Attendance
   - Requirements
   - Absence Policies
   - Procedures
   - Potential Actions or Consequences for Unexcused Absences and Truancy
   - C.U.T.S. Program
   - Make-up Work
   - Attendance Procedures for Students with Disabilities
   - Physical Education Excuses
   - Take Your Child to Work Day

  Alternative Educational Programs
  Athletic Participation
  Closed Campus
  Computer, Telecommunication & Network Resources
  Crisis/Emergency Plan
  Custody
  Due Process
  Electronic Devices
  Extra-curricular Eligibility
  Food in Classrooms
  Food Services
  Harassment
  Health Information
  HIgh School Graduation Requirements
  Homework
  Insurance
  Interpretation Services
  Interviews - Child Protective Services Workers
  Interviews - Law Enforcement Officers
  Non-discrimination
  Open Enrollment
  Parent Concern Procedure
  Parent Resource Program
  Parents’ Right to Know
  Perspective: The Team Approach to Achieving Excellence in Education
  Pest Control
  Promotion / Retention
  Reporting Child Abuse
  Revocation of Transfer
  School and Student Property
  School Council
  Search and Seizure
  Special Education
  Structured English Immersion
  Student Automobile Use
  Student Dress, Conduct & Appearance
  Student Records Information
  Transportation
-   Bus Information
-   Field Trips
-   School Bus Discipline

Discipline

 Philosophy and Jurisdiction
 Definition of Offenses
 Legend of Action Categories
 Action Charts
 Appeal of Short-Term Suspension
 Student Discipline History
 Suspension and Expulsion of Students with Disabilities
 Arizona Laws Pertaining to Attendance, Assault, Expulsion, Threats & Bullying
 Federal Law Pertaining to Homeless Students
 Prevention Program & Resource Phone Numbers
 Definition of Offenses

Attendance

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.

Absence Policies
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. Refer to your school’s Web site, newsletter and/or student handbook for guidelines for reporting absences.

Excessive Absences
It is important for a student to attend class regularly to receive a passing grade. The student
and/or parent wanting counseling intervention due to excessive absence may request a conference by calling the school principal or designee.

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.

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 regarding the chronic health program.

Unexcused Absence – Full Day
A full day unexcused absence is any absence from school without the prior knowledge and consent of the parent/guardian.

Unexcused Absence – One or More Periods
Once a student is at school, absences from one or more classes that day without an acceptable
excuse approved by the school will be classified as unexcused.

Permit to Leave School During School Hours
High School 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 leaving school grounds without permission policy and the absence will be recorded as unexcused. The parent/guardian must give written and/or verbal approval. A person picking up a student must be listed on the emergency card and show valid picture I.D. For K-8 students, a parent or other authorized person is required to come into the office and sign prior to the student’s release.

General Attendance Procedures   

Parent Notification

1. K-8 – A reasonable effort will be made to notify the parent by phone when a student is absent without notice.
2. 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). It is essential that parents contact the school immediately if there is a change of any contact telephone number, address or emergency contact.

Attendance Discipline for Truancy –  High School
Unexcused 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:

Potential actions or consequences for repeated unexcused absence:

1. The administrator may suspend student pending parent conference.
2. Referral to the C.U.T.S. program for students under the age of 16.
3. Development of a Student Expectation Contract.
4. Referral to the district’s Alternative Education Program.

Legal Action for Excessive Truancy
Legal Action for Excessive Truancy A student or a parent of a student who is truant for five school days within a school year and is under age 16 may be issued a citation by the principal or attendance dean 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 attendance dean 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 Maricopa County 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. 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 or at the district office. The student and the parent will be assessed one or more of the consequences
listed below:

1. Assessment Fee of $25 – $50
2. Mandatory education session for students
3. Mandatory education session for parents
4. 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.

1. No credit will be given for work missed during a truancy.
2. 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. We know that athletic participation enhances the learning environment of the campus. 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 on file signed by their parent or guardian.

The athlete’s parent and the athlete must attend an informed consent meeting or conference prior to the athlete’s first participation day in a sport. This meeting must be attended only once during the four years of high school athletic 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:

1. Students who use computers belonging to the Paradise Valley Unified School District.
2. Students who access network resources available through the Paradise Valley Unified
   School District.
3. Students who bring personal electronic devices to Paradise Valley Unified School District schools/events.
   

Network access, including the Internet, is available to students. Official PVUSD student e-mail accounts, complete with internet services, are also provided to enable more effective and
efficient teacher/administrator communication with students and parents. 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 the educational goals of the district.

Guidelines for acceptable use

1. Only devices (computers, telephones, PDAs, drivers, etc.) owned by PVUSD may be connected to the PVUSD network.
2. Computers, telecommunications and network resources are to be used for educational purposes only.
3. Students shall not purposely submit, publish, display or retrieve any defamatory, inaccurate, abusive, obscene, profane, threatening, sexually oriented, racially offensive or illegal material.
4. Students shall abide by all copyright and trademark laws and regulations.
5. Students shall not reveal personally identifiable data unless authorized to do so by designated school authorities.
6. Students shall not reveal their personal logins/passwords or attempt to discover the logins/passwords of others.
7. Students shall not use the network in any way that would disrupt the use of the network by others.
8. Students shall not attempt to harm   hardware, software or data, nor interfere with the security of any computer, telecommunication or network resource.
9. Students shall regularly read and respond to communication received via district-provided e-mail accounts according to the timeline expectations established by their school authorities.

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 emergency response team and followed up with training for staff members. School crisis plans are available for review upon request to the school administration.

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.

1. Notice of the charges, nature of the evidence supporting the charges and the consequences if the charges are proven true.
2. Notice of a right to a hearing at which time he or she may respond to the charges.
3. A fair hearing, including the right to present witnesses and evidence.
4. 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, IPods, audio devices, electronic games or any other electronic devices. 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 reestablished. 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 extracurricular programs may require more stringent criteria for participation. Students serving an out-of-school suspension are ineligible to participate in extra-curricular activities during the period of suspension. The principal determines eligibility or participation when a student is serving an in-school suspension.

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. Meal accounts can also be set up through EZSchoolPay.com. There is a $2 service fee for transactions. Account monitoring is free.

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 or cafeteria. Meal accounts can also be set up through EZSchoolPay.com. There is a $2 service fee for transactions. Account monitoring is free.

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:

1. 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;
2. 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:

1. The “School Year Medication Record” form must be completed by parent/guardian
   
2. 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, including dietary supplements, must also be in the original, labeled container with information from the parent/guardian as to the date(s), time(s) and amount(s) to be given. All medications and dietary supplements must be supplied by the parent(s)/guardian(s) and will be kept in the school health office. Nursing 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). Other school-designated personnel may only administer daily medications and emergency medication (epi-pens and asthma inhalers).
3. Permission may be granted for students to carry their inhalers, diabetic supplies/insulin or epinephrine injectors during the school day, per parent/guardian request, if the following process has been completed through the nurse’s office:
   1. Physician’s written statement regarding student’s medical condition on file in the health office
   2. Assessment of cognitive ability and maturity of student
   3. Completion of an individualized health care plan with parent/guardian, school nurse and principal’s signatures.

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. The
purposes of homework are:

• preparation – provides background for future lessons and units of study
• practice – reinforces learning to help students master specific skills
• extension – asks students to apply skills they have already met in a new situation
• integration – requires students to apply many different skills to a large task, such as reports, projects and creative writing

Assignment of appropriate homework is encouraged, and the Governing Board will support
teachers holding students accountable for completing all homework 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, grade levels and programs have capacity to accept students from other districts or in-district attendance areas.

Parents may pick up open enrollment applications or download them from our Website, www.pvschools.net beginning October 1 of each school year. In order to be considered, the application must be received by December 1. After everyone has been notified of acceptance / denial, additional applicants may be placed on a waiting list and considered by the receiving school administrator. If space becomes available, applicants are chosen by a lottery drawing.

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/building. Students on open enrollment going from sixth grade to seventh grade or eighth grade to ninth grade must reapply to continue on open enrollment, if they do not live in the boundaries of their chosen school.

PARENTAL COMPLAINT PROCEDURE
The Parent Concern Procedure is not intended for parents to seek discipline of employees or to evaluate employees, but rather to help parents reach resolution regarding concerns to improve their child’s classroom experience. The Parent Concern Policy addresses two categories of concerns: general concerns and professional conduct concerns. The parent may seek guidance from the administrator relative to the category of the parent’s concern. The following provides an overview of the steps to be taken within each category.

General Concerns:
Examples of concerns that fall into the general category include, but are not limited
to: homework, class work, student schedule, student eligibility for sports or clubs, academic placement, assessment of student progress, communication, student/teacher relationships,
athletics/extracurricular activities and student grades. The intent is to resolve the issue at the lowest level possible, allowing for dialogue between the involved parties and providing the employee with the opportunity to respond.

STEP 1
The administrator will strongly encourage the parent to confer with the staff member involved regarding any concern, and either party may request that the administrator mediate this conference. These conferences should include avenues for resolution of the concern.

STEP 2
If the parent is not satisfied with the outcome of Step 1, he/she may complete the Parental Concern Form and submit it to the employee’s immediate supervisor/ administrator.

STEP 3
The immediate supervisor/administrator or designee will schedule a conference
with the employee, the administrator or designee and the parent within five (5) school days to facilitate a resolution.

Athletic Director – For concerns related to athletic matters, the conference will be conducted
by the athletic director.

STEP 4
The immediate supervisor/administrator or designee will facilitate a conference
that assures that the parent concern will be heard and the staff member will be afforded the opportunity to respond. The focus of the conference will be to develop a reasonable resolution to the concern. The supervisor/administrator or designee will write a summary of proposed resolution on the Parent Concern Conference Summary Form. All parties will receive a written copy of the Parent Concern Conference Summary Form within five (5) school days. NOTE: In concerns regarding athletics, the resolution of the athletic director will be filed directly with the building level principal prior to Step 5.

STEP 5
If the parent is in agreement with the proposed resolution as provided in the Parent Concern Conference Summary, but it can be demonstrated that the reasonable resolution has not been effective with the appropriate timeline, either party involved in the development of the resolution may request a second meeting to revise or amend the resolution.

If the parent is not in agreement with the proposed resolution after receipt of the Parent
Concern Conference Summary, he/she may complete and file a Parent Concern Conference Summary Appeal with the superintendent. The superintendent or designee will review the information and determine if a hearing should be held. If a hearing is necessary, a hearing officer will be appointed and the hearing will be scheduled within seven (7) school days of receipt of the appeal. Both parties have a right to non-legal representation. A written decision will be rendered within five (5) school days following the hearing. The decision of the hearing officer will be final and the matter will be considered closed. If a hearing is not necessary, a written decision will be rendered within seven (7) school days of receipt of the appeal. The decision not to hold a hearing will be final and the matter will be considered closed.

Professional Conduct Concerns
Employees are expected to adhere to Governing Board Policy 3.3.7, Professionalism, which establishes employee conduct as follows: Employees will treat others with dignity and respect and conduct themselves in a courteous and professional manner in all interactions with members of the school community. If a parent believes the employee has physically harmed or verbally threatened the emotional well-being of the student, or has violated the Governing Board Policy 3.3.7, the following steps should be taken:

STEP 1
The parent should discuss the concern with a supervisor/administrator. Once the concern has been defined as a Professional Conduct issue, the parent may elect to file a Professional Conduct Concern Form; or take no further actions regarding the matter.

STEP 2
The supervisor/administrator will review the information received and/or the Professional Conduct Concern Form. For any form submitted, the parent will receive confirmation it was received by the supervisor/ administrator.

STEP 3
The supervisor/administrator will then determine the next appropriate steps based on the report from the parent. Subsequent actions become personnel matters and no further communication with the parent will occur. Any necessary disciplinary actions fall under employment law and policies and, as such, must remain confidential. For certified employees, personnel policy is governed by Arizona Revised Statutes. Note: Information shared with a supervisor/ administrator regarding the conduct of any employee may be shared with that employee for the express purpose of providing an opportunity for employees to rectify any perceived problems. The District has a policy prohibiting retaliation toward anyone by our employees.

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. Additional information regarding the Parent Resource Program is also available at www.pvupc.org

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.
• Ensure that student conduct is conducive to a quality educational program.
• Maintain an effective learning atmosphere.
• Help students achieve responsibility and self-discipline.
• 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.
• Abide by the policies of the school and district.
• Come prepared with all materials and homework necessary for participation in class.
• 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
• School 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

The Paradise Valley Unified School District has an alternative high school, Polaris. Students may graduate from Polaris with 20 credits if all graduation requirements have been satisfactorily completed, including passing the AIMS test. *Note: PVUSD high schools may have additional requirements. Please check the high school catalog for information.

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 and/or standards proficiency
levels. A student successfully completes a course/subject if she/he earns a “satisfactory”
in grades K–2 and at least a grade of “D” or passing grade in grades 3–8.

The Governing Board shall require that, if a parent or legal guardian of a student chooses not to accept the decision of a teacher that the student be promoted or retained in a grade, the parent or legal guardian may file an official appeal. Only the Paradise Valley Unified School District Governing Board may overturn the decision of the teacher(s).

Should the board overturn the decision, the teacher is automatically released of all liability for actions done in good faith relating to 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 and / or attendance. Revocation of the transfer is at the discretion of the principal.

SCHOOL AND STUDENT PROPERTY
Student lockers, desks, 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.

Personal items that 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 that may interfere with the orderly operation
of the school may be prohibited during the school day. Examples include but are not limited to cell phones, Ipods, audio music devices, electronic games, laser pointers or any other electronic devices. The use of school property after hours for skateboarding, rollerblading, bicycling or any other unsanctioned activity is prohibited (see TRESPASSING).

SCHOOL COUNCIL
School councils (formerly called site councils) were enacted in 1994 by the Arizona legislature
to “ensure that individuals who are affected by the outcome of a decision at the school site share in the decision making process” (Arizona Revised Statutes Section 15-351(A)). members work together to provide input regarding decisions that are implemented and effective for the site. These decisions focus on helping students and the organization as a whole. In order to help Councils work effectively and ensure that all voices are heard, the district provides training in team building, reaching consensus and establishing meaningful and authentic issues. Reaching consensus means that all members of the council give general agreement or approval on an issue. If consensus cannot be reached, the principal is responsible for making the decision.

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.

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, if any.

The evaluation will be done only after a team has explained what they plan to do during
the evaluation. The team 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 Plan 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 602-449-2650 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 special education programs in the district at no cost to the parent/guardian.

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 AUTOMOBILE USE
All students who drive to school shall be required to park in the areas designated for their parking, insofar as these are available and adequate.

All PVUSD high schools will assess a parking permit fee of $180. This fee is prorated by quarter and non-refundable. Student parking permits may be revoked for parking or driving violations. The revocation of a student parking permit due to parking or driving violations is determined by the school administration.

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:

1. Presents a risk to the health, safety or general welfare of students or staff.
2. Interferes with or disrupts the educational environment or process.
3. Is counterproductive to curriculum goals and/or educational objectives.
4. Displays obscene language or symbols.
5. Immodestly exposes the chest, abdomen, genital area or buttocks.
6. Creates an atmosphere of threat, intimidation or undue pressure, or displays or advocates the use of illegal substances.

Refer to your school’s student handbook, newsletter and/or Website for specific information and guidelines regarding dress code.

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. 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. Information regarding eligibility for bus transportation may be found on “Bus Finder” on the PVUSD Website.

Field Trips
Parent-signed permission slips are required for student participation on field trips.

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.

Discipline

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.

A student committing an act of misconduct not listed will nevertheless be subject to the discretionary authority of the school administrator or assistant superintendent.

DEFINITION OF OFFENSES:
This list is not all-inclusive. 

ALCOHOL VIOLATION (Possession or Use)
Giving, selling, offering, providing or intending to provide alcoholic beverages or any substance being represented as alcohol.

ALCOHOL VIOLATION (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.

AGGRAVATED ASSAULT
Causing serious physical injury to another; using a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument;
person eighteen years of age or older committing the assault upon a child fifteen years or under; and/or knowing that the victim is a peace officer, teacher or other district employee.

ASSAULT
Intentionally, knowingly or recklessly causing any physical injury to another person;
placing another person in reasonable apprehension of imminent physical injury; or touching another person with the intent to injure, insult or provoke such person.

BOMB THREAT
Threatening to cause harm using a bomb, dynamite, explosive or arson-causing device.

BULLYING
Repeated acts, over time, that involve a real or perceived imbalance of power. Bullying can be physical in form (e.g., pushing, hitting, kicking spitting, stealing); verbal (e.g., making threats, taunting, teasing, name-calling); or psychological (e.g., social exclusion, spreading rumors, manipulating social relationships).

BURGLARY OR BREAKING AND ENTERING
Entering or remaining unlawfully in or on a school/district facility or district motor vehicle with the intent to commit theft.

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, or using electronic devices to inappropriately retrieve or disseminate classroom information.

COMPUTER, TELECOMMUNICATION or NETWORK INFRACTION
Inappropriate use of computers, telecommunications and network resources. Definition is contained in Governing Board Policy 4.2.4.

COMBUSTIBLES
Possessing a substance or object that is readily capable of causing bodily harm or property damage (i.e., matches, lighters, firecrackers, snap caps, poppers, stink/smoke bombs, and lighter fluid).

DANGEROUS ITEM
Any object that is used, attempted to be used or threatened to be used and is capable of causing serious physical injury.

DEFIANCE OF AUTHORITY
Refusing to comply with the reasonable request of school officials, including refusal to follow directions, talking back or showing disrespect.

DISORDERLY CONDUCT
Use of profanity, obscene behavior, unsafe behavior or any conduct which is in any way disruptive to the educational process of the school.

DRESS CODE VIOLATION
Wearing clothing/apparel that does not fit within the dress code guidelines stated by school or district policy.

DRUG VIOLATION (Possession/Use)
The unlawful use, possession or intent to possess, any controlled drug or narcotic substance, or substances represented as such, or equipment used for preparing or taking drugs drugs. Includes the inappropriate possession/ use of over-the-counter medications. This category does not include tobacco or alcohol.

DRUG VIOLATION (Providing/Selling)
Giving, selling, offering, providing, or intent to provide any controlled drug or narcotic substance, or substances represented as such, or equipment used for preparing or taking drugs or narcotics. Includes providing/selling of over the- counter medications. This category does not include tobacco or alcohol.

ENDANGERMENT
Recklessly endangering another person with a substantial risk of physical injury or imminent death.

EXTORTION
Knowingly obtaining or seeking to obtain property or services by means of a threat to inflict harm in return for protection.

FIGHTING
Mutual participation in an incident involving physical violence, where there is no major injury.

FIREARM (Possession/Threat/Use)
The possession, use, or threat to use, any loaded or unloaded handgun, pistol, revolver, rifle, shotgun or other weapon that will expel, is designed to expel or may readily be converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive. Firearm does not include a firearm in permanently inoperable condition.

FIRE ALARM MISUSE
Intentionally ringing fire alarm when there is no fire.

FORGERY
Writing and/or using the signature or initials of another person. Impersonating another person on the telephone with regard to attendance also falls within this category.

GAMBLING
Participating in games of chance for the purpose of exchanging money or something of value.

GANG ASSOCIATION OR GANG ACTIVITY
or Gang Activity, for a full explanation.

GANG CLOTHING, SYMBOLS, PARAPHERNALIA
The wearing of hats, bandanas, tattoos and/ paraphernalia that is associated with gangs or gang-like activity.

HARASSMENT / INTENDED HARASSMENT (Non-sexual)
Anonymously or knowingly communicates or causes a communication with another person by verbal, electronic, mechanical, telegraphic, harasses. Continues to follow/stalk another person in or about school for no legitimate purpose after being asked to desist.

HARASSMENT (Sexual)
Sexual harassment is unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that can include unwelcome
sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal, nonverbal, or physical conduct of a sexual nature.

HARASSMENT (Sexual with Contact)
Sexual harassment that includes unwanted physical contact of non-sexual body parts.

HARMFUL SUBSTANCE
Knowingly adding a harmful or foreign substance to food, drink or medicine.

HAZING
Any intentional, knowing or reckless act committed by a student(s), against another student(s), which contributes to or causes a mental harm or degradation in connection with an initiation, affiliation or maintenance of membership in any organization.

HORSEPLAY/ROUGHHOUSING
Non-serious but inappropriate physical contact (i.e., hitting, poking, pulling, pushing) including boisterous play or behavior.

INCITING
Use of language or gestures that may incite another person or other people to fight or engage in other acts of inappropriate behavior.

LEAVING SCHOOL GROUNDS WITHOUT PERMISSION
Leaving school grounds or being in an “out of- bounds” area during regular school hours without permission of school officials.

LITTERING
Leaving or depositing trash in places other than appropriate receptacles.

OTHER SCHOOL THREAT
The incident cannot be coded in one of the above categories but did involve a school
threat.

PARKING VIOLATION
Not following posted and/or written parking regulations at the high schools.

PHYSICAL AGGRESSION
Tussles, minor confrontations, pushing, shoving or other physical provocation.

PUBLIC DISPLAY OF AFFECTION
Holding hands, kissing, sexual touching, or other displays of affection in violation of school policy.

TARDY
Arriving at school or class after the scheduled start time.

THEFT
Taking or attempting to take money or property belonging to another person or the school.

THREATS OR INTIMI DATION
Indicating, by word or conduct, the intent to cause physical injury or serious damage to a person or their property.

TOBACCO VIOLATION
Use, possession, or intent to possess, tobacco products of any kind.

TRESPASSING  Entering or remaining on a school campus or district facility without authorization or invitation and with no lawful purpose for entry. This includes students under suspension or expulsion and those who have been directed by a school official to leave the premises.

UNEXCUSED ABSENCES (Full day) Not in attendance for an entire day and does not have an acceptable excuse.

UNEXCUSED ABSENCES (One or more period) Not in attendance for at least one class period and does not have an acceptable excuse.

VANDALISM Willful destruction or defacement of personal or school property.

WEAPONS (Other) POSSESSION (i.e. billy club, brass knuckles, knife w/ blade length at least 2.5”) Bringing/possessing on school campus any weapon, including on the person, in a backpack, locker or automobile or anywhere else.

WEAPONS (Other) USE or THREAT (i.e. billy club, brass knuckles, knife w/ blade length at least 2.5”) Using or threatening to use any weapon to inflict harm on another person.

> See Parent / Student HandbookPDF for additional information including Federal and state laws, disciplinary action charts, and legend of action categories. This information may have had revisions made since page was created. Please refer to PDF of handbook for most current policies, procedures, rights and responsibilities.