This Handbook for Elementary Students and Parents is intended to help both students and parents understand how Valley Oaks School works at the elementary (grades K-6) level. Please read this Handbook carefully, and be sure to talk with your teacher or the principal if you have any questions or concerns.

Again, welcome to Valley Oaks! We hope that your experience at Valley Oaks is successful!

Valley Oaks School Mission Statement

Vision

Valley Oaks School offers the community of Petaluma an alternative approach to essential learning. This school provides students a rich and supportive environment and encourages a love of learning through independent study.

Working within a program that accommodates a variety of learning styles and a diverse learning community, students at Valley Oaks School meet or exceed grade-level requirements. Valley Oaks students are recognized as unique individuals with diverse skills, resources, interests, cultural backgrounds, and needs; therefore, their instruction is individualized to meet their needs.

Statement of Philosophy 

Valley Oaks Elementary School exists because the Petaluma City Elementary School District recognizes the great variety of needs and learning styles in our students and families. By offering a greater range of educational options, we better serve our community and strengthen public education. Our goals are to:

• Treat students as participants in their own educational plan

• Support parents in their work with their children's education

• Support the teaching and learning of the district's and state's curriculum standards

• Provide textbooks, materials, and Services for parents to use with their children

• Allow for student's special interests, opportunities, and abilities

• Provide opportunities to go beyond the basic skills and knowledge

• Provide opportunities to develop individual responsibility

• Provide a bridge between families, school and community

What is Independent Study?

At Valley Oaks, Independent Study is an individualized experience created specifically for each participating student and family. It offers the closest collaboration between home and school possible in the public school system. We provide books and other materials for parents to use with their children as they teach/learn the curriculum of the Petaluma City Schools and the State of California. Our teachers work with the parents to develop lessons that will address the individual student's needs and abilities.

How does Valley Oaks Independent Study differ from "Home Schooling?"

Parents who want to create their own home school are required to meet a variety of state requirements, including registering their "private school" with the Sonoma County Office of Education. Instruction is supposed to be by credentialed teachers, and the parent/private school is responsible for obtaining materials, creating curriculum, attendance accounting, and assessment. Valley Oaks takes care of all of these requirements while allowing the student and parent to work at home with the support of a trained, credentialed teacher. In addition, we see to it that our students are prepared to enter the other Petaluma City School District schools, including the Junior High Schools when the parents elect to do so.

What happens at an appointment?

Meetings generally take place in the teacher's office, but, by mutual agreement, the teacher may make some home visits. About one hour is allotted for each student per week.

While siblings are welcome, concentrating on our tasks-at-hand can be more challenging with more children around, especially if they are young. It is necessary for both the student and the parent to be able to focus on the work.

To get the most out of your visit, as well as to comply with the program requirements, you and your student need to come prepared. That is, bring all of your lesson plans, books, materials, work completed or in progress, and any questions, concerns, or ideas that you may have.

At the meeting:

• The student is given the opportunity to present his or her work to the teacher.
• The teacher, student, and parent evaluate the work presented to assess accomplishments
  and needs.
• Assignment guidelines, contracts, outlines, evaluation methods, and due dates are established.
• The teacher will complete weekly assignment sheets for the student and parents.
• Resources are selected as needed.

Progress in the various subjects is discussed, and concerns should be brought up as soon as possible.

The parent and teacher will work with the student, making sure that difficult concepts are understood and skills mastered. We take each student's individual learning style into consideration. We are also very interested in unique opportunities such as family trips, individual skills and experiences of parents or others, or other resources that may be used as learning opportunities. Please be sure to discuss these with the teacher.

Sometimes, there may be fun activities such as games that allow the teacher to discover more about a student might learn to draw out one who is difficult to get to know.

Phone calls are appreciated, if for any reason, you can't make it to your appointment on time. We will do our best to find a time to reschedule. If you can't make it to your appointment, we need for you to at least drop off the work for the week and pick up new assignments.

Your input, ideas, volunteer time, and suggestions are critical to keep our program growing and improving. Please be sure to let us know what you think, what's working (or not working!) for your child, about great discoveries, etc.

Who is Eligible?

Children in grades K-6 are eligible to attend Valley Oaks Elementary School. It is essential that the student have the academic skills, attitudes, and parental support that are needed for success in
Independent Study.

Since we do not provide Special Education or English Language Learner support, students who need those services generally should attend the comprehensive ("regular") schools.

Students from outside of the Petaluma City School District can attend if they obtain an approved ''interdistrict transfer."

Success Indicators

• Students who need daily support from teachers generally do better in the traditional classroom setting. Those who can work independently, with parental support, might be successful in independent study.

• Students need opportunities for social interaction. Athletic teams, church groups, scouts, neighborhood children, or other opportunities might fill that need.

• Both the student and the parent must be enthusiastic about independent study, or it may not be a positive, successful experience for either.

• Independent study requires patience, the, energy, and resourcefulness.

• Parents need to be willing to use the guidance provided by the Valley Oaks teachers in matters regarding teaching, curriculum, instruction, and student motivation. Independent study must be a cooperative venture.

• Parents and students must cultivate cooperation, curiosity, discipline, resourcefulness, and other qualities necessary for successful independent study.

• Ongoing conflicts between parent and child may interfere with the learning. Both student and parent must want to work together for independent study to be successful.

Admission to Valley Oaks Elementary School

Procedures for Petaluma Residents:

Admission to Valley Oaks Elementary School is Strictly a voluntary activity. Students wishing to attend Valley Oaks must be eligible to attend other classrooms in the school district. Petaluma
residents must first contact the school of attendance and discuss the idea of attending Valley Oaks with the Principal & classroom teacher. Their approval is important!

After discussing Valley Oaks with the principal and teacher, the parent should contact Valley Oaks to set up an interview with the principal and/or an elementary teacher.

The interview process is very important for both the student and Valley Oaks. It is essential that the student and his or her parents understand how Independent Study works, and it is important
for us to understand the student and their abilities, motivation, and what support is available. We are seeking a good match that will allow us to best serve all of our students.

Procedures for Residents of Other School Districts:

We welcome students from other areas. We are allowed to serve anyone who lives in Sonoma County or an adjoining county. Call us for information. All out-of-town enrollments are subject to space availability.

Requirements are:

1. an interdistrict attendance agreement with/from your home school district

2. transfer of records

3. agreement between the family and school

Accountability

Attendance

Students must turn in a MINIMUM of 20 hours of assignment hours per week. All students and their parent(s) MUST meet with the teacher on a regular basis. This will generally be weekly, but sometimes appointments may be scheduled with 2-week intervals.

Completed work must be brought to the teacher appointments. We are required to keep samples of the students' original work.

Production and Attendance

Attendance is based on work done, not on "seat time." Students who do not complete their assignments may be required to leave Valley Oaks. In accordance to state policies, there are no "excused absences from Valley Oaks!

Assessment

Students' work is assessed for both quantity and quality. Assessment may be based on written work, discussion, observation, or presentation by the student. Learning activities such as field trips, workshops, and classes may also earn students credit if they are included in the student's assignment agreements. Progress is monitored on an ongoing basis, and is discussed at the weekly student/parent/teacher appointments.

Agreements

Master Agreement

Students and teachers fill out a master agreement at the beginning of the semester. This agreement outlines the general requirements for participation in the Valley Oaks independent study program. In addition, weekly Assignment Sheets (a.k.a. Study Plans) will indicate the work to be done each week.

Materials Borrowed

Students agree to return all materials in good condition or to pay for replacement.

Attendance

Expectations

Students are expected to keep regular weekly appointments and to bring the assigned.

Evidence

Attendance is documented based on the work done by the student. There are no excused absences.

Absence Procedures

In case of absence (or a holiday) the parent will notify the school and reschedule their child’s appointment if needed/possible. If the student is to be gone for a lengthier period, he/she will notify Valley Oaks ahead of time, work ahead, and be sure to have assignments needed. Returning completed assignments to Valley Oaks by mail may be required.

Whether a student is able to reschedule his or her appointment or not, he/she is still responsible for completing and turning in work for the week. Work needs to be turned in on the day of the scheduled appointment if possible, but must be turned in by noon Thursday.

Books

District Texts

Textbooks are available to Valley Oaks students when the coursework includes studying from a text. The texts used are appropriate for the student's developmental learning level. In many cases, we use the same text books used at the other schools. In others, we may use different texts that are more appropriate for the independent study teaching/learning approach.

Parent Interest and Resources

Books and materials selected by parents may be used to extend and support the teacher's instructional design. Such use must be aligned with current assignments and instructional goals, and arrangements must be made before the lesson begins.

Calendar (See also Appendix A)

School Calendar

Valley Oaks operates on the "traditional" school calendar as adopted by the Petaluma School District. The calendar is published each spring and becomes effective for the full term. Generally, Valley Oaks begins instruction in late August and concludes in mid-June. See Appendix A.

District

Calendars for all schools are available at the District Office.

Site Council Calendar

Valley Oaks School also uses a site council calendar to schedule many of its events. The site council calendar shows site council election dates, council meetings, staff development dates, and the dates of many council activities. All calendars are available in the school office upon request.

Campus

Valley Oaks

The Valley Oaks School campus is a series of offices and small meeting rooms. Our school campus is designed to accommodate individual meetings for instruction or to be a place where small groups can meet to work on school assignments. While most work is done via individual appointments, there may be occasional "workshops" at which students get together with other students.

We are not designed as a daytime school "hangout" and do not have faculty or other staff assigned to supervise students.  Please come to school only on school business, and allow other students to do the same. Do not bring non-student friends to campus during school appointments. 

Other Schools in the District

Communication

Weekly

Weekly communication regarding student progress is available during instructional conferences. Parents need to be active participants in these conferences.

Semester Conferences

Valley Oaks School provides mid-year progress conferences for all students. Year-end conferences are arranged by student requests.

Newsletter

The Valley Oaks Newsletter is published quarterly. It is important that students and parents read the newsletter because it will contain information and dates that will be of importance.

Phoning Teachers

Teachers are available for telephone conferences. Teaches may be busy but will strive to return telephone calls during the day they are received. Phone number: (707)778-4784

Fax

(707)778-4898

E-Mail

Staff members have e-mail addresses. You may request information on the use of this technology from your teacher.

Counseling

Academic

Academic counseling is available to all students through your teacher or the principal. Valley Oaks School can refer students for Special Education testing.

Social

Referrals for social concerns can be made at all levels. Informal arrangements for counseling are made during parent, teacher, and student conferences.

Discipline

Student Discipline

Valley Oaks School is an alternative school. Students volunteer to be in our school, and have demonstrated a commitment to learning; we seldom have discipline concerns. Our procedures for student discipline are:

First offense:

A verbal warning, including a statement of the offense and a suggested remedy.

Second offense:

Conference/phone conference outlining offense, suggested remedy, and timeline of expected change.

Third offense:

Discipline Committee convenes to determine student status. Student may be dropped from program.

Note: An Appeal process is available through the Director of Alternative Education, and finally through the School Board.

Diversity

District programs and activities shall be free from discrimination with respect to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, ethnic group, martial or parental status, and physical or mental disability. The District ensures equal opportunities for all students in admission and access to academic courses, guidance and counseling programs, athletic programs, testing procedures, vocational education and other activities.

Evaluation of Work and Student Progress

Written and Oral Feedback for Students

Evaluation of student work and progress is the responsibility of a credentialed teacher. Student learning may be demonstrated to the teacher through written, oral, visual, and other traditional and non-traditional means. Once the teacher has evaluated the quality and quantity of student progress, whether on an individual assignment or larger unit, the teacher will provide written and/or oral feedback to the student. In many cases, this feedback will be immediate.  Tests, projects, and long written assignments usually require more time to evaluate.

Progress Reports

At the end o f each semester, student-parent-teacher conference is scheduled to report progress and grades for the current semester, assess the long-term progress of the student, and plan future work.

SAT-9/STAR Testing

Valley Oaks Elementary students participate in the state-mandated testing programs. As at all schools, parents may elect to waive, in writing, these tests.

Field Trips/Events

A variety of events are available to Valley Oaks Elementary School students each semester. They may include field trips, workshops (student or student/parent/family), or other events. The specific events depend on the students, parents, and teacher as well as what is happening in the community.

Eligibility

All students are eligible for field trips, provided their grade level is included.

Accountability

Students are expected to behave appropriately and cooperatively throughout the field trip. Individual teachers will have specific assignments for students to complete based on the trips.

Parent Participation

Parents are not only welcome to participate but are encouraged to do so. Parents driving students (other than their own son/daughter) must have evidence of appropriate insurance on file.

G.A.T.E. Education

Gifted and Talented Education is offered in association with other schools in Petaluma. Arrangements for this service are made through the teachers and principals, for the individual student. During registration, please inform your teacher if you have previous GATE experience.

Since each Valley Oaks Elementary School student's learning program is customized for him or her, gifted students can enrich their learning through their work at Valley Oaks. In general, Valley Oaks receive an enriched curriculum, rather than an accelerated curriculum.

Gender Equity

See Appendix C

Help!

One of the main differences between Valley Oaks independent study and the traditional schools is the way in which students obtain help. In traditional schools, the teacher is available to the students daily in class. At Valley Oaks, students only meet with their teachers once weekly, so the student who needs help must make extra efforts.

To obtain help from a teacher the student should call the school phone number and request that the teacher call back. Our secretary will give the teacher a note, and the teacher will call as soon as possible, usually the same day or the next day.

Some questions can be answered over the telephone. In other cases, the student may need to come in for extra help. If the student needs to come in for extra time with the teacher, the student should talk with the teacher to make an appointment…one can not assume that the teacher will be available if the student just comes in to Valley Oaks.

That being the case, it is important that the student contacts Valley Oaks as soon as he or she realizes that help is needed. If you have a Wednesday appointment, for example, it will be very difficult to provide much help if you don't call until Tuesday!

Helpful Numbers

Hot line/Student I.D. cards are available for all students at Valley Oaks. This card includes numbers for school and social services. The “Hot Line Card" will also serve as your Valley Oaks student body card. You must carry it with you when you are in the community, and must show it to officials who may ask you why you are not at school.

Immunizations

State law requires that all students' immunization records be on file in the school office. Students who do not have records or whose required immunizations are incomplete can not be admitted to school.

Internet Use Agreement

Involuntary Transfers

Into Valley Oaks:

Students can not be involuntarily transferred into Valley Oaks School. Valley Oaks students always have another classroom option in the District.

Out of Valley Oaks:

Leaving Valley Oaks

Independent Study is not a strategy which works for everyone! The staff at Valley Oaks reviews each student's performance weekly. During these reviews, our staff is looking for evidence of 20-30 hours of student work each week.  Time management and comparing notes on how well the family system seems to support the student is part of our consideration.

It is our policy to issue one warning about inadequate student attendance or production. If poor performance persists, we will schedule a parent/student/teacher conference to determine the student's status. Continuing attendance or production problems will result in a student drop.

Students who voluntarily want to transfer from Valley Oaks should talk with their teacher and the principal as soon as possible.

Any student who is dropped may appeal our decision to drop to the Director of Alternative Education. These procedures are outlined specifically in the policies governing Petaluma schools.

Specific procedures for exiting Valley Oaks as a result of non-performance are outlined in our master agreement.

The names of students dropped from Valley Oaks will be reported routinely to the District Attendance Office. You must be enrolled in school until you are 18 years of age.

Library

Valley Oaks School offers access to a variety of written, audio, video, and computer related resources. In keeping with Valley Oaks' stated goal, to meet the individual academic needs of all students, our staff uses the resources of Valley Oaks, Sonoma County Office of Education (SCOE), public libraries, and private collections.

We provide California State approved, Petaluma School Board adopted, textbooks in all subject areas and at all grade levels. To supplement and enrich the curriculum of the individual student, Valley Oaks maintains a growing list of books, magazines, audio, video, and CD ROM resources, appropriate for grades K-12.

The Sonoma County Office of Education provides us with access to books and videos.

Many students supplement their learning through the use of the public library system Valley Oaks students must have a library card.

Students are invited to use family resources; in this spirit, books are often suggested, loaned, borrowed, and enjoyed by staff, students, and families. Books which are not on the subject matter approved list must be discussed with the teacher before being part of a 'for credit" assignment.

Music

Parent and Student Rights

Federal, State and Local

The school office has copies of all student/family rights available. They are available by request.

Due Process

Valley Oaks students and parents have certain due process rights. They are outlined in school, district, and state documents and are available for review.

Elementary Proficiencies/Standards/Benchmarks

Quality of Student Work

Evidence and Proofs

For a student to receive a grade in an assignment, the teacher must have evidence that the work was completed and the student understands the material. In some classes such as math and science, tests may be required. Projects, experiments, written and oral reports also serve as proof of student achievement. At other times, personal discussions allow the teacher to evaluate the quality of the student's knowledge.

Until the teacher has an opportunity to evaluate the learning, no grade can be assigned to the work. If the teacher determines that the student has not yet mastered the material, the student will be given more time to gain understanding, take a similar test, rewrite the essay, or continue work on a project as needed.

Resources

Basic Supplies:

Parents should plan to supply the basic school supplies such as paper, pencils, crayons, etc. If additional supplies are needed, or if the family can not afford the basic supplies, Valley Oaks will supply them.

Resource Area:

Valley Oaks Elementary School has a growing Resource Area, which is a collection of materials that are available for your use on a limited check-out basis. If what you want is not available, please ask.. .we may be able to obtain it.  Some materials can be duplicated for your consumable use. Resources include games, math manipulatives, textbooks, software, videos, audio tapes, library books, and other materials.

Some materials may need to be used on campus.

If you know of any excellent resources that you would recommend for our collection, please let us know.. .We want to provide the very best resources possible.

Responsibilities

Parent Responsibilities

• Complete all paper work and documentation to enroll your child at Valley Oaks.

• Fill out and sign the Master Agreement and establish an appointment schedule.

• Understand the grade level benchmarks and curriculum provided by the teacher.

• Work cooperatively with the teacher.  You are part of a team See "Resource Area” above.

• Keep all scheduled appointments. (If the child is ill on the day of the appointment, the parent should still bring the week's work and get new work to be done.)

• Work with your child to help him or her learn the material and develop the skills.

Student Responsibilities

• Work cooperatively with you teacher, your parent, and other students.

• Finish your assignments and projects on time, and do your very best work.

• Attend your appointments.

• Ask questions if you don't understand something.

School Calendar

See Appendix A

Petaluma Student Sexual Harassment Policy

B.P. 5145.4

Purpose of Policy

It is the policy of the Governing Board of the Petaluma (City) Elementary and Joint Union High School District to provide an educational environment free of sexual harassment. To accomplish this purpose, the policy is designed to secure, at the earliest level possible, an appropriate resolution to an allegation of sexual harassment.

This policy is intended to supplement, and not replace, any applicable state or federal laws and regulations. Complaints under these laws and regulations shall be processed through the procedures established by the appropriate state and/or federal agencies.

It is the position of this Board that sexual harassment is unlawful and will not be. It is a violation of this policy for any employee, agent, student, or parent with which the District has a cooperative agreement, to engage in sexual harassment.

Definition of Sexual Harassment

As defined by Education Code Section 212.5, "Sexual harassment means unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal, visual, or physical conduct of a sexual nature, made by someone from or in the work or educational setting, under the following conditions:

(a)    Submission to the conduct is explicitly or implicitly made a term or condition of an individual's employment, academic status, or progress.

(b)    Submission to, or rejection of, the conduct by the individual is used as the basis of employment or academic decisions effective the individual.

(c)    The conduct has the purpose or effect of having a negative impact upon the individual's work or academic performance, or of creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive work or educational environment.

(d)    Submission to, or rejection of, the conduct by the individual is used as the basis for any decision affecting the individual regarding benefits and services, honors, programs, or activities available at or through the educational institution."

Specifically, sexual harassment may occur as a pattern of degrading sexual speech or actions ranging from verbal or physical annoyances or distractions to deliberate intimidations and frank threats or sexual demands. Examples of conduct which may constitute sexual harassment include, but are not limited to:

(1)    Suggestive or obscene letters, notes, invitations, derogatory comments, slurs, jokes, epithets, assault, touching, impeding or blocking movement, leering, gestures, display of sexually suggestive objects or pictures, or cartoons.

(2)    Among peers, continuing to express sexual interest after being informed that the interest is unwelcome. (Reciprocal attraction, among peers, is not considered sexual harassment.)

(3)    Within the educational environment, implying or actually withholding grades earned or deserved; suggesting a poor performance evaluation will be prepared; or suggesting a scholarship recommendation or college application will be denied as a condition of receiving sexual favors.

(4)    Within the educational environment, engaging in sexual behavior to control, influence, or affect the educational opportunities, grades, and/or learning environment of a student.

(5)    Offering favors or education or employment benefits, such as grades or promotions, favorable performance evaluations, favorable assignments, favorable duties or shift, recommendations, reclassifications, etc., in exchange for sexual favors.

Any expression of sexual interest between adults and students, regardless of reciprocity, is considered inappropriate and shall be subject to discipline under Board Policy 4113.2 and Educational Code section 44932.

Reporting Procedure

Any student who believes he or she has been sexually harassed by an employee, agent or student of the District, should promptly report the facts of the incident(s) and the name of the individual involved to an adult staff member with whom they feel comfortable, and that person shall report the incident to the school site Title IX Officer, or, if the Title IX Officer is the alleged harasser, to the school principal. A written report of the alleged incident will be filed by the site Title IX Officer and/or school principal. A copy of the report, along with a copy of this policy, shall be mailed to the parent. A copy of the report shall be forwarded to the Deputy Superintendent of Administration and Human Services, and Superintendent. All staff, upon personal knowledge of an incident of sexual harassment, are obligated to report it to the Title IX Officer and/or a school principal. Failure to do so is a violation of this policy.

Students who feel aggrieved because of unwelcome conduct that may constitute sexual harassment are not required to inform the person engaging in such conduct that the conduct is unwanted, offensive and must stop, but are encouraged to do so. An aggrieved individual is not required to complain to his or her instructor if that instructor is the individual who is harassing the student. Any individuals making a report may bring an advocate to assist them.

Failure of staff to report student allegations of sexual harassment within three (3) school days is violation of this policy.

Filing Complaints with State and Federal Agencies

Aggrieved parties may wish to file complaints with other appropriate state and federal agencies, including:

The State Fair Employment and Housing Commission
30 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94102  (415) 557-2005

U.S. Office for Civil Rights
50 United Nations Plaza, Room 239, San Francisco, CA 94102  (415) 556-7000

Confidentiality

An allegation of sexual harassment and the results of the investigation shall be kept confidential to the extent reasonably possible under the investigation process. Witnesses and those interviewed shall be informed of the confidential nature of the issues and the investigation, and shall be informed that it will be a violation of this policy to disclose the allegation or the nature of the investigation to others and shall be subject to disciplinary action as defined in this policy.

Retaliation is Prohibited

The initiation of an allegation of sexual harassment will not cause any reflection on the individual reporting the incident or witnesses nor will it affect such persons' future business dealings with the District, his or her employment, compensation or work assignments, or, in the case of students, grades, class section or other matters pertaining to his or her status as a student of any District programs. It shall be a violation of this policy to engage in such retaliation. An allegation of retaliation shall be considered as a separate incident, shall be investigated, and shall be subject to disciplinary action as defined in this policy.

Time Limits

Allegations of sexual harassment shall be reported as soon as reasonably possible after the conduct in question has taken place.

Investigation Guidelines

All investigations of allegations of sexual harassment shall be handled promptly, in a serious, sensitive, and confidential manner.

(1)    The site Title IX Officer shall, as soon as reasonably possible after the incident has been reported, inform the student, employee, or other person accused of sexual harassment of the allegation, and they will be given an opportunity to respond.

(2)    All parties, specifically including complainants, and witnesses, will be promptly and fully informed of their rights pursuant to this policy, including the fact that complainant and witnesses will not be retaliated against and the confidential nature of the allegation and investigation.

(3)    A written report of the investigation findings shall be filed by the site Title IX officer and/or the site Principal, with the Deputy Superintendent of Administration and Human Services, D. Kim Jamieson, 778-4608, and the Superintendent, within ten (10) school days of the date the student filed the incident report. A copy of the findings shall be mailed to the student who reported the harassment, their parent(s), and the person accused.

Disciplinary Action

When an allegation of sexual harassment is supported by the investigation and disciplinary action is necessary, the Deputy Superintendent for Administration and Human Services and/or the Superintended will be consulted to determine what course of action is appropriate, depending upon whether the harasser is a student, staff member, or agent of the District.

Employees who violate this policy may be subject to discipline up to and including dismissal. Such disciplinary action shall be in accordance with applicable policies, laws, and/or collective bargaining agreements.

Students who violate this policy may be subject to discipline up to and including expulsion. Such disciplinary action shall be in accordance with board policy and state law.

Agents of the District who violate this policy may be subject to penalties and sanctions as may be available to the District, including termination of business relationships and contracts.

Appeal Procedures

An individual may appeal the findings of an investigation to the Governing Board of the District. Appeals should be made within a reasonable time from the date of a finding.

Training and Curriculum

To implement this policy, Petaluma School District(s) will provide appropriate training programs for staff and students. To promote awareness of sexual harassment and to focus upon prevention, a curriculum will be developed in elementary and secondary schools.

Notification

There will be adequate notification of the policy to include permanent posters in public areas, offices, and hallways. The policy will be published in site handbooks and the District Summer Mailing.

Administrative Regulations

The Superintendent shall adopt, and from time to time may revise, further procedures as may be necessary to implement this policy and provide for a means of enforcing this policy. Such further procedures may include the following: posting and other means of distributing the policy; a process under which complaints will be handled, an explanation of possible civil proceedings and potential legal consequences of sexual harassment. The Superintendent will initiate training and education programs to enable all persons, and in particular, supervisors, to better understand the problem of sexual harassment. In addition, the Superintendent shall designate appropriate employees to enforce or administer this policy within the District and shall provide for appropriate training for site Title IX Officers and Principals on an annual basis.

Special Assistance

It is expected that questions may arise concerning the interpretation of the prohibition against sexual harassment, the methods and procedures to be followed in the investigation of complaints, and the appropriateness of specific solutions in dispositions of complaints. For assistance in these matters, an aggrieved person may contact the Deputy Superintendent for Administration and Human Services.

Current legal references having sexual harassment in education:

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act – 42 USC Section 2000-e-2(a)(I)
California Fair Employment & Housing Act – Government Code Section 12940
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 20 USC Section 1681 et. seq.
California Education Code, Section 200 et. seq.

Standardized Testing

Valley Oaks Elementary School students have the same requirements for testing as students at other Petaluma City Elementary School District students. We administer the STAR/SAT-9 tests in the spring, including the California Standards tests in writing, English/Language Arts, and Mathematics. As at other schools, parents may exempt their children from the tests by submitting a note requesting to do so, but we do encourage all of our students to take the tests.

Standards

Academic

Students are expected to hand in work that is completed and performed to the best of their ability. Unsatisfactory or incomplete work will be redone. Assignments may be adjusted in view of the student's ability.

The Valley Oaks K-6 curriculum has been aligned with District and State standards.

Behavioral

Students are expected to exhibit appropriate behavior at all times. Inappropriate behavior may result in removal from Valley Oaks even if it doesn't occur on campus. We must be able to trust our students to behave appropriately!

Technology: Availability and Use

Valley Oaks High School has been awarded a Digital High School Grant by the State of California.  Through that and other sources, we have ample computer resources for our students' use.  We even have "AlphaSmart" computers that can be checked out for student use at home.

All Valley Oaks students are expected to develop computer literacy skills and to use technology in their class work at Valley Oaks.

Computers and Word Processors

Computers are available to use for school assignments. Teachers will help with word processing and use of programs. Some programs may be taken home if a deposit is on file. Internet use is available, but a permission slip needs to be on file.

Fax

There is a fax machine available for school use. 778-4898

Scanners, cameras. etc.

Available for specific assignments.

Telephones

Telephone use is limited to necessary (short) calls--i.e. calling for ride home, returning messages.

Transferring to Other Schools

Uniform Complaint Procedures

See Appendix D

Visiting Other Schools

When a student enrolls at Valley Oaks School, they are no longer a student at another school, unless they are taking a course concurrently by special arrangement with Valley Oaks and the other school. Therefore, Valley Oaks students should not be on the campus of other District schools.  If a Valley Oaks student has business at another District school, such as a meeting with principal, they should sign in at the office and should only be on the campus for the time that it takes to complete their business.

Waiting List Procedures

It is the goal of Valley Oaks School to serve as many appropriate students as possible. When our student load is maximized, we establish waiting lists.

For elementary students (grades K-6), appropriate students are accepted as soon as teacher time/space becomes available.