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Parent Notification and Family Engagement

Question Department / Office Phone
What do I need to do, if I want to volunteer?Is it required for all volunteers to be fingerprinted? Contact your child’s school for volunteer opportunities. See school directory
What types of parent learning classes are offered to parents/guardians? Parent University 850 N. Blackstone Ave. Fresno, CA 93701 (559) 457-3390
What is a Title 1 school?What services are available for Title 1 schools? Contact your child’s school or State and Federal Programs. (559) 457-3934


RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

BP/AR 5020; Ed. Code 51110

The Governing Board recognizes that parents/guardians of district students have certain rights as well as responsibilities related to the education of their children. Parents/guardians shall have the opportunity to work with schools in a mutually supportive and respectful partnership and to help their children succeed in school.

Rights of Students

  • To attend school unless removed under due process as specified in the Education Code;
  • To attend school in a secure academic and social climate, free of fear and violence;
  • To enjoy the full benefit of their teachers’ efforts, even in the presence of a disruptive student;
  • To have ready access to a designated teacher/advisor;
  • To examine personal records upon reaching age sixteen (16); and
  • To be fully informed of school rules and regulations.

Responsibilities of Students

  • To attend school and classes regularly and on time;
  • To be prepared for class with appropriate materials and work;
  • To know and obey school rules and regulations;
  • To respect the rights of school personnel, fellow students, and the public in general; and
  • To demonstrate pride in the appearance of school buildings and grounds.

Rights of Parents/Guardians

E.C. 51101-51102

  • To expect that their child will spend time at school in a safe, wholesome, stimulating atmosphere engaged in productive activity under the care and direction of a dedicated staff;
  • To have assurance that school personnel will at no time preempt parental prerogative;
  • To be informed of District policies, school rules, and regulations; and
  • To review their child’s record with a certificated staff member providing assistance.

Responsibilities of Parents/Guardians

  • To visit school periodically to participate in conferences with teachers, counselors, or administrators regarding the academic and behavioral status of their child;
  • To provide supportive action by making sure that their child has enough sleep, adequate nutrition, and appropriate clothing before coming to school;
  • To maintain consistent and adequate control over their child and to approve of reasonable control measures as applied by school personnel;
  • To cooperate with the school in bringing about improvements designed to enhance the educational program offered to students;
  • To provide the school with current information regarding legal address, phone, medical data, and other facts which may help the school to serve their child; and
  • To become familiar with District policies and school rules and regulations.

Rights of Teachers

  • To expect and receive the attention, effort, and participation of the students attending their classes;
  • To have parental and administrative backing when enforcing rules designed to provide an optimum learning climate;
  • To teach with interruptions held to an absolute minimum regardless of the cause or source; and
  • To enjoy the same level of respect and courteous treatment accorded members of the class individually and collectively.

Responsibilities of Teachers

  • To consider the personal worth of each individual student as a single, unique, important human being;
  • To attempt to equip each learner with the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values required for successful living;
  • To hold students accountable for their actions at all times;
  • To assess divergent ideas, opinions, and expressions objectively, and deal with them in a balanced, unbiased manner;
  • To keep parents/guardians and students informed with timely or periodic reports, including all pertinent data related to the student’s school experience;
  • To consistently critique their own performance with the objective of an ever-growing professional stature; and
  • To initiate and enforce individual classroom rules consistent with school and District policies.

Rights of Administrators

  • To initiate such control measures as needed to establish and maintain an environment in which optimum learning and teaching conditions prevail;
  • To make decisions on all issues confronting schools, primarily on the basis of what is best for the students;
  • To hold students accountable for their conduct, and to take prompt and appropriate action toward those guilty of violations; and
  • To expect that all school employees recognize and fulfill their roles in terms of campus control.

Responsibilities of Administrators

  • To provide leadership that will establish, encourage, and promote good teaching and effective learning;
  • To establish, publicize, and enforce school rules that facilitate effective learning and promote attitudes and habits of good citizenship among the students;
  • To request assistance from the District’s support services, and community agencies and resources in all cases indicating such action; and
  • To make a determined effort to stay attuned to expressions of student, staff, parent/guardian, community concerns and to react with sensitivity toward them.

PARENT’S RIGHT TO KNOW

PARENTAL NOTIFICATIONS

B.P. 5145.6

The Governing Board recognizes that notifications are essential to effective communication between the school and the home. The Superintendent or designee shall send students and parents/guardians all notifications required by law, including notifications about their legal rights, and any other notifications he/she believes will promote parental understanding and involvement.

For the most current parental notifications, please visit the district website at https://maindistrict.kinsta.cloud/sites/board/policies/Documents/5145-6-E-Parental-Notifications.pdf

Time and Means of Parent/Guardian Notification

E.C. 48981

Parent & Student Notification and Information Handbook shall be sent at the time of registration for the first semester or quarter of the regular school term. The notice may be sent by regular mail or by any other method normally used to communicate with the parents/guardians in writing.

SIGNATURE; RETURN TO SCHOOL; EFFECT OF SIGNATURE

E.C. 48982

The notice shall be signed by the parent/guardian and returned to the school. Signature of the notice is an acknowledgment by the parent/guardian that he/she has been informed of their rights but does not indicate that consent to participate in any particular program has either been given or withheld.

NONDISCRIMINATION

U.S.C., Title 42, Chap. 21, Sub Chap. V, Sec. 2000d Parts 1-7; B.P. 0410, B.P. 5146, B.P. 6145, B.P. 6145.2

The Governing Board is committed to equal opportunity for all individuals in education. District programs, activities and practices shall be free from unlawful discrimination based on race, color, religion ancestry, nationality, national origin, immigration status, ethnic group identification, ethnicity, age, marital, pregnancy or parental status, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, or genetic information; a perception of one or more of such characteristics; or association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics.

“That no person in the United States shall, on the ground of race, color, national origin, handicap, religion, or sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subject to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.”
Section 504 of Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (U.S.C., Title 29, Sec. 794), Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (U.S.C., Title 20, Sec. 1681 et seq.), Age Discrimination Act of 1975 (U.S.C., Title 42, Sec. 6101 et seq.), Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (U.S.C., Title 42, Sec. 2000d et seq.)

Employment: Fresno Unified is an equal opportunity employer.

Students: Fresno Unified extra-curricular activities and interscholastic athletics are committed to equal access for all students, absolutely prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender, and will enforce equal rights and opportunities for all students. C.F.R., Title 34, Sec. 106.9; U.S.C., Title 20, Chap. 38, Sec. 1681-1688

TITLE IX OF THE EDUCATIONAL AMENDMENTS OF 1972

“No person…shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any educational program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.

“No student or applicant for enrollment will be subject to discrimination on the basis of that student’s pregnancy, childbirth, false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy and/or recovery there from.”

Student-Parent programs are available. For information contact: The Early Learning Office at 457-3682.

ACCREDITATION

E.C. 35178.4; B.P. 6190

A School Board shall give official notice at a regularly scheduled School Board meeting if a public school within the District that has elected to be accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges or any other chartered accrediting agency loses its accreditation status. If a school loses its accreditation status, the school district shall notify each parent/guardian of the pupils in the school that the school has lost its accreditation status, in writing, and this notice shall indicate the potential consequences of the school’s loss of accreditation status.

SCHOOL ACCOUNTABILITY REPORT CARD

E.C. 35256; B.P. 0510

Requires notification to parents/guardians that a copy will be provided upon request. Copy of School Accountability Report Card for Fresno Unified Schools can be obtained via the Internet at:
http://maindistrict.kinsta.cloud or by requesting a paper copy from any school office. E.C. 33126

OVERDUE, DAMAGED, OR LOST INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS

E.C. 48904.3; B.P. 6161.2

The Governing Board recognizes that instructional materials are an expensive resource. Instructional materials provided for use by students remain the property of the district. When property of the district is lent to students, the Governing Board expects that it shall be returned in a timely manner, with no more than usual wear and tear. If the property has been willfully cut, defaced, or otherwise damaged, or if the student refuses to return it at the request of a district employee, the district shall afford the student their due process rights and subsequently may withhold the student’s grades, diploma, and transcripts until the student or parent/guardian has paid all damages. As provided by law, the parent/guardian of a minor shall be liable for all damages caused by the minor’s misconduct. If the parent/guardian or student is unable to pay for the damages or return the property, the district shall provide a program of voluntary work for the student to do instead. When the work is done, the student’s grades, transcripts, and diploma shall be released.

CONTINUOUS SCHOOL PROGRAM

E.C. 37616; B.P. 6117

Prior to implementing a continuous school program in any school of the district, the school district governing board shall consult in good faith in an effort to reach agreement with the certificated and classified employees of the school, with the parents/guardians of pupils who would be affected by the change, and with the community at large. Such consultation shall include at least one (1) public hearing for which the board has given adequate notice to the employees and to the parents/guardians of pupils affected.

In school districts where a continuous school program is implemented in fewer than all of the schools maintained by the school district, the Governing Board of such a school district shall make every reasonable effort to assign certificated employees who prefer the regular school schedule to schools of the same level retaining the regular school schedule.

AVAILABILITY OF COURSE PROSPECTUS

E.C. 49063, 49091.14; A.R. 5020

Each school site shall make available, upon request, a copy of the prospectus for each course, including the titles, descriptions and instructional aims of the course. You have the right as a parent to request a meeting to review instructional materials and discuss the curriculum of your student’s course. (EC 49063 and 49091.14 and No Child Left Behind Act, 20 U.S.C. 1232h (c) and (d).)

RIGHT TO REFRAIN FROM HARMFUL OR DESTRUCTIVE USE OF ANIMALS

E.C. 32255-32255.6; A.R. 5145.8

Students shall have the right to refrain from participation in activities, which they feel constitute harmful and destructive use of animals. A teacher may, if the teacher believes it possible, develop an alternative educational program for helping the student obtain the knowledge, information or experience. Agricultural programs are exempt from this mandate.

PRIMARY PREVENTION PROGRAM

W.I.C. 18976.5

Parents/Guardians shall be given notice of, and may refuse to have their children participate in, a primary prevention program.

GRADE/CREDIT CANNOT BE REDUCED

E.C. 48205, 48980 (j); B.P. 6154

Grade/Credit cannot be reduced due to excused absence if work or test has been completed.

PROMOTION/RETENTION

E.C. 48070-48070.5; A.R. 5123

Each year, students in grades K-8 are assessed to determine if they have achieved minimum levels for promotion. Failing students are classified as at-risk of retention or as candidates for retention. Parents/Guardians of these students are notified as soon as possible and parents/guardians have the right to conference with the teacher.

At-risk students and candidates for retention are entitled to attend supplemental instruction such as Summer School, but parents/guardians may refuse the service. Parents/Guardians have the right to be actively involved in the development of these supplemental instructional programs.

Students who are candidates for retention are retained at the end of the school year unless they raise their level of achievement to minimum levels or the teacher determines that retention is not appropriate. If a teacher decides to retain a candidate, the parent/guardian has the right to appeal the retention to the Assistant Superintendent. Parents/Guardians have the option to submit a letter with their objections if the retention is not overturned through the appeal process. B.P. 5123; A.R. 5123

STUDENT IN DANGER OF FAILING A COURSE

E.C. 49067 (a); A.R. 5121

The Governing Board of each school district shall prescribe regulations requiring the evaluation of each student’s achievement for each marking period and requiring a conference with, or a written report to, the parent/guardian of each student whenever it becomes evident to the teacher that the student is in danger of failing a course. The refusal of the parent/guardian to attend the conference, or to respond to the written report, shall not preclude failing the student at the end of the grading period.

PERSONAL INFORMATION

U.S.C., Title 20, Sec. 1232 (h); E.C. 51513; A.R. 5022

No test, questionnaire, survey, or examination containing any questions about the pupil’s personal beliefs or practices in sex, family life, morality, and religion, or any questions about the pupil’s parents’/guardians’ beliefs and practices in sex, family life, morality, and religion, shall be administered to any pupil in kindergarten or grades 1 to 12, inclusive, unless the parent/guardian of the pupil is notified in writing that this test, questionnaire, survey, or examination is to be administered and the parent/guardian of the pupil gives written permission for the pupil to take this test, questionnaire, survey, or examination.

PUPILS: SCHOOL BUILDING

E.C. 17288

The Governing Board of each school district shall notify in writing the parent/guardian of each high school pupil who attends a special program on a University of California, or California State University campus building, prior to the pupil’s attendance on that campus. The notification is to state the student is considered a pupil of that campus, and the campus buildings are not considered to be held to the same standard as elementary or secondary schools.

RELIGIOUS EXPRESSION IN THE SCHOOLS

B.P. 6141.2

Public schools may not inculcate or inhibit religion. Schools must be places where religion and religious conviction are treated with fairness and respect. The District upholds the First Amendment when it protects the religious liberty rights of students of all faiths and students who profess no faith. Schools also demonstrate fairness when they ensure that the curriculum includes study about religion, where appropriate, as an important part of a complete education.

The Governing Board recognizes that students’ education would be incomplete without an understanding of the role of religion in history. It is both proper and important for teachers to objectively discuss the influences of various religions, using religious words and symbols to illustrate their relationship with society, literature, or the arts. The Board expects that such instruction will identify principles common to many religions and foster respect for the multiple creeds practiced by the peoples of the world.

In order to respect each student’s individual right to freedom of religious practice, religious indoctrination is forbidden in public schools. Instruction about religion must not favor, promote, or demean the beliefs or customs of any particular religion or sect, or those who hold no religious beliefs. Staff should be highly sensitive to their obligation not to interfere with the religious development of any student in whatever tradition the student embraces.

Staff shall not endorse, encourage, or solicit religious or antireligious expression or activities among students. They shall not lead students in prayer or participate in student-initiated prayer. However, staff shall not prohibit or discourage any student from praying or otherwise expressing their religious belief as long as this does not disrupt the classroom or the educational environment; nor shall staff make any student a captive audience to prayer.

Students may express their beliefs about religion in their homework, artwork, and other written and oral reports if the expression is germane to the assignment. Such work shall be judged by ordinary academic standards, free of discrimination based on religious content.

Instruction which is contrary to a student’s religious beliefs and teaching may be optional for the student in accordance with the Education Code or at the discretion of the Superintendent or designee.

RELIGIOUS TRAINING AND BELIEFS

E.C. 51240

(a) If any part of a school’s instruction in health conflicts with the religious training and beliefs of a parent or guardian of a pupil, the pupil, upon written request of the parent or guardian, shall be excused from the part of the instruction that conflicts with the religious training and beliefs.

(b) For purposes of this section, “religious training and beliefs” includes personal moral convictions.

Religious expression in public schools involves a careful balancing of free speech rights and the right to free exercise of religion without promoting or establishing religion. In order to provide guidance to school staff in the balancing of these competing interests, the Board directs the administration to develop a regulation that provides general guidance regarding religious expression in the schools consistent with this policy, existing law, existing District regulations, and the U.S. Secretary of Education’s General Guidance Regarding Religious Expression in Public Schools.

STAFF DEVELOPMENT/TESTING/EARLY DISMISSAL

E.C.48980 (c)

Parents will be notified in advance of the dates of any staff development, testing, and early dismissal days.

SCHEDULE OF MINIMUM DAYS

E.C. 48980 (c); B.P. 6111

Every school will provide a schedule of minimum days at the beginning of each school year. When minimum days are scheduled after the beginning of the school year, parents/guardians must be notified one (1) month before the scheduled minimum day.

CONTENTS OF NOTICE

E.C. 48983

If any activity covered by the sections set forth in Section 48980 will be undertaken by the school during the forthcoming school term, the notice shall state that fact, and shall also state the approximate date upon which any of such activities will occur.

ACTIVITIES PROHIBITED UNLESS NOTICE GIVEN

E.C. 48984

NO school district shall undertake any activity covered by the sections set forth in Section 48980 with respect to any particular pupil unless the parent/guardian has been informed of such action pursuant to this article or has received separate special notification.

To substantiate your child’s moral objection to dissecting, destroying or otherwise harming animals as part of an education project. Teachers of courses utilizing dead animals or animal parts will inform students of their right to object to participate in a particular project involving the harmful or destructive use of animals. Your written note attesting to your child’s objection may, at the teacher’s option, entitle your child to participate in an alternative education project or to be excused from the project altogether. (Ed. Code 32255-32255.6)

You have the right as a parent: To be informed, in writing, of comprehensive sexual health education and HIV/AIDS prevention education and research on student health behaviors planned for the coming year. To inspect the written and audiovisual education materials used for this instruction and to request a copy of Education Code sections 51930-51939. To be informed whether this instruction will be taught by school district personnel or by outside consultants. To request in writing that your child be excused from all or part of any comprehensive sexual health education, HIV/AIDS prevention education or assessments related to that education. This notice does not apply to human reproductive organs that may appear in physiology, biology, zoology, general science, personal hygiene, or health text books, adopted pursuant to law. (Ed. Code 51937, 51938, 51939 and 48980). Additional Information, policies or notices will be provided when such activity takes place or before the particular subject is taught.

KNOW YOUR EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS

B.P. 1312.3

Fresno Unified promotes a safe and secure learning environment for all. Additional language that was recently added to the parent ‘Know Your Educational Rights’ includes an update regarding rights to file a complaint:

  • Your child has the right to report a hate crime or file a complaint to the school district if he or she is discriminated against, harassed, intimidated, or bullied on the basis of his or her actual or perceived nationality, ethnicity, or immigration status.

NOTIFICATION OF RIGHTS FOR PREGNANT AND PARENTING PUPILS

MARRIED/PREGNANT/PARENTING STUDENTS

B.P. 5146

The Governing Board recognizes that responsibilities related to marriage, pregnancy or parenting and related responsibilities may disrupt a students’ education and increase the chance of a student dropping out of school. The Board therefore desires to support married, pregnant and parenting students to continue their education, attain strong academic and parenting skills, and promote the healthy development of their children.

The district shall not exclude or deny any pupil from any educational program or activity, including any class or extracurricular activity, solely on the basis of the pupil, pregnancy, childbirth, false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, or related recovery therefrom. In addition, the district shall not adopt any rule concerning a pupil’s actual or potential parental, family, or marital status that treats students differently on the basis of sex. (Education Code 221.51(a)(b); 5 CCR 4950(a); 34 CFR 106.40(a)(b)(1))

The district shall notify pregnant and parenting pupils of the rights and options available under the law through the annual school year welcome packets and through independent study packets. (Education Code 222.5(a))

The district shall also annually notify parents/guardians of pupils at the beginning of the regular school term of the rights and options available to pregnant and parenting pupils under the law. (EC Section 222.5(b))

For school-related purposes, a student under the age of 18 years who enters into a valid marriage shall have all the rights and privileges of students who are 18 years old, even if the marriage has been dissolved. (Family Code 7002)

Education and Support Services for Pregnant and Parenting Students

Pregnant and parenting pupils shall not be excluded from participation in the regular education programs and shall not be required to participate in pregnant-pupil programs or alternative educational programs. The classroom setting shall be the preferred instructional strategy unless an alternative is necessary to meet the needs of the student and/or the pupil’s child. (Education Code 222.51(d); 5 CCR Section 4950(c); 34 CFR Section 106.40(b)(1)).)

Pregnant or parenting pupils who voluntarily participate in alternative programs shall be given educational programs, activities, and courses equal to the regular program (Education Code 221.51(d), 5 CCR 4950(c); 34 CFR Section 106.40(b)(3)))

The district treats pregnancy, childbirth, false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, and recovery

therefrom in the same manner and under the same policies as any other temporary disability. (EC

Section 221.51(e); 5 CCR Section 4950(d); 34 CFR Section 106.40(b)(4)).

The district shall not make pre-admission inquiry as to the marital status of an applicant for admission, including whether such applicant is “Miss” or “Mrs.” The district may make pre-admission inquiry as to the sex of an applicant for admission, but only if such inquiry is made equally of such applicants of both sexes and if the results of such inquiry are not used in connection with discrimination prohibited by Title IX. (34 CFR Section 106.21(c)(4))

To the extent feasible, the district shall provide educational and related support services, either directly or in collaboration with community agencies and organizations, to meet the needs of pregnant and parenting students and their children. Such services may include, but are not limited to:

  1. Child care and development services for the children of parenting students on or near school site(s) during the school day and during school-sponsored activities
  2. Parenting education and life skills instruction
  3. Special school nutrition supplements for pregnant and lactating students pursuant to Education Code 49553, 42 USC 1786, and 7 CFR 246.1-246.28
  4. Health care services, including prenatal care
  5. Tobacco, alcohol, and/or drug prevention and intervention services
  6. Academic and personal counseling
  7. Supplemental instruction to assist students in achieving grade-level academic standards and progressing toward graduation

As appropriate, teachers, administrators, and/or other personnel who work with pregnant and parenting students shall receive related professional development.

Absences

Pregnant or parenting students may be excused for absences for medical appointments and other purposes specified in BP/AR 5113 – Absences and Excuses.

A student shall be excused for absences to care for a sick child for whom the student is the custodial parent. A note from a physician shall not be required for such an absence. (Education Code 48205)

Parental Leave

A pregnant or parenting student shall be entitled to eight weeks of parental leave in order to protect the health of the student who gives or expects to give birth and the infant, and to allow the pregnant or parenting student to care for and bond with the infant. Such leave may be taken before the birth of the student’s infant if there is a medical necessity and after childbirth during the school year in which the birth takes place, inclusive of any mandatory summer instruction. The Superintendent or designee may grant parental a leave beyond eight weeks if deemed medically necessary by the student’s physician (Education Code 46015; 34 CFR 106.40)

The student, if age 18 years or older, or the student’s parent/guardian shall notify the school of the student’s intent to take parental leave. No student shall be required to take all or part of the parental leave. (Education Code 46015)

When a student takes parental leave, the attendance supervisor shall ensure that absences from the regular school program are excused until the student is able to return to the regular school program or an alternative education program. A pregnant or parenting student shall not be required to complete academic work or other school requirements during the period of the parental leave. (Education Code 46015)

Following the leave, a pregnant or parenting student may elect to return to the school and the course of study in which the student was enrolled before taking parental leave or to an alternative education option provided by the district. Upon return to school, a pregnant or parenting student shall have opportunities to make up work missed during the leave, including, but not limited to, makeup work plans and reenrollment in courses. (Education Code 46015)

When necessary to complete high school graduation requirements, the student may remain enrolled in school for a fifth year of instruction, unless the Superintendent or designee makes a finding that the student is reasonably able to complete district graduation requirements in time to graduate by the end of the fourth year of high school. (Education Code 46015)

Reasonable Accommodations

When necessary, the district shall provide reasonable accommodations to enable a pregnant or parenting pupil to access the educational program.

A pregnant student shall have access to any services available to other students with temporary disabilities or medical conditions. (34 CFR 106.40)

The district shall provide reasonable accommodations to any lactating pupil on a school campus to express breast milk, breastfeed an infant child, or address other needs related to breastfeeding. A pupil shall not incur an academic penalty for using any of these reasonable accommodations, and shall be provided the opportunity to make up any work missed due to such use. A school shall be required to provide the reasonable accommodations specified only if there is at least one lactating pupil on the school campus.

  1. Reasonable accommodations under this section include, but are not limited to, all of the following: (Education Code 222)
  1. Access to a private and secure room, other than a restroom, to express breast milk or breastfeed an infant child
  2. Permission to bring onto a school campus a breast pump and any other equipment used to express breast milk
  3. Access to a power source for a breast pump or any other equipment used to express breast milk
  4. Access to a place to store expressed breast milk safely
  1. A lactating pupil shall be provided a reasonable amount of time to accommodate the pupil’s need to express breast milk or breastfeed an infant child
  2. Only school sites with at least one lactating pupil shall provide the reasonable accommodations specified above. A school subject to this may use an existing facility to meet the requirements.
  3. A pupil shall not incur an academic penalty as a result of her use, during the school day, of the reasonable accommodations specified in this section, and shall be provided the opportunity to make up any work missed due to such use.

Complaints

Any complaint alleging discrimination on the basis of pregnancy or marital or parental status, district noncompliance with the requirements of Education Code 46015, or district noncompliance with the requirement to provide reasonable accommodations for lactating students shall be addressed through the district’s uniform complaint procedures in accordance with 5 CCR 4600-4687 and BP/AR 1312.3 – Uniform Complaint Procedures. A complainant who is not satisfied with the district’s decision may appeal the decision to the California Department of Education (CDE). If the district or CDE finds merit in an appeal, the district shall provide a remedy to the affected student. (Education Code 222, 46015; 5 CCR 4600- 4670)

Program Evaluation

The Superintendent or designee shall periodically report to the Board regarding the effectiveness of district strategies to support married, pregnant, and parenting students, which may include data on student participation in district programs and services, academic achievement, school attendance, graduation rate, and/or student feedback on district programs and services.

PARENT INVOLVEMENT

PARENT INVOLVEMENT POLICY

State Board of Education Policy #89-01

A critical dimension of effective schooling is parent involvement. Research has shown conclusively that parent and family involvement at home and in their children’s education, improves student achievement. Furthermore, when parents are involved at school, their children perform better academically and are better prepared for higher education and beyond.

IMPORTANT FACTS:

  1. Families provide the primary educational environment.
  2. Parent involvement improves student achievement.
  3. Parent involvement is most effective when it is comprehensive, supportive, long-lasting, and well planned.
  4. The benefits of parent involvement are not limited to early childhood or the elementary level; there are continuing positive effects through high school and beyond.
  5. Involving parents in supporting their children’s education at home is not enough. To ensure the quality of schools as institutions serving the community, parents must be involved at all levels in the schools.
  6. The extent of parent involvement in a child’s education is more important to student success than family income or parent education.
  7. We cannot look at the school and the home in isolation from one another; families and schools need to collaborate to help children adjust to the world of school. This is particularly critical for children from families with different cultural and language backgrounds.

FRESNO UNIFIED PARENT INVOLVEMENT POLICY

B.P. /A.R. 6020

The Governing Board recognizes that parents/guardians and family are their children’s first and most influential teachers and that sustained parent involvement in the education of their children contributes greatly to student achievement and a positive school environment. Parents/guardians and family can directly affect academic success by reinforcing their children’s motivation and commitment to education. Although parents/guardians are diverse in culture, language, and needs, they share the school’s commitment to the educational success of their children. The Superintendent or designee shall work with staff and parents/guardians to develop meaningful opportunities for parents/guardians to be involved in district and school activities that support student achievement at home and in the school community by:

  1. Providing parents and family with techniques and strategies that they may utilize to improve their children’s academic success
  2. Building effective communication between home and the school, so parents and family are encouraged to support their children’s learning including participation in parent learning opportunities
  3. Encouraging and supporting effective communication between parents/family and school personnel

Parents/guardians shall be notified of their parental rights and opportunities to be involved in their children’s education and opportunities available to them.

The district’s Local Accountability Plan shall include goals and strategies for parent/guardian and family member involvement, including district efforts to seek parent/guardian and family member input in district and school site decision making and to promote parent/guardian and family member participation in programs for English learners, foster youth, students eligible for free and reduced-price meals, and students with disabilities.

The Superintendent or designee shall regularly evaluate and report to the Board on the effectiveness of the district’s parent involvement strategies implemented to increase parent involvement.

The Superintendent or designee shall ensure that each school receiving Title I funds develop a school-level parent involvement strategy in accordance with 20 USC 6318. Furthermore, shall identify the district’s goals for the parent involvement program for all schools and involve parents/guardians in the development of the school site parent involvement plan.

The Superintendent or designee also shall ensure:

(a) parents are involved in the joint development of all district plans as required by State or Federal regulations and guidance, and in the associated process of reviews of schools and the district for academic improvement;

(b) coordination, technical assistance, and other support to assist schools in planning and implementing effective parent involvement activities to improve student academic achievement and school performance;

(c) coordination and integration of Title I, Part A parent involvement strategies with the parent involvement strategies of other programs district-wide;

(d) an annual evaluation of the content and effectiveness of the parent involvement policy in improving the academic quality of the schools served. Parents will be an integral part of this annual evaluation process, which will include the identification of barriers to greater participation by parents in Title I activities. Evaluation findings will be used to design and implement more effective parent involvement strategies, including, if needed, revisions to the Title I Parent Involvement Policies.

For more information regarding the Parent Involvement Board Policy and Administrative Regulation, please visit:

SCHOOL SITE PARENT ENGAGEMENT POLICY

With approval from the school board, each Title I school shall jointly develop with, and distribute to parents of Title I students a written parental involvement policy, agreed upon by such parents, and updated periodically to meet the changing needs of parents and the school. (20 U.S.C. 6318 (b)(1).)

This policy will include description of the parent opportunities for:

  • Policy Involvement
  • Shared Responsibilities for High Student Academic Achievement
  • Building Capacity for Involvement
  • Accessibility

OPPORTUNITIES FOR FAMILY ENGAGEMENT

Parents/Guardians may choose to participate in various parent/school advisory committees such as; School Site Council (SSC), English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC), and District English Learner Advisory Committee (DELAC), Community Advisory Committee for Special Education (CAC), Parent Teacher Association (PTA), District Advisory Committee (DAC) and other site or district-based committees and/or programs. Contact your child’s school for additional opportunities for involvement.

PARENT UNIVERSITY

Parent University is a district-wide strategy initiated by Fresno Unified to empower, engage, and connect families to support student achievement. Parent University has served over 66,690 families in our district focusing on three components, Family Learning, Family Leadership, and Family Engagement to empower families to be vital partners in their student’s achievement. The program provides curriculum and activities in family’s native language, including English, Hmong, Lao, Punjabi, Khmer, Mextico, and Spanish. Additionally, Parent University collaborates with community-based partners to provide relevant content and resources to support families. Those partners include Binational Center for the Development of Oaxacan Indigenous Communities, CalFresh Healthy Living, Central Valley Immigrant Integration Collaborative, Fresno Street Saints, Go Public School, Inter-Act, Parent Institute for Quality Education, The Fresno Center, The City of Fresno, Success Together, and Workforce Connection.

Family Learning

Parent University offers a wide range of family learning modules in the fall and spring of each academic year. Modules offer campus tours of middle and high schools, universities, and colleges. Presentations incorporate content experts from the district and community in subjects pertaining to the curriculum.

Modules, standalones, and events offered for the 2022-2023 academic year include but are not limited to the following: College & Career Readiness, Elementary Readiness, and Transition; Middle School Readiness & Transition; High School Readiness & Transition; Introduction to Special Education; English Learners, Assessment and Dual Language Immersion Programs, I-ready presentation, School Choice, The Dangers of Vaping, How to Navigate the Atlas Parent Portal and ATLAS Connect.

In addition, Parent University offers workshops from our community partners at the elementary, middle, and high school levels on various topics. For the most current course description and course offerings, please visit the Parent University website at parentu.fresnounified.org.

Family Leadership

The family leadership component provides families with opportunities to become leaders at their child’s school in the district and community through building leadership skills, trust and relationship skills, higher education opportunities and advocacy. To help families become leaders with a focus on the district’s family goal, Parent University incorporate motivational speakers from the district and community, hands-on skill-building leadership retreats and a curriculum in various languages to help families advocate for their child(ren)’s education. Family Leadership opportunities include Family Leadership Academy, Voices Leadership Council, Hmong Family Leadership Academy, the District Advisory Committee, and the Family Leadership Retreats.

Family Engagement

Family engagement activities are in collaboration with school site administration and families focused on the districtwide family goal to “increase inclusive opportunities for families to engage in their student’s education,” Activities strive to establish and enhance culturally proficient two-way communication between schools and families. Family engagement opportunities include the Family Recognition Ceremonies, Residents’ Academy, the Fatherhood Program, Southeast Asian Education Conference, English Learner Summer Learning Kickoff, Fresno Unified Student Scholarship Banquet, family tours to specialty programs, career technical engagements, and higher education tours of universities. Parent University also provides regional school action plans designed and conducted by the Primary Language Instructional Specialists and school sites to enhance family engagement and address specific school site needs to help families better support student achievement.

Parent University is located at:

850 N. Blackstone Avenue, Fresno, California 93701 Phone: (559) 457-3390 Website: parentu.fresnounified.org Email: Parent.University@FresnoUnified.org and find us on https://www.facebook.com/fresnounified.org/

VOLUNTEER POLICY

B.P. 1240; A.R. 1240

The wealth of experience available in the community is a resource that should be used in appropriate ways to enrich the educational program and strengthen the schools’ relationships with homes, businesses, public agencies and private institutions. By their presence, volunteers also can make school environments safer and more closely supervised.

The Governing Board encourages parents/guardians and other members of the community to share their time, knowledge and abilities with our students.

Each year, our valuable parents/guardians and community members are now expected to complete a volunteer application form at the school where they serve.

Expectations and requirements for volunteers in Fresno Unified:

  1. Volunteers shall act in accordance with district policies and regulations, as well as individual site requirements.
  2. Each volunteer is required to complete the District Volunteer Application Form, and the completed form must be on file in the Principal’s office by commencement of service. This form includes a requirement to disclose any prior criminal convictions. Failure to provide accurate information will result in immediate dismissal.
  3. It is recommended, although not required, that each volunteer keep Tuberculosis (TB) testing up-to-date. The TB testing is at the expense of the volunteer. Fingerprinting costs will be covered by the District.
  4. Each volunteer is expected to maintain confidentiality regarding each student and family.
  5. If volunteers hear about or observe evidence of child abuse, they will report the information to the site Principal or designee immediately.
  6. E.C. 35021 provides that a person who is required to register as a sex offender pursuant to P.C. 290 shall not serve as a volunteer.
  7. Registered sex offenders cannot serve as chaperones for field trips or other school activities.

VISITORS/OUTSIDERS

B.P./A.R. 1250

The Governing Board encourages parents/guardians and interested members of the community to visit the schools and view the educational program. To ensure minimum interruption of the instructional program, the Superintendent or designee shall establish procedures which facilitate visits during regular school days. Visits during school hours should be first arranged with the teacher and principal or designee. If a conference is desired, an appointment should be set with the teacher during noninstructional time.

To ensure the safety of students and staff and avoid potential disruptions, all visitors shall register immediately upon entering any school building or grounds when school is in session. For purposes of school safety and security, the principal or designee may design a visible means of identification for visitors while on school premises. No electronic listening or recording device may be used by students or visitors in a classroom without the teacher and principal’s permission. (Education Code 51512)

Any person who is denied registration or whose registration is revoked may appeal to the Superintendent or principal by submitting, within five days after the person’s departure from school, a written request for a hearing. This request must state why they believe the denial or revocation was improper and must provide an address to which the hearing notice may be sent. Upon receipt of the request for a hearing, the Superintendent or principal shall promptly mail a notice of the hearing to the person requesting it. A hearing before the Superintendent or principal shall be held within seven days after receipt of the request. (Penal Code 627.5)

TITLE I PARENT/GUARDIAN NOTIFICATION

You have the right as a Title I parent/guardian to:

  • Provide suggestions, ideas into the development of the site Title I plan in a “timely and meaningful” manner
  • Receive information in an understandable format; and to the extent practicable in a language you understand
  • Conference with your child’s teacher, observe or volunteer at your child’s school
  • Have your child’s test results explained to you in an understandable way annually
  • Provide suggestions to and annually receive the District Board Policy (B.P. 6171) for Title I parent/guardian involvement, and the site parent/guardian involvement policy
  • An annual Title I parent/guardian meeting
  • Meet at other times in the year in a place and time convenient for Title I parents/guardians
  • Receive information on the qualifications of the staff teaching your children (U.S.C., Title 20, Chap. 70, Sub Chap. I, Sec. 6311; A.R. 4112.2) At the beginning of each year an LEA that receives Title I funds shall notify the parents of each student attending any school receiving Title I funds that the parents may request, and the agency will provide the parents on request (and in a timely manner), information regarding the professional qualifications of the student’s classroom teachers, including at a minimum, the following, whether the student’s teacher: has met state qualification and licensing criteria for the grade levels and subject areas in which the teacher provides instruction; is teaching under emergency or other provisional status through which state qualification or licensing criteria have been waived; is teaching in the field of discipline of the certification of the teacher; and whether the student is provided services by a paraprofessional, and if so, their qualifications.
  • Help design the Title I Parent/Guardian Involvement Program (U.S.C., Title 20, Chap. 70, Sub Chap. I, Sec. 6318; A.R. 6171)
  • Receive training in how to help your child succeed academically
  • Help design teacher training related to helping teachers increase their skills and understanding of working with parents/guardians as equal partners
  • Receive a description of your school’s Title I services and the school curriculum
  • Receive information on whether your child attends a “persistently dangerous” school
  • Provide annual feedback on the success of the Title I Parent/Guardian Involvement Program
  • Receive a list of parent/guardian resources

How can parents help their Local Educational Agency (LEA) Improve?

Here are some suggestions to help you work with your school and LEA to support improvements.

  1. Learn more about California State Standards.Become aware of strategies to improve student academic achievement. Additional information and resources are available at the following Websites:
    • The California Department of Education, http://www.cde.ca.gov
    • U.S. Department of Education http://www.ed.gov
    • California School Dashboard https://www.caschooldashboard.org/#/Home
  2. Talk with district staff about the Local Educational Agency Plan and LCAP. Visit your child’s school and volunteer.

You are encouraged to contact the office of State & Federal Programs at 457-3934 for further information about any of these requirements and to find out how you can become involved in Program Improvement efforts.

 

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