HOME               

VANDENBERG MIDDLE SCHOOL Mountain View Blvd. Vandenberg AFB, CA 93437-1199 (805) 742-2700 / FAX  (805)742-2759

PARENT/STUDENT HANDBOOK  2008-2009

Principal - Kathi Froemming             Assistant Principal – Susan Salucci         Dean - Susan Rodriguez

The school office will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily on days when school is in session.

CHANGE OF ADDRESS/TELEPHONE NUMBER

It is most important that parent/guardian keep the office informed of any change in your address or telephone number.  In case of emergency, the office needs an accurate address and telephone number so parents or guardians can be notified.

                                                                                         ATTENDANCE/SCHOOL ABSENCES

Regular school attendance exposes students to a greater amount of academic content and instruction.  The following absences or tardies are designated as excused according to the State of California attendance laws and LUSD Board Policies:

1) Student illness; student medical appointments

2) Attending a funeral service for immediate family - 1 day in state and 3 days out of state

3) Appearance in court

4) Religious reasons - Attendance at religious retreat for 5 periods per semester

UNEXCUSED PERSONAL ABSENCES 

Unexcused absences may include, but are not limited to, the following: 

1) Missed bus or ride; car trouble                2) Family trip out of town; celebrations                 3) Babysitting

4) Got up late                                            5) Field trip denial

Verification, in writing or by telephone, describing the reason for the absence is required on the day the student returns, but does not excuse absences in this category.  Physician verification may be required for illness excused absences.  The requirement to clear an absence within five school days applies to compulsory education and the prevention of truancy program involvement.

24-HOUR ABSENCE REPORTING LINE

Vandenberg Middle School has a 24-hour answering machine dedicated solely to the reporting of student absences.  Parents should call no later than the day after an absence to report the reason.  Each day’s absence must be called in.  You will be asked to supply the following:

1) Student's name                                                 3) Date of the absence

2) Reason for the absence                                     4) Your relationship to the student

Note:  Only those listed on the front side of the emergency care card are authorized to clear an absence or pick up your student.  Please be sure to keep your student’s card updated.

The 24-hour number is 742-2777.  Stickers with the absence reporting information are in the registration packet.  Please note that this number is for absence reporting only; any other business should be directed to the regular school number.  Students absent ten or more days due to illness or injury may be eligible for home instruction.  Parents should contact the school nurse in the event of a lengthy illness or injury.

REQUESTS FOR HOMEWORK WHEN ILL/HOMEWORK BUDDIES

Students are given a number of days to turn in work equal to the number of days absent.  When a student is ill, he/she may contact another student in his/her class if they feel well enough.  Students are encouraged to have two homework buddies for each period class for getting assignments.  Please do not call the office, unless there are extenuating circumstances. 

ONE-TIME HOMEWORK REQUESTS

(Absence of 1- 4 school days)

PLEASE DO NOT REQUEST DURING STANDARDIZED TESTING

A request is offered ONCE during a school year for a justifiable personal absence (1- 4 days only). 

                  1 day absence   -Parents must make the request two school days prior to leaving.

                  2 - 4 days absence  -Parents must make the request a minimum of 3 school days prior to leaving.

Teachers will be requested to provide assignments.  A form must be signed by the parent, student and principal prior to absence.  All homework must be completed and turned in to teacher by the student work due date (the first day the student returns to school as stated on the contract).  Late work will not be accepted.

REQUESTS FOR INDEPENDENT STUDY

(Absence of 5-10 school days)

PLEASE DO NOT REQUEST DURING STANDARDIZED TESTING

Independent Study requests can be made for 5-10 day absences.  Requests must be made five school days prior to absence.  A form must be signed by the parent, student and principal prior to absence.  All assignments are due to teachers by the student work due date (the first day the student returns to school as stated on the contract).  Late work will not be accepted.

GUARDIANSHIP 

If a parent/guardian will be out of town, a copy of a medical release authorization form must be given to the school.

Any military sponsor (parent or guardian) who must go on emergency leave or temporary duty, but wishes to leave a child in someone else's care (even a relative's), must go to the Base Legal Office for a power of attorney form.  After it is completely filled-out and authenticated, WE NEED A COPY.  The form is also to be taken by the sponsor to the Patient Affairs/Medical Records sections of the Base Hospital for filing. 
TRUANCIES AND TARDIES

A student who is absent from school with an unexcused or personal reason for more than 18 periods in a school year is classified as truant.  Truant students may be assigned Saturday School.  Habitual truancy will result in a student being referred to the Truancy Intervention & Parent Accountability Program implemented by Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s office.

A student will be considered "tardy" if not in their seat and ready to perform the tasks of the particular class when the tardy bell rings.  Teachers may assign lunch detention to students who are tardy to their class three or more times.  Students who arrive on time will receive rewards throughout the year. 

PERMISSION TO LEAVE SCHOOL

OFF CAMPUS PASSES 

Please note:  Vandenberg AFB went into a heightened Force Protection condition as of February 3, 2003.  Base Security is implementing 100% ID checks of personnel entering the installation.  All vehicles will be required to have a vehicle pass issued by VAFB Visitor’s Center.  A Driver’s License Picture ID, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance are required for this pass.  Please make sure your documents are up to date before you go to the Visitor’s Center for a pass.

1.    IT IS A STATE LAW THAT STUDENTS CLEAR THROUGH THE ATTENDANCE OFFICE BEFORE LEAVING SCHOOL.  If a student disregards this rule, the absence will be recorded as a cut.

2.    For an early release from class, please send a note with your student to the ATTENDANCE OFFICE BEFORE SCHOOL.  State student’s name, date, time for release and reason.  Parent/Guardian must sign.  The student will then receive an Off-Campus pass and can meet the parent/guardian in the parking lot.  If an emergency arises during school, please call the Attendance Office as soon as possible.  In this event, the parent/guardian MUST come into the office with a valid I.D. and sign the student out.  Only those indicated on the Emergency Care Card may pick up a student.

PASSES

1.    HALL PASSES:  Students should not be out of the classroom during class without a Hall Pass signed by the teacher.  Students must sign out on the classroom log, and sign back in on the classroom log when they return.  Rest room and locker visits should be made between classes.

2.    HEALTH ROOM:  Except in emergencies, students who come to the Health Room must have a Hall Pass.

   IDENTIFICATION

Students are to carry their ID at all times.  ID cards are required for transportation, library use, dances, and other various activities.  Replacements for lost IDs are $1.00 for first time, $3.00 for second time, and $6.00 for third time.  Third time requires approval by administration.  Students should order and pay for the ID before school starts and may pick it up during lunch.    

HEALTH ROOM MEDICATION

The Health Room is available to students throughout the school day for illness, injury, medication or health counseling.  Students should report any accidents that occur on campus to the Health Room.

Students required to take medication during school hours must:

1.    Obtain a "Physician's Directive for Pupil Receiving Medication at School" form from the Health Room.

2. Medications must be in their original container with a pharmacy label.

3.    Prescriptive and non-prescriptive medications, such as asthma inhalers, aspirin and all over-the counter medications require a "Physician's Directive for Pupil Receiving Medication at School".  Only parents or parent designee can distribute medication without the form on file. 

                    P.E. EXCUSES & DRESS STANDARDS

State law requires that every student dress out and participate in the P. E. activities (California Education Code 51222).  A note from the parent (for a maximum three-day period) is required to excuse the student from participation in P.E.  For any period longer than three days, a note from a physician is required.  Without either note, the student may receive a reduction in grade.  A VMS sweatshirt and sweat pants or a VMS P.E. shirt and shorts are required for P.E. classes.  A black or blue sweat outfit with no print may also be worn.

GANG APPAREL/DRESS STANDARDS

Education Code 35183.  The school district is authorized to adopt a dress code that would prohibit the wearing of “gang-related clothing”.  Further authorizes school districts to adopt a dress code policy that would require pupils to wear a school-wide uniform.  For additional information, refer to your “First Day Packet”, Information for Parents and Students.

Student appearance is important to maintain a productive, harmonious atmosphere.  We feel that students should be attired as to reflect credit to themselves, their family and school.  EXTREME dress which may disrupt the instructional process has no place in any educational institution. 

Pants must fit in the waist and inseam.  Hemlines of shorts or skirts must be longer than the fingertips of the student when arms are extended at sides.  Clothing that advertises alcohol, drugs or tobacco products, or that contains profanity or suggestive material is prohibited.  Shoes must be worn at all times.

Pajama bottoms or look-a-like pajama bottoms, slippers, bare midriffs (shirt must rest several inches over the top of pants so that when arms are raised midriff does not show), sagging pants, bandanas, clothing or writing considered to be gang related, tight, or revealing are not appropriate.  Revealing clothing or items with objectionable graphics are distractions and therefore unacceptable.

Dress standards may be revised during school year at administration discretion.  Administrators will determine whether a particular dress or hairstyle is distracting to the learning environment.

Consequences for violating dress standards:

1. Students not following the above guidelines will be asked to change into P.E. clothes.

2. Students who violate dress code a second time will be required to change and parents will be contacted.

3. After a third violation, inappropriate clothing will be kept for parent pickup and student will receive appropriate school discipline.

ASSEMBLIES

Students attend assemblies with their teacher and sit together under the teacher's supervision.  Backpacks, book bags and hats are left in the classroom to be picked up after the assembly.  

SCHOOL BUS PROCEDURES
 

Transportation is provided by the District as a courtesy to parents and students.  It is a privilege, not a right, to use the District bus services.  Students are transported to and from the bus stop closest to their residence.  Students will only be permitted to ride assigned buses and exit at assigned locations.  The driver's directions are to be carried out at all times to provide safety for all riders. 

1. Students should not arrive at their morning bus stop earlier than five minutes prior to the scheduled pickup time.

2. Students are not allowed on campus before 8:20 on Mon-Tues-Thurs-Fri and 9:05 on Wed.  If the bus arrives before that time, students are to wait at the gate until the bell rings.

3. Vandenberg Air Force Base requires parents to sign an Air Force Sponsor Card for all students riding Air Force buses in either direction.

4. Bus students are not to ride to and from school in cars driven by friends without written parent permission.

5. Students are not to ride bicycles or walk across the highway to and from school by order of the Base Commander.  If necessary, students should come to the Attendance Office for assistance in obtaining transportation.  Students are not to walk or ride bicycles to and from school unless they live in housing adjacent to the school.

Click here for the places and times where buses pickup students

LUNCH AREAS/PROCEDURES

1. Students may eat in the MPR, locker area, on the benches, and patio area including the grass area directly below the patio.  Opened packages of food should be kept in these areas. 

2. The Administration may revoke the right to eat in certain areas if there is an excessive amount of litter left behind. The Administration may close the snack bar if students do not keep the campus litter free.  Students will always receive 24 hours notice if the snack bar is to be closed.

3. Students can eat in classrooms with teachers’ permission.  All food products/containers must be removed to an outside trash container at the end of the lunch period.

4. All students are to stay in the designated area the first ten minutes of lunch period.  A bell is the release signal.

5. After the release signal, P.E. equipment will be available for checkout at the Boys' P.E. office.

LUNCH TICKETS

COUNSELORS

Counselors see students based upon the student’s last name. 

(A - Gi)  Laurel Schroeder   (Go - N)  Department Chair, Peggy Faulk  (O - Z)  Cathie Riordan

SCHOOL EQUIPMENT/TEXTBOOK ROOM

The Textbook Room is open before school and during lunch UNTIL 12:00 p.m.  Students missing a book should check with the Textbook Clerk.

1.    Books are issued to you free with the understanding that if they are lost or damaged you will pay for them.

2.    It is the responsibility of each student to keep all books covered for protection, and to place his/her name on the paper cover.

3. Band instruments issued to the student are issued free with the understanding that if they are lost or damaged, you will pay for them.

LOST AND FOUND

Found articles should be put in Lost and Found boxes located in classrooms. Take valuable items to the office.

VMS ASSIGNMENT TITLE PAGE

<>                                                                                                SUBJECT                                                                                    NAME
                                                                                                PERIOD                                                                                       DATE

TITLE OF ASSIGNMENT

LIBRARY

Student may use the library before and after school and during lunch period.  Four books may be checked out at a time for two weeks.  Return books in the book slot at the circulation desk or in the book drop outside the library doors.  "The parent or guardian of a minor shall be liable to a school district...for all property belonging to the school district.”  (California Ed. Code Section 48904).

DANCE GUIDELINES

1.    Dances are for VMS students only.  Students in attendance at a dance will be required to stay until the conclusion of the dance, unless picked up by a parent/guardian.

2.    Transportation arrangements must be made prior to the day of the dance.  Students should be picked up when the dance is over.  Students who are not picked up promptly from school dances may be denied future events.

3. Students desiring to have any dance decorations must ask for permission.

4. Students are responsible for cleaning up their own trash.

5. No permission to use the telephone will be granted on dance days.

6.    School dress code will be in effect at all school dances.

ACTIVITIES DENIAL/FIELD TRIP

Students who fail to follow school rules may be denied the privilege to attend events. Students who are denied field trips are expected to be in school the day of the field trip. 

GRADES AND REPORT CARDS

A report card will be mailed to your home for each 6 week progress period.  In order to be on the Principal's List, you must have a 4.0 GPA.,  Dean’s list is 3.5 - 3.9 GPA and Honor Roll is 3.0 - 3.4 GPA, at the semester grading periods.

PROMOTION/RETENTION

The Lompoc Unified School District believes that all students must receive a high quality education.  Grade level standards will be used to decide whether or not a student has developed the academic skills expected for progression to the next grade.  Students who meet the standards will progress to the next grade.  For students who do not meet the standards, help will be arranged as early in the school year as possible.  Parents will be informed about their students’s academic standards and any need for remedial instruction. 

Students who do not meet grade level standards will be considered for remedial instruction and possible retention at their current grade. Parents will have the opportunity to appeal the school’s decision to retain or to promote a student.

PERSONAL PROPERTY

tudent must assume sole responsibility for loss or damage to any property belonging to them, such as garments, equipment or musical instruments.  Vandenberg Middle School and the Lompoc Unified School District are not responsible for any lost, stolen or missing items.  Large sums of money, or jewelry of either real or “keepsake’ value should not be brought to school.  All personal property should be clearly marked with the student's name.  Personal property may be searched with reasonable suspicion by authorized school personnel.

TOYS, GIFTS

1. Balloons are not allowed at school because they create a distraction during instructional time and Transportation will not allow them on the bus.

2.    Flowers and other personal gifts will not be delivered to the classroom during school hours.

3.    If flowers or other personal gifts become a distraction in the classroom, they may be confiscated. 

4. Students are not to use tape/CD players, or computer games at school without prior written permission from a teacher or an administrator. Unauthorized and confiscated equipment will be secured in the office and must be picked up by a parent.

5. Cameras allowed on last day of school or with approval by an administrator.

ELECTRONIC SIGNALING DEVICES

Note:  For the purpose of this policy, an electronic signaling device is a device that operates through the transmission or receipt of radio waves and includes, but is not limited to pagers, cellular telephones and two-way radios.

Students shall be permitted to possess electronic signaling devices on campus during the school day, while attending school-sponsored activities, or while under the supervision and control of a school district employee.  Such devices shall not be activated, must be kept securely out of sight, and their use is prohibited on campus during the regular school day except that such devices may be used at any time only in the following situations:

•      During an emergency affecting the school or community;  (According to the Red Cross, in a disaster, pagers and cell phones may not be operable due to high usage or power lines that may be down.)

•       Upon written direction from a licensed physician and surgeon stating that such use is essential to the health of the pupil and the use is limited to purposes related to the health of the pupil;

•      For any other reason of critical importance where previously approved in writing by the Principal.

•     For communication with parents or guardians when students are attending school sponsored activities away from the school site. 

FIRE/DISASTER DRILLS 

1.    Drills will be held at any time without warning.

2.    Specific drill instructions will be given by each teacher.

3.    Every drill should be viewed as if it were "the real thing."

4.    The disaster plan is available for review at the school. 

5.    The Red Cross has notified us that the best radio stations for local news during a disaster would be 1410 KTME in Lompoc and Santa Maria 1440 KUHL or 1240 KSMA.

EARLY DEPARTURE

The Early Departure Policy applies only to those students who leave school within the last 15 days of the school year.

1. A student will not receive final semester grades prior to the final week.

2. If the parents are moving or being transferred, the student will receive current grades as of the date he/she withdraws from school.  The receiving school shall determine what credits shall be given for work accomplished at Lompoc Unified School District.

3. Lompoc Unified School District cannot excuse students from finals for vacation reasons.  A student who wishes to leave early for vacation reasons should be aware that the school CANNOT GUARANTEE that the student will receive final grades for courses taken during second semester.

4.    All obligations to the school (book return, fines, money owed) must be paid before records will be released.

VANDENBERG MIDDLE SCHOOL DISCIPLINE POLICY

AREA	BE SAFE	BE RESPONSIBLE	BE RESPECTFUL
ALL AREAS	Walk at all times Keep hands & feet to yourself Wear shoes that protect your feet from possible injury Ask an adult for help	Return Materials to proper place Pick up trash & throw it away Be a team player use kind words & actions Report vandalism, theft, & threats	Remove hats & hoods in buildings (including in MPR at lunch) Wear clothing that shows respect for yourself & others Be a good listener Respect other people's property Speak respectfully to adults Be on time to all classes
EATING AREAS	Wait in line patiently Eat only your own food	Eat in designated areas only Clean up after yourself	Use good table manners Respect your peers who are standing in line
ASSEMBLIES	Leave backpacks in classroom Wait to be dismissed	Focus on presentation Sit in designated areas only	Remove hats and hoods Listen Responsibly Applaud appropriately Sit quietly during presentation
BATHROOMS	Leave food outside of bathroom Wash hands	Flush toilets Keep drains clear Clean up after yourself	Close Bathroom Doors Give people privacy

ZERO TOLERANCE

The Education Code 48915(c) imposes a “zero tolerance” policy on the Board of Education.  It states that the principal or superintendent of schools shall immediately suspend from school, and shall recommend expulsion from the school district, a student who commits the following acts at school or a school sponsored activity off school grounds: 

1)    Possessing, selling, or otherwise furnishing any firearm (until it is determined to be an imitation firearm).

2)    Brandishing or pointing a knife at another person.

3) Unlawfully selling a controlled substance.

4)    Committing or attempting to commit a sexual assault.

There are also “near zero tolerance” offenses for which a principal at his or her discretion may recommend expulsion.  These acts may be committed at school or at a school activity off school grounds.  The Board of Education has the discretion to make final decision about recommendation. 

They include:

1) Causing serious physical injury to another person, except in self-defense

2) Possession of any knife, explosive, or other dangerous object.

3)    Unlawful possession of any controlled substance, including drug paraphernalia containing residue, an alcoholic beverage, or an intoxicant of any kind.

4) Robbery or extortion.

5)    Assault or battery upon any school employee.

WHAT STUDENTS CAN EXPECT

FROM VMS STAFF

1. Students have the right to be heard and may voice their concerns through student organizations and appropriate procedures.

2. Students have the right to a safe, clean and orderly learning environment.

3.    Students have the right to the use of class time for receiving instruction and for learning.

4. Students have the right to fair, consistent and respectful treatment by staff members and other students.

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES

1  Students have the responsibility to show respect for school staff and classmates.

2. Students have the responsibility to help maintain a positive learning environment by obeying school and individual classroom rules.

3.   Students have the responsibility to be prepared for class activities, maintain a notebook, bring all necessary materials, and complete assignments.

4.    Students have the responsibility to move safely on the campus. 

WAYS TO RESOLVE CONFLICT

Use the Conflict Resolution process before a misunderstanding escalates into a fight.  At VMS we have established several ways to resolve conflicts.  Listed below are what the student is do in a “good faith” effort not to fight:

1.    Inform classroom teachers or appropriate adults of the problem.

2. Fill out an incident report to see an administrator.

3.    Fill out a card to request to see your counselor.

4.    Tell your parents.

PARENT RESPONSIBILITY

Parents are their children's first teachers, most valuable role models and greatest influence.  Communicating with and supporting the school staff in their efforts to help students make responsible choices is critical as children grow into responsible citizens.  Each parent should aid the school in maintaining high standards.

LET'S WORK TOGETHER

Education is the responsibility of students, parents and staff working together for mutual benefit.  We believe students are responsible for the choices they make.  Our task in this area of their education is to help them gain a better understanding of the relationship of their choices to the consequences which result from those choices.  From that understanding comes increasingly responsible behavior.  When students behave responsibly, they treat others with respect and dignity.  When they treat others with respect and dignity, they are making choices of which we can all be proud.

POSITIVE RECOGNITION

The successful students at Vandenberg Middle School will enjoy many opportunities to honor and celebrate their accomplishments. These opportunities can include:

Principal's List - 4.0 Grade Average               Dean’s List - 3.5 to 3.99 Grade Average

Honor Roll - 3.0 to 3.49 Grade Average         Expectations Assembly Recognitions

Lunchtime events and special activities            Respect from peers and adults

Classroom events and special activities           Special classroom privileges

Recognition in the Daily Bulletin                      Coupons and certificates

Thank you notes                        Positive calls home       Good Grades          Lunch of Champions

More responsibility                    Assemblies                   Field Trips               Leadership roles

Academic Awards                      Raffles/Prizes               Student of the Month          Praise

CLASSROOM DISCIPLINE EXPECTATIONS

BE SAFE, BE RESPONSIBLE, BE RESPECTFUL

Each teacher will distribute to students a copy of their own Classroom Discipline Expectations plan.  This plan will outline positive classroom incentive programs and consequences for infractions of the classroom rules.   Teachers may, in extreme cases, suspend a student from their class period for up to two days if a parent contact is made by the teacher.

ADJUSTMENT CENTER (AC)

Students who are unable to maintain appropriate self-control in the regular classroom will be assigned to the Adjustment Center (AC).  This isolated classroom has fewer students and operates under much stricter rules than a regular classroom and is supervised by a credentialed teacher.  A student can be temporarily assigned here for one or more periods, or for one or more days. 

DETENTION

Calif. Admin. Code, Title V, Section 22, is quoted for the information of students and parents:  "Pupils may be detained in school for disciplinary or other reasons for not more than one hour before/after the close of the school day."  Under normal circumstances, parents will be given a 24-hour notice.  Students must arrive on time.  Otherwise, credit will not be allowed for the detention assigned and the student will owe an additional day.

Students serving detention are expected to bring class work; a silent reading book is appropriate.  Credit will not be given unless work is completed.  Students who fail to report or who misbehave while serving detention will be reassigned.  Repeated re-assignments to detention may necessitate suspension from school.

SUSPENSION

According to California Education Code section 48900, suspension is the removal of a pupil from ongoing instruction for adjustment purposes.  Students will be suspended if it is determined that the student has been involved with one of the following:

48900. A pupil may not be suspended from school or recommended for expulsion, unless the superintendent or the principal of the school in which the pupil is enrolled determines that the pupil has committed an act as defined pursuant to any of subdivisions (a) to (q), inclusive:

(a) (1) Caused, attempted to cause, or threatened to cause physical injury to another person.

(a) (2) Willfully used force or violence upon the person of another, except in self-defense.

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

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

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

(e) Committed or attempted to commit robbery or extortion.

(f) Caused or attempted to cause damage to school property or private property.

(g) Stolen or attempted to steal school property or private property.

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

(i) Committed an obscene act or engaged in habitual profanity or vulgarity.

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

(k) Disrupted school activities or otherwise willfully defied the valid authority of supervisors, teachers, administrators, school officials, or other school personnel engaged in the performance of their duties.

(l) Knowingly received stolen school property or private property.

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

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

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

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

(q) Engaged in, or attempted to engage in, hazing as defined in Section 32050.

(r) A pupil may not be suspended or expelled for any of the acts enumerated in this section, unless that act is related to school activity or school attendance occurring within a school under the jurisdiction of the superintendent or principal or occurring within any other school district. A pupil may be suspended or expelled for acts that are enumerated in this section and related to school activity or attendance that occur at any time, including, but not limited to, any of the following: (1) While on school grounds. (2) While going to or coming from school. (3) During the lunch period whether on or off the campus. (4) During, or while going to or coming from, a school sponsored activity.

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

(t) As used in this section, "school property" includes, but is not limited to, electronic files and databases.

(u) A superintendent or principal may use his or her discretion to provide alternatives to suspension or expulsion, including, but not limited to, counseling and an anger management program, for a pupil subject to discipline under this section.

(v) It is the intent of the Legislature that alternatives to suspension or expulsion be imposed against any pupil who is truant, tardy, or otherwise absent from school activities.

48900.1. (a) The governing board of each school district shall adopt a policy authorizing teachers to provide that the parent or guardian of a pupil who has been suspended by a teacher pursuant to Section 48910 for reasons specified in subdivision (i) or (k) of Section 48900, attend a portion of a schoolday in his or her child's or ward's classroom. The policy shall take into account reasonable factors that may prevent compliance with a notice to attend. The attendance of the parent or guardian shall be limited to the class from which the pupil was suspended. (b) The policy shall be adopted pursuant to the procedures set forth in Sections 35291 and 35291.5. Parents and guardians shall be notified of this policy prior to its implementation. A teacher shall apply any policy adopted pursuant to this section uniformly to all pupils within the classroom. The adopted policy shall include the procedures that the district will follow to accomplish the following: (1) Ensure that parents or guardians who attend school for the purposes of this section meet with the school administrator or his or her designee after completing the classroom visitation and before leaving the schoolsite. (2) Contact parents or guardians who do not respond to the request to attend school pursuant to this section. (c) If a teacher imposes the procedure pursuant to subdivision (a), the principal shall send a written notice to the parent or guardian stating that attendance by the parent or guardian is pursuant to law. This section shall apply only to a parent or guardian who is actually living with the pupil. (d) A parent or guardian who has received a written notice pursuant to subdivision (c) shall attend class as specified in the written notice. The notice may specify that the parent's or guardian' s attendance be on the day in which the pupil is scheduled to return to class, or within a reasonable period of time thereafter, as established by the policy of the board adopted pursuant to subdivision (a).

48900.2. In addition to the reasons specified in Section 48900, a pupil may be suspended from school or recommended for expulsion if the superintendent or the principal of the school in which the pupil is enrolled determines that the pupil has committed sexual harassment as defined in Section 212.5. For the purposes of this chapter, the conduct described in Section 212.5 must be considered by a reasonable person of the same gender as the victim to be sufficiently severe or pervasive to have a negative impact upon the individual's academic performance or to create an intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational environment. This section shall not apply to pupils enrolled in kindergarten and grades 1 to 3, inclusive.

48900.3. In addition to the reasons set forth in Sections 48900 and 48900.2, a pupil in any of grades 4 to 12, inclusive, may be suspended from school or recommended for expulsion if the superintendent or the principal of the school in which the pupil is enrolled determines that the pupil has caused, attempted to cause, threatened to cause, or participated in an act of, hate violence, as defined in subdivision (e) of Section 233.

48900.4. In addition to the grounds specified in Sections 48900 and 48900.2, a pupil enrolled in any of grades 4 to 12, inclusive, may be suspended from school or recommended for expulsion if the superintendent or the principal of the school in which the pupil is enrolled determines that the pupil has intentionally engaged in harassment, threats, or intimidation, directed against school district personnel or pupils, that is sufficiently severe or pervasive to have the actual and reasonably expected effect of materially disrupting classwork, creating substantial disorder, and invading the rights of either school personnel or pupils by creating an intimidating or hostile educational environment.

48900.5. Suspension shall be imposed only when other means of correction fail to bring about proper conduct. However, a pupil, including an individual with exceptional needs, as defined in Section 56026, may be suspended for any of the reasons enumerated in Section 48900 upon a first offense, if the principal or superintendent of schools determines that the pupil violated subdivision (a), (b), (c), (d), or (e) of Section 48900 or that the pupil's presence causes a danger to persons or property or threatens to disrupt the instructional process.

48900.6. As part of or instead of disciplinary action prescribed by this article, the principal of a school, the principal's designee, the superintendent of schools, or the governing board may require a pupil to perform community service on school grounds or, with written permission of the parent or guardian of the pupil, off school grounds, during the pupil's nonschool hours. For the purposes of this section, "community service" may include, but is not limited to, work performed in the community or on school grounds in the areas of outdoor beautification, community or campus betterment, and teacher, peer, or youth assistance programs. This section does not apply if a pupil has been suspended, pending expulsion, pursuant to Section 48915. However, this section applies if the recommended expulsion is not implemented or is, itself, suspended by stipulation or other administrative action.

48900.7. (a) In addition to the reasons specified in Sections 48900, 48900.2, 48900.3, and 48900.4, a pupil may be suspended from school or recommended for expulsion if the superintendent or the principal of the school in which the pupil is enrolled determines that the pupil has made terroristic threats against school officials or school property, or both. (b) For the purposes of this section, "terroristic threat" shall include any statement, whether written or oral, by a person who willfully threatens to commit a crime which will result in death, great bodily injury to another person, or property damage in excess of one thousand dollars ($1,000), with the specific intent that the statement is to be taken as a threat, even if there is no intent of actually carrying it out, which, on its face and under the circumstances in which it is made, is so unequivocal, unconditional, immediate, and specific as to convey to the person threatened, a gravity of purpose and an immediate prospect of execution of the threat, and thereby causes that person reasonably to be in sustained fear for his or her own safety or for his or her immediate family's safety, or for the protection of school district property, or the personal property of the person threatened or his or her immediate family.

48900.8. For purposes of notification to parents, and for the reporting of expulsion or suspension offenses to the State Department of Education, each school district shall specifically identify, by offense committed, in all appropriate official records of a pupil each suspension or expulsion of that pupil for the commission of any of the offenses set forth in subdivisions (a) to (o), inclusive, of Section 48900, in Section 48900.2, in Section 48900.3, in Section 48900.4, or in paragraphs (1) to (5), inclusive, of subdivision (a) of, or paragraphs (1) to (4), inclusive, of subdivision (c) of, Section 48915.

Students suspended from school are not to be on any LUSD campus or attend any school activities.  Since the acts listed above are of a severe and unlawful nature, notification of the incident to proper law enforcement agencies, i.e., Base Security Police, Sheriff, Police, or Fire Department may occur.

TRESPASSING 

Any student using facilities or present on property without appropriate authorization may be asked to leave.  Suspended students who return to the school grounds will be considered to be trespassing.

SEXUAL HARASSMENT

A pupil who has committed sexual harassment may be suspended or expelled from school.  Forms of sexual harassment include, but are not limited to the following:

1.    Verbal Harassment:  Offensive comments, jokes or slurs, graphic verbal comments about an individual's body and graphic or verbal comments of a sexual nature.

2.    Visual Harassment:  Offensive posters, cards, cartoons, graffiti, drawings, objects or gestures that are designed and intended to embarrass, humiliate or degrade another person.

3.    Physical Harassment:  Unwelcome or offensive touching or impeding or blocking of movement.

INTERNET RULE

Users are to understand that any violations of the provisions of this policy may result in disciplinary action, the revoking of user privilege, suspension from school, expulsion from the district, and/or appropriate legal action.

STUDENT PRIVACY