Prevention & Support Services – Lashon Academy Charter School

Dangers of Synthetic Drugs

The illicit use and abuse of synthetic drugs represents an emerging and ongoing public health threat in California. The fentanyl crisis specifically, has impacted communities across the state, leading to a sharp increase in fentanyl poisonings and deaths in recent years.

This notice aims to address the crisis with a preventative approach ensuring students and families are educated on the deadly consequences of recreational drug use.

A synthetic drug is a drug with properties and effects similar to a known hallucinogen or narcotic but having a slightly altered chemical structure, especially such a drug created in order to evade existing restrictions against illegal substances. Synthetic drugs include but are not limited to synthetic cannabinoids (“synthetic marijuana,” “Spice,” “K2”), methamphetamines, bath salts, and fentanyl.

The California Department of Public Health (“CDPH”), has expounded on the extreme danger of drugs laced with fentanyl. Illicit fentanyl can be added to other drugs to make them cheaper, more powerful, and more addictive. Illicit fentanyl has been found in many drugs, including heroin, methamphetamine, counterfeit pills, and cocaine. Fentanyl mixed with any drug increases the likelihood of a fatal overdose. Furthermore, it is nearly impossible to tell if drugs have been laced with fentanyl without additional testing, because fentanyl cannot be seen, smelled, or tasted when used as a lacing agent.

Additional information regarding fentanyl from the CDPH’s Substance and Addiction Prevention Branch can be found here.

Screening

Dyslexia Students enrolled in kindergarten through second grade in a public school are required to be assessed for dyslexia using an adopted screening instrument. Please contact the main office if you have questions about this requirement.

Education of Foster and Mobile Youth

Definitions: For the purposes of this annual notice the terms are defined as follows:

“Foster youth” means any of the following:

A child who has been removed from their home pursuant to Section 309 of the Welfare and Institutions Code.
A child who is the subject of a petition filed pursuant to California Welfare and Institutions Code (“WIC”) section 300 or 602 (whether or not the child has been removed from the child’s home by juvenile court).
A child who is the subject of a petition filed pursuant WIC section 602, has been removed from the child’s home by the juvenile court, and is in foster care.
A nonminor under the transition jurisdiction of the juvenile court, as described in WIC section 450, who satisfies all of the following criteria:

The nonminor has attained 18 years of age while under an order of foster care placement by the juvenile court.
The nonminor is in foster care under the placement and care responsibility of the county welfare department, county probation department, Indian tribe, consortium of tribes, or tribal organization.
The nonminor is participating in a transitional independent living case plan.

A dependent child of the court of an Indian tribe, consortium of tribes, or tribal organization who is the subject of a petition filed in the tribal court.
A child who is the subject of a voluntary placement agreement, as defined in WIC section 11400.

“Former juvenile court school student” means a student who, upon completion of the student’s second year of high school, transfers from a juvenile court school to the Charter School, excluding a school district operated by the Division of Juvenile Justice of the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, from a juvenile court school.

“Child of a military family” refers to a student who resides in the household of an active duty military member.

“Currently Migratory Child” refers to a child who, within the last 12-months, has moved with a parent, guardian, or other person having custody to the Charter School from another Local Educational Agency (“LEA”), either within California or from another state, so that the child or a member of the child’s immediate family might secure temporary or seasonal employment in an agricultural or fishing activity, and whose parents or guardians have been informed of the child’s eligibility for migrant education services. This includes a child who, without the parent/guardian, has continued to migrate annually to secure temporary or seasonal employment in an agricultural or fishing activity.

“Student participating in a newcomer program” means a student who is participating in a program designed to meet the academic and transitional needs of newly arrived immigrant students that has as a primary objective the development of English language proficiency.

Within this notice, foster youth, former juvenile court school students, a child of a military family, a currently migratory child, and a student participating in the newcomer program will be collectively referred to as “Foster and Mobile Youth.” Within this notice, a parent, guardian, or other person holding the educational rights for a Foster and Mobile Youth will be referred to as a “parent/guardian.”

Foster and Mobile Youth Liaison: The Executive Director or designee designates the following staff person as the Liaison for Foster and Mobile Youth:

Lashon Academy Lashon Academy City

Fabiola Noguera Guadalupe Cruz

7477 Kester Ave Van Nuys CA 91405 3186 7th Ave Los Angeles CA 90018

818-514-4566 213-514-5767 fnoguera@lashonacademy.org gcruz@lashonacademy.org

The Foster and Mobile Youth Liaison’s responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

Ensuring and facilitating the proper educational placement, enrollment in school, and checkout from school of foster children.
Assisting foster children when transferring from one school to another school in ensuring proper transfer of credits, records and grades.

School Stability: The Charter School will work with foster youth and their parent/guardian to ensure that each pupil is placed in the least restrictive educational programs, and has access to the academic resources, services, and extracurricular and enrichment activities that are available to all pupils, including, but not necessarily limited to, interscholastic sports. All decisions regarding a foster youth’s education and placement will be based on the best interest of the child and shall consider, among other factors, educational stability and the opportunity to be educated in the least restrictive educational setting necessary to achieve academic progress.

Foster youth, currently migratory children and children of military families have the right to remain in their school of origin if it is in their best interest. The Charter School will immediately enroll a foster youth, currently migratory child or child of a military family seeking reenrollment in the Charter School as the student’s school of origin (subject to the Charter School’s capacity and pursuant to the procedures stated in the Charter School’s charter and Board policy). If a dispute arises regarding a foster youth’s request to remain in the Charter School as the school of origin, the foster youth has the right to remain in the Charter School pending the resolution of the dispute. The Charter School will also immediately enroll any foster youth, currently migratory child or child of a military family seeking to transfer to the Charter School (subject to the Charter School’s capacity and pursuant to the procedures stated in the Charter School’s charter and Board policy) regardless of the student’s ability to meet normal enrollment documentation or uniform requirements (e.g., producing medical records or academic records from a previous school).

Foster youth, currently migratory children, and children of military families have the right to remain in their school of origin following the termination of the child’s status as a foster youth, currently migratory child or child of a military family, as follows:

For students in Kindergarten through eighth grade, inclusive, the student will be allowed to continue in the school of origin through the duration of the academic year in which the student’s status changed.
For students enrolled in high school, the student will be allowed to continue in the school of origin through graduation.

Acceptance of Course Work: The Charter School will accept any coursework satisfactorily completed at any public school, a juvenile court school, a school in a country other than the United States, and/or a nonpublic, nonsectarian school or agency by a Foster and Mobile Youth.

The Charter School will provide Foster and Mobile Youth credit for the partial completion of courses taken while attending a public school, a juvenile court school, a school in a country other than the United States, and/or a nonpublic, nonsectarian school or agency. If the student did not complete the entire course, the Charter School shall not require the student to retake the portion of the course the student completed unless the Charter School, in consultation with the holder of educational rights for the student, finds that the pupil is reasonably able to complete the requirements in time to graduate from high school. When partial credit is awarded in a particular course, the Foster and Mobile Youth shall be enrolled in the same or equivalent course, if applicable, so that the student may continue and complete the entire course. These students shall not be prevented from taking or retaking a course to meet California State University or the University of California admission eligibility requirements.

Student Records: When the Charter School receives a transfer request and/or student records request for the educational information and records of a foster youth from a new local educational agency (“LEA”), the Charter School shall provide these student records within two (2) business days. The Charter School shall compile the complete educational record of the student, including but not limited to a determination of seat time, full or partial credits earned, current classes and grades, immunization and other records, and, if applicable, a copy of the student’s special education records including assessments, IEPs, and/or 504 plans. All requests for student records will be shared with the Foster and Mobile Youth Liaison, who shall be aware of the specific educational record keeping needs of Foster and Mobile Youth.

The Charter School shall not lower a foster youth’s grades as a result of the student’s absence due to a verified court appearance, related court ordered activity, or a change the placement of the student made by a county or placing agency. If a foster youth is absent from school due to a decision to change the placement of the student made by a county or placing agency, the grades and credits of the pupil will be calculated as of the date the student left the Charter School.

In accordance with the Charter School’s Educational Records and Student Information Policy, under limited circumstances, the Charter School may disclose student records or personally identifiable information contained in those records to certain requesting parties including but not limited to a foster family agency and state and local authorities within a juvenile justice system, without parent/guardian consent.

Discipline Determinations: If the Charter School intends to extend the suspension of any foster youth pending a recommendation for expulsion, the Charter School will invite the student’s attorney and an appropriate representative from the relevant county agency to participate in the meeting at which the extension of the suspension will be discussed.

If the Charter School intends to suspend for more than ten (10) consecutive school days or expel a student with a disability who is also a foster youth due to an act for which the recommendation for expulsion is discretionary, the Charter School will invite the student’s attorney and an appropriate representative from the relevant county agency to participate in the Manifestation Determination Review meeting.

Complaints of Noncompliance: A complaint of noncompliance with any of the requirements outlined above may be filed through the Charter School’s Uniform Complaint Procedures. A copy of the Uniform Complaint Policy and Procedures is available upon request at the main office.

Availability of Complete Policy: For any Foster and Mobile Youth who enrolls at the Charter School, a copy of the Charter School’s complete foster youth policy shall be provided at the time of enrollment. A copy of the complete Policy is available upon request at the main office and on the school website.

Education of Homeless Children and Youth

The term “homeless children and youth” means individuals who lack a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence. It includes children and youths who (42 U.S.C. § 11434a):

Are sharing the housing of other persons due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason; are living in motels, hotels, trailer parks, or camping grounds due to the lack of alternative adequate accommodations; are living in emergency or transitional shelters; or are abandoned in hospitals;
Have a primary nighttime residence that is a public or private place not designed for or ordinarily used as regular sleeping accommodations for human beings;
Are living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations, or similar settings; and/or
Migratory children and unaccompanied youth (youth not in the physical custody of a parent or guardian) may be considered homeless if they meet the above definition of “homeless.”

Homeless status is determined in cooperation with the parent or guardian. In the case of unaccompanied youth, status is determined by the Charter School Liaison.

School Liaison: The Principal or designee designates the following staff person as the School Liaison for homeless students (42 U.S.C. § 11432(g)(1)(J)(ii)):

Lashon Academy Lashon Academy City

Fabiola Noguera Guadalupe Cruz

7477 Kester Ave Van Nuys CA 91405 3186 7th Ave Los Angeles CA 90018

818-514-4566 213-514-5767 fnoguera@lashonacademy.org gcruz@lashonacademy.org

The Charter School Liaison shall ensure that (42 U.S.C. § 11432(g)(6)):

Homeless students are identified by school personnel and through outreach and coordination activities with other entities and agencies, and through the annual housing questionnaire administered by the Charter School

Homeless students enroll in and have a full and equal opportunity to succeed at the Charter School.

Homeless students and families receive educational services for which they are eligible, including services through Head Start programs (including Early Head Start programs) under the Head Start Act, early intervention services under part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, any other preschool programs administered by the Charter School, if any, and referrals to health care services, dental services, mental health services and substance abuse services, housing services, and other appropriate services.

Parents/guardians are informed of the educational and related opportunities available to their children and are provided with meaningful opportunities to participate in the education of their children.

Public notice of the educational rights of homeless children is disseminated at places frequented by parents or guardians of such youths, and unaccompanied youths, including schools, shelters, public libraries, and soup kitchens, and in a manner and form understandable to the parents and guardians of homeless youth and unaccompanied youth.

Enrollment/admissions disputes are mediated in accordance with law, the Charter School’s charter, and Board policy.

Parents/guardians and any unaccompanied youth are fully informed of all transportation services, as applicable.

Charter School personnel providing services receive professional development and other support.

The Charter School Liaison collaborates with State coordinators and community and school personnel responsible for the provision of education and related services to homeless children and youths.

Unaccompanied youth are enrolled in school; have opportunities to meet the same challenging State academic standards as the State establishes for other children and youth; and are informed of their status as independent students under section 480 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 and that the youths may obtain assistance from the Charter School Liaison to receive verification of such status for the purposes of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid described in section 483 of the Act.

The California Department of Education publishes a list of the contact information for the Homeless Education Liaisons in the state, which is available at: https://www.cde.ca.gov/sp/hs/

Housing Questionnaire: Charter School shall administer a housing questionnaire for purposes of identifying homeless children and youth. Charter School shall ensure that the housing questionnaire is based on the best practices developed by the CDE. Charter School shall annually provide the housing questionnaire to all parents/guardians of students and to all unaccompanied youths at Charter School. The housing questionnaire shall include an explanation of the rights and protections a student has as a homeless child or youth or as an unaccompanied youth. The housing questionnaire shall be available in paper form. The housing questionnaire shall be available in English, and if fifteen (15) percent or more of the students enrolled at Charter School speak a single primary language other than English, it shall also be written in the primary language. The questionnaire shall be translated into other languages upon request of a student’s parent/guardian or an unaccompanied youth. Charter School shall collect the completed housing questionnaires and annually report to the CDE the number of homeless children and youths and unaccompanied youths enrolled. (Education Code Section 48851.)

The Charter School will provide homeless students credit for the partial completion of courses taken while attending a public school, a juvenile court school, a school in a country other than the United States, and/or a nonpublic, nonsectarian school or agency. If the student did not complete the entire course, the Charter School shall not require the student to retake the portion of the course the student completed unless the Charter School, in consultation with the holder of educational rights for the student, finds that the student is reasonably able to complete the requirements in time to graduate from high school. When partial credit is awarded in a particular course, the homeless student shall be enrolled in the same or equivalent course, if applicable, so that the student may continue and complete the entire course. These students shall not be prevented from taking or retaking a course to meet California State University or the University of California admission eligibility requirements.

For any homeless student who enrolls at the Charter School, a copy of the Charter School’s complete policy shall be provided at the time of enrollment. A copy of the complete Policy is available upon request at the main office.

Human Trafficking Prevention

California has the highest number of incidents of human trafficking in the U.S., and all students may be vulnerable. The Charter School believes it is a priority to inform our students about (1) the prevalence, nature of and strategies to reduce the risk of human trafficking, techniques to set healthy boundaries, and how to safely seek assistance, and (2) how social media and mobile device applications are used for human trafficking.

In accordance with the California Healthy Youth Act, the Charter School will provide age-appropriate instruction on the prevention of human trafficking, including sexual abuse, assault, and harassment. You have the right to excuse your child from all or part of the instruction on the prevention of human trafficking. An opt-out form is available at the main office for your convenience. Your consent for this instruction is NOT required. If we do not receive a written request to excuse your child, your child will be included in the instruction.

Information and materials for parents/guardians about the curriculum and resources on prevention of human trafficking and abuse, including sexual abuse, assault, and harassment are available on Charter School’s website for your review.

Mental Health Services

The Charter School recognizes that when unidentified and unaddressed, mental health challenges can lead to poor academic performance, increased likelihood of suspension and expulsion, chronic absenteeism, student attrition, homelessness, incarceration, and/or violence. Access to mental health services at the Charter School and in our community is not only critical to improving the physical and emotional safety of students, but it also helps address barriers to learning and provides support so that all students can learn problem-solving skills and achieve in school and, ultimately, in life. The following resources are available to your child:

Available on Campus:

School-based counseling services – your child is encouraged to directly contact a Charter School counselor by coming into the counseling office during school hours and making an appointment to speak with a counselor. The counseling office can also be reached at Lashon Academy 818-514-4566 or Lashon Academy City 213-514-5767. Our Charter School counselors support students by providing individual sessions, group or parent consultations whenever a student is having a difficult time due to academic stress, transition to changes in their environment, or social concerns, including isolation. Counseling services, whether provided by our Charter School or by an outside provider listed herein, are voluntary.

Special education services – if you believe your child may have a disability, you are encouraged to directly contact Amber Cox at Lashon Valley 818-514-4566 or Lashon Academy City 213-514-5767 to request an evaluation.
Prescription medication while on campus – if your child requires prescription medication during school hours and you would like assistance from School staff in providing this medication to your child, please contact a Principal at Lashon Academy 818-514-4566 or Lashon Academy City 213-514-5767.

Available Nationally:

- National Suicide Prevention Hotline – This organization provides confidential support for adults and youth in distress, including prevention and crisis resources. Available 24 hours at 1-800-273-8255.

The Trevor Project – This organization provides suicide prevention and crisis intervention for LGBTQ youth between the ages of 13 and 24. Available at 1-866-488-7386 or visit https://www.thetrevorproject.org/.

Big Brothers/Big Sisters of America – This organization is a community- based mentorship program. Community-specific program information can be found online at https://www.bbbs.org or by calling (813) 720-8778.

Nondiscrimination Statement

The Charter School does not discriminate against any person on the basis of actual or perceived disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, nationality, race or ethnicity, immigration status, religion, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, pregnancy, or any other characteristic that is contained in the definition of hate crimes in the California Penal Code.

The Charter School adheres to all provisions of federal law related to students with disabilities, including, but not limited to, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (“ADA”), and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 (“IDEIA”).

The Charter School does not discourage students from enrolling or seeking to enroll in the Charter School for any reason, including, but not limited to, academic performance, disability, neglect or delinquency, English proficiency, for being homeless or a foster/mobile youth, economic disadvantage, nationality, race, ethnicity, or sexual orientation. The Charter School shall not encourage a student currently attending Charter School to disenroll or transfer to another school based on any of the aforementioned reasons except in cases of expulsion and suspension or involuntary removal in accordance with the Charter School’s charter and relevant policies.

The Charter School does not request nor require student records prior to a student’s enrollment.

The Charter School shall provide a copy of the California Department of Education Complaint Notice and Form to any parent, guardian, or student over the age of 18 at the following times: (1) when a parent, guardian, or student over of the age of 18 inquires about enrollment; (2) before conducting an enrollment lottery; and (3) before disenrollment of a student.

The Charter School is committed to providing an educational atmosphere that is free of unlawful harassment under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (sex); Titles IV, VI, and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (race, color, or national origin); The Age Discrimination Act of 1975; the IDEIA; and Section 504 and Title II of the ADA (mental or physical disability). The Charter School also prohibits sexual harassment, including cyber sexual bullying, and harassment based upon pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, race, religion, religious affiliation, creed, color, immigration status, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, age, sexual orientation, or any other basis protected by federal, state, local law, ordinance or regulation. The Charter School does not condone or tolerate harassment of any type, including discrimination, intimidation, or bullying, including cyber sexual bullying, by any employee, independent contractor or other person with which the Charter School does business, or any other individual, student, or volunteer. This applies to all employees, students, or volunteers and relationships, regardless of position or gender. The Charter School will promptly and thoroughly investigate any complaint of harassment and take appropriate corrective action, if warranted. Inquiries, complaints, or grievances regarding harassment as described in this section, above, should be directed to the Charter School Uniform Complaint Procedures (“UCP”) Compliance Officer:

Lashon Academy Lashon Academy City

Sara Garcia, Director of Education Sara Garcia, Director of Education

7477 Kester Ave Van Nuys CA 91405 3186 7th Ave Los Angeles CA 90018

818-514-4566 213-514-5767 sgarcia@lashonacademy.org sgarcia@lashonacademy.org

The lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission or participation in the Charter School’s programs or activities. The Charter School prohibits retaliation against anyone who files a complaint or who participates or refuses to participate in a complaint investigation.

Nondiscrimination Statement

The Charter School does not request nor require student records prior to a student’s enrollment.

Lashon Academy Lashon Academy City

Sara Garcia, Director of Education Sara Garcia, Director of Education

7477 Kester Ave Van Nuys CA 91405 3186 7th Ave Los Angeles CA 90018

818-514-4566 213-514-5767 sgarcia@lashonacademy.org sgarcia@lashonacademy.org

Opioid Information Sheet

The Charter School annually provides each athlete with an Opioid Factsheet for Patients published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The athlete and, if the athlete is 17 years of age or younger, the athlete’s parent or guardian shall sign a document acknowledging receipt of the Opioid Factsheet for Patients and return that document to the Charter School before the athlete initiates practice or competition. The fact sheet is available at:

https://www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/pdf/AHA-Patient-Opioid-Factsheet-a.pdf

Pregnant and Parenting Students

The Charter School recognizes that pregnant and parenting students are entitled to accommodations that provide them with the opportunity to succeed academically while protecting their health and the health of their children. A pregnant or parenting student is entitled to eight (8) weeks of parental leave, or more if deemed medically necessary by the student’s physician, which the student may take before the birth of the student’s infant if there is a medical necessity and after childbirth during the school year in which the birth takes place, inclusive of any mandatory summer instruction, in order to protect the health of the student who gives or expects to give birth and the infant, and to allow the pregnant or parenting student to care for and bond with the infant. The Charter School will ensure that absences from the student’s regular school program are excused until the student is able to return to the regular school program.

Upon return to school after taking parental leave, a pregnant or parenting student will be able to make up work missed during the pregnant or parenting student’s leave, including, but not limited to, makeup work plans and reenrollment in courses. Notwithstanding any other law, a pregnant or parenting student may remain enrolled for a fifth year of instruction in the Charter School if it is necessary in order for the student to be able to complete any graduation requirements, unless the Charter School determines that the student is reasonably able to complete the graduation requirements in time to graduate from high school by the end of the student’s fourth year of high school.

Complaints of noncompliance with laws relating to pregnant or parenting students may be filed under the Uniform Complaint Procedures (“UCP”) of the Charter School. The complaint may be filed in writing with the compliance officer:

Lashon Academy Lashon Academy City

Sara Garcia, Director of Education Sara Garcia, Director of Education

7477 Kester Ave Van Nuys CA 91405 3186 7th Ave Los Angeles CA 90018

818-514-4566 213-514-5767 sgarcia@lashonacademy.org sgarcia@lashonacademy.org

A copy of the UCP is available upon request at the main office and on the school website. For further information on any part of the complaint procedures, including filing a complaint or requesting a copy of the complaint procedures, please contact the Principal.

Section 504

The Charter School recognizes its legal responsibility to ensure that no qualified person with a disability shall, on the basis of disability, be excluded from participation, be denied the benefits of, or otherwise subjected to discrimination under any program of the Charter School. Any student who has an objectively identified disability which substantially limits a major life activity, including, but not limited to learning, is eligible for accommodations by the Charter School. The parent of any student suspected of needing or qualifying for accommodations under Section 504 may make a referral for an evaluation to the Principal. A copy of the Charter School’s Section 504 policies and procedures is available upon request at the main office and on the school website.

Sexual Health Education

The Charter School offers comprehensive sexual health education to its students in grades 8. A parent or guardian of a student has the right to excuse their child from all or part of comprehensive sexual health education, HIV prevention education, and assessments related to that education through a passive consent (“opt-out”) process. The Charter School does not require active parental consent (“opt-in”) for comprehensive sexual health education and HIV prevention education. Parents and guardians may:

Inspect written and audiovisual educational materials used in comprehensive sexual health education and HIV prevention education.
Excuse their child from participation in comprehensive sexual health education and HIV prevention education in writing to the Charter School.
Be informed whether the comprehensive sexual health or HIV/AIDS prevention education will be taught by Charter School personnel or outside consultants. When the Charter School chooses to use outside consultants or to hold an assembly with guest speakers to teach comprehensive sexual health or HIV/AIDS prevention education, be informed of:
- The date of the instruction
- The name of the organization or affiliation of each guest speaker
Request a copy of Education Code sections 51930 through 51939.

Anonymous, voluntary, and confidential research and evaluation tools to measure students’ health behaviors and risks (including tests, questionnaires, and surveys containing age-appropriate questions about the student’s attitudes concerning or practices relating to sex) may be administered to students in grades 8. A parent or guardian has the right to excuse their child from the test, questionnaire, or survey through a passive consent (“opt-out”) process. Parents or guardians shall be notified in writing that this test, questionnaire, or survey is to be administered, given the opportunity to review the test, questionnaire, or survey if they wish, notified of their right to excuse their child from the test, questionnaire, or survey, and informed that in order to excuse their child they must state their request in writing to the Charter School.

A student may not attend any class in comprehensive sexual health education or HIV prevention education, or participate in any anonymous, voluntary, and confidential test, questionnaire, or survey on student health behaviors and risks if the Charter School has received a written request from the student’s parent or guardian excusing the student from participation. An alternative educational activity shall be made available to students whose parents or guardians have requested that they not receive the instruction or participate in the test, questionnaire, or survey.

Special Education /Students with Disabilities

We are dedicated to the belief that all students can learn and must be guaranteed equal opportunity to become contributing members of the academic environment and society. The Charter School provides special education instruction and related services in accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities in Education Improvement Act (“IDEA”), Education Code requirements, and applicable policies and procedures of the LACOE SELPA. These services are available for special education students enrolled at the Charter School. We offer high quality educational programs and services for all our students in accordance with the assessed needs of each student. The Charter School collaborates with parents, the student, teachers, and other agencies, as may be indicated, in order to appropriately serve the educational needs of each student.

Pursuant to the IDEA and relevant state law, the Charter School is responsible for identifying, locating, and evaluating children enrolled at the Charter School with known or suspected disabilities to determine whether a need for special education and related services exists. This includes children with disabilities who are homeless or foster youth. The Charter School shall not deny nor discourage any student from enrollment solely due to a disability. If you believe your child may be eligible for special education services, please contact Amber Cox, Lashon Valley 818-514-4566 or Lashon Academy City 213-514-5767.

Sudden Cardiac Arrest Prevention and Automated External Defibrillators

The Charter School is invested in the health of its athletes, especially their heart health. Sudden cardiac arrest (“SCA”) is when the heart stops beating, suddenly and unexpectedly. Those wishing to participate in athletics at the Charter School must review the information sheet on sudden cardiac arrest via the following link: https://www.cdc.gov/dhdsp/docs/cardiac-arrest-infographic.pdf

Surveys About Personal Beliefs

Unless the student’s parent/guardian gives written permission, a student will not be given any test, questionnaire, survey, or examination containing any questions about the student’s, or the student’s parents’ or guardians’ personal beliefs or practices in sex, family life, morality, or religion.