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CAL Update - One Week Away!

Jessica Gallagher Wednesday, Aug 27 at 3:51 PM 11th Grade, 12th Grade, CAL Counselors , CAL Staff, CAL Teachers, Center for Advanced Learning

CAL Update

August 27, 2025

Dear Students and Families,

We are one week away from the first day of school! CAL teachers are back in the building, preparing for students to ensure every student feels a strong sense of community and belonging from day one!

We are excited to begin preparing our students to turn courageous ideas into real opportunities and to make certain that CAL students are well-prepared for what comes next after high school.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Gallagher

First Day of School

Here's what you need to know about the first two days of school:

Wednesday, September 3rd

Who: All CAL Students
Schedule: Regular late-start Wednesday bell schedule.
AM CAL begins at 9:05 a.m.
PM CAL begins at 12:15 p.m.

Thursday, September 4th

Who: All CAL Students
Schedule: It will be an "A-day" with a regular bell schedule.
AM CAL begins at 8:05 a.m.
PM CAL begins at 11:45 a.m.

Student Schedules

All 12th-grade returning CAL students are now viewable in StudentVue.

All GBSD 11th graders are now viewable in StudentVue.

For CHS and RHS 11th-grade students, your AM or PM designation can be viewed in StudentVue; however, you will not be able to see specific courses. On the first day of school, you will establish your CAL technology accounts, which will then give you access to CAL StudentVue.

Paper schedules will be available for all RHS and CHS students on the first day of school. and can be picked up at the CAL office beginning today, August 27th.

*CAL office closed on Friday, August 29.

New Personal Electronic Device Policy

On July 2, 2025, Governor Kotek signed Executive Order NO. 25-09 establishing a personal electronic device policy for all Oregon public school districts and charter schools. This policy outlines the rules for personal electronic devices, including cell phones, smartwatches, smart eyeglasses, and tablets. The goal is to minimize distractions and foster a more focused, positive learning environment for everyone.

Why We Have This Policy

We recognize that technology plays a significant role in a student’s life, but it can also be a distraction. Research shows that device use in schools can:

Impact Learning: Phones and social media can make it hard to focus in class.
Affect Mental Health: Studies across the country have linked constant device use to increased feelings of loneliness, depression, and anxiety.
Lead to Conflict: Devices can be used for online harassment and bullying.

Our goal is to help the CAL community reduce distractions, fostering a more connected and focused environment for students as they prepare for college and career.

What is a “Personal Electronic Device?”

The Governor's order defines a “Personal Electronic Device” as a portable, electrically powered device that can make or receive calls, send or receive text messages, or access the Internet independently from the school's network. This does not include a laptop computer or other device required to support academic activities.

CAL’s Policy

Student device(s) must be stored and out of sight in a student’s backpack, personal bag, or in secure storage in the office. The easiest way to follow this is to leave your phone at home. If you bring it, you must follow these guidelines:

Class & Passing Time

Device(s) must be turned off or silenced and stored in the student’s backpack.
When outside the classroom environment and on CAL property (e.g., school office, lobby), device(s) must be turned off or silenced and stored.

Restroom Breaks - Devices are not allowed.

Lunch - Device(s) must be turned off or silenced and stored in the student’s backpack.

Field Trips - Devices are not permitted on field trips during the school day.

On the Bus - You can use your device while riding the bus to and from CAL.

Contacting Students

If a parent/guardian needs to contact their student during the school day, please call the CAL main office at 503-667-4978. The office staff will ensure that the message reaches the student promptly. If needed, a student can contact a parent/guardian using the school phone.

Exceptions

In rare cases, a student may be permitted to use a device during the school day. These exceptions require prior approval. They include:

Medical Needs: A device is required for medical monitoring as ordered by a doctor.
IEP Accommodations: The device is part of a student's Individualized Education Plan.

It is often the case that when a request is made, CAL staff can find reasonable alternatives that meet the student’s needs. Requests for an exception to the personal electronic device must be submitted in writing to the student’s home high school principal.

Consequences

First Incident

A staff member will give a verbal reminder of the policy. Incident will be logged by the staff member/teacher. Staff will check in with the student to offer support.

Second Incident

Device will be retrieved and securely stored in the office until the end of the CAL day.
Staff will check in with the student to offer support.
Parents/guardians will be notified, and a meeting with the Director may be required.
Incident will be logged by the Student Support Team.

Third Incident

Device will be retrieved and securely stored in the office until the end of the CAL day.
The Director and parents/guardians will create a plan for improved compliance (e.g., additional support will be offered, and devices may be checked into the office upon arrival each day).
Parent/guardian will pick up the device at the end of the CAL day.
Incident will be logged by the Student Support Team.

Beyond the Third Incident

Before the phone is returned, the student and their family participate in a restorative conversation with the Director, Student Support Coordinator, and/or other personnel as assigned to reflect on the repeated behavior. Further actions include:
Identification of supports or strategies to prevent future issues.
Development of a plan that works for the student, families, and staff.

Please note: Violating this policy will not result in a loss of instructional time. However, if a device is used to violate another school rule (like bullying, harassment, or cheating), the student will face the consequences for that separate violation, which could be more severe.

Responsibility for Personal Devices: Students are solely responsible for the security of their personal electronic devices. CAL is not liable for theft, loss, or damage of any device.

Parking Passes

Busses are provided to and from CAL from each partner high school for both AM and PM CAL students. Route information will be posted on CAL's website as it becomes available.

For students who wish to drive to CAL, parking passes are now available for purchase. If you would like to request and purchase a CAL parking pass, please complete the request form linked below. Payment must be processed in person at CAL.

The CAL office is open to accept payment.

*CAL office closed on Friday, August 29.

Parking Pass Request Form

Back to School Resources

CAL Student & Family Handbook

Policy & Release Form

Back to School Night

Back-to-School Night will be held on Tuesday, September 16, from 5:30 to 7:00 pm.

Please join us at CAL to meet your student's teachers and learn about the courses your student will be taking, including those available for college credit.

Families can also receive support when signing up for Parent Square and ParentVue. We look forward to supporting and walking alongside families!

Contact Info

If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us. You can reach out via the following links:

(503) 667 - 4978
admissions@calcharter.org
www.calcharter.org

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