Enrollment, Attendance and Transfers
Question | Department / Office | Phone |
---|---|---|
Which school can my child attend? How can I transfer my child to another school? What School Choice options are available for my child? |
Transfers Department | (559) 248-7538 |
Where can I get my child immunized? | Health Services | (559) 457-3294 |
What preschool programs are available for my child? | Early Learning | (559) 457-3416 |
What is the difference between pre-school, transitional kindergarten and kindergarten? | Early Learning | (559) 457-3416 |
ENROLLMENT AND HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
MINIMUM AGE OF ADMISSION
A.R. 511; E.C. 48000 (a)
A child shall be admitted to a Transitional Kindergarten (TK) maintained by the school district at the beginning of a school year, or at a later time in the same year, if the child will have his or her fifth birthday on or before February 2. In addition, the age by which children are eligible for TK will expand over the next three years as follows:
- In the 2023–24 school year, children who will turn five between September 2 and April 2 are eligible for TK.
- In the 2024–25 school year, children who turn five between September 2 and June 2 are eligible for TK.
- In the 2025–26 school year, and in each school year thereafter, children who will turn four by September 1 are eligible for TK.
E.C. 48000 (b)
The Governing Board of any school district maintaining one (1) or more kindergartens may, on a case-by-case basis, admit to a kindergarten a child having attained the age of five (5) years at any time during the school year with the approval of the parent/guardian, subject to the following conditions:
- The Governing Board determines that the admittance is in the best interests of the child.
- The parent/guardian is given information regarding the advantages and disadvantages, and any other explanatory information about the effect of this early admittance.
HEARING OR REVOCATION OF REGISTRATION
P.C. 627.5
Any person who is denied registration or whose registration is revoked may request a hearing before the Principal or Superintendent on the propriety of the denial or revocation. The request shall be in writing, shall state why the denial or revocation was improper, shall give the address to which notice of hearing is to be sent, and shall be delivered to either the Principal or Superintendent within five (5) days after the denial or revocation. The Principal or Superintendent shall promptly mail a written notice of the date, time, and place of the hearing to the person who requested the hearing. A hearing before the Superintendent and Principal shall be held within seven (7) days after the Superintendent and Principal receives the request. The Principal or designee may ask an individual to leave if he/she has a reasonable basis for concluding that the person’s presence would interfere or is interfering with the peaceful conduct of school activities, or would disrupt or is disrupting the school, its students or its employees. P.C. 626.6, 626.8; E.C. 32210, 32211
Any person who is asked to leave a public school building or grounds may appeal to the Superintendent or designee. E.C. 3515.2
DISTRICT RESIDENCY
E.C. 48204; A.R. 5111.1
A student may establish residency by documenting that he/she lives with a parent/guardian within the district; that he/she is an emancipated minor living in the district; that he/she is in the court-appointed care of a licensed foster home, family home, or children’s institution within the district, or that he/she lives in the home of a caregiving adult within the District. (E.C. 48204)
Reasonable evidence of residency may be established by documentation; including but not limited to any of the following (E.C. 48204.6):
- current property tax payment receipts;
- rent/lease payment receipts;
- recent utility service payment receipts;
- declaration of residency executed by the student’s parent/guardian;
- monthly mortgage statement;
- receipts for utility turn-on; and/or
- voluntary inspection of residence by school district personnel.
Where permitted by law, the district’s Executive Director, Department of Prevention and Intervention, shall enumerate alternative means to establish residency, age, or other eligibility criteria for enrollment or programs, and those alternative means shall include among them documentation or information that are available to persons regardless of immigration status, citizenship status, or national origin, and that do not reveal information related to citizenship or immigration status.
Alternate enrollment procedures are available to families who are homeless or living in temporary housing. Contact Project ACCESS, Department of Prevention and Intervention, at 457-3359.
ENROLLMENT IN EARLY LEARNING PROGRAMS
To ensure children of all abilities in Fresno Unified School District have an equitable start for college, career, and life readiness, the Early Learning Department provides nurturing, child-centered environments and high-quality educational programs that value and respect the needs, languages, and cultures of all students, families, staff, and community.
Enrollment for preschool programs for the 2023-2024 school year is open to families with children who are 3 or 4 years old by December
1. Families with children who are not 3 years old by December 1, may apply on or after the child’s third birthday.
Interested families who live within the Fresno Unified School District boundary are encouraged to apply online. To apply online go to the district website at maindistrict.kinsta.cloud/dept/earlylearning. To learn more about the enrollment process, please contact:
Early Learning Enrollment Office
2727 N. Cedar Ave Fresno, CA 93703 Phone: 559-457-3416 Fax: 559-457-3419 Email: earlylearning@fresnounified.org Online Enrollment: maindistrict.kinsta.cloud/dept/earlylearning
STUDENT FINGERPRINTS
E.C. 48980 (f); B.P. 5142.1
E.C. 32390 (a) The Governing Board of any school district may offer a fingerprint program for children enrolled in kindergarten or newly enrolled in that District. The Governing Board may contract with any public or private agency, including any civic or community organization if determined to be appropriate by the Governing Board, to perform the fingerprinting. The Governing Board may seek to obtain private funding and volunteer assistance in performing the fingerprinting. The department shall adopt rules and regulations concerning obtaining private funding and volunteer assistance, and develop fingerprinting standards, as approved by the Department of Justice, to be followed in the fingerprinting of children pursuant to this article.
The Governing Board of any school district offering a fingerprinting program pursuant to this article shall assess a fee to the parent/guardian of the fingerprinted pupils. The fee shall be calculated to reimburse the district only for actual costs associated with the program.
EMERGENCY INFORMATION
E.C. 49408
For the protection of a pupil’s health and welfare, the Governing Board of any school district may require the parent/guardian of a pupil to keep current at the pupil’s school of attendance, emergency information including the home address and telephone number, business address, and telephone number of the parents/guardians, and the name, address and telephone number of a relative or friend who is authorized to care for the pupil in any emergency situation if the parent/guardian cannot be reached.
EMERGENCY ANAPHYLAXIS TREATMENT
ANNUAL NOTIFICATION TO PARENTS
Effective January 1, 2015, Senate Bill 1266 amends California Education Code 49414 and now requires school districts to obtain and stock emergency epinephrine auto-injectors (EpiPen) at all school sites. This amended law authorizes school nurses and trained personnel volunteers to use epinephrine auto-injectors to provide emergency medical aid to students suffering, or reasonably believed to be suffering, from an anaphylactic reaction.
Anaphylaxis is a rapid, severe allergic response triggered by insect stings, foods, medications, latex materials, exercise, or in rare cases by unknown causes. This is a life-threatening allergic condition, requiring immediate treatment. Administering epinephrine to students during a medical emergency may help insure the student’s health and safety at school. The epinephrine auto-injector rapidly delivers a pre-measured, sterile, single dose of epinephrine by direct injection through the skin. As a result, Fresno Unified School District has adopted a policy to provide the emergency medical care for anaphylaxis under this law.
This emergency treatment is considered to be first aid and part of our requirement to give diligent care to the health of students (California Education Code 49400 and 49407). All students suffering, or reasonably believed to be suffering, from a severe life-threatening allergic reaction will be administered emergency epinephrine by a licensed nurse or by a trained unlicensed volunteer staff member. If an EpiPen is administered under the guidelines of Education Code 49414, staff members are required to call emergency 911. In the event that a nurse or trained unlicensed volunteer is not immediately available, staff will also call emergency 911.
EMERGENCY ADMINISTRATION OF NALOXONE NASAL SPRAY
California Education Code (EC) Section 49414.3 authorizes school districts, county offices of education, and charter schools to provide emergency naloxone or another opioid antagonist to school nurses or trained personnel who have volunteered, and to use naloxone or another opioid antagonist to provide emergency medical aid to persons suffering, or reasonably believed to be suffering, from an opioid overdose.
In addition, Section 49414.3 states that a school district, county office of education, or charter school may designate one or more volunteers to receive initial and annual refresher training, based on standards regarding the storage and emergency use of naloxone or another opioid antagonist from the school nurse or other qualified person designated by an authorizing physician or surgeon.
FIRST GRADE PHYSICAL EXAMINATION REQUIREMENT
California State Law requires that the parent or guardian submit a certification form developed by the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) and signed by the student’s health care practitioner certifying that the student has completed a comprehensive health screening within 18 months before entering first grade or within 90 days after starting first grade. H. & S. C. 124040, 124085.
The examination helps find health problems that may keep your child from doing well in school. Health problems that are found early are easier to correct. The exam may be obtained from your authorized health care provider, Fresno Unified Health Services (457-3294) or the Fresno County Health Department at 600-3281.
In lieu of the certificate H. & S. C. 124040. provides that waiver signed by the child’s parent/guardian indicating that they do not want or are unable to obtain the health screening and evaluation services for their child, shall be accepted by the school. If the waiver indicates that the parent/guardian was unable to obtain the services for their child, then the reasons why should be included in the waiver.
The Governing Board of any District shall notify parents/guardians of all kindergarten students of the requirement to obtain a health screening for first grade and of the availability of the Child Health and Disability Prevention (CHDP) program established to assist eligible low-income families in obtaining the health screening (H & SC 124100). The CHDP program provides state-reimbursed health examinations at no cost to eligible students, including those who (1) are certified as eligible to receive Medi-Cal, (2) are not certified as eligible for Medi-Cal but have a family income at or below the level established annually by the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), or (3) are attending a Head Start of State Preschool program.
7TH GRADE IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENT
(California Health and Safety Code, Sections 120325-120375 / SB 276 and SB 714)
California law requires all students entering 7th grade in California to provide proof of having received a pertussis (whooping cough) vaccine booster called Tdap and second Varicella.
California law SB277 no longer allows for a personal beliefs exemption as of July 2016. Any students entering 7th grade will need to be immunized or have a medical exemption from a California doctor. EC 5141.31
The only exemption now accepted is a Medical Exemption issued through CAIR-ME beginning January 1, 2021. Medical exemptions can only be issued by a California doctor.
HEALTH ASSESSMENTS
VISION, HEARING, AND DENTAL SCREENING
E.C. 49454; E.C. 49455; E.C. 49452; B.P. 5141.3; A.R. 4141.3
California Education Code allows qualified district employees (stated in sections 49452, 49454) to administer routine vision, color vision, and hearing screenings to each student enrolled in schools within the District. A written statement must be filed annually with the principal by a parent/guardian requesting exemption of their child from the routine health screenings for vision, hearing, and periodic dental inspections.
ORAL HEALTH ASSESSMENT REQUIREMENT
E.C. 49452.8
A pupil, while enrolled in kindergarten in a public school, or while enrolled in first grade in a public school if the pupil was not previously enrolled in kindergarten in a public school, shall, no later than May 31 of the school year, present proof of having received an oral health assessment by a licensed dentist, or other licensed or registered dental health professional operating within his or her scope of practice, that was performed no earlier than 12 months prior to the date of the initial enrollment of the pupil.
The parent or legal guardian of a pupil may be excused from complying by indicating on a waiver form that the oral health assessment could not be completed.
TYPE I DIABETES INFORMATION
Pursuant to Education Code 59452.6, information regarding Type I diabetes, including risk factors, is required to be provided to every incoming family. For questions or concerns related to Type I diabetes, please contact your school nurse.
Type I diabetes usually develops in children and young adults but can occur at any age. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cases of type I diabetes in youth increased nationally from 187,000 in 2018 to 244,000 in 2019, representing an increase of 25 per 10,000 youths to 35 per 10,000 youths, respectively. The peak age of diagnosis of type I diabetes is 13-14 years, but diagnosis can also occur much earlier or later in life.
Contact your student’s school nurse, school administrator, or health care provider if you have questions regarding type I diabetes.
7TH GRADE REQUIREMENT: INFORMATION REGARDING TYPE 2 DIABETES FOR INCOMING 7TH GRADE STUDENTS
E.C. 49452.7
Type 2 Diabetes Information
Pursuant to California Education Code Section 49452.7, local educational agencies are required to provide parents and guardians of incoming seventh grade students with information on type 2 diabetes.
This information will be distributed in the seventh grade packets provided by each school site with seventh grade students.
Parents may contact the school nurse at the school site where their child attends for any questions they may have regarding the information provided on type 2 diabetes.
The California Department of Education developed this type 2 diabetes information in collaboration with the California Department of Public Health, American Diabetes Association, California School Nurses Organization, and Children’s Hospital of Orange County.
HEALTH SCREENING REPORTING
H. & S.C. 124100 (a)
In cooperation with the county Child Health and Disability Prevention program, the governing body of every school district or private school that has children enrolled in kindergarten shall provide information to the parents/guardians of all children enrolled in kindergarten of this article and Section 120475. Every school district or private school that has children enrolled in the first grade shall report by January 15 of each year to the county Child Health and Disability Prevention program, the department, and the Department of Education the following information:
- The total number of children enrolled in first grade;
- The number of children who have had a health screening examination, as evidenced by the certificate required by Section 124085; and
- The number of children whose parents/guardians have given written waiver pursuant to Section 124085 that they do not want their child to receive a health screening examination.
IMMUNIZATIONS
B.P. 5141.31; A.R. 5141.31 H. & S.C. 120325-120375; SB 276 and SB 714
To be admitted to school, children must be fully immunized in accordance with the law. Certain immunizations are required to attend public elementary and secondary schools, childcare centers, and developmental centers. Schools, and pre-kindergarten facilities are required to enforce immunization requirements, maintain immunization records of all children enrolled, and submit reports. Children shall be excluded from school or exempted from immunization requirements only as allowed by law.
California law SB277 no longer allows for a personal beliefs exemption including religious belief exemptions as of July 2016. Any students entering school for the first time in California after July1, 2016 will need to be fully immunized or have a medical exemption from a California doctor. The only exemption now accepted is a Medical Exemption written by a California doctor for students through CAIR-ME beginning January 1, 2021. Any medical exemptions issued in CAIR-ME shall expire when the student enrolls in the next grade span, or the medical exemption issued was temporary and has an expiration date.
Immunization Exclusion
E.C. 48216 (a), (b) & (c); A.R. 5141.31
E.C. 48216 (a)
The County Office of Education or the Governing Board of the school district of attendance shall exclude any pupil who has not been immunized properly pursuant to Chapter 1 (commencing with Section 120325) of Part 2 of Division 105 of the Health and Safety Code.
E.C. 48216 (b)
The Governing Board of the district shall notify the parent/guardian of the pupil that they have two (2) weeks or ten (10) school days to supply evidence either that the pupil has been properly immunized, or that the pupil is exempted from the immunization requirement pursuant to Section 120365 or 120370 of the Health and Safety Code.
Immunization Registry Disclosure Statement
H. & S.C. 120440 (a-I); A.R. 5125
Fresno Unified is an authorized member of the California Immunization Registry (CAIR). CAIR operates centralized, computerized, confidential immunization information registry system (“SYSTEM”) containing vaccination histories. The SYSTEM provides immediate access for authorized users to an individual’s current immunization status. California Health & Safety Code section 120440 authorized CVIIS to operate such a SYSTEM and allows health care and other service providers to disclose or share certain prescribed immunization-related information concerning individual patients, clients, or pupils with registries such as CAIR.
The information that CAIR keeps about your child may include: name, birth date and birthplace, sex, current address and phone, names of parents/guardians, types of vaccines and dates given, any serious reactions to vaccines, and other information that may help identify you or your child accurately.
As a parent/guardian you have the right to: look at your child’s record and have corrections made, refuse to get reminder notices when vaccines are due, refuse to have any of this information shared now or any time, get the names and addresses of anyone with whom this information is shared.
Exclusion Due to Infectious Disease
E.C. 49451
The Governing Board desires to protect students from risks posed by exposure to infectious diseases while providing an appropriate education for all students. The Board recognized that prevention and education are the most effective means of limiting the spread of infectious diseases.
Parent/guardians are strongly encouraged to inform school site staff if their child has an infectious disease so that school staff may work cooperatively with the child’s parent/guardians and when appropriated, with public health officials, to minimize exposure to other students. Students may be excluded, in accordance with law, until the infectious period is passed. Any student with a fever of 100 degrees or greater should stay home until they have been without fever for 24 hours, without fever medication. Hours may be increased in the event of an advisement from the Health Department or student’s Medical Provider.
Cooperation in Control of Communicable Disease and Immunization of Pupils
E.C. 48216, 49403 (a); A.R. 5141.31
Anything to the contrary notwithstanding, the Governing Board of any school district shall cooperate with the local health officer in measures necessary for the prevention and control of communicable diseases in school-age children. For that purpose, the Board may use any funds, property, and personnel of the District, and may permit any person licensed as an authorized health care provider and surgeon to administer an immunizing agent to any pupil whose parents/guardians have consented in writing to the administration of such immunizing agent.
Any student without the required evidence of immunization shall be excluded from school until the immunization is obtained or until the student presents a letter or affidavit of exemption from their authorized health care provider. Exemption is only allowed to the extent indicated by an authorized health care provider’s written statement describing the medical condition of the child and the probable duration of the medical condition or circumstances which contraindicate immunization. H. & S.C. 120365, 120370, 120375
TB RISK ASSESSMENT
FCDPH Recommendation 12/2016.
All students new to the district need to have a risk assessment done. If risk assessment is positive, student will be required to submit results of a negative skin test/bloodwork. If skin test/bloodwork is positive student will be required to submit a negative chest x-ray report from their medical provider before attending school.
FIRST AID, ILLNESS AND INJURY
If a student becomes ill or injured while at school, student will receive every care and consideration. Parents/guardians will be contacted for injuries of serious nature or if a student is too ill to remain at school. If the student needs to go home for an injury or illness, nurse or designee will contact the parent. Students will be released through the Health Office. The nurse is always happy to consult with parents regarding health problems, however, please note that injuries which occur at home should be cared for at home.
Crutches, wheelchairs and other devices require a doctor’s prescription indicating directions for use and that the student has been educated to use the device.
If your child has ONE of the following, the student should be kept at home:
a) Illness with a fever of 100.0 degrees F or greater
b) Illness that affects your child’s ability to participate in class
c) Vomiting and/or diarrhea
d) Fever of 100.0 degrees F or greater within the last 24 hours.
e) Initiation of antibiotics within the past 24 hours.
Upon return to school after any extended illness or communicable disease the student should follow up with the school nurse.
HEAD LICE
Fresno Unified School District operates on NO LICE guidelines. Students will be sent home if evidence of live lice is found. Students must be treated and their hair/scalp is free from live lice. Students must check in with the Office and be cleared to return to class. Class checks are no longer part of district guidelines. Refer to Head Lice Guidelines on the FUSD Health Services Website.
MEDICATION AT SCHOOL
E.C. 49423, 49480; A.R. 5141.21
California Education Code allows school district employees to assist students with medication they are required to take during the regular school day. In order for students to take medication at school the following conditions must be met:
- The school must have a written statement from the student’s authorized health care provider detailing the method, amount, and time medication is to be taken;
- The school also needs a written statement from the parent/guardian of the student giving permission for school staff to assist the student with the medication; and
- The medication must be in the container with the pharmacist label attached (or in the original container for non-prescription medications).
- Upon written request by the parent/guardian and with the approval of the student’s physician, a student may be allowed to carry and self-administer auto-injectable epinephrine or inhaled asthma medication. The physician must confirm that the student is able to self-administer the medication (Education Code 49423, 49423.2).
California law allows students with asthma to carry and self-administer their prescribed inhaled asthma medication. The law requires 1) that the school have on file a written statement from the prescribing physician confirming that the student is able to self-administer the medication and 2) that the school have a written statement from the parent/guardian providing consent to self-administer and a release to allow the school nurse to consult with the student’s physician. (AB2132- Amends CEC 49423).
- An Asthma Action Plan should be completed and signed by the physician/health provider and signed by the parent. This will meet the requirements of the “Right to Carry” law for asthma inhalers as described in section 4 above. The Asthma Action Plan can be obtained by the student or parent from the school Health Office.
All medications, prescription and over-the-counter, require a written note from the doctor. The instructions on the pharmacy label are not enough. Medications brought to school without following the above guidelines will NOT be given at school.
PARENT’S/GUARDIAN’S REFUSAL TO CONSENT TO PHYSICAL EXAMINATION
E.C. 49451; B.P. 5141.3
A parent/guardian having control or charge of any child enrolled in the public schools may file annually with the Principal of the school in which he/she is enrolled a statement in writing signed by the parent/guardian stating that he/she will not consent to a physical examination of their child. Thereupon the child shall be exempt from any physical examination, but whenever there is a good reason to believe that the child is suffering from a recognized contagious or infectious disease, he/she shall be sent home and shall not be permitted to return until the school authorities are satisfied that any contagious or infectious disease does not exist.
MEDICAL AND HOSPITAL SERVICES FOR PUPILS
E.C. 49472
The Governing Board of any school District or Districts which does not employ at least five (5) authorized health care providers as full-time supervisors of health, or the equivalent thereof, may provide, or make available, medical or hospital service, or both through nonprofit membership corporations defraying the cost of medical service or hospital service, or both, or through group, blanket or individual policies of accident insurance or through policies of liability insurance from authorized insurers, for injuries to pupils of the District or Districts arising out of accidents occurring while in or on buildings and other premises of the District or Districts during the time such pupils are required to be therein or thereon by reason of their attendance upon a regular school day of such District or Districts or while being transported by the District or Districts to and from school or other place of instruction, or while being transported to, from and between such places. NO pupils shall be compelled to accept such service without their consent, or if a minor without the consent of their parent/guardian. The cost of the insurance or membership may be paid, from the funds of the District or Districts, or by the insured pupil, their parent/guardian.
Such insurance may be purchased from or such membership may be taken in, only such companies or corporations as are authorized to do business in California.
HOME HOSPITAL INSTRUCTION
E.C. 48207; A.R. 6183
Home hospital instruction is available to students who have been declared to have a temporary disability due to illness, condition or injury. For purposes of this service, a student must be declared home bound by their treating physician and unable to leave their home, hospital room or residential health facility and unable to attend an alternative education program offered through the district. The student must be a resident of the district and enrolled in a school site within the district. Additional program information is available from the Home Hospital Instruction Office, Educational Resource Center 559-457-3344.
Parental Responsibility
E.C. 48208
It shall be the primary responsibility of the parent/guardian to notify the school district in which the student is temporarily residing of their presence in a qualifying hospital. Within five (5) working days of the notification, the school district shall determine eligibility, and shall, if eligible, place the student within an additional five (5) days in an instructional program.
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) Education
E.C. 51938; B.P. 6142.1; A.R. 6142.1
Requires written notification of the purpose of AIDS instruction to parents/guardians of pupils in grades 7-12 and requires the notification to specify that parents/guardians may request that their child not receive such instruction.
Excuse From Health, Family Life, and Sex Education Instruction Due to Religious Beliefs
E.C. 51938; B.P. 6142.1
Whenever any part of the instruction in health, family life education, and sex education conflicts with the religious training and beliefs of the parent/guardian of any pupil, the pupil, on written request of the parent/guardian, shall be excused from the part of the training which conflicts with such religious training and beliefs.
SPORT PHYSICALS
B.P. 5141.3
The pre-participation screening exam for sports is not a substitute for the recommended comprehensive annual evaluation conducted by a student’s regular authorized health care provider. Parents/Guardians and students are reminded that pre-participation screening exams are not sufficiently sensitive to identify all conditions that may put an athlete at risk of injury or death.
All students (grades 9-12) who participate as pep and cheerleaders or athletes in organized interscholastic sports shall first undergo and file with the district a current pre-participation health screening by an authorized health care provider, nurse practitioner, or authorized health care provider, physician’s assistant, supervised by an authorized health care provider. Physicals for organized interscholastic athletics must be taken on or after June 1 to be valid for the upcoming school year. Upon sustaining an injury or serious illness, a student may be required to have another examination before participating further.
STUDENT INSURANCE PROGRAM
E.C. 49471
Fresno Unified School District does not provide medical coverage for your child. This means that you are responsible for medical bills if your child gets hurt during school activities. Any expense incurred when the school calls for emergency medical help is the responsibility of the child’s parent/guardian.
We are pleased to offer you accident insurance coverage at reasonable rates through the Student Insurance Company of Los Angeles. http://www.studentinsuranceusa.com at reasonable rates. E.C. 49472
With the e-mail address provided you will be able to view the coverage options and prices that are available to you. If you are interested you can log in and sign up for the selected coverage and your child will be covered on the same day it is purchased. For students who participate in athletics, we recommend the middle or upper ranges of coverage plans.
B.P. 5143
If you have questions regarding coverage options, call Student Insurance Company directly at (800) 367-5830. Please do not call the school. Fresno Unified School District makes this accident insurance available to you as a public service and is not in any way connected with the Student Insurance Company or its representatives.
ATTENDANCE SUMMARY
EXCUSED ABSENCES
E.C. 48205; E.C 48216; E.C. 48213; B.P. 5113; A.R. 5113; Elections Code 12302
A student shall be excused from school for the following reasons:
- Personal illness, including absence for the benefit of the student’s mental or behavioral health.
- Quarantine under the direction of a county or city health officer.
- Medical, dental, vision, or chiropractic appointments
- Attendance at funeral services for a member of the immediate family.
- Excused absence in this instance shall be limited to one (1) day if the service is conducted in California or three (3) days if the service is conducted out of state.
- “Immediate family” shall be defined as mother, father, grandmother, grandfather, spouse, son/son-in-law, daughter/daughter-in-law, brother, sister, or any relative living in the student’s immediate household.
- Jury duty in the manner provided by law.
- The illness or medical appointment during school hours of a child to whom the student is the custodial parent.
- Upon advance written request by the parent/guardian and the approval of the Principal or designee, justifiable personal reasons including but not limited to:
- Appearance in court.
- Observance of a holiday or ceremony of their religion.
- Attendance at religious retreats for no more than four (4) hours per semester.
- Employment conference or interview.
- Attendance at a funeral service for a person other than a member of the student’s immediate family.
- Service as a member of a precinct board for an election pursuant to Elections Code 12302
- Participation in religious instruction or exercises in accordance with District policy. In such instances:
- The student shall attend at least the minimum school day. E.C. 46014; and
- The student shall be excused for this purpose on no more than four (4) school days per month. E.C.46014
- A student will be excused a maximum of one day for live head lice.
- To Spend time with an immediate family member who is an active-duty member of the uniformed services, as defined in the Education Code 49701, and has been called to duty for deployment to a combat zone or is on leave from or has immediately returned from such deployment (E. C. 48205)
- Attendance at a naturalization ceremony to become a United States Citizen. (E.C. 48205)
- Work in the entertainment or allied industry (E.C. 48225.5)
- Exclusion for failure to present evidence of immunization (EC 48216).
- Exclusion from school because the student is either the carrier of a contagious disease or not immunized from a contagious disease (EC 48213).
- Participation in a cultural ceremony or event which relates to the habits, practices, beliefs, and traditions of a certain group of people. (Education Code 48205)
- For a middle school or high school student, engagement in a civic or political event, provided that the student notifies the school ahead of the absence. Unless otherwise permitted by the Superintendent or designee, students shall be limited to one such school day-long absence per school year. (Education code 48205)
When a parent/guardian has signed a School Attendance Review Board (SARB) or School Attendance Review Team (SART) contract that states a doctor’s note must accompany a request for an absence to be excused, only those days with proper documentation will be designated as excused.
When a student has had a pattern of chronic absenteeism due to illness district staff may require physician verification of any further student absences.
Every effort will be made to ensure that students and parents/ guardians are continually apprised of the impact of attendance– excused and unexcused–on student achievement. (See also C.C.R., Title 5, Sec. 18066)
Excused Absences for Students Participating in Licensed Child Care and Development Program
A.R. 5148
- Illness or quarantine of the child or of the parent/guardian;
- Family emergency; and/or
- Time spent with a parent/guardian or other relative as required by a court of law or which is clearly in the best interest of the child. E.C. 8208 (d)
A family emergency shall be considered to exist when unforeseen circumstances cause the need for immediate action, such as may occur in the event of a natural disaster, or when a member of the child’s immediate family dies, has an accident, or is required to appear in court.
An absence shall be considered to be in the best interest of the child when time is spent with the child’s parent/guardian or other relative for reasons deemed justifiable by the program coordinator. Please note if the absences are not listed above they are considered unexcused.
Absences for Confidential Medical Services (Grades 7-12)
E.C. 46010.1; B.P. 5113
Students should not be absent from school without their parent’s/guardian’s knowledge or consent, with the following exceptions:
- In cases of medical confidential emergency; and/or
- When the student has a confidential medical appointment.
When excusing students for confidential medical services or verifying such appointments, district staff shall not ask the purpose of such appointments, but may contact a medical office to confirm the time of the appointment.
When students volunteer confidential medical information to a District staff member, the staff member should suggest that the students consult their parent/guardian or doctor, or seek medical advice from the city or county department of health. School authorities may excuse any student from school to obtain confidential medical services without the consent of the student’s parent/guardian. (Education Code 46010.1)
REGULATIONS REGARDING ABSENCES FOR RELIGIOUS PURPOSES
E.C. 46014; B.P. 5113; A.R. 5113
Students with the written consent of their parents/guardians, may be excused from school in order to participate in religious exercises or to receive moral and religious instruction at their respective places of worship or at other suitable place or places away from school property designated by the religious group, church, or denomination which shall be in addition and supplementary to the instruction in manners and morals required elsewhere in this code.
E.C. 46014 (c)
Each student so excused shall attend school at least the minimum school day for their grade for elementary schools, and as provided by the relevant provisions of the rules and regulations of the State Board of Education for secondary schools.
E.C. 46014 (d)
No student shall be excused from school for such purpose on more than four (4) days per school month. It is hereby declared to be the intent of the Legislature that this section shall be permissive only.
ALL SCHOOL UNEXCUSED ABSENCES
B.P. 5113; A.R. 5113
At all school levels, each individual school will assure teacher/office contact when a student has an unexcused absence.
- At three (3) unexcused absences, a letter is sent to the parents/guardians at the end of the attendance period notifying them of the absences and the need to clear the dates.
- At six (6) unexcused absences a second letter is sent to the parents/guardians at the end of the next attendance period notifying them of the absences and inviting them to attend an Attendance Intervention meeting.
- At nine (9) unexcused absences a third letter is sent to the parents/guardians at the end of the next attendance period notifying them of the absences and possible consequences.
- At seven (7) unexcused absences, an intervention meeting will be held with the student and parent/guardian, and an Administrator or designee.
Actions at this meeting will include:
- Attendance policy explained, with reasons for the emphasis on attendance;
- The High School Attendance Policy explained, with the concept of credits required for graduation;
- A police/probation representative, when appropriate;
- Contracts used with the student, to be signed by student and parent/guardian;
- Supportive role: What can be done to assist the family in having the student in school on time on a regular basis; and
- Accountability: for students, such as attending a “late period” or extended day sessions, Saturday Academy, or Summer School.
CHRONIC ABSENCE AND TRUANCY
E. C. 60901; A.R. 5113.1; B.P. 5223.1
The Governing Board believes that excessive student absenteeism and tardiness, whatever the cause, may be an early warning sign of poor academic achievement and may put students at risk of dropping out of school. The Board desires to ensure that all students attend school in accordance with the state’s compulsory education law and take full advantage of educational opportunities provided by the district.
Chronic absentee means a student who is absent for any reason on 10 percent or more of the school days in the school year, when the total number of days the student is absent is divided by the total number of days the student is enrolled and school was actually taught in the regular schools of the district, exclusive of Saturdays and Sundays.
The Superintendent or designee shall work with students, parents/guardians, school staff, and community agencies, as appropriate, to identify factors contributing to chronic absence and truancy. Interventions for students with serious attendance problems shall be designed to meet the specific needs of the student and may include, but are not limited to, health care referrals, transportation assistance, counseling for mental or emotional difficulties, academic supports, efforts to address school or community safety concerns, discussions with the student and parent/guardian about their attitudes regarding schooling, or other strategies to remove identified barriers to school attendance. The Superintendent or designee also may collaborate with child welfare services, law enforcement, courts, public health care agencies, other government agencies, and/or medical, mental health, and oral health care providers to ensure that alternative educational programs and nutrition, health care, and other support services are available for students and families.
SHORT-TERM INDEPENDENT STUDY
B.P. 6158; A.R. 6158; E.C 51747 (c) (7)
- Advance notice must be given to the school site;
- Minimum of three (3) days and a maximum of fourteen (14) day;
- Signed Independent Study Contract;
- Complete and return all assignments.
- Participation is voluntary on the part of the student, parent and the district.
Criteria to participate in Short-Term Independent Studies:
- Vacation;
- Funeral;
- Out-of-state/Country travel;
- Religious purposes;
- Child care issues;
- Family emergencies;
- Extended illness;
- Pregnancy;
- Custody situations; and/or
- Student safety issues.
SCHOOL ATTENDANCE REVIEW BOARD (SARB)
E.C. 48260-48273; B.P. 5113.1
Education Code requires that students between the ages of 6-18 attend school full-time. The District is committed to working with students and their families to ensure that poor attendance does not adversely impact their academic success.
TRUANT STUDENTS
E.C. 48260 (a)
Any student subject to compulsory full-time education or to compulsory continuation education who is absent from school without valid excuse three (3) full days in one (1) school year, or tardy or absent for more than any thirty (30)-minute period during the school day without a valid excuse on three (3) occasions in one (1) school year, or any combination thereof, is a truant and shall be reported to the attendance supervisor or to the Superintendent of the school district.
Habitual Truant
E.C. 48262
Any student is deemed an habitual truant who has been reported as a truant three (3) or more times per school year, provided that no student shall be deemed a habitual truant unless an appropriate district officer or employee has made a conscientious effort to hold at least one (1) conference with a parent/guardian of the student and the student after the filing of either of the reports required by Education Code Section 48260 or Section 48261.
ADDRESSING CHRONIC ABSENCE
When a student is identified as a chronic absentee, the Superintendent or designee shall communicate with the student and their parents/guardians to determine the reason(s) for the excessive absences, ensure the student and parents/guardians are aware of the adverse consequences of poor attendance, and jointly develop a plan for improving the student’s school attendance. If a student shows a pattern of chronic absenteeism due to illness, district staff may require physician verification of any further absences.(cf.5113.1)
PARENT NOTIFICATION
E.C. 48260.5
Upon a student’s initial classification as a truant, the school district shall notify the student’s parent/guardian, by first-class mail or other reasonable means, of the following:
- That the student is truant;
- That the parent/guardian must send their child to school;
- That parents/guardians who fail to meet this obligation may be guilty of an infraction and subject to prosecution;
- That Alternative Educational programs are available in the District;
- That the parent/guardian has the right to meet with appropriate school personnel to discuss solutions to the student’s truancy;
- That the student may be subject to prosecution under Education Code Section 48264;
- That it is recommended that the parent/guardian accompany the student to school and attend classes with the student for one (1) day.
SCHOOL ATTENDANCE REVIEW BOARD (SARB)
E.C. 48263, B.P. 5113.12
If any minor student in any district of a county is a habitual truant, or does not attend school regularly, the student may be referred to SARB or to the probation department for services if the probation department has elected to receive these referrals. The supervisor of attendance, or any other persons the Governing Board of the school district or county, shall notify the student and parents/guardians of the student, in writing, of the name and address of the Board or probation department to which the matter has been referred and of the reason for the referral. The notice shall indicate that the student and parents/guardians of the student will be required, along with the referring person, to meet with the SARB or probation officer to consider the proper consequences for the referral.
The Governing Board recognizes that poor school attendance and behavior problems negatively impact student achievement and put students at greater risk of dropping out of school. The Superintendent or designee shall establish a comprehensive and integrated system for the early identification of attendance problems and shall implement strategies to encourage students’ attendance. After other interventions have been exhausted, students with a pattern of unexcused absences may be referred to a school attendance review board (SARB), in accordance with applicable law, in order to receive intensive guidance and assistance.
The Board shall appoint members to the district’s SARB, who may include a parent/guardian as well as representatives of various agencies including, but not limited to, school districts; the county probation department; the county welfare department; the County Superintendent of Schools; law enforcement agencies; community-based youth service centers; school guidance personnel; child welfare and attendance personnel; school or county health care personnel; school, county, or community mental health personnel; the county district attorney’s office; and the county public defender’s office. (Education Code 48321)
The district’s SARB shall provide support to improve student attendance and behavior through proactive efforts focused on building positive school environments and improved school connectedness, early identification and immediate intervention to re-engage students with poor attendance or behavior, and intensive intervention with students and families to address severe or persistent attendance or behavior issues.
Truancy letters are mailed to the address listed in ATLAS, and can be viewed/printed from the ATLAS Parent Portal.
Truant/Warning, Weekend Study, SARB
E.C. 48264.5
Any student who is required to be reported as a truant pursuant to Education Code Section 48260 or 48261 may be required to attend make-up classes conducted on one (1) day of a weekend pursuant to subdivision (c) of Education Code Section 37223 and is subject to the following:
E. C. 48264.5 (a)
The first time a truancy report is required, the student may be personally given a written warning by any peace officer specified in Penal Code (P.C.) 830.1. A record of the written warning may be kept at the school for a period of not less than two (2) years, or until the student graduates, or transfers, from that school. If the student transfers, the record may be forwarded to any school receiving the student’s school records. A record of the written warning may be maintained by the law enforcement agency in accordance with that law enforcement agency’s policies and procedures.
E.C. 48264.5 (b)
The second time a truancy report is required within the same school year, the student may be assigned by the school to an after-school or weekend study program located within the same county as the student’s school. If the student fails to successfully complete the assigned study program, the student shall be subject to
subdivision (c).
E.C. 48264.5 (c)
The third time a truancy report is required within the same school year, the student shall be classified a habitual truant and may be referred to, and required to attend, a SARB or a Truancy Prevention Program. If the student does not successfully complete the Truancy Prevention Program or other similar program, the student shall be subject to subdivision (d).
E.C. 48264.5 (d)
The fourth time a truancy report is required to be reported within the same school year, the student shall be within the jurisdiction of the Juvenile Court which may adjudge the student to be a ward of the court pursuant to Welfare and Institution Code (W.I.C.) 601. If the student is adjudged a ward of the court, the student shall be required to do one (1) or more of the following:
- Court-approved community services sponsored by either a public or private nonprofit agency for not less than twenty (20) hours but not more than forty (40) hours over a period not to exceed ninety (90) days, during a time other than the student’s hours of school attendance or employment. The probation officer shall report to the court the failure of the student to comply with this paragraph;
- Payment of a fine by the student of not more than one hundred dollars ($100) for which a parent/guardian of the student may be jointly liable;
- Attendance at a court-approved truancy prevention program.
Defiance of SARB, Meeting with District Attorney or Probation Officer
W.I.C. 601.3 (a); EC48260.6; EC48263.5
If the district attorney or the probation officer receives notice from the school district that a student continues to be classified as a truant after the parents/guardians have been notified or if the district attorney or the probation officer receives notice from the School Attendance Review Board, or from the probation officer, that a minor continues to be classified as a truant after review and counseling by the SARB or probation officer, the district attorney or the probation officer, both may request the parents/guardians and the child to attend a meeting in the district attorney’s office or at the probation department to discuss the possible legal consequences of the minor’s truancy.
Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor
P.C. 272; W.I.C. 300, 601, 602
Those who cause or encourage any person under the age of 18 to stop attending school, or who refuse to comply with court orders that require the child to attend school, may be liable for fines and/or be imprisoned as a result.
STUDENT RECORDS
ANNUAL NOTIFICATION OF STUDENT DIRECTORY
E.C. 49061; B.P./A.R. 5125.1
At the beginning of each school year, if the district decides to release directory information, the district shall provide an annual notice to parents and guardians, and “eligible students” in attendance, of the district’s directory information policy that includes: The categories of directory information the school or district has classified as public directory information that may be disclosed without parental consent and which only include the information specifically identified in Education Code section 49061, subdivision ( c ) and a statement that directory information does not include citizenship status, immigration status, place of birth, or any other information indicating national origin (except where the district receives consent as required under state law). The notification shall also inform parents/guardians and/or students of their right to refuse to let the district designate any or all types of information as directory information, how to refuse release, and the period of time within which a parent/guardian and/or student must notify the district in writing that they do not want a certain category of information designated as directory information.
General Information Policy
Fresno Unified provides:
- Assurances that the district will not release information to third parties for immigration-enforcement purposes, except as required by law or court order.
- Student record is any item of information other than directory information, gathered within or outside the district, that is directly related to an identifiable student and maintained by the district or required to be maintained by an employee in the performance of their duties. Any information maintained for the purpose of second-party review is considered a student record. A student record may be recorded in handwriting, print, computer media, video or audio tape, film, microfilm, microfiche or by other means. Student records include the student’s health record. Please refer to AR 5125 for explanation of all student records. (Education Code 49061, 49062; 5 CCR 430; 34 CFR 99.3)
- For a list of the circumstances or conditions under which the district might release student information to outside people or entities please refer to AR 5125.
- A statement that, unless the district is providing information for a legitimate educational purpose under FERPA and the California Education Code or directory information, the district shall notify parents or guardians and eligible students – and receive their written consent – before it releases a student’s personally identifiable information. For further clarification please refer to AR 5125.
ACCESS TO STUDENT RECORDS
E.C. 49076; B.P./A.R. 5125
A school district is not authorized to permit access to pupil records to any person without written parental consent or under judicial order except that:
E.C. 49076 (a)
Access to those particular records relevant to the legitimate educational interests of the requester shall be permitted to the following:
- School officials and employees of the district, members of a School Attendance Review Board (SARB), who are authorized representatives of the district, and appointed pursuant to Section 48321;
- Officials and employees of other public schools, school systems, post-secondary institutions, including local, county, or state correctional facilities subject to the rights of parents/guardians as provided in Section 49068;
- Authorized representatives of the Comptroller General of the United States, the Secretary of Education, and administrative head of an education agency, state education officials, or their respective designees, or the United States Office for Civil Rights;
- Other state and local officials to the extent that information is specifically required to be reported;
- Parents/Guardians of a pupil 18 years of age or older who is a dependent as defined in Section 152 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954;
- A pupil 16 years of age or older or having completed the 10th grade who requests access;
- Any district attorney who is participating in or conducting a truancy mediation program pursuant to Section 48263.5, or Section 601.3 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, or participating in the presentation of evidence in a truancy petition pursuant to Section 681 of the Welfare and Institutions Code;
- A prosecuting agency for consideration against a parent/guardian for failure to comply with the Compulsory Education Law;
- Any probation officer or district attorney for the purposes of conducting a criminal investigation or an investigation declaring a person a ward of the court or involving a violation of a condition of probation;
- Any judge or probation officer for the purpose of conducting a Truancy Mediation program for a pupil, or for purposes of presenting evidence in a truancy petition pursuant to Section 681 of the Welfare and Institutions Code; and/or
- Any county placing agency for the purpose of fulfilling the requirements of the health and education summary required pursuant to Section 16010 of the Welfare and Institutions Code or for the purpose of fulfilling educational case management responsibilities required by the juvenile court or by law and to assist with the school transfer or enrollment of a pupil.
E.C. 49076 (b)
School districts may release information from pupil records to the following:
- Appropriate persons in connection with an emergency if the knowledge of the information is necessary to protect the health or safety of a pupil or other persons;
- Agencies or organizations in connection with the application of a pupil for, or receipt of, financial aid;
- The county elections official, for the purpose of identifying pupils eligible to register to vote, and for conducting programs to offer pupils an opportunity to register to vote;
- Accrediting associations in order to carry out their accrediting functions;
- Organizations conducting studies for, or on behalf of, educational agencies or institutions for the purpose of developing, validating, or administering predictive tests, administering student aid programs, and improving instruction; and/or
- Officials and employees of private schools or school systems where the pupil is enrolled or intends to enroll, subject to the rights of parents/guardians as provided in Section 49068.
- Local health departments operating countywide or regional immunization information and reminder systems and the California Department of Public Health, unless the parent/guardian has opted out.
No information or documents regarding the citizenship or immigration status of students or their family members shall be collected, except as required by state or federal law or as required to administer a state or federally supported educational program. The Superintendent or designee shall not disclose student records to a person, agency, or organization for immigration enforcement purposes without parental consent, a court order, or a judicial subpoena. (Education Code 243.7)
E.C. 49076 (c)
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any school district, including any county office of education or Superintendent of schools, may participate in an interagency data information system that permits access to a computerized database system within and between governmental agencies or districts as to information or records which are non-privileged, and where release is authorized as to the requesting agency under state or federal law or regulation.
TRANSFER OF PERMANENT ENROLLMENT AND SCHOLARSHIP RECORD
C.F.R., Title 4, Sec. 99.34; E.C. 49068; A.R. 5125
Whenever a pupil transfers from one school district to another or to a private school, or transfers from a private school to a school district within the state, the pupil’s permanent record or a copy thereof shall be transferred by the former district or private school upon a request from the district or private school where the pupil intends to enroll. Any school district requesting such a transfer of a record shall notify the parent/guardian of their right to receive a copy of the record and a right to a hearing to challenge the content of the record. The State Board of Education is hereby authorized to adopt rules and regulations concerning the transfer of records.
ABSOLUTE RIGHT TO ACCESS
C.F.R., Title 34, Sec. 99.7; E.C. 49063, 49068, 49069; B.P. 5125; A.R. 5125
Parents/Guardians of currently enrolled or former pupils have an absolute right to access to any and all pupil records related to their children who are maintained by school districts or private schools. The editing or withholding of any such records, except as provided for in this chapter is prohibited. Each school district shall adopt procedures for the granting of requests by parents/guardians for copies of all pupil records pursuant to Section 49065, or to inspect and review records during regular school hours, provided that the requested access shall be granted no later than five (5) business days following the date of the request. Procedures shall include the notification to the parent/guardian of the location of all official
pupil records if not centrally located and the availability of qualified certificated personnel to interpret records where requested.
Access to Information Concerning a Student in Compliance With Court Order (includes lawfully issued subpoenas)
E.C. 49077; A.R. 5125
Information concerning a student shall be furnished in compliance with a court order or a lawfully issued subpoena. The school district shall make a reasonable effort to notify the parent/guardian and the pupil in advance of compliance with a lawfully issued subpoena and, in the case of compliance with a court order, if lawfully possible within the requirements of the order.
Challenging Content of Records
E. C. 49061, 49063, 49070; A.R. 5125, 5125.3
Following an inspection and review of a pupil’s records, the parent/guardian having legal custody of a pupil or former pupil of a school district may challenge the content of any pupil record.
E.C. 49061, 49070 (a)
The parent/guardian having legal custody of a pupil may file a written request with the Superintendent of the District to correct or remove any information recorded in the written records concerning their child, which the parent/guardian alleges to be any of the following:
- Inaccurate;
- An unsubstantiated personal conclusion or inference;
- A conclusion or inference outside of the observer’s area of competence;
- Not based on the personal observation of a named person with the time and place of the observation noted;
- Misleading; and/or
- In violation of the privacy or other rights of the pupil.
E.C. 49070 (b)
Within thirty (30) days of receipt of a request pursuant to subdivision (a), the Superintendent or designee shall meet with the parent/guardian and the certificated employee who recorded the information in question, if any, and if the employee is presently employed by the school district. The Superintendent or designee shall then sustain or deny the allegations.
If the Superintendent or designee sustains any or all of the allegations, he/she shall order the correction or the removal and destruction of the information. However, in accordance with Section 49066, the Superintendent or designee shall not order a pupil’s grade to be changed unless the teacher who determined the grade is, to the extent practicable, given an opportunity to state orally, in writing, or both, the reasons for which the grade was given and is, to the extent practicable, included in all discussions relating to the changing of the grade.
If the Superintendent or designee denies any or all of the allegations and refuses to order the correction or the removal of the information, the parent/guardian may, within thirty (30) days of the refusal, appeal the decision in writing to the Governing Board of the school district.
E.C. 49070 (c)
Within thirty (30) days of receipt of an appeal pursuant to subdivision (b), the Governing Board shall, in closed session with the parent/guardian and the certificated employee who recorded the information in question, if any, and if the employee is presently employed by the school district, determine whether or not to sustain or deny the allegations.
If the Governing Board sustains any or all of the allegations, it shall order the Superintendent or designee to immediately correct or remove and destroy the information from the written records of the pupil and so inform the parent/guardian in writing. However, in accordance with Section 49066, the Governing Board shall not order a pupil’s grade to be changed unless the teacher who determined the grade is, to the extent practicable, given an opportunity to state orally, in writing, or both, the reasons for which the grade was given and is, to the extent practicable, included in all discussions relating to the changing of the grade. The decision of the Governing Board shall be final.
Records of these administrative proceedings shall be maintained in a confidential manner and shall be destroyed one (1) year after the decision of the Governing Board, unless the parent/guardian initiates legal proceedings relative to the disputed information within the prescribed period.
E.C. 49070 (d)
If the final decision of the Governing Board is unfavorable to the parent/guardian, or if the parent/guardian accepts an unfavorable decision by the District Superintendent, the parent/guardian shall be informed and shall have the right to submit a written statement of their objections to the information. This statement shall become a part of the pupil’s school record until the information objected to is corrected or removed.
STUDENT RECORDS; CONFIDENTIALITY
B.P. 5125
The Governing Board believes that it is useful and necessary to keep accurate, comprehensive student records, as required by law. Procedures for maintaining the confidentiality of student records shall be consistent with State and Federal laws. Information about a student shall be used judiciously and in ways that contribute to the student’s welfare.
The Superintendent or designee shall establish regulations for the Board approval governing the following:
- The identification, description, and security of student records, as well as timely access for authorized persons;
- Parental review, inspection and right to photocopy student records;
- The identification of categories of directory information, which may be released;
- The withholding of the student’s grades, diploma or transcripts in cases involving certain student misconduct; and
- Safeguards to protect the student and the student’s family from invasion of privacy.
Custodian of Records
C.C.R., Title 5, Sec. 431
- The Superintendent or designee shall designate a certificated employee to serve as custodian of records, with responsibility for student records at the District level.
- At each school, the Principal or a certificated designee shall act as custodian of records for students enrolled.
PARENTAL RIGHTS
E.C. 49063
The District shall annually notify parents/guardians in writing of their right to inspect student records. This notice also shall inform parents/guardians where they can find all related information.
Any other rights and requirements set forth in Education Code 49060-49078, and the right of parents/guardians to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning an alleged failure by the district to comply with 20 USC 1232g.
WITHHOLDING GRADES, DIPLOMAS, OR TRANSCRIPTS
E.C. 48904.3; A.R. 5125.2, E.C. 48904.3 (a)
Upon receiving notice that a school district has withheld the grades, diploma, or transcripts of any pupil pursuant to Section 48904, any school district to which the pupil has transferred shall likewise withhold the grades, diploma, or transcripts of the pupil as authorized by that section, until the time that it receives notice, from the district that initiated the decision to withhold, that the decision has been rescinded under the terms of that section.
E.C. 48904.3 (b)
Any school district that has decided to withhold a pupil’s grades, diploma, or transcripts pursuant to Section 48904 shall, upon receiving notice that the pupil has transferred to any school district in this state, notify the parent/guardian of the pupil in writing that the decision to withhold will be enforced as specified in subdivision (a).
E.C. 48904.3 (c)
For purposes of this section and Section 48904, “school district” is defined to include any county Superintendent of schools.
E.C. 48904.3 (d)
This section and Section 48904 shall also apply to the state special schools, as described in subdivision (a) of Section 48927.
Release of Directory Information
E.C. 49063, 49073; B.P./A.R. 5125.1
At the beginning of each school year, all parents/guardians and/or students shall be notified as to the categories of directory information the school or district plans to release and the recipients of the information and a statement that directory information does not include citizenship status, immigration status, place of birth, or any other information indicating national origin (except where the district receives consent as required under state law). The notification shall also inform parents/guardians and/or students of their right to refuse to let the district designate any or all types of information as directory information and the period of time within which a parent/guardian and/or student must notify the district in writing that he/she does not want a certain category of information designated as directory information.
Fresno Unified School District does not release information or records concerning your child to non-educational organizations or individuals without your consent. However, there are a number of organizations associated with education, such as the Parent Teacher Association (PTA), which have a continuing need for names and addresses of students they represent. The release of certain information, which we call directory information, would benefit your child; such as: information on athletic or academic awards, information for press releases, or information to organizations and institutions offering career opportunities to graduates including military recruitment officers. If you have any objection to this policy and wish to restrict the release of directory information, you may indicate your objection by providing written notification to the district.
The various organizations and the types of information requested are listed below.
- Press, television, radio, and other media organizations;
- PTA officers or room volunteers;
- Private business or professional schools or colleges approved by the California State Superintendent of Public Instruction;
- Employers;
- Official employment or recruitment representatives of private industry;
- Federal, state, and local government agencies;
- Recruitment representatives of the Armed Forces of the United States or National Guard;
- Approved reunion committees; and/or
- Department of Social Services.
Information to be released:
- Information concerning participation in athletics, other school activities, the winning of scholastic or other honors and awards, and other such information;
- Name, addresses and phone number of graduating seniors; and/or
- Student’s name, address, date and place of birth, attendance record, scholastic record, and staff employment recommendations.
Armed Forces Recruiter Access to Students and Student Recruiting Information
U.S.C., Title 20, Sec. 7908 (a); A.R. 5125.1
- Access to student recruiting information: Notwithstanding section 1232g (a) (5) (B) of this title and except as provided in paragraph (2), each local educational agency receiving assistance under this chapter shall provide, on a request made by military recruiters or an institution of higher education, access to secondary school students names, addresses, and telephone listings.
- Consent: A secondary school student or the parent/guardian of the student may request that the student’s name, address, and telephone listing described in paragraph (1) not be released without prior written parental consent, and the local educational agency or private school shall notify parents/guardians of the option to make a request and shall comply with any request.
- Same access to students: Each local educational agency receiving assistance under this chapter shall provide military recruiters the same access to secondary school students as is provided generally to post-secondary educational institutions or to prospective employers of those students.
Student Records, Disclosure to Other Educational Agencies
C.F.R., Title 34, Sec., 99.34 (a)
An educational agency or institution that discloses an education record under Sec. 99.31 (a) (2) shall:
- Make a reasonable attempt to notify the parent/guardian or eligible student at the last known address of the parent/guardian or eligible student, unless:
- The disclosure is initiated by the parent/guardian or eligible student; or
- The annual notification of the agency or institution under Sec. 99.6 includes a notice that the agency or institution forwards education records to other agencies or institutions that have requested the records and in which the student seeks or intends to enroll;
- Give the parent/guardian or eligible student, upon request, a copy of the record that was disclosed; and
- Give the parent/guardian or eligible student, upon request, an opportunity for a hearing under subpart C.
C.F.R., Title 34, Sec. 99.34 (b)
An educational agency or institution may disclose an education record of a student in attendance to another educational agency or institution if:
- The student is enrolled in or receives services from the other agency or institution; and
- The disclosure meets the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section.
STUDENT QUALITY EDUCATION AND DIVERSITY POLICY
B.P. 5138, 0410
The Board of Education of the Fresno Unified School District believes that providing students the opportunity to attend schools with diverse student bodies has inherent educational value. The survival and vigor of democracy depend upon an educated citizenry with shared concerns about the welfare of society, its members, and the democratic principles that govern it.
Diversity brings different viewpoints and experiences to classroom discussions and thereby enhances the educational process. It also fosters racial and cultural understanding and tolerance, which are particularly important in a diverse society such as ours. In addition, research shows that integrated education expands post-secondary opportunities for diverse populations and helps to provide greater equality of opportunity.
Our school system is fortunate to have the pluralism brought by the African-American, Native-American, Asian, Filipino, Pacific Islander, Hispanic/Latino, White, and multi-ethnic communities in our area and by the multitude of linguistic groups within each of these communities.
In addition, the District has students from diverse socio-economic backgrounds, students with special needs and students of both genders. While some factors contributing to the diversity in the schools are under the control of the administration, other more powerful factors are due to the community’s economic and demographic conditions.
The district’s diversity reflects the increasing pluralism of American society and emphasizes the broader need for international awareness and cooperation. Diversity is thus a valuable resource for teaching students to become citizens in a multi-racial/multi-ethnic world in which men and women study, work, and govern together.
To provide all students the opportunity to attend schools with diverse learning settings, the District shall consider a variety of critical options. These include:
- Providing students the opportunity to transfer to schools within the District;
- Providing students the opportunity to attend special programs, such as charters, magnet, specialty, and thematic programs;
- Providing extracurricular and co-curricular experiences, including multi-cultural education pursuant to B.P. 6141.6;
- Creating attendance areas with diverse enrollments; and
- Selecting new school sites.
Therefore, the Board of Education believes that a policy that supports quality education for students in diverse learning settings will have a positive effect on our students who will live and work together in a diverse society.
HOMELESS AND FOSTER CARE CHILDREN
B.P. 6173, 6173.1; A.R. 6173, 6173.1
The Fresno Unified Governing Board believes that all children should have the opportunity to receive appropriate educational services. Therefore, all children residing within the district shall have immediate access to district schools and services.
Families who are homeless or who live in temporary housing can find help with immediate enrollment through the Project ACCESS Office.
Homeless children shall be enrolled with or without a permanent address. They shall remain at the “school of origin” for the remainder of the school year or until permanently housed to the extent feasible, continuing a student’s enrollment in the school of origin for the duration of their homelessness. Those in high school may continue through 12th grade.
Foster youth shall remain at the “school of origin,” including feeder pattern for the duration of court jurisdiction if it is in the child’s best interest. When court jurisdiction is terminated, foster youth in K-8th grades may continue in the “school of origin” including through feeder patterns, while those in high school may continue through 12th grade.
“School of origin” is defined as the school that the child or youth attended when permanently housed, the school in which the child or youth was last enrolled or the school with which the child most identified during the last 15 months..
What Are My Child’s Rights?
- A free, appropriate, public education-staff shall encourage parents/guardians to enroll all school-aged children in school (B.P. 5111.13);
- Students identified as homeless shall be enrolled without a permanent address (Project ACCESS form completed at the Department of Prevention and Intervention, Project ACCESS);
- Be enrolled by a caregiver who is not the legal guardian (Caregiver Affidavit form completed at Department of Prevention and Intervention, Project ACCESS);
- Be enrolled without the required documents;
- Be enrolled if living in a foster or group home, with placement papers provided by social services or probation;
- Maintain school origin. Bus tokens may be provided if eligible through the Department of Prevention and Intervention Project ACCESS.
- Be provided Title I supplemental services
Contact Project ACCESS at 457-3359.
CAREER TECHNICAL EDUCATION: GRADES K-12
The College and Career Readiness Department plays an integral part in achieving the District’s mission of preparing career ready graduates. “A career-ready graduate is a student who has all possible options available to them upon graduation from Fresno Unified School District. This student has a strong academic foundation, has completed required courses, and has acquired the workplace skills and competencies necessary for success after high school.”
Elementary students focus on career awareness through grade level activities:
- 3rd grade: classroom visits from industry leaders
- 4th grade: visits to local businesses,
- 5th grade: Kids Invent! STEM related activities
- 6th grade: Kids Invent! STEM related activities and a visit to a two-year college
Middle School students focus on career exploration through the following options:
- Career Technical Education (CTE) courses
- Visits to a four-year college or university
- Exploring career choices through Career Cruising web-based tools
High School students begin to apply career related skills through the following options:
- Linked Learning Pathways that include:
- Rigorous academics
- Demanding technical courses
- Work-based learning
- Personalized student supports
- Career Technical Education (CTE) courses
- Regional Occupational Program (ROP) courses
- 2 period courses designed for juniors and seniors
- Visits to a four-year colleges and/or universities
- Industry recognized student certifications
- Identifying career choices through Career Cruising
- Work-based learning experiences that include guest speakers, field trips, job shadowing and internships
- Dual enrollment opportunities to earn college credit
For more information, contact the College and Career Readiness Department: 4120 N. First Street, Fresno, CA 93726, (559) 248-7465.
Fresno Adult School
Fresno Adult School offers a wide variety of low cost or no cost classes and training programs for adults 18 years and older such as High School Diploma, GED, Career & Technical Education, English as a Second Language, Citizenship, Adult Basic Education, and Community Education. Classes are held during daytime hours and also in the evening as well as some Saturdays. The main campus, The César E. Chávez Adult Education Center, is located at 2500 Stanislaus Street, in downtown Fresno.
Classes are held at the main campus and other locations throughout the Fresno area. Check the Fresno Adult School webpage at
www.fas.edu or call 457-6000 for current course offerings and details.
ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION PROGRAMS
E.C. 58501; B.P. 6181
Education Code 58501 specifies that any school may establish a separate school or separate classes within a school. School districts are required to notify parents/guardians that California State Law authorizes all school districts to provide for alternative school programs.
Fresno Unified offers several school options for Alternative Education students. These schools are specialized in offering credit attainment as well as personalized educational plans to meet the diverse needs of our students.
To find out more about all options, please call the Educational Resource Center (ERC) office at (559) 457-3190. The ERC is located at 822 N. Abby Fresno, CA 93701.
Programs
All students interested in enrollment in Alternative Education must contact their home school, meet with a school counselor and have a referral submitted to ERC.
- Cambridge High School (10-12)
- Regional areas – Roosevelt High School, Sunnyside High School, McLane High School, and Edison High School
- De Wolf High School (10-12)
- Regional areas – Fresno High School, Bullard High School, Duncan Polytechnical High School, and Hoover High School
- J.E. Young Academic Program (9-12)
- eLearn Academy – (7-12)
- Phoenix Secondary (7-12)
- Phoenix Elementary (K-6)
CHARTER SCHOOLS
Fresno Unified has authorized oversight responsibilities for the listed Charter Schools. For additional information, please call the Charter office, 457-3923.
- Aspen Meadow Public Charter School (559) 369-2456
- Aspen Ridge Public Charter School (559) 374-0080
- Aspen Valley Prep Academy Charter School (559) 225-7737
- Carter G. Woodson Public Charter School (559) 229-3529
- Carter G. Woodson Public Charter School of Multimedia (226- 1073)
- Dailey Elementary Charter School (559) 248-7060
- Endeavor Charter School (559) 248-0471
- Golden Charter Academy (559) 660-5144
- Fresno EOC School of Unlimited Learning (559) 500-1352
- Sierra Charter School (559) 490-4290
- University High School (559) 278-8263
STUDENT TRANSFER POLICIES
The transfer process and procedure shall be centralized to allow for as many transfers to be granted and to ensure that the District’s facilities are equitably utilized. Accordingly, the Transfers Department shall be charged with administering the transfer process.
Transfers Initiated by Parent/Guardian
There are two types of transfers in the Fresno Unified School District that may be initiated by parents/guardians: Intradistrict and Interdistrict Transfers. Board Policies 5116 and 5116.1 reference specific criteria and conditions for these transfers.
- Intradistrict Transfers Within Fresno Unified
The parents/guardians of a school-age child who are residents in the District may request a transfer to a school other than the school to which their child is assigned. The Board retains the authority to grant or deny such a transfer in accordance with the process and procedures outlined in the regulation adopted pursuant to this policy. In the absence of an approved transfer, students are expected to attend the school in the attendance area in which they reside. - Interdistrict Transfers Between Districts
Similarly, the parents/guardians of a school-age child who are residents of another district may request a transfer to Fresno Unified. The Fresno Unified Board retains the authority to grant or deny a request for an interdistrict transfer to Fresno Unified in accordance with the process and procedures outlined in the regulation adopted pursuant to this policy. The parents/guardians of a school-age child who are residents in Fresno Unified may request a transfer to another school district. The Board retains the authority to release a Fresno Unified student to attend another school district in accordance with the process and procedures outlined in the regulation adopted pursuant to this policy. In the absence of an approved Interdistrict Transfer, students are expected to attend a school in the school district in which they reside. E.C. 46600, 46601.5
Intradistrict Choice
E.C. 35160.5 (c)
The Governing Board of each school district shall, as a condition for the receipt of school apportionments from the state school fund, adopt rules and regulations establishing a policy of open enrollment within the District for residents of the District. This requirement does not apply to any school district that has only one school or any school district with schools that do not serve any of the same grade level.
Involuntary Intradistrict Transfers
E.C. 48432.5; B.P. 5117; A.R. 5117, 6184
Involuntary Intradistrict Transfers may be made under Board Policy for the following three reasons.
- Overcrowding (Grades K-6)
The District will make every effort to ensure that students will not be required to attend schools that are overcrowded when there is adequate space at other schools. There shall be fixed, objective criteria established for identifying overcrowded schools.
Children whose enrollment would increase an overcrowded condition shall be provided free transportation to a school with adequate space. When possible, siblings could be allowed to attend the same school.
- Readmission After Expulsion or Suspended Expulsion
The Governing Board can involuntarily transfer students, after completing their expulsion term or in cases of suspended expulsion to a school site other than the school where the violation occurred. Only with the approval of the Board or its designee may a student return to the school where the violation occurred. - Involuntary Transfer to Opportunity or Continuation High Schools
High school students, age sixteen (16) and over, may be involuntarily transferred to a continuation high school based on the finding that the student:- Committed an act enumerated in E.C. 48900; or
- Has been habitually truant or irregular in attendance for instruction upon which he/she is lawfully required to attend. Parents/Guardians have the right to require a meeting prior to the involuntary transfer to a continuation school.
Residency Based on Parent/Guardian Employment
E.C. 48204; A.R. 5111.12, 5118
Parents/guardians may obtain a transfer based upon employment verification indicating employment is within the boundaries of the district.
Appeals
Transfers denied due to lack of space at the requested school or program may not be appealed. The process to appeal all other intra-district or inter-district transfer requests starts with the Transfer Department. Contact the office at (559) 248-7538 to speak with an administrator regarding your appeal. Additional information regarding the appeal of denied inter-district transfers only, is available through the Fresno County Superintendent of Schools. E.C. 46601, 46602, 48024(b); A.R. 5116
Revoking Student Transfers
Intradistrict and Interdistrict Transfers, including magnet school placements, could be subject to revocation if the Superintendent or designee determines that a student has violated a condition of the intradistrict or interdistrict transfer. A revocation shall be considered only during time frames outlined in the administrative regulation pursuant to this policy, to place the student back to the district or school of residence. The decision to revoke the transfer shall be communicated in writing to the parent/guardian.
SCHOOL CHOICE AND MAGNET PROGRAMS
B.P. 5116.1
Fresno Unified is pleased to offer a variety of school choice options that allow for families to attend a school beyond their neighborhood school. Along with the magnet programs listed below a transfer to other neighborhood schools that are outside of the student’s attendance boundary might be available if there is space. Families may request these options by utilizing the Transfer Request Form. Application deadline for all program types is December 1, 2023 for the 2024-2025 school year.
To find out more about all options, please call the Transfers Department at (559) 248-7538. The Transfers Department is located at 4120 N. First Street, Fresno, CA 93726.
DUAL LANGUAGE IMMERSION PROGRAMS
Students are selected by random lottery for the schools listed below:
- Ewing (Preschool-6), Leavenworth (Preschool-6), Wawona (Preschool-3), and Sunset (Preschool-6) – Two-way, dual language immersion Spanish/English program to Pre-K and K. Admission in grade 1 -12 requires tested proficiency in both languages.
- Yosemite Dual Language Immersion (7-8)
- McLane Dual Language Immersion (9-12)
Site based Spanish/English Dual Language Immersion Programs are also available. Resident students may participate in the program. If the student attends the following schools parents may discuss participation in the program at the school site:
- Burroughs Dual Language Immersion (Preschool-4)
- Calwa Dual Language Immersion (Preschool-4)
- Centennial Dual Language Immersion (Preschool-4)
- Hidalgo Dual Language Immersion (Preschool-2)
- Herrera Dual Language Immersion (Preschool-K)
- Jackson Dual Language Immersion (K-4)
- Lane Dual Language Immersion (Preschool-4)
- Roeding Dual Language Immersion (Preschool-4)
- Rowell Dual Language Immersion (Preschool-5)
- Winchell Dual Language Immersion (Preschool-2)
Hmong/English Program
- Balderas Dual Language Immersion (Preschool-3)
- Vang Pao Dual Language Immersion (Preschool-5)
MAGNET SCHOOLS
Students are selected by random lottery for the schools listed below:
- Yokomi (TK-6) – Science and Technology
- Bullard TALENT (K-8) – “Arts are Academic”
- Hamilton (TK-8) Global Studies
- Baird Middle School (5-8) – Global Interdisciplinary Program
- Ahwahnee (7-8) – Environmental Science
- Cooper Academy International Baccalaureate (IB) (6-8)
- Design Science (9-12) – Middle College High School
- Duncan Polytechnical High School (9-12) – Career Technical Education
- Fresno High International Baccalaureate (IB) (9-12)
- Roosevelt School of the Arts (9-12)
- Phillip J. Patiño School of Entrepreneurship (9-12)
MAGNET PROGRAMS WITH ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS
Students are selected for the schools listed below by academic admission criteria:
- Edison Computech (7-12) – Math, Science and Technology
- Sunnyside High Doctors’ Academy (9-12) – contact the school at 253-6700 for an additional application packet
GIFTED AND TALENTED EDUCATION (GATE) PROGRAM
Available seats are proportioned by the percentage of each high school region’s elementary population and a random lottery is conducted by high school region of all eligible students to fill seats at Manchester and Yokomi GATE programs.
Manchester GATE (Grades 2-6) (248-7220)
Yokomi GATE (Grades 2-6) (457-6140)
- GATE is a specialized program serving identified GATE students from throughout Fresno Unified. Students are selected for this program and invited to attend.
- Student Selection Criteria: Eligibility for GATE services is based upon multiple criteria and not a score from one (1) test. Information collected and considered in assessing students’ eligibility for GATE services
- Teacher descriptions of outstanding characteristics, classroom performance and academic grades;
- A record of the student’s scores on achievement tests and district-administered academic measures;
- Information from group tests of reasoning abilities administered by Fresno Unified staff;
- Evidence that new students are enrolled in and attending a Fresno Unified school;
- Documentation of other special needs; and
- Previous evaluations for GATE completed in Fresno Unified or other school districts. C.C.R., Title 5, Sec. 3831; B.P. 6172; A.B. 2313, Correa, Chapter 748 of the Statutes of 2000
TIMELINE FOR SCHOOL CHOICE OPTIONS FOR 2024-25 SCHOOL YEAR
September 1, 2023
First day parents/guardians may submit transfer request applications for the 2024-2025 school year
December 1, 2023
DEADLINE to submit transfer request applications for intra-district schools and Magnet Schools
- All applications received after the deadline are considered late and students will be assigned as space becomes available.
May 1, 2024
- The vast majority of Intra-district placements complete.
- All applicants remaining on a waiting list will be assigned if additional space becomes available at the school requested
Transfers Department is located at:
4120 N. First Street Fresno, CA 93726
Phone number: (559) 248-7538 Email: TransfersDepartment@fresnounified.org