Student Handbook - Page 2 of 2

Page 1: Schedule, Expectations/Dress Code, Academic Honesty Policy, & Tardy Policy
Page 2: Harassament Policy, Suspensions & Expulsions, Calendar of Events, 100 Spelling Words, & Headings

Harassment Policy

It is the policy of the Palo Alto Unified School District to provide a school environment free from all forms of harassment, including sexual harassment, and to maintain an environment in which all students and adults are treated with dignity and respect. Therefore, no student shall be subjected to sexual overtures or conduct, verbal, visual, or physical, which is intimidating, hostile, offensive, or unwelcome. Such conduct by adults or students is deemed unacceptable behavior and will not be tolerated by the school district.

For purposes of this policy, “sexual harassment’’ is defined for student-to-student interaction as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and other verbal, visual and physical conduct of a sexual nature. “Sexual harassment” is also defined as conduct of a sexual nature which affects an individual’s employment, academic status or progress: which has a negative impact on an individual’s work or academic performance; which creates a work or educational environment that is intimidating, hostile or offensive; or which affects benefits, services, honors, programs or activities available to an individual in an academic setting.

An action that may impair a student’s ability to function or the emotional well being of a student at school is unacceptable. Harassment or discrimination may include acts such as the following:

* Use of swearing, putdowns, or unwanted sexual advances, invitations or comments.

* Slurs of any kind (racial, ethnic, religious, sexual gender-based, physical, etc.).

* Possession or display of derogatory posters, photographs, cartoons, or drawings; communicating such in writing, by verbalizing, by computer, etc.

* Threats and demands to submit to sexual requests for any purpose.

* Threatening or doing harm to someone who refuses to cooperate or reports on you (bullying).

* Intimidating comments and/or physical gestures or interactions.

* Gestures that are in poor taste or indicate gang affiliation.

Possible Actions to Be Taken

Possible consequences for harassment of any kind may include one or more of the following:

* Parent conference,

* Suspension, or

* Expulsion and/or referral to the appropriate law enforcement agency.

Complaint Procedures

A student, who believes that they are being harassed or discriminated against at school or at school activities because of her/his sex, race, ethnicity, or religion, should immediately bring the matter to the attention of the school staff. District complaint procedures will be followed to resolve the issue.

Suspensions & Expulsions

In the case of the following Education Code 48900 infractions, a student may be suspended (in or out of school), depending on the seriousness of the situation. A suspension is defined as the removal of a student from ongoing instruction for disciplinary purposes; an administrator or teacher will contact parents concerning a suspension. Expulsion, if indicated, is determined exclusively by the Palo Alto Unified School District and not by Terman administration. A student shall not be suspended from school or recommended for expulsion unless the superintendent or the principal of the school in which the student is enrolled determines that the student has violated any of the following from the Education Code of the State of California. Additional information about these infractions is available in the student services section of the Board policy. Actions must relate to school or school-sponsored activities as defined by Education Code.

Due Process Procedures
Students and parents have the right to know for what action students are being disciplined. Written documentation of behavior should be provided. Students shall have an opportunity to respond to accusations. Students and/or parents who feel that disciplinary actions have been unfairly applied have the right to appeal to an administrator. If the matter is not resolved, they may seek a hearing at the district level.

Suspensions and Expulsions

Calendar of School Events - 2008-2009

100% Spelling Words - Students are expected to spell and use these words correctly 100% of the time

Headings

Back to Page 1: Schedule, Expectations/Dress Code, Academic Honesty Policy, & Tardy Policy

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