Student/Family Handbook

Communication: Students are expected to communicate respectfully with teachers and peers in their actions and words.  Examples of unacceptable behavior may include, but are not limited to: using profane language and/or gestures, ignoring or refusing to complete a staff request, disrupting class or any other student’s learning, threatening, slandering, bullying, discriminating, engaging in any behavior deemed to be harassment due to gender, race, ethnicity, etc., engaging in any behavior deemed to be a Title IX offence (i.e. sexual harassment, inappropriate sexual contact), being dishonest, stealing and/or fighting.

Expectation of Ownership: Students are expected to take ownership of their behavior, actions, personal commitments and commitments to the community.  When students make poor choices, we will support them and hold them accountable so that they are able to take full responsibility for their behavior and commit to do better in the future.

Reporting Breaches of School Policy: For the safety and wellbeing of the school community, all students are expected to report breaches of school policy as soon as they are aware of the problem. Staff members will respect student privacy when concerns are reported.  In some cases, students who do not participate in breaches of school policy, but are aware of such situations and do not report them may be assigned consequences due to their inaction.  Students who witness questionable activity should talk to their Advisor or an administrator right away.

Drugs, Alcohol and Tobacco: Possession, distribution, use or sale of alcohol, tobacco, vapes, or illicit drugs is prohibited on school grounds, at any school-sanctioned activity, in school vehicles, or at any time or in any place where such conduct interferes with or obstructs the educational program/operations of the school, or the health and safety of the community. Distribution includes situations where a student brings drugs or controlled substances to share.  Selling includes bartering or exchanging controlled substances for another item or a gift.

As required by law and/or the school district’s discipline policies, or at the discretion of the school, violation of this policy will lead to disciplinary measures, including possible suspension, a report to authorities, and a possible recommendation for expulsion.

Weapons: Knives, explosives, weapons, or anything that resembles a weapon of any type are not permitted in school, on campus, in school vehicles or at any off-campus, school-related activities or events. Possession of any such weapons or items that appear to be weapons will result in consequences aligned to the district’s discipline policies, including potential  police involvement and possible expulsion per district policy. 

• DSST Denver Campuses: Guns are not permitted anywhere on campus or at any off-campus, school-related activities or events. In accordance with Denver Public Schools policy, possession of a gun will be considered a Type 6 offense, automatic expulsion for one full calendar year. 

• DSST Aurora Campuses: Guns are not permitted anywhere on campus or at any off-campus, school-related activities or events. In accordance with Aurora Public Schools policy, possession of a gun will be considered a Level 5 Offense, automatic expulsion for one full calendar year.

Gang Activity: The purpose of this policy is to protect the health, safety, and welfare of those in the school community and to prevent the initiation or continuation of gang membership and gang activity at DSST.

Pursuant to state law, the term “gang” refers to all groups of three or more individuals who share a common interest, bond, or activity characterized by criminal, delinquent, or otherwise disruptive conduct engaged in collectively or individually.

Prohibition of gang-related actions will be determined at the discretion of the staff.  Consequences will be determined according to the circumstances of the infraction. DSST conducts on-going communication with Aurora and Denver law enforcement agencies regarding this policy.

Student Searches and Seizures: School property is under the control of the school. If reasonable suspicion exists (illegal, disruptive, general nuisance to the educational process), searches on school property (including, but not limited to, lockers and vehicles parked on school property) may be conducted at the discretion of the administration.  Upon reasonable suspicion of illegal or unauthorized materials, school authorities may search a student’s person and/or personal property, desk area or backpack. School officials may detain students upon reasonable suspicion that they possess drugs, narcotics, weapons, explosives or other dangerous contraband that constitute clear and imminent danger to the safety and welfare of community/property. School authorities are permitted to seize any items that are found to be detrimental to the school community/property for evidence. Furthermore, school officials will notify the Family/guardians and law enforcement agencies of such possession.

Physical Restraint: Corporal punishment is defined as intentional infliction of physical pain as a method of changing behavior. Under no circumstances will corporal punishment be administered at DSST.  In partnership with Aurora Public Schools’ and Denver Public Schools’ policies, physical restraint and intervention by staff is allowed in situations where:

• Reasonable physical restraint and/or time-out as a means to protect the student being restrained or others from a serious, probable, imminent threat of bodily harm;

• In cases of emergency when other less restrictive alternatives have failed or the staff member determines that such alternatives would be inappropriate or ineffective under the circumstances;

• An emergency is a serious, probable, imminent threat of bodily harm to self or others where there is the present ability to effect such harm.

Any such acts are not in conflict with the legal definition of child abuse and will not be construed to constitute corporal punishment within the meaning and intention of this policy.

In situations where students may be considered disruptive, DSST schools will follow policy outlined by DSST Public Schools Discipline Matrix. 

First Out of School Suspension in a school year: Family/guardians will be notified.  A re-entry meeting may be required for the student and a Family/guardian to attend. 

Second Out of School Suspension in a school year: Student’s may be considered for a behavior plan and the student and Family/guardians will be notified in writing.  A re-entry meeting may be required for the student and a Family/guardian to attend. 

Third Out of School Suspension in a school year: Students may be declared habitually disruptive which could result in a recommendation for expulsion made to Aurora Public Schools, or  Denver Public Schools. Before making any recommendation, Family/guardians will be notified in writing.  A re-entry meeting may be required for the student and a Family/guardian to attend.

The following list is not exhaustive and is subject to modification/additions by either DSST Public Schools, Denver Public Schools, or Aurora Public Schools: 

• Bullying

• Harassment

• Hate speech and behaviors

• Destruction of school property

• Theft

• Fighting

• Disobedient/defiant or repeated interference

• Drug or alcohol possession, use, or distribution

• Being under the influence of drugs or alcohol

• Posing a threat to another individual or the school community

• Arson

• Hazing

• Witness intimidation/retaliation

• Habitual disruption

• Possession of a dangerous weapon 

• *The above include both in-person, nexus to school, or online if the actions directly impact the school environment

Expulsion hearing criteria are outlined  by the DSST Public Schools policy, and by laws and regulations for the State of Colorado. 

Recommendation for expulsion hearings are mandatory for:

• Robbery

• First or second degree assault, and sexual assault

• Sale or distribution of, or intent to sell or distribute, unauthorized drugs or controlled substances

• Carrying, bringing, using, or possessing a dangerous weapon without the authorization of the school or District (including any firearm or firearm facsimile that could reasonably be mistaken for an actual firearm, spring action or compressed air devices such as BB guns, fixed-blade knives with blades longer than 3", pocket knives with blades longer than 3.5", spring-loaded knives, and any other objects used or intended to be used to inflict death or serious bodily injury)

Expulsion is mandatory under state law for:

• Possession of a firearm

Additionally, DSST may recommend an expulsion hearing for offenses listed in DSST Public Schools Matrix, which include, but are not limited to:

• Repeated Suspensions: Being suspended out of school three times over the course of a school year.

• Gang-Related Activity:  Evidence of gang-related activity.

• Serious Violation:  A more serious violation of school rules and expectations which the School Director and Dean deem the circumstances of that violation warrant a more significant consequence than suspension.

• Drug and Tobacco Use: Violation of the drug and tobacco policy.

Discipline embedded in learning, restoration, and re-engagement: We believe that discipline is a lifelong process and must be collaborative, holistic, and shared by all members of the community.  Every human is striving to be the best version of themselves and we are relentless in assisting them in the development of essential skills and behaviors.  Therefore, all disciplinary actions are used to assist students in learning, restoration, and re-engagement. All DSST schools (both Aurora and Denver schools) follow the guidance and guidelines of the DSST discipline beliefs,  policies and practices. 

The main purpose of disciplinary consequences is to assist as necessary in the learning, restoration, and/or re-engagement process of disciplinary actions. Additionally, they also assist in ensuring that students and the community are safe and that all are able to maintain complete focus on learning and growth.  Inappropriate student behavior impacts individuals and the larger school community. Students must understand that they are accountable to their peers and to the core values and expectations of the community as a whole.  Family involvement is encouraged and expected to ensure prompt resolution of concerns and behaviors that do not align with our core values and our policies.

Disciplinary measures, depending upon the nature of the action and necessary student learning, may include the following interventions:

• Restorative Conversations

• Deductions or Logs

• Responsibility Prep 

• In-school Dean Intervention

• In School Suspension

• Out of School Suspension

• Expulsion 

• Reporting to law enforcement and/or human services

• Other determined actions determined for learning, restoration, or re-engagement needs

DSST works closely with Aurora Public Schools and Denver Public Schools on situations where an expulsion hearing may be warranted. After a proper investigation, a student may be recommended for expulsion from DSST in accordance with both Aurora and Denver Public Schools’ policies. Family/Guardians will be notified before a student is formally recommended for an expulsion hearing.

Schools have both legal responsibilities and/or the discretion to assess student behaviors that may lead to additional actions, such as: 

• Individual safety and/or support plans 

• Suicide Risk Reviews 

• Nonsuicidal Self Injury Inventory 

• Threat Assessments 

• Governmental agencies

Off Campus Lunch: 11th and 12th grade students are allowed to leave campus during lunch. Students must practice tiem management and arrive back on campus in time for 5th period. If a student repeatedly does not arrive back on time, their off campus lunch privileges may be revoked. 

School Parking Lot: In order to obtain a GVR High School student parking permit, students must bring the following:

Completed Student Driver Parking Permit Request Form
Driver’s License (permits are not accepted as it is not legal to drive without an adult with a permit)
Car Insurance for the car listed above
There is no fee for a student parking permit

In addition to the items above, students who receive a parking permit must read, acknowledge and adhere to all statements below:

Students must obey all rules for parking on campus.  Failure to comply with instructions from Safety & Security, any staff member on campus (including, but not limited to, school administrators, teachers, facilities team, etc.) or School Resource Officer Dobbins (DPD) will result in suspension or loss of parking privileges.

All students who are using the school parking lot are required to have a parking pass from the school. 

It is the policy of DSST to recruit, hire, train, educate, promote, and administer all personnel and instructional actions without regard to race, religion, sex, sexuality, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, marital status, public assistance, or any legally protected classification. DSST will not tolerate any discrimination, and any such conduct is prohibited. DSST also prohibits any form of discipline or retaliation for reporting incidents. DSST Public Schools is committed to a policy that no otherwise qualified person shall be excluded from participation in, be denied benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to unlawful discrimination in its admissions, or under any School program or activity, on the basis of ethnicity, race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, marital status, gender, sexual orientation, age or disability.

Consistent with these commitments, and in accordance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (“Title IX”), the School aims to provide a safe learning and working environment for students, employees and community members, and prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, including sexual harassment, in its admission, educational programs and activities, and employment.

DSST Public Schools Title IX Procedures are located at  https://www.dsstpublicschools.org/title-ix.

The DSST Network of Schools has designated a central Network Title IX Coordinator to oversee the Network’s compliance with Title IX. That person is:

Samantha LaPres, DSST Network of Public Schools 730 Colorado Blvd Suite 200, Denver, CO 80206 (303) 524-6324

For additional information about discrimination or to file a complaint, you may contact the Office for Civil Rights of the U.S. Department of Education at: Cesar E. Chavez Memorial Building 1244 Speer Boulevard, Suite 310 Denver, Colorado 80204-3582 Telephone: 303-844-5695 Email: OCR.Denver@ed.gov Online: www.ed.gov/ocr

All DSST schools provide a continuum of services to meet the unique needs of students with disabilities with mild to moderate needs. Center-based programs are offered in select schools and may be accessed through the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process based on individual students’ needs.  Location of Center Programs is facilitated by our Denver Public Schools and Aurora Public Schools.  

 GVR High School serves a variety of students needs in our Center Program called the Raptor Den. All students in the Center Program receive their services in small group targeted instruction, individualized instruction, as well as with their grade level peers in General Education classes

The IEP describes the specially designed services that will be provided to students. This includes instruction from specifically trained and licensed special education teachers and practitioners. Students may also receive support from nurses, mental health providers, speech/language and motor therapists. Eligibility is determined by a formal assessment process that uses criteria associated with specific disabilities. Within this evaluation process, families are provided information regarding their child’s eligibility and options for services.

If you believe your child may qualify for special education services, please contact your school to set up a meeting to discuss next steps.

DSST’s Vision for Special Education

In order to fulfill DSST’s mission to eliminate educational inequity and serve all students, we must serve students with disabilities with excellence, to ensure they are welcomed, known and challenged through rigorous academic instruction to achieve their most ambitious post-secondary path. This requires embracing DSST’s view of the human condition and executing on a common set of guiding principles, foundational practices, and key levers that will translate into transformational outcomes for our students with disabilities.  

SECTION 504 OF THE REHABILITATION ACT

Section 504 is a federal civil rights law that ensures students with disabilities are afforded “equal opportunity to obtain the same result, to gain the same benefit, or to reach the same level of achievement” as an average peer. To pursue eligibility, a student can be referred to the school’s Section 504 coordinator. A Section 504 team would convene to determine eligibility. If the student is found to be eligible, the Section 504 team would determine the student’s placement, services, and accommodations to help mitigate barriers caused by the impairment(s). Call your school for more information.

MULTILINGUAL EDUCATION

DSST schools are inclusive communities that celebrate, honor, and affirm all languages, identities, and cultures. In pursuit of DSST’s mission, commitment to equity, and our graduate profile, exemplary multilingual programs at DSST Public Schools will adopt culturally and linguistically responsive teaching and culture practices that will allow Multilingual Learners (MLLs) to leverage their “funds of knowledge” and language assets to develop critical thinking skills, be deeply included in the school community, and complete rigorous academic work.  All students whose primary language is not English, and who are not yet proficient in English, are eligible for MLE program services.

At registration, Family of all new-to-District students complete a form called the Home Language Questionnaire (HLQ), which identifies the language or languages spoken by the student and their family. If a language other than English is entered on the HLQ, the  family will select the English language development (ELD) program model that best serves their student's needs. The school then evaluates evidence to determine the student’s English proficiency level and reviews the student’s performance to determine if the student is eligible for  program services. 

Regardless of the program, all Multilingual Learners receive Integrated Content and Language Development (ICLD) in daily rigorous and standards-based instruction with planning and supports for academic language, giving students the fundamental tools to expand their content and language skills in all content areas. At DSST ELD instruction focuses on providing MLLs with opportunities to engage in discipline-specific practices while leveraging MLLs’s home language (s), cultural assets, and prior knowledge. ELD courses consider MLLs’ English language proficiency and prior schooling experiences to ensure that students receive the differentiated language instruction most appropriate for their proficiency level.

TRANSLATION & INTERPRETATION

DSST staff will communicate with Multilingual (MLL) families in a manner that assures they may meaningfully and equally participate in the education of their student(s).  At the school-level, translation and interpretation services will be provided in accordance with district partner requirements and the law for the 8 common languages, which include Spanish, Arabic, Amharic, French, Mandarin, Nepali, Somali and Vietnamese. 

Additionally, any essential school information, written and verbal, will be provided in the language preferred by the family. Any family who prefers communication in a language other than English will be provided with information on how to obtain translation and interpretation services. Interpretation and translation services for official school communications will be performed by appropriate and competent individuals only. Schools will not rely on or ask students, siblings, friends, or untrained school staff to interpret for families. 

Please note: You may select your preferred language of correspondence during the registration process. 

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a Federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. DSST has access to and maintains an information file on each student via the DPS electronic records system, Infinite Campus.  Family/Guardians may review their student’s file upon request.  School officials may access student records for educational purposes only and pertinent student information may be shared in cases of medical emergency to protect student safety.  All individually identifiable educational information is protected from disclosure except for “Directory” information. Directory information includes student name, date of birth, place of birth, participation in officially recognized sports and activities, height and weight (for athletic teams), dates of attendance, degrees and other honors awarded. Families may opt out of sharing any information with any party outside of the school at the beginning of each year, or at any other time by contacting the school’s front office team. DSST recommends that families who wish to opt out do so during the Registration/Annual Family Update period.

The federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) states that any school that receives Title I funds must inform families of students of their right to request information on teacher qualifications. Furthermore, the Colorado Department of Education requires districts who receive these funds of teachers who provide instruction for four more weeks if they do not hold a Colorado teaching license. 

At DSST, our teachers meet high standards for subject matter qualification, including having a degree in their content area or passing a rigorous test to demonstrate robust content knowledge as required by ESSA. Furthermore, each DSST teacher undergoes a rigorous, multi-step application and interview process that exceeds employment application requirements of surrounding districts and CDE requirements. Based on a waiver in the DSST charter provided by the state, DSST does not require teachers to pay additional fees associated with becoming certified by the state of Colorado as they are already required to demonstrate qualification through academic and application requirements for employment. 

You may obtain information about your students teachers qualifications by emailing DSST’s Human Resources team at humanresources@scienceandtech.org.

All DSST schools operate under the supervision of a certified nurse. If your student has a health care management plan of any kind, including for an allergy, diabetes or another condition, please provide that plan and any other information to the front office team when you register your student. Students who are ill or injured during the school day will be assessed by our staff and Family will be called to pick up ill or injured students who cannot stay at school. In emergency situations, school staff will call 911 and the Family/guardian immediately.

1. Medications: Students requiring medications to be administered at school, including rescue inhalers and Epi-Pens, must complete the district required paperwork, and must provide the medication in its original packaging and with student name and dose information. Medications will be kept on campus until they expire or are returned at the end of the year.
   
   
2. Immunizations: Please provide a record of immunizations for your student during the registration process each year before the start of school. The State of Colorado does require certain immunizations for school attendance by law. Family/Guardians seeking exemption from required vaccinations must follow the State of Colorado’s exemption process. This process is completely independent of DSST and its partner districts, and must be completed by the Family or guardian. Students not vaccinated in accordance with state law and do not have an approved exemption will not be permitted to attend school until appropriate documentation is received, and will be considered absent and unexcused.
   
   
3. Nutrition and Foodservice: DSST provides meals for students as part of the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and all meals comply with Federal nutrition guidelines established by the USDA. The NSLP subsidizes the cost of student meals through the Free and Reduced Lunch (FRL) process. While Colorado has instituted Free Meals for All students, families are strongly encouraged to complete a FRL application each school year. FRL data is still utilized as it relates to school funding and may also contribute to eligibility families may have for benefits outside of school. Families need only complete the application once for their entire household, unless they have students in multiple districts, in which case one application must be completed for each district of attendance. 
   
   As part of the NSLP program, students must not bring food to school to sell or trade to other students. Food brought to school from home must be for the student’s immediate use only. 

All school personnel are mandated reporters of suspected child abuse and/or neglect, and are expected to complete the requisite Mandated Reporter training annually. Mandated reporters are required to report suspected child abuse or neglect immediately when they have reasonable cause to believe that a child – a student under 18 years old –has been harmed, or is in danger of being harmed, physically, sexually, emotionally, or through neglect. All school personnel will follow required protocols for reporting suspected abuse or neglect.

DSST maintains a website, keeps a social media presence and periodically publishes promotional materials. We do this to effectively share the wonderful stories of our students, staff and school communities, and capturing authentic moments makes this exponentially more impactful. On occasion, DSST may receive media requests to highlight the schools and students. DSST may also wish to display or publish student artwork, photos taken by the student, or other original work on the school’s website, a website affiliated or sponsored by the school (such as a classroom website) and in school and external publications.

DSST will apply each family’s opt-in/opt-out decision from the “Family Permission for Media, District Marketing, Web and Internal Use of Photos and Video” form completed during registration and annual family update processes to the sharing of a student’s name or image. Families may update this selection at any time by contacting their school’s Front Office. Please note that DSST will contact you in the event of your student or your student’s school being contacted or interviewed by the media.

School Materials: With prior approval by the Director, Advisor or teacher, publications prepared by students may be posted or distributed to the greater community. Such items may include school posters, brochures, murals, etc. The school newspaper, the yearbook and all school publications available to students are supervised by staff members and may be edited or taken down at the sole discretion of the School Director.

Non-School Materials: Unless a student (or Family/guardian) obtains specific prior approval from the Director, written materials, handbills, photographs, pictures, petitions, films, tapes, posters or other visual or auditory materials may not be posted, sold, circulated, or distributed at school or on campus.

Students (or Family/guardians) may not sell any articles on school property without the permission of the Director.  Money or materials for personal purposes or for an outside organization may not be collected without prior permission from the School Director.

DSST operates public charter schools open to all students via the Denver Public Schools unified SchoolChoice process. Each DSST school is considered an independent entity in the DPS SchoolChoice process. DSST will not inquire about a student's special education needs prior to enrollment.  After enrollment, schools gather information to support incoming student onboarding, including potential special education needs.  If an enrolled student has an IEP that details programming not currently offered at that school, the school team will work with DPS SEO on next steps

Acceptance into a DSST school does not allow the student to transfer to another DSST Public School location. Transfers between DSST schools will be approved for rare, extenuating circumstances and must be coordinated between the Directors of both schools with final approval by the DSST Home Office.

A student who is officially enrolled at a DSST school will be automatically re-enrolled for the following year unless the student participates in the SchoolChoice process and is accepted at a different school. Current 8th graders will automatically be enrolled to the 9th grade at the same campus and are not required to participate in the SchoolChoice process, but are encouraged to complete the SchoolChoice Intent to Enroll agreement.  

Any student who participates in the Round 1 or Round 2 DPS School Choice Round process and is assigned to a new school will no longer be enrolled at the DSST campus.  If the student then changes their mind and wishes to stay at their current DSST school, the student must re-apply for admission during Round 2 of the SchoolChoice process and may be placed on a waitlist. Students are added to waitlists based on admission priorities. Waitlist offers must be made in order of waitlist number and it is possible the student may not be able to return to the school.

Aurora Public Schools:  
DSST operates public charter schools open to all students through the AST lottery process. DSST will not inquire about a student's special education needs prior to enrollment. After enrollment, schools gather information to support incoming student onboarding including potential special education needs. If an enrolled student has an IEP that details programming not currently offered at that school, the school team will work with APS on next steps.

Acceptance into a DSST school does not allow the student to transfer to another DSST Public School location. Transfers between DSST schools will be approved for rare, extenuating circumstances and must be coordinated between the Directors of both schools with final approval by the DSST Home Office.

A student who is officially enrolled at a DSST school  will be automatically re-enrolled for the following year unless the student enrolls at a different school. Current 8th graders are automatically enrolled to the 9th grade at the same campus and do not need to participate in the lottery, but are encouraged to complete the DSST Intent to Enroll agreement.

Any student who is assigned to a new school through the official APS process will no longer be enrolled at the AST campus.  If the student then changes their mind and wishes to stay at AST,  the student must re-apply for admission during Round 2 of the lottery process and may be placed on a waitlist. Students are added to waitlists based on admission priorities. Waitlist offers must be made in order of waitlist number and it is possible the student may not be able to return to AST.

Families are responsible for getting their student(s) to and home from school. Any daily to/from school transportation that may be provided is managed by the Denver Public Schools Transportation system. Family must give written permission for any person, including a DSST staff member, to transport their student to and from school. Contact your school’s front office team for support with this.

Family should contact DPS Transportation for any questions about specific routes and services that they may be eligible for through the district at 720-423-4600. RTD began piloting its Zero Fare for Youth Program, which allows students to ride for free. Otherwise they offer discounted student fare, and RTD pass products can be purchased at numerous locations across the metro area, including at most grocery stores. If your family is unable to afford a bus pass or is experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity, please contact the front office team at your school to find out about support opportunities available.

DSST’s informal grievance process provides an opportunity to express and resolve grievances. The informal process provides neutral facilitation and mediation, with the goal of informal resolution, restitution and relationship repair within the context of DSST’s core values.

To encourage prompt resolution of grievances, families  are asked to address disputes directly with the other individual(s) involved and to allow reasonable time to reach a solution. 

• Where possible, meetings between the disputing parties should take place within ten business days of the request. 

• If conflict resolution is not achieved, the grievance should be brought to the School Director for further mediation.

• The School Director will reach out via phone call or message to the Family within 5 working days and investigate the grievance and within 10 days:

  • Contact all parties involved in the grievance,

  • Request that the Family attends a meeting to provide more information and further discuss the grievance, and/or

  • Inform the Family of the action taken to remedy the grievance.

The School Director, community members, and school staff are all expected to act in good faith to best resolve any conflict. During the informal and formal Grievance Process, DSST’s ability to achieve deadlines depends on timely responses from the family filing the grievance–DSST may pause the grievance process if the family is unresponsive.

This policy is in place to address any grievance that is not resolved via the informal process or is significant enough, in the mind of the grievant, to require a more formal investigative and resolution process that is documented in writing. Parent/Guardian Grievance Form

Step One: To initiate the process, the family (also called “filing party”) shall complete and electronically submit a signed and dated Family Grievance Form (template below) to the School Director at the campus and to the school’s Managing Director.

Step Two: The Managing Director will acknowledge receipt of the written grievance via phone call or email to the filing party within 5 business days and will launch an investigation of the grievance. The Managing Director will provide a copy of the written grievance to the individual(s) named in the grievance, and to their direct supervisor.  By the 15th business day following receipt of the Family Grievance Form, the Managing Director will inform the filing party of the proposed action taken to remedy the grievance. 

Step Three: If the issue remains unresolved after step two, the family may request, in writing, that the Managing Director provide an electronic copy of the written grievance to the Chief Equity Officer and Chief External Affairs Officer.

Within 10 business days of receiving the grievance the Chief Equity Officer and Chief External Affairs Officer will appoint a Resolution Team that includes members of the school staff and the DSST Public Schools Home Office team. Any person(s) who is directly named in the grievance or who is deemed to have a clear conflict of interest may not be a member of the Resolution Team. The Resolution team will lead an internal investigation by conducting interviews with all relevant parties, reviewing pertinent documents and reviewing policies.

Within 40 business days of the Chief Equity Officer and Chief External Affairs Officer receiving the grievance, the Resolution Team will issue a written resolution that may include plans for facilitated conflict resolution meetings, an appointed campus staff case manager to ensure implementation of the resolution, recommendations for change in policy or procedure, and suggested next steps to the appropriate member of DSST’s Senior Leadership Team, who will then inform the filing party of the recommended actions to remedy the grievance within 45 business days of receiving the grievance.

Final Appeal: If a filing party is not satisfied with the recommendation of the Senior Leadership Team member, the matter should be appealed to DSST Public Schools’ Board of Directors by electronically sending the Family Grievance Form to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) who will work with the Board to formally respond to the filing party.

It is important to the integrity of DSST that grievances be handled in an informed, direct, fair and equitable manner. The administration, DSST Public Schools, and the Board of Directors share responsibility for ensuring the integrity of the vision and its implementation through the system of due process as described in this policy. 

The final forum for conflict resolution, after a filing party has followed the steps outlined above, will be the Board of Directors who will deliver a written communication to the filing party. If an individual or group initiates a complaint at a public meeting of the Board of Directors or to individuals on the Board, the Board is not required to respond to the substance of the complaint, but will instead thank the individual or group for their time and direct them to the grievance process outlined above.

As members of the DSST Public Schools community, students and families are welcome to participate in interactions with the school online through our social media channels, including Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, TikTok and YouTube. Students and families are expected to employ responsible behavior, and any content that is egregious, inappropriate, bullying or violent in nature, threatening, illegal or unbecoming of the Core Values of DSST will result in disciplinary action and/or reporting to the proper authorities, if necessary. Posting photos of students or staff without their consent will absolutely not be tolerated. Such posts/messages will be immediately reported and will result in disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion. Students are not to follow any DSST staff members on any social media channel, except for in a career/postsecondary capacity on LinkedIn. DSST’s External Social Media Policy can be viewed on our website here.

DSST encourages students to get involved with fitness, athletics and extracurricular activities. However, participation in competitive athletics and games is a privilege, and not a right. Students will be deemed eligible to participate as long as they are in good academic standing, are passing all of their classes and have consistently abided by the school’s core values. Eligibility shall be determined by the school. A student may be removed from a team or club activity at any point if not in good academic or behavioral standing.

All school policies and rules apply to athletic and club activities, practices, games and transportation. At all times, students are expected to demonstrate the highest levels of sportsmanship and exemplify the school’s Core Values.

All students participating in athletics are required to provide a physical exam at the beginning of the year or before the start of the athletic season. Please contact your campus athletic director for any questions or to share any important medical information.

The purpose of FASS is to enrich the educational experience of DSST GVR students through the leadership of parents and guardians. Our goal is to increase parent and guardian involvement through building strong partnerships that are rooted in collaboration around decision making processes and school programs and activities. It is our hope that FASS will amplify the voices in DSST GVR families. Although, this group will determine their areas of focus for this school year, we anticipate that they will host events during the school year, serve as family ambassadors in the community, raise funds to support school initiatives

Through volunteer efforts, the FASS, composed of Parents/Guardians, supports the school’s staff, students, and families; provides opportunities for parents/guardians to ask questions, express concerns and seek answers about school-related issues. All parents/guardians are welcome at each FASS meeting, held monthly at the school.  There are no fees, qualifications or requirements associated with membership. All parents/guardians are considered voting members at each meeting they attend. Officers of FASS are elected yearly with no previous qualifications required.

Teachers can accept late, missing, and makeup work for as long as teachers would like. Teachers MUST accept late work for 2 weeks after an assignment is due, or until the end of the unit (the longer of the two). 

Teachers cannot have different policies for excused and unexcused absences. 

The difference between an excused and unexcused absence is whether a parent calls the Attendance line.  We will not penalize a student for that difference. 

Teachers may use discretion on whether there is a penalty for assignments turned in late for which a student was present, but should not penalize SWD without checking with a case manager first. 

The technology given to students at DSST is a privilege, and along with that privilege, comes responsibility on the part of all students.

What students should know:

• Not using DSST technology appropriately at home or off campus will lead to disciplinary action or fees.

• DSST has the ability and the right to view anything on your computer at any time.

• In classrooms, technology can only be used as directed by a teacher or staff member.

• If you damage your computer, you and your family are responsible for paying for the damage.

• DSST has the right to take back the laptop of any student if they do not use it and care for it appropriately.

Do’s – Student Responsibilities

• DO back up all of your data. You are responsible for having every file on your computer backed up. There is NO excuse for loss of work or documents due to computer or network failure.

• DO report any damage to your computer to the helpdesk right away.

• DO transport your laptop to and from class and school in a padded carrying case at all times.

• DO backup all files on a jump drive. If a laptop is confiscated, students are still responsible to have any digital work.

• DO only visit websites whose content is educational and ethical. Visiting any site that is not intended for academic purposes may result in your laptop being taken away.

Don’ts

• DON’T download ANY software to your laptop…ever.

• DON’T leave your laptop in your car, unlocked locker, or an unattended classroom.

• DON’T have a cell phone or other handheld electronic device out of your backpack without explicit instruction from a teacher or staff member. 

• DON’T give any of your passwords to ANYONE.

• DON’T allow another student to log into your assigned DSST computer.

Although the items listed below are the most important things for students to know, it is important for students and their families to read this entire document before signing it. 

DSST Public Schools Technology Acceptable Use Policy

DSST provides students and staff with a variety of technology resources for the purpose of supporting our educational mission. This acceptable use policy is intended to explain the responsibilities and limitations of technology use at DSST.  Additional rules may be added as necessary.

It is important that all users of DSST technology remember that access to these resources is a privilege, not a right.  Access to DSST technology resources is only given to students who act in a considerate and responsible manner.  Users of technology are expected to exhibit appropriate behavior and care in the use of computers and school computer networks just as they are in a classroom or a school library. Still, as technology is integrated into the fabric of virtually all instruction at DSST, and appropriate use is critical to ensure learning happens for all, violation of these policies will be treated as a disciplinary issue. 

Policies

1. Inappropriate usage of technology will lead to serious disciplinary consequences. We expect students to apply the same core values of responsibility, integrity and respect that govern their conduct in their life at DSST to also govern their use of DSST’s computers at home and off-campus.

2. DSST staff reserves the right to define inappropriateness in this context and to check any student’s laptop at any time.

3. General school rules and expression of core values apply to all use of technology.

4. Reference to laptops also includes tablets or other kinds of Technology provided or authorized by DSST.

5. All work created on or by or stored on any DSST equipment belongs to DSST and may be reviewed and/or retained for any purpose in line with its educational mission.

6. Computer and network storage areas may be accessed by network administrators as needed for school purposes.  All files (including email and internet) viewed and stored on DSST servers or computers will be considered public, and may be viewed by a DSST staff member at any time. Within reason as determined by the deans and director, freedom of speech and access to information will be honored.

7. At school and/or during school hours, students will use computers and other technology resources for school related purposes only, unless they receive specific permission to do otherwise.  In classrooms, students will use technology only as directed by the teacher.

8. In the event of damage to the computer or its peripheral parts, either payment for replacement/repair of the damage or the cost of the deductible will be charged.  If financial hardship is an issue, contact the student’s dean or the business manager.

9. DSST reserves the right to withhold technology resources from the student responsible for unpaid damages until appropriate arrangements have been made.

10. Additional consequences may be levied in the event of multiple damage incidents by a given student.

Student Appropriate Use

It is the student’s responsibility to ensure the following:

1. IMPORTANT: It is the student’s responsibility to see that all work is backed up. There is NO excuse for loss of work or documents due to computer or network failure or loss due to disciplinary action. Students shall always maintain at least two copies saved; one on the local hard drive, and one on at least one of the following: flash drives or on the server (the H drive). Applications should be set so that work is saved at least every 5 or 10 minutes.  Generally, in the event of disciplinary actions (like computer re-cloning) due to computer misuse, NO opportunity for backing up work will be given.

2. No cell or multimedia devices are allowed out of your backpack during class unless directed by the teacher.

3. Materials printed at school are to be academic in nature. Documents not pertaining to school are not to be printed from the DSST laptop and teacher permission is required to print. 

4. Students will respect the intellectual property of others by using appropriate citation, refraining from all forms of plagiarism, and abiding by federal copyright laws.

5. All students must log on with their own username and password. Passwords must be kept confidential. Users are responsible for all actions that occur with their user account and computers.  Users should change their password from time to time and guard it carefully.  It is ALWAYS appropriate to ask someone to step away while one enters a password, and courteous to do so without being asked.

6. Students must not attempt to access or tamper with files, folders, programs, drives or any equipment on the network that do not belong to them.

7. Students will conserve the use of technology resources such as bandwidth, printing supplies, etc.  Personal files, music, video, or other personal multimedia files unrelated to school may NOT be saved on the desktop or in My Documents (which is Windows default location, and gets synchronized with your H drive) or in the H drive.  This also includes the background of your laptop – you must use one of the Windows backgrounds, and you may not use any other image for your laptop background.  In the event your network (home) folder becomes filled with personal files, your whole folder may be emptied with no recourse for lost work.  If you do not understand how personal files get in your home folder, ASK a teacher.  

8. Students will find all approved software for download in the software center and should not download or install anything found outside of that. Students may not download or install programs or inappropriate media or info. If a program, or any portion of it, is on your hard drive without permission, it constitutes computer misuse.

9. The Internet is available to students for academic pursuits. Students may not use it in an inappropriate manner, or give out personal information about themselves or classmates over the Internet without specific staff permission.  Students may not use their laptop for any streaming content unless it is specifically for an academic class.

10. The school will provide all students with access to the Internet and an e-mail account. These are privileges and may be rescinded if used in an inappropriate manner.  Any student who uses inappropriate language or uses the Internet or their email to harass, attack or defame another person or send inappropriate pictures in any communications faces disciplinary action.  Email is an educational tool provided for the express purpose of furthering DSST’s educational mission. As such, DSST reserves the right to inspect any DSST email messages, to rescind or modify privileges in any way or at any time in the enforcement of this policy.

11. If students use DSST systems to communicate concern of harm to others or themselves, that communication is subject to monitoring and may be reported to and responded to by Denver or Aurora Public Schools’ Safety teams, or in some cases to local law enforcement.

12. Students will follow DSST technology use protocols.  For instance, Instant Messaging (or having IM programs on the student computer – see Downloading above), emailing during class, and playing music out loud during school hours are not acceptable.

13. Students may not subscribe to Listserv services on a DSST account, in which mail is automatically sent to a student account, without expressed written permission from the IT department.

14. Students will not use technology for illegal or commercial enterprise.

15. Students will take all precautions with their laptops to avoid damage or theft (see Laptop Care & Maintenance Document below), and report any damage, theft or malfunction immediately. This includes but is not limited to the use of a laptop bag or backpack with a built-in laptop sleeve.

16. So as not to unnecessarily burden DSST support staff, students will learn and exercise skills to undertake basic troubleshooting, including taking advantage of  (in the following order)

1. 1. online computer and web help sources

   2. fellow students

   3. teachers

Students will take precautions against viruses and other threats and will report all issues or infections immediately to prevent damage.

DSST Public Schools Laptop Care and Maintenance

Physical Security (keeping your laptop physically safe):  

1. DO NOT leave your laptop in your car, an unlocked locker, or a classroom.

2. Your locker must have a lock on it, as you will need to return your laptop to your locker for lunch and for PE/Health.

3. DO NOT eat or drink near your laptop.  You may not use the laptop in the lunchroom during lunch.  You may not have a water bottle at your desk if you are using your laptop.

4. Be cautious about leaving the laptop unattended anywhere that there is a chance it could easily be knocked onto the floor, sat on, stepped on or otherwise damaged. Know that dropping, jostling, or bumping might cause damage to the hard drive. 

5. Always hold the laptop by the bottom (keyboard half), NEVER the screen.  Use two hands when carrying.

6. Never twist the screen on its hinges (could crack the screen).

7. DO NOT scratch or push on the screen.

8. Never close the lid on a pencil, pen, papers or other items left on the keyboard.

9. DO NOT slam the lid down.

10. DO NOT place the laptop near any electrical appliance that could generate a magnetic field, it can damage data.

11. Always transport the laptop in a padded carrying case, and never stack items on the lid of the laptop.  You must transport the laptop in your padded carrying case to and from class.  This means that when you are traveling from class to class, you are not carrying the laptop in your hands.

12. Use a luggage tag or other unique item to attach to your laptop case to help identify your computer.

13. Be careful when removing the power cord. Yanking it out of the laptop from afar will cause damage. DO NOT wrap the cord tightly around itself or tie it in knots.  Instead, for storage, loosely wrap it in a circular or figure eight pattern. Secure it with a Velcro strap, twist tie or other means intended to secure the cord.

14. Remember as the thermometer lowers that cold is not your computer’s friend. Do not leave it in the car. Do not store your laptop anywhere that is very cold or very warm.

Internal Security (keeping dangerous data from harming your laptop):

1. Do not download ANYTHING from the Internet without specific permission from the IT Department!  Kazaa, Bonzi, Gator, WeatherBug, HotBar, WhenUSave, CommetCursor, WebHancer all appear to have legitimate useful functions. However, most of this software is, contains, or is a common conduit of viruses, spyware or adware, all of which will damage your Windows installation, waste resources, generate pop-up ads, download more garbage and report your personal information back to the company that provides that software.

2. Downloaded software and screensavers often cause conflicts that can cause your laptop to function very slowly and often crash.  Remember that the laptop is a tool for learning and keeping it free of extras will keep it working efficiently and properly.

When to seek help:

1. Shut off the notebook immediately and bring it to the IT Department for servicing if you have the following problems:

   -          When the power cord or plug is damaged or frayed.

   -          If liquid has been spilled on the computer.

   -          If it has been dropped or the case has been damaged.

   -          Any physical damage is noticed.

   -          The system has crashed/locked.

2. Bring your computer to the tech lab for any repairs, upgrades, or any problems.

Cleaning your laptop:

Display/Screen

• Soap can leave a residue on the computer, ONLY use a slightly damp to wipe the screen and case.

• When cleaning the screen, spray onto a soft lint free cloth and never spray the screen directly.

Keyboards and Case

• To clean the keyboard, you can use a vacuum (suction or blower; small units are available at Office Depot or other computer/office supply stores) with a tiny extension nozzle to free dust and debris from the keys. Wipe down the surfaces/keys with a slightly damp cloth. Do not allow moisture to seep into any part of the keyboard.

• If significant cleaning is needed, use rubbing alcohol or a mild household cleaner (avoiding contact with the screen), applied to a lint free cloth.  If water gets between the keys, do not use the laptop until the water has had time to evaporate.

• To clean the exterior casing of your laptop, wipe using a slightly damp cloth, allowing no moisture to get inside any openings or drives.

DSST was founded on six Core Values, which create common agreements to develop a strong, healthy community. Every individual has their own unique set of personal values and living a values-driven life is an ongoing journey for staff, students, and families at DSST and beyond.

We commit to create a welcoming, values-driven environment for anyone that enters our school in order to create a vibrant and inclusive DSST Community. Healthy communities support individuals to become the best version of themselves in order to contribute to the human story. We create shared commitments, aligned to the following Core Values to create strong DSST communities which help us achieve our mission.

Staff and students agree to live out the following Core Values for the purpose of creating a stronger community and sense of belonging:

Respect: We appreciate each person and their story through our words, actions, and attitudes. We value their unique perspective and treat others with dignity.

Responsibility: We acknowledge that our actions and choices impact ourselves and our community. We take ownership for what we do and how we choose to do it.

Integrity: We act and speak with honesty, fairness, and thoughtfulness. We consistently align our words and actions.

Courage: We possess the confidence and resolve to take risks, push ourselves, and persevere in the face of pressure, adversity or unfamiliar circumstances.

Curiosity: We are eager to learn, question, and explore. We have a thirst for knowledge, a love of investigation, and a desire to learn about ourselves, our community, and our world.

Doing Your Best: We put our best effort into everything we do. We know that individual and collective effort are required for our community to thrive.

At DSST, we believe in the importance of all members of the school community, families, staff and students, working together in order to achieve our mission of preparing our students for success in college and the 21^st century. The following agreement outlines the responsibilities that the school and families have to support our students’ success.

Please plan to attend our Title I Family meeting this fall, when we will discuss our school’s use of Title I funding and use this commitment as a starting point to build a Family-School Compact.

Family & GUARDIAN COMMITMENT

Our families are committed to supporting their students’ growth and achievement at DSST, including supporting the systems and structures designed to promote their success. DSST families are members of the DSST community and Family are responsible to:

• Make sure their child(ren) arrive(s) at DSST every day on time and remain(s) at school until the first dismissal at the end of the day. If their child is assigned the second dismissal, Family will make arrangements for a pick up at second dismissal.

• Ensure that their child(ren) attend(s) school every day, unless sick or because of a family emergency.  The family will notify the school before 8 a.m.  if their child(ren) is(are) going to miss school.

• Make sure their child(ren) follow(s) any applicable DSST dress code.

• Hold their child(ren) accountable when they fall short of expectation(s). This includes making sure that their child(ren) follows through with College Prep, Mandatory Tutoring, Responsibility Prep sessions, and other consequences that may be assigned.

• Express themselves by using professional and courteous language in school and when communicating with school staff.

• Communicate directly and honestly and interact with DSST’s community in productive and positive ways that can help build trust.

• Check their child(ren)’s homework, as requested. 

• Encourage their child(ren) to do their best daily.

• Encourage their child(ren) to follow up on any issues or concerns with their advisor.

• Give honest feedback in an appropriate and respectful way to make the school community stronger.

• Treat people with common courtesy, have empathy for others, and treat others with dignity.

• Understand that their child(ren) must follow DSST’s expectations and Core Values to protect the safety, interests, and rights of all individuals at DSST.

DSST COMMITMENT

DSST is committed to supporting student growth and achievement at DSST, including consistently upholding the systems and structures designed to promote their success as they achieve our graduate profile. As DSST staff and members of the DSST community, we agree to:

• Provide high-quality curriculum and instruction in a supportive and effective learning environment that enables students to meet the state’s student academic achievement standards.

• Hold high expectations, which help students achieve academic success while still validating their cultural identities.

• Prioritize students’ intellectual growth, including their ability to problem-solve. 

• Teach students how to identify, analyze, and solve real-world problems, especially those that result in societal inequities against marginalized groups.

• Use multicultural instructional examples which connect students’ prior knowledge and cultural experiences with new knowledge.

• Hold Family-teacher conferences each semester, during which this compact will be discussed with Family as it relates to their individual child’s achievement.

• Provide Family with regular reports on their child’s progress.

• Provide Family reasonable access to staff. Staff will be available for consultation with Family during Family-teacher conferences and by meetings arranged by contacting the student’s dean or advisor.

• Provide families with opportunities to volunteer and participate in their child(ren)’s class, and to observe classroom activities, through participation in the SAC (School Accountability Committee) and family groups.

• Ensure that attendance for all students is taken accurately and do everything within our power to ensure that all students attend school every day.

• Make sure that all students follow the DSST dress code.

• Hold all students accountable when they fall short of expectation(s). This includes making sure that students follow through with College Prep, Mandatory Tutoring, Responsibility Prep, and other consequences that may be assigned.

• Model professional and courteous language and conduct in school for students and the DSST community.

• Value different communication styles and modify classroom interactions accordingly. 

• Communicate directly and honestly and interact with others in productive and positive ways that build trust.

• Encourage all students to do their best daily.

• Support all issues and concerns that students bring to their advisors.

• Give students direction and feedback in an appropriate and respectful way to make the school community stronger.

• Create an environment where students affirm and appreciate their culture of origin while also developing fluency in at least one other culture. 

• Treat staff and students appropriately with common courtesy; have empathy for others and treat them with dignity.

•  Follow DSST’s expectations and Core Values to protect the safety, interests, and rights of all individuals at DSST.

School Director Signature:    

Student and Family Acknowledgement of Understanding and Compliance (Print)

We are familiar with and will abide by all the contents, responsibilities and policies contained in this handbook. We understand that these policies govern student and family conduct in the school and will be enforced at school or on school grounds, at school-sanctioned activities or events (even if occurring off school property), or while being transported by school-approved vehicles. The school reserves the right to adapt and change policies during the year to serve the greater good of the school.

Name of Student:                                                               

Student Signature:                                                                      Date:                       

Name of Family/Guardian:                                                

Family/Guardian Signature:                                                       Date: