South Pemiscot JR/HIGH SCHOOL
Student Handbook
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BULLDOGS
South Pemiscot Bulldogs
2023- 2024
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TABLE OF CONTENTS 2
SOUTH PEMISCOT SCHOOL DISTRICT R-V
Board of Education - 3
District Administration and Counselor - 3
Mission Statement - 3
District Vision - 3
Handbook Purpose - 3
District Belief Statement - 3
District Philosophy - 4
School Song - 4
School Mascot - 4
ENROLLMENT AND GRADUATION
Enrollment - 5
Classification of Students - 5
Credit Recovery - 5
Diplomas - 5
H.I.S.E.T. -6
MOCAP- 6
Course Requirements for Graduation - 6
College Courses - 6
FLEX Program - 6
Honor Graduates - 6
Golden Seniors - 7
Scholarships - 7
Permanent Records - 7
GRADING
Grading System Chart - 7
Weighted Classes - 8
Honor Roll - 8
Report Cards - 8
Examinations - 8
Parent Access to Student’s Progress and Attendance - 8
ATTENDING CLASSES
Attendance Policy - 9
Truancy - 10
Tardiness To Class - 10
Attendance/Extracurricular participation-11
Make up work- 11
Educational Neglect - 11
Permission to be away from class - 11
DAILY OPERATING PROCEDURES
Bell Schedules - 12
Daily Bulletin - 12
Band Instruments - 12
Cafeteria and Lunches - 12
Library Regulations - 12
Counseling Services - 13
Lockers - 13
Hallways Before School and During Lunch - 13
Fees - 13
Automobiles - 13
School Buses - 14
Technology - 14
Audio Equipment - 14
Use of the Phone - 14
Cell Phone Policy/Procedures - 15
Visitors - 16
Drug testing policy - 40
ACTIVITIES
Calendar - 16
Use of Building After Hours - 16
Proof of Insurance - 16
Athletics - 16/17
MSHSAA Requirements - 17
Activities - 19
Dances & Dress Code for Dances - 19-20
Standards for Elected Positions - 21
Student Council - 21
Growl Staff - 21
Art Club - 21
FCCLA - 21
Honor Society - 22
Yearbook Staff - 22
SPHS Play - 22
Cheerleaders - 21
Majorettes - 22
Homecoming Queen - 22
Miss Merry Christmas - 22
Awards - 22
Religious and Fraternal Organizations - 23
CONDUCT & DISCIPLINE
Code of Conduct - 23
Bullying - 24-25
Hazing- 26
Discipline - General - 28
Social Suspension - 28
Corporal Punishment - 28
Alternative School - 28-29
Suspensions and Expulsions - 30
Student Relationship to Faculty and Staff - 30
Search and Seizure - 30
Police Involvement - 31
Off Campus Behavior - 31
Dress Code - 31
Discipline Policy - 32-36
Discipline Hierarchy - 37
Violent Behavior - 38
A Student’s Right to Due Process - 38
Standard Complaint Resolution Process - 38
APPENDIX
Fire Alarm - 38
Earthquake Drill - 38
Tornado Alarm - 38
Proof of Insurance - 38
Extracurricular Drug Testing Form - 39
Technology Acceptable Usage Policy - 40-41
Technology Acceptable Usage Agreement - 41-42
Policies & Procedures 1:1 Chromebook Prog -42-46
1:1 Chromebook Program Agreement - 46
Computer Damage/Loss Program - 46
Procedural Safeguards statement -46-47
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South Pemiscot Public School District R-V
611 Beasley Road
Steele, MO 63877
Board of Education Members
Lance Crawford, President
Nogi McDaniel, Vice President
David Green, Treasurer
Allison Graham, Secretary
Steven Stubblefield, Member
Carrie Rinehart, Member
Jessica Carr, Member
Dustin Crawford, Member
District Administrators & Counselors
Glenn Carter, Superintendent - 573-635-4426
Jackie Booker, High School Principal- 573-695-3342
Weldon Brown, High School Assistant Principal-573-695-3342
Roland Johnson Elementary Assistant Principal - 573-695-4781
Brandy Griggs, Elementary Principal - 573-695-4875
Emily Gurley, Elementary Counselor- 573-695-3342
Jason House District Athletic Director - 573-695-3342
Jeanne Dent, High School Counselor - 573-695-3342
The South Pemiscot School District is located in the southeast corner of Missouri and encompasses an area of 96 square miles. There are also several communities outside the city of Steele and within the district. The school is located in the town of Steele with a population of approximately 1720. The district is rural in nature and most of the student population is transported by bus.
MISSION STATEMENT
To create lifelong learners who are prepared to succeed in an ever changing world by fostering excellence, character, and citizenship in all students.
DISTRICT VISION
To create a learning community that inspires excellence and promotes equity for all students. We believe that every child has the potential to succeed, and we are committed to providing a rigorous and relevant education that prepares them for college, career, and life. We strive to create a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement that supports the needs of our diverse student body.
We expect our school to stimulate each student’s interest in lifelong learning and our teachers and staff to provide the finest degrees of caring instruction. Our students will be provided the skills needed for their education. We hope to instill a desire to learn more about our world, to have an understanding of the necessity of good citizenship, and to develop an appreciation for our democratic form of government. Concerted efforts shall be made to expose all students to opportunities for learning about various leisure time activities including fine arts and other recreational activities. Students will be exposed on a regular basis to various levels of technology by accessing information by computer. Finally, we hope to begin developing in each student a sense of responsibility for self, home, family, and community.
HANDBOOK PURPOSE
The purpose of this handbook is to provide useful information which will help parents, students, and teachers to become better acquainted with the school. Each student should keep the calendar for reference during the school year. The calendar is published to help the new student have an easier adjustment to South Pemiscot Schools. A limited number of these calendars have been printed and one copy is furnished to each junior high and high school student. Each student and parent must review the handbook and sign a letter stating that they have done so.
DISTRICT BELIEF STATEMENT
Recognizing each student as a unique individual, we believe that education should provide an opportunity for maximum development of each individual’s capacities. Through education, it is possible for the individual to discover and endeavor to achieve to the limits of his or her abilities.
We believe that in a democratic society, education must help the student realize his or her worth as an individual and should lead him or her toward becoming a productive member of society.
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We believe that the role of the teacher in education process is to provide opportunities for the individual to achieve at the maximum level of capacity, to create a learning situation in which individual motivation for learning is the stimulus for achievement, and/or promote, through teaching and example, the principles of the democratic way of life.
We believe that the parents/guardians have definite responsibilities in education. They need to instill self confidence in the students. The parents/guardians may do this by cooperating to the fullest with the schools, by encouraging the student to give his or her best efforts to the daily school responsibilities, and by participating in school activities.
We believe that the students must have the responsibilities in the educational program of the community. The most important of these is attitude. The student is obligated to come with an open mind, be equipped with all the necessary materials, and be ready to fulfill the responsibilities of the learning process. The student’s attitude should be that the school is an institution or opportunity staffed with trained personnel to help the students become a contributing member of society.
We believe that the foundation of the district’s educational program is based on the development of competencies in the basic fundamentals of reading, oral and written communication, and mathematics.
DISTRICT PHILOSOPHY
It is our belief that each pupil in the South Pemiscot School District R-V is entitled to an education that will contribute to his/her effectiveness as a citizen in a democracy. We believe in the American form of democracy.
It is our purpose to formulate an educational program that will stimulate interest, develop skills, develop proper attitudes and ideals, and prepare for family and community responsibilities.
We recognize individual differences among our students, and we propose that each student shall be treated as an individual. It is our aim to offer a program that will enable each student to profit by his/her school experience and thereby become an asset to the community.
All students in the South Pemiscot Schools will have equal access to all educational opportunities regardless of race, creed, sex, socioeconomic status, or handicap condition. This policy will also include all vocational classes. Implementation of the nondiscrimination policy is coordinated by the Superintendent of South Pemiscot Schools, 611 Beasley Road, Steele, MO 63877; his phone number is 573-695-3342
SCHOOL SONG
South Pemiscot, South Pemiscot
We sing thy name with honor
With victory, our history
And black and gold our colors
In future years our memories,
Will look with pride on times like these
South Pemiscot, South Pemiscot
We sing thy name with honor
Composed - 1964-1965 by Larry Manness
SCHOOL COLORS
Black and Gold
SCHOOL MASCOT
Bulldogs
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ENROLLMENT AND GRADUATION
ENROLLMENT
A student wishing to enroll to South Pemiscot High School must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. The parent must provide proof of residence in the South Pemiscot R-V School District and immunization records for the student. No student will begin classes until school records are received from the student’s previous school. The only exception is a waiver of proof of residency by the superintendent using the guidelines found in Board Governance & School District Policies FILE:JECA.
No student shall be readmitted, permitted to enroll, or otherwise attend school (except as may be required by law) following a suspension or expulsion from this or any other school until the district has conducted a conference to review the conduct that resulted in the suspension or expulsion.
CLASSIFICATION OF STUDENTS
Students will be classified using the following guidelines:
Seventh Grade - Promoted from sixth grade.
Eighth Grade - To be promoted from the seventh grade a student must pass five of the eight semester grading periods in the core classes or attend summer school and pass all subjects.
Ninth Grade - Same requirements as eighth grade.
Tenth Grade - Must have completed at least four units of ninth grade work. Two of these units must be core courses.
Eleventh Grade - Must have completed at least ten units of tenth grade work. Four of these units must be core courses.
Twelfth Grade - Must have completed at least seventeen units of credit to be a member of the senior class. Seniors must pass a minimum of four units (both semesters) to graduate, regardless of the number of units already acquired.
CREDIT RECOVERY
The Credit Recovery Program offers students who have failed a core curriculum subject the chance to regain that credit. South Pemiscot offers credit recovery during the school year and during the summer in summer school. If a student in high school fails a required class with a 49 to 59, they will be assigned credit recovery classes using the A+ Credit Recovery Software. When students complete credit recovery classes, they will be assigned a grade which will reflect the minimum requirements of that course - D. During the school year, students may take a maximum of two credits in Credit Recovery. During Summer School, a maximum of two half credits or one full credit can be recovered. Credit recovery for a class can only begin once the complete course has been attempted. Credit recovery for failing the 1st semester of a class can begin no earlier than summer school. Also, credit recovery cannot be used to graduate early, however, students who have failed a class in elementary school may be given the opportunity to pick up additional credits along the way so they can graduate with their original classmates. If students discover they are far behind and wish recover more credits than is allowed in South Pemiscot credit recovery program, students can look into taking correspondence courses through MoVIP. Prior to enrollment, permission must be granted and a conference with the principal, parent, student, and counselor must take place.
DIPLOMAS
South Pemiscot High School offers a regular diploma and an attendance certificate. Those students who meet the minimum requirements as set by the Board of Education and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education of Missouri will be issued a regular high school diploma. Those students who attend high school for eight semesters, but fail to meet the graduation requirements may elect to do to following:
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HiSET
A student under the age of 18 who wants to take the HiSET (High School Grade Equivalency Test) must have attended high school for 7 semesters and his/her parent must sign a letter permitting them to take the test. In some cases the school may work with government agencies (DFS, Juvenile Office, ect.) to permit students to pursue their HiSET without having met the above criteria. Any final decision will be made by the administration.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS FOR GRADUATION
All Students must accumulate a minimum of 24 units to receive a regular diploma. These units must be in the following areas:
3 - Math 3 - Science 3 - Social Studies 1 - Fine Arts ½ Health ½ Personal Finance 1 - Practical Arts 4 - English 1 - PE
All Courses that meet each day offer ½ unit of credit per semester. Health will not meet P.E. requirements.
MOCAP
Correspondence courses or summer school may not be used as an alternate means of receiving unit credit at South Pemiscot High School. The only alternative would be that these courses could be taken as make-up courses for which a student has taken, but failed to receive credit for, at South Pemiscot or courses acquired through MoCAP. Courses offered by MoCAP use the same course codes and names provided through the state Core Data System. Local districts are required to accept courses offered through MoCAP as units as a means to graduate early.
For more information on MOCAP please refer to MSBA policy IGCD link on school website. Note: South Pemiscot also offers credit recovery using A+ software.
COLLEGE COURSES
College classes cannot be substituted for courses required for graduation from high school unless they are dual credit classes offered on the campus of South Pemiscot High School.
FLEX PROGRAM
Senate Bill 291 established the “School Flex Program” to create an incentive for those experiencing certain difficulties to stay in school part time and keep working toward a diploma (Sec 160.539)
Students in grades 11 and 12 who have been identified by the principal and student’s parent/guardian are eligible for this program. Participants must: (1) attend school for at least 2 instructional hours per day within the district of residence; (2) pursue timely graduation; (3) provide evidence of enrollment and attendance at a college or technical school; or (4) provide evidence of employment that is aligned with the student’s “career academic plan”; (5) pursue regular requirements for a diploma; (6) maintain a 95% attendance rate; (7) avoid suspension or expulsion while in program. School Flex participants shall be considered full-time students. Students interested in the Flex Program should meet with the school counselor to get more information.
HONOR GRADUATES
Graduating seniors who have a class standing that ranks in the upper ten percent of the class will be designated as honor graduates. We recognize the salutatorian and valedictorian of the graduating Senior class. . Class standings will be based on semester grades received from ninth grade through the last semester of the senior year. Points will be computed as follows:
A = 11 A- = 10 B+ = 9 B = 8 B- = 7 C+ = 6 C = 5 C- = 4 D+ = 3 D = 2 D- = 1 F = 0
Grades earned in all courses will be used in computing honor points. This system will be used in computing the class standings of students. The upper ten percent will wear a gold honor cord at graduation and will be recognized on the stage at Commencement. Weighted classes will add 3 points to the above scale.
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GOLDEN SENIORS
Each year, 10 percent of the Senior class is recognized as a Golden Senior. Points are awarded using the following criteria;
SCHOLARSHIPS
Various types of scholarship and loan funds are available to worthy students who want a college education. These awards are usually based on need, ability, and high school record.
Hence, it is important to make the best possible record during your high school years. Consult your counselor and the catalog for the college in which you are interested.
PERMANENT RECORDS
Each graduate will have a permanent record on file in the counselor's office. Current students have an electronic permanent record that is updated each semester.
GRADING
Grade Point avg. of top 5 seniors - 10,8,6,4, and 2 pts.
Honor Roll - 3 points per year
Band/Majorette - 3 points per year
Volleyball - 3 points per year
Basketball - 3 points per year
Spring Baseball - 3 points per year
Fall Baseball - 3 points per year
Girls Softball - 3 points per year
Cheerleading/Mascot - 3 points per year
Club Membership - 1 point per year
HS Play - 2 points per year
Club Officer - 1 point per year
Class Officer - President and SAC representative - 2 points per year
Class Officer - Vice President & Secretary/Treasurer - 2 points per year
SAC Officers - President 4 points, Vice-President or Secretary/Treasurer 2 points per year
Stand Manager - 1 point per year
Quiz Bowl - 3 points per year
Science Fair - 2 points per year
Yearbook Staff - 1 point per year
Growl Staff - 1 point per year
Homecoming Queen - 1 point per year
Boy’s/Girl’s State - 2 points per year
Sophomore Pilgrimage - 2 points per year
Mu Alpha Theta - 1 point per year
Personality Parade - 1 point per year
Miss Merry Christmas - 1 point per year
A 95-100
A- 90-94
B+ 87-89
B 83-86
B- 80-82
C+ 77-79
C 73-76
C- 70-72
D+ 67-69
D 63-66
D- 60-62
F 00-59
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WEIGHTED CLASSES
The classes of Pre- Calculus, Calculus, English IV-CP, English 3 CP, College Algebra, Spanish 2 and Physics will be given extra weight in determining ranking grade point average. Weighted class value is multiplied by 1.25, In a weighted class, an “A” will be worth 5 points as compared to 4 grade points in non-weighted classes, a “B” normally 3 points will be worth 3.75 points in a weighted classes, etc. A Grade of “F” is still a zero.
HONOR ROLL
A Student is eligible for the honor roll if they make “B’s” or better in all classes for a quarter.
REPORT CARDS
Students will be issued a report card at the end of each quarter. It is the student’s responsibility to assure that their parents or guardians receive the report card. No report card will be issued to a student that owes a debt to the school.
EXAMINATIONS
Students should try to be present for all examinations. All students will be required to take a comprehensive semester exam in each class. Teachers will be allowed to decide whether or not they will give a quarter test at the end of the 1st and 3rd quarters. Any student, who must miss a semester exam, must have a good reason and must receive prior permission through the principal’s office if at all possible. Students who fail to take semester exam will receive an incomplete for the semester. The examination schedule for semester tests will be announced in advance by the office and semester tests will not be given early. A student who has at least an “A-” for the semester in a class and has missed no more than 3 days in that class during the semester will be exempt from the semester exam. Each class will stand on its grade and attendance for the purpose of test exemption. If a student misses a test one semester, he/she will not be eligible for exemption the following semester.
PARENT ACCESS TO THEIR STUDENT’S PROGRESS AND ATTENDANCE
South Pemiscot Schools has purchased a parent portal for their computer record keeping system that will allow each parent to check their child’s grades, discipline record, lunch account, and attendance. The program is secure and a student’s records can only be accessed with the password assigned for each individual student. The procedure for accessing a student’s records is as follows:
In addition to the parent portal, unsatisfactory and good news reports will continue to be sent out at the middle of each quarter. A slip may be sent to a student who does not have a low grade, but is just not working. This slip is an invitation for the parents to come in and talk to the principal and teachers about the work of their student. Teachers will be required to send unsatisfactory slips to students with a %70 or below average in their class. Teachers will be encouraged to send good news reports for students doing exceptionally well or showing great improvements.
ATTENDANCE POLICY
NOTE: Failure to receive notification or to check the parent portal does not exempt students from the attendance policy !
NOTE: Students who violate the attendance policy may be subject to loss of all extracurricular activities for the semester!
NOTE: Whenever a student violates the Attendance Policy, the District shall notify the prosecuting authority and person having lawful control of the student may be subject to a civil penalty as prescribed by the law!
Frequent absences of students from regular classroom learning experience disrupts the continuity of the instructional process and causes many students to fail or achieve only mediocre success in their academic program. Therefore, the value of attendance and punctuality cannot be emphasized too much.
Students may not leave school campus during school hours without receiving permission from the office. Students who fail to receive this permission will be subject to the regular penalty for being truant. Parents who wish to give permission for a student to leave school must sign a note and send it by the student stating the reason for leaving. The student should bring it to the office to the principal or secretary before 8:05 am. Students must always sign in or out through the office. Phone calls will only be accepted in an emergency.
The policy for allowed absences for South Pemiscot students is as follows:
Attendance Policy and Credit Denial Guidelines
A student who accumulates more than 7.0 days of absences per semester or maintains an hourly attendance rate below 90% may be denied academic credit. This policy applies to overall attendance as well as individual classes. Please note that both excused and unexcused absences count toward the 7.0-day total. After the 4th absence, students and parents will be notified.
Students who exceed these thresholds will be required to attend an Attendance Review Meeting with the Attendance Committee. Efforts will also be made to involve the student’s parent or guardian in this meeting. During the review, all absences will be examined, and specific attendance expectations will be outlined in a formal attendance contract.
Failure to comply with the provisions of the attendance contract may result in denial of credit. Continued patterns of absenteeism may lead to additional consequences, including:
Maintaining consistent attendance is essential to academic success. We appreciate your cooperation and commitment to supporting student learning.
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EXCUSED ABSENCES
UNEXCUSED ABSENCES
Students in grades 6 and 8 who fail to meet attendance policy will be required to attend summer school 90% of the time in order to be promoted. If South Pemiscot Junior High School does not offer Summer School, the student must find a school that does.
OSS will not count towards attendance policy.
Tardy to School
For first period tardies or students checking in late, students will be required to go to the office and sign in on the office Chromebook. Discipline policy as outlined in the handbook will be followed. Students who are 15 minutes or more late to class will be marked absent and possibly considered truant. The absence will be marked unexcused if not accompanied by a note or by notification of parent. Missing class to avoid a tardy is considered “skipping” and is by definition TRUANCY! If considered truant, the school will follow the discipline policy in the Handbook.
NOTE: Excessive Tardies to school will lead to ISS and Social Suspension. If you skip classes to avoid tardies, this may result in truancy plus a violation of the attendance policy, both of which may result in the loss of credit and the loss of participation in extracurricular activities.
TARDY TO CLASS
Continued tardiness on the part of any student will be viewed as a serious matter. Promptness to class is extremely important. Students are expected to be in their seats and ready to work when the bell rings. If they loiter on the way to class, or wait at the door, or in the halls to rush in at the bell, the whole class gets off to a bad start. Teachers will send tardy slips to the principal’s office. The principal will apply the appropriate discipline for the student according to the handbook policy.
If a teacher must talk to a student after class, they should send a pass informing the next teacher.
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STUDENT ATTENDANCE AND EXTRACURRICULAR PARTICIPATION
At the end of the first grading period, students’ grades and attendance will be calculated. If a student fails to maintain 90% attendance and/or is not passing at least 5 classes, the
student will not be permitted to attend any after school, extracurricular activity at South Pemiscot until attendance improves and/or grades improve. Student/parent conference may be requested if special circumstances can be shown, a set of improvement criteria will be developed and, if abided by, restrictions lifted. If criteria is not met, restrictions will go back
into effect. The principal will make the final determination.
MAKE-UP WORK
Students assume responsibility for make-up assignments and must complete work within 3 days upon return from excused absence. The responsibility is also on the student to make contact with teacher regarding work missed. Make up tests may be different if the student had
prior knowledge of the test via Google Classroom. It is the student's responsibility to contact the teacher in order to find out make up dates/requirements for tests. If a student has unexcused absences they will not get credit for any assignments they have missed. If absence is unexcused, make up work will not have to be provided and the grade will be recorded as a zero.
EDUCATIONAL NEGLECT
The law requires all children between 7 and 16 years of age to regularly attend a public, private, parochial, parish, home school or a combination of such schools for the duration
of the entire school term. Once enrolled in the district, the district expects the students to attend regularly and for the student’s parents/guardians to communicate regularly and
honestly with the district regarding the student's absences. Because South Pemiscot Co. R-V District Board and district staff strongly believe that regular attendance is important and because the law requires district staff to report all instances of abuse and neglect, including educational neglect, the district will make every effort to ensure students are attending
school as required by law. These efforts include, but are not limited to: accurately recording attendance, creating procedures for regular communication with parents regarding attendance, investigating truancy, and reporting suspected incidence of educational neglect to Children’s Division of the Department of Social Services.
TRUANCY
Truancy is an absence that occurs without the approval of the parents. Students who are absent from school without consent, leave school during school hours without permission
from the principal, participate in a “skip day”, or who deliberately absent themselves from a class are considered truant.
PERMISSION TO BE AWAY FROM CLASS
Each Student is strictly accounted for each period. The class to which the student is assigned takes precedence over all others. No teacher may excuse a student from another
teacher’s class. Anything of this nature must be cleared with the principal. If it is necessary for a student to go somewhere on campus, the student should receive a hall pass from
their teacher. Anything that involves leaching the campus must be cleared by the principal’s office.
Students who must enter a classroom while class is in session should knock and ask permission to enter.
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First Bell: 7:38 a.m.
Class Period Class Time
Homeroom 7:38- 7:48
1 7:51 - 8:51
2 8:54- 9:54
3 9:57- 10:57
4 11:00 - 11:59
LUNCH 11:59- 12:21
5 12:24 - 1:24
6 1:27 - 2:26
7 2:29- 3:28
Homeroom 3:31 - 3:36
DAILY BULLETIN
General information will be published twice daily on the morning and afternoon bulletin. Information appearing on the bulletin must be cleared by the principal. Teachers should read the bulletin to each class. These announcements will also be sent to student email accounts.
BAND INSTRUMENTS
The school will furnish the basic large instruments used in band. Students will furnish their own personal instruments in most cases. Personal instruments should be insured against loss and damage. In most cases, these losses are covered by the Homeowner’s Policy.
CAFETERIA AND LUNCHES
The cafeteria is operated for the convenience of the students. We are proud of our healthy lunches and urge all students to try them. Please help keep the cafeteria clean. Food is not to be taken from the cafeteria. Also, no food or drink is permitted in campus buildings. Food or drink is only allowed outside on campus grounds or in the cafeteria. Please note that our lunches meet federal nutritional requirements and follow guidelines set forth in our Wellness Policy which can be viewed at www3.southpemiscot.com
Students may have lunch brought to them as long as it is not brought by someone that is a current student (flex students, Vo-Tech students, a student that is absent that day, etc.) The food must be brought inside to the High School Principal’s office where it will then be given to the student at the proper time by the office. Student’s are strictly prohibited from going outside or to vehicles to get food or anything else during school hours.
LIBRARY REGULATIONS
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COUNSELING SERVICES
Students are advised to take advantage of the counseling services offered in the high school. If you have need of any services listed below, please make an appointment to see the counselor. Schedule your appointments during your study hall. If you do not have study hall, you may see the counselor before school, at lunch, or after school to make an appointment.
LOCKERS
7th-12th students will be assigned a locker. There is no charge for the locker, but the students are to keep them clean and the doors closed. Students may visit lockers between classes. Boys will not share lockers with girls. Changing lockers is not permissible without permission from the principal or counselor. The office will not be responsible for things left in unlocked lockers. Students may provide their own combination locks for the lockers, but they must provide the school with the combination. The school district retains the right to inspect students lockers for any reason any time without notice, consent, or a search warrant. Lockers not assigned to a student will remain locked.
HALLWAYS BEFORE SCHOOL AND DURING LUNCH
Students are not allowed in junior high or high school buildings before school or during lunch without permission from a teacher or administrator.
FEES
There are no fees charged at South Pemiscot High School, but students are responsible for debts. All students are responsible for textbooks issued to them. If a book is lost, the student must pay for that book before another one is issued. Students will be held liable for damage to books beyond the normal wear of a textbook.
AUTOMOBILES
Students driving automobiles, motorcycles, and bikes to school should park and get out of the vehicle as soon as they arrive. They may not be moved during school hours without permission from the principal or someone in authority. The school, by the policy of the Board of Education, operates a closed campus and students may not drive their automobiles during lunch. Students who drive will be permitted to leave at the 3:36 bell as long as it can be done in an orderly manner. Driving a car to school is a privilege, not a right.
Driving of cars in a careless or reckless manner shall be strictly forbidden, and the right to drive to school may be denied by the principal as a consequence.
Students who drive to school must park in areas provided. Students are not to sit in or on parked cars; hence, the cars should be kept locked during the school day. Students are permitted to park on school premises as a matter of privilege not a right. Students are not to go to cars once arriving on campus without permission.
Obscene bumper stickers or window decals will not be permitted on campus. No ATV’s or unlicensed vehicles will be allowed on school property. Vo-tech students will be assigned a designated parking area.
Students are to park in the student parking lot in front of the multi-purpose building or between the tennis courts and the industrial arts building. In addition, students may park south of the sidewalk leading to the main entrance of the gym.
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SCHOOL BUSES
It is the policy of South Pemiscot Schools to provide safe transportation for students who live one mile or more from the school. These rules and regulations were established to assist the drivers in assuring that you are afforded the safest possible ride to and from school. The school bus driver is responsible for the enforcement of the regulations. These rules are posted on the front of every bus, and students who violate the rules can lose their privilege to ride the bus. The following rules and regulations apply to all students riding district operated school buses.
The following rules are more general and concern child safety before entering and leaving a bus.
TECHNOLOGY
The district has a Technology Acceptable Usage Policy located in the Appendix of the handbook. Students will not be given access to the district’s technology until the district receives a User Agreement signed by the student and the student’s parent/guardian. Once the Technology Acceptable Policy has been signed it will remain effective as long as the student is enrolled as a South Pemiscot student.
AUDIO EQUIPMENT
CD players, radios, iPods, MP3’s, headphones, phones, Beats, and other audio equipment are prohibited during the school day. Teachers, staff, and administration will confiscate such items until the end of the day. Exceptions for classroom use may be granted by the administration if such use demonstrates an educational purpose.
USE OF THE PHONE
The telephone in the office is a business telephone and should not be used for visiting and social calls. Students and teachers will not be called to the telephone during class time except in cases of emergency. Students are asked to confine the use of the telephone to a minimum. Students should have permission from the office to use the phone during class time. A log will be kept of students using the office phone to contact parents. Students should not make contact outside the offices by using their cell phone or texting during the day.
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CELL PHONE POLICY
Reviewing research on the use of cell phones by students has allowed us to reflect on how to best support our students as they learn and grow. It has become clear that cell phones have a negative effect on academics. Researchers have found that schools which have instituted cell phone bans earned higher test scores and educational inequalities were reduced. It has also been discovered that just simply having an “out of sight, out of mind” approach toward cell phones is not effective. Research published by the University of Chicago found that even if cell phones are turned face down, turned off, or put away, their mere presence and close proximity reduces a student’s cognitive capacity. Cell phones in school have also been linked to an increase of bullying, cheating, and other problematic issues. In view of these and other research findings, we have reflected on how we can modify district practices to support the learning of all students. As it pertains to cell phones and learning, the negatives far outweigh the positives. Because of this, students will not be allowed to carry or use cell phones, or devices with similar features, during the school day. As part of their class schedules, students have a home room at the very beginning and at the very end of each school day. During the morning homeroom, students will be asked to power off their phones and and secure them in the cell phone locker outside of their home room. They will stay in this locker for entire school day and will be visible on school cameras. At the end of the day, they will return to this homeroom and pick up their device(s). If students need to make use of a phone during the school day for personal or emergency reasons, a phone is available in the high school office. If students do not like the idea of turning their phones in at the beginning of the school day, there is always the option of keeping them at home.
Cell Phone Procedures
Cell phones are banned during school hours. When the bell rings to go to 1st hour homeroom, phones are not to be placed in school lockers. Instead, students should take their cell phones to their homeroom class where they will be given directions on how to proceed with the safe storage of their cell phone device(s). Students will be required to sign and fill out a log sheet for their cell phone device(s) each day . As soon as this form is filled out, the teacher will give them a key so they can go outside the room and lock their phone up. Students should make sure their phone is turned off. After locking the phone up, they are to return the key back to the classroom teacher. Basically the same process will take place in afternoon homeroom with the exception of the log sheet being filled out after the key is turned back in. NOTE: All of this will take place under the watchful eyes of school cameras.
If a student needs to leave school early, they will need to come to the office and retrieve a key and return it before they leave.
VISITORS
Efforts will be made to limit the number of people entering the building during the school day. Parents and Guardians will be asked to park in designated areas and call the office if they need to drop an item off or need to sign a student out. If a lunch is being brought, parents will need to arrive between 11:30 and noon, call the office, and wait in their vehicle until their child has been cleared from the office to go out and pick up their lunch. If a parent or guardian needs to visit with a teacher or administrator they need to make an appointment by calling the office. People arriving without an appointment may not be allowed entry. If an appointment is made, visitors must report to the main high school office. Students and/or staff will be called to the office if needed by a visitor.
Parent
CALENDAR
The school calendar will be located on the school’s webpage. All activities should be cleared through the superintendent’s or principal’s office and put on the calendar. Anything involving the interruption of classroom routine should be placed on the calendar at least 5 days in advance.
USE OF BUILDING AFTER HOURS
Arrangements should be made with the principal for all activities which need to use the building after school hours. The teacher sponsoring the activity should make prior arrangements with the principal’s office for use of the building.
PROOF OF INSURANCE
Students who participate on athletic teams, cheerleading squads, and majorette squads, or enroll in Vo-Tech must complete a Proof of Insurance Coverage Form or purchase school time insurance. The South Pemiscot District will make available a program of 24 hour and school time insurance. No obligation is assumed by
the district. The only function of the school district is to assist in the distribution and collection of applications during the insurance enrollment period each year. This is a low cost accident policy that is being offered to all public school students. Students may be insured for the school year for accidents which occur while he/she is engaged in any school-sponsored activity. If a student takes round-the-clock coverage, the student or parents must notify the school before a claim is filed.
ATHLETICS
We encourage every student that is interested in sports to try out. Every effort is being made by the coaching staff to assure an equal chance of participation for those who have talent. There will be no special privileges given to athletes. Every student should realize that the athletic competition is in itself a privilege that carries definite responsibilities with it. Each coach will provide team members with the rules and expectations so both the student and the parents will have a clear understanding of how the program will be operated. If a student or parent feel they cannot honor these rules, it is advisable they not go out for the team. Consequences for violating any of the rules or expectations will be under the sole discretion of the coach and immediate dismissal from the team is possible.
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MSHSAA REQUIREMENTS
In order to be eligible to participate in athletic events for South Pemiscot High School, a student must:
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ACTIVITIES
Student Council
Growl Staff
Spelling Bee
Yearbook Staff
Mu Alpha Theta
Art Club
FCCLA
Cheerleading
Majorettes
Spanish Club
Science Fair
Honor Society
Miss Merry Christmas
Dances and Prom
Homecoming
Quiz Bowl
Spelling Bee
FBLA
SPHS Play
JAG
DANCES
During the school year Junior High will have 1 dance and High School will have 2 dances.
The Prom will be held at location approved by the Board of Education. When allowed, students inviting someone who does not attend South
Pemiscot Schools will have to complete a date card by Wednesday the week of the dance. The student’s guest must have a means to verify their
identity (Ex. Drivers license, school ID card, etc.) to present when entering the dance. Rules governing extracurricular activities will apply.
No one 21 years or over is allowed to attend the dance.
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DRESS CODE FOR DANCES
The School recognizes the right of students to express themselves, including how they dress. A student’s attire should contribute to good health, cleanliness, safety, and common decency. It should be non disruptive and appropriate. Students are reminded that at a school event, they are subject to policies adopted by the South Pemiscot Board of Education; therefore, proper conduct, as outlined in the student handbook, should be followed. Dances are always a special night for students and their families. Attire should be tastefully chosen. If you have any concerns, it is your responsibility to seek prior approval from administration.
Guidelines For Dresses (All Dances)
Guidelines For Gentleman Dress
NOTE: If you are bringing a date from another school, your date must abide by the dress code. Date forms are required to be filled out and these date forms will have our dress code for your date to reference and follow. If you or your date are dressed inappropriately, you may be denied entrance and asked to leave.
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STANDARDS FOR ELECTED POSITIONS
No student may hold an elected position unless the student meets the MSHSAA grade requirements based on the preceding semester. A student must be in good standing with the school as determined by school administration. Students who have served ISS for 2 offenses or OSS for 1 offense will not be eligible to run for office or continue holding office. Any student found guilty of a felony or a serious infraction of school policy will be expected to resign from an elected office.
STUDENT COUNCIL
The main function of the student council is to provide learning experience for students. Its principle contribution to learning is the development of good citizenship, one of the main objectives of the school. The objectives of the South Pemiscot School Student Council are:
The members of the council are elected on the following basis:
Note: Responsibilities, duties, and elections are governed by the Student Council Constitution.
GROWL STAFF
The Growl Staff members are selected from a writing contest. Each grade will have at least one representative.
ART CLUB
To be a member of the Art Club, one must elect to take an additional year or years beyond Art I. Out of this group the art teacher usually chooses a student or students to do the extra curricular work.
FAMILY, CAREERS, AND COMMUNITY LEADERS OF AMERICA (FCCLA)
FCCLA is a national organization of students who have taken or are taking a course in family and consumer sciences. Membership is voluntary and annual dues are required at the regional, state, and national levels. The main goal of the organization is to improve personal, family, community, and professional life.
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HONOR SOCIETY
The purpose of National Honor Society is to recognize all students with outstanding scholastic achievement. Membership in the South Pemiscot Honor Society is open to all students in grades 10-12 who have a cumulative GPA of 85% , B, 3.0 (on 4.0 scale) or equivalent standard of excellence, or a higher cumulative average set by the faculty council meet the scholarship requirement for membership in the National Honor Society. These students are then eligible for consideration on the basis of service, leadership and character. Invitations will be sent to prospective members in the fall of each school year. After becoming a member, a student must maintain GPA 3.65 or better. If a student falls below this standard, they will be placed on probation the following quarter. Any questions can be referred to the National Honor Society Handbook (online) T
The President of Honor Society must be a Senior. The Vice-President may be either a Junior or a Senior. The Secretary-Treasurer may be in grades 9-12. All members of the Honor Society must participate in the activities of the club. Any Honor Society member in grades 10-12 who remain in good standing all 3 years will receive an Honor Society medallion at graduation.
YEARBOOK STAFF
The yearbook staff is responsible for publishing a history of the school year in a concise and well-organized series of pictures and copy.
The staff of the yearbook will be enrolled in the Web Design class at South Pemiscot. The staff will also conduct the personality parade.
SPHS PLAY
The South Pemiscot High School Play will be under the supervision and control of a director appointed by the principal. The director will select the play, and the cast will be chosen on a tryout basis. The play will be presented around the 1st of April.
CHEERLEADERS
Junior High Cheerleaders: Twelve entrants scoring the highest total number of points through a tryout process may be chosen to be Jr. High School Cheerleaders.
Senior High Cheerleaders: Fifteen entrants scoring the highest total number of points through a tryout process may be chosen to be Sr. High School cheerleaders.
Requirements of Selection Are:
The tryout process will consist of a 3 day clinic with tryouts before judges on the 4th day. The judges shall be a panel of 3 qualified judges from outside the school district. The cheerleading sponsor will rate the cheerleaders on their performance during the clinic. When there is an issue of relatives trying out, they will let the other sponsor do this rating. The principal will complete a character inventory for all candidates. If either principal has a relative trying out, the other principal will do all of the character ratings. The tryout records will be kept in the vault in the principal’s office after tryouts.
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MAJORETTES
The tryout process will consist of a 3 day clinic with tryouts before judges on the fourth day. The judges shall be a panel of 3 qualified judges from outside the school district. The principal will complete a character inventory for all candidates. If either principal has a relative trying out, the other principal will do all of the character ratings. The band director may be one of the three judges providing they do not have a relative trying out.
Majorettes will be selected in the spring prior to the year they are to serve. Each girl is expected to try out regardless of previous experience.
Two weeks prior to tryouts, each girl planning to try out will be given an application form to be filled out and returned to the band director at least three days before the actual date of tryouts. A copy of the application form and the judging form will be kept on file in the vault in the principal’s office.
Requirements of selection are:
Drum Major will be selected at the discretion of the band director.
HOMECOMING QUEEN – BASKETBALL
The Basketball Homecoming Queen candidates will consist of 2 juniors and 3 seniors and will be selected by the members of the boy’s basketball team. The team shall nominate 5 candidates whose names will be placed on a ballot and voted on by the entire student body. Each nominee must have been enrolled as a south pemiscot student the year prior to being nominated.
The freshman and sophomore classes will elect a maid to represent their respective classes. Three maid candidates will be chosen from each class by the basketball team. Each class will then vote to choose the maid from their class.
A Coronation Ceremony will be held at the homecoming game and the queen will be crowned.
MISS MERRY CHRISTMAS
Miss Merry Christmas is chosen in November. Three candidates each are selected by the junior and senior classes. The names are placed on a ballot and voted on by the entire student body. Miss Merry Christmas’ main function is to ride the South Pemiscot School Christmas float in the Christmas parades entered.
AWARDS
South Pemiscot High School presents several awards each year. In order to qualify, the students are required to meet certain standards. The recipients of awards are chosen by faculty members who are responsible for the area of the award.
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RELIGIOUS AND FRATERNAL ORGANIZATIONS
Students of the school shall not be assembled involuntarily for any religious instruction or assembly. Fraternities, Sororities, and other secret organizations are not allowed.
CONDUCT & DISCIPLINE
CODE OF CONDUCT
We, the students of South Pemiscot School District, agree to abide by the following points of good conduct in order to better ourselves and our school, act like the young adults we are, and make people confident that we will make good citizens of tomorrow.
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BULLYING POLICY
General
In order to promote a safe learning environment for all students, the South Pemiscot Co. R-V School District prohibits all forms of bullying. The district also prohibits reprisal or retaliation against any person who reports an act of bullying among or against students.
Definitions
Bullying – In accordance with state law, bullying is defined as intimidation, unwanted aggressive behavior, or harassment that is repetitive or is substantially likely to be repeated and causes a reasonable student to fear for his or her physical safety or property; that substantially interferes with the educational performance, opportunities or benefits of any student without exception; or that substantially disrupts the orderly operation of the school. Bullying includes, but is not limited to: physical actions, including violence, gestures, theft, or property damage; oral, written, or electronic communication, including name-calling, put-downs, extortion, or threats; or threats of reprisal or retaliation for reporting such acts.
Cyberbullying – A form of bullying committed by transmission of a communication including, but not limited to, a message, text, sound or image by means of an electronic device including, but not limited to, a telephone, wireless telephone or other wireless communication device, computer or pager. The district has jurisdiction over cyberbullying that uses the district's technology resources or that originates on district property, at a district activity or on district transportation. Even when cyberbullying does not involve district property, activities or technology resources, the district will impose consequences and discipline for those who engage in cyberbullying if there is a sufficient nexus to the educational environment, the behavior materially and substantially disrupts the educational environment, the communication involves a threat as defined by law, or the district is otherwise allowed by law to address the behavior.
School Day – A day on the school calendar when students are required to attend school.
Designated Officials
The principal of each building is hereby designated as the individual to receive and investigate reports of bullying. Each building principal shall designate at least two teachers or administrators in the building who are authorized to receive and investigate reports of bullying in the principal's absence or at the principal's discretion.
The district compliance officer appointed in policy AC will serve as the district-wide anti bullying coordinator. The anti bullying coordinator will receive all completed investigative reports from all buildings and analyze the reports to identify any information that would inform the district's antidiscrimination and anti bullying education and training programs. In addition, the anti bullying coordinator will assist in making any relevant reports as required by state and federal law.
Reporting Bullying
School employees, substitutes or volunteers are expected to intervene to prevent student bullying, appropriately discipline the perpetrator, assist the victim and report the incident to the building principal or designee for further investigation and action. Any school employee, substitute or volunteer who witnesses or has firsthand knowledge of bullying of a student must report the incident to the building principal or designee as soon as possible, but no later than two school days after the incident.
Students who have been subjected to bullying, or who have witnessed or have knowledge of bullying, are encouraged to promptly report such incidents to a school employee. Any school employee receiving such a report shall promptly transmit the report to the building principal or designee.
If the bullying incident involves students from more than one district building, the report should be made to the principal or designee of the building in which the incident took place or, if more appropriate, to the principal or designee of the building attended by the majority of the participants in the incident.
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Investigation
Within two school days of receiving a report of bullying, the principal or designee will initiate an investigation of the incident. Reports that involve students from multiple buildings will be investigated cooperatively by the principals of each building involved, or those principals may request that the district's compliance officer designated in policy AC conduct the investigation. If at any time during the investigation the principal determines that the bullying involves illegal discrimination, harassment or retaliation as described in policy AC, the principal will report the incident to the compliance officer designated in that policy, who will assist in the investigation. If the alleged bullying involves a special education student or a student with disabilities, the principal will also notify the special education director.
The investigation shall be completed within ten school days of the date the report of bullying was received unless good cause exists to extend the investigation. Upon completion of the investigation, the principal will decide whether bullying or harassment occurred and, if so, whether additional discipline is warranted in accordance with the district's student discipline code. The principal will generate a written report of the investigation and findings and send a copy of the completed report to the district's anti bullying coordinator. The principal or designee will document the report in the files of the victim and the alleged or actual perpetrator of bullying. All reports will be kept confidential in accordance with state and federal law.
If the incident involved allegations of illegal discrimination or harassment, the principal's decision may be appealed in accordance with policy AC. Student discipline may be appealed when allowed by law in accordance with Board policy.
The principal or other appropriate district staff will work with victims and their families to access resources and services to help them deal with any negative effects that resulted from the incident.
Consequences
Students who participate in bullying or who retaliate against anyone who reports bullying will be disciplined in accordance with the district's discipline code. Such discipline may include detention, in-school suspension, out-of-school suspension, expulsion, removal from participation in activities, exclusion from honors and awards, and other consequences deemed appropriate by the principal or superintendent. The district will also contact law enforcement when required by law or notify social media companies of inappropriate online activity when appropriate.
Even in situations where the district does not have jurisdiction to discipline a student for bullying, such as when the acts take place off campus and there is an insufficient nexus to the district, the principal or designee will take appropriate actions to assist student victims. Such actions may include, but are not limited to, contacting the parents/guardians of the victim and the alleged perpetrators, communicating that this behavior is not allowed on district grounds or at district activities, notifying the appropriate district staff to assist the victim, and taking additional action when appropriate, such as notifying law enforcement or social media companies of inappropriate online activity.
District employees and substitutes who violate this policy will be disciplined or terminated. Discipline may include suspension with or without pay, a negative evaluation, prohibition from being on district property or at district activities, mandated training or other appropriate remedial action. Volunteers who violate this policy will no longer be permitted to volunteer.
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HAZING POLICY
In order to promote a safe learning environment for all students, the South Pemiscot Co. R-V School District prohibits all forms of hazing.
For purposes of this policy, hazing is defined as any activity, on or off school grounds, that a reasonable person believes would negatively impact the mental or physical health or safety of a student or put the student in a ridiculous, humiliating, stressful or disconcerting position for the purposes of initiation, affiliation, admission, membership or maintenance of membership in any group, class, organization, club or athletic team including, but not limited to, a grade level, student organization or district-sponsored activity.
Hazing may include those actions that subject a student to extreme mental stress including, but not limited to, sleep deprivation, physical confinement, forced conduct that could result in extreme embarrassment or criminal activity, or other stress-inducing activities. Hazing may also include, but is not limited to: acts of physical brutality; whipping; beating; branding; exposing to the elements; forcing inhalation or consumption of any food, liquor, drug, tobacco product, or other substance; or any other forced physical activity that could adversely affect the physical health or safety of an individual.
Hazing can occur even when all students involved are willing participants. Hazing does not occur when a student is required to audition or tryout for an organization when the criteria are reasonable, approved by the district and legitimately related to the purpose of the organization.
District staff, coaches, sponsors and volunteers will not permit, condone or tolerate any form of hazing or plan, direct, encourage, assist in, engage in or participate in any activity that involves hazing. District staff will report incidents of hazing to the building principal. The principal shall promptly investigate all complaints of hazing and administer appropriate discipline to all individuals who violate this policy. District staff who violate this policy may be disciplined or terminated.
Students participating in or encouraging inappropriate conduct will be disciplined in accordance with JG-R1. Such discipline may include, but is not limited to, suspension or expulsion from school and removal from participation in activities. The district will report hazing incidents to law enforcement when required by law. Students who have been subjected to hazing are instructed to promptly report such incidents to a school official.
The superintendent will provide for appropriate training designed to assist staff, coaches, sponsors and volunteers in identifying, preventing and responding to incidents of hazing.
The district shall annually inform students, parents/guardians, district staff and volunteers that hazing is prohibited. This notification may occur through the distribution of the written policy, publication in handbooks, presentations at assemblies or verbal instructions by a coach or sponsor at the start of a season or program.
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Policy Publication
The district shall annually notify students, parents/guardians, district employees, substitutes and volunteers about this policy and the district's prohibition against bullying. A copy of this policy shall be included in student handbooks and posted on the district's website.
Training and Education
The district's anti bullying coordinator will provide information and appropriate training designed to assist employees, substitutes and volunteers who have significant contact with students in identifying, preventing and responding to incidents of bullying.
The district will provide education and information about bullying and this policy to students every year. The principal of each school, in consultation with school counselors and other appropriate school employees, will determine the best methods for facilitating the discussion. Methods may include, but are not limited to: assemblies; homeroom presentations; class meetings; team or club meetings; special presentations by counselors, social workers or mental health professionals; and open-house events. When practical, parents/guardians will be invited to attend.
School counselors, social workers, mental health professionals, school psychologists or other appropriate district staff will educate students who are victims of bullying about how to overcome the negative effects of bullying including, but not limited to:
Additional School Programs and Resources
The Board directs the superintendent or designee to implement programs and other initiatives to address bullying, respond to such conduct in a manner that does not stigmatize the victim, and make resources or referrals available to victims of bullying. Such initiatives may include educating parents/guardians and families on bullying prevention and resources.
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DISCIPLINE – GENERAL
Any student refusing to take punishment will be issued OSS. If a student is assigned ISS and refuses to go, he/she will be issued OSS and that student will still have to serve his/her ISS days upon returning to school before returning to their regular class schedule. If a student is suspended he/she will be given an informal hearing as to the reason for the suspension and have the opportunity to state his/her position. Parents have a standing invitation to come in for a conference.
SOCIAL SUSPENSION
A student may receive social suspension for having excess detentions, excessive tardies, improper behavior at extracurricular events, ISS terms, OSS terms, and expulsions. A student who is socially suspended will not be allowed to attend any extracurricular event at South Pemiscot Schools except when they are in a graded situation, such as a band performance. Socially suspended students may not attend any assemblies that are of an entertainment nature, but they may attend those that are educational. Socially suspended students will not be eligible to ride pep buses or to attend appreciation meals that are rewards for some action.
CORPORAL PUNISHMENT
Corporal punishment shall be administered by administrator and witnessed by a certified teacher or administrator. An administrator may administer three swats. The person administering corporal punishment will use only one hand on the paddle and will ask the student if there is any physical reason why they can’t take a paddling and if they have had a paddling that day. If the student answers yes to either question, then the paddling will be postponed. Corporal punishment is but one of several disciplinary actions that may be chosen. If a parent does not wish their child to be paddled, they can sign a form and place their child on the no paddle list. This form will be kept in office. Until such a form is signed, corporal punishment will be used.
Alternative School-
Students are placed in alternative school for 180 days or 1 school year. Every 9 weeks, Alternative School director along with administrative team will review a student’s placement and possibly make modifications to existing conditions or reinstitute into normal school environment. Before reinstitution will be recommended, the student must have demonstrated through his/her actions that returning to the normal school setting will be beneficial to all. Once reinstituted, all restrictions will be lifted and the student can take full advantage of all activities offered by South Pemiscot; however, if the reinstituted student fails to observe school rules and commits an offense that lead to an ISS referral, the student will be placed back into alternative school and serve out his/her remaining time.
Placement into Alt. School Disciplinary issues and the need to protect the learning environment are the main reasons students are placed in Alternative School. Chronic misbehavior will not be tolerated. Alternative schools are serving students who are not succeeding in the traditional educational setting. Often this population of learners exhibits one or more of the following traits which are detrimental to that student’s academic success: underperforming academically, displaying emotional or behavioral issues, being deliberate or inadvertent victims of the behavioral problems of others, displaying a high risk of potential expulsion, suspension, or dropping out of school, and/or displaying the need for orderly and disciplined work environment. Alternative education offers innovative, non-traditional approach to teaching this population of learners, which aides in preventing these students from becoming dropouts.
While in Alternative School, students will continue to learn, earning grades and credit in math, language, science, and social studies appropriate for grade level and ability. The goal of alternative school is to provide a distraction free setting where students can continue their academic learning and a return to regular school, if possible. They must realize this is one of their last options before more harsh actions are taken. The staff encourages students to identify the kinds of problems and attitudes that caused placement with the alternative school and work to correct those.
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Placement in Alternative School can take place anytime during the school year. Before placement into Alt. School, a conference will be held with student’s parents explaining the reason for placement. If parents do not agree with placement and request student not be put in Alt. School, the principal may, depending on the circumstances, go ahead and place the student in Alt. School or draw up a behavioral contract which will specify behavior/disciplinary terms that must be met. If student violates these terms, he/she will then be placed immediately in Alt. School Setting.
Administrative team, at the beginning of each year, will examine previous year’s disciplinary report. From this, some students may be recommended for placement into alternative school while others will be held to a modified discipline hierarchy. Parents will be notified. If parents do not agree with arrangements, they have five school days to make an appeal. During the appeal, parents can present their side and make suggestions on what would be more appropriate. The administration will hear suggestions but has the right to make the final determination.
SUSPENSIONS AND EXPULSIONS
By Missouri Law, building principals may suspend students from school for a period not to exceed 10 days. The superintendent may suspend from school for a period not to exceed 180 days. The Board of Education, by Missouri Law, may permanently expel a student from school. In cases involving students who are deemed to be habitual offenders, the student and parents will be asked to appear before the Board of Education.
STUDENT RELATIONSHIP TO FACULTY AND ADMINISTRATION
The student should have a friendly relationship with his or her teachers and other members of the faculty and staff. All faculty members should strive to be fair in their dealings with students and desire the friendship and respect of the entire student body. Students should be reminded that being too friendly could be disadvantageous to both the student and the teacher. Problems that arise between a student and a teacher are best worked out by conferences between the two persons involved. The student-administration relationship is based on an open-door policy. The principal’s office is a place to discuss one’s personal school problems or school problems in general. It should be stated here, however, that most personal problems of individual students will best be solved by seeing the guidance counselor. The principal is the student’s direct link to the superintendent. The student council will accept petitions pertaining to student government.
SEARCH AND SEIZURE
Search of the student’s person or possessions will be limited to situations where there is reason to believe that a student is hiding evidence of an illegal act or a school violation.
When it is practical, the student shall be present during a search of his/her possessions (including automobiles). The school resource office will be present for searches. Items confiscated by the school will be evaluated for return to the proper owner upon completion of an investigation or a disciplinary action. Contraband or unlawful items, the possession of which violates the Student Behavior, School District Policy, State Laws, and/or Federal Laws, shall not be returned to the student or to any representative of the student. These items will be turned over to law enforcement officials or, if not desired by such law enforcement officials, shall be destroyed by the school. Other items left unclaimed after an investigation or a disciplinary action will be disposed of by the school.
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POLICE INVOLVEMENT
School officials have the option to notify other police authorities, and in cases of major violations, may press charges. If the police are notified, legal guardians will be contacted. Any action taken by police will be in addition to action by the school. School officials, guided by District Policy and Procedures, will cooperate with police during investigations.
OFF CAMPUS BEHAVIOR (MISCONDUCT)
Students are subject to discipline, up to and including expulsion, for significant misconduct regardless of whether the conduct occurs at a school activity and regardless of when the misconduct occurs when it is reasonably determined that a student’s misconduct adversely affects school safety or student welfare.
DRESS CODE
A. Students are expected to come to school clean, neat, and dressed in a manner which is accepted as being in good taste. Any student may be sent home immediately if clothing or hairstyle presents a danger to the student’s health and safety, or attracts undue attention to the wearer, and thus creates a disturbance in the school. All garments must be worn in the manner for which they are designed and must provide modesty and decency. Garments should be designed in such a way as not to detract from the dignity of the student, school, or community.
B. Students will not wear the following:
C. The following code will apply:
The final judgment rests with the administration as to the acceptable nature of student attire and their recommendation should be followed. If you have any doubts as to whether your manner of dress is inappropriate then don’t wear them until cleared by the administration.
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DISCIPLINE POLICY
GRADES 7-12
Approved by the Board of Education Aug 13, 2020.
Referencing Policies: JFCF, JFCH, JFCJ, JG, JGR 1, JGA, JGE, JGF
FORMS OF PUNISHMENT
IMPORTANT! PUNISHMENT FOR EACH OFFENSE MAY VARY ACCORDING TO SEVERITY OF THE OFFENSE. FOR EXAMPLE, THIRD AND FOURTH OFFENSE PUNISHMENT MAY BE ASSIGNED IF THE MISBEHAVIOR IS EXTREME EVEN ON THE FIRST OFFENSE. WHEN AN OFFENSE GIVES THE OPTION OF TWO PUNISHMENTS (FOR EXAMPLE, “1-3 DAYS ISS or 2 SWATS”), THIS IS AN ADMINISTRATOR OPTION, NOT A STUDENT OPTION.
THE FOLLOWING PAGES, SERVE AS GENERAL GUIDELINES. ADMINISTRATION WILL MAKE THE FINAL DECISION. NO STUDENT WILL SERVE ISS FOR UNACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOR MORE THAN FIVE TIMES. A STUDENT WHO HAS SERVED ISS FIVE DIFFERENT TIMES FOR THE SAME OFFENSE WILL BE ASSIGNED OUT OF SCHOOL SUSPENSION.
1. FAILURE TO DO ASSIGNED WORK (Classroom and P.E.)
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3. VIOLATION OF CLASSROOM RULES
4. HORSEPLAY
5. TARDINESS TO CLASS OR SCHOOL
Class-. A student who is not in their seat when the bell finishes ringing for any class will be considered tardy. The following will be applied.
*Tardies start over at semester and do not count as a referral.
School- Students who are tardy to 1st hour/school must report to the main office and sign in. Discipline will follow the above but will also include 1 month of social suspension added after the 7th and each tardy thereafter. Ex. 8th & 9th tardy= ISS/swats + 2 mths SS
6. FORGERY OR LYING/CHEATING
*Cheating -- teacher discretion on giving zero
7. USE OF VULGAR AND ABUSIVE LANGUAGE OR OBSCENE GESTURES *Administration reserves the right to levy more stringent consequences depending on the seriousness and nature of behavior. Below assume a minor offense. Anything of a vulgar, violent, or graphic nature will result in stiffer consequences.
11. MISUSE OF TECHNOLOGY/COMPUTERS-
*Administration reserves the right to levy more stringent consequences depending on the seriousness and nature of misuse. Below assumes a general misuse. Anything of a vulgar, violent, or graphic nature will result in stiffer consequences.
12. WILLFUL DESTRUCTION OF PROPERTY
*The administration may issue a harsher punishment depending on the severity of the destruction.
8, DISTURBING OR DISRUPTING CLASS
9. DISTURBING OR DISRUPTIVE BUS BEHAVIOR
10. MISUSE OF VEHICLE
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13. SEXUAL MISCONDUCT
*Depending on the severity of the misconduct, administration can levy 2nd – 4th level punishment offense even if 1st offense.
14. POSSESSING TOBACCO PRODUCTS AND OR LIGHTERS ON SCHOOL PREMISES (THC gummies or other candies) (VAPS/e-cigarettes)
15. SMOKING or USING TOBACCO PRODUCTS (VAPS/E CIGARETTES) AND OR LIGHTERS ON SCHOOL PREMISES
16. DRESS CODE VIOLATION
17. CELL PHONE VIOLATIONS (See Cell Phone Policy on pg.
18. STEALING (ALL FORMS)
19. DISRESPECT / INSUBORDINATION TO STAFF MEMBER INCLUDING BUS DRIVER and MONITOR (School Employee)
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20. POSSESSION OF EXPLODING FIREWORKS OR STINK BOMBS WHILE ON CAMPUS OR AT A SCHOOL SPONSORED ACTIVITY
21. BULLYING (See Bullying Policy pg. 24 for definitions regarding bullying)
*Administration may contact the juvenile officer and/or local police. Bullying that occurs on the bus will also result in bus suspension during the time of ISS. A conference with the principal, student, and parent must occur before the student may ride the bus again.
22. HAZING- (See Hazing Policy pg. 26 for definition)
23. MENACING, HARASSING, THREATENING, OR INSTIGATING TROUBLE
*Administration may contact the juvenile officer and/or local police.
24. POSSESSION, USE OF, OR INTENT TO USE WEAPONS OR DANGEROUS ITEMS
A weapon is a blackjack, a concealable firearm, an explosive weapon, a firearm, a firearm silencer, a gas gun, a knife, knuckles, a machine gun, a projectile weapon, a shotgun, a spring gun, a switchblade knife as defined by 571.010 RSMO or any object used as a weapon that could inflict serious injury.(ref policy JFCJ)
25. FIGHTING/ASSAULT *Administration reserves the right to levy more stringent consequences should a fight or an assault result in injuries to a student/staff member.(Students may also receive bus suspension while in ISS.)
A. Minor Physical/Verbal Altercation/Scuffle
B. Level 1: Blows are exchanged but students quit fighting when asked.
C. Level 2: Blows are exchanged, students do not stop when asked, a staff member or others must intervene.
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(25 Cont)
D. Level 3: Blows are exchanged, students do not stop fighting when asked, a staff member or others must intervene, and students continue to argue and try to fight after intervention
26. ASSAULT ON SCHOOL PERSONNEL
27. ALCOHOL AND DRUG POSSESSION/ABUSE
28. POSSESSION OF ILLEGAL OR LEGALLY CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE
Any student determined to be in possession or involved in the sale, purchase, or distribution of an illegal or legally controlled substance or a substance that the student believed is illegal or legally controlled substance; such as drugs prescribed by a physician for their personal use, illegal drugs, drug paraphernalia, or alcohol while on school property or school-sponsored activities is subject to disciplinary action. If a student is taking prescribed medication, the student must report that fact to the principal’s office. The parents shall be notified at the time of the offense. Legal authorities will be notified of the offense and the actions the district intends to take.
29. PROVIDING ILLEGAL OR LEGALLY CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES TO OTHER STUDENTS
Any student determined to be providing an illegal or legally controlled substance or providing a substance that he/she advertises as being an illegal or legally controlled substance such as drugs prescribed by a physician for their personal use, illegal drugs, drug paraphernalia, or alcohol while on school property or school-sponsored trips is subject to disciplinary action. If a student is taking prescribed medication, the student must report that fact to the principal’s office. The parents shall be notified at the time of the offense. Legal authorities will be notified to the offense and the district’s intended actions.
30. DISOBEYING RULES GOVERNING NIGHT ACTIVITIES
31. CONSEQUENCES SHOULD A STUDENT SKIP, ARRIVE LATE, OR ARRIVE UNPREPARED TO SERVE DETENTION
32. TRUANCY (Skip day, skipping class, and leaving class/campus without permission)
*For each additional offense, the number of days of ISS will be increased by 1 day.
31. PDA - PUBLIC DISPLAYS OF AFFECTION
Any act of gesture in which administration sees as sexual or romantic in nature, taking place on school grounds or at school functions that are open to other members of the public. Examples include but are not limited to the following: hand-holding, laying on each other, touching, kissing, hugging,
etc.
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DISCIPLINE HIERARCHY POLICY
Students will be issued the harsher of the two punishments for any violation. (i.e. If a student has violated the cell phone policy for the second time, but it is his/her 9th office referral, the 9th referral, resulting in 2- 5 days ISS would supersede the 2nd offense punishment for cell phone violation, which is 1 day ISS. | After 12th referral, the administration may make a determination of alternative placement. After 6th and subsequent referrals, administration will review discipline record and impose a period of social suspension. The 4th and all subsequent infractions of the same 10 minute detention offense can be |
# of Office Referrals | Consequence |
1 | 1-30 min detention |
2 | 2-30 min detentions |
3 | 3-30 min detentions |
4 | 5- 30 min detentions |
5 | 10- 30 min detentions |
6 | 1-2 days ISS |
7 | 1-3 days ISS |
8 | 2-4 days ISS |
9 | 2-5 days ISS |
10 | 5-6 days ISS |
11 | 5-10 days ISS |
12 | 1-3 days OSS |
13 | 3-5 days OSS |
14 | 5-10 days OSS |
15 | 10 days of OSS |
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VIOLENT BEHAVIOR
Any act of school violence or violent behavior will be reported to the appropriate authorities. Staff shall be informed of these acts. An act of school violence/violent behavior is defined as the exertion of force with the intent to do serious physical injury to another person while on school property, including a school bus driver in service on behalf of the district, or while involved in school activities, or behavior which endangers the welfare or safety of students, staff, and patrons .
A STUDENT’S RIGHT TO DUE PROCESS
This calendar has explained the major disciplinary problem areas and the actions that may result for those students who will not follow the rules. All students are entitled to due process. This means that no action will be taken against a student until they have been given notice of the infraction and have an opportunity to be heard. After the hearing, students have the right to appeal to the next higher authority if not satisfied with the decision.
STANDARD COMPLAINT RESOLUTION PROCEDURE FOR IMPROVING AMERICA’S SCHOOLS ACT PROGRAMS
This complaint resolution procedure applies to all programs administered by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education under the Goals 2000: Educate America Act and the Improving America’s Schools Act (IASA).
A complaint is a formal allegation that a specific federal or state law or regulation has been violated, misapplied, or misinterpreted by school district personnel or by Department of Education personnel.
Any parent or guardian, surrogate parent, teacher, administrator, school board member, or other person directly involved with an activity, program, or project operated under the general supervision of the Department may file a complaint. Such a complaint must be in writing and signed; it will provide specific details of the situation and indicate the law or regulation that is allegedly being violated, misapplied, or misinterpreted.
The written, signed complaint must be filed and the resolution pursued in accordance with local district policy:
(1) A verbal complaint must be registered with the building principal that includes the nature of complaint and supporting information with regard to justification of complaint.
(2) An attempt to resolve the complaint will be made at the building level.
(3) Any complaint not resolved at the building level may be referred in writing to the superintendent and if no resolution to the Board of Education. If the issue cannot be resolved at the local level, the complainant may file a complaint with the Missouri Department of Education. If there is no evidence that the parties have attempted in good faith to resolve the complaint at the local level, the Department may require the parties to do so and may provide technical assistance to facilitate such resolution.
Any persons directly affected by the actions of the Department may file a similarly written complaint if they believe state or federal laws or regulations have been violated, misapplied, or misinterpreted by the Department itself.
Anyone wishing more information about this procedure or how complaints are resolved may contact local districts or department personnel.
Adopted by the Board of Education July 11, 2002
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FIRE ALARM DRILL INSTRUCTIONS
The fire alarm drill (fire alarm in case of fire) will be designated by a series of 3 short rings on the electric bell system. All students should vacate the building as outlined in the following directive:
I. Students in the Jr. High (new building) will vacate according to the following plan:
A. All classes north of the library will exit through the north door and go directly to the softball field. Students are to stay with their groups and teacher are to take roll.
B. Library will exit through the east doors and go directly to the softball field. Students are to stay with their group and teachers are to take roll.
C. All classes south of the Library will exit through the south doors and go directly to the softball field. Students are to stay with their group and teacher are to take roll. II. Students in the high school building will vacate according to the following plan:
A. Students in the Science room (Room 8), offices, and restrooms will vacate through the southwest (lobby) door.
B. Students in the FACS room (Room 9) and Rooms 1 and 2 will vacate through the northwest door.
C. Students in rooms 3, 4, 5, and 6, will vacate through the east door.
EARTHQUAKE DRILL
The earthquake alarm will be designated by one long and continuous bell.
1. Teachers will instruct students to take cover under desks or tables and turn away from windows.
2. Students shall remain in sheltered position for at least 60 seconds, remain silent, and listen to instructions. Teachers should bring the earthquake kits in each room with them when they evacuate.3. Upon instructions from the teacher, students will evacuate buildings in the same manner as for a fire drill. All students should meet on ball field behind the tennis courts.
TORNADO ALARM
South Pemiscot students can expect tornadoes and tornado warnings to occur in the geographic area around Steele. It is not the intention, in planning some safety measures, to frighten anyone. However, as a precautionary measure, it is our responsibility to have some plans and know what we should do if a tornado should come our way. Teachers should read the tornado alarm instructions to each class, including home room. This is necessary in order for the student to know where he is to go at each period during the day if the tornado alarm should sound.
The tornado alarm will be designated by one long ring on the electric bell system followed by two short rings. All students will act according to the following plan:
1. Students having classes in the high school building when the alarm sounds will file quietly into the north/south hallway.
2. Students who are in the ISS/ shop building will file out and proceed to the high school building and enter by the way of the east door.
3. Students who are in the Jr. High building will quietly flow into the hallway and take position with the exception of the classes north of the library. These classes will go directly to the conference room.
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PROOF OF INSURANCE COVERAGE
(FORM SIGNATURE REQUIRED)
The South Pemiscot School District will make available a program of twenty-four hour and school time insurance. No obligation is assumed by the school district. The only function of the school district is to assist in the distribution and collection of applications during the insurance enrollment period each year.
No student may perform on an athletic team, participate in cheerleading or majorettes, or enroll in Industrial Arts or Vo-Tech without school insurance or proof that one has insurance coverage by another means.
Therefore, a student has two options— 1. Purchase the insurance at the school during the enrollment period. OR 2. If you have insurance coverage purchased by your parents or if you are covered by Medicaid or any other insurance provider other than the school-time insurance, you have the responsibility of providing a copy of that coverage to the Athletic Director and the Principal. The school district will ask for a copy of the coverage at the beginning of each semester.
In addition, the district asks that you , REGARDING PROOF OF COVERAGE, COMPLETE ,SIGN, AND TURN IN THE APPROPRIATE SIGNATURE DOCUMENT ACCOMPANIED WITH THIS HANDBOOK . ATTACH A COPY OF PROOF OF INSURANCE TO THAT DOCUMENT
STUDENT EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITY DRUG TESTING—CONSENT FORM
Policy Statement The South Pemiscot R-V Board of Education, in an effort to protect the health and safety of students from illegal drugs has adopted a Student Extracurricular Drug Testing Policy
General Authorization Form
We have read and fully understand the South Pemiscot R-V School District’s Student Extracurricular Drug Testing Policy.
We understand fully that the student’s safety and the safety of all other students depend upon each individual. We hereby agree to accept and abide by the standards, rules, and regulations set forth by the South Pemiscot R-V School District’s Student Extracurricular Drug Testing Policy.
We authorize the South Pemiscot R-V School District to conduct a drug test as set forth in the extra-curricular activity drug testing policy.
REGARDING EXTRACURRICULAR DRUG TESTING CONSENT FORM, COMPLETE ,SIGN, AND TURN IN THE APPROPRIATE SIGNATURE DOCUMENT ACCOMPANIED WITH THIS HANDBOOK . FILLING OUT THIS ACCOMPANIED FORM/SIGNATURE SHEET, INDICATES YOU UNDERSTAND AND CONSENT TO THE STUDENT EXTRACURRICULAR DRUG TESTING POLICY.
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Technology Acceptable Usage Policy The district’s technology exists for the purpose of maximizing the educational opportunities and achievement of district students. South Pemiscot provides access to the Internet as a means to inform, educate and culturally enrich all students. The resources will be equally accessible to all students with the understanding that it is the individuals user’s responsibility to demonstrate proper judgement, respect for others, and appropriate conduct while using district resources and facilities. Use of technology resources in a disruptive, manifestly inappropriate or illegal manner impairs the district’s mission, squanders resources and shall not be tolerated. Therefore, a consistently high level of personal responsibility is expected of all users granted access to the district’s technology resources. It is all staff members’ responsibility to educate students about appropriate online behavior, including interactions with other individuals on social networking sites/chat rooms, and cyber-bullying awareness and response. Development of students’ personal responsibility is itself an expected benefit of the district technology program. It shall be a violation of district policy for any employee or student to engage in any activity that does not conform to the established purpose and general rules and policies of the district’s technology resources. General rules follow below:
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Technology Acceptable Usage Agreement Form. The proper use of the South Pemiscot t network, the Internet, and the educational value to be gained from proper use of these, is the joint responsibility of students, parents and employees of the school district. It is all staff members’ responsibility to educate students about appropriate online behavior, including interactions with other individuals on social networking sites/chat rooms, and cyberbullying awareness and response. All student users and their parent/guardians must sign and consent to the district’s Technology Acceptable Usage Policy of South Pemiscot prior to accessing or using district technology resources, unless otherwise excused by superintendent or designee of superintendent. Students who are 18 or older may sign and consent to the district’s Technology Acceptable Use policy without additional signatures. Students who do not have signed forms on file will not be allowed to use district’s technology resources unless given special permission by superintendent or designee . The school will provide content filtering on data entering the school network and will supervise over technology use during the school day, however, no filter is 100 percent effective. Use of the school district system is at the user’s own risk. The system is provided on an “as is, as available” basis. The school district will not be responsible for any damage users may suffer, including, but not limited to, loss, damage or unavailability of data stored on school district media; delays or changes in or interruptions of service, information or materials. The school district is not responsible for the accuracy or quality of any advice or information obtained through or stored on the school district system. The school district will not be responsible for financial obligations arising through unauthorized use of the school district system or the Internet. South Pemiscot School District is not liable for and disclaims any liability arising from any injury or damage caused by or stemming from unauthorized access to the district’s network or inappropriate use of authorized access to the district’s network. South Pemiscot also disclaims any liability arising from students accessing inappropriate content on district devices while on a home network or any non-school network. I have read, or had read to me, the South Pemiscot School District Technology Acceptable Usage Policy, administrative regulations and etiquette guidelines and agree to abide by their provisions. I understand that violation of these provisions may result in disciplinary action taken against me, including but not limited to suspension or revocation of my access to district technology, and suspension or expulsion from school. I understand that my use of the district’s technology is not private and that the school district may monitor my use of district technology, including but not limited to accessing browser logs, e-mail logs, and any other history of use. I understand that the district may intercept and/or access all communications I send, receive or store using the district’s technology resources, pursuant to state and federal law, even if the district’s technology resources are accessed remotely.
STUDENT: REGARDING TECHNOLOGY ACCEPTABLE USAGE AGREEMENT, COMPLETE ,SIGN, AND TURN IN THE APPROPRIATE SIGNATURE DOCUMENT ACCOMPANIED WITH THIS HANDBOOK . FILLING OUT THIS ACCOMPANIED FORM/SIGNATURE SHEET, INDICATES YOU HAVE READ, UNDERSTAND AND WILL FOLLOW THIS ACCEPTABLE USAGE AGREEMENT As the parent or legal guardian of the student signing above, I have read the South Pemiscot School District Technology Acceptable Usage Policy, administrative regulations, and etiquette guidelines. I understand that violation of these provisions may result in disciplinary action taken against my child, ward or child within my care (“child”), including but not limited to suspension or revocation of my child's or ward's access to district technology, and suspension or expulsion from school. I understand that my child's or ward’s technology usage is not private and that the school district will monitor my child's use of district technology, including but not limited to accessing browser logs, e-mail logs, and any other history of use. I understand that the district may intercept and/or access all communications that my child send, receive or store using the district’s technology resources,pursuant to state and federal law, even if the district’s technology resources are accessed remotely. I recognize it is impossible to restrict access to all controversial materials and I will not hold the school district, its employees or its agents responsible for materials acquired by my child on the Internet. I accept responsibility for directing my child to follow the South Pemiscot School District Technology Acceptable Use Policy, administrative regulations and netiquette guidelines. I agree to be responsible for any unauthorized costs arising from my child's use of the district’s technology resources. I agree to be responsible for any damages arising out of my child’s use of district technology.
By signing THE CHROMEBOOK AGREEMENT CHECKLIST/CHROMEBOOK INSURANCE form , you give permission for your child to use the school district’s technology resources.
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South Pemiscot High School Policies and Procedures For 1:1 Chromebook Program South Pemiscot is proud to offer our South Pemiscot High School Students Chromebooks for use at school and at home. The 1:1 program will allow technology to be fully integrated throughout our curriculum and provide our students with a 21st century education. The following information is provided to help everyone understand the expectations and the responsibility of care and use related to receiving a Chromebook. Students will receive instruction from school district staff on the proper use of device. Students will be able to take the Chromebook home during the school year if the student signs the Student Acceptable Use of Technology, and Chromebook consent sheets and pays the required user insurance. Students are expected to treat the Chromebook as a valuable piece of equipment. To prevent theft, Chromebooks should not be left unattended; however, each Chromebook has been engraved and includes preloaded management software which essentially makes the Chromebook unusable except for those with South Pemiscot accounts. The management console also gives school some tracking ability. Students must take precautions to prevent damage to the Chromebook; for example, do not leave the Chromebook where there is danger of coming into contact with moisture or excessive heat. This would include leaving it out in the weather. Students must not use the Chromebook to purchase products via the internet while on school grounds or at school functions. (Parents/Guardians/Students are charged full responsibilities for any financial obligations incurred from the inappropriate use of the Chromebook) Students are to use the Chromebook in accordance with the South Pemiscot High School’s Technology Usage Policies and are to maintain the Chromebook in accordance with the procedures and information provided. Chromebooks and Chromebook accessories are the property of South Pemiscot Schools and must be returned at the end of the academic year, upon withdrawal from South Pemiscot Schools, or at the request of a teacher or administrator. Willful failure to return the Chromebook in accordance with the stated conditions will result in criminal prosecution. This device will be managed and anything that is deemed unnecessary, disruptive, or inappropriate will be prohibited and consequences levied. Chromebooks are the property of South Pemiscot and may be inspected for proper use and proper content at any time by school staff or administration. School officials may revoke a student’s Chromebook privileges for misuse or violation of policies and enact further disciplinary actions if warranted.
Section 1: Receiving your Chromebook. Chromebooks will be distributed during school after CIPA, Children's Internet Protection Act, training has been provided to students. Parents and students are strongly encouraged to read through all documentation involving computer acceptable usage, insurance, handling the device and etc. Before students will be allowed to take Chromebook home the following conditions must be met: 1. Guardian/Parent/Student must sign and date the South Pemiscot Schools Technology Acceptable Use Agreement. This should be turned in to the office where it will be kept on file. 2. Guardian/Parent/Student must sign and date the South Pemiscot School’s Policies and Procedures for 1:1 Chromebook Program Form. This should be turned in to the office where it will be kept on file. 3. The Insurance Fee/Computer Damage /Loss Cooperative Program Application Form must be signed by appropriate parties. The Chromebook will not be allowed to go home or be assigned to student until this form has been filled out, signed and turned in to office. The insurance will cost $25. Student’s can deny coverage on the form but will assume all responsibilities if any damage occurs.
THE CHROMEBOOK AGREEMENT CHECKLIST/CHROMEBOOK INSURANCE form, along with payment, should be turned in to the office.
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Section 2: Taking Care of Your Chromebook and Chromebook Accessories. Students are responsible for the general care of the Chromebook and accessories they have been issued by the school. Chromebooks that are broken or fail to work properly must be taken to a designated building location for an evaluation of the equipment. General Precautions: The Chromebook is school property. All users will follow expectations within this document and the Technology Acceptable Usage Policy. Be careful with charging cords and cables to prevent damage. Chromebooks will be assigned with a case. The case must remain free of any writing, drawing, stickers, or labels that are not the property of South Pemiscot. The same goes for Chromebook device. Chromebooks should never be left out in the open or unsupervised. Students are responsible for keeping their Chromebook batteries charged for each school day. The Chromebook has a battery that should last over 8 hrs so be mindful and have it fully charged at the beginning of each school day. Carrying Chromebooks: The Chromebooks will be provided with protective cases which should protect the devices from normal usage and provide a suitable means for carrying the device within the school. The guidelines below should be followed: Chromebooks must always be within the school issued protective case. Be extremely careful when placing in a backpack since other items could put pressure on the case and potentially cause screen to fracture. Screen Care: Chromebook screens can be damaged if subjected to rough treatment. The screen will break if subjected to excessive pressure. Do not pick up Chromebook by the screen, Do not place anything on top of screen. Be careful with placement of computer and try to place it on a flat, level surface. Do not use harsh chemicals or water to clean the screen. Use a dry soft microfiber cloth or anti-static cloth. Be aware of your surroundings. Do not “bump” the Chromebook and case against lockers, walls, car doors, floors, or throw books on top of it, etc. as such could break the screen. NOTE: Before Chromebooks are allowed to be taken off campus parents/guardians must complete and sign a Computer Damage/Loss Cooperative Program Application Form . This “insurance” form gives specifics of what is and isn’t covered and the effective dates of coverage. Participation in program is voluntary and seeks to provide families protection against damage and loss of the loaned computer while in their care.
Section 3: Using your Chromebook at School Chromebooks are intended for use at school each day. Students are responsible for bringing their charged Chromebook to all classes. Make sure to only charge Chromebook with the provided charger. Chromebooks left at Home If a student leaves their Chromebook at home, they are responsible for getting the course work completed as if they had their Chromebook present. If a student repeatedly leaves their Chromebook at home, disciplinary action will be taken. Chromebooks Undergoing Repair Loaner Chromebooks may be checked out from the library to students when a device is being repaired. Students will be required to check the loaner in at the end of the school day. If a student needs to take the loaner home , the parent of the student must give permission by signing a check out form and understand that insurance will not apply to the loaner Chromebook and they take on full responsibility. If loaner is damaged, lost, misplaced, or etc, they will bear the full replacement cost. Screensavers and Backgrounds- Only school appropriate backgrounds and screensavers may be used on Chromebooks. Inappropriate images will result in disciplinary action and, when appropriate, referral to law enforcement. Examples of inappropriate backgrounds include the presence of weapons-related materials, pornographic materials, inappropriate language, alcohol, drug, gang-related symbols, etc. Technology Use Policy/ Internet Usage Policies apply.
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Section 4: Security Issues While at school, Student Chromebooks will be filtered through the district’s internet content filter. Parent/Guardians are fully responsible for content security after school hours. Note: Students may be selected at random to provide their school-issued Chromebook for inspection without notice. If inappropriate material is found on Chromebook, disciplinary actions will be taken. Apps originally installed by South Pemiscot must remain on the Chromebook in usable condition and be easily accessible at all times. Students are not to delete or alter Chromebook unless given permission from administration or technology coordinator.
Section 5: Acceptable Use Guidelines (Also see Technology Acceptable Use Policy for more extensive list) Student Chromebooks will be labeled in the manner specified by the school. Under no circumstances are students to modify, remove, or destroy these labels. Students should never tamper with machine security settings. Violations will result in disciplinary action. Students are responsible for their ethical, socially appropriate and educational use of the technology resources of South Pemiscot. Under no circumstances should the Chromebook be turned on while in locker rooms or restroom areas. Access to technology resources is a privilege and not a right. Each employee, student, and or parent will be required to follow South Pemiscot Technology Usage Policies. Transmission of any material that is in violation of any law is prohibited. This includes but is not limited to the following: confidential information, copyrighted material, threatening or obscene material, and etc. Any attempt to alter data, the configuration of a Chromebook, or the files of another user, without the consent of the building principal or his/her designee(s), will be considered an act of vandalism and subject to disciplinary action. Students who violate this may also be referred to law enforcement for criminal prosecution if appropriate. Integrity and civility should be practice when using Chromebooks. As such, the following behaviors are specifically prohibited: cheating, plagiarizing, falsifying information, violating copyright law, hacking, gaining unauthorized access to any network. Email-- Students will be issued their own personal email for use with Chromebooks. This is the only email account they should access while using the device. These email accounts are not private and may be viewed at any time and without notice. The following rules will apply when using an email account: Always use appropriate language Do not transmit language/material that is profane, sexual, obscene, abusive, or offensive to others. Do not send mass emails, chain letters, or spam. Students should maintain high integrity with regard to email content. No private chatting during class without permission.
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Section 6: Parent/ Guardian Responsibility Just as many parents/guardians instruct their children about the proper usage of media devices already in their homes such as TVs, telephones, smartphones, electronic games, movies, radio and etc., it is just as important that parents/guardians instruct their children about the proper usage of the internet. South Pemiscot students will have access to their Chromebook 24/7. As a parent/guardian, you will need to establish ground rules for Chromebook usage outside of the school day. Although devices will be periodically checked for content and viewing history, it is important that you establish appropriate ground rules for your child while utilizing the internet off campus. Going over the Acceptable Use policy of the school with your child and having home discussions about where they will be allowed to use the device and how long they will be allowed to access the internet are important topics. While at home parents/guardians are responsible for what they allow their child to view over the internet. Note: While on campus, devices will have internet filtering and content blocking on them at all times. Section 7: Precautions Chromebooks or other technology equipment should not be left in unsupervised areas. Unsupervised Chromebooks will be confiscated by staff and taken to the administrative office. Administrator will hold a meeting with student and may levy consequences which may include: a warning, and/or contacting parents, and/or requiring student to attend a Chromebook refresher class, and/or not allowing Chromebook to be taken off campus, and/or assigning a generic loaner Chromebook, and/or detention.
Summary: Regarding Chromebook usage, students and parents/guardians are responsible for understanding and following the Policies and procedures for South Pemiscot 1:1 Chromebook program outlined in this document, school rules, and the district’s Technology Acceptable Use Policy: South Pemiscot School District is not liable for and disclaims any liability arising from any injury or damage caused by or stemming from unauthorized access to the district’s network or inappropriate use of authorized access to the district’s network. South Pemiscot also disclaims any liability arising from students accessing inappropriate content on the Chromebook while on a home network or any non-school network. A student and the student’s parents or guardians, by submitting the Technology Acceptable Use Policy Form with their respective signatures in order to gain access to the school’s network, agree to release the School District from any liability for physical or emotional harm or damage resulting to the student that is caused by or related to the inappropriate use of the District’s network.
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South Pemiscot High School Policies and Procedures -1:1 Chromebook Program Agreement Form PLEASE SIGN THE APPROPRIATE SIGNATURE DOCUMENT WHICH ACCOMPANIES THIS HANDBOOK. BY SIGNING THIS FORM , you and your student testify that you have read and have understood the contents of this handbook and will comply with all policies and procedures within the “Policies and Procedures for 1:1 Chromebook Program” document. You also understand that this policy covers one Chromebook device with accessories and that these items are the property of South Pemiscot Schools.
Procedural Safeguards Statement
Notice of Parent and Student Rights Under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibit discrimination based on disability. This district has adopted policies and procedures to ensure compliance with both Section 504 and the ADA.
An eligible student under Section 504/ADA is a student who (i) has, (ii) has a record of having, or (iii) is regarded as having, a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities. Eligible students are entitled to non-discrimination protection, and any appropriate services.
Parents and/or students have the following rights under Section 504:
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7. The right to a periodic reevaluation, generally every three years.
8. Notice prior to any action by the district in regard to the identification, evaluation or placement under Section 504.
9. An opportunity to review relevant records.
10. The right to an impartial hearing with respect to the district’s actions regarding identification, evaluation, or educational placement. In addition, the right to parent participation in the hearing and the right to representation by an attorney, at your own expense, if desired.
11. The right, if you disagree with the decision of the impartial hearing, to a review of the decision by a court of competent jurisdiction.
12. The right to file a local grievance with respect to alleged disability discrimination with the district’s designated Section 504 coordinator.
The contact information is:
Jeanne Dent
611 Beasley Road, Steele Missouri 63877
Ph. # 573-695-3342 ext 496
Fax #: 573-695-4427
Email address: jdent@southpemiscot.com
13. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights.
Office for Civil Rights
One Petticoat Lane
1010 Walnut Street, Suit 320
Kansas City, Missouri 64106
Ph. #: (816) 268-0550
Fax #: (816)2678-0559
Email: OCR.Kansas City@ed.gov