CASTLE ROCK CHARTER SCHOOL Del Norte County Office of Education MISSION STATEMENT Personalized Learning “EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION THROUGH PARTNERSHIPS WITH STUDENTS, PARENTS, PUBLIC SCHOOLS, AND THE COMMUNITY.”

PARENT HANDBOOK K-12

Mailing Address: 301 W. Washington Blvd. Physical Address: 1260 Glenn Street Crescent City, CA 95531 (707) 464-0390

Del Norte County Office of Education 301 W. Washington Blvd. Crescent City, CA 95531

Revised 10/12/15

Castle Rock Charter School Parent Handbook

TABLE OF CONTENTS Mission Statement.............................................................................................................................. 3 Introduction ........................................................................................................................................ 3 Program Description .......................................................................................................................... 3 Western Association of Schools & Colleges Accreditation (WASC) ............................................... 3 Enrollment Process ............................................................................................................................ 4 Supervising Teacher Support ............................................................................................................. 4 Mandatory Labs/Tutorials for Remediation ....................................................................................... 5 Parent Participation and Family Engagement Seminars .................................................................... 5 Attendance ......................................................................................................................................... 5 Evaluations and Interventions ............................................................................................................ 6 Methods of Measuring Student Progress ........................................................................................... 6 Measurable Student Outcomes and Graduation Requirements.......................................................... 7 Expected School Wide Learning Results ........................................................................................... 7 Work World Preparation/Seniors ....................................................................................................... 8 Expectations ....................................................................................................................................8-9 Behavior ............................................................................................................................................. 9 Dress and Grooming .......................................................................................................................... 9 District Discipline Statement ........................................................................................................... 10 Special Education............................................................................................................................. 10 Funds Allotment............................................................................................................................... 11 Thing of Value Policy ...................................................................................................................... 11 Nepotism/Conflict of Interest........................................................................................................... 12 Advisory Board ................................................................................................................................ 12 Calendar ........................................................................................................................................... 13 Sports ............................................................................................................................................... 13 School Newsletter+ .......................................................................................................................... 13 Transportation/Meals ....................................................................................................................... 13 Armed Services ................................................................................................................................ 13 Website ............................................................................................................................................ 13 Annual Notification of Parent/Guardian Rights............................................................................... 14 Voicing Your Concerns or Complaints............................................................................................ 14 Charter – Index................................................................................................................................. 15 2

MISSION STATEMENT Personalized Learning “EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION THROUGH PARTNERSHIPS WITH STUDENTS, PARENTS, PUBLIC SCHOOLS, AND THE COMMUNITY.” INTRODUCTION

Welcome to Castle Rock Charter School! CRCS offers a unique, innovative approach to education that creates a partnership between public education and families who wish to home school. You, the parent, accept the responsibility to be an integral part of the education for your child. You and your child will be provided with educational resources, an assigned credentialed teacher, parent information, educational Family Engagement Seminars materials and supplies, information on field trips, lab classes, technology, remediation opportunities and other support services. We encourage you to become an active participant in the educational program of Castle Rock Charter School.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION The mission of Castle Rock Charter School is:    

To offer a partnership between parents and the public school system; To provide a quality, unique method of educational reform in which parents who recognize a personal responsibility for the education of their youth will have a greater say in shaping that education; To offer a broad variety of parent directed, innovative, K-12 educational options which emphasize academic excellence, accountability and character development while meeting the unique learning needs of individual students, and; To promote life-long learning skills to advance our belief that parental involvement and partnership in education is critical to success.

WESTERN ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOLS & COLLEGES ACCREDITATION Castle Rock Charter School has been granted a six year term of accreditation by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Accrediting Commission. The term of accreditation runs from July 1, 2012 through June 30, 2018.

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ENROLLMENT PROCESS The only residency requirement for enrollment in Castle Rock Charter School is that students must reside in Del Norte County. An inter-district agreement is not required. If there are openings in the program, the following steps are required to enroll:     

Complete an application for admittance and meet with an administrator. Complete assessment testing in math and reading. Complete a Castle Rock registration form, Master Agreement, Parent/Student Agreement and all other required enrollment forms with a supervising teacher. Review the Castle Rock Charter School Charter and sign indicating that you understand and agree with its mission. (Copies of the complete Charter are available upon request and also on the Castle Rock Charter School website.) Provide a copy of the student’s birth certificate, immunization record and proof of residency.

SUPERVISING CREDENTIALED TEACHER SUPPORT Each family and student will be assigned a credentialed supervising teacher. The supervising teacher provides educational assistance to you and your student. The parent will decide the degree to which the supervising teacher is involved. The goal of this partnership is to provide parent choice in meeting the educational needs of their child on an individual basis. The supervising teacher is responsible for the following:      

Completing the required paperwork and documentation for each student; Advising and supporting both parents and students in the educational process, including offering remediation services and direct instruction; Ordering supplies and educational materials the parent/student needs; Communicating updated school information to the parents; Evaluating student progress via completed assignments and input from the parent and student; Keeping current with school policies and procedures.

The most important role of the supervising teacher (ST) is to offer guidance to the parent educator (PE) regarding an appropriate course of study to enable the student to meet the educational standards and graduation requirements. The parent will have input as to which educational approach will be used, the daily instructional schedule, the curriculum materials to be used and the correction of the child’s daily work. The ST may take the lead on these decisions if the parent desires it. The supervising teacher will assess, monitor and record the progress that is being made by the student in achieving benchmarks and standards. The supervising teacher and the parents and/or student are encouraged to meet up to one hour every week to review and document the learning that occurs in the student’s educational program. This documentation is called a “Learning Log.” (Board Policy mandates that students and teachers meet a MINIMUM of once every 20 school days.) In addition to providing the ST with an opportunity to evaluate the student’s progress, these regular contacts provide an opportunity for the parent to ask questions, for the ST to share information on teaching strategies, to offer support and encouragement, and for the assignment and evaluation of daily work. This time may also be used to choose samples of your student’s work to place in his/her portfolio. It is important to keep in mind that when parent/guardians enroll their child in Castle Rock Charter School, they accept the 4

primary responsibility for the education of their child. The student must be capable of accomplishing the assigned tasks independently with the guarantee of direct ST assistance of no more than one hour per week. The parents and/or student may also communicate with their ST via e-mail or telephone. The staff of Castle Rock Charter School is also here to assist you. Learning Logs and Attendance Records will be completed to document the following information:   

Daily student attendance documented by the parent; Student progress towards his/her goals & objectives; Documentation of completed assignments showing the learning achievement of the student.

The documentation of the student’s progress towards benchmarks and standards is the main role of the ST. The parent educator is responsible for monitoring the student’s daily work.

MANDATORY LABS TUTORIALS FOR REMEDIATION  

Students that need remediation, due to one or more of the following reasons, will be required to attend mandatory labs or tutorials. Students in grades 3 – 11 who are not meeting standards on the state mandated tests in English/Language Arts or Math. Students working below grade level based on a variety of assessments and tests.

The labs will be staffed by credentialed teachers and attendance will be taken. If students do not attend, there will be an intervention meeting held, and students may be withdrawn from Castle Rock. In special circumstances (pregnant or parenting teens, working teens, Special Education students and students with special needs), other curriculum may be utilized to remediate and track academic success. Administration will determine the best educational program and placement for students on a case-bycase basis. PARENT PARTICIPATION Parents are encouraged to take an active role in Castle Rock Charter School. This is your school. If you are interested in serving as a parent representative on the Castle Rock Advisory Board, you may submit your name to be included on the yearly ballot that is mailed to all parents at the end of May. You may also attend the Castle Rock Advisory Board meetings and the Del Norte County Board of Education meetings as a guest. Please read the school newsletters for details about resources and classes offered to Castle Rock students and families. Parent and Family Engagement Seminars: Parent/guardians of students are encouraged to attend the Family Engagement Seminars that are offered. These seminars are geared to offer assistance in helping you understand how to help your children improve their academic performance. Seminars may include topics such as understanding California Standard, test-taking, organizational strategies and health related topics such as nutrition, drug use, stress reduction, etc. Parents of struggling students are strongly encouraged to attend. ATTENDANCE The parent/guardian must monitor attendance on a daily basis. A student must take part in the learning process four to six hours every school day. If the minimum number of minutes (hours) have not been met, the student must make up the work. 5

If the student is sick or chooses not to engage in any learning process on a school day, the parent must record that as an absence (O) on the attendance sheet. Absences will result in an intervention or SARB (School Attendance Review Board) meeting to improve the student’s attendance. The meeting with the supervising teacher and administrator will provide an opportunity to receive help if your child is having difficulty completing the assigned work. During the meeting you can ask for suggestions about educational activities and resources. In addition, please feel free to call the Castle Rock Charter School program administrator at any time. We are here to offer you support. EVALUTIONS AND INTERVENTIONS If the student is completing insufficient work OR if the student has missed an appointment, or if there is a concern about the student’s educational plan, the parent and student will be notified in writing or by phone for a face-to-face intervention with a program administrator or designee. This may be an evaluation of the student’s assignments and work habits or it may be the initiation of the SARB (School Attendance Review Board) process. The teacher, parent and student must be present at the intervention meeting. Parents and students should bring all books and work samples in progress to the meeting. Prior learning logs and attendance sheets may also be discussed. The intervention process is meant to be helpful and may result in further assessment by an administrator or a change in curriculum. If the student and parent fail to come to the intervention, the parent will continue to receive truancy letters and be referred to the School Attendance Review Board. The student’s work permit may be cancelled and the student may be withdrawn from Castle Rock and referred to his/her school of residence. METHODS OF MEASURING STUDENT PROGRESS Castle Rock Charter School recognizes that each student is a unique person with individual strengths and areas of need. All students will not progress at the same rate. Evaluation of that progress will be based on individual abilities, interests, and talents. Student progress will be evaluated using a variety of assessments, including:           

Achieve 3000 Lexile Assessment Renaissance Assessment Testing Mandated state tests Review of work Portfolios Parent educator and credentialed teacher observation Formal tests Student demonstrations Student grades Computerized classes Standards assessments

Every child is expected to take a computerized diagnostic test in math and reading at initial enrollment. Diagnostic testing will then continue to take place every spring and fall. This information will be available to the parent and teacher to use as a guide in selecting materials for their child and measuring their child’s progress. The results will not be placed in the child’s cumulative record unless the parent wishes. Parents are welcome to view their child’s cumulative file at any time. All Castle Rock students are expected to take the annual state mandated tests. Continued enrollment at Castle Rock may be jeopardized if a student does not test. 6

MEASURABLE STUDENT OUTCOMES AND GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS Upon request, parents will be provided with a copy of the standards adopted by the California State Board of Education for each grade level or course of study to assist them as a guide in developing an individualized learning program for their child. Complete standards can be accessed on the California Department of Education website. The following web addresses will take you directly to the standards:      

English/Language Arts: http://www.cde.ca.gov/be/st/ss/documents/finalelaccssstandards.pdf Mathematics: http://www.cde.ca.gov/be/st/ss/documents/ccssmathstandardaug2013.pdf Science: http://www.cde.ca.gov/pd/ca/sc/ngssstandards.asp History/Social Science: http://www.cde.ca.gov/be/st/ss/documents/histsocscistnd.pdf Physical Education: http://www.cde.ca.gov/be/st/ss/documents/pestandards.pdf Visual and Performing Arts: http://www.cde.ca.gov/be/st/ss/documents/vpastandards.pdf

Castle Rock Charter School recognizes the importance of protecting the integrity of the charter in meeting these state standards. We believe that:     

Learning opportunities should be tailored to each individual student’s needs; One-to-one teaching is the primary instructional strategy used at Castle Rock Charter School; Real life “context based” learning may be emphasized; The student’s education is enriched through field trips, apprenticeships, cooperative classes, technology, etc. Schooling is viewed as one aspect of an education, and that the entire community serves as the school campus

CRCS students will perform and achieve as well as, or better than, students in similar California Charter schools. By graduation, students will achieve the Expected School Wide Learning Results:

EXPECTED SCHOOL WIDE LEARNING RESULTS 1. Castle Rock students will graduate with the academic and technical skills necessary to

be prepared for a college, career, or vocational pathway. 2. Castle Rock students will have the strength of character to persevere, take risks, and grow and learn from challenges. 3. Castle Rock students will develop the skills of lifelong learners such as having a growth mindset, resiliency, curiosity, and the ability to establish and meet personal and professional goals.

Castle Rock Charter School is chartered by Del Norte County Office of Education. It is authorized to award high school diplomas to those students who successfully complete the graduation requirements. The graduation requirements meet the graduation criteria and standards set by the Del Norte County Office of Education and the California Department of Education. Credits awarded by Castle Rock Charter School are transferable to other Del Norte schools. 7

Work World Preparation: Senior English will include the development of a career exploration project which will include the creation of a resume in order to help prepare students to enter the work force after graduation. Students wishing to enroll in a University of California or California State University School will have the opportunity to pursue a course of study that can meet the college preparatory coursework by enrolling at Castle Rock Charter School and co-enrolling at Del Norte High School and/or College of the Redwoods. In addition, Castle Rock students have the opportunity to earn college units by coenrolling and successfully completing courses at College of the Redwoods. EXPECTATIONS Castle Rock Charter School has developed expectations for all groups involved in our school. As each group fulfills their expectations, it will create a positive, respectful atmosphere for optimal student learning and achievement.

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PARENT/GUARDIAN EXPECTATIONS Consideration Responsibility Communication Call ahead if you are going • Provide a place for your • Maintain an open dialog to be late or absent student to study with your teacher Ensure your student • Make sure your child • Seek help as needed completes all work attends meetings, testing, • Inform your teacher of labs, etc. Support and encourage your important information student • Help your student find the • Keep personal information support system he/she Monitor your student’s updated needs progress regularly Discuss your student’s progress with his/her teacher STUDENT EXPECTATIONS Consideration Responsibility Communication Be kind and respectful • Do your best work • Call ahead if late or absent Be prepared • Bring books and all work to • Keep personal information appointments updated Be on time • Keep all appointments • Discuss progress with your Listen teacher • Make academic progress Follow school expectations • Maintain an open dialog • Use school supplies with your teacher appropriately • Ask for help

Consideration • Meet timelines • Have high expectations • Acknowledge student’s environment, background, skills and health • Be kind and positive

TEACHER EXPECTATIONS Responsibility • Be prompt • Complete all paperwork • Meet professional requirements • Ensure academic progress

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Communication Call if late or absent Maintain a dialogue Develop and use a system of contacts

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Consideration • Follow school expectations • Encourage respectful behavior • Provide a safe learning environment

VENDOR EXPECTATIONS Responsibility • Be on time and prepared • Provide teachers with work samples and attendance for each learning log • Use class time effectively • Ensure student’s compliance with school rules • Notify students and school if class is cancelled • Set and adhere to class guidelines

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Communication Maintain an open dialog Notify the school and students of any cancellations of classes

BEHAVIOR Students are expected to behave in a safe, respectful and responsible manner and obey all policies and procedures related to behavior while at a Castle Rock Charter School activity or in the presence of their supervising teacher while any activities related to home schooling instruction are being conducted in the student’s home or while on other school campuses. All discipline matters will be conducted in compliance with constitutional due process. Parents are expected to work closely with Castle Rock Charter School staff to reinforce the school rules and behavioral expectations. Students may be withdrawn from Castle Rock Charter School by the school administrator and referred back to their district of residence for non-compliance with the terms of the Charter. Students may be recommended for suspension or expulsion as set forth in the policies and procedures of the Del Norte County Office of Education. Castle Rock Charter School students recommended for expulsion will have all the rights and constitutional due process afforded any student enrolled in Del Norte County Unified School District Schools.

DRESS AND GROOMING The following dress and grooming standards apply when students are on the Castle Rock Charter School campus or attending labs, classes or activities associated with the school: • Shoes or sandals must be worn at all times. • Clothing, jewelry and personal items (backpacks, fanny packs, gym bags, water bottles, etc.) shall be free of writing, pictures or any other insignia which are crude, vulgar, profane or sexually aggressive, which bear drug, alcohol or tobacco company advertising, promotions and likenesses, or which advocate racial, ethnic or religious prejudice. • Hats, hoods and caps should not be worn in classrooms. Exceptions may be made in cases when hats and caps may contribute to safety by keeping hair away from the face and eyes such as in shop class. • Clothes shall be sufficient to conceal undergarments at all times. See-through or fish-net fabrics, halter tops, off-the-shoulder or low-cut tops, bare midriffs and skirts or shorts shorter than midthigh are prohibited. 9

Castle Rock Charter School/Del Norte County Office of Education DISCIPLINE STATEMENT The Del Norte County Office of Education has developed the following discipline statement that has been included for your information: Castle Rock Charter School (CRCS) is dedicated to helping students achieve their full potential by providing the best education possible. One very important element in achieving this goal is providing students and staff with a safe and positive learning environment. CRCS is aware that the primary responsibility for teaching and developing student’s self-discipline, responsibility and respect for the rights of others is with the parents. CRCS is also concerned with the development of attitudes, habits and behaviors that are valuable to success in school and in life. To help achieve this, our discipline policy involves recognition for positive behaviors, as well as interventions and consistent consequences for behaviors that disrupt the learning environment, create unsafe situations or violate the rights of others. CRCS’s behavioral goal for every student is to remain fully engaged in learning. In order to accomplish this goal we will intervene before a student has behaviors that will disrupt his/her education or the education of others. Interventions are progressive from mild to severe. The purpose of the behavior intervention is to systematically address the behaviors of concern at the lowest level possible. Teacher procedures and routines and school-wide expectations and discipline polices are explained, positively reinforced and revisited as necessary. Bullying and harassment behaviors will be addressed immediately upon reporting of such incidents. These are defined as behaviors that are sufficiently severe, pervasive or objectively offensive, that limit or deny another student’s education or create a hostile or abusive educational environment. An act is considered harassment in nature if it deals with race, disability, age, origin, sex or religion and is considered a civil rights issue. Bullying covers all other acts and occurs when a student is the target of repeated negative actions. Victims of bullying or harassment are encouraged to talk to their teacher, another teacher on site, a counselor or administrator. In these situations, an action plan will be developed that helps the victim and addresses the perpetrator. (Harassment and bullying do not include normal conflicts between students of equal power, or other minor incidents that may be coincidental or rarely occur between students.) SPECIAL EDUCATION Castle Rock Charter School recognizes the importance of providing educational opportunities to all students, regardless of special needs. This charter school pledges that individuals with special needs will be served in accordance with the provisions of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

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Each special education student must have an IEP stating that the Independent Study program offered through Castle Rock Charter School is the most appropriate placement for that child. Education Code 51745 (c) states: “No individual with exceptional needs, as defined in Section 56026, may participate in independent study, unless his or her individualized education program developed pursuant to Article 3 (commencing with Section 56340) of Chapter 4 of Part 30 specifically provides for that participation. In other words, the IEP team must determine that an Independent Study program will best meet the needs of the student. Students who have a disability, but do not qualify for Special Education, may qualify for a 504 Plan. Please contact the 504 Coordinator if you have further questions. FUNDS ALLOTMENT Each student will have an account allotted to lease educational materials related to their educational goals listed on the Master Agreement and to purchase vendor services. All educational items and nonconsumable supplies purchased are the property of Castle Rock Charter School and must be returned to the school when the student graduates or dis-enrolls from the school. Sectarian materials may not be purchased with public funds. Prudent judgment should be used at all times when using educational funds. Funds Allotment for Electives: If students are required to attend labs/tutorials for remediation, their funds will be limited for elective use. For example, students required to attend tutorials, will not be able to use funds to pay for a gym membership, aikido, etc. Their funds will be used to pay for tutorial instruction. Students may “earn” their way back into the flexible academic program and flexible fund use for electives by raising academic performance. Improved academic performance will be measured by state mandated test scores in the standards met, or standards exceeded range; increased high school credit completion, and successful completion of mandatory labs/tutorials. Thing of Value: Audit guidelines state that public schools can NOT use state funds to provide a “thing of value” for any student or family. Castle Rock can purchase INSTRUCTIONAL and INTRODUCTORY materials with student allocations. Here are some examples and common sense illustrations: 1. Castle Rock can purchase one-time introductory materials (art kits, craft kits, beading kits), but can NOT purchase the expensive or advanced materials (i.e. $100 worth of beads, or $150.00 worth of material for quilts, etc.). 2. Castle Rock can purchase instructional materials such as a few pens, a few pencils, paper, etc.; but NOT the “101 set of colored pencils” or set of 50 gel pens. 3. Castle Rock can purchase the instruction for bike repair, but NOT the $150.00 for parts. Other considerations: 4. What would the “resale” price be for something a student makes in his or her class? Can the student make a profit on the project? 5. Would it look good on the front page of the paper? 6. Does the total cost of “electives” amount to more than 33% of a student’s allotment? (220 credits/70 of which are electives) 7. If a family chooses to buy their own academic program, then that is their choice; but the allocation of 33% for electives is still in effect.

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NEPOTISM/CONFLICT OF INTEREST Castle Rock Charter School is committed to ensuring the quality of its educational program. In an effort to provide its students with the best services available and to avoid conflicts of interest, the Charter School adopts this Nepotism/Conflict of Interest Policy regarding payments for academic tutoring and/or extra classes such as music lessons, art lessons, etc. Subject to the exceptions in this policy, supervising teachers and/or vendors may receive payment from a student’s allocation as compensation for the provision of tutoring services and/or extra classes to a student of the Charter School. Any violation of this policy will be grounds for a denial of service and/or payment. Specific exceptions: 1.A supervising teacher shall not receive extra compensation for tutoring services provided to a student of the teacher. 2.A supervising teacher’s relatives shall not receive compensation for the provision of tutoring services and/or elective classes to a student of that teacher unless the following conditions are met: (a) the class and/or activity has five (5) or more students; and (b) no more than twenty percent (20%) of the students in the class and/or activity are that teacher’s relatives or students of the teacher. 3.A student’s allotment shall not be used to pay for the provision of tutoring services and/or elective classes to another student. Consequently, for families with more than one student enrolled in the Charter School, a student’s allotment shall not be used to pay for the provision of tutoring services and/or elective classes to a sibling or other relative of the student. 4.No more than fifty percent (50%) of a supervising teacher’s student case load may be composed of the teacher’s own children. Additionally, supervising teachers must meet face-to-face with each of that teacher’s students for the minimum hours required. As a standard, supervising teachers are expected to hold face-to-face meetings with students for a minimum of one hour at least once per week. (The following meetings do not qualify: meetings by phone, meetings by internet, meetings with only the student’s parent(s)/guardian(s).) 5.A supervising teacher shall not receive extra compensation for the classes, other than the regular one hour of instruction per week, provided to the teacher’s own child unless the following conditions are met: (a) the class and/or activity has five (5) or more students; and (b) no more than twenty percent (20%) of the students in the class and/or activity are that teacher’s relatives or students of the teacher. 6.A vendor shall not receive compensation for the provision of tutoring services and/or extra classes to the vendor’s own child unless the following conditions are met: (1) the class and/or activity has five (5) or more students; and (b) no more than twenty percent (20%) of the students in the class and/or activity are that vendor’s relatives. For the purpose of this policy, the term “relative” means parent, child, sibling, grandparent, grandchild, spouse, registered domestic partner, guardian, ward; step, or adoptive relative, or anyone residing in a permanent basis in the home. Also, the term “supervising teacher” refers to any teacher. ADVISORY BOARD The mission of the Advisory Board is to protect the integrity of the Charter. This committee is responsible for recommendations to the CRCS program administrator regarding the administration of the school. You are encouraged to take an active role in the Advisory Board. The Advisory Board meets monthly and all interested students and parents are invited to attend. Advisory Board parent representatives will be selected by CRCS parents on an annual basis. 12

CALENDAR Castle Rock Charter School has a single track, 180 day student calendar. A yearly student calendar showing student school days, holidays, and other important dates is available through your ST or through the school office. This calendar may change throughout the school year based on budgetary constraints. SPORTS Students enrolled in Castle Rock have the option of participating in local recreational activities. Castle Rock’s sports vendors include Del Norte Youth Soccer Association, Del Norte Youth Football, Crescent City Little League Baseball and Softball, Youth and Teen League Recreational Basketball, and the Crescent City Swim Club and various other activities. Organized middle school team sports are available if an adequate number of students choose to participate. Castle Rock Charter School is a NCSCIF member and has its own track and field team. Students wishing to participate must contact the Castle Rock office.

SCHOOL NEWSLETTER Castle Rock newsletters will be published monthly. Newsletters contain valuable information about resources, services, parent support groups, field trips, graduation, teaching tips and other school activities etc. Parents are encouraged to submit information for publication in the newsletter. You may access the newsletter on the Castle Rock website or a copy will be mailed to your home.

TRANSPORTATION/MEALS Castle Rock only transports students for testing and field trips. We do not transport students to and from school on a regular basis. Castle Rock does not provide a breakfast or lunch program. Both of these issues (transportations and meals) follow guidelines set forth in Independent Study Rules and Regulations. ARMED SERVICES – POST GRADUATION If students are interested in joining any branch of the Armed Services after graduation, it is very important you contact the respective recruiter to determine if an accredited independent study diploma will be recognized. Some branches of the military do not accept an independent study diploma unless the student has met a required scored on the ASVAB. In some instances, College of the Redwoods units may be used to qualify the diploma; i.e., the U.S. Army may accept students if they have completed 15 transferrable units in addition to their high school diploma. CASTLE ROCK WEBSITE You can access information about Castle Rock on the Internet. The website provides information about the school calendar, important dates, the staff, services, vendors, forms, and much more. Visit: https://sites.google.com/a/delnorte.k12.ca.us/castlerock/

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ANNUAL NOTIFICATION OF PARENT/GUARDIAN RIGHTS Each year Del Norte County Office of Education is required to notify parents or guardians of their rights and responsibilities as specified in the Education Code of California. The Annual Notification of Parent/Guardian Rights booklet is provided on the Del Norte County Unified School District’s website www.delnorte.k12.ca.us to assist parents or guardians in identifying and explaining your rights. Copies of the booklet are also available at all school sites and the school district office. VOICING YOUR CONCERNS OR COMPLAINTS Del Norte County Office of Education (DNCOE) is primarily responsible for compliance with federal and state laws and regulations (T5CCR4620). Your views will be kept confidential to the extent of the law, and by law you are protected from any form of retaliation for coming forward with your concern. Step 1: Talk with a DNCOE site administrator at the site/division or Superintendent about your concern/complaint. You may request a copy of the DNCOE complaint resolution policy that addresses your concern/complaint free of charge. DNCOE staff will try to resolve the issue with you at this step within 5 working days and will investigate as appropriate or as required by policy. Step 2: If you are not satisfied with Step 1, or if you choose to start here, please voice your concern/complaint in writing to the director of the division. If you do not know the director’s name, DNCOE staff will provide you with the director’s name and telephone number, where appropriate. If you cannot write due to inability or disability, DNCOE staff will assist you. The address for any written communication is in Definition 1. Please also refer to the DNCOE policy that addresses your concern/complaint, listed after Step 3 of this brochure. The director will try to resolve the issue with you within 5 working days and will investigate as appropriate and/or as required by policy. Step 3: If you are not satisfied with Step 2, or if you choose, you may send a letter to the Superintendent, along with a copy of your Step 2 written concern/complaint, if available. The Superintendent will initiate an investigation within 5 working days of receiving your letter. The investigation and report will be completed within 60 calendar days of your letter, unless this is an initial investigation of a complaint of discrimination involving a student, which shall be completed within 20 calendar days. The investigator may conduct interviews, review documents, and visit the site, as appropriate, to resolve the complaint. You may have a chance to meet with others involved to resolve the issue. The investigator will prepare a written report with facts and recommendations for resolution of your complaint, including possible actions and copies of all official relevant documents. Step 4: If you are not satisfied with Step 1, 2 or 3, you may appeal DNCOE’s decision to the California Department of Education (CDE). To appeal to CDE, you must send the appeal in writing within 15 days of receiving DNCOE’s decision. In your CDE appeal, you must specify the reason(s) for your appeal; include copies of your original complaint and letter, and a copy of DNCOE’s decision. Contact information for the CDE is: Categorical Programs Complaints Management Unit, CDE 1430 N Street, Suite 5408, Sacramento, CA 95814 (916) 319-0929 Step 5: The complainant has the right to pursue any civil law remedies that may be available under state or federal discrimination laws, if applicable, and appeal the district’s decision to the State Department of Education within 15 days of the district’s decision pursuant to Education Code Section 262.3 (EC 262.3, T5CCR4622).Copies of the complaint procedures shall be available free of charge (T5CCR4622). Uniform Complaint Officer: County & District Superintendent, 707-464-0200.

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Charter OF THE

Castle Rock Charter School A California Public Charter School Del Norte County Office of Education

Mission Statement:

Personalized Learning “Excellence in Education through Partnerships with Students, Parents, Public Schools and the Community” Approved and renewed on October 14, 2010 by the Del Norte County Office of Education The following sixteen elements are incorporated into the charter renewal for Castle Rock Charter School: A. B. C. D. E. F. G. H. I. J. K. L. M. N. O. P.

Educational Programs Outcomes/standards Assessment Methods Governance – Legal Staffing Health and Safety Racial and Ethnic Balance Admissions Fiscal Audit (Program Audit recommendation) Student Suspension and Expulsion Retirement Systems Student Attendance Alternatives Staff Return Rights Dispute Resolution Process Labor Relations Close-out procedures

*If you wish to review the entire charter, please request a copy from Castle Rock’s main office.

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