JCS, Inc.

ANNUAL NOTIFICATION

JCS, Inc. is required to annually notify pupils, parents, and guardians of their rights and responsibilities, pursuant to California Education Code (EC) 48980.

An acknowledgment of receipt of this notice must be signed by the parent or guardian and returned to the school as required by EC 48982.

JCS, Inc.

JCS-Cedar Cove

1221 Encinitas Blvd. Encinitas, CA 92024

JCS-LIVE

1704 Cape Horn Ave. Julian, CA 92036

JCS-Manzanita

5150 Jackson Dr. La Mesa, CA 91942

JCS-Mountain Oaks

539 Encinitas Dr. Encinitas 92024

JCS-Pine Hills

29141 Vallejo Ave. Temecula, CA 92592

JCS-Pine Valley

28876 Old Hwy 80 Pine Valley, CA 91962

760-765-5500

jcs-inc.org

Dear Students, Parents and Guardians,

State law requires JCS, Inc. to provide annual notification to students, parents and guardians of their rights and responsibilities pertaining to their child’s education. Please read this Annual Notification. The parent or guardian is required to acknowledge their receipt of this notice by signing and returning the signature page to their child’s school or JCS, Inc. The parent’s or guardian’s signature is an acknowledgment that they have been informed of their rights and does not indicate the parent’s or guardian’s consent for their child to participate or not participate in any particular program listed within the Annual Notification.

Some legislation requires additional notification to the parents or guardians during the school term prior to a specific activity. A separate letter will be sent to the parents or guardians prior to any of these specified activities or classes, and the student will be excused whenever the parents or guardians file with the principal of the school a statement in writing requesting that their child not participate. Other legislation grants certain rights that are to be spelled out in this Annual Notification.

JCS, Inc. and its Board recognize that parent or guardian involvement in their child’s education promotes student achievement and contributes greatly to the student’s success. This Annual Notification contains information on the various ways parental involvement is both permitted and encouraged by federal and state laws, as well as JCS, Inc.’s policies. JCS, Inc. commits to providing a quality education to all of its students in a safe and healthy environment. JCS, Inc. looks forward to a successful and positive school year, made possible by the dedicated efforts of its administrators, teachers, paraeducators, support staff, students, and parents and guardians.

Please read this Annual Notification carefully and return the signed forms to your student’s school or JCS, Inc. as soon as possible.

Sincerely,

Jennifer Cauzza

Executive Director

JCS, Inc.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Acceptable Use of Technology and Internet Safety 6 Access to Student Mental Health Services 6 Availability of Prospectus 6 Bullying and Harassment Prevention Information 6 California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) 7 California Healthy Youth Act 7 Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting 9 Child Find 9 Child Health and Disabilities Prevention Program 9 Children in Homeless Situations 10 Children of Military Families and Other Protected Pupils 11 Comprehensive School Safety Plan 12 Custody Issues 13 Cyber Sexual Bullying 13 Dangerous Objects 13 Directory Information 13 Disabled Pupils - Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 14 Disruption in Public School or Meeting 14 Dress Code/Gang Apparel 14 Duty Concerning Conduct of Pupils 15 Electronic Products or Services that Disseminate Advertising 15 Electronic Signaling Device 15 Employee Interactions with Pupils 15 English Immersion Program 16 ESSA Section 1111(b)(2) 16 Fingerprinting Program 16 Foster Youth Bill of Rights 16 Free and Reduced-Price Meals 21 Illegal Recording of Confidential Communication 21 Immunization and Communicable Diseases 21 Use of Standardized Medical Exemption Form 22 Requirement of Physicians and Surgeons to Provide Notice to Parents 22 Requirement by Schools to Submit Annual Reports on Immunization Status to the State 22 State’s Review of Medical Exemptions 23 Appeal Rights 23 Investing for Future Education 23 Liability of Parent or Guardian for Willful Pupil Misconduct 23 Local School Wellness Policy 23 Marketing: Disclosure of Student Information 23 Medical and Hospital Services for Pupils 24 Medical Record Sharing 24 Mathematics Placement Policy 24 Medication Regimen 24 Self-Administration of Medication 24 Information Regarding Type 1 Diabetes 25 Continuing Medication Regimen 25 Megan's Law 25 Menstrual Equity for All Act 25 Parent Attendance of Suspended Students During School Day 26 Physical Examination; Parent Refusal to Consent 26 Pupil Collection of Debt 26 Pupil Discipline: Suspension: Willful Defiance 27 Pupil Fees 27 Pupil Health - Oral Health Assessment 27 Pupil Nutrition 27 Pupil Protections Relating to Immigration and Citizenship Status 27 Pupil Records; Notification of Rights 28 Pupil Safety: Human Trafficking Prevention Resources 30 Pupil Suicide Prevention Policies 30 Pupils with Temporary Disabilities; Individual Instruction 31 Rights and Options Available to Pregnant and Parenting Pupils 31 Rights of Parents or Guardians to Information 31 Right to Refrain From Harmful Use of Animals 33 Rules and Procedures on School Discipline 33 Suspension and Expulsion 33 Pupil Discipline: Suspensions: Willful Defiance 37 Attendance of Suspended Child’s Parent or Guardian for Portion of School Day 37 Sexual Harassment Policy 37 Hate Violence 38 Harassment, Intimidation or Threats 38 Terroristic Threats Against School Officials, School Property or Both 38 Suspension/Expulsion: Alternative and Other Means of Correction 38 Safe Place to Learn Act 39 School Accountability Report Card 39 School Safety: Safe Fire Arms Storage and Homicidal Threats 39 School Start Time 39 School Visiting Procedures 40 School Accreditation 40 Sex Equity in Career Counseling and Course Selection 40 Special Education 40 Child Find System - IDEA 40 Complaints 40 Due Process Hearings 40 Inspection of Records 40 Nonpublic, Nonsectarian Schools or Agencies 41 Statement of Non-Discrimination 42 Sun Protective Clothing/Use of Sunscreen 43 Surveys 43 Teacher Qualifications 43 Title 1 44 Tobacco-Free Campus 44 Uniform Complaint Procedures 44 Unsafe School Choice 45 Use of Pesticides 45 Use of Smartphones 45 Walking or Riding a Bike to School 45 Williams Complaint Policy and Procedures 45 Postings and Publications 46 High School 46 California High School Proficiency Exam 46 Cal Grant Program 46 College Admission Requirements and Technical Education 46 Confidential Medical Services 48 Financial Assistance for Advanced Placement Fees 48 Graduation Ceremonies and Activities 48 Information About Completion of Applications for Student Financial Aid 48

Acceptable Use of Technology and Internet Safety

JCS, Inc. prides itself on the safety of our students. Please read the following letter from our Executive Director on Internet Safety. The charter school's acceptable use of technology on school campuses and access by pupils to the Internet and on-line sites is available at www.jcs-inc.org under our policies, which is viewable here. JCS, Inc. also requires all students using a school-issued Chromebook, or other device, to review and complete the JCS Portable Electronic Device Agreement.

Access to Student Mental Health Services

JCS, Inc. shall notify pupils and parents or guardians of pupils no less than twice during the school year on how to initiate access to available pupil mental health services on campus or in the community, or both.

To notify parents or guardians, a school shall use at least two of the following methods:

Distribute the information in a letter (electronic or hardcopy)

Include the information in the annual parent notification

Post the information on the school's Internet Web site or page

To notify pupils, a school shall use at least two of the following methods:

Distribute the information in a document or school publication

Include the information in pupil orientation materials or in a pupil handbook at the beginning of the year

Post the information on the school’s Internet Web site or page

If a school decides to notify parents through distributing the information in a letter and posting the information on the school’s Internet Web site or page, then it need not also include the information in the annual parent notification.

Availability of Prospectus

Each school site shall create a prospectus which includes the curriculum, including titles, descriptions, and instructional aims of every course offered. The prospectus shall be made available upon request by parent or guardian.

Bullying and Harassment Prevention Information

Commencing with the 2020-21 academic year, each county office of education, school district, and charter school – or LEA (“local education agency”) for the purpose of this section – shall ensure that all of the following information is readily accessible in a prominent location on the local educational agency’s existing website in a manner that is easily accessible to parents or guardians and pupils:

The LEA’s policy on pupil suicide prevention in grades 7 to 12

The LEA’s policy on pupil suicide prevention in kindergarten and grades 1 to 6, including reference to the age appropriateness of that policy

The definition of discrimination and harassment based on sex, and the rights derived from the Sex Equity in Education Act

The Title IX information and training materials included on a LEA’s internet website

A link to the Title IX information included on the department’s internet website

The LEA’s written policy on sexual harassment, as it pertains to pupils

The LEA’s policy, if it exists, on preventing and responding to hate violence

The LEA’s anti-discrimination, anti-harassment, anti-intimidation, and anti-bullying policies

The LEA’s anti-cyberbullying procedures

A section on social media bullying that includes all of the following references to possible forums for social media bullying:

Internet websites with free registration and ease of registration

Internet websites offering peer-to-peer instant messaging

Internet websites offering comment forums or sections

Internet websites offering image or video posting platforms

A link to statewide resources, including community-based organizations, compiled by the department

Any additional information the LEA deems important for preventing bullying and harassment

California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP)

The California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (“CAASPP”) System was established on June 1, 2014. Commencing with the 2014-2015 school year, the CAASPP System includes Smarter Balanced Summative assessments in English Language Arts and Math in grades three through eight and eleven and California Alternate Assessments (“CAA”) in English Language Arts and Math in grades three through eight and eleven for students with significant cognitive disabilities. The California Science Test (“CAST”) for science is required for all students in grades five, eight and once in high school unless the student’s IEP indicates administration of the CAA. JCS, Inc. will not administer a standards-based test in Spanish for reading/language arts in grades two through eleven for Spanish-speaking English learners who either receive instruction in their primary language or have been enrolled in a school in the United States for less than twelve months. A parent or guardian may make a written request to excuse his or her child from any or all parts of the assessment.

California Healthy Youth Act

Students enrolled in JCS, Inc. programs or activities may receive instruction in personal health and public safety, which may include accident prevention, first aid, fire prevention, conservation of resources, and health education including comprehensive sexual health education and HIV prevention.

JCS, Inc. plans to provide comprehensive sexual health education and/or HIV prevention education during the 2022-2023 school year. The instruction shall include, among other things, information about sexual harassment, sexual abuse, and human trafficking. Information on human trafficking shall include both of the following:

Information on the prevalence, nature, and strategies to reduce the risk of human trafficking, techniques to set healthy boundaries, and how to safely seek assistance; and

Information on how social media and mobile device applications are used for human trafficking.

Students will be taught by JCS, Inc. personnel. If JCS, Inc. decides to arrange for an outside consultant to provide comprehensive sexual health education and/or HIV prevention education, JCS, Inc. will provide notice to parents no fewer than 14 days before the instruction is delivered by mail or another form of communication.

The instruction shall include information regarding sexual harassment, sexual abuse, and human trafficking. The notice shall advise the parent or guardian as follows:

Written and audiovisual educational materials used in comprehensive sexual health education and HIV prevention education are available for inspection.

Whether the comprehensive sexual health education or HIV prevention education will be taught by school district personnel or by outside consultants, and may hold an assembly to deliver comprehensive sexual health education or HIV prevention education by guest speakers, but if it elects to provide comprehensive sexual health education or HIV prevention education in either of these manners, the notice shall include the date of the instruction, the name of the organization or affiliation of each guest speaker, and information stating the right of the parent or guardian to request a copy of . If arrangements for this instruction by consultants are made after the beginning of the school year, notice shall be made by mail or another commonly used method of notification, no fewer than 14 days before the instruction is delivered.

The parent has the right to request a copy of the California Healthy Youth Act Education Code section 51930, et. seq.

The parent or guardian has the right to excuse their child from comprehensive sexual health education and HIV prevention education, and that in order to excuse their child, they must state their request in writing to the school district.

A pupil's parent or guardian has the right to request from JCS, Inc., a copy of the California Healthy Youth Act, Education Code section 51930, et. seq. A pupil's parent or guardian also has the right to inspect and review the written and audiovisual educational materials used in comprehensive sexual health education and HIV prevention education.

A pupil's parent or guardian may submit a written request to excuse the pupil from participation in any class involving comprehensive sexual education or HIV prevention education by submitting their request in writing to JCS, Inc..

JCS, Inc. may administer for pupils in grades 7 to 12 inclusive, anonymous, voluntary, and confidential research and evaluation tools to measure pupils’ health behaviors and risks, including tests, questionnaires, and surveys containing age-appropriate questions about the pupil’s attitudes concerning or practices relating to sex. A parent or guardian may excuse their child from the test, questionnaire, or survey by opting out of their student’s participation in the tests, questionnaires, or surveys. An opt-out form is provided within these notifications. Parents or guardians have a right review the test, questionnaire, or survey if they wish.

The excused pupil shall not be subject to disciplinary action, academic penalty, or other sanction if the pupil's parent or guardian declines to permit the pupil to receive comprehensive sexual health education or HIV prevention education or to participate in anonymous, voluntary, and confidential tests, questionnaires, or surveys on pupil health behaviors and risks.

While comprehensive sexual health education, HIV prevention education, or anonymous, voluntary, and confidential test, questionnaire, or survey on pupil health behaviors and risks is being administered, an alternative educational activity shall be made available to pupils whose parents or guardians have requested that they not receive the instruction or participate in the test, questionnaire, or survey.

Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting

JCS, Inc. staff is required by law to report cases of child abuse and neglect to the appropriate law enforcement agency when they have a reasonable suspicion that a child has been a victim of child abuse and/or neglect. Reasonable suspicion does not require certainty that the child abuse and/or neglect has occurred. The reporting staff member’s name and report are confidential. The fact that a child is homeless, or an unaccompanied minor is not, in and of itself, a sufficient basis for reporting child abuse or neglect.

How to File a Complaint of Child Abuse Committed at a School Site

Parents and guardians of pupils have the right to file a complaint against a school employee or other person that they suspect has engaged in abuse of a child at a school site. To file a complaint, the parent or guardian must file a formal report with an appropriate local law enforcement agency. An appropriate law enforcement agency may be one of the following:

• A Police or Sheriff’s Department (not including a school district police department or school security department)

• A County Probation Department if designated by the county to receive child abuse reports, or • A County Welfare Department/County Child Protective Services

The complaint may be filed over the telephone, in person, or in writing. A complaint may also be filed at the same time with your school district or county office of education. School districts and county offices of education, however, do not investigate child abuse allegations.

For more information on child abuse and child abuse reporting, visit the California Department of Education web site: http://www.cde.ca.gov/ls/ss/ap/

Child Find

JCS, Inc. must implement an ongoing system to locate, identify and evaluate all children birth to 21 residing within its jurisdiction who have disabilities and need early intervention under Part C or special education under Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act. JCS, Inc. must identify all children with disabilities, regardless of the severity of their disabilities, including children who are:

1. Highly mobile, such as migrant and homeless children;

2. Wards of the State;

3. Suspected of having a disability even though they advance from grade to grade; or 4. Home schooled.

JCS, Inc. child find efforts must include:

1. Communication to Parents/Guardians. Inform parents and guardians about the availability of special education and related services and provide them with information about initiating a referral for a special education evaluation, including information about early intervention under Part C and special education under Part B.

2. Staff awareness. Ensure that staff members are knowledgeable about the characteristics of children with disabilities and in need of special education, and the referral process for all children, including infants or preschool children, suspected of having disabilities.

Child Health and Disabilities Prevention Program

Before a child enters first grade, his or her parents must obtain a waiver or health screening for the child and complete the provided certificate or sign a waiver. The screening should take place before (within the prior 6 months) or during the kindergarten year. Parents are encouraged to obtain health screening simultaneously with required immunizations. Parents may inquire in the school office about free health screenings for low-income children provided under the Child Health and Disabilities Prevention Program.

A first-grade pupil who has not provided either a certificate or a waiver on or before the 90th day after the pupil’s entrance into the first grade must be excluded from school for up to five days based on the failure to comply or sign a waiver. School districts may exempt any pupil from the exclusion if, at least twice between the first day and the 90th day after the pupil’s entrance into the first grade, JCS, Inc. has contacted the pupil’s parent or guardian and the parent or guardian refuses to provide either a certificate or a waiver as specified in Section 124085. Parents or guardians are entitled to notification of the availability of free health screenings through the local health department.

Children in Homeless Situations

JCS, Inc. has appointed a liaison for homeless children responsible for ensuring the dissemination of public notice of the educational rights of students in homeless situations.

Liaison contact information:
Homeless Youth Liaison
Claire Roush
858-945-3247
croush@jcs-inc.org

Right to immediate enrollment in school of origin or school where currently residing without proof of residency, immunization records or tuberculosis skin-test results, school records, or legal guardianship papers;

Right to education and other services including to participate fully in all school activities and programs for which child is eligible, to qualify automatically for school meal programs, to receive transportation services, and to contact liaison to resolve disputes that arise during enrollment;

That no homeless youth shall be required to attend a separate school for homeless children or youth; and

That homeless youth shall not be stigmatized by school personnel.

A homeless student is defined as a person between the ages of birth (Early Head Start and Head Start Programs) and twenty-two (special education students) who lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence and may temporarily:

Live in an emergency or transitional shelter; abandoned building, parked car, or other facility not designed as a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings;

Live “doubled-up” with another family, due to loss of housing stemming from financial problems (e.g., loss of job, eviction or natural disaster);

Live in a hotel or motel;

Live in a trailer park or campsite with their family;

Have been abandoned at a hospital;

Be awaiting foster placement in limited circumstances;

Reside in a home for school-aged, unwed mothers or mothers-to-be if there are no other available living accommodations; or

Be abandoned, runaway, or pushed out youth or migrant youth that qualifies as homeless because he/she is living in circumstances described above.

Children of Military Families and Other Protected Pupils

A pupil who is a “child of a military family” is defined as school-aged child or children, enrolled in kindergarten through twelfth grade, in the household of an active-duty member. “Active duty” means full-time status in the active uniformed service of the United States, including member of the National Guard and Reserve on active-duty orders pursuant to 10 U.S.C. sections 1209 and 1211.

Children of military families who transfer between schools any time after the completion of the pupil’s second year of high school shall be exempt from all coursework and other graduation requirements adopted by the governing board of the local educational agency that are in addition to the statewide coursework requirements, unless the local educational agency makes a finding that the child of a military family is reasonably able to complete the local educational agency’s graduation requirements in time to graduate from high school by the end of the pupil’s fourth year of high school.

Within 30 days of the child of a military family’s transfer into a school, the local educational agency should determine whether the child of a military family is reasonably able to complete the local educational agency’s graduation requirements within the pupil’s fifth year of high school. If the pupil is reasonably able to complete the local educational agency’s graduation requirements within a fifth year of high school, the local educational agency shall do all of the following:

Inform the pupil of his or her option to remain in school for a fifth year to complete the local educational agency’s graduation requirements.

Inform the pupil, and the educational rights holder, about how remaining in school for a fifth year to complete the local educational agency’s graduation requirements will affect the pupil’s ability to gain admission to a postsecondary educational institution.

Provide information to the pupil about transfer opportunities available through the California Community Colleges.

Permit the pupil to stay in school for a fifth year to complete the local educational agency’s graduation requirements upon agreement with the pupil, if the pupil is 18 years of age or older, or, if the pupil is under 18 years of age, upon agreement with the educational rights holder.

Within 30 calendar days of the date that a pupil who is a child of a military family who may qualify for the exemption from local graduation requirements transfers into a school, the school district shall notify the pupil and the pupil’s parent or guardian of the availability of the exemption and whether the pupil qualifies for an exemption.

If the District fails to provide timely notice, the pupil shall be eligible for the exemption from local graduation requirements, even if that notification occurs after the pupil no longer meets the definition of “a child of a military family.”

If a child of a military family is exempt from local graduation requirements pursuant to this section and completes the statewide coursework requirements before the end of his or her fourth year of high school and that pupil would otherwise be entitled to remain in attendance at the school, a school or local educational agency shall not require or request that the pupil graduate before the end of his or her fourth year of high school, nor shall the child of a military family be required to accept the exemption or be denied enrollment in courses for which they are otherwise eligible.

If a child of a military family is not exempt from local graduation requirements or has previously declined the exemption pursuant to this section, a local educational agency shall exempt the pupil at any time if an exemption is requested by the pupil and the pupil qualifies for the exemption. The exemption shall apply after the pupil no longer meets the definition of “a child of a military family” while the pupil is enrolled in school or if the pupil transfers to another school or school district.

A school district shall not require, and a parent or guardian shall not request a child of a military family to transfer schools solely to qualify the pupil for an exemption under this section.

The local educational agency shall accept coursework satisfactorily completed by a pupil who is a child of a military family while attending another public school (including schools operated by the United States Department of Defense), a juvenile court school, or a nonpublic, nonsectarian school or agency even if the pupil did not complete the entire course and issue that pupil full or partial credit for the coursework completed.

The local educational agency may not require a child of a military family to retake a course if the pupil has satisfactorily completed the entire course in a public school, a juvenile court school, or a nonpublic, nonsectarian school or agency. If the pupil did not complete the entire course, the local educational agency may not require the pupil to retake the portion of the course the pupil completed unless the local educational agency in consultation with the educational rights holder, finds that the pupil is reasonably able to complete the requirements in time to graduate from high school. When partial credit is awarded in a particular course, the child of a military family shall be enrolled in the same or equivalent course, if applicable, so that the pupil may continue and complete the entire course. The pupil shall not be prevented from taking or retaking a course to meet eligibility requirements for admission to the California State University or University of California.

A complaint of noncompliance with the requirements of this section may be filed with the local educational agency under the Uniform Complaint Procedures set forth in Chapter 5.1 (commencing with Section 4600) of Division 1 of Title 5 of the California Code of Regulations.

A complainant not satisfied with the decision of a local educational agency may appeal the decision to the CDE and shall receive a written decision regarding the appeal within 60 days of the CDE's receipt of the appeal.

If a local educational agency finds merit in a complaint, or the Executive Director finds merit in an appeal, the local educational agency shall provide a remedy to the affected pupil.

The above protections shall also apply to pupils in foster care, pupils who are homeless, former juvenile court school pupils, migratory children, and pupils participating in a newcomer program, as defined in Education Code section 51225.2(a).

Comprehensive School Safety Plan

Each school is required to develop a school safety plan, which includes a comprehensive disaster preparedness plan. Copies of the school safety plan are available to read at each academy office during normal business hours.

Custody Issues

Schools are not a forum to settle custody disputes and the school has no legal jurisdiction to refuse a biological parent access to his or her child and the child’s school records unless a signed restraining order or proper divorce papers specifically setting forth limitations are on file at the school office. Custody disputes must be handled by the courts.

Cyber Sexual Bullying

JCS, Inc. may suspend or expel students who engage in cyber sexual bullying consistent with the JCS, Inc.’s disciplinary procedures described above. The California Department of Education has developed information regarding cyber sexual bullying available here, and available on the California Healthy Kids Resource Center Website and other sources.

Dangerous Objects

JCS, Inc. prohibits dangerous objects on campus, such as laser pointers and B.B. guns, unless possession is for valid instructional or other school related purpose.

Directory Information

“Directory Information” includes one or more of the following items: student’s name, address, telephone number, email address, date of birth, major field of study, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight, and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, degrees and awards received, and the most recent public or private school attended by the student. JCS, Inc. has determined that the following individuals, officials, or organizations may receive directory information:

Certain school publications

Outside organizations including, but not limited to, companies that manufacture class rings or publish yearbooks

Military recruiters

Post-secondary educational institutions

Outside governmental agencies

No information may be released to a private profit-making entity other than employers, prospective employers, and representatives of the news media, including, but not limited to, newspapers, magazines, and radio and television stations. Directory information may be disclosed without prior consent from the parent or legal guardian unless the parent or legal guardian submits a written notice to the school to deny access to his/her pupil’s directory information. However, directory information related to homeless and unaccompanied youth will not be released without the express written consent for its release by the eligible pupil, his/her parent, or guardian.

JCS, Inc. may disclose appropriately designated "directory information" as specified herein without written consent unless advised to the contrary in accordance with procedures.

Parents/guardians must notify JCS, Inc. in writing every year if they do not want JCS, Inc. to disclose directory information from their child's education records without prior written consent. The directory release form can be found here.

Also, in accordance with Section 49073.2, the LEA shall not include the directory information or the personal information of a pupil or of a parent or guardian of a pupil in the minutes of a meeting of its governing body, except as required by judicial order or federal law, if a pupil who is 18 years of age or older or a parent or guardian of a pupil has provided a written request to the secretary or clerk of the governing body to exclude his or her personal information or the name of his or her minor child from the minutes of a meeting of the governing body.

Personal information includes a person's address, telephone number, date of birth, and email address.

Disabled Pupils - Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973

Section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (42 USC 12101, et seq.) prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability. Section 504 requires school districts to identify and evaluate children with disabilities in order to provide them a free, appropriate public education. Individuals with a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, including seeing, hearing, walking, breathing, working, performing manual tasks, learning, eating, sleeping, standing, lifting, bending, reading, concentrating, thinking, speaking, are eligible to receive services and aids designed to meet their needs as adequately as the needs of non-disabled students are met.

Name and contact information of JCS, Inc.’s designated individual for implementing Section 504:
504 Coordinator
Kristy Matthews
kmattews@jcs-inc.org

Screening and evaluation procedures used by JCS, Inc. when there is a reason to believe a student has a disability under Section 504:

Notification to the 504 Coordinator by the parent, teacher or Student Study Team (SST) will be used to establish screening.

Medical and school records may be reviewed to determine eligibility.

A student has the right to a written accommodation plan if the student qualifies for services under Section 504.

A student has the right to be educated with non-disabled students to the maximum extent appropriate based on the student’s needs.

A copy of the parents or guardians legal safeguard can be obtained here. For more information please contact Kristy Matthews (kmatthews@jcs-inc.org).

Disruption in Public School or Meeting

Any person who willfully disturbs any public school or public school meeting is guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be punished by a fine of not more than five hundred dollars ($500).

Dress Code/Gang Apparel

Students are expected to come to school appropriately dressed. Students failing to dress appropriately will be asked to change. The dress code can be found in each school's Parent Handbook, linked to their respective websites.

Duty Concerning Conduct of Pupils

All students participating in JCS, Inc. programs or activities will comply with JCS, Inc. policies, rules, and regulations, pursue their studies, and obey the valid authority of JCS, Inc. staff. Any student who feels another participant is disrupting the student’s learning environment is strongly encouraged to report that misconduct to a JCS, Inc. staff member. The JCS, Inc. staff member will, in turn, report to the designated JCS, Inc. staff member in charge of handling student complaints. JCS, Inc. staff expects all students enrolled in JCS, Inc. programs or activities to conduct themselves in a manner that enriches the educational environment and does not disrupt the learning process. JCS, Inc. believes all students enrolled in JCS, Inc. programs or activities should experience a positive learning environment. All students participating in JCS, Inc. programs or activities are expected to cooperate by respecting the rights of other participants, which includes the right to a learning environment free from disruptions. Student conduct includes conduct on school grounds, going to and from school and during recess and lunch periods.

Every teacher has a duty to hold pupils accountable for their conduct on the way to and from school, and on the playground, or during recess. A teacher, vice principal, principal or any other certificated employee of a school district, shall not be subject to criminal prosecution or criminal penalties for the exercise, during the performance of his duties, of the same degree or physical control over a pupil that a parent would be legally privileged to exercise but which in no event shall exceed the amount of physical control reasonably necessary to maintain order, protect property, or protect the health and safety of pupils, or to maintain proper and appropriate conditions conducive to learning.

Electronic Products or Services that Disseminate Advertising

If JCS, Inc. enters into a contract for electronic products or services that requires the dissemination of advertising to students, the district, among other requirements specified in EC 35182.5(c)(3), must provide written notice to the parents or guardians of the students that the advertising will be used in the classroom or other learning centers.

Electronic Signaling Device

JCS, Inc. may notify parents of the policy regulating the rights of pupils to possess or use electronic signaling devices (e.g., cell phones and pagers) on school campuses during the school day or at school activities.

Employee Interactions with Pupils

An LEA that maintains a section on employee interactions with pupils in its employee code of conduct shall (1) provide a written copy of the section on employee interactions with pupils in its code of conduct to the parent or guardian of each enrolled pupil at the beginning of each school year and (2) post the section on employee interactions with pupils in its code of conduct, or provide a link to it, on each of its schools’ Internet Web sites, or, if a school of a local educational agency does not have its own Internet Web site, on the local educational agency’s Internet Web site, in a manner that is accessible to the public without a password.

LEAs may satisfy the requirement to provide a written copy of the section on employee interactions with pupils in its code of conduct to the parent or guardian of each enrolled pupil by including the section on employee interactions with pupils in its code of conduct in the notice required pursuant to EC 48980.

This information may also be accessed here, in our Sexual Harassment - School Personnel and Student Policy.

English Immersion Program

In order to facilitate parental choice of program, JCS, Inc. will inform any parent or guardian of a pupil who is to be placed in a structured English immersion program and will notify the parent or guardian of an opportunity to apply for a parental exception waiver.

ESSA Section 1111(b)(2)

Parents may request, and JCS, Inc. will provide the parents on request (and in a timely manner), information regarding any State or school district policy regarding student participation in any assessments mandated by ESSA Section 1111(b)(2) and by the State or JCS, Inc., which shall include a policy, procedure, or parental right to opt the child out of such assessment, where applicable.

Fingerprinting Program

JCS, Inc. does not offer a voluntary fingerprinting program. Fingerprinting requires written parental consent as well as payment by the parent or guardian of any applicable fees. The fee shall be calculated to reimburse the district only for actual costs associated with the program.

Foster Youth Bill of Rights

“Pupil in foster care” means a child who has been removed from their home pursuant to Section 309 of the Welfare and Institutions Code (“WIC”), is the subject of a petition filed under Section 300 or 602 of the WIC or has been removed from their home and is the subject of a petition filed under WIC section 300 or 602.

When a juvenile court school pupil becomes entitled to a diploma pursuant to subdivision (d) of EC 48645.5, the county office of education shall notify the pupil, the person holding the right to make educational decisions for the pupil, and the pupil’s social worker or probation officer of all of the following:

(A) The pupil’s right to a diploma pursuant to subdivision (d) of Section 48645.5.

(B) How taking coursework and other requirements adopted by the governing board of the county office of education or continuing education upon release from the juvenile detention facility will affect the pupil’s ability to gain admission to a postsecondary educational institution.

(C) Information about transfer opportunities available through the California Community Colleges.

(D) The pupil’s or the education rights holder’s, as applicable, option to allow the pupil to defer or decline the diploma and take additional coursework pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (b) or subdivision (c) of EC 48645.7.

A pupil in foster care who is placed in a licensed children's institution or foster family home shall attend programs operated by the local educational agency in which that licensed children’s institution or foster family home is located, unless one of the following applies:

The pupil is entitled to remain in their school of origin;

The pupil has an individualized education program requiring placement in a nonpublic, nonsectarian school, or in another local educational agency.

The parent or guardian, or other person holding the right to make educational decisions for the pupil pursuant to Section 361 or 726 of the WIC or Section 56055 (“educational rights holder”), determines that it is in the best interests of the pupil to be placed in another educational program and has submitted a written statement to the local educational agency that they have made that determination. This statement shall include a declaration that the parent, guardian, or educational rights holder is aware of all of the following:

The pupil has a right to attend a regular public school in the least restrictive environment.

The alternate education program is a special education program, if applicable.

The decision to unilaterally remove the pupil from the regular public school and to place the pupil in an alternate education program may not be financed by the local educational agency.

Any attempt to seek reimbursement for the alternate education program may be at the expense of the parent, guardian, or educational rights holder.

The parent or guardian, or educational rights holder shall first consider placement in the regular public school before deciding to place the pupil in foster care in a juvenile court school, a community school, or another alternative educational setting.

A pupil in foster care may still be subject to expulsion under applicable law and board policy.

Pupils in foster care are subject to other laws governing the educational placement in a juvenile court school, of a pupil detained in a county juvenile hall, or committed to a county juvenile ranch, camp, forestry camp, or regional facility, notwithstanding the rights contained in this notice.

Children in foster care living in emergency shelters (as referenced in the federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. Sec. 11301, et seq.)), may receive educational services at the emergency shelter as necessary for short periods of time for either of the following reasons:

For health and safety emergencies.

To provide temporary, special, and supplementary services to meet the child's unique needs if a decision regarding whether it is in the child's best interests to attend the school of origin cannot be made promptly, it is not practical to transport the child to the school of origin, and the child would otherwise not receive educational services.

The educational services may be provided at the shelter pending a determination by the educational rights holder regarding the educational placement of the child.

All educational and school placement decisions shall be made to ensure that the child is placed in the least restrictive educational programs and has access to academic resources, services, and extracurricular and enrichment activities that are available to all pupils. In all instances, educational and school placement decisions shall be based on the best interests of the child.

JCS, Inc. has designated an educational liaison for pupils in foster care:

Foster Youth Educational Liaison

Claire Roush

croush@jcs-inc.org

858-945-3247

The role of educational liaison is advisory with respect to placement decisions and determination of school of origin and does not supersede the role of the parent or guardian retaining educational rights, a responsible adult appointed by the court, a surrogate parent or a foster parent exercising their legal rights with respect to the education of the child in foster care. The educational liaison serves the following roles:

Ensures and facilitates proper educational placement, enrollment in school, and checkout from school for children in foster care;

Assists children in foster care when transferring from one school to another school or from one school district to another school district in ensuring proper transfer of credits, records, and grades.

When designated by the Executive Director, notifies a child in foster care’s attorney and child welfare agency representative(s) of pending disciplinary proceedings and pending manifestation determination proceedings if they are also eligible to receive special education and related services under the IDEA.

At the initial detention or placement by the Juvenile Court, or any subsequent change in placement of a child in foster care by the Court, the local educational agency serving the child shall allow them to continue their education in the school of origin for the duration of the jurisdiction of the court. If the jurisdiction of the court is terminated prior to the end of the academic year:

Former children in foster care in grades kindergarten, or 1 to 8, inclusive, shall be allowed to continue their education in the school of origin through the duration of the academic year;

Former children in foster care in high school shall be allowed to continue their education in the school of origin through graduation;

Transportation is not required unless the former child in foster care has an IEP and the IEP team determines transportation is a necessary related service, required by the unique educational needs of the pupil in order to benefit from their special education program. Transportation may be provided at the local educational agency’s discretion. The rights of these youth do not supersede any other law governing special education for eligible children in foster care.

To ensure that children in foster care have the benefit of matriculating with their peers in accordance with the established feeder patterns of school districts, if a child in foster care is transitioning between school grade levels, they shall be allowed to continue in the school district of origin in the same attendance area, or, if they are transitioning to a middle school or high school, and the school designated for matriculation is in another school district, to the school designated for matriculation in that school district

Juvenile court school students continue to have the right to a diploma upon completion of state graduation requirements. Students have the additional right to defer the granting of that diploma until release, at which time they can also decline the issuance of a diploma for the purpose of re-enrolling in their home school for further study. When a juvenile court school student becomes entitled to a diploma for meeting state graduation requirements, the County Office of Education must provide the student (or the educational rights holder if the student is not yet 18) and the student's social worker or probation officer information regarding of the following:

The student's right to a diploma;

How taking coursework and other requirements adopted by the COE or continuing education upon release will affect the student's ability to gain college admission;

Transfer opportunities available through California community colleges; and

The student's or the education rights holder's option to allow the student to defer or decline the diploma and take additional coursework.

In consultation with the child in foster care and educational rights holder, the educational liaison may recommend that they waive their right to attend the school of origin and enroll in a public school within their attendance area. The educational liaison’s recommendation must be accompanied by a written explanation for the basis of the recommendation and how it serves the child in foster care’s best interests.

If the educational liaison, child in foster care, and educational rights holder agree it is in the best interest of the child to waive their right to attend the school of origin and attend the recommended school, the child in foster care shall immediately be enrolled within the recommended school.

The recommended school shall immediately enroll the child in foster care regardless of any outstanding fees, fines, textbooks, or moneys due to any previous schools of attendance or if the child in foster care is unable to produce clothing or records normally required for enrollment, such as previous academic records, medical records, including proof of immunization, proof of residency or other documentation.

Within two business days of the request for enrollment, the educational liaison for the new school shall contact the school last attended by the child in foster care to obtain all academic and other records. The last school attended by the child in foster care shall provide all required records to the new school regardless of any outstanding fees, fines, textbooks, or other items or moneys owed to the school last attended. The educational liaison for the school last attended shall provide a complete copy of their education record to the new school within two business days of receiving the request.

If any dispute arises as to the school placement of a pupil under this section, the pupil has the right to remain in their school of origin, pending resolution of the dispute.

“School of origin" means the school that the child in foster care attended when permanently housed or the school in which the child in foster care was last enrolled. If the school the child in foster care attended when permanently housed is different from the school in which they were last enrolled, or if there is some other school that they attended with which they are connected and that the they attended within the immediately preceding 15 months, the educational liaison, in consultation with, and with the agreement of, the child and the educational rights holder, shall determine, in the best interests of the child, the school that shall be deemed the school of origin.

If the child in foster care is absent from school due to a decision by a court or placing agency to change their placement, the grades and credits of the child in foster care will be calculated as of the date they left school and no lowering of grades will occur as a result of the absence of the child under these circumstances. If the child in foster care is absent from school due to a verified court appearance or related court ordered activity, no lowering of their grades will occur as a result of the absence of the pupil under these circumstances.

A child in foster care or a pupil who is a homeless youth who transfers between schools any time after the completion of the pupil’s second year of high school shall be exempt from all coursework and other graduation requirements adopted by the governing board of the local educational agency that are in addition to the statewide coursework requirements, unless the local educational agency makes a finding that they are reasonably able to complete the local educational agency’s graduation requirements in time to graduate from high school by the end of the pupil’s fourth year of high school.

Within 30 days of the child’s transfer into a school, the local educational agency should determine whether a child in foster care or a pupil who is a homeless youth is reasonably able to complete the local educational agency’s graduation requirements within the pupil’s fifth year of high school. If the pupil is reasonably able to complete the local educational agency’s graduation requirements within a fifth year of high school, the local educational agency shall do all of the following:

Inform the pupil of their option to remain in school for a fifth year to complete the local educational agency’s graduation requirements.

Inform the pupil, and the educational rights holder, about how remaining in school for a fifth year to complete the local educational agency’s graduation requirements will affect the pupil’s ability to gain admission to a postsecondary educational institution.

Provide information to the pupil about transfer opportunities available through the California Community Colleges.

Permit the pupil to stay in school for a fifth year to complete the local educational agency’s graduation requirements upon agreement with the pupil, if the pupil is 18 years of age or older, or, if the pupil is under 18 years of age, upon agreement with the educational rights holder.

If the local educational agency fails to provide timely notice of the exemption, the pupil shall be eligible for the exemption, once notified, even if that notification occurs after the termination of the court’s jurisdiction of the pupil or after the pupil is no longer considered homeless.

If a child in foster care or a pupil who is a homeless youth is exempt from local graduation requirements pursuant to this section and completes the statewide coursework requirements before the end of their fourth year of high school and that pupil would otherwise be entitled to remain in attendance at the school, a school or local educational agency shall not require or request that the pupil graduate before the end of their fourth year of high school, nor shall they be required to accept the exemption or be denied enrollment in courses for which they are otherwise eligible.

If a child in foster care or a pupil who is a homeless youth is not exempt from local graduation requirements or has previously declined the exemption pursuant to this section, a local educational agency shall exempt the pupil at any time if an exemption is requested by the pupil and the pupil qualifies for the exemption. The exemption shall apply after termination of the court’s jurisdiction or after the pupil is no longer considered homeless.

A transfer shall not be requested solely to qualify for an exemption under this section.

The local educational agency shall accept coursework satisfactorily completed by a child in foster care or a pupil who is a homeless youth while attending another public school, a juvenile court school, or a nonpublic, nonsectarian school even if the pupil did not complete the entire course and issue that pupil full or partial credit for the coursework completed.

The local educational agency may not require a child in foster care or pupil who is a homeless youth to retake a course if the pupil has satisfactorily completed the entire course in a public school, a juvenile court school, or a nonpublic, nonsectarian school. If the pupil did not complete the entire course, the local educational agency may not require the pupil to retake the portion of the course the pupil completed unless the local educational agency in consultation with the educational rights holder, finds that the pupil is reasonably able to complete the requirements in time to graduate from high school. When partial credit is awarded in a particular course, the child in foster care or pupil who is a homeless youth shall be enrolled in the same or equivalent course, if applicable, so that the pupil may continue and complete the entire course. The pupil shall not be prevented from taking or retaking a course to meet eligibility requirements for admission to the California State University or University of California.

A complaint of noncompliance with the requirements of this section may be filed with the local educational agency under the Uniform Complaint Procedures set forth in Chapter 5.1 (commencing with Section 4600) of Division 1 of Title 5 of the California Code of Regulations.

A complainant not satisfied with the decision of a local educational agency may appeal the decision to the CDE and shall receive a written decision regarding the appeal within 60 days of the CDE's receipt of the appeal.

If a local educational agency finds merit in a complaint, or the Executive Director finds merit in an appeal, the local educational agency shall provide a remedy to the affected pupil.

Free and Reduced-Price Meals

Some schools operated by JCS, Inc. may provide breakfast and lunch to all students free of charge pursuant to a universal meal program. Please check with your principal for more information.

Illegal Recording of Confidential Communication

It is unlawful to intentionally eavesdrop or record the confidential communication between two or more parties without the consent of all parties to the confidential communication. The eavesdropping or recording of a confidential communication includes by means of any electronic amplifying or recording device whether the communication is carried on among the parties in the presence of one another or by means of a telegraph, telephone, or other device, except a radio. Such an act is punishable by a fine not exceeding two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500), or imprisonment in the county jail not exceeding one year, or in the state prison, or by both that fine and imprisonment. Additionally, pursuant to Education Code section 51512, the use by any person, including a student, of any electronic listening or recording device in any classroom without prior consent of the teacher and the principal is prohibited. Any person, other than the student, willfully in violation shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. Any pupil in violation is subject to JCS, Inc.’s disciplinary procedures.

Immunization and Communicable Diseases

JCS, Inc. shall follow all laws, rules, and regulations regarding immunizations required for students to enroll. JCS, Inc. shall not admit any student until the student is properly immunized as required by law. If there is good cause to believe a student has been exposed to a disease and his or her proof of immunization does not show proof of immunization against that disease, JCS, Inc. may temporarily exclude the child from school until the local health officer is satisfied that the child is no longer at risk of developing or transmitting the disease.

Students in a home-based private school and students enrolled in an independent study program who do not receive classroom-based instruction may still attend school without specified immunizations.

If the parent or guardian files with the governing authority a written statement by a licensed physician to the effect that the physical condition of the child is such, or medical circumstances relating to the child are such, that immunization is not considered safe, indicating the specific nature and probable duration of the medical condition or circumstances, including, but not limited to, family medical history, for which the physician does not recommend immunization, that child shall be exempt from the immunization requirements.

A pupil who, prior to January 1, 2016, submitted a letter or affidavit on file at a private or public elementary or secondary school, child day care center, day nursery, nursery school, family day care home, or development center stating beliefs opposed to immunization shall be allowed enrollment to any private or public elementary or secondary school, child day care center, day nursery, nursery school, family day care home, or development center within the state until the pupil enrolls in the next grade span. Grade span means (1) from birth to preschool; (2) Kindergarten and grades 1 to 6, inclusive, including transitional kindergarten; and (3) grades 7 to 12 inclusive.

Use of Standardized Medical Exemption Form

The California Department of Public Health is required to develop and make available for use by licensed physicians and surgeons and electronic, standardized, statewide medical exemption request form that would be transmitted using the California Immunization Registry and would be the only documentation of a medical exemption that a school may accept. At minimum, the medical exemption form must require all of the following:

The name, California medical license number, business address, and telephone number of the physician and surgeon who issue the medical exemption, and of the primary care; physician of the child, if different from the physician who issued the medical exemption;

The name of the child for whom the exemption is sought, the name and address of child’s parent or guardian, and the name and address of the child’s school or other institution;

A statement certifying that the physician has conducted a physical examination and evaluation of the child consistent with the relevant standard of care and complied with all applicable requirements of this law;

Whether the physician who issued the medical exemption is the child’s primary care physician. If the issuing physician is not the child’s primary care physician, the issuing physician shall also provide an explanation as to why the issuing physician and not the primary care physician is filling out the medical exemption form;

How long the physician has been treating the child;

A description of the medical basis for which the exemption for each individual immunization is sought. Each specific immunization shall be listed separately and space on the form shall be provided to allow for the inclusion of descriptive information for each immunization for which the exemption is sought;

Whether the medical exemption is permanent or temporary, including the date upon which a temporary medical exemption will expire. A temporary exemption shall not exceed one year. All medical exemptions shall not extend beyond the grade span, as defined by H&SC 120370;

An authorization for the department to contact the issuing physician for purposes of this law and for the release of records related to the medical exemption to the department, the Medical Board of California, and the Osteopathic Medical Board of California; and

A certification by the issuing physician that the statements and information contained in the form are true, accurate, and complete.

Requirement of Physicians and Surgeons to Provide Notice to Parents

If a parent or guardian requests a licensed physician and surgeon to submit a medical exemption for the parent’s or guardian’s child, the physician and surgeon shall inform the parent or guardian of the requirements set forth above. If the parent or guardian consents, the physician and surgeon shall examine the child and submit a completed medical exemption certification from to the State Department of Public Health.

Requirement by Schools to Submit Annual Reports on Immunization Status to the State

The governing board of a school district must file a written report on the immunization status of new students to the school with the State Department of Public Health and the local health department at times and on forms prescribed by the State Department of Public Health. These reports are required to be filed on at least an annual basis.

State’s Review of Medical Exemptions

Requires the State Department of Public Health to annually review immunization reports from schools to identify schools with an overall immunization rate of less than 95%, physicians and surgeons who submitted 5 or more medical exemption forms in one calendar year, and schools and institutions that do not report immunization rates to the department. A clinically trained department staff member who is a physician and surgeon or registered nurse is required to review all medical exemption forms submitted meeting those conditions. Medical exemptions issued prior to January 1, 2020, will not be revoked unless the exemption was issued by a physician or surgeon that has been subject to disciplinary action by the Medical Board of California or the Osteopathic Medical Board of California.

Appeal Rights

A parent or guardian may appeal a medical exemption denial or revocation to the Secretary of California Health and Human Services. The appeal is to be conducted by an independent expert review panel of licensed physicians and surgeons, who are required to evaluate appeals consistent with specified guidelines and to submit its decision to the Secretary. The Secretary is required to adopt the determination of the independent expert review panel and promptly issue a written decision to the child’s parent or guardian. This final decision is not subject to further administrative review. The student who is appealing a medical exemption revocation may continue school attendance without being required to commence the immunization schedule required for conditional admittance, so long as the appeal is filed within 30 calendar days of the revocation.

Investing for Future Education

JCS, Inc. encourages the investment by parents or guardians for higher education for their children and of considering appropriate investment options, including, but not limited to, United States savings bonds.

Liability of Parent or Guardian for Willful Pupil Misconduct

The parent or guardian of any minor may be held financially liable for the pupil’s willful misconduct which results in injury or death to any pupil or person employed or volunteering for JCS, Inc. or injury to real or personal property belonging to JCS, Inc. or a JCS, Inc. employee. The parent or guardian of a minor shall be liable to JCS, Inc. for all property belonging to JCS, Inc. loaned to the minor and not returned upon demand of an employee of JCS, Inc. authorized to make the demand. JCS, Inc. shall notify the parent or guardian of the pupil in writing of the pupil’s alleged misconduct before withholding the pupil’s grades, diploma, or transcript pursuant to this Section.

Local School Wellness Policy

The JCS, Inc. Health and Wellness Policy is available here.

Marketing: Disclosure of Student Information

JCS, Inc. makes student directory information available in accordance with state and federal laws. This means that each student’s name, birthday, address, telephone number, major course of study, participation in school activities, dates of attendance, awards, and the previous school attendance may be released to agencies such as the local PTA or Parent Club, or the military services. If you do not wish this information released, please sign and return this form for this purpose to the school or county office program.

Medical and Hospital Services for Pupils

JCS, Inc. does not provide medical or hospital services through non-profit membership corporations or insurance policies for pupil injuries arising out of school-related activities. JCS, Inc. will notify each parent or guardian of each pupil participating in athletic activities that such medical or hospital services are not provided.

Medical Record Sharing

Medical information may be shared with local health departments and the State Department of Public Health or immunization registry. Any information shared shall be treated as confidential medical information. The student or parent or guardian has the right to examine any immunization-related information shared in this manner and to correct any errors in it; and the student or parent or guardian may refuse to allow this information to be shared in the manner described, or to receive immunization reminder notifications at any time, or both. More information regarding the immunization registry with which the information may be shared may be found online at http://www.sdiz.org/cair-sdir/index.html.

Mathematics Placement Policy

JCS, Inc. utilizes a fair, objective and transparent mathematics placement policy that takes multiple objective academic measures of pupil performance into consideration, annually examines aggregate pupil placement data to ensure pupil qualification for progressing through mathematics courses and offers clear and timely recourse for any pupil or parent or guardian who questions the placement. More information about JCS, Inc.’s mathematics placement policy can be found here.

Medication Regimen

The parent or legal guardian of any pupil taking medication on a regular basis must inform the school of the medication being taken, the current dosage, and the name of the supervising physician. With the consent of the parent or legal guardian, the academy coordinator or designee may communicate with the physician and may counsel with the school personnel regarding the possible effects of the medication on the pupil.

Self-Administration of Medication

Any student who must take prescribed medication at school and who desires assistance of school personnel must submit a written statement of instructions from the physician or physician assistant and a parental request for assistance in administering the medications.

Any student may carry and self-administer prescription auto-injectable epinephrine only if the student submits a written statement of instructions from the physician or physician assistant and written parental consent authorizing the self-administration of medication, providing a release for the school nurse or other personnel to consult with the child's health care provider as questions arise, and releasing the district and personnel from civil liability if the child suffers any adverse reaction as a result of the self-administration of medication.

LEAs must accept a written statement provided by a physician or surgeon permitting a student to self-administer asthma medication. The written statement shall detail the following:

The name, method, amount, and time schedules by which the medication is to be taken

A confirmation that the student can self-administer inhaled asthma medication

A written statement from the parent, foster parent, or guardian consenting to the self-administration

A release for the school nurse or other designated school personnel to consult with the healthcare provider of the student regarding any questions that may arise about the medication

A release from civil liability for the school district and school personnel if the student suffers an adverse reaction by taking the medication

The statement from the student’s physician or surgeon may be one who is contracted with a prepaid health plan operating in Mexico, provided the statement is in both English and Spanish. A school nurse or other designated school personnel will not be subject to professional review, liable in a civil action or subject to criminal prosecution for acts or omissions relating to the student self-administering the medication in accordance with physician’s written statement. Furthermore, a school district will not be subject to civil liabilities if the student suffers an adverse reaction self-administering the asthma medication in accordance with the written statement from the physician.

Information Regarding Type 1 Diabetes

On and after January 1, 2023, the governing board of a school district shall make the type 1 diabetes informational materials accessible to the parent or guardian of a pupil when the pupil is first enrolled in elementary school, or with the annual notifications provided pursuant to Section 48980. Information provided to parents and guardians pursuant to this section may include, but shall not be limited to, all of the following:

(1) A description of type 1 diabetes.

(2) A description of the risk factors and warning signs associated with type 1 diabetes.

(3) A recommendation regarding those pupils displaying warning signs associated with type 1 diabetes that the parents or guardians of those pupils should immediately consult with the pupil’s primary care provider to determine if immediate screening for type 1 diabetes is appropriate.

(4) A description of the screening process for type 1 diabetes and the implications of test results.

(5) A recommendation that, following a type 1 diagnosis, parents or guardians should consult with the pupil’s primary care provider to develop an appropriate treatment plan, which may include consultation with and examination by a specialty care provider, including, but not limited to, a properly qualified endocrinologist.

Continuing Medication Regimen

The parent or legal guardian of any pupil on a continuing medication regimen for a non-episodic condition shall inform the school of the medication being taken, the current dosage, and the name of the supervising physician. With the consent of the parent or legal guardian of the pupil, the school nurse may communicate with the physician and may counsel with the school personnel regarding the possible effects of the drug on the child's physical, intellectual, and social behavior, as well as possible behavioral signs and symptoms of adverse side effects, omission, or overdose.

Megan's Law

Information about registered sex offenders in California and how to protect their families can be found at http://meganslaw.ca.gov/.

Menstrual Equity for All Act

On or before the start of the 2022-2023 school year, a public school, including a school operated by a school district, county office of education, or charter school, maintaining any combination of classes from grades 6 to 12, inclusive, shall stock the school’s restrooms at all times with an adequate supply of menstrual products, available and accessible, free of cost, in all women’s restrooms and all-gender restrooms, and in at least one men’s restroom. (b) A public school described in subdivision (a) shall not charge for any menstrual products provided to pupils. (c) A public school described in subdivision (a) shall post a notice regarding the requirements of this section in a prominent and conspicuous location in every restroom required to stock menstrual products, available and accessible, free of cost, pursuant to this section. This notice shall include the text of this section and contact information, including an email address and telephone number, for a designated individual responsible for maintaining the requisite supply of menstrual products. (d) For purposes of this section, “menstrual products” means menstrual pads and tampons for use in connection with the menstrual cycle.

Parent Attendance of Suspended Students During School Day

JCS, Inc. does not have a policy authorizing teachers to require the parent or guardian of a suspended pupil to attend a portion of a school day in the class of the suspended pupil. More information on the Suspension and Expulsion Policy can be found here.

Physical Examination; Parent Refusal to Consent

A parent or guardian may, by written statement filed annually, refuse to consent to the physical examination, including the vision, hearing and scoliosis screening, of his/her child; however, a child may be sent home if, for good reasons, the child is believed to be suffering from a recognized contagious or infectious disease. School children are examined for vision, hearing, and curvature of the spine at selected grade levels. An opt-out form can be found here.

Include approximate dates during the school year when any non-emergency, physical examination or screening is scheduled that is 1) required as a condition of attendance; 2) administered by the school; and 3) is not necessary to protect the immediate health and safety of the pupil or other pupils.

Whenever there is good reason to believe the child is suffering from a recognized contagious or infectious disease, the child will be excluded from school attendance and is not be permitted to return until the school authorities are satisfied that any contagious or infectious disease does not exist. The notifications should include approximate dates during the school year when any non-emergency, physical examination or screening is scheduled, or expected to be scheduled, that is 1) required as a condition of attendance; 2) administered by the school; and 3) is not necessary to protect the immediate health and safety of the pupil or other pupils.

Education Code section 49455 requires a pupil’s vision to be appraised by the school nurse or other authorized person during kindergarten or upon first enrollment or entry in a California school district of a pupil at an elementary school, and in grades 2, 5, and 8, unless a pupil’s first entry or enrollment occurs in grade 4 or 7.

Pupil Collection of Debt

A pupil or former pupil, unless emancipated at the time the debt is incurred, shall not owe, or be billed for a debt owed to an LEA.

An LEA cannot take negative action against a pupil or former pupil for a debt owed, including, but not limited to, all of the following:

Denying full credit for any assignments for a class;

Denying full and equal participation in classroom activity;

Denying access to on-campus educational facilities, including, but not limited to, the library;

Denying or withholding grades or transcripts;

Denying or withholding a diploma;

Limiting or barring participation in an extracurricular activity, club, or sport; and

Limiting or excluding from participation in an educational activity, field trip, or school ceremony.

Pupil Discipline: Suspension: Willful Defiance

Charter schools may not suspend a student for disrupting school activities or otherwise willfully defying the valid authority of school personnel engaged in the performance of their duties for grades K to 8, inclusive. Recommendations for expulsion of a student for these acts is prohibited for students enrolled in any grade.

Pupil Fees

JCS, Inc. maintains a policy concerning the provision of a free education to pupils and for filing a complaint of non-compliance pursuant to the Uniform Complaint Procedures with the principal of the school alleged to be in non-compliance. More information is available here.

Pupil Health - Oral Health Assessment

By May 31 of the school year, pupils when first enrolled in public school are required to provide proof of an oral health assessment (conducted within 12 months before enrollment) by a licensed dentist or other licensed or registered dental health professional or provide written notice why an oral health assessment by a licensed dentist or other registered dental health professional cannot be completed. Additional information regarding the importance of oral health is included within this Annual Notification. You can find the Oral Health Assessment and Waiver form here.

Pupil Nutrition

Free or reduced-priced meals are available for pupils in receipt of public assistance. The federal National School Lunch Program and the federal School Breakfast Program ensure that pupils whose parents or guardians have unpaid school meal fees are not shamed, treated differently, or served a meal different from the pupil’s choice because of the fact that the pupil’s parent or guardian has unpaid meal fees. Meal program details are provided at the pupil’s school site. All parents and guardians receive a letter with the application form upon enrollment. Charter schools must also comply with these rules pursuant to EC 47613.5, and their respective chartering authorities must also provide technical assistance in implementing this law.

To apply for free or reduced-price meals, households must fill out the application through RegOnline. Some schools operated by JCS, Inc. may provide breakfast and lunch to all students free of charge pursuant to a universal meal program. Please contact your school principal for more information.

Pupil Protections Relating to Immigraion and Citizenship Status

Except as required by state or federal law or as required to administer a state or federally supported educational program, JCS, Inc. shall not collect information or documents regarding citizenship or immigration status of pupils or their family members.

Should any request be made for information or access to a school-site by an officer or employee of a law enforcement agency for the purpose of enforcing immigration laws, JCS, Inc.’s Executive Director shall report to the governing board any such requests in a timely manner that ensures the confidentiality and privacy of any potentially identifying information.

If JCS, Inc. becomes aware that a pupil’s parent or guardian is not available to care for the pupil, JCS, Inc. staff shall first exhaust any parental instruction relating to the pupil’s care in the emergency contact information it has for the pupil to arrange for the pupil’s care. JCS, Inc. will not contact Child Protective Services to arrange for the pupil’s care unless it is unable to arrange care through the use of emergency contact information provided by the parents or other information provided by the parent or guardian.

All children have a right to a free public appropriate education, regardless of immigration status or religious beliefs. Therefore, JCS, Inc. has fully adopted model policies published by the Attorney General’s Office entitled “Promoting a Safe and Secure Learning Environment for All: Guidance and Model Policies to Assist California’s K-12 Schools in Responding to Immigration Issues”. These policies include, but are not limited to, refraining from collecting national origin information during the school enrollment process, accepting all forms of evidence listed in California Education Code section 48002 for the purpose of verifying student age, and not including citizenship status, immigration status, place of birth, or any other information indicative of national origin as directory information. Please visit the State of California’s Attorney General’s “Know Your Rights” page for more information at https://oag.ca.gov/immigrant/rights.

Pupil Records; Notification of Rights

Parents, pupils 18 and over, pupils 14 and over that are both homeless and an unaccompanied youth, and individuals who have completed and signed a Caregiver’s Authorization Affidavit, have rights concerning pupil records under Education Code section 49063. These rights include:

The right to inspect and review the student's education records within five (5) business days of the day the school receives a request for access. Parents or eligible students should submit to the school principal a written request that identifies the record(s) they wish to inspect. The principal will forward requests to the Custodian of Records. The Custodian of Records will make arrangements for access and notify the parent or eligible student.

The right to request the amendment of the student's education records that the parent or eligible student believes is inaccurate or misleading. Parents or eligible students may ask the school to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate or misleading. They should write to the school principal; clearly identify the part of the record they want changed and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading. If the school decides not to amend the record as requested by the parent or eligible student, the school will notify the parent or eligible student of the decision and advise them of their right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the parent or eligible student when notified of the right to a hearing.

The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student's education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. One exception which permits disclosure without consent is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility. Upon request from officials of another school district in which a student seeks or intends to enroll, JCS, Inc. shall disclose education records without parental consent.

When a student moves to a new district, JCS, Inc. will forward the student’s records upon the request of the new school district within 10 school days.

Further, parents, or an eligible student, are hereby informed of the following rights pertaining to student records:

The types of records and the information contained therein which are directly related to the student and maintained by the institution;

The position of the official responsible for the maintenance of each type of record.

The location of the log or record required to be maintained pursuant to Section 49064.

The criteria to be used by the school district in defining “school officials and employees” and in determining “legitimate educational interest” as used in EC 49064 and EC 49076(a)(1).

The policies of the institution for reviewing and expunging those records.

The procedures for challenging the content of pupil records.

The cost, if any, that will be charged to the parent for reproducing copies of records.

Their right to review individual records by making a written request for the same;

The school district must respond to a pupil record request by providing access no later than five business days following the date of request;

Availability of qualified personnel to interpret records, if requested;

Procedures for challenging content of pupil records;

In addition, parents or eligible students may receive a copy of any information in the records at reasonable cost per page;

District policies and procedures relating to: location of records, if not centrally located; position of official responsible for maintenance of records; access by other persons; policy for review and expunging of records;

Categories of information designated as directory information pursuant to EC 49073;

When a student moves to a new district, records will be forwarded upon the request of the new school district within 10 school days. At the time of transfer the parent (or eligible student) may review, receive a copy (at a reasonable fee), and/or challenge the records; and

Their right to file a complaint with the Family Policy Compliance Office in the U.S. Department of Education if they believe the school district is not in compliance with federal regulations regarding privacy.

A foster family agency with jurisdiction over a currently enrolled or former pupil, a short-term residential treatment program staff responsible for the education or case management of a student, and a caregiver who has direct responsibility for the care of a pupil may access the current or most recent records of grades, transcripts, attendance, discipline, online communications on school platforms, any IEPs or Section 504 plans maintained by the responsible LEA of that pupil. The above-referenced individuals may access the pupil records listed above solely for the purpose of monitoring the pupil’s educational progress, updating and maintaining the pupil’s education records as required by Welfare and Institutions Code section 16010, and to ensure the pupil has access to educational services, supports and activities, including enrolling the pupil in school, assisting the pupil with homework, class assignments, and college and scholarship applications, and enrolling the pupil in extracurricular activities, tutoring and other afterschool or summer enrichment programs.

“Student Records” do not include:

Instructional, supervisory, or administrative notes by JCS, Inc. staff that are made only for that staff member or his/her substitute

Records of a law enforcement unit that were created for use by the law enforcement unit

Employee records made for personnel use

Records of a doctor, psychologist, psychiatrist, or other treatment provider and/or assistant regarding a student who is 18 or older or who is attending a postsecondary educational institution. In this case, “treatment” does not include remedial instructional measures.

Parents have a right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the school to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the office that administers FERPA is:

Family Policy Compliance Office

U.S. Department of Education

400 Maryland Avenue, SW

Washington, D.C. 20202-5920

Pupil Safety: Human Trafficking Prevention Resources

The governing board of JCS, Inc. will work with their schools that maintain any grades 6 to 12, inclusive, to identify the most appropriate methods of informing parents and guardians of pupils in those grades of human trafficking prevention resources and to implement the identified methods in those schools by January 1, 2020.

JCS, Inc. recognizes that human trafficking is becoming an increasing risk for children, particularly as traffickers reach more children on online. JCS, Inc. has implemented many procedures to ensure our students have safe and secure access to the internet, and internet safety is woven throughout learning. Parents/guardians can become more aware of human trafficking and find help through these resources:

National Human Trafficking Resource Center

Polaris Human Trafficking - National hotline provides services and support to survivors of human trafficking

Be the Jam - Stop Human Trafficking

San Diego Youth Services - Warning Signs of Sex Trafficking

CSEC Resource Guide - Local resources for commercially sexually exploited children (CSEC) and human trafficking survivors

CSEC Fact Sheet - Created by the Innocence Lost Working Group

PROTECT - Prevention Organized to Educate Children on Trafficking

USD CSEC Executive Summary - Research describing CSEC patterns in San Diego

Pupil Suicide Prevention Policies

Before the beginning of the 2020-21 school year, the governing board or body of a local educational agency that serves pupils in kindergarten and grades 1 to 6 shall adopt a policy on pupil suicide prevention for the above grade levels. The age-appropriate policy shall be developed in consultation with school and community stakeholders, the county mental health plan, school-employed mental health professionals, and suicide prevention experts. The policy shall also, at minimum, address procedures relating to suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention.

The policy should address needs of high-risk student groups. The definition of high-risk groups includes (but not be limited to):

Students bereaved by suicide

Students with disabilities, mental health disorders, or substance abuse disorders

Homeless youth or in out-of-home settings, such as foster care.

LGBTQ students

Pupils with Temporary Disabilities; Individual Instruction

Special individual instruction (as distinct from independent study) is available for students with temporary disabilities that make attendance at school impossible or inadvisable. Parents or guardians should first contact the principal to determine services. This individual instruction shall be received at home or in a hospital or other residential health facility, except a state hospital.

Rights and Options Available to Pregnant and Parenting Pupils

A pregnant or parenting pupil is defined as any pupil who gives or expects to give birth, or any parenting pupil who identifies as the parent of an infant. Pregnant and parenting pupils are entitled to at least eight weeks of parental leave, which can be taken before birth of the pupil's infant if there is a medical necessity, or after childbirth during the school year in which the birth takes place, inclusive of any mandatory summer instruction. The pupil is neither required to take time off nor notify their school that they are doing so; this is a guaranteed minimum right that can be expanded if deemed medically necessary. Parental leave will be considered an excused absence, and the pregnant or parenting pupil is not required to complete any academic work during this period.

A pregnant or parenting pupil may return to their previous school and course of study and is entitled to make up opportunities for any work missed during the leave. These students are allowed to enroll in a fifth year of high school in order to complete any state or local graduation requirements, except when the school finds that the pupil is reasonably able to complete these requirements in time to graduate high school by the end of their fourth year.

A pregnant or parenting pupil who does not wish to reenroll in his or her previous school is entitled to alternative education options offered by the local education agency. If so enrolled, the pupil shall be given educational programs, activities, and courses equal to those they would have been in if participating in the regular program. Furthermore, a school may not penalize a student for using any of the accommodations mentioned above.

If a student believes that his or her school is discriminating on the basis of sex in opposition to the rights and entitlements listed above, that student can file a complaint through the standard Uniform Complaint Procedures of California Code of Regulations, Title 5 Sections 4600, et. seq.

See a list of Frequently Asked Questions here.

Rights of Parents or Guardians to Information

Parents/guardians of pupils enrolled in public schools have the right and should have the opportunity, as mutually supportive and respectful partners in the education of their children within the public schools, to be informed by the school, and to participate in the education of their children, as follows:

Within a reasonable period of time following making the request, to observe the classroom or classrooms in which their child is enrolled or for the purpose of selecting the school in which their child will attend pursuant to intra-district or inter-district pupil attendance policies or programs.

Within a reasonable time of their request, to meet with their child's teacher or teachers and the principal of the school in which their child is enrolled.

To volunteer their time and resources for the improvement of school facilities and school programs under the supervision of district employees, including, but not limited to, providing assistance in the classroom with the approval, and under the direct supervision, of the teacher. Although volunteer parents may assist with instruction, primary instructional responsibility shall remain with the teacher.

To be notified on a timely basis if their child is absent from school without permission.

To receive the results of their child's performance on standardized tests and statewide tests and information on the performance of the school that their child attends on standardized statewide tests.

To request a particular school for their child, and to receive a response from the school district. This paragraph does not obligate the school district to grant the parent's request.

To have a school environment for their child that is safe and supportive of learning.

To examine the curriculum materials of the class or classes in which their child is enrolled.

To be informed of their child's progress in school and of the appropriate school personnel whom they should contact if problems arise with their child.

To have access to the school records of their child.

To receive information concerning the academic performance standards, proficiencies, or skills their child is expected to accomplish.

To be informed in advance about school rules, including disciplinary rules and procedures, attendance policies, dress codes, and procedures for visiting the school.

To receive information about any psychological testing the school does involving their child and to deny permission to give the test.

To participate as a member of a parent advisory committee, school-site council, or site-based management leadership team, in accordance with any rules and regulations governing membership in these organizations. In order to facilitate parental participation, school-site councils are encouraged to schedule a biannual open forum for the purpose of informing parents about current school issues and activities and answering parents' questions. The meetings should be scheduled on weekends, and prior notice should be provided to parents.

To question anything in their child's record that the parent feels is inaccurate or misleading or is an invasion of privacy and to receive a response from the school.

To be notified, as early in the school year as practicable pursuant to EC 48070.5, if their child is identified as being at risk of retention and of their right to consult with school personnel responsible for a decision to promote or retain their child and to appeal a decision to retain or promote their child. Parents and guardians of pupils, including those parents and guardians whose primary language is not English, shall have the opportunity to work together in a mutually supportive and respectful partnership with schools, and to help their children succeed in school. Each governing board of a school district shall develop jointly with parents and guardians, and shall adopt, a policy that outlines the manner in which parents or guardians of pupils, school staff, and pupils may share the responsibility for continuing the intellectual, physical, emotional, and social development and well-being of pupils at each school-site.

The policy shall include, but is not necessarily limited to, the following:

The means by which the school and parents or guardians of pupils may help pupils to achieve academic and other standards of the school.

A description of the school's responsibility to provide a high-quality curriculum and instructional program in a supportive and effective learning environment that enables all pupils to meet the academic expectations of the school.

The manner in which the parents and guardians of pupils may support the learning environment of their children, including, but not limited to, the following:

Monitoring attendance of their children.

Ensuring that homework is completed and turned in on a timely basis.

Participation of the children in extracurricular activities.

Monitoring and regulating the television viewed by their children.

Working with their children at home in learning activities that extend learning in the classroom.

Volunteering in their children's classrooms, or for other activities at the school.

Participating, as appropriate, in decisions relating to the education of their own child or the total school program.

Right to Refrain From Harmful Use of Animals

Pupils may choose to refrain from participating in educational projects involving the harmful or destructive use of animals based on moral objections and may complete an alternative educational project acceptable to the teacher. In order to refrain from participation, a parent or guardian must submit a written note of the objections to participating in an educational project involving the harmful or destructive use of animals. An opt-out form is provided here.

Rules and Procedures on School Discipline

Suspension and Expulsion

1.	Suspension
A pupil shall not be suspended from school or recommended for expulsion, unless the superintendent of the school district or principal of the school in which the pupil is enrolled determines that the pupil has committed an act as defined pursuant to any of subdivisions (a) to (r) inclusive:

(1) Caused, attempted to cause, or threatened to cause physical injury to another person; (2) Willfully used force or violence upon the person of another, except in self-defense.

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

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

Unlawfully offered, arranged, or negotiated to sell a controlled substance listed in Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 11053) of Division 10 of the Health and Safety Code, an alcoholic beverage, or an intoxicant of any kind, and either sold, delivered, or otherwise furnished to a person another liquid, substance, or material and represented the liquid, substance or material as a controlled substance, alcoholic beverage, or intoxicant.

Committed or attempted to commit robbery or extortion.

Caused or attempted to cause damage to school property or private property.

Stole or attempted to steal school property or private property.

Possessed or used tobacco, or products containing tobacco or nicotine products, including but not limited to, cigarettes, cigars, miniature cigars, clove cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, snuff, chew packets and betel. However, this section does not prohibit use or possession by a pupil of his or her own prescription products.

Committed an obscene act or engaged in habitual profanity or vulgarity.

Unlawfully possessed or unlawfully offered, arranged, or negotiated to sell drug paraphernalia, as defined in Section 11014.5 of the Health and Safety Code.

(1) Disrupted school activities or otherwise willfully defied the valid authority of supervisors, teachers, administrators, school officials, or other school personnel engaged in the performance of their duties. (2) Except as provided in Section 48910, a pupil enrolled in kindergarten or any of grades 1 to 3, inclusive, shall not be suspended for any of the acts enumerated paragraph (1), and those acts shall not constitute grounds for a pupil enrolled in kindergarten or any of grades 1 to 12, inclusive, to be recommended for expulsion. This paragraph is inoperative on July 1, 2020. (3) Except as provided in Section 48910, commencing July 1, 2020, a pupil enrolled in kindergarten or any of grades 1 to 5, inclusive, shall not be suspended for any of the acts specified in paragraph (1), and those acts shall not constitute grounds for a pupil enrolled in kindergarten or any of grades 1 to 12, inclusive, to be recommended for expulsion. (4) Except as provided in Section 48910, commencing July 1, 2020, a pupil enrolled in any of grades 6 to 8, inclusive, shall not be suspended for any of the acts specified in paragraph (1). This paragraph is inoperative on July 1, 2025.

Knowingly received stolen school property or private property.

Possessed an imitation firearm. As used in this section “imitation firearm” means a replica of a firearm that is so substantially similar in physical properties to an existing firearm as to lead a reasonable person to conclude that the replica is a firearm.

Committed or attempted to commit sexual assault as defined in Section 261, 266c, 286, 287, 288, or 289 of, or former Section 288a of, the Penal Code or committed a sexual battery as defined in Section 243.4 of the Penal Code.

Harassed, threatened, or intimidated a pupil who is a complaining witness or a witness in a school disciplinary proceeding for the purpose of either preventing that pupil from being a witness or retaliating against that pupil for being a witness, or both.

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

Engaged in or attempted to engage in hazing. For purposes of this subdivision, “hazing” is any method of initiation or pre-initiation into a pupil organization or body, whether or not the organization or body is officially recognized by an educational institution, which is likely to cause serious bodily injury or personal degradation or disgrace resulting in physical or mental harm to a former, current or prospective pupil. For purposes of this subdivision, “hazing” does not include athletic events or school-sanctioned events

Engaged in an act of bullying. For purposes of this subdivision, the following terms have the following meanings:

“Bullying” means any severe or pervasive physical or verbal act or conduct, including communications made in writing or by means of an electronic act, and including one or more acts committed by a pupil or group of pupils as defined in Section 48900.2, 48900.3, or 48900.4, directed toward one or more pupils that has or can be reasonably predicted to have the effect of one or more of the following:

Placing a reasonable pupil or pupils in fear of harm to that pupil’s or those pupils’ person or property.

Causing a reasonable pupil to experience substantially detrimental effect on the pupil’s physical or mental health.

Causing a reasonable pupil to experience substantial interference with the pupil’s academic performance.

Causing a reasonable pupil to experience substantial interference with the pupil’s ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities, or privileges provided by a school.

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

A message, text, sound, video, or image.

A post on a social network Internet website, including but not limited to: a) Posting to or creating a burn page. “Burn page” means an Internet website created for the purpose of having one or more of the effects listed in paragraph (i); b) creating a credible impersonation of another actual pupil for the purpose of having one or more of the effects listed in paragraph (i). “Credible impersonation” means to knowingly and without consent impersonate a pupil for the purposes of bullying the pupil and such that another pupil would reasonably believe, or has reasonably believed, that the pupil was or is the pupil who was impersonated; c) Creating a false profile for the purpose of having one or more of the effects listed in paragraph (i). “False profile” means a profile of a fictitious pupil or a profile using the likeness or attributes of an actual pupil other than the pupil who created the false profile.

An act of cyber sexual bullying. For purposes of this clause, “cyber sexual bullying” means the dissemination of, or the solicitation or incitement to disseminate, a photograph or other visual recording by a pupil to another pupil or to school personnel by means of an electronic act that has or can be reasonably predicted to have one or more of the effects described in subparagraphs (1)-(4), inclusive of paragraph (i). A photograph or other visual recording, as described in this subclause, shall include the depiction of a nude, semi-nude, or sexually explicit photograph or other visual recording, or other electronic act. For purposes of this clause, “cyber sexual bullying” does not include a depiction, portrayal, or image that has any serious literary, artistic, educational, political, or scientific value or that involves athletic events or school-sanctioned events.

(B) Notwithstanding paragraph (i) and subparagraph (A), an electronic act shall not constitute pervasive conduct solely on the basis that it has been transmitted on the internet or is currently posted on the internet.

“Reasonable pupil” means a pupil, including, but not limited to, a pupil with exceptional needs, who exercises average care, skill, and judgment in conduct for a person of that age, or for a person of that age with the pupil’s exceptional needs.

A pupil shall not be suspended or expelled for any of the acts enumerated in this section unless that act is related to school activity or school attendance occurring within a school under the jurisdiction of the superintendent of the school district or principal or occurring within any other school district. A pupil may be suspended or expelled for the acts that are enumerated in this section and related to school activity or attendance that occur at any time, including but not limited to, any of the following:

While on school grounds;

While going to or coming from school;

During the lunch period whether on or off the campus;

During, or while going to or coming from, a school sponsored activity.

A pupil who aides or abets, as defined in Section 31 of the Penal Code, the infliction or attempted infliction of physical injury to another person may be subject to suspension, but not expulsion, pursuant to this section, except that a pupil who has been adjudged by a juvenile court to have committed, as an aider and abettor, a crime of physical violence in which the victim suffered great bodily injury or serious bodily injury shall be subject to discipline pursuant to subdivision (a).

As used in this section, “school property” includes, but is not limited to electronic files and databases.

For a pupil subject to discipline under this section, a superintendent of the school district or principal is encouraged to provide alternatives to suspension or expulsion, using a research-based framework with strategies that improve behavioral and academic outcomes, that are age appropriate and designed to address and correct the pupil’s misbehavior as specified in Section 48900.5.

(1) It is the intent of the Legislature that alternatives to suspension or expulsion be imposed against a pupil who is truant, tardy, or otherwise absent from school activities. (2) It is further the intent of the Legislature that the Multi-Tiered System of Supports, which includes restorative justice practices, trauma-informed practices, social and emotional learning, and schoolwide positive behavior interventions and support, may be used to help pupils gain critical social and emotional skills, receive support to help transform trauma-related responses, understand the impact of their actions, and develop meaningful methods for repairing harm to the school community.

2.	Expulsion
A student may be recommended for expulsion for any of the reasons enumerated in Education Code section 48915, and pursuant to the expulsion procedures identified in Education Code sections 48918 and 48918.5.

Other Means of Correction
JCS, Inc. may document the other means of correction used and place that documentation in the pupil’s record. Other means of correction may include but is not limited to: a conference between school personnel, the pupil’s parent or guardian and the pupil; referrals to the school counselor, psychologist, social worker, child welfare attendance personnel, or other school support service personnel for case management and counseling; study teams, guidance teams or other intervention-related teams that assess behavior and develop and implement behavior plans; referral for psycho-social or psycho-educational assessment; participation in a restorative justice program; and after-school programs that address specific behavioral issues.

Pupil Discipline: Suspensions: Willful Defiance

School districts may not suspend a student for disrupting school activities or otherwise willfully defying the valid authority of school personnel engaged in the performance of their duties for grades K to 8, inclusive. Recommendations for expulsion of a student for these acts is prohibited for students enrolled in any grade.

Attendance of Suspended Child’s Parent or Guardian for Portion of School Day

Pursuant to board policy, a teacher may require a parent or guardian of a pupil who has been suspended by a teacher pursuant to Section 48910 for either committing an obscene act, engaging in habitual profanity or vulgarity or disrupting school activities or otherwise willfully defying the valid authority of supervisors, teachers, administrators, school officials, or other school personnel engaged in the performance of their duties, to attend a portion of a school day in the classroom of his or her child or ward.

Sexual Harassment Policy

JCS, Inc. will not tolerate sexual harassment by anyone participating in any JCS, Inc. program or activity. This includes student-to-student or peer sexual harassment as well as harassment between a student and any JCS, Inc. participant. JCS, Inc. takes all complaints of sexual harassment seriously, investigates and addresses identified sexual harassment, and if the investigation results in the determination that sexual harassment has occurred, takes reasonable, immediate corrective action to stop the harassment, eliminate a hostile environment, and prevent future sexual harassment. Alleged pupil sexual harassment in violation of JCS, Inc. policy or federal or state law will be handled pursuant to JCS, Inc. policy and procedures which can be found here. A pupil in grades 4 to 12, inclusive, may be suspended from school or recommended for expulsion if the superintendent or principal of the school in which the pupil is enrolled determines that the pupil has committed sexual harassment as defined below.

California Education Code section 212.5 defines sexual harassment as any unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal, visual, or physical conduct of a sexual nature made by someone from or in the work or educational setting, under any of the following conditions:

Submission to the conduct is explicitly or implicitly made a term or a condition of an individual’s employment, academic status, or progress.

Submission to, or rejection of, the conduct by the individual is used as the basis of employment or academic decisions affecting the individual.

The conduct has the purpose or effect of having a negative impact upon the individual’s work or academic performance, or of creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work or educational environment.

Submission to, or rejection of, the conduct by the individual is used as the basis for any decision affecting the individual regarding benefits and services, honors, programs, or activities available at or through the educational institution.

Districts are also required to display the policy in a prominent location and include it in an orientation for employees and students. These policies shall include information as to where to obtain specific procedures for reporting charges of sexual harassment and available remedies. The poster must meet the following requirements:

The language in the poster shall be age appropriate and culturally relevant, and the school site may partner with local, state, or federal agencies, or nonprofit organizations

The poster shall be displayed in English and any primary language spoken by 15% or more of the pupils enrolled at the school site

The poster shall be no smaller than 8.5 by 11 inches and use at least 12-point font

The poster shall display, at minimum, all the following information:

The rules and procedures for reporting a charge of sexual harassment

The name, phone number, and email address of an appropriate school site official to contact to report a charge of sexual harassment

The rights of the reporting pupil, the complainant, and the respondent, and the responsibilities of the school site in accordance with the applicable written policy on sexual harassment

The poster shall be prominently and conspicuously displayed in each bathroom and locker room at the school site

The poster may be prominently and conspicuously displayed in public areas at the school site that are accessible to, and commonly frequented by, pupils, including but not limited to, classrooms, classroom hallways, gymnasiums, auditoriums, and cafeterias

Hate Violence

A pupil in any of grades 4 to 12, inclusive, may be suspended from school or recommended for expulsion if the superintendent or the principal of the school in which the pupil is enrolled determines that the pupil has caused, attempted to cause, or threatened to cause, or participated in an act of, hate violence, as defined in EC 233(e).

Harassment, Intimidation or Threats

A pupil enrolled in any of grades 4 to 12, inclusive, may be suspended from school or recommended for expulsion if the superintendent or the principal of the school in which the pupil is enrolled determines that the pupil has intentionally engaged in harassment, threats, or intimidation, directed against school district personnel or pupils, that is sufficiently severe or pervasive to have the actual and reasonably expected effect of materially disrupting classwork, creating substantial disorder, and invading the rights of either school personnel or pupils by creating an intimidating or hostile educational environment.

Terroristic Threats Against School Officials, School Property or Both

A pupil may be suspended from school or recommended for expulsion if the superintendent or the principal of the school in which the pupil is enrolled determines that the pupil has made terroristic threats against school officials or school property, or both. A “terroristic threat” includes any statement, whether written or oral, by a person who willfully threatens to commit a crime which will result in death, great bodily injury to another person, or property damage in excess of one thousand dollars ($1,000), with the specific intent that the statement is to be taken as a threat, even if there is no intent of actually carrying it out, which, on its face and under the circumstances in which it is made, is so unequivocal, unconditional, immediate, and specific as to convey to the person threatened, a gravity of purpose and an immediate prospect of execution of the threat, and thereby causes that person reasonably to be in sustained fear for his or her own safety or for his or her immediate family’s safety, or for the protection of school district property, or the personal property of the person threatened or his or her immediate family.

Suspension/Expulsion: Alternative and Other Means of Correction

Generally, suspension shall be imposed only when other means of correction fail to bring about proper conduct. JCS, Inc. may document other means of correction short of suspension and expulsion and place the documentation in the pupil’s record. Other means of correction may include: a conference between school personnel, the pupil’s parent or guardian and the pupil; referrals to the school counselor or psychologist; study teams, guidance teams or other intervention-related teams that assess behavior and develop and implement behavior plans; referral for psycho-educational assessment; after-school programs that address specific behavioral issues; and community service on school grounds during non-school hours. A pupil may be suspended, for any of the reasons enumerated in Section 48900 upon a first offense, if the principal or superintendent of schools determines that the pupil violated subdivision (a), (b), (c), (d), or (e) of Section 48900 or that the pupil’s presence causes a danger to persons. A suspension shall be preceded by an informal conference between the principal, the principal’s designee or the district’s superintendent of schools and the pupil, and whenever practicable, the teacher, supervisor, or school employee who referred the student to the principal. At this conference, the pupil shall be informed of the reason for the disciplinary action and other means of correction that were attempted before the suspension.

Safe Place to Learn Act

JCS, Inc. has adopted policies pertaining to the following:

Prohibition of discrimination and harassment based on characteristics set forth in EC § 220 and Penal Code 422.55;

Process for receiving and investigating complaints of discrimination and harassment;

Maintenance of documentation of complaints and their resolution;

Process to ensure complainants are protected from retaliation and the identity of a complainant is kept confidential if appropriate; and

Identification of a responsible LEA officer to ensure compliance.

JCS, Inc.’s antidiscrimination and anti-harassment policies are posted in schools and offices and available online in the Student Services policies folder. For more information about discrimination, bullying and harassment visit our Compliance page.

The notice shall be in English and in the primary language if 15 percent or more of the pupils enrolled in a public school that provides instruction in kindergarten or any of grades 1 through 12 inclusive, speak a single primary language other than English as determined by census data. The antidiscrimination and anti- harassment policies shall also be posted in schools and administrative offices.

School Accountability Report Card

The School Accountability Report Card provides parents and other interested members of the community a variety of information about the school, its resources, its successes, and the areas where it needs improvement. On or before February 1 of each year, an updated copy of the School Accountability Report Card for each JCS, Inc. operated school can be found on JCS, Inc.’s website at jcs-inc.org under "Resources" for each school. A hard copy will also be provided upon request to any student’s parent or guardian.

School Safety: Safe Fire Arms Storage and Homicidal Threats

JCS, Inc. will notify all K-12 parents of the storage of safe firm arms. See Firearms Safety Memorandum. For grades 6-12, School officials will also notify law enforcement of homicidal threats or perceived threats. Law enforcement must then conduct an immediate investigation and threat assessment, as defined in SB 906.

School Start Time

Commencing July 1, 2022, the school day for middle and high schools must begin no earlier than 8:00 a.m. and 8:30 a.m., respectively. The State Department of Education will advise school districts and charter schools of the posting of information on its website related to research on the impact of sleep deprivation on adolescents and the benefits of a later school start time. This start time requirement will not apply to rural school districts.

School Visiting Procedures

JCS, Inc. policy concerning visiting procedures may be here. Penal Code section 627.6: requires schools to post at every entrance a notice of visitor registration requirements, registration hours, registration location, and penalties for the violation of the registration requirements.

School Accreditation

JCS, Inc. will notify each parent or guardian of a pupil in a school that has lost its accreditation status and the potential consequences of the school's loss of status, in writing or by posting the information on the school district's or school's internet website, or by any combination of these methods.

A school district that has within its jurisdiction a school that has elected to be accredited by WASC or any other chartered accrediting agency shall require that school to publish all results of any inspection of the school by the accrediting agency not later than 60 days after the results are made available to the school. Publication shall be either by notifying each parent or guardian in writing or by posting the information on the school district’s Internet Web site or the school’s Internet Web site, or by any combination of these methods, as determined by the school district.

Sex Equity in Career Counseling and Course Selection

Commencing in Grade 7, school personnel shall assist pupils with course selection or career counseling, affirmatively exploring the possibility of careers, or courses leading to careers based on the interest and ability of the pupil and not on the pupil’s gender. Parents or legal guardians are notified so that they may participate in such counseling sessions and decisions.

Special Education

Child Find System - IDEA

Federal and state law require that a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment be offered to qualified pupils with disabilities ages 3 through 21 years, including pupils that are migrant or homeless or wards of the state and children with disabilities attending private schools. Any parent suspecting a child has exceptional needs due to a disability may request an assessment for eligibility for special education services. JCS, Inc.’s child find policy and procedures are available here.

Complaints

Parents or guardians have a right to file a written complaint with the school if they believe the school is in violation of federal or state law governing the identification or placement of special education students, or similar issues. State regulations require the party filing the complaint to forward a copy of the complaint to JCS, Inc. at the same time the party files the complaint with the California Department of Education. Procedures are available from your student's school principal.

Due Process Hearings

The State Executive Director is required to develop a model form to assist parents and guardians in filing requests for due process. Please visit www.dgs.ca.gov/oah/SpecialEducation.aspx for the model form for parents that wish to initiate due process hearings relating to special education rights.

Inspection of Records

Upon request, parents or guardians of children with exceptional needs may examine and receive copies of the student’s records within five business days after a request is made and prior to any Individualized Education Program meeting, hearing or resolutions session regarding their child.

Nonpublic, Nonsectarian Schools or Agencies

NPSs/NPAs Training: The NPA or NSP is required to document the training of staff who will have contact or interaction with students during the school day in the use of evidence-based practices and interventions specific to the unique behavioral needs of the NPS’/NPA’s student population. The training must be provided within 30 days of enrollment for new staff, and annually to all staff who have contact with students during the school day. The training shall be selected and conducted by the NPS/NPA and must satisfy the following conditions:

Be conducted by persons licensed or certified in fields related to the evidence-based practices and interventions being taught

Be taught in a manner consistent with the development and implementation of individualized education programs; and

Be consistent with the requirements of Education Code relating to pupil restraint and seclusion

The content of the training shall include, but is not limited to, all the following:

Positive behavioral intervention and supports, including collection, analysis, and use of data to inform, plan and implement behavioral supports;

How to understand and address challenging behaviors, including evidence-based strategies for preventing those behaviors; and

Evidence-based interventions for reducing and replacing the challenging behaviors, including de-escalation techniques.

The LEA contracting with the NPS/NPA shall annually verify compliance with these training requirements and the NPS/NPA shall annually report to the California Department of Education (“CDE”) this verification. Written records of the annual training shall be maintained and provided upon request.

NPS/NPA Administrator Credential/License: The NPS/NPA is required to document (in the application for certification with CDE) that the administrator of the NPS/NPA holds or is in the process of obtaining one of the following:

An administrative credential granted by an accredited postsecondary education institution and two years of experience with students with disabilities;

A pupil personal services credential and authorizes school counseling or psychology;

A license as a clinical social worker issued by the Board of Behavioral Sciences;

A license in psychology regulated by the Board of Psychology;

A master’s degree issued by an accredited postsecondary institution in education, special education, psychology, counseling, behavioral analysis, social work, behavioral science, or rehabilitation;

A credential authorizing special education instruction and at least two years of experience teaching in special education before becoming an administrator;

A license as a marriage and family therapist certified by the Board of Behavioral Sciences

A license as an educational psychologist issued by the Board of Behavioral Sciences; or

A license as a professional clinical counselor issued by the Board of Behavioral Sciences

NPS/NPA Notification of Law Enforcement Involvement: An NPS/NPA is required to notify CDE and the LEA of any student involved incident at the NPS/NPA in which law enforcement was contacted. This notification shall be provided in writing no later than one business day after the incident occurred.

NPS/NPAs Qualified Individual to Implement a Behavioral Intervention Plan (“BIP”): A NPS serving students with significant behavioral needs or who have a BIP must have an individual onsite during school hours who is qualified and responsible for the design, planning and implementation of behavioral interventions to be certified by CDE.

Requirements for School Districts: For an NPS/NPA seeking initial certification, the school district is required to verify that the plan and timeline for the new training requirements are included in the master contract. For NPSs/NPAs not in existence as of January 1 immediately preceding a school year, the contracting school district must verify that the new training requirements are complied with 30 days following the commencement of the school year. The school district is required to submit verification to the Executive Director at that time.

A school district that enters into a master contract with an NPS/NPA school shall conduct, at minimum, the following:

An onsite visit to the NPS/NPA before placement of a pupil if the school district does not have any pupils enrolled at the school at the time of placement.

At least one onsite monitoring visit during each school year to the NPS/NPA at which the school district has a pupil attending and with which it maintains a master contract. The monitoring visit shall include, but is not limited to:

A review of services provided to the pupil through the individual service agreement between the school district and NPS/NPA;

A review of progress the pupil is making toward the goals set forth in the pupil’s Individualized Education Program;

A review of progress the pupil is making toward the goals set forth in the pupil’s BIP if the pupil has a BIP;

An observation of the pupil during instruction; and

A walkthrough of the facility

The school district shall report the findings resulting from the monitoring visit to CDE within 60 days of the onsite visit. On or before June 30, 2020, CDE, shall, with input from special education local plan area administrators, create and publish criteria for reporting this information to the department.

Statement of Non-Discrimination

Discrimination in education programs is prohibited by state and federal law. Education Code section 200, et seq. requires school district to afford all pupils regardless of gender, gender identity, gender expression, sex, race, color, religion, natural origin, immigration status, ethnic group identification/ethnicity, mental or physical disability, sexual orientation, or the perception of one or more of such characteristics, equal rights, and opportunities in accessing educational programs, activities, and facilities.

Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, and national origin. Title IX prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex. The Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability. Also, pursuant to EC 212.1, “race” is inclusive of traits historically associated with race, including, but not limited to, protective hairstyles and textures. “Protective hairstyles” is defined to include (but not limited to) styles such as braids, locks, and twists.

This policy requires notification in the native language of persons with limited English language skills if service area contains a community of minority persons with limited English language skills. JCS, Inc. will take the required steps to assure that the lack of English will not be a barrier to admission and participation in district programs. This policy applies to all students insofar as participation in programs and activities is concerned, with few exceptions such as contact sports. In accordance with federal law, complaints alleging non-compliance with this policy are investigated through the Uniform Complaint Process.

Sun Protective Clothing/Use of Sunscreen

JCS, Inc. allows for outdoor use of sun-protective clothing and the use of sunscreen by students during the day.

Surveys

JCS, Inc. will notify parents or guardians of the need for their written permission before any test, questionnaire, survey, or examination containing any questions about their child’s personal beliefs or practices (or the pupil’s family’s beliefs or practices) in sex, family life, morality, and religion, may be administered to any pupil in kindergarten, or grades 1-12, inclusive.

Notification will include specific or approximate dates of when any survey containing sensitive, personal information is to be administered and provide an opportunity for parents to opt pupils out of participating in the survey. Upon request, parents or guardians will be given the opportunity to inspect any third-party survey.

Per EC 51514, any LEA which administers a voluntary survey that currently includes questions pertaining to sexual orientation and gender identity shall not remove those questions from subsequent administrations of the survey.

Teacher Qualifications

Parents or guardian of all pupils may request specified professional qualifications of the student's classroom teacher(s) and assigned paraprofessional(s), including, at a minimum, the following:

Whether the student’s teacher:

has met the State qualification and licensing criteria for the grade level and subject areas that the teacher provides instruction;

is teaching under an emergency or other provisional status through which State qualification or licensing criteria have been waived; and

is teaching in the field of discipline of the certification of the teacher.

Whether the child is provided services by paraprofessionals and, if so, their qualifications.

Title 1

Parents may request information regarding the professional qualifications of the student's classroom teachers, including the following:

Whether the teacher has met State qualification and licensing criteria for the grade levels and subject areas in which the teacher provides instruction.

Whether the teacher is teaching under emergency or other provisional status through which State qualification or licensing criteria have been waived.

The baccalaureate degree major of the teacher and any other graduate certification or degree held by the teacher, and the field of discipline of the certification or degree.

Whether the child is provided services by paraprofessionals and, if so, their qualifications.

In addition to the information that parents may request regarding their child’s teacher, parents may also request:

Information on the level of achievement of the parent's child in each of the State academic assessments, and

Timely notice that the parent's child has been assigned or has been taught for four (4) or more consecutive weeks by a teacher who is not highly qualified.

Parents may obtain this information by logging on to www.ctc.ca.gov/ and looking up the child’s teacher’s credentials by entering the first and last name.

The law also requires that parents be notified when a teacher who is not highly qualified is hired and teaches the child four (4) consecutive weeks or more.

Tobacco-Free Campus

JCS, Inc. receives Tobacco Use Prevention funding to adopt and enforce a tobacco-free campus policy. Information about the policy and enforcement procedures may be found in the JCS, Inc. Suspension and Expulsion Administrative Regulations. Health and Safety Code section 104495 prohibits smoking and use of any tobacco-related products and disposal of any tobacco-related waste within 25 feet of a school playground. The prohibition does not apply to a public sidewalk located within 25 feet of a playground.

Uniform Complaint Procedures

JCS, Inc. has adopted a Uniform Complaint Procedure. JCS, Inc. shall follow uniform complaint procedures when addressing complaints involving adult education programs, categorical aid programs, migrant child education, career technical education training programs, child care and development programs, allegations of unlawful discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or bullying, lactation accommodations, non-compliance with school safety planning requirements, pupil fees, courses of study, instructional minutes for physical education, local control accountability plans, any deficiencies related to preschool health and safety issues for a California state preschool program, and matters pertaining to the right of foster youth, homeless youth, former juvenile court school pupils, and children of military families. Information regarding the Uniform Complaint Procedure, including the individual responsible for processing a Uniform Complaint can be found on the Compliance page.

Parents are encouraged to review civil law remedies available under state or federal discrimination, harassment, intimidation or bullying laws, if applicable, and of the appeal pursuant to Education Code section 262.3.

Unsafe School Choice

Students shall be allowed to attend a safe school. JCS, Inc. shall notify parents or guardians of pupils in elementary and/or secondary schools considered to be "persistently dangerous" pursuant to California Department of Education guidelines and of available options for attendance at a safe school. “Any firearms violations” is an event which must be considered in determining whether a school site is at risk of being classified as persistently dangerous.

Use of Pesticides

Persons wishing to be notified in advance of individual pesticide applications may complete this form and submit it to your school's principal. Additional information on pesticides is made available by the Department of Pesticide Regulation at www.cdpr.ca.gov.

If a pesticide product not included in the annual notification is subsequently intended for use at the school site, the school designee shall, consistent with this subdivision and at least 72 hours before application, provide written notification of its intended use.

Use of Smartphones

A student cannot be prohibited from possessing or using a smartphone at school in the following situations:

During an emergency situation or as a response to a perceived threat of danger;

When a teacher or administrator gives permission to a student to possess or use a cell phone, subject to reasonable limitations imposed by the person giving permission;

When necessary for the health or well-being of a student, as determined by a licensed physician and surgeon; and

When possession or use of the cell phone is required pursuant to a student’s individualized education program

Walking or Riding a Bike to School

JCS, Inc. requests that parents or guardians of children who walk or ride their bike to school plan a safe route to school with their children. The route shall not involve shortcuts through private property and all students are expected to exhibit good behavior. Furthermore, a student under 18 years of age may be fined for not wearing a properly fitted and fastened helmet, and the parent or legal guardian of a minor who violates this section shall be jointly and severally liable with the minor for the fine.

Williams Complaint Policy and Procedures

JCS, Inc. has adopted a uniform complaint process to help identify and resolve deficiencies related to instructional materials, emergency or urgent facilities conditions that pose a threat to the health and safety of pupils or staff and teacher vacancy or mis-assignment. Notice of the complaint process and the location at which to obtain a complaint form is posted in all classrooms.

Postings and Publications

The following information and applicable forms can be found on the JCS, Inc. website (www.jcs-inc.org) and/or each JCS school's website:

Enrollment/Disenrollment Notice

Board meeting recordings

School Accountability Report Card (SARC)

Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP)

Mathematics Placement Policy (grades 9-12 only)

School Safety Plan

Sexual Harassment/Title IX Policy and Complaint Procedures

Suicide Prevention Policies

Uniform Complaint Policy and Procedures

High School

California High School Proficiency Exam

The California High School Proficiency Exam (CHSPE) is a voluntary test that assesses proficiency in basic reading, writing, and mathematics skills taught in public schools. Eligible pupils who pass the CHSPE are awarded a Certificate of Proficiency by the State Board of Education. A pupil who receives a Certificate of Proficiency may, with verified approval from the parent or legal guardian, leave high school early. The Certificate of Proficiency, however, is not equivalent to completing all course work required for regular graduation from high school. For more information, including administration dates and registration deadlines, visit the following website: http://www.chspe.net.

Cal Grant Program

All pupils enrolled in grade 12 will be deemed Cal Grant applicants, unless they, or their parent or guardian if the pupil is 17 years or younger, specifically opts-out of such notification. JCS, Inc. will electronically submit each 12th grade pupil’s grade point average by May of the pupil’s 12th grade school year. A pupil of 18 years of age or a parent or guardian of a pupil 17 years or younger, may, by written statement, opt out of the Cal Grant program.

JCS, Inc. shall, no later than January 1 of a pupil’s grade 11 academic year, notify, in writing, each grade 11 pupil and, for a pupil under 18 years of age, the pupil’s parent or guardian that, pursuant to subdivision (a), the pupil will be deemed a Cal Grant applicant unless the pupil opts out within a period of time specified in the notice, which shall not be less than 30 days. The required notice shall indicate when the school will first send grade point averages to the commission and the submission deadline of October 1. JCS, Inc. shall provide an opportunity for the pupil to opt out of being automatically deemed a Cal Grant applicant.

College Admission Requirements and Technical Education

For students who wish to continue their education after high school, the State of California offers community colleges, California State Universities (CSU), and Universities of California (UC).

Information pertaining to college admission requirements, information about University of California and California State University websites, information about technical information and the availability of school counselors to help students in choosing appropriate high school courses can be found online on the JCS-Inc. Academic Counseling page.

A school district offering any of grades 9 to 12, inclusive, shall provide to the parent or guardian of each minor pupil enrolled in any of those grades in the district with written notification that, to the extent possible, shall not exceed one page in length and that includes all of the following:

(1) A brief explanation of the college admission requirements.

(2) A list of the current University of California and California State University Web sites that help pupils and their families learn about college admission requirements and that list high school courses that have been certified by the University of California as satisfying the requirements for admission to the University of California and the California State University.

(3) A brief description of what career technical education is, as defined by the department.

(4) The Internet address for the portion of the Web site of the department where pupils can learn more about career technical education.

(5) Information about how pupils may meet with school counselors to help them choose courses at their school that will meet college admission requirements or enroll in career technical education courses, or both.

JCS, Inc. does not currently allow a career technical education course to satisfy the visual/performing arts or world language graduation requirement. More information about high school graduation requirements and how each requirement satisfies or does not satisfy the subject matter requirements for admission to the California State University and the University of California, can be found online on the JCS-Inc. Academic Counseling page.

In order to attend a community college, students need only be a high school graduate or 18 years of age. In order to attend a CSU, students have to take specific high school courses, have the appropriate grades and test scores, and have graduated from high school. Test scores are not required if the student’s GPA is 3.0 or above. In order to attend a UC, students must meet coursework requirements, obtain the necessary GPA and test scores, or rank on the top four percent at a participating high school, or qualify by examination alone. Students may also transfer to a CSU or UC after attending community college. For more information on college admission requirements, please refer to the following websites.

www.cccco.edu – This is the official website of the California Community College system. It offers links to all of the California Community Colleges.

www.assist.org – This interactive site provides course transfer information for students planning to transfer from a California Community College to a CSU or UC.

www.csumentor.edu – This extensive online site offers assistance to students and their families on the CSU system, including the ability to apply online, and links to all CSU campuses.

www.universityofcalifornia.edu – This massive website offers information regarding admissions, online application, and links to all UC campuses.

Confidential Medical Services

School authorities may excuse any pupil in grades 7-12 from the school for the purpose of obtaining confidential medical services without the consent of the pupil's parent or guardian.

Financial Assistance for Advanced Placement Fees

A school district may help pay for all or part of the costs of one or more advanced placement examinations charged to economically disadvantaged pupils.

Graduation Ceremonies and Activities

Students shall be permitted to wear tribal regalia or recognized objects of religious or cultural significance during graduation ceremonies as an adornment to the customary ceremonial attire, as long as the adornment does not cause a substantial disruption of, or material interference with, the graduation ceremony. (Education Code 35183.1)

Information About Completion of Applications for Student Financial Aid

Commencing with the 2020-21 school year, the governing board/body of school districts and charter schools must ensure that each student, at least once before the pupil enters grade 12, receives information on how to properly complete and submit either the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act application. A paper copy of the FAFSA or the California Dream Act application must be provided to a pupil or parent/guardian upon request.

The information provided in the notice shall include, but not necessarily be limited to, the following materials:

The types of documentation and personal information that each student financial aid application requires, including, but not necessarily limited to, documents relating to income taxes, finances and income, college choices, academic status, and personal identification such as social security or taxpayer identification numbers

An explanation of definitions used for each application, such as “legal guardianship,” “household size,” “parent,” “dependent,” and taxable college grants and scholarships”

Eligibility requirements for student financial that may be applied for using the FAFSA or the California Dream Act Application

Application timelines and submission deadlines

The importance of submitting applications early, especially when student financial aid is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis

The manner in which this information is provided shall be at the discretion of the governing board of the school district or charter school. Information on how to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act financial aid application can be found on the JCS, Inc. Academic Counseling page.