Parent/Student Handbook
2023-2024
Overview:
The purpose of this handbook is to provide general guidelines and information concerning the rights and responsibilities of students, parents, and the schools in the Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District. Implementation of these guidelines requires the cooperation and understanding of everyone involved in the educational process. Hopefully, this document will be helpful in ensuring a successful, productive educational experience for all students.
The Governing Board of any school district shall not prescribe rules inconsistent with law or with the rules prescribed by the State Board of Education for the government and discipline of the schools under its jurisdiction (Education Code Section 35291).
DISTRICT MISSION AND BELIEFS:
In a safe, welcoming, and supportive learning environment, we provide innovative educational opportunities to develop resilient students who are inspired to succeed.
GOVERNING BOARD EQUITY STATEMENT:
FSUSD values and promotes inclusive learning environments by providing all students with tools to be empowered in our educational system and the future. We welcome and value community and family engagement because it is essential to the success of each student. Educational opportunities will be founded on rigorous instruction and positive relationships. An equitable, high quality education will be provided to every student at all school sites. FSUSD is committed to making equity-driven decisions that lead to improved opportunities and outcomes for historically and currently underserved students.
WHERE TO SEEK HELP OR ASSISTANCE:
If you have concerns regarding any matter directly related to a situation in a classroom, it is essential that you speak first to the teacher. If you believe your concern is not resolved after a discussion with the teacher, you should then request to discuss the concern with the principal or, in some situations, the appropriate assistant principal. In the event your concern is still not resolved, it would be appropriate to discuss the situation with a district-level administrator.
There might be instances when a concern does not originate at the classroom or school level. In such an instance, you should inquire at the central office as to which district-level administrator can best respond to your concern. The district office telephone number is 707-399-5000 and the central office is located at 2490 Hilborn Road, Fairfield, 94534. California public schools are governed by a combination of laws.
References to state law indicated in this handbook can be found in three locations: Education Code (EC), Penal Code (PC), and Health and Safety Code (H&SC).
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
More information regarding the district can be found at www.fsusd.org
NONDISCRIMINATION IN DISTRICT PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES: (BP 0410)
The Governing Board is committed to providing equal opportunity for all individuals in education. District programs, activities, and practices shall be free from discrimination based on race, color, ancestry, national origin, ethnic group identification, age, religion, marital or parental status, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, and/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.
Annually, the Superintendent or designee shall review district programs and activities to ensure the removal of any barrier that may unlawfully prevent an individual or group in any of the protected categories stated above from accessing district programs and activities, including the use of facilities. The Superintendent or designee shall take prompt, reasonable actions to remove any identified barrier. The Superintendent or designee shall report the findings and recommendations to the Board after each review.
Pursuant to 34 CFR 104.8 and 34 CFR 106.9, the Superintendent or designee shall notify students, parents/guardians, employees, employee organizations, applicants for admission and employment, and sources of referral for applicants about the district's policy on nondiscrimination and related complaint procedures. Such notification shall be included in each announcement, bulletin, catalog, handbook, application form, or other materials distributed to these groups.
The district's nondiscrimination policy and related informational materials shall be published in a format that parents/guardians can understand. In addition, when 15 percent or more of a school's students speak a single primary language other than English, those materials shall be translated into that other language.
ACCESS FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES
District programs and facilities, viewed in their entirety, shall be in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and any implementing standards and/or regulations.
The Superintendent or designee shall ensure that the district provides appropriate auxiliary aids and services when necessary to afford individuals with disabilities equal opportunity to participate in or enjoy the benefits of a service, program, or activity. These aids and services may include, but are not limited to, qualified interpreters or readers, assistive listening devices, assistive technologies or other modifications to increase accessibility to district and school websites, notetakers, written materials, taped text, and Braille or large print materials.
Individuals with disabilities shall notify the Superintendent or principal if they have a disability that requires special assistance or services. Reasonable notification should be given prior to the school-sponsored function, program, or meeting.
SPECIAL EDUCATION PARENT RIGHTS:
The State Special Schools provide services to students who are deaf, hard of hearing, blind, visually impaired, or deaf-blind at each of its three facilities: the California Schools for the Deaf in Fremont and Riverside and at the California School for the Blind in Fremont. Residential and day school programs are offered to students from infancy to age 21 at both State Schools for the Deaf and from ages 5 through 21 at the California School for the Blind. The State Special Schools also offer assessment services and technical assistance. For more information about the State Special Schools, please visit the California Department of Education Website at State Special Schools - Specialized Programs (CA Dept of Education) or ask for more information from the members of your child’s IEP team.
