Charter School for grades TK-8
Call Us: 323-792-4403
Email:
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4928 South Western Ave
Civil rights laws prohibit discrimination and discriminatory harassment in K-12 public schools. A “protected class” is a group of people who share common characteristics and are protected from discrimination and harassment under federal and state law.
These groups are protected classes under state law:
- Race and color
- National origin
- Religion and creed
- Sex
- Sexual orientation
- Gender identity and gender expression
- Disability and the use of a trained dog guide or service animal
- Honorably discharged veteran or military status
Staff Member-Student Relations Policy
Boundaries Defined
For the purposes of this policy, the term “Boundaries” is defined as acceptable professional behavior by staff members while interacting with a student. Trespassing beyond the Boundaries of a student/teacher relationship is deemed an abuse of power and a betrayal of public trust.
Acceptable and Unacceptable Behavior
Some activities may seem innocent from a staff member’s perspective, but some of these can be perceived as flirtation or sexual insinuation from a student or parental point of view. The purpose of the following lists of acceptable and unacceptable behaviors is not to restrain innocent, positive relationships between staff and students but to prevent relationships that could lead to, or may be perceived as, sexual misconduct.
Staff members must understand their own responsibilities for ensuring that they do not cross the Boundaries as written in this policy. Disagreeing with the wording or intent of the established Boundaries will be considered irrelevant for any required disciplinary purposes. Thus, it is critical that all employees study this policy thoroughly and apply its spirit and intent in their daily activities. Although sincere, professional interaction with students fosters the charter mission of “Academic Excellence,” student/staff interaction has Boundaries regarding the activities, locations, and intentions.
Unacceptable Behaviors
(These lists, and any subsequent lists, are not meant to be all-inclusive, but rather illustrative of the types of behavior addressed by this policy.)
(a) Giving gifts to an individual student that are of a personal and intimate nature
(b) Kissing of ANY kind
(c) Any type of unnecessary physical contact with a student in a private situation
(d) Intentionally being alone with a student away from the school
(e) Making, or participating in, sexually inappropriate comments
(f) Sexual jokes, or jokes/comments with sexual double-entendre
(g) Seeking emotional involvement (which can include intimate attachment) with a student beyond the normative care and concern required of an educator
(h) Listening to or telling stories that are sexually oriented
(i) Discussing inappropriate personal troubles or intimate issues with a student in an attempt to gain their support and understanding
(j) Becoming involved with a student so that a reasonable person may suspect inappropriate behavior
(k) Giving students a ride to/from school or school activities without parent permission
(l) Being alone in a room with a student at school and with the door closed
(m) Allowing students in your home without signed parent permission for a pre-planned and pre-communicated educational activity which must include another educator, parent, or other responsible adult
(n) Remarks about the physical attributes or physiological development of anyone
(o) Excessive attention toward a particular student
(p) Sending e-mails, text messages, social media messages, or letters to students if the content is not about school activities and not in accordance with applicable school policies
(q) Corporal punishment of any type, including but not limited to spanking, hitting, kicking, or striking with an object, is strictly prohibited
Acceptable and Recommended Behaviors
(a) Obtaining parents’ written consent for any after-school activity on or off-campus (exclusive of tutorials)
(b) Obtaining formal approval (site and parental) to take students off school property for activities such as field trips or competitions
(c) E-mails, text messages, phone conversations, and other communications to and with students must be professional and pertain to school activities or classes (communication should be initiated via school-based technology and equipment).
(d) Keeping the door open when alone with a student
(e) Keeping reasonable space between you and your student
(f) Stopping and correcting students if they cross your own personal boundaries
(g) Keeping parents informed when a significant issue develops about a student
(h) Keeping after-class discussions with a student professional and brief
(i) Asking for advice from senior staff or administrators if you find yourself in a difficult situation related to Boundaries
(j) Involving your supervisor if a conflict arises with a student
(k) Informing your Principal about situations that have the potential to become more severe
(l) Making detailed notes about an incident that could evolve into a more serious situation later
(m) Recognizing the responsibility to stop unacceptable behavior of students and/or coworkers
(n) Asking another staff member to be present if you will be alone with any student who may have severe social or emotional challenges (and you are not the assigned case educator)
(o) Asking another staff member to be present, or within close supervisory distance, when you must be alone with a student after regular school hours
(p) Giving students praise and recognition without touching them in questionable areas;
(q) Giving appropriate pats on the back, high-five’s, and handshakes are appropriate
(r) Keeping your professional conduct a high priority during all moments of student contact
(s) Asking yourself if any of your actions which go contrary to these provisions are worth sacrificing your job and career
Reporting Violations of This Policy
When any staff member, parent, or student becomes aware of a staff member having crossed the Boundaries specified in this policy, he or she must immediately report the suspicion to Administration. All reports shall be confidential as possible and will be shared with those on a need-to-know basis and as otherwise required by law. Prompt reporting is essential to protect students, the suspected staff member, any witnesses, and the school as a whole. Employees must also report to the administration any awareness of, or concern about, student behavior that crosses Boundaries, or any situation in which a student appears to be at risk for sexual abuse.
Parental Resources https://sptsusa.org/parents/
1.12 Stakeholder Complaint Procedure(s)
Civil rights laws prohibit discrimination and discriminatory harassment in K-12 public schools. A “protected class” is a group of people who share common characteristics and are protected from discrimination and harassment under federal and state law.
These groups are protected classes under state law:
- Race and color
- National origin
- Religion and creed
- Sex
- Sexual orientation
- Gender identity and gender expression
- Disability and the use of a trained dog guide or service animal
- Honorably discharged veteran or military status