Attendance Policies
The Governing Board believes that the attainment of academic excellence requires attendance on a regular basis. Attendance is the responsibility of the students and parents; students may fail classes or promotion may be withheld if this requirement is not met.
Legal Requirements
Arizona law requires students to attend school through the completion of the 10th grade, or to the age of 16.
Absences
Regular attendance is the key to much of the success a student may gain from his/her school program. Students should remain out of school only when absolutely necessary, as much of the classroom activity cannot be made up; the benefit of lectures, discussion and participation is lost forever to those who are absent. A doctor’s verification may be requested for excessive illness–related absences.
Parent Responsibilities
Any absence due to illness, death in the family, religious observance or other unusual circumstance will be excused. Missing class to attend school activities will be excused with prior teacher and administrative approval. Parents of absent students are expected to call on the day of the absence, preferably no later than one hour after the start of school. If no contact is made to the school within 24 hours of the start of the absence, the absence will be considered unexcused.
Truancy/Unexcused
A truancy or unexcused absence is any absence from one or more class periods without the prior knowledge and consent of the parent/guardian or is in violation of state law and district procedure.
Permit to Leave School During School Hours
Students must check out through the attendance office prior to leaving school during school hours. Failure to do so will be a violation of the permit to leave policy. The parent/guardian must give written and/or verbal approval. The person picking up the student must be listed on the emergency card and show valid picture I.D.
Excessive Absences - Doctor’s Verification
The principal may require documentation from a doctor to verify a medical condition when absences total more than 10 percent of the number of required attendance days.
Excessive Absences
A student must attend class regularly to receive a passing grade. A student who is absent from a class more than 10 percent (nine days per semester) of the number of required attendance days, and whose absence has materially affected academic progress, may fail that course, receive a lower grade or be retained. In addition, the student may be cited and reported to the courts. The student and/or parent wanting counseling intervention due to excessive absence may request a conference by calling the school principal or designee
Chronic Illnesses
In cases where medical documentation can be provided regarding a long-term illness or an ongoing medical condition, parents should be in contact with the school administration regarding the chronic health program.
Attendance Procedures
Parent Notification
- K-8 – A reasonable effort will be made to notify the parent by phone when a student is absent without notice.
- High school – Parents will be contacted for all absences not previously excused (by a phone dialer system in place at all high schools, with the exception of Polaris).
Attendance Discipline for Truancy – High
School
Truant absences may result in loss of credit for class work for the hour(s) and/or day(s) of the truancy. The following disciplinary measures may be taken:
#
Absences |
Action Taken |
One |
The dean of students or teacher may assign after-school detention, before-school detention, lunch detention or Saturday detention. |
Two |
The dean of students or teacher may assign after-school detention, before-school detention, lunch detention or Saturday detention as an option for all-day truancy. |
Three |
The school contacts the parent/guardian advising them of the excessive truancies and warns of potential consequences. Conference with dean of students; after-school detention, before-school detention, lunch detention or Saturday detention is assigned. Parent conference required if this is third truancy in same class. |
Four |
The school contacts the parent/guardian advising them of the excessive truancies. Conference with dean of students; after-school detention, before-school detention, lunch detention or Saturday detention is assigned. Parent conference may be required if this is fourth truancy in the same class. |
Potential consequences for repeated truancy in same class:
- The administrator may suspend student pending parent conference.
- May be placed in study hall, or dropped from class.
- Stay in class on contract in non–passing status.
- Other available disciplinary action (i.e., alternative placement).
- Long-term suspension.
The administrator’s decision is subject to appeal by the parent/guardian or student.
Note: Students may be long-term suspended if the student has four or more truant absences in a class and the student has completed the 10th grade or reached the age of 16.
Due Process Procedure for Appeals – High School
The student or parent/guardian may appeal the student’s failing status by submitting a written request to the dean of students within five days of the receipt of notification. The hearing will be scheduled within five days of the request.
In all cases, the appeal must first be presented to the dean of students. If the parent/guardian does not accept the decision of the dean, the parent may appeal to the principal, whose decision is final.
Legal Action for Excessive Truancy
A student or a parent whose student is truant
for five school days within a school year may be issued
a citation by the principal or dean of students for truancy. A citation may also be issued for excessive absences if a doctor’s verification is not provided by the parent. The principal or dean of students shall notify the child’s
parent /guardian that the citation was issued and that
the parent/guardian is required to appear in court with
the child.
Attendance C.U.T.S. Program
C.U.T.S. (Court Unified Truancy Suppression) is a diversion program, which brings consequences for students and parents whose children do not attend school. C.U.T.S. is a program only for students who are under the age of 16.
C.U.T.S. Phase 1
Students who are truant for five days or more or have excessive excused absences may be cited by school administration. As part of this citation process, both the parent(s) and the student will be required to attend a hearing with a probation officer from the Juvenile Court Center. The hearing will be held on campus. The student and the parent will be assessed one or more of the consequences listed.
Phase 1 Consequences
- Assessment Fee of $25
- Mandatory education session for students
- Mandatory education session for parents
- Community service hours for students
Make-Up Work
It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that all work is requested and made up upon return from any absence. It is the responsibility of the teacher to make the assignments available to the student.
- No credit will be given for work missed during a truancy.
- Credit may be given for tests and major assignments missed during suspensions at the discretion of the principal. Each case will be determined on an individual basis.
Students returning from an excused absence will have an amount of time equivalent to the number of days absent to complete the assignment.
Attendance Procedures for Students with Disabilities
Whenever nonattendance interferes with the delivery of special education services or interferes with the attainment of goals and objectives identified in the Individual Education Program, a review of placement and review/revision of the I.E.P. must be conducted.
Physical Education Excuses
For any student to be excused from physical education activities, the following process must be used:
- For a temporary excuse of three days or less, the parent must submit a note to the nurse before the student attends class. The note must specify the illness or injury. The nurse will complete the appropriate form for the student to give to the physical education teacher to verify the excuse.
- For long-term excuses of more than three days, the parent is required to obtain a written statement from the student’s physician describing the health problem and the length of time to be excused from active physical education participation.
- When a medical excuse from physical education creates an absence from active participation exceeding a total of 20 days in a semester, the requirement for physical education will be waived if the parent/guardian so requests. The principal will arrange for an appropriate alternative program.
- No grade penalty will be applied. The waiver in high school applies to one or two semesters, depending on the extent of the medical restriction.
Take Your Child To Work Day
Nationally,
the Ms. Foundation promotes Take Your Daughters and
Sons to Work Day on a school day in April each year.
In past years, well over 50 percent of our students
went to work with their parents, and it was very difficult
for teachers to provide meaningful activities with
so many children out of school and not able to benefit
from the instruction.
Many school districts and large employers in Arizona have been encouraging an alternate day in the summer, with very positive results. By choosing a non-school day for this activity, students are getting two messages – the value of the work place and the importance of education in order to succeed in the work place.
General Policies
ALTERNATIVE EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS
Students
who refuse to comply with rules, refuse to pursue
a required course of study or refuse to submit to authority
of teachers, administrators or the Governing Board
may be reassigned to an alternative educational setting
by the district. A student may also be reassigned to an alternative educational setting in lieu of long-term suspension or expulsion. A
student who has been placed in an alternative setting
may not return to the regular school program without
the approval of the administration.
ATHLETIC PARTICIPATION
In the Paradise Valley athletic program, the health and welfare of the athlete is the most important concern. Every effort will be made to assure a healthy environment and safe training conditions for athletes.
Before athletes may participate in any aspect of school sports they must be academically eligible, must have proof of an annual physical exam on record and must have an Informed Consent form signed by their parent or guardian on file.
The athlete’s parent and the athlete must attend an informed consent meeting or conference prior to the athlete’s participation. The meeting will be conducted by the coach of the sport or the athletic director and will contain information about the type of activity and risks involved in participation in the specific sport. Athletes will be selected on a random basis to submit to testing for drug use, including steroids, as a part of the High School/Student Athlete Drug Prevention Program.
CLOSED CAMPUS
High school campuses
are closed for all students throughout their scheduled
day, including lunchtime. Seniors who need to
request permission to leave campus prior to the end
of their scheduled day must complete a parent permission
form available in the school office.
COMPUTER, TELECOMMUNICATION & NETWORK RESOURCES
General
The following guidelines and policies apply to:
- Students who use computers belonging to the Paradise Valley Unified School District.
- Students who access network resources available through the Paradise Valley Unified School District.
Network access, including the Internet, is available to students. Our goal in providing this service is to promote instruction and learning. The district has taken technical and organizational precautions to restrict access to controversial materials; however, on a shared network it is impossible to control all controversial materials. The district believes the valuable information and interaction available on our network and the Internet far outweigh the possibility that users may experience material inconsistent with the educational goals of the district.
Guidelines for acceptable use
- Only
devices (computers, telephones, PDAs, drivers,
etc.) owned by PVUSD may be connected to the PVUSD
network.
- Computers, telecommunications and network resources
are to be used for educational purposes only.
- Students shall not purposely submit, publish, display
or retrieve any defamatory, inaccurate, abusive,
obscene, profane, threatening, sexually oriented,
racially offensive or illegal material.
- Students shall abide by all copyright and trademark
laws and regulations.
- Students shall not reveal personally identifiable
data unless authorized to do so by designated school
authorities.
- Students shall not reveal their personal logins/passwords
or attempt to discover the logins/passwords of others.
- Students shall not use the network in any way that
would disrupt the use of the network by others.
- Students shall not attempt to harm hardware,
software or data, nor interfere with the security
of any computer, telecommunication or network resource
Privileges and Responsibilities
The
use of Paradise Valley Unified School District computer,
telecommunication and network resources is a privilege,
not a right, and may be revoked at any time. Violations
of this privilege may result in disciplinary action
under the guidelines and through the authority of the
Governing Board and its policies.
Services
The Paradise Valley Unified
School District reserves the right to monitor the use
of district computer, telecommunications and network
resources. In particular, electronic mail or direct electronic communication is not private and may be read and monitored by school personnel. Should
it become necessary, files may be deleted.
The Paradise Valley Unified School District is not responsible for any service interruptions, changes or consequences resulting from system use, even if these arise from circumstances under the control of the district.
The Paradise Valley Unified School District may make rules, as needed, for the operation of the system.
Crisis/Emergency Plan
Each school
in the Paradise Valley Unified School District has
an emergency/crisis plan to respond to unforeseen events. The plans include responses to a variety of scenarios along with lockdown and evacuation procedures. In
addition, each plan is updated annually by the school
crisis team and followed up with training for staff
members.
CUSTODY
In cases where custody/visitation
affect the school, the school shall follow the most
recent court order on file with the school. It is the responsibility of the custodial parent or parents having joint custody to provide the school with the most recent court order. Restraining
orders can only be rescinded by the court.
DUE PROCESS
Students involved in any type of disciplinary problem must enter the discipline process at the preliminary investigative point where early guilt or innocence of charges is determined.
Dependent upon the seriousness of the offense, the student must be accorded the following basic rights.
- Notice of the charges, nature of the evidence supporting the charges and the consequences if the charges are proven true.
- Notice of a right to a hearing at which time he or she may respond to the charges.
- A fair hearing, including the right to present witnesses and evidence.
- A fair and impartial decision.
ELECTRONIC DEVICES
Electronic devices
or toys often interfere with the orderly operation
of the school and may cause a disruption to the learning
environment. School rules may prohibit such items
as cell phones, CD players, pagers, beepers, electronic
games or any other electronic devices. In
addition, the school is not responsible when these
items are lost or stolen.
EXTRA-CURRICULAR ELIGIBILITY
All students in grades 7-12 must pass all classes in which they are enrolled in order to participate in extra-curricular activities. Eligibility will be determined on a quarterly grading period. Students losing their eligibility at the quarter will be monitored every three weeks to determine if eligibility can be re-established. Semester grades are not used to determine eligibility. Activities that are part of a credit bearing class are not included in the eligibility restrictions. Note: some extra-curricular programs may require more stringent criteria for participation.
FOOD IN CLASSROOMS
According to the Maricopa County Department of Environmental Services, food brought in to the classroom for snacks and parties must come from a commercial source and cannot be homemade. Items should be individually wrapped to avoid bare hand contact with the food. If the items are not individually wrapped, such as cookies or cupcakes from a bakery, an adult wearing disposable gloves must serve the food.
FOOD SERVICES
Elementary and Middle Schools:
Elementary
and middle schools are on the national school lunch
and breakfast programs. Applications for
free or reduced-price lunch are available and distributed
to all students at the beginning of school. Meal
accounts or cash may be used daily to purchase lunches.
High Schools:
High school lunchrooms
offer daily lunch specials, hot and cold sandwiches,
salads and various a la carte items. Free and reduced-price
lunches are available with applications obtained in
the school office.
HARASSMENT
Harassment, Bullying, Hazing and Threats of Harm (Excerpts
from Governing Board Policy 5.3.8)
The Governing Board is committed to providing all students and staff with a safe school environment in which all members of the school community are treated with respect. Accordingly, students have the right to be free from any form of harassment, bullying, hazing or threat of harm. Students have the right and responsibility to report harassment, bullying, hazing or threat experiences, and to have that report processed by a knowledgeable staff member. Students found to be involved in these activities are subject to disciplinary consequences that may include warning, censure, suspension or expulsion from school, depending on the severity of the incidences and/or frequency of offenses. Counseling, mediation, community service and other programs where the student takes responsibility for the action may be used as alternative consequences.
Harassment or bullying is conduct that interferes with or limits the ability of an individual to participate in or benefit from the district’s programs or activities. The conduct can be, but is not limited to, oral, written, graphic, electronic or physical in nature. Bullying is any behavior that subjects a student to insults, taunts or challenges that are likely to intimidate or provoke a violent or disorderly response from a student being treated in this manner. Harassment categories include, but are not limited to, sexual, racial, religious, handicapping conditions or sexual orientation.
Harassment or discrimination against individuals who are immigrants, who speak another language or speak with a foreign accent, is also a violation of this policy.
Hazing is defined as any intentional, knowing or reckless act committed by a student, whether individually or in concert with other persons, against another student, and in which both of the following apply:
- The act was committed in connection with an initiation
into an affiliation with/or the maintenance of
membership in any organization that is affiliated
with the school;
- The
act contributes to a substantial risk of potential
physical injury, mental harm or degradation,
or causes physical injury, mental harm or personal
degradation.
Organizations who violate the hazing policy may forfeit their right to conduct operations on the campus.
Threats include any form of verbal or written statements or any other behavior that suggests that a person may do harm to another person or property.
Students who threaten persons or property may be referred for expulsion or long-term suspension unless the responsible administrator and parent agree that the student will participate in programs such as mediation, community service, restitution, alternative education or other programs in which the student takes responsibility for the consequences of the threat.
Threats against the life or health of another person are serious offenses and are subject to immediate removal from the school environment and investigation into the potential seriousness of the threat. Students who threaten the life of another student or adult are subject to expulsion from school. In cases of threats perceived to be serious by the Threat Management Team, the parent has the option of a psychological evaluation conducted by a trained school psychologist to evaluate and explore possible contributing factors in a student’s aggressive behavior.
Any staff member who gets directly involved in, knowingly permits, authorizes or condones any form of harassment, bullying, hazing or threats of harm is subject to disciplinary action by the administration or governing board, and may be reported to law enforcement.
HEALTH INFORMATION
Dispensing Medication
For medications to be administered at school, the following procedure must be followed:
- The “Parent Request and Authorization for Medication to be Taken During School Hours” form must be completed by parent/guardian
- All prescription medications must be in the original pharmacy container, labeled with the child’s name, prescription number, name of medication, dosage and number of times a day to be administered. Non-prescription medications must also be in the original container with information as to the date(s), time(s) and amount(s) to be given. All medications must be supplied by the parent(s)/guardian(s) and will be kept in the school health office. Nursing personnel, or other school-designated personnel, have the authority to administer medications, both prescription and non-prescription, to minor students only with written permission from the parent(s) or legal guardian(s).
- Permission may be granted for an asthmatic student to carry an inhaler with him/her during the school day, per parent/guardian request, if the following contidions are met:
Immunizations
As provided in Arizona Revised Statutes 15-871, the Governing Board shall exclude from school attendance any pupil not in compliance with immunization requirements. Medically verifiable, documented proof of immunizations must be provided prior to enrollment and attendance. Proof
of immunization is defined as written documentation
which includes the type of vaccine administered, the
month and year of each immunization (except MMR immunization,
for which the month, day and year is required), and
the name of the physician or health agency administering
the vaccine, or laboratory evidence of immunity.
Parent Notification of Communicable Diseases
For
the well-being of all students, parents are expected
to contact the school nurse when their children have
contracted a communicable disease.
HOMEWORK
The Governing Board strongly believes that homework is a valuable learning activity. Among its many benefits are:
- skill reinforcement
- the development of self-discipline, responsibility and wise use of time
- the opportunity for parents to become involved in and aware of what their children are learning.
Assignment of appropriate homework is encouraged, and the Governing Board will support teachers’ efforts to ensure that students do not ignore their assignments.
Communication between teachers and parents regarding homework is considered essential. Parents should refer to their own school’s handbook and consult with individual teachers as to the expectations of the teachers and how parents may help in this effort.
Homework should be seen as an opportunity to improve skills. As such, every assignment need not be used for grading purposes, but every assignment turned in to the teacher should be acknowledged and considered important.
INSURANCE
The District does not carry
insurance for students’ medical or dental costs if they are injured during school activities. Parents are responsible for their children’s
insurance.
An optional school-day or 24-hour accident policy is available at school through a private agency. Like most insurance policies, there are some coverage limitations and exclusions.
Information on the policy is available from each school’s office. The schools issue these forms as a service to students and parents; the district has no other connection with the insurance company. Parents may pick up additional forms and purchase insurance at any time throughout the school year.
In an emergency, the school may call paramedics who may decide that an ambulance should be called. These services are paid for by the parent.
Interpretation Services are Available
The
Paradise Valley Unified School District will provide
interpretation services so that all parents can participate
meaningfully in meetings and conferences regarding
their children’s education. Please contact your child’s
school office to request these services.
Parents can also request translations of district documents by notifying the school office.
INTERVIEWS - CHILD PROTECTIVE SERVICES WORKERS
Interviews
by Child Protective Services workers who are investigating
abuse/neglect may be conducted at district schools. The parent of a student who is the subject of an investigation, or a sibling of the subject, need not be given notice of such interviews. School
officials may be present at the interview only if it
is necessary to the investigation.
INTERVIEWS - LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS
In
cases where students are interviewed for criminal investigations
by law enforcement officers, the building administrator
shall make reasonable efforts to notify the student’s
parent of the interview, unless the law enforcement
officer deems that notification would interfere with
a criminal investigation.
If the law enforcement officer refuses to allow notification prior to the student interview, either the officer or a representative of the district will notify the student’s parent within a reasonable time after the interview. A school official may be present during the interview, unless directed otherwise by the law enforcement officer. If a school representative was denied the right to be present during the interview, this fact shall be made known to the student’s parent.
If a student is arrested or taken into temporary custody on district property during the school day, the school no longer has jurisdiction over the student. The building administrator will notify the parents of the arrest or will make reasonable efforts to notify the parent when a student is arrested or when a student is taken into temporary custody and identify the law enforcement agency involved.
NON-DISCRIMINATION
No person connected with the Paradise Valley Schools, whether a student, employee or volunteer shall, on the basis of sex, creed, color or disabling condition, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of or be subjected to discrimination under any educational program or activity.
OPEN ENROLLMENT
The Paradise Valley
Unified School District has an open enrollment policy
consistent with Arizona state law. Annually the superintendent or designee, in consultation with building principals, determines which schools and grade levels have capacity to accept students from other districts or in-district attendance areas. Parents may pick up open enrollment applications beginning October 1 of each school year. In order to be considered, the application must be received by December 1. If space is still available after December 1, additional applicants may be considered on a first-come, first-served basis by the receiving school administrator. Transfers may be revoked by the building principal if policies and regulations for discipline and attendance are violated. Approval remains in effect for as long as the student remains at that school/ buidling. Students
on open enrollment going from sixth grade to seventh
grade or eighth grade to ninth grade must reaply to
continue on open enrollment.
PARENTAL COMPLAINT PROCEDURE
- The parent MUST confer with the staff member involved concerning the complaint before initiating the following procedure.
- If not satisfied with the outcome of that conference, the parent may obtain a statement of intent to pursue the matter through the Parental Complaint Procedure from the school office. (Informal communication between the parent and/or principal, and/or staff member is encouraged prior to step 3.)
- The immediate supervisor provides the parent with a copy of the Parental Complaint/Appeal Procedure prior to scheduling a meeting with the concerned parties. This meeting will occur within two school days of the receipt of the intent form. A summary of the conference and proposed resolution will be written by the supervisor and made available to the involved parties within one school day.
If the parent does not agree with the proposed resolution, then an appeal may be filed following the procedures outlined in the Parental Complaint/Appeal Procedure.
PARENT RESOURCE PROGRAM
The
United Parent Council (UPC) of the Paradise Valley
Unified School District recognizes that public schooling
is a collaborative process involving students, teachers,
administrators, parents and the community. UPC further recognizes that parents need to be informed about school policies and procedures and that on occasion parents encounter frustration when trying to deal with these formal policies and procedures. As
a result, UPC established a Parent Resource Program
to advise and assist parents or parent groups when
necessary.
The Parent Resource Program is staffed with parent
advisors. The advisory team offers individual
parents advice and assistance concerning the policies
and procedures of the school district.
If you need the services of an advisor, contact your school parent group president/school UPC representative or principal.
Parents’ Right to Know
Under
federal No Child Left Behind provisions, all school
districts are required to notify parents of children
who attend a Title I school that they have the right
to request and receive timely information on the professional
qualifications of their children’s classroom
teachers. Specifically, upon request, districts must
provide the following information:
- Whether the teacher has met state qualifying and licensing criteria for the grade levels and subject areas in which the teacher is teaching
- Whether the teacher is teaching under emergency or other provisional status
- The baccalaureate degree major of the teacher and any other graduate certification or degree held by the teacher, including the field of discipline of the certification or degree
- Whether the child is provided services by paraprofessionals and, if so, their qualifications.
PERSPECTIVE: THE TEAM APPROACH TO ACHIEVING
EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION
The Paradise Valley Unified School District recognizes the importance of the professional staff, parents, students and other adults working together as a team to ensure that each student has the opportunity to learn in an educational environment that promotes excellence in learning.
In maintaining an appropriate environment, all persons connected with the school have a dual commitment: to promote the school mission and to recognize and protect the rights of others.
The professional staff, in teaching the district curriculum is expected:
- To cooperate and collaborate with students and parents to maximize student learning.
- To ensure that student conduct is conducive to a quality educational program.
- To maintain an effective learning atmosphere.
- To help students achieve responsibility and self-discipline.
- To help students realize their full potential.
The parents are expected:
- To cooperate and work collaboratively with the school, support its policies and notify the school of any special circumstances which may affect the child’s learning.
The students are expected:
- To cooperate and work collaboratively with staff and other students in the pursuit of learning.
- To abide by the policies of the school and district.
- To come prepared with all materials and homework necessary for participation in class.
- To behave in a way that enhances the learning process.
The team approach affords many opportunities for community involvement. The District encourages parent participation on:
- District committees involving policies and procedures.
- Curriculum revision and redevelopment.
- Personnel interview committees.
- District planning - long and short range.
- Parent advisory councils.
- Site-based councils.
Each school has an invaluable community of students, staff, parents and other adults. Participation by the community is encouraged; for it takes a whole community to educate a child. When the community members are committed to a team approach, excellence in education is achieved.
HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
| 4.0 |
English |
| 3.0 |
Social Studies |
| 3.0 |
Science |
| 3.0 |
Math |
| 1.0 |
P.E. |
| 1.0 |
Voc. / Arts |
| 7.0 |
Electives |
| Credits 22 |
TOTAL |
PEST CONTROL
The support services
division will notify any school 72 hours before using
any pesticide (or herbicide). Notifications will
include school office, front door postings, school
newsletters and public address announcements.
PROMOTION / RETENTION
Students will
normally progress from grade to grade. However, when
facts indicate that retention is in the best interest
of a student’s academic progress, there needs to be close cooperation and communication between the parents and appropriate school personnel. Each child considered for retention will be given individual consideration and the decision regarding retention will be made only after careful review of all data related to the student’s
growth and development.
In accordance with state law, teacher(s) make the decision for promotion or retention of students. Decisions for kindergarten through eighth-grade students should be based on the following criteria: 1) a student’s academic achievement, 2) attendance/discipline records, 3) standardized and alternative assessment results and 4) any other information considered pertinent to the recommendation. Measures of student achievement are defined as grades. A student successfully completes a course/subject if she/he earns a “satisfactory” in grades K–2 and at least a grade of “D” in grades 3–8.
If a parent or legal guardian chooses not to accept the teacher’s (s’) decision to promote or retain a student, the parent or legal guardian may file an official appeal. Only the Paradise Valley Unified School District Governing Board may overturn the teacher’s(s’) decision.
Should the board overturn the teacher’s(s’) decision, the teacher is automatically released of all liability for actions done in good faith relating to the child’s promotion or retention.
REPORTING CHILD ABUSE
By state law, school employees must report suspected cases of child abuse to Child Protective Services and local law enforcement agencies.
Individuals required to report suspected abuse are protected by state law from civil or criminal liability. Each school site has a school coordinator for processing suspected cases of child abuse.
REVOCATION OF TRANSFER
Students attending schools on a transfer may have their transfer revoked for violating Governing Board policies on rules of conduct or attendance violations. Revocation of the transfer is at the discretion of the principal.
SCHOOL AND STUDENT PROPERTY
Student
lockers, desks and school textbooks and library books
are the property of the school district and remain,
at all times, under the control of the district. However,
students are expected to assume full responsibility
for the security and safekeeping of their lockers,
desks, books and other property and equipment. Inspections
of lockers and desks may be conducted by school authorities
at any time without a search warrant or student consent. This
may include the use of canine searches of lockers.
Automobiles may be searched with student consent or as a result of a school official observing items or activity which provide a reasonable suspicion of illegal or unauthorized property inside the vehicle.
Personal items which are not considered necessary for the student’s educational experience should be left at home, as the school cannot assume responsibility for these items.
The use or possession of electronic devices which may interfere with the orderly operation of the school may be prohibited during the school day. Examples include but are not limited to Walkmans, beepers, pagers, cellular telephones, electronic games, laser pointers, etc.
The use of school property after hours for skateboarding, rollerblading, bicycling or any other unsanctioned activity is prohibited.
SCHOOL BUS CONDUCT
The school bus
is an extension of the school day and the same rules
apply regarding discipline and general conduct. Additionally, students must remain properly seated, keep the aisle clear and ensure that all parts of their body (e.g., hands, heads, etc.) remain inside the bus. Specific rules regarding school bus conduct are posted on each bus and available from each school. Violations
of rules or safety are grounds for denial of bus transportation
privileges or other discipline.
SEARCH AND SEIZURE
Order, safety and security are essential to a productive learning environment. When the learning environment is threatened by the presence of contraband, school officials have a responsibility and the authority to search for and obtain the contraband from students or non-students if there is reasonable suspicion that the student possesses such contraband.
Automobiles may be searched with student consent or as a result of a school official observing items which provide a reasonable suspicion of illegal or unauthorized property inside the vehicle.
Student lockers, desks and school textbooks and library books are the property of the school district and remain, at all times, under the control of the district. However, students are expected to assume full responsibility for the security and safekeeping of their lockers, desks, books and other property and equipment. Inspections of lockers and desks may be conducted by school authorities at any time without a search warrant or student consent. This may include the use of canine searches of lockers.
Special Education
Federal and state law requires school districts, charter schools and other public education agencies to provide a free, appropriate public education to eligible children with disabilities.
This free, appropriate public education refers to special education and related services, described in an Individualized Education Program and provided to the child in the least restrictive environment.
Children with disabilities, and their parents, are guaranteed certain educational rights, known as procedural safeguards, from birth through age 21. The law and its implementing regulations also provide methods to help you assure that your input is considered.
If you want a copy of the procedural safeguards,
please call the district’s Special Education
Department. Phone 602-449-2150.
If your child is having difficulty in school, please check with the teacher to determine what interventions have been tried to help your child succeed.
If the interventions are unsuccessful, a referral for special education evaluation may be necessary. You may contact the school administrator or school psychologist if you wish to make a referral personally.
If special education disabilities are suspected, we are required to evaluate your child to identify and document whether your child has a disability that affects his or her learning and, if so, to determine what special education and related services are required.
The evaluation will be done only after we have explained what we plan to do during the evaluation. We will use tests and procedures selected specifically for your child. The evaluation will not include basic tests or procedures used routinely for all students within a class, grade or school.
This evaluation will be conducted according to federal and state requirements and will include information you provide. Following the evaluation, we will provide you the complete results within 60 calendar days of your written consent.
If your child is found to be eligible for special education services, we request that you serve as part of a team to help us develop an Individualized Education Program and identify the special education and related services your child needs. You may ask others to be present at the IEP meeting, if you wish.
Preschool Childfind
If you think your preschool-age child may have speech or other delays, please call 602-493-6130 to make an appointment for screening. Children as young as age two may participate in hearing, vision and developmental screening to determine if further evaluation is necessary.
Eligible children identified with significant delays will be offered enrollment in free special education programs in the district.
Parents’ Rights and Responsibilities
Student Education Records
Parents have the right to inspect and review all educational
records, and all other rights guaranteed by the Family
Educational Rights and Privacy Act.
Destruction of Education Records
The district destroys all psychological and special education records on students five years after those students have been removed from special education, have been withdrawn from the district or have graduated.
Notifying the District Prior to Unilateral
Placement in a Private Special Education School
If
you disagree with the district and consider enrolling
your child in a private special education school,
you must provide the district with a written notice
10 business days before you enroll your child.
The notice shall include a statement that you are rejecting the placement offered by the district, what your concerns are about the offered placement, and your intent to enroll your child in a private school at public expense.
More Information
If you do not understand special education and what it may offer your child, you should speak with the child’s teacher, school psychologist or school administrator where your child receives educational services, or the director of special education.
Parent Information Network Specialists, a support group sponsored by the Arizona Department of Education, can also help you to better understand the procedure. Phone: 480-654-1559.
The Exceptional Student Services Division of the Arizona Department of Education is also available to assist you. Phone 602-364-4000.
STRUCTURED ENGLISH IMMERSION
The Paradise Valley Unified
School District provides Structured English Immersion
(SEI) services for qualified students at all schools. Students
with a primary home language other than English who
do not demonstrate grade level competency in oral English,
reading and writing are eligible for services. For
further information, please contact your school principal
or Rita Tantillo, Language Acquisition Director,
at (602) 449-2116.
STUDENT DRESS,
CONDUCT & APPEARANCE
Student dress,
personal appearance or conduct shall not disrupt nor
distract from instructional procedures, school-sanctioned
social functions or the disciplinary control of the
teachers.
District dress standards prohibit student dress and/or grooming that:
- Presents a risk to the health, safety or general welfare of students or staff.
- Interferes with or disrupts the educational environment or process.
- Is counterproductive to curriculum goals and/or educational objectives.
- Displays obscene language or symbols.
- Immodestly exposes the chest, abdomen, genital area or buttocks.
- Creates an atmosphere of threat, intimidation or undue pressure, or displays or advocates the use of illegal substances.
STUDENT RECORDS INFORMATION
The Family
Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA)
provides for a parent’s right to inspect, review and seek correction of a child’s
educational records. Parents also have the right to
file a complaint against the school if they feel that
the school has failed to comply with district policy
concerning student records. Copies of this policy are
on file in each school office and at the District Administrative
Center.
If you wish to review your child’s record, you may request the school principal to set up a convenient time for such a review. If your child is enrolled in a special education program, you should contact the Director of Special Education to arrange such a review. The district will comply with your request as soon as possible.
If when reviewing the records, you feel that the information on your child is inaccurate, misleading or otherwise in violation of the privacy rights of your child, you may request the deletion or modification of the records or enter into the records your own statements of clarification or explanation.
Upon reaching the age of 18, a student has all of the legal rights and responsibilities previously given to a parent or legal guardian. Parents who claim a student 18 years or older as a dependent may still have access to all records.
Student records may be released to authorized district personnel or another school that the student wishes to attend. Student records will be released to others only with the signed, written dated request of the person legally responsible for the student.
Directory information will be gathered and issued for each student. This information includes, but is not limited to: student’s name, address, telephone number, date and place of birth; yearbook information such as major field of study, dates of attendance, school organizations and awards received; sports information such as height and weight. If there is personal information that you DO NOT wish to have included in directory information, the person legally responsible for the student must notify the district’s public relations officer in writing BEFORE September 10 of each school year. Send any correspondence to: Public Relations Officer, District Administrative Center, 15002 N. 32nd Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85032.
The releasing of directory information to any agency with a profit motive is prohibited unless specific approval of the Governing Board is granted.
TRANSPORTATION
Bus Information
At the elementary school level, pupils in grades one through six living more than one mile from school are eligible to ride the school bus. Kindergarten students living more than one-half mile are eligible for transportation. At the middle- and high-school levels, students must live more than one and one-half miles from school to be eligible for transportation.
Field Trips
Parent-signed permission slips are required for student participation on field trips.
School Bus Discipline
The safety of students is of primary concern. Students causing disruptions by violating the rules of the bus risk the welfare of other students and possibly the community at large. All students are expected to abide by the bus rules and to show respect for the driver of the bus. Students breaking the rules will be subject to disciplinary action and may suffer the loss of bus riding privileges. Video monitoring systems are placed on all transit buses.
High school students may be asked to display their student identification in order to ride the bus. NOTE: Students on a transfer at a school are not eligible for district transportation to and from the school.
Discipline
The Paradise Valley Unified School District
places high priority on providing each student with
the opportunity to learn within a safe and stimulating
environment. For this reason, the Governing Board accepts the responsibility for identifying those behaviors, which, if allowed to exist without restrictions and appropriate disciplinary action, would interfere with individual and group learning and, would interfere with the orderly conduct of our public schools. Furthermore,
the Governing Board charges the staff with the responsibility
for enforcing the rules of conduct, establishing consistency
in their enforcement and maintaining an appropriate
learning and behavioral environment.
The following section is most appropriate to middle and high school students; however, the same expectations are held for elementary students. Parents of elementary students are encouraged to consult their school’s handbook for information regarding individual school discipline policies.
According to Arizona law (ARS §15-341), the Governing Board also has the authority to discipline students for disorderly conduct on their way to and from school. The Governing Board gives this responsibility to the local school administration. The Governing Board also gives the school administration authority to discipline students for disorderly conduct and other offenses at school sponsored activities.
DEFINITION OF OFFENSES:
This list is not all-inclusive.
A student committing an act of misconduct
not liste ill nevertheless be subject to the discretionary
authority of the school administrator or assistant
superintendent.
ALCOHOL-DRUGS (Possession or Use)
A person who is using, under the influence
or in possession of any form of alcoholic beverage, illegal
or dangerous drug substance, drug paraphernalia or look-a-likes
or any substance being represented as an illegal or dangerous
drug.
ALCOHOL-DRUGS (Providing/Selling)
A person who, in any way, provides, gives,
sells or offers any form of alcoholic beverage, illegal
or dangerous drug substance, drug paraphernalia or look-alikes
or any substance being represented as an illegal or dangerous
drug.
ARSON
Intentional burning of property belonging to
the school, school personnel or another person on campus.
BOMB THREAT
Any threat by any means to explode a bomb or other explosive device on school property.
BUS MISCONDUCT
Not following district bus rules and regulations.
CHEATING OR PLAGIARISM
Taking someone else’s work for one’s own, practicing fraud or deception with relation to school work or responsibilities.
CLOSED CAMPUS
Violating the school’s written Closed Campus Policy.
COMPUTER, TELECOMMUNICATION orNETWORK INFRACTION
Inappropriate use of computers, telecom-munications and network resources. Definition is contained in Policy 4.2.4.
DANGEROUS OBJECTS
Any object or device that may be harmful to the health, welfare or safety of others.
DEFIANCE OF AUTHORITY
Refusing to comply with the reasonable request of school officials.
Find additional information on Discipline in Parent
/ Student Handbook (available to download via link in
upper right column of this page.)
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