At the high school, the School Climate committee (also known as the Human Relations Committee) is a group of school staff, students and community members especially interested in fostering positive human relationships among all people in the DHS community regardless of differences in race, religion, academic ability, etc.

Each year this group sponsors a variety of activities to promote understanding between people of different backgrounds. If you're interested in joining the efforts, please contact Assistant Principal Tom McHale (tmchale@djusd.k12.ca.us).

Meetings for the 2009-10 school year are scheduled for these dates, at 2:45 p.m. in the Library West Classroom:

November 18, 2009

December 16, 2009

January 13, 2010

February 17, 2010

March 17, 2010

April 21, 2010

May 19, 2010

The committee shall assist the principal in assessing the school climate, identifying and evaluating current programs directed at improving student climate at the school sites, and in proposing, developing and implementing school wide programming and procedures that promote the District's core value of respect among all and a better understanding and respect of differences among the students and staff. Such respect and understanding includes, but is not limited to differences because of race, ethnicity, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, disability, cultural background, physical appearance, socio-economic status, and academic achievement.

A good school climate, in part, depends on an effective partnership between the school and the parents/guardians of the students. Therefore, the Human Relations Committee shall work with the school and other school groups (e.g., PTA, School Site Council) to develop ways by which all parents, especially parents new to the community, are assisted in their understanding and full participation in the school – parent/guardian partnership.

Complaints about individual situations are responded to through the district Board Policy 2.14 and associated procedures. The principal shall ensure that the Human Relations Committee is trained to supportively refer individual complaints to the school’s and the district's complaint processes.

The committee shall annually elect a chair from its volunteer membership

The committee shall be a standing committee of the school site, operating separately from other school site groups and reporting directly to the principal. By reporting directly to the principal, the committee’s efforts shall be integrated with the operations and programs of the overall school.

The Human Relations Committee shall meet regularly, preferably monthly, beginning in the fall, to fulfill its role. The committee composition is expected to include staff and parent representation. At the secondary school level, the committee shall include student representation. Every reasonable effort shall be made so that the committee as a whole reflects the diversity of the backgrounds of the school’s students. The membership of the committee shall be open to those interested and not be restricted to elected members of another school group.

The DHS Human Relations Committee shall seek opportunities when possible to share with other school climate committees findings, and best practices, discuss trends, and explore avenues to promote equity and justice district wide.

Complaint Procedures and Form: