SERIOUS VIOLATIONS OF THE EDUCATION CODE AND THE PENAL CODE MAY INCLUDE:

Forgery

It is considered to be a forgery for any person who, with intent to defraud, signs the name of another person, or of a fictitious person, knowing that she/he has no authority to do so. This also includes altering legal documents. School or personal documents may include, but are not limited to:

• Hall passes/call slips
• Readmits
• Nurse referrals
• Parent/Guardian permission slips
• Letters/notes from home
• Legal documents, i.e., attendance printouts, grade records, electronic signature pads, etc.

Hate Violence

In addition to the reasons specified in Sections 48900 and 4900.2, a student in any of grades 4 - 12, inclusive, may be suspended from school or recommended for expulsion if the superintendent or the principal of the school in which the pupil is enrolled determines that the pupil has caused, attempted to cause, threatened to cause, or participated in an act of, hate violence, as defined in subdivision (e) of Section 233. Any student who believes he/she is a victim of hate-motivated behavior shall immediately contact a staff member, Principal or Coordinator for Nondiscrimination. Upon receiving such a complaint the Coordinator or Principal shall immediately investigate the complaint in accordance with school-level complaint process/grievance procedures as described in AR 5145.7-Sexual Harassment. AS PER OUR MISSION STATEMENT, THESE BEHAVIORS WILL NOT BE TOLERATED ON OUR CAMPUS. SUSPENSION AND/OR EXPULSION MAY RESULT FROM THE FIRST OFFENSE.

Violation of Penal Codes: 422.6, 422.7, AND 422.75

Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment consists of (1) unwelcomed sexual advances; (2) requests for sexual favors; and/or (3) other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature in all educational settings including, but not limited to:

• Decisions involving academic status, honors, programs and activities for students
• Conduct that has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with student's academic performance or creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive school environment

Other forms of sexual harassment include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following:

• Verbal harassment, such as derogatory comment, jokes, slurs, requests for sexual favors or threats
• Physical harassment, such as unnecessary or offensive touching, impeding, or blocking movement
• Visual harassment, such as derogatory or offensive posters, cards, calendars, cartoons, graffiti, drawings, or gestures

Any student who feels that he/she is being sexually harassed should immediately report the incident to a staff member, the Principal or the District Title IX Coordinator (students).

Violation of Education Codes: 48900 i, 48900 n, 48900.2 and 48915 c.4.

The above misconduct may result in any form of, or a combination of the following:

• At Risk Counseling
• Parent/Guardian Conference
• Assignment of Demerits
• Suspension
• Expulsion Recommendation

Searches

Searches may be conducted when there is a reasonable suspicion that a student is in possession of items that are illegal and/or prohibited on campus. Areas that may be searched include, but are not limited to P.E. lockers, desks, cars, purses, backpacks, pockets, shoes and socks. General searches may be conducted in emergency situations. In order to provide a safe and secure learning environment, the Rialto Unified School District Board of Education has implemented a Random Search Program. The program is conducted on a random, “no-notice” basis at all secondary schools. The process utilizes an electronic (computerized) Random Selection Device along with hand-held metal (wand) detectors. A team of Campus Security Officers (both male and female), along with a school administrator conduct the searches. In addition, the Rialto Unified School District employs Interquest Detection Canines, Inc., to conduct searches with canines trained to detect drugs, alcohol and gun powder. If a student refuses to be searched, the police and/or the parents/guardians will be called to conduct the search.

BULLYING

The Rialto Unified School District is committed to providing a safe working and learning environment; takes seriously bullying or any behavior that infringes on the safety or the well-being of students, employees or any other persons within the District’s jurisdiction; and will not condone retaliation in any form when bullying has been reported. District policy continues to require all schools and personnel to promote among students and staff mutual respect, tolerance, and acceptance.

The California Department of Education (CDE) has developed and made available to school districts a policy model on the prevention of bullying and on conflict resolution. These policies are developed for the purpose of incorporating them into a district wide school safety plan. The attached documents are a sample policy for Bullying Prevention & Conflict Resolution, and Student Code of Conduct for Rialto Unified School District.

Rialto Unified School District Bullying (Cyberbullying) Prevention (Policy model) (Ed. Code 48900(a),(k),(o),(r),(s)

The Rialto Unified School District believes that all students have a right to a safe and healthy school environment. The district, schools, and community have an obligation to promote mutual respect, tolerance, and acceptance.

The Rialto Unified School District will not tolerate behavior that infringes on the safety of any student. A student shall not intimidate or harass another through words or actions. Such behavior includes: direct physical contact, such as hitting or shoving; verbal assaults, such as teasing or name-calling; and social isolation or manipulation.

The Rialto Unified School District expects students and/or staff to immediately report incidents of bullying to the principal or designee. Staff is expected to immediately intervene when they see a bullying incident occur. Each complaint of bullying should be promptly investigated. This policy applies to students on school grounds, while traveling to and from a school-sponsored activity, during the lunch period, whether on or off campus, and during a school-sponsored activity.

To ensure bullying does not occur on school campuses the Rialto Unified School District will provide staff development training in bullying prevention and cultivate acceptance and understanding in all students and staff to build each school’s capacity to maintain a safe and healthy learning environment.

Definition of Harassment and Bullying

Harassment or bullying of students or staff is an extremely serious violation of the Student Code of Conduct. It can also be a violation of criminal law. The District will not tolerate unlawful bullying and harassment on school grounds, or when traveling to and from school or a school sponsored activity, and during lunch period, whether on or off campus, or sending insulting or threatening messages by phone, e-mail, websites, or any other electronic or written communication. The physical location or time of access of a computer-related incident cannot be raised as a defense in any disciplinary action initiated pursuant to this policy.

“Harassment” means any threatening, insulting, or dehumanizing gesture, use of data or computer software, or written, verbal or physical conduct directed against a student or employee that:

• Places a student or employee in reasonable fear of harm to his or her person or damage to his or her property
• Has the effect of substantially interfering with a student’s educational performance, opportunities, or benefits
• Has the effect of substantially disrupting the orderly operation of school

"Bullying,” means systematically and chronically inflicting physical hurt or psychological distress on one or more students or school employees. It is unwanted and repeated written, verbal, or physical behavior, including any threatening, insulting, or dehumanizing gesture, by an adult or student, that is severe or pervasive enough to create an intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational environment; cause discomfort or humiliation; is carried out repeatedly and is often characterized by an imbalance of power; or unreasonable interference with the individual’s school performance or participation; and may involve but is not limited to:

1. Unwanted teasing or taunting (verbal or non-verbal)
2. Social exclusion
3. Threat
4. Intimidation
5. Stalking
6. Physical violence
7. Theft
8. Sexual, religious, or racial/ethnic harassment
9. Public humiliation
10. Destruction of property

“Cyberbullying,” sometimes referred to as internet bullying or electronic bullying, is defined as the “willful and repeated harm inflicted through the medium of electronic text”. It may involve:

• Sending mean, vulgar or threatening messages or images;
• Posting sensitive, private information about another person;
• Pretending to be someone else in order to make that person look bad; and
• Intentionally excluding someone from an online group.

Teachers should discuss this policy with their students in age-appropriate ways and should assure them that they need not endure any form of bullying. Students who bully are in violation of this policy and are subject to disciplinary action up to and including expulsion. (Ed. Code 32261 Legislative findings, declarations, and intent; Ed. Code 48900, 48900.2, 48900.3, 48900.4, 48915(a) and 48915(c)).

Each school will adopt a Student Code of Conduct to be followed by every student while on school grounds, or when traveling to and from school or a school-sponsored activity, and during lunch period, whether on or off campus.

The Student Code of Conduct includes, but is not limited to:

• Any student who engages in bullying may be subject to disciplinary action up to and including expulsion.
• Students are expected to immediately report incidents to the principal or designee.
• Students can rely on staff to promptly investigate each complaint of bullying in a thorough and confidential manner.
• If the complainant student or the parent of the student feels that appropriate resolution of the investigation or complaint has not been reached, the student or the parent of the student should contact the principal. The school system prohibits retaliatory behavior against any complainant or any participant in the complaint process.
• Students are to resolve their disputes without resorting to violence.
• Students, especially those trained in conflict and peer mediation, are encouraged to help fellow students resolve problems peaceably.
• Students can rely on staff trained in conflict resolution and peer strategies to intervene in any dispute likely to result in violence.
• Students needing help in resolving a disagreement, or students observing conflict may contact an adult or peer mediators (give location where listing of designated staff and students is posted)
• Students involved in a dispute will be referred to a conflict resolution or peer mediation session with trained adult or peer mediators. Staff and mediators will keep the discussion confidential.
• Conflict resolution procedures shall not supplant the authority of staff to act to prevent violence, ensure campus safety, maintain order, and discipline students.

The procedures for intervening in bullying include, but are not limited to:

• District-wide training provided for students, staff, parents, and concerned community members about bullying awareness and prevention strategies.
• All staff, students and their parents will receive a summary of this policy prohibiting bullying; at the beginning of the school year, as part of the student handbook and/or information packet, as part of new student orientation, and as part of the school system’s notification to parents.
• The school will make reasonable efforts to keep a report of bullying and the results of investigation confidential.
• Staff are expected to immediately intervene when they see a bullying incident occur.
• People witnessing or experiencing bullying are encouraged to report the incident; such reporting will not reflect on the victim or witnesses in any way.

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