CAPISTRANO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

DanaHills High School

Disciplinary Policies and Procedures

Our goal at Dana Hills High School is to help each student become a positive and responsible citizen. We know that the majority of students will work toward this goal by respecting the rights of others, respecting personaland school property, and by practicing acceptable behavior. The following rules and regulations are in effect on or near school grounds, off campus during school hours, at school-sponsored functions, and while on the way to or from school or school activities.  Assistant Principals may at times find it necessary to add or subtract from the disciplinary policies described in this handbook in order to ensure progressive discipline and overall consistency and fairness.  Unless otherwise noted, the discipline consequences apply for the entire current school year.

Levels of Disciplinary Consequences

The level of disciplinary consequence is determined by the specific infraction.

Level 1- Warning

Level 2- Teacher-assigned Detention

Level 3- Afternoon School (1-hour after-school detention) Letter sent home/possible Behavior

              Contract

Level 4- Saturday School (8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. on selected Saturdays)/Behavior Contract/step

             advancement

Level 5- Behavior Contract established (if not already in place)/Parent contact/Behavior Contract

              step advancement (if already in place)

Level 6- Suspension (1-5 days)/Parent conference/Behavior Contract/ step advancement

Level 7- School transfer

Level 8- Recommend expulsion/school transfer

Note: Any student who is suspended from school may not be on campus or attend school-related activities while on suspension.  Any student who is involuntarily transferred to an alternative educational site may not attend Dana Hills High School activities.

Alternative to Suspension (ATS) Program

The Capistrano Unified School District ATS program is an off-site district-operated classroom for students who are suspended for 48900 Education Code violations.  The students are under the supervision of credentialed teachers and counselors who will present a curriculum that offers a proactive, therapeutic approach to instilling the skills, habits and behaviors necessary to be successful in school and life.

Students who successfully complete the program will not reflect a suspension from school on their attendance record unless the student is pending expulsion.

The 5-Step Behavior Contract: High schools district-wide follow a practice of progressive discipline.  Therefore, in order to ensure safe and appropriate behavior, Assistant Principals will institute a Behavior Contract for those students who receive repeated disciplinary strikes, exhibit chronic truancy or tardiness, fail to serve assigned disciplinary consequences, or are involved in a serious incident of misbehavior that is considered a suspendible offense (one requiring Alternative to Suspension (ATS) program or home suspension).

Once a student is placed on a Behavior Contract, he/she will be held to a strict standard of conduct in abiding by all school rules for one calendar year from the date of last incident/infraction.  Each time an Assistant Principal determines that the student has violated the conditions of the contract, he/she will be placed at the next contract step and incur the associated consequences and loss of privileges.  In general, students will incur an additional contract step whenever an offense necessitates a meeting with an Assistant Principal, or is an offense where the consequence results in an assignment to Saturday School, ATS, or home suspension.  However, a student who commits a severe disciplinary infraction (for example, one that endangers the safety of others or disrupts the educational environment), could receive an immediate recommendation for transfer or expulsion.

The 5-Step Behavior Contract process below is followed:

1st Step

• Student conference with Assistant Principal/designee. Administration of consequence for violation. Parent contact by letter or phone.  Behavior Contract established.

2nd Step

• Student conference with Assistant Principal/designee. Administration of consequence for violation. Parking privileges revoked.  Parent contact by letter or phone.

3rd Step

• All interventions of Steps 1 and 2 plus the following actions: Administration of consequence, parent contact by letter or phone, and parent conference encouraged.  Loss of regular school dances and extracurricular activities.

4th Step

• All interventions of Steps 1, 2, and 3 plus the following actions: ATS or home suspension for current infraction. parent contact by letter or phone, and parent conference encouraged.  Loss of all extra/co-curricular activities and classes, academy classes and athletics, (including senior activities, dances/formals, and possibly graduation ceremony).

5th Step

• All interventions of Steps 1, 2, 3, and 4 plus the following possible actions:  ATS or home suspension for current infraction.  Parent contact by letter or phone, parent conference recommended.  Possible involuntary transfer to alternative education.

**The school official executing the discipline policies and procedures may exercise the right to adapt his/her decision to meet the fair and appropriate consequence that fit each individual situation.

Note:  A student who commits a severe disciplinary infraction (for example, one that endangers the safety of others or disrupts the educational environment), could receive an immediate recommendation for transfer or expulsion.

DISCIPLINARY CONSEQUENCES

1. Teacher-assigned Detention (lunch, 30-minute or 60-minute detention)
2. Students are assigned detention by teachers and are expected to serve them accordingly in the assigned location or with the teacher.  Students are considered a “no-show” if they are not in the room, in a seat, and quiet by the starting time of detention. A student who is considered a “no-show” will automatically be assigned a Saturday School.
3. A student may be dismissed from detention by the teacher for poor behavior. In that event, the student will be assigned a Saturday School.

1. AfternoonSchool
2. AfternoonSchoolis held Monday through Friday.  A student must be in the assigned area, in a seat, and quiet by 5 minutes after the dismissal bell or he/she will be considered a “no-show,” and automatically assigned a Saturday School.
3. Once an Afternoon School is assigned, after the first 24 hours, only a parent may change the date for a valid reason (for example, medical, funeral, court appointment).
4. A student may be released by the Afternoon School supervisor for poor behavior. In that event, he/she will be assigned one day of Saturday School to make up for each day of poor behavior in Afternoon School.
5. Students are expected to bring schoolwork to their assignment and be working productively during the assignment.

1. SaturdaySchool
2. Students meet the Saturday School teacher at the front doors of the school no later than 8:25 a.m.  Saturday School is held in a classroom from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on various Saturdays.  No student will be admitted after 8:30 a.m. Students must be in the room, in a seat and quiet by 8:30 a.m. or will be considered a “no-show.” 
3. Students who do not attend their assigned Saturday School will be suspended (or attend the Alternative to Suspension program) for one day for each missed Saturday School and be placed on a Behavior Contract or advance a step on their Behavior Contract.
4. A student may be released by the Saturday School teacher for poor behavior. In that event, the student will be suspended for one day (or attend the Alternative to Suspension program) and be placed on a Behavior Contract or advance a step on their Behavior Contract.
5. Students are expected to bring schoolwork to Saturday School and be working productively during the assignment.
6. Saturday Schools may be rescheduled with the Assistant Principal one time only and must be rescheduled by noon on the Friday before the assigned Saturday School.

Note: Notices for Afternoon School and Saturday School are given to students to communicate the date of consequence.  In addition, notices are mailed home for each offense as an attempt to communicate with parents or guardians. The school acknowledges that the letter/notice may not arrive home before the assignment date.

Although it is the school’s desire that parents be given notice before the assignment date, some situations occur when this is not possible.  However, the student is always notified of the consequences before he/she is expected to serve, as evidenced by the student’s signature and date on the notice.  He/she is therefore expected to also hand deliver the notice to parents/guardians immediately.

INFRACTIONS

1. Academic Integrity
2. See the detailed policy included in this handbook.
3. Consequences:The minimum consequence of the first incident is placement at Level 4 and Behavior Contract/step advancement.  Assistant Principals log all incidents of academic dishonesty in the student’s disciplinary file, and consequences are issued on a cumulative school-wide basis.

1. Assembly/Activity Misconduct
2. Assemblies, pep rallies, and activities are produced by the Associated Student Union to increase school spirit, provide positive motivation, and increase awareness of issues facing students today.  
3. Students are expected to participate positively at the assembly, rally, or activity and not behave in any manner that would detract from the purposes of the event (e.g., heckling, talking, laser pens, throwing objects, etc.).
4. Attendance at assemblies and rallies is mandatory unless otherwise specifically stated, and roll is taken by the classroom teacher before and after the assembly/rally. Any student not in the assembly/rally or not reporting back to class is considered truant.
5. Consequences:  The minimum consequence of the first incident is placement at Level 3 in addition to removal from the assembly, rally or activity.

1. Attendance/Truancy
2. All students are expected to be in class appropriately participating for the entire class period.
3. A parent or legal guardian may excuse a student for absences, but this must be done within 72 hours of the absence or the student will be considered truant.
4. The 24-hour attendance line is:  (949) 493-7685.
5. If a student becomes ill during the school day or wishes to leave campus for another valid reason, he/she must report to the attendance office prior to leaving campus. If it is determined he/she should go home, the office must confirm contact with his/her parents or designated emergency contact and receive permission before the student can leave campus. An office pass verifying permission to leave will be issued and the student may leave at the designated time.
6. Students who have their parents call school once they have already left campus, or do not follow the above procedure will be considered truant because they left campus without prior permission.  This truancy may not be cleared.
7. If a student wishes to be excused from class for official school business, he/she must bring a signed request from the staff member supervising the absence (field trip form, athletic contest, note, etc.) to the teacher of the class he/she will miss before he/she misses the class.
8. In the event of truancy, teachers may not allow the student to make up any school assignments related to that truancy.
9. Students who have five or more days of absences due to illness will be required to bring in a doctor’s note.  Absences without a doctor’s note will be recorded as “unexcused”.  Excessive absences may result in a Student Attendance Review Board (SARB) referral.
10. Students and their parents are responsible for the students’ attendance record. The school suggests the following: check the Parent Portal.  Please call the attendance office immediately if you receive an attendance/truancy notice in error.
11.  Consequences:The minimum consequence of the first incident is placement at Level 3. 

1. Bus Referral
2. It is critical that each student behaves in a manner that is according to all school rules, is safe, and does not hinder the bus driver. Students are expected to respect the authority of the bus driver as a school official. This standard of acceptable behavior begins when the student arrives at the bus stop and arrives at the final destination.
3. Consequences:  The minimum consequence of the first incident is placement at Level 3.

1. Bullying/Cyber Bullying
2. “Bullying” means any severe or pervasive or verbal act or conduct, including communications made in writing or by means of an electronic act, and including one or more acts committed by a pupil or group of pupils.
3. Consequences:  The minimum consequence of the first incident is placement at Level 6 in addition to a report of bullying to the District.

1. Dances
2. Dress Code—School dress code applies to dances (see school website for pictures of appropriate dress for formal dances).  Students dressed inappropriately may not enter the dance.  Parents will be called and may bring appropriate clothes or students may go home with parent permission.  Future dress code violations will result in loss of dance privileges.
3. All students and guests may be required to take a breathalyzer test before entering the dance.
4. Students who dance inappropriately (no back to front dancing, grinding, “freaking”) will receive a “time-out” and documented warning.  On the second offense, the student will be sent home and will not attend the next dance.  Warnings carry over to future dances.

1. Defianceof Authority
2. Students are expected to obey the valid authority of supervisors, teachers, administrators, or other school staff without delay. A student may appeal the decision later by speaking with his/her Assistant Principal, but the student is expected to first obey the directive by the staff member.
3. It is also considered a defiance of authority if a student willfully disrupts any school activity or willfully misleads or misrepresents the truth.  This also applies to serving assigned consequences.
4. Consequences:  The minimum consequence of the first incident is placement at Level 3.

1. Defiance/Disrespect of Teacher/Classroom Disruption:
2. Students are expected to respect and obey teachers without delay.
3. Students are expected to participate in classrooms without disrupting the educational environment or creating a disturbance that may affect the teacher or other students.
4. Consequences:  The minimum consequence of the first incident is placement at Level 3 and possible Behavior Contract/step increase.

Note:Teachers have the option to insist on a maximum of a consecutive two-day period suspension at any time; however, parent contact must be initiated by the teacher prior to the second day.

1. Serious Disruption of the Learning Environment
2. Students are expected to participate in school without disrupting the educational environment or creating a disturbance for themselves or others.
3. Consequences:  The minimum consequence of the first incident is placement at Level 6 and possible recommendation for involuntary transfer depending on the seriousness of the disruption.

1. Dress Code
2. The Board of Trustees of the Capistrano Unified School District has established a dress code to provide a safe and unhindered learning environment for all CUSD students. With the District’s policy as a basis, Dana Hills High School has established a campus-appropriate dress standard.
3. A student must relinquish any offending article of clothing or accessory, including hats/beanies.  The school is not responsible for the loss of any confiscated item.  At the first incident, a student will be offered the use of a “loaner” garment and the parent will be notified.  For subsequent incidents, the parent will be contacted to provide an appropriate change of clothing and student will be assigned an Afternoon School.

1. It is up to the discretion of the Assistant Principal to release the confiscated item to the parent or the student but only at the end of the school day.  Items considered dangerous or items confiscated two or more times will only be returned to parents and an Afternoon School will be assigned.  See the school policy (under Student Dress and Grooming Standards in this handbook) and/or district policy for more detailed information.
2. Consequences:  The minimum consequence is placement at Level 1 for the first incident.  Repeated violations may result in more serious consequences or Behavior Contract.

1. Driving/Parking Violation
2. For the safety of all, anyone using the parking facilities and roadways on campus must abide by the rules and regulations stated on the Parking Information (included in this handbook under Student Parking Information) and application.
3. Consequences:  The minimum consequence of the first incident is placement at Level 3. On the second incident the consequence will be loss of parking privileges for the remainder of the year as well.  Refunds for permits will not be given. Reckless driving, other serious driving violations, or use of a stolen permit may incur consequences including suspension and loss of permit on the first offense.

1. Drug Use, Possession, Including Prescription Medication, or Under the Influence of Any Illegal or Controlled Substance or Alcohol, or Possession of Paraphernalia
2. This rule also applies to any form of alcohol, drugs, inhalants, salvia, and/or “look-a-likes.”
3. Consequences:  1st incident - Immediate 5-day suspension, notification of law enforcement, and possible recommendation for district expulsion; possible school transfer or extended suspension pending expulsion proceedings.  Students will lose the ability to participate in all extra/co-curricular activities, athletics, and special school programs for a period of 90 school days.  The 90 school day periods may be extended for continued disciplinary infractions.

1. Drug Dealing, Negotiating for Sale, or Distribution of Prescription Medication or a Controlled Substance
2. This rule also applies to any form of alcohol, drugs, and/or “look-a-likes”.
3. Consequences:  1st incident - Immediate 5-day suspension, notification of law enforcement, and recommendation for district expulsion; possible school transfer or extended suspension pending expulsion proceedings.

1. Electronic Devices
2. While students may bring cellular phones on campus, these devices must be turned off during class time (including tutorial).  Other electronic devices such as ipods, MP3s, CD players, and other electronic signaling devices are prohibited on campus, including classrooms, without special permission from the Assistant Principal.  All of these items may be confiscated.
3. DanaHills High Schoolis not responsible for damage or loss of electronic devices.
4. Consequences:  The minimum consequence for a first offense is placement at Level 1.  On the first incident, students may pick up their electronic device at the end of the school day at the attendance office.  Consequences for continued violation:
5. 1^st – Warning.  Item returned.
6. 2^nd – Parent notification by phone. AfternoonSchoolassigned.  Parent must claim item.
7. 3^rd – Afternoon School assigned.  Parent must claim item.
8. 4th – Saturday School assigned.  Behavior contract possibly assigned.  Parent must claim item.
9. 5^th – Student meets with Assistant Principal. Behavior contract assigned.  Item could be kept for the rest of the semester.

Note:  Having visible access to a cellular phone or any other electronic device during a quiz or test will be considered a violation of the school academic integrity policy.  See the school policy (included in this handbook under Academic Integrity Policy) for more detailed information.

Note:  Students who take photographs or videos of students, teachers or staff on school grounds are subject to disciplinary consequences.  The minimum consequence for a first offense is placement at Level 3.

1. Extortion
2. Any attempt to seize personal property or money from another person by threat or force.    
3. Consequences:  The minimum consequence of the first incident is placement at Level 6 in addition to law enforcement notification.

1. False Fire Alarm
2. Fire alarms are intended to protect the safety of everyone on campus.  It is imperative that the alarms are pulled exclusively for fire evacuation or disaster situations.
3. Tampering, destroying or disrupting the fire protection system on campus is considered a violation of this policy.
4. Any damage incurred will be considered vandalism and subject to restitution.
5. Consequences:  The minimum consequence of the first incident is placement at Level 6 in addition to law enforcement and fire marshal notification.

1. Fighting/Assault/Harassment
2. Any attempt, threat, or act of physically, emotionally, or sexually harassing another student is unacceptable. Emotional and physical well being is a basic right of every individual on campus and all students and staff are expected to respect this basic right.
3. Any physical contact with students is not acceptable (pushing, shoving, and hitting).
4. Students are expected to exhaust every resource to achieve a peaceful resolution to a conflict including but not limited to walking away, conflict resolution, or involving a staff member.
5. Consequences:  The minimum consequence of the first incident is placement at Level 6.  The minimum consequence of the second incident may result in a recommendation for school transfer or expulsion.

1. Fighting in a Group
2. Students must not participate, plan, or engage in any type of fighting when more than two people are involved. Students are especially expected to stay out of fights that are in progress.
3. Consequences:  The minimum consequence of the first incident is placement at Level 8.

1. Fireworks or Possession of Other Explosives
2. Explosives are extremely dangerous and must not be on campus at any time.
3. Any student in violation of this rule may be recommended for expulsion and reported to law enforcement.
4. Possession of a lighter, matches, or other such incendiary devices will result in an Afternoon School assignment.
5. Consequences:  The minimum consequence of the first incident is placement at Level 6 in addition to law enforcement and fire marshal notification.

1. Fraudulent Telephone Calls/Written Material
2. DanaHillspractices a policy whereby parents can call into the school and excuse their son or daughter from an absence. Any attempt to falsify the authority of a parent in order to excuse a student’s absence is considered fraud.
3. Any written document where a student falsifies the authorizing signature is considered fraud.  In addition, any attempt to produce fraudulent documents such as ID cards or parking permits are also considered fraud.
4. These consequences apply not only to the person committing the fraudulent act, but also to the student(s) whom the fraudulent act benefits.
5. Consequences:The minimum consequence of the first incident is placement at Level 4 and Behavior Contract.

1. Gang-Related Activity
2. Students must refrain from any activity associated with gang-related behavior. Examples include but are not limited to “flying colors,” throwing hand signs, depicting gang-related graffiti or drawing in books, notebooks, or backpacks, repeated incidents of wearing gang-related clothing/“dressing down,” or any other behavior that glorifies gang affiliation.
3. Consequences:  The minimum consequence of the first incident is placement at Level 4 in addition to notification to local law enforcement gang prevention units.

1. General Misconduct/Horseplay
2. At Dana Hills High School all students are expected to be responsible for their behavior and respectful towards other students, staff, school facilities and equipment.  Horseplay is not permitted.
3. Any damage incurred will be considered vandalism and subject to restitution.
4. Consequences:  The minimum consequence of the first incident is placement at Level 3.

1. Gum and Food                
2. Food is only allowed in areas designated as food areas and only during designated times (before school, break, and lunch).  Food and drink, other than water, are not permitted in hallways, classrooms, or other carpeted areas of the school.
3. Students are not to purchase any food or drinks from the vending machines during class time. 
4. Consequences:  The minimum consequence of the first incident is placement at Level 3 plus confiscation of unused gum/food/drink.

1. No Identification Card
2. Students are expected to carry their Dana Hills High School identification cards (ID) with them on campus during school hours and at all school events and activities. When asked by a staff member, students must present their ID card immediately. If a student loses the card, he/she may receive a replacement card from the Activities Clerk for a cost of ten dollars. Students are expected to keep their card in acceptable condition and not alter their card in any way.
3. Consequences:  The minimum consequence of the first incident is placement at Level 3.

1. Littering /Throwing Food
2. All students are responsible for the cleanliness of the campus. A student is considered to have littered if he/she leaves an area where trash has been left, whether or not it is his or her trash.
3. Throwing food (or any objects) is never acceptable and is very dangerous. It is expected that students walk to a trashcan and drop trash into the can. This includes biodegradable items.
4. Any intentional throwing of food which defaces school property will be considered an act of vandalism and subject to restitution.
5. Consequences:  The minimum consequence of the first incident is placement at Level 3 or campus clean-up. 

Note:Groups of students who litter an area as a group may be asked to leave an area for a specified amount of time. Any student who returns to the area is in defiance of authority and punished accordingly.

1. Out of Bounds /Off Campus Without a Pass
2. DanaHills High Schoolis a closed campus for all students.
3. During school hours (including tutorial, break, and lunch), a student is out of bounds if he/she travels into restricted areas.  Students are not allowed at the football stadium, baseball fields, sports park, or EEC unless accompanied by a teacher.  Students are not permitted to be in the parking lot at any time unless arriving to or leaving from campus. 
4. If the student’s schedule permits it, he/she may receive an off-campus sticker to be placed on his/her ID card. This sticker will verify to the campus supervisors that the student may leave upon completion of his/her last class period of the day.  Students must present ID with sticker to leave campus.

• Consequences:  The minimum consequence at first incident is placement at Level 3. Per Board Policy 5154(a), school officials may search individual students when there is reasonable suspicion that the search will uncover evidence that the student is violating the law or rules of the school or the District.

1. Out of Class Without a Pass/Hall Pass Abuse/Out of Tutorial
2. Any student out of class must have a valid hall pass and a valid reason to be out of class. Student aides must not be out of class without a specific purpose and pass. Any students talking with friends, loitering, or in an area determined to be out of the route of his/her specific purpose is considered abusing the hall pass.
3. Only the current school-wide pass and/or hall pass signed by the teacher with the current date and time and student’s name will be accepted as a valid hall pass.  (No teacher specific hall passes accepted.)
4. Only one student may be out of a class at any one time and he/she must visibly carry the current school-wide hall pass from the teacher. If more than one student needs to be out of class at the same time, the extra students must carry a handwritten, and dated, hall pass issued by the teacher.
5. Vending machines may not be used during class time. 
6. Consequences:The minimum consequence of the first incident is placement at Level 3.

1. Parking
2. Parking permits are purchased for each semester.
3. Students with valid parking permits may park in student lots only.  Students may not park in the staff lot from 6:00 am to 4:00 pm.
4. Students without permits who are parking in the student or staff lot will receive an Afternoon School, may possibly lose future parking privileges, and be ticketed by Orange County Sheriff.
5. Students must follow all rules on the parking application. 
6. Students with one or more Fs or on step 2 of a Behavior Contract are not eligible for a parking permit.
7. If the student is driving a different vehicle other than the one registered to the student’s parking sticker, see Ms. Grable in attendance to obtain a temporary permit to park in the student lot.  Parent MUST contact Ms. Grable in the morning with all vehicle information before permit will be released.
8. If the temporary permit is not returned when specified or it is lost or stolen, there will be a minimum Level 3 consequence and a $10.00 fine.
9. If you drive a motorcycle and are eligible for a parking permit, you must see your Assistant Principal.
10. Consequences: The minimum consequence of the first incident is placement at Level 3.  On the second incident, the consequence will be loss of parking privileges for the remainder of the year.  Refunds for permits will not be given.

1. Profanity/Vulgarity
2. Students are expected to use appropriate language and refrain from gestures that are obscene or vulgar while at school or during school events and activities.
3. Consequences:  The minimum consequence of the first incident is placement at Level 3.

1. Profanity Directed Toward a Staff Member
2. Students are expected to use appropriate language and refrain from gestures that are obscene and/or vulgar while addressing all school staff members.
3. Consequences:  The minimum consequence of the first incident is placement at Level 6.

1. Racism
2. While students are welcome to express their ethnic diversity and cultural differences, it is unacceptable for a student to discriminate or persecute another student or staff member either verbally or written on the basis of race.
3. Consequences:  The minimum consequence of the first incident is placement at Level 6.

1. Sexual Harassment
2. Students and staff have a right to feel safe and free from any unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal, visual, or physical conduct of a sexual nature, possession of pornographic photos/pictures, including photos/pictures on cell phones or electronic devices).  (Further information and explanations are defined in CUSD’s Board Policy 5183.
3. Consequences:  The minimum consequence of the first incident is placement at Level 6 in addition to a report of sexual harassment to the District.

1. Skateboarding
2. The act of skateboarding is not allowed on the Dana Hills High School campus at any time. 
3. Motorized skateboards are not allowed on campus at any time.
4. DanaHills High Schoolis not responsible for any damage or loss of skateboards, or personal injury from skateboarding.
5. Consequences:  The minimum consequence of the first incident is placement at Level 3 and confiscation of the skateboard.

1. Tardies (per Semester)
2. A student is tardy when he/she is not in a seat in class at the first bell to begin class. 
3. The only way to excuse a tardy is for a student to have a note (with the student name, date and time) signed by a staff member.  It is up to the classroom teacher to accept the excuse. Since tardies disrupt the educational environment and affect the classroom teacher directly, parents cannot excuse tardies.  Excessive tardies may result in revocation of parking privileges for the semester.

• Consequences:
• 1^st – 3^rd incident– Teacher notifies student, parent notified.                               
• 4^th – 6^th incident– Parent notified and teacher assigns consequences.      
• 7^th incident– Teacher calls home and a referral is sent to Assistant Principal. An Afternoon School is assigned.
• 8^th – 9^th incident– Teacher calls home and referral is sent to Assistant Principal.  A Saturday School and Behavior Contract is assigned/step advancement.
• 10^th incident– Student is suspended to ATS and step advancement on Behavior Contract.

1. Technology Violation
2. Students are expected to exercise acceptable use of the technology available to them at DHHS. Unacceptable use includes but is not limited to unauthorized attempt or entry into school files, accessing inappropriate material on the internet, or using the technology for non-educational purposes.
3. Consequences:  The minimum consequence of the first incident is placement at Level 1 in addition to possible restriction from all technology use.

1. Terrorist Threats
2. Any statement, verbal, written, or electronic (text, IM, myspace, facebook, etc.) which willfully threatens a crime that could result in death, great bodily injury to another person, or destruction of school property (in excess of $1,000), with the specific intent that the statement is to be taken as a threat (even if there is no intent to actually carry out the act) constitutes a terrorist threat.
3. Consequences:  The minimum consequence of the first incident is placement at Level 6 and possible recommendation for district expulsion in addition to law enforcement and fire marshal notification.

1. Theft
2. Possession of stolen property, the attempt to steal, or the act of stealing school or personal property will result in a possible district expulsion and involvement of law enforcement.
3. Consequences:  The minimum consequence of the first incident is placement at Level 6 in addition to restitution and possible law enforcement notification.

1. Threat or Verbal or Physical Assault Against a Staff Member
2. Students are expected to treat staff with utmost respect and submit to their authority immediately.
3. If a problem arises, students are encouraged to speak to their assigned Assistant Principal, the school counselor, and/or seek conflict mediation.
4. Consequences:  The minimum consequence of the first incident is placement at Level 6.

1. Tobacco Use or Possession of Tobacco Products, or Tobacco Paraphernalia
2. According to District Policy, State Law, and Education Code, no student may possess or use tobacco on school grounds at any time.  Possession of lighters, matches, or other incendiary devices will result in an Afternoon School assignment.
3. Consequences:  The minimum consequence of the first incident is confiscation and placement at Level 4 with possible notification of law enforcement and citation.  Subsequent offenses may result in suspension.

1. Vandalizing Tools
2. Students must not bring or have in possession any item that would aid in the vandalism of school property. These items include large permanent felt tip markers, paint, etching tools, burglary tools, etc.  “Sharpies” are not allowed on campus.
3. Consequences:  The minimum consequence of the first incident is confiscation and placement at Level 4 with possible notification of law enforcement.

1. Vandalism or Defacing School or Personal Property by any Means
2. Students are expected to participate in keeping the campus clean and free from any type of graffiti. Any student involved in the defacing of school or personal property, directly or indirectly, is considered to be vandalizing.
3. Any damage incurred will be considered vandalism and subject to restitution.
4. Consequences:  The minimum consequence of the first incident is placement at Level 6.

1. Weapons: Possession of Firearms, Knives, and/or Other Dangerous Objects, including Replicas
2. Consequences:  1^st incident – Immediate 5-day suspension, notification of law enforcement, and recommendation for district expulsion; possible school transfer or extended suspension pending expulsion proceedings.

The primary purpose for student dress and grooming standards is to foster an educational environment that is both safe and free from disruption. The following standards conform to the district-wide dress and grooming standards as well to the specific standards set forth by students, teachers, administrators, and parents at Dana Hills High School.

Students out of compliance with the standards below, on the first offense, will be required to relinquish the violating item (hat, beanie, shirt, etc). A “loaner” garment will be offered. On subsequent offenses, parents will be contacted to provide a change of clothing and disciplinary consequences will be given. Excessive violations of the standards below may result in suspension and a possible school transfer.

A student is in violation of the following standard when an adult staff member (e.g., campus supervisor, administrator, teacher, etc.) determines that the student has violated the standard. The offense, and associated consequence, does not change because a student is able to alter his/her clothing after they have been confronted. In order to protect the general student body and maintain the integrity of the educational environment, the school reserves the right to make necessary additions to the standards listed below without notice.

Students are prohibited from wearing the following:

1. Any clothing apparel which is considered unsafe, dangerous, or is a health hazard, including but not limited to:
2. Dangerous jewelry, including spiked or dangerous collars (chains, ball bearings, etc), spiked piercings
3. Excessively baggy, frayed, or torn clothing
4. Safety pins or sharp objects in clothes or pierced in skin
5. Bare feet
6. Clothing which is ripped or torn excessively

1. Any attire or grooming disruptive to the instructional process, including but not limited to:
2. Contains offensive, illegal, violent, obscene symbols, signs, slogans, or words degrading any gender, culture, religion, ethnicity, race, or anything that may incite a negative response or conflict including references to sex, drugs, alcohol, or tobacco
3. Bare midriffs or clothing which exposes the student’s midsection
4. Sheer/see-through blouses, dresses, tops, or skirts, halter, strapless, “tube”, single shoulder, off shoulder or tank tops that are excessively revealing, reveal undergarments, or have scooped or deep sides.  Tops must have two straps.
5. Excessively short shorts or immodest shorts or skirts
6. Tight or potentially revealing clothing (especially ones with no undergarments)
7. Clothing which allows underwear to be exposed or resembles undergarments (i.e., slips, boxers)
8. Hair styles or hair coloring that is disruptive or has letters or messages shaved into the hair.

1. Gang-related apparel, including but not limited to:
2. Hats, beanies, hooded sweatshirts (worn with hood on) or headgear during the school day(This includes headgear worn as part of an athletic team or co-curricular activity during the school day.)
3. Chains, wallet chains, hair nets, monikers or other gang markings, bandanas which signify gang membership, jewelry with gang symbols, gang-related overalls, or trench coats
4. webbed, untied, or dangling belts, especially long belts with monikered belt buckles
5. combat-type boots (with more than 8 eyelets) and/or steel toes

1. Any style or combination of clothing, which law enforcement agencies currently consider gang-related. Students, who dress alike intentionally, where the dress is not related to school activities, are disruptive to the school environment. Examples include but are not limited to:
2. Boots with flight jacket, khakis worn with Pendleton-type shirts, creased white shirts, “wife-beater” tank tops under white over shirt, white shirt with long shorts and pulled up white socks so as not to expose skin on legs, Nazi/confederate symbols, patches, or red shoelaces, plain white shirt with Dickey brand name pants, webbed belt, and spiked hair, any combination of “straight edge” markings “X,” sports wear, coats, jackets, jerseys, etc...that are worn with the intent of associating with gangs and are identified as such by law enforcement

1. Baggy Pants:

All pants must:

• Be capable of staying up around the waist without a belt
• Be unaltered at the waist, worn at or above the hips and over all undergarments
• Not be excessively baggy
• Have a crotch that does not hang excessively low
• Not have excess material at the foot and/or drag
• These guidelines also apply to sweat pants or warm-ups

Academic Integrity Policy

DanaHills High Schoolstudents, teachers, administrators and parents are encouraged to base relationships on a fundamental notion of trust.  With trust comes the ability to establish productive staff-student-parent relationships.  Therefore, academic dishonesty (“cheating”), in any form (including students working together in pairs or groups unless specifically directed to do so by the teacher) will not be tolerated.  Cheating undermines the academic process, destroys students’ integrity, and shatters the trust necessary for productive relationships.

Teachers are often required to indicate violations of Academic Integrity on college applications and recommendation forms.  Teachers may also refuse to write letters of recommendation for students who violate this policy.

The acts of academic dishonesty listed below will be dealt with in the manner outlined.  Accordingly, academic and citizenship penalties, (which may include suspension) may occur.  All parties involved are subject to the same consequences.  Assistant Principals log all incidents of academic dishonesty in the student’s discipline file, and consequences will be issued on a cumulative school-wide basis.  Acts of academic dishonesty are defined below:

Attendance Procedures

24-hour Attendance Line (949) 493-7685

Attendance Office Personnel 7:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. (949) 496-6935

It is our desire at Dana Hills High School that students attend classes regularly and have a successful year.  To that end, it will be necessary for each family to maintain regular communication with the attendance office staff.   An absence list will be posted daily for the previous day on the attendance board in the main entrance hallway.  Students are encouraged to check this list and rectify their absences immediately with the attendance office. Whenever your son or daughter is absent, please call the attendance office the same day as the absence. In the event you need to call while the school switchboard is not in operation, a 24-hour message line is available at (949) 493-7685.  When calling the message line, please speak slowly and clearly, spelling the full name and giving the grade of your child. Also, please leave one of the reasons for the absence listed below:

Illness: including medical appointments.  (Teacher will allow make-up work.)

Funerals                                  Religious event

College visits                          Court Date

Students who have five or more days of absences due to illness will be required to bring in a doctor’s note.  Absences without a doctor’s note will be recorded as “unexcused”.  Excessive absences may result in a Student Attendance Review Board (SARB) referral.

Personal business: any absence not listed above, for example, non-medical appointments, vacations, oversleeping, etc. Generally, these absences are considered unexcused, and it is up to the discretion of the teachers as to whether or not to allow make-up work.

Truancies: including uncleared absences and leaving campus without prior permission and verification by attendance office.  Disciplinary action will be taken. Teachers are not required to allow make-up work.

Tardies

Students who arrive late to class create a disruption to the classroom teacher regardless of the reason the student is late.  Students with a medical excuse from a doctor may receive a pass to class from the attendance office.  Parents are encouraged to communicate with the classroom teacher when their son/daughter is repeatedly late.  For a complete discussion of the tardy policy, please Attendance Procedures in the “Infractions” section listed earlier in this handbook.

Leaving School Early

It is sometimes necessary for students to leave before the school day is over.  In this case, a parent/guardian must contact the attendance office prior to the student leaving campus.  The student must alsocome to the attendance office before he/she leaves campus in order to pick up a prearranged “Special Excuse” slip.  Please coordinate with your child the details regarding his/her early departure from school and where you will pick him/her up. The school recommends that students be picked up directly in front of the main entrance. Students who leave campus without obtaining prior permission according to the above procedure are considered truant, and parents are unable to clear the truancy.

Truancies

Any absence that is not cleared by the office within 72 hours will become a truancy and disciplinary action may be taken by the Assistant Principal. Students are held responsible for their attendance record. The school suggests the following: check the Parent Portal; check with teachers (especially on sub days) to verify roll and respond immediately when uncleared absence letters are mailed home. In the event your son or daughter is repeatedly truant, it is a good practice to call the attendance office often to verify attendance.

Excused Absence for Student Observance of Religious Holidays

The student and/or parent have the responsibility to make arrangements with the classroom teacher for any make-up assignments. The classroom teacher will make every effort not to schedule tests during or on the school day following religious holidays.  The teacher will provide make-up assignments or inform students of post-holiday tests prior to the holiday being observed. The student will be allowed two (2) days for each day of absence to make up assignments and/or tests if tests must be scheduled during the period of absence or on the day he/she returns to class. Additional time may be given at the classroom teacher’s discretion. (BP 6154a)

Zero Period Expectations

Zero period starts at 6:42 – Attendance can become a serious concern for some students, causing failure in the class.  In order to ensure good attendance and to maintain the integrity of the class, it is necessary to establish strict but fair attendance guidelines. 

After TEN absences/tardies in any semester, the teacher, the Academic Advisor, or Assistant Principal may request the student be moved into a regular school day schedule, and/or not enroll the student into a zero period class the following semester.

There may, of course, be exceptions to this contract due to verified extended illness or other special circumstances.  In such cases, it is important that the parent communicates with the teachers and follows established school guidelines for extended absences. 

The purpose of this policy is not to punish or penalize those students that have legitimate and unavoidable absences.  Rather it is intended to make all students accountable for good attendance and to achieve a quality educational environment.

Homework Requests

Our office will request homework from teachers on behalf of a student who is ill for three or more consecutive days only when requested to do so by a parent.  We will need a minimum of 24 hours to collect work and it must be picked up during office hours (7:30-3:30).  Students who are suspended for more than two days will have their homework automatically requested. Parents are advised to make arrangements to collect the homework as soon as possible.

Make-up Work

Students shall be given the opportunity to make up school work missed because of an excused absence or suspension and shall receive full credit if the work is turned in according to the school’s established make-up schedule. (BP 6154a)

Independent Study Contract

These contracts are for students planning on missing regular instruction time due to extended absences.  Our office will need at least one week advance notice in order to collect the assignments and necessary signatures.  Parents must come in person to the attendance office during school business hours to sign each contract in addition to the permission slip.  Students are responsible for asking the teachers to sign the contract and provide the assignments.  Before leaving for the trip, students must return contracts to the office where we will retain a portion of the contract forms.  State attendance auditors closely audit independent study contracts, and all steps must be followed completely. 

Phone Use

The office phones are for school use only.  Students who must leave school early for any reason may use the phone in order to obtain the necessary permission from a parent.  However, a staff member must speak directly with the parent in order to secure permission.

Delivering Messages or Personal Items

Since it is our desire to maintain a learning environment that is uninterrupted, the attendance office will not deliver items or messages to students in non-emergency situations. Students are responsible for bringing everything with them at the start of the day.  This includes homework, study materials, uniforms, and lunches.  We appreciate your understanding that instructional time should not be interrupted.

Homework Policy

The Governing Board believes that homework properly designed, carefully planned, and which is appropriate to the development of the individual student is an essential part of an effective, well-planned instructional program. The administration and certificated staff design homework plans and assignments so that, through their homework, students can reinforce academic skills taught in school and learn how to conduct research effectively, develop ideas creatively, and become life-long learners. Homework, if properly designed, significantly strengthens student learning and achievement.

The Board believes homework is the responsibility of the student. It is the student’s job to develop regular study habits and to do most assignments independently. The Board encourages all teachers to view the parent/guardian as a contributing resource and to structure homework assignments to involve the parent/guardian without diminishing the student’s sense of responsibility. When assigning homework that involves interaction with parent/guardian, teachers should include instructions that show how parent/guardians can best help their children. To be effective, homework assignments should not place an undue burden on students and families. Homework should reinforce classroom learning objectives and be related to individual student needs and abilities. Homework can involve a variety of activities related to the established curriculum and does not need to be exclusively “paper and pencil.” This can also include advance preparation for upcoming lessons. (BP 6154 a)

Health and Safety

Health Office

Each school site is provided with a Health Technician who may also divide his/her time among other schools.  On average, a Health Technician is present each day.  However, our office staff at times assumes the responsibilities of caring for ill and injured students.  We are here for emergency care only.  Should a student fall sick during the day, he/she must go home to recuperate, since our facilities are not adequate to provide proper care for long periods of time.  Any student injured during the school day is brought to the office, evaluated, and provided with first aid care.  If the student is unable to return to school activities, it may be necessary to contact a parent to decide if the child should be seen by the family physician or be taken home to rest. When a student comes to the office, it is the student’s responsibility to inform an adult in the office that he/she is present.

Medication

Any student needing to have medication on campus must have a medical release form completed by a doctor and parent/guardian.  Such medications are then locked up and dispensed according to doctor’s orders.  This includes prescription and over-the-counter medications.  Students are responsible for coming to the office at the correct time(s) to take their medications.  If your student has special medical needs, please contact the school to discuss the details of the particular situation.  Students are not permitted to share medication of any kind with other students.

Students who give medication to, or receive medication from, another student will be subject to disciplinary action, including possible recommendation for expulsion.

Safety

Per Board Policy 5154(a), school officials may search individual students when there is reasonable suspicion that the search will uncover evidence that the student is violating the law or rules of the school or the District.  Searches may include purses, backpacks, lockers, cars and cell phones.

Tutorial

Tutorial was implemented at Dana Hills High School as an opportunity for students to: acquire extra curricular help, seek out teachers on a one-on-one basis, and/or work cooperatively with other students.  Tutorial is 28 minutes in length and is held Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday each week between the first two block periods of the day.

Tutorials are mandatory.  Students who are absent from their assigned tutorial will be marked absent for the corresponding class period.  For example, if a student attends 1^st period but is absent for 1^st period assigned tutorial, they will be marked absent for both classes.  Assigned tutorials are part of class instructional minutes. 

The following expectations are in effect during the school-wide tutorial period.  All students are to abide by these standards.  Teachers may add to these school-wide expectations in order to maintain the effectiveness of tutorial.

• Students must be in the assigned tutorial period when the tutorial bell rings at 9:51 AM.
• On student choice days, students must attend tutorial in a class on their current schedule.
• On student choice days, students may print their name on the roster in advance to reserve a spot, but no student can sign the sheet prior to actually attending the tutorial period.  Note:  Failure to show for a reserved spot may result in the loss of tutorial reservation privileges.
• Students without a 5^th & 6^th period must attend tutorial in one of the classes on their schedule.
• Each student choice tutorial classroom is limited to 35 students maximum with the followingpriority:  1) students scheduled in the class who have previously signed up to reserve a spot; 2) students who will miss the class due to an athletic event or other approved school activity; 3) students who are scheduled for the class but did not previously reserve a spot.
•  Students are to use student choice tutorial time productively in one or more of the following ways:
• Request remediation from a teacher
• Clarify content or directions for assignments
• Make up work/quizzes missed due to an absence
• Work on homework
• Practice necessary skills for the subject area
• Work on group projects assigned by that teacher
• Pick up work missed due to an absence
• Complete Independent Study Contracts
• Verify grades/progress
• Read silently
• Tutorial rooms are to remain quiet.

• Students must use restroom facilities prior to attending the tutorial period.  No passes are allowed during tutorial.
• Students who are not in a tutorial classroom by 9:51 AM will be considered tardy and assigned an After School detention.
• Students who do not comply with school-wide or teacher tutorial expectations will be referred to the appropriate Assistant Principal and receive disciplinary consequences.

Student Parking Information

LOCATION:

Limited parking for students is available only in designated areas.  Students may not park in the staff lot from 6:00 am until 4:00 pm.  The minimum consequence for the first parking infraction is placement at Level 3.  Repeated violations may result in a Behavior Contract and revocation of parking privileges.  Illegally parked vehicles may be cited and/or towed at the owner’s expense.

COST:  $50.00 w/ASU, $60.00 w/o ASUPER SEMESTER for senior parking

The replacement fee for a lost or stolen parking permit is $60.00 PER SEMESTER.

REGULATIONS:

CUSD Board Policy 3513 and California Vehicles Code 21113 stipulate the following traffic parking regulations:

1. Official school parking stickers must be affixed to the lower left corner of the windshield of all vehicles parked on school property.
2. Vehicles must park headed into parking stalls without straddling the white stall lines.
3. Vehicles MUST park only in upper or lower student lots.
4. STUDENTS MAY NOTpark in the visitor stalls or staff lot at any time.
5. All vehicle regulatory signs and fire lanes must be observed.
6. Vehicles without a properly affixed school parking sticker or cars parked illegally may be cited by the Dana Point Police Service or towed away at the owner’s expense.
7. The Capistrano Unified School District is not responsible for loss and/or damage to vehicles.
8. All vehicles must observe the 5-mile per hour speed limit on school property.
9. Only one sticker will be issued to a student.  Report loss/theft to the Assistant Principal.  Replacement stickers can be obtained for the original purchase amount.
10. When entering the lower student lot, use the west driveway only.  The east driveway nearest the flagpole is exit only.
11. Students cannot use their vehicle as a locker.  Students who loiter in the parking lot during school hours will be subject to school disciplinary action.
12. Students withdrawing from DHHS must turn in their sticker as part of their checkout.

1. If the student is driving a different vehicle other than the one registered to the student’s parking sticker, see Ms. Grable in attendance to obtain a temporary permit to park in the student lot.  Your parent MUST contact Ms. Grable in the morning with all vehicle information before permit will be released. 
2. If the temporary permit is not returned when specified or it is lost or stolen, there will be a minimum Level 3 consequence and a $10.00 fine.
3. The student or student’s family must be the registered owner of the vehicle that the parking sticker is assigned.  Students cannot obtain a sticker for other students nor use another student’s car to obtain a permit for themselves.  Students may not share parking stickers.  Only ONE registered vehicle per student can be parked in the lot and the owner of the sticker must be the driver of the car.  Stickers are non-transferable.
4. STUDENTS WITH AN “F” GRADE ON THEIR LAST REPORT CARD WILL NOT BE ELIGIBLE FOR A PARKING PERMIT.  Students may be eligible at semester if they receive no “F” grades on the semester report card.  Any student, who receives an “F” grade at the semester, will lose his/her parking privilege for the following semester and must surrender his/her parking permit.  No refunds will be given.
5. Separate parking stickers will issued each semester.  Students will have to pay additional fees in order to obtain a second semester sticker.  However, if students have reached Step 2 on a Behavioral Contract, they will have their parking stickers revoked.  Refunds will not be given for revoked stickers.
6. All parking regulations set forth in the California Vehicle Code, Section #2113A, Division II, shall be enforced by the Orange County Sheriff Department.  Any citations issued by Dana Point Police Services cannot be excused by Dana Hills High School.

Violation of these parking regulations may result in a 1-5 day suspension, in-house suspension, Saturday School, Afternoon School, and/or loss of parking permit for the remainder of the school year (even on the first offense).