GENERAL SCHOOL INFORMATION
Lashon Academy is a public charter school of excellence serving students in Transitional Kindergarten through 8th grade. A complete staff directory can be found in the main school office. Enrollment in our school is open to all students who reside in California. No tuition is charged for enrollment.
School Contact Information
Valley | Valley Village | City |
Van Nuys Campus 7477 Kester Ave Van Nuys, CA 91405 818-514-4566 www.lashonacademy.org info@lashonacademy.org
| Valley Village Campus 12326 Riverside Dr Valley Village, CA 91607 818-514-4566 www.lashonacademy.org info@lashonacademy.org
| 3186 7th Ave Los Angeles, CA 90018 213-514-5767 www.lashonacademy.org info@lashonacademy.org
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School Administration Directory
Employee | Position | |
Amber Cox | SPED Coordinator | |
Janice Kim | Asst. Administrator | jkim@lashonacademy.org |
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Lee Maron | Asst. Administrator | lmaron@lashonacademy.org |
Ravit Feldman | Asst. Administrator/Hebrew Coordinator | |
Alex Vecchiolla | Dean of Students (City) | avecchiolla@lashonacademy.org |
Kathie Chung | Principal (City) | kchung@lashonacademy.org |
Ryan McMorran | Principal (Valley) | |
Sara Garcia | Director of Education | |
Maria Gennaro | Director of Business and Operations | mgennaro@lashonacademy.org |
School Governance
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Board of Directors (“Board”) of Lashon Academy is the School’s oversight and policy-making body. The Board members have a legal fiduciary responsibility for the wellbeing of Lashon Academy.
Appropriate Board decisions include setting the budget, determining the strategic plan, formulating major policy, overseeing the school’s compliance with relevant laws and regulations and raising funds to support the growth of the school. The Board of Directors may delegate certain responsibilities and duties to the School’s CEO or other staff, under the following conditions: (a) that the school staff will operate with oversight from the Board; and (b) that the Board is ultimately and finally responsible and accountable for the actions of any person to whom responsibility has been delegated and for any and all obligations, programs and policies of the school.
The Board appoints the CEO who is responsible, under the authority of and with oversight by the Board, for implementation of the school’s academic programs and for the operational management of the school. The CEO reports directly to the Board.
NOTICE OF BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETINGS
Lashon Academy will comply with the Brown Act to ensure that the public has open access to information and decision-making regarding the School’s policies, procedures and performance, and equal opportunities to hear, discuss and influence Board of Director decisions in an open forum.
The Board will conduct open meetings at least quarterly during the school year. One meeting each year will be designated the Annual Meeting for the purpose of organization and the appointment of officers.
All meeting notices and Board activities will be in accordance with the provisions of the Brown Act. Agenda will be posted for public viewing at the School and at any other meeting location as follows. Board meeting dates are posted on the Lashon Academy website and in the school office.
Regular Meetings | At least 72 continuous hours prior to meeting |
Special Meetings | At least 24 continuous hours prior to meeting |
Emergency Meetings | At least 1 hour prior to meeting |
Dire Emergency Meetings — rare; see definition in the Brown Act (Government Code § 54956.5) | As soon as possible after directors are informed of the need for meeting |
Board Contact Information |
LOCATION OF BOARD MEETINGS
The Board will hold all meetings at the Lashon Academy Valley site, unless otherwise noted in agenda and will hold all meetings at locations within the jurisdictional boundaries of the Los Angeles Unified School District except in limited circumstances, (Government Code §§ 54954(b)- (e)), and in places accessible to all, with no fee to attend (Government Code § 54961(a)).
CLOSED SESSIONS
Posted agenda will list any closed session topics and the Board will announce any actions taken in closed sessions in open meetings immediately following closed sessions as required by the Brown Act. The Board will only conduct closed sessions in the manner and for the purposes permitted and described in the Brown Act. In general, the permitted purposes of closed sessions are as follows:
Personnel — To discuss the appointment, employment, performance evaluation, discipline, complaints about or dismissal of a specific employee or potential employee (Government Code § 54957), unless the employee requests a public meeting on any charge or complaint. Closed sessions are not allowed for discussing the following: general employment; independent contractors not functioning as employees; salaries; the performance of any elected official, or member of the board; or Lashon Academy’s available funds, funding priorities or budget.
Pending Litigation — If open discussion would prejudice the position of Lashon Academy in the litigation. To qualify, Lashon Academy must be a party to pending litigation (Government Code § 54956.9(a)); or expect, based on certain specified facts, to be sued (Government Code §§ 54956.9(b)(1),(b)(2)); or expect to file suit itself (Government Code § 54956.9(c)).
Labor Negotiations — To instruct Lashon Academy’s identified negotiator on compensation issues (Government Code § 54957.6).
Property Negotiations — To discuss price or payment terms with Lashon Academy’s identified bargaining agent. Final price and payment terms must be disclosed when the actual lease or contract is discussed for approval (Government Code § 54957.1(a)).
Others – To discuss license applications for people with criminal records (Government Code § 54956.7); threats to public services or facilities (Government Code § 54957); or insurance pooling (Government Code § 54956.95).
PARENT, STUDENT, TEACHER, OTHER STAFF & OTHER STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION
Lashon Academy encourages parents, students, teachers, other staff, and other stakeholders to attend, listen and comment on Lashon Academy’s educational program at Board meetings by posting meeting notices with agenda on the Lashon Academy website, at the school site, and at the meeting location if different from the school site. Each Board meeting will include an opportunity for parents, staff and general members of the public to address the Board (Government Code § 54954.3(a)).
Daily Schedule
Lashon | Academy | Lashon Academy City |
Van Nuys Campus
Regular Day ETK/2nd: 8:05am-2:45pm Regular Day 3rd-6th: 8:15am-3:15pm Regular Day 6th-8th: 8:10am-3:13pm Minimum Day ETK/2nd: 8:05am-1:30pm Minimum Day 3rd-6th: 8:15am-1:30pm Minimum Day 6th-8th: 8:10am-1:40pm Morning Drop Off: 7:40am-8:15am | Valley Village Campus
Regular Day ETK-K: 8:05am-2:45pm Minimum Day ETK-K: 8:05am-1:30pm Morning Drop Off: 7:40am-8:05am | Regular Day ETK-6th: 8:10am-3:10pm Minimum Day ETK-6th: 8:10am-1:30pm Morning Drop Off: 7:30am-8:10am |
Parent Involvement
Lashon Academy encourages parents to be involved in all aspects of the school. In addition to providing a parent representative seat on the Lashon Academy Board of Directors, parents are encouraged to attend all Board meetings, speak at the Board meetings if they wish, volunteer at the school site, and join the School Site Council. Through the School Site Council, the parent representative on the Board, and participation at Board meetings, parents can make their voices heard on broad issues or concerns. Parents and guardians are encouraged to communicate with their children’s teachers about their children’s learning program.
Lashon Academy will provide a list of activities for parents on Lashon Academy’s website and in the Parent and Student Handbook distributed each year. Programs, events, and a list of parent involvement activities are posted in other places available to parents, such as school newsletters, on the school calendar, in student classrooms, or in the school office.
Parent Communication
The Office Manager is the primary point of contact for questions and referrals to other school personnel. It is very important that communication between your home and the school is a continuous process. To stay informed of all meetings and events, please check the monthly newsletter via Parent Square or website on a regular basis. Please update the office with any changes in contact information.
You can contact a teacher by:
- Calling the school and leaving a message and the teacher will return your call
- Making an appointment
- Direct message via Parent Square
If you need to speak to an administrator, please call the office. If someone is not available to speak to you immediately, please leave a message and someone will return your call within three (3) business days. If you need to speak to someone about an issue that may take more than 5 minutes, please make an appointment with the appropriate person. This is the best way to ensure that you will receive undivided attention.
School Site Council (SSC)
The SSC is an elected decision-making group comprised of parents, community members, site administrators, teachers and other staff. The SSC has an ongoing responsibility to develop, implement, monitor and evaluate the site plan. At Title I schools, the SSC also oversees all the categorical funds such as Title I and English Language Learners. Please contact the principal or SSC chair if you are interested in joining.
English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC)
Schools that have 21 or more students with limited English language proficiency must have an English Learner Advisory Committee. It serves as the advisory body to the school on four key issues. Please contact the school principal if you would like to join.
General Parent Meetings
The school staff and parents meet regularly during the general parent meetings. The meetings take place 3 times per year and schedules are communicated via the principal’s newsletter. These meetings are an important time for parents and staff members to communicate and plan with each other. At each meeting, time is set aside for announcements and updates.
Newsletter
The Lashon Academy newsletter is produced and sent via Parent Square. It encourages parent involvement and keeps everyone informed of events. In addition to news and information, an up-to-date calendar of upcoming events is included. All staff and students are welcome to submit articles or art to be published in the newsletter.
Website
The Lashon Academy website, www.lashonacademy.org, was developed and is maintained by the school administration and staff. The site is continuously updated and contains a wide variety of information for students, parents and staff. Information about parent involvement activities, upcoming events, contact details, and other useful information can be found on the website.
School Calendar
Visitors And Volunteers
Classroom Observation
The involvement of parents in the classroom is greatly encouraged. There are two different ways parents can visit the classroom. One way is as an observer. The second way is to participate in the classroom as an instructional volunteer. Parents are welcome to request an observation period at any time. However, since classroom observations can be disruptive to the learning environment, our teachers have the right to refuse unscheduled observation requests. The best way to plan an observation is to follow these procedures:
- Schedule a date and time with the teacher by calling the office and
- Explain the purpose for the observation. Note: Observation times may be limited to one hour with prior appointment.
During observations, teachers and support staff are not available for any one-on-one discussions or conferences. These meetings may be scheduled for a later time.
Instructional Volunteer
STUDENT SAFETY ALWAYS COMES FIRST: All volunteers who may have frequent or prolonged contact with students will need to be TB tested and determined to be free of TB within sixty (60) days prior to commencing service. Volunteers who may, at any time, be around children without Lashon faculty will need to be fingerprinted. While working as a volunteer, student safety must be the utmost priority.
BE PROMPT AND DEPENDABLE: The teachers count on you and appreciate your promptness and reliability. If you know in advance that you will not be able to make it during your designated volunteer time, make arrangements to have another designated volunteer cover for you. If it’s at the last minute and you can’t arrange coverage, leave a voicemail for the teacher so s/he can make necessary accommodations in his/her lesson plan.
BE FLEXIBLE: Be willing to do what the teacher asks of you. There may be times that you will not directly work with the children, but instead the teacher needs you to staple papers for an hour. Sometimes, a job that seems tedious to you is a big timesaver for the teacher and allows the teacher to get more effective teaching time in. Please be open and flexible about whatever the teacher asks you to do.
BE SURE YOU UNDERSTAND WHAT THE TEACHER NEEDS YOU TO DO: If you are not sure, feel free to ask for more clarification.
NO CELL INTERRUPTIONS: Turn off your cell phone or place it on vibrate. Barring emergencies, it would be inappropriate and disruptive to make or receive phone calls during your classroom volunteer time.
HOLD OFF ON CONVERSATIONS WITH OTHER PARENTS: Please do not socialize with other parents in the classroom during your volunteer time. There may be other parents present or volunteering in the classroom during your time; it would be disruptive to the class if the parents socialize or chat during class time.
MAINTAIN CONFIDENTIALITY OF STUDENT RECORDS: Confidentiality is crucial and is the cornerstone of a successful classroom volunteer program. Information about every child is CONFIDENTIAL. All conversations with teachers and staff, test scores, graded assignments or test scores, etc. must remain within the classroom. Comments about children’s progress (or lack of), and behavior in class should be addressed by the teacher. Please give each child the same respect you would want shown to your child by others.
BE POSITIVE: Make specific, positive comments about the children (“Johnny, you worked really hard on that math problem!”). Catch the child doing something good and then praise it.
OFFER FEEDBACK TO THE TEACHER: If you have a concern about a specific child or feel there is a need for some negative comment or disciplinary action, please tell the teacher and let her decide the appropriate action to take with a child. You may have observed something he or she did not see, and your feedback is important in helping the teacher do their job.
DRESS APPROPRIATELY: The classroom is not the place for revealing, distracting, or otherwise inappropriate clothing, or outfits that draw the children’s attention to you rather than to the teacher.
VOLUNTEER SIGN-IN: There is a Volunteer Log at the Lashon office. Volunteers will need to sign in when they arrive, when they leave, and record the time spent volunteering. You will also need to obtain a volunteer badge from the office manager before entering the classrooms.
Visitors To School Campus
All campus visitors must have the consent and approval of the Principal. Permission to visit must be given at the time requested if at all possible or within a reasonable period of time following the request. Children who are not enrolled at the school are not to be on the campus unless prior approval of the principal has been obtained. Visitors may not interfere with, disrupt or cause substantial disorder in any classroom or school activity. Visitors are expected to:
- Follow the established school policy in requesting a classroom visitation
- Complete a visitors permit upon arrival at the site
- Enter and leave the classroom as quietly as possible
- Comply with all state/local health and safety protocols
- If the visitor is a government officer/official (including but not limited to local law enforcement officers, immigration enforcement officers, social workers, district attorneys, or U.S. attorneys) the officer/official will also be asked to produce any documentation that authorizes school access.
- Not converse with the students, teacher and/or instructional aides during the visitation
- Not interfere with any school activity
- Keep the length and frequency of classroom visits reasonable, in adherence to school policy
- Follow the school‘s established procedures for meeting with the teacher and/or principal after the visit, if needed
- Learn and follow the school-wide behavioral expectations
- Return the visitor‘s permit to the point of origin before leaving the campus.
Any individual who disrupts a school site or fails to follow school rules and/or procedures is subject to removal from the school site and may be further restricted from visiting the school.
A copy of the complete Visitor and Visitation Policy is available for review at the main office or on the school website.
School Safety Plan
The Lashon staff will be trained in procedures to be taken in emergency situations. Lashon will host drills for students to be prepared for situations in which emergencies may arise. If students need to evacuate classrooms or buildings within the school site, students will be directed to the basketball courts away from the school buildings. Lashon will contact parents after all emergency persons have been notified.
The Charter School has established a Comprehensive School Safety Plan. The Plan is available upon request at the main office.
Suspension & Expulsion Policy
General Provisions
Charter School shall provide due process for all students, including adequate and timely notice to parents/guardians and students of the grounds for all suspension and expulsion recommendations and decisions and their due process rights regarding suspension and expulsion, including rights of appeal.
Charter School shall ensure that its policies and procedures regarding suspension and expulsion, including any modification of the lists of offenses for which students are subject to suspension or expulsion, will be periodically reviewed, and modified as necessary, in order to conform to changes in state law.
Charter School shall be responsible for the appropriate interim placement of students during and pending the completion of Charter School’s student expulsion process and shall facilitate the post-expulsion placement of expelled students.
Charter School shall document and implement the alternatives to suspension and expulsion that Charter School utilizes in response to attendance-related concerns, e.g. truancy or excessive tardiness.
Pursuant to AB 2711, Charter School cannot suspend students who voluntarily disclose their use of a controlled substance in order to seek help through services or supports.
