1.0 Policy:  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
Parents and/or guardians are required to provide a satisfactory explanation for their child’s absence within 10 school days.  When the student returns to school, they should bring a written note from their parent/guardian. Any student who is absest 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 as unexcused or truant.  In addition, a doctor’s note is required for absences due illness lasting 5 or more consecutive days. 

In summary:

• Time Frame: Absences must be cleared within 10 school days.
• Accepted Forms of Explanation: Written notes from parents/guardians, doctor’s notes
• Consequences of Non-Compliance: Absences not cleared within the specified time frame will be classified as unexcused or truancy.
• Documentation for Illness: A doctor’s note is required for absences due to illness lasting 5 or more consecutive days.

The school will notify parents/ guardians of any opportunities to recoup absences through attendance recovery programs in alignment with state law, including Assembly Bill 176 (2024).

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:

Process for Addressing Excessive Tardies:

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. 06/2025

2.0 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 : (1) they adhere to the school’s attendance notification procedures, and (2) the accommodation does not place an undue burden on the school. Additionally, a student may be entitled to 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

Green Dot has a progressive student discipline plan in place at each of its schools.  This plan is published at the beginning of each school year in this Student Policy Manual, which is prepared to be consistent with applicable law, this charter petition and any policies and procedures as stated therein.The discipline policy of Charter School will be reviewed with students and parents, by the Principal or designee, upon admission to Charter School and the signing of the Student Policy Manual.  .  The plan outlines day-to-day discipline including, but not limited to, warnings, restorative practices, parent-teacher communication, student conduct agreements, counseling referrals, written assignment or reflections, restorative resets, Saturday schools, campus community service, and student conduct agreements, as well as guidelines for suspension and expulsion.  Parents and students who do not sign this Student Policy Manual are not relieved of any obligation to adhere to the Discipline Plan.  Students shall not be suspended or expelled for academic failure.  Students shall only be suspended or expelled as established below.

Language translation and other necessary accommodations will be provided for students and parents as needed during any discipline conference, including the Discipline Review Board and Discipline Review Panel.

See Policy G. 5.0 for the school’s consequence matrix.

Green Dot’s student discipline policy defines student responsibilities and expected behavior.  The discipline policy promotes learning, protects the safety and well-being of all students, staff, and visitors at the school and serves the best interests of the school’s students and their parents/guardians.  These procedures are prepared to provide due process to all students.  Staff shall enforce disciplinary rules and procedures fairly and consistently among all students.    

This discipline plan follows the District’s Discipline Foundation Policy.  Each school implements school-wide behavior supports and alternatives to out-of-school suspension. Each school follows the research-based Structures for Success, Teaching Expectations, Observing and Monitoring student behavior, Interacting Positively and Correcting Fluently (“STOIC”) classroom management model as the foundation for addressing student behavior. This comprehensive model focuses on providing students with clear expectations, actively supervising student behavior and correcting misbehavior promptly and with positive interactions. The STOIC model creates transparent expectations for students and staff and is the framework for Charter School’s positive behavior and intervention systems.  Examples include: incentive programs, mediation, restorative practices, in-school suspension, parent-student shadow days, written student reflections and campus community service.   

The Multi-tiered System of Support (MTSS) model outlines academic, behavioral and social-emotional supports for all students at different tiers. All students receive behavioral support at the Universal Level through a school-wide Positive Behavior Support System representing universal practices.  At the Additional Level, more intensive support may be provided with mentoring programs, behavior support groups, and other interventions both in the classroom or outside the classroom for students not responding to Universal supports.  If a student continues to struggle, the MTSS team will determine if there are specific individual interventions (Intensified) necessary to address the student’s needs or if a referral to the Student Success Team is required. A Student Success Team referral may take place based on the need for individualized behavioral interventions, but would also include a comprehensive review of the student’s needs academically as well as social-emotionally.  

If, through the MTSS process, the Student Success Team suspects a disability, an assessment plan is created in order to complete a comprehensive psychoeducational evaluation.  For students with an IEP who are having behavioral challenges and who are in need of additional behavioral supports and interventions which are not currently in the IEP, Charter School would convene an IEP team meeting in order to add or revise a behavior support plan or consider other behavioral supports or whether or not a functional behavior assessment is warranted.  The IEP team may also consider a re-evaluation of the student in order to determine a possible change in eligibility or to gather additional information to plan other changes to the student’s plan. 

Each school will regularly monitor discipline data to identify trends and further opportunities to support students’ social-emotional and behavioral needs. Administrators will work with grade-level teams to analyze data and provide individual interventions for students as needed, partnering with parents and counselors.

School Jurisdiction                                          

All students are held accountable to all school rules and policies while under the school’s jurisdiction, including this Discipline Policy.  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.   

Progression of Disciplinary Procedures

A restorative approach will be applied whenever possible to build connection with the school community. Restorative practices may include, but are not limited to, community circles, mediation, restorative dialogue and conferences. School Behavior data is monitored through PowerSchool, Green Dot’s student information system. PowerSchool provides teachers and administrators the ability to log positive behavior, interventions, and consequences as needed. Additionally, Green Dot’s internal data system includes customized reports that school sites use to monitor progress over time.

Classroom Behavior Expectations and Management 

Teachers are responsible for the day-to-day discipline in their classrooms with the understanding that teachers have many different roles beyond just disciplinarians.  Teachers work together with their students to meet their individual needs to find a common ground in the classroom, to ensure that learning can take place. Teachers are provided professional development on classroom management during summer professional development, and throughout the school year during weekly professional development. Professional development includes data analysis, review of school policies, alignment of grade level teams on student expectations and de-escalation strategies.  Disciplinary options available to the teachers include: warnings, restorative practices, parent-teacher communication, student conduct agreements, counseling referrals, written assignment or reflections, and discipline referral to the Principal. 

As a general rule, any teacher may assign an intervention to a student for minor classroom misconduct.  Minor inappropriate conflicts with others may be identified at the teacher’s discretion and include engaging in a verbal argument, inappropriate or disruptive banter or distracting others from the learning environment after multiple redirections of the behavior.  Parents will be notified of an intervention directly from the teacher assigning the consequence or a school administrator as needed. When a student has not responded to appropriate in-class interventions or there is a serious violation of the rules, he/she will be referred to the Principal or designee.  A serious violation includes any violation listed under the “Grounds for Suspension and Expulsion” section included below.

Restorative Practices

Restorative practices may be leveraged to respond to behaviors as needed.  Restorative dialogue, restorative circles and appropriate steps to repair harm in the school community will be used to support students in meeting behavior expectations.  Parents/guardians will be notified of the restorative steps taken so that they may reinforce behavioral expectations with their student. Green Dot will use a progressive discipline system as defined in this Student Policy Manual to intervene in student behavior. 

Restorative Reset

A restorative reset is  an opportunity for a student to receive direct support from a counselor or administrator providing 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 maintain established policies and standards of behavior, promote learning, and protect the safety and well-being of all students.

The school will monitor behavioral data to ensure a data-driven approach to supporting student interventions and alternatives to suspension. When applicable, restorative practices will be implemented as alternatives to suspension.

Any campus community service issued pursuant to this may take place before, after or during the school day. Any campus community service issued during the school day shall not prohibit a student’s time for lunch or remove that student from instructional time.

In-School Suspension

Following progressive discipline and/or after a serious violation, in-school suspension may be issued.  An in-school suspension shall be preceded by a conference conducted by the Principal or designee with the student and that student’s parent/guardian/ and, whenever practical, the teacher, supervisor, or school employee who referred the student to the Principal or designee. 

If a student is issued an in-school suspension without this conference, both the parent/guardian and student shall be notified by the Principal or designee  of the incident that occurred and the steps taken to conduct a fair and thorough investigation by the Principal or designee  and of the student’s right to an in person conference.  Parents are notified via phone, written in-school suspension notice and in person if possible.

Certain student offenses may raise concerns as to whether safety can be maintained for students, staff and visitors if an in-school suspension is issued.  Such offenses include the following:

1. Caused, attempted to cause, threatened to cause, or participated in an act of hate violence;
2. Engaged in harassment, threats, or intimidation against a pupil or group of pupils or school district personnel;
3. Made terrorist threats against school officials or school property, or both. 

Determinations of any such safety concerns depend on the specific circumstances, and will be made by the Principal or Assistant Principal on  a case by case basis. 

A student serving an in-school suspension reports to school at the regular time in compliance with the school uniform policy, which is described in this Student Policy Manual. Any student in need of a uniform may request assistance from the main office. Uniforms will be provided free of charge upon request. Each teacher will give the student assignments that he/she must complete under the direct supervision of the Principal or designee, and are afforded the opportunity to complete work upon returning to school should it be unavailable at the time of, or during, the suspension. Teachers may conference with the student during their planning period to provide direct instructional support as needed. In addition to instructional support, students will be provided with counseling services as deemed appropriate. Social-emotional learning curriculum may be used to allow for individual reflection and to prepare the student to reintegrate into the school community. The student will not attend any classes or school-scheduled breaks (e.g., nutrition/recess, lunch). The student will eat lunch in the assigned room.  The assigned room may be a classroom, counseling center or other office space, as deemed appropriate by the school, and will be supervised at all times by an appropriately credentialed staff member. 

Out-of-School 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 to encourage 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.,

Whether suspension occurs in or out of school, the maximum number of consecutive days a student may be suspended is five (5) days, unless the suspension is extended pending an expulsion hearing with Green Dot’s Discipline Review Panel (“DRP”), a committee designated by the Board. Students shall not be suspended for more than a total of twenty (20) school days in a school year, unless a suspension has been extended pending an expulsion hearing. 

If the student has an IEP or 504 Plan and the suspension, whether in or out of school,  would result in the student having been suspended for more than ten (10) days cumulatively, the school must hold  a manifestation determination IEP.  

Grounds for Suspension and Expulsion

In advance of a student discipline determination, including a decision to suspend a student, Green Dot will conduct a thorough investigation collecting evidence, including statements from possible witnesses, to ensure that all relevant information is considered before assigning interventions or consequences. Suspensions shall be initiated by the Principal or designee according to the following matrix for suspension/expulsion recommendations.

Matrix for Suspension/Expulsion Recommendations

* For Categories II and III, the school may only expel a student if the school provides evidence of one or both of the following additional findings: (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. 

** Grades 6 through 12 inclusive.

Out-Of-School Suspension Procedures

In advance of a student discipline determination, including a decision to suspend a student, Green Dot will conduct a thorough investigation collecting evidence, including statements from possible witnesses, to ensure that all relevant information is considered before assigning interventions or consequences. Suspensions shall be initiated by the Principal or designee according to the following procedures: 

Notice to Parents/Guardians

At the time of the suspension, the Principal or designee shall make a reasonable effort to contact the parent/guardian by telephone or in person. Whenever a student is suspended, the parent/guardian shall be notified in writing of the suspension and the date of return following suspension. 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(s) committed by the student as well as the date and time when the student may return to school following the suspension. The notice will also include rights and procedures for suspension appeal. If the Principal or designee wishes to ask the parent/guardian to confer regarding matters pertinent to the suspension, the notice shall request that the parent/guardian respond to the Principal or designee the next school day. There shall be no penalty to the student should the parent fail to respond to this request.  

This notification 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. If a student is suspended without this notification, both the parent/guardian and student shall be notified by the Principal or designee of the student’s right to return to school for the purpose of a conference.  Parents are notified via phone, written suspension notice and in person if possible. 

At the time of notification, subject to any omitted conference due to an emergency situation described in the preceding paragraph, the student shall be informed of the reason for the disciplinary action and the evidence against them.  The student shall be given the opportunity to present their version and evidence in their defense. This conference shall be held within two (2) school days of the date that school received knowledge of the suspendable offense, unless the student’s parent or legal guardian waives this right, expressly is unwilling to attend, 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 or guardian to attend a conference with the Principal or designee. The return to school of the suspended student shall not be contingent upon attendance by the student’s parent or guardian at the conference. As a part of the notification, Green Dot will work with parents/guardians and students to facilitate the daily pick up and delivery of academic work through the school’s main office or electronically. Understanding the impact of a loss of instructional time, as explained below, students are provided assignments for completion during an out-of-school suspension and are afforded the opportunity to complete work upon return should it not be available at the time of the suspension.

Instructional Services for Suspended Students

 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. Work may be picked up and delivered 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.

In the event that  suspension is extended pending a DRP hearing, the school will provide instructional services for the student directly, through its authorizing district, or the Los Angeles County Office of Education.

Student Discipline Review Board

Each school year, the school will create a standing committee of at least five members for its Discipline Review Board (“DRB”), which is an advisory committee to the Principal or designee (e.g. Assistant Principal) on student discipline-related issues. The DRB convenes to hold a parent conference when a student commits a serious violation of the discipline code (including but not limited to Categories I and II as identified in matrix above) or has broken the terms of that student’s particular individualized student conduct agreement.  The DRB is a site-based committee that may recommend interventions following a serious disciplinary infraction or advise a principal to recommend expulsion to the Discipline Review Panel (“DRP”). 

The DRB is comprised of:

• The Principal or designee;
• At least 3 teachers;
• A classified employee is optional, and;
• A counselor is also optional.

The DRB will not include more than 7 staff members.   The Principal or designee is the facilitator of the DRB and convenes a DRB conference when needed. All other members of the DRB participate in this DRB conference by reviewing evidence, asking pertinent questions of the Principal, students and/or family members, discussing interventions, and making a  recommendation for next steps.  It is the responsibility of the Principal or designee to have available all pertinent materials for each gathering.

The Principal or designee considers the DRB’s recommendation and makes the final disciplinary decision or expulsion recommendation.  While five (5) school days is the maximum initial suspension allowed; following the DRB conference, suspension may be extended pending the results of the DRP hearing, as the student does not return to campus while they are pending the expulsion hearing, which will be held within 30 school days unless an extension is mutually agreed upon between the student/parent/guardian/authorized representative and the Chief Education Officer or designee. 

Given that the DRB is an advisory committee to the Principal or designee, this conference may be held with the Principal, students and/or family members without the staff members listed above at the Principal’s request, and with approval of the Area Superintendent where the Principal is concerned that holding the DRB with staff members present may cause undue harm to the students involved.

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 assigning a student conduct agreement..

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 a Green Dot school for any of the violations listed above in the section titled: “Matrix for Suspension/Expulsion Recommendation,” upon recommendation from the Principal and pursuant to the DRB conference and after a DRP hearing. 

Upon an expulsion recommendation by the Principal or designee, the student and the student’s guardian or representative will be invited to a conference with the Principal or designee to determine if the suspension for the student should be extended pending an expulsion hearing. In such instances when the Charter School has determined a suspension period shall be extended, such extension shall be made only after a conference is held with the student or the student’s parent/guardian, unless the student and the student’s parent/guardian fail to attend the conference. 

This determination will be made by the Principal or designee and informed by the Grounds for Suspension and Expulsion described above, including the Matrix. Upon such determination, the student’s suspension will be extended pending the results of an expulsion hearing. While five (5) school days is the maximum initial suspension allowed; following the DRB conference, suspension may be extended as interim placement is secured for the student. For students with IEPs, interim placement will be discussed, determined and documented through the IEP process. 

It is a federal mandate (Federal 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 if modified by Green Dot’s Chief Education Officer and such modification is in writing), 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. This subdivision does not apply 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 of the principal; 
• Unlawfully selling a controlled substance;
• Committing or attempting to commit a sexual assault or committing a sexual battery (as defined in 48900[n]); and
• Possession of an explosive or destructive device.

The term “knife” means (A) any dirk, dagger, or other weapon with a fixed, sharpened blade fitted primarily for stabbing; (B) a weapon with a blade fitted primarily for stabbing; (C) a weapon with a blade longer than 3½ inches; (D) a folding knife with a blade that locks into place; or (E) a razor with an unguarded blade.

The term “firearm” means (A) any weapon (including a starter gun) which will or is designed to or may readily be converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive; (B) the frame or receiver of any such weapon; (C) any firearm muffler or firearm silencer; or (D) any destructive device. Such term does not include an antique firearm.

The term “destructive device” means any explosive, incendiary, or poison gas, including but not limited to: (A) bomb; (B) grenade; (C) rocket having a propellant charge of more than four ounces; (D) missile having an explosive or incendiary charge of more than one-quarter ounce; (E) mine; or (F) device similar to any of the devices described in the preceding clauses.

A student may not be suspended or expelled for any misconduct unless that act is related to school activity or school attendance occurring within a school under the jurisdiction of the Principal or occurring within any other school district.  That act 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. Guidelines corresponding to specific disciplinary offenses are listed in the Matrix above. 

Students with Disabilities

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 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.

Notice to Teachers 

The Charter School shall notify teachers of each student who has engaged in or is reasonably suspected to have engaged in any of the acts listed in Education Code Section 49079 and the corresponding enumerated offenses set forth above.

Authority to Expel

Students recommended for expulsion are entitled to a hearing adjudicated by a neutral officer to determine whether the student should be expelled. The procedures herein provide for such a hearing and the notice of said hearing, as required by law. 

A student may be expelled by the neutral and impartial Discipline Review Panel (“DRP”), which acts on behalf of the Board, following a hearing before it. The DRP will consist of no more than five staff members and shall be constituted as follows. The Chief Education Officer or their designee shall assign a facilitator: an Area Superintendent, the Vice President of Education, or the Chief Schools Officer. There shall be up to four additional panel members, which may include teachers, school administrators, or central office administrators. Panel members shall not be selected from the campus bringing forth the case. 

Expulsion Procedures

Students recommended for expulsion are entitled to a DRP hearing to determine whether the student should be expelled within the thirty (30) school days after the Principal or designee determines that the student will be recommended for expulsion.  A hearing will be held even if a student does not request or attend a hearing for purposes of creating a record that the expulsion was done in accordance with Green Dot procedures.  

The DRP hearing shall be held in closed session (complying with all student confidentiality rules under FERPA) unless the student makes a written request for a public hearing at least three (3) days prior to the hearing. 

Written notice will be mailed by the Principal or designee at least seven calendar days before the DRP hearing and will include student identification information, a description of the alleged misconduct, the applicable expulsion provision as listed in the above Matrix for Suspension/Expulsion Recommendations, student rights for due process, a description of the expulsion proceedings, the right to representation by counsel or advocate, the right to question all witnesses who testify at the hearing, the right for the hearing to be held in public session, the right to inspect and obtain all copies of documentation, the right to present evidence on the student’s behalf, the date, time and location of the hearing, the right to receive language translation, the right to request a reasonable accommodation, and the right to request a postponement.  Upon mailing the written notice, the Principal or designee’s responsibility, it shall be deemed served upon the student.

Presentation of Evidence 

While technical rules of evidence do not apply to expulsion hearings, evidence may be admitted and used as proof only if it is the kind of evidence on which reasonable persons can rely in the conduct of serious affairs. A decision to expel must be supported by substantial evidence that  the student committed an expellable offense. Findings of Fact shall be based solely on the evidence at the hearing. While hearsay evidence is admissible, no decision to expel shall be based solely on hearsay. Sworn declarations may be admitted as testimony from witnesses of whom the DRP determines that disclosure of their identity or testimony at the hearing may subject them to an unreasonable risk of physical or psychological harm. 

In a hearing in which a student 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 their 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 (i.e. Area Superintendent, Vice President of Education,  Chief SchoolsOfficer, Chief Education Officer) from removing a support person whom the presiding person finds is disrupting the hearing.  Further, in a hearing in which a student 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.

If, due to a written request by the expelled student, the hearing is held at a public meeting, and the charge is committing or attempting to commit a sexual assault or committing a sexual battery, a complaining witness shall have the right to have their testimony heard in a session closed to the public. 

Findings of Fact

A record of the hearing shall be made and will be maintained by any means, including electronic recording, as long as a reasonably accurate and complete written transcription of the proceedings can be made.  

Within ten (10) school days after this hearing, the DRP facilitator will provide the student/parent/guardian/authorized representative with the Findings of Fact, which will include a description of the outcome of the hearing.  If the DRP recommends against expulsion, the student will be immediately reinstated 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 determines to be appropriate. The rehabilitation plan typically requires 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, counseling may be recommended.  A sample Findings of Fact template is available upon request.  If a student is expelled, the school and/or Green Dot’s Education Team will assist parents in finding a new placement by providing parents/guardians with Los Angeles County Office of Education (“LACOE”) contact information for support to find an alternative placement, and Green Dot acts as a liaison to the LAUSD suspension and Expulsion Unit as needed. 

In the alternative, in a case where there is mutual agreement among the parties, a stipulated expulsion may be executed, waiving the DRB and DRP processes. Stipulated expulsions are intended for cases where the student and family believe it is in their best interest to resolve the matter without participation in this process.

Rehabilitation, Reinstatement and/or Readmission 

Students who are expelled from the Charter School shall be given a rehabilitation plan upon expulsion as developed by the DRP at the time of the expulsion order. The rehabilitation plan should include a date not later than one year from the date of expulsion when the student may reapply to the Charter School for readmission. The rehabilitation plan will outline the term of the expulsion and expectations of the pupil, including but not limited to the following:

•  enroll in an alternative school setting, 
• maintain appropriate attendance, 
• maintain satisfactory grades,
• compliance with state laws and any educational institution of enrollment, and 
• completion of counseling or other required interventions specific to the disciplinary incident 
• to refrain from entering school grounds. 

Upon request from a student’s parent or guardian, or a pupil who holds their own educational rights, the decision to reinstate a student shall be made by a three person panel selected by the Chief Education Officer or designee, as delegated by the Board, that shall be composed of: the Vice President of Education, the Chief Schools Officer, and Area Superintendent(s).  If the term of the expulsion has ended, the Chief Education Officer or designee will schedule a Reinstatement Meeting to review the Rehabilitation Plan provided upon expulsion and  determine whether the student has successfully completed the requirements.  The Finding of Facts will indicate whether the student is eligible for readmission. 

The student’s readmission is also contingent upon the capacity of the Charter School at the time the student seeks readmission.  If the charter school does not have capacity, the student may be placed on a waitlist pending future enrollment.

If the panel does not find the student is eligible for readmission and the student and/or parent/guardian disagree with the panel’s decision, the Pupil and/or the parent/guardian may appeal this Decision, in writing, to GDPS’s Chief Education Officer (“CEdO”), 1149 S. Hill St., Ste. 600, Los Angeles, CA 90015, that outlines the reason for the appeal, attaching any supporting documentation, within thirty (30) days from the date of the issuance of this Findings of Fact and Decision.  If requested, a reinstatement denial appeal meeting will be held with the CEdO and the Pupil and/or parent/guardian.  The CEdO will review the supporting documentation attached to the written appeal and hear the basis for the appeal from the student and/or parent/guardian.  A decision will be made on the appeal based on a review of the entire record in this matter, including the Findings of Fact, within ten (10) calendar days from the date of the reinstatement denial appeal meeting, unless an extension is agreed upon mutually between the CEdO, and the student and/or parent/guardian.

Appeal Right

Students/parents/guardians have the right to appeal suspensions and expulsions.  In order to appeal a suspension or expulsion, the student/parent/guardian must submit a written appeal to the Chief Education Officer or designee outlining the reason for the appeal, attaching any supporting documentation, within 30 calendar days from the date of the suspension or, in the event of an expulsion, within 30 calendar days from the date of the DRP’s issuance of its Findings of Facts.

Appeals must be submitted to:

Green Dot Public Schools 

ATTN:  Chief Education Officer

1149 S. Hill St., Ste. 600

Los Angeles, CA 90015 

If requested, a suspension/expulsion appeal meeting will be held with the Chief Education Officer or designee and the student/parent/guardian. The Chief Education Officer or designee will review the supporting documentation attached to the written appeal and hear the basis for the appeal from the student/parent/guardian/authorized representative.  A decision will be made on the appeal based on a review of all evidence and the Findings of Fact within 10 calendar days from the date of the expulsion appeal meeting unless an extension is mutually agreed upon between the student/parent/guardian/authorized representative and the Chief Education Officer or designee.  If denied, the student/parent/guardian/authorized representative may appeal this decision to the Green Dot Board of Directors within 10 calendar days of the denied appeal.  An appeal hearing will be scheduled to be heard by the Board within 30 calendar days of receipt of the appeal to the Board.

If the expulsion appeal goes to the Board, the Green Dot Discipline Appeal Committee (“DAC”) will hold a closed session meeting to hear the appeal.  The DAC is a Board Committee whose membership consists entirely of Board members.  The hearing shall be held in closed session (complying with all student confidentiality rules under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) unless the student makes a written request for a public hearing in open session at least three (3) days prior to the date of the scheduled hearing. The DAC’s duly authorized jurisdiction includes student expulsion hearings. 

The DAC will review all relevant materials including, but not exclusive to: 

• All documents submitted during the DRP hearing by the student and the school, 
• The Findings of Fact and Expulsion Order,
• Appeal letter(s) to the Chief Education Officer and Response, and
• Letter from parent requesting an appeal to the Board.  

The scope of the Board’s review shall be limited to: 

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

Post-Board Appeal Process

The DAC will issue a decision within 10 calendar days from the date of the expulsion appeal DAC meeting unless an extension is mutually agreed upon between the student/parent/guardian/authorized representative and the DAC.  If the DAC upholds the appeal such that the expulsion is overturned, the student will be immediately reinstated and permitted to return to an instructional program.  If the DAC confirms the recommendation for expulsion, the decision will include the DRP’s and/or Chief Education Officer or designee’s expulsion order, a rehabilitation plan, and any other recommendations the DAC determines to be appropriate. With any decision upholding an expulsion, the DAC shall provide students/parents/guardians/authorized representatives with support from Green Dot to find alternative placement.

Rev. 06/2026

The school shall provide due process for all students, including adequate and timely notice to parents/guardians and students of the grounds for all suspension and expulsion recommendations and decisions and their due process rights regarding suspension and expulsion, including rights of appeal. A student or the student’s parents/guardians may appeal those disciplinary actions imposed upon a student for school related offenses.

• 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 Education Officer or their designee for resolution with a written response within twenty (20) school days.

If any appeal is denied, the parent may place a written rebuttal to the action in the student’s file.

Rev. 06/2018

Items Prohibited on Campus

Certain items are not allowed at Green Dot because they interfere with, and/or distract from, instruction and the learning environment.  If brought to campus, they will be confiscated.  All confiscated items will be kept until the end of the school day and returned to the student, when appropriate, at the end of the school day.  Absent an approved academic purpose, these items include, but are not limited to:                                                                                                               

• laser pointers;
• permanent markers;
• electronic games;
• still or video cameras;
• balloons;
• toy weapons;
• lighters;
• stink bombs;
• gang paraphernalia; 
• explicit material;
• tear gas (e.g., pepper spray)
• ammunition; and
• any item listed in the “Matrix for Suspension/Expulsion Recommendations” (see Green Dot Policy C. 3.0, Discipline).

Recording Technology

Audio, video, and livestream recording of any kind on school campuses or within the Home Office is prohibited without prior administrative approval and consent from all parties.  Wearable technology, including smart glasses and smart watches, may not be used for recording audio, video, photography, transcription, live-streaming, or any similar functions. 

Lost, Stolen, Or Damaged Items

Green Dot is not responsible for any loss or damage to personal items.  Students are responsible for any personal items they bring to school and must watch their belongings carefully.  

Skateboards and Bicycles

During school hours, students must store skateboards and bicycles in a storage area designated by the school.  Students may not ride their skateboards or bicycles during the school day or on school grounds.  Students who do not adhere to these conditions will have their skateboards or bicycles confiscated and returned to the student, when appropriate, at the end of the school day. 

Lost and Found

Items that have been found at school should be returned to the office.  Students who have lost an item at school may come to the office before school, during break, or afterschool to check the Lost and Found.  Items in the Lost and Found will be discarded on a regular basis.

Rev. 06/2026

5.1 Policy: Cellular Telephone

Cell phones (including smartphones, walkie-talkies, pagers, or any electronic signaling device) must remain turned off and out of sight (i.e., in a student’s backpack and not in pants/shorts pockets) during school hours at the school site or while under the school’s supervision and control, but may be used before and after school. Schools may require that cellular phones or electronic signaling devices on campus remain “off” and stored in a cell phone pouch or holding station during school hours or during on site school activities. Any cell phone requirements or restrictions may also apply to the school’s after-school programming. If a student violates such policy: 

• First Occurrence: Device will be returned to the student at the end of the school day.
• Repeated Occurrences: Device will be returned to the student at the end of the school day.  Parents will be called and notified, and/or school-level consequences assigned.

However, a student shall not be considered in violation of the above policy under any of the following circumstances:

• in the case of an emergency, or in response to a perceived threat of danger; or
• when the school’s teacher or administrator grants permission to the student to possess or use a cell phone, subject to any reasonable limitation imposed by that teacher or administrator; or
• when a licensed physician and surgeon determines that the possession or use of a cell phone is necessary for the health or well-being of the student; or
• when the possession or use of a cell phone is required in a student’s individualized education program.

Rev. 06/2026

6.0 Policy:  Uniform Requirements

Green Dot’s uniform requirements are maintained and enforced to provide students with a safe and collegial environment aligned to Green Dot’s mission.  Although each Green Dot school may modify school colors as needed for school safety, students must adhere to the requirements below at all times.

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.  

Belts.  Belts must be only tan, brown, or black, a standard width, and properly worn at waist level.  Belts may be webbed, braided or leather.  Belts and belt buckles must not have logos, studs, chains, writings, or initials.

Footwear.  Only closed-toes dress shoes or tennis shoes.  No slippers or sandals.

Headwear.  No hats, bandanas, sweatbands, or visors are allowed.  Students may wear ribbons, rubber bands, barrettes, or headbands.

Jackets/Coats/Sweatshirts.  Must be all black without writing, initials, emblems, or logos of any kind.  Logos bearing the school name are available for free for all students upon request in the school office.  Students may not wear hoods in class. 

Pants/Shorts.  Only trouser-style khaki or black pants/shorts and unripped black jeans.  Sweatpants are not allowed.  Trousers or unripped black jeans must be at least ankle length but not touching the ground.  It is not permissible to cut the leg seam.  Shorts must reach the top of the knee in length.  Pants/shorts must be worn at waist level and not at the hip.

Shirts.  Only collared shirts, preferably polo-style are to be worn.  The only approved logo or name is the school name.  Logos bearing the school name are available for free for all students upon request in the school office.   

Skirts/Skorts.  Skirts/skorts must be khaki style, beige or black,  an appropriately fitted size, and fall just above the student’s kneecaps.

Tights/Leggings.  Only solid white, beige, or black  may be worn under skirts of the appropriate length.

Sweaters.  Only V-neck pullover, crew-neck pullover, or cardigan in solid black.  All sweaters must be worn over a uniform shirt.

Uniform Violation

Violations of the above Uniform Requirements must not result in suspension.  Green Dot recommends that its schools follow these steps as needed:

1. Meet with the student to understand the challenges and provide a loaner uniform, if available; 
2. Communicate with parents; then 
3. Follow up with student for additional support as needed and provide a restorative intervention

Rev. 06/2023

7.0 Policy: Acceptable Use of Green Dot Technology

This policy is for the management and usage of Green Dot’s computer equipment, technology resources, servers, networks, and online services accessed via Green Dot equipment and resource networks (“Green Dot Technology”) . The policy describes  acceptable Green Dot Technology usage. Violators of Green Dot Technology policies will lose technology access privileges. As described in Sections C 19.0 and C 20.0, parents/guardians may be held financially responsible for the loss of or damage to Green Dot issued technology devices.

Use of Green Dot Technology is intended to serve and pursue educational goals and purposes. Student use of Green Dot Technology is limited to only those activities that further or enhance the delivery of education through classroom activities, research in academic subjects, career or professional development activities, Green Dot approved personal research activities, or other purposes as defined by the school from time to time. Students have a duty to use Green Dot Technology only in a manner specified in this Policy.

User Obligations and Responsibilities

• 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.

Approved Online Services and Student Accounts

• Students may only use Green Dot-approved online services, applications, websites, software, and digital tools for school purposes. Students may not create accounts, provide personal information, or use online services for school activities unless the service has been approved by Green Dot or authorized by school staff consistent with Green Dot procedures.
• For students under age 13, Green Dot will approve online services, applications, websites, and digital tools through an appropriate school or organizational review process. Individual staff members should not require elementary students to create accounts, provide personal information, or use online services that have not been approved for student use.
• When Green Dot authorizes the use of an online service for students under age 13, such use must be for the benefit of the school and for educational purposes. Green Dot will seek to ensure that vendors provide appropriate information regarding the collection, use, disclosure, retention, and deletion of student information, and that student information is not used for unrelated commercial purposes.
• 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.

Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technology Tools

• Students may use artificial intelligence tools, chatbots, transcription tools, image-generation tools, or similar emerging technologies only when approved by a teacher or administrator and only for the approved educational purpose. Students may not use such tools to complete work in a way that violates academic integrity expectations or misrepresents the student’s own work. Students may not enter personal information, confidential information, student information, or information about other students into any artificial intelligence tool or online service unless the tool has been approved by Green Dot for that use.
• For elementary school students, artificial intelligence tools may only be used under staff direction and supervision, and only through Green Dot-approved tools or platforms.
• 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. 

Safety

• 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. 

Elementary School Students

• For elementary school students, Green Dot Technology is intended to be used in a developmentally appropriate manner and under appropriate staff direction or supervision. Elementary students may be given more limited access to online services, communication tools, social networking features, messaging tools, artificial intelligence tools, and independent internet browsing than middle or high school students.
• Teachers and staff should use Green Dot-approved tools and follow Green Dot procedures when selecting digital resources for elementary students.
• When elementary students use Green Dot Technology, staff will make reasonable efforts to provide age-appropriate instruction and supervision regarding safe online behavior, privacy, respectful communication, cyberbullying, and reporting unsafe or inappropriate content.
• 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.

Concerning Internet Usage

Reasonable precautions are established to prevent access to pornography, “hate groups,” and other non- educational Internet sites. Such precautions include, but are not limited to, an Internet firewall system, which scans and limits access to Internet sites, a monitor scanning software allowing the instructor to view each student monitor from the instructor’s monitor and instantly blank, lock, or deactivate the student’s system. Any student intentionally attempting to or bypassing these precautions will be denied computer access. The discipline board or school officials will determine other administrative disciplinary actions. The student and their parents accept responsibility for the student’s online actions. All other disciplinary policies of the School apply to the use of technological resources.

Concerning General Usage

The School will report suspected criminal activity to law enforcement authorities. Criminal activity includes, but is not limited to: defamation; obscenity; discrimination; violation of copyrights, trademark and/or licenses; and/or violation of other rights arising under the law. The School also reserves the right to discipline students for violations of this policy, up to and including suspension and expulsion.

Students are encouraged to remove any “personal” information stored on the School’s computers. Generally, the School will delete information left on computers/networks to better facilitate the use of computers for legitimate School purposes, and the School shall not be liable for any damages resulting from the deletion of personal files or personal electronic information stored on School computers.

Protection Measures

While Green Dot is able to exercise reasonable control over content created and purchased by Green Dot, 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. The student and parent agree not to hold Green Dot or any Green Dot staff responsible for the failure of any technology protection measure, violations of copyright restrictions, or user mistakes or negligence. They also agree to indemnify and hold harmless Green Dot and its personnel for any damages or costs incurred.

Rev. 06/2026

8.0 Policy: Agency and Police Interrogation 

Protection of student rights shall be balanced with Green Dot Public Schools’ responsibility to cooperate with local police and agency officials in the investigation of unlawful activities.  Inherent in the process of cooperation is recognition of the function of the schools and respect for the civil and constitutional rights of students. 

In matters involving threats to the safety of the students or staff, law enforcement officers specifically summoned by administrators or asked to remain on school premises by administrators are authorized to act as agents of the school, unless such authority is explicitly and specifically withdrawn.  When acting on behalf of Green Dot, the officers will have the full scope of authority in dealing with students that the Principal would have in such situations. 

Security officers and police officers whose regular duties involve working on the school campus shall have the authority set forth in the preceding paragraph.

When any law enforcement officer requests an interview with a student, the principal or designee shall request the officer’s identity, their official capacity, and the legal authority under which the interview is to be conducted.  The principal or designee shall require the officer to complete the form entitled “Investigations Conducted on [SCHOOL] Premises” prior to any such interview.  The principal or designee shall maintain a record of all documentation relative to law enforcement interviews of students.  The principal or designee shall accommodate the interview in a way that causes the least possible disruption for the student and school and provides the student appropriate privacy.  At the law enforcement officer’s discretion and with the student’s approval, the principal or designee may be present during the interview.

When appropriate, school personnel will attempt to call parents/guardians to notify them in advance of law enforcement’s request to interview their student.

Except in cases of child abuse or neglect, the principal or designee shall attempt to notify the student’s parent/guardian as soon as practicable after the law enforcement officer has interviewed the student on school premises.  If a minor student is removed from school into the custody of law enforcement, the principal or designee shall attempt to notify the student’s parent/guardian or responsible relative regarding the student’s release and the place to which they are  reportedly being taken, except when the minor has been taken into custody as a victim of suspected child abuse, consistent with the law.

Although subpoenas may legally be served at school on students age 12 or older, Green Dot believes that serving officials should be strongly urged to serve subpoenas at the home of the student whenever possible.  When served at school, the principal or designee shall take reasonable steps to protect the student’s privacy rights and to minimize loss of class time for the student.

If access is required to detain/arrest a student, the principal or designee should be informed.  If a student is detained, all reasonable efforts shall be made to remove the student from class or other public area and away from other students in the public prior to such detention.

Victim Interviews by Social Services

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

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

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

If a staff member agrees to be present, the interview shall be held at a time during school hours when it does not involve an expense to the school.

Rev. 06/2021

 9.0 Policy:  Search and Seizure

Green Dot Public Schools recognizes its responsibility to maintain order and security within its schools and during school-related activities.  Accordingly, administrators or their designees are authorized to conduct searches of students and their personal effects, as well as the property of the school, in accordance with this policy.

Students and Their Personal Effects

Administrators or their designees may search a student and/or the student’s personal effects (e.g., purses, wallets, knapsacks, book bags, lunch boxes, etc.) when there are reasonable grounds for suspecting that the search will produce evidence that the student has violated or is violating either the law or the rules of the school.  In addition, the reasonable grounds must be accompanied by particularized suspicion with respect to the individual to be searched.  The search itself must be conducted in a manner which is reasonably related to the objectives of the search and not excessively intrusive in light of the age and sex of the student and the nature of the infraction.  When feasible, the search should be conducted as follows:

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

Immediately following the search of a student, documentation shall be made by the school authority who conducted the search indicating whether or not improper items were found. The parents/guardians of a student searched in accordance with this policy shall be notified of the search as soon as possible. 

Green Dot Public Schools reserves the right to use canine services to proactively ensure a safe academic environment.

Green Dot may conduct a random metal detector weapon search at its schools if:

1. Green Dot determines that a substantial need exists to keep weapons off campus based upon demonstrable data or if Green Dot’s Chief Executive Officer determines that an emergency situation exists that warrants a random metal detector search at Green Dot’s schools;
2. no system of more suspicion-intense searches are workable;
3. the searches are minimally intrusive in that students are not touched and are only required to open pockets or jackets if they trigger the metal detector (if clothes are extremely baggy, the clothes may be touched such that the wand is about 3-4 inches away from the student’s person);
4. the persons searched are selected on neutral criteria; and
5. parents and students are given prior notice of the practice.

School Property

Green Dot Public Schools authorities may inspect and search school property and equipment owned or controlled by Green Dot (such as, lockers, desks and parking lots), without notice to or the consent of the student.  Students have no reasonable expectation of privacy in these places or areas.      

Seizure of Property

If a search conducted in accordance with this policy produces evidence that the student has violated or is violating either the law or the school’s rules, such evidence may be seized and impounded by administrators, and disciplinary action may be taken.  When appropriate, such evidence may be transferred to law enforcement authorities.

Implementation of Policy

Green Dot Public Schools campus administrators may develop rules and regulations to further implement this policy. 

Rev. 06/2021

10.0 Policy: Harassment, Intimidation, Discrimination, And Bullying Policy

Discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and bullying are all disruptive behaviors, which interfere with students’ ability to learn, negatively affect student engagement, diminish school safety, and contribute to a hostile school environment. As such, Green Dot Public Schools prohibits any acts of discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and bullying altogether. 

As used in this policy, discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and bullying are described as intentional conduct, including verbal, physical, written communication or cyber-bullying, including cyber sexual bullying, based on the actual or perceived characteristics of mental or physical disability, sex (including pregnancy and related conditions, and parental status), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, immigration status, nationality (including national origin, country of origin, and citizenship), race or ethnicity (including ancestry, color, ethnic group identification, ethnic background, and traits historically associated with race, including, but not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles such as braids, locs, and twists), religion (including agnosticism and atheism), religious affiliation, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, age or association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics or based on any other characteristic protected under applicable state or federal law or local ordinance. Hereafter, such actions are referred to as “misconduct prohibited by this Policy.”

To the extent possible, Green Dot will make reasonable efforts to prevent students from being discriminated against, harassed, intimidated, and/or bullied, and will take action to investigate, respond, address and report on such behaviors in a timely manner. Green Dot school staff who witness acts of misconduct prohibited by this Policy will take immediate steps to intervene when safe to do so.

This policy applies to incidents occurring on the school campus, at school-sponsored events and activities regardless of the location, through school-owned technology, and through other electronic means, whether perpetrated by a student, employee, parent/guardian, volunteer, independent contractor or other person with whom Green Dot does business, and all acts of Green Dot’s Board of Directors in enacting policies and procedures that govern Green Dot.  This policy also applies to online conduct, regardless of where it occurs, when such conduct causes or is reasonably likely to cause a substantial disruption to the school environment or interferes with a student’s ability to participate in or benefit from school services, activities, or privileges. 

Green Dot complies with all applicable state and federal laws and regulations and local ordinances in its investigation of and response to reports of misconduct prohibited by this Policy.

Definitions

Harassment means conduct based upon one or more of the protected characteristics listed above that is severe or pervasive, which unreasonably disrupts an individual’s educational or work environment or that creates a hostile educational or work environment. Harassment includes, but is not limited to:

• Verbal conduct such as epithets, derogatory jokes, comments or slurs.
• Physical conduct including assault, unwanted touching, intentionally blocking normal movement or interfering with work or school based on any of the protected characteristics listed above.
• Retaliation for reporting or threatening to report harassment.
• Deferential or preferential treatment based on any of the protected characteristics listed above.

Bullying is defined as any severe or pervasive physical or verbal act or conduct, including communications made in writing or by means of an electronic act. Bullying includes one or more acts committed by a student or group of students that may constitute hate violence, or creates an intimidating and/or hostile educational environment, directed toward one or more students that has or can be reasonably predicted to have the effect of one or more of the following:

• Placing a reasonable student   or students in fear of harm to that student’s or those students’ person or property.
• Causing a reasonable student to experience a substantially detrimental effect on the student’s physical or mental health.
• Causing a reasonable student to experience a substantial interference with the student’s academic performance.
• Causing a reasonable student to experience a substantial interference with the student’s ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities, or privileges provided by Green Dot.

Cyberbullying is an electronic act that includes the transmission of harassing communication, direct threats, or other harmful texts, sounds, video or images on the Internet, social media, or other technologies using a telephone, computer, or any wireless communication device. Cyberbullying also includes breaking into another person’s electronic account and assuming that person’s identity in order to damage that person’s reputation. 

Electronic act means the creation or transmission originated on or off the school site, by means of an electronic device, including, but not limited to, a telephone, wireless telephone, or other wireless communication device, computer, or pager, of a communication, including, but not limited to, any of the following:

• A message, text, sound, video, or image, including those generated by or with assistance from artificial intelligence or similar technological tools.
• A post on a social network Internet Web site including, but not limited to:
  • Posting to or creating a burn page. A “burn page” means an Internet Web site created for the purpose of having one or more of the effects as listed in the definition of “bullying,” above.
  • Creating a credible impersonation of another actual student for the purpose of having one or more of the effects listed in the definition of “bullying,” above. “Credible impersonation” means to knowingly and without consent impersonate a student for the purpose of bullying the student and such that another student would reasonably believe, or has reasonably believed, that the student was or is the student who was impersonated.
  • Creating a false profile for the purpose of having one or more of the effects listed in the definition of “bullying,” above. “False profile” means a profile of a fictitious student or a profile using the likeness or attributes of an actual student other than the student who created the false profile.

• An act of “Cyber sexual bullying” including, but not limited to:

• The dissemination of, or the solicitation or incitement to disseminate, a photograph or other visual recording by a student to another student or to school personnel by means of an electronic act that has or can be reasonably predicted to have one or more of the effects described in definition of “bullying,” above. A photograph or other visual recording, as described above, shall include the depiction of a nude, semi-nude, or sexually explicit photograph or other visual recording of a minor where the minor is identifiable from the photograph, visual recording, or other electronic act. 
• “Cyber sexual bullying” does not include a depiction, portrayal, or image that has any serious literary, artistic, educational, political, or scientific value or that involves athletic events or school-sanctioned activities.
• Notwithstanding the definitions of “bullying” and “electronic act” above, an electronic act shall not constitute pervasive conduct solely on the basis that it has been transmitted on the Internet or is currently posted on the Internet.

Student Expectations for Online Conduct

Students are expected to use technology and online platforms in a respectful and responsible manner. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Not posting, sharing, or sending messages or images that are harmful, threatening, humiliating, or intended to exclude or target another person;
• Not creating or using fake profiles, impersonating others, or spreading false information about others;
• Considering how online comments or posts may affect others before sharing them; and
• Reporting online behavior that may constitute bullying, harassment, intimidation, or discrimination to a school staff member.

Bullying and Cyberbullying Prevention Procedures

Cyberbullying is bullying that takes place using technology. This can include sending or posting harmful messages, images, or videos; spreading rumors online; excluding someone from online groups; or pretending to be someone else to harm them. Cyberbullying can happen through text messages, social media, online games, email, or other digital platforms.  Green Dot has adopted the following procedures for preventing acts of bullying, including cyberbullying. 

Cyberbullying Prevention Procedures

Green Dot advises students:

• To never share passwords, personal data, or private photos online.
• To think about what they are doing carefully before posting and by emphasizing that comments cannot be retracted once they are posted.
• That personal information revealed on social media can be shared with anyone including parents, teachers, administrators, and potential employers. Students should never reveal information that would make them uncomfortable if the world had access to it.
• To consider how it would feel receiving such comments before making comments about others online.

Green Dot informs its employees, students, and parents/guardians of Green Dot’s policies regarding the use of technology in and out of the classroom.  Green Dot encourages parents/guardians to discuss these policies with their children to ensure their children understand and comply with such policies.

The following are potential websites, peer-to-peer instant message services, image/video posting platforms, and comment forums where cyberbullying can occur. Please note this is not an exhaustive list.

• Amino: An app that lets users join online communities, chats, forums, and groups on a variety of topics based on their interests.
• Askfm: A social networking site that allows users to ask other people questions, often anonymously.
• Calculator%: A “vault” or secret app that appears harmless, but hides photos, videos, files, and browser history.
• Chatroulette: There are over 20 different chat roulette sites that allow users to instantly connect via webcam and video chat. Sites typically pair the users randomly and instantly.
• Discord: A voice-over-IP (VOIP) app that allows users to video chat with others, private message, and join, create, or participate in public and private chat rooms. This app is often used by players to chat with each other while playing videogames.
• Facebook and Facebook Live: The most commonly used social media site that is accessible on many different media platforms.
• Facebook Messenger Kids: A messaging app and platform for children.
• Houseparty: A group video chat and social networking app that allows up to eight people to video chat at once in a “room.”
• Instagram: A photo and video sharing and networking site that connects users through other social networking sites (e.g., Facebook).
• Kik: Messaging app that allows users of all ages to contact others anonymously.
• Line: A messaging app that allows users to make free phone calls, leave voice messages, and text. Users can delete texts or chats from recipient’s phone using a timer.
• LiveMe: A tool to broadcast live-streaming videos and watch other users’ videos.
• MeetMe: A dating app that connects users to others based on geographic proximity.
• Omegle: An app that pairs users with strangers in anonymous one-on-one chat sessions.
• Reddit: A site that stores social news, rates and evaluates web content, and discussion threads.
• Roblox: An online game platform with free multiplayer games created by users. Roblox allows users to communicate with each other and join groups.
• Sarahah: An anonymous messaging app that allows users to send anonymous messages to people they may know.
• Snapchat: A photo messaging app that allows for sharing pictures and short videos that are intended to be erased shortly after delivery.
• Telegram: Messaging app that allows users to share photos, videos, and files; make calls, and delete texts or chats from recipient’s phone using a timer.
• TikTok: An app that allows users to create and share their own videos where they lip-synch, sing, dance, or just talk. 
• Tumblr: A social networking site that allows posting of short blogs and media.
• Twitch: A live stream platform for gamers to watch live stream content, chat, and connect
• VSCO: A photography app to capture and edit photos.
• WeChat: An app that allows users to chat with friends, and to search for people nearby and around the globe.
• WhatsApp: A private messaging app that allows users to text, send photos, videos, and location information to their contacts.
• Whisper: An anonymous social media site that allows users to post and share photo and video messages.
• X (formerly known as Twitter): A microblogging site that allows users to send, read, and reply to “tweets” or short messages.YouTube: A video sharing platform that allows users to post and share videos.
• YUBO (formerly YELLOW): An app referred to as the “Tinder for teens” that allows users to swipe right or left to accept or reject the profiles of other users.
• YouNow: Broadcast, Chat, and Watch Live Video: An app that lets teens broadcast themselves live. They can see and respond to live chat or view other broadcasters and chat with them.

Education 

Green Dot provides age-appropriate instruction to students on appropriate online behavior, including responsible use of social media, the impact of online conduct on others, and strategies for responding to and reporting cyberbullying.

Green Dot also provide training to staff on recognizing, preventing, and responding to cyberbullying, including conduct that occurs through electronic communication and social media platforms.

Green Dot employees cannot always be present when bullying incidents occur, so educating students about bullying is a key prevention technique to limit bullying from happening. Green Dot advises students that hateful and/or demeaning behavior is inappropriate and unacceptable in our society and at Green Dot and encourages students to practice compassion and respect each other.  

Green Dot educates students to accept all student peers regardless of protected characteristics (including but not limited to actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender identification, physical or cognitive disabilities, race, ethnicity, religion, and immigration status) and about the negative impact of bullying other students based on protected characteristics. 

Green Dot’s bullying prevention education also discusses the differences between appropriate and inappropriate behaviors and includes sample situations to help students learn and practice appropriate behavior and to develop techniques and strategies to respond in a non-aggressive way to bullying-type behaviors. Students will also develop confidence and learn how to advocate for themselves and others, and when to go to an adult for help.

Green Dot informs Green Dot employees, students, and parents/guardians of this Policy and encourages parents/guardians to discuss this Policy with their children to ensure their children understand and comply with this Policy.

Professional Development

Green Dot annually makes available the online training module developed by the California Department of Education pursuant Education Code section 32283.5(a) to its certificated employees and all other Green Dot employees who have regular interaction with students. 

Green Dot informs certificated employees about the common signs that a student is a target of bullying including:

• Physical cuts or injuries
• Lost or broken personal items
• Fear of going to school/practice/games
• Loss of interest in school, activities, or friends 
• Trouble sleeping or eating
• Anxious/sick/nervous behavior or distracted appearance
• Self-destructiveness or displays of odd behavior
• Decreased self-esteem

Green Dot also informs certificated employees about the groups of students determined by Green Dot and available research to be at elevated risk for bullying and provides its certificated employees with information on existing school and community resources related to the support of these groups. These groups include but are not limited to: 

• Students who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or questioning youth (“LGBTQ”) and those youth perceived as LGBTQ; and 
• Students with physical or learning disabilities.

Green Dot encourages its employees to demonstrate effective problem-solving, anger management, and self-confidence skills for Green Dot’s students.

Complaint Procedures

Scope of the Complaint Procedures

Green Dot will comply with its Uniform Complaint Procedures (“UCP”) policy when investigating and responding to complaints alleging unlawful harassment, discrimination, intimidation or bullying against a protected group or on the basis of a person’s association with a person or group with one or more of the protected characteristics set forth in the UCP that: 

• Are written and signed; 
• Filed by an individual who alleges that they have personally suffered unlawful discrimination, harassment, intimidation or bullying, or by one who believes any specific class of individuals has been subjected to discrimination, harassment, intimidation or bullying based on a protected characteristic, or by a duly authorized representative who alleges that an individual student has been subjected to discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or bullying; and
• Submitted to the school’s UCP Officer  not later than one (1) year from the date the alleged unlawful discrimination, harassment, intimidation or bullying occurred, or the date the complainant first obtained knowledge of the facts of the alleged discrimination, harassment, intimidation or bullying. 

Green Dot will comply with its Title IX Policy when investigating and responding to complaints alleging sex discrimination, including sex-based harassment, in its education program or activity, as applicable. 

The following procedures shall be utilized for complaints of misconduct prohibited by this Policy that do not fall within the scope of Green Dot’s Title IX Policy or comply with the writing, timeline, or other formal filing requirements of the UCP. A copy of Green Dot’s Title IX Policy can be found on the school’s website in the Student Policy Manual at C. 10.1  and Green Dot’s Uniform Complaint Procedures (UCP) Policies and Procedures can also be found on the school’s website in the Student Policy Manual at C 16.0. 

Submitting a Report or Complaint 

All staff are expected to provide appropriate supervision to enforce standards of conduct and, if they observe or become aware of misconduct prohibited by this Policy, to intervene when safe to do so, call for assistance, and report such incidents. The Board requires staff to follow the procedures in this Policy for reporting alleged acts of misconduct prohibited by this Policy.

Reports and complaints of misconduct prohibited by this Policy shall be submitted to the Principal (or the Area Superintendent if the complaint is against the Principal) as soon as possible after the incidents giving rise to the report or complaint.

1. For Students:

If you are being cyberbullied or witness cyberbullying, you should:

• Do not respond or retaliate. Engaging with the cyberbully can escalate the situation.
• Save the evidence. Take screenshots, save messages, emails, or posts. This evidence is critical for investigation.
• Block the sender. Most platforms allow you to block unwanted contacts.
• Tell a trusted adult. This could be a parent/guardian, teacher, counselor, school administrator, or any school staff member you feel comfortable speaking with.

1. For Parents/Guardians:

If your child is experiencing cyberbullying or you become aware of a cyberbullying incident:

• Do not delete any evidence. Preserve all electronic communications, images, or posts.
• Speak with your child. Listen empathetically and reassure them that they are not alone and that help is available.
    

Complaints regarding such misconduct may also be made to the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights. Civil law remedies, including, but not limited to, injunctions, restraining orders, or other remedies or orders may also be available to complainants.

While submission of a written report is not required, and Green Dot will investigate and respond to all oral and written reports of misconduct prohibited by this Policy, the reporting party is encouraged to submit a written report. Reports may be made anonymously, but formal disciplinary action cannot be based solely on an anonymous report.

Students are expected to report all incidents of misconduct prohibited by this Policy and other verbal or physical abuses. Any student who feels they are a target of such behavior should immediately contact a teacher, counselor, the Principal, a staff person or a family member so that the student can get assistance in resolving the issue in a manner that is consistent with this Policy.

Green Dot acknowledges and respects every individual’s right to privacy. All reports and complaints shall be investigated in a manner that protects the confidentiality of the parties and the integrity of the process to the greatest extent possible. This includes keeping the identity of the reporter and/or complainant confidential, as appropriate, except to the extent necessary to comply with applicable law, carry out the investigation and/or to resolve the issue, as determined by Green Dot on a case-by-case basis.

Green Dot prohibits any form of retaliation against any individual who files a report or complaint, testifies, assists, participates, or refuses to participate in any investigation or proceeding related to misconduct prohibited by this Policy. Such participation or lack of participation shall not in any way affect the status, grades, or work assignments of the individual. Individuals alleging retaliation in violation of this Policy may file a grievance using the procedures set forth in this Policy. 

Investigation and Response

Upon receipt of a report or complaint of misconduct prohibited by this Policy, the Principal or designee will promptly initiate an investigation. In most cases, a thorough investigation will take no more than twenty-five (25) school days. 

At the conclusion of the investigation, the Principal or designee will, to the extent possible with respect to confidentiality laws, provide the complainant with information about the investigation and resolution of the incident/situation. However, the Principal or designee will not reveal confidential information related to other students or employees.

If the complaint is against the Principal, the Area Superintendent or their designee will conduct a fact-finding investigation and provide the complainant with information about the investigation and resolution of the incident/situation.

Consequences 

Students or employees who engage in misconduct prohibited by this Policy may be subject to disciplinary action up to and including expulsion from Green Dot or termination of employment. 

Right of Appeal

Should a complainant find Green Dot’s resolution unsatisfactory, for complaints within the scope of this Policy, the complainant may, within five (5) business days of notice of Green Dot’s decision or resolution, submit a written appeal to the Chief Education Office, who will serve as the decisionmaker for the appeal or designate a decisionmaker for the appeal. The decisionmaker for the appeal will notify the complainant of the final decision.

Rev. 06/2026

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

This Title IX Policy Prohibiting Discrimination on the Basis of Sex (“Policy”) contains the policies and grievance procedures of Green Dot Public Schools (“Green Dot”) to address sex discrimination, including but not limited to sexual harassment, occurring within Green Dot’s education program or activity.

Green Dot does not discriminate on the basis of sex and prohibits any acts of sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates, as required by California law, Title IX (20 U.S.C. § 1681 et seq.) and the Title IX regulations (34 C.F.R. Part 106), including in admission and employment.[1]

This Policy applies to conduct occurring in Green Dot’s education programs or activities including but not limited to incidents occurring on the school campus, during school-sponsored events and activities regardless of the location, and through school-owned technology, whether perpetrated by a student, parent/guardian, employee, volunteer, independent contractor or other person with whom Green Dot does business.

Inquiries about the application of Title IX and 34 C.F.R. Part 106 (hereinafter collectively referred to as “Title IX”) may be referred to the Green Dot Title IX Coordinator, the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights of the U.S. Department of Education, or both.

Definitions

Prohibited Sex Discrimination

Title IX and California law prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex, including sex-based harassment and differences in the treatment of similarly situated individuals on the basis of sex with regard to any aspect of services, benefits, or opportunities provided by Green Dot.

Prohibited Sexual Harassment

Under Title IX, “sexual harassment” means conduct on the basis of sex that satisfies one or more of the following:

• An employee of Green Dot conditioning the provision of an aid, benefit, or service of Green Dot on an individual’s participation in unwelcome sexual conduct;
• Unwelcome conduct determined by a reasonable person to be so severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive that it effectively denies a person equal access to Green Dot’s education program or activity; or
• “Sexual assault” as defined in 20 U.S.C. 1092(f)(6)(A)(v), “dating violence” as defined in 34 U.S.C. 12291(a)(10), “domestic violence” as defined in 34 U.S.C. 12291(a)(8), or “stalking” as defined in 34 U.S.C. 12291(a)(30).

Under California Education Code section 212.5, sexual harassment consists of conduct on the basis of sex, including but not limited to unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and other verbal or physical conduct on the basis of sex, regardless of whether or not the conduct is motivated by sexual desire, when: (a) submission to the conduct is explicitly or implicitly made a term or a condition of an individual’s employment, education, academic status, or progress; (b) submission to, or rejection of, the conduct by the individual is used as the basis of employment, educational or academic decisions affecting the individual; (c) the conduct has the purpose or effect of having a negative impact upon the individual’s work or academic performance, or of creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work or educational environment; and/or (d) submission to, or rejection of, the conduct by the individual is used as the basis for any decision affecting the individual regarding benefits and services, honors, programs, or activities available at or through Green Dot.

Examples of conduct that may fall within the Title IX or the Education Code definition of sexual harassment, or both:

• 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 illustrations above are not to be construed as an all-inclusive list of sex-based harassment acts prohibited under this Policy.

Complainant means an individual who is alleged to be the victim of conduct that could constitute sexual harassment.

Formal Complaint of Sexual Harassment means a written document filed and signed by a complainant who is participating in or attempting to participate in Green Dot’s education program or activity or signed by the Coordinator alleging sexual harassment against a respondent and requesting that Green Dot investigate the allegation of sexual harassment. At the time of filing a formal complaint of sexual harassment, the complainant must be participating in or attempting to participate in Green Dot’s education program or activity.

Party means a complainant or respondent.

Respondent means a person who has been reported to be the perpetrator of conduct that could constitute sexual harassment.

Supportive Measures are non-disciplinary, non-punitive individualized services offered as appropriate, as reasonably available, and without fee or charge to a party before or after the filing of a formal complaint of sexual harassment or where no formal complaint has been filed. Such measures are designed to restore or preserve equal access to Green Dot’s education program or activity without unreasonably burdening the other party, including measures designed to protect the safety of all parties or Green Dot’s educational environment, or deter sexual harassment.

Title IX Coordinator

The Board of Directors of Green Dot (“Board”) has designated the Principal of each school to serve as the Title IX Coordinator (“Coordinator”) for their respective school and HR Director Philip Parker to serve as the Coordinator for the Green Dot Home Office:

Please refer to this spreadsheet to find the name and contact information for your Title IX Coordinator.

The Coordinator is responsible for coordinating Green Dot’s efforts to comply with the requirements of Title IX, receiving reports and complaints of sex discrimination, formal complaints of sexual harassment, and inquiries about the application of Title IX to Green Dot, coordinating the effective implementation of supportive measures, and taking other actions as required by this Policy. The Coordinator or designee may serve as the investigator for formal complaints of sexual harassment.

Reporting Sex Discrimination

All employees must promptly notify the Coordinator when the employee has knowledge of or notice of allegations of sex discrimination or sexual harassment occurring within Green Dot’s education program or activity.

Students are expected to report all incidents of misconduct prohibited by this Policy. Any student who feels they are a target of such behavior should immediately contact a teacher, counselor, the Principal, Coordinator, a staff person or a family member so that the student can get assistance in resolving the issue in a manner that is consistent with this Policy.

Complaints regarding such misconduct may also be made to the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights. Civil law remedies, including, but not limited to, injunctions, restraining orders, or other remedies or orders may also be available to complainants.

While submission of a written report is not required, the reporting party is encouraged to submit a written report to the Coordinator. Green Dot will promptly and effectively investigate and respond to all oral and written complaints and reports of misconduct prohibited by this Policy. Reports may be made anonymously, but formal disciplinary action cannot be based solely on an anonymous report.

Privacy

Green Dot acknowledges and respects every individual’s right to privacy. All reports and complaints shall be investigated in a manner that protects the confidentiality of the parties and the integrity of the process to the greatest extent possible. This includes but is not limited to keeping the identity of the reporter and other personally identifiable information confidential, as appropriate, except to the extent necessary to comply with the law, carry out the investigation and/or to resolve the issue, as determined by the Coordinator or designee on a case-by-case basis.

Retaliation

Green Dot prohibits any form of retaliation against any individual who files a report or complaint, testifies, assists, participates, or refuses to participate in any investigation or proceeding related to misconduct prohibited by this Policy. Such participation or lack of participation shall not in any way affect the status, grades, or work assignments of the individual.

Response to Sexual Harassment

Green Dot will respond promptly and in a manner that is not deliberately indifferent when it has actual knowledge, as defined in 34 C.F.R. § 106.30(a), of sexual harassment occurring in its education program or activity against a person in the United States.

Green Dot’s response will treat complainants and respondents equitably by offering supportive measures to a complainant, and by following the grievance procedures for formal complaints of sexual harassment that are listed below before imposing any disciplinary sanctions or other actions that are not supportive measures on a respondent for sexual harassment under Title IX.

Supportive Measures

Once notified of sexual harassment or allegations of sexual harassment occurring in Green Dot’s education program or activity against a person in the United States, the Coordinator will promptly contact the complainant to discuss the availability of supportive measures, consider the complainant’s wishes with respect to supportive measures, inform the complainant of the availability of supportive measures with or without the filing of a formal complaint, and explain to the complainant the process for filing a formal complaint of sexual harassment.

Supportive measures may include but are not limited to: counseling; extensions of deadlines or other course-related adjustments; modifications of work or class schedules; mutual restrictions on contact between the parties; changes in work or on-campus housing locations; leaves of absence; increased security and monitoring of certain areas of the campus; and other similar measures.

Supportive measures will not unreasonably burden either party or be imposed for punitive or disciplinary reasons. Green Dot will maintain as confidential any supportive measures provided to the complainant or respondent, to the extent that maintaining such confidentiality would not impair Green Dot’s ability to provide the supportive measures. The Coordinator is responsible for coordinating the effective implementation of supportive measures.

Grievance Procedures

Scope and General Requirements 

Green Dot has adopted and published grievance procedures that provide for the prompt and equitable resolution of student and employee complaints alleging any action that would be prohibited under Title IX and a grievance process that complies with 34 C.F.R. § 106.45 for formal complaints of sexual harassment.

Complaints of misconduct prohibited by this Policy that do not constitute a formal complaint of sexual harassment will be addressed in accordance with Green Dot’s Uniform Complaint Procedures, its employment discrimination complaint procedures, or the grievance procedures set forth in its Sexual Harassment, Harassment, & Discrimination Policy as applicable. The following grievance procedures will apply to formal complaints of sexual harassment.

Upon receipt of a formal complaint of sexual harassment, the Coordinator or designee will promptly initiate these grievance procedures, or the informal resolution process if available, appropriate, and requested by all parties.

Green Dot requires that any Title IX Coordinator, investigator, decisionmaker, and any person designated by Green Dot to facilitate an informal resolution process not have a conflict of interest or bias for or against complainants or respondents generally or an individual complainant or respondent.

Green Dot will treat complainants and respondents equitably. Green Dot presumes that the respondent is not responsible for the alleged sexual harassment until a determination is made at the conclusion of its grievance procedures.

Green Dot may consolidate formal complaints of sexual harassment against more than one respondent, or by more than one complainant against one or more respondents, or by one party against another party, where the allegations of sexual harassment arise out of the same facts or circumstances.

Green Dot allows for the temporary delay of the grievance process or limited extension of timeframes on a case-by-case basis for good cause. Requests for extensions must be submitted to the Coordinator in writing at least one (1) business day before the expiration of the timeframe. If the grievance process is temporarily delayed or a timeframe is temporarily extended by Green Dot, the Coordinator or designee will notify the parties of the reason for the delay or extension in writing.

Green Dot will objectively evaluate all evidence that is relevant and not otherwise impermissible, including both inculpatory and exculpatory evidence.[2] Credibility determinations will not be based on a person’s status as a complainant, respondent, or witness.

Dismissal

Green Dot must dismiss a formal complaint of sexual harassment for purposes of sexual harassment under Title IX if the conduct alleged:

• Would not constitute sexual harassment under Title IX even if proved;
• Did not occur in Green Dot’s education program or activity; or
• Did not occur against a person in the United States.

Green Dot may dismiss a formal complaint of sexual harassment or any of the allegations therein if:

• The respondent is no longer enrolled or employed by Green Dot;
• A complainant notifies the Coordinator in writing that the complainant would like to withdraw the complaint or any allegations therein; or
• Specific circumstances prevent Green Dot from gathering sufficient evidence to reach a determination as to the complaint or allegations therein.

Upon dismissal, the Coordinator or designee will promptly send written notice of the dismissal and reason(s) therefore simultaneously to the parties. Dismissal under Title IX does not preclude action under another applicable Green Dot policy.

Notice of the Allegations

Upon receipt of a formal complaint of sexual harassment, the Coordinator or designee will provide written notice of the allegations to the parties whose identities are known. The notice will include:

• Green Dot’s grievance procedures and any informal resolution process;
• The allegations of sexual harassment including sufficient details known at the time and with sufficient time to prepare a response before any initial interview. Sufficient details includes the identities of the parties involved in the incident(s), if known, the conduct allegedly constituting sexual harassment under Title IX, and the date(s) and location(s) of the alleged incident(s), if known;
• A statement that the respondent is presumed not responsible for the alleged conduct and a determination regarding responsibility is made at the conclusion of the grievance process;
• A statement that the parties may have an advisor of their choice, who may be, but is not required to be, an attorney, and may inspect and review evidence; and
• A statement that Green Dot prohibits knowingly making false statements or knowingly submitting false information during the grievance process. 

Emergency Removal

Green Dot may place a non-student employee respondent on administrative leave during the pendency of the grievance procedures in accordance with Green Dot’s policies.

Green Dot may remove a respondent from Green Dot’s education program or activity on an emergency basis, in accordance with Green Dot’s policies, provided that Green Dot undertakes an individualized safety and risk analysis, determines that an immediate threat to the physical health or safety of any person arising from the allegations of sexual harassment justifies removal, and provides the respondent with notice and an opportunity to challenge the decision immediately following the removal.

This provision must not be construed to modify any rights under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, or the Americans with Disabilities Act. 

Informal Resolution

At any time after a formal complaint of sexual harassment is filed and prior to determining whether sexual harassment occurred under Green Dot’s Title IX grievance procedures, Green Dot may offer an informal resolution process to the parties. Green Dot will not offer or facilitate informal resolution to resolve allegations that an employee sexually harassed a student, or when such a process would conflict with Federal, State, or local law. Parties will not be required or pressured to agree to participate in the informal resolution process. 

Before initiation of the informal resolution process, Green Dot will obtain the parties’ voluntary, written consent to participate in the informal resolution and provide the parties with a written notice that explains:

• The allegations;
• The requirements of the informal resolution process including the circumstances under which it precludes the parties from resuming a formal complaint of sexual harassment arising from the same allegations;
• The right to withdraw and initiate or resume the grievance procedures at any time prior to agreeing to a resolution; and
• Any consequences resulting from participating in the informal resolution process, including the records that will be maintained or could be shared.

Investigation

In most cases, a thorough investigation will take no more than forty (40) business days. Green Dot has the burden to conduct an investigation that gathers sufficient evidence to determine whether sexual harassment occurred. The investigator will review all evidence gathered through the investigation and determine what evidence is relevant and what evidence is impermissible regardless of relevance in accordance with Title IX.

The following types of evidence, and questions seeking that evidence, are impermissible (i.e., will not be used, accessed, considered, or disclosed), regardless of whether they are relevant:

• A party’s records that are made or maintained by a physician, psychiatrist, psychologist, or other recognized professional or paraprofessional acting in the professional’s or paraprofessional’s capacity, or assisting in that capacity, and which are made and maintained in connection with the provision of treatment to the party, unless Green Dot obtains that party’s voluntary, written consent to do so for these grievance procedures; and
• Evidence about the complainant’s sexual predisposition or prior sexual behavior, unless such questions and evidence about the complainant’s prior sexual behavior are offered to prove that someone other than the respondent committed the conduct alleged by the complainant, or if the questions and evidence concern specific incidents of the complainant’s prior sexual behavior with respect to the respondent and are offered to prove consent.

The parties will be provided with an equal opportunity to present witnesses, to inspect and review any evidence obtained that is directly related to the allegations raised, and to have an advisor present during any investigative meeting or interview. The parties will not be prohibited from discussing the allegations under investigation or from gathering and presenting relevant evidence. A party whose participation is invited or expected at an investigative meeting or interview will receive written notice of the date, time, location, participants, and purpose of the meeting or interview with sufficient time for the party to prepare to participate.

Before the investigator completes the investigative report, Green Dot will send to each party and the party’s advisor, if any, a copy of the evidence subject to inspection and review, and the parties will have at least ten (10) days to submit a written response for the investigator to consider prior to completing the investigation report.

The investigator will complete an investigation report that fairly summarizes relevant evidence and send a copy of the report to each party and the party’s advisor, if any, at least ten (10) days prior to the determination of responsibility.

Determination of Responsibility

Before making a determination of responsibility, the decisionmaker must afford each party the opportunity to submit written, relevant questions that a party wants to ask of any party or witness, provide each party with the answers, and allow for additional, limited follow-up questions from each party. The decisionmaker must explain to the party proposing the questions any decision to exclude a question as not relevant.

Determinations will be based on an objective evaluation of all relevant and not otherwise impermissible evidence and credibility determinations will not be based on a person’s status as a complainant, respondent, or witness. The standard of evidence used to determine responsibility is the preponderance of the evidence standard. 

Within fifteen (15) business days of the expiration of the timeframe for the parties to submit a written response to the investigation report, the decisionmaker, who will not be the same person as the Coordinator or investigator, will simultaneously send the parties a written determination of whether sexual harassment occurred. The written determination will include:

• The allegations of sexual harassment;
• A description of the procedural steps taken including any notifications to the parties, interviews with parties and witnesses, site visits, and methods used to gather other evidence;
• The findings of facts supporting the determination;
• The conclusions regarding the application of Green Dot’s code of conduct to the facts;
• The decision and rationale for each allegation;
• Any recommended disciplinary sanctions for the respondent, and whether remedies designed to restore or preserve equal access to the education program or activity will be provided to the complainant; and
• The procedures and permissible bases for appeals.

The determination regarding responsibility becomes final either on the date that Green Dot provides the parties with the written appeal decision, if an appeal is filed, or if an appeal is not filed, the date on which an appeal would no longer be considered timely.

Appeals

Either party may, within five (5) business days of their receipt of Green Dot’s written determination of responsibility or dismissal of a formal complaint of sexual harassment, submit a written appeal to the Chief Education Officer, who will serve as the decisionmaker for the appeal or designate a decisionmaker for the appeal.

The complainant and respondent may only appeal from a determination regarding responsibility or Green Dot’s dismissal of a formal complaint of sexual harassment or any allegations therein, on one or more of the following bases:

• Procedural irregularity that affected the outcome of the matter;
• New evidence that was not reasonably available at the time the determination regarding responsibility or dismissal was made, that could affect the outcome of the matter; or
• The Coordinator, investigator(s), or decisionmaker(s) had a conflict of interest or bias for or against complainants or respondents generally or the individual complainant or respondent that affected the outcome of the matter.

The decisionmaker for the appeal will not be the same person as the Coordinator, the investigator or the initial decisionmaker.

The decisionmaker for the appeal will: 1) notify the other party of the appeal in writing; 2) implement appeal procedures equally for the parties; 3) allow the parties to submit a written statement in support of, or challenging, the outcome within five (5) business days of notice of the appeal; and 4) within twenty (20) business days of the appeal, provide a written decision simultaneously to the parties describing the result of the appeal and the rationale for the result.

Consequences

Students or employees who engage in misconduct prohibited by this Policy, knowingly make false statements or knowingly submit false information during the grievance process, may be subject to disciplinary action up to and including expulsion from Green Dot or termination of employment. If there is a determination that sexual harassment occurred, the Coordinator is responsible for effective implementation of any remedies ordered by Green Dot.

Training

All supervisors of staff will receive sexual harassment training within six (6) months of their assumption of a supervisory position and will receive further training once every two (2) years thereafter. All Title IX Coordinators, investigators, decisionmakers, and any person who facilitates a Title IX informal resolution process will receive Title IX training and/or instruction concerning sexual harassment as required by law.

Recordkeeping

Green Dot will maintain the following records for at least seven (7) years:

• Records of each sexual harassment investigation, including any determination of responsibility; any audio or audiovisual recording or transcript; any disciplinary sanctions imposed on the respondent; and any remedies provided to the complainant;
• Records of any appeal of a formal complaint or sexual harassment and the results of that appeal;
• Records of any informal resolution of a formal complaint or sexual harassment and the results of that informal resolution;
• All materials used to train Title IX Coordinators, investigators, decisionmakers, and any person who facilitates an informal resolution process; and
• Records of any actions, including any supportive measures, taken in response to a report or formal complaint of sexual harassment.

The above records will be maintained in a secure location until destroyed in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

[1] Green Dot complies with all applicable state and federal laws and regulations and local ordinances in its investigation of and response to reports and complaints of misconduct prohibited by this Policy.

[2] Inculpatory means tending to impute guilt or fault, and exculpatory means tending to absolve from guilt or fault.

Rev.06/2025

11.0 Policy:  Academic Integrity 

Green Dot Public Schools faculty and administration believe in academic integrity, and the principle of the honor code. Students are expected to do their own homework, to test without external resources, and to submit original work for all assignments. Artificial Intelligence and other technological tools should only be used with teacher approval and in accordance with applicable Green Dot technology policies.

Examples of Academic Integrity Violations include, but are not limited to the following:

• 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 from peers to copy their own work

Consequences for Violating Academic Integrity

• 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 an Academic Honesty contract and will remain on the contract for the duration of the course.
• 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. 06/2026

13.0 Policy:  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. 

Progressive discipline (consistent with section C. 3.0) 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. 

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 Youth Experiencing Homelessness, Foster, and Migratory Youth

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

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

Pick-Up and Drop-Off Procedures – TK and Elementary Students

Schools shall establish designated pick-up and drop-off locations intended to promote student safety, traffic control, and orderly supervision. All families are required to review, acknowledge, and sign the Student Transportation Agreement prior to their student utilizing any school-provided transportation services.

TK students and designated elementary students may only be released to:

• A parent or legal guardian;
• An individual authorized in writing by the parent or legal guardian; or
• Authorized school personnel.

Schools may require photo identification or other appropriate verification prior to releasing students to authorized individuals. Students shall remain under appropriate supervision until safely released to an authorized individual or authorized school personnel.

 Rev. 06/2026

14.0 Policy:  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

Elementary School Field Trips

This portion of the policy shall only apply at Green Dot elementary schools.

When field trips are scheduled, your child’s classroom teacher will send home an itinerary and the permission slip containing specific information pertaining to the trip. Green Dot’s discipline policy and procedures remain in effect on field trips, and students who violate the discipline policy may be subject to consequences up to and including suspension and expulsion. Students without signed field trip permission slips will be placed in an alternate classroom and assigned an alternate assignment at the discretion of the School Principal for the duration of the field trip. Students must be in good attendance and discipline standing to attend field trips. Students not eligible will be given an alternate learning opportunity on campus.

While on the field trip, students are NOT permitted to bring money to make purchases for food or items from the gift shop. Chaperones/teachers are also NOT permitted to make these purchases for students. Families will be made aware in the field trip slip if students are able to take their own lunch or can only eat the school lunch.

 Rev. 06/2026

15.0 Policy:  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 the 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.

If the complaint is about the Principal, the complainant may file his or her complaint in a signed writing to Green Dot’s Chief Education Officer or their designee (angonzalez@greendot.org or 323-565-1600), 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 Education Officer or designee, or investigator, will report their findings to Green Dot for review and action, if necessary.

Step Two

If there is dissatisfaction with the decision or if it 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, they should then submit a written appeal, requesting 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.

Rev. 06/2025

•  
• Compensatory Education
• Consolidated categorical aid programs
• Course Periods without Educational Content
• Discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or bullying against any protected group as identified under Education Code (EC) sections 200 and 220 and Government Code Section 11135, including any actual or perceived characteristic as set forth in Penal Code Section 422.55, or on the basis of a person’s association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics, in any program or activity conducted by an educational institution, as defined in EC Section 210.3, that is funded directly by, or that receives or benefits from, any state financial assistance.
• Educational and graduation requirements for pupils in foster care, pupils who are homeless, pupils from military families and pupils formerly in Juvenile Court now enrolled in a school district
• Every Student Succeeds Act
• Local control and accountability plans (LCAP)
• Migrant Education
• Physical Education Instructional Minutes
• Pupil Fees
• Reasonable Accommodations to a Lactating Pupil
• Regional Occupational Centers and Programs
• School Plans for Student Achievement
• School Safety Plans
• School Site Councils
• State Preschool
• State Preschool Health and Safety Issues in LEAs Exempt from Licensing

And any other state or federal educational program the State Superintendent of Public Instruction (SSPI) of the California Department of Education (CDE) or designee deems appropriate.

The following complaints shall be referred to the specified agencies for appropriate resolution and are not subject to the UCP complaint procedures set forth in this document:

(a) Allegations of child abuse shall be referred to the applicable County Department of Social Services (DSS), Protective Services Division or appropriate law enforcement agency.

(b) Health and safety complaints regarding licensed facilities operating a Child Development Program shall be referred to DSS.

(c) Employment discrimination complaints shall be sent to the State Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH). The complainant shall be notified in writing in a timely manner of any DFEH transferal.

The School’s Responsibilities

The school shall have the primary responsibility to ensure compliance with applicable state and federal laws and regulations. We shall investigate and seek to resolve, in accordance with our approved UCP process, complaints alleging failure to comply with applicable state and federal laws and regulations including, but not limited to, allegations of discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or bullying or noncompliance with laws relating to all programs and activities we implement that are subject to the UCP.

The UCP Annual Notice

We disseminate on an annual basis the UCP Annual Notice which is a written notice of our approved UCP complaint procedures to all of our students, employees, parents or guardians of its students, school and district advisory committee members, appropriate private school officials or representatives, and other interested parties.

This notice is made available on our website and shall include the following:

• information regarding allegations about discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or bullying;
• the list of all federal and state programs within the scope of the UCP;
• the title of the position whose occupant is responsible for processing complaints, and the identity(ies) of the person(s) currently occupying that position, if known;
• a statement that the occupant responsible for processing complaints is knowledgeable about the laws and programs that they are assigned to investigate;
• • a statement that in order to identify appropriate subjects of state preschool health and safety issues pursuant to Section 1596.7925 of the Health and Safety Code (HSC) a notice, separate from the UCP Annual Notice, shall be posted in each California state preschool program classroom in each school in the local educational agency notifying parents, guardians, pupils, and teachers of (1) the health and safety requirements under Title 5 of the California Code of Regulations (5 CCR) apply to California state preschool programs pursuant to HSC Section 1596.7925, and (2) the location at which to obtain a form to file a complaint.

Filing UCP Complaints

All UCP complaints shall be filed no later than one year from the date the alleged violation occurred.

Complaints within the scope of the UCP are to be filed with the Area Superintendent of the school, who is the person responsible for processing complaints at the school.  If a UCP complaint is filed against the Area Superintendent, the compliance officer for that case shall be Annette Gonzalez: Green Dot Chief Education Officer, 1149 S. Hill St., Ste. 600, Los Angeles, CA 90015, (323) 565-1600, angonzalez@greendot.org.  For a complete list of the UCP officers and their contact information, click here.

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

A pupil fees complaint may be filed with the Area Superintendent or their designee. A pupil fees complaint may be filed anonymously, that is, without an identifying signature, if the complaint provides evidence or information leading to evidence to support an allegation of noncompliance.

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 we adopted. An LCAP complaint may be filed anonymously, that is, without an identifying signature, if the complaint provides evidence or information leading to evidence to support an allegation of noncompliance.

We advise complainants of the right to pursue civil law remedies that may be available under state or federal discrimination, harassment, intimidation or bullying laws, including, but not limited to, injunctions, restraining orders, or other remedies or orders that may also be available to complainants.

Investigating UCP Complaints

The UCP complaint investigation is our administrative process for the purpose of gathering data regarding the complaint. We provide an opportunity for complainants and/or representatives to present evidence or information.

Refusal by the complainant to provide the investigator with documents or other evidence related to the allegations in the complaint, or to otherwise fail or refuse to cooperate in the investigation or engage in any other obstruction of the investigation, may result in the dismissal of the complaint because of a lack of evidence to support the allegations.

Refusal by the school to provide the investigator with access to records and/or other information related to the allegation in the complaint, or to otherwise fail or refuse to cooperate in the investigation or engage 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.

We ensure that complainants are protected from retaliation.

We investigate all allegations of unlawful discrimination, harassment, intimidation or bullying against any protected group. Unlawful discrimination, harassment, intimidation or bullying complaints shall be filed no later than six months from the date the alleged discrimination, harassment, intimidation or bullying occurred, or six months from the date the complainant first obtained knowledge of the facts of the alleged discrimination, harassment, intimidation or bullying.

UCP Complaint Resolution

We will thoroughly investigate the UCP complaint and issue a written Investigation Report to the complainant within 60 calendar days from the date of the receipt of the complaint, unless the complainant agrees in writing to an extension of time.

This Investigation Report will contain the following elements:

• the findings of fact based on the evidence gathered;
• a conclusion that provides a clear determination for each allegation as to whether we are in compliance with the relevant law;
• corrective actions if we find merit in a complaint:

• for complaints regarding Pupil Fees; LCAP; Physical Education Instructional Minutes, or Course Periods without Educational Content, the remedy shall go to all affected pupils, parents, and guardians,
• for all other complaints within the scope of the Uniform Complaint Procedures the remedy shall go to the affected pupil,
• With respect to a Pupil Fees complaint, corrective actions shall include reasonable efforts to ensure full reimbursement to all pupils, parents and guardians who paid a pupil fee within one year prior to the filing of the complaint;
• a notice of the complainant’s right to appeal our Investigation Report to the Department of Education (CDE); and
• the procedures to be followed for initiating an appeal to the CDE.

UCP Complaint Appeal Process

An appeal is a written and signed request by the complainant to the CDE seeking review of an LEA Investigation Report that was issued in response to a properly-filed complaint. A signature may be handwritten, typed (including in an email) or electronically-generated.

The complainant may appeal our Investigation Report of a UCP complaint to the CDE by filing a written appeal within 30 calendar days of the date. In order to request an appeal, the complainant must specify and explain the basis for the appeal, including at least one of the following:

• The school failed to follow its complaint procedures, and/or
• the Investigation Report lacks material findings of fact necessary to reach a conclusion of law, and/or
• the material findings of fact in the Investigation Report are not supported by substantial evidence, and/or
• the legal conclusion in the Investigation Report is inconsistent with the law, and/or
• in a case in which we were found in noncompliance, the corrective actions fail to provide a proper remedy.

The appeal shall be sent with: (1) a copy of the locally filed complaint; and (2) a copy of the LEA Investigation Report.

Adopted by the Green Dot Board on July 29, 2022

Rev: 06/2026

17.0 Policy:  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

18.0 Policy:  Directory Information 

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act mandates that Green Dot adopt a policy identifying those categories of personally identifiable information (as defined in Student Records, Policy A. 9.0, above) from a student’s education records considered to be “directory information,” which may generally be released unless the parent/legal guardian notifies Green Dot, in writing, of their refusal. 

Green Dot may disclose the personally identifiable information that it has designated as directory information, consistent with the terms of Green Dot’s annual notice provided pursuant to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 2001 (20 U.S.C. § 1232g) (“FERPA”). “Directory information” is student information that is generally not considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if released.  The primary purpose of directory information is to allow Green Dot to include this type of information from a student’s education records in certain publications, which include, but are not limited to:

• annual yearbooks;
• graduation programs;
• Green Dot/school website(s);
• sports activity sheets showing weight and height of team members;
• honor roll or other recognition lists; and
• a playbill, showing the student’s role in a drama production.

GDPS has designated the following student information as directory information*:

• name;
• address;
• telephone listing;
• electronic mail address;
• photograph;
• date and place of birth;
• grade level;
• major field of study;
• dates of attendance;
• participation in officially recognized activities and sports;
• weight and height of members of athletic teams;
• degrees and awards received; and
• most recent previous school attended.

In addition, federal law requires that education agencies receiving assistance under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (reauthorized as the Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015) provide military recruiters, upon request, with students’ names, addresses and telephone listings, unless parents/legal guardians have advised Green Dot that they do not want their child’s information disclosed without their prior written consent.

Directory information does not include a student’s social security number or student identification number.  However, Green Dot may disclose a student’s identification number, user identification, or other unique personal identifier used to communicate in electronic systems, provided it cannot be used to access education records without a personal identification number, password, or other factor that only the authorized user knows.  A student’s social security number will not be used for this purpose.

Private schools and colleges/universities may be given the names and addresses of 12th-grade students and students who are no longer enrolled in a Green Dot school provided that the information is used only for purposes directly related to the institution’s academic or professional goals.

If parents/legal guardians do not want Green Dot to disclose directory information from their child’s education records without their prior written consent, they must notify their child’s school site principal, in writing, by September 1, or within 30 days upon a student’s enrollment.  The request to withhold directory information is applicable only to the school year in which the notification was provided to Green Dot. 

*Subject to the restrictions contained therein, Education Code § 49073(c)(2) allows disclosure of directory information for students experiencing homelessness to facilitate qualifying eye examinations and oral health assessments.

Rev. 06/2026

 20.0 Policy: Textbooks, Instructional Materials, and Green Dot Issued Technological Devices

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 may be 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

21.0 Policy:  Student Eligibility for Free and Reduced Lunch Programs

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

22.0 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

23.0 Policy:  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 youth experiencing homelessness shall be immediately deemed to meet all residency requirements for participation in interscholastic sports or other extracurricular activities.

Rev. 06/2022

24.0 Policy:  Student 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

Rights and Responsibilities Policy                                                                                                                  C. 25.0 Policy:  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 views of students 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 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.

1. All materials are to be stamped with the inclusive dates of posting.

1. 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 the 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 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 Green Dot 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. 06/2025

 26.0 Policy: 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 policy includes prohibition of  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. 06/2025

27.0 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 Education 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

Rights and Responsibility                                      

28. 28.0 Policy:  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 Education 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 Education 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 Education Officer or designee an Academic Research Project 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 Education 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 Education 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

Rights and Responsibility                                                

29. 29.0 Policy: 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, 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

30.0 Policy:  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

Rights and Responsibility                                                            

31. 31.0 Policy:  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

32.0 Policy:  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:

1. the signature and date of the parent, guardian, or eligible student providing consent;
2. a description of the records to be disclosed;
3. the reason for release of information;
4. the parties or class of parties receiving the information; and
5. 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

Rights and Responsibility                                                                                                                                 C. 33.0 Policy: Annual Information Notice to Parents and Guardians

Green Dot must provide  annual notice to parents and guardians of the school’s general information policies that includes:

• Assurances that Green Dot will not release information to third parties for immigration-enforcement purposes, except as required by law or court order.
• A description of the types of student records maintained by Green Dot.
• A list of the circumstances or conditions under which Green Dot might release student information to outside people or entities.
• A statement that, unless Green Dot is providing information for a legitimate educational purpose under FERPA and the California Education Code or directory information, Green Dot shall notify parents or guardians and eligible students—and receive their written consent—before it releases a student’s personally identifiable information.

Per California Education Code Section 51225.8, commencing with the 2020-2021 school year, Green Dot shall ensure that each of its students receives information on how to properly complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (“FAFSA”) or the California Dream Act Application, as appropriate, at least once before the student enters grade 12.  The information shall be provided at the discretion of the governing board of the school district or the governing body of the charter school, and shall be provided through various options that include, but are not limited to: information dissemination through in-class instruction; an existing program; family information sessions; or group or individual sessions with school counselors. and shall include, but not limited to, material related to:

• the types of documentation and personal information that each student financial aid application requires, including, but not necessarily limited to, documents relating to income taxes, finances and income, college choices, academic status, and personal identification such as social security or taxpayer identification numbers; 
• an explanation of definitions used for each application;
• eligibility requirements for student financial aid that may be applied for using the FAFSA or the California Dream Act Application.
• application timelines and submission deadlines; and 
• the importance of submitting applications early, especially when student financial aid is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

Green Dot shall provide a paper copy of the FAFSA or the California Dream Act Application, upon request by that student or upon request of the student’s parent/guardian

Green Dot shall appoint a Green Dot employee, as applicable, to act as a representative of Green Dot and have a district administrator account registered on the CaliforniaColleges.edu platform for purposes of the representative serving to support 11th grade students in completing 11th grade financial aid lessons. 

Green Dot’s governing board and the governing body of the school shall ensure that any information shared by parents, guardians, and pupils under this section is handled according to applicable state and federal privacy laws and regulations. . 

Rev. 06/2025

34.0 Policy:  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

35.0 Policy: 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.

1. 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, School staff shall immediately alert the Chief Executive Officer to ensure that information is shared with all relevant stakeholders in accordance with governing regulations.
2. 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.

1. 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.ƒ
2. 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).
3. 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

Rights and Responsibility                               

36. 36.0 Policy:  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

Rights and Responsibility                                     

37. 37.0 Policy:  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

38.0 Policy:  Responding to Hate Crimes and Bullying

Adopting and Publicizing Anti-Bullying and Anti-Harassment Policy

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, race/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 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 they 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 Green Dot 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. 06/2025

39.0 Policy:  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:

1. 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.
2. Gender Identity: The school shall accept the student’s assertion of gender identity and 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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