TO: Board of Directors, REAL Journey Academies
FROM: Dr. Rose Ann Bomentre, Superintendent
DATE: June 19, 2025
RE: Student-Parent Handbook & Annual Notice Manual
Recommended Action:
It is recommended that the Board of Directors approve the 2025–2026 REAL Journey Academies Student-Parent Handbook with Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy Charter-Wide Guidelines for Responsible and Ethical Use and 2025-2026 Student Services Annual Notice Guide to Families as presented.
Background Information:
Each year, REAL Journey Academies (RJA) updates the Student-Parent Handbook and Annual Notification Guide to reflect current policies, legal mandates, and practices that ensure compliance with federal and state education codes. This document serves as an essential resource for students and families, outlining academic expectations, student rights and responsibilities, safety procedures, technology use policies, and required annual notifications under California Education Code.
The 2025–2026 edition includes updates aligned with new state legislation, board-approved policies, and organizational initiatives such as the eMindset, which reinforces responsible technology use, digital citizenship, and career readiness. This document also ensures that we fulfill our obligation to notify families annually of their rights, resources, and responsibilities in a clear and accessible manner.
Current Considerations:
These revisions reflect stakeholder input, current legislation, and internal review to ensure the document is family-friendly, student-centered, and legally compliant. The handbook will be distributed to all families at the start of the school year and will be made available in both English and Spanish.
Financial Consideration:
The cost to update, translate, and print the handbook is approximately $2,500 per school, which is budgeted within the annual communications and compliance allocations at each school site. Digital distribution will also be utilized to reduce printing expenses and increase accessibility.