Los Feliz Charter School for the Arts Parent Handbook · Michelle Jones Office Manager [email protected] ... Mayra Hernandez Teacher – K/1st multiage [email protected]

LosFelizCharterSchoolfortheArtsParentHandbook

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TableofContents

Mission.................................................................................................................................................3

Vision....................................................................................................................................................3

TheLFCSADirectory..............................................................................................................................4

CoreValues...........................................................................................................................................5

LFCSACurriculum..................................................................................................................................5

ArtIntegration......................................................................................................................................6

SocialEmotionalLearning.....................................................................................................................7

Non-Discrimination.............................................................................................................................15

Suspension/Expulsion.........................................................................................................................16

StatementAgainstHarassment,Intimidation,Discrimination&Bullying.............................................17

PropertyPolicy....................................................................................................................................18

AppropriateDress...............................................................................................................................18

HealthandNutrition...........................................................................................................................19

DropoffandPickUp...........................................................................................................................22

Attendance.........................................................................................................................................23

IndependentStudyContracts..............................................................................................................24

VisitorPolicy.......................................................................................................................................24

ParentInvolvement:Volunteering......................................................................................................26

LFCSACommunications:StayingInformed&Involved.........................................................................27

LFCSAHealth&Safety:EmergencyProcedures...................................................................................28

LFCSACommittees&Supporters.........................................................................................................30

UniformComplaintPolicyandProcedures..........................................................................................32

Ourcommitment.................................................................................................................................37

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LosFelizCharterSchoolfortheArts

Mission

Toengagechildreninaninspiring,challenging,andcivicallyactiveeducationalexperiencethatembraceslearningthroughthearts.

Vision

LosFelizCharterSchoolfortheArtsisaplacewherestudents,teachers,parents,andthecommunitycollaboratetocreateanurturingandinspiringlearningenvironmentwherestudentscandevelopacademicandlifeskillsthroughcreativity,inquiry,investigation,andreflection.Ourartsintegratedcurriculumnurturescuriosity,confidence,collaboration,resilience,andcivicengagement,enablingstudentstoapproachlearningindifferentways.Throughproject-based,constructivistlearning,studentsareabletotakerisksandbeactivelyengagedintheirlearningexperience.Inaddition,LFCSAendeavorstobecomeamodelartsintegrationschoolandtrainingfacilitythatsharesbestpracticesandimpactsoureducationalsystemandcommunity.

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TheLFCSADirectory

LindaLee ExecutiveDirector/Principal [email protected]

NickZanoria AssistantPrincipal [email protected]

MichelleJones OfficeManager [email protected]

SabraKirkland Office/Receptionist [email protected]

KarinDavalos SpecialEducationCoordinator [email protected]

JohannaVoutounou OfficeAssistant [email protected]

BrendaAguilar OfficeAssistant [email protected]

JessicaBarragan OfficeAssistant [email protected]

JaninaCastro C.A.P.ProgramCoordinator [email protected]

CamilleArevalo C.A.P.ProgramAssistant [email protected]

JorgeArriaza Custodian [email protected]

MariaOchoa Custodian [email protected]

MelissaLitz Teacher–TK/Kmultiage [email protected]

DarcyMellinger Teacher–TK/Kmultiage [email protected]

AlejandraMayo Teacher–TK/Kmultiage [email protected]

DeniseHarwell Teacher–K/1stmultiage [email protected]

MayraHernandez Teacher–K/1stmultiage [email protected]

DebbieKazama Teacher–K/1stmultiage [email protected]

ZelinaMuñoz Teacher–K/1stmultiage [email protected] Teacher–K/1stmultiage [email protected]

HaileyCourter Teacher–2nd [email protected]

VanessaGoldberg Teacher–2nd [email protected]

SaraVerducci Teacher–2nd [email protected]

SavannahAckerman Teacher–3rd [email protected]

JasmineHwang Teacher–3rd [email protected]

LawrenWilliams Teacher–3rd [email protected]

CherylLedezma Teacher–4th [email protected]

AnnaSoffer Teacher–4th [email protected]

FidelVelasco Teacher–4th [email protected]

JoyBosley Teacher–4th/5thmultiage [email protected]

SaraUreno Teacher–5th [email protected]

WhitneySalyer Specialist–Dance [email protected]

LouisAllen Specialist–Music [email protected]

KateHoffman Specialist–VisualArts [email protected]

EvelynSerrano Specialist–VisualArts/ArtsIntegrationCoordninaorCoordinator

[email protected]

AndreasWenger Specialist–PhysicalEducation [email protected]

AlyssaFetters OccupationalTherapist [email protected]

ChelseaDhanraj ResourceSpecialist [email protected]

CarlaAnda SchoolCounselor [email protected]

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CoreValues

FocusontheWholeChildAtLFCSA,wechallengechildrentoconstructtheirownmeaningfromcomplexideasandconcepts.Acknowledgingthatstudentslearnanddemonstratewhattheyknowinavarietyofways,ourinstructionallowschildrentosee,hear,andexpressaccordingtotheirindividuallearningstyles.Child-CenteredLearningWebelievethatdifferencesinthewaychildrenlearnandthepacesatwhichtheylearnarenatural.Aneducationthatbenefitsallchildrenmustbeadaptedtoindividuallearningstyles.Teachersrespectthesedifferences,andprovideopportunitiesforstudentstobeactiveparticipantsintheirownlearning.ConstructivistEnvironmentOurprogramprovidesaconstructivistenvironmentthatdiffersfromatraditionalclassroominthatourteachersactasfacilitatorsoflearningratherthangiversofinformation.Studentquestioningishighlyvaluedandencouraged,anddeepunderstanding,notimitativebehavior,isthegoal.Project-BasedOurproject-basedcurriculumisstructuredtoallowstudentstopursueindividualeducationalgoalswhileatthesametimerequiringthemtocollaboratewithothersonasharedobjective.Classroomlearningisorganizedinmeaningful,purposefulwaysthoughrich,cross-disciplinarysubjectmatterthatcorrespondstostatestandards.Project-basedlearninghelpsstudentsdevelopthecharacter,habits,andskillsvitaltoour21stcenturyworkforce.ArtsIntegratedThecontentandskillsofdance,music,drama,andvisualartsinstructionareintegratedintoothercontentareas,suchasmathandlanguagearts.Suchintegrationenhancesthelearningofallsubjectsandgivesallstudentsmeaningfulaccesstothecurriculum.AuthenticFamilyInvolvementParentsandguardiansareviewedaspartnersandtheirinvolvementinallfacetsofschoollife,fromvolunteeringintheclassroomtosharingideaswithschoolleaders,isvaluedandencouraged.

LFCSACurriculum

Project-BasedLearningisacomprehensiveinstructionalapproachtoengagestudentsinsustained,cooperativeinvestigation(Bransford&Stein,1993).Withinitsframeworkstudentscollaborate,workingtogethertodevelopskillssuchasproblem-solving,criticalthinking,communication,cooperation,andcreativity.Student-centeredinquiryisguidedbyessentialquestionsorproblemsthatresultinactiveparticipationinhands-onlearningthatencouragesflexiblethinkingandmultiplewaysofdemonstratingwhathasbeenlearned.DifferentWaysofKnowing(DWoK)isaninquiry-based,arts-infused,interdisciplinaryprofessionaldevelopmentinitiative.Formostparticipatingeducators,DWoKisacentralpartoftheirschool'sanddistrict'splansforcontinuousschoolimprovement.Theacademicandsocialsuccessofeverychildformsthemotivationfortheirworkintheclassroomandwithoneanother.ThevisionwehaveforallstudentsisstatedbestbyEliotW.Eisner(1997)inhisdescriptionoftwoespeciallyimportantaimsofeducation,“Wewouldlikeourchildrentobewell-informed-thatis,tounderstandideasthatareimportant,useful,beautiful,andpowerful.Andwealsowantthemtohavetheappetiteandabilitytothinkanalyticallyandcritically,tobeabletospeculateandimagine,toseeconnectionsamongideas,andtobeabletousewhattheyknowtoenhancetheirownlives

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andtocontributetotheirculture.”Recognizingthateverychildhastalentandthatchildrenlearnbydoing,theDWoKcurriculumprovidesclearandflexibleguidelinesforlearner-centeredclassroompractice.Studentspursuesolutionstoproblemsandissuesby:

• Askingandrefiningquestions• Debatingideas• Makingpredictions• Designingplansand/orexperiments• Collectingandanalyzingdata• Drawingconclusions• Communicatingtheirideasandfindingstoothers• Askingnewquestions,and• Creatingartifactsoflearning

ScottishStorylineisamethodthatprovidesastructureforplanninganinterdisciplinaryproject-basedlearningexperience.Itisaninnovativeapproachtocurriculumintegrationthatcreatesacontextforcurriculumlinkagethroughatopicstudy.TheessentialelementsoftheStorylinetopicaresetting,charactersandevents.Creatinganarrativeprovidesastructureandlogictocurriculaconnections.ThedifferencebetweenthematicstudiesandtheStorylineMethodisthepresentationofkeyquestionsthroughouttheunit,whichallowsstudentstomakedeeperconnectionswiththecontent.Akeyfeatureoftheapproachishowitbuildsonpupils’existingexperienceandknowledge.Itencouragesahighdegreeofpupilinvolvement,bothimaginativelyandinpracticalproblemsolving.InaStoryline,studentsposetheproblemsandaskquestions,andthestudentsandtheteacherexploreideastogether.Theapproachisessentiallyexperientialandconstructivist.Itdrawsthecurriculumtogetherusingtheenvironmentandsocialsubjectsasastimulustoexplore,usingexpressiveartsandlanguageasameansofdiscussing,describingandexplaining.

ArtIntegration

DefinitionArtsIntegrationisanapproachtoteachinginwhichstudentsconstructanddemonstrateunderstandingthroughanartform.Studentsengageinacreativeprocess,whichconnectsanartformandanothersubjectarea,andmeetsevolvingobjectivesinboth.(KennedyCenter,2010)LearningthroughtheartsThecontentandskillsofdance,music,dramaandvisualartsinstructionareintegratedintoothercontentareas,suchasmathandlanguagearts.Suchintegrationenhancesandenrichesthelearningofallsubjectsandgivesstudentsmeaningfulaccesstothecurriculum.Whileitisimportanttoemphasizethatwearenota“performingarts”school,studentsareencouragedtousetheirknowledgeoftheartstoshowwhattheyhavelearnedinothercontentareas.Example:dancingfractions,usingmusictounderstandthemathematicalconceptoffractions.Music,danceandvisualartsaretaughtandvaluedasindividualsubjects.Studentsreceiveaminimumofoneclassperweekofstandardsbasedinstructionineachoftheseareas.Theyaretaughtthedisciplineandfundamentalsofthearts,andtheyareencouragedtoexploretheirowncreativeprocessthroughvariousmodesofexpression.Studentsshowwhattheyhavelearnedbypresentingafinishedprojectorperformance.

AssessmentsStandardizedTestingAsacharter,publicschool,LFCSAparticipatesinthestatewidetestingsystem.Studentsin3rd-6thgradesaretestingwithacomputerizedsystemcalledtheCaliforniaAssessmentofStudentPerformanceandProgress.Inaddition,5thgradestudentscompleteastandardizedScienceTest.TheCaliforniaEnglishLanguageDevelopmentTest(CELDT)willbeadministeredeveryfalltoallstudentswhoareclassifiedasEnglishLearners,inKindergartenthrough8thgrade.

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StudentProgressReportsIndividualstudent’sprogresswillbeevaluatedattheendofeachgradingperiod.Parent-Teacherconferenceswillbescheduledtwiceayeartocoincidewiththeseassessments.Afinalprogressreportwillbesenthomeattheendoftheschoolyear.

SocialEmotionalLearning(CoolTools,PositiveBehaviorInterventions,GrowthMindset&Mindfulness)

ThissectiondescribesthedifferentcomponentsofourSocialEmotionalLearningProgram.ItincludestheSafeSchoolSystem’sCoolTools,Sort-it-outProcesses,PositiveBehaviorInterventions,GrowthMindset,andCalmClassroomresources.SafeSchoolSystemoffersacomprehensiveapproachtofosteringchildren’sphysical,mental,andsocio-emotionalwell-being.Itisanapproachthatguidesstudentstowardsbecomingconfident,well-adjustedandproductiveadults,andworkstoensureallchildren’srighttolearnattheirfullestpotential.UndertheSafeSchoolguidelines,anykindoftaunt,withattempttohurt,whetherinpersonoronline,isunacceptable(seeSafeSchoolGuidelines).OurSafeSchoolsystemteacheschildrenskillsforsuccessfulcollaborationandconflictresolution.WhenSafeSchoolguidelinesarenotfollowed,theincidentisviewedasanopportunityforlearning.Childrenareencouragedtolistentomultipleperspectivesonagivenincidentandtoexpresstheirownviews.Theyarethenhelpedtomediatearesolutionthatgivesthemreplacementbehaviorsforsimilarproblemsinthefuture.Thus,teachablemomentscanbecomelifelonglessons.Tomakethelessonsmemorable,teachersusecarefullyselected,highlymotivating,concreteobjectsorganizedinatoolboxtorepresent“tools”forresolvingconflictinconstructiveandethicalways.Usingthetoolsinthecontextofreal-lifeincidents(or“teachablemoments”)aswellasinregularinstructionhelpschildrenputethicalvaluesintoactionanddemonstrategoodcharacterintheireverydayproblemsolving.Teachingvalueshand-in-handwithsocialactionskillsmaximizesopportunitiesforchildrentolearnthelanguageofconflictresolution.TheSchoolSafeSchoolsystemisorganizedaroundsevencriticalcomponents:

● Createacommunityofsafety,whereallmembersviewthepracticesasawayoflife● Focusonpreventionbysettingupclearsafeguardsandrules● Ensureanimmediateresponseandfollow-throughforallincidents● Offerinstructionalinterventionstogeneratereplacementbehaviors● Monitorandadvocateforthesystem● Integratelessonsonresponsiblebehaviorintotheacademicprogram● Useongoingassessmentstoguidedevelopmentofthesystemandmeetthechangingneedsofchildren

andtheschoolcommunitySafeSchoolProceduresAllchildrenwillhavediscussions,guidedbytheteacher,onhowtocreateasafeschoolenvironmentandtogethersetupclassroombehaviorrules.AllstakeholdersareexpectedtoparticipateintheSafeSchoolmediationprocess.Whenincidentsoccur,teachersand/oradministratorsguidethoseinvolvedtoworkoutproblemsbydiscussingwhathappenedandtheeffectoftheirchoicesonothersandthemselves.Whenincidentsinvolvechildren,theadultswillassisttheminfiguringoutsafeoptionsorstrategiesthatcouldhavehelpedresolvetheproblem.Sometimestheywillasktheclasstoresolvetheproblemtogether.Whenallpointsofviewareconsidered,mediationsareproductivewaystohelpchildrenworkthroughtheirpartintheproblemandfindresolutionintermsofsaferstrategiestheycouldusethenexttimeasimilarsituationarises.Ifresolutionisnotpossible,aparentconferenceorothertypeoffollow-upinterventionmaybearranged.Whenincidentsinvolveadults,asimilarprocessisfollowed.SafeSchoolGuidelinesAsaSAFESCHOOL,wearecommittedtoacaringcommunityforlearninginasafeenvironment,whetherinpersonoronline.Therefore,wewilladheretothefollowingguidelines.

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(1)Wewillrespectdifferencesofalltypes—physical,mental,emotional,socialandspiritual.Wewillchooseourwordsandactionstohelp,nothurt,others.Wewillworktokeepourschoolfreeofverbalandnonverbalput-downsregardingthefollowing:

● academicprogress● age● appearance/bodyimage/mannerisms● athleticability● beliefsystems● cultural,ethnicand/orracialbackground● familybackgroundandfamilycomposition● friendships● languages● learningstyles● physicalchallenges● sexualharassmentofanytype,includinggenderstereotypesandhomophobictaunts

(2)Wewilluselanguageappropriateforschool(3)Wewillnottoleratephysicalabuse,tauntsorthreatsAsaSAFESCHOOL,wewillacceptresponsibilityforourwordsandactionswithoutexcuses.CoolToolsDocumentsWewilluse“Sort-It-Out”formstohelpchildrencapturetheconflictandreflectontherepair.CoolToolscurriculumisbuiltaroundthebeliefthatthesocial-emotionalstudenthealthisfundamentaltolearning.CoolToolsweredevelopedatCorrineA.SeedsUniversityElementarySchoolatUCLA.Usingmetaphorsandprops,CoolToolsguidesstudentstowardpositivedecision-makingstrategiesthatareempowering.BelowareexamplesofsomeoftheCoolToolsstrategiesyourchildwillbelearning.CoolTools(seenextpageforalistingofalltheCoolTools)PutUpsnotPutDownsAputupissayingsomethingsupportiveandencouraging,recognizinggoodbehavior,acknowledgingspecialefforts.Theemphasisisonhighlightingthepositiveratherthancallingattentiontothenegative.Theputupsneedtobeauthenticstatements.Thechildrenlearnthatittakes5putupstorepairasingleputdown,butbecauseputdownsareliketoothpastesqueezedoutofatube,negativeorhurtfulstatementscannoteverbecompletelytakenbackandtheyshouldworkonnotmakingthemtobeginwith.BubbleofSpaceStudentsareshownthateveryonedeservestheirownpersonalspacethatdoesn’tinterferewithordisplaceothers.Byimagininga“bubble’aroundtheirbody,theycanvisualizewhatitmeansto“popsomeone’sbubble”andhowtheycanshowrespectbymakingroomforeachother.ChoiceofVoiceStudentsdiscoverthattoneofvoiceisasimportantastheirspokenwords.Theyareencouragedtochoose“coolblue”not“redhot,”voices.ExitShoesWhenyourchildfeelsintentionallyexcluded,pickedonorisinvolvedinany“redhot”interaction,theyareencouragedtousetheir“exitshoes”andtakethemselvesawayfromanegativesituation.Thiswillallowroomforthesituationtocooldown

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beforearepaircanbesoughtout.RepairSquareConflictsthatdon’tgetresolvedontheplaygroundmayendupas“repairs.”Childrenareinstructedtoputtheirnameandthename(s)ofthosetheyneedtomake“repairs”withontheRepairSquare.Theyareempoweredtomake“repairs”ontheirown;however,iftheyneedsupporttheycanenlisthelpfromtheirteacher.

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Cool Tools Values, Behaviors, and Concrete Objects Symbolizing Abstract Concepts

Value Reminds Us Cool Tool

Consideration Respect each other’s bubble or personal space.

Bubble

Inclusion Always include others in our play and our learning.

Magnet

Decision Making That there are three different types of decisions:

Green- Decisions made by ourselves

Yellow- Decisions made together Red- Decisions made by grown ups

Traffic Signal

Self-Respect Let people know you do not like something by respectfully asking them to stop. If they are unwilling or the problem escalates with no

compromise, exit the situation.

Stop and/or Exit

Integrity Choice of voice- The tone of our voice and our attitude affect our message and a

situation.

Microphone (Choice of Voice)

Kindness Helps us to practice giving thoughtful and meaningful put-ups to our friends, especially

when we need to repair a problem.

Bucket Filling

Honesty Go straight to the truth when solving a problem by using an “I” statement.

Straight Pretzel

Responsibility We are in charge of the words we use. Repairs help heal a problem but do not take

Toothpaste Challenge

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away all of the hurt. We need to choose our words carefully.

Value Reminds Us Cool Tool

Respect and Responsibility The cool domino effect is when we copy helpful behaviors. The un-cool domino effect

is when we copy those that are not.

Domino Effect

Perspective/Empathy If we try to understand the perspective of others, we are better able to understand and

solve problems.

Kaleidoscope

Forgiveness Once a problem has been solved, we have to show compassion and forgiveness so we can

start fresh.

Big Mistakes Eraser

Determination/Perseverance We have to consider each person’s point of view and then think critically to create a

solution that attempts to meet the needs of everyone involved.

Maze

Consideration We must think with our head and feel with our heart before deciding what to say.

Chattering Teeth

Self-Regulation Sometimes we need to cool down using our chill skills (coping skills) before working to

solve a problem.

Ice Cube Tray

Self-Worth I have the ability to reflect independently, let go and move forward.

Garbage Can

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ApproachingandResolvingConflict

ThisoverviewdescribesLosFelizCharterSchoolfortheArts’approachtoconflictresolution.Ourgoalistoempowerstudentswith the toolsandconfidence to fix theirmistakesand repair relationshipswithothers.When incidentsoccur, LFCSAstaffguide those involved to work out problems by discussing what happened and the effect of their choices on others andthemselves.Whenincidents involveotherchildren,theadultswillassisttheminfiguringoutsafeoptionsorstrategiesthatcouldhavehelpedresolvetheproblem.

Weautomaticallywanttoprotectourchildfrombeinghurt.Butconflictisarealityinourchildren'slives.Itisaskill toknowwhattodowithbig feelings,howtogettoaplacethatbothchildrenareabletosharetheirfeelingsandthoughtsaboutthesituation.Childrenneedtolearnhowtobeinaconflictandbenon-violentwiththeirbigfeelingsandbehaviors!-RuthBeaglehole,EchoParentingFounder

ItisimportanttorememberthatdealingwithconflictandconsequencesisNOTaonesizefitsallmodality.HereatLFCSA,weworkwithchildrentoreflectandguidethemtofindalogicalconsequencefortheiractionsthatwillrepairtheproblem.Forexample:

If ThenAchildthrowstoiletpaperonceilinginthebathroom...

thechildmayspendtheirrecess/breaktimecleaningitup.

Achilddoesnotwanttoshareahandballwhileatrecess...

theymayspendtheirbreaktimereflectingonwhysharingisimportant

Wealsoareawareofmoreseriousconflictsthatgarnermoreimmediateattentionandrequirethedirectinfluenceofanadult.Ifachildisphysicallyhurt(i.e.bruised,scratched,bitten,etc.)orifyourchildfeelsbullied(i.e.repeatedverbal,physical,socialorpsychologicalbehaviorthatisharmfulandinvolvesthemisuseofpowerbyanindividualorgrouptowardsoneormorepersons)byanotherchild,thosereferralsaresentimmediatelytotheofficeandgivenmoreindepthattention.Pleasebeassuredthatinthesemoreescalatedconflicts,allfamiliesofallpartiesinvolvedarecontactedandparentsmaybeaskedtoengageintherepairprocess.

Pleaseknowtherearetimeswhenthingshappenandtheteacherand/oradministrationmaybeunaware.Itwouldbehelpfulwhenyourstudentisreportinganincidentthatisofconcern,toaskyourchildiftheyreportedit,andifitwasrepaired.Ifnot,pleaseinformyourchild’steacherfirstsothattheycanfollowupandseekadditionalsupportifnecessary.

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SortitoutProcess

• Allpartiesmustbepresent• Giveownperspectivesusing“I”statements• Adultreinstates,asksclarifyingquestions,keepsitproductive• Validatefeelings• Clarifywhatcooltoolorvaluestheyshouldhaveused• Movetoanagreement-“Whatcanwedotorepair?”• Roleplayreplacementsbehaviors• Holdstudentsaccountable• Re-establishtherelationship

CommonRepairsforActionsandWaystoAddressPatternsofNegativeBehaviors

• Parentcommunication;conferences(withorwithoutchild)• Lettertopersonhurt/family;Givinghurtpersonsomeput-upsthoughcards• CommunityService-Requiredamountoftimeincommunityserviceinschoolsystemorinthecommunity.• Counseling-Studentsrequiredtoparticipateincounseling.• ParentSupervisioninSchool-Parentsbrainstormwithschool;examplesmightbeto“suspend”theparenttoschool

–havetheparentfollowandsupervisethestudentalldayatschool.• CoordinatedBehaviorPlans-Creationofastructured,coordinatedbehaviorplanspecifictothestudentandbased

ontheassessmentofthequantityandpurposeofthetargetbehaviortobereduced;shouldfocusonincreasingdesirablebehaviorandreplacinginappropriatebehavior.

• BehaviorMonitoring-Strategiestomonitorbehaviorandacademicprogressmightincludecardscheckedaftereachclassregardingbehavior,selfchartingofbehaviors,strategiestoprovidefeedbacktothestudent,etc.

• Restitution-Financialor“inkind.”Permitsthestudenttorestoreorimprovetheschoolenvironment.• ProblemSolving/Contracting-Usenegotiation/problemsolvingapproachestoassiststudenttoidentify

alternatives.Developacontractwhichincludesreinforcersforsuccess,&consequencesforcontinuingproblems

Sort-it-Out Process

InvolvedpartiesfillouttheblueSort-it-Outformtoreflectontheirbehaviorindependentlyorwithan

adult.

TeachersfilesformsOR

aregiventoteachertofile.

Ifanincidentcausedseriousinjury,itgoestoareferral.Or,ifastudentreceives3-5

Sort-it-Outformsforthesameissue,thenitmayturnintoa

referral.

Referralformisfilledout.Studentsaresenttotheoffice.

InvolvedpartiesfillouttheblueSort-it-Outform.

Referralformisfilledout.Studentsaresenttothe

office.

** It is possible that a Sort-it-Out form cannot be filled out

before the student is sent to the office or assistance is called BUT a form is to be

completed after the child calms down.

Tier1Behavior

Tier2Behavior

Tier3Behavior

ForHome:HaveaLearningConversation

(notfocusedonpunishment)“Tellmeaboutwhatyoulearned”

Parentmeeting;BehaviorContract;SST;Counselingsupport;IEP

Classrepair;communitycircle;gradelevelrepair;familyrepair;SST;Counselingsupport;IEP

These Tiers are focused on the interventions to help children learn how to make better choices & understand

how their choices impacted others.

Tier 1: Universal Necessary for 80-90% of students

Examples of Behaviors: • Noisy/distracting behavior • Name calling • Moderate physical

aggression (i.e. pushing, hitting, or kicking that does not lead to bodily injury)

Examples of Interventions:

• Teach and model school-wide positive behavior expectations and procedures

• Positive reinforcement, recognition, and rewards for all students, including praising specific behavior, positive calls/emails home, and earning time for desired activities

• Clear, consistent, and predictable use of logical consequences for undesired and problematic behaviors (i.e. loss of privileges, phone call or email to parents, finish work during free time, etc.)

• Effective procedures and supervision in non-classroom areas

• Collaboration with families

• Students fill out a “Sort-It-Out Form”, which may lead to a repair conversation (e.g. “Repair Square) with a peer, small group, or with the classroom community. Parents of all parties will be notified of the incident and repair.

Tier 2: Targeted Necessary for 5-15% of students

Examples of Behaviors: • Behaviors can be repetitive

and/or intentional, often leading to multiple office referrals • Increasingly aggressive

physical behavior (i.e. pushing, hitting, kicking, or biting) that may lead to bodily injury


• Highly specialized and individualized alternatives to suspension for students who have been documented as unresponsive to Tier 1.

• Explicit instruction of skills (i.e. sensory regulation, conflict resolution, coping, relaxation, social/relationship skills, etc.) by classroom teacher or another trained professional.

• Use of a behavior plan/chart to help the student set goals and monitor his/her progress. This can also be shared with parent or sent home to facilitate better communication with families.

• Meetings between parents, the teacher(s), and other school staff including administrators and/or counselors to discuss and analyze issues in order to brainstorm potential strategies and solutions.

• Removal from class to reflect using “Sort-It-Out” forms. Participate in a community repair and notify parents of all parties involved, including community service learning.

• Potential meeting between families to facilitate a repair in the larger community.

Tier 3: Individualized Necessary for 1-5% of students

Examples of Behaviors: • • Behaviors can be repetitive

and/or intentional, often leading to multiple office referrals • Aggressive physical behavior

that lead to bodily injuries such as bleeding, broken skin, or bruising. • Inappropriate / sexual

touching • Inappropriate / negative

comments about a person’s race/ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, etc. • Threat of violence


• Highly specialized and individualized alternatives to suspension for students who have been documented as unresponsive to Tier 1.

• Alternatives to suspension

• Explicit instruction of skills (i.e. sensory regulation, conflict resolution, coping, relaxation, social/relationship skills, etc.) by classroom teacher or another trained professional.

• Intensive social skills counseling

• Individual behavioral student contract

• Multi-agency collaboration

• Formal assessment for special education

• Community and service learning

Examples for the Tiers of Interventions

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AdditionalExpectationsIntheClassroomWhileindividualclassroomrulesmayvarysomewhat,thefollowingexpectationsforbehaviorwillbeconsistentinallclassrooms.Studentsareexpectedto:

• Treateveryonewithrespect;• Remainontask;• Followadultdirections;• Raisehandandwaittobeacknowledged;and• Useappropriatevoicecontrol.

SilentZoneExpectations• Walktothelunchareasandusehand-signalstocommunicate.• Stayinyourpersonal“bubbleofspace”.• Ifthereisaneedtohaveaconversation,takeittoanon-silentzonespace.

LunchBoxExpectations• Makesureyourlunchboxhasyournameandteachername.• Theschoolappreciatestheuseofsmallerlunchboxestohelpwithspaceneeds.• Dropoffyourlunchbagintoyourbinbeforeschoolstarts• Pickupyourlunchbagbeforesittingdownforcarpool.

LunchExpectations• Walkinthelunchareas.• Waitpatientlyandkeephandstoyourself.• Stayinyourpersonal“bubbleofspace”.• Saypleaseandthankyoutoallcafeteriahelpers.• Stayseatedwhileeatingandusepolitelanguage.• Shareyourfriendshipbutnotyourfood.• Cleanupyourtable,bench,andfloor/ground/patiocompletelyaftereating.• Recycleallfoodandtrashintheappropriatebins.• Returntoyourseatandwaitquietlyfordismissal.

PlaygroundExpectations• Listentoandrespectallplaygroundhelpers• Followdirectionsthefirsttimetheyaregiven• Useappropriatemannersandlanguage• Havefunandbeinclusivewhenplayinggames• Useplaygroundequipmentsafely• Stayinyourownpersonal“bubbleofspace”• Besafeandmakelogicalchoices

Non-Discrimination

LFCSAisnon-sectarianinitsprograms,admissionspolicies,employmentpractices,andallotheroperations.LFCSAshallnotdiscriminateagainstanystudentonthebasisofdisability,gender,nationality,raceorethnicity,religion,sexualorientation,oranyothercharacteristicthatiscontainedinthedefinitionofhatecrimessetforthinSection422.55ofthePenalCode.LFCSAcomplieswithallapplicablepublicagencies,stateandfederallaws,regulationsandcodes.

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Suspension/Expulsion

ThroughSafeSchoolconversationswehelpourstudents:• Understandwhythebehaviorisunacceptableandtheharmithascaused• Understandwhattheycouldhavedonedifferentlyinthesamesituation• Takeresponsibilityfortheiractionsandfindawaytoresolvetheharmtheyhavedone• Begiventheopportunitytolearnpro-socialstrategiesandskillstouseinthefuture

Asweengageintheseconversations,LFCSAconsidersthefollowing:

• Ageandmaturityofstudentsinvolved• Priorincidents(includingthenatureofpriormisconduct,thenumberofpriorinstancesofmisconduct,andthe

disciplinary/interventionmeasuresapplied)• Nature,severityandscopeofthebehavior• Circumstances/contextinwhichtheconductoccurred• Frequency,durationandintensityofthebehavior• Numberofpersonsinvolvedinthebehavior• Student’sIEP,BIP(BehavioralInterventionPlan)and504AccommodationPlan,ifapplicable

InSchoolSuspensionDuringanin-schoolsuspension,thestudentissenttoanotherclassroomorroomwithintheschoolforoneormoreclassperiodswherehe/sheissupervisedbyacertificatedstaffmemberandrequiredtocompletehis/herclasswork.Parentsarenotifiedviatelephoneofanin-schoolsuspension.GroundsforOut-of-SchoolSuspensionandExpulsionAstudentmaybesuspendedorexpelledforprohibitedmisconductiftheactisrelatedtoschoolactivityorschoolattendanceoccurringattheCharterSchooloraSchoolsponsoredevent,occurringatanytimeincludingbutnotlimitedto:a)whileonschoolgrounds;b)whilegoingtoorcomingfromschool;c)duringrecess/lunchperiod;d)during,goingto,orcomingfromaschool-sponsoredactivity.OutofSchoolSuspensionNon-discretionarysuspensionandexpulsionrecommendationStudentsmustbesuspendedandrecommendedforexpulsionforanyofthefollowingactswhenitisdeterminedthepupil:

1. Possessing,sellingorfurnishingafirearm2. Brandishingaknifeatanotherperson.3. Unlawfullysellingacontrolledsubstance.4. Committingorattemptingtocommitasexualassaultorcommittingasexualbattery.5. Possessionofanexplosive.

Discretionarysuspension/expulsion: Studentsmaybesuspendedforanyofthefollowingwhenitisdeterminedthepupil:

1. Causing,attemptingtocauseorthreateningtocauseseriousphysicalinjurytoanotherperson,exceptinself-defense

2. Hateviolence(definedbySection48900.3)3. Unlawfullypossessed,used,orwasundertheinfluenceofanycontrolledsubstanceasdefinedinHealth

andSafetyCode11053-11058,alcoholicbeverage,orintoxicantofanykind.4. Unlawfullypossessedorunlawfullyoffered,arranged,ornegotiatedtosellanydrugparaphernalia,as

definedinHealthandSafetyCode11014.5.5. Usingtobaccooranyproductscontainingtobaccoornicotineproducts,includingbutnotlimitedtocigars,

cigarettes,miniaturecigars,clovecigarettes,smokelesstobacco,snuff,chewpackets,etal.6. Harassed,threatenedorintimidatedastudentwhoisacomplainingwitnessorwitnessinaschool

disciplinaryproceedingforthepurposeofpreventingthatstudentfrombeingawitnessand/orretaliatingagainstthatstudentforbeingawitness.

7. Possessedanimitationfirearm,i.e.,areplicaofafirearmthatissosubstantiallysimilarinphysicalpropertiestoanexistingfirearmastoleadaresponsiblepersontoconcludethatthereplicaisafirearm

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unless,inthecaseofpossessionofanyobjectofthetype,thestudenthadobtainedwrittenpermissiontopossesstheitemfromacertifiedschoolemployee,withtheadministrator'sordesignee'sconcurrence.

8. Causedorattemptedtocausedamagetoschoolpropertyorprivateproperty.9. Stoleorattemptedtostealschoolpropertyorprivateproperty.10. Committedanobsceneactorengagedinhabitualprofanityorvulgarity.11. Knowinglyreceivedstolenschoolpropertyorprivateproperty.12. Engagedin,orattemptedtoengagein,hazingasdefinedinEducationCodeSection32050.13. Aidedorabettedtheinflictionorattemptedinflictionofphysicalinjurytoanotherperson.14. EngagedinsexualharassmentasdefinedinEducationCodeSection48900.2.14015. Engagedinharassment,threats,orintimidationdirectedagainstschooldistrictpersonnelorpupilsas

definedinEducationCodeSection48900.4.16. Madeterroristthreatsagainstschoolofficials,schoolpropertyorbothasdefinedinSection48900.7.17. Engagedinanactofbullying,including,butnotlimitedto,bullyingcommittedbymeansofanelectronic

act,asdefinedinsubdivisions(f)and(g)ofSection32261,directedspecificallytowardapupilorschoolpersonnel.

Forapupilsubjecttodisciplineunderthissection,theExecutiveDirector/Principalmayusehisorherdiscretiontoprovidealternativestosuspensionorexpulsionthatareageappropriateanddesignedtoaddressandcorrectthepupil'sspecificmisbehaviorasspecifiedinSection48900.5.ExpulsionIntermsofmandatoryexpulsion,federallawsstatethataschoolmustexpel,foraperiodofnotlessthanoneyear(exceptonacase-by-casebasis),anystudentwhoisdeterminedtohavebroughtafirearmtoschool.Inaddition,studentsshallbeexpelledupondeterminationthatthestudenthascommittedoneoftheactslistedbelow:

• Assaultorbatteryuponanyschoolemployee-Section48915(a)(5).• Brandishingaknife-Section48915(c)(2)• Causing,attemptingtocauseorthreateningtocauseseriousphysicalinjurytoanotherperson,exceptinself-

defense-Section48915(a)(l).• Hateviolence-Section48900.3.• Possession,selling,orfurnishingofafirearm-Section48915(c)(1).• Possessionofanexplosive-Section48915(c)(5).• Robberyorextortion-Section48915(a)(4).• Offering,negotiatingasaleorsellingacontrolledsubstance-Section• 48915(c)(3).• Committedorattemptedtocommitsexualassaultorcommittingasexualbattery(asdefinedinSection48900)-

Section48915(c)(4).• Harassed,threatenedorintimidatedastudentwhoisacomplainingwitnessorwitnessinaschooldisciplinary

proceedingforthepurposeofpreventingthatstudentfrombeingawitnessand/orretaliatingagainstthatstudentforbeingawitness.

Formoreinformation,pleaserefertoElement10ofourcharterpetition.Thiscanbeviewedonourwebsitewww.losfelizarts.org,orviahardcopywhichishousedinourfrontoffice.

StatementAgainstHarassment,Intimidation,Discrimination&Bullying

LosFelizCharterSchoolfortheArtsbelievesallstudentshavetherighttoasafeandcivillearningenvironment.Discrimination,harassment,intimidation,andbullyingarealldisruptivebehaviorswhichinterferewithstudents’abilitytolearn,negativelyaffectstudentengagement,diminishschoolsafety,andcontributetoahostileschoolenvironment.Assuch,theschoolprohibitsanyactsofdiscrimination,harassment,intimidation,andbullyingrelatedtoschoolactivityorschoolattendance.Discrimination,harassment,intimidation,andbullyingdescribeconduct,includingverbal,physical,writtencommunication,theuseofderogatorylanguage(includingracialepithets),intimidation,andthreats,unwantedphysicalcontactand/or

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physicalviolence,andtheuseofderogatorylanguageandimagesingraffiti,pictures,orcyberbullying.LFCSAdoesnottoleratethesebehaviors,includingbutnotlimitedwhenthebehaviorisbasedontheactualorperceivedcharacteristicsofdisability,gender,genderidentity,genderexpression,nationality,raceorethnicity,religion,sexualorientation,orassociationwithapersonorgroupwithoneormoreoftheseactualorperceivedcharacteristics.AnystudentwhobelievesheorshehasbeensubjectedtoharassmentorahostileenvironmentorwhowitnessesthistypeofbehavioratLFCSAisencouragedtoreportthebehaviortotheschool.Studentsandparentsmayreportanyandallallegationsofharassmentand/ordiscriminationtotheAssistantPrincipal.IntheeventtheAssistantPrincipalordesigneeisnamedinareport,reportscanbemadetotheExecutiveDirector.Reportscanbemadeinperson,usingacomplaintform,orbycontactingtheAssistantPrincipalat(323)539-2810.AcopyoftheUniformComplaintProcedure(UCP)complaintformmaybeobtainedintheLFCSAmainoffice,onLFCSA’swebsiteorintheParentHandbook.AcopyofthecompleteUCPproceduresmaybefoundintheParentHandbookandintheLFCSAmainoffice.Investigation:Uponreceiptofareportofharassment,intimidation,orbullyingfromastudent,staffmember,parent,volunteer,visitororaffiliateoftheCharterSchool,theAssistantPrincipalordesigneewillpromptlyinitiateaninvestigation.Attheconclusionoftheinvestigation,theAssistantPrincipalordesigneewillnotifythecomplainantoftheoutcomeoftheinvestigation.TheCharterSchoolwillmakeeveryefforttomaintaintheconfidentialityofstudentinformationunlessnecessarytoeffectuateresolutionofthecomplaintandensurethesafetyandwellbeingoftheallegedvictim.Complaintsshallbeinvestigatedandresolvedwithinsixty(60)days.Allrecordsrelatedtoanyinvestigationofdiscrimination,harassment,intimidationorbullyingwillremaininasecurelocationintheMainOfficeoftheschool.OfficeforCivilRights:Studentsorparentsallegingdiscriminationonthebasisofrace,color,nationalorigin,gender,disabilityoragemayalsofileacomplaintwiththeOfficeforCivilRights,U.S.DepartmentofEducation.

(U.S.mail):OfficeforCivilRights50BealeStreet,Suite7200SanFrancisco,CA94105(e-mail):[email protected](online):https://ocrcas.ed.gov/

Theschoolremainscommittedprovidingasafelearningenvironmentandwewillmakereasonableeffortstopreventstudentsfrombeingdiscriminatedagainst,harassed,intimidatedand/orbullied.Staffandadministrationwilltakeactiontoinvestigate,respond,andaddressanyreportsofsuchbehaviorsinatimelymanner.LFCSAstaffwhowitnessactsofdiscrimination,harassment,intimidation,andbullyingwilltakeimmediatestepstointervene,solongasitissafetodoso.Studentswhoengageindiscrimination,harassment,intimidationorbullying,includingconductbasedonsex,disability,oranyoftheotheraforementionedcharacteristics,maybesubjecttopromptdisciplinaryaction,uptoandincludingsuspensionand/orexpulsion,asoutlinedintheschool’sStudentDisciplinePolicy.Thisstatementisintendedtoencouragestudents,parents/guardiansandCharterSchoolstafftoworktogetherandcollaboratetopreventactsofharassmentofanykind.Thankyouforyourunderstandingandcooperation.

PropertyPolicy

Buildingupontheneedtohaveasafeandnurturingschool,studentsmustrespectthepropertyoftheschoolandothersatalltimes.Anystudentactionorintentionthatcanbedeemedasdamagingthepropertyoftheschoolorotherscanresultinseriousconsequences.Inadditiontotheviolationsdescribedabove,examplesofpropertyviolationsinclude:

• Stealing• Defacingschoolpropertyorthepropertyofothers• Unauthorizeduseofequipment• Inappropriateuseoftheinternet

AppropriateDress

Sensible,comfortableplayclothingissuitableforschool.Childrenshouldnotbeafraidtogettheirclothesdirty.Clothesshouldalsoneverdetractfromthelearningprocess.Logosormessagesshouldbeappropriateandpositive.T-shirtswith

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inappropriatesayingsorgraphics,cutouttanktops,muscleshirts,croptops,andshort-shortsarenotallowed.Caps,scarves,andhatsmaybewornontheplayground,butnotintheclassroomorcafeteria.Nobaremidriffsorvisibleunderwearforchildren(andparentvolunteers,too).Shortsshouldbewornundershortskirtsordresses.Undergarmentsshouldnotbevisibletothegeneralpublic.Footwearshouldbesafeandcomfortableforplayequipmentandrunning.Noopen-toedshoesareallowed,includingsandals,flip-flopsorslipperysoles(CaliforniaEducationalRegulation).Ifchildrenaredressedinappropriately,theirparentsmaybecalledandaskedtobringachangeofclothes.Alltransitionalkindergarten,kindergartenandfirstgradechildrenshouldhaveacompletechangeofclotheslabeledwiththeirnameinazip-lockbagincaseofaccidents.

HealthandNutrition

Childrenmayonlyattendschoolifallimmunizationsarecurrent,unlessotherwisenoted,andcompletedimmunizationformsareonfileintheschooloffice.Studentswithacontagiousorinfectiousdiseaseoratemperatureof100degreesorhigherwillnotbeallowedtoremaininschool.Whensymptomsofacommunicablediseasearenoticed,theschoolwillcontacttheparenttoreferthechildtohis/herphysician.Re-admissionfollowingacommunicablediseasemustbeinaccordancewiththeregulationsoftheCountyHealthDepartment.Thismeansthatstudentswithskindisorders,rashes,conjunctivitisandotherseriousandcontagiousdiseasesmustcomebacktoschoolwithanotefromaphysicianorlocalhealthofficer.Studentswhohavebeenabsentwithanyofthefollowingconditionsmustbesymptomfreeforatleast24hoursbeforereturningtoschool:

• Fever• Vomiting/Diarrhea• Conjunctivitis(pinkeye)• StrepThroat• Anyothertransmissibledisease

ImmunizationRequirementsAllstudentswhoenrollforthefirsttimemustshowawrittenreporttoshowtheyarefreeoftuberculosis.Childrenmustmeetcurrentlegalrequirementsforimmunizations.GuidelinesforExclusionandReturntoSchoolParents/guardiansmustprovidethehealthofficewithwritteninstructionsfromthestudent’sphysicianstatinglimitationsand/orinstructionsforcarewhileatschoolforthefollowing:Whenastudentreturnsafter:

• Aseriousillnessrequiring3daysormoreabsencefromschool• Surgicalprocedure• Overnighthospitalization

Whenastudentreturnstoschoolwith:• Cast• Crutchesorotherorthopedicappliances• Wheelchair

ChildrenwithcastandsplintswillnotbeallowedtoparticipateinP.E.,butalternativeactivitieswillbearrangeduntilthecastorsplintisremoved.StayingInsideforHealthReasonsStudentswhomuststayindoorsduringanynormaloutdoorperiodssuchasPEand/orrecessmusthaveanotefromaparent,legalguardian,orphysician.StudentsremainingindoorswillbesupervisedintheOffice.Ifyourchildrequiresa

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prolongedperiodofremovalfromoutdooractivities(morethan3days),pleaseprovideareleaseofactivitydirectivesignedbyyourfamilyphysician.Whenchildrenwithcast,splintsandotherhealthissuesarenotallowedtoparticipateinP.E.,alternativeactivitieswillbearrangeduntilwehaveapprovalfromparentsand/orphysiciansforthemtoreturntoP.E.TakingMedicineatSchoolIfyourchildisrequiredbythedoctortotakeprescribedmedicationduringtheschoolday,orifyouwishyourchildtotakeover-the-countermedicines,pleasefollowthesesteps:CompletetheRequestForMedicationToBeTakenDuringSchoolHours,whichcanbefoundinthefrontoffice.

• Submitthecompletedformsignedbyyourchild’sdoctorwiththedose,scheduleandmethodofadministeringthemedication.

• Keepprescriptionmedicationintheoriginalcontainer.Over-the-countermedicationmustbelabeledwiththechild’sname,dosage,anddoctor’snameandphonenumber.

• Studentsmaynotcarrymedications,includingoverthecounterproductssuchascoughdropsorTylenolinbackpacksorontheirperson.

• Allmedicationsmustbelockedupinanadministrativeoffice.

HeadLiceHeadLiceisacommoncondition,especiallyamongchildrenages3–10.Outbreaksofheadliceoccurofteninschoolsandgroupsettings.Itistheresponsibilityofparentstochecktheirchild(ren)andadministertreatmentifnecessary.Theconditioncanusuallybecorrectedinonedaywhenthetreatmentisadministeredproperly.WearealignedwiththeLAUSDLicePolicy.InthepasttheschoolhasimplementedLAUSD'sno-nitpolicythatkeptchildrenoutofschoolfordays-weeksonendasnervousparentsscrubbedshampoosontheirsonsanddaughters,thencombedthrougheverystrandofhairinsearchofeggs.Andeverytimetheymissedafew,theirchildwouldbesenthome.ThisyearLFCSAswitchedtoano-licepolicy.Itmeansthatstudentscanreturntoschoolwithliceeggsintheirhair,solongasthenitshavebeentreated.Iftheschoolbecomesawareofanycasesofactivelice,theywillnotifytheparents.Iftherearealargenumberofcases,theschoolmaychoosetoadministerchecksonaschool-widebasis.Ifwediscoverthatyourchild(ren)havelice,wewillcallandnotifyyou,andaskyoutotakeyourchild(ren)homefortreatmentonthatday.Thingsyoucandotopreventthespreadofheadlice:

• Combyourchild'shairwithafinetoothcomb2-3timesaweek• Usehairgel,hairsprayoroils(describedbelow)-liceareattractedtocleanhairsothemoreyoucankeepyour

kids'scalpsoily,thebetter.• Ifyourchildrenhavelonghair,encouragethemtopullitback.• Encourageyourkidstoputtheirjacketsintheirbagsandnotonhooks,sothatlicecannottravelfromonejacket

toanother• Remindyourchildrennottosharehats,clothing,hairsupplies....andtorespecteachother'sbubblespace.• Supportyourclassroomteachersbyofferingtolaunderclassroompillowcasesonaweeklybasis.

InjuriesIfyourchildsustainsaheadinjuryatschool,theschoolwillcontactyouimmediatelyregardlessoftheseverity.LFCSAstaffwillrequireaparentorguardiantocomeintodeterminewhetherornotyourchildrequiresfurthermedicalattention.Allheadinjuriesrequiresustainedobservation,therefore,besuretodiscusssymptomswithyourphysician.LFCSAstaffisnotabletoproviderecommendationsorsuggestionsforhealthserviceprovidersandhospitals.Itisimportantforyouastheparenttobeawareofappropriatehealthservicesforyourchildren.Inanemergencysituationstaffwillcall911andwillinformparentsimmediately.PhysicalEducation TheJournalof“SportsandExercisePhysiology,”inananalysisofnearly200previouslyconductedstudiesthatevaluatedtheinteractionbetweenphysicalactivityandbehavior,foundthatregularphysicalactivitysupportslearning.Additionally,higherachievementwasassociatedwithhigherlevelsoffitnessatallofthegradelevelsmeasured.CaliforniaEducationCode51210statesthateachschooldistrictmaintaininganelementaryschoolcomposedofgrades1–

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6mustprovidestudentsatleast200minutesofP.E.instructionforevery10schooldays,notincludingrecessandlunchperiod.Aspartofourfocusonthewholechild,LFCSAplacesvalueandemphasisonphysicaleducation.YourchildwillparticipateinbothP.E.anddanceclasseseachweek.Wealsoencourageourfamiliestobeactivetogether,toreinforcethismessageandhelpourstudentsdeveloplife-longhealthyhabits.GoodNutritionHelpsLearningWeaskthatyourchildhaveanourishingbreakfasteachmorningbeforeschool.SchoolLunchesOurhotlunchproviderthisyearisSchoolNutritionPlus.Visitwww.schoolnutritionplus.comLunchesbroughtfromhomeshouldbehealthyandfilling.Nosodasorcandywillbeallowedatschool.FreeorReducedPriceLunchesFreeorreducedpricelunchesareavailabletochildrenwhoqualifyundertheNationalSchoolLunchProgramguidelines.Applicationformsaresenthomeatthebeginningoftheyearandareavailableintheschooloffice.Allinformationisstrictlyconfidential.Ifyouarearecipientofgovernmentsubsidies(WIC,SNAP,CalFresh,CalWORKS,EBT,MediCal,FederalEducationbenefits,Fosterpayments,etc.),youmayqualifyforFreeorReducedLunches(FRL);contactthefrontoffice(323)539-2810x301tofindoutifyouqualify.SnackItisrecommendedthatstudentsbringahealthy(nosugarplease)snackforthemorningrecessbreak.IfyourstudentattendsC.A.P.pleasemakesureanadditionalsnackisbroughtfromhomeeachday.GoodSleepHelpsLearningPoororinadequatesleepcanleadtoyourchildhavingdifficultiesaccessingtheacademiccurriculum.Poorsleepcanleadtomoodswings,behavioralissuessuchashyperactivityandcognitiveproblemsthatimpacttheirabilitytoaccesstheireducation.BelowarethehoursrecommendedbytheNationalSleepFoundation.

• Ages3-5:11-13hourspernight• Ages5-12:10-11hourspernight

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DropoffandPickUp

CarpoolRouteAsyouapproachtheschoolyouwillseeaclearlymarkedroutetoallowstudentstobedroppedoffsafely.Theroutegoesfromtheschoolgate,allthewaybacktotheparkinglot,andthencirclesbacktothefrontoftheschoolwhereyouwilldropoffyourchildreninfrontofthePlayground.Yardsupervisorswillbewaitingforyouattheentrancetotheplayground,andwillescortstudentsfromthecarintothesafetyofthePlayground.

Tohelpfacilitatethisprocess,pleasehaveyourchildrenreadytoexitassoonasyouarriveatthedrop-offlocation.Thatmeansyourchildrenshouldhavetheirlunchesandhomeworkinhand,readytoimmediatelyentertheplayground.Ourgoalistohavetheschooltrafficconfinedtotheschoolgrounds,ratherthaninfrontofourneighbors’businesses.Wewantourneighborstoseethatweareworkingwiththemandthatwearedoingourbestnottoimpedeaccesstotheirbuildings.

MorningDropOffDropoffbeginsat7:30AM.Pleasedonotdropoffstudentsearlierasourschoolisclosedandthereisnosupervision.AfternoonPickUpPleasetrynottoarrivebeforeyourscheduledtime,asthestudentsarenotreadytobedismissedandearlycarsarecongestingourpickuploop.Thankyou!Theyardsupervisorswillbringyourchildrentoyourcars.ShouldyouneedyourchildPRIORtotheofficialpickuptime(e.g.,Doctor’sappointment),pleasegototheSchoolOfficeandourstaffwillgetthestudentforyou.PedestrianparentspleaselineupinthedesignatedareanexttothePlayground.ForthoseparentswishingtowalkuptotheschooltopickuptheirchildpleasefindlegalstreetparkingonSanFernandoRoad.Allparentsshouldhavereceivedacarpoolcardthatliststhenamesofthechildrentheyareauthorizedtopickup.Thiswillbeusedtostreamlinethepickupprocess.Ifanindividualwhoisnotrecognizedbystaffcomestopickupchildren,s/hewillbeaskedtogotothefrontdesktocallparentsandreceivenecessaryauthorization.

CarpoolPolicyWearerequiredbytheCityofLosAngelesforourfamiliestocarpool.Pleasemakeeveryefforttodoso.ParentsmustfilloutandsigntheAuthorizationforPick-UpandCarpoolCommitmentform.Thisformmustbeonfileintheschoolofficebythefirstdayofschool.

GoingHomewithFriendsAfterSchoolPermissionwillbegrantedtogohomewithanotherparentordesignatedcaretakerprovidedtheofficehasreceivedpermissionfromtheparentsofthechildwhoisgoinghomewithanotherparent.

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ParkingAllpersonsenteringtheMediaCenterareexpectedtofollowMediaCenterrulesandregulationsasLFCSAresidesontheirproperty.Thepostedsignsareforallpersonstofollow.WhendrivingintheMediaCenter,thepostedspeedlimitis10MPH.IftheLFCSAcommunitydisregardsMediaCenterSecurity,itisgroundsforawarningandsubsequentlyaticket.TheMediaCenterSecurityreservestherighttohandleallmattersthatrelatetotheirjobandthesecurityofourfacilityandstudents.AllParkingforLFCSAwillbeinthebackofthebuilding.TheexceptionwillbetheHandicappedParking,whichislocatednexttothebuildingasyouexitthegate.Driverswithpermitsstillneedtofollowtheentireroutethatcirclesthroughtheparkinglot.AllLFCSAdriversthatentertheMediaCenterneedtoparkintheLFCSAparkingareaonlyandnotinotherlocationsintheCenter.Wedonotwanttoinfringeonourneighboringbusinesses.

Attendance

RegularAttendanceisEssentialforLearningRegularattendanceiscriticaltoyourchild’seducation.Disruptionstoyourchild’sschoolattendancecanhaveasignificantimpactonhisorheracademicperformance.Therefore,weexpectexcellentattendanceofallofourstudents.Studentattendancebecomesapatternandmissingschoolregularlyisnotonlydetrimentaltoachild’slearning,butcancreatepoorlearninghabits.Achildisconsideredabsentwhenhe/sheisnotinschool.BoththeCaliforniaAdministrationCodeandtheEducationCodestatethateverypupilmustattendschoolregularly.Currently,CaliforniaStateviewsthree(3)unexcusedabsencesasatruancy,three(3)tardies(30minutesorlaterthanthestudent’sstarttime)isequalto1unexcusedabsence.Whenachildisexcessivelyabsent,aparent-teacher-studentconferencewillbeheld.Iftheproblemcontinues,aparent-administrator-studentconferencewillbescheduled.ExcessiveabsencesmayresultinreferraltotheSchoolAttendanceReviewBoard(SARB).Yourchildshouldattendschoolconsistentlyandshouldbeabsentonlyforillnessoremergencies.Pleasedonotscheduleextendedfamilyvacationsduringschooltime.WhattodoifyourchildisgoingtobeabsentCallthefrontofficeby8:30AMandreportyourchild’sabsence.Pleaseletusknowifyourchildhasacontagiousdisease,confirmedbyyourchild’sphysician,suchaschickenpox,measles,mumps,orstrepthroat.Wewillwatchforsymptomsinotherstudentsandnotifytheirparentswhenappropriate.PleaseprovidetheFrontOfficewithanotefromyourphysicianindicatingthediagnosisandreleasingyourchildtoreturntoschool.Achildwhowasabsentduetoafevermustbefever-freefor24hoursbeforereturningtoschool.Aparentoradultcaregivermustnotifytheschoolthesamedayofabsencebytelephone,letter,fax,email,orinperson.Pleasedoyourbesttoinformusofanabsenceby8:30a.m.Ifappropriatedocumentationisnotprovided,theabsencewillbeconsideredunexcused.Ifyouhavenotcalledinyourchild’sabsenceinadvance,pleasesubmitanotetothefrontoffice.Thisinformationisneededforourattendancereportsandstatefunding.Ourattendancerecordsaresubjecttoaudits,andyourcooperationwithkeepingtheschoolinformedisappreciated.Understandably,childrengetsick,havedoctor’sappointments,etc.Whenpossible,pleaseconsiderbringingyourchildforattendancebeforeand/orafterthedoctor’sappointment,orschedulingdoctor’sappointmentsinthelateafternoon.Ifyourchildhasbeenabsentduetoaliceoutbreak,pleasehavehim/hermeetwithanadministrator,beforereturningtoclass.Ourfederal&stateeducationalfundingisdirectlytiedtoourAverageDailyAttendance(ADA).Everydayyourchildisabsent,LFCSAloses$40.Thestatefundsthatwereceiveforstudents’dailyattendancewillNOTbepaidforeitherexcusedorunexcusedabsences.Pleaseseethatyourchildattendsschooleveryday.

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WhenStudentsareLateWeexpectstudentstoarriveatschoolontime.Astudententeringclasslatenotonlyimpactshis/herownlearningbutalsodisruptstheflowoftheclassroomandtheentirecommunityoflearning.BoththeCaliforniaAdministrationCodeandtheEducationCodestatethateverypupilmustattendschoolregularly.Whenachildisexcessivelytardy,aparent-teacher-studentconferencewillbeheld.Iftheproblemcontinues,aparent-administrator-studentconferencewillbescheduled.ExcessivetardinessmayresultinreferraltotheSchoolAttendanceReviewBoard(SARB).AformalExcessiveTardy/AbsenceletterfromtheSchoolAttendanceandReviewBoard(SARB)willbesenthometospecifiedfamiliesinOctober,JanuaryandMay.TardyProcedureAstudentisconsideredtardyifheorshearrivestoschoolaftertheofficialstarttime.Alatestudentmustobtainatardyslipfromtheschoolofficeinordertobeadmittedtotheclassroom.Ifyourchildarrivesafternormaldrop-off,youmustparkandwalkthemtotheoffice.

• 3tardieswillreceiveaphonecallfromthefrontoffice.• 5tardieswillreceiveaphonecallfromtheclassroomteacher.• 8tardiesanofficialletterissenthomeandletterwillgoincumulativefile.• 10tardiesaconferencewillbeheldwithteacherand/oradministrator.

PickingupYourChildEarlyIfyouneedtotakeyourchildoutofschoolbeforetheendoftheschoolday,pleasedeliveranotetothefrontofficestatingthetimeyourchildwillbepickedup,bywhom,andthereasonfortheearlyrelease.Ifyouareunabletodeliveranotetothefrontoffice,pleasesendanemailtoyourteacher.

• Gototheschooloffice,nottheclassroom.Teacherscannotreleaseastudenttoaparentdirectlyfromtheclassroom.

• Signthereleaseformintheoffice.Theofficestaffwillcalltheclassroomandyourchildwillmeetyouintheoffice.• Alladultsmustbepreparedtoshowphotoidentification.

Thissimpleprocedureprotectsyourchild.Wewillnotreleaseastudenttoanyoneexcepttheparent,legalguardian,orapersonyouhaveauthorizedtopickupyourchild.Pleaselistallauthorizedindividualsontheemergencycard.

IndependentStudyContracts

Independentstudycontractsareavailableifyourchildwillmissthreeormorecontinuousdaysofschool.• (1)Requestanindependentstudyatleastoneweekinadvance,andcompletetheform.Theschoolcannotmeet

lastminuterequests.• (2)Theteacherwillcreateacontractandprovideassignmentstosendhomewithchild.• (3)Completeindependentstudyandsendcontractandallworkbacktoschoolonthedayofyourreturn.

VisitorPolicy

Parentsarewelcometovisitourclassrooms,howeverpleasenotethatallsuchvisitsmustbearrangedinadvancewiththeclassroomteacher.Unexpecteddrop-invisitsaredisruptiveanddistractingtotheclassandourstaff.Allparentsmusthaveanopportunitytovolunteerintheirchild’sclass,soteachersmayaskparentstolimitvolunteertimeto2hours,tocreateopportunitiesforotherparentstobeinvolved.Thisalsosupportsyourchild’sabilitytoworkandlearnindependentofparentsupport.Whenvisitingorvolunteeringoncampus,youmustbesuretosigninandoutattheschooloffice.Bystatelaw,allvisitorsmustweara“visitor”passwhileatLFCSA.Bylaw,bothvisitorsandvolunteersmustexittheLFCSAcampuspromptlyattheconclusionoftheirscheduledvisit.Roamingorlingeringontheschoolcampusisdisruptivetoourclassroomsandweaskthatparentsrespectthispolicybymovingontothesidewalkorparkinourlot,shouldtheydesiretocontinueinteractingwithotherparents.

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ProfessionalObservationintheClassroomLFCSAhasestablishedthefollowingobservationguidelinesinanefforttomaintainuninterruptedinstructionandtoprotectconfidentialityofallstudents.

1. Parentsmustfirstcontacttheteacherandrequestthataprofessionalobservationbescheduledintheclassroom.2. Classroomteacherwillsuggesttwotimesforobservation.Anadministratorordesigneewillbepresent

throughouttheobservation3. Classroomobservationsarelimitedto30minutesorless.4. Parentwillprovideclassroomteacher/schoolacurrentsigned/datedcopyofAuthorizationforExchangeof

Information.5. Observationwillbeconfirmedbyclassroomteacherandadministrator.6. Onthedayoftheobservation,theprofessionalvisitormustsigninattheofficebeforevisitingtheclassroom,

obtainavisitor’sbadge,andbeescortedbytheadministrator/designee.7. Pleasebeprompt,astardiness,willimpactthescheduledobservationtime.8. Professionalswillremainseatedinthebackoftheroom.Donotengageinconversationwiththeteacheror

students.9. Atthecloseoftheobservation,theprofessionalwillbeescortedtotheschoolofficetosignout/returnbadge10. Photosofchildrenarenotpermitted.

ConditionsforClassroomandSchoolVisitationandRemovalPolicyWhileLosFelizCharterSchoolfortheArtsencouragesparents/guardiansandinterestedmembersofthecommunitytovisitthe Charter School and view the educational program, the Charter School also endeavors to create a safe and learningfocusedenvironmentforstudentsandstaff.Assuch,parentsandothervisitorsmustadheretothefollowingpolicyinordertomaximizethesafetyofthestudentsandminimizethedisruptiontotheeducationenvironment.Wewelcomefamiliesandsupporterstoourcampustoparticipateinourlearningcelebrations,communityevents,andotherfunctions.Weaskthatparents/guardiansandothervisitors,includingchildrenwhoarenotstudentsatLFCSA,tohelpmaintainourstudents’safetyandlearningfocusbyrememberingthattheschoolisalearningcenterratherthanasocializingcenter.Pleasebeawareofhowyourpresenceimpactsothers.

Inaddition,forthesafetyofeveryone,theparkinglotshallbeusedforpickingupanddroppingoffstudents,andwhileconductingbusiness,Parents/guardiansandothervisitorsareexpectedtoleavethecampuspremisesuponconclusionofanybusinessmattersorafterdroppingtheirstudentoffatschool.IfaparentorguardianwishestovisittheCharterSchooltoviewtheeducationalprogram,thevisitormustfollowingthefollowingprocedures,whichhavebeendevelopedtoensurethesafetyofstudentsandstaffaswellastominimizeinterruptionoftheinstructionalprogram,pursuanttoCaliforniaPenalCodeSections627,et.seq.:

1. VisitsduringschoolhoursshouldfirstbearrangedwiththeteacherandPrincipalordesignee,inadvance.Ifaconferenceisdesired,anappointmentshouldbesetwiththeteacherduringnon-instructionaltime,and,whenpossible,withatleastthreedaysinadvance.Parentsseekingtovisitaclassroomduringschoolhoursmustfirstobtainthewrittenapprovaloftheclassroomteacherand/orthePrincipalordesignee.

2. Allvisitorsshallregisterwiththefrontofficeimmediatelyuponenteringanyschoolbuildingorgroundswhenduringregularschoolhours.Whenregistering,thevisitorisrequiredtoprovidehis/hername,his/herpurposeforenteringschoolgrounds,andproofofidentity.Forpurposesofschoolsafetyandsecurity,thePrincipalordesigneemaydesignavisiblemeansofidentificationforvisitorswhileonschoolpremises.

3. ThePrincipal,ordesignee,mayrefusetoregisteranoutsiderifheorshehasareasonablebasisforconcludingthatthevisitor’spresenceoractswoulddisrupttheschool,itsstudents,itsteachers,oritsotheremployees;wouldresultindamagetoproperty;orwouldresultinthedistributionoruseofunlawfulorcontrolledsubstances.

4. ThePrincipalordesigneemaywithdrawconsenttobeoncampusevenifthevisitorhastherighttobeoncampuswheneverthereisreasonablebasisforconcludingthatthevisitorpresenceonschoolgroundswouldinterfereorisinterferingwiththepeacefulconductoftheactivitiesoftheschool,orwoulddisruptorisdisruptingtheschool,itsstudents,itsteachers,oritsotheremployees.

5. ThePrincipalordesigneemayrequestthatavisitorwhohasfailedtoregister,orwholeregistrationprivilegeshavebeendeniedorrevoked,promptlyleaveschoolgrounds.Whenavisitorisdirectedtoleave,thePrincipalordesigneeshallinformthevisitorthatifhe/shereenterstheschoolwithoutfollowingthepostedrequirements

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he/shewillbeguiltyofamisdemeanor.6. Anyvisitorthatisdeniedregistrationorhashis/herregistrationrevokedmayrequestahearingbeforethe

PrincipalortheBoardontheproprietyofthedenialorrevocation.Therequestshallbeinwriting,shallstatewhythedenialorrevocationwasimproper,shallgivetheaddresstowhichnoticeofhearingistobesent,andshallbedeliveredtoeitherthePrincipalortheBoardPresidentwithinfivedaysafterthedenialorrevocation.ThePrincipalorBoardPresidentshallpromptlymailawrittennoticeofthedate,time,andplaceofthehearingtothepersonwhorequestedthehearing.AhearingbeforethePrincipalshallbeheldwithinsevendaysafterthePrincipalreceivestherequest.AhearingbeforetheBoardshallheldatthenextregularlyscheduledBoardmeetingafterthePrincipalreceivestherequest.

7. ThePrincipalordesigneeshallseektheassistanceofthepoliceindealingwithorreportinganyvisitorinviolationofthispolicy.

8. AteachentrancetotheCharterSchoolgroundsof,signsshallbepostedspecifyingthehoursduringwhichregistrationisrequired,statingwheretheofficeofthePrincipalordesigneeislocatedandwhatroutetotaketothatoffice,andsettingforththepenaltiesforviolationofthispolicy.

9. Noelectroniclisteningorrecordingdevisemaybeusedbystudentsorvisitorsinaclassroomwithouttheteacher’sand/orPrincipal’swrittenpermission.Penalties

1. PursuanttotheCaliforniaPenalCode,ifavisitordoesnotleaveafterbeingaskedorifthevisitorreturnswithoutfollowingthepostedrequirementsafterbeingdirectedtoleave,he/shewillbeguiltyofacrimeasspecifiedwhichispunishablebyafineofupto$500.00orimprisonmentintheCountyjailforaperiodofuptosix(6)monthsorboth.

2. FurtherconductofthisnaturebythevisitormayleadtotheSchool’spursuitofarestrainingorderagainstsuchvisitorwhichwouldprohibithim/herfromcomingontoschoolgroundsorattendingSchoolactivitiesforanypurposeforaperiodofthree(3)years.

ParentInvolvement:Volunteering

Thesuccessofourschoolisdirectlysupportedbytheeffortsofourvolunteers.Wetrytomakeconnectionsforvolunteerstoinvolvedwithactivitiesthatareengagingandinspiring,anditisimportantvolunteersseetheircontributionasaseriouscommitment.ParentswhoplantovolunteeratschoolmustshowdocumentationofTBclearance.Thereisanapplicationprocessforvolunteering,pleaseseethefrontofficetoobtainone.Forvolunteerswhomwouldbeworkingwithstudentswithoutemployeesupervision(e.g.overnightcamps),backgroundclearanceisalsorequired.Takethetimeatthestartoftheyeartothinkabouthowyouwanttovolunteer–themorevolunteerswehave,themorewecandoforthechildren.HowdoIvolunteer?ThereareamyriadofvolunteeropportunitiesatLFCSA.Thereareongoingneedsandonetimeoreventneeds.Tofindthebestfitforyou,discussyourskillswithyourroomparent.Hereisasamplingoftypicalvolunteeropportunities:

• Roomparents• Classroomhelpers• Drop-offandPick-upSupport/CrossingGuards• Fieldtripchaperones• PTAofficers• ParentRepresentatives–SiteCouncil• Committees• BuildDays• SpecialEvents• SpecialSkills(e.g.repair,graphicdesign,website)

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Here’swhatvolunteeringcandoforyou:

• Yourvolunteercontributioncanbeaveryfulfillingandenlighteningexperience.Asaclassroomvolunteeryouwillhavetheopportunitytowitnessouruniquecurriculuminaction.It’sachancetoseeyourchildasyounormallywouldn’tseethem.Youwillhaveagreaterunderstandingofhowyourchildspendstheirdayandhowyoucanhelpthemthriveinthisenvironment.

• AsyouparticipateinschooleventsyouwillhavetheopportunitytomeetandgettoknowotherLFCSAparents.Manycarpools,playdates,entrepreneurialideasandbusinessconnectionshaveoriginatedfromrelationshipsbuiltthroughvolunteerprojectsatschool.

• Becomeinvolvedinthedecision-makingprocessbyrunningfortheSchoolSiteCouncilorjoiningoneofour

variouscommittees.Youcantakepartinshapingourschool.Asparentswehaveanamazingopportunitytobeinvolvedwithaneducationalmodelthatwantsourinput.Ratherthanbeingonthereceivingendofmandatesanddictatesfromaslowmovingbureaucraticmachine,ourcharterschoolisfreetoinnovateandcreate.

• Volunteeringcanbeanoutletforexpressingyourowntalentsandskills.Youmayhavesomethingyoulovetodo,

ordiscoversomethingyoudidn’tknowyoucoulddo.Regardless,youwillhaveareceptiveandappreciativeaudienceforyourefforts.

• Beinginvolvedinschoolteachesyourchildanimportantlifelessonaboutthevalueofeducationandcommunityservice.

LFCSACommunications:StayingInformed&Involved

LFCSAe-BlastLFCSAstrivestobea“green”school,andassuchreliesonelectroniccommunicationstorelayvitalinformationtoourfamilies.Theprimaryformofcommunicationtoparentseachweekisourelectronicnewsletter,theLFCSAWeeklyNews.TheLFCSAWeeklyNewsisaconcise,comprehensivedigestthatissenttoLFCSAfamiliesviaemaileverySunday.ItisoneofyourresponsibilitiesasanLFCSAparenttoregularlyreviewtheWeeklyNews.Eachissueincludespertinentschoolinformationincludingnews,updates,announcements,reminders,calendars,andvolunteeropportunities.Forthosefamiliesthatdonothaveaccesstoregularemail,thereisahardcopyintheofficeandtherearecomputersavailableoncampustoviewtheLFCSAWeeklyeBlastonline.LFCSAWeeklyeBlastSubmissionsTheLFCSAWeeklyNewscomesouteverySunday.ThedeadlineforsubmissionsistheFridaypriortothedateanitemistoappear.Pleaseplanaccordingly.Materialsreceivedpastthedeadlinewillbeincludedinthefollowingissue.Submissionsshouldincludeallpertinentinformationincludingdates,times,andcontactinformationalongwithanyfliersinPDFform.Thecontentofsubmissionsmustbeschool-relatedandissubjecttotheapprovalofschooladministration.Personaland/orclassroom-specificemailsshouldbedirectedtoyourroomparentorteacher.Inaddition,pleasemakesuretoworkwiththeappropriatecommitteefirst.Notgettinge-Blasts?Needtochangeyouraddress?Inordertostayinformed,itisvitalthatwehaveyourcorrectemailandhomeaddress.Ifyouarenotreceivinge-Blasts,emailsorneedtochangeyouraddress,pleasecontactthefrontdesktofilloutaInformationChangeForm.e-BlastPLUS!BesidestheLFCSAWeeklyNews,youmayoccasionallyreceiveemailblastsfromtheschooladministrationwithurgentorlatebreakingnews,sopleasemaketimetoreadtheseimportantmessages.TheseblastscomeonlyfromschooladministrationandwillnotbeusedforannouncementsthatmissedtheLFCSAWeeklydeadline.LFCSAWebsite

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Anothervitalresourceforschoolcommunicationsisourwebsite,www.losfelizarts.org.Contentisregularlyupdatedwithnewsandannouncements.ThisiswhereyoumayaccesstheparenthandbookandotherimportantinformationBlankete-mailpolicyWeaskthatyourefrainfromsending“blanket”emailstootherLFCSAparents.Toomanymessagesdiluteourabilitytocommunicatewithourfamiliesviaemail.LFCSArespectsboththetimeandprivacyofourfamiliesandwantstoensurethatwekeepparentstuned-intoimportantschoolbusiness.Werequestthatallparentsdothesame.CommunicationwithteachersWhencommunicatingwithyourchild’steacherorschoolstaff,weaskthatyourespectweekendsandholidaysastheirpersonaltime.Fornon-emergencycommunications,yourpatienceinwaitingforaresponseduringtheschoolweekisgreatlyappreciated.Likewise,whenreachingouttopersonnelviaemail,pleaseanticipatethatitmaytake48hoursormoretoreceivearesponse.Whenleavingaphonemessageforateacherwiththefrontoffice,likewisepleaseallowat24-48hoursforaresponse.Parent/teacherconferencesareheldtwotimeseachyear.Thisisanimportantopportunitytotalkwithyourteacheraboutyourchild’sprogressanddiscussanyotherthingsyouwish.Youmayalsosetupanappointmenttomeetwithyourchild’steacheratothertimesduringtheschoolyear.AnyparentorindividualwishingtocommunicatewithallLFCSAteachersshoulddiscusstheirissueorideawiththeirchild’steacherfirst.Pendingtheoutcomeofthisdiscussion,themostappropriatemeansofmovingforwardwillbedetermined.CommunityExpectationsMembersofLFCSAcommunitymusttreatoneanotherwithrespectandkindness.LFCSAstaffiscommittedtomaintainingorderlyeducationalandadministrativeprocesses;keepingschoolsandadministrativeofficesfreefromdisruptions;andfrompreventingunauthorizedpersonsfromenteringschoolgrounds.Ourgoalistopromotemutualrespectfulandorderlyconductwithintheschool,therebysettingamodelforchildrenandothersinthecommunity.Wedonotintendtodepriveanypersonoftherighttofreedomofexpression.Volatile,hostileoraggressiveactionsandwordscannotbetolerated,andindividualswhoengageintheseactivitiesmayfacelegalpenalties.CommunicationwiththeoutsidecommunityAnycommunicationrelatedtotheschoolwithaudiencesoutsideoftheLFCSAcommunity,includingfoundations,educators,projectpartners,andcommunityleaders,mustbepresentedtotheschooladministrationforreviewbeforedistribution.SchoolMeetingsAttendingschoolmeetingsoffersparentsanotherwaytostayintheloopofdevelopmentsatschool,andprovidesanopportunitytosharefeedbackorsuggestions.Checktheschoolcalendaronourwebsiteforupcomingmeetings.

LFCSAHealth&Safety:EmergencyProcedures

FireandDisasterDrillsFiredrillsareconductedmonthlyanddisasterpreparednessdrillsareconductedperiodicallytopracticesafeandefficientegressfromclassroomsandoursite.ThesedrillsaremandatedbyEducationCodeandoccuroneverycampusthroughouttheState.Ifadisasteroccurs,studentswillremainoncampus(ifcircumstancesallow)untilparentsand/ortheirdesigneessignthemout.StudentswillnotbereleasedtoanyonewhoisnotlistedontheEmergencyCard.Alladultsmustbepreparedtoshowphotoidentification.LockdownDrillsLockdowndrillsareconductedannuallyduringtheschoolyeartoensurethatstudentsandstaffarefamiliarwiththisimportantemergencyprocedure.Theschoolmaybeplacedunderlockdownifanemergencysituation,oncampusorinthevicinityoftheschool,endangersstudentandstaffsafety.Duringalockdown,staffimmediatelyimplementseveralsecuritymeasures:doorsandwindowswillbelocked;gateswillbelocked;noonewillbepermittedtoleavecampus;andnoparentsorvisitorswillbeallowedtoentercampus.ThePoliceDepartmentwillinstructstaffandparentsofspecific

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proceduresgiventheuniquecircumstancesoftheincident.EmergencyPreparedness:WhatParentsShouldDoBeforeaDisasterOccurs

• Besurethatyourchild’semergencyinformationisaccurateandcurrent.Theonlypeople,otherthanyourself,thatmaysignoutyourchildfromschoolarethosethatyouhavelisted.Informthosepeopleyouhavelistedthattheyareauthorizedtoremoveyourchildinanemergency.

• Prepareyourchild.Pleasetellyourchildwhohasyourpermissiontopickhim/herupifyouareunabletodoso.Besurethatyourchildunderstandsthatitmaytakehoursforsomeonetopickhim/herup.Reassureyourchildthathe/sheissafeandwillbecaredforatschooluntilyouarrive.Childrenwhoarepreparedexperiencelessfear.

• Prepareyourselfandyourentirefamilyforacrisis.Ifyouarecalmandconfident,yourchildwillfeelconfidentandsecure.

• Beinformedandknowaboutthehazardsinyourarea.Haveevacuationroutesanddisasterplansestablishedbeforeanemergency.

• Developafamilydisasterplan.Beingpreparedwillhelptheentirefamilycopeandhaveagreatersenseofcontrol.• Assembleanemergencysupplykitathomeandinyourcar.

EmergencyPreparedness:WhatParentsShouldDoAfteraDisasterHasOccurredAtHomeParents,please:

• Assureyourpersonalsafetyfirst.Childrenwillbecaredforuntilyourarrival.• Remember,remainingcalmandsafeoutweighstheneedforspeed.• Preparetoarrivecalm,patient,andreadytofollowschoolpersonneldirections.• Ifpossible,walktoschool.Streetswillbecloggedwithemergencyvehicles.• Leaveamessageathomeand/oronyourvoicemailindicatingwhenyouleftandwhereyouwent.Othersmaybe

lookingforyou.• Haveapre-plannedemergencyfamilyplanforhome(i.e.whocollectsthekidsfromschool,whogoeshome,

whereyouaremeetingyourfamily,etc.).ArrivalatSchool:

• Campusmaybeclosed.Ifso,parentswillbeexpectedtowaituntilauthorizedpersonnelbegintheStudentReleaseProcess.

• Studentswillbesignedoutinanorderlymanner.Removingstudentsfromcampuswithoutsigningoutwillhampereffortstoaccountforeveryone’ssafety.

• Classroomteacherswillreleasestudentstoparentsandpersons(knowntoteacher)ontheLFCSAEmergencyCardoremergencyforminzip-lockbags.

• OtherpersonslistedontheLFCSAEmergencyCardoremergencyforminzip-lockbagswillneedtoreportfirsttothecheckoutlocationonthesouthfield.Thesepersonswillthenbringtheteacheraformsignedbyschoolpersonnel,sothatthechildcanbereleased.

• Parents/Emergencydesigneewillberequiredtosignreleaseform,andpresentI.D.• Studentswillbeevacuatedfromtheirclassroomsoroneofthefollowingassemblyareasdependingonthe

situation.SignswillbepostedtoindicatewhichlocationstudentsarewaitingItemstobring:(1)Driver’slicenseor(2)photoidentificationClassroomandSiteProvisions:

• LFCSASafetyPlan/SafetyClipboardineachclassroomandcommonareas.• EvacuationMap• Classroomemergencybackpacksupplies• Individualstudentzip-lockemergencysuppliesassembledathome,storedinclass.• Siteemergencybin

Asacharterschool,wearegovernedbytheLAUSD’sEmergencyDrillprocedures.Thefollowingisthelistofdrillswewillconductthroughouttheschoolyear:

• FireDrill:Monthly• EarthquakeTraining&Drill:Quarterly

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• Lockdown-noresponsedrill:Oneperyear• Lockdown-responsedrill:Oneperyear

InternetSafetyatHomeEveryoneisawareofthepotentialdangersofinappropriatecontentontheInternet.Itiscriticalthatwehelpourchildrenusehomecomputerssafelyandappropriately.Studentsintheuppergradesareincreasinglymakinguseofhomecomputersforresearchandclassprojects,andthisusewillcontinuetoincreaseasthestudentsgrow.Pleasediscussresponsibleandsafecomputerusewithyourchildren,supervisetheircomputeruse,andconsiderinstallingcontentcontrolsonallhomecomputers.Youmayalsowishtosetupyourcomputerinacentrallocation.Thefollowingwebsitesofferinformationaboutrisksandwaystoprotectyourcomputerandyourchildren:www.getnetwise.org www.safekids.comwww.bsafehome.com www.cybersitter.comInternetAccessatSchoolStudentswillhavesupervisedaccesstothecomputersandtheInternetforlearning,communicatingandresearchingatschool.Theschoolhasalimitedwhitelistofsitesforthelowergrades(TK-2nd).Fortheuppergrades,whenstudentsutilizetheInternetforresearch,theywillneedpermissionfromparentstoaccesstheInternetbysigningourAcceptableComputerandInternetUsePolicy.Teacherswilldistributethesetofamiliesforapproval.LFCSAtakestheprivacyandsecurityofourstudentswhileusingtheInternetveryseriously.

AcademicHonestyPleasereviewwithyourchildrenappropriateuseofresearchmaterialsandtheimportanceofcreatingoriginalworkwhileusingthosematerials.Reviewtheirresearchmaterialsasyouhelpthemwithaproject.Besurethatyourchild’sfinalproductistrulyhis/herownwork.OneoftheelementsofDepthandComplexityforourstudentsinKindergarten–Grade6isEthics.Helpyourchildbeanhonestacademic!

Lost&FoundPleasemakeitpartofyourroutinetocheckourlostandfoundsectionregularly.Weaccumulateanamazingarrayofarticlesthroughouttheschoolweek.Unmarkedandunclaimeditemswillbedonatedtocharityattheendofeachquarter.

PersonalBelongingsAllpersonalbelongingssuchasclothing,andlunchbagsshouldbeclearlylabeledwithyourchild’sname.Childrenarenotpermittedtobringtoysorotherpersonalitems(unlessdirectedtodosoaspartofaclassproject)toschool.LFCSAwillnotbeliableforlostorstolenitems.Ifyourchildhasavaluableitemthats/heisbringingaspartofanassignment,thenmakesurehis/herteacherisaware,andtheitemwillbeputheldbytheteacheruntilitisneeded.

BirthdaysStudentbirthdaycelebrations(parties,foodetc.)willnotbepermittedduringtheschoolday.Invitationstobirthdaypartiesshouldbesenttohomes,andnotpassedoutatschool,unlessyourchild’sentireclassisincluded.

LFCSACommittees&Supporters

BoardofDirectors AllLFCSABoardMeetingsfollowtheBrownAct,andareopentothepublic.Stakeholdersareencouragedtoattend.Theagendaofeachmonthlyboardmeetingwillbeposted72-hoursinadvanceinthepublicbulletinboardatthefrontoftheschoolandonourwebsite.Anyonewishingtoaddresstheboardwillbeaskedtocompleteaspeakerrequestformavailableatthebeginningofeachboardmeetingandtolimittheirremarkstotheallottedtimeofthreeminutes.WhileaudiencemembersmayaddresstheBoardonanytopic,Boarddiscussionislimitedtoagendaitems.Topicsraisedduringpubliccommentmay,atthediscretionoftheBoard,beinvestigatedbytheLFCSAadministrationandputontheagendaforafuturemeeting.Bylaw,anyBoarddiscussionofmattersinvolvingeitherstudentsorpersonnelmustremainprivateandbeconductedinaclosedsession.LFCSASiteCouncil LFCSA’sSchoolSiteCouncilisanadvisoryanddecision-makingbodycomprisedofrepresentativesofourlearningcommunity,parents,teachers,principal,andothernon-credentialedstaffmembers.TheSiteCouncilisfocusedon

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schoolwidedecisionsandrecommendationstotheLFCSABoardofDirectors.OthercommitteesmakerecommendationstotheSiteCouncil.FacilitiesCommitteesBuildCommitteeTheBuildCommitteeisavolunteerteamofparentsandlocalcommunitymemberswitharchitectural,design,contracting,landscaping,organizingandmaterialsacquisitionexpertise.TechnologyCommitteeThiscommitteesupportstheschool’sacademicandoperationaltechnologyuse.Supportrangesfrominfrastructuredevelopment,tosoftwarereview,tosimplemaintenanceandrepair.Safety/WellnessCommitteeConsistentwiththeCaliforniaEducationCode,eachschoolisrequiredtoestablisha“SafetyCommittee”composedofallstakeholdergroups,whichisaccountableforpreparingandannuallyupdatingthesafeschoolplan.TheLFCSAsafeschoolplanconsistsoftwovolumes:VolumeOne,PreventionPrograms,andVolumeTwo,EmergencyProcedures.CommunityEngagementandOutreachCommitteesParentTeacherAssociation,(PTA) LFCSA’sPTAbringstogetherourschool’sparents,teachersandstafftoenhanceourstudents’schoolexperience.Throughourprogramsandevents,enrichLFCSAstudents’livesandcreatestrongcommunityrelationships.TheLFCSAPTAsponsorsactivitiesandprogrammingandbringsourcommunitytogetherandimprovestherelationshipbetweenschoolandhome.WiththesegoalsinmindtheLFCSAPTAfundedconstructionofournewplayground,continuingeducationseminarsforourteachersatColumbiaTeachers’Collegeandfieldtripsforourstudents.Tosupportourvariousprojects,thePTAalsosponsorsseveralfundraisersthroughouttheyear,includingourannualJog-a-Thon,ourBookFaire,theGrooveCelebration,andt-shirtsales.Toidentifywhichprojectsandprogramsarerighttofundwiththeproceeds,theExecutiveBoardworkscloselywiththeadministration.Ultimately,itistheresponsibilityoftheLFCSAPTAmembershiptovoteandapprovetheuseofeverydollarweraise.OurPTAispartofastatewidenetworkofPTAsthatadvocateforstudentsacrossCalifornia.BecomeamemberoftheLFCSAPTAcommunity.Yearlyduesare$10foranindividualmembershipand$15forafamilymembership.PleasefeelfreetoemailusPTA@losfelizarts.orgtojoinorsendussuggestions.OutreachCommitteeWearecurrentlyseekingcommunitymemberstoleadandparticipateinengagementandoutreachwithourlocalcommunity.Wearecreatingpartnershipswithlocalleadersintheregiontohelppublicizetheschoolandwhatweoffertothecommunity.Ourintentistocontinuetoreachouttofamiliesintheareaandbesurethatwearemeetingtheneedsofthecommunity.Pleaserefertothespreadsheetforalistoforganizationsthatwewillbereachingouttoandfollowingupwith.Ourgoalistocontinueandexpandouroutreacheffortsinordertoensurethatourschoolpopulationreflectstheamazingcommunitythatwearepartof.FundraisingCommitteeFundraisingisanimportantcomponenttoourschool.Fundsraisedhelpspayforourarts-integratedcurriculum,improveourexistingsite,andtosecureapermanenthome.ThisCommitteeproducesseveralkeyeventstoraisemoney,fosterparentparticipation,andengenderschoolspirit.Othermeansofpassivefundraisingincludescriptandlocalbusinessparticipation.Fundraising LFCSAisanon-profitbusinessratherthanatraditionalpublicschool.Asasingleschooldistrict,wedoalltheworkofadistrictschool,onasingleschoolbudget.OurprogramisabletoachievemorethroughthegenerosityandcontributionsofLFCSAstakeholdersandsupporters.OurAnnualGive,C.A.P.program,andLFCSAP.T.A.areimportantcontributorstotheextrastaffandprogramingtheschoolprovides.

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Whydoweneedtoraisefunds?LFCSAisapubliccharterschoolandassuchwereceivefundingforeachstudentbasedontheirattendance.Whilethisprovidesthemajorityofouroverallbudget,itdoesnotcoveralloftheexpensesofrunningouruniqueprogram.Wedependonfundraisingtofillasignificantgap.Itisalsoimportanttonotethatwedonotreceivefundsifstudentsareabsent.Youcanhelpuskeepthisnumberdownbymakingsureyourchildisontimeandhasnounnecessaryabsences.TheAnnualGiveTheAnnualGiveCampaignisLFCSA’sprimaryfundraiser.Asanindependentcharterschoolwithsuchauniqueprogramandspace,fundraisingisanessentialpartoftheschool.Thiscampaignhelpstofundhighqualityeducationalprograms,smallclassroomsizesandtechnologyinourschool,justtonameafew.LFCSAseeks100%participationfromallfamilies.Whateveryourfamilycangiveatthistimeiswelcome;nodonationamountistoosmall.WeencourageeveryfamilytobepartofthegivingcommunityatLFCSAandhelpusreach100%participation.Outsidefundersconsiderlookatparticipationratesasawaytodeterminecommunitysupportfortheschool’swork.Weunderstandthatalumpsumdonationmayjustbetoostressfulinourcurrenteconomicclimate,butwhenwebreakitdowntoamonthly“give,”thenumberismuchmorereasonable.Thiscanbedonethroughamonthlycheck,oramonthlychargetoyourcreditcard.Alldonationsare,ofcourse,taxdeductible–anddon’tforgettopassalongthislinktofriendsandfamilyinterestedinsupportingyourchild’seducation.MoreEasyWaystoHelpFundraise Inadditiontoourfundraisingcampaignandevent,wehaveongoingactivitiesthatmakeiteasytohelpraisefundsforLFCSA.Pleasevisitourwebsiteforuptodatefund–developmentopportunities.

• AmazonSmile,isasimpleandautomaticwayforyoutosupportyourfavoritecharitableorganizationeverytimeyoushop,atnocosttoyou.Whenyoushopatsmile.amazon.com,Amazonwilldonateaportionofthepurchasepricetoyourfavoritecharitableorganization.Youcanchoosefromnearlyonemillionorganizationstosupport.

UniformComplaintPolicyandProcedures

LosFelizCharterSchoolfortheArts’policyistocomplywithapplicablefederalandstatelawsandregulations.LFCSAisthelocalagencyprimarilyresponsibleforcompliancewithfederalandstatelawsandregulationsgoverningeducationalprograms.Pursuanttothispolicy,personsresponsibleforconductinginvestigationsshallbeknowledgeableaboutthelawsandprogramsthattheyareassignedtoinvestigate.Thiscomplaintprocedureisadoptedtoprovideauniformsystemofcomplaintprocessingforthefollowingtypesofcomplaints:(1) Complaintsofdiscriminationagainstanyprotectedgroup,includingactualorperceiveddiscrimination,onthebasisofage,sex,sexualorientation,gender,genderidentity,genderexpression,ethnicgroupidentification,race,ancestry,nationalorigin,religion,color,ormentalorphysicaldisability,oronthebasisofaperson’sassociationwithapersonorgroupwithoneormoreoftheseactualorperceivedcharacteristicsinanyCharterSchoolprogramoractivity;and(2) Complaintsofviolationsofstateorfederallawandregulationsgoverningthefollowingprogramsincludingbutnotlimitedto:specialeducation,TitleIIoftheADA,Section504oftheRehabilitationAct,consolidatedcategoricalaid,NoChildLeftBehind,migranteducation,careertechnicalandtechnicaleducationtrainingprograms,childcareanddevelopmentprograms,childnutritionprogram.(3) Acomplaintmayalsobefiledallegingthatapupilenrolledinapublicschoolwasrequiredtopayapupilfeeforparticipationinaneducationalactivityasthosetermsaredefinedbelow.a. “Educationalactivity”meansanactivityofferedbyaschool,schooldistrict,charterschoolorcountyofficeofeducationthatconstitutesanintegralfundamentalpartofelementaryandsecondaryeducation,including,butnotlimitedto,curricularandextracurricularactivities.b. “Pupilfee”meansafee,depositorotherchargeimposedonpupils,orapupil’sparentsorguardians,inviolationofSection49011andSection5ofArticleIXoftheCaliforniaConstitution,whichrequireeducationalactivitiestobe

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providedfreeofchargetoallpupilswithoutregardtotheirfamilies’abilityorwillingnesstopayfeesorrequestspecialwaivers,asprovidedforinHartzellv.Connell(1984)35Cal.3d899.Apupilfeeincludes,butisnotlimitedto,allofthefollowing:

i) Afeechargedtoapupilasaconditionforregisteringforschoolorclasses,orasaconditionforparticipationinaclassoranextracurricularactivity,regardlessofwhethertheclassoractivityiselectiveorcompulsory,orisforcredit.

ii) Asecuritydeposit,orotherpayment,thatapupilisrequiredtomaketoobtainalock,locker,book,classapparatus,musicalinstrument,uniformorothermaterialsorequipment.

iii) Apurchasethatapupilisrequiredtomaketoobtainmaterials,supplies,equipmentoruniformsassociatedwithaneducationalactivity.

c. Nothinginthissectionshallbeinterpretedtoprohibitsolicitationofvoluntarydonationsoffundsorproperty,voluntaryparticipationinfundraisingactivities,orschooldistricts,school,andotherentitiesfromprovidingpupilsprizesorotherrecognitionforvoluntarilyparticipatinginfundraisingactivities.(4) ComplaintsofnoncompliancewiththerequirementsgoverningtheLocalControlFundingFormulaorSections47606.5and47607.3oftheEducationCode,asapplicable.TheCharterSchoolacknowledgesandrespectseveryindividual’srightstoprivacy.Discriminationcomplaintsshallbeinvestigatedinamannerthatprotects[tothegreatestextentreasonablypossible]theconfidentialityofthepartiesandtheintegrityoftheprocess.TheCharterSchoolcannotguaranteeanonymityofthecomplainant.Thisincludeskeepingtheidentityofthecomplainantconfidential.However,theCharterSchoolwillattempttodosoasappropriate.TheCharterSchoolmayfinditnecessarytodiscloseinformationregardingthecomplaint/complainanttotheextentnecessarytocarryouttheinvestigationorproceedings,asdeterminedbytheAssistantPrincipalordesigneeonacase-by-casebasis.TheCharterSchoolprohibitsanyformofretaliationagainstanycomplainantinthecomplaintprocess,includingbutnotlimitedtoacomplainant’sfilingofacomplaintorthereportingofinstancesofdiscrimination.Suchparticipationshallnotinanywayaffectthestatus,gradesorworkassignmentsofthecomplainant.ComplianceOfficersTheGoverningBoarddesignatesthefollowingcomplianceofficer(s)toreceiveandinvestigatecomplaintsandtoensuretheCharterSchool’scompliancewithlaw:

AssistantPrincipal,LosFelizCharterSchoolfortheArts2709MEDIACENTERDR.LOSANGELES,CA90065(323)539-2810

IntheeventthattheAssistantPrincipalisnamedinthecomplaint,thecomplaintmaybedirectedinsteadtotheExecutiveDirector.TheExecutiveDirector/Principalordesigneeshallensurethatemployeesdesignatedtoinvestigatecomplaintsareknowledgeableaboutthelawsandprogramsforwhichtheyareresponsible.DesignatedemployeesmayhaveaccesstolegalcounselasdeterminedbythePrincipalordesignee.NotificationsTheExecutiveDirector/PrincipalordesigneewillinformtheLFCSAboardofallcomplaintsatLFCSAmonthlyboardmeetings,maintainingconfidentialitywhenrequiredbyStateandfederallaw.TheExecutiveDirector/PrincipalordesigneeshallannuallyprovidewrittennotificationoftheCharterSchool’suniformcomplaintprocedurestostudents,employees,parents/guardians,theGoverningBoard,appropriateprivateofficialsorrepresentatives,andotherinterestedparties.ThePrincipalordesigneeshallmakeavailablecopiesoftheCharterSchool’suniformcomplaintproceduresfreeofcharge.Theannualnoticeshall:1. Identifytheperson(s),position(s),orunit(s)responsibleforreceivingcomplaints.2. Advisethecomplainantofanycivillawremediesthatmaybeavailabletohim/herunder

stateorfederaldiscriminationlaws,ifapplicable.3. AdvisethecomplainantoftheappealprocesspursuanttoEducationCodeSection

262.3,includingthecomplainant’srighttotakethecomplaintdirectlytotheCaliforniaDepartmentofEducation(“CDE”)ortopursueremediesbeforecivilcourtsorotherpublicagencies.

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4. Includestatementsthat:a. TheCharterSchoolisprimarilyresponsibleforcompliancewithstateandfederallawsandregulations;b. Thecomplaintreviewshallbecompletedwithinsixty(60)calendardaysfromthedateofreceiptofthecomplaintunlessthecomplainantagreesinwritingtoanextensionofthetimeline;c. Anunlawfuldiscriminationcomplaintmustbefilednotlaterthansix(6)monthsfromthedatetheallegeddiscriminationoccurs,orsix(6)monthsfromthedatethecomplainantfirstobtainsknowledgeofthefactsoftheallegeddiscrimination;d. ThecomplainanthasarighttoappealtheCharterSchool’sdecisiontotheCDEbyfilingawrittenappealwithinfifteen(15)daysofreceivingtheCharterSchool’sdecision;ande. TheappealtotheCDEmustincludeacopyofthecomplaintfiledwiththeCharterSchoolandacopyoftheCharterSchool’sdecision.

ProceduresThefollowingproceduresshallbeusedtoaddressallcomplaintsthatallegethattheCharterSchoolhasviolatedfederalorstatelawsorregulationsgoverningeducationalprograms.Complianceofficersshallmaintainarecordofeachcomplaintandsubsequentrelatedactions.Allpartiesinvolvedinallegationsshallbenotifiedwhenacomplaintisfiled,whenacomplaintmeetingormediationisscheduled,andwhenadecisionorrulingismade.• Step1:FilingofComplaintAnyindividual,publicagency,ororganizationmayfileawrittencomplaintofallegednoncompliancebytheCharterSchool.Acomplaintallegingunlawfuldiscriminationshallbeinitiatednolaterthansix(6)monthsfromthedatewhentheallegeddiscriminationoccurred,orsix(6)monthsfromthedatewhenthecomplainantfirstobtainedknowledgeofthefactsoftheallegeddiscrimination.Acomplaintmaybefiledbyapersonwhoallegesthathe/shepersonallysufferedunlawfuldiscriminationorbyapersonwhobelievesthatanindividualoranyspecificclassofindividualshasbeensubjectedtounlawfuldiscrimination.Thecomplaintshallbepresentedtothecomplianceofficerwhoshallmaintainalogofcomplaintsreceived,providingeachwithacodenumberanddatestamp.Ifacomplainantisunabletoputacomplaintinwritingduetoconditionssuchasadisabilityorilliteracy,CharterSchoolstaffshallassisthim/herinthefilingofthecomplaint.• Step2:MediationWithinthree(3)daysofreceivingthecomplaint,thecomplianceofficermayinformallydiscusswiththecomplainantthepossibilityofusingmediation.Ifthecomplainantagreestomediation,thecomplianceofficershallmakearrangementsforthisprocess.Beforeinitiatingthemediationofadiscriminationcomplaint,thecomplianceofficershallensurethatallpartiesagreetomakethemediatorapartytorelatedconfidentialinformation.Ifthemediationprocessdoesnotresolvetheproblemwithintheparametersoflaw,thecomplianceofficershallproceedwithhis/herinvestigationofthecomplaint.TheuseofmediationshallnotextendtheCharterSchool’stimelinesforinvestigatingandresolvingthecomplaintunlessthecomplainantagreesinwritingtosuchanextensionoftime.• Step3:InvestigationofComplaintThecomplianceofficerisencouragedtoholdaninvestigativemeetingwiththecomplainantwithinfive(5)daysofreceivingthecomplaintoranunsuccessfulattempttomediatethecomplaint.Thismeetingshallprovideanopportunityforthecomplainantand/orhis/herrepresentativetorepeatthecomplaintorally.Thecomplainantand/orhis/herrepresentativeshallhaveanopportunitytopresentthecomplaintandevidenceorinformationleadingtoevidencetosupporttheallegationsinthecomplaint.Acomplainant’srefusaltoprovidetheCharterSchool’sinvestigatorwithdocumentsorotherevidencethatisavailabletothecomplainantrelatedtotheallegationsinthecomplaint,orhis/herfailureorrefusaltocooperateintheinvestigationorhis/herengagementinanyotherobstructionoftheinvestigation,mayresultinthedismissalofthecomplaintbecauseofalackofevidencetosupporttheallegation.TheCharterSchool’srefusaltoprovidetheinvestigatorwithaccesstorecordsand/orotherinformationrelatedtotheallegationinthecomplaint,oritsfailureorrefusaltocooperateintheinvestigationoritsengagementinanyotherobstructionoftheinvestigation,mayresultinafinding,basedonevidencecollected,thataviolationhasoccurredandmayresultintheimpositionofaremedyinfavorofthecomplainant.

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TheCharterSchoolwilladheretothefollowingguidelinesduringtheinvestigativeprocess:1. Investigationsmustbethoroughandreliable.Theyshouldincludeinterviewsofrelevantwitnesseswhomayhave

knowledgeoftheallegeddiscrimination.Theyshouldincludegatheringandreviewofrelevantinformationincludinganyemails,textmessages,drawings,socialnetworkpostings,anddocuments.

2. Recordsmustbemaintaineddocumentingtheprocessingandresolutionofdiscriminationcomplaints,includingdocumentationofwitnessinterviews.

3. AsrequiredbytheUniformComplaintProcedures,thecomplainantmustbeprovidedwithwrittennoticeoftheoutcomeofthecomplaintincludingastatementofalltheissuesraised,thefindingsmadeoneachissueandtherationaleforeach,thecorrectiveactionsforeachissue,ifany,andnoticeoftherighttoappeal;and

• Step4:Response/FinalWrittenDecisionUnlessextendedbywrittenagreementwiththecomplainant,thecomplianceofficershallprepareandsendtothecomplainantawrittenreportoftheCharterSchool’sinvestigationanddecision,asdescribedinStep#5below,withinsixty(60)daysoftheCharterSchool’sreceiptofthecomplaint.TheCharterSchool’sdecisionshallbeinwritingandsenttothecomplainant.TheCharterSchool’sdeterminationwillbemadeusingappropriatelegalstandards[No7].CharterSchool’sdecisionshallbewritteninEnglishandinthelanguageofthecomplainantwheneverfeasibleorasrequiredbylaw.Thedecisionshallinclude:1. Thefindingsoffactbasedonevidencegathered.2. Theconclusion(s)oflawforeachallegationorissue.3. Dispositionofthecomplaint.4. Rationaleforsuchdisposition.5. Correctiveactions,ifanyarewarranted.6. Noticeofthecomplainant’srighttoappealtheCharterSchool’sdecisionwithinfifteen(15)

daystotheCDEandprocedurestobefollowedforinitiatingsuchanappeal.7. Fordiscriminationcomplaintsarisingunderstatelaw,noticethatthecomplainantmust

waituntilsixty(60)dayshaveelapsedfromthefilingofanappealwiththeCDEbeforepursuingcivillawremedies.8. Fordiscriminationcomplaintsarisingunderfederallawsuchcomplaintmaybemadeatany

timetotheU.S.DepartmentofEducation,OfficeforCivilRights,asfollows:(ByU.S.mail):OfficeforCivilRights,U.S.DepartmentofEducation

50BealeStreet,Suite7200 SanFrancisco,CA94105

(Bye-mail):[email protected](onlinecomplaintform):https://ocrcas.ed.gov/

Ifanemployeeisdisciplinedasaresultofthecomplaint,thedecisionshallsimplystatethateffectiveactionwastakenandthattheemployeewasinformedoftheCharterSchool’sexpectations.Thereportshallnotgiveanyfurtherinformationastothenatureofthedisciplinaryaction.AppealstotheCaliforniaDepartmentofEducationIfdissatisfiedwiththeCharterSchool’sdecision,thecomplainantmayappealinwritingtotheCDEwithinfifteen(15)daysofreceivingtheCharterSchool’sdecision.WhenappealingtotheCDE,thecomplainantmustspecifythebasisfortheappealofthedecisionandwhetherthefactsareincorrectand/orthelawhasbeenmisapplied.TheappealshallbeaccompaniedbyacopyofthelocallyfiledcomplaintandacopyoftheCharterSchool’sdecision.UponnotificationbytheCDEthatthecomplainanthasappealedtheCharterSchool’sdecision,thePrincipalordesigneeshallforwardthefollowingdocumentstotheCDE:1. Acopyoftheoriginalcomplaint.2. Acopyofthedecision.3. AsummaryofthenatureandextentoftheinvestigationconductedbytheCharterSchool,if

notcoveredbythedecision.4. Acopyoftheinvestigationfile,includingbutnotlimitedtoallnotes,interviews,and

documentssubmittedbyallpartiesandgatheredbytheinvestigator.

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5. Areportofanyactiontakentoresolvethecomplaint.6. AcopyoftheCharterSchool’scomplaintprocedures.7. OtherrelevantinformationrequestedbytheCDE.TheCDEmaydirectlyinterveneinthecomplaintwithoutwaitingforactionbytheCharterSchoolwhenoneoftheconditionslistedinTitle5,CaliforniaCodeofRegulations,Section4650exists,includingcasesinwhichtheCharterSchoolhasnottakenactionwithinsixty(60)daysofthedatethecomplaintwasfiledwiththeCharterSchool.CivilLawRemediesAcomplainantmaypursueavailablecivillawremediesoutsideoftheCharterSchool’scomplaintprocedures.Complainantsmayseekassistancefrommediationcentersorpublic/privateinterestattorneys.Civillawremediesthatmaybeimposedbyacourtinclude,butarenotlimitedto,injunctionsandrestrainingorders.Fordiscriminationcomplaintsarisingunderstatelaw,however,acomplainantmustwaituntilsixty(60)dayshaveelapsedfromthefilingofanappealwiththeCDEbeforepursuingcivillawremedies.ThemoratoriumdoesnotapplytoinjunctivereliefandisapplicableonlyiftheCharterSchoolhasappropriately,andinatimelymanner,apprisedthecomplainantofhis/herrighttofileacomplaintinaccordancewith5CCR4622.

DisputeResolutionPolicy

ThepurposeofLFCSA’sdisputeresolutionprocessistohaveschoolcommunitymembersresolveissuesin-houseinanamicableandfairmannerwheneverpossibleandtoavoidunnecessarilycontactingtheBoardofEducationorLAUSD.Theschoolcommunityincludesstudents,parents,teachers,applicantfamilies,volunteers,advisors,communitymembers,

partnersandcollaborators.Intheeventofadispute:

• Makeanappointmentwiththeteacherorthepersonwhoseareaofresponsibilitytheissueinvolves,orthepersondirectlyinvolvedintheissue.

• Ifthemeetingdidnotresolvetheissue,makeanappointmentwiththeDirectorofAcademicsandCurriculum(Principal).Whenappropriate,thePrincipalmayrequesttheteacher,staffmember,orotherpartytotakepartinthemeeting.

• Ifafterareasonableamountoftime,theissuehasnotbeenadequatelyaddressed,youmaysubmitinwritingastatementtotheLFCSAExecutiveDirectorandBoard.Thepersonaboutwhomthecomplaintismadewillbegivenacopyofthewrittenstatement.TheExecutiveDirectorandthepresidentoftheBoardwillworkwithallpartiestoresolvetheissue.

• IftheissueorcomplaintisagainstthePrincipalorExecutiveDirector,first,bringtheissuetothePrincipalandExecutiveDirector’sattention.Ifafterareasonableamountoftimetheissueisnotresolved,youmayfileawrittencomplaintwiththeBoardforresolution.

• Iftheissueinvolvesaschoolpolicy,first,bringthemattertotheattentionoftheExecutiveDirector.• IftheExecutiveDirectorisunabletoresolvethematter,youmayappealtotheExecutiveDirectororBoardby

eithersubmittingawrittenstatement,orattendingaboardmeeting.AllLFCSAfaculty,staff,administrators,parents,applicantfamiliesandBoardmemberswillbeaskedtosignanagreementtoresolvedisputesviathisdisputeprocessoritsreplacement.ThismeansthatindividualswillavoidcontactingtheBoardofEducationandLAUSDregardingaconflictatLFCSAuntilalloftherelevantprocedureslistedabovehavebeenexhaustedanddocumented.

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Ourcommitment

AllstudentsatLFCSAhavetherighttoapositive,warm,andnurturingenvironmentwheretheycanlearnandplaysafelyandcomfortably.Studentsareencouragedtocareaboutothersandtodemonstrateschoolspiritandpride.