Handbook/Policies

On the Day/Period of the Absence

If a student is absent from school, a parent or guardian should call the Attendance Office before noon to report the absence.

• This message line is available 24 hours a day for your use. 

• A written note (in ink) may also be submitted in person to the attendance office.

Please make sure to include the following information in your note or phone message:

• Name of your student
• Permanent ID Number of your student
• Date(s) of the absence(s) and/or periods missed
• Reason for the absence (see list below)

The student has 3 days to clear the absence, after that, the student will be deemed truant.  

If a student is unexcused from class, missed work and tests may not be made up.  Students that are habitually truant will be asked to verify all illnesses by providing a doctor’s note or by being cleared through the school’s health office. 

• Truancy (Ed Code 48260)
• Persistent attendance infractions will result in detentions, assignment to Saturday School, and referral to the district’s SARB board.
• Our Automated Caller has been designed to contact a parent each day their student misses or is tardy to a class.
• If a student is truant from class, missed work and tests may not be made-up.

Families can check their student’s attendance on the parent portal.  Below is a list of codes that are used for absences and tardies.  Only those with a * next to them are considered excused per Education Code.

• A:  Unexcused Absence
• B:  School Business*
• D:  Medical Appointment*
• F:  Funeral*
• I:   Illness
• S:  Suspension
• U:  Family Business
• T:  Tardy
• X:  Tardy over 30 minutes

Definition of a Tardy

Any student that arrives after the start of the period will be considered tardy. Any student tardy more than 30 minutes or half the class time (i.e., 20 minutes for a 40-minute class) will be considered absent. (31+). The following actions & consequences will be issued to any student who is tardy:

• 1st Tardy: Verbal Warning & Review of Expectations
• 2nd Tardy: Verbal Warning & Review of Expectations
• 3rd Tardy: Verbal Warning & Parent Notification via school messenger
• 4th Tardy: Assignment of detention by the teacher
• 5th Tardy: Teacher referral & assignment of detentions by office & parent contacted by the teacher via their own school email, phone or mail
• 6th Tardy: Teacher referral & attendance contract with administrator

For appointments that are during class time:

• Students can bring a signed note at the beginning of the day to the Attendance Office or parents can sign their student out at the Attendance Office in person.

For illness that occurs while the student is on campus:

• Students need to check out through the Health Office.
• Parent/guardian must sign them out. 

Students may leave campus during lunch only with a Lunch Pass on file.

Adherence to this policy will be monitored by:

• Staff spot checks
• Police
• Merchants
• Community reports

Students are to remain on campus.

The campus is closed at all other times including:

• Break
• Tutorial
• Advisement
• Rallies
• Assemblies
• Passing periods

• All students who agree to the IHS and IUSD technology use policy will receive an account.
• If violations of the use policy occur, students may lose access to computers and the IHS network.

• We ask that students not leave campus until their parent/guardian has signed them out with the Student Release Team, so that we have a record of each student’s whereabouts. 
• Parents should park at Heritage Park, walk through the park, and check in with the Student Release Team behind the practice gym.   

Parking permits will ONLY be issued to 11th and 12th grade students with a valid drivers’ license, certificate of completion of the Smart Start Program, and a completed online parking permit application. Steps to obtaining a parking permit at Roundup are as follows:

1. Complete an online application at: https://tinyurl.com/y6n8wrho. An Irvine High School Parking Permit Information & Regulations form will be sent to the email you provided. Make sure it is a legitimate e-mail that you use regularly. It CANNOT be your IUSD Google Account. If you do not use a valid email address, your application will not be processed. NOTE: Be sure to input all information with accuracy. You will only be able to submit one application, so make sure it is correct.
2. Print the form that is sent to you and get signatures from a parent/guardian.
3. Pay for the Parking Permit at Roundup. Permits are $50.00 for the entire school year. Collect a receipt that shows you have paid for the Parking Permit.
4. Campus Security will be stationed in the Humanities Building during Roundup in order to collect your signed confirmation and payment receipt. You will be given a time for when Parking Permits will be distributed.

IMPORTANT: ANYONE PARKING ON IHS CAMPUS WITHOUT A VALID PERMIT OR PARKING IN STAFF OR VISITOR SPACES MAY BE ISSUED A CITATION FROM THE IRVINE POLICE DEPARTMENT. Violators’ cars may be towed away at owner’s expense. First offense earns a Saturday School; second offense leads to loss of parking privilege. ABSOLUTELY NO LOITERING IS ALLOWED BY ANY IRVINE HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT IN PARKING LOTS. Students found loitering are subject to school disciplinary action, which may also include parking permit revocation.

• PE Lockers are issued individually to each student through the PE Department.
• The loss of items will not be reimbursed by the school.
• Students are expected to lock up all belongings in their PE locker.
• PE lockers can only be accessed during the student’s assigned PE period.

• This Program of Studies is designed to familiarize you with educational options and resources that will facilitate your transition from high school into the future.
• It is the blueprint to assist you in meeting your graduation requirements and in planning for life after high school.
• The Program of studies with a complete listing of Irvine High School Course offerings: Course of Study

• IUSD Academic Honesty and Integrity (Administrative Regulation - 5131.9)

Appropriate dress and personal appearance at school and school-related activities shall not include any clothing, attire, or accessory that by its manner of appearance, arrangement, trademark, fit, or any other attribute, is:

• Unsafe
• Disruptive
• Unhealthful
• Obscene or profane
• Ethnically, racially or sexually degrading
• Libelous or slanderous
• Exposes undergarments
• Provocative or revealing
• Advocates unlawful behavior or illegal substances
• Suggests or promotes any affiliation with any street gang or other group that commits unlawful acts

Examples of unsafe/inappropriate dress include but are not limited to:

1. Bare feet, slippers, oversized pants/shorts, clothing with illegal/controlled substance references (including tobacco, alcoholic beverages, marijuana, etc.)
2. Unsafe & suggesting or promoting street gang affiliation or other groups committing unlawful acts (BP5136(a); AR5136(a)):
   1. Any combination of clothing which, upon guidance from law enforcement agencies, is considered gang-related (these may change) — i.e., bandanas, durags, hair nets, metal belt buckles with gang-style monograms, dangling belts or chain accessories, slippers, etc.)
3. Disruptive, provocative or revealing:  
   1. Clothing considered undergarments, clothing exposing undergarments, clothing exposing midriff, upper torso, etc., halter tops (exposing front and back), tube tops, spaghetti straps, swim wear, skirts/dresses/shorts that do not extend past the fingertips, backless tops, low cut tops, exposed undergarments, see through/sheer clothing, clothing with cutouts, etc.

Students who violate this policy, its regulations, or school rules adopted pursuant to this policy shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary action:

• IUSD Administrative Regulation 5132 - Dress and Personal Appearance

Students are expected to adhere to classroom/campus polices & rules and to uphold the IHS Values. If a student violates these policies and rules, they may be issued a consequence. One consequence may be a detention.

• Any teacher, counselor, staff member or administrator may assign a student detention.
• Detentions may be served during lunch. 
• Students who fail to serve their detention time will be subject to further disciplinary action. 

Detentions may be assigned for the following but are not limited to: 

• Tardiness to class
• Truancy
• Leaving campus without clearing with the Attendance Office. 
• Leaving class without permission
• Class disruption or failure to follow classroom rules

Whether on campus or at any school-sponsored activity, wherever held, students who are involved in any of the following activities shall make themselves liable to suspension and /or other disciplinary action.

Under California Education Code §48900:

1. Unlawfully possessed, used, or been under the influence of any controlled substance, alcoholic beverage, or intoxicant of any kind.
2. Caused or attempted to cause damage to school property or private property.
3. Stolen or attempted to steal school property or private property.
4. Possessed or used tobacco products.
5. Committed an obscene act or engaged in habitual profanity or vulgarity.
6. Had unlawful possession of, or unlawfully offered, arranged, or negotiated to sell any drug paraphernalia.
7. Disrupted school activities or otherwise willfully defied the valid authority of supervisors, teachers, administrators, school officials, or other school personnel engaged in the performance of their duties.
8. Knowingly received stolen school property or private property.
9. Possessed an imitation (replica) firearm.
10. Committed or attempted to commit a sexual assault or committed a sexual battery.
11. Forgery of any notes, readmits, or student I.D. cards.
12. Cheating.
13. Violation of the Acceptable Use Policy for computer use.
14. Gambling.
15. Reckless driving on campus.
16. Harassed, threatened, or intimidated a student who is a complaining witness or witness in a school disciplinary action.  HARASSMENT—Complaints regarding harassment of students, by another student or adult to a student, may be received by the principal, assistant   principal, counselor, nurse or school psychologist.
17. Unauthorized use of any electronic signaling device, including all cell phones and pagers.
18. Bullying

The principal or superintendent shall recommend a pupil’s expulsion for any of the following:

1. Caused, attempted to cause, or threatened to cause physical injury to another person.
2. Willfully used force or violence upon the person of another, except in self-defense.
3. Possessed, sold, or otherwise furnished any firearm, knife, explosive, or other dangerous object.
4. Unlawfully offered or arranged or negotiated to sell any controlled substance, an alcoholic beverage, or an intoxicant of any kind, and then either sold, delivered, or otherwise furnished to any person another liquid, substance, or material and represented the liquid, substance, or material as a controlled substance, alcoholic beverage, or intoxicant.
5. Committed or attempted to commit robbery or extortion.

The Irvine Unified School District and participating law enforcement agencies have agreed to work in a cooperative manner with students involved in substance use. Procedures outlined have been reviewed by the agencies involved and will be in effect until such time as it is mutually agreed to revise them. All agencies involved in assisting students in substance abuse cases have agreed to cooperate and work together in assessing corrective measures to avoid unfair and/or duplicate punishments. The schools have agreed to release all controlled substances confiscated from students to the appropriate law enforcement agency. It is the intent of Irvine Unified District to provide a safe, alcohol and drug free environment for all of our students. Acts for which school officials may discipline students include student conduct on school property, or while going to or from school, or while engaged in or attending a school activity.

Alcohol, Marijuana, Tobacco & Other Controlled Substances

The provisions of this section shall apply to alcohol and other drug use violations including, but not limited to, using, possessing, distributing, manufactur­ing, or being under the influence of a controlled substance. The provisions also apply to using, possessing (substance or paraphernalia), manufactur­ing, or distributing drug paraphernalia.

First Violation (other than distributing or manufacturing)

Disciplinary Action: The first violation for using, possessing, distributing or being under the influence of alcohol, marijuana or any other controlled substance shall result in:

1. Suspension from school for a minimum of three days
2. Required participation in an online Substance Abuse Prevention Education Program
3. Mandatory on campus counseling sessions
4. Suspension for 10 school days from all student school-sponsored activities (athletic teams, performing arts events, clubs, and all other school-sponsored activities).
5. The principal may recommend an extended suspension for participation in student activities. In addition, a recommendation for expulsion may be made.
6. The suspension shall be excused absences, and makeup work shall be provided by the school during the period of suspension
7. Police Report: The principal or principal's designee shall report the violation to the Irvine Police Department. In instances where material is found that is suspected of being a controlled substance, it shall be turned over to the Police Department.
8. Parent Notification:  The principal or principal's designee shall notify the student's parent or guardian of a) the suspension, b) the conditions for re-admittance, c) the fact that the absences will be excused if the student and his or her parent or legal guardian participate satisfactorily in a designated follow-up activity, d) the consequences of any subsequent violations and further, that all controlled substance use violations, including this one, are reported to the police.

Second Violation (other than distributing or manufacturing)

Disciplinary Action: The second and any subsequent violation for using, possessing, furnishing or being under the influence of alcohol, marijuana or any other controlled substances, shall result in

1. Suspension from school for five days and from all school activities (athletic teams, performing arts events, clubs, and all other school-sponsored activities) for the remainder of the school year
2. A recommendation for expulsion will be made which may include an extended suspension.
3. Police Report: The principal or principal's designee shall report the violation to the Irvine Police Department. In instances where material is found that is suspected of being a controlled substance, it shall be turned over to the Police Department. 
4. Parent Notification: The principal or principal’s designee shall notify the student’s parent or guardian of the suspension and potential next steps.

Violation Involving Distributing or Manufacturing

Disciplinary Action: A violation involving distributing or manufacturing a controlled substance or drug paraphernalia, shall result in:

1. Suspension from school for five days
2. The principal may recommend expulsion from school
3. Police Report: The principal or principal's designee shall report the violation to the Irvine Police Department. In instances where material is found that is suspected of being a controlled substance, it shall be turned over to the Police Department. 
4. Parent Notification: The principal or principal’s designee shall notify the student’s parent or guardian of the suspension and the conditions for re-admittance.

More information in IUSD Administrative Regulation: 

• AR5144-Student Conduct

The Irvine Unified High 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, national origin, ethnic group identification, 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.

• Nondiscrimination/Harassment (Board Policy 5145.3)

The District’s Career and Technical (CTE) program does not discriminate in enrollment in or access to any of the CTE 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 the District’s activities and programs. The Irvine Unified School District also does not discriminate in its hiring or employment practices. This notice is provided as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and the California Code of Regulations Title 5, Chapter 5.3

Nondiscrimination questions, complaints, or requests for additional information regarding these laws may be forwarded to the District’s designated compliance coordinators.

The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:

Any student who feels he/she has been subjected to discrimination or harassment should immediately contact the Coordinator, the principal, or any other staff member. Any student or school employee who observes an incident of discrimination or harassment should report the incident to the Coordinator or principal, whether or not the victim files a complaint.

(EC §§231.5, 48980; 5 CCR §4917):

The District’s written sexual harassment policies:

• Sex Discrimination and Sex-Based Harassment – Students (Board Policy - 5145.7)
• Sexual Harassment – Employees (Board Policy - 4119.11)

The District has adopted policies and procedures for the filing, investigation and resolution of complaints regarding alleged violations of federal or state law or regulations governing educational programs, including allegations of unlawful discrimination. The Uniform Complaint Procedures apply to complaints involving categorical programs and those alleging unlawful discrimination.

• Copies of the Uniform Complaint Procedures must be made available free of charge.

• The local agency is primarily responsible for compliance with federal and state laws and regulations (T5CCR 4620). 

• The complainant has a right to appeal the local agency decision to the CDE by filing a written appeal within 15 days of receiving the LEA Decision (T5CCR 4632).

• The complainant has a right to pursue any civil law remedies that may be available under state or federal discrimination laws, if applicable, and of the appeal pursuant to Education Code Section 262.3 (EC§ 262.3, T5CCR 4622).  

Information on how to file a Uniform Complaint:

• Uniform Complaint Policy (Board Policy - 1312.3)

All Uniform Complaints are to be directed to:

• IUSD Superintendent
  5050 Barranca Parkway
  Irvine, CA 92604
  Telephone: (949) 936-5000

Students may have cell phones on campus.  The district assumes no liability for the loss of the device or its misuse by another person.  

Note: The term “cell phone” in this context includes any electronic signaling device smaller than a laptop computer.

• Mobile Communication Devices (Administrative Regulation - 6163.41)

In Instructional  Areas (classrooms, library, etc.):

• Students may not use their device at ANY time unless given specific permission at that time by a school district employee.

• Cell phones and other electronic devices need to be silent and placed in the classroom cell phone pockets at all times unless a staff member gives permission for use.

Non-instructional  Areas (outdoors, Student Center, Hallways, etc.*):

• Students are permitted to use their cell phone before and after school, during break, lunch and passing periods. 

• Though the Library is a public area, cell phones must be out-of-sight at ALL times. This includes entering and exiting the library.

*Use in offices & staff work areas requires staff approval.

Students are NEVER permitted to record or take photographs without permission.

Students who violate this policy are subject to disciplinary action.  The consequences listed below span the entirety of the student’s time at Irvine High School.

First Cell-Phone Offense:

• Referral
• Cell phone confiscated and returned at the end of the school day
• Student will sign a contract

Second Cell-Phone Offense:

• Referral
• Cell phone confiscated and returned at the end of the school day
• Assigned 3 detentions

Third Cell-Phone Offense:

• Referral
• Cell phone confiscated until picked up by Parent/Guardian
• Assigned 3 detentions

Four or More Cell-Phone Offenses:

• Referral
• Cell phone confiscated until picked up by Parent/Guardian
• School Suspension

Homework Policy Homework at Irvine High School, whether assigned in the format of reading, skill development, vocabulary practice, or extension assignments, is designed to reinforce and review the concepts and content learned in the classroom, prepare or study for assessments, and introduce upcoming lessons. Students are expected to thoughtfully complete homework with the same diligence that they bring to their classwork each day.

Support at School

Homework assignments will be purposeful and differentiated to meet the needs of all students. Teachers will work with their curricular levels to determine the percentage to which homework will be factored into student grades. Departments will work to minimize overlap of major assignments in order to limit an excessive work load. Irvine High School provides a number of resources for students and parents:

• Flex Time Tuesdays and Wednesdays within the school day
• After School Peer Tutoring Monday-Thursday from 3:30-4:30pm
• IUSD Parent Portal Online: https://my.iusd.org
• Gradeslam online tutoring- students can access through canvas

Support at Home

Parents and guardians are encouraged to consistently provide a supportive and distraction-free environment for students to work independently. Additionally, parents are encouraged to check homework for completion and quality.

Academic Breaks

With the recognition that students need some time without academic homework assignments, homework will not be assigned specific to Thanksgiving break or Spring break.

• Students should continue to utilize academic breaks to complete make-up work and optional extra credit assignments.
• Honors courses are accelerated from the college prep courses and students enrolled in these classes will be expected to commit to and maintain a rigorous course load both in the classroom and outside of the classroom. With that understanding, Honors students may be expected to complete additional coursework, such as summer assignments.
• Please note that Advanced Placement courses are considered optional and equivalent to college level courses. Advanced Placement teachers may use their discretion in issuing academic breaks that coincide with the preparation of the Advanced Placement exams.

Special Circumstances

Parents can find information regarding homework expectations and policies from individual teachers by attending Back-To-School Night and referencing Parent Portal, and/or Course Expectations/Syllabi. Concerns regarding specific homework policies should be brought to the attention of the teacher via email or telephone contact.

Before or immediately after an excused absence or suspension, it is the student’s responsibility to coordinate and make up any assignment or assessment with each teacher in an agreed upon timeframe. Students are accountable for the completion of long-term assignments on pre-assigned due dates regardless of absence.