Parent Handbook 12-13.pdf - Sanger Unified School District

Sanger Unified School District 1 

PARENT HANDBOOK 

Sanger Unified School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, sexual 

orientation or age in any of its policies, procedures and practices. Inquiries regarding equal opportunity policies, 

complaints or requests for copies of the District’s grievance procedures may be directed to the Associate 

Superintendent. 

STUDENT DIRECTORY INFORMATION AND ACCESS TO PUPIL RECORDS (Board Policy 

5125, Education Code, Sections 49060-49078, 49708) 

Sanger Unified School District provides access to pupil information and the release of student information in 

conformity with the provisions of the California Education Code and federal law. Student records shall be accessible to 

authorized persons within five working days of request. These shall include, but are not limited to: 

1. Person(s) presenting a court order or lawfully issued subpoena requesting 

said records 

2. Parent or guardian of student, who has not attained the age of 18 years or 

older, if the student is a dependent for tax purposes 

3. A pupil 16 years of age or older or in or above the tenth grade 

4. Members of the School Attendance Review Board 

5. Person or agency designated in writing by a parent, guardian, or student, (if 

the student is 16 years of age or older) 

The District reserves the right to extend information to appropriate person(s) or agencies if necessary to protect the 

health and/or safety of a student. Student records include all personally identifiable written records maintained by the 

school district. The District reserves the right to charge a nominal fee for copies of pupil records furnished to 

authorized persons or agencies upon request. 

When a student moves to a new district, records must be forwarded upon request of the new school district. 

Directory Information: The restrictions imposed by this policy shall not interfere with the providing of information 

defined as “directory information” which shall include: 

1. Student’s name 

2. Address 

3. Telephone number 

4. Date and place of birth 

5. Major field of study 

6. Participation in officially recognized activities and sports 

7. Weight and height of athletic team members 

8. Dates of school attendance 

9. Degrees and awards received 

10. Most recent public or private school attended 

The information listed under “directory information” as listed above may be made available as needed and/or necessary 

to: 

1. Parent and/or guardian of a student 

2. Person(s) designated by a student 

3. Other school officials 

4. News media and/or press 

5. Employment agencies 

6. Prospective employers 

7. Military services representatives 

8. School-parent organizations 

The District reserves the right to limit “directory information” that may be made available to persons or agencies. All 

records shall be kept in the manner as required by law. The Associate Superintendent of Educational Services shall be 

designated as the custodian of pupil records for the District. He/She and the principals shall be responsible for 

implementation of policies at the site level. A disclosure log for each pupil’s record shall be maintained at each school 

site. 

STUDENT AND FAMILY PRIVACY RIGHTS (Board Policy 5022) 

The Board prohibits district staff from administering and distributing to students survey instruments that are designed 

for the purpose of collecting personal information for marketing or for selling that information. 

HIGH SCHOOL EXIT EXAMINATION (Education Code 60851) 

Commencing with the 2003-04 school year and each year thereafter, each pupil completing 12 th grade will be required 

to successfully pass a high school exit examination as a condition of receiving a diploma of graduation or a condition of 

graduation from high school. 

“A Tradition of Excellence”


PARENTAL CHALLENGE OF STUDENT RECORD 

Following an inspection and review of a student’s records, a parent may challenge the content of any student record. 

The challenge shall be in writing specifying the reasons for challenge and shall be presented to the Superintendent or 

his designee. The following are the reasons to challenge a student record: 

1. The record is inaccurate. 

2. The record contains an unsubstantiated personal conclusion. 

3. The record contains conclusions outside the observer’s area of competence. 

4. The record is not based on personal observation of a named person with the time and 

place of observation. 

Within 30 days of receipt of the challenge, the Superintendent or designee shall meet with parent and certificated 

employee who recorded the information in question. The Superintendent or designee shall sustain or deny the 

allegations contained in the challenge. If the allegations are sustained the Superintendent or designee shall order the 

correction, removal or destruction of the information. 

If the Superintendent or designee denies the challenge, the parent(s) or guardian has the right to appeal that decision 

within 30 calendar days to the Board of Trustees as provided in Education Code Section 49070. The decision of the 

Board of Trustees shall be final. 

A challenge to a grade is subject to Education Code Section 49066. No grade may be changed unless the teacher is 

given an opportunity to state orally, in writing, or both, the reasons for which such grade was given. 

NOTICE OF COPY FEE 

A fee of $.25 per sheet will be charged for the reproduction of a student’s record. 

HIGHLY QUALIFIED TEACHERS 

As part of the Federal No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, parents/guardians have the right to request information 

regarding the professional qualifications of their children’s classroom teacher(s). If a parent/guardian requests this 

information, the district or school will provide the following: 

a) if the teacher has met state licensing requirements for the grade level and subjects in which the teacher is 

providing instruction; 

b) if the teacher is teaching under an emergency status for which state licensing requirements have been waived; 

c) the type of college degree major of the teacher and the field of discipline for any graduate degree or 

certificate; and 

d) if your child is receiving Title I services from paraprofessionals and, if so, his/her qualifications. 

To receive this information, parents’/guardians’ should contact their children’s school. 

SCHOOL ACCOUNTABILITY REPORT CARD (SARC) (Education Code 32556) 

The Sanger Unified School District Board of Trustees at a regular meeting held on January 10, 2012 has approved the 

2010-11 School Accountability Report Card (SARC) for each school in the district. 

Senate Bill 1632 requires “local educational agencies to make these SARCs available through the Internet or through 

paper copies.” In that regard, you may view and download your school’s SARC at the following web address: 

http://www.sanger.k12.ca.us 

After accessing the District’s website, select 2010-11 School Accountability Report Cards. For information and 

comparison, you may download any/all SARCs (reports vary in length from 13-17 pages). Report copies are also 

available at each school site. 

If you need assistance with the interpretation of the document in a language other than English, please contact your 

local school site principal. 

PROHIBITION OF SEXUAL BIAS IN COURSE OF STUDY (Education Code 221.5) 

Elementary and high schools shall offer classes and courses to its pupils without regard to the sex of the student and 

shall provide counseling in career, vocational or higher education opportunities without regard for the sex of the student 

counseled, if such counseling or school program guidance is provided. 

Notification of parents or guardians of the pupil shall be given in advance to encourage their participation in such 

counseling sessions and decisions. 

PUPILS’ RIGHTS TO REFRAIN FROM THE HARMFUL OR DESTRUCTIVE USE OF ANIMALS 

(Education Code, Section 32255.1) 

Except in classes and activities conducted as part of a program in agricultural education that provide instruction on the 

care, management and evaluation of domestic animals, students may with written parental consent, request to be 

excused from participating in an educational project involving dissecting or otherwise harming or destroying animals. 

Students will be provided an alternate education project for the purpose of obtaining the same knowledge, information 

or experience. 

NOTIFICATION OF FAMILY LIFE AND SEX EDUCATION (Education Code, Sections 51550 and 51820) 

The school may not require pupils to attend any class in which human reproductive organs and their function and 

processes are described, illustrated or discussed. Whenever such classes are offered, the District will (a) notify parents 

in advance in writing, (b) provide opportunity prior to class for the parents to inspect all written or audio-visual 

materials to be used, and (c) provide opportunity for each parent to request in writing that his/her child be excused from 



the class. This section does not apply to descriptions or illustrations of human reproductive organs that may appear in 

any science, hygiene or health textbook. (Education Code 515550) 

Parental rights for notice, materials inspection and opportunity to request pupil non-participation in units of instruction 

in venereal disease education is essentially the same as for sex education courses. Notice must be given 15 days prior 

to the commencement of instruction. (Education Code 51820) 

EXCUSE FROM HEALTH INSTRUCTION AND FAMILY LIFE AND SEX 

EDUCATION DUE TO RELIGIOUS BELIEF (Education Code, Section 51240, 48980) 

Whenever any part of the instruction in Health, Family Life Education, and Sex Education conflicts with the religious 

training and beliefs of the parent/guardian of any pupil, the pupil on written request of the parent/guardian shall be 

excused from the part of the training which conflicts with such religious training and beliefs. 

As used in this section, “religious training and beliefs” includes personal moral convictions. 

STUDENT STUDY TEAM (SST) PROCESS 

Purpose: 

1. Act as a resource for teachers with special concerns about a student. 

2. Determine needs of a student outside of special education and offer recommendations. 

Members of the Team: 

1. A Student Study Team may include the following members: speech and language specialist, regular teacher, 

psychologist, school nurse, resource specialist teacher, and administrator. 

2. Optional members of the Team are the previous teacher, mentor teacher, parent, outside agency personnel, migrant 

or bilingual tutor. 

3. The areas of concern and time constraints of personnel will determine participation at a particular meeting. 

SST Case Manager: 

1. One member of the Team at each site will be designated as the SST Case Manager. Preferably this person will be 

at the school on a daily basis. 

2. The duties of the SST Case Manager (CM) are as follows: 

a. Dispense Service Request Forms 

b. Log Team Service Requests for statistical purposes for the Central Office. 

c. Keep a check list for each Service Request for Team 

d. Keep a Master Calendar for Team. Schedule a Team meeting within 21 days of receipt of Service Request 

for Team 

e. Keep a file on each Team student that includes Service Request, Summaries, Parent Authorization for 

Guidance Services, and screening results. 

f. Send out summary of each Team meeting to appropriate Team members. 

g. Schedule follow-up meetings as needed. 

h. Turn over file to appropriate person if student referred to special education; place in cum when student 

transfers or case resolved, or after end of year. 

Prior to Referral to Team, the Regular Teacher will: 

1. Talk with the parents 

2. Talk with the administrator 

3. Review current records 

4. Try program modifications that the teacher thinks may help 

Referral: 

1. A Service Request is obtained from the SST Case Manager 

2. Fill in the top half, Part A, and return it to the SST Case Manager. Prior to the initial Team meeting, the SST Case 

Manager will route the Service Request to School Nurse, Speech Therapist, Psychologist, Site Administrator, and 

where indicated, the Migrant or Bilingual Tutor. These people will: 

2.1. Read the Request and add any pertinent information from their files. 

2.2. Sign the form and pass it on to the next person listed. 

2.3. Consult with the regular teacher as needed. 

3. At the initial Team meeting, the Team members will: 

3.1 Determine and prioritize the needs of the student 

3.2 Brainstorm possible ways to meet these needs 

3.3 Make recommendations. These recommendations may include but are not limited to: 

a. further modification of the regular program 

b. screening 

c. referral to a program like Special Friends 

d. referral to an outside agency like Mental Health 

e. referral for Special Education 

f. Development of a 504 accommodation plan 

4. One Team Member will take notes on the Team Summary Form. 

If screening is recommended, parent or guardian must sign an appropriate permission slip. Follow-up meetings will be 

scheduled and appropriate personnel notified as needed by the Case Manager until the problem(s) are resolved. 



SECTION 504 OF THE REHABILTATION ACT OF 1973 

Section 504 is an Act that prohibits discrimination against persons with a handicap in any program receiving Federal 

financial assistance. The Act defines a person with a handicap as anyone who: 

1. has a mental or physical impairment which substantially limits one or more major life 

activities (major life activities are “those basic activities that the average person in the general 

population can perform with little or no difficulty.” Such as caring for one’s self, performing manual 

tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, working, sitting, standing, lifting, 

reaching, thinking, concentrating, interacting with others, and reading. 

2. has a record of such an impairment; or 

3. is regarded as having such impairment. 

In order to fulfill its obligation under Section 504, the Sanger Unified School District recognizes a responsibility to 

avoid discrimination in policies and practices regarding its personnel and students. No discrimination against any 

person with a handicap will knowingly be permitted in any of the programs and practices in the school system. 

The school district has specific responsibilities under the Act, which include the responsibility to identify, evaluate, and 

if the child is determined to be eligible under Section 504, to afford access to appropriate educational services. 

If the parent or guardian disagrees with the determination made by the professional staff of the school district, he/she 

has a right to request mediation or an impartial due hearing process. 

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) also specifies rights related to educational records. This Act 

gives the parent or guardian the right to: 1) Inspect and review his/her child’s educational records: 2) make copies of 

these records; 3) receive a list of all individuals having access to those records; 4) ask for an explanation of any item 

in the records; 5) ask for an amendment to any report on the grounds that it is inaccurate, misleading, or violates the 

child’s rights; and 6) a hearing on the issue if the school refuses to make the amendment. 

If there are questions, please feel free to contact the Associate Superintendent, 504 coordinator for the school district, at 

(559) 524-6521. 

SPECIAL EDUCATION 

Federal law requires a free and appropriate education in the least restrictive environment be offered to qualified 

handicapped pupils. (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act or “IDEA”.) 

SPECIAL EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES (Education Code, Section 56040) 

Every individual with exceptional needs who is eligible to receive educational instruction, related services, or both shall 

receive such educational instruction, services or both at no cost to his/her parents or, as appropriate, to him/her. 

Each pupil has the right to be referred for special education services after the resources of the regular education 

program have been considered and, where appropriate, utilized. 

HANDICAPPED PUPILS 

No pupil will be discriminated against on the basis of handicap. Reasonable accommodation is available for 

handicapped students if necessary. (Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973) 

CHILD FIND SYSTEM (IDENTIFICATION AND REFERRAL) (Education Code, Section 56301) 

Each district, special education local plan area or county office shall establish written policies and procedures for a 

continuous child-find system which addresses the relationships among identification, screening, referral, assessment, 

planning, implementation, review and the triennial assessment. The policies and procedures shall include, but need not 

be limited to, written notification of all parents of their rights under this chapter, and the procedure for initiating a 

referral for assessment to identify individuals with exception needs. 

DESTRUCTION OF SPECIAL EDUCATION RECORDS (Public Law 94-142, Section 121a.573(a)) 

Federal law requires that copies of records for children in special education be retained for three (3) years following the 

termination or transfer of the child from the special education program. This statement serves as notification that 

records of any child in special education may be destroyed three (3) years from the time the child leaves special 

education in the Sanger Unified School District. 

DISCRIMINATION (42 USC 6000) 

No pupil will be discriminated against on the basis of sex, race, color or national origin. 

CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION TRAINING PROGRAM (Welfare & Institutions Code 18976.5) 

Parents have the right to refuse to allow their children to participate in a child abuse primary prevention program. 

UNIFORM COMPLAINT PROCEDURES (Code of Regulations, Title 5, 4622) (Board Policy 1312.3) 

The Governing Board recognizes that the district is primarily responsible for complying with applicable state and 

federal laws and regulations governing educational programs. 

The district shall investigate complaints alleging failure to comply with such laws and/or alleging discrimination and 

shall seek to resolve those complaints in accordance with the district’s uniform complaint procedures. 

The district shall follow uniform complaint procedures when addressing complaints alleging unlawful discrimination 

against any protected group as identified under Education Code 200 and 220 and Government Code 11135, including 

actual or perceived sex, sexual orientation, gender, ethnic group identification, race, ancestry, national origin, religion, 

color, or mental or physical disability, or age, 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 district program or activity that receives or benefits from 

state financial assistance. 



Uniform complaint procedures shall also be used when addressing complaints alleging failure to comply with state 

and/or federal laws in adult education programs, consolidated categorical aid programs, migrant education, career 

technical and technical education and career technical and technical training programs, child care and development 

programs, child nutrition programs, and special education programs. 

Complaints related to sufficiency of textbooks or instructional materials, emergency or urgent facilities conditions that 

pose a threat to the health or safety of students or staff, and teacher vacancies and misassignments shall be investigated 

pursuant to the district’s Williams uniform complaint procedure. 

The Board encourages the early, informal resolution of complaints at the site level whenever possible. 

The Board acknowledges and respects every individual’s right to privacy. Discrimination complaints shall be 

investigated in a manner that protects the confidentiality of the parties and the integrity of the process. This may 

include keeping the identity of the complainant confidential, as appropriate and except to the extent necessary to carry 

out the investigation or proceedings, as determined by the Superintendent or designee, on a case-by-case basis. 

The Board prohibits any form of retaliation against any complainant in the complaint process, including but not limited 

to a complainant’s filing of a complaint or the reporting of instances of discrimination. Such participation shall not in 

any way affect the status, grades or work assignments of the complainant. 

The Board recognizes that a neutral mediator can often suggest a compromise that is agreeable to all parties in a 

dispute. In accordance with uniform complaint procedures, whenever all parties to a complaint agree to try resolving 

their problem through mediation, the Superintendent or designee shall initiate that process. The Superintendent or 

designee shall ensure that the results are consistent with state and federal laws and regulations. 

The Governing Board designates the following compliance officers to receive and investigate complaints and ensure 

district compliance with law: 

Associate Superintendent 

1905 Seventh Street 

Sanger, California 93657 

(559) 524-6521 

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS COMPLAINTS 

The Governing Board uses a comprehensive process to adopt district instructional materials that is based on selection 

criteria established by law and Board policy and includes opportunities for the involvement of parents/guardians and 

community members. Complaints concerning the content or use of instructional materials, including textbooks, 

supplementary instructional materials, library materials, or other instructional materials and equipment, shall be 

properly and fairly considered using established complaint procedures. 

Parents/guardians are encouraged to discuss any concerns regarding instructional materials with their child’s teacher 

and/or the school principal. If the situation remains unresolved, a complaint may be filed using the process specified in 

the administrative regulation. 

The district shall accept complaints concerning instructional materials only from staff, district residents, or the 

parents/guardians of children enrolled in a district school. 

When deliberating upon challenged materials, the Superintendent and/or review committee shall consider the 

educational philosophy of the district, the professional opinions of teachers of the subject and of other competent 

authorities, reviews of the materials by reputable bodies, the teacher’s stated objectives in using the materials, 

community standards, and the objections of the complainant. 

Complainants are encouraged to accept the Superintendent’s or review committee’s decision. However, if the 

complainant finds that decision unsatisfactory, he/she may appeal the decision to the Board. 

The district’s decision shall be based on educational suitability of the materials and the criteria established in Board 

policy and administrative regulations. 

When any challenged instructional material is reviewed by the district, it shall not be subject to further reconsideration 

for 24 months, unless the Superintendent determines that reconsideration is warranted. 

Complaints related to sufficiency of textbooks or instructional materials shall be resolved pursuant to the district’s 

Williams uniform complaint procedure at AR 1312.4. 

WILLIAMS ACT UNIFORM COMPLAINT PROCEDURES 

Education Code 35186 mandates that the district establish policies and procedures regarding deficiencies related to 

textbooks and instructional materials, emergency or urgent facilities conditions that pose a threat to the health and 

safety of students or staff, and teacher vacancy or misassignment. 

Types of Complaints: 

The district shall use the following procedures to investigate and resolve complaints when the complainant alleges that 

any of the following has occurred: 



1. Textbooks and instructional materials 

a) A student, including an English Learner, does not have standards-aligned textbooks or instructional materials 

or state- or district-adopted textbooks or other required instructional materials to use in class. 

b) A student does not have access to textbooks or instructional materials to use at home or after school. 

c) Textbooks or instructional materials are in poor or unusable condition, have missing pages, or are unreadable 

due to damage. 

2. Teacher vacancy or misassignment 

a. A semester begins and a teacher vacancy exists. 

b. A teacher who lacks credentials or training to teach English learners is assigned to teach a class with more 

than 20 percent English learner students in the class. 

c. A teacher is assigned to teach a class for which the teacher lacks subject matter competency. 

Vacancy means a position to which a single designated certificated employee has not been assigned at the 

beginning of the year for an entire year or, if the position is for a one-semester course, a position to which a single 

designated certificated employee has not been assigned at the beginning of the semester for an entire semester. 

Beginning of the year or semester means the first day classes necessary to serve all the students enrolled are 

established with a single designated certificated employee assigned for the duration of the class, but not later than 

20 working days after the first day students attend classes for that semester. 

Misassignment means the placement of a certificated employee in a teaching or services position for which the 

employee does not hold a legally recognized certificate or credential or the placement of a certificated employee in 

a teaching or services position that the employee is not otherwise authorized by statute to hold. 

3. Facilities 

A condition poses an emergency or urgent threat to the health or safety of students or staff. 

Emergency or urgent threat means structures or systems that are in a condition that poses a threat to the health and 

safety of students or staff while at school, including but not limited to gas leaks; nonfunctioning heating, 

ventilation, fire sprinklers, or air-conditioning systems; electrical power failure; major sewer stoppage; major pest 

or vermin infestation; broken windows or exterior doors or gates that will not lock and that pose a security risk; 

abatement of hazardous materials previously undiscovered that pose an immediate threat to students or staff; or 

structural damage creating a hazardous or uninhabitable condition. 

Filing of Complaint: 

A complaint alleging any condition(s) specified above should be filed with the principal or designee at the school in 

which the complaint arises. The principal or designee shall forward a complaint about problems beyond his/her 

authority to the Superintendent or designee in a timely manner, but not to exceed 10 working days. 

The principal or designee shall make all reasonable efforts to investigate any problem within his/her authority. 

He/she shall remedy a valid complaint within a reasonable time period not to exceed 30 working days from the date 

the complaint was received. 

If the complainant has indicated on the complaint form that he/she would like a response to the complaint, the 

principal or designee shall report the resolution of the complaint to him/her within 45 working days of the initial 

filing of the complaint. If a response is requested, the response shall be made to the mailing address of the 

complainant as indicated on the complaint form. At the same time, the principal or designee shall report the same 

information to the Superintendent or designee. 

If a complainant is not satisfied with the resolution of a complaint, he/she has the right to describe the complaint to 

the Governing Bard at a regularly scheduled meeting. 

For any complaint concerning a facility condition that poses an emergency or urgent threat to the health or safety of 

students or staff as described in item #3 above, a complainant who is not satisfied with the resolution proffered by 

the principal or Superintendent or designee may file an appeal to the Superintendent of Public Instruction (SPI) 

within 15 days of receiving the district’s response. The complainant shall comply with the appeal requirements 

specified in 5 CCR 4632. 

All complaints and written responses shall be public records. (Education Code 35186; 5 CCR 4686) 

NOTIFICATIONS 

The Superintendent or designee shall meet the notification requirements of the Code of Regulations, Title 5, Section 

4622, including the annual dissemination of district complaint procedures and information about available appeals, civil 

law remedies, and conditions, under which a complaint may be taken directly to the California Department of 

Education. 

The following procedures shall be used to address all complaints that allege that the district has violated federal or state 

laws or regulations governing educational programs. Compliance officers shall maintain a record of each complaint 

and subsequent related actions, including all information required for compliance with the Code of Regulations, Title 5, 

Section 4632. 

The district will use its uniform complaint procedures when addressing all complaints regarding gender equity. 

Investigations of discrimination complaints shall be conducted in a manner that protects confidentiality of the parties 

and the facts. (Title 5, Section 4630) 



All parties involved in allegations shall be notified when a complaint is filed, when a complaint meeting or hearing is 

scheduled, and when a decision or ruling is made. 

Should there be a need to file a complaint against the district as provided for in BP 1312.3, Community 

Relations, Uniform Complaint Procedures, the following regulations must be implemented: 

• A signed complaint form must be received at the school site and/or district administration office specifying in 

detail the complaint and containing relevant facts. The complaint is sent to the Educational Services Office 

for entry into the logbook. The Assistant Superintendent-Educational Services informs the site principal or 

department head to respond to the complaint. The response must be made in the complainant’s home 

language and must be submitted to Educational Services within ten (10) working days. 

• Following the receipt of the requested response, a written report of findings is sent to the complainant by the 

Educational Services office. If the response is acceptable to the complainant, the process ends here. If the 

complainant finds it necessary to continue the process due to unresolved issues, he/she must proceed as 

follows: 

• The complainant must send to the Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services a written appeal as soon 

as possible. An investigation is conducted by the respective administrator(s), utilizing any additional 

information shared by the complainant. A second written report of findings (in the complainant’s home 

language) must be prepared within ten (10) working days and be sent to the Superintendent’s Office with 

copies to the Board of Trustees. The Superintendent or designee reviews the written appeal and all reports of 

findings relative to the complaint. The Superintendent’s office prepares a written report of findings (in the 

complainant’s home language) within ten (10) working days and forwards it to the complainant. If this 

second investigation and report meets the needs of the complainant, this step is considered final. 

This report shall include: 

1. The findings and disposition of the complaint, including corrective actions, if any. 

2. The rationale for the above disposition. 

3. Notice of the complainant’s right to appeal the decision within 15 days to the California Department of 

Education and procedures to be followed for initiating such an appeal. 

4. A detailed statement of all specific issues that were brought up during the investigation and the extent to 

which these issues were resolved. 

• If the complaint is still considered unresolved, the complainant may ask to have it forwarded to the Board of 

Trustees for a final review. Note: Complaints related to compensatory education programs must be made to 

the California Department of Education, not the Board of Trustees. 

• If Board review is requested by the complainant and considered appropriate by the Board President, the 

complaint will be scheduled for review at a future Board meeting (preferably during Closed Session). The 

Board of Trustees has thirty (30) working days to review the complaint. After reviewing the complaint, the 

Board of Trustees will instruct the Superintendent’s Office to prepare a final response for the complainant. 

The response will be sent during the thirty (30) day period referenced above and will be considered as the 

final step of the process. 

If an employee is disciplined as a result of the complaint, this report shall simply state that effective action was taken 

and that the employee was informed of the district expectations. The report shall not give any further information as 

the nature of the disciplinary action. 

APPEALS TO THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION 

(For Compensatory Education Program Complaints Only) 

If dissatisfied with the district’s decision, the complainant may appeal in writing to the California Department of 

Education within 15 days of receiving the district’s decision. For good cause, the Superintendent of Public Instruction 

may grant an extension for filing appeals. 

When appealing to the California Department of Education, the complainant must specify the reason(s) for appealing 

the district’s decision and must include a copy of the locally field complaint and the district’s decision. (Title 5, 

Section 4652) 

PERSONS TO WHOM COMPLAINTS SHOULD BE DIRECTED: 

Complaints should be resolved informally whenever possible. However, if they are not, they should be directed as 

follows: 

Concern 

Contact Person 

Complaint concerning an alleged violation of Board 

Policy or state/federal statutes 

Complaint concerning discrimination 

Office of the Superintendent 

Sanger Unified School District 

1905 7 th Street, Sanger, CA 93657 

Phone: (559) 524-6521 

(Reference: Board Policy 1312.3) 

Associate Superintendent-Ed Services 





Complaint concerning SUSD employee 

Complaint concerning Section 504 of the 

Rehabilitation Act of 1973 

Complaint concerning Special Education 

Programs/Due Process 

Phone: (559) 524-6521 

(Reference: Board Policy 1312.3) 

Employee’s immediate supervisor 

(Reference Board Policy 1312.3) 

Director of Psychological 

Services and Special Education 



Phone: (559) 524-6521 

(Reference Board Policy 6164.6 

Director of Psychological 

Services and Special Education 



Phone: (559) 524-6521 

CATEGORICAL PROGRAM INFORMATION 

Categorical Programs are federal and state authorized programs in which funds must be used for specific purposes and 

student population as established by legislation. Such funds must be used in a supplemental manner. All SUSD 

schools offer students with special needs the same kinds of high quality learning opportunities and access to the base 

curriculum in all curricular areas. Categorical funds support additional assistance to help special needs students 

succeed in the regular classroom program. The focus is on the effective utilization of supplementary materials, 

personnel, and staff development. Staff development activities are used to improve instructional practices and strategies 

to increase the ability of teachers and other staff to challenge and assist all students to reach their full potential. 

General district funds provide support for the district's base curriculum program. Some students have special 

characteristics, not reflective of the general school population, that affect their success in the base programs. Some 

come from economically disadvantaged homes; some are educationally disadvantaged or lack English language 

proficiency because they have a primary language other than English. Students, such as those described above, require 

supplemental services and materials not generally provided through the base curriculum program. The students’ needs 

are identified and supplemental services and materials are planned and targeted to meet their special needs. Categorical 

funds are to be used to provide the financial support to meet these special needs. 

Categorical Programs 

1. Title I, Part A – No Child Left Behind (Improving the Academic Achievement of the Disadvantaged) – A 

federally –funded program to provide high-quality opportunities for student in high-poverty schools to 

meet district and state content and performance standards. 

2. Title I, Part C – Migrant Education – A federally-funded program focused on providing services to migratory 

children to overcome factors that hinder academic achievement. 

3. Title II, Part A – Teacher Quality – A federally-funded program focused on enhancing the expertise of 

teachers and other school staff to enable them to teach all children in the core academic subjects. All 

SUSD schools benefit from these funds. 

4. Title III – Language Instruction for Limited English Proficient students – A federally-funded program to 

focus on assisting school district in teaching English to limited English proficient students (English 

Learners) and helping these students meet the same challenging State standards required by all students. 

5. Economic Impact Aid/Limited English Proficient (EIA/LEP) – A state-funded program to provide 

supplementary services to support programs and activities to assist English learners achieve proficiency 

in the English language as rapidly as practicable and to support programs and activities to improve the 

academic achievement of English learners. 

6. Economic Impact Aid/State Compensatory Education (EIA/SCE) – A state-funded program to provide 

supplementary services to support programs and activities designed to assist educationally 

disadvantaged students achieve state standard proficiency. 

The goal of the SUSD staff is to create and maintain the best educational environment possible. This can be 

accomplished with your support and input. If you have any questions, concerns, or would like to become more 

involved in the educational process at your school, please contact your school principal. To learn more about 

categorical programs you may want to become involved in your school's School Site Council (SSC), English 

Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC) and/or attend the Annual Title I Parent Meeting. Each school will send 

information about these activities home during the fall. We look forward to your involvement. 

ABSENCES EXCUSED FOR JUSTIFIABLE REASONS 

A student shall be excused from school for justifiable personal reasons, including, but not limited to, illness, quarantine, 

medical appointments, an appearance in court or jury duty, attendance at a funeral service (one day for a service 

conducted in California and three days, if the service is outside California), observance of a holiday or ceremony of 

his/her religion, attendance at religious retreats (up to four hours per semester), or an employment conference, when the 



pupil’s absence has been requested in writing by the parent or guardian and approved by the principal or designated 

representative. A pupil shall also be excused from school when he or she is the custodial parent of a child who is ill or 

has a medical appointment during school hours. No student may have his or her grade reduced or lose academic credit 

for absences excused under Section 48205, when missed assignments and tests can reasonable be provided and are 

satisfactorily completed within a reasonable period of time. (Ed. Code 48205) 

ABSENCES FOR PERSONAL REASONS WITH PARENTAL CONSENT (Education Code, Section 48205) 

A pupil shall be excused from school for justifiable personal reasons, as defined by Board Policy, such as an 

appearance in court, observance of a holiday or ceremony of his/her religion, religious retreats, or an employment 

conference when the pupil’s absence has been requested in writing by the parent/guardian and approved by the 

principal or designated representative. 

A student excused for personal reasons shall be allowed to complete all assignments and tests missed during the 

absence within a reasonable time as established by the teacher. Upon satisfactory completion of the assignment, full 

credit shall be issued. 

ABSENCES FOR RELIGIOUS PURPOSES (Education Code, Section 46014) 

Pupils, with written consent of their parents/guardians, may be excused from school in order to participate in religious 

exercises or to receive moral and religious instruction at their respective places of worship or at other suitable places or 

places away from school property designated by the religious group, church, or denomination. 

There are limitations to such authorized absences and further information can be obtained at the District Administration 

Office. 

MINIMUM DAYS AND PUPIL-FREE STAFF DEVELOPMENT DAYS 

Parent/guardians will be informed of the district’s schedule of minimum days and pupil-free staff development days. A 

copy of the District’s ensuing school calendar may be obtained from your school site. If any more minimum days or 

pupil-free staff development days are scheduled following circulation of this calendar, parents/guardians will be 

notified as soon as possible. 

PUPIL INTERNET ACCESS POLICY (Education Code 51870.5) 

A school district that provides pupils with access to the Internet and on-line services shall adopt a policy regarding such 

access and inform parents of “harmful matter” as defined in Penal Code section 313 subdivision (a). This policy is 

attached to the annual notification as required by Education Code section 48980. 

GRANT PROGRAM FOR PAYMENT OF ADVANCED PLACEMENT EXAMINATION FEES 

The State has established a grant program for the purpose of awarding grants to cover the costs of advanced placement 

examination fees. The State Department of Education administers this program. Any economically disadvantaged 

pupil who is enrolled in an advanced placement course may apply to District staff for a grant pursuant to Education 

Code section 552244. 

CONFIDENTIAL MEDICAL SERVICES (Education Code, Section 46010.1) 

The governing board of each school district shall, each academic year, notify pupils in grades 7 to 12, inclusive, and the 

parents or guardians of all pupils enrolled in the district, that school authorities may excuse any pupil from the school 

for the purpose of obtaining confidential medical services without the consent of the pupil’s parent or guardian. 

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS (Education Code, Section 48200) 

To establish the right of attendance in a school district, a child of compulsory age (6 to 18) must be living with a parent, 

legal guardian or foster parent within the district boundaries, have an approved interdistrict transfer, have a parent or 

guardian employed within district boundaries, or have a caregiver affidavit on file at the school district office. If you 

have any questions regarding the residency of your child, contact your principal. Proof of residency is required. 

INTERDISTRICT TRANSFERS (Education Code, Section 46600) 

Parents or guardians residing in one school district may apply for their students to attend school in another school 

district pursuant to an interdistrict transfer. Students are not eligible for transfer during expulsions or disciplinary 

hearings. 

EMPLOYMENT-BASED ATTENDANCE (Education Code, Section 48204) 

Students who live outside district boundaries may apply for home-district status if a parent or guardian works within 

district boundaries. 

ALTERNATIVE SCHOOLS 

California state law authorizes all school districts to provide for alternative schools. Section 58500 of the Education 

Code defines an alternative school as a school or separate class group within a school, which is operated in a manner 

designed to: 

a. Maximize the opportunity for students to develop the positive value of selfreliance, 

initiative, kindness, spontaneity, resourcefulness, courage, creativity, 

responsibility, and joy. 

b. Recognize that the best learning takes place when the student learns because of his 

desire to learn. 

c. Maintain a learning situation maximizing student self-motivation and encouraging the 

student in his own time to follow his own interests. These interests may be conceived 

by him totally and independently or may result in whole or in part from a presentation 

by his teachers of choices of learning projects. 



d. Maximize the opportunity for the students, teachers, and parents to continuously react 

to the changing world, including but not limited to the community in which the school 

is located. 

In the event any parent, pupil or teacher is interested in further information concerning alternative schools, the county 

superintendent of schools, the administrative office of this district, and the principal’s office in each attendance unit 

have copies of the law available for your information. This law particularly authorizes interested persons to require the 

governing board of the district to establish alternative school programs in each district. 

OTHER ATTENDANCE/PROGRAM OPTIONS (Education Code, Section 48980(g)) 

The following are attendance and program options that are offered to students in the Sanger Unified School District: 

• Interdistrict Transfers 

• IntraDistrict Transfers 

• Open Enrollment Transfers 

• Naval Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (NJROTC) 

• Valley Regional Occupational Program (VROP) 

• Kings River High School (Continuation High School) 

• Taft High School (Independent Study) 

• Opportunity Class (7 th /8 th grade) (not a voluntary option) 

• Opportunity Class (9 th /10 th grade) (not a voluntary option) 

• Community Day School 

To receive more information on these options, please contact the principal of your school or W. Richard Smith, 

Associate Superintendent-Educational Services at 1905 Seventh Street, Sanger, CA 93657, phone number 559-524- 

6521. 

TRUANCY INTERVENTION PROGRAM (TIP) 

Sanger Unified School District participates in a Truancy Intervention Program (TIP) that seeks to ensure regular 

attendance for all students as outlined in California Education Code Section 48200-48341 and California Penal Code 

Section 270.1. Sanger Unified places significant importance on attendance as it is directly related to students’ high 

academic achievement, successful graduation, drop out reduction, and establishing appropriate behavioral patterns for 

future academic and work endeavors. 

As part of this process, SUSD monitors daily attendance including but not limited to absences, tardies, and being 

removed from school early without a valid excuse. Parents who violate California’s attendance policies will be notified 

via School Attendance Review Board (SARB) procedures, including SARB letters, conferences with school site 

personnel, SARB hearings and if need, citations to Fresno County Superior Court. For questions regarding the SARB 

process, please contact your child’s principal or school. To obtain a copy of the aforementioned Education and Penal 

Codes, please contact the District Administration Office. 

HOME/HOSPITAL INSTRUCTION (Education Code, Section 48206.3) 

Home/Hospital Instruction is available for temporarily disabled students at home or in a hospital located within the 

District. Home or hospital instruction shall be provided only when a student is expected to be out of school for two (2) 

weeks or longer. It shall be the responsibility of the parent or guardian of a pupil with a temporary disability to notify 

the school district of the pupil’s presence in a qualifying hospital. 

DIABETES, TYPE 2, INFORMATION (Education Code 49452.7) 

Type 2 diabetes in children is a preventable/treatable disease and the guidance provided in this information sheet is 

intended to raise awareness about this disease since Type 2 Diabetes is the most common form of diabetes in adults. 

Type 2 diabetes affects the way the body is able to sue sugar (glucose) for energy. 

• The body turns the carbohydrates in food into glucose, the basic fuel for the body’s cells. 

• The pancreas makes insulin, a hormone that moves glucose from the blood to the cells. 

• In type 2 diabetes, the body’s cells resist the effects of insulin, and blood glucose levels rise. 

• Over time glucose reaches dangerously high levels in the blood, which is called hyperglycemia. 

Hyperglycemia can lead to health problems like heart disease, blindness, and kidney failure. 

Researchers do not completely understand why some people develop type 2 diabetes and others do not; however, 

the following risk factors are associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes in children: 

• Being overweight. The single greatest risk factor for type 2 Diabetes in children is excess weight. 

In the U.S., almost one out of every five children is overweight. The chances are more than double 

that an overweight child will develop diabetes. 

• Family history of diabetes. Many affected children and youth have at least one parent with 

diabetes or have a significant family history of the disease. 

• Inactivity. Being inactive further reduces the body’s ability to respond to insulin. 

• Specific racial/ethnic groups. Native Americans, African Americans, Hispanics/Latinos, or 

Asian/Pacific Islanders are more prone than other ethnic groups to develop type 2 Diabetes. 

• Puberty. Young people in puberty are more likely to develop type 2 Diabetes than younger 

children, probably because of normal rises in hormone levels that can cause insulin resistance 

during this stage of rapid growth and physical development. 



SAFE SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT 

A safe school environment is free of gang-related conduct or activity. This includes, but is not necessarily limited to, 

symbols, graffiti, apparel, colors, hazing/initiations, hand signals commonly associated with gangs, and inciting all 

other students to act with physical violence upon any other person. Students who engage in gang related activity shall 

be subject to suspension or expulsion. Each school site has a Safe School Plan. 

SUBSTANCE ABUSE (Board Policy 5131.6(a)) 

The Governing Board of the Sanger Unified School District recognizes the serious nature of substance abuse by youth. 

They also recognize that, while the schools play a role in the prevention of substance abuse, the entire community must 

shoulder this immense responsibility. 

Understanding the importance of the District’s role in the prevention of substance abuse, the following policy is hereby 

set forth: 

Drugs and Alcohol 

It is the policy of the Sanger Unified School District to take positive action through education, counseling, parental 

involvement, medical referral, and police referral in the handling of incidents in the schools involving the possession, 

sale, and/or use of behavior-affecting substances and drug paraphernalia. These substances shall include, but not be 

limited to marijuana, cocaine, LSD, glue, alcohol, and barbiturates. 

Students involved in the possession, sale, and/or use of behavior-affecting substances as stated above shall be subject to 

disciplinary procedures, which may result in suspension or expulsion. 

School properties may be inspected by school authorities in the interest of maintaining a healthy, safe school. 

Inspections for the locations of drugs, narcotics, liquor, weapons, poisons, and missing properties are matters relating to 

health and safety and may be regarded as reasonable purposes for inspection by school personnel, so long as such 

inspections are conducted in accordance with constitutional requirements of applicable state law relating to searches 

and seizures. 

Tobacco 

The Board of Trustees recognizes that smoking presents a health hazard, which can have serious consequences, both 

for the smoker and the non-smoker and is therefore, of concern to the Board. Students shall not be allowed to smoke or 

possess tobacco on school property or during school hours within the immediate property of the school or during school 

sponsored activities. Students who violate this policy shall be subject to disciplinary procedures and may be subject to 

suspension. 

As of December 27, 1994, the use of tobacco products at any time on District property and in district vehicles is 

prohibited. This includes any meeting on any property owned, leased or rented by or from the District. The prohibition 

applies to all employees, students, visitors and other persons at any school or school-sponsored activity or athletic 

event. 

Student Sexual Harassment 

The Governing Board prohibits the unlawful harassment of any student by any employee, student or other person in or 

from the District. Teachers shall discuss this policy with their students in age-appropriate ways and should assure them 

that they need not endure any form of sexual harassment. 

Any student who engages in the sexual harassment of anyone in or from the District may be subject to disciplinary 

action up to and including expulsion. Any employee who permits or engages in sexual harassment may be subject to 

disciplinary action up to and including dismissal. The Board expects students or staff to immediately report incidents 

of sexual harassment to the principal or designee or to another District administrator. 

Any student who feels that he/she is being harassed should immediately contact the principal or designee at his/her 

school to report the allegations and to obtain a copy of the District’s sexual harassment complaint procedures. 

Complaints of harassment can be filed pursuant to these procedures. 

The District prohibits retaliatory behavior against any complainant or any participant in the complaint process. Each 

complaint of sexual harassment shall be promptly investigated in a way that respects the privacy of all parties 

concerned. 


Sanger Unified School District 12 

STUDENT DISCIPLINE 

RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF STUDENTS 

• To attend school regularly and on time unless removed under due process as specified in the Education Code. 

• To attend school in a secure academic and social climate free of fear and violence while respecting the rights of 

school personnel, fellow students, and the public in general. 

• To enjoy the full benefit of teachers’ efforts, undiluted by disruptive students. 

• To have ready access to a designated counselor. 

• To examine personal records upon reaching the age of sixteen or completing the 10 th grade. 

• To be fully informed and obey school rules and regulations while demonstrating pride in the appearance of school 

buildings and grounds. 

• To be prepared for class with the appropriate materials and work. 

RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF PARENTS 

• To expect a safe, wholesome, stimulating atmosphere for their children engaged in productive activity under the 

care and direction of a dedicated staff. 

• To be informed of District policies and regulations and school rules. 

• To review their child’s record with a certificated staff member providing assistance. 

• To periodically participate in conferences with teachers, counselors or administrators regarding the academic and 

behavioral status of their children. 

• To provide support action by assuring children have enough sleep, adequate nutrition and appropriate clothing 

before coming to school. 

• To maintain consistent and adequate control over their children and to approve of reasonable control measures as 

applied by school personnel. 

• To cooperate with the school in bringing about improvements designed to enhance the educational program 

offered students. 

• To provide the school with current information regarding legal address, phone, medical data, and other facts, 

which may help the school to serve their children. 

RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF TEACHERS 

• To expect and receive student attention, effort, and participation. 

• To have parental and administrative backing when enforcing rules designed to provide an optimum learning 

climate. 

• To teach with minimal interruptions. 

• To share mutual respect and courtesy with all members of the class. 

• To attempt to equip each learner with the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values required for successful living. 

• To hold students accountable for their actions at all times. 

• To keep parents and students informed with timely or periodic reports, including all pertinent date related to the 

student’s school experience. 

• To consistently critique their own performance with the objective of an every-growing professional stature. 

• To initiate and enforce individual classroom rules consistent with school and District policies. 

RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF ADMINISTRATORS 

• To initiate such control measures as needed to establish and maintain an environment in which optimum learning 

and teaching conditions prevail. 

• To make decisions on all issues confronting schools, primarily on the basis of what is best for the students. 

• To hold students accountable for their conduct and to take prompt and appropriate action toward those guilty of 

violations. 

• To expect that all school employees recognize and fulfill their role in terms of campus control. 

• To provide leadership that will establish, encourage, and promote good teaching and effective learning. 

• To establish, publicize, and enforce school rules that facilitate effective learning and promote attitudes and habits 

of good citizenship among the students. 



• To request assistance from the District’s support services and community agencies and resources in all cases 

indicating such action. 

• To make a determined effort to stay attuned to expressions of student/staff/parent/community concerns and to 

react with sensitivity toward them. 

BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS AND CONSEQUENCES 

The number of violations occurring in one school year determines consequences. Exceptions: The number of offenses 

and the consequences relating to extra-curricular activities eligibility for substance abuse violations carry over from 

year to year. 

During Suspension: 

1. Student shall not report to school during the period of suspension, except in the case of on campus suspension 

(OCS), or by appointment, arranged prior with a school administrator. Student is expected to be under the supervision 

of parent during school hours when serving suspension days at home (7:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.). Any violation will be 

treated as trespassing, which is an arrestable offense. 

2. Student may not attend any school event during suspension. Students may not participate in extra-curricular 

activities (including athletics) during a home or on campus suspension. 

3. The responsibility of obtaining and doing class work lies with the student. The teacher may require the student to 

complete any assignments and tests missed during the suspension (E.C. 48913). 

4. For mandatory (Page 15), quasi mandatory (page 16) and drug and alcohol related offenses (page 18) extra 

curricular activities will be suspended for forty days or until the matter is resolved whichever is greater. 

5. For student athletes, all CIF regulations are applicable. 

IMPORTANT NOTICE: 

1. (E.C. 48900) No pupil shall be suspended or expelled for any of the acts enumerated unless the act is related to 

school activity or school attendance. A pupil may be suspended or expelled for acts which are enumerated in this 

section and related to school activity or attendance which occur at any time, including, but not limited to, any of the 

following: 

a) While on school grounds 

b) While going to or coming from school 

c) During the lunch period whether on or off campus 

d) During or while going to, or coming from, a school-sponsored activity 

2. Students accumulating 20 days of on campus and/or home suspension are subject to involuntary transfer to an 

alternative program. 

3. Disciplinary action will be taken if a student’s behavior is disruptive to the instructional process or causes a danger 

to persons or property even though the offense is not defined in the Student Conduct Code. 

4. (E.C. 48904) Parental liability for willful misconduct of a minor that results in injury or death to a pupil or school 

employee or who willfully cuts, defaces, or otherwise injures in any way any property, real or personal, belonging to a 

school district or personal property of any school employee shall be liable for all damages so caused by the minor. 

5. Students and parents have a right to appeal disciplinary action taken against a student. Appeals must be based upon 

a procedural violation, and should follow the format of Danger Hearing Appeals (See Danger Hearing Appeals, Page 

23.) The type of discipline or the consequences for specific violations (number of days suspended, etc.) may not be 

appealed. 

6. Sanger Unified School District is not liable for any lost, stolen, or damaged student personal property even if the 

property is under the control of District staff. 

7. Vehicles subject to search on school property. By entering school property, the person driving any vehicle is 

deemed to consent to a complete search of the vehicle (all its compartments and contents) by school officials or law 

enforcement personnel for any reason whatsoever. This notice applies to all vehicles of any type and is in force 24 

hours a day. California Vehicle Code Section 21113(A). 

8. It will be the school site’s responsibility to provide referral options of appropriate services when needed. It 

will NOT be the school site’s responsibility or District’s responsibility to pay for any referrals made or recommended 

to any outside agencies. The parents are encouraged to follow through with the referral as indicated. 

9. According to Welfare and Institution Code Section5150, the District, mental health or police department do not need 

parental approval to conduct an assessment to determine if a student poses a potential danger to himself/herself, or 

others. 

10. The Child Welfare and Attendance Supervisor has been designated by the Superintendent to process all expulsions, 

danger hearings, discipline appeals, voluntary/involuntary transfers and other issues not directly stated that encompass 

student discipline, attendance and/or transfers. 



PROCEDURAL SAFEGUARDS AND DUE PROCESS 

1. All students, no matter the violation, have due process rights. If a student’s due process rights are violated in any 

way, the recommendation for any disciplinary procedures may be come moot. 

2. A thorough investigation is completed for all violations. This includes witness statements from the student in 

question and any other students involved. These must be signed under penalty of perjury. Adults involved also 

complete witness statements signed under penalty of perjury. 

3. An initial suspension letter is completed and sent home following a verbal parent notification. An information 

conference with the student is held, unless the student is not available. 

4. If the violation is an expellable offense or an offense, which may lead to an involuntary transfer, a Danger 

Hearing/Alternative Placement letter is sent home. The requirements for an involuntary transfer (E.C. 48432.5 and 

48637.2) are met. Involuntary transfers do not proceed if the due process requirements are not met. 

5. The Danger Hearing Panel then has the authority to extend the suspension and support the recommendation for 

expulsion. 

6. A letter reviewing the results of the Danger Hearing/Alternative Placement meeting is sent to the parents upon 

completion of the meeting. The letter outlines the outcome of the meeting, the rationale for the outcome, E.C. citations 

supporting the outcome and any requirements the pupil must abide by. If the recommendation is expulsion, the re-entry 

criteria are specified. 

7. The Child Welfare and Attendance Office sends a registered letter scheduling the Administrative Panel Hearing at 

least 10 days prior to the Panel Hearing. 

8. An informational packet is compiled for an Administrative Hearing Panel. This packet includes all relevant 

background investigation information and witness statements (upon parental approval). If the parents fear for their 

child’s safety, a request for anonymous witness form must be completed. If either of these forms is not completed, the 

documentation is not allowed as evidence. The school also has the option to call students who were involved as a 

witness; however, the district does not have the authority to mandate their participation. 

9. All information is available to the Child Welfare and Attendance Supervisor prior to the Administrative Panel 

Hearing. 

10. Although not stated on each offense, there are certain infractions specified in E.C. 48915 that the Principal or 

Principal’s designee may outline while the recommendation for expulsion is inappropriate due to a particular 

circumstance. If this is the case, in any given expulsion recommendation, the school will submit a letter at the Danger 

Hearing/Alternative Placement meeting stating the particular circumstance. The Danger Hearing/Alternative 

Placement meeting representatives have the final authority to accept the recommendation. 

11. If the policy outlined in this code is not followed, the increases in consequences may not be applicable. For 

example, if a student is caught using alcohol, a referral to appropriate services should be made. If that referral is not 

made, and followed through with to the best of the school’s ability, the second infraction may again be treated as a first 

infraction. This is not to take away the parent’s responsibility. If they refuse services or indicate they have their own 

help, the next offense will be treated as a next offense. 

12. For the purposes of determining consequences for successive behavioral infractions, the District will review 

behavior for the past twenty-four (24) months. In the event of an expulsion hearing, SARB hearing or transfer off 

campus, a pupil’s entire behavioral and academic history will be reviewed. 

13. If there is a conflict between this policy and the California Education Code, the California Education Code will 

prevail. 

14. The Sanger Police Department School Resource Officer (SRO) may arrest or cite any student for violation of 

certain Education and Penal Codes. Field tests and/or breath analyzers will be conducted on any students suspected of 

being under the influence of drugs or alcohol. 

RULES AND REGULATIONS REGARDING INVOLUNTARY TRANSFERS 

All E.C. requirements must be adhered to when considering the involuntary transfer of a student to an opportunity 

program for adjustment purposes or the involuntary transfer of a student to a continuation program. 

Opportunity Programs (E.C. Series 48630): A committee formed for that purpose may assign students under 16 

years of age to an opportunity program for adjustment purposes. The committee shall include, but need not be limited 

to, a representative of the school district who is familiar with the pupil’s progress, a representative of the opportunity 

school, class, or program, and the parent or guardian of the pupil. The parent may designate a representative to attend 

the meeting. A review shall be held not less than 2 times per year to determine if the pupil would benefit by returning 

to regular school or classes. 

Continuation Classes (E.C. Series 48430): Students over 16 years of age may be involuntarily transferred to a 

continuation school if the pupil: a) commits an act enumerated in Section 48900, or b) is habitually truant or irregular 

in attendance from instruction upon which he or she is lawfully required to attend. Involuntary transfers to a 

continuation school shall be imposed only when other means fail to bring about pupil improvement; provided that a 

pupil may be involuntarily transferred the first time he or she commits an act enumerated in Section 48900, if the 



principal determines that the pupil’s presence causes a danger to persons or property or threatens to disrupt the 

instructional process. 

None of the persons involved in the final decision to make an involuntary transfer of a pupil to a continuation school 

shall be a member of the staff of the school in which the pupil is enrolled at the time the decision is made. No 

involuntary transfer to a continuation school shall extend beyond the end of the semester following the semester during 

which the act leading directly to the involuntary transfer occurred. 

DISTRICT RULES REGARDING STUDENT DISCIPLINE (Education Code 35291) 

The governing board of each school district maintaining grades one through twelve shall notify the parents or guardians 

of the availability of rules regarding student discipline. 

STUDENT CONDUCT (Board Policy 5131) 

The governing board believes that all students have the right to be educated in a positive learning environment free 

from disruptions. On school grounds and at school activities, students shall be expected to exhibit appropriate conduct 

that does not infringe upon the rights of others or interfere with the school program. 

Behavior is considered appropriate when students are diligent in study, neat and clean, careful with school property, 

and courteous and respectful towards their teachers, other staff, other students and volunteers. 

Prohibited student conduct includes but is not limited to: 

1. Behavior that endangers other student and/or staff. 

2. Behavior that disrupts the orderly classroom or school environment. 

3. Harassment of students or staff, including bullying, intimidation, hazing or any other verbal, written or 

physical conduct that causes or threatens to cause bodily harm or emotional suffering. 

4. Damage to or theft of property belonging to the district, staff or other students 

5. Possession, use or sale of alcohol, tobacco or other drugs. 

6. Possession or use of laser pointers, unless used for a valid instructional or other school-related purpose. 

7. Profane, vulgar or abusive language 

8. Plagiarism or dishonesty in school work or on tests 

9. Inappropriate dress 

10. Tardiness and unexcused absence from school 

11. Failure to remain on school premises in accordance with school rules 

DISCIPLINE (Education Code, Sections 48900-48926) 

Sanger Unified School District utilizes all avenues provided by law for the discipline of students. These include, but 

are not limited to, advising and counseling students, conferencing with parents/guardians, detention, alternative 

educational environments, written behavioral contracts, referral to a community or law enforcement agency and if 

necessary, suspension and/or expulsion. 

The Governing Board recognizes that maintaining an educational environment, which promotes learning and protects 

the health, safety, and welfare of all students, may require the suspension or expulsion of a student from regular 

classroom instruction for a period of time deemed necessary to correct the behavior of that student. 

A pupil may not be suspended or expelled for any of the acts enumerated unless that act is related to school activity or 

school attendance occurring within a school under the jurisdiction of the Superintendent or principal or occurring 

within any other school district. A pupil may be suspended or expelled for acts which are enumerated in this section 

and related to school activity or attendance that occur at any time, including but not limited, to any of the following: 

(1) While on school grounds. 

(2) While going to or coming from school 

(3) During the lunch period, whether on or off the campus. 

(4) During, or while going to or coming from, a school sponsored 

activity. 

Grounds for Disciplinary Action as defined by Education Code, Section 48900: 

a. Caused, attempted to cause, or threatened to cause physical 

injury to another person 

a.2 Willfully used force or violence upon the person of another, except in self-defense. The term “use of 

violence” upon another includes “offensive touching”, such as spitting on another person. The 

contact does not have to involve physical injury. 

b. Possessed, sold or otherwise furnished any firearm, knife, explosive, 

or other dangerous object unless, in the case of possession of any 

such object, the pupil had obtained written permission to possess the 

item from a certificated school employee, which is concurred in by 

the principal or the designee of the principal. 

c. Unlawfully possessed, used, sold, or otherwise furnished, or been under 

the influence of any controlled substance listed in Chapter 2 (commencing 

with Section 11053) of Division 10 of the Health and Safety Code, an 

alcoholic beverage, or an intoxicant of any kind. 

d. Unlawfully offered or arranged or negotiated to sell any controlled substance, 

(commencing with Section 11053) of Division 10 of the Health and Safety 



Code, an alcoholic beverage, or an intoxicant of any kind, and then either sold, 

delivered or otherwise furnished to any person another liquid, substance, or 

material and represented the liquid, substance, or material as a controlled 

substance, alcoholic beverage, or intoxicant 

e. Committed or attempted to commit robbery or extortion 

f. Caused or attempted to cause damage to school property or private property 

g. Stolen or attempted to steal school property or private property 

h. Possessed or used tobacco, or any products containing tobacco or nicotine 

products, including, but not limited to, cigarettes, cigars, miniature cigars, 

clove cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, snuff, chew packets, and betel. 

However, this section does not prohibit use of possession by a pupil of his 

or her own prescription products 

i. Committed an obscene act or engaged in habitual profanity or vulgarity 

j. Had unlawful possession of, or unlawfully offered, arranged, or negotiated 

to sell any drug paraphernalia, as defined in Section 11014.5 of the Health 

and Safety Code 

k. Disrupted school activities or otherwise willfully defied the valid authority 

of supervisors, teachers, administrators, school officials, or other school 

personnel engaged in the performance of their duties 

l. Knowingly received stolen school property or private property 

m. Possessed an imitation firearm. As used in this section, “imitation firearm” 

means a replica of a firearm that is so substantially similar in physical properties 

to an existing firearm as to lead a reasonable person to conclude that the replica 

is a firearm 

n. Committed or attempted to commit a sexual assault as defined in Section 261, 

266, 286, 288, 288a, or 289 of the Penal Code or committed a sexual battery 

as defined in Section 243.4 of the Penal Code 

o. Harassed, threatened, or intimidated a pupil who is a complaining witness or 

witness in a school disciplinary proceeding for the purpose of either preventing 

that pupil from being a witness or retaliating against that pupil for being a 

witness or both. 

p. Unlawfully offered, arranged to sell, negotiated to sell, or sold the prescription drug Soma. 

q. Engaged in, or attempted to engage in, hazing as defined in Section 32050. 

r. Engaged in an act of bullying, including, but not limited to, bullying committed by means of an 

electronic act, as defined in subdivisions (f) and (g) of Section 32261, directed specifically toward a 

pupil or school personnel. 

t. A pupil who aid or abets, as defined in Section 31 of the Penal Code, the infliction or attempted 

infliction of physical injury to another person may suffer suspension, but not expulsion, pursuant to 

the provisions of this section, except that a pupil who has been adjudged by a juvenile court to have 

committed, as an aider and abettor, a crime of physical violence in which the victim suffered great 

bodily injury or serious bodily injury shall be subject to discipline pursuant to subdivision(a). 

48900.2 Committed sexual harassment as defined in Section 212.5. (Grades 4-12) 

• The conduct described in Section 212.5 must be considered by a reasonable person of the same 

gender as the victim to be sufficiently severe or pervasive to have a negative impact upon the 

individual’s academic performance or to create an intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational 

environment. This section shall not apply to pupils enrolled in kindergarten and grades 1 to 3, 

inclusive. 

• Section 212.5, defines “sexual harassment” as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual 

favors, and other verbal, visual or physical conduct of a sexual nature. 

48900.3 Caused, attempted to cause, threatened to cause, or participated in an act of hate violence as defined in 

subdivision9e) of Section 233. (Grades 4-12) 

• As used in this section, “hate violence” means any act punishable under Section 422.6, 422.7, or 

422.75 of the Penal Code. (Education Code Section 233) 

• This section applies to pupils enrolled in grades 4 to 12, inclusive. 

• Hate violence is the commission of any crime, which is accompanied by an expression of 

hostility against a person or property or institution because of the victim’s real or perceived race, 

color, religion, ancestry, national origin, disability, gender, or sexual orientation. Specifically 

prohibited is the use of force or the threatened use of force to willfully injure, intimidate, interfere 

with, or oppress any person in the free exercise of enjoyment of any right or privilege secured to 

him or her by the Constitution or laws of this state and this nation. 

48900.4 (Grades 4-12) Intentionally engaged in harassment, threats, or intimidation directed against school 

district personnel or pupils, that is sufficiently severe or pervasive to have the actual and reasonably 



expected effect of materially disrupting class work, crating substantial disorder, and invading the 

rights of either school personnel or pupils by crating an intimidating or hostile educational 

environment. 

• This section applies to pupils enrolled in grades 4 to 12, inclusive. 

48900.7 (a) A pupil may be suspended from school or recommended for expulsion if the superintendent or the 

principal of the school in which the pupil is enrolled determined that the pupil has made terroristic 

threats against school officials or school property, or both. (b) For the purposes of this section, 

“terroristic threat” shall include any statement, whether written or oral, by a person who willfully 

threatens to commit a crime which will result in death, great bodily injury to another person, or 

property damage in excess of one thousand dollars ($1,000), with the specific intent that the statement 

is to be taken as a threat, even if there is no intent of actually carrying it out, which, on its face and 

under the circumstances in which it is made, is so unequivocal, unconditional, immediate, and specific 

as to covey to the person threatened, a gravity of purpose and an immediate prospect of execution of 

the threat, and thereby causes that person reasonably to be in sustained fear for his or her own safety 

or for his or her immediate family’s safety, or for the protection of school district property, or the 

personal property of the person threatened or his or her immediate family. 

A detailed “Student Conduct Code” for grades 7-12 is available at school sites for parental review. 

Required Parental Attendance (Education Code, Section 48900.1) 

Whenever a student is suspended from class because he/she committed an obscene act, engaged in habitual profanity or 

vulgarity, disrupted school activities or otherwise willfully defied valid staff authority, the 

teacher of the class from which the student was suspended may require the student’s parent/guardian to attend a portion 

of a school day in that class. (Current law enables parents/guardians to be absent from work without endangering their 

employment status in order to attend a portion of their child’s school day at a teacher’s request.) 

Use of Trained Canines (Board Policy 5145.13) 

The District will utilize the services of non-aggressive trained detection canines to sniff out and alert to the presence of 

those substances prohibited by law or District policy. The dogs may sniff the air around student lockers, desks, bags, 

items or vehicles that are on District property as long as they are not allowed to sniff any person. Items shall not be 

sniffed if a person is close by. These inspections shall be unannounced and will be made at the discretion of the 

principal, Superintendent and/or designee of the District. 

In the event the canine alerts on a locked vehicle, the student bringing it onto District property shall be asked to open 

the vehicle for inspection to be conducted by the canine handler. Refusal to open the item for inspection may result in 

referring the matter to law enforcement officials or disciplinary action according to District policies. Discovery of a 

prohibited substance or item may result in referral to law enforcement officials or disciplinary action according to 

District policies. 

Expulsion 

Expulsion is the removal of a pupil from enrollment in a school or the District as ordered by the Governing Board. 

Expulsion is required under certain circumstances, and/or may be ordered by the Board when other means of 

corrections have repeatedly failed to result in acceptable conduct or if the continued presence of the student causes 

danger to the safety of others. Pupils may be expelled only for those reasons for which they also may be suspended. 

State law provides for full due process, including an evidentiary hearing, and rights to appeal any order of expulsion. 

This process is outlined in further detail in Board Policy. 

Mandatory Expulsion 

The Principal or Superintendent of Schools shall recommend a pupil’s expulsion for any of the following acts: 

POSSESSING, SELLING, OR OTHERWISE FURNISHING A FIREARM: This subdivision applies to an act of 

possessing a firearm only if the possession is verified by an employee of a school district (E.C. 48915). 

1 st Offense: Five (5) day suspension, recommendation for expulsion and notification of appropriate law enforcement 

agency. Threat evaluation should be conducted. 

Note: Administrative Panel Hearing must recommend the expulsion. School Board must enforce the expulsion (E.C. 

48915). Expulsion is required for one (1) calendar year unless the Governing Board sets an earlier review date on a 

case-by-case basis. 

BRANDISHING A KNIFE AT ANOTHER PERSON (E.C. 48915): 

1 st Offense: Five (5) day suspension, recommendation for expulsion, and notification of appropriate law enforcement 

agency. Referral to appropriate counseling services. Assessment for potential or continued violence must be 

conducted. 

Note: Administrative Panel Hearing must recommend the expulsion. School Board must enforce the expulsion. (E.C. 

48915) 

Note: Referrals to appropriate counseling services should also be made for the victim. 

FURNISHED OR SOLD ANY CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE (as defined in Section 11053 of the Health and 

Safety Code), an alcoholic beverage, or an intoxicant of any kind. (E.C. 48915 and E.C. 48900(c). 

1 st Offense: Five (5) day suspension, recommendation for expulsion, and notification of law enforcement agency. 



Note: Administrative Panel Hearing may alter recommendation for student who furnished but did not sell based on 

evidence and procedural requirements (E.C. 48915). School Board may alter recommendations for students who 

furnished but did not sell based on evidence and procedural requirements (E.C. 48915) 

Note: Administrative Panel Hearing must recommend the expulsion for any student who sold a controlled substance. 

School Board must enforce the expulsion (E.C. 48915). 

Note: Furnishing, or possessing an imitation controlled substance (look-a-likes) with the intent to distribute will result 

in a recommendation for expulsion. Imitation controlled substances are considered “dangerous objects”. This offense 

is also a violation of Health and Safety Code 11680. 

COMMITTED OR ATTEMPTED TO COMMIT A SEXUAL ASSAULT OR SEXUAL BATTERY (as defined 

in Sections 243-244, 261, 266c, 286, 288, 288a, or 289 of the Penal Code. (E.C. 48915 and E.C. 48900(n)) 


agency. Assessment for potential or continued violence must be completed. 


48915) 


POSSESSION OF AN EXPLOSIVE (E.C. 48915): 

An explosive is defined as: A chemical substance that undergoes a rapid chemical change (with the production of gas) 

on being heated or struck, tending or serving to explode or characterized by explosion or sudden outburst. 


agency. Assessment for potential or continued violence must be completed. 


48915) 

QUASI MANDATORY RECOMMENDATION FOR EXPULSION 

E.C. 48915: The Principal or Superintendent shall recommend expulsion unless the principal or superintendent finds 

that due to a particular circumstance that the expulsion in appropriate. If this exclusion is being considered it must be 

considered at the Danger Hearing, unless otherwise directed. In a particular circumstance a 5-day suspension may be 

inappropriate. If the suspension is reduced due to a particular circumstance, the reason for the reduction and alternative 

consequences being used must be outlined in a letter. A copy of the letter should be sent to Child Welfare and 

Attendance. 

CAUSED SERIOUS PHYSICAL INJURY to another person except in self-defense (E.C. 48915 and 48900(a). 


agency. Referral to appropriate counseling should be made. Threat evaluation should be conducted. 

Serious physical injury is defined as a: 

1) Loss of consciousness 

2) Concussion 

3) Bone fracture 

4) Wound requiring any sutures or hospitalization 

5) Disfigurement 

Note: Principal or Superintendent may not recommend expulsion due to a particular circumstance. This determination 

must be made at the Danger Hearing unless otherwise directed. 

Note: Administrative Panel Hearing may alter recommendation based on evidence and procedural requirements (E.C. 

48915). School Board may alter recommendations based on evidence and procedural requirements (E.C. 48915). 


POSSESSION OF ANY KNIFE OR OTHER DANGEROUS OBJECT OF NO REASONABLE USE TO THE 

PUPIL unless in the case of possession of any such object, the pupil had obtained written permission to possess the 

item from a certificated school employee, which is concurred in by the principal or the designee of the principal. (E.C. 

48915 and 48900(b)) 



Note: Look-a-like (imitation) toy guns are considered objects of a dangerous nature. (E.C. 48900(m)) 

Note: Possession of tear gas/tear gas weapon/pepper spray is considered a dangerous object. (Penal Code Section 

12401, 12402) (E.C. 49330) 





Note: According to E.C. 48915(g), as used in this section, “knife” means any dirk, dagger, or other weapon with a 

fixed, sharpened blade fitted primarily for stabbing, a weapon with a blade fitted primarily for stabbing, a weapon with 

a blade longer than 3.5 inches, a folding knife with a blade that locks into place, or a razor with an unguarded blade. 

Note: Students who voluntarily turn in items covered in this section shall not be subject to punitive measures. A 

student who turns in a weapon in order to avoid possible expulsion or transfer to an alternative site will not be allowed. 



The assistance being sought must be legitimate as determined by a site administrator, by a Danger Hearing Panel, or 

Administrative Hearing Panel. 

POSSESSED ANY CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE (as defined in Section 11053 of the Health and Safety Code), 

except for the first offense of possession of not more than one ounce of marijuana, other than concentrated cannabis. 

(E.C. 48915 and E.C. 48900(c)) 


agency. Appropriate counseling referrals should be made. 





POSSESSED WITH INTENT TO SELL ANY CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE (as defined in section 11053 of the 

Health and Safety Code), an alcoholic beverage, or an intoxicant of any kind (E.C. 48900(c)). 


agency. Referral to appropriate counseling services should be made. 





OFFERED, ARRANGED, OR NEGOTIATED TO SELL ANY CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE (as defined in 

Section 11053 of the Health and Safety Code) alcoholic beverage, or intoxicant and then sold delivered, or furnished 

look-a-likes or in lieu substances (E.C. 48900(d)). 


agency. Appropriate counseling referral should be made. 





COMMITTED OR ATTEMPTED TO COMMIT ROBBERY OR EXTORTION (Penal Code 211, 510, E.C. 

48915 and 48900(e)) 








THREATENED, ATTACKED, OR COMMITTED ASSAULT OR BATTERY ON SCHOOL PERSONNEL 

(Penal Code Section 240, 242) (E.C. 48915 and E.C. 48900(a), E.C. 44014) 





Note: Administrative Panel Hearing may alter recommendation based on evidence and procedural requirements. (E.C. 

48915) School Board may alter recommendations based on evidence and procedural requirements (E.C. 48915). 


COMMITTED A TERRORIST OR TERRORISTIC THREAT including, but not limited to, a bomb threat. (E.C. 

48900.7) 


agency. Referral to appropriate counseling services. Threat evaluation should be conducted. 





MAKING FALSE ACCUSATIONS AGAINST SCHOOL EMPLOYEES (E.C. 48900(k) 







Suspension (Education code, Section 48925) 



Suspension is the temporary removal of the pupil from ongoing instruction for adjustment purposes. 

Students may be suspended for violation of school or district rules. Where possible, an informal conference will be 

held with the student prior to the suspension in order to allow the student the opportunity to present his/her version of 

the incident and evidence in his/her defense and advise the student of the reason for disciplinary action. Such a 

conference may be held within 2 school days following the incident, giving rise to the suspension where emergency 

circumstances warrant. 

Parents shall be given written notice of a suspension within 24 hours. A reasonable attempt will be made to reach 

parents by telephone on the date of suspension. 

A student may be suspended for up to 5 consecutive school days, unless such suspension is extended pending an 

expulsion. Suspensions shall not exceed 20 school days in one school year, unless otherwise permitted by law. 

Suspended students are not to be on any school campus or attend school activities for the duration of the suspension. 

When “suspension” is indicated, the site administrator will determine whether the consequence should include, but not 

be limited to, home suspension/on campus suspension/Saturday School/intervention group/detention/community 

service. Community service may include, but is not limited to, work performed on school grounds during non-school 

hours in the areas of outdoor beautification, campus betterment, and teacher or peer assistance programs (E.C. 48900.6) 

Law enforcement agencies may be notified at the discretion of the administration. 

A suspension may be appealed to the Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance in accordance with Board Policy. 

CAUSES FOR MANDATORY HOME SUSPENSION ON FIRST OFFENSE 

DEPENDING ON THE SERIOUSNESS OF THE ACT AND THE STUDENT’S EDUCATIONAL HISTORY, 

THE STUDENT MAY BE RECOMMENDED FOR AN ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION PLACEMENT OR 

EXPELLED ON THE FIRST OR SUCCEEDING OFFENSES. 

K-6 elementary principals may alter first or following consequences due to the age or grade of the students 

involved. 

POSSESSING, USING, OR BEING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF AN ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE OR 

INTOXICANT OF ANY KIND. Possessing not more than one ounce of marijuana. Using or being under the 

influence of marijuana or any controlled substance (as defined in Section 11053 of the Health and Safety Code) (E.C. 

48915 and E.C. 48900(c)) 

1 st Offense (marijuana/alcohol): Five (5) day suspension and notification of appropriate law enforcement agency 

Pupil may be assigned to substance abuse counseling program. Expulsion/Danger Hearing may be required, if program 

is violated or student will be referred to 2 nd offense step. 

2 nd Offense (marijuana/alcohol): Five (5) day suspension, transfer to an alternative education program. Mandatory 

enrollment in substance abuse program. 

3 rd Offense (marijuana/alcohol): Five (5) day suspension and mandatory recommendation for expulsion. 

Appropriate referral to counseling. 

Note: Student will be excluded from extra-curricular activities for forty school days. 

Note: Students appearing at school functions and having consumed or having in their possession alcoholic beverages 

or drugs may be handled by police action (Penal Code Section 647) (Health and Safety Code Section 11550) 

Note: Students who voluntarily seek assistance for substance abuse will not suffer academic consequences; however, 

extra-curricular activity eligibility will follow CIF regulations. A student who asks for help in order to avoid possible 

expulsion or transfer to an alternative site will not be allowed. The assistance being sought must be legitimate as 

determined by a site administrator, by a Danger Hearing Panel, or administrative Hearing Panel. 



UNLAWFULLY POSSESSING OR UNLAWFULLY OFFERING, ARRANGING, OR NEGOTIATING TO 

SELL ANY DRUG PARAPHERNALIA, as defined in Section 11014.5 of the Health and Safety Code (E.C. 

48900(j)) 

1 st Offense: Five (5) day suspension and notification of appropriate law enforcement agency. Referral to appropriate 

counseling services. CIF sanctions will be applicable. 

Note: If the student completes district-approved intervention program ineligibility for extra-curricular activities would 

then be reduced to ten (10) school weeks to five (5) school weeks. 

2 nd Offense: Five (5) day suspension, transfer to alternative education site, notification of appropriate law enforcement 

agency. Referral to appropriate counseling. 

3 rd Offense: Five (5) day suspension, recommendation for expulsion and notification of law enforcement agency. 

Note: Student will be excluded from extra-curricular activities for forty school days. 



Note: Students who voluntarily seek assistance for any substance abuse problem will not suffer academic 

consequences; however, extra-curricular activity eligibility will follow CIF regulations. A student whoa asks for help 

in order to avoid possible expulsion or transfer to an alternative site will not be granted this exemption. The assistance 

being sought must be legitimate as determined by a site administrator, by a Danger Hearing Panel, Administrative 

Hearing Panel, District Level Administrator, or Board of Education. 



FIRE-SETTING OR ATTEMPTED FIRE SETTING including the activation of false alarms or tampering with 

emergency equipment. (Penal Code Section 447, 455 and 148.4) (E.C. 48900(k)) 

1 st Offense: Three (3) day suspension and referral to counseling services. 

2 nd Offense: Five (5) day suspension, transfer to alternative education. Threat evaluation should be conducted. 

3 rd Offense: Five (5) day suspension, recommendation for expulsion. Threat evaluation should be conducted. 

Note: Fire-setting of any nature may lead to recommendation for alternative education program or expulsion on the 

first offense. Fire-setting is never considered to be a prank. The burning of trash cans can lead to immediate and 

serious consequences. Assessment for the potential of continued violence should be conducted. 

WILLFUL DEFIANCE OR DISRUPTION OF THE SCHOOL, OR INTERFERING WITH THE PEACEFUL 

CONDUCT OF THE ACTIVITIES OF THE SCHOOL (Penal Code Section 148.1) (E.C. 48900(k)) in example, 

trespassing school grounds while suspended from campus. Individual class disruptions while problematic should, at 

first, be handled by other less drastic measures. 

1 st Offense: Five (5) day suspension. Referral to appropriate counseling services should be made. Threat evaluation 

should be conducted. 

2 nd Offense: Five (5) day suspension, recommendation for alternative education program or expulsion. Mandatory 

removal from campus. Assessment for the potential of continued violence should be made. 

HARASSED, THREATENED, OR INTIMIDATED A PUPIL WHO IS A COMPLAINING WITNESS OR 

WITNESS IN A SCHOOL DISCIPLINARY PROCEEDING for the purpose of either preventing that pupil from 

being a witness or retaliating against that pupil for being a witness, or both. (E.C. 48900(o)) 

1 st Offense: Five (5) day suspension and possible recommendation for expulsion. Referral to appropriate counseling 

services. Threat evaluation should be conducted. 


When “suspension” is indicated, the site administrator will determine whether the consequence should include, but not 

be limited to, home suspension/in-school suspension/Saturday School/intervention group/detention/community 

service. Community service may include, but is not limited to, work performed on school grounds during non-school 

hours in the areas of outdoor beautification, campus betterment, and teacher or peer assistance programs. (E.C. 

48900.6) 

Law enforcement agencies may be notified at the discretion of the administration. 

If the nature of the offense makes an alternative education placement or expulsion recommendation appropriate, the 

student will be suspended five days for the infraction. A Danger Hearing will then be scheduled. 

Students may be suspended on the first offense if it is determined that the pupil’s presence causes a danger to persons 

or property or threatens to disrupt the instructional process. (E.C. 48900.5) 

GANG RELATED OFFENSES – A student may be suspended for five (5) days on the first offense and 

recommended for an alternative educational placement or expulsion. 

CAUSING, ATTEMPTING, OR THREATENING TO CAUSE PHYSICAL INJURY OR WILLFULLY 

USING FORCE OR VIOLENCE UPON ANOTHER PERSON, except in self-defense. (E.C. 48900(a)(1) and 

48900(a)(2)) 

Verbal - 1 st Offense: Three (3) day suspension. Referral to appropriate counseling services. 

Physical – 1 st Offense: Five (5) day suspension. Referral to appropriate counseling services. 

2 nd Offense: Five (5) day suspension and recommendation for alternative education program. Referral to appropriate 

counseling services. Threat evaluation should be conducted. 

3rd Offense: Five (5) day suspension, recommendation for expulsion. Threat evaluation should be conducted. 

Note: If a student caused serious physical injury (as defined in Penal Code Section 243) to another person, except in 

self-defense, the principal must recommend expulsion or report in writing to the superintendent who will advise the 

governing board that expulsion is inappropriate due to the nature of the particular circumstances which shall be 

indicated in the report of the incident. (E.C. 48915) 


CAUSING OR ATTEMPTING TO CAUSE DAMAGE TO PROPERTY: Cutting defacing, or otherwise injuring 

any school district property, or the malicious injury or destruction of any other person’s real or personal property. 

(Penal Code Section 594) (E.C. 48900(f)) 

1 st Offense: Three (3) day suspension. Referral to appropriate counseling services. Referral to SIYAB may be done as 

an alternative. Damages in excess of $500 will result in enforcement of Step #4 immediately. 

2 nd Offense: Five (5) day suspension. Referral to appropriate counseling services. Threat evaluation should be 

conducted. 

3 rd Offense: Five (5) day suspension and transfer to alternative education. Referral to appropriate counseling services. 

Threat evaluation should be conducted. 

4 th Offense: Five (5) day suspension, recommendation for expulsion. Threat evaluation should be conducted. 

Note: Parent/guardian will be held responsible for damage to school district property. When the minor and parent are 

unable to pay for the damages, the school district shall provide a program of voluntary work for the minor in lieu of the 

payment of monetary damages. Parents or guardians of the student are also liable for the amount of a reward paid for 

information leading to the apprehension of person(s) causing damage. (E.C. 48904) 



THREATENING, INTIMIDATING, MENACING OR HARASSING (INCLUDING SEXUAL HARASSMENT) 

ANY OTHER PERSON (E.C. 48900(a) and/or 48900(k)) (E.C. 48900.2) (E.C. 48900.4) Possible removal from 

campus or separation of student. 

1 st Offense: Warning to student and/or other alternative consequences Referral to appropriate counseling services. 


2 nd Offense: Three (3) day suspension. Referral to appropriate counseling services. Threat evaluation should be 

conducted. 

3 rd Offense: Five (5) day suspension. Transfer to alternative education. Referral to appropriate counseling services. 



Note: In the event an allegation of sexual harassment is not resolved informally to the satisfaction of a complainant, 

the complainant may use the District complaint process for formal resolution of such complaints. (AR 5145.7) 


ENGAGING IN, OR HAVING ANY PART IN HAZING or committing any act that injures, degrades, or disgraces 

any other person attending school. Causing, attempting to cause, threatening to cause or participating in an act of hate 

violence. (E.C. Section 32050-52) (E.C. Section 33032.5) (E.C. 48900(a) and/or 48900(k)) (E.C. 48900.3) 

1 st Offense: Three (3) day suspension. Referral to appropriate counseling services. Assessment for potential or 

continued violence should be conducted. 

2 nd Offense: Five (5) day suspension. Referral to appropriate counseling services. Assessment for potential or 

continued violence should be conducted. 

3 rd Offense: Five (5) day suspension. Transfer to alternative education. Threat evaluation should be conducted. 



STEALING OR ATTEMPTING TO STEAL SCHOOL PROPERTY OR PRIVATE PROPERTY (E.C. 

48900(g) Theft of property valued in excess of $500 will result in automatic enforcement of Step 4. 

1 st Offense: Three (3) day suspension. Referral to appropriate counseling. 

2 nd Offense: Five (5) day suspension. Referral to appropriate counseling. 

3 rd Offense: Five (5) day suspension. Transfer to alternative education program. 


KNOWINGLY RECEIVING STOLEN SCHOOL PROPERTY OR PRIVATE PROPERTY (E.C. 48900(l) 

Receiving stolen property valued in excess of $500 will result in automatic enforcement of Step 4. 

1 st Offense: Three (3) day suspension 

2 nd Offense: Five (5) day suspension 

3 rd Offense: Five (5) day suspension and recommendation for expulsion 

ANY ACT OF DEFIANCE OR DISOBEDIENCE either in language or in action against school personnel, refusing 

to comply with the reasonable requests or orders of school personnel. (E.C. 48900(k)) 

1 st Offense: Warning to student and/or alternative consequences. Referral to appropriate counseling services. 

2 nd Offense: Three (3) suspension. Referral to appropriate counseling services. 

3 rd Offense: Five (5) day suspension and/or possible recommendation for alternative education program. 

COMMITTING AN OBSCENE ACT OR ENGAGING IN HABITUAL PROFANITY OR VULGARITY, 

INCLUDING RACIAL/ETHNIC SLURS either verbally or in writing. (E.C. 48900(i) 

1 st Offense: Warning to student and/or alternative consequences. Referral to appropriate counseling services. 

2 nd Offense: Three (3) day suspension. Referral to appropriate counseling services. 

3 rd Offense: Five (5) day suspension. Referral to appropriate counseling services. 

Note: Any act committed against school staff would warrant consequences starting at Step 2. 

A student will be suspended on the first offense for five (5) days if such behavior disrupts school activities; (E.C. 

48900(k) threatens to disrupt the instructional process, or causes a danger to persons or property (E.C. 48900.5) 

POSSESSING ANY OBJECTS ON CAMPUS WHICH COULD BE CONSIDERED DANGEROUS OBJECTS 

(unless in the case of possession of any such object, the pupil had obtained written permission to possess the item from 

a certificated school employee, which is concurred in by the principal or the designee of the principal) if the principal 

deems expulsion inappropriate. (E.C. 48900(b)) 

Note: Toy guns (imitation) are considered objects of a dangerous nature. 

Note: Laser pointers are considered a dangerous object. 

Note: Principal must report in writing to the superintendent who will advise the governing board that expulsion is 

inappropriate due to the nature of the particular circumstances which shall be indicated in the report of the incident. 

(E.C. 48915) 

1 st Offense: Warning to student. Notification of parent and/or other alternative consequences. 


3 rd Offense: Five (5) day suspension. Referral to appropriate counseling services. 

FORGING, FALSIFYING, ALTERING, OR USING FORGED SCHOOL CORRESPONDENCE, PASSES OR 

RE-ADMIT SLIPS (E.C. 48900(k)) 

1 st Offense: Warning to student and/or other alternative consequences. 




3 rd Offense: Five (5) day suspension and recommendation for alternative education program. 

VIOLATING THE COMPUTER AND NETWORK ELECTRONIC INFORMATION POLICY (E.C. 48900(k)) 

(BP 0440) 

1 st Offense: Warning to student and/or loss of network and computer use. 

2 nd Offense: Three (3) day suspension and loss of network and computer use. Referral to appropriate counseling 

services. 

3 rd Offense: Five (5) day suspension an/or possible recommendation for expulsion or alternative education program. 

POSSESSING OR USING TOBACCO (or any products containing tobacco or nicotine products) in grades 7-12. 

(E.C. 48900(h)) 

Tobacco and nicotine products include, but are not limited to, cigarettes, cigars, miniature cigars, clove cigarettes, 

smokeless tobacco snuff, chew packets, and betel. (E.C. 48011(h)) 

1 st Offense: Warning given. Parental notification. 

2 nd Offense: One (1) day on-campus suspension. Referral to appropriate counseling services. 

3 rd Offense: Three (3) day suspension and possible recommendation for alternative education program. 

Note: No school shall permit the smoking or use of tobacco, or any product containing tobacco, or nicotine products, 

by pupils of the school while pupils are on campus, or while attending school-sponsored activities or while under the 

supervision and control of school district employees. (E.C. 48901) 

Confiscated materials will be returned to parents upon request. Confiscated materials will not be returned to 

students. 

FAILING TO IDENTIFY ONESELF or giving false information to school personnel. (E.C. 48900(k)) 

1 st Offense: Warning to student and/or alternative consequences. 


3 rd Offense: Five (5) day suspension and possible recommendation for alternative education program. Referral to 

appropriate counseling services. 

TAMPERING WITH PROPERTY OF THE SCHOOL DISTRICT or belongings of any other person. (E.C. 

48900(k) 


2 nd Offense: One (1) – three (3) day suspension. Referral to appropriate counseling services. 



CHEATING (E.C. 48900(k)) 

1 st Offense: Warning to student. “F” on assignment/test. 

2 nd Offense: Three (3) day suspension. “F” on assignment/test. Referral to appropriate counseling services. 

3 rd Offense: Five (5) day suspension. “F” on assignment/test. Referral to appropriate counseling services. 

BEING IN A PARKING LOT OR OUT OF BOUNDS without proper authorization. (E.C. 48900(k)) 


2 nd Offense: Two (2) day suspension. Referral to appropriate counseling services. 

3 rd Offense: Three (3) day suspension and possible recommendation for alternative education program. Referral to 


GAMBLING AND WAGERING or habitually being present where gambling and wagering are taking place. (E.C. 

48900(k)) 


2 nd Offense: Two (2) day suspension and possible recommendation for alternative education program. Referral to 




INTERFERING WITH THE PEACEFUL CONDUCT OF THE CAMPUS OR CLASSROOM causing class or 

campus disruption of a minor but annoying nature. (E.C. 48900(k)) 

1 st Offense: Warning to student and/or alternative consequences. Depending on the incident a police report may be 

made. 

2 nd Offense: Three (3) day suspension. 


appropriate counseling services. Threat evaluation should be conducted. 

LOITERING ON OR ABOUT ANY CAMPUS without apparent lawful purpose. (E.C. 48900(k)) (Penal Code 

653G and 627) 

Note: A student may be subject to arrest according to Penal Code 653G if he/she loiters at or near any school or public 

place at or near where students attend or normally congregate, or re-enters or comes upon such school or place after 

being asked to leave by a school official. According to P.C. 653G, punishment for loitering includes a fine not to 

exceed $1,000 and/or imprisonment in the county jail not to exceed six months. 







ANY DRESS, GROOMING, OR APPEARANCE which disrupts, or tends to disrupt the educational process, or 

affects the health or safety of individuals shall be prohibited. (E.C. 48900(k)) (E.C. 35161, 35183, 35291.5, 35294.1; 

C.A.C. Title 5, Section 302, and BP 5135, 5135.1 and 5137) 

Note: Any attire/paraphernalia/symbol that signifies gang affiliation will not be allowed on campus. Any 

attire/paraphernalia/symbol that displays a logo or other message promoting alcohol or controlled substances, 

promoting violence, illegal activity or relating to gangs may not be worn on campus. 

Note: In addition to this Conduct Code, schools may have additional rules approved by School Safety Committees. 

1 st Offense: Warning to student. Notification of parent. Change into appropriate clothing as applicable. Student may 

be sent home to dress properly, if necessary. 

2 nd Offense: Detention assigned and changes of clothing required. 

3 rd Offense: On campus suspension. Notification of parent and three (3) day suspension. 

4 th Offense: Three (3) days suspension. 

5 th Offense: Five (5) day suspension and possible recommendation for alternative education program. 

POSSESSING OR POSSESSION OF ANY OBJECT NOT OF A DANGEROUS NATURE (i.e., radios, tape 

players, skateboards, or other items a school administrator identifies as disruptive) (E.C. 48900(k)) (Unless in the case 

of possession of any such object, the pupil had obtained written permission to possess the item from a certificated 

school employee, which is concurred in by the principal or the designee of the principal. (No pupil shall be prohibited 

from possessing or using an electronic signaling device that is determined by a licensed physician and surgeon to be 

essential for the health of a pupil and use of which is limited to purposes related to the health of the pupil.) (E.C. 

48901.5) 


2 nd Offense: Three (3) day suspension. 

3 rd Offense: Five (5) day suspension. 

Note: School authorities will confiscate unauthorized device. Device will be returned to the parent/guardian, not the 

student. 

BEHAVIOR ON BUS 


2 nd Offense: Not allowed to ride the bus for five (5) days. 

3 rd Offense: Not allowed to ride the bus for ten (10) days, 

4 th Offense: Not allowed to ride the bus for twenty (20) days. 

5 th Offense: Not allowed to ride the bus for the remainder of the school year. 

Note: Depending on the seriousness of the act, the student may lose bus privileges for the remainder of the school year 

on the first or succeeding offenses. 

SUPERINTENDENT’S DESIGNEE FOR DISCIPLINARY HEARINGS 

The Superintendent has designated the Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance as the administrator in charge of 

danger hearings, expulsions, SARB and other disciplinary hearings, appeals, etc. 

DANGER HEARING APPEALS PROCESS 

The Sanger Unified School District, along with the Child Welfare and Attendance Office, realize the need for an appeal 

process for the parents and the referring school. While the Education Code does not require this process be in place for 

Danger Hearings, it is believed that the ability for both entities to appeal the Danger Hearing decision is vitally 

important. The following are the guidelines for requesting an appeal in regards to the results of a Danger Hearing 

proceeding. 

A school or parent/guardian may appeal the final determination of the Danger Hearing if the recommendation is less 

than a recommendation for expulsion (involuntary transfer). The request for an appeal must be a formal request 

presented in writing to the Child Welfare and Attendance Office within five (5) days of the decision. Each request 

must outline the specific reason(s) why the appeal is being requested and must be based on facts. The Child Welfare 

and Attendance Office will then schedule an impartial panel consisting of at least two principals and a psychologist. 

The requesting party will present its case and the reasons for the appeal. The panel will review all relevant information, 

interview witnesses, and then formulate a response. The opposing party will present their case and the panel will 

follow the same format. Both parties will then be requested to leave the room while the panel deliberates and makes a 

final recommendation. 

In the case of an expulsion, the parents may appeal to the Fresno County Board of Education within thirty days of the 

schools board’s final decision. 

VANDALISM, THEFT AND GRAFFITI (Education Code 48904) 

The Governing Board considers vandalism a very serious matter. Vandalism includes the negligent, willful, or 

unlawful damaging or theft of any district-owned real or personal property, including the writing of graffiti. Any 

district student who commits an act of vandalism shall be subject to disciplinary action by the district and also may be 

prosecuted through other legal means. 

Notwithstanding Section 1714.1 of the Civil Code, the parent or guardian of any minor whose willful misconduct 

results in injury or death to any pupil or any person employed by, or performing volunteer services for, a school district 



or private school or who willfully cuts, defaces, or otherwise injures in any way any property, real or personal, 

belonging to a school district or private school, or personal property of any school employee, shall be liable for all 

damages so caused by the minor. The liability of the parent or guardian shall not exceed ten thousand dollars 

($10,000)). The parent or guardian shall also be liable for the amount of any reward not exceeding ten thousand dollars 

($10,000) paid pursuant to Section 53069.5 of the Government Code. The parent or guardian of a minor shall be liable 

to a school district or private school for all property belonging to the school district or private school loaned to the 

minor and not returned upon demand of an employee of the district or private school authorized to make the demand. 

If reparation of damages is not made, the district also may withhold the student’s grades, diploma and/or transcripts in 

accordance with law. 

POSSESSION OR USE OF CELLULAR PHONES AND OTHER ELECTRONIC SIGNALING DEVICES 

(B. P. 5131) 

Students may possess or use electronic signaling devices, including but not limited to pagers, beepers, cellular/digital 

telephones, and cellular/digital telephones with cameras provided that such devices do not disrupt the educational 

program or school activity. Electronic signaling devices will be turned off during class time and at any other time 

directed by a district employee. If disruption occurs, the employee may direct the student to turn off the device and/or 

confiscate the device until the end of the class period, school day or activity. 

WITHHOLDING OF GRADES, DIPLOMA OR TRANSCRIPTS (Education Code 48904) 

Any school district or private school whose real or personal property has been willfully cut, defaced, or otherwise 

injured, or whose property is loaned to a pupil and willfully not returned upon demand of an employee of the district or 

private school authorized to make the demand may, after affording the pupil his or her due process rights, withhold the 

grades, diploma, and transcripts of the pupil responsible for the damage until the pupil or the pupil’s parent or guardian 

has paid for the damages thereto, as provided in subdivision(a) of Education Code 48904. 

The school district or private school shall notify the parent or guardian of the pupil in writing of the pupil’s alleged 

misconduct before withholding the pupil’s grades, diploma, or transcripts pursuant to this subdivision. When the minor 

and parent are unable to pay for the damages, or to return the property, the school district or private school shall 

provide a program of voluntary work for the minor in lieu of the payment of monetary damages. Upon completion of 

the voluntary work, the grades, diploma, and transcripts of the pupil shall be released. 

COOPERATION IN CONTROL OF COMMUNICABLE DISEASE AND 

IMMUNIZATION OF PUPILS (Education Code 49403) 

The governing board of any school district shall cooperate with the local health officer in measures necessary for the 

prevention and control of communicable diseases in school age children. For that purpose, the board may use any 

funds, property, and personnel of the District and may permit any person licensed as a physician and surgeon to 

administer an immunizing agent to any pupil whose parents have consented in writing to the administration of such 

immunizing agent. 

Health and Safety Code section 120325, et. seq. requires that every child entering a California school be immunized 

against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, rubella, mumps, measles, hepatitis B, and haemophilus influenza type b, 

except for those children who have reached the age of 4 years and 6 months. Effective July 1, 2000, all children not 

already admitted into school at the kindergarten level shall receive the varicella (chicken pox) immunization. This 

immunization shall be required only to the extent funds are appropriated in the annual Budget Act. A written 

immunization record of each required vaccine, including date and provider, must be presented at school entry. 

Effective July 1, 1999, all students entering 7 th grade will need proof of receiving 3 doses of hepatitis B. A repeat DT 

and MMR may also be required. 

In the event that the school district should participate in an immunization program for the purposes of prevention and 

control of communicable diseases, your child will not participate unless you have provided specific written consent. 

Effective August 1, 1997, all children entering kindergarten shall be fully immunized against Hepatitis B. (Ed. Code 

49403; Health & Safety Code 120335). 

COMMUNICABLE DISEASE CONTROL 

Guidelines for keeping your child home when symptoms of illness are present: 

(a) Children should remain at home until free from fever for at least 24 hours. 

(b) Children who vomit at home, or are sent home from school because of this, 

should stay home until free from symptoms for 24 hours. 

(c) Childhood diseases start with signs and symptoms similar to a cold, so these 

(d) 

children should remain at home until these symptoms subside. 

Children should not come to school with any of the following: inflamed eye, 

swollen glands, or stiff neck, earache, or rash. 

These guidelines are for the protection of your children and all other children at school. 

HIV/AIDS PREVENTION INSTRUCTION (Education Code, Section 51201.5) 

The Governing Board recognizes that the purpose of the District’s sexual health and HIV/AIDS prevention instruction 

is to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to protect them from unintended pregnancy and sexually 

transmitted diseases and to encourage students to develop healthy attitudes concerning adolescent growth and 

development, body image, gender roles, sexual orientation, dating, marriage and family. The District’s curriculum 

shall be aligned with the state’s content standards, based on medically accurate and factual information and designed to 



teach students to make healthy choices and reduce high-risk behaviors. The District’s program shall comply with the 

requirements of law, Board policy and administrative regulation and shall respect the rights of parents/guardians to 

supervise their children’s education on these subjects and to impart values regarding human sexuality to their children. 

A parent/guardian must provide “active consent” in writing that his/her children participate in HIV/AIDS prevention or 

sexual health educational activity. (Education Code 51240, 51939) 

The State of California requires districts to administer the California Healthy Kids Survey (CHKS) every two years to 

5 th , 7 th , 9 th and 11 th graders. The District will use active consent for students in grade 5 and passive consent for 7 th , 9 th 

and 11 th graders. A CHKS Notification and Withdrawal form will be sent to parents of 7 th graders and above. If 

parents do not want children to participate in the CHKS, a parent/guardian must provide consent by signing the Parent 

Consent form. Students who have been excused will be given an alternative educational activity. (Education Code 

51240, 51939) A student shall not be subject to disciplinary action, academic penalty, or other sanction if the student’s 

parent/guardian declines to permit the student to receive the instruction. 

MEDICAL AND HOSPITAL SERVICES FOR PUPILS (Education Code 49472) 

The Governing Board has authorized the District to make available, medical or hospital services, or both, through nonprofit 

membership corporations defraying the cost of medical service or hospital service, or both, or through group, 

blanket or individual policies of accident insurance or through policies of liability insurance from authorized insurers, 

for injuries to pupils arising out of accidents occurring while in or on buildings and other premises of the district during 

the time such pupils are required to be there by reason of their attendance or while being transported by the district to 

and from school or other place of instruction, or while at any other place as an incident to school-sponsored activities 

and while being transported to, from and between such places. 

No pupil shall be compelled to accept such service without his consent, or if a minor without the consent of his parent 

or guardian. The cost of the insurance or membership may be paid from the funds of the district, or by the insured 

pupil, his parent or guardian. 

SCOLIOSIS SCREENING (Education Code, Section 49452.5) 

School districts are required to screen every female pupil in grade 7 and every male pupil in grade 8 for scoliosis, 

unless the parent or guardian refuses to consent to such screening. Parent/guardians must be notified in writing of any 

pupil suspected of having scoliosis and referred to appropriate community resources. 

EXEMPTION FROM PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS (Education Code 49451) 

Upon receipt of a written request, the parent can exempt a child from all physical examinations. However, the child 

may be sent home if there is a good reason to believe that the child is suffering from a recognized contagious or 

infectious disease. 

ADMINISTRATION OF PRESCRIBED MEDICATION FOR PUPIL (Education Code 49423) 

Any pupil who is required to take, during the regular school day, medication prescribed for him/her by a physician may 

be assisted by the school nurse or other designated school personnel if the school district receives (1) a written 

statement from such physician detailing the method, amount, and time schedules by which such medication is to be 

taken and (2) a written statement from the parent/guardian of the pupil indicating the desire that the school district 

assist the pupil in the matters set forth in the physician’s statement per AMA/BRN guidelines. 

MEDICINE FOR A CHRONIC CONDITION (Education Code, Section 49480) 

The parent or guardian of any public school pupil on continuing medication for a chronic (long duration) condition 

shall inform the school of the medication being taken, the current dosage, and the name of the supervising physician. 

With the consent of the parent, the school nurse may communicate with the physician and may counsel with the school 

personnel regarding the possible effects of the drug on the child’s physical, intellectual, and social behavior. 

PUPILS WITH TEMPORARY DISABILITIES – RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS (Education Code 48207, 

48208) 

A pupil with a temporary disability, who is in a hospital or other health facility, excluding a state hospital, which is 

outside of the school district in which the parent or guardian resides, shall have complied with the residency 

requirements for school attendance in the school district in which the hospital is located. It is the primary responsibility 

of the parent or guardian of the pupil with the temporary disability to notify the school district of the pupil’s presence in 

a qualifying hospital. The pupil shall be provided with instruction no later than 5 working days after a determination is 

made that he or she qualifies for individual instruction. 

LEAVING SCHOOL GROUNDS (Education Code, Section 44808.5) 

Note: Sanger High School was opened on January 2000 as a closed-campus facility (Board approved). Contact your 

site administration regarding the new policy on “leaving school grounds”. 

EMERGENCY NOTIFICATION 

The emergency procedure card is one of the most important forms we have at the school. Not only does it provide a 

quick reference for phone numbers for minor illnesses, it also gives important health information that might be vital 

during an emergency. Most importantly, your signature would allow the school and your doctor to provide emergency 

care during a time when you were unavailable. Without this card and your signature, the school would be virtually 

helpless to do anything until you could be contacted. Please try to provide at least one phone number of a friend or 

relative in this area who can assume responsibility for your child. 



GROUP ACCIDENT INSURANCE 

The Sanger Unified School District does not provide medical or dental expense insurance for students injured while at 

school or while participating in school activities. Parents who do not have insurance programs are encouraged to 

subscribe to a group insurance plan for their children enrolled in the schools of this district. 

The district is providing the opportunity to parents wishing to take advantage of group accident insurance for their 

children. Information regarding the coverage will be sent home by the school of attendance. All students in grades K- 

12 participating in sports must have insurance coverage. 

AFTER SCHOOL L.E.A.P (K-8 AFTER SCHOOL EDUCATION AND SAFETY PROGRAMS 

The LEAP after-school program is a free program made possible through After School Education and Safety (ASES) 

and/or 21 st Century Community Learning Center grants provide by the California Department of Education. LEAP 

operates at fourteen (14) school sites in Sanger Unified from the time school dismisses until 6:00 p.m. on every regular 

school day, including minimum days. LEAP is not a daycare program, but an enrichment program designed to keep 

students safe, offer literacy and homework assistance, and increase student achievement through alignment with the 

regular school day. Therefore, at the K-8 levels, students are required to attend the full program every day with few 

exceptions, or risk losing their opportunity to participate. LEAP maintains a reasonable early release policy consistent 

with the intent of the legislation and the school district’s early release policy (Education Code 8483). If a student 

requires early release, an “Early Release” form must be filled out by the parent or guardian and approved by the site 

coordinator in advance. 

The ASES grant requires programs to provide an educational and literacy element in which homework assistance is 

provided for up to sixty minutes per day. In addition, programs are required to provide an enrichment element, 

including fine arts, recreation, physical fitness and prevention activities. All students also receive a daily nutritious 

snack that conforms to the nutrition requirements in the Education Code. 

Every student attending a school operating an after school program is eligible to participate, subject to program 

capacity. LEAP enrollment is on a first-come, first-served basis (Board Policy 5148.2). Priority for enrollment shall be 

given to students who attend the full program daily. A waiting list shall be established to accommodate additional 

students if space becomes available. 

LEAP is staffed by highly-qualified college students, who meet the health and screening clearance requirements in law 

and Board Policy. LEAP maintains a school-wide student-to-staff ration of no more that 20:1. The program provides 

staff training and development, and may provide a maximum of three staff development days a year during regular 

program hours, as long as parents are informed in advance that the program will be closed. 

As the LEAP program is part of the Sanger Unified School District, all rules and regulations apply during the LEAP 

program, including but not limited to imposing discipline consequences for behaviors as outlined in the Parent Student 

Handbook. Additionally, students who are under a suspension and/or expulsion from their school will not be allowed 

to attend the LEAP until he/she returns to school from the suspension and/or expulsion. 

SANGER HIGH SCHOOL 21 ST CENTURY HIGH SCHOOL AFTER SCHOOL SAFETY AND 

ENRICHMENT FOR TEEN (ASSETS) PROGRAM 

Sanger High LEAP is a drop-in program. Students may attend the whole 3-hour program, or any portion thereof. 

Students are required to sign in and out of each class/club offering, but are NOT required to stay for the whole time or 

attend for any minimum number of days. The program is open to all Sanger High School students every regular school 

day, including minimum days. There is no charge to attend. All regular district and school rules apply during the after 

school program. For more information regarding the LEAP program, contact the program director at 524-6521, or go 

online to: http://www.sanger.k12.ca.us/Educational_Services/After_School/ 

PUPIL TRANSPORTATION (Section IX, State Board of Education Regulations Governing Pupil 

Transportation) 

The following points summarize the necessary regulations, and we solicit your help in maintaining these standards: 

Pupils transported in a school bus shall be under the authority of, and responsible directly to, the driver of the bus. 

Continued disorderly conduct or persistent refusal to submit to the authority of the driver shall be sufficient reason for 

refusing transportation to any pupil, and for such other punishment as the law may provide. The driver of any school 

bus shall be held responsible for the orderly conduct of pupils transported. 

Requirements for riding the school bus: 

1. Follow the instructions of the bus driver 

2. Board your bus in an orderly manner and take your seat immediately. Remain in your seat while your bus is in 

motion. 

3. Students must face forward with both feet on or toward the floor. 

4. State law on school buses and student activity buses forbids alcoholic beverages. 

5. A student may board or leave his/her assigned school bus only at his/her authorized bus stop. Exceptions to this 

regulation will be permitted only when the student has a written statement bearing the parent’s signature or the 

school site administrator. 

Below are bus rules with which your child should become familiar. These rules are necessary for the safety of all the 

children and will be enforced. 

1. Students must remain seated at all times while the bus is in motion. 



2. Smoking is prohibited at all times. Eating and drinking is prohibited when the bus is in operation. No gum 

chewing is allowed on the bus. 

3. Fighting and scuffing are forbidden. 

4. No part of the body (hand, arm, head, etc.) may be extended outside the bus at any time. 

5. Profanity or indecent language will not be permitted in or near the bus. 

6. Loud and boisterous noises will not be permitted. 

7. Pupils wearing athletic footwear with metal cleats or spikes will not be permitted to enter the bus. 

8. Animals are not permitted on the bus (dead or alive). 

9. Nothing will be transported inside the bus that could be hazardous or dangerous to the students or staff of Sanger 

Unified School District. No items will be transported that could obstruct the driver’s view. This includes, but is 

not limited to balloons, skateboards, band instruments, athletic equipment, etc. Oversized band instruments and 

athletic equipment may be carried in the luggage section of the bus. 

10. No glass in any shape or form will be permitted on the bus. 

11. Students should be at the bus stop five (5) minutes before the scheduled arrival time of the bus. One student delay 

may cause two students to be late to school. 

12. Each person will be held financially responsible for any property, which he/she defaces or damages. 

Students who violate these rules will be issued a “Notice of Unsatisfactory Conduct on Bus” citation and disciplinary 

action will be taken. 

SEATBELTS IN SCHOOL BUSES (Vehicle Code 27316.c) 

All school buses manufactured on or after July 1, 2005 (Type 1: larger buses) or on or after July 1, 2004, (Type II: 

smaller buses), will be equipped with a three point restraint system (seatbelt). Although students and other passengers 

are directed to utilize the restraint system when riding in district buses so equipped, no district personnel will be held 

legally liable for a passenger who fails to utilize the restraint systems. 

STUDENT USE OF BICYCLES (Board Policy 5142.3, Vehicle Code 21212) 

The California Bicycle Helmet Law requires all minors to wear a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet when 

riding a bicycle on streets and public bicycle paths. The District expects that students who ride bicycles to and from 

school will consistently wear bicycle helmets, observe safety laws and rules, 

and display courtesy toward other riders and pedestrians. 

DUFFY-MOSCONE FAMILY NUTRITION EDUCATION AND SERVICES ACT (Education Code 49510 et. 

seq.) 

Eligible students may receive meal supplementation while attending school. 

FOOD SERVICES MEAL CHARGE 

For information regarding the cost of school lunch and breakfast, please contact the Food Services Director at 524- 

6521. Information is also available on the District’s website: www.sanger.k12.ca.us 

THE FAMILY EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS AND PRIVACY ACT 

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords parents and students over 18 years of age (“eligible 

students”) certain rights with respect to the student’s education record. They are: 

(1) The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days 

of the day the District receives a request for access. Parents or eligible students 

should submit to the school principal (or appropriate school official) a written 

request that identifies the record(s) they wish to inspect. The principal will make 

arrangements for access and notify the parent or eligible student of the time and 

place where the records may be inspected. 

(2) The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the parent 

or eligible student believes are inaccurate or misleading. Parents or eligible students 

may ask Sanger Unified School District to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate 

or misleading. They should write the school principal, clearly identify the part of the 

record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading. 

If the District decides not to amend the record as requested by the parent or eligible 

student, the District will notify the parent or eligible student of the decision and advise 

them of their right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional 

information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the parent or eligible 

student when notified of the right to a hearing. 

(3) The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained 

in the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosures 

without consent. 

One exception, which permits disclosure without consent, is disclosure to school officials 

with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the 

District as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff member (including 

health or medical staff and law enforcement unit personnel); a person serving on the 

School Board; a person or company with whom the District has contracted to perform a 

special task (such as an attorney, auditor, medical consultant or therapist); or a parent 



or student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, 

or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. 

A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an 

educational record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility. 

Upon request, the District discloses educational records without consent to officials 

of another school district in which a student seeks or intends to enroll. 

(4) The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning 

alleged failures of the District to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name 

and address of the office that administers FERPA is: Family Policy Compliance Office, 

U.S. Department of Education, 600 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 

20202-4605. 

STUDENTS DRESS AND GROOMING (K-12) (Board Policy 5132) 

The Governing Board expects all students Grades K-12 to attend school attired and groomed in a manner that is 

conducive to a safe, secure and positive learning environment. Therefore, the Board prohibits dress and grooming of 

students, which obstructs, inhibits or detracts from the instructional program or creates safety concerns. 

Nothing stated in the following regulation is to be interpreted to limit the responsibility and obligation of all staff to 

make and enforce regulations in the interests of safety demonstrably involved in any specific teaching situation. The 

following regulations will be enforced at all school sites for K-12 students. Students whose parent/guardian file an 

“Application for Exemption from School Uniform Policy, Grades K-8” exempting students in grades K-8 form the 

school uniform policy, must comply with AR 5132 C-E. 

DRESS CODE K-12 

1. GENERAL STATEMENT: The guidance of students in many areas is a shared responsibility 

between the home and school. The following dress code regulations are to: 

A. Set limits within the guiding principle of “moderation in all things”. 

B. Encourage that mode of dress and grooming which is conducive to establishing a 

climate for teaching and learning. 

C. Promote a safe and secure educational environment. 

2. BASIC PHILOSOPHY: All students are to attend school in a manner which is clean and not 

hazardous to the health and safety of themselves and of others and does not detract from the 

educational process. 

3. PERSONAL DRESS: Modesty and the avoidance of distracting influences are keys to an 

appropriate appearance. Any apparel, hairstyle, cosmetic or jewelry, even if not specifically 

mentioned below, which creates a safety concern, draws undue attention to the wearer or tends 

to detract from the educational process is prohibited. 

A. Dresses, skirts, slits in skirts, split skirts or like garments should be no shorter than 6” (six inches) 

above the knee. 

B. Pants and shorts are to be worn at the natural waistline and conform to acceptable standards of 

appearance (no more than one size too large or too small.) If a belt is worn, it must not overlap the 

first belt loop by more than 2” (two inches). Belts must not be more than one size too large or one 

size too small. Pants with an extra long crotch, extending beyond mid-thigh, are not permitted. The 

bottom of the pant leg may not be intentionally frayed or drag on the ground. Pants must be hemmed 

and not stapled, pinned, or taped. 

C. All students can wear shorts year-round. They must fit and be worn at or above the natural waistline 

(no more than one size too large or too small.) Shorts should be no shorter than 6” (six inches) above 

the knee. Shorts must be hemmed not frayed. Lycra/Spandex shorts are not acceptable. 

D. Crude or vulgar printing, slander, slogans, symbols, designs, jewelry or pictures depicting tobacco, 

drugs, alcoholic beverages, illegal activities, or sexual suggestions are specifically prohibited. Any 

clothing reflecting gang affiliation is prohibited. Military, paramilitary, or camouflage attire may be 

worn only by students enrolled in the ROTC/NJROTC programs. 

E. Underwear-type sleeveless shirts (tank tops for boys), tube tops, halter tops, bare midriff 

or radically altered clothing is not acceptable. Straps on dresses and tops must be a minimum of 2” 

(two inches) in width. Any see-through clothing or clothes that expose the body in a sexually 

suggestive manner are not acceptable. Clothing that is ripped and shows skin through any part is not 

acceptable. Jeans that are ripped, but have a backing not of a skin tone are permitted. 

F. Jackets or other apparel of professional, college or university teams with or without logos are 

unacceptable. (Note: Apparel with Bulldog insignia of any kind is not acceptable with the exception 

of the Wilson Elementary School Mascot. 

G. All students must wear shoes at all times. No hard-toed or steel-toed shoes/boots will be allowed. No 

high top, laced up, combat, or military style boots will be allowed. Shoes must be laced and tied or 

strapped at all times. Thongs, shoes or sandals without heel straps are inappropriate at elementary 

school sites due to safety concerns. 

H. Sunglasses are not to be worn in classroom or office. 



I. Headwear (hats, caps, bandannas, hairnets, etc.) will not be allowed during school hours. The only 

exceptions are: 

1) For documented medical or religious reasons 

2) Articles of sun protective clothing, including, but not limited to, hats will be allowed for 

outdoor use only. School-sanctioned hats include the following: Full brim, solid color, made 

of canvas, cotton or straw. NO LETTERING OR LOGOS ON HATS OR HATBANDS. 

4. GROOMING: It is expected that personal cleanliness will be observed and that hairstyles, beards, and 

mustaches will be neatly maintained. Moderation in make-up and hairstyles is required. 

Hair features that cause undue attention or are gang-related are not acceptable. This includes, but is not 

limited to: unusual designs, unnatural colors, symbols, razor cuts in hair and eyebrows, messages, and 

Mohawks. Faux-Hawks of extreme nature are not permitted. This include faux-hawks where the pupil’s 

head is shaved on the side and the scalp is visible and any faux-hawk that rises above the pupil’s scalp by 

more than 2 inches. Grooming aids, such as brushes, combs, and make-up are not to be used in the classroom. 

Nail polish and polish remover is not allowed. Piercing is acceptable in the ears only. Piercings that are 

intended to alter the natural shape of the ear are prohibited. Wearing excessive amounts of cologne, perfume, 

or other fragrances is not allowed. 

5. RELIGIOUS/CULTURAL DRESS CODE WAIVER 

Religious or culturally-based dress code waivers will be given consideration by the Supervisor of Child 

Welfare & Attendance. If a student/parent is a member of a religious faith (internationally recognized), or a 

cultural order, which compels student attire to be in opposition to the District’s Dress Code, the 

parent/student shall request a meeting with the Supervisor of Child Welfare & Attendance. Formal 

documentation which supports the religious/cultural position must be presented. Absent any documentation 

to support the beliefs, a waiver will not be issued or approved. Some examples of valid dress code waivers 

are beards for Sikh males, hair length for Native American students or nose rings for Hindu/Muslim females. 

Rules will still apply for approved waivers, i.e., Sikh males may not trim or style the beard, the beard must 

have natural growth; Native American males must still adhere to hair length by using artificial means (hair 

pins, tucked under or tucking a braid under the collar); Hindu/Muslim females must use the tiniest nose ring 

they can find. Waivers may be rescinded if these rules are not followed. 

6. SAFETY: Nothing stated here is to be interpreted to limit the responsibility and obligation of 

certificated staff to make and enforce regulations concerning control of hair, clothing, or jewelry 

in the interest of safety demonstrably involved in any specific teaching situation. 

All of the above must conform to acceptable standards of appearance. 

7. ENFORCEMENT: Enforcement is the responsibility of all staff. The dress code will be distributed to 

parents in writing through either first day packets or school student handbooks. Whenever a student attends 

school with inappropriate dress, the classroom teacher will explain the violation and refer the student to the 

site administration. 

A. First Referral – The student will receive a documented warning, he/she will be expected to change 

into appropriate clothing, the parents will be notified, and the dress code will be reviewed with the 

student. 

B. Second Referral – In addition to the above, the student will also receive one (1) lunch detention. 

C. Third Referral – In addition to A, the student will receive three (3) five-day (5) lunch detentions, and 

both parent/guardian and student will sign a contract. 

D. Fourth Referral – In addition to A, the student will receive three (3) five-day (5) lunch detentions, and 

one (1) day of on-campus suspension. 

E. Fifth Referral – The student will receive a one (1) three day (3) off-campus suspension and will be 

referred to the discipline panel. 

TRANSFER OF PUPILS FOR OVERCROWDING Board Policy 5122 

In principle, the Board of Trustees feel that every effort should be made to keep transfers to a minimum regardless of 

grade level and that all Sanger Schools are basically neighborhood oriented. 

When transfer of pupils is necessary, parents of transferees would be notified in person and in writing before transfers 

are completed. 

The procedures for selecting transferees to relieve overcrowding shall be based on a combination of the following 

criteria: 

1. The Administration shall explore the possibility of volunteers in securing transferees first. 

2. Inter-district transfers to be considered next. 

3. Intra-district transfers to be considered next. 

4. Students who enrolled late shall be considered next. 

a) A student is not considered enrolled unless he/she is in attendance. 

b) Parents must notify school administrator if their child will not be in attendance on the first day. 

5. Students may be transferred according to geographic location so that pick-up and delivery will provide for a 

minimal amount of time and distance. 



6. As it relates to kindergarten transfers, a basis of priority shall be established, base on the spring pre-registration of 

incoming kindergarten pupils. The priority basis of registration will be continued through the fall registration. 

When transfers are necessary students affected in a specific year may, through parental request, seek exemption in 

transfers for subsequent years. 

PESTICIDE NOTIFICATION (Education Code 17612) 

The name and active ingredients of all pesticide products expected to be applied at District schools during the 

upcoming year are listed below: 

Product Name 

Active Ingredients 

Precor IGR Concentrate 

Methoprene 

Tempo 

Cyfluthrin 

Roundup 

Clyphosate, N-(phosphonomethyl) glycine 

Parents may register with the District if they wish to receive notification of individual pesticide applications at their 

school facility. Please contact the Director of Maintenance to request individual pesticide application notification. 

THE SANGER UNIFIED MISSION STATEMENT 

The mission of Sanger Unified School District, the cornerstone of educational choice, is to guarantee that each student 

attains his or her personal and academic goals through a dynamic and positive learning community characterized by 

intimate, challenging environments that celebrate creativity and diversity. 

SANGER UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT 

BOARD OF TRUSTEES 

Kenneth R. Marcantonio, Clerk Pete Filippi Jesse Vasquez 

1216 Lyon 3440 N. Bethel 2216 Mary 

Sanger, CA 93657 Sanger, CA 93657 Sanger, CA 93657 

Jim Gonzalez James Karle, President Walter Villarreal 

1413 Park 10673 E. Butler P. O.Box 370/10659 Morro 

Sanger, CA 93657 Sanger, CA 93657 Del Rey, CA 93616 

Tammy Wolfe, Vice-President 

17366 E. Belmont 

Sanger, CA 93657 

Board of Trustees Meeting Dates 

The Board meets the second and fourth Tuesday of each month in the Board Room of the Administration Building, 

1905 Seventh Street, Sanger, CA at 7:00 P.M. 

ADMINISTRATION 

Marcus P. Johnson, Superintendent 

Eduardo Martinez, Associate Superintendent 

Jon Yost, Associate Superintendent 



2012-2013 CALENDAR INFORMATION 

Opening Day Thursday, August 16, 2012 

Labor Day – Holiday Monday, September 3, 2012 

Veterans Day – Holiday Monday, November 12, 2012 

Thanksgiving – Holiday Thursday-Friday, November 22-23, 2012 

School Resumes Monday, November 26, 2012 

Winter Break (Minimum Day-December 16) Mon., Dec. 17 – Friday, January 4, 2013 

School Resumes Monday, January 7, 2013 

Martin Luther King, Jr. – Holiday Monday, January 21, 2013 

Lincoln’s Birthday – Holiday Monday, February 11, 2013 

Washington’s Birthday – Holiday Monday, February 18, 2013 

Spring Break Monday, March 25 – Monday, April 1, 2013 

School Resumes Tuesday, April 2, 2013 

Memorial Day – Holiday Monday, May 27, 2013 

Last Day of School Friday, June 7, 2013 

K-8 TRIMESTER SCHEDULE AND REPORT CARDS REPORT CARDS OUT 

First Trimester August 16 – November 9 November 16, 2012 

Second Trimester November 13-March 8 March 15, 2013 

Third Trimester March 11 – June 7 June 7, 2013 

9-12 SEMESTER SCHEDULE 

First Semester August 16 – December 14, 2012 

Second Semester January 7 – June 7, 2013 

PARENT CONFERENCES Grades K-8 & Preschool November 13 – 16, 2012

Parent Handbook 12-13.pdf - Sanger Unified School District

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