Policies @ Serra

The first offense for cheating in any classroom will result in a zero on the assignment, a ‘U’ in citizenship for the six-week grading period, parent contact will be made, and a conference with the site administration will be held.

The second offense for cheating, in the same classroom, will result in a zero on the assignment, a ‘U’ in citizenship for the semester, parent contact will be made, and a conference with the site administration may be held. Additionally, Saturday School will be assigned, and other disciplinary action may be taken.

Policy - Discipline

Serra’s Discipline Policy is governed by a set of beliefs and expectations summarized in teh following statement: “We believe that all students have the right to learn, and all teachers have the right to teach.” Students are responsible for their behavior and compliance with school rules at all times. Any violation of school rules and policies may result in disciplinary action.

Behavior Expectations

• Students will come to school and be on time for all classes
  • The bell signals that class has begun. Students are to be in their seats before the bell rings.
• Students will come prepared to complete meaningful work.
  • Proper notebooks, textbooks, writing tools, and completed assignments are expected.
• Students will show respect for persons, property, and the learning process.
  • Courteous behavior to students, staff, and visitors will be demonstrated
  • Directions from any Serra staff member are to be followed
  • A clean, orderly, and safe campus environment must be maintained.
• Students will come to school dressed appropriately for success.
  • Clothing that detracts from the education process is not acceptable. (See Dress Code for more details.)
• Students will follow the Electronic Device Policy
• Students will not bring skateboards, scooters or skates to school
  • Pursuant to SDUSD Procedure 5020, skateboards, rollerblades, roller skates, and similar devices are prohibited on campus. Riding these types of devices on campus could result in confiscation and citation by School Police Officer and/or San Diego Police.
• Students will only consume food products in designated areas on campus
  • Lunch courts, lawns, and walks are designated areas.
  • Classrooms, restrooms, P.E. Areas, and hallways are not areas wherein students may consume food.
• Students will acknowledge the Discipline Policy, the Zero Tolerance Policy, San Diego Unified Schools Network Use Guidelines, the Home-School Compact, the Student Non-Discrimination and Sexual Harassment Policy, Student Intervention Program for Substance Abuse, Dress Code Policy, and Attendance Policy.
  • Signed documentation from each student and parent/guardian will be maintained in the front office.

Suspension

Suspension from school means the student may not attend classes, participate in any school activity, or be on or around campus during the period of suspension. Additionally, suspension from school may result in a 30-day activity suspension, beginning on the first day of suspension, and the removal from participation in all extra-/co-curricular activities including, but not limited to, sports, dances, club events, etc. Suspension may occur for any of the following behaviors including, but not limited to:

• Attempting or threatening to cause physical injury to another.
• Pranks
• Possession of, or using, weapons, imitation or real.(Zero Tolerance Policy)
• Using alcohol/intoxicants/controlled substances
• Causing damage to school or private property
• Stealing school or private property
• Using tobacco on school premises.
• Participating in robbery, gambling, engaging in hate violence, intimidation by harassment or threats, bullying, or extortion.
• Using profanity or vulgarity.
• Possessing drug paraphernalia.
• Disruption or defiance
• Knowingly receiving stolen school or private property
• Participating in any form or type of sexual act or harassment.

Suspension for Seniors

• A 1-4 day suspension will result in student needing to appear at a school site appeal hearing to determine status for senior activities including, but not limited to, the senior prom and graduation ceremony. The school will determine the cut-off date for the school site appeal hearing.
• Seniors will be denied participation in graduation exercises and other senior activities for zero tolerance policy violation that resulted in a five day suspension during the senior year. (Reference Fact Sheet for Parents)

Expulsion

Expulsion means the student may not attend any school in San Diego Unified School District for a designated time. Expulsion may occur for the following behaviors, but not limited to the following:

• Causing serious injury
• Possessing/using/selling weapons or explosives in school or at school-related activities(Zero Tolerance Policy).
• Selling or furnishing alcohol/intoxicants/controlled substances(drugs).
• Committing robbery or extortion.

Policy - Electronic Devices

Serra is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged property.

Electronic devices may be brought on campus at your own risk. All electronic devices may only be used before school, after school and at lunch. Under no circumstances should these devices be turned on or used during any other time while on campus. These items will be confiscated when they are heard or seen. Confiscated items may only be picked up by a parent or guardian. All items not picked up by the end of each semester will be donated. Video cameras, picture cameras, and camera phones are never permitted on campus, unless for the authorized purpose of the multimedia class.

Policy - Dress Code

• Students are expected to exercise good judgement, safety, good taste and modesty regarding their dress and grooming. Any clothing considered to be disruptive to the educational process is inappropriate for school.
• The Serra High interpretation of modesty, as stated above, is as follows:
  • Bellies must be covered and shirts must touch the top of pants
  • Undergarments may not be exposed
  • No strapless shirts, completely bare shoulders, halter-tops, tube tops or shirt with spaghetti straps. Straps must be a minimum of 1 inch wide.
  • No sagging pants
  • No torso showing
• Clothing must be clean, in good appearance, and not too revealing
• Shorts/skirts that are too short and are a disruption to the educational process will not be permitted.
• Footwear (sandals or shoes) must be worn at all times while student are at school or at school-sponsored activities. House slippers or house shoes are not acceptable footwear.
• Jeans, pants, or tops that reveal undergarments are not appropriate for school.
• Hats may be worn on campus, but not in buildings or classrooms. All hats and hoods must be removed upon entering all buildings and classrooms. Any hat that causes a disruption to the learning environment is not allowed. Rags, bandanas, doo rags, hair nets and skull caps, may not be worn or brought to school. All inappropriate headwear will be confiscated. Confiscated items may only be picked up by a parent/guardian. All items not picked up by the end of each semester will be donated.
• Knit gloves or mittens are permitted during inclement weather only. Any other types of gloves are not permitted on campus at any time and will be confiscated.
• Garments, Hats, Backpacks, and Accessories Must Not Display
  • Profane, sexually suggestive, obscene language or pictures
  • Vulgar gestures
  • Racial, ethnic or sexists slurs
  • Messages about drugs, alcohol, or tobacco
  • Images depicting violence
  • Gang related graffiti

Dance Dress Code

Please remember the dance dress code for all female attendees before purchasing your dress: At least fingertip length, no spandex, and naturally flowing. Dresses may not be backless below the bra line or have side cut-outs. Front slits must be fingertip length or lower. Thank you for ensuring an elegant and tasteful dance for all.

Policy - Marking(Grading)

Marking Periods

Progress reports will be issued at 6 weeks and 12 weeks after the start of each semester. Report cards will be issued at the end of each semester.

Marking Policy

Students receive a scholarship and a citizenship mark in each class. Scholarship grades are cumulative during the course of each semester. When absent from a class, students are responsible for making up missing assignments. Citizenship grades are assigned for each 6-week marking period.

Scholarship Marks

Reporting “D” and “F” Grades

Teachers must make a written report to parents/guardians on students whose work is unsatisfactory(marginal or failing). Pink Progress Report

Parents may request a Pink Progress Report every two weeks according according to the schedule provided by the Center for Student Services. Pink progress reports are not used to grant eligibility.

Citizenship Marks

Citizenship is a reflection of the general behavior, attitude, values, and habits of an individual student in the school community. They measure personal qualities, not academic performance, and therefore should not be equated with the academic scale.

Change of Marks

A grade given by a teacher is final and cannot be changed by others unless it was given fraudulently, in bad faith, because of incompetence, or because of clerical or mechanical mistake.