STEM Preparatory Schools

Notices

Visit www.stem-prep.org/covid-19 for STEM Prep’s COVID-19 resources.

COVID-19 Safety Plan

COVID-19 Visitor Policy

STEM Preparatory Schools are charter public schools governed by a nonprofit board of directors and overseen by the Los Angeles Unified School District. On January 12, 2016, the LAUSD board voted to approve a Board Resolution, “Keeping Parents Information: Charter Transparency” which was passed with the support of the LA charter community. The resolution highlighted commonly requested information and data that charter public schools share with parents through their charter petitions, School Accountability Report Cards, Local Education Agency Plans, Local Control Accountability Plans, Annual Audits, and other publicly available documents.

 

This commonly requested information is available from each school’s main office, electronically or manually by request. Parents may request this information in English and any single primary language meeting the requirements of Sections 45400 through 45403 of the California Education Code. Please submit parent requests for translated information using the Contact Us link above.

 

Such resources include, but are not limited to the following:

  • Field Act compliancy
  • Available play space/density
  • Teacher credential status
  • Chanda Smith Consent Decree compliance (including, but not limited to proper documentation displayed and made available to parents)
  • Staff pay scale (including, but not limited to teachers, administrators, clerical staff, custodial staff, aides, etc.)
  • Instructional materials
  • Brown Act compliance
  • Food service/caloric content
  • Special Education services (including, but not limited to SELPA affiliation)
  • Curriculum content
  • Special Education by type (high incident, low incident)
  • AB 300 Seismic Safety List (Crown Prep Academy is located on 24th Street Elementary’s campus. 24th Street’s Main Building is one of 667 buildings LAUSD identified as needing seismic evaluation and possible retrofits because of their age, proximity to an earthquake fault or type of construction).

Education Code section 49066.5 (AB 104) establishes that a parent/guardian or a student who is age 18 or older and enrolled in high school during the 2020-21 school year may apply for one or more of their student’s letter grades for a course, taken during the 2020-21 school year in high school, to be changed to a Pass or No Pass on the student’s transcript. There is no limit as to the number or type of courses eligible for this grade change request. The grade change request shall not negatively affect the student’s grade point average or result in the forfeiture of a student’s eligibility for athletics or school programs.

The grade change request must be submitted to Math and Science College Prep on or before Tuesday,  August 31, 2021. A school will not accept forms after that date. The school is required to make the change of a student’s grade from a letter grade to a Pass (A-C) or No Pass (F) within 15 days of the request and will notify the student and student’s parent/guardian that the grade was changed.

Absent an application to change a transcript by this date, a letter grade earned in the 2020-21 school year will remain on the student’s transcript. Please note some postsecondary educational institutions, including those in other states, may not accept a Pass or No Pass grade instead of a letter grade for admission purposes.

To request Pass/No Pass for 2020–2021, please print, fill out, sign, and date Distance Learning Pass/No Pass Request Form 2020-2021

Submit the completed Distance Learning Pass/No Pass Request Form 2020-2021 to Math and Science College Prep in person or via email to Mrs. McKee at jmckee@stem-prep.org using the email subject line: “AB104 Grade Change.”  The student and parent/guardian will be notified of the change within 15 days of the school receiving the request.

The California State University system shall, and the University of California system and private postsecondary educational institutions have been encouraged to, accept for admission purposes, and without prejudice, a transcript with a Pass or No Pass grade instead of a letter grade for any coursework for all applicants from the 2020-21 school year to the 2023-24 school year, inclusive. Please note that some postsecondary educational institutions, including those in other states, may not accept a Pass or No Pass grade instead of a letter grade for admissions purposes. A list of postsecondary institutions that will accept Pass/No Pass for admission purposes can be found here.

Dangers of Synthetic Drugs

The illicit use and abuse of synthetic drugs represents an emerging and ongoing public health threat in California. The fentanyl crisis specifically, has impacted communities across the state, leading to a sharp increase in fentanyl poisonings and deaths in recent years.

 

This notice aims to address the crisis with a preventative approach ensuring students and families are educated on the deadly consequences of recreational drug use.

 

A synthetic drug is a drug with properties and effects similar to a known hallucinogen or narcotic but having a slightly altered chemical structure, especially such a drug created in order to evade existing restrictions against illegal substances.

 

Synthetic drugs include but are not limited to synthetic cannabinoids (“synthetic marijuana,” “Spice,” “K2”), methamphetamines, bath salts, and fentanyl.  

 

The California Department of Public Health (“CDPH”) has expounded on the extreme danger of drugs laced with fentanyl. Illicit fentanyl can be added to other drugs to make them cheaper, more powerful, and more addictive. Illicit fentanyl has been found in many drugs, including heroin, methamphetamine, counterfeit pills, and cocaine. Fentanyl mixed with any drug increases the likelihood of a fatal overdose. Furthermore, it is nearly impossible to tell if drugs have been laced with fentanyl without additional testing, because fentanyl cannot be seen, smelled, or tasted when used as a lacing agent. 


Additional information regarding fentanyl from the CDPH’s Substance and Addiction Prevention Branch can be found here.

Crown Preparatory Academy (CPA) recognizes that the educational environment of the school is an important factor in every student’s ability to learn. We are committed to providing an environment where teaching takes place in a safe and orderly school. CPA’s shared use of LAUSD’s 24th Street Elementary School campus requires CPA to conduct random metal detector searches to prevent and deter weapons and other dangerous objects from entering school grounds. Please refer to LAUSD Policy No. BUL-5424.1 (July 21, 2014) for additional information.

Find complete policy here: CPA Random Metal Detector Search Policy

If you are in any of the following situations:

  • Staying in a shelter
  • Sharing housing with others due to loss of housing or economic hardship
  • Living in a car, park, campground, abandoned building, or other inadequate accommodation
  • Temporarily living in a motel or hotel due to loss of housing
  • A student under the age of 18 living apart from parent(s) or guardian

You may qualify for certain rights and protections under the federal McKinney-Vento Act.

Eligible students have the right to:

  • Receive a free, appropriate public education
  • Enroll in school immediately, even if lacking documents normally required for enrollment
  • Enroll in school and attend classes while the school gathers needed documents
  • Enroll in the local school; or continue attending their school of origin (the school they attended when permanently housed or the school in which they were last enrolled), if that is their preference.
  • If the school district believes that the school selected is not in his/her best interest, then the district must provide the student with a written explanation of its position and inform the student of his/her right to appeal its decision.
  • Receive transportation to and from the school of origin, if requested.
  • Receive educational services comparable to those provided to other students, according to the students’ needs.

Eligible students have protections:

The fact that a child is homeless or is classified as an unaccompanied minor, as defined in the federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, is not, in and of itself, a sufficient basis for reporting child abuse or neglect.

If you believe you may be eligible, contact your school’s Homeless Liaison to find out what services and supports may be available or contact:

Jessica Miramontes

Network Compliance Manager

(323) 795-0695 or jmiramontes@stem-prep.org

It is our intent to comply with the California Mathematics Placement Act of 2015, as described in the attached plan: MSCP Mathematics Placement Policy.

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at(800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call

(866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:
(1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;

(2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or
(3) email: program.intake@usda.gov

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

About the Education Protection Account

California created the Education Protection Account (EPA) in November 2012 after the passage of Proposition 30, The Schools and Local Public Safety Protection Act of 2012. Proposition 30 temporarily increased the personal income tax rates for upper-income taxpayers and the sales tax rate for all taxpayers. The sales tax increase expired in 2016. The income tax increase was set to expire in 2018, but was extended by voters though 2030 via Proposition 55 in November 2016.

Revenue generated from the increased taxes are deposited into the EPA and distributed to districts and charter schools on a quarterly basis.

While funds from the EPA are part of a district’s or charter school’s general purpose funding, Proposition 30 specifies that EPA funds may not be used for administrative salaries or benefits or any other administrative costs. Governing boards must determine the use of EPA funds at an open public meeting annually.

Proposition 30 also requires all districts, counties and charter schools to report on their websites an accounting of how much money was received from the EPA and how that money was spent.

For schools open prior to FY 13-14, EPA funds are estimated to be 25% of a school’s FY 12-13 funding rate multiplied by current year Average Daily Attendance. For schools that opened in 2013-14 or later, EPA is apportioned at $200/ADA.

The spending plan for each school allocates 100% of each school’s funds to teacher salaries and benefits.

FY 2024-25 Education Protection Account Spending Plan

FY 2023-24 Education Protection Account Spending Plan

FY 2023-24 EPA Actuals

FY 2022-23 Education Protection Account Spending Plan

FY 2021-22 Education Protection Account Spending Plan

Parents/Guardians,

We’d like to draw your attention to an important issue – Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children and Youth. On average, early adolescence, between ages 11-14 years, is the most common time for female children to fall victim to commercial sexual exploitation. While many of these children are girls, there is a rising population of boys who may become involved in sex trafficking for different reasons.

Beginning in 2020, charter schools with children in grades 6-12 are required to inform parents and guardians of human trafficking prevention resources. Please review the attached flyer and visit the link below for more information on identifying and preventing human trafficking.

For more information, please visit: https://dmh.lacounty.gov/our-services/transition-age-youth/csecy/

Other Resources:

Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-540-4000

LA Metro Taskforce: 800-655-4095

National Human Trafficking Hotline: 888-373-7888

If you or a student have any questions or need additional support or resources please contact Karen Gonzalez, Network Operations Manager via email kgonzalez@stem-prep.org or by phone (323)795-0695. 

California Education Code (EC) Section 47605(d)(4)  states the following: A charter
school shall not discourage a pupil from enrolling or seeking to enroll in a charter school for any
reason, including, but not limited to, academic performance of the pupil or because the pupil
exhibits any of the following characteristics:

Academically low-achieving
Economically disadvantaged (determined by eligibility for any free or reduced price
meal program)
English learner
Ethnicity
Foster youth
Homeless
Nationality
Neglected or delinquent
Race
Sexual orientation
Pupils with disabilities

■ A charter school shall not request a pupil’s records or require the parent, guardian, or pupil to submit the pupil’s records to the charter school before enrollment.
■ A charter school shall not encourage a pupil currently attending the charter school to disenroll from the charter school or transfer to another school for any reason (except for suspension or expulsion).
■ This notice shall be posted on a charter school’s Internet website and a charter school will provide copies of this notice (1) when a parent, guardian, or pupil inquires about enrollment; (2) before conducting an enrollment lottery, and (3) before disenrollment of a pupil.

Complaint Procedures:
In order to submit a complaint, complete the Charter School Complaint Form and submit the form to the charter school authorizer, electronically or in hard copy, to the following location:

Los Angeles Unified School District
333 S. Beaudry Ave., 20th floor
Los Angeles, CA 90017
charterschools@lausd.net
(213) 241-1000

 

Link to form and Notice

Each STEM Prep School’s latest SARC is available at www.sarconline.org and available in hard copy on request.

2022-23 STEM Prep ES

2022-23 Crown Prep Academy

2022-23 Math and Science College Prep

Please submit parent requests for hard copies or translated information using the Contact Form above.

STEM Prep Schools takes a proactive stance when addressing bullying and cyberbullying issues. We believe that every student has the right to attend school without fear of threat or intimidation by other students. All discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and bullying on the basis of a student’s actual or perceived disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, Religion, Sexual Orientation, race, nationality, ethnicity, or immigration status, or association with a person or group with one or more of the aforementioned characteristics, is strictly prohibited.

STEM Prep Anti-Harassment, Anti-Discrimination, & Anti-Bullying Policy

Our complete Student Interaction Policy is available in our Employee Handbooks. Please submit requests for complete policy and any information using the “Contact Us” button above.

While the use of appropriate touching is part of daily life and is important for student development, teachers and other staff members must ensure that they do not exceed appropriate behavior. If a child or other staff member specifically requests that he or she not be touched, then that request must be honored without question.

Boundaries Defined

For the purposes of this policy, the term “boundaries” is defined as acceptable professional behavior by staff members while interacting with a student. Trespassing beyond the boundaries of a student-teacher relationship is deemed an abuse of power and a betrayal of public trust.

Acceptable and Unacceptable Behaviors

Some activities may seem innocent from a staff member’s point-of-view but could be perceived as flirtation or sexual insinuation from the perspective of students or parents. There is no single reasonable person standard. The purpose of the following lists of unacceptable and acceptable behaviors is not to restrain innocent, positive relationships between staff and students, but to prevent relationships that could lead to or may be perceived as inappropriate, or sexual misconduct, or “grooming.” Grooming is defined as an act or series of acts by a sexual predator to gain physical and/or emotional control by gaining trust (of staff and/or family and a minor) and desensitizing the minor to various forms of touching and other intimate interaction.

Staff members must understand their own responsibilities for ensuring that they do not cross the boundaries as written in this policy. Violations could subject the teacher or staff member to discipline up to and including termination. Disagreeing with the wording or intent of these established boundaries will be considered irrelevant for any required disciplinary purposes. Thus, it is critical that all employees study this policy thoroughly and apply its spirit and intent in their daily activities.

This policy does not prevent: 1) touching a student for the purpose of guiding them along a physical path; 2) helping them up after a fall; or 3) engaging in a rescue or the application of Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) or other emergency first-aid. Nor does it prohibit the use of reasonable force and touching in self-defense or in the defense of another. Restraining a child who is trying to engage in violent or inappropriate behavior is also allowed. Only such force as necessary to defend one’s self, another person, or the child or to protect property is legally permitted. Excessive force is prohibited.

Boundaries Reporting

When any staff member, parent, or student becomes aware of a staff member (or volunteer, guest, vendor) having crossed the boundaries specified in this policy, or has a strong suspicion of “grooming behavior,” he or she must report the suspicion to the Principal promptly. “Grooming behavior” is an attempt to build an emotional and/or physical connection with a minor to gain their trust for the purpose of sexual abuse. “Suspicion” means something perceived in spite of inconclusive or slight evidence. It is based on facts that would lead a reasonable person to believe that a violation of the boundaries policy occurred. Prompt reporting of “unacceptable behaviors” observed in adult interactions with minors is essential to protect students, staff, any witnesses, and the school as a whole. When observant staff members call attention to a boundary violation(s), the likelihood of harm is greatly reduced.

The following is information regarding your rights and responsibilities regarding filing a complaint under Title IX.

Title IX Coordinator Contact Information

All complaints should be sent to our Title IX Coordinator:

Susana Enriquez

Human Resources Manager

(323) 795-0684

senriquez@stem-prep.org

Your Rights and Responsibilities Under Title IX

(a) You have the right to fair and equitable treatment and you shall not be discriminated against based on your sex.

(b) You have the right to be provided with an equitable opportunity to participate in all academic extracurricular activities and athletics offered by STEM Prep.

(c) STEM Prep currently offers various athletic programs. You have the right to inquire of the athletic director or other appropriate STEM Prep administrator as to the athletic opportunities offered by STEM Prep’s schools.

(d) You have the right to apply for athletic scholarships.

(e) You have the right to receive equitable treatment and benefits in the provision of all of the following:

  • Equipment and supplies.
  • Scheduling of games and practices.
  • Transportation and daily allowances.
  • Access to tutoring.
  • Coaching.
  • Locker rooms.
  • Practice and competitive facilities.
  • Medical and training facilities and services.
  • Publicity.

(f) You have the right to have access to our Title IX Coordinator regarding gender equity laws. Please see above for this Coordinator’s contact information.

(g) You have the right to file a confidential discrimination complaint with the United States Office for Civil Rights or California Department of Education if you believe you have been discriminated against or if you believe you have received unequal treatment on the basis of your sex. See below for more information regarding how to file a complaint.

(h) You have the right to pursue civil remedies if you have been discriminated against.

(i) You have the right to be protected against retaliation if you file a discrimination complaint.

(j) You can find out more information regarding your rights, STEM Prep’s responsibilities, and access information on gender equity laws from the following resources:

How to File a Complaint Under Title IX

(a) You can find more information regarding how to file a complaint as follows:

(b) A complaint regarding discrimination or harassment based on sex must ordinarily be filed with the U.S. Office for Civil Rights within 180 days of the last act of discrimination. If your complaint involves matters that occurred longer than this and you are requesting a waiver, you will be asked to show good cause why you did not file your complaint within the 180-day period.

If you have questions about your situation, you can contact the California branch of the Office for Civil Rights at the address listed below. A complaint filed with STEM Prep under our UCP alleging unlawful discrimination, harassment, intimidation or bullying must be initiated no later than six (6) months from the date when the alleged unlawful discrimination, harassment, intimidation or bullying occurred, or six (6) months from the date when the complainant first obtained knowledge of the facts of the alleged unlawful discrimination, harassment, intimidation or bullying.

(c) The U.S. Office for Civil Rights has its own policies and procedures for investigating complaints. Please review the above link for more information about this process. A complaint filed with STEM Prep under our UCP or Sexual Harassment policy will be investigated in compliance with those policies.

(d) There are a variety of ways to file your complaint. You can use the U.S. Office for Civil Rights electronic complaint form filed directly through their website; or mail, email, or send by facsimile your own letter or a completed copy of the Office for Civil Rights Discrimination Complaint Form.

San Francisco Office
Office for Civil Rights
U.S. Department of Education

50 United Nations Plaza
Mail Box 1200, Room 1545
San Francisco, CA 94102

Telephone: 415-486-5555
FAX: 415-486-5570; TDD: 800-877-8339
Email: ocr.sanfrancisco@ed.gov or ocr@ed.gov

STEM Preparatory Schools is committed to the optimal development of every student. STEM Prep believes that for students to have the opportunity to achieve personal, academic, developmental and social success, we need to create positive, safe and health-promoting learning environments at every level, in every setting, throughout the school year.

Research shows that two components, good nutrition and physical activity before, during and after the school day, are strongly correlated with positive student outcomes.

The STEM Prep Wellness Policy outlines the CMO’s approach to ensuring environments and opportunities for all students to practice healthy eating and physical activity behaviors throughout the school day while minimizing commercial distractions.

This policy applies to all STEM Prep students, staff, and schools.

Download a copy of STEM Prep’s current Wellness Policy.

  • Read about the healthy food options offered at our schools.
  • Read about opportunities for physical activity available to our students. 
  • Read about opportunities to participate in the development, review, update, and implementation of the Policy

Triennial Assessment: Read the results of the most recent assessment on the implementation of the Wellness Policy 

USDA Nondiscrimination Statement:
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions
participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination
Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:

(1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;
(2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or
(3) email: program.intake@usda.gov.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELO-P) Plan

The Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELO-P) provides funding for afterschool and summer school enrichment programs for transitional kindergarten through sixth grade.

Schools must develop a program plan that outlines how the funding will be used.

The ASES, 21st CCLC Elementary/Middle School, and the ELO Program should be considered a single, comprehensive program. In coordinating all these funding streams to move towards a single program, the expectation is that the most stringent requirements will be adopted for program guidance.

This program plan does the following:

  • Develops one comprehensive plan inclusive of ELO-P with ASES and 21st Century Grants
  • Aligns to the partnership STEM Prep Schools has with Think Together (Summer, Intersession, Before School and After School provider)
  • Expands access to engage more students to STEM Prep Expanded Learning programs
  • Increases STEM, Athletics and Targeted Intervention programs for STEM Prep students and families
  • Develops increased partnership and participation between school and extended day programs
  • Aligned to the STEM Prep Schools Expanded Learning Vision:

STEM Prep Expanded Learning provides a collaborative, innovative and nurturing space that supports students in their scholarly and enrichment pursuits as they become change agents by disrupting the status quo and entering the field of STEM.

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STEM Prep Elementary, Crown Prep Academy, and Math & Science College Prep provide the following meal services to our students:

 

Free breakfast and lunch, every school day to all students. This policy enables STEM Prep to avoid overtly identifying students and their eligibility as well as implements the statewide Universal Meals Program for school children. As such, no action will be taken against the student in order to collect payment for any meal nor will any students be denied any meals for any reason.