Frequently Asked Questions

Click on the link below for our Parent/Student Handbook.

English: Parent/Student Handbook

Spanish: Parent/Student Handbook

School site offices are open to the public Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday from 7:30 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. and Wednesday's 7:30-2:00 P.M.
You are welcome to come in or call the school office if you have a question or concern. School offices may close early on the day before a
holiday break.

 

 

•    Any student who engages in bullying may be subject to disciplinary action up to and including expulsion.
•    Students are expected to immediately report incidents of bullying to the principal or another adult staff member they trust.
•    Students can rely on staff to promptly investigate each complaint of bullying in a thorough and confidential manner.
•    If the complainant student or the parent of the student feels that appropriate resolution of the investigation or complaint has not been reached, the student or the parent of the student should contact the principal or the Office of Student Services. The school system prohibits retaliatory behavior against any complainant or any participant in the complaint process.

 

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Absences allowed by law:

It is important for families to notify the school whenever their student is absent. However, under state law, an absence is considered “Excused” only for these reasons: (Education code 48205)

 

1. Due to the pupil’s illness, including an absence for the benefit of the pupil’s mental or behavioral health.
2. Due to quarantine under the direction of a county or city health officer.
3. For the purpose of having medical, dental, optometrical, or chiropractic services rendered.
4. For the purpose of attending the funeral services or grieving the death of either a member of the pupil’s immediate family, or of a person that is determined by the pupil’s parent or guardian to be in such close association with the pupil as to be considered the pupil’s immediate family, so long as the absence is not more than (5) days per incident.
5. For the purpose of jury duty in the manner provided for by law.
6. Due to the illness or medical appointment during school hours of a child of whom the pupil is the custodial parent, including absences to care for a sick child, for which the school shall not require a note from a doctor.
7. For justifiable personal reasons, including, but not limited to, an attendance or appearance in court, attendance at a funeral service, observance of a holiday or ceremony of the pupil’s religion, attendance at a religious retreat, attendance at an employment conference, or attendance at an educational conference on the legislative or judicial process offered by a nonprofit organization, when the pupil’s absence is requested in writing by the parent or guardian and approved by the principal or a designated representative pursuant to uniform standards established by the governing board of the school district.
8. For the purpose of serving as a member of a precinct board for an election pursuant to Section 12302 of the Elections Code.
9. For the purpose of spending time with a member of the pupil’s immediate family who is an active duty member of the uniformed services, as defined in Section 49701, and has been called to duty for, is on leave from, or has immediately returned from, deployment to a combat zone or combat support position. Absences granted pursuant to this paragraph shall be granted for a period of time to be determined at the discretion of the superintendent of the school district.
10. For the purpose of attending the pupil’s naturalization ceremony to become a United States citizen.
11. For the purpose of participating in a cultural ceremony or event.
12. (A) For the purpose of a middle school or high school pupil engaging in a civic or political event, as provided in subparagraph (B), provided that the pupil notifies the school ahead of the absence.
13. A middle school or high school pupil who is absent pursuant to subparagraph (A) is required to be excused for only one school day-long absence per school year.
14. A middle school or high school pupil who is absent pursuant to subparagraph (A) may be permitted additional excused absences in the discretion of a school administrator, as described in subdivision (c) of Section 48260.
15. a. For any of the purposes described in clauses (i) to (iii), inclusive, if an immediate family member of the pupil, or a person that is determined by the pupil’s parent or guardian to be in such close association with the pupil as to be considered the pupil’s immediate family, has died, so long as the absence is not more than three days per incident.
16. To access services from a victim services organization or agency.
17. To access grief support services.

• To participate in safety planning or to take other actions to increase the safety of the pupil or an immediate family member of the pupil, or a person that is determined by the pupil’s parent or guardian to be in such close association with the pupil as to be considered the pupil’s immediate family, including, but not limited to, temporary or permanent relocation.

(B) Any absences beyond three days for the reasons described in subparagraph (A) shall be subject to the discretion of the school administrator, or their designee, pursuant to Section 48260.

14. Authorized at the discretion of a school administrator, as described in subdivision (c) of Section 48260.
15. A pupil absent from school under this section shall be allowed to complete all assignments and tests missed during the absence that can be reasonably provided and, upon satisfactory completion within a reasonable period of time, shall be given full credit therefore. The teacher of the class from which a pupil is absent shall determine which tests and assignments shall be reasonably equivalent to, but not necessarily identical to, the tests and assignments that the pupil missed during the absence.
16. For purposes of this section, attendance at religious retreats shall not exceed one school day per semester.
17. Absences pursuant to this section are deemed to be absences in computing average daily attendance and shall not generate state apportionment payments.
18. For purposes of this section, the following definitions apply:

(1) A “civic or political event” includes, but is not limited to, voting, poll working, strikes, public commenting, candidate speeches, political or civic forums, and town halls.

(2) “Cultural” means relating to the practices, habits, beliefs, and traditions of a certain group of people.

(3) “Immediate family” means the parent or guardian, brother or sister, grandparent, or any other relative living in the household of the pupil.

(4) “Victim services organization or agency” has the same meaning as defined in paragraph (7) of subdivision (g) of Section 230.1 of the Labor Code.

 

A pupil absent from school under this section shall be allowed to complete all assignments and tests missed during the absence that can be reasonably provided and, upon satisfactory completion within a reasonable period of time, shall be given full credit therefore, with no grade reduction. The teacher of the class from which a pupil is absent shall determine which tests and assignments shall be reasonably equivalent to, but not necessarily identical to, the tests and assignments that the pupil missed during the absence. Absences pursuant to this section are deemed to be absences in computing average daily attendance and shall not generate state apportionment payments. 

"Immediate family," as used in this section, means the parent or guardian, brother or sister, grandparent, or any other relative living in the immediate household of the pupil. (E.C. 48205) 

A pupil may not have their grade reduced or lose academic credit for any absences excused pursuant to this section when missed assignments and tests that can reasonably be provided are satisfactorily completed within a reasonable period of time. 

 

Students are expected to be on time daily and stay for the entire day. It is in violation of school rules and state law (E.C. 48200) if a child is tardy or leaves early without a note or phone call verifying a valid excuse. Tardies and leaving early are excused only for the same reasons as legal absences. In addition, if a student is absent for more than any 30-minute period during the school day without a valid excuse this is also a violation of school rules and state law (E.C. 48260). If tardies and/or leaving early become numerous, the school site will address the problem. If the problem continues, referrals may be made to district attendance officers and eventually, the School Attendance Review Board. 

 

The easiest way to clear an absence or tardy is to call your school office, on the date of the absence or tardy, to verify the reason and the estimated date of return. In order for an absence to be cleared as excused, the school office must be contacted within 5 days of returning. When a student is absent or tardy, he/she must bring or fax a NOTE, (the first day he/she returns) to the school office, OR must be accompanied to the office by parent/guardian upon arrival OR the parent/guardian must phone the school office with the following information: Name of student; Name of the parent/guardian; Date; Date(s) of absence; Reason for absence(s); 
Parent/Guardian signature. If your child is missing more than 10 percent of the school year, and you do not contact your child’s school on the morning of their absence, the school may request a home visit to determine why your child is not in school. Students who are tardy or absent due to a doctor appointment must provide the school office with a signed note from the doctor’s office. Any restrictions (P.E., exercise, etc.) for the student must be stated and signed by the doctor. 

 

With prior written consent of parent/guardian and approval of the principal, a student may be excused in order to participate in religious exercises or to receive moral and religious instruction at a place away from school property. The student must attend school at least the minimum school day and shall be excused from school for such purpose on no more than four days per school month (E.C. 46014). 

 

(Parent-Student Handbook Pages 21-24)

General Guidelines

Before purchasing clothing for their children, parents are strongly urged to review the following criteria for student dress and appearance. It is not the district’s purpose to dictate specific dress, but, rather to ensure the following: 
The health and welfare of students, a safe and calm school environment, and appropriateness.  
District dress and appearance standards shall be in effect at all times at school, on the way to school, on the way home from school, at any school function or activity regardless of location, and at any other Tulare City School campus and/or function.  

A student may not remain at school, at a school activity or function dressed in a manner which: 

1.    creates a safety or health hazard for said student, for other students, or staff;
2.    constitutes a serious or unnecessary distraction of any and all school activities or functions;
3.    is in conflict with the district’s/school’s educational mission;
4.    promotes substance abuse and/or gang activity;
5.    or is indecent or revealing.

 

The above-mentioned criteria are the guidelines by which the principal(s)/designees will make all decisions regarding dress and appearance. Students that do not adhere to these guidelines will be required to comply according to the timeline established by the site principal. Repeated or purposeful non-compliance of the district’s dress and appearance code will be subject to progressive discipline.  

 

The following items are non-compliant (not allowed) to the District's Dress and Appearance Code: 
The following is a list of examples of, but not limited to, the restrictions to a student's dress and appearance.

 

•    Pants, shorts or cutoffs that are oversized, sag or don’t fit at the waist or have excessively large legs.
•    Oversized tops; halter tops; tube tops; see-through tops; fish net; half tops; muscle shirts; undershirts; tank top

       with large arm holes; tops that expose bare midriff, sides, and/or back, or low cut tops; backless dresses; and

       mini-skirts.
•    Excessively tight or revealing clothing, unless worn with a thigh-length top.
•    Any clothing that exposes posteriors or undergarments.
•    Head Covering-nets and bandannas of any color or size (Exception: Hats worn for the purpose of sun protection.

      Knit “beanie” hats may be worn during inclement weather only. These hats may be worn outside only. Hats, by

      nature of the color, arrangement, trademark, or any other attribute, that denote membership in gangs, or which

      advocate racial, ethnic, or religious prejudice, drug use, violence, intimidation, or disruptive behavior are

      prohibited.)
•    Shoes with no back strap, flip flops, cleats, high heels, shoes with wheels, or sock-like slippers. (Exception: 7th

      8th grade students may wear shoes with no back straps and flip flops)
•    Wallets with attached chains, hanging belts, suspenders straps hanging off the shoulders.
•    Hoop earrings larger than a dime.
•    Nose rings, facial, tongue, teeth or body piercings that create a health/safety hazard.
•    Glasses, other than prescription (inside buildings).
•    Visible permanent or temporary tattoos (must be covered)
•    Clothing that contains words or pictures that are not appropriate for the school environment (Clothing by nature

      of the color, arrangement, trademark, or any other attribute, that denote membership in gangs, or which

       advocate racial, ethnic, or religious prejudice, drug use, violence, intimidation or disruptive behavior are

       prohibited)
•    Makeup for grades preschool through sixth
•    Fake or real fingernails that are longer than an inch from the nail bed
•    A student’s dress or appearance that is intended to communicate a particular or understandable message that

      causes a substantial disruption or material interference with school activities.
•    Facial coverings are only to be worn in accordance with District guidelines. Facial coverings shall not cover the

      face in its entirety due to safety reasons, including but not limited to paint, costume, articles or clothing, etc.

 

(Parent-Student Handbook Page 36)

Regular attendance is vital to a student’s academic success. Research shows that students who attend school regularly outperform those with poor attendance patterns. It is not possible to give your child the best education possible if he/she is not in class, or arrives late, or leaves early. The staff and administration will uphold and enforce the state laws of California which require students under 18 years of age to be in school, on time, on a daily basis. 

 

Should attendance become an issue, school personnel will contact the parent/guardian to inform them that there is an attendance concern and improvement is needed. Thereafter, if attendance continues to be an issue, the school may request a home visit by district attendance staff to discuss possible solutions and provide resources in an effort to improve the student’s attendance.

 

If attendance continues to be an issue the parents/guardians may be referred to a School Attendance Review Team (SART) or the School Attendance Review Board (SARB).

 

Parents/guardians who fail to abide by the directives set forth in the SART or SARB contract may be referred to the District Attorney for criminal prosecution pursuant to E.C. 48293, Penal Code 270.1 and/or Penal Code 272. 

 

(Parent-Student Handbook Page 23)

Options for student transfers include: intradistrict transfers, which allow students to transfer from school to school within our district, and interdistrict transfers, which allow students to transfer from one school district to another. We continue to allow students to attend schools outside of the Tulare City School District, and we also accept students from other school districts. However, in order to maintain room for students residing within a school’s attendance area, interdistrict and intradistrict transfers will be granted based on space availability (E.C. 48980). 

 

(Parent-Student Handbook Page 64)

 

The principals (school site Custodian of Records) and/or the District Custodian of Records maintain records on every student enrolled. These records are kept in a central file at the school attended by the student or, when records are maintained in different locations, a notation is placed in the central file indicating where other records may be found. Parents/guardians of currently enrolled or former pupils have absolute access to any and all student records and information, in accordance with law, and shall not be denied because he/she is not the child’s custodial parent. (E.C. 49063, 49068, 49069, 49070, 20 USC 1232g) unless prohibited by court order. School officials or employees whose duties and responsibilities to the district require that they have access to student records are also allowed access. The district will forward education records to other agencies or institutions that have requested the records and in which the student seeks or intends to enroll. Upon transfer of pupil records parents/guardians have the right to receive a copy of the records and have the right to challenge the content of the records.

 

Student records include: 

•    Mandatory permanent student records (kept indefinitely): Legal name of student; date and place of birth, and method of verifying birth date; sex of student; name and address of parent/guardian of minor student; address of minor student if different from the above; annual verification of parent/guardian’s name and address and student’s residence; entrance and departure date of each school year and for any summer session or other extra session; subjects taken during each year, half-year, summer session or quarter, and marks for credits given; verification of or exemption from required immunizations.
•    Mandatory interim student records (forwarded to another district or destroyed during the third school year following a determination that their usefulness has ceased or the student has left the district):
•    Expulsion orders and the causes therefore; log identifying persons or agencies who request or receive information from the student record; health information, including child health and disability prevention program verification or waiver; information on participation in special education programs, including required test, case studies, authorizations, and evidence of eligibility for admission or discharge; language training records; progress slips/notices; parental restrictions/stipulations regarding access to directory information; parent/guardian rejoinders to challenged records and to disciplinary action; parent/guardian authorization or denial of student participation in specific programs; results of standardized tests administered within the past three years.
•    Permitted student records (may be destroyed six months after the student completes or withdraws from the educational program): Objective counselor/teacher ratings; standardized test results older than three years; routine disciplinary data; verified reports of relevant behavioral patterns; all disciplinary notices; supplementary attendance records.

 

To inspect, review or obtain copies of student records, authorized persons shall submit a request to the Custodian of Records. Authorized persons from outside the school whose access requires consent from the parent/guardian or adult student shall submit their request, together with any required authorization, to the Superintendent or designee or the Custodian of Records. Within five days following the date of request, an authorized person shall be granted access to inspect, review and obtain copies of student records during regular school hours. The cost of the copies is five cents per sheet. Qualified certificated personnel shall be available to interpret records when requested. The Custodian of Records is responsible for the security of records and shall assure that access is limited to authorized persons. The Custodian of Records or the Superintendent or designee shall prevent the alteration, damage or loss of records during inspection. A log shall be maintained for each student’s record, which lists all persons, agencies, or organizations requesting or receiving information from the records and the legitimate educational interest of the requestor. (E.C. 49064)    
The custodial parent/guardian of any student may submit to the Superintendent or designee a written request to correct or remove from his/her child’s records any information concerning the child which he/she alleges to be inaccurate, an unsubstantiated personal conclusion or inference, a conclusion or inference outside of the observer’s area of competence, not based on the personal observation of a named person with the time and place of the observation noted, is misleading or is in violation of the privacy or other rights of the student. Within 30 days of receiving a request to correct or remove information from a record, the Superintendent or designee shall meet with the parent/guardian and with the employee (if still employed) who recorded the information in question. The Superintendent shall then sustain or deny the allegations. If the parent/guardian’s allegations are sustained, the Superintendent shall order the correction or removal and destruction of the information. If the Superintendent denies the allegations, the parent/guardian may write within 30 days to appeal the decision to the Board of Trustees. Within 30 days of receiving the written appeal, the Board shall meet in closed session with the parent/guardian and the employee (if still employed) who recorded the information in question. The Board shall then decide whether or not to sustain or deny the allegations. If it sustains any or all of the allegations, the Superintendent shall immediately correct or remove and destroy the information from the student’s records. The decision of the Board shall be final. If the decision of the Superintendent or Board is unfavorable to the parent/guardian, the parent/guardian shall have the right to submit a written statement of objections, which shall become a part of the student’s record.  
Parents/guardians have the right to file a complaint with the United States Department of Education concerning an alleged failure by the district to comply with the requirements of the General Education Provisions Act or (FERPA). The name and address of the office that administers FERPA are: Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20202-5920.   

 

DISCLOSURE OF EDUCATION RECORD AND RELEASE VIA EMAIL OR TEXT 
Tulare City School District is committed to providing your child with a quality education and to keep parents and students informed with timely or periodic reports, including all pertinent data related to the student’s school experience. As the parent/guardian, you may authorize the disclosure of information from your child’s educational record to you via email or text to your cell phone. Education Record is defined in this release as progress reports, assignment or task completion and grades. 
The District will not disclose to anyone other than the parents, student or designated employees and officers of the District, personally identifiable information without the prior written consent of the parents or eligible student, unless the disclosure of such information is specifically authorized by FERPA. 
Email is not secure, and since the content of any email message is transmitted in clear text, it may be intercepted by other persons and agencies. Authorization is voluntary and can be revoked at any time. Authorization also indicates your release of Tulare City School District and its trustees, officers, employees or agents personally from all legal responsibility or liability that may arise from disclosure via email or text. To revoke/change the authorization provided on the Parent Rights card, you must contact the school principal/designee or school secretary. 

 

(Parent-Student Handbook Pages 61)

Participation in the promotion ceremony will be awarded to students who have successfully met the following standards:

1.    Promotion requirements have been met.
2.    The student has met the minimum academic standard of a cumulative 2.0 GPA for his/her 8th-grade year.
3.    Attendance must show compliance with the Attendance and Tardy Policy, outlined below:
       •    All students are required to attend school unless otherwise excused due to illness.
       •    Absences of 20 days or more may exclude students from participation. All students are required to be on

             time for school and classes.
       •    Students with absences due to extended illness may be required to provide school health staff or physician

             verification.
4.    Good citizenship has been demonstrated and/or shows compliance with the Discipline Policy of this guidebook,

        outlined below:
       •    Any  behavior deemed extremely serious in nature could exclude a student from promotion ceremony.
       •    Excessive disciplinary referrals will exclude a student from the promotion ceremony. Students who do not

             qualify for the promotion ceremony are excluded from participating in and attending the promotion

             ceremony and any associated promotion activities.
       •    The Twenty-Day notice is given to students when they are suspended. This notice means that students are

             held out of school activities, including, but not limited to athletics, dances, assemblies, and promotion

             ceremony.

 

 

Each middle school will host its own promotion ceremony at their school site on the morning of the last day of school. Students will have their names recognized individually and receive a promotion certificate. Students will be expected to follow the district's dress code guidelines. Caps and gowns will not be issued and will not be allowed to be worn. Each student participating in the promotion ceremony will receive two tickets. Parents will receive detailed information regarding the promotion ceremony and activities associated with promotion after Spring Vacation. 

 

(Parent-Student Handbook Page 77)