Additional School Policies

Animals on Campus

Unauthorized animals on campus or at school-related functions are not allowed.

Bicycles

Bicycles /e-bikes must be chained to the bike rack located on the West Student Lot. Do not chain your bicycles to fences or posts. Students are not permitted to ride bikes, skateboards, or use in-line skates on school grounds because of the danger of accidents and risk of property damage.

Bullying and Cyber Bullying

In accordance with District policy, no student or group of students shall, through physical, written, verbal, or other means, harass, sexually harass, threaten, intimidate cyber bully, cause bodily injury to, or commit hate violence against any other student or school personnel.

Bullying and/or cyberbullying is a violation of California Education. Code 48900 (r).

Bullying is defined as:

Any severe or pervasive physical or verbal act or conduct, including communications made in writing or by means of an electronic act, directed toward one or more students that has or can reasonably be predicted to have the effect of placing a reasonable student in fear of harm to himself/herself or his/her property; cause the student to experience a substantially detrimental effect on his/her physical or mental health; or cause the student to experience substantial interferences with his/academic performance or ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities, or privileges provided by a school.

Cyberbullying is defined as:

Any transmission of harassing communications, direct threats, or other harmful texts, sounds, or images on the Internet, social media, or other technologies using a telephone, computer, or any wireless communication device. Cyberbullying also includes breaking into another person’s electronic account and assuming that person’s identity in order to damage that person’s reputation.

Students may submit to a teacher or administrator a verbal or written complaint of conduct they consider to be bullying. Complaints of bullying shall be investigated and resolved. When a student is reported to be engaged in bullying off campus, the administrator shall investigate and document the activity and shall identify specific facts or circumstances that explain the impact or potential impact on school activity attendance, or the targeted student’s educational performance.

When the circumstances involve cyberbullying, individuals with information about the activity shall be encouraged to save and print any electronic or digital messages sent to them that they feel constitute cyberbullying and to notify a teacher, the principal, or other school employee so that the matter may be investigated.

If the student is using a social networking site or service that has terms of use that prohibit the posting of harmful material, the administrator may also file a complaint with the Internet site or service to have the material removed.

Any student who engages in bullying on school premises, or off campus in a manner that causes or is likely to cause a substantial disruption of a school activity or school attendance, shall be subject to discipline, which may be suspension or expulsion, under district policies and regulations.

Any threats made to the school will be immediately reported to the police, who will thoroughly investigate the matter.

Alternative to Suspension

The purpose of the Alternative to Suspension Program is to provide an opportunity for students to contemplate, connect, repair harm, and make positive decisions, reducing the time out of the classroom and focusing on increasing student academic success. Through this proactive intervention, students will be given tools to reduce negative behaviors by utilizing the Restorative Justice Practices Philosophy. Below are various components of the program. Students may be assigned one or a combination of these interventions to address the behavior. The school administrator reserves the right to assign all disciplinary and restorative consequences:

Alternative to Suspension (ATS) is a one-day option for a suspension where a student engages in therapeutic activities designed to address both the disciplinary incident that caused the suspension, engage in restorative practices, and reflect on their progress and engagement with school.
Brief Intervention Program (BIP) is a level-one intervention to address a first-time infraction of school rules related to smoking, drinking or substance use on campus.
The Substance Use Program (SUP) is a level-two, six-week counseling group led by a licensed therapist to address more significant issues around drug and alcohol abuse.
The Vape Awareness, Prevention, & Education (VAPE) program is a level-two, two-week counseling group led by a licensed therapist to address more significant issues around vaping and tobacco use.
Social Media Awareness and Cyberbullying Prevention Classes.
Sexual Harassment and Misconduct Prevention Classes.

VAPE & SUP

SMUHSD has developed two alternative programs for students who have been caught in possession of tobacco, vapes, or other illicit substances. Each program is designed to help your student turn their suspension into an opportunity for learning and growth. VAPE (Vape Awareness, Prevention, & Education is a two-week program. SUP (Substance Use Prevention) is a six-week program with required parent participation on at least one night. Each will help your student have an in-depth understanding of the dangers of vaping or drug/alcohol/substance use, increase self-awareness and emotional control, optimize decision-making skills, and develop better communication skills. This program may be used in-lieu of other discipline such as suspension and/or expulsion from school.

STOP IT! Anonymous Alert System

What is the Stop It! Alerts app?
The Stop It! An alert and safety app reporting system helps combat bullying and other harmful activities in schools by empowering students to speak up. Social and peer pressure are some of the hardest obstacles for students to overcome. The system allows for 1 way or 2 way anonymous encrypted communications between submitters (students, parents or community members) and district administration and/or school staff. Users of the system have the option to remain anonymous or reveal their identity when submitting a report.

How does it work?
To use this revolutionary new app, students, parents or other school personnel can click on the “Anonymous Alerts” button on the student portal.
Informational posters explaining how to use the app will be displayed throughout schools and offices in the district.

Bus Conduct

The following rules apply at all times when students are riding a school bus, including when on school activity trips:

Riders shall follow the instructions and directions of the bus driver at all times.
Riders should arrive at their designated bus stop on time and stand in a safe place at the stop to wait quietly for the bus.
Riders shall enter the bus in an orderly manner and go directly to their seats.
Riders shall sit down and fasten any passenger restraint systems. Riders shall remain seated while the bus is in motion.
Riders shall not block the aisle or emergency exit with their body or personal belongings. Riders may bring large or bulky items, such as class projects or musical instruments, on the bus only if the item does not displace any other rider or obstruct the driver's vision.
Riders should be courteous to the driver and to fellow passengers. Vulgarity, rude, or abusive behavior is prohibited.
Any noise or behavior that could distract the driver, such as loud talking, scuffling or fighting, throwing objects, or standing or changing seats, is prohibited and may lead to suspension of riding privileges.
Riders shall not use tobacco products, eat, or drink while riding the bus.
Riders may bring electronic devices onto the bus only if such devices are permitted at school. If the use of cellular telephones or similar devices disrupts the safe operation of the school bus, the bus driver may direct the student to no longer use the device on the bus.
Riders shall not put any part of their body out of the window nor throw any item from the bus.
Riders shall help keep the bus and the area around the bus stop clean. Riders shall not damage or deface the bus or tamper with bus equipment.
Service animals are permitted on school transportation services; all other animals are prohibited.

Cell Phones & Mobile Devices

The use of a cell phone or mobile device during class time without the expressed permission of the teacher in that classroom and for educational purposes related to instruction may result in parent contact, confiscation, and disciplinary action. Each classroom teacher has a cell phone policy. Many use the pocket system, requiring students to store cell phones in a wall pocket for the duration of the instructional period. All students are required to comply with the cell phone policy in each classroom. There are no public telephones on campus. Students may not be called out of class to receive a telephone call unless it is an emergency. The school is not responsible for lost or stolen items. Please secure your valuables in a safe place.

Closed Campus

Mills High School is a closed campus. Students may not leave the campus during Break or Lunch, which includes going to a parked car to retrieve class materials. If a student needs to leave campus for an approved appointment, they must obtain a “Permit to Leave” from the Attendance Office to leave the school grounds during the school day. Students who disobey this rule will be subject to disciplinary consequences.

Dance Policy

Dances are an opportunity for students to socialize in a safe, supervised, and appropriate environment.
Student behavior must reflect the District’s Mutual Respect Policy.

Dances at Mills High School are from 7:00 – 10:00 p.m., Prom ends no later than 11:59 p.m.
Dances held outside the District’s boundaries are limited to two per school year and are held between San Jose and San Francisco between the hours of 7:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.
Tickets must be purchased in advance. To ensure safety, no tickets are sold at the door. Tickets can often be purchased in advanced on the online student store. Refunds or transfers of tickets will not be issued.
Guest Passes must be pre-approved by the Administration. Guests must be under the age of 20 years old.
Students may not leave the dance and re-enter.
Possession, selling, or being under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance will result in immediate removal from the dance and disciplinary action will follow.
A breathalyzer and/or other testing devices may be used at the dance. A metal detector may be used. Student belongings such as purses, bags and pockets may be searched prior to entry.
Do not bring any medication to a dance that is not on your personal medical file at school. No tylenol, or other pills are allowed unless it is part of your medical file.
Inappropriate dancing is not allowed like “twerking” or “grinding”.
Failure to comply with the rules will result in removal from the dance and notification to parents. Other disciplinary actions, as determined by the school administration, will be enforced. Adult supervision is provided during the dance and 30 minutes after the dance is over. Please pick up your student promptly.

Field Trips

Students attending field trips (either on- or off-campus) are required to complete field trip forms in order to participate in the event. Students are expected to follow all school rules and policies (including dress code) when on field trips.

Flex Time

Flex Time is a tool students use to support and enrich their learning. Flex time occurs twice per week during a typical instructional schedule on even block days (Wednesday & Friday). When we have a Rally scheduled on Friday, there will be no Flex Time.
Flex Time is a period where students choose a class in which to seek help or work on assignments AND build a relationship with a teacher. Teachers may make appointments with students during Flex Time.
All students are required to be in a teacher's classroom for the duration of Flex Time. Students may not be in the Center Court or other areas on campus that are not supervised directly by a teacher. Students may not leave campus during Flex Time for any reason.
All students must “check-in” for Flex Time using their student ID. The teacher will scan the student ID. If the student doesn’t have their ID card, the student may type in the student ID number.

Food Service

Mills High School is proud to offer a variety of free healthy meals through the SMUHSD food service program. Food Service is available on campus before school, brunch, and at lunch. All students receive free brunch and lunch. We still encourage students who qualify for free or reduced price lunches to apply since fees such as SAT and AP tests may be reduced or waived if a student qualifies for free or reduced lunch. See the school website for more information. All lunch lines are first-come, first-served. You may not cut the lunch line or save a spot for a friend. Orderly lunch lines are required.

Hall Passes

Students must have a lanyard hall pass when leaving the classroom, except in certain circumstances as determined by the teacher.

Health Office

The Health Aide will assist students who become ill or are injured during the school day. The Health Aide will contact a parent or follow instructions on the emergency card. The Health Aide is not a nurse and can only dispense medication if a physician signs a Medication Form. Students who are ill or injured cannot remain in the Health Office. Students must be picked up, go home, or return to class. Emergency medical assistance may be called if necessary.

Identification Cards

All students must carry a Mills High School Identification Card on the school campus and at school-related functions. The ID card will be used to check out books and library material, purchase tickets to school dances, and other school events. You are required to show your school ID upon request. All students will be given the first ID card; however, a replacement card will be subject to a fee.

Library & Career Center

The Library and Career Centers are open from 8:30 a.m. – 3:45 p.m. each school day and Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday until 5:00 pm for tutoring which is open to all students. The ID card is used for checking out books and for permission to use the computers. The Library and Career Center are not available to students without teacher permission during class time if a student is assigned a class for that period. Most of the materials in the library circulate for a period of time, and students are told when materials are due at the time they are checking out. Computers are available in the library and career center for school work and printing. Please see the website and calendar for more details.

Lockers

Lockers are school property and furnished as a convenience for students to store books and other items necessary for school. All students will be assigned a locker and a lock. If you lose or break a lock, you will be charged for a replacement. You will keep the same locker for your four years at Mills High School. Students are responsible for maintaining a clean locker and removing all items by the last day of the school year. All items remaining in the locker after the last day of the school year will be donated. Do not share your locker or give your locker combination to anyone. Damaged or inoperative lockers should be reported to the main office. Only school-issued locks are allowed to secure lockers.

Do not put valuable items in your locker.
The school is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
Individual lockers may be searched without advance notice.

As a courtesy please limit dropping off items in the main office for student pick to once a week, students are encouraged to bring items with them to school and use their lockers to store items rather than parents dropping the items off in the office.

Lost and Found

Students looking for lost possessions should check with the Health Aide in the Health Office. Anyone who finds a lost or misplaced item should take it to the Health Office as soon as possible. If lost items are not claimed within a reasonable amount of time, they will be discarded or given to charity.

Out of Bounds Areas

The Out of Bounds areas include the following areas: basketball court, tennis courts, soccer field, softball field, baseball field, football field, track, main parking lot, front stairs, East Service Road, West Service Road, Sports Complex, and North Service Road. Students are not allowed to be off campus during the school day unless under the direct supervision of a faculty member.

Permit to Leave During School Hours

When possible, medical and dental appointments should be made outside of school hours. If a student needs to leave campus, he/she must obtain a permit to leave from the Attendance Office prior to leaving at least 2 hours in advance. In every instance of leaving early, the student is responsible for completing any missed class work. If a note or phone call is not received in the Attendance Office prior to a student leaving campus, then the student’s absence will be considered unexcused and marked as a “cut”. The student will also face disciplinary action for leaving school without permission. The Sheriff’s Department and San Bruno Police are authorized to return students back to the school campus without a permit to leave.
To obtain a permit to leave campus: [1] a note stating the reason and requested dismissal time along with a phone number where the parent may be reached, must be presented to the school. [2] The student MUST check-out with the Attendance Clerk prior to leaving campus to excuse the absence.

Progress Reports

Teachers assign the grade, which the student earns according to the criteria established for that class. Typically, “A”, “B”, “C”, “D”, and “F” are used to indicate student progress. Teachers will inform students at the beginning of each semester how grades will be computed. Progress Reports are mailed approximately one week after the grading period ends (for students receiving a “D” or “F”). Grades, assignment information, and Syllabi are also available on Canvas.

Recycling, Composting, and Litter Control

Mills High School believes it is everyone’s responsibility to maintain a clean school. Students should dispose of trash in the proper receptacle, especially during brunch and lunch. Students should recycle clean bottles, cans, and paper products and compostable items using the tribin system. Soiled paper, food remnants, and other organic waste should be disposed of in the compost bin. Students are also encouraged to bring their own refillable water bottles to campus – students are welcome to refill bottles at the water filtration system in the student cafeteria or center courtyard.
In areas where trash is left by students after brunch and lunch, students may be assigned lunch duty pick-up by a school administrator.

Restrooms

Schools may maintain separate restroom facilities for male and female students. Students shall have access to restrooms that correspond to their gender identity asserted at school. Gender neutral bathrooms for students are located across from room 223. Only one person is allowed at a time in the Gender Neutral restrooms and in any bathroom stall. Failure to abide by this guideline will result in loss of school privileges and a parent phone call.
Students are not allowed to bring food into the restroom and eat it.
One student in each bathroom stall only. If multiple students are in a bathroom stall, each student will be subject to a search and parents will be notified. Consequences include the loss of school privileges such as attending events and a possible detention.

Student Vehicle Regulations

The following automobile regulations must be observed both on campus and off campus:

Students may park their cars in the Sequoia Avenue Parking Lot in designated parking stalls.
The parking lot in front of the school on Murchison Drive is only for staff. Visitors may park in the main lot.
Once a student arrives at school, he/she may not remove the car from the area, except when the student is scheduled to leave and/or has a permit to leave campus.
Loitering in or about cars or in the parking lot is prohibited.
Students must follow all driving and parking rules that are outlined by the DMV.
The parking lot is off limits during class time and brunch.
Follow road regulations, speed limits, and drive cautiously before and after school. The school reserves the right to contact law enforcement for any violations.

Driving to school is a privilege and may be revoked by careless driving or parking violations.

Textbooks

Textbooks are signed out to students in each class and become the responsibility of the student. Some classes will hold a class set of books in the classroom so that students may leave their own book at home. Students are financially liable for any damage to books or materials. Any student not returning textbooks or other materials will be charged replacement costs. Final report cards, transcripts, or diplomas will not be issued to any student with outstanding books or other debts. Fines and bills are paid to the Site Accounting Technician.

Tobacco Use

California Ed. Code 48901 states that no school shall permit the smoking or use of tobacco, or any product containing tobacco or nicotine products, by pupils of the school while on a school campus, or while attending a school sponsored event or while under the supervision and control of school district employees. Tobacco products will be confiscated and further disciplinary action will follow. This includes all VAPE products.

Visitors

Any person visiting the campus must sign the guest register in the Main Office. For insurance and safety reasons, student visitors to campus during school hours will not be allowed without prior approval. If a student guest pass is issued it must be obtained in advance from the Main Office.

Work Permit

Students may apply for a work permit through the Career Center, with the college and career advisor. Students must have a 2.0 grade point average and demonstrate consistent attendance of school in order to be granted a work permit. Students are limited to work 12 –15 hours per week. Work hours should be planned to apply ample study time for school work. Research shows students who work more than 20 hours/week average lower grades.

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Additional School Policies