Disciplinary policies and regulations
In order to maintain an environment conducive to attaining the highest quality of education in the district, there must exist certain disciplinary policies and regulations relating to student conduct which outlines acceptable behavior and provides the basis for sound disciplinary practices. These policies and regulations will be enforced fairly and uniformly and consistently, without regard to race, creed, color, or gender. Resources are available to ensure that disruptive students are not returned to regular classes without some modification of behavior.
Suspensions
Shall be imposed only when other means of correction fail to bring about proper conduct. Suspension means removal of a pupil from ongoing instruction for adjustment purposes. It does not mean reassignment to another education program or class at the same school. Teachers are authorized to require parents or guardians of pupils suspended by a teacher to attend a portion of a school day in his or her child's classroom.
Expulsion
Is an action taken by the Board for severe or prolonged breaches of discipline by a student. Expulsion, except for single acts of a grave nature, is usually recommended when there is a history of misconduct and where other forms of discipline, including suspension, have failed to bring about proper conduct.
Due Process Rights
Schools will make every reasonable effort to notify the parent/guardian when a student is being disciplined. When a suspension or change of placement is being considered, a meeting with the parent/guardian is an essential part of the process. Your school's Site Discipline Plan describes the due process details.
In and out of school alternative placements
Each school may offer alternative learning placements that are detailed on page 6 of this booklet. Placements may be voluntary or involuntary and include independent study, community school, opportunity classes, or continuation school.
What if I disagree with the way my child is treated or taught?
Parent and Student Complaint Procedure
The district has a procedure in place to handle parent and student concerns. We encourage individuals to contact the school principal, assistant principal, or counselor to try and resolve any problems as soon as possible. If a parent/guardian or student still has concerns and would like to file a complaint about the district's programs or procedures, he/she may fill out a complaint form. The form is available from the Office of Pupil Resources, 1460 E. Holt Ave., Suite 408 Pomona, CA 91767. If the complainant is unable to put the complaint in writing, due to conditions such as illiteracy or other handicaps, Pomona Unified will assist them in filing the complaint.
Once the complaint form is received, it will be investigated and a written report provided within 60 days. If the parent/guardian does not agree with the results of the investigation, they may appeal their case to the California Department of Education. A full report on the complaint procedure and appeals process is available at each school site.
Complaints Concerning a Suspension
The school principal has the authority to suspend a student for violation of school rules and policies. Parents whose child has been suspended may appeal the suspension to the Director of Pupil Resources, after discussing their concerns with the site principal.
Attaching a Written Response to the Disciplinary Record
Parents who do not agree with all or part of a disciplinary action against their child may attach a written statement to the disciplinary record.
Harmful or Destructive Use of Animals
Students may refuse to participate in classroom activities involving the harmful or destructive use of animals. Alternative programs and tests may be provided. Requests should be brought to the principal's attention.
Religious Beliefs
Students may be excused from specific instruction which conflicts with religious training beliefs. Requests should be brought to the principal's attention.
Human Reproductive Instruction
Parents will be notified in writing prior to any instruction or class in which human reproductive organs and their functions or processes are described, illustrated, or discussed.
Who can see my child's records?
Family Rights & Privacy Act
In accordance with federal and state laws, all student records must be maintained in a confidential manner and can be viewed only by school personnel, who are required by their duties, to access those records.
Directory Information
Unless the parent/guardian specifically requests in writing, certain general information may be released to the public, colleges/universities, and armed forces recruiters.
Parent/Guardian Request for Records
Parents/legal guardians have a right to inspect and review their child's records. The request must be in writing to the school principal. An appointment will be scheduled between you and a counselor and/or school administrator within 5 working days.
Releasing Records to Others
Your child's records may only be released:
1. To an individual or agency, with your signed authorization for specific records;
2. To your child, if he/she is 18 years of age or older;
3. To School Attendance Review Board members;
4. To another school or district to which your child is transferring; and
5. By lawful subpoena, after you have been notified and given an opportunity to respond in court.
Challenging Records
The parent may file with the Superintendent a written request to correct or remove from their child's records any information concerning the child that is alleged to be inaccurate, an unsubstantiated personal conclusion or interference.
Attachment 1
Special Education
For more information about any special education matter contact the Pomona Unified School District, Department of Special Education, 1425 E. Holt Avenue, 5th Floor Pomona, CA 91767.
Parents have the right to:
1. Receive notification of and participate in all proposed planning conferences regarding their child. The purpose of the meeting will be clearly stated in the written notification to the parent.
2. Receive all written notices, as well as copies of the Individual Education Program, in the primary language used by the parent/guardian in the home (if requested).
3. Receive written notification prior to any action being taken or recommended by the school system that would change their child's educational program.
4. Receive written notification that their child has been referred for possible special education services; receive a proposed assessment plan, in writing, that explains assessment may begin only after the parent has given their voluntary, written consent; and obtain, upon request, a copy of any assessment reports.
5. The guarantee that their child will receive an education in the least restrictive environment; to the maximum extent appropriate, individuals with exceptional needs shall be educated with pupils who are not disabled; and, assignment of special classes, separate schooling or other removal of a student from the regular education environment shall occur only when the nature and severity of the student's disability is such that education in regular classes with the use of supplementary aids and/or services cannot be achieved satisfactorily.
6. Request an educational assessment for their child if they suspect the child may be in need of special education services.
7. Disagree or question any decision or recommendation made by the district regarding the identification, assessment and/or placement of their child.
8. The assurance that, if the public schools cannot provide an appropriate program for their child, parents/guardians may be offered alternative placement in a state-approved, non-public school program, at no cost to the parent/guardian.
9. Examine their child's cumulative educational records file, within 5 days of making such request; request and obtain copies of records (a reasonable fee may be charged for copying, unless the parent cannot afford the fee); challenge and amend such records as necessary.
Unless parents indicate objections, in writing, the district may:
10. Screen for vision and hearing, as required in Education Code 49452, as well as in the area of speech and language. Such screenings are used to identify a need for assessment.
