Date of Last Review/Update

November 2005

Date Last Discussed with Staff

December 2005

Desert Winds High School makes every effort to provide a safe, clean, and pleasant environment for all students to learn. Photo ID cards are issued to all students for identification purposes as well as a requirement for checking out textbooks, library books, and for computer usage. Late passes are dated and signed by the teacher to encourage students to get to class on time every day. Student restrooms are utilized by students with a pass from their teacher, and are checked a number of times during the day for cleanliness and for appropriate supplies. The Main and West Valley sites are closed campuses, and once school is in session, students may only enter through the main office.

Emergency evacuation plans and site maps are updated annually with the staff, and drills are conducted once each semester to evaluate preparedness in the event of a real disaster. Emergency supplies, including medical, first aid, food, blankets, equipment, etc., are stored in a locked storage compartment and are inventoried and updated each year. Additionally, each staff member is assigned specific duties as part of an emergency preparedness/disaster/evacuation plan.

  Administration and campus supervisors maintain a positive and proactive approach to student and staff concerns by addressing each situation with equal emphasis and appropriate follow up. The small size of the campuses, students move from class to class with a minimum passing time, and with minimum opportunity for student conflict. There is a short lunch break between the morning and afternoon sessions where food can be purchased from a snack bar window.

When entering Desert Winds High School for the first time, students and parents are given a folder outlining school rules, regulations, and general information related to such items as bell schedules, graduation requirements, homework, recognition programs, classroom expectations, dress code, sexual harassment, book charges, work experience, tobacco-free environment, Federal lunch programs, the annual school calendar, and Expected School Wide Learning results. (ESLRs). Students are given an opportunity to earn orientation credits by learning the contents of this folder.

Character Counts is emphasized in all aspects of student life, especially in the Physical Education classes where students receive lessons to improve their knowledge and practice of good ethics and citizenship. Teachers and support staff may nominate students for "Catch Kids Being Good" that rewards them with their picture on the office wall, a recognition certificate, a letter home, and coupons from local restaurants. Additionally, students who earn 20 or more credits each quarter receive a commemorative certificate and a pizza party to recognize their achievements.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff and Probation Officer are assigned to each site, along with an Alcohol and Drug Counselor, to help to facilitate our school site plan by providing in-services and motivational speakers. Desert Winds High School is also involved in the WIN Program through the Los Angeles County Probation Department that rewards positive behavior, academic progress, and reinforcement for school performance that affirms the value of continued academic achievement.

School

District

2003

2004

2005

2003

2004

2005

Number of Suspensions

767

732

747

Rate of Suspensions

Number of Expulsions

29

14

35

Rate of Expulsions