Parents and Guardians: Please read and discuss the information in our

school’s Parent and Student Handbook with your child, complete the signature

requests listed below and return this page to your child’s teacher. Please do not

sign with your child until you have both taken the time to discuss the handbook’s

contents. Keep this handbook in a conveniently accessible place and refer to it

from time to time throughout the school year. By doing so, you will help us

reinforce proper school conduct, and answer some of your questions related to

school-wide discipline and our efforts to provide all children and adults with a

healthy learning atmosphere.

If you have any questions, now or at anytime in the future, please contact the school

through e-mail at info@fanariacademy.org .This handbook may also be

accessed online by going to the Fanari Academy of Greek education website at

As a Fanari Academy of Greek Education student, I agree to follow the rules and

procedures as outlined in the Parent and Student Handbook. I also agree to be a

positive part of the Fanari Academy of Greek Education academic community. I

have either read the contents of this handbook with my parent or guardian, or it

has been read and explained to me. I understand that it is important for me to

follow these guidelines and expectations so that Fanari Academy of Greek

Education can be a safe and fun learning place for everybody.

Student’s Signature

Date ______________

Parent/Guardian’s Signature ______________________________ Date _____________

Classroom Teacher’s Name _______________________________ Gr. Level _________

As individuals in a free society, students are persons under our

Constitution who have basic rights and responsibilities. In order to give life to

these individual rights and responsibilities, a balance must be struck between the

needs of the individual and the needs of our society to provide all who come at

Fanari - Academy of Greek Education with an environment that is safe and with

classes that are conducive to learning of the Greek language.

In order to assure a successful learning environment we, at Fanari -

Academy of Greek Education, feel that a clear statement and understanding of

these rights and responsibilities is necessary.

Students have the responsibility to respect the rights of all persons

involved in the educational process. Our ability to exercise our individual rights

depends upon our ability and success in protecting the rights of others in our

academic community. It is impossible in a diverse and complex society to list all

rights and responsibilities that we have. Therefore, the following list of rights and

responsibilities are only examples of those rights and responsibilities that we

have.

Students have the right to an appropriate education of Greek language if

they desire it and their guardians approve it. Toward this end no student, or

group of students, shall be deprived of an education because of age, sex, sexual

orientation, gender, ethnic group identification, race, ancestry, national origin,

religion, color, mental or physical disability or any other reason which in any way

results in a deprivation of the rights provided in this section.

Students have the right to attend safe, clean, and when reasonably

possible, uncrowded school facilities. It shall be the responsibility of all persons

within our academic community to work toward developing an academic

environment that will promote learning for all our children. It is the responsibility

of all persons within our academic community to refrain from depriving our

students, teachers, administrators, staff and parents with those rights set forth in

this section.

In order to promote a successful academic environment which provides

our students with an understanding of their academic choices, students, along

with their parents or guardians, shall have the right to consult with guidance

counselors involved in the educational process to help them plan for fulfilling the

student’s academic goals.

Section IV

All students have the right to be involved with and participate in school activities

for which they are reasonably qualified.

Students may exercise their constitutionally protected rights of free speech,

expression and assembly as long as they refrain from interfering with the

operation of the regular school program; refrain from inciting others to violence or

violations of state or federal laws; engage in conduct contrary to state or federal

law, and so long as they are not libelous, obscene or illegal. Toward this end,

students have the right to wear political buttons, armbands or any other badge of

symbolic expression. Students have the right to distribute off-campus

publications under the following provisions:

1. Distribution will be made at a designated time.

2. Location for distribution will be designated by the Administrator, after

Montessori’s personnel approval.

3. No obscenities may be published nor violation of State or Federal law be

advocated.

4. Copy of the publication shall be presented to the Administrator no later than

the morning of distribution.

5. All publications shall be free.

6. Publications are to be distributed only by students from the school.

7. Students shall have the right to reasonable use of communication systems

including bulletin boards, public address systems, newspapers and school

bulletins.

Within reason, students have the right to determine their own appearances if that

appearance is not disruptive to the learning process in the classroom or is

deemed by the board as unsafe.

Students have the right to present petitions and complaints to school authorities

and the right to receive prompt responsive replies from school authorities

regarding the disposition of their petitions and complaints.

Students have the right to be shown respect from school personnel in the same

manner and to the same extent which is expected of the students toward school

personnel.

Students have the right to be free from searches of their persons and/or

backpacks unless authorities have a reasonable suspicion that rule violations

have occurred and such search is allowed by the United State or California

Constitutions and/or State or Federal law.

Every student has the responsibility to respect the rights of others and the

responsibility not to engage in action that will affect the physical safety of others

or intentionally damages the property of others.

Section XII

Every student has the responsibility not only to avail himself/herself of the

educational opportunities provided by Fanari – Academy of Greek Education but

also every student has the responsibility not to disrupt the educational

environment and learning process of other students.

Whenever any violation of the rights or others has occurred sufficient to require

actions by school officials, enforcement of these rights and responsibilities may

result in actions or consequences to the student including, but not limited to

expulsion.

Each student has the right and responsibility to appeal to the administrator when

he/she feels there has been a violation of his/her rights as contained in this

document. The Administrator’s decision may in turn be appealed to the Board,

which is the final level of appeal.

Fanari – Academy of Greek Education programs and activities are to be free

from discrimination based on age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, ethnic group

identification, race, ancestry, national origin, religion, color, or mental or physical

disability. If such discrimination occurs, parents have the right to submit a written

complaint to the Board of Directors.

The student needs to be 3 years old (birthday by the Sept. 1) to enroll to the

preschool program. For kindergarten the student needs to be 5 years old

(birthday by Sept. 1). Similar regulations about birthdays apply for the rest of the

levels. The Board may consider early advancement in special cases after the

parents’ petition, for student that has shown maturity beyond his/her age.

Older (than kindergarten), new students to Fanari shall be evaluated by two

teachers (Fanari teachers or teachers sponsored by the Greek Ministry of

Education) and shall be placed to the appropriate level. If the parents disagree

with their students’ placement, they can appeal to the Board which will make the

final decision.

The Fanari – Academy of Greek Education does not carry medical or accident

insurance for individual students. Parents are responsible for emergency medical

costs beyond first aid provided at the school site. If emergency medical or dental

treatment is needed and the parent or listed emergency contacts cannot be

reached, 911 will be called. The Fanari – Academy of Greek Education is not

responsible for charges incurred as a result of 911 calls or ambulance transfers.

Fanari – Academy of Greek Education requires the evaluation of each student’s

achievement at least twice a year (at the end of each semester). A parent

conference or written report is required when it becomes evident to the teacher

that the student is in danger of failing the class. The refusal of the parent to

attend the conference or to respond to the written report shall not preclude failing

the student at the end of the grading period.

School personnel with legitimate educational interests and those who provide

financial assistance to the specific student are entitled to access to pupil records

without parental consent.

Directory information includes one or more of the following items: Student’s

name, address, date and place of birth, dates of attendance, level attending at

Fanari – Academy of Greek Education.

According to Board Policy, student directory information may only be released to

school personnel and to a school sponsored parent organization. All other

requests shall be denied. Furthermore, information may be withheld from a

school sponsored parent organization if the parent (natural parent; an adoptive

parent; legal guardian; or if the parents are divorced or legally separated, the

parent having legal custody) submits a written request to withhold information.

Student grades provide the measurement of student progress in meeting

instructional objectives aligned with the Ministry of Greek Education.

Parents, legal guardians or adult students (over 18 years old) have a right to

review their own or child's pupil records. Student records are available for review

during regular school hours. Requests for access should be directed in writing to

the administrator, and must be granted within five days from the date of the

request. In the case of separated or divorced parents, both parents shall have

equal access to school records, unless there is a current restraining order

specifically preventing records access.

Fanari – Academy of Greek Education may release statistical data when this

would be in the best interests of pupils provided that no pupil has been identified.

To acquaint parents with the teacher and school, an orientation meeting is held

at the beginning of the school year.

Parent/Teacher Conferences are held each fall and spring at the end of each

semester. Areas covered during the conference could include information about

the texts used, the homework expected, the grading process and the student's

progress. Parents may request additional conferences at other times if they feel a

conference would be helpful.

Community, any non-regular students are always welcomed at Fanari –

Academy of Greek Education. However, classroom visits should be prearranged

with the teacher. The school administrator should be aware of such a visitation

and present in classroom if necessary. Unauthorized persons are prohibited from

entering or remaining on school grounds. If court restraining order exists which

limit a parent's access to visiting his/her child or in receiving information about

the child's school progress, it is the responsibility of the custodial parent to

provide the school Administrator with a copy of such an order.

If you have questions or concerns about the progress and adjustment of your

student, it is important that you talk first to the teacher. It may be necessary to

get more help to solve the problem; if so, follow the steps listed below of persons

to contact:

(1) Teacher

(2) Administrator

(3) Board

For specific questions about the curriculum of any level at Fanari - Academy of

Greek Education see the following individuals:

Classroom teacher

Curriculum advisor, Mrs. Anastasia Karaglanis

For the safety of students, parents may drop students off at school no earlier

than 5 minutes prior to the start of their lesson, and only if his/her teacher is

present. Similarly, parents are to arrange to have their student picked up right

after school. It is the school’s responsibility to contact the parent when the school

wishes to have the student remain after school. It is unsafe for students to be left

at school during unsupervised times and it is unfair to expect school office staff to

supervise students on a regular basis. Parents who routinely fail to meet this

responsibility will be notified by the school, and in the case of repeated

occurrences, reported to the appropriate community agency.

The Fanari students and their siblings are not allowed to play at the front

playground (playground in front of the S classrooms) during hour of operation of

the Montessori school. Please make sure that your student goes directly to

classroom.

Fanari – academy of Greek Education permits the creation of a parent

organization called the PTA. Membership is open to all parents of students at the

school. PTA membership supports hospitality activities, programs, publicity,

parent education and fundraising activities.

Snacks are permitted during recess. Parents please send snacks with low sugar

content (no candy, no soda). For the safety of the students with nut allergies and

especially peanut, please pack nut free snacks.

In the text below, the expression “school authority” is defined as teacher,

administrator, yard duty, and school designee.

During school hours, if the school authority declares an emergency, all students

and staff will be required to remain at school or an alternate safe site under the

supervision of “school authority” until:

1. Regular dismissal time and released only then if it is considered safe, OR

2. Released to an adult authorized by the parent or legal guardian whose name

appears on records.

Fanari – Academy of Greek Education has an Emergency Plan. Our plan follows

the emergency plan of the Rainbow Montessori School. The plan promotes

coordinated efforts within the school to meet the needs of any disaster.

The Site Emergency Plans are reviewed and revised annually and appropriate

drills and training are provided to help all persons become familiar with their

responsibilities. Emergency preparedness also includes close cooperation and

planning with police, fire, civic emergency agencies and school/parent groups.

In case of a fire, the students will be gathered in the front parking lot, closer to

the library. In case of an earthquake, the students will be gathered to the back

parking lot.

Fanari - Academy of Greek Education provides textbooks approved by the Greek

Ministry of Education. Required supplementary materials for full class use are

selected by classroom teachers and other staff members. Fanari – Academy of

Greek Education appoints a person or a committee responsible for the

curriculum. This individual/s is responsible for approving all classroom materials.

Responsible for the curriculum for the school year 2007-2008 is our teacher

sponsored by the Greek Ministry of Education, Mrs. Anastasia Karaglanis. When

parents have a concern regarding supplemental classroom materials, the

following process allows for their input:

1) The parent discusses nature of concern with the teacher.

2) If the issue remains unsolved, the parent writes a letter to the

administrator. The administrator arranges an interview with the teacher.

3) If the parent concerns are not resolved, the administrator forwards the

parent request to the board for further action.

4) The Board appoints a committee that includes parents to review the

questioned materials. The committee reports its recommendations to the

Board and the Board gives the final resolution.

Parent volunteers help enrich the students’ education and provide extra

assistance for teachers and school staff. Parents are urged to contact their

student's personnel if they can offer some time to help with any part of the school

program.

WHO: Parents, grandparents, neighbors, friends, older siblings

WHERE: Fanari – Academy of Greek Education

WHEN: School days, weekends

WHY: Our students and teachers could use your help!

• One-on-one tutoring

• Listening or reading with a child

• Special activities, celebrations

• Yard duties

Attendance and participation in class are essential if a student is to gain the

maximum benefit from his/her educational program. Parents are required to

inform the teacher each day of a student’s absence. The regular and punctual

school attendance of students is expected, encouraged, and, as necessary,

enforced. School attendance is an area of mutual cooperation between the

school, the parents and the student.

If a student is absent more than 20% of the school days, it is considered

excessive. Parents need to communicate with the teacher and administrator

about the student’s inability to attend regularly. The student needs to complete

the school work at home under the parent guidance. His progress needs to be at

satisfactory level to continue his enrollment at grade level at Fanari – Academy of

Greek Education. The Board will have the final decision on student’s cases that

have an excessive number of absences.

All students shall comply with the regulations, pursue the required course of

study and submit to the authority of the teachers of the school. Willful defiance of

the valid school authorities constitutes good cause for suspension or expulsion.

Teachers shall hold students accountable for good conduct during class sessions

or during recess.

Teacher’s professional judgment, with the concurrence of the school

administration will determine whether cheating has occurred. Consequences will

be assigned at the level determined by the severity and number of the offense.

Consequences may be removal of school privileges, assignment of extra work,

and/or loss of grade.

A breach of academic integrity includes, but is not limited to: Cheating on tests,

exams, or any assessment activity; plagiarism; deliberate deception; stealing or

any unauthorized use of assessment tools, answer keys, or school records, etc.

Students shall dress appropriately for daily attendance at school. The type and

style of clothing and hairdo are individual and personal. The school shall be

concerned only when these are extreme and could cause school distraction,

disruption or be unsafe. Shoes must be worn at all times for safety reasons.

The administration is responsible for the final determination regarding the

appropriateness of extreme clothing. Teachers may refer a student to the

administrator if they feel that a student’s dress is in violation of school policy.

Electronic devices which are prohibited are portable music devices (i.e. I Pod,

MP3, CD, tape players, and external speakers); laser pointers, Game Boys or

other electronic game devices.

If a disruption occurs, the “school authority” shall direct the student to turn off the

device and/or confiscate it. If the “school authority” finds it necessary to

confiscate a device, he/she may either return it at the end of the class period or

school day or keep it until the school authority has consulted with the student’s

parent/guardian.

Fanari school students shall have the right to exercise freedom of speech and of

the press. Any expressions which are forms of harassment, racial slurs, obscene,

libelous, or slanderous shall be prohibited.

We believe that all students have the right to learn and all teachers have the right

to teach. Therefore, all students shall:

a. Bring materials, books and assignments to class.

b. Be in their seats before instruction begins.

2. Show courtesy and respect for everyone.

a. Follow directions of all adults the first time without talking back.

b. Keep hands, feet, and objects to oneself.

c. Use appropriate language and actions.

d. Wait their turn to speak.

e. Show approval at assemblies by clapping.

f. Wear hats outside only.

g. Remember to use courteous words such as "please", "thank you", and

”excuse me" as often as possible.

h. Refrain from using "put downs".

a. No chewing gum at school.

b. Take care of school property and the property of others.

c. Keep feet on the floor, not on furniture.

a. Follow all classroom rules and procedures.

b. Use appropriate behavior in all classrooms, assemblies, hallways and on

the playground.

c. Walk quietly through the building.

Fanari Academy of Greek Education will not tolerate physical assault, the

possession of weapons or the possession of illegal substances. Such serious

misbehavior will result in expulsion. Conduct that violates any federal, state or

city law is subject to the full range of disciplinary actions, including expulsion, in

addition to civil or criminal prosecution.

Bullying is defined as the repeated and systematic abuse and harassment of

another or others. Bullying and ridiculing-type conduct includes name calling,

mimicking, indifference and exclusion, invasions of personal space, inappropriate

touching, physical violence (hitting, kicking, pushing, and shoving) gender and

sex-based bullying, and extortion.

Specific observable bullying behavior:

•Deliberately hurtful teasing, taunting, name calling, ridicule, intimidation,

belittling, degradation, threats and demands;

•Domination and subduing are used repeatedly against the victim by the bully;

•Derisive and unfriendly mockery and laughter are directed at the victim;

•Isolation and exclusion of the victim is common among females who bully;

•Physically aggressive moves are common and frequently used against the

victim who is unable to defend her/himself;

•Fighting occurs between the victim and the bully in which the victim is unable to

protect her/himself and from which she/he tries to withdraw.

Any student who defaces, damages, or destroys any school property may be

suspended or expelled. Students and their parents shall be responsible for all

damage to equipment or school property. This responsibility applies in the matter

of books and supplies of all kinds, as well as equipment, buildings, grounds, and

false activation of the fire alarm.

It is a crime to engage in hazing activities. In addition, any student who

participates in hazing, or any act that causes or is likely to cause personal

humiliation or disgrace will be referred for suspension and/or expulsion.

Please see Guidelines for the Consequences of Misconduct (table 1 and table 2).

Table 1. Type of Level I misconduct behavior and corresponding disciplinary actions

Minimum: Time Out

Maximum: In-school suspension

• Classroom disturbance

• Inappropriate display of affection

• Dress code violation

• Cheating

• Fighting

• Forgery

• Lying

• Language that is abusive or profane

• Plagiarism

• Selling or trading, e.g. toys, food

• Truancy

Table 2. Type of Level II misconduct behavior and corresponding disciplinary actions

Minimum: Recess Restriction

Maximum: Expulsion

• Disorderly conduct

• Ethnic or racial slurs

• Gambling

• Gang activities

• Assault

• Destruction/defacement of property

• Threats, intimidation or verbal abuse of fellow students

• Sexual Harassment

• Sexual misconduct

• Possession or use of matches or lighters

• Possession or distribution of pornography

• Disrespect/defiance of school authorities

• Possession, use or sale of tobacco, alcohol, and drugs

• Fighting

• Theft

Our main method of discipline is to engage your child in creative learning

activities so that problems are few. In addition, we use an appropriate for each

level reward and praise system to motivate our students to perform better.

A positive and effective discipline policy is important for educators, parents and

students. We believe that students must learn to accept responsibility for their

decisions and actions. We believe that student behavior management should be

consistent, positive and appropriate for each student. We believe in administering

logical consequences when students make poor conduct choices.

We believe that parental involvement is a key factor in helping our students to

learn responsibility. Parents/Guardians will be notified of actions taken by the

school for any punishable transgression beyond minor offenses.

Parents/Guardians will be involved in the development of intervention plans to

remedy significant or chronic behavior problems.

There are a set of school and classroom expectations that all students and staff

are to follow. The important element in the discipline policy is how well the

students understand the rules and consequences. At the beginning of each new

class, teachers will give to each student a disclosure statement which contains

any special classroom expectations. School rules are listed in the student

handbook. All students and parents will be asked to review the rules together at

the beginning of each year and to sign a form stating that they understand the

rules and consequences.

The following are disciplinary actions Fanari - Academy of Greek Education may

impose upon a student as a consequence for his or her misbehavior including,

but not limited to, restitution for damages. Definitions of these actions are listed

below.

1. Verbal warning

2. Time Out

3. Recess Restriction

4. In School Suspension

5. Written notice

6. Conference between the student, parent/guardian and teacher or

administrator

7. Expulsion

When a student has interrupted the learning of others he or she is told to take a

Time Out. The student goes to a designated place in the classroom to reflect on

his or her behavior. Students are not sent to Time Out for an extended period of

time (suggested 1min/year of age). Students who receive multiple Time Outs are

referred to the administrator.

Recess restriction (detention) is an imposed condition which limits the free time

allotted to a student for disciplinary purposes. Students shall not be restricted

from eating snack nor from taking care of personal hygiene needs. The student

must be supervised by the administrator or school designee.

The teacher may remove students from their regular classrooms for a period of

time. The students must work in a place where they are supervised by the

administrator or school designee. Parents/guardians will be included in the

decision to impose this punishment with a written notice (ex., E-mail). Prior to

applying this measure, the teacher must notify the parents in writing about the

possibility of “in school suspension” if misbehavior continues. In extreme cases of

misconduct, such as those listed on Table 2, a teacher may impose in school

suspension without prior notification to the parents/guardians.

Notification:

1. The teacher who imposes a classroom suspension shall report all suspensions

in writing to the school administrator. Teachers explain in writing the reasons for

the suspension.

2. The school administrator shall report all suspensions by teachers in writing to

the Board of Directors.

When a student consistently violates a principle of the code of Conduct, the

teacher may submit a written notice to the administration. This is known as

Conduct Referral. The referral includes the nature of the violation, the

intervention taken and the signatures of the student (if applicable), a staff

member and a parent/guardian. A copy of the Conduct of Referral is sent home

and a copy is maintained in the school office. A Conduct Referral is treated

confidentially and is maintained separately from the student’s cumulative records.

The teacher shall ask the parent to attend a parent-teacher conference regarding

the student’s actions as soon as possible.

Expulsion means permanent withdrawal from the Fanari - Academy of Greek

Education. Expulsion requires the official action of the Governing Board. Formal

notification of expulsion is given to parents/guardians and kept on file in the

school office. In the event a student is recommended for expulsion from the

School, he or she is entitled to a hearing and, among other things, advance

written notice of the students’ rights and responsibilities. Written notice of these

due process rights shall be provided at least 10 days in advance of the date set

for hear.

Inappropriate student behavior may result in loss of promotion to the next grade

and graduation privilege and/or activities.

Corporal Punishment, defined as the deliberate infliction of physical pain as a

disciplinary measure, is prohibited by State law.

An amount of force that is reasonable and necessary for the “school authority” by

the School to quell a disturbance threatening physical injury to persons or

damage to property, for purposes of self-defense, or to obtain possession of

dangerous objects within the control of the pupil, is not and shall not be

construed to be corporal punishment.

The teacher may request the presence of a parent/guardian during class to assist

with their child’s behavior especially if it is destructive for the rest of the students.

It is expected that the parent/guardian will assist as needed.

A complaint/grievance is anything that you perceive it to be – there is no

definition for a complaint/grievance and only you as an individual can determine

whether or not you feel aggrieved.

Stage One: It is advisable and highly recommended, in the first instance, to try

and resolve the problem informally with the person with whom you have the

grievance. Many issues may be resolved easily after a civilized and sincere talk

with the person you feel aggrieved by.

Stage Two: If the matter is not resolved informally, you should raise the matter in

writing with the class Teacher. If the grievance is with the Teacher to start with,

you should refer to Stage Three of the grievance procedure.

The Teacher will deal with your grievance as quickly as possible and normally

you can expect to receive a verbal response within a short period, and a written

response to your grievance within 1 week.

Stage Three: If the matter is not resolved at Stage One/or Stage Two or the

grievance is about the Teacher, you should raise the matter in writing with the

School Administrator. You can normally expect to receive a verbal response

within a short period, and a written response to your grievance within 1 week.

Stage Four: If your grievance has not been resolved at Stage Three you have

the right to raise the matter with the School Board. To do this you must inform the

Chair in writing that this is your intention and formally request that your grievance

is brought to the attention of the Board. A Panel will be formed by the School

Board, headed by the Chair, with at least two persons present who have not

been directly involved in the matters detailed in the complaint.

Your grievance, along with any supporting documentation submitted by yourself

and any other relevant information / evidence brought to the attention of the

Chair during the course of Stages Two and Three will be presented to the

Panel. You will be given the opportunity to present your grievance at this

meeting, and may be accompanied if you wish, although you will not be able to

remain during any deliberations that may take place following your presentation.

It is within the discretion of the Management to call any individual to assist in the

discussion.

Findings and recommendations of the Panel will be drawn up, and copies issued

to the complainant, the School Board, the School Administrator, and where

relevant, the person/s complained about.

The final decision shall be taken at the School Board level and copies shall be

issued to the complainant, the School Board, the School Administrator, and

where relevant, the person/s complained about.

Written records are kept of all complaints, indicating whether they have been

resolved at the preliminary stage, or whether they have proceeded to a Panel

hearing, or whether they have been resolved by the school board.

All correspondence, statements and records of complaints are kept confidential.