Frequently Asked Questions
Can I visit my child at school?
•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. The principal or designee may design a visible means of identification for visitors while on school premises.
Can I volunteer at the school/classroom?
Can my child bring a cell phone to school?
Can my child leave campus for lunch?
Do students get to participate in SCICON?
Does my school provide breakfast and lunch?
NO MEAL PAYMENTS WILL BE REQUIRED
Does TCSD provide bus transportation for my child to get to and from school?
How can I find out the school boundary in which I reside?
How early can my child arrive at school?
How frequently are progress reports/report cards mailed home?
If my child is being bullied at school, what is the best way to deal with the problem?
The Tulare City School District believes that all students have a right to a safe and healthy school environment. The district, schools and community have an obligation to promote mutual respect, tolerance, and acceptance.
The Tulare City School District will work diligently to discourage and prevent behavior that infringes on the safety of any student. A student shall not intimidate, harass, or bully another student through words or actions.
The California Department of Education defines bullying as a form of violence. It involves a real or perceived imbalance of power, with the more powerful child or group attacking those who are less powerful. Bullying may be physical (hitting, kicking, spitting, pushing), verbal (taunting, malicious teasing, name-calling, threatening), or emotional (spreading rumors, manipulating social relationships, extorting, or intimidating). Bullying can occur face-to-face or in the online world.
To the extent possible, district schools shall focus on the prevention of bullying by establishing clear rules for student conduct and implementing strategies to promote a positive, collaborative school climate. (Visit the District
website: www.tcsdk8.org; or your school’s website for specific site strategies)
As appropriate, Tulare City School District shall provide students with instruction, in the classroom or other educational settings that promotes effective communication and conflict resolution skills, social skills, character/values education, respect for cultural and individual differences, including the negative impact of bullying other pupils based on their actual or perceived immigration status, their religious beliefs and customs, their disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, nationality, race or ethnicity, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic that is contained in the definition of hate crimes set forth in Section 422.55 of the Penal Code. Instruction shall also include self-esteem development, assertiveness skills, and appropriate online behavior. (Visit the District website for more information on Bullying Prevention Resources, www.tcsdk8.org, in “Our Students”, “Bullying Prevention”)
The Tulare City School District expects students and/or staff to immediately report incidents of bullying to the principal or designee. Students and parents are both encouraged to become familiar with the school district’s SPRIGEO anti-bullying and reporting site. This site can be accessed through:
The Tulare City School District website under “Our Students”, on the “Bullying Prevention” page, or at the following link: (http://report.sprigeo.com/district/tulare)
Staff who witness acts of bullying or intimidation must take immediate steps to intervene when safe to do so. Each complaint of bullying should be promptly investigated. This policy applies to students on school grounds, while traveling to and from school or a school-sponsored activity, during the lunch period, whether on or off-campus and during a school-sponsored activity.
To ensure bullying does not occur on school campuses, the Tulare City School District will cultivate acceptance and understanding in all students and staff to build each school’s capacity to maintain a safe and healthy learning environment.
- 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.
SPRIGEO
Sprigeo is an online reporting system where students, parents, or others can report school safety threats and/or bullying – anonymously if desired. The Principals, Vice Principal and/or lead school staff members are the only ones who receive the report. Once the report is received, they investigate the incident. Sprigeo can be accessed at Sprigeo.com or from a link on the district or school website.
(Parent-Student Handbook Pages 30-31)
Is there a minimum GPA that must be met to participate in athletics?
It's my child's birthday. Can I bring special treats to class to celebrate?
What are the school office hours?
What do I need to do if my child is late to school, has to leave early for an appointment, or must be absent due to illness?
What do I need to enroll my student?
What is the dress code for my school?
What time does school start and end?
Where can I find information about the curriculum you offer?
What are the attendance expectations?
What is the district's open enrollment policy?
What is the district's formal complaint process?
The District has an established procedure for considering complaints against the district and/or an individual employee. District administrators work diligently to resolve concerns at the informal level beginning with the teacher or the principal, depending on the situation, and encourage our parents’/community members to do the same. However, at times situations may arise in which a person feels compelled to file a formal complaint regarding a specific situation or employee. When a formal complaint is filed, District Administration will follow the sequence listed under AR 1312.1, Complaints Concerning District Employees, available on the District website under Board Policies.
If any person desires to file a formal complaint is directed to place their complaint in writing and submit it to:
Compliance Officer
Assistant Superintendent of Personnel
600 N. Cherry, Tulare, CA 93274
(559) 685-7200
(Parent-Student Handbook Page 20)
How do I access my child's student records?
What is your eighth grade graduation policy and guidelines?