Attendance

C 1.0 Attendance, Absenteeism, Truancy and SART

Green Dot believes that regular attendance is critical for a student’s preparation for college, leadership and life.  Accordingly, Green Dot will work with parents/guardians and students to ensure their compliance with this attendance policy. 

 Absences

Students are expected to attend all classes every day.  Students and parents should do everything in their power to ensure punctual arrival to school and prevent unexcused absences, including maintaining good health, arranging necessary appointments outside of school time, and scheduling family vacations outside of the academic calendar. 

An “absence” means not being present in a class in which the student is enrolled for greater than 30 minutes in a school day.

Any absence will be recorded as an “excused absence” for the following reasons ONLY:

• • personal illness;
  • emergency medical, dental, and optometry appointments (verified by a note signed by a physician)
  • attending funeral services of an immediate family member:

     

• excused absence in this instance shall be limited to one day if the service is conducted in California or three days if the service is conducted out of state.

   

• • “immediate family” shall be defined as mother, father, grandmother, grandfather, spouse, son/son-in-law, daughter/daughter-in-law, brother, sister or any relative living in the student’s immediate household.

     

• court summons;
• observance of a religious holiday, instruction, or exercises, as described below;
• school approved activity;
• serious family emergencies, or other justifiable personal reasons, subject to approval by the Principal or designee; 
• attendance at the pupil’s naturalization ceremony to become a United States citizen; and
• participation in a civic or political event provided the student notifies the School ahead of the absence (limited to one school day per school year.)

Any absence not recorded as an “excused absence” shall be recorded as an “unexcused absence”.

Students with absences (excused) from a class period more than four times in a given semester will be referred to the Student Attendance Review Team (SART) for support with interventions.  If a student is absent from a class period for more than 15 days during the course of a semester, they may not receive credit in that course.

Procedure for Reporting an Absence
The parent or guardian must notify the school office by 9:00 a.m. of each day the student is absent.  If the parent/guardian does not make the call by 9:00 am, the school will notify the parent in an effort to find out if the student has an excused absence. 

Procedure for Returning to School after an Absence
When the student returns to school, they should bring a note from their parent. Any student who is absent for medical, dental or other professional services must, in addition, present a note to the school office directly from the respective provider’s office.  The school is required to keep on file a note signed by a parent/guardian for every student absence.  The note must be legible and written in ink.  A valid note should contain:

• Full name of the student 
• Date(s) or time of absence
• Specific reason for absence
• Telephone numbers where both parents/guardians may be reached (home and work)
• Signature of parent or guardian

If a student does not bring a note, they will be marked truant.

Procedure for Early Dismissal
After their arrival on campus in the morning, students may NOT leave campus until dismissal time. Students leaving campus without permission are considered truant.  If a student requests an early dismissal (for example, if a parent/guardian is picking him/her up for a doctor’s appointment), the parent/guardian reports to the office to sign out the student.

Tardies
A student is considered tardy if they are  not in their seat when the bell rings signaling the start of class.  If a student arrives late to school, they  must obtain a late-slip from the school office.  Any tardiness of more than 30 minutes for any class without a valid excuse is considered an unexcused absence.  Excessive tardies will result in disciplinary action and may result in an appearance before the Student Attendance Review Team (“SART”).

Tardies between Classes
Students have an allotted time to travel from one classroom to another.  Students who take longer than that time will receive an unexcused tardy from the teacher.

Passes
All students must carry passes verifying their authorization to be out of class during class time.  Passes are issued by the teacher/Principal/Assistant Principal as necessary.

Dismissal for Work or Participation in Events with External Organizations
In general, students may only be released to parents, guardians, or other individuals as indicated on the student’s enrollment form and/or emergency contact information.  Students may be picked up for work or participation in events with external organizations by representatives of such external organizations only with prior written consent from parents/guardians.  Upon student pick-up, any representative of an authorized external organization shall be required to show appropriate identification to appropriate school staff in accord with the school’s standard pick-up processes. 

Truancy
Students absent from any class or activity period without permission, or students who leave campus after arriving without permission are considered truant, even if they return to campus in time for class.  A student is considered a habitual truant if they have been reported truant three or more times per school year.  In addition, students shall be classified as a habitual truant if the student is absent from school without a valid excuse for 10 percent or more of the school days in one school, from the date of enrollment to the current date.    Consequences for truancy will include a disciplinary action, up to and including referral to the Student Attendance Review Team (“SART”).

Student Attendance Review Team
The SART aims to work with families to ensure that students comply with compulsory education laws.  The SART is both a prevention and intervention tool that can be utilized to address truancies, excessive tardies, and excessive absences.  The SART’s duties include: 

• Reviewing school-wide attendance data
• Creating prevention strategies to encourage consistent student attendance
• Identifying students struggling to meet attendance expectations
• Creating intervention plans for struggling students
• Monitoring progress of students on contracts
• Determining consequences for excessive absences, up to and including, loss of course credit or referral to the judicial system

SART Members:  The SART consists of the Principal and designated classified and certificated personnel.  The student and parent/guardian experiencing attendance issues are encouraged to participate in the SART process.  Members shall be trained and shall understand the confidential nature of the SART when dealing with student names and identifying information.  Members should meet on a regular basis to execute the duties defined above.  In addition, the SART should convene as required when a student has accumulated an excessive amount of absences or truancies.

Process for Addressing Excessive Unexcused Absences:

Detailed Description of Working Through the Unexcused Absence Matrix, Above

1. After two (2) days of unexcused absence, the school will call the parent/guardian.  The student’s classroom teacher may also call home.
2. Each of the third (3rd) and fourth (4th) unexcused absences will result in a call home to the parent/guardian by Principal or designee. In addition, the student’s classroom teacher may also call home and/or the School may send the parent an email notification.  In addition, upon reaching fourth (4th) unexcused absences in a school year, the parent/guardian will receive “4 Day Letter” from the School.  All SART-related communications with the parent/guardian shall be tracked in the School’s student information system (e.g., PowerSchool).
3. Upon reaching seven (7) unexcused absences, the parent/guardian will receive “7 Day Letter with Notice of SART,” and a parent/guardian conference will be requested to review the student’s records and any student agreements, which may include terms requiring regular student attendance, abiding by all school rules and policies, among others.  In addition, the School will consult with a school counselor regarding the appropriateness of a home visitation and/or case management.
4. Upon reaching ten (10) unexcused absences, the student will be referred to the SART.  In addition, the parent/guardian will receive a 10 Day Letter,” and will be asked/invited to attend an evening assembly for parents/guardians of chronically absent students. 
5. The SART will discuss the absence problem with the Parent/Guardian to work on solutions, develop strategies, discuss appropriate support services for the student and their family, and establish a plan to resolve the attendance issue. 

1. The SART shall direct the parent/guardian that no further unexcused absences or tardies can be tolerated.
2. The SART will review and update the previously drafted Student Agreement. Parent shall be required to sign the updated Agreement formalizing the agreement by the parents to improve the child’s attendance or face additional administrative action.  The Agreement will identify the corrective actions required in the future, and indicate that the SART shall have the authority to order one or more of the following consequences for non-compliance with the terms of the Agreement:
3.   Parent/guardian to attend school with the child for one day
4. Student retention

Iii. After school detention program

1. Required school counseling

vii. Loss of school event privileges

viii. Required remediation plan as set by the SART

1. Notice of action recommended by the SART will be provided in writing to the parent/guardian.

1. If the conditions of the SART Agreement are not met, the student may incur additional administrative action up to and including disenrollment from the school and notification of the disenrollment sent to the student’s district of residence.
2. For all communications set forth in this process, Green Dot will use the contact information provided by the parent/guardian in the registration packet. It is the parent’s or guardian’s responsibility to update Green Dot with any new contact information.
3. If student is absent fifteen (15) or more consecutive school days without valid excuse and parent/guardian cannot be reached at the number or address provided in the registration packet and does not otherwise respond to Green Dot’s communication attempts, as set forth above, the student will be in violation of the SART Agreement and shall be disenrolled. Notification of the disenrollment shall be sent to the student’s district of residence.

Legal Interventions:  The SART reserves the right to involve the judicial system in cases of excessive absences, excessive tardies and habitual truancy.  Once the case is referred to the authorities, the student and parent/guardian may be subject to the following sections of the California Penal Code:

• Sections 13202.7 (a) California Vehicle Code: “Any minor under the age of 18 years, but 13 years of age or older, who is an habitual truant, or who is adjudged by the juvenile court to be a ward of the court under subdivision (b) Section 601 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, may have their driving privilege suspended for one year by the court.” A habitually truant may loss driving privileges for one year.
  
  

• Section 601. Welfare and Institutions Code: (a) “Any persons under the age of 18 years who persistently or habitually refuses to obey the reasonable and proper orders or directions of his or her parents, guardian, or custodian, or who is beyond the control of that person…is within the jurisdiction of the juvenile court…” A student who does not follow orders of parents or guardians can be placed under the control of the court.
  
  

• Section 601. Welfare and Institutions Code: (b)“If a minor has four or more truancies within one school year as, or a school attendance review board or probation officer determines that the available public and private services are insufficient or inappropriate to correct the habitual truancy of the minor, or to correct the minor’s persistent or habitual refusal to obey the reasonable and proper orders or directions of school authorities, or if the minor fails to respond to directives of a school attendance review board or probation officer or to services provided, the minor then within the jurisdiction of the juvenile court which may adjudge the minor to be a ward of the court. 

Rev. 06/2024 

C 2.0 Accommodations for Student Religious Practices

Policy: Accommodations for Student Religious Practices

In accordance with Green Dot policy against discrimination and the Establishment Clause of the U.S. Constitution, students are entitled to excused absences for the observance of religious holidays provided that they adhere to the school’s Attendance Notification Procedures and to the extent the accommodation does not place undue burden on the school. Additionally, a student may be entitled for excused absences for participation in religious instruction or exercises provided, again, they adhere to the school’s Attendance Notification procedures.  A student may be granted an “Excused Absence” for religious observance for no more than three (3) days per semester, and/or five (5) days total per school year. Students that are absent are responsible for making up any missed assignments. A student may be granted an “Excused Absence” for participation in religious instruction or exercises for no more than four (4) school days per month. Students that are absent are responsible for making up any missed assignments.

If any additional accommodations are required, a student’s parent or guardian must submit a written request to the Principal.  The request must state: (a) the specific accommodation requested; (b) why the accommodation is needed and (c) the time and duration of accommodation.  To the extent possible, students should fulfill their religious obligations during lunch or free periods. If a student must fulfill a religious obligation during class time, the Green Dot Principal should grant an excused absence for a limited, defined time.  Students who are excused from class for religious needs must have an opportunity to make up any work, assignment or test missed as a result of their absence.

Rev. 06/2021

Student Conduct and Behavior

C 3.0 Discipline

Green Dot has a progressive discipline plan (“Discipline Plan”) in place at each of its schools.  The Discipline Plan is published at the beginning of each school year in this Student Policy Manual.  Parents and students who do not sign this Student Policy Manual are not relieved of any obligation to adhere to the Discipline Plan.  The Discipline Plan includes day-to-day discipline including, but not limited to, warnings, in-school detentions, parent-teacher communication, behavior contracts, counseling referrals, written assignments or reflections, in-school suspensions, Saturday school, campus community service, disciplinary probation, and guidelines for suspension and expulsion. No student shall be involuntarily removed (i.e., disenrolled, dismissed, transferred, or terminated) from school for any reason unless the parent or guardian of the student or if a foster child  to the student’s education rights holder, attorney, the appropriate representative of the county child welfare agency (e.g., social worker, probation officer), and tribal social worker (if applicable) has been provided written notice of intent to remove the student no less than five schooldays before the effective date of the action.  The written notice shall be in the native language of the pupil or the pupil’s parent or guardian or, if the pupil is a foster child, the pupil’s educational rights holder, attorney, appropriate representative of the county child welfare agency (e.g., social worker, probation officer), and tribal social worker (if applicable) and shall inform him or her of the right to initiate the DRP hearing procedures specified in this Policy C. 3.0 before the effective date of the action.  If the student’s parent, guardian, education rights holder, attorney, appropriate representative of the county child welfare agency (e.g., social worker, probation officer), or tribal social worker (if applicable) initiates the specified DRP hearing procedures, the student shall remain enrolled and shall not be removed until the DRP issues a final decision, subject to any appropriate interim placement while the DRP proceedings are pending. See Policy G. 5.0 for the school’s consequence matrix. Progression of Disciplinary Procedures Teacher Detention Teachers are responsible for the day-to-day discipline in their classrooms to meet students’ individual needs to ensure that learning can take place.  Any teacher may also assign a Teacher Detention to a student for minor classroom misconduct (e.g., chewing gum, passing notes, making inappropriate noises, or minor inappropriate conflicts with others).  Disciplinary options available to the teachers as a Teacher Detention include: warnings, in-school detentions, parent-teacher communication, behavior contracts, counseling referrals, written assignments or reflections, and discipline referral to the Principal.  Repeated minor violations, or serious violations (i.e., any violation listed under Suspension/Expulsion Matrix below), will be referred to the Principal.  Administrative Detention Administrative Detentions are typically held after school.  After a student is issued an Administrative Detention, the student’s parent/guardian will be notified by telephone by the Principal or designee.  This detention is served after school and will consist of an activity (e.g., writing an assignment, sitting quietly in a classroom, or assisting with cleaning of the campus) that appropriately corresponds to the student’s misconduct that led to the Administrative Detention.  No activity such as listening to music or sleeping is permitted.  School events, activities or athletics are not valid reasons for missing an Administrative Detention. Suspension Suspension is intended to remove the student from peers and the class environment to provide the student time to reflect on his or her behavior and a possible pattern of behavior that will be more positive, as well as to ensure the school environment is safe and free from disruption upon the student’s return. A student may only be suspended for misconduct that is related to a school activity occurring within a school under the jurisdiction of the Principal or occurring related to any other school district.  The misconduct may occur at any time, including, but not limited to: 1) while on school grounds; 2) while going to or coming from school; 3) during the lunch period whether on or off the campus; or 4) during or while going to or coming from a school-sponsored activity.  A student serving on campus suspension reports to school at the regular time in full uniform.  Each teacher will give the student written assignments that he or she must complete under the direct supervision of the Principal or designee. The student will not attend any classes or school-scheduled breaks (e.g., nutrition, recess, or lunch).  The student will eat lunch in an assigned room. Whether suspension occurs in or out of school, the maximum number of consecutive school days a student may be suspended is five school days, unless the suspension is extended pending an expulsion hearing with Green Dot’s Discipline Review Panel (“DRP”).  Students shall be provided assignments for completion during an out-of-school suspension and are afforded the opportunity to complete work upon returning to school should it be unavailable at the time of, or during, the suspension. The maximum number of total school days in a school year a student may be suspended is 20 school days, unless a suspension has been extended pending an expulsion hearing.  For students on suspension pending an expulsion hearing, the school will work directly with parents/guardians to facilitate the pick-up and delivery of academic work for each course through the school’s main office.  The student’s school work may be picked up by parents/guardians and/or delivered by the school on a daily basis, but this should occur at least once per week.  Home schooling or the facilitation of an instructor to the student’s home for a designated amount of time per week will be utilized for students on an as-needed basis.  School administration will arrange for students to take exams, both teacher-administered and state tests, in the school’s main office under appropriate supervision as needed. Suspensions shall be initiated according to the following procedures:

1. Conference

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

2. Notice to Parents/Guardians

At the time of the suspension, an administrator or designee shall make a reasonable effort to contact the parent/guardian by telephone or in person.  The parent/guardian also shall be notified, in writing, of the suspension.  In the case of a youth in foster care, written notification shall be provided to the student’s education rights holder, attorney, the appropriate representative of the county child welfare agency (e.g., social worker, probation officer), and tribal social worker (if applicable).  This notice shall state the specific offense committed by the student, and the date and time when the student may return to school.  If school officials wish to ask the parent/guardian to confer regarding matters pertinent to the suspension, this notice also shall request that the parent/guardian respond to such requests by the next school day.  There will be no penalty to the student should the parent fail to respond to this request. For suspensions of ten consecutive days or more, the Charter School shall provide: 

1. timely, written notice of the charges against the student and an explanation of the student’s basic rights; and 

1. a hearing adjudicated by a neutral officer within a reasonable number of days at which the student has a fair opportunity to present testimony, evidence, and witnesses and confront and cross-examine adverse witnesses, and at which the student has the right to bring legal counsel or an advocate.

In the case of foster youth, the School must notify the student’s education rights holder, attorney, the appropriate representative of the county child welfare agency (e.g., social worker, probation officer), tribal social worker (if applicable) and invite them to the extension of suspension meeting.  Matrix for Suspension/Expulsion Recommendations To order a student expelled for discretionary offenses, findings must include: (1) other means of correction are not feasible or have repeatedly failed to bring about proper conduct; or (2) due to the nature of the act, the student’s presence causes a continuing danger to the physical safety of the pupil or others. Student Discipline Review Board The school’s Discipline Review Board (“DRB”) is an advisory committee to the Principal or designee on student discipline-related issues.  The DRB is composed of at least one administrator (Principal or Assistant Principal) and, where reasonably possible, at least three teachers, and may also include a classified employee, counselor, or dean of students.  The DRB will not include more than seven members.  The DRB convenes for a conference when a student allegedly commits a serious violation of the school’s discipline code (i.e., Categories I and II in the Matrix for Suspension/Expulsion Recommendations above) or when the student has broken the terms of an applicable individualized contract.  The DRB conference should be scheduled when the suspension is issued.  While it is important that all evidence is collected in advance, the DRB conference must occur before the student returns to school at or near the end of the suspension period.  The Principal or designee is the facilitator and a non-voting member during any DRB conference.  The Principal or designee shall make available language translation and other necessary accommodations for students and parents as needed.  All other DRB members participate in any DRB conference by reviewing evidence, asking pertinent questions, discussing interventions, and voting to recommend to the Principal or designee any next steps.  It is the responsibility of the Principal or designee to have available all pertinent materials for each DRB conference.  The DRB may vote to recommend to the Principal or designee disciplinary action, terms of probation, suspension duration, and/or expulsion.  At the DRB conference, a determination will also be made by the Principal or designee regarding whether the student’s suspension should be extended pending a DRP hearing.  This determination should consider whether the student’s presence will be disruptive to the education process or the student poses a threat or danger to others. Academic Dishonesty

• The DRB may also recommend to the Principal or designee whether academic dishonesty (e.g., cheating, deceit, improper use of Artificial Intelligence, and unethical behavior with regard to any student’s academic achievement) warrants disciplinary probation, suspension, or expulsion. 

Gang Affiliation

• The DRB may also recommend to the Principal or designee whether involvement in gang activity warrants disciplinary probation, suspension, or expulsion.  The following guidelines should guide a recommendation and decision for appropriate interventions and consequences for students involved in gang activity: 
• where involvement in gang activity is the cause of a serious violation of the student code of conduct, expulsion should be recommended; and
• where involvement in gang activity is identified, but not an immediate threat to school/campus safety, disciplinary probation with a gang intervention plan should be recommended.

Expulsion – Dismissal from School A student may be expelled from the school for any of the violations listed above in the Matrix for Suspension/Expulsion Recommendations upon recommendation by the Principal pursuant to the DRB conference and after a DRP hearing. It is a federal mandate (pursuant to the Gun-Free Schools Act of 1994) that a school expel, for a period of not less than one year (except on a case-by-case basis), any student who is determined to have brought a firearm to school.  The following violations shall result in an immediate suspension and a recommendation for expulsion:

• brandishing a knife at another person;

• possessing, selling, or otherwise furnishing a firearm (not applicable to an act of possessing a firearm if the student had obtained prior written permission to possess the firearm from a certificated school employee, which is concurred in by the Principal or the designee);
• possession of an explosive (as defined in Section 921 of Title 18 of the U.S. Code);
• unlawfully selling a controlled substance listed in Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 11053) of

Division 10 of the California Health and Safety Code, including providing or selling narcotics of any kind (immediate expulsion);

• committing or attempting to commit a sexual assault, or committing a sexual battery, as defined in subdivision (n) of Section 48900 of the California Education Code; and
• possession of an explosive.

A student may only be expelled for misconduct that is related to a school activity occurring within a school under the jurisdiction of the Principal or occurring related to any other school district.  The misconduct may occur at any time, including, but not limited to: 1) while on school grounds; 2) while going to or coming from school; 3) during the lunch period whether on or off the campus; or 4) during or while going to or coming from a school-sponsored activity.  Authority to Expel A student may be expelled by the DRP following a DRP hearing.  The DRP will consist of the following members, where reasonably possible:

• Chief Education Officer, Vice President of Schools, or designee;
• two administrators from a campus not bringing forth the expulsion; and
• two teachers or counselors from a campus not bringing forth the expulsion.

Expulsion Procedures Students recommended for expulsion are entitled to a hearing to determine whether the student should be expelled within 30 school days after the Principal’s or designee’s expulsion recommendation, unless postponed for good cause. The DRP hearing shall be held in closed session (complying with all student confidentiality rules under the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (“FERPA”)), unless the student requests a public hearing, in writing, at least three days prior to the DRP hearing. Written notice of the DRP hearing shall be mailed by the Principal or designee to the student and the student’s parent/guardian at least seven calendar days before the DRP hearing.  This notice shall include student identification information, a description of the offense, the applicable expulsions provision(s), the student’s rights for due process, a description of the DRP hearing proceedings, the right to request representation, the right for the meeting to be held in public session, the right to inspect and obtain all copies of documentation, the date and time of the DRP hearing, and the right to request a postponement.  Upon mailing this notice, it shall be deemed served upon the student.  A Green Dot Area Superintendent, Vice President of Education or designee shall be the facilitator of the DRP hearing.  The DRP shall make available language translation and other necessary accommodations for students and parents as needed.  A record of the hearing shall be made and may be maintained by any means, including electronic recording, as long as a reasonably accurate and complete written transcription of the proceedings can be made. In a hearing in which a pupil is alleged to have committed or attempted to commit a sexual assault or to have committed a sexual battery, a complaining witness shall be given five days’ notice before being called to testify, and shall be entitled to have up to two adult support persons, including, but not limited to, a parent, guardian, or legal counsel, present during his or her testimony. Before a complaining witness testifies, support persons shall be admonished that the hearing is confidential. These requirements shall not preclude the person presiding over an expulsion hearing from removing a support person whom the presiding person finds is disrupting the hearing. Further, in a hearing in which a pupil is alleged to have committed or attempted to commit a sexual assault or to have committed a sexual battery, evidence of specific instances of a complaining witness’ prior sexual conduct is to be presumed inadmissible and shall not be heard absent a determination by the person conducting the hearing that extraordinary circumstances exist requiring the evidence to be heard. Reputation or opinion evidence regarding the sexual behavior of the complaining witness is not admissible for any purpose. Within ten school days after the DRP hearing, the DRP’s facilitator shall provide the student/parent/guardian/representative with the DRP’s Findings of Fact, which will include a description of the outcome of the DRP hearing.  If the DRP recommends against expulsion, the student will be reinstated immediately and permitted to return to an instructional program.  If the DRP confirms the Principal’s or designee’s recommendation for expulsion, the Findings of Fact will include an expulsion order, a rehabilitation plan, and any other recommendations the DRP deems appropriate.  The expulsion order shall include a description of readmission procedures for the student. Appeal Right Students/parents/guardians have the right to appeal suspensions and expulsions.  To appeal a suspension or an expulsion, the student/parent/guardian must submit a written appeal to Green Dot’s Chief Education Officer outlining the reason for appeal, attaching any supporting documentation, within 30 calendar days from the date of suspension or, in the event of an expulsion, within 30 calendar days from the date of the issuance of the Findings of Fact.  Appeals must be submitted to: Green Dot Public Schools California ATTN:  Chief Education Officer 1149 S. Hill St., Ste. 600 Los Angeles, CA 90015 If requested, an expulsion appeal meeting will be held with Green Dot’s Chief Education Officer and the student/parent/guardian/representative.  The Chief Education Officer will review the supporting documentation attached to the written appeal and hear the basis for the appeal from the student/parent/guardian/representative.  A decision will be made on the appeal based on a review of all evidence and the Findings of Fact within ten calendar days from the date of the expulsion appeal meeting, unless an extension is mutually agreed upon between the student/parent/guardian/representative and the Chief Education Officer.  If the Chief Education Officer denies the appeal, the student/parent/guardian/representative may submit an appeal to Green Dot’s Board of Directors within ten calendar days of the denied appeal.  An appeal hearing will be scheduled to be heard by the Board of Directors’ Discipline Appeal Committee (“DAC”), in closed session, within 30 calendar days of receipt of the appeal to the Board.  The scope of the DAC’s review shall be limited to whether:

• the DRP acted without or in excess of its jurisdiction;
• there was a fair hearing;
• there was a prejudicial abuse of discretion in the hearing; and
• there is relevant and material evidence, which, in the exercise of reasonable diligence, could not have been produced or was improperly excluded at the DRP hearing.

Future Placement If the student is expelled, Green Dot will assist parents in finding a new placement for the student, including advising parents to call the local district’s student discipline office, if they want their child to attend the local district school or to work with the Los Angeles County Office of Education for an alternative school placement. Rehabilitation Plans Students who are expelled from the school shall be given a rehabilitation plan upon expulsion as developed by the DRP at the time of the expulsion order, which may include, but is not limited to, periodic review as well as assessment at the time of review for readmission.  The rehabilitation plan should include a date not later than one year from the date of expulsion when the student may reapply to the school for readmission.  The rehabilitation plan also should require a student to maintain satisfactory attendance, enrollment in a school setting, make academic progress, and not return to the school campus from which they were expelled.  Depending on the expellable offense, the rehabilitation plan may also recommend that the student receive counseling. Readmission Upon a request from a student’s parent/guardian, or a student who holds his or her own educational rights, the decision to readmit a student or to admit a previously expelled student form another school district or charter school shall be made by the DRP.  The DRP will determine, within a reasonable timeframe, whether the student successfully completed the rehabilitation plan and determine whether the student poses a threat to others or will be disruptive to the school environment.  The student’s readmission is also contingent upon the capacity of the school at the time the student seeks readmission. Upon a determination by the DRP that the student successfully completed the rehabilitation plan, and determined that the student does not pose a threat to others and will not be disruptive to the school environment, the school shall readmit the student.  Disabled Students In the case of a student who has an IEP, or a student who has a 504 Plan, the school will ensure that it follows the correct disciplinary procedures to comply with the mandates of state and federal laws, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Students Experiencing Homelessness and Foster Youth In the case of a student experiencing homelessness, discretionary expulsions require the School to provide notice to the School’s McKinney-Vento Liaison at least 10 calendar days prior to a hearing. Mandatory expulsion authorizes a School to provide notice to the School’s McKinney-Vento Liaison at least 10 calendar days prior to a hearing.  If the individual with exceptional needs is a youth experiencing homelessness, and the School has proposed a change of placement due to an act for which a decision to recommend expulsion is at the discretion of the principal or the district superintendent of schools, McKinney-Vento Liaison shall be invited to participate in the individualized education program team meeting that makes a manifestation determination. The invitation may be made using the most cost-effective method possible, which may include, but is not limited to, electronic mail or a telephone call. In the case of a foster youth, discretionary expulsions require a School to invite and provide written notice to the student’s education rights holder, attorney, the appropriate representation of the county child welfare agency (e.g., social worker, probation officer), and tribal social worker at least 10 calendar days prior to a hearing. Mandatory expulsion authorizes a School to invite and provide written notice to student’s education rights holder, attorney,  the appropriate representation of the county child welfare agency (e.g., social worker, probation officer), and tribal social worker at least 10 calendar days prior to a hearing.  Rev. 06/2024

C 4.0 Due Process

• Appeals must be made first in writing at the school level, and should be directed to the Principal within ten (10) school days.  The Principal or Principal’s designee will attempt to resolve the appeal with a written response within ten (10) school days.
• After appeal at the school level, if further appeal is desired, the appeal should be made to the Green Dot Public Schools Home Office and should be directed to the Area Superintendent for resolution with a written response within fifteen (15) school days.
• After appeal at the Green Dot Public School administrative level, if further review is desired, the appeal may be forwarded to the Chief Academic Officer for resolution with a written response within twenty (20) school days.

C 5.0 Personal Property

C 6.0 Uniform Requirements

C 7.0 Acceptable Use of Technology

• Students have an affirmative obligation to consult appropriate computer personnel for any questions concerning the use of Green Dot Technology.
• Except where authorized by the school, students shall not use Green Dot Technology for activities that do not serve an educational purpose. Prohibited uses include, but are not limited to, using Green Dot Technology for unauthorized commercial purposes or monetary gain or for any activity prohibited by law or Green Dot policy (includes but is not limited to acts related to credit card fraud, electronic forgery, the use or sale of drugs, alcohol, or tobacco, and assisting others to perform illegal acts). Any violation that is determined to be prohibited by law may result in criminal prosecution.
• Students are responsible for the proper use of their Green Dot Technology network or online services account at all times. Students shall use these services only under their assigned login or account and shall not share their account information.
• Students may not use Green Dot Technology to plagiarize another’s work, to place copyrighted material on the Green Dot computer systems without the author’s permission, or in a manner that violates the terms of any software license agreement. Unless specified otherwise, students may download copyrighted material and software for their own educational purpose; however, such material shall not be distributed or duplicated without the copyright holder’s written permission.
• Unless otherwise noted, records, files, logs of any Internet Web Sites stored or visited, and communications accessed, stored, or transmitted using Green Dot Technology is not private or confidential. Green Dot may monitor and access any such user activity and data at any time, including to maintain system integrity and ensure acceptable use of technology.
• Students shall not access other users’ electronic communications, documents, or files without permission. Students shall not interfere with other users’ ability to send or receive electronic communications, nor shall they attempt to read, delete, copy, modify, or forge other users’ electronic communications, documents, or files.
• Students should not intentionally interfere with the performance of Green Dot’s network or intentionally damage any Green Dot Technology. Students shall not use hacking tools on the network, intentionally introduce malicious code or viruses into Green Dot’s network, or create unauthorized wireless networks to access Green Dot’s network. This includes establishing wireless access points, wireless routers, and open networks on personal devices.
• Students shall not transmit material via any media, including email or internet pages, that is threatening, obscene, disruptive, or sexually explicit, or that could be construed as harassment or disparagement of others based on their race, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion or political beliefs.
• Students shall not engage in any form of bullying, including but not limited to, Cyberbullying, defined in Section C.10.0. This includes but is not limited to creating, posting, or transferring discriminatory, confidential, threatening, libelous, or slanderous comments through any electronic communication device in any form that intimidates, harasses, or is otherwise intended to harm, insult, or humiliate in a deliberate, repeated, or hostile and unwanted manner.
• Students shall not vandalize Green Dot Technology in any form. Vandalism includes uploading, downloading, or creating computer viruses and/or any intentional or malicious attempt to harm or destroy school equipment, electronic information services or the data of another user.
• Students shall use appropriate language and decorum while using Green Dot Technology.
• Green Dot will not be responsible for users’ negligent or willful violations of Green Dot Technology policies, including but not limited to the unauthorized costs incurred by users due to such violations. 
• Students shall promptly report any security problem or misuse of Green Dot Technology to the teacher or principal.
• Before a student is authorized to use Green Dot Technology, the student and their parent/guardian shall sign and return the Acceptable Use of Technology Agreement in this Manual.  
• Before a student is authorized to check out and use a Green Dot-issued technological device for use at home, the student and their parent/guardian shall sign and return the Technology Device Check-Out & Home-Use Permission Form. 

• Green Dot shall ensure that all School computers with Internet access have a technology protection measure that blocks or filters Internet access to websites that have no educational purpose and/or contain visual depictions that are obscene, constitute child pornography, or that are harmful to minors. While Green Dot is able to exercise reasonable control over content created and purchased by the School, it has limited control over content accessed via the internet and no filtering system is 100% effective. Neither Green Dot nor its staff shall be responsible for the failure of any technology protection measures, violations of copyright restrictions, or user mistakes or negligence.
• To reinforce these measures, Green Dot implements rules and procedures designed to restrict students’ access to harmful or inappropriate matter on the Internet and to ensure that students do not engage in unauthorized or unlawful online activities, including but not limited to the safety and security of students and student information when using email, chat rooms, and other forms of direct electronic communication. Staff shall supervise students while they are using online services and may have teacher aides, student aides, and volunteers assist in this supervision, as appropriate.

• Green Dot provides age-appropriate instruction regarding safe and appropriate behavior on social networking sites, chat rooms, and other Internet services. Such instruction shall include, but not be limited to, maintaining the student’s online reputation and ensuring their personal safety by keeping their personal information private, the dangers of posting personal information online, misrepresentation by online predators, how to report inappropriate or offensive content or threats, behaviors that constitute cyberbullying, and how to respond when subjected to cyberbullying. Students are expected to follow safe practices when using school technology. 

• Student use of School computers to access social networking sites is not prohibited, but access is limited to educational purposes only. To the extent possible, Green Dot blocks or limits access to such sites on School computers with Internet access.

C 8.0 Agency and Police Interrogation

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.

C 9.0 Search and Seizure

1. Outside the view of others, including students
2. In the presence of the Principal, a school administrator, or the Principal’s designee
3. By a certified employee or administrator of the same sex

C 10.0 Harassment and Bullying

C 10.1 Title IX Policy Prohibiting Discrimination on the Basis of Sex

• Quid pro quo harassment occurs when an employee, agent, or other person authorized by Green Dot to provide an aid, benefit, or service under Green Dot’s education program or activity explicitly or impliedly conditions the provision of such an aid, benefit, or service on a person’s participation in unwelcome sexual conduct.
• Hostile environment harassment is unwelcome sex-based conduct that, based on the totality of the circumstances, is subjectively and objectively offensive and is so severe or pervasive that it limits or denies a person’s ability to participate in or benefit from Green Dot’s education program or activity (i.e., creates a hostile environment). Whether a hostile environment has been created is a fact-specific inquiry that includes consideration of the following:
  • The degree to which the conduct affected the complainant’s ability to access Green Dot’s education program or activity;
  • The type, frequency, and duration of the conduct;
  • The parties’ ages, roles within Green Dot’s education program or activity, previous interactions, and other factors about each party that may be relevant to evaluating the effects of the conduct;
  • The location of the conduct and the context in which the conduct occurred; and
  • Other sex-based harassment in Green Dot’s education program or activity.  
• Sexual assault, meaning an offense classified as a forcible or nonforcible sex offense under the uniform crime reporting system of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. 
• Dating violence, meaning violence committed by a person:
  • Who is or has been in a social relationship of a romantic or intimate nature with the victim; and
  • Where the existence of such a relationship shall be determined based on a consideration of the following factors:
    • The length of the relationship;
    • The type of relationship; and
    •  The frequency of interaction between the persons involved in the relationship. 
• Domestic violence, meaning felony or misdemeanor crimes committed by a person who: 
  • Is a current or former spouse or intimate partner of the victim under applicable family or domestic violence laws, or a person similarly situated to a spouse of the victim;
  • Is cohabitating, or has cohabitated, with the victim as a spouse or intimate partner;
  •  Shares a child in common with the victim; or
  • Commits acts against a youth or adult victim who is protected from those acts under applicable family or domestic violence laws.
• Stalking, meaning engaging in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to:
  •  Fear for the person’s safety or the safety of others; or
  •  Suffer substantial emotional distress.

• Physical assaults of a sexual or sex-based nature, such as:
  • Rape, sexual battery, molestation or attempts to commit these assaults.
  • Intentional physical conduct that is sex-based or sexual in nature, such as touching, pinching, patting, grabbing, brushing against another’s body, poking another’s body, violence, intentionally blocking normal movement or interfering with work or school because of sex.
• Unwanted sexual advances or propositions, derogatory sex-based comments, or other sex-based conduct, such as:
  • Sexually oriented or sex-based gestures, notices, epithets, slurs, remarks, jokes, or comments about a person’s sexuality or sexual experience.
  • Preferential treatment or promises of preferential treatment to an individual for submitting to sexual conduct, including soliciting or attempting to solicit any individual to engage in sexual activity for compensation or reward or deferential treatment for rejecting sexual conduct.
  • Subjecting or threats of subjecting a student or employee to unwelcome sexual attention or conduct or intentionally making the student’s or employee’s performance more difficult because of the student’s or the employee’s sex.
  • Retaliation against an individual who has articulated a good faith concern about sex-based harassment.
• Sexual or discriminatory displays or publications anywhere in the work or educational environment, such as:
  • Displaying pictures, cartoons, posters, calendars, graffiti, objections, promotional materials, reading materials, or other materials that are sexually suggestive, sexually demeaning or pornographic or bringing or possessing any such material to read, display or view in the work or educational environment.
  • Reading publicly or otherwise publicizing in the work or educational environment materials that are in any way sexually revealing, sexually suggestive, sexually demeaning or pornographic.
  • Displaying signs or other materials purporting to segregate an individual by sex in an area of the work or educational environment (other than restrooms or similar rooms).

• The employee’s status as confidential for purposes of Title IX, including the circumstances in which the employee is not required to notify the Coordinator about conduct that reasonably may constitute sex discrimination;
• How to contact the Coordinator and how to make a complaint of sex discrimination; and
• That the Coordinator may be able to offer and coordinate supportive measures, as well as initiate an informal resolution process or an investigation under the grievance procedures.

• Treat complainants and respondents equitably;
• Promptly offer and coordinate supportive measures, as appropriate, for the complainant;
• If grievance procedures are initiated or an informal resolution process is offered; offer and coordinate supportive measures, as appropriate, for the respondent; and
• Notify the complainant or, if the complainant is unknown, the reporting individual, of the grievance procedures and informal resolution process, if available and appropriate. If a complaint is made, the Coordinator will notify the respondent of the same.

• Complainant’s request not to proceed with a complaint and the complainant’s reasonable safety concerns;
• Risk that additional acts of sex-based discrimination would occur if a complaint is not initiated;
• Severity of the alleged conduct, including whether the discrimination, if established, would require removal or discipline of a respondent to end the discrimination and prevent its recurrence;
• The age and relationship of the parties, including whether the respondent is an employee;
• The scope of the alleged conduct including but not limited to whether there is a pattern, ongoing conduct, or impact to multiple individuals;
• The availability of evidence and the complainant’s willingness to participate in the grievance procedures; and
• Whether Green Dot could end the alleged sex discrimination and prevent its recurrence without initiating its grievance procedures.

•  The allegations;
• The requirements of the informal resolution process;
• The right to withdraw and initiate or resume the grievance procedures;
• That the parties’ agreement to a resolution at the conclusion of the informal resolution process precludes the parties’ use of the grievance procedures arising from the same allegations;
• The potential terms that may be requested or offered in an informal resolution agreement (e.g., restrictions on contact and participation in activities or events) including notice that an informal resolution agreement is binding only on the parties; and
• What information is retained and whether and how it may be disclosed by Green Dot for use in grievance procedures if the grievance procedures are initiated or resumed.

• Green Dot is unable to identify the respondent after taking reasonable steps to do so;
• The respondent is not participating in Green Dot’s education program or activity and is not employed by Green Dot;
• The complainant voluntarily withdraws any or all of the allegations in the complaint, the Coordinator declines to initiate a complaint, and Green Dot determines that, without the complainant’s withdrawn allegations, the conduct that remains alleged in the complaint, if any, would not constitute sex discrimination under Title IX even if proven; or
• Green Dot determines the conduct alleged in the complaint, even if proven, would not constitute sex discrimination under Title IX. Prior to dismissing the complaint on this ground, Green Dot will make reasonable efforts to clarify the allegations with the complainant.
• Upon dismissal, the Coordinator or designee must promptly notify the complainant in writing of the basis for the dismissal and the complainant’s right to appeal the dismissal on the following grounds within five (5) business days of the dismissal notice:
•  Procedural irregularity that would change the outcome;
• New evidence that would change the outcome and that was not reasonably available when the determination whether sex-based harassment occurred or dismissal was made; and
• The Coordinator, investigator, or decisionmaker had a conflict of interest or bias for or against complainants or respondents generally or the individual complainant or respondent that would change the outcome.

• Green Dot’s grievance procedures and any informal resolution process;
• Sufficient information available at the time to allow the parties to respond to the allegations. Sufficient information includes the identities of the parties involved in the incident(s), the conduct alleged to constitute sex discrimination under Title IX, and the date(s) and location(s) of the alleged incident(s), to the extent that information is available to Green Dot;
• A statement that retaliation is prohibited; and
• A statement that the parties are entitled to an equal opportunity to access the relevant and not otherwise impermissible evidence or an accurate description of this evidence; and if Green Dot provides a description of the evidence, the parties are entitled to an equal opportunity to access to the relevant and not otherwise impermissible evidence upon the request of any party.

• Evidence that is protected under a privilege recognized by Federal or State law or evidence provided to a confidential employee, unless the person to whom the privilege or confidentiality is owed has voluntarily waived the privilege or confidentiality;
• A party’s or witness’s records that are made or maintained by a physician, psychologist, or other recognized professional or paraprofessional in connection with the provision of treatment to the party or witness, unless Green Dot obtains that party’s or witness’s voluntary, written consent for use in the grievance procedures; and
• Evidence that relates to the complainant’s sexual interests or prior sexual conduct, unless evidence about the complainant’s prior sexual conduct is offered to prove that someone other than the respondent committed the alleged conduct or is evidence about specific incidents of the complainant’s prior sexual conduct with the respondent that is offered to prove consent to the alleged sex-based harassment. The fact of prior consensual sexual conduct between the complainant and respondent does not by itself demonstrate or imply the complainant’s consent to the alleged sex-based harassment or preclude determination that sex-based harassment occurred.

• Provide that person with the Coordinator’s contact information; and
• Inform that person that the Coordinator can coordinate specific actions to prevent sex discrimination and ensure the student’s equal access to Green Dot’s education programs and activities.

• Inform the student, and if applicable, the person who notified the Coordinator of the student’s pregnancy or related conditions and has a legal right to act on behalf of the student, of Green Dot’s obligations under:
  • 34 C.F.R. § 106.40(b)(1) through (5), which relates to the rights of students who are pregnant or have a related condition; and
  • 34 C.F.R. § 106.44(j), which includes rules on disclosures of personal information;
• Provide Green Dot’s Title IX notice of nondiscrimination; and

• Consult with the student about potential reasonable modifications to policies, practices, or procedures as necessary to prevent sex discrimination and ensure equal access, and if the student accepts an offered reasonable modification, implement the modification.

• The certified level of physical ability or health is necessary for participation in the class, program, or extracurricular activity;
• Such certification is required of all students participating in the class, program, or extracurricular activity; and
• The information obtained is not used as a basis for sex discrimination.

• For each complaint of sex discrimination, records documenting the informal resolution process or the grievance procedures, and the resulting outcome.
• For each notification the Coordinator receives of information about conduct that reasonably may constitute sex discrimination, records documenting the actions Green Dot took to meet its obligations under 34 C.F.R. § 106.44.
• All materials used to provide required Title IX training. Green Dot will make these training materials available upon request for inspection by members of the public. 

C 11.0 Academic Integrity

• Downloading information from the internet and not citing appropriate sources
•  Unauthorized assistance from a peer on an exam
• Using a non-permitted device (calculator or cell phone) on an exam
• Copying
•  Requests to copy from peers to copy their own work

• All test papers, quizzes, or assignments will be taken from the student(s) violating the policy.
• A student found cheating may receive, at the discretion of the teacher, a grade of “F” or a zero for the test, quiz, or assignment. This may lower a quarter or semester grade substantially.
• The student may be placed on a cheating contract and will remain on the contract until graduation.
• Parents will be notified and a parent conference will be arranged if the teacher deems it necessary.
• The Principal will be notified.
• Repeated violations or a single serious violation may lead to more serious disciplinary actions in accordance with Green Dot’s discipline and academic dishonesty policies. 

Rev. 06/2023

School Jurisdiction & Field Trips

C 12.0 School Jurisdiction

All students are held accountable to all school rules and policies while under the school’s jurisdiction, including the Discipline Policy found at C 3.0 of this Student Policy Manual. The school’s jurisdiction includes: (1) acts that are related to school activities, as well as (2) student behavior while attending school, including but not limited to: a) while on school grounds; b) while going to or coming from school; c) during the lunch period, whether on or off the school campus; d) during, going to, or coming from a school-sponsored activity.

Transportation Guidelines

Progressive discipline will be used to maintain a safe and orderly school bus. Travel on the school bus is considered part of the school’s jurisdiction. Green Dot Public Schools reserves the right to take away bus privileges from any student for disciplinary or safety reasons.

Rev. 06/2023

C 13.0 Transportation of Students

Green Dot is committed to transporting students safely; accordingly, students shall be provided safety instruction regarding school bus safety and emergency procedures.  Additionally, Green Dot recognizes that, in addition to general busing of students by licensed bus drivers, situations arise that require student transportation by the staff of Green Dot.  Such situations include transportation of students for:

• Green Dot or school-sponsored field trips, excursions, or other extracurricular activities (e.g., athletic practices and competitions); and
• Compelling circumstances (e.g., an emergency situation reasonably requiring action to help ensure student safety and/or health). Should compelling circumstances exist, an employee of Green Dot and/or its schools shall: (1) attempt to contact the student’s parent or guardian for permission to transport a Green Dot student in their personal vehicle; and (2) receive permission from the school principal or designee to transport a Green Dot student in their personal vehicle.

Without preventative measures, certain situations may expose Green Dot to potential legal liability.

Employees of Green Dot shall not transport students in their personal vehicles unless, prior to driving students, the:

• student’s parent/guardian has completed the Transportation Permission and Release of Liability Form and returned it to the student’s school of attendance; and

• driver has completed the Employee Driver Agreement, which has been approved by an administrator at the employee’s assigned school. (The driver shall follow all instructions delineated in the Employee Driver Agreement to obtain permission to transport a Green Dot student and adhere to all terms contained therein; including meeting all insurance requirements.)

To quickly determine whether a student is permitted to be transported by an employee of Green Dot or its family of schools, and whether a potential driver is authorized to transport a Green Dot student, the completed Transportation Permission and Release of Liability Form, and the Employee Driver Agreement shall be kept on file at the student’s school of attendance and the employee’s assigned school, respectively.

Transportation of Homeless, Foster, and Migratory Youth

Please refer to Section A 6.0 for Green Dot’s policy on transportation of homeless youth.

Green Dot shall not be responsible for providing transportation to allow a foster or migratory youth to attend school, unless required by federal law.  Green Dot is not prohibited from providing transportation, at its discretion, to allow a foster or migratory youth to attend school.

Rev. 06/2023

C 14.0 Field Trips and Student Travel

Green Dot Public Schools recognizes that field trips and student travel are an enriching aspect of a student’s educational experience.  These guidelines are developed to ensure the safety of students and adult chaperones during student trips.  Green Dot Public Schools is interested in providing student travel that is educational in nature and provides student knowledge and experiences to supplement the school curriculum.  Educational trips include but are not limited to visiting museums, businesses, universities, cultural exhibits, nature centers, and government agencies. Student travel should be avoided during the first three weeks and last two weeks of the academic year, the first or last two or any semester, or during exam week.

All student policies, rules and procedures are in effect during the period of student travel. Students are not permitted to travel in private vehicles on field trips.

When a situation arises that poses a threat to the safety or welfare of the student participating in a trip, the school administrator will consult with supervising faculty to determine whether to cancel a trip.

Field Trips

All field trips require administrator approval.  The nature, purpose, cost, and timing of the trip should be outlined for approval no later than TWO WEEKS prior to the trip. No arrangements should be made in advance of the Principal’s final approval.

Overnight and Out-of-State Travel

The Principal must approve overnight trips at least ninety (90) days prior to the anticipated travel date. Only the Principal is authorized to approve of or sign contracts with any travel agency.

Sponsoring faculty members are expected to generate and collect waivers and inform staff about participating students.  The school administration can remove a student from the scheduled trip at any time prior to departure for academics, excessive absenteeism, behavior violations, and/or health safety concerns.  Students shall not be excluded on the basis of a disability.

Overnight student travel requires appropriate supervision consisting of at least one adult chaperone for every ten student travelers.Any additional participants after ten will require an additional chaperone. Chaperones should be Green Dot Public School faculty and staff of adults approved by the administration.  Chaperones commit to remaining with students to and from the travel designation and throughout the tour.

Parents/guardians of students participating on an overnight trip must be fingerprinted, and attend an informational session to review the objectives of the trip, standards of conduct required, clothing and equipment needs, responsibilities of students, costs for the trip, daily itinerary, and protocols for handling emergencies.  Students violating the conduct policy may be sent home at the parent/ guardian’s expense at the discretion of the administrator or designee.

Bus Rules

1.       Remain seated
2.       Wear seatbelts, if they are available
3.       Refrain from unnecessary noise, singing, whistling, loud conversation or boisterous conduct
4.       Keep all parts of the body inside the bus
5.       Be courteous
6.       No eating, drinking, or gum chewing
7.       Do not wear shoes with cleats or spikes
8.       Do not carry hazardous articles or weapons on the bus
9.       All other school rules will be followed on the bus

Rev. 06/2024 

Complaint & Grievance Procedure

C 15.0 Conflict Resolution

The Green Dot Principal is responsible for making decisions that are in the best interest of the school.  Occasionally, a student may make a request and/or have an issue or grievance that they believe is not being addressed consistent with the philosophy of the school, its policies and procedures.  If this occurs, it is the responsibility of both parties to address the concerns or issues in a constructive dialogue.  The grievance process has a maximum of three steps, but resolution may be reached at any step in the process identified.

Step One

The student presents their grievance or issue to staff member with whom they have the conflict.  The staff member should address the grievance, attempt to resolve it, and give the student a decision within ten (10) school days.

Step Two

If there is dissatisfaction with the decision or if is not within the scope of the person’s responsibilities to respond, the student should approach the next appropriate supervisor: Counselor or Administrator.  Following a review of the concern, the Counselor or Administrator will confer and determine a response to the issue raised.  The response is submitted in writing to the student with the explained decision within ten (10) school days.

Step Three

If the response given by the Counselor or Administrator seems unreasonable to the student member, they should then submit a written request for a meeting with the Principal.  Following a review of the request and an investigation of the issue, a meeting will be scheduled with involved parties.  After considering the contents of the appeal letter, information collected during the investigation, and information clarified during the meeting, a decision will be communicated in writing to all involved parties. If the complaint is about the Principal, the complainant may file his or her complaint in a signed writing to Green Dot’s Chief Academic Officer (angonzalez@greendot.org or 323-565-1600) or designee, who may conduct a fact-finding or authorize a third party investigator on behalf of Green Dot.  In a reasonable amount of time, depending on the circumstances, the Chief Academic Officer or designee, or investigator, will report their findings to Green Dot for review and action, if necessary.

Rev. 06/2021

C 16.0 Uniform Complaint Procedures

Green Dot recognizes its responsibility to ensure compliance with applicable state and federal laws and regulations governing Green Dot’s educational programs.  Accordingly, Green Dot shall investigate complaints alleging failure to comply with such laws and regulations, or alleging unlawful discrimination, harassment, intimidation, retaliation, or bullying.

Green Dot shall seek to resolve the following types of complaints in accordance with the uniform complaint procedures (“UCP”) set forth herein and pursuant to Title 5 of the California Code of Regulations section 4600 et seq.:

(1) Green Dot shall use the UCP to resolve any complaint alleging unlawful discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and/or bullying against any protected group in Green Dot programs including actual or perceived characteristics of race or ethnicity, color, ancestry, nationality, national origin, ethnic group identification, age, religion, medical condition, marital or parental status, physical disability, mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, or genetic information, or any other characteristic identified in California Education Code sections 200 or 220, California Penal Code section 422.55, or California Government Code section 11135, or based on association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics.

(2) Complaints of violations of state or federal law and regulations governing the following programs including but not limited to:  Adult Education Programs, After School Education and Safety Programs, Agricultural Vocational Education Programs, American Indian Education Centers and Early Child Education Program Assessments, Consolidated Categorical Aid Programs, Career Technical and Technical Education and Technical Training Programs, Child Care and Development Programs, courses of study, instructional minutes for physical education, Local Control and Accountability Plans, school safety plans, Foster and Homeless Youth Services, Migrant Education Programs, Every Student Succeeds Act / No Child Left Behind Act (2001) Programs (Titles I-VII), including improving academic achievement, compensatory education, limited English proficiency, and migrant education, Regional Occupational Centers and Programs, State Preschool, Bilingual Education, Economic Impact Aid, and Tobacco-Use Prevention Education.

(3) A complaint may also be filed alleging that a pupil enrolled in a public school was required to pay a pupil fee, as defined in California Education Code Section 49011, for participation in an educational activity.

(4) Complaints of Green Dot’s failure to comply with the requirements governing the Local Control Funding Formula (see California Assembly Bill No. 97 (2013-2014), California Senate Bill No. 91 and California Education Code section 52075) or Sections 47606.5 and 47607.3 of the Education Code, as applicable; or

(5) Complaints of noncompliance with the requirements of Education Code Section 222 regarding the rights of lactating pupils on campus. If the School finds merit in a complaint, or if the Superintendent finds merit in an appeal, the School shall provide a remedy to the affected pupil. (see California Assembly Bill No. 302 (2015-2016) and California Education Code section 222).

Written notice of Green Dot’s UCP shall be disseminated annually to Green Dot employees, students, parents/guardians, appropriate school officials or representatives, school advisory committees, and other interested Green Dot parties.  If 15 percent or more of students enrolled in a particular Green Dot school speak a single primary language other than English, Green Dot’s UCP policy, forms, and notices shall be translated into that language.  Distribution may be in any form (e.g., employee/parent/student handbook, brochure, newsletter, memoranda) that will reach the school community.  Green Dot’s UCP shall also be posted in all Green Dot schools, including staff lounges and student government meeting rooms, and Green Dot’s Home Office.  Copies of Green Dot’s UCP shall be available free of charge.  LAUSD’s UCP brochure shall be available at Green Dot school sites under its jurisdiction.

Compliance Officers

The compliance officer(s) shall receive and investigate complaints and ensure the school’s compliance with law. Green Dot school Principals serve as a UCP compliance officers.

For your school’s compliance officer contact information, click here.

The Principal or designee shall ensure that employees designated to investigate complaints are knowledgeable about the laws and programs for which they are responsible.  Designated employees may have access to legal counsel as determined by the Chief Executive Officer or designee.

Should a complaint be filed against the Principal, the compliance officer for that case shall be the Chief Academic Officer, Annette Gonzalez, angonzalez@greendot.org or 323-565-1600.

Procedures

The following procedures shall be used to address all complaints which allege that the school has violated federal or state laws or regulations governing educational programs.  Compliance officers shall maintain a record of each complaint and subsequent related actions.  Prior to filing a formal complaint, Green Dot encourages the early, informal resolution of complaints at the school site level whenever possible.

All parties involved in allegations shall be notified when a complaint is filed, when a complaint meeting or hearing is scheduled, and when a decision or ruling is made.

Step 1: Filing a Complaint

Any individual, public agency, or organization may file a written complaint that alleges a violation of federal or state laws or regulations governing Green Dot’s educational programs or unlawful discrimination as identified above.  However, a complaint filed on behalf of an individual student may only be filed by that student or that student’s duly authorized representative.

All complaints must be filed within one year from the date of the alleged violation, except for complaints of unlawful discrimination, harassment, intimidation or bullying, which must be filed within six months of the date of the alleged violation. For complaints relating to Local Control and Accountability Plans (LCAP), the date of the alleged violation is the date when the reviewing authority approves the LCAP or annual update that was adopted by the LEA.

A complaint alleging legal noncompliance regarding the prohibition against requiring students to pay student fees, deposits, or charges may be filed anonymously if the complaint provides evidence or information leading to evidence to support an allegation of noncompliance with Education Code section 49010 et seq.

A complaint concerning unlawful discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or bullying may be filed by a person who alleges that he or she personally suffered unlawful discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or bullying, or by a person who believes that an individual or any specific class of individuals has been subjected to it.    However, upon written request by the complainant, the school principal or designee may extend the filing period for up to 90 calendar days.

UCP complaints are to be submitted, in writing, to the principal at the school at which the alleged violation occurred.  Such complaints must include the following:

• the underlying facts;
• details, such as the name(s) of the those involved (including witnesses) as well as the date(s) and location(s) of the incident or alleged violation;
• information regarding any attempts to address the complaint at the school site; and
• copies of written documentation or evidence that may be relevant or supportive of the complaint.

Any individual who is unable to prepare a written complaint (e.g., disability or illiteracy) can receive assistance from the school site administrator or designee, or by contacting the school site at which the alleged violation occurred.

Green Dot acknowledges and respects every individual’s right to privacy.  Unlawful discrimination, harassment, intimidation or bullying complaints shall be investigated in a way that maintain confidentiality of the involved parties to the maximum extent practicable without obstructing the investigation.  Green Dot cannot guarantee anonymity of the complainant. This includes keeping the identity of the complainant confidential.  However, Green Dot will attempt to do so as appropriate.  Green Dot may find it necessary to disclose information regarding the complaint/complainant to the extent necessary to carry out the investigation or proceedings, as determined by the Principal or designee on a case-by-case basis.

Green Dot prohibits any form of retaliation against any complainant in the UCP process, including but not limited to a complainant’s filing of a complaint or the reporting of instances of unlawful discrimination, harassment, intimidation or bullying. Such participation shall not in any way affect the status, grades or work assignments of the complainant. Participation in the complaint process shall not in any way affect the complainant’s status, grades, or work assignments.

Step 2: Complaint Investigation

The compliance officer is encouraged to hold an investigative meeting within five (5) days of receiving the complaint.  This meeting shall provide an opportunity for the complainant and/or their representative to repeat the complaint orally.  Green Dot shall complete an investigation and provide a written final response within 60 calendar days from the date of receipt of the complaint by the school unless the complainant agrees, in writing, to an extension of the timeline.  The complainant and/or his or her representative shall have an opportunity to present the complaint and any evidence, or information leading to evidence, to support the allegations in the complaint.  The Compliance Officer also shall collect all documents and interview all witnesses with information pertinent to the complaint.

A complainant’s refusal to provide the School’s investigator with documents or other evidence related to the allegations in the complaint, failure or refusal to cooperate in the investigation, or engagement in any other obstruction of the investigation may result in the dismissal of the complaint because of a lack of evidence to support the allegation.  Green Dot’s refusal to provide the investigator with access to records and/or other information related to the allegation in the complaint, or its failure or refusal to cooperate in the investigation or its engagement in any other obstruction of the investigation, may result in a finding, based on evidence collected, that a violation has occurred and may result in the imposition of a remedy in favor of the complainant.

Step 3:  Final Response: The Investigative Report

Green Dot’s investigative report (“Investigative Report”) shall be written in English and, when required by Education Code section 48985, in the complainant’s primary language, and include the following:

• the finding(s) of fact based on the evidence gathered;
• the conclusion(s) of law;
• disposition of the complaint;
• rationale for such disposition;
• corrective action, if any are warranted; and
• notice of the complainant’s right to appeal the Investigative Report within 30 calendar days to the California Department of Education (“CDE”) and procedures to be followed for initiating such an appeal.

If Green Dot finds merit in a complaint, it must impose corrective actions, including for complaints involving pupil fees, courses of study, instructional minutes for physical education and local control and accountability plans, as well as a remedy to all effected pupils, parents, and guardians.

Any Investigative Report concerning a discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or bullying complaint based upon California law shall include a notice that the complainant must wait until 60 calendar days have elapsed from the date of filing an appeal with the CDE before pursuing civil law remedies. For unlawful discrimination, harassment, intimidation or bullying complaints arising under federal law such complaints may be made at any time to the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights.

If an employee is disciplined as a result of the complaint, the Investigative Report shall simply state that effective action was taken and that the employee was informed of the school’s expectations.  The Investigative Report shall not give any further information as to the nature of the disciplinary action.

The Compliance Officer of the school at which the complaint was filed shall maintain a record of each complaint and subsequent related actions, including, but not limited to, Green Dot’s Investigative Report.

Appeal

While Green Dot may use its UCP to address complaints outside the subject matter of the UCP (listed above), only subject matter within the UCP can be appealed to the CDE. See 5 CCR 4610.

The complainant has a right to appeal Green Dot’s Investigative Report to the CDE by filing a written appeal within 30 calendar days from the receipt of Green Dot’s Investigative Report. The appeal shall specify the basis for the appeal, including at least one of the following:

1. The LEA failed to follow its complaint procedures, and/or
2. The Investigation Report lacks findings of fact necessary to reach a conclusion of law, and/or
3. The findings of fact in the Investigation Report are not supported by substantial evidence, and/or
4. The legal conclusion in the Investigation Report is inconsistent with the law, and/or
5. In a case in which the LEA found noncompliance, the corrective actions fail to provide a proper remedy.

The appeal shall be accompanied by a copy of the original complaint filed with Green Dot and a copy of Green Dot’s Investigative Report.  The appeal should be sent to:

California Department of Education
1430 N Street
Sacramento, CA 95814

Green Dot shall provide the investigative file to CDE within 10 days of notification of an appeal.  If Green Dot fails to provide a timely and complete response the CDE may rule on the appeal without considering information from Green Dot. 5 CCR 4633(a).

Reconsideration of an Appeal

Within 30 days of the date of the CDE’s appeal Decision, either party may request reconsideration. 5 CCR 4635(a).

On reconsideration, the CDE will not consider new information unless it was unknown during the appeal and could not have become known with due diligence. 5 CCR 4635(b).

Civil Law Remedies

Complainants may pursue available civil law remedies outside Green Dot’s UCP.  Complainants may seek assistance from mediation centers or public/private interest attorneys.  Civil law remedies that may be imposed by a court include, but are not limited to, injunctions and restraining orders.

For complaints alleging discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and bullying based on state law, a complainant shall wait until 60 calendar days have elapsed from the filing of an appeal with the CDE before pursuing civil law remedies, provided that Green Dot has appropriately and in a timely manner apprised the complainant of his or her right to file a complaint.  The moratorium does not apply to injunctive relief and is applicable only if Green Dot has appropriately, and in a timely manner, apprised the complainant of their right to file a complaint in accordance with 5 CCR 4622.

Rev. 11/2020

Student Privacy

C 17.0 Photo Release and Consent Agreement

Permission is granted by the student and the student’s parent or legal guardian for the following terms of release and consent:

1. Permission for Green Dot to use the below-identified materials in connection with the publication and distribution of materials, in various media, relating to Green Dot and its activities, operations or accomplishments.

1. Video or film materials incorporating student’s name, image, likeness, voice and/or spoken or written words.
2. Photographic materials incorporating a student’s name and/or image.
3. Printed materials incorporating student’s name, likeness and/or image.
4. Telephonic or other recorded, electronic or digital materials incorporating student’s name, voice and/or spoken or written words.
5. Web-based or other electronic or digital materials incorporating student’s name, image, likeness, voice and/or spoken or written words.

1. Green Dot and any of its subsidiaries, affiliates, representatives or agents shall have the right to reproduce, publish, broadcast or otherwise use, throughout the world, in any medium (including, without limitation, print, radio, television, web or other online or electronic media), student materials, or any portion or derivation thereof, in connection with the discussion or promotion of Green Dot or any aspect of Green Dot.  Such right shall include the right to reproduce the student materials, in whole or in part, and the right to create derivative works based upon the student materials.  All materials prepared by Green Dot that incorporate, consist of, or include student’s name, image, likeness, voice, words or any portion of student materials, including, but not limited to any copyrights or other intellectual property rights shall belong to Green Dot, and Green Dot shall be the author for all purposes.
2. Green Dot agrees to use student materials in a reasonable manner to fairly and truthfully represent the student.
3. Student and parent or legal guardian acknowledge and agree that they are able to give this release and consent, that they give this release and consent voluntarily and without obligation or compensation.  Student and parent or legal guardian further acknowledge and agree that they are not a member of SAG or other such professional organization.
4. Student and parent or legal guardian acknowledge and agree that Green Dot has complete creative control over its use of student’s name, image, likeness, voice, words or student materials, and student waives any right of inspection or approval of any use of the student’s name, image, voice, words or any of the student materials and any liability of Green Dot or its subsidiaries, affiliates, agents or representatives for such use including, without limitation, any typographical or printer errors, alterations, optical illusions or distortions, faulty mechanical or other reproduction arising out of the exercise of any of the rights granted in this Agreement. 

Students should be aware that online behavior on personal social media accounts may be subject to disciplinary action if it violates the school’s code of conduct or negatively impacts the school community. While we respect students’ right to free speech, we have a shared responsibility to maintain bully-free learning environments for all students and members of our community.  

Rev. 06/2024

C 18.0 Directory Information

Fees, Textbooks, Student Payments, Work Permits

C 19.0 Student Fees

Green Dot shall ensure that books, materials, equipment, computer equipment, supplies, and other resources necessary for students’ participation in Green Dot’s educational program are made available to them at no cost.

No student shall be required to pay a fee, deposit, or other charge for his or her participation in an educational activity which constitutes an integral fundamental part of Green Dot’s educational program.  This general prohibition against student fees, unless authorized by law, shall not restrict Green Dot from soliciting for voluntary donations, participating in fundraising activities, and providing prizes or other recognition for participants in such activities and events.  However, Green Dot shall not offer or award to a student any course credit or privileges related to educational activities in exchange for voluntary donations or participation in fundraising activities by or on behalf of the student and shall not remove, or threaten to remove, from a student any course credit or privileges related to educational activities, or otherwise discriminate against the student, due to a lack of voluntary donations or participation in fundraising activities by or on behalf of the student.

Legally Authorized Fees and Prompt Payment

Students often accrue legally authorized fees during the year in various ways (e.g., lost textbooks, damaged computer equipment, damage to school property, athletic equipment and uniforms, outstanding lunch balances).  An itemized record of such fees is kept by the school  and responsibility to pay such fees is placed solely on the student’s parent/guardian, unless the student is no longer under the legal control of their parent/guardian at the time the fee is incurred.

Parents/guardians are expected to pay promptly any accrued fees by their child, without constant reminders.  Green Dot shall provide the parent/guardian with an itemized invoice for any amount owed that includes a reference to this Student Fees policy and the rights established by California Education Code Sections 49014 and 49557.5.  Upon receiving payment for any invoice for student fees, Green Dot shall provide a receipt to the parent/guardian.  All services, goods, and bills paid by check are subject to a returned check fee.

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.  Please see Health and Safety Policy D. 15.0 (Wellness Policy) for more information.

A student’s grades, diploma, and transcripts may be withheld, after affording the student his or her due process rights when a school’s real or personal property has been willfully cut, defaced, or otherwise injured or damaged, or whose property is loaned to a pupil and willfully not returned, until the pupil or the pupil’s parent or guardian has paid for such damages.  Additionally, notwithstanding Section 1714.1 of the Civil Code, the parent or guardian of a minor pupil who willfully cuts, defaces, or otherwise injures or damages in any way any real or personal property of the School, or personal property of any School employee, shall be liable for all damages caused by the minor child.  The liability of the parent or guardian may not exceed $10,000 (ten thousand dollars).  The parent/guardian shall also be liable for all property belonging to the School that is loaned to a minor student and not returned upon proper request.

Rev. 06/2022

C 20.0 Textbooks and Instructional Manuals

Students and their parents/guardians assume full responsibility for the security and maintenance of the textbook, instructional materials, , and technology devices issued to them by Green Dot.  . Should a textbook, instructional material, or a technology device be lost, stolen, damaged, or defaced after issuance to a student, that student maybe required to pay a replacement fee before a new textbook, or instructional material, or technology device is  issued or to pay such fee by the end of the academic year, or may be subject to a more restrictive check-out procedure.  Students are required to keep textbooks, instructional materials, and technology devices covered or protected (when feasible) and in good condition. Students may not willfully write in, deface or otherwise damage their textbooks, instructional materials, or technology devices.  Pursuant to the language above, parents/guardians may be liable for up to $10,000 (ten thousand dollars) for their students’ willful damage to textbooks, instructional materials or technology devices.

Before a student is authorized to check out and use a Green Dot-issued technological device for use at home, the student and their parent/guardian shall sign and return the Technology Device Check-Out & Home-Use Permission Form.

Students may lose the privilege of participating in school activities due to lost or damaged textbooks or instructional materials, or technology devices.  These activities include, but are not limited to: dances, field trips, prom, and senior activities.

All instructional materials, including, but not limited to, teacher’s manuals, films, tapes, or other supplementary material that may be used in connection with any survey, analysis, or evaluation as part of any applicable (instructional) program shall be available for inspection by the parents or guardians of students.

Rev. 06/2022

C 21.0 Lunch Applications

Free and reduced price lunch income eligibility forms will be sent to families electronically using the parent/guardian email address and/or phone number on file. They must be completed by the due date. 

 Rev. 06/2024

C 22.0 Work Permits

Policy:  Work Permits

Green Dot recognizes that part-time employment can provide students with income as well as job experience that can help them develop appropriate workplace skills and attitudes.

Upon obtaining an offer of employment and prior to accepting employment, minor students shall obtain work permits from the Principal or designated school administrator in accordance with law, regardless of whether the employment will occur when school is in session and/or not in session.  The request for a work permit shall be submitted to the Principal or designated school administrator on a form approved by the CDE.

A student is not required to obtain a work permit if they are:

• self-employed;
• working at odd jobs (e.g., yard work and babysitting in private homes where they are not regularly employed);
• employed by their parent/guardian in domestic labor on, or in connection with, premises the parent/guardian owns, operates, or controls; or
• otherwise exempted by law.

A Principal or designated school administrator is authorized to issue a work permit to a minor Green Dot student.  The Principal or designated school administrator has discretion to determine whether to issue the work permit.  However, the Principal or designated school administrator shall not deny a work-permit if all three of the following apply:

• the minor student’s school is physically closed for an extended period of time because of a natural disaster, pandemic, or other emergency;
• the minor student’s work-permit application is complete and has been successfully submitted electronically; and
• the minor student, accompanied by the minor’s parent/guardian, has attended a video conference with the Principal or designated school administrator issuing the work permit.

In determining whether to grant or continue a work permit, the Principal or designated school administrator will consider whether employment is likely to significantly interfere with the student’s schoolwork.  Students granted work permits must demonstrate and maintain a 2.0 GPA and satisfactory school attendance.  However, a work permit shall not be denied based on a student’s grades, GPA, or school attendance when the student’s school has been physically closed for an extended time due to a natural disaster, pandemic, or other emergency.  Further, if the student is applying for the work permit in order to participate in a government-administered employment and training program that will occur during the regular summer recess or vacation of the school that the student attends, Green Dot and the Principal are prohibited from denying the work permit on the basis of the student’s grades, grade point average, or school attendance.

Students may be issued more than one work permit if they work concurrently for more than one employer, provided that the total number of hours worked does not exceed the total number of hours allowed by the law.

Work permits issued during the school year shall expire five days after the opening of the next succeeding school year. Before the work permit expires, a student may apply for a renewed work permit in accordance with the procedures above.

The Principal or designated school administrator shall revoke a student’s work permit whenever they determine that employment is interfering with the student’s education, that any provision or condition of the permit is being violated, or that the student is performing work in violation of law.

Rev. 06/2023

Extra-Curricular Involvement

C 23.0 Athletic Eligibility

Green Dot maintains membership in the California Interscholastic Federation (“CIF”) and requires that interscholastic athletic activities be conducted in accordance with CIF’s bylaws and rules.  A copy of the local CIF league rules may be found at www.cifstate.org.  In addition, CIF’s minimum standards, to maintain athletic eligibility, Green Dot students must:

• earn a minimum 2.5 GPA in the previous grading period (students who fall between a 2.0 GPA and a 2.5 GPA in the previous grading period maintain athletic eligibility but are placed on probation for the following grading period);
• not receive a grade of “F” in any subject;
• adhere to all Green Dot safety rules, policies, and instructions, as well as satisfactory sportsmanship and citizenship in the regular school environment;
• adhere to all current CIF rules and regulations;
• pass a physical examination given and certified by a medical doctor;
• carry sufficient insurance for injuries to participants arising while engaged in or preparing for interscholastic athletics sponsored by Green Dot;
• sign and return an acknowledgement of receipt and review of the Sudden Cardiac Arrest symptoms information sheet posted on the CDE’s website; and
• sign and return an Acknowledgement of Opioid Factsheet for Patients.

All student transfers, including intra-Ánimo transfers (i.e., transfer between Green Dot schools), must follow CIF’s transfer regulations that may include one year of non-participation for any student who transfers after the ninth grade year without a change of address.

Foster youth whose residence changes pursuant to a court order or decision of a child welfare worker and homeless youth shall be immediately deemed to meet all residency requirements for participation in interscholastic sports or other extracurricular activities.

Rev. 06/2022

C 24.0 Social Organizations

Green Dot believes that encouraging students to organize according to a wide variety of interests is part of accomplishing its mission statement. No student organization shall be denied based solely on its topic or subject. However, no student organization shall be formed that, through its bylaws or practices, excludes or harms any member of the student body on the basis of the characteristics listed in Education Code Section 220  (actual or perceived disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, nationality, race or ethnicity, religion, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, immigration status, or any other characteristic that is contained in the definition of hate crimes set forth in Section 422.55 of the Penal Code or association with an individual who has any of the aforementioned characteristics) and Education Code Section 221.5, or that in philosophy or practice does not comply with the mission, expectations, and rules of Green Dot or the school.

Rev. 06/2018

C 25.0 Student Expression and Media

All students are entitled to enjoy the rights protected by the Federal and State constitution and laws for persons of their age and maturity in a school setting.  Students should exercise these rights reasonably and avoid disrupting school activities or violating the rights of others. For example, protected freedom of expression does not include acts or threats of violence, harassment or hate speech. Students who violate the rights of others or violate school policies or rules may be subject to disciplinary measures, as the circumstances warrant.

Freedom of expression shall include the right to present a point of view; the right to dissent; and the right to silence and privacy.  Student freedom of expression shall be limited only as allowed by law in order to maintain an orderly school environment and to protect the rights, health, and safety of all members of the school community.

Student Opinion

Green Dot Public Schools welcomes the view of student on matters relative to curriculum, class schedules, extra-curricular activities, and all other matters pertaining to the school community.  Students are encouraged to express their view first to appropriate faculty or staff and then to school administration.

Student Media Organizations

Green Dot Public Schools commits to freedom of expression for student forums.  The school newspapers, yearbook and literary magazines are encouraged to operate in a positive climate in which students demonstrate a high level of responsibility and enjoy the trust and respect of their community.  The instruction and training which students receive under the guidance of professional sponsors are expected to ensure that issues of student interest, including topics about which there may be controversy or dissent, be handled with regard for sensitivity and professional ethics.  Furthermore, the additional education which student writers, editors, and broadcasters gain through experience of making decisions about the content of student publications is expected to allow students to practice their training commensurate with accepted professional standards.

Pursuant to state law, students shall have the right to exercise freedom of speech and of the press including, but not limited to, the use of bulletin boards, the distribution of printed materials or petitions, the wearing of buttons, badges, and other insignia, and the right of expression in official publications, whether or not the publications or other means of expression are supported financially by the school or by use of school facilities, except that expression shall be prohibited which is obscene, libelous, or slanderous. Also prohibited shall be material that so incites pupils as to create a clear and present danger of the commission of unlawful acts on school premises or the violation of lawful school regulations, or the substantial disruption of the orderly operation of the school.

Student editors of official school publications shall be responsible for assigning and editing the news, editorial, and feature content of their publications subject to the limitations of this section. However, it shall be the responsibility of a journalism adviser(s) of student publications to supervise the production of the student staff, to maintain professional standards of English and journalism, and to maintain the provisions of this section.  Leaflets, pictorial, and other printed matter to be distributed shall be submitted to the Green Dot principal or designee at least one (1) school day prior to distribution. Distribution, free or for a fee, may take place any time except during instructional time and providing there is no substantial disruption in the school programs (as determined by the Green Dot principal.) The manner of distribution shall be such that coercion is not used to induce students to accept the printed matter or to sign petitions.  The solicitation of signatures must not take place in instructional classes or school offices, nor be substantially disruptive to the school program (as determined by the Green Dot principal.)

There shall be no prior restraint of material prepared for official school publications except insofar as it violates this section. School officials shall have the burden of showing justification without undue delay prior to a limitation of pupil expression under this section.

Bulletin Boards

At least one bulletin board shall be provided in the school for use by approved student organizations.  Bulletin boards designated for students may be used to for school activities or matters of interest to students.  All posted materials must conform to the general limitation stated in this policy and to the following requirements.

1. All student-posted notices or communications shall be subject to reasonable size limitations, shall be dated, and must be removed after the posting expiration date to assure full access to bulletin boards for all students.
2. All materials are to be stamped with the inclusive dates of posting.
3. If student materials violate the general limitations stated in this policy, they may be removed from bulletin boards and disciplinary action may be taken.

Circulation of Petitions

Subject to the procedures and general limitations stated in this policy, students may collect signatures or petitions concerning either school or non-school matters or issues.  Students must seek approval from the Administration in advance of the proposed activity to determine time, place, and manner of conducting the activity. The Administration will respond to a petition request within a reasonable time under the circumstances and approve unless there is a substantial likelihood or past history of disruption.

1. The school administration may designate certain times for the conduct of activities under this provision, such as before school begins, after dismissal or during lunch periods, to prevent interference with school programming.
2. The school administration may designate certain places for the conduct of such activities to assure the normal flow of traffic within the school or on the school premises.
3. The school administration may determine the manner of conducting such activities to prevent undue level of noise, or to prevent the use of coercion or unreasonable interference with any individual or group of individuals.

Buttons, Badges, and Other Insignia of Symbolic Expression

Students shall be permitted to wear buttons, badges, armbands, and other insignia as a form of expression, subject to the prohibitions enumerated in this policy.

Organized Demonstrations

Students have the right to lawful organized on-campus demonstrations, subject to the provisions of this policy and applicable law.  Demonstrations that incite pupils to create a clear and present danger of the commission of unlawful acts on school premises or the violation of lawful school regulations, or demonstrations that substantially disrupt of the orderly operation of the school are prohibited.

No organized demonstrations by school groups may take place during school hours off the school campus unless sanctioned by school authorities and supervised by a designated school authority. No individual student may demonstrate in the name of the school or as an official school group at any time unless authorized by the school to participate in the activity.

This policy does not prohibit or prevent the Green Dot Governing Board from adopting otherwise valid rules and regulations relating to oral communications by pupils upon the premises of each MPS school.

No Green Dot employee shall be dismissed, suspended, disciplined, reassigned, transferred, or otherwise retaliated against solely for acting to protect a pupil engaged in the conduct authorized under this policy, or refusing to infringe upon conduct that is authorized under this policy, the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, or Section 2 of Article I of the California Constitution.

Rev. 06/2017

(injected humour and the like).

Outside Organizations

C 26.0 Advertising, Selling, and Soliciting at Schools

Green Dot Public Schools has adopted the following policy limiting advertising, selling, and soliciting for any cause, charity or benefit not sponsored by a Green Dot group or organization.

1. Students may not sell tickets or any items, including but not limited to food items, or solicit contributions in school unless the sale or solicitation is through a Green Dot-approved fundraiser.
2. The distribution of commercial handbills, cards, or other handouts in or around the school building is prohibited.
3. The school’s name is not to be used in any testimonial or advertisement in support of a commercial product or enterprise.
4. Broadcasting by a commercial firm of any sports event or recording for later broadcast of any musical event must be approved by the Principal.

Groups, companies, individuals and/or staff and associations interested in the solicitation and recruitment of Green Dot students for trips, tours, ski and camping expeditions, and other similar activities shall not solicit and recruit such students at any time on school premises.  Compliance with this prohibition makes it necessary to prohibit the practices hereinafter enumerated:

• The written or oral identification of the activity as being a “Green Dot trip,” including the identification of employees with such activity
• The publication of news articles or the publication of paid advertisements describing the activity in student newspapers
• The solicitation of students or the promotion of the activity during school hours and on school premises
• The promotion of the activity or the solicitation of students for such activities at any time on the school grounds
• The promotion of the activity or the solicitation of students by using school mailing lists or school records

Rev. 06/2023

C 27.0 Gifts, Donations, Grants, Bequests

Policy:  Gifts, Donations, Grants, and Bequests

Green Dot and its schools may accept any gift, donation, grant, or bequest of money, property, or service from any individual, private agency or organization, or other public agency that desires to support Green Dot. While greatly appreciating suitable donations, Green Dot shall reject any gift that may directly or indirectly impair its authority to make decisions in the best interest of students or its ability or commitment to provide equitable educational opportunities.

Before accepting any gift, donation, grant, or bequest, Green Dot administration shall carefully consider any conditions or restrictions imposed by the donor to ensure their consistency with the Green Dot’s vision, philosophy, mission, and operations. If Green Dot believes it will be unable to fully satisfy the donor’s conditions, the gift shall not be accepted.

Any gift of books and instructional materials shall be accepted only if they meet regular Green Dot criteria for selection of instructional materials.

All gifts, donations, grants, and bequests, including those directed toward a particular classroom or subject of instruction, shall become Green Dot property. Donors are encouraged to donate all gifts to Green Dot rather than to a particular school. At the Chief Academic Officer or designee’s discretion, a gift may be used at a particular school.

All gifts, donations, grants, and bequests made to particular employees, by virtue of their position and employment with Green Dot, shall become Green Dot property.

Rev. 06/2023

C 28.0 Research Requests

Green Dot recognizes the value of academic research to improve educational programs and practices that are aligned with Green Dot’s mission and is likely to benefit Green Dot without disrupting the school program.  The Chief Academic Officer or designee must give prior authorization for research projects within Green Dot or at any Green Dot schools.  Researchers shall respect the privacy rights of students, including their right to refrain from participation in research projects in accordance with law and Green Dot policy.  The Chief Academic Officer or designee shall ensure that parents/guardians receive prior notification of any surveys or evaluations that collect personal student information and that consent is obtained in accordance with law.

Persons or groups wishing to use Green Dot staff, students, or property in connection with an academic research project shall submit to the Chief Academic Officer or designee a written proposal which includes, but is not limited to:

1. name of researcher(s) and academic credentials;
2. purpose, scope, and duration of the project;
3. method of study or investigation to be used;
4. approval from the institution’s internal review board;
5. extent of participation expected of students and staff;
6. a certification that the researcher(s) will use not use the Green Dot name or brand in any publication of findings without prior approval from Green Dot;
7. use to which project results will be put; and
8. benefits to the school(s) or Green Dot.

The Chief Academic Officer or designee shall evaluate the proposal based upon, but is not bound solely by, the following factors:

1. shows potential for improving instructional programs and strategies;
2. addresses a relevant educational problem, concern or issue; and
3. is designed to minimize interruptions and demands upon the time of students and staff.

Should the Chief Academic Officer or designee grant permission for the research project, the researcher(s) shall adhere to the Green Dot Policies for volunteers, including, but not limited to, policies regarding Criminal Background Checks and Tuberculosis Testing, where applicable.

Rev. 06/2023

C. 29.0 Collecting and Retaining Student Information

The Principal or designee shall maintain in writing Green Dot’s policies and procedures for gathering and handling sensitive student information, and appropriate personnel shall receive training regarding those policies and procedures. If Green Dot possesses information that could indicate immigration status, citizenship status, or national origin information, the Green Dot shall not use the acquired information to discriminate against any students or families or bar children from enrolling in or attending school. If parents or guardians choose not to provide information that could indicate their or their children’s immigration status, citizenship status, or national origin information, Green Dot shall not use such actions as a basis to discriminate against any students or families or bar children from enrolling or attending school. Green Dot shall not allow school resources or data to be used to create a registry based on race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, or national origin.

Rev. 06/2023

C. 30.0 Inquiries Regarding Immigration Status, Citizenship Status, and National Origin Information

Green Dot personnel shall not inquire specifically about a student’s citizenship or immigration status or the citizenship or immigration status of a student’s parents or guardians; nor shall personnel seek or require, to the exclusion of other permissible documentation or information, documentation or information that may indicate a student’s immigration status, such as a green card, voter registration, a passport, or citizenship papers. Where any law contemplates submission of national origin related information to satisfy the requirements of a special program, Green Dot personnel shall solicit that documentation or information separately from the school enrollment process. Where permitted by law, the Principal or designee shall enumerate alternative means to establish residency, age, or other eligibility criteria for enrollment or programs, and those alternative means shall include among them documentation or information that are available to persons regardless of immigration status, citizenship status, or national origin, and that do not reveal information related to citizenship or immigration status. Where residency, age, and other eligibility criteria for purposes of enrollment or any program may be established by alternative documents or information permitted by law or this policy, Green Dot’s procedures and forms shall describe to the applicant, and accommodate, all alternatives specified in law and all alternatives authorized under this policy.

Rev. 06/2023

C. 31.0 Inquiries About Social Security Numbers or Cards

Green Dot shall not solicit or collect entire Social Security numbers or cards. Green Dot shall solicit and collect the last four digits of an adult household member’s Social Security number only if required to establish eligibility for federal benefit programs. When collecting the last four digits of an adult household member’s Social Security number to establish eligibility for a federal benefit program, Green Dot shall explain the limited purpose for which this information is collected, and clarify that a failure to provide this information will not bar the student from enrolling in or attending the school. Green Dot shall treat all students equitably in the receipt of all school services, including, but, not limited to, the gathering of student and family information for the free and reduced lunch program, transportation and educational instruction.

Rev. 06/2023

C. 32.0 Information Sharing

Green Dot shall avoid the disclosure of information that might indicate a student’s or family’s citizenship or immigration status if the disclosure is not authorized by FERPA.  Green Dot personnel shall take the following action steps upon receiving an information request related to a student’s or family’s immigration or citizenship status:

• Notify a designated Green Dot official about the information request.
• Provide students and families with appropriate notice and a description of the immigration officer’s request.
• Document any verbal or written request for information by immigration authorities.
• Unless prohibited, provide students and parents/guardians with any documents issued by the immigration-enforcement officer.

Except for investigations of child abuse, child neglect, or child dependency, or when the subpoena served on the local educational agency prohibits disclosure, Green Dot shall provide parental or guardian notification of any court orders, warrants, or subpoenas before responding to such requests.  Green Dot shall require written parental or guardian consent for release of student information, unless the information is relevant for a legitimate educational interest or includes directory information only.  Neither exception permits disclosing information to immigration authorities for immigration-enforcement purposes; no student information shall be disclosed to immigration authorities for immigration enforcement purposes without a court order or judicial subpoena.

Green Dot’s request for written or parental or guardian consent for release of student information must include the following information:

• the signature and date of the parent, guardian, or eligible student providing consent;
• a description of the records to be disclosed;
• the reason for release of information;
• the parties or class of parties receiving the information; and
• if requested by the parents, guardians or eligible student, a copy of the records to be released.

Green Dot shall permanently keep the consent notice with the record file. The parent, guardian, or eligible student is not required to sign the consent form. If the parent, guardian or eligible student refuses to provide written consent for the release of student information that this not otherwise subject to release, Green Dot shall not release the information.

Rev. 06/2023

C. 33.0 Annual Information Notice to Parents and Guardians

C. 34.0 Monitoring and Receiving Visitors onto Campus

No outsider—which would include immigration-enforcement officers—shall enter or remain on school grounds of Green Dot during school hours without having registered with the principal or designee. If there are no exigent circumstances necessitating immediate action, and if the immigration officer does not possess a judicial warrant or court order that provides a basis for the visit, the officer must provide the following information to the principal or designee:

• Name, address, occupation;
• Age, if less than 21;
• Purpose in entering school grounds;
• Proof of identity; and
• Any other information as required by law.

Green Dot shall adopt measures for responding to outsiders that avoids classroom interruptions, and preserves the peaceful conduct of the school’s activities, consistent with local circumstances and practices.  Green Dot shall post signs at the entrance of its school grounds to notify outsiders of the hours and requirements for registration.  Green Dot personnel shall report entry by immigration-enforcement officers to any on-site school police or other appropriate administrator as would be required for any unexpected or unscheduled outside visitor coming on campus.

Rev. 06/2023

C. 35.0 Responding to On-Campus Immigration Enforcement

As early as possible, Green Dot personnel shall notify the Chief Executive Officer of any request by an immigration-enforcement officer for school or student access, or any requests for review of school documents (including for the services of lawful subpoenas, petitions, complaints, warrants, etc.).  In addition to notifying the Chief Executive Officer, Green Dot personnel shall take the following action steps in response to an officer present on the school campus specifically for immigration-enforcement purposes:

1. Advise the officer that before proceeding with his or her request, and absent exigent circumstances, school personnel must first receive notification and direction from the Chief Executive Officer.
2. Ask to see, and make a copy of or note, the officer’s credentials (name and badge number). Also ask for and copy or note the phone number of the officer’s supervisor.
3. Ask the officer for their reason for being on school grounds and document it.
4. Ask the officer to produce any documentation that authorizes school access.
5. Make a copy of all documents provided by the officer. Retain one copy of the documents for school records.
6. If the officer declares that exigent circumstances exist and demands immediate access to the campus, Green Dot personnel should comply with the officer’s orders and immediately contact the Chief Executive Officer.
7. If the officer does not declare that exigent circumstances exist, respond according to the requirements of the officer’s documentation. If the immigration-enforcement officer has:
   • an ICE (Immigrations and Customs Enforcement) administrative warrant, Green Dot personnel shall inform the agent that he or she cannot consent to any request without first consulting with the Chief Executive Officer or Green Dot’s legal counsel.
   • a federal judicial warrant, prompt compliance with such a warrant is usually legally required. If feasible, consult with the Chief Executive Officer or Green Dot’s legal counsel before providing the agent access to the person or materials specified in the warrant.
   • a subpoena for production of documents or other evidence, immediate compliance is not required. Therefore, Green Dot personnel shall inform Green Dot’s legal counsel or other designated official of the subpoena, and await further instructions on how to proceed.
8. While Green Dot personnel should not consent to access by an immigration-enforcement officer, except as described above, they should not attempt to physically impede the officer, even if the officer appears to be exceeding the authorization given under a warrant or other document. If an officer enters the premises without consent, Green Dot personnel shall document his or her actions while on campus.
9. After the encounter with the officer, Green Dot personnel shall promptly take written notes of all interactions with the officer. The notes shall include the following items:
   • List or copy of the officer’s credentials and contact information;
   • Identity of all school personnel who communicated with the officer;
   • Details of the officer’s request;
   • Whether the officer presented a warrant or subpoena to accompany their request, what was requested in the warrant/subpoena, and whether the warrant/subpoena was signed by a judge;
   • Green Dot personnel’s response to the officer’s request;
   • Any further action taken by the agent; and
   • Photo or copy of any documents presented by the agent.
10. Green Dot personnel shall provide a copy of those notes, and associated documents collected from the officer, to the Chief Executive Officer or Green Dot’s legal counsel.
11. In turn, the Chief Executive Officer or Green Dot’s legal counsel shall submit a timely report to the Green Dot’s governing board regarding the officer’s requests and actions and the Green Dot’s response(s).
12. E-mail the Bureau of Children’s Justice in the California Department of Justice, at BCJ@doj.ca.gov, regarding any attempt by a law-enforcement officer to access a school site or a student for immigration-enforcement purposes.

Rev. 06/2023

C. 36.0 Parental Notification of Immigration-Enforcement Actions

Green Dot personnel must receive consent from the student’s parent or guardian before a student can be interviewed or searched by any officer seeking to enforce the civil immigration laws at the school, unless the officer presents a valid, effective warrant signed by a judge, or presents a valid, effective court order.  Green Dot personnel shall immediately notify the student’s parents or guardians if a law-enforcement officer requests or gains access to a student for immigration-enforcement purposes, unless such access was in compliance with a judicial warrant or subpoena that restricts the disclosure of the information to the parent or guardian.

Rev. 06/2023

C.37.0 Responding to the Detention or Deportation of a Student’s Family Member

Green Dot shall encourage that families and students have and know their emergency phone numbers and know where to find important documentation, including birth certificates, passports, Social Security cards, doctors’ contact information, medication lists, lists of allergies, etc., which will allow them to be prepared in the event that a family member is detained or deported.  Green Dot shall permit students and families to update students’ emergency contact information as needed throughout the school year, and provide alternative contacts if no parent or guardian is available.

• Green Dot shall ensure that families may include the information of an identified trusted adult guardian as a secondary emergency contact in case a student’s parent or guardian is detained.
• Green Dot shall communicate to families that information provided within the emergency cards will only be used in response to specified emergency situations, and not for any other purpose.

In the event a student’s parent/guardian has been detained or deported by federal immigration authorities, Green Dot shall use the student’s emergency card contact information and release the student to the person(s) designated as emergency contacts. Alternatively, Green Dot shall release the student into the custody of any individual who presents a Caregiver’s Authorization Affidavit on behalf of the student.  Green Dot shall only contact Child Protective Services if Green Dot personnel are unsuccessful in arranging for the timely care of the child through the emergency contact information that the school has, a Caregiver’s Authorization Affidavit, or other information or instructions conveyed by the parent or guardian.

Rev. 06/2023

C. 38.0 Responding to Hate Crimes and Bullying

Green Dot shall adopt and publicize policies that prohibit discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and bullying on the basis of a student’s actual or perceived nationality, ethnicity, or immigration status. Those policies must be translated in the student’s primary language if at least 15 percent of the students enrolled in the school speak a single primary language other than English.  Green Dot shall notify parents and guardians of their children’s right to a free public education, regardless of immigration status or religious beliefs.

• This information shall include information related to the “Know Your Rights” immigration enforcement established by the Attorney General.
• Green Dot shall inform students who are victims of hate crimes of their right to report such crimes. Processing Complaints of Harassment and Bullying

Green Dot shall adopt a process for receiving complaints of and investigating complaints of discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and bullying based on any of the following actual or perceived characteristics:  The complaint process must include, but is not limited to, the following steps:

• A requirement that, if school personnel witness an act of discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or bullying, they shall take immediate steps to intervene when safe to do so;
• A timeline to investigate and resolve complaints of discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or bullying that shall be followed by all schools under the jurisdiction of the local educational agency; and
• An appeal process afforded to the complainant should he or she disagree with the resolution of a complaint.
• Green Dot shall ensure that complaint procedures contain confidentiality safeguards for immigration status information.
• Green Dot shall prohibit retaliation against a person who submits a complaint of discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or bullying.

Training Students, Teachers, and Staff on Anti-Bullying and Anti-Harassment Policy

Green Dot shall educate students about the negative impact of bullying other students based on their actual or perceived immigration status or their religious beliefs or customs.  Green Dot shall also train teachers, staff, and personnel to ensure that they are aware of their legal duty to take reasonable steps to eliminate a hostile environment and respond to any incidents of harassment based on the actual or perceived characteristics noted above.  Such training should, at minimum, provide agency personnel with the skills to do the following:

• Discuss the varying immigration experiences among members of the student body and school community;
• Discuss bullying-prevention strategies with students, and teach students to recognize the behavior and characteristics of bullying perpetrators and victims;
• Identify the signs of bullying or harassing behavior;
• Take immediate corrective action when bullying is observed; and
• Report incidents to the appropriate authorities, including law enforcement in instances of criminal behavior.

Rev. 06/2023

C. 39.0 Transgender and Gender-Nonconforming Student Rights

To ensure that transgender and gender-nonconforming students are afforded the same rights, benefits, and protections provided to all students, the school shall address each situation on a case-by-case basis, in accordance with the following guidelines:

• Right to privacy: A student’s transgender or gender-nonconforming status is the student’s private information and the school shall only disclose the information to others with the student’s prior written consent, except when the disclosure is otherwise required by law or when the school has compelling evidence that disclosure is necessary to preserve the student’s physical or mental well-being.
• Gender Identity: The school shall accept the student’s assertion of gender identity and begin to treat the student consistent with that gender identity unless school personnel present a credible and supportable basis for believing that the student’s assertion is for an improper purpose.
• Addressing a Student’s Transition Needs: Upon request or consent by a student, the Principal or designee shall arrange a meeting with the student and, if appropriate, the student’s parents/guardians to identify and develop strategies for ensuring that the student’s access to educational programs and activities is maintained. The meeting shall discuss the transgender or gender-nonconforming student’s rights and how those rights may affect and be affected by the rights of other students and shall address specific subjects related to the student’s access to facilities and to academic or educational support programs, services, or activities, including, but not limited to, sports and other competitive endeavors. In addition, the Principal or designee shall identify specific school site employee(s) to whom the student may report any problem related to the student’s status as a transgender or gender-nonconforming individual, so that prompt action can be taken to address it. Alternatively, if appropriate and desired by the student, the school may form a support team for the student that will meet periodically to assess whether the arrangements for the student are meeting the student’s educational needs and providing equal access to programs and activities, educate appropriate staff about the student’s transition, and serve as a resource to the student to better protect the student from gender-based discrimination.
• Names and Pronouns: As noted in Section A.9, Changes to Legal Name or Gender in Mandatory Student Records, at the written request of a student, school personnel shall address the student by a name and the pronoun(s) consistent with the student’s gender identity, without the necessity of a court order or a change to the student’s official records. However, inadvertent slips or honest mistakes by personnel in the use of the student’s name and/or consistent pronouns will, in general, not constitute a violation of this policy.
• Uniforms/Dress Code: A student has the right to dress in a manner consistent with the student’s gender identity, subject to any dress code adopted on a school site.
• Accessibility to Sex-Segregated Facilities, Programs, and Activities:

Consistent with its Nondiscrimination Policy and California Education Code Section 221.5, when Green Dot maintains sex-segregated facilities (e.g., restrooms, locker rooms), or offers sex-segregated programs and activities (e.g., physical education classes, athletics), students shall be permitted to access facilities and participate in programs and activities consistent with their gender identity.  To address any student’s privacy, safety, or stigmatizing concerns in using sex-segregated facilities, upon the student’s request, Green Dot shall offer available options such as a gender-neutral or single-use restroom or changing area, a bathroom stall with a door, an area in the facility separated by a privacy partition or curtain, or use of the facility before or after the other students. Green Dot shall not require a student to utilize these options because the student is transgender or nonbinary, as the student can determine in which facilities they feel safest and most comfortable.  In addition, a student shall be permitted to participate in accordance with the student’s gender identity in other circumstances where students are separated by gender, such as for class discussions, yearbook pictures, and field trips.  A student’s right to participate in a sex-segregated activity in accordance with the student’s gender identity shall not render invalid or inapplicable any other eligibility rule established for participation in the activity.

Rev. 06/2021