ECRHS Student Handbook
Student Handbook
&
Parent Guide
2026 - 2027
El Camino Real High School
A Model Continuation High School
1351 East Orangethorpe Avenue ● Placentia, California 92870 ● (714) 986-7060 ● Fax (714) 996-0294
Faculty and Staff
Administration
Gina Aguilar - Principal
Amanda Boggs - Dean of Students
Araceli Villalvazo - Counselor
Angelia Guerrie - Psychologist
Cassidy Weiss - Wellness Specialist
Teachers
Christine Bonner - Language Arts, ELD
Christopher Canchola - ROP Computer Graphics/Design
Darius Cervantes - Social Science
Linda Crossno - Science
Jennifer DiCarlo - Language Arts, Leadership
Katie DeGraffenreid - Math
Kiley Kendall - Social Science
Lynn Magnin - Art
Ruby Ramirez - Special Education
Tracy Rice - Special l Education
Dianne Torres - Physical Education
Amaryllis Velasco - ELD, Language Arts, Journalism
Staff
Maggie Dominguez - School Secretary
Ramiro Ramirez - Plant Coordinator
Laura Gonzalez - College and Career Technician
Priscilla David - Special Education Aide
Humberto Alvarez - Student/Community Liaison
Mike Arias - Campus Supervisor
Angie Villazana - Food Services
John Mata - Custodian
School Mission & Vision
Mission:
El Camino Real High School is dedicated to equipping students for future success by upholding high expectations within a supportive environment where each student's unique strengths, goals, and needs are valued.
Vision:
El Camino Real High School strives to create an inclusive community where every student is inspired and empowered to overcome challenges, embrace learning, and achieve their fullest potential in order to be successful now and in the future.
El Camino Real High School Credits
- 210 credits are required to graduate from El Camino Real High School.
- Students have the opportunity to earn credits during each marking period.
- Students can earn 2 credits per marking period per class with a passing grade (an additional .5 will be added for students who earn an “A” in the course).
- In 6th period EDGE, students can earn a maximum of 1.5 credits and grades are recorded as “pass” or “no pass.”
- Attendance does impact the ability to earn credits. Please see details below in the section titled “Attendance.”
- Counselors regularly monitor student progress and communicate with students and families if any concerns arise.
Additional Credit Earning Opportunities
- All students are eligible and welcome to enroll in our Digital Design CareerLink Pathway also known as RAPID. (for more information click here)
- Students wishing to enroll in our CareerLink Pathway, earn more credits, and/or those wanting to try a community college course while still enrolled at El Camino Real High School may ask to take Career Technical Education (CTE) courses at El Camino, through North Orange County ROP or Dual Enrollment courses through Fullerton College.
- ROP offers courses at all PYLUSD high schools after school. All courses are designed with clear course-to-career pathways. Students may take ROP courses in neighboring school districts as well. For a list of all offerings in a given school year, students should speak with their counselor.
- For more specific information about El Camino’s CareerLink pathway, ROP, or College Link courses, please see your counselor or Mrs. Gonzalez - College & Career Technician.
CTE Annual Public Notification
The Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, or disability, or any other basis protected by law or regulation in its program or activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts of America and other designated youth groups.
The Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District offers classes in many career and technical education program areas under its open admissions policy. For more information about CTE course offerings and admissions criteria, contact the CTE Director: Will Gray, Ed.D., Executive Director of College & Career Readiness, 1301 E. Orangethorpe Avenue, Placentia, CA 92870, 714-985-8756, [email protected].
Lack of English language proficiency will not be a barrier to admission and participation in career and technical education programs. The following people have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies.
If you, or your student, have been subjected to discrimination, you should contact your school site principal and/or:
- Title IX and any other discrimination complaints - Dr. Baldwin Pedraza, Director, Student Services (714) 985-8670, [email protected].
- Title II Coordinator / 504 Coordinator / Americans with Disabilities Act complaints - Dr. Baldwin Pedraza, Director, Student Services (714) 985-8670.
- Bullying, intimidation complaints - Tonya Gordillo, Administrator, Student Services (714) 985-8671.
The mailing address for all compliance officers is 1301 E. Orangethorpe Avenue, Placentia, CA 92870.
Attendance
Student attendance plays a crucial role in earning credits and progressing toward earning a high school diploma. Students are expected to be here, on time, each day. A partnership between school and home is important in order to support the academic success of students. Students who struggle to maintain acceptable attendance will participate in a compliance review process where their enrollment at El Camino Real High School will be considered. The following is the attendance policy as it relates to earning credits:
- Students can earn up to 2 credits per class per marking period if they earn a passing grade
- Students who earn an “A” in a class earn an extra .5 each marking period
- Attendance issues will impact the ability to earn credits
- 0-3 absences = 2 credits (full credit)
- 4-5 absences = 1.5 credits
- 6-7 absences = 1.0 credit
- 8-9 absences = .5 credit
- > 9 absences = no credit
- Attendance recovery opportunities are provided before and after school
What To Do Following an Absence:
When parents know a student will be absent, they should call or text our attendance hotline at (714) 202-7807 in advance to notify the Attendance Office. Absences must be cleared by phone or a doctor's note within 48 hours. If a student is absent from one or more periods, parents will be contacted via our automated attendance system.
Tardies:
It is important that students be on time to class in order to maximize their learning and minimize disruptions to the classroom. The following tardy policy is followed at El Camino Real HIgh School:
Every 2 tardies = 1 absence (for credit purposes)
- Tardy 2 = parent contact by teacher
- Tardy 4 = office referral & counseling conversation
- Tardy 6 = office referral & loss of privileges
Bell Schedule
Homework Policy
Homework is not assigned at El Camino. Instead, students are expected to actively participate and be productive in class each day in order to earn credits.
Backpacks
All school supplies are provided to students. Students may bring a small bag or purse. Backpacks are not allowed on campus, however if a student needs to bring a backpack or larger bag to school, it can be checked in to the front office.
Community Service
Community service is a graduation requirement (40 hours). Students can earn five elective credits by completing the required 40 hours of community service. An additional five elective credits may be earned by doing 40 more hours of community service. Volunteer work must be done with a non-profit organization. Please see your counselor for more information.
Work Permits
If you are under 18, and have a job, you need a work permit. Applications are available in the office. It is important you work with your employer in order to prioritize your school schedule. If your school attendance suffers, you may lose your work permit.
Other School Campuses
All PYLUSD schools have closed campuses. El Camino students are unable to be on any other school campus during the school day. Violating these policies will subject you to disciplinary action.
Parking
Parking is available in the school parking lot other than in spaces that are marked as reserved for staff, visitors, etc. Please drive slowly and carefully when entering or exiting the parking lot. Reckless driving, leaving campus during your scheduled school day, or providing a ride for other students who should be in class is reason for disciplinary action. Cars are subject to search if there is reasonable suspicion. (CA Ed. Code 48900).
Lunch Passes
Leaving campus for lunch is a privilege reserved for SENIORS ONLY. Lunch pass forms must be signed by parent/guardian and approved by the principal. Forms are available in the office. Any student leaving campus without an office-issued lunch pass will be subject to disciplinary action. Any senior encouraging an underclassman to leave for lunch may have their lunch pass revoked.
Returning to Your Home School
If returning to your home school is your goal, the following applies:
- You must notify your counselor upon enrolling at El Camino or as soon as you determine that is your goal. It is essential that your schedule be created in order to ensure you are able to complete enough credits and the right classes in order to return.
- Schedule an appointment with your counselor to obtain the paperwork necessary to return to your home school.
Dress Code
All students are required to present themselves in a respectful manner. Items that are considered disruptive or may impact the safety of students are prohibited. This includes drugs, alcohol, or gang related items, items where undergarments are exposed, and any other items deemed offensive by the school administration. Students will be required to change or wear attire provided by the school and parent/guardian will be contacted. Repeat violators will receive consequences according to school policies.
Cell Phones
All electronic devices shall remain turned off and put away during class time unless teacher approval is given. The school does not assume liability if devices are damaged, lost, or stolen.
Assertive Discipline Policies
The following behaviors at school, school events or on the way to or from school are unacceptable and will result in disciplinary action including but not limited to: parent contact, loss of privileges, intervention, or suspension.
- Defiance or disrespect
- Profanity
- Inappropriate use of electronic devices
- Smoking, vaping or chewing tobacco
- Drug or alcohol use and/or possession
- Drug or tobacco paraphernalia
- Defacing school property
Violations Leading to Suspension
The State of California, in order to ensure a safe school environment for everyone, lists the following offenses as cause for suspension and possible expulsion (Education Code 48900 a-r, .2,.3,.4,.7 & 48915):
(a) (1) Physical injury to another person
(2) Willfully caused physical injury by force or violence upon another person
(b) Possession of weapons, explosives, or dangerous objects
(c) Possession or use of controlled substance, alcohol, or intoxicant
(d) Offered, arranged, or negotiated to sell a substance represented to be a controlled substance
(e) Committed robbery or extortion
(f) Vandalism to school property or private property
(g) Theft
(h) Possession of tobacco or nicotine delivery devices
(i) Excessive use of profanity or repeated vulgarity
(j) Possession of drug paraphernalia
(l) Possession of stolen property
(m) Possession of an imitation firearm
(n) Commit or attempt to commit sexual assault or sexual battery
(o) Harass, threaten, or intimidate a student witness
(p) Selling Soma
(q) Hazing
(r) Bullying/Cyber
.2 Sexual harassment
.3 Hate violence
.4 Intentional harassment, threats, or intimidation
.7 Intentional terrorist harassment, threats, or intimidation against school staff or property
California Education Code section 48915 requires immediate suspension and mandatory expulsion of students who:
- Possess, sell, or otherwise furnish a firearm
- Brandish a knife at another person
- Sell a controlled substance
- Commit or attempt to commit a sexual assault or sexual battery
- Possess an explosive
Additional Disciplinary Guidelines and Policies
- You may not leave campus without permission.
- You may not be in off-limits areas on campus. These include:
- The school parking lot
- The drainage ditch and areas behind the school
- Entrances to the District Office
- Visitors are not permitted on campus during school hours and must have prior permission from the office (this includes the parking lot).
- Any drawing, paraphernalia, or clothing that relates to drugs, obscenity, sexual harassment, gang activity, racial or religious prejudice or weapons will be treated as disruptive of the educational process and may lead to disciplinary action.
TEXT A TIP – (714) 340-5804
You can text reports of: abuse, bullying, depression, drug sales, drug use, fights/pre-fights, safety concerns, thefts, threats to campus, vandalism, etc. Texts are confidential but not anonymous.
Non Discrimination Statement
The Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District prohibits discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and bullying in all district activities, programs, and employment based upon actual or perceived gender, gender identity, gender expression, race, ethnicity, color, religion, ancestry, nationality, national origin, ethnic group identification, immigration status, sex, sexual orientation, marital or parental status, pregnancy, age, physical or mental disability, or on the basis of a person’s association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics, or affiliation with the Boy Scouts of America and other designated youth groups or any other basis protected by law or regulation, in its educational program(s) or employment.
In accordance with AB-1078, this applies to all acts of the governing board and the superintendent of the school district in enacting policies and procedures that govern the local educational agency.
The following employees have been designated to handle questions or complaints of alleged discrimination: Employee complaint- Dr. Issaic Gates, Deputy Superintendent, Human Resources (714) 985-8408. Title IX and any other discrimination complaints - Dr. Baldwin Pedraza, Director, Student Services (714) 985-8670, [email protected]. Title II Coordinator / 504 Coordinator / Americans with Disabilities Act complaints - Dr. Baldwin Pedraza, Director, Student Services (714) 985-8670. Bullying, intimidation complaints - Tonya Gordillo, Administrator, Student Services (714) 985-8671. The mailing address for all compliance officers is 1301 E. Orangethorpe Avenue, Placentia, CA 92870.
Procedure for Complaints. Uniform Complaint Policy Form 1312.3. Williams Uniform Complaint Procedures Form 1312.4.
Employee/Student Non-Fraternization Policy: BP 4101
Grievance Procedure
Any student who feels that he/she is being or has been discriminated against for any reason (including but not limited to harassment/bullying, Title IX, Title II, 504, etc) shall immediately contact a school employee. A school employee to whom a complaint is made shall report it to the principal or designee. Any school employee who observes any incident of harassment/bullying on any student shall immediately report his/her observation to the principal or designee, whether or not the victim makes a complaint. [EC 48900 (r), 220; PC 422.55; BP 5145.3, AR 5145.3]
For complaints regarding harassment /bullying, site-level grievance:
- The principal or designee shall investigate complaints of harassment/bullying. In so doing, he/she shall talk individually with:
- The student who is complaining
- The person accused of harassment/bullying
- Anyone who saw the harassment/bullying take place
- Anyone mentioned as having related information
- The student who is complaining shall have an opportunity to describe the incident, present witnesses, other evidence of the harassment, and put a complaint in writing.
- The principal or designee shall discuss the complaint only with the people described above. When necessary to carry out his/her investigation or for other good reasons that apply to the particular situation, the principal or designee also may discuss the complaint with the following persons:
- The Superintendent or designee
- The parent/guardian of the pupil who complained
- The parent/guardian of the person accused of harassing/bullying someone
- A teacher or staff member whose knowledge of the pupils involved may help in determining who is telling the truth
- Child protective agencies responsible for investigating child abuse reports Legal counsel for the District
Sexual Harassment (48900.2)
Any student who engages in sexual harassment of anyone at school or at a school-sponsored or school-related activity is in violation of this policy and shall be subject to disciplinary action. Disciplinary action may include suspension and/or expulsion.
Any student who feels that he/she is being or has been subjected to sexual harassment shall immediately contact a school employee. A school employee to whom a complaint is made shall immediately report it to the principal or designee. Any school employee who observes any incident of sexual harassment on any student shall similarly report his/her observation to the principal or designee, whether or not the victim makes a complaint. [EC 48980 (h), 231.5, 212.5; BP 5145.7, AR 5145.7, 5CCR 4917]
The district designates the following individual(s) as the responsible employee(s) to coordinate its efforts to comply with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and California Education Code 234.1, as well as to investigate and resolve sexual harassment complaints under AR 1312.3 - Uniform Complaint Procedures. The coordinator/compliance officer(s) may be contacted at:
Dr. Baldwin Pedraza, Director of Student Services
1301 E. Orangethorpe Ave., Placentia CA. 92870
714-985-8670
Prohibited sexual harassment includes, but is not limited to, unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal, visual or physical conduct of a sexual nature when:
- Submission to the conduct is explicitly or implicitly made a term or condition of an individual’s academic status or progress.
- Submission to or rejection of the conduct by an individual is used as the basis for academic decisions affecting the individual.
- The conduct has the purpose or effect of a negative impact on the pupil’s academic performance, creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive educational environment.
- Submission to or rejection of the conduct by an individual is used as the basis for any decision affecting the individual regarding benefits and services, honors, programs, or activities available at or through the school.
Types of conduct which are prohibited in the district and which may constitute sexual harassment include, but are not limited to:
- Unwelcome sexual flirtations or propositions
- Sexual slurs, leering, epithets, threats, verbal abuse, derogatory comments or sexually degrading descriptions
- Graphic verbal comments about an individual’s body, or overly personal conversation
- Sexual jokes, notes, stories, drawings, pictures or gestures
- Spreading sexual rumors
- Teasing or sexual remarks about pupils enrolled in a predominantly single-sex class
- Touching an individual’s body or clothes in a sexual way
- Purposefully cornering or blocking normal movements
- Limiting a pupil’s access to educational tools
- Displaying sexually suggestive objects
For complaints regarding sexual harassment site-level grievance procedures are:
Any student who believes that he/she has been subjected to sexual harassment by another student, an employee, or a third party on school grounds or at a school related activity off campus, or who has witnessed sexual harassment is strongly encouraged to report the incident to his/her teacher, the principal, or any other available school employee. Within one school day of receiving such a report, the school employee shall forward the report to the principal or the district's compliance officer identified in AR 1312.3. In addition, any school employee who observes an incident of sexual harassment involving a student shall, within one school day, report his/her observation to the principal or a district compliance officer. The employee shall take these actions, whether or not the alleged victim files a complaint.
When a report or complaint of sexual harassment involves off-campus conduct that did not occur in the context of a school related activity, the principal shall assess whether the conduct may create or contribute to the creation of a hostile school environment.
If he/she determines that a hostile environment may be created, the complaint shall be investigated and resolved in the same manner as if the prohibited conduct occurred at school. When a verbal or informal report of sexual harassment is submitted, the principal or compliance officer shall inform the student or parent/guardian of the right to file a formal written complaint in accordance with the district's uniform complaint procedures. Regardless of whether a formal complaint is filed, the principal or compliance officer shall take steps to investigate the allegations and, if sexual harassment is found, shall take prompt action to stop it, prevent recurrence, and address any continuing effects.
If a complaint of sexual harassment is initially submitted to the principal, he/she shall, within two school days, forward the report to the compliance officer to initiate investigation of the complaint. The compliance officer and his/her designee shall contact the complainant and investigate and resolve the complaint in accordance with law and district procedures specified in AR 1312.3.
Any complainant who is dissatisfied with the district's final written decision may file an appeal in writing with the CDE within 15 calendar days of receiving the district's decision. In investigating a sexual harassment complaint, evidence of past sexual relationships of the victim shall not be considered, except to the extent that such evidence may relate to the victim's prior relationship with the respondent.
In any case of sexual harassment involving the principal, compliance officer, or any other person to whom the incident would ordinarily be reported or filed, the report may instead be submitted to the Superintendent or designee who shall determine who will investigate the complaint.
Confidentiality
All complaints and allegations of sexual harassment shall be kept confidential except as necessary to carry out the investigation or take other subsequent necessary action. However, when a complainant or victim of sexual harassment notifies the district of the harassment but requests confidentiality, the compliance officer shall inform him/her that the request may limit the district's ability to investigate the harassment or take other necessary action. When honoring a request for confidentiality, the district will nevertheless take all reasonable steps to investigate and respond to the complaint consistent with the request.
When a complainant or victim of sexual harassment notifies the district of the harassment but requests that the district not pursue an investigation, the district will determine whether or not it can honor such a request while still providing a safe and nondiscriminatory environment for all students.
Response Pending Investigation
When an incident of sexual harassment is reported, the principal or designee, in consultation with the compliance officer, shall determine whether interim measures are necessary pending the results of the investigation. The principal/designee or compliance officer shall take immediate measures necessary to stop the harassment and protect students and/or ensure their access to the educational program. To the extent possible, such interim measures shall not disadvantage the complainant or victim of the alleged harassment. Interim measures may include placing the individuals involved in separate classes or transferring a student to a class taught by a different teacher, in accordance with law and Board policy. The school should notify the individual who was harassed of his/her options to avoid contact with the alleged harasser and allow the complainant to change academic and extracurricular arrangements as appropriate. The school should also ensure that the complainant is aware of the resources and assistance, such as counseling, that are available to him/her. As appropriate, such actions shall be considered even when a student chooses to not file a formal complaint or the sexual harassment occurs off school grounds or outside school-sponsored or school-related programs or activities. In addition to those procedures, for complaints of sexual harassment, the following steps will also be included:
Complaint requests to remain anonymous will be honored but the district will inform the complainant that this request may result in a limited investigation and/or actions the district can take. When honoring a request for confidentiality, the district will nevertheless take all reasonable steps to investigate and respond to the complaint consistent with the request.
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