STUDENT & FAMILY

HANDBOOK

2017 2018

Stay connected to Aspire Pacific Academy by visiting our website at

www.aspirepacificacademy.org

Aspire Pacific Academy is a public secondary school accredited through the Western Association of
Schools and Colleges (WASC). Aspire Pacific Academy earned a 6-year accreditation in 2015.
 ASPIRE PACIFIC ACADEMY BELIEFS
Aspire Pacific Academy Mission
Aspire Pacific Academy believes that every individual has the power and the potential to make a
difference in our community and in the world. Our purpose is to educate and empower every Aspire
Pacific Academy scholar to achieve success through knowledge, self-awareness, determination and
resilience, equipping each to work towards positive change in our world.

Aspire Pacific Academy Values

RESPONSIBLE

R APA scholars demonstrate effective study skills, are trustworthy and reliable
leaders & positive role models, make choices that empower themselves and
others, and set goals and work hard to achieve them.

INQUISITIVE

I APA scholars are curious, think critically and support assertions with evidence,
are fluent in academic language, strive to understand society within a context of
oppression and social justice and they never stay quiet in the face of injustice

SELF-ADVOCATING

S APA scholars are confident, they are self-knowing, understanding their strengths
as well as their challenges, they find and use resources necessary for their
success and they ask for help when they need it.

EMPATHETIC

E APA scholars are caring and take care of themselves and others, they actively
defend and protect those who are the victims of oppression and they strive to
make our community a safer and more just place.

Aspire Pacific Academy Goals

1 Every APA scholar will be an academic achiever.

2 Every APA scholar will be a self-directed learner.

 3 Every APA scholar will be be an effective communicator.

4 Every APA scholar will be a responsible global citizen.

OPERATIONS

School Hours
Monday-Thursday 8:00 AM to 3:05 PM
Fridays and minimum days 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Scholars may enter campus beginning at 7:30 AM; breakfast is from 7:30 AM to 8:00 AM.

Safety Before and After School

For the safety of scholars, parents/guardians are not to drop off students, nor are scholars to arrive at
school prior to 30 minutes before the start of school (7:30 a.m.), unless the scholar is involved in a
regular school activity, meeting, or community program. Similarly, parents/guardians are to arrange to
have their scholar leave or be picked up right after school, or assure that the scholar should be off
campus by 3:35 pm unless the scholar is involved in a regular school activity, meeting, or community
program or is staying at the request of school personnel. Parents will be notified if scholars are seen
loitering on or near school grounds. In case of emergency, all scholars should go directly to the school
office at any time before or after school.

Scholars who cannot comply with these requirements are placing all those at Pacific Academy at risk by
disregarding our safety considerations. Scholars placing themselves or others at risk by violating the
above policies will be subject to disciplinary action.

Appointments with the Principal or another School Administrator

Please contact the office to schedule appointments with the principal or school administration.
Administrators will meet with walk-ins if they are available, but appointments are recommended.

Aspire Pacific Academy Main Office:

(323) 589-2800

Appointments with a Teacher or Advisor

Please contact the office, teachers, or advisors directly to schedule an appointment. Teachers and
advisors are generally available before and after school and during prep periods; teachers and advisors
are not available to meet with families during class time.

ACADEMICS

Grades Access

Scholars and their parents have access to current grades via the web at http://12.53.68.35/public. A
usernames and passwords will be distributed at the beginning of the school year are also available from
the office.

Academic Integrity
Pacific Academy takes academic integrity seriously. Scholars may not look at or copy from the test or
assignment of another scholar; they may not let anyone look at or copy from their own test or
assignment. Plagiarism is also prohibited: scholars may not use another persons original work without
giving reasonable and appropriate credit or acknowledgement. Teachers and administrators will enforce
the honor code, but it is the responsibility of Pacific Academy scholars to uphold it. (Reference: Stanford
University Honor Code)

1. All test papers, quizzes, or assignments will be taken from scholars who have violated the policy. A
scholar found cheating or plagiarizing will receive a grade of "F" or zero for the test, quiz, or assignment.
If this is the first instance, the teacher has the option of letting a scholar retake or redo the assignment
to earn a maximum grade of C.
2. Teacher will notify administration and the Assistant Principal(s) will document the incident.
3. Teacher will notify the parent by phone or signed/returned letter.
4. For the second and any subsequent violations, the scholar will receive an office referral and an
automatic zero, with no opportunity for a retake. Administration will also contact parents regarding the
infraction and may schedule a meeting to further discuss consequences. Scholars may also face possible
detention, suspension, and further consequences.
5. Scholars who believe they have been accused in error may appeal in writing to the Assistant
Principal(s).
 UNIFORMS
Uniform Policy
Grades Middle School
Short Sleeve or long sleeve white
button-up with collar (shirts must be
buttoned completely and tucked-in
always) OR Pacific uniform polo or rubgy
Shirt shirt with logo
Appropriately fitting black pants, shorts,
or skirts. Shorts and skirts cannot be
more than 3 inches above the knee.
Nylons and tights are not allowed.
Excessively baggy and/or tight bottoms
Bottoms will not be permitted on campus
Any color combination of appropriate
tennis shoes is welcomed.
No high heels or sandals. Shoes will be
Shoes clean and not have any tagging on them.
Choice of zip fleece, cardigan, quarter-zip,
V-neck, or vest all must include logo.
College hoodies are permitted on Fridays
Sweater only.
BELTS: Black or brown belts are required
Belt & NECK-TIES: Black Bowties, cross-ties or
Neck Ties neck ties are required
Studded earrings or small hoops only.
Hats and beanies are not allowed on
Accessori campus and if visible, may be confiscated
es and returned at Deans discretion.
Makeup No makeup allowed for middle school
Outer garments must be appropriate for the comfort and normal activities of students while in school. A
top must cover a scholars cleavage and midriff. Bottoms must cover a scholars hips and buttocks. All
clothing must be worn in the scholars appropriate size. If clothing does not fit appropriately, parents
High School
Short Sleeve or long sleeve white
button-up with collar (shirts must be
buttoned completely) OR Pacific uniform
polo or rubgy shirt with logo
Appropriately fitting black pants, shorts, or
skirts. Shorts and skirts cannot be more
than 3 inches above the knee.
Nylons and tights are not allowed.
Excessively baggy and/or tight bottoms will
not be permitted on campus
Any color combination of appropriate
tennis shoes is welcomed.
No high heels or sandals. S hoes will be
clean and not have any tagging on them.
Choice of zip fleece, cardigan, quarter-zip,
V-neck, or vest all must include logo.
College Hoodies are permitted on Fridays
only.
BELTS: Belts are required, any color.
NECK-TIES: Black Bowties, cross-ties or
neck ties are required.
Studded earrings or small hoops only. Any
facial piercings must be cleared with the
dean. Hats and beanies are not allowed on
campus and if visible, may be confiscated
and returned at Deans discretion.
Light make-up allowed
will be notified, and asked to replace clothing items with clothing that fits properly. In addition, scholars
may be asked to change into other clothing provided by the school.

Clothing must be in good condition and cannot be bleached, stained, ripped, torn, frayed, etc. If an item
of clothing becomes a safety issue or a distraction from learning, the scholar may be asked to remove
the article, or substitute with something more appropriate. This includes accessories such as shoes,
shoelaces, hats, etc. We reserve the right to update the dress code as needed at any time and provide a
copy to families, scholars, and staff.
Friday Dress
Scholars may wear a college shirt and/or sweatshirt as well as Aspire Pacific Academy club/sports attire.
If students play a sport for Huntington Park High School, they may wear their atheletic attire ONLY ON
FRIDAYS.

Free Dress
Free Dress may be issued as a privilege to scholars. If scholars earn free-dress privileges, they must still
adhere to the following appropriate-dress guidelines:
No hats or beanies
No excessive make-up
No sleeveless shirts or tank tops
No midrift-exposing tops or clothing that exposes body parts covered by uniform
Shorts or skirts must be no shorter than 3 inches from the knee
No high heels, sandals, or open-toed shoes
No inappropriate messages, words, or images may appear on clothing

Violation of Uniform Policy

Uniforms violations are defined as: Missing a required uniform component, or wearing a prohibited item
or accessory accessory while on school grounds.

Uniform violations will result in the scholar may be asked to wear a loaner uniform provided by APA
and/or a parent may be called to deliver appropriate uniform attire. After documentation,
parents/guardians will be notified by school personnel. Continuous uniform violations may result in loss
of extended free dress privileges and scholar may be required to serve additional consequences
(detention, parent conference, and/or community service) at the discretion of administration. Scholars
with habitual uniform violations, including repeated failure to tuck-in shirt, will work closely with school
administration and be given a support plan to follow APA uniform policy.

Backpacks, Bags and School Supplies

Backpacks may not be worn during class time. Backpacks, book bags, folders and school supplies are
part of the uniform and are expected to be held to the same, proper, clean standards. Items must be
kept free of tagging and profanity. Inappropriate language or symbols must be permanently covered. In
some cases, scholars may be required to replace these items.

DISCIPLINE
APA Community Pledge
Scholars must remember that they are responsible for their own actions and must abide by the
consequences, both positive and negative, of those actions. Scholars will be held accountable for their
behavior in school and during any school sponsored activity. The staff will be responsible for positive
reinforcement, consistency, and modeling appropriate behavior. Scholars will learn to be effective
decision makers and problem solvers who demonstrate elements of self-direction, responsibility, and
self-discipline. This entire process is built on respect with every adult and scholar viewed as a person
who has dignity and worth as an individual.

Our school will be a safe and orderly place for our scholars to receive a quality education. Scholars,
parents, and school staff must share equal responsibility for creating the best possible educational
setting. Open, honest communication with scholars, parents, and school staff is the best way to achieve
this goal.

In order to reach the goals and objectives of Pacific Academy, the APA community pledge should be
followed by all scholars at all times:

BE SAFE- All APA scholars are leaders, and it is the responsibility of our scholars to protect APA from
weapons and harm. Scholars look out for each other and ensure that our school is safe by reporting
possession or use of firearms, weapons, explosives, fireworks, or any other item capable of harming any
person or property (or any items that could create the impression of such harm). Any relations with
illegal & controlled substances will not be tolerated. Scholars will not possess or be under the influence
of controlled substances, including marijuana and tobacco products.

BE RESPECTFUL- All scholars will carry themselves with pride in their appearance and their work.
Scholars demonstrate professional dress, attitudes, and behavior at all times. Gang related dress and/or
activities, such as throwing signs and group intimidation or gang affiliation will not be accepted. Fights,
horseplay, loud noise, or threats towards any person endanger scholars and the learning community.
Public displays of affection are not appropriate or allowed at APA. Being overly affectionate in school
creates an environment that is not conducive to concentration and learning, therefore scholars should
refrain from inappropriate, intimate behaviors on campus or at school related events & activities.
Scholars are expected to show good taste and conduct themselves respectfully at all times.

Inappropriate public displays of affection will not be tolerated. This behavior will result in a parent
meeting and possible suspension if inappropriate behavior continues after being warned. The expression
of feelings of affection toward others is a personal concern between two individuals and not of others
surrounding them. Therefore, good taste and respect for others is the guideline for appropriate
behavior. Some examples of PDA that will not be accepted: kissing of any kind, pet names (sexy,
sweetheart, babe), grooming/feeding each other, inappropriate touching (including touching someones
bottom, and putting your hand in anothers pocket).

BE SCHOLARLY- APA scholars emulate the RISE values. They are responsible by being school leaders.
They are inquisitive and critically analyze situations and events. They are self-advocating by taking pride
in their work and persevere through personal and academic obstacles. They are empathetic by showing
acceptance and appreciation for differences and defend and protect others when necessary.

Behavior Expectations Inside the Classroom

Class time is valuable and must not be wasted. Scholars MUST be in class daily from bell to bell. Ditching
class, wandering halls, and loitering are unacceptable and wont be tolerated. When class is in session,
scholars are participating. Scholars are on task and never interrupt the learning environment. Scholars
are respectful to teachers and classmates at all times. Scholars are not to defy teachers and
administrators when given consequences.

Bullying and Cyber-bullying

Pacific Academy is committed to providing a positive and productive learning and working environment.
Bullying and cyber-bullying of any kind are not tolerated.

Definition: Bullying is unwanted, aggressive behavior that involves a real or perceived power imbalance.
The behavior is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated over time.

Indicators of Bullying: Bullying typically occurs in one of the following ways:

Verbal: Hurtful name calling, teasing, gossiping, making threats or spreading rumors.

Physical: Hitting, punching, pushing, shoving, poking, kicking, tripping, strangling, hair pulling,
fighting, biting, spitting, inappropriate touching, or destroying personal possessions.

Emotional/Social: Excluding others from the group, rolling eyes, terrorizing, extorting, defaming,
intimidating, humiliating, manipulating friendships, isolating and blackmailing.

Cyber bullying: Using email, social network sites, cell phones, webcams, text messages, internet
sites and any other electronic means to send mean messages, spread rumors, and post embarrassing
pictures or videos and fake websites or profiles.

Bullying Reporting
Scholars, staff and parents are able to report incidents of bullying as witnessed. Bullying Reporting
Forms are available in the main office and may be filled out and submitted by scholars, staff, or parents.

All staff members are required to take bullying seriously and follow up with a written report.

An investigation will follow the written report by the end of the next workday to obtain specific
information relevant to bullying.

Target of bullying will be assured that the incident will be resolved. Target scholar will be provided
with names of school personnel who can help if the situation continues, escalates or arises again.
 An action or consequence will be determined to resolve the situation.

Assembly bill 86 authorizes schools to suspend or expel students who engage in all forms of bullying,
including bullying committed by means of electronic act directed specifically toward pupil or school
personnel (C.A. Ed. Code 48900r). Bullying is defined by acts by a pupil or group of pupils described in
C.A. Ed. Codes: 48900.2, 48900.3 or 48900.4 (C.A. Ed. Code 3226.1f). Scholars engaged in an act of
bullying that is aimed at a person on the following basis but is not limited to actual or perceived sexual
orientation and gender identity/gender expression, race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, disability and
religion, including, but not limited to, bullying committed by means of electronic act, as defined in
subdivisions (f) and (g) of C.A. Ed. Code 32261, directed specifically towards pupil or school personnel
will be considered for one or more of the following consequences:
Mandatory parent meeting
In-house suspension
Exclusion from extracurricular activities or programs
Suspension from school
Expulsion
Civil/Criminal Penalties

The target of bullying will continue to receive support/monitoring to assure that the bullying has
stopped.

Detention
Detention may be assigned to students by teachers or administrators in response to failing to follow
school or classroom policies, or failure to meet academic expectations.

In consideration of parents and scholar activities, Aspire Pacific Academy will make every attempt, when
possible, to provide 24 hour notice for detentions. If there is a need for scholars to serve immediate
detention due to habitual rule, expectation, or policy violation, parents will be contacted immediately by
school staff to give notice of the detention.

Ways for Scholars to Avoid Detention

Be on time to every class
Wear proper uniform everyday
Conduct all your actions in a respectful manner
Follow the APA community pledge
Be academically responsible meeting all academic expectations

Restitution
Scholar grades, diplomas, and transcripts may be withheld from scholars and parents/guardians when a
scholar has damaged, destroyed, or not returned loaned property of the school and restitution has not
been made. The records are withheld from the student and parent/guardian, but will not be withheld
from a requesting school. Additionally, scholars who have lost or damaged any school property,
including books, may not be allowed to participate in school extracurricular activities until restitution is
made.
Cell Phones and Electronics
The use of cell phones and other electronic devices is prohibited. California Education Code 48901.5
authorizes the suspension and ultimate expulsion (based on repeated defiance) of scholars in possession
of an electronic device (including cell phones, music devices, video game systems, etc.) while on school
campus and at school-sponsored events regardless of the time of day.

If scholars bring electronic devices to campus (this includes all items listed above as well as earbuds), the
items MUST remain in backpacks/bookbags. Scholars may not carry electronic devices in their pants or
sweater pockets. If staff members can see devices in pockets, they may confiscate the items. If staff
members hear an electronic device, they may confiscate the item.

Confiscation: Item will be confiscated and returned to the scholar after 1 week from date of
confiscation. Parent/guardian will be notified.

Cell Phone Privileges*: High school scholars may earn the privilege to use cell phones and electronic
devices before school, after school and during lunch. This privilege may be revoked at any time by an
administrator or dean.

*Pacific Academy is not responsible for lost or stolen electronic devices.

ATTENDANCE

Attendance Policy
California Education code requires all students between the ages of 6 and 18 to attend school every day
(e.c.48200). A student is considered truant when a student is a) absent from school for 3 days without a
valid excuse, b) tardy or absent for more than any 30 minute period during a school day without a valid
excuse on three occasion in one school year or c) any combination thereof.

All scholars who are absent are required to turn in a note verifying his/her absence. Notes need to be
turned in to the front office and will only be accepted before the beginning of the school day.

Scholars have up to (5) school days to turn in a note explaining their absence. If a note is not received
within the time permitted, the scholars absence will be considered unexcused.

Upon returning to school, ALL scholars must check-in to the front office where a re-admit note will be
issued. The re-admit note will state the date(s) and period(s) missed with the reason of his/her
absence and whether or not the absence was excused.
Tardy Policy
Scholars must be inside their assigned classrooms before the bell rings. Frequent tardy students are
subject to:
1. On the first tardy, the scholar will receive a warning, and must report to the office for a tardy
pass before being admitted to class.
2. On the second tardy, the scholar will meet with the administration, and must report to the office
for a tardy pass before being admitted to class
3. On the third tardy, scholars will receive a one day mandatory tutoring along with a parent call,
and must report to the office for a tardy pass before being admitted to class
4. On the fourth tardy, scholars will have two days of mandatory tutoring, and parents must come
in for a conference with administration, and must report to the office for a tardy pass before being
admitted to class.
5. On the fifth tardy, scholars will receive a mandatory one week tutoring, and will lose the next
free dress privilege, and must report to the office for a tardy pass before being admitted to class.
6. On the sixth tardy, mandatory tutoring for one week, and the loss of free dress for the entire
quarter, and must report to the office for a tardy pass before being admitted to class.

Any scholar who is tardy more than 30 times per semester in a given course may not receive a passing
grade at the marking period (Grade of F or NC).

Truancy
Any scholar who comes more than 30 minutes late or is absent from school without a valid excuse or
note will be marked truant. A truancy is the same as an unexcused absence and will go on the scholars
record, and may result in serious consequences for scholar and family.

onsequences for Truancy

C
Scholar is marked with an R on record which is the same as an unexcused absence for the period.
Parent will be notified.
Automatic search of scholar will take place (backpack, folder, pockets) when scholar arrives on
campus.
Automatic academic intervention will be issued for that day.
Consequences for truancies may include Saturday School.
Homework detention for absentee truances.
Parent conference with the Assistant Principal(s) for absences.
AFTER 3 TRUANCIES, THE Student Attendance Review Team (SART) is notified, letter sent home by
review board.
6 truancies equal parent conference with the Assistant Principal(s), attendance contract by SART is
signed by parents.
Further truancies that violate the attendance contract may result in the loss of re-enrollment
privileges the following year.
Restroom and Hallway Safety
Scholars may use restrooms before school, after school, or during lunch. Any restroom use during class
time must be utilized with a restroom pass. Any special restroom accommodations must be reported to
the main office, and any medical needs must be accompanied by a medical note. If there are any
concerns or health issues, please call the office before school begins to accommodate your
son/daughter properly.

Scholars who are out of class excessively may be subject to any of the following consequences:
After school and/or lunch detention
Community service
Saturday school
Loss of free dress privileges
Removal from extracurricular activities
Truancy referrals may be issued