Gold Rush Charter School Parent and Student Handbook ...

Gold Rush Charter School Parent and Student

Handbook 2019/2020

(All Campuses)

MAIN OFFICE Address: 16331 Hidden Valley Road, Sonora, CA 95370

Phone: (209) 532-9781 Fax: (209) 588-8482 Website: www.goldrushcs.org

Gold Rush Charter School – Parent and Student Handbook pg. 2 of 56

TABLE OF CONTENTS SECTION I: SCHOOL OVERVIEW Principal's Welcome Letter ..............................................................................................................4 Vision/Mission Statement CRCS Song ...........................................................................................5 Site Program Descriptions ...............................................................................................................5 Campus Information ........................................................................................................................6 Staff Contact Sheet ..........................................................................................................................7 Parent/Student Calendar ...................................................................................................................8 Learning Period Calendar ................................................................................................................9 SECTION II: GENERAL STUDENT INFORMATION Academic Honesty .........................................................................................................................10 Admission & Enrollment ...............................................................................................................10 Board Meetings ..............................................................................................................................11 Charter Schools & Religious Instruction .......................................................................................11 Child Find ......................................................................................................................................12 Classroom Environment ................................................................................................................12 Dress Code .....................................................................................................................................12 English Learners ............................................................................................................................13 Field Trips/Driving ........................................................................................................................13 Foster Children and Youth .............................................................................................................14 Forms ............................................................................................................................................14 Fundraisers .....................................................................................................................................15 Gossip ............................................................................................................................................15 Graduation/Promotion Requirements ............................................................................................15 Homeless Students .........................................................................................................................16 Involuntary Removal Process ........................................................................................................17 List of Course Descriptions (Prospectus) ......................................................................................18 Library............................................................................................................................................18 Lost or Damaged School Property .................................................................................................18 Lunch ............................................................................................................................................19 Pupil Records .................................................................................................................................19 Responsibilities of Learning Team Members ................................................................................23 Retention ........................................................................................................................................25 Section 504.....................................................................................................................................25 Signing In/Out ................................................................................................................................25 Technology Use .............................................................................................................................26 Testing............................................................................................................................................26 Transportation ................................................................................................................................27 Visitation and Volunteering/Observation ......................................................................................27 Warning Letter and Warning Letter Plan .......................................................................................27 SECTION III: HEALTH & SAFETY Availability of Health Insurance ....................................................................................................28 Comprehensive School Safety Plan & Emergency Preparedness ..................................................28 Concussions/Head Injuries.............................................................................................................28 Communicable Disease/Parasites ..................................................................................................29 Drug, Alcohol, Smoke-Free Campus .............................................................................................29 Health Screening ............................................................................................................................30 Human Trafficking Prevention ......................................................................................................30


Immunization Information .............................................................................................................31 Medication Administration ............................................................................................................32 Mental Health Services ..................................................................................................................33 Oral Health Assessment .................................................................................................................34 Pregnant and Parenting Students ...................................................................................................34 Safety Drills ...................................................................................................................................35 Sudden Cardiac Arrest and Automated External Defibrillators ....................................................35 Type 2 Disbetes..............................................................................................................................35 Weather Advisory ..........................................................................................................................37 SECTION IV: BEHAVIOR/DISCIPLINE & COMPLAINT PROCEDURES Acceptable and Unacceptable Staff/Student Behavior ..................................................................38 Non-Discrimination Statement ......................................................................................................38 Onsite Behavior .............................................................................................................................39 Open Door/General Complaint Policy ...........................................................................................39 Personal Property of Others ...........................................................................................................40 Public Displays of Affection ..........................................................................................................40 Title IX, Harassment, Intimidation, Discrimination & Bullying ...................................................40 Uniform Complaint Policy and Procedures ...................................................................................41 SECTION V: HIGH SCHOOL/INDEPENDENT STUDY Cal Grant Program Notice .............................................................................................................44 College Entrance Requirements .....................................................................................................44 Community College Requirements ................................................................................................44 Concurrent Enrollment...................................................................................................................44 Drop Off/Pick-Up Policy (Independent Study only) .....................................................................45 Grade Placement (High School) ....................................................................................................45 Grade Reports ................................................................................................................................45 Loitering .........................................................................................................................................45 Non-Classroom Time .....................................................................................................................45 Rules ............................................................................................................................................45 Senior Project .................................................................................................................................46 Standards of Measurement/Equivalent Credit ...............................................................................46 Student Drivers ..............................................................................................................................47 Study Time .....................................................................................................................................47 Support for Struggling Students ....................................................................................................47 Vendors (Independent Study only) ................................................................................................47 Work Permits .................................................................................................................................47 SECTION VI: COUNTRY SCHOOL Drop-off/Pick-up/Parking ..............................................................................................................49 Planners ..........................................................................................................................................49 Rules/Discipline .............................................................................................................................49 SECTION VII: APPENDIX Suspension & Expulsion Policy and Procedures ...........................................................................50


Dear Gold Rush Families,

Welcome back for another great year! There are a few new faces on each campus, so take some time to say “hello” to our new staff members. This Handbook is filled with valuable information that explains our attendance and homework policies. It is important to note that Gold Rush Charter School (“Charter School,” “School,” GRCS,” or “Gold Rush”) is an independent study program, which means that our on-campus students can only do up to 80% of their work at school, and must complete the remaining 20% at home. Therefore, completion of homework and Friday work is not optional, as it counts toward attendance. Our attendance reported to the state is based on the number of days work is completed, so it is important that all work is turned in to the assigned teacher. Gold Rush Charter School operates three (3) programs, our (1) County School, (2) High School, and (3) Independent Study Program. This Handbook governs all three programs:

At our Country School, we are very proud to offer new opportunities for your student to better grow and learn. From robotics to art and sheep shearing to English there is something for everyone.

Our High School just completed a mid-cycle review of our 6-year accreditation. At our High School, we focus on Personalized Learning Plans for each student, and offer the latest in Math curriculum. We also offer plans to help your student get back on track if they have fallen behind in credits with our Credit Recovery Program. Through our program with Columbia College, your student can earn high school and college credits through the Concurrent Enrollment program.

Finally, our Independent Study program offers the support of teachers and school curriculum while earning an education at home. Your assigned teacher will guide your student through the curriculum with weekly appointments.

I sincerely believe in a school that is collaborative in nature, and that it draws on the strengths of all stakeholders in striving toward improving student outcomes. I look forward to working with our students, staff, teachers and parents to have the best year ever at Gold Rush. Sincerely,

Ronald Hamilton Ronald M. Hamilton M.Ed. Executive Director/Principal


VISION STATEMENT

The vision of Gold Rush Charter School is for students to have golden minds of infinite value that never lose their luster. Students will master and appreciate academic and real world skills, and discover possibilities to fulfill their potential in a critical and creative manner in order to

build a better community.

MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of Gold Rush Charter School is to provide a safe, nurturing environment of a free, public, student-centered education where K-12 students feel emotionally and academically

connected in a standards-based education in home school, independent study, or optional class settings in Tuolumne and adjacent counties.

GOLD RUSH S.O.N.G.

(Student Outcomes Needs & Goals) Students will be: Life-long learners

Numerate and Literate Critical and Creative thinkers

Responsible, productive & collaborative

Site/Program Descriptions Gold Rush Charter School operates three (3) programs, our County School, High School, and Independent Study Program:

The Country School is a K-8th grade program with classes held Monday through Thursday, with Friday serving as a home-school day. Country School students enjoy smaller class sizes, technology classes for all grades, and a farm and garden program which enables students to work together to take care of various farm animals and a produce garden. Projects and lessons are based around the farm and garden, with activities ranging from making yarn (starting with shearing the sheep) to creating various dishes from the garden's produce. Our High School is a 9-12th grade program designed to give students a well-rounded education. Classes take place Monday through Thursday and include Math, English, Social Studies, Science, and elective options ranging from Technology, Music/Drama to Spanish. We offer smaller class sizes than traditional public schools, and every student is assigned a teacher to specifically monitor their progress and help them reach their individual goals. Friday serves as a home-school day. Concurrent enrollment at Columbia College is an encouraged option for our students in order to help them jump start their college careers while completing their high school education. The High School has been Western Association of Schools and Colleges (“WASC”) accredited since 2006.


The Credit Recovery Program, as part of the Independent Study program, is designed for High School students who have fallen behind in credits. Under the supervision of an assigned teacher, Credit Recovery is designed to help students recoup credits on a fast-track basis. The Independent Study Program is for K-12th grade students. Many students prefer independent study so they can learn at their own pace and take advantage of many opportunities to enrich their curriculum. Students on independent study are assigned a credentialed teacher who will work with the student and parents to create a Personalized Learning Plan (“PLP”) which will serve as a roadmap over the year. This PLP will establish performance goals, track student progress and identify special assistance or services needed by the student. Curriculum is further enhanced through the options of our various vendors. The Authorizing District of Gold Rush Charter School and all three programs is Summerville Union High School District (“District”).

Campus Information

Country School (Main Office) K-8th

Phone: 209-532-9781 Office Fax: 209-588-8482 16331 Hidden Valley Road

Sonora, CA 95370 Resource Department Fax:

209-588-0045 Registrar’s Office Fax:

209-588-9988

High School Site

Phone: 209-533-8644 Fax: 209-588-8986 19411 Village Drive Sonora, CA 95370

Independent Study Site

Phone: 209-533-8644 Fax: 209-532-0012

19404-19414 Village Drive Sonora, CA 95370


Staff Contact Sheet


Parent/Student Calendar


Learning Period Calendar


SECTION II: GENERAL STUDENT INFORMATION This section contains important information relating to all Gold Rush Charter School students and campuses.

Academic Honesty

Honest behavior is an expectation for all students. Specific types of dishonesty that will not be tolerated include, but are not limited to, plagiarism, forgery, theft, and cheating. Teachers who suspect this type of activity shall report their concerns to the Executive Director/Principal. Any alleged violation of this policy will be investigated thoroughly, and appropriate disciplinary measures will be taken consistent with Academic Honesty Policy. Violation on a school administered national or state examination will result in a code of conduct violation. For full descriptions of dishonest behavior and details, please see the Academic Honesty Policy #306 on the GRCS website under the heading “resources” and “policies/reports.” Admission & Enrollment GRCS shall admit all pupils who wish to attend GRCS. No test or assessment shall be administered to students prior to acceptance and enrollment into GRCS. GRCS complies with the minimum and the maximum age for public school attendance in charter schools. As an independent study charter school, GRCS may only enroll students who reside in Tuolumne County and adjacent counties. (Alpine, Calaveras, Madera, Mariposa, Merced, Mono, and Stanislaus.) All prospective students and their parents or guardians must complete an enrollment packet before admission. Applications will be accepted during a publicly advertised open enrollment period each year for enrollment in the following school year. In the event that applications for a certain grade exceed the number of available slots for that grade, GRCS will hold a public random drawing to determine admission for the impacted grade level(s), with the exception of existing students, who are guaranteed admission in the following school year if they submit a completed enrollment application during the Open Enrollment period. Admission preferences, in the case of a public random drawing, shall be given to the following students in the following order:

1. Siblings of enrolled students 2. Residents of the Summerville Union High School District 3. All other applicants

At the conclusion of the public random drawing, all students who were not granted admission due to capacity shall be given the option to put their name on a wait list according to their draw in the lottery. All guidelines concerning enrollment and the public random drawing are laid out in full in the GRCS Charter which is available at the main office.


Gold Rush is a K-12 public school. We are supported by your tax dollars and do not charge tuition. Admission to the Gold Rush Charter School will require a commitment from both the students and parents to the goals and vision of this charter. All prospective students and their parents or guardians must complete an application form before admission. Following admission, the enrollment packet includes:

1. Student application form 2. Home Language Survey 3. Proof of Immunization 4. Completion of Emergency Medical Information Form 5. Proof of minimum age requirements, e.g. birth certificate 6. Release of records 7. Reduced Lunch Form 8. Covered California form.

It is important to realize that a student cannot be concurrently enrolled in two schools, public or private. The only exception is for college classes taken by high school students which have been approved by the teacher.

Administration and staff of Gold Rush Charter School believe in honoring the dignity of all human beings. Because of that belief, we do not discriminate in our hiring or enrollment practices on the basis of race, gender, age, religion, ethnic or national origin, disability or sexual orientation.

To complete the enrollment process, students must fully complete the enrollment application and submit additional criteria as noted on the application. Students wishing to enroll in Kindergarten must be 5 years old by September 1st. Those wishing to enroll in an on-campus program must also meet all immunization requirements (see Immunization Requirements above). Transitional Kindergarten will be offered for students who turn five (5) years old between September 2nd and December 2nd in the current school year. For additional information, a copy of the GRCS Transitional Kindergarten Policy #328 can be requested at the main office and a copy of the Gold Rush Charter School enrollment requirements are listed within the Charter which can also be requested at the main office. Board Meetings Board meetings are held the 3rd Thursday of each month at the Independent Suite Conference Room located at 19410 Village Drive, Sonora, CA 95370. The meetings are open to the public, and parents and staff are welcome to attend. Board agendas and minutes are posted on the GRCS website (goldrushcs.org) pursuant to legal notice requirement.

Charter Schools & Religious Instruction

In order to avoid confusion about the use of religious materials in home-based education, applying the following guidelines will help ensure that GRCS is operating lawfully, and with maximum respect for individual rights:


1. Parents have the Constitutional right to teach any subject and use any materials they think are appropriate when teaching their own children on their own time. However, public school resources may not be used nor may public school credit be awarded for religious purposes.

2. GRCS is not permitted to purchase, provide, or reimburse parents for materials containing religious content for a student or for any other purpose.

3. GRCS curriculum, staff, and instruction cannot undertake the promotion or advocacy of any religion.

4. Religious texts may be used only for standards-aligned literature, history and comparative religions, but not for purposes of proselytizing or providing religious instruction.

5. Any time spent on religious instruction, as determined by GRCS, will not be used to generate attendance or course credit.

6. If parents or students have any questions regarding this policy, they should contact the Executive Director/Principal before commencing instruction.

Child Find

We are dedicated to the belief that all students can learn and must be guaranteed equal opportunity to become contributing members of the academic environment and society. The GRCS provides special education instruction and related services in accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities in Education Improvement Act (“IDEA”), Education Code requirements, and applicable policies and procedures of the Tuolumne County Office of Education. These services are available for special education students enrolled at GRCS. We offer high quality educational programs and services for all our students in accordance with the assessed needs of each student. The GRCS collaborates with parents, the student, teachers, and other agencies, as may be indicated, in order to appropriately serve the educational needs of each student. Pursuant to the IDEA and relevant state law, the Charter School is responsible for identifying, locating, and evaluating children enrolled at the Charter School with known or suspected disabilities to determine whether a need for special education and related services exists. This includes children with disabilities who are homeless or foster youth. The Charter School shall not deny nor discourage any student from enrollment solely due to a disability. If you believe your child may be eligible for special education services, please contact Ron Hamilton at 209-532-9781.

Classroom Environment

At Gold Rush Charter School, we believe in providing a rich and relaxing, yet stimulating environment in which students can learn. To that end, teachers may engage various forms of stimulation and experience, including, but not limited to, decorations, class pets, music played in class, etc.

Dress Code

Students must exercise good judgment in their choice of clothing for school or school-related activities by always appearing in a manner:

That must be appropriate to the situation. Wearing clothes that are clean and in good repair (not ripped or full of holes).


That must invoke a positive impression from the community. That promotes a learning environment that is free from unnecessary disruption. That is conducive to high student performance.

Undergarments must be worn at all times with any style of outfit. Hair must be clean and neat in appearance. Cologne or perfumes should be in moderation with consideration of others. Items that are not acceptable in school, include, but are not limited to, the following:

Sunglasses and / or hats (depending on the setting). Head coverings may be worn for religious observance.

Skirts, shorts and dresses shorter than mid-thigh. Sundresses with bare backs and / or shoulders. Underwear as outerwear. Inappropriately sheer, tight, or short clothing (more than 4 inches above the knee). Garments that inappropriately bare or expose traditionally private parts of the body

including, but not limited to, the stomach, buttocks, back and breasts (i.e. “midriffs”, halter tops, backless clothing, “tube” tops, garments made of fishnet, mesh or similar material, tank tops, “muscle” tops, spaghetti straps, etc.).

Baggy clothing such as sagging pants that reveal underwear Any clothing, paraphernalia, grooming, jewelry, hair coloring, accessories, or body

adornments that contain advertisement, symbols, words, slogans, patches, or pictures that are sexually suggestive, that are drug, tobacco, or alcohol-related, or that are obscene, profane, vulgar, or lewd.

Any clothing, paraphernalia, grooming, jewelry, accessories, or body adornments that are in any way disruptive or potentially disruptive to the learning environment or that pose a threat or potential threat to the safety or welfare of any person.

In the instance of a dress code violation, the student shall be issued a GRCS shirt to wear until the end of the day. If wearing the shirt does not fix the problem, then the parent/guardian will be called to bring a change of clothes. If it is determined that the student is changing clothes after arriving at school, the parent will be notified. English Learners The Charter School is committed to the success of its English Learners and support will be offered both within academic classes and in supplemental settings for students who need additional support for English language learning. The Charter School will meet all applicable legal requirements for English Learners as they pertain to annual notification to parents, student identification, placement, program options, English Learners and core content instruction, teacher qualifications and training, reclassification to fluent English proficient status, monitoring and evaluating program effectiveness, and standardized testing requirements. The Charter School will implement policies to assure proper placement, evaluation, and communication regarding English Learners and the rights of students and parents. Field Trips/Driving All students attending a field trip must have a completed permission form on file for each field trip that the student will be attending. Failure to do so may disqualify the student from participation.


The Charter School shall provide an alternative educational experience for students whose parents/guardians do not wish them to participate in a trip. GRCS may charge a fee for field trips and excursions pursuant to section 35330 of the Education Code. However, GRCS will endeavor to keep the costs of any field trips affordable for all students’ families. In addition, parents or guardians of students may help defray the field trip and excursion costs through voluntary donations. In no event will a student be prevented from participating in the field trip or excursion due to lack of sufficient funds. In accordance with Education Code section 35330(b), GRCS will coordinate the efforts of community service groups (including parents or guardians of other students) to supply funds for students in need. Students who may have financial difficulty should be directed to Administration. In the event that a parent/guardian has paid field trips costs, and then requests a refund, the request may be denied if the School has already paid the venue and/or purchased tickets for that parent’s and/or student’s participation. If the School has not yet paid for the student and/or parent to attend, a refund may be given with Administrator approval. Only staff, students, and selected chaperones are allowed on the bus or other school-provided transportation. These restrictions apply to overnight field trips as well. Any possible exceptions to this must be approved by Administration. Volunteers and chaperones must have a tuberculosis risk assessment on file. Chaperones are not to engage in any activities that are not school-appropriate, including drinking, smoking, public displays of affection, and other behaviors described in the Volunteer Agreement. For additional information, a full copy of the GRCS’ Volunteer, Visitor, and Removal Policy and the Field Trips & Excursions Policy can be requested at the main office. Foster Children and Youth The Charter School has adopted a policy governing the education of foster youth, consistent with state and federal law. A copy of the complete Policy is available upon request at the main office.

Forms

Most of the forms you will be asked to complete are self-explanatory, however we are including a brief explanation of two of the key documents.

- Master Agreement - This is a binding contract between the parent, student, assigned teacher and GRCS. This briefly outlines the responsibilities of each party.

- Reduced Lunch Program - State and federal governments use free lunch eligibility as a means of identifying either added funds or to compare our School with other schools for academic purposes. Please fill out this form regardless of whether or not you think you will qualify and regardless of whether or not you have a need for breakfast or lunch assistance. This information is confidential and will not be shared with unauthorized personnel. The Reduced Lunch Program form is located at each site office.


Fundraisers From time to time, a specific class or group may decide to hold a fundraiser to raise money for a specific cause (class trip, etc.). All monies collected shall be turned in to the office and shall be considered property of the GRCS. Money raised through fundraising cannot be given to a student or parent for personal use. Funds raised over the goal amount shall be kept as property of GRCS and used for student-related activities.

Gossip

Gold Rush Charter School asks all students and parents to refrain from engaging in gossip, particularly when it comes to a school-related issue or something that involves a student, parent, or staff member. If you find yourself pulled in to an inappropriate discussion, please direct all parties involved to take their grievances to a teacher, staff member, or to administration (see “Open Door” section below).

Graduation/Promotion Requirements and Graduation Ceremony

Absolutely no students will participate in the graduation ceremony who have not completed all of the graduation requirements. It is the responsibility of the assigned teacher to notify any students that may be in danger of not graduating of the requirements not yet met, and to establish a plan, if possible, for completion. 8th Grade In order to graduate and be promoted to High School, all 8th grade students must have:

Completed 80% of the assigned work with 70% mastery (average percentage of all classes).

Passed the Constitution Test. High School In order to graduate High School, all 12th grade students must have:

Completed all credits required for either the Bronze, Silver or Gold diploma. Completed 80% of the assigned work with 70% mastery (average percentage of all

classes). Completed the Senior Project requirements.

8th Grade: The Valedictorian will be awarded to the highest GPA earned The Salutatorian will be awarded to the second highest GPA earned Each student must have attended GRCS for their entire 8th grade year to be eligible Each student must have passed their Constitution Test to be eligible High School: The Valedictorian will be awarded to the highest GPA earned The Salutatorian will be awarded to the second highest GPA earned Each student must have attended GRCS for their entire senior year to be eligible


Each student must have completed all of the GRCS graduating requirements for their specific diploma to be eligible

Students who are “Early Completers” may qualify for the Valedictorian/Salutatorian as long as they have been with GRCS for the full school year and have met the other requirements. (An Early Completer is a student who finishes all course work prior to the end of the current school year.)

Homeless Students

The term “homeless children and youth” means individuals who lack a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence due to economic hardship. It includes children and youths who (42 U.S.C. § 11434a):

1. Are sharing the housing of other persons due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason; are living in motels, hotels, trailer parks or camping grounds due to the lack of alternative adequate accommodations; are living in emergency or transitional shelters; or are abandoned in hospitals;

2. Have a primary nighttime residence that is a public or private place not designed for or ordinarily used as regular sleeping accommodations for human beings;

3. Are living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations, or similar settings; and

4. Migratory children and unaccompanied youth (youth not in the physical custody of a parent or guardian) may be considered homeless if they meet the above definition of “homeless.”

Homeless status is determined in cooperation with the parent or guardian. In the case of unaccompanied youth, status is determined by the School Liaison. School Liaison: The Executive Director/Principal or designee designates the following staff person as the School Liaison for homeless students (42 U.S.C. § 11432(g)(1)(J)(ii) & (e)(3)(C)(i)(IV)):

Ron Hamilton Executive Director/Principal Gold Rush Charter School 16331 Hidden Valley Rd. Sonora, Ca 95370 (209) 532-9781

The School Liaison shall ensure that (42 U.S.C. § 11432(g)(6)): 1. Homeless students are identified by school personnel and through coordination activities with

other entities and agencies. 2. Homeless students enroll in, and have a full and equal opportunity to succeed at GRCS. 3. Homeless students and families receive educational services for which they are eligible,

including services through Head Start programs (including Early Head Start programs) under the Head Start Act, early intervention services under part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, any other preschool programs administered by GRCS, if any, and referrals to


health care services, dental services, mental health services and substance abuse services, housing services, and other appropriate services.

4. Parents/guardians are informed of the educational and related opportunities available to their children and are provided with meaningful opportunities to participate in the education of their children.

5. Public notice of the educational rights of homeless children is disseminated at places frequented by parents or guardians of such youths, and unaccompanied youths, including schools, shelters, public libraries, and soup kitchens, and in a manner and form understandable to the parents and guardians of homeless youth and unaccompanied youth.

2. Enrollment/admissions disputes are mediated in accordance with law, GRCS, and Board policy.

3. Parents/guardians and any unaccompanied youth are fully informed of all transportation services, as applicable.

4. School personnel providing services receive professional development and other support. 5. The School Liaison collaborates with State coordinators and community and school personnel

responsible for the provision of education and related services to homeless children and youths. 6. Unaccompanied youth are enrolled in school; have opportunities to meet the same challenging

State academic standards as the State establishes for other children and youth; and are informed of their status as independent students under section 480 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 and that the youths may obtain assistance from the School Liaison to receive verification of such status for the purposes of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid described in section 483 of the Act.

For any homeless student who enrolls at the School, a copy of the School’s complete policy shall be provided at the time of enrollment.. A copy of the complete Policy is available upon request at the main office. Involuntary Removal Process No student shall be involuntarily removed by the Charter School for any reason unless the parent or guardian of the student has been provided written notice of intent to remove the student no less than five (5) schooldays before the effective date of the action (“Involuntary Removal Notice”). The written notice shall be in the native language of the student or the student’s parent or guardian or, if the student is a foster child or youth or a homeless child or youth, the student’s educational rights holder. The Involuntary Removal Notice shall include the charges against the student and an explanation of the student’s basic rights including the right to request a hearing before the effective date of the action. The hearing shall be consistent with the Charter School’s expulsion procedures. If the student’s parent, guardian, or educational rights holder requests a hearing, the student shall remain enrolled and shall not be removed until the Charter School issues a final decision. As used herein, “involuntarily removed” includes disenrolled, dismissed, transferred, or terminated, but does not include suspensions or expulsions pursuant to the Charter School’s suspension and expulsion policy. Upon parent/guardian request for a hearing, the Charter School will provide notice of hearing consistent with its expulsion hearing process, through which the student has a fair opportunity to


present testimony, evidence, and witnesses and confront and cross-examine adverse witnesses, and at which the student has the right to bring legal counsel or an advocate. The notice of hearing shall be in the native language of the student or the student’s parent or guardian or, if the student is a foster child or youth or a homeless child or youth, the student’s educational rights holder and shall include a copy of the Charter School’s expulsion hearing process. If the parent/guardian is nonresponsive to the Involuntary Removal Notice, the Student will be disenrolled as of the effective date set forth in the Involuntary Removal Notice. If parent/guardian requests a hearing and does not attend on the date scheduled for the hearing the Student will be disenrolled effective the date of the hearing. If as a result of the hearing the student is disenrolled, notice will be sent to the student’s last known district of residence within thirty (30) days. A hearing decision not to disenroll the student does not prevent the Charter School from making a similar recommendation in the future should student truancy continue or re-occur. List of Course Descriptions (Prospectus) The descriptions and instructional aims of every course offered by GRCS are available upon request. Please note that, pursuant to law, the Charter School may charge for the prospectus in an amount not to exceed the cost of duplication.

Library

Students from all sites may utilize the items in the Country School library for school projects or personal reading. Not all items are available to be checked out and taken home. By checking out an item from the library, the student and the student’s family assume responsibility for that item. For additional information, please request a copy of the GRCS Material and Return Policy #300 at the main office.

Lost or Damaged School Property If a student willfully damages GRCS’s property or the personal property of a GRCS employee, or fails to return a textbook, library book, computer/tablet or other GRCS property that has been loaned to the student, the student’s parents/guardians are liable for all damages caused by the student’s misconduct not to exceed ten thousand dollars ($10,000), adjusted annually for inflation. After notifying the student’s parent or guardian in writing of the student’s alleged misconduct and affording the student due process, GRCS may withhold the student’s grades, transcripts, and diploma until the damages have been paid. If the student and the student’s parent/guardian are unable to pay for the damages or to return the property, GRCS will provide a program of voluntary work for the minor in lieu of the payment of monetary damages. Upon completion of the voluntary work, the student’s grades and diploma will be released.

For additional information, the Material and Return Policy #300 may be requested at the main office.


Lunch

All students are encouraged to bring healthy, substantial lunches to school every day, including a snack for break time. Sugary items such as candy, sodas, etc. are not encouraged. Microwaves are available for hot items, but use is very limited, so please send such items sparingly. Students may also utilize on-campus foods and snacks available. If a student comes to school without a lunch, the parent will receive a phone call from the school office. A pattern of missed lunches will result in a meeting with the teacher and/or Administration. GRCS does not participate in the National School Lunch Program. However, pursuant to California Law, the Charter School will provide each student who meets federal eligibility criteria for free and reduced-price meals with at least one free or reduced-price, nutritionally adequate meal per school day. Applications for free or reduced-price meals are included in the first day packets to all families and can also be obtained on the Charter School website and in the main office. All families are encouraged to complete the application form in order to include as many eligible students as possible. Completed application forms can be returned to the main office. Regarding lunch provided for independent study students, Charter School will provide each student who meets federal eligibility criteria for free and reduced-price meals with at least one free or reduced-price, nutritionally adequate meal per each school day on which the eligible student is scheduled for two or more hours of educational activities at a school site, resource center, meeting space or other satellite facility operated by the Charter School. Freshmen, Sophomore, and Junior students may not leave campus for lunch. Seniors may leave the campus for lunch (with permission from parents if under eighteen (18) and should sign out at the office when leaving and sign in upon return. By signing the signature page on the back of this handbook, students and parents/guardians acknowledge and accept these restrictions and allowances.

Pupil Records, including Challenges and Directory Information

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (“FERPA”) affords parents and students who are 18 years of age or older (“eligible students”) certain rights with respect to the student’s education records. These rights are:

1. The right to inspect and review the student's education records within 5 business days after the day the School receives a request for access. Parents or eligible students should submit to the School Executive Director/Principal or designee a written request that identifies the records they wish to inspect. The School official will make arrangements for access and


notify the parent or eligible student of the time and place where the records may be inspected.

2. The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the parent or eligible student believes are inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights under FERPA.

Parents or eligible students who wish to ask the School to amend a record should write the School Executive Director/Principal or designee, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed and specify why it should be changed. If the School decides not to amend the record as requested by the parent or eligible student, the School will notify the parent or eligible student of the decision and of their right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the parent or eligible student when notified of the right to a hearing. If the Charter School decides to amend the record as requested by the parent or eligible student, the Executive Director/Principal must order the correction or the removal and destruction of the information and inform the parent or eligible student of the amendment in writing.

3. The right to provide written consent before the School discloses personally identifiable information (“PII”) from the student's education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.

One exception, which permits disclosure without consent, is disclosure to School officials with legitimate educational interests. A School official is a person employed by the School as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff member (including health or medical staff and law enforcement unit personnel) or a person serving on the School board. A School official also may include a volunteer or contractor outside of the School who performs an institutional service of function for which the School would otherwise use its own employees and who is under the direct control of the school with respect to the use and maintenance of PII from education records, such as an attorney, auditor, medical consultant, or therapist; a parent or student volunteering to serve on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee; or a parent, student, or other volunteer assisting another School official in performing his or her tasks. A School official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility.

Upon request, the School discloses education records without consent to officials of another school district in which a student seeks or intends to enroll, or is already enrolled, if the disclosure is for purposes of the student’s enrollment or transfer.

Note that GRCS will not release information to third parties for immigration-enforcement purposes, except as required by law or court order.

4. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged

failures by the School to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA are:


Family Policy Compliance Office U.S. Department of Education

400 Maryland Avenue, SW Washington, DC 20202

5. The right to request that the Charter School not release student names, addresses and

telephone listings to military recruiters or institutions of higher education without prior written parental consent.

FERPA permits the disclosure of PII from student’s education records, without consent of the parent or eligible student, if the disclosure meets certain conditions found in §99.31 of the FERPA regulations. Except for disclosures to School officials, disclosures related to some judicial orders or lawfully issued subpoenas, disclosures of directory information, and disclosures to the parent or eligible student, §99.32 of the FERPA regulations requires the School to record the disclosure. Parents and eligible students have a right to inspect and review the record of disclosures. A School may disclose PII from the education records of a student without obtaining prior written consent of the parents or the eligible student —

1. Charter School officials who have a legitimate educational interest as defined by 34 C.F.R. Part 99;

2. Other schools to which a student seeks or intends to enroll so long as the disclosure is for purposes related to the student’s enrollment or transfer. When a student transfers schools, the Charter School will mail the original or a copy of a student’s cumulative file to the receiving district or private school within ten (10) school days following the date the request is received from the public school or private school where the pupil intends to enroll. Charter School will make a reasonable attempt to notify the parent or eligible student of the request for records at his/her last known address, unless the disclosure is initiated by the parent or eligible student. Additionally, Charter School will give the parent or eligible student, upon request, a copy of the record that was disclosed and give the parent or eligible student, upon request, an opportunity for hearing pursuant to Section (IV)(3) above;

3. Certain government officials listed in 20 U.S.C. § 1232g(b)(1) in order to carry out lawful functions;

4. Appropriate parties in connection with a student’s application for, or receipt of, financial aid if it is necessary to determine eligibility, amount of aid, conditions for aid or enforcing the terms and conditions of the aid;

5. Organizations conducting certain studies for the Charter School in accordance with 20 U.S.C. § 1232g(b)(1)(F);

6. Accrediting organizations in order to carry out their accrediting functions; 7. Parents of a dependent student as defined in section 152 of the Internal Revenue Code of

1986; 8. Individuals or entities, in compliance with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena.

Subject to the exceptions found in 34 C.F.R. § 99.31(a)(9)(i), reasonable effort must be made to notify the parent or eligible student of the order or subpoena in advance of compliance, so that the parent or eligible student may seek a protective order;

9. Persons who need to know in cases of health and safety emergencies; 10. State and local authorities, within a juvenile justice system, pursuant to specific State law; 11. A foster family agency with jurisdiction over a currently enrolled or former student, a short-

term residential treatment program staff responsible for the education or case management of a student, and a caregiver (regardless of whether the caregiver has been appointed as the


pupil’s educational rights holder) who has direct responsibility for the care of the student, including a certified or licensed foster parent, an approved relative or nonrelated extended family member, or a resource family, may access the current or most recent records of grades, transcripts, attendance, discipline, and online communication on platforms established by Charter School for student and parents, and any individualized education program (“IEP”) or Section 504 plan that may have been developed or maintained by Charter School; and/or

12. A victim of an alleged perpetrator of a crime of violence or a non-forcible sex offense. The disclosure may only include the final results of the disciplinary proceedings conducted by Charter School with respect to that alleged crime or offense. Charter School discloses the final results of the disciplinary proceeding regardless of whether Charter School concluded a violation was committed.

“Directory Information” is information that is generally not considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if released. Directory information can be disclosed to outside organizations without a parent’s prior written consent. Outside organizations include, but are not limited to, companies that manufacture class rings or publish year books and education or charter school advocacy groups. The School has designated the following information as directory information:

1. Student’s name

2. Student’s address

3. Parent’s/guardian’s address

4. Telephone listing

5. Student’s electronic mail address

6. Parent’s/guardian’s electronic mail address

7. Photograph

8. Date and place of birth

9. Dates of attendance

10. Grade level

11. Weight and height of members of athletic teams

12. Degrees, honors, and awards received

13. The most recent educational agency or institution attended

14. Student ID number, user ID, or other unique personal identified used to communicate in electronic systems that cannot be used to access education records without a PIN, password, etc. (A student’s social security number, in whole or in part, cannot be used for this purpose.)


15. Participation in officially recognized activities and sports.

If you do not want the School to disclose directory information from your child’s education records without your prior written consent, you must notify the School in writing at the time of enrollment or re-enrollment. Please notify the Executive Director/Principal at:

Ronald Hamilton Executive Director/Principal Gold Rush Charter School 16331 Hidden Valley Rd. Sonora, Ca 95370 (209) 532-9781

A copy of the complete Policy is available upon request at the main office.

Responsibilities of Learning Team Members

As we’ve noted already, we will be working as a team to help you learn and grow. Everyone on the team must do their part for success! We will take the next few pages to talk about the responsibilities of each team member.

Teacher Responsibilities

A. The teacher will work with the parent and student to create a Personalized Learning

Plan (“PLP”) that is aligned to the State Standards. Adjustments will be made as the year goes on.

B. Schedule and Analyze Intake Assessment a. Computer tests b. Review of the cumulative files c. Student work

C. Develop Educational Objectives a. Learning the subject matter identified as appropriate for the grade level b. For high school, that will mean developing a plan for graduating

D. Advise on appropriate: a. Classes b. Texts / study materials c. Vendors (Independent Study only) d. Tutoring / study hall

E. Inform the student about available resources a. Public library b. School library c. Internet d. Online courses e. Advanced placement (“AP”) courses f. Community College enrollment

F. Score / evaluate work a. Score tests / homework as needed b. Assign grades


c. Provide progress evaluation d. Record keeping

i. Attendance reporting ii. Student files for audit

e. Some teachers may elect to post student grades online (check with teacher) G. Setup meetings / arrange as needed

a. Schedule regular meetings with student and parent b. Student Study Team (“SST”) meetings c. Attend individual education plan (“IEP”) meetings

Parental Responsibilities

B. Record keeping

a. Forms i. Sign Master Agreement

ii. Student assignments iii. Sign student learning logs (for Independent Study students only)

C. Attend weekly / monthly meetings with teacher (Independent Study) D. Provide supervision and transportation for student E. Ensure student test preparation / participation F. Parental help:

a. Cooperate with teachers/instructors G. Parental resources

a. Provide computer / internet access, if possible or as available. b. Books / library access c. Publications (enrichment)

H. School equipment utilization policy a. Parents will be billed for property damage caused by their student’s willful

vandalism or destruction b. Intentional property damage may lead to expulsion in alignment with the GRCS’s

Suspension and Expulsion Policy. c. Students are not allowed to eat or drink while working on computers d. Students may only use computers under the direct supervision of a staff member

Student Responsibilities

A. Come to meetings and classes with assignments complete B. Fill in Student Learning Log (calendar - with teacher or parent signature, Independent

Study) C. Bring work samples to meetings (if on Independent Study) D. Attend California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (“CAASPP”) tests

– unless GRCS receives a Parent request to excuse the student. E. Students are not allowed to eat or drink while working on computers F. Students may only use computers under the direct supervision of a staff member G. Comply with all GRCS policies, rules, and regulations


School Responsibilities

A. Student / Parent Help If a student needs additional help, do not hesitate to call your teacher/instructor or someone in Administration. We are here to help. You may also find useful information at our website www.goldrushcs.org. B. Evaluation and Grading Mastery of the subject is the goal for every student at every grade level. Not all students learn all subjects at the same speed. Mastery is defined as completing 80% of the assigned work with 70% mastery (average percentage of all classes). Mastery of a subject may be demonstrated by testing, work samples, projects, interviews, or other methods appropriate to the subject. C. Materials/Supplies Gold Rush Charter School will provide students with curriculum which satisfies the mandated California State Standards. Gold Rush Charter School does not send home teacher editions of textbooks. Retention Students shall be considered for retention on an individual basis. Teachers who are considering retaining a student should consult with the Executive Director/Principal before contacting the parent/guardian. The Executive Director/Principal shall then work with the teacher to schedule a Student Success Team (“SST”) meeting with the parent/guardian to discuss GRCS’ concerns and proposed interventions. Please refer to Student Retention and Promotion Policy #327 on our website (goldrushcs.org).

Section 504

GRCS recognizes its legal responsibility to ensure that no qualified person with a disability shall, on the basis of disability, be excluded from participation, be denied the benefits of, or otherwise subjected to discrimination under any program of GRCS. Any student who has an objectively identified disability which substantially limits a major life activity, including, but not limited to learning, is eligible for accommodations by GRCS. The parent of any student suspected of needing or qualifying for accommodations under Section 504 may make a referral for an evaluation to the Executive Director/Principal. A copy of the GRCS’ Section 504 policies and procedures is available upon request and on the GRCS website.

Signing In/Out The student sign-in/out sheet is only to be used for students who arrive after the start of the normal school day, or who leave before the end of the school day. Students may only be picked up by those authorized on the emergency form.


Technology Use School Devices All students must have a completed “Information Technology Use Permission Form” on file in order to participate in Tech Class. Additionally, all computers and technology, including tablets, must be used only under the direct supervision of a staff member, and for school-related purposes only. Food and drinks are not allowed while using Gold Rush Charter School technology. Students who willfully damage any Gold Rush Charter School technology will be responsible for the cost of repairing the item or its value at the time of its loss, whichever is less, and may face punishment up to expulsion. Students are not permitted to use Gold Rush Charter School technology for non-academic use, including but not limited to playing music or videos. Inappropriate use of GRCS technology may result in punishment up to expulsion. Please refer to Technology Policy #307 on the GRCS website under the heading “resources” and “policies/reports” and the “Technology Use Permission Form” which is located at the main office. Student Devices

Country School - Electronics such as MP3 players, cell phones, etc. are not to be used by students without teacher permission, including during break times such as recess or lunch. If a student is using a personal device without teacher permission, they will first receive a warning to put it away. Failure to do so will result in the confiscation of the device for the remainder of the day. Continued instances of unauthorized use will result in confiscation of the device, and the device will be given to the Executive Director/Principal. This may warrant a meeting between the student and/or parent and the Executive Director/Principal. Personal devices may occasionally be used in the classroom with the express authorization and supervision of the teacher.

High School - Cell phones/electronic devices must be in backpacks/lockers during class. School or personal computers may not be used without teacher permission and supervision. Failure to adhere to these rules may result in confiscation of the device. Continued defiance may result in a meeting with the Dean of Students and/or the Executive Director/Principal.

Testing Throughout the year students will participate in various forms of testing and assessment, depending on grade, site, etc.

CAASPP - Students in grades 3-8 and 11 will take two Math tests (a Math Computer-Adaptive Test and a Math Performance Task) as well as two English Language Arts (ELA) tests (an ELA Computer-Adaptive Test and an ELA Performance Task. CAASPP testing takes place in the Spring. Students in grades 5, 8 and 12 will participate in Science testing as well. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a parent’s or guardian’s written request to the Executive Director/Principal or designee to excuse his or her child from any or all parts of this state assessment shall be granted.

Physical Fitness Testing - Students in grades 5, 7, and 9 will participate in a Physical Fitness Test in the Spring.


Renaissance - All students will take a Math and Reading Renaissance assessment test during intake and learning periods 6 and 10. Ninth graders must take a second assessment in Math within 30 days of enrollment per the Implementing the California Math Placement Act of 2015. Please refer to the Math Placement Policy #323 on our website (goldrushcs.org).

Transportation Gold Rush Charter School does not provide transportation to and from school. Parents/Guardians are responsible to see that their student has a viable means of transportation to and from school each day which allows them to be dropped off and picked up in a timely fashion. Upon registration, the Charter School is required to provide safety regulations to all kindergarten through sixth (6th) grade new students and students who have not previously been transported by school bus. Additionally, the Charter School must also provide safety instruction to all students in kindergarten through eight (8th) grade who receive home-to-school transportation. A copy of the complete Policy is available upon request at the main office. Visitation and Volunteering/Observation All visitors who will be on campus during regular school hours must sign in at the front desk and receive a visitor’s badge. The visitor badge must be worn visibly while on campus, and must be returned upon signing out. The sign-in/out sheet is located on the front counter of the office and should contain fields for name, date, reason for visit, and time in and out. Those wishing to volunteer on a site campus must fill out the required paperwork and must be approved by Administration before volunteering. Volunteers must be over the age of 18, unless previously arranged with Administration. All those wishing to volunteer must sign and return the Volunteer Agreement which is located on the website (goldrushcs.org) under the heading “resources” and “parent resources” and must adhere to the GRCS dress code. Volunteers should not bring with them any children that are not enrolled at GRCS. Volunteers must be under the supervision of a staff member at all times. Those wishing to observe a classroom must make an appointment to do so. For additional information, a full copy of the GRCS’ Volunteer, Visitor, and Removal Policy can be requested at the main office.

Warning Letter and Warning Letter Plan

● Warning Letter - When a student misses an appointment and fails to submit work, or if

they fail to meet the minimum requirement of eighty percent (80%) completion of work at a seventy percent (70%) mastery, they are sent a forty-eight (48) hour warning letter. Teachers must submit a copy of the warning letter to the Executive Director/Principal. Students have forty-eight (48) business hours from the time the letter is postmarked to schedule an appointment with the assigned teacher.

● Warning Letter Plan – If the student schedules an appointment with the assigned teacher regarding his or her missed appointment and/or lack of completed work, the teacher will use the Warning Letter Plan to document the steps that must be taken by the student to get


back on track. The teacher, parent and student must sign the form. Once the Warning Letter Plan is completed, the assigned teacher should make a copy for themselves, a copy to be given to the student/parent, copy to be submitted to the Main Office, and a copy to the Registrar.

SECTION III: HEALTH AND SAFETY Availability of Health Insurance Children—regardless of immigration status (foster youth, pregnant women, and legally present individuals, including those with deferred action for childhood arrivals [“DACA”] status) may be eligible for no- or low-cost Medi-Cal insurance. Medi-Cal covers immunizations, checkups, specialists, vision and dental services, and more for children and youth at no- or low-cost. Medi-Cal enrollment is available year-round. Covered California is where legal residents of California can compare quality health plans and choose the one that works best for them. Based on income and family size, many Californians may qualify for financial assistance. Enroll during Open Enrollment or any time you experience a life-changing event, like losing your job or having a baby. You have sixty (60) days from the event to complete enrollment. Information regarding the availability of insurance is provided with enrollment forms and available at: http://hbex.coveredca.com/toolkit/PDFs/ALL_IN_Flyer_EnrollGetCareRenew_CC.pdf The Charter School shall not discriminate against a pupil who does not have health care coverage or use any information relating to a pupil’s health care coverage or interest in learning about health care coverage in any manner that would bring harm to the pupil or the pupil’s family.

Comprehensive School Safety Plan and Emergency Preparedness The Charter School has established a Comprehensive School Safety Plan. The Plan is available upon request at the main office.

Concussion/Head Injuries A concussion is a brain injury that can be caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head, or by a blow to another part of the body with the force transmitted to the head. Even though most concussions are mild, all concussions are potentially serious and may result in complications including prolonged brain damage and death if not recognized and managed properly. Because GRCS has elected to offer an athletic program, we must immediately remove from a school-sponsored athletic activity for the remainder of the day an athlete who is suspected of sustaining a concussion or head injury during that activity. The athlete may not return to that activity until he or she is evaluated by, and receives written clearance from, a licensed health care provider. If the licensed health care provider determines the athlete has a concussion or head injury, the athlete shall also complete a graduated return-to-play protocol of no less than 7 days in duration under the supervision of a licensed health care provider. On a yearly basis, a concussion and head injury information sheet


must be signed and returned by the athlete and the athlete’s parent or guardian before the athlete initiates practice or competition. This requirement does not apply to an athlete engaging in an athletic activity during the regular school day or as part of a physical education course.

This information sheet is included in the Sports Participant Packet on the GRCS website at: http://goldrushcs.com/sites/default/files/GRCS%20Sports%20Packet%2018-19.pdfI

Communicable Disease/Parasites Students will be sent to the office for examination and may be sent home upon suspicion of any of the following:

Chicken Pox – is a viral disease which may start with a slight fever, symptoms of “not feeling well”, and/or a skin rash/lesions. Students with chicken pox shall be excluded from school for at least one week after the appearance of lesions or until all of the sores have dried and crusted.

Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease – is a viral disease characterized by sore throat, fever, painful rash in the mouth and/or rash on the hands and feet. Infected students shall be excluded from school until lesions are gone and student is fever-free for 24 hours.

Lice – is an infestation of the head with live adult lice and nits (eggs) which result in severe itching. If live head lice are found, the student shall be sent home at the end of the school day to be treated by the student’s family. The student may return to school when reexamination by the nurse or designee shows that all live head lice has been removed.

Pink Eye – results in tears, pain, redness of the eye(s) with a yellow discharge; eyelashes stuck together on awakening, and may be followed by sensitivity to light and have swelling around the eye. Students shall be excluded until symptom-free. Students placed on medication are usually excluded for a period of 24 hours after starting treatment.

Poison Oak/Ivy –Affected students will not automatically be excluded from school simply on the basis of having a rash, but it may be in the best interest of the student to be sent home if they are unable to participate in class activities due to discomfort.

Ringworm – a fungal infection that looks like a red ring of blisters which is dry and scaly in the center. Students may attend school if under treatment and the area can be covered.

Scabies – a disease of the skin caused by a mite, whose penetration into the skin is seen as small, individual bumps or tiny linear burrows which contain mites and their eggs. Students can return to school once the medicated lotion has been applied from chin to feet, as prescribed. If the discomfort is extreme, it may be best for the student to remain home.

Drug-, Alcohol-, Smoke-Free Campus GRCS prohibits the presence of drugs, controlled substances, tobacco, alcohol, or any other intoxicating substance on Gold Rush Charter School property or at any School sponsored event. The prohibition applies to employees, students, patrons, visitors and any other person. Smoking is not allowed anywhere on Gold Rush Charter School property. In an effort to keep the school free of the above referenced items, GRCS will utilize the services of non-aggressive trained detection canines to sniff out and alert to the presence of those substances prohibited by law or GRCS policy. These inspections shall be unannounced and will be made at the discretion of the program coordinator assigned by Gold Rush Charter School.


Staff, students and parents may visit www.nobutts.org for a free online tobacco cessation program. For additional information, please see the full Drug-, Alcohol-, Smoke-free Campus Policy #202 and the Use of Detection Canines on School Campuses Policy #8, located on the GRCS website under the heading “resources” and “policies/reports.” Health Screening All students are required to have health screening. All pupils are to have completed a health screening examination on or before the 90th day after the pupil’s entrance into first grade or such pupils must have obtained a waiver pursuant to Health and Safety Code Sections 124040 and 124085. This examination can be obtained from your family physician or possibly through the services provided by your County Health Department. Information and forms are distributed to pupils enrolled in kindergarten. If your child’s medical status changes, please provide the teacher with a physician’s written verification of the medical issue, especially if it impacts in any way your child’s ability to perform schoolwork. The state mandated schedule is:

Vision – K, 2nd, 5th, 8th Color Vision – 1st grade boys Hearing – K, 1st, 2nd, 5th, 8th, 10th

A student shall be exempt from any physical examination if the student’s parent or guardian files a written and signed statement annually with the Executive Director/Principal stating that the parent will not consent to a physical examination of his or her child. Thereupon the child shall be exempt from any physical examination, but whenever there is a good reason to believe that the child is suffering from a recognized contagious or infectious disease, the child shall be sent home and shall not be permitted to return until the school authorities are satisfied that any contagious or infectious disease does not exist. Human Trafficking Prevention California has the highest number of incidents of human trafficking in the U.S., and all students may be vulnerable. Charter School believes it is a priority to inform our students about (1) prevalence, nature of and strategies to reduce the risk of human trafficking, techniques to set healthy boundaries, and how to safely seek assistance, and (2) how social medial and mobile device applications are used for human trafficking. In accordance with the California Healthy Youth Act, Charter School will provide age-appropriate instruction on the prevention of human trafficking, including sexual abuse, assault, and harassment. You have the right to excuse your child from all or part of instruction on prevention of human trafficking. An opt-out form is available in the front office for your convenience. Your consent for this instruction is NOT required. If we do not receive a written request to excuse your child, your child will be included in the instruction. Information and materials for parents/guardians about the curriculum and resources on prevention of human trafficking and abuse, including sexual abuse, assault, and harassment are available on Charter School’s website for your review.


Immunization Information

All enrolled students and staff will be required to provide records documenting immunizations as is required at public schools pursuant to Health and Safety Code Sections 120325-120375, and Title 17, California Code of Regulations Sections 6000-6075. GRCS requires written verification from a doctor or immunization clinic of the following immunizations: Students entering kindergarten need to meet the following immunization requirements:

Immunization Dosage

Diphtheria, Pertussis, and Tetanus (DPT) Five (5) doses

Polio Four (4) doses

Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) Two (2) doses

Hepatitis B Three (3) doses

Varicella (chickenpox) Two (2) doses

NOTE: Four doses of DTP are allowed if one was given on or after the fourth birthday. Three doses of Polio are allowed if one was given on or after fourth birthday. MMR doses must be given on or after first birthday.

Students entering 7th grade who are not exempt from the immunization requirements must show proof of the following immunizations:

Immunization Dosage

Tetanus, reduced Diphtheria, and acellular Pertussis (Tdap)

One (1) doses

Varicella (chickenpox) Two (2) doses

NOTE: In order to begin 7th grade, students who had a valid personal belief exemption on file with a public or private elementary or secondary school in California before January 1, 2016 must meet all requirements for children 7-17 years old (i.e., polio, MMR, chickenpox and primary series for diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis), in addition to the 7th grade requirements for Tdap and 2 doses of Varicella.


All students must be fully immunized in accordance with the California Health and Safety Code and the California Code of Regulations with the following exceptions:

Students who show proof of a medical exemption pursuant to Health and Safety Code § 120370; If there is good cause to believe that a child has been exposed to a disease listed in subdivision (b) of Section 120335 and his or her documentary proof of immunization status does not show proof of immunization against that disease, that child may be temporarily excluded from the school or institution until the local health officer is satisfied that the child is no longer at risk of developing or transmitting the disease.

Students who are enrolled in GRCS’s home-based study program or independent study program and do not receive any classroom-based instruction. A student who has not received all of the required immunizations will not be eligible to attend classes at a Charter School resource center unless the student is otherwise exempt under #1 or #3.

Students who, prior to January 1, 2016, submitted a letter or affidavit on file at a private or public elementary or secondary school in California stating beliefs opposed to immunization, and who provides said letter or affidavit to GRCS, shall be allowed to enroll at GRCS without being fully immunized until the student enrolls in the next grade span pursuant to Health and Safety Code § 120335 (g);

o “Grade span” means each of the following: Birth to Preschool. Kindergarten and grades 1 to 6, inclusive, including transitional

kindergarten. Grades 7 to 12, inclusive.

This Policy does not prohibit a pupil who qualifies for an individualized education program, pursuant to federal law and Education Code § 56026, from accessing any special education and related services required by his or her individualized education program. For the complete Immunization Policy #316, please refer to our website (goldrushcs.org) under the heading “resources” and “policies/reports.” Medication Administration Medication may only be administered to a student if there is a completed “Request to Administer Medication at School” form (“Form”) on file at the main office. For over-the-counter medications, a parent/guardian may complete the Form when they bring the medication. Without express written permission and the completion of the Form, GRCS employees and volunteers will not administer anything that could be construed as a medication, including cough drops, hydrogen peroxide, Neosporin, etc. For prescription medications, the student’s attending physician must complete the Form, or provide a written notice from the physician’s office containing the required information which may be stapled to the Form. The parent/guardian must complete the bottom section of the Form for all medications.


Medications must be kept in the office and not on the student, with the exception of prescription inhaled asthma medication and prescription auto-injectable epinephrine, which may be kept with the student provided a completed “Request to Administer Medication” Form has been submitted to the site office with the consent/permission of both the parent/guardian and the student’s doctor. For additional information regarding medications, please see the Administration of Medication Policy #317 on the GRCS website under the heading “resources” and “policies/reports.” The “Request to Administer Medication at School” form is located at the main office. Mental Health Services The Charter School recognizes that when unidentified and unaddressed, mental health challenges can lead to poor academic performance, increased likelihood of suspension and expulsion, chronic absenteeism, student attrition, homelessness, incarceration, and/or violence. Access to mental health services at the Charter School and in our community is not only critical to improving the physical and emotional safety of students, but it also helps address barriers to learning and provides support so that all students can learn problem-solving skills and achieve in school and, ultimately, in life. The following resources available to your child: Available on Campus:

School-based counseling services – your child is encouraged to directly contact a Charter School counselor by coming into the counseling office during school hours and making an appointment to speak with a counselor. The counseling office can also be reached at [INSERT PHONE NUMBER]. Our Charter School counselors support students by providing individual sessions, group or parent consultations whenever a student is having a difficult time due to academic stress, transition to changes in their environment, or social concerns, including isolation. Counseling services, whether provided by our Charter School or by an outside provider listed in this letter, are voluntary.

Special education services – if you believe your child may have a disability, you are encouraged to directly contact a [INSERT NAME] at [INSERT PHONE NUMBER] to request an evaluation.

Prescription medication while on campus – if your child requires prescription medication during school hours and you would like assistance from School staff in providing this mediation to your child, please contact a [INSERT NAME] at [INSERT PHONE NUMBER].

Available in the Community: [INSERT INFORMATION ABOUT COMMUNITY RESOURCES] [INSERT INFORMATION ABOUT COMMUNITY RESOURCES] [INSERT INFORMATION ABOUT COMMUNITY RESOURCES]

Available Nationally:

National Suicide Prevention Hotline - This organization provides confidential support for

adults and youth in distress, including prevention and crisis resources. Available 24 hours at 1-800-273-8255.


The Trevor Project - This organization provides suicide prevention and crisis intervention for LGBTQ youth between the ages of 13 and 24. Available at 1-866-488-7386 or visit https://www.thetrevorproject.org/.

Big Brothers/Big Sisters of America – This organization is a community- based mentorship program. Community-specific program information can be found online at https://www.bbbs.org or by calling (813) 720-8778.

Oral Health Assessment

Students enrolled in kindergarten in a public school or while enrolled in first grade if the pupil was not previously enrolled in kindergarten in a public school are required to have an oral health assessment completed by a dental professional. Please contact the office if you have questions about this requirement.

Pregnant and Parenting Students The Charter School recognizes that pregnant and parenting pupils are entitled to accommodations that provide them with the opportunity to succeed academically while protecting their health and the health of their children. A pregnant or parenting pupil is entitled to eight (8) weeks of parental leave, or more if deemed medically necessary by the pupil’s physician, which the pupil may take before the birth of the pupil’s infant if there is a medical necessity and after childbirth during the school year in which the birth takes place, inclusive of any mandatory summer instruction, in order to protect the health of the pupil who gives or expects to give birth and the infant, and to allow the pregnant or parenting pupil to care for and bond with the infant. The Charter School will ensure that absences from the pupil’s regular school program are excused until the pupil is able to return to the regular school program. Upon return to school after taking parental leave, a pregnant or parenting pupil will be able to make up work missed during his or her leave, including, but not limited to, makeup work plans and reenrollment in courses. Notwithstanding any other law, a pregnant or parenting pupil may remain enrolled for a fifth year of instruction in the Charter School if it is necessary in order for the pupil to be able to complete any graduation requirements, unless the Charter School determines that the pupil is reasonably able to complete the graduation requirements in time to graduate from high school by the end of the pupil’s fourth year of high school. Complaints of noncompliance with laws relating to pregnant or parenting pupils may be filed under the Uniform Complaint Procedures (“UCP”) of the Charter School. The complaint may be filed in writing with the compliance officer:



A copy of the UCP is available upon request at the main office. For further information on any part of the complaint procedures, including filing a complaint or requesting a copy of the complaint procedures, please contact the Executive Director/Principal. Safety Drills Throughout the school year, safety drills will be performed at each site in compliance with state requirements. Such drills will include:

Fire Earthquake A.L.I.C.E (active shooter)

Sudden Cardiac Arrest and Automated External Defibrillators

GRCS is invested in the health of its athletes, especially their heart health. Sudden cardiac arrest (“SCA”) is when the heart stops beating, suddenly and unexpectedly. Those wishing to participate in athletics at GRCS, must review the information sheet on sudden cardiac arrest that is included in the Sports Participant Packet on the GRCS website at: http://goldrushcs.com/sites/default/files/GRCS%20Sports%20Packet%2018-19.pdf

Type 2 Diabetes

Description Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes in adults. Until a few years ago, type 2 diabetes was rare in children, but it is becoming more common, especially for overweight teens. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”), one in three American children born after 2000 will develop type 2 diabetes in his or her lifetime.

Type 2 diabetes affects the way the body is able to use sugar (glucose) for energy.

The body turns the carbohydrates in food into glucose, the basic fuel for the body’s cells.

The pancreas makes insulin, a hormone that moves glucose from the blood to the cells.

In type 2 diabetes, the body’s cells resist the effects of insulin, and blood glucose levels rise.

Over time, glucose reaches dangerously high levels in the blood, which is called hyperglycemia.

Hyperglycemia can lead to health problems like heart disease, blindness, and kidney failure.

It is recommended that students displaying or possibly experiencing the risk factors and warning signs associated with type 2 diabetes be screened (tested) for the disease.

Risk Factors


Researchers do not completely understand why some people develop type 2 diabetes and others do not; however, the following risk factors are associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes in children:

Being overweight. The single greatest risk factor for type 2 diabetes in children is excess weight. In the U.S., almost one out of every five children is overweight. The chances are more than double that an overweight child will develop diabetes.

Family history of diabetes. Many affected children and youth have at least one parent with diabetes or have a significant family history of the disease.

Inactivity. Being inactive further reduces the body's ability to respond to insulin.

Specific racial/ethnic groups. Native Americans, African Americans, Hispanics/Latinos, or Asian/Pacific Islanders are more prone than other ethnic groups to develop type 2 diabetes.

Puberty. Young people in puberty are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than younger children, probably because of normal rises in hormone levels that can cause insulin resistance during this stage of rapid growth and physical development.

Warning Signs and Symptoms Associated with Type 2 Diabetes

Warning signs and symptoms of type 2 diabetes in children develop slowly, and initially there may be no symptoms. However, not everyone with insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes develops these warning signs, and not everyone who has these symptoms necessarily has type 2 diabetes.

Increased hunger, even after eating

Unexplained weight loss

Increased thirst, dry mouth, and frequent urination

Feeling very tired

Blurred vision

Slow healing of sores or cuts

Dark velvety or ridged patches of skin, especially on the back of the neck or under the arms

Irregular periods, no periods, and/or excess facial and body hair growth in girls

High blood pressure or abnormal blood fats levels

Type 2 Diabetes Prevention Methods and Treatments

Healthy lifestyle choices can help prevent and treat type 2 diabetes. Even with a family history of diabetes, eating healthy foods in the correct amounts and exercising regularly can help children achieve or maintain a normal weight and normal blood glucose levels.

Eat healthy foods. Make wise food choices. Eat foods low in fat and calories.

Get more physical activity. Increase physical activity to at least 60 minutes every day.


Take medication. If diet and exercise are not enough to control the disease, it may be necessary to treat type 2 diabetes with medication.

The first step in treating type 2 diabetes is to visit a doctor. A doctor can determine if a child is overweight based on the child's age, weight, and height. A doctor can also request tests of a child's blood glucose to see if the child has diabetes or pre-diabetes (a condition which may lead to type 2 diabetes).

Types of Diabetes Screening Tests That Are Available

Glycated hemoglobin (A1C) test. A blood test measures the average blood sugar level over two to three months. An A1C level of 6.5 percent or higher on two separate tests indicates diabetes.

Random (non-fasting) blood sugar test. A blood sample is taken at a random time. A random blood sugar level of 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or higher suggests diabetes. This test must be confirmed with a fasting blood glucose test.

Fasting blood sugar test. A blood sample is taken after an overnight fast. A fasting blood sugar level less than 100 mg/dL is normal. A level of 100 to 125 mg/dL is considered pre-diabetes. A level of 126 mg/dL or higher on two separate tests indicates diabetes.

Oral glucose tolerance test. A test measuring the fasting blood sugar level after an overnight fast with periodic testing for the next several hours after drinking a sugary liquid. A reading of more than 200 mg/dL after two hours indicates diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes in children is a preventable/treatable disease and the guidance provided in this information sheet is intended to raise awareness about this disease. Contact GRCS if you have questions.

Weather Advisory Families can access the mymotherlode.com website and/or listen to KKBN 93.5 or STAR 92.7 for school closures/delays. On the mymotherlode.com web site, if even one campus is closed, there will be a yellow light by our name "Gold Rush Charter School". The "Notes" UNDERNEATH or BESIDE our name will have the information listed for each campus (open, closed, etc.). Please READ THE NOTES to find out if your campus is affected. Gold Rush also diligently tries to reach students via our all-call system to alert for any delays/school cancellations. Please make sure you give the school office your updated phone number to ensure receipt of these messages. A delay or closure should be posted on all modes of communication by 7:00 AM. Parents may make the decision to keep their student home if the conditions in their area are dangerous. In the event of a school closure due to inclement weather, students should complete their “snow day” work packet, which can be found on the school website, one for each day of closure. If the school is not closed, but the parent elects to keep the student home due to dangerous conditions,


the parent should obtain that day’s work from the teacher as soon as possible and should NOT have their student complete a snow day packet.

SECTION IV: BEHAVIOR/DISCIPLINE &COMPLAINT PROCEDURES Acceptable and Unacceptable Staff/Student Behavior This policy is intended to guide all School faculty and staff in conducting themselves in a way that reflects the high standards of behavior and professionalism required of school employees and to specify the boundaries between students and staff. Although this policy gives specific, clear direction, it is each staff member’s obligation to avoid situations that could prompt suspicion by parents, students, colleagues, or school leaders. One viable standard that can be quickly applied, when unsure if certain conduct is acceptable, is to ask, “Would I be engaged in this conduct if my family or colleagues were standing next to me?” For the purposes of this policy, the term “boundaries” is defined as acceptable professional behavior by staff members while interacting with a student. Trespassing the boundaries of a student/staff relationship is deemed an abuse of power and a betrayal of public trust. Some activities may seem innocent from a staff member’s perspective, but can be perceived as flirtation or sexual insinuation from a student or parent point of view. The objective of the following lists of acceptable and unacceptable behaviors is not to restrain innocent, positive relationships between staff and students, but to prevent relationships that could lead to, or may be perceived as, sexual misconduct. Staff must understand their own responsibility for ensuring that they do not cross the boundaries as written in this policy. Disagreeing with the wording or intent of the established boundaries will be considered irrelevant for disciplinary purposes. Thus, it is crucial that all employees learn this policy thoroughly and apply the lists of acceptable and unacceptable behaviors to their daily activities. Although sincere, competent interaction with students certainly fosters learning, student/staff interactions must have boundaries surrounding potential activities, locations and intentions.

Non-Discrimination Statement

Gold Rush Charter School does not discriminate against any student or employee on the basis of actual or perceived disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, nationality, race or ethnicity, immigration status, religion, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, pregnancy, or any other characteristic that is contained in the definition of hate crimes in the California Penal Code. GRCS adheres to all provisions of federal law related to students with disabilities, including, but not limited to, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (“ADA”), and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 (“IDEIA”).


GRCS is committed to providing a work and educational atmosphere that is free of unlawful harassment under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (sex); Titles IV, VI, and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (race, color, or national origin);The Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967; The Age Discrimination Act of 1975; the IDEIA; and Section 504 and Title II of the ADA (mental or physical disability). GRCS also prohibits sexual harassment, including cyber sexual bullying, and harassment based upon pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, race, religion, religious affiliation, creed, color, immigration status, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, age, sexual orientation, or any other basis protected by federal, state, local law, ordinance or regulation. GRCS does not condone or tolerate harassment of any type, including discrimination, intimidation, or bullying, including cyber sexual bullying, by any employee, independent contractor or other person with which GRCS does business, or any other individual, student, or volunteer. This applies to all employees, students, or volunteers and relationships, regardless of position or gender. GRCS will promptly and thoroughly investigate any complaint of harassment and take appropriate corrective action, if warranted. Inquiries, complaints, or grievances regarding harassment as described in this section, above, should be directed to the GRCS Uniform Complaint Procedures (“UCP”) Compliance Officer:

Ronald Hamilton Executive Director/Principal Gold Rush Charter School 16331 Hidden Valley Rd. Sonora, CA 95370 (209) 532-9781

Onsite Behavior

Intimidation, class disruption, bullying, vulgar or profane language, disrespectful attitude towards teachers, fighting, racial or ethnic slurs, and other behavior that is offensive will not be tolerated. In the case of unacceptable behavior, students may be suspended and sent home immediately and a meeting with student, parent and administration may be scheduled. Further, this may result in a recommendation for expulsion or other disciplinary action in accordance with the GRCS’ Suspension and Expulsion Policy. No contraband or weapons of any kind are allowed on the premises. This includes guns, imitation guns, and knives, but also includes anything that could potentially be considered a weapon, such as needles, fire crackers, etc. See Administration for questions regarding what is considered a weapon. Please refer to Expulsion and Suspension Policy #313 located in the Appendix of this Handbook.

Open Door / General Complaint Policy

It is the intent of Gold Rush Charter School to have an “open door” policy when it comes to hearing concerns, ideas, or suggestions from our students, parents, and community members. In order to facilitate order and avoid confusion, please adhere to the following procedure for handling conflicts, making suggestions, etc.


Step 1 – Talk to the person involved and/or your student’s assigned teacher to try to resolve the issue. Step 2 – If you feel the issue has not been resolved, please make an appointment to speak to Administration. Step 3 – If you still feel the issue has not been resolved by speaking with Administration, under the direction and guidance of the Administration you may present your appeal to the Board. Please note that the investigation and resolution of a Uniform Complaint under the UCP Policy does not included an appeal to the Board.

Please remember to first take the opportunity to talk to your student’s teacher before going directly to Administration. Many issues can be solved on that level and the parent/teacher relationship is fortified. It is our goal to maintain a positive atmosphere where learning can thrive. Please refer to the GRCS Title IX, Harassment, Intimidation, Discrimination & Bullying Policy and Uniform Complaint Policy for complaints regarding harassment or perceived violations of state or federal laws. These polices are located on the GRCS website under the heading “resources” and “policies/reports.” Personal Property of Others Students may not touch, handle, or take property that belongs to another person, including staff members and volunteers, without express permission. Students who disregard this rule will be responsible for the value of the item at the time of its loss or the cost of repair resulting from unauthorized conduct, whichever is less. Public Displays of Affection In order to prevent distraction and disruption of the learning environment, Gold Rush Charter School does not allow public displays of affection on campus. This applies to all community members on campus, regardless of their age, sexual orientation, gender, etc. Title IX, Harassment, Intimidation, Discrimination and Bullying The Charter School believes all students have the right to a safe and civil learning environment. Discrimination, sexual harassment, harassment, intimidation, and bullying are all disruptive behaviors which interfere with students’ ability to learn, negatively affect student engagement, diminish school safety, and contribute to a hostile school environment. As such, the Charter School prohibits any acts of discrimination, sexual harassment, harassment, intimidation, and bullying altogether. This is inclusive of instances that occur on any area of the school campus, at school-sponsored events and activities, regardless of location, through school-owned technology, and through other electronic means. The Charter School defines “discrimination, sexual harassment, harassment, intimidation, and bullying” as the intentional conduct, including verbal, physical, written communication, or cyberbullying, including cyber sexual bullying, based on the actual or perceived characteristics of disability, pregnancy, gender, gender identity, gender expression, nationality, ancestry, race or ethnicity, immigration and citizenship status, religion, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, childbirth or related medical conditions, marital status, age, or association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics or any other basis protected by federal,


state, local law, ordinance or regulation. In addition, bullying encompasses any conduct described in the definitions set forth in this Policy. Hereafter, such actions are referred to as “misconduct” prohibited by this Policy.” To the extent possible, the Charter School will make reasonable efforts to prevent students from being discriminated against, harassed, intimidated and/or bullied, and will take action to investigate, respond, and address and report on such behaviors in a timely manner. Charter School staff who witness acts of misconduct prohibited by this Policy will take immediate steps to intervene when safe to do so. Moreover, the Charter School will not condone or tolerate misconduct prohibited by this Policy by any employee, independent contractor or other person with whom the Charter School does business, or any other individual, student, or volunteer. This Policy applies to all employee, student, or volunteer actions and relationships, regardless of position or gender. The Charter School will promptly and thoroughly investigate any complaint of such misconduct prohibited by this Policy and take appropriate corrective action, if warranted. Title IX, Harassment, Intimidation, Discrimination and Bullying Coordinator (“Coordinator”):


For the complete Title IX, Harassment, Intimidation, Discrimination and Bullying Policy #302, please see the GRCS website under the heading “resources” and “policies/reports.”

Uniform Complaint Policy and Procedure

GRCS has the primary responsibility to ensure compliance with applicable state and federal laws and regulations. The Charter School is the local agency primarily responsible for compliance with federal and state laws and regulations governing educational programs. GRCS shall investigate and seek to resolve complaints using policies and procedures known as the Uniform Complaint Procedure (“UCP”) adopted by our Governing Board for the following types of complaints:

1. Unlawful discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or bullying complaints may be based on actual or perceived characteristics of age, ancestry, color, ethnic group identification, immigration status/citizenship, gender expression, gender identity, gender, genetic information, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, marital status, nationality, national origin, race or ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or on a person’s association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics, in any GRCS program or activity that receives or benefits from state financial assistance.


2. The UCP shall also be used when addressing complaints alleging failure to comply with state and/or federal laws in:

a) Adult Education b) After School Education and Safety Programs c) Agricultural Vocational Education Programs d) American Indian Education Centers and Early Child Education Program

Assessments e) Foster and Homeless Youth Services f) Consolidated Categorical Aid Programs g) Migrant Education Programs h) Career Technical and Technical/ Career Education and Training Programs i) Child Care and Developmental Programs j) Child Nutrition Programs k) Regional Occupational Centers and Special Education Programs l) Every Student Succeeds Act / No Child Left Behind Act (2001) Programs

(Titles I-VII) including improving academic achievement, compensatory education, limited English proficiency, and migrant education

m) State Preschool n) Bilingual Education o) Economic Impact Aid p) Tobacco-Use Prevention Education q) Pregnant and Lactating Pupils r) Local Control Funding Formula/Local Control and Accountability Plan s) Former Juvenile Court School Pupils t) Pupil from Military Families u) Migratory Pupils v) Health and Safety Issues in LEAs Exempt from Licensing w) California Peer Assistance and Review Programs for Teacher x) Compensatory Education y) Comprehensive School Safety Plans, z) Special Education Programs,

3. A complaint of noncompliance with laws relating to pupil fees may be filed pursuant to the local UCP. A pupil enrolled in a public school shall not be required to pay a pupil fee for participation in an educational activity. A pupil fee includes, but is not limited to, all of the following:

1. A fee charged to a pupil as a condition for registering for school or classes, or

as a condition for participation in a class or an extracurricular activity, regardless of whether the class or activity is elective or compulsory, or is for credit.

2. A security deposit, or other payment, that a pupil is required to make to obtain a lock, locker, book, class apparatus, musical instrument, clothes, or other materials or equipment.

3. A purchase that a pupil is required to make to obtain materials, supplies, equipment, or clothes associated with an educational activity.

A pupil fee complaint shall not be filed later than one (1) year from the date the alleged violation occurred. Complaints of noncompliance with laws relating to pupil fees are


filed with the Executive Director/Principal. A complaint regarding pupil fees may be filed anonymously if the complaint provides evidence or information to support an allegation of noncompliance with laws relating to pupil fees.

Complaints other than complaints relating to pupil fees must be filed in writing with the following compliance officer:

Ronald Hamilton Executive Director/Principal Gold Rush Charter School 16331 Hidden Valley Rd. Sonora, Ca. 95370 (209) 532-9781

Complaints alleging unlawful discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or bullying, must be filed within six (6) months from the date the alleged discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or bullying, occurred or the date the complainant first obtained knowledge of the facts of the alleged discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or bullying, unless the time for filing is extended by the Executive Director/Principal or his or her designee in writing. Complaints will be investigated and a written Decision or report will be sent to the complainant within sixty (60) days from the receipt of the complaint. This sixty (60) day time period may be extended by written agreement of the complainant. The compliance officer responsible for investigating the complaint shall conduct and complete the investigation in accordance with California regulations and in accordance with the GRCS’s procedures. The complainant has a right to appeal GRCS’s Decision to the California Department of Education (“CDE”) by filing a written appeal within fifteen (15) days of receiving the Decision. The appeal must include a copy of the complaint filed with the Charter School, a copy of Charter School’s Decision, and the complainant must specify the basis for the appeal of the Decision and whether the facts are incorrect and/or the law has been misapplied. A complainant may pursue available civil law remedies outside of GRCS’s complaint procedures. Complainants may seek assistance from mediation centers or public/private interest attorneys. Civil law remedies that may be imposed by a court include, but are not limited to, injunctions and restraining orders. For unlawful discrimination, harassment, intimidation or bullying complaints arising under state law, however, a complainant must wait until sixty (60) days have elapsed from the filing of an appeal with the CDE before pursuing civil law remedies. The moratorium does not apply to injunctive relief and is applicable only if the Charter School has appropriately, and in a timely manner, apprised the complainant of his/her right to file a complaint in accordance with 5 CCR § 4622. A copy of the UCP policy and complaint procedures shall be available free of charge in the Main Office and is on the GRCS website. For further information on any part of the complaint procedures, including filing a complaint, please contact the Executive Director/Principal.


SECTION V: HIGH SCHOOL / INDEPENDENT STUDY Cal Grant Program Notice GRCS is required by state law to submit the GPA of all high school seniors by Oct. 1 of each year, unless the student over age 18 or parent/guardian for those under 18 opt-out. Students currently in eleventh (11th) grade will be deemed a Cal Grant applicant, unless the student (or parent, if the student is under 18) has opted out by or before February 1.

College Entrance Requirements

CSU-California State University Requirements

4 years of English 3 years of Mathematics (Algebra 1, Algebra II, and Geometry) 2 years of History/Social Studies – 1 year of US History 2 years of Science w/Labs 2 years of Foreign Language (same language) 1 year of Visual or Performing Arts (Art, Drama or Music) 1 year of College Preparatory Elective Courses (Laboratory Science, Foreign Language, Visual and Performing Arts) Community College Requirements A graduate of any accredited high school may be admitted to a junior college. Concurrent Enrollment Gold Rush Charter School shall grant credit toward high school graduation for coursework successfully completed at a community college or state college, provided that:

1. The student applies in writing for the credit. 2. The course subject is included in the high school course of study. 3. Three and one-third semester periods' high school credit is given for each credit

hour earned in college. The student shall receive the same letter grade for the high school credit as is granted by the college. Please refer to the Concurrent Enrollment Policy #304 on the GRCS website. Concurrent Enrollment applications can be obtained from the High School sites’ front desk. Once a student has received an approved (with Administration signature) concurrent enrollment application form and registered for their college courses, they must bring their teacher a copy of their current college class schedule to be reflected on their Master Agreement and High School Educational Plan. Students who are concurrently enrolled in both GRCS and Columbia College may take up to 11.5 college units, tuition free. The student will be responsible for the cost of curriculum and materials, as well as any additional fees charged by the college. Students wishing to take more than 11.5 units must obtain approval from GRCS Administration, and will be responsible for the total cost of tuition.


Once the course has been completed, student must bring a copy of transcript, grade printout to teacher showing grade/credits earned in order to input on high school transcript. Drop Off / Pick-Up Policy (Independent Study only) Elementary school children must be accompanied to their appointments by a parent or guardian. High school students may schedule unaccompanied meetings. When you arrive for your appointment, please wait in the reception area where the teacher will meet you. We would appreciate quiet voices at all times at the school because classes may be in session. Students should not arrive more than 10 minutes before the scheduled class/meeting begins and should be picked up no later than 10 minutes after the class/meeting ends. Grade Placement (High School) All High School students shall be enrolled in their current grade, and will not be placed in a lower grade due to insufficient credits, but may be promoted to a higher grade by completing credits at a faster rate than usual. High School students who excel into the next grade by completing required credits (e.g. Junior to Senior) should be officially promoted via a Student Action Form. This form can be found in the school’s main office. Juniors shall not be promoted to Senior status until all of the requirements for Junior students have been met, including CAASPP testing.

Grade Reports

Credits will be issued and documented at the completion of a semester of work. Unless transferring to another school, Gold Rush Charter School will not issue credits or grades until the semester is completed, when the teacher will provide a copy to the parent.

Loitering

Students should only be on campus for a scheduled class or activity and should not loiter on campus outside of these scheduled times. Any faculty or staff may ask to see the students’ schedule to verify his or her need to be on campus. Students who are on campus when they are not scheduled for classes, will be asked to leave the campus.

Non-Classroom Time

Students who attend multiple classes and have break time between classes are not to leave the campus area. Study hall and computer workstations are available in most classroom areas. See your teacher for guidance. Students are not allowed outside the normal customer areas, for example, behind buildings or other non-customer areas. Rules High School


● High School Rules: o Cell phones/electronic devices must be in backpacks/lockers during class. o School, personal computers or Chromebooks may not be used without

teacher permission/supervision. o No foul language. o Seniors can leave for lunch (with permission from parents if under eighteen

(18). o Students must adhere to all other stipulations laid out in the Parent/Student

Handbook, including rules regarding dress code, tobacco use, fighting, bullying, etc.

o Violation of these rules can result in lunch detention with the Dean of Students, suspension or expulsion.

● High School Discipline o Each teacher may establish a classroom discipline plan that will be

communicated to students. Depending upon the infraction, students may be sent to the Dean of Students. If needed, the Dean of Students may arrange a meeting involving the student’s parents/guardian or consult with the Executive Director/Principal regarding suspension and/or expulsion. For the full Suspension/Expulsion Policy #313, please refer the GRCS website and the GRCS Charter.

Senior Project Students have the option to complete a Senior Project or complete a Volunteer Service Program. The Senior Project requires a project, research paper, portfolio, and presentation. The project should be centered on a student’s area of interest or value. The Volunteer Service Program requires fifty (50) hours of verified volunteer work per school year. Five hours should be completed each learning period. It is recommended that students volunteer with an establishment that coincides with their post-secondary school goals (i.e. a student wanting to become a veterinarian should volunteer at a veterinarian clinic). At the completion of the required fifty hours, each student must complete an essay detailing their experience. Volunteer hours for Independent Study students will be tracked by their assigned teacher. Both the Senior Project and Volunteer Service Program requirements will be fully outlined during their Senior Seminar/Senior Project course. On-campus seniors will report to the Senior Seminar teacher, Independent Study students will report to their assigned teacher.

Standards of Measurement/Equivalent Credit

Gold Rush Charter School awards five (5) credits for a semester’s worth of coursework. This should not be confused with the semester’s length of time. We expect students to cover and master the educational material in order to obtain credits. At Gold Rush Charter School, one high school credit represents fifteen (15) hours of schoolwork time. Because independent study does not occur in the classroom, our staff uses its professional judgment to establish workload equivalents. For example, a U.S. History course covering the period from the Revolutionary War to the present is typically worth ten (10) credits. Therefore, if


the high school student covers the same material and masters it, he or she will have earned ten (10) credits, regardless of the time actually spent covering the material. Planning for graduation should begin early and include the teacher, parent, and student. For returning students, this discussion may have already occurred, but transfer students need to cover this topic as soon as possible. Gold Rush Charter School will automatically request an official transcript from the previous school when students enroll. The teacher is responsible for evaluating a student’s credits based on the above criteria.

Student Drivers

Student drivers may not transport other students. Students driving to school are not overseen by Gold Rush Charter School or staff members. It must be clearly understood that parents or guardians are completely responsible for their student/child driving themselves to and from school, or during lunch time.

Study Time

You should expect to spend the equivalent of approximately fifty minutes per class period every weekday for each class that you take. College prep classes may take more time.

Support for Struggling Students

There will be opportunities for study hall and for tutoring, as needed. Students who are having trouble with their coursework may be required to attend study hall and other classes designed to help them.

Vendors (Independent Study only) Vendors are available to enrich an Independent Study student’s education. Gold Rush Charter School wants all students to take advantage of every educational opportunity. Gold Rush will pay up to $25.00 per class per month for up to two (2) vendors if a student is on Independent Study and not utilizing classroom instruction. Gold Rush will pay for one vendor up to $25.00 per class per month for students supplementing Independent Study with classroom instruction. Gold Rush will not pay for any vendor service for students not on Independent Study. Students attending Basic and Beyond cannot utilize any additional vendor services. In order to receive vendor services, a student must utilize an approved vendor, and must have a completed Student Introduction Form and Hold Harmless Form which is located at the main office. The Complete policy is located on the School’s website. Work Permits Students can pick up work permit applications from the front office at both the Independent Study and High School sites. The student will have their potential employer and parent fill out and sign necessary fields, then submit to Administration for review and signature. The Executive


Director/Principal or Designee will then issue the work permit. Gold Rush Charter School does not offer a work experience program for school credits.


SECTION VI: COUNTRY SCHOOL

Drop-off/Pick-up/Parking

Students should not be dropped off on campus any earlier than 8:00 am and should be picked up no later than 3:15 pm. During drop-off and pick-up, please remember that the right side of the parking lot is a drive-through lane. Please do not park in this lane. If you need to park, even for a minute, please use one of the parking spaces on the left side of the loop. The gravel parking area next to the garden and the small parking area through the front gate are for staff parking only. Please do not park there, even for a short amount of time. Planners Students in the 4th-8th grades will receive one free planner to record homework assignments. If the planner is willfully lost or damaged, the student may be required to purchase a replacement from the office. Rules/Discipline ● Country School Rules:

o Hands and feet to yourself. o Respect others. o Bullying in any form will not be tolerated. o Students are not allowed to chew gum, except when authorized by staff during specific

instructional times (i.e., testing). o Electronics such as MP3 players, cell phones, Smart Watches, etc. are not to be used

by students except when authorized by staff during specific instructional times. o Foul, obscene, or crude language is not allowed on campus. o All animals are to be treated with respect and care. o Flip flops are not allowed. Tennis shoes or rubber boots must be worn for chores/P.E. o Students must adhere to all other stipulations laid out in the Student/Parent Handbook,

including rules regarding dress code, fighting, etc. ● Country School Playground Rules:

o No going up the slide. o No sitting on top of the monkey bars. o No jumping off the swings. o Students should be visible at all times; they should not be behind any sheds or buildings o No throwing bark, rocks, acorns, ice, snow, etc. o No electronic devices should be used or out during breaks unless you have permission

from a staff member and are under supervision of said staff. o No walking on the benches. o Walk around the benches that surround the tree area, not through it. o Tag should not be played on the play structure unless permission is given. o Students should not share food.


SECTION V: APPENDIX Suspension & Expulsion Policy and Procedures

Governing Law: The procedures by which pupils can be suspended or expelled. Education Code Section 47605(b)(5)(J). This Pupil Suspension and Expulsion Policy has been established in order to promote learning and protect the safety and well-being of all students at the Charter School. In creating this policy, the Charter School has reviewed Education Code Section 48900 et seq. which describes the non-charter schools’ list of offenses and procedures to establish its list of offenses and procedures for suspensions and expulsions. The language that follows closely mirrors the language of Education Code Section 48900 et seq. The Charter School is committed to annual review of policies and procedures surrounding suspensions and expulsions and, as necessary, modification of the lists of offenses for which students are subject to suspension or expulsion. When the Policy is violated, it may be necessary to suspend or expel a student from regular classroom instruction. This policy shall serve as the Charter School’s policy and procedures for student suspension and expulsion and it may be amended from time to time without the need to amend the charter so long as the amendments comport with legal requirements. Charter School staff shall enforce disciplinary rules and procedures fairly and consistently among all students. This Policy and its Procedures will be printed and distributed as part of the Student Handbook and will clearly describe discipline expectations. Corporal punishment shall not be used as a disciplinary measure against any student. Corporal punishment includes the willful infliction of or willfully causing the infliction of physical pain on a student. For purposes of the Policy, corporal punishment does not include an employee’s use of force that is reasonable and necessary to protect the employee, students, staff or other persons or to prevent damage to school property. The Charter School administration shall ensure that students and their parents/guardians are notified in writing upon enrollment of all discipline policies and procedures. The notice shall state that this Policy and Procedures are available on request at the Executive Director’s office. Suspended or expelled students shall be excluded from all school and school-related activities unless otherwise agreed during the period of suspension or expulsion. A student identified as an individual with disabilities or for whom the Charter School has a basis of knowledge of a suspected disability pursuant to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 (“IDEIA”) or who is qualified for services under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504) is subject to the same grounds for suspension and expulsion and is accorded the same due process procedures applicable to general education students except when federal and state law mandates additional or different procedures. The Charter School will follow all applicable federal and state laws including but not limited to the California Education Code, when imposing any form of discipline on a student identified as an individual with disabilities or for whom the Charter School has a basis of knowledge of a suspected disability or who is otherwise qualified for such services or protections in according due process to such students.


A. Grounds for Suspension and Expulsion of Students A student may be suspended or expelled for prohibited misconduct if the act is related to school activity or school attendance occurring at any time including but not limited to: a) while on school grounds; b) while going to or coming from school; c) during the lunch period, whether on or off the school campus; d) during, going to, or coming from a school-sponsored activity. B. Enumerated Offenses

1. Discretionary Suspension Offenses. Students may be suspended for any of the following

acts when it is determined the pupil:

a) Caused, attempted to cause, or threatened to cause physical injury to another

person.

b) Willfully used force or violence upon the person of another, except self-defense.

c) Unlawfully possessed, used, sold or otherwise furnished, or was under the influence of any controlled substance, as defined in Health and Safety Code 11053-11058, alcoholic beverage, or intoxicant of any kind.

d) Unlawfully offered, arranged, or negotiated to sell any controlled substance as

defined in Health and Safety Code Sections 11053-11058, alcoholic beverage or intoxicant of any kind, and then sold, delivered or otherwise furnished to any person another liquid substance or material and represented same as 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) Stole or attempted to steal school property or private property.

h) Possessed or used tobacco or products containing tobacco or nicotine products,

including but not limited to cigars, cigarettes, miniature cigars, clove cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, snuff, chew packets and betel. This section does not prohibit the use of his or her own prescription products by a pupil.

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 Health and Safety Code Section 11014.5.

k) Disrupted school activities or otherwise willfully defied the valid authority of supervisors, teachers, administrators, other 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, i.e.: 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 Penal Code

Sections 261, 266c, 286, 288, 288a or 289, or committed a sexual battery as defined in Penal Code Section 243.4.

o) Harassed, threatened, or intimidated a student who is a complaining witness or

witness in a school disciplinary proceeding for the purpose of preventing that student from being a witness and/or retaliating against that student for being a witness.

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

Soma.

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

r) Made terroristic threats against school officials and/or school property. For

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 property, or the personal property of the person threatened or his or her immediate family.

s) Committed sexual harassment, as defined in Education Code Section 212.5. For the

purposes of this section, 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 apply to pupils in any of grades 4 to 12, inclusive.


t) Caused, attempted to cause, threatened to cause or participated in an act of hate violence, as defined in subdivision (e) of Section 233 of the Education Code. This section shall apply to pupils in any of grades 4 to 12, inclusive.

u) Intentionally harassed, threatened or intimidated a student or group of students to

the extent of having the actual and reasonably expected effect of materially disrupting class work, creating substantial disorder and invading student rights by creating an intimidating or hostile educational environment. This section shall apply to pupils in any of grades 4 to 12, inclusive.

v) Engaged in an act of bullying, including, but not limited to, bullying committed by

means of an electronic act.

1) “Bullying” means any severe or pervasive physical or verbal act or conduct, including communications made in writing or by means of an electronic act, and including one or more acts committed by a student or group of students which would be deemed hate violence or harassment, threats, or intimidation, which are directed toward one or more students that has or can be reasonably predicted to have the effect of one or more of the following:

i. Placing a reasonable student (defined as a student, including, but is not limited to, a student with exceptional needs, who exercises average care, skill, and judgment in conduct for a person of his or her age, or for a person of his or her age with exceptional needs) or students in fear of harm to that student’s or those students’ person or property.

ii. Causing a reasonable student to experience a substantially detrimental effect on his or her physical or mental health.

iii. Causing a reasonable student to experience substantial interference with his or her academic performance.

iv. Causing a reasonable student to experience substantial interference with his or her ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities, or privileges provided by the Charter School.

2) “Electronic Act” means the creation and transmission originated on or off the

schoolsite, by means of an electronic device, including, but not limited to, a telephone, wireless telephone, or other wireless communication device, computer, or pager, of a communication, including, but not limited to, any of the following:

i. A message, text, sound, or image. ii. A post on a social network Internet Web site including, but not limited

to: (a) Posting to or creating a burn page. A “burn page” means an Internet

Web site created for the purpose of having one or more of the effects as listed in subparagraph (1) above.

(b) Creating a credible impersonation of another actual pupil for the purpose of having one or more of the effects listed in subparagraph (1) above. “Credible impersonation” means to knowingly and without consent impersonate a pupil for the purpose of bullying the


pupil and such that another pupil would reasonably believe, or has reasonably believed, that the pupil was or is the pupil who was impersonated.

(c) Creating a false profile for the purpose of having one or more of the effects listed in subparagraph (1) above. “False profile” means a profile of a fictitious pupil or a profile using the likeness or attributes of an actual pupil other than the pupil who created the false profile.

iii. Notwithstanding subparagraphs (1) and (2) above, an electronic act shall not constitute pervasive conduct solely on the basis that it has been transmitted on the Internet or is currently posted on the Internet.

w) 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 be subject to suspension, but not expulsion, 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 (1).

x) Possessed, sold, or otherwise furnished any knife unless, in the case of possession of any object of this type, the student had obtained written permission to possess the item from a certificated school employee, with the Executive Director or designee’s concurrence.

2. Non-Discretionary Suspension Offenses: Students must be suspended and recommended

for expulsion for any of the following acts when it is determined the pupil:

a) Possessed, sold, or otherwise furnished any firearm, explosive, or other dangerous object unless, in the case of possession of any object of this type, the students had obtained written permission to possess the item from a certificated school employee, with the Executive Director or designee’s concurrence.

3. Discretionary Expellable Offenses: Students may be recommended for expulsion for any

of the following acts when it is determined the pupil:

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

b) Willfully used force or violence upon the person of another, except self-defense.

c) Unlawfully possessed, used, sold or otherwise furnished, or was under the influence

of any controlled substance, as defined in Health and Safety Code Sections 11053-11058, alcoholic beverage, or intoxicant of any kind.

d) Unlawfully offered, arranged, or negotiated to sell any controlled substance as

defined in Health and Safety Code Sections 11053-11058, alcoholic beverage or intoxicant of any kind, and then sold, delivered or otherwise furnished to any person


another liquid substance or material and represented same as 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) Stole or attempted to steal school property or private property.

h) Possessed or used tobacco or products containing tobacco or nicotine products,

including but not limited to cigars, cigarettes, miniature cigars, clove cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, snuff, chew packets and betel. This section does not prohibit the use of his or her own prescription products by a pupil.

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 Health and Safety Code Section 11014.5.

k) Disrupted school activities or otherwise willfully defied the valid authority of supervisors, teachers, administrators, other 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, i.e.: a replica of a firearm that is as 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 Penal Code

Sections 261, 266c, 286, 288, 288a or 289, or committed a sexual battery as defined in Penal Code Section 243.4.

o) Harassed, threatened, or intimidated a student who is a complaining witness or

witness in a school disciplinary proceeding for the purpose of preventing that student from being a witness and/or retaliating against that student for being a witness.

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

Soma.

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


r) Made terroristic threats against school officials and/or school property. For

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 property, or the personal property of the person threatened or his or her immediate family.

s) Committed sexual harassment, as defined in Education Code Section 212.5. For the

purposes of this section, 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 apply to pupils in any of grades 4 to 12, inclusive.

t) Caused, attempted to cause, threatened to cause or participated in an act of hate

violence, as defined in subdivision (e) of Section 233 of the Education Code. This section shall apply to pupils in any of grades 4 to 12, inclusive.

u) Intentionally harassed, threatened or intimidated a student or group of students to

the extent of having the actual and reasonably expected effect of materially disrupting class work, creating substantial disorder and invading student rights by creating an intimidating or hostile educational environment. This section shall apply to pupils in any of grades 4 to 12, inclusive.

v) Engaged in an act of bullying, including, but not limited to, bullying committed by

means of an electronic act.

1) “Bullying” means any severe or pervasive physical or verbal act or conduct, including communications made in writing or by means of an electronic act, and including one or more acts committed by a student or group of students which would be deemed hate violence or harassment, threats, or intimidation, which are directed toward one or more students that has or can be reasonably predicted to have the effect of one or more of the following:

i. Placing a reasonable student (defined as a student, including, but is not limited to, a student with exceptional needs, who exercises average care, skill, and judgment in conduct for a person of his or her age, or for a person of his or her age with exceptional needs) or students in fear of harm to that student’s or those students’ person or property.


ii. Causing a reasonable student to experience a substantially detrimental effect on his or her physical or mental health.

iii. Causing a reasonable student to experience substantial interference with his or her academic performance.

iv. Causing a reasonable student to experience substantial interference with his or her ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities, or privileges provided by the Charter School.

2) “Electronic Act” means the creation and transmission originated on or off the

schoolsite, by means of an electronic device, including, but not limited to, a telephone, wireless telephone, or other wireless communication device, computer, or pager, of a communication, including, but not limited to, any of the following:

i. A message, text, sound, or image. ii. A post on a social network Internet Web site including, but not limited

to: (a) Posting to or creating a burn page. A “burn page” means an Internet

Web site created for the purpose of having one or more of the effects as listed in subparagraph (1) above.

(b) Creating a credible impersonation of another actual pupil for the purpose of having one or more of the effects listed in subparagraph (1) above. “Credible impersonation” means to knowingly and without consent impersonate a pupil for the purpose of bullying the pupil and such that another pupil would reasonably believe, or has reasonably believed, that the pupil was or is the pupil who was impersonated.

(c) Creating a false profile for the purpose of having one or more of the effects listed in subparagraph (1) above. “False profile” means a profile of a fictitious pupil or a profile using the likeness or attributes of an actual pupil other than the pupil who created the false profile.

iii. Notwithstanding subparagraphs (1) and (2) above, an electronic act shall not constitute pervasive conduct solely on the basis that it has been transmitted on the Internet or is currently posted on the Internet.

w) 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 be subject to suspension, but not expulsion, 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 (1).

x) Possessed, sold, or otherwise furnished any knife unless, in the case of possession of any object of this type, the student had obtained written permission to possess the item from a certificated school employee, with the Executive Director or designee’s concurrence.


4. Non-Discretionary Expellable Offenses: Students must be recommended for expulsion for

any of the following acts when it is determined pursuant to the procedures below that the

pupil:

a) Possessed, sold, or otherwise furnished any firearm, explosive, or other dangerous object unless, in the case of possession of any object of this type, the students had obtained written permission to possess the item from a certificated school employee, with the Executive Director or designee’s concurrence.

If it is determined by the Board of Directors that a student has brought a fire arm or destructive device, as defined in Section 921 of Title 18 of the United States Code, on to campus or to have possessed a firearm or dangerous device on campus, the student shall be expelled for one year, pursuant to the Federal Gun Free Schools Act of 1994.

The term “firearm” means (A) any weapon (including a starter gun) which will or is designed to or may readily be converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive; (B) the frame or receiver of any such weapon; (C) any firearm muffler or firearm silencer; or (D) any destructive device. Such term does not include an antique firearm. The term “destructive device” means (A) any explosive, incendiary, or poison gas, including but not limited to: (i) bomb, (ii) grenade, (iii) rocket having a propellant charge of more than four ounces, (iv) missile having an explosive or incendiary charge of more than one-quarter ounce, (v) mine, or (vi) device similar to any of the devices described in the preceding clauses. C. Suspension Procedure Suspensions shall be initiated according to the following procedures:

1. Conference

Suspension shall be preceded, if possible, by a conference conducted by the Principal/Executive Director or the Principal/Executive Director’s designee with the student and his or her parent and, whenever practical, the teacher, supervisor or Charter School employee who referred the student to the Principal/Executive Director or designee. The conference may be omitted if the Executive Director or designee determines that an emergency situation exists. An “emergency situation” involves a clear and present danger to the lives, safety or health of students or Charter School personnel. If a student is suspended without this conference, both the parent/guardian and student shall be notified of the student’s right to return to school for the purpose of a conference. At the conference, the pupil shall be informed of the reason for the disciplinary action and the evidence against him or her and shall be given the opportunity to present his or her version and evidence in his or her defense. This conference shall be held within two school days, unless the pupil waives this right or is physically unable to attend for any reason including, but not limited to, incarceration or hospitalization. No penalties may be imposed on a pupil for failure


of the pupil’s parent or guardian to attend a conference with Charter School officials. Reinstatement of the suspended pupil shall not be contingent upon attendance by the pupil’s parent or guardian at the conference. 2. Notice to Parents/Guardians At the time of the suspension, an administrator or designee shall make a reasonable effort to contact the parent/guardian by telephone or in person. Whenever a student is suspended, the parent/guardian shall be notified in writing of the suspension and the date of return following suspension. This notice shall state the specific offense committed by the student. In addition, the notice may also state the date and time when the student may return to school. If Charter School officials wish to ask the parent/guardian to confer regarding matters pertinent to the suspension, the notice may request that the parent/guardian respond to such requests without delay. 3. Suspension Time Limits/Recommendation for Expulsion Suspensions, when not including a recommendation for expulsion, shall not exceed five (5) consecutive school days per suspension. Upon a recommendation of expulsion by the Executive Director or Executive Director’s designee, the pupil and the pupil’s guardian or representative will be invited to a conference to determine if the suspension for the pupil should be extended pending an expulsion hearing. This determination will be made by the Executive Director or designee upon either of the following: 1) the pupil’s presence will be disruptive to the education process; or 2) the pupil poses a threat or danger to others. Upon either determination, the pupil’s suspension will be extended pending the results of an expulsion hearing.

D. Authority to Expel A student may be expelled either by the Charter School Board of Directors following a hearing before it or by the Charter School Board of Directors upon the recommendation of an Administrative Panel, to be assigned by the Board of Directors as needed. The Administrative Panel should consist of at least three members who are certificated and neither a teacher of the pupil or a member of the Charter School Board of Directors. The Administrative Panel may recommend expulsion of any student found to have committed an expellable offense. E. Expulsion Procedures Students recommended for expulsion are entitled to a hearing to determine whether the student should be expelled. Unless postponed for good cause, the hearing shall be held within thirty (30) school days after the Executive Director or designee determines that the pupil has committed an expellable offense. In the event an Administrative Panel hears the case, it will make a recommendation to the Board for a final decision whether to expel. The hearing shall be held in closed session (complying with all pupil confidentiality rules under FERPA) unless the pupil makes a written request for a public hearing three (3) days prior to the hearing.


Written notice of the hearing shall be forwarded to the student and the student’s parent/guardian at least ten (10) calendar days before the date of the hearing. Upon mailing the notice, it shall be deemed served upon the pupil. The notice shall include:

1. The date and place of the expulsion hearing; 2. A statement of the specific facts, charges and offenses upon which the proposed expulsion

is based; 3. A copy of the Charter School’s disciplinary rules which relate to the alleged violation; 4. Notification of the student’s or parent/guardian’s obligation to provide information about

the student’s status at the Charter School to any other school district or school to which the student seeks enrollment;

5. The opportunity for the student or the student’s parent/guardian to appear in person or to employ and be represented by counsel or a non-attorney advisor;

6. The right to inspect and obtain copies of all documents to be used at the hearing; 7. The opportunity to confront and question all witnesses who testify at the hearing; 8. The opportunity to question all evidence presented and to present oral and documentary

evidence on the student’s behalf including witnesses. F. Special Procedures for Expulsion Hearings Involving Sexual Assault or Battery Offenses The Charter School may, upon a finding of good cause, determine that the disclosure of either the identity of the witness or the testimony of that witness at the hearing, or both, would subject the witness to an unreasonable risk of psychological or physical harm. Upon this determination, the testimony of the witness may be presented at the hearing in the form of sworn declarations that shall be examined only by the Charter School or the hearing officer. Copies of these sworn declarations, edited to delete the name and identity of the witness, shall be made available to the pupil.

1. The complaining witness in any sexual assault or battery case must be provided with a copy of the applicable disciplinary rules and advised of his/her right to (a) receive five days notice of his/her scheduled testimony, (b) have up to two (2) adult support persons of his/her choosing present in the hearing at the time he/she testifies, which may include a parent, guardian, or legal counsel, and (c) elect to have the hearing closed while testifying.

2. The Charter School must also provide the victim a room separate from the hearing room

for the complaining witness’ use prior to and during breaks in testimony. 3. At the discretion of the entity conducting the expulsion hearing, the complaining witness

shall be allowed periods of relief from examination and cross-examination during which he or she may leave the hearing room.

4. The entity conducting the expulsion hearing may also arrange the seating within the hearing

room to facilitate a less intimidating environment for the complaining witness. 5. The entity conducting the expulsion hearing may also limit time for taking the testimony

of the complaining witness to the hours he/she is normally in school, if there is no good cause to take the testimony during other hours.


6. Prior to a complaining witness testifying, the support persons must be admonished that the hearing is confidential. Nothing in the law precludes the person presiding over the hearing from removing a support person whom the presiding person finds is disrupting the hearing. The entity conducting the hearing may permit any one of the support persons for the complaining witness to accompany him or her to the witness stand.

7. If one or both of the support persons is also a witness, the Charter School must present

evidence that the witness’ presence is both desired by the witness and will be helpful to the Charter School. The person presiding over the hearing shall permit the witness to stay unless it is established that there is a substantial risk that the testimony of the complaining witness would be influenced by the support person, in which case the presiding official shall admonish the support person or persons not to prompt, sway, or influence the witness in any way. Nothing shall preclude the presiding officer from exercising his or her discretion to remove a person from the hearing whom he or she believes is prompting, swaying, or influencing the witness.

8. The testimony of the support person shall be presented before the testimony of the

complaining witness and the complaining witness shall be excluded from the courtroom during that testimony.

9. Especially for charges involving sexual assault or battery, if the hearing is to be conducted

in public at the request of the pupil being expelled, the complaining witness shall have the right to have his/her testimony heard in a closed session when testifying at a public meeting would threaten serious psychological harm to the complaining witness and there are no alternative procedures to avoid the threatened harm. The alternative procedures may include videotaped depositions or contemporaneous examination in another place communicated to the hearing room by means of closed-circuit television.

10. Evidence of specific instances of a complaining witness’ prior sexual conduct is presumed

inadmissible and shall not be heard absent a determination by the person conducting the hearing that extraordinary circumstances exist requiring the evidence be heard. Before such a determination regarding extraordinary circumstance can be made, the witness shall be provided notice and an opportunity to present opposition to the introduction of the evidence. In the hearing on the admissibility of the evidence, the complaining witness shall be entitled to be represented by a parent, legal counsel, or other support person. Reputation or opinion evidence regarding the sexual behavior of the complaining witness is not admissible for any purpose.

G. Record of Hearing A record of the hearing shall be made and may be maintained by any means, including electronic recording, as long as a reasonably accurate and complete written transcription of the proceedings can be made. H. Presentation of Evidence While technical rules of evidence do not apply to expulsion hearings, evidence may be admitted and used as proof only if it is the kind of evidence on which reasonable persons can rely in the


conduct of serious affairs. A recommendation by the Administrative Panel to expel must be supported by substantial evidence that the student committed an expellable offense. Findings of fact shall be based solely on the evidence at the hearing. While hearsay evidence is admissible, no decision to expel shall be based solely on hearsay. Sworn declarations may be admitted as testimony from witnesses of whom the Board or Administrative Panel determines that disclosure of their identity or testimony at the hearing may subject them to an unreasonable risk of physical or psychological harm. If, due to a written request by the expelled pupil, the hearing is held at a public meeting, and the charge is committing or attempting to commit a sexual assault or committing a sexual battery as defined in Education Code Section 48900, a complaining witness shall have the right to have his or her testimony heard in a session closed to the public. The decision of the Administrative Panel shall be in the form of written findings of fact and a written recommendation to the Board of Directors, which will make a final determination regarding the expulsion. The final decision by the Board of Directors shall be made within ten (10) school days following the conclusion of the hearing. The decision of the Board of Directors is final. If the Administrative Panel decides not to recommend expulsion, the pupil shall immediately be returned to his/her educational program. I. Written Notice to Expel The Executive Director or designee, following a decision of the Board of Directors to expel, shall send written notice of the decision to expel, including the Board of Directors’ adopted findings of fact, to the student or parent/guardian. This notice shall also include the following: (a) Notice of the specific offense committed by the student; and (b) Notice of the student’s or parent/guardian’s obligation to inform any new district in which the student seeks to enroll of the student’s status with the Charter School. The Executive Director or designee shall send a copy of the written notice of the decision to expel to the authorizer. This notice shall include the following: (a) The student’s name; and (b) The specific expellable offense committed by the student. J. Disciplinary Records The Charter School shall maintain records of all student suspensions and expulsions at the Charter School. Such records shall be made available to the authorizer upon request. K. No Right to Appeal The pupil shall have no right of appeal from expulsion from the Charter School as the Charter School Board of Directors’ decision to expel shall be final. L. Expelled Pupils/Alternative Education Pupils who are expelled shall be responsible for seeking alternative education programs including,


but not limited to, programs within the County or their school district of residence. The Charter School shall work cooperatively with parents/guardians as requested by parents/guardians or by the school district of residence to assist with locating alternative placements during expulsion. M. Rehabilitation Plans Students who are expelled from the Charter School shall be given a rehabilitation plan upon expulsion as developed by the Board of Directors at the time of the expulsion order, which may include, but is not limited to, periodic review as well as assessment at the time of review for readmission. The rehabilitation plan should include a date not later than one year from the date of expulsion when the pupil may reapply to the Charter School for readmission. N. Readmission The decision to readmit a pupil or to admit a previously expelled pupil from another school district or charter school shall be in the sole discretion of the Board of Directors following a meeting with the Principal/Executive Director or designee and the pupil and guardian or representative to determine whether the pupil has successfully completed the rehabilitation plan and to determine whether the pupil poses a threat to others or will be disruptive to the school environment. The Executive Director or designee shall make a recommendation to the Board of Directors following the meeting regarding his or her determination. The pupil’s readmission is also contingent upon the Charter School’s capacity at the time the student seeks readmission. O. Special Procedures for the Consideration of Suspension and Expulsion of Students with

Disabilities

1. Notification of District

The Charter School shall immediately notify the District and coordinate the procedures in this policy with the District of the discipline of any student with a disability or student who the Charter School or District would be deemed to have knowledge that the student had a disability.

2. Services During Suspension

Students suspended for more than ten (10) school days in a school year shall continue to receive services so as to enable the student to continue to participate in the general education curriculum, although in another setting, and to progress toward meeting the goals set out in the child’s IEP/504 Plan; and receive, as appropriate, a functional behavioral assessment and behavioral intervention services and modifications, that are designed to address the behavior violation so that it does not recur. These services may be provided in an interim alterative educational setting.

3. Procedural Safeguards/Manifestation Determination

Within ten (10) school days of a recommendation for expulsion or any decision to change the placement of a child with a disability because of a violation of a code of student conduct, the Charter School, the parent, and relevant members of the IEP/504 Team shall


review all relevant information in the student’s file, including the child’s IEP/504 Plan, any teacher observations, and any relevant information provided by the parents to determine:

a. If the conduct in question was caused by, or had a direct and substantial relationship to, the child’s disability; or

b. If the conduct in question was the direct result of the local educational agency’s failure to implement the IEP/504 Plan.

If the Charter School, the parent, and relevant members of the IEP/504 Team determine that either of the above is applicable for the child, the conduct shall be determined to be a manifestation of the child’s disability.

If the Charter School, the parent, and relevant members of the IEP/504 Team make the determination that the conduct was a manifestation of the child’s disability, the IEP/504 Team shall:

a. Conduct a functional behavioral assessment and implement a behavioral intervention plan for such child, provided that the Charter School had not conducted such assessment prior to such determination before the behavior that resulted in a change in placement;

b. If a behavioral intervention plan has been developed, review the behavioral intervention plan if the child already has such a behavioral intervention plan, and modify it, as necessary, to address the behavior; and

c. Return the child to the placement from which the child was removed, unless the parent and the Charter School agree to a change of placement as part of the modification of the behavioral intervention plan.

If the Charter School, the parent, and relevant members of the IEP/504 Team determine that the behavior was not a manifestation of the student’s disability and that the conduct in question was not a result of the failure to implement the IEP/504 Plan, then the Charter School may apply the relevant disciplinary procedures to children with disabilities in the same manner and for the same duration as the procedures would be applied to students without disabilities.

4. Due Process Appeals

The parent of a child with a disability who disagrees with any decision regarding placement, or the manifestation determination, or the Charter School believes that maintaining the current placement of the child is substantially likely to result in injury to the child or to others, may request an expedited administrative hearing through the Special Education Unit of the Office of Administrative Hearings or by utilizing the dispute provisions of the 504 Policy and Procedures.

When an appeal relating to the placement of the student or the manifestation determination has been requested by either the parent or the Charter School, the student shall remain in the interim alternative educational setting pending the decision of the hearing officer or until the expiration of the forty-five (45) day time period provided for in an interim


alternative educational setting, whichever occurs first, unless the parent and the Charter School agree otherwise.

5. Special Circumstances

Charter School personnel may consider any unique circumstances on a case-by-case basis when determining whether to order a change in placement for a child with a disability who violates a code of student conduct.

The Principal/Executive Director or designee may remove a student to an interim alternative educational setting for not more than forty-five (45) days without regard to whether the behavior is determined to be a manifestation of the student’s disability in cases where a student:

a. Carries or possesses a weapon, as defined in 18 USC 930, to or at school, on school premises, or to or at a school function;

b. Knowingly possesses or uses illegal drugs, or sells or solicits the sale of a controlled substance, while at school, on school premises, or at a school function; or

c. Has inflicted serious bodily injury, as defined by 20 USC 1415(k)(7)(D), upon a person while at school, on school premises, or at a school function.

6. Interim Alternative Educational Setting

The student’s interim alternative educational setting shall be determined by the student’s IEP/504 Team.

7. Procedures for Students Not Yet Eligible for Special Education Services

A student who has not been identified as an individual with disabilities pursuant to IDEIA and who has violated the Charter School’s disciplinary procedures may assert the procedural safeguards granted under this administrative regulation only if the Charter School had knowledge that the student was disabled before the behavior occurred.

The Charter School shall be deemed to have knowledge that the student had a disability if one of the following conditions exists:

a. The parent/guardian has expressed concern in writing, or orally if the parent/guardian does not know how to write or has a disability that prevents a written statement, to Charter School supervisory or administrative personnel, or to one of the child’s teachers, that the student is in need of special education or related services.

b. The parent has requested an evaluation of the child.

c. The child’s teacher, or other Charter School personnel, has expressed specific concerns about a pattern of behavior demonstrated by the child, directly to the director of special education or to other Charter School supervisory personnel.


If the Charter School knew or should have known the student had a disability under any of the three (3) circumstances described above, the student may assert any of the protections available to IDEIA-eligible children with disabilities, including the right to stay-put.

If the Charter School had no basis for knowledge of the student’s disability, it shall proceed with the proposed discipline. The Charter School shall conduct an expedited evaluation if requested by the parents; however the student shall remain in the education placement determined by the Charter School pending the results of the evaluation.

The Charter School shall not be deemed to have knowledge that the student had a disability if the parent has not allowed an evaluation, refused services, or if the student has been evaluated and determined to not be eligibl

Acknowledgement of Receipt of Parent & Student Handbook


I have read, understood, and discussed the following items with my teacher and, with my initials, I acknowledge that I have read, understood and will follow the guidelines as written in the Parent & Student Handbook. If there are any items that I need to discuss further, I will present those concerns to the teacher. This Handbook may be changed throughout the 2019-2020 school year. Student/Parent ____/____ I have read, understood, and agree to follow the Parent and Student Responsibilities as spelled out in the Parent & Student Handbook (page 20). ____/____ I have read and understood the Volunteer/Observation Policy and the Field Trip/Driving Policy as spelled out in the Parent & Student Handbook (pages 25 and 14). ____/____ I have read, understood, and agree to the Academic Honesty Policy as spelled out in the Parent & Student Handbook (page 10), and understand that the full policy is available on the GRCS website (goldrushcs.org). ____/____ I have read, understood, and agree to abide by the Dress Code and adhere to the regulations listed as Onsite Behavior, as spelled out in the Parent & Student Handbook (pages 13 and 17-18.) ____/____ I have read and understood the Suspension and Expulsion information on page 22 and understand that the full policy is available on the GRCS website (goldrushcs.org). With this signature, I acknowledge receipt of the Parent & Student Handbook, that I have read the aforementioned handbook and that I agree to abide by the policies as described in the handbook. I know that this page with my initials and signature will be placed in my student file. _____________________________ ____________________________ ____________ Student name (please print) Student signature Date _____________________________ ____________________________ ____________ Parent name (please print) Parent signature Date

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Gold Rush Charter School Parent and Student Handbook ...

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