Sierra Vista Handbook

The Irvine Unified School District and Sierra Vista Middle School place an emphasis on ethical behavior and academic honesty. Core ethical values of honesty, responsibility, compassion, perseverance, respectfulness, cooperation, civic duty, and courage reflect this emphasis. We expect that all students will complete their own work and complete all assignments and assessments based on their own research, knowledge base and efforts in a manner that fully complies with their teacher’s norms, directives and policies.

Students demonstrate academic honesty by NOT participating in the following actions. These definitions do not represent a complete list of possible infractions; rather, they provide examples of the range of conduct which violates academic honesty expectations.\

1. Cheating on Tests - Any use of external assistance relating to an examination, test, or quiz without expressed permission of the teacher. This includes looking at another student's paper, sharing answers, possession of materials, or copying another student's paper.
2. Fabrication - Any intentional falsification or invention of data, citation, or other authority in an academic exercise.
3. Unauthorized Collaboration - Collaboration on an assignment between a student and another person, if such collaboration is not expressly directed or permitted by the teacher. This includes copying another student's work, allowing work to be copied or completing assignments for others, giving or "passing" any assessments to other students for the following year, or receiving any assessments from other students.
4. Plagiarism - Any representation of another's ideas, words, or work as one's own. Plagiarism includes the misuse of published material, electronic material, and/or the work of other students. The original writer who intentionally shares his/her paper for another to copy, without the permission of the teacher, has also engaged in plagiarism.
5. Alteration of Materials - Any intentional and unauthorized alteration of student, teacher, or library instructional or assessment materials. This may include changing answers after the fact.
6. Theft - Any unauthorized taking, concealment, or alteration of student or teacher instructional or assessment materials or equipment, including, but not limited to, the district data network, internet, and other on-line resources.
7. Transfer or Use of Unauthorized Materials - includes the use of unapproved translation devices, or any giving or selling of unauthorized materials. 
8. Digital Citizenship Violations - Per Board Policy 6163.4 (Acceptable Use Policy) Students should refrain from using technological resources for infractions that involve academic dishonesty. These include using technology to copy, plagiarize, collaborate inappropriately, sending or receiving test questions, accessing another’s account, or hacking into computer systems.

To demonstrate academic honesty, students must:

• Do their own work as directed by a teacher.
• Not take credit for work done by anyone else.
• Refuse to aid any form of academic dishonesty.
• Understand the difference between collaboration and cheating (if you don’t, ask your teacher!) and collaborate with others in a way that is permissible.

**Students who violate the academic honesty policy may have the following consequences:

• Zero on the assignment, or a make-up for partial credit (teacher discretion).
• Parent notification by the teacher and referral to the Assistant Principal.
• Reflective assignment to be turned into the Assistant Principal.
• Violations may affect honors recommendation for the next grade level.
• An “F” in the course for multiple violations in the same course during the same trimester.

The full academic honesty policy can be found on the IUSD website.

Students are expected to follow all school rules and teacher expectations on school field trips. Teachers/administrators may use discretion as to whether students may participate in class field trips based on grades, attendance, and behavior. If a student fails two or more subjects, is excessively tardy to or absent from class, displays poor behavior, or is suspended or expelled, they may lose the privilege to participate in school activities. The assistant principal and principal will determine when a student loses the privilege to participate in activities.

Every student is entitled to a safe school environment free from discrimination, harassment, intimidation and bullying. Students are expected to respect others and their environment, just as they would want for themselves. Remember, treat others the way you would like to be treated.

The District’s Policy on Bullying can be accessed on the District’s website, www.iusd.org. Copies are also available in the school office upon request.

1. The District prohibits bullying. This includes, but is 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, and 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. Bullying is defined in Education Code section 48900(r). 2
2. School personnel must immediately intervene if they witness an act of discrimination, harassment, intimidation or bullying, provided it is safe to do so. 
3. Acts of discrimination or bullying should be brought to the attention of the principal immediately. 
4. Complaints of bullying or discrimination will be considered confidential. However, it may be necessary to disclose certain information in order to effectively investigate.
5. Students who violate the District’s policies on bullying or discrimination may be subject to discipline, including suspension and expulsion.
6. The District prohibits retaliation against individuals who make complaints of bullying or provide information related to such complaints.
7. You may make a confidential complaint by contacting the site principal and/or complete Complaint Form 1312.1 available under IUSD Complaint Procedures on any school or district website. If there is sufficient corroborating information, an investigation will commence.

The Say Something Anonymous Reporting System is one more way for students to speak up for themselves or for a classmate. Say Something Anonymous Reporting 1-844-5- SAYNOW, use the website www.saysomething.net, or use the mobile app.

If you would like your student to be waiting in the front office for a scheduled appointment, a note must be sent with your student so they may be excused from class. Students must be signed out in the office by a person listed on the student’s contacts screen before leaving campus.

Absences

Students are required by law to attend school regularly. Attendance will be taken and reported to the office each class period. To clear any absence from school, a parent or guardian MUST follow the necessary steps. Absences may be cleared by calling the 24-hour Voice Mail ATTENDANCE LINE (949) 936-6601, or emailing KellieAlmy@iusd.org. When contacting attendance line, please provide the following information:

1. Student’s full name (spelling last name)
2. Date of absence
3. Specific reason for absence
4. Name of parent/guardian

It is important to excuse an absence within 3 days of the student's return to school. If you are aware of an upcoming excused absence, please inform the office in advance.

Excused and Justifiable Absences

Excused absences allow students to make up any missed upon their return. The following reasons are considered excused absences:

• Personal illness
• Doctor or dentist appointment (note required)
• Death of immediate family member/funeral service
• IUSD recognized religious holiday
• Justifiable personal reason submitted online and then pre-approved by the principal.
• For a comprehensive list of excused absences, please visit IUSD.org.

Tardy Policy

Students are responsible for being punctual to school and every class period, including tutorial. Being on time means students are seated and have their materials ready when the tardy bell rings. Once a student arrives at school, they must remain on campus until dismissed.

If the student is tardy to school, they are to report to the front office for a tardy slip. Students who arrive late due to a medical or dental appointment must bring a note from the respective healthcare provider. There is enough time between periods to get to class; students who struggle with period tardies are subject to the same tardy policy and consequences in addition to an individual teachers progressive discipline policy.

Tardiness has the following consequences:

• 3+ Tardies – Student Conference with the Assistant Principal or Attendance Dean
• 5+ Tardies – Lunch or Before/After School Detention and phone call home
• 10+ Tardies – Parent Conference, SARB Letter, & removal from End of Year Activities & Field Trips.

**Excessive Tardies and Absences from Bonus Period may cause removal from the class.

Students must obey all traffic regulations when riding to or from school and walk their bike, eBike, scooter, or skateboard while on campus. Particularly, be careful crossing through intersections and when riding in areas of high pedestrian or automobile traffic. Bikes, eBikes, scooters, and skateboards must be immediately stored and locked in the designated areas upon arrival at school. Special racks for locking skateboards and scooters are located in the front bike rack area and the quad. Students may checkout a loaner lock in the front office for the day with their ID. Students must wear a helmet when riding to and from school. Students are not permitted to ride electric scooters. Sierra Vista Middle School is not responsible for damage or loss of bicycles, eBikes, scooters, or skateboards.

*Operators of motorized scooters must have a valid driver's license or permit (California Vehicle Code: 21235, 21229, 21221, 21220.5).

• **Items that are ridden on campus may be confiscated. Items confiscated multiple times will need to be picked up by a parent.

Sierra Vista is a community of learners who act with integrity, show respect and are responsible. They academically persevere and act as exemplary citizens in a global society. SVMS implements a school-wide Positive Behavior Intervention Support (PBIS) plan “The Charger Way.”

This plan:

• Defines and teaches positive behavioral expectations
• Acknowledges positive behavior
• Creates an effective learning environment for all students
• Establishes a positive school culture

Students who demonstrate the “Charger Way” are positively recognized and receive a Charger Card. Charger Cards can be used as a front of the lunch line pass OR entered into the Charger Drawing. Prizes included gift cards, lunch privileges, special events, etc. Please reference the SVMS School-Wide Teaching Matrix to see the expected behaviors at SVMS.

Suspension and Expulsion

Students who cause or attempt to cause, or threaten to cause a physical injury to another person may be suspended and in certain circumstances expelled. Students who use force or violence upon the person of another except in self-defense, may also be suspended and recommended for expulsion.

The following acts occurring at school, going to or from school or at any school sponsored activity are considered to be violations of the California Education Code and may lead to suspension and expulsion:

• Caused or attempted to cause, or threatened to cause physical injury to another person...§48900(a)(1)
• Willfully used force or violence upon the person of another, except in self-defense...§48900(a)(2)
• Possessed, sold or furnished any firearm, knife, explosive, or other dangerous object... §48900(b)
• Possessed, used, sold or furnished, or been under the influence of any controlled substance, alcoholic beverage, or intoxicant...§48900(c)
• Committed or attempted to commit robbery or extortion...§48900(e)
• Caused or attempted to cause damage to school or private property...§48900(f)
• Stolen or attempted to steal school or private property...§48900(g)
• Possessed or used tobacco or any products containing tobacco...§48900(h)
• Committed an obscene act or engaged in habitual profanity or vulgarity...§48900(i)
• Possessed, offered, arranged, or negotiated to sell drug paraphernalia...§48900(j)
• Disrupted school activities or otherwise willfully defied the valid authority of teachers, administrators, or other school personnel engaged in the performance of their duties...§48900(k)
• Knowingly received stolen school or private property...§48900(l)
• Possessed an imitation firearm...§48900(m)
• Engaged in an act of bullying...§48900(r)
• A pupil who aids or abets, as defined in Section 31 of the Penal Code, the infliction or attempted infliction of physical injury to another person...§48900(t)
• Committed sexual harassment...§48900.2

See the complete list of the California Ed. Code pertaining to suspension and expulsions at http://www.cde.ca.gov

Nondiscrimination Statement

The Irvine Unified School District is committed to equal opportunity for all individuals in education. District programs and activities including membership in student clubs shall be free from discrimination based on race, color, ancestry, nationality, ethnic group identification, immigration status, age, religion, actual or potential parental, family, or marital status, or the exclusion of any person because of pregnancy or related conditions, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, or genetic information; the 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.

The District does not discriminate in enrollment in or access to any of the activities and programs available. Admission to these programs is based on age appropriateness, class space, interest, aptitude, and prerequisite coursework where applicable. The lack of English skills shall not be a barrier to admission to or participation in the District’s activities and programs. The Irvine Unified School District also does not discriminate in its hiring or employment practices.*

* The full Nondiscrimination statement can be found at: iusd.org and Board Policy 5145.5

Sexual Harassment – Students Board Policy 5145.7

The Board of Education is committed to maintaining a learning environment free from harassment, intimidation or insult, student-to-student or adult-to-student, on the basis of an individual's actual or perceived sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender expression. Positive action will be taken when necessary to eliminate such practices or remedy their effects.

Sexual harassment, as defined and otherwise prohibited by state and federal statutes, constitutes an unlawful form of sex discrimination in violation of Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972 and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. In addition, sexual harassment constitutes violation of the California Education Code, regulations of the State Board of Education, and District Policy. As such, sexual harassment may constitute just cause for discipline pursuant to applicable Education Code Sections.

The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries and complaints regarding the sexual harassment policy:

Sierra Vista Middle School:
Jeffrey Morano, Principal, 2 Liberty, Irvine CA 92620, (949) 936-6600.

District Office:
Title IX Coordinator – Keith Tuominen, Director, Secondary Education, 5050 Barranca Pkwy, Irvine, CA 92604, (949)936-5047.

Sierra Vista is a closed campus. All visitors to the campus must sign in at the office. Students must remain on campus during the school day unless their parent comes to school to check them out, including the lunch period. There are no food deliveries allowed from third parties. Parents who choose to drop lunch off can do so by placing it on the lunch cart outside the front office.

The SVMS Principal’s Newsletter is emailed every Friday afternoon. These messages will highlight school events and significant calendar dates. Parents have ongoing access to student grades through Parent Portal, and are encouraged to have observer accounts for teacher’s Canvas or Google classroom pages. Parents are encouraged to use e-mail and voice-mail to communicate with the teachers. Additional information can be found on our school website: sierravista.iusd.org

Students are supported by a counselor who provides individual assistance, including academic counseling, social/emotional support, and college and career exploration. Appointments may be made with a counselor by student or parent request. 

Ms. Alexander (A - J)
AlyssaAlexander@iusd.org
(949) 936-6666

Ms. Kenney (K - N)
KaraKenney@iusd.org
(949) 936-6613

Ms. McKinnon (O - Z)
DebbieMcKinnon@iusd.org
(949) 939-6608

The Associated Student Body (ASB) sponsors dance parties during the school year which are held in the Multi-Purpose Room. Parents and teachers act as chaperones. Dress for ALL dance parties is casual and informal. There are no formal dances.

Responsibilities at School Dance Parties:

Dances are for current Sierra Vista students only.

• School ID is required for admission to all dances
• No student will be admitted late. 
• Students must remain within the dance boundaries from the time of arrival until the dance is over.
• Students may NOT leave the dance early, unless signed out by a parent.
• Students must be in full attendance at school the day of the dance in order to attend the dance.
• Parents are to pick up students promptly (within 15 minutes) of the end of the dance.
• All school rules are in effect during dances, including the dress code, behavior expectations, and cell phone policy.

**Students who choose to not follow these guidelines may be immediately excluded from the dance, have parents called, and be excluded from future dances.

Sierra Vista are expected to demonstrate respect for themselves, and fellow students, we use the general rule of thumb that students are “professional students” and just like we would expect professionals to dress appropriately for work, we would expect students to dress professionally for school in the sense that they do not wear offensive or revealing clothing. Students are required to attend school and school activities dressed in a manner that is conducive to a positive learning environment. Appropriate school dress and personal appearance are clean, are not hazardous to student safety, and do not disrupt instruction. Clothing should be modest, and be culturally and politically sensitive. All logos and designs should be positive (i.e. no gang affiliation, racially or sexually degrading slogans/images, inappropriate, obscene, or profane language, displaying or referring to illegal activities, substances or violence). Head coverings not related to religious practice (hats, hoods, etc.) shall be removed upon teacher request. For safety reasons, close-toed shoes must be worn at all times (crocs, sandals, & flip flops are NOT permitted).

**Students who choose to wear clothing contrary to these guidelines will be asked to change into alternative attire. Multiple incidents will result in parent/guardian contact and/or detention.

Lunch Accounts

The school district uses TITAN School Solutions. To create a new account in our new system, log into your parent portal account and look for the orange TITAN Icon at the top of the web page and click to be taken to the TITAN family portal. Please note that the TITAN Family Portal must be used with the Google Chrome web browser. TITAN allows your student to purchase food without using cash. Once in the TITAN Family Portal, you will create an account, then add students to your account. There you can add one-time or recurring payments and transfer money from student to student within your family. There is a $2.49 processing fee for all online payments. We are no longer able to accept debit card payments.

Reduced/Free Meals

The state of California provides students with school meals free of charge regardless of household income.

Services Available

1. A la carte breakfast items and beverages are available during the nutrition break.
2. For lunch, students and staff may select from a meal lunch and/or a la carte items.

Lunch Procedures & Expectations

• Walk to the lunch area.
• Stand and wait in line patiently.
• Lunch purchasing is first come, first served.
• Saving places or cutting is not allowed (purchase food only for yourself).
• Bring or buy your own lunch, but don’t beg or force others to give you food or money.
• Touch only the items you intend to purchase.
• Eat your lunch and snacks in the designated areas: the quad or large lunch area.
• Good behavior and table manners are expected.
• Be courteous to staff and to peers. Use your Charger Card as a "Front of the Line" pass. Charger Cards are non-transferable.
• Don't Forget to "Charge the Way.”

Students with their ID card can take advantage of the fast pass line on the day of the week assigned to them by their last name (Reminders will be posted outside of the Cafeteria):

• Monday A – D
• Tuesday E – K
• Wednesday L – M
• Thursday N – S
• Friday T – Z

Take pride in SVMS. Clean your eating areas, and throw away your trash.

Items may be placed in the cart outside the front office for a student to pick up. Please make sure the student’s name is clearly labeled on the item. To limit disruptions to the school setting, students will not be called up to retrieve their item. SVMS is not responsible for items left on the cart.

Report Cards and Progress Reports

Progress reports will be available online for viewing in the Parent Portal one week after the close of each grading period and midway through each trimester.

• National Junior Honor Society - A student must achieve a grade point average of 3.5 in the seventh grade year (3 trimesters), plus all “S” or “O” marks in citizenship and work habits in their four core classes. Criteria must be maintained in grade 8. Additional qualification criteria and application form are available on the SVMS website.
• Presidential Academic Award - A student must have earned a 3.7 GPA in the seventh grade year and the first and second trimesters of the eighth grade year plus all “S” or “O” marks in citizenship and work habits in all classes.

In an effort to keep our school grounds and furniture in good order, gum should not be chewed on campus. This helps keep our campus clean.

There is a first aid kit in each classroom so teachers can care for minor "Band-Aid" needs. If a student becomes ill or needs medical care that cannot be handled in the classroom, the student must get a note from their teacher and report to the health office. A school nurse is not available on a regular schedule. Parents will be called when a student is not feeling well, and may be asked to take the student home. Students are not permitted to call their parents on cell phones.

Homework is defined as school related assignments made by a teacher which will require time and effort outside of the regular class period for successful completion. Homework serves to reinforce what is taught in the classroom and, as such, is practiced independently as an extension of a lesson or as a preparation for the next lesson.

Frequency of Homework Assignments

Assigned to each student in the regular classroom each weekday, Monday-Thursday. Homework on the weekend may be assigned at teacher discretion. Each academic class will usually assign 20-30 minutes of homework per class for a total of 1-2 hours per day. This time may vary based on the ability, use of class time, and/or effort of the student.

Students are expected to:

1. Complete the Charger Planner daily for each academic subject.
2. Develop regular study habits and the self- discipline basic to learning and working independently.
3. Complete their homework assignments and return them when requested.
4. Learn to plan their time effectively. 
5. Utilize learning resources outside of school such as the public library and Internet.

Make-up assignments following an absence

1. The student has the responsibility to make arrangements with the classroom teacher for make-up work.
   1. Work assigned or tests given during an absence: A student will be allowed one (1) day for each day of an excused absence. However, the student whose first day of absence is the day of the test should plan to take the test on the day they return to class. Additional time may be given at the classroom teacher’s discretion.
   2. Work assigned prior to an absence: Assignments made prior to an absence will be given no additional time and are due on the day the student returns to class. Additional time may be given at the classroom teacher’s discretion.
   3. Under unusual circumstances, the principal has the authority to extend all the above time schedules or waive any portion of the above restrictions.
2. Students shall be allowed to complete all assignments and tests missed which can reasonably be provided following an excused absence. An assignment that cannot be made up may either be excused or an alternate assignment may be given.
3. Students may be allowed to complete school work missed during an unexcused absence at the discretion of the classroom teacher.

The teacher of any class from which a pupil is suspended may require the suspended pupil to complete assignments and tests missed during the suspension. (CA Ed Code 48913)

Students are expected to follow all guidelines listed in IUSD’s Acceptable Use Policy (AUP). Inappropriate use/ abuse of school technology and internet will result in disciplinary action. Students who intentionally damage school hardware (i.e. Chromebook, computer, mouse, etc.) are responsible for restitution.

The purpose of the media center is to create an atmosphere where you can study, read, select books, view media and use Chromebooks in a responsible manner. The media center is open before school, lunch, and after-school. When the Librarian is absent, the media center will be closed. No food or drinks in the Library/Media Center.

The lost and found is located in the library. All items found, such as purses, wallets, rings, keys, eyeglasses, etc. should be turned into the front office immediately. Lost P.E. clothes should be turned in to the P.E. Department. Articles not claimed will be donated to charitable organizations at the end of each trimester. daily physical education routine. A parent or guardian may write a written excuse for PE for a student for up to three days. After three days, a doctor’s note is required.

A student with asthma, a heart condition, diabetes, or any other physical limitation or illness must bring a doctor’s note outlining the modifications that are needed for a daily physical education routine. A parent or guardian may write a written excuse for PE for a student for up to three days. After three days, a doctor's note is required.

Students are not to have any medication in their possession, including Advil, Tylenol, etc. If it is necessary for a student to take medication during school hours, they must obtain the proper forms in the office and have them completed by parents or guardians AND PHYSICIAN. The forms are to be returned to the nurse with the medicine in the prescription bottle. Medicine will be administered according to the physician’s directions.

The District provides school-based mental health/ wellness services and resources (www.iusd.org/WeCare or https://iusd.org/department/mental-health-wellness) to students and families. These services include short-term individual or group counseling for students at the school site; short-term, solution-focused therapy for students and families through the Irvine Family Resource Center; and resource linkages to community- based mental health or social services for students and families. Services are provided by counselors or licensed mental health professionals.

Domestic Violence Hotline
800-799-7233

Suicide Hotline
1-800-273-8255

Say Something Anonymous Reporting
1-844-5-SAYNOW

All personal electronic devices (cell phone, e-readers) are to be turned off from the start of school until the end of the school day and during on campus school sponsored activities. Personal electronic devices may be utilized for instructional purposes under direct supervision of a SVMS staff member. Sierra Vista is not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged items.

** Students who choose to use their device without teacher permission may have the following consequences: phone confiscated and returned at the end of the day, parent contact, detention, device confiscated and returned to parent/guardian by the Assistant Principal.

Cell phones must be in the OFF position for the duration of the school day. Students must turn-in their personal hand- held devices into the Phone Pocket Holder upon entering class so brain focus can remain on academics!

Students must assume sole responsibility for loss or damage to any school or personal property issued to or belonging to them, such as garments, equipment, books, folders, pencil cases, toys, electronics or musical instruments. The school will endeavor to protect all such properties, but is not responsible for them. Items such as electronic games, iPods, laser pointers, etc., should not be brought to school. These items may be confiscated.

Students are not permitted to sell, trade, or distribute any items (crafts, candy, toys, clothing, etc.) to other students on campus.

Each student is issued an ID card they must carry with them each day. Students will need their cards for a variety of purposes. If students lose their card, they can purchase a new one in the office for $5.

Textbooks and library books are the property of IUSD. Damage to textbooks, library books, or school equipment, such as computer or Chromebook, must be restituted. If library books or textbooks have any water damage, the book will be considered unusable and need to be replaced.

Parents now have the option to purchase a $20 insurance from IUSD to cover accidental damage and theft for issued Chromebooks. This is a one-time fee for the school year to cover potential incidents like cracked screens, missing keyboard keys, damaged plastics, liquid spills, and theft. Funds raised from this program will be used to repair damaged devices, replace devices, and ensure our schools have enough devices to provide access to every student in IUSD. 

You can sign your student up for Chromebook Insurance at MySchoolBucks.com. You'll need to create an account and add in your student's information so we can associate the insurance with your child.

Sierra Vista’s tutorial program provides time for students to receive extra assistance, make up tests, and work on enrichment projects and class assignments. It is mandatory for students to have their planners with them in tutorial and each school day. The Tutorial schedule is accessible on the Sierra Vista website. Teachers may assign a student a tutorial by stamping in their planner. It is mandatory for students to attend tutorial.

The Irvine Unified School District strictly prohibits the use of products containing tobacco or nicotine, including, but not limited to smokeless tobacco, snuff, chew, and clove cigarettes, by students on any district campus or while attending school-sponsored activities, or while under the supervision or control of district employees. This prohibition also applies to electronic nicotine delivery systems, such as electronic cigarettes, electronic hookahs, and other vapor emitting devices with or without nicotine content that may mimic the use of tobacco products. These prohibitions do not apply to a student's possession or use of his/her own prescription products. However, student possession or use of prescription products in school shall be subject to the Irvine Unified School District's policy and regulation for addressing the administration of medications on campus.