Alliance Christine O'Donovan Middle Academy

Message from the desk of your principal

Edith M. Funes

 

Welcome to Christine O’Donovan Middle Academy School for the 2012-2013 school year. I hope you will find our staff warm, caring and responsive to your needs. If we, in the office, can help solve any problems - small or large - please do not hesitate to involve us. You can count on the fact that our entire staff; teachers, administration, office staff and custodians are committed to helping all of our students have a productive and enjoyable year.

As a student at Christine O’Donovan Middle Academy (COMA) you have the power to determine how successful your middle school career will be. The teaching staff and administration will provide you with an almost limitless number of opportunities to get involved in pursuits both academic and extracurricular. You will find that one of our teacher’s primary goals is to help you to develop your talents and abilities as far as you are willing to take them. The ultimate decision about how successful you will be in middle school is in your hands. You can make the difference between a mediocre experience and a truly successful, satisfying one.

This handbook provides information about our school, your responsibilities and the staff's expectations of you. In compiling the information, care has been taken to include items in which will help you to determine the choices you make and to realize the consequences of these choices.

On behalf of the entire Christine O’Donovan Middle Academy Team and Family we look forward to working with you and your son/daughter. It is our wish that each student have a successful and memorable year.

 

 

Principal,

Edith M. Funes

 

Introduction

 

Welcome to Christine O’Donovan Middle Academy College-Ready Academy Charter High School!  You are part of an innovative and challenging charter school designed to provide students in some of the most underserved communities in Los Angeles a choice for a better education and future.

 

Christine O’Donovan Middle Academy College-Ready School is an independent start-up charter school researched and developed by Alliance College-Ready Public Schools, a nonprofit charter management organization, is to open and operate a network of small high-performing 9-12 and 6-8 public schools in historically underachieving, low income, communities in California that will annually demonstrate student academic achievement growth and graduate students ready for success in college.

 

 

Each year Christine O’Donovan Middle Academy School is committed to publishing a new Alliance Parent Student Handbook to keep families informed regarding how the school operates and expectations for the new school year.  Please read the handbook with your child, sign the receipt of notification and return it to the school.

 

Mission/ Vision

The mission of Christine O’Donovan Middle Academy School is to operate a small high performance school to prepare each student to enter and succeed in college.  The primary strength of Christine O’Donovan Middle Academy School is the highly accountable educational model guided by our five Alliance core values, which include:

 

1. High expectations for all students
2. Small personalized schools and classrooms
3. Increased instructional time
4. Highly qualified principals and teachers a
5. Parents as partners 

 

The Alliance educational model is based on what research has shown to be best educational practices and will serve as a research and development model for other public schools. 

 

To achieve this mission, parents must remain actively involved in their child’s education and work partnership with the school.  At Christine O’Donovan Middle Academy, “every student has the ability, and together, we give them the opportunity.”

 

Character Counts

Character Counts has become an integral part of our school climate and culture.  We believe that we need to teach students to be well rounded academically, personally, and socially.  We are providing our students with the tools to make better choices to make everyone’s lives better.  We do this by working on universal values that are called the Six Pillars of Character.  The Six Pillars of Character are trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship.

 

 

 

 

Blended Learning for Alliance School Transformation

Alliance blended learning schools integrate technology into Alliance’s successful college prep curriculum to create 21st century learners ready for success in college.

 

The Blended Learning for Alliance School Transformation (BLAST) is an integrated technology educational model that builds upon Alliance’s successful college prep curriculum. This new way of learning truly integrates technology into the classroom, making learning more relevant, personalized, and dynamic.

 

In 2011, Alliance launched a blended learning technology program at three schools, proudly providing each student with a laptop computer and incorporating a variety of learning technologies that allow students to develop foundational skills through online curriculum, receive highly individualized support from teachers, and independently delve into projects that stimulate critical thinking.

 

For the 2012-13 school year, BLAST has expanded to three Alliance middle schools for the first time and we are proud to announce that O’Donovan is one of those schools. This year, every two 6^th grade students will be provided with a brand new computer that will follow them through the 8^th grade.

 

Our BLAST classrooms will have two small group learning stations that result in a vibrant, exciting classroom. This will create an environment, which provides students individualized and focused learning opportunities for the core subject areas.  Students are broken out into two or three groups and rotate between computer supported instruction using adaptive digital content and differentiated small group instruction with the teacher, thus keeping them engaged and involved in their own learning.

 

 Students will learn at their own pace, receiving immediate feedback, and taking more ownership of their educational progress. The online digital content addresses individual student needs, ensuring that students are neither held back nor left behind. Students work collaboratively in small groups, creating presentations, videos, and other media that demonstrate understanding of real world issues, while encouraging peer-to-peer cooperation.

 

The early results are very promising. The BLAST pilot schools outperformed neighboring schools on the 2011 Algebra 1 California Standards Test, with 30% more students scoring ‘proficient’.

 

 

 

Academic Expectations

 

Each teacher expects that students will come to class fully prepared, ready, willing, and able to participate in the lessons of the day. The following expectations more clearly explain how students should approach their studies.

 

Absences

If students are absent, they must contact the teacher to receive assignments for classes they have missed, or follow classroom procedures for obtaining the missed assignment.  In the case of a prolonged absence, a student’s parents should contact the office for assistance.

 

Classroom Attire

Learning deserves an environment of respect and freedom from distraction. All students are required to be in compliance with the dress guidelines.

 

Classroom Conduct

Students are expected to be on time for each class and not to miss class except in the case of illness or other serious reason. Students are expected to participate in all class activities. Further, they are expected to assist in maintaining order by refraining from disruptive conduct.

 

Homework

The homework assignments are a major portion of the grade.  Homework may be a combination of written assignments, reading, study, and long-term projects or papers. At least two hours should be spent doing homework, in study, and reading each evening. Assignments should be neat, complete and on time.

 

Students are expected to complete all assignments in accordance with the student’s ability. Any student who habitually does not complete a homework assignment on time will be assigned to an academic intervention program.

 

Materials

Students are required to bring all necessary materials to class. This includes all textbooks, workbooks, notebooks, pens and pencils, COMA Agenda/Planner, binder paper, backpack or book bag, and any other materials required by the teacher in a particular class.  Each grade level will provide more specific guidelines for materials at the start of the year.

 

Student Policies And Procedures

 

Agendas

The school is providing all students with an agenda in which they are required to write down their daily homework and other important instructional notes.  Students are expected to maintain their agendas in pristine condition. Students are expected to bring their agendas to school every day.  Lost or damaged agendas will have to be replaced for a $10 fee.

 

Announcements

Every day in advisory there will be student announcements shared with important updates and information regarding student events.  All students should listen carefully and take notes when needed. Announcements can also be found on bulletin boards in the hallways.

 

Disputes And Disagreements

Students should attempt to resolve any issues with one another in a calm and rational way.  If the problem escalates, please consult an objective person, such as the counselor, to mediate for you and help resolve the conflict.

 

Hall Passes

If it becomes necessary for a student to leave the classroom, he or she must have a hall pass with them, and the hall pass must be accurately filled out in ink. The number of passes issued to each student will be predetermined by his/her teacher.  No more than one student should be out of class at any given time.  There will be no passes during the first and last 30 minutes of the period (M-T-Th-F) or 10 minutes (W).

 

Restroom Use

Students should use the restroom before school, after school, and during nutrition and lunch.  In extreme emergencies, teachers will give student’s permission to use the restroom during class time. 

 

School of Choice Provision

 

Each Alliance campus is a school of choice. No student is required to attend, and no employee is required to work at the charter school.  

 

Alliance students living within the attendance area of Alliance who do not desire to attend the charter school may attend another school in Alliance.  Alternatives to the school for these students living within the Alliance attendance area who opt not to attend the charter school will be the same as those offered to all other students currently residing in the district.  These students may attend other district schools or pursue an inter-district transfer in accordance with existing enrollment and transfer policies of the district or county of residence.

 

 

Uniform Policy

 

In the 2012 – 2013 school year, each grade level will be wearing a different color of shirt; the colors will be shades of grey.  6^th grade will be in ash grey, 7^th grade will be in sport grey, and 8^th grade in charcoal grey. 

 

In order to be in compliance with the Alliance Uniform Policy, only sweatshirts and jackets students will be able to wear will be purchased at the school.  Students will not be able to wear their own outerwear for the 2012 – 2013 school year.  In addition, all accessories including but not limited to socks, belts, t-shirts, shoelaces, and shoes must be black, white or grey. Students at each Alliance campus must adhere to a strict uniform policy. 

The specific uniform required for Christine O’Donovan Middle Academy is as follows and applies to all students:

• Tops: Every Student must wear a short sleeve or long sleeve COMA logo polo shirt.
• Bottoms: Solid black dress pants/slacks, or shorts at knee-length
• Tucked in Shirts:All uniform shirts will be tucked in for the entire day, while on school grounds and/or school activities.
• Shorts: If wearing shorts, they must be at or below knee level length.
• Clothing Size: Uniform items, including pants, shorts, and shirts, must be no larger than one size of the student’s regular clothing size

• Undershirts: Only black, white or grey solid undershirts will be permitted
• Footwear: Black, white or gray dress shoes or tennis shoes.  All footwear must have closed toes and heel straps.  No house shoes, slippers, or sandals of any kind are allowed
• Accessories: Gloves, scarfs, head/hair wear such as ribbons, headbands, and clips must be black, white or gray

 

The following clothing items are expressly prohibited for all students:

• Any pants other than dress pants/slacks
• Inappropriately tight and/or short clothing as determined by administration
• Low-rise and/or hip-hugger pants
• Cut off shorts
• Tights or sweats as pants
• Clothing with holes, especially if they reveal flesh
• Open-toed shoes
• Caps, hats, bandanas, hoods, and beanies
• Pull-over sweaters regardless of color
• Clothing worn inside out
• Any clothing that does not properly cover the body
• Any clothing that may be construed as having gang –affiliation (colored shoelaces, initialed belt buckles, cut-out belts, “sagging”/oversized clothing, etc.)
• Any attire that may be a distraction will be confiscated. Distracting attire includes but is not limited to accessories such as extra clothing pieces, excessive and/or large pieces of jewelry, facial piercings/jewelry.

 

Out-Of Uniform Consequences

Parents will be contacted immediately when their student is not adhering to the uniform policy described above.  If a student is out of uniform, parents will be asked to bring the student a change of clothes before the student may return to class.

 

Students are expected to be responsible for coming to school in uniform prepared to learn and to check their own attire.  Please be aware that, all staff will conduct uniform checks routinely. Students who are not in compliance with the uniform policy will be dealt with on an individual basis by the administration.

 

All students whose attire is in violation of Dress Code policy face disciplinary action and depending on the severity of the violation, students may not be permitted to return to class until they have changed.

 

Free Dress Guidelines

1. Boys and girls are permitted to wear casual pants, including clean and un-torn or frayed jeans. Sweats, tights, leggings, basketball shorts are not permitted.

 

2. Boys and girls are permitted to wear T-shirts, sweatshirts or other casual shirts/blouses provided they are modest and do not make reference to drugs, alcoholic beverages, taverns, offensive activities or sexual content, etc. “Double meaning” T-shirts are not permitted.

 

3. Bare midriffs and clothing that is sexually suggestive or fails to conceal undergarments, back, abdomen, and cleavage will not be allowed. This includes, but is not limited to, halter tops, short shorts/skirts, bathing suits, tank tops, low-cut tops/dresses, or muscle shirts.

 

4. Gang attire of any kind will not be allowed. This includes gang-related clothing, solid colors of red or blue clothing or accessories, including but not limited to bandannas, or other symbols, emblems, or insignia are prohibited. Gang-related web belts with or without punched out metal buckles are prohibited. Dangerous clothing accessories are prohibited (i.e., spiked jewelry, studded collars, studded belts).

 

5. Girls may wear casual pants, skirts, shorts and skorts and appropriate blouses. Skirts and skorts must be the appropriate size and must fall at or just above the student’s kneecaps.

 

6. Sandals are not permitted for either boys or girls.

 

7. Neither boys nor girls are permitted to wear caps or hats. Hats are not to be worn during any school time.

 

8. Any student, who has doubt about what to wear, should simply not wear it.

 

Physical Education Uniform

All students taking physical education courses are required to “dress” for physical education every day. A supervised changing area with separate areas for males and females will be available. The physical education uniform required for Christine O’Donovan Middle Academy College-Ready Academy School is:

• A Christine O’Donovan Middle Academy t-shirt with school logo
• Christine O’Donovan Middle Academy shorts or solid black sweatpants
• Tennis shoes

 

The physical education uniform is only to be worn for P.E. Students will be required to change back into the school uniform when the class ends each day.

 

Attendance Policy

 

Classroom attendance is essential to the learning process and is required by the CALIFORNIA EDUCATION CODE and Alliance Public Charter Schools. Student success has a direct correlation with consistent and punctual attendance in class and school related events. Students with good attendance records achieve higher grades, enjoy school more, are more successful in their pursuit of higher education, and are more employable after leaving school.

 

California law states that every student shall attend school punctually and regularly and conform to the regulations of the school. It is ACRPS policy that students attend class regularly; that work missed because of school related activities or illness must be promptly made-up; that truancy is unacceptable; and that other absences approved by the parent be minimized or avoided whenever possible.

 

Alliance schools strive to achieve at least a 95% attendance rate each month and for the year. The following guidelines have been adopted and will be enforced at Christine O’Donovan Middle Academy School.

 

School Hours / Schedule

Christine O’Donovan Middle Academy College-Ready Academy High School will be open from 7:30am – 4:00pm throughout the school year.  If you would like to speak with any staff member, including teachers, the school counselor, or an administrative designee, please call to make an appointment.  You can reach us at (323) 754-2364.

 

The school day begins at 7:45am daily and ends at 3:30pm on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday.  On Wednesdays, school is out at 1:30pm.  Classes are two-hour blocks and follow and even/odd schedule:  Even periods on Monday and Thursday, and odd periods on Tuesday and Friday.  Students go to all classes on Wednesday and are dismissed early so that teachers may attend professional development activities. Students must be in their seats and ready to learn when the bell rings at 7:45am or they will be considered tardy.

 

Parent notification of student absence

A staff member will call home within the first forty-five minutes of the start of the instructional day if a student is not present. Parents should call the school to explain the reason for the student absence, if possible, before 7:45 a.m.

 

Procedure for clearing absences

COMA attendance policy allows students a maximum of two (2) days to excuse an absence. When a student returns to school after being absent, he/she must provide the Main Office with a dated note with contact information from a parent/guardian explaining the reason for the absence and the duration.  After office staff has verified the letter, the student will receive an “Admit Slip” to return to class.

Admit slips will only be issued with an ink/type written note that includes:

1. Student's name

2. The reason for absence

3. The date(s) the student was absent

4. Valid telephone number

5. A parent/guardian signature

 

The student must keep the admit Slip in a safe place and present it to each teacher at the beginning of each period until ALL periods have “cleared” the absence(s).  Students will not be admitted to class without an Admit Slip.

 

Every absence due to illness requires a doctor’s note to excuse the absence. A student may not participate in any after-school extracurricular activity if he/she is absent from school on the day of the activity.

 

Excused absences

Absences are those that are recognized by the state as legal excused absences:

• If a student is personally ill, and his/her attendance in school would endanger his/her health or the health of others;
• Health (with documentation provided by medical professional)
• Serious illness or death in the student's immediate family necessitates absence; Funerals (for immediate family, with program and/or obituary provided, & max three (3) days if not local)
• Special/recognized religious holiday observed by student's faith;
• A required appearance in a court of law.
• Any other state / federal legal obligations

 

School-related absences

• Field Trips
• Academic Events
• School Office Appointments
• Suspension

 

Unexcused absences

Absences not defined above as “excused” are unexcused absences, also included are:

• Unverified absence
• Truancy
• Tardy
• Absence due to taking an early vacation or extending a vacation.

 

Ten (10) absences will result in the student losing credit for his/her classes.

 

Protocol for Excessive absences

Poor attendance to school is considered a characteristic of a student who is not college-ready. When absences become excessive the following measures will be implemented:

• 2 absences = Parent Conference
• 3 absences = P. C. & Probationary Status Contract Placement
• 5 unexcused absences = Voluntary WITHDRAWAL from COMA

 

Long-term absences

Learning works best when each student attends every day. Although occasional absences are unavoidable, long-term absences pose a special challenge to learning. Class participation and group projects are vital components of the educational program, and a student’s long-term absence will seriously impact his/her mastery of important course concepts and skills. Parents/guardians of a student who is absent for an extended period due to illness, injury, or family emergency should contact the Main Office in advance with an estimate of how long the student will be absent. Periodic updates would be appreciated.

 

Faculty and staff will work on a case-by-case basis with parents/guardians to help keep an extended-absent student from falling behind. A student must obtain a long-term absence study contract from their teachers if leaving the school for an extended period. A student returning from an extended absence may require supplemental tutoring and/or remediation beyond the school to attain proficiency.

 

Make-up Assignments

Teachers will set their own class policies for submitting assignments when absent. Please note teachers may have a no late work policy. Additionally, missing due dates will result in zeros. Students must make-up all assignments, and may be allowed to make-up tests, and quizzes upon returning to school. Students should always try to get his/her assignment(s) from their classmates, school website or teachers while they are absent to prevent them from falling behind. Upon the first day of his/her return to school, it is the student’s responsibility to check in with the teacher about missed work and due dates.

 

A student who will be absent for three consecutive school days may get his/her assignments by contacting the Office or emailing the office manager in advance. When requesting assignments, please keep the following in mind:

1. Upon a request for missed work, teachers will submit the assignment to the student office within 24 hours of the request.
2. Please do not request assignments for students who have been or will be absent fewer than three consecutive school days.

 

Tardiness Policy

 

The instructional day begins at 7:40 a.m. with the ringing of the warning bell. Students are expected to be in seats ready to engage in the instructional program by 7:45 a.m. Tardiness to school is considered a characteristic of a student who is not college-ready.

 

To provide our students with the best possible education, each Alliance campus has adopted aTolerate No Tardies(TNT) Policy. In the Parent/Student/Staff School Compact which states “students can and will achieve when there is a collaborative effort between staff, administrators, parents and students…” students and parents are expected to plan their time effectively in order for students to arrive to class on time at 7:45 a.m. It is our belief that each child should be entitled to maximum instructional time each day, each period; therefore a tardy policy will be implemented which supports and reinforces our school’s mission. Unexcused tardies to school are cumulative for the duration of one semester with the following consequences in place for tardiness:

 

Morning Tardies

1 -2 days tardy = Detention

3 days tardy = Parent Conference

4-5 days tardy = Parent Conference & Saturday School

 

Between Class Tardies

1 = Warning

3 = Break and/or Lunch Detention with the Teacher

4 = Afterschool Detention (45 Minutes)

5 = Parent Conference & Daily Behavior Plan

 

Under the Tolerate No Tardies Policy a student who arrives at school after the 7:45 a.m. bell is considered tardy.  All tardy students should report directly to the office with their parent.  A tardy may be excused if a parent calls before arrival or accompanies his/her child into the school building to sign him/her in with a valid excuse as determined by administration.

 

Graduation Requirements

 

To successfully be promoted from an Alliance College-Ready Middle School, each student must:

 

q  Take and pass all courses with a grade of C or higher.

 

q  Comply with Academic Probation Contracts (if applicable).

 

Promotion Ceremony Requirements

To participate in the COMA promotional ceremony each student must:

• Returned all school textbooks and/or paid fines.
• Parents/Guardians have completed 40 hours of involvement/school volunteer services.
• 8^th Grade Dues paid in full.

 

 

Advisory

 

Providing a personalized learning environment in our schools through Student Advisory is a core value in the Alliance educational model.

 

Students learn best in small learning communities where their education is personalized, where they know their teachers, where their teachers and all adults in the school know them, where advisory structures connect each student with a personal learning team, and where there is student voice in all aspects of the school that directly affect them.

 

Student voice is essential in all aspects of the school, that directly affect student learning, interests and needs through structures such as advisory groups that connect each student with a personal learning team.  In the advisory period no student is allowed to “fall through the cracks” of anonymity. 

 

The advisory focuses on four primary areas: 1) Personal Development, 2) Social Responsibility, 3) College and Career, 4) Community Building The advisory teacher serves as the students’ counselor for four years so that students are connected to a consistent adult for guidance with studies, student relationships, and planning for college. All students will be well known and supported through small advisory groups of 20-25 students.  A credentialed teacher will serve as advisor and will work with the same students through graduation.  The advisory structure will provide a small focused support group to motivate and support each individual student’s progress.

 

 

Grades

 

Academic Grades

Alliance graduation requirements and grading policies are in alignment with University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU), undergraduate admissions requirements.  Like the UC, CSU and other accredited colleges and universities throughout the United States, Alliance students may earn passing grades of “A”, “B”, and “C.”  The Alliance does not issue the letter grade of “D,” since colleges & universities do not accept “Ds” for college admission. Students who do not demonstrate proficiency in a course earn a grade of Not Proficient, “NP” (not proficient enough to pass). are required to retake the course to earn credit.  Students who have “D” grades on transcripts prior to this policy receive unit credit but not A-G course completion.

 

Academic Honesty Policy

The Christine O’Donovan Middle Academy faculty and administration believe in academic integrity, and the principle of the honor code. Students are expected to do their own homework, to test without external resources, and to submit original work for all assignments.

·         Plagiarism—submitting another person’s work as your own.

·         Submission of falsified dates, written or oral.

·         Copying another student’s work.

·         Aiding other with acts of plagiarism and/or copying.

·         Theft or unauthorized access to an exam.

·         Use of a proxy (substitute student) or agreeing to be a proxy during an exam or activity.

·         Use of unauthorized materials or equipment, including electronic devices, during an exam.

·         Changing, altering or fabricating a grade, score, or any other academic record.

·         Unauthorized communication with any other person during an exam.

·         Stealing, tampering with, or damaging school computer files, disks, materials or any other school property.

·         Stealing or destroying the work of another student.

 

Academic Dishonesty Consequences

1st Offense: "NP" on assignment/test. Teacher notifies parent. Consequences assigned. Incident reported to administration via referral. Consequences shall include 10 hours of community service. Notice entered into student’s central file and all teachers on student’s schedule notified.

 

2nd Offense: "NP" on assignment/test. Teacher holds conference with parent. Student shall be assigned an additional 20 service hours and notice entered into student’s central file. Administration may assign further consequences.

 

3rd Offense: Further consequences, including a mandatory parent conference with assigned administrator, in addition to a 5-day suspension to expulsion will be assigned.

 

ANY STUDENT THAT IS FOUND TO BE IN VIOLATION OF THE ACADEMIC HONESTY POLICY AT ANY POINT DURING HIS/HER CAREER AT COMA WILL NO LONGER BE ELIGIBLE FOR THE ACADEMIC VALEDICTORIAN OR SALUTATORIAN HONORS.

 

 

Life Skills

Life skill grades are based on four primary areas: Participation in class, Behavior, Working in groups, and Classwork/Homework completion. Students will be graded on a 5-1 scale.

5 - Advanced

            4 - Proficient

            3 - Basic

            2 - Below Basic

            1 - Far Below Basic

 

Incomplete Grades

A teacher may determine that a student shall have more time to complete required coursework due to an extended illness, death or illness in the family, or other reason deemed to be of an extenuating nature. The teacher may assign the student an Incomplete (“I”), with a deadline to make up the assigned work. Upon completion of the assigned work or by the deadline, the teacher will submit a grade change form to officially change the “I” to a letter grade. If a student does not complete the work by the deadline, they risk failing the class.

 

Progress Reports

Official progress reports are distributed at parent conferences according to the following schedule:

•   5-Week Fall Progress Report (9/12/12 )
• 10-Week Fall Progress Report (10/10/12)
• 15-Week Fall Progress Report (11/14/12)
• Report Card- Final Fall Semester (12/17/12)
•   5-Week Spring Progress Report (2/13/13)
• 10-Week Spring Progress Report (3/20/13)
• 15-Week Spring Progress Report (5/8/13)
• Report Card- Final Spring Semester (6/10/13)

 

***If parents/guardians are not able to attend parent conferences, the progress reports and/or report cards need to be personally picked up from the main office following the conference date. If the parent/guardian cannot personally pick-up the progress reports and/or report cards, an official request can be made in writing along with a self addressed, stamped envelope.***

 

Keeping Track Of My Child’s Progress 

To access your student's information on the Internet, you will need the following information:
1. The website location:

Pinnacle Excelsior:https://laalliance.gradebook.net/pinnacle/piv
2. Your Username
3. Your Password
This information is distributed to parents by Friday of the second week of school. It is also available in person by contacting the Office Manager.

 

School Accountability Results and Data

 

School Testing and API Data

Information regarding STAR Testing, and Academic Performance Index (API) Score can be found at: http://www.cde.ca.gov. This information can also be obtained at the school.

 

School Accountability Report Card (SARC)

It is the policy of every Alliance school to annually issue a School Accountability Report Card. A copy of the report is available at the school site and also on the internet at: www.odonovanacademy.org

 

 

 

 

School- Home Communication

 

Teachers Contacting Parents by Phone

Expect regular phone calls from teachers regarding your child’s progress.  If you do not hear from one of your child’s teachers, do not assume your child is doing satisfactory work.  The only way to assure your child is on track is to communicate with your child’s teachers by phone, email or by setting up an appointment.

 

Teleparent

Staff members and/or parent volunteers call home on a regular basis to inform parents of school events and to discuss specific issues regarding individual students.  The school also uses a “Teleparent” system to remind parents of schedule changes, holidays, or other important announcements.  Please make sure that you provide the office with the phone number that is best for receiving such calls. Should you wish to change this contact number during the school year, please provide the office with the change in writing.

 

School correspondence

School bulletins, monthly calendars, flyers and letters from the Principal are sent home with students on a regular basis.  Please ask your child or check your child’s backpack for school correspondence in order to keep abreast of what is happening at school.*** Note: Parents can earn parent involvement hours for reading and signing correspondence, upon teacher verification.***

 

 

Home- School Communication

 

Change of Contact Information

Parents will be asked at the beginning of each school year to provide the school with current contact and emergency information. If your contact information changes during the school year (including all telephone numbers), it is the responsibility of each parent/guardian to provide the Main Office with this new information in writing.  The school cannot assume responsibility for missed communications in the event that the contact information is misreported or not updated by the parent or guardian.

 

Parents Contacting Teachers

All teachers and staff members have email accounts where they can be easily contacted. From the school website, you may click on the teacher’s name and contact at the bottom of the page, to send an email. You may also contact teachers by leaving a message with the main office.

 

Messages and deliveries to students

Students may not use the office telephones except for school business or emergencies approved by the administration.  In an effort to limit classroom disturbances, staff will only deliver urgent messages to students during the instructional periods.

 

Visitors

Parents/guardians of current students are welcome to visit the school. All visitors must enter and sign-in at the Main Office.  Students may not have friends, siblings, or other relatives visit them at school at any time.

 

Prospective students, who would like visit the school, can do so if accompanied by a parent or guardian on a scheduled tour accompanied by a school administrator.

 

 

Suspensions and Expulsions

 

Nondiscrimination Policy

Christine O’Donovan Middle Academy College-Ready Academy is committed to providing a working and learning environment that is free from unlawful discrimination and harassment. COMA prohibits discrimination and harassment based on an individual's actual or perceived sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical condition), sexual orientation, gender (including gender identity), ethnic group identification, race, ancestry, national origin, religion (including religious accommodation), color, mental or physical disability, age, marital status, or on the basis of a person’s 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. Harassment based on any of the above-protected categories is a form of unlawful discrimination and will not be tolerated by any ACRPS. Harassment is intimidation or abusive behavior toward a student or employee that creates a hostile environment and can result in disciplinary action against the offending student or employee. Harassing conduct may take many forms, including verbal remarks and name-calling, graphic and written statements, or conduct that is physically threatening or humiliating. This nondiscrimination policy covers admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, all school programs and activities, including vocational education. The lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission to or participation in school programs or activities.

 

Sexual Harassment Policy

Christine O’Donovan Middle Academy College-Ready Academy is committed to maintaining a working and learning environment that is free from sexual harassment. Sexual harassment of or by employees or students, or persons doing business for the school is a form of sex discrimination in that it constitutes differential treatment on the basis of sex, sexual orientation, or gender, and, for that reason, is a violation of state and federal laws and a violation of this policy. COMA considers sexual harassment to be a major offense, which can result in disciplinary action to the offending employee or the suspension or expulsion of the offending student in grades four through twelve. Any student or employee of the school who believes that she or he has been a victim of sexual harassment shall bring the problem to the attention of the site administrator so that appropriate action may be taken to resolve the problem.

 

Discipline Policy

Each Alliance campus will develop, maintain, and implement a comprehensive student discipline policy.  The discipline policy will not be discriminatory, arbitrary, or capricious, and will follow the general principles of due process.  The policy will be adapted as needed in regard to the discipline of a student with special needs as determined by the provisions of the IDEA. The school will follow Alliance policy and the law regarding the discipline of special education students and will notify the appropriate Alliance office responsible for student discipline proceedings if it expels any student whose home school is a Alliance school.

 

The discipline policy will be reviewed with students and parents upon admission to the school and signing of the parent/student/staff compact.  By signing the Parent/Student/Staff School Compact, students and parents acknowledge their understanding of and their responsibility to the standards set forth in the discipline policy.  The discipline policy will define student responsibilities, unacceptable behavior, and the consequences for noncompliance.  

 

Code of Conduct

Student responsibilities will include, but not be limited to:

·    Following all rules of behavior, conduct and uniform policy

·    Respecting fellow students and school personnel

·    Attending classes regularly and on time

·    Completing all assigned work (to the best of the student’s ability)

·    Being prepared for class (bring materials e.g. books, homework)

·    Participating in all assessment measures (e.g. tests)

·    Respecting the property of the school and others

·    Keeping the campus clean

·    Wearing school uniform

 

Unacceptable student behavior includes, but is not limited to:

·    Excessive talking unrelated to instruction

·    Classroom disturbance

·    Eating in class

·    Horseplay/pushing/throwing/running/yelling

·    Bringing mp3 players, cell phones, video games, etc.

·    Bringing candy, shelled sunflower seeds, gum, glass bottles/containers.

·    Cheating

·    Inappropriate use of technology and telecommunications

·    Use, possession or sale of alcohol, tobacco or a controlled substance.

·    Fighting

·    Possession of a knife, gun, explosive or other dangerous objects.

·    Destruction of school property

·    Theft

·    Failure to follow school determined and/or lawful directions of staff members.

 

Students who violate the school rules are subject, but not limited to:

·    Verbal warning

·    Loss of privileges (e.g., detention)

·    Confiscation of items

·    A notice to parents 

·    Conference with student/parent

·    Suspension

 

Any student who engages in repeated violations of behavior will be required to attend a meeting with the school’s staff and the student’s parent. The school will prepare a specific, written remediation agreement outlining future student conduct expectations, timelines, and consequences for failure to meet the expectations.

Discipline Matrix

 

Behavior/Problem	First Offense	Second Offense	Repeated Offenses
WILLFUL DEFIANCE CAUSING A MAJOR CAMPUS OR CLASS DISRUPTION: Any willful major act of insubordination, verbal or non-verbal, that causes a major campus disruption or severely distracts from or interrupts the educational environment, or any administrative, disciplinary, or other activity sponsored or approved by the District. (Penal code Sec. 148.1) (E.C. 48900, sub-section k)	Parent Conference   Referral 3-5 day suspension Placed on behavioral contract	Suspension to expulsion	N/A
INTERFERING WITH THE PEACEFUL CONDUCT OF THE CAMPUS OR CLASSROOM: Any willful act of a minor but annoying nature, verbal or non-verbal, that disrupts the educational process, distracts from the educational environment, or interrupts any administrative, disciplinary, or other activity sponsored or approved by the district.(E.C. 48900, sub-section k). The following consequences are also applicable to students who violate our NO GUM Policy.	Phone call home Referral placed on file Detention	In school suspension Parent Call	Parent conference Behavioral Contract Suspension pending to expulsion
WILLFUL DEFIANCE OR DISOBEDIENCE:A willful act, verbal or non-verbal, that demonstrates deliberate resistance or refusal to object a reasonable request or directive issued by a school district employee. (E.C. 48900, sub-section k)	Phone call home Referral Detention	In school- suspension Referral Parent Call	Parent conference Behavioral Contract Suspension pending to expulsion
Failure to Report for Detention: Failure to report to detention when assigned by a teacher, administrator, staff member. (E.C. 48900)	Phone call home Referral Double Detention	In school- suspension Referral Parent Call	Parent conference Behavioral Contract Suspension pending to expulsion
POSSESSING OR USE OF ANY ELECTRONIC SIGNALING DEVICE:Students may possess electronic signaling devices on campus during the school day, while attending school-sponsored activities, or while under the supervision and control of a school district employee. HOWEVER, COMA is NOT responsible for lost, stolen, or misplaced iPods and/or any electronic device (cell phone). Electronic signaling devices and iPods shall be turned off during instructional time and not be visible. (E.C. 48901.5)	1 day confiscation Confiscated till parent pick up Parent Call	Parent Conference Confiscated till parent pick up Electronic contract	Confiscated for remaining of school year
DRESS CODE VIOLATION: Any dress, grooming, or appearance, which disrupts, or tends to disrupt the educational process, or affect the health or safety of individuals shall be prohibited. (E.C. 48900, sub-section k) (E.C. 35161, 35183, 35291.5, 35294.1; C.A.C. Title 5, Section 302)	Verbal Warning Parent notified Alternate Clothing or removal of prohibited item	Detention Parent Contact In school suspension/Alternate Clothing or removal of prohibited item	Detention Parent Conference Behavioral Contract/ Suspension
LOITERING ON OR ABOUT ANY PART OF CAMPUS: (E.C. 48900, sub-section k) (Penal Code 653G and 627) Note: A student may be subject to arrest according to Penal Code 653G if he/she loiters at or near any school or public place at or near where students attend or normally congregate, or re-enters or comes upon such school or place after being asked to leave by a school official.	Warning Parent Contacted	3 day suspension Parent conference	5 day suspension Parent Conference
GAMBLING AND WAGERING,or habitually being present where gambling and wagering are taking place or in possession of dice or playing cards or any other gambling materials. (E.C. 48900, sub-section k)	Warning Confiscation Detention Parent Contact	3 day suspension Parent conference Referral	5 day Parent conference Referral
PURCHASING ITEMS FROM STORES OR STREET VENDORS without proper authorization. (E.C. 48900, sub-section k) Note: This includes but is not limited to the store(s) across the  street, page 17.	Confiscation of item/s Parent Contact	Confiscation of item Detention Behavioral Contract Parent contact	Confiscation of item/s Suspension Parent conference
CHEATING(E.C. 48900, sub-section k) see Academic Honesty Policy on page	NP on assignment Parent Contact 10 Service hours	NP on assignment Parent Conference/ Cheating Contract 20 service hours	Parent Conference Suspension pending expulsion
TAMPERING WITH PROPERTY OF THE SCHOOL or belongings of any other person. (E.C. 48900, sub-section k and t)	Parent Contact Detention	Parent Conference 3 day suspension/ Behavioral Contract	Parent Conference Suspension pending expulsion
FAILING TO IDENTIFY ONESELF or giving false information to school personnel. (E.C. 48900, sub-section k)	Warning Detention Parent Contact	Parent Conference 3 Day suspension/ Behavioral Contract	Parent Conference Suspension pending expulsion
POSSESSING OR USING TOBACCO(or any products containing tobacco or nicotine products). (E.C. 48900, sub-section h)	Parent Conference 1 day suspension	Parent Conference 2 day suspension/ Behavioral Contract	Parent Conference Suspension pending expulsion
VIOLATING THE USE OF TECHNOLOGY, NETWORK,AND ELECTRONIC INFORMATION POLICY (E.C. 48900, sub-section k and t)	Loss of network / computer use Parent Contact	Loss of network / computer use 3 Day Suspension/ Behavioral Contract Parent Conference	Parent Conference Suspension pending expulsion
FORGING, FALSIFYING, ALTERING, OR USING FORGED SCHOOL CORRESPONDENCE, PASSES, OR RE-ADMIT SLIPS(E.C. 48900, sub-section k)	Warning Detention Parent Contact	Parent Conference 3 Day suspension Behavioral Contract	Parent Conference Suspension pending expulsion
POSSESSING ANY OBJECTS OF A DANGEROUS NATURE including but not limited to, laser pointers and spiked accessories ON CAMPUS. (E.C. 48900 sub-section b)	Parent Conference 1 day suspension	Parent Conference 2 Day suspension Behavioral Contract	Parent Conference Suspension pending expulsion
USE OF RACIAL/ETHNIC SLURS either verbally or in writing. (E.C. 48900, sub-section k)	1-3 day suspension Parent Conference	3-5 day suspension Behavioral Contract Parent Conference	Parent Conference Suspension pending Expulsion
COMMITTING AN OBSCENE ACT OR ENGAGING IN HABITUAL PROFANITY OR VULGARITY either verbally or in writing. (E.C. 48900, sub-section i)	1-3 day suspension Parent Conference	3-5 day suspension Behavioral Contract Parent Conference	Parent Conference Suspension pending Expulsion
KNOWINGLY RECEIVING STOLEN SCHOOL PROPERTY OR PRIVATE PROPERTY(E.C. 48900 sub-section l and t) Note: Stolen items of value greater than $25.00 will warrant consequences starting at Step 2.	1-3 day suspension Parent Conference	3-5 day suspension Behavioral Contract Parent Conference	Parent Conference Suspension pending Expulsion
STEALING OR ATTEMPTING TO STEAL SCHOOL PROPERTY OR PRIVATE PROPERTY OR EXTORATION(E.C. 48900 sub-section g and t) Note: Stolen items of value greater than $25.00 will warrant consequences starting at Step 2.	1-3 day suspension Parent Conference Behavioral Contract Pay for merchandise or value of damage	Parent Conference Suspension pending Expulsion Pay for merchandise or value of damage	N/A
ENGAGING IN OR HAVING ANY PART IN HAZING/BULLYING or committing any act that injures, degrades, or disgraces any other person attending school. Causing, attempting to cause, threatening to cause, or participating in an act of hate violence. (E.C. Sec. 32050-52) (E.C. Sec. 33032.5) (E.C. 48900, sub-section a and/or k and q) (E.C. 48900.3)	1-3 day suspension Parent Conference	1-3 day suspension Parent Conference Behavioral Contract	Parent Conference Suspension pending Expulsion
THREATENING, INTIMIDATING, MENACING OR HARASSING (INCLUDING SEXUAL HARASSMENT) ANY OTHER PERSON (E.C. 48900 sub-section a and /or k) (E.C. 48900.2) (E.C. 48900.4) Possible removal from campus or separation of student.	1-3 day suspension Parent Conference Behavioral Contract	Parent Conference Suspension pending Expulsion	N/A
CAUSING OR ATTEMPTING TO CAUSE DAMAGE TO PROPERTY-cutting, defacing, or otherwise injuring any school district property, or the malicious injury or destruction of any other person's real or personal property. (Penal Code Sec. 594) (E.C. 48900, sub-section f and t)	1 day suspension Parent Conference Pay for merchandise or value of damage	Suspension pending Expulsion Parent Conference Pay for merchandise or value of damage	N/A
CAUSING, ATTEMPTING, OR THREATENING TO CAUSE PHYSCAL INJURY OR WILLFULLY USING FORCE OR VIOLENCE UPON ANOTHER PERSON.(E.C. 48900, sub-sections (a) (1), (a) (2), and s) An individual must do everything possible to avoid a conflict. Acts of aggression will not be considered self-defense.	1-5  day suspension depending on severity Parent Conference Behavioral Contract	Suspension pending Expulsion Parent Conference	N/A
HARASSED, THREATENED, OR INTIMIDATED A PUPIL WHO IS A COMPLAINING WITNESS OR WITNESS IN A SCHOOL DISCIPLINARY PROCEEDING for the purpose of preventing that pupil from being a witness or retaliating against that pupil for being a witness, or both. (E.C. 48900, sub-section o)	1-3 day suspension Parent Conference	1-3 day suspension Parent Conference Behavioral Contract	Parent Conference Suspension pending Expulsion
ACTIVATION OF FALSE ALARMS OR TAMPERING WITH EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT, FIRE-SETTING OR ATTEMPTED FIRE-SETTING. (Penal Code Sec. 447 and 455, 148.4) (E.C. 48900, sub-section k)	3 Day suspension Police/Fire Report Behavioral Contract	5 Day Suspension Recommendation of Expulsion Police Report/ Citation	N/A
UNLAWFULLY POSSESSING OR UNLAWFULLY OFFERING, ARRANGING, OR NEGOTIATING TO SELL ANY DRUG PARAPHERNALIA,as defined in Section 11014.5 of the Health and Safety Code. (E.C. 48900, sub-section j)	5 Day suspension/ Pending expulsion Parent Conference Police Report/ Possible Arrest Proof of enrollment: rehabilitation / awareness program	N/A	N/A
UNLAWFUL POSSESSION, USING, OR BEING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ANY CONTROLLED SUBSTANCEan alcoholic beverage or intoxicant of any kind. Possessing not more than one ounce of marijuana. Using or being under the influence of marijuana or any controlled substance (as defined in Section 11053 of the Health and Safety Code). (E.C. 48915 and E.C. 48900, sub-section c).	Parent Conference 1 Day Suspension Proof of enrollment: rehabilitation / awareness program	Parent Conference Suspension pending Expulsion	N/A
COMMITTED ASSAULT OR BATTERY ON SCHOOL PERSONNEL(Penal Code Sec. 240, 242) (E.C. 48915 and E.C. 48900, sub-section a, E.C. 44014)	5 Day suspension pending Expulsion File Police Report	N/A	N/A
POSSESSED, SOLD, OR OTHERWISE FURNISHED ANY FIREARM, KNIFE, EXPLOSIVE, OR OTHER DANGEROUS OBJECT of no reasonable use to the pupil on school grounds or at a school related activity off school grounds unless in the case of possession of any such object, the pupil had obtained written permission to possess the item from a certificated school employee, which is concurred in by the principal or the designee of the principal. (E.C. 48915 and 48900, sub-section b)	5 Day suspension pending Expulsion File Police Report	N/A	N/A
FURNISHED OR SOLD ANY CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE(as defined in Section 11053 of the Health and Safety Code), an alcoholic beverage, or an intoxicant of any kind. (E.C. 48915 and E.C. 48900, sub-section c, 48900 sub-section p)	5 Day suspension pending Expulsion Notification of Law Enforcement Proof of enrollment: rehabilitation / awareness program	N/A	N/A
OFFERED, ARRANGED, OR NEGOTIATED TO SELL ANY CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE defined in Section 11053 of the Health and Safety Code, alcoholic beverage, or intoxicant and then sold, delivered, or furnished look-a-likes or in lieu substances. (E.C. 48900, sub-section d)	5 Day suspension pending Expulsion Notification of Law Enforcement Proof of enrollment: rehabilitation / awareness program	N/A	N/A
COMMITTED A TERRORISTIC THREAT including, but not limited to, a bomb threat. (E.C. 48900.7) This includes any threatening statement, written or oral, which threatens death, great bodily injury or property damage in excess of $1,000, even if there is no intent of actually carrying it out.	5 Day suspension pending Expulsion Notification of Law Enforcement	N/A	N/A

 

 

DETENTION

·         Teachers, administrators and staff members can assign detentions to students for violating school rules and policies.

·         Parents/Guardians will be notified via phone number on file that their child has been assigned detention.

·         Teacher assigned detention will be held with the teacher.

·         After school detention will last from 30-60 minutes. Students are encouraged to use this time productively as a study hall.

·         Saturday School detentions will take place from 8am-12noon on an assigned Saturday. Students will participate in our campus beautification program.

 

Suspension and Expulsion

Students who present an immediate threat to the health and safety of others may be suspended or expelled.  A written remediation plan will be prepared that clearly describes progressive discipline measures, grounds for suspension and expulsion, minimum/maximum number of consecutive days of suspension, notification process to parents of suspension, reasons for suspension, appeal process, length of suspension, and provision for student’s education while suspended. 

 

A student may be suspended or expelled for any of the acts enumerated in this section and related to school activity or school attendance that occur at any time, including, but not limited to, any if the following:

·    While on school grounds.

·    While going to or coming from school.

·    During the lunch period whether on or off the campus.

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

 

Reasons for suspension

The school may suspend a student for any of the following reasons as specified in the California Education Code section 48900:

1. Caused, attempted to cause, or threatened to cause physical injury to another person or willfully used force or violence upon the person of another.
2. Possessed, sold, or otherwise furnished any firearm, knife, explosive, or other dangerous object.
3. Unlawfully possessed, used, sold, or otherwise furnished, or been under the influence of, any controlled substance listed in Chapter 2 of Division 10 of the Health and Safety Code, an alcoholic beverage, or an intoxicant of any kind.
4. Unlawfully offered, arranged, or negotiated to sell any controlled substance, alcoholic beverage, or intoxicant or otherwise furnished to any person another liquid, substance, or material represented as a controlled substance, alcoholic beverage, or intoxicant.
5. Committed or attempted to commit robbery or extortion.
6. Caused or attempted to cause damage to school property or private property.
7. Stolen or attempted to steal school property or private property.
8. Possessed or used tobacco, or any products containing tobacco or nicotine products in any form.
9. Committed an obscene act or engaged in habitual profanity or vulgarity.
10. Unlawfully possessed or unlawfully offered, arranged, or negotiated to sell any drug paraphernalia.
11. Disrupted school activities or otherwise willfully defied the valid authority of school personnel engaged in the performance of their duties.
12. Knowingly received stolen school property or private property.
13. Possessed an imitation firearm.
14. Committed or attempted to commit a sexual assault or sexual battery.
15. Harassed, threatened, or intimidated a pupil who is a complaining witness or witness in a school disciplinary proceeding for the purpose of either preventing that pupil from being a witness or retaliating against that pupil for being a witness, or both.
16. Unlawfully offered, arranged to sell, negotiated to sell, or sold the prescription drug Soma.
17. Engaged in, or attempted to engage in, hazing as defined in Section 32050.
18. Aided or abetted the infliction or attempted infliction or physical injury to another person (suspension only).

 

Grades 6-8

48900.2 – Committed sexual harassment 

48900.3 – Caused, attempted to cause, threatened to cause, or participated in an act of hate violence 

48900.4 – Engaged in harassment, threats, or intimidation directed against school personnel or pupils 

48900.7 – Made terroristic threats against school officials, school property or both.

 

Reasons for Expulsion

Students may be expelled from school for any of the following reasons as specified in the California Education Code section 48915:

• Causing serious physical injury to another person.
• Possession, selling or furnishing of any firearm, knife, explosive, or other dangerous object.
• Brandishing a knife at another person
• Committing or attempting to commit a sexual assault or committing a sexual battery.
• Unlawful possession or selling of any controlled substance listed in Chapter 2 of Division 10 of the Health and Safety Code, an alcoholic beverage, or an intoxicant of any kind.
• Robbery or extortion.
• Assault or battery upon any school employee.

 

Process for Suspension and/or Expulsion

Informal Conference

Suspension will be preceded by an informal conference conducted by the administrative staff, with the student and the student’s parent. The conference may be omitted if the administrative staff determines that an emergency situation exists. An “emergency situation” involves a clear and present danger to the lives, safety or health of students or school personnel. If the student is suspended without a conference, the parent will be notified of the suspension, a request for a conference will be made and conducted as soon as possible.

 

Notice to Parents

At the time of suspension, a school employee will make a reasonable effort to contact the parent by telephone or in person to be followed up with a written notification. This notice will state the specific offense committed by the student. In addition, the notice may also state the date and time the student may return to school. If the school officials wish to ask the parent to confer regarding matters pertinent to the suspension, the notice may note that the parents are required to respond to this request without delay and that student violations of school rules can result in student expulsion from the school. 

 

Length of Suspension

The length of suspension for students may not exceed a period of 10 continuous days unless an administrative recommendation has been made and agreed to by the student’s parent.  If a student is recommended for a period of suspension exceeding 10 continuous days, a second conference will be scheduled with the parent to discuss the progress of the suspension upon the completion of the 10th day of suspension. All reasonable arrangements will be made to provide the student with classroom material and current assignments to be completed at home during the length of the suspension.

 

Recommendations for Expulsion

Students will be recommended for expulsion if the administrative staff finds that at least one of the following findings may be substantiated:

1. Other means of correction are not feasible or have repeatedly failed to bring about proper conduct.
2. Due to the nature of the violation, the presence of the student causes a continuing danger to the physical safety of the student or others.
3. Possessing, selling or furnishing a firearm.

 

Expulsion Hearing

Students recommended for expulsion are entitled to a hearing to determine whether the student should be expelled. The hearing will be held within 30 days after the administrative staff determines that the student committee an act subject to expulsion.  The hearing may be presided over by the School Board of Directors or an administrative hearing panel appointed by the Board.

Written notice of the hearing will be forwarded to the student and the student’s parent at least 10 calendar days before the date of the hearing. This notice will include:

1. The date and place of the hearing.
2.  A statement of the specific facts, charges, and offenses upon which the proposed expulsion is based.
3.  A copy of the school’s disciplinary rules that relate to the alleged violation.
4. The opportunity for the student or the student’s parent to appear in person at the hearing.
5. Parent has a right to be represented by an attorney.
6. Parent has a right to bring witness, written statements, written documents

 

Written notice to expel a student will be sent by the administrative staff to the parent of any student who is expelled. This notice will include the following:

1. The specific offense committed by the student for any of the acts listed above in “Reasons for Suspension and/or Expulsion.”
2. Notice of the student’s or parent’s obligation to inform any new district in which the student seeks to enroll of the student’s status with the school

 

Appeal of Suspension or Expulsion

The suspension or expulsion of a student will be at the discretion of the school administrative staff (or the administrative staff designee).   Parents will be notified in advance to enactment of the suspension or expulsion and can appeal a student’s suspension or expulsion.  A suspension appeal will be heard by the administrative staff, and upon consideration, the administrative staff’s decision is final.  An expulsion may be appealed within five working days. The student will be considered suspended until a meeting is convened to hear the appeal (within ten working days) at which time the student’s parent must attend to present their appeal.  The appeal will be heard by a fair and impartial panel of representatives, assigned by the School Board of Directors.  The decision of the panel of representatives of School Board of Directors will be final.

 

In the event of a decision to expel a student, the school will work cooperatively with the district of residence, county, and/or private schools to assist with the appropriate educational placement of the student who has been expelled.  Any incident of violent and/or serious student behavior will be communicated to the district/school to which the student matriculates.

 

Rehabilitation Plan

Pupils who are expelled from the school shall be given a rehabilitation plan upon expulsion as developed by the school governance council 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 will include a date not later than one year from the date of expulsion when the pupil may reapply to the charter school for readmission.

 

Readmission Plan

The decision to readmit a pupil or to admit a previously expelled pupil from another Alliance or charter school shall be at the sole discretion of the school’s governance and the pupil, parent or guardian, or representative, to determine whether the pupil poses a threat to others or will be disruptive to the school environment.  The pupil’s admission or readmission is also contingent upon the capacity of the school at the time the pupil seeks admission or readmission.

 

Data Collection and Reporting – Special Education

The school will collect and produce data regarding the suspension and expulsion of special education students as required by the Special Education Modified Consent Decree.

Discipline procedures for students with special needs will include positive behavioral interventions.

 

Meals

All students are provided with both nutrition and lunch during the school day.  Nutrition will be served four days a week and is 20 minutes long.  Lunch is served everyday and is 30 minutes long. Students in the lunch line are identified using a finger scanner, which identifies, but does not store, the student’s fingerprint or using the barcode on the student’s school ID card.

Each student is asked to submit an eligibility form, available in the main office, to determine eligibility for free or reduced-price lunch.  Students who qualify for free lunch receive one nutrition meal and one lunch meal each day free of charge.  Students qualifying for reduced-price lunch will be charged $0.30 for nutrition and $0.40 for lunch.  Students who do not qualify for free or reduced-price lunch will be charged the full price of $2.00 for nutrition and $3.00 for lunch.  Second meals, regardless of student eligibility, cost $ 2.00 for nutrition and $3.00 for lunch.  Students may prepay by submitting deposits to the school’s office manager in the main office (no payments are accepted in the lunch line).  Students with outstanding balances will receive a billing statement from the school each month.  Please pay the indicated amount promptly.

 

Health Services

 

Basic health services are offered in the Main Office. Although the school does not have a health specialist on staff, a school staff member is available to provide assistance during school hours.

 

Procedures: Students in need of health services during class time must obtain a Health Referral from their teacher. A student must then report directly to the Office where a staff member will determine the student’s needs and take appropriate action.

 

Non-prescription Drug Policy: School employees may NOT distribute any non-prescription medication. Students may NOT carry, consume, or distribute any non-prescription medication for pain relief (or for any other reason) to anyone.

 

 

Prescription Drug Policy: Students may NOT carry or distribute any prescription medication for any other reason. If a student has been directed by a physician to consume prescribed medication, it must be submitted to the office, in order to be log-in and secured. All medication must be in its original packaging, labeled with the students name , physicians contact information and accompanied by administration factsheet.

 

 

Administrative Supervision

 

Supervision is provided for all school sponsored programs, activities, and meals during the instructional day. Unless otherwise noted for a specific school sponsored program or activity, hours of supervision at school begins 30 minutes before and after school ends.

 

On a regular-schedule day, supervision will begin at 7:15 a.m. and conclude at 4:00 p.m.  On Wednesdays supervision will be from 7:15 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. For students that participate in the Afterschool ALL-Stars supervision will conclude at 6:00pm (M-T-Th-F) and 4:00pm (W).

 

To insure the safety of our students, it is important that students do not arrive before their appropriate start time and that they leave promptly at the conclusion of his/her school day. Students who linger on or near campus will be sent home. Should any student create a disturbance by lingering before or after school, disciplinary action may be taken.

 

School administration, staff, and parent volunteers are available to help insure our campus remains safe and students are following traffic laws when crossing the street. Students are to obey all directions from supervisory staff and parent volunteers.

 

****Christine O’Donovan Middle Academy is a closed campus. This means that once a student arrives at school he/she is not allowed to leave and return without proper documentation.

 

 

Personal property

 

Students will be solely responsible for bringing items to school and must watch their belongings carefully.  The school is not responsible for any loss, theft or damage to personal items. It is best for items that are not related to the instructional program (i.e. iPods, PSPs, Nintendo, etc.) to be kept at home.

 

Cellular Phones

COMA does not recommend that students bring any electronic devices to school. Students are only allowed to bring cellular phones to school in case of the need for parent contact during an emergency situation outside of the supervised instructional day. If you want your child to carry a cellular phone to school, the device must be put away with the volume off for the entire instructional day.

 

Students may NOT call on their personal phones for a parent/guardian pick-up during the instructional day for any reason other than a school emergency as determined by administration. Students who do not follow this rule will have their phones confiscated. Only a parent or guardian may collect any item confiscated from a student.

 

Parents who need to contact their child during the day must call the main office, 323-294-3172.

 

Skateboards and Bicycles

In the interest of safety, students are not allowed to bring roller blades, skateboards, skate shoes, or scooters to school. Students who ride bicycles are minded to follow the rules of safe riding. Once on campus, the student his to get off his/her bike and walk. Students are encouraged to bring a lock to secure their bicycle. Bicycles must be parked in the bike racks. Bicycles are not allowed to be stored inside the building.

 

Lost and Found

The lost-and-found will be in the Main Office. Students who have lost clothing, keys, etc. should check in the office to see it the items have been turned-in. At the end of each month, unclaimed clothing items will be donated to the Good Will.

 

 

 

Textbooks

 

Textbooks will be issued for all courses. Textbooks will be checked out by the clerk, directly to the student. Students are responsible for the textbooks in which are issued to them. Charges will be applied for books that are lost or damaged. The school is not responsible for stolen, lost, or damaged books. Report lost books immediately. A replacement fee will be charged and must be paid by the end of the semester. Withdrawing or transferring students must have returned all school materials, books, and equipment before any transfer records will be released.

 

            Lost book………………………….  Full textbook price

            Damaged………………………….. $25 or more (depending on amount of damage)

 

Fines may be paid by cash or by money order. Personal checks will not be accepted.

 

School Activities

 

(Please note that students may be prevented from participating in school activities if there is an existing school debt)

 

Field Trips

Throughout the school year, the students may take field trips. These trips are a part of the interdisciplinary curriculum and may include walking trips, or chartered bus transportation. Participation is required as these are important learning experiences. Only excused absences are permitted. Field Trip Forms will be sent home at least one week prior to the planned trip.

 

Associated Student Body (ASB)

Student council is an important key to what happens at each Alliance campus. Students, with the help of faculty, plan and carry out the many activities and events in which make the school great. There are many opportunities for students to become involved. The purpose of Student Council is to promote positive student morale and to plan, fund and sponsor events throughout the year. Students can participate in a variety of roles on Student Council from Executive and Class Officers.

 

Dances and School-sponsored Events

Dress for most school-sponsored social events outside of the regular instructional day must adhere to the “free-dress policy.” Students who are not dressed appropriately will not be allowed to participate in the activity.

Students will be asked to present their ID card to enter school-sponsored events. Students must remain inside or within specified areas once they have arrived. Once a student leaves the event, the student cannot return. Parents are expected to pick up their student immediately following the end of the event. Parents are also invited to help chaperone school events such as dances and parties. Students are expected to follow school rules at all school-sponsored events.

 

Dancing:
All dancing should be done with dignity and self-respect. This is your warning!!
This includes, but is not limited to: MOSHING, SLAM, BODY/CROWD SURFING and BUMP/GRIND. Any chaperone seeing any of the mentioned types of dancing or the like, will ask the student(s) to call home and he/she will be removed from the dance. If you are removed from the dance – you will not be allowed to attend the next scheduled dance.

 

Additional Items:
Glow Sticks are not allowed at any dance. Students with glow sticks will be asked to dispose of them. Dances are for dancing and not running around the gym. Chaperones should not have to address this issue.

 

Clubs

The school will have a variety of clubs and will consider adding new ones each year in response to students’ interests and faculty sponsorship.

 

 

Parent Engagement

 

Meaningful parent involvement is a critical dimension of Alliance school effective schooling and improves student achievement.  Research has shown that active and consistent parent involvement leads to student success. 

 

Parent/Student/Staff School Compact

The school firmly believes that all students can and will achieve at high levels when administrators, teachers, staff and parents work in collaboration with each other.  As stated in the Parent/Student/Staff School Compact, each partner accepts responsibility for the successful education and college preparation of each student.  This document is part of each student’s enrollment packet and is explained to all new families during orientation.  Continuing parents and students are asked to sign the compact at the beginning of each school year.

 

Parents as Partners (Parent Engagement Policy)

The school values the role of parents as their child’s first teacher and welcomes their active involvement in their child’s education. 

 

The school believes:

• Parents are partners and are needed to take active and meaningful role to insure the success of the school.
• Parents must be meaningfully and actively engaged in their child’s education and responsible for supporting their child’s learning at home.
• Parents must also understand what it will take to prepare their child for college.
• Parents must support the goals of the school through their voice and through volunteering a minimum of 40 hours per year.
• Attend at least 4 Parent Workshops each year
• Complete an annual parent satisfaction survey

 

Tips To Help Your Child Succeed

Research shows that effective and consistent parent participation leads to student success.  Below are some suggestions to help your child succeed academically.

 

Tips to Help Your Child Succeed

1.     Encourage your child to be an active and responsible learner who completes and turns in assignments and homework when they are due and seeks assistance when needed.

2.     Ensure that your child arrives to school on time each day and supports school policies such as discipline, safety, proper school attire, textbook care, etc.

3.     Review your child’s agenda and encourage your child to use it on a regular basis to keep track of homework assignments, projects, exams and other important school events.

  4.     Monitor your child’s overall progress on a regular basis.  Do not wait until progress reports and

report cards are issued to find out how your child is doing in school.

5.      If your child is struggling with their schoolwork or needs help, speak with your child’s advisor and/or teachers and ensure that your child attends after school tutoring.

6.     Help your child establish a regular time and place to study and to complete their homework and school projects.  Make sure your child’s study area is well-lit and is stocked with necessary school supplies.

7.     Talk to your child about what is happening at school and what they are learning. 

8.     Encourage your child to read for pleasure and limit TV, video game and Internet usage.

9.     Attend all scheduled parent/teacher conferences, school activities and parent educational workshops.

10.     Support your child’s school by volunteering a minimum of 40 hours each year.  Contact the school for more information.

 

Volunteering

There are a number of ways you can volunteer and demonstrate your commitment.  Parent volunteer service hours are earned by directly supporting the school and by supporting your child academically.  Each family is expected to volunteer 40 hours per school year.  Twenty hours should be applied to supporting the school and 20 hours should be applied to supporting your child academically.  (For more information, refer to the Volunteer Policy and Guidelines.)

 

Possible volunteer activities to support the school include:

• Office support
• Fundraising activities
• Breakfast and lunch distribution
• Field trip assistance and supervision
• Special events assistance
• Arrival and dismissal supervision
• Yard supervision
• Visitor’s supervision
• Take-home assignments
• Initiating phone trees
• Leadership activities such as serving as the parent representative for your child’s advisory class, participation in the parent advisory committee, school board of directors, or participating in other school committees

 

Possible volunteer activities to support your child academically include:

• Saturday parent workshop participation
• Classroom visits
• PE Supervision
• Classroom support
• Tutoring support
• Serving as a parent mentor
• Assisting with the development and dissemination of the school newsletter

 

We truly appreciate your participation as a parent volunteer and we will make every attempt to match your interests and skills with projects or tasks that you are comfortable with. 

 

How to volunteer

Review the descriptions of possible volunteer activities and sign-up for a specific volunteer activity at the Parent Orientation or during Back to School Night.  A schedule will be developed based on your interests and availability.  At the beginning of each month the parent volunteer schedule will be sent home with students and will be posted in the parent center or school bulletin board.  Feel free to call the school at the beginning of the school year or any time thereafter to volunteer.

 

Leadership Opportunities for Parents

Volunteers who serve as parent leaders on a school committee or special activity for the entire school year or for the duration of a particular project will automatically earn 20 hours of service credit. 

 

Leadership opportunities for parents include participation in the following committees: 

• WASC Parent Committee
• Advisory Committee
• School Board of Directors
• Welcome Week Committee
• Communications Committee/Parent Representative for your child’s advisory class Teacher Appreciation Committee. 
• College Committee
• School Beautification Committee
• Recruitment Committee

 

Educational Workshops for parents

Parents are expected to attend four educational workshops each year.  This will count towards the annual 40-hour volunteer service commitment.  To participate in a workshop or special training for parents, refer to the schedule of parent workshops for the year.

 

Parent/Teacher Conferences

Parent/teacher conferences are held every 5 weeks.  At this time parents have the opportunity to meet with some of their child’s teachers or the entire instructional team to discuss progress and areas students need to strengthen.  (For more information, refer to Parent/Teacher Conference Tips.)

 

Teachers are available for parent conferences every day except Wednesdays.  If you have concerns regarding your child’s grades, please contact the school to schedule a conference during the teacher’s conference period.

 

Attending parent/teacher conferences is mandatory and can be applied to your parent volunteer commitment of 40 hours.

 

Parent Rights

Parents are guaranteed certain rights within each Alliance campus.  Parents have the right to:

• Work in partnership with the school to help their child succeed
• Observe the classroom(s) in which their child is enrolled or will be enrolled.
• Meet with their child’s teacher(s) and the principal.
• Volunteer under the supervision of school employees
• Be notified if their child is absent from school without permission.
• Receive results of their child’s performance on standardized and statewide tests and information on the performance of the school.
• Have a school environment for their child that is safe and conducive of learning.
• Examine curriculum materials of the class(es) in which their child is enrolled.
• Be informed of their child’s progress in school and of the appropriate school personnel whom they should contact if problems arise.
• Have access to the school records of their child and question anything that they feel is inaccurate misleading or is in violation of the student’s privacy.
• Receive information concerning the academic performance standards, proficiencies, or skills their child is expected to accomplish.
• Be informed in advance about school rules, attendance policies, dress codes, and procedures for visiting the school.
• Receive information about any psychological testing the school does involving their child and to deny permission to give the test.
• Participate as a member of the school advisory committee, school site council, or site-based management leadership group in accordance with any rules and regulations governing membership in these groups.

 

Technology and Internet Usage

 

Acceptable Uses of the Computer or the Internet

The account provided by the Alliance should be used only for educational or professional purposes.  Staff may use the Internet for personal use only if such use is incidental and occurs during their duty-free time.

 

If a user is uncertain about whether a particular use of the computer network or the Internet is appropriate, he or she should consult a teacher or supervisor.

 

Unacceptable Uses of the Computer or the Internet

The following uses of the account provided by the Alliance are unacceptable:

·    Uses that violate any state or federal law or municipal ordinance are unacceptable.

         Unacceptable uses include, but are not limited to the following:

1.     Selling or purchasing any illegal substance;

2.     Accessing, transmitting, or downloading child pornography, obscene depictions, harmful materials, or materials that encourage others to violate the law; or

3. Transmitting or downloading confidential information or copyrighted materials.

·   Uses that involve the accessing, transmitting or downloading of inappropriate matters on the Internet, as determined by the school board, local educational agency or other related authority

·    Uses that involve obtaining and or using anonymous email sites.

·   Uses that cause harm to others or damage to their property are unacceptable. Unacceptable uses include, but are not limited to the following:

1.     Deleting, copying, modifying, or forging other users' accounts, e-mails, files, or data;

2.     Accessing another User’s email without their permission, and as a result of that access, reading or forwarding the other User's e-mails or files without that User's permission;

3.     Damaging computer equipment, files, data or the network;

4.     Using profane, abusive, or impolite language;

5.     Disguising one's identity, impersonating other users, or sending anonymous e-mail messages;

6.     Threatening, harassing, or making defamatory or false statements about others;

7.     Accessing, transmitting, or downloading offensive, harassing, or disparaging materials;

8.     Accessing, transmitting or downloading computer viruses or other harmful files or programs, or in any way degrading or disrupting any computer system performance; or

9.     Accessing, transmitting or downloading large files, including "chain letters" or any type of "pyramid schemes."

10.  Using any district computer to pursue “hacking,” internal or external to the district, or attempting to access information that is protected by privacy laws.

·   Uses that jeopardize access or lead to unauthorized access into Accounts or other computer networks are unacceptable.  Unacceptable uses include, but are not limited to the following:

1.     Using other users' account passwords or identifiers;

2.     Disclosing one's account password to other users or allowing other users to use one's accounts;

3.     Getting unauthorized access into other users' accounts or other computer networks; or

4.     Interfering with other users' ability to access their accounts.

·   Commercial uses are unacceptable.  Unacceptable uses include, but are not limited to the following:

1.     Selling or buying anything over the Internet for personal financial gain; or

2.     Using the Internet for advertising, promotion, or financial gain; or

3.     Conducting for-profit business activities and engaging in non-government related fundraising or public relations activities such as solicitation for religious purposes, lobbying for political purposes, or soliciting votes.

 

Internet Safety

·   In compliance with the Children's Internet Protection Act ("CIPA"), the Alliance will implement filtering and/or blocking software to restrict access to Internet sites containing child pornography, obscene depictions, or other materials harmful to minors under 18 years of age.  The software will work by scanning for objectionable words or concepts, as determined by the School District.  [Note: CIPA does not enumerate any actual words or concepts that should be filtered or blocked.  Thus, CIPA necessarily requires that the Alliance determine which words or concepts are objectionable.]  However, no software is foolproof, and there is still a risk an Internet user may be exposed to a site containing such materials.  An account user who incidentally connects to such a site must immediately disconnect from the site and notify a teacher or supervisor.  If an Account user sees another user is accessing inappropriate sites, he or she should notify a teacher or supervisor immediately.

·   In compliance with CIPA, Alliance and its representatives will implement a mechanism to monitor all minors' on-line activities, including website browsing, email use, chat room participation and other forms of electronic communications.  Such a mechanism may lead to the violation of this Policy, the appropriate disciplinary code or the law.  Monitoring is aimed to protect minors from accessing inappropriate matter, as well as help enforce this policy, on the Internet, as determined by the school board, local educational agency or other related authority.  Alliance reserves the right to monitor other users' (e.g., employees, students 17 years or older) online activities, and to access review, copy, store or delete any electronic communications or files and disclose them to others as it deems necessary.

 

·   If a student under the age of eighteen accesses his/her Alliance account or the Internet outside of school, a parent or legal guardian must supervise the student's use of the Account or Internet at all times and is completely responsible for monitoring the use.  Filtering and/or blocking software may or may not be employed to screen home access to the Internet. Parents and legal guardians should inquire at the school or district if they desire more detailed information about the software.

 

·   Student information shall not be posted unless it is necessary to receive information for instructional purposes, and only if the student's teacher and parent or guardian has granted

 

·   Account users shall not reveal on the Internet personal information about themselves or about other persons.  For example, Account users should not reveal their full names, home addresses, telephone numbers, school addresses, or parents' names on the Internet.

 

·   Account users shall not meet in person anyone they have met on the Internet in a secluded place or a private setting.  Account users who are under the age of 18 shall not meet in person anyone they have met on the Internet without their parent's permission.

 

·    Account users will abide by all Alliance security policies.

 

Privacy Policy

The System Administrator has the authority to monitor all Accounts, including e-mail and other materials transmitted or received via the Accounts.  All such materials are the property of the Alliance.  Account users do not have any right to or expectation of privacy regarding such materials.

 

Penalties for Improper Use of Technology and/or Alliance Account

The use of the Technology and/or Account is a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate use will result in the restriction or cancellation of the Account.  Inappropriate use may lead to any disciplinary and/or legal action, including but not limited to paying for damaged equipment, suspension or expulsion or dismissal from employment from the Alliance, or criminal prosecution by government authorities. The Alliance will attempt to tailor any disciplinary action to meet the specific concerns related to each violation.

 

Disclaimer

·   The Alliance makes no guarantees about the quality of the services provided and is not responsible for any claims, losses, damages, costs, or other obligations arising from the unauthorized use of the Accounts. The Alliance also denies any responsibility for the accuracy or quality of the information obtained through the Account.

·   Any statement, accessible on the computer network or the Internet, is understood to be the author's individual point of view and not that of the Alliance, its affiliates, or employees.

·   Account users are responsible for any losses sustained by the Alliance or its affiliates, resulting from the Account users' intentional misuse of the Accounts.