Credits

Utah International awards academic credit by the quarter (.25) for passing grades (D- and above).  If a student fails a class in one quarter but shows marked improvement the very next quarter in the same class (during the same academic year), the teacher may average the two quarter grades in order to allow the student to earn credit for both quarters.

Course of Study

Courses for each year are listed here:   Course of Study

Grading Categories

Grades for core subjects (English, math, science, and social studies)  are weighted in four categories as shown on this table:

	Growth in English	Daily Assignments	Mastery	Attendance and Participation	Total
Description	opportunities to speak, listen, read, and write in English	opportunities to learn and practice skills and concepts in the content area	opportunities to show what you know	opportunity to show commitment and engagement in your studies
7th/8th	20%	25%	30%	25%	100%
9th/10th	20%	20%	40%	20%	100%
11th/12th	20%	15%	50%	15%	100%

Grading Scale

94% and up = A

90% and up = A-

87% and up = B+

84% and up = B

80% and up = B-

77% and up = C+

74% and up = C

70% and up = C-

67% and up = D+

64% and up = D

60% and up = D-

0% and up = F  (no credit)

Graduation Requirements

Twenty-eight credits are required for graduation for students who attend Utah International for grades 9 to 12, with adjustments made depending on the student’s year of entry.  Generally, students who transfer from other schools must earn the required credits for each year they are at Utah International, and their total credits must equal at least 28 and meet other specific requirements of the state of Utah.

Students earn 1.0 credit for each course taken all year, 0.5 credit for advisory (.25 in 2014-15), 0.5 credits for each course taken for two quarters (typically art, music, and PE), 0.5 credit per year for digital studies (formerly computer literacy), and 0.5 credits for Integrated ESL. Digital Studies and Integrated ESL are integrated into the other courses and recorded as .25 credit at the end of each semester.  Students with a grade of F in half or more of their classes do not receive the computer literacy credit.  This integrated credit meets the state’s information technology credit requirement.

Graduation requirements are outlined below and are subject to change with notice.  Credits may be waived or awarded for competence under special circumstances, with the principal’s approval.

English language arts:  1 credit per year, total of 4 credits

Mathematics:  1 credit per year, total of 4 credits

Social studies:  1 credit per year, total of 3.5 credits

Financial Literacy: 0.5 credits total

Science:  1 credit per year, total of 4 credits

PE:  1.5 credits        Health:  .5 credits

Fine arts:  2 credits

Information technology:  2 credit

World language/ESL:  2 credits

Electives, including advisory, portfolio and committee:  4 credits

Credit for Competence in First Language

Tenth, 11th and 12th graders who are literate in a language other than English may earn up to 2.0 credits in that language by completing one or more essays and presentations in that language.  Interested students should see the counselor or their advisory teacher for rubrics and instructions.

Driver Education

As a school focused on English learning and academic preparation for college and careers, we do not offer driver education during the school day.  Students may enroll in driver education at Cottonwood High School (or their local high school) during the summer or may take lessons from a private driving school.

We will schedule an after-school driver’s education course when we have enough interested students to support it. It would be offered through an outside agency or a contracted instructor. Students must be approved for this opportunity by demonstrating acceptable performance in their scheduled classes through good attendance, participation and grades.

Biliteracy Seal on Diploma

Students who demonstrate written and oral competence in a language other than English, as well as competence in written and oral English, will receive a bilingual seal on their diploma.  Students can earn the seal in one of the following ways:

1. WIDA Composite Score ≥ 4.2 & Speaking Score ≥ 3.5 & one language essay (they have met both fluency requirements)

2. WIDA Composite Score ≤ 4.2 but ≥ 3 & Speaking Score ≥ 3.5 & two language essays (they have met the speaking but not the composite score requirement for fluency)

3. WIDA Composite Score ≥ 4.2 & Speaking Score ≤ 3.5 but ≥ 3 & two language essays (they have met the composite requirement for fluency but not the speaking)

Online Courses

Utah International is an in-person school with a focus on collaborative learning.  Online courses typically require a high level of English literacy.  We can connect students with Electronic High School if they need to recover credits and have sufficient English skills.  Students interested in courses not available at Utah International can be connected to Utah’s Statewide Online Education Program and can substitute some of these online credits for Utah International courses.

Sports, Clubs outside of Utah International

Students are able to tryout for local high sports teams outside of Utah International or participate in clubs at District schools. To do so, they must have permission from the Principal who will contact the student’s boundary school. The principal will then speak with the family about the paperwork that needs to be completed.

To tryout and participate in an activity at a District high school, students must:

*Have at least a C- in every class

*Have an attendance rate of more than 95%

*Have a tardy rate no higher than 5%

Anyone that does not meet each of the three above criteria will not be allowed to participate in the activity.

Assessment Plan

Teachers assess student learning daily with authentic assessments and traditional tests as appropriate to the subject area.

Students assess their own progress in each class at least quarterly through portfolio assignments.

Students produce a portfolio presentation evaluating their work and learning throughout the year, during the final week of each school year.  Parents and community members participate in the presentation of portfolios.  Portfolio standards and expectations are tied to the UI curriculum and will be published elsewhere on this website as they are developed.

Students classified as English learners (scoring under 5.0 on last year’s test) take the WIDA ACCESS test in February and March, assessing English speaking, listening, reading, and writing.  Scores are shared with parents and students each fall, and teachers analyze student data in order to improve instruction.  WIDA ACCESS is required for all English learners.

All students except those very recently arrived in the U.S. participate in Utah’s RISE or ASPIRE tests in April and May, assessing knowledge of English, writing, science, and math compared to other Utah students and the Utah Core standards.  Scores are shared with parents and students each fall, and teachers analyze student data in order to improve instruction.  RISE and ASPIRE are required unless parents opt out as described here.

Students with sufficient English (ACCESS score of 2.0 and above and native English speakers) participate in the ACT in February of 11th grade.     Scores are shared with parents and students, and teachers analyze student data in order to improve instruction.  ACT is required unless parents opt out as described here.

Math students are regularly assessed using the ALEKs or iReady math systems, and teachers analyze student assessment data in order to improve instruction.

Beginning in 2018-19, students’ reading ability will be assessed three times a year with the Reading Inventory.

Credit Recovery

These policies apply to student in grades 9 to 12 who are missing credits required by Utah International or the state of Utah  for graduation.

A. Category A:  Students who have been in the USA since the beginning of 9th grade.

1. These students can continue as students at UI until the end of the school year during which they turn 19.  Students who age out before completing their credits or who do not wish to return to UI as retained seniors should transfer to an adult high school completion program, such as Granite Peaks.

2. Students who have attended Utah International since the beginning of 9th grade must earn all 28 required credits (27 for the class of 2017; 26.5 for the class of 2016) in order to graduate on time.

3. Students who have transferred to Utah International from other US schools after the beginning of 9th grade must earn all required UI credits for the quarters they attended UI, and all required credits for their previous schools for the quarters they attended those schools.  Other school’s elective requirements, where they are in excess of Utah International’s elective requirements, do not have to be made up if missing.

4. Credits can be recovered by grade improvement in the same course the next quarter (see grade improvement policy), by contracted work in the after school program, by contracted work in summer school, by returning to UI after one’s class has graduated, by passing Electronic HIgh School courses, or by completing “packets,” which the student must purchase from a school that provides this service.   UI does not recommend packets or Electronic High School classes for students who are not fluent in English or not extremely self-motivated. We offer a limited number of credit recovery packets designed for English Language Learners.

B.  Category B:  Students who started school in the USA sometime after the beginning of 9th   grade.

1. These students can continue as students at UI until the end of the school year during which they turn 21, according to their official birthdate document.  A student can be a retained senior for one year or in some cases two years.  Students who age out before completing their credits or who do not wish to return to UI as retained seniors should transfer to an adult high school completion program, such as Granite Peaks.

2. Families should provide UI with records of any high school (secondary school) work completed in other countries.  UI will make every effort to award equivalent credits for this work.   If the student attended high school but records are not available, the UI guidance counselor will meet with the student and parent to reconstruct a transcript, if possible.

3. If the category B student missed one or more quarters of high school for any reason, these are the preferred options (in order) for making up the missed credits:

4. Enroll the student in the grade below what is normal for his/her grade level in the US.

5. Return to Utah International as a “retained senior” following graduation by the student’s class.

6. Complete and present two essays in the student’s first language to earn two full credits in this language, which can count as elective credits and in some cases as a 12th grade English credit.

7. Contract for summer school and after school credits. Summer school and after school credits can realistically account for about 2.0 credits per year at most.

8. We have a limited number of credit recovery “packets” designed to be accessible to English learners.  Electronic High School and other “packets” from elsewhere are not recommended for these students because they are not adapted to the needs of English learners.

C.   Category B students (only) can earn up to six retroactive 9th, 10th, or 11th grade credits for competence if they meet all of the following requirements.   The credits are not awarded or shown on the transcript until all requirements have been met:

1. Earn grades no lower than B- in all 12th grade classes, and no lower than C- in any US classes.

2. Reach their 18th birthday by their class’s graduation day.

3. Complete both first language essay credits.

4. Achieve a composite score of 5 or higher on the WIDA ACCESS test (given in March).

5. Achieve a scaled score of 543 or higher on the SAGE Secondary Math II test (This is the state average from the previous year, and may change from year to year).

6. Achieve a scaled score of 836 or higher on the SAGE Physics test (This is the state average from the previous year, and may change from year to year).

7. Have parent or guardian approval for this action, following a conference with the guidance counselor or principal.

Utah International is committed to an environment in which all students, staff, and volunteers are treated with respect and dignity.  Each individual has the right to work in a professional atmosphere that promotes equal employment and educational opportunities and prohibits discriminatory practices, including harassment, hazing, bullying, and any violence or threat of violence.

Italicized sentences and phrases were added in July 2020.

Definitions

Abusive Conduct: . Verbal, nonverbal or physical conduct of a parent or student directed toward a school employee that, based on its severity, nature, and frequency of occurrence, a reasonable person would determine is intended to cause intimidation, humiliation or unwarranted distress, results in substantial physical or psychological harm, or exploits an employee’s known physical or psychological disability.  A single act does not constitute abusive conduct, unless it is especially severe or egregious.

Bullying:   Aggressive behavior intended to cause distress and harm, exists in a relationship in which there is an imbalance of power, and is repeated over time.   Bullying can include intentionally or knowingly committing an act that endangers the physical health or safety of a school employee or student, whether the act involves physical brutality, consumption of food or other substances, dangerous physical activity, or physically obstructing an employee or student’s freedom to move, that is done for the purpose of placing an employee or student in fear of physical harm or of harm to the employee or student’s property.  Such conduct constitutes bullying regardless of whether the person against whom it is committed directs, consents, or acquiesces in the conduct.

Civil rights violation:  Bullying, cyberbullying, harassment, or hazing that is targeted at a federally protected class.

Cyberbullying: Using the Internet, a cell phone, or another device to send or post text, video, or images with the intent or knowledge, or with reckless disregard for the possibility, that the text, video, or image will hurt, embarrass, or threaten an individual, regardless of whether the person against whom it is committed directs, consents, acquiesces, or voluntarily accesses the electronic communication.

Federally protected class:  Any group protected from discrimination under federal law. These groups include race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, gender, and sexual orientation.  Policies against bullying, cyberbullying, harassment and hazing apply to all persons, but there are special reporting requirements for federally protected classes.

Harassment: Repeatedly communicating to another individual, in an objectively demeaning or disparaging manner, statements that contribute to a hostile learning or work environment for the individual.

Sexual harassment involves unwanted sexual advances or requests for sexual favors; sexual jokes and innuendo; verbal abuse of a sexual nature; commentary about an individual’s body, sexual prowess or sexual deficiencies; leering, catcalls or touching; insulting or obscene comments or gestures; display or circulation in the workplace (including electronically) of sexually suggestive objects or pictures; and other physical, verbal or visual conduct of a sexual nature.  Sex-based harassment, that is, harassment not involving sexual activity or language (e.g., male manager yells only at female employees and not males) as well as actions directed at employees because of their sex may also constitute discrimination if it is severe, pervasive and objectively offensive.

Hazing:  An act of bullying that is done for the purpose of initiation or admission into, affiliation with, holding office in, or as a condition of membership or acceptance, or continued membership or acceptance, in any school or school-sponsored team, organization, program, or event, or if the person committing the act knows that the targeted person is a member of, or candidate for, membership with a school, school sponsored team, organization, program, or event to which the person committing the act belongs to or participates in.  Such conduct constitutes hazing regardless of whether the person against whom it is committed directs, consents, or acquiesces in the conduct.

Retaliation:  Any act of communication intended as retribution against a person for reporting bullying, cyberbullying, harassing, or hazing, or to improperly influence the investigation of, or the response to, a report of bullying or hazing.

Title IX/Section 504 monitoring officer:   The head counselor at Utah International is assigned the responsibility to file sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence and domestic complaints. Staff learning of possible sexual harassment are required to bring it promptly to the attention of the head counselor or the principal.  The principal is assigned the responsibility to conduct investigations of incidents of bullying, cyberbullying, harassment, and hazing, and to monitor the school’s compliance with all the policies in this section, including but not limited to those mandated by  Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

Utah International Charter School will follow the The Final Rule policies established by the Department of Education, linked here.

Prohibitions

No school employee, vendor, volunteer, student or parent may engage in abusive conduct, bullying, harassing, hazing, or cyberbullying a school employee or student at any time or in any location.

No school employee, vendor, volunteer, or student may engage in violence or threat of violence against any employee, volunteer, or student at any time or in any location.

No school employee, vendor, volunteer, or student may engage in retaliation against a school employee, volunteer, student, investigator for, or witness of, an alleged incident of abusive conduct, bullying, harassing, cyberbullying, hazing, or retaliation against a school employee, volunteer, or student.

No school employee, vendor, volunteer or student may knowingly make a false allegation of  abusive conduct, bullying, cyberbullying, harassment, hazing, or retaliation against a school employee, volunteer, student or parent.

Any bullying, harassing, or hazing that is found to be targeted at a federally protected class is further prohibited under federal anti-discrimination laws and is subject to compliance regulations from the Office for Civil Rights.

Reporting and Investigation

School employees and volunteers are required, and students are strongly encouraged, to report any incident or suspected incident of abusive conduct, bullying, cyberbullying, harassment, or hazing to the head counselor, the Title IX/ Section 504 monitoring officer.  All complaints and reported incidents will be investigated promptly by the principal.

Incidents that may constitute criminal activity will also reported promptly to law enforcement, and those that may constitute child abuse will be reported to Child Protective Services.  Such reporting will be in addition to, not in place of, a thorough investigation and follow-up by school personnel. Incidents that may constitute civil rights violations will be reported promptly to the Office of Civil Rights.

After investigation, Utah International will take appropriate action to end the abusive conduct, bullying, cyberbullying, harassment or hazing, to eliminate any hostile environment, to prevent recurrence, and to prevent retaliation for reporting.

Individuals accused or suspected of abusive conduct, bullying, cyberbullying, harassment, and hazing will have a fair and timely opportunity to explain their actions before consequences are imposed, and procedures for ensuring due process will be followed. Supportive measure will be made to provide an equitable educational environment while the investigation is taking place.

Verified incidents of  abusive conduct, bullying, cyberbullying, harassment, or hazing will result in consequences for the perpetrator(s) which may include, but are not limited to, student suspension or removal from school-sponsored activity, student expulsion, employee suspension or termination for cause, or other appropriate consequences.   Consequences will not be administered when an anonymous report is the only evidence that an incident occurred.

The principal will notify parents or guardians of students involved in verified incidents of abusive conduct, bullying, cyberbullying, harassment, or hazing, and will keep a confidential record of this notification. The Title IX monitoring officer will inform an accused student and their parents when a complaint regarding sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence or domestic violence has been made against said student. Notification will be made by telephone or in person, then by email or US mail only if the parent cannot be reached by phone.  Attempts to notify will begin as soon as the incident is verified. In cases of sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence and domestic violence, attempts will begin as soon as the complaint has been filed.  If there is a risk of suicide, parents will be notified immediately, regardless of the status of the investigation.

Utah International will provide training to staff, volunteers and students in prevention and appropriate response to bullying, including overt aggression, relational aggression,  sexual aggression, cyberbullying, and civil rights violations at least every other school year.

Utah International will survey students annually to determine the prevalence of bullying and will take appropriate action to improve supervision and intervention in problem areas.

For more information about student civil rights, use this link:

http://www.uen.org/equitytoolkit/parent-student/

The head counselor and Title IX monitoring officer is Lara Rudloff, lrudloff@utahinternational.org, 385 290-1306.

Title IX compliance training materials can be accessed below or will be emailed to you upon request.  Email arowland@utahinternational.org.

K-12 Intro to Title IX Final

K-12 Title IX Scenarios

Title IX Training – Making a Decision

K-12 Title IX Anatomy of a Decision_Final

K-12 Title IX Due Process for Disciplinary Expulsions

Utah International students must attend school every day unless they are ill.  Parents are strongly urged to schedule appointments outside of school hours and plan family vacations to coincide with school breaks.  If a student has an appointment during school hours, he or she should attend school before or after the appointment.

Excused Absences

If a student is ill or otherwise unable to attend school, a parent should call the school by 9 AM.  If we do not see a student or receive a phone call by 9 AM, we will call the first contact number and leave a message.  The student’s absence is unexcused until and unless we receive a phone call or note from the parent or guardian providing a valid excuse for the absence.   Each teacher will have policies for accepting late work from students with an excused absence.

Checking In and Out

Students must check in at the office if they arrive at school more than 5 minutes late.  Late check-ins count as unexcused tardies or absences unless accompanied by a valid note or phone call from a parent or guardian.  In order to leave school before 2:56 PM, students must check out at the office.  Students are not allowed to leave the building before 2:56 without a note, phone call, or in-person sign-out  from a parent or guardian.

 Unexcused Absences

A student’s absence is unexcused if he or she misses a class without the knowledge or permission of staff or parents.   Parents will be notified  and other consequences (usually detention) will be assigned.  Students will not get grade credit for work completed or collected during the student’s unexcused absence.

Students who refuse to attend class (with or without parent knowledge), or who leave the building during the school day without checking out properly are truant.   Parents will be notified, detention or other consequences will be assigned, and the student will not get grade credit for work completed or collected while he or she was truant.

 Excessive Absences and Habitual Truancy

Our learning model is based on full, in-person participation by every learner.   Most schoolwork is intended to be completed with other students, under the teacher’s guidance.   Many assignments cannot be meaningfully made up.  This means that missing more than three classes in a quarter, for any reason, may damage the student’s grade.  Tardies and early checkouts, even if excused, may also damage a student’s grade.  Teachers will set their own policies for attendance and participation.

Students with an attendance rate less than 80% in any quarter, for any reason, will receive a letter notifying their parents that they are on the no-excuse list for the following quarter.  This means that NO absence will be excused.  The student will receive consequences and be unable to receive points for missed work for ANY absence during the no-excuse quarter.   Excessive absences in 4th quarter will place the student on the no-excuse list for first quarter of the following year.  Students on the no-excuse list must surrender their cell phone at the office each morning until they establish a good attendance record.

 By state law, any student who misses school for 10 consecutive days without a valid excuse will be removed from the school’s Student Information System and is no longer considered a student of Utah International.  His or her bus pass will be deactivated.  A parent or guardian will need to accompany this student to school in order to re-enroll him or her, with a commitment to good attendance in the future, and the student will be placed on the no-excuse list for at least one quarter.

Utah International Charter School College and Career Readiness Plan

Counseling 

1. School counselor gives presentation about credits and graduation plans to every 9th and 10th grade advisory class by November of each school year.
2. School counselor meets with every 11th and 12th grade student to complete a graduation plan and post high school plan by November of each school year. Students and advisors are given a copy of the graduation plan.
3. School counselor tracks high school graduation plans and checks in with each student completing credit recovery at least 4 times / school year.

Community Access

1. All 11th and 12th grade students attend two college campus tours per year.
2. Interested students have access to a Job Corp field trip each year.
3. All 9th-12th grade students participate in a Career Day each year where they can learn about different career possibilities and connect with community partners.
4. SLCC Action Plan: UICS partners with SLCC to provide several presentations and parent nights throughout the school year. Students have direct access to SLCC staff who can help them.
5. UICS students attend any appropriate high school conference (refugee youth conference, Asian high school youth conference, Latinos in Action high school conference, African American high school youth conference, She Tech conference, etc).
6. Mentors from Westminster available through Promise South Salt Lake after school program.
7. School counselor available for parent meetings and questions at each parent teacher conference night and participates in a parent group.

Individualized Mentoring

1. School counselor coordinates individualized services for students as needed. This includes: help with obtaining residency documentation, communication with community partners, coordinating appointments with college admissions advisors, etc.
2. Home visits and parent meetings.
3. After school meetings with the school counselor for individualized assistance.
4. Every 12th grade student completes at least one college application and one scholarship application during advisory period.
5. Every 12th grade student applies for FAFSA with assistance during advisory period.

Advisory

• Every student in grades 6-12 attends an advisory period approximately 2 hours per week.
• Advisory Standards: Utah International graduates are: Technologically ready, college and career ready, and community ready. See attached advisory standards.
  • 6th Grade Focus :  Community and Connectedness
  • 7th Grade Focus: Community and Connectedness
  • 8th Grade Focus: Stress Management and Conflict Resolution
  • 9th Grade Focus: Transition to High School
  • 10th Grade Focus: Connectivity
  • 11th Grade Focus: College and Job Readiness
  • 12th Grade Focus:  Post High School Transition
• Performance Review:  Guidance counselor will create an annual written report of activities and outcomes of this plan.  Teachers and staff will examine data annually and revise the plan as needed.

Corporal punishment means the intentional infliction of physical pain upon the body of a minor child as a disciplinary measure.  Corporal punishment is strictly prohibited at Utah International under all circumstances.

Physical restraint means preventing a person from freely moving his arms, legs, body or head.

Physical restraint may be used by Utah International staff only under the following conditions:

1. The student presents an immediate danger of harm to self or others, or of serious destruction of property.
2. The staff member uses the least amount of force necessary to prevent the threatened harm, for the least amount of time (usually less than one minute).
3. The restrain must end when the student is no longer an immediate danger to self or others or if the student is in severe distress.
4. The restraint must never restrict the student’s airway or normal means of communicating.
5. The restraint must never occur when the student is lying down, whether prone or supine.

Seclusionary time out means placing a student in a safe, enclosed area isolated from adults and peers, when the student is, or believes he will be, prevented from leaving the area.

Seclusionary time out may be used by Utah International staff only under the following conditions:

1. The time out is imposed only when a student presents an immediate danger of harm to self or others, and is used to calm the student, not as a punishment.
2. The door is not locked and the student is not physically prevented from leaving.
3. The time out ends when the danger has passed, but never lasts more than 30 minutes.
4. A staff member checks on the student every 5 minutes.

 Immediately following any incident in which seclusionary time out or physical restraint is required, staff must notify the student’s guardian and school administration and complete a written report.

Utah International staff will not use mechanical restraint.

Utah International staff will not use chemical restraint except as prescribed by a licensed physician for the treatment of a student’s medical or psychiatric condition.

Utah International staff will be regularly trained in safe methods of intervening in fights and other dangerous incidents involving students.

In case of violation or alleged violation of any of these policies by UI staff, the principal (or another person designated by the board if the principal is the violator) will conduct an investigation and apply sanctions as described in the Employee Handbook, up to termination of employment and reporting to the licensing board, as appropriate to the seriousness of the incident.  The employee may appeal any sanctions to the UI board.

Staff will follow the school’s behavior management plan to reduce the need for seclusion and physical restraint.

STUDENT DATA COLLECTION NOTICE

Necessary Student Data

Necessary student data means data required by state statute or federal law to conduct the regular activities of the school.

• Student Name, Date of birth, and Sex
• Parent and student contact information and Custodial parent information
• A student identification number (including the student’s school ID number and the state-assigned student identifier, or SSID)
• Local, state, and national assessment results or an exception from taking a local, state, or national assessment (click here for more information on assessments)
• Courses taken and completed, credits earned, and other transcript information
• Course grades and grade point average
• Grade level and expected graduation date or graduation cohort
• Degree, diploma, credential attainment, and other school information
• Attendance and mobility
• Drop-out data
• Immunization record or an exception from an immunization record
• Race, Ethnicity, or Tribal affiliation
• Remediation efforts
• An exception from a vision screening required under Section 53G-9-404 or information collected from a vision screening described in Utah Code Section 53G-9-404
• Information related to the Utah Registry of Autism and Development Disabilities (URADD), described in Utah Code Section 26-7-4
• Student injury information
• A disciplinary record created and maintained as described in Utah Code Section 53E-9-306
• Juvenile delinquency records
• English language learner status
• Child find and special education evaluation data related to initiation of an IEP

Optional Student Data

We may only collect optional student data with written consent from the student’s parent or from a student who has turned 18.

• Information related to an IEP or needed to provide special needs services
• Biometric information used to identify the student
• Information required for a student to participate in an optional federal or state program (e.g., information related to applying for free or reduced lunch)

Certain sensitive information on students collected via a psychological or psychiatric examination, test, or treatment, or any survey, analysis, or evaluation will only be collected with parental consent. You will receive a separate consent form in these cases. See our Protection of Pupil Rights Act (PPRA) notice for more information.

Prohibited Collections

We will not collect a student’s social security number or criminal record, except as required by Utah Code Section 80-6-103.

Data Sharing

We will only share student data in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), which generally requires written parental consent before sharing student data. FERPA includes several exceptions to this rule, where we may share student data without parental consent. For more information on third parties receiving student information from us, see our Metadata Dictionary.

Student data will be shared with the Utah State Board of Education via the Utah Transcript and Records Exchange (UTREx). For more information about UTREx and how it is used, please visit the Utah State Board of Education’s Information Technology website.

Benefits, Risks, and Parent Choices

The collection, use, and sharing of student data has both benefits and risks. Parents and students should learn about these benefits and risks and make choices regarding student data accordingly. Parents are given the following choices regarding student data:

• Choice to request to review education records of their children and request an explanation or interpretation of the records (see our annual FERPA notice for more information)
• Choice to contest the accuracy of certain records (see our annual FERPA notice for more information), potentially leading to the correction, expungement, or deletion of the record
• Choice to opt into certain data collections (see the section above on optional data collections)
• Choice to opt out of certain data exchanges
  • Information that has been classified as directory information (see our directory information notice for more information)
  • Parents of students with an IEP may have their information shared with the Utah Registry of Autism and Developmental Disabilities (URADD). If included in this data exchange, parents will receive a separate notice within 30 days of the exchange, informing them of their right to opt out, per Utah Code Section 53E-9-308(6)(b)
• Choice to file a complaint if you believe the school or its agents are violating your rights under FERPA or Utah’s Student Data Protection Act. If you have a complaint or concern, we recommend starting locally and then escalating to the state and US Department of Education

Utah International Charter School	Usha Narra, principal
The Utah State Board of Education	Report your concern with the USBE hotline
The US Department of Education	Report your concern here

Storage and Security

In accordance with Board Rule R277-487-3(14), we have adopted a cybersecurity framework called the CIS Controls.  

PRIVACY POLICY STATEMENT 03.16.2024 

We care about your privacy, we use the minimal extent of information we need to provide you with services you requested, we safeguard your data and we do not monetize it or improperly share it. 

This Privacy Policy Statement is provided by Utah International Charter School (“we,” “us,” or “our”) in compliance with Utah Code Section 63D-2-103. We are committed to protecting your privacy. This Statement explains how we handle your information when you visit this webpage. 

We want you to understand how your data may be collected, used, and secured. 

Who We Are and How to Reach Us 

We operate this governmental website. If you have questions or concerns, please contact us: 

Phone: 382-290-1306 

Email: unarra@utahinternational.org 

Our School Operations Coordinator is Tessa Scheffler, and she can be reached at tscheffler@utahinternational.org 

What Information We Collect 

We receive, collect and store any information you enter on our website or provide us in any other way. In addition, we collect the Internet protocol (IP) address used to connect your computer to the Internet. We may use software tools to measure and collect session information, including page response times, length of visits to certain pages, page interaction information, and methods used to browse away from the page. 

How We Use Your Information 

When you contact us through our website, as part of the process, we collect personal information you give us such as your name, address and email address. Your personal information will be used for that specific reason only. 

Disclosure Practices 

Our website is hosted on the WordPress.com platform. WordPress.com provides us with the online platform that allows us to distribute information and receive donations. 

Access and Corrections 

If you don’t want us to process your data anymore, please contact us at unarra@utahinternational.org or send us mail to: 3761 South 1100 East, Millcreek, UT 84093.

Keeping Your Information Secure 

Your data’s safety is our priority. We have taken adequate measures to protect it. Your data may be stored through WordPress.com’s data storage, databases and the general WordPress.com applications. They store your data on secure servers behind a firewall. All direct payment gateways offered by WordPress.com and used by Utah International Charter School adhere to the standards set by PCI-DSS as managed by the PCI Security Standards Council, which is a joint effort of brands like Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover. PCI-DSS requirements help ensure the secure handling of credit card information by our store and its service providers. 

Note on Records Classification 

Personally identifiable information is not classification of records under Utah Code Section 63G, Chapter 2, 

Government Records Access and Management Act. Access to government records is governed by Utah Code Section 63G, Chapter 2, Government Records Access and Management Act.

Review of This Notice 

We want you to feel comfortable using our services, knowing that your privacy is respected and protected. We welcome your feedback on this notice, which is reviewed annually.

This policy is designed to ensure only authorized disclosure of confidential and personally identifiable information.  It applies to all employees, volunteers, board members, and contractors of Utah International Charter School.  It will be updated regularly to conform with best practices for protection of data.

Student Data Manager

The board of trustees of Utah International appoints a student data manager, typically the principal, with the following responsibilities:

1. Authorize and manage the sharing  of personally identifiable student or staff information outside of the school.
2. Act as the primary local point of contact for the state student data officer.
3. May share personally identifiable student information as follows:
   • with the student and the minor student’s parent or legal guardian.
   • when required by federal or state law.
   • in an aggregate form with appropriate data redaction techniques
   • for a school official at a school where the student has transferred or is planning to transfer
   • with an authorized caseworker or other representative of the Department of Human Services or Juvenile Court.
   • in response to a subpeona issued by a court
   • directory information
4. Create and maintain a list of all UI staff, volunteers and contractors who have access to personally identifiable student data.
5. Ensure and document annual training on data privacy to all employees and volunteers.
6. Maintain the meta-data dictionary for Utah International, which lists the contractors with whom Utah International shares student or staff data necessary for an education purpose.

Training and Assurances

All UI employees, board members, and volunteers with access or potential access to confidential or personally identifiable student or staff information must read, sign and adhere to the non-disclosure agreement and participate in annual data privacy training .

Notification of FERPA Rights

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords parents and students who are 18 years of age or older (“eligible students”) certain rights with respect to the student’s education records.

These rights are:

1. The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days after the day Utah International Charter School receives a request for access. Parents or eligible students who wish to inspect their child’s or their education records should submit to the school principal [or appropriate school official] a written request that identifies the records they wish to inspect. The school official will make arrangements for access and notify the parent or eligible student of the time and place where the records may be inspected.

2. The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the parent or eligible student believes are inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights under FERPA. Parents or eligible students who wish to ask Utah International Charter School to amend their child’s or their education record should contact the school in writing, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it should be changed. If the school decides not to amend the record as requested by the parent or eligible student, the school will notify the parent or eligible student of the decision and of their right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the parent or eligible student when notified of the right to a hearing.

3. The right to provide written consent before the school discloses personally identifiable information (PII) from the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. One exception, which permits disclosure without consent, is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. The criteria for determining who constitutes a school official and what constitutes a legitimate educational interest must be set forth in the school’s or school district’s annual notification for FERPA rights. A school official typically includes a person employed by the school or school district as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff member (including health or medical staff and law enforcement unit personnel) or a person serving on the school board. A school official also may include a volunteer, contractor, or consultant who, while not employed by the school, performs an institutional service or function for which the school would otherwise use its own employees and who is under the direct control of the school with respect to the use and maintenance of PII from education records, such as an attorney, auditor, medical consultant, or therapist; a parent or student volunteering to serve on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee; or a parent, student, or other volunteer assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official typically has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility. Upon request, the school discloses education records without consent to officials of another school or school district in which a student seeks or intends to enroll, or is already enrolled if the disclosure is for purposes of the student’s enrollment or transfer.

4. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by Utah International Charter School to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA are:

Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue,
SW Washington, DC 20202

Data Disclosure Protocols

This plan establishes the protocols and procedures for sharing data maintained by Lakeview Academy consistent with the disclosure provisions of the Federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and Utah’s SDPA.

• Utah International will provide parents with access to their child’s educational records, or an eligible student access to his or her own educational records, within 45 days of receiving an official request.
• Utah International is not required to and will not provide information to parents or an eligible student concerning another student, the financial records of parents, and confidential letters of recommendation if the student has waived the right to access.
• Utah International is not required to provide data that it does not maintain, nor is Utah International required to create education records in response to an eligible student’s request.
• Publicly released reports shall not include PII and shall use aggregate data in such a manner that re-identification of individual students is not possible.
• Utah International has clearly defined in its communication Plan and in registration materials for parents what data is determined to be directory information. Parents have an opportunity to opt out of the directory. If a parent does not opt out, the release of the information as part of the directory is not a data breach or an unauthorized data disclosure.
• Utah International provides a disclosure statement to parents or guardians at registration and explains the information to parents.
• Utah International will train employees, aides, and volunteers regarding confidentiality of personally identifiable student information and student performance data, as defined in FERPA.

Record Retention and Expungement

Utah International will retain and dispose of student records in accordance with Section 63G-2-604, 53E-9-306, and shall comply with active retention schedules for student records per Utah Division of Archive and Record Services.

The following records may not be expunged: grades, transcripts, a record of the student’s enrollment, assessment information.

The procedure for expungement shall match the record amendment procedure found in 34 CFR 99, Subpart C of FERPA.

1. If a parent believes that a record is misleading, inaccurate, or in violation of the student’s privacy, they may request that the record be expunged.
2. UI shall decide whether to expunge the data within a reasonable time after the request.
3. If UI decides not to expunge the record, they will inform the parent of their decision as well as the right to an appeal hearing.
4. UI shall hold the hearing within a reasonable time after receiving the request for a hearing.
5. UI shall provide the parent notice of the date, time, and place in advance of the hearing.
6. The hearing shall be conducted by any individual that does not have a direct interest in the outcome of the hearing.
7. UI shall give the parent a full and fair opportunity to present relevant evidence. At the parents’ expense and choice, they may be represented by an individual of their choice, including an attorney.
8. UI shall make its decision in writing within a reasonable time following the hearing.
9. The decision must be based exclusively on evidence presented at the hearing and include a summary of the evidence and reasons for the decision.
10. If the decision is to expunge the record, UI will seal it or make it otherwise unavailable to other staff and educators.

Data Breach

Utah International will follow industry best practices and our own technology security policy to protect information and data, and will promptly notify adult students and the parents of minor students in the event of a breach.

Notice of Directory Information

The Notice of Directory Information sets out Utah International Charter School’s procedure for compliance with FERPA rules about directory information. In general, FERPA requires that Utah International, with certain exceptions, obtain your written consent prior to the disclosure of personally identifiable information from your child’s education records. However, Utah International may disclose appropriately designated “directory information” without written consent, unless you have advised to the contrary in accordance with the school’s procedures.

The primary purpose of directory information is to allow Utah International to include information from your child’s education records in certain school publications.
Examples include:
• A playbill, showing your student’s role in a drama production;
• The annual yearbook;
• Honor roll or other recognition lists;
• Graduation programs; and
• Sports activity sheets, such as for wrestling, showing weight and height of team members.

Directory information, which is information that is generally not considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if released, can also be disclosed to outside organizations without a parent’s prior written consent. Outside organizations include, but are not limited to, companies that manufacture class rings or publish yearbooks. In addition, two federal laws require local educational agencies (LEAs) receiving assistance under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, as amended (ESEA) to provide military recruiters or institutions of higher education upon request, with the following information – names, addresses and telephone listings – unless parents have advised the LEA that they do not want their student’s information disclosed without their prior written consent. [Note: These laws are Section 9528 of the ESEA (20 U.S.C. § 7908) and 10 U.S.C. § 503(c).]

Utah International Charter School’s procedure for compliance with FERPA

If you do not want Utah International to disclose any or all of the types of information designated below as “directory information” from your child’s education records without your prior written consent, you must notify Utah International in writing. All parents will have the opportunity at registration to indicate their choices for potential non-disclosure of any and all components of directory information. Additionally, parents have the right to opt out of disclosure of any “directory information” at any time in a letter to the School Operations Coordinator. Utah International will then have 10 business days to comply with that request.

Utah International has designated the following information as directory information:
[Note: Utah International may, but does not have to, include all the information listed below.]
• Student’s first and last name
• Photograph
• Grade level
• Academic or other honors and awards received

Data Privacy Policy Statement

Students who refuse to do assigned work will be ignored and will receive a zero for the day’s work.  Teacher will contact parent if this behavior occurs more than once.

Students who disrupt class in any way after reasonable warnings will be sent to the office for a ten-minute timeout.

Student must check in with the office and leave back pack or binder there.

Students in time out may not talk, read, write, draw, or use electronic devices, but must sit still and silent.  Time will be extended for students who don’t follow time out rules.

Teacher will contact parent after third required timeout from the same class.

The principal of Utah International will administer USBE’s engagement and exit surveys to teachers as required by USBE policy.   The purpose of the surveys is to support teacher retention efforts.

The surveys are anonymous.  Utah International and USBE will not collect any identifying information, nor any information that could indirectly identify a respondent.

Results specific to Utah International will be sent to the principal, who will share these results with the board and staff as appropriate for school improvement efforts.

Under Utah State Board Rule R277-301-7(10) this serves as notice that Utah International Charter School has in its employ individual(s) who hold LEA-specific educator licenses, license areas, or endorsements.

 

FTE ALL Educators
Professional Qualified for Assignment	54%
Qualified through an Associate Program	11%
Qualified through an LEA Specific	35%

The following is a link to the Utah Educator Look-up Tool provided in accordance to R277-512-7(6):
Utah Public Educator Look-up Tool

This document gives an overview of the different types of licenses and the requirements for each license.
Utah Educator Licensing – Overview and Types of Educator Licenses

Utah International_LEA Specific License Policy

While cell phones offer benefits in communication and access to resources, excessive or inappropriate use during school hours has been linked to decreased focus, poor mental health, sleep disruption, and increased conflict among students. Phone-free classrooms promote better learning, stronger relationships, and fewer distractions.

To support a focused learning environment, 

Phones, MP3 players, and other devices are not allowed during class time.  Devices, headphones, and earbuds must be put away. Phones and other electronic devices must be turned off and kept in bags for the entire class period. Students may only use their phones during non-class time, such as passing time, lunch, or after school.

At the start of each class, teachers will give a clear reminder for students to turn off and put away their phones and electronic devices. Phones may not be carried to the bathroom or other parts of the school during class.

First time:
If a phone is seen or used after the reminder, any staff member may confiscate it. The phone will be held until the end of the day and returned by the teacher or office staff. If an early return is needed, the student must bring a note from the staff member granting permission.

Second time:
If a student refuses to hand over the phone, they (and/or the phone) should be sent to the office. The office will contact a parent or guardian, who must come to school to pick up the phone.

Repeated or serious violations:
If a student repeatedly violates the cell phone policy, parents will be contacted and the student will be required to check in their phone at the front office each morning for the rest of the quarter.

Depending on the nature of the phone violation, a student may lose the privilege of having a phone at school for the rest of the quarter or the remainder of the school year.
Infractions include having the phone out during scheduled class time or misusing the phone in ways that violate safe school policies.

Teachers are expected to teach and explain the policy, share the reasoning behind it, and provide students opportunities to reflect on how phone use affects their learning. If a student says they need to make or take an urgent call, they must go to the front office.

All staff must model expectations by keeping their own phones turned off and out of sight during class.

Utah International will admit all eligible pupils who submit an application during the open-application period, unless the number of applications exceeds the capacity of the school.

If the number of applicants exceeds the capacity of the school, students will be selected on a random basis by a lottery, except that preference may be given to the children of teachers and staff who are employed full time or part time by UICS for any number of years or for any partial year.  However, no more than five percent of the school’s student population may be enrolled as children of founding families or children of staff.

Utah International will communicate the opening of the school and the open-application period to the community through informational open houses, press releases, posters, public service announcements in all types of media, school district information on school options, community meetings in neighborhoods and with community organizations,  web site, applicable social media, and any other available media or publicity outlets.

Utah International prohibits discrimination based on race, creed, color, gender, religion, ancestry, disability, or need for special education service.

Eligibility for Admission

Students enrolling after the second week of each school year must provide a signed withdrawal form from their previous school.   Students should not withdraw from their previous school until they have applied to and been accepted at Utah International.  Utah International will not admit the following students:

Students expelled from other schools due to safe schools violations.

Students with unresolved disciplinary actions at other schools.  This includes students on suspension or on alternative placements due to serious discipline matters.  When the suspension or alternative placement is complete, Utah International may admit the student.

Students who have been referred to truancy court by their previous school, unless the truancy court has authorized the transfer.

Lottery Policy

After holding places for returning students and their siblings for the upcoming year, Utah International will conduct a lottery for students between the 5% allowable for preference and the school’s capacity annually if the number of applicants exceeds the number of available slots for the upcoming year.  The lottery will be held on the third Friday of February, with winners notified the following week.  Each applicant in the lottery will be assigned a number during the lottery process.  Lottery winners must accept admission in writing by March 30 or their space will be offered to a student on the waiting list.

Utah International will maintain a wait list of applicants who are not admitted, in the order in which they were selected in the lottery. Applicants on the waiting list will be contacted and offered admission as slots become available due to students who decline admission or through attrition.

Utah International will ensure that approval has been obtained from the Governor if the school to obtain and receive federal education funds via school-written grant applications or school-specific agreements.

Utah International will expend and account for Federal awards in accordance with Federal and State law and USBE Rules, including compliance with the USBE published chart of accounts. Utah International will comply with the provisions of 200.302, ensuring that financial management systems meets the minimum standards established in section (b)(1)-(7) including:  1) identification, and accurate, current, and complete disclosure, of federal awards and expenditures – including records of such; 2) effective control over all funds, property and other assets purchased with Federal funds, including adequately safeguarding all assets and ensuring they are used solely for authorized purposes; and 3) establishment of written procedures to 1) implement cash management requirements and 2) for the determination of allowability of costs in accordance with 2 CFR 200 Subpart E- Cost Principles parts 400-475; Utah International will comply with the provisions of 2 CFR 200 Subpart E, including: 4) Utah International has established written procedures and agrees to maintain documentation to provide sufficient evidence to support the determination of allowable direct costs, cost allocations, and application of indirect costs; 5) Utah International agrees to abide by the terms of the indirect costs’ agreement renewed annually between the USBE and Utah International; 6) Utah International has implemented adequate internal controls to ensure compliance with factors affecting the allowability of cost (2 CFR 200.420-475), in particular: a) 200.421 Advertising and public relations; b) 200.425 Audit services; c) 200.430 Compensation – personal services; d) 200.431- Compensation – fringe benefits; e) 200.434 Contributions and donations; f) 200.437 Employee health and welfare costs; g) 200.438 Entertainment costs; h) 200.442 Fund raising and investment management costs; i) 200.445 Goods or services for personal use; j) 200.449 Interest; k) 200.450 Lobbying; l) 200.469 Student activity costs; m) 200.474 Travel

Utah International Charter School does not charge school fees and does not require a fee waiver form.   We  request that all families complete an application for free and reduced price lunch, and we assist families with these applications.  (But no applications are required from 2018 to 2022).

 School breakfast and lunch are provided by Granite Food Services.   From 2018 to 2022 we are a Community Eligibility school, meaning that breakfast, lunch, and after school snack are free to all students at Utah International.

We charge fines for lost school property as follows:

$5 to replace lost bus pass

$5 to replace lost library book

$5 to replace lost lock

Students unable to pay these replacement fees will be assigned 40 minutes of community service work at the school per $5.

The Utah International Charter School (UICS) Board of Trustees is ultimately responsible for the financial management and health of the school. The Board approves and provides oversight for the school’s annual budget and establishes fiscal policy and procedure. The Board hires and charges the school’s Executive Director to execute the annual budget and financial operation. The Director  hires additional personnel to assist in this arena, including an experienced business management assistant or a contracted business service provider with a proven track record.

An employee, board member or stakeholder who suspects fraud may report this to the state auditor’s fraud hotline, 1-800-622-1243 or auditorhotline@utah.gov.

As of January 2024, the board audit committee members are:

Carole Harris:  charris@utahinternational.org

Cynthia Bourne:  cbourne@utahinternational.org

Doug Larson:  dlarson@utahinternational.org.

The following financial policies and procedures have been approved by the Board of Trustees. The Executive Director and business management staff will be charged with developing detailed UICS Fiscal Policy and Procedures Guidelines to be reviewed and approved by the Board.

Standards– UICS’s financial operation will comply with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, which include Generally Accepted Governmental Auditing Standards financial reports. UICS will utilize the chart of accounts and fiscal practices of the USOE Finance and Statistics Section.

School Finance and Statistics Trainings – Appropriate UICS personnel, including the Executive Director and business management staff, will attend USOE School Finance & Statistics trainings regarding the Minimum School Program, financial reporting requirements, and Legislative changes of import to charter schools and districts. The Executive Director and business management staff where necessary will attend all USOE Charter School Section monthly meetings. UICS, in its efforts to ensure that all fiscal matters are handled responsibly and ethically, understands the need for ongoing training to stay abreast of the requirements of the State when handling public funds.

Budget – UICS prepares an annual operating budget of revenues and expenses and a cash flow projection.  These budgets and projections are reviewed and approved by the Board of Trustees at an open and public meeting. They are reviewed regularly and modified as necessary. UICS will comply with the budgeting rules for local school boards as outlined in 53A-19-102.

Budget Reports – On a regular basis, at least monthly through the end of the first operational year, the Executive Director and business management personnel will prepare financial status reports for the Board Treasurer and the full Board of Trustees, including profit and loss, budget versus actual, cash flow, balance sheet and accounts payable. A monthly (quarterly after the first operational year) financial statement will also be provided to the staff of the Utah State Charter School Board.  Business management staff will maintain complete and open records for any person who requests the information in compliance with Utah State Laws and federal regulations governing the request of public records.

Segregation of Duties & Signature Authority – Because of its small size, it is especially important for UICS finance personnel to be conscious of the separation of duties to prevent fraud or the appearance of fraud, especially in areas concerning cash, revenue receipts and check signing. The Board President, the Treasurer of the Board and the Executive Director shall have signatory authority and are responsible for authorizing cash transactions. Signature authority may be granted to others as directed by the Board. All checks must have two signatures. A check may not be signed by the person who has prepared the check.

Purchasing Policies & Procedures – UICS’s purchasing guidelines exist to ensure that goods and services are acquired at fair and reasonable prices and the highest personal standards of conduct are maintained in all relationships with vendors, suppliers, and subcontractors. UICS utilizes the following procurement guidelines per State guidelines:  (Amended September, 2012)

• Contracts under $3,000 – The school uses sound business practices when procuring goods and services for amounts less than $3,000.
• Contracts from $3,000 to $50,000 – The school seeks price quotes from at least two vendors (three quotes are preferred) and awards the contract to the responsible vendor offering the supply or service needed for the best price, appropriate quality and in the necessary time frame.
• Contracts greater than $50,000 – The school conducts a formal advertised competition using sealed bids or proposals.  An award is offered to the qualified bidder who meets the School’s specifications and offers the best price.
• Construction contracts – The school follows all state and federal guidelines inclusive of state public bidding laws.
• Procedures for small purchases–Staff member fills out purchase authorization form with items to be purchased, quantity, purpose and method of payment.   If the price of an item is over $150, submit quotes from two other vendors and justify choice of vendor, considering shipping cost and product quality as well as price.  After principal approval,  employee makes the purchase, attaches the receipt to the form and returns to principal for final approval by a board check signer. If order amount is small (under $100), employee can notify the principal of the purchase and borrow the school credit card to make the purchase. Once purchase is made, print and submit receipt to principal.  Employees can also make purchases on Office Depot and Amazon school accounts. The accounts are set up so that either the principal or other designated administrative staff receive a notification of the purchase and have to approve prior to the employee making the purchase.

Capitalization of Assets – UICS assets will be capitalized at $1000 and above.  (Policy approved June 2013)

School Fees – UICS will follow all State Rules related to charging school fees.  Minimal fees may be charged as per UICS’s Board-approved fee policy.  Fees may include lockers, towels, yearbooks, clubs, travel, extracurricular activities, certain materials and supplies, textbook rental, musical instrument rental, calculator rental, etc. Charges related to the National School Lunch Program are not considered fees. Fees will be set, approved, and published each school year by the Board of Trustees. The fee schedule will be posted and distributed to all parents or guardians annually. Students are assisted in applying for a waiver of any school fees as per Board policy and State Rules.

Independent Auditor – As per its policies and state law, UICS will engage a qualified independent auditing firm to conduct an annual review of its financial operation and prepare Financial Statement and the annual financial reports required by the Utah State Office of Education and the Utah State Auditor.  UICS will also engage an audit firm to confirm its October student census count and it year-end student data upload.

Expendable Revenue and Undistributed Reserves – UICS management and Board of Directors will work to set standards on its annual operating safety margins. During the annual budget review, any plans to use expendable revenue and/or undistributed reserves must be in fulfillment of the school’s mission, values and spending priorities and receive Board approval in an open meeting. UICS will comply with the rules around school budget undistributed reserves in 53A-19-103.

Investments and Banking – UICS will invest its funds in a fiscally prudent manner. The following priorities shall be followed: safety of principal, cash flow, liquidity, and yield. The school shall allocate interest earnings or losses as they are realized, not less than annually.  Reports no less than quarterly, shall be made to the Board of Trustees by the business management staff indicating fund balances, interest earnings to date and a forecast for the remainder of the fiscal year.  UICS bank accounts will be placed in reputable and stable financial institutions and be FDIC insured.  Reserve funds may be invested in the Public Treasurers’ Investment Fund (PTIF).  Utah Money Management Council reports will be sent in accurately and timely. The school will comply with Rule R628-2, “Investment of Funds of Public Education Foundations Established under Section 53A-4-205 or Funds Acquired by Gift, Devise or Bequest,” commonly called, the Money Management Act.  (Amended January 2013)

Fundraising and Donations – All revenue producing activities at UICS, including fundraising projects, must support the school vision and educational philosophy. Proposals for fundraising projects should answer the following questions:

1. For what purpose do we need additional funds?
2. How much revenue do we intend to generate?
3. How does this fundraiser align with our school’s mission statement and educational beliefs?
4. What are the responsibilities attached to receiving additional funds?

UICS welcomes donations from private sources.  Accepted funds must be consistent with the mission and philosophy of the school and promote the education, health or safety of students.

The Principal  must approve all fundraising activities and ensure UICS compliance with fee waiver, confidentiality, ethical and other applicable state and federal laws. (Amended August 13, 2013)

Cash Receipts—UICS understands the importance of proper handling and accounting for all cash receipts, including currency, coin, checks, ACH transactions, and credit card transactions. Any UIS administration, licensed educators, staff, students, organizations, or individuals that handle cash receipts or accept payment in any form on behalf of UIS will do in compliance with applicable state and federal laws.  All receipting of funds at the school will be done at the front office through the designated financial secretary. Teachers and staff should not accept funds in their classrooms or in unapproved off-site locations. Only the business manager and director may open bank accounts for the receipting or expending of public funds associated with school-sponsored activities. All funds will be kept in a secure location controlled by the front office until the funds are deposited in a school-approved fiduciary institution. Funds will be deposited daily or within three days after receipt, in compliance with Utah Code 51-4-2(2)(a), in a school-approved account. Employees should never hold funds in any location for any reason. Cash receipts must not be taken home by employees or volunteers, or left in classrooms. All checks are to be made payable to UIS and restrictively endorsed upon receipt. Checks are not to be made payable to an employee, a specific department, or a program.  Cash should always be verified. Where verification is difficult, cash should be counted by two individuals. Documents should be available, and should demonstrate that proper cash controls are in place (signatures for approval, tally sheets, reconciliations, etc.). (Approved August 13, 2013)

Petty cash/change funds — Petty cash and change funds must be authorized by the UICS Director and Business Manager. All petty cash and change funds will be reflected on the school’s accounting records and reconciled monthly. Checks may not be made payable to “cash” or “bearer” and cashed by UICS employees to create change funds or petty cash funds outside of the approved fund accounts. Reimbursements to petty cash accounts will be made only when supported by receipts and approved by the principal. Expenditures should not be paid out of change funds. Change funds will be included in all tally forms or on deposit count sheets, and accounted for with each use.  (Approved August 13, 2013).

Sales Tax Exemption—Sales and rentals to schools are tax exempt. To qualify as a sale to a public school, the purchase must be made with the school’s funds.  Purchases made by individual employees and paid for with the employee’s personal fund do not qualify for an exemption, even if the employee is later reimbursed by the school. Tax exempt purchases must be supported by a signed and completed Tax Commission form TC-721, Exemption Certificate.  The Director may issue the form as needed for school purchases made by employees.  The school’s tax exempt number must be entered by the cashier at the time of purchase so employees should ensure they understand the process before making purchases using school funds.  The school’s sales tax number may not be used for non-school or personal use.  Some items sold by the school are taxable and the school must collect appropriate sales tax.  Before offering an item for sale or rental in the school (not including items needed for classroom activities), employees should verify sales tax requirements with the Director. (Approved August 13, 2013).

Title 1 Fiscal Policies (11/2021)

Inventory:  Utah International will mark equipment paid for with Title I funds, and will indicate Title I-purchased equipment on an inventory list.

Maintenance of Effort (MOE):  For Title 1 funding, Utah International will ensure that the combined fiscal effort per student each year is not less than 90% of the combined fiscal effort per student for the second preceding fiscal year.

Fiscal and purchasing policies approved by UICS board on March 8, 2011.  Later amendments are noted.

Utah International students should not make gang hand signs, wear gang attire, draw gang-style graffiti on any surface, or tell other students they are in a gang.

UI staff will notify parents or guardians if we believe a student is involved in a gang, and may also refer the student to a gang prevention or intervention program in the community.

Utah International Charter School is a public entity required to comply with GRAMA, the Government Records and Management Act.  School records are considered public information unless designated otherwise by statute.  Records regarding individual students are protected by law.  The school’s principal serves as the records officer.

If Utah International receives a written GRAMA request, we will provide a copy of the  requested record or a denial of the request with the reason for the denial within 10 business days.  Additional time may be required if a large number of records are requested.  Utah International may charge for the actual cost of copying, postage, and employee time to collect and send records to the requesting entity.

If the Utah International records officer denies a records request, the denial may be appealed by contacting the chair of the Board of Trustees.  A record once requested will not be destroyed until the appeal of a denial is resolved.

(Approved January 2014)

Utah International does each of the following:

1. Complies with all applicable governmental laws or regulations.
2. Adheres to ethical marketing and communication practices to transparently disclose current and accurate information to the public.
3. The governing authority of Utah International adheres to written policies that govern its conduct, decision making, ethics, and authority; and engages in training aligned to its roles and responsibilities.
4. Annually submits all financial transactions for an annual audit conducted by an accounting authority external to the institution.
5. Annually reviews and implements written management plans for security, crisis, safety and health for onsite and virtual environments that includes expectations, communications protocols, and training for students, staff and stakeholders.
6. Participates in required training related to accreditation or certification by timeframes prescribed by Cognia.

From the late bell to the end of each class, students must be wearing a hall pass lanyard in order to be in the halls (to go to the restroom, etc.).  Hall pass is not required when going to the office to check out of school, serve a time out, or get something for the teacher.

No hall passes can be used during the first 10 minutes of class.

Students in the hall without a pass will be walked to the correct class, assigned a lunch chore, and charged a hall pass coupon.

Students will be issued 12 hall pass coupons for the quarter in advisory.

To leave the classroom, students give the teacher a coupon silently and take the hall pass lanyard.

Teacher disposes of the coupon.  Teacher can set a time limit for hall pass use.

Unused passes are turned in for extra credit at the end of the quarter.  Students can choose any class for this purpose.  Each teacher chooses how much extra credit to give for unused hall pass.

Advisory classes do an attendance audit every 3 weeks.  Students with over 3.5% tardy must give up one hall pass, over 7%, two hall passes, over 10.5%, three hall passes.  If out of hall passes, one detention is assigned per hall pass.

State Rules

Instructional Materials Policy

State Rules
In accordance with State Rule R277-469, UICS is committed to a rigorous and transparent process for selecting instructional materials that support Utah Core Curriculum objectives and enrich student learning.

Selection Process
Instructional materials are chosen through collaboration between teachers and UICS administrative staff. All selections must:

• Align with Utah Core Standards
• Support student achievement
• Reflect our mission to provide a rigorous curriculum through content-based, sheltered English instruction

Community Input
We value the perspectives of parents and community members in the selection and use of instructional materials. Feedback is especially encouraged to ensure that our resources remain inclusive, anti-racist, and reflective of the diverse cultural backgrounds of our students.

Access to Materials
Instructional materials will be made available for parent review upon request.

Complaints Process
Concerns or complaints about instructional materials should follow this process:

1. Direct the concern to the instructor.
2. If unresolved, the matter will be referred to the principal, who will consult with the relevant content team.
3. If the concern remains unresolved, the complainant may email the board chair. The Board of Trustees will review the complaint and make a final determination.

Credit Recovery Packets
Use of credit recovery packets for awarding course credit must be verified and approved by the Instructional Leadership Team (ILT). The ILT is responsible for ensuring that any credit recovery materials meet Utah Core Standards, align with UICS instructional goals, and provide students with a meaningful opportunity to demonstrate mastery before credit is granted.

See, also, our Sex Education Policy.

Lockers

1. Lockers  and locks are the property of Utah International, assigned to students each year.    Lockers are subject to search by administration with or without notice.
2. Use only the locker and lock assigned to you.
3. Keep your locker locked.
4. Don’t tell your combination to other students.
5. Keep coats, backpacks, and other items you aren’t using or wearing in your locker while school is in session.
6. See the secretary or principal if you forget your combination or if your locker breaks.
7. Keep your locker clean and neat.  No writing on or inside lockers.  No storing food for more than one day.
8. Return your lock and clean your locker  on the last day of school.  We will try to loan you the same lock next year.

Utah International provides accredited instruction to students in grades 6 to 12.  To be eligible for enrollment, students must meet these requirements:

1. Reside in Utah
2. Be at least 11 years old by September 1 of the current school year.
3. Have completed 5th grade in Utah or another state, unless newly arrived from a foreign country.
4. Not be enrolled in another K-12 school.  Transfers during the school year must provide withdrawal form and grades to date from previous school.
5. If enrolling at Utah International for the first time and not meeting the requirements for a retained senior, be no more than 18 years old on September 1 of the current school year.
6. Not have previously received a high school diploma or certificate of completion.

To comply with state requirements for recording and reporting student membership:

1. Teachers will record student attendance daily by 9:00 AM and for each period of the day, in the student information system.  In case of internet failure they will send an attendance note to the attendance secretary.
2. Attendance secretary will assign an appropriate code for all absences:  Excused, unexcused, or school activity.
3. Attendance secretary will notify administrator or counselor if a student has or is expected to have an excused absence of 5 days or more.   Student support team will determine what support services are needed for the student.
4. Attendance secretary will notify administrator if a student has 3 consecutive days of unexcused  absence.  Student support team will intervene with the student and family.
5. If a student has 10 consecutive days of unexcused absence, attendance secretary will remove him or her from membership in the school’s enrollment.   Administrator will notify the family that they must meet with the administrator in order to reinstate enrollment .
6. Administrator or attendance secretary will assign exit codes and document appropriate final status for all students in grades 9 to 12 leaving the school, including graduate, dropout, or transfer in state, out of state, out of country, or to private or home school, expelled, or completed without diploma.    Graduation, completion, or retained senior status will be assigned in student information system by July 1 and updated by October 1.
7. Aggregate membership will be reported to the state’s data clearinghouse as required.

View our metadata dictionary here

The use of Utah International school buildings and grounds is granted pursuant to the Utah Civic Center statutes at UCAss53A-3-412 and 414.  Approval under this policy is a Permit under the Civic Center statutes and grants the charter school full legal immunity under the Governmental Immunity Act of Utah pursuant to s63G-7-301(5)(c).  The school may charge a fee for facility use to cover the cost of opening and maintaining the building. An application for Civic Center use may be found here:   Permit User Form for Building

Approved March, 2020

While classes are cancelled for the corona virus pandemic, and afterwards as required by law (currently until December 31, 2020), the following special personnel policies are in place:

During school closure, there are two categories of employees:  

1.  Significant work can be done from home
2.  Significant work cannot be done from home

Beginning March 30, category 1 includes all teachers, the counselor, the therapist, and the business manager.  Category 2 includes paras and office staff.    The principal and vice principal are in both categories, as they must work in the building for many tasks but can do a portion of their work from home.

Category 1 employees must work at home on all school days, an amount of time comparable to their usual schedule, and complete all job requirements.  While most of their work can be done from home, they must come to school when the job requires it.   Employees in category 1 will continue to earn their regular salary or hourly wage.

Category 2 employees must do most of their work at school or in the community.  When there is no work for them due to the closure, they will stay at home and not work.  They will come in and work when there is work to be done.  This work may or may not be identical to the work they were doing before the soft closure.  These employees will be paid the same as they were before the pandemic.  Hourly workers will be paid for the amount of hours they worked on average over the past 6 months, regardless of how many hours they actually work during the soft closure.  

When in-person school resumes, employees in both categories are expected to work in the building every school day, with the exceptions described below.

For personal or family needs not related to COVID-19, regular sick time and personal leave time rules apply to both categories of workers.

For employees in both categories who are unable to meet the expectations of their job category for personal or family needs that are related to COVID-19, the following rules apply (from FFCRA, effective April 1 to December 31, 2020):

The employee is eligible for up to two weeks (10 work days) of special sick leave paid at 100% if he or she is subject to a quarantine order, advised by a medical provider to self-quarantine, or is experiencing COVID-19 symptoms and seeking a medical diagnosis.

The employee is eligible for up to two weeks (10 work days) of special leave paid at 67% if caring for an individual in quarantine.

The employee is eligible for up to 12 weeks of expanded family and medical leave paid at 67% if caring for a child whose school or place of care is closed (or child care provider is unavailable) due to COVID-19 related reasons.

The employee requesting a COVID-19-related leave must supply appropriate documentation of the need for leave.

Utah International is committed to an environment in which all students, staff, and volunteers are treated with respect and dignity.  Each individual has the right to work in a professional atmosphere that promotes equal employment and educational opportunities and prohibits discriminatory practices, including harassment, hazing, bullying, and any violence or threat of violence.

Definitions

Bullying:  Intentionally or knowingly committing an act that endangers the physical health or safety of a school employee or student, whether the act involves physical brutality, consumption of food or other substances, dangerous physical activity, or physically obstructing an employee or student’s freedom to move, that is done for the purpose of placing an employee or student in fear of physical harm or of harm to the employee or student’s property.  Such conduct constitutes bullying regardless of whether the person against whom it is committed directs, consents, or acquiesces in the conduct.

Civil rights violation:  Bullying, cyberbullying, harassment, or hazing that is targeted at a federally protected class.

Cyberbullying: Using the Internet, a cell phone, or another device to send or post text, video, or images with the intent or knowledge, or with reckless disregard for the possibility, that the text, video, or image will hurt, embarrass, or threaten an individual, regardless of whether the person against whom it is committed directs, consents, acquiesces, or voluntarily accesses the electronic communication.

Federally protected class:  Any group protected from discrimination under federal law.  These groups include race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, gender, and sexual orientation.  Policies against bullying, cyberbullying, harassment and hazing apply to all persons, but there are special reporting requirements for federally protected classes.

Harassment: Repeatedly communicating to another individual, in an objectively demeaning or disparaging manner, statements that contribute to a hostile learning or work environment for the individual.   Sexual harassment involves unwanted sexual advances or requests for sexual favors; sexual jokes and innuendo; verbal abuse of a sexual nature; commentary about an individual’s body, sexual prowess or sexual deficiencies; leering, catcalls or touching; insulting or obscene comments or gestures; display or circulation in the workplace (including electronically) of sexually suggestive objects or pictures; and other physical, verbal or visual conduct of a sexual nature.  Sex-based harassment, that is, harassment not involving sexual activity or language (e.g., male manager yells only at female employees and not males) may also constitute discrimination if it is severe or pervasive and directed at employees because of their sex.

Hazing:  Intentionally or knowingly committing an act that endangers the physical health or safety of a school employee or student, whether the act involves physical brutality, consumption of food or other substances, dangerous physical activity, or physically obstructing an employee or student’s freedom to move, that is done for the purpose of initiation or admission into, affiliation with, holding office in, or as a condition of membership or acceptance, or continued membership or acceptance, in any school or school-sponsored team, organization, program, or event, or if the person committing the act knows that the targeted person is a member of, or candidate for, membership with a school, school sponsored team, organization, program, or event to which the person committing the act belongs to or participates in.  Such conduct constitutes hazing regardless of whether the person against whom it is committed directs, consents, or acquiesces in the conduct.

Retaliation:  Any act of communication intended as retribution against a person for reporting bullying, cyberbullying, harassing, or hazing, or to improperly influence the investigation of, or the response to, a report of bullying or hazing.

Title IX/Section 504 monitoring officer:   The principal or the head or senior counselor at Utah International is assigned the responsibility to conduct investigations of incidents of bullying, cyberbullying, harassment, and hazing, and to monitor the school’s compliance with all the policies in this section, including but not limited to those mandated by  Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

Prohibitions

No school employee, volunteer, or student may engage in bullying, harassing, hazing, or cyberbullying a school employee or student at any time or in any location.

No school employee, volunteer, or student may engage in violence or threat of violence against any employee, volunteer, or student at any time or in any location.

No school employee, volunteer, or student may engage in retaliation against a school employee, volunteer, student, investigator for, or witness of, an alleged incident of bullying, harassing, cyberbullying, hazing, or retaliation against a school employee, volunteer, or student.

No school employee, volunteer or student may knowingly make a false allegation of bullying, cyberbullying, harassment, hazing, or retaliation against a school employee, volunteer, or student.

Any bullying, harassing, or hazing that is found to be targeted at a federally protected class is further prohibited under federal anti-discrimination laws and is subject to compliance regulations from the Office for Civil Rights.

Reporting and Investigation

School employees and volunteers are required, and students are strongly encouraged, to report any incident or suspected incident of bullying, cyberbullying, harassment, or hazing to the principal or designated Title IX/ Section 504 monitoring officer.  All complaints and reported incidents will be investigated promptly by the principal or the senior counselor.

Incidents that may constitute criminal activity will also reported promptly to law enforcement, and those that may constitute child abuse will be reported to Child Protective Services.  Such reporting will be in addition to, not in place of, a thorough investigation and follow-up by school personnel.  Incidents that may constitute civil rights violations will be reported promptly to the Office of Civil Rights.

After investigation, Utah International will take appropriate action to end the bullying, cyberbullying, harassment or hazing, to eliminate any hostile environment, to prevent recurrence, and to prevent retaliation for reporting.

Individuals accused or suspected of bullying, cyberbullying, harassment, and hazing will have a fair and timely opportunity to explain their actions before consequences are imposed, and procedures for ensuring due process will be followed.

Verified incidents of bullying, cyberbullying, harassment, or hazing will result in consequences for the perpetrator(s) which may include, but are not limited to, student suspension or removal from school-sponsored activity, student expulsion, employee suspension or termination for cause, or other appropriate consequences.   Consequences will not be administered when an anonymous report is the only evidence that an incident occurred.

PREPARATION

Faculty and staff will review emergency procedures annually before school opening.

Advisory teacher will teach emergency procedures to advisory students during the first week of school.

Advisory teacher will keep an emergency packet near the classroom exit containing:

A current list of advisory students and a pen or pencil for taking attendance

Note paper for recording names of absent students

Secretary will keep emergency packet with name and contact information for every student, and pens.

Advisors and secretary are responsible for bringing out emergency packet during evacuations.

EMERGENCY DRILLS

Utah International will hold at least four emergency drills per year. Including two fire drills, one within the first 10 days of school, one earthquake drill, and one violent intruder or lockdown drill.

EVACUATION PROCESS

Adults instruct students and are the last out of the area.  Close window (if possible) and door behind you. Use the designated exit if possible, and assist students to the gathering area.  Check restrooms and other small areas for students on your way out.

Gathering area (if safe and available) is the lawn southeast of the school’s main entrance.  Advisory teacher will select a spot that can be seen from the main entrance, show students the location, and teach them to gather there after evacuating.

Students check in with their advisory teacher and stand or sit on the lawn near them.

Secretary brings out emergency packet and the day’s absence list if available.

Advisory teacher (or substitute) takes attendance, writes names of missing students, sends a student to the secretary or admin team member with these names.

Office staff and secretary check absence list and assure that all students in the building are accounted for.

Office staff or secretary will give the all-clear for reentry.

Students and adults re-enter building and return to class.

DESIGNATED EXITS

Exits are designated to reduce bottlenecks and make it easier to gather everyone in the same place.

If your room’s designated exit is blocked or there is an imminent threat, go to another exit even if it takes you to the backyard area or separates your students from the rest of the population.

The main exits are east, west, and south of the building. Gym can be exited out of the north doors.

FIRE AND FIRE DRILL

In case of an actual fire, inform the office to pull the red fire alarm handle, and then evacuate.

When the fire alarm rings OR there is a PA instruction to evacuate, evacuate the nearest exit.

EARTHQUAKE AND EARTHQUAKE DRILL

For an earthquake drill, there will be a PA announcement to “Cover and Hold” for an earthquake, followed by a long bell tone to signify the length of the “shaking.”

Students and adults should crouch under tables, ensuring that their heads and necks are covered.

When the “shaking” stops, evacuate the building as for a fire drill.

In a real earthquake, warn evacuating students to walk slowly and carefully and watch for broken glass and other hazards.

VIOLENT INTRUDER/ LOCKDOWN DRILL

The PA announcement for a drill or, if possible, for a real intruder will be “teachers, please lock down”  For a threat in the neighborhood, the PA announcement will be “We are in a soft lockdown. Please do not leave the building.”

For a soft lockdown, teachers should instruct students to remain inside the building.  Office and counseling staff should ensure that all exterior doors are locked. Instruction should continue. During the lunch break, office staff should get a helper to inform staff on lunch duty in person.  Students outside should be brought into the building, and the doors secured.

For a hard lockdown, teachers should round up any students in the halls and lock and close their classroom doors as quickly as possible.  Students should remain quiet and move out of the line of sight of the window.

Teacher should close the window and door shades if possible.

If someone in the room is injured or has information about the intruder, the teacher or one designated student should make a cell phone call to 911.

In the gym, move students to the kitchen area and close and lock kitchen doors and windows.

Remain in lockdown position until you receive an “all clear” announcement from the PA or from the door by an administrator or police officer.  If you don’t recognize the voice, ask for ID to be slid under the door.

BUILDING UNUSABLE

In case of an emergency in which we can’t safely reoccupy the building, we will take students to the southwest lawn.

BAD WEATHER

Utah International will open for school regardless of bad weather, unless an announcement is made on KSL radio and KSL.com, and on the school’s website and Facebook and Instagram pages.   If Granite schools are closed or having an online-only day, there is a high likelihood that Utah International will close or have a late start. Parents should use their best judgment if the weather in their area is dangerous; students will be excused from school if they aren’t able to get to school safely.  Students will not be sent home early due to bad weather, but parents may check students out early for this reason.   After-school programs may be canceled due to bad weather.  A full day of cancellation for bad weather will probably have to be made up at the end of the school year. A late-start day will not have to be made up.

INJURY OR MEDICAL EMERGENCY

Call 911 from a teacher or student’s cell phone in case of life-threatening emergency.  This includes suspected spinal cord injury, heavy bleeding, person not breathing.   School address is 3761 South 1100 East, Millcreek, Utah 84106.  Teachers should use cell phones, white call buttons, or student runners to alert the office if someone is seriously injured or ill, whether or not 911 is called.   Render first aid and if possible,  move all students except one or two helpers to a neighboring classroom or the cafeteria until the issue is resolved.   A student who needs hospital care should be transported by a parent, by ambulance if serious of life-threatening, or in rare cases and with administrator and parent permission, by a staff member.   The nearest hospital is HCA St. Marks at 3900 South 1300 East.  There is a public health clinic at 3690 South Main.

CRIME AND CRIME PREVENTION

For a crime in progress, call 911.

To report a crime after the fact, call Unified 801-840-4000.

To report vandalism, theft, alarm malfunction, or other building problem, call Granite District Police at 801 481-7122.

To prevent crime:

• Close your classroom or office windows when you leave for the day.
• Lock your door when your classroom is empty;  lock your computer and personal valuables in a cabinet when your classroom can’t be locked.
• Secure exterior doors, set alarm, and call Granite District Police when you are the last one out of the building.
• Enforce student use of lockers to secure their own valuables.

Utah International will provide sex education as part of the 8th grade advisory curriculum annually and as part of the 9th and 10th grade health curriculum every other year.

Parents will opt in or opt out of sex education for their child, using the USBE-approved consent form.   In most cases this will be part of the student’s registration process so it can be explained in person.  In every case the parent will have the opportunity to sign the opt in/opt out form at least 2 weeks before instruction begins.   Students whose parents opt them out of all or part of the sex education curriculum will participate in alternative assignments during the sex education lessons and will be exempt from work related to sex education instruction.  

Sex education instructors will complete the required certification process when new and as required by USBE thereafter.

Instructors will follow the state-approved curriculum guides for sex education and will not use guest presenters.  Any instructional materials or programs not on the state-approved list will be reviewed and approved by the human sexuality committee.    This committee consists of the health teacher, the principal, any other sex education teachers, and a number of parents at least equal to the number of staff members.   The committee’s purpose is to ensure that instructional materials follow state law and USBE policy and are medically accurate.  

Instructional materials will be made available to parents upon request.    Any complaints about instruction or instructional materials will be referred to the instructor first, then to the principal, then to the human sexuality committee.   If the matter can’t be settled by this committee, the complainant may email the board chair and the board of trustees will review the complaint.

The Utah International board of trustees will review at least every two years state and local data on teen pregnancy, child sexual abuse and sexually transmitted disease, and will be informed of any pornography complaints or concerns at the school.

Revised October 2021

Utah International Charter School Special Education Policies and Procedures Manual

School administrators may search a student and his or her possessions at school under the following conditions:

The administrator has a reasonable belief that the search will turn up evidence that the student has violated a serious school rule or local law, such as use or possession of cigarettes, e-cigarettes, drugs or alcohol, theft, or possession of a weapon.

The administrator may search the student’s locker, backpack, bag or purse with the student or another staff member present. With another staff member present, the administrator may search the student’s outwear (coat, jacket or sweater) and may ask the student to remove shoes and socks and turn out or pat his or her own pockets. The administrator may not touch the student and must replace searched items in good order.

Illegal items (drugs, paraphernalia, weapons, stolen items) may be confiscated and destroyed, turned over to parents, or turned over to police, at the administrators’ discretion. Parents will be informed and other disciplinary action taken if illegal items are found in a student’s possession.

Students suspected of drug or alcohol use may be asked to take an alcohol breath test or drug urine test. Parents will be notified of a drug or alcohol test and its outcome.

If a student refuses to permit a search or drug/ alcohol test, parents will be asked to intervene and do the search themselves or arrange for a drug or alcohol test off-site. If the student leaves the office while waiting for a search or drug test or for a parent to arrive, the student will be suspended out of school until the problem is resolved, and will be placed on a behavior contract.

These policies are for official school and after-school activities taking place away from the Utah International campus.

Students traveling away from school for a school or after-school activity must have a signed parent permission slip indicating the date, time, location, and mode of transportation, as well as the name and phone number of the parent or guardian.  Completed permission slips should be carried by the chaperone or driver responsible for each particular student.   One permission slip encompassing a related series of trips is acceptable.

All students have a UTA pass.  The first choice for student transportation is to use UTA buses and trains.  Chaperones must accompany students walking to and from bus and train stops and enforce reasonable safety rules, including walking on sidewalks and using signaled crosswalks to cross busy streets.

When UTA is not available or practical, students may be transported in staff or parent cars if the following conditions are met:

1. Driver must understand that their own auto insurance is primary; The school’s insurance coverage is secondary.
2. Drivers must provide a copy of their Utah driver license and current auto insurance to be kept on file in the office.
3. Drivers must be Utah International staff or the parents or guardians of Utah International students.
4. Drivers must take the training and pass the quiz at this site: http://risk.utah.gov/driver-video-and-test1.html.  Print the emailed certificate and give it to the principal for your personnel file.
5. At least two students must travel in each car.   Students can meet at the school or at a location close to their homes, but one adult should avoid being alone in a car with one student (unless it is his or her own child).
6. Every student and adult in a car must have a use a separate seat belt.  No double-buckling or riding in areas not designed for passengers, under any circumstances.
7. Students should ride with the same driver to and from the activity to ensure that no one is left behind.

1. Teachers, counselors and administrators will participate in suicide prevention training at least every three years.   Link to CANVAS training:  Youth Suicide Prevention Training for Employees
2. Staff will immediately refer any concern regarding suicide to a school counselor.  In the absence of a counselor, staff should immediately refer student to the principal.  Counselor or principal will meet with student to discuss safety.
3. If a student referred for suicidality states that he/she has not experienced suicidal thoughts at any point within the past month, and does not have a suicide plan, then counselor will contract for safety.
4. If a student reports having suicidal thoughts within the past month, without intent, then counselor will inform guardian and contract for safety with student.  When the counselor informs guardian, the counselor will ask guardian if they would like to pick the student up from school or have the school release the student at the end of the day.
5. If a student reports suicidal thoughts and intent, counselor will inform guardian.  Guardian will be required to pick up student from school, or release student into the care of another adult at the guardian’s request. If a guardian is unable or unwilling to pick up a student from school, or the school is unable to contact a guardian, then counselor will call the UNI Crisis Line at (801)587-3000.  Counselors will follow the recommendations of the UNI Crisis Team.
6. If the UNI Crisis Team recommends that a student be hospitalized, the counselor may call Gold Cross Ambulance at (801)972-1211 or 911.
7. If a student reports suicidal thoughts and intent, then student will remain under adult line-of-sight supervision while in the Utah International building.  Utah International cannot be responsible for how precautions are followed outside of school.  If Utah International is unable to release a student into the care of a guardian or a guardian’s requested adult, counselor will call an ambulance or 911 at the end of the school day.
8. When guardians are contacted about possible suicidality, counselor will inform guardian that counselor is able to assist in providing a mental health referral. Counselor will also inform guardian that guardians should call 911 or take their student to the emergency room if they feel that they are unable to ensure the safety of their student.
9. A counselor may call 911 at any point.
10. In some situations (parent is home but has no transportation), a minimum of two school staff members may choose to transport a student to student’s home using a personal vehicle; however, it is never a requirement for staff to transport a student.
11. Counselors will inform school principal if parents are contacted regarding suicidality.  Counselors will document meetings with students and communication with guardians regarding suicidality.

In-School Suspension means the student is in the school building and required to remain in a room or hall supervised by administrative staff, but not allowed to attend class.  A student on in-school suspension may or may not be allowed to do school work and may be expected to make restitution or write a behavior essay while suspended.  Teachers typically will not be allowed to grade work due during the in-school suspension.  In-school suspension usually occurs immediately after an offense and lasts less than one school day.  Parents are notified during or soon after the suspension, and student and parent will receive a full explanation of the reasons for the in-school suspension.

Out-Of-School Suspension means the student is sent home and not allowed to re-enter the building until the suspension is completed and/or a parent meeting has taken place.  Parents will be notified immediately, and students under 14 will not be sent home until a parent has been reached and has picked up the student or given permission for him or her to leave the school.  Teachers will typically not grade (assign a zero to) work due during the out-of-school suspension.   Student and parent will receive a full explanation of the reasons for an out-of-school suspension.  If a suspension is to last for more than three full school days, parents and students will be given a scheduled opportunity to meet with the principal or designee.  The student and parent will be able to hear the evidence of wrong-doing and the reasons for the decision to suspend, and the principal or designee will hear what the student has to say.

Student’s non-attendance due to parent failure to schedule or keep appointments for due process will be considered unexcused absences.

Expulsion means the student is not allowed to continue as a student at Utah International Charter School.  If expulsion is a possible consequence, the student and parent will have an opportunity to meet with the principal and another staff member to hear and read the evidence of wrong-doing and the reasons for the decision to expel, and to have an opportunity to be heard.  Decisions to expel a student may be appealed in writing to the Utah International School Board. A written appeal must be delivered to the Board through the school office within 7 days of the decision and include reasons for the appeal.  Decisions of the Board are final.

An expelled student in some cases may be allowed to continue to be a student at Utah International if the student and parent follow specific requirements designed to prevent the behavior from recurring and address underlying problems.

Utah International is required to expel students for the following reasons (these are “safe schools violations”):

1. Possession, control, or actual or threatened use of a real weapon, explosive, noxious or flammable material.
2. Actual or threatened use of a look-alike weapon with intent to intimidate a person or disrupt school activities.
3. Sale, control, or distribution of a drug or controlled substance or drug paraphernalia.
4. Use of force or threat of force which if committed by an adult would be a felony or class A misdemeanor.

Utah International may suspend in school, suspend out of school, or expel students for the following reasons:

1. Frequent or flagrant willful disobedience, defiance, or disruptive behavior or vulgar or abusive language.
2. Willful destruction or defacing of school property.
3. Any behavior that poses an immediate and significant threat to the welfare, safety, or morals of other students or staff (this may include behavior such as bullying and harassment, fighting, threatening to fight, theft, and smoking).
4. Possession, control, or use of alcohol or other drugs.
5. Possession or use of pornography on school property.

Utah International Charter School (UI) supports secure network systems, including security for all personally identifiable information that is stored on paper or digitally on school computers and networks.  UI mitigates data threats that may harm the school, its students, or its employees.  UI will make reasonable efforts to maintain network security, understanding that data loss can be caused by human error, hardware malfunction, or natural disaster, and may not be preventable.

When an employee or other user becomes aware of suspicious communication or unauthorized use of data, he or she will immediately contact the UI information security officer (principal).

This policy covers third party vendors and contractors that keep or have access to UI’s sensitive data.  These parties will sign the Restriction on Use of Confidential Information Agreement before accessing our systems or receiving information.

UI fully conforms with all federal and state privacy and data governance laws, including the Family Educational Rights and privacy Act, 20  U.S. Code §1232g and 34 CFR Part 99 (FERPA), the Government Records and Management Act  U.C.A. §62G-2 (GRAMA), U.C.A. §53E-9-301 et seq  and Utah Administrative Code R277-487.

UI will train staff and students regarding the importance of network security and best practices.  The procedures associated with this policy are consistent with guidelines provided by cyber security professionals worldwide and in accordance with Utah Education Network and the Utah State Office of Education. UI supports the development, implementation and ongoing improvements for a robust security system of hardware and software that is designed to protect ourdata, users, and electronic assets.

Procedures

1. Security Responsibility

UI shall appoint, in writing, a student data manager responsible for overseeing data security, to include development of policies and adherence to the standards defined in this document.

2. Training

UI shall ensure that all employees having access to sensitive information undergo annual data privacy training which emphasizes their personal responsibility for protecting student and employee information.   Training resources will be provided to all  employees.

UI shall ensure that students are educated about cyber security and protection of their own data privacy.

3. Physical Security

UI will ensure that any user’s computer is not left unattended and unlocked, especially when logged into sensitive systems or data including student or employee information. Users will set up automatic log off and protect devices with strong passwords to enforce this requirement.

UI will ensure that all equipment that contains sensitive information will be secured to deter theft.

UI will ensure that server rooms and telecommunication rooms are kept locked, with access only by authorized personnel.

4. Network Security

Network perimeter controls will be implemented to regulate traffic moving between trusted (school) resources and external, untrusted (internet) entities. All network transmission of sensitive data should enforce encryption where technologically feasible.

UI shall ensure that all untrusted and public access computer networks are separated from main district computer networks and utilize security policies to ensure the integrity of those computer networks.

UI will utilize industry standards and current best practices to segment internal computer networks based on the data they contain. This will be done to prevent unauthorized users from accessing services unrelated to their job duties and minimize potential damage from other compromised systems.

No wireless access point shall be installed on UI’s computer network that does not conform with current network standards as defined by the network manager.

UI will scan for and remove or disable any rogue wireless devices on a regular basis.

All wireless access networks will conform to current best practices and shall utilize at minimal WPA encryption for any connections.

5. Access Control

System and application access will be granted based upon the least amount of access to data and programs required by the user in accordance with a business need-to-have requirement.

UI will enforce strong password management for employees, students, and contractors.

• • Do not share information system passwords with anyone. All passwords are to be treated as sensitive, confidential information.
  • Do not insert information system passwords into email messages or other forms of electronic communication.
  • Any user suspecting that his/her password may have been compromised must report the incident and change all passwords.

UI will ensure that user access to information systems be limited to only those specific access requirements necessary to perform their jobs, and that access to information systems is terminated and school-owned devices are returned when an employee leaves the school.

UI shall limit IT administrator privileges (operating system, database, and applications) to the minimum number of staff required to perform these sensitive duties.

6. Incident Management

Monitoring and responding to IT related incidents will be designed to provide early notification of events and rapid response and recovery from internal or external network or system attacks.

7. Business Continuity

Student data and other sensitive files are backed up in the Cloud and protected by strong passwords.  The server is backed up automatically at regular intervals.

8. Malicious Software

Server and workstation protection software will be deployed to identify and eradicate malicious software attacks such as viruses, spyware, and malware.

UI shall install, distribute, and maintain spyware and virus protection software on all district-owned equipment, i.e. servers, workstations, and laptops.

UI shall ensure that malicious software protection will include frequent update downloads (minimum weekly), frequent scanning (minimum weekly), and that malicious software protection is in active state (real time) on all operating servers/workstations.

UI  shall ensure that all security-relevant software patches (workstations and servers) are applied within thirty days and critical patches shall be applied as soon as possible.

All computers must use the school-approved anti-virus solution.

9. Internet Content Filtering

In accordance with Federal and State Law, UI  shall filter internet traffic for content defined in law that is deemed harmful to minors.

UI acknowledges that technology based filters are not always effective at eliminating harmful content.  UI therefore uses a combination of technological means and supervisory means to protect students from harmful online content.

In the event that students take devices home, UI will provide a technology based filtering solution for those devices.  However, UI will rely on parents to provide the supervision necessary to fully protect students from accessing harmful online content.

Students shall be supervised when accessing the internet and using district owned devices on school property.

10. Data Privacy

UI considers the protection of the data it collects on students, employees and their families to be of the utmost importance.

UI protects student data in compliance with FERPA, GRAMMA,  U.C.A. §53A-1-1401 et seq, 15 U.S. Code §§ 6501–6506 (COPPA) and Utah Administrative Code R277-487 (Student Data Protection Act).

UI shall ensure that employee records access shall be limited to only those individuals who have specific access requirements necessary to perform their jobs. Where possible, segregation of duties will be utilized to control authorization access.

11. Security Audit and Remediation

UI shall perform routine security and privacy audits in congruence with the school’s information security audit plan.

School personnel shall develop remediation plans to address identified lapses that conforms with the school’s information security remediation plan template.

12. Data Breach Response Policy

Utah International shall follow industry best practices to protect information and data. In the event of a data breach or inadvertent disclosure of personally identifiable information, the LEA staff shall follow industry best practices for responding to the breach.

Procedures 

1. The Charter Director will work with the information security officer to designate individuals to be members of the cyber incident response team (CIRT)
2. At the beginning of an investigation, the information security officer will begin tracking the incident and log all information and evidence related to the investigation.
3. The information security officer will call the CIRT into action once there is reasonable evidence that an incident or breach has occurred.
4. The information security officer will coordinate with other IT staff to determine the root cause of the breach and close the breach.
5. The CIRT will coordinate with legal counsel to determine if the incident meets the legal definition of a significant breach as defined in R277-487 and determine which entities and individuals need to be notified. 
6. If law enforcement is notified and begins an investigation, the CIRT will consult with them before notifying parents or the public so as to not interfere with the law enforcement investigation.

13.  Employee Disciplinary Actions

Any employee found to be in violation of UI’s technology security plan or non-disclosure agreement may be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment with Utah International Charter School.

Utah International staff will follow state board rule R277-419-9 regarding record-keeping for students leaving Utah International due to graduation, other school completion, transfer, or dropping out.

UICS Bylaws Revised June 2017

Wellness Policy
Wellness Goals (2025-26)

Wellness Committee Meeting Agenda (2024-25)
Wellness Committee Notes

2025-2026 Wellness Committee Members:

• Committee Chair: Ashlee Mullender (High School Health and Physical Educator),
• Committee Members:
  ZamZam Ahmed (School Board Representative & Health Specialist),
  Tessa Scheffler (Office Manager),
  Tracy McDiarmid (Junior High Teacher Representative),
  Sherri Berrest (Head Lunch Personal),
  Ismael Alebbo (Student Representative),
  Alya Al Mashhadani (Parent Council Member)