Student & Parent Handbook

 

Offices of the Principal and school secretary are found in the Main Office. Student Services is also located in the Main Office: Assistant Principals, Counselors, Guidance Clerk/Registrar, Attendance Clerk, and Health Clerk. Open 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

 

See the Attendance Clerk for clearing absences, late passes, off-grounds passes, and locker assignments. Students must never leave campus without speaking to the Attendance Clerk.

 

The Health Clerk helps with immunization records, minor medical emergencies, and contacting parents for students who have become ill and need to go home. Note: Health Clerk is not a nurse and is prohibited by law from giving out medication without written approval from the student’s doctor. 

 

See our registrar for transcripts, information on credits, course descriptions, and testing programs. 

Contact our Athletic Director for all questions related to athletics, coaches, practice schedules, and facilities. The Athletic Director’s office is next to the Boys’ Locker Room.

 

All matters related to student extra-curricular activities are coordinated by the Activities Director.

The library is open before school, during lunch, and after school. Some school business may affect these hours. Library books may be checked out for three weeks; reference books may not be checked out but may have pages photocopied. Students and their parents must have filed a Technology Agreement contract prior to using any school computer. Eating and drinking are not allowed. Students who disturb others or violate library rules may be denied library privileges. Late or overdue books result in fines, which may affect participation in dances and other school activities.

 

Technology Clerk
Issues with technology such as classroom phones, student Chromebooks, staff laptops/desktops, projectors, or printers should be directed to our technology Clerk who is located in the Library. Use the district Tech Ticket through the Staff Portal.

Textbooks are furnished to students free of charge. Students are accountable for the cost of replacing/repairing textbooks which are lost or damaged. 

For lost books and technology, go to the library; for lost clothing/personal items, go to the Main Office. Students are encouraged not to bring large amounts of money or valuable items to school. 

Students can pick up the form in the Main Office. A signature from the employer and parent is required before the permit is turned back into the Main Office. Students must have a minimum of a 2.0 to qualify for a Work Permit. Permits may be revoked due to a decline in a  student’s attendance, behavior or grades. 

Apparel: Students are required to wear clothing in PE that is conducive to athletic activities. For safety and supervision reasons, shirts must be gray and shorts or sweats must be green. Students must wear closed toe athletic footwear. PE uniforms are available for optional purchase. 
Excuses: A student may be excused from PE for up to three days with a signed note from parents; medical excuses for longer than three days require a doctor’s note. Students with verified injuries or illness that impedes their ability to participate in PE for six weeks or more will be removed from PE. The student will be re-enrolled once they are healed and/or healthy either the following semester or when it fits into the students schedule. If the injury or illness is a week to a few weeks, the student will be expected to participate at the level identified by their doctor and may be required to do alternative assignments depending on the limitations.  

Canvas is Leigh’s primary tool to communicate with students and parents. ALL students are expected to maintain an active Canvas account, and all parents are strongly encouraged to enroll on the site. Teachers use Canvas to post daily homework assignments; both students and parents can see what has been assigned and when it’s due. Teachers also use the Canvas gradebook. Students and parents should use the site to track progress, see missing assignments, and see grades on individual assignments. Some teachers may also post handouts and other class materials here. 

Lockers

Lockers may not be shared or used by any other student; any items in lockers will be considered the property of the student to whom the locker is assigned. Locks are furnished free of charge; lost locks will result in a charge for the replacement cost. Do not bring or leave personal belongings or valuables in lockers. The school does not have insurance to cover lost/damaged items left in lockers and is not responsible for any missing item(s). Lockers are subject to random search by school administration, and/or search due to reasonable suspicion. (CUHSD Board Policy and Administrative Regulation 5145.12)

There is no required fee, charge, or cost for any class, textbook, class tools, or field trips the school offers. LHS provides the books, materials, and equipment for classes.. LHS may ask for voluntary monetary donations toward the cost of materials or field trips; however, no student will be denied access to a free education. Extra donations and voluntary participation in fundraising are always deeply appreciated.  (CUHSD Administrative Regulation 3261; CA Ed Code 49010-49014)

All students will receive a free photo identification card (ID) at registration. Students with cell phones are encouraged to take a photo of their ID so that it is easy to keep with them. All students are required to carry their IDs at all times on campus and at school events. IDs are required to attend school events, purchase lunch in the school cafeteria, and check out books. Students can purchase an ASB Card upgrade, which provides free admission to regular season home athletic events, discounts on most dance tickets, and a yearbook. Lost cards can be replaced by the Activities Director for a replacement fee of $5.

 

To ensure that classroom or academic concerns are addressed effectively, students and parents should start by contacting the teacher. If the teacher does not resolve the concern, then proceed with the next person on this list: 

1. Teacher
2. Assistant Principal or Counselor
3. Principal

 

Respect for and compliance with the district’s Student Athlete Code of Conduct is expected of every student who participates in the athletic program. A copy is available at athleticclearance.com and will be part of signing up for a sport.

 

Leigh High School believes that participation in athletics is a privilege; it is each athlete’s responsibility to represent LHS by maintaining academic eligibility, high standards of citizenship, and honoring the game. Our Athletic Code requires student athletes to serve as a representative of our school, our community and act as a role model for others.

 

FALL SPORTS	WINTER SPORTS	SPRING SPORTS
Football	Boys Soccer	Boys Volleyball
Cross Country	Girls Soccer	Swim and Diving
Field Hockey	Boys Basketball	Track and Field
Girls Tennis	Girls Basketball	Boys Tennis
Girls Volleyball	Wrestling	Softball
Girls Golf	Cheer	Badminton
Water Polo		Boys Golf
		Baseball

 

LHS athletes, coaches, and fans will pursue victory with honor; our athletes will accept defeat without complaint, victory without gloating, and treat opponents with fairness, courtesy, and respect. Sportsmanship is the responsibility of everyone involved in an athletic contest: players, coaches, officials, cheerleaders, students, parents, and other spectators. Coaches, players, and spectators will respect the integrity and judgment of the officials, and will refrain from the following:  

• Berating or ridiculing your opponent’s players, school, or mascot
• Making obscene or negative cheers or gestures
• Using artificial noisemakers
• Complaining about officials’ calls (verbally or with gestures)

Any player, coach, or spectator who is ejected from a contest will be ineligible to compete in the next contest.

 

 

There are several prerequisites for trying out for a team. The student/athlete must have:

• a current physical exam covering the entire school year;
• proof of medical insurance (inexpensive insurance may be purchased through the school if the family does not have insurance—contact the Main Office for information);
• met all of the academic eligibility requirements listed below;
• paid all outstanding school bills; 
• eligible residency as defined by the CCS.

 

Freshmen come into high school automatically eligible and are not required to meet the requirements listed below during the first grading period of their freshmen year. Academic eligibility for athletic participation requires that the student meet the following criteria:

• be enrolled in a minimum of five classes
• have passed a minimum of 20 units in the previous grading period
• have earned a minimum of a 2.0 grade point average in the previous official grading period. 

 

There is no fee, charge, or cost to participate in extracurricular teams. Voluntary donations and voluntary participation in fundraising for a team is always deeply appreciated. The school will provide the uniform, materials, and equipment for extracurricular teams, free of charge. If a student wants to purchase accessories that are not required for the uniform, such accessories are optional and are not provided by the school. If a student wants to purchase items for the uniform that the school would otherwise provide (such as a student wants to purchase a uniform cap because the student wants to keep it at the end of the season rather than returning it), the student should talk to the coach or check the online store, but such items are not required to be purchased because the school will provide them. All uniform items provided by the school must be returned promptly at the end of the season when the coach or staff requests. Please contact the Principal if there is any concern that a fee, charge, or cost is required so that the Principal can clarify.

 

 

School coaches, teachers, and administrators believe that attendance in all classes is necessary to maintain good grades, and we expect all of our athletes to attend (and be on time to) all classes. A student athlete must meet all of the following minimum attendance requirements to participate in practice and/or a game:

• The student must be present a minimum of 2 out of 3 periods
• Accepted reasons for an absence to be excused for the one period are:
  • Dental or Medical Appointments (must have a doctor's note.)
  • Serious family illness (validation may be required.)
• Accepted reasons for absence to be excused for more than 1 period (with proof/validation): 
  • Jury Duty
  • INS Appointment
  • Funeral
  • Religious event/holiday

If the student athlete is absent from school for any other reason, he or she will not be allowed to practice or play. Athletes who do not attend school on Friday may not play in a game on Saturday.

 

Athletes are expected to abide by all school rules. Students who have detention assigned must complete their detention prior to attending practice. Student Athletes who are suspended from school may be ineligible or removed from a team, and are subject to the following sanctions:

 

1 to 3 days of suspension	During the days of suspension, the student may not attend or participate in any school sponsored activities whether these activities are at Leigh or at another location.
4 to 5 days	During the days of suspension, the student may not attend or participate in any school sponsored activities whether these activities are at Leigh or at another location. The student will not be allowed to participate in the next scheduled competition upon his/her return from suspension.
6+ days	The student will be removed from the team and shall be ineligible for the next 2 subsequent athletic seasons.

 

 

Each athlete is responsible for safeguarding and not losing all equipment and uniform items checked out to him or her. Grades, awards, block letters, and clearance for eligibility will be withheld until all equipment and uniform items have been returned or bills for lost items have been paid. Failure to return equipment and uniform items will result in a replacement bill for the items.

 

 

Students who have made the team are expected to attend practices regularly, participate with a respectful attitude, and remain on the team for the duration of the season (pending academic ineligibility). A player who quits a team in the middle of the season or is dropped from the team by the coach for attendance or disciplinary reasons will not be allowed to participate on another team until the present season is completed, unless approved in writing to do so by the Athletic Director.

 

Transferring from one school to another school may affect your athletic eligibility under Central Coast Section (CCS) and California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) rules. It is the student’s responsibility to see the Athletic Director for these rules. A transfer because of student discipline may impact eligibility.

 

 

To ensure that team concerns are addressed effectively, start by contacting the coach. If the coach does not resolve your concern, then follow this order:  Head Coach, Athletic Director, Principal

 

 

Leigh High School adheres to a District Wide Student Compliance Policy that is enforced on campus regardless of the time of day, to and from school, during all school hours and at, to, or from all school-sponsored activities. Each student must comply with all rules; offenses are clearly stated in the Student Handbook and the Assistant Principals’ presentation of school rules provided at the beginning of each year and which may be periodically restated throughout the school year. Among the offenses listed in the Student Handbook, the Education Code mandates that a student MUST be recommended for expulsion AND the CUHSD Board of Trustees MUST expel a student who has committed any of the following serious offenses:

1. Possessing, selling or otherwise furnishing a firearm.
2. Brandishing a knife at another person.
3. Unlawfully selling a controlled substance.
4. Committing or attempting to commit a sexual assault or committing a sexual battery. Sexual battery includes touching an intimate part (female's breast or anyone's anus, groin, sexual organ, or buttocks) against that person's will (without consent) for a sexual purpose, even if the touching is through clothing.
5. Possession of an explosive.

Among the offenses listed in the Student Handbook, the Education Code mandates that a student MUST be recommended for expulsion and may be expelled for the following serious offenses:  

• Causing serious physical injury to another person, not in self-defense
• Possession of any knife or dangerous object of no reasonable use to a pupil. This includes, but is not limited to, the following:
  • knives (any type or size) or any object that is sharp or can cut
  • firearms or look-alike firearms such as pellet guns or airsoft guns
  • brass knuckles
  • fighting sticks
  • any dangerous object
• Unlawful possession of any controlled substance listed in Section 11053 and the following sections of the California Health and Safety Code which includes, but is not limited to, the following:
  • Marijuana (over 1 oz., or concentrated, or second or subsequent offense) (First offense of less than 1 oz. of unconcentrated marijuana)
  • Cocaine
  • Methamphetamines
  • Ecstasy
  • Prescription medication (If possession is not in accordance with school rules) 
• Robbery and/or extortion
• Assault or battery on a school employee, including a school resource officer (SRO)

 

Other offenses that may result in expulsion include threatening, attempting, or causing injury; willful use of force; possession or use of drugs, alcohol, or intoxicants or look-alike substances; damage to/stealing property; possession or use of tobacco or vaporizers; obscenity/profanity/vulgarity; possession of drug paraphernalia; disruption/defiance; receipt of stolen property; bullying or cyberbullying; hazing; harassment; hate violence; or terroristic threats.

 

 

Parents should contact the appropriate teacher or school administrator. If you have concerns that you would like to report to the district office administration, go to https://www.cuhsd.org/apps/pages/complaints or  call the appropriate person.

Employees Chief of Strategy & Human Capital408-371-0960 x2010

Students or Guardians Assistant Superintendent Educational Services408-371-0960 x2059

504 & Title IX Director of Student Services408-371-0960 x2016

Special Education Director of Special Education 408-371-0960 x2024

Property Damage or Injury Admin. Asst. of Business Services408-371-0960 x2031

 

The Uniform Complaint Process is mandated by the California Education Code for any program or activity that receives or benefits from state financial assistance. The district has instituted Uniform Compliance Process Board Policy 1312.3 and Administrative Regulation 1312.3 to investigate and resolve uniform complaint issues including:

• Unlawful discrimination (such as discriminatory harassment, intimidation, or bullying) based on the person's actual or perceived characteristics of race or ethnicity, color, ancestry, nationality, national origin, immigration status, ethnic group identification, age, religion, marital status, pregnancy, parental status, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, or genetic information, or any other characteristic identified in Education Code 200 or 220, Government Code 11135, or Penal Code 422.55, or based on his/her association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics  (5 CCR 4610)
• Complaints alleging failure to comply with state or federal law in adult education programs, consolidated categorical aid programs, migrant education, career technical education programs, child care and development programs, child nutrition programs, school safety plans, and special education programs

 

Notify the school site principal for instructional materials/textbooks, teacher misassignment/vacancy, or school facilities conditions complaints.Williams Uniform Complaint (Administrative Regulation 1312.4) allows the public to file grievances regarding:

• Insufficiency of textbooks and instructional materials;
• Teacher vacancy or misassignments;
• the conditions of school facilities including but not limited to, gas leaks, major pest of vermin infestation, structural damage creating a hazardous or uninhabitable condition; or any other condition deemed appropriate. (Education Code 17592.72) 
• Emergency or urgent threat at school facilities that may pose a threat to the health or safety of students or staff;
• A school restroom that has not been cleaned, maintained or kept open in accordance with Education Code 35292.5.
• For a school that serves students in any of grades 6-12 with 40 percent or more of its students from low-income families, as defined, the school has not stocked at least half of its restrooms with feminine products at all times and made those products available to students at no cost.