Rancho San Joaquin Handbook

The Irvine Unified School District and Rancho San Joaquin Middle School place emphasis on integrity, ethical behavior, and academic honesty. Core ethical values of honesty, responsibility, compassion, perseverance, respectfulness, cooperation, civic duty, and courage reflect this emphasis. We expect that all students will complete their own work and complete all assignments and assessments based on their own research, knowledge base and efforts in a manner that fully complies with their teacher’s norms, directives, and policies. Students demonstrate academic honesty by NOT participating in the following actions. These definitions do not represent a complete list of possible infractions; rather, they provide examples of the range of conduct which violates academic honesty expectations.

• Cheating on Tests - Any use of external assistance relating to an examination, test, or quiz without expressed permission of the teacher. This includes looking at another student's paper, sharing answers, possession of materials, or copying another student's paper.
• Fabrication - Any intentional falsification or invention of data, citation, or other authority in an academic exercise.
• Unauthorized Collaboration - Collaboration on an assignment between a student and another person if such collaboration is not expressly directed or permitted by the teacher. This includes copying another student's work, allowing work to be copied or completing assignments for others, giving, or "passing" any assessments to other students for the following year, or receiving any assessments from other students.
• Plagiarism - Any representation of another's ideas, words, or work as one's own. Plagiarism includes the misuse of published material, electronic material, and/or the work of other students. The original writer who intentionally shares his/her paper for another to copy, without the permission of the teacher, has also engaged in plagiarism.
• Alteration of Materials - Any intentional and unauthorized alteration of student, teacher, or library instructional or assessment materials. This may include changing answers after the fact.
• Theft - Any unauthorized taking, concealment, or alteration of student or teacher instructional or assessment materials or equipment, including, but not limited to, the district data network, internet, and other on-line resources.
• Transfer or Use of Unauthorized Materials - includes the use of unapproved translation devices, or any giving or selling of unauthorized materials.
• Digital Citizenship Violations - Per Board Policy 6163.4 (Acceptable Use Policy) Students should refrain from using technological resources for infractions that involve academic dishonesty. These include using technology to copy, plagiarize, collaborate inappropriately, sending or receiving test questions, accessing another’s account, or hacking into computer systems. 

To demonstrate academic honesty, students must:

• Do their own work as directed by a teacher.
• Not take credit for work done by anyone else.
• Refuse to aid any form of academic dishonesty.
• Understand the difference between collaboration and cheating and collaborate with others in a way that is permissible.

Students who violate the academic honesty policy may receive one or more of the following consequences:

• Parent notification by the teacher and referral to the Assistant Principal.
• Reflective assignment to be turned into the Assistant Principal.
• Violations may affect honors recommendation for the next grade level.

The full academic honesty policy can be found on the IUSD website.

Students are expected to follow all school rules and teacher expectations on school field trips. Teachers/administrators may use discretion as to whether students may participate in class field trips based on grades, attendance, and behavior. If a student fails two or more subjects, is excessively tardy to or absent from class, displays poor behavior, or is suspended or expelled, they may lose the privilege to participate in school activities. The assistant principal and principal will determine when a student loses the privilege to participate in activities.

Every student is entitled to a safe school environment free from discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and bullying. The District’s Policy on Bullying can be accessed on the IUSD’s website, www.iusd.org. Copies are also available in the school office upon request.

The Irvine Unified School District prohibits bullying. This includes, but is not limited to, discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and bullying based on the actual or perceived characteristics set forth in Penal Code section 422.55 and Education Code section 220, and disability gender, gender identity, gender expression, nationality, race or ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics. Bullying is defined in Education Code section 48900(r). School personnel must immediately intervene if they witness an act of discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or bullying, provided it is safe to do so. Acts of discrimination or bullying should be brought to the attention of school administration immediately. Complaints of bullying or discrimination will be considered confidential. However, it may be necessary to disclose certain information to effectively investigate. Students who violate the IUSD’s policies on bullying or discrimination may be subject to discipline, including suspension and expulsion. IUSD prohibits retaliation against individuals who make complaints of bullying or provide information related to such complaints. You may make a confidential complaint by contacting the site principal and/or complete Complaint Form 1312.1 available under IUSD Complaint Procedures on any school or district website. If there is sufficient corroborating information, an investigation will commence.

Students who need to be dismissed from school early must notify their teacher ahead of time. When the parent/guardian arrives in the Front Office, a pass will be sent for the student’s dismissal. Students must be signed out in the office by a person listed on the student’s contacts screen before leaving campus.

Students are required by law to attend school regularly. Attendance will be taken and reported to the office each class period. Every absence from school MUST be cleared by a parent or guardian. Absences may be cleared by calling the 24-hour Voice Mail ATTENDANCE LINE (949) 936-6501. When you call the attendance line, it is necessary to include the following information:

1. Student’s full name (spelling last name)
2. Date of absence
3. Specific reason for absence
4. Name of parent/guardian

If a student has an excused absence, they will be able to make up any missed work upon their return. If you know of an excused absence prior to the actual absence date, please inform the office. 

Excused Absences are granted for: 

• Personal illness
• Doctor or dentist appointment
• Death of immediate family member/funeral service
• IUSD recognized religious holiday

*For a full list of excused absences, please visit IUSD.org 

Students with three or more unexcused absences or a total of ten absent days altogether will receive a Student Attendance Review Board (SARB) letter which will put the student’s attendance on watch for the remainder of the year.

Make-up assignments following an absence:
The student has the responsibility to arrange with the classroom teacher for make-up work.

Work assigned or tests given during an absence: A student will be allowed one (1) day for each day of an excused absence. However, the student whose first day of absence is the day of the test should plan to take the test on the day they return to class. Additional time may be given at the classroom teacher’s discretion.

Work assigned prior to an absence: Assignments made prior to an absence will be given no additional time and are due on the day the student returns to class. Additional time may be given at the classroom teacher’s discretion. Under unusual circumstances, the principal has the authority to extend all the above time schedules or waive any portion of the above restrictions.

Students shall be allowed to complete all assignments and tests missed which can reasonably be provided following an excused absence. An assignment that cannot be made up may either be excused, or an alternate assignment may be given. Students may be allowed to complete school work missed during an unexcused absence at the discretion of the classroom teacher.

The teacher of any class from which a pupil is suspended may require the suspended pupil to complete assignments and tests missed during the suspension. (CA Ed Code 48913)

Short-Term Independent Study Contracts

Independent Study is a voluntary optional alternative instructional strategy for students who plan to be away from school for a minimum of 5 days and no longer than 14 days. Independent Study contracts must be signed/dated by parent, student, administrator, and teacher before contract starts. Parent/ Guardian must request an Independent Study Contract 5 days in advance of extended absence from their child’s counselor.

Tardy Policy

Students are responsible for being on time to school and to each class period. On time means students are inside the classroom, seated when the tardy bell rings. Once a student arrives at school, they must remain on campus until dismissed. If the student is tardy to school, they are to report to the front office for a tardy slip. Students coming from a medical or dental appointment must bring a note from the doctor’s office. When students are kept after class by a teacher, they should obtain a pass before they go to their next class. If they do not have a note from a teacher, they will be marked tardy.

Period Tardies: A student late to a class period is subject to the teacher’s progressive discipline policy. If period tardies become excessive, a teacher may refer the student to the Assistant Principal where the below consequences will apply:

• 3+ Tardies – Student Conference with the Assistant Principal
• 5+ Tardies – Detention and parent notification
• 10+ Tardies – Student becomes ineligible for all school activities, community service hours assigned, and SARB Letter

Note: Every 10 tardies = 1 hour of community service to regain eligibility.

Rancho recognizes its students in a variety of ways throughout the school year. Criteria for these recognitions may include attendance, GPA, demonstration of Rancho RULES, and/or contributions to the school or community.

Rancho RULES receptions are held about once every 6 weeks and are for students who are nominated by their teacher for the character traits of Respect, Unwavering Integrity, Leadership, Effort, and Social Responsibility. These students typically go above and beyond consistently in these areas.

Be Kind activities are held once a trimester for students who are nominated by their peers for being kind and demonstrating qualities of a good friend.

End of the year awards are held once a year for students who are nominated by their teachers in the following three categories:

• Excellence: This award is given to students to exemplify academic excellence in the classroom. This student demonstrates the ability to perform, achieve, and/or excel in academic activities.
• Merit: This award is given to students who demonstrate effort, hard work, and perseverance in the classroom. This student demonstrates earnest effort toward their own growth, progress, and academic success.
• Character: This award is given to students who exemplify Rancho RULES in the classroom consistently and frequently go above and beyond for the learning community around them.

The Student of the Year award is given to up to three students who are nominated by their teachers. Nominated students may then apply for this award. Students may submit an application and interview. Students must meet the minimum requirements below to be eligible:

• Academic – 3.0 G.P.A. or better for the first five trimesters with no D’s or F’s
• Behavior – S or better on report cards at all times in citizenship and work habits
• Extracurricular – consistent service contributions to school and community
• Exemplifies Rancho RULES with words and actions

The Presidential Award is given to students who earn a 4.0 in both their seventh and eighth grade years (the first five trimesters) and earn exceeding standards on standardized state testing in both English and Mathematics. Students must attend Rancho for both of their seventh and eighth grade years.

School starts at 8:25 a.m. on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and at 8:55 a.m. on Tuesday and Thursday. Please refer to the school calendar for minimum and modified school days.

Students should plan to arrive at school no earlier than 8:05 a.m. (and 8:20 a.m. on late starts) and leave by 3:10 p.m.* Adult supervision is not provided before or beyond these times.

*Students enrolled in Extended Day P.E. will end school at approximately 4:00 p.m. Please see the bell schedule for exact times.

Students must obey all traffic regulations when riding to or from school and walk their bike, scooter, or skateboard while on campus. Particularly, be careful crossing through intersections and when riding in areas of high pedestrian or automobile traffic. Bikes, scooters, and skateboards must be immediately stored and locked in the designated areas upon arrival at school. The police recommend U-shaped locks that cannot be cut. Lock your wheels and frame together and secure it to the racks provided. Do not leave your transportation unlocked at any time, whether it is inside a rack area or not. Register your bike with the police department and keep a record of its serial number. California law requires all minors to wear a helmet when riding bikes, skateboards, and scooters. Rancho San Joaquin Middle School is not responsible for damage or loss of bicycles, scooters, or skateboards.

Note: Items that are ridden on campus may be confiscated. Skateboards, bicycles, or scooters that are confiscated multiple times will need to be picked up by a parent.

E- bikes/E-scooters/E-skateboards must be registered. Students who meet the following requirements will be eligible for a registration sticker:

• Parent/Guardian & Student Attendance at an e-Vehicle Safety Zoom meeting with Rancho administration prior to issuance of a registration sticker.
• Meets the e-Vehicle Operation Expectations outlined below.

E-Vehicle Operation Expectations: 

• Students will walk their e-bike, e-scooter, or e-skateboard, respectfully and safely at all times on campus.
• Students will park and lock their e-bike, e-scooter, or e-skateboard in an authorized bike rack location ONLY.
• Registration stickers must be visibly displayed on the frame of the e-bike, e-scooter, or e-skateboard.
• Students will wear a helmet at all times while operating their e-Vehicle.
• Students will follow safety guidelines detailed in the e-Vehicle Safety meeting.

Consequences for not meeting expectations:

• Students not meeting expectations may receive detention.
• Students with excessive violations of e-Vehicle Expectations may lose their parking privilege.
• Students with excessive violations may result in suspension of registration sticker.
• Rancho Administration reserves the right to revoke any permit if any of the above expectations or other expectations in the Rancho Student Handbook are not met.

Students are not permitted in the front of school at lunch, the science wing, the G wing Hallway, and must remain within all marked boundaries at all times of the day. Students not within the boundaries may be subject to consequences that include detention, parent contact, assigned seat, or other means of correction.

The School Board recognizes the harmful effects of bullying on student learning and school attendance and desires to provide safe school environments that protect students from physical and emotional harm. District employees shall establish student safety as a high priority and shall not tolerate bullying of any student.

No student or group of students shall, through physical, written, verbal, or other means, harass, sexually harass, threaten, intimidate, cyberbully, cause bodily injury to, or commit hate violence against any other student or school personnel. Students who have been bullied or cyberbullied shall promptly report such incidents to any staff member. IUSD Board Policy 5145.8

Any student who fails to meet this expectation will be held to consequences that include, but are not limited to detention, suspension, and/or expulsion.

For the safety of all people riding the bus, students must obey the following rules:

• Form a single line at the curb to board the bus.
• A bus pass must be presented to the driver to board the bus.
• Remain seated and facing front at all times.
• Talk quietly and behave in an orderly manner.
• Do not eat, drink, or chew gum.
• Keep your head, arms, and hands to yourself and inside the bus always.
• Do not throw or toss objects of any type inside or outside the bus.
• Do not tamper with the bus seats, window, or other equipment.
• Exit the bus at your assigned stop.

Violation of any of the above rules can result in a warning or suspension from District Bus Transportation.

Check Rancho’s website for all events. rancho.iusd.org

Rancho San Joaquin Middle School is a closed campus. All visitors to the campus must sign in at the office. Students must remain on campus during the school day unless their parent comes to school to check them out, including the lunch period. There are no food deliveries allowed from third parties.

Note: Food delivery services (UberEats, Grubhub, DoorDash, etc.) ARE NOT ALLOWED on campus. Items that need to be delivered to students (lunch, homework, textbooks, etc.) must be brought to the Front Office. Students are NOT permitted to meet parents in the parking lot.

The Rancho Newsletter is sent generally twice a month. These messages will highlight school events and significant calendar dates. Parents have ongoing access to student grades through Parent Portal, my.iusd.org. Canvas is an online management system that provides information regarding each student’s classes. Teachers post homework and classwork assignments on Canvas so students can access materials on-line. Parents are encouraged to use e-mail and voicemail to communicate with the teachers. Additional information can be found on our school website: rancho.iusd.org

Students are supported by a counselor who provides individual assistance, including academic counseling, social/emotional support, and college and career exploration. Appointments may be made with a counselor by student or parent request. You can find information about our counselors on our website, rancho.iusd.org.

The Associated Student Body (ASB) sponsors dance parties during the school year which are held in the Multi-Purpose Room and Quad. Parents and teachers act as chaperones. Dress for ALL dance parties is casual and informal.

Responsibilities at School Dance Parties:

• Dances are for current Rancho students only.
• School ID is required for admission to all dances.
• Students must remain within the dance boundaries from the time of arrival until the dance is over.
• Students may NOT leave the dance early, unless signed out by a parent. Students must be in full attendance at school the day of the dance in order to attend the dance.
• Parents are to pick up students promptly, within 15 minutes of the end of the dance.
• All school rules are in effect during dances, including the dress code and behavior expectations.

Note: Students who choose to not follow these guidelines may be immediately excluded from the dance, have parents called, and be ineligible to attend future dances.

Detention may be a necessary consequence if a student is not demonstrating expected school-wide behaviors. Students may be detained during lunch time or for up to one hour before/after school. If a student receives a before or after school detention, the parent will be contacted, and the student will need to arrange transportation.

Rancho students are required to attend school and school activities dressed in a manner that is conducive to a positive learning environment. To demonstrate respect for yourself and the academic environment, please dress in appropriate student attire. Just like we would expect professionals to dress appropriately for work, we expect students to dress appropriately for school. For safety reasons, shoes must be worn at all times.

The following are unacceptable clothing items at Rancho:

• Clothing with gang affiliation
• Clothing with racially, ethnically, or sexually derogatory slogans/images
• Clothing with inappropriate, obscene, or profane language
• Clothing which exposes undergarments
• Clothing displaying or referring to illegal activities, substances, or violence
• Tops without straps (tube tops)

Note: Students who choose to wear clothing contrary to these guidelines will be asked to change into alternative attire. Multiple
incidents will result in parent conference and or uniform assignment. 

Students are expected to be with their assigned class during all instructional times unless they have a pass approved by a teacher or administrator. Students should always report to their scheduled class and receive an e-hall pass from that teacher before reporting to another location, such as the health office.

All personal electronic devices (cell phone, laptop, kindle, etc.) are to be turned off from the start of school at 8:25 AM until the end of the school day at 3:00 PM. Cell phones must be in the OFF position and put away for the duration of the school day. Personal electronic devices may be utilized for instructional purposes under direct supervision of a Rancho staff member. Rancho San Joaquin Middle School is not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged items. (BP 6163.41/AR 6163.41)

Note: Students who choose to have their device out or use their device during school hours without teacher permission may have the following consequences: phone confiscated and returned at the end of the day, parent contact, detention, device confiscated and returned to parent/guardian by the Assistant Principal, and/or Saturday School.

Cell phones must be in the OFF and put away for the duration of the school day.

Students are encouraged to maintain eligibility to participate in fun, school wide activities, such as ASB dances/socials, field trips, end of year activities, and other opportunities. Eligibility is reevaluated throughout the school year. The following are the eligibility requirements:

• Engage regularly in class and demonstrates effort
• Earn 3 or 4 marks on progress reports in work habits and citizenship
• Be consistently on time to class with no more than 5 tardies
• Exhibit Rancho RULES with no major infractions

Students may work toward earning back eligibility by completing community service at school. Students who wish to have their eligibility reinstated, will meet with an administrator, and receive a copy of the Student Eligibility Community Service Form Students are instructed to follow the directions on the form, develop and complete a service project overseen by a staff member, complete the form and return it to the student’s school counselor. Community service to reinstate eligibility may only be completed one time per trimester.

Current emergency information, including names, employment, addresses, and home and work phone numbers must be provided by parents or guardians. If any of this information changes during the school year, please update it via the Aeries Parent Portal, my.iusd.org, or contact the main office, (949) 936-6500, with the updates. According to the California Educational Code, in the event of an emergency (natural disaster, physical injury, or illness), we can release your child only to those persons identified in Aeries Parent Portal as Emergency Contacts.

Lunch Accounts

The school district uses Titan School Solutions system. To create a new account, log into your parent portal account, click Titan icon. On the Titan webpage, click register. Once an account has been created, you may add students to your account. There you can add one-time payments, schedule recurring payments, and transfer money from student to student within your family. There is a processing fee for all online payments, and we are no longer able to accept debit card payments.

Reduced/Free Meals

All students receive a free lunch meal. Not all items in the cafeteria qualify as the free lunch meal. Students may also receive meals free or reduced in charge if they reside in households receiving food stamps or AFDC. They also may receive meals free of charge or at a reduced price if they reside in households whose incomes are within the specified range. You may obtain more information and applications from the front office. Breakfast meals and a la carte breakfast items and beverages are available during the nutrition break. For lunch, students and staff may select from a meal lunch and/or a la carte items.

Lunch Procedures & Expectations

• Walk to the lunch area.
• Stand and wait in line patiently.
• Lunch purchasing is first come, first served. Saving places or cutting in line is not allowed (purchase food only for yourself).
• Bring or buy your own lunch, but don’t beg or force others to give you food or money.
• Touch only the items you intend to purchase.
• Eat your lunch and snacks in the designated areas: the quad or benches.
• Good behavior and table manners are expected. Be courteous to staff and to peers.
• Follow “Rancho RULES.”

Note: Students with their ID card can take advantage of the fast pass line on the day of the week assigned to them by their last name. Students must clean their eating areas and throw away their own trash.

Items may be placed in the cart outside the front office for a student to pick up. Please make sure the student’s name is clearly labeled on the item. To limit disruptions to the school setting, students will not be called up to retrieve their item. Rancho is not responsible for items left on the cart.

Report Cards and Progress Reports

Progress reports will be available online for viewing in the Parent Portal, my.iusd.org, one week after the close of each grading
period and midway through each trimester.

All students and employees of IUSD have the right to work, to attend school, and to participate in the educational process in a safe environment that is free from hate-motivated behavior – this includes in a digital platform. Every effort shall be made to promote mutual respect among staff and students and between and among students to encourage safe and harmonious relations that support human dignity and equality.

Behavior or statements that degrade, intimidate, and/or harm an individual on the basis of his/her race, ethnicity, culture, heritage, gender, sexual orientation, physical/mental attributes, religious beliefs or practices shall not be tolerated. Bullying, repeatedly picking fights with, or repeatedly taunting another person shall not be tolerated. IUSD Board Policy 5145.6

Any student who fails to meet this expectation will be held to consequences that include, but are not limited to: detention, Saturday School, suspension, and/or expulsion.

There is a first aid kit in each classroom so teachers can care for minor "Band-Aid" needs. If a student becomes ill or needs medical care that cannot be handled in the classroom, the student must get a note from their teacher and report to the health office. If school personnel assess your child and determines your child needs to be sent home, parents will be contacted, and it is expected they arrive in a timely manner so the child can be dismissed. Students are not permitted to call their parents on cell phones to be picked up and should report to the health office. A school nurse is not available on a regular schedule.

Homework is an important part of the learning process. Homework is defined as school related assignments made by a teacher which will require time and effort outside of the regular class period for successful completion. The purpose of homework is to reinforce classroom learning and/or prepare for the next day's class and new learning. Homework will be reasonable in scope and students are expected to complete homework independently unless stated otherwise by the teacher. The Student Planner should be used to record assignments. Parents should check the Student Planner daily for information about assignments and due dates. Expect homework nightly on a regular basis.

Students who have been absent are responsible for making up all the homework and assignments missed during the absence. Students should ask their teachers for their assignments when they return from an absence or call a class buddy during the absence for class assignments.

Students are expected to:

• Complete the Rancho Planner daily for each academic subject
• Develop regular study habits and the self-discipline necessary for learning and working independently
• Complete their homework assignments and return them on time
• Learn to plan their time effectively

Students are expected to follow all guidelines listed in IUSD’s Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) and Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policy. Inappropriate use/abuse of school technology and internet will result in disciplinary action. Students who intentionally damage school hardware (Chromebook, computer, mouse, etc.) are responsible for restitution. Students will use school-issued devices, and teachers may restrict access if students are off-task, gaming, logging in under “Guest” and/or venturing to unrelated websites. (BP 6163.4/AR 6163.4)

Access to these resources is available from school and home. Links and tutorials are available on Rancho’s Library webpage.

ABC-CLIO: online history database – https://iusd.org/abcclio

• Username = irvinemiddle
• Password = schools
• Select Rancho San Joaquin

Britannica School - online encyclopedia – https://school.eb.com/levels

• Username: raiusd
• Password: irvine (case-sensitive)

Proquest K-12: online database – https://iusd.org/Proquest

• Username: irvschdist
• Password: irvine

NoodleTools – online bibliography generator and note taking

• Username: same as school
• Password: same as school

Irvine Unified School District Digital Library = Overdrive - https://iusd.org/overdrive

• Username: same as school username
• Password: same as school password

Rancho’s Library Media Center is here to serve and support you by providing a rich variety of materials to enhance growth in knowledge and promote a lifelong love of learning. Our Library Media Center Specialist provides an atmosphere where students can study, read, select books, and use computers in an intelligent and responsible manner. A wide variety of information is here for research plus recreational reading. The Library Media Center is open 30 minutes before school, at snack and lunch, and 15 minutes after school. When the Librarian is absent, the media center will be closed. No food or drinks in the Library Media Center.

Be sure to check out the Library Media Center often for resources and activities. Please feel free to ask for assistance; our librarian is always there to serve and support students!

The lost and found is in the hallway behind the library. There, one will find lost clothing items, lunchboxes, water bottles and other miscellaneous items. Found items, such as purses, wallets, phones, rings, keys, eyeglasses, etc. should be turned into the front office immediately. Lost P.E. clothes should be turned in to the P.E. Department. Articles not claimed will be donated to charitable organizations at the end of each trimester.

The purpose of lunch time to eat, take a break, and socialize. Students may not leave the campus during the lunch period unless their parents or guardians come to school and sign them out. Students may bring a sack lunch or purchase food and beverages from the cafeteria. Students are responsible for their own trash. During lunchtime a variety of competitive sports, spirit activities, free play, affinity groups, and socializing are available. Students are to stay within the boundaries at all times. Students not within the boundaries may be subject to consequences that include detention, parent contact, assigned seat, or other means of correction.

Students are not to have any medication in their possession, including Advil, Tylenol, etc. If it is necessary for a student to take medication during school hours, they must obtain the proper forms in the office and have them completed by parents or guardians AND PHYSICIAN. The forms are to be returned to the nurse with the medicine in the prescription bottle. Medicine will be administered according to the physician’s directions.

Medical Modifications for PE

A student with asthma, a heart condition, diabetes, or any other physical limitation or illness must bring a doctor’s note outlining the modifications that are needed for a daily physical education routine. A parent or guardian may write a written excuse for PE for a student for up to three days. After three days, a doctor’s note is required.

The District provides school-based mental health/ wellness services and resources (www.iusd.org/WeCare or https://iusd.org/department/mental-health-wellness) to students and families. These services include short-term individual or group counseling for students at the school site; short-term, solution-focused therapy for students and families through the Irvine Family Resource Center; and resource linkages to community-based mental health or social services for students and families. Services are provided by counselors or licensed mental health professionals. 

• Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233
• Suicide Hotline: 1-800-273-8255
• Say Something Hotline: 1-844-5-SAYNOW

During PE, each student will be assigned a locker for that period. These lockers are to keep clothes and backpacks secure only during P.E. class. These lockers are used by all students and are only available during your P.E. period. While students are participating in P.E. activities, their clothes and backpack should be in a LOCKED locker. Be sure to keep all money and valuables, such as cell phones and other electronic devices, locked in a locker. The person to whom the locker is assigned during that period will be responsible for the contents of the locker and for keeping the locker neat and clean both inside and outside. Students may purchase a lock from school or an outside vendor to use in the P.E. class. They should not share their locker or lock combination with other students. Rancho is not responsible for any missing, lost, or broken items.

How to open your combination lock: 

• Begin at zero (0).
• Turn to the right two whole turns and stop at your first combination number.
• Then turn left one whole turn past your first number and stop at your middle number.
• Now turn right and stop at your last number.
• Pull up on the lock and it should open.

Students must assume sole responsibility for loss or damage to any school or personal property issued to or belonging to them, such as garments, equipment, books, folders, pencil cases, toys, electronics or musical instruments. The school will endeavor to protect all such properties, but is not responsible for them. Items such as electronic games, iPods, laser pointers, etc., should not be brought to school. These items may be confiscated.

Canvas

https://iusd.instructure.com/login

• Login Information
• Username: same as school
• Password: same as school

Google Drive

• Log on: drive.google.com or use the Google Apps Menu and click on Google Drive.
• Sign in: school username @iusd.org
• Password: same as school

Aeries

(Parent Portal and Access Report Card)
 

• Log on: My.iusd.org
  • Set Up New Account
• Click on Parent Portal
• Choose Parent or Student
• Enter your email and click next
• Follow Steps

Adobe Express

https://express.adobe.com/sp/

• Username: Same as school

Parents have access using their emails on record with the school. Students may set up their own account by emailing pamlockliear@iusd.org from their personal or school email address. Include only the subject “Student Portal” and the students name in the email. This email account will be added to your records and all the setup of an additional login.

Students who have behaviors that rise to more significant levels may be required to serve a Saturday School. Saturday school is three hours long and will be held from 8:30am – 11:30am.

Students are not permitted to sell, trade, or distribute any items (crafts, candy, toys, clothing, etc.) to other students on campus.

Rancho is a community of learners who act with respect, unwavering integrity, leadership, effort, and social responsibility. They academically persevere and act as exemplary citizens in a global society.

Rancho implements school-wide Positive Behavior Intervention Supports (PBIS) Plan using Rancho Rules:

• Define and teach positive behavioral expectations
• Acknowledge positive behavior
• Create an effective learning environment for all students
• Establish a positive school culture

We believe all students can behave appropriately and our Rancho RULES is a philosophy of positive behavior support. Students who demonstrate Rancho RULES are positively recognized and receive a RULES Card. RULES Cards can be used as and our RULES store OR entered the RULES Drawing in the front office. Prizes included gift cards, lunch privileges, special events, etc. Please reference the Rancho RULES School-Wide Teaching Matrix to see the expected behaviors at Rancho.

We will not tolerate any student interfering with the learning in the classroom or creating an unsafe situation – this includes digital classroom settings. Individual teachers will introduce students to their classroom expectations and provide these written expectations on Back to School Night for parents.

Handling misbehavior: If a teacher has utilized all his/her classroom management techniques and strategies and a student repeatedly misbehaves, he/she may be referred to the office for administrative intervention.

Consequences may include, but are not limited to:

• Parent involvement
• Detention
• Written reflection
• Loss of privileges and/or eligibility
• Assignment of school or community service
• Referral to counselor or administrator
• Referral to IUSD’s Alternative to Suspension Program
• Parent involvement
• Detention
• Written reflection
• Loss of privileges and/or eligibility
• Assignment of school or community service
• Suspension on or off campus
• Behavior Contract
• Other means of correction

Suspension and Expulsion

Students who cause or attempt to cause or threaten to cause a physical injury to another person may be suspended and in certain circumstances expelled.

Students who use force or violence upon the person of another except in self-defense, may also be suspended and recommended for expulsion.

The following acts, occurring at school, going to or from school, or at any IUSD or school sponsored activity, are considered to be violations of the California Education Code and may lead to suspension and expulsion:

• Caused or attempted to cause, or threatened to cause physical injury to another person...§48900(a)(1)
• Willfully used force or violence upon the person of another, except in self-defense...§48900(a)(2)
• Possessed, sold or furnished any firearm, knife, explosive, or other dangerous object... §48900(b)
• Possessed, used, sold or furnished, or been under the influence of any controlled substance, alcoholic beverage, or intoxicant...§48900(c)
• Committed or attempted to commit robbery or extortion...§48900(e)
• Caused or attempted to cause damage to school or private property...§48900(f)
• Stolen or attempted to steal school or private property...§48900(g)
• Possessed or used tobacco or any products containing tobacco...§48900(h)
• Committed an obscene act or engaged in habitual profanity or vulgarity...§48900(i)
• Possessed, offered, arranged, or negotiated to sell drug paraphernalia...§48900(j)
• Disrupted school activities or otherwise willfully defied the valid authority of teachers, administrators, or other school personnel engaged in the performance of their duties...§48900(k)
• Knowingly received stolen school or private property...§48900(l)
• Possessed an imitation firearm...§48900(m)
• * Engaged in an act of bullying...§48900(r)
• * A pupil who aids or abets, as defined in Section 31 of the Penal Code, the infliction or attempted infliction of physical injury to another person...§48900(t)
• * Committed sexual harassment...§48900.2

See the complete list of the California Ed. Code pertaining to suspension and expulsions at http://www.cde.ca.gov

Nondiscrimination Statement

The Irvine Unified School District is committed to equal opportunity for all individuals in education. District programs and activities including membership in student clubs shall be free from discrimination based on race, color, ancestry, nationality, ethnic group identification, immigration status, age, religion, actual or potential parental, family, or marital status, or the exclusion of any person because of pregnancy or related conditions, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, or genetic information; the perception of one or more of such characteristics; or association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics.

IUSD does not discriminate in enrollment in or access to any of the activities and programs available. Admission to these programs is based on age appropriateness, class space, interest, aptitude, and prerequisite coursework where applicable. The lack of English skills shall not be a barrier to admission to or participation in IUSD’s activities and programs. IUSD does not discriminate in its hiring or employment practices.

Note: The full Nondiscrimination statement can be found at iusd.org and Board Policy 5145.5

Sexual Harassment – Students Board Policy 5145.7

The Board of Education is committed to maintaining a learning environment free from harassment, intimidation or insult, student- to-student, or adult-to-student, on the basis of an individual's actual or perceived sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender expression. Positive action will be taken when necessary to eliminate such practices or remedy their effects.

Sexual harassment, as defined and otherwise prohibited by state and federal statutes, constitutes an unlawful form of sex discrimination in violation of Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972 and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. In addition, sexual harassment constitutes violation of the California Education Code, regulations of the State Board of Education, and District Policy. As such, sexual harassment may constitute just cause for discipline pursuant to applicable Education Code Sections.

The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries and complaints regarding the sexual harassment policy: 

• Rancho San Joaquin Middle School: Kimberly Snowden, Principal, 4861 Michelson, Irvine CA 92612, (949) 936-6500.
• District Office: Title IX Coordinator – Keith Tuominen, Director, Secondary Education, 5050 Barranca Pkwy, Irvine, CA 92604, (949)936-5047.

Through active participation in student government each student can make a worthwhile contribution and at the same time gain experience in the understanding of the democratic process. Our Associated Student Body consists of those officers elected by last year’s 7th grade student body and representatives chosen from a highly selective application process overseen by a committee made up of multiple staff members.

Textbooks and library books are the property of IUSD. Students will be issued textbooks necessary for class studies and assignments for home use. The student is responsible for taking good care of his/her textbooks, including keeping them neat and secure at home. Damage to textbooks, library books, or school equipment, such as computer or Chromebook, must be restituted. If library books or textbooks have any water damage, the book will be considered unusable and need to be replaced. Lost textbooks or library books must be paid for; replacements from other vendors cannot be accepted per IUSD Board Policy. All materials must be returned to the Library Media Center by year end.

The Governing Board recognizes that tobacco use presents serious health risks and desires to provide support and assistance in reducing the number of students who begin or continue to use tobacco. The Superintendent or designee shall establish a comprehensive program that includes consistent enforcement of laws prohibiting tobacco possession and use by students, tobacco-use prevention education including youth development activities, and intervention and cessation activities and/or referrals.

The Irvine Unified School District strictly prohibits the use of products containing tobacco or nicotine, including, but not limited to smokeless tobacco, snuff, chew, and clove cigarettes, by students on any district campus or while attending school-sponsored activities, or while under the supervision or control of district employees. This prohibition also applies to electronic nicotine delivery systems, such as electronic cigarettes, electronic hookahs, and other vapor emitting devices with or without nicotine content that may mimic the use of tobacco products. These prohibitions do not apply to a student's possession or use of his/her own prescription products. However, student possession or use of prescription products in school shall be subject to the Irvine Unified School District's policy and regulation for addressing the administration of medications on campus. IUSD Board Policy 5136.6