TVLC_Response-to-LVJUSD_Letter-of
Transcription
TVLC_Response-to-LVJUSD_Letter-of
March 28, 2016 VIA ELECTRONIC: [email protected] and U.S. MAIL Kelly Bowers, Superintendent Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District (LVJUSD) 686 East Jack London Boulevard Livermore, CA 94551 Dear Superintendent Bowers: This letter serves as Tri-Valley Learning Corporation’s (“TVLC”) response to the District’s letter dated March 18, 2016. Summary of Timeline: February 12, 2016 to March 9, 2016 TVLC confirms the authenticity of the attachments to LVJUSD’s Letter of Concern dated March 18, 2016. The following summary timeline items noted on the attached LVJUSD Letter of Concern dated March 18, 2016 are confirmed without revision: a. b. c. d. February 12, 2016 February 16, 2016 February 17, 2016 February 18, 2016 The following summary timeline items noted on the attached LVJUSD Letter of Concern dated March 18, 2016 are confirmed with revision and clarification: 1. February 16, 2016: two exchange students were driven to Stockton by Jennifer Miller. Ms. Miller is an employee of agent Eric George. The parents of the two students provided permission for the agent to relocate the students to Stockton and requested to have both students placed in separate host family homes. The two students that were temporarily relocated to Stockton did not express their desire to remain with their Livermore host family. It was their classmates that expressed concern about their impending relocation. The two students were relocated back to Livermore after discussions with the students and families involved; 7901 Stoneridge Drive, Suite 211, Pleasanton, Ca. 94588 2. On or about February 18, 2016: None of the students placed on academic probation were forced to sign the student contract – the document was intended to acknowledge the students status and commitment to attaining good standing and academic success. The probation option was completely voluntary for the students. Two students received feedback from LVCP staff and/or affiliate (California Preparatory Academies) and received apologies from LVCP Principal Eric Dillie the next day; 3. On or about February 18, 2016: LVCP’s affiliate offered voluntary after-school tutoring for a fee of approximately $2,300 in December 2015; 4. On or about February 18, 2016: LVCP’s exchange students were provided with a second copy of the school’s Electronics Policy. All students received a copy of the Electronics Policy upon receipt of their school-issued laptop; 5. On or about February 19, 2016: Parents were prepared and in favor of transferring students. As noted above, the probation contract was a voluntary option for students and not a “forced-choice”; 6. March 3, 2016: LVCP and our affiliate are not able to confirm the date that Detective Moore received the initial report of alleged physical force/assault of a minor foreign exchange student. LVCP’s affiliate notified the student’s biological parents, host parents, and agent immediately following the referenced incident. 7. March 9, 2016: LVCP and our affiliate were aware of the incident that occurred in January and promptly notified the student’s biological parents, host family parents, and agent. A mistake was made by not also notifying LPD about the incident. The student did not report injury or harm to TVLC or LVCP. a. The following reflects our understanding of the incident: our affiliate’s employee Lulu Han had initially called another affiliate employee, Brock Van Wey, when a student had left the LVCP campus and walked over to the loading dock behind the nearby Lucky grocery store. Ms. Han requested Mr. Van Wey’s assistance in helping to bring the student back to campus. Ms. Han met Mr. Van Wey over at the loading dock behind the Lucky store where the student refused to get up from the ground. Ms. Han informed Mr. Van Wey that she had attempted to lift the student off the ground out of concern of the student’s safety while in the loading dock but was not successful. Mr. Van Wey and the student’s friend then physically moved the student into Ms. Han’s car only after both 7901 Stoneridge Drive, Suite 211, Pleasanton, Ca. 94588 employees had attempted to persuade the student to enter the car and be driven back to campus. TVLC’s Acting CEO, John M. Zukoski, became aware of the incident upon Detective Moore’s initial interviews at LVCP. Actions Taken to Prevent Reoccurrence of Above-Cited Incidents Mr. Van Wey no longer has involvement with LVCP’s exchange student program and will not make any future visits to LVCP’s campus. TVLC will continue to provide all school staff with mandated reporter trainings to supplement our regular training sessions. Electronics Policy The Electronics Policy referenced in LVJUSD’s Letter of Concern date March 18, 2016 was distributed to all LVCP domestic and foreign exchange students upon receipt of their school-issued laptop. Communication to Students Enclosed are copies of the two communications sent to students, parents, and/or host families regarding the probation contract terms. Grade and Attendance Reports Enclosed are the grade and attendance reports for the 2015-16 school year for all foreign exchange students that have received oral or written communications from TVLC/LVCP concerning failing grades or poor attendance. District Directives TVLC/LVCP acknowledges that we will continue to provide full cooperation regarding the referenced directives. TVLC has provided LPD Detective Moore with a listing of all current LVCP exchange students with host family names and addresses. 7901 Stoneridge Drive, Suite 211, Pleasanton, Ca. 94588 Best Regards, [email protected] enc: LVJUSD Letter of Concern Dated March 18, 2016 LVCP Communication to Students 2015-16 Grade and Attendance Reports for Students on Probation cc: State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson Deputy Superintendent, Services of Administration, Finance, Technology & Infrastructure Branch, California Department of Education Nick Schweizer Alameda County Office of Education Superintendent of Schools L. Karen Monroe Livermore Police Department Chief Michael Harris Livermore Police Department Lieutenant Josh Ratcliffe Livermore Police Department Detective Cindy Moore 7901 Stoneridge Drive, Suite 211, Pleasanton, Ca. 94588 Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District 685 East Jack London Boulevard, Livermore, CA 94551 LIVERMORE Tel (925) 606-3200 Fax (925) 606-3329 SCHOOL DISTRICT March 18, 2016 BY PERSONAL DELIVERY AND ELECTRONIC MAIL John Zukoski, Acting Chief Executive Officer Tri-Valley Learning Corporation 7901 Stoneridge Drive, Suite #211 Pleasanton, CA 94588 Re: BY PERSONAL DELIVERY AND ELECTRONIC MAIL Governing Board Tri-Valley Learning Corporation 7901 Stoneridge Drive, Suite #211 Pleasanton, CA 94588 Livermore Joint Valley Unified School District Tri-Valley Learning Corporation/Livermore Valley Charter Preparatory High School Notice of Concern Dear Mr. Zukoski and Tri-Valley Learning Corporation (TVLC) Governing Board : This letter constitutes a Notice of Concern arising out of recent incidents involving the foreign exchange program, foreign exchange students, and TVLC personnel or affiliates associated with the Livermore Valley Charter Preparatory High (L VCP) School. This Notice of Concern is based upon the following : 1) February 12, 2016: LVCP sends approximately seventeen (17) foreign exchange students a forced choice letter stating that students failing a class in the fall semester have two options: 1) enroll in a partner language school in Stockton, CA; or 2) return to China on February 20, 2016. (Exhibit A) 2) February 16, 2016: In an e-mail dated February 16, 2016 to LVJUSD Assistant Superintendent Chris Van Schaack, in response to an inquiry, TVLC Acting CEO John Zukoski states that "up to 20 students will be transferring to a charter high school in Stockton to complete the semester. These students will have home stays with local host families." (Exhibit B) 3) February 16, 2016: Two LVCP foreign exchange students are picked up at their host family's house by a person unknown to the host family and driven to Stockton. (The individual was/is a TVLC employee or affiliate Jennifer Charron.) The two students expressed that they did not want to relocate to Stockton . The two students were later John Zukoski, Acting CEO Tri-Valley Learning Corporation March 18, 2016 Page 2 returned to Livermore after intervention from the LVJUSD, the Livermore Police Department and Stockton Police Department. 4) February 17, 2016: Acting CEO John Zukoski, in a subsequent e-mail to Chris Van Schaack, states that "there's been a misunderstanding . We aren't exiting any exchange students and there aren't 20 more students enrolling in the program." (Exhibit C) 5) February 18, 2016: LVCP Principal Eric Dillie, in a response to an e-mail inquiry by Chris Van Schaack, initially states that 58 exchange students are enrolled at LVCP. Upon being asked by Mr. Van Schaack to provide a more accurate figure, Mr. Dillie then shortly thereafter states in an e-mail that there are 91 exchange students (74 enrolled for the full year, 17 shadowing). (Exhibit D) In a subsequent email he amends that number to 90 students, and provides a more detailed breakdown of their Visa status. (Exhibit E) 6) On or about February 18, 2016: Three mandated reporters, LVCP Principal Eric Dillie, Brock Van Wey and Nina Stoien, bully, intimidate, mock and use profanity toward, or witness such behavior, toward a subgroup of the 17 students who received the original "forced choice" letter. These three TVLC/L VCP-affiliated individuals demand that the students sign, under significant duress, a letter or written agreement, with the consequence of a refusal to sign being immediate revocation of the students' F-1 Visa status and ability to stay in the United States. (Exhibit F) 7) On or about February 18, 2016: TVLC/L VCP notifies students that it requires students that it considers in poor academic standing to pay additional tuition in excess of $2,000 to obtain mandatory after-school tutoring . 8) On or about February 18, 2016: TVLC/L VCP issues an "Electronics Policy" in which it states that students shall "refrain from any use of outside media (i.e. , You Tube, Facebook, lnstagram, WeCHAT, WHA T'sAPP, Twitter and ANY other form of social media.") (Exhibit F) . 9) On or about February 19, 2016: The State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson meets with TVLC/L VCP representatives. TVLC/L VCP representatives state that the "forced-choice" letter was merely a "scared-straight" tactic and that TVLC never intended to remove any foreign exchange students from LVCP. Yet, two students were removed from their host family's home and taken to Stockton. 10) On March 3, 2016: Livermore Police Department Detective Cindy Moore learns of a possible use of physical force againsUassault of a minor foreign exchange student as well as possible detainment of the same student against his will in a vehicle after school hours, occurring in January 2016, allegedly by a TVLC/L VCP staff member or affiliate (Brock Van Wey). John Zukoski, Acting CEO Tri-Valley Learning Corporation March 18, 2016 Page 3 11) On March 9, 2016: LPD Detective Cindy Moore confirms the allegations of use of force and false imprisonment and confirms that additional staff members, including TVLC/L VCP administrators and senior leadership were aware of the incident that occurred in January 2016 and failed to report the incident to authorities, although they are mandated reporters . The above cited concerns are of a serious nature and indicate that the current TVLC/L VCP administration cannot assure the safety and welfare of students at LVCP. Please respond in writing to this formal Notice of Concern no later than 5:00 p.m. on Friday, March 25, 2016. The District asks that TVLC's response contain the following : 1) Verify whether each and every one the above-recited incidents occurred. If TVLC denies that any incident occurred , please provide TVLC's version of the events described. Please also verify the authenticity of all attached exhibits. 2) Identify each step that TVLC/L VCP and/or their affiliates are taking to avoid a repeat of the above-cited incidents, up to and including administrative leave for personnel or affiliates involved , until such time as the personnel investigation is complete. 3) Verify whether the "Electronics Policy" attached as Exhibit F was distributed to only foreign exchange students, or to all LVCP students. 4) Provide copies of all TVLC/L VCP or affiliates' communications to students, parents, and/or host families that address or mention the relocation , transfer, deportation, removal to home country, mandated tutoring, and/or discipline of foreign exchange students. 5) Provide copies of grade and attendance reports for the 2015-16 school year for all foreign exchange students who have received oral or written communications from TVLC/LVCP concerning failing grades or poor attendance. The District, as the authorizer of TVLC/L VCP's charter, also provides the following directives: 1) TVLC/LVCP and/or its affiliates are not to retaliate against any student, host family, guardian, or their family members or advocates, employee, or any other individual who cooperates with any agency with respect to its investigation into TVLC/L VCP's foreign exchange program and student treatment. 2) No student should face any academic, disciplinary, involuntary home or school placement or transfer, or F-1 Visa or Form 1-20 status repercussions, or threats of repercussions as a result of this notification or investigation. Any such acts would be considered retaliation and are characterized as interference with a pending authorizer, personnel and potential criminal investigation. John Zukoski, Acting CEO Tri-Valley Learning Corporation March 18, 2016 Page4 3) Furthermore, we direct as your authorizer that you provide to the Livermore Police Department, Detective Cindy Moore, no later than Wednesday, March 23, 2016 at 5:00 p.m. the full legal names and current addresses of all 90 or 91 students referenced in the most recent emails to Mr. Van Schaack, (Exhibits D & E), as well as a list of full legal names of their host families and addresses, as a sign of good faith and cooperation, allowing the LPD to ensure the safety and welfare of all TVLC/L VCP foreign exchange students and conduct follow-up welfare checks as deemed necessary. This list must be updated within 24 hours of any new arrival, enrollment, departure, exit, or housing/host address change of a foreign exchange student. In the course of your personnel investigation, if students are to be questioned or interviewed, we insist as your authorizer that a representative from the Livermore Police Department (LPD) and an LPD assigned-independent interpreter be present at all times, NOT someone from TVLC/L VCP or its various affiliates. Please note that part or all of the incidents recited in this Notice of Concern may form the basis of a future Notice of Violation under Education Code Section 47607. Very Truly Yours, ~~ Kelly Bowers Superintendent of Schools Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District (925) 606-3280 [email protected] cc: State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson Deputy Superintendent, Services of Administration, Finance, Technology &Infrastructure Branch, California Department of Education Nick Schweizer Alameda County Office of Education Superintendent of Schools L. Karen Monroe Livermore Police Department Chief Michael Harris Livermore Police Department Lieutenant Josh Ratcliffe Livermore Police Department Detective Cindy Moore Exhibit A -(' 1 rvER~'iORE H RT E R F R E C A VALLEY f~ p ARAT ~ Ry f.:~~.,al i:::· h i Vatley l l'<:;c•n.:J I. . ... • .. . .· wereafite h. r IS news comes as an unWelcome surprise· however v.'e m ' Js+ ram tJtTlfS as well as our proD rfyou/111l'e any questions regarding this Pracram, piease do t~Ot hesitate to r> f{egattl£ Nir'13~en c-•. ··.clnr F w ·f, ·mi'(' .... · - I stu f'):,\J(r.iled Student Officer, lnternatinn-.1 - - · mamtatn th h ~ •eatth ' · ' "rno.·--_ .. Corhacr me. and welfare of our Exhibit B Hi Chris- up to 20 students will be transferring to a charter high school in Stockton to complete the semester. These students will have home stays with local host families . Best Regards, John Zukoski Acting CEO Tri-Valley Learning Corporation 925-278-6339 (office) On Tue, Feb 16, 2016 at 1:50PM, Chris VanSchaack <[email protected] .us> wrote: Hi John, I spoke briefly with Eric, and he said you'd have more of the details about the transfer of the 20 exchange students to Stockton. I'm sure I'll get asked what prompted this and what will become of those students. Housing? Academics? Thanks for whatever information you can give me. Chris Page 2 of 2 Exhibit C Thursday, March 10, 2016 at 5:48:14 PM Pacific Standard Time - - - - -Subject. fW:-transfer ofexchange-stodents·- - - - - - - - - - - - - Date: Wednesday, February 17, 2016 at 11:03:54 AM Pacific Standard Time From: Chris VanSchaack To: Kelly Bowers From: John Zukoski <jzukoskj@trjyal!eylearojng...Qrg> Date: Wednesday, February 17, 2016 at 10:22 AM To: Chris Van Schaack <[email protected]> Cc: Eric Dillie <eldillie@~12.Qfg> Subject: Re: transfer of exchange students Hi Chris- there's been a misunderstanding. We aren't exiting any exchange students and there aren't 20 more students enrolling in the program. I attempted to reach Ms. Wang last night but was unable to connect. I'll try again to clear this up. ).. ; .. Exhibit D Thursday, March 10, 2016 at 5:57:28 PM Pacific Standard Time ----- ----------------------- From: Eric Dillie <eldjllie@I'£S;p.Qrg> Date: Thursday, February 18, 2016 at 3:40 PM To: Chris Van Schaack <[email protected]> Subject: Re: question John will be calling you within the hour. As far as I know, no more are coming. last number I reported was 58 total on 12/6/16. Currently, as of 2/18/16 91 Total- 74 are here for a full year, 17 are here shadowing Eric Dillie, M.Ed. Principal livermore Valley Charter Prep 2451 Portola Avenue livermore, CA 94551 (925) 278-6341- Cell (925) 230-0753 - Office "Things are never as good as you think they are or ever as bad as you think they are."' Aikman Troy ---- -- Exhibit E Thursday, March 10, 2016 at 5:43:42 PM Pacific Standard Time ....;t-----~ub~+faFms-/-leaver-s,/-f:Kehaflge-EnreUments----------------· Date: Wednesday, March 2, 2016 at 5:15:58 PM Pacific Standard Time From: Chris VanSchaack To: Kelly Bowers ------- Attachments: exchange student letter 2015_2016.pdf From: Eric Dillie <~@MI'Mlfg> Date: Wednesday, March 2, 2016 at 4:37 PM To: Chris Van Schaack <cvanschaack@~jysd . k12.ca.us> Subject: Forms I Leavers I Exchange Enrollments Exchange Numbers 211./.19. 90 total/68 full year students and 22 cultural exchange students. The total is one less than I reported to TVLC last week, we had an exchange student withdraw yesterday. The second chance probation forms are attached, both in English and Mandarin. Quarterlv. Student Leaver ReP-ort L..Lru Page 1 of 2 - Returned to China Private On-line - Vineyard H.S. to China Eric Dillie, M .Ed. Principal livermore Valley Charter Prep 2451 Portola Avenue Livermore, CA 94551 (925) 278-6341 - Cell (925) 230-0753 - Office Page 2 of 2 Exhibit F LVCP International Student Exchange Program Probationary Student Contract In order to participate in the LVCP International Student Exchange Program, students are required to establish and maintain a pattern of success. This success is judged on academic performance, academic effort, school attendance, behavior, attitude and compliance to the rules and regulations of the school and the F1 Visa program.* You have received this letter because a panel of teachers and administrators has found you in violation of one or more of the expectations listed above. While you have already been placed on academic probation with the school, you are now on permanent probation with the LVCP International Student Exchange Program. You will remain on probation for your remaining time atLVCP. The rules and regulations of the Program Probation are below. If for any reason, you violate ANY of these rules and regulations, you will automatically be removed from the school, your I20 will be revoked and you will be sent home without any refund. Probationary Rules: • • • • • Students will have NO unexcused absences. ALL assignments and homework will be turned in on time. Students WILL abide by the LVCP electronics policy (see attached.) Students WILL maintain a "C" grade or higher in all classes from this point on. Students WILL NOT display any behavioral issues or outbursts deemed inappropriate by school faculty or staff. It is our desire to give students on Program Probation support and encouragement. Our goal is to see each student restored to good standing based on the rules and regulations above. The appropriate staff and/ or faculty will confer with you and your parents to evaluate your progress while on Program Probation. However, if any of these rules or regulations are violated, you will no longer be eligible to attend the school. I have read and understand the contents and the intent of this contract and agree to participate in the LVCP Program Probation. Print Name Signature Date • https://studyinthestates.dhs.gou/maintaining-your-status. While studying in the United States, both F and M sh1dents must: 1. Attend and pass all your classes. If school is too difficult, speak with your DSO immediately; 2. If you be/ieue that you will be unable to complete your program by the end date listed on you1· Fo1·m 1-20, talk witll yow· DSO about requesting a possible program extension; 3. You must take a full course ofsh1dy each term; if you cannot study full-rime, contact yow· DSO immediately; 4.Do not drop a cla~·s without first speaking with your DSO. Livermore Valley Charter Preparatory High School Electronics Policy Cell Phones and Other Electronic Communications Cell phones and other electronic devices can be used as an educational tool, when utilized with an emphasis on responsibility. Cell phones and other electronic devices may be used freely during school, prior to, after, and between instructional periods (e.g., lunch, breaks). Cell phones and other LVCP Family Student Handbook electronic devices may also be used during instructional time at the teacher's discretion. Otherwise, they must remain at a state (either off or in silent mode) where they are not disruptive to the individual and class. All use of cell phones and other electronic devices while on the LVCP campus or at school sponsored activities must also conform to the LVCP Digital Acceptable Use Policy. Under no circumstances may cell phones and other electronic devices be used in re.strooms or areas in which students are changing clothing. This includes but is not limited to locker rooms. Students who use a cell phone or any other electronic device in violation of this policy or the LVCP Digital Acceptable Use Policy will receive disciplinary action aligned with disruptive behavior in the classroom environment and/or the LVCP Digital Acceptable Use Policy. This may include temporary confiscation of the device. Multiple violations will result in additional disciplinary action. Students shall abide by the LVCP electronics policy and also refrain from any use of outside media (i.e. YouTube, Facebook, Instag.·am, WeCHAT, WIIAT'sAPP, Twitter and ANY other form of social media) ----------------iff.!ff IJSO 1/JJf, :fiiif~#,f/ll§Jft/JifJ!IJ, 3.i£ra· !20 /PJJ)/f!J%.g[~Jtl(:J}f:.YJ, 1/li/1!/.2,· ./QJJI!~/1~, iifJ!UPJIJ$ DSOo 4. *te(:F;'Jl!lii!MOSOZ8iJi/!IJl£fiiliiH, i£JE/)f)~iL jfl_llJijfif#f/P/i!llfif!lfJ~ LVCP Egrf=J=b15efflJEj:~ ~ftW~M~~' ~~~~~~~-·~~-ffl~ft-IA.~m~~~~~-4~~~ ~~~~,~~--~~&~~~OO~~~ffl, &m~~~~ftW~~WMM~ffl<~ 2014 ~ 9}] 8 S JifJjf(l{] LVCP *~~~1:.-=f;Jifr~-ttH'=J¥'£~) o ~gJJJ, -f-~UOj!;{fuffirlf-1i ~-~~a-~~~(~ffid~fi·~), MW~~~~~~-~-~.m~~~~~M (l<]mi9J':P .PJfftJ'IHitl-'f:lJL*IlJf.ffu Jt! ~11t~-tl?.~'~Jlil~ LVCP Digital Acceptable Use Polley ii:~jfl. V:1ffiii·Iff& -r~m~~1m~~~~~/Fff~:t£[email protected]~!l!.:&faJ~.ffl cT1~1fM£~n~~a9~ ~) o 1ffiiJ~&JltJI&mW4 LVCP Digital Acceptable Use Policy ili!£~119~1:.~§:l!Ugc,WM:?t o ~~M~~·~~Hm~,~~H··~~~F·~~~~?t. ~~~itt~ LVCP lt!rr:lfR~Jti~1({, ~J31/Fftitf~}ti{f{PJ?f-$t±3t~'f* VouTube, Facebool<, tnstagram. tttm, what's app, ( lt~n, ~1#~:1t.ftM±3t~1*) • }g7~1m LVCP Di!l!iF~1:3ttnt:T9t~, ~1:&>@.i~:lL.foWI~-· 1-~!lf(I!J!¥:>Jilc~. rm.i!t!J.!tl!SffftWR:~>Ji&~Jf. ~#.If~, ~Jh, ffY9, ~~~t&:;\ft'if~~fllFl~iiEI't>J~IJltl.ftl~~~BS]~. * . 11 • ~'1&¥JJiB:#m £[2§ 1J Et! ~frfi~~WAm ffi~09~J,MJ.:!t.!J.il.1$:i:ll& 7 -·-t ~$1- J: W:9U li:Hf:J flJ1t. !il ?&1$Z.;jtB~~ii·t1t~1ff, t!l~:J.m~~¥-ftr: ttlVCP ~~3(~~1Jl ~ » qt:ti/bj<~if&~:Y 1~*1£ G *~ § ~H~ag-rii]pg~J<~1~H¥ioott~~um~m. J:k~i1H~-rj.!'t:~1!.t!!!Uli!~~:WJT.. juHJ1:1bf:!it~Hiii;l§, {$:!:Ji~7i3:®:009l!J~:t.m;E. *';m~z1J~~~lf~. lli.lfl1{1'~ 1-2o~~4'Jt, ft~Mt~:i!!Ell!l. m~t¥J~ffl{$ms*m· if-fiir.tn~. ?!f-!Jt, tt*, .ifuX{m:t'tm ~if!. 7kA mg:~;rdm~o: ·!¥~~-~~x~~rrt. ·~if{(.JfF~IUU*~ff~ ·*~~~ LVCP ~TF~itffl~1t <.ro.~f:t;ji() • ·~1::m{~H#l'JT1ff4~ ~~~~"C·"~ "C" ~J:. ·~!±:lj1j:·~~1ffHPJ511it~~la911:Yil':iJ~,&~~~J!R~IY-.~~·-fr~fl(J1J'1i.JfiiJR2!. 7.1<.Aii'l~;if;lMtffJX".J"~~£19J[~~uaWJ. ~-ffJ l't-1 1§1 ~Jil::~~J:J£1;m:¥$JJJ.t, it~~~::!UlJ-1- ~~(!{]$ ;J~~. ~if;flj~Am.f!lt~~gifi:«f~ft~~(l{_]:>eifiimt~. VFfi!l~i£7'k.~m:&~~WJfQJB9fW~. 1ft~. :!In* E!JX 113:~~9!d~~~, .f$:¥.J-1&1L~tllf~. :Jlt.BI~~Jt~M~J:.PH~~;f:'€;fp]f!<J~OO. ifPJ~~1J11* LVCPAA~W. __________ .) .. ____ ___ ,_ ~~ . * https:/jstwJyjnthestates.dhs.gov/maintaining-your-stahLs. :tt~Plti¥Jf!!tilf, 5tit!/Jj(!ft.§!.!f!fo!!fb 1.#./Jn#luH.i!Yiif/fiiJl;ff!. ftfl:f!! i!R§;kjfl, in.Jt1/fltit DS0 iJil'ff,· 2. ftrl~/$i).Jgf!J#f5£li:tEf&!JtJ I- 20 JI/Jlii!%/it February 12, 2016 The LVCP International Student Exchange Program continually strives to improve the experience of our international students both academically and socially. As you know, we recently instituted an afterschool tutoring program for those students who were struggling academically. This program is in its infancy, but we hope to develop the program as a valuable academic support tool for our students. International Student academic success is not only our concern; it is also a concern of the U.S. Department of State, as that is the governmental department that issues Student F1 Visas. Under this program, all students are required to “pass” all classes. Through our recent annual assessment from the Department of Homeland Security, we were advised of this criterion and its role in maintaining our SEVIS status. To maintain our SEVIS compliance, we are forced to take action on those International Students that received failing grades in the Fall Semester 2015. Those students who received a failing grade (“F”) in one or more subjects can no longer remain in the LVCP International Exchange Student Program. As a service to these students however, we have created an alternative program in which students can continue their studies in the U.S. for the remaining time of their visas. Therefore, the affected students and their families may choose one of the two options: Option One Students may elect to move to a partner language school in Stockton, CA. Students can continue their studies in the US, while focusing more time on language skills, to improve their overall performance in traditional US curriculum classes. New Homestay arrangements will be made in the Stockton area and classes at the new school will commence February 23, 2016. A short description of this school and program is enclosed. Option Two Students will be asked to leave LVCP and their Visa will be revoked. The last day of school at LVCP will be February 19, 2016. Return flights to China may be scheduled on February 20th, or an alternate date arranged by both the student’s family and host family. We realize this news comes as an unwelcome surprise; however we must maintain the health and welfare of our students as well as our program. If you have any questions regarding this program, please do not hesitate to contact me. Regards, Nina Stoien Designated Student Officer, International Student Exchange Program Livermore Valley Charter Preparatory School LVCP International Student Exchange Program Probationary Student Contract In order to participate in the LVCP International Student Exchange Program, students are required to establish and maintain a pattern of success. This success is judged on academic performance, academic effort, school attendance, behavior, attitude and compliance to the rules and regulations of the school and the F1 Visa program.* You have received this letter because a panel of teachers and administrators has found you in violation of one or more of the expectations listed above. While you have already been placed on academic probation with the school, you are now on permanent probation with the LVCP International Student Exchange Program. You will remain on probation for your remaining time at LVCP. The rules and regulations of the Program Probation are below. If for any reason, you violate ANY of these rules and regulations, you will automatically be removed from the school, your I20 will be revoked and you will be sent home without any refund. Probationary Rules: • • • • • Students will have NO unexcused absences. ALL assignments and homework will be turned in on time. Students WILL abide by the LVCP electronics policy (see attached.) Students WILL maintain a “C” grade or higher in all classes from this point on. Students WILL NOT display any behavioral issues or outbursts deemed inappropriate by school faculty or staff. It is our desire to give students on Program Probation support and encouragement. Our goal is to see each student restored to good standing based on the rules and regulations above. The appropriate staff and/or faculty will confer with you and your parents to evaluate your progress while on Program Probation. However, if any of these rules or regulations are violated, you will no longer be eligible to attend the school. I have read and understand the contents and the intent of this contract and agree to participate in the LVCP Program Probation. ____________________________ Print Name ___________________________ Signature _____ Date * https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/maintaining-your-status.While studying in the United States, both F and M students must: 1. Attend and pass all your classes. If school is too difficult, speak with your DSO immediately; 2. If you believe that you will be unable to complete your program by the end date listed on your Form I-20, talk with your DSO about requesting a possible program extension; 3. You must take a full course of study each term; if you cannot study full-time, contact your DSO immediately; 4.Do not drop a class without first speaking with your DSO. Livermore Valley Charter Preparatory High School Electronics Policy Cell Phones and Other Electronic Communications Cell phones and other electronic devices can be used as an educational tool, when utilized with an emphasis on responsibility. Cell phones and other electronic devices may be used freely during school, prior to, after, and between instructional periods (e.g., lunch, breaks). Cell phones and other LVCP Family Student Handbook electronic devices may also be used during instructional time at the teacher’s discretion. Otherwise, they must remain at a state (either off or in silent mode) where they are not disruptive to the individual and class. All use of cell phones and other electronic devices while on the LVCP campus or at school sponsored activities must also conform to the LVCP Digital Acceptable Use Policy. Under no circumstances may cell phones and other electronic devices be used in restrooms or areas in which students are changing clothing. This includes but is not limited to locker rooms. Students who use a cell phone or any other electronic device in violation of this policy or the LVCP Digital Acceptable Use Policy will receive disciplinary action aligned with disruptive behavior in the classroom environment and/or the LVCP Digital Acceptable Use Policy. This may include temporary confiscation of the device. Multiple violations will result in additional disciplinary action. Students shall abide by the LVCP electronics policy and also refrain from any use of outside media (i.e. YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, WeCHAT, WHAT’sAPP, Twitter and ANY other form of social media)