Dress Code

(Board Policy and Administrative Regulations Number 5132)

The mission of the Pioneer Union Elementary School District includes not only academic education, but also education in manners, dress, and grooming as elements of good citizenship.  The Pioneer District Charter is based on “students will rise to meet our expectations”, which includes high expectations for student responsibility in their academics, socially and in their behavior.  Additionally, research demonstrates that student dress and appearance affect student attitudes and conduct.  The purpose of the Dress and Grooming Policy is to emphasize that school is the student’s place of work and that respect for self and others places some restrictions on dress and grooming.  A consistent dress and grooming policy is necessary and the Board authorizes school regulations regarding dress and grooming practices that prevent disruption of the classroom atmosphere, enhance classroom decorum and discipline, eliminate disturbances, and protect the health and welfare of the District’s students.

Regulations regarding the dress code will be reviewed periodically by faculty and administration.  Any annual revisions will be submitted to the Board for approval and implementation the following school year.  The Board reserves the right to approve and implement revisions during a current school year if circumstances warrant such action.

Student violations of these regulations shall be deemed willful defiance of the valid authority of the school principal.  The Board directs that the principal or vice principal may administer appropriate disciplinary action, including, but not limited to, home contacts and/or suspension if violation persists after a warning.

Involuntary Student Transfer

A student may be involuntary transferred if the student is convicted of a violent felony, as defined in

Penal Code 667.5(c), or a misdemeanor listed in Penal Code 29805 and is enrolled at the same school as the victim of the crime for which the student was convicted.  (BP 5116.2)

Library Media Use

The use of the PUESD Library is a privilege extended to students who agree to read books, obey library rules, take good care of all library materials and return them promptly.  Students who do not follow library procedures may have their privileges revoked.  By signing the Annual Parent Notification acknowledgement, I (parent) accept full responsibility for any excessive wear, loss and/or stolen materials that are checked out to my child from the PUESD Library as per Board Policy Number 6161.2

Parent Responsibility for Student-Caused Damages

(E.C. sections 48904 and 48900.1; Civil Code section 1714.1)

Parents are liable for all the damages caused by the willful misconduct of their minor children which result in death or injury to other students, school personnel, or school property.  Parents are also liable for any school property loaned to the student and willfully not returned.  If your child loses or damages school property including, but not limited to computers, Chromebooks, text books, library books etc., as the parent/guardian you are liable for the cost of replacement or the cost to repair the damaged item.

Administrative Regulation 5125.2 permits the school district to withhold grades, diplomas, or transcripts of the student who has not returned, lost or damaged school property.  Additionally, your child’s next school will be notified of the failure to make reparations for school property that has not been returned, has been damaged or lost.  Your child’s next school is required by law (E.C. 48904.3) to withhold grades, diploma, or transcripts until reparations to Pioneer Union Elementary School District is made.

Additionally, your child may be prohibited from participating in non-academic, extracurricular activities until the reparation is made for missing, lost or damaged school property.

If your child commits an obscene act or engages in habitual profanity or vulgarity, disrupts school activities or otherwise willfully defies the authority of school personnel, and is suspended for such misconduct, you may be required to attend a portion of a school day in your child’s classroom.

Release of Student to Peace Officer

(E.C. section 48906)

If a school official releases your child from school to a peace officer for the purpose of removing him/her from the school premises, the school official shall take immediate steps to notify you or a responsible relative of your child, except when a student has been taken into custody as a victim of suspected child abuse.  In those cases, the peace officer will notify the parent or responsible relative that the child is in custody and the place where the child is being held, unless the child would be endangered by disclosure of the place.

Student Discipline Rules and Right to Review Same

(E.C. section 35291)

The district maintains a student discipline code with a policy and procedures.  Copies are available at each school office.  You have a right to review the school rules regarding student discipline.  If you wish to do so, please contact the school office.

Student Electronic Device Policy

The Governing Board recognizes that student use of smartphones and other mobile communication devices on campus may be beneficial to student learning, and could be harmful and disruptive to the instructional program. When on campus or when under the supervision of district employees, students may use smartphones and other mobile communication devices only as permitted under this policy. BP 5131.8

Students shall not use smartphones or other mobile communication devices while at a school site or under the supervision and control of a district employee.

However, a student shall not be prohibited from possessing or using a mobile communication device under any of the following circumstances: (Education Code 48901.5, 48901.7)

  1. In the case of an emergency, or in response to a perceived threat of danger
  2. When a teacher or administrator grants permission to the student to possess or use a mobile communication device, subject to any reasonable limitation imposed by that teacher or administrator
  3. When a licensed physician or surgeon determines that the possession or use is necessary for the student’s health and well-being
  4. When the possession or use is required by the student’s individualized education program

The Superintendent or designee may undertake measures or strategies in accordance with law to limit student access to smartphones and other mobile communication devices on campus. (Education Code 48901.7)

Smartphones and other mobile communication devices, including listening or recording devices, shall not be used in any manner which infringes on the privacy rights of any other person.

A student’s personal electronic device shall not be searched without the consent of the student’s parent/guardian, except pursuant to a lawfully issued warrant, when a school official, in good faith, believes that an emergency involving danger of death or serious physical injury to the student or others requires access to the electronic device information, or when the search is otherwise permitted pursuant to Penal Code 1546.1.

When a student uses a mobile communication device in an unauthorized manner while at a school site or under the supervision and control of a district employee, the student may be disciplined, and the district employee may temporarily confiscate the device. The employee shall store the device securely until it is returned to the student or turned over to the principal or designee, as appropriate.

A student may also be subject to discipline, in accordance with law, Board policy, or administrative regulation, for off-campus use of a mobile communication device which poses a threat or danger to the safety of students, staff, or district property or substantially disrupts school activities.

The district will not be responsible or liable for a student’s mobile communication device which is brought on campus or to a school activity and is lost, stolen, or damaged.

The Board shall review and, as necessary, update this policy at least once every five years. Any such review or update shall include significant stakeholder participation to ensure that the policy is responsive to the unique needs and desires of the school community.

Student Search

(U.S. Supreme Court Case: New Jersey v. T.L.O. (1985) 469 U.S. 325)

The school principal or designee may search the person of a student (including backpack, purse, bag, etc.) or the student’s locker if there is a reasonable suspicion to believe the student may have a concealed weapon, narcotics, stolen property, or contraband.

Evidence gathered from video surveillance tape systems in posted areas is specifically admissible in discipline hearings, as no one has a reasonable expectation of privacy in those circumstances.

Student Sexual Harassment

(E.C. section 231.5; 5 CCR section 4917)

The Governing Board is committed to maintaining a safe school environment that is free from harassment and discrimination.  The Board prohibits at school or at school-sponsored or school-related activities, sexual harassment targeted at any student by anyone.  The Board also prohibits retaliatory behavior or action against any person who files a complaint, testifies, or otherwise participates in district complaint processes. A copy of the policy is available at the District Office – 1888 N. Mustang Drive, Hanford – 559-585-2400 x 4100

Title IX Sexual Harassment Policy

The Code of Federal Regulations, Title 34, Section 106.8 requires the district to issue the following notification to employees, job applicants, and employee organization:

The district does not discriminate on the basis of sex in any education program or activity that it operates. The prohibition against discrimination on the basis of sex is required by federal law (20 USC 1681-1688; 34CFR Part 106) and extends to employment. The district also prohibits retaliation against any employee for filing a complaint or exercising any right granted under Title IX.

Title IX requires a school district to take immediate and appropriate action to address any potential Title IX violations that are brought to its attention. Any inquiries about the application of Title IX, this notice, and who is protected by Title IX may be referred to the district’s Title IX Coordinator, to the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights of the U.S. Department of Education, or both.

The district has designated and authorized the following employee as the district’s Title IX Coordinator, to address concerns or inquiries regarding discrimination on the basis of sex, including sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking:

Superintendent
1888 Mustang Drive
Hanford, CA 93230
559-585-2400

Any individual may report sex discrimination, including sexual harassment, to the Title IX Coordinator or any other school employee at any time, including during non-business hours, by mail, phone, or email. During district business hour, reports may also be made in person. Upon receiving an allegation of sexual harassment, the Title IX Coordinator will promptly notify the parties, in writing, of the applicable district complaint procedure.

To view an electronic copy of the district’s policies and administrative regulations on sexual harassment, including the grievance process that complies with 34 CFR 106.45, please see BP/AR 4119.11/4219.11/4319.11/5145.7 – Sexual Harassment and AR 4119.12/4209/12/4319/12/5145.71-Title IX Sexual Harassment Complaint Procedure, please click here.

To inspect or obtain a copy of the district’s sexual harassment policies and administrative regulations, please contact Pioneer District Office at 559-585-2400

Materials used to train the Title IX Coordinator, investigator(s), decision-maker(s), and any person who facilitates an informal resolution process are also publicly available on the district’s web site or at the district office upon request.