| Alternative School: There is an alternative school program for students in grades 7-12 who have been suspended or expelled from regular school program. Attendance in alternative school programs shall be mandatory and students attending an alternative school located other than at their home school shall provide their own transportation and lunch.
-ARRIVAL:--Students must be in class by 7:50 a.m. Students should not arrive to school before 7:00 a.m. as supervision is not provided until this time. Students should be off school grounds by 3:30 p.m. as supervision is not provided after this time. ARRIVAL-Staff -All teachers will be present at 7:30 a.m. each day. ATHLETIC PROGRAM: Football, Baseball, Boys' and Girls' Basketball, Girls' Softball and Girls and Boy's Tennis are offered at Lewisburg Middle School. Student(s) who fail to follow the school behavior code may lose the privilege to participate in athletic programs.Athletes must maintain passing grades in all subjects in order to play. School Board policy states principals shall ensure that school regulations regarding participation in a sport are reasonable. Athletic schedules shall be filed in each school principal's office. The principal or his/her designee will accompany an athletic team on trips. All athletes must purchase school insurance or provide proof of personal coverage for sports. ATTENDANCE (SCHOOL BOARD POLICY) : Attendance is a key factor in student achievement and therefore, students are expected to be present each day school is in session. By law children between the ages of six (6) and seventeen (17) years, both inclusive, must attend a public or private school. When a student accumulates 5 unexecused absences for the year, they will be turned over to the truancy officer. The truancy officer will then cite the student to truancy court. After a student has 9 unexcused absences in a semester or 17 unexcused absences in a year, a hearing will be conducted to determine whether extenuating circumstances necessitated the absences. The occurrence of 17 unexcused absences makes a student ineligible for promotion unless extenuating circumstances exist. II. Personal Days: Students will be allowed three (3) excused personal days per semester. These days will cover the following types of absences; however, proper documentation must be presented to the office in order for the absence to be excused: 1. Personal illnesses, serious family illness, or family emergency-(a note from the student's parent/guardian or legal custodian will be required upon the student's return to school). The note should include the reason (s) for and the date(s) of the absence. Upon returning to school, a student has three (3) school days in which to submit a note. After three (3) days the absence(s) will become permanently unexcused. 2. Diver's license (documentation is required). 3. Deaths: A. In the family--One (1) day will be excused. Additional days will be excused at the discretion of the principal (program or death notice is required upon return to school). B. Of others--The principal may excuse absences with appropriate documentation. 4. Religious Holidays or Retreats--Religious holidays will be excused with proper documentation from the parent. Religious retreats must be PRE-authorized by the principal with documentation from religious church/agency sponsoring the retreat. 5. Appearance in court (a personal subpoena will be required as documentation) 6. Extenuating Circumstances--Absences involving extenuating or unusual circumstances may be approved by the principal on a case-by-case basis. Any absence without a note is automatically an unexcused absence. Out-of-School Suspension days are likewise unexcused absences. ASBESTOS: Asbestos containing floor tile has been identified in certain areas of Lewisburg Middle School. The floor tile is being maintained under an Operation and Maintenance Program. The management plan is available at the Central Office and in the administration office of Lewisburg Middle. BEHAVIOR: Proper conduct is expected from all students. A student shall not use violence, force, noise, coercion, threat, intimidation, fear, passive resistance or any other conduct which causes the disruption, interference or obstruction of any school purpose while on school property, in school vehicles or buses, or at any school-sponsored activity, function or event, whether on or off campus. Neither shall he/she urge other students to engage in such conduct. The staff is authorized to take reasonable measures to establish appropriate school behavior. Any professional employee shall have the authority to control the conduct of any student while the students are under the supervision of the school system. This authority shall extend to all activities of the school, including all games and public performances of athletic teams and other school groups, trips, excursions, and all other activities under school sponsorship and direction. Such measures may include the use of reasonable force to restrain or correct students and maintain order. BUS CONDUCT/TRANSPORTATION: Proper conduct is absolutely necessary to maintain an efficient and safe bus system. Rules are posted on each bus. Copies of the School Board policy are provided to all bus riders. It is the responsibility of the parent and the student to be aware of and follow the rules of transportation. A student may be denied the privilege of riding the bus if the principal determines that his/her behavior is such as to cause disruption on the bus, or if he/she disobeys state or local rules and regulations pertaining to student transportation. CAFETERIA: The price of lunch is $1.90. The price of breakfast is $.75. Free lunch information is provided to all students on opening day. If desired, applications forms must be completed and returned by the first two weeks or the student is expected to pay full price for lunch until completed, approved form is received. NO OUTSIDE FOOD, SUCH AS PIZZA DELIVERIES OR FAST FOOD, IS ALLOWED DURING LUNCH. CHECKOUTS/EARLY DISMISSAL: No student will leave school prior to regular dismissal hours, except with the approval of the principal and parent. Telephone requests for early dismissal of a student shall be honored only if the caller can be positively identified as the student's parent or guardian. Students will be permitted to leave school prior to regular dismissal time only in the company of a parent, legal guardian, or a person designated in writing by the parent or guardian. Any student who misses more than 15 minutes of any period (class) is counted absent as per School Board Policy. CHEERLEADERS: Cheerleaders are selected in the spring of each year for the following year. Uniforms are provided, however, individuals are responsible for shoes and t-shirts. Student(s) who fail to follow the school behavior code or fail to maintain passing grades will lose the privilege to participate in the cheerleading program. CHEWING GUM: According to teacher/team policy CHILD ABUSE/NEGLECT: Staff members having knowledge or suspicion of any child who is suffering from abuse or neglect shall report such harm immediately to the principal. The principal will contact the appropriate authority. CLASSROOM MATERIALS: Students are expected to bring to each class: lined paper, a pencil, and all necessary textbooks, and materials as designated by the teacher. Students who fail to come to class with proper materials and homework may be excluded from school events and social activities. COMMUNICABLE DISEASES: If there is reason to believe a students has a communicable disease which may endanger the health of other individuals in the regular school setting, the principal/nurse will isolate the student and contact the parent to pick up the student. (Head lice is a communicable disease.) CONCERNS/COMPLAINTS (BY STUDENTS): Decisions made by school personnel--such as assistants, teachers, or assistant principals--which students believe are unfair or in violation of pertinent policies of the Board or individual school rules may be appealed to the school principal or a designated representative. To appeal, students will contact the principal's office in their school and provide their name, the issue and the reason for their appeal in writing at the school office within 24 hours (excluding weekends and holidays). If the principal does not make a decision within two (2) school days following the date of the written complaint, students or parents may appeal at that time by contacting the Director or designee at the Central Office. CONTROVERSIAL ISSUES: The discussion of issues in the classroom which are politically, philosophically or socially controversial shall be relevant to the subject matter being taught, related to educational objectives, appropriate for the age and maturity of students, and shall not materially or substantially disrupt or threaten to disrupt the discipline of the school. CONTROVERSIAL MATERIALS: Parent(s) may request that a student not be required to read a book, use certain materials, or participate in an activity, provided that a written request is submitted on the appropriate form to the Director of Schools. CORPORAL PUNISHMENT: Any principal, assistant principal or teacher may use corporal punishment in a reasonable manner against any student for good cause in order to maintain discipline and order within the public schools in accordance with the school board guidelines. COURSES: All seventh and eighth grade students will take math, language, science, social studies, reading and physical education. Band and chorus are offered as elective courses for 7th and 8th grades. Students taking these electives will do so during scheduled physical education. Band and chorus placement are determined by the appropriate director. DISASTER PLAN: A disaster plan covering fire, severe weather, earthquake, and building evacuation is practiced as required by law. Emergency plans are available in each room. DISCIPLINE/BEHAVIOR CODE: The Board expects all school staff, students and parents to assume the responsibility for appropriate behaviors in the school. The principal of each school shall be responsible for implementation and administration in his/her school and shall apply the code uniformly and fairly to each student at the school without partiality and discrimination. A copy of the Code is available in the school and guidance counselors are supplied copies for discussion with students. Student(s) who fail to follow the school behavior code may lose the privilege to participate in athletic/extracurricular programs. (See Disciplinary Procedures below) DISCIPLINARY HEARING AUTHORITY: A Disciplinary Hearing Authority (DHA) will conduct hearings for students who have been suspended for more than ten (10) school days. DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES (SCHOOL BOARD POLICY): The following levels of misbehavior and disciplinary procedures and options are designed to protect all members of the educational community in the exercise of their rights and duties: MISBEHAVIORS: Level I--Minor misbehavior on the part of the student which impedes orderly classroom procedures or interferes with the orderly operation of the school, but which can usually be handled by an individual staff member. Examples (not an exclusive listing): Classroom disturbances Cheating and lying, Non defiant failure to do assignments or carry out directions Abusive language Harassment (Sexual, Racial, Ethnic, Religious) Disciplinary Procedures: Immediate intervention by the staff member Determine what offense was committed and its severity Determine offender and that he/she understands the nature of the offense Employ appropriate disciplinary options Record of the offense and disciplinary action maintained by staff member. Disciplinary Options: Verbal reprimand Restricting activities Special Assignment Assigning work details Withdrawal of privileges Issuance of demerits which might affect citizenship or deportment grades Strict supervised study Detention In-School Suspension Corporal punishment Out-of-school suspension
MISBEHAVIORS (Level II); Misbehavior whose frequency or seriousness tends to disrupt the learning climate of the school. Included in this level are misbehaviors which do not represent a direct threat to the health and safety of others but whose educational consequences are serious enough to require corrective action on the part of administrative personnel. Examples (not an exclusive list): School or class tardiness Use of tobacco Disruptive classroom behavior Continuation of unmodified Level I behaviors School or class truancy Using forged notes or excuses Harassment (Sexual, Racial, Ethnic, Religious) Disciplinary Procedures: Student is referred to principal for appropriate disciplinary action Principal meets with student and teacher Principal hears accusation made by teacher, permits student the opportunity of explaining his/her conduce, denying it or explaining any mitigating circumstances Principal takes appropriate disciplinary action and notifies teacher of action Record of offense and disciplinary action maintained by principal Disciplinary Options: Teacher/schedule change Behavior modification Peer counseling In-School suspension Detention Modified probation Social probation Referral to outside agency Transfer Corporal punishment Suspension from school-sponsored activities or from riding school bus Restricting school related honors student is otherwise due Out-of-school suspension not to exceed ten (10) days MISBEHAVIORS (Level III): Acts directly against persons or property but whose consequences do not seriously endanger the health or safety of others in the school. Examples (not an exclusive list): Continuation of unmodified Level I and II behavior Fighting (simple) Stealing Vandalism (minor) Threats to others Harassment (Sexual, Racial, Ethnic, Religious) Disciplinary Procedures: Student is referred to principal for appropriate disciplinary action. Principal meets with student and teacher. Principal hears accusation by accusing party and permits offender the opportunity of explaining conduct. Principal takes appropriate disciplinary action. Principal may refer incident to Director of Schools and make recommendations for consequences. If student's program is to be changed, adequate notice shall be given to the student and his/her parents of the charges against him, his/her right to appear at a hearing and to be represented by a person of his/her choosing. Any change in school assignment is appealable to the Board. Record of offense and disciplinary action maintained by principal or Director of Schools. Disciplinary Options: In-school suspension Corporal punishment Detention Restitution from loss, damage or stolen property Out-of-school suspension not to exceed ten (10) days Social adjustment classes Transfer Alternative School Long term out-of-school suspension MISBEHAVIORS (Level IV) Acts which results in violence to another's person or property or which pose a threat to the safety of others in the school. These acts are so serious that they usually require administrative actions which result in the immediate removal of the student from the school, the intervention of law enforcement authorities or action by the Board. Examples (not an exclusive listing): Unmodified Level I, II, and III behaviors Extortion Possession/use/transfer of dangerous weapons* Assault Vandalism Arson Use/transfer of unauthorized substances Death threat Bomb threat Battery* Theft/possession/sale of stolen property Possession of unauthorized substances* Harassment (Sexual, Racial, Ethnic, Religious) Disciplinary Procedures: Principal confers with appropriate staff members and with the student. Principal hears accusation by accusing party and permits offender opportunity of explaining conduct. Parents are notified Law enforcement officials are contacted Incident is reported and recommendations made to the Director of Schools. Complete and accurate reports are submitted to the Director of Schools. Student is given hearing before disciplinary hearing authority. Disciplinary Options: Out-of-school suspension Alternative schools Other hearing authority or Board action which results in appropriate placement *Suspension for a period of not less than one (1) calendar year subject to modification by the Director of Schools on a case-by-case basis. ADDITIONAL GUIDELINES: 1. A student shall not be suspended solely because charges are pending against him/her in juvenile or other court. 2. A principal shall not impose successive short term suspensions that cumulatively exceed ten (10) days for the same offense. 3. A teacher or other school official shall not reduce or authorize the reduction of a student's grade because of discipline problems except in deportment or citizenship. 4. A student shall not be denied the passing of a course or grade promotion solely on the basis of absences except as provided by board policy. 5. A student shall not be denied by passing of a course or grade promotion solely on the basis of failure to: a. pay any activity; b. pay a library or other school fine; or c. make restitution for lost or damaged school property. DRESS CODE (SCHOOL BOARD POLICY): BOTTOM WEAR (waist and below) Bottom wear must be size appropriate (no sagging) and worn securely around the waist. No Spandex material will be allowed. Skirts, shorts, or skorts must be no shorter than 4" above the top of the knee. TOP WEAR: All top wear must be appropriate. No bare midriffs nor any clothing that exposes the midsection when sitting, walking, bending or moving will be allowed. Anoraks, fleece pullovers, light jackets, long sleeve crew necks, V-necks or cardigan sweaters may be worn over an approved shirt. Straps are to be a minimum of 3 inches in width. No visible cleavage will be allowed. DRESSES: Girls may wear dresses that are no shorter than 4" above the top of the knee. SHOES: Shoes must be worn at all times. HEADWEAR: No hats, bandannas, hoods, sweatbands, curlers, rollers, or sunglasses will be worn in the building. JEWELRY/ACCESSORIES: Students are not to wear jewelry, ornaments, or accessories such as excessively noisy jewelry and/or belts which distract from the educational process. Any jewerly that is excessively large and is considered dangerous to the student or other students is prohibited. No body-piercing jewelry is allowed except in the ears. No heavy metal chains (such as those made out of steel, chrome, alloy, etc.) and lookalikes that are not formal jewelry are allowed around the neck, around the waist, or hanging from the waist into the pocket. Students may not wear metal-spiked apparel or similar accessories. OTHER: Tattoos should be covered. Students are not to wear extreme facial makeup that is disruptive to the educational environment. All students are required to wear their hair in such a manner that is not considered unkempt, unclean, or impairing to vision. Students are not to have the following: hair sprayed or dyed in unnatural colors (such as blue, pink, green, yellow) spiked hair, or mohawks. SPECIAL DRESS: Schools may develop special dress days/special dress occasions for students at the discretion of the school administration (examples: cheerleaders, FFA, FHA, etc.) SPECIAL SITUATIONS: If a student cannot comply with the standardized dress code based on religious beliefs, his/her parent or guardian may write a letter explaining the situation to the Director of Schools, with a copy to the school principal. Each case will be dealt with on an individual basis. Parents will be called to provide appropriate clothing. Failure to adhere to dress code as established by the Board of Education will result in disciplinary action.
EARTHQUAKE DRILL: An earthquake drill is practiced. In the event of an earthquake, students will take cover under desks and tables. Following the quake everyone will be instructed to leave the building in a quiet and orderly manner. Students will remain outside the building with their designated teacher until the building is determined to be safe and until sign to return is given. FIRE DRILL: A fire drill is conducted. When the alarm sounds, everyone will leave the building in a quiet and orderly manner. Students are to remain outside the building with their designated teacher until the signal to return is given. TORNADO DRILL: A tornado drill is conducted. When the notification occurs, everyone should seek shelter in the designated area as indicated on the plan posted in each classroom. If the electricity is off, students and staff will be alerted with short blasts from a bullhorn. Everyone will remain in the designated area until the signal to return is given. LOCKDOWN DRILLS: A lockdown drill may be conducted during the school year to prepare students and staff in case on an intruder in the building and/or a hostage situation. When the lock down notification occurs, students will follow the directions of the staff member who is in their immediate vicinity. The drill is conducted to allow the students and staff time to practice various situations and procedures which could occur. Student activities offered at Lewisburg Middle School include football, basketball, baseball, tennis, band, chorus, softball, Honor Society, Student Council, LMS Newspaper, and Annual staff. In addition, the parent club and student organizations may offer movies and dances at various times throughout the school year. Student activities must follow these rules: Each student activity must be under the guidance and direction of a Board-approved staff member. All student activities must have the approval of the principal. Student activities occurring before or after regularly scheduled school hours must be under the supervision of the principal or his/her designee. FEES: No fee will be charged any student as a condition to attending school, but students shall be responsible for normal school supples, such as paper, pens, pencils and notebooks. FEE WAIVER: Students eligible for free and reduced lunch may request fee waivers. Applications for fee waivers must be on file in order to have fees waived. Forms are provided on request. There is a deadline for requesting fee waivers. FIELD TRIPS: Field trips designed to stimulate student interest and inquiry and to provide opportunities for social growth and development are considered appropriate extensions of the classroom. Signed parental permission forms must be obtained for every student making an off-campus trip beyond the immediate vicinity of the school. The principal shall ensure that these forms are kept on file for the remainder of the school year. The form for parental permission must include purpose, date, time of departure and return, travel plans, destination, number of chaperones, personal expense involved, rules of conduct and penalties for violation, and other facts necessary for parents to be fully informed. This information is to be completed by the school before the form is signed by the parent. FINES: Students who destroy, damage, or lose school property, including but not limited to buildings, school buses, books, equipment, and records, will be responsible for the actual cost of replacing or repairing such materials or equipment. FUND RAISERS: Fund raising activities shall be authorized by the Board and shall be for the purpose of supplementing funds for established school programs and not for supplanting funds which are the responsibility of the public. A........93-100 C.......75-84 D.......70-74 F........Below 70
GUIDANCE: A guidance program for all students is available. The counselor helps students with personal, social, home, and school problems. Programs that enhance student self-esteem, prevent problems, and help students make positive, healthy choices for themselves are offered. In addition the counselor can assist students who are worried about a friend who may be experiencing problems. Conversations with the counselors are private unless a student shares something that is dangerous to him/herself or to someone else. A student or parent needing the assistance of the counselor should contact the counselor for an appointment. HARASSMENT: It is a violation of Marshall County School Board policy for any employee or any student to discriminate against or harass a student through disparaging conduct or communication that is sexual, racial, ethnic or religious in nature. Alleged victims of sexual, racial, ethnic and religious discrimination/harassment shall report these incidents immediately to a teacher, counselor or building administrator. HOMEBOUND: To qualify for the Homebound Program, a student must have a health impairment of sufficient seriousness to anticipate that the student will be absent for a minimum of ten (10) consecutive school days. The student must be certified by a physician as being health-impaired and unable to attend the regular instructional program. The services provided the homebound student should reflect capabilities and be determined by the homebound instructor, after consultation with appropriate professional staff of the student's assigned school. HOMEWORK: Homework is an essential part of the learning process. Homework is assigned to reinforce the skill being taught. All homework should be completed as assigned. Assignments are posted daily in each classroom for students to copy. Parents should familiarize themselves with their child's homework regularly. Steps to deal with poor study habits include parent notices, phone calls, parent conferences, and guidance referrals. HONOR ROLLS: Honor rolls are published in the local paper each grading period. If your child makes the honor roll and you do not wish for your child's name to be published, you must notify the LMS school office in writing before the first grading period. Honor rolls shall consist of the following: INCLEMENT WEATHER: The decision to delay opening or cancel school because of inclement weather is made exclusively by the Director of Schools. As soon as it is possible, this decision is announced to the local radio and TV stations. When school is canceled due to inclement weather, all school events/activities/practices will be suspended. If the weather conditions improve, these events/ activities/ practices may be rescheduled with the permission of the Director of Schools and the Co-curricular Coach. The attendance of co-curricular participants at any rescheduled event/activities/practice will be the option of the participant/parent. IMMUNIZATIONS: All students entering Lewisburg Middle are required to meet the state legal immunizations standards. These requirements are: -4- doses of DPT (Diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus) -4- doses of polio vaccine -2- doses measles vaccine -2- doses rubella vaccine -2- doses mumps vaccine -3- doses hepatitis B vaccine These immunizations may be made by the family physician or the health department. Failure to be legally immunized will result in suspension from school until such time as requirements are met. Exemption provisions are outlined in the School Board Policy Manual. INTERROGATIONS (SCHOOL BOARD POLICY): INTERROGATIONS BY SCHOOL PERSONNEL: Students may be questioned by teachers or principals about any matter pertaining to the operation of a school and/or the enforcement of its rules. Any student answering falsely, evasively or refusing to answer a proper question may be subject to disciplinary action, including suspension. If a student is suspected or accused of misconduct or infraction of the student code of conduct, the principal may interrogate the student, without the presence or parent(s)/guardian(s) or legal custodians and without giving the student constitutional warnings. INTERROGATIONS BY POLICE (AT ADMINISTRATORS' REQUEST) If the principal has requested assistance by the police department to investigate a crime involving his/her school, the police shall have permission to interrogate a student suspect in school during school hours. The principal shall first attempt to notify the parent(s)/guardian(s) or legal custodians of the student of the intended interrogation unless circumstances require otherwise. The interrogation may proceed without attendance of the parent(s)/guardian(s) or legal custodians. The principal or his/her designees shall be present during the interrogation. The use of police women or female staff members is desirable in the interrogation of female students. POLICE-INITIATED INTERROGATIONS If the police deem circumstances of sufficient urgency to interrogate students at school for unrelated crimes committed outside of school hours, the police department shall first contact the principal regarding the planned interrogation, inform him/her of the probable cause to investigate within the school. The principal shall make reasonable effort to notify the parent(s)/guardian(s) or legal custodians of the interrogation unless circumstances require otherwise. The interrogation may proceed without attendance of the parent(s)/guardian(s) or legal custodians. The principal or his/her designee shall be present during the interrogation. INTERNET USE: The board supports the right of students to have reasonable access to various information formats and believes it incumbent upon students to use this privilege in an appropriate and responsible manner. Marshall County School Board policy will be followed on internet use by teachers and students. LICE: Students suspected of having head lice will be checked by the school nurse. If it is determined that lice or nits are present, the student will be isolated and a parent will be called to pick up the student. The student can return to school when the lice infestation has been treated and student is checked and found to be nit free. *Lice are considered a communicable disease. LIMITED ENGLISH PROFICENCY: If the inability to speak and understand the English language excludes a student from effective participation in the educational programs offered by the district, the district shall take appropriate action to rectify the English language deficiency in order to provide the student equal access to its programs. Students in a language minority (LM) or who have limited English proficiency (LEP) will be identified, assessed and provided appropriate service. LOST AND FOUND: Any lost article that is found should be turned in to lost and found in the guidance office. Items labeled with student's name will be returned. Periodically, items in lost and found that have not been claimed will be disposed of. MAKE UP WORK: When a student is absent, it is the student's responsibility to approach the teacher immediately for any assignments or tests missed and receive instructions for making them up. MEDICAL SCREENNG: Screening tests for vision, hearing, scoliosis and lice will be conducted in assigned grades. Parents/Guardians will receive written notice of any screening result that indicates a condition that might interfere or tend to interfere with a student's progress. MEDICINE/MEDICATIONS: Nonprescription drugs are not available at Lewisburg Middle School. Because of the serious nature of drugs in the school, please give all medicines at home if possible. If it necessary to bring medicines to school these VERY STRICT procedures MUST be followed. All medicines must be given to the Office/nurse immediately. The nurse will dispense all medicine. All prescription medicines must be in original prescription bottle with doctor's orders provided. Over the counter medicines can only be given if parent has provided specific written instructions for dispensing. NO MEDICATIONS are allowed at school except as provided for in this rule. *INHALERS: In the event that a student must keep an inhaler in his/her immediate possession while in school, documentation stating such need from the prescribing doctor and written authorization from the parent must be on file in the school. PASSES: STUDENTS ARE NOT TO BE IN THE HALLS DURING CLASS TIME WITHOUT A PASS ISSUED BY THE OFFICE OR A TEACHER. Students will not be issued passes to go to the gym lockers for any reason. Students found out of class without a pass will be assigned detention or suspended. PARENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE: Lewisburg Middle School has an active parent volunteer organization. All parents are encouraged to join. The Parent Advisory Committee assists the teachers, and administration with various extracurricular activities for the students throughout the year. They also provide insight into the strengths and weaknesses of existing programs and future needs to be addressed. They act as a communication support system between the school and the community. PARENT CONFERENCES: At least one (1) time during the school year (see calendar), conferences shall be scheduled in which parents and teachers may discuss any pertinent problems or other matters of concern regarding the development and education of each student. Teachers are available to meet with parents throughout the year. Parent(s) should call the school office and a meeting can be scheduled during the teacher's planning/conference time. PERSONAL PROPERTY: Radios, cameras, sports cards, tape players, beepers, electronic games, etc. should not be brought to school. It is suggested that expensive jewelry and large sums of money not be brought to school. The school cannot be responsible for these items. PRIVACY OF RECORDS: By law, both parents, whether married, separated, or divorced, have access to the records of a student who is under 18 or a dependent for tax purposes. A parent whose rights have been legally terminated will be denied access to the records if the school is given a copy of the court order terminating these rights. PRAYER: The school recognizes a student's right to individually, voluntarily, and silently pray or meditate in school in a manner that does not disrupt the instructional and/or other activity of the school. The school will not require, encourage, or coerce a student to engage in or to refrain from such prayer or meditation during any school activity. PROGRESS REPORTS: Student progress reports shall be provided at least once every four ad one-half (4 1/2) weeks during the school year. The reporting procedure shall be in writing and shall be uniform for all reporting periods during each school year. Each report shall be signed by the parents and returned promptly to the school. Student progress reports shall indicate the student's conduce, attendance and academic progress and other information necessary to communicate effectively with the parents. SCHOOL FACILITIES: The community has made a financial commitment for the updating and upkeep of school facilities. To ensure that school facilities can serve those for whom they are intended, both this year and in coming years, littering, defacing, or damaging school property is not tolerated. Students will be required to make restitution for damages they cause and shall be subject to the disciplinary consequences in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct. School students are expected to attend the school to which they are assigned by virtue of their residence. Parents may elect to enroll their children in any school in the school system provided the parent provides transportation to and from that respective school and provided that such choice does not cause overcrowding in the chosen school. After a student has enrolled in one (1) school within the system, he/she will be permitted to transfer only if given permission by the Director of Schools and principal of the receiving school. Parents who are dissatisfied with the assignment of their children may, within ten (10) days after the assignment, make application to the Board for a hearing requesting a transfer to another school. Transfer student will meet the same enrollment requirements as new students. Classes: Students are assigned randomly to classes taking into consideration an educationally balanced grouping approved by the principal. Students who enter the system from another school system will be placed by the principal in the grade and/or level as indicated by records from the former school. If the student's placement is inappropriate in the grade or level assigned, he/she may be reassigned by the principal to another grade level. Parents shall be kept advised. School Resource Officer: A full-time trained policeman/resource officer is on campus during the school day. School Supplies: Parents are responsible for supplying a 3 ring canvas or vinyl (2 inch) notebook, white lined paper, several No. 2 pencils, and subject dividers with pockets. Student supplies should be replenished regularly. It is recommended that students also purchase a zippered pencil bag, and a ruler. Special needs supplies may be required for certain subjects. (See the counselor if there is a financial need). BY SCHOOL PERSONNEL: Any principal, or his/her designee, having reasonable suspicion may search any student, place or thing on school property or in the actual or constructive possession of any student during any organized school activity off campus, including buses, vehicles of students or visitors (Notice shall be posted in the school parking lot that vehicles parked on school property by students or visitors are subject to search for drugs, drug paraphenaelia or dangerous weapons), and containers or packages if he/she receives information which would cause a reasonable belief that the search will lead to the discovery of: 1. Evidence of any violation of the law; 2. Evidence of any violation of school rules or regulations or proper standards of student or faculty conduct; 3. Any object or substance which, because of its presence, presents an immediate danger of harm or illness to any person. All lockers or other storage areas provided for student use on school premises remain the property of the school system and are provided for the use of students subject to inspection, access for maintenance and search. A student may be subject to physical search or a student's pocket, purse or other container may be required to be emptied because of the results of a locker search, or because of information received from a teacher, staff member or another student if such action is reasonable to the principal. School officials may conduct hand-held or walk through metal detector checks of a student's person or personal effects. USE OF ANIMALS: When necessary, dogs or other animals trained to detect drugs or dangerous weapons may be used in conducting searches. SEARCHES BY POLICE: If public health or safety is involved, upon request of the principal who shll be present, police officers may make a general search of students' lockers and desks, or students' or nonstudents' automobiles for drugs, weapons or items of an illegal or prohibited nature. SPECIAL EDUCATION: The plan for implementation of appropriate instruction and special education services shall be in accordance with the current Rules, Regulations, and Minimum Standards of the State Board of Education and federal law. The student's parent(s) or the eligible student has a right to: 1. Inspect and review the student's education records; 2. Seek correction of items in the record which are beieved to be inaccurate, misleading or in violation of the student's rights, incuding the right to a hearing upon request; 3. File a complaint with the appropriate state or federal officials when the school system violates laws and regulations relative to student records; 4. Obtain a copy of this policy and a copy of such educational records; 5. Exercise control over other people's access to the records, except when prior written consent is given, or under circumstances as provided by law or regulations, or where the school system has designated certain information as "Directory Information." Parent(s) of students or eligible students have two weeks after notification to advise the school system in writing of items they designate not to be used as Directory Information. The records' custodian will mark the appropriate student records for which Directory Information is to be limited, and this designation will remain in effect until it is modified by the written direction of the student's parent(s) or the elibible student. SURVEYS: Surveys conducted for agencies, organizations or individuals must have the recommendation of the Director of Schools and the approval of the Board as to content and purpose. Parents shall have the right to inspect all instructional material that will be used for a survey, analysis or evaluation as part of a fderal program. Parent consent to participate is required. SUSPENSION/EXPULSION: See Disciplinary Procedures TESTING PROGRAMS: The Board shall provide for a system wide testing program which shall be periodically reviewed and evaluated. Other tests may be given as requested by students, teachers or parents when approved by the principal. Any test directly concerned with measuring student ability or achievement through individual or group psychological or sociometric tests shall not be administered by or with the knowledge of any employee of the system without first obtaining written consent of the parents or guardians. TOBACCO: It is illegal for anyone under 18 to purchase tobacco products. Use and/or possession of tobacco on school property is prohibited. Abuse of this rule will result in disciplinary action as provided in the Disciplinary Code. VIDEOTAPING OF STUDENTS:Video/audion equipment may be used to monitor student behavior on campus. The administration may review the tapes routinely and document student misconduct. Discipline will be in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct. VISITORS: Except on occasions such as school programs, athletic events, open house, etc. all visitors will report to the office, log in, and be issued a visitor's pass. Access to the building may be controlled by the principal or designee. Any adult wishing to visit classes must make an appointment through the main office and sign in upon arrival to receive a visitor's pass. WITHDRAWALS: Students shall notify their teacher(s) and/or principal when it is known that they will be withdrawing from school. A withdrawal form must be filled out and signed before leaving. Records can be held until all fines are paid and books returned to the office. ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY (SCHOOL BOARD POLICY): WEAPONS & DANGEROUS INSTUMENTS: Students shall not possess, handle, transmit, use or attempt to use any dangerous weapon in school buildings or on school gournds at any time, or in school vehicles and/or buses or off the school grounds at a school-sponsored activity, funciton or event. Dangerous weapons for the purposes of this policy shall include, but are not limited ti". . .any firearm, explosive, explosive weapon, bowie knife, hawk billknife, ice pick, dagger, slingshot, switchblade knife, blackjack, knuckles. . ." Violators o this section shall be subject to suspension and/or expulsion from school. Firearms (a defined in 18 U.S.C. 921) in accordance with state law, any student who brings or possesses a firearm on school property shall be expelled for a period of not less than one (1) calendar year. The Director of Schools shall have the authority to modify this expulsion requirement on a case-by-case basis. DRUGS: In accordance with state law, any student who unlawfully possesses any drug including any controlled substance or legend drug shall be expelled for a period of not less than one (1) calendar yar. The Director of Schools shall have the authority to modify this expulsion requirement on a case-by-case basis. BATTERY:In accordance with state law, any student who commits battery upon any teacher, principal administrator, any other employee of the school or school resource officer shall be expelled for a period of not less than one (1) calendar year. The Director of Schools shall have the authority to modify this expulsion requirement on a case-by-case basis. |