Important Documents

BCCHS Acceptable Use Policy for Student and Parents The Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) is to prevent unauthorized access and other unlawful activities by users online, prevent unauthorized disclosure of or access to sensitive information, and to comply with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA). As used in this policy, “user” includes anyone using the computers, Internet, email, chat rooms and other forms of direct electronic communications or equipment provided by the school. Only current students or employees are authorized to use the network.

This school will use technology protection measures to block or filter, to the extent practicable, access of visual depictions that are obscene, pornographic, and harmful to minors over the network. The school reserves the right to monitor users’ online activities and to access, review, copy and store or delete any electronic communication or files and disclose them to others as it deems necessary. Users should have no expectation of privacy regarding their use of school property, network and/or Internet access or files, including email.

Acceptable Uses of School Computer Network or the Internet                                                                                   The school must verify each year students using the computer network and internet access for that school year have a signed page acknowledging this policy. Students who are under 18 must have their parents or guardian sign this page and the school must keep it on file. Once signed that permission/acknowledgment page remains in effect until revoked by the parent or the students loses the privilege of using the schools network due to violation of their policy or is no longer an active student. Employees and other users are required to follow this policy. Even without signature, all users must follow this policy and report any misuse of the network or Internet to a teacher, supervisor or other appropriate school personnel. Access is provided primarily for educational and Charter business. Staff may use the Internet, for incidental personal use during duty-free time. By using the network, users have agreed to this policy. If a user is uncertain about whether a particular use is acceptable or appropriate, he/she should consult a teacher, supervisor or other appropriate school personnel.

Unacceptable Uses of the Computer Network or Internet                                                                                       These are examples of inappropriate activity on the School web site, but the School reserves the right to take immediate action regarding activities (1) that create security and/ or safety issues for the School, students, employees, network or computer resources, or (2) that expend School’s resources on content and its sole discretion determines lack of legitimate educational content/purpose, or (3) other activities as determined by the School as inappropriate.

• Violation any state or federal law or municipal ordinance, such as: accessing or transmitting pornography of any kind, obscene depictions, harmful materials, material that encourage others to violate the law, confidential information or copyrighted materials
• Criminal activities that can be punished under law;
• Selling or purchasing illegal items or substances;
• Obtaining and/or using anonymous email sites; spamming; spreading viruses;
•  Causing harm to others or damage to their property, such as;

1. Using profane, abusive, or impolite languages, harassing, or making damaging or false statements                            about others or accessing, transmitting, or downloading offensive, harassing, or disparaging materials;
2.   Deleting, copying, modifying, or forging other user names, emails, files, or data; disguising one’s identity,   impersonating other users, or sending anonymous email;
3.  Damaging computer equipment, files, data or the network in any way, including intentionally accessing, transmitting or downloading computer viruses or other harmful files or programs, or disrupting any computer system performance;
4. Using any Schools computer to pursue “hacking”, internal or external to the School, or attempting to access information protected by privacy laws; or
5. Accessing, transmitting or downloading large files, including “chain letter” or any type of “pyramid schemes”. 

Engaging in uses that jeopardize access or lead to unauthorized access into other’s accounts or other computer networks, such as:                                                                                                                                                                   

1. Using another’s account password(s) or identifier(s); 
2. Interering with other users' ability to access their account (s); or
3. Disclosing anyone's password to other's or allowing them to use other's account.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Using the network or Internet for Commercial purposes:                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Student Internet Safety                                                                                                                                                          1. Students under the age of eighteen should only access School’s network accounts outside of school if a parent or legal guardian supervises their usage at all times. The student’s parent or guardian is responsible for monitoring the minor’s use off campus;                                                                                                                                2. Students neither shall share nor reveal on the Internet, personal information about themselves or other persons. For example, students should not reveal their name, home address, telephone number, or display photographs of themselves or others;                                                                                                                                  3. Students shall not meet in person anyone they met only on the Internet; and                                                          4. Students must abide by all laws, this Acceptable Use Policy and all Schools security policies.                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Penalties for Improper Use                                                                                                                                              The use of a School’s account is a privilege, not a right, and misuse will result in the restriction or cancellation of the account. Misuse may also lead to disciplinary and/or legal action for both students and employees, including suspension, expulsion, and dismissal from School’s employment, or criminal prosecution by government authorities. The School will attempt to tailor any disciplinary action to the specific issues related to each violation. Disclaimer The School makes no guarantees about the quality of the services provided and is not responsible for any claims, losses, damages, costs, or other obligations arising from use of the network or accounts. Any additional charges accrued by the user due to the use of the School’s network are to be borne by the user. The School also denies any responsibility for the accuracy or quality of the information obtained through user access. Any statement, accessible on the computer network or the Internet, is understood to be the author’s individual point of view and not that of the Schools, its affiliates or employees.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             I have read, understand, and agree to abide by the provision of the Acceptable Use Policy of Birmingham                                                                                Community Charter High School                                                                                                           (Please select “Accept” in the AERIES Online Enrollment Application)                                Printable Form

Download the 2025-26 Parent/ Student Handbook 

        Atendance Policy Highlights for parents

Leaving the campus early – NO EARLY LEAVES BY PARENT PICK-UP AFTER 2:50 PM EXCEPT FOR EMERGENCIES! 

Students who need to leave campus during the school day must report to their Academy no later than 8:20 a.m. to receive permission to leave. NOTES will NOT be accepted after 8:20 AM. The student must have a note from the parent or guardian that is listed on the student’s emergency contact in AERIES and must include a telephone number where the parent or guardian may be contacted prior to 9:00 a.m. The note must state the student’s date of birth specific time of release, reason for early release and parent signature. The Academy office technician will verify early leave. The parent must be available to speak to the Academy office technician. Parents who are picking up their student early must do so before 2:50 PM. A photo ID will be required. Parent are to enter at the Haynes Street entrance off Balboa. Please allow a minimum of 20 minutes from the time that you arrive at the school until the time that your child is released from class to you. Please keep in mind that it is difficult to locate students who are in PE. You may want to make a note of the period your child is in PE and avoid early leaves during that time.

Students who leave campus without authorization are considered truant. Not only do they face possible disciplinary action from the school, there is the possibility they will be picked up by the police and detained until the parents obtain their release and/or receive a citation. In a continuing effort to communicate with all parents, we will use a computer telephone dialer to contact you at home. A pre-recorded message will inform you of your child’s absence and messages regarding school activities and important dates. These calls will be made in the evening and on weekends. This method of communication with parents has proven to be of great value in keeping parents informed.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

BCCHS Chromebook Contract

Information for Students and Parents                                                                                                                                The mission of the Chromebook distribution at BCCHS is to create a collaborative learning environment for all students. This environment will enable and support students and teachers to implement transformative uses of technology while enhancing students’ engagement with content and promoting the development of self-directed learning.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Chromebooks are a learning resource at BCCHS. There is no opt-out process for receiving a Chromebook because it is an important tool for completing assigned work, conducting research and accessing learning materials – just like a textbook. The California Education Code requires BCCHS to provide equal access to all learning resources to all students.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   Receiving and Returning Your Chromebook Beginning of the School Year                                                                   All parents and students are strongly encouraged to view a Chromebook training video in order to receive information regarding the proper care and use of the Chromebook.                                                                                    ● All parents and students are required to sign this contract before being allowed to take the Chromebook home. Students will be issued a Chromebook, power adapter and case.                                                                                     

End of the School Year                                                                                                                                                                ● At the end of the school year, at the School’s discretion, each student will turn in his/her assigned Chromebook, power adapter and case. Failure to turn in the assigned Chromebook may result in the student being charged the full replacement cost of the Chromebook. Failure to turn in the assigned power adapter and case may also result in additional charges.                                                                                                                                                                   

Care of Your Chromebook                                                                                                                                               Students are responsible for the general care of the assigned Chromebook. Chromebooks that are broken or are not working properly must be taken to the Chromebook Help Desk in G53 immediately so they can be repaired.      ● No food or drink should be allowed near the Chromebook.                                                                                               ● Heavy objects should never be placed on top of the Chromebook.                                                                                 ● Although the issued case is designed to protect the Chromebook, it is not guaranteed to prevent damage in all circumstances. To minimize damage, the protective case should remain on the Chromebook at all times. Stickers and other personalized items should not be affixed to the case.                                                                                           ● Never lift the Chromebook by the screen.                                                                                                                            ● Only clean the screen with a soft, dry microfiber or anti-static cloth.                                                                                ● Do not place anything on the keyboard before the closing the lid of the Chromebook.                                                ● Do not tamper with the barcode label on the Chromebook.                                                                                                         ○ Students will be charged if they tamper with the barcode label.                                                                       

Using Your Chromebook at School                                                                                                                                         ● Students are expected to bring their assigned Chromebook to school every day fully charged.                                          ○ Failure to do so will result in detention being assigned to the student.                                                              Students are expected to bring their assigned Chromebook to all classes every day.                                                        ● If a student does not bring his/her Chromebook to school, teachers may loan a classroom Chromebook to the          student.                                                                                                                                                                                           ● If the assigned Chromebook needs repair, the student must take it to the Chromebook Help Desk in G53A.                   ○ A loaner or replacement Chromebook will be issued, and the appropriate charges will be recorded on the               student’s account.                                                                                                                                                                     Chromebooks that have a hardware or software malfunction not caused by the student will be replaced at no cost to the student.                                                                                                                                                                                ● Inappropriate media may not be used as Chromebook backgrounds and themes. Use of such media will result in     disciplinary action.                                                                                                                                                                         ● Sound must be muted at all times unless permission is obtained from a teacher.                                                         ● Students should have their own personal set of headphones/ear buds for use during school.                                   ● Students will log into their Chromebooks using their BCCHS-issued Gmail account.                                                     ● Students must abide by Google privacy and use policies at all times.                                                                                       ○ Failure to do so will result in account suspension by Google and BCCHS.                                                                 ● Students should never share their BCCHS-issued Gmail account password with other students.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Using Your Chromebook Outside of School                                                                                                                 Students are encouraged to use their Chromebooks at home and other locations outside of school. A Wi-Fi internet connection will be required for the majority of assignments using the Chromebook. Students are bound by the BCCHS Responsible Use Policy and the BCCHS Academic Integrity Policy whenever they use their Chromebooks whether at school or outside of school.                                                                                                                                     A limited number of Wi-Fi mobile devices will be available to check out from the Chromebook Help Desk. These devices are not intended to replace regular home internet service, but they will give students without regular home internet service the ability to work online to complete assigned schoolwork.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Warranty and Repair of Your Chromebook Chromebook Repair                                                                                    ● If his/her Chromebook is not working, the student must take it to the Chromebook Help Desk in G53A.                  ● Students are responsible for the care of the loaner Chromebook while repairs are being done.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Vendor Warranty                                                                                                                                                                         ● BCCHS-issued Chromebooks include a one-year hardware warranty from the manufacturer.                                    ● The manufacturer warranty does not warrant against damage caused by misuse, abuse or accident.                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Damage Protection Insurance                                                                                                                                         Beginning in the SY2020-21, all BCCHS students will be required to purchase Chromebook damage protection insurance on an annual basis at a cost of $25.00 per year. Payments of $2.50 can also be made monthly to the student store during the months from August to May.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Damage protection Insurance for Chromebooks covers damage associated with:                                                            ● Screens                                                                                                                                                                                        ● Casing                                                                                                                                                                                          ● Buttons                                                                                                                                                                                        ● Ports                                                                                                                                                                                            ● Cameras                                                                                                                                                                                      ● Speakers                                                                                                                                                                                        ● Microphones                                                                                                                                                                               ● Keyboards                                                                                                                                                                                 

It is important to note that damage protection insurance does not cover lost or stolen Chromebooks, cases or chargers. Obvious or intentional physical damage is also not covered by the insurance and will also void the vendor warranty which will result in the student having to pay the full replacement cost of the Chromebook as detailed below.                                                                                                                                                                               

 Estimated Costs (subject to change without notice)                                                                                                         ● Complete Replacement - $300.00 (non-touch screen Chromebook)                                                                              ● Complete Replacement - $350.00 (touch screen Chromebook)                                                                                        ● Charger - $30.00                                                                                                                                                                        ● Case - $45.00                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       No Expectation of Privacy                                                                                                                                                Students have no expectation of confidentiality or privacy with respect to any usage of a BCCHS-issued Chromebook, regardless of whether that use is for school-related or personal purposes, other than specifically provided by law. The School may, without prior notice or consent, log, supervise, access, view or monitor use of student Chromebooks at any time for any reason related to the operation of the School. By using a BCCHS-issued Chromebook, students agree to such.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         BCCHS-issued Chromebooks are to be used for educational purposes, and students are to adhere to the BCCHS Acceptable Use Policy and the BCCHS Academic Integrity Policy at all times.

I have read, understand and agree to the terms and conditions to this agreement.                                                                                                                        Printable Form                                                        

Board Policy#065

Adopted/ Ratified: July 29, 2024

Revision Date: November 18, 2025

CLASSROOM-BASED ATTENDANCE POLICY

It is the intent of the Board of Directors (“Board”) of Birmingham Community Charter High School (“BCCHS” or the “Charter School”) to ensure that students attend school every day on time. Consistent school attendance is critical to school success. Being present for classroom instructional time is essential for students to reach their goals and achieve their dreams. Chronic absenteeism has been linked to an increased likelihood of poor academic performance, disengagement from school, and behavior problems.

Definitions

• “Tardy”: Birmingham Community Charter High School starts at 8:30 A.M. Students shall be classified as tardy if the student arrives after that time or after the start of any instructional period.

•  “Unexcused Absence”: A student shall have an unexcused absence if the student is absent or is tardy for more than thirty (30) minutes without a valid excuse.

• “Truant”: A student will be classified as a truant if the student is absent from school without a valid excuse three (3) full days in one school year, or if the student is tardy or absent for more than any 30-minute period during the school day without a valid excuse on three (3) occasions in one school year, or any combination thereof. Any student who has once been reported as a truant and who is again absent from school without valid excuse one or more days, or tardy on one or more days, shall again be deemed a truant. Such students shall be reported to the  Principal or designee.

• “Habitual Truant”: A student shall be classified as a habitual truant if the student is reported for truancy three (3) or more times within the same school year. This generally occurs when the student is absent from school without a valid excuse for five (5) full days in one school year or if the student is tardy or absent for more than any 30-minute period during the school day without a valid excuse on five (5) occasions in one school year, or any combination thereof.

• “Chronic Truant”: A student shall be classified as a chronic truant if the student is absent from school without a valid excuse for ten (10) percent or more of the school days in one school year, from the date of enrollment to the current date.

• “School Attendance Review Team (“SART”)”: The SART panel will discuss the absence problem with the student’s parent/guardian to work on solutions, develop strategies, discuss appropriate support services for the student and student’s family, and establish a plan to resolve the attendance issue.

Excused Absences for Classroom-Based Attendance

Absence from school shall be excused only for health reasons, family emergencies, and justifiable personal reasons, as required by law or permitted under this Attendance Policy.

A student’s absence shall be excused for the following reasons:

1. Personal illness, including an absence for the benefit of the pupil’s mental or behavioral health.
2.  Quarantine under the direction of a county or city health officer.
3. Medical, dental, optometric, or chiropractic appointments:                                                                                               a. Students in grades 7-12, inclusive, may be excused a from school for the purpose of obtaining confidential medical services without the consent of the student’s parent or guardian.
4.  For the purpose of attending the funeral services or grieving the death of either a member of the pupil’s immediate family, or of a person that is determined by the pupil’s parent or guardian to be in such close association with the pupil as to be considered the pupil’s immediate family, so long as the absence is not more than five (5) days per incident. “Immediate family” means the parent or guardian, brother or sister, grandparent, or any other relative living in the household of the pupil.
5.  For any of the following reasons, if an immediate family member of the pupil, or a person that is determined by the pupil’s parent or guardian to be in such close association with the pupil as to be considered the pupil’s immediate family, has died:

a. To access services from a victim services organization or agency.

b.  To access grief support services.

c.  To participate in safety planning or to take other actions to increase the safety of the pupil or an immediate family member of the pupil, or a person that is determined by the pupil’s parent or guardian to be in such close association with the pupil as to be considered the pupil’s immediate family, including, but not limited to, temporary or permanent relocation.

Absences under this section shall not be excused for more than three (3) days per incident, unless extended on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the school administrator. “Immediate family” means the parent or guardian, brother or sister, grandparent, or any other relative living in the household of the pupil.

6. For the purposes of jury duty in the manner provided for by law.

7.  Due to the illness or medical appointment during school hours of a child of whom the student is the custodial parent, including absences to care for a sick child. (The school does not require a note from the doctor for this excusal).

8.  To permit the student to spend time with an immediate family member who is an active duty member of the uniformed services, as defined in Education Code section 49701, and has been called to duty for, is on leave from, or has immediately returned from, deployment. Absences granted pursuant to this paragraph shall be granted for a period of time to be determined at the discretion of the Charter School.

9. For the purpose of serving as a member of a precinct board for an election pursuant to Election Code section 12302.

10. Attendance at the student’s naturalization ceremony to become a United States citizen.

11.  Authorized parental leave for a pregnant or parenting student for up to eight (8) weeks, which may be extended if deemed medically necessary by the student’s physician. 

12. Due to the student’s participation in military entrance processing.

13. Authorized at the discretion of the Principal or designee, based on the facts of the student’s circumstances, are deemed to constitute a valid excuse.

14. A student who holds a work permit to work for a period of not more than five (5) consecutive days in the entertainment or allied industries shall be excused from school during the period that the student is working in the entertainment or allied industry for a maximum of up to five (5) absences per school year subject to the requirements of Education Code section 48225.5.

15. In order to participate with a not-for-profit performing arts organization in a performance for a public-school student audience for a maximum of up to five (5) days per school year provided the student’s parent or guardian provides a written note to the school authorities explaining the reason for the student’s absence.

16.  For the purpose of participating in a cultural ceremony or event. "Cultural" for these purposes means relating to the habits, practices, beliefs, and traditions of a certain group of people, for a maximum of five (5) school days per school year

17.  For the purpose of a middle or high school pupil engaging in a civic or political event as indicated below, provided that the pupil notifies the school ahead of the absence. A “civic or political event” includes, but is not limited to, voting, poll working, strikes, public commenting, candidate speeches, political or civic forums, and town halls.

a.  A middle school or high school pupil who is absent pursuant to this provision is required to be excused for only one schoolday-long absence per school year.

b.  A middle school or high school pupil who is absent pursuant to this provision may be permitted additional excused absences in the discretion of a school administrator.

18. For the following justifiable personal reasons for a maximum of five (5) school days per school year (unless otherwise indicated), upon advance written request by the student’s parent or guardian and approval by the Principal or designee pursuant to uniform standards:

d. Appearance in court.

e. Observance of a holiday or ceremony of the pupil’s religion.

f. Attendance at religious retreats (not to exceed one schoolday per semester).

g. Attendance at an employment conference.

h. Attendance at an educational conference on the legislative or judicial process offered by a nonprofit organization.

A student who is absent due to an excused absence will be allowed to complete all assignments and tests missed during the excused absence that can be reasonably provided and will receive full credit upon satisfactory completion within a reasonable period of time. The teacher of the class from which a student is absent shall determine which tests and assignments are reasonably equivalent to, but not necessarily identical to, the tests and assignments that the student missed during the excused absence.

Method of Verification

When a student who has been absent returns to school, the student must present a satisfactory explanation verifying the reason for the absence. The following methods may be used to verify student absences:

1.  A signed, written note from the student’s parent/guardian or parent representative. The signed, written note must be submitted to the student’s Grade Program Office Assistant in person inside the Counseling Center or via Parent Square.

2. Conversation, in person or by telephone, between the verifying employee and the student’s parent/guardian or parent representative. The employee shall subsequently record the following:

        1. Name of student;

         2. Name of parent/guardian or parent representative

          3. Name of verifying employee;

          4. Date or dates of absence; and

          5. Reason for absence.

3. Visit to the student’s home by the verifying employee, or any other reasonable method, which establishes the fact that the student was absent for the reasons stated. A written recording shall be made, including the information outlined above.

4. Healthcare provider verification:

         6. When excusing students for confidential medical services or verifying such appointments, Charter School staff shall not ask the purpose of such appointments but may contact a medical office to confirm the time of the appointment.

        7. A healthcare provider’s note of illness will be accepted for any reported absence. When a student has had fourteen (14) absences in the school year for illness verified by methods listed in #1-#3 above without a healthcare provider’s note, any further absences for illness must be submitted to the student’s Grade Program Office Assistant in person inside the Counseling Center or via Parent Square verified by a healthcare provider.

Insofar as class participation is an integral part of students’ learning experiences, parents/guardians and students shall be encouraged to schedule medical appointments during non-school hours.

Students should not be absent from school without their parents/guardians’ knowledge or consent except in cases of medical emergency.

Unexcused Absences/Truancy for Classroom-Based Attendance

The CEO/Principal, or designee, shall implement positive steps to reduce truancy, including working with the family in an attempt to resolve the attendance problem. A student’s progress and learning may be affected by excessive unexcused absences. In addition, Birmingham Community Charter High School is fiscally dependent on student attendance and is negatively impacted by excessive unexcused absences. If all attempts to resolve the student’s attendance problem are unsuccessful, Birmingham Community Charter High School will implement the processes described below.

Process for Addressing Truancy

2. Third and Fourth Unexcused Absences/Tardies: Parents/guardians will receive an email and a Parent Square notification.

3. Fifth and Sixth Unexcused Absences/Tardies: A phone call will be made to the parent/guardian, and an email notification may be sent. After the sixth absence/tardy, parents will receive "Truancy Letter #1," indicating the student's "Truant" status, which must be signed and returned. This letter will be sent via certified mail and will be resent after the seventh absence.

4. Seventh Unexcused Absence/Tardy: Parents will receive "Truancy Letter #2," indicating "Habitual Truant" status, and a conference will be scheduled to discuss the student’s records and develop an intervention plan.

5. Eighth Unexcused Absence/Tardy: Parents will receive "Truancy Letter #3," and the student will be referred to a Student Success Team (SST) and a Student Attendance Review Team (SART).

1. If the conditions of the SART plan are not met, the student may incur additional administrative action up to and including disenrollment from the Charter School, consistent with the Involuntary Removal Process described below.
2. If a student is absent ten (10) or more consecutive school days without valid excuse and the student’s parent/guardian cannot be reached at the number or address provided in the registration packet and does not otherwise respond to the Charter School’s communication attempts, as set forth above, the student will be in violation of this Policy and the SART plan (if any) and may be subject to disenrollment in compliance with the Involuntary Removal Process described below. If the student is disenrolled after the Involuntary Removal Process has been followed, notification will be sent within thirty (30) days to the student’s last known school district of residence.
3. Any documentation received by the Charter School regarding a student’s enrollment and attendance at another public or private school (i.e., CALPADS report) shall be deemed evidence of a voluntary disenrollment and shall not trigger the Involuntary Removal Process below.
4. For all communications set forth in this process, the Charter School will use the contact information provided by the parent/guardian in the registration packet. It is the parent’s or guardian’s responsibility to update the Charter School with any new contact information.

School Attendance Review Team Process

The School Attendance Review Team (“SART”) panel will be composed of an Administrative Director, Attendance Counselor, an Academic Counselor, a Psychological Social Worker, and the school nurse. The SART panel will discuss the absence problem with the student’s parent/guardian to work on solutions, develop strategies, discuss appropriate mental health support and other supportive services for the student and student’s family, and establish a plan to resolve the attendance issue.

1. The SART panel shall direct the parent/guardian that no further unexcused absences or tardies can be tolerated.

2. The parent/guardian shall be required to sign the plan formalizing the agreement by the parent/guardian to improve the child’s attendance or face additional administrative action. The plan will identify the corrective actions required in the future, and indicate that the SART panel shall have the authority to order one or more of the following consequences for non-compliance with the terms of the plan:

a. Parent/guardian to attend school with the child for one day

b. Student retention

c. After-school detention program

d. Required school counseling

e.  Loss of field trip privileges

f.  Loss of school store privileges

g.  Loss of school event privileges

h. Saturday school

i.  Required remediation plan as set by the SART

j.  Notification to the County District Attorney

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

Process for Students Who Are Not in Attendance at the Beginning of the School Year

When a student is not in attendance on the first five (5) days of the school year, the Charter School will attempt to reach the student’s parent/guardian on a daily basis for each of the first five (5) days to determine whether the student has an excused absence, consistent with the process outlined in this policy. If the student has a basis for an excused absence, the student’s parent/guardian must notify the Charter School of the absence and provide documentation consistent with this policy. However, consistent with process below, students who are not in attendance by the sixth (6^th) day of the school year due to an unexcused absence will be disenrolled from the Charter School roster after following the Involuntary Removal Process described below, as it will be assumed that the student has chosen another school option.

1.  Students who are not in attendance on the first (1^st) day of the school year will be contacted by phone to ensure their intent to enroll in the Charter School.
2. Students who have indicated their intent to enroll but have not attended by the third (3^rd) day of the school year and do not have an excused absence will receive a letter indicating the student’s risk of disenrollment.
3. Students who have indicated their intent to enroll but have not attended by the fifth (5^th) day of the school year and do not have an excused absence will receive a phone call reiterating the content of the letter.
4. Students who are not in attendance by the sixth (6^th) day of the school year and do not have an excused absence will receive an Involuntary Removal Notice and the CDE Enrollment Complaint Notice and Form. The Charter School will follow the Involuntary Removal Process described below, which includes an additional five (5) school days for the parent/guardian to respond to the Charter School and request a hearing before disenrollment. 
5. The Charter School will use the contact information provided by the parent/guardian in the registration packet.
6. Within thirty (30) calendar days of disenrollment, the Charter School will send the student’s last known school district of residence a letter notifying it of the student’s failure to attend the Charter School.
7. Any documentation received by the Charter School regarding a student’s enrollment and attendance at another public or private school (i.e., CALPADS report) shall be deemed evidence of a voluntary disenrollment and shall not trigger the Involuntary Removal Process below.

Involuntary Removal Process

The written notice shall be in the native language of the student or the student’s parent or guardian or, if the student is a foster child or youth or a homeless child or youth, the student’s educational rights holder. The Involuntary Removal Notice shall include:

1. The charges against the student
2. An explanation of the student’s basic rights including the right to request a hearing before the effective date of the action
3. The CDE Enrollment Complaint Notice and Form

The hearing shall be consistent with the Charter School’s expulsion procedures.  If the student’s parent, guardian, or educational rights holder requests a hearing, the student shall remain enrolled and shall not be removed until the Charter School issues a final decision. As used herein, “involuntarily removed” includes disenrolled, dismissed, transferred, or terminated, but does not include suspensions or expulsions pursuant to the Charter School’s suspension and expulsion policy.

Upon a parent’s or guardian’s request for a hearing, the Charter School will provide notice of a hearing consistent with its expulsion hearing process, through which the student has a fair opportunity to present testimony, evidence, and witnesses and confront and cross-examine adverse witnesses, and at which the student has the right to bring legal counsel or an advocate. The notice of hearing shall be in the native language of the student or the student’s parent or guardian or, if the student is a foster child or youth or a homeless child or youth, the student’s educational rights holder and shall include a copy of the Charter School’s expulsion hearing process.

If the parent/guardian is nonresponsive to the Involuntary Removal Notice, the student will be disenrolled as of the effective date set forth in the Involuntary Removal Notice. If parent/guardian requests a hearing and does not attend on the date scheduled for the hearing, the student will be disenrolled effective the date of the hearing.

If as a result of the hearing the student is disenrolled, notice will be sent to the student’s last known school district of residence within thirty (30) calendar days.

A hearing decision not to disenroll the student does not prevent the Charter School from making a similar recommendation in the future should student truancy continue or re-occur.

Referral to Appropriate Agencies or County District Attorney

It is the Charter School’s intent to identify and remove all barriers to the student’s success, and the Charter School will explore every possible option to address student attendance issues with the family. For any unexcused absence, the Charter School may refer the family to appropriate school-based and/or social service agencies.

If a student’s attendance does not improve after a SART plan has been developed according to the procedures above, or if the parents/guardians fail to attend a required SART meeting, the Charter School shall notify the County District Attorney’s office, which then may refer the matter for prosecution through the court system. Students twelve (12) years of age and older may be referred to the juvenile court for adjudication.

Non-Discrimination

These policies will be enforced fairly, uniformly, and consistently without regard to the characteristics listed in Education Code section 220 (actual or perceived disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, nationality, race or ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic that is contained in the definition of hate crimes set forth in Penal Code section 422.55, including immigration status, pregnancy, or association with an individual who has any of the aforementioned characteristics).

Reports

The Principal, or designee, shall gather and report to the Board the number of absences both excused and unexcused as well as students who are truant, and the steps taken to remedy the problem.