Rocketship Redwood City Prep
Student/Parent Handbook
2015-2016 School Year
Table of Contents
ROCKETSHIP EDUCATION (RSED) ....................................................................... 4
THE ROCKETSHIP STORY .............................................................................. 4
WHAT IS A CHARTER SCHOOL? .................................................................... 4
MISSION ............................................................................................................ 5
MISSION STATEMENT ..................................................................................... 5
OUR SCHOOL MODEL ..................................................................................... 5
PARENT CONTRACT .............................................................................................. 5
CODE OF CONDUCT ............................................................................................... 6
EXPECTATIONS FOR OUR COMMUNITY.............................................................. 6
SCHOOL SCHEDULE .............................................................................................. 7
OFFICE HOURS ....................................................................................................... 7
CONTACT INFORMATION: ..................................................................................... 7
VISITORS .................................................................................................................. 7
ARRIVAL/DISMISSAL .............................................................................................. 8
WALKER/RIDER CARD .................................................................................... 8
AUTHORIZING SOMEONE TO PICK UP A STUDENT (EMERGENCY CARDS)
DROP-OFF ........................................................................................................ 8
PICK-UP............................................................................................................. 9
LATE PICK-UP ................................................................................................ 11
REMINDERS FOR ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL.............................................. 11
ATTENDANCE AND TRUANCY ............................................................................ 11
TRANSPORTATION ............................................................................................... 12
AFTER-SCHOOL .................................................................................................... 12
UNIFORM POLICY ................................................................................................. 12
SCHOOL SUPPLIES .............................................................................................. 13
PERSONAL BELONGINGS ................................................................................... 13
TELEPHONE USE .................................................................................................. 13
MEALS: LUNCH, BREAKFAST, SNACKS ........................................................... 13
FREE AND REDUCED LUNCH FORMS ......................................................... 13
HOME/BAG LUNCH ........................................................................................ 13
PAYING FOR LUNCH AND BREAKFAST ...................................................... 13
BREAKFAST .................................................................................................... 13
HEALTH AND SAFETY .......................................................................................... 14
EMERGENCY CONTACT CARDS .................................................................. 14
WEAPONS AND FIREARMS .......................................................................... 15
DRUGS, ALCOHOL, AND SMOKE ................................................................. 15
VIDEO SURVEILLANCE ................................................................................. 15
SAFETY PREPARATION ................................................................................ 15
PRIMARY AND SECONDARY EVACUATION SITES .................................... 15
EMERGENCIES .............................................................................................. 15
VACCINATIONS .............................................................................................. 15
8
ABSENCE DUE TO ILLNESS ......................................................................... 16
HEAD LICE & NIT PREVENTION ................................................................... 17
ILLNESS OR INJURY DURING SCHOOL HOURS ........................................ 17
MEDICATIONS ................................................................................................ 17
FIRST AID ........................................................................................................ 17
FAMILY INVOLVEMENT ........................................................................................ 17
PARENT PARTNERSHIP HOURS .................................................................. 17
PARENT/GUARDIAN, STUDENT, TEACHER CONFERENCES ................... 17
EXHIBITION NIGHTS ...................................................................................... 18
COMMUNITY MEETINGS ............................................................................... 18
PARENT/FAMILY MEETINGS ......................................................................... 18
MANDATORY REGISTRATION DAY .............................................................. 18
ACADEMICS ........................................................................................................... 18
CURRICULUM ................................................................................................. 19
CHEATING....................................................................................................... 19
HOMEWORK ................................................................................................... 19
MAKE-UP WORK ............................................................................................ 19
Appendix: School Policies ................................................................................... 20
ANNUAL NOTIFICATION OF FERPA ................................................................... 20
ANNUAL NOTICE OF CHILD FIND ACTIVITIES .................................................. 21
PARENTS RIGHT TO KNOW POLICY .................................................................. 22
DISCIPLINE POLICY .............................................................................................. 23
BULLYING/HARASSMENT POLICY ..................................................................... 24
HEAD LICE POLICY ............................................................................................... 24
HUMAN RIGHTS STATEMENT ............................................................................. 25
CHILD ABUSE/NEGLECT ...................................................................................... 25
INTERNET SAFETY (CIPA) ................................................................................... 25
FAMILY CUSTODY POLICY .................................................................................. 27
CAMPUS ACCESS AND VISITOR POLICY .......................................................... 28
SCHOOL CANCELLATION AND CLOSURE ........................................................ 29
STUDENT RELEASE POLICY ............................................................................... 29
LATE PICK-UP ....................................................................................................... 30
ATTENDANCE AND TRUANCY ............................................................................ 32
VOLUNTEER POLICY .................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
COMPLAINT POLICY AND PROCEDURES ......................................................... 38
SUSPENSION/EXPULSION POLICY..................................................................... 43
SCHOOL FEE POLICY ........................................................................................... 43
ROCKETSHIP EDUCATION (RSED)
Rocketship Redwood City Prep is part of Rocketship Education, a network of public elementary charter schools
serving primarily low-income students in neighborhoods where access to excellent schools is limited. We
believe that truly transformative schools do more than educate students; they empower teachers, engage
parents, and inspire communities. Using a blend of traditional instruction, adaptive technology targeted
tutoring, and enrichment opportunities; Rocketship strives to meet the unique needs of each and every student.
Together, we can eliminate the achievement gap in our lifetime.
The key to our success is the following three core pillars:
1. Excellent teachers and leaders create transformational schools. Rocketship invests deeply in
training and development to ensure teachers and leaders have a profound impact on students and
communities.
2. Every child has a unique set of needs. Rocketship meets these needs by customizing each
child’s schedule with a combination of traditional instruction, technology and tutoring.
3. Engaged parents are essential in eliminating the achievement gap. Rocketship develops
parent leaders in our schools and communities to become powerful advocates for their children.
THE ROCKETSHIP STORY
In 1999, Father Mateo Sheedy, Pastor of Sacred Heart Parish, created the Juan Diego Scholarship for Santa
Clara University. He was surprised to discover that, of the hundreds of children in his parish, none of them met
the basic academic requirements that would qualify them to attend their hometown college, or any other toptier university.
Father Mateo Sheedy reached out to his community and started creating a plan to improve high-quality
educational options in Washington Guadalupe, a neighborhood within greater San Jose.
Unfortunately, Father Mateo Sheedy passed away too soon, but his movement lived on. In 2006, his
parishioners approached John Danner and Preston Smith—two educational entrepreneurs who were
developing a new model for schools in low-income neighborhoods. John Danner, a former software engineer,
was interested in the ways technology could help personalize education. Preston Smith was a young principal
at a promising elementary school in San Jose who recognized the impact that empowered teachers and
engaged parents can have on student success.
Rocketship Mateo Sheedy Elementary opened soon after and our students quickly showed strong results in
academic achievement. As more families joined the waiting list, we realized the need for even more high
quality schools in the San Jose community, and beyond. Parent demand and parent organizing has played a
strong role in opening new Rocketship schools. Today, there are nine Rocketship schools in San Jose, one in
Milwaukee, and one in Nashville.
WHAT IS A CHARTER SCHOOL?
Charter schools are public schools. They are tuition-free and open to any student who wishes to attend.
Charter schools allow parents, organizations, or community groups to restore, reinvent, and reenergize our
public school system.
Charter schools run independently of local districts, but must be approved by a district school board to open.
Generally every five years in California, each charter school must be re-approved by a vote of the school board
who initially approved the school. Rocketship is a non-profit organization governed by a board of directors.
Parents/guardians who want their child to attend a Rocketship school must submit an application. For more
information on our application process or to review a copy of Rocketship’s Lottery and Enrollment Procedures
and Policies, contact your school’s Office Manager or visit the Rocketship Education website at www.rsed.org.
MISSION
The purpose of schooling is for all students to learn to use their minds and hearts well. Students learn best in
schools where they are known well, where expectations are high, support is strong, and where their voices and
their parents’ voices are valued. The mission of SCHOOL NAME is to recognize all of these values and
ensure that the students are empowered to learn, lead, and be positive and productive members of their
community.
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Rocketship students will develop a deep love of learning.
Rocketship will provide the parents of Redwood City with a path for their children to take in
order to have the best chance to attend a four-year college.
Rocketship will encourage our alumni to return to San Jose to become leaders in their community.
MISSION STATEMENT
Rocketship Education will eliminate the achievement gap by bringing our students to grade level in literacy and
math by second grade and graduating them above grade level in fifth grade. All Rocketeers will learn to take
initiative, be respectful, be responsible, show empathy, and be persistent in attaining excellence.
OUR SCHOOL MODEL
Our school model is based on three pillars:
(1) Excellent Teachers: Excellent teachers and leaders create transformation nal schools
(2) Personalized Learning: Every student is unique.
(3) Engaged Parents: Engaged parents are essential in eliminating the achievement gap.
Rocketship Schools use an innovative blended learning model that leverages technology to personalize
teaching and learning for our students.
Rocketship uses what is called an enhanced rotational school model. In this model students rotate between
literacy and math classrooms and a Learning Lab, which is a larger room with computers where students
learn by using online programs in math and literacy and also focus on key technology literacy skills like typing.
Tutors are present in the Learning Lab to track students’ online learning progress and work with small groups
of students who are behind grade level. Students also have opportunities to engage with technology in their
classrooms, where writing and publishing happens as well as teacher created targeted practice on a computer
during their literacy or math class.
PARENT CONTRACT
Parents’/Guardians’ Commitment- We fully commit to Rocketship in the following ways:
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We will always help our child in the best way we know how, and we will do whatever it takes for him/her to
learn and prepare for college and life by supporting him/her and encouraging him/her to adhere to his/her
“commitment to excellence.”
We will make sure our child arrives at school on time every school day.
We will make arrangements so our child can remain at school until the end of the school day each day and
be picked up when school ends.
We will follow all arrival and dismissal regulations and parking and busing procedures.
We will make sure our child follows the Rocketship dress code.
We will ensure that our child is reading or being read to every night.
We will check our child’s homework every night, sign his/her agenda, and we will carefully read and sign (if
requested) all the papers our school sends home to us.
We will meet regularly with teachers to discuss our child’s progress and support their work to help our child
excel.
We will participate in as many school activities including parent/family meetings, exhibition nights,
community meetings, open house nights, conferences, etc. as reasonably possible.
We will strive to contribute as many partnership hours to the school community as reasonably possible.
We, not the school, are responsible for the behavior of our child.
Rocketship Commitment – At Rocketship, we fully commit to our families and students in the following ways:
 We will create a safe place to learn.
 We will respect the background, culture, and individuality of each child.
 We will communicate regularly with you about your child’s progress and special needs.
 We will hold high expectations for all students.
 We will work hard to help your child feel successful and increase their sense of self-worth.
 We will provide your child with the academic base and moral compass they need to be successful through
college and the rest of their lives.
 We will provide support to you and your child as you determine the best educational path upon graduating
from Rocketship.
CODE OF CONDUCT
Non-Negotiable Expectations for Rocketship Rocketeers:
 Adherence to the Rocketship Commitment to Excellence
 Adherence to the Rocketship Five Core Values:
 Adherence to the Rocketship Creed:
Core Values
Responsibility
Empathy
Respect
Persistence
Bravery
I am a Rocketship Rocketeer at home, at school, and in my community
I show respect to myself, my neighbors, and the environment
I take responsibility for my learning and actions
I have empathy, supporting others in need
I show initiative by solving the problems I see
And I am persistent in attaining excellence.
Together, we are all Rocketship Rocketeers.
EXPECTATIONS FOR OUR COMMUNITY
At Rocketship we expect all community members and their guests to:
 Conduct themselves in an orderly manner, demonstrating respect to our educational mission, while at
school or at a Rocketship function.
 Do the right thing without being told.
 Be prompt when bringing their children to school or Rocketship functions and picking up their children from
school or Rocketship functions.
SCHOOL SCHEDULE
Transitional Kinder
Regular Day Schedule: 8:10a.m. To 1:50p.m.
All Thursdays are on minimum day schedule arrival 7:55am with dismissal at 1:30 p.m.
Kinder, 3rd, 4th & 5th Grade Schedule:
Regular Day Schedule: 8:10a.m. To 4:00 p.m.
All Thursdays are on minimum day schedule arrival 7:55 with dismissal at 1:30p.m.
First, Second & Third Grade Schedule:
Regular Day Schedule: 8:00a.m. To 3:50p.m.
All Thursdays are on minimum day schedule arrival 7:45am with dismissal at 1:20p.m.
OFFICE HOURS
Hoover Site Office Hours:
Regular Days: 7:45am – 4:30pm (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday Friday)
Minimum Day: 7:45am- 2:00pm (Thursdays)
Taft Site Office Hours:
Regular Days: 7:35am – 4:10pm (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday Friday)
Minimum Day: 7:35am- 2:00pm (Thursdays)
SCHOOL CONTACT INFORMATION:
Rocketship Redwood City Prep (Hoover Site)
701 Charter St
Redwood City, CA 94063
Phone: 1-877-806-0920 Ext 312
Fax: TBD
School Email:morellana@rsed.org
Rocketship Redwood City Prep (Taft Site)
903 Tenth Ave
Redwood City, CA 94063
Phone: 1-877-806-0920 Ext 312
Fax: TBD
School Email:morellana@rsed.org
***If your call is sent to voice mail, please leave a message and we will return your call within 24
hours***
Please leave a message with your name, phone number and a detailed message
***The Front Office is closed on the days when students do not have school. These include: Holidays,
Professional Development for Teachers, Parent Conference Days, Winter Vacation and Spring Break***
VISITORS
Parents and other visitors will need to sign-in at the Front Office when they arrive on campus and show
and ID. Visitors will need to wear a visitor’s badge at all times they are on campus and sign out when they
leave.
If you wish to have a conference with a staff member or visit your child’s class, please make arrangements at
least three days in advance. Visitors can be disruptive to class time and teachers and school leaders have
many other commitments, so we won’t be able to accommodate visitors who don’t make appointments in
advance. Please contact teachers and school leaders outside of instructional time (before or after the school
day). A copy of Rocketship’s Campus Visitor Policy is included in the Appendix of this document.
ARRIVAL/DISMISSAL
WALKER/RIDER CARD
At the beginning of the school year, parents are given a “Walker/Rider Card” with the student’s name, grade,
and homeroom. During dismissal, the child’s parent/guardian (or other authorized individual) must present this
card to school staff to pick up the child. If you lose your Walker/Rider Card, authorized individuals will be
required to show ID in the front office to obtain a temporary pick pass.
AUTHORIZING SOMEONE TO PICK UP A STUDENT (EMERGENCY CARDS)
Parents/guardians and anyone who is listed as an emergency contact on a child’s “Authorization to PickUp/Emergency Contact Card” are considered authorized to pick up a child unless the parent/guardian tells the
school that this is not true.
Parents may list additional people who are approved to pick up their child in the “Authorization to Pick Up”
section of the “Emergency Contact Card.” A parent/guardian can update this card at any time by visiting the
Front Office.
Rocketship recognizes that there will be situations when a person not listed on the “Authorization to PickUp/Emergency Contact Card” who will need to pick up a student from school. In these rare situations, the
child’s parent/guardian MUST call the school to let them know that their child can be released to another
person on that day. When possible, parents should also give this person a signed note that says it is OK for
them to pick up that child. If school staff cannot reach the child’s parent/guardian by phone and do not have a
signed note, we will need to hold the student at school until a parent/guardian can be reached. For more
information, refer to RSED’s Student Release Policy in the Appendix of this handbook.
DROP-OFF
Taft Site:
Students
may be
dropped
off as
early as
7:30AM.
Parents & Families
6.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Obey all instructions/directions from school staff
When waiting in the car, turn on blinkers to indicate
that they are still waiting for a student
When waiting in the car, do not move in the parking
lot unless directed to do so by a staff member
Bring walker/rider cards everyday.
Keep walker/rider cards updated with the names of
any and all individuals authorized to pick up his/her
child.
If you have forgotten your walker/rider card you
will be directed to check in to office with your ID
to pick up your child get a signed pass. This means
if you are in your vehicle you will have to find an
open parking place as this could stop the flow of
traffic for RWCP dismissal.
7. Please make sure if you are sending a
relative/someone else other than self that
person must be listed on the emergency
card, .please make all prior arrangements if so.
Your child’s safety is our priority. They must
also bring the walker/rider card with them.
Hoover Site: Students may be dropped off as early as 7:30AM.
If your child is dropped off late on regular days (after 8:10 AM Hover Site & 8:00AM Taft Site) they MUST go to
the front office first and get a pass from the Office Manager before heading to Launch or class. Your student
will be marked late in our records if he/she arrives after 8:10 AM at Hoover Site & 8:00 at Taft Site (Regular
Days)
If your child arrives 30 minutes after the start of school, your child will be marked tardy. If your child is marked
tardy, you may be subject to disciplinary procedures for tardy students. Please see the Attendance and
Truancy Policy in this document for more details.
PICK-UP
If you need to pick up your child before 3:00PM for an appointments or any other reason, you will need to write
a note and turn it into the front office to get prior approval from the principal.
Taft Site: Student(s) must be picked up on time. Please see Dismissal Time.
Parents & Families
6.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Obey all instructions/directions from school staff
When waiting in the car, turn on blinkers to indicate
that they are still waiting for a student
When waiting in the car, do not move in the parking
lot unless directed to do so by a staff member
Bring walker/rider cards everyday.
Keep walker/rider cards updated with the names of
any and all individuals authorized to pick up his/her
child.
If you have forgotten your walker/rider card you will be
directed to check in to office with your ID to pick up
your child get a signed pass. This means if you are in
your vehicle you will have to find an open parking place
as this could stop the flow of traffic for RWCP
dismissal.
7. Please make sure if you are sending a
relative/someone else other than self that person
must be listed on the emergency card, .please make
all prior arrangements if so. Your child’s safety is
our priority. They must also bring the walker/rider
card with them.
Hoover Site: Student(s) must be picked up on time. Please see Dismissal Time.
LATE PICK-UP
Dismissal ends at (Please see below for dismissal hours). When a child is picked up after the end of dismissal
it is considered a late pick-up and this incident will be recorded and addressed according to the Late Pick-Up
Policy that appears in the Appendix of this handbook. If you are running late due to an unforeseen
emergency, please call the Front Office.
Hoover Site Office Hours:
Regular Days: 7:45am – 4:30pm (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday Friday)
Minimum Day: 7:45am- 2:00pm (Thursdays)
Taft Site Office Hours:
Regular Days: 7:35am – 4:10pm (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday Friday)
Minimum Day: 7:35am- 2:00pm (Thursdays)
REMINDERS FOR ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL
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Do not conference with teachers or school leaders during arrival and dismissal time; make an
appointment instead.
Do not let your child out on the sidewalk outside or near our campus. YOU MUST enter our
campus and let your child out in the designated drop-off zone.
Students may only exit cars on the passengers’ side.
Please DO NOT talk or text on your phone during this time. We need to be able to communicate
with you for the safety of the children.
Display your child’s Walker/Rider Card when picking up your child.
Please remember to leave adequate space between cars to avoid collision.
ATTENDANCE AND TRUANCY
It is critical that Rocketeers come to school on time, ready to learn, every day. Students who arrive after the
start of the school day are considered late; if students arrive more than 30 minutes after the start of the school
day, they are considered tardy. Students who arrive late /tardy or miss days of school without a valid excuse
are missing critical parts of the school day, and parents/guardians who allow students to miss significant time
at school may be in violation of mandatory attendance laws.
It’s best to schedule doctor’s appointments for your child at the very beginning of the day, or at the very end of
the day. Students should not miss an entire day of school for a doctors appointment.
Parents/guardians should carefully review the Attendance and Truancy Policy that appears in the
Appendix of this Handbook for detailed information on Rocketship’s approach to attendance and
truancy and the consequences for recurring unexcused absences, lates, and tardies.
In an effort to support schools in ensuring students have enough time to access all the required standards, the state
of California will only allow a student to be absent for the following reasons:
1) Illness (Inform the school of his/her absence before 9:00am same day)
2) Medical/Dental Services (needs excuse note from Dr or Dental upon return to school),
3) Quarantine, (needs note from Dr or Dental upon return to school and same day of first quarantine)
4) Funeral Service of the Student’s Immediate Family (Inform the school prior of his/her absence)
5) Immunization Exclusion (not to exceed 5 days, inform the school of his/her before 9:00am same day)
6) Court Appearance (needs prior approval by principal)
7) Religious Observance (needs prior approval by principal)
8) Independent Study (needs prior approval by principal)
TRANSPORTATION
All parents are responsible for securing the transportation for of their child to and from school. In addition,
parents must provide contact information for any person authorized to pick up their student. Parents must
inform the front office if a child has permission to walk home.
AFTER-SCHOOL
After-school programming may be available for some students. Information on afterschool opportunities will be
shared with families over the summer and at the beginning of the school year.
UNIFORM POLICY
All students are expected to wear the Rocketship uniform every day. The Rocketship uniform consists of dark
purple polo shirt with collar and Khaki pants. Students may also wear a Rocketship polo shirt with collar.
Students must always be “Dressed for Success,” by coming to school in neat and clean uniforms, shirts
should be tucked in, and all garments should fit comfortably. Students should also wear closed toe shoes.
Sandals are not safe or appropriate for school.
Students that do not come to school in their uniform may lose privileges. In addition, their parent/guardian will
be contacted and will be asked to bring a change of clothes for their child.
Any additional dress code requirements above and beyond what appears in this policy will be communicated to
families by the principal every year.
The following are NOT permitted on campus:
1.
Dresses and shorts which are shorter than mid-thigh
2.
Spaghetti straps (smaller than 2’’ or the width of a credit card)
3.
Tank tops (white, ribbed undershirts)
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
Clothing or accessories which are sexually provocative
Clothing or accessories which identify a student with non-school clubs, profanity, obscenity,
references to drugs, alcohol, tobacco, gangs (red or blue color) or prison culture name insignia
Attire with writing that degrades individuals or groups
Body piercings that create a safety hazard are not acceptable; moderate sized earrings are
acceptable
Platform shoes or high heels over 2.5 inches high
No underwear or undergarment may be seen at any time
Tops must completely cover the midriff area at all times
Pants must be properly worn around the waist
No intentionally torn pants or jeans
Shoelaces must be tied
Bandanas, hairnets, headbands, dew rags, and non-Marshall hats (also includes beanies,
baseball caps, etc.)
Sunglasses or Marshall hats may not be worn in the building, but may be worn outside to
protect from the sun
SCHOOL SUPPLIES
Students will need to have the following supplies at home to complete their homework:
Pencils, Papers, Crayons
At least one book (may be checked out from the library)
Dictionary (2nd grade students)
PERSONAL BELONGINGS
Students are not allowed to have the following items at school:
Gum
Chips, Candy or other junk food
Soda
Hats
Cell Phones
Any illegal substance
Weapons and toy weapons
Toys, stuffed animals or dolls
Gameboys or any other electronic toys
Radio or Walkman or MP3 Player
Matches or any flammable item
TELEPHONE USE
Students may not use any school phone without permission from a teacher. Students will only be allowed to
use the phone in case of emergency or to inform a parent/ guardian regarding a specific need. A teacher must
dial the number for students. Students who use a phone without permission from a teacher will be subject to
disciplinary procedures.
MEALS: LUNCH, BREAKFAST, SNACKS
FREE AND REDUCED LUNCH FORMS
All families must either fill out and submit a federal free/reduced lunch application or indicate that they do not
wish to submit an FRL application during Mandatory Registration Day, the summer before school starts.
Families that qualify will get free/reduced pricing for lunch provided by the school after their application has
been processed.
If a family submits an FRL form late (after Mandatory Registration Day), benefits will take placeonce the
application is processed. Forms are typically processed within 5-10 days after they are submitted. Families will
have to pay full price for any meals eaten before the reduced price or free meal benefit takes effect.
HOME/BAG LUNCH
Students do not have to eat breakfast or lunch provided by the school. Families may instead choose to have
their children eat breakfast at home and/or to send a bag lunch to the school. Please be aware that the school
does not have refrigerators available to keep student lunches cold.
PAYING FOR LUNCH AND BREAKFAST
Our school lunch program is supported by Rocketship funds, government reimbursement, and payment from
parents. We need parents to pay what they owe for student meals in advance in order to keep this program
running.
If your child is going to eat a lunch provided by the school, you will need to pre-order and pre-pay for these
meals. You will receive information on how to pre-pay and pre-order over the summer. Credit/debit card is our
preferred form of payment.
Families will be charged according to their FRL status. (“Paid” families will pay full price for their lunches;
“reduced” families will pay a reduced rate for lunches; “free” families will not need to pay for lunch).
Even if you think your child will not eat school lunch, please pre-pay some amount to cover the cost of
incidental meals. At the end of the year, you can be refunded whatever is left in your child’s account.
Questions about Lunch Billing? If you have questions or concerns about lunch billing at your child’s school,
reach out to the Business Operations Manager.
BREAKFAST
Our school participates in universal breakfast, meaning that every student present at school will receive a
meal. Studies have shown that students who eat breakfast have more energy, do better in school, and eat
healthier throughout the day. Students are not required to eat the breakfast provided by the school.
SNACKS
Students may bring a snack from home. Students may bring a healthy snack (fruits, vegetables, etc.), but may
NOT bring items like chips, cookies, sweets, candy, gum, etc. If students bring these items, they may be
confiscated.
Prohibited Foods: Rocketship partners with our local food vendor to provide our Rocketeers a healthy lunch.
With a focus on healthy food, Rocketship prohibits the following food products on campus:
Foods that are NOT ALLOWED (and may be confiscated):
Chips (unless included in a complete lunch i.e. sandwich, fruits, vegetables, etc.)
Cookies
Gum
Candy
Fast Food
Soda
Junk Food
Foods that are encouraged and our Rocketeers LOVE!:
Salads
Carrots
Celery Sticks
Apple slices and peanut butter
Fresh fruits and vegetables
Whole Grains
Healthy snack packs and options
FOOD ALLERGIES
If your child has a known food allergy or dietary restriction, please let school staff know. In some cases, it may
be possible to accommodate your child’s needs in our lunch orders, however, you will need to provide a note
from your child’s physician, talk to your school Business Operations Manager.
If your child needs access to an Epi-Pen or other allergy medication in case of a reaction, you will need to
submit a Medication Authorization Form to your school Office Manager signed by you and your child’s
physician. Please contact the Front Office for more information.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
EMERGENCY CONTACT CARDS
Over the summer, parent/guardians complete and submit an "Emergency Contact/Authorization to Pick-Up
Card.” This card is kept on file at the school in the Front Office. This card contains the names and phone
numbers of individuals who can be contacted if a child has an emergency and the child’s parent/guardian
cannot be reached.
WEAPONS AND FIREARMS
Rocketship Education prohibits any weapons, imitation firearms or dangerous objects of any kind in school
buildings, on school grounds or buses, or at off campus school-related or school sponsored activities.
DRUGS, ALCOHOL, AND SMOKE
Rocketship Education is committed to maintaining campuses free of alcohol, smoke, and illegal drugs. Do not
smoke on campus and do not bring alcohol or illegal substances of any kind to our school.
VIDEO SURVEILLANCE
Video surveillance may be used at our campuses where deemed necessary. The use of video surveillance at
our schools is solely for the purposes of controlling theft, ensuring the safety of Rocketship students and staff,
and facilitating the identification of individuals who behave in a disruptive manner or commit a crime.
If a visitor to a Rocketship Education school site has questions or concerns about the use of video surveillance,
he or she should direct his/her questions to the school principal
SAFETY PREPARATION
Safety is our first priority. To make sure our staff and students know what to do in case of an emergency, we
follow a rigorous calendar of staff trainings, safety team meetings, campus walkthroughs, and safety drills.
Every school is equipped with a detailed Health and Safety Plan that contains our emergency response plans,
including plans for earthquakes, fire, severe weather, and lockdowns.
PRIMARY AND SECONDARY EVACUATION SITES
Our school has two evacuation sites. Our primary evacuation site is located on campus (To Be Determined).
We will use this evacuation site when it is safe to remain on campus.
Our secondary evacuation site is located off campus at (To Be Determined). If there is a disaster at the school
site or the campus is unsafe for some reason, we will evacuate to this site. During an emergency dismissal, we
may ask parents to meet us at this secondary evacuation site. Please be familiar with this location so you know
where to go in case of an emergency dismissal.
To Be Determined
EMERGENCIES
In order for us to keep our campus safe during an emergency, we need our families to understand the
following:
 In the event of an emergency, we will share information with families via our automated calling system.
Please make sure your updated contact information is in our system.
 If there is an incident on or near our campus, please stay at home and wait for instructions from our
school leaders. We need the public to stay away while we secure our campus and account for all
students. When it is safe to come to the school, you will be contacted.
 After an emergency incident, we may need to change the way we dismiss students. You may be asked
to present a photo ID in addition to your child’s Walker/Rider card. Please wait for instructions from
school leaders before coming to campus.
 If the school campus is not safe, we may need to dismiss students from our secondary (off-campus)
evacuation sites. It is important that you know where this secondary evacuation site is located (see
above).
VACCINATIONS
State law requires that all children entering or continuing attendance at elementary school be immunized
against certain diseases. Parents/guardians must submit proof of these immunizations to the school. These
requirements can be waived only if a properly signed health or religious exemption is filed. NOTE: If your child
has a health or religious exemption they will be excluded from school in the case of an outbreak. To enter into
a Rocketship School, children under age eighteen must have immunizations as outlined below:
Polio
Diphtheria,
Tetanus
and Pertussis
(DTaP, DTP or DT)
4 doses at any age, but 3 doses for ages 4-6 if at least one was given on or after the
4th birthday, but 3 doses for ages 7-17 if at least one was given on or after the 2 nd
birthday.
5 doses at any age, but 4 doses for ages 4-6 if at least one was given on or after the
4th birthday.
Measles, Mumps
2 doses on or after 1st birthday for Transitional Kindergarten and Kindergarten
& Rubella (MMR)
Hepatitis B
Varicella
3 doses at any age for Transitional Kindergarten and Kindergarten
1 dose for Transitional Kindergarten and Kindergarten.
Hearing and Vision Screenings
At Rocketship Education schools in California, students are screened at each school site and at the grade
levels listed below. Students may also be screened if a parent, teacher or staff suspects a vision or hearing
problem. Those students who fail the initial screening will be retested. Parents will be notified and referred for
further follow-up if necessary. Parents may submit a written request for exemption from any health screening.
ABSENCE DUE TO ILLNESS
If a child is sick in the morning, Rocketship expects him/her to stay home for the day. Please call the Front
Office in the morning before the start of the school day to inform us of the child’s absence and to arrange a
way to pick up homework. Notifying your student’s teacher of their absence will not excuse the absence – you
MUST NOTIFY THE FRONT OFFICE. Please consult the RSED Attendance/Truancy Policy in the
Appendix of this handbook for further detail.
In an effort to support schools in ensuring students have enough time to access all the required standards, the state
of California will only allow a student to be absent for the following reasons:
1) Illness (Inform the school of his/her absence before 9:00am same day)
2) Medical/Dental Services (needs excuse note from Dr or Dental upon return to school),
3) Quarantine, (needs note from Dr or Dental upon return to school and same day of first quarantine)
4) Funeral Service of the Student’s Immediate Family (Inform the school prior of his/her absence)
5) Immunization Exclusion (not to exceed 5 days, inform the school of his/her before 9:00am same day)
6) Court Appearance (needs prior approval by principal)
7) Religious Observance (needs prior approval by principal)
8) Independent Study (needs prior approval by principal)
The student will be responsible for all missed assignments. Please see procedures for make-up work under
academic policies.
HEAD LICE & NIT PREVENTION
If a student has been identified as having live head lice or nits (eggs), the parent of the student is contacted
and the student will be sent home from school. The Front Office will provide the parent with information
regarding Rocketship’s head lice Procedures, treatment and process of readmission requirements and
resources. The student may return to school following treatment which in most cases is the day after
administering treatment. An Rocketship staff member will exam the student’s head before re-entry into the
classroom.
If there are two or more students affected in any class, an exposure notice will be sent home to parents and
guardians of children in the class.
Please refer to the RSED Head Lice in the Appendix of this handbook for information.
ILLNESS OR INJURY DURING SCHOOL HOURS
If a child becomes ill or injured during the school day and is not well enough to stay in class, the child’s
parent/guardian will be called to pick the child up. We do not have the capacity to watch over and care for ill or
injured children, so parents/guardians will be expected to pick up their child within as soon as possible. Please
make sure that we have updated phone numbers on your child’s Emergency Card on file in the school office. If
your child has an emergency, we must be able to reach you – if you move or change your phone number(s),
please let us know immediately.
Please be sure that the school has updated contact and health information. If your child has needs we do not
know about, we cannot provide for those needs.
MEDICATIONS
Rocketship staff CANNOT assist in administering any medication (prescription or over-the-counter) unless the
school has a medication authorization form signed by the child’s parent and physician. If your child needs to
take medication at school, please ask your Office Manager for a copy of this form.
Bring the completed form to the Office Manager at your child’s school along with the medication and
prescription. You must keep the medication in its original packaging from the pharmacy.
The Office Manager will administer medication to your child or appoint a designee to administer medication if
he/she is unavailable. The school will keep a record of every time your child receives a medication. For more
information, you can request a copy of our Medication Authorization Policy.
FIRST AID
The school will provide basic first aid to your child in case of an incident. If your child is sick or seriously injured
and you receive a call to pick up your child, you will be expected to pick up your child as soon as possible.
FAMILY INVOLVEMENT
In addition to the duties listed in the signed contract, parents are requested to participate in their children’s
learning in the following ways:
PARENT PARTNERSHIP HOURS
Engaged parents are a core pillar of Rocketship’s model and critical to our Rocketeer’s and their long-term
success. By actively being included and involved in our schools and their Rocketeer’s learning, parents
become integrated into the fabric of the school community. An active partnership between families and
Rocketship faculty and staff benefits our Rocketeers as they see their parents on campus, and families as they
gain a deeper understanding of Rocketship’s model and are positioned to reinforce Rocketship’s core
characteristics at home.
Rocketship asks that families participate in 30 Parent Partnership Hours each year, supporting or participating
in various school activities. Some of these Parent Partnership Hours are realized during school activities that
occur after hours or on weekends in order to accommodate the work and daily schedules of our parents.
Parents are able to realize these hours by participating in critical activities regarding their Rocketeer’s success
and achievement like home visits or parent conferences.
Moreover, parents may realize Parent Partnership Hours by helping out on campus, chaperoning a field trip,
attending community meetings around various agenda items that are intended to create deeper transparency
and partnership with families.
Volunteering is not required, and neither students nor families are penalized for not doing so. If families do not
realize 30 Parent Partnership Hours annually, there is no consequence or penalty. Finally, the safety of our
Rocketeers always comes first. Thus, in regards to actively volunteering on campus or off campus at
Rocketship sponsored events such as fieldtrips both within and outside normal school hours, every parent,
guardian, or family member must apply to become a volunteer, and participation is encouraged only after he or
she has cleared a background check.
Please refer to the RSED Volunteer Policy in the Appendix of this handbook for information on the
background clearance process for families who choose to volunteer.
PARENT/GUARDIAN, STUDENT, TEACHER CONFERENCES
A parent/guardian must attend conferences to meet with teachers to go over student’s progress report and/or
report card.
EXHIBITION NIGHTS
All parents/guardians should attend the scheduled Exhibition Nights. If you cannot attend, a family
representative can attend in your place. During these meetings, parents have the opportunity to see student
presentations and discover what their child has learned for the past 9-12 weeks.
COMMUNITY MEETINGS
All parents/guardians are invited and strongly encouraged to attend the scheduled Community Meetings.
These meetings will help you stay informed regarding your school procedures and policies and become
actively involved in further developing the school’s mission.
PARENT/FAMILY MEETINGS
All parents/guardians are invited and strongly encouraged to attend the scheduled Parent/Family Meetings to
maintain an active role in their child’s learning. These meetings are open to the entire family and typically take
place on the weekends or on a weeknight.
MANDATORY REGISTRATION DAY
Before school begins each year, parents will receive an invitation to a Mandatory Registration Day. All parents
must attend this event.
ACADEMICS
CURRICULUM
The curriculum at Rocketship is driven by clear performance standards for what students should know and be
able to do at each grade level to be successful in top quality middle schools, high schools, and colleges. For
each grade level, standards are based on national and state curriculum frameworks. Teachers will use regular
assessments to measure how well students are mastering the standards.
We use knowledge about student skills to shape whole class instruction, small group work, and small group
tutoring. Using individual student data, instruction can be targeted to better meet individual student needs.
Teachers will give students and parents/guardians ongoing feedback about student performance. Teachers will
often send work home for parents/guardians to sign, and teachers will contact parents/guardians if they see a
significant slip in academic performance or a special skill that needs extra practice at school and home.
Parents/guardians will also regularly receive progress reports and report cards. You should feel free to contact
any of your child’s teachers regarding his/her progress at any time.
CHEATING
Cheating is a serious offense. If a student copies another student’s work or if a student gives another student
his/her work, it is considered cheating.
A student caught cheating is not only being dishonest but is in violation of many of our core values. Each case
will be handled on an individual basis; however, cheating is considered grounds for suspension.
HOMEWORK
Homework must be completed every night.
Rocketeers have homework every night. Preparation is an important part of our curriculum, and no student is
excused from any assignment without the permission of his or her teacher prior to the due date.
Students who do not complete their homework Enter school specific plan for addressing students who
have not done HW. Example: Family Workshop, Homework detention etc.
MAKE-UP WORK
All missed work must be completed.
It is a Rocketeer’s responsibility to consult with each of his/her teachers to make sure s/he is aware of all
assignments. The time generally allowed to complete this work will be the number of days the student was
absent. For example, if a student was absent for one day, then he or she will have one day to make up any
missed work.
Appendix: School Policies
The procedures and policies described in this appendix and in this handbook as a whole may
change from time to time. Please contact the school front office for the most updated copy of
any policy contained in this handbook and/or to clarify any questions you have about the content
of this handbook.
ANNUAL NOTIFICATION OF FERPA
Rocketship Education will issue an annual notice of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy
Act (FERPA) (20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99) and the rights it provides parents and
students. This notice shall be included in the Rocketship Education Parent Handbook.
Notification to Families
FERPA is a Federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. The law applies
to all schools that receive funds under an applicable program of the U.S. Department of
Education, including Rocketship Education schools.
FERPA gives parents/guardians certain rights with respect to their children's education records.
These rights transfer to the student when he or she reaches the age of 18 or attends a school
beyond the high school level. Students to whom the rights have transferred are "eligible
students."



Parents/guardians or eligible students have the right to inspect and review the student's
education records maintained by the school. Rocketship Education will provide the
requesting parent/guardian or eligible student the requested education records within 45
days of receiving the request. Schools are not required to provide copies of records
unless, for reasons such as great distance, it is impossible for parents or eligible
students to review the records. Schools may charge a fee for copies.
Parents or eligible students have the right to request that a school correct records which
they believe to be inaccurate or misleading. If the school decides not to amend the
record, the parent or eligible student then has the right to a formal hearing. After the
hearing, if the school still decides not to amend the record, the parent or eligible student
has the right to place a statement with the record setting forth his or her view about the
contested information.
Generally, schools must have written permission from the parent or eligible student in
order to release any information from a student's education record. However, FERPA
allows schools to disclose those records, without consent, to the following parties or
under the following conditions (34 CFR § 99.31):
 School officials with legitimate educational interest;
 Other schools to which a student is transferring;
 Specified officials for audit or evaluation purposes;
 Appropriate parties in connection with financial aid to a student;
 Organizations conducting certain studies for or on behalf of the school;
 Accrediting organizations;




To comply with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena;
Appropriate officials in cases of health and safety emergencies; and
State and local authorities, within a juvenile justice system, pursuant to specific
State law.
Parents/guardians and eligible students have a right to file a complaint with the U.S.
Department of Education concerning alleged failures by a Rocketship school to comply
with the requirements of FERPA. These complaints should be directed to the Family
Policy Compliance Office of the U.S. Department of Education:
Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Ave. SW, Washington, DC 20202-8520
Schools may disclose, without consent, "directory" information such as a student's name,
address, telephone number, date and place of birth, honors and awards, and dates of
attendance. However, schools must tell parents and eligible students about directory information
and allow parents and eligible students a reasonable amount of time to request that the school
not disclose directory information about them. Schools must notify parents and eligible students
annually of their rights under FERPA.
This notice will be included in the Parent Handbook published by each school. Additional or
alternate means of notification (special letter, newsletter, or newspaper article) are left to the
discretion of each school.
ANNUAL NOTICE OF CHILD FIND ACTIVITIES
Rocketship Education provides a free, appropriate public education to students with disabilities
according to state and federal mandates. To be eligible for special education services, the child
must be of school age, need specially designed instruction, and meet eligibility criteria for one or
more of the following disabilities as set forth in the Individuals with Disabilities Education
Improvement Act (the federal law which outlines legal responsibilities related to special
education):
• Autistic-like Behaviors
• Blindness/Visual Impairment
• Deaf Blindness
• Deafness/Hearing Impairment
• Emotional Disturbance
• Intellectual Disability
• Multiple Disabilities
• Orthopedic Impairment
• Other Health Impairment
• Physical Disability
• Specific Learning Disability
• Speech and Language Impairment
• Traumatic Brain Injury
Rocketship has adopted an inclusion model, which means that students with disabilities are
educated in general education classrooms. Each student with a disability has a case manager,
who is a credentialed special education teacher that works with classroom teachers to design
the student’s education plan. The extent of special education services and the location for the
delivery of such services are determined by the IEP team (which includes parents). Rocketship
Education also provides any related services, such as physical therapy, adapted physical
education, occupational therapy, etc. that are required to enable the student to derive
educational benefits.
Rocketship has systems in place that assist the school in determining whether a student may
have a disability. These include a specific “Child Find” form that is completed by parents upon
enrollment in a Rockethip school. This also includes an SST, or pre-referral, process in which
school teams identify students who are struggling academically, socially, or behaviorally and
develop interventions to support the student. Rocketship has additional interventions that are
made available to students who require it; these include both differentiated instruction in the
classroom and supplemental interventions in the learning lab and classroom. School teams
monitor the progress of every child who receives intervention services in order to be able to
identify any student who is not responding to interventions. Our model makes every effort to
support the student within the general education setting while at the same time monitoring
student progress to identify students who may have disabilities.
If you have a concern regarding your child’s academic or social functioning, contact his or her
classroom teacher, or a school leader at your school site.
Revocation of Consent:
Parents of children who have been identified with a disability have the right to revoke consent
for special education services, meaning that they no longer want the school to provide special
education services to their child. If a parent withdraws their consent for special education and
related services by notifying the Rocketship in writing, the district still has the responsibility to
identify, locate, and evaluate a child who is suspected of having a disability and in need of
special education and related services. As part of our Rocketship’s child find obligations in
regards to your child, please know that you maintain the right to subsequently request an
evaluation to determine if your child is a child with a disability who needs special education and
related services.
Rocketship cannot proceed with an evaluation or with the initial provision of special education
and related services without the written consent of the parents. Giving written consent is
voluntary. You can withdraw your written consent at any time by notifying the school in writing .
PARENTS RIGHT TO KNOW POLICY
Parents have the right under Federal law to request information specific to teacher
qualifications. In addition, No Child Left Behind (NCLB) places an emphasis on parents’ right
to know about the professional qualifications of their child’s classroom teachers. Parents
have the right to request the following information about the instructional staff working with
their child:

Whether a teacher has met state certification for the grades and subjects that he or
she is teaching.

Whether a teacher is working with an emergency or conditional certificate.

What the baccalaureate degree major and any other graduate certification or
degrees held by a Rocketship teacher are.

What level of qualifications paraprofessionals have whom are working with their
child.
In addition, a school that receives Title I funds must provide parents:

Information on the level of achievement the child has made on all state
assessments; and

Timely notice that the parent’s child has been assigned or taught for 4 or more
consecutive weeks by a teacher who is not highly qualified.
Rocketship Education is committed to providing quality instruction for all students. It does so by
employing highly qualified individuals to teach and support each student in the classroom. If you
would like to receive any of the information listed above, please contact the Rockethship
Education Human Resources department by emailing hr@rsed.org with “Right to Know
Request” as the subject of your email, or call (877) 806-0920 Ext. 117.
DISCIPLINE POLICY
Rocketship relies on proactive, preventative supports to promote positive behavior at school.
We implement a Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) framework in all schools.
The fundamental purpose of PBIS is to create learning environments that are more consistent,
predictable, positive, and safe. This is accomplished through the following key practices:
 Behavioral expectations that are clearly defined, taught, and reinforced.
 Systems for recognizing and reinforcing positive behaviors.
 Consequences that are clearly defined and consistently implemented.
 Data based decision making
 Multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS)
Core Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Programs:
A key component of our PBIS approach at Rocketship is the implementation of core SEL
programming at all grade levels. We will be implementing the following two programs:
1) Kimochi’s (lower grades) “Feelings can be messy… Kimochi’s can help!”
Kimochi’s is a social-emotional learning program which helps students identify,
communicate, and regulate feelings, as well as develop appropriate social skills. The
program teaches skills through five characters: Cloud, Cat, Lovey Dove, Huggatapus,
and Bug.
Two of the central components of the Kimochi’s program include the Keys to
Communication (e.g. “Be brave and redo hurtful moments,” and “Assume the best”), and
“kotowazas” (e.g. “It’s okay to be mad, but it’s not okay to be mean,” and “Be brave
enough to stand up and speak or brave enough sit down and listen.”
2) The Ruler Approach (upper grades)
The Ruler Approach is a social-emotional learning program which teaches “emotional
literacy” to students by teaching them to:
 Recognize emotions in oneself and others
 Understand the causes and consequences of emotions
 Label the full range of emotions using a rich vocabulary
 Express emotions appropriately in different contexts
 Regulate emotions effectively to foster healthy relationships and achieve goals
The Ruler Approach utilizes four “Anchors of Emotional Literacy,” which include a class
charter, The Mood Meter, Meta-Moments, and The Blueprint.
Rocketship classrooms also use a variety of management systems to communicate behavior
(both positive and negative) to students and families. The specific systems can vary by
classroom, but examples include color-coded card chart systems and “Class Dojo.” Families
are notified of student behavior (both positive and concerns) via home-school communication
systems such as logs, phone calls, conferences, and school visits.
In the event that our proactive systems are ineffective and behavior infractions occur,
Rocketship utilizes a progressive discipline system. Consequences range in severity based on
the particular behavior.
Major infractions that threaten the safety or health of students, staff or others, such as,
weapons, threats, the use of a dangerous instrument, possession of, or use of any illegal drugs,
may be cause for immediate suspension or expulsion. Decisions over these consequences will
be made by the school Principal, in accordance with the regional RSED Suspension/Expulsion
Policy.
Rocketship considers student disciplinary decisions a private matter.
BULLYING/HARASSMENT POLICY
Bullying is prohibited at Rocketship schools. This policy applies to all Rocketship students.
Bullying is harassing, threatening, or hurting another student or staff member. Bullying can be
physical, written, verbal, or electronic (“cyberbullying”).
If a student is being bullied, it should be reported immediately to a school staff member. School
staff will quickly investigate any complaint of bullying or cyberbullying and will take action if the
bullying/cyberbullying is verified. Bullying/cyberbullying complaints will be kept confidential.
For more information, request a copy of the regional RSED Bullying/Harassment Policy
from your school.
HEAD LICE POLICY
If student is suspected of having head lice, a trained school employee may examine the hair of
the suspected student or other members of that student’s household to look for nits or lice. If a
student is positive for live head lice, the student is to be sent home with information to the
parents regarding treatment and control measures.
If there are two or more students affected in any class, an exposure notice with information
about head lice shall be sent home to all parents/guardians of those students. Staff shall
maintain the privacy of students identified as having head lice and excluded from attendance.
Excluded students may return to school when reexamination shows that all nits and lice have
been removed.
HUMAN RIGHTS STATEMENT
Rocketship brings together a diverse group of individuals. It is guided by the principle that
respect and consideration for all individuals is foremost in all school activities. It is unlawful to
discriminate against any individual based on race, color, religion, sex, nationality, sexual
orientation, age or handicap status. Rocketship is not only obligated to uphold the law
concerning equal opportunity but regards the spirit of these laws to be the very core of its
values.
Rocketship wishes to stress that it is the responsibility of every member of the Rocketship
community to observe and uphold the principles of equal opportunity as they affect staff, faculty
and students in all aspects of school life. It is the responsibility of every member of the
Rocketship community to actively promote appropriate workplace behavior. Any form of
coercion or harassment that insults the dignity of others or impedes their freedom to work and
learn will not be tolerated. Any such form of coercion or harassment will result in appropriate
discipline, up to and including, discharge.
CHILD ABUSE/NEGLECT
All school personnel are mandated reporters of suspected abuse and/or neglect. Mandated
reporters are required to report suspected child maltreatment immediately when they have
reasonable cause to believe that a child who is 17 years of age or younger and known to them
in a professional or official capacity has been harmed or is in danger of being harmed –
physically, sexually, or through neglect – and that a caregiver either committed the harm or
should have taken steps to prevent the child from harm.
No one in the workplace, even a supervisor, is permitted to suppress, change, or edit a report of
abuse. A mandated reporter who fails to report suspected incidents of child abuse or neglect is
subject to license suspension or revocation, and commits a misdemeanor. For more
information, request a copy of the RSED regional Mandated Reporter Policy from your
school.
INTERNET SAFETY (CIPA)
It is the policy of Rocketship Education (“Rocketship”) and each school in the Rocketship
Education school network (individually and collectively, the “Schools”) to: (a) prevent
user access over its computer network to, or transmission of, inappropriate material via
Internet, electronic mail, or other forms of direct electronic communications; (b) prevent
unauthorized access and other unlawful online activity; (c) prevent unauthorized online
disclosure, use, or dissemination of personal identification information of minors; and (d)
comply with the Children’s Internet Protection Act [Pub. L. No. 106 -554 and 47 USC 254(h)].
DEFINITIONS
Key terms are as defined in the Children’s Internet Protection Act.*
ACCESS TO INAPPROPRIATE MATERIALS
To the extent practical, technology protection measures (or “Internet filters”) shall be used to
block or filter Internet, or other forms of electronic communications, access to inappropriate
information.
Specifically, as required by the Children’s Internet Protection Act, blocking shall be applied
to visual depictions of material deemed obscene or child pornography, or to any material
deemed harmful to minors.
Subject to staff supervision, technology protection measures may be disabled for adults or, in
the case of minors, minimized only for bona fide research or other lawful purposes.
INAPPROPRIATE NETWORK USAGE
To the extent practical, steps shall be taken to promote the safety and security of users of
the Internet access at the Schools when using electronic mail, chat rooms, instant messaging
and other forms of direct electronic communications.
Specifically, as required by the Children’s Internet Protection Act, prevention of inappropriate
network usage includes: (a) unauthorized access, including so-called ‘hacking’ and other
unlawful activities; and (b) unauthorized disclosure, use, and dissemination of personal
identification information regarding minors.
EDUCATION, SUPERVISING, AND MONITORING
It shall be the responsibility of all members of the Schools staff to educate, supervise and
monitor appropriate usage of the access to the Internet in accordance with this policy, the
Children’s Internet Protection Act, the Neighborhood Children’s Internet Protection Act, and the
Protecting Children in the
21st Century Act
Procedures for the disabling or otherwise modifying any technology protection measures shall
be the responsibility of Rocketship’s Chief Schools Officer or designated representatives of
Rocketship or the Schools.
The Rocketship Regional Business Director or designated representatives of Rocketship or
the School will provide age-appropriate training for students who use the School’s Internet
facilities. The training provided will be designed to promote the School’s commitment to:
The standards and acceptable use of Internet services as set forth in the School’s Internet
Safety Policy; Student safety with regard to: Safety on the Internet; Appropriate behavior while
online, on social networking Web sites, and in chat rooms; and Cyberbullying awareness and
response.
Compliance with the E-Rate requirements of the Children’s Internet Protection Act
(“CIPA”).
Following receipt of this training, the student will acknowledge that he/she received the training,
understood it, and will follow the provisions of Rocketship’s acceptable use policies.
ADOPTION
This Internet Safety was adopted by the Board of Rocketship Education at a public meeting,
following normal public notice on May 15, 2012.
* CIPA DEFINITIONS OF TERMS
MINOR. The term ‘minor’ means any individual who has not attained the age of 17 years.
TECHNOLOGY PROTECTION MEASURE. The term ‘technology protection measure’
means a
specific technology that blocks or filters Internet access to visual depictions that are:
1. OBSCENE, as that term is defined in section 1460 of title 18, United States Code;
2. CHILD PORNOGRAPHY, as that term is defined in section 2256 of title 18, United States
Code;
or
3. Harmful to minors.
HARMFUL TO MINORS. The term ‘harmful to minors’ means any picture, image, graphic
image file, or other visual depiction that:
1. Taken as a whole and with respect to minors, appeals to a prurient interest in nudity,
sex, or excretion;
2. Depicts, describes, or represents, in a patently offensive way with respect to what is
suitable for minors, an actual or simulated sexual act or sexual contact, actual or
simulated normal or perverted sexual acts, or a lewd exhibition of the genitals; and
3. Taken as a whole, lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value as to minors.
SEXUAL ACT; SEXUAL CONTACT. The terms ‘sexual act’ and ‘sexual contact’ have the
meanings given such terms in section 2246 of title 18, United States Code.
FAMILY CUSTODY POLICY
It is Rocketship's policy to remain impartial during custody disputes.
It is the responsibility of parents to provide the school with accurate and updated information on
the custody rights of their children. Updated court orders should be provided to the Office
Manager as soon as possible. All documentation provided to the school will be kept private.
Without a court order, Rocketship will assume that separated or divorced parents of a child have
joint custody. Without a court order or proof of adoption, a child’s stepparents will not be
considered to have custody of a child.
If one parent does not wish to allow the other parent the right to remove the child from school or
visit the child in school, the school must be given a court order limiting the other parent’s rights.
For more information, please request a copy of the Rocketship Family Custody Policy
from your school.
CAMPUS ACCESS AND VISITOR POLICY
Rocketship Education (“RSED”) strives to create campuses that are welcoming to families,
volunteers, and community members while maintaining a safe and secure environment for
students and staff.
To ensure the campus safety and minimize interruption of the instructional program, Rocketship
has established the following procedures to facilitate visits during regular school days:
Front Entrance
At all times during the school day, the front office to a Rocketship school will be manned by a
Rocketship staff member. For the purpose of this policy, the school day is defined as a period of
time that starts 30 minutes before the beginning of the instructional day and ends 30 minutes
after the end of the instructional day.
Ensuring that the front office is manned at all times is a primary responsibility of the school’s
Office Manager. If the Office Manager is unable to be at the front desk for some reason, he/she
is responsible for finding another Rocketship staff member to be present. Individuals who are
not RSED staff members should NOT be asked to man the front desk.
Visitor Registration and Passes/Badges
All visitors (including RSED regional and national staff members) are required to register with
the front office immediately upon entering any school building or grounds during school hours.
After registering in the Front Office, visitors who are not RSED employees will be issued a
Visitor’s Pass that they must display at all times while on campus.
RSED regional/national staff (“Network Support”) will receive personal identification badges
from the Rocketship Human Resources Department. Network Support staff must display their
badge on their persons at all time while at a school site. If a Network Support staff member
forgets his or her badge, he or she will need to obtain a Visitor’s Pass.
All visitors must also sign out when leaving the campus.
Any visitor may be asked to provide personal identification at any time.
Arranging for a Campus Visit
Visits during school hours by non-RSED staff should be arranged with the teacher and Principal
(or designee) at least three (3) days in advance. Teacher conferences should be arranged by
appointment at least three (3) days in advance and must be scheduled to take place during noninstructional time.
Parent/guardians who want to visit a classroom during school hours must first obtain written
approval from the classroom teacher and the Principal or designee.
For grounds for removal/refusal of a visitor at a school site, request a complete copy of
the RSED Campus Access/Visitor Policy from your school.
SCHOOL CANCELLATION AND CLOSURE
On rare occasions, the decision may be made to alter the regular schedule of the school day by
closing school for a day, starting the school day late, or releasing students early at one or
several Rocketship Education schools due to snow, rain, severe weather, natural disasters, or
other emergency conditions. In general, Rocketship schools will observe the same decisions as
local districts in case of closure or early closure due to weather conditions. That is to say, if the
local school district announces a decision to close or release students early from schools due to
weather, Rocketship principals should do the same.
Decisions to close school or start school late due to weather conditions will be made public,
whenever possible, by 6:45 AM on the morning when school will be closed. The principal should
alert the local news media when deciding to cancel school.
Families are responsible for providing the school with updated contact information so that they
can be reached in case of change to the school schedule.
For more information, request a complete copy of the RSED School Cancellation and
Closure Policy from your school.
STUDENT RELEASE POLICY
Rocketship Education (RSED) wants to ensure that our students get home safely to their
families. This policy describes the rules and regulations for releasing students from our schools.
A. Walker/Rider Cards
At or before the beginning of the school year, parents/guardians shall be issued a “Walker/Rider
Card” with the student’s name, grade, and homeroom. Parent/guardians or other individuals
authorized to pick up a child (see below) will display this card to school staff during dismissal. If
a parent/guardian or other authorized individual forgets to bring the Walker/Rider Card to
dismissal, they may need to check in and provide an ID with picture in the front office and get a
new Walker/Rider Card or a temporary pass.
B. Emergency Cards
At the beginning of the school year, parent/guardians shall complete and submit an "Emergency
Contact Card" to be kept on file at the school. Parents/guardians will be asked to include the
names of individuals to be contacted in case of an emergency if attempts to contact the
parent/guardian fail. Any person listed as an Emergency Contact will also be considered to be
authorized by the child’s parent/guardian to regularly pick them up from school unless the
parent/guardian indicates otherwise.
C. Authorizing Someone to Pick Up a Child
Parents/guardians may authorize Rocketship to release their child to other people by completing
the attached “Authorization to Pick Up” section of the “Emergency Contact Card”.
Parents/guardians are asked to include the name, phone number and relationship to the child
for each person they wish to allow their child to be released to. This section of the
“Authorization to Pick Up” may be updated by the parent/guardian at any time by visiting the
school front office. Rocketship staff may ask the authorized individuals for identification when
they pick the child up from school.
Rocketship recognizes that there will be situations in which a person not listed on the
“Emergency Contact Card” will need to pick the student up from school. In these rare instances,
the parent/guardian should call the school to inform school staff that they authorize school staff
to release the student to another person that day. If a person that is not listed on the
“Emergency Contact Card” form comes to pick the student up and the school has not already
been contacted by the parent/guardian, the school will need to speak to the parent/guardian by
phone prior to releasing the student. In addition, whenever feasible, parents/guardians should
provide the authorized person with a signed note indicating their desire to have the person pick
the child up on the day in question.
D.
Emergency Dismissal
In case of an emergency dismissal, parents/guardians must wait for instructions from school
leaders before coming to campus to pick up their child. School leaders will provide
parents/guardians with updated information on the dismissal process using the automated
calling system. Parents/guardians should expect that the dismissal location and procedures will
be different than on a regular day. Parents/guardians should be prepared to present photo
identification when picking up a child after an emergency on campus.
E. Bussing
If bussing is offered at a Rockethsip school, parents/guardians should refer to that school’s
process and guidelines for running dismissal with buses.
LATE PICK-UP
It is Rocketship Education’s goal to dismiss our students safely, efficiently, and responsibly. We
need the support and partnership of our families to attain this goal.
Parent/guardians are responsible for ensuring that their children are picked up on time every
day. Even if the parent/guardian has designated another authorized individual to pick up his/her
child on that day, it is still the responsibility of the child’s parent/guardian to make sure his/her
child is picked up on time.
We understand that there are occasional family emergencies that will cause a child to be
picked-up late from school, but cannot tolerate students being left on campus late consistently.
Failing to pick up your child on time is costly to the school and disrespectful to the school staff; it
may also constitute child neglect.
If a parent/guardian has a family situation that makes it difficult to arrive on time to pick up
his/her children on time, the parent/guardian should reach out to a school leader to discuss
possible solutions.
This policy explains our policy and process for addressing late student pick-ups.
Late Pick-Up: A child who has not been picked up after the end of dismissal will be considered
a late pick-up unless he/she is part of an afterschool program or is staying late at the request of
a school staff member.
Picking up a Student Late: School staff will attempt to contact a child’s parent/guardian if a
child is left on campus after dismissal ends, per guidelines set by the school. When a
parent/guardian (or otherwise authorized individual) comes to pick up a child after the end of
dismissal, he or she will need to complete a “Late Pick-Up Incident Report” (see below) and
submit it to the staff member supervising their child before leaving campus. These reports will
be kept on file at the school as a record of why the child was picked up late on that day.
Notifying the School: Staying late at work, running into car problems, or getting stuck in traffic
are not excuses for picking up a student late. Parents/guardians are expected to make
arrangements for their children to be picked up on time every day. That said, we do understand
that there may be unpredictable situations that could cause a parent/guardian to pick up a
student late on a given day. In these cases, we ask that a child’s parent/guardian contact the
school by phone to let the staff know that their child will be picked up late that day. The
parent/guardian will still be required to complete a Late Pick Up Incident Report when they
come to collect their child.
Extremely Late Pick-Up: If a child is still on campus more than an hour after the end of
dismissal and staff members have not been in contact with a child’s parent/guardian,
Rocketship staff must assume that the family has suffered an emergency. Staff will contact the
local police and call the individuals listed on the child’s emergency contact card to find out what
happened. Staff may release the child to an authorized individual or the authorities.
Recurring Late Pick-Ups
Rocketship will follow a tiered series of interventions/consequences for families who persistently
pick up their children late.
Late Pick-Up (Every Time)
Recurring Late Pick-Up (3
times)
Habitual Late Pick-Up (6 times)
Chronic Late Pick Up (More
than 6 times)
Must complete a “Late Pick-Up Incident Report” before
leaving campus
Parent/guardian must attend a meeting with a school leader
to review Late Pick-Up Incident Reports and create a verbal
agreement and plan to prevent late pick-ups in the future.
The school leader may refer the family to local counseling or
truancy resources.
- A letter will be sent home to the child’s parent/guardian
specifying the date, time, and location of a meeting with a
school leader
- Parent/guardian must attend meeting with a school leader
and sign an agreement to pick up their child on time
- Referral to Child Protective Services, at the discretion of
the school leader
ATTENDANCE AND TRUANCY
It is very important for your Rocketeer to be on time and present every school day. Tardiness
and unexcused absences have a negative effect on your child’s educational achievement. Since
public funding is also tied to student attendance, your child’s absence also impacts your
school’s budget.
Late, Tardy, Unexcused Absences
Late: A student arriving during the first 30 minutes of school is considered late. That student will
be marked late on that day’s attendance. Once a student accumulates 10 late arrivals they will
be required to attend a mandatory family workshop and/or meet with a School Leader to discuss
ways to ensure they arrive to school promptly each day
Tardy: A student arriving to class 30+ minutes after the start of school is considered tardy. That
student will be marked tardy on that day’s attendance. When a student is tardy, he or she is
missing significant parts of the school day.
Unexcused absences: Proper notification and/or documentation is required for a student’s
absence from school to be considered excused and to be marked as excused on the child’s
attendance record. Some kinds of absences may not be considered excused, even with proper
documentation. These include but are not limited to the following: non-documented
appointments, sick days with no parent notification of the school, oversleeping, car problems,
extra-curricular activities not approved by principal.
The chart below explains the type of notification and/or documentation required to “excuse” a
child’s absence for different reasons.
Reason
Documentation Needed
Illness
Parent call to school required.
A Doctor’s note for 3 or more
consecutive sick days.
Quarantine
As directed by Department of
Health
Health related
appointments/treatmen
ts
Doctor’s office signed note
Attending funeral
services
3 days maximum if service held
in state
Extra-curricular
activities
Approved participation by
school required
Other Info.
When a student has had more
than 10 absent days in the school
year due to illness a Doctor’s
note is required for any additional
sick days.
Notify the school in the morning
(same day of absence)
Notify the school in the morning
(same day of absence) & bring
the note to the Office Manager
Independent Study available for
absence of more than 3 days.
Notify the school in the morning
(same day of absence) & bring
the note to the school Office
Manager
Approved at the discretion of the
Principal
Written Notice prior to Extracurricular activities (must be
approved by principal)
Approved at the discretion of the
Principal
Written Notice prior to
Personal/Family Emergency
(must be approved by principal)
Written Notice prior to Religious
Holiday/Ceremony(must be
approved by principal)
Personal/family
emergencies
(Principal’s discretion)
Parents’ notification required.
Religious
Holiday/Ceremony
Parent call to school required
Any absence
accompanied by prior
approval from the
Principal
Note from Principal required
Written Notice prior to Extracurricular activities (must be
approved by principal)
Court appearances
Notice from court required
Notify the school in the morning
(same day of absence) & bring
the note to the Office Manager
Late Arrivals Policy
10 late arrivals in a semester will result in a mandatory Family Workshop. 15 late arrivals in a
semester will result in a second mandatory Family Workshop. More than fifteen late arrivals in a
semester will result in an attendance meeting with a Rocketship representative, an attendance
contract and a third mandatory Family Workshop.
10 Late
arrivals in
a semester
First
mandatory
Family
Workshop
15 Late
arrivals in
a semester
Second
mandatory
Family
Workshop
>15 Late
arrivals in
a semester
Attendance
meeting with
Rocketship
representative.
Attendance
contract
Third
mandatory
Family
Workshop
Homework when Absent
Absent students are responsible for completing all classroom assignments while they are
absent. Absent students are expected to get their work from the Teachers.
Leaving School During the Day
Under no circumstances may a student go home without the permission of a parent or guardian.
It is expected that parents/guardians will make every effort to schedule appointments after
school. However, if an appointment during the school day is unavoidable, the student must bring
a signed note from his/her parent/guardian that includes the reason for the partial absence, the
time of departure from school, and the estimated time of the student’s return to school. If the
student has a doctor’s appointment the student must bring a note from the doctor upon return.
Students who become ill at school must check in at the office and remain at school until the
child’s parent/guardian arrives/gives permission for the student to leave campus.
Vacations
Rocketship has vacations built into its school calendar. Vacations should be planned around
these dates. Students who take additional vacation time are not assured make-up work or
credit.
“No Show” Policy:
If your child misses 15+ consecutive school days without notifying the school of the reason for
the absence we will drop your child student from the school’s roster and his/her space will be
given to a student on the wait list. For extended absences Independent Studies may be
available. Contact your teacher/principal for more information.
Appendix A: California Truancy Consequences
Rocketship California (Santa Clara County)
3+ Unexcused Absences/Tardy is considered truant in California. This results in Family
Workshop and/or a Parent/School Leader meeting. Chronic truancy can result in referral of case
to Santa Clara County District Attorney’s office.
Truant Student (3 unexcused
absences/tardies)

Habitual Truant (6 unexcused
absences/tardies)




Chronically Truant (9
Unexcused Absences/Tardies)




Student Attendance Review
Board (“SARB”) meeting (10
unexcused absences/tardies)




Referral to Santa Clara County
DA office of Truancy (10+
Unexcused Absences/Tardies

Parent(s) required to meet with school leader at a
scheduled meeting and review attendance
expectations/truancy policy
Verbal agreement to improve attendance
Mandatory parent workshop
Certified letter with meeting date mailed to parent
Parent required to meet with school leader and
sign an Attendance Contract
Second mandatory Family Workshop
Certified letter with meeting date sent to parent
Final meeting with school leaders and Principal to
improve attendance. Attendance contract signed.
Family referred to free parenting classes and other
community resources to improve attendance.
Certified letter with meeting date mailed to parent
Parent require to meet with representative of
Rocketship SARB Board at Regional Office
SARB contract signed clearly stating further
truancy will result in DA referral
Third mandatory Family Workshop and/or
mandatory parenting class
Summons to appear in court, possible court
ordered parenting class, fine, and/or misdemeanor
charge
Volunteer Policy
A. Purpose
Engaged parents are a core pillar of Rocketship’s model and critical to our Rocketeer’s and their
long-term success. By actively being included and involved in our schools and their Rocketeer’s
learning, parents become integrated into the fabric of the school community. An active
partnership between families and Rocketship faculty and staff benefits our Rocketeers as they
see their parents on campus, and families as they gain a deeper understanding of Rocketship’s
model and are positioned to reinforce Rocketship’s core characteristics at home.
Rocketship asks that families participate in 30 Parent Partnership Hours each year, supporting
or participating in various school activities. Some of these Parent Partnership Hours are
realized during school activities that occur after hours or on weekends in order to accommodate
the work and daily schedules of our parents. Parents are able to realize these hours by
participating in critical activities regarding their Rocketeer’s success and achievement like home
visits or parent conferences.
Moreover, parents may realize Parent Partnership Hours by helping out on campus,
chaperoning a field trip, attending community meetings around various agenda items that are
intended to create deeper transparency and partnership with families.
Volunteering is not required, and neither students nor families are penalized for not doing so. If
families do not realize 30 Parent Partnership Hours annually, there is no consequence or
penalty. Finally, the safety of our Rocketeers always comes first. Thus, in regards to actively
volunteering on campus or off campus at Rocketship sponsored events such as fieldtrips both
within and outside normal school hours, every parent, guardian, or family member must apply to
become a volunteer, and participation is encouraged only after he or she has cleared a
background check.
B. Definitions
Parent Partnership Hours: Rocketship recognizes the immeasurable value of partnering with
parents, especially as they are their Rocketeers first teacher. For this reason, we encourage
families to actively participate in school activities (during and after school hours) for 30 hours
each year. In realizing these Parent Partnership hours, families may have extended family
members (grandparents, aunts/uncles, cousins, siblings, etc.) participate in the school activities
and realize these hours. In addition, to encourage participation by all families and further build
community, Rocketship permits the family of each student to designate one person to be
Background Checked at Rocketship’s expense in case they wish to actively volunteer during
school hours. Any additional family members wishing to volunteer will need to be Background
Checked at their own expense (typically $20-$35 per person). Some activities where Parent
Partnership Hours can be realized such as community meetings and public hearings do not
require a background check. For more information on which activities do and do not require
background checks, please consult with your Rocketship Principal or Office Manager.
Background Check Clearance: In California, the Department of Justice provides an automated
service to conduct criminal background checks through the use of Live Scan. Rocketship will
provide volunteers with a Live Scan form which will be taken to a certified Live Scan facility.
Live Scan technology allows digitally scanned fingerprints and related information to be
submitted electronically to the Department of Justice within a matter of minutes and allows
criminal background checks to be processed automatically, usually within 72 hours. After
receiving the Live Scan results, Rocketship will notify those volunteers who are required to
undergo a background check if they have received clearance to volunteer at Rocketship
schools.
Volunteer Types:
 Parent/Guardian Volunteer: A person who has legal custody of a Rocketship student
and who volunteers on a Rocketship campus or on any Rocketship field trip.
 Community Volunteer: An individual, other than a parent/guardian, who volunteers on a
Rocketship campus or on any Rocketship field trip.
 Family Volunteer: A person within four degrees of relationship of the Rocketship
student. Please see Appendix A for a list of individuals who are within four degrees of
relationship.
Megan’s Law Clearance: California's Megan's Law provides the public with certain information
on the whereabouts of sex offenders so that members of our local communities may protect
themselves and their children. Rocketship will search the Megan’s Law database for
information about possible past offenses. If the search returns no objectionable information, the
volunteer will be considered to have received Megan’s Law Clearance.
C. Parent/Guardian Volunteer Requirements
Parent/Guardian Volunteers will fall into one of two categories.
Green: Parents/Guardian Volunteers who have received Background Check Clearance. Green
Volunteers may interact and be alone with students without being under the direct supervision of
a Rocketship school employee and go on overnight field trips. Each Rocketship school
Principal may select a number of Parent/Guardian Volunteers who will receive Background
Check Clearance at Rocketship’s expense (usually $20-$35 per person), thereby becoming
Green Volunteers.
Purple: Parents/Guardian Volunteers who have not received Background Check Clearance.
Purple Volunteers must serve in roles that do not require them to be alone with or supervise
students on campus or go on overnight field trips. In addition, Purple Volunteers will be asked
to sign a form acknowledging that Rocketship will conduct a search of their name in the
California Megan’s Law database. Purple Volunteers will be notified if they receive Megan’s
Law Clearance.
D. Family Volunteer Requirements
Family Volunteers must serve in roles that do not require them to be alone with students on
campus. Family Volunteers must sign a form acknowledging that Rocketship will conduct a
search of their name in the California Megan’s Law database. Family Volunteers will be notified
if they receive Megan’s Law Clearance. If a Family Volunteer desires to go on an overnight field
trip, he/she must first receive Background Check Clearance.
E. Community Volunteer Requirements
All Community Volunteers must obtain Background Check Clearance in order to provide
volunteer services at Rocketship schools or go on field trips. Community Volunteers may not
interact with or supervise students without the direct supervision of a Rocketship school
employee even after receipt of a successful Background Check.
F. Minor Volunteer Requirements
Minor Volunteers CAN ONLY serve in roles that do not allow them to be alone with or otherwise
supervise Rocketship students. Minor Volunteers cannot go on field trips. The Rocketship
school leader at the school where the Minor Volunteer wishes to volunteer has total discretion to
accept or reject a prospective Minor Volunteer. Minor Volunteers will need to complete the
following requirements:
 A Volunteer Application signed by the Minor Volunteer and the Minor Volunteer’s
parent/guardian.
 Rocketship alumni will need one letter of recommendation from a teacher/school leader
at their current school, plus a letter of recommendation from a former Rocketship
teacher or school leader.
 Minor Volunteers who are not Rocketship alumni will need two letters of
recommendation from teachers/school leaders at their current school.
 A behavior contract (available from the Office Manager) signed by the Minor Volunteer,
the Minor Volunteer’s parent/guardian, and the school leader at the school where the
Minor Volunteer will be volunteering.
H. Field Trips
As discussed above, any Volunteers who are attending an overnight field trip, including all
Parent/Guardian Volunteers, are required to provide proof of a Background Check prior to the
date of the field trip. Family and Parent/Guardian Volunteers for day field trips are NOT required
to be Background Checked but they need to be Megan’s Law cleared. Community Volunteers
for day field trips MUST be Background Checked.
I. Tuberculosis Testing
All Volunteers who volunteer in a Rocketship classroom for at least ten hours each month will
be required to complete a “Symptom Screening Questionnaire”. The results of the
questionnaire will be examined by a healthcare professional and individuals with a positive
symptom screen will be referred for further evaluation prior to returning to volunteer in such a
role. Only volunteers with a negative symptom screen will be cleared to continue to volunteer in
Rocketship classroom for over ten hours a month. Volunteers who are not required to complete
the Symptom Screening Questionnaire or who fail to complete the Symptom Screening
Questionnaire are restricted to 9 or fewer classroom hours per month, or an unlimited number of
hours outside the classroom. All Rocketship procedures will comply with the Tuberculosis
Testing requirements promulgated by the Santa Clara County Public Health Department
Appendix A
Degrees of Relationship
1st
Degree
Rocketship
Student
2nd
Degree
3rd
Degree
4th
Degree
Grandparents
Aunts/Uncles
First Cousins
Parent/Guardian
Siblings
Definitions
“Parent/Guardian”: The person who has legal custody of the student.
“Grandparents”: Parent/Guardians of the student’s Parent/Guardians.
“Siblings”: Other individuals over whom the student’s Parent/Guardians maintain legal
custody.
“Aunts/Uncles”: Siblings of the student’s Parent/Guardian.
“First Cousins”: Individuals over who Aunts/Uncles have legal custody.
COMPLAINT POLICY AND PROCEDURES
Rocketship Education (RSED) takes all concerns and complaints seriously. RSED values the
concerns of our parents, staff, students and community. Complaints are respected and honored;
there are no negative consequences for filing a complaint. No reprisals or retaliation shall be
invoked against any student, parent or employee for processing, in good faith, a complaint,
either on an informal or formal basis, or for participating in any way in these complaint
procedures. Every attempt is made to resolve complaints informally and at the lowest level
possible. In the instances when that is not possible, a formal process is in place.
Uniform Complaint Process Concerning Categorical Aid Programs (Appendix A)
For violations of federal or state law or regulations governing educational institutions including
allegations of unlawful discrimination, pupil fee complaints, harassment, intimidation or bullying.
Step 1: Informal Resolution
Step 2: File a formal written complaint
Step 3: Investigation by RSED Compliance Officer
Step 4: Written response by RSED Compliance Officer
Step 5: Appeal to California Department of Education
Williams Uniform Complaint Procedure (Appendix B)
For complaints relating to instructional materials, teacher vacancy or misassignment, or facility
conditions, fill out a Williams Complaint Form.
Complaint Procedure for Parents, Students, Employees and Residents (Appendix C)
For any concern or complaint against any Rocketship Education policy, practice, or procedure;
any school site practice or procedure; or RSED employee.
Uniform Complaint Process Concerning Categorical Aid Programs (Appendix A)
(California)
This document contains rules and instructions about the filing, investigation and resolution of a
Uniform Complaint Procedures (UCP) complaint regarding an alleged violation by a local
educational agency of federal or state laws or regulations governing educational programs,
including allegations of unlawful discrimination, harassment, intimidation, bullying and
noncompliance with laws relating to pupil fees.
This document presents information about how Rocketship Education (RSED) processes UCP
complaints concerning particular programs or activities in which RSED receives state or federal
funding.
Definitions and Clarifications
A complaint is a written and signed statement by a complainant alleging a violation of federal or
state laws or regulations, which may include an allegation of unlawful discrimination,
harassment, intimidation, bullying and charging pupil fees for participation in an educational
activity. A complainant is any individual, including a person's duly authorized representative or
an interested third party, public agency, or organization who files a written complaint alleging
violation of federal or state laws or regulations, including allegations of unlawful discrimination,
harassment, intimidation, bullying and noncompliance with laws relating to pupil fees. If the
complainant is unable to put the complaint in writing, due to a disability or illiteracy, RSED shall
assist the complainant in the filing of the complaint.
Programs or activities in which Rocketship Education receives state or federal funding are:
Consolidated Categorical Aid Programs
Child Care and Developmental Programs
Child Nutrition Programs
Special Education Programs
A pupil fee is a fee, deposit, or other charge imposed on pupils, or a pupil's parents or
guardians, in violation of state codes and constitutional provisions which require educational
activities to be provided free of charge to all pupils without regard to their families' ability or
willingness to pay fees or request special waivers. Educational activities are those offered by a
school, school district, charter school, or county office of education that constitute a fundamental
part of education, including, but not limited to, curricular and extracurricular activities. (See also
RSED Pupil Fee Policy)
A pupil fee includes, but is not limited to, all of the following:
- A fee charged to a pupil as a condition for registering for school or classes, or as a
condition for participation in a class or an extracurricular activity, regardless of whether
the class or activity is elective or compulsory, or is for credit.
- A security deposit, or other payment, that a pupil is required to make to obtain a lock,
locker, book, class apparatus, musical instrument, clothes, or other materials or
equipment.
- A purchase that a pupil is required to make to obtain materials, supplies, equipment, or
clothes associated with an educational activity.
This document also applies to the filing of complaints which allege unlawful discrimination,
harassment, intimidation, and bullying against any protected group as identified under
Education Code section 200 and 220 and Government Code section 11135, including those
with actual or perceived characteristics such as age, ancestry, color, ethnic group identification,
gender expression, gender identity, gender, disability, nationality, national origin, race or
ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or on the basis of a person's association with a
person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics, in any program or
activity conducted by a local agency, which is funded directly by, or that receives or benefits
from any state financial assistance.
The following complaints shall be referred to other agencies for appropriate resolution and are
not subject to RSED’s UCP process set forth in this document unless these procedures are
made applicable by separate interagency agreements:
Allegations of child abuse shall be referred to County Dept of Social Services (DSS), Protective
Services Division or appropriate law enforcement agency. Health and safety complaints
regarding a Child Development Program shall be referred to Dept of Social Services for licensed
facilities, and to the appropriate Child Development regional administrator for licensing-exempt
facilities. Employment discrimination complaints shall be sent to the State Dept of Fair
Employment and Housing (DFEH). Allegations of fraud shall be referred to the Legal, Audits and
Compliance Branch in the California Department of Education (CDE).
The Responsibilities of Rocketship Education
Rocketship Education (RESD) has the primary responsibility to insure compliance with
applicable state and federal laws and regulations. RSED shall investigate complaints alleging
failure to comply with applicable state and federal laws and regulations and/or alleging
discrimination, harassment, intimidation, bullying and charging pupil fees for participation in an
educational activity and seek to resolve those complaints in accordance with our UCP
procedures.
In regards to complaints of noncompliance with laws relating to pupil fees, if RSED finds merit in
a complaint a remedy will be provided to all affected pupils, parents and guardians, that, where
applicable, will include reasonable efforts by RSED to ensure full reimbursement to all affected
pupils, parents and guardians.
RSED’s UCP policies shall ensure that complainants are protected from retaliation and that the
identity of a complainant alleging discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and bullying remain
confidential as appropriate. RSED submitted these UCP policies and procedures to the
Rocketship Education Board for approval and adoption.
The person responsible for receiving and investigating complaints and ensuring our compliance
with state and federal laws and regulations is:
General Counsel
Address: 350 Twin Dolphin Drive, Suite 109 Redwood City, CA 94065
Phone Number: 877-806-0920
RSED ensures that the person above, who is responsible for compliance and/or investigations,
is knowledgeable about the laws/programs that he/she is assigned to investigate. Complaints of
noncompliance with laws relating to pupil fees are filed with a principal of a school.
RSED shall annually notify in writing to pupils, employees, parents or guardians of pupils, and
other interested parties of the UCP process regarding an alleged violation by a local agency of
federal or state law or regulations governing educational programs, including allegations of
unlawful discrimination, harassment, intimidation, bullying and noncompliance with laws relating
to pupil fees. The UCP Annual Notice will be disseminated to all of these required groups each
year and will include information on how to appeal to the CDE. An appeal is a request made in
writing to a level higher than the original reviewing level by an aggrieved party requesting
reconsideration or a reinvestigation of the lower adjudicating body's decision.
RSED’s UCP Annual Notice shall also advise the recipient of any civil law remedies that may be
available under state or federal discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and bullying laws, if
applicable, and of the appeal pursuant to Education Code section 262.3. This UCP Annual
Notice shall be in English and in the primary language, pursuant to section 48985 of the
Education Code, or mode of communication of the recipient of the notice.
A copy of this UCP complaint policies and procedures document shall be available free of
charge.
Filing a UCP complaint with Rocketship Education
Except for Williams Complaints regarding instructional materials, emergency or urgent facilities
conditions that pose a threat to the health or safety of pupils or staff, and teacher vacancies or
misassignments, and complaints that allege discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and
bullying, any individual, public agency or organization may file a written complaint with the
Rocketship CEO or his or her designee alleging a matter which, if true, would constitute a
violation by RSED of federal or state law or regulation governing a program. A complaint of
noncompliance with laws relating to pupil fees may be filed with the principal of a school under
the Uniform Complaint Procedures and may be filed anonymously if the complaint provides
evidence or information leading to evidence to support an allegation of noncompliance with laws
relating to pupil fees.
An investigation of alleged unlawful discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and bullying shall
be initiated by filing a complaint no later than six months from the date the alleged
discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or bullying occurred, or the date the complainant first
obtained knowledge of the facts of the alleged discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and
bullying. The time for filing may be extended in writing by the Rocketship CEO or his or her
designee, upon written request by the complainant setting forth the reasons for the extension.
The period for filing may be extended by the Rocketship CEO or his or her designee for good
cause for a period not to exceed 90 calendar days following the expiration of the six-month time
period. The Rocketship CEO shall respond immediately upon a receipt of a request for
extension.
The complaint shall be filed by one who alleges that he or she has personally suffered unlawful
discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and bullying or by one who believes an individual or
any specific class of individuals has been subjected to discrimination, harassment, intimidation,
and bullying prohibited by this part.
An investigation of a discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and bullying complaint shall be
conducted in a manner that protects confidentiality of the parties and maintains the integrity of
the process.
Except for Williams Complaints, within 60 calendar days from the date of the receipt of the
complaint, RSED shall conduct and complete an investigation of the complaint in accordance
with these UCP policies and procedures and prepare a written Decision; also known as a final
report. This time period may be extended by written agreement of the complainant.
The investigation shall include an opportunity for the complainant, or the complainant's
representative, or both, to present the complaint(s) and evidence or information leading to
evidence to support the allegations of non-compliance with state and federal laws and/or
regulations.
Refusal by the complainant to provide the investigator with documents or other evidence related
to the allegations in the complaint, or to otherwise fail or refuse to cooperate in the investigation
or engage in any other obstruction of the investigation, may result in the dismissal of the
complaint because of a lack of evidence to support the allegations.
Refusal by RSED to provide the investigator with access to records and/or other information
related to the allegation in the complaint, or to otherwise fail or refuse to cooperate in the
investigation or engage in any other obstruction of the investigation, may result in a finding
based on evidence collected that a violation has occurred and may result in the imposition of a
remedy in favor of the complainant.
RSED shall issue a Decision based on the evidence. The Decision shall be in writing and sent
to the complainant within 60 calendar days from receipt of the complaint by RSED. The
Decision should contain:
(i) the findings of fact based on the evidence gathered,
(ii) conclusion of law,
(iii) disposition of the complaint,
(iv) the rationale for such disposition,
(v) corrective actions, if any are warranted,
(vi) notice of the complainant's right to appeal RSED’s Decision to the CDE, and
(vii) procedures to be followed for initiating an appeal to the CDE.
Nothing in this document shall prohibit anyone involved in the complaint from utilizing alternative
methods to resolve the allegations, such as mediation. Nor is RSED prohibited from resolving
complaints prior to the formal filing of a written complaint. Mediation is a problem solving activity
whereby a third party assists the parties to the dispute in resolving the complaint.
If the complainant appeals RSED’s resolution to the California Department of Education, the
appeal must be filed within 15 days of the receipt of RSED’s Final Report.
________________________________________
Federal and State Laws cited:
34 Code of Federal Regulations [CFR] §§ 300.510-511
California Code of Regulations [CCR] Title 5 §§ 4600–4687
California Code of Regulations [CCR] Title 5 § 4610(b)
California Code of Regulations [CCR] Title 5 § 4622
California Code of Regulations [CCR] Title 5 §§ 4630−4631
California Education Code [EC] §§ 200, 220, 262.3
California Education Code [EC] §§ 234 – 234.5
California Education Code [EC] § 35186
California Education Code [EC] § 48985
California Education Code [EC] §§ 49010 - 49013
California Government Code [GC] §§ 11135, 11138
California Penal Code (PC) § 422.55
SUSPENSION/EXPULSION POLICY
Governing Law: The procedures by which pupils can be suspended or expelled—California
Education Code Section 47605(b)(5)(J)
Introduction
This Student Suspension and Expulsion Policy has been established in order to
promote learning and protect the safety and well-being of all students at all Rocketship
Education (RSED) Schools. When the Policy is violated, it may be necessary to
suspend or expel a student from regular classroom instruction.
School staff shall enforce disciplinary rules and procedures fairly and consistently
among all students. This policy may be amended from time to time without the need to
amend the charter so long as the amendments comport with legal requirements.
This policy and its procedures will be printed and distributed as part of the Parent
Handbook and will clearly describe discipline expectations. Rocketship shall ensure that
students and their parents/guardians are notified in writing upon enrollment of all
discipline policies and procedures. The notice shall state that these policy and
administrative procedures are available on request at the school office.
Discipline includes but is not limited to advising and counseling students, conferring
with parents/guardians, detention during and after school hours, use of alternative
educational environments, suspension and expulsion.
Corporal punishment shall not be used as a disciplinary measure against any student.
Corporal punishment includes the willful infliction of or willfully causing the infliction of
physical pain on a student. For purposes of the Policy, corporal punishment does not
include an employee's use of force that is reasonable and necessary to protect the
employee, students, staff or other persons or to prevent damage to school property.
Suspended or expelled students shall be excluded from all school and school-related
activities unless otherwise agreed during the period of suspension or expulsion.
A student identified as an individual with disabilities or for whom RSED has a basis
of knowledge of a suspected disability pursuant to the Individuals with Disabilities in
Education Act ("IDEIA") or who is qualified for services under Section 504 of the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (“Section 504”) is subject to the same grounds for suspension
and expulsion and is accorded the same due process procedures applicable to regular
education students except when federal and state law mandates additional or different
procedures. RSED will follow Section 504, the IDEIA, and all applicable federal and
state laws including but not limited to the special education provisions of the California
Education Code, when imposing any form of discipline on a student identified as an
individual with disabilities or for whom RSED has a basis of knowledge of a suspected
disability or who is otherwise qualified for such services or protections in according due
process to such students. Rocketship shall notify the District of the suspension of any
student identified under the IDEIA (or for whom there may be a basis of knowledge of
the same) or as a student with a disability under Section 504 and shall coordinate with
the District the manifestation determination process prior to the expulsion of any such
student as well.
A.
Grounds for Suspension and Expulsion of Students
A student may be suspended or expelled for prohibited misconduct if the act is
related to school activity or school attendance occurring at a Rocketship School
or at any other school or a School sponsored event at any time including but not
limited to: a) while on school grounds; b) while going to or coming from school; c)
during the lunch period, whether on or off the school campus; d) during, going to,
or coming from a school-sponsored activity. A student may also be suspended
or expelled for activities considered to be “social media bullying”.
B.
Enumerated Offenses
Students may be suspended or expelled for any of the following acts when it is
determined the pupil:
1.
Caused, attempted to cause, or threatened to cause physical injury to
another person or willfully used force of violence upon the person of
another, except self-defense.
2.
Possessed, sold, or otherwise furnished any firearm, knife, explosive, or
other dangerous object unless, in the case of possession of any object of
this type, the students had obtained written permission to possess the
item from a certificated school employee, with the Principal/Administrator
or designee’s concurrence.
3.
Unlawfully possessed, used, sold or otherwise furnished, or was under the
influence of any controlled substance, as defined in Health and Safety
Code 11053-11058, alcoholic beverage, or intoxicant of any kind.
4.
Unlawfully offered, arranged, or negotiated to sell any controlled
substance as defined in Health and Safety Code 11053-11058, alcoholic
beverage or intoxicant of any kind, and then sold, delivered or otherwise
furnished to any person another liquid substance or material and
represented same as controlled substance, alcoholic beverage or
intoxicant.
5.
Committed or attempted to commit robbery or extortion.
6.
Caused or attempted to cause damage to school property or private
property.
7.
Stole or attempted to steal school property or private property.
8.
Possessed or used tobacco or any products containing tobacco or nicotine
products, including but not limited to cigars, cigarettes, miniature cigars,
clove cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, snuff, chew packets and betel.
9.
Committed an obscene act or engaged in habitual profanity or vulgarity.
10.
Unlawfully possessed or unlawfully offered, arranged, or negotiated to sell
any drug paraphernalia, as defined in Health and Safety Code 11014.5.
11.
Disrupted school activities or otherwise willfully defied the valid authority of
supervisors, teachers, administrators, other school officials, or other
school personnel engaged in the performance of their duties.*
12.
Knowingly received stolen school property or private property.
13.
Possessed an imitation firearm, i.e.: a replica of a firearm that is so
substantially similar in physical properties to an existing firearm as to lead
a reasonable person to conclude that the replica is a firearm.
14.
Committed or attempted to commit a sexual assault as defined in Penal
Code 261, 266c, 286, 288, 288a or 289, or committed a sexual battery as
defined in Penal Code 243.4.
15.
Harassed, threatened, or intimidated a student who is a complaining
witness or witness in a school disciplinary proceeding for the purpose of
preventing that student from being a witness and/or retaliating against that
student for being a witness.
16.
Unlawfully offered, arranged to sell, negotiated to sell, or sold the
prescription drug Soma.
17.
Engaged in or attempted to engage in hazing of another. For the purposes
of this subdivision, “hazing” means a method of initiation or preinitiation
into a pupil organization or body, whether or not the organization or body
is officially recognized by an educational institution, which is likely to
cause serious bodily injury or personal degradation or disgrace resulting in
physical or mental harm to a former, current, or prospective pupil. For
purposes of this section, “hazing” does not include athletic events or
school-sanctioned events.
18.
Aiding or abetting as defined in Section 31 of the Penal Code, the infliction
or attempted infliction of physical injury to another person may be subject
to suspension, but not expulsion, pursuant to this section, except that a
pupil who has been adjudged by a juvenile court to have committed, as an
aider and abettor, a crime of physical violence in which the victim suffered
great bodily injury or serious bodily injury shall be subject to discipline
pursuant to subdivision (1) above.
19.
Made terrorist threats against school officials and/or school property. For
purposes of this section, "terroristic threat" shall include any statement,
whether written or oral, by a person who willfully threatens to commit a
crime which will result in death, great bodily injury to another person, or
property damage in excess of one thousand dollars ($1,000), with the
specific intent that the statement is to be taken as a threat, even if there is
no intent of actually carrying it out, which, on its face and under the
circumstances in which it is made, is so unequivocal, unconditional,
immediate, and specific as to convey to the person threatened, a gravity of
purpose and an immediate prospect of execution of the threat, and
thereby causes that person reasonably to be in sustained fear for his or
her own safety or for his or her immediate family's safety, or for the
protection of school property, or the personal property of the person
threatened or his or her immediate family.
20.
Committed sexual harassment, as defined in Education Code Section
212.5. For the purposes of this section, the conduct described in Section
212.5 must be considered by a reasonable person of the same gender as
the victim to be sufficiently severe or pervasive to have a negative impact
upon the individual's academic performance or to create an intimidating,
hostile, or offensive educational environment. This section shall apply to
pupils in any of grades 4 to 12, inclusive.
21.
Caused, attempted to cause, threatened to cause, or participated in an act
of hate violence, as defined in subdivision (e) of Section 233 of the
Education Code. This section shall apply to pupils in any of grades 4 to
12, inclusive.
22.
Intentionally harassed, threatened or intimidated a student or group of
students to the extent of having the actual and reasonably expected effect
of materially disrupting class work, creating substantial disorder and
invading student rights by creating an intimidating or hostile educational
environment. This section shall apply to pupils in any of grades 4 to 12,
inclusive.
23.
Engaged in an act of bullying, including, but not limited to, bullying
committed by means of an electronic act, as defined in subdivisions (f)
and (g) of Section 32261 of the Education Code, directed specifically
toward a pupil or school personnel.
Alternatives to suspension or expulsion will first be attempted with students who
are truant, tardy, or otherwise absent from assigned school activities.
* Students in Grades TK-3 cannot be suspended or expelled for willful defiance
or disruption of school activities. Students in Grades 4-5 cannot be expelled for
willful defiance or disruption of school activities.
C.
Suspension Procedure
Suspensions shall be initiated according to the following procedures:
1.
Conference
Suspension shall be preceded, if possible, by a conference conducted by
the Principal or the Principal's designee with the student and his or her
parent and, whenever practical, the teacher, supervisor or school
employee who referred the student to the Principal. The conference may
be omitted if the Principal or designee determines that an emergency
situation exists. An "emergency situation" involves a clear and present
danger to the lives, safety or health of students or school personnel. If a
student is suspended without this conference, both the parent/guardian
and student shall be notified of the student's right to return to school for
the purpose of a conference.
At the conference, the pupil shall be informed of the reason for the
disciplinary action and the evidence against him or her and shall be given
the opportunity to present his or her version and evidence in his or her
defense.
This conference shall be held within three (3) school days, unless the
pupil waives this right or is physically unable to attend for any reason
including, but not limited to, incarceration or hospitalization.
No penalties may be imposed on a pupil for failure of the pupil's parent or
guardian to attend a conference with school officials. Reinstatement of the
suspended pupil shall not be contingent upon attendance by the pupil's
parent or guardian at the conference.
2.
Notice to Parents/Guardians
At the time of the suspension, the Principal or designee shall make a
reasonable effort to contact the parent/guardian by telephone or in
person. Whenever a student is suspended, the parent/guardian shall be
notified in writing of the suspension and the date of return following
suspension. This notice shall state the specific offense committed by the
student. In addition, the notice will also state the date and time when the
student may return to school. If school officials wish to ask the
parent/guardian to confer regarding matters pertinent to the suspension,
the notice may request that the parent/guardian respond to such requests
without delay.
3.
Suspension Time Limits/Recommendation for Expulsion
Suspensions, when not including a recommendation for expulsion, shall
not exceed five (5) consecutive school days per suspension. The total
number of days for which a pupil may be suspended from school shall not
exceed 20 schooldays in any school year.
Upon a recommendation of Expulsion by the Principal or Principal’s
designee, the pupil and the pupil's guardian or representative will be
invited to a conference to determine if the suspension for the pupil should
be extended pending an expulsion hearing. This determination will be
made by the Principal or designee upon either of the following
determinations: 1) the pupil's presence will be disruptive to the education
process; or 2) the pupil poses a threat or danger to others. Upon either
determination, the pupil's suspension will be extended pending the results
of an expulsion hearing.
D.
Authority to Expel
The full authority of the Board of Directors to hear and conduct expulsions shall be
granted to the Academic Affairs Committee, a committee of the RSED Board of
Directors. The Academic Affairs Committee shall consist of three board directors of the
RSED Board. The Academic Affairs Committee may expel any student found to have
committed an expellable offense.
Instead of conducting the hearing itself, the Academic Affairs Committee may appoint an
impartial administrative panel, none of whom is a member of the board or employed on
the staff of the school in which the pupil is enrolled. The Academic Affairs Committee will
pre-appoint a panel of at least five certificated persons, each from different Rocketship
school sites. Should any of the persons appointed to the panel be employed by the staff
of the school in which the pupil is enrolled, he/she will recuse him/herself from the
proceedings. The panel conducting the hearing must consist of at least three of the
persons pre-appointed by the Committee.
E.
Expulsion Procedures
Please see Attachment A to this policy for guidance around offenses the require
mandatory expulsion.
Students recommended for expulsion are entitled to a hearing to determine
whether the student should be expelled. The hearing shall be held within thirty
(30) school days after the Principal or designee determines that the Pupil has
committed an expellable offense, unless the pupil requests, in writing, that the
hearing be postponed.
In the event an administrative panel hears the case, it will, within ten days of the
hearing, make a recommendation to the Academic Affairs Committee for a final
decision whether or not to expel. The hearing shall be held in closed session
unless the student makes a written request for a public hearing three (3) days
prior to the hearing.
Written notice of the hearing shall be forwarded to the student and the student's
parent/guardian at least ten (10) calendar days before the date of the hearing.
Upon mailing the notice, it shall be deemed served upon the pupil. The notice
shall include:
1.
The date and place of the expulsion hearing;
2.
A statement of the specific facts, charges and offenses upon which the
proposed expulsion is based;
3.
A copy of RSED' disciplinary rules which relate to the alleged violation;
4.
Notification of the student's or parent/guardian's obligation to provide
information about the student's status at the school to any other school
district or school to which the student seeks enrollment;
5.
The opportunity for the student or the student's parent/guardian to appear
in person or to employ and be represented by counsel or a non-attorney
advisor;
6.
The right to inspect and obtain copies of all documents to be used at the
hearing;
7.
The opportunity to confront and question all witnesses who testify at the
hearing;
8.
The opportunity to question all evidence presented and to present oral and
documentary evidence on the student's behalf including witnesses.
F.
Special Procedures for Expulsion Hearings Involving Sexual Assault or
Battery Offenses
RSED may, upon a finding of good cause, determine that the disclosure of either
the identity of the witness or the testimony of that witness at the hearing, or both,
would subject the witness to an unreasonable risk of psychological or physical
harm. Upon this determination, the testimony of the witness may be presented at
the hearing in the form of sworn declarations which shall be examined only by
RSED or the hearing officer. Copies of these sworn declarations, edited to
delete the name and identity of the witness, shall be made available to the pupil.
1.
The complaining witness in any sexual assault or battery case must be
provided with a copy of the applicable disciplinary rules and advised of
his/her right to (a) receive five days notice of his/her scheduled testimony,
(b) have up to Three (3) adult support persons of his/her choosing present
in the hearing at the time he/she testifies, which may include a parent,
guardian, or legal counsel, and (c) elect to have the hearing closed while
testifying.
2.
RSED must also provide the victim a room separate from the hearing
room for the complaining witness' use prior to and during breaks in
testimony.
3.
At the discretion of the person or panel conducting the hearing, the
complaining witness shall be allowed periods of relief from examination
and cross-examination during which he or she may leave the hearing
room.
4.
The person conducting the expulsion hearing may also arrange the
seating within the hearing room to facilitate a less intimidating environment
for the complaining witness.
5.
The person conducting the expulsion hearing may also limit time for taking
the testimony of the complaining witness to the hours he/she is normally in
school, if there is no good cause to take the testimony during other hours.
G.
6.
Prior to a complaining witness testifying, the support persons must be
admonished that the hearing is confidential. Nothing in the law precludes
the person presiding over the hearing from removing a support person
whom the presiding person finds is disrupting the hearing. The person
conducting the hearing may permit any one of the support persons for the
complaining witness to accompany him or her to the witness stand.
7.
If one or both of the support persons is also a witness, RSED must
present evidence that the witness' presence is both desired by the witness
and will be helpful to RSED. The person presiding over the hearing shall
permit the witness to stay unless it is established that there is a substantial
risk that the testimony of the complaining witness would be influenced by
the support person, in which case the presiding official shall admonish the
support person or persons not to prompt, sway, or influence the witness in
any way. Nothing shall preclude the presiding officer from exercising his
or her discretion to remove a person from the hearing whom he or she
believes is prompting, swaying, or influencing the witness.
8.
The testimony of the support person shall be presented before the
testimony of the complaining witness and the complaining witness shall be
excluded from the courtroom during that testimony.
9.
Especially for charges involving sexual assault or battery, if the hearing is
to be conducted in the public at the request of the pupil being expelled, the
complaining witness shall have the right to have his/her testimony heard in
a closed session when testifying at a public meeting would threaten
serious psychological harm to the complaining witness and there are no
alternative procedures to avoid the threatened harm. The alternative
procedures may include videotaped depositions or contemporaneous
examination in another place communicated to the hearing room by
means of closed-circuit television.
10.
Evidence of specific instances of a complaining witness' prior sexual
conduct is presumed inadmissible and shall not be heard absent a
determination by the person conducting the hearing that extraordinary
circumstances exist requiring the evidence be heard. Before such a
determination regarding extraordinary circumstance can be made, the
witness shall be provided notice and an opportunity to present opposition
to the introduction of the evidence. In the hearing on the admissibility of
the evidence, the complaining witness shall be entitled to be represented
by a parent, legal counsel, or other support person. Reputation or opinion
evidence regarding the sexual behavior of the complaining witness is not
admissible for any purpose.
Record of Hearing
A record of the hearing shall be made and may be maintained by any means,
including electronic recording, as long as a reasonably accurate and complete
written transcription of the proceedings can be made.
H.
Presentation of Evidence
While technical rules of evidence do not apply to expulsion hearings, evidence
may be admitted and used as proof only if it is the kind of evidence on which
reasonable persons can rely in the conduct of serious affairs. A
recommendation by the Administrative Panel and decision by the Board to expel
must be supported by substantial evidence that the student committed an
expellable offense.
Findings of fact shall be based solely on the evidence at the hearing. While
hearsay evidence is admissible, no decision to expel shall be based solely on
hearsay and sworn declarations may be admitted as testimony from witnesses of
whom the Board, Panel or designee determines that disclosure of their identity or
testimony at the hearing may subject them to an unreasonable risk of physical or
psychological harm.
If, due to a written request by the expelled pupil, the hearing is held at a public
meeting, and the charge is committing or attempting to commit a sexual assault
or committing a sexual battery as defined in Education Code Section 48900, a
complaining witness shall have the right to have his or her testimony heard in a
session closed to the public.
The decision of the Administrative Panel shall be in the form of written findings of
fact and a written recommendation to the Academic Affairs Committee, who will
make a final determination regarding the expulsion. The decision by the
Academic Affairs Committee shall be made within ten (10) school days following
the conclusion of the hearing.
If the expulsion hearing panel decides not to recommend expulsion, the pupil
shall immediately be returned to his/her educational program.
I.
Written Notice to Expel
The Principal or designee following a decision of the Board to expel shall send
written notice of the decision to expel, including the Board's adopted findings of
fact, to the student or parent/guardian. This notice shall also include the
following:
1.
Notice of the specific offense committed by the student
2.
Notice of the student's or parent/guardian's obligation to inform any new
district in which the student seeks to enroll of the student's status with
RSED.
The Principal or designee shall send a copy of the written notice of the decision to expel
to the District.
This notice shall include the following:
a)
The student's name
b)
The specific expellable offense committed by the student
Additionally, in accordance with Education Code Section 47605(d)(3), upon
expulsion of any student, the Rocketship shall notify the superintendent of the
school district of the pupil’s last known address within 30 days, and shall, upon
request, provide that school district with a copy of the cumulative record of the
pupil, including a transcript of grades or report card and health information.
J.
Disciplinary Records
RSED shall maintain records of all student suspensions and expulsions at
Rocketship Schools. Such records shall be made available to the District upon
request.
K.
Right to Appeal
If an administrative panel is used, the pupil/family shall have the right to appeal
the decision to expel the student from Rocketship directly to the Academic Affairs
Committee. The request to appeal must be made in writing and shall be
submitted to the Academic Affairs Committee within fifteen business days of
being made aware of the decision to expel the student. The appeal shall be
heard by the Academic Affairs Committee within thirty days of receipt of the
appeal.
If the Academic Affairs Committee hears the expulsion without the use of an
administrative panel, or the decision of the administrative panel to expel is upheld
by the Academic Affairs Committee, the pupil/family may request a final appeal to
the RSED Executive Committee. The request to appeal must be made in writing
and shall be submitted to the Executive Committee within fifteen business days
of being made aware of the decision to uphold the expulsion of the student. The
appeal shall be heard by the Executive Committee within thirty days of receipt of
the appeal.
L.
Expelled Pupils/Alternative Education
Pupils who are expelled shall be responsible for seeking alternative education
programs including, but not limited to, programs within the County or their school
district of residence.
M.
Rehabilitation Plans
At the time of the expulsion order, students who are expelled shall be given a
rehabilitation plan, to be developed by the Academic Affairs Committee in
conjunction with Rocketship staff, which may include, but is not limited to,
periodic review as well as assessment at the time of review for readmission. The
rehabilitation plan should include a date not later than one year from the date of
expulsion when the pupil may reapply to RSED for readmission.
N.
Readmission
The decision to readmit a pupil or to admit a previously expelled pupil from
another school, school district or charter school shall be in the sole discretion of
the Board following a meeting with the Principal and the pupil and guardian or
representative to determine whether the pupil has successfully completed the
rehabilitation plan and to determine whether the pupil poses a threat to others or
will be disruptive to the school environment. The Principal shall make a
recommendation to the Board following the meeting regarding his or her
determination. The pupil's readmission is also contingent upon RSED' capacity at
the time the student seeks readmission.
O.
Special Procedures for the Consideration of Suspension and Expulsion of
Students with Disabilities
i.
Notification of District
Rocketship shall immediately notify the District and coordinate the procedures
in this policy with the District for the discipline of any student with a disability or
student who Rocketship or the District would be deemed to have knowledge
that the student had a disability who is suspended for more than ten (10)
school days during a school year.
ii.
Services During Suspension
Students suspended for more than ten (10) school days in a school year shall
continue to receive services so as to enable the student to continue to
participate in the general education curriculum, although in another setting, and
to progress toward meeting the goals set out in the child's IEP; and receive, as
appropriate, a functional behavioral assessment or functional analysis, and
behavioral intervention services and modifications, that are designed to
address the behavior violation so that it does not recur. These services may be
provided in an interim alterative educational setting.
iii.
Procedural Safeguards/Manifestation Determination
Within ten (10) school days of any decision to change the placement of a child
with a disability because of a violation of a code of student conduct a
manifestation determination shall take place. “Change of Placement” includes a
recommendation for expulsion or a cumulative removal of more than ten (10)
school days in a school year. Rocketship, the parent, and relevant members of
the IEP Team shall review all relevant information in the student's file, including
the child's IEP, any teacher observations, and any relevant information
provided by the parents to determine:
a) If the conduct in question was caused by, or had a direct and substantial
relationship to, the child's disability; or
b) If the conduct in question was the direct result of the local educational
agency's failure to implement the IEP.
If Rocketship, the parent, and relevant members of the IEP Team
determine that either of the above is applicable for the child, the conduct
shall be determined to be a manifestation of the child's disability.
If Rocketship, the parent, and relevant members of the IEP Team make the
determination that the conduct was a manifestation of the child's disability, the
IEP Team shall:
a) Conduct a functional behavioral assessment or a functional analysis
assessment, and implement a behavioral intervention plan for such child,
provided that the school had not conducted such assessment prior to such
determination before the behavior that resulted in a change in placement;
b) If a behavioral intervention plan has been developed, review the behavioral
intervention plan if the child already has such a behavioral intervention
plan, and modify it, as necessary, to address the behavior; and
c) Return the child to the placement from which the child was removed, unless
the parent and the school agree to a change of placement as part of the
modification of the behavioral intervention plan.
If the school, the parent, and relevant members of the IEP team determine that
the behavior was not a manifestation of the student’s disability and that the
conduct in question was not a result of the failure to implement the IEP, then
the school may apply the relevant disciplinary procedures to children with
disabilities in the same manner and for the same duration as the procedures
would be applied to students without disabilities.
iv.
Due Process Appeals
The parent of a child with a disability who disagrees with any decision
regarding placement, or the manifestation determination, or the school believes
that maintaining the current placement of the child is substantially likely to
result in injury to the child or to others, may request an expedited administrative
hearing through the Special Education Unit of the Office of Administrative
Hearings.
When an appeal relating to the placement of the student or the manifestation
determination has been requested by either the parent or the school, the
student shall remain in the interim alternative educational setting pending the
decision of the hearing officer or until the expiration of the forty-five (45) day
time period provided for in an interim alternative educational setting, whichever
occurs first, unless the parent and the school agree otherwise.
v.
Special Circumstances
Rocketship personnel may consider any unique circumstances on a case-bycase basis when determining whether to order a change in placement for a
child with a disability who violates a code of student conduct.
The Principal or designee may remove a student to an interim alternative
educational setting for not more than forty-five (45) days without regard to
whether the behavior is determined to be a manifestation of the student’s
disability in cases where a student:
a) Carries or possesses a weapon, as defined in 18 USC 930, to or at school,
on school premises, or to or at a school function;
b) Knowingly possesses or uses illegal drugs, or sells or solicits the sale of a
controlled substance, while at school, on school premises, or at a school
function; or
c) Has inflicted serious bodily injury, as defined by 20 USC 1415(k)(7)(D),
upon a person while at school, on school premises, or at a school function.
vi.
Interim Alternative Educational Setting
The student's interim alternative educational setting shall be determined by the
student's IEP team.
vii.
Procedures for Students Not Yet Eligible for Special Education Services
A student who has not been identified as an individual with disabilities pursuant
to IDEIA and who has violated the School’s disciplinary procedures may assert
the procedural safeguards granted under this administrative regulation only if
Rocketship had knowledge that the student was disabled before the behavior
occurred.
Rocketsihp shall be deemed to have knowledge that the student had a
disability if one of the following conditions exists:
a) The parent/guardian has expressed concern in writing, or orally if the
parent/guardian does not know how to write or has a disability that prevents
a written statement, to Rocketship supervisory or administrative personnel,
or to one of the child’s teachers, that the student is in need of special
education or related services.
b) The parent has requested an evaluation of the child.
c) The child’s teacher, or other Rocketship personnel, has expressed specific
concerns about a pattern of behavior demonstrated by the child, directly to
the director of special education or to other Rocketship supervisory
personnel.
If the school knew or should have known the student had a disability under any
of the three (3) circumstances described above, the student may assert any of
the protections available to IDEIA-eligible children with disabilities, including the
right to stay-put.
If the school had no basis for knowledge of the student’s disability, it shall
proceed with the proposed discipline. The school
shall conduct an expedited evaluation if requested by the parents; however the
student shall remain in the education placement determined by Rocketship
pending the results of the evaluation.
Rocketship shall not be deemed to have knowledge of that the student
had a disability if the parent has not allowed an evaluation, refused
services, or if the student has been evaluated and determined to not be
eligible.
Must Recommend
Expulsion (Mandatory)
Shall Recommend
Expulsion Unless
Particular Circumstances
Render Inappropriate
(Expulsion Expected)
May Recommend Expulsion
(Discretionary)
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Act must be committed at school or at a
school activity.
1. Firearm
2.
3.
4.
5.
Act must be committed at school or school Acts committed at school or school activity or on the
activity.
way to and from school or school activity.
Administrator shall recommend expulsion
a. Inflicted physical injury
for the following violations:
1. Causing serious physical injury
a. Possessing firearm when a
b. Possessed dangerous objects
to another person, except in selfdistrict employee verified
defense.
firearm possession and when
c. Possessed drugs or alcohol (policy
student did not have prior
determines which offense)
written permission from a
2. Possession of any knife,
certificated employee which is
explosive, or other dangerous
d. Sold look alike substance representing
concurred with by the principal
object of no reasonable use to
drugs or alcohol
or designee.
the pupil.
b. Selling or otherwise furnishing a
e. Committed robbery/extortion
firearm.
3. Possession and/or use of any
Brandishing a knife at another
substance listed in Chapter 2
f.
Caused damage to property
person.
(commencing with Section
11053) of Division 10 of
g. Committed theft
Unlawfully selling a controlled
the Health and Safety Code,
substance listed in Health and
except for the first offense for
h. Used tobacco (policy determines which
Safety Code Section 11053 et.
possession of not more than one
offense)
seq.
avoirdupois ounce of marijuana
other than concentrated
i.
Committed obscenity/profanity/vulgarity
cannabis.
Committing or attempting to
commit a sexual assault as
j.
Possessed or sold drug paraphernalia
defined in subdivision B(14)
4. Robbery or extortion.
above.
k. Disrupted or defied school staff
5. Assault or battery, or threat of,
Possession of an explosive.
on a school employee.
l.
Received stolen property
The recommendation for expulsion shall be
based on one or both of the following:
1. Other means of correction are
not feasible or have repeatedly
failed to bring about proper
conduct.
2.
Due to the nature of the act, the
presence of the pupil causes a
continuing danger to the physical
safety of the pupil or others.
m.
Possessed imitation firearm
n.
Committed sexual harassment
o.
Harassed, threatened or intimidated a
student witness
p.
Sold prescription drug Soma
q.
Committed hazing
r.
Engaged in an act of bullying, including,
but not limited to, bullying committed by
means of an electronic act, as defined in
subdivisions (f) and (g) of Section 32261,
directed specifically toward a pupil or
school personnel.
The recommendation for expulsion shall be based
on one or both of the following:
1. Other means of correction are not feasible
or have repeatedly failed to bring about
proper conduct.
2.
Due to the nature of the act, the presence
of the pupil causes a continuing danger to
the physical safety of the pupil or others.
SCHOOL FEE POLICY
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Rocketship Education, as the operator of CA public charter schools, adopts this policy in
compliance AB1575. It is the policy of Rocketship Education not require students or their
families to pay a pupil fee for participation in an educational activity. For more information,
you can request a complete copy of the RSED School Fee Policy from the Front Office of
your school.
Return this page to the front office no later than Friday, 08/21/2015:
STUDENT/PARENT HANDBOOK ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I have read and understand Rocketship Parent/Student Handbook for school year 2015-2016. I
also understand my child is subject to compulsory school attendance laws.
Parent or Guardian Name
Parent or Guardian Signature
Student Name
Student Grade
Date
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