MIRA COSTA HIGH SCHOOL

STUDENT AND PARENTINFORMATION HANDBOOK

2010-2011 School Year

Please Read and RetainFor Your Records

Mira Costa High School*

1401 Artesia Boulevard, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266Phone: (310) 318-7337 Fax: (310) 303-3814

http://www.mchs.manhattan.k12.ca.us

AdministrationPrincipal:

Vice Principal: Jaime MancillaVice Principal: Paula SpenceVice Principal: Jennie Wright

It is our responsibility to provide the best learning environment possible, and weencourage students to take full advantage of the educational opportunities atMira Costa High School and in the Manhattan Beach Unified School District.

Please read this Handbook in its entirety, and then sign the Parent/Guardian &Student Acknowledgement form acknowledging that you have read thishandbook and return it at registration. Please note that Mira Costa High Schoolrules and regulations apply to all students, including those who have reachedthe age of eighteen. Thank you.

GENERAL INFORMATION FOR PARENTS

Enrollment at Mira Costa High School does not in itself ensure success for your son ordaughter. Students must accept responsibility for their own learning and development. Theymust want to learn and be willing to cooperate and work diligently. School can only assiststudents in their efforts. Your love, concern and support are a critical factor in your child’ssuccess at MCHS. We welcome your input and will do everything possible to support you andyour child during your time at Mira Costa.

We recognize that, at times, parents may not agree with school policy. However, it is ourexpectation that parents will support all school rules and policies while their children arestudents at Mira Costa.

To improve communication and allow parents to monitor and support their children, we havethe following:

1. MCHS Hotline: We have established a Mira Costa hotline, (310) 318-7337 ext.4636, that parents and students can call to get up-to-date information on anyunusual situation at the school. We also recommend that parents go to the MiraCosta website where updates will be available on the front page if anemergency arises.

2. Intouch Online: Intouch allows parents, using a secure login and password,instant access to their student’s attendance, unofficial transcript, progressreports and report cards via the Internet.

a. All students and parents are expected to use Intouch to access studentprogress reports and grades.

b. The first quarter progress reports and 2nd semester report cards will bemailed home for address verification. All other progress reports andreport cards will be available through Intouch Online only.

c. Families new to Mira Costa will receive their student’s confidential userID and password by mail in October 2010.

ATTENDANCE

Students must be in school on time and attend all classes every school day unless illness oran emergency prevents this. Regular attendance and class participation are an integral partof our students’ learning experience.

1. Excused Absences: If a student must miss school, please provide a noteexplaining the reason for the absence on the day of return.

a. Please note that excessive excused absences may directly affect astudent’s grade due to lack of participation.

b. Requests for absence other than for illness or emergencies are stronglydiscouraged.

c. All absences must be cleared by the student's parents or guardian inperson, or in writing. Failure to do so within 3 school days of a student'sreturn to school from the absence will result in the absence beingpermanently recorded as a truancy.

2. Family Trips: It is rare that a student will be excused from school for a familytrip. However, if an emergency, or other situation arises that merits a studentmissing school, permission must be obtained by contacting the principal ordesignee two weeks in advance of the absence. When approval is granted, theabsence will be excused.

3. School Business: All absences, with prior permission of the teachers, forschool approved business, such as athletic contests, field trips and activitiesshall be marked school business.

a. Any negative impact upon the student’s grade due to school businessabsences is the responsibility of the student and parent.

4. Unexcused Absences: All absences that are not included in the following list,will be recorded as unexcused, unless prior approval is obtained from theprincipal or designee:

a. Illnessb. Quarantine under the direction of a county or city health officerc. To obtain medical, dental, optometric, or chiropractic servicesd. To attend the funeral services of a member of his or her immediate

family, so long as the absence is not more than one day if the service isconducted in California and not more than three days if the service isconducted outside California

e. Jury dutyf. Illness or medical appointment during school hours of a child of whom

the pupil is the custodial parent

g. For justifiable personal reasons, including, but not limited to anappearance in court, attendance at a funeral service, observance of aholiday or ceremony of his or her religion, attendance at religiousretreats, or attendance at an employment conference, or attendance atan educational conference on the legislative or judicial process offeredby a nonprofit organization when the pupil’s absence has beenrequested in writing by the parent or guardian and approved by theprincipal or a designated representative pursuant to uniform standardsestablished by the governing board.

h. To serve as a member of a precinct board for an election pursuant toSection 12302 of the Elections Code

5. Truancy: A student is truant when he or she is absent from school without thepermission of the parents or guardian and without the knowledge of the schoolauthorities. Students who forge notes will be considered truants and aresubject to a suspension from school. A student may be cited for truancy by theSchool Resource Officer.

a. When a student accumulates 10 unexcused absences and/or truancies,he/she will be referred to the Student Attendance Review Team (SART).School business absences will not count against the 10 day limit. TheSART, which includes the student and parent, will develop an attendancecontract for the student and may issue consequences for non-compliance of the school attendance policy.

b. A student who is repeatedly truant may be referred to the coordinator ofthe School Attendance Review Board (SARB) who will schedule amandatory parent conference.

6. Notification of Absences:

a. Parents/guardians will be notified by an automated phone call when astudent is marked absent from a class. Parents may also access theIntouch Online system, where attendance is updated every 20 minutesthroughout the school day. If a student is experiencing attendanceproblems, parents should contact their student’s educational advisor.

b. In accordance with state guidelines, parents or guardians shall be sent anotification by mail when the student has accumulated 3 single period orfull day unexcused absences, truancies or combination of both within theschool year. A second notification will be sent when the student hasaccumulated 9 single period or full day unexcused absences, truanciesor a combination of both within the school year.

DRESS POLICY

There appears to be a definite relationship among good dress habits, good work habits, andproper school behavior. Recognizing the relationship between personal dress and personalattitude, Mira Costa staff members encourage students to dress in a manner thatdemonstrates pride both in themselves and in their school. The following guidelines shallapply to all regular school activities:

1. Clothing, jewelry and personal items (backpacks, fanny packs, gym bags, waterbottles, etc.) shall be free of writing, pictures or any other insignia which arecrude, vulgar, profane, sexually suggestive; which advocate racial, ethnic orreligious prejudice, or the use of drugs or alcohol; which bear drug, alcohol ortobacco company advertising, promotions and likenesses; or which advocateracial, ethnic, or religious prejudice.

2. No clothing, article of clothing, or manner of wearing clothes which isdistracting/disrupting to the educational program shall be worn on campus or atschool activities. Clothes shall be sufficient to conceal undergarments at alltimes. See-through or fish-net fabrics, halter tops, off-the-shoulder or low-cuttops, bare midriffs, and skirts or shorts shorter than mid-thigh are prohibited.

3. No clothing or any article of clothing (including, but not limited to gloves,bandannas, hats, shoes, shoestrings, wristbands, jewelry, or manner of wearingclothing) related to a group or gang which may provoke others to act violently orto be intimidated by fear of violence, shall be worn on campus or at any schoolactivity. Gang-related clothing may vary and may change from year to year.Consequently, the principal, or his/her designee, shall have the authority toidentify and disallow such gang attire.

Coaches, teachers, and administrators may impose more stringent dress requirements toaccommodate the special needs of certain sports and/or classes.

Dress Code Violations

First Offense:

1. School staff will confer with the student and ask him or her to remove item(s).2. Staff will retain the item(s) until the end of the school day or other appropriate

time.3. At the end of the day, or other appropriate time, staff will return item(s) and

direct student not to wear in the future.4. The student may be assigned to detention.

Second Offense

1. All of the above, plus parent contact.2. Parent shall be given an opportunity to meet with the educational advisor, vice

principal, or principal to discuss the violations.3. The student will be assigned to the Study Zone.

Third Offense

1. The student will be assigned to the Study Zone and suspended for one day.

DROPPING CLASSES

“Dropping” a course is used to mean that no class is added in the place of another course.Students are able to drop a course under several conditions as outlined below.

1. Students in grades 9-11 must be enrolled in a minimum of 6 courses.

2. Students in grade 12 must be enrolled in a minimum of 5 courses.

3. Students enrolled in SCROC must be enrolled in 4 courses on the MCHScampus.

4. Students who are enrolled in a course, in excess of the minimum number ofcourses, may drop that course without penalty so long as it is done before thesecond Monday after the end of the 10 week marking period during Quarters 1and 3. No credits will be earned for the dropped class. No record of the coursewill appear on the transcript.

5. Students who drop a course on or after the second Monday after the end of the10 week marking period during Quarters 1 or 3 will receive a Drop/Fail on thetranscript for the course, regardless of the mark at the time of the drop.

IDENTIFICATION CARDS

Students must carry their student identification cards at all times while on campus or whenattending any school event. Students must also present their student ID card in order tocheck out textbooks and library books.

Identification cards are free, and are acquired at registration. If a student does not acquire acard at registration, he/she should report to the Guidance Office during lunch on Mondays,Thursdays or Fridays to acquire one as soon as possible after the opening of school.Replacement ID cards are $10.00.

TEXTBOOK POLICY

Mira Costa High School has a computerized textbook program to circulate textbooks.Textbooks will be charged to each individual student and will stay attached to that name untilthe books are returned to the textbook room or the library.

In order to check out textbooks or library books, students are required to show a currentschool I.D. NO BOOKS WILL BE ISSUED WITHOUT IT. Textbooks will not be issued if astudent has textbook or library fines. Fines must be cleared before additional books will bechecked out to a student.

Fines For Damaged Books

Barcode Damage $5.00Water Damage Cost of the bookCover or Binding Damage $10.00Writing in Book $2.00 per page

Textbook Tips:

1. Cover your books. This will cut down on their wear.

2. Report any damage or writing in the book immediately upon receipt of the book.The damage will be noted so that you are not charged for it.

3. Books are identified by barcode. However, write your name on the front insidecover of your textbook.

EMERGENCY/DISASTER SITUATION INFORMATION

Should we have a major earthquake or disaster during school hours, your student(s) will becared for at school. Mira Costa High School has a detailed disaster plan which has beenformulated as a response to a major catastrophe. Parents should become familiar with theSchool Emergency Disaster Plan and be patient and understanding with the student releaseprocess. Your cooperation is necessary in any emergency.

1. Available information will be recorded on the hotline, 318 – 7337 x 4636. Donot call other school extensions, as telephone lines may be needed foremergency communication. You may also check the front page of the MiraCosta website for emergency updates.

2. Impress upon your student the need for him/her to follow the directions of anyschool personnel in times of an emergency.

3. During an emergency, students will be released only to parent/guardians andpersons identified on the Health Office form and only from the designatedreunion gates located on campus. Since local telephone service may bedisrupted, also list an out-of-state contact on the Health Office form since callsmay still be made out of the area while incoming calls are affected.

4. Please instruct your student to remain at school until you or a designee arrives.Please be sure you consider the following criteria when you authorize someoneto pick up your student at school. The person must be:

• 18 years of age• Usually home during the day• Able to walk to school, if necessary• Known to your student• Willing and able to assume this responsibility

5. Turn your radio to KFI 640 AM, KNX 1070 AM, or KFWB 980 AM for emergencyannouncements. If students are to be kept at school, radio stations will benotified.

6. In the case of a “hazardous release event” (chemical spill) near the school area,“Shelter-in-Place” procedures will be implemented in each classroom to providein-place protection. All students and staff will clear outdoor areas, report to theirrooms, and all efforts will be made to prevent outside air from enteringclassrooms during the emergency. Students arriving at school during a“Shelter-in-Place” drill or event should report to the school office or to apreviously designated area at the school since classrooms will be inaccessible.When the dangerous incident has subsided, an all clear signal will be given.

Discussing these matters with your immediate family will help alleviate concern duringearthquakes or other emergencies.

HEALTH OFFICE INFORMATION

IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS FOR SCHOOL ADMISSION

Students entering the Manhattan Beach Unified School District for the first time, and who arenot coming from Hermosa Valley School, must show documented immunization records anda clear TB Mantaux Test prior to enrollment, unless the parent/guardian submits, in writing,an exemption from immunization for medical reasons or personal beliefs. Students out ofcompliance will be excluded from school (NO SHOTS, NO SCHOOL). Documentation mustbe brought to pre-registration. A copy of a standard public school immunization card satisfiesthis requirement.

If you are unable to locate immunization records, the student will need to start over.Immunizations can be provided by your own doctor, a clinic, or the health department. Besure you get written proof from the provider.

Proof of a clear TB Mantaux Test, and the following immunizations is required for high schoolstudents enrolling in Manhattan Beach Unified School District for the first time:

• Diphtheria• Tetanus• Polio• DTP• MMR• Hepatitis B

• Varicella (chickenpox)

Two local health departments offer free immunizations:

Inglewood Health Department Torrance Health Department123 Manchester Blvd 711 Del Amo BlvdInglewood, CA 90301 Torrance, CA 90501310-419-5325 310-354-2300

Information about a permanent medical exemption or personal beliefs exemption fromimmunizations for your student is available from the District Registered Nurse.

MEDICATION AT SCHOOL

If it is necessary for a student to take medication at school, both prescription and nonprescription, parents must submit a written statement of instructions from the physician and aparental request for assistance in administering the physician's instructions. The “Request toTake Medication at School” form is available on the District’s website athttp://mbusd.org/health.htm, and must be re-submitted to Mira Costa High School at leastannually, or more frequently if there are any changes. The form must be completed by bothparent and physician. The medication must be brought to the health office by an adult, in theoriginal, labeled container. Emergency medicines such as Epi Pens or inhalers may becarried by the student when authorized by the physician and parent. A second Epi Pen orinhaler should be kept in the Health Office for emergency use.

Inhalers and Epi Pens at School

If your child has a diagnosis of asthma, or allergies for which auto-injectable Epinephrine (i.e.Epi Pen) has been prescribed, it is strongly recommended that an inhaler and/or Epi Pen bekept at school for your child in event of an emergency. Students at Mira Costa High Schoolwhose parents complete and submit the proper paperwork may carry and self-administertheir own inhaler or Epi Pen.

For your child to carry an inhaler and/or Epi Pen at school, please submit: the “Permission toCarry Inhaler” or “Permission to Carry Epi-Pen” form (available from the school HealthAssistant); and the “Request for Medication to be Taken During School Hours” form(available on the District website at http://mbusd.org/health.htm), signed by the physician.These forms must be resubmitted at least annually, and more frequently if the medication,dosage, frequency of administration, or reason for administration changes. Your child maybe subject to disciplinary action if he or she uses inhaled asthma medication or Epi Pen in amanner other than as prescribed.

Disaster/Lock Down Medication

Parents must complete the “Request for Medication to be Taken During School Hours” form(available on the District website at http://mbusd.org/health.htm) if their child requiresmedication to sustain life (i.e. seizure medication), even if it is not normally taken at school.Bring the completed form, signed by your child’s doctor, along with a 3-day supply of themedication to the Health Office to be used in case of disaster or lock down.

RETURNING TO SCHOOL AFTER AN INJURY OR ILLNESS

Parents/guardians must provide the health office with written release and instructions fromthe student’s physician stating limitations and/or instructions for care while at school for thefollowing:

1. A student returns to school with:a. Castb. Crutches or other orthopedic appliancesc. Wheelchair

2. A student returns after:a. A serious illness requiring 3 days or more absence from schoolb. Surgical procedurec. Overnight hospitalization

3. A student is to be excused from PE/sports activities for more than 3 days in arow.

Parents/guardians must also note the following:

Fever: Students with an oral temperature over 100.4 degrees will be excluded from schooluntil temperature is normal for at least 24 hours.

Vomiting/diarrhea: Students will be excluded from school until they have had novomiting/diarrhea for at least a 24 hour period.

Rashes: If a student has a rash of unknown origin, the student must be sent home and mayreturn only with a note from a physician stating the rash is not contagious or may return if therash has cleared.

Conjunctivitis (pink eye): Student may return to school after 24 hours or more of physicianprescribed medication.

Strep Throat: Student may return to school after 24 hours or more of physician prescribedmedication.

Students sent home with any of the above conditions must report to the Health Officefor clearance prior to readmission to school.

GUIDELINES FOR STUDENT BEHAVIOR AND DISCIPLINE INFORMATION

The following are expectations for student behavior:

1. Refrain from using phones, iPOD’s, MP3’s or other types of electronicequipment during class time without the permission of the teacher. The schoolis not responsible for any personal articles lost or stolen on school grounds.

2. Comply with requests of teachers and staff members.

3. Practice integrity in all areas of school life. Do not cheat or act dishonestly inthe classroom or on the playing field. The new Board Policy regardingacademic honesty will be available on the District and school websites beforeschool begins.

4. Show respect for and pride in the school by helping to keep it clean and free ofvandalism.

5. Stay in the interior of the campus during the school day and do not go intoparking lots except when leaving.

6. Behave in an appropriate way on campus and in class by avoiding horseplay orexcessive displays of affection.

7. Remain on campus for your entire school day unless first cleared through theattendance office or nurse's office to leave. Secure off-grounds permit from theattendance office when you arrive at school in the morning if planning to leaveduring the school day.

8. Park only in student parking areas. You must purchase a parking pass from theGuidance Office.

Spring Semester Graduating Seniors:

Students sign a behavioral contract at the beginning of their senior year. If they break theircontract, the following consequences are implemented:

1. Exclusion from the activity where the offense occurs and referral to theappropriate authority

2. Possible suspension or recommendation for expulsion

3. Exclusion from school activities for the remainder of the school year. Activitiesinclude, but are not limited to: Junior-Senior Prom, Senior Recognition Night,Commencement and Grad Nite activities

Tobacco, Drugs and Alcohol

The Manhattan Beach Unified School District recognizes that substance abuse (misuse oftobacco, alcohol, and other drugs) is both a community and a personal problem. Whenteenagers abuse alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs, every aspect of their lives will eventuallybe affected. The use of these drugs adversely affects a student's ability to achieveacademically, is physically and emotionally harmful, and has serious social and legalconsequences. The governing board intends to keep District schools free from substanceabuse.

Chemical dependency is a treatable health problem. Therefore, the District, in cooperationwith community-based agencies, law enforcement, and parents, is committed to acomprehensive substance abuse prevention program. The program includes instruction,intervention, enforcement/discipline, and support to recovering students.

Summary of the Manhattan Beach Unified School District's board policy and administrativeregulations on substance abuse:

1. No internal medication is to be administered to students by school personnelexcept as prescribed by a medical doctor.

2. It is unlawful for a student to possess, use, or be under the influence of anycontrolled substance an alcoholic beverage, or an intoxicant of any kind onschool premises or at a school-sponsored or related event.

3. Possession of paraphernalia used for injecting/smoking/ingesting controlledsubstances is unlawful.

4. When the principal or his/her designee determines that there is sufficientevidence that a student has used, sold, otherwise furnished, or is under theinfluence of alcohol or any other controlled substance, or is in possession ofdrug paraphernalia, alcohol, or any other controlled substance, the principal ordesignee may take immediate disciplinary action against the student. Suchimmediate action may include, but is not limited to, the following:

a. Confiscation of the alcohol, controlled substance, and/or paraphernalia;

b. A 5 day suspension and documentation of the drug offense in thestudent’s discipline record.

i. If the student denies the allegation of use, the parent or guardianmay opt to take his or her student to a doctor or clinic for amedical drug-screening test on the same day that the offenseoccurs in order to provide evidence that the student is not underthe influence.

ii. If the verified medical drug-screening test results are negative, theprincipal will rescind the student’s suspension, unless the studentwas also found to be in possession of a controlled substance or

alcohol or to have furnished or otherwise attempted to furnish acontrolled substance or alcohol.

c. Notification of local law enforcement authority within one (1) school dayof the suspension (Ed Code 48902) for possible citation and/or arrest;

d. Notification of parent or guardian;

e. Assignment to Impact Program

i. The purpose of the Impact Program is early intervention andprevention of further drug use; it is not a form of discipline and isnot intended as a substitute for discipline.

ii. The program consists of eight (1) one hour sessions related tochemical use and abuse. In addition, students meet with acounselor for group counseling and prevention education.Parents also attend one evening session.

iii. The Impact program is available to any student having issues withsubstance abuse.

f. The student and parent/guardian will be asked to sign a contractagreeing to a drug test with an outside agency, at parent expense.

g. Restriction from participation in all extracurricular school activities;including athletics, for one calendar year;

h. Possible recommendation for expulsion (automatic for secondoffenses, sales, arranging to sell, or otherwise furnishing a controlledsubstance; and also for possession of a controlled substance except lessthan one ounce of marijuana other than concentrated cannabis).

Use or Possession of Tobacco or Tobacco Substances

Study Zone Suspension for up to 1 day Referral to Impact Program Citation

Grounds for Suspension and Expulsion

Suspension from school means removal of a student from ongoing instruction for adjustment purpose. A principal or theprincipal’s designee may suspend a pupil from the school (not more than five consecutive school days) for any of the reasonsin the Educational Code, Section 48900, upon a first offense if the principal or designee determines that the pupil violatedEducational Code 48900, or that pupil’s presence causes a danger to persons or property, or threatens to disrupt theeducational process.

A student may be suspended or expelled for any of the acts listed below if the act is related to a school activity or occurs duringat any District school under the jurisdiction of the Superintendent or principal or within any other school District, including butnot limited to the following circumstances:

1. While on school grounds;2. While going to or coming from school;3. During the lunch period, whether on or off the school campus; and/or4. During, going to, or coming from a school-sponsored activity.

Please see the Mira Costa High School Discipline Matrix for additional information.

OFFENSE ED. CODE POSSIBLE CONSEQUENCE(S)Caused, attempted to cause, orthreatened to cause physical injury toanother person.

48900(a)(1) • Suspension 3-5 days• Referral for expulsion• Referral to law enforcement authorities

Willfully used force or violence uponthe person of another, except in self-defense.

48900(a)(2) • Suspension 3-5 days• Referral for expulsion• Referral to law enforcement authorities

Possessed, sold, or furnished afirearm, knife, explosive, or otherdangerous object.

48900(b) • Suspension for up to 5 days• Referral for expulsion• Referral to law enforcement authorities

Unlawfully possessed, used, sold orotherwise furnished, or been under theinfluence of a controlled substance.

48900(c) • Suspension for up to 5 days• Referral for expulsion• Referral to law enforcement authorities

Unlawfully offered, arranged, or 48900(d) • Suspension for up to 5 days

OFFENSE ED. CODE POSSIBLE CONSEQUENCE(S)negotiated to sell a controlledsubstance, an alcoholic beverage, oran intoxicant of any kind, and eithersold, delivered, or otherwise furnishedto a person another liquid, substance,or material and represented the liquid,substance, or material as a controlledsubstance, alcoholic beverage, orintoxicant.

• Referral for expulsion• Referral to law enforcement authorities

Committed or attempted to commitrobbery or extortion.

48900(e) • Suspension for 3-5 days• Referral for expulsion• Referral to law enforcement authorities

Caused or attempted to cause damageto school property or private property.

48900(f) • Suspension for 1-5 days• Referral for expulsion• Referral to law enforcement authorities

Stole or attempted to steal schoolproperty or private property.

48900(g) • Suspension for 1-5 days• Referral for expulsion• Referral to law enforcement authorities

Possessed or used tobacco orproducts containing tobacco ornicotine.

48900(h) • Study Zone• Suspension• Referral to Impact Program• Citation

Committed an obscene act or engagedin habitual profanity or vulgarity.

48900(i) • Study Zone• Suspension 1-5 days

Unlawfully possessed or unlawfullyoffered, arranged, or negotiated to selldrug paraphernalia.

48900(j) • Study Zone• Suspension 1-5 days• Referral for expulsion• Referral to law enforcement authorities

Disrupted school activities or otherwisewillfully defied the valid authority ofschool personnel.

48900(k) • Study Zone• Suspension 1-5 days• Referral for expulsion• Referral to law enforcement authorities

Knowingly received stolen schoolproperty or private property.

48900(l) • Suspension 1-5 days• Referral for expulsion

OFFENSE ED. CODE POSSIBLE CONSEQUENCE(S)• Referral to law enforcement authorities

Possessed an imitation firearm. 48900(m) • Suspension 1-5 days• Referral for expulsion• Referral to law enforcement authorities

Committed or attempted to commit asexual assault.

48900(n) • Suspension for up to 5 days• Referral for expulsion• Referral to law enforcement authorities

Harassed, threatened, or intimidated apupil who is a complaining witness in aschool disciplinary proceeding.

48900(o) • Suspension 3-5 days• Referral for expulsion• Referral to law enforcement authorities

Unlawfully offered, arranged to sell,negotiated to sell, or sold theprescription drug Soma.

48900(p) • Suspension 3-5 days• Referral for expulsion• Referral to law enforcement authorities

Engaged in or attempted to engage inhazing.

48900(q) • Suspension 3-5 days• Referral for expulsion• Referral to law enforcement authorities

Engaged in an act of bullying, includingbullying committed by means of anelectronic act, directed specificallytoward a student or school personnel.

48900(r) • Suspension 3-5 days• Referral for expulsion• Referral to law enforcement authorities

Aided or abetted the infliction ofphysical injury to another person.

48900(s) • Suspension 3-5 days• Referral for expulsion, if judged by a juvenile court to have

committed as an aider or abettor, a crime of physical violencein which the victim suffered great bodily injury.

• Referral to law enforcement authoritiesCommitted sexual harassment 48900.2 • Suspension for up to 5 days

• Referral for expulsion• Referral to law enforcement authorities

Caused, attempted to cause,threatened to cause or participated inan act of hate violence.

48900.3 • Suspension for up to 5 days• Referral for expulsion• Referral to law enforcement authorities

Intentionally engaged in harassment,threats, or intimidation

48900.4 • Suspension for up to 5 days• Referral for expulsion

OFFENSE ED. CODE POSSIBLE CONSEQUENCE(S)• Referral to law enforcement authorities

Making terroristic threats 48900.7 • Suspension for up to 5 days• Referral for expulsion• Referral to law enforcement authorities

Revised 5/09

Mira Costa High School Discipline Matrix2010-2011

In addition to the Grounds for Suspension and Expulsion set forth above, the following matrix details other offenses that maysubject a student to discipline and the possible consequence(s) for the offense. The matrix is used as a guideline forconsequences. Individual student or school circumstances may require modification or adjustment to theconsequences described in the matrix.

OFFENSE 1ST OCCURRENCE 2ND OCCURRENCE 3RD OCCURRENCE 4TH OCCURENCETardies(Consequences persemester)

1-2 Teacher responsibility3 Detention by teacherParent contact by teacher

4-6 Referral to EAStudy ZoneParent contact by EA

7 tardies2 Study Zones

8 or moreSuspensionSST

Unserved Detentions Double detention byteacherParent contact by teacher

Suspension from classStudy ZoneParent contact by EA

Suspension fromclassDetention still dueSSTStudy Zone

Suspension

Dress Code Violation WarningChange of clothesPossible detention

Study ZoneParent contactChange of clothes

Study Zone1 day suspension

Gambling Study ZoneParent contact

1-3 days suspension 3-5 days suspensionArrest

Refer to principal

Forgery Study ZoneParent contact

Study Zone1-3 days suspension

Study Zone3-5 days suspension

Cheating (Plagiarism) See Ethics PolicyUnacceptable Behaviora. Not following directionsb. Not prepared for class/

suppliesc. Talking out/disruptive

behaviord. Foul Language

Detention by teacherParent contact by teacher

Study ZoneParent contactSuspension from class

1-3 days suspensionPossible loss of class

2-5 dayssuspensionRemoval fromclass

Off Grounds Without aPass

Study ZoneParent contact

1-3 days suspensionCitation

3-5 days suspensionCitation

Refer to principal

OFFENSE 1ST OCCURRENCE 2ND OCCURRENCE 3RD OCCURRENCE 4TH OCCURENCETruancy/Cutting Class 1-3 truancies-parent

contact1 detention per class cut3rd truant-habitual truantletter sent

4-9 truancies-StudyZonePossible citation9th – Second truantletter sent

10 or more truanciesReferral to StudentAttendance ReviewTeam (SART)Contract developed,consequencesdetermined by Team

When SARTcontract is broken:Referral toStudentAttendanceReview Board(SARB)Possible loss ofextracurricularactivities

Out of Bounds Detention Study Zone 1-3 days suspensionLittering/Throwing Food Parent contact

Study ZonePossible Citation1-3 days suspension

Citation2-4 days suspension

5 dayssuspension

Use of any electronicdevice during class timeCell phones must be offduring class time.

Parent contactConfiscation until end ofschool day

Confiscation until endof school day on theMonday following theoffenseParent contactDetention

Study ZoneConfiscate for 30 daysPhone to be picked upby parent

Keep device untilthe end of schoolyear1-3 dayssuspension

Display of Affection Conference with bothparties

DetentionParent contact

Study Zone

Riding skateboards oncampus

DetentionParent contactConfiscation until end ofschool dayPossible citation

Confiscation until endof school day on theMonday following theoffenseParent conferenceStudy ZoneCitation

Study ZoneConfiscate for 30days-must be pickedup by parent

Keep and give toparent at end ofschool year1-3 dayssuspension

Violation of TechnologyUse Agreement

Study ZoneParent contact

1-3 days suspensionParent contact

3-5 days suspensionParent contactDrop from computerclass if enrolledSuspend use of

OFFENSE 1ST OCCURRENCE 2ND OCCURRENCE 3RD OCCURRENCE 4TH OCCURENCEcomputers

Insults or abusivelanguage, remarks oractions (discriminatory,racial, or sexual)

Study ZoneParent contact

1-3 days suspensionParent contact

2-5 days suspensionParent contactReferral to lawenforcement

Foul language to teacher Study ZoneParent contact

Possible loss of class1-3 day suspensionParent contact

Removal from class2-5 day suspensionParent contactReferral to lawenforcement

SEXUAL HARASSMENT POLICY

Mira Costa High School is committed to making our school free from sexual harassment. Thismeans that the school prohibits harassment made by someone from or in the educationalsetting.

Sexual harassment can be such actions as: unwelcome sexual advances, request for sexualbehaviors, verbal, visual, or physical conduct of a sexual nature made by someone from or inthe educational setting.

The school prohibits conduct that has the purpose or effect of having a negative impact onthe student's academic performance, or of creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensiveeducational environment. The school further prohibits sexual harassment in which a student'sgrades, benefits, services, honors, program or activities are dependent on submission tosuch conduct.

Students should report any sexual harassment to their school principal, vice principal,counselor, or teacher. Students who violate this policy shall be disciplined appropriately. Thisincludes suspension or possible expulsion. Employees who violate this policy shall bedisciplined according to personnel procedures.

The District believes that it can resolve harassment issues at the school site. If an issuecannot be resolved at the school site, students may contact:

Executive Director, Student ServicesManhattan Beach Unified School District325 S. Peck AvenueManhattan Beach, CA 90266(310) 318-7345 ext. 5913

To file a discrimination or sexual harassment complaint:

• Obtain a copy of the Uniform Complaint Form and Procedure Form from theschool or the District office. Remedies available outside of the district are listedin this procedure.

• Manhattan Beach Unified School District will immediately undertake aneffective, thorough and objective investigation of the harassment allegationsand provide a written report as soon as possible.

• If the District determines that the policies prohibiting sexual harassment havebeen violated, disciplinary action up to and including expulsion, will be taken.

Complaints will be kept confidential. The District prohibits retaliation against any participantin the complaint process. Each complaint shall be investigated promptly and in a way thatrespects the privacy of all parties concerned. Please refer to the District Board Policy foradditional information.

ATHLETICS

Mira Costa High School provides opportunities for all students to compete in interscholasticathletics. Manhattan Beach Unified School District is a member of the CaliforniaInterscholastic Federation Southern Section (CIF-SS) and the South Bay AthleticAssociation.

Basic eligibility rules for competition: [CHECK THESE FOR ACCURACY]

1. Be less than 19 years of age on June 15th of the current school year.

2. Meet the MBUSD/CIF resident requirements.

3. Attend high school for no more than eight (8) semesters.

4. Not compete on any outside team in the same sport for the school season ofthe sport in which you participate.

5. Have not tried out for any professional or college team.

6. Obtain written permission from parent/guardian to compete and travel.

7. Pass a physical examination.

8. Show proof of accident insurance.

9. Maintain a 2.0 GPA for the preceding grading period and be making satisfactoryprogress toward graduation.

10. Maintain passing grades in at least four subjects (20 credits).

11. A student may be declared ineligible for disciplinary reasons by administrativeaction.

12. All students must complete an Athletic Clearance Packet before trying out orcompeting for any sport. These packets are available on the Mira Costawebsite under the Athletics link.

Manhattan BeachUnified School District

325 S. Peck Avenue · Manhattan Beach · California 90266 · (310) 318-7345

August, 2010

Re: Voluntary Participation Student Accident/Health Insurance2010-2011 School Year

Dear Parent:

Raising children is challenging enough without having to worry about how to access and pay for themedical treatment they need when they get hurt or sick. Low cost accident or accident and sicknessinsurance is an excellent way to prepare in advance for such challenges. In order to help you, your schooland thousands of others, participates in a program meant to give you a number of coverage options foryour child.

Several benefit levels are offered. You can limit coverage to school related injuries only or opt for 24/7protection. Also offered is a Student Health Care plan ( recommended if your child has no other healthinsurance), a long term dental accident plan and a pharmacy discount program for your entire family.Whether you are looking to fill in the “gaps” in other insurance or looking for primary coverage for yourchild, you will probably find an option to fit your needs.

Except for the dental accident plan, these plans also allow you to access a network of doctors andhospitals for discounted charges. While you can use any doctor or hospital, seeking care throughcontracted providers may reduce your out-of-pocket costs, particularly if your child needs surgery orhospitalization. To find the contracted medical providers nearest you, call 800-877-1666 or log on towww.beechstreet.com.

Coverage can begin as early as May 1, 2010 in time for summer. As a student of a participating school,your child is eligible for enrollment in any of these programs at any time, however, you are encouraged toconsider early enrollment to get maximum value from the plan(s) selected. Enrollment brochures areavailable in the high school Administration Office.

Please read your brochure carefully. If you have any questions, please call the plan administrator, Myers-Stevens & Toohey & Co., Inc. at (800) 827-4695 or (949) 348-0656. Bilingual representatives are availablefor parents who need assistance in Spanish.

Sincerely,

Steven Romines, Ph.D.Assistant Superintendent,Administrative Services

SM:lh

Mira Costa Bell Schedule2010 – 2011

updated 6/08

Regular Schedule

Begins Ends

Period 0 7:00 7:55

Period 1 8:00 8:56

Period 2 (Homeroom) 9:02 10:04

Snack 10:04 10:17

Period 3 10:23 11:19

Period 4 11:25 12:21

Lunch 12:21 12:51

Period 5 12:57 1:53

Period 6 1:59 2:55

Faculty Meeting SchedulePeriod 0 7:00 - 7:55Meeting 8:00 - 8:55Period 1 9:00 - 9:47Period 2 9:53 - 10:40Snack 10:40 - 10:53Period 3 10:59 - 11:46Period 4 11:52 - 12:39Lunch 12:39 - 1:09Period 5 1:15 - 2:02Period 6 2:08 - 2:55

Extended Lunch SchedulePeriod 0 7:00 - 7:55Period 1 8:00 - 8:55Period 2 9:01 - 10:01Snack 10:01 - 10:14Period 3 10:20 - 11:15Period 4 11:21 - 12:16Lunch 12:16 - 12:53Period 5 12:59 - 1:54Period 6 2:00 - 2:55

Minimum Day SchedulePeriod 0 7:00 - 7:55Period 1 8:00 - 8:36Period 2 8:42 - 9:20Period 3 9:26 - 10:02Snack 10:02 - 10:15Period 4 10:21 - 10:57Period 5 11:03 - 11:39Period 6 11:45 - 12:21

Department Meeting Schedule** Zero Period does not meetDepartment Meeting 8:00 - 9:55Period 1 10:00 - 10:39Period 2 10:45 - 11:25Period 3 11:31 - 12:10Lunch 12:10 - 12:40Period 4 12:46 - 1:25Period 5 1:31 - 2:10Period 6 2:16 - 2:55

Semester Exam SchedulePeriod 0 TBAFirst Exam 8:00 -10:01Snack 10:01 -10:14Second Exam 10:20 -12:21

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