ASE FAQs
Q: What is the dress code?
A: You have options to choose from in order to be in compliance with the dress code. Your options are…
1. Medical Scrubs. Scrubs may be any color except yellow and orange.
2. Blue Shirt/Khaki Bottoms. The shirt may be a navy blue or light blue shirt with or without a collar. Button-up shirt are allowed. Graphics are not allowed on the shirt. The khaki bottoms can be shorts, pants, or a skirt. Pants and shorts must be well-fitted and hemmed, not cut-off.
3. Purple Shirt/Black Bottoms. The shirt may be a dark purple or light purple shirt with or without a collar. Button-up shirt are allowed. Graphics are not allowed on the shirt. The black bottoms can be shorts, pants, or a skirt. Pants and shorts must be well-fitted and hemmed, not cut-off.
4. ASE shirts.
* You must also be able to present your student ID at all times.
CLICK HERE to see your dress code options.
Q: Do I have to wear my uniform on the first day of school?
A: Yes, students are expected to come dressed in uniform on the first day of school, Tuesday, August 13, 2013, at 8:00 a.m.
Q: Why do I have to have my ID with me all the time?
A: You must have your ID for two main reasons. The first is safety. With four different schools on one campus we want to make sure that we can identify our students easily at all times. Also, you will need your ID for services like checking out books from the library, purchasing tickets for school events, using ASE electronics, etc.
Q: Why do we have a specific dress code?
A: This decision came directly from community meetings where community members, parents, and students were very concerned about the safety of the students coming to Cesar E. Chavez Learning Academies. The biggest concern was about various students coming from different schools and areas, and how those groups would interact. The community was also concerned about gang-affiliated individuals and colors. As such, ASE, along with community support has chosen to institute a dress code that includes the use of scrubs, polo/khaki, or purple/black for the safety and easy identification of all ASE students. Scrubs support the science/medicine theme of our school, and the polo/khaki option was provided based on the input of parents and students during our Orientations. The purple/black option was provided based on the input of students after the 2011-2012 school year.
Q: What is the advantage or benefit of having dress code?
1) A dress code promotes a more serious school atmosphere which emphasizes academics and promotes good behavior.
2) Dress codes have proven to increase student achievement by encouraging students to concentrate more on their studies and less on their wardrobe. A de-emphasis on clothing can also save money, as there will be less pressure to keep up with expensive trends and fashions.
3) Dress codes in school settings reduce social conflict and peer pressure that may be associated with appearance.
4) Studies indicate that a school dress code can reduces the prevalence of certain behaviors which are often expressed through wardrobe such as violence or promiscuity.
Q: Will there be sports? Can anyone join?
A: Yes!!! Teams are formed with students from all four of the schools on the campus of Cesar E. Chavez Learning Academies, and include softball, baseball, track & field, girls’and boys’ volleyball, football, girls’ and boys’ basketball, girls’ and boys’ soccer, swimming, water polo, cheer, drill and wrestling. Sports teams are open to all students at CCLA.
Q: Will I see my friends during lunch if they go to a different school at CCLA?
A: Due to the fact that our cafeteria is only equipped to serve students from two schools at a time, each school will have their lunch period at different times. There will be some overlap. Seeing your friends will depend on what time their school has lunch. The best thing to do is check our schedule with your friends’ schedule and see if your lunch times overlap. Keep in mind that you will have other opportunities to see your friends on campus.
Q: What activities will I be able to participate in after school?
A: There are a variety of after school activities that will be open to all students at CCLA. Keep an eye out for opportunities you are interested in.
Q: Is there somewhere specific to drop off my student so I don’t get a ticket from school police?
A: There is a specific traffic flow map to follow. Please be sure to follow the traffic pattern to help keep all students safe and to avoid receiving a traffic ticket. Be advised that Los Angeles School Police vehicles will be supervising the drop-off/pick-up procedures and traffic flow heavily the first few days to help establish the routine.
Q: What is the difference between advisory and strategic lab classes?
A: Advisory is designed to offer personalization, Character Counts! education, Habits of Mind education, and structured time to complete the 10th grade matriculation portfolio and/or senior project. Strategic lab classes are designed to provide students with intervention in math and/or English if needed, or enrichment opportunities depending on the needs and interest of the individual student. Placement into these labs will be determined by assessments and teacher evaluation.
Q: How can I, as a parent, be involved?
A: There are numerous ways for parents to be involved with ASE. We need parents to be involved school governance committees and councils, such as ELAC, CEAC, SSC. Others of you may wish to share your talents, skills, resources and/or time with morning drop-off and pick-up, or supporting our school with clerical tasks when needed. Volunteers who assist on a regular basis with students need to complete an application, get a TB test, and in some cases get fingerprinted (as per LAUSD BUL-4841.1). Please see the Volunteer Opportunities Section of our website at www.explorease.org for more information.
Q: What if my friend is at a different school at CCLA but wants to join ASE?
A: There will be an official protocol for switching schools after classes begin. The best thing to do for now is contact the office and get on the wait list. Once school starts, any seats that become available will be filled from the wait list.
Q: Are we going to do anything fun instructionally?
A: Yes!! There are field trips and activities scheduled for all ASE students. However, students must comply with dress code policies, code of conduct, attendance policies as well as keep up in their classes in order to earn the privilege of participating. Such field trips include: Pali Science and Leadership Camp, College trips, Outdoor Science Experience, among others.
Q: Will there be any family events or other social activities?
A: Yes!! There will be numerous family fun nights. We are planning a carnival, movie nights, game nights, among others. Suggestions are welcome.
Q: What procedures are in place in terms of student safety?
A: Two main procedures include the K-9 dog sniff, and Operation Wanda. Periodically, L.A.U.S.D. School Police will bring their K-9 units on campus to search for contraband items and substances. Operation Wanda will be carried out regularly, and involves random searches of students and their belongings. Metal detectors are used to scan their bodies, and a search will be made of backpacks, book bags, purses etc. Our resident school police officer, Officer Flores, will also aid in keeping students safe both on campus and in the immediate area.
Q: I have to take the bus to school but there are not any bus stops on Arroyo Ave. close to the school. Are there going to be more bus stops put in for us?
A: The San Fernando Trolley now stops at CCLA in front of the teacher parking lot.
Q: How can I ask questions and/or keep up with information ASE regularly?
A: There are several ways to get in touch with ASE. We have a website, Twitter page, Facebook page, and of course, phone numbers. These are:
Website:ExploreASE.org
Email: ExploreASE@gmail.com OR use the "Contact Us" form on the homepage
Facebook: The Academy of Scientific Exploration (ASE) Instagram:@ExploreASE Twitter:@ExploreASE
Phone: (818) 838-3926 ASE Office
