Document 2395479

Board of Trustees
Robin Crist
Kenneth C. Dickson
Paul F. Diffley III
Kris Thomasian
Margi Wray
Superintendent
Stan Scheer, Ed.D.
2011 - 2012
ANNUAL NOTIFICATION
(Read Only)
Dear Parent or Guardian:
Federal and State laws require the governing board to notify each parent or guardian of minor pupils enrolled in the schools of the legal
rights of parents or guardian relating to the participation of their children or wards in the programs or activities of schools.
THE LAW REQUIRES EACH PARENT OR GUARDIAN TO SIGN A DOCUMENT (THE STUDENT SIGNATURE FORM)
WHICH SHOWS THAT YOU HAVE BEEN INFORMED OF YOUR RIGHTS. YOUR SIGNATURE DOES NOT GIVE
CONSENT FOR YOUR CHILD OR WARD TO PARTICIPATE IN ANY ACTIVITY OR PROGRAM IN THE SCHOOLS.
The governing board encourages EACH PARENT OR GUARDIAN to read and know their ABSOLUTE RIGHTS under the laws
governing the education of their children. Parents of guardians are urged to fully exercise their rights according to the laws that are
explained in the pamphlet attached to this letter.
Thank you for your cooperation,
Stan Scheer, Ed. D.
Superintendent
MURRIETA VALLEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT DIRECTORY INFORMATION RELEASE: The district makes student directory
information available in accordance with state and federal laws. A student’s name, birthday, birthplace, address, telephone number,
major course of study, participation in school activities, dates of attendance, awards, previous school attendance, and the height and
weight of athletes may be released to specific agencies without parent consent. Directory information may be provided to school
personnel with legitimate education interests, schools of intended enrollment, federal and state educational administrators, those who
provide financial or student aide, employers, and prospective employers. Names and addresses of students enrolled in grade 12 may
be given to public or private schools and colleges. Appropriate directory information may be provided to any agency except private
profit-making organizations or news media.
No Child Left Behind legislation enacted by Congress requires districts to provide directory information, including name, address and
phone number, to military recruiters.
If you do not wish to have directory information released about your child, you must indicate this on the MEDIA RELEASE FORM and
return to the school office within the next 30 days. When a written request from the parent of a student age 17 or younger is received by
the school office denying access to directory information, the district will withhold directory information about the student. If the student
is 18 years or older or enrolled in an institution of post-secondary instruction, the pupil’s written request to deny access to directory
information will be honored.
OUTSIDE NEWS MEDIA: At times schools may be visited by newspaper reporters and/or television crews to cover breaking news,
human interest stories, or to follow up on previous stories. When visiting district campuses, news media are required to check in at the
school office and be accompanied by a District staff member to avoid any interruption of students’ education. Parents are encouraged
to discuss the issue of outside news media interactions with their children. Outside media interviews may be held and photographs may
be taken only with student consent. The District can not restrict students’ right to speak freely with media representatives. Parents
and/or guardians may instruct their children not to communicate with media representatives. If a student refuses to be interviewed or
photographed, the District will support the student’s decision.
DISTRICT MEDIA RELEASE: The district produces school and district newsletters, a local cable television program called Spotlight on
Success, and school and district web sites for the purpose of providing the community with information about district activities, school
awards, student assemblies, academic and co-curricular programs.
If you do not wish to allow your child to be photographed or interviewed by district staff for school and district newsletters, the district’s
cable television program, Spotlight on Success, or district web sites, you must indicate this on the Student Signature Page and return
the form to the school office within the next 30 days.
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MURRIETA VALLEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
HEALTH EDUCATION, STUDENT SUPPORTS AND PARENTS' OR
PUPILS RIGHTS REQUIRING ANNUAL NOTIFICATIONS
The Governing Board recognizes that the District is responsible for ensuring that it complies with State and Federal Laws and regulations governing
educational programs. The school district is required to give annual notification to parents regarding certain portions of the instructional program, plus
matters related to school administration. An acknowledgement of receiving this information is located on the Pupil Rights Registration form. THE LAW
REQUIRES EACH PARENT OR GUARDIAN TO SIGN THAT THEY HAVE READ THIS NOTICE. If you have questions or concerns, please contact the
principal of your child's school. (Pursuant to E. C. 48980(a).)
LIABILIITIES
DISTRICT LIABILITY FOR STUDENTS: The school district, governing board, officers and employees shall be held harmless for any injuries caused by
students' negligent acts though committed in carrying out instructor's request. The school district, governing board, officers and employees shall be held
harmless for any loss of personal property or equipment through students' negligent acts while on school grounds or involvement in any school activity.
The above injury or loss of personal property shall be the responsibility of the student's parents or legal guardians except in instances where negligence
can be proven by the appropriate court of jurisdiction.
LIABILITY OF PARENT OF GUARDIAN: Any minor who cuts, defaces or otherwise injures in any way any real or personal property of the school
district is liable to suspension or expulsion and the parent or guardian shall be liable for all damages caused by the minor, or for all property loaned to
the minor and not returned on demand of a district employee authorized to make such demand. The parent or guardian shall be liable in an amount not
to exceed five thousand ($5000) for the purposes of this paragraph (E.C. 48904). Any school district or private school whose real or personal property
has been willfully cut, defaced or otherwise injured, or whose property is loaned to a pupil and is willfully not returned upon demand of an employee of
the district or private school authorized to make the demand may, after affording the pupil his or her due process rights, withhold grades, diploma and
transcripts of the pupil responsible for the damages until the pupil or the pupil's parents or guardian has paid for the damages.
DISCIPLINE
STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES: (CCR Titles, 300) Requires pupils to conform to school regulations; obey all directions; be diligent in study and
respectful to teachers and others in authority; and refrain from the use of profane and vulgar language.
RULES AND REGULATIONS REGARDING DISCIPLINE: (E. C. 35291, 48900 and 48900.6) The governing board of each school district shall prescribe
rules not inconsistent with the law of the State Board of Education. Each principal shall take steps to ensure that all rules pertaining to the discipline of
pupils is communicated to the students at the beginning of each school year and to transfer students when enrolled. As an alternative disciplinary
action, the principal, superintendent of the board may require a pupil to perform community service on school grounds during non-school hours. This
may include, but is not limited to, work performed on school grounds in the area of outdoor beautification, campus betterment and teacher or per
assistance programs. (Does not apply if suspension or expulsion is required for the violation, such as selling of drugs). (E. C. 35291.5) Requires
school site discipline rules to be established by school committees with specific membership and filed with the governing board.
CONDUCT OF PUPIL: (E. C. 44807) Every teacher in the public schools shall hold pupils to a strict account for their conduct on the way to and from
school, on the playground or during recess. Pupils are required to conform to school regulation, obey all directions, be diligent in study and respectful to
teachers and others in authority and refrain from the use of profane and vulgar language.
SEXUAL HARASSMENT: (E. C. 200-240,212.5, 231.5 & 230, 48980(g)) B. P. 5145.7 states: The Murrieta Valley Unified School District is committed to
a work and educational environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. Each individual has the right to work and learn in a
professional atmosphere that promotes equal employment and educational opportunity, and is free from discriminatory practices. Sexual harassment is
a violation of Title IX of the Education Amendment Act of 1972, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and California Education Code. Therefore, the
District strongly condemns, opposes and prohibits sexual harassment of individuals, whether verbal, physical or environment by anyone. Any employee
who violates this policy will be subject to discipline, up to and including termination, and any student who violates this policy will be subject to discipline
up to and including expulsion. As used in this policy and regulation, "sexual harassment" means unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual
favors, and other verbal, visual, or physical conduct of sexual nature, made by someone from or in the work or educational setting, under any of the
following conditions:
(a) Submission to the conduct is explicity or implicity made a term of a condition of an individual's employment, academic status or progress.
(b) Submission to, or rejection of, the conduct by the individual is used as the basis of employment or academic decisions affecting the individual.
(c) The conduct has the purpose or effect of having a negative impact upon the individual's work or academic performance, or of creating an
intimidating, hostile or offensive work or educational environment.
(d) Submission to, or rejection of, the conduct by the individual regarding benefits and services, honor, programs or activities available at or through
the educational institution.
CORPORAL PUNISHMENT: (E. C. 49000-49001) No person employed or engaged in a public school shall inflict, or cause to be inflicted corporal
punishment upon a pupil. "Corporal punishment" is defined as the willful infliction of, or willfully causing the infliction of physical pain in a pupil.
OPEN/CLOSED CAMPUS: (E. C. 44808.5) The governing board of the Murrieta Valley Unified School District has established a "closed campus" at all
district high schools. Once students arrive at school, they must remain on campus until the end of the school day unless they have brought written
authorization from their parents/guardian and received permission from school authorities to leave for a specific purpose. Students who leave campus
without such authorization shall be classified as truant and subject to disciplinary action.
HAZING: (E. C. 48900(q)). (P.C. 245.6) It is unlawful to engage in hazing, as defined in Penal Code 245.6 which reads: (a) It shall be unlawful to engage
in hazing. (b) “Hazing” means any method of initiation or pre-initiation into a student organization or student body. The term “hazing” does not include
customary athletic events or school-sanctioned events.
DRESS CODE/GANG APPAREL: (E. C. 35183) The Murrieta Valley Unified School District Governing Board believes that appropriate dress and
grooming contribute to productive learning environment. The board expects students to give proper attention to personal cleanliness and to wear
clothes that are suitable for the school activities in which they participate. Students have the right to make individual choices from a wide range of
clothing and grooming styles, but they must not present a health or safety hazard or distraction which would interfere with the educational process.
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Effective January 1, 2002, school dress codes must allow sun protective clothing, including hats, to be worn outside. However, the type of clothing/hats
can be regulated by the school as part of the dress code.
SUSPENSIONS/EXPULSIONS
SUSPENSION OR EXPULSION OF PUPILS: (E. C. 48900) A teacher may suspend a pupil from class for the day and the day following, or a principal or
his designee may suspend a pupil from school for not more than five (5) days for a "good cause." A teacher shall ask the parent or guardian of the pupil
to attend a conference, and if the teacher, or the parent or guardian REQUEST, a school administrator shall attend such conference. The principal who
suspends a pupil SHALL NOTIFY IN WRITING the parent or guardian of such suspension. Incident for Suspension under Education Code 48900:
(a1) Caused, attempted to cause, or threatened to cause physical injury to another person; or
(a2) Willfully used violence upon the person of another, except in self-defense.
(b)
Possessed, sold or otherwise furnished any firearm, knife, explosive or other dangerous object.
(c)
Possessed, used, sold or otherwise furnished or been under the influence of any controlled substance, alcoholic beverage or intoxicant of any
kind.
(d)
Offered or arranged or negotiated to sell any controlled substance, alcoholic beverage or intoxicant of any kind and then sold, delivered or
otherwise furnished to any person another liquid, substance or material and represented the liquid substance or material as a controlled
substance, alcoholic beverage or intoxicant.
(e)
Committed 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.
(i)
Committed an obscene act or engaged in habitual profanity or vulgarity.
(j)
Unlawful possession of or unlawfully offered, arranged or negotiated to sell any drug paraphernalia.
(k)
Disrupted school activities or willfully defied the authority of school personnel.
(l)
Knowingly received stolen school property or private property.
(m)
Possessed an imitation firearm. (Reasonable person concludes replica is a firearm.)
(n)
Committed or attempted to commit a sexual assault or sexual battery (as defined in Section 261, 266c, 286, 288, 288a, 289, 243.4 of the Penal
Code).
(o)
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/retaliation 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 as defined in subdivision (b) of Section 245.6 of the Penal Code.
(r)
Engaged in an act of bullying, including, but not limited to, bullying committed by means of an electronic act, as defined in subdivisions (f) and
(g) of Section 32261, directed specifically toward a pupil or school personnel.
(s)
A pupil shall not be suspended or expelled for any of the acts enumerated in this section, unless that act is related to school activity or school
attendance occurring within a school under the jurisdiction of the superintendent of the school district or principal or occurring within any other
school district. A pupil may be suspended or expelled for acts that are enumerated in this section and related to school activity or attendance that
occur at any time, including, but not limited to, any of the following:
(1) While on school grounds.
(2) While going to or coming from school.
(3) During the lunch period whether on or off the campus.
(4) During, or while going to or coming from, a school sponsored activity.
(t)
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, pursuant to this section, except that a pupil who has been adjudged by a juvenile court to have
committed, as an aider and abettor, a crime of physical violence in which the victim suffered great bodily injury or serious bodily injury shall be
subject to discipline pursuant to subdivision (a).
(u)
As used in this section, "school property" includes, but is not limited to, electronic files and databases.
(v)
A superintendent of the school district or principal may use his or her discretion to provide alternatives to suspension or expulsion, including, but
not limited to, counseling and an anger management program, for a pupil subject to discipline under this section.
(w)
It is the intent of the Legislature that alternatives to suspension or expulsion be imposed against a pupil who is truant, tardy, or otherwise absent
from school activities.
A student can also be suspended and/or expelled for the following reasons: 48900.2 Committed Sexual Harassment, 48900.3 Participated in an Act of
Hate Violence. 48900.4 Engaged in Creating an Intimidating or Hostile Educational Environment (these do not apply to K-3 students). 48900.7 Made
terroristic threats against school officials, school property or both. A pupil may be suspended or expelled for acts which are enumerated in Education
Code 48900 and related to school activity or attendance which occur at any time including but not limited to (1) while on school grounds, (2) while going
to or coming from school, (3) during the lunch period, whether on or off campus, (4) during, or while going to or coming from a school sponsored activity.
SAFE SCHOOL: (E. C. 48900) Murrieta Valley Unified School District embraces a philosophy of safe schools with regard to expellable offenses related
to drugs, alcohol and dangerous objects. The “Safe Schools” philosophy is defined to mean that students who are found in violation of Education Code
Section 48900, subsections (b), (c) and (d) under certain conditions may be expelled on the first offense. It is within the authority of the Governing Board
to recommend rehabilitative programs as part of the readmission requirements.
STUDENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM SERVICES: The district-wide Student Assistance Program (Breakthrough) offers additional educational services,
support and counseling referrals to all K-12 students/families. The district’s goal is to offer respectful, confidential services, coordinate prevention,
intervention and support programs, and to remove all barriers to positive academic and personal achievement in safe and drug free schools. These
services include individualized student/family appointments and are especially helpful with both normal developmental challenges and serious problems
like violence, gangs, tobacco, alcohol and other drug use, suicide or any other serious problem that creates a barrier to learning. Student/families may
call the Breakthrough office directly at the District office location from 8-5:00 daily at: (951) 696-1600 ext. 1160 to speak CONFIDENTIALLY to the
trained staff. In addition, site administrators, counselors, and other staff provide referrals to this program and can assist the student/family in obtaining
information about how to use these services.
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STUDENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM REFERRAL PROCESS: Students who receive suspensions in the following areas listed below are referred to
the Student Assistance Program (Breakthrough). In addition, concerned staff, peers, parents and community members are encouraged to make
confidential referrals to this program. Participation begins with a student/family interview with the Breakthrough staff at the District Support Center.
Additional educational programs and family education may be part of the student’s Breakthrough Intervention Plan. Both students and parents participate
in writing and signing the plan.
 alcohol and other drugs (c), (d), (j), (p);
 violence-related suspensions (a), (b), (m), (n), (o), (r) and Ed. Code Section 48900 (.2), (.3), (.4), (.7);
 tobacco related suspensions (h).
MANDATORY RECOMMENDATION FOR EXPULSION: (E. C. 48195(c)) A mandatory recommendation for expulsion will be made for:
(1) Possession/furnishing a gun.
(2) Brandishing a knife.
(3) Selling a controlled substance.
(4) Sexual battery.
(5) Possession of explosives (as defined in Title 18 of the US Code)
PROVIDING EDUCATION FOR EXPELLED STUDENTS: (E. C. 48916.1, 48926) The district offers educational programs at TriValley Community Day
School in Lake Elsinore or Temecula Community School in Temecula, among other options.
SUSPENSION BY TEACHER: Reports, Conferences, Referrals: (E. C. 48910) A teacher may suspend any student from the teacher's class for any of
the acts listed under "Grounds for Suspension and Expulsion" for the day of the suspension and the day following.
IN-SCHOOL SUSPENSION: (E. C. 48911.1 (d)) A pupil suspended from a school for any of the reasons enumerated in Sections 48900 and 48900.2
may be assigned, by the principal or the principal's designee, to a supervised suspension classroom for the entire period of suspension if the pupil poses
no imminent danger or threat to the campus, pupils, or staff or if an action to expel the pupil has not been initiated.
EXPULSION HEARINGS: (E. C. 48918) The student is entitled to a hearing to determine whether the student should be expelled. The hearing shall be
held within thirty (30) school days after the Principal or Superintendent or designee determines that one of the acts listed under "Grounds for Suspension
and Expulsion" has occurred. Written notice of the hearing shall be forwarded to the student and student's parents/guardian at least ten (10) calendar
days before the date of the hearing. DUE PROCESS RIGHTS: When recommended for expulsion, a student has the right to appear in person, be
represented by counsel, to inspect and obtain copies of all documents to be used at the hearing, to confront and question all witnesses testifying, to
question evidence presented and present oral and documentary evidence on the pupil's behalf.
PERSONAL APPEARANCE OF WITNESSESS: (E. C. 48918) At the request of superintendent or pupil, the board MAY issue a subpoena for the
personal appearance of a key witness for an administrative panel hearing on expulsion unless the witness would be subject to unreasonable risk of
harm.
EXPULSION: Readmission Procedures: (E. C. 48916) An expulsion order shall remain in effect until the Board may order the readmission of the
student. At the conference the conditions for readmission will be reviewed. The Superintendent or designee shall verify that the conditions have been
met. School regulations will be reviewed and the student and parents/guardian will be asked to indicate in writing their willingness to comply with these
regulations.
IEP NOTIFICATION: Expulsion Request for Special Education Pupil: (E. C. 48915.5) The Board may expel a special education student only if an
individualized education program team has determined that (1) the misconduct was not caused by, or a direct manifestation of, the student's identified
handicap, and (2) the student was appropriately placed at the time the misconduct occurred. The parents/guardian shall be notified of his/her right to
participate in the meeting at least 48 hours before the meeting. His/her request that the meeting be postponed shall be granted for up to three (3)
additional school days.
REQUIRED PARENTAL ATTENDANCE: (E. C. 48900. 1) Whenever a student is suspended from a class for section (1) and (k) under 48900 (profanity,
disruption, defiance), the teacher from whose class the student was suspended may require the student's parents/guardian to attend a portion of a
school day in that class. After the visit, the parents/guardian shall meet with the principal or principal's designee.
STUDENT RECORDS
STUDENT RECORDS AND INFORMATION: (E. C. 49063,49073-49078) The compiling of appropriate facts and records pertaining to each student is
necessary function of the school district. This information is needed as a record of each student's progress. A "cumulative records" file is maintained
for each student enrolled in this district. This file contains student identification data, academic work completed, grades and test scores, attendance
data, health records, teacher and counselor comments and behavior records. These files are located in the pupil's school and in district administrative
offices. All active pupil records are under the supervision of the school principal, all inactive records are under the supervision of the District Custodian
of Records. The records for your child are available for your review upon request to the building principal or the District Custodian of Records. The
school district reserves the right to charge up to 20 cents per page if copies are requested of these records. If the cost of obtaining student records
prevents the parent from exercising the right to receive such copy or copies the copy or copies shall be reproduced at no cost. (Education Code 56504).
Establishment of financial hardship shall be made utilizing the federal guidelines for free and reduced lunch. Parents who are claiming financial
hardship will be required to submit documentation, which will establish that they have met such guidelines. Information included in pupil records may be
challenged. If you wish to challenge the content of these records, procedures may be obtained from the school principal or the District Custodian of
Records, 41870 McAlby Court, Murrieta, CA 92562, Telephone (909) 696-1600. Student directory information may be released to agencies as
permitted by law to include those cooperating organizations normally connected with the activities of a school or school district. Directory Information
means one or more of the following items: student's name, address, telephone number, date and place of birth, participation in officially recognized
activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, awards received and the most recent public or private school
attended by the student. Parents desiring this information not to be so released are required to make this known in writing to their school principal (see
signature page).
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NOTIFICATION OF RIGHTS UNDER FERPA FOR ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY INSTITUTIONS: The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act
(FERPA) afford parents and students over 18 years of age (“eligible students") certain rights with respect to the student's education records. They are:
(1) The right to inspect and review the student's education records within 45 days (California State Law limits this to 5 days) of the day the District
receives the request for access. Parents or eligible students should submit to the school principal (or appropriate school official) a written request
that identifies the record(s) they wish to inspect.
The principal 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 is inaccurate or misleading.
Parents or eligible students may ask MVUSD to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate or misleading. They should write
the
school
principal, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading. If the District decides not to
amend the record as requested by the parent or eligible student, the District will notify the parent or eligible student of the decision and advise them
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.
(3) The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in 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 District as an administrator, supervisor, instructor or support staff
member (including health or medical staff and law enforcement unit personnel); a person serving on the School Board; a person or company with
whom the District has contracted to perform a special task (such as an attorney, auditor, medical consultant or therapist); or a parent or student
serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performs 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.
(4) The right to file a complaint with U. S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the District to comply with the requirements
of
FERPA. The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA is: Family Policy Compliance Office, U. S. Department of Education, 400
Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20202-4605.
SCHOOL ATTENDANCE
EXCUSED ABSENCES: (E. C. 48205, 48206.3, 46014)
(a) Notwithstanding Section 48200, a pupil shall be excused from school when the absence is:
(1) Due to his or her illness;
(2) Due to quarantine under the direction of a county or city health officer;
(3) For the purpose of having medical dental, optometrical or chiropractic services rendered;
(4) For the purpose of attending the funeral services of a member of his or her immediate family, so long as he absence is not more than one day
if the service is conducted in California and not more than three days if the service is conducted outside California;
(5) For the purpose of jury duty in the manner provided for by law;
(6) Due to the illness or medical appointment during school hours of a child of whom the pupil is the custodial parent; or
(7) For justifiable personal reasons, including, but not limited to, an appearance in court, attendance at a funeral service, observance of a holiday
or ceremony of his or her religion, attendance at religious retreats, or attendance at an employment conference, when the pupil’s absence has
been requested in writing by the parent or guardian and approved by the principal or a designated representative pursuant to uniform
standards established by the governing board.
(b) A pupil absent from school under this section shall be allowed to complete all assignments and tests missed during the absence that can be
reasonably provided and, upon satisfactory completion within a reasonable period of time, shall be given full credit therefor. As the teacher of any
class from which a pupil is absent shall determine the tests and assignments shall be reasonably equivalent to, but not necessarily identical to, the
tests and assignments that the pupil missed during the absence.
(c) For purposes of this section, attendance at religious retreats shall not exceed four hours per semester.
(d) Absences pursuant to this section are deemed to be absences in computing average daily attendance and shall not generate state apportionment
payments.
(e) “Immediate Family,” as used in this section, has the same meaning as that set forth in Section 45194, except that references therein to “employee”
shall be deemed to be references to “pupil”.
Pupils who are members of religions which observe religious holidays that fall on school days shall be excused from school by making prior
arrangements as specified by the school principal. Such absences are considered sanctioned absences. Pupils so absent must accept responsibility
for making up work missed. Pupils, with written consent of their parent/guardian, may be excused from school in order to participate in religious
exercises or to receive moral and religious instruction at their respective places of worship, or at other suitable conditions are complied with: (A) Each
pupil so excused shall attend school at least the minimum school for his/her grade. (B) No pupil shall be excused from school for such purposes on
more than four days per school month.
NOTICE TO PARENT OR GUARDIAN OF A TRUANT: Alternative Educational Programs: (E. C. 48260.5) Students absent without a valid excuse for
more than three (3) days in one school year shall be classified as truant. Students who are more than thirty (30) minutes tardy on three (3) or more
school days in one school year shall be classified as truant. The district also regards excessive early releases for non-medical reasons as establishing a
pattern of irregular attendance. Such students shall be reported to the principal. If alternative educational programs are available in the district, the
student's parents/guardian shall be so informed.
SCHOOL ATTENDANCE REVIEW BOARD REFERRAL: (E. C. 35146,48263) If any minor pupil in any district of a county is an habitual truant, or is
irregular in attendance at school, as defined in this article, or is habitually insubordinate or disorderly during attendance at school, the pupil may be
referred to a school attendance review board or to the probation department for services. The supervisor of attendance, or any other persons the
Governing Board of the school district or county may designate making the referral shall notify the minor and parents/guardian of the minor, in writing, of
the name and address of the board or probation department to which the matter has been referred and of the reason for the referral.
KINDERGARTEN ADMISSION: (E. C. 48002) The parent or guardian of a child shall, prior to the admission of the child to the kindergarten or first grade
of a school district, present proof to the authorities of the district evidencing that the child is of the minimum age fixed by law for admission thereto. The
method of proof of age shall be prescribed by the governing board, and the evidence may be in the form of a certified copy of a birth record or a
statement by the local registrar or a county recorder certifying the date of birth, or a baptism certificate duly attested, or a passport, or, when none of the
foregoing is obtainable, an affidavit of the parent, guardian or custodian of the minor, or any other appropriate means of proving the age of the child as
prescribed by the governing board of the school district. (Amend. Stats., 1990 Ch. 700). The MVUSD does not allow early admission to kindergarten
upon the child's fifth birthday, as is the practice of some school districts.
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INTERDISTRICT ATTENDANCE AGREEMENT/NOTICE OF ACCEPTABLE OR REJECTION: (E. C. 46600, 48204, 48209.9) The Governing Board
may approve requests for school attendance in the district for children living outside the district and requests for transfers out of the district, when class
enrollments in the district will permit the addition and release of out-of-district students.
OPEN ENROLLMENT: (E. C. 35291, 35350, 3535 1) The Governing Board shall allow students who reside permanently within district boundaries to
apply for enrollment in any district school where space is available, provided such enrollment does not result in overcrowded classes, or adversely affect
the District's effort to prevent the racial or ethnic segregation of minority students, and does not displace students living within the attendance area of the
school. The Governing Board shall allow students who reside outside of the district boundaries to appIy for enrollment in any district school where
space is available, provided such enrollment does not result in overcrowded classes, does not adversely affect the District's effort to prevent the racial or
ethnic segregation of minority students, and does not displace students living within the attendance area of the school. The Superintendent or designee
may authorize transportation to schools or choice under conditions similar to the transportation of all other students. School Programs are listed at the
end of this packet. Denials can be appealed to the Director of Student Support and subsequently to the Riverside County Office of Education.
CHOOSING YOUR CHILD'S SCHOOL: A summary of School Attendance Alternatives in California: (E. C. 48980 (i)) California law requires all school
boards to inform each student's parents/guardian at the beginning of the school year of the various ways in which they may choose schools for their
children to attend other than the ones assigned by school districts. Students that attend schools other than those assigned by the districts are referred
to as "transfer students" throughout this notification. There is one process for choosing a school within the district which the parents/guardian live
(intradistrict transfer) and two separate processes for selecting schools in other districts (interdistrict transfer).The general requirements and limitations
of each process are described below.
Choosing a School Within the District in Which Parents/Guardians Live: The law (E. C. 35160.5'(b)) requires the school board of each district to
establish by July 1, 1994, a policy that allows parents/guardians to choose the schools their children will attend, regardless of where the
parents/guardian live in the district. The law limits choice within a school district as follows:
(a) Students who live in the attendance area of a school must be given priority to attend that school over students who do not live in the school's
attendance area.
(b) In cases in which there are more requests to attend a school than there are openings, the selection process must be "random and unbiased," which
generally means students must be selected through a lottery process rather than on a first-come, first-served basis. A district cannot use a
student’s academic or athletic performance as a reason to accept or reject a transfer.
(c) Each district must decide the number of openings at each school which can be filled by transfer students. Each district also has the authority to keep
appropriate racial and ethnic balances among its schools, meaning that a district can deny a transfer request if it would upset this balance or would
leave the district out of compliance with a court-ordered or voluntary desegregation program.
(d) A district is not required to provide transportation assistance to a student that transfers to another school in the district under these provisions.
(e) If a transfer is denied, a parent/guardian does not have an automatic right to appeal the decision. A district may, however, voluntarily decide to put
in place a process for parents/guardian to appeal a decision.
Choosing a School Outside the District in Which Parents/Guardian Live: Parents/guardian has two different options for choosing a school outside of the
district in which they live. The two options are described below:
1. Interdistrict Transfers:
The law (E. C. 46600-4622 1) allows two or more districts to enter into an agreement for the transfer of one or more students for a period of up to five
years. New agreements may be entered into for additional periods of up to five years each. The agreement must specify the terms and conditions
under which transfers are permitted. There are no statutory limitations on the kinds of terms and conditions districts are allowed to place on transfers.
The law on interdistrict transfers also provides for the following:
(a) Both the school district a parent/guardian is requesting a transfer to and the one a parent/guardian is transferring from must take into consideration
the child care needs of the student. If the transfer is approved based on childcare needs, the student may be allowed to stay in the new district or
th
the high school district to which it feeds through the 12 grade, subject to certain conditions.
(b) If either district denies a transfer request, a parent/guardian may appeal that decision to the county board of education. There are specified
timelines in the law for filing an appeal and for the county board of education to make a decision.
(c) No district is required to provide transportation to a student who transfers into the district.
2. Parent Employment in Lieu of Residency Transfers: The law (E. C. 48204f) provides that if one or both Parents/guardians of an elementary school
student are employed in the boundaries of a school district other than the one in which they live, the student may be considered a resident of the school
district in which his/her parents or guardians work. This code section does not require that a school district automatically accept a student requesting a
transfer on this basis, but a student may not be rejected on the basis of race/ethnicity, sex, parental income, academic achievement, or any other
“arbitrary” consideration. Other provisions of the E. C. 48204(f) include:
(a) Either the district in which the parent/guardian lives of the district in which the parent/guardian works may prohibit the transfer if it is determined that
there would be a negative impact on it.
(b) The district in which the parent/guardian works may reject a transfer if it determines that the cost of educating the student would be more than the
amount of government funds the district would receive for educating the student. This limitation might particularly apply to any special needs
student that would require extra services from the district for which the district believes the state aid it would receive would not fully pay.
(c) There are set limits (based on total enrollment) on the number of students that may transfer out of a district under this law, unless the district
approves a greater number of transfers.
(d) There is not a required appeal process for a transfer that is denied. However, the district that declines to admit a student must provide in writing to
the parent/guardian the specific reasons for denying the transfer.
The above summary of the attendance alternatives available to parents/guardians and their children is intended to provide them with an overview of the
laws applying to each alternative. Any parents/guardians who are interested in securing more information about these options, districts’ policies or
procedures, and timelines for applying for transfers, should contact their own school district, or the district they may be thinking about transferring into.
Until 7/1/98
3. No Child Left Behind legislation authorized certain transfers out of schools designated either as: 1. Low performing schools, or 2. Persistently
dangerous schools. No school in the MVUSD is classified as low performing or persistently dangerous therefore, this No Child Left Behind transfer
option is not available. Students who are victims of violent crimes as defined by state law may also transfer to another school pursuant to provisions of
NCLB.
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SPECIAL EDUCATION/PROGRAMS
GENERAL RIGHTS: Every pupil who qualifies has the right to a FREE AND APPROPRIATE EDUCATION: (FEDERAL REGISTER, IDEA 04, PL94-142,
SEC. 121A.4 1) This ensures that all handicapped children have available to them a free and appropriate public education which includes special
education and related services provided in accordance with an individualized education program. Reasonable accommodations are available for pupils
identified by Rehabilitation Act 73, Section 504.
TEMPORARY DISABILITY INSTRUCTION: (E. C. 48207, 48208) A pupil enrolled in regular day classes who becomes hospital-bound with a
"Temporary Disability" may receive individualized instruction prescribed for that pupil. It is the responsibility of the parents/guardian to notify the school
district in which the hospital or medical facility is located. When the school district in which the facility is located is notified that a pupil is hospital- bound
with a temporary disability, the district will make arrangements for providing individualized instruction.
HOME INSTRUCTION: (E. C. 48206.3, 48980(c), 51802) Home teaching may be provided for reason of physical illness if it is to last longer than two
weeks and if it meets the guidelines set forth in district procedures. No pupil shall be required to attend home teaching programs of instruction on
Saturday without prior consent of his/her parents/guardian.
HANDICAPPED STUDENTS IN PRIVATE SCHOOLS: (E. C. 56365) Students with disabilities placed by parents in private schools do not have an
individual entitlement to special education services. Those students are served pursuant to the Murrieta Valley Unified School District Private School
Protocol, and as specified in the Individual Service Plan (ISP).
NOTICE OF ALTERNATIVE SCHOOLS: (E. C. 58501) California State Law authorizes all school districts to provide for alternative schools. These are
defined as a school are separate class group within a school which is operated in a manner designed to maximize the opportunity for students to
develop the positive values of self-reliance, initiative, kindness, spontaneity, resourcefulness, courage, creativity, responsibility and joy.
OPPORTUNITY CLASS: (E. C. 48630) Students may be assigned to opportunity classes or alternative programs at the school for the same length of
day for pupils of the same grade level if assigned be their school guidance committee, and may be removed from such classes if they fail to make
adequate progress.
NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY: (Federal Regulations, Title VI, Title IX and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973) The Governing Board of
Murrieta Valley Unified School District is committed to equal opportunity for all individuals in education and in employment and does not discriminate on
the basis of sex, ethnic group. classification, ancestry, religion, age, sexual orientation, handicap or physical or mental disability, or any other unlawful
consideration. Questions or concerns regarding these rights or allegations of discrimination should be directed to Director, Student Support.
SPECIAL EDUCATION: Electronic Recording of IEP: (E. C. 56321.5) The parent/guardian rights shall include the right to electronically record the
proceedings of individualized education program meetings as specified in Section 5634 1. Notice to be given 24 hours prior to the meeting.
AGE OF MAJORITY: (E. C. 56345(a)(8)) Beginning at least one year before special education pupils reach the age of 18, they are to be informed of
their rights that will transfer to them upon reaching the age of 18. A statement of this nature shall be included in the individualized education program.
INVOLUNTARY TRANSFER: Continuation Education (E. C. 48432.5) The Governing Board of each high school or unified school district which assigns
pupils to continuation schools shall adopt rules and regulations governing procedures for the involuntary transfer of pupils to continuation schools. Such
rules and regulations shall provide that written notice be given to the pupil and the pupil's parents/guardian informing them of the opportunity to request a
meeting with a designee of the district superintendent prior to the transfer.
VOCATIONAL EDUCATION: Preparation for post high school training and/or employment is offered to all secondary and post-secondary students
regardless of age, sex, handicap, race or national origin.
CHILD FIND: (E. C. 56301, B. P. 6164.4) Murrieta Valley Unified School District recognizes the need to actively seek out and evaluate District residents
from birth to age 21 who may have disabilities in order to provide them with appropriate educational opportunities. Parents who feel their child should be
considered for evaluation should contact their child’s school site or the Student Supports Department at the District Office.
STUDENT SUPPORTS
GENERAL NOTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: (E. C. 48980, Sec. 58501) California state law authorizes all school districts to provide for alternative
schools. Section 58500 of the Education Code defines an alternative school as a school or separate class group within a school which is operated in a
manner designed to: (a) maximize the opportunity for students to develop the positive values of self-reliance, initiative, kindness, spontaneity,
resourcefulness, courage, creativity, responsibility and joy; (b) recognize that the best learning takes place when the student learns because of his/her
desire to learn; (c) maintain a learning situation maximizing student self-motivation and encouraging the student in his/her own time to follow his/her own
interests. These interests may be conceived by him/her totally and independently or may result in whole or in part from a presentation by his/her
teachers of choices of learning projects; (d) maximize the opportunity for teachers, parents and students to cooperatively develop the learning process
and its subject matter. This opportunity shall be a continuous, permanent process; and (e) maximize the opportunity for the students, teachers and
parents to continuously react to the changing world, including, but not limited to, the community in which the school is located. In the event any parent,
pupil or teacher is interested in further information concerning alternative schools, the county superintendent of schools, the administrative office of this
district, and the principal’s office in each attendance unit have copies of the law available for information. This law particularly authorizes interested
persons to request the governing board of the district to establish alternative school programs in each district. Further, a copy shall be posted in at least
two places, normally visible to pupils, teachers and visiting parents in each attendance unit, for the entire month of March in each year.
NOTIFICATION OF MINIMUM AND/OR PUPIL FREE STAFF DEVELOPMENT DAYS: (E. C. 48980c) Parents shall be advised no later than one month
prior to any scheduled minimum days or pupil-free staff development days.
GRADING OF PUPIL: (E. C. 49066-49067) When grades are given for any course of instruction taught in a school district, the grade given to each pupil
shall be the grade determined by the teacher and in the absence of mistake, fraud, bad faith or incompetency, shall be final. A failure note is required.
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GRADE REDUCTION/LOSS OF CREDIT: (E. C. 48205,48980(k)) No pupil shall have grade reduced/loss of credit for any absence or absences
excused pursuant to Section 48205, for missed assignments/tests that can reasonably be provided/completed.
PROMOTION/RETENTION OF PUPILS; PARENT NOTIFICATION: (E. C. 48070.5, B. P. 5123) Provides for early notification when pupil is identified as
being at risk of retention and notification shall be provided as early in the school year as practicable.
RECIPROCAL WITHHOLDING OF GRADES, ETC. (E. C. 48904.3) The Murrieta Valley Unified School District shall withhold grades, diplomas and
transcripts from any student transferring into the district whose conduct caused a previous district to withhold them. When informed by the previous
district that lawful compensation has been made, the district shall release these documents.
NOTICE OF FREE AND REDUCED LUNCHES: (E. C. 59420) Free and reduced-priced lunches are available to pupils whose parents qualify.
Information regarding qualifications and availability will be distributed to parents.
COURSE SELECTION AND CAREER COUNSELING: (E. C. 221.5(d)) All pupils in grades 7-12, regardless of sex, periodically receive counseling from
school personnel regarding alternative for careers and courses of study. Parents of these pupils may participate in such counseling sessions and
decisions.
INVESTING FOR FUTURE EDUCATION: (E. C. 48980(d)) Murrieta Valley Unified School District may advise parents to recognize the importance of
investing for future college or university education for their children and considering appropriate investment options, including, but not limited to, United
States savings bonds.
ACCESS TO INTERNET AND ON-LINE SITES: (E. C. 51870.5, B. P. 6163.4) The Governing Board recognizes that as telecommunications and other
new technologies shift the ways that information may be accessed, communicated and transferred by members of the society, those changes may also
alter instruction and student learning. The Board generally supports access by students to rich information resources along the development by staff of
appropriate skills to analyze and evaluate such resources. The use of any electronic communication system should be limited to educational purposes
st
only. The purpose of the District system is to prepare students for success in life and work in the 21 Century. Additionally, the system will be used to
increase District intracommunication, enhance productivity, and assist District employees in upgrading their skills through greater exchange of
information with their peers. The District system will also assist the District in sharing information with the local community, including parents, social
service agencies, government agencies and businesses. As electronic information research skills are now fundamental to preparation of citizens and
future employees during an Age of Information, staff will blend thoughtful use of such information throughout the District adopted curriculum and will
provide guidance and instruction to students in the appropriate use of such resources. Staff shall closely supervise students while using on-line services
and may ask teacher aides or parent helpers to assist in this supervision. Although no Internet screening device is 100 percent foolproof, the District will
utilize screening software and other available resources to disallow students from accessing information that is not appropriate as defined in
administrative regulations relating to use of electronic information resources. Parents/guardians will be provided with a Student Acceptable Use Policy
contract which will specify all rules and regulations that apply to students accessing the Internet as well as a copy of this Board policy. Independent
student use of telecommunications and electronic information resources will be permitted upon submission of permission forms and agreement forms
signed by parents of minor students (under 18 years of age) and by students themselves. The designee ensures that users have no expectation of
privacy and understands that District staff may monitor or examine all system activities to ensure proper use of the system. Any violation of District
policy and rules may result in loss of District-provided access to the Internet. Additionally disciplinary action will be determined at the site level in
keeping with existing procedures and practices. The Murrieta Valley Unified School District makes no warranties of any kind, neither expressed nor
implied, for the Internet access it is providing. The District will not be responsible for any damages users suffer, including, but not limited to, loss of data
resulting from delays or interruptions in the service. The District will not be responsible for the accuracy, nature or quality of information stored on
District diskettes, hard drives or servers; nor for the accuracy, nature or quality of information gathered through District provided Internet access. The
District will not be responsible for personal property used to access District computers or networks or for District-provided Internet access. The District
will not be responsible for personal property used to access District computers or networks or for District-provided Internet access. The District will not
be responsible for unauthorized financial obligations resulting from District-provided access to the Internet. The Board authorizes the Superintendent (or
designee) to establish administrative regulations governing use of the District’s on-line services, procedures for implementing this policy, and for
reviewing and evaluating its effect on instruction and student achievement
LIBRARY/TEXTBOOK POLICY: Textbooks become the student’s responsibility from the moment that the student checks the book out until the moment
he/she checks it back in. Textbooks must be returned before the end of the school year.
Students must write their name in the front of the textbook on the stamped “This Book Belongs To.” Students have two weeks to look over the textbooks
they are initially issued and if there is damage in a text, to notify the library staff.
It is the student’s responsibility to protect textbooks from rain, moisture, and from damage by siblings or pets. Students will be fined if their textbook is
returned with torn pages, underlining, or writing in or on the book. If a textbook is lost or damaged beyond use, full replacement cost (the current price of
the text) will be charged. For a damaged and repairable text, up to 25% of the textbook replacement cost will be charged.
If students do not return their textbooks at the end of the school year, they will be billed for the replacement price of the textbooks, per Board Policy
6161.2 and Ed Code 48904.3, and their grades, transcripts, or diploma may be withheld.
WILLIAMS DECISION: Per the Williams Decision, all students are entitled to textbooks in the basic core subjects for homework. Any student who does
not return his/her textbooks, thereby denying other students access to these materials for homework, will not be issued replacement texts, unless the lost
texts are returned or paid for. Arrangements can be made for other restitution, if the student is unable to pay for lost or damaged textbooks.
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PUPILS WITH MORAL OBJECTION TO DISSECTION OR OTHERWISE HARMING OR DESTROYING ANIMALS, NOTICE:
ALTERNATIVE EDUCATIONAL PROJECT: (E. C. 32255)
(a) Except as otherwise provided in Section 32255.6, any pupil with a moral objection to dissecting or otherwise harming or destroying animals, or any
parts thereof, shall notify his or her teacher regarding this objection, upon notification by the school of his/her rights pursuant to Section 32255.4.
(b) If the pupil chooses to refrain from participation in an education project involving the harmful or destructive use of animals, and if the teacher
believes that an adequate alternative education project is possible, then the teacher may work with the pupil to develop and agree upon an
alternative education project for the purpose of providing the pupil an alternative avenue for obtaining the knowledge, information, or experience
required by the course of study in question.
(c) The alternative education project shall require a comparable time and effort investment by the pupil. It shall not, as a means of penalizing the pupil,
be more arduous than the original education project.
(d) The pupil shall not be discriminated against based upon his or her decision to exercise his or her rights pursuant to this chapter.
(e) Pupils choosing an alternative educational project shall pass all examinations of the respective course of study in order to receive credit for that
course of study. However, if tests require the harmful or destructive use of animals, a pupil may, similarly, seek alternative tests pursuant to this
chapter.
(f) A pupil's objection to participating in an educational project pursuant to this section shall be substantiated by a note from his or her parents or
guardian.
PERSONAL BELIEFS: (E. C. 51513) No text, questionnaire, survey, examination, containing any questions about the pupil's or their parents personal
beliefs or practices in sex, family life, morality or religion, shall be administered to any pupil in the schools of this district, unless the parent or guardian is
notified in writing that such test, survey, questionnaire or examination is to be administered and the parent or guardian of the pupil gives written
permission for the pupil to take such test, questionnaire, survey and examination.
HEALTH EDUCATION/SERVICES
EXCUSE FROM HEALTH, FAMILY LIFE AND SEX EDUCATION: (E. C 51240 & 51550) On WRITTEN REQUEST of the parent or guardian of any
pupil, such pupil shall be excused from any part of instruction in health, family life education and sex education, where such instruction conflicts with the
religious training and beliefs or moral convictions of the parents or guardian. NOTIFICATION OF AT LEAST 15 DAYS PRIOR TO THE
COMMENCEMENT OF INSTRUCTION IN SEX EDUCATION AND VENERAL DISEASE INSTRUCTION IS REQUIRED.
SEX EDUCATION AND VENERAL DISEASE INSTRUCTION: (E. C. 51550 & 51820) Family Life Education programs may be provided in grades K
through 12. Venereal Disease instruction will be provided in grades 7 through 12. If instruction about the human reproductive organs and their functions,
processes and diseases are included in your child's class, you will then have an opportunity to inspect and review any written or audiovisual materials to
be used. You may evaluate the materials and, based on firsthand knowledge, determine whether you want your child to participate in the program. Your
child will not be permitted to attend the class if you request in writing that he or she be excused. If you have any questions on this matter, contact the
principal of the school your child attends.
COMMUNICABLE DISEASE/IMMUNIZATION: (E. C. 49403) The Governing Board of the school district will cooperate with the local health officer in
measures necessary for the prevention and control of communicable diseases in school age children. For that purpose the Board may use any funds,
property and personnel of the district and may permit any person licensed to administer an immunizing agent to any pupil whose parents have
consented in writing to the administration of an immunizing agent.
IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS: (E. C. 46010.5) No child shall be admitted to any district school without presentation of evidence that the child has
been fully immunized against diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), tetanus, poliomyelitis, measles, varicella (chicken pox) mumps and rubella in the
manner and with immunizing agents approved by State Department of Health. Students who have reached the age of seven shall not be required to be
immunized against pertussis or mumps. The Board of Education requires parents or guardians to show evidence of meeting statutory immunization
requirements upon entrance into school unless the parent or guardian submits in writing an exemption from immunization for medical reasons or
personal beliefs.
IMMUNIZATIONS: Riverside County requires all students enrolling in the county's schools for the first time to submit a current TB test (within 12 months;
Mantoux or Intradernal). (E. C. 48980): Effective August 1, 1997, all children entering kindergarten shall be fully immunized against Hepatitis B.
Effective July 1, 2001, all children entering kindergarten, and first time enrollees in the State of California must be immunized for varicella
(chicken pox).
CONFIDENTIAL MEDICAL SERVICES INFORMATION: (E. C. 46010. 1) The absence of pupils grades 7 through 12, for the purpose of obtaining
confidential medical services, may be excused by their school district without the consent of their parent or guardian. However, MVUSD has elected to
NOT excuse students without parental consent for the purpose of obtaining confidential medical services.
PRESCRIBED MEDICATIONS: (E. C. 49423) Any pupil who is required to take prescribed or over-the-counter medications during the school day must
be assisted by the school nurse or other designated school personnel if the school receives (1) WRITTEN STATEMENT from such physician detailing
the method, amount and time schedules by which such medication is to be taken and (2) A WRITTEN STATEMENT from the parent or guardian of the
pupil indicating the desire that the school district assist the pupil in the matters set forth in the physician's statement.
CONTINUING MEDICATION REGIMENT FOR NONEPISODIC CONDITION: (E. C. 49480) The parent or legal guardian of any public school pupil on a
continuing medication regimen for long-term administration of medicine SHALL INFORM THE SCHOOL IN WRITING of the medicine, the current
dosage and the name of the supervising physician and the WRITTEN CONSENT of the parent or legal guardian. The school nurse or health technician
or other designated employees of the school, may communicate with the physician and counsel with the school personnel regarding the possible effects
of the medication on the child's intellectual, physical and social behavior and behavioral signs and symptoms and adverse effects, omission or overdose,
of such medication on the child.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION-DISASTER MEDICATIONS: If your child takes a daily medication for a life threatening condition he or she should have
enough medication at school (3-7 days advised) in case of a disaster to sustain him or her for a short time. Please contact the health office to request
the disaster medication form. Have the form filled out be your physician and signed by you. Return the completed form with the medication to the
school nurse as soon as possible. The medication and forms must be updated at least yearly. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the
school nurse.
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MEDICAL AND HOSPITAL SERVICES FOR PUPILS: (E. C. 49407 & 49472) The medical costs of pupil accidents are the responsibility of the parent or
guardian. Pupil accident insurance for pupils while at school sponsored activities or while being transported to or from school is available. Murrieta
Valley Unified School District provides parents the opportunity to purchase their own student insurance. The principal of your child's school will provide
you with further information and the application form for coverage which would be at the parents' expense.
PSYCHIATRIC TREATMENT: (E. C. 49443) Only with the WRITTEN CONSENT of a parent of guardian may either psychological or psychiatric
treatment of such pupil be given at school or at a place outside the school or for placement of such pupils in any other facility for treatment within or
outside the attendance area of the school.
PARENT'S REFUSAL TO CONSENT: (E. C. 4945 1) A parent or guardian having control or charge of any child enrolled in the public schools may file
annually with the principal of the school in which he is enrolled a statement in writing, signed by the parent or guardian, stating that he will not consent to
a physical examination of his 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, he 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.
SIGHT AND HEARING TESTING: (E. C. 49452) The Governing Board of a school is required to provide for the testing of sight and hearing by duly
qualified supervisors of health of each pupil enrolled. Children will be exempt if parent or guardian notifies the school principal in writing that such
appraisal is in conflict with their religious beliefs. This testing program begins in September.
SCOLIOSIS SCREENING: (E. C. 49452.5) The Governing Board of a school district shall provide for the screening of every female pupil in grade 7 and
every male pupil in grade 8 for the condition known as scoliosis. The screening shall be in accordance with methods established by the State
Department of Education and supervised by qualified supervisors of health. The school district shall provide for the notification of the parent or guardian
of any pupil suspected of having scoliosis.
ACQUIRED IMMUNE DEFICIENCY SYNDROME (AIDS) EDUCATION: (E. C. 51201.5, 51201.5(d), 51554, 51555) The Governing Board recognizes
that Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) poses a public health crisis. At the present time, society's most effective weapon against the spread
of this deadly disease is public education. Instruction must be appropriate to the grade level of the students receiving it. The Board particularly desires
that students receive proper AIDS education before they reach the age when they may adopt behaviors which put them at risk on contracting AIDS. In
the elementary grades, AIDS education shall be provided by the regular classroom teacher and shall be designed principally to allay excessive fears of
the epidemic and of becoming infected. In middle school and high school, AIDS education shall be provided by the health teacher as part of a
comprehensive health education program. In cooperation with local health agencies, the Superintendent or designee shall provide a program of
orientation and information about AIDS and the AIDS Instructional program for parents or guardians and interested members of the community. This
program shall include the opportunity to examine all instructional materials before they are used with our students. Before students receive AIDS
instruction, parents or guardians shall be notified in accordance with state law and Board policy. Alternative study arrangements shall be made for
students whose parents or guardians ask that they not receive instruction. No pupil shall receive instruction on sexually transmitted diseases, AIDS,
human sexuality or family life in an assembly setting by a teacher employed by the district or instruction in any setting by an outside agency or guest
speaker unless the pupil’s parents have been properly notified as specified. Parents/Guardians have the right to request copies of Sections 51201.5
and 51553 relating to AIDS prevention instruction.
SELF-MANAGEMENT OF ASTHMA INHALERS BY STUDENTS
The Murrieta Valley Unified School District supports self-management of asthma by students who are deemed capable and competent. Students who
are in middle and high school are able to appropriately administer and manage their asthma and therefore, carry their inhaler. Students in younger
grades who wish to carry their inhaler will be evaluated on a case by case basis.
The following criteria must be in place:
1. Written direction from the student’s physician authorizing the student to carry and self-administer the inhaler medication(s), and specifying the
number of inhalations and frequency of administration permitted.
2. Written permission from the parent/guardian including a willingness to take responsibility for their student’s appropriate use of their inhaler and
acceptance of responsibility to notify the school of any change in the physician’s orders.
3. The credentialed school nurse must evaluate the student’s ability to self-administer their asthma inhaler.
4. Inappropriate use of the inhaler while under self-management may result in withdrawal of the privilege and possible disciplinary action.
ANAPHYLAXIS TREATMENT: Recent legislation (AB 559) states that in the event of an anaphylactic reaction in which a life threatening breathing
emergency occurs, school districts may administer epinephrine via auto injector in addition to summoning EMS (911). If you do not wish your child to
receive this life saving treatment, please submit your objections in writing at the beginning of school.
MANDATED REPORTING
TEACHER NOTIFICATION: (E. C. 49079) A school district shall inform the teacher of every student who has caused, or has attempted to cause, serious
bodily injury or injury, as defined in paragraphs (5) and (6) of subdivision (E) of section 243 of the penal code, to another person. The district shall
provide the information to the teacher based on any written records that the district maintains or receives from a law enforcement agency regarding a
student described in this section. A "battery" is any willful and unlawful use of force or violence upon the person of another. "Serious bodily injury"
means a serious impairment of physical condition, including but not limited to, following: loss of consciousness, concussion, bone fracture, protracted
loss or impairment of function of any bodily member or organ, a wound requiring extensive suturing and serious disfigurement "Injury" means any
physical injury which requires professional medical treatment. A school district shall notify the teacher(s) of any student that has been found in violation
of any subsection of E. C. 48900 (Except 48900(h)). This notification will be made for three years following the violation.
REPORT OF ASSAULT BY PUPIL AGAINST SCHOOL EMPLOYEE: Failure to Report Misdemeanor: (E.C. 44014) Requires a report to law
enforcement officials of attack, assault or menace if any employee by a pupil. States that failure to report is a misdemeanor. Provides sanctions to
person impeding such report.
REPORT OF VIOLATION TO PROBATION OFFICER: (E.C. 48267) Any pupil who has once been adjudged an habitual truant or habitually
insubordinate or disorderly during attendance at school by the juvenile court of the county, or has been found to be a person described in Section 602
and as a condition of probation is required to attend a school program approved by a probation officer, who is reported as a truant from school one or
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more days or tardy on one more days without valid excuse, in the same school year or in a succeeding year, or habitually insubordinate or disorderly
during attendance at school, shall be brought to the attention of the pupil’s probation or parole officer within ten (10) days of the reported violation.
MEGAN’S LAW: (P.C. 290.4) Obligates local school districts to refer parents to their local law enforcement agency regarding information about the
availability of a CD-ROM or other electronic medium containing information about registered sex offenders sex offenders as required by “Megan’s Law,”
as specified. This information is provided by the Department of Justice to local law enforcement agencies in each county and is available through the
Murrieta Police Department.
NOTIFICATION TO LAW ENFORCEMENT: Assault Controlled Substance Violations, Civil or Community Immunity: (E. C. 48902) The principal of a
school of the principal's designee shall, prior to the suspension or expulsion of any pupil, notify the appropriate law enforcement authorities of the county
or city in which the school is situated, of any acts of the student which may be violative of Section 245 and the Penal Code. Failure to do so carries a
$500.00 fine.
SCHOOL CRIME REPORTS: (PC 628) Mandates reporting of specified school crimes.
SCHOOL ACCOUNTABILITY REPORT CARD: (E. C. 35256) A copy of this report card will be provided to parents upon request.
NON-STUDENTS DIRECTION TO LEAVE, RE-ENTRY: (PC 626.6) In any case in which a person who is not a student or officer or employee of a
school, and who is not required by his or her employment to be on campus, enters such campus, and it reasonably appears to the administration that
such person is committing any act likely to interfere with the peaceful conduct of the activities of the campus, the administration may direct the person to
leave the campus, and if the person fails to do so or if the person willfully and knowingly reenters upon the campus within seven (7) days after being
directed to leave, he or she is guilty of a misdemeanor and may be punished.
DISRUPTIVE PRESENCE OF SCHOOLS: (PC 626.8) Specifies authority of administration to direct persons to leave campus whose presence interferes
with school activities, unless such person is a parent of child attending that school, is a student of the school, or has prior written permission of school
administration.
FIREARMS; SCHOOL: PC 626.9) Prohibits any person except peace officers from bringing firearms on campus without prior written permission of
administration.
ASBESTOS MANAGEMENT PLAN: (CFR 40, 763.93) Each school site in the District has an AHERA Report (Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response
Act) which identifies where asbestos is located at the school and the conditions of those areas. This report is updated every three months. A copy of the
school report is available at the school site.
SIGNS AT ENTRANCE: (PC 627.6) At each entrance to the school grounds of every public school at which this chapter is in force, signs shall be posted
specifying the hours during which registration is required pursuant to Section 627.2, stating where the office of the principal or designee is located and
what route to take to that office, and that the school is a drug-free zone.
GENERAL COMPLAINTS CONCERNING THE SCHOOLS: The Governing Board believes that the quality of the educational program can improve
when the district listens to complaints, considers differences of opinion, and resolves disagreements through an established, objective process. The
Board encourages complainants to resolve problems early and informally whenever possible. If a problem remains unsolved, the individual should
submit a formal complaint as early as possible in accordance with appropriate district procedures. District procedures shall be readily accessible to the
public. Individual Board members do not have authority to resolve complaints. If approached directly with a complaint, however, Board members should
listen to the complaint and show their concern by referring the complainant to the Superintendent or designee so that the problem may receive proper
consideration.
COMPLAINT PROCEDURES:
1. If a complaint cannot be resolved at the informal level, then a written formal complaint may be made to the Superintendent or Designee.
2. The Superintendent or Designee shall determine whether a complaint should be considered a complaint against the district and/or the individual,
and whether it should be resolved by the process for Complaints Concerning District Employees (1312.1) or the Uniform Complaint Procedure
(1312.3), or other complaint procedure, or combination thereof.
UNIFORM COMPLAINT PROCEDURE
The district shall follow uniform complaint procedures when addressing complaints alleging unlawful discrimination based on age, sex, sexual
orientation, gender, ethnic group identification, race, ancestry, national origin, religion, color, or mental or physical disability in any program or activities
that receives or benefits from state financial assistance. Additionally, the District shall use uniform complaint procedures to address complaints regarding
insufficiency of instructional materials, emergency or urgent facility conditions, and/or teacher vacancy or misassignment issues. The Board prohibits
unlawful retaliation in any form for participation in the uniform complaint procedures, including but not limited to the filing of a complaint for the reporting
of instances of discrimination. The Board of Education designates the following compliance officer(s) to receive and investigate complaints and ensure
district compliance with law: Dr. Buck DeWeese Deputy Superintendent, (951) 696-1600, ext 1007 Guy Romero, Assistant Superintendent of
Educational Services, (951) 696-1600, ext 1026, William Olien, Assistant Superintendent of Facilities & Operational Services, (951) 696-1600, ext 1181.
Address: Murrieta Valley Unified School District Support Center, 41870 McAlby Court, Murrieta, California 92562.
PROCEDURES:
1. Complaints shall be made using the standard form provided upon request.
2. For complaints concerning insufficiency of instructional materials, emergency or urgent facility conditions, and/or teacher vacancy or misassignment
issues, the complaints may be anonymous. However, if the complainant requests a response, he or she must provide contact information.
3. The complaint must be initiated no later than six (6) months from the date when the alleged discrimination occurred or when the complainant first
obtained knowledge of the facts of the alleged discrimination.
4. The complaint shall be presented to either the principal/designee or compliance officers, depending on the nature of the complaint.
5. If the complaint concerns insufficiency of instructional materials, emergency or urgent facility conditions, and/or teacher vacancy or misassignment
issues, the complaint shall be filed with the school principal or the designee at the school principal, he or she must forward it to the appropriate
school district official within ten (10) working days of receipt of the complaint.
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6.
7.
8.
If a complainant is unable to put a complaint in writing due to conditions such as illiteracy or other disabilities, District staff shall help him/her to file
the complaint.
For complaints processed by the compliance officers, a written decision shall be issued to the complainant within thirty (30) calendar days of
receiving the complaint.
For complaints processed by the principal or designee, valid complaints must be remedied within a reasonable time period but not to exceed thirty
(30) working days from the date the complaint was received.
CIVIL LAW REMEDIES: A complainant may pursue available civil law remedies outside of the District’s complaint procedures as provided by law:
DIRECT STATE INTERVENTION: The California Department of Education may directly intervene in the complaint without waiting for action by the
District when one of the conditions listed in 5 CCR 4650 and other applicable law exists. In addition, the California Department of Education may also
intervene in those cases where the District has not taken action within sixty (60) calendar days of the date the complaint was first filed with the District.
SEARCH AND SEIZURE: The Governing Board recognizes that incidents may occur which jeopardize the health, safety and welfare of students and
staff and which necessitate the search and seizure of students, their property, or the lockers by school officials. (cf.5145.11--Questioning and
Apprehension) School officials may search individual students and their property when there is a reasonable suspicion that the search will uncover
evidence that the student is violating the law or the rules of the District or the school. In an effort to keep the schools free of drugs, the District may use
specially trained non-aggressive dogs to sniff out and alert staff to the presence of substances prohibited by law or District policy.
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