Capistrano Unified School District - District Policies & Procedures (2024)

District Policies & Procedures

Capistrano Unified has high expectations for student behavior. Teachers know what specific behavior they require of each student in order to provide the appropriate learning atmosphere. Capistrano Unified is a drug- and tobacco-free school district. Use of any tobacco products on District property is prohibited.

Student behavior standards are given to students by the school principal and classroom teachers at the beginning of each school year. Students are expected to be respectful toward adults and toward their peers. Such respect includes the use of appropriate language and the avoidance of behavior harmful to individuals and property. Disruptive behavior is not tolerated for any reason.

Not all rules are listed here. However, listed here are some rules that parents can help to reinforce. Parents are encouraged to go over these rules with their children. Most of the rules are common sense and reinforce safety and courtesy. They include:

Respectful and appropriate language
Respect toward adults and peers
No behavior harmful to individuals or property
Proper use of playground and restroom facilities
Walking bicycles on school grounds
Obeying directions of teachers and campus supervisors
Preparation of school work and the completion of assignments in a timely manner

Teachers also reinforce appropriate behavior through praise and other forms of positive recognition in the classroom. Recognition for good behavior and citizenship is given on a regular basis at schools.

Compliance Posters

CONSEQUENCES OF BAD BEHAVIOR:

Our Board of Trustees has adopted a policy regarding unacceptable behavior by students. This policy states that a student may be expelled for offenses committed while on school grounds, or going to or from school, or during the lunch period whether on or off the school campus or while going to or coming from a school-sponsored activity. (Ed. Code 48900(s) Our school District will not tolerate the use or possession of firearms, weapons, drugs or alcohol. Depending upon the offense, a student may be expelled.Possession of a firearm on District property will result in a mandatory expulsion. (Ed. Code 48915(c)(i)

The district's related Board Policies and additional information are provided below:

BP 5140: Positive School Climate
BP 5152: Expulsion, Suspension, Involuntary Transfer, Exclusion And Due Process

FILING OF COMPLAINTS:

Capistrano Unified has a detailed procedure for students, parents/guardians, and community members to follow when they seek specific redress regarding a complaint or disagreement about a District issue, situation or action. A complaint form and a full description of the procedure—Board Policy 1312.1(a)—is provided below.

Filing of Complaints - BP 1312.1 (a)(English)
Procedimientos Sobre Quejas 1312.1 (a)(Spanish)
Complaints Concerning Instructional Materials 1312.2
Complaints (online submission)

Other Complaint Procedures:

Uniform Complaint Procedure: BP 1312.3

Definition: A complaint regarding the violation of specific federal and state programs that use categorical funds.

Board Policy 1312.3 (English)
Politica de la Mesa Directiva 1312.3 (Spanish)
Uniform Complaint Form (English)
Formulari de Proceso Uniforme paraPresentarQuejas (Spanish)

Williams Complaint Procedure: BP 1312.4

Definition: A Williams Complaint, another type of UCP complaint, regards instructional materials, emergency or urgent facilities conditions that pose a threat to the health and safety of pupils, and teacher vacancy or misassignment.

Board Policy 1312.4 (English)
Politica de la Mesa Directiva 1312.4 (Spanish)
Williams Complaint Form (English)
Formulario de ProcesoUniformeWilliam paraPresentarQuejas s (Spanish)

STUDENT HARASSMENT:

Every student is entitled to a safe school environment free from discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and bullying. The District’s policies are available on this website and in each of our school’s offices.

The District prohibits bullying as defined in Education Code Section 48900(r) including, but not limited to, discrimination, harassment, intimidation and bullying based on the actual or perceived characteristics set forth in Penal Code section 422.55 and Education Code Section 220, which are disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, nationality, race or ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics.

Acts of discrimination, harassment, intimidation or bullying should be brought to the attention of the principal. A complaint may be made anonymously by contacting the school administration. If there is sufficient corroborating information, the District will commence an investigation. Complaints will be considered confidential. However, it may be necessary to disclose certain information in order to effectively investigate. Students who violate the District’s policies on discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and bullying may be subject to discipline, including suspension and expulsion. The District prohibits retaliation against individuals who make complaints or provide information related to such complaints.

The District's related Board Policies are provided below:

BP 5140: Positive School Climate
BP 5152: Expulsion, Suspension, Involuntary Transfer, Exclusion And Due Process
BP 5183: Sexual Harassment Policy