2026–2027 Student & Family Handbook

Welcome to the Center for Advanced Learning

We are excited you are here.

CAL is a regional public charter school serving 11th and 12th grade students from the Gresham-Barlow, Reynolds, and Centennial school districts. Located in the Civic Station neighborhood, CAL provides students with an opportunity to explore college and career pathways through rigorous academics, hands-on learning, and meaningful partnerships with higher education, industry, and our local community.

At CAL, students do more than attend classes, they solve real problems, earn college credit, build technical skills, and learn alongside professionals in their industry. Whether students are designing products, caring for patients, producing media, engineering solutions, or launching businesses, learning is connected to authentic experiences that prepare them for life after high school.

This handbook outlines the policies and procedures that help our school operate safely, consistently, and successfully. More importantly, it reflects the shared expectations and agreements held at CAL. We encourage students and families to review this handbook together and reach out whenever questions arise. We look forward to partnering with you throughout the school year.

What Makes CAL Different

• Seven career-focused pathways connected to high-demand industries
• Opportunities to earn college credit while in high school
• Learning through real-world projects, industry partnerships, and work-based experiences
• Small learning communities where students are known and supported
• A partnership with Mt. Hood Community College that expands opportunities beyond the traditional high school experience
• A commitment to preparing students for college, career, and life

Welcome to CAL. We are glad you're here.

Mission

Nurturing a culture of creativity, innovation and action. Cultivating a community of lifelong learners who love what they do.

Every decision at CAL is guided by this mission and our belief that students learn best through authentic experiences, meaningful relationships, and high expectations.

What Makes CAL Different

CAL was built on the belief that students learn best when their education is connected to the real world. Every aspect of our program is intentionally designed to help students explore their interests, challenge themselves academically, and prepare for life after high school.

College and Career Connected Learning

Students participate in one of CAL's career pathways where they learn through hands-on projects, industry partnerships, work-based learning, and authentic experiences. Whether students are designing solutions, providing patient care, producing digital media, launching businesses, or building technical skills, learning is relevant, meaningful, and connected to future opportunities.

College Credit While in High School

Many CAL courses offer the opportunity to earn college credit through our partnership with Mt. Hood Community College and Portland State University. Students graduate with valuable college experience while reducing the time and cost of earning a postsecondary credential.

Learning in Community

CAL is intentionally small. Our size allows teachers to know students well, provide individualized support, and build meaningful relationships. We believe a strong sense of belonging creates the conditions for students to take risks, ask questions, and grow.

Partnership

CAL is successful because of our partnerships with families, partner school districts, Mt. Hood Community College, local businesses, healthcare providers, public agencies, and community organizations. Together, we provide learning experiences that simply cannot happen within the walls of a traditional classroom.

Preparing Students for What's Next

Our goal is not simply graduation. We want every student to leave CAL with greater confidence, stronger skills, meaningful experiences, and a clearer understanding of who they are and where they want to go next.

Our Commitment

At CAL, we believe learning happens best when students feel safe, respected, and challenged. Every member of our community shares responsibility for creating an environment where everyone can do their best work.

We are committed to...

• Building relationships rooted in trust, respect, and belonging.
• Holding ourselves and one another to high expectations.
• Learning from mistakes and approaching challenges with curiosity and integrity.
• Respecting different perspectives, experiences, and identities.
• Caring for our shared spaces, equipment, and community.
• Preparing students for success in college, careers, and life beyond high school.

Every policy in this handbook exists to support these commitments. Together, they help create a learning environment where students can grow academically, personally, and contribute meaningfully to our community.

School Year Calendar (2026-2027)

Note: Underlined Dates in the calendar tables indicate a One-Hour Late Start.

Important Dates (2026-2027)

*The calendar is subject to change at any time. Updated 6/12/2026.

**If emergency closure make-up days are used, there will still be no school on June 18 in observance of Juneteenth.

Accessible School Calendar 2026-2027

This section provides a screen-reader accessible version of the school calendar for the 2026-2027 academic year.

Calendar Key

September 2026

• Aug 31: Inservice
• Sept 1–3: Inservice
• Sept 4: No School
• Sept 7: Holiday
• Sept 8: Inservice
• Sept 9: First Day (SS)
• Sept 10: A Day | Sept 11: B Day
• Sept 14: A Day | Sept 15: B Day
• Sept 16: A Day (Late Start)
• Sept 17: B Day | Sept 18: A Day
• Sept 21: B Day | Sept 22: A Day
• Sept 23: B Day (Late Start)
• Sept 24: A Day | Sept 25: Inservice
• Sept 28: B Day | Sept 29: A Day
• Sept 30: B Day (Late Start)

October 2026

• Oct 1: A Day | Oct 2: B Day
• Oct 5: A Day | Oct 6: B Day
• Oct 7: A Day (Late Start)
• Oct 8: B Day | Oct 9: Inservice
• Oct 12: A Day | Oct 13: B Day
• Oct 14: A Day (Late Start)
• Oct 15: B Day | Oct 16: Grading Day
• Oct 19: A Day | Oct 20: B Day
• Oct 21: A Day (Late Start)
• Oct 22: B Day | Oct 23: A Day
• Oct 26: B Day | Oct 27: A Day
• Oct 28: B Day (Late Start)
• Oct 29: A Day | Oct 30: B Day

November 2026

• Nov 2: A Day | Nov 3: B Day
• Nov 4: A Day (Late Start)
• Nov 5: B Day | Nov 6: A Day
• Nov 9: B Day | Nov 10: A Day
• Nov 11: Holiday (No School)
• Nov 12: B Day | Nov 13: A Day
• Nov 16: B Day | Nov 17: A Day
• Nov 18: B Day (Late Start)
• Nov 19: A Day | Nov 20: B Day
• Nov 23: A Day | Nov 24: Conferences (No Students)
• Nov 25: Grading Day | Nov 26: Holiday (No School)
• Nov 27: No School | Nov 30: B Day

December 2026

• Dec 1: A Day | Dec 2: B Day (Late Start)
• Dec 3: A Day | Dec 4: B Day
• Dec 7: A Day | Dec 8: B Day
• Dec 9: A Day (Late Start)
• Dec 10: B Day | Dec 11: A Day
• Dec 14: B Day | Dec 15: A Day
• Dec 16: B Day (Late Start)
• Dec 17: A Day | Dec 18: B Day
• Dec 21–31: No School / Holidays

January 2027

• Jan 1: Holiday (No School)
• Jan 4: A Day (Late Start) | Jan 5: B Day
• Jan 6: A Day (Late Start) | Jan 7: B Day
• Jan 8: A Day | Jan 11: B Day | Jan 12: A Day
• Jan 13: B Day (Late Start) | Jan 14: A Day | Jan 15: B Day
• Jan 18: Holiday (No School)
• Jan 19: A Day | Jan 20: B Day (Late Start)
• Jan 21: A Day | Jan 22: B Day
• Jan 25: A Day (Finals) | Jan 26: B Day (Finals)
• Jan 27–28: Inservice | Jan 29: Grading Day

February 2027

• Feb 1: A Day | Feb 2: B Day
• Feb 3: A Day (Late Start / State Testing)
• Feb 4–9: State Testing Days
• Feb 10: B Day (Late Start) | Feb 11: A Day | Feb 12: B Day
• Feb 15: Holiday (No School)
• Feb 16: A Day | Feb 17: B Day (Late Start)
• Feb 18: A Day | Feb 19: B Day
• Feb 22: A Day | Feb 23: B Day
• Feb 24: A Day (Late Start) | Feb 25: B Day | Feb 26: A Day

March 2027

• Mar 1: B Day | Mar 2: A Day | Mar 3: B Day (Late Start)
• Mar 4: A Day | Mar 5: B Day | Mar 8: A Day | Mar 9: B Day
• Mar 10: A Day (Late Start) | Mar 11: B Day | Mar 12: Grading Day
• Mar 15: A Day | Mar 16: B Day | Mar 17: A Day (Late Start)
• Mar 18: B Day | Mar 19: A Day
• Mar 22–26: Spring Break (No School)
• Mar 29: B Day (Late Start) | Mar 30: A Day | Mar 31: B Day (Late Start)

April 2027

• Apr 1: A Day | Apr 2: B Day | Apr 5: A Day | Apr 6: B Day
• Apr 7: A Day (Late Start) | Apr 8: B Day | Apr 9: A Day
• Apr 12: B Day | Apr 13: A Day | Apr 14: B Day (Late Start)
• Apr 15: A Day | Apr 16: B Day | Apr 19: A Day | Apr 20: B Day
• Apr 21: A Day (Late Start) | Apr 22: B Day | Apr 23: A Day
• Apr 26: B Day | Apr 27: A Day | Apr 28: B Day (Late Start)
• Apr 29: A Day | Apr 30: Grading Day

May 2027

• May 3: B Day | May 4: A Day | May 5: B Day (Late Start)
• May 6: A Day | May 7: B Day | May 10: A Day | May 11: B Day
• May 12: A Day (Late Start) | May 13: B Day | May 14: A Day
• May 17: B Day | May 18: A Day | May 19: B Day (Late Start)
• May 20: A Day | May 21: B Day | May 24: A Day | May 25: B Day
• May 26: A Day (Late Start) | May 27: B Day | May 28: A Day
• May 31: Holiday (No School)

June 2027

• June 1: B Day | June 2: A Day (Late Start)
• June 3: B Day (Finals) | June 4: A Day (Finals)
• June 7: B Day | June 8: A Day | June 9: B Day (Late Start)
• June 10: A Day | June 11: B Day
• June 14: A Day (Finals) | June 15: B Day (Finals)
• June 16–17: Inservice | June 18: Holiday (No School)
• June 21: Grading Day | June 22–25: Emergency Closures Makeup Days

Bell Schedules 2026-2027

Regular Schedule (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday)

Late Start Wednesdays (1-hr Late Start)

2 Hour Late Start (Inclement Weather)

All Periods Schedule (Special Schedule)

All Periods - Late Start Wednesdays

Attendance Policy

Consistent attendance is one of the strongest predictors of student success at CAL. Students arriving or leaving CAL MUST check in or out at the front office.

Procedure to Report Absence(s) and/or Tardies

Parent(s) or guardian(s) communication is required to excuse an absence or allow a student to leave early. Communication must come from a parent/guardian listed in Synergy and may be provided by:

• Call the CAL main office directly
• Email
• Written note

Authorized Contacts and Attendance Updates (Synergy Directory)

CAL can only release students to or accept absence notifications from authorized contacts. To update an authorized contact:

1. Contact your home high school directly to request the change.
2. If you contact CAL, we can coordinate the update with your home high school.
3. CAL will update our records once the change is confirmed.

When reporting an absence, tardy, or early departure, please include:

• Student’s name
• Date of absence/tardy
• Reason (arrival or departure time, or indicate an all-day absence)

Students and families are also encouraged to notify CAL teachers of planned absences.

Tardies

Students arriving after the start of class will be marked tardy. Late buses or school-related transportation delays will not count against students. Repeated tardiness may result in a meeting with administration to identify supports and improve on-time attendance.

Excusing attendance at the home high school does not notify CAL. Students and families must notify both schools separately. All Oregon state laws and regulations regarding attendance are observed and upheld by CAL.

Dress Policy

Students and families have primary responsibility for dress and grooming. Dress code concerns should not unnecessarily exclude students from class, programs, or activities or result in lost instructional time. Any concerns will be addressed respectfully, with student dignity and family culture in mind.

If a student's attire or grooming threatens the health or safety of any other person, the appropriate solution, as stated in the Safety and Discipline Policy, will be followed. School-directed changes to a student’s attire or grooming should be the least restrictive and disruptive to the student’s school day. Any school dress code enforcement actions should minimize the potential loss of educational time.

Students have the right to:

• Dress and groom in ways consistent with a safe educational environment.
• Expect staff to address concerns about student dress in a manner that maintains the student’s dignity and respects their family culture.
• Expect they will not be discriminated against for hairstyles “historically associated with race, including but not limited to natural hair, hair texture, hair type, and protective hairstyles.” See The Crown Act for more information.

Students have the responsibility to:

• Ensure that health and safety are maintained for all, wear clothing suitable for all scheduled classroom activities, including hospital/science labs, metal shop, and other activities.
• Dress, groom, and maintain hygiene so the educational environment is not disrupted.
• Ensure their clothing covers private body parts at all times.

Personal Electronic Device Policy

During the summer of 2025, Governor Tina Kotek issued Executive Order No. 25-09. This mandate ensures that every school district in Oregon maintains policies limiting student access to personal digital tools throughout the entire instructional day.

Why We Have This Policy

We recognize that technology is an important part of students’ lives, but personal devices can also interfere with learning, well-being, and positive peer interactions. Limiting device use helps CAL create a more focused, connected learning environment where students can fully engage and 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.

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.
• Common Areas: 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 are rare and 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 policy must be submitted in writing to the student’s home high school principal.

Consequences for Policy Violations

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 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). Incident will be logged by the Student Support Team.

Beyond the Third Incident

The Director will assign additional appropriate consequences. Before the phone is returned, the student and/or their family participate in a restorative conversation with the Director, Student Support Coordinator, and/or other personnel (e.g., home high school principal and/or counselor) as assigned to reflect on the repeated behavior.

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

Transportation & Parking

Due to limited parking availability, students are encouraged to use school-provided bussing or public transportation whenever possible.

Transportation is provided for students traveling from partner high schools to CAL and back. Bus schedules are provided by each student’s home district transportation department.

Students may also use public transportation. The Civic Drive MAX Station is located across the street from CAL. For schedules, routes, and other information, visit TriMet.

Student Parking

CAL parking permits are available for $5.00. Because parking is limited, submitting a parking permit request does not guarantee that a permit will be available.

To request a parking permit:

1. Complete the CAL Parking Permit Request Form.
2. If your request is approved, you will receive an email with instructions for purchasing your permit.
3. Pay the $5.00 permit fee at the CAL Main Office using cash or card.
4. Once issued, your permit must be hung from the rearview mirror or placed on the driver’s side dashboard and clearly visible from the front of the vehicle.

Parking Permit Priority

If more students request permits than there are available parking spaces, permits will be distributed according to the following priority:

• Seniors receive first priority.
• Remaining permits will be distributed through separate AM and PM lotteries.
• Priority consideration may be given to students with a documented transportation need, including time-sensitive responsibilities before or after CAL, employment, school-sponsored activities, caregiving responsibilities, or significant transportation barriers.
• Students requesting priority consideration may be asked to provide reasonable documentation.
• Priority consideration does not guarantee that a parking permit will be issued.

For the 2026–27 school year, the parking lottery will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, September 11. Students selected through the lottery will be notified by their CAL email and must accept and pay for their permit at the CAL Main Office by Friday, September 18.

Parking Rules

• Students who park on campus must follow all CAL rules and regulations as well as Oregon driving laws.
• Parking permits must be clearly visible from the front of the vehicle.
• Permits are non-transferable and may not be exchanged or given to another student.
• Students must park only in the designated gravel student parking lot.
• Students may not park in staff, reserved, or visitor spaces.
• Students may not park on grass, dirt, sidewalks, concrete, in designated No Parking areas, or in any other unauthorized location.
• Vehicles parked in unauthorized areas may be cited and/or towed at the owner's expense.
• Vehicles parked in a No Parking Zone or illegally in an accessible parking space may be towed at the owner's expense.
• CAL is not responsible for loss or damage to vehicles or their contents. Students are responsible for any damage caused by their vehicle.

Consequences

Parking violations may result in disciplinary action and/or loss of parking privileges. Repeated or serious violations may result in suspension of parking privileges. Violations of Oregon driving laws may also result in a traffic citation.

Vehicle Safety

Students are encouraged to take precautions to protect their vehicles and belongings:

• Close all windows and lock all doors when leaving your vehicle.
• Do not leave valuables or electronics visible inside your vehicle.
• Store valuables out of sight, preferably in the trunk.
• Do not leave technology or other valuable items attached or visible.
• Keep your vehicle information, including the license plate and VIN, in a secure location rather than inside the vehicle.

School Safety and Discipline Policy

CAL believes our school must be a safe and welcoming place in which students can grow socially and academically. Our school values everyone’s contributions to our learning community. We believe diversity in race, cultural identity, and lived experience creates a rich learning environment for students and adults.

Student engagement is essential to creating a school culture that fosters social-emotional growth and academic achievement. Our discipline practices focus on providing each student with ongoing access to instruction, an opportunity to be held authentically accountable, and a chance to learn from their mistakes. Ensuring each student has multiple opportunities to participate in a wide range of activities and to bond with caring, supportive adults is also a priority for our schools. We use various strategies and interventions to support students’ academic engagement and use exclusionary discipline practices only when other methods are not successful or to protect the safety of others.

Our school community strives to reach across differences to build relationships, a sense of belonging, and well-being. We resolve problems in ways that are safe, exemplify the student’s cultural values, maintain relationships, and repair harm. Administrators, teachers, and other school staff members must model and teach students to use these life-long skills. Our discipline policies and practices are built around this commitment.

Guiding Principles for Students, Staff Members, and Families

Three principles guide how our disciplinary approach supports CAL’s mission and vision:

1. Our words, actions, and attitudes must ensure myself and others are safe and feel welcome at all times.
2. We strive to resolve conflict peacefully and to restore relationships when harm is done.
3. We will not tolerate discrimination and will use every tool to eliminate disparities in our school culture and discipline practices.

*We adhere to a unified approach to student safety and discipline in collaboration with our partner high schools. As such, the consequences for student actions will strive to align with the policies established by our partner schools, ensuring consistency across all our partner schools.

Learning at CAL & Academic Reminders

Pass/No Pass Option

Students may request to take one elective course on a Pass/No Pass (P/NP) basis instead of receiving a letter grade. To do so, students must contact their Student Support Coordinator and submit a completed request form before the deadline.

• First Semester Deadline: November 30th
• Second Semester Deadline: May 3rd

Academic Integrity

At CAL, learning is about developing your own thinking, skills, and voice. Academic integrity means completing work honestly, giving credit to the ideas of others, and demonstrating what you know. Mistakes are part of learning, but representing someone else's work as your own is not.

Academic dishonesty may include:

• Copying another person's work or allowing someone else to copy yours.
• Using words, images, data, or ideas without giving proper credit.
• Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools in ways not permitted by your teacher.
• Collaborating on work intended to be completed independently.
• Submitting work completed for another class without teacher approval.
• Falsifying or altering academic work or records.

Students are expected to follow teacher expectations regarding citations, collaboration, and the appropriate use of AI. If you are unsure whether something is allowed, ask your teacher before submitting your work.

Our goal is always to help students learn from mistakes, repair any harm, and develop the habits of honesty and responsibility expected in college, careers, and life.

Consequences for Plagiarism & Academic Dishonesty

CAL responds to academic dishonesty with both accountability and an opportunity to learn and repair. Consequences are progressive and may be adjusted based on the nature and severity of the violation.

Generative A.I. Tools

Introduction

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools are rapidly becoming part of modern learning and work environments. At CAL, we recognize the potential of AI to support creativity, problem-solving, and skill development when used responsibly and ethically.

Permission and Supervision

Students may only use generative AI tools when explicitly directed or permitted by their instructor for specific assignments or tasks. When allowed, students must follow all teacher guidelines regarding the appropriate use, disclosure, and citation of AI tools.

Dual Credit / College Credit Policy

What is Dual Credit?

Dual Credit allows high school students to earn both high school credit and college credit simultaneously for completing approved CAL courses. Credits are transcribed directly through partner institutions such as Mt. Hood Community College (MHCC) or Portland State University (PSU).

College Placement Testing

Certain college-credit courses require students to satisfy prerequisites via college placement testing or qualifying high school coursework prior to registration.

Registration Process

Registration for dual credit takes place during the school year within specific registration windows:

• Winter Session: First Semester High School Courses.
• Spring Session: Second Semester or Year-Long High School Courses.

Transferring Credits

College credits earned through CAL appear on an official college transcript. Students requesting transcript transfers to postsecondary institutions must order official transcripts directly through the credit-granting college or university.

Agreements With Other Colleges/Universities

Acceptance of transfer credits varies by institution. Most public in-state colleges accept MHCC/PSU credits, but students are advised to confirm transferability with their target institutions.

Additional Information

For questions regarding dual credit eligibility, registration, or academic records, please contact your CAL Student Support Coordinator.

Technology & Network Acceptable Use Policy

Students at CAL have access to advanced hardware, software, network systems, and specialized equipment. Access is a privilege that requires responsible, ethical, and lawful behavior at all times.

• Authorized Use: School technological resources must be used exclusively for educational and career-pathway purposes.
• Account Security: Students are responsible for maintaining account confidentiality and must not share credentials.
• Prohibited Conduct: Attempting to bypass network filters, downloading unauthorized software, altering system settings, or engaging in cyberbullying is strictly prohibited.

Work-Based Learning

Work-based learning is a foundational component of CAL’s pathway programs. Experiences include industry mentorships, job shadows, guest speaker engagements, company site visits, and competitive internships.

Students representing CAL during work-based learning events are expected to uphold professional standards of conduct, dress, communication, and attendance.

Student Services

English Language Learners (ELL)

CAL provides integrated support for English Language Learners to ensure full access to technical curriculum and pathway learning experiences.

McKinney-Vento (Homeless Students)

Services and resources are available to support students experiencing housing instability under the federal McKinney-Vento Act. Contact CAL administration or your home district liaison for assistance.

CAL Student Add/Drop

Add/Drop Timeline

Schedule adjustments must occur within the established district enrollment windows at the beginning of each semester in coordination with home high school counselors.

Withdrawal Process & Grades

Withdrawals require consultation between the student, family, CAL administration, and the home high school counselor. Course drops past the official window may result in a withdraw grade on high school transcripts.

Parent Communication

ParentVUE

Parents and guardians can monitor real-time academic progress, course grades, attendance records, and teacher communications through the Synergy ParentVUE portal.

ParentSquare

ParentSquare is CAL’s primary school-wide communication platform for school announcements, emergency notifications, event reminders, and direct messaging.

Annual Acknowledgements

By attending CAL, students and families acknowledge receipt of this handbook and agree to comply with all policies, rules, and procedures outlined herein.