The Board of Education reaffirms its belief that every student
regardless of race, color, sex, national origin, age, ethnicity, religion, disability,
sexual orientation or perceived sexual orientation be given equal opportunity
for educational development.
The Board recognizes the importance of providing each student with a school environment conducive to intellectual, emotional and social growth through participation in a full range of educational programs and activities. Board and staff commitments insure equal educational opportunities in course offerings, guidance and counseling, test procedures, extracurricular activities, discipline procedures and student support services. Nov. 2010
STUDENTS Policy 2110
(Regulation 2110)
Nondiscrimination and Student Rights
Equal Educational Opportunity
It is the policy of the Board of Education to provide a free and appropriate education for students with disabilities. Students with disabilities are those who, because of certain atypical characteristics, have been identified by professionally qualified personnel as requiring special educational planning and services. Students with disabilities will be identified on the basis of physical, health, sensory, and/or emotional handicaps, behavioral problems or observable exceptionalities in mental ability. It is possible that a student may have more than one type of disability.
The District's programs and services available to meet the needs of these students will be in accordance with The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, The Education for All Handicapped Students Act of 1975, The Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 504, and § 162.670 .995 RSMo., Missouri Special Education Services. In addition, the identification of students with disabilities and the services provided by the District will be in accordance with the regulations and guidelines of the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education's Current Plan for Part B of The Education of the Handicapped Act, as amended. (See Policy and Regulation 6250 – Instruction for Students with Disabilities.)
STUDENTS Policy 2120
Nondiscrimination and Student Rights
Students of Legal Age
Upon attainment of the age of eighteen (18), students will be deemed to be adults for purposes of educational records, placement and reporting.
It is the policy of the District to maintain a learning
environment that is free from harassment because of an individual's race,
color, sex, national origin, age, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, or
perceived sexual orientation. The School
District prohibits any and all forms of unlawful harassment and discrimination
because of race, color, sex, national origin, age, ethnicity, disability,
sexual orientation, or perceived sexual orientation.
It shall be a violation of District policy for any student,
teacher, administrator, or other school personnel of this District to harass or
unlawfully discriminate against a student through conduct of a sexual nature,
or regarding race, color, sex, national origin, age, ethnicity, disability,
sexual orientation, or perceived sexual orientation as defined by this Policy.
It shall also be a violation of District policy for any teacher,
administrator, or other school personnel of this District to tolerate sexual
harassment or harassment because of a student's race, color, sex, national
origin, age, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, or perceived sexual
orientation, as defined by this Policy, by a student, teacher, administrator, other
school personnel, or by any third parties who are participating in, observing,
or otherwise engaged in activities, including sporting events and other
extracurricular activities, under the auspices of the School District.
For purposes of this Policy, the term "school personnel"
includes school board members, school employees, agents, volunteers,
contractors, or persons subject to the supervision and control of the District.
The school system and District officials, including
administrators, teachers, and other staff members will act to promptly
investigate all complaints, either formal or informal, verbal or written, of
unlawful harassment or unlawful discrimination because of race, color, sex,
national origin, age, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, or perceived
sexual orientation; to promptly take appropriate action to protect individuals
from further harassment or discrimination; and, if it determines that unlawful
harassment or discrimination occurred, to promptly and appropriately discipline
any student, teacher, administrator, or other school personnel who is found to
have violated this Policy, and/or to take other appropriate action reasonably
calculated to end the harassment/discrimination.
The District prohibits retaliation against a person who files a complaint of discrimination or harassment, and further prohibits retaliation against persons who participate in related proceedings or investigations. Nov. 2010
STUDENTS Policy 2140
Nondiscrimination and Student Rights
Marital, Parental Status of Students
Students who are married, pregnant or who have given birth will be treated in a like manner as other students with respect to academic matters, student activities as well as other educational benefits provided by the District.
STUDENTS Policy 2150
(Form 2150)
Nondiscrimination and Student Rights
Searches by School Personnel
School lockers and desks are the property of the Board of Education and are provided for the convenience of students, and as such, are subject to periodic inspection without notice, without student consent, and without a search warrant. The lockers and desks may be searched by school administrators or staff who have a reasonable suspicion that the lockers or desks contain drugs, alcohol, material of a disruptive nature, stolen properties, weapons, items posing a danger to the health or safety of students and school employees, or evidence of a violation of school policy. In addition, the Board of Education authorizes the use of trained dogs to sniff lockers or other school property to assist in the detection of the presence of drugs, explosives, and other contraband.
Students or student property may be searched based on reasonable suspicion of a violation of District rules, policy or state law. Reasonable suspicion must be based on facts known to the administration, credible information provided or reasonable inference drawn from such facts or information. The privacy and dignity of students shall be respected. Searches shall be carried out in the presence of adult witnesses, if such witnesses are available. Students may be asked to empty pockets, remove jackets, coats, shoes and other articles of exterior clothing for examination if reasonable under the circumstances.
No employee shall perform a strip search of any student. The exception to this would be if a school administrator reasonably believes that a student possesses a weapon, explosive, or substance that poses an imminent threat of physical harm to himself or herself or another person, and if a commissioned law enforcement officer is not immediately available. Strip searches may be conducted by, or under the authority of, a commissioned law enforcement officer.
Students are permitted to park on school premises as a matter of privilege, not of right. The school retains the authority to conduct routine patrols of the student parking lots. The interior of a student's automobile on school premises may be searched if a school administrator has reasonable suspicion to believe that illegal, unauthorized or contraband items, or evidence of a violation of school policy is contained inside the vehicle.
Law enforcement officials shall be contacted if the search produces a controlled substance, drug paraphernalia, weapons, stolen goods or evidence of a crime, in any case involving a violation of law when a student refuses to allow a search, or where the search cannot safely be conducted. Parents may also be contacted. A student who refuses to submit to a search may be appropriately disciplined by school officials.
Nov 04
STUDENTS Policy 2160
Nondiscrimination and Student Rights
Interviews, Interrogations and Removal From School
Interview or Interrogation
The School District has legal jurisdiction over students during the school day and hours of approved extracurricular activities. The school administration is responsible for making an effort to protect each student's rights with respect to interrogations by law enforcement officials. When law enforcement officials find it necessary to question students during the school day or periods of extracurricular activities, the school principal or designee will be present and the interview will be conducted in private.
The principal will verify and record the identity of the officer or other authority and request an explanation of the need to question or interview the student at school. The principal ordinarily will make reasonable efforts to notify the student's parents/guardians.
Removal of Students From School
Before a student at school is arrested or taken into custody by a law enforcement or other legally authorized person, the principal will verify the official's authority to take custody of the student. The school principal will attempt to notify the student's parent/guardian that the student is being removed from school.
STUDENTS Policy 2170
(Regulation 2170)
Nondiscrimination and Student Rights
Distribution of Noncurricular Publications by Students
The District recognizes that student expression regarding a variety of topics may be beneficial to the District’s educational mission. Discussion and debate regarding serious issues can engender tolerance for diverse viewpoints. The District, however, has the obligation to ensure that student expression is consistent with the District’s educational mission. Accordingly, the District has adopted guidelines to regulate student expression in a manner consistent with the District’s educational goals.
STUDENTS Policy 2180
Nondiscrimination and Student Rights
Pledge of Allegiance
Schools shall ensure that the Pledge of Allegiance is recited in at least one scheduled class of every student no less than once a week.
No student shall be required to recite the Pledge of Allegiance.
STUDENTS Policy 2200
Admission and Withdrawal
The admission of all students shall be under the direction of the Superintendent, subject to the approval of the Board of Education. All persons seeking admission to the District and its instructional programs must satisfactorily meet all residency, academic, age, immunization, health and other eligibility prerequisites as established by Board policies, rules and regulations, and by state law. Students entering the School District will be required to present a birth certificate or some other acceptable proof of age.
Students who are entering kindergarten or first grade are encouraged to preregister in the spring prior to the fall semester in which they are to begin attendance.
STUDENTS Policy 2210
Admission and Withdrawal
Entrance Age
Entrance Age for Kindergarten
To be admitted to kindergarten or to summer school prior to the student’s regular term, a student must be five (5) years old before August 1st preceding entrance.
Entrance Age for First Grade
To be admitted to first grade a student must be six (6) years old before August 1st preceding entrance. However, students who have completed an accredited kindergarten program will be considered for enrollment in the first grade regardless of the August 1st cut-off date.
A birth certificate will be required as proof of age.
STUDENTS Policy 2220
Admission and Withdrawal
Compulsory Attendance Ages
The Board of Education shall abide by the compulsory attendance laws of the state by requiring District resident students between the ages of seven and sixteen years to attend school full time, with the exception of those students who may be excused from full time attendance by the Superintendent. Individual petitions for any deviation from full time attendance shall be considered by the Superintendent on the merits of the individual student's application and in compliance with state law and regulations.
Any student age sixteen years or older who drops out of school for any reason other than to attend another school, college or university, or to enlist in the armed services, shall be reported to the state literacy hotline office by the School District.
All students, five to twenty-one (5-21) years of age, who reside within the boundaries of the District may attend District schools tuition free. In order to "reside" within the District, the student must be physically domiciled within District boundaries. The domicile of a minor child is the domicile of a parent, military guardian pursuant to a military issued guardianship, or court-appointed legal guardian.
The residency provisions of this policy are not applicable to homeless students, students with only one parent living, inter-District desegregation students, wards of the state, students placed in
residential care facility due to a mental illness or developmental disability, students placed in a residential facility by a juvenile court, or students attending regional or cooperative alternative education programs. The exemptions are expressly established by state law and entitle such students to tuition-free school attendance.
Nonresident students of District teachers or regular District employees may be permitted to attend school without payment of tuition. Such students will be considered to be "resident" students for purposes of state aid.
STUDENTS Policy 2240
(Regulation
2240)
Admission and
Withdrawal
Admission and
Tuition - Nonresident Students
Nonresident students may be permitted to attend the District
schools upon payment of tuition provided the student is not barred from
enrollment by provisions of the Safe Schools Act. (See Policy
2664.) Tuition rates will be
determined annually by the Board of Education on the basis of the per-pupil
cost for the preceding year including operation, maintenance, and debt service
of the schools.
Within two (2) business days of enrollment in the District by
state officials of a nonresident student pursuant to state statute, the
Superintendent/designee will request the student's transfer and discipline
records from all schools or facilities previously attended and from other state
agencies and entities involved in the placement of the student within the
twenty-four (24) month period preceding enrollment. The Superintendent/designee is authorized to
share relevant portions of such student's transfer and discipline records with
District employees who, based upon their duties, have a need to know such
information. Such records will be
maintained in confidence for purposes of maintaining discipline and for
assistance to the student. The student's
transfer and discipline records will not be a part of the student's permanent
record nor used as the sole basis for denying educational services to a pupil.
Admission of Residents
from Unaccredited School Districts
In accordance with Missouri law and Board Regulation, the District
will accept transfer students from school districts in its same or adjoining
counties that are declared unaccredited by the state of Missouri.
July 2013
STUDENTS Policy 2245*
Admission and Withdrawal
Transfer Students
All students entering the District from other educational settings are required to submit evidence of their achievement in the last grade attended. Grade placement of a student may be adjusted on the basis of examination of the student’s previous record, achievement tests administered, or other factors that the principal and staff believe are appropriate under the circumstances. A transcript of all entering secondary school students is required before enrollment can be completed. However, a student may be permitted to enroll temporarily until a full transcript is obtained.
Transfers from Unaccredited Schools
Parents/guardians should be advised that if they choose to transfer their student to the public school from an unaccredited school, the student will not be guaranteed comparable placement in the public schools. Students transferring will be assigned an appropriate grade level and class assignment based on their educational and developmental level as determined by the principal through assessment of student's age, educational experience, achievement tests and consultation with parent/guardian and personnel from the student's former school.
Jan 04
STUDENTS Policy 2250
(Regulation 2250)
Admission and Withdrawal
Admission of Exchange Students
Resident foreign exchange students under the auspices of an organization or association accredited by the state and/or federal governments for that purpose may enroll in the School District, and shall have all the rights and privileges of a resident student during the period of enrollment. Those sponsoring agencies which comply with the standards for foreign student exchange programs as established by the U.S. Department of State are those which will be recognized by the District.
STUDENTS Policy
2255
Admission and
Withdrawal
Disabled Students
The District will follow all state and federal laws, rules
and regulations with regard to implementing its responsibilities to students
who enroll in the District that have been previously identified as disabled
under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, or Section 504 of the
Rehabilitation Act.
STUDENTS Policy 2260*
(Regulation 2260)
Admission and Withdrawal
Homeless Students
The Board of Education is committed to providing equal access for all eligible homeless students to a free, appropriate education in the same manner as is provided to other District students. In carrying out this commitment, the District will identify and assess the needs of the District’s homeless students; provide for the placement of its homeless students in the school of best interest; provide access to the District’s programs; and appoint a homeless coordinator. The Superintendent will review all District policies to determine whether they act as barriers to the enrollment of homeless students. Special attention will be given to policies regarding transportation, immunization, residency, birth certificates, school records and guardianship.
Definition of Homeless Children and Youth – (Adopted by the Board of Education February 16, 1998)
1. A homeless individual is one who:
a. Lacks a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence.
b. Homeless individuals or families include those living in shelters, sleeping in cars, parks, abandoned buildings, barns, etc.
c. Homeless may include individuals or families who have moved in with others on a temporary basis after losing their home
d. The homeless may also include children who have run away from home because they are unsafe
Goals of Adair County R-II School for the Homeless – (Adopted by the Board of Education February 16, 1998)
1. The Superintendent of schools shall act as homeless coordinator to:
a. Identify homeless school-age children
b. Enroll homeless children
c. Encourage retention of the homeless child in the district and minimize frequent movement among schools
d. Coordinate existing services to help stabilize the homeless family so that the educational needs of the child can be met
e. Provide school material to homeless children
f. Work with other agencies to provide services to homeless children and their families
g. Place homeless students on free/reduced lunch and in Title I programs or special education, if deemed necessary
h. Provide transportation services for homeless students, if deemed eligible
i. Keep children in school
Feb 98
STUDENTS Policy 2270*
(Regulation 2270)
Admission and Withdrawal
Migrant Students
The Board of Education is committed to the identification, needs assessment and enrollment of migrant students living within the District. The District’s Coordinator of Programs for Homeless Students is also responsible for implementation and maintenance of the District’s program for migrant students.
Recognizing that migrant children are among the most educationally disadvantaged groups in our society, the Adair County R-II School District actively seeks to identify those who may be temporarily residing (or settled out) within its boundaries. The district then gives them full access to all educational and related programs ordinarily provided all other children.
Identification begins with the survey form from the regional Migrant Education center. The form is completed by parents/guardians of new students as part of the enrollment process and it seeks to determine if the family has moved from one school district to another within the past three years to seek or obtain temporary or seasonal work in agriculture or a related food processing business.
When positive responses are entered on the form, the district will notify the director of the regional Migrant Education Center or the state director. A recruiter will talk with the district’s contact person and the parents of the newly enrolled students.
Through personal contact or home visits, a family interview will provide information for completing the Certificate of Eligibility (COE). After the COE is completed, information from it is entered into a state database maintained by data entry specialists at the regional Migrant Education Centers. Educational and health records are then generated and the students listed on the form become eligible for federally funded supplementary services.
The Adair County R-II School District assesses the educational and related health and social needs of migrant students residing within its boundaries, and gives full access to all programs ordinarily provided al other children to meet their needs, including Title I, Special Education, Gifted Education, Vocational Education, English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), counseling programs, elective classes, fine arts classes, etc.
Where needs exist that cannot be fully met by district personnel, or through state and federal sources, contact will be made with the director of the Migrant Education Center. Personnel from the Migrant Center attempt to provide needed services and/or assist district personnel in developing a project application for a local Migrant Education program through the Department of Elementary & Secondary Education (DESE).
Feb 98
STUDENTS Policy 2280*
Admission and Withdrawal
Admission of Home Schooled Students
Students who enroll in the District from a home schooled status must meet residency requirements as stipulated in Policy 2230.
Grade placement will be determined by an administrative evaluation of records from the home-school setting and assessment of student's age, total educational experience, achievement tests administered at the time of District registration, and consultation with parents/guardians.
Home Schooling
In lieu of regular school attendance in the Adair County R-II School District, a child may be excused from compulsory school attendance if the child is provided with home schooling as authorized by Missouri law. Any alleged violation of the compulsory education law shall be referred to the prosecuting attorney of the county where the child legally resides.
Jan 98
STUDENTS Policy 2290
Admission and Withdrawal
Student Withdrawal From School
Students who withdraw from school for any reason are required to notify the building principal and provide a specific reason for withdrawal.
Each building principal will submit a monthly report to the Superintendent concerning the identity and reason of each student withdrawing from school.
Building principals will respond within five (5) business days to requests by other schools for the records of students transferring from District schools. Records transferred pursuant to such requests will include the written notification of criminal charges/adjudications by law enforcement officials for criminal acts listed in Regulation 2673.
STUDENTS Policy 2310
(Regulation 2310)
Attendance
Student Attendance
The Board of Education believes that regular attendance is essential to achieving success in school. Education is a total process based upon continual communication and shared responsibilities among parents, students, teachers and school. As students mature and progress through the educational system, they should increasingly assume responsibility for regular attendance. However, parents have a legal and moral responsibility to require regular attendance at school.
STUDENTS Policy 2320
(Regulation 2320)
Attendance
Part-Time Attendance
Students may attend District schools on a part-time basis as provided by state law and regulations of the Board of Education
STUDENTS Policy 2330
(Regulation 2330)
Attendance
Student Early Dismissal Procedures
Students are to be released from school during school hours only with permission of the building principal/designee.
Early dismissal of a student may be approved only by the principal/designee. Normally requests for early dismissal must be in writing, signed and dated by a parent/guardian.
STUDENTS Policy 2340
(Regulation 2340)
Attendance
Truancy and Educational Neglect
The Board of Education believes regular attendance is important to academic success. Therefore, the Board directs that problems with attendance on the part of any student be investigated and acted upon promptly.
Truancy is defined as deliberate absence from school on the part of the pupil with or without the knowledge of the parent/guardian and for which no justifiable excuse is given. When a pattern of truancy becomes evident, the principal will investigate and take such action as circumstances dictate.
Section 210.115 R.S.Mo. mandates reporting to the Division of Family Services when there is reasonable cause to suspect that a student's nonattendance is due to the educational neglect of the parents/guardians.
Any school official or employee who knows or has reasonable cause to suspect that a student is being subjected to home conditions or circumstances which would reasonably result in truancy will immediately report or cause a report to be made to the building principal, or his/her designee, who will then become responsible for making a report via the Student Abuse Hotline to the Missouri Division of Family Services (DFS). The building principal shall inform the Superintendent/designee that a report has been made, and keep the Superintendent apprised of the status of the case.
STUDENTS Policy 2400
(Regulation 2400)
Student Educational Records (Form 2400)
A cumulative educational record shall be maintained for each student from his/her entrance into school through the last date of attendance or through graduation, whichever occurs first.
Each student's educational record will include information required by state and federal statutes, regulations or agencies and shall include other information considered necessary by school officials.
The District will comply with the mandates of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the Safe Schools Act regarding confidentiality of student records and disclosure of personally identifiable information.
The parents/guardians of students who are attending or have attended the District's schools have the right to inspect and review the educational records of their students and to request amendment of their students’ educational records. The District has adopted procedures for the
granting of parental requests for access to the educational records of their students within a reasonable period of time, but in no case more than forty-five (45) days after the request is made.
All information contained in a student's educational record, except information designated as directory information by the District, shall be confidential and shall be directly accessible only to school officials who demonstrate a legitimate educational interest in the student's records and to parents/guardians or eligible students.
Upon request by military recruiters or an institution of higher learning, the District will provide students' names, addresses and telephone listings. Parents will be notified annually of their right to individually request that such information not be released without prior parental consent. Military recruiters will be provided the same access to students as is given to institutions of higher learning.
In appropriate circumstances District administrators may disclose student educational records to law enforcement and/or juvenile authorities where necessary to serve students prior to adjudication. Officials to whom such educational records are disclosed are required to comply with federal law governing students’ educational records.
Upon request by military recruiters or an institution of higher learning, the District will provide students’ names, addresses and telephone listings. Parents will be notified annually of their right to individually request that such information not be released without prior parental consent. Military recruiters will be provided the same access to students as is given to institutions of higher learning.
Oct 03
STUDENTS Policy 2410
(Regulation 2410)
Student Educational Records
Health Information Records
Except as otherwise required to comply with the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504), records containing student health information will be stored separately from other student records in a locked file cabinet or in a secure computer file.
STUDENTS Policy
2420
Student Educational Records
Recording of Meetings
The District prohibits the use of audio, video or other
recording devices in any meetings between District employees and
parents/guardians, including but not limited to meetings held pursuant to the
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and Section 504 of the
Rehabilitation Act. Exceptions to this
prohibition will be made on a case-by-case basis and in accordance with federal
and state laws. If a parent or guardian
wishes to request an exception to this general prohibition, he or she must make
a written request to the organizer of the meeting no later than one week prior
to the meeting. The request must state the reasons why the parent or guardian
believes the District should make an exception and/or why he or she believes
that the use of a recording device is necessary to comply with any applicable
federal or state laws. The District will
provide a written response to the request prior to the scheduled meeting. Nov. 2010
STUDENTS Policy 2520*
(Regulation 2520)
Student Academic Achievement
Promotion and Retention
The purpose of promotions and retentions is to provide maximum consideration for the long range welfare of the student and to provide an opportunity for each student to progress through school according to his/her own needs and abilities.
It is expected that most students in the schools will be promoted annually from one grade level to another upon completion of satisfactory work, however, a student may be retained when his/her standards of achievement or social, emotional, mental, or physical development would not allow satisfactory progress in the next higher grade. Retention normally occurs before the student leaves the primary grades.
Parents/guardians who wish to appeal the decision for retention must first contact the building principal. If parents/guardians do not accept the decision at the building level, an appeal may be made in writing to the Superintendent. All appeals must be requested within two (2) weeks after the close of school.
The process for reading assessments and remediation, and retention guidelines for students who fail to meet the District’s objectives for reading, are contained in Regulation 2520 – Promotion and Retention.
Promotion Requirements for Grades 7 & 8
Students must pass: 10 out of 14 semesters with 7 classes. If the student does not meet these minimums, he/she must repeat the 7th or 8th grade. (By Board Action, November, 1983)
Jan 04
STUDENTS Policy 2525
The graduation requirements set out in this policy will apply to the Class of 2010. Students who will be in the ninth (9th) grade for the 2006-07 must adjust their schedules for each school year beginning 2006-07 to satisfy the minimum requirements for high school graduation in 2010.
The minimum graduation requirements effective for the Class of 2010 are as follows:
Communication Arts 4 units
Social Studies 3 units
Mathematics 3 units
Science 3 units
Fine Arts 1 unit
Practical Arts 1 unit
Physical Education 1 ˝ unit
Health Education ˝ unit
Personal Finance ˝ unit
Electives 6 ˝ units
Total 24 units
The District will accept courses offered through Missouri’s K12 Virtual Instructional Program (MoVIP) as units of credit meeting state and local graduation requirements beginning with the 2007-08 school year provided however the quantity and quality of completed student works meets standards applicable to the District’s traditional program. (See Policy Virtual Instruction Program).
Aug 07
The District must provide a free appropriate public
education (FAPE) for students with disabilities pursuant to the Individuals
with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) until they graduate or until the student
reaches twenty-one (21) years of age.
Students with disabilities pursuant to the IDEA who have
completed four years of high school shall be allowed to participate in the
graduation ceremony of the student’s high school graduating class and all
related activities if the student’s individualized education program (IEP)
prescribes special education, transition planning, transition services, or
related services beyond the student’s four years of high school, and the
student’s individualized education program team determines the student is
making satisfactory progress toward the completion of the individual education
program and participation in the graduation ceremony is determined appropriate.
The District shall provide timely and meaningful written
notice to children with disabilities and their parents or guardians about the
instant policy. [Notice of the
District’s policy shall be provided at the annual IEP meeting that occurs prior
to the student’s fourth year of high school.] The purpose of the notice is to
inform parents and students about the policy and should not be confused with
IDEA notices of action relating to the identification, evaluation, placement,
or provision of FAPE.
This policy does not apply to non-IDEA students. Nov. 2010
STUDENTS Policy 2540*
Student Academic Achievement
Early Graduation
A student who wishes to graduate from high school in less time than the ordinary eight (8) semester, grade 9-12 sequence, may request permission to complete graduation requirements on an alternate schedule. The student and parents/guardians will consult with high school guidance personnel to develop a graduation plan. The student’s intention to accomplish this shall be stated in writing to the principal.
A student who graduates early must complete all graduation requirements established by the Board. The student who chooses early graduation will be allowed to participate in the spring graduation ceremonies. In all other school activities the early-out graduate will be treated as a graduated student.
Jan 98
STUDENTS Policy 2550*
Student Academic Achievement
Graduation Requirements
All students entering the Adair Co R-II School System for the first time will be required to furnish evidence of previous work completed (kindergarten excepted). Any student graduating from Brashear High School must complete a minimum of eight semesters. Students will be required to complete 24 units of credit for a standard diploma. Standard diploma requirements are:
|
Subject |
Units Required |
|
English |
3 Units |
|
Social Studies |
2 Units |
|
Mathematics |
2 Units |
|
Science |
2 Units |
|
Fine Arts |
1 Unit |
|
Practical Arts |
1 Unit |
|
Physical Education |
1 ˝ Units |
|
Health Education |
˝ Unit |
|
Electives |
11 Units |
|
Total |
24 Units |
Beginning with the Class of 2006, graduates will be required to complete one unit of instruction in a class that offers instruction in general computer competencies. This requirement may be satisfied prior to ninth grade.
Jul 03
The District has the authority to discipline for student conduct
that is prejudicial to good order and discipline in the schools as provided by
state law. School officials are
authorized to hold students accountable for misconduct in school, on school
property, and during school-sponsored activities. Students who engage in significant acts of
misconduct off campus which materially and adversely impact the education of
District students will be subject to discipline up to and including
expulsion. However, no student will be
confined in an unattended locked space except for emergency situations while
awaiting the arrival of law enforcement officials.
Students forfeit their right to a public school education by
engaging in conduct prohibited in Regulation 2610, the code of student conduct,
and/or state or federal law. Disciplinary consequences include, but are not
limited to, withdrawal of school privileges (athletics, intramurals, student
clubs and activities and school social events); the reassignment of the student
to another school; removal for up to ten (10) school days by building
principals; extension of suspensions for a total of 180 days by the
Superintendent; and longer term suspension and expulsion from school by the
Board of Education. See also Policies 2610, 2662, and 2663.
Removal of any student who is a student with a disability under
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 or the Individuals with
Disabilities Education Act is subject to state and federal procedural due
process rights. See policy 2672 and its corresponding regulation.
The District will provide annual in-service training to all
employees concerning the District's discipline regulations and their
implementation. Annual training will
also include, but will not be limited to, approved methods of dealing with
school violence, discipline of students with disabilities, and the requirements
of student confidentiality.
March 2010
All students attending school in District schools will be expected to accept
the obligation and responsibility to attend school on a regular basis and to comply
with the District's discipline code set forth in Regulation 2610. Those
students who choose not to fulfill their responsibilities at school will be
held accountable for their conduct. Consequences for individual acts of
misconduct are calculated to discipline the student, to deter future
misconduct, and to provide a safe and positive environment in which students
can maximize their learning potential. Students who engage in significant
acts of misconduct off campus which materially and adversely impact the
education of district students will be subject to discipline up to and
including expulsion.
The District recognizes firearm and weapon possession as a
potential threat to the health, safety and security of students, employees, and
other persons. The District will not tolerate the presence of firearms or
weapons on the premises of our schools.
This prohibition includes possession of firearms and weapons on school
playgrounds, school parking lots, school buses, and at school activities,
whether on or off school property. The District complies with the provisions of
the Improving America's Schools Act of 1994 and other applicable federal and
state law.
Nothing in this policy shall prohibit the District from permitting
a Civil War re-enactor to bring a Civil War era weapon to school for
educational purposes so long as the weapon is not loaded.
Students who violate this policy will be suspended for no less
than one (1) year and are subject to permanent expulsion. However, the
Superintendent may recommend to the Board a modification of the suspension on a
case-by-case basis. Students with disabilities under the Individuals with
Disabilities Act and/or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act are entitled to
the protections of those laws.
This policy will be annually submitted to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education together with a report of disciplinary action taken for possession of a "firearm" or "weapon" as defined in Regulation 2620.
March 2010
STUDENTS Policy 2630
Discipline
Closed Campus
With the safety and welfare of the students in mind, the Board of Education has closed all campuses during the school day. Permission to leave school will be granted only for valid reasons, and only with a written request signed by a parent/guardian. In emergency situations, a telephone call from a parent/guardian may suffice, with approval of the building principal.
The Board of Education believes that smoking and the use of any
tobacco product is detrimental to the health and well-being of staff and
students. Therefore the Board prohibits the use, sale, transfer and possession
of tobacco products at school and at school activities.
The improper use of controlled substances, alcohol and substances
represented to be such is detrimental to the health and welfare of students and
is detrimental to discipline in school.
Such conduct as well as the possession of drug paraphernalia is prohibited and is subject to disciplinary action as set
forth in Regulation 2610.
Pursuant to 29 U.S.C. 705(20(c)(iv), a student with a 504/ADA disability who is currently engaging in the illegal use of alcohol or drugs is not considered a student with a disability under those laws and the District may take disciplinary action – to the same extent that disciplinary action is taken against nondisabled students – in relation to that use of alcohol or drugs. In such cases, the due process procedures contained in the Section 504 regulations will not apply to protect those students. This provision does not apply to students who are identified as disabled under the Individuals with Disabilities Act. However, school personnel may remove an IDEA disabled student to an interim alternative educational setting for not more than 45 school days without regard to whether that student’s behavior is a manifestation of his/her disability where that student knowingly possesses or uses illegal drugs, or sells or solicits the sale of a controlled substance while at school, on school premises, or at a school function under the District’s jurisdiction. “Illegal drug,” as it pertains to the discipline of IDEA students, means a controlled substance but does not include a controlled substance that is legally possessed or used under the supervision of a licensed health-care professional or under any other authority.
May, 2013
STUDENTS Policy 2641
Discipline
Drug Free Schools
Pursuant to requirements of the 1989 amendments of the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act and to the requirements of the Safe Schools Act, and for the purpose of preventing the use of illicit drugs and alcohol by students, the District shall provide age appropriate, developmentally based drug and alcohol education and prevention programs to all students from early childhood level through grade twelve (12). (See also Policy 6130 – Drug Education.) Such programs will address the legal, social and health consequences of drug and alcohol use, and provide information about effective techniques for resisting peer pressure to use illicit drugs or alcohol.
The District shall provide information about any drug and alcohol counseling and rehabilitation and re entry programs that are available to students. Students may be required to participate in such programs in order to avoid suspension or expulsion if they are found to be in violation of this policy. All parents/guardians and students shall annually be provided with a copy of this policy.
The District certifies that it has adopted and implemented the drug prevention program described in this policy in the form required by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education or the United States Department of Education. The District conducts a biennial review of such program to determine its effectiveness, to implement necessary changes and to ensure that the disciplinary sanctions are consistently enforced.
STUDENTS Policy 2650
(Form 2650)
Discipline
Student Vehicle Use
Building principals have the authority to regulate student use of automobiles at school. Use of school property for student parking purposes is a privilege that may be denied due to violation of District regulations and school policies. Student vehicles parked on District property are subject to search by school officials where there is reason to believe a vehicle contains materials prohibited by District regulations.
STUDENTS Policy 2651
Discipline
Student Dress
The Board of Education expects student dress and grooming to be neat, clean and in keeping with community standards, so that each student may share in promoting a positive, healthy and safe atmosphere within the School District. This expectation includes the school day and school sponsored extracurricular activities.
Students shall observe modes of dress and standards of personal grooming that are in conformity with the educational environment and necessary to maintain an orderly and safe atmosphere for all students. Apparel is expected to conform to reasonable student standards of modesty, and as such, no excessive or inappropriate areas of skin or undergarments may be exposed. No apparel or grooming which presents a safety concern is permitted. No apparel displaying messages that are gang-related, sexually explicit, vulgar, violent, or advocating illegal activities is permitted. Further, no clothing or personal grooming that disrupts, or can be forecasted to disrupt, the educational environment is permitted.
Nov 05
STUDENTS Policy 2652
Discipline
Student Conduct on Buses
The safety of students during their transportation to and from school is a responsibility which they and their parents/guardians share with the bus drivers and school officials. Therefore, the rules of student conduct will be issued to all students at the beginning of the school year, and to new students upon enrollment.
STUDENTS Policy 2653
(Regulation 2653)
Discipline
Student Participation in Secret Organizations and Gangs
The Board of Education prohibits membership in secret fraternities or sororities, or in other clubs or gangs not sponsored by established agencies or organizations recognized by the School District.
The Board of Education feels that the presence of gangs and gang activities can cause a substantial disruption of or material interference with school and school activities. A “gang” as defined in this policy is any group of two or more persons whose purposes include the commission of illegal acts. By this policy, the Board of Education acts to prohibit existence of gangs and gang activities as follows:
No student on or about school property or at any school activity:
1. Shall wear, possess, use, distribute, display, or sell any clothing, jewelry, emblem, badge, symbol, sign, or other things which are evidence of membership or affiliation in any gang.
2. Shall commit any act or omission or use any speech either verbal or non-verbal (gestures, hand-shakes, etc.) showing membership or affiliation in a gang.
3. Shall use any speech or commit any act or omission in furtherance of the interests of any gang or gang activity, including but not limited to:
a. Soliciting others for membership in any gangs.
b. Requesting any person to pay protection or otherwise intimidating or threatening any person.
c. Committing any other illegal act or other violation of school District policies.
d. Inciting other students to act with physical violence upon any other person.
STUDENTS Policy 2654
Discipline
Student Use and Care of School Property
The Board of Education recognizes that acts of destruction, defacing, trespassing, burglary and theft of District property are contrary to the interests of students, staff and tax payers. The District officials will cooperate fully with all law enforcement agencies in the prevention of crimes against District property as well as in the prosecution of persons involved in such conduct.
The District will seek restitution from students and other persons who have damaged or destroyed District property. As permitted by law, the District will also seek restitution from the parent/guardian of children involved in such misconduct.
The District is committed to maintaining a
learning and working environment free of any form of bullying or
intimidation by students toward District personnel or students on school
grounds, or school time, at a school sponsored activity or in a school related
context. Bullying is the intentional
action by an individual or group of individuals to inflict physical, emotional
or mental suffering on another individual or group of individuals.
Bullying occurs when a student:
§ Communicates with another by any
means including telephone, writing or via electronic communications, intention
to intimidate, or inflict physical, emotional, or mental harm without
legitimate purpose, or
§ Physically contacts another person
with the intent to intimidate or to inflict physical, emotional, or mental harm
without legitimate purpose. Physical
contact does not require physical touching, although touching may be included.
Students who are found to have
violated this policy will be subject to the following consequences depending on
factors such as: age of student(s), degree of harm, severity of behavior,
number of incidences, etc. Consequences: Loss of privileges, classroom detention,
Conference with Teacher, parents contacted, conference with Principal,
in-school suspension, out-of-school suspension, expulsion
and law enforcement contacted.
District employees are required to
report any instance of bullying of which the employee has first-hand
knowledge. Moreover, the District will
provide training for employees relative to enforcement of this policy.
March 2010
STUDENTS Policy 2660
(Regulation 2660)
Discipline
Detention
The provisions of a detention program for student violations of policies, rules and regulations shall provide principals with an additional alternative for dealing with disciplinary problems that occur in the schools. Detention is an assigned before school and/or after school period, during which student activity is closely monitored and severely restricted. Students are expected to be quiet during the entire detention period and to work exclusively on assigned tasks.
STUDENTS Policy 2661
Discipline
In School Suspension
In school suspension is a structured disciplinary action in which a student is isolated or removed from regular classroom activities, but is not dismissed from the school setting. The principal/ designee may assign students to the in school suspension program for a reasonable and specified period of time.
Suspension refers to an exclusion from school
for a specific period of time short of permanent exclusion. Building principals are authorized to suspend
students for periods of time not to exceed ten (10) consecutive school days for
violation of District regulations, and are authorized to impose additional
suspensions of not more than 10 consecutive school days in the same school year
for separate acts of misconduct. Building principals may also recommend
extensions of suspension for periods of time up to 180 consecutive school days
by the Superintendent. The
Superintendent of schools may suspend students for periods up to 180
consecutive school days and recommend longer suspensions and expulsions to the
Board of Education. Only the Board may
impose suspensions in excess of 180 consecutive school days.
March 2010
STUDENTS Policy 2663
(Regulation 2663)
Discipline (Form 2663)
Expulsion
The term "expulsion" refers to permanent exclusion from school.
If a student consistently or egregiously refuses to conform to school policies, rules and/or regulations, the principal and Superintendent may recommend to the Board of Education that the student be expelled from school. The Board will review such recommendations and decide whether to proceed with an expulsion hearing.
Nov 04
STUDENTS Policy 2664
(Regulation 2664)
Discipline
Enrollment or Return Following Suspension and/or Expulsion
No student shall be readmitted, or permitted to enroll or otherwise attend school (except as may otherwise 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 expulsion or suspension, and any remedial actions needed to prevent any future occurrences of such or related conduct.
STUDENTS Policy 2670
Discipline
Corporal Punishment: Authorized
Corporal punishment should be used only after other methods have failed and when there is reason to believe it will be helpful in maintaining discipline or in the development of the student's character and power of self control.
All instances of corporal punishment shall be witnessed by at least one other adult member of the school staff and will only be administered by a principal or other District administrator.
STUDENTS Policy 2671
(Regulation 2671)
Discipline (Form 2671)
Student Discipline Hearings
Parents/guardians of students suspended for more than ten (10) school days may make a written request for a hearing before the Board of Education. This request will be addressed to the Superintendent who will review all matters concerning the suspension and refer the request for a Board hearing.
In conducting a discipline hearing the Board will carefully consider the information presented by the administration and by the parent/guardian. In making its decision concerning guilt and innocence as well as punishment, the Board will be mindful of Board discipline policies in place, the effect of its decision upon the individual student, and the safety and welfare of District students and staff.
The obligation and the responsibility to attend school regularly
and to comply with the District's discipline policies applies
to all students. The District may
discipline a student with a disability who has not complied with the District's
discipline policies in a manner that is consistent with the District's policies
and applicable law. Special education
services will be provided to a disabled student if the student has been removed
from school for more than ten (10) school days.
If a student with a disability is removed for less than ten (10) cumulative
days, educational services will be provided only if such services are provided
to students without disabilities who have been similarly removed in accordance
with applicable federal and state law and Board policy.
March 2010
STUDENTS Policy 2673
(Regulation 2673)
Discipline (Form 2673)
Reporting of Violent Behavior
The District requires school administrators to report acts of school violence to teachers and other District employees who are directly responsible for the student's education or who interact with the student in the performance of the employee's duties. School administrators will also disclose to appropriate staff members portions of any student's individualized education program that is related to past or potentially future violent behavior. Violent behavior and the phrase acts of school violence are defined as the use of physical force by a student with the intent to do serious physical injury to another person while on school property, including a school bus, or while involved in school activities.
In addition the Superintendent/designee will report to law enforcement officials, as soon as is reasonably practicable, the commission of any of the acts or related juvenile offenses listed in Regulation 2673, which are committed on school property, including school buses, or while involved in school activities.
STUDENTS Policy
2710
(Regulation
2710)
The Board of Education believes that school staff members are in a
unique position to assist children, families, and the community in dealing with
the issue of child abuse and neglect.
Child abuse is defined as any physical injury, sexual abuse or emotional
abuse inflicted on a child other than by accidental means. Neglect is defined
as the failure to provide the proper or necessary support, education, nutrition
or medical, surgical or other care necessary for the child's well-being. Employees making reports of allegations of
sexual abuse of a student will be provided immediate unrestricted use of
communication technology and will be temporarily released from their work
duties to make an immediate report.
If a school employee has a
reasonable belief including a report of abuse to believe that a student has been
or maybe subjected to abuse or neglect, such employee and the Superintendent
shall report the information immediately upon receiving the information to the
Children’s Division. Thereafter, the
Superintendent will investigate the allegation for the purpose of making
decisions about the accused person’s employment. Depending upon the specific facts, the
District may place the alleged abuser on paid leave of absence; place the
employee in a non-student contact position; initiate dismissal proceedings, or
continue the employee in their present position pending outcome of the
investigation.
Any school district employee,
acting in good faith, who reports alleged sexual misconduct on the part of a
school employee will not be disciplined or discriminated against because of
such reporting.
The District will annually provide employee training, which will include but not be limited to current information concerning identification of the signs of sexual abuse in children as well as the identification of the danger signals of potentially abusive relationships between children and adults. This training will emphasize the importance of mandatory child abuse reporting, including the obligation to report suspected abuse by other mandated reporters. Employees will receive training on the need for and methods to create an atmosphere of trust so that students believe their school and school employees are available to discuss matters concerning abusive behavior.
October 2013
STUDENTS Policy 2720
Student Welfare
Employment of Students
The Superintendent of Schools will make provision for the issuance of work permits to students between the ages of fourteen (14) and sixteen (16).
STUDENTS Policy 2730
Student Welfare
Supervision of Students
Students are to be under supervision of the professional staff at all times during school hours and at school sponsored activities.
It is the responsibility of principals to arrange for adequate supervision. It is the duty of teachers to perform assigned supervision. Students are not to be left unsupervised during the school day whether in instructional areas or on the playground.
STUDENTS Policy 2740
(Regulation 2740)
Student Welfare
Student Safety
The District places a high priority on the safety of its students and employees. When a student or employee is the victim of a violent criminal offense, severe disciplinary consequences will be imposed. (See also Regulation 2610 – Behavioral Expectations.) In addition and pursuant to the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, student victims of a violent criminal offense that was committed on school premises will be offered transfer to another District school. To insure awareness of this policy, the parents of student victims will be notified in writing of their right to a school transfer.
For purposes of this policy, a victim is a student who has suffered personal injury or injuries to his or her property as a direct result of a violent criminal offense. This definition does not include bystanders or witnesses to the act unless they suffered personal or property injury as a direct result of a violent criminal offense while on school premises.
The District will notify the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) of all violent criminal offenses committed on school premises when the victim is a student or employee. Reportable offenses are set out in Regulation 2740.
The District promotes healthy schools, by supporting wellness, good nutrition, and regular physical activity as part of the total learning environment. The District supports a healthy environment where children learn and participate in positive dietary and lifestyle practices. Schools contribute to the basic health status of children by facilitating learning through the support and promotion of good nutrition and physical activity. Improved health optimizes student performance potential. The goals of the District's wellness policy are as follows:
1. Provide a comprehensive learning environment for developing and practicing lifelong wellness behaviors.
The entire school environment, not just the classroom, shall be aligned with healthy school goals to positively influence a student's understanding, beliefs, and habits as they relate to good nutrition and regular physical activity. A healthy school environment should not be sacrificed because of a dependence on revenue from high added fat, high added sugar, and low nutrient foods to support school programs.
2. Support and promote proper dietary habits contributing to student's health status and academic performance.
All foods available on school grounds and at school-sponsored activities during the instructional day should meet or exceed the district nutrition standards. Emphasis should be placed on foods that are nutrient dense per calorie. To ensure high quality, nutritious meals, foods should be served with consideration toward variety, appeal, taste, safety, and packaging.
3. Provide more opportunities for students to engage in physical activity.
A quality physical education program is an essential component for all students to learn about and participate in physical activity. Physical activity should be included in a school's daily education program from grades K through 12. Physical activity should include regular instructional physical education, co-curricular activities, and recess.
4.
The District is committed to improve academic performance.
5. Establish and maintain a district-wide Nutrition & Physical Activity Advisory Council with the purposes of:
· Developing guidance to this policy
· Monitoring the implementation of this policy
· Evaluating policy progress
· Serving as a resource to school sites
· Revising policy as necessary
May 06
STUDENTS Policy
2760
(Regulation
2760)
Student Welfare
Foster Care Bill
of Rights
The District is committed to ensuring and facilitating the proper educational placement, enrollment in school and checkout from school for foster children.
In order to facilitate this process and to serve as the educational liaison for District foster children, the District will designate [Select One: Director of Student Services, Guidance Counselor, etc.] to oversee and assess the District’s foster care program.
A foster care child whose home placement is changed may remain enrolled and attend their school of origin, or return to a previously attended school in an adjacent district. The District will accept for credit full or partial course work satisfactorily completed by a foster child while attending a public school, nonpublic school or non-sectarian school in compliance with District policies, regulations and practices.
If a child in foster care is absent from school due to a decision to change the placement of a pupil made by a court or child placing agency, or due to a verified court appearance or related court-ordered activity, the grades and credits of the pupil will be calculated as of the day the pupil left school and no reduction in grades will occur as a result of the pupil’s absence under these circumstances.
If a foster care student transfers into the District prior to or during a school year, the District will initially honor the placement of the student in educational courses and programs based on the student’s prior enrollment or educational assessments; will provide comparable services to transferring foster care students with disabilities based on the student’s current IEP; and will make reasonable accommodations and modifications to address the needs of a student with disabilities, subject to an existing 504 or Title II Plan in order to provide equal access to education. The District will conduct evaluations, where necessary, to ensure proper placement and services.
The District will waive specific courses required for graduation if similar course work has been satisfactorily completed at another school. Similarly, the District may waive prerequisites for placement in a District course or program based upon courses taken at a prior school. If a waiver is denied for reasonable justifications, the District will provide an alternative means of acquiring the required course work so that graduation may occur on time. If foster care students who transfer at the beginning of their senior year or during their senior year are deemed ineligible to graduate after all alternatives have been considered, the sending District and this District will ensure that a qualified student who satisfied graduation requirements of the sending school, will receive a diploma from the sending school.
Students in foster care who have completed the graduation requirements of the District while under juvenile court jurisdiction will receive a diploma in the same manner as other District students.
August, 2012
STUDENTS Policy
2770
Student Welfare
Seclusion and Restraint
Purpose
It
is the purpose of this policy to:
·
Meet
the requirements of RSMo 160.263.
·
Promote
safety and prevent harm to all students, school personnel and visitors in the
school district.
·
Treat
all students with dignity and respect in the use of discipline and
behavior-management techniques.
·
Provide
school personnel with clear guidelines about the use of seclusion, isolation
and restraint on school district property or at any school district function or
event.
·
Promote
retention of teachers and other school personnel by addressing student behavior
in an appropriate and safe manner.
·
Promote
parent understanding about state guidelines and district policies related to
the use of discipline, behavior management, behavior interventions and
responses to emergency situations.
·
Promote
the use of non-aversive behavioral interventions.
Definitions:
“Authorized School Personnel” means school personnel who
have received annual training in:
o
De-escalation
practices,
o
Appropriate
use of physical restraint,
o
Professionally-accepted
practices in physical management and use of restraints,
o
Methods
to explain the use of restraint to the student who is to be restrained and to
the individual’s family,
o
Appropriate
use of isolation,
o
Appropriate
use of seclusion, and
o
Information
on the policy and appropriate documentation and notification procedures.
“Assistive
technology device” means any item, piece of equipment or product system
that is used to increase, maintain or improve the functional capacities of a
child with a disability.
“Aversive
behavioral interventions” means an intervention that is intended to induce
pain or discomfort to a student for the purpose of eliminating or reducing
maladaptive behaviors, including such interventions as: contingent application
of noxious, painful, intrusive stimuli or activities; any form of noxious,
painful or intrusive spray, inhalant or tastes; or other stimuli or actions
similar to the interventions described above. The term does not include such
interventions as voice control, limited to loud, firm commands; time-limited ignoring
of a specific behavior; token fines as part of a token economy system; brief
physical prompts to interrupt or prevent a specific behavior; interventions
medically necessary for the treatment or protection of the student.
“Behavior
Intervention Plan (BIP)” sets forth specific behavior interventions for a
specific student who displays chronic patterns of problem behavior.
“Chemical
restraint” means the administration of a drug or medication to manage a
student’s behavior that is not a standard treatment and dosage
for the student’s medical condition.
“Emergency
situation” is one in which a student’s behavior poses a serious, probable
threat of imminent physical harm to self or others or destruction of
school or another person’s property.
“Functional
Behavior Assessment” a formal assessment to identify the function or
purpose the behavior serves for the student so that classroom interventions and
behavior support plans can be developed to improve behavior. The assessment
could include observations and charting of the behavior and interviews with
family, teachers, and the student, so as to determine the frequency, antecedent
and response of the targeted behavior.
“IEP”
means a student’s Individualized Education Program as defined by the
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
“Isolation”
means the confinement of a student alone in an enclosed space without locking
hardware.
“Law
enforcement officer” means any public servant having both the power and
duty to make arrests for violations of the laws of this state.
“Locking
hardware” means mechanical, electrical or other material devices used to
lock a door or to prevent egress from a confined area.
“Mechanical
restraint” means a device or physical object that the student cannot easily
remove that restricts a student’s freedom of movement of or normal access to a
portion of his or her body. This includes but is not limited to straps, duct
tape, cords or garments. The term does not include assistive technology
devices.
“Physical
escort” means the temporary touching or holding of the hand, wrist, arm,
shoulder or back for the purpose of inducing a student who is acting out or
eloping to walk to a safe location.
“Physical
restraint” means the use of person-to-person physical contact to restrict the
free movement of all or a portion of a student’s body. It does not include
briefly holding or hugging a student without undo force for instructional or
other purposes, briefly holding a student to calm them, taking a student’s hand
to transport them for safety purposes, physical escort or intervening in a
fight.
“School
personnel” means
o
Employees
of a local board of education.
o
Any
person, paid or unpaid, working on school grounds in an official capacity.
o
Any
person working at a school function under a contract or written agreement with
the school system to provide educational or related services to students.
o
Any
person working on school grounds or at a school function for another agency
providing educational or related services to students.
“Seclusion”
means the confinement of a student alone in an enclosed space from which the
student is physically prevented from leaving by locking hardware.
“Section
504 Plan” means a student’s individualized plan developed by the student’s
Section 504 multidisciplinary team after a pre-placement evaluation finding the
student is disabled within the meaning of Section 504 and its implementing
regulations.
“Time out” means brief removal from sources of
reinforcement within instructional contexts that does not meet the definition
of seclusion or isolation. Time out includes both of the following:
a)
Non-exclusionary
time out: removal of reinforcers from the student
without changing the physical location of the student (e.g., asking the student
to put his/her head down on the desk); and
b)
Exclusionary
time-out: removal of the student from participation in an activity or removal
from the instructional area.
Use
of Restrictive Behavioral Interventions:
Nothing
in this policy is intended to prohibit the use of time-out as defined in this
section.
Seclusion
as defined in this policy is prohibited except for an emergency situation while
awaiting the arrival of law enforcement personnel as provided for in RSMo 160.263.
Isolation,
as defined in this policy, may only be used by authorized school personnel, as
defined in this policy:
o
After
de-escalating procedures have failed;
o
In
an emergency situation as defined in this section; or
o
As
specified in a student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP), Section 504
plan, or other parentally agreed-upon plan to address a student behavior.
Use
of isolation requires all of the following:
o
The
student to be monitored by an adult in close proximity who is able to see and
hear the student at all times. Monitoring shall be face-to-face unless personal
safety of the child or staff member is significantly compromised, in which case
technology-supported monitoring may be utilized.
o
The
total time in isolation is to be reasonably calculated by District personnel on
a case-by-case basis based on the age of the child and circumstances, and is
not to exceed 40 minutes without
a reassessment of the situation and consultation with parents and/or
administrative staff, unless otherwise specified in an IEP or Section 504 Plan
or other parentally agreed-upon plan to address a student’s behavior.
o
The
space in which the student is placed should be a normal-sized meeting or
classroom commonly found in a school setting.
o
The
space in which the student is confined is comparable in lighting, ventilation,
heating, cooling, and ceiling height to those systems that are in use in other
places in the school.
o
The
space in which the student is placed must be free of objects that could cause
harm.
Isolation
shall never be used as a form of punishment or for the convenience of school
personnel.
·
Physical
Restraint
Physical
restraint shall only be used in one of the three circumstances below:
o
In
an emergency situation, as defined in this policy;
o
When
less restrictive measures have not effectively de-escalated the situation; or
o
When
otherwise specified in an IEP, Section 504 Plan or other parentally
agreed-upon, plan to address a student’s behavior.
Physical
restraint shall:
o
Only
be used by authorized school personnel, as defined in this policy.
o
Only
be used for as long as necessary to resolve the actual risk of danger or harm
that warranted the use of the physical restraint;
o
Use
no more than the degree of force necessary to protect the student or other
persons from imminent bodily injury;
o
Not
place pressure or weight on the chest, lungs, sternum, diaphragm, back, neck or
throat of the student which restricts breathing; and
o
Only
be done by school personnel trained in the proper use of restraint.
Any
school personnel using physical restraint shall:
o
Use
only methods of restraint in which the person has received district approved
training.
o
Conduct
restraint with at least one additional adult present and in line of sight, unless
other school personnel are not immediately available due to the unforeseeable
nature of the emergency situation.
Physical
restraints should never be used as a form of punishment or for the convenience
of school personnel.
·
Mechanical
Restraint
Mechanical
restraint shall only be used as specified in a student’s IEP or Section 504
plan with two exceptions:
o
Vehicle
safety restraints shall be used according to state and federal regulations.
o
Mechanical
restraints employed by law enforcement officers in school settings should be
used in accordance with law enforcement policies and procedures and appropriate
professional standards.
·
Chemical
Restraint
Chemical
restraints shall never be used by school personnel.
Aversive
interventions that compromise health and safety shall never be used by school
personnel.
Communication
and Training
·
School
Personnel Debriefing
Following
any situation involving the use of seclusion, isolation or restraint, as
defined in this policy, a debriefing shall occur as soon as possible but no
later than two (2) school days after the emergency situation. The debriefing
shall include, at a minimum, a discussion of the events that led to the
emergency and why the de-escalation efforts were not effective; any trauma
reactions on the part of the student, other students or school personnel; what,
if anything, could have been done differently; and an evaluation of the
process.
·
Parental
Notification
Except
as otherwise specified in a student’s IEP or Section 504 plan:
o
Following
a situation involving the use of seclusion, isolation or restraint the parent
or guardian of the student shall be notified through verbal or electronic means
of the incident as soon as possible, but no later than the end of the day of
the incident.
o
The
parent or guardian shall receive a written report of the emergency situation
within five (5) school days of the incident. The written incident report shall
include all of the following:
§ Date, time of day, location,
duration, and description of the incident and de-escalation interventions.
§ Event(s) that led up to the
incident.
§ Nature and extent of any
injury to the student.
§ Name of a school employee the
parent or guardian can contact regarding the incident, and contact information
for that employee.
·
Staff Training
School
districts shall ensure that all school personnel are trained annually regarding
the policy and procedures involving the use of seclusion, isolation and
restraint.
Students
with Disabilities
The
foregoing policy applies to all students. However, if the IEP team determines
that a form of restraint or isolation or aversive behavior intervention may be
appropriate in certain identified and limited situations, the team may set
forth the conditions and procedures in the IEP or Section 504 plan. Any use of
restraint, isolation or aversive behavior interventions must be limited to what
is set forth in the IEP or Section 504 plan.
Before adding the use of restraint, isolation or aversive behavior
interventions to an IEP or Section 504 plan, the student must have undergone
appropriate assessments to include, but not limited to, a formal functional
behavior assessment and a positive behavior intervention plan must be
developed, which indicates a plan to eliminate the use of the restraint,
isolation or aversive behavior intervention over time.
Reports
on Use of Seclusion, Isolation, Restraint or Aversive Behavior Interventions
Districts
shall maintain records documenting the use of seclusion, isolation, restraint
and aversive behavior interventions showing each of the following: when, reason
for use, duration, names of school personnel involved, whether students or
school personnel were injured, name and age of the student, whether the student
has an IEP, Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) or other personal safety plan,
when the parents were notified, if the student was disciplined, and any other
documentation required by federal or state law.
Applicability
of this Policy
This policy applies to all district school personnel. School
personnel assigned to programs not located on district premises (hospitals,
detention centers, juvenile facilities, and mental health facilities) shall
follow the policy and procedure of the facility/program where they work.
Nov. 2010
STUDENTS Policy
2810
Student Services
Guidance and
Counseling Services
The District is committed fully to implement a guidance and counseling program that supports the academic, career, and personal/social development of all students, leading District students to successful transitions into post-secondary education and into the workforce. The District’s guidance and counseling program is implemented with the services of fully certified school counselors supported by teachers, administrators, parents and students. The District guidance and counseling program is designed and implemented in a manner to be consistent with the standards of the Missouri Comprehensive Guidance and Counseling Program.
The content of the District’s program, consistent with the Missouri Comprehensive Guidance and Counseling Program, is divided into three broad areas as follows:
Academic Development (ACAD)
1. Students will apply skills needed for achievement in school, both cognitive and affective.
2. Students will utilize skills necessary to successfully transition between educational levels.
3. Individual student learning plans will be developed and monitored throughout the students’ District learning experience.
Career Development
1. Students will achieve life career goals through the consistent application of career exploration and planning skills.
2. Students will identify and locate information relevant to the “World of Work” and post-secondary training/education.
3. Students will achieve on-the-job success through the application of employment readiness skills.
Personal/Social Development
1. Students will achieve an understanding of themselves as individuals and as members of diverse local and global communities.
2. Students will interact with others in ways that manifest respect for individual and group differences.
3. Students will learn to apply personal safety skills and coping strategies.
August, 2012
The counseling staff, in consultation with other staff members, is
responsible for reviewing students' academic progress as well as
personal/social concerns. Where
appropriate, the District will make contact with and/or put students and their
parents/guardians in contact with outside agencies or professional
resources. Where appropriate, the
District will cooperate and assist other agencies or professional resources
that become involved with students.
Student information will not be provided to outside agencies or
professional resources until the student's parents/guardians or the eligible
student has signed a release of information form. Except as required by law, including but not
limited to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and Section 504 of
the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the cost of any services provided by the
outside agency or professional resource is the sole responsibility of
individual parents/guardians or eligible student.
May, 2013
STUDENTS Policy 2820
Student Services
Psychological Testing of Students
Psychological tests administered to students by qualified District personnel or appropriate diagnostic agencies will ensure quality psychological services in the District, and will protect the educational rights, dignity and privacy of students and parents/guardians.
Psychological evaluations will be made only after informed and written consent of the student's parent/guardian is obtained. A conference will be held with the parent/guardian to review all test results and the student's specific educational needs in the educational program. Psychological data are only partial criteria for determining any change in a student's educational program. Psychological data older than three years shall not be used as the basis for prescriptive teaching or placement.
All psychological services provided by the District or agencies contracted by the District will be in accordance with state and federal statutes and regulations concerning the privacy of student records and use of psychological services.
The Board of Education believes that in order to provide for the
safety and well being of its students, it is
necessary to implement and maintain a District-wide student health services
program. The health service staff will
be responsible to their building principal and may also be responsible to a
designated District administrator.
The District will be responsible for providing first aid or
emergency treatment for students in cases of sudden illness or injury. Where necessary, and with notice to the
parent/guardian, emergency health services will be secured. The parent/guardian is responsible for the
cost of their child's medical treatment.
Nov. 2010
STUDENTS Policy 2840
Student Services
Student Accident Insurance
The Board of Education will provide the opportunity for parents/guardians, students and others to purchase student accident insurance on an annual basis. Each year the Administration will choose a provider offering group rates and will make the information available to District families.
Participation in any group plan is optional and arrangements for participation are the responsibility of the parents/guardians or students. However, all students are required to have insurance coverage before they are allowed to practice or compete in interscholastic athletics, cheerleading, pompon squads and similar groups.
STUDENTS Policy 2850
(Regulation 2850)
Student Services (Form 2850)
Inoculations of Students
All students attending District schools are required to be in compliance with state programs mandating immunization against specific diseases. Failure to comply with District immunization requirements will result in exclusion from school until proof of compliance is provided. Homeless children will be granted a temporary twenty-four (24) hour grace period within which to submit proof of compliance.
The Superintendent shall institute procedures for the maintenance of health records, which are to show the immunization status of every student enrolled or attending in the District, and for the completion of all necessary reports in accordance with guidelines prepared by the Department of Social Services Missouri Division of Health.
STUDENTS Policy 2860
(Regulation 2860)
Student Services
Students with Communicable Diseases
A student shall not attend classes or other school-sponsored activities, if the student (1) has, or has been exposed to, an acute (short duration) or chronic (long duration) contagious or infectious disease, and (2) is liable to transmit the contagious or infectious disease, unless the Board of Education or its designee has determined, based upon medical evidence, that the student:
1. No longer has the disease.
2. Is not in the contagious or infectious stage of an acute disease.
3. Has a chronic infectious disease that poses little risk of transmission in the school environment with reasonable precautions.
School officials may require any child suspected of having a contagious or infectious disease to be examined by a physician and may exclude the child from school, in accordance with the procedures authorized by this policy, so long as there is a substantial risk of transmission of the disease in the school environment.
A student who has a chronic infectious disease, and who is permitted to attend school, may be required to do so under specified conditions. Failure to adhere to the conditions will result in the student being excluded from school. A student who has a chronic infectious disease and who is not permitted to attend school or participate in school activities will be provided instruction in an alternative educational setting in accordance with District policy.
Students with acute or chronic contagious or infectious diseases and their families have a right to privacy and confidentiality. Only staff members who have a medical reason to know the identity and condition of such students will be informed. Willful or negligent disclosure of confidential information about a student’s medical condition by staff members will be cause for disciplinary action.
The District will implement reporting and disease outbreak control measures in accordance with the provisions of Missouri Department of Health publication PACH-16, “Prevention and Control of Communicable Diseases: A Guide for School Administrators, Nurses, Teachers and Day Care Operators,” a copy of which shall be on file in the office of the Supervisor of Health Services and in the office of each school nurse.
It shall be the policy of the Board of Education that the giving
of medicine to students during school hours be discouraged and restricted to
medication that cannot be given on an alternative schedule. The Board of
Education recognizes that some students may require medication for chronic or
short-term illness/injury during the school day to enable them to remain in
school and participate in their education. Employees providing routine first
aid according to District procedures will be immune from liability or
disciplinary action. Similarly, trained
employees will be immune from civil liability for administering cardiopulmonary
resuscitation and other lifesaving methods in good faith and according to
standard medical practices. The Board of
Education also recognizes that the administration of medication may be required
under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and/or the Individuals with
Disabilities Education Act to provide a free appropriate public education for
identified as disabled under those laws.
Nov. 2010
STUDENTS Policy
2875
(Regulation
2875)
Student Services
Student Allergy Prevention and Response
The purpose of this policy is to
create an organized system for preventing and responding to allergic reactions
in accordance with House Bill 922 (2009). This policy is not a guarantee of an
allergen-free environment; instead, it is designed to increase awareness,
provide education and training, reduce the chance of exposure and outline
responses to allergic reactions.
This policy applies to district
facilities to which students have access and includes transportation provided
by the district. The Board instructs the superintendent or designee to develop
procedures to implement this policy.
Identification
An allergic reaction is an immune
system response to a substance that itself is not harmful but that the body
interprets as being harmful. Allergic reactions range from mild to life-
threatening. Each school in the district will attempt to identify students with
life-threatening allergies, including food allergies. At enrollment, the person
enrolling the student will be asked to provide information on any allergies the
student may have.
Prevention
Students with allergies that rise
to the level of a disability as defined by law will be accommodated in
accordance with district policies and procedures pertaining to the
identification and accommodation of students with disabilities. An
Individualized Health Plan (IHP), including an Emergency Action Plan (EAP), may
be developed for students with allergies that do not rise to the level of a
disability.
All staff members are required to
follow any 504 Plan or IHP/EAP developed for a student by the district. Staff
members who do not follow an existing 504 Plan or IHP/EAP will be disciplined,
up to and including termination.
Staff members shall not use air
fresheners, oils, candles, incense or other such items intended to add
fragrance in any district facilities. This provision will not be construed to
prohibit the use of personal care items that contain added fragrance, but the
principal may require staff members to refrain from the use of personal care
items with added fragrance under particular circumstances.
Staff members are prohibited from
using cleaning materials, disinfectants, pesticides or other chemicals except
those provided by the district.
The district will not serve any
processed foods, including foods sold in vending machines, which are not
labeled with a complete list of ingredients. Vended items must include a list
of ingredients on the individual package. The food service director will create
an ingredient list for all foods provided by the district as part of the
district’s nutrition program, including food provided during the school day and
in before- and after-school programs. This list will be available upon request.
Prepackaged items used in
concessions, fundraisers and classroom activities must include a list of
ingredients on the package. If the package does not contain a list of
ingredients, the list of ingredients must be available at the location where
the package is sold or provided.
Education and Training
All staff members will be annually
trained on the causes and symptoms of and responses to allergic reactions.
Training will include instruction on the use of epinephrine premeasured
auto-injection devices.
Age-appropriate education on
allergies and allergic reactions will be provided to students as such education
aligns with state Grade-Level Expectations (GLEs) for health education.
Education will include potential causes, information on avoiding allergens,
signs and symptoms of allergic reactions and simple steps students can take to
keep classmates safe.
Confidentiality
Information about individual
students with allergies will be provided to all staff members and others who
need to know the information to provide a safe learning environment for the
student. Information about individual students with allergies will be shared
with students and others who do not have a legitimate educational interest in
the information only to the extent authorized by the parent/guardian or as
otherwise permitted by law, including the Family Educational Rights and Privacy
Act (FERPA).
Response
Response to an allergic reaction
shall be in accordance with established procedures, including application of
the student's 504 Plan or IHP/EAP, where applicable. Parents of students with life-threatening allergies should supply the
school with epinephrine premeasured auto-injection devices to be administered
in accordance with Board policy.
Nov. 2010
STUDENTS Policy 2880
Student Services
Student Physical Examination
The Board of Education may require any student to be examined by a physician for the purpose of determining whether the student is afflicted with a contagious or infectious disease or have the liability of transmitting the disease.
The Board may also require certification from a physician indicating a student's fitness to participate in specific educational programs or extra-class activities.
Refusal on the part of parent/guardian to obtain the required examination and to submit the certification indicating freedom from contagious or infectious disease may result in student exclusion from school.
Students may be excused from engaging in required educational activities upon proper certification from a physician advising of student disability.
All costs of physical or other examinations shall be at the expense of students unless state or federal law specifically mandates the examination to be the responsibility of the school.
Beginning July 1, 2008, students enrolling in kindergarten or first grade will be required to receive a vision examination from a state licensed optometrist or physician.
Beginning on July 1, 2008 and continuing through the 2011-12 school year, a trained District nurse or other qualified District employee will conduct eye screening exams for every student prior to the completion of first grade and will again screen before the completion of third grade. If a student fails an eye screening, the District will notify the parent/guardian of the results of the eye screening and will require the student to receive a complete eye exam from an optometrist or physician. Students will be excused from the eye screening examination if a student’s parent/guardian submit a written objection to the exam addressed to the student’s principal.
Dec 07
STUDENTS Policy 2890
Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Orders
The School District recognizes that some students have progressive medical conditions that may result in the students’ death while present at school or school activities. The District appreciates the difficult medical and emotional decisions that must be made when families choose to limit resuscitative efforts for these students. Accordingly, the administration shall develop procedures for evaluating requests by a parent or guardian that the District honor a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order from a licensed physician.
At a minimum, the procedures will require an individualized evaluation of each request. The procedures will comply with federal and state law. A health care and resuscitation/non-resuscitation plan shall be developed for each request and shall include a determination regarding what if any resuscitation efforts are appropriate. Health care and resuscitation/non-resuscitation plans will be developed by a multidisciplinary team that shall include the student’s parents or guardians and physician; appropriate school personnel (including but not limited to, the principal, counselor, and school nurse) and their consultants; and when appropriate, the student. This team will consider the best interests of the student.
The team will also address and plan for the effect of a student’s sudden death on other students and staff in each school setting in which the student participates. Health care and resuscitation/non-resuscitation plans shall be reviewed regularly and have a specific limited duration. Such plans will be communicated to all school personnel who have a need to know in order to implement these plans. The administration shall coordinate with local emergency medical services to implement the plans.
STUDENTS Policy 2910
(Regulation 2910)
Activities and Athletics
Student Publications
The Board of Education encourages student production and distribution of publications which can provide opportunities for practical journalistic experience and for the written expression of differing opinions. The Board of Education recognizes that freedom of speech and press bring corresponding responsibilities, therefore, in its inherent authority based on Missouri Public School Law, it designates the school principal as the Board's representative. The principal, through appointment of a faculty advisor, shall provide guidance to students in appropriate methods for preparing and producing publications.
The building principal/designee may delay or stop distribution of any materials proposed for printing or that have been printed which may be reasonably forecast to cause substantial and material disruption or obstruction of any lawful mission, process, or function of the school.
STUDENTS Policy 2920
(Regulation 2920)
Activities and Athletics (Form 2920)
Interscholastic Activities and Athletics
The District provides opportunities for students to participate in interscholastic activities and athletics. The interscholastic programs should encourage participation by as many students as possible and should be carried on with the best interests of the students as the primary consideration.
The programs are expected to be well organized and well conducted and to have a positive influence on the students and the community.
Participation in interscholastic and extracurricular activities is a privilege and not a right. Interscholastic competition may be withheld from any student as a condition of discipline. Furthermore, all policies that apply to the regular school day apply also to interscholastic competition. Coaches and sponsors may establish policies for their groups in addition to those set out by the Missouri State High School Activities Association.
Hazing
Student hazing is inconsistent with the educational goals of the District and poses a significant risk to the physical and mental welfare of District students. Hazing of students, on or off District property, is prohibited and may result in suspension from school and from activity/athletic participation.
Oct 03
STUDENTS Policy
2930
(Form
2930)
Activities and
Athletics (Form
2930.1)
(Form
2930.2)
Concussions –
Brain Injury
Any District athlete suspected of sustaining a concussion or brain injury must be removed from practice and competition immediately and may not participate in contact athletic practice or competition for at least twenty-four (24) hours. Athletes suspected of sustaining concussion or brain injury will not be permitted to return to contact practice or competition until being evaluated by a licensed health care provider trained in the evaluation and management of concussions and receiving a written clearance from the provider to return to competition. (See Form 2930 - MSHSAA Concussion Return to Play Form). Information about concussions obtained from MSHSAA (Form 2930.2) or similar materials will be made available to all student athletes and to their parents/guardians.
August, 2012
STUDENTS Policy 2940
(Regulation 2940)
Activities and Athletics
Student Group Use of School Facilities
Pursuant to the Equal Access Act, District secondary schools will provide an opportunity for student-initiated noncurricular groups to conduct meetings on school premises, during noninstructional time, and will not discriminate against students on the basis of the religious, political or philosophical content of the speech at such meetings.
An activity is to be considered curricular if the subject matter is or will be taught in a regularly offered class; if the subject matter concerns the body of courses as a whole; if participation in the group is a requirement for a course; or if academic credit is available for participation. Extracurricular activities include activities organized and supervised under the auspices of the school. Extracurricular activities primarily involve students in activities occurring outside academic class time, for which no units of credit are awarded. Any activity which does not meet the definition of a curricular or extracurricular activity will be considered noncurricular.