Student Illness

D 1.0 Illness, Injury, or Medical Emergencies at School and Administration of Medication During School Hours

Administration of Medication during School Hours 

Green Dot Public Schools may not furnish any medications.  School personnel are prohibited by law from giving any medication (i.e., prescriptions, cold tablets, vitamins, Tylenol, etc.) to a student unless the student’s physician has given written instructions and the student’s parent has provided written consent.

In order for a designated school personnel to assist a student in taking a medication, including insulin to diabetic students, Green Dot Public Schools shall obtain both a written statement from the physician detailing the name of medication, method, amount, and time schedules by which the medication is to be taken and a written statement from the parent, foster parent, or guardian of the pupil indicating the desire that the school assist the pupil in the matters set forth in the statement of the physician. For the administration of an emergency anti-seizure medication to a student diagnosed with seizures, a seizure disorder, or epilepsy , the school shall obtain a detailed seizure action plan from the parent, foster parent, or guardian of the pupil, and such parent/guardian request is only effective in the current school year.

 All medications require physician and parent/guardian authorization. Forms for completion by your Physician are available in the school office.  (See the Request for Assisted Administration During School Hours form.)  Once authorization is obtained, the medication must be given to the Office in original containers, labeled with the name of the medication, dosage, name of student, and frequency of administration. Over the counter medications should be in original sealed packages with directions for administration. Medications will be stored in a secure location labeled with the student’s name, dosage, and time to be given.  Medication administration will be documented in a medication log maintained for each child. This form will be incorporated into each student’s permanent file upon transfer or graduation.

Students may not carry or use medication without written consent. However, students may carry and self-administer certain medication (e.g. inhaled asthma medications or Epi-pens) if the school receives the proper documentation.  This includes:

1.  A written statement from the authorized health care provider detailing the name of the medication, method, amount, and time schedules by which the medication is to be taken, and confirming that the student is able to self-administer the medication; and
2. A written statement from the parent/guardian or foster parent of the student consenting to the self-administration, providing release for the school to consult with the health care provider of the student regarding any questions that may arise with regard to the medication, and releasing the school and school personnel from liability in the case of adverse reaction.  Certain Asthma Action Plans may be sufficient for students to carry and self-administer asthma medication.  A student may be subject to disciplinary action if the medication is used in a manner other than as prescribed.  The required forms are available at the school office.  School personnel do not prescribe or give advice regarding medication.  (See the Request for Self-Administration During School Hours form.)

Illness at School

1. A staff member will assist a student in need of help for sudden illness or injury occurring in school. Conditions occurring at home should be taken care of before coming to school.
2. Students should be covered under family insurance. The school is not responsible for medical bills for illness occurring at school.
3.  Green Dot Public Schools does not diagnose illnesses. Students who are unable to remain in class because of illness will be sent home.  Parents will be contacted to make transportation arrangements for their student to go home if s/he is too ill to stay in school. No student will be allowed to leave the campus without parent notification. If ill, the student should be given care at home or, if the condition persists, the student should seek medical attention.
4. Arrangements to leave school because of illness or injury must be made through the office.
5. Health matters are treated confidentially.
6. Students expecting to be absent ten consecutive days or more for medical reasons MUST contact the office regarding home instruction. The student’s physician must make a request for home instruction.

Injury or Medical Emergencies

All injuries and illnesses MUST be reported to the nearest faculty member in charge or to the office. Most injuries are avoidable if safety rules are observed.

Parents are advised that if their child is hurt at school, there is no school insurance to cover medical costs. In case of injury, Green Dot Public Schools staff will contact the appropriate agency for assistance (police, fire, etc.) An ambulance will be called in case of serious injury. The school will immediately notify parents or other adults listed on the emergency form.

If a student feels sick at school, they will be able to lie down. If the student is running a fever or has severe illness symptoms, parent will be notified. Students cannot be released until a parent or guardian (listed on the emergency card) makes transportation arrangements.

Epinephrine Auto-Injectors 

As described in Policy A. 3.0, Lottery Procedures, during the enrollment process, parents/guardians must indicate if their child has any chronic health problems, medical conditions, medications, or allergies on the Enrollment Form. 

Stocking:  Green Dot shall obtain epinephrine auto-injectors (“EpiPen”) from the California Department of Public Health which includes at least one regular EpiPen per Green Dot school, unless there are students at the school who require a junior EpiPen. Green Dot recommends that each Green Dot school stock a minimum of two regular epiPens. EpiPens are ordered centrally and restocked annually.  The designated school administrator is responsible for restocking epiPens.

Volunteer Requests: Green Dot will distribute an annual notice to all school staff that contains the following information:

• a description of a volunteer request stating that the request is for volunteers to be trained to administer an EpiPen to a person if the person is suffering, or reasonably believed to be suffering, from anaphylaxis; and 

• a description of the training that volunteers will receive.

Training: Each school’s School Operation Manager, Parent Coordinator, and Office Assistant(s) will be trained to administer EpiPens, and receive annual refresher training.  Such training shall be consistent with the most recent “Voluntary Guidelines for Managing Food Allergies in Schools and Early Care and Education Programs” published by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the most recent guidelines for medication administration from the CDE.

Administration: If a student is, or reasonably believed to be, suffering from an anaphylactic reaction, only the school’s School Operation Manager, Parent Coordinator, Office Assistant, or volunteer staff member who has received EpiPen training can administer the EpiPen to the student.  During the administration of the EpiPen or as soon as practicable thereafter, or if no trained individual is present at the time of the anaphylactic reaction, the school will immediately call 9-1-1 to request an emergency response and stay with the student until paramedics arrive. The school will also contact the student’s parent/guardian and physician as soon as practicable upon learning of the student’s anaphylactic reaction.

Medical Cannabis

Because of the conflict between state and federal law regarding the legality of medicinal cannabis, Green Dot prohibits the administration of medicinal cannabis to students on school grounds by parents/guardians or school personnel.

Anti-Seizure Medication

As described in Policy A. 3.0, Lottery Procedures, during the enrollment process, parents/guardians must indicate if their child has any chronic health problems, medical conditions, medications, or allergies on the Enrollment Form. 

In order for designated school personnel to assist a student diagnosed with seizures, a seizure disorder, or epilepsy in taking an emergency anti-seizure medication, the parent or guardian of the student must make a request for school personnel to administer the medication, and such request is valid for the current school year. The school shall also obtain a detailed “seizure action plan” from the parent or guardian of the student, which must include detailed information from the student’s health care provider, address how and where the medication will be stored at school, and include a signed notice that medication may be administered by nonmedical professionals who have only received the specified training. 

After a parent or guardian requests that school personnel administer the medication, the school must inform the parent or guardian that their student potentially qualifies for a Section 504 Plan or IEP and must assist the parent or guardian in exploring those options. 

After a parent or guardian makes a request for school personnel to administer anti-seizure medication, the school will distribute a notice to staff at least once, but no more than two times, identifying the request for volunteers, information about training, and rights to rescind offer to volunteer.

If there are no school personnel volunteers to administer medication, the school shall notify the parent or guardian of the student’s rights to be assessed for services and accommodations under Section 504 and the IDEA. 

Rev. 06/2024

D 2.0 Communicable and Infectious Disease

Policy:  Communicable and Infectious Disease

It is the Principal’s duty to report at once to the local Health Office the presence or suspected presence of any communicable disease. 17 CCR § 2508. 

The school follows the recommendations of the Los Angeles County Health Department in excluding and readmitting students with communicable conditions.  A student suspected of having a communicable disease will be excluded from school until guidelines for readmission are met.  A student who has been absent from school because of a reported communicable disease must provide the required documentation for readmission.  Proper readmission documentation is determined by the communicable disease and can include: (a) a permit issued by the Public Health Department or physician before he or she is readmitted to school; or (b) a Proof of Treatment Form (for lice and ringworm only). 

Temporary exclusion of a student from school generally occurs for communicable diseases, including, but not limited to, the following conditions:  COVID-19, conjunctivitis (“pink eye”); skin infections (impetigo), strep throat, chickenpox, scabies, head lice, and pertussis (“whooping cough”).  Exclusion may occur immediately or at the end of the school day, depending on the disease, its communicability and school, county and state policy.  After treatment for head lice, the presence of nits (i.e., head-lice eggs) alone is not an absolute indication for exclusion and students should not be absent from school for extended periods of time due to this treatable condition. 

The Principal is not required to send prior notice of exclusion to the parent/guardian if the student is excluded because it is determined that the presence of the student would constitute a clear and present danger to the life, safety, or health of students or school personnel.

Reporting and Notifications

Reporting Communicable Disease by School

In outbreaks of any illness affecting over 10% of students enrolled, the school must telephone on the day of the occurrence the County Department of Public Health.  Principal may intercede to expedite the process by liaising with the County Department of Public Health and/or student’s physicians, as deemed necessary.

Notification of Parents and School Employees

An effort will be made to notify parents/guardians about school exposure to chickenpox.  The parent/guardian of a student for whom chickenpox presents a particular hazard should contact the school nurse to facilitate notification.  Students at risk include those with conditions affecting the immune system and those receiving certain drugs for the treatment of leukemia or organ transplants.

The school’s responsibility to notify school employees and the parent/ guardian of children exposed to a communicable disease is based on several factors determined by the school’s Administrator such as:

1. Is the disease likely to be spread by school contact? 
2. Is the disease serious enough to warrant investigation or prophylactic treatment by the student’s private physician or the County Department of Public Health? 
3. Is there an action the parents or school employees should or could be taking?

Specific Conditions and Communicable Disease

Incomplete Immunizations

In the case of exposure to a vaccine-preventable disease, students with incomplete immunization status may be excluded from school.  These may include exposures to pertussis, measles, and mumps. 

Rev. 06/2024

D 3.0 Blood Borne Pathogens

Policy: Blood Borne Pathogens

General Prevention for Blood Borne Pathogens

If a student suddenly becomes ill in class and vomits or is cut and bleeds on the floor of a classroom, specific procedures will be followed to eliminate the possible hazard of body fluid exposure.  The procedures include:

• Staff member keep students away from the potential hazard
• Staff member contacts main office
• School Operations Manager or administrator removes student to the main office and contacts the school custodian
• Custodian (if available) is responsible for cleaning up the bodily fluid spills
• Custodian uses protective equipment such as gloves, apron, protective eyewear, etc.
• Custodian removes body fluid from floor
• Custodian sanitizes floor
• Custodian cleans and decontaminates all equipment and environmental working surfaces exposed to body fluids
• Custodian removes gloves and disposes in appropriate biohazard container
• Custodian washes hands with antibacterial soap
• In the absence of the custodian, the administrative staff will assume responsibility for the procedures above.

Rev. 06/2017

D 4.0 Home and Hospital Schooling

Policy:  Home and Hospital Schooling

Green Dot Public Schools requires regular attendance at school to ensure students receive a quality education.  If a student incurs more than ten (10) school days of consecutive absence due to health or physical impairment, with written documentation from a medical physician or psychiatrist, he/she shall seek home and/or hospital based instruction. This written documentation must include the reason and duration for requesting home and/or hospital based instruction.

Home and hospital schooling shall begin as soon as the student’s physical and mental health permits.  The amount of instructional service time provided through the home and/or hospital program shall be determined in relation to each student’s education needs, as well as his/her physical and mental health.

If a student is eligible for home and/or hospital schooling an Educational Planning Conference will be convened by an administrator within 5 days of the receipt of the written request and doctor’s forms.   This meeting will include the parent, student, counselor, and a grade level representative and will determine the schedule for the home school teacher to provide service.

A student who requires home and/or hospital schooling or individual instruction in another residential health facility on a temporary basis shall be provided with instructional services sufficient to enable him/her to return to school with a minimum of difficulty.  During this temporary time of home and/or hospital schooling or individual instruction in another residential health facility, the student shall remain enrolled in his or her Green Dot school of record. Instructional tutoring should not be less than five (5) hours per week unless the physician certifies that the student should not receive this level of instruction due to medical reasons.  After 60 days, a conference must be held with the school administrator and the parent/ guardian to determine if home and hospital services or individual instruction in another residential health facility should be extended. A student who requires home and/or hospital schooling or individual instruction in another residential health facility for an extended time shall be provided with instructional services sufficient to appropriately advance the student’s basic educational development.

A student may receive home and/or hospital schooling or individual instruction in another residential health facility through telephonic or other electronic communication systems if such a system is available to the student and instructor.  However, at least two (2) hours per week of direct instructional services shall be provided. All instructional services and home visits will be documented via Power School to ensure the student’s needs are being met.

Before a student returns to school, an Educational Planning Conference must be held wherein the school approves a plan for successful re-entry.  The plan will be created by the parent, counselor, administration, the physician/therapist (if necessary), and the home school teacher. A student will not be permitted to return to classes until the plan has been approved.  The student shall be allowed to return to the school attended immediately before receiving the home and/or hospital schooling or individual instruction in another residential health facility, if the student returns during the same school year in which the home and/or hospital schooling or individual instruction in another residential health facility was initiated.

Long-term Hospitalization

In the event a student must be hospitalized for a long period of time (i.e. for physical or psychological reasons or for treatment with substance abuse) he/she may retain his/her status at Green Dot.

If the hospitalization is for physical reasons, an administrator or designee will serve as the liaison between the family, hospital and school.  The administrator will meet with the school counselor and student’s teachers to determine the education needs of the student. The administrator is responsible for the ongoing coordination of the student’s educational program.

If the hospitalization is for psychological or substance abuse reasons, a school psychologist will work with the administrator as the liaison between the family, home, and school.  Before discharge of the student and his/her return to school the school psychologist and administrator will conduct a meeting with all school professionals who will be working with the student to determine the strategies needed for a positive transition to the school setting.

Pregnant and Parenting Students

Consistent with California Education Code Section 46015, a pregnant or parenting student is entitled to parental leave, during which time the student is not required to complete academic work. Upon return from leave, the student shall resume coursework, may make up missed work, and may take a fifth year of instruction to complete high school graduation requirements. Furthermore reasonable accommodations shall be provided to address needs related to breast-feeding. A pregnant or parenting student shall not incur academic penalty as a result of their use of such accommodations.

Rev. 06/2023

Campus Safety

D 5.0 Emergency Preparedness and Emergency Contact Information

Emergency Preparedness

The schools’ emergency policies and procedures are formulated with the guidance of local law enforcement and Green Dot Public Schools in order to prepare for:

• Fires
• Terrorist (bomb, chemical) threats
• Earthquakes
• Active shooter/killer threats
• Plane crash
• Smog episodes
• Power outages

Green Dot Public Schools staff will implement and maintain the following:

1. A site-specific disaster preparedness plan.
2. School Site Incident Command System Team.
3. Training for all staff on the elements of the plan, as well as an instruction program in first-aid and CPR.
4. A stockpile of emergency and medical supplies, back up communication equipment, and three days of food and water at the school site.
5. Placards posted in classrooms and offices which indicate evacuation routes.
6. Emergency cards on file for all students and staff.
7. Established policy on the release of students to parents or guardian.
8. Clearly understood policy on the release of school, district staff, and their emergency assignments.
9. Clearly outlined procedures for use of school facilities as emergency shelters.

Emergency Contact Information

For any and all emergencies impacting schools and requiring attention from law enforcement or the fire department, dial 9-1-1.  Otherwise, contact local law enforcement at the following non-emergency numbers:

Emergency Cards

Every student must have a completed and up-to-date Emergency Card, properly signed and on file in the school Office.

*STUDENTS MAY ONLY LEAVE CAMPUS WITH AN ADULT WHOSE NAME IS LISTED ON THE EMERGENCY CARD AND PROPER IDENTIFICATION WILL BE ASKED FOR ALL ADULTS SIGNING STUDENTS OUT.

Change of Address

Parents are asked to notify the office in writing as soon as any change of contact information occurs. This will ensure that all mailings will be received without delay or interruption.

Rev. 06/2023

D 6.0 Administrative Supervision

Policy:  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.

To ensure 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 their 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 volunteers are available to help ensure our campus remains safe and students are following traffic laws when crossing the street. Students are to obey all directions from supervisory staff and volunteers.

Rev. 06/2024

D 7.0 Closed Campus and Visitor Policy

Policy: Closed Campus and Visitor Policy, Sign in and Verification

Closed Campus

Green Dot Public Schools are closed campuses. All students are required to remain on school grounds during the regularly scheduled school day, including the lunch period. It is unlawful for anyone to take a student away from school during the regular school day without obtaining proper permission from a school official.

Visitor Policy, Sign in and Verification

Visitors and volunteers are welcome in our schools. Principals are responsible for managing involvement of volunteers and visitors in their respective schools, and for ensuring that the activities of visitors and volunteers do not result in undue disruption of the instructional program.  It is also important that the presence of visitors and volunteers does not contribute to safety or security issues for students and staff members or for the visitors themselves.

• Volunteers include individuals who have been recruited by classroom teachers, Parent Coordinators or school administrators, and have received authorization from the principal (or principal designee)
• Parents function as volunteers, visitors or both, during their child’s tenure in a school
• Home Office and other support personnel provide resource assistance to students and staffs in schools.
• Visitors include all individuals who are not in any of the above listed categories or are not employed by the school.

Note:  All visitors, volunteers, school board members, parents and home office personnel are expected to comply with the procedures outlined in this policy.

Procedures:

The principal or principal’s designee will:

1. Require all parents, visitors and volunteers to report to the main office of the school immediately upon entrance.  This will allow the principal and school staff to account for all persons in the building, consistent with the above stated “purposes” of this directive.
2. Utilize the V-Soft Raptor System (commonly referred to as “Raptor”), a visitor registration and management system. The Raptor system will replace all manual paper-based logs, and will allow the front office staff to produce visitor badges, and electronically check visitors against state and federal sex offender databases.  Provide all parents, visitors and volunteers with a visitor’s badge to wear during their stay at the school. The school will make all reasonable efforts to ensure that the visitor reaches his or her stated destination. The badge is to be returned to the school office when the visitor or volunteer signs-out. Home Office and support staff are expected to wear their identification badges during visits to school buildings.  No one is to be permitted to visit or volunteer without a badge.

Principals may ask any parents, visitors or volunteers who refuse to conform to visitors’ procedures to exit the building. Parents, visitors and volunteers are not permitted to make impromptu visits to classrooms during the school day without the permission of a building administrator.

1. Require that visitors, who wish to observe instruction, pre-schedule classroom visits.  The principal should consult with the classroom teacher(s) to arrange a requested visit.  The final authority for the decision of when a visit will occur rests with the principal, who must determine whether the frequency of visits by an individual or group of individuals to a classroom cause disruption to the individual program.

1. Inform parents and school staff of the procedures outlined in these procedures and any additional procedures instituted, at the school level, to manage visitor involvement in the school.  The principal shall transmit annually, in writing, all such information to parents and staff during the first two weeks of the new school year.

Procedures for Juvenile Court Personnel

There are instances when the welfare of a student is also under the jurisdiction of the Los Angeles County Juvenile Court or Department of Juvenile Justice.  This Protocol is meant to provide some useful guidelines for Green Dot personnel and Juvenile Court personnel when a school visit is required. Information in this Protocol may be altered by court order.

Schools are a secure educational environment and all non-school personnel must sign in with the front office. Schools may limit access to certain areas of the school and, at the discretion of the Principal or designee, may require that Probation Officers schedule days and times convenient for the school staff and the student’s schedule. In these instances:

(1) The Juvenile Court Representative (Probation Officer [PO]) should appear and

provide:

(a) A court order that specifically provides for such meetings.

(b) Juvenile Court/Probation Dept. Photo Identification.

(2) The school should:

(a) Photocopy Court request and Photo ID of PO for school records.

Information regarding probation will not be maintained in the student’s

permanent record;

1. b) Not share any information over the phone.

(3) The adjudication (probation) of a student is confidential information and all care shall be taken to protect the privacy rights of the student pursuant to the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), 20 U.S.C. § 1232g. Green Dot Public Schools will provide student information in compliance in a timely manner as set forth in FERPA.

• • Schools should identify a staff member to act as the primary point of contact at a school to help insure student privacy. This contact person should be a staff member who is in the building a majority of their day.
  • If a Probation Officer provides the school appropriate court written consent and at the discretion of the Principal or designee, a student may be interviewed by a PO without advanced parental/guardian/custodial agency notice and outside the presence of the Principal or designee.
  • At the discretion of the Principal or designee, students may be drug tested by the PO at school. Drug tests must be witnessed and observed by the PO. If the PO provides the school with prior written court consent, school personnel will not be required to witness the drug test or notify parents/guardians/custodial agencies in advance. Therefore, temporary use of an administrative or handicap restroom will be made available.
  • Student attendance and appropriate behavior are requirements for all students on probation.
  • With prior written consent, the Principal or designee should report any discipline/truancy problems with students to the student’s probation officer as there may be legal sanctions placed on the student.

Rev. 05/2015

D 8.0 Barring Disruptive Persons

Policy:  Barring Disruptive Persons from School Sites

Guidelines for Barring Disruptive Persons from School Sites

The following guideline is prepared to assist school site administrators in dealing with disruptive persons who interfere with the normal course of business at school sites.  Numerous laws and regulations give the site administrator the absolute right to insist on good order on their campus.  This guideline lists the steps necessary to bar disruptive persons from the campus.

o    Definitions:

Common Area – Defined as where routine business is conducted in the school office.  The common area would include the walkway to the office from the sidewalk and the area at the counter in the office.  The common area does not include any offices behind the counter such as the Principal or Counselor’s office.  This area was defined to separate a common area (the office) from those areas where the educational process takes place (classrooms, hallways, auditoriums, cafeterias, etc.).  An officer will use different probable cause for arrests in “common areas” than that used in “educational areas”.

Posting – A term requiring all schools to post certain information in a place where people can see the posted signs.  Schools are required to post certain instructions, such as “instructions to all visitors to report to the office before conducting business on the site”. 

• Important facts to remember are:

1. No person has the right to interfere with the orderly delivery of instruction.
2. Parents and guardians have a constitutional right to participate in the education of their children.
3. A parent’s right is at all times tempered with the need to preserve order and tranquility at their children’s school.

1. Parents and guardians who have been restricted from their children’s school site can only legally remove children for the following reasons:

1. Disciplinary situations
2. Medical attention
3. Family emergencies

The restricted parents/guardians can only enter the “common area” or school office to request release of their children.  They will not be allowed in other areas of the site.

1. In all cases of conflict, the school desires a positive outcome for all parties involved. If a parent/guardian or other person causes a systematic disruption of the educational environment, their access onto the school site will become limited and/or restricted.  Administrative authority to restrict access is clearly identified in the California Education and Penal Codes.

The following are general guidelines for dealing with parents/guardians who are disruptive to the educational process on school sites.

1. When staff reports that a person is disruptive to the educational environment, that person should be immediately escorted to the school office. The school office is considered a “common area” where public business is conducted.  An administrator will talk to the reported offender to

determine if a productive solution can be found for the problem.  The school’s Electronic Visitor Management System (“RAPTOR”) should be checked to see if the individual signed in.  If not, the disruptive person will be informed that all visitors to the campus are legally required to report to the office prior to entering the campus for any reason.

In all cases, if the disruption is extreme or involves any threat of violence, the school Security staff should be contacted to intervene and escort the visitor off campus.  Also, if appropriate, call local law enforcement at 911.  An Incident Report about the problem will be filed by the site administrator.

2. If the situation is not resolved on the first encounter, documentation will be prepared to track the problem behavior. This documentation is essential should the problem escalate and enforcement action (an arrest) is necessary.  The administrator will consider some of the following steps as they attempt to resolve the problem.

1. Meet with the parent/guardian and school staff and attempt to resolve the problem. Set up a specific set of guidelines to govern behaviors while the person is on campus.
2. Consult with the Green Dot Public Schools Director of Security and Cluster Director regarding the behaviors exhibited by the disruptive person. By making Green Dot Public Schools aware of the situation, it helps guarantee a more rapid response if there are continuing problems.
3. Send a “stay away letter”, or legally described “626 letter”, which is designed to require a meeting prior to the disruptive person being allowed back on the school site. Send copies to the Green Dot Public Schools Home Office, including the Cluster Director, Director of Security, and Vice President of Education.  The meeting required in the “626 letter” process accomplishes the following objectives:
   • Requires the person to always report to the office, sign in and contact an administrator prior to conducting business at the site. Remember the office is a “common area” for conducting business.
   • Forbids the person from going directly to a classroom or playground without being escorted.
   • Discusses the specifics of the person’s disruptive behavior and advises them that they can be arrested for violations of Section 626 of the Penal Code.
   • In cases of extremely disruptive behavior, a Security staff member may be assigned to assist the disruptive person with their interaction at the school site.
   • The 626 letter is canceled in 14 days. This legal mandate does not relieve the disruptive person receiving the letter from obeying some fundamental rules and conditions of access after the 14 days.  These would include:

• Required reporting to the office or “common area” to sign in prior to conducting business on site.
• Calling and making an appointment prior to arriving on site.
• Never going directly to a classroom or playground without an escort. Remember outside of the office is not a “common area”.  Thus, a

classroom or auditorium is not a “common area” and the offender can be forbidden access to this area.

• All behavior while at the school site must be appropriate as defined by the site administration.

(e)  The 626 letter is one of the last efforts made by staff to avoid possible stricter

enforcement action (arrest).

3. If all efforts have been unable to resolve the behavior, then the Chief Operating Officer should be notified.
4. In cases of extreme behavior or disruption, Green Dot may opt to file an application for Work Place Violence injunction in a court of law.

Please consult with the Green Dot Public Schools Director of Security for further assistance and/or information.

The following California Code Sections will help you evaluate the extent of your authority when dealing with a disruptive person.

Penal Code:
415    – Fighting, noise, use of offensive words (challenging to fight)
415.5 – Disturbance of peace of school
626.2 – Unauthorized entry, dismissed employee or student
626.6 – Committing an act likely to interfere with peaceful activities
626.7 – Failure to leave campus, wrongful return penalties (Revised 1/2004)
627.4 – Refusal or revocation (allows admin. to refuse access)
627.7 – Misdemeanor, to refuse to leave on request

Rev. 06/2021

D 9.0 Employee Interactions with Pupils

Policy:   Employee Interactions with Pupils

Green Dot recognizes its responsibility to make and enforce all rules and regulations governing student and employee behavior to bring about the safest learning environment possible. 

Professional Boundaries

This policy is intended to guide all Green Dot employees in conducting themselves in a way that reflects the high standards of behavior and professionalism required of employees who interact with students and to specify the boundaries between students and staff.  Trespassing the boundaries of a student/staff relationship is deemed an abuse of power and a betrayal of public trust.

It is each employee’s obligation to avoid situations that could prompt suspicion by parents, students, colleagues, or school leaders. If a Green Dot employee questions whether or not their own conduct is acceptable, they should ask themselves, “Would I be engaged in this conduct if my family or colleagues were standing next to me?”  Some activities may seem innocent from an employee’s perspective, but can be perceived as inappropriate from a student or parent point of view. 

The objective of providing the examples of acceptable and unacceptable behaviors listed below is not to restrain innocent, positive relationships between employees and students, but to prevent relationships that could lead to, or may be perceived as, sexual or other misconduct.  Employees must understand their own responsibility for ensuring that they do not cross the boundaries as written in this policy. Disagreeing with the wording or intent of the established boundaries will be considered irrelevant for disciplinary purposes.

Examples

• Giving gifts to an individual student that are of a personal and intimate nature

• Kissing of any kind

• Any type of unnecessary physical contact with a student in a private situation, including hugging a student

• Intentionally not disengaging from inappropriate behavior initiated by a student

• Intentionally being alone with a student away from the school

• Cursing or making or participating in inappropriate comments related to sex, sexual orientation, race, or other characteristic(s) protected by law

• Failing to intervene when students curse or make inappropriate comments related to sex, sexual orientation, race, or other characteristic(s) protected by law

• Seeking emotional involvement with a student for your benefit, including involving students in adult issues

• Listening to or telling stories that are sexually oriented

• Discussing inappropriate personal troubles or intimate issues with a student in an attempt to gain their support and understanding

• Becoming involved with a student so that a reasonable person may suspect inappropriate behavior

• Allowing students in your home

• Sending emails, messages, posts, or letters, or any type of communication to students if the content is not about school activities

• Subject to the guidelines listed in Employee Handbook Section IX, using your personal electronic devices to communicate with students in any way

• Giving students a ride to/from school or school activities

• Being alone in a room with a student at school with the door closed

• Remarks about the physical attributes or development of anyone

• Excessive attention toward a particular student

Examples of acceptable and recommended behaviors:

• Getting school and parental written consent for any after-school activity

• Obtaining formal approval (using the Green Dot Transportation Policy and Guidelines) to take students off school property for activities such as field trips or competitions

• Any type of communication to students must be strictly professional and pertain to school activities or classes

• Keeping the door open when alone with a student

• Keeping reasonable space between you and your students

• Stopping and correcting students if they cross personal or professional boundaries

• Keeping parents informed when a significant issue develops about a student

• Keeping after‐class discussions with a student professional and brief

• Asking for advice from fellow staff or administrators if you find yourself in a difficult situation related to boundaries

• Involving your supervisor if conflict arises with the student

• Informing your principal about situations that have the potential to become more severe

• Making detailed notes about an incident that could evolve into a more serious situation later

• Recognizing the responsibility to stop unacceptable behavior of students or coworkers

• Asking another staff member to be present when you must be alone with a student

• Giving students praise and recognition without touching them

• Pats on the back, high fives, and handshakes are acceptable, unless the student shows indications that it is not

• Keeping your professional conduct a high priority

Duty to Report Suspected Misconduct

When any employee reasonably suspects or believes that another staff member may have crossed the boundaries specified in this policy, he or she must immediately report the matter to the school administrator.  All reports shall be as confidential as possible under the circumstances. It is the duty of the administrator to investigate and report thoroughly the situation.  Employees must also report to the administration any awareness or concern of student behavior that crosses boundaries or where a student appears to be at risk for sexual abuse.

Use of Electronic Media by Staff to Communicate with Students

Although Green Dot employees enjoy free speech rights guaranteed by the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, certain types of communication, typically by virtue of their subject-matter connection to campus, may relate enough to school to have ramifications for the author or subject at Green Dot. Knowing participation by Green Dot employees with students in social media (e.g., Facebook, Snapchat, Twitter, Instagram, video games) or other similar means can lead to violations of the following that may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination from employment from Green Dot. Below are some guidelines for use of electronic media communications:

• Use of personal technology for non-Green Dot business should be limited to off-duty time and designated breaks.
• Any interaction between any Green Dot employee and students, including through the use of electronic media or technology, should always be limited to school business.
• Green Dot employees must maintain a clear distinction between their personal social media use and any Green Dot-related social media sites.
• Green Dot employees’ social networking profiles, personal blogs, or other personal online platforms should not be linked to Green Dot students’ online profiles.
• Green Dot employees shall not invite students to join social networks unless authorized by Green Dot.

Green Dot employees must be mindful that any Internet information is ultimately accessible to the world. To avoid jeopardizing their professional effectiveness, employees are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the privacy policies, settings, and protections on any social networking websites to which they choose to subscribe. In addition, employees should be aware that information posted online, despite privacy protections, is easily and often reported to administrators or exposed to Green Dot students. Before employees create or join an online social network, they should ask themselves whether they would be comfortable if a ‘friend’ decided to send the information to their students, the students’ parents, or their supervisor.

 Rev. 06/2024

Student Health and Wellness

1.1 Non Discrimination

D 10.0 Immunizations

Initial student enrollment, and continued enrollment, in a Green Dot school shall not be granted unless documentary proof of the student’s immunization status is presented at the time of enrollment, and the student has been fully immunized, and maintains full immunizations, against all of the diseases listed in California Health and Safety Code section 120335 within the time periods designated by the State of California.  Students who do not present such documentary proof or who are not fully immunized within the appropriate time periods are not allowed a grace period for initial enrollment.  Currently enrolled students who fail to maintain full immunizations against all of the diseases listed in California Health and Safety Code section 120335 shall be excluded from attending school until presenting documentary proof of being fully immunized.

For enrollment policies applicable to homeless and foster youth, see Sections A 6.0 and 6.1.

Exemptions

Prior to January 1, 2016, California law permitted parents/guardians to elect an exemption from certain immunization requirements based upon personal beliefs.

As of January 1, 2016, California law does not allow parents/guardians to elect any such exemption.  (Cal. Health and Saf. Code, § 120375.)  However, a parent/guardian may elect an exemption if their child has, prior to January 1, 2016, submitted a letter or affidavit on file at a private or public elementary or secondary school, child day care center, day nursery, nursery school, family day care home, or development center stating beliefs opposed to immunization.  If a parent/guardian elects such a permissible exemption, the child shall be allowed enrollment until the pupil enrolls in the next grade span (e.g., grades 7 to 12, inclusive).

On and after July 1, 2016, Green Dot shall not unconditionally enroll for the first time, enroll, or advance any pupil to 7^th grade unless the pupil has been immunized for their age as required by law.  (Cal. Health and Saf. Code, § 120335.)  (“Unconditional enrollment” is enrollment based upon documentation of receipt of all required immunizations or upon documentation of a permanent medical exemption to immunization in accordance with Title 17 of the California Code of Regulations section 6051.)

A parent/guardian may file with Green Dot a written statement by a licensed physician to the effect that the physical condition of the child is such, or medical circumstances relating to the child are such, that immunization is not considered safe, indicating the specific nature and probable duration of the medical condition or circumstances, including, but not limited to, family medical history, for which the physician does not recommend immunization.  (Cal. Health and Saf. Code, § 120370.)  If Green Dot receives such a written statement, that child shall be exempt from the foregoing immunization requirements to the extent indicated by the physician’s statement.

Tuberculosis Tests for Pupils

As part of the comprehensive health screening required for school entry, parents/guardians shall provide evidence within ninety (90) days after their child’s entry into first grade that their child has been screened for risk of tuberculosis within the preceding 18 months. (Cal. Health and Saf. Code, §§ 124040 and 124085.)

Green Dot is required to cooperate with the county or city health officer in carrying out any programs ordered by the health officer for the tuberculosis examinations of individuals applying for first admission to any elementary or secondary school in Green Dot. (Cal. Health and Saf. Code, § 121515.)

Whenever ordered by the local health officer, students seeking admission for the first time to a Green Dot school at any grade level shall submit to tuberculosis testing. Any student subject to the order shall be admitted to school as follows:

• The Principal or designee shall unconditionally admit the student if they, prior to admission, submit a certificate, signed by any public or private medical provider, indicating that they have completed an approved tuberculosis examination and is free from active tuberculosis. (Cal. Health and Saf. Code, §§ 121485, 121490, and 121500; 22 CCR §§ 41305, 41311, and 41313.)
• A student shall not be required to obtain the certificate if their parent/guardian or custodian provides the Principal or designee with an affidavit stating that the required examination is contrary to their beliefs. If there is probable cause to believe that such a student has active tuberculosis, they may be excluded from school until the Principal or designee is satisfied that they are not afflicted. (Cal. Health and Saf. Code, § 121505.)
• A student who has not submitted the certificate may be conditionally admitted provided that they receive an approved tuberculin skin test within ten (10) school days after admission. A student who had a positive skin test and has not subsequently obtained a chest x-ray may be conditionally admitted if they receive a chest x-ray within twenty (20) school days after admission. Any student who fails to provide the certificate within those time periods shall be prohibited from further attendance until they provide the certificate. (Cal. Health and Saf. Code, § 121495; 22 CCR §§ 41315, 41311, and 41327.)
• Whenever the local health officer so orders, a student may be required to complete an additional examination and provide another certificate indicating that they are free of communicable tuberculosis. (Cal. Health and Saf. Code, § 121485.)
• At the discretion of the local health officer, Green Dot may admit a student without a certificate if they are undergoing or has already undergone preventive treatment for tuberculosis infection or treatment for tuberculosis disease. (22 CCR § 41319.)

Whenever the Principal or designee suspects that a student who has not been examined for tuberculosis either has the disease or has been exposed, they shall immediately report by telephone to the local health officer. When required by the local health officer, Green Dot shall exclude the student from school until they are certified to be free of communicable tuberculosis. (22 CCR § 41329.)

The Principal or designee shall maintain a record of any student’s tuberculosis examination as part of the student’s mandatory permanent student record. (22 CCR § 41323.)

The Principal or designee shall annually file a report with the local health department on the results of tuberculosis examinations for all individuals required to complete such examinations in accordance with items delineated above, including, but not necessarily limited to, the number of individuals unconditionally and conditionally admitted and the number of individuals exempted on the basis of their personal beliefs. (22 CCR § 41325.)

Rev. 06/2023

D 11.0 Health Insurance and Medical Services

Green Dot Public Schools carries student accident insurance to help cover the costs of paramedic/ambulance care or transportation, or any medical, surgical, dental or hospital costs due to school related injuries to students. This policy is secondary to any insurance coverage the family may have.

Students with a medical condition, and who have written approval by the school, may be allowed to wear protective gear (hats, sun visors, and/or sunglasses) while outdoors at recess, gym, etc. However, Green Dot may regulate the type of sun protective clothing/headgear worn by students. Green Dot is not required to provide protective materials. Students are also allowed to use sunscreen (over the counter) as an allowable sun protection measure for their outdoor activities while at school.

School authorities may excuse any pupil from the school for the purpose of obtaining confidential medical services without the consent of the parent or guardian.

Rev. 06/2022

D 12.0 Psychological and Counseling Services

D 13.0 Confidentiality

Policy:  Confidentiality

There are four instances in which an Administrator, Counselor, and/or teacher is legally bound to inform a parent and/or authority with information given during a “confidential” counseling session:

• When a student indicates he or she is going to physically harm himself or herself or jeopardize his or her life
• When a student indicates he or she is going to physically harm another or jeopardize another’s life or has knowledge that another’s well-being is threatened
• When a student indicates he or she is being physically and/or emotionally abused
• When a student indicates he or she has committed a felony (i.e., selling drugs, stealing a car, etc.)

D 14.0 Child Abuse Reporting

Policy:  Child Abuse or Neglect Reporting

Green Dot has a responsibility to protect students by facilitating the prompt reporting of known and suspected incidents of child abuse and/or neglect.  All Green Dot employees may not be mandated reporters, as defined by law and related regulations, but Green Dot applies this policy to all of its employees, including part-time, temporary, and seasonal employees whose employment exceeds six weeks from the first date of paid service.  Any such Green Dot employee who has a reasonable suspicion that a student has been abused and/or neglected must report immediately, but in no event later than thirty-six (36) hours after such reasonable suspicion arises, to agencies responsible for investigating and prosecuting cases of child abuse and/or neglect.

The following guidelines will be followed for the purpose of interviewing students who are suspected child abuse victims at school.

1. California law permits representatives of child protective agencies (Police, Sheriffs, and Children’s Services) to interview victims of child abuse during school hours on school premises. A child who is to be interviewed at school is authorized by law select an adult who is a member of the school staff to be present at the interview. However, the staff member shall neither participate in the interview nor discuss the facts or circumstances of the case with the child or anyone else. The sole purpose of the staff person’s presence at the interview is to lend support to the child and enable him or her to be as comfortable as possible.
2. The law further provides that all such interviews involving a school staff member shall be held at a time during school hours when it does not involve an expense to the school. Therefore, requests for the presence of staff members at child abuse interviews that would disrupt classroom instruction and necessitate special arrangement to cover classes or other school activities may be refused by the Principal.
3. When a request is made for the presence of a staff member at a child abuse interview, the Principal or designee shall inform the staff member so selected of the purpose of their presence in the interview and of the confidentiality requirements. The Principal shall also inform the staff member that they have the legal right to decline to be present at the interview.

When the child is to be removed from school and taken into custody by the Child Protective Service representative, the Principal or designee must be informed. The representative must leave their name and phone number where they may be reached and where the child is being taken. The school official shall provide the representative with the name, address, and phone number of the pupil’s parents or guardian. Parent notification is the responsibility of the Child Protective Service representative

Child Abuse Reporting Procedures

An employee suspecting child abuse/neglect must immediately, or as soon as practically possible, report such suspicions to an appropriate child protective agency or the local law enforcement department serving the school per applicable state law. The employee will also inform their supervisor.

Prohibited Actions

• Never contact the child’s or the alleged perpetrator’s parent/guardian if indicators point to possible abuse or if abuse is suspected prior to making a report.
• Never conduct an investigation of any kind once abuse or neglect is suspected or prior to making a report.
• No removal or arranging of any clothing is permitted to provide a visual inspection of the underclothing, breast, buttocks, or genitalia of a pupil.

Consequences for False Reporting/Failure to Report

• A violation of Green Dot policies may lead to disciplinary action, up to and including suspension, demotion, and/or termination.
• Generally, school employees are immune from civil and criminal liability when reporting suspected child abuse as required by law.
• A violation of the law (e.g., making a false report) and/or failure to report suspected child abuse varies from state to state but may include a misdemeanor, imprisonment, and/or a monetary fine.

California Mandated Reporting Procedures and Reporting Agencies

Child abuse or neglect includes the following (Cal. Pen. Code §§ 11165.5 and 11165.6):

1. A physical injury or death inflicted by other than accidental means on a child by another person.
2. Sexual abuse of a child, including sexual assault or sexual exploitation, as defined in California Penal Code § 11165.1.
3. Neglect of a child as defined in California Penal Code § 11165.2
4. Willful harming or injuring of a child or the endangering of the person or health of a child as defined in California Penal Code § 11165.3.
5. Unlawful corporal punishment or injury as defined in California Penal Code § 11165.4.

Child abuse or neglect does not include:

1. A mutual affray between minors. (Cal. Pen. Code §§ 11165.6.)
2. An injury caused by reasonable and necessary force used by a peace officer acting within the course and scope of their employment. (Cal. Pen. Code §§ 11165.6.)
3. An injury resulting from the exercise by a teacher, vice principal, principal, or other certificated employee of the same degree of physical control over a student that a parent/guardian would be privileged to exercise, not exceeding the amount of physical control reasonably necessary to maintain order, protect property, protect the health and safety of students, or maintain proper and appropriate conditions conducive to learning. (Cal. Ed. Code § 44807.)
4. An injury caused by a school employee’s use of force that is reasonable and necessary to quell a disturbance threatening physical injury to persons or damage to property, to protect himself/herself, or to obtain weapons or other dangerous objects within the control of the student. (Cal. Ed. Code § 49001.)
5. Physical pain or discomfort caused by athletic competition or other such recreational activity voluntarily engaged in by the student. (Cal. Ed. Code § 49001.)

A mandated reporter shall make a report using the procedures provided below whenever, in their professional capacity or within the scope of their employment, they have knowledge of or observes a child whom the mandated reporter knows or reasonably suspects has been the victim of child abuse or neglect. Reasonable suspicion means that it is objectively reasonable for a person to entertain a suspicion, based upon facts that could cause a reasonable person in a like position, drawing when appropriate on their training and experience, to suspect child abuse or neglect. However, reasonable suspicion does not require certainty that child abuse or neglect has occurred nor does it require a specific medical indication of child abuse or neglect. (Cal. Pen. Code § 11166.)

The reporting duties of mandated reporters are individual and cannot be delegated to another person. (Cal. Pen. Code § 11166.)

When two (2) or more mandated reporters jointly have knowledge of a known or suspected instance of child abuse or neglect, the report may be made by a member of the team selected by mutual agreement and a single report may be made and signed by the selected member of the reporting team. Any member who has knowledge that the member designated to report has failed to do so shall thereafter make the report. (Cal. Pen. Code § 11166.)

No supervisor or administrator shall impede or inhibit a mandated reporter from making a report. (Cal. Pen. Code § 11166.)

Child Abuse Reporting Agencies and Procedures

• Department of Children and Family Services (“DCFS”) – (800) 540-4000
• Los Angeles Police Department – Child Abuse Unit – (213) 486-0530
• Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department – (323) 267-4800
• City Police Department serving the school

Within thirty-six (36) hours of knowing or observing the information concerning the incident, the mandated reporter shall then prepare and either send, fax, or electronically submit to the appropriate agency a written follow-up report, which includes a completed Department of Justice form (SS 8572). (Cal. Pen. Code §§ 11166 and 11168.)

The mandated reporter shall not be required to disclose their identity to their supervisor, the Principal, or Area Superintendent or designee. (Cal. Pen. Code § 11166.)

Victim Interviews by Social Services

Whenever a representative from the Department of Social Services or another government agency investigating suspected child abuse or neglect deems it necessary, a suspected victim may be interviewed during school hours, on school premises, concerning a report of suspected child abuse or neglect that occurred within the child’s home or out-of-home care facility. The child shall be given the choice of being interviewed in private or in the presence of any adult school employee or volunteer aide selected by the child. (Cal. Pen. Code § 11174.3.)

A staff member or volunteer aide selected by a child may decline to be present at the interview. If the selected person accepts, the principal or designee shall inform him/her of the following requirements:

1. The purpose of the selected person’s presence at the interview is to lend support to the child and enable him/her to be as comfortable as possible.
2. The selected person shall not participate in the interview.
3. The selected person shall not discuss the facts or circumstances of the case with the child.
4. The selected person is subject to the confidentiality requirements of the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act, a violation of which is punishable as specified in California Penal Code section 11167.5.

If a staff member agrees to be present, the interview shall be held at a time during school hours when it does not involve an expense to the school. (Cal. Pen. Code § 11174.3.)

Notifications

Green Dot shall provide to all new employees who are mandated reporters a statement that informs them of their status as mandated reporters, their reporting obligations under California Penal Code § 11166, and their confidentiality rights under California Penal Code § 11167.  Green Dot also shall provide these new employees with a copy of California Penal Code §§ 11165.7, 11166, and 11167.  (Cal. Pen. Code §§ 11165.7 and 11166.5.)

Before beginning employment, any person who will be a mandated reporter by virtue of their position shall sign a statement indicating that they have knowledge of the reporting obligations under California Penal Code § 11166 and will comply with those provisions.  The signed statement shall be retained by Green Dot’s Human Resources Department.  (Cal. Pen. Code § 11166.5.)

Green Dot also shall notify all employees that:

1. A mandated reporter who reports a known or suspected instance of child abuse or neglect shall not be held civilly or criminally liable for making a report and this immunity shall apply even if the mandated reporter acquired the knowledge or reasonable suspicion of child abuse or neglect outside of their professional capacity or outside the scope of their employment. Any other person making a report shall not incur civil or criminal liability unless it can be proven that they knowingly made a false report or made a report with reckless disregard of the truth or falsity of the report.  (Cal. Pen. Code § 11172.)
2. If a mandated reporter fails to report an incident of known or reasonably suspected child abuse or neglect, they may be guilty of a crime punishable by a fine and/or imprisonment. (Cal. Pen. Code § 11166.)
3. No employee shall be subject to any sanction by Green Dot for making a report. (Cal. Pen. Code § 11166.)

Rev. 06/2023

D 15.0 Wellness Policy

Green Dot recognizes the link between student health and learning, and desires to provide a comprehensive program promoting healthy eating and physical activity for Green Dot Public Schools (GD) students.

To encourage consistent health messages between the home and school environment, the Principal or designee may disseminate information to parents/guardians through school newsletters, meetings, and other communications. Outreach to parents/guardians shall emphasize the relationship between student health and academic performance.

School Health

The Principal or designee may involve parents, students, school food service representatives, school board, school administrators and community in the discussion of public health issues at the School Advisory Council (SAC).  At the discretion of the Principal or designee, the SAC may be involved in the planning/implementation of activities to promote health within the school.

Scoliosis/Vision/Hearing/Acanthosis Nigricans Testing

Green Dot conducts health screenings at no cost to parents/guardians for scoliosis, vision, hearing, and acanthosis nigricans by appropriately qualified screeners and in accordance with state law.  If you have questions, please contact the Green Dot principal.

Nutrition Education and Physical Activity Goals

The school’s physical education programs shall be based on research, consistent with the expectations established in the state’s curriculum frameworks and content standards.  Nutrition education shall be provided as part of the health education program in grades 6-12 and, as appropriate, shall be integrated into other academic subjects in the regular educational program.

Opportunities for physical activity shall be provided through physical education, athletic programs, and other structured and unstructured activities.

Nutritional Guidelines for Foods Available at School

The Board believes that foods and beverages available to students at Green Dot Public Schools should promote and protect students’ health, well-being, and ability to learn.  Therefore, it is the policy of Green Dot that:

• Nutritional standards adopted by Green Dot for all foods and beverages sold to students, shall meet or exceed state and federal nutritional standards;
• Meals will be attractive and appealing to children;
• Meals will be served in clean and pleasant settings;
• A variety of fruits and vegetables will be offered;
• All milk served will be low-fat (1%) and/or non-fat milk as defined by USDA;
• Half of the served grains will be whole grain.

Guidelines for Reimbursable Meals

Foods and beverages provided through federally reimbursable school meal programs shall meet or exceed federal regulations and guidance issued pursuant to 42 USC 1758(f)(1), 1766(a), and 1779(a) and (b), as they apply to schools. (42 USC 1751 Note)

In order to maximize Green Dot’s ability to provide nutritious meals and snacks, all Green Dot schools shall participate in available federal school nutrition programs, including the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs at the discretion of the principal.

Green Dot will ensure that a student whose parent/guardian has unpaid school meal fees is not denied a reimbursable meal of the student’s choice because of the fact that the student’s parent or guardian has unpaid meal fees, and such student is not shamed or treated differently from other students.  Green Dot will make every effort to eliminate any social stigma attached to, and prevent overt identification of, students who are eligible for free and reduced-priced meals by using electronic identification and payment systems and promoting the availability of school meals to all students.

The full Green Dot Wellness Policy can be found on each Green Dot school website.

Rev. 06/2022

D 16.0 Comprehensive Sexual Education and HIV/AIDS Prevention Education*

Green Dot Public Schools encourages all students to develop healthy attitudes about adolescent growth and development, body image, gender identity, sexual orientation, dating, marriage, and family. 

HIV/AIDS prevention education must accurately reflect the latest information and recommendations from the United States Surgeon General, the federal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, and the National Academy of Sciences.

Green Dot Schools may use trained school personnel or outside consultants to provide comprehensive sexual health education – which means education regarding human development and sexuality, including education on pregnancy, family planning, and sexuality transmitted diseases.  Age appropriate instruction about Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) will also be presented.  The course will include information on AIDS and its effects on the human body, HIV transmission and prevention, community resources, decision making and refusal skills, and public health issues.  The course will also include information on human trafficking identification and prevention.

Notice and Parental Excuse

At the beginning of each school year, at the time of a student’s enrollment, or at least 2 weeks prior to implementation of the sexual health curriculum, Green Dot shall notify parents/guardians about instruction in comprehensive sexual health education and HIV/AIDS-prevention education and research on student health behaviors and risks planned to be used in instruction for the coming year.  This notification shall include the information required by California Education Code Section 51938(b).  Consistent with the California Healthy Youth Act (Cal. Ed. Code § 51930 et seq.), parents/guardians may opt out passively (parent signature not required, only notification) of all or part of comprehensive sexual health education and HIV/AIDS prevention education.  However, consistent with Green Dot’s Nondiscrimination Policy, parents/guardians may not selectively opt out of content focused on LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning/queer) issues within the comprehensive sexual health education curriculum, while leaving the student in the classroom for other sexual health education.

Parents/Guardians may contact the Principal if they would like to preview the classroom materials and may request in writing that their child not receive all or part of comprehensive sexual health education or HIV/AIDS-prevention education.

No questionnaire, survey, or examination containing any questions about the student’s personal beliefs or practices in sex, family life, morality, or religion or any questions about the student’s parents’ or guardians’ beliefs and practices in sex, family life, morality, and religion will be administered unless the parent or guardian of the student is notified in writing that such test, questionnaire, survey, or examination is to be administered, and the parent or guardian of the pupil gives written permission for the student to participate in the activity.

Green Dot may administer anonymous, voluntary, and confidential research and evaluation tools to measure students’ health behaviors and risks, including tests, questionnaires, and surveys containing age-appropriate questions about the students’ attitudes concerning or practices relating to sex, if the parent or guardian is given the opportunity to review the material and to request, in writing, that his or her child not participate.

A student must not attend any class in comprehensive sexual education of HIV/AIDS-prevention education or participate in any anonymous, voluntary, and confidential test, questionnaire, or survey on student health behaviors and risks if the school has received a written request from the student’s parent or guardian excusing the student from participation.  A student must not be subject to disciplinary action, academic penalty, or other penalty if the student’s parent or guardian declines to permit the student to receive comprehensive sexual health education or HIV/AIDS-prevention education or to participate in anonymous, voluntary, and confidential tests, questionnaires, or surveys on student health behaviors and risks. 

While comprehensive sexual health education, HIV/AIDS-prevention education, or an anonymous, voluntary, and confidential test, questionnaire, or survey on student health behaviors and risks is being administered, an alternative educational activity must be made available to students whose parent or guardian has requested that they not receive the instruction or participate in the test, questionnaire, or survey.

 Rev. 06/2024

D 17.0 Condom Distribution

Green Dot Charter Public Schools will make condoms available at no cost to students who request them.  This is in an effort to decrease the spread of sexually transmitted disease including HIV. While the school does offer education that emphasizes abstinence as the only one hundred percent effective method of preventing infection, the proper use of a condom does provide protection against sexual transmission of the HIV/AIDS virus and other sexually transmitted diseases. In making condoms available Green Dot assumes no liability.

D 18.0 Pregnant and Parent Students

Green Dot shall not exclude nor deny any student from any educational program or activity on the basis of the student’s pregnancy, childbirth, false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, or recovery therefrom, and shall treat these conditions in the same manner and under the same policies as any other temporary disabling condition. 

Pregnant or parenting students, regardless of their parental, family, or marital status, have the right to attend Green Dot Public Schools and to participate in any program or activity for which they would otherwise qualify, in an environment free from discrimination or harassment.  Pregnant or parenting students are entitled to accommodations that provide them with the opportunity to succeed academically while protecting their health and the health of their children. Such accommodations may include, but are not limited to:  additional time for use of facilities and class changes; home schooling during absences due to pregnancy related illness or recovery; up to eight weeks of parental leave, which the student may take before the birth of the student’s infant if there is a medical necessity and after childbirth during the school year in which the birth takes place, inclusive of any mandatory summer instruction, in order to protect the health of the student and to allow the pregnant or parenting student to care for and bond with the infant. 

A pregnant or parenting student is entitled to 8 weeks of parental leave, or additional leave if deemed medically necessary by the student’s physician. A student who does not wish to take all or part of the parental leave shall not be required to do so. A student is entitled to receive more than the eight weeks of parental leave if deemed medically necessary by the student’s physician. Students may also qualify for Home and Hospital services if they meet the qualifications outlined in Health and Safety Policy                

During parental leave, absences shall be excused and the student shall not be required to complete academic work or other school requirements. In addition, a student’s absence due to their child’s illness or medical appointment shall be excused and the school may not require a doctor’s note. 

After return from parental leave, the student may resume the course of study in which he/she was previously enrolled, is entitled to make up work missed, and to take a fifth year of high school instruction if necessary to complete graduation requirements. A student may elect to attend an alternative education option instead of returning to the school in which he or she was enrolled prior to parental leave. Schools shall provide reasonable accommodations to a lactating student on a school campus to express breast milk, breast-feed an infant child, or address other needs related to breast-feeding. A student shall not incur an academic penalty as a result of his or her use of these accommodations.

Green Dot shall notify known pregnant and parenting students, and parents and guardians of pregnant and parenting students, of the rights and options available to pregnant and parenting pupils under the law through this annual Student Policy Manual and through independent study packets (when applicable).

A complaint of noncompliance with the requirements of this policy may be filed with Green Dot under its Uniform Complaint Procedures set forth in Section C. 16.0 in this Student Policy Manual.

Rev. 06/2024 

D 19.0 Banned Substances

Smoking and Vaping

Parents and visitors are asked to support the school’s effort to maintain Green Dot Public Schools are a “Smoke or Vape Free Zone.” Parents are asked to please refrain from smoking or vaping on campus or at any school event or activity.

Drugs and Alcohol

Green Dot schools are 100% drug and alcohol-free campuses.  Green Dot’s Drug/Alcohol Policy ensures a drug and alcohol-free campus while enabling students who are struggling with drug and/or alcohol abuse to receive the treatment they need.  The school-site administrator has the discretion to recommend expulsion for students involved with drugs/alcohol or enter such students into a disciplinary probation period.

D 20.0 Suicide Prevention

Green Dot recognizes that suicide is a major cause of death among youth and should be taken seriously.  To attempt to reduce suicidal behavior and its impact on students and families, Green Dot has developed prevention, intervention, and postvention strategies .

In compliance with Education Code Section 215, this policy has been developed in consultation with Green Dot and community stakeholders, Green Dot school-employed mental health professionals (e.g., school counselors, psychologists, licensed clinical social workers, licensed marriage and family therapists , nurses), administrators, other school staff members, parents/guardians/caregivers, students, local health agencies and professionals, law enforcement, and community organizations in planning, implementing, and evaluating Green Dot’ strategies for suicide prevention and intervention. Green Dot must work in conjunction with local government agencies, community-based organizations, and other community supports to identify additional resources.

To ensure the policies regarding suicide prevention are properly adopted, implemented, and updated, Green Dot shall appoint an individual (or team) to serve as the suicide prevention point of contact for Green Dot. This policy shall be reviewed and revised as indicated, at least annually in conjunction with the previously mentioned community stakeholders.

1.   Staff Development

Green Dot, along with its partners, has carefully reviewed available staff training to ensure it promotes the mental health model of suicide prevention and does not encourage the use of the stress model to explain suicide.

Training shall be provided for all school staff members.  It may also be provided, when appropriate, for other adults on campus (such as substitutes and intermittent staff, volunteers, interns, tutors, coaches, and afterschool staff).

Training:

• All suicide prevention trainings shall be offered under the direction of mental health professionals (e.g., school counselors, school psychologists, and school mental health services team members,such as licensed clinical social workers, licensed marriage and family therapists, school mental health therapists) , other public entity professionals, such as psychologists or social workers) who have received advanced training specific to suicide. Staff training may be adjusted year-to-year based on previous professional development activities and emerging best practices.
• At least annually, all staff shall receive training on the risk factors and warning signs of suicide, suicide prevention, intervention, referral, and postvention.
• At a minimum, all staff shall participate in training on the core components of suicide prevention (identification of suicide risk factors and warning signs, prevention, intervention, referral, and postvention) at the beginning of their employment or annually. Core components of the general suicide prevention training shall include:
  • Suicide risk factors, warning signs, and protective factors;
  • How to talk with a student about thoughts of suicide;
  • How to respond appropriately to the youth who has suicidal thoughts. Such responses shall include constant supervision of any student judged to be at risk for suicide and an immediate referral for a suicide risk assessment;
  • Emphasis on immediately referring (same day) any student who is identified to be at risk of suicide for assessment while staying under constant monitoring by staff member;
  • Emphasis on reducing stigma associated with mental illness and that early prevention and intervention can drastically reduce the risk of suicide;
  • Reviewing the data annually to look for any patterns or trends of the prevalence or occurrence of suicide ideation, attempts, or death. Data from the California Healthy Kids Survey should also be analyzed to identify school climate deficits and drive program development.
  • Information regarding groups of students judged by the school, and available research, to be at elevated risk for suicide. These groups include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Youth affected by suicide;
• Youth with a history of suicide ideation or attempts;
• Youth with disabilities, mental illness, or substance abuse disorders;
•  Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or questioning youth;
• Youth experiencing homelessness or in out-of-home settings, such as foster care; and
• Youth who have suffered traumatic experiences.

• In addition to initial orientations to the core components of suicide prevention, ongoing annual staff professional development for all staff may include the following components:
  • The impact of traumatic stress on emotional and mental health;
  • Common misconceptions about suicide;
  • School and community suicide prevention resources;
  • Appropriate messaging about suicide (correct terminology, safe messaging guidelines);
  • The factors associated with suicide (risk factors, warning signs, protective factors);
  • How to identify youth who may be at risk of suicide;
  • Appropriate ways to interact with a youth who is demonstrating emotional distress or is suicidal. Specifically, how to talk with a student about their thoughts of suicide and (based on Green Dot guidelines) how to respond to such thinking; how to talk with a student about thoughts of suicide and appropriately respond and provide support based on Green Dot guidelines;
  • Green Dot-approved procedures for responding to suicide risk (including multi-tiered systems of support and referrals). Such procedures should emphasize that the suicidal student should be constantly supervised until a suicide risk assessment is completed;
  • Green Dot-approved procedures for responding to the aftermath of suicidal behavior (suicidal behavior postvention);
  • Responding after a suicide occurs (suicide postvention);
  • Resources regarding youth suicide prevention;
  • Emphasis on stigma reduction and the fact that early prevention and intervention can drastically reduce the risk of suicide;
  • Emphasis that any student who is identified to be at risk of suicide is to be immediately referred (same day) for assessment while being constantly monitored by a staff member.

1.     Employee Qualifications and Scope of Services

Employees of Green Dot must act only within the authorization and scope of their credential or license. While it is expected that school professionals are able to identify suicide risk factors and warning signs, and to prevent the immediate risk of a suicidal behavior, treatment of suicidal ideation is typically beyond the scope of services offered in the school setting. In addition, treatment of the mental health challenges often associated with suicidal thinking typically requires mental health resources beyond what schools are able to provide.

1.   Parents, Guardians, and Caregivers Participation and Education

• Parents/guardians/caregivers may be included in suicide prevention efforts. At a minimum, schools shall share this suicide prevention policy with parents/guardians/caregivers by notifying them where a complete copy of the policy is available.
• Parents/guardians/caregivers should be invited to provide input on the development and implementation of this policy. 

• All parents/guardians/caregivers may have access to suicide prevention training that addresses the following:
  • Suicide risk factors, warning signs, and protective factors;
  • How to talk with a student about thoughts of suicide;
  • How to respond appropriately to the student who has suicidal thoughts. Such responses shall include constant supervision of any student judged to be at risk for suicide and referral for an immediate suicide risk assessment.

1.   Student Participation and Education

Messaging about suicide has an effect on suicidal thinking and behaviors. Consequently, Green Dot along with its partners has carefully reviewed and will continue to review all materials and resources used in awareness efforts to ensure they align with best practices for safe messaging about suicide.  Suicide prevention strategies may include, but not be limited to, efforts to promote a positive school climate that enhances students’ feelings of connectedness with Green Dot and is characterized by caring staff and harmonious interrelationships among students.

Green Dot’ instructional and student support program shall promote the healthy mental, emotional, and social development of students including, but not limited to, the development of problem-solving skills, coping skills, and resilience.  The instruction shall not use the stress model to explain suicide.

Green Dot’ instructional curriculum may include information about suicide prevention, as appropriate or needed, taking into consideration the grade level and age of the students.  Under the supervision of an appropriately trained individual acting within the scope of her/his credential or license, students shall:

• Receive developmentally appropriate, student-centered education about the warning signs of mental health challenges and emotional distress;
• Receive developmentally appropriate guidance regarding Green Dot’ suicide prevention, intervention, and referral procedures.

 The content of the education may include:

• Coping strategies for dealing with stress and trauma;
• How to recognize behaviors (warning signs) and life issues (risk factors) associated with suicide and mental health issues in oneself and others; 
• Help-seeking strategies for oneself and others, including how to engage school-based and community resources and refer peers for help; 
• Emphasis on reducing the stigma associated with mental illness and the fact that early prevention and intervention can drastically reduce the risk of suicide.

Student-focused suicide prevention education can be incorporated into classroom curricula (e.g., Advisory, College Readiness, Seminar, physical education).

Green Dot will support the creation and implementation of programs and/or activities on campus that raise awareness about mental wellness and suicide prevention (e.g., Mental Health Awareness Week, Peer Counseling, Freshman Success, and National Alliance on Mental Illness on Campus High School Clubs).

1.     Intervention and Emergency Procedures

Green Dot designates the following positions to act as the primary and secondary suicide prevention liaisons:

• School Psychologist
• School Mental Health Services Therapist or School Mental Health Supervisor
• School Counselor

Whenever a staff member suspects or has knowledge of a student’s suicidal intentions, they shall promptly notify the primary designated suicide prevention liaison. If this primary suicide prevention liaison is unavailable, the staff shall promptly notify the secondary suicide prevention liaison.

The suicide prevention liaison shall immediately notify the Head of School or designee. The suicide prevention liaison and/or Head of School or designee shall then notify the student’s parent/guardian as soon as possible if appropriate and in the best interest of the student. Determination of notification to parents/guardians/caregivers should follow a formal initial assessment to ensure that the student is not endangered by parental notification.

The suicide prevention liaison shall also refer the student to mental health resources at Green Dot or in the community.

When a student is in imminent danger (has access to a gun, is on a rooftop, or in other unsafe conditions), a call shall be made to 911. 

When a suicide attempt or threat is reported on campus or at a school-related activity, the suicide prevention liaison shall, at a minimum:

1. Ensure the student’s physical safety by one of the following, as appropriate:

• Securing immediate medical treatment if a suicide attempt has occurred;
• Securing law enforcement and/or another emergency assistance if a suicidal act is being actively threatened;
• Keeping the student under continuous adult supervision until the parent/guardian and/or appropriate support agent or agency can be contacted and has the opportunity to intervene.
• Remaining calm, keeping in mind the student is overwhelmed, confused, and emotionally distressed;
• Moving all other students out of the immediate area;
• Not sending the student away or leaving him/her alone, even to go to the restroom;
• Providing comfort to the student, listening and allowing the student to talk and being comfortable with moments of silence;
• Promising privacy and help, but not promising confidentiality.

1. Document the incident in writing as soon as feasible.
2. Follow up with the parent/guardian and student in a timely manner to provide referrals to appropriate services as needed. 
3. After a referral is made, Green Dot shall verify with the parent/guardian that the follow up treatment has been accessed.  Parents/guardians will be required to provide documentation of care for the student.  If parents/guardians refuse or neglect to access treatment for a student who has been identified to be at risk for suicide or in emotional distress, the suicide prevention liaisons shall meet with the parent to identify barriers to treatment (e.g., cultural stigma, financial issues) and work to rectify the situation and build understanding of care.  If follow up care is still not provided, Green Dot may contact Child Protective Services.
4. Provide access to counselors or other appropriate personnel to listen to and support students and staff who are directly or indirectly involved with the incident at Green Dot.
5. Provide an opportunity for all who respond to the incident to debrief, evaluate the effectiveness of the strategies used, and make recommendations for future actions.

In the event a suicide occurs or is attempted on the Green Dot campus, the suicide prevention liaison shall follow the crisis intervention procedures contained in Green Dot’s safety plan. After consultation with the Principal or designee and the student’s parent/guardian about facts that may be divulged in accordance with the laws governing confidentiality of student record information, the Principal or designee may provide students, parents/guardians, and staff with information, counseling, and/or referrals to community agencies as needed.  Green Dot staff may receive assistance from Green Dot counselors or other mental health professionals in determining how best to discuss the suicide or attempted suicide with students.

In the event a suicide occurs or is attempted off the Green Dot campus and unrelated to school activities, the Principal or designee shall take the following steps to support the student:

1. Contact the parent/guardian and offer support to the family. 
2. Discuss with the family how they would like Green Dot to respond to the attempt while minimizing widespread rumors among teachers, staff, and students. 
3. Obtain permission from the parent/guardian to share information to ensure the facts regarding the crisis are correct. 
4. The suicide prevention liaisons shall identify a media spokesperson if needed. 
5. Provide care and determine appropriate support to affected students. 
6. Follow Green Dot’s re-entry protocol, including, but not limited to, provide an opportunity to the student and parent/guardian to participate in a re-entry planning meeting with the Principal or designee, and Green Dot’s mental-health staff.  Assessing capacity to integrate back into school may include obtaining a written release from the parent/guardian to speak with any health care providers; conferring with the student and parent/guardian about any specific requests on how to handle the situation; informing the student’s teachers about possible days of absences; allowing accommodations for make-up work (being understanding that missed assignments may add stress to the student); appropriate administrators maintaining ongoing contact with the student to monitor the student’s actions and mood; and working with the parent/guardian to involve the student in an aftercare plan.

1.     Supporting Students during or after a Mental Health Crisis 

Students shall be encouraged through the education program and in Green Dot activities to notify a teacher, Administrator, School Psychologist, School Counselor, School Mental Health Services team member or other adult when they are experiencing thoughts of suicide or when they suspect or have knowledge of another student’s suicidal intentions.   Green Dot staff should treat each report seriously, calmly, and with active listening and support.  Staff should be non-judgmental to students and discuss with the student, and parent/guardian, about additional resources to support the student.

If you would like to commence mental health services for a student at the school, please contact the School Counselor, School Mental Health Services Supervisor, School Psychologist, or the main office by calling the school’s office.

1.   Responding After a Suicide Death (Postvention)

A death by suicide in the school community (whether by a student or staff member) can have devastating consequences on the school community, including students and staff.

Green Dot shall follow the below action plan for responding to a suicide death, which incorporates both immediate and long-term steps and objectives:

The suicide prevention liaison shall:

• Coordinate with the Principal or designee to:

• Confirm death and cause;
• Identify a staff member to contact deceased’s family (within 24 hours);
• Enact the Suicide Postvention Response;
• Notify all staff members (ideally in-person or via phone, not via e-mail or mass notification).

• Coordinate an all-staff meeting, to include:

• Notification (if not already conducted) to staff about suicide death;
• Emotional support and resources available to staff;
• Notification to students about suicide death and the availability of support services (if this is the protocol that is decided by administration);
• Share information that is relevant and that which you have permission to disclose.

• Prepare staff to respond to needs of students regarding the following:

• Review of protocols for referring students for support/assessment;
• Talking points for staff to notify students;
• Resources available to students (on and off campus).

• Identify students significantly affected by suicide death and other students at risk of imitative behavior;
• Identify students affected by suicide death but not at risk of imitative behavior; 
• Communicate with the larger school community about the suicide death; 
• Provide information regarding funeral arrangements for family and school community; 
• Respond to memorial or vigil requests in respectful and non-harmful manner; responses should be handed in a thoughtful way and their impact on other students should be considered; The following guidelines are recommended – final decisions are to be made collaboratively by the school administrator and Green Dot’s School Mental Health Team: 

• Memorials created by students (including flowers, cards, pictures, stuffed animals, or other items):  Such memorials should not be disruptive to the daily school routine. Memorials placed in the hallway or heavily trafficked areas could be disruptive and may be relocated.
• An established timeframe for the display of memorials should be shared with students and staff, after which any non-perishable and salvageable items should be reviewed for appropriateness and may be offered to the family by the identified school liaison. An example of a timeframe could be to keep the memorial in place until the day of the services or during a natural break in the school’s calendar, whichever comes first.
• Permanent memorials, such as trees, benches, or wall plaques are not permitted on school property.
• The  focus of the school should be to maintain a regular schedule, structure and routine as much as possible given the circumstances, which will benefit the entire student body and staff. 
• Memorial service or vigil should not be held at the school site, as this would disrupt the regular schedule of a school day. 
• Any fundraising efforts should be led by the student’s family or appointed designee not by a Green Dot employee.

• Identify media spokesperson if needed. 
• Include long-term suicide postvention responses:
  • Support siblings, close friends, teachers, and/or students of deceased
  • In the case of any death, consider any short-term or long-term memorials and how they may impact students who are emotionally vulnerable and at risk of suicide

Rev. 06/2024

Classroom Safety

D 21.0 Student Identification Cards and Safety Information

Policy: Student Identification Cards and Safety Information

Any school-issued student identification card shall have printed on either side of the card the telephone number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255.

Effective October 1, 2020, any school-issued student identification card shall have printed on either side of the card the telephone number for the National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233.

Rev. 06/2020

D 22.0 Science/Laboratory Safety

D 23.0 Classroom Pet Policy

Policy: Classroom Pet Policy

Before acquiring a classroom pet, the primary classroom educator will obtain permission from the school principal, and determine and document whether any students who may come near or into contact with the pet are sensitive (e.g., more susceptible to zoonotic illnesses) or allergic to the species and/or its food/bedding/enclosure materials.  The primary classroom educator is considered the animal’s guardian/caregiver, and is responsible for ensuring that all of the animal’s physical and psychological needs are met.

The primary classroom educator will provide parents and guardians with information about the classroom pet, the purpose of acquiring the animal (i.e., how its care will fit into the curriculum), and a plan for how any injuries (e.g., bites, scratches) will be managed should they arise.

The following requirements apply to any situation with an approved classroom pet:

• only domesticated animals may be kept as classroom pets;
• wild animals may not be kept as classroom pets (e.g., locally caught frogs and snakes);
• classroom pets must be diurnal (i.e., awake during the day);
• whenever possible, the classroom pet should be acquired through an adoption center, rescue, or other re-homing opportunity;
• classroom pets are not permitted to breed; if several animals of the same species are being maintained as classroom pets, males and females should be kept separate at all times
• students will only handle the classroom pets under direct supervision of a Green Dot employee or volunteer;
• if students are given responsibilities for feeding the classroom pet’s or cleaning its habitat, this will be assigned as a reward or educational opportunity (i.e., not as a punishment);
• students must wash their hands prior to and after handling the classroom pet or cleaning its habitat;
• classroom pets will be housed in a quiet area of the classroom away from windows, direct sunlight, heating vents, and drafts; and
• the air temperature in the classroom will be kept conditioned within a range appropriate for the classroom pet’s species at all times.

Rev. 06/2016

D 24.0 Menstrual Products Policy

Green Dot recognizes that equal access to menstrual products is a basic human right and is vital for ensuring the health, dignity, and full participation of menstruating students.

Menstrual pads and tampons are stocked in all women’s restrooms and all-gender restrooms, and in at least one men’s restroom, at all schools. The menstrual products are available and accessible, free of cost, to all students. Questions regarding the Menstrual Products Policy may be directed to the School Operations Manager.

Rev. 06/2022

Pesticide Use Notification Policy

In accordance with the California Healthy Schools Act (California Education Code Sections 17608 et seq.), Green Dot Public Schools California has adopted an Integrated Pest Management Policy (IPM).

During the school year, it may be necessary to apply pesticides at your child’s school to avoid serious health risks by pests and/or to maintain the integrity of a structure. If you feel your child’s health and/or behavior could be influenced by exposure to pesticide products, you are notified as follows:

• An application of products that are on the Approved List may be applied during the school year.
• • In the event the use of a product is required that is not on the Approved List, you have the option to be notified 72 hours in advance. Exception: Emergency circumstances that warrant an immediate response.
• • Additional information regarding pesticide products can be found on the California Department of Pesticide Regulation website.

A 72-hour on campus posted notification is required when a pesticide (not on the Approved List) is scheduled to be used at a school. In addition, parents/guardians may opt-in to receive an email notification of the scheduled use on pesticides not on the approved list. If you would like to be notified each time a pesticide is scheduled to be used that is not on the Approved List, please complete this form.

Rev. 6/2023

D 26.0 Policy:  Threat Prevention

Employees are mandated reporters of student threats or perceived threats. In accordance with California Education Code §49390-49395, all employees are mandated reporters of student threats or perceived threats to commit a homicidal act related to school or a school activity. Additionally, per California Code, Education Code – EDC § 49393 (a) A school official who is alerted to or observes any threat or perceived threat, as described in subdivision (e) of Section 49390, shall immediately report the threat or perceived threat to campus security. Campus security will then conduct a threat assessment with the Coordination of Services Team (COST) according to Green Dot Protocol.

Pursuant to California Code, Education Code – EDC § 49391, Green Dot provides parents/guardians with notice on safe storage of firearms.   

Rev. 06/2024