2014-15 Parent Handbook - Paradise Unified School District

6696 Clark Road
Paradise, California 95969
Telephone: 530.872.6400
Fax: 530.872.6409
Website: www.pusdk12.org
Roger Bylund
Superintendent
Susan Davis
Deputy Superintendent
Educational Services
Human Resources
David McCready
Assistant Superintendent
Business Services
PARENT HANDBOOK
2014 - 2015
PARADISE UNIFIED SCHOOLS
School
Phone
Address
Principal
Honey Run Academy (5-12)
Paradise eLearning Charter School (9-12)
Paradise Elementary School (K-5)
Paradise High School (9-12)
Paradise Intermediate School (6-8)
Pine Ridge School (K-8)
Ponderosa Elementary (K-5)
Ridgeview High School (10-12)
872-6440
872-6425
872-6415
872-6425
872-6465
873-3800
872-6470
872-6478
622 Pearson Rd - Paradise
5911 Maxwell Dr - Paradise
588 Pearson Rd - Paradise
5911 Maxwell Dr - Paradise
5657 Recreation Dr - Paradise
13878 Compton Dr - Magalia
6593 Pentz Rd - Paradise
13665 Old Skyway - Magalia
Dena Kapsalis
Kathleen Blacklock (Director)
Andrea Lawson
Jeff Marcus / Michelle John
Reiner Light
David Burdine
Tom Taylor
Mike Lerch
Cedarwood Elementary School (K-5)
873-3785
6400 Columbine Rd - Magalia
Mary Rose Monney
PARADISE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
Board of Trustees Email: boardmembers@puskk12.org
Judith Peters, President
Mike Greer, Vice President
Tom Conry, Clerk
Donna Nichols
Rachelle Zuccolillo
(530) 518-1748
(530) 872-3432
(530) 864-7714
(530) 877-2849
(530) 521-4578
Administration Roger Bylund, Superintendent
Susan Davis, Deputy Superintendent / Instructional Services / Human Resources
David McCready, Assistant Superintendent Business Services
Mary Ficcardi, Director Special Services
(530) 872-6400 ext. 223
(530) 872-6400 ext. 225
(530) 872-6400 ext. 221
(530) 872-6400 ext. 244
PUSD Trustees welcome your participation Five Ridge residents, who are elected at-large by the voters on the Ridge, oversee PUSD as members of the District’s
Board of Trustees.
Board members are elected to four-year terms by a District-wide vote and are responsible for setting District policy and
approving the District’s annual budget.
The public is welcome to attend Board meetings, which are regularly scheduled on the third Tuesday of each month
and begin at 6:30 p.m. Board meetings, are generally held at the Paradise Intermediate multipurpose room, unless
different arrangements are made.
Agendas are posted at each school site and on the District’s internet website at http://www.pusdk12.org. Agendas are
available online at http://pusd.csbaagendaonline.net
For more information, call (530) 872-6400.
Page 2
Paradise Unified School District Mission
The mission of Paradise Unified School District, as the educational leader of the community, is to graduate
knowledgeable, productive, responsible citizens who are motivated to continue learning and are able to function
successfully—with integrity—in a complex, changing world.
Adopted by PUSD’s Board of Education, Administrators, Teachers and Staff
PUSD’s Vision for Excellence –
 The educational program educates the “whole child,” academically, socially, emotionally and physically.
 All staff believes every student will learn and achieve.
 Each student experiences an engaging, quality, rigorous curriculum with effective instructional practices.
 Effective program options accommodate the interests and needs of all students.
 Students and staff feel valued, respected and recognized for accomplishments and achievements.
 All facilities are clean, safe, secure and inviting to students, parents, staff and the community.
 All decisions will ensure fiscal responsibility and solvency for the District.
Our District Educational Goals
 Graduate 100% of our students by providing effective instruction, support and multiple pathway options.
 Provide leadership training and staff development to develop the skills, knowledge, strategies and
experiences to successfully implement an effective instructional program and the goals of the PUSD
Strategic Plan.
 Provide school environments that are updated, clean, safe/secure, well equipped and supportive of the
school community.
 Communicate with and involve parents, community and staff so they are well informed and recognized for
their contributions to student learning.
When It Comes to School; Families Have a Choice

With implementation of the Board’s “Policy of Choice” program, elementary and intermediate students in the District may
attend the school of their choice—subject to available space.
For information about the programs below, contact your student’s school site, the district office or the listed phone number.
Older students in secondary school may choose from a variety of programs, subject to space availability and in some cases, to
eligibility requirements.
Paradise Intermediate School / Options for 6th Grade Students
5657 Recreation Drive, Paradise, 872-6465
Paradise Intermediate School offers parents of 6th grade students two options of small learning communities that nurture the emerging
adolescent in an alternative to the traditional setting. These programs are part of Paradise Intermediate School.

Creekside 6
This program emphasizes a strong academic program with an environmental thematic approach in a small, supportive
learning community. The program accommodates a maximum of 96 students from throughout the District. Three teachers
team together to create this unique learning experience.

Evergreen 6
Evergreen 6 is a program that emphasizes a family and community atmosphere while maintaining rigorous academic
standards. The program accommodates a maximum of 64 students from throughout the District. Two teachers team together
to provide this unique learning experience.
Ridgeview Continuation High School
Grades: 10-12
13665 Old Skyway, Magalia, 872-6478
This is an alternative program for 10th, 11th and 12th grade students. Students participate in an individualized program that allows them
to make up deficient credits or accelerate their instructional program. All required graduation courses are offered. Students may
obtain a diploma from Ridgeview or transfer to Paradise High School to complete their work.
Paradise eLearning Charter School
5911 Maxwell Drive, Paradise, (530) 872-6425 ext. 3104
Grades: 9-12
Paradise eLearning Academy is a WASC accredited public charter high school sponsored by the Paradise Unified School
District. The goal is to address the diverse learning needs of our community and offer a variety of opportunities to students
on the Paradise Ridge and surrounding counties. The school is located on the campus of Paradise High and is a non-site
based independent study program using standard-based online curriculum. Online learning presents a unique
opportunity for students seeking alternate pathways to a high school diploma. Students will have access to a loaner
laptop and printer for the school year. Students at the eLearning Academy may participate in electives classes,
activities, and sports at Paradise High..
Cedarwood Children’s Center
6400 Columbine Road, Magalia, (530) 873-2759
Ages: 2.9 years to 5 years
Hours: 8:00 to 11:00 a.m. and 12:00 to 3:00 p.m.
The preschool program located at Cedarwood Elementary School offers morning and afternoon sessions for children
between the ages of 3 years and kindergarten entry. Learning activities support children’s development and school
readiness and nutritious snacks are provided. The program is available at no cost for eligible families. Call (530) 873-2759
or (530)532-5643 for more information. This is a state pre-school program run by the Butte County Office of Education.
Vista Children’s Center
581 Pearson Road, Paradise, (530) 872-6240
Ages: 2.9 years to 5 years
Hours: morning or afternoon sessions
Children have fun learning new skills and meeting friends at this high-quality preschool. Morning and afternoon sessions
are available. The program is free for most low to middle income families (call for eligibility requirements). Nutritious meals
and snacks are served. Children must be potty trained. To enroll or more information; call (530) 872-6240 or (530) 532-5643.
This is a state pre-school program run by the Butte County Office of Education.
Pine Ridge Pre-School
13878 Compton Drive, Magalia, (530) 873-8300
Ages: 3 and 4 year olds
This preschool program located in the heart of Magalia provides our young learners with activities designed to promote
their growth and development. Children will enjoy age appropriate learning activities which incorporate social skills, art,
music and physical activity. This pre-school is run by the Paradise Unified School District.
After Kindergarten Program (AKP)
Paradise Elementary School, 588 Pearson Road, Paradise, (530) 877-6415
Ages: Kindergarten
Cost: Fees
The AKP is an inclusive, optional, fee-based Paradise Unified School District program offering an extended day class
experience for kindergarteners enrolled in Paradise Elementary kindergarten classes. The AKP includes a balance of
activities as well as structured and unstructured projects. Children experience literature, dramatic play, the visual arts,
music, large and small motor games, and the support to practice social skills. Qualified staff provide a child-centered
early childhood program with a 1-to-15 teacher/child ratio. The AKP is available five days per week until 6:00 p.m. and
limited part time care until 2:00 p.m.
After School Care (ASC)
Ponderosa Elementary School, 6593 Pentz Road, Paradise, (530) 872-6470
st
Ages: Kindergarten and 1 Grade
Cost: Fees
Ponderosa’s After School Care Program is available for kindergarteners and first graders needing care after school until
6:00 p.m. ASC complements our school program and is consistent with the guidelines of a developmentally appropriate
curriculum. This program offers a balance of activities as well as structured and unstructured projects. Children
experience literature, dramatic play, the visual arts, music, large and small motor games, and the support to practice
social skills. Qualified staff provides a child-centered early childhood program with a 1-to-15 teacher/child ratio.
Paradise High School Offers Honors, Career, and College Programs
Advanced Placement / Honors Classes
Students at Paradise High School may take college level courses through the advanced placement program. Advanced
placement courses are offered in English 11, English 12, U.S. History, Calculus, American Government, Biology and Physics.
Students may be eligible for state funds to cover AP test fees.
Honors classes are offered in English 9 and 10, Chemistry, advanced courses in Anatomy/Physiology, Chorus, Art, and
Marching Band. In addition four-year courses are offered in Spanish and French.
College Connection
The College Connection is an alternative high school program located on the Butte College campus. The program builds
upon a partnership between Paradise Unified School District and Butte College. The purpose of the program is to extend
high school students’ academic and vocational learning opportunities.
2+2+2 Program
2+2+2 are courses articulated with Butte College they earn students concurrent high school and college credit. Courses
include: Advanced Computer Applications, Auto 1, Child Development, Engineering and Architectural Design, Graphic
Design, Photography, Public Speaking, Welding, ROP A+ Computer Repair, ROP Administration of Justice, ROP Auto
Restoration, ROP Automotive Technology, ROP Computer Game Programming, ROP Environmental Technology, ROP
Fashion Design, and ROP Retail Sales & Service
Fusion Program
Fusion is a small learning community based on technology and music integrating English, Social Science, and Health.
Teachers use collaborative instruction techniques to deliver this integrated curriculum with a strong emphasis on
technology. As students progress in the program, they will read and write music and then be able to apply the
knowledge in career related fields. No music experience is required and all students are encouraged to apply.
Regional Occupation Program (ROP)
Students will have an opportunity to explore career fields with hands on experiences. An example of courses offered are
Computer Repair, Networking, Animal and Veterinary, Auto Body and Repair, Building Construction, Culinary Arts,
Environmental Sciences, Medical and Hospital Careers, and Retail Sales.
School Health Services
School health services are available to all PUSD students. These services include periodic hearing and vision screenings
to determine whether there are problems in these areas that may impact a student’s learning. Spinal screening for
scoliosis is done in 7th and 8th grades to detect potentially disabling spinal curvatures that may develop in this age
group.
PUSD has credentialed school nurses who perform these screenings and provide many other health services. School
nurses are registered nurses with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, a Public Health Nurse certificate, post-baccalaureate
training in school health, and a credential to perform school health services from the state of California.
The goal of school nurses is to promote the health of all students and assist students with health-related problems in
achieving the best education possible. Medication management, asthma management, provision of special health care
procedures (bee sting kits, diabetes care, etc.), health education, consultation with parents, teachers, and others
involved with a student's health care needs in the school setting are examples of services that are available.
Our school nurses are able to assist families with getting access to and obtaining appropriate health care. They are
available to discuss health concerns with parents. PUSD also employs health secretaries at most schools. Health
secretaries provide first aid, screen ill and injured students and assist the school nurse in carrying out many aspects of the
school health services program, including documentation of immunizations, first grade physical exams and oral health
assessments.
District health policies help protect all of our students. A variety of district-wide health policies—some required by the
State’s Health and Safety Code as well as the Education Code—help to keep PUSD’s schools safe for all of its students.
IMMUNIZATIONS
No child shall be admitted to any District school without presentation of evidence that the child has been fully
immunized against diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), tetanus, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, hepatitis B and
varicella (or proof of chicken pox disease) in the manner and with immunizing agents approved by the State Department
of Health or exemption within 10 school days.
MEDICATIONS
PUSD personnel will not give medication, even over-the-counter medication, unless it is prescribed by a physician.
Medication prescribed by a physician may be given at school only with the physician’s and parent’s written permission.
A student who is required, during the school day, to take medication prescribed by a physician, may be assisted by
the school nurse or other designated school personnel only if PUSD receives: (1) a written statement from a physician
detailing the method, amount and time schedules for medication, and (2) a written statement from the parent or
guardian indicating the desire that the District assist the pupil.
For your convenience, each school has the required forms available in the office and on the PUSD website, or parents
may supply their own statements. A prescription label on a medication container does not suffice as a physician’s written
statement.
Under specific circumstances (usually asthma medications) and only by physician’s orders, a student may carry a
prescription for use at school. For more details, contact your student’s school office.
To request any health services, please contact your child’s school. If you have questions about any of these policies—
or if you have questions about health issues at your child’s school—please call the PUSD Nursing Services department,
(530) 872-6493.
HEAD LICE
1. When a teacher has reasonable suspicion that a student has head lice/nits (as evidenced by itching or scratching
of the head or visible presence), the teacher will contact the health office staff to inform of need to have the
student checked.
2. If only nits are found, the student may return to class. Health office staff will notify the parent/guardian and lice/nit
letter will be sent home for that student.
3. When a student is identified as having head lice by the health office staff, a reasonable attempt to notify the
parent/guardian of the need to pick up the student will be made. If unable to contact parent/guardian, student
will return to class. The lice/nit letter will be sent home for that student.
4. Siblings and known close contacts will be checked for the presence of live lice/nits.
5. Health office staff will notify the teacher of the students identified with head lice.
6. Prior to re-admission to school the parent/guardian must accompany the child to the school office to be checked
by health office staff and cleared to return to class.
7. The health office staff will do a head check on that student for the following two Monday mornings.
8. When there are three or more identified head lice cases in any one classroom, a letter of notification will be sent to
the parent/guardian of all the students in the class.
Our Commitment to Good Nutrition for Your Students Just Keeps Getting Stronger
Food Service program for Paradise Unified School District will be working hard to provide healthy and attractive meals
for breakfast and lunch for your children. The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act began in 2010. This law was passed by the
Federal Government focuses on the need to provide healthy school meals by addressing several key areas.
The After School Program is available at Cedarwood Elementary, Pine Ridge, Paradise Elementary, Paradise Intermediate
School and at Ponderosa Elementary. The Food Service Department offers a snack daily in these programs.
The District’s food service staff prides itself on offering menu choices which are as popular with students as they are
nutritious. Each site offers a choice of entrees as well as fresh fruits and veggies daily. Our own signature Tall Timber pizza is
offered daily to the secondary sites. The students will be pleased at how delicious our whole grain pizza crust is. We have
worked many hours developing a healthy homemade pizza crust that meets the requirements for whole grain. As a
partner in the nutrition education provided by the Sierra Cascade Nutrition Consortium and UC Davis Extension in our
District it is our goal to model what students learn in the classroom.
We encourage families to fill out the application titled APPLICATION FOR FREE AND REDUCED-PRICE MEALS sent home
with your child as you may be eligible for free or reduced price breakfast and lunch. Filling out this application can also
help other programs in the district receive funding that is based on student eligibility.
Students from low-income families may receive the meals free of charge or pay 40¢ for lunch (00¢ for breakfast)
depending upon family size and income. One application may be used for the entire family regardless which school they
attend. Applications for free or reduced meals are included in each student’s first-day-of-school packet. They will also be
mailed to your home address and you may take it off of the district web site at www.pusdk12.org Address your questions to
the District Food Service Office by calling (530) 872-6496.
Prices for meals vary within the district.
LUNCH
BREAKFAST
All Elementary School Sites
Pine Ridge School Grades K-6
Pine Ridge School Grades 7-8
Paradise Intermediate School
Grades 6-8
Honey Run Academy Grades 6-12
Ridgeview High School Grades 9-12
Paradise High School Grades 9-12
$2.25
$2.25
$2.50
$2.50
$2.50
$2.50
$3.00
Full Priced Breakfast
Reduced Eligible Priced
Breakfast
$1.50
$0.00
Breakfast is served at most school
sites. All students who are eligible
for a free or reduced lunch are also
eligible for free breakfast.
This school year, we are reinforcing our commitment to the new USDA guidelines for even healthier meals for your
students. We will continue to remind students of the basic food changes they need to be aware of:
 Choose at least one fruit or vegetable among the three meal components
 Choose three items for a complete meal
Calorie maximums per average meal were new at the start of last school year. Since then, USDA has given us more
flexibility within the calorie maximums, so we can serve more grains and proteins.
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Students still must choose at least one fruit or vegetable serving.
Students have a greater selection and variety of fruits and veggies to choose from. Each day students will be
offered a ¾-1 cup of vegetable PLUS ½-1 cup of fruit.
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We are emphasizing the healthiest vegetables, with weekly choices of healthy dark green and red/orange
vegetables, as well as beans and other legumes.
Whole grains are up again. At least 50% of all grain foods we serve are rich whole-grain, and within another year,
all grains we serve will be rich whole-grain.
Bad fats are down. Meals average less than 10% calories from saturated fat, and every food item contains zero
grams per serving of trans fat.
We only serve fat-free, 1% and fat-free flavored milks.
We are meeting the new standards for limiting sodium.
Putting these changes in place over the last year has required careful planning on our part. But the end result is
healthier meals for our students – and well-nourished students do better in school!
Please visit www.traytalk.org for more details.
School Meals
We serve education everyday™
Don’t Be Late or Absent!
If your child isn’t in school every day, he or she may struggle meeting PUSD’s high academic expectations. It is
important that your student attend school daily and arrive at school on time each day.
You can make this possible by scheduling non-school commitments—such as medical appointments and recreational
plans—during non-school hours.
Compulsory education laws require schools to keep track of excused and unexcused absences. Please follow the
guidelines outlined below in order to assist us in this process.
• If your child must miss school, upon their return following a partial day, full day, or extended absence, parents must
notify the school representatives via written note or some other personal notification of the date(s), length of time,
and reason(s) for the student’s absence.
• Failure of the parent to notify school representatives of the reason for absences within a reasonable period of time (3
days) will result in the absence being considered unexcused.
STUDENT TARDIES - a student is tardy when he/she arrives in the classroom after the tardy bell rings, but before the first
thirty minutes of class has been completed. A student is considered ‘late’ with an unexcused tardy of 30 minutes or
more.
STUDENT ABSENCES - whether an absence is excused or unexcused, the student will be expected to make up the work
that was missed within a reasonable period of time. Any student absence resulting from a school suspension will be
unexcused. Parents will be notified of attendance problems so that they can be resolved quickly.
EXCUSED ABSENCES - a student absence is excused when it is a result of illness, quarantine by county or city health
officer, having medical, dental or optometric services rendered, or attending funeral services of a member of the
pupil’s immediate family. Our primary concern is the education of our students.
THE DISTRICT 10% POLICY - To be implemented at a date designated by the superintendent or designee but not prior to
the District’s 20th day of instruction. When a student has accrued absences due to illness verified by the parent with the
methods listed above, equal to or surpassing ten percent (10%) of the schools days during which the student was
enrolled, from the date of enrollment to the current date, subsequent absences must be verified by a physician, health
professional, school nurse, or other school personnel. Absences must be cleared daily, unless other arrangements are
made with the school principal or designee. Failure to provide verification from a physician, health professional, school
nurse or other school personnel, will result in said additional absences being recorded as unexcused.
Pursuant to the California Education Code Section 48200 and the Paradise Unified School District Policies and Procedures
5113, if attendance issues do arise, a student and parent may be referred to a student study team or a School
Attendance Review Board for a case review.
What Happens When it Snows…
Winter on the ridge can mean rain, gusty winds and lengthy storms, but it also means occasional snow. When snow
starts to fall, how do you answer the question, “Has Paradise Unified canceled school?”
PUSD has several procedures for school cancellation due to snow, depending upon what time of day the snow starts.
Location is also a factor, since some schools may be canceled and other schools with less snowfall may continue as
usual.
If the snowfall occurs at night or early morning, school(s) could be closed before the buses leave on their routes.
Sometimes school(s) are closed in the morning after buses have left on their runs. If this happens, those students
already on their buses will be taken back to their morning bus stop.
A third possibility is the closure of schools while school is in session. If this happens, students will be bused to their
afternoon bus stops. If students are already at school, they may use the school phones and/or remain at school until their
parent/guardian picks them up. Phone lines are usually jammed in these situations; however, in any of the described
school closing situations, the district will utilize our SchoolMessenger® system to auto-dial families impacted by school
closures. In a matter of minutes the system can call every home and/or emergency number listed on students’
emergency cards. Other messages you may receive about summer school cancellations or poor air quality from this
phone message system. Please be sure the emergency contact information for your child is accurate and up to date.
There can be multiple emergency phone numbers for each student.
In addition to SchoolMessenger®, the district will notify local radio and T.V. stations as well as the Town of Paradise
emergency broadcast station at 1500 AM whenever there are school closures. You can also call the PUSD’s
Transportation Office (530-872-6484) or the District Office at (530-872-6400). These phone lines may be very busy.
The decision to close school due to poor weather is one that we do not make lightly. PUSD realizes that closing school
causes a problem for many parents. We encourage you to make plans ahead with child sitters, relatives, neighbors,
employers, and others so you’ll be prepared in the event of school closure.
TV Stations
KRCR-TV Channel 7 KPAY-AM
KHSL-TV Channel 12 Town of Paradise-AM
KNVN-TV Channel 24 Upper Ridge-AM
KLRS-FM
KFMF-FM
Radio Stations
1290
KRQR-FM
1500
KHSL-FM
1460
KCEZ-FM
92.7
KALF-FM
93.9
KMXI-FM
106.7
103.5
102.1
95.7
95.1
Tune in the above stations or log onto the PUSD website (www.pusdk12.org). If time permits, we will post school closure
information on the District’s web site.
Bus Rules Make Travel Safer
As stipulated in California Administrative Code §14103, pupils transported in a school bus shall be under the authority
of, and responsible directly to, the driver of the bus, and the driver shall be held responsible for the orderly conduct of the
pupils while they are on the bus or being escorted across a street or highway. Students are required to adhere to the
following bus rules:
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•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Students must remain seated and facing forward with their feet on the floor.
Students must follow the driver’s instructions at all times. The driver may assign a seat to any student.
All parts of the body must remain inside the bus and away from open windows.
Students may talk quietly (no yelling, screaming or other loud noise that may distract the driver).
Students must remain twelve feet away from the bus until the bus doors open.
Students must observe pedestrian safety at all times and are not to cross the street unless escorted by the bus driver.
Littering, eating, drinking, chewing, smoking, animals, glass or hazardous objects are not allowed on the bus.
Cell phones must not be seen.
Skateboards are not allowed on the bus.
No objects of any kind are to be thrown in or out of the bus.
• Students are not to interfere with other students or their possessions.
• Emergency equipment is not to be tampered with unless instructed by the bus driver.
• A bus pass or ticket must be presented to ride on the bus.
Inappropriate behavior may result in:
1st incident—A warning will be sent to the parent.
2nd incident—Riding privileges may be suspended for one to ten days.
3rd incident—Bus riding privileges may be suspended for the remainder of the school year.
Severe or safety violation—Any action that jeopardizes other people or refusal to submit to the authority of the driver
may result in the immediate loss of riding privileges.
Which students are eligible for bus transportation?
Bus transportation is available for students living within the Paradise Unified School District boundaries and who attend
the school in their area of residence under the following guidelines:
• TK through 3rd grade students who live more than 1 mile from the school in their attendance area;
• 4th through 5th grade students who live more than 1-1/2 miles from the school in their attendance area;
• 6th through 12th grade students who live more than 2 miles from the school in their attendance area.
Mileage is measured from the bus loading area at the school by the most direct way over publicly-maintained
highways and streets to the driveway of the student’s house.
Bus tickets and passes to meet your needs—
If you like variety, the District’s transportation office has just what you crave—bus passes in a variety of formats.
Choose from single tickets, punch tickets for ten rides, an annual bus pass or a bi-annual bus pass. One-way passes are
also available.
PUSD charges for all transportation to and from school; students must present a ticket or pass to the bus driver for each
ride. Fees collected from riders cover about 9% of the actual cost of providing transportation to students.
Free transportation is provided for Individual Education Plan students (if their IEP states that transportation is required)
and those who must attend non-neighborhood schools because of overcrowding.
Families eligible for free or reduced-cost transportation service can contact their school or the District’s transportation
office for an application. This application is separate from those forms required for the Food Service Program.
You may purchase bus tickets at the transportation office at 610 Pearson Road (behind Foster’s Freeze) or at any
school office. Bus passes are available at the transportation office only.
Call the transportation department weekdays at (530) 872-6484 between 7:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. The Transportation
Office is closed during the second half of June and the month of July.
Stop when the bus stops!
When drivers see PUSD’s bold yellow school buses driving ridge roads, they should pay special attention to the
vehicle’s lights. When the red lights on a school bus flash, state law mandates that traffic in both directions must stop—not
just those cars behind the bus.
Videotaping
Students may be filmed at any time while riding the bus or waiting to load, during loading, unloading or leaving the
bus stop area. Students are subject to disciplinary action if their activities or statements violate school rules. Review of bus
films may provide the basis for disciplinary action.
Special Interest and Support Programs Help Students Reach Goals
Title I Program
The Title I Program is offered at elementary and intermediate/middle schools to provide support services to students with
academic needs in reading/language arts and mathematics. Title I academic coaches and instructional aides
collaborate with classroom teachers and other specialists to provide extra help to students.
State Compensatory Education Services (SCE)
Paradise Senior High School and Ridgeview High School offer support services to students with needs in reading, math
and study skills through special classes.
English Language Learner Program
The District provides services to students with limited English proficiency at each school site. Students participate in
activities to build their English listening, speaking, reading and writing skills, and learning in assigned content area classes.
CAHSEE (California High School Exit Exam) Intervention Support
The District provides intervention support for students who have not passed one or both parts of the CAHSEE. Courses are
offered during the school day at both Paradise High School and Ridgeview High School. After school intervention sessions
and summer school also offer targeted instruction to prepare students to take the exam. Students who do not pass the
CAHSEE by the end of twelfth grade may participate in intensive intervention services for two years and continue to take
the exit exam.
Site Based Independent Study Program (Short-term)
This program is for regularly enrolled students who need to be absent from school for a short period of time. Students are
enrolled in short-term independent study when parents sign a contract for their student to complete assigned work while
away from school. When the completed work is evaluated by the student’s classroom teacher, the student earns
attendance credit for the days missed from school. For more information, contact the school office.
Home-Hospital Instruction Program
A home-hospital instruction program is available to students with extended absence from school due to illness or injury.
Parents may request a physician’s request form. A teacher will help the student continue a regular course of study
through home instruction for the duration of his/her absence.
Pre-School Education
The District has a number of programs designed for the very young residents of Paradise, Magalia and the greater Ridge
area (see pages 4 and 5).
Paradise Unified School District
Parent/Guardian and Student Legal Rights
You must acknowledge you have read this statement of your rights by signing and returning the
Parent/Student Consent form located on the last page of this booklet to the school office
State and Federal law requires school districts to notify pupils, parents and guardians of minor pupils of parental rights. This law requires the parents
or guardians to sign a notification form and return it to school. The signature is an acknowledgment that the parents or guardians have been informed of
their rights but does not indicate that consent to participate in any particular program has been either given or withheld. This notification form will be
sent home with students on the first day of school.
Some legislation requires additional notification to the parents or guardians during the school term or at least 15 days prior to a specific activity. (A
separate letter will be sent to parents or guardians prior to any of these specified activities or classes, and the student will be excused whenever the
parents file with the principal of the school a statement in writing requesting that their child not participate.) Other legislation grants certain rights that
are spelled out in this article.
The following rights, responsibilities, and protections are provided (when used in this notification, “parent” includes a parent or legal guardian).
PROCEDURES –
•Student discipline: Rules pertaining to student discipline, including those that govern suspension or expulsion, are available from the building
principal. They are also communicated to all students every year.
•Open campus: The governing Board of the Paradise Unified School District, pursuant to §44808.5 of the Education Code, has decided to permit the
pupils who are enrolled in grades 11 or 12 at Paradise High School to leave the school grounds during the lunch period. The governing Board establishes
an open period at Ridgeview High School during the lunch period, 11:45 a.m. – 12:20 p.m.
•Visitors at school: Paradise Unified School District encourages parents/guardians to visit our schools. To ensure the safety and wellbeing of all
students and staff and to avoid potential disruptions, visitors must sign in at the school office. To ensure minimum interruption of the instructional
program, arrangements for visiting any classroom should be made in advance and at the discretion of the teacher and/or administration. If a parent
conference is desired, teachers will be happy to schedule an appointment during non-instructional time.
RIGHTS –
•Safe Schools: Students who attend a persistently dangerous school and students who are victims of a violent criminal offense, while in or on the
grounds of a public school, are allowed to transfer to a safe public school.
•Sex offender information: The district works with local law enforcement agencies to receive information about registered sex offenders who may
reside or work within district boundaries. It is law enforcement’s responsibility to assess the relative danger of an offender and to notify the public upon
determination of a risk. Parents/guardians may contact law enforcement for additional information when notification is made. If law enforcement
notifies the district of the presence of either a “high risk” or “serious” sex offender in the community, the district may initiate notification to
parents/guardians about the presence of the sex offender. This notification shall consist of the distribution of the written materials provided by law
enforcement in the geographic areas recommended by them. Notification shall be by means of school newsletters.
•Uniform complaint procedures: The district is primarily responsible for compliance with State and Federal regulations and to establish procedures
to deal with complaints alleging unlawful discrimination or failure to comply with State or Federal law in programs such as adult education, categorical
aid programs, career technical education, child care/development programs, child nutrition programs and special education programs. The district will
follow uniform complaint procedures when addressing complaints in any of these areas. If you believe the district has violated State or Federal law in any of
these areas, you may file a written complaint. The complainant has the right to appeal the district’s decision to the CA Department of education by
filing a written appeal within 15 days of receiving the district’s decision. Civil law remedies may be available under state or federal discrimination laws,
if applicable. A complainant may pursue available civil law remedies outside of the district’s complainant procedures. Complainants may seek
assistance from mediation centers or public/private interest attorneys. Civil law remedies that may be imposed by a court include, but are not limited
to, injunctions and restraining orders. Copies of uniform complaint procedures are available from your site principal or the district office free of charge.
The Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources is the PUSD compliance officer.
•Discrimination: The district has a policy of nondiscrimination on the basis of sex, race, color or national origin or lack of English skills. This policy
applies to all students insofar as participation in programs and activities is concerned, with few exceptions such as contact sports. In accordance with
Federal law, complaints alleging non-compliance with this policy should be directed to the school principal. Appeals may be made to the Assistant
Superintendent of Human Resources (the District’s Title IX Coordinator) at 6696 Clark Road, Paradise, CA 95969; 872-6400.
•Teacher qualifications: Parents have the right to request information regarding the professional qualifications of their child’s teacher, including
whether the teacher has met State credential criteria for grade level and subject matter taught, whether the teacher is teaching under emergency or
other provisional status, the baccalaureate degree major of the teacher and any other graduate certification or degree held and whether the child is
provided services by paraprofessionals, and if so, their qualifications.
•Access to records: The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) afford parents and students over 18 years of age certain rights with
respect to the student’s education records. These rights are:
1) The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of the day the school receives a request for access – Parents or eligible
students should submit to the school principal a written request that identifies the record(s) they wish to inspect. The school official will make
arrangements for access and notify the parent or eligible student of the time and place where the records may be inspected.
2) The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the parent or eligible student believes are inaccurate – Parents or
eligible students may ask the school to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate. They should write the school principal, clearly identify the
part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate. If the school decides not to amend the record as requested by the parent or
eligible student, the school will notify the parent or eligible student of the decision and advise them of their right to a hearing regarding the request
for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the parent or eligible student when notified of the right
to a hearing.
3) The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that
FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.
One exception, which permits disclosure without consent, is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a
person employed by the School as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff member (including health or medical staff and law
enforcement unit personnel); a person serving on the School Board; a person or company with whom the School has contracted as its agent to provide
a service instead of using its own employees or officials (such as an attorney, auditor, medical consultant, or therapist); or a parent or student
serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks.
A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional
responsibility.
Upon request, the School discloses educational records without consent to officials of another school district in which a student seeks or intends to
enroll.
4)
The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the school district to comply with the
requirements of FERPA – The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA are:
Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20202-4605
In addition, parents or eligible students may receive a copy of any information in the records at reasonable cost per page. District policies and
procedures relating to location of, and types of, records; kinds of information retained; persons responsible for records; directory information; access
by other persons; review; and challenge of records are available through the principal in each school. When a student moves to a new district,
records will be forwarded upon the request of the new school district.
•Privacy: If you believe the District is not in compliance with Federal regulations regarding privacy, you may file a complaint with the United States
Secretary of Education (see address above).
•Student directory information: The District also makes student directory information available in accordance with State and Federal laws. This
means that each student’s name, birth date, birthplace, address, telephone number, major course of study, participation in school activities, dates of
attendance, awards and previous school attendance may be released in accordance with board policy. In addition, height and weight of athletes may be
made available. Appropriate directory information may be provided to any agency, including military recruiters, or person except private, profit-making
organizations (other than employers, potential employers or news media). Names and addresses of seniors or terminating students may be given to
public or private schools and colleges.
•Right to refuse release of information: Upon written request from the parent of a student age 17 or younger, the district will withhold directory
information about the student. If the student is 18 or older or enrolled in an institution of post-secondary instruction and makes written request, the
pupil’s request to deny access to directory information will be honored. Requests must be submitted to the school office within 15 calendar days of the
receipt of this notification by written note or by completing the appropriate section of the “Acknowledgment of Notification of Parents Legal Rights”
form that was sent home with each student on the first day of school.
•Student records: Parents and eligible students will be notified prior to the destruction of any special education records.
•Nondiscrimination: Uniform complaint procedures shall be followed when addressing complaints alleging unlawful discrimination based on age, sex,
sexual orientation, gender, ethnic group identification, race, ancestry, national origin, religion, color, or mental or physical disability in any program or
activity that receives or benefits from State financial assistance.
•Sexual harassment: State and Federal law prohibit sexual harassment of students. If a student feels he/she has been sexually harassed by an
employee of the district, a non-employee who is regularly present in the school area or another student, he/she may submit a complaint to a teacher or
the principal. The district’s written policy regarding sexual harassment is available at your child’s school or the District Office.
•Disabled students: Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 defines students who may be considered disabled. A person is disabled under this
act who:
1) Has a mental or physical impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activity; or
2) Has a record of such an impairment; or
3) Is regarded as having such impairment.
The district will identify, evaluate and provide free appropriate education to students qualified disabled within the meaning of Section 504 of the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Parents of students should contact their site principal for procedures regarding accommodations under Section 504.
HEALTH •District immunizations: The district may administer immunizing agents to prevent or control communicable diseases to pupils whose parents have
consented in writing to such immunization.
•Assistance with medication: Any student who must take prescribed medication at school and who desires assistance of school personnel must
submit a written statement of instructions from the physician and a parental request for assistance in administering the physician’s instructions. A
form is available at your child’s school and on line at www.pusdk12.org (under forms).
•Medication: The parent or legal guardian of any student on a continuing medication regimen for a nonepisodic condition shall inform the school nurse
or other designated certificated school employee of the medication being taken, the current dosage and the name of the supervising physician. With the
consent of the parent or legal guardian of the student, the school nurse may communicate with the physician and may counsel with the school personnel
regarding the possible effects of the drug on the child’s physical, intellectual and social behavior, as well as possible behavioral signs and symptoms of
adverse side effects, omission or overdose.
•Health examination for school entry: By law, all children entering the first grade are required to have a certificate of a health examination on file
at school. Children must have completed the examination up to 18 months prior to first grade entry or within 90 days thereafter. Parents are informed
of the requirement at the time of kindergarten and first grade registration. The Department of Education works with the Child Health and Disability
Prevention Program (CHDP) in assisting all children in meeting this requirement. CHDP is a preventive health program serving California’s children
and youth and provides routine health examinations to identify problems and to refer suspected problems for necessary diagnosis and treatment. A
waiver may be signed by the parents should they choose not to obtain the health examination.
•Medical care: The governing board may provide or make available medical or hospital services for injuries to students arising from school programs
or activities. No student shall be compelled to accept such service without consent or, if a minor, without the consent of a parent or guardian.
CURRICULUM –
•Curriculum review: Each school site has a curriculum description for all courses taught at that site available for parent/guardian review, at parent
request.
•Special education: If a child is an “individual with exceptional needs,” special education is available at no cost to the parent. Parents, teachers,
administrators or other individuals who believe that a student may require special educational services may refer the child for consideration for special
education. Any individual, agency or organization has the right to file a written complaint if it believes that a child’s rights have not been met under
special education laws/regulations. For information regarding referral procedures, complaints, etc. call the Director of Special Services at (530) 872-6400
ext. 244.
•High school exit exam: Students who intend to graduate from the high school will be required to pass a high school exit examination. Students will
have the opportunity to take that examination beginning in the spring semester of their sophomore year. Ample notification of the date and
requirements for passing the examination as well as the consequences of not passing the examination will be given to parents/guardians and students
prior to that test date.
•Makeup work: No student may have his or her grade reduced or lose academic credit for any absence excused pursuant to Education Code 48205
when missed assignments and tests that can reasonably be provided are satisfactorily completed within a reasonable period of time.
•Drug education: Instruction on drug education and the effects of the use of tobacco, alcohol, narcotics, dangerous drugs and other dangerous
substances is included in courses on health and other appropriate areas of study in grades 1-12. Information regarding the district policies for tobacco,
alcohol and drugs is available at your child’s school on request.
•Venereal disease education: Parents are notified in writing prior to any instruction or class in which venereal disease education and human
reproductive organs and their function or processes are described, illustrated or discussed. Materials to be used may be reviewed prior to instruction.
•Student access to the internet: Students who use the internet at school, and their parent(s)/guardian(s) are required to sign the PUSD Student
Network Responsibility Contract. By doing so, the student and parent(s)/guardian(s) agree to abide by the restrictions outlined in the contract.
Consequences of violations include, but are not limited to, the suspension or revocation of internet access, suspension or revocation of network
privileges, suspension or revocation of computer access and/or school suspension.
•Excused from health education: Whenever any part of the instruction in “health,” family life or sex education conflicts with religious training and
beliefs or personal moral convictions of the parent or guardian, the student shall be excused from that part of the instruction upon written parental
consent.
ATTENDANCE –
•Absence for personal reasons: State law permits students to be absent for justifiable personal reasons. In accordance with board policy, the request
must be in writing and must be agreed to by the building principal.
•Home/hospital instruction: Home/hospital instruction is available for students with temporary disabilities. This typically involves students who are
confined to a hospital or home for a period of one month or more because of an incapacitating illness or injury. This program is facilitated through the
Independent Learning Center.
•Alternative schools: California State law authorizes all school districts to provide for alternative schools. The Education Code defines alternative
school as a school or separate class group within a school which is operated in a manner designed to:
1) Maximize the opportunity for students to develop the positive values of self-reliance, initiative, kindness, spontaneity, resourcefulness, courage,
creativity, responsibility and joy.
2) Maintain a learning situation maximizing student self-motivation and encouraging the student in his own time to follow his own interests. These
interests may result in whole or in part from a presentation by his teachers of choices of learning projects.
3) Maximize the opportunity for teachers, parents and students to cooperatively develop the learning process and its subject matter. This opportunity
shall be a continuous, permanent process.
4) Maximize the opportunity for students, teachers and parents to continuously react to the changing world, including but not limited to the community
in which the school is located.
In the event any parent, pupil or teacher is interested in further information concerning alternative schools, the County Superintendent of Schools, the
administrative office of this district and the principal’s office in each attendance unit have copies of the law available for your information. This law
particularly authorizes interested persons to request the governing board of the district to establish alternative school programs in each district.
•Attendance options: Parents/guardians have a number of attendance options available for their students. These include charter schools, regular
school programs, independent study and others. More information about these options is available in this handbook, on our website, or by calling the
District Office. Parents/guardians may also request an inter-district attendance agreement for their student’s attendance at a school outside of the
Paradise Unified School District or an intra-district agreement (request for change in school of attendance) for attendance at a school in grades K-8
outside of the student’s residence area. Appropriate forms are available at the school office or the District Office and must be completed annually.
•Permissive absence: Pupils may be excused from school in order to participate in religious exercises or to receive religious instruction at their place
of worship with written parental consent.
•McKinney-Vento Homeless Support Program: Students who are living in a temporary housing situation are entitled to continue attendance at the
school of their residence. The district will provide transportation and eligibility for the free lunch program. Contact your school office of the District
Office if you are in need of this program.
INFORMATION –
•Free and reduced price meals and transportation: Needy pupils may be eligible for free or reduced price meals or transportation. Details are
available at your child’s school.
•Surveys: The Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA) affords parents certain rights regarding the school district’s conduct of surveys,
collection and use of information for marketing purposes, and certain physical exams.
Parents have a right to give consent before students are required to participate in a survey that concerns one or more of the following protected areas
(“protected information survey”) if the survey is funded in whole or in part by a program of the U.S. Department of Education –
1) Political affiliations or beliefs of the student or student’s parent;
2) Mental or psychological problems of the student or student’s family;
3) Sex behavior or attitudes;
4) Illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating, or demeaning behavior;
5) Critical appraisals of others with whom respondents have close family relationships;
6) Legally recognized privileged relationships, such as with lawyers, doctors, or ministers;
7) Religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the student or parents; or
8) Income, other than as required by law to determine program eligibility.
Parents must receive notice and an opportunity to opt a student out of –
1) Any other protected information survey, regardless of funding;
2) Any non-emergency, invasive physical exam or screening required as a condition of attendance, administered by the school or its agent, and not
necessary to protect the immediate health and safety of a student, except for hearing, vision, or scoliosis screenings, or any physical exam or
screening permitted or required under State law; and
3) Activities involving collection, disclosure, or use of personal information obtained from students for marketing or to sell or otherwise distribute the
information to others.
Parents have a right to inspect, upon request and before administration or use –
1) Protected information surveys of students;
2) Instruments used to collect personal information from students for any of the above marketing, sales, or other distribution purposes; and
3) Instructional material used as part of the educational curriculum.
Parents who believe their rights have been violated may file a complaint with the Family Policy Compliance Office (see address under “Access to
records” above).
•Pesticide application: The Paradise Unified School District does not intend to use pesticides on a regular basis. However, if a situation should arise
that requires the application of pesticides in your child’s school a list will be developed of parents or guardians who want to be notified before individual
pesticide applications are made. If you would like to be included on this list please notify your child’s school in writing.
•Asbestos: Complete, updated management plans for asbestos-containing material in school buildings are available at each site and the PUSD
Administrative Office.
•Tobacco Use Policy: All use of tobacco (smoking, chewing, etc.) on school property is against both the California Education Code as well as the Penal
Code. Tobacco use will not be allowed on Paradise Unified School property, including parking lots.
•Drug/Alcohol Policy: Paradise Unified School District will not tolerate the use of, possession of, or the association with, illegal drugs including
alcohol while at school or school activities. Refer to PUSD Board Policies and Procedures 5131.6.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
State law requires that you must acknowledge you have read your rights and responsibilities by returning the Acknowledgment of
Notification of Parents’ and Students’ Legal Rights consent form completed and signed to the school office.
Acknowledgment of Notification of Parents’ and Students’ Legal Rights
You must acknowledge you have read your “Notification of Parents’ and Students’ Legal Rights” which was included in the Parent and Student Handbook sent home with your student on
the first day of school. Please return this form to your child’s school as soon as possible.
• I hereby acknowledge receipt of information regarding my rights/responsibilities/protections.
Student’s name (please print)
Grade
School
Teacher
• Is this student on a continuing medication program? Please check:
If YES, you have my permission to contact my child’s physician.
yes
no
Physician
Phone
Medication
Dosage
Parent/guardian signature
Date
• If you do not wish directory information released (see parents’ and students’ rights), please sign below and return to the school office within the next 30
days. Note that this will prohibit the district from providing the pupil’s name and other information to the news media, interested schools, parent-teacher
associations, interested employers and similar parties (such as scholarship organizations, educational workshop opportunities, etc.). This directive is valid for the
2014/2015 school year only and must be renewed annually.
Do not release directory information regarding _____________________________________________________________________________
Pupil’s name
Do not release information to the military regarding
Pupil’s name
Signature
Signed by (please check):
Parent/guardian of pupil age 17 or younger
Date
Pupil age 18 or older
(6/09)