Student & Parent Handbook

I. Introduction

Welcome to Temecula Preparatory School! We are excited that you are part of what we believe is one of the best educational institutions in this area of the country. The TPS academic program has been noted on several occasions both locally and nationally. We are committed to teaching virtues and providing a strong classical education. In order to do this, we have developed a number of school policies and practices designed to help you succeed at TPS. These policies and practices are set forth below for your review. TPS administration reserves the right to update the handbook, at any time, if necessary.  Parents will be informed of updates to the handbook by school-wide email and a copy of the most recent handbook will be maintained on the school website. If, at any time, you have questions regarding these, please feel free to contact us.

All students are ensured an equal opportunity for admission in and access to the educational and co-curricular programs. Temecula Preparatory School policies, procedures, and practices ensure that there is no discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender (including sexual harassment), physical or mental disabilities. This is in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1975. The lack of English language skills will not be a barrier for admission and participation in any program. All students have equal education facilities and evaluation procedures, and there shall be equal allocations of vocational education funds. This nondiscrimination policy covers admission and access to, and treatment and employment in, all the Vocational Education Programs and activities.

Temecula Preparatory School does not discriminate and acknowledges its obligation to offer eligible students a free appropriate public education (“FAPE”) in the least restrictive environment (“LRE”) in compliance with state and federal laws.  Before your child is enrolled in Temecula Preparatory School, you are not required to disclose to us whether your child has a disability or provide a copy of his/her IEP or Section 504 plan to our school. However, soon after your child is enrolled in our school, we will ask for this information to ensure your child is offered a FAPE in the LRE. 

VISION

A Heritage of Virtue, Wisdom and Knowledge

MISSION

Temecula Preparatory School inspires students to become virtuous citizens, critical thinkers, and life-long learners through a classical education and understanding of human virtue.1

*For a very good understanding of classical education, we strongly recommend parents and upper school students read “The Core” written by Leigh A. Bortins published in 2010. This book provides an excellent explanation for the TPS vision and mission.

TPS SCHOOLWIDE LEARNING OUTCOMES

I. Virtus (Virtue) – TPS students are exemplary citizens who:

A.  Demonstrate standards of excellence in virtuous character, manners, and civility

B.  Understand the principles of a democratic society through the study of American and Greco-Roman history

C.  Exhibit responsible citizenship through civic participation and community service

II.  Disciplina (Discipline) – TPS students are prudent individuals who:

A.  Make responsible decisions based on the study of classical human virtue

B.  Recognize, value, and advocate for Truth, Beauty, and Goodness

III. Docere (Education) – TPS students are knowledgeable, independent thinkers who:

A.  Acquire a classical foundation of core knowledge 

B.  Use logical thinking to analyze problems, discover relationships, and create solutions

C.  Utilize rhetorical skills to positively influence others and initiate change

D.  Listen, read, write, speak, and act with purpose

E.  Evaluate individual decisions from a global perspective

II. Daily Routine Expectations

PARENT/GUARDIAN COMMUNICATION 

It is the expectation that when parents have concerns regarding their child, that the parent/guardian should first reach out to the staff member that is directly involved with the situation.  For example, if there is a classroom issue, please reach out to the teacher directly.  Administration can become involved if the issue is not resolved after the proper communication has occurred.  

ARRIVALS AND DISMISSALS 

Transitional Kindergarten (TK) – 6th Grade Arrival

Monday through Friday – Class begins at 8:15 a.m.  If your child is not in their classroom by 8:15 a.m., they are considered tardy.  Parents may drop off their child beginning at 7:45 a.m., which is when the gate opens and there is supervision.

7 – 12 Arrival

Monday through Friday – Class begins at 8:30 a.m. If your child is not in their classroom by  8:30 a.m., they are considered tardy. Parents may drop off students and student drivers may arrive on campus beginning at 8:10 a.m. which is when the gate opens and there is supervision.

TK-12 Dismissal – Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday

The process of dismissal for TK and kindergarten begins at 1:45 p.m. and is complete by 2:00 p.m. at gates 1 or 2.  The process of dismissal for 1st grade through 6th grade begins at 3:05 p.m. and is 3:15 p.m. around the “loop”.  7th through 12th grade students are released at 3:35 p.m.  Please review the following schedules for a complete list of arrival and dismissal times, including minimum day schedules. 

TK-12 Dismissal – Early Release Wednesdays 

The process of dismissal for TK and kindergarten begins at 1:15 p.m. and is complete by 1:30 p.m. at gates 1 or 2.  The process of dismissal for 1st grade through 6th grade begins at 2:05 p.m. and is complete by 2:20 p.m. around the “loop”.  7th through 12th grade students are released at 2:40 p.m.  1st grade through 6th grade students who have a sibling in 7th through 12th grade will be offered special after school supervision until their Upper School dismissal time.  Sign up will be required and more information will be provided to families about this program. 

Ride Sharing Policy:  TPS requires parents to provide the school with written permission if a parent intends to allow a child to be picked up by any rideshare service. Any such written permission shall be valid only for the school year in which it is submitted.  This policy shall be distributed to all parents of TPS students as an annual notice at the start of each school year.

Please be aware that there is no supervision of children before the school drop off times or after dismissal times.  There is child care that can be arranged through the TPS Child Care Program for TK-6th grade students. We take this very seriously, thus the following policies have been established:

• • Siblings of students attending after school detentions or any after school activity may not be left at school to wait unsupervised.
  • Parents may not presume the school will supervise their child(ren) after fifteen (15) minutes of dismissal time.
  • If a child in grades TK-6 is not picked up within 15 minutes of dismissal, the child will be taken to childcare and the parent will be billed the drop-in rate. 
  • If a parent fails to pick-up their child(ren) of any age at the appropriate time on a regular basis (more than 5 times in a semester), the parent will be contacted to discuss the issue.
  • If a parent continues to be late, their child(ren) will be considered abandoned and the proper authorities will be contacted. 
  • Only students who are participating in after school extracurricular activities or students who are spectators of a sports game are permitted on campus after school hours.  All other students must be off campus at the end of the school day.  

MORNING ACTIVITIES

At Temecula Preparatory School, administrators or their designees greet students at school gates.  

TK-6:  Monday through Friday, students in grades TK-6 are greeted between 7:45 and 8:15 a.m. School begins promptly at 8:15 a.m.  Please review Attendance and Absence policies.

7-12:  Monday through Friday, students in grades 7-12 are greeted between 8:10 a.m. and 8:30 a.m.  School begins promptly at 8:30 a.m.  Please review Attendance and Absence policies.

Flag Salute & Morning Announcements:  Morning announcements and flag salute are conducted daily via public announcement system or within the classroom.  

RECESS AND LUNCH

Each grade will receive a 10 to 15 minute nutrition break each morning.  Students will have a 25-35 minute lunch break daily. TPS will offer a breakfast and lunch program.  If you are interested in learning more about the school breakfast and lunch program or in receiving free or reduced school meals (for those who qualify financially), please visit the “Meal Program” page on the TPS website or contact the front office.  Students may also bring a snack and lunch from home.  Candy, caffeinated drinks and soft drinks are not allowed at school.  Food may not be ordered for delivery by outside vendors without prior administrative approval.  If this occurs, the delivery will not be accepted.

STUDENT DELIVERIES

Parents/Guardians may drop off items to the office for their own child or children during school hours.  Students in grades TK-6 will be notified of the delivery or the item will be delivered to the child’s classroom.  

Deliveries of any kind, for students in grades 7-12, will not be delivered and students will not be notified by the office if a delivery is made.  Please communicate with your child, prior to the start of school, if you intend to drop something off for them. It is the responsibility of students in grades 7-12 to check for delivered items in the school office during non-instructional times (such as break and lunch) of the school day.

Unless it is for a school approved function, deliveries may not be made for groups of students.

III. Practices, Policies and Procedures

ATTENDANCE

All students are expected to attend daily unless they are ill or a family emergency occurs.  A call to our attendance line or to the office regarding an absence should be placed as soon as the parent is aware of the absence. Our attendance line can be accessed 24 hours a day by dialing the office telephone number 951-926-6776 and then selecting option 3. 

When leaving a message, please remember to leave the following information:

• Student’s full legal name 
• Grade
• Reason for absence
• Your relationship to the student
• A phone number where we can reach you

The state does not provide funding for your child’s education when he or she is not in school for any reason including illness, religious purposes or health appointments.  Absences for any other reasons are considered truant.  Students may be excused by parents/guardians up to 10 days due to illness each school year: thereafter parent/guardian must provide medical documentation to excuse an absence. If your child is absent due to a chronic illness, a chronic illness form should be on file to excuse absences pertaining to that illness for each school year. A chronic illness form is available in the school office. 

Tardies:  We realize that there might be an occasional instance when your child is tardy in the morning, but please avoid this whenever possible as tardiness interrupts your child’s and other students’ instructional time. All tardies, excused or unexcused count against “perfect attendance” recognition.  Tardy accrual will be maintained for late morning arrivals for students in grades TK – 6. Tardy accrual will be maintained for each period of the day for students in grades 7 – 12.  If your child is more than 15 minutes late to school, the child’s parent must communicate the reason for the tardy via phone call, email or signed note.

Please note that although the gates remain open until the start of each school start time, a student who is not in their classroom by the times listed in the “Arrivals and Dismissals” section are considered tardy.

For discipline regarding tardy issues see the TPS Code of Conduct Discipline Matrix.

Absences and Tardies:  An excused absence or tardy is one for which the student will be given makeup privileges and credit. Absences and tardiness from school shall be excused only for health reasons, family emergencies and justifiable personal reasons, as permitted by law or Board policy.  To review the TPS Attendance Policy please click here.

A student’s absence or tardiness will only be excused for the following reasons:

1.  Due to the pupil’s illness, including an absence for the benefit of the pupil’s mental or behavioral health.
2. Due to quarantine under the direction of a county or city health officer.
3. For the purpose of having medical, dental, optometrical, or chiropractic services rendered.
4. For the purpose of attending the funeral services of a member of the pupil’s immediate family, so long as the absence is not more than one day if the service is conducted in California and not more than three days if the service is conducted outside California.
5. For the purpose of jury duty in the manner provided for by law.
6. Due to the illness or medical appointment during school hours of a child of whom the pupil is the custodial parent, including absences to care for a sick child, for which the school shall not require a note from a doctor.
7. For justifiable personal reasons, including, but not limited to, an appearance in court, attendance at a funeral service, observance of a holiday or ceremony of the pupil’s religion, attendance at a religious retreat, attendance at an employment conference, or attendance at an educational conference on the legislative or judicial process offered by a nonprofit organization, when the pupil’s absence is requested in writing by the parent or guardian and approved by the principal or a designated representative pursuant to uniform standards established by the governing board of the school district.
8. For the purpose of serving as a member of a precinct board for an election pursuant to Section 12302 of the Elections Code.
9. For the purpose of spending time with a member of the pupil’s immediate family who is an active duty member of the uniformed services, as defined in Section 49701, and has been called to duty for, is on leave from, or has immediately returned from, deployment to a combat zone or combat support position. Absences granted pursuant to this paragraph shall be granted for a period of time to be determined at the discretion of the superintendent of the school district.
10. For the purpose of attending the pupil’s naturalization ceremony to become a United States citizen.
11. For the purpose of participating in a cultural ceremony or event.
12. (A) For the purpose of a middle school or high school pupil engaging in a civic or political event, as provided in subparagraph (B), provided that the pupil notifies the school ahead of the absence.  (B) (i) A middle school or high school pupil who is absent pursuant to subparagraph (A) is required to be excused for only one school day-long absence per school year.  (ii) A middle school or high school pupil who is absent pursuant to subparagraph (A) may be permitted additional excused absences in the discretion of a school administrator, as described in subdivision (c) of Section 48260.
13. Authorized at the discretion of a school administrator, as described in subdivision (c) of Section 48260.  (b) A pupil absent from school under this section shall be allowed to complete all assignments and tests missed during the absence that can be reasonably provided and, upon satisfactory completion within a reasonable period of time, shall be given full credit therefore. The teacher of the class from which a pupil is absent shall determine which tests and assignments shall be reasonably equivalent to, but not necessarily identical to, the tests and assignments that the pupil missed during the absence.  (c) For purposes of this section, attendance at religious retreats shall not exceed four hours per semester.  (d) Absences pursuant to this section are deemed to be absences in computing average daily attendance and shall not generate state apportionment payments.  (e) For purposes of this section, the following definitions apply:

• A “civic or political event” includes, but is not limited to, voting, poll working, strikes, public commenting, candidate speeches, political or civic forums, and town halls.
• Cultural” means relating to the habits, practices, beliefs, and traditions of a certain group of people.
• “Immediate family” means the parent or guardian, brother or sister, grandparent, or any other relative living in the household of the pupil.

Please note that any absence (including when a student is out on an Independent Study Program contract), excused or unexcused counts against “perfect attendance” recognition.  In Lower School, if a child is in attendance in the morning and must leave for an appointment at any time during the day, this will also count against perfect attendance recognition.  

Truancies:  Truancies are a serious violation of California Education Code. Habitual truancies may lead to intervention by law enforcement officials. Prior to legal intervention, schools are compelled to develop a policy to encourage school attendance.

Pursuant to Ed Code 48200, every child from the age of 6 to 18 is required to attend school regularly in order to make a successful transition to the next grade level and to graduate with a high school diploma. All enrolled students, regardless of age, will be held to the same school attendance rules. The Governing Board recognizes that a vigilant supervision of attendance to improve attendance rates and graduation rates and to reduce truancy and dropout rates is vital to the learning and achievement of children on the margins of the educational system. Improving student attendance and reducing the dropout rate is a school priority.

EC Section 48260 (a) A pupil subject to compulsory full-time education or to compulsory continuation education who is absent from school without a valid excuse three full days in one school year or tardy or absent for more than a 30-minute period during the school day without a valid excuse on three occasions in one school year, or any combination thereof, shall be classified as a truant and shall be reported to the attendance supervisor or to the superintendent of the school district.

(b) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), it is the intent of the Legislature that school districts shall not change the method of attendance accounting provided for in existing law and shall not be required to employ period-by-period attendance accounting.

All students are expected to attend all classes except for reasons that legally excuse school attendance.  Failure to attend school will require school officials to determine if the absence is excused, unexcused, or truant. This determination process will require the cooperation of parents and/or guardians.

Truancies will be issued to those students who make no effort to attend class or who are absent for any other reason than those listed (example: skipping a class period).  Truancy accrual will be maintained for each period of the day regardless of whether there is a schedule change.

Absence Verification:

When a student is absent, the parent and/or guardian are required to notify the School Office or send a written note in order to validate the reason for their child’s absence. This process is called Absence Verification.  A student who is absent from school without a valid excuse will be marked unexcused for the day. These types of absences are also called truancies.

You may call to verify your child’s absence up to 3 days after your child has been absent. Absences that are not verified within the time allowed will be considered unexcused absences. After our attendance month accounting cycle closes, unexcused absences due to no verification cannot be overwritten or changed.

In accordance with the Education Code of the State of California [EC Section 4826-48273], any pupil who is absent from school for 3 days or more without a valid excuse, or tardy in excess of 30 minutes or more is truant. 

For example, if a student has unexcused absences in 1st period on 3 separate days or student has unexcused absences one period for 2 days and an unexcused absence, this is considered a truancy.

For discipline regarding truancy issues see the TPS Code of Conduct Discipline Matrix. 

Please Note: To earn a Perfect Attendance Award (Lower School ) each quarter, a student may not be tardy (including “excused” tardies), absent (including “excused” absences), or be released for early dismissal (for any reason, except approved school functions) any time during that grading period.  Upper School students may not be absent or tardy.  

It is the responsibility of the student or parent to retrieve missed schoolwork upon their return to school. Please do not request homework on the day that your child is absent as it is very difficult for teachers to get schoolwork prepared the same day.  If you wish to have your child’s school work when they are absent due to illness, please use the resources provided, such as teacher websites.  The days allowed for makeup work for excused absences will equal the number of days absent. Work must be made up within that time period or the student will receive a zero, unless an extended due date is approved by administration.

Extracurricular Student Absences/Early Dismissal:   Students who are not in school due to participation in extracurricular activities are expected to communicate with teachers prior to their absence and turn in work on time. 

Students who are absent more than 50% of the day are not eligible to participate in any after school activities or extracurricular events.

Students who miss 20 days of school for any reason, may be subject to retention or disenrollment.

To review our entire Attendance Policy, please click here.  

EARLY DISMISSAL

If it is necessary to have your child released early from school, please call the office or email attendance@temeculaprep.com at least two hours ahead of time.  A pass will be issued and sent directly to your student(s) with the dismissal time you are requesting. If you do not call in ahead of time, we cannot guarantee that your student will be ready for dismissal at the desired time and it could take up to 20 minutes or more to have your child ready in the office.  Advance notice allows staff to locate a student and have them packed and ready to leave prior to your arrival.  Any person picking up a student who is not the parent or guardian must show ID and be listed in the student’s contact information.

Notes for early dismissal will not be accepted from student drivers.  A parent or guardian must email attendance@temeculaprep.com or submit a signed note in order for the student to check out.   If your student leaves without checking out with the office, your student will be marked truant.

INDEPENDENT STUDY PROGRAM (ISP)

If you know that your child will be absent from school for a planned absence for 3 or more school days (up to two weeks – 10 school days for the entire school year), you may contact the school office for an Independent Study Program contract.  

• The major purpose of agreeing to an ISP is to enable students to keep current with their grade studies for the period covered by the ISP during the absence and to enable the students to successfully reach the objectives (assignments and coursework) identified in the ISP. 

A written agreement (ISP Contract) must be submitted at least 3 school days prior to the planned absence and must be signed by the student, parent, teacher(s), and School Dean.  It does take time for teachers to add coursework and assignments, so as much notice as possible is appreciated.  All coursework or assignments included on the ISP must be complete and submitted on the first day of the student’s return to school.

CLOSED CAMPUS

TPS is a closed campus.  All guests, visitors and parents must be checked in through the school office.  Once a student arrives on school grounds, they must remain on school grounds until the end of the school day, students may not leave campus for lunch.  Students may not have other students from other schools visit at any time.  

CAMPUS VISITORS

For the protection of the students and the security of the school, ALL visitors and volunteers are required to have a pre-scheduled appointment with a TPS staff member for school business, check-in through our School Office and provide a valid form of government-issued ID (such as a driver’s license, California ID, or military ID).  Guests who wish to have personal visits with school personnel, including TPS Alumni, will be asked to visit after school hours or at designated on or off campus events.

PLEASE NOTE:   There are no exceptions to this rule.  TPS utilizes the Raptor Visitor Management System, which screens visitors to our campus. This system allows us to track all visitors to our campus and provides us a more efficient way to monitor our school environment for our students and staff.  A printed badge will be provided to visitors and cleared volunteers may print out their own badges in the School Office.  Security and campus supervisors ensure that all guests and volunteers are properly identified.  Persons in disguise will not be allowed entrance on campus without prior agreement by school administration.

For full details on conditions for campus access, school visitation, and removal policies, please visit the “Administration Policy” link on the TPS website.

OBSERVATIONS

Except in unusual circumstances, only parents/guardians will be permitted to observe instruction or student activities which involve their child. 

1. A parent or guardian who desires to observe instruction and/or other school activities that involve the parent or guardian’s child shall submit a prior written request to the dean including the classroom or activity desired to be observed, name of child participating in the class or activity, and general reason for the request. This written request shall be submitted at least 24 hours in advance of the desired time of the classroom observation. The dean will make arrangements with the teacher. The time, date, and length of the observation will be at the discretion of the teacher. If the requested time is not appropriate under the circumstance, alternative arrangements will be made. 
2. The dean may place reasonable limitations on the frequency or number of classroom visits per parent/guardian or other observers and the dean or designee will be present during the visitation.
3. No classroom observation will be permitted if it conflicts with a valid restraining order, protective order, or order for custody or visitation issued by a court of competent jurisdiction.
4. Approved parents/guardians shall sign in immediately upon arriving on campus in the office, sign out at the office on leaving the office, and obtain and wear a visitor’s permit/sticker at all times.
5. Parents/guardians approved for a particular observation are not to go to other classrooms or areas other than the area of the approved observation.
6. Children/siblings may not accompany parents/guardians to observe classrooms or other activities.
7. Parents/guardians observing in classroom or activity are not to converse with the teacher during class time. Arrange a time before or after school to do so. 
8. Parents/guardians are not to communicate with their children or the other children during class time or activity time.
9. The teacher will provide a place for visitors to observe which will not disrupt classroom work. Observers should remain in the designated area.
10. Observers must enter and leave the classroom as quietly as possible.
11. Observers are not to read or review completed tests, scores, or other confidential information regarding students in the class.
12. Observers are not to use cellular phones, cameras, photographic equipment, tape recorders or other electronic listening or recording devices in the classroom or while observing other activities without the prior permission of the dean or designee and teacher. Education Code section 51512. 
13. Observations will not be permitted during the first month of school, local/state testing, and during the last month of school. 
14. Observers are not to bring to school any item which students are not permitted to possess at school such as drugs, weapons, gum, alcohol, etc.  Please refer to the TPS Student & Parent Handbook and the Parent Volunteer Handbook for appropriate campus protocols.  

SEARCH & SEIZURE

Incidents which jeopardize the health, safety and welfare of students and Temecula Preparatory School employees may necessitate the search of students and their property, student use areas, student lockers and/or student automobiles and may necessitate the seizure of any illegal, unauthorized or contraband materials in the search – TPS Board Policy

CULTURAL STANDARDS

Virtuous behavior at all times and in all places.  Examples of some TPS cultural standards include:

1. Following rules of civility.
2. Stand to greet guests entering the classroom.
3. Share a greeting with TPS staff when entering through the morning gate and when first entering the classroom.

COMMUNICATIONS

1. Temeculaprep.com:  TPS maintains a website that allows parents and students to access daily information about school programs, events, policies, procedures, and various necessary documents. The calendar is intended for parents to keep apprised of school activities and events.  Each teacher will have a class website available through the TPS website.
2. Aeries Parent Portal:   Aeries is a web-based tool provided by the school that will allow daily access to information about class homework and student grades.  Parents may access this system at accessmystudent.com/temeculaprep.  Teachers will update grades online no later than the 1st and the 15th of each month.  Larger assignments (such as projects, essays, labs, etc.) typically require more time to grade and update. In these instances, these lengthy assignments will be graded and returned to students no later than 30 days from the due date. 
3. Email Blasts, Automated Calling & Texting System through ParentSquare:  Regular email blasts are sent to all parents or groups of parents regarding important updates, changes, and information about school events and activities.  It is vital that the school has a current email address for each parent. Please ensure your email address is current.  This system allows TPS to notify parents of unverified absences, school events, and important/emergency announcements in a variety of ways.
4. Parent-Teacher Communication:  If a parent wishes to communicate with a teacher, a parent may contact him/her by phone or email. Make sure to include the student’s name and purpose for the contact. This allows the teacher to prepare any necessary information. 
5. Annual Parent-Teacher Conferences:  Conferences are available for grades TK – 12 at the end of first quarter.

2025-26 UNIFORM DRESS CODE POLICY – Click here.

RE-REGISTRATION FOR RETURNING STUDENTS

Students who are currently enrolled at TPS must complete the following process, by the deadlines provided by the school, in order to secure their spot for the upcoming school year.

• Complete and submit the online Letter of Intent stating that you are returning.
• Complete the online portion of re-registration in the Aeries Parent Portal by the stated deadline.
• Submit the required documents listed within the Aeries Parent Portal by the stated deadline.

Important Notice Regarding Records Requests from other Schools/Districts:  If TPS receives a records request from another school or district, that document is considered an official notification that your child will NOT be returning to TPS and the records request will supersede the response on your Letter of Intent and completion of the re-registration process.

ENROLLMENT

Temecula Preparatory School is a public charter school with both a Lower School (TK-6th) and an Upper School (7th-12th). In accordance with our charter, there is no academic requirement for admission. After enrollment, assessments may be administered to new students.  Continuing students shall have first priority for re-enrollment and their siblings shall have preference, according to the categories listed below.  Spaces remaining shall be filled by a lottery drawing during April of each school year. Siblings must submit a lottery application before the deadline in order to be included in the lottery pull.  All enrollment depends on space availability. Any prospective students not enrolled may remain on the waiting list during the current year, but parents of students that were not offered a spot must fill out a new application each year.

ENROLLMENT PRIORITIES

As per Education Code 47605, enrollment preferences in the case of a public, random drawing shall be determined in the following order for applicants.

Category 1: Currently enrolled TPS students.

Category 2: Children of the charter school’s permanent staff not to exceed 10% of the total student enrollment.

Category 3: Siblings of currently enrolled TPS students.

Category 4: Temecula Valley Unified School District residents.

Category 5: All other applicants.

In the event that there are not enough openings to accommodate all of the categories, a random selection process by category shall determine which students shall be enrolled for the following year. The first group to be pulled will be from Category 2, then Category 3, and so on.

After the random selection process, a waiting list for future openings will be established recording students’ names in the same order in which they were randomly drawn during the TPS lottery pull, which occurs during the month of April. 

AWARDS ASSEMBLIES

Awards assemblies are held for kindergarten through sixth grade students for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd quarter.  Awards are given to students in the following categories:

TK-2:   

• Perfect attendance – For students who have not been absent (for any part of the school day), tardy, or on an Independent Study Program contract during the entire quarter.
• Special Achievement Awards – Students will be recognized for a “Special Achievement Award” they have earned for the quarter. 
• Virtue Awards – A virtue award, for each of the four TPS virtues, will be awarded to students who demonstrated these virtues during the quarter.  Each student will receive either a Virtue Award or SAA award by the last quarter. 

3-6:  

• Perfect attendance – For students who have not been absent (for any part of the school day), tardy or on an Independent Study Program contract during the entire quarter.
• Dean’s List – Students must achieve straight A’s (90% – 100%) in all subjects, with no “N” (Needs Improvement) marks.
• Honor Roll – Students must achieve all A’s (90% – 100%) and B’s (80% – 89%), with no “N” (Needs Improvement) marks.
• Virtue Awards – A virtue award, for each of the four TPS virtues, will be awarded to students who demonstrated these virtues during the quarter.

7-12:  Students will be recognized at the 1st Semester Awards Assembly once per year.  Awards are given to students in the    following categories:

• Perfect Attendance – For students who have not been absent (for any part of the school day or period*), tardy or on an Independent Study Program contract during the entire semester. *If a student is participating in a school sponsored activity (such as early dismissal for TPS teams), this will not count against perfect attendance.
• Dean’s List – Students must achieve a GPA of a 4.0 and above, with no “N” (Needs Improvement) marks in citizenship or work habits.
• Honor Roll – Students must achieve a GPA between 3.5 to 3.9, with no “N” (Needs Improvement) marks in citizenship or work habits.
• Virtue Awards – A virtue award, for each of the four TPS virtues, will be awarded to students in each grade-level who demonstrated these virtues during the semester.
• Community Service Awards.  Students are recognized for the number of hours they volunteer their time to nonprofit organizations.  There are specific benchmarks when students are recognized, starting with 100 hours.   

Instructional time is important and there is a capacity set in the MPR.  For those reasons, TPS students who are not part of the awards assembly may not be called out of class to attend awards assemblies.  

PROMOTION CEREMONIES & COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY 

Promotion Ceremonies:  

• Annual Kindergarten Promotion Ceremony – Held at the end of each school year.
• Sixth Grade Beneficium Ceremony – This ceremony is to celebrate the sixth grade class moving from Lower School (grammar stage) to Upper School (logic stage).  This ceremony will be held at the end of each school year.

Commencement Ceremony:  Each year, we will celebrate our senior class by hosting a Commencement Ceremony.

FIELD TRIPS 

Whenever students are traveling away from school, they are subject to the same rules, regulations, and virtues observed on campus. As in the classrooms, the teacher(s) will judge what acceptable or unacceptable behavior is.  The teacher will notify both parent and student which type of clothing is to be worn on the field trip. They must have a “Field Trip Waiver” signed by a parent or guardian to participate on the field trip. Parents who are chaperoning must have completed a parent volunteer packet, obtained through the school and must be cleared to participate. The classroom teacher will assign the needed number of parent volunteers depending upon the needs of the class and restrictions from the venue.  If bus transportation is being provided for the field trip, students must ride on the bus and may not ride separately in a personal vehicle.  This policy applies even if the student’s parent is chaperoning on the field trip. 

SCHOOL DAY STUDENT ACTIVITIES

TPS schedules many student activities during the school day for our student body.  These activities are for students only.  Parents are not permitted to attend, unless the school has given notification.  The following are examples of these types of activities:

• Pep Rallies
• ASB Activities 
• Elections
• Mock Trial/Ethics Bowl
• Econ Fair 
• Monday Morning Assemblies

There are instances where parents are specifically invited to watch a class activity, such as the 4th grade wax museum or PATS fun run.  In these limited instances, TPS students who are not part of the class activity may not be called out of class to attend because instructional time is so valuable and space can be limited at the event.

RECREATIONAL DANCE/EVENT POLICY

All Temecula Preparatory students in grades 7-12 are eligible to attend school dances for their specific grade level as long as they are in good standing with school policies. Students who have two F’s or more at the grade-check (one-week prior to the event) will not be permitted to attend.  Students who attend a dance are expected to follow all school rules and dance dress code as set forth in the Recreational Dance/Event Policy. To ensure that students understand and comply with these rules, a “Recreational Dance/Event Policy” must be signed by the student and parent.  This form is provided in the re-registration or new registration process.  

The Junior/Senior Prom is a special event and there is a separate “Prom Dance Contract” and “Prom Guest Pass” to ensure that students understand and comply with the rules.  Each attending student must complete the contract by the stated deadlines.

STUDENT DRIVERS

All student drivers must have a Parking Permit Application approved and on file, with all required documents registered with the school if they will be parking at school during school hours.  Student drivers must adhere to all regulations set forth in the Parking Permit Application.  Any violation of the regulations could result in the loss of driving privileges while on campus.  The TPS parking placard or decal must be displayed in the vehicle while parked on campus.  

FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS

Returned Checks: Any check returned for Non-Sufficient Funds, Stopped Payment, Account Closed or any other reason, will be assessed a fee of $25 in addition to the amount of the check.  TPS reserves the right to refuse checks from any family who has more than one check returned.

Release of Transcripts and Student Records:  The school will provide two (2) official transcripts per student at no charge. Additional copies of official transcripts will be assessed the actual cost of duplication, up to a maximum of $5. All unofficial copies are at no charge.  Requests for official copies will be made through and paid for via an online service.  All financial obligations are expected to be met prior to the release of student records. The school will follow the regulations set forth in the Student Debt Policy, pursuant to the Public School Fair Debt Collection Act (Ed. Code section 49014).

CARE OF SCHOOL PROPERTY

Students are responsible for all textbooks, library and classroom books, technology, athletic uniform and equipment, and all other school property issued to them during the school year.  It is the responsibility of the student to keep textbooks and library books in good condition and to return them on time.  Each student is responsible for returning the books or supplies originally issued to him/her with the exact matching barcodes listed on their computer check-out records.  The school reserves the right to charge for lost, stolen or damaged school property.  In the event payment for lost, damaged or stolen property has not been made, the school will follow the regulations set forth in the Student Debt Policy, pursuant to the Public School Fair Debt Collection Act (Ed. Code section 49014).

GRADING MATRIX

TK:  Progress reports are issued quarterly.

Grades K-12:  Report cards will be issued to K-6 parents quarterly.  Progress Reports will be issued quarterly and Semester Report Cards will be issued in grades 7-12.  Grades are rounded up.

Students will receive number/letter grades for all assignments. The grading scale is:

E Excellent

G Good

S Satisfactory

N Needs Improvement

PROGRESS REPORTS

Progress reports are provided halfway through each grading quarter on an as needed basis. In short, if a student is failing, or is in danger of failing a progress report will be sent home. Otherwise, it is the responsibility of the parent to know their child’s grades through the use of aeries.net.

FINALS POLICIES (GRADES 7-12) 

Each semester ends with a final exam or culminating activity in each subject area. These exams are usually scheduled for the last 3-4 days of the semester. In many classes, final exam grades are an important component of the semester grade. Make up exams are permitted for excused absences only. Final exams are to be taken on the day scheduled. The school believes in maintaining the fidelity of the end of course final; therefore, no finals are administered prior to the first day of finals for that particular semester. On the rare occasion that a final exam needs to be taken early, it must have the approval by the Upper School Dean or administrative designee, i.e., the student is moving to another state and it is not feasible to take the final at the appointed time or due to acute medical conditions. The expectation is that all students take their final exams on the dates scheduled by administration.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS & STUDENT OUTCOMES

To review the graduation requirements and student outcomes, please visit:  https://www.temeculaprep.com/graduation-requirements/

STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES

• For assistance with Special Education, or At Risk services, please contact the Student Support Services Department or see the TPS website – “Student Support Services” page.  Email inquiries may be directed to info@temeculaprep.com.
• For assistance with academic support or 504 plans, please contact your child’s teacher and/or the appropriate school dean.
• For information regarding our College and Career Counseling Department, please visit the TPS website “Counseling Department” and “College Career” pages.  Email inquiries may be directed to info@temeculaprep.com.
• For assistance with social-emotional support, please email info@temeculaprep.com. 

ATHLETICS

For information regarding athletics, please visit the TPS website “Athletics” page. Email inquiries may be directed to info@temeculaprep.com

HEALTH SERVICES

If a student has a fever or displays other symptoms of illness, the parent/guardian will be notified. The student must then be picked up by a parent or guardian right away or arrange for the student to be picked up by an authorized adult that the parent has designated as soon as possible, for their protection as well as that of other students and staff.

Please note:

• • It is essential that home addresses, phone numbers and emergency contacts be kept current.  Please notify the office immediately of any changes.
  • Medications are given only with written authorization from the parents and physician. Forms are available in the office and must be filled out prior to the child needing the medication.
  • Students who need to take prescribed medication, including inhalers, must have a “Medication Authorization” form signed by the  parent and physician before the medication can be brought to school and administered to the student at school. The medication and form must be left in the health office and the original pharmacy label must be on the item. The school cannot administer medicine, including any over the counter medications without the aforementioned form being filled out.
  • Students who will need the aid of orthopedic appliances or equipment (such as a cast, crutches, wheelchair, or sling) must provide a “Health Service Procedure” form completed by a physician and returned to the Health Office.
  • Students may not carry medication or self-administer medication without a doctor’s note.  This applies to over the counter medication as well (including cough drops and cold medications).
  • If for any medical reason, a student needs special accommodations, please contact the office and provide a doctor’s note with the medical explanation.
  • If a student is out for 3 consecutive days due to illness, a physician’s note is required.
  • If your child has any special health needs, please inform the office as soon as possible.

• Please direct immunization questions to schoolnurse@temeculaprep.com.

HOLIDAY AND BIRTHDAY POLICY 

TPS does not formally observe any holidays.

Birthdays: Please do NOT bring balloons or flower bouquets. Any food items brought to school for celebrations must be sealed, store bought items, and enough should be provided to share with the entire class or grade level.  Please do not bring party invitations to school unless all classmates are invited. If the guest list is small and does not include everyone, please find alternative ways to send out the invitations, outside of school grounds. This is an issue of civic virtue concerning the consideration of others and the failure to respect this request will be addressed by administration.  Please note that TPS cannot release the personal information of another student or student’s family.

Birthdays may be celebrated in Lower School classrooms monthly.  The room parent or teacher will notify parents when the celebration will take place for each month.  Please keep birthday snacks simple.  

HOMEWORK

Homework carries two main purposes in classical education: practice and preparation.  The first purpose is Exercitatio, which means practice in Latin.  This carries the notion to exercise, drill or train.  Homework should be a direct extension of the learning taking place in the classroom that the student takes home to practice.  It is the expectation that homework be turned in on time in grades K-12.  Please refer to the teacher’s class policy or syllabus regarding late work penalties and submission.  In the Upper School, the second common purpose of homework is to prepare a student for a Socratic discussion in the classroom.  Instructors may ask students to read, translate, research or otherwise prepare as homework.  

There are general guidelines for average homework time frames attached.  These are not required amounts and are ONLY recommendations and are ultimately up to teacher discretion.  No homework shall be assigned over the Thanksgiving, Winter, or Spring breaks unless approved by an administrator in advance. 

The amount of “homework” each student is expected to complete each evening varies according to grade level.  The term “homework” refers to the following:

• any and all assignments
• any and all project preparation
• any and all pencil to paper work

The term “homework” does not refer to any additional reading, reviewing, studying, and quiz/test preparation that students are assigned.  An appropriate amount of time must be allotted for students to comfortably accomplish all work.

 The sum total of time students should be spending on “homework” is as follows:

Grades K-2:

• Up to sixty (60) minutes per evening five (5) days a week.
• Up to thirty (30) minutes per evening five (5) days a week for additional reading and/or study time.

Grades 3-6:

• Up to seventy-five (75) minutes per evening five (5) days a week.
• Up to forty-five (45) minutes per evening five (5) days a week for additional reading and/or study time.

Grades 7-8:

• Up to ninety (90) minutes per evening five (5) days a week.
• Up to sixty (60) minutes per evening seven days a week for additional reading and/or study time.

Grades 9-12:

• Up to one-hundred and twenty (120) minutes per evening five (5) days a week.
• Additional reading is ninety (90) minutes per evening seven days a week and/or study time

It is the philosophy of Temecula Preparatory School to require homework from students throughout the school year, up to five nights a week.  

Extracurricular Student Absences/Early Dismissal:   Students who are not in school due to participation in extracurricular activities are expected to communicate with teachers prior to their absence and turn in work on time. Due to the timing of the day, early dismissal may not be available within 30 minutes of dismissal time.

Teachers often assign homework to be completed over the course of several days or over a week. It is the school’s belief that this assists students with time management and planning. Parents are advised to monitor assignments to prevent last-minute frustration. Providing a quiet environment and regular time for completing homework is essential.  Reading is essential to learning and is not to be counted as part of the homework minutes.

PERSONAL PROPERTY

Lost or Stolen Items:  Temecula Preparatory School is NOT responsible for lost or stolen items. Keep this in mind when assisting your child(ren) with the selection of personal property he or she chooses to bring to school and/or keep in their locker.  Lockers are to be kept locked at all times, per the locker agreement signed for the school year.

Lost and Found:  Please label everything that is sent to school. Unmarked items not claimed will be placed in lost and found for a short period of time. If they are not claimed, they may be discarded, sold at campus “recycle” sales, or donated to charity.

Toys are not allowed at school unless requested by a teacher for educational purposes.  Students are not allowed to bring electronic games or entertainment devices to school.  Computers, IPads, Kindles, tablets and other similar technology are not allowed.  If it is found that there is unauthorized use of the equipment, it will be confiscated and students could be subject to disciplinary action.  

Students using bicycles, skateboards, rollerblades, motorized scooters, razor scooters, and hoverboards should not be used once in the school parking lot or brought beyond the school gates.   

TPS has the right to refuse any items that may be considered unsafe or disruptive for the school environment.  

Laser pens, sharpies, and glass objects are not allowed for safety reasons.  Aerosol sprays, aerosol deodorants and perfumes are not permitted on campus. This includes before and after school and at any school-related function such as games, dances, field trips, etc. If found, these items will be confiscated and sent to the office. The student’s parent will be required to pick the item up from the office in order for it to be released.

Cellular Devices &  Search Policy:  Students are only permitted to use cellular phones, smartwatches or other mobile communication devices outside of the instructional day. After a student enters through the gates in the morning, cell phones must be kept off and kept out of sight, until the end of the instructional school day.  Temecula Preparatory School (TPS) reserves the right to prevent student use of cell phones during school hours for any reason. TPS reserves the right to seize and hold a student cell phone, smartwatches or other mobile communication device until the end of the school day and to prohibit a student from bringing a cell phone to school at the school’s discretion.

In the event that TPS has a reasonable suspicion that a student has used a cell phone to commit a violation of the law or school policy, or has used the cell phone to threaten injury to him/herself or another person, or has used the cell phone to commit cyber bullying or any other act prohibited by school policy or the law, the school may seize and search the cellular device. If the school has a reasonable suspicion the cell phone has been used in the commission of a criminal act, the school may seize the phone and surrender it to appropriate law enforcement authorities.

We strongly recommend that parents and students communicate during non-school hours to confirm personal plans and/or arrangements and advise the school in writing when necessary. Disciplinary action will be issued if students use a cellular device on campus without permission.  In addition, the phone will be confiscated for unauthorized use, and must be picked up by a parent or guardian.

VOLUNTEERS

Temecula Preparatory School encourages parents/guardians and other members within our school community to share their time, knowledge, and abilities with the school in line with our mission to provide a classical education to our students.  This can be done through our PTO, Parents and Teacher Support (PATS).  All parents, guardians, and staff are considered PATS members.  PATS does not require dues.

TPS recognizes that volunteers enrich the educational programs, enhance supervision of students, and contribute to school safety while strengthening the school’s relationships with parents and friends. TPS also encourages parents and friends to serve as mentors in modeling virtuous behavior to help support and motivate our students in fulfilling the school’s mission.

In light of this desire to work with parents and staff members as volunteers, the school strongly encourages parents and staff members to become involved with the parent and teacher organization known as “PATS” (Parent and Teacher Support).

Please note that if you wish to volunteer on campus or volunteer on a field trip, that you must complete the volunteer clearance process and be notified that you are cleared to volunteer.  Volunteer clearance paperwork can be found at our school office and on our website on the “Volunteer Clearance Process” page.  Once cleared, volunteers must check in through the Raptor Management System kiosk located in the School Office. Cleared volunteers are only permitted to volunteer on campus when invited by a TPS staff member and volunteers are not permitted to be in any location on campus other than the specific area where they are invited to help.  Volunteering is a privilege and a clearance can be revoked at any time for failure to abide by the requirements and acknowledgements outlined in the handbook or if there is a safety concern of any kind.  

IV. School Discipline

SCHOOL DISCIPLINE POLICY

The primary goal of Temecula Preparatory School is to create a heritage of students who understand the need for virtue, are of discerning character, and possess the knowledge necessary to positively impact the world around them.  Vital to the success of this goal, Temecula Preparatory School’s discipline policy has been designed to provide an atmosphere of civility in which due respect is given to teachers, staff, and individual students as well as institutional and private property. Thus, students are expected to adhere to the general rules of the school as well as those established by each teacher within their classroom.

When an infraction has occurred, one or more of the following measures will be taken in accordance with our Charter. If an infraction occurs, the school will notify the parent/guardian of the incident as deemed appropriate.

• Warning: for some infractions, a warning notification will be issued to the student as another opportunity for the student to correct the behavior.  
• Detention: time spent during or after school, during lunch, or at another time assigned by faculty or administration to contemplate conduct; can include written assignments or physical tasks such as cleaning various parts of the school campus.
• Saturday School: time spent at school on a set Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in order to make up for lost instructional time or to enforce the seriousness of a student’s misbehavior.
• Suspension: temporary removal from the classroom either in or out of school; suspensions are reserved for serious offenses or consistent misbehavior; repeated violations or suspensions during a school year, may result in referral to the TPS Expulsion Panel for an expulsion hearing as set forth in the charter. Normally, the duration of a suspension is from one to five days long depending on the circumstances of the infraction.
• Expulsions: expulsion is an action taken by the TPS Expulsion Panel for severe or prolonged breaches of discipline by a student as set forth in the charter. Except for single acts of a grave nature, expulsion is used only when there is a history of misconduct, when other forms of discipline, including suspension, have failed to bring about proper conduct, or when the student’s presence causes a continuing danger to him/herself or others.

When the administration considers the need to issue a suspension or expulsion for any major infraction the student’s parents will be contacted by school administration to inform the parents that such action may take place in accordance with California Education Code and the TPS Charter.

The primary goal of Temecula Preparatory School is to leave a heritage of students who understand the need for virtue, have the wisdom to know when something is or is not virtuous, and have the knowledge to make a positive impact on the world. Our discipline policy was developed with this mission in mind.  We seek to provide an atmosphere of civility; respect is given to teachers, staff, students, and property.  Good conduct is expected on and off campus.

Virtuous behavior is expected at all times and in all places:

1. Respect all others and respect their property.
2. Observe the dress code.
3. Come to class prepared.
4. Be attentive at all times.
5. No food or drink allowed in class (except water).  No gum allowed on campus.
6. Observe all school and classroom rules.

It is the responsibility of the classroom teacher or staff member to handle any of the following minor infractions. The classroom teacher has the discretion to administer the discipline they deem appropriate.

Minor Infractions may include, but are not limited to the following:

1. Leave an assigned seat without permission.
2. Speak without permission.
3. Be disrespectful to an adult or child.
4. Show public displays of affection (which includes hugging, kissing, handholding, etc.)
5. Dishonesty or other forms of deception.
6. Chew gum on campus.
7. Coming to class unprepared.
8. Unauthorized use of cellular phones or electronic devices during school hours on campus.

It is the responsibility of administration to handle any of the following major infractions:

Major Infractions: may include, but are not limited to the following:

1. Drug and alcohol involvement.
2. Sexual misconduct.
3. Fighting, physical harassment, threats, bullying, or “hazing”
4. Possession of a weapon of any kind
5. Extreme insubordination or continued minor infractions exhibiting insubordinate behavior
6. Smoking/Vaping, or possession of controlled substances or paraphernalia
7. Stealing, cheating, plagiarizing, or any forms of academic dishonesty
8. Vandalism or graffiti
9. Habitual cursing or use of other offensive language

When discipline is necessary for major infractions, the TPS Code of Conduct Discipline Matrix will be enforced.

Suspended students will be excluded from all school-related extracurricular activities during the period of suspension at a minimum and maybe longer depending on circumstances reviewed by administration. Schoolwork will be provided for any student who is suspended for 2 or more school days, upon the request of the parent, guardian, or student. Any student excluded or expelled from the school will be excluded from all school-related extracurricular activities.  

Note: While the purpose of the Temecula Preparatory School Handbook is designed to provide clarity for all involved, the administration recognizes that not every behavior issue has been specifically designated in the handbook and reserves the right to discipline each and every case based on its unique and specific nature.

Plagiarism, Cheating and Falsification

TPS believes it is the role of administrators and faculty members to educate students on what constitutes cheating and plagiarism. TPS also believes there needs to be a clear policy for how these forms of academic dishonesty should be and will be addressed.

Practical examples of the three major forms of academic dishonesty are as follows:

Plagiarism:

• Submission of someone else’s work as one’s own, whether the material is paraphrased or copied verbatim.
• Improper acknowledgment of sources in essays or papers.
• Submission of material that has been edited or revised by another person that results in substantive changes in content or style.
• Unauthorized collaboration on a project, homework, or other assignments.

Cheating:

• Use of any external assistance in the completion of an academic assignment and/or test or quiz (unless permitted by faculty). This includes communicating with fellow students, allowing another student to copy, possession or use of unauthorized notes, calculators, or other materials, and any instrument that can convey exam answers, such as cell phones.
• Submission of altered work after grading, including changing answers after an exam or assignment has been graded and returned.

• Obtaining for self or others a solution to homework or other assignments, or a copy of an exam or exam key without the expressed consent of the instructor.
• Use of an essay, term paper, or project in the same course or more than one course without permission of the instructors of both courses.
• Completion of any coursework for another student, or allowing another individual to complete one’s own coursework.
• Allowing another student to see completed assignments prior to the due date and enabling the student to copy or cheat, even if unintentional.

Falsification:

• Submitting material for lab assignments, class projects, or other assignments that is wholly or partially falsified or otherwise does not represent work undertaken by the student.

Procedures for addressing academic dishonesty:  Final grades in any course are based on the faculty member’s evaluation of the student’s achievement in the course. When a student is suspected of having engaged in any form of academic dishonesty, the suspected infraction is to be reported to the administration immediately for consideration of disciplinary action.  During the investigation, the grade I (Incomplete) shall be assigned for that assignment or course. If it is determined that the student did engage in academic dishonesty the administration shall report back to the faculty member of the course involved the nature of the dishonesty and the student shall receive a zero on the assignment.  

The faculty member will notify the student and parents stating the reasons for assigning the “I” (Incomplete) during the course of the investigation.  Administration will inform all parties of the outcome of the investigation.

Note: For disciplinary measures regarding Academic Dishonesty please see the TPS Code of Conduct Matrix.

Artificial Intelligence

Any AI software should not be used to complete assignments.  Assignments or projects created with the assistance of AI are subject to review by the teacher and/or administration. Students may be required to verbally explain their work to ensure understanding and verify the work is their own. If the use of AI is suspected the student may receive a zero for the assignment and a Saturday school.

Participation Privilege

Participation in any extracurricular activity such as ASB events, drama, and athletic activities is a privilege. This includes all practices, rehearsals, performances, competitions, events, etc. (This does not include acting as a spectator at any of these events, unless suspended or expelled.) Students must be in good standing with the school having fulfilled the obligations outlined in the student handbook and the family compact agreement. Students wishing to join a TPS team or drama production must be eligible based on the last grading period.  

To ensure that the possibility of disruption sometimes caused by involvement in athletics or activities is minimized the Board adopts the following guidelines regarding student athletic and activity eligibility:

 Academic Standards

      A student must have an unweighted 2.5 GPA and

      Passing grades in all but one class

      Have only one (1) U (unsatisfactory) in citizenship.

      Only one PE class per semester and no TA classes will be used to determine eligibility.     

Academic Suspension from Student Activities

If a student accumulates more than one “F” at any time during the student’s involvement in athletics or activities the student is immediately suspended from participation in the sport or activity until it has been recorded that the student has passing grades in all classes but one.

Students who have two or more F’s are considered to be at risk and will not be allowed to participate in extracurricular activities until such time as the grades improve.  Participation includes practices and scrimmages.

Special Event Ineligibility  List (ASB events)– Students who are at risk with two or more F’s and missing assignments, based on the student’s current gradebook summary, or who have outstanding disciplinary actions will be placed on the ineligibility list.  In order to participate in upcoming events, eligibility to participate will be determined one week prior to the date of the event.  The most recent grades will be used for determination of placement on the ineligibility list.

V. Student and Family Compact Importance

What is a Compact? 

It’s a very simple idea – a compact is a written agreement between a governing body and community sector. It commits those who are signing to a relationship built on trust by improving their mutual understanding of expectations. The most famous of these is the Mayflower Compact, the first governing document penned in the history of the United States.

Today, compacts are about the community working together to fulfill a common vision and mission. Compacts benefit both the community and the individual as they offer a clearer understanding of what is required by each to fulfill the community vision and mission, which, in turn, serves to benefit the individual. In addition, a compact represents a pledge by the community and individual to pursue and support the policies, procedures and practices of the community.

Why does TPS require a Student and Family Compact?

In order to understand the reason “why” TPS requires a Student and Family Compact it is important to understand the history of the charter school movement.

The idea for American charter schools is credited to Professor Ray Budde from Amherst University. In 1988 the American Federation of Teachers trumped this idea in an effort to create reform in the public school sector. The federation called for the establishment of “charter schools”; also known as “schools of choice”. It is this term — “schools of choice” — that is key to understanding the compact.

California was one of the very first states to create a charter school movement and since the early 1990’s charter schools have thrived in the state. In short, a public charter school is a publicly funded school that has been granted a charter exempting it from selected state or local rules and regulations. In return for funding and autonomy, the charter schools must meet accountability standards. A school’s charter is reviewed and can be revoked if guidelines established within the charter are not met.

This allows parents, educators and community representatives to create new schools based upon unique ideas, separate from the regular public schools, giving families a choice in education. In choosing to attend a charter school over their local area public school, families are choosing a unique model of education with various cultural standards. In order to ensure that families understand cultural standards, charter schools have designed compacts that are specific to their charter needs. In the case of TPS, the compact affirms various aspects of a classical education such as a dress code, a strong call to virtuous behavior on behalf of students and parents, and a strong call to academic support by the parents for the students.

If families and students choose to attend TPS they also choose to enter into the compact that supports the TPS vision, mission, goals and objectives by pledging to abide by policies, procedures and practices that have been put in place to see the charter through to the end.  TPS is a “school of choice.”

The Student and Family Compact is a document to be signed by a parent/guardian and students (grades 3 and up) and is provided as a separate document in the registration information.

TPS Discipline Matrix

CODE OF CONDUCT

It is the responsibility of every TPS parent and student to know the code of conduct and for students to follow this code. By doing so, students will be productive and successful members of the learning community. Student behavior is expected to reflect the TPS commitment to virtuous citizenship and wisdom. Students who choose to make wrong or poor decisions will be held accountable.  Administration is committed to maintaining a safe campus and conducts fair investigations on reported incidents.  Matters are addressed fairly and appropriately based on California State law.

Important Note: This matrix lists the most common violations, but other forms of behavior may also result in discipline. California State law says that a student may be disciplined, suspended or recommended for expulsion based on “reasonable cause”, which includes on and off campus school related activities. Students with poor academic standing, disciplinary issues or unsettled attendance issues will be placed on a “INELIGIBILITY LIST”.  Administration reserves the right to monitor student activity privileges.

DRUGS AND ALCOHOL

Important Note: Students confronted with any situation regarding drugs/alcohol are expected to walk away, and:

1) Report the incident to an administrator;

2) Not accept any drugs, alcohol or dangerous objects;

3) Immediately report to administrator if something has been placed on person or in personal belongings

Expectations based on TPS Virtues – Pursue virtuous behavior and make choices based on wisdom by contributing to the well being of the school community.

TPS Code Based on Parent & Student Compact and California Ed Code – Alcohol or illegal drugs are not allowed on any part of campus including parking lots or at any school related activity regardless of location. Students may not unlawfully possess, use, sell or otherwise furnish or be under the influence of, or unlawfully offer, arrange, or negotiate to sell, any controlled substance, drug paraphernalia, alcoholic beverage or intoxicant of any kind. Nor can students sell, deliver or otherwise furnish to any person another liquid substance or material and represent the liquid, substance or material as a controlled substance, alcoholic beverage or intoxicant.

First Consequence – Up to five-day suspension.  If sales, automatic referral to TPS Expulsion Panel, law enforcement involvement.  For sales, there is no allowance for a second offense.

Second Consequence – Three to five-day suspension and automatic referral to TPS Expulsion Panel, law enforcement involvement.. 

VAPING, SMOKING, POSSESSION OF TOBACCO OR SMOKING/VAPING PARAPHERNALIA

Expectations based on TPS Virtues – Engage in higher-level thinking and make choices based on wisdom by contributing to a clean school environment.

TPS Code Based on Parent & Student Compact and California Ed Code – Students may not possess or use tobacco or any product containing tobacco or nicotine. Nor may students possess or unlawfully offer, arrange or negotiate to sell any smoking or vaping paraphernalia.

First Consequence – Up to five-day suspension and possible referral to TPS Expulsion Panel for exclusion from school, law enforcement involvement. If sales, automatic referral to TPS Expulsion Panel, law enforcement involvement.

Second Consequence – Three to five-day suspension and automatic referral to TPS Expulsion Panel for exclusion from school, law enforcement involvement. 

WEAPONS

Expectations based on TPS Virtues – Pursue virtuous behavior and make choices based on wisdom by contributing to the well being of the school community by upholding a culture of safety and respect for others and contribute to a positive school culture.

TPS Code Based on Parent & Student Compact and California Ed Code – Use or possession of any dangerous object is prohibited. Students may not possess, sell or otherwise furnish any firearm or knife, or any explosive or other dangerous object (including laser pens or other sharp objects). Nor may students possess an imitation firearm meaning a replica of a firearm that is so substantially similar in physical properties to an existing firearm as to lead a reasonable person to conclude that the replica is a firearm.  Nor may students possess an imitation or any form of a knife on campus.

First Consequence – One to five day suspension and possible referral to TPS Expulsion Panel for exclusion from school, law enforcement involvement.

Second Consequence – Three to five day suspension and automatic referral to TPS Expulsion Panel for exclusion from school, law enforcement involvement.

FIGHTING/HARASSMENT/BULLYING/HAZING/THREATS

Important Note: Students experiencing harassment or intimidation are expected to do the following to avoid an altercation and disciplinary action:

1) Walk away;

2) Report the incident to an administrator;

3) Seek help from a teacher, campus security, counselor or an administrator to resolve the situation.

Bullying situations occur when one or more students has an unfair advantage over another student and habitually seeks to harm or intimidate others. “Bullying” means any severe or pervasive physical or verbal act or conduct, including communications made in writing or by means of an electronic act, and including one or more acts committed by a pupil or group of pupils as defined in Section 48900.2, 48900.3, or 48900.4 of the Ed Code.  

Expectations based on TPS Virtues – Pursue virtuous behavior by treating others as you wish to be treated, with respect, compassion and dignity; and do everything possible to maintain peace.

TPS Code Based on Parent & Student Compact and California Ed Code – Fighting, harassment, bullying or intimidation are not tolerated. Students may not cause or attempt to cause or threaten to cause physical injury to another person(s) or willfully use force or violence upon the person of another. Students may not harass, threaten or intimidate any student, including a student who is a complaining witness or a witness in a school disciplinary proceeding for the purpose of either preventing that pupil from being a witness or retaliating against that student for being a witness, or both. Nor may students engage or attempt to engage in any form of hazing.  For additional information, please review the TPS Board Policy 5018 – Bullying Prevention Policy.

First Consequence – One to five-day suspension and possible referral to TPS Expulsion Panel for exclusion from school, and possible law enforcement involvement.

Second Consequence – Three to five-day suspension and referral to TPS Expulsion Panel for exclusion from school, and possible law enforcement involvement.

LEWD CONDUCT/PORNOGRAPHY

Expectations based on TPS Virtues – Pursue virtuous behavior and make choices based on wisdom by modeling positive behavior and act with personal integrity.

TPS Code Based on Parent & Student Compact and California Ed Code – Any display or any form of lewd conduct or possession or viewing of pornography of any type will not be tolerated. Students may not commit an obscene act or engage in the use of profanity or vulgarity, which includes cursing.  Students may not access inappropriate materials on the school Google account or send inappropriate messages to other students, this includes inappropriate language and cursing.

First Consequence – One to five-day suspension and possible referral to TPS Expulsion Panel for exclusion from school, and possible law enforcement involvement.

Second Consequence – Three to five-day suspension and referral to TPS Expulsion Panel for exclusion from school, and possible law enforcement involvement.

ROBBERY, THEFT AND EXTORTION

Expectations based on TPS Virtues – Pursue virtuous behavior and make choices based on wisdom by acting with personal integrity and follow school behavioral expectations and by treating others as you wish to be treated.

TPS Code Based on Parent & Student Compact and California Ed Code – Students may not commit or attempt to commit robbery, theft or extortion nor may students steal or attempt to steal school or private property.

First Consequence – One to five-day suspension and possible referral to TPS Expulsion Panel for exclusion from school, and law enforcement involvement.

Second Consequence – Three to five-day suspension and possible referral to TPS Expulsion Panel for exclusion from school, and law enforcement involvement.

DAMAGED/STOLEN SCHOOL/PRIVATE PROPERTY

Expectations based on TPS Virtues – Pursue virtuous behavior and make choices based on wisdom by acting with personal integrity and follow school behavioral expectations and by treating others as you wish to be treated.

TPS Code Based on Parent & Student Compact and California Ed Code- Students may not cause or attempt to cause damage, or steal or attempt to steal, school or private property. Restitution will be required for all damaged/stolen property and charges will be filed with law enforcement.

First Consequence – One to five-day suspension and possible referral to TPS Expulsion Panel for exclusion from school, and law enforcement involvement.

Second Consequence – Three to five-day suspension and possible referral to TPS Expulsion Panel for exclusion from school, and law enforcement involvement.

THROWING FOOD/OBJECTS OR DAMAGING SCHOOL PROPERTY

Expectations based on TPS Virtues – Pursue virtuous behavior and make choices based on wisdom by contributing to a clean and orderly school environment and treating others with respect.

TPS Code Based on Parent & Student Compact and California Ed Code – Students may not cause or attempt to cause damage to school or private property including throwing objects.  Students may not throw food or drinks at other students. 

First Consequence for Throwing Objects/Damaging School Property – One to five-day suspension and possible referral to TPS Expulsion Panel for exclusion from school, and possible law enforcement involvement. 

First Consequence for Throwing Food –  Saturday School

Second Consequence for Throwing Objects/Damaging School Property – Three to five-day suspension and referral to TPS Expulsion Panel for exclusion from school, and possible law enforcement involvement.  

Second Consequence for Throwing Food – 1-5 day suspension.

GAMBLING

Expectations based on TPS Virtues – Pursue virtuous behavior and make choices based on wisdom by positively influencing others.

TPS Code Based on Parent & Student Compact and California Ed Code – Student gambling in any form is not permitted on campus and may result in suspension.

First Consequence – Saturday School.

Second Consequence – One to three-day suspension.

TARDINESS

Expectations based on TPS Virtues – Pursue virtue and wisdom by displaying a motivation for learning and utilize effective work habits.

TPS Code Based on Parent & Student Compact and California Ed Code – Timeliness to class is an essential aspect of academic success. Students who are not in class when the bell rings are deemed tardy. Students who are more than 30 minutes late to any class are deemed truant.

First Consequence – Grades TK-6: 5 tardies = warning email is sent to the parent; Grades 7-12: first 5 tardies in any one period = lunch detention.

Second Consequence – Grades TK-6: 10 tardies = parent teacher conference with Dean;  Grades TK-2: consequence assigned by Dean; Grades 3-6: after school detention. Grades 7-12: 10 tardies = after school detention and loss of participation in extracurricular activities until detention is served.

Third Consequence – Grades TK-6: 15 or more tardies = Referral to Student Attendance Review Team, hereafter referred to as “SART”.  Grades TK-2: loss of extra curricular activities and/or other consequences determined by the Dean.  Grades 3-6: Saturday School and/ or loss of extracurricular activities.  Grades 7-12: 15 or more tardies = Saturday School (an additional Saturday school will be assigned each time they have accrued 5 additional tardies), parent conference, loss of participation in extracurricular activities, and referral to the SART.  

NOTE:  Tardies accrue throughout the school year, they do not reset at the start of quarters or semesters.

TRUANCY

Expectations based on TPS Virtues – Pursue virtue and wisdom and knowledge by embracing a culture of excellence in education.

TPS Code Based on Parent & Student Compact and California Ed Code – Truancy is defined as: a student who is found off campus, out of class or out of bounds during the school day without a hall pass, a student who is 30 minutes or more late to school, or a student who is out of school without a legally recognized reason.  Please refer to the definition of truancy as defined by the Ed Code in the “Attendance” section of the handbook.

First Consequence – Detention.  

Second Consequence – Saturday School. 

Third Consequence – SART and Saturday School.

Fourth Consequence – SART Board review with law enforcement and Saturday School.  

ELECTRONIC DEVICES

Expectations based on TPS Virtues – Pursue virtue and wisdom and knowledge by engaging in classroom

activities and utilizing effective work habits.

TPS Code Based on Parent & Student Compact and California Ed Code – Students are discouraged from bringing any type of electronic devices (Smartwatches, cell phones, CD, MP3, ipods, pagers, cameras etc.) to school. When found in use and/or disruptive to the learning environment, they will be confiscated and turned into an administrator. Please see the specific cell phone policy in the Personal Property section of the Handbook.

First Consequence – Warning.  Conference with student.  Device will be held by administration until the end of the school day. 

Second Consequence – Detention. Device held by administration for 24 hours and will only be released to parent/guardian at a scheduled conference.

Third Consequence – Saturday School. Device held by administration for 24 hours and will only be released to parent/guardian at a scheduled conference.

Subsequent Offenses:  Could result in a suspension or other consequences. Device held by administration and will only be released to parent/guardian at a scheduled conference.

STUDENT PARKING

Expectations based on TPS Virtues – Pursue virtuous behavior and make choices based on wisdom by contributing to a clean and orderly school environment and treating others with respect.  Students must sign and agree to the Parking Permit regulations in the policy.  

TPS Code Based on Parent & Student Compact and California Ed Code – Student parking is a privilege, not a right. Students who drive and park on school property may only park in student designated spaces. The entire behavior code applies to all school property including the parking lot. Students must follow vehicle code guidelines to be parked safely.

First Consequence – Detention and possible municipal citation issued.

Second Consequence – Saturday School and possible municipal citation issued.

Subsequent Offenses – Parking permit revoked – privilege of driving to and from school will be repealed. Senior parking space revoked with no refund of fee.

ACADEMIC DISHONESTY

Expectations based on TPS Virtues – Pursue virtuous behavior and make choices based on wisdom by thinking about character before acting and making choices for the future.

TPS Code Based on Parent & Student Compact and California Ed Code – Plagiarism, cheating or falsification will not be tolerated by any teacher in any subject. For examples of each of these see the TPS Student & Parent Handbook regarding this particular issue found under School Discipline.

First Consequence – The student will receive an “F” on the assignment and detention/Saturday School.

Second Consequence – Student will fail the entire course, and further disciplinary action, to include suspension or expulsion, may be instituted.