Student Handbook

COMANCHE COUNTY USD 300

MIDDLE SCHOOL

AND

HIGH SCHOOL

PARENT – STUDENT HANDBOOK

2008 – 2009

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Letter from the Principal…………………………………………....................................................................1

Table of Contents……………………………………………………………………………………………2-3

SECTION I: GENERAL INFORMATION

Introduction....................................................................................................................................................................... 4

TDD Users......................................................................................................................................................................... 4

School Safety Hotline...................................................................................................................................................... 4

Non-Discrimination Statement........................................................................................................................................ 4

Enrollment...................................................................................................................................................................... 5

School Fees.................................................................................................................................................................... 5

Textbook Rental............................................................................................................................................................. 5

Sickness and Communicable Diseases............................................................................... ....................................... 5-6

Student Insurance........................................................................................................................................................... 6

Channel of Communication.......................................................................................................................................... 6-7

Complaint Policy............................................................................................................................................................. 7

NCLB, Title Programs, Parent Involvement.................................................................................................................. 7

Occupational and Educational Information............................................................................................................. 7-11

Special Education Services........................................................................................................................................... 12

Library Media Center................................................................................................................................................... 12

Classes......................................................................................................................................................................... 13

Class Parent Responsibilities........................................................................................................................................ 13

Fund Raising................................................................................................................................................................. 14

Classification of Students........................................................................................................................................ 14-15

Graduation Requirements and Academic Load.......................................................................................................... 15

Minimum Requirements for Graduation................................................................................................................. 15-16

Minimum Graduation Requirements – Qualified Admissions........................................................................................ 16

Kansas Scholar’s Curriculum.................................................................................................................................. 16-17

NCAA Initial-Eligibility Requirements........................................................................................................................ 17

Additional Graduation Considerations....................................................................................................................... 17

Grade Cards – Grading Scale....................................................................................................................................... 17

Semester Tests............................................................................................................................................................. 17

Honor Roll.................................................................................................................................................................... 18

Valedictorian and Salutatorian...................................................................................................................................... 18

Graduation Attire.......................................................................................................................................................... 18

Visitors......................................................................................................................................................................... 18

Telephone............................................................................................................................................................... 18-19

Medication................................................................................................................................................................. 19

Deliveries..................................................................................................................................................................... 19

Transportation, Trips and Travel............................................................................................................................ 19-20

Bus Riding Rules......................................................................................................................................................... 20

Section II: Student Responsibility

Staff Authority............................................................................................................................................................. 21

Student Responsibility.................................................................................................................................................. 21

Personal Appearance................................................................................................................................................... 21

Cell Phones, Pagers, Laser Pointers, and Electronic Devices........................................................................................ 22

Lockers....................................................................................................................................................................... 22

Care of School Property.............................................................................................................................................. 22

Musical Instruments owned by the School................................................................................................................... 22

Announcements........................................................................................................................................................... 22

Teacher Aides.............................................................................................................................................................. 22

Work Release Participants............................................................................................................................................ 23

Student Volunteers....................................................................................................................................................... 23

Section III: School Day Procedures

School Day Procedure................................................................................................................................................. 24

Closing of Schools....................................................................................................................................................... 24

Emergency Drills......................................................................................................................................................... 24

Attendance.................................................................................................................................................................. 25

Absence Procedure..................................................................................................................................................... 26

Excused Absences....................................................................................................................................................... 26

Unexcused Absences................................................................................................................................................... 26

Tardies........................................................................................................................................................................ 26

Student Planners.......................................................................................................................................................... 27

Student Lunch Policy................................................................................................................................................... 27

Section IV: Discipline

Discipline.................................................................................................................................................................... 28

Hazing/Harassment/Intimidation/Bullying/Menacing...................................................................................................... 29

Consequences....................................................................................................................................................... 29-30

Drug Free Schools – Drug, Alcohol, and Tobacco Policy............................................................................................ 31

Mood-Altering Chemicals Policy: Students not in School Activities.............................................................................. 31

Section V: Activities

Activities...................................................................................................................................................................... 32

Eligibility Requirements................................................................................................................................................. 32

Physicals..................................................................................................................................................................... 32

Mood-Altering Chemicals Policy: Students involved in Activities............................................................................ 32-33

Students Not in Good Standing................................................................................................................................... 33

Student Social Events.................................................................................................................................................. 33

High School Homecoming ........................................................................................................................................... 34

Dance Rules................................................................................................................................................................ 35

Sportsmanship............................................................................................................................................................. 35

KSHSAA Rule 52...................................................................................................................................................... 35

Section VI: Acceptable Technology Use Policy

Definition of Technology and the Internet..................................................................................................................... 36

Overview and Purpose............................................................................................................................................... 36

Guidelines................................................................................................................................................................... 36

Acceptable Use...................................................................................................................................................... 36-38

State and Local Policies............................................................................................................................................... 38

Security...................................................................................................................................................................... 38

Privileges.................................................................................................................................................................... 39

Vandalism-Harassment................................................................................................................................................ 39

Penalties...................................................................................................................................................................... 39

Parent-Student Agreement to Keep in Handbook........................................................................................................ 40

Parent-Student Agreement to Sign and Return to Office.............................................................................................. 41

Section I

General Information

INTRODUCTION

The following pages contain general information that will aid you as a student in preparing and planning for this school year. While it does not contain all of the detailed directions, it should serve as a general guide. Additional regulations and guidelines are set forth in the Board of Education Policy Book. A copy is available in the office of the Superintendent and Principal. These additional policies will be explained in detail to individual students when and if they are applicable. All parents and students need to fully understand the information contained in this handbook.

TDD USERS

Persons with hearing or speech impairments who use TDD devices may communicate with Unified School District 300 by dialing the Kansas Relay Center at 1-800-766-3777.

SCHOOL SAFETY HOTLINE

The Kansas Highway Patrol has installed a statewide Kansas School Safety Hotline. It will be available 24 hours a day 365 days a year to report impending school violence to the Kansas Highway Patrol. Information received on this hotline will immediately be shared with local law enforcement and school officials. Help keep your school safe. Report any information that might threaten the safety of schools or students. CALL 1-877-626-8203.

NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT

In compliance with the Executive Order 11246; Title II of the Education Amendments of 1976; Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; as amended by the Equal Employment Opportunity Act of 1972, Title IX Regulation Implementing Education Amendment of 1972; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; and all other Federal, State, School rules, laws, regulations, and policies, USD 300, shall not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, national origin, or handicap in the educational programs or activities which it operates.

It is the intent of USD 300 to comply with both the letter and the spirit of the law in making certain that discrimination does not exist in its policies, regulations and operations. Grievance procedures for Title IX and Section 504 have been established for students, their parents, and employees who feel discrimination has been shown by the School/District/Agency.

Specific complaints of all alleged discrimination under Title IX (sex) and Section 504 (handicap) should be referred to:

Michael Baldwin, Superintendent of Schools

Section 504/Title IX Coordinator

Unified School District 300

P.O. Box 721

Coldwater , Kansas 67029

(620) 582-2181

ENROLLMENT

A letter is sent to all parents regarding enrollment, fees, supplies, etc. during the summer. Enrollment information is also published in the local paper. Enrollment for all students is done in late July and/or early August at the appropriate school office.

Any child enrolled in Kansas Schools must have the immunizations required by state law. The certification of these immunizations must be presented upon enrollment. It is the parent’s responsibility to obtain the required immunizations and present a certificate of immunizations to the school. If you have a question about the required immunizations, please contact your doctor, Comanche County Health Department, or the school office. Children who do not have the proper immunizations may be excluded from school until the immunizations are brought up to date.

The textbook rental fee includes charges for workbook and workbook type consumable instructional materials and varies according to grade level. Students may be responsible for additional class supplies such as disks for technology-based classes or activities. The textbook rental fee is to be paid at the time of enrollment unless otherwise arranged with the building principal.

SCHOOL FEES

School fees are determined annually by the Board of Education and are available at enrollment time. Enrollment fees include textbook rental and consumables. Students and parents may also purchases lunch tickets at enrollment.

TEXTBOOK RENTAL

Kindergarten and Typical Peers in Pre-School $30.00

Grades 1-8 $40.00

Grades 9-12 $35.00

Students will be expected to pay for lost or badly damaged textbooks based on replacement costs.

SICKNESS AND COMMUNICABLE DISEASES

A child running a fever should not be sent to school. Children who have a fever will be sent home.

A child suffering from nausea (sick-at-the-stomach) should not be sent to school. A child who vomits at school will be sent home.

When a student becomes ill during the day, he/she will remain at school until satisfactory arrangements have been made with the parents.

HS: A student is NOT to be in the sick room without prior approval from the office.

If your child has a health condition that can be spread to other students, special precautions may need to be taken, such as excluding your child from school. This would include such conditions as impetigo, measles, head lice, pink-eye, ring-worm, etc. The school will base decisions on how to handle these conditions on regulations from the Kansas State Department of Health, Comanche County Health Department, and the child’s doctor.

Hepatitis B and Varicella will be required for school entry for Kindergarten students for the school year 2004-2005. K.A.R. 28-1-20 . Immunizations required for school entry. Except as provided in K.S.A. 75-5209(b) and amendments thereto, each child or adolescent shall be required to receive the following vaccinations before enrolling in any Kansas School :

diphtheria;

hepatitis B;

measles (rubeola);

mumps;

pertussis (whooping cough);

poliomyelitis;

(German measles); and

tetanus; and

varicella (rubella chickenpox), unless proof of prior varicella disease is provided. This proof shall be verified by one of the following:

~The signed statement of a physician indicating the child’s or adolescent’s date of this illness;

~The signed statement of a parent indicating the child’s or adolescent’s date of this illness;

~Laboratory evidence of varicella immunity.

The immunization record of each pupil shall document that the pupil has received the vaccinations specified in subsection (a) from a licensed physician or local health department in accordance with the “Recommended Childhood and Adolescent Immunization Schedule-United States , 2003,” approved by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and hereby adopted by reference.

The office will maintain a list of students with incomplete immunizations, including those with medical or religious exemptions. These students need to be readily identified for exclusion from school in the event of an outbreak or a suspected vaccine-preventable disease.

STUDENT INSURANCE

The school district provides student insurance coverage at two levels, secondary to the family’s primary coverage.

LEVEL I

All enrolled students of USD 300 are covered as a secondary coverage for all school sponsored activities.

LEVEL II

All students and/or athletes participating in Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA) sponsored activities or athletics have major catastrophic coverage.

If your student is involved in an accident or is injured, it is very important that the school office knows the details involved. We will make sure the appropriate paperwork is completed and the accident or injury date and details are documented.

Please remember the school insurance is secondary to the family insurance. Parents have the option to purchase additional health coverage if they desire.

If you have questions about the school insurance coverage, please contact either Mr. Jellison or Mr. Baldwin at the school.

CHANNEL OF COMMUNICATION

Communication between the school, the home, and the community is essential for the smooth functioning of an educational institution. South Central Schools will utilize a variety of methods to inform the students, parents/guardians, and communities of school activities and recent accomplishments. The school system will make an earnest effort to use local and daily newspaper articles; radio and television announcements; school bulletins, letters, memos, flyers, and posters; and telephone calls to keep our school families and public informed. Likewise, parents/guardians need to contact the school regarding changes in their students’ attendance, educational program, and/or extracurricular activities.

For a school district to maintain a proper school climate for students and employees, patrons must follow some simple rules involving lines of communication:

*If a problem develops this year and involves a particular teacher, please contact the teacher. Teachers are willing to discuss any problem involving your student. A special conference will be set up if necessary.

*If the problem still exists after visiting with the teacher, a conference with the principal should be arranged. The teacher may or may not be included in this conference.

*Should the problem continue to exist after visiting with the principal, the parent may take the problem to the superintendent. A conference with the superintendent may or may not include the teacher and building principal.

*If the problem still exists after following this procedure, the patron may ask to be placed on the agenda at the next regularly scheduled board of education meeting. No action may be taken on an item unless it is placed on the agenda.

*Board members have been asked to refer comments made by patrons concerning students, employees, parents, district policy, etc. to the proper administrator.

*This line of communication is a must. Please follow the above procedure and the school year will go much smoother for all.

Toll free numbers: High School 877-572-7717

Elementary/Middle School 877-572-7727

COMPLAINT POLICY

USD 300 Board of Education Policy Handbook provides a means of filing a formal complaint. It reads: In order to provide an opportunity for the expression of legitimate concerns of students with respect to the application of any school rule or regulation, the board will consider complaints and grievances through the procedures established therefore in the board’s rules and regulations implementing this policy.

NCLB, TITLE PROGRAMS, PARENT INVOLVEMENT

The federal education program, No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (NCLB) mandates that all school districts that receive Title funds, must have developed a parental involvement program including the implementation and use of parent-school compacts and annual notification of “Parents’ Right to Know.”

OCCUPATIONAL AND EDUCATIONAL INFORMATION

Each student may receive through the library or guidance counselor’s office, information on colleges, trade and technical schools, available scholarships, loan programs, and occupations. A senior timeline will be distributed to the seniors and their parents. A financial aid meeting will be held annually.

ANNUAL NOTICE TO PARENTS AND STUDENTS OF RIGHTS UNDER THE FAMILY EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS AND PRIVACY ACT (FERPA)

Under the provisions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), parents of students and eligible students (those who are 18 or older) are afforded various rights with regard to educational records that are kept and maintained by Unified School District No. 300. In accordance with FERPA, you are required to be notified of those rights which include:

1. The right to review and inspect all of your educational records, except those which are specifically exempt. Records will be available for your review within 45 days of the day the district receives your request for access.

2. The right to prevent disclosure of personally identifiable information contained in your educational records to other persons, with certain limited exceptions. Disclosure of information from your educational records to others persons will occur only if:

a. we have your prior written consent for disclosure;

b. the information is considered “directory information” and you have not objected to the

release of such information; or

c. disclosure without your prior consent is permitted by law.

§ The district may disclose, without your consent, personally identifiable information to school officials with a legitimate educational interest. A school official is a person employed by the school as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff member (including health or medical staff and law enforcement unit personnel); the school board (in executive session); a person or company with whom the school has contracted to perform a special task (such as an attorney, auditor, medical consultant, or therapist); or a parent or student serving on an official committee such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility or duties.

§ The district will disclose a student’s education records to officials of another school district in

which the student seeks or intends to enroll without your consent and without further notice that

the records have been requested or forwarded.

3. The right to request that your educational records be amended if you believe the records are misleading, inaccurate, or otherwise in violation of your rights. This right includes the right to request a hearing at which you may present evidence to show why the record should be changed if your request for an amendment to your records is denied in the first instance.

4. The right to file a complaint with the Family Policy and Regulations Office at the U.S. Department of Education if you believe that Unified School District No. 300 has failed to comply with FERPA’s requirements. The address of this office is:

Family Policy Compliance Office

U.S. Department of Education

400 Maryland Avenue, SW Room 4074

Washington , DC 20202-4605

5. The right to obtain a copy of Unified School District No. 300 policies for complying with FERPA. A copy may be obtained from:

Superintendent of South Central Schools USD 300

600 N. Leavenworth

Coldwater , KS 67029

Directory Information: For purposes of FERPA, Unified School District No. 300 has designated certain information contained in educational records as directory information. This information may be disclosed for any purpose without your consent. This information can be disclosed without consent because it is the type of information that would not generally be considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if disclosed. The following information is considered directory information; name, address, telephone number, electronic mail address, date and place of birth, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, degrees, honors and awards received, the most recent previous school attended by the student, class designation or grade level, enrollment status (e.g., undergraduate or graduate, full-time or part-time), major field of study and photographs.

You have a right to refuse to permit the designation of any or all of the above information as directory information. If you refuse, you must file written notification to this effect with Unified School District No. 300 at Superintendent of Schools 600 North Leavenworth, Coldwater , Kansas 67029 no later than 20 school days after named student has enrolled in South Central Schools for the current school year. If a refusal is not filed, Unified School District No. 300 assumes you have no objection to the release of the directory information designated.

Recruiting Information: Military recruiters and institutions for higher education are entitled under federal law to a list of names, addresses, and telephone numbers of high school students unless you object to the release of this information. If you notify your principal in writing at any time that you do not wish your child’s name, address, and telephone number released without your written consent, we will honor that request.

NOTIFICATION OF RIGHTS UNDER THE PROTECTION OF PUPIL RIGHTS AMENDMENT (PPRA)

PPRA affords parents certain rights regarding Comanche County USD 300 conduct of surveys, collection and use of information for marketing purposes, and certain physical exams. These include the right to:

· Consent before students are required to submit to a survey that concerns one or more of the following protected areas (“protected information survey”) if the survey is funded in whole or in part by a program of the U.S. Department of Education (ED)—

1. Political affiliations or beliefs of the student or student’s parent;

2. Mental or psychological problems of the student or student’s family;

3. Sex behavior or attitudes;

4. Illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating, or demeaning behavior;

5. Critical appraisals of others with whom respondents have close family relationships:

6. Legally recognized privileged relationships, such as with lawyers, doctors, or ministers;

7. Religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the student or parents; or

8. Income, other than as required by law to determine program eligibility.

· Receive notice and an opportunity to opt a student out of—

1. Any other protected information survey, regardless of funding;

2. Any non-emergency, invasive physical exam or screening required as a condition of attendance,

administered by the school or its agent, and not necessary to protect the immediate health and

safety of a student, except for hearing, vision, or scoliosis screenings or any physical exam or

screening permitted or required under State law; and

3. Activities involving collection, disclosure, or use of personal information obtained from students

for marketing or to sell or other wise distribute the information to others.

· Inspect, upon request and before administration or use—

1. Protected information surveys of students;

2. Instruments used to collect personal information from students for any of the above marketing,

sales, or other distribution purposes; and

3. Instructional material used as part of the educational curriculum.

These rights transfer from the parents to a student who is 18 years old or an emancipated minor under State law.

Comanche County USD 300 has developed and adopted policies, in consultation with parents, regarding these rights, as well as arrangements to protect student privacy in the administration of protected information surveys and the collection, disclosure, or use of personal information for marketing, sales, or other distribution purposes. Comanche County USD 300 will directly notify parents of these policies at least annually at the start of each school year and after any substantive changes. Comanche County USD 300 will also directly notify, such as through U.S. Mail or email, parents of students who are scheduled to participate in the specific activities or surveys noted below and will provide an opportunity for the parent to opt his or her child out of participation of the specific activity or survey. Comanche County USD 300 will make this notification to parents at the beginning of the school year if the District has identified the specific or approximate dates of the activities or surveys at that time. For surveys and activities scheduled after the school year starts, parents will be provided reasonable notification of the planned activities and surveys listed below and are provided an opportunity to opt their child out of such activities and surveys. Parents will also be provided an opportunity to review any pertinent surveys. Following is a list of the specific activities and surveys covered under this requirement:

· Collection, disclosure, or use of personal information for marketing, sales or other distribution.

· Administration of any protected information survey not funded in whole or in part by ED.

· Any non-emergency, invasive physical examination or screening as described above.

Parents who believe their rights have been violated may file a complaint with:

Family Policy Compliance Office

U.S. Department of Education

400 Maryland Avenue, SW

Washington , DC 20202-5901

PPRA NOTICE AND CONSENT/OPT-OUT SPECIFIC ACTIVITIES

The Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA), 20 U.S.C. § 1232h, requires Comanche County USD 300 to notify you and obtain consent or allow you to opt your child out of participating in certain school activities. These activities include a student survey, analysis, or evaluation that concerns one or more of the following eight areas (“protected information surveys”):

1. Political affiliations or beliefs of the student or student’s parent;

2. Mental or psychological problems of the student or student’s family;

3. Sex behavior or attitudes;

4. Illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating, or demeaning behavior;

5. Critical appraisals of others with whom respondents have close family relationships;

6. Legally recognized privileged relationships, such as with lawyers, doctors, or ministers;

7. Religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the student or parents; or

8. Income, other than as required by law to determine program eligibility

This requirement also applies to the collection, disclosure or use of student information for marketing purposes (“marketing surveys”), and certain physical exams and screenings.

Comanche County USD 300 will provide parents, within a reasonable period of time prior to the administration of any surveys or activities that meet the above definitions, notification of the surveys and activities and will provide an opportunity to opt their child out, as well as an opportunity to review the surveys. (Please note that this notice and consent/opt-out transfers from parents to any student who is 18 years old or an emancipated minor under State law.)

If you wish to review any survey instrument or instructional material used in connection with any protected information or marketing survey, please submit a request to

Superintendent of Schools

Comanche County USD 300

600 N. Leavenworth

Coldwater , KS 67029

The superintendent will notify you of the time and place where you may review these materials. You have the right to review a survey and/or instructional materials before the survey is administered to a student.

NOTIFICATION OF SECTION 504/ADA/TITLE IX GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE

It is the policy of USD 300 not to discriminate on the basis of disability in employment, educational programs, or activities as required by Section 504 of Title V of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and on the basis of sex as required by Title IX of the 1972 Education Amendments. As a student of USD 300, you are protected against discrimination in the following areas:

1. Admission

2. Access to enrollment

3. Access to and use of school facilities

4. Counseling and guidance

5. Vocational education

6. Physical education

7. Competitive athletics

8. Student rules, regulations, and benefits

9. Health services

10. School-sponsored extra-curricular activities.

If you believe you have been discriminated against on the basis of disability or gender, you may make a claim that your rights have been denied. This claim or grievance may be filed with the principal of your school who is the ADA , 504 and Title IX coordinator of your school.

You will be asked to write down the actions, policies, or practices, which you believe are discriminatory. You may obtain help from the ADA/504/Title IX coordinator, who is the principal of your school, or anyone you believe is knowledgeable. Once you have filed your grievance, you will be asked to meet with those persons who would be involved in correcting the policies, practices, or programs that you believe are discriminatory. If there is agreement that you were discriminated against, corrective action will be taken to restore your rights. If there is not agreement, you may appeal the grievance to a person with higher authority.

You may also file a complaint of illegal discrimination with the Office for Civil Rights of the Department of Education, Washington D.C., at the same time you file the grievance, during or after use of the grievance process, or without using the grievance process at all. If you file your complaint with the Office for Civil Rights, you must file it in writing no later than 180 days after the occurrence of the possible discrimination.

In preparing your grievance, you should give thought to the following:

1. The exact nature of the grievance - how you think you have been discriminated against and any persons you believe may be responsible,

2. The date, time and place of the grievance,

3. The names of witnesses or persons, who have knowledge about the grievance,

4. Any available written documentation or evidence that is relevant to the grievance, and

5. The actions that could be taken to correct the grievance.

If you wish to discuss your rights under the ADA/Section 504/Title IX, to obtain a copy of the full ADA/504/Title IX grievance procedures, or to obtain help in filing a grievance, contact the ADA/504/Title IX coordinator, or your designated ADA/504/Title IX grievance representative.

Superintendent of Schools, 600 N. Leavenworth ; Coldwater , KS 67029 , Telephone: (620) 582-2181

SPECIAL SERVICES

USD 300 is member of the South Central Kansas Special Education Cooperative. Services to students with special education needs are available through the cooperative.

SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES

Recent state and federal court decisions and legislation have specified that all exceptional children have a right to a free appropriate public education based on their needs. This means that USD 300 will attempt to identify exceptional children in the elementary, middle, and secondary buildings, and then provide the needed special education for these students in the least restrictive environment. Exceptional children are defined as mentally handicapped, specific learning disabled, gifted, hearing impaired, language or speech impaired, personally and socially maladjusted, deaf, blind, and/or visually impaired. Special education services for these students are available through USD 300 in cooperation with the South Central Kansas Special Education Cooperative (SCKSEC). Office address: P.O. Box K, Pratt , KS 67124 , 620-672-7500. Specific steps in identifying and providing special education services are followed. All parent and student due process rights and confidentiality will be provided.

The stated goals of an appropriate educational program for all exceptional students are a reflection of the philosophy of USD 300 to provide quality educational services for all children. For more specific information concerning the special education programs, contact the building Principal or Superintendent of Schools. The State Department of Education also maintains a toll-free number (800-332-6262) which may be called for additional information or resource materials on special education services, rights, and procedures.

LIBRARY MEDIA CENTER

MS: CHECK-OUT POLICY

Overdue books must be returned by the end of the nine weeks period or checkout privileges will be suspended until materials are returned or paid for if lost. Parents will be notified if students have overdue library books at the end of the nine weeks. If a lost item is found and returned before a replacement copy has been purchased, the assessed cost for the item will be refunded.

HS: CHECK-OUT POLICY

ITEM CHECK-OUT POLICY FINE RENEWABLE

Books 2 weeks .05/school day 2 weeks

Magazines

Current 1 day .10/school day 1 day

Back 1 week .05/school day 1 week

Reference Materials 1 week .05/school day 1 week

FINES

Fines will not be charged for materials due during an excused absence, if students return materials the first day upon returning to school. All fines should be paid when library materials are returned to the library or by the end of each nine-week grading period. At the end of the nine weeks period, if fines are not paid, a notice will be included with grade cards, notifying parents and students that checkout privileges are suspended until fines are paid and/or all material returned. Students with unpaid fines or unreturned library materials will be allowed to use the media center materials in the library.

REPLACEMENT COSTS

Students will be expected to pay for lost or badly damaged items based on replacement costs. If a lost item is found and returned later, the assessed cost will be returned to the user if a replacement copy has not already been purchased. High School students are also responsible for daily fines incurred to the date the lost book is paid for if a replacement copy has not already been purchased. Unless the current replacement cost exceeds the standard replacement fee, replacement costs will be as follows:

Fiction hardbound books $20.00

Nonfiction hardbound books $25.00

Paperbacks $10.00

Magazines $10.00

Current magazines with protective cover $15.00

Reference Books Based on replacement cost

CLASSES

CLASS/ORGANIZATION MEETINGS

HS: Class and organization meetings will take place during the scheduled lunch period.

MS: Organizational meetings will take place at various times during the school day.

GENERAL ORGANIZATION ITEMS

The Principal must approve all fund raising activities of a class.

Parents will be in charge of the organization and operation of all fund-raising projects and activities.

Class parents will be selected no later than the beginning of school.

Elected class parents will approve purchases and make requisitions for payment of purchases.

All fund-raising money will be turned in to the office for deposit in the class account.

Students are expected to actively participate in all class activities.

CLASS PARENT RESPONSIBILITIES

FRESHMAN PARENTS: (Assume duties at beginning of Freshman year)

· Organize and help students with class activities. (Concession stand, magazine sales, floats, etc.)

· Two fund raising activities, outlined on the next page, may be held during the school year.

· Be present at class meetings during or after school.

· Assist with supervision at all class activities.

SOPHOMORE PARENTS: (Assume duties at beginning of Sophomore year)

· Organize and help students with class activities. (Concession stand, magazine sales, floats, etc.)

· Two fund raising activities, outlined on the next page, may be held during the school year.

· Be present at class meetings during or after school.

· Will work with the junior class parents and class sponsor to help organize and supervise the after prom activities.

· Assist with supervision at all class activities.

JUNIOR PARENTS: (Assume duties at beginning of Junior year)

· Organize and help students with class activities. (floats, etc.)

· Be present at class meetings during or after school.

· Assist students in assigning parent committees to be in charge of various projects and activities (Prom, etc.).

· Assist with supervision at all class activities.

SENIOR PARENTS: (Assume duties at beginning of Senior year)

· Organize and help students with class activities (floats, graduation, etc.).

· Be present at class meetings during or after school.

· Assist students in assigning parent committees to be in charge of various projects and activities.

· Assist with supervision at all class activities.

FUND RAISING

HS:

Fundraising activities fall into two categories: Class Fund Raising and Activity Group Fund Raising. Each class may also have a bake sale. All special fund raising projects by students are subject to the approval of the principal.

Class Fund Raising is to pay for Prom, After Prom, and Graduation Expenses.

Concession Stands

Concessions are the primary form of fund raising for prom, after prom, and graduation expenses. Sophomores will have the concessions until they reach their fund raising goal for expenses, as determined by school administration. Student activity groups will have the opportunity after the Sophomores have reached their goal, with the Music Department receiving at most two.

Magazine Sales

Freshmen and Sophomore classes will participate in magazine sales. This money will go towards their class expenses goal.

Activity Fund Raisers

Student Activity groups can participate in concessions stands (on a first come, first served capacity) after the classes have met their goals. All fund raising must be approved by the administration.

MS:

All class fundraising activities are under the supervision of the Leadership program. Monies go into the student educational trip fund account. All special fundraising projects are subject to the approval of the principal. The student educational trip fund account is used to provide educational field trips for the elementary and middle school students. At the end of the year, any unspent monies carry over to the next year’s trip fund.

CLASSIFICATION OF STUDENTS

HS: Students must have a minimum of credits to be classified as follows:

FRESHMEN 0-6 credits

SOPHOMORES 7-13 credits

JUNIORS 14-21 credits

SENIORS 22 or more credits and enrolled in a schedule

of classes that will fulfill all local and state

graduation requirements.

Each student must be enrolled in a minimum of 8 classes per semester. This may include work-study.

NON-TRADITIONAL STUDENTS

MARRIED STUDENTS-Married students shall have access to the same educational opportunities, special services and considerations that are provided other students enrolled in the district. Marital status shall not affect the rights and privileges of students to take part in any extracurricular activity offered by the school. All cases of married students will be handled on an individual basis by the administration of the school concerning procedures.

PREGNANT STUDENTS-A pregnant girl may attend classes and participate in extracurricular activities as long as her health permits. A doctor’s recommendation listing any educational or activity restrictions must be furnished to the school.

HOMEBOUND STUDY REQUIREMENTS

· Student must have a doctor’s note that reflects a condition that would impede the student’s progress in the school setting.

· Student must be willing to meet with a homebound teacher two to three times a week in order to get assignments and ask any questions about those assignments.

· Student must meet requirements including deadlines as set out by the regular classroom teachers.

· Student must be responsible for all materials needed to complete regular assignments.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS AND ACADEMIC LOAD

To be eligible for a diploma from Comanche County USD 300, a student must meet the minimum requirements as set forth by the State of Kansas and any additional requirements established by the Board of Education of USD 300. In addition to meeting these requirements, the student must be in regular attendance in this or another accredited secondary school for four full years while completing grades nine through twelve. This requirement may be wavered depending upon circumstances. A student shall be eligible for graduation from grade twelve upon completion of the required units, as listed below, plus enough electives to fill the total requirements of 26 credits.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR GRADUATION

One (1) unit of PE/Health One (1) unit of Computer Technology

Four (4) units of English/Language Arts Three (3) units of Mathematics

Three (3) units of Social Science (see below) Three (3) units of Science (one must be a lab science)

*1 unit of American History (required by state) One (1) unit of Communications/Reading

*1 unit of American Government (required by state) One (1) unit of Fine Arts (**See

*1 unit of World History (required by state) explanation below)

One half (1/2) unit of Personal Finance (Senior Year)

Plus nine (9) or ten (10) units of Electives depending on how the fine arts requirement is met.

The required curriculum (16-17 credits) plus the elective classes (9-10 credits) must total a minimum of 26 credits to graduate from South Central High School .

**The fine arts requirements may be met by completing one of the following classes in our curriculum: Vocal Music, Instrumental Music, Art, Drama, Forensics, or Debate. Taking a class in Drama, Forensics or Debate will satisfy both the communications/reading and fine arts credit.

NOTE: A required reading and math strategies class has been added to the high school curriculum to assist students who are experiencing difficulty in reading or math at grade level. Students assigned to these classes will include, but are not limited to, the following guidelines: at the academic warning or approaching standards level on the Kansas Reading Assessment or Kansas Mathematics Assessment, or at or below the 25^th percentile on the EXPLORE assessment. Students may also be referred to this class by faculty, parents, counselor, or the student seeking stronger math or reading skills. The focus of this class will be to target the freshman and sophomore classes, but upperclassmen may enroll in this class. Maintaining small numbers in these classes is the district goal so that more individualized attention can be provided. Call the high school counselor or principal for more information or if you have questions.

Transfer students may graduate with less than the 26 credits if the school boards so approves and if the graduation requirements of the school from which the transfer occurred are less than what they are at SCHS, providing all required courses have been satisfactorily completed. In the event that a student fails a class required for graduation, a combined decision of the student, parent/guardian, classroom teacher, counselor, and principal will determine the student's class placement pertaining to the next sequential class (EXAMPLE: permitting a student to enroll in the second course of a sequence, such as Algebra II before passing the first level, Algebra I.)

A senior, who fails to meet the above standards, as set by the Board of Education, due to accident or illness, will be permitted to take part in graduation exercises, but will not receive a signed diploma until work is satisfactorily completed.

A senior, who has failed to meet graduation requirements, by the end of senior finals, will not participate in graduation exercises.

Freshmen must enroll in Freshmen P.E. and not in Weight Training to meet State of Kansas health/physical education requirements. Each year, the student will consult with the counselor to make sure he/she is on track to complete the classes needed for graduation.

MINIMUM GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS BASED ON THE KANSAS REGENTS QUALIFIED ADMISSIONS CURRICULUM

High school graduates must meet one of the following requirements to qualify for admission to any of the six Kansas Regents universities ( Fort Hays State University , Wichita State University , Pittsburg State University , Emporia State University , Kansas State University, and University of Kansas )

Achieve an ACT composite score of 21 or above; or

Rank in the top one-third (1/3^rd) of your high school's graduating class; or

Complete the Qualified Admissions curriculum with at least a 2.0 grade point average

on a 4.0 scale.

Qualified Admissions Curriculum (14 units; 1 unit = 1 year or 2 semesters)

English: 4 units. Although you are encouraged to take courses in journalism, speech, debate, and drama/theatre, these courses cannot fill any part of the English requirement.

Natural Science: 3 units. You must take three units chosen from the following courses with at least one unit of chemistry or physics required: biology, advanced biology, chemistry, physics, and physical/earth/space/general science.

Math: 3 units. Students must take one unit each of: Algebra I, Algebra II, and Geometry. Completion of both Applied Mathematics I and II may be substituted for Algebra I only. You are strongly encouraged to take a mathematics course every year of high school.

Social Sciences: 3 units. You must complete one (1) unit of U.S. History; one-half (1/2) unit of U.S. Government; one-half (1/2) unit of World History, World Geography, or International Relations; and (1) unit selected from the following courses: Psychology, Sociology, Economics, Civics, History, Current Social Issues, Anthropology, and Race and Ethnic Group Relations.

Computer Technology: 1 unit. You are required to have one unit of computer technology.

KANSAS SCHOLARS CURRICULUM: As a Kansas high school graduate, you may be eligible to be considered for one of three state-sponsored scholarship programs.

Minority Scholarship Program

Kansas Teachers Scholarship

State Scholarship Program

Qualified Admissions Curriculum (17 units; 1 unit = 1 year or 2 semesters). To be considered for one of the above scholarships, you must complete all of the required courses listed below.

English: 4 units. The requirements are the same as the Regents Qualified Admissions Curriculum.

Natural Science: 3 units. You must take a minimum of 1 unit of Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. Students are strongly encouraged to take a fourth year of science.

Math: 4 units. The requirements are the same as the Regents Qualified Admissions Curriculum, plus at least one additional advanced mathematics unit selected from: Analytic Geometry, Trigonometry, Advanced Algebra, Probability and Statistics, Functions, or Calculus.

Social Sciences: 3 units. The requirements are the same as the Regents Qualified Admissions Curriculum.

Computer Technology: 1 unit. The requirements are the same as the Regents Qualified Admissions Curriculum

Foreign Language: Students are required to complete two years of one foreign language. Students are required to complete two years of one foreign language unless waived due to limited or no language classes or a conflict in schedule.

NCAA INITIAL-ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: If you are planning to enroll in college as a freshman and you wish to participate in Division I or II intercollegiate athletics, your initial-eligibility status must normally be determined by the NCAA Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse. A complete guideline for applying for certification may be found in the counselor's office. You should apply after your junior year in high school.

ADDITIONAL GRADUATION CONSIDERATIONS: Students planning to attend a private college/university, an out-of-state school, a vocational-technical school, or any other post-secondary training program such as the military should visit with the counselor early in their high school career regarding specific graduation guidelines required by these institutions. Likewise, test requirements such as the ACT, SAT I, SAT II Subject Tests, or the ASVAB may vary from one institution to another.

Graduation checklists and specific information outlining the various courses needed to meet the requirements of the State of Kansas , U.S.D. 300, the Regents Universities , the NCAA Clearinghouse, and other schools and programs may be obtained from the school counselor.

GRADE CARDS – GRADING SCALE

Grade cards showing the students’ grades are issued at the end of each nine weeks for each subject in school. Only semester grades are made a part of a student’s permanent record. Marks earned by the students in a typical class are as follows: A – Superior; B – Above average; C – Average work; D – Below average; F – Failure (No credit); I – Incomplete (Grade delayed – work incomplete) P/F – Pass/Fail. If a student does not complete his or her work by the end of a semester, that student shall be given an incomplete. Students receiving an “I” are responsible for completing required work in the time specified by the teacher. A two-week time frame is usually sufficient to convert an “I” to another grade. The student may elect to meet the delayed deadlines or may refuse to complete the work, or provide reason that the deadline is inappropriate. Work not completed as required will receive zero (0) credit and a grade recorded at the end of the deadline. All teachers will be expected to use the district’s grading scale.

Regular Grade Distribution: Adjusted Grade Distribution as per IEP:

A – 100-90 A – 100-90

B -- 89-80 B -- 89-80

C -- 79-70 C -- 79-64

D -- 69-60 D -- 63-50

F -- 59 and below F -- 49 and below

Grade Point Average

The grade point average shall be computed by dividing the total grade points earned by the number of subjects taken. Points shall be computed on the following basis: A = 4, B = 3, C = 2, D = 1, F = 0, Incomplete = 0. When an incomplete grade is changed, the grade point average shall be recomputed. “Incomplete” is not a passing grade. Plus and minus marks shall be ignored in computing the grade point average. Cumulative grade point averages will be used for computing class rank.

SEMESTER TESTS

HS: All students in grades 9-12 will take semester tests. Semester tests are worth 20% of the student’s final semester grade.

HONOR ROLL

At the end of each nine-week grading period and at the end of each semester, an honor roll will be compiled to give recognition to students doing excellent work in academic areas. The following requirements must be met to qualify for the honor roll:

Superintendent’s Honor Roll 4.0 GPA All A’s

Principal’s Honor Roll 3.60-3.99 GPA No C’s or D’s

Honorable Mention 3.00-3.59 GPA no D’s

The following rules shall apply:

Honor rolls shall be computed and published for grades 6-12 only.

All credit classes receiving a letter grade (except AR) shall carry the same weight for computing the honor roll. Pass/Fail classes will not be figured into the honor roll. AR will be figured as a 1/4^th credit per semester.

All classes will count toward the total grade point average.

An adjusted grading scale may be used with selected students after administrative approval.

VALEDICTORIAN AND SALUTATORIAN

HS: Class rank will be calculated at the end of seven (7) semesters for such purposes as financial aid and college entrance applications. For graduation honors (namely, valedictorian and salutatorian selection), grade points for all eight (8) semesters will be used in calculating class standing.

MS: The top two honor students (unless there is a tie) will be recognized based on grade point average over sixth, seventh, and eighth grade years.

GRADUATION ATTIRE

SENIORS

Seniors will be expected to wear caps, gowns and tassels for graduation. This attire will be in the primary school colors of green, black, and white. Announcements and keys will use the above-mentioned colors or some combination of those colors. Dresses, slacks, shirts with ties, and appropriate footwear are required.

EIGHTH GRADE

Girls will wear appropriate dress (no formal-type dresses or those of a revealing nature should be worn). Boys are to wear a dress shirt, tie, and appropriate pants (suits or sport coats are optional). Appropriate footwear will be required.

VISITORS

Parents of students are welcome to visit the school. All visitors, including parents, are required to check in at the office prior to student contact. Students may not bring to school persons who are not regularly enrolled as students in that building. Insurance investigators or attorneys will not be permitted access to students during school hours without parental consent.

TELEPHONE

Students may use the phone in the school office prior to the warning bell for first hour, during break at the high school, during their lunch period and after school; the only exceptions will be in the case of genuine emergencies, when permission will be granted by the principal or school secretary. Students who receive phone calls at school will be given a written message by the school secretary or other school personnel and allowed to return the call as described above. All long distance calls must have prior approval by office personnel.

Students will not be allowed to make a habit of calling home for such reasons as forgetting things, forgetting to tell their parents something, requesting permission to go home with other students, etc. These arrangements need to be taken care of before the student leaves home in the morning.

MEDICATION

By law, the school cannot dispense medication. The school may cooperate with parents in the supervision of medication that the student needs to use. Both prescription and non-prescription medication is to be checked in at the office. No form of medication is to be stored in student lockers or kept on the person. Parents must provide written instructions to the building administrator requesting the school’s cooperation in supervising and dispensing any prescription or non-prescription medication necessary to the student’s well being. Such instructions will serve as a release of liability for the school district and its personnel. A permission form with a doctor, physician’s assistant, or nurse practitioner’s signature and the parent’s signature must accompany all medications to be given at school. Medication will be dispensed only from the original container. The container must be properly labeled with the student’s name. If specific instructions are necessary to meet the health needs of a student, they must be on file at the school office. A permission form to dispense medication must be completed and on file in the building office. A copy of the form may be picked up in the school office.

DELIVERIES

To minimize class interruption, classroom deliveries and pickups should be done through the office.

TRANSPORTATION, TRIPS AND TRAVEL

Students are eligible to participate in a variety of travel experiences. Specific information about requirements, behavior and restrictions are found below.

TRANSPORTATION-TRAVEL

Bus transportation will be provided to and from school for those students who qualify. Parents should notify the school or driver of any change in the normal bus riding routine. Students to be transported should be on time to meet the bus. Morning buses will wait only two minutes for a student to board the bus. Drivers are instructed not to let students off the bus until they get to school in the morning or until they arrive home in the afternoon. All persons riding a school bus are under the supervision of the driver and are expected to conduct themselves in accordance with instructions given by them. Such conduct as moving about, scuffling, loud talking, waving arms out of window, etc., are threats to the safety of everyone riding the bus. When leaving the bus, students must observe directions of the driver. If crossing the road is necessary, the student must do so in front of the bus after making sure the roadway is clear. If, in the judgment of the driver, a danger to the well being of the student exists, the student will not leave the bus until a parent is contacted.

EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITY TRANSPORTATION

The district will provide transportation for all extra-curricular activities. Participants are prohibited from driving personal automobiles to district-sponsored activities. Students who ride the activity bus are expected to return home the same way. If a student needs alternative transportation, arrangements must be made with the sponsor and approved by the building principal. These arrangements must be in writing and confirmed verbally by the parent. Parents assume all liability and responsibility for the student when alternate transportation is implemented.

BUS DRIVERS DO NOT HAVE THE AUTHORITY TO RELEASE STUDENTS ON ACTIVITY TRIPS AT ANY TIME UNLESS SO INSTRUCTED BY THE ADMINISTRATION.

FIELD TRIPS

A field trip is an instructor initiated, course-related activity taken during the school day. The teacher shall notify the principal of each trip planned and of the resources needed in advance of the trip. The trip will be approved subject to the availability of a vehicle, driver, and available funding. Appropriate forms will be sent to notify parents of pertinent information of forthcoming field trips. The form shall include a space where a parent may ask that his child be excused. The principal reserves the right to review any student’s eligibility as it relates to field trips.

Riding in school transportation (i.e., bus, car, suburban) is a privilege. Inappropriate student behavior may result in the loss of student transportation privileges for the student(s) involved.

BUS RIDING RULES

· Stay seated

· No hitting

· No kicking

· No spitting

· Be quiet, no yelling or loud noises

· Use appropriate language

· Drink and food as allowed by driver

Section II

Student Responsibility

STAFF AUTHORITY

Students shall be under the supervision of appropriate school personnel at all times when they are under the jurisdiction of the school. Every school-sponsored activity held during school hours or after school hours will have the appropriate sponsor(s) in attendance who shall have general supervisory responsibilities over the student group. Any student-initiated meeting under the provisions of the Equal Access Act will have a district employee or agent in attendance. The school does not exercise supervisory authority for students in the normal coming to school and going home unless they are being transported by district owned vehicles. Because of the potential liability imposed on the district, students must have parental permission before being allowed to leave school during the school day.

Teachers who observe students in a potentially dangerous situation should attempt, as they are reasonably able, either to halt or prevent injury to students or property.

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITY

As a student in USD 300, it is your responsibility to:

BE PUNCTUAL. Get to school and class on time.

BE PREPARED. Bring all materials that you will need for your class.

BE COURTEOUS. Show consideration for the other students and the staff.

BE RESPECTFUL. Be respectful of other students, school staff and their property.

BE PROUD. Our school is special and so are you.

BE NEAT AND CLEAN. Dress is a matter of taste. Learn to dress tastefully.

BE YOURSELF. Each of you is important to our school.

PERSONAL APPEARANCE

Basic responsibility for the student’s appearance remains with the student and parents. Any clothing that is revealing, suggestive, or distracts from the learning environment is inappropriate. The Board delegates the building principals and administrators the authority to correct a situation which may be interfering with the learning process. Students identified wearing inappropriate clothing, will be required to change to appropriate dress.

DRESS CODE DOES NOT PERMIT DRESS WHICH:

· implies gang membership or affiliation;

· presents a physical safety hazard to self, students, staff, other employees or property;

· displays vulgarity or implied vulgarity;

· advertises alcohol, drugs, or tobacco;

· harassment of others;

· tube tops, halter-tops, spaghetti straps, muscle shirts, half shirts and shirts cut to the waist on the sides are not allowed unless a full shirt is underneath;

· sunglasses may not be worn except for medical reasons;

· going barefooted or walking in stockings without shoes is not allowed;

· skirts, dresses or other garments should be at least mid thigh in length.

· No head coverings will be worn in the school building except during times when it may be designated to do so.

SCHOOL DRESS CODE WILL APPLY AS MINIMUM STANDARD

OF DRESS FOR ALL SCHOOL FUNCTIONS.

CELL PHONES, PAGERS, LASER POINTERS, AND ELECTRONIC DEVICES

HS:

Cell phones, pagers, electronic devices (such as mp3 players, ipods, Discmans, etc.) and laser pointers must be turned off during the school day. Students may also bring these items to the office before the start of school for safekeeping. If students violate this rule, the item will be confiscated by a staff member and brought to the school office. Discipline procedure will include: 1^st offense the item will be given back to the student at the end of the day with a signature; 2^nd offense the item will be given back only to the parents; and 3^rd offense the item will only returned to the parents in May at the conclusion of school.

MS:

No cell phones will be allowed in the building or on activity trips, without prior approval of the administration.

Upon entering the school building, electronic devices (such as mp3 players, ipods, Discmans, etc.) must be turned off. Students may also bring these items to the office before the start of school for safekeeping. If students violate this rule, the item will be confiscated by a staff member and brought to the school office.

LOCKERS

The lockers are owned by the district and shall be under the supervision of the principal and assigned to students for the storage of school materials and clothing necessary to school attendance. The principal or the designated representative shall have sole custody of the combination or key to all locker locks in a storage place designed to guard against unauthorized access or use. A locker may be searched at any time just cause exists. Such search may be made without notice to the student to whom such locker has been assigned. Prohibited items recovered from a student’s locker shall remain in the custody of the building principal.

CARE OF SCHOOL PROPERTY

Students are responsible for any school-owned equipment and books checked out to them. It is the student’s responsibility to pay for damaged articles.

MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS OWNED BY THE SCHOOL

All school owned instruments must be checked in to the music department before the close of the school year unless other arrangements are made. These instruments will be issued to the students upon recommendation from the music teacher. A rental agreement form and the rental fee of $25.00 need to be turned into the office. A rental agreement form can be obtained from the office. Questions regarding the rental fee need to be addressed to the building principal.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Announcements will be read each morning and put in the bulletin, and will be made during the day as circumstances dictate. Announcements must be submitted in writing to the office signed by the appropriate faculty member.

TEACHER AIDES

HS: Teacher aides will be selected from those students meeting the following requirements:

· Must be a senior in good standing, and approved by administration.

· Aides will be placed where needed.

· Aides must attend an orientation meeting.

· Aides must sign a confidentiality and behavior contract outlining the expectations of this position.

· Aides will receive up to one (1) credit with a grade assigned by the designated supervisor.

· Aides may be required to take a different class if they do not successfully fulfill their contract.

WORK RELEASE PARTICIPANTS

HS: Due to changes in the State requirements for work release programs seniors desiring to participate in the work release program must meet the following guidelines:

· Seniors must be in good standing, and approved by the administration for the work release program.

· Seniors must find their own employment.

· Seniors may not be self-employed, nor employed by their parents.

· Seniors may not work for the district/school office or for any faculty or staff member.

· Seniors must be employed five days a week by the same employer.

· High school credit shall be awarded for work release.

· One hour of classroom instruction to one hour of work experience is allowed. The maximum hours that a senior could work during the school day would be four hours and fifteen minutes Monday through Thursday and three hours on Friday based on the SCHS class schedule.

· Classroom and work attendance records must be maintained during the entire program.

· An orientation will be held and a handbook will be reviewed with both the employer and the senior. In addition, a contract outlining the expectations of the student, employer, and the school must be signed by the student, parents if the student is under 18, the employer, and the school administrator.

· The employer may terminate senior employees and/or the school may cancel the work release agreement if a student does not meet the guidelines of the program.

· Complete work experience guidelines may be reviewed in the high school office.

STUDENT VOLUNTEERS

Students volunteering for community services such as fire and ambulance services must have the required documentation on file with the principal. Those students are not to leave the building unless the agency contacts the principal’s office and requests those students’ services. Pagers and communication devices for these purposes are prohibited.

Section III

School Day Procedures

SCHOOL DAY PROCEDURE

Students are encouraged to not arrive at school prior to 8:00 A.M. unless requested by a staff member. At the middle school, students report to the auditorium. When the second bell rings, students are expected to be seated in their classroom with the necessary materials. Students should not enter a class other than their own without authorization. The school day, with the exception of athletics, ends at 3:45 p.m. at the high school and 3:35 p.m. at the middle school. On Fridays, the school day ends at 2:30 p.m. at the high school and at 2:35 p.m. at the middle school. After school, students should be out of the high school by 4:00 p.m. (Fridays 2:45 p.m. ) and the middle school by 3:50 p.m. (Fridays 2:50 p.m. ) unless they are under the direct supervision of a teacher or coach.

CLOSING OF SCHOOLS:

The schools of USD 300 will not open on those days that school buses cannot travel the assigned routes. Announcements closing school will be made via radio and television. Teachers will be notified by the use of a calling tree. The calling tree sheet will be handed out early in the year. The superintendent of schools determines when schools will be closed due to weather.

The following television stations will carry school-closing information for USD 300:

TV Stations Radio Stations

TV - channel 11, NBC KGNO 95.5 FM Radio, 1370 AM Radio

TV - channel 12, CBS KFDI 1070 AM Radio

TV - channel 13, ABC K 101.1 FM Radio

KWLS 93.1 FM Radio

EMERGENCY DRILLS

Periodically, drills are held to insure appropriate action in the event of an emergency. It is essential that everyone follow the instructions of the teacher. Some general rules to follow are listed:

FIRE

Keep Calm. Do not rush or push, move promptly to the exit, and move to a safe distance from the building. Do not worry about books or personal effects. Students are to remain at a safe distance until instructed to return to the building. Teachers should take a class roster, check roll, and report to the principal or designated person.

TORNADO

Avoid facing open glass by moving to an interior wall. During an alert, students should move promptly to the designated area.

OTHER EMERGENCIES

See USD 300’s Emergency/Evacuation Plan for further information. This plan is on file in each building’s administration office and is available upon request.

ATTENDANCE

The State of Kansas has a compulsory attendance law for all students age 18 and under enrolled in public schools. This law’s main purpose is to insure equal opportunity for all youth to receive instruction in foundational education. If a student is not in school, he or she is considered absent. Also, after five (5) absences in a semester or three (3) consecutive absences other than verified sickness or other school approved absences, a student will be declared truant and his or her name will be give to the Social Rehabilitation Services (SRS) or the Comanche County Attorney’s office as set forth by the law KSA-72-1113.

Students who find it necessary to miss school are expected to have a parent or guardian call the school to explain the reason for the absence. In order to insure the safety of students, the school asks to be notified no later than 8:30 a.m. on the day of the absence. If the school has not been contacted within 24 hours of the students’ return, the absence will be classified as unexcused. The school will make the final determination of an absence being excused or unexcused. Absences and tardies will be kept on a period by period basis for high school and middle school.

If you are absent from school you must be back to school by 12:00 P.M. in order to participate in practices or contests. Those athletes who are not back in school by 12:00 P.M. will be left at school. Exceptions to this rule would be a doctor’s appointment, funeral or other approved absence. Illness on the day of the contest will not be an exception; students too ill to attend school are too ill to compete.

TO ENCOURAGE GOOD SCHOOL ATTENDANCE, THE FOLLOWING PROCEDURE WILL BE IMPLEMENTED:

Due to the recent changes in the State of Kansas Accreditation guidelines, good school attendance takes on an even greater emphasis than in past years. In an effort to meet the guidelines and to provide the best possible educational setting for our students, the following procedure will be followed:

· When a student has a total of ten (10) full days of absences in one semester, excused and/or unexcused, a letter will be sent to the parent/guardian notifying them of the student’s attendance status.

· Should excessive absences continue, a conference may be held to determine the reasons for the student’s excessive absences, to develop a strategy for improving the student’s attendance, and/or to communicate to the student and parent/guardian the importance of good attendance.

OTHER ATTENDANCE GUIDELINES AND INFORMATION:

· The proper checkout procedure is presenting parental permission to leave school to the principal or his representative for approval, signing out, with date and time recorded. Upon returning to school, the student will check in through the office before reporting back to class.

· STUDENTS WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO CHECK OUT OF SCHOOL UNLESS A NOTE OR PHONE CALL IS RECEIVED FROM THE PARENT/GUARDIAN. If a student becomes ill while at school, he or she shall not be allowed to leave until the parent/guardian is contacted.

· Field trips or other school-sponsored activities WILL NOT BE COUNTED as absences for participating students.

· Time spent in In-School Suspension WILL NOT BE COUNTED as an absence.

· Time spent in Out-of-School Suspension WILL BE COUNTED as an absence.

· Students WILL NOT BE EXCUSED during the school day to run personal errands.

· If the school administration deems it necessary for a student to leave school for a personal errand, school transportation will be provided. These will be run over the lunch hour if possible, but if a student must miss class time, it will result in an unexcused absence, with discipline to be zeros for work and a time for time detention with the building administrator.

· When the school has a team participating in an approved activity, students MAY BE EXCUSED to support their classmates. Students who go to support their classmates are expected to follow the approved sign out procedure including sign out sheets and parental permission to attend.

· Preapproved college visits for Juniors and Seniors will not be counted as an absence.

ABSENCE PROCEDURE

Absences will be considered excused or unexcused.

Assignments made prior to the absence are due as required.

· A student who has a planned absence such as a school activity, college visit, or planned doctor appointment must have a planned absence sheet completed. He/she must leave a copy of the planned absence sheet in the office the day before their planned absence. Otherwise, he/she will receive zeroes for any assignments missed that day.

· All assignments are due the day they return.

· If a student leaves school during the school day due to illness or an unplanned absence, he/she must have a planned absence sheet signed by their teachers and a copy placed in the office before he/she may check-out of the building.

· All absences due to illness will be given two school days for every day missed.

· Work not completed as required becomes a zero.

· It is the student’s responsibility to make arrangements with the teacher regarding make-up work.

Example 1: If a student is ill on Monday, he/she has two days to make up work and it is due first thing Thursday.

Example 2: If a student is ill on Monday, his/her work is due Thursday. If, however, he/she is absent on Thursday, Monday’s work is due when he/she returns.

EXCUSED ABSENCES

May include but are not limited to:

· Illness.

· Helping at home due to illness or special circumstances.

· Death in the family.

· Circumstances such as medical appointments, marriages, family trips, or other conditions can be excused.

· Prior notification is given to the school office.

UNEXCUSED ABSENCES

Unexcused absences may include but are not limited to:

· Truancy: Skipping school or classes without parents’ knowledge.

· Those students without a parental call, a parental note, or those with reasons that are unacceptable and do not follow proper absence procedures, will receive an unexcused absence.

Students are expected to do make-up work and any unexcused absence will be made up on a time for time basis. A student’s total attendance and discipline record will be a consideration for determining consequences.

TARDIES

Students are allowed one unexcused tardy per class period each semester. When a student has a second unexcused tardy in a class, the student will serve a detention. Students that forget supplies for class and have to go back to their lockers may receive an unexcused tardy. Chronic tardies are subject to other disciplinary actions. An excused tardy is defined as a student coming late to class with a note from office personnel or a signed note by another teacher, or as determined by the classroom teacher.

STUDENT PLANNERS

Students will be issued a planner free of charge at enrollment. The planner will be used to record daily assignments, scheduled tests, long-term assignments, previous grades, etc. Students will use the planner as a hallway pass. Lost planners will be replaced at a cost of $5 per planner.

Students are required to use their planners as a hallway pass during class time. The student’s planner must contain the following information when used as a hallway pass:

The student must receive permission from their teacher to leave the classroom.
The student must write in their planner the reason for leaving the classroom.
The teacher must write down the time the student left the classroom and their signature.
The student must have the teacher, aide, secretary, or principal write down the time the student left the designated area with their signature when the student has completed their task. (RE: Student to the office, library, computer lab another classroom, etc.)
The student is not required to obtain an additional signature when going to their locker, restroom, etc. A student who is caught outside their assigned classroom without their planner being completed as required will receive a 30-minute detention. The detention will be served with the teacher in which the student failed to get their planner signed after school that day, before school or after school the next school day.

A student who chooses not to serve the detention will be placed in in-school suspension until the detention is served. A student placed in in-school suspension will be given their assignments and will be expected to complete the required work. The student will receive a grade for each assignment.

STUDENT LUNCH POLICY

HS: Students are expected to eat school lunch in the cafeteria, unless attending an organization meeting. Students who are NOT eating school lunch must notify the office before school. All students must remain in the lunchroom until 12:20 Monday -Thursday and 12:10 on Fridays.

Section IV

Discipline

DISCIPLINE

The student enrolled in USD 300 will be expected to abide by the rules and regulations set by the Board of Education, administration, and teachers while in attendance at school and school-related activities.

School Wide Rules

· Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself

· Respect and obey school personnel

· No “put downs”

· No obscenity, profanity, or vulgarity

· No disruptive behavior

· No public display of affection

BEHAVIORAL VIOLATIONS

Misbehavior, which interferes with the maintenance of a good learning environment or is antagonistic to the welfare of other students, will not be tolerated. Specific acts of misbehavior applicable to students in respect to school activities or on school property may include, but are not limited to the following:

· Classroom Disruption: When all efforts to correct a continual classroom problem fail, the student may be permanently removed from the classroom. At this point, the student will not receive credit for the class.

· Destruction of property/Vandalism (pay for damages)

· Disrespect – Teacher/Employee/Substitute Teacher

· Insubordination

· Fighting

· Lying

· Meal line/Lunchroom problems (go to the end of the line, loss of eating privileges in the cafeteria)

· Misuse of school equipment

· Public display of affection

· Running/Hallway infractions

· Stealing (return of merchandise and/or pay for merchandise)

· Swearing, profanity, improper language, hate symbols or language and obscene gestures in any form will result in one or a combination of the following consequences depending upon the severity of the offense.

· HS - Food and drink items (allowed before school, at break, at lunch, and after school)

HAZING/HARASSMENT/INTIMIDATION/BULLYING/MENACING

The board is committed to providing a positive and productive learning and working environment. Hazing, harassment, intimidation, bullying or menacing by students, staff or third parties is strictly prohibited and shall not be tolerated in the district.

Students whose behavior is found to be in violation of this policy will be subject to discipline, up to and including expulsion. Staff whose behavior is found to be in violation of this policy will be subject to discipline, up to and including dismissal. Third parties whose behavior is found to be in violation of this policy shall be subject to appropriate sanctions as determined and imposed by the superintendent or board.

Individuals may also be referred to law enforcement officials.

CONSEQUENCES

In considering alternatives for disciplinary action, the faculty and administration of the school district may be using items from the following list. However, school staff is not limited to these methods, nor does this list reflect an order or sequence of events in disciplinary actions.

· WARNING

Staff will complete a discipline form and submit it to the office

· CONFERENCE WITH PARENTS

The parent(s) and principal will meet to discuss the student’s disciplinary needs.

· CONFERENCE WITH STUDENT

The student and principal will meet about the student’s misbehavior. The student will be made aware that if his misbehavior persists, disciplinary measures may be assigned. If the misbehavior is minor, a warning is all that may be warranted; if it is more serious in nature, more discipline may be implemented immediately.

· DETENTION

A student receiving a detention must serve the detention that night after school, or before school the next day, or after school the next day. The detention time will be arranged and served with that staff member. Special arrangements may be made with the building principal if a time can not be arranged in regards to school policy.

A student who misses their detention will be given an additional detention by the building principal. This detention will be served with the building principal the next school day at 6:15 a.m.

If the student is late for the 6:15 a.m. detention, the student will be placed in in-school suspension until the 6:15 a.m. detention and classroom detention is served.

A student placed in in-school suspension will be given their assignments. The student is expected to complete the required work. Work not made up will receive zero (0) credit. The student will receive a grade for each assignment. A student who is involved in school activities will be considered a student “not in good standing” and will not be able to participate in any extracurricular activity until all detentions and in-school suspension time is completed.

· SUSPENSION

SHORT-TERM: Up to and including ten school days.

LONG-TERM: Eleven or more school days, up to the end of the current semester.

IN-SCHOOL: The student will be removed from class(es) and isolated from all students in an

assigned room. The student will be responsible for all assignments missed. Assignments,

including lab assignments and tests, must be completed within two school days after serving the

in-school suspension. Lab assignments and tests will be made up in a location and time designed

by the teacher and administration. It is the student’s responsibility to initiate this process.

The student will receive credit for assignments completed.

OUT-OF-SCHOOL: The student will be removed from attending classes and will be under the

direct supervision of the parent/guardian. Assignments, including lab assignments and tests, must

be completed within two school days after serving the out-of-school suspension. Lab assignments

and tests will be made up in a location and time designed by the teacher and administration. It is

the student’s responsibility to initiate this process.

The student will receive credit for assignments completed.

SUSPENSION OR EXPULSION OF STUDENTS:

The authority to suspend or expel is addressed in section JDD of the Board Policy Handbook. This Policy book can be found in either building’s office. The Kansas

Legislature has passed House Bill No. 2004 concerning suspension and expulsion of students.

· EXPULSION

The student will be denied attendance until the end of the current semester or school year.

· INVOLVING LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES

Situations of a serious nature may result in the school contacting various police agencies, attorneys, and/or insurance investigators. The consent and physical presence of the parent or guardian or a written order by the court may be required. The school will notify the parents in a timely and reasonable manner that these agencies have been contacted with the full knowledge and permission of the principal.

· REFERRAL TO COUNSELOR

A student who repeatedly displays undesirable behavior may be referred to the counseling staff with parental consent for the purpose of modification of the student’s behavior.

· REFERRAL TO APPROPRIATE SOCIAL AGENT

The school (under certain circumstances) may contact appropriate social agencies if such intervention may produce positive behavioral changes in the student.

· RESTRICTION OF PRIVILEGES

The privilege to attend or participate in school activities or have access to school equipment and facilities may be revoked when student behavior is unacceptable.

· MAKING RESTITUTION OF DAMAGED ITEMS OR FACILITIES

The student who destroys or damages school property may be required to make restitution for that property based on replacement value.

· PARENT SHADOWING

Building principal may assign parent shadowing after other forms of discipline have not resulted in a positive change of behavior. Length of time will be determined by the individual situation, based on input from the teacher, student, and parent.

DRUG FREE SCHOOLS

DRUG, ALCOHOL, AND TOBACCO POLICY

Maintaining drug free schools is important in establishing an appropriate learning environment for students. The unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illegal drugs, alcohol, and tobacco by students on school premises or as a part of any school activity is prohibited. As a condition of continued enrollment in the district, students shall abide by the terms of this policy. The drug and alcohol policy is required by the 1989 amendments to the Drug Free Schools and Communities act, P.L. 102-226, 103 St. 1928.

RANDOM DRUG DOG SEARCHES

As the situation merits, drug dogs may be used to specifically search student lockers, athletic lockers, and student vehicles.

MOOD-ALTERING CHEMICALS POLICY: STUDENTS NOT PARTICIPATING IN SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

A student shall not knowingly possess, sell, use, transmit, or be under the influence of any prescription or non-prescription drug, medicine, or other chemical not taken in accordance with its authorized use nor possess drug paraphernalia or use tobacco products:

· On school grounds during, before, or after school hours

· On school grounds at any other time when the school is being used by any school personnel or school group

· Off the school grounds at a school activity, function or event

Use of a drug specifically prescribed for a student by a medical prescription from a registered physician shall not be considered a violation of the rule. Violation of any provision of this behavior code can result in suspension and/or expulsion.

Penalties – Narcotics, Alcoholic Beverages, Tobacco, Intoxicant Dugs and Drug Paraphernalia

1^st Offense: Three days in-school suspension, conference with parents, and may notify law enforcement.

2^nd Offense: Five days in-school suspension, conference with parents, and may notify law enforcement.

3^rd Offense: (within the school year) Recommended for expulsion, and may notify law enforcement.

Section V

Activities

ACTIVITIES

SCHOOL ORGANIZATIONS

School-sponsored clubs are those directly under the control of school personnel. Non-school clubs may not conduct their activities on school property without prior permission. Sponsorship for every school club will be approved by the administration and/or Board of Education. All meeting times and places of the club must have the advance approval of the advisor and the building principal, and the sponsor or designated representative shall be present at all meetings.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Components of the USD 300 Junior-Senior High eligibility policy are intended to encourage students to maintain satisfactory academic performance, both weekly and quarterly, in order to participate in KSHSAA adjudicated activities as well as district sponsored learning activities. Any student under this policy who participates in either KSHSAA or locally sponsored activities must meet and maintain certain academic standards before being allowed participation privileges. Examples of KSHSAA adjudicated activities would include, but not limited to, athletics, music, speech, debate, drama, quiz bowl, etc. Adjudicated activities are those that USD 300 students are in competition with students from one or more schools. Students who are ineligible will be encouraged to seek out help from the instructional staff before and after school.

The following academic eligibility policy will be in effect for Unified School District 300 students participating in all extracurricular activities. Academic eligibility is applicable to any activity resulting in competitive event or loss of class time.

The eligibility policy will be in effect the first full week of school. Ineligibility will be in effect for one week beginning Monday morning of that week to Saturday. A student must be passing all subjects to be eligible to participate in activities and field trips (longer than one class period). A student with a cumulative “D” average in any subject will be on probation but still eligible to participate in activities. A student with a cumulative “F” average in any subject will be ineligible and unable to participate. A student’s ineligibility status will remain in effect for one week regardless of academic achievements.

PHYSICALS

All students enrolled in sports and cheerleading must have a physical examination form signed by the physician, parent, and student on file in the principal’s office. The school requires a current physical on any student participating in a P. E. class. This examination may be taken any time after May 1^st of the proceeding year. Cost of examination is the student’s expense if they do not utilize the free school-sponsored physical.

MOOD-ALTERING CHEMICALS POLICY: STUDENTS PARTICIPATING IN SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

A student, during the season of practice and competitive play, must not willingly possess, sell, use, transmit, or be under the influence of narcotics, drug paraphernalia, alcoholic beverages, intoxicant drugs, tobacco products or any prescription or non-prescription drug, medicine, or other chemical not taken in accordance with its authorized use.

The penalties for violation of the Mood-Altering Chemical Policy are:

1^st Offense: The student will lose eligibility for the next interscholastic contest and/or school activities for which they are currently involved, conference with parents, and notify law enforcement.

2^nd Offense: The student will be immediately dismissed from all squads or activities for the remainder of the season with no awards or honors given, conference with parents, and notify law enforcement.

In addition, the student will not be allowed to participate in any interscholastic contest and/or school activities for the remainder of the current school year.

If a source other than those previously listed relates information about a student’s involvement with the previously mentioned substances, validity of the allegation will be screened and if the information is substantiated, the student will be counseled and actions taken as described in first violation.

The “Mood Altering Chemicals Policy” is approved by the Kansas State High School Activities Association and Unified School District 300.

Students who are suspended or expelled under the terms of this policy will be afforded the due process rights contained in board policies and Kansas statutes, K.S.A. 72-8901, et.seq. See the Board Policy Handbook for the Due Process Policy. Nothing in this policy is intended to diminish the ability of the district to take other disciplinary action against the student in accordance with other policies governing student discipline. In the event a student agrees to enter into and complete a drug education or rehabilitation program, the cost of such program will be the responsibility of the students and their parents.

A list of available programs along with names and addresses of contact persons for the program is available upon request. Parents or students should contact the directors of the programs to determine the cost and length of the program.

COMPLIANCE WITH THIS POLICY IS MANDATORY.

STUDENTS NOT IN GOOD STANDING

A student who is under penalty of detention, in-school suspension, or out of school suspension, or whose character or conduct brings discredit to the school or himself/herself, is considered not to be in good standing. The building administrator will make the final decision as to whether a student is in good standing. A student not in good standing must attend all practice sessions, but will be unable to participate in any extra-curricular school activity or field trip.

STUDENT SOCIAL EVENTS

Student social events must have the approval of the building principal and the faculty advisor of the sponsoring club or class. Unless otherwise approved, attendance at school social events is limited to students of the hosting school.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

All middle school events must end by 10:30 P.M. on nights followed by a school day and by

11:00 P.M. on weekends.

HIGH SCHOOL

All high school events must end by 11:00 P.M. on nights followed by a school day and by

12:00 midnight on weekends.

HIGH SCHOOL HOMECOMING

HOMECOMING CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS

1. Homecoming king and queen candidates must be a member of the senior class.

2. A candidate must be considered a full time student at South Central High School .

3. A candidate for homecoming king and queen must complete a candidate permission form with in the time frame given. The completed form must be given to the student council sponsor or building principal.

4. A junior or senior, who is enrolled and attending school on the required date, withdraws from school during their junior and/or senior year, but re-enrolls prior to homecoming can be a candidate.

5. A junior or senior, who is enrolled and attending school on the required date, withdraws from school due to illness or family emergency, but re-enrolls prior to homecoming can be a candidate.

FOOTBALL CANDIDATE CRITERIA

1. Football homecoming king and queen candidates must be considered a full time student and attending school by September 20^th their junior year.

FOOTBALL CANDIDATE EXCEPTION

Should there not be three king or queen senior class candidates the following

criteria will be used to select the necessary candidate(s).

1. Seniors meeting the required criteria automatically qualify to be a king or queen candidate.

2. The remaining position(s) will be open to all remaining seniors. A candidate for homecoming king and queen must complete a candidate permission form with in the time frame given. The completed form must be given to the student council sponsor or building principal.

BASKETBALL CANDIDATE CRITERIA

1. The football homecoming king and queen can not be a basketball homecoming king and queen candidate.

2. Basketball homecoming king and queen candidates must be considered a full time student and attending school by January 10^th their junior year.

BASKETBALL CANDIDATE EXCEPTION

Should there not be three king or queen senior class candidates the following

criteria will be used to select the necessary candidate(s).

1. Seniors meeting the required criteria automatically qualify to be a king or queen candidate.

VOTING FOR HOMECOMING KING AND QUEEN

1. The student body will be allowed to vote for homecoming king and queen.

2. The student council sponsor will attempt to obtain votes from the student(s) not in school on voting day.

HOMECOMING CRITERIA FOR SELECTED CANDIDATES

1. All homecoming king and queen candidates must be in “Good Standing” to

participate in homecoming ceremonies.

2. Homecoming king candidates must wear slacks, dress shirt and dress shoes. (Minimum requirement)

3. Homecoming queen candidates must wear slacks or dress, dress blouse or shirt

and dress shoes. (Minimum requirement)

4. The homecoming candidate who does not to follow the dress code will not be allowed to participate in homecoming ceremonies. In addition, school disciplinary action will be taken.

DANCE RULES

The following are rules that must be followed at all dances:

· Misconduct and/or alcohol will not be tolerated. Offenders will be subject to the discipline imposed by the Drug & Alcohol Free policy. The hosting school reserves the right to perform alcohol consumption testing as may be necessary.

· It is the responsibility of the student body to aid in the identification of offenders.

· Admittance will be through one door only. Any student wishing to arrive after the designated starting time must receive permission from the sponsor and/or administrator in charge.

· Once a student leaves a dance, he/she will not be allowed to return.

· The sponsor of the dance will have the authority to end the dance if students’ behavior warrants this action.

· No body slamming (moshing) or break dancing will be allowed.

· The school dress code and cell phone policy will be in effect at all dances.

· HS: Dances will be open only to the student body and their dates as approved by the administration. No student below 9^th grade will be allowed at high school dances. Out-of-school dates must be signed up in the office during the time limits specified by the sponsor.

· MS: Dances will be open only to the student body.

SPORTSMANSHIP

Kansas State High School Activities Association

Section I – General Regulations (Apply to grades 6-12)

Art. 1: SPORTSMANSHIP is a general way of thinking and behaving. The following

Sportsmanship policy items are listed below for clarification:

· Be courteous to all. (participants, coaches, officials, staff and fans).

· Know the rules, abide by and respect the officials’ decisions.

· Win with character and lose with dignity.

· Display appreciation for good performance, regardless of the team.

· Exercise self-control and reflect positively upon yourself, team and school.

· Permit only positive sportsmanlike behavior to reflect on your school or its activities.

Art. 2: ENFORCEMENT PROCEDURE

· It is encouraged and recommended by the Kansas State High School Activities Association that local boards of education adopt these regulations and reinforce them as indicated herein.

· The Executive Board of the Kansas State High School Activities Association shall be responsible for the interpretation of these regulations, including “desirable and unacceptable behavior” and shall publish them in the Association’s Sportsmanship Manual.

KSHSAA RULE 52

INTRODUCTION— The effective American secondary school must support both an academic program and an activities program. We believe that these programs must do more than merely coexist – they must be integrated and support each other in “different” arenas. The concept of “sportsmanship” must be taught, modeled, expected and reinforced in the classroom and in all competitive activities. Therefore, all Kansas State High School Activities Association members stand together in support of the following sportsmanship policy.

PHILOSOPHY – Activities are an important aspect of the total education process in the American schools. They provide an arena for participants to grow, to excel, to understand and to value the concepts of SPORTSMANSHIP and teamwork. They are an opportunity for coaches and school staff to each and model SPORTMANSHIP, to build school pride, and to increase student/community involvement; this ultimately translated into improved academic performance. Activities are also an opportunity for the community to demonstrate its support for the participants and the school, and to model the concepts of SPORTMANSHIP for our youth as respected representatives of society. Sportsmanship is good citizenship in action.

Section VI

Acceptable Technology Use Policy

Definition of Technology and the Internet

Technology is any form of electronic or media designed to support the productivity of the students, staff and patrons of USD 300, as well as enhancing the learning process. This equipment includes, but is not limited to desktop computers, laptops, printers, networking equipment, the Internet, email, other forms of telecommunications, telephones, all forms of software, and other peripherals.

Specifically, the Internet is an electronic communications network, which provides vast, diverse and unique resources. Our goal in providing this service to teachers, staff, patrons, and ultimately the students is to promote educational excellence in USD 300 by facilitating resource sharing, innovation, and communication.

Overview and Purpose

All of the guidelines and procedures outlined in this document pertaining to the acceptable use of technology are intended to make that technology more useful to students, staff and patrons of USD 300. These guidelines are also intended to maximize the learning environment and process. Access to these technologies is a privilege that comes with responsibility.

USD 300 views information gathered from various technological resources, including the Internet, in the same manner as reference materials identified by the schools. The district supports resources that will enhance the learning environment; exploration and manipulation of resources is encouraged. However, it is impossible to control all materials on a global network and an industrious user may discover inappropriate information that is not consistent with the educational mission, goals, and policies of the school district.

Guidelines

1. Acceptable Use

Informal rules of behavior have evolved for the use of technology and communication on the Internet and other on-line services. All users of USD 300’s computers and networks are expected to abide by the generally accepted rules of technology usage and etiquette. Collectively, they help to identify a level of acceptable use of the technology in USD 300. These rules of behavior include, but are not limited to, the following:

Kansas Law KSZ 21-3755 Computer Crime, Criminal Computer Access

A. As used in this section, the following words and phrases shall have the meaning respectively ascribed thereto:

1. “Access” means to approach, instruct, communicate with, store data in, retrieve data from, or otherwise make use of any resources of a computer, computer system or computer network.

2. “Computer” means an electronic device which performs work-using programmed instruction and which has one or more of the capabilities of storage, logic, arithmetic, or communication and includes all input, output, processing, storage, software, or communication facilities, which are connected or related to such a device in a system or network.

3. “Computer network” means the interconnection of communication lines, including microwave or other means of electronic communication, with a computer through remote terminals, or a complex consisting of two or more interconnected computer.

4. “Computer program” means a series of instructions or statements in a form acceptable to a computer which permits the functioning of a computer system in a manner designed to provide appropriate products from such computer system.

5. Documentation concerned with the operation of a computer system.

6. “Computer software” means computer programs, procedures and associated documentation concerned with the operation of a computer system.

7. “Computer system” means a set of related computer equipment or devices and computer software, which may be connected or unconnected.

8. “Financial” instrument means any check, draft, money order, certificate of deposit, letter of credit, bill of exchange, credit card, debit card, or marketable security.

9. “Property” includes, but is not limited to, financial instruments, information, electronically produced or stored data, supporting documentation and computer software in either machine or human readable form.

10. “Services” includes, but is not limited to, computer time, data processing, and storage functions and other uses of a computer, computer system, or computer network to perform useful work.

11. “Supporting documentation” includes, but is not limited to, all documentation used in the construction, classification, implementation, use or modification of computer software, computer programs, or data.

B. Computer crime is:

1. Intentionally and without authorization gaining or attempting to gain access to and damaging, modifying, altering, destroying, copying, disclosing, or taking possession of a computer, computer system, computer network, or any other property;

2. Using a computer, computer system, computer network, or any other property for the purpose of devising or executing a scheme ore artifice with the intent to defraud or for the purpose of obtaining money, property, services, or any other thing of value by means of false or fraudulent pretense or representation, or;

3. Intentionally exceeding the limits of authorization and damaging, modifying, altering, destroying, copying, disclosing, or taking possession of a computer, computer system, computer network, or any other property.

C. Non-person is:

1. Computer crime that causes a loss of the value of at least $500 is a class A nonperson misdemeanor.

2. Computer crime that causes a loss of the value of at least $500 but less than $25,000 is a security level 9, nonperson felony.

3. Computer crime that causes a loss of the value of $25,000 or more is a severity level 7, nonperson felony.

D. In any prosecution for computer crime, it is a defense that the property or services were appropriated openly and avowedly under a claim of title made in good faith.

E. Criminal computer access is intentionally, fraudulently and without authorization gaining or attempting to gain access to any computer, computer system, computer network or to any computer software, program, documentation, data or property contained in any computer, computer system or computer network. Criminal computer access is a class A nonperson misdemeanor.

F. This section shall be part of and supplemental to the Kansas Criminal Code.

Technology Usage Guidelines

1. Handle electronic equipment appropriately.

2. Use the technology only for school-related activities: homework, research, etc.

3. Respect other people’s files on the computer, network, etc. Do not change, copy, delete, read, or otherwise attempt to access files that are not yours.

4. Students are not to install or remove any software on a computer without teacher permission.

5. All software installed on the computers is copyrighted. Do not copy, distribute, or alter it in any way.

6. Classroom and district rules and policies toward plagiarism are expanded to include technology-based research methods.

7. Students will be permitted to check and send personal e-mail messages only during designated times.

8. Users are responsible for all transactions made using their password.

‘Netiquette’: Rules of the Online World

1. Never give out personal information anywhere on the internet.

2. Be concerned about getting personal e-mail messages from anyone online asking for personal information, attempting to arrange private meetings, etc.

3. Do not bypass any security measures installed on the computers and network.

4. Never use the internet to harm other people in any way.

5. Ask for permission to use pictures or text from someone’s Web site.

6. Treat other online users with respect.

7. Do not reveal, distribute, or share personal passwords.

8. Use the internet for school-related activities: homework, research, etc.

9. Note that e-mail is not private. System administrators will have access to any electronic transmission created or received on school-owned equipment.

2. State and Local Policies

Use of district technology (as defined above) is a privilege that comes with responsibility. Violations of the policies and procedures of USD 300 and/or Kansas Law concerning the use of technology will result in disciplinary action. State and local policies concerning these issues are outlined below.

USD 300 Board Policy Computer Materials (KASB 11BG)

Ownership of Employee/Student Produced Computer Materials

Computer materials or devices created as part of any assigned district responsibility or classroom activity undertaken on school time shall be the property of the board. The board’s rules governing ownership of employee or student-produced computer materials are on file with the clerk and are available upon request.

Computer Use

Use of district computers or software is for performance of official and approved assignments only. Use of district computer equipment or software for personal projects is prohibited without prior permission of the administration.

Administrative Access of Computerized Information

All computer-generated information produced by students and employees is subject to administration or board review.

3. Security

1. If a security problem is identified, contact a faculty member immediately.

2. Do not show or identify security problems to others.

3. Do not reveal passwords to another person.

4. Attempts to log in as another user may result in cancellation of privileges.

5. Any user identified as a security risk or having a history of problems with other computer systems may be denied access.

6. Users may occasionally be required to update/change password information in order to continue access.

4. Privileges

1. Access to all forms of technology provided by USD 300 is a privilege.

2. Unacceptable usage may result in revoked privileges and/or district disciplinary actions.

5. Vandalism-Harassment

1. Vandalism and/or harassment will result in the cancellation of the offending user’s account.

2. Vandalism is defined as any malicious attempt to harm or destroy data of another user, the internet, or other networks. Any willful damage to equipment, which leaves computers unusable to others, will be dealt with according to the board’s policy on vandalism.

6. Penalties

Any user violating these provisions, state and/or local policies, applicable state and federal laws or posted classroom and district rules is subject to loss of technology privileges and any other district disciplinary options, including criminal prosecution. School and district administrators will make the final determination as to what constitutes unacceptable use and their decision is final.

Three levels of punishment may be enforced by the administration. While the levels may be implemented in order, nothing prevents the administration from selecting any step depending on the facts and the severity of the violation.

Level I

Any first-time violation would result in a detention as per our discipline policy. The parents would be notified about the violation and the resulting discipline. In addition, the student will lose school internet access for a period of three weeks. This assigned discipline would place the student on the appropriate earned level of the discipline policy.

Level II

A violation that occurs as a second offense will result in an earned detention and appropriate placement on our discipline policy. In addition, the student will lose all school internet access for the remainder of the semester. The parents will be notified about the violation and resulting discipline.

Level III

A violation that occurs as a third offense will result in an earned detention and appropriate placement on the district’s discipline policy. In addition, the student will lose all school internet access for the remainder of the school year. The parents will be notified about the violation and resulting discipline.

Acceptable Use of Technology

Parent-Student Agreement

Comanche County USD 300

Parent Agreement:

In order to make sure that all members of USD 300 community understand and agree to these rules of conduct, USD 300 requires you as a parent/guardian to sign the following statement:

I agree that my child will abide by the district guidelines and conditions for the use of the facilities of USD 300 and access to the internet. I further understand that any violation of the district’s guidelines is unethical and may constitute a criminal offense. Should my child commit any violation, his/her access privileges may be revoked. School disciplinary action and/or appropriate legal action shall/may be taken.

I agree not to hold USD300 or any of its employees or any of the institutions or networks providing access to networks responsible for the performance of the system or the content or costs of any material accessed through it.

As a parent/guardian of this student, I have read the terms and conditions for USD 300 facilities use and internet access. I understand that this free access is designed for educational purposes. However, I also recognize that it is impossible to restrict all access to all controversial materials and I will not hold USD 300 responsible for materials acquired or sent via the network.

Parent’s Signature_________________________________________Date__________________

Student Agreement:

In order to make sure that all members of the USD 300 community understand and agree to these rules of conduct, USD 300 requires you as a student to sign the following statement:

I understand and will abide by the district guidelines and conditions for the use of the facilities of USD 300 and access to the internet. I further understand that any violation of the district guidelines is unethical and may constitute a criminal offense. Should I commit any violation, my access privileges may be revoked. School disciplinary action and/or appropriate legal action shall/may* be taken.

I have received and read a copy of the district guidelines on computer use and the conditions of use for computer networks.

*The school may choose one or the other, but be conscious of the fact that ‘shall’ means all students must be disciplined if they violate any of the rules.

Student’s Signature_________________________________________Date_________________

(Copy 1 keep with handbook)

Acceptable Use of Technology

Parent-Student Agreement

Comanche County USD 300

Parent Agreement:

In order to make sure that all members of USD 300 community understand and agree to these rules of conduct, USD 300 requires you as a parent/guardian to sign the following statement:

Parent’s Signature_________________________________________Date__________________

Student Agreement:

In order to make sure that all members of the USD 300 community understand and agree to these rules of conduct, USD 300 requires you as a student to sign the following statement:

I have received and read a copy of the district guidelines on computer use and the conditions of use for computer networks.

*The school may choose one or the other, but be conscious of the fact that ‘shall’ means all students must be disciplined if they violate any of the rules.

Student’s Signature_________________________________________Date_________________

(Copy 2 Sign and Return to school office)