MVPA Rules and Regulations

Quick Links for Regulations:

Attendance | Campus Regulations | Code of Conduct | Disruptive Behavior | Extra-Curricular Activities |Food and Drink | Prohibited Items | Referrals | Student Responsibility | Suspension | Tardy

SHARED RESPONSIBILITY

The student is responsible for:

1. Respecting teachers, principals, other students, and school staff.
2. Respecting peers by not engaging in violence or profanity, and by conducting themselves in a responsible manner.
3. Attending all assigned classes on time, daily, and for each full term.
4. Being fully engaged in the pursuit of learning.
5. Abstaining from use or possession of drugs, alcohol, tobacco, and any other substance that could be physically harmful.
6. Respecting the rights and property of fellow students and staff.
7. Possessing no weapon of any kind.
8. Not gambling

9.   Addressing their individual personal and academic needs and concerns.

The parent/guardian is responsible for: (Back to Top)

1. The proper conduct of their child, which includes but is not limited to ensuring their student attends school daily, is on time and prepared.
2. Reviewing district policy and school discipline rules and regulations with their student(s) and family members to ensure all are aware.
3. Actively collaborating with their student, teachers, the counselor, and the principal regarding the academic success and well-being of their child.
4. Addressing student needs and concerns.

The teacher is responsible for:

1. Reviewing the school’s rules, regulations, and discipline policy with classroom students at the beginning of each semester.
2. Enforcing district policy and school rules consistently and fairly throughout the San Diego High Educational Complex.
3. Setting a safe academic environment that will give every student full opportunity to pursue his/her studies without disruption.
4. Communicating with students, parents, the counselor, and principal regarding academic progress.
5. Promptly reporting any continuing student behavior problems to appropriate site personnel.
6. Acknowledging student needs and concerns.

The administrators and site governance team are responsible for:

1. Establishing school rules, policies, and regulations in conformance with district policy that will ensure an educational program free from disruption for all students.
2. Maintaining communication with parents, staff, and students concerning established district policy and school rules and regulations.
3. Enforcing district policy and school rules consistently and fairly.
4. Assisting students, parents, and staff in early identification of behavior problems and in seeking solutions or remedies for causes of misconduct.
5. Addressing student concerns and needs.

ATTENDANCE REGULATIONS

It is the student’s responsibility to clear absences with the Attendance Office. This is done by having a parent or guardian call or write a note to the Attendance Office between 7:00am and 3:30pm. Absences must be cleared within 3 days as mandated by district policy. When a student returns to school after an absence, he/she goes directly to class unless otherwise directed. The ARTS Attendance Office is located in the in building 400 and can be reached by telephone at (619) 525-7457 X2411. (Back to Top)

The following categories of absence will be applied:

1. (I) Excused absence due to illness, medical, or dental appointment. This is the only category for which the teacher must provide make up work.
2. (E) Excused absence for personal reasons. Citizenship will not be penalized.
3. (U) Unexcused absence with the knowledge of parents but for reasons not approved by the district.
4. (Z) Truant is an absence not approved by the parents or the school. Other penalties may be imposed for truancy and citizenship will be affected.

Extended absences, 3 or more days, require the student to obtain a “contract independent study form” from the Attendance Office. This step is required to be accomplished at least 3 days before the planned absence occurs and it must have administration’s approval. If a student has an unexcused absence 5 or more days within a quarter, without a contract, the student will receive an automatic F.

TARDY POLICY

Students will have citizenship grades lowered due to excessive tardiness in each class. The Attendance Office will accept a parent excuse for tardiness, medical, and legal reasons only. Oversleeping, transportation, or personal excuses cannot be accepted. Students arriving 25 minutes late for class will be recorded as an UNEXCUSED ABSENCE and the teacher needs to notify the appropriate counselor for the follow up. If not cleared, a period truancy will be recorded and In-School Suspension will be assigned.

Plan of Action for Tardies:
The following procedures pertain to each 9 week grading quarter:

• 1 Tardy = school wide detention, teacher assigns detention
• 2 Tardies = school wide detention and call home
• 3 Tardies = counselor calls home, parent/teacher/counselor conference, school wide detention, and lowered citizenship grade
• 4 Tardies = U (unsatisfactory) in citizenship grade, detention, Student Study Team (SST) meets to make a recommendation, referral to principal (SARB)

Additional tardies after the SST meets will result in Out of School Suspension (Back to Top)

TRUANCY POLICY

Truancy is being absent without valid excuse. The parent or guardian is responsible for keeping the student in regular attendance at school until the student is 18. School staff is responsible for notifying parents of student’s truancies. Habitual truancies will be assigned to detention and/or In-School Suspension.

Leaving school grounds without a blue slip is a truancy, which cannot be cleared. The only legal way for a student to leave grounds at any time during the day is to secure a blue off-school-grounds pass, issued by the Attendance Office. Multiple periods or all day unexcused absences will result in the assignment of In-School Suspension.

The following procedures pertain to each 9-10 week grading quarter:

• 1 Truancy = U in citizenship, parent contact, and In-School Suspension
• 2 Truancies = parent/teacher/counselor conference and In-School Suspension
• 3 Truancies = F in academics.

Teachers will not be required to give make-up work when students choose to be truant from class.

Truancy Procedures are as follows:

First Truancy
One full class period absence without an approved excuse will be assigned one hour
of detention by the attendance office for the first time a class is cut.

Multiple Truancies
The attendance secretary refers the student to the Counselor.  The parent will be
contacted and appropriate disciplinary action will be assigned.

Habitual Truancies (after 6 incidents)
After six truancies the student will be reported to the Counselor.  The family of the
student will be informed in writing that the student is being declared a habitual/continuous truant and of the impending consequences if this pattern of attendance continues.
Teachers may give a failing grade and/or unsatisfactory citizenship grade after
notifying the parent.

SATURDAY SCHOOL (Back to Top)

Students are assigned to Saturday School for a number of reasons.  Students receive a form indicating their obligation to attend Saturday School.

The time for Saturday School is 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.  STUDENTS MUST BE PROMPT.  A ten minute break will be given.  IT IS THE STUDENT’S RESPONSIBILITY to get their work from teachers prior to going to Saturday School.  Failure to keep busy may result in being reassigned another day.
If for any reason students have to leave during the course of the day, THAT DAY WILL NOT COUNT towards fulfilling their obligation.

There are no excuses for absences, tardies or early departures from Saturday School.  No notes or phone calls are accepted for excuses of any kind.

Work missed due to truancy cannot be made up unless you attend Saturday School.
Failure to fulfill the assignment will result in reassignment to Saturday School or Suspension.

IN-SCHOOL SUSPENSION

In-School Suspension will take place during school hours at a designated location. Students will be actively engaged in prepared lessons in all subjects, and monitored by a faculty member.

REFERRAL POLICY

The procedure for the referral of  a student is established to accomplish maximum effectiveness and uniformity in working with students. (Back to Top)

Procedure for Issuing Referrals:

Parents may, and frequently do, request to see a report. Please keep this in mind when writing this referral. Use appropriate language.

Complete all sections of the referral report. If necessary, send the student to the counseling office with the referral and retain the yellow copy for yourself. If the teacher is unable to write the referral at that moment then a note will be given to the student stating, “referral to follow.” When convenient, include the date and time of parent conference.

Actions that will result from referrals are:

• Counseling
• Detention
• Parent contact
• In-School Suspension
• Out of School Suspension (one to five days)

The type of action taken is dependent on the nature of referral, teacher comments, student record, and student attitude.

CODE OF CONDUCT

Self-discipline is the key to the success of the student. We must role model the type of behavior we expect from students. It can only be effective if we all work together.

Academic honesty is a key part of one’s integrity and is expected at all times. Students must do their own work. There will be severe consequences for cheating which will include a lowered grade and parent conference.  Any student not understanding the work or assignments can ask and receive tutoring help. (Back to Top)

DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIOR

Consistent Misbehavior

Such misbehavior as continual tardiness, disruption of the class, and disrespect may be grounds for the use of a referral to the counselor and In-School Suspension. A parent will be involved if warranted.

Profanity
Consequences for excessive profanity and blatant disrespect may result in grounds for suspension.

Suspension

Suspension shall be imposed only when other means of correction fail to bring about
proper conduct or if the student commits an offense for which he/she can be arrested.
Students may be suspended for a period not to exceed five (5) days, and parents are usually requested to come to school for a parent conference. When a student receives a third suspension, he/she could be transferred to another school. The principal handles formal
suspensions.
A suspended pupil shall be allowed to make up all assignments and tests missed during the
suspension and, upon satisfactory completion, shall be given full credit. (Procedure #6290)
Informal Suspensions:
A teacher may suspend any student from their class for that day and the following day for repeated disruptive behavior until agreement is made with the teacher, student, parent, and principal.  The teacher must call the parents on the day of class suspension to inform them that the suspension will be served in the office.

DRESS CODE
Students are expected to wear appropriate clothing for the learning environment.  Shoes or sandals are required by State health and safety codes.  If the item of clothing is disruptive to the education process or is in violation of the dress code, the teacher must refer the student to the appropriate Administrator.  The student will be asked to change that item of clothing or will be sent home. (Back to Top)

While it is not possible to list every item that violates our dress code, the following will provide a general guideline of apparel and accessories NOT ALLOWED ON CAMPUS:

1. T-shirts, tops or apparel that promotes sex, violence profanity, alcohol or drugs.
2. Spaghetti straps, tube tops, halter tops, or midriff shirts.
3. Any apparel or item that is offensive because it causes disruption in the classroom or on campus.
4. Apparel or items that are deemed to be gang-related or incite confrontation.
5. Apparel or items that have been altered with personalized lettering
6. Sundresses or skimpy attire exposing chest, shoulders, and/or back.
7. Sagging pants, exposed undergarments, or Chains of any sort.
8. Caps, hats, or head coverings of any kind in the classroom.

HAZING
Hazing (psychological and or physical harassment) is prohibited.  San Diego High School—Media, Visual and Performing Arts does not approve of hazing on or off school property and will cooperate with parents of hazed students if they wish to bring legal action against those who did the hazing.  Anyone caught hazing another student on school property will be subject to suspension or expulsion.

LOITERING
Unauthorized visitors must be directed to the main Complex Office for clearance or requested to leave the campus.  In the event an unauthorized visitor fails to comply with directions, this individual must be immediately reported to the Complex Main Office for referral to the School Police Office. The cooperation and combined efforts of all staff in enforcing this procedure is essential.

DANCE POLICY
To be eligible to attend a school dance and receive a dance permission form, students must:
1.   Have a 2.0 citizenship grade average (most recent progress report).
2.   Have a clean record in terms of no suspensions during the semester in which the dance occurs.
3.   Have a valid (current year) I.D. in order to buy a ticket and get into the dance. (Back to Top)

FOOD AND DRINK

Food and soft drinks are not allowed in the classroom at any time. Water is permitted.

SMOKING
Smoking is not permitted on campus or in the immediate areas surrounding the school.  This policy is also enforced at school-sponsored activities on and off campus.  Students who are observed smoking are referred to the appropriate Administrator on the first incident.  A parent contact will be made and disciplinary action will be taken.  The second violation will subject the student to suspension.

Teachers, parents, and visitors are also prohibited from smoking on campus.  The entire district has been completely smoke free since July 1, 1995.
SUBSTANCE ABUSE/DRUGS AND ALCOHOL

1. Students possessing drugs or alcohol or who appear to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol will be referred to the principal or nurse immediately for immediate disciplinary action.
2. Students who intend to sell or distribute illegal drugs or alcohol will be suspended or removed from school, and the police will be notified.
3. Students possessing drug paraphernalia will be suspended or removed from school and police will be notified.
4. Students taking prescribed medication must leave their prescriptions and/or over the counter medication with the Complex nurse and make the necessary arrangements to take the medication in the nurse’s office with parental consent.  The nurse cannot dispense any other type of medication.

PROHIBITED ITEMS

Unauthorized and inappropriate use of electrical devices is grounds for confiscation of the device by school officials, including classroom teachers. A refusal to turn over item to faculty will result in an automatic referral of “defiance.” Student iPods, radios, CD players, DVD players, tape players, cell phones, and other electrical devices are prohibited during instructional time. Confiscated devices will be returned to the parent or guardian. The school is neither responsible for, nor will it investigate theft or loss of these items. (Back to Top)

The use of riding bicycles, skateboards, scooters, or roller blades is strictly prohibited on campus and will not be allowed. Violation of this rule will result in confiscation of the object and appropriate disciplinary action. However, students may carry them at school until such time that possession of these items becomes a problem.

THEFT

Self discipline and respect of the rights and property of other students, staff members and the School District are valuable to success in school and life.  All reports of theft, burglary, or robbery should be directed immediately to the School Police for investigation.

VANDALISM

State laws provide for the suspension or expulsion of any student who willfully cuts, defaces, or otherwise damages real or personal property belonging to the school district.
Under normal circumstances, the school and the District hold the parent or guardian liable for such damages. Students are not to carry, or have in their possession, marking pens, spray paint, or bombing stickers without the immediate notification of a staff member.

ZERO TOLERANCE CONTRACT

On July 13, 1993, the Board of Education approved the following Zero Tolerance Policy concerning students who possess weapons or engage in repeated fights and acts of violence:

The Zero Tolerance Policy defines a weapon as a firearm, pistol replica, starter pistol, stun gun, BB or pellet gun, knife of any size or type, dirk, dagger, razor, slingshot, explosive, and all fireworks. Any object used in a threatening manner and not usually considered a weapon will be considered a weapon under the Zero Tolerance Policy.

The Zero Tolerance Policy applies to repeated incidents of fighting, participating in violent acts, and causing serious injury. Trespassing on school grounds by students who have not obtained clearance from the school office and are not enrolled will result in a zero tolerance action. All students who possess a firearm, knife, explosive, or any other dangerous object in school shall be immediately suspended and recommended for expulsion. All acts of physical violence and weapons will be recorded for every pupil on their permanent record including formal suspensions and expulsions. In addition, students who violate the penal code (law) will be charged, arrested and taken to a juvenile detention facility.

Students and parents must sign a Zero Tolerance contract and have it filed at school as long as the student attends the Media, Visual, and Performing Arts School. This is included in the enrollment packet. (Back to Top)

CAMPUS REGULATIONS

No Messages or deliveries (i.e. birthday balloons, flowers, etc.) of a non-emergency nature will be delivered to students.

Students will walk to class, not run.

Teachers must designate class dismissal time.

Students must have their I.D. at all times and present it to San Diego High Complex staff upon request.

Hall Passes

Students are to be under the direction of a staff member at all times while in school or attending a school directed activity.

1. Passes are not to be issued except in emergency or at the request of a school official, and never during the first and last fifteen minutes of class.
2. A student leaving class for any reason should obtain a pass from the teacher.
3. The receiving school official should sign a pass to or from the office when the student leaves to return to class.
4. If a student is out of class without a pass he/she will be considered truant and will be disciplined accordingly.
5. Students who misuse a pass, including wandering through the space of other small schools during hours, will be denied the privilege and may be referred to the counselor.
6. Absolutely no student is to be off campus without signing out of school at the Attendance Office via a blue slip form. (Back to Top)

VISITORS

1. Parents are always welcome at the San Diego High Complex. We at the Media, Visual and Performing Arts School ask that appointments to see a teacher, or to visit a classroom, be made one school day in advance.
2. The school policy is to accept only those visitors who have legitimate business on campus. Teachers must fill out the appropriate forms before guest speakers will be allowed on campus.
3. All visitors must report to the SDHS Complex Main Office first to receive a visitor’s pass.  They then proceed to the MVAPA Office for further direction.
4. Any person on the school grounds without permission is trespassing and is subject to arrest by the police.

STUDENT ELIGIBILITY

For Extracurricular Activities

Students who perform publicly are representatives for our school.  Participation in any public performance activity (including, but not limited to plays, concerts, dance performances and art shows) is a privilege earned by making adequate progress towards graduation.

In order to be eligible, students must maintain a 2.0 citizenship and a 2.0 academic grade point average in the current grading quarter.

1. Eligibility is determined at each grading period.  The printed report card is the determining document.  Students not eligible remain ineligible until the next report card is printed.  Informal progress reports are not sufficient.  In case of a grade error, a teacher may submit a grade change to the Registrar, Linda Sierra, who can then generate a new grade report.
2. The minimum requirement for students is to have a GPA of 2.0 in citizenship as well as in academics to participate in interscholastic athletics and/or extracurricular activity.  Students affected by the eligibility requirements include those who participate in athletics, performing groups (music, drama, dance and cheerleaders), ASB (including class officers), and all presidents of student clubs.  N’s or U’s  are not acceptable and will make a student ineligible.

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 Vision Statement

All students in the School of the Arts will graduate prepared for college and careers. They will be self-directed, possess createive skills and abilities, and have a developed cultural appreciation and training in the media and the arts. These students will contribute to society in a positve manner.