Programme.    INSTRUCTIONAL  COACH    

The  Instructional  Coach  works  as  a  colleague  with  classroom  teachers  to  support  student  learning.  The  Instructional  Coach  will  focus  on  individual  and  group  professional  development  that  will  expand  and  refine  the  understanding  about  researched-­‐base  effective  instruction.    

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School  Site  Council  (SSC)    

The  School  Site  Council  will  help  ensure  that  teachers,  staff  and  parents  are  involved  in  shared  leadership  at  the  school  site  level.  Membership  on  the  School  Site  Council  will  be  balanced  between  school  and  parent  representatives.      Composition  The  School  Site  Council,  will  be  comprised  of  the  following  members:  

• 1  Administrator  • 3  Teachers  • 1  Other  school  employee  • 5  Parents  or  other  community  members  

   Roles  and  Responsibilities  

• Measure  effectiveness  of  improvement  strategies  at  the  school.  • Seek  input  from  school  advisory  committees.  • Reaffirm  or  revise  school  goals.  • Revise  improvement  strategies  and  expenditures.  • Recommend  the  approved  Single  Plan  for  Student  Achievement  (SPSA)  to  the  Board  of  Trustees.  • Monitor  implementation  of  the  SPSA.  

 The  SSC  will  meet  at  least  once  a  month  during  the  school  year,  or  more  often  as  the  SSC  determines  necessary.  The  SSC  will  post  all  meeting  minutes  on  the  school’s  website.    GOETHE  PARENTS  ASSOCIATION  (GPA)  GICS  is  founded  upon  the  belief  that  dedicated  and  parents  and  a  cooperative  community  are  critical  to  the  successful  function  of  the  school.  Parents'  direct  involvement  with  their  child’s  education  is  the  lifeblood  of  a  successful  school.  In  addition  to  parent  elected  representatives  on  the  Board  of  Trustees  and  the  School  Site  Council,  all  parents  of  enrolled  students  are  members  of  the  Goethe  Parents  Association.  While  the  GPA  is  not  an  established  legal  entity,  the  GPA  membership  annually  elects  a  President,  Vice  President  and  other  leadership  positions  to  serve  a  one-­‐year  term.    The  GPA’s  primary  function  is  to  recruit  and  organize  the  parents’  active  participation  in  supporting  the  school,  and  to  help  the  school  communicate  with  and  educate  parents  about  the  school  programs.    Through  monthly  meetings  open  to  all  parents,  the  community  has  the  opportunity  to  learn  more  about  the  school  activities  and  educational  programming.  The  GPA  quarterly  hosts  “Parent  University”  sessions  that  include  faculty,  administration  and  guest  speakers  discussing  the  ideas  underpinning  the  curriculum  and  strategies  for  parents  to  strengthen  their  support  of  their  children.      The  GPA’s  monthly  meetings  are  held  on  Friday  mornings  on  campus  at  the  Receiving  Gate  entrance.  Meetings  are  held  every  first  Friday  of  the  month  from  8:15-­‐8:45  A.M.  Dates  and  notices  are  posted  in  the  school’s  newsletter  and  website.      All  parents  are  strongly  encouraged  to  contribute  a  minimum  of  fifty  volunteer  hours  per  parent  per  year.  Further  details  about  parent  volunteer  opportunities  are  provided  later  in  this  Handbook.  Any  questions  about  the  school’s  management  structure  or  governance  are  to  be  directed  to  the  Executive  Director  Gwenis  Laura.

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GOETHE  INTERNATIONAL  CHARTER  SCHOOL  CALENDAR      The  2016-­‐2017  school  year  begins  on  Tuesday,  August  16,  2016  and  ends  on  Friday,  June  9,  2017.      Please  note  that  students  have  a  three-­‐week  holiday  break  from  December  19  –  January  6  and  a  spring  break  from  April  10  to  April  14.    Family  trips  should  be  planned  only  during  these  scheduled  vacation  periods.            

Professional Development Institute Friday, August 5 – Monday, August 15

First Day of School Tuesday, August 16

Back to School Picnic Saturday, August 20

Back to School Night Tuesday, August 23 School Holiday Labor Day Monday, September 5

Parent-Teacher Conferences Thursday, October 27; Friday, October 28 School Holiday Veteran’s Day Friday, November 11

School Holiday Thanksgiving Holiday Monday, November 21 – Friday, November 25

Winter Recess (No School) Monday, December 19 – Friday, January 6 School Holiday Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Monday, January 16

School Holiday President’s Day Monday, February 20

Parent-Teacher Conferences Thursday, March 9; Friday, March 10 School Holiday Spring Break Monday, April 10 – Friday, April 14

School Holiday Memorial Day Monday, May 29

Last Day of School Friday, June 9                          

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 2016-­‐17  Bell  Schedule  

   

Mon,  Wed,  Thu,  &  Fri     Start  Time   End  Time   Length  

Drop  Off   7:50AM   8:10AM  

 Running  Club   7:50AM   8:05AM  

Teacher  Line  Pick  Up   8:10AM    

Instruction  Begins   8:15AM  

TK/K,  1,  2  Morning  Recess   9:40AM   10:00AM   20  min  

Lunch   11:45AM   12:25PM   40  min  

Afternoon  Recess   2:10PM   2:30PM   20  min  

TK/K,  1  Dismissal   3:10PM  

2  Dismissal   3:20PM  

3,  4,  5  Morning  Recess   10:00AM   10:20AM   20  min  

Lunch   12:05PM   12:45PM   40  min  

Dismissal   3:25PM  

Minimum  Day:  Tuesday     Start  Time   End  Time   Length  

Drop  Off   7:50AM   8:10AM  

 Running  Club   7:50AM   8:05AM  

Teacher  Line  Pick  Up   8:10AM    

Instruction  Begins   8:15AM  

TK/K,  1,  2  Morning  Recess   9:40AM   10:00AM   20  min  

Lunch   11:15AM   11:55PM   40  min  

Dismissal   1:40PM  

3,  4,  5  Morning  Recess   10:00AM   10:20AM   20  min  

Lunch   11:35PM   12:15PM   40  min  

Dismissal   1:40PM  

           

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ATTENDANCE  POLICIES    Academic  progress  is  dependent  on  regular  attendance  that  is  expected  of  all  GICS  students.  GICS  is  required  to  maintain  and  report  daily  attendance  for  all  students.  These  reports,  or  the  school’s  Average  Daily  Attendance  (ADA)  then  form  the  basis  for  the  majority  of  the  school’s  public  funding.  Each  absence  affects  the  school’s  bottom  line  financially.      California  Education  Code  Sections  46010,  46014  and  48205  identify  the  acceptable  reasons  for  excused  absences  as  follows:      

• Illness  • Medical  or  dental  appointments    • Funerals  in  the  family  (1  day  if  in  California,  3  days  if  outside  California)  • Religious  holidays  • The  quarantine  of  the  family  by  health  officials  • Necessary  court  appearances  

 All  other  absences  are  considered  “unexcused”  as  a  matter  of  state  law.  As  an  international  school  that  welcomes  families  from  all  over  the  world,  we  understand  that  many  of  our  families  travel  out  of  the  country  from  time  to  time.  In  order  to  meet  our  obligations  for  providing  the  required  number  of  instructional  minutes  to  students  each  year,  we  expect  that  families  will  plan  their  travel  and  other  scheduled  absences  for  school  holidays  and  vacations.        If  your  child  has  been  diagnosed  with  a  contagious  disease  or  infestation  (e.g.,  strep  throat,  head  lice  or  chicken  pox),  please  notify  the  office  so  appropriate  information  can  be  dispensed  to  other  parents.  If  your  child  is  not  well  prior  to  the  beginning  of  the  school  day,  you  are  requested  to  keep  the  child  at  home.  You  are  responsible  for  assisting  your  child  in  making  up  schoolwork  that  was  missed.        Please  call  or  email  the  school  office  by  8:30  a.m.  to  report  an  absence  and  send  a  note  explaining  an  absence  when  your  child  returns  to  school.  In  cases  of  a  student’s  irregular  attendance,  the  office  may  require  a  doctor’s  note  to  verify  illness  resulting  in  absences  of  three  or  more  consecutive  days.      Tardiness  Students  are  expected  to  arrive  between  7:50  a.m.  and  8:10  a.m.  each  day.  Classes  begin  promptly  at  8:15  a.m.  Tardiness  is  disruptive  to  the  class  and  places  a  burden  on  the  student  and  on  his/her  peers  and  teacher,  and  creates  an  administrative  burden  for  staff.  As  a  public  charter  school,  GICS  is  required  by  law  to  provide  a  certain  number  of  instructional  minutes  each  year  which  are  carefully  calculated  and  do  not  include  lunch  or  recess.        If  a  child  arrives  after  the  morning  valet  drop-­‐off  gate  has  locked  at  8:15  a.m.,  an  adult  must  park  their  car  and  walk  the  child  to  the  GICS  office  and  obtain  a  tardy  slip  from  the  office  administrator.  This  is  important  for  the  accurate  recording  of  attendance.  Children  may  not  enter  the  campus  themselves  when  tardy.    Consequences  of  Unexcused  Absences  and  Tardiness    Signing  the  Parent  and  Student  Agreement  page  at  the  end  of  this  handbook,  assures  your  accord  to  comply  with  GICS  attendance  policies  to  include  unexcused  absences  and  tardiness.  Failure  to  comply  with  the  school’s  attendance  policies  will  result  in  a  meeting  with  the  Executive  Director.  Further  action  may  be  necessary  if  attendance,  to  include  excessive  tardiness,  does  not  improve.    

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 If  a  child  is  tardy  the  following  will  occur:      5      days               Letter  home/  referral  to  Assistant  Principal/  Parent  meeting  10      days               Letter  home/  referral  to  Principal/  Parent  meeting  15      days           Letter  home/  referral  to  Principal/  meet  w/  attendance  board/  Parent  meeting  20+  days         Letter  home/  referral  to  Principal/  meet  w/attendance  board/  Parent  

meeting/Enrollment  review    Truancy  California  Education  Code  §48260  states  that  a  pupil  subject  to  compulsory  full-­‐time  education  or  to  compulsory  continuation  education  who  is  absent  from  school  without  a  valid  excuse  three  full  days  in  one  school  year  or  tardy  or  absent  for  more  than  a  30-­‐minute  period  during  the  school  day  without  a  valid  excuse  on  three  occasions  in  one  school  year,  or  any  combination  thereof  shall  be  classified  as  a  truant  and  shall  be  report  to  the  Executive  Director  or  designee.    Extended  Absences    A  physician  must  verify  all  extended  absences  for  illness.  It  is  important  to  note  that  our  unique  curriculum  and  dual  language  model  make  regular  and  consistent  attendance  at  school  imperative  for  students  to  progress.      If  there  is  not  a  legitimate  excuse  for  extended  absences  of  five  days  in  a  row,  or  the  school  office  is  unable  to  contact  you  to  confirm  the  reason  for  these  absences,  your  child  may  lose  his/her  space  at  GICS  and  be  withdrawn  from  school.  Once  your  child  is  withdrawn,  there  is  no  guarantee  that  your  child  will  be  re-­‐enrolled.  An  appropriate  explanation  of  the  child’s  absence  is  necessary  in  order  for  the  child  to  be  considered  for  re-­‐enrollment.      Consequences  of  Unexcused  Absences  and  Tardiness  Signing  the  Parent  and  Student  Agreement  page  at  the  end  of  this  handbook,  assures  your  accord  to  comply  with  GICS  attendance  policies  to  include  unexcused  absences  and  tardiness.  Failure  to  comply  with  the  school’s  attendance  policies  will  result  in  a  meeting  with  the  Executive  Director.  Further  action  may  be  necessary  if  attendance,  to  include  excessive  tardiness,  does  not  improve.    Independent  Study  The  Goethe  International  Charter  School  (“School”)  Board  of  Trustees  authorizes  independent  study  as  an  optional  alternative  instructional  strategy  for  students  who  will  be  absent  from  school  for  one  or  more  days.  Independent  study  entails  a  commitment  by  both  the  parent/guardian  and  the  student.  Requests  for  Independent  Study  are  made  in  advance.  The  Executive  Director  or  designee  determines  that  the  prospective  independent  study  student  understands  and  is  prepared  to  meet  the  School’s  requirements  for  independent  study.  The  Executive  Director  or  designee  shall  ensure  that  a  written  independent  study  agreement  exists  for  each  participating  student.  The  students  and  the  student’s  parent/guardian  shall  sign  each  written  agreement,  prior  to  the  commencement  of  independent  study.    The  independent  study  by  each  student  shall  be  coordinated  and  evaluated  by  a  credentialed  employee  of  the  School.  The  duration  of  the  independent  study  agreement  shall  include  the  beginning  and  ending  dates  for  the  student’s  participation  in  independent  study.  No  independent  study  agreement  shall  be  valid  for  a  period  longer  than  one  semester.    When  any  student  fails  to  complete  an  independent  study  assignment,  the  Executive  Director  or  designee  shall  conduct  an  evaluation  to  determine  whether  it  is  in  the  student’s  best  interest  to  receive  any  additional  independent  study  agreements  for  the  remainder  of  the  school  year.    

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   PICK-­‐UP  AND  DROP-­‐OFF  PROCEDURES    Arrival  The  Valet  Gate  will  open  at  7:50  a.m.  to  begin  receiving  students.    Please  make  sure  that  your  child  enters  the  school  grounds  safely  and  remains  in  supervised  areas.    Parents  are  encouraged  to  use  the  valet  drop-­‐off,  which  is  under  the  supervision  of  GICS  staff.    Parents  need  not  park  or  get  out  of  the  car,  but  rather  pull  into  the  drop-­‐off  zone  on  Westlawn  Avenue.    Children  must  exit  their  vehicle  on  the  sidewalk  side  and  walk  to  their  designated  class  line-­‐up  inside  the  fence.  Children  may  not  be  released  from  cars  across  the  street  unless  adults  escort  them  using  the  crosswalk  safely  to  the  gate.    As  the  children  enter  the  gate  in  the  morning,  they  will  be  expected  to  line-­‐up  and  wait  for  school  to  start.  The  classes  are  posted  on  the  fence  for  lining  up  purposes.  Each  class  will  wait  at  their  assigned  line  up  where  they  must  wait  until  their  teacher  comes  to  pick  them  up.  This  is  not  recess  time.  A  staff  member  will  supervise  students  for  the  entire  time.        Please  be  advised  that  during  the  first  week  of  school  only,  TK/Kindergarten  students  will  be  allowed  to  have  their  parents  with  them  beyond  the  boundary  of  the  IB  Library/first  bungalow.  Keeping  the  adult  presence  on  campus  during  drop-­‐off  time  to  a  minimum  makes  it  easier  for  staff  to  identify  anyone  who  is  not  a  part  of  the  Goethe  community,  and  thus  helps  to  maintain  the  safety  and  security  of  our  students.    All  families  may  say  their  good  wishes  in  the  front  grassy  area  and  then  allow  their  child  to  walk  with  the  other  students  to  the  line-­‐up  area.      If  a  student  arrives  after  the  gate  has  been  locked  at  8:15,  the  parent  must  park  their  car  and  walk  their  child  to  the  school  office  and  sign  them  in  on  the  tardy  log  and  pick-­‐up  a  tardy  slip.    The  parent  may  not  walk  their  child  to  class.    Dismissal  At  dismissal  time,  students  must  be  picked  up  promptly  unless  they  are  enrolled  in  the  After-­‐  School  Program.  Pick  up  times  are  staggered  by  grade  level.  At  3:00  p.m.,  the  Receiving  Gate  (Valet  Gate)  will  be  opened  (1:40  p.m.  on  shortened  days).  Students  are  escorted  to  the  grassy  area  by  their  teacher  and  wait  with  their  teacher  until  called.  Please  do  not  linger  in  the  pick-­‐up  zone  or  leave  your  car  unattended  as  this  affects  the  flow  of  traffic.  Teachers  will  remain  at  the  gate  with  the  students  until  3:30,  at  which  time  they  will  be  escorted  to  the  aftercare  program.  Any  child  not  picked  up  by  3:30  p.m.  or  1:55  p.m.  on  shortened  days  will  be  taken  to  the  office.    In  order  to  help  the  Valet  Line  move  smoothly,  please  place  a  sign  on  your  dashboard  with  your  child’s  name  and  family  name  in  large  letters  facing  front.  Forms are available in the office for parents to designate an alternate pickup person on a particular day. These can also be used if a child is going home with another child’s parent.    Driving  Instructions    § Turn  south  off  of  Braddock  Dr.  onto  Westlawn  Ave.  Continue  south  and  pull  into  the  clearly  marked  

Goethe  Valet  zone  to  drop  off  or  pick  up  your  child.  Staff  members  will  provide  valet  service  to  assist  your  children  in  and  out  of  the  car  and  walk  them  safely  inside  the  school  fence.  

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 § Do  not  make  a  “U”  turn  under  any  circumstances.  It  is  critical  that  you  keep  moving  to  avoid  

dangerous  traffic  congestion.      § Do  not  double-­‐park  during  drop-­‐off  or  pick-­‐up.  § Do  not  drop  children  off  before  7:45  a.m.  because  the  gate  will  be  locked  and  your  child  will  be  

unsupervised.  § Do  not  park  or  leave  your  car  in  the  Valet  zone.  If  you  need  to  speak  to  a  staff  member,  please  find  

street  side  parking.  § Cars  in  violation  of  the  valet  loading  zone  or  illegal  parked  may  be  ticketed.  § Slow  down  and  follow  the  School  Zone  speed  limits.  § Utilize  extra  caution  with  pedestrian  traffic.    § Be  respectful  of  neighbors.  Do  not  block  driveways,  fire  hydrants,  etc.  § Do  not  park  across  the  street  and  let  your  children  dart  across  the  street.  § You  must  always  use  the  crosswalk.      Traffic  Flow  Morning  drop-­‐off  and  pick-­‐up  may  be  especially  congested.  Please  use  caution  and  restraint  to  help  keep  our  students  safe.  Follow  the  driving  pattern  outlined  below  to  keep  our  students  safe:                                          Visiting  Campus  After  the  gate  is  locked,  visitors  will  need  to  enter  and  exit  from  the  Request  Gate  (buzzer  gate),  located  along  Westlawn  to  the  North  of  the  valet  line.    All  visitors  must  proceed  immediately  to  the  office  to  sign  in  and  collect  a  visitor’s  badge.  All  visitors  to  the  classroom  must  have  prior  approval  from  the  teacher.  It  is  of  utmost  importance  that  anyone  other  than  teachers  and  staff  are  signed  in  at  the  office.    This  is  for  your  safety  in  case  of  an  emergency  as  well  as  the  school’s  liability  policies,  in  order  to  have  an  accurate  record  of  who  is  part  of  the  Goethe  campus.      Leaving  During  the  School  Day  Please  try  to  make  medical  and  dental  appointments  on  Tuesday  afternoons  (shortened  days)  or  after  school  is  out  on  regular  days.  If  you  must  pick  your  child  up  early  for  an  appointment  during  the  day,    

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please  let  the  office  know  in  the  morning.  Students  will  not  be  released  for  early  dismissal  prior  to  the  regular  dismissal  time  unless  previous  arrangements  have  been  made  with  the  teacher  and/or  the  office.  When  picking  up  students  early,  the  parent  or  authorized  adult  must  walk  onto  campus  and  first  sign  the  student  out  in  the  office.    A  staff  member  will  pick  up  the  student  in  the  classroom  and  bring  him/her  to  the  office.    Parents  may  not  go  to  the  classroom  for  their  student.    In  case  of  an  illness  or  emergency  during  the  school  day,  your  child  will  only  be  released  to  you  or  onto  the  custody  of  those  people  whom  you  have  previously  identified  on  the  emergency  card  (proof  of  identity  may  be  required).  Those  without  a  GICS  pickup  card  who  are  not  identified  on  the  emergency  card  can  only  pick  up  a  child  if  the  parent  or  guardian  has  sent  a  handwritten  and  signed  note  to  the  school  or  an  email  to  the  school’s  office  to  the  satisfaction  of  the  school  notifying  the  school  of  this  person’s  identity  and  proof  of  identification  is  provided.  GICS  reserves  the  right  to  contact  the  parent  for  confirmation  of  his/her  consent  to  the  third-­‐party  pick-­‐up.    There  is  a  Safe  School  Plan  and  a  joint  Emergency  Response  Plan  in  place  with  Marina  del  Rey  Middle  School  with  very  specific  procedures  defined  in  case  of  natural  disaster,  fire,  or  criminal  activity.  There  are  monthly  fire/emergency  drills  to  prepare  both  students  and  staff  for  any  future  problem.  In  the  case  of  serious  disaster  the  children  will  be  supervised  at  the  school  until  you  can  arrive.  Children  will  only  be  released  to  persons  that  appear  on  their  emergency  cards.    It  is  important  for  us  to  be  able  to  reach  you  in  case  of  illness  or  an  emergency.  Before  school  begins,  or  at  the  time  of  enrollment,  each  family  must  fill  out  a  new  emergency  card.  These  should  be  turned  in  to  the  main  office.  Please  update  your  emergency  card  immediately  at  any  time  of  the  year  if  any  of  the  following  information  changes:    • Home,  work  or  cell  phone  numbers  • Home  address  • Doctor’s  phone  number    • People  who  are  authorized  to  be  contacted  in  case  of  an  emergency  • People  authorized  to  pick  up  your  child  from  school  

   ASSESSMENTS  &  INTERVENTIONS    Report  Cards  Reports  cards  will  be  issued  twice  a  year  at  the  end  of  each  semester.  These  reports  can  take  the  form  of  but  are  not  limited  to,  narrative  reports,  progress  reports,  and  report  card  format.  Multiple  measures  of  assessments  are  developed  for  each  grade  level  and  are  used  to  monitor  each  child’s  overall  progress.  If  you  have  any  questions  regarding  the  information  contained  in  these  reports,  please  contact  your  child’s  teacher.    Parent–Teacher  Conferences  Parent-­‐teacher  conference  days  will  be  scheduled  twice  during  the  school  year  (Fall  and  Spring)  to  discuss  your  child’s  progress.  Please  make  every  effort  to  keep  the  designated  appointment.  However,  parent-­‐teacher  conferences  need  not  be  limited  to  these  times.  If  you  have  concerns  at  any  time,  feel  free  to  schedule  an  appointment  to  discuss  your  child’s  academic  progress.  Parent-­‐Teacher  conferences  are  designed  to  give  the  teacher  an  opportunity  to  discuss  your  child’s  overall  progress  in  school.  These  conferences  are  specifically  scheduled  in  advance  of  the  end  of  the  semester  to  provide  the  student  an  opportunity  for  growth  and  improvement  prior  to  report  cards  being  sent  out  at  the  end  of  the  semester.  

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     Online  Assessments,  known  as  the  Galileo  system,  for  formative,  grade  level  benchmark  and  class  summative  data  evidence  will  be  administered  3  times  per  school  year  to  students  in  grades  1  –  5.      Results  from  the  benchmarks  given  in  ELA  and  math  allow  teachers  to  easily  adjust  the  level  and  depth  of  instruction  in  a  timely  manner  creating  a  better-­‐individualized  learning  environment  for  each  student.    Standardized  Testing  GICS  administers  all  standardized  testing  required  by  the  State  of  California.  The  results  of  testing  help  to  guide  individual  and  school-­‐wide  instruction.    The  California  Standards  Test  (CST)  is  taken  over  a  two-­‐week  period  in  May.    Starting  in  2nd  grade,  the  CSTs  are  used  to  track  and  evaluate  student  mastery  of  grade-­‐level  academic  content  standards  and  what  students  in  each  grade  level  are  expected  to  know,  in  English  Language  Arts,  Math,  and  as  they  advance  in  grade  levels,  science  and  social  science.    Qualifying  students  with  special  needs  or  those  who  speak  Spanish  are  offered  alternative  standardized  tests.    In  addition,  in  the  fall,  all  students  who  learned  a  primary  language  other  than  English  or  whose  parents  speak  a  language  other  than  English  at  home  are  administered  the  California  English  Language  Development  Test  (CELDT)  to  determine  English  proficiency.  This  test  is  required  by  the  State  and  enables  GICS  to  provide  appropriate  English  language  instruction  and  support  to  students  at  all  levels.    This  test  is  given  annually  to  each  English  Language  Learner  until  he/she  demonstrates  the  required  level  of  proficiency  in  English  to  be  reclassified  as  English  proficient.    Student  Success  Team    A  GICS  Student  Success  Team  (SST)  is  convened  for  students  with  academic  or  behavioral  concerns  that  are  not  resolved  by  initial  interventions  in  the  classroom.  This  team,  composed  of  the  referring  classroom  teacher,  the  Resource  Teacher,  an  administrator,  and  the  parent,  explores  the  concerns  and  develops  and  implements  an  action  plan  that  targets  the  specific  needs  of  the  student.  A  follow-­‐up  meeting  is  scheduled  to  assess  whether  logged  interventions  proposed  by  the  team  have  been  successful,  and  when  appropriate,  to  determine  next  steps.  Parents,  teachers  or  administrators  may  refer  a  student  to  the  SST  at  any  time.    Individualized  Education  Programs  (IEP)  In  the  case  that  academic  or  behavioral  issues  suggest  professional  evaluation,  the  parent  will  be  asked  to  sign  an  assessment  plan  that  may  include  health  screening,  achievement  testing,  psycho-­‐educational  evaluation,  behavioral  assessment,  speech  and  language  evaluation  or  testing  by  an  occupational  therapist.  Parents  may  also  request  an  evaluation.  Students  with  identified  disabilities  may  be  determined  eligible  for  special  education  services  according  to  a  written  Individualized  Education  Program  signed  by  the  parents.  By  law,  students  are  entitled  to  receive  these  appropriate  services  in  the  least  restrictive  environment.  Parents  will  be  given  brochures  that  outline  special  education  procedures  and  parent/student  rights.  GICS  employs  a  full  time  Resource  Specialist  to  provide  services  to  qualifying  students.  GICS  contracts  with  additional  special  education  providers  as  needed.    504  Plans  Students  with  temporary  or  permanent  physical  and/  or  mental  disabilities  that  affect  their  life  functioning  (walking,  seeing,  hearing,  breathing)  are  eligible  for  special  accommodations  under  Section  504  that  protect  them  from  discrimination  and  safeguard  their  rights  to  equal  access  of  educational  programs.  Pamphlets  describing  a  student’s  right  to  access  a  Section  504  plan  are  distributed  to  all  GICS  families.  Questions  about  the  SST,  IEP  or  504  processes  may  be  directed  to  the  Assistant  Principal.

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DISCIPLINE  POLICY    GICS  Triadic  Agreements    The  GICS  Triadic  Agreements  are  the  official  discipline  policy  of  GICS.  They  are  limits  for  safe,  respectful  and  responsible  behavior  for  the  GICS  community  (students,  parents,  and  staff).  They  also  outline  the  consequences  for  student  behavior  that  is  outside  of  the  school’s  limits.  The  Triadic  Agreements  support  the  International  Baccalaureate  Primary  Years  Program  (IB  PYP)  attitudes  and  the  IB  Learner  Profile.  You  can  find  the  complete  Triadic  Agreements  on  the  GICS  website  (www.goethecharterschool.org).      At  the  core  of  the  GICS  Triadic  Agreements  are  the  Universal  Agreements:    At  Goethe,  we  are  safe,  respectful,  and  responsible  citizens  of  the  world.  As  an  internationally  minded  community,  we:  

• cooperate  by  working  and  playing  as  a  team.  • communicate  to  solve  problems  by  listening  and  sharing  our  feelings.  • listen  with  open-­‐minds  and  speak  with  respect.  • show  empathy  when  we  interact  with  others.  • follow  adults’  directions  respectfully.  • appreciate  our  learning  environment  by  using  materials  in  safe  and  appropriate  ways.    • have  integrity  by  following  the  agreements.  

In  addition  to  the  Universal  Agreements,  GICS  has  limits  regarding  appropriate  behavior  in  specific  setting,  e.g.,  lunch,  recess,  and  assemblies.        When  students  disregard  the  Universal  Agreements  or  other  school  or  classroom  limits  teachers  utilize  Discipline  Steps  to  help  students  reflect  on  their  actions  and  adjust  their  behavior.    In  case  of  a  serious  offense  the  teacher  may  send  the  student  to  the  administrator  at  any  time.  The  Discipline  Steps  are  based  on  the  positive  discipline  philosophy.  In  a  positive  discipline  environment,  the  focus  is  on  solutions  that  are  reasonable,  related  to  the  concern,  and  respectful  of  everyone  involved.  The  goal  is  to  create  a  safe  and  caring  learning  environment,  one  in  which  risk-­‐taking,  critical  thinking,  and  other  attributes  of  the  IB  Learner  Profile  can  grow  and  develop.  Parents  are  encouraged  to  adapt  these  strategies  for  use  at  home  and  thereby  strengthen  the  home-­‐school  connection.  The  GICS  Discipline  Steps  are  summarized  in  the  following  Discipline  Matrix.  The  Discipline  Steps  are  explained  thereafter.    

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GICS  Triadic  Agreements  (TA)  

Discipline  Steps  Matrix  

   Student  

Following  TA      

Student  not  Following  TA  First    Time  

Second    Time  

 

Third    Time  

 

Fourth    Time  

Fifth  Time  

Sixth    Time  

Seventh  Time  

Eighth  Time  

Ninth  Time  

TA    Step  

Baseline  Classroom  Manage-­‐ment  

 Step  1  

 Step  2  

 Step  3  

 Step  4  

 Step  5  

 Step  6  

 Step  7  

Strategy   Strategies  to  promote  a    Caring  School  

Community      

Positive  discipline  strategy  

Positive  Discipline  Strategy  

 

Think  Card  

Think  Card  

Home  Think  Card  

Reflection    Circle/  Parent  Meeting  

Reflection  Day*    

Student  Success  

Team  (SST)    process  starts  

Suspension**  

Example/Action  Taken  

Morning  meeting,  

establishing  classroom  limits  with  students  

Verbal  “reset”  

Problem-­‐solving  with  

student  

Student  fills  out    Think  Card    

Student  fills  out  Think  Card  

Teacher  sends  Student  home  with    Home  Think  Card    

Meeting  with  

parents  and  

student  for    conference    

or  Reflection  Circle  

Student  is  sent  home  for  the  day  (any  time  after  

recording      attendance).  Parents  and  student  need  to  attend  re-­‐entry  

meeting      

Teachers  and  

parents  develop    long-­‐term  support  plan  for  student  

Student  is  not  

allowed  to  return  to  school  for    specified  amount  of  

time  

In  case  of  a  serious  offense  teacher  may  send  student  to  the  administrator  at  any  time   * Does not count as a suspension on the student’s record ** Counts as a suspension on the student’s record Notes:

1. This matrix addresses recurring disregard of school or classroom limits by a student (i.e., the same or similar disruptive behavior occurs repeatedly over time).

2. This matrix provides recommendations in terms of proceeding from one discipline step to the next (e.g., number of offenses necessary to proceed from positive discipline strategies to Think Cards). Teachers can use their own discretion in determining when to proceed from one discipline step to the next (e.g., giving five Think Cards not two before proceeding to Home Think Cards; issuing multiple Home Think Cards before calling a parent meeting).

3. Steps may be skipped in case of a serious cause (e.g., injury of self or others, willful destruction of school property).        

GICS Discipline Steps  Step  1  -­‐  Positive  Discipline  Strategies.  GICS  teachers  use  strategies  that  are  consistent  with  positive  discipline  to  solve  problems  and  encourage  collaborative,  respectful,  and  pro-­‐social  behavior.  Examples  of  strategies  are  paying  extra  attention  to  desirable  behavior,  ignoring  certain  behaviors,  and  using  natural  and  logical  consequences.  Teachers  collaborate  with  students  to  solve  problems  and  employ  several  Step  1  positive  discipline  strategies  before  proceeding  to  Step  2,  unless  in  a  case  of  a  serious  cause.        

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 Step  2  -­‐  Think  Card.    If  a  student  is  not  observing  the  school’s  limits  and  several  Step  1  strategies  fail,  the  teacher  proceeds  to  Step  2.  The  teacher  then  engages  the  student  in  a  problem  resolution  process  with  the  help  of  a  Think  Card.  The  purpose  of  the  Think  Card  is  to  reflect  on  IB  PYP  Attitudes  and  to  help  the  student  adjust  the  behavior.  Different  Think  Cards  exist  for  grades  K-­‐1  and  grades  2-­‐5.  The  Think  Card  for  grades  2-­‐5  reflects  eight  IB  PYP  Attitudes  (appreciation,  commitment,  cooperation,  empathy,  independence,  integrity,  respect,  tolerance).  The  Think  Card  for  grades  K-­‐1  reflects  these  attitudes  in  a  simplified  version  (safe  learner,  respectful  learner,  caring  friend,  team  player).  When  issuing  a  Think  Card  the  teacher  circles  the  appropriate  IB  PYP  Attitude  on  the  Think  Card.  For  example,  for  a  student  who  repeatedly  disrespects  peers  the  teacher  will  circle  “respect.”  On  the  Think  Card,  students  write  down  a  plan  for  re-­‐aligning  their  behavior  with  the  respective  IB  PYP  Attitude.  Younger  students  may  draw  a  picture.  The  Think  Card  represents  an  opportunity  for  teachers  to  connect  with  children.  Think  Cards  are  not  punishments  but  rather  tools  that  help  teachers  engage  students  in  collaborative  problem  solving.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

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Step  3  -­‐  Home  Think  Card.    For  consistent,  ongoing  disregard  of  the  school’s  limits  (e.g.,  three  or  more  Think  Cards  regarding  the  same  issue),  or  in  case  of  a  serious  cause,  students  will  take  home  a  “Home  Think  Card.”  At  home,  children  reflect  on  their  behavior  and  generate  a  plan  to  stay  within  the  limits  of  the  school  or  classroom.  Parents  review  and  sign  the  form.  They  should  also  assist  children  in  filling  it  out  properly.  Similar  to  the  Think  Card,  the  Home  Think  Card  should  not  be  viewed  as  a  punishment  but  rather  as  an  opportunity  for  collaborative  social  and  emotional  problem  solving.  Students  return  the  completed  Home  Think  Card  to  the  teacher  the  following  day.      

Step  4  -­‐  Parent  Conference  or  Reflection  Circle.    In  case  the  problem  is  not  solved  after  Step  3  or  in  case  of  serious  violations  of  the  GICS  limits,  parent(s)  or  guardian(s)  will  be  contacted  and  invited  to  a  conference.  During  the  conference,  parents,  teachers,  administrator  and  student  will  review  any  forms  generated  by  Steps  1-­‐3  (e.g.,  Think  Cards,  Home  Think  Cards,  etc.)  and  develop  a  plan  to  address  the  problem.      Alternatively,  the  issue  may  be  addressed  in  a  Reflection  Circle.  The  Reflection  Circle  is  a  forum  to  discuss  violations  of  the  school’s  limits  in  a  collaborative,  non-­‐threatening  manner.  A  typical  Reflection  Circle  includes  the  administrator,  the  student(s),  any  parents  or  guardians,  teacher(s),  and  other  persons  who  were  involved  in  the  incident  or  recurrent  problem.  One  member,  e.g.,  the  administrator  or  a  teacher,  acts  as  a  moderator  to  guide  the  group  through  the  process.  The  purpose  of  the  Reflection  Circle  is  to  inspire  self-­‐reflection  and  to  reach  agreements  among  parties  that  are  consistent  with  the  IB  learner  profile  and  PYP  attitudes.  Upon  completion  of  the  Reflection  Circle  students  implement  the  plans  that  were  established.  All  parties  who  participate  in  the  Reflection  Circle  remain  in  close  communication  to  follow-­‐up  regarding  the  resolution  of  the  problem.      Step  5  -­‐  Reflection  Day.  If  Step  4  fails  to  resolve  the  problem,  the  student’s  parents  will  be  invited  to  school  to  reflect  with  the  students  and  the  Assistant  Principal.  The  Reflection  Day  is  not  an  official  suspension.  Parents  are  asked  to  spend  time  with  the  student  reflecting  on  the  student’s  actions.    

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The  school  will  provide  the  family  with  a  list  of  outside  resources.    Parents  are  encouraged  to  seek  outside  assistance  to  help  address  issues  that  may  contribute  to  the  student’s  challenges  at  school.  The  following  school  day  the  student  and  his  or  her  parents  are  required  to  attend  a  “re-­‐entry  meeting”  with  the  Assistant  Principal  or  a  designee.  During  the  meeting  they  will  review  plans  and  strategies  to  support  the  student.      Step  6  -­‐  Student  Success  Team  (SST).    In  case  the  problem  is  not  solved  after  Step  5  or  in  case  of  serious  violations  of  the  GICS  limits,  a  Student  Success  Team  will  be  created  to  provide  the  student  with  long-­‐term  support.    The  SST  may  consist  of  the  classroom  teachers,  the  resource  teacher,  the  administrator,  and  the  parents.  The  SST  will  meet  regularly,  with  or  without  the  student,  to  develop  specific  plans  that  optimize  the  student’s  success.  This  step  is  implemented  over  an  extended  period  of  time  before  proceeding  to  step  7.      Step  7  -­‐  Suspension.    If  the  problematic  behavior  continues  despite  the  efforts  of  the  Student  Success  Team,  the  student  may  be  suspended.    In  accordance  with  California  law,  the  following  behaviors  may  result  in  immediate  suspension:    • Causing,  attempting  to  cause,  or  threatening  to  cause  physical  harm  to  another  person  • Fighting  • Biting  • Forgery  • Lying  • Cheating  • Disrupting  school  activities  or  otherwise  willfully  defying  the  valid  authority  of  supervisors,  

teachers,  or  other  school  officials  • Causing  or  attempting  to  cause  damage  to  school  property  • Stealing  or  attempting  to  steal  school  property  or  private  property  • Possessing  or  using  tobacco  • Committing  an  obscene  act  or  engaging  in  habitual  profanity  or  vulgarity  • Sexual  advances,  requests  for  sexual  favors,  or  other  verbal,  visual  or  physical  conduct  of  a  sexual  

nature  • Causing  or  attempting  to  cause  harm  to  individuals  through  the  use  of  hate  language  • The  fourth  office  referral  a  student  receives  and  subsequently  every  three  office  referrals  

 All  suspensions  will  be  done  at  home  unless  otherwise  noted  on  the  suspension  letter.    A  student  who  commits  one  of  the  above  violations  will  be  sent  home  for  the  remainder  of  that  school  day  and  for  the  next  consecutive  school  day(s)  depending  on  the  circumstance  of  the  suspension.    After  a  student’s  third  suspension  in  one  (1)  school  year,  it  is  up  to  the  discretion  of  the  parent  or  staff  to  schedule  a  meeting  with  the  Student  Success  Team.  If  such  a  meeting  is  called,  the  Student  Success  Team  will  be  responsible  for  designing  an  appropriate  behavior  intervention  plan.  If  the  student  or  the  parents  fail  to  comply  with  the  recommendations  made  by  the  Student  Success  Team,  the  student  will  become  eligible  for  expulsion.    All  disciplinary  interventions  enacted  by  the  School  will  be  done  in  accordance  with  the  provisions  set  forth  in  the  School’s  approved  charter  documents  and,  in  the  case  of  special  education  students,  will  conform  to  procedures  outlines  in  the  Individuals  with  Disabilities  Act  (IDEA).    After  all  suspensions,  the  parent  and  student  must  meet  with  the  teacher  and/or  school  administrator  before  the  student  is  allowed  to  return  to  class.  School  administration  has  the  discretion  to  suspend  a  student  for  up  to  five  days  depending  on  the  severity  and  the  frequency  of  the  student’s  inappropriate  behavior.    

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   Expulsion  In  accordance  with  California  law,  the  following  behaviors  may  result  in  an  immediate  expulsion:    • Causing  serious  injury  to  another  person      • Possession,  use  of,  sale  of,  or  furnishing  any  firearm,  knife,  explosive  or  other  dangerous  object  • Unlawful  possession  of,  use  or  sale  of  any  controlled  substance  • Robbery  or  extortion  • Offering,  furnishing,  or  selling  any  drug  paraphernalia  • Criminal  behavior  and/or  other  persistent,  severe  policy  infractions  • Suspension  for  more  than  ten  (10)  days  in  any  one  school  year  • Terrorist  threats,  hate  violence,  hate  crimes,  sexual  assault,  or  battery  

 Serious  misconduct  in  violation  of  the  California  Education  Code  is  grounds  for  suspension  or  expulsion  from  school.  The  decision  to  recommend  expulsion  of  a  student  will  be  made  by  the  administration,  and  the  final  decision  to  expel  is  at  the  discretion  of  the  GICS  Board  of  Trustees.  A  student  may  be  suspended  or  expelled  for  any  of  the  acts  enumerated  in  this  section.  This  includes  but  is  not  limited  to  any  of  the  following:  while  on  school  grounds;  while  going  to  or  coming  from  school;  and  during,  or  while  going  to  or  coming  from  a  school-­‐sponsored  activity.    Process  for  Suspension  and/or  Expulsion  and  Rights  of  Students  Ensuring  Due  Process  Notification  and  Informal  Conference  When  a  situation  involving  a  student  arises  that  calls  for  suspension,  an  informal  conference  will  be  conducted  by  the  administrative  staff  and  will  include  the  student  and  the  student’s  parents/guardians.  A  member  of  the  administrative  staff  or  designated  personnel  will  make  reasonable  attempts  to  contact  the  parent/guardian  immediately  via  telephone.  If  the  parent  cannot  be  reached  immediately  by  telephone,  staff  will  continue  to  follow  up  throughout  the  day  or  attempt  to  contact  the  parent  in  person.  In  the  case  of  an  emergency  situation,  where  a  clear  and  present  danger  exists  that  threatens  the  health  and  safety  of  students  or  school  personnel,  the  student  may  be  suspended  without  a  conference.  Should  a  student  be  suspended  without  a  conference,  the  parent/guardian  will  be  notified  of  the  suspension  and  a  conference  will  be  held  as  soon  as  reasonably  possible.  A  written  notification  will  be  sent  home  on  the  same  day.  The  written  notice  will  detail  the  incident  and  specify  the  grounds  for  suspension,  including  the  recommended  date(s)  of  suspension.  The  notice  will  request  a  conference  with  the  parents/guardians,  if  one  has  not  already  been  conducted,  and  will  require  parents/guardians  to  respond  to  this  request  immediately.    Length  of  Suspension  The  maximum  number  of  days  of  suspension  for  a  single  incident  may  not  exceed  a  period  of  five  (5)  consecutive  school  days  unless  the  administration  and  parents/guardians  agree  to  a  longer  term.  For  suspensions  exceeding  five  days,  a  second  conference  will  be  scheduled  with  the  parent/guardian  upon  completion  of  the  fifth  day  of  suspension  to  discuss  the  progress  of  the  suspension.    Provisions  for  a  Student’s  Education  During  Suspension  GICS  will  make  all  reasonable  arrangements  to  provide  the  student  with  classroom  materials  and  current  assignments  to  be  completed  by  the  student  at  home  during  the  suspension.    Expulsion  Hearing  The  decision  to  recommend  expulsion  of  a  student  will  be  at  the  discretion  of  the  administration,  while  the  final  decision  for  expulsion  rests  with  the  Board  of  Trustees.    

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 Students  recommended  for  expulsion  have  a  right  to  a  hearing  to  determine  the  appropriateness  of  an  expulsion.  This  hearing  will  be  conducted  within  a  period  of  thirty  (30)  days  from  when  the  school  administrator  determines  that  grounds  for  expulsion  exist.  The  hearing  shall  be  presided  by  the  Board  of  Trustees.  Parents/guardians  will  be  notified  of  the  expulsion  hearing  at  least  ten  (10)  calendar  days  before  the  date  of  the  hearing.  The  written  notification  will  include:    • Date,  time  and  place  of  hearing  • A  description  of  facts  pertaining  to  the  incident  that  calls  for  the  expulsion  • Grounds  for  expulsion  • An  indication  that  the  student  and  the  student’s  parents/guardians  may  appear  in  person  at  the  hearing,  has  the  right  to  bring  witness,  and  may  present  evidence  on  his  or  her  behalf  

 Alternative  Educational  Programs  for  Expelled  Students  If  a  decision  is  made  to  expel  a  student  from  GICS,  the  school  will  work  cooperatively  with  the  student’s  district  of  residence  (Student  Discipline  Proceedings  Unit  for  former  LAUSD  students),  county,  and/or  private  schools  (if  last  school  of  attendance  for  student)  to  assist  with  the  educational  placement  of  the  expelled  student.  As  permitted  by  law,  GICS  will  communicate  any  incident  of  violent  and/or  serious  behavior  to  the  district/school  to  which  the  student  matriculates.    Non-­‐Discrimination  Statement  The  Goethe  International  Charter  School  is  committed  to  providing  a  working  and  learning  environment  that  is  free  from  unlawful  discrimination  and  harassment.  GICS  prohibits  discrimination  and  harassment  based  on  an  individual’s  sex  (including  sexual  orientation  or  gender  identity,  pregnancy,  childbirth  or  related  medical  condition);  ethnicity  (such  as  race,  color,  national  origin  and  ancestry);  religion;  disability  (mental  or  physical  or  reasonable  accommodation);  age;  marital  status;  or  any  other  basis  protected  by  federal,  state,  local  law,  ordinance  or  regulation.    Harassment  based  on  any  of  the  above-­‐protected  categories  is  a  form  of  unlawful  discrimination  and  will  not  be  tolerated  by  GICS.  Harassment,  intimidation  or  abusive  behavior  toward  a  student  or  employee  that  creates  a  hostile  environment  can  result  in  disciplinary  action  against  the  offending  student  or  employee.  Harassing  conduct  may  take  many  forms,  including  verbal  remarks  and  name-­‐calling,  graphic  and  written  statements,  or  conduct  that  is  physically  threatening  or  humiliating.    Anti-­‐Bullying  Policy  Goethe  International  Charter  School  is  committed  to  providing  a  safe  learning  and  working  environment.  GICS  will  not  tolerate  bullying  or  any  behavior  that  infringes  on  the  safety  or  well-­‐being  of  students,  employees,  or  any  other  persons  within  the  school’s  jurisdiction;  and  will  not  tolerate  retaliation  in  any  form  when  bullying  has  been  reported.  School  policy  continues  to  require  all  personnel  to  promote  among  students  and  staff  mutual  respect,  tolerance,  and  acceptance.      Bullying  is  defined  as  aggressive  behavior  that  involves  an  imbalance  of  real  or  perceived  physical  or  psychological  power  among  those  involved.  Typically,  the  behavior  is  repeated  over  time  and  includes  the  use  of  hurtful  words  and/or  acts.    Bullying  behaviors  may  include,  but  are  not  necessarily  limited  to  the  following:    • Verbal:  Hurtful  name-­‐calling,  teasing,  gossiping  making  threats,  making  rude  noises  or  spreading                      hurtful  rumors  • Nonverbal:  Posturing,  making  gang  signs,  leering,  staring,  stalking,  destroying  property,  using  

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graffiti  or  graphic  images,  or  exhibiting  inappropriate  and/or  threatening  gestures  or  actions  • Physical:  Hitting,  punching,  pushing,  shoving,  poking,  kicking  tripping,  strangling,  hair,  pulling,  

fighting,  beating,  biting,  spitting,  or  destroying  property    • Emotional  (Psychological):  Rejecting  terrorizing,  extorting,  defaming,  intimidating,  humiliating,  

blackmailing,  manipulating  friendships,  isolating,  ostracizing,  using  peer  pressure,  or  rating  or  ranking  personal  characteristics  

• Cyber  bullying:  Sending  insulting  or  threatening  messages  by  phone,  e-­‐mail,  web  sites  or  any  other  electronic  or  written  communication  

 Each  instance  of  hurtful  behavior  directed  at  another  student  is  addressed  within  the  GICS  Discipline  Steps.  Teachers  and  administrators  may  skip  steps  depending  on  the  severity  of  the  behavior.  Due  to  the  imbalance  of  power,  strategies  that  involve  confrontation  between  the  target  and  the  perpetrator  (e.g.,  Reflection  Circle  that  involves  both  parties)  are  avoided.                STUDENT  HEALTH  Immunizations  New  students  cannot  be  enrolled  unless  an  official  yellow  immunization  record  provided  by  a  physician  or  the  health  department  is  presented  at  the  time  of  enrollment  and  immunizations  are  up  to  date.    There  are  new  requirements  for  Hepatitis  B  and  Measles-­‐Mumps-­‐Rubella  vaccines  (MMR)  for  new  enrollees  entering  kindergarten.  The  immunization  status  of  all  students  will  be  reviewed  periodically.  Those  students  who  do  not  meet  the  state  guidelines  must  be  excluded  from  school  until  all  the  requirements  are  met.  Students  who  have  been  exposed  to  a  communicable  disease  for  which  they  have  not  been  immunized  may  be  excluded  from  school  at  the  discretion  of  the  school.  Please  check  with  a  doctor  to  make  sure  that  your  children  are  up  to  date  with  all  their  vaccinations.        Tuberculosis  Clearance  Effective  July  1,  2012,  the  Los  Angeles  County  Department  of  Public  Health  rescinded  the  School  TB  Mandate  for  all  new  students  entering  a  California  school  for  the  first  time.  Thus,  for  the  2013-­‐  2014  school  year,  all  Transitional  Kindergarten  and  Kindergarten  students  and  students  in  grades  1  through  12  who  are  new  to  California  will  no  longer  need  to  provide  proof  of  a  TB  skin  test  or  status  as  a  condition  of  enrollment  in  school.  This  does  not  affect  preschool  or  school  district  employee  TB  screening  requirements,  both  of  which  remain  in  effect.    Chronic  Conditions/Medication  For  your  child’s  safety,  the  school  must  be  aware  of  any  special  needs  your  child  may  have,  such  as  asthma,  allergies,  or  any  other  persistent  medical  conditions.  You  are  required  to  notify  the  office  and  your  child’s  teacher  of  any  acute  or  chronic  condition.  In  order  to  dispense  medication  for  chronic  conditions,  the  school  must  have  a  GICS  Medication  Form  filled  out  by  the  prescribing  doctor  and  signed  by  the  parent.  The  form  must  state  the  medical  condition  requiring  medication,  the  manner  in  which  the  medication  is  administered,  the  frequency  and  the  dosage.  Medication  left  in  the  office  must  be  in  its  original  prescription  packaging.  Please  note  expiration  dates  and  replace  medication  stored  at  school  as  needed.      Health  and  Medical  Accommodations  The  school  office  must  be  notified  if  a  student  with  a  medical  or  health  condition  requires  accommodations  at  school  in  order  to  participate  in  the  education  program.  The  school  administrator  will  arrange  to  meet  with  the  parent  and  necessary  school  staff  to  develop  an  accommodation  plan  for  the  student’s  medical  condition.  Students  with  diabetes,  severe  asthma  and  severe  allergies  should  have  an  accommodation  plan  at  the  school  (See  section  on  504  application).    

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Communicable  Diseases/Lice  Communicable  disease  inspections  will  be  conducted  periodically.  A  student  suspected  of  having  a  communicable  disease  will  be  excluded  from  school  until  guidelines  for  readmission  are  met.    Outbreaks  of  head  lice  are  very  common.  The  school  follows  the  suggested  preventative  routines      outlined  by  the  Los  Angeles  County  Health  Department.  These  routines  include  periodic  head  checks  and  disinfecting  of  all  necessary  areas  in  the  school.    If  you  discover  that  anyone  in  your  family  has  lice,  please  notify  the  school  immediately.  GICS  staff  and/or  a  nurse  will  check  students  at  school.  A  child  with  lice  eggs  and/or  lice  in  his/her  hair  will  be  sent  home  to  prevent  the  spread  to  other  children.  An  affected  child  may  only  return  to  class  when  he/she  has  been  effectively  treated  and  the  office  inspects  the  child  or  the  family  presents  a  doctor’s  clearance.  Lice  can  spread  from  one  person  to  another  school  to  school  regardless  of  good  personal  hygiene.  Prompt  treatment  is  the  best  way  to  minimize  the  spread  at  school  and  at  home.      Other  Illnesses  A  student  returning  to  school  with  sutures,  casts,  crutches,  brace(s),  or  a  wheelchair  must  have  a  physician’s  written  permission  to  attend  school  and  must  comply  with  any  safety  procedures  required  by  the  school  administration.  A  student  returning  to  school  following  a  serious  or  prolonged  illness,  injury,  surgery,  or  other  hospitalization,  must  have  written  permission  by  the  healthcare  provider  to  attend  school,  including  any  recommendations  regarding  physical  activity.      A  letter  from  a  medical  doctor  can  excuse  a  student  who  is  unable  to  participate  in  a  regular  or  modified  physical  education  curriculum  for  a  temporary  period  of  time  (less  than  10  weeks)  due  to  illness  or  injury.        A  current  emergency  information  card  must  be  on  file  at  the  school  so  that  parents/guardians  can  be  notified  promptly  in  case  of  an  accident,  illness  or  emergency.    Treatment  of  School  Related  Injuries  It  is  the  policy  of  the  school  to  treat  minor  injuries  (scrapes,  paper  cuts,  bumps,  etc.)  with  ice  packs,  soap  and  water  and  band-­‐aids  as  needed.  Parents  are  notified  about  minor  injuries  at  the  discretion  of  the  administration.  When  confronted  with  more  serious  injuries/illnesses,  school  staff  will  contact  parent,  and,  if  required,  transport  the  student  to  the  nearest  hospital  emergency  room.    Mandated  Reporting  of  Suspected  Child  Abuse  or  Neglect  Any  school  employee  who  reasonably  suspects  that  child  abuse  or  neglect  has  occurred  or  is  occurring  is  required  by  law  to  file  a  child  abuse  report.  These  reports  are  filed  with  the  appropriate  child  protective  services  agency  such  as  the  local  police,  sheriff’s  department  or  the  Department  of  Children  and  Family  Services.      The  appropriate  local  law  enforcement  agency  shall  investigate  complaints  filed  by  parents  or  guardians  of  pupils  against  a  school  employee  or  other  person  that  commits  an  alleged  act  of  child  abuse  involving  any  current  or  former  students.  If  the  report  is  substantiated,  the  agency  will  inform  the  governing  board  of  GICS.  

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COMMUNICATION    It  is  very  important  that  the  communication  between  home  and  school  is  a  continuous  process.  Please  make  sure  your  home,  work,  and  cell  phone  numbers  are  current  so  that  the  office  can  contact  you  during  the  day  if  necessary.    Our  primary  method  of  communicating  with  families  is  via  email.  If  your  family  does  not  have  access  to  email,  it  is  important  that  you  let  us  know  so  that  we  can  provide  you  with  printed  information.    Translation  will  be  provided.      In  order  to  ensure  a  smooth  operation  of  the  school  without  disruption  or  distraction,  and  the  compliance  with  applicable  laws  and  policies,  flyers,  notices,  solicitations  or  other  materials  may  not  be  distributed  to  students  or  their  parents  on  campus  or  in  the  Valet  line.  All  school-­‐related  notices  (e.g.,  requests  for  volunteers,  information  about  community  events,  etc.)  can  be  submitted  to  the  Executive  Director  for  inclusion  in  the  school’s  weekly  email  blast  to  families  or,  as  needed,  distributed  to  students  to  bring  home.        Parents  are  asked  to  use  discretion  in  sending  “email  blasts”  to  families  at  school.  Each  class  has  a  Room  Parent  who  is  asked  to  coordinate  class-­‐related  communications  between  families  and  the  teacher.  If  you  have  a  question  or  concern  about  any  incident,  problem,  or  practice  concerning  the  school,  please  bring  that  to  the  attention  of  the  Executive  Director.    It  is  inappropriate  and  disruptive  to  the  school  if  persons  post  complaints  or  gripes  about  an  incident  on  yahoo  groups  or  other  listserv-­‐type  websites.  Questions  and  concerns  about  school  operations  should  be  directed  as  follows:    

• The  School  Site  Council,  as  detailed  earlier  in  this  Handbook,  includes  elected  parent  representatives,  along  with  the  elected  leaders  of  the  Goethe  Parents  Association,  teacher-­‐elected  representatives  and  the  Principal.  Parents  and  faculty  are  encouraged  to  discuss  their  interests  and  concerns  regarding  school  policies  and  operations  with  their  elected  representatives.    

•  The  Executive  Director  and/or  Principal  is  available  to  address  any  parent,  student,  staff  or  volunteer  questions  or  concerns,  particularly  regarding  individual  students  or  staff.  

• The  Board  of  Trustees,  as  the  governing  body  of  the  school,  is  the  ultimate  overseer  of  operations.  Each  Board  Meeting  includes  a  Public  Comment  during  which  time  any  member  of  the  public  may  speak  briefly.    

 At  all  times  the  adults  in  our  community  are  expected  to  model  the  positive  communication  behaviors  we  ask  of  our  students  and  to  ensure  that  communications  with  faculty,  staff  and  parents  are  respectful.  All  members  of  our  school  community  are  also  asked  to  respect  the  privacy  and  confidentiality  of  our  individual  students,  faculty  and  staff  and  to  attempt  to  resolve  any  conflicts  via  the  steps  outlined  in  this  Handbook.  If  at  any  time  any  member  of  this  school  community  ;  student,  teacher,  staff,  parent  or  volunteer  has  a  conflict  with  another  member  of  the  school  community  that  they  believe  cannot  be  resolved  directly  in  a  one-­‐on-­‐one  conversation,  the  individual  should  speak  with  the  Executive  Director  about  his/her  concerns.    To  Contact  Teachers  If  you  would  like  to  speak  with  your  child’s  teacher,  please  either  send  a  note  to  school,  or  email  your  teacher  directly.  You  may  also  call  the  school  office  and  leave  a  message  for  the  teacher  to  call  you.  A  staff  directory  is  included  at  the  end  of  this  Handbook.                        

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 To  Contact  Administration  Call,  e-­‐mail  or  drop  by  the  office  to  get  information,  ask  questions  or  make  suggestions.  Whenever  possible,  an  administrator  will  meet  with  you  to  discuss  your  immediate  concerns.  When  schedules  do  not  permit  an  immediate  conference,  please  leave  a  message  so  that  the  appropriate  administrator  can  call  or,  when  appropriate,  set  up  an  appointment  to  meet.    To  Contact  Your  Child  If  you  need  to  communicate  with  your  child  during  school,  call  the  office  and  leave  a  message  for  your  child.  A  child  will  only  be  called  to  the  phone  if  it  is  an  emergency.  Please  make  all  carpool  or  after  school  pick-­‐up  arrangements  with  your  child  before  school.    Parent  Concerns  About  Staff  or  Program  Teachers  are  available  to  discuss  any  concerns  that  a  parent  has  regarding  their  teaching  style  or  content,  disciplinary  measures,  or  personal  interaction  with  a  child.  Questions  regarding  GICS  curriculum,  school  rules  or  the  professional  conduct  of  any  GICS  employee  can  be  addressed  by  making  an  appointment  with  the  Principal.      Procedure  for  Resolving  Parent  Conflicts  GICS  recognizes  its  responsibility  for  ensuring  compliance  with  applicable  state  and  federal  laws  and  regulations  governing  educational  programs.  Parents/guardians  understand  that  GICS  has  its  own  Board  of  Trustees  that  is  separate  from  Los  Angeles  Unified  School  District’s  (LAUSD)  Board  of  Education.  Parents/guardians  also  understand  that  LAUSD  will  refer  such  complaints  to  the  charter  school’s  administration  or  Board.  Therefore,  parents/guardians  agree  to  follow  the  procedures  below  to  resolve  conflicts  in  a  timely  manner:    

Step  1:    First,  the  parent  will  make  an  appointment  and  meet  with  the  Executive  Director.    Step  2:    If  the  conflict  is  not  resolved,  the  parent  will  meet  with  a  representative  of  the  Board  of  Trustees  and  the  Executive  Director.    Step  3:    If  the  previous  two  steps  fail  to  arrive  at  a  resolution,  the  parent  may  submit  his/her  concern  in  writing  to  the  Board  of  Trustees  (the  parent  may  receive  assistance  with  writing  if  desired).  The  Board  will  discuss  the  issue  and  render  a  decision.  All  decisions  made  by  the  Board  are  final.  

     

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 Parent  Complaint  Process        

                                                   

Parent  re  Student

Parent  re  Teacher

Parent  re  Executive  Director

Parent  re  Administration

Parent  re  School

Teacher

Principal Director  of  Operations

Principal

Executive  Director

Executive  Director

Executive  Director

Executive  Director

Board  of  Trustees

Board  of  Trustees

Board  of  Trustees

Board  of  Trustees

Board  of  Trustees

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GENERAL  POLICIES    After  School  Program  GICS  currently  offers  the  Coach  Derek  after-­‐school  program  for  students.  This  program  provides  a  safe  environment  and  interesting  classes  in  academics  and  enrichment.  Coach  Derek  supports  programs  that  instill  character  building  into  every  facet  of  their  curriculum.  Information  and  enrollment  forms  are  available  in  the  school  office  and  on  our  website.        Birthdays  A  child’s  birthday  is  a  special  occasion.  Discuss  with  your  child’s  teacher  his/her  special  way  of  celebrating.  Some  students  may  wish  to  donate  a  book  to  the  library  as  a  gift  to  the  school  on  their  birthday.  If  you  and  your  child’s  teacher  agree  that  you  may  provide  a  special  treat,  please  keep  them  minimal  and  as  healthy  as  possible  with  awareness  of  any  food  allergies  of  classmates.        Cell  Phone  Policy  We  know  that  for  many  parents,  a  cell  phone  is  a  way  to  be  in  contact  with  your  child  in  the  event  of  an  emergency.  Cell  phones/devices  are  to  be  stored  in  the  student’s  backpack,  purse  or  any  other  book  bag  in  the  “off”  position  at  all  times  while  on  campus  (Monday  through  Friday,  including  during  after  school).    The  school  takes  no  responsibility  for  electronic  devices  brought  to  campus.    If  we  see  your  child’s  cell  phone  or  other  electronic  device  on  campus  (before  or  after  school),  we  will  confiscate  it.  If  your  child  needs  to  use  the  phone  to  contact  you  for  emergency  purposes,  your  child  may  use  the  main  office  phone  with  adult  permission.  Parents  who  need  to  contact  their  child  during  the  day  for  emergency  purposes  must  call  the  main  office.      Computers  and  Acceptable  Use  In  order  to  use  school  computers  and/or  the  Internet,  students  must  file  an  Acceptable  Use  Contract  signed  by  the  student  and  a  parent/guardian.  All  students  having  access  to  the  Internet  must  adhere  to  federally  mandated  rules  for  internet  use.  Internet  access  is  a  privilege.  Any  behavior  that  is  not  acceptable  may  result  in  the  loss  of  this  privilege.    GICS  rules  include  the  following:      • Handle  the  computers  and  equipment  with  care  and  as  directed  by  the  teacher.                                                                  • Be  respectful  of  the  rights,  the  ideas,  the  information,  and  the  privacy  of  others.  • Neither  send  nor  receive  information  that  is  not  related  to  schoolwork,  or  that  can  be  hurtful  or  

harmful  to  others.  • Report  to  teachers  any  sites  or  persons  that  demonstrate  inappropriate  use  of  on-­‐line  service.    

Field  Trips  Field  trips  provide  an  opportunity  for  first-­‐hand  experiences  that  complement  classroom  learning.  In  order  to  participate  on  a  field  trip,  all  students  must  have  a  completed  permission  slip  with  a  parent  signature.  Field  trip  slips  will  be  sent  home  before  the  trip  and  must  by  filled  out  by  a  parent  or  legal  guardian.  For  some  recurring  trips  (i.e.  the  library  or  off-­‐site  fire  drill  evacuation)  we  require  just  one  trip  slip  for  the  entire  school  year.  Volunteer  chaperones  must  be  approved  by  the  teacher,  must  have  proof  of  negative  TB  Mantoux  skin  test  on  file,  have  cleared  a  Live  Scan  background  check  before  the  trip,  be  21  years  of  age  or  older,  and  may  not  bring  other  children  on  the  trip.  A  student  may  be  excluded  from  a  field  trip  because  of  disrespectful  or  unsafe  behavior  or  as  a  consequence  of  failing  to  follow  school  rules.        

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 Homework  Policy  Homework  is  planned  to  meet  the  needs  of  the  students  and  has  an  essential  place  in  the  educational  program.  The  purpose  of  homework  is  to  reinforce  learning  that  has  taken  place  during  the  school  day.    Ideally  this  work  should  be  at  such  a  level  that  the  student  is  able  to  complete  the  required  tasks  independently.    The  amount  of  homework  should  vary  depending  on  the  age,  classes,  types  of  assignments,  and  student  work  habits.  Parents  are  empowered  to  use  their  judgment  to  modify  homework  to  increase  the  level  of  challenge  for  their  child  (ren)  as  needed  or  to  modify  homework  which  is  redundant  and  does  not  challenge  a  student.  In  order  for  such  homework  to  be  accepted  by  a  teacher,  it  must  have  a  written  rationale  and  a  parent  signature  attached.      Lunches/Snacks  Each  child  should  come  to  school  with  a  nutritional,  sugar-­‐free  snack  and  bottled  water.  GICS  offers  hot  lunch  for  purchase  through  LAUSD,  including  different  choices  offered  each  day.  The  cost  is  $2.75  per  meal.    Hot  lunch  menus  are  posted  on  the  LAUSD  website.    Invoices  for  hot  lunch  purchases  will  be  sent  home  to  parents  monthly.  Parents  may  pre-­‐load  money  to  their  student’s  account  at  the  Main  Office  through  the  Accounts  Administrator.    A  free  or  reduced  price  meal  application  is  available  at  http://café-­‐la.lausd.net.  Hard  copies  are  also  available  in  the  Main  Office.  This  information  is  kept  confidential.    Alternatively,  students  may  bring  their  own  lunch.  Please  send  only  nutritious  foods  for  snack  time  and  lunch  –  soda,  gum  and  candy  are  prohibited.        Students  are  required  to  bring  a  clearly  labeled,  refillable  water  bottle  to  school  each  day.  Please  bring  it  full.  The  school  has  purified  water  for  refills,  but  will  not  provide  disposable  cups.    Lost  and  Found  We  request  that  your  child’s  name  be  clearly  marked  on  all  items  that  come  to  school  with  them  (i.e.  pencil  boxes,  lunch  boxes,  notebooks,  jackets,  and  school  clothing).  Lost  items  that  are  found  will  be  held  in  the  GPA  shed  near  the  GICS  entry  for  30  days  at  which  time  they  will  be  used  in  the  office  for  emergencies  and/or  contributed  to  charity.    Personal  Property  Personal  property  not  related  to  the  school’s  programs  may  not  be  brought  to  school,  including  toys,  MP3  players,  card  collections,  etc.  If  you  are  not  sure  what  is  allowed,  please  ask  your  child’s  teacher.    Textbooks/School  Materials  Students  will  be  issued  books  and  materials  necessary  for  classroom  instruction.  These  books  become  the  responsibility  of  the  student.  Damaged  or  lost  books  must  be  replaced  by  the  parents.  Different  grades  have  specific  school  supply  needs;  therefore,  each  teacher  has  developed  a  list  of  requested  materials  to  be  provided  by  the  parents.  A  list  of  requested  supplies  will  be  posted  before  school  starts.  Your  willingness  to  supply  these  items  will  be  greatly  appreciated.  Families  who  qualify  for  free  or  reduced  price  lunch  may  be  offered  assistance  in  obtaining  necessary  school  supplies.            

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   PARENT  VOLUNTEERS    Parent  involvement  is  a  hallmark  of  the  success  of  GICS.  As  a  parent  founded  school,  we  are  firmly  committed  to  ensuring  that  parents  participate  actively  in  supporting  our  school.  Each  parent  is  encouraged  to  volunteer  five  hours  per  month,  with  a  wide  variety  of  activities  available  to  encompass  different  skills,  interests,  and  schedules.  The  Goethe  Parents  Association  helps  coordinate  all  parent  volunteer  activities.      Volunteer  Clearances  In  order  to  ensure  the  safety  and  security  of  our  students  and  staff  and  to  be  in  compliance  with  applicable  laws  and  policies  (including  newly  instituted  policies  of  the  Los  Angeles  County  Office  of  Education),  all  volunteers  who  will  work  on  campus  with  children  (in  classrooms,  in  the  office,  in  the  play  yard,  or  on  field  trips),  will  be  required  to  provide  a  Live  Scan  background  check  to  the  school  before  commencing  volunteering.  Live  Scan  technology  allows  digitally  scanned  fingerprints  and  related  information  to  be  submitted  electronically  to  the  Department  of  Justice  within  a  matter  of  minutes  and  allows  criminal  background  checks  to  be  processed  quickly,  usually  within  72  hours.  In  California,  a  certified  fingerprint  roller  or  qualified  law  enforcement  personnel  must  do  fingerprinting.  If  you  would  like  more  information,  please  visit  the  California  Department  of  Justice  website  at:  http://oag.ca.gov/fingerprints    A  listing  of  the  numerous  facilities  that  offer  Live  Scan  fingerprinting  can  be  found  at  http://ag.ca.gov/fingerprints/publications/contact.php#losangeles.  Please  bring  a  valid  driver's  license  or  a  valid  passport  and  a  completed  Live  Scan  form  that  can  be  obtained  in  the  school  office.  Results  are  directly  sent  to  the  school’s  Custodian  of  Records  in  approximately  3  business  days.  In  order  to  expedite  your  clearance,  please  bring  your  receipt  to  the  Director  of  Operations.  All  reports  are  handled  with  strict  confidentiality  and  destroyed  in  accordance  with  applicable  laws.  There  is  a  fee  to  obtain  a  Live  Scan  report.  Families  who  qualify  for  free  or  reduced-­‐price  lunch  and  would  like  assistance  in  covering  the  cost  of  this  report  should  speak  with  the  Executive  Director.       All  volunteers  who  are  in  contact  with  children  are  required  to  provide  a  Mantoux  T.B.  test  to  verify  that  they  are  free  from  tuberculosis  as  stated  in  California  Health  and  Safety  Code  §121545  TB  Test  School  Volunteers.  If  you  had  your  TB  test  done  in  the  last  four  years,  please  provide  the  office  with  that  information.          Confidentiality  Volunteers  will  refrain  from  discussing  individual  student’s  behavioral  or  academic  challenges  outside  the  classroom.  Similarly,  volunteers  who  take  on  leadership  roles  with  the  school,  including  serving  on  the  Board  of  Trustees,  will  be  held  to  standards  of  conduct  appropriate  to  those  roles.  Any  questions  about  these  obligations  should  be  directed  to  the  Executive  Director.    Hours  Reporting    At  the  end  of  this  Handbook  is  a  Volunteer  Hours  Report  form.  An  electronic  form  is  found  on  the  GPA  page  on  the  GICS  website.  Families  are  strongly  encouraged  to  report  their  volunteer  hours.  Tracking  hours  is  an  important  part  of  our  accountability.    Sign-­‐In  Volunteers  must  sign  it  at  the  office  each  time  they  volunteer  on  campus  and  obtain  an  ID  badge.    

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Volunteer  Opportunities  There  are  numerous  ways  in  which  parents  can  volunteer  at  GICS:    1.  Participate  in  School  Governance  and  Management  

• Run  for  a  parent  representative  seat  on  the  GICS  Board  of  Trustees;  • Run  for  a  leadership  position  in  the  Goethe  Parents  Association.  The  President  and  Vice-­‐

President  additionally  serve  on  the  School  Site  Council;    • Run  for  a  position  on  the  School  Site  Council.  

 2.  Volunteer  on  Campus  for  Events  GPA-­‐led  volunteer  activities  fall  into  four  categories.  Contact  information  for  the  various  activities  are  provided  in  the  directory  at  the  end  of  this  Handbook,  or  parents  can  email  [email protected]  to  be  directed  to  the  appropriate  contact.    • Outreach  &  Diversity:    These  parents  work  directly  with  the  Executive  Director  to  conduct  outreach  

at  local  preschools  and  community  organizations,  post  fliers,  promote  the  school  and  encourage  applications  for  enrollment.  Outreach  &  Diversity  also  includes  building  community  awareness  of  GICS  through  participation  in  neighborhood  councils,  Rotary,  and  other  organizations,  forming  partnerships  with  local  service  organizations  and  employers,  and  more.      

• Community  Events  :    Each  Event  has  a  Chair  or  Co-­‐Chairs  and  recruits  numerous  volunteers  to  help  plan,  set-­‐up,  produce  and  clean  up  each  event.  

 o Parent  Universities/Monthly  Meetings:    Parent  Universities  consist  of  evening  class  

sessions  designed  to  help  parents  better  understand  relevant  school-­‐related  topics.  These  sessions  are  taught  by  staff  as  well  as  specialists  in  various  fields.  The  GPA  assists  in  the  planning  and  hosting  of  these  sessions.    

o Family  Events:    Back  to  School  Picnic,  Autumn  Festival,  Lantern  Festival,  etc.    

o Hospitality:    This  committee  organizes  events  to  help  welcome  new  families  to  Goethe,  along  with  organizing  summer  play  dates  and  answering  questions  to  help  new  families  integrate  into  the  Goethe  community.    

• Fundraising:    Each  event  has  a  Chair  or  Co-­‐Chairs  and  recruits  numerous  volunteers  to  help  plan,  set-­‐up,  and  produce  and  clean  up  each  event.    

o Goethe  Café:    Each  Friday  during  drop  off  and  pick  up,  the  GPA  hosts  a  breakfast  bake  sale.  Each  week  a  class  or  GPA  Committee  sponsors  the  Café,  and  the  proceeds  go  to  that  class  or  committee.  The  Goethe  Café  is  a  weekly  tradition  that  has  raised  thousands  of  dollars  for  our  classroom  field  trips.    

o Pledge  Drive:    Parent  volunteers  support  GICS’s  annual  pledge  drive  with  a  goal  of  100%  parent  participation.    

o Silent  Auction:    This  biggest  fundraiser  of  the  year  requires  many  parent  volunteers.    

o Jog-­‐a-­‐thon:    A  popular  fundraiser  where  the  students  solicit  sponsors  and  run  for  the  school.    

 

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o Smaller  Events/Activities:    Spirit  Store,  Book  Fair,  Dinner  Night  Out,  Yearbook,  Family  Portraits,  etc.    

• Student  Support    

o Room  Parents,  Classroom  Helpers  and  Field  Trip  Chaperones:    These  parent  volunteers,  under  the  direction  of  the  teacher,  help  coordinate  communication  to  parents,  assist  the  teacher  in  the  preparation  of  art  projects  and  homework  and  provide  extra  support  for  safe  and  successful  field  trips.      

o Green  Team:  This  committee  helps  plan  and  oversee  activities  of  the  GICS  Recycling  Program,  the  GICS  Kids  Ocean  Awareness  Program,  Plastics:  The  Real  Sea  Monster  art  project,  Kids  Ocean  Day  beach  clean-­‐up  and  aerial  art  event,  the  regular  Walk/Bike/Roll  to  School  Days,  and  the  GICS  environmental  assembly,  among  other  things.  

 o Growing  Great  Garden  Project:    This  committee  maintains  the  garden  and  participating  in  

Growing  Great,  an  educational  and  nutritional  program  that  is  integrated  into  our  classrooms'  curriculum.  The  programs  include  harvest  of  the  month,  nutrition  lessons  and  planting  and  harvesting.    

o Uniforms:    This  committee  helps  families  obtain  used  uniforms.    

   

Other  events  and  volunteer  opportunities  may  arise  throughout  the  year.    

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   2016/2017  Uniform  Policies  Uniforms  will  be  required  on  the  first  day  of  school.  All  tops  will  need  to  have  an  embroidered  Goethe  logo.  Carrusel  and  Lands  End  are  the  only  two  vendors  permitted  due  to  graphic  authenticity.  There  are  used  uniforms  available  for  families  expressing  financial  need.  Please  email  the  GPA  at  [email protected]  or  call  the  GICS  school  office  at  310-­‐306-­‐3484  for  assistance.    Local  provider:    Carrusel  School  Uniforms  2585  W.  Pico  Blvd  Los  Angeles,  CA  90006  Phone:  562  806  2441  In  addition  to  in  store  purchases  Carrusel  Uniforms  will  offer  several  special  on-­‐campus  sales  throughout  the  school  year  which  will  be  announced  by  the  school  administration.    Mail  order  purchases:  www.landsend.com  Goethe  approved  logo  wear  is  available  for  online  and  phone  order.  Please  enter  GICS’  preferred  school  number:  900138215  in  order  to  access  our  customized  website  for  Lands’  End.  Once  you  have  done  so,  you  will  only  see  items  and  colors  approved  by  our  school's  policy  and  the  correct  logo  for  embroidery  can  be  added  for  polos,  jumpers,  jackets  and  cardigans.  The  school  earns  up  to  3%  of  all  uniform  purchased.                                                                                                    Boys   Girls    Tops    (choice  of  one  mandatory)    

Short  or  long  sleeved  mesh  polo  shirt  in  light  blue  or  red  with  embroidered  Goethe  logo.      Short  or  Long  sleeved  light  blue  Oxford  style  tailored  shirts  with  embroidered  Goethe  logo.                        If  you  choose  to  only  purchase  short-­‐sleeved  shirts  your  child  can  wear  a  white  or  navy  long  sleeve  undershirt  or  turtleneck  under  it.      No  other  colors  are  allowed.    

Short  or  long  sleeved  mesh  (Pique)  polo  shirt  in  light  blue  or  red  with  embroidered  Goethe  logo.      Short  or  Long  sleeved  light  blue  Oxford  style  tailored  shirts  with  embroidered  Goethe  logo.      Navy  Blue  Jumper  dress  with  embroidered  Goethe  logo.  Either  a  light  blue  or  red  polo  shirt  or  a  white  or  navy  blue  turtleneck  must  be  worn  underneath.      Lands  End  brand  one  piece  cotton  pique  dress  (navy)  with  Goethe  logo.    If  you  choose  to  only  purchase  short-­‐sleeved  shirts,  your  child  can  wear  a  white  or  navy  long  sleeve  undershirt  or  turtleneck  under  it.        No  other  colors  are  allowed.      

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Jacket    (choice  of  one  mandatory)    

Navy  blue  zipper  hoodie  jacket  with  embroidered  Goethe  logo.      Navy  blue  fleece  jacket  with  embroidered  Goethe  logo.      Navy  blue  windbreaker  jacket  with  embroidered  Goethe  logo.      Jackets  may  be  embroidered  in  white  with  your  child’s  name  or  initials  on  the  right.        

Navy  blue  zipper  hoodie  jacket  with  embroidered  Goethe  logo.      Navy  blue  fleece  jacket  with  embroidered  Goethe  logo.      Navy  blue  windbreaker  jacket  with  embroidered  Goethe  logo.      Jackets  may  be  embroidered  in  white  with  your  child’s  name  or  initials  on  the  right.    

Bottoms    (choice  of  one  mandatory)    

Navy  blue  uniform  style  pants  or  shorts  that  fit  at  the  waist.                      No  “Cargo-­‐style”,  denim,                sweat  pants  or  yoga  pants  are  permitted.    

Navy  blue  uniform  style  skorts,  skirts,  shorts  or  pants  that  fit  at  waist.      Manhattan  plaid  skirts  or  skorts.    Skirts  and  skorts  should  be  no  higher  than  three  inches  above  the  knee.  Navy  blue  bike  shorts  or  leggings  should  be  worn  under  skirts  to  ensure  modesty.  No  other  color  is  permissible  for  the  undergarments.      No  “Cargo-­‐style”,  denim,  sweat  pants  or  yoga  pants  are  permitted.      

                                                                                                                         

Optional  items                                          Navy  blue  cardigan  with  embroidered  Goethe  logo.      Navy  blue  long  tie  can  be  worn  with  Oxford  style  shirt.        Navy  blue  squall  parka  with  embroidered  Goethe  logo  for  cold  and  rainy  days.      Navy  V-­‐neck  sweater  with  Goethe  logo.    Navy  fleece  vest  with  Goethe  Logo.  

Navy  blue  cardigan  with  embroidered  Goethe  Logo.      Navy  Blue  long  tie  or  navy  blue  criss/cross  tie  for  girls  can  be  worn  with  Oxford  Style  blouse.      Navy  blue  squall  parka  with  embroidered  Goethe  logo  for  cold  and  rainy  days.    Navy  V-­‐neck  sweater  with  Goethe  logo.      Navy  fleece  vest  with  Goethe  logo.        

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Hats     Hats  are  not  mandatory,  however  if  students  want  to  wear  hats  on  campus,  it  must  be  a  Goethe  hat,  either  baseball  cap  or  bucket  hat  style  with  embroidered  Goethe  logo.      Hats  can  only  be  worn  outside  the  classrooms.  

Hats  are  not  mandatory,  however  if  students  want  to  wear  hats  on  campus,  it  must  be  a  Goethe  hat,  either  baseball  cap  or  bucket  hat  style  with  embroidered  Goethe  logo.        Hats  can  only  be  worn  outside  the  classrooms.    

Shoes/    Socks    

Any  athletic  shoe  or  other  rubber-­‐soled  shoe  is  permissible  with  the  preferred  colors  being  black,  white  or  navy.      Please  note  that  shoes  must  be  closed  toed,  no  open  toe  sandals  are  permitted.      The  school  prefers  that  for  safety  reasons  students  will  not  wear  “Crocs”  closed  toe  shoes  to  school.      Any  color  of  socks  is  permissible.          

Any  athletic  shoe  or  other  rubber-­‐soled  shoe  is  permissible  with  the  preferred  colors  being  black,  white  or  navy.        Please  note  that  shoes  must  be  closed  toed,  no  open  toe  sandals  are  permitted.      The  school  prefers  that  for  safety  reasons  students  will  not  wear  “Crocs”  closed  toe  shoes  to  school.        Any  color  of  socks  or  stockings  is  permissible.      

Rain  gear     Students  are  permitted  to  wear  non-­‐uniform  raingear  on  top  of  their  regular  uniform  on  rainy  days.          

Students  are  permitted  to  wear  non-­‐uniform  raingear  on  top  of  their  regular  uniform  on  rainy  days.      

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MODIFIED CONSENT DECREE NOTICE TO PARENTS 2016-2017 Dear Parent(s)/Guardian(s): The Los Angeles Unified School District (based on Modified Consent Decree requirements) established the Complaint Response Unit (CRU)/Parent Resource Network (PRN) in the Division of Special Education to respond to concerns of parents of students with disabilities. CPU/PRN services may be accessed by calling (800) 933-8133, or by visiting the Unit at the administrative offices of the Los Angeles Unified School District, located at 333 South Beaudry, 17th Floor, Los Angeles, 90017. The District utilizes a visitor management security system. In order to gain entrance to the building, visitors will be required to present valid picture identification to security in the lobby. The Unit is responsible for accurately recording all parent inquires and complaints that are received by telephone or in writing. Through the Unit, the District provides parents with a written response in one of the following ways:

1. A remedy and, where appropriate, the date by which the remedy shall be implemented; 2. Information that an appropriate referral has been made; 3. Recommended course of action for the complaint; or 4. A determination that the complaint has been investigated and determined to be unfounded.

The Unit is responsible for providing accurate information and recording all District and school responses to specific parent inquires. District staff are expected to met the following performance standards when dealing with parent/guardian complaints:

a. 20% of complaints will be responded to within 5 working days. b. 50% of complaints will be responded to within 10 working days. c. 75% of complaints will be responded to within 20 working days. d. 90% of complaints will be responded to within 30 working days. e. The District will be required to report to the Independent Monitor on the status of each complaint

not resolved within 30 working days, at 5 working day intervals, until the complaint is resolved. The CPU/PRN is staffed by parents of students with disabilities that have been trained in responding to parent concerns and serves as a liaison to District staff regarding complaints. The CPU/PRN also provides monthly parent trainings on the second Wednesday of each month and selected Saturdays. For information or a copy of the CPU/PRN brochure and a list of monthly trainings, please contact your child’s school or the CPU/PRN. The brochure and trainings are available on the Division of Special Education website at http://sped.lausd.net/. Please contact Gwenis Laura, Executive Director, with any questions. Thank you,

Gwenis Laura Executive Director

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      GICS  Parent  Volunteer  Hours  Log    **This  form  is  to  log  volunteer  hours  outside  of  school.    When  volunteering  at  school,  please  sign-­‐in  to  the  volunteer  log  in  the  office.    Please  log  volunteer  hours  by  the  month  and  email/turn  in  this  log  to  GPA  Volunteer  Coordinator.    Name_______________________   Month/Year______________      Signature____________________      Total  Hours  Spent_______________  (Total  your  number  of  hours  below  and  enter  here)      

Date Activity Your Role Hours Spent

VOLUNTEER LOG 2016-2017

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GOETHE  INTERNATIONAL  CHARTER  SCHOOL    

PARENT  and  STUDENT  AGREEMENT  2016-­‐2017  SCHOOL  YEAR  

   

I  acknowledge,  with  my  signature  below,  that  I  have  read  and  understand  the  policies  contained  in  the  Goethe  International  Charter  School  Family  Handbook,  and  agree  to  comply  with  these  policies.    NAME  OF  STUDENT(S):        ______________________________________________________________________________  Last  Name                                                          First  Name                                                                                                                            Grade        ______________________________________________________________________________  Last  Name                                                          First  Name                                                                                                                            Grade      ______________________________________________________________________________  Last  Name                                                          First  Name                                                                                                                            Grade        _____________________________                                                                                  _______________  Signature  of  Parent/Guardian                                                                                                      Date      _____________________________                                                                                  _______________  Signature  of  1st  Student                                                                                                                            Date      _____________________________                                                                                  _______________  Signature  of  2nd  Student                                                                                                                          Date      _____________________________                                                                                  _______________  Signature  of  3rd  Student                                                                                                                            Date