Elkhart High School Handbook
2010-2011
April 10, 2007
USD 218 STUDENT HANDBOOK
WELCOME-3
NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATION
DISTRICT TELEPHONE DIRECTORY & OFFICE HOURS
KANSAS SCHOOL SAFETY HOTLINE
MISSION STATEMENT-4
DISTRICT OUTCOMES OF ELKHART USD 218
ACCESS TO BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS-5
DISMISSAL PROCEDURES
LOST AND FOUND ARTICLES
REQUESTS TO LEAVE SCHOOL
TEXTBOOKS
CHAIN OF COMMAND
TEACHER AUTHORITY
BICYCLE, SKATEBOARD, SCOOTER, AND ROLLER BLADE USE-6
ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT
DETENTION TIME
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
ACCIDENTS AND ILLNESS-7
MEDICATION ADMINISTRATION
IMMUNIZATION POLICY-8
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES-9
SCHOOL/CLASSROOM PARTIES
CHANGE OF ADDRESS/TELEPHONE NUMBER
GUESTS
FUND RAISING
FIELD TRIPS-10
SCHOOL DRESS
LOCKERS
SEARCH AND SEIZURE
GRADE CARDS AND PROGRESS REPORTS
INCOMPLETE GRADES-11
EXAMINATION OF RECORDS
DIRECTORY INFORMATION
FAMILY EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS AND PRIVACY ACT (FERPA)-12
STUDENT IMPROVEMENT TEAM-13
ACTIVITY TRANSPORTATION-14
RULES FOR RIDING BUSES
LEAGUE AFFILIATION
ATTENDANCE POLICY-15
COMPLAINTS AND GRIEVANCES-16
SUSPENSIONS - LENGTH - NOTICE – HEARING-17
DUE PROCESS-18
APPEAL TO BOARD OF EDUCATION, PROCEDURE AND RECORD-19
SUSPENSION OF COMPULSORY SCHOOL ATTENDANCE LAW-20
DRUG AND ALCOHOL POLICY / DRUG DOG-21
BULLYING/HARASSMENT PREVENTION PLAN-22
ASBESTOS-27
HIGH SCHOOL SECTION
MISSION STATEMENT-28
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
BONA FIDE STUDENT-29
HONORARY GRADUATION CERTIFICATE
CREDIT FOR A CLASS
CHANGING SCHEDULES OR DROPPING A CLASS
GENERAL EQUIVALENCY DEGREE
GRADE CLASSIFICATION-30
HONOR ROLL
TOP TEN POLICY
GRADING
COLLEGE CREDIT CLASSES-31
SCHEDULING ACTIVITY PERIODS
DAILY BULLETIN AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
SCHOOL DAY
AWARDS
ACADEMIC LETTERING POLICY
COMPUTER LABORATORY
ELIGIBILITY POLICY-32
STUDENT PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS
PEP RALLIES
SCHOOL FOOD SERVICE
LIBRARY-33
LIBRARY CIRCULATION POLICY
PURCHASES AND ORGANIZATIONAL FUNDS
VENDING MACHINES USE
TELEPHONE USE
DANCE POLICY-34
JUNIOR SENIOR PROM
SCHOOL DISCIPLINE-35
COLLEGE VISITATION-38
SENIOR SNEAKS
DISPLAY OF AFFECTION
OVERNIGHT TRIPS
TECHNOLOGY USE-40
WELCOME
The administration and staff of USD #218 would like to take this opportunity to welcome you. The information in this handbook has been prepared to help you succeed in Elkhart Schools. This information is in compliance with Board of Education policies. Additional copies are available in the school offices.
We are looking forward to assisting you in fulfilling your educational goals. We are here to make your years in school as successful, yet educationally challenging, as possible. You can benefit from everything Elkhart Schools have to offer by being actively involved in the learning in your classes and the programs offered. The support staff, teachers, counselors and administrators are all here to assist you with your education. We welcome the opportunity to help you proceed through your school years. We are always open to any suggestions you might have.
NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATION
Applicants for admission and employment, students, parents of elementary and secondary school students, employees, sources of referral of applicants for admission and employment, and all unions or professional organizations holding collective bargaining or professional agreements with Unified School District 218 are hereby notified that this institution does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or handicap in admission or access to, or treatment, or employment in, its programs and activities. Any person having inquiries concerning Unified School District 218 compliance with the regulations implementing Title VI, Title IX, or Section 504 is directed to contact Nancy Crowell, Superintendent, PO Box 999, Elkhart, KS 67950, 620-697-2195. Mrs. Crowell has been designated by Unified School District 218 to coordinate the institution’s efforts to comply with the regulations implementing Title VI, Title IX, and Section 504. Any person may also contact the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, regarding the institution’s compliance with the regulations implementing Title VI, Title IX or Section 504.
DISTRICT TELEPHONE DIRECTORY OFFICE HOURS 7:30 TO 4:00
Superintendent’s Office 697-2195 Elkhart Middle School Fax 697-4828
District Fax 697-2607 High School Library 697-2693
Elkhart Elementary 697-2133 Elkhart High School 697-2193
Elkhart Elementary Fax 697-2768 Elkhart High School Fax 697-4415
Elkhart Middle School 697-2197 MS 21st Century 697-2399
ES 21st Century 697-4867 Point Rock Alternative 697-1253
Kansas Connections Academy 697-1166
KANSAS SCHOOL SAFETY HOTLINE
The Kansas State Department of Education, in cooperation with the Kansas Highway Patrol, has established a school safety hotline. This hotline is a toll free number available 24 hours per day, 365 days per year to give students, parents, and community members the opportunity to report any impending school violence. As you are aware, students usually have knowledge of potential school violence before it occurs. This hotline gives students the opportunity to anonymously report any potential violence. This hotline became operative August 1, 1999.
Personnel at the Salina Central Dispatch of the Kansas Highway Patrol will answer the hotline number. The dispatchers will get as much information about each situation reported as the caller wishes to relay. Upon receipt of a call, the dispatchers will notify appropriate law enforcement agencies and/or the office of the superintendent of schools depending upon the severity of the situation.
The Kansas School Safety Hotline Number is 1-877-626-8203 or The West Region Protection Center @ 800-264-3798
ELKHART PUBLIC SCHOOLS’ MISSION STATEMENT
COMMITTED TO EXCELLENCE
Elkhart schools are committed to excellence in teaching and learning for all students, thereby providing an opportunity for all students to reach their own maximum potential. We share with our community the responsibility for the education of all students so that they will be prepared to live and work in a rapidly changing world. We will all work together to assure that every child feels important and that “Every Child Learns.”
E ELKHART
L LEADERSHIP
K KNOWLEDGE
H HERITAGE
A ACCOUNTABILITY
R RESPONSIBILITY
T TECHNOLOGY
DISTRICT OUTCOMES OF ELKHART USD 218
In defining the curriculum of study for students during each year of the district’s educational program, the board subscribes to the following outcomes:
1. Development of Academic Skills and Knowledge: Students will grow intellectually, creatively, think rationally, and evaluate critically.
2. Development of Desirable Qualities and Citizenship: Students will use knowledge and skills to perpetuate and improve a democratic society and will develop a respect for the rights, opinions, values and property of others so that they may live as responsible functioning members of the community.
3. Development of Physical and Mental Fitness: Students will develop healthy minds and bodies and acquire knowledge of beneficial leisure time activities for adulthood.
4. Development of Life Skills: Students will learn basic life skills and engage in career exploration courses.
5. Development of Cultural Awareness: Students will develop an awareness of and respect for the traditions and customs of various cultures.
6. Development of Self-worth and Dignity: Students will develop a feeling of self-worth, dignity, and the skills for developing positive inter-personal relationships.
These outcomes are based on the belief that, “Every Child Learns,” and that upon graduation from the Elkhart Schools, every student will have acquired an ability to function in our society.
ACCESS TO BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS - The buildings will be open to general student use Monday through Friday. Students are allowed to enter the school cafeteria at 7:40 a.m. for breakfast. Students who are in the building at other times must have a sponsor present. Under no circumstances are students to be in the building outside of regular school hours without a staff member being present; this includes all shop facilities, gyms, computer facilities and grounds.
No school related meetings or activities will be scheduled on Sunday or later than 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday without the knowledge and approval of the appropriate building principal or the superintendent.
DISMISSAL PROCEDURES - Since weather in this area is very unpredictable and winters are somewhat severe, safety is of paramount importance. If adverse conditions exist before school begins, the decision to call off school is made by the Superintendent before 7:00 a.m. Announcements will be made on radio stations KGYN 1210-AM Guymon, KSCB 107.5-FM Liberal, KSLS 101.5-FM Liberal, and KFXX 106.7-FM Ulysses.
School will remain in session as long as weather conditions do not jeopardize the safety of students and school personnel. Parents should make arrangements for children in case school is dismissed during the school day. Children need to know where they are to go and what procedures to use.
LOST AND FOUND ARTICLES - An attempt will be made to save lost articles. Lost articles will be kept at the school office until the end of the current school year. We ask that you mark items that are apt to be forgotten. Students are responsible for lost articles.
REQUESTS TO LEAVE SCHOOL - No student will be allowed to leave the school grounds unless permission is requested by note or phone call by the parent and approved by the principal. The permission request should be in writing, signed and dated. If you need to remove your student during the school day, please come to the office. Students are not permitted to leave school without authorization from the school office.
TEXTBOOKS - Your teachers issue will textbooks to you. These books are your responsibility and must be returned to the teacher at the end of the year or when you withdraw from school. Loss of books due to theft or other circumstances will not be accepted as an excuse for nonpayment or for not doing class work. You are required to pay for lost books. If the book is found, a refund will be issued to you. You are also responsible for damages to the books and will be assessed damage fees.
CHAIN OF COMMAND - We ask that when a problem, question, concern arises that students/parents/guardians follow each step in the following chain of command: coach/sponsor/teacher, activities director (when appropriate), principal, superintendent, and Board of Education. We feel this procedure will help with most situations.
TEACHER AUTHORITY - Elkhart students are reminded that they are under the supervision and authority of any faculty member (including classified staff i.e. aides, custodians, etc.) during school hours and outside school hours while they are attending or participating in a school-sponsored activity on or off school grounds. This authority also extends to substitute teachers and any sponsor representing the school. Students will be respectful and attentive to all faculty and staff. Failure to accord proper respect to anyone responsible for supervision will result in disciplinary action appropriate for the behavior in question.
BICYCLE, SKATEBOARD, SCOOTER, AND ROLLER BLADE USE - Bicycles may be ridden to and from school. The bikes must be parked in the bicycle racks provided. They are not to be ridden anywhere else on the school campus. Students are encouraged to provide locks on their bikes.
Skateboards, scooters and roller blades may be used as transportation to and from school. Students must remove roller blades before coming on school property and must put them on after leaving school property. Skateboards, scooters and roller blades may not be used on school property at any time.
STEREOS, VIDEO GAMES, RADIOS, CELL PHONE, AND ALL OTHER NON-ACADEMIC ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT - Students should not bring these items to school. They may not be used in classes since they are disruptive and may be used to cheat. If teachers observe these kinds of items, they may be confiscated. The school will not be responsible if these items are stolen. Taking these items on school-sponsored trips is left up to the discretion of the sponsors of each event.
DETENTION TIME - Detention time will be served in each building in a designated room. Students must be on time, must be quiet, and stay seated and awake and must follow all rules or the time will not be counted. Detention must be made up or the time will be doubled. Continued failure to serve detention will result in more serious penalties. Students with a good reason for not making up a detention the day it is due must make arrangements with the principal prior to the time the detention is to be served.
High School Detention Times: 7:30 - 8:00 & 3:30 - 4:00
Middle School Detention Times: 3:20 - 4:00; Saturday 8:00 - 12:00 Noon
Elementary School Detention Times: 3:20-4:20; Saturday 8:00 - 12:00 Noon
IN SCHOOL DETENTION - In school detention may be assigned for disciplinary purposes at the discretion of the principal and will be served during the regular school day at normal school times. Students will be required to do work from their classes during in-school-detention.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION - Physical Education is a participation class. Students enrolled in PE are encouraged to take part every day.
1. Students are expected to wear appropriate clothing for PE classes. This would include shorts, t-shirts, tennis shoes, and any other school approved attire preferably the kind that don’t leave black marks.
2. Students are expected to participate unless they present a note signed by a parent (for one or two days), or a note by a doctor. (long-term-4 days or more) Students with a short-term note will be required to complete an alternative fitness or written assignments. If necessary, the PE teacher will work with the principal to make alternate arrangements for students with long-term excuses.
3. Students are expected to shower at the end of class. The school provides soap and towels. Each student is to provide deodorant and a comb or brush.
4. Students will be assigned a gym locker. Students can use a school lock or provide their own. It is recommended that students lock their gym lockers to protect their possessions. A fee will be assessed for missing or damaged school locks.
5. Grades will be determined by averaging daily participation with the written assignments and tests. Daily participation includes dressing out, taking a shower, and completing assignments and tests
6. Repeated failure to dress out may result in disciplinary action.
ACCIDENTS AND ILLNESS - All accidents should be reported immediately to the instructor, who in turn will report to the building principal. The school will make every effort to inform parents of any accident or illness occurring at school that may need care or observation at home.
POLICY FOR MEDICATION ADMINISTRATION - The administration of medicine to students by school personnel shall only be authorized and permitted in circumstances consistent with this policy. Medication shall be administrated to students only by the school nurse or school personnel who are specifically delegated by the school nurse in compliance with the requirements of this policy.
Definition - For purposes of this policy, the term “medication” shall include both prescription and non-prescription medication taken by mouth, inhaler, injection (including Epi-pen) or application (including drops and creams).
If a student attending USD #218 must take medication during the school day the following policies will be followed:
Prescription Medications
1. The parent/guardian must have their physician fill out and sign the prescription medication authorization form. The parent/guardian must sign the form and give it to the school nurse before any medication will be dispensed to the student.
2. The medication must be in the original prescription bottle. Pharmacies will provide a second container for school by request.
3. The student’s name, physician, date, and directions must be clearly set forth on the container.
4. The medication shall be brought to the school by the parent/guardian. Refill of the medication is the sole responsibility of the parent/guardian. No more than a one-month supply of medication is to be kept at the school at any time.
5. All medications are to be stored in a locked cabinet. Controlled medications must be counted weekly and recorded in controlled medication log.
Inhalers/Epi-pens
The parent/guardian must have their physician fill out and sign the prescription medication authorization form. The parent/guardian must sign the form and return it to the school nurse. The inhaler or Epi-pen must be provided by the parent in the original prescriptive box with the student’s name, physician, and directions clearly set forth on the box.
The parent/guardian of a student with a potential anaphylactic reaction to food, insect bite or other substance should complete an allergy action plan and return it to the school nurse to ensure proper use of medication if needed.
At the elementary school, Epi-pens provided by the parent/guardian will be kept with the teacher in the classroom or on a field trip. At the middle school and high school the student will be allowed to carry their Epi-pen at the discretion of the school nurse and principal. At least three school personnel in each building will be trained to administer the Epi-pen if needed.
Parent/guardian of an asthmatic student should complete asthma care plan and return it to the school nurse to ensure proper use of medication. An inhaler release form must also be signed by the physician and parent in order for inhalers to be carried by students at school. It is recommended that an extra inhaler be provided by the parent/guardian and kept in the nurse’s office in case inhaler is misplaced.
Non-prescription (over the counter) Medications
The parent/guardian must fill out and sign the non-prescription medication form and give it to the school nurse before any medication will be given to the student.
The medication must be provided by the parent/guardian in the original over the counter container. The dosage directions for the child must be clearly set forth on the container.
All over the counter medication will be stored in a locked cabinet. Medication will be administered only as directed on the non-prescription medication form by the school nurse or delegated school personnel.
Additional Guidelines
The district reserves the right not to dispense medication if they deem it in the best interest of the student. Parents will be contacted if this situation arises.
No medication prescription or non-prescription will be dispensed without a signed district medication form. Telephone requests will not be accepted.
Students carrying medication on their person or keeping it in their lockers without signed district form may be subject to disciplinary action.
Medication that is not in the original container will not be dispensed.
All medication must be brought to the school by the parent/guardian.
The parent/guardian must contact the school nurse or principal in writing if there is any changes in the child’s health affecting the medication administration or if the medication is discontinued.
IMMUNIZATION POLICY - Kansas law requires students entering school for the first time to be immunized against certain diseases. Forms are available at the county health nurse.
USD 218 Board of Education Policy JGCB Inoculations
All students enrolling in any district school shall provide the building principal with proof of immunization of certain diseases or furnish documents to satisfy statutory requirements. Booster shots required by the Secretary of the Department of Health and Environment are also required.
A copy of this policy and the applicable state law shall be distributed to students, prospective students or their parents on or before May 15th of each school year. The superintendent shall issue a news release each August explaining the required inoculations and booster shots. Parents may delegate in writing their authority to consent to immunizations. If the parent is not reasonably available, and the authority to consent has not been denied as provided in law, individuals other than the parent may consent to the immunizations as provided for in current law.
Students who fail to provide the documentation required by law may be excluded from school by the superintendent until statutory requirements are satisfied. Notice of exclusion shall be given to the parents/guardians as prescribed by law. Students who are not immunized against a particular disease(es) may be excluded from school during any outbreak.
Each principal shall forward evidence of compliance with the inoculation law to other schools or school districts when requested by the school or by the student's parents/guardians.
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES, FIRE DRILLS, TORNADOES, and EVACUATION OF BUILDING - Emergency exits and tornado information for each room will be posted in the classrooms in a visible location, and the teacher will review emergency procedures with the students.
Fire drills will be held once each month during the school year. Your teacher will inform you of the exit to be used in emergency situations. The signal to leave the building is a continuous long signal from the alarm system. Whenever this occurs, everyone is to leave the building in an orderly manner immediately. Move away from the building approximately fifty feet so others may also get out and await the signal to return to the building. Teachers will be responsible for ensuring all students/personnel have exited building or have taken proper safety positions.
Tornado drills will be held on a periodic basis during the school year. Your teacher will inform you of your designated places. The tornado alarm to alert the building is a continuous series of short signals. During a Weather Warning, all students will be taken to assigned places in the buildings. Teachers will be responsible for ensuring all students/personnel have exited building or have taken proper safety positions.
SCHOOL/CLASSROOM PARTIES - There will be no school or classroom parties without prior knowledge and permission of the principal. Such parties will be approved in advance and held in a suitable location.
CHANGE OF ADDRESS/TELEPHONE NUMBER - Parents and students are to keep the office informed of any change of address and/or phone number during the school year. It is necessary that we have this information in case of emergencies and to keep parents informed of student progress.
GUESTS - Adult visitors are welcome and encouraged throughout the year. We would like parents to see the many interesting, educational activities that are occurring. Parents have an open invitation to have lunch with their child at any time; however, as a matter of courtesy, they need to advise teachers in advance when they plan to visit the classroom.
Students should not bring siblings or friends to school for the purpose of visiting. Under special conditions the principal may allow visitors with prior permission.
FUND RAISING - All classes and school-sponsored student organizations desiring to engage in fund raising activities shall be required to write a fund raising project for submission to the principal as described below.
These fund-raising projects must be approved by the class or organization sponsor and the building principal and be scheduled on the school building calendar no later than October 1 for the first semester, February 15 for the second semester, June 1 for the summer; priority for consideration shall be date of submission and class status (senior, junior, etc.). Groups not submitting requests on time may request directly to the Board. The fund raising projects may be limited to one activity per semester by the building principal. All money for field trips must be received 30 days prior to the trip or the trip will be canceled.
SR. CLASS FUNDS
In the event funds raised exceed the limit of class need, excess funds will be deposited in the Sr. Gift fund account at the High School and will be used for the purchase of a gift to the school or other school-related projects approved by the Principal.
FIELD TRIPS - A Field trip is an activity involving a group of students departing from the school in a non-competitive trip. Teachers must demonstrate relevance to course content and state goals and objectives in their request. The district form to notify parents of a forthcoming field trip includes the nature of the trip, departure time, expected return time, name of sponsor(s), and mode of travel. The form shall also include a space where a parent may ask that a child be excused and the reasons for the excuse.
SCHOOL DRESS - Elkhart Schools recognizes that, within certain limits, each student’s mode of dress and grooming is a manifestation of personal style and individual preference. The School will not interfere with the ability of students and their parents to make decisions regarding their appearance except when their choices affect the educational program of the school or the health and safety of others. School personnel have the responsibility of protecting the health and safety of students and maintaining proper and appropriate conditions conducive to learning. The purpose of the student dress code is to encourage students to “dress for success” and come to school properly prepared for participating in the educational process. This means that students will not wear clothes with questionable lettering. “Questionable lettering” would include that which is profane or obscene, indicates or makes reference to tobacco, drugs or other alcoholic beverages, satanic/gang symbols or which is determined to contain double meaning. Also, clothing which presents a hazard to the health or safety of the student or to others in the school, materially interferes with school work, creates disorder, disrupts the educational program, or prevents the student from achieving his/her educational objectives is prohibited. Also hats or clothes that do not cover the student properly, such as “short-shorts”, (shorts/skorts/skirts may not be worn higher than fingertip length with fingers extended and arms straight down on the sides. This is a judgment call with final decision made by the building principal. Tank-tops, spaghetti straps, half shirts, or sagging pants etc. will not be worn inside the school building during school hours. Any other dress deemed inappropriate by the principal will not be allowed. We feel that a sense of modesty can and should be developed.
A safety dress code as prescribed for shop, home economics, physical education, and science classes shall be followed. Footwear must be worn at all times.
Any student who is in violation of this policy shall be referred to the principal. The student’s parent/guardian shall be contacted. Students will not be allowed to leave premises to change clothes. Repeated violations shall result in appropriate corrective and disciplinary action.
LOCKERS - Lockers are assigned to all MS and HS students upon enrollment. All lockers are owned by the school and are subject to inspection at any time.
Students are asked to report all breakage, loose bolts, and other defects to the school principal. Damages not reported to the office may be assessed against the locker’s occupant. Lockers should be kept neat and orderly, no stickers, etc. Students are to keep their lockers locked at all times.
SEARCH AND SEIZURE - Students have limited control over their lockers, desks, work areas or any other designated assigned areas. Lockers, desks, work areas, etc., are the property of the school district: therefore, school officials have the right, upon “reasonable grounds,” to search and seize as necessary (with regard to search and seizure, whenever the term “principal” appears, it is meant to include any person designated to act on his or her behalf).
GRADE CARDS AND PROGRESS REPORTS - Report cards are mailed or made available to all parents/students at the end of each nine-week period. The purpose of reports is to help the student develop his/her full capacity within the school situation. Grades will be posted using a straight percent; this will include grade cards, transcripts and all types of honors and awards. Progress reports will be sent or made available to parents at the mid term of each nine-week reporting period. Grade information is available 24 hours a day via internet access on the PowerSchool website. Contact your student’s school office for access information.
INCOMPLETE GRADES - A student will receive an incomplete if the class work is not satisfactorily completed by the end of each quarter. An incomplete indicates that the student has a legitimate reason, approved by the teacher and principal, for not having completed the course requirements.
An incomplete must be made up within a maximum five (5) school days of the official end of each quarter, unless special arrangements are made with the teacher and principal. If the course requirements are not completed, the grade of zero (0) will be entered for all requirements not finished and the percent will be determined by averaging all percents for the class in question.
EXAMINATION OF RECORDS - By federal law, parents have control of the records of a student until the student reaches age eighteen. At that time, control is transferred to the student.
Original records will not leave the control of the office under any circumstances. Access to student records will be strictly controlled by the office and administration.
Requests for transcripts should be made to the guidance counselor or principal. Requests to examine records or have records transferred to other schools or to have copies of transcripts must be made by the person who has control of the records.
DIRECTORY INFORMATION - The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), a Federal law, requires that USD 218, with certain exceptions, obtain your written consent prior to the disclosure of personally identifiable information from your child's education records. However, USD 218 may disclose appropriately designated "directory information" without written consent, unless you have advised the District to the contrary in accordance with District procedures. The primary purpose of directory information is to allow USD 218 to include this type of information from your child's education records in certain school publications. Examples include:
• A playbill, showing your student's role in a drama production;
• The annual yearbook;
• Honor roll or other recognition lists;
• Graduation programs; and
• Sports activity sheets, such as for wrestling, showing weight and height of team members.
Directory information, which is information that is generally not considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if released, can also be disclosed to outside organizations without a parent's prior written consent. Outside organizations include, but are not limited to, companies that manufacture class rings or publish yearbooks. In addition, two federal laws require local educational agencies (LEAs) receiving assistance under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to provide military recruiters, upon request, with three directory information categories - names, addresses and telephone listings - unless parents have advised the LEA that they do not want their student's information disclosed without their prior written consent.(1)
If you do not want USD 218 to disclose directory information from your child's education records without your prior written consent, you must notify the District in writing by August 14. USD 218 has designated the following information as directory information: [Note: an LEA may, but does not have to, include all the information listed below.]
• Student's name
• Participation in officially recognized activities and sports
• Address
• Telephone listing
• Weight and height of members of athletic teams
• Electronic mail address
• Photograph
• Degrees, honors, and awards received
• Date and place of birth
• Major field of study
• Dates of attendance
• Grade level
• The most recent educational agency or institution attended
Footnotes:
1.These laws are: Section 9528 of the ESEA (20 U.S.C. 7908), as amended by the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (P.L. 107-110), the education bill, and 10 U.S.C. 503, as amended by section 544, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2002 (P.L. 107-107), the legislation that provides funding for the Nation's armed forces.
NOTIFICATION OF RIGHTS FOR ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS - The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords parents and students over 18 years of age ("eligible students") certain rights with respect to the student's education records. These rights are:
1. The right to inspect and review the student's education records within 45 days of the day the School receives a request for access. Parents or eligible students should submit to the School principal [or appropriate school official] a written request that identifies the record(s) they wish to inspect. The School official will make arrangements for access and notify the parent or eligible student of the time and place where the records may be inspected.
2. The right to request the amendment of the student's education records that the parent or eligible student believes are inaccurate or misleading. Parents or eligible students may ask the School to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate or misleading. They should write the School principal [or appropriate official], clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading. If the School decides not to amend the record as requested by the parent or eligible student, the School will notify the parent or eligible student of the decision and advise them of their right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the parent or eligible student when notified of the right to a hearing.
3. The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student's education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without con-sent. One exception, which permits disclosure without consent, is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. 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); a person serving on the School Board; 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. Upon request, the School discloses education records without consent to officials of another school district in which a student seeks or intends to enroll.
4. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the School to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA are:
Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20202-5901
STUDENT IMPROVEMENT TEAM - The Student Intervention Team process is possible through the collaborative efforts of Students, parents, school administrators, teacher, counselors, school psychologists, nurses, Special Education teachers, and special support staff such as migrant and ESL teachers. The goal of these teams is to expand the use of various resources and expertise in the schools and communities to address student needs. The process follows the indicated steps below:
1. The problem solving approach:
*teacher identifies a student concern
*teacher notifies parents, makes basic accommodations, and records interventions
*if student makes adequate progress--- continue program
*if concerns persist--- teacher completes request for assistance and an I-Team meeting is held
including the teacher, administrator, special ed. teacher, counselor, and other involved staff members and parents. A plan is developed and implemented and data is recorded to monitor the effectiveness of the plan
*if the plan is successful in supporting the student, it stays in effect
*if concerns persist, the team either meets again to adjust the plan or the student is referred for a comprehensive evaluation.
2. The Evaluation Process:
*parent permission is obtained and due process rights are discussed
*student, parent, and teacher interviews are conducted
*previous records are examined
*classroom observations are conducted
*individual assessments are given to the student
*rating scales and checklists may be used
*student work samples are analyzed for errors
*all data collected is discussed
*focus on what the student can currently do, what the next steps are and what accommodations are needed to support further growth
3. Placement in Special Education:
*there are two criteria: student must exhibit a significant difference in ability than age level,
and exhibit a curriculum need for something different than what the general education
teacher can provide
ACTIVITY TRANSPORTATION - Students will be expected to ride to and from school-sponsored activities in transportation provided by the district. Occasionally, parents will want to take students in personal cars after contests/activities. This is permitted only if such requests are made in writing. Students will be released only to the parent. No student will be dismissed from school transportation at any time without legal guardian’s personal knowledge and written consent. If parents elect to have their child ride home with anyone other than themselves, they must submit their request in writing and have approval of the building principal prior to the activity.
Sponsors have full authority over students they are sponsoring. It is recommended that one sponsor sit in the back of the bus. Sponsors will provide an itinerary, including stops. Unscheduled stops, i.e. bathroom stops, food, etc. may be made at the sponsor’s request. Sponsors must have a written manifest of riders; one is given to the bus driver and one is retained at the transportation building. All vehicles are to be returned in good/clean condition. Please report any unusual damage to the school principal.
All movies (including those viewed on personal DVD players) shown on activity trips must be approved by the principal or, in his absence, his designee and no “R” rated movies will be shown on school trips. Sponsors will be responsible for playing tapes, controlling volume, and adjusting monitors. NO STUDENTS MAY TOUCH THE VIDEO EQUIPMENT AT ANY TIME!
RULES FOR RIDING BUSES - Please observe the following rules at all times:
1. The bus driver is in charge of the bus, and it is his responsibility to see that you are safe at all times. He shall report any violations to the teacher and if necessary to the building Principal.
2. The teacher/sponsor is responsible for the students’ behavior on the bus. The bus driver is responsible for student behavior on normal routes. Violations should be handled immediately and if repeated a report made to the building principal.
3. Keep hands, arms, and head inside bus at all times after entering bus.
4. Riders must remain seated facing the front while the bus is in motion.
5. Do not throw anything out of the bus whether in motion or at a stop.
6. Absolute quiet is required when approaching and stopping at a railroad crossing.
7. Look before crossing in front of any stopped bus.
LEAGUE AFFILIATION - Elkhart Schools are members of the Hi-Plains League. The Hi-Plains League has a tradition of excellent competition and sportsmanship in all activities. Other member schools of the league are as follows:
Cimarron Blue Jays, Blue and White Lakin Broncs, Purple and Gold
Leoti Indians, Cardinal and Black Syracuse Bulldogs, Orange and Black
Meade Buffalos, Purple and White Satanta Indians, Green and Gold
Stanton County Trojans, Maroon and Gold Sublette Larks, Scarlet and Gray
Southwestern Heights Mustangs, Red, Black and White
INSURANCE - Elkhart Schools do NOT carry insurance for individual students. Students participating in KSHSAA activities are covered by a catastrophic policy. However, in the event of minor injuries, the school does NOT provide coverage, and it is the responsibility of the family to provide insurance or cover the costs.
ATTENDANCE POLICY - It is the philosophy of U.S.D. 218 to educate the total student and not merely provide the academic or skills portion of the individual’s education. Active attendance in class is a valuable and integral part of the student’s total education. Absence from class for whatever reason causes the student to miss a necessary part of education that can only be partially regained through make-up work.
Attendance in school is the combined responsibility of student and parents. The responsibility of the school is to provide instruction and to inform parents of absences from class.
In view of the above philosophy, the following attendance policy is in effect for all schools of the district.
A. Student absences will be classified as excused for the following reasons:
1. Personal illness.
2. Professional appointments unable to be scheduled outside the regular school day.
3. Serious personal or family problems.
4. Circumstances prearranged by the parents with approval of the principal (form provided
by school, available in school office).
5. Court appearance.
6. Driver’s License - one half day.
7. School sponsored activities (not recorded as absence).
8. The principal has final authority as to whether the absence will be considered excused.
B. All other absences will be considered UNEXCUSED.
1. Student absences of which parents were aware but do not meet the conditions as listed under excused absences.
2. Student absences will be classified as truant for the following reasons:
a. Leaving or being absent from school without approval of the principal and parents.
b. Leaving school without signing out at the office.
c. Coming to school without attending class.
d. Being absent from class without permission (skipping).
e. Obtaining permission to go to a certain place and not reporting there.
C. Tardiness is defined as arrival in the classroom after the scheduled starting time for the class.
Tardiness past fifteen minutes will be considered an absence.
D. The following procedures will be used when dealing with student absences:
1. It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to notify the school’s main office by phone or note verifying the absence of the student and the reason during each day of absence. Students who become ill at school must check out at the office. Students leaving school for any other acceptable reason must be cleared in advance by a telephone call or note from the parents and check out at the office.
2. Students will be allowed one day to obtain missed assignments and one day per day of absence to complete missed assignments except on long term assignments or assignments given for a college level courses. Assignments not completed during allowed time will receive no credit (unless special prior arrangements are made with the teacher and principal). Full credit will be given upon satisfactory completion of the work.
3. Absences, in excess of five days, which occur at the end of the grading period, will be made up within five school days after the end of the grading period, (unless special prior arrangements are made with the teacher and principal).
4. The student is responsible for obtaining make up assignments before and after school, but at the discretion of the teacher may be given assignments during class.
5. Assignments that cannot be made up during school or at home may result in the student reporting before or after school to complete assignments. Students with prolonged illness or injury or other special circumstances (in excess of five days) will make arrangements with the building principal and counselor for their makeup work.
6. Forfeiture of credit: A student who, for any reason, is absent eleven times from a semester course will forfeit credit for the course unless there are chronic health conditions of special considerations involved which must be verified by the administration. A physician’s statement will determine the validity of each absence for illness over the maximum allowed. If the building principal determines that there are definitely eleven (11) absences, excused or unexcused, as shown by the school records and that on review none were due to extenuating circumstances, that credit should not be given.
7. Parents maintain the right to appeal any loss of credit from attendance issues to the Elkhart High School Attendance Committee. The appeal must be filed prior to the end of the semester for which the credit is in question.
8. Students who are truant from class will not be permitted to make up work for course credit. Students who are truant will be referred to the proper authorities if they fall under the State Truancy Law. Students with continued truancy problems could be suspended, lose academic credit or be dropped from the school rolls.
9. Excessive tardiness may result in disciplinary action.
10. The school will attempt to contact parents on student absences either by phone or mail. Parents are urged to call the school periodically to check on their students, especially in cases involving previous attendance or discipline problems.
11. The office and teacher will keep attendance records. It is educationally sound to insist that a student conference with each instructor be held after an absence to have assignments clearly explained and be available for necessary instruction.
COMPLAINTS AND GRIEVANCES - 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 District will consider complaints and grievances through the procedures established in the Board’s rules and regulations implementing this policy.
Students, or their parents, may file a complaint with the principal against any school employee or any school rule and regulation. Said complaint must be in writing, and it must be filed within 20 days following the act or event about which the complaint arose. Said complaint must be specific and in reasonable detail as to who, what, where, and when of the complaint. Any complaint not filed within said twenty (20) day period shall be deemed to have been waived.
Complaints or grievances concerning a board policy may be filed at anytime and shall be filed with the principal. Complaints or grievances concerning a particular building principal rule or regulation shall be filed with that principal. The appropriate administrator shall act upon any complaint fulfilling the requirements of this rule within ten (10) days after the complaint is received. Any decision rendered by the building principal may be appealed, in writing, to the Superintendent within ten (10) days of receiving the decision by the building administrator.
The Superintendent shall render a decision in writing within five (5) school days after the conclusion of the hearing. The Superintendent’s decision may be appealed to the Board of Education at the next regularly scheduled Board meeting no later than thirty (30) days after receiving the appeal, the Board shall hold a hearing on the grievance. Within ten (10) days after the hearing, the Board shall communicate its decisions in writing to the employee.
SUSPENSIONS - LENGTH - NOTICE - HEARING
Section 1. K.S.A. 72-6902
(a) Students may be suspended for a short term not to exceed five (5) days for conduct violations. A short term suspension may be extended up to ten (10) days for carrying a weapon; knowingly possessing or using illegal drugs; selling, or soliciting the sale of illegal drugs while at school, on school property or at a school activity; engaging in behavior which resulted in, or is substantially likely to have resulted in, injury to the pupil or to others.
A long-term suspension may be imposed for the remainder of the semester. Students may be expelled for the balance of the school year. Any student violating the weapon policy may be expelled for one calendar year.
A student shall not knowingly possess, handle or transmit any object that can reasonably be considered a weapon at school, on school property or at a school-sponsored event. This shall include any weapon, any item being used as a weapon or destructive device, or any facsimile of a weapon. It is a crime for any person to possess a firearm at school or on school property. A student who possesses a firearm shall be reported to law enforcement for criminal prosecution. Possession of a firearm or other weapon or facsimile of a weapon shall result in expulsion from school for a period of one calendar year.
(b) Except as authorized in subsection (c), no suspension for a short term shall be imposed upon a student without giving the student notice of the charges and affording the student an informal hearing thereon. The notice may be oral or written and the hearing may be held immediately thereafter. The hearing may be conducted informally but shall include the following procedural due process requirements:
1. The right of the student to be present at the hearing.
2. The right of the student to be informed of the charges.
3. The right of the student to be informed of the basis for the accusation.
4. The right of the student to make statements in defense or mitigation of the charges or accusations.
(c) A short-term suspension may be imposed upon a student forthwith, and without affording the student or the parents or guardians, thereof a hearing if the presence of the student endangers other persons or property or substantially disrupts, impedes or interferes with the operation of the school. A written notice of any short-term suspension and the reason therefore shall be given to the student involved and to the parents. In the event the student has not been afforded a hearing prior to any short-term suspension, an informal hearing shall be provided as soon thereafter as practical but in no event later than 72 hours after such short-term suspension has been imposed.
(d) No suspension for an extended term and no expulsion shall be imposed upon a student until an opportunity for a formal hearing on the suspension or expulsion shall be afforded to the student. A written notice of any proposal to suspend for an extended term or to expel and the charges upon which the same is based shall be given to the student proposed to be suspended or expelled and to the parents or guardians thereof. Any notice of a proposal to suspend for an extended term or to expel shall state the time, date and place that the student will be afforded an opportunity for a formal hearing, and the hearing shall be held not later than 20 days after the date of the notice. A copy of this act shall accompany the notice and the regulations of the Board of Education adopted under K.S.A. 72-8903.
(e) Upon the conclusion of any formal hearing that results in a suspension for an extended term or an expulsion, the person or committee who conducts the hearing shall make a written report of the findings and results of the hearing. The report shall be directed to the Board of Education of the school district and shall be open to the inspection of the student who is suspended or expelled, and if the student has not attained 18 years of age, to the parents or guardians and counsel or other advisor of the student. If the student has attained 18 years of age, the report shall be open to the inspection of the parents or guardians and counsel or other advisor of the student only upon written consent of the student.
(f) Whenever any formal hearing results in suspension for an extended term or expulsion, the person or committee conducting the hearing has the responsibility of deciding whether or not to allow the student to return to regular classes until the period of time allowed for filing a notice of appeal has expired with no notice filed or until the determination of any appeal if a notice of appeal is filed.
(g) Whenever any written notice is required under this act to be given to parents or guardians of any student, it shall be sufficient if the same is mailed to the residence of the parents or guardians at the address on file in the school records of the student. In lieu of mailing the written notice, the same may be personally delivered.
DUE PROCESS
Procedures for implementing due process and reporting complaints.
The hearing provided for shall be afforded procedural process, including the following:
(A) The right of the student to have counsel of his own choice present and to receive the advice of such counsel or other person whom he may select.
(B) The right of the parents or guardians of the student to be present at the hearing.
(C) The right of the student and his counsel or advisor to hear or read a full report of testimony of witnesses against him.
(D) The right of the student to present his own witnesses in person or their testimony by affidavit.
(E) The right of the student to testify in his own behalf and give reasons for his conduct.
(F) The right of the student to have an orderly hearing.
(G) The right of the student to a fair and impartial decision based on substantial evidence.
Upon completion of any hearing which results in a long-term suspension or expulsion, should it appear to the hearing officer conducting such hearing that a violation of a criminal statute or a city ordinance may have occurred concurrently with the acts upon which such long-term suspension or expulsion is based, such official conducting the hearing shall report the same to the juvenile court or other appropriate law enforcement agency.
APPEAL TO BOARD OF EDUCATION, PROCEDURE AND RECORD
(A) Written notice of the result of any hearing resulting in a long-term suspension or an expulsion shall be given to the student suspended or expelled and to his parents or guardians within twenty-four (24) hours after determination thereof. Any student who has been suspended for an extended term or expelled, or one of his parents or guardians, may appeal such suspension or expulsion to the Board of Education, USD 218, by filing a written notice of appeal with the clerk of the Board of Education not later than ten (10) calendar days after receiving the written notice specified in this section. Any such appeal shall be heard by the Board of Education, or by a hearing officer appointed by such board, not later than twenty (20) calendar days after such notice of appeal is filed. The student and his parents or guardians shall be notified in writing of the time and place of the appeal hearing at least five (5) days prior thereto. Such appeal shall be conducted under rules that are consonant with the “Due Process” section. In all expulsion or extended term suspension cases, there shall be made a record of the appeal hearing by mechanical or electronic recording or by an official court reporter, and the costs thereof shall be paid by the school district. The Board of Education shall render its decision on any such appeal not later than five (5) days after the conclusion of the appeal hearing.
(B) For the purpose of hearing any appeal under this section, the Board of Education may appoint one or more hearing officers. Any such hearing officer shall be a member of the Board of Education or a certified employee of the school district. Any such appointment shall apply to a particular hearing or to a set or class of hearings as specified by the Board of Education in making such appointment. Whenever a hearing officer appointed under authority of this section hears any appeal, he/she shall, after hearing the same, prepare a written report thereon to the Board of Education. After receiving any such report, the Board of Education shall determine the appeal with or without additional hearing. Any appeal determined by the Board of Education in accordance with this subsection (B) shall be valid to the same extent as if the matter were fully heard by the Board of Education without a hearing officer.
SUSPENSION OF COMPULSORY SCHOOL ATTENDANCE LAW
The provision of K.S.A. 1969 Supp. 72-1111 shall not apply to any pupil while subject to suspension or expulsion pursuant to the provision of this act.
DRUG AND ALCOHOL POLICY
Philosophy - All students have a right to attend school in an environment conducive to learning. The use of alcohol and other illegal drugs, or the improper use* of drugs, is recognized to be extremely harmful to the individual who uses and to those around that individual. A student cannot learn to his/her full potential while under the influence of these substances. It is further recognized that all students have a right to be educated in a drug free environment. Therefore, the use (including being under the influence of, possession of, or distribution of alcohol or other illegal drugs) is forbidden in school, on school property at any time, at school-sponsored participatory events (whether the event is on school property or elsewhere), or on school transportation. Students shall not unlawfully manufacture, sell, distribute, dispense, possess or use illicit drugs, controlled substances or alcoholic beverages at school or on school district property, or at any school activity. Any student violating the terms of this policy will be reported to the appropriate law enforcement officials, and will be subject to consequences listed below. This policy is required by the 1989 amendments to the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act, P.L. 102-226, 103 St. 1928.
Prevention - Recognizing the extensive use and promotion of alcohol and other drugs in our society, the school has an obligation to prepare students for decision making against drug and alcohol use. This policy ensures the existence of a prevention program in the schools using multiple strategies to provide accurate information, develop life skills, train facilitators and educate parents. Drug education units shall be integrated within the standard curriculum at all grade levels. Extra-curricular school programs promoting awareness, wellness and alternatives to drug/alcohol use shall be available to all students.
The goal of this policy’s drug/alcohol prevention program is to teach healthy, responsible youth capable of resisting alcohol and other drugs and capable of reaching their academic potential.
Intervention - The school district will work through curriculum and classroom activity, administration and faculty effort, and disciplinary procedures to prevent and intervene in the abuse of alcohol and drugs by members of the school population.
As an extension of this policy a designated intervention team will use the following school guidelines, with reasonable judgment, when responding to alcohol and drug related situations. These guidelines have been created as one part of the alcohol and drug policy. They are intended to provide a consistent means for effectively responding to alcohol and drug related situations that may occur at school or at school sponsored events. They have been written with due consideration for the legal rights and responsibilities of administrators, faculty, students and parents who may find themselves involved in such situations. Student behavior, as it relates to alcohol, illegal drugs, other controlled substances, look alike drugs, and act alike drugs; being high or intoxicated, in possession of, using or selling any of the substances listed above is a violation of school policy; students who assist in possession, use or sale of substances listed will be subject to disciplinary action.
Use of Trained Dogs to Search. At the request of the administration, law enforcement officers or licensed private agencies may use trained dogs on school premises to identify student property which may contain illegal or illicit materials and to determine whether materials are present which may threaten the general health, welfare and safety of students and/or district employees.
Consequences for such behavior follow:
1. The city police department will be notified of all drug violations.
2. The principal or designee will make a written record of the violation and disciplinary action taken. Such record will be kept in the student’s file.
3. All search and seizure action will be taken in accordance with the guidelines set forth in this policy.
4. In the case of a medical emergency related to substance abuse, the appropriate health professional, as well as parents or legal guardians, will be contacted. In the case where the parents or legal guardian cannot be contacted, the person designated on school records as a contact person in the case of a medical emergency will be informed. All information available will be made known to the parent or guardian, physician and all others responsible for care and treatment.
5. A staff member shall request assistance of the principal or his/her designee when they observe a disoriented student or one who does not appear to have reasonable control of self. In addition, the principal or designees will:
a. confront the student about the behavior immediately, except in the case of a medical emergency or disorientation.
b. inform the student of the consequences of his/her behavior.
c. notify the parent of the student. If a parent is not available, notify the legal guardian, if one has been legally appointed. If no parent or legal guardian is available, notify the person who has responsibility for the student.
d. suspend the student in school (if necessary) until a parent conference is scheduled.
6. Students who are concerned about their substance abuse and they voluntarily notify faculty or staff will not be subject to disciplinary action. Confidentiality will be observed while seeking and finding support for such a student. Self-disclosure can only be used once to avoid disciplinary action.
7. Consequences for first, second and third offenses within the same school year:
First Offense
1. A punishment up to and including short-term suspension;
2. Suspension from all student activities for a period of not less than one month.
Second Offense
1. A punishment up to and including long-term suspension;
2. Suspension from all student activities for a period of not less than one semester or four months;
3. A student placed on long term suspension under this policy may be readmitted on a probationary status if the student agrees to complete a drug and alcohol rehabilitation program. (Name(s) of acceptable programs are on file with the board clerk.)
Third Offense
1. A punishment up to and including expulsion from school for the remainder of the school year;
2. Suspension from participation and attendance at all school activities for the year;
3. A student who is expelled from school under the terms of this policy may be readmitted during the term of the expulsion only if the student has completed a drug and alcohol education and rehabilitation program at an acceptable program.
The principal may impose a higher-level consequence for a severe offense.
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. 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. Drug and alcohol counseling and rehabilitation programs are available for district students. If a student agrees to enter and complete a drug education or rehabilitation program, the cost of such program will be borne by the student and his or her parents.
A list of available programs along with names and addresses of contact persons for each program is on file with the board clerk. Parents or students should contact the directors of the programs to determine the cost and length of the program.
A copy of this policy will be provided to all students and the parents of all students. Parents of all students will be notified that compliance with this policy is mandatory.
GANG ACTIVITY - Any behaviors that initiate, advocate, or promote gang activity on school grounds are prohibited. The use of hand signals, intimidation, graffiti, clothing, jewelry, accessories, or manner of grooming or activity which by virtue of its color, arrangement, trademark, symbol, or any other characteristic that indicates or implies membership or affiliation with such a group is prohibited. The principal shall take appropriate corrective and disciplinary action as necessary for any violation of these rules.
HAZING, HARASSMENT, INTIMIDATION, BULLYING, AND MENACING - These actions will be prohibited.
USD 218 BULLYING/HARASSMENT PREVENTION PLAN
Statement of Intent - USD 218 is committed to providing a caring, friendly and safe environment for all of our pupils so they can learn in a relaxed and secure atmosphere. Harassment/bullying of any kind is unacceptable in our district. If harassment/bullying does occur, all pupils should be able to tell and know that incidents will be dealt with promptly and effectively. We are a TELLING district. This means that anyone who knows that harassment/bullying is happening is expected to tell the staff.
The USD 218 Board of Education prohibits acts of harassment or bullying. The Board of Education has determined that a safe and civil environment in school is necessary for students to learn and achieve high academic standards. Harassment or bullying, like other disruptive or violent behaviors, is conduct that disrupts both a student’s ability to learn and school’s ability to educate its students in a safe environment. Demonstration of appropriate behavior, treating others with civility and respect, and refusing to tolerate harassment or bullying is expected of administrators, faculty, staff, and volunteers to provide positive examples for student behavior.
What Is Harassment / Bullying - “Harassment or bullying” is any gesture or written, verbal, graphic, or physical act (including electronically transmitted acts- i.e. internet, cell phone, personal digital assistant (pda), or wireless hand held device) that is reasonably perceived as being motivated either by any actual act or perceived characteristic, such as race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression; or a mental, physical, or sensory disability or impairment; or by any other distinguishing characteristic. Such behavior is considered harassment or bullying whether it takes place on or off school property, at any school-sponsored function, or in a school vehicle.
“Harassment” is conduct that meets all of the following criteria:
• is directed at one or more pupils;
• substantially interferes with educational opportunities, benefits, or programs of one or more pupils;
• adversely affects the ability of a pupil to participate in or benefit from the school district’s educational programs or activities because the conduct, as reasonably perceived by the pupil, is so severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive as to have this effect; and,
• is based on a pupil’s actual or distinguishing characteristic (see above), or is based on an association with another person who has or is perceived to have any of these characteristics.
“Bullying” is conduct that meets all of the following criteria:
• is directed at one or more pupils;
• substantially interferes with educational opportunities, benefits, or programs of one or more pupils;
• adversely affects the ability of a pupil to participate in or benefit from the school district’s educational programs or activities by placing the pupil in reasonable fear of physical harm or by causing emotional distress; and,
• is based on a pupil’s actual or distinguishing characteristic (see above), or is based on an association with another person who has or is perceived to have any of these characteristics.
Harassment / Bullying can be:
• Emotional: being unfriendly, excluding, tormenting (e.g. hiding books, threatening gestures)
• Physical: pushing, kicking, hitting, punching or any use of violence
• Racist: racial taunts, graffiti, gestures
• Sexual: unwanted physical contact or sexually abusive comments
• Homophobic because of, or focusing on the issue of sexuality
• Verbal: name-calling, sarcasm, spreading rumors, teasing
• Cyber: All areas of internet ,such as email & internet chat room misuse
• Mobile: threats by text messaging & calls
• Misuse of associated technology , i.e. camera &video facilities
Signs and Symptoms - A child may indicate by signs or behavior that he or she is being harassed or bullied. Adults should be aware of these possible signs and that they should investigate if a child:
• is frightened of walking to or from school
• doesn't want to go on the school / public bus
• begs to be driven to school
• changes their usual routine
• is unwilling to go to school (school phobic)
• begins to truant
• becomes withdrawn anxious, or lacking in confidence
• attempts or threatens suicide or runs away
• cries themselves to sleep at night or has nightmares
• feels ill in the morning
• begins to do poorly in school work
• comes home with clothes torn or books damaged
• has possessions which are damaged or " go missing"
• asks for money or starts stealing money (to pay bully)
• has lunch or other monies continually "lost"
• has unexplained cuts or bruises
• comes home starving (money / lunch has been stolen)
• becomes aggressive, disruptive or unreasonable
• is bullying other children or siblings
• stops eating
• is frightened to say what's wrong
• gives improbable excuses for any of the above
• is afraid to use the internet or mobile phone
• is nervous & jumpy when a cyber message is received
These signs and behaviors could indicate other problems, but harassment / bullying should be considered a possibility and should be investigated.
Students are expected to conduct themselves in a manner in keeping with their levels of development, maturity, and demonstrated capabilities with a proper regard for the rights and welfare of other students, school staff, volunteers, and contractors.
Standards for student behavior must be set cooperatively through interaction among the students, parents and guardians, staff, and community members of the school district, producing an atmosphere that encourages students to grow in self-discipline. The development of this atmosphere requires respect for self and others, as well as for district and community property on the part of students, staff, and community members.
USD 218 believes that the best discipline is self-imposed, and that it is the responsibility of staff to use disciplinary situations as opportunities for helping students learn to assume responsibility and the consequences of their behavior. Staff members who interact with students shall apply best practices designed to prevent discipline problems and encourage students’ abilities to develop self-discipline.
Since bystander support of harassment or bullying can support these behaviors, the district prohibits both active and passive support for acts of harassment or bullying. The staff should encourage students to support students who walk away from these acts when they see them, constructively attempt to stop them, or report them to the designated authority.
Consequences and appropriate remedial actions for a student or staff member who commits one or more acts of harassment or bullying may range from positive behavioral interventions up to and including suspension or expulsion, in the case of a student, or suspension or termination in the case of an employee.
Consequences for a student who commits an act of harassment or bullying shall be unique to the individual incident and will vary in method and severity according to the nature of the behavior, the developmental age of the student, and the student’s history of problem behaviors and performance, and must be consistent with the Board of Education’s approved code of conduct. Remedial measures shall be designed to: correct the problem behavior; prevent another occurrence of the behavior; and protect the target (victim) of the act. The consequences and remedial measures may include, but are not limited to, the examples below:
Possible Consequences
• Admonishment
• Temporary removal from the classroom
• Loss of privileges
• Classroom or administrative detention
• Referral to disciplinarian
• In-school suspension during the school week or the weekend, for students
• Out-of-school suspension
• Legal action
• Expulsion or termination
Possible Remedial Measures / Outcomes
Personal
• Framing the aggressive behavior as a failed attempt to solve a real problem or reach a goal. The adult assists the misbehaving student to find a better way to solve the problem or meet the goal.
• Restitution and restoration
• Counseling
• Peer support group
• Corrective instruction or other relevant learning or service experience
• Supportive discipline to increase accountability for the harassment / bullying offense
• Behavioral assessment or evaluation, including, but not limited to, a referral to the Student Intervention Team, as appropriate.
The principal and/or the principal’s designee shall be responsible for determining whether an alleged act constitutes a violation of this policy. In doing so, the principal and/or the principal’s designee shall conduct a prompt, thorough, and complete investigation of each alleged incident.
Reprisal or retaliation against any person who reports an act of harassment or bullying is prohibited. The consequences and appropriate remedial action for a person who engages in reprisal or retaliation shall be determined by the administrator after consideration of the nature, severity, and circumstances of the act.
Falsely accusing another as a means of harassment or bullying is prohibited. The consequences and appropriate remedial action for a person found to have falsely accused another as a means of harassment or bullying may range from positive behavioral interventions up to and including suspension or expulsion.
School officials will annually educate, train, and disseminate the policy to all school staff, students, and parents.
RESOURCE INFORMATION [BULLYING]
The following are web sites that are excellent resources of information with regard to the aggressive or passive/aggressive behavior known as bullying.
www.StopCyberbullying.org www.teenangels.org www.privacyrights.org
www.WiredSafety.org www.isafe.org www.privacyrights.org
www.wiredkids.org
The Parent's Guide to Protecting Your Children in Cyberspace by Parry Aftab, www. aftab.com
Cyber Bullyiing: No Muscles Needed by Joan Lisante, www.connectforkids.org
The Newest Breed of Bully, the Cyberbully by Charlene C. Giannetti and Maragaret Sagarese, published by the National PTA, www.pta.org
For teachers: Kansas NEA Educator's Resource Libarary; Web site; Bullyproof series of professional development workshops, www.knea.org
An Educator's Guide to Cyberbullying and Cyberthreats by Nancy Willard, M.S., J.D., published by the Center for Safe and Responsible Internet Use, www.cyberbully.org
SCHOOL VIOLENCE HOT LINE - The Kansas State Highway Patrol has set up a “STOP SCHOOL VIOLENCE” anonymous toll free hotline number - 1-877-626-8203. Students that are frustrated and wanting to vent their feelings need to contact the above number or see your school Principal or Counselor.
ASBESTOS
Dear Parents, Employees, and Patrons:
Asbestos is an issue we have been dealing with for many years. The Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act of 1986 (referred to as AHERA), was enacted by Congress. AHERA was enacted to determine the extent of and develop solutions for any problems schools may have with asbestos.
Elkhart USD 218 has had all our buildings inspected by Thompson Environmental Consultants from Liberal, Kansas. The contract with Thompson included planning, inspection, and the management plan. They have found asbestos at the elementary, the middle school, the high school, and the Fowler Field House.
The only asbestos in the elementary building is floor tile in the gym. This floor tile is classified as non-friable (cannot be easily crumbled) and therefore can be “managed” without removal.
The middle school has non-friable asbestos tile, which is covered by carpet and therefore can be “managed” without removal. The mudded joints to the broiler in the custodial room also contained non-friable asbestos. These have been wrapped and can also be “managed” without removal. This broiler is no longer in use.
The high school also has non-friable asbestos in the floor tile throughout the building, which is also covered by carpet and can be “managed” without removal. In the Industrial Arts woodshop the flex connector in the heating duct to control vibration also contains non-friable asbestos. This connector is wrapped and therefore can be “managed” without removal.
There are two areas in the Fowler Field House, which have non-friable asbestos. It was located in the entryway of the old gym and in the health room. These too can be “managed” without removal.
Our district has appointed Andy Bane to be our “designated person” for supervising, inspecting, and removing, if necessary, any asbestos within our buildings.
Each building and the district office have a copy of the “management plan”. This plan is available for your inspection should you feel any need to examine it. We intend to fully comply with all relevant EPA and OSHA regulations in order that our children and employees will not be endangered. We will also keep you advised of any actions we may take regarding asbestos in any of our school buildings. In the meantime, if you have any questions or concerns, please convey them to myself or Andy Bane at USD 218.
Respectfully,
Nancy Crowell, Superintendent
HIGH SCHOOL SECTION
Mission Statement
"Elkhart High School is committed to educational excellence. Students will develop a positive attitude toward education while developing lifelong learning skills in order to become responsible and productive members of society."
KANSAS BOARD OF REGENTS RECOMMENDED HIGH SCHOOL COURSES FOR COLLEGE BOUND STUDENTS
The Kansas Board of Regents recommends the following 15 units for college preparation to any of the state’s regent schools:
1. 4 Units, English
2. 3 Units, Mathematics
3. 3 Units, Social Studies
4. 3 Units, Natural Science
5. 2 Units, Foreign Language
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS - USD 218 and the Kansas State Department of Education have established the following graduation requirements for the 2008-2009 school year.
A minimum of twenty-four units is required for graduation from Elkhart High School. Of these required units, seventeen are specified by the Board of Education or the state of Kansas with the remainder selected from elective subjects by the students.
ENGLISH/LANGUAGE ARTS……………………………….4 units
Grade 9………………………………………………………...English 1
Grade 10……………………………………………………….English 2
Grade 11……………………………………………………….English 3
Grade 12……………………………………………………….English 4 or Comp I & II
MATHEMATICS…………………………………………...…..3 units
Grade 9………………………………………………………...Mathematics elective
Grade 10……………………………………………………….Mathematics elective
Grade 11……………………………………………………….Mathematics elective
SCIENCE………………………………………………………3 units
Grade 9…………………………………………………………Biology (with lab)
Grade 10………………………………………………………..Physical Science or Chemistry
Grade 11………………………………………………………..Science elective
PHYSICAL EDUCATION……………………………………1 unit
Grade 9-12…………………………………………………....Physical Education or Strength
May use Nutrition & Wellness class for 1/2 unit along with PE or Strength
SOCIAL STUDIES……………………………………………3 units
Grade 9 -12.…………………………………………………..World History
Grade 11……………………………………………………....U.S. History
Grade 12……………………………………………………....American Government
LIFE ADJUSTMENTS…………………………………….….1 unit
FINE ARTS……………………………………………………1 unit
TECHNOLOGY…………………………………………….…1 unit
Grade 9 or 10………………………………………………....Computer Technology
TOTAL REQUIRED COURSES………………………….....17 units
ELECTIVE UNITS…………………………………………….7 units
Grade 9-12
TOTAL UNITS REQUIRED FOR GRADUATION…………24 units
Students participating in the graduation exercises and commencement must have earned the minimum of 24 units of credits and meet all requirements established by the Board of Education.
BONA FIDE STUDENT - Elkhart High School students must be enrolled in seven hours of classes. There are no study halls. Elkhart High School subscribes to the Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA) guide- lines (Rule 14) defining a bona fide student.
HONORARY GRADUATION CERTIFICATE - In the event of the death of a senior who is on track to graduate, the family may request an honorary certificate be presented at graduation. Families of students who are classified as seniors may also request an honorary graduating certificate be awarded due to other extenuating circumstances that are beyond the control of the student. Requests shall be made in writing to the Board of Education whose decision is final.
CREDIT FOR A CLASS - Elkhart High School offers both semester and year classes. Credit will be given in one half (1/2) unit increments. Two full semesters equal one (1) full credit. College classes may be taken for credit toward graduation at the above rate. To earn credit, a student must complete the class with a grade of no less than 60 percent.
CHANGING SCHEDULES OR DROPPING A CLASS - Since all regular students at EHS are required to take seven classes during a day, no student may drop a class unless permission is obtained from the parent, teacher, school counselor and principal. No subject/class may be dropped or changed after five days of class (this includes semesters), unless otherwise allowed by the building principal.
GENERAL EQUIVALENCY DEGREE - G.E.D. classes are not offered at the school; however, the G.E.D. test may be administered through Seward County Community College. The G.E.D. program is designed for students who have had to leave school before graduation. It is an equivalent, not a replacement for a high school diploma. Students with a G.E.D. may not always meet standards of employment where a standard high school diploma is required. Interested people should contact the counselor’s office.
GRADE CLASSIFICATION - Classifications of juniors and seniors will be based upon minimum credits, not on years enrolled. Participation in any activity associated with these classes will not be permitted if the minimum credits have not been earned.
Minimums are as follows:
JUNIOR.....A minimum of ten (10) credits at the beginning of the fall term must have been passed.
SENIOR.....A minimum of sixteen (16) credits at the beginning of the fall term must have been passed.
HONOR ROLL - Honor rolls are published and posted by the school at the end of each nine week grading period.
To qualify for FIRST HONOR ROLL, a student must have a ninety percent cumulative average or better and receive no subject (class) percent lower than ninety percent.
To qualify for SECOND HONOR ROLL, a student must have an eighty percent cumulative average and no subject (class) percent lower than eighty percent.
From each graduating class, the member with the highest percent average for the four years of high school will be awarded valedictorian honors. The second highest will be awarded salutatorian honors. Students must be in attendance at Elkhart High School for at least four quarter grading periods to be considered for these honors.
Beginning August 2009, the following classes will not be calculated towards GPA or class rank:
1. Office / Teacher Aide
2. Trainer Trainee
3. ESL Study Skills
4. Study Skills
5. Wildcat Instruction
6. Senior Exploration
TOP TEN POLICY - The top ten students in the graduating class as per their grade average will be recognized at graduation. However, if more than ten students have a grade average of 92% or better, they will all be recognized.
GRADING - All students shall be graded using a percent as the basis for recorded grades. Teachers will record all grades by using percents. Grade cards and transcripts will indicate the conversion table listed below.
Grading Scale Point Scale (High School Only)
A+ 100 pluses and minuses will not be use A 95-99 for computing this scale
A- 90-94
B+ 88-89 A 4.0
B 85-87 B 3.0
B- 80-84 C 2.0
C+ 78-79 D 1.0
C 75-77
C- 70-74
D+ 68-69
D 65-67
D- 60-64
F 59 or below (no credit given for class)
Students will receive percents in all classes. The only exception will be students who enroll in high school as office aides. No credit or grades will be granted who enroll as office aides. Students who transfer from a class will be given the average at the time of their withdrawal. Only classes with cumulative percents will be used to compute the honor rolls.
COLLEGE CREDIT CLASSES - Students may enroll in college classes for credit via the interactive two-way television system and through Seward County Community College. They must obtain permission from the guidance office and parents. In addition, state regulations mandate that such students must be a Junior or Senior or have an IEP. Students will be expected to pay all fees and purchase their textbooks.
SCHEDULING ACTIVITY PERIODS - Only a sponsor may request an activity meeting during activity period. All activities must be on the weekly calendar.
DAILY BULLETIN AND ANNOUNCEMENTS - A daily bulletin will be posted each morning on Power School. This bulletin will list attendance and various announcements. Teachers should read the bulletin to students during second hour classes. Public address announcements may be made at the end of each school period. Students and teachers may request information to be placed on the daily bulletin upon approval by the principal.
SCHOOL DAY - Building Opens at 7:30 a.m. Closes at 4:00 p.m.
AWARDS - Students at EHS are cautioned about awards from outside companies that they may receive in the mail, etc. These awards sometimes turn out to be costly and of little value. In any case they are not associated with Elkhart High School unless endorsed by the school.
EHS does award students for their efforts and accomplishments. Students who excel academically are recognized on the honor roll, by academic letter and by individual awards given by teachers in subject areas. Outstanding attendance is recognized each semester. Music and art awards are offered. Athletic and activity awards are given yearly. Students who raise their averages are recognized twice a year.
The school wants to encourage positive contributions of any kind from students at all times. It is the philosophy of EHS that positive spirit and effort are part of being a student at EHS.
ACADEMIC LETTERING POLICY - To receive an academic letter at Elkhart High School, a student will have to maintain a 95% cumulative semester average in all classes. Students who letter for the first time will receive an Academic Letter. Students who letter for the second time will receive a bar (qualify for two semesters). Thereafter, a student must qualify for two semesters in order to receive an Academic Bar.
COMPUTER LABORATORY - To make the computers available to the many students who need them and to keep the machines in operation, the following rules will be enforced:
1. No student is to use the lab without a teacher present or the computer lab assistant present.
2. To get a pass to the computer lab, a student will have a signed Acceptable Use Agreement on file in the office.
3. When using the computer lab as an individual, students will sign in and out on a log that is posted in the lab.
4. No vending items are permitted in the lab, food, pop, candy, water, etc.
Band
There will be a $5 band fee for every student enrolled in band. If a student uses a school owned instrument, a $25 non-refundable rental fee will be charged. Any fees for repairs that need to be made throughout the year due to neglect or abuse to a rented instrument will be the responsibility of the renter.
PARTICIPATION IN ACTIVITIES
ELKHART HIGH SCHOOL ELIGIBILITY POLICY - The eligibility policy of Elkhart High School runs from Monday of Monday of each week. Grades will be posted by 8:00 A.M. each Monday morning and a list of students who are failing will be generated.
Students who are failing one (1) class may remain eligible by attending tutoring. Students who are failing two (2) classes will be placed on academic probation and have one week to get one or both classes back to passing. A student who fails any two (2) classes for consecutive weeks will be considered ineligible. Students placed on the ineligible list on Monday will remain ineligible until the following Monday.
Tutoring will be available to all students from 3:15 to 3:45 PM Monday through Thursday. Athletic practices will begin at 4:00 PM each day to allow students time to attend tutoring.
Courses taken at Point Rock Academy for credit recovery will also count towards weekly eligibility. Students must be making adequate progress in the credit recovery program as required by their individual contracts in order to remain in good standing.
All students are encouraged to participate in the activities offered by EHS. To participate, students must be in good standing according to the rules of the Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA) and the school. They also need to be full time students.
Students who are under school suspension, or who do not meet the KSHSAA minimum standards of good standing will not be allowed to participate. Students may be prohibited from participation in any school activity as part of disciplinary action by the principal.
Participation in any activity is a privilege, not necessarily a right. Students under suspension will not attend any school functions within the suspension period.
Some classes, by their nature, may require a special commitment on the part of students who enroll in them. Therefore some teachers may require students to perform some of their class duties outside the school day, ie: band performances, music concerts, finishing shop projects, etc. These requirements may influence the grade given for those classes. Furthermore, these requirements may or may not be outlined in the general policies of the building policy (or district policy) handbooks. Teachers should make sure that all students are made aware of possible requirements before committing to final enrollment in the class.
STUDENT PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS - All students 7th-12th grades participating in athletics and physical education programs are required to have a physical examination. Students cannot participate in any activity until a physical examination form is on file. The cost of the physical examination is the responsibility of the student.
PEP RALLIES - Pep rallies will be scheduled by the cheerleading sponsor, athletic director and approved by the principal. They will generally be scheduled 7th period and will usually last no more than 20 minutes. All students and teachers are required to attend pep rallies, unless excused by the principal.
SCHOOL FOOD SERVICE - Elkhart High School has a closed lunch period. To leave school to eat lunch, a parent or guardian must come to school and personally sign his child out of school on a daily basis.
Students leaving for lunch without being signed out will receive the following discipline:
1st Offense – 1 Hour after school detention
2nd Offense – 1day In School Suspension
3rd Offense – 3 Days In School Suspension and lose privilege for the remainder of the semester.
4th Offense – 3 Days Out of School Suspension
5th Offense – To be determined by the building principal
Meal tickets are available for purchase in the school office. Students are asked to purchase tickets before/after school or during the lunch period.
LIBRARY - The library opens at 7:30 a.m. and closes at 3:30 p.m. Other times may be arranged with the librarian. The library is a quiet place where students can study and do assigned work involving the library’s special resources.
Students are admitted to the library with an appropriate pass from a teacher. The pass is given to the librarian and is returned to the student upon leaving. Permission to leave the library to visit the restroom or get a drink of water or go to their locker will be determined, as to need, by the librarian. Students should bring all materials with them when they come to the library.
The librarian is always available to help students in any type of class assignment or research. The library offers many services for students. Students are encouraged to ask for help or advice as needed.
LIBRARY CIRCULATION POLICY - Students are responsible for what they check out until it is returned. Students will be expected to pay for materials that are lost or damaged. Books are checked out for two weeks and one renewal is allowed. Reference books, magazines, reserve books and vertical files materials are used only in the library. They may be checked out during the last hour for overnight or weekend use and must be returned before school begins the following school day. Current magazines may be taken to classrooms only upon written request of the teacher and returned before the class period is over.
PURCHASES AND ORGANIZATIONAL FUNDS - Each student activity fund shall have a certified employee in charge of said fund. The monthly student activity report shall show opening and closing balances of each fund. The report shall also show total amount of deposits and expenditures. All payments from student activity funds shall be made by check co-signed by two individuals, the activity fund treasurer, the principal or board clerk. Students who are authorized to make purchases for organizations will first have an appropriate purchase order. No purchases will be made without the approval of the sponsor and principal. Original copies of the purchase order must be returned to the office with adequate receipts. No orders will be paid for without prior authorization.
Funds raised by school organizations are under the control of the Board of Education. Individual students do not have control over such funds. Funds left by the graduating senior class will be transferred to the senior gift account to be used for future senior classes. In the event funds raised exceed the limit of class need, excess funds will be deposited in the Sr. Gift fund account at the High School and will be used for the purchase of a gift to the school or other school-related projects approved by the Principal.
VENDING MACHINES USE - No outside containers are permitted in the school. Vending machines may be used before/after school and during lunch only. Teachers are not permitted to dismiss students from class to access vending machines. Exceptions may be made only with the permission of the principal.
TELEPHONE USE - Students may not use the phone without written permission from a teacher during class time. Please secure a pass before asking permission to use the telephone. Students are not permitted to use the telephone to order lunch or to make trivial calls. All long distance calls should be logged with the secretary. No collect calls are to be made without office personnel permission. Students may use the telephone outside of class time without a written pass.
DANCE POLICY
I. Dance Times
A. All dances will start as soon as the athletic event is over. (If there is no athletic event, the dance will start no earlier than 8:00 p.m.)
B. All dances at Elkhart High School will end no later than 12:00 a.m.
C. Everyone, except athletes, cheerleaders and their dates will have 30 minutes to get to the dance.
D. Once you leave a dance, you will not be allowed to return.
II. Guests/Participants
A. People attending dances at Elkhart High School will not be permitted into the dances if they are 21 years or older.
B. All alumni, regardless of age, may be permitted to attend dances at Elkhart High School, excluding prom.
C. All students will be allowed one guest to attend dances at Elkhart High School.
D. All guests must be signed up and approved by 12:00 p.m. on the day of the dance by principal/sponsor.
E. Guests must be students in good standing from an accredited High School in grades 9-12 or a graduate from an accredited high school under the age of 21.
III. Costs
A. All dances, unless otherwise stated will be $3.00 for singles and $5.00 for couples.
B. Homecoming candidates and their dates will get into that homecoming dance free. Attendants and escorts will also get in free. (Unless specified by Student Council, attendants and dates will have to pay.)
IV. Dress
A. Refer to “School Dress” page 10 of this handbook.
V. Drugs and Alcohol
A. Anyone attending a dance at Elkhart High School found possessing alcohol or drugs, alcohol, or under the influence of alcohol will be detained and will be released to parents and/or the proper authorities. People in violation of the district drug and alcohol policy will be subject to the provisions of the policy of District 218 (See “Drug and Alcohol Policy).
JUNIOR SENIOR PROM - The following rules were adopted by the Board of Education to provide for a safe and enjoyable prom while maintaining the tradition of the prom. All students attending will abide by the following:
1. The dinner and dance will be from 7:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.
2. Juniors and Seniors of EHS who are in good standing may attend.
3. Juniors and Seniors may bring a guest provided they make reservations and pay for their guest’s meal and ticket to the dance at least one week in advance. The sponsors and principal must approve each guest from outside of EHS.
4. Guests must be high school students in good standing in grades 9-12 or a graduate from high school under the age of 21. In order to attend Prom, a student or a date of a high school student must have been in attendance in high school 9 weeks prior to the event and demonstrate regular attendance patterns.
5. Each student who brings a guest must be responsible for explaining to the guest what is required. A list of rules shall be printed governing the conduct of all who attend the prom. Guests will be given a copy of this list.
6. The dinner and dance are closed. There is no admittance after 7:00 p.m. Students who leave will not be readmitted.
7. According to school policy, any student found possessing alcohol/drugs, drinking alcohol or under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the prom will be detained and will be released to parents and/or proper authorities. Students found in violation of district drug and alcohol policy will be subject to the provisions of the policy of District 218 (see “Drug and Alcohol Policy).
8. Guests are subject to the same rules of behavior concerning drug and alcohol use. Guests will be detained and will be released to parents and/or proper authorities and will not be permitted to return.
9. The prom is a formal function. Dress, manners, and behavior will be appropriate for the occasion. Boys may wear a suit and tie; sports jacket, slacks and tie, or tux. Girls may wear a party dress, formal or long skirt. There will be no blue jeans, denim jackets, or t-shirts.
10. Decorations are to be left intact for the evening.
SCHOOL DISCIPLINE - School discipline is the guidance of conduct of students in a way that permits the orderly and efficient operation of the school to ensure the maintenance of a scholarly and disciplined atmosphere.
A. Student Rights and Due Process
Each student is guaranteed the preservation of his/her rights in any disciplinary matter. This includes the administration ensuring that the student will be informed of the charges against him/her and will have the opportunity to hear and react to the evidence and witnesses against him/her. Respect, fairness, and recognition of responsibilities for both parties must prevail in all relations. Penalties are according to the disciplinary code.
B. Definitions of Breach of Discipline
Breach of discipline is any conduct of students that interferes with the maintenance of school discipline. Acts of behavior which tend to conflict with the educational program or which are antagonistic to the welfare of other students cannot be tolerated. Breach of discipline may include, without limitation:
1. Temper tantrums that disrupt the learning environment.
2. Bully type behavior.
3. Open defiance involving refusal to conform to rules and regulations, profane or disrespectful language, loud or boisterous conduct which disturbs the orderly, efficient, and disciplined atmosphere and operation of school, refusal to comply with a request or directions of teachers, administrators, or other school personnel, including requests to identify oneself or similar actions.
4. Willful disobedience.
5. Continual breaking of rules.
6. A physical attack or threat of physical attack.
7. Personal misbehavior.
8. Display of bigotry or intolerance.
9. Criminal behavior of students or non-students.
10. Gang activity.
C. Scope of School Control
Areas in which disciplinary control of students are to be exercised are as follows:
1. While on school premises.
2. While in proximity of school premises. Conduct of students away from school grounds is subject to school discipline if it directly affects the good order, efficiency, management, and
of the school.
3. While traveling to and from activity events.
4. While engaged in school related activities.
D. Recommended Actions in Handling Breaches of Discipline
The following possible actions are authorized in cases of breach of school discipline regulations: (Counseling/intervention strategies will be used at all phases concerning discipline)
1. Reprimand, verbal or written.
2. Detention, before and/or after school (one day notification given to student).
3. Denial of privileges, exclusion from class and/or extracurricular activities.
4. Assignment to a supervised area.
5. In-school detention.
6. Saturday school.
7. Out of school suspension.
a. Daily assignments will be made available each morning and may be picked up in the school office by a parent or designee. All assignments will be due upon return from the period of suspension.
8. Placed on probation with a written contract.
9. Expulsion from school.
E. Authority
Teachers and administrators must have authority to use reasonable and appropriate means necessary to prevent breach of discipline or to stop a continuing breach of discipline. Factors to be considered are age, previous history, maturity of student, seriousness of the action requiring control, the nature of the danger to the student or the nature of danger to others. Teachers may use moderate physical force to restrain a student or break up any physical disruption between students or in self-defense.
F. Ineligibility for Student Activities
1. Students suspended from school will not attend or participate in any school-sponsored activities during the suspension except with approval from the building principal.
2. All other violations of applicable policies may result in the student being declared ineligible for attendance or participation in any activities. The athletic director, head coaches or sponsors with prior approval of the building principal, may declare ineligibility. The superintendent or the building principal may also declare ineligibility.
G. Student Vehicle Regulations
Students are to maintain safe and reasonable driving habits on school grounds. Once students exit their vehicles upon arrival, they are not allowed to get back in them without permission from the office. The student council and principal have developed guidelines for enforcement of safe driving and parking on school grounds. The guidelines are as follows:
1st offense.......................... Warning
2nd offense......................... Detention at 3:15
3rd offense......................... 1 week parking suspension
4th offense......................... Suspension of parking for semester
If there is a severe problem, the principal retains the right to administer immediate disciplinary action including suspension of driving privileges for an indefinite period of time. Students are not to loiter in parked cars or parking lot at any time.
Students are to park only in correctly marked parking slots and must take only one parking space. There is to be no parking in non-designated areas. Students are not to park in the yellow zones in front of the building, but may park in any other marked places except for east of the high school building. Students who park in front of the building are to park facing in. Students should leave the parking lot at the NW exit by the bus barn to avoid congestion of traffic at the main entrance.
H. Violations
1. Smoking - Smoking by students is not permitted in public schools or on school grounds in accordance with state laws. The first offense for smoking will be a three-day in or out of school suspension and parent notification. Subsequent offenses will result in additional suspensions from school and parent conference.
2. Unexcused Absence/Tardy - Students having an unexcused absence will be assigned detention; repeated acts may result in school suspension, out of school suspension or possible expulsion. A detention will be assigned for each unexcused tardy by the teacher or principal. Students can miss no more than ten (10) days of school per class, per semester without having extenuating circumstances.
3. Vandalism - For minor non-destructive vandalism, students will face possible suspension, and parents. Severe and/or repeated acts and malicious destruction of school buildings, property, or fixtures, may be considered grounds for expulsion. Restitution will be made for replacement of item (s) at market price.
4. Possession of, or consumption of beer, liquor, tobacco, controlled substances, drug intoxicants, depressants, stimulants, and etc.- parents will be notified of such a violation. The student will face a short-term suspension from school and the police may be notified. Severe and/or repeated acts may be considered grounds for a recommended expulsion. Students suspected of having consumed the aforementioned substances will be referred immediately to the principal. This matter will be handled according to adopted board policy on alcohol and drug use found elsewhere in this manual.
5. Larceny, robbery, unlawful assembly, malicious use of telephone, disturbing public assembly. The sheriff’s department will be notified. School personnel will cooperate fully with the requests of the department in executing state and local laws. Students could face short and long term suspensions.
4. Personal misbehavior, intimidation and/or possession of dangerous objects. Parent notification and/or consultation for specialized help, short term suspension and parental conference. Severe and/or repeated acts may be considered grounds for a recommended expulsion.
7. Fighting, profanity, disrespectful language/gestures, insubordination to school personnel including failure to identify oneself, throwing snowballs, presence of students in areas restricted as to time and place. Since these breaches of discipline vary in degrees of seriousness, a corresponding degree of latitude will be given to school personnel in disciplining those involved. Possible action may be reprimand, parental conference and short-term suspension. Fighting may be automatic suspension for both parties. Severe and/or repeated acts will be considered grounds for recommendation for expulsion.
8. Physical attack to school personnel, threats, assault, assault and battery. Notification of parents and conference. Suspension and/or recommendation for expulsion.
9. Bullying behavior, physical attacks among students, threats, assault, and assault and battery. Notification of parents and conference. Suspension and/or recommendation for expulsion.
10. Arson - Shall result in immediate suspension and possible recommendation for expulsion and notification of police.
11. Violation of vehicle regulations - refer to “Student Vehicle Regulations.”
12. Restricted or off limit areas - Students are considered off limits if they go to parts of the school building or grounds where they are not permitted - at least at certain times without specific authorization. Such would be the case of a student in a locker room while his/her class is in the gym, etc. In general the rule holds as above and limitations do not have to be specifically stated students could be assigned detention, loss of privileges and/or short-term suspension.
13. Weapons - A student shall not knowingly possess, handle or transmit any object that can reasonably be considered a weapon on the school grounds or off the school grounds at a school activity, function or event. This policy shall include any weapon, any item being used as a weapon or destructive device, or any facsimile of a weapon. Possession of a firearm shall result in expulsion from school for a period not to extend beyond 180 days, except that the superintendent may recommend that this expulsion requirement be modified on a case-by-case basis under the provisions of JDC (Probation). As used in this policy, the term “firearm” means any weapon (including a starter gun) which will or is designed to or may readily be converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive, the frame or receiver of any such weapon, or any firearm muffler or silencer; or any destructive device. As used in this policy, the term “destructive device” means any explosive, incendiary or poison gas: bomb, grenade, rocket having a propellant charge of more than four ounces, missile having an explosive or incendiary charge of more than one-quarter ounce, mine, or other device similar to any of these devices.
14. Hazing - Kansas law prohibits “hazing.” Incidents involving initiation, hazing, intimidation, and/or related activities which are likely to cause bodily danger, physical harm, personal degradation or disgrace resulting in physical or mental harm, or which affect the attendance of another student, are prohibited. If a student is found to be involved in hazing, parent notification and/or consultation for specialized help, short-term suspension and parental conference may take place. Severe and/or repeated acts may be considered grounds for a recommended expulsion.
*Elkhart High School utilizes a standardized tardy policy. For the first, second, and third tardy a student receives for any class in a nine-week grading period; the student will face disciplinary action from the teacher of that particular class. On the fourth tardy and any subsequent tardies earned for a given class within the same nine-week grading period, the office will be notified of the situation and regular disciplinary procedures will be utilized.
COLLEGE VISITATION - Each senior student will be allowed two college visitation days that must be completed by May 1st. In order to receive an excused absence for these days the student must turn in completed permission forms to the high school office before being absent and bring signed documentation of their visit from the proper college officials. Exceptions must be recommended by the counselor and approved by the principal. The policy on senior sneaks will apply if these procedures are not followed.
SENIOR SNEAKS - By policy senior sneaks are prohibited. Unauthorized sneaks will bear the following penalty:
1. Seniors involved will return to regular classes for a period of time to be determined by the principal.
2. Seniors who fail to comply will not have a signed diploma.
3. Underclass students who participate in sneaks will be required to serve detentions on an hour for hour basis. The principal may also assess an additional penalty.
DISPLAY OF AFFECTION - Students are expected to exercise common sense in public displays of affection. Any display of affection other than holding hands is out of place in school. The faculty has the right to correct this behavior and students will comply with courtesy.
OVERNIGHT TRIPS –
All district policies regarding student behavior will be in place for any over-night trips. Additionally, when taking an over-night trip, the students’ luggage may be checked to ensure the safety of the students on the trip. In the event that a student is discovered to be breaking any of the school policies while on the trip, the sponsors of the trip will implement appropriate disciplinary measures, which could include the calling of the student’s parents to come and retrieve their child at their own expense. The principal may take additional disciplinary measures if it is warranted by the situation
USD #218 Student and Guest Technology Use Handbook
New technology is always on the horizon. An attempt to identify all technologies and list possible misuses of them is impossible. Therefore, throughout this technology handbook, the term “technology” will be used to reference all existing and new devices or systems that are now used or that will be invented in the future. Such technologies now include computers, handheld devices, cell phones, ipods, and digital cameras. What is to come is unknown. The policies and procedures in this handbook all apply to any form of technology whether it is specifically mentioned or not.
As part of their academic work for specific classes, or for general interest research, students may have access to internal and external computer networks. The external computer network is often called the “Internet.” While reasonable efforts will be made to provide supervision when students are using computer networks, neither school staff, nor the district can guarantee the accuracy or appropriateness of information which may be accessed by students. Parents who are concerned about this situation should discuss the issues with teacher or the principal/designee.
Students shall have no expectation of privacy when using district e-mail or computer systems. E-mail messages shall be used only for approved educational purposes. Students must use appropriate language in all messages. Students are expected to use the system following guidelines approved by teachers or the administration.
Any e-mail or computer application or information in district computers or computer systems is subject to monitoring by the staff and/or administration. The school retains the right to duplicate any information created by students in a computer system or on any individual computer. Students’ who violate these rules or any other classroom rules relating to computer use, are subject to disciplinary action.
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.
Students shall not install software on district computers or computer systems.
Personal computers and other personal technologies should not be brought to school. Other guidelines for the use of technologies may be listed in individual school handbooks and students must follow those as well.
Children’s Internet Protection Act– The district shall implement the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA). The superintendent shall develop a plan to implement the Children’s Internet Protection Act. This plan shall be on file with the board clerk and in each school office with Internet access, and copies shall be available. The superintendent shall ensure compliance with CIPA by completing Federal communication Commission forms as required.
DISCIPLINARY ACTION RELATED TO MISUSE OF TECHNOLOGY
Student failure to abide by the Acceptable Use Policy may result in disciplinary action following disciplinary procedures established in the district with the following qualifications:
1. Student misuse of the system is defined in the Acceptable Use Policy. The definitions therein are not exclusive. If a student is clever enough to invent a new way of misusing technology, and it is reasonable that the student would know what he/she is doing is improper, the student may nonetheless be disciplined.
2. Student use of the district’s technology is a privilege granted to students by the district, not a legal right. Since it is a privilege, the district may restrict any student’s use of technology or the net system if the student abuses that privilege.
Disciplinary Action
The following levels of discipline will be enforced by teachers and the administration. Any level of discipline may be selected, depending on the individual situation and the severity of the violation.
Level 1 – In situations where the student is suspected to have misused the system, the instructor shall discuss the matter with student, informing the student of what the student is suspected to have done, hear the student’s side of the story, and institute action deemed appropriate by the teacher. Parents will be notified.
Level 2 – In situations where there have been repeated infractions or where the student has engaged in extreme misuse of the system, which may or may not directly result in suspension or expulsion, the principal may revoke technology privileges for a period of time appropriate for the situation.
Level 3 – In extreme situations, which may or may not directly result in suspension or expulsion, the Superintendent or designee may take school disciplinary action(s) and/or appropriate legal action(s). Access privileges may be revoked.
Suspension or Expulsion. If the student has violated the Acceptable Use Agreement in a way that leads to suspension or expulsion, discipline shall be administered, appealed, and controlled by the Board Policy on discipline [JDD]. In all other situations, the above procedures apply.
Appeals. Except in situations where the discipline administered was suspension or expulsion, students or parents may appeal any decision at the district level of appeal under this regulation by using the district’s Uniform Complaint Procedures, [JCCA, JCE, JE-R, JCE-R]. Where the student is suspended or expelled, appeal procedures based on the district guidelines [JDD-R] will apply.
“NETIQUETTE” ON THE INTERNET
All users of the USD #218 technology and networks are expected to abide by the generally accepted rules of network etiquette (netiquette). Informal rules of behavior have evolved for the use of and communication on the Internet and other on-line services. These rules of behavior include, but are not limited to, the following:
1. Be polite. Do not write or send abusive messages to others.
2. Use appropriate language. Do not swear, use vulgarity, or any inappropriate language.
3. Do not reveal your personal address or phone numbers or those of others.
4. Note that electronic mail (e-mail) is not guaranteed to be private. People who operate the system do have access to mail. Messages relating to or in support of illegal activities may be reported to the authorities.
5. All communications and information accessible via the network should be assumed to be private property which is subject to copyright laws.
6. Do not place unlawful information on any network system.
7. Keep paragraphs and messages short and to the point. Focus on one subject per message.
8. Do not use the network in such a way that would disrupt the use of the network by other users (i.e., downloading very large files during prime time, sending mass e-mail messages).
9. Adult patrons, visitors, or other guests allowed network access are serving as ambassadors and representatives of the district. Conduct and message content on the network should positively reflect on the district’s reputation.
POLICY FOR ACCEPTABLE USE
OF TECHNOLOGY AND NETWORKS
The following policy for acceptable use of technology and networks (including e-mail, all software, video and digital equipment, and the Internet) shall apply to all district administrators, faculty, staff, and students.
1. The user shall not erase, change, rename, or make unusable anyone’s computer files, programs, or disks (except for authorized staff members).
2. The user shall not let other persons use his/her name, logon, password, or files for any reason (except for authorized staff members).
3. The user shall not use or try to discover another’s password or in any way access another person’s e-mail or other files (except for authorized staff members).
4. The user shall not change any file that does not belong to the user.
5. The user shall not falsify his identity to others.
6. The user shall not use district school technology or networks for any non-instructional or non-administrative purpose (i.e., games or activities for personal use).
7. The user shall not use technology for unlawful purposes, such as illegal copying or installation of software.
8. The user shall not copy, change, or transfer any software or documentation provided by district schools, teachers, or other students without permission.
9. The user shall not write, produce, generate, copy, propagate, or attempt to introduce any computer code designed to self-replicate, damage, or otherwise hinder the performance of any computer’s memory, file system, or software. Such software is often called a bug, virus, Trojan Horse, or similar name.
10. The user shall not deliberately use technology to annoy or harass others with language, images, innuendoes, or threats. The user shall not deliberately access, send or create any obscene or objectionable information, language, or images.
11. The user shall not intentionally damage the technology, the network system, damage information belonging to others, misuse system resources, or allow others to misuse system software.
12. The user shall not tamper with computers, networks, printers, or other associated equipment, except as directed by the teacher.
13. The user shall not circumvent security measures on school or remote computers or networks.
14. The user desiring to take home technology equipment (hardware or software) must first have the parental permission form signed. Any take-home technology shall be used in the same manner as if it were at school. Technology equipment will only be checked out at the end of the school day and must be returned before school begins the next morning.
15. All information on any school or district network is considered property of USD #218 unless specified by law, students and staff shall have no expectation of privacy for any information created, stored, or used on any district computer system.
16. The user shall not use the technology or network in ways that violate federal, state, or local statutes.
17. While resources should be consulted for various assignments, words or ideas cannot be copied directly and they should be properly cited, with credit given to the original authors. Images taken from another source must also be cited properly. (Plagiarism)
KANSAS COMPUTER CRIME LAW
K.S.A. 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 to or more interconnected computers.
(4) “Computer Program” means a series of instruction 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 systems.
(5) “Computer Software” means computer programs, procedures, and associated documentation concerned with the operation of a computer system.
(6) “Computer System” means a set of related computer equipment or devices and computer software which may be connected or unconnected.
(7) “Financial Instrument” means any check, draft, money order, certificate of deposit, letter of credit, bill of exchange, credit card, debit card, or marketable security.
(8) “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.
(9) “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.
(10) “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.
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 use of devising or executing a scheme or 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;
OR21-3755 (Con’t.)
(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)(1) Computer crime which causes a loss of the value of less than $500 is a class A nonperson misdemeanor.
(2) Computer crime which causes a loss of the value of at least $500, but less than $25,000, is a severity level 9, nonperson felony.
(3) Computer crime which causes a loss of the value of $25,000 or more is a severity level 7, nonperson felony.
(d) In any prosecution from computer crime, it is a defense that the property or services were appropriated openly and avowedly under a claim of title mead 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 a 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.
History: L. 1985, ch. 108, s 1; L. 1992, ch. 298, s 51; L. 1993, ch. 291, s 93; L. 1994, ch. 291, s 34; July 1.
RESOURCE INFORMATION [BULLYING]
The following are web sites that are excellent resources of information with regard to the aggressive or passive/aggressive behavior known as bullying.
www.StopCyberbullying.org www.teenangels.org www.privacyrights.org
www.WiredSafety.org www.isafe.org www.privacyrights.org
www.wiredkids.org
The Parent's Guide to Protecting Your Children in Cyberspace by Parry Aftab, www. aftab.com
Cyber Bullyiing: No Muscles Needed by Joan Lisante, www.connectforkids.org
The Newest Breed of Bully, the Cyberbully by Charlene C. Giannetti and Maragaret Sagarese, published by the National PTA, www.pta.org
For teachers: Kansas NEA Educator's Resource Libarary; Web site; Bullyproof series of professional development workshops, www.knea.org
An Educator's Guide to Cyberbullying and Cyberthreats by Nancy Willard, M.S., J.D., published by the Center for Safe and Responsible Internet Use, www.cyberbully.org
