It shall be the policy of the East End school district that the most recently adopted version of the Student Handbook be incorporated by reference into the policies of this district. In the event that there is a conflict between the student handbook and a general board policy or policies, the more recently adopted language will be considered binding and controlling on the matter provided the parent(s) of the student, or the student if 18 years of age or older have acknowledged receipt of the controlling language.

Definitions:

“Reside” means to be physically present and to maintain a permanent place of abode for an average of no fewer than four (4) calendar days and nights per week for a primary purpose other than school attendance.

“Resident” means a student whose parents, legal guardians, persons having legal, lawful control of the student under order of a court, or persons standing in loco parentis reside in the school district.

“Residential address” means the physical location where the student’s parents, legal guardians, persons having legal, lawful control of the student under order of a court, or persons standing in loco parentis reside. A student may use the residential address of a legal guardian, person having legal, lawful control of the student under order of a court, or person standing in loco parentis only if the student resides at the same residential address and if the guardianship or other legal authority is not granted solely for educational needs or school attendance purposes.

The schools of the District shall be open and free through the completion of the secondary program to all persons between the ages of five (5) and twenty one (21) years whose parents, legal guardians, or other persons having lawful control of the person under an order of a court reside within the District and to all persons between those ages who have been legally transferred to the District for educational purposes.

Any person eighteen (18) years of age or older may establish a residence separate and apart from his or her parents or guardians for school attendance purposes.

In order for a person under the age of eighteen (18) years to establish a residence for the purpose of attending the District’s schools separate and apart from his or her parents, guardians, or other persons having lawful control of him or her under an order of a court, the person must actually reside in the District for a primary purpose other than that of school attendance.

The children or wards of any person who is at least a half-time employee of this district but reside in another district are eligible to enroll in District schools.

4.3—ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS

To enroll in a school in the District, the child must be a resident of the District as defined in District policy (4.1—RESIDENCE REQUIREMENTS), meet the criteria outlined in policy 4.40—HOMELESS STUDENTS, be accepted as a transfer student under the provisions of policy 4.4, or participate under a school choice option and submit the required paperwork as required by the choice option.

Students may enter kindergarten if they will attain the age of five (5) on or before September 15 of the year in which they are seeking initial enrollment. Any student who has been enrolled in a state-accredited or state-approved kindergarten program in another state for at least sixty (60) days, who will become five (5) years old during the year in which he/she is enrolled in kindergarten, and who meets the basic residency requirement for school attendance may be enrolled in kindergarten upon written request to the District.

Any child who will be six (6) years of age on or before October 1 of the school year of enrollment and who has not completed a state-accredited kindergarten program shall be evaluated by the district and may be placed in the first grade if the results of the evaluation justify placement in the first grade and the child’s parent or legal guardian agrees with placement in the first grade; otherwise the child shall be placed in kindergarten.

Any child may enter first grade in a District school if the child will attain the age of six (6) years during the school year in which the child is seeking enrollment and the child has successfully completed a kindergarten program in a public school in Arkansas.

Any child who has been enrolled in the first grade in a state-accredited or state-approved elementary school in another state for a period of at least sixty (60) days, who will become age six (6) years during the school year in which he/she is enrolled in grade one (1), and who meets the basic residency requirements for school attendance may be enrolled in the first grade.

Students who move into the District from an accredited school shall be assigned to the same grade as they were attending in their previous school (mid-year transfers) or as they would have been assigned in their previous school. Home-schooled students shall be evaluated by the District to determine their appropriate grade placement.

Prior to the child’s admission to a District school:

1. The parent, guardian, or other responsible person shall furnish the child’s social security number, or if they request, the district will assign the child a nine (9) digit number designated by the department of education.

2. The parent, guardian, or other responsible person shall provide the district with one (1) of the following documents indicating the child’s age:

a. A birth certificate;

b. A statement by the local registrar or a county recorder certifying the child’s date of birth;

c. An attested baptismal certificate;

d. A passport;

e. An affidavit of the date and place of birth by the child’s parent or guardian;

f. United States military identification; or

g. Previous school records.

3. The parent, guardian, or other responsible person shall indicate on school registration forms whether the child has been expelled from school in any other school district or is a party to an expulsion proceeding.

4. The child shall be age appropriately immunized from poliomyelitis, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, red (rubella) measles, rubella, and other diseases as designated by the State Board of Health, or have an exemption issued by the Arkansas State Department of Health. Proof of immunization shall be by a certificate of a licensed physician or a public health department acknowledging the immunization.

4.4—COMPULSORY ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS

Every parent, guardian, or other person having custody or charge of any child age five (5) through seventeen (17) years on or before September 15 of that year who resides, as defined by policy (RESIDENCE REQUIREMENTS), within the District shall enroll and send the child to a District school with the following exceptions.

1. The child is enrolled in private or parochial school.

2. The child is being home-schooled and the conditions of policy (HOME SCHOOLING) have been met.

3. The child will not be age six (6) on or before September 15 of that particular school year and the parent, guardian, or other person having custody or charge of the child elects not to have him/her attend kindergarten. A kindergarten wavier form prescribed by regulation of the Department of Education must be signed and on file with the District administrative office.

4. The child has received a high school diploma or its equivalent as determined by the State Board of Education.

5. The child is age sixteen (16) or above and is enrolled in a post-secondary vocational-technical institution, a community college, or a two-year or four-year institution of higher education.

6. The child is age sixteen (16) or seventeen (17) and has met the requirements to enroll in an adult education program as defined by A.C.A. § 6-18-201 (b).

4.5--ACCIDENT AND STUDENT INSURANCE

The school does not carry liability insurance and is immune from liability and from suit for damages. It is strongly recommended that parents purchase student insurance to cover their child while at school, particularly if no other health coverage is in force.

4.6--STUDENT TRANSFERS

The East End District shall review and accept or reject requests for transfers, into the district on a case by case basis.

The District may reject a nonresident’s application for admission if its acceptance would necessitate the addition of staff or classrooms exceed the capacity of a program, class, grade level, or school building, or cause the District to provide educational services not currently provided in the affected school. The District shall reject applications that would cause it to be out of compliance with applicable laws and regulations regarding desegregation.

Any student transferring from a school accredited by the Department of Education to a school in this district shall be placed into the same grade the student would have been in had the student remained at the former school.

Any student transferring from home school or a school that is not accredited by the Department of Education to a District school shall be evaluated by District staff to determine the student’s appropriate grade placement.

The Board of Education reserves the right, after a hearing before the Board, not to allow any person who has been expelled from another district to enroll as a student until the time of the person’s expulsion has expired.

The responsibility for transportation of any nonresident student admitted to a school in this District shall be borne by the student or the student’s parents. The District and the resident district may enter into a written agreement with the student or student’s parents to provide transportation to or from the District, or both.

4.7—SCHOOL CHOICE

The superintendent will consider all applications for School Choice postmarked not later than the July 1 preceding the fall semester the applicant would begin school in the District. The superintendent shall notify the parent or guardian and the student’s resident district, in writing, of the decision to accept or reject the application within 30 days of its receipt of the application.

The District shall advertise in appropriate print and broadcast media to inform students and parents in adjoining districts of the range of possible openings available under the School Choice program. The public pronouncements shall state the application deadline and the requirements and procedure for participation in the program. Such pronouncements shall be made in the spring, but in no case later than June first.

When considering applications, priority will be given to applications from siblings or stepsiblings residing in the same residence or household of students already attending the District through school choice.

The Board of Directors reserves the right, after a hearing before the board, not to allow any person who is currently under expulsion from another district to enroll in a District school.

Students admitted under this policy shall be entitled to continued enrollment until they graduate or are no longer eligible for enrollment in the District’s schools. Any student admitted to this district under the provisions of this policy who chooses to return to his/her resident district during the school year voids the transfer and must reapply for a school choice admission if desiring to return to this district in the future.

4.8—HOME SCHOOLING

Parents or legal guardians desiring to provide a home school for their children must give written notice to the Superintendent of their intent to do so and sign a waiver acknowledging that the State of Arkansas is not liable for the education of their children during the time the parents choose to home school. Notice shall be given:

1. At the beginning of each school year, but no later than August 15;

2. By December 15 for parents who decide to start home schooling at the beginning of the spring semester; or

3. Fourteen (14) calendar days prior to withdrawing the child (provided the student is not currently under disciplinary action for violation of any written school policy, including, but not limited to, excessive unexcused absences) and at the beginning of each school year thereafter.

The parents or legal guardians shall deliver written notice in person to the Superintendent the first time such notice is given and the notice must include:

1. The name, date of birth, grade level, and the name and address of the school last attended, if any;

2. The location of the home school;

3. The basic core curriculum to be offered;

4. The proposed schedule of instruction; and

5. The qualifications of the parent-teacher.

To aid the District in providing a free and appropriate public education to students in need of special education services, the parents or legal guardians home-schooling their children shall provide information which might indicate the need for special education services.

4.9—STUDENT ASSIGNMENT

The principal is ultimately responsible for assigning students to classrooms. Each teacher will have an equal distribution of students based on race, gender, special needs, and academic achievement. Classroom assignments are not subject to appeal to the Superintendent or school board.

4.10--TEXTBOOKS AND SCHOOL SUPPLIES

Textbooks and Library books are furnished to each student free of charge. However, if the textbook or library book is lost or damaged, the student will be charged with the current replacement cost of the textbook. Teachers do require that students bring certain instructional items to school such as paper, pencils, etc. Some of these items may be purchased from the School Bookstore. The Bookstore will be open at the beginning of each school day.

4.11--ABSENCES

Education is more than the grades students receive in their courses. Important as that is, students’ regular attendance at school is essential to their social and cultural development and helps prepare them to accept responsibilities they will face as an adult. Interactions with other students and participation in the instruction within the classroom enrich the learning environment and promote a continuity of instruction which results in higher student achievement.

Excused Absences

Excused absences are those where the student was on official school business or when the absence was due to one of the following reasons and the student brings a written statement upon his/her return to school from the parent or legal guardian stating such reason:

1. The student’s illness or when attendance could jeopardize the health of other students. A maximum of six (6) such days are allowed unless the condition(s) causing such absences is of a chronic or recurring nature, is medically documented, and approved by the principal.

2. Death or serious illness in their immediate family;*

3. Observance of recognized holidays observed by their faith;

4. Attendance at an appointment with a government agency;

5. Attendance at a medical appointment;

6. Exceptional circumstances with prior approval of the principal; or

7. Participation in an FFA, FHA, or 4-H sanctioned activity.

It is the Arkansas General Assembly’s intention that students having excessive excused absences be given assistance in obtaining credit for their courses.

Unexcused Absences

Absences not defined above or not having an accompanying note from the parent or legal guardian shall be considered as unexcused absences. At the discretion of the principal after consultation with persons having knowledge of the circumstances of ten (10) unexcused absences, the student may be denied promotion or graduation. Excessive absences shall not be a reason for expulsion or dismissal of a student.

When a student has five (5) unexcused absences, his/her parents, guardians, or persons in loco parentis shall be notified. Notification shall be by telephone by the end of the school day in which such absence occurred or by regular mail with a return address sent no later than the following school day.

Whenever a student exceeds ten (10) unexcused absences in a semester, the District shall notify the prosecuting authority and the parent, guardian, or persons in loco parentis shall be subject to a civil penalty as prescribed by law.

Students who attend in-school suspension shall not be counted absent for those days.

Days missed due to expulsion or out-of-school suspension shall be unexcused absences.

Students who serve as pages for a member of the General Assembly shall be considered on instructional assignment and shall not be considered absent from school for the day the student is serving as a page.

4.12—MAKE-UP WORK

Students who miss school shall be allowed to make up the work they missed during their absence under the following rules.

1. Students are responsible for asking the teachers of the classes they missed what assignments they need to make up.

2. Teachers are responsible for providing the missed assignments when asked by a returning student.

3. Students are required to ask for their assignments on their first day back at school or their first class day after their return.

4. Make up tests are to be rescheduled at the discretion of the teacher, but must be aligned with the schedule of the missed work to be made up.

5. Students shall have one class day to make up their work for each class day they are absent.

6. Make up work which is not turned in within the make up schedule for that assignment shall receive a zero.

7. Students are responsible for turning in their make up work without the teacher having to ask for it.

8. Students who are absent on the day their make up work is due must turn in their work the day they return to school whether or not the class for which the work is due meets the day of their return.

Out-of-school suspension assignments may not be made up for credit.

4.13—HOMEWORK POLICY

The East End School District believes that homework is an important element of student learning and achievement. Students must be encouraged to become actively involved in learning and to accept responsibility for their own progress and achievement at home as well as at school. Homework is an essential element of the total instructional program which allows students extended time to master basic skills, concepts, and learning objectives.

1. Homework should provide immediate feedback to the teacher and parents

on areas of weakness in the student’s understanding of concepts and

acquisition of skills.

2. Homework assignments will emphasize the application of concepts and

skills and previously taught and provide opportunity for students to

practice their independent study skills.

3. The amount, length, and type of homework at the elementary level may

vary according to individual needs.

4. The school encourages parents to work with their children but not to do

their work for them.

5. When a student has been given notice of an upcoming test at least 3 or more

days in advance, and the student is absent on the day of the test, the student

will be expected to take the test when he/she returns to school.

4.14—REPORTING STUDENT PROGRESS

Report cards are issued to students at the end of each nine-week grading period. A grade is the summary of a student’s performance during the entire grading period. It is based on many factors including class participation, completion of assignments, quality of work, and test scores. Any concerns regarding behavior and/or work/study habits will be noted on the report card. Kindergarten students will receive a report card designed specifically for the Kindergarten curriculum.

Midway through each nine-week grading period, Progress Reports will be sent home for each student.

Formal Parent/Teacher Conferences are held after the first and third nine-week grading periods. Parents receive report cards at the conferences. These conferences are mandated by State Law.

Parents are encouraged to confer with teachers and administrators throughout the year concerning the progress of students, but we ask that appointments be made through the principal’s office to keep down interruptions to the classroom.

IF A STUDENT SCORES LOW ON A TEST OR QUIZ, THE TEACHER WILL REQUIRE THE STUDENT TO TAKE THE PAPER HOME TO BE SIGNED BY A PARENT AND RETURNED TO SCHOOL.

4.15—HONOR ROLL

There will be an Honor Roll list each nine-week period. There will also be a semester and yearly Honor Roll list. Honor Rolls will be listed by classroom teacher.

The Honor Rolls will be as follows:

1. ALL” A” HONOR ROLL- this is for students who make all A’s.

2. MERIT HONOR ROLL- this is for students who have all A’s and B’s

4.16—SCHOOL DAY

The school day for all students begins at 7:45 a.m. and ends at 3:00 p.m. for grades K-6.

Non-bus students should not arrive on campus before 7:30 a.m. The faculty and staff are not on duty until this time and the children will be unsupervised. In the event of an emergency, special arrangements should be made with the principal prior to their arrival at school.

Students must leave the campus immediately after school has been dismissed unless they are children of school personnel and must wait to ride home with their parents. Parents who work must make arrangements for their children to be supervised off campus after 3:00 p.m.

All car riders must be dropped off and picked up only at the designated area. You must pick up your child by 3:15 p.m.

Please note: If you wish to pick up your child early or at the end of the day, you must stop by the office and have them called from their classroom.

You are strongly discouraged from picking your child up before 3:00.

4.17—EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES/ FIELD TRIPS

Extracurricular activities play an important role in the school program. Absence due to extracurricular activities will be kept to a minimum.

Students participating in extra curricular events are required to follow student handbook discipline rules.

Parents will be notified, by note, of the time and place of any field trips. All field trips will return to school by 2:30 p.m. We ask that you pay for any field trips in cash. Please note that no student (pre-school, visitor, or any other student from another class) other than those classes scheduled for the field trip will be allowed to ride the bus.

No preschool child or upperclassman may go on any elementary sponsored field trip.

If you wish your child to ride with you when going on a field trip, you must fill out a form stating that you are releasing the school from responsibility for your child. This form will be in the office. Again, you will be totally responsible for your child.

4.18--INCLEMENT WEATHER

When weather conditions make it dangerous for school buses to run, radio and television stations in our area will be notified and they will announce school closings as early as possible.

In case of sudden inclement weather after school begins, please have a plan arranged for your child in the event that weather conditions cause school to close early. (See form in back of handbook).

4.19—TARDIES

Promptness is an important character trait that District staff is encouraged to model and help develop in our schools’ students. At the same time, promptness is the responsibility of each student. Students who are late to class show a disregard for both the teacher and their classmates which compromises potential student achievement. If a student is tardy to school, the parent or guardian must come into the school office to sign-in the student. This helps ensure the safety of your child. This also eliminates the possibility that students are late without their parents being aware of their tardiness.

Habitual tardiness is disruptive to the education of the child. Equally important is the disruptive impact of the other students as the flow of the class is disrupted by the child’s late entry, requiring the teacher to take time away from the class in order to get the tardy student on task with the other students.

If habitual tardiness occurs, the following steps will be taken:

1. A “Notice of Concern” will be sent by the teacher to the parents/guardians after the third tardy.

2. A letter from the principal will be mailed to the parents/guardians expressing the schools concern about the tardies and encouraging the parents/guardians to correct the problem.

3. If the tardiness continues, a parent conference with the principal will be held to try to resolve the tardy problem.

4. If the tardiness continues, the principal will work with district administration to develop a plan of action.

4.20—CLOSED CAMPUS

All schools in the District shall operate closed campuses. Students are required to stay on campus from their arrival until dismissal at the end of the regular school day. Students may be given permission to leave the campus by a school official and must sign out in the office upon their departure.

4.21—EQUAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY

No student in the East End School District shall, on the grounds of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, or disability be excluded from participation in, or denied the benefits of, or subjected to discrimination under any educational program or activity sponsored by the District.

4.22—STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS/Equal Access

Non-curriculum-related secondary school student organizations wishing to conduct meetings on school premises during non-instructional time shall not be denied equal access on the basis of the religious, political, philosophical, or other content of the speech at such meetings. Such meetings must meet the following criteria.

1. The meeting is to be voluntary and student initiated;

2. There is no sponsorship of the meeting by the school, the government, or its agents or employees;

3. The meeting must occur during non-instructional time;

4. Employees or agents of the school are present at religious meetings only in a nonparticipatory capacity;

5. The meeting does not materially and substantially interfere with the orderly conduct of educational activities within the school; and

6. Non-school persons may not direct, conduct, control, or regularly attend activities of student groups.

All meetings held on school premises must be scheduled and approved by the principal. The school, its agents, and employees retain the authority to maintain order and discipline, to protect the well being of students and faculty, and to assure that attendance of students at meetings is voluntary.

Fraternities, sororities, and secret societies are forbidden in the District’s schools. Membership to student organizations shall not be by a vote of the organization’s members, nor be restricted by the student’s race, religion, sex, national origin, or other arbitrary criteria.

4.23 PRIVACY OF STUDENTS’ RECORDS/ DIRECTORY INFORMATION

All students’ educational records are available for inspection and copying by the parents of any student who is under the age of eighteen (18). At the age of eighteen (18), the right to inspect and copy a student’s records transfers to the student. The district forwards education records, including disciplinary records, to schools that have requested them and in which the student seeks or intends to enroll.

The district shall receive written permission before releasing educational records to any agency or individual not authorized by law to receive and/or view the educational records without prior parental permission.

For purposes of this policy, the East End School District does not distinguish between a custodial and non-custodial parent with respect to gaining access to a student’s records. The fact of a person’s status as parent or guardian, alone, enables that parent or guardian to review and copy his child’s records.

If there exists a court order which directs that a parent not have access to a student or his records, the parent or guardian must present a file-marked copy of such order to the building principal and the Superintendent. The school will make good-faith efforts to act in accordance with such court order, but the failure to do so does not impose legal liability upon the school. The actual responsibility for enforcement of such court orders rests with the parents or guardians, their attorneys and the court which issued the order.

A parent or guardian does not have the right to remove any material from a student’s records, but such parent or guardian may challenge the accuracy of a record. The right to challenge the accuracy of a record does not include the right to dispute a grade, which must be done only through the appropriate teacher and/or administrator, the decision of whom is final. A challenge to the accuracy of material contained in a student file must be initiated with the building principal, with an appeal available to the Superintendent or his designee. Any appeal above that level will be subject to the procedure set out in federal; law and/or regulation.

Unless the parent or guardian of a student (or student, if above the age of eighteen [18]) objects, directory information about a student may be made available to the public, military recruiters, post secondary educational institutions, prospective employers of those students, as well as school publications such as annual yearbooks and graduation announcements. “Directory information” includes, but is not limited to, a student’s name, address, telephone number, electronic mail address, photograph, date and place of birth, classes in which he/she is enrolled, his/her placement on the honor role (or the receipt of other types of honors), as well as his/her participation in school clubs and extracurricular activities, among others. If the student participates in inherently public activities (for example, basketball, football, or other interscholastic activities), the publication of such information will be beyond the control of the District. A student’s name and photograph will only be displayed on the district or school’s web page(s) after receiving the written permission from the student’s parent or student if over the age of 18.

The form for objecting to making directory information available is located in the back of the student handbook and must be completed and signed by the parent or age-eligible student and filed with the building principal’s office no later than ten (10) school days after the beginning of each school year or the date the student is enrolled for school. Failure to file an objection by that time is considered a specific grant of permission.

4.24—LIBRARY MATERIALS

Students must return all books and materials to the school in good condition. If books or materials are lost or damaged, it is the responsibility of the parent to pay for them. No student will be allowed to check out more than two (2) library books at one time. They will not be allowed to check out any other books until all other books have been returned or paid for. Report cards will be held until all library and textbook situations have been taken care of.

4.25—LUNCH MONEY CREDIT

Students ending the school year with a credit in their lunch money account will have that credit applied to their beginning balance for the following year.

4.26—STUDENT PUBLICATIONS AND THE DISTRIBUTION OF LITERATURE

Student Publications

All publications that are supported financially by the school or by use of school facilities, or are produced in conjunction with a class shall be considered school-sponsored publications. School publications do not provide a forum for public expression. Such publications, as well as the content of student expression in school-sponsored activities, shall be subject to the editorial control of the District’s administration whose actions shall be reasonably related to legitimate pedagogical concerns and adhere to the following limitations.

1. Advertising may be accepted for publications that does not condone or promote products that are inappropriate for the age and maturity of the audience or that endorse such things as tobacco, alcohol, or drugs.

2. Publications may be regulated to prohibit writings which are, in the opinion of the appropriate teacher and/or administrator, ungrammatical, poorly written, inadequately researched, biased or prejudiced, vulgar or profane, or unsuitable for immature audiences.

3. Publications may be regulated to refuse to publish material which might reasonably be perceived to advocate drug or alcohol use, irresponsible sex, or conduct otherwise inconsistent with the shared values of a civilized social order, or to associate the school with any position other than neutrality on matters of political controversy.

4. Prohibited publications include:

a. Those that are obscene as to minors;

b. Those that are libelous or slanderous, including material containing defamatory falsehoods about public figures or governmental officials, which are made with knowledge of their falsity or reckless disregard of the truth;

c. Those that constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy as defined by state law,

d. Publications that suggest or urge the commission of unlawful acts on the school premises;

e. Publications which suggest or urge the violation of lawful school regulations;

f. Hate literature that scurrilously attacks ethnic, religious, or racial groups.

Student Publications on School Web Pages

Student publications that are displayed on school web pages shall follow the same guidelines as listed above plus they shall

1. Not contain any non-educational advertisements. Additionally, student web publications shall;

2. Not contain any personally identifying information, as defined by “Directory Information” in Policy 4.13 (Privacy of Student Records), without the written permission of the parent of the student or the student if over eighteen (18);

3. State that the views expressed are not necessarily those of the School Board or the employees of the district.

Student Distribution of Non-school Literature, Publications, and Materials

A student or group of students who distribute ten (10) or fewer copies of the same non-school literature, publications, or materials (hereinafter “non-school materials”), shall do so in a time, place, and manner that does not cause a substantial disruption of the orderly education environment. A student or group of students wishing to distribute more than ten (10) copies of non-school materialsshall have the building principal review their non-school materials at least three (3) school days in advance of their desired time of dissemination. The principal shall review the non-school materials, prior to their distribution and will bar from distribution those non-school materials that are obscene, libelous, pervasively indecent, or advertise unlawful products or services. Material may also be barred from distribution if there is evidence that reasonably supports a forecast that a substantial disruption of the orderly operation of the school or educational environment will likely result from the distribution. Concerns related to any denial of distribution by the principal shall be heard by the superintendent, whose decision shall be final.

The school principal or designee shall establish reasonable regulations governing the time, place, and manner of student distribution of non-school materials.

The regulations shall:

1. Be narrowly drawn to promote orderly administration of school activities by preventing disruption and may not be designed to stifle expression;

2. Be uniformly applied to all forms of non-school materials;

3. Allow no interference with classes or school activities;

4. Specify times, places, and manner where distribution may and may not occur; and

5. Not inhibit a person’s right to accept or reject any literature distributed in accordance with the regulations.

The Superintendent, along with the student publications advisors, shall develop administrative regulations for the implementation of this policy. The regulations shall include definitions of terms and timelines for the review of materials.

4.27—CONTACT WITH STUDENTS WHILE AT SCHOOL

CONTACT BY PARENTS

Parents wishing to speak to their children during the school day shall register first with the office.

CONTACT BY NON-CUSTODIAL PARENTS

If there is any question concerning the legal custody of the student, the custodial parent shall present documentation to the principal or his/her designee establishing the parent’s custody of the student. It shall be the responsibility of the custodial parent to make any court ordered “no contact” or other restrictions regarding the non-custodial parent known to the principal by presenting a copy of a file-marked court order. Without such a court order on file, the school will release the child to either of his/her parents. Non-custodial parents who file with the principal a date-stamped copy of current court orders granting visitation may eat lunch, volunteer in their child’s classroom, or otherwise have contact with their child during school hours and the prior approval of the school’s principal. Such contact is subject to the limitations outlined in Policy 4.16, Policy 6.5, and any other policies that may apply.

Unless prior arrangements have been made with the school’s principal, Arkansas law provides that the transfer of a child between his/her custodial parent and non-custodial parent, when both parents are present, shall not take place on the school’s property on normal school days during normal hours of school operation.

CONTACT BY LAW ENFORCEMENT, SOCIAL SERVICES, OR BY COURT ORDER

State Law requires that Department of Human Services employees, local law enforcement, or agents of the Crimes Against Children Division of the Department of Arkansas State Police, may interview students without a court order for the purpose of investigating suspected child abuse. In instances where the interviewers deem it necessary, they may exercise a “72-hour hold” without first obtaining a court order. Other questioning of students by non-school personnel shall be granted only with a court order directing such questioning, with permission of the parents of a student (or the student if above eighteen [18] years of age), or in response to a subpoena or arrest warrant.

If the District makes a report to any law enforcement agency concerning student misconduct or if access to a student is granted to a law enforcement agency due to a court order, the principal or the principal’s designee shall make a good faith effort to contact the student’s parent, legal guardian, or other person having lawful control by court order, or person acting in loco parentis identified on student enrollment forms.

In instances other than those related to cases of suspected child abuse, principals must release a student to either a police officer who presents a subpoena for the student, or a warrant for arrest, or to an agent of state social services or an agent of a court with jurisdiction over a child with a court order signed by a judge. Upon release of the student, the principal or designee shall give the student’s parent, legal guardian, or other person having lawful control by court order, or person acting in loco parentis notice that the student has been taken into custody by law enforcement personnel or a state’s social services agency. If the principal or designee is unable

to reach the parent, he or she shall make a reasonable, good faith effort to get a message to the parent to call the principal or designee, and leave both a day and an after hours telephone number.

4.28—STUDENT VISITORS

The board strongly believes that the purpose of school is for learning. Social visitors, generally, disrupt the classroom and interfere with learning that should be taking place. Therefore, visiting with students at school is strongly discouraged, unless approved by the principal and scheduled in advance. This includes visits made by former students, friends, and/or relatives of teachers or students. Any visitation to the classroom shall be allowed only with the permission of the school principal and all visitors must first register at the office.

4.29—VISITORS TO SCHOOL

Visitors to the school should use the designated visitor entrance to the school and report immediately to the school office to identify themselves and their business on campus. For safety and security, all visitors will register in the school office and obtain the appropriate identification badge. All persons on school grounds, in school buildings, or at school sponsored events must identify themselves and their purpose for being at school to school employees upon request. Building principals will develop specific guidelines regarding visitors to their campus.

Law enforcement officials will assist when necessary to deal with unidentified persons of school grounds.

4.30—CLASSROOM DISRUPTIONS

East End School District places a high priority on classroom instruction time. Every effort is made to eliminate unnecessary and unscheduled disruptions. The following are some ways parents can help:

· Schedule appointments so students are not checked out of school or returned to school during a class

· Do not check students out of school during the last fifteen (15) minutes of the day except in emergency situations and for medical appointments

· Arrange transportation with your child before sending him/her to school. Calling the school office to have a message sent to your child is very disruptive. Parents should notify their child’s teacher in writing if the child is being transported home in a way other that the usual way. If a daycare is involved, the parent should do the communicating with the daycare as well as the school.

4.31—PARTIES

Each class will have three (3) parties during the school year: Christmas, Valentine, and Easter. Any other parties must be cleared through the building principal.

Please note that giving out invitations to birthday parties is not allowed unless every child in the classroom is provided with an invitation.

4.32--KINDERGARTEN GRADUATION

Kindergarten students will graduate in caps and gowns that will be purchased by the parents of the students through the school.

4.33--SIXTH GRADE GRADUATION

Awards will be presented to the students having the highest average in the Sixth Grade in each curriculum area (Reading, Math, Social Studies, Language, Spelling, and Science).

4.34—STUDENT DISCIPLINE

The East End Board of Education has a responsibility to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the District’s students and employees. To help maintain a safe environment conducive to high student achievement, the Board establishes policies necessary to regulate student behavior to promote an orderly school environment that is respectful of the rights of others and ensures the uniform enforcement of student discipline. Students are responsible for their conduct that occurs: at any time on the school grounds; off school grounds at a school sponsored function, activity, or event; going to and from school or a school activity.

The District’s administrators may also take disciplinary action against a student for off-campus conduct occurring at any time that would have a detrimental impact on school discipline, the educational environment, or the welfare of the students and/or staff. A student who has committed a criminal act while off campus and whose presence on campus could cause a substantial disruption to school or endanger the welfare of other students or staff is subject to disciplinary action up to and including expulsion. Such acts could include, but are not limited to a felony or an act that would be considered a felony if committed by an adult, an assault or battery, drug law violations, or sexual misconduct of a serious nature. Any disciplinary action pursued by the District shall be in accordance with the student’s appropriate due process rights.

The District’s personnel policy committee shall review the student discipline policies annually and may recommend changes in the policies to the East End School Board. The Board shall approve any changes to student discipline policies.

The District’s student discipline policies shall be distributed to each student during the first week of school each year and to new students upon their enrollment. Each student’s parent or legal guardian shall sign and return to the school an acknowledgement form documenting that they have received the policies.

It is required by law that the principal or the person in charge reports to the police any incidents where a person has committed or threatened to commit an act of violence or any crime involving a deadly weapon on school property or while under school supervision.

4.35—PROHIBITED CONDUCT

Students and staff require a safe and orderly learning environment that is conducive to high student achievement. Certain student behaviors are unacceptable in such an environment and are hereby prohibited by the Board. Prohibited behaviors include, but shall not be limited to the following.

1. Disrespect for school employees and failing to comply with their reasonable directions or otherwise demonstrating insubordination;

2. Disruptive behavior that interferes with orderly school operations;

3. Willfully and intentionally assaulting or threatening to assault or physically abusing any student or school employee;

4. Possession of any weapon that can reasonably be considered capable of causing bodily harm to another individual;

5. Possession or use of tobacco in any form on any property owned or leased by any public school;

6. Willfully or intentionally damaging, destroying, or stealing school property;

7. Possession of any paging device, beeper, or similar electronic communication devices, cameras, MP 3 players, iPods, and other portable music devices on the school campus during normal school hours (unless stored in silent mode in the student’s locker or vehicle) unless specifically exempted by the administration for health or other compelling reasons;

8. Possession, selling, distributing, or being under the influence of an alcoholic beverage, any illegal drug, unauthorized inhalants, or the inappropriate use or sharing of prescription or over the counter drugs, or other intoxicants, or anything represented to be a drug;

9. Inappropriate public displays of affection;

10. Cheating, copying, or claiming another person's work to be his/her own;

11. Gambling;

12. Inappropriate student dress;

13. Use of vulgar, profane, or obscene language or gestures;

14. Truancy;

15. Excessive tardiness;

16. Engaging in behavior designed to taunt, degrade, or ridicule another person on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, sex, or disability;

17. Hazing, or aiding in the hazing of another student;

18. Gangs or gang-related activities, including belonging to secret societies of any kind, are forbidden on school property. Gang insignias, clothing, “throwing signs” or other gestures associated with gangs are prohibited;

19. Sexual harassment~~~~; and

20. Bullying.

The Board directs each school in the District to develop implementation regulations for prohibited student conduct consistent with applicable Board policy, State and Federal laws, and judicial decisions.

4.36—CONDUCT TO AND FROM SCHOOL AND TRANSPORTATION ELIGIBILITY

Students are subject to the same rules of conduct while traveling to and from school as they are while on school grounds. Appropriate disciplinary actions may be taken against commuting students who violate student code of conduct rules.

The preceding paragraph also applies to student conduct while on school buses. Students shall be instructed in safe riding practices.The driver of a school bus shall not operate the school bus until every passenger is seated. Disciplinary measures for problems related to bus behavior shall include suspension or expulsion from school, or suspending or terminating the student’s bus transportation privileges. Transporting students to and from school who have lost their bus transportation privileges shall become the responsibility of the student’s parent or legal guardian.

Students are eligible to receive district bus transportation if they meet the following requirements.

Student Transportation

All students will be assigned a seat on their bus; they must sit in this seat every time they are on their bus. Parents will be responsible for any damage done to the place where their child is assigned to sit.

Please note – Video cameras have been placed on all buses and will be used to monitor behavior.

All school buses are owned and operated by the school district. A bus driver has authority and responsibility on the bus. It is very important to realize that riding the school bus is a privilege that may be revoked if certain rules are not followed! All students who ride the buses are required to obey the following rules:

a. Be at the bus stop at the scheduled time. Stand back about ten (10) feet from the bus stop and wait until the door is opened before moving closer to the bus. Do not play on the highway or road. If you miss the bus, do not attempt to hitch a ride or walk to or from school.

b. While loading or unloading, enter and leave quickly and in an orderly manner.

c. While riding the bus, students are under the supervision of the driver and must obey the driver at all times. The principal has the authority to suspend a student from riding the bus.

d. Students are not to distract the attention of the driver or disturb other riders

on the bus (which includes keeping your hands to yourself, attending to your

own business, leaving other pupils alone, and being reasonably quiet).

e. No knives or sharp objects of any kind are allowed on the bus.

f. You are not to tamper with any of the safety devices such as door latches,

fire extinguishers, etc. Pupils must keep seated while the bus is in motion

and must not ever move while it is stopped except as the driver directs. Pupils

are not to put their hands, arms, heads, or bodies outside the bus.

g. Students are not to deface the bus or any school property. Do not write on the bus or damage seats, etc.

h. Do not throw paper, food, or other objects on the floor of the bus. Do not

at or drink on the bus!!! No glass bottles are allowed on the bus. Do not put your feet in the aisles. Keep the aisles of the bus clear from books, lunches, coats, etc.

i. Do not ask the driver to let you off at the store, or at a stop other than your own without a note from parents.

j. Pupils who cross the road after leaving the bus in the afternoon must go to a point on the shoulder of the road ten (10) feet in front of the bus. Cross the road only after the driver has signaled you to do so.

k. Pupils cannot ride any bus except their own. If a student needs to ride a bus other than their regular bus, he/she must have a written note from a parent, or a parent must contact the school by phone. Otherwise, the student will be put on their regular bus. The office will issue a bus pass when a note or phone call is received.

l. Visitors are not allowed except in case of an emergency. Before this is allowed, permission must be secured from the principal.

m. This is not intended to cover all of the do’s and don’ts but it is a very specific guide.

It should be remembered it is a privilege to ride the school bus and that the bus stop is considered school property.

The driver is responsible for the supervision of students on the bus at all times. If a student must be sent to the principal, the following will happen:

FIRST OFFENSE- student/principal conference or any other action deemed

necessary by the principal.

SECOND OFFENSE- student/parent/principal conference.

THIRD OFFENSE- Three-Day suspension from riding the bus.

FOURTH OFFENSE- Ten-Day suspension from riding the bus.

FIFTH OFFENSE- Suspension from riding the bus for the rest of

the school year.

If bus privileges are taken away from a student, this does not release the parent of the responsibility to the child’s attendance in school.***If a student does not attend school while suspended from riding the bus, that will not count as a day of suspension from riding the bus.

Severe Clause—A student that displays profane, obscene, insulting, illegal, or extremely disruptive actions or remarks, or refuses to obey the school bus driver after being told repeatedly will be “SEVERED.” A student who has been “severed” will automatically (no warning) receive appropriate disciplinary action.

Violation Consequences: Minimum – Student Conference

Maximum – Expulsion

4.37--BEHAVIOR NOT COVERED ABOVE

The school district reserves the right to punish behavior that is not conducive to good order and discipline in the schools, even though such behavior is not specified in the above written rules.

1 All discipline rules of East End School District are in effect at all school activities whether on campus or not.

2 Any school employee has the authority to enforce discipline if a disruptive incident happens in their presence.

3 Any violation of the law will be reported to law enforcement officials.

4.38—DISRUPTION OF SCHOOL

No student shall by the use of violence, force, noise, coercion, threat, intimidation, fear, passive resistance, or any other conduct, intentionally cause the disruption of any lawful mission, process, or function of the school, or engage in any such conduct for the purpose of causing disruption or obstruction of any lawful mission, process, or function. Nor shall any student encourage any other student to engage in such activities.

Disorderly activities by any student or group of students that adversely affect the school’s orderly educational environment shall not be tolerated at any time on school grounds. Teachers may remove from class and send to the principal or principal’s designee office a student whose behavior is so unruly, disruptive, or abusive that it seriously interferes with the teacher’s ability to teach the students, the class, or with the ability of the student’s classmates to learn. Students who refuse to leave the classroom voluntarily will be escorted from the classroom by the school administration.

Violation Consequences: Minimum – Student Conference

Maximum – Expulsion

4.39—STUDENT ASSAULT OR BATTERY

A student shall not threaten, physically abuse, or attempt to physically abuse, or behave in such a way as to be perceived to threaten bodily harm to any other person (student, school employee, or school visitor). Any gestures, vulgar, abusive or insulting language, taunting, threatening, harassing, or intimidating remarks by a student toward another person that threatens their well-being is strictly forbidden. This includes, but is not limited to, fighting, racial, ethnic, religious, or sexual slurs.

Furthermore, it is unlawful, during regular school hours, and in a place where a public school employee is required to be in the course of his or her duties, for any person to address a public school employee using language which, in its common understanding, is calculated to:

A) cause a breach of the peace

B) materially and substantially interfere with the operation of the school

C) arouse the person to whom it is addressed to anger, to the extent likely to cause imminent retaliation.

Students guilty of such an offense may be subject to legal proceedings in addition to student disciplinary measures.

4.40—WEAPONS AND DANGEROUS INSTRUMENTS

No student shall possess a weapon, display what appears to be a weapon, or threaten to use a weapon while in school, on or about school property, before or after school, in attendance at school or any school sponsored activity, en route to or from school or any school sponsored activity, off the school grounds at any school bus stop, or at any school sponsored activity or event. Military personnel, such as ROTC cadets, acting in the course of their official duties are excepted.

A weapon is defined as any knife, gun, pistol, revolver, shotgun, BB gun, rifle, pellet gun, razor, ice pick, dirk, box cutter, nun chucks, pepper spray or other noxious spray, explosive, or any other instrument or substance capable of causing bodily harm.

Possession means having a weapon, as defined in this policy, on the student’s body or in an area under his/her control. If, prior to any questioning or search by any school personnel, a student discovers that he/she has accidentally brought a weapon to school including a weapon that is in a vehicle on school grounds, and the student informs the principal or a staff person immediately, the student will not be considered to be in possession of a weapon. The weapon shall be confiscated and held in the office until such time as the student’s parent/legal guardian shall pick up the weapon from the school’s office. Repeated offenses are unacceptable and shall be grounds for disciplinary action against the student as otherwise provided for in this policy.

Students found to be in possession on the school campus of a firearm shall be recommended for expulsion for a period of not less than one year. The School Board shall have the discretion to modify such expulsion recommendation for a student on a case-by-case basis. Parents or legal guardians of students expelled under this policy shall be given a copy of the current laws regarding the possibility of parental responsibility for allowing a child to possess a weapon on school property. Parents or legal guardians shall sign a statement acknowledging that they have read and understand said laws prior to readmitting the student. Parents or legal guardians of a student enrolling from another school after the expiration of an expulsion period for a weapons policy violation shall also be given a copy of the current laws regarding the possibility of parental responsibility for allowing a child to possess a weapon on school property. The parents or legal guardians shall sign a statement acknowledging that they have read and understand said laws prior to the student being enrolled in school.

The district shall report any student, who brings a firearm or weapon to school to the criminal justice system or juvenile delinquency system by notifying local law enforcement,

4.41—TOBACCO AND TOBACCO PRODUCTS

Smoking or use of tobacco or products containing tobacco in any form (including, but not limited to, cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, and snuff) in or on any property owned or leased by a District school, including school buses, is prohibited. Students who violate this policy may be subject to legal proceedings in addition to student disciplinary measures.

East End School District Comprehensive Tobacco Policy

The East End School District shall be a Tobacco Free Environment. Tobacco use is prohibited concerning:

· All buildings, facilities, grounds, and properties under the jurisdiction of the East End School District

· All vehicles parked on school property, school buses, and district-owned vehicles

· All staff, students, and any person present on school district property, 24 hours a day every day

· All school trips and activities, this includes on campus, off campus, and outside of regular school hours

· Anyone transporting students or in the presence of students during events.

A 24/7 tobacco-free environment, combined with educational efforts in the school, provides a genuine opportunity for all adults to serve as positive role models for not using tobacco. It is important that the environment which surrounds a young person be clear in its expectations and in its attitudes towards tobacco use.

RATIONALE

The East End School District believes it has an obligation to provide a safe and healthy environment for all students, parents, employees, and visitors. Smoking is a fire safety issue for schools and the use of spit tobacco is a health and sanitation issue.

District leaders support current literature and research that tobacco use is considered the chief preventable cause of premature disease and death in the United States. In addition, second hand smoke is a health hazard to others. Leadership also believes that allowing tobacco use on school property is in conflict with prevention messages within the curriculum and the classroom.

Also, in addition to the philosophical reasons, schools may face liability issues by allowing tobacco use on their premises, particularly in light of laws that intentionally limit access and the sale of tobacco products to youth. The purchase and possession of tobacco products is illegal for persons under age 18.

This policy is in support of our comprehensive school health programs designed to help students learn and foster healthy lifestyles by providing them with knowledge, skills, social support and environmental reinforcement.

DEFINITION

For the purposes of this policy “tobacco” is defined to include any lighted or unlighted

cigarette, cigar, pipe, bidi, clove cigarette, and any other smoking product, spit

tobacco, also known as smokeless, dip, chew, and snuff, in any form, and spitless tobacco in any form.

TOBACCO PROMOTION

Tobacco promotional items, including clothing, bags, lighters, and other personal articles, are not

permitted on school grounds, in school vehicles, or at school-sponsored events. Tobacco

advertising is prohibited in all school-sponsored publications and at all school-sponsored events.

CLOSED CAMPUS

No student may leave the school campus during breaks in the school day to use a tobacco product. Signs to this effect will be posted at appropriate locations. School authorities shall consult with local law enforcement agencies to enforce laws that prohibit the possession of tobacco by minors within the immediate proximity of school grounds.

NOTICE

The superintendent/principal/others shall notify students, families, faculty/personnel, and school visitors of the tobacco-free policy in handbooks and newsletters, on posted notices or signs at every school entrance and other appropriate locations, and by other efficient means. To the extent possible, schools and districts will make use of local media to publicize the policies and help influence community norms about tobacco use.

EDUCATION AND SUPPORT

Tobacco use prevention education shall be integrated within the health education program and be taught pre-k-12^th grade. The educational program shall be based on theories and methods that have been proven effective by published research and consistent with the state’s/district’s health education standards/guidelines/framework.

Instruction shall be most intensive in grades four through eight and shall be reinforced in all later grades. Instructional activities shall be participatory and developmentally appropriate. The program shall engage families as partners in their children’s education. Staff and volunteers responsible for teaching tobacco use prevention shall have adequate pre-service training to effectively deliver the education program as planned.

To send consistent messages to students and their families, school instructional staff shall collaborate with agencies and groups that conduct tobacco use prevention education in the community. The District and school staff will work with the community offer organized support to students. Resources used as support could include public health nurses, the Cancer Society, the Lung Association, and the 1-866-Now Quit line. Students will need a great deal of support if they are trying to quit.

STUDENT OFFENSES

First Offense: 5 day suspension or participation in tobacco use cessation program.

Second Offense: 10 day suspension or participation in tobacco use cessation program and only 5 day suspension.

Third Offense: 10 day suspension. No options on the third offense.

For a first and second offense, if the option of participation in tobacco use cessation program is chosen written proof of registration for program must be provided within one week of incidence. If no such proof is provided, appropriate number of suspension days will be automatic dependent upon offense. Proof of cessation program completion will need to be provided within a week of program end, or automatic suspension according to policy will be necessary.

PROGRAM ATTENDANCE

Attendance or completion of a tobacco use cessation program shall not be mandatory for anyone or used as a penalty. Attendance or completion of a tobacco use cessation program is allowed as a voluntary substitute to suspension for possession or use of tobacco.

POSITIVE ROLE MODELING

Children learn to smoke not only from peers but also by imitating adults. Adults who use tobacco inevitable influence student’s attitudes by suggesting it is a responsible adult decision to use a tobacco product. A 24/7 tobacco—free environment, combined with educational efforts in the school, provides a genuine opportunity for all adults to serve as positive role models for not using tobacco. It is important that the environment which surrounds a young person be clear in its expectations and in its attitudes towards tobacco use.

4.42—DRUGS AND ALCOHOL

An orderly and safe school environment that is conducive to promoting student achievement requires a student population free from the deleterious effects of alcohol and drugs. Their use is illegal, disruptive to the educational environment, and diminishes the capacity of students to learn and function properly in our schools.

Therefore, no student in the East End School District shall possess, attempt to possess, consume, use, distribute, sell, attempt to sell, give to any person, or be under the influence of any substance as defined in this policy, or what the student represents or believes to be any substance as defined in this policy. This policy applies to any student who; is on or about school property; is in attendance at school or any school sponsored activity; has left the school campus for any reason and returns to the campus; is en route to or from school or any school sponsored activity.

Prohibited substances shall include, but are not limited to, alcohol, or any alcoholic beverage, inhalants that alter a student’s ability to act, think, or respond, LSD, or any other hallucinogen, marijuana, cocaine, heroin, or any other narcotic drug, PCP, amphetamines, steroids, “designer drugs,” look-alike drugs, or any controlled substance.

Selling, distributing, or attempting to sell or distribute, or using over-the-counter or prescription drugs not in accordance with the recommended dosage is prohibited.

4.43—STUDENT DRESS AND GROOMING

The East End Board of Education recognizes that dress can be a matter of personal taste and preference. At the same time, the District has a responsibility to promote an environment conducive to student learning. This requires limitations to student dress and grooming that could be disruptive to the educational process because they are immodest, disruptive, unsanitary, and unsafe, could cause property damage, or are offensive to common standards of decency.

The Superintendent shall establish student dress codes for the District’s schools, to be included in the student handbook, and are consistent with the above criteria.

4.44—GANGS AND GANG ACTIVITY

The Board is committed to ensuring a safe school environment conducive to promoting a learning environment where students and staff can excel. An orderly environment cannot exist where unlawful acts occur causing fear, intimidation, or physical harm to students or school staff. Gangs and their activities create such an atmosphere and shall not be allowed on school grounds or at school functions.

The following actions are prohibited by students on school property or at school functions:

1. Wearing or possessing any clothing, bandanas, jewelry, symbol, or other sign associated with membership in, or representative of, any gang;

2. Engaging in any verbal or nonverbal act such as throwing signs, gestures, or handshakes representative of membership in any gang;

3. Recruiting, soliciting, or encouraging any person through duress or intimidation to become or remain a member of any gang; and/or

4. Extorting payment from any individual in return for protection from harm from any gang.

5. Students found to be in violation of this policy shall be subject to disciplinary action up to and including expulsion.

Students arrested for gang related activities occurring off school grounds shall be subject to the same disciplinary actions as if they had occurred on school grounds.

4.45 STUDENT SEXUAL HARASSMENT

The East End School District is committed to having an academic environment in which all students are treated with respect and dignity. Student achievement is best attained in an atmosphere of equal educational opportunity that is free of discrimination. Sexual harassment is a form of discrimination that undermines the integrity of the educational environment and will not be tolerated.

Believing that prevention is the best policy, the District will periodically inform students and employees about the nature of sexual harassment, the procedures for registering a complaint, and the possible redress that is available. The information will stress that the district does not tolerate sexual harassment and that students can report inappropriate behavior of a sexual nature without fear of adverse consequences. The information will take into account and be appropriate to the age of the students.

It shall be a violation of this policy for any student to be subjected to, or to subject another person to, sexual harassment as defined in this policy. Any student found, after an investigation, to have engaged in sexual harassment will be subject to disciplinary action up to, and including, expulsion.

Sexual harassment refers to unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other personally offensive verbal, visual, or physical conduct of a sexual nature made by someone under any of the following conditions:

1. Submission to the conduct is made, either explicitly or implicitly, a term or condition of an individual’s education;

2. Submission to, or rejection of, such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for academic decisions affecting that individual; and/or

3. Such conduct has the purpose or effect of substantially interfering with an individual’s academic performance or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive academic environment.

The terms “intimidating,” “hostile,” and “offensive” include conduct of a sexual nature which has the effect of humiliation or embarrassment and is sufficiently severe, persistent, or pervasive that it limits the student’s ability to participate in, or benefit from, an educational program or activity.

Actionable sexual harassment is generally established when an individual is exposed to a pattern of objectionable behaviors or when a single, serious act is committed. What is, or is not, sexual harassment will depend upon all of the surrounding circumstances. Depending upon such circumstances, examples of sexual harassment include, but are not limited to: unwelcome touching; crude jokes or pictures; discussions of sexual experiences; pressure for sexual activity; intimidation by words, actions, insults, or name calling; teasing related to sexual characteristics; and spreading rumors related to a person’s alleged sexual activities.

Students who believe they have been subjected to sexual harassment, or parents of a student who believes their child has been subjected to sexual harassment, are encouraged to file a complaint by contacting a counselor, teacher, Title IX coordinator, or administrator who will assist them in the complaint process. Under no circumstances shall a student be required to first report allegations of sexual harassment to a school contact person if that person is the individual who is accused of the harassment.

To the extent possible, complaints will be treated in a confidential manner. Limited disclosure may be necessary in order to complete a thorough investigation. Students who file a complaint of sexual harassment will not be subject to retaliation or reprisal in any form.

Students who knowingly fabricate allegations of sexual harassment shall be subject to disciplinary action up to and including expulsion.

Individuals, who withhold information, purposely provide inaccurate facts, or otherwise hinder an investigation of sexual harassment shall be subject to disciplinary action up to and including expulsion.

4.46—LASER POINTERS

Students shall not possess any hand held laser pointer while in school; on or about school property, before or after school; in attendance at school or any school-sponsored activity; en route to or from school or any school-sponsored activity; off the school grounds at any school bus stop or at any school-sponsored activity or event. School personnel shall seize any laser pointer from the student possessing it and the student may reclaim it at the close of the school year, or when the student is no longer enrolled in the District.

4.47—COMPUTER USE POLICY

The East End School District makes computers and/or computer Internet access available to students, to permit students to perform research and to allow students to learn how to use computer technology. Use of district computers is for educational and/or instructional purposes only. It is the policy of this school district to equip each computer with Internet filtering software designed to prevent users from accessing material that is harmful to minors.* No student will be granted Internet access until and unless a computer-use agreement, signed by both the student and the parent or legal guardian (if the student is under the age of eighteen [18]) is on file. The current version of the computer use agreement is incorporated by reference into board policy and is considered part of the student handbook.

Students are advised that they enjoy no expectation of privacy in any aspect of their computer use, including email, and that monitoring of student computer use is continuous. Students who misuse district-owned computers or Internet access in any way, including using computers except as directed or assigned by staff or teachers, using computers to violate any other policy or contrary to the computer use agreement, attempting to defeat or bypass Internet filtering software, or using the computers to access or create sexually explicit or pornographic text or graphics, will face disciplinary action, as specified in the student handbook** and/or computer use agreement.

Violation Consequences: Minimum – Student Conference

Maximum – Expulsion

4.47F—STUDENT INTERNET USE AGREEMENT

Student’s Name (Please Print)_______________________________________ Grade Level__________

School____________________________________________________________ Date____________

The _____________ School District agrees to allow the student identified above (“Student”) to use the district’s technology to access the Internet under the following terms and conditions:

1. Conditional Privilege: The Student’s use of the district’s access to the Internet is a privilege conditioned on the Student’s abiding to this agreement. No student may use the district’s access to the Internet unless the Student and his/her parent or guardian have read and signed this agreement.

2. Acceptable Use: The Student agrees that he/she will use the District’s Internet access for educational purposes only. In using the Internet, the Student agrees to obey all federal and state laws and regulations. The Student also agrees to abide by any Internet use rules instituted at the Student’s school or class, whether those rules are written or oral.

3. Penalties for Improper Use: If the Student violates this agreement and misuses the Internet, the Student shall be subject to disciplinary action. [Note: A.C.A. § 6-21-107 requires the district to have “…provisions for administration of punishment of students for violations of the policy with stiffer penalties for repeat offenders, and the same shall be incorporated into the district’s written student discipline policy.” You may choose to tailor your punishments to be appropriate to the school’s grade levels.]

4. “Misuse of the District’s access to the Internet” includes, but is not limited to, the following:

a. using the Internet for other than educational purposes;

b. gaining intentional access or maintaining access to materials which are “harmful to minors” as defined by Arkansas law;

c. using the Internet for any illegal activity, including computer hacking and copyright or intellectual property law violations;

d. making unauthorized copies of computer software;

e. accessing “chat lines” unless authorized by the instructor for a class activity directly supervised by a staff member;

f. using abusive or profane language in private messages on the system; or using the system to harass, insult, or verbally attack others;

g. posting anonymous messages on the system;

h. using encryption software;

i. wasteful use of limited resources provided by the school including paper;

j. causing congestion of the network through lengthy downloads of files;

k. vandalizing data of another user;

l. obtaining or sending information which could be used to make destructive devices such as guns, weapons, bombs, explosives, or fireworks;

m. gaining or attempting to gain unauthorized access to resources or files;

n. identifying oneself with another person’s name or password or using an account or password of another user without proper authorization;

o. invading the privacy of individuals;

p. divulging personally identifying information about himself/herself or anyone else either on the Internet or in an email. Personally identifying information includes full names, address, and phone number.

q. using the network for financial or commercial gain without district permission;

r. theft or vandalism of data, equipment, or intellectual property;

s. attempting to gain access or gaining access to student records, grades, or files;

t. introducing a virus to, or otherwise improperly tampering with the system;

u. degrading or disrupting equipment or system performance;

v. creating a web page or associating a web page with the school or school district without proper authorization;

w. providing access to the District’s Internet Access to unauthorized individuals;

x. failing to obey school or classroom Internet use rules; or

y. taking part in any activity related to Internet use which creates a clear and present danger of the substantial disruption of the orderly operation of the district or any of its schools.

z. Installing or downloading software on district computers without prior approval of technology director or his/her designee.

5. Liability for debts: Students and their cosigners shall be liable for any and all costs (debts) incurred through the student’s use of the computers or the Internet including penalties for copyright violations.

6. No Expectation of Privacy: The Student and parent/guardian signing below agree that if the Student uses the Internet through the District’s access, that the Student waives any right to privacy the Student may have for such use. The Student and the parent/guardian agree that the district may monitor the Student’s use of the District’s Internet Access and may also examine all system activities the Student participates in, including but not limited to e-mail, voice, and video transmissions, to ensure proper use of the system. The District may share such transmissions with the Student’s parents/guardians.

7. No Guarantees: The District will make good faith efforts to protect children from improper or harmful matter which may be on the Internet. At the same time, in signing this agreement, the parent and Student recognize that the District makes no guarantees about preventing improper access to such materials on the part of the Student.

8. Signatures: We, the persons who have signed below, have read this agreement and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of this agreement.

Student’s Signature: _______________________________________________Date _____________

Parent/Legal Guardian Signature: _____________________________________Date__________

4.48—SUSPENSION FROM SCHOOL

Students not present at school cannot benefit from the educational opportunities the school environment affords. Administrators, therefore, shall strive to find ways to keep students in school as participants in the educational process. There are instances, however, when the needs of the other students or the interests of the orderly learning environment require the removal of a student from school. The Board authorizes school principals or their designees to suspend students for disciplinary reasons for a period of time not to exceed ten (10) school days, including the day upon which the suspension is imposed. The suspension may be in school or out of school. Students are responsible for their conduct that occurs: at any time on the school grounds; off school grounds at a school-sponsored function, activity, or event; going to and from school or a school activity. A student may be suspended for behavior including, but not limited to that which:

1. Is in violation of school policies, rules, or regulations;

2. Substantially interferes with the safe and orderly educational environment;

3. School administrators believe will result in the substantial interference with the safe and orderly educational environment; and/or

4. Is insubordinate, incorrigible, violent, or involves moral turpitude.

The school principal or designee shall proceed as follows in deciding whether or not to suspend a student.

1. the student shall be given written notice or advised orally of the charges against him/her;

2. if the student denies the charges, he/she shall be given an explanation of the evidence against him/her and be allowed to present his/her version of the facts;

3. if the principal finds the student guilty of the misconduct, he/she may be suspended.

When possible, notice of the suspension, its duration, and any stipulations for the student’s re-admittance to class will be given to the parent(s), legal guardian(s), or to the student if age 18 or older prior to the suspension. Such notice shall be handed to the parent(s), legal guardian(s), or to the student if age 18 or older or mailed to the last address reflected in the records of the school district.

Generally, notice and hearing should precede the student's removal from school, but if prior notice and hearing are not feasible, as where the student's presence endangers persons or property or threatens disruption of the academic process, thus justifying immediate removal from school, the necessary notice and hearing should follow as soon as practicable.

It is the parents’ or legal guardians’ responsibility to provide current contact information to the district which the school shall use to immediately notify the parent or legal guardian upon the suspension of a student. The notification shall be by one of the following means, listed in order of priority:

· A primary call number

o The contact may be by voice, voice mail, or text message

· An email address

· A regular first class letter to the last known mailing address

The district shall keep a log of contacts attempted and made to the parent or legal guardian.

Out-of-school suspensions shall be treated as unexcused absences and during the period of suspension students shall not be permitted on campus except to attend a student/parent/administrator conference.

In-school suspension shall be treated as if the student was present at school. The student shall not attend any school-sponsored activities during the imposed suspension nor shall the student participate in any school-sponsored activities.

Suspensions initiated by the principal or his/her designee may be appealed to the Superintendent, but not to the Board.

Suspensions initiated by the Superintendent may be appealed to the Board.

4.49—EXPULSION

The Board of Education may expel a student for a period longer than ten (10) school days for violation of the District’s written discipline policies. The Superintendent may make a recommendation of expulsion to the Board of Education for student conduct deemed to be of such gravity that suspension would be inappropriate, or where the student’s continued attendance at school would disrupt the orderly learning environment or would pose an unreasonable danger to the welfare of other students or staff.

The Superintendent or his/her designee shall give written notice to the parents or legal guardians (mailed to the address reflected on the District’s records) that he/she will recommend to the Board of Education that the student be expelled for the specified length of time and state the reasons for the recommendation to expel. The notice shall give the date, hour, and place where the Board of Education will consider and dispose of the recommendation.

The hearing shall be conducted not later than ten (10) school days* following the date of the notice, except that representatives of the Board and student may agree in writing to a date not conforming to this limitation.

The President of the Board, Hearing Officer, or other designated Board member shall preside at the hearing. The student may choose to be represented by legal counsel. The hearing shall be conducted in open session of the Board unless the parent, or student if age18 or older, requests that the hearing be conducted in executive session. Any action taken by the Board shall be in open session.

During the hearing, the Superintendent will present evidence, including the calling of witnesses that gave rise to the recommendation of expulsion. The student, or his/her representative, may then present evidence including statements from persons with personal knowledge of the events or circumstances relevant to the charges against the student. Formal cross-examination will not be permitted. However, any member of the Board, the Superintendent, or designee, the student, or his/her representative may question anyone making a statement and/or the student. The presiding officer shall decide questions concerning the appropriateness or relevance of any questions asked during the hearing.

The Superintendent shall recommend the expulsion of any student for a period of not less than one (1) year for possession of any firearm or other weapon prohibited on school campus by law. The Superintendent shall, however, have the discretion to modify the expulsion recommendation for a student on a case-by-case basis. Parents or legal guardians of a student enrolling from another school after the expiration of an expulsion period for a weapons policy violation shall be given a copy of the current laws regarding the possibility of parental responsibility for allowing a child to possess a weapon on school property. The parents or legal guardians shall sign a statement acknowledging that they have read and understand said laws prior to the student being enrolled in school.

The Superintendent and the Board of Education shall complete the expulsion process of any student that was initiated because the student possessed a firearm or other prohibited weapon on school property regardless of the enrollment status of the student.

4.50—SEARCH, SEIZURE, AND INTERROGATIONS

The District respects the rights of its students against arbitrary intrusion of their person and property. At the same time, it is the responsibility of school officials to protect the health, safety, and welfare of all students enrolled in the District in order to promote an environment conducive to student learning. The Superintendent, principals, and their designees have the right to inspect and search school property and equipment. They may also search students and their personal property in which the student has a reasonable expectation of privacy, when there is reasonable suspicion to believe such student or property contains illegal items or other items in violation of Board policy or dangerous to the school community. School authorities may seize evidence found in the search and disciplinary action may be taken. Evidence found which appears to be in violation of the law shall be reported to the appropriate authority.

School property shall include, but not be limited to, lockers, desks, and parking lots, as well as personal effects left there by students. When possible, prior notice will be given and the student will be allowed to be present along with an adult witness, however, searches may be done at any time with or without notice or the student’s consent. A personal search must not be excessively intrusive in light of the age and sex of the student and the nature of the infraction.

The Superintendent, principals, and their designees may request the assistance of law enforcement officials to help conduct searches. Such searches may include the use of specially trained dogs.

A school official of the same sex shall conduct personal searches with an adult witness of the same sex present.

4.51—COMMUNICABLE DISEASES AND PARASITES

Students with communicable diseases or with parasites shall demonstrate respect for other students by not attending school while they are contagious. In some instances, a letter from a health care provider may be required prior to the student being readmitted to the school.

The parents or legal guardians of students found to have live lice or nits will be asked to pick their child up at school. The parents or legal guardians will be given information concerning the eradication and control of head lice. Before students may be readmitted following an absence due to head lice, the school nurse or designee shall examine the student to make sure they are free of any lice or nits.

Each school may conduct screenings of students for head lice as needed. The screenings shall be conducted in a manner that respects the confidentiality of each student.

If not free of nits after fourteen (14) days, the student will be sent home and will not be allowed to return to school until, accompanied by the parent; the student is checked by the school nurse and found to be free of all lice and nits.

4.52—STUDENT MEDICATIONS

Prior to the administration of any medication to any student under the age of eighteen (18), written parental consent is required. The consent form shall include authorization to administer the medication and relieve the Board and its employees of civil liability for damages or injuries resulting from the administration of medication to students in accordance with this policy.

Unless authorized to self-administer, students are not allowed to carry any medications while at school. The parent or legal guardian shall bring the student’s medication to the nurse, or in the absence of the nurse, to the principal’s office. The student may bring the medication if accompanied by a written authorization from the parent or legal guardian. Medications, including those for self-medication, must be in the original container and be properly labeled with the student’s name, the ordering provider’s name, the name of the medication, the dosage, frequency, and instructions for the administration of the medication (including times). Additional information accompanying the medication shall state the purpose for the medication, its possible side effects, and any other pertinent instructions (such as special storage requirements) or warnings.

Students who have written permission from their parent or guardian and a licensed health care practitioner to self-administer either an asthma inhaler or auto-injectable epinephrine, or both and who have a current consent form on file shall be allowed to carry and self-administer such medication while in school, at an on-site school sponsored activity, while traveling to or from school, or at an off-site school sponsored activity. Students are prohibited from sharing, transferring, or in any way diverting his/her medications to any other person. The fact that a student with a completed consent form on file is allowed to carry an asthma inhaler or auto-injectable epinephrine, or both does not require him/her to have such on his/her person. The parent or guardian of a student who chooses to not carry an asthma inhaler or auto-injectable epinephrine, or both on his/her person shall provide the school with the appropriate medication which shall be immediately available to the student in an emergency.

Nonprescription medications may be given to students upon the decision of the principal or the nurse or their designee(s). Such medications must be in the original container, clearly labeled and accompanied by a written authorization form signed by the parents or legal guardians that includes the student’s name, the name of the medication, the dosage, and instructions for the administration of the medication (including times).

The school shall not keep outdated medications or any medications past the end of the school year. Parents shall be notified ten (10) days in advance of the school’s intention to dispose of any medication. Medications not picked up by the parents or legal guardians within the ten (10) day period shall be destroyed by the nurse with a witness present.

If a student has an accident (soils clothing) the student will immediately be sent to the nurse’s office. The nurse will assist the child in finding clothing to change into, and/or call the parent to come pick him/her up. If a parent cannot be reached, the nurse will continue to call until someone can be reached to pick up the student. The child will stay in the nurse’s room until a parent or designee arrives. The classroom teacher will be notified if the student is checked out.

4.52F—MEDICATION ADMINISTRATION CONSENT FORM

Student’s Name (Please Print) _______________________________________________________

Medications, including those for self-medication, must be in the original container and be properly labeled with the student’s name, the ordering provider’s name, the name of the medication, the dosage, frequency, and instructions for the administration of the medication (including times). Additional information accompanying the medication shall state the purpose for the medication, its possible side effects, and any other pertinent instructions (such as special storage requirements) or warnings.

I hereby authorize the school nurse or his/her designee to administer the following medications to my child.

Name(s) of medication(s) _____________________________________________________________

Name of physician or dentist (if applicable) ___________________________________________

Dosage ___________________________________________________________________________

Instructions for administering the medication _________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

Other instructions _________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

I acknowledge that the District, its Board of Directors, and its employees shall be immune from civil liability for damages resulting from the administration of medications in accordance with this consent form.

Parent or legal guardian signature ___________________________________________________

Date _________________

4.52F2—MEDICATION SELF-ADMINISTRATION CONSENT FORM

Student’s Name (Please Print) _______________________________________________________

The following must be provided for the student to be eligible to self-administer asthma inhalers and/or auto-injectable epinephrine. Eligibility is only valid for this school for the current academic year. This consent form must be renewed each year and/or anytime a student changes schools.

a written medical statement from a health-care provider who has prescriptive privileges that he//she has prescribed the asthma inhaler and/or auto-injectable epinephrine for the student and that the student needs to carry the medication on his/her person due to a medical condition;

the specific mediations prescribed for the student;

an individualized health care plan developed by the prescribing health-care provider containing the treatment plan for managing asthma and/or anaphylaxis episodes of the student and for medication use by the student during school hours; and

a statement from the prescribing health-care provider that the student possesses the skill and responsibility necessary to use and administer the asthma inhaler and/or auto-injectable epinephrine.

If the school nurse is available, the student shall demonstrate his/her skill level in using the asthma inhalers and/or auto-injectable epinephrine to the nurse.

Medications for self-medication shall be supplied by the student’s parent or guardian and be in the original container labeled with the student’s name. The parent or guardian may choose to provide the school with additional appropriate medication (use form 4.35F) for the school to have available to deal with an asthma or anaphylaxis emergency.

My signature below is an acknowledgment that I understand that the District, its Board of Directors, and its employees shall be immune from civil liability for injury resulting from the self-administration of medications by the student named above.

Parent or legal guardian signature ___________________________________________________

Date _________________

4.53—STUDENT ILLNESS/ACCIDENT

If a student becomes too ill to remain in class and/or could be contagious to other students, the principal or designee will attempt to notify the student’s parent or legal guardian. The student will remain in the school’s health room or a place where he/she can be supervised until the end of the school day or until the parent/legal guardian can check the student out of school.

If a student becomes seriously ill or is injured while at school and the parent/legal guardian cannot be contacted, the failure to make such contact shall not unreasonably delay the school’s expeditious transport of the student to an appropriate medical care facility. The school assumes no responsibility for treatment of the student. When available, current, and applicable, the student’s emergency contact numbers and medical information will be utilized. Parents are strongly encouraged to keep this information up to date.

4.54—EMERGENCY DRILLS

All schools in the District shall conduct fire drills at least monthly. Tornado drills shall also be conducted not fewer than four (4) times per year with at least one each in the months of September, October, January, and February. Students, who ride school buses, shall also participate in emergency evacuation drills at least twice each school year.

Other types of emergency drills may also be conducted. These may include, but are not limited to:

1. Earthquake;

2. Act of terrorism;

3. Chemical spill;

4. Airplane crash.

4.55—PERMANENT RECORDS

Permanent school records, as required by the Arkansas Department of Education, shall be maintained for each student enrolled in the District until the student graduates or is beyond the age of compulsory school attendance. A copy of the student’s permanent record shall be provided to the receiving school district upon the transfer of the student to another district.

4.56—CORPORAL PUNISHMENT

The East End School Board authorizes the use of corporal punishment to be administered in accordance with this policy by the Superintendent or his/her designated staff members who are required to have a state-issued certificate as a condition of their employment.

Prior to the administration of corporal punishment, the student receiving the corporal punishment shall be given an explanation of the reasons for the punishment and be given an opportunity to refute the charges.

All corporal punishment shall be administered privately, i.e. out of the sight and hearing of other students, and shall be administered in the presence of another certified staff member as a witness, shall not be excessive, or administered with malice.

If you do not wish Corporal Punishment used as a means of Discipline for your child and the situation arises that we feel merits its use, you must pick up your child and another form of consequence may occur, such as suspension.

4.57—HOMELESS STUDENTS

The East End School District will afford the same services and educational opportunities to homeless children as are afforded to non-homeless children. The Superintendent or his/her designee shall appoint an appropriate staff person to be the local educational liaison for homeless children and youth whose responsibilities shall include coordinating with the state educational liaison for homeless children and youth to ensure that homeless children are not stigmatized or segregated on the basis of their status as homeless and such other duties as are prescribed by law and this policy.

Notwithstanding Policy 4.1, homeless students living in the district are entitled to enroll in the district’s school that non-homeless students who live in the same attendance area are eligible to attend. If there is a question concerning the enrollment of a homeless child due to a conflict with Policy 4.1 or 4.2, the child shall be immediately admitted to the school in which enrollment is sought pending resolution of the dispute. It is the responsibility of the District’s local educational liaison for homeless children and youth to carry out the dispute resolution process.

The District shall act, according to the best interests of a homeless child and to the extent feasible do one of the following. (For the purposes of this policy “school of origin” means the school the child attended when permanently housed or the school in which the child was last enrolled.)

1. continue educating the child who becomes homeless between academic years or during an academic year in their school of origin for the duration of their homelessness;

2. continue educating the child in his/her school of origin who becomes permanently housed during an academic year for the remainder of the academic year; or

3. enroll the homeless child in the school appropriate for the attendance zone where the child lives.

If the District elects to enroll a homeless child in a school other than their school of origin and such action is against the wishes of the child’s parent or guardian, the District shall provide the parent or guardian with a written explanation of their reason for so doing which shall include a statement of the parent/guardian’s right to appeal.

In any instance where the child is unaccompanied by a parent or guardian, the District’s local educational liaison for homeless children and youth shall assist the child in determining his/her place of enrollment. The Liaison shall provide the child with a notice of his/her right to appeal the enrollment decision.

The District shall be responsible for providing transportation for a homeless child, at the request of the parent or guardian (or in the case of an unaccompanied youth, the Liaison), to and from the child’s school of origin.*

For the purposes of this policy, students shall be considered homeless if they lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence and

(a) are sharing the housing of other persons due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason; are living in motels, hotels, trailer parks, or camping grounds due to the lack of alternative adequate accommodations; are living in emergency or transitional shelters; are abandoned in hospitals; or are awaiting foster care placement;

(b) have a primary nighttime residence that is a public or private place not designed for or ordinarily used as a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings;

(c) are living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations, or similar settings; and includes

(d) are migratory children who are living in circumstances described in clauses (a) through (c).

4.58—PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS OR SCREENINGS

The East End School District may provide from time to time for the administration of physical exams or screenings of its students. The intent of the exams or screenings shall be to detect contagious or infectious diseases or defects in hearing, vision, or other elements of health that would adversely affect the student’s ability to achieve to his/her full potential.

The district shall notify parents, at least annually, of the specific or approximate dates of any non-emergency, invasive physical examination or screening that is:

1. required as a condition of attendance;

2. administered by the school and scheduled by the school in advance; and

3. not necessary to protect the immediate health and safety of the student, or of other students.

Except in instances where a student is suspected of having a contagious or infectious disease, parents shall have the right to opt their student out of the exams or screenings by using form 4.41F or by providing certification from a physician that he/she has recently examined the student.

A student may be required to pass a physical exam before being allowed to participate in certain extracurricular activities to help ensure they are physically capable of withstanding the rigors of the activity. It is understood that students who refuse to take such an exam will not be allowed to participate in the desired activity.

4.58F—OBJECTION TO PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS OR SCREENINGS

I, the undersigned, being a parent or guardian of a student, hereby note my objection to the physical examination or screening of the student named below.

Physical examination or screening being objected to:

____ Vision test

____ Hearing test

____ Scoliosis test

____ Other, please specify __________________________________________________________________

____ Non-emergency, invasive physical examination as defined in Policy 4.41

Comments:

________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________

Name of student (Printed)

_________________________________________

Signature of parent (or student, if 18 or older)

__________________________________________

Date form was filed (To be filled in by office personnel)

4.59—BULLYING

Respect for the dignity of others is a cornerstone of civil society. Bullying creates an atmosphere of fear and intimidation, robs a person of his/her dignity, detracts from the safe environment necessary to promote student learning, and will not be tolerated by the Board of Directors. Students who bully another person shall be held accountable for their actions whether they occur on school equipment or property; off school property at a school sponsored or approved function, activity, or event; going to or from school or a school activity in a school vehicle or school bus; or at designated school bus stops.

Definitions:

Bullying means the intentional harassment, intimidation, humiliation, ridicule, defamation, or threat or incitement of violence by a student against another student or public school employee by a written, verbal, electronic, or physical act that causes or creates a clear and present danger of:

Physical harm to a public school employee or student or damage to the public school employee's or student's property;

Substantial interference with a student's education or with a public school employee's role in education;

A hostile educational environment for one (1) or more students or public school employees due to the severity, persistence, or pervasiveness of the act; or

Substantial disruption of the orderly operation of the school or educational environment;

Electronic act means without limitation a communication or image transmitted by means of an electronic device, including without limitation a telephone, wireless phone or other wireless communications device, computer, or pager that results in the substantial disruption of the orderly operation of the school or educational environment.

Electronic acts of bullying are prohibited whether or not the electronic act originated on school property or with school equipment, if the electronic act is directed specifically at students or school personnel and maliciously intended for the purpose of disrupting school, and has a high likelihood of succeeding in that purpose;

Harassment means a pattern of unwelcome verbal or physical conduct relating to another person's constitutionally or statutorily protected status that causes, or reasonably should be expected to cause, substantial interference with the other's performance in the school environment; and

Substantial disruption means without limitation that any one or more of the following occur as a result of the bullying:

Necessary cessation of instruction or educational activities;

Inability of students or educational staff to focus on learning or function as an educational unit because of a hostile environment;

Severe or repetitive disciplinary measures are needed in the classroom or during educational activities; or
Exhibition of other behaviors by students or educational staff that substantially interfere with the learning environment.

Examples of "Bullying" may include but are not limited to a pattern of behavior involving one or more of the following:

1. Sarcastic "compliments" about another student’s personal appearance,

2. Pointed questions intended to embarrass or humiliate,

3. Mocking, taunting or belittling,

4. Non-verbal threats and/or intimidation such as “fronting” or “chesting” a person,

5. Demeaning humor relating to a student’s race, gender, ethnicity or personal characteristics,

6. Blackmail, extortion, demands for protection money or other involuntary donations or loans,

7. Blocking access to school property or facilities,

8. Deliberate physical contact or injury to person or property,

9. Stealing or hiding books or belongings, and/or

10. Threats of harm to student(s), possessions, or others.

Students are encouraged to report behavior they consider to be bullying; including a single action which if allowed to continue would constitute bullying, to their teacher or the building principal. The report may be made anonymously. Teachers and other school employees who have witnessed, or are reliably informed that, a student has been a victim of behavior they consider to be bullying, including a single action which if allowed to continue would constitute bullying, shall report the incident(s) to the principal. Parents or legal guardians may submit written reports of incidents they feel constitute bullying, or if allowed to continue would constitute bullying, to the principal. The principal shall be responsible for investigating the incident(s) to determine if disciplinary action is warranted.

The person or persons reporting behavior they consider to be bullying shall not be subject to retaliation or reprisal in any form.

Students found to be in violation of this policy shall be subject to disciplinary action up to and including expulsion. In determining the appropriate disciplinary action, consideration may be given to other violations of the student handbook which may have simultaneously occurred.

Notice of what constitutes bullying, the District’s prohibition against bullying, and the consequences for students who bully shall be conspicuously posted in every classroom, cafeteria, restroom, gymnasium, auditorium, and school bus. Parents, students, school volunteers, and employees shall be given copies of the notice.

Copies of this policy shall be available upon request.

4.60— ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS FOR STUDENTS IN GRADES 9 - 12

Students in grades nine through twelve (9-12) are required to schedule and attend at least 350 minutes of regularly scheduled class time daily. Part of this requirement may be met by students taking post-secondary courses. Eligible students’ enrollment and attendance at a post-secondary institution shall count toward the required weekly time of school attendance. Each credit hour shall count as three (3) hours of attendance time. This means a three (3) hour course shall count as nine (9) hours of the weekly required time of attendance.

Study Halls

Students may be assigned to no more than one (1) class period each day for a study hall that the student shall be required to attend and participate in for the full period. Such study halls are to be used for the purposes of self-study or for organized tutoring which is to take place in the school building.

Extracurricular Classes

Students may be assigned to no more than one (1) class period each day for organized and scheduled student extracurricular classes that the student shall be required to attend and participate in for the full class period. Extracurricular classes related to a seasonal activity shall meet for an entire semester whether or not the season ends prior to the end of the semester. Students must attend and participate in the class for the entire semester in order to receive credit for the course. For the purpose of this policy, extracurricular classes is defined as school sponsored activities which are not an Arkansas Department of Education approved course counting toward graduation requirements or classes that have not been approved by the Arkansas Department of Education for academic credit. Such classes may include special interest, fine arts, technical, scholastic, intramural, and interscholastic opportunities.

Course Enrollment Outside of District

Enrollment and attendance in vocational-educational training courses, college courses, school work programs, and other department-sanctioned educational programs may be used to satisfy the student attendance requirement even if the programs are not located at the public schools. Attendance in such alternative programs must be pre-approved by the school’s administration. The district shall strive to assign students who have been dropped from a course of study or removed from a school work program job during the semester into another placement or course of study. In the instances where a subsequent placement is unable to be made, the district may grant a wavier for the student for the duration of the semester in which the placement is unable to be made.

In rare instances, students may be granted waivers from the mandatory attendance requirement if they would experience proven financial hardships if required to attend a full day of school. For the purpose of this policy, proven financial hardships is defined as harm or suffering caused by a student's inability to obtain or provide basic life necessities of food, clothing, and shelter for the student or the student's family. The superintendent shall have the authority to grant such a waiver, on a case-by-case basis, only when convinced the student meets the definition of proven financial hardships.

In any instance where a provision of a student’s Individual Education Plan (IEP) conflicts with a portion(s) of this policy, the IEP shall prevail.

4.61—SMART CORE CURRICULUM AND GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS FOR THE CLASS OF 2010 and ALL CLASSES THEREAFTER

All students are required to participate in the Smart Core curriculum unless their parents or guardians, or the students if they are 18 years of age or older, sign an Informed Consent Form to not participate. Those students not participating in the Smart Core curriculum will be required to fulfill the Core curriculum or the requirements of their IEP (when applicable) to be eligible for graduation. The signed Informed Consent Formshall be attached to the student’s permanent transcript. Informed Consent Forms are required to be signed prior to registering for seventh grade classes, or if enrolling in the district for seventh through twelfth grade classes. Counseling by trained personnel shall be available to students and their parents or legal guardians prior to the time they are required to sign the consent forms.

While there are similarities between the two curriculums, following the Core curriculum may not qualify students for some scholarships and admission to certain colleges could be jeopardized. Students initially choosing the Core curriculum may subsequently change to the Smart Core curriculum providing they would be able to complete the required course of study by the end of their senior year. Students wishing to change their choice of curriculums must consult with their counselor to determine the feasibility of changing.

This policy, the Smart Core curriculum, and the courses necessary for graduation shall be reviewed by staff, students, and parents at least every other year to determine if changes need to be made to better serve the needs of the district’s students. The superintendent, or his/her designee, shall select the composition of the review panel.

Sufficient information relating to Smart Core and the district’s graduation requirements shall be communicated to parents and students to ensure their informed understanding of each. This may be accomplished through any or all of the following means.

· Inclusion in the student handbook of the Smart Core curriculum and graduation requirements;

· Discussion of the Smart Core curriculum and graduation requirements at the school’s annual public meeting, PTA meetings, or a meeting held specifically for the purpose of informing the public on this matter;

· Discussions held by the school’s counselors with students and their parents; and/or

· Distribution of a newsletter(s) to parents or guardians of the district’s students.

The first year of this policy’s implementation all employees required to be certified as a condition of their employment shall receive training regarding this policy so that they will be able to help successfully implement it. In subsequent years, administrators, or their designees, shall train newly hired employees, required to be certified as a condition of their employment, regarding this policy. The district’s annual professional development shall include the training required by this paragraph.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

The number of units students must earn in grades nine through twelve (9-12) to be eligible for high school graduation is to be earned from the following categories. A minimum of 22 units is required for graduation for student participating in either the Smart Core or Core curriculum. There are some distinctions made

between Smart Core units and Graduation units. Not all units earned toward graduation necessarily apply to Smart Core requirements.

SMART CORE: Sixteen (16) units

English: four (4) units (years) – 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th

Oral Communications: one-half (1/2) unit (1/2 year)

Mathematics: four (4) units (years) (all students under Smart Core must take a mathematics course in grade 11 or 12 and complete Algebra II.)

· Algebra I or Algebra A & B* which may be taken in grades 7-8 or 8-9

· Geometry or Investigating Geometry or Geometry A & B* which may be taken in grades 8-9 or 9-10

*A two-year algebra equivalent or a two-year geometry equivalent may each be counted as two units of the four-unit requirement for the purpose of meeting the graduation requirement, but only serve as one unit each toward fulfilling the Smart Core requirement.

· Algebra II

· Choice of: Transitions to College Math, Pre-Calculus, Calculus, Trigonometry, Statistics, Computer Math, Algebra III, or an Advanced Placement math

(Comparable concurrent credit college courses may be substituted where applicable)

Natural Science: three (3) units (years) with lab experience chosen from

· Physical Science

· Biology or Applied Biology/Chemistry

· Chemistry

· Physics or Principles of Technology I & II or PIC Physics

Social Studies: three (3) units (years)

· Civics or Civics/American Government

· World History

· American History

Physical Education: one-half (1/2) unit (1/2 year)

Note: While one-half (1/2) unit is required for graduation, no more than one (1) unit may be applied toward fulfilling the necessary units to graduate.

Health and Safety: one-half (1/2) unit (1/2 year)

Fine Arts: one-half (1/2) unit (1/2 year)

CAREER FOCUS: - Six (6) units – at least two of the Career Focus units must be of the same foreign language.

reflect state curriculum frameworks through course sequencing and career course concentrations where appropriate.

The Smart Core and career focus units must total at least twenty-two (22) units⁸ to graduate.

CORE: Sixteen (16) units

English: four (4) units (years) – 9, 10, 11, and 12

Oral Communications: one-half (1/2) unit (1/2 year)

Mathematics: four (4) units (years)

· Algebra or its equivalent* - 1 unit

· Geometry or its equivalent* - 1 unit

· All math units must build on the base of algebra and geometry knowledge and skills.

· (Comparable concurrent credit college courses may be substituted where applicable)

*A two-year algebra equivalent or a two-year geometry equivalent may each be counted as two units of the four (4) unit requirement.

Science: three (3) units (years)

· at least one (1) unit of biology or its equivalent

· one (1) unit of a physical science

Social Studies: three (3) units (years)

· Civics or government, one-half (1/2) unit

· World history, one (1) unit

· U.S. history, one (1) unit

Physical Education: one-half (1/2) unit (1/2 year)

Note: While one-half (1/2) unit is required for graduation, no more than one (1) unit may be applied toward fulfilling the necessary units to graduate.

Health and Safety: one-half (1/2) unit (1/2 year)

Fine Arts: one-half (1/2) unit (1/2 year)

CAREER FOCUS: - Six (6) units

All career focus unit requirements shall be established through guidance and counseling based on the student’s contemplated work aspirations. Career focus courses shall conform to the curriculum policy of the district and reflect state curriculum frameworks through course sequencing and career course concentrations where appropriate.

The Core and career focus units must total at least twenty-two (22) units to graduate.

4.62—PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

The Pledge of Allegiance shall be recited during the first class period of each school day. Those students choosing to participate shall do so by facing the flag with their right hands over their hearts, or in an appropriate salute if in uniform, while reciting the Pledge. Students choosing not to participate shall be quiet while either standing or sitting at their desks.

Students shall not be compelled to recite the Pledge, but students who choose not to recite the Pledge shall not disrupt those students choosing to recite the Pledge.

Students choosing not to recite the Pledge shall not be subject to any comments, retaliation, or disciplinary action.

4.63— POSSESSION AND USE OF CELL PHONES, BEEPERS, ETC.

Use and misuse of cell phones has become a serious problem that threatens the ability of the district’s schools to properly and efficiently operate its education program. The school board believes it is necessary to restrict student use and possession of cell phones, other electronic communication devices, cameras, MP3 players, iPods, and other portable music devices so that the opportunity for learning in the district’s schools may be enhanced.

For the purpose of this policy, the use of a cell phone or other communication device includes any incoming call, text message, message waiting, or any other audible sound coming from the phone or device.

The student and/or the student’s parents or guardians expressly assume any risk associated with students owning or possessing technology equipment.

From the time of the first bell until after the last bell, students are forbidden from using cell phones, any paging device, beeper, or similar electronic communication devices. It is preferred that such devices be stored in the student’s locker or vehicle in a silent mode of operation. Exceptions may be made by the building principal or his/her designee for health or other compelling reasons.

From the time of the first bell until after the last bell, students are forbidden from having cameras, MP3 players, iPods, or any other portable music device. Such devices may be stored in the student’s locker or vehicle so long as they are in a silent mode of operation. Exceptions may be made by the building principal or his/her designee for health or other compelling reasons.

Before and after normal school hours, possession of cell phones, any paging device, beeper, or similar electronic communication devices, cameras, MP3 players, iPods, and other portable music devices is permitted on the school campus. The use of such devices at school sponsored functions outside the regular school day is permitted to the extent and within the limitations allowed by the event or activity the student is attending.

Students using or possessing, other than those devices properly stored in a locker or vehicle, cell phones or other portable music devices after the first bell and before the last bell shall have them confiscated. Confiscated cell phones and other electronic communication devices may be picked up at the school’s administration office by the student’s parents or guardians. Students have no right of privacy as to the content contained on any cell phones and other electronic communication devices that have been confiscated.

Students who use a school issued cell phones and/or computers for non-school purposes, except as permitted by the district’s Internet/computer use policy, shall be subject to discipline, up to and including suspension or expulsion.

4.64—VIDEO SURVEILLANCE

The board has a responsibility to maintain discipline, protect the safety, security, and welfare of its students, staff, and visitors while at the same time safeguarding district facilities, vehicles, and equipment. As part of fulfilling this responsibility, the board authorizes the use of video/audio surveillance cameras in any district building, on district property, and in district buses and vehicles. Video recorder placements shall be based on the presumption and belief that students, staff, and visitors have no reasonable expectation of privacy in areas or at events that occur in plain view of other students, staff, or visitors.

Signs shall be posted on campus buildings and in district vehicles to notify students, staff, and visitors that video cameras may be in use. Parents and students shall also be notified through the student handbook that cameras may be in use in school buildings, on school grounds and in school vehicles. Students will be held responsible for any violations of school discipline rules caught by the cameras.

The district shall retain copies of video recordings until they are erased which may be accomplished by either deletion or copying over with a new recording.

Videos containing evidence of a violation of student conduct rules and/or state or federal law shall be retained until the issue of the misconduct is no longer subject to review or appeal as determined by board policy or student handbook; any release or viewing of such records shall be in accordance with current law.

Students, who vandalize, damage, disable, or render inoperable surveillance cameras and equipment shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary action and referral to appropriate law enforcement authorities.