Student Handbook

USD 241

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Academic Honesty--------------------------------------------------------- 3-4
Academics---------------------------------------------------------------- 28-32
Class Membership, High School---------------------------------------30
Class Schedule/Student Load/Class Changes------------------------30
Completing Assignments, Grades 5-12--------------------------------28
Grading Scale, Grades K-8---------------------------------------------29
Grading Scale, Grades 9-12------------------------------------------- 30
Grading System/Report Cards------------------------------------------29
Graduation Ceremony---------------------------------------------------31
Graduation, Early--------------------------------------------------------31
Graduation Requirements-----------------------------------------------31
Independent Study--------------------------------------------------------30
National Honor Society--------------------------------------------------32
Scholastic Eligibility for Participation in Athletics &
Performing Groups, Grades 5-12------------------------------28-29
“Strive for Five”--------------------------------------------------------- 29
Student Aide---------------------------------------------------------------31
Accidents [See “Health Services” & “Insurance Information”]
Activities/Athletics------------------------------------------------------33-34
Behavior Code for Away Games & Activities------------------------33
Code of Conduct for Substance Abuse [From the Kansas
State High School Activities Assn.]----------------------------34-35
Concessions & Money-Making Projects------------------------------34
Letters----------------------------------------------------------------------36
Participation--------------------------------------------------------------33
Student Council-----------------------------------------------------------34
Transportation------------------------------------------------------------33
Athletic Events/Activities – School Sponsored----------------------17-18
Alcohol & Drugs [See “Discipline: Alcohol & Drugs”]
Asbestos Hazard Emergency Reponse Act (AHERA)------------------ 43
Attendance 1
Absences/Tardies----------------------------------------------------------1
“Excused” & “Unexcused”----------------------------------------------2
Illness-----------------------------------------------------------------------1
Leaving School During the Day----------------------------------------2

I.
Make-Up Work------------------------------------------------------------2
Philosophy & Policy------------------------------------------------------1
Bullying [See “Discipline: Hazing, Harassment/Intimidation/Bullying
/Menacing”]
Bus Regulations [See “Transportation: School Bus Regulations”]
Calendar-----------------------------------------------------------------------51
Cell Phones & Electronic Devices [See “Telephones”]
Crosswalk Safety--------------------------------------------------------------8
Dances [See “School Socials & Dances”]
Discipline 19
Alcohol & Drugs---------------------------------------------------------22
Alternative Behavior Plan----------------------------------------------20
Automobiles---------------------------------------------------------------22
Food & Drink-------------------------------------------------------------22
Hazing/Harassment/Intimidation/Bullying/Menacing--------------23
Initiation-------------------------------------------------------------------23
Male-Female Relationships-----------------------------------------22-23
Restitution-----------------------------------------------------------------21
Snowballing---------------------------------------------------------------23
Tobacco--------------------------------------------------------------------22
Discipline Plan----------------------------------------------------------20 A-C
Diseases, Communicable [See “Health Services: Communicable
Diseases”]
Dress Code 18-19
Drug Free Schools & Communities Act [See “Discipline: Alcohol
& Drugs”]
Eligibility for Activities [See “Academics: Scholastic Eligibility
For Participation in Athletics and Performing Groups—
Grades 5-12”]
Fire Drills-----------------------------------------------------------------37-38
Designated Exits & Safe Areas-------------------------------------37-38
Food Service Program--------------------------------------------------------6
Free & Reduced Meals 6
Grievance Procedures 43-44
Gymnasiums, Use and Care------------------------------------------------ 16
Harassment [See “Discipline: Hazing, Harassment/Intimidation/
Bullying/Menacing”]

II.
Health Services 10
Administration of Medications, State Guidelines--------------------11
Communicable Diseases-------------------------------------------------11
Human Sexuality & AIDS Education----------------------------------12
Injuries, Athletic &/or Physical Education---------------------------11
Medical Consent Authorization Form---------------------------------12
Physical Examinations--------------------------------------------------10
Homeless Student Regulations---------------------------------------------47
Coordinator-----------------------------------------------------------49-50
Enrollment/Placement-----------------------------------------------47-48
Records--------------------------------------------------------------------49
Services--------------------------------------------------------------------48
Transportation------------------------------------------------------------49
Hours, School [See “School Hours”]
Human Sexuality and AIDS Education [See “Health Services:
Human Sexuality and AIDS Education”]
Injuries [See “Health Services: Athletic and/or Physical
Education Injuries”]
Insurance Information 9
Voluntary Insurance------------------------------------------------------ 9
Intimidation [See “Discipline: Hazing/Harassment/Intimidation/
Bullying/ Menacing”]
Library Media Services 12
Locker Regulations, Grades 5-12 24-25
Medical Consent Authorization 12
Medicine at School, State Guidelines-------------------------------------11
Menacing [See “Discipline: Hazing/Harassment/Intimidation/
Bullying/Menacing”]
Nursing Services [See “Health Services”]
OCR VOC/ED Guidelines 42
Civil Rights Comprehensive Notifications for Wallace
County USD 241------------------------------------------------------42
Physical Exanminations-------------------------------------------------43
Written Permission Required---------------------------------------42-43
Physical Education & Recess Participation--------------------------------4
Playground Rules 8-9
Printing/Duplicating/Media—Copyright Rules--------------------------13
Privacy Policies [See “Student & Parent/Guardian Legal Rights”]
Property and Textbooks-------------------------------------------------16-17

III.
School Closings----------------------------------------------------------------5
School Hours --4
School Socials & Dances----------------------------------------------------37
School Song---------------------------------------------------------------Cover
Snowballing [See “Discipline: Snowballing”]
Special Education 39-40
Student & Parent/Guardian Legal Rights---------------------------------25
Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act of 1974--------------25-26
Marketing Information---------------------------------------------------27
Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment; Surveys: Parental
Inspection Rights-----------------------------------------------------26
Release of Information: FERPA Rights--------------------------27-28
Student Privacy Rights--------------------------------------------------25
Written Permission Required---------------------------------------26-27
Technology-Acceptable Use Policy---------------------------------------13
Telephone Use--------------------------------------------------------------5-6
Textbooks [See “Property & Textbooks: School Property”]
Title I Program 40-41
Annual Evaluation-------------------------------------------------------42
Parent Involvement Encouraged-----------------------------------40-41
Parental Participation, Activities to Enable--------------------------41
Scheduling for Parents’/Guardians/ Convenience------------------42
Tornado Drills 38
Designated Tornado Shelter Areas------------------------------------38
Transportation----------------------------------------------------------------- 7
School Bus Guests---------------------------------------------------------8
School Bus Regulations---------------------------------------------------7
Visiting School----------------------------------------------------------------5
Weapons 23
Weather, Bad [See “School Closings”]
Withdrawal from School 5

IV.

ATTENDANCE

PHILOSOPHY AND POLICY

Regular school attendance is very important to the learning process. Most of the concepts taught and learned build on each other, especially in reading and math. If a student does not master a basic skill, then it becomes increasingly difficult for him/her to learn the next skill.

ILLNESS

For the protection of all staff and students, it is requested that students not be sent to school when they are ill.
If a student has vomited prior to school, he/she should not be sent to school. If the student vomits at school and is sent home, the child should not return to school the remainder of the day. If a student is running a fever, even if no other symptoms are present, the child should be kept at home.

ABSENCES/TARDIES

Any absence from school, other than for illness, is discouraged.

Procedures for an Anticipated Absence:

Grades K-8: If an absence is anticipated students and parents/guardians are asked to notify the office (852.4267) and teacher(s) to determine what assignments need to be completed prior to and/or during the absence.

Grades 9-12: When an absence is anticipated students and parents/guardians are asked to notify the office (852.4240) and to request a “make-up report-admit” form, obtain assignments from teachers, and complete the assignments before the absence, if possible, or as the teacher(s) directs.

If the absence is unanticipated, parents are requested to notify the office by
9:00 AM the day of the absence. Written notes will be accepted if the note
accompanies the student on the first day of his/her return to school. Missing class without such notice is considered to be an absence without parent/guardian approval and school approval.

For record keeping purposes, students who arrive at school after 8:00 AM and before 9:30 AM will be counted tardy. Students arriving after 9:30 AM and before their scheduled lunch break will be counted absent one-half (1/2) day. Students will be counted absent one-half (1/2) day if they leave school after their scheduled lunch break and before 2:00 PM.
For each tardy recorded, students will need to make-up the class time missed with the classroom teacher, either before or after school.
Students arriving at school after 8:00 a.m. and leaving school prior to 3:20 p.m. are asked to sign in and/or out in the office.
Attendance in grades K-8 is taken during the first class period of the day. Grades 9-12 attendance is taken each class period.
[BOE Approved 7/04]

“EXCUSED” AND “UNEXCUSED”

All absences are “excused” or unexcused.” “Excused” absences are illness, disability caused by an accident, funerals, appointments, or other justifiable causes, as determined by the principal. If in doubt about how an absence will be classified, request a determination from the principal in advance. The student’s absence is “unexcused” if school official(s) and/or parent(s)/guardian(s) cannot verify in advance the student’s whereabouts. In such cases the student will be expected to make up the time missed.

LEAVING SCHOOL DURING THE DAY

Students are not to leave the school grounds during school time without permission. When parents personally take their student(s) from the classroom, they are requested to come to the office and sign out. In cases where the student will be expected to leave on his/her own, a note or telephone call from a parent is required. In case of illness, school personnel will notify the parents to pick up the student. Parents of all students must present a written request to the office if they wish for their student to leave school with another party.

MAKE-UP WORK

When a student knows he/she is going to be absent, the student should notify his/her teachers, obtain the assignments that will be missed, and complete and turn in the given assignments before the absence, if possible.

EARNING CREDIT

USD 241, by board policy, believes that no student should be absent more than nine (9) days in a semester unless there are extreme situations that are documented. In order to earn credit in a class a student may not have missed more than three (3) of these days “unexcused” without making up appropriate time. In-school suspensions ISS are not considered as absences. Out-of-school suspend-sions (OSS) are considered “unexcused” absences. Students will be allowed to make up all the work missed and to have the work checked, but will not be given credit for work missed during OSS time.
After a student has accumulated three (3) unexcused absences or a total of six excused absences in a semester, the student and/or his/her parent/guardian will meet with the principals or the school’s attendance committee, a standing com-
mittee consisting of the principal and three (3) teachers. The principal or the committee will advise the student and parent/guardian of the policy and the consequences that will result if the maximum number of absences is exceeded and appropriate time is not made up.
When a student has exceeded the maximum accumulation of three (3) unexcused absences, or a total of nine (9) absences in a semester, the student will immediately be placed on probation and written notice will be given to the student and parent/guardian. This probationary period will determine the status of the student and whether or not credit will be allowed at the end of the semester. Credit will be allowed if the missed attendance time over and above the nine (9) days in a timely manner, as determined by the principal after consultation with the parent.
In determining whether additional time is to be made up the attendance committee may give consideration to extreme medical or health problems that are fully documented or other extreme hardship situations that account for a substantial number of the absences.
The student and parent/guardian may appeal the decision of the attendance committee to the superintendent, or the Board of Education if the superintendent is also serving as the principal of the grade level of the student in question.
Absences will be considered on a class by class basis.

ACADEMIC HONESTY

Academic honesty is expected of all USD 241 students. Cheating, copying, plagiarism or other forms of academic dishonesty will result in disciplinary action. If cheating occurs, the teacher will take the assignment from the student, the student will receive a “zero” (“0”) for the assignment, and the assignment will be delivered to the parent/guardian along with an explanation (refer to #13 of the “Guidelines for Action in Consideration of Certain Types of Misbehavior” found on pages 20 A-C).

PHYSICAL EDUCATION and RECESS PARTICIPATION

A note or telephone call from a parent/guardian is required if a student is not to participate in physical education due to illness or injury. The student is expected to go to the physical education class and observe.
When a student is injured or recovering from illness, a note or telephone call from a parent/guardian is required in order for the student to stay in the classroom during recess.

SCHOOL HOURS

The internal daily schedule may change on occasion, but in general, the schedule is as follows:

1. At 7:00 AM the main front entrance doors will be open only for
students receiving tutoring services.
2. At 7:40 AM, breakfast will be served in the commons.
3. Beginning at 7:40 AM, supervision for students will be provided on
the playground.
4. At 7:40 AM, students may enter the school building and other
classrooms if they need to see their teachers for assistance, etc. The
gymnasium is not open to students before school.
5. At 7:55 AM, all students enter the building and report to classes.
Classes begin at 8:00 AM.
6. School is dismissed at 3:20 PM. Students who do not ride a bus or
are not engaged in extracurricular activities are requested to leave the
school grounds as soon as possible. The doors will be locked fifteen
(15) minutes after dismissal time.

Bus drivers will time the bus routes to arrive at school between 7:40 AM and 7:50 AM. If the bus arrives before 7:40 AM, the students will remain on the bus until 7:40 AM.

Playground supervision is not provided until 7:40 AM. Students are not expected in the building, unless prior arrangements have been made with a staff member.

SCHOOL CLOSINGS

If the administration decides that the weather is adverse enough to warrant a late start of cancellation of school, reports will be issued to KLBY, KGCR, KLOE/KKCI. and KXXX/KQLS. Generally, this decision is made no later than 6:00 AM. Parents and students are reminded to listen to these stations for school announcements during adverse weather.

WITHDRAWAL FROM SCHOOL

The office should be notified when it is necessary for a student to withdraw from school. The student and/or parent/guardian will be given a form to complete that must be signed by the student’s teacher(s), the librarian and the counselor. All fees and bills must be paid and school-owned books and equipment returned before the withdrawal is approved by the office.

VISITING SCHOOL

Parents are encouraged to visit their student’s classroom during the school year. It is recommended that visitation be made after the third week of the school year and before May 1.
All visitors are required to check in the office before visiting any classroom.
Non-USD 241 children and adults are not to visit in individual classrooms. Exceptions can only be considered by the principal.

TELEPHONE

The school telephones are for business purposes only. Students will not be called from classes to the telephone unless it is an important call from a parent/guardian. Messages will be taken and delivered to students when it can be done without interruption of the class.
If a teacher believes a student needs to use the telephone, the teacher will send a note to the office with the student giving permission to use the telephone.

Parents/guardians should feel free to contact the school staff concerning any manner dealing with their children and the school. If a parent/guardian wishes to contact a teacher or student by telephone, he/she is encouraged to call and leave a message for a return call at a convenient time when class will not be interrupted.

CELL PHONES/ELECTRONIC DEVICES

Cell phones/electronic devices are not allowed to be carried or displayed in the building during the school day. If parents deem it necessary for a student to carry a cell phone/electronic device, the phone/device must be kept in the student’s locker with the phone/device turned off once the student enters the building until the student leaves the building at 3:20 PM. Non-compliance with these guidelines will result in the phone/device being confiscated by school personnel, and the parents will be requested to secure the phone in the office. A repeat violation(s) of these guidelines during the school year will result in further disciplinary action.

FOOD SERVICE PROGRAM

A breakfast and hot lunch program is available for all students. These meals are served in the USD 241 commons area. A student may bring a lunch from home, but he/she will be expected to eat with his/her classmates in the commons.
Students are expected to learn and display proper etiquette and table manners. If a student is unwilling to sit at the table and behave in an appropriate manner, the student may be moved to another location to eat.
K-8 students will need to remain in the commons area during lunch period until their assigned dismissal time.
For a student to begin participation in the school lunch program at the start of each school year, he/she must have a paid lunch account prior to the first full day of classes. In other words, no charges will be allowed to start the school year.
[BOE Approved 7/04]

FREE AND REDUCED MEALS

USD 241 participates in the National School Lunch/Breakfast program. Parents/guardians are eligible to apply for free or reduced price meals through this program. Eligibility is based upon family income, and families are strongly encouraged to complete the application process. Application forms are available in the school office.
TRANSPORTATION

SCHOOL BUS REGULATIONS

Safety is the most important part of bus transportation. One of the components of a safe bus is the conduct of the students while riding the bus. Students riding the school bus must cooperate with the bus driver and obey the rules posted in the bus as follows:

1. Students should be on time. The bus cannot wait for those who are
tardy.
2. While waiting for the bus, students should not stand in the roadway.
3. Upon entering the bus, students should be seated promptly and
in their assigned seat.
4. Students should not extend any part of the body from the bus
window.
5. Students are not to load, unload, or move about inside the bus while
it is in motion.
6. Students should not throw wastepaper or other items on the floor or
from the bus windows.
7. Outside of ordinary conversation, classroom conduct is to be
observed on the bus. Any distraction to the bus driver is a safety
hazard.
8. Depart the bus in an orderly manner.
9. Each student is responsible for any damage he/she causes to the bus.
10. When leaving the bus, students should observe the directions of the
driver. If crossing the road, students should do so in front of the bus
after making sure the road is clear and the driver has signaled that it is safe to cross.
11. Students are prohibited from eating or drinking beverages on any bus
routes.
12. The drivers is in charge of the students and the bus. Students must
obey the driver promptly and follow the rules posted in the bus. The
privilege of riding the school bus may be denied if the student does
not cooperate.

These rules can be simplified so that students of all ages can remember them easily. These simplified rules are as follows:

1. Sit in your assigned seats and face the front.
2. Talk to your neighbor in a quiet voice.
3. Keep your hands to yourself and do not throw anything.
4. Listen and obey the driver.

SCHOOL BUS GUESTS

Students planning to ride a bus to or from school with another student must present a parent/guardian request to the principal, either written or by telephone, prior to the student entering the bus. Specific details will be provided with the parent request. Should the request not be provided to the principal so that the bus driver(s) can be notified in advance the student may be denied riding access. Further, USD 241 will not make additional transportation runs to accommodate bus overflow caused by guest riders or because of notification not being made prior to the route run.

CROSSWALK SAFETY

The crossing guard at the crosswalk on Main Street will be on duty from 7:40 AM to 8:00 AM. and from 3:15 PM to 3:35 PM in the afternoon. All students crossing Main Street are required to do so at the cross walk.
If parents/guardians deliver or pick up their students at school, they are requested to use the designated loading and unloading zones.
No pedestrian, student, adult or child, should walk between two (2) school buses when they are parked bumper to bumper, loading and/or unloading in the parking lot on the west side of the building.

PLAYGROUND RULES

In order to promote safety and prevent injuries on the playground, the following rules have been established:

1. No skates, skateboards, or roller blades.
2. No personal toys at recess.
3. No tackling or bodily contact.
4. One person in swing, swinging forward and backward, no twisting.
5. Do not walk up slides.
6. Do not use slides when they are slick or wet.
7. Ride the merry-go-round appropriately.
8. Do not leave playground without permission.
9. Observe playground boundaries for various age groups.

INSURANCE INFORMATION

The Board of Education provides an accident insurance plan for all students that may be injured during the school day. An additional insurance coverage for students who participate in school activities is also provided. The insurance covers injuries that result in treatment by licensed physician within sixty (60) days from the date of injury. Benefits are coordinated with family insurance. Complete written descriptions of the coverage are available in the office.
Written notice of claim must be given to the insurance company within ninety (90) days of the date of injury. It is important that injuries requiring medical attention be reported to the coach or sponsor and the office as soon as possible so that a proof of claim or an accident report form can be filed.
We have encountered difficulties in the past with expenses that result from student injuries. Although USD 241 makes every effort to ensure that all expenses are covered, parents need to be aware that there can be uncovered expenses arising from school accidents and/or injuries.
More specifically, any student coverage offered through USD 241 will only be a SECONDARY payer after the family insurance coverage has been the PRIMARY payer. Some situations/expenses may not be covered items with any
coverage. To reiterate, in cases of a loss, families SHOULD expect out-of-pocket expenses, regardless of their amount of insurance coverage.
[BOE Approved 7/03]

VOLUNTARY INSURANCE

A twenty-four (24)-hour coverage accident insurance plan and/or extended dental accident coverage plan may be purchased voluntarily. Enrollment forms and copies of the policy are available in the office.

HEALTH SERVICES

USD 241 contracts with the Wallace County Health Department for school health nurse services. The health department will schedule vision screening and hearing tests during the school year. If problems are detected, referral forms will be sent to parents encouraging further testing by a doctor.
School personnel will not give medicines, treatments, or make diagnosis. They do not give medication of any kind, including aspirin, cough syrup, or other “over-the-counter” drugs unless sent to school in the original container by the parent/guardian with a written permission form from a physician or dentist. School personnel will log date, time, and dosage when medication is given to a student.
For minor injuries, first-aid may be administered by school personnel.
Students who exhibit symptoms of illness should not be sent to school. School personnel reserve the right to determine whether or not a student will remain in school.
Students should not return to school until twenty-four (24) hours after fever has broken or twenty-four (24) hours after the last vomiting episode.
Parents/guardians are requested to provide the school with up-to-date emergency information, including medical alerts, telephone numbers, names and numbers of other persons to contact when a parent cannot be reached in case of injury, sickness, or other emergency.

PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS

Prior to the administration of any non-emergency, invasive physical examination or screening that is required as a condition of attendance, adminis-
tred by the school, scheduled by the school in advance and not necessary to protect the immediate health and safety of the student, the school shall provide parents with notice of the activity and provide parents/guardians with an pportunity to opt their student(s) out of the activity. This requirement does not apply to routine dental, hearing and vision screenings required under Kansas law.

STATE GUIDELINES FOR ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICATIONS

State guidelines for administering medication in Kansas schools are as follows:

1. A written request from the physician or dentist should accompany all medications to be administered in school, including “over-the-counter drugs” such as aspirin, Tylenol and cough medicine.
2. The original prescription container should accompany all medications. Please request two containers, one for home and one for school, from the pharmacist.
3. “Over-the-counter” medications should not be maintained on school
premises unless a prescription is provided along with parent/guardian
permission to administer.

ATHLETIC and/or PHYSICAL EDUCATION INJURIES

If a student has received an injury requiring medical attention, the student should present to the coach/teacher a written statement from a doctor releasing the student to participate before resuming practice or physical education.

COMMUNICABLE DISEASES

The following is taken from the Arkansas Classroom Handbook of Communicable Diseases, prepared by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment:
“No person afflicted with any infectious or contagious disease dangerous to the public health shall be admitted into any public, parochial, or private school, or licensed child care facility. It should be the duty of the parent or guardian and the principal or other person in charge of any public, parochial, or private school to exclude there from any child or other person affected with a disease suspected of being infectious or contagious until the expiration of the prescribed period of isolation or quarantine for the particular infectious or contagious disease.
“If the attending person licensed to practice medicine, surgery, or local health officer, finds upon examination that the person is not suffering from infectious or contagious disease, he may submit a certification to this effect to the school authority, and such person shall be readmitted to school or to the child care facility.”

MEDICAL CONSENT AUTHORIZATION FORM

This form, which is signed by the parent/guardian and notarized, accompanies a student on any school sponsored activity. The intent of the form is not for the school or school employees to assume medical responsibility for a student. Should a student become ill or be injured and require immediate medical attention and school personnel are not able to contact the parent, this form authorizes the school to seek medical attention for the student. Many doctors will not treat a child without the consent form.

HUMAN SEXUALITY AND AIDS EDUCATION

There are units in the science and health curriculums that provide age-appropriate instruction for students concerning human sexuality and AIDS. Parents/guardians are invited to preview these units. Parents/guardians may “opt out” their students from these units of instruction by contacting the school office and completing the necessary “opt out” form.

LIBRARY MEDIA SERVICES

It costs several dollars to replace a library book. To replace lost books and help preserve others, students and parents/guardians are requested to comply with the following:

1. Students who lose or carelessly damage books are expected to pay for
the books.
2. Using a plastic bag to carry library books to and from home helps
protect books from damage.
3. It will help if your student is reminded to:
a. Have clean hands when handling books.
b. Put library books up high so smaller children and pets
cannot get to the books.
c. Use bookmarks instead of bending corners or laying the
open book on its pages.
d. Turn pages from the top right hand corner.
e. Return overdue books immediately whenever you come
across them.
Books may be checked out for only one week, but may be rechecked as often as necessary.
TECHNOLOGY - ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY

All persons (students, staff, and district patrons) who utilize district-owned technology shall agree to the policy, terms, and conditions of use as outlined in the USD 241 Technology Handbook for Students, Staff, and District Patrons by signing the acceptable use agreement at the beginning of each school year. Use of any district-owned technology may be restricted until the acceptable use a agreement is on file with the district office.
The complete USD 241 Technology Handbook for Students, Staff, and District Patrons will be available during the enrollment process in August and/or at the staff inservice meetings prior to the start of the new school year in August.
[BOE Approved 7/04]

PRINTING/DUPLICATING/MEDIA—COPYRIGHT RULES

COPYRIGHT RULES and “FAIR USE” REGULATIONS

In accordance with school board policy ECH, the following regulations will be observed to comply with the copyright laws of the United States.
Under the “fair use” doctrine, unauthorized reproduction of copyrighted materials is permissible for such purposes as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship or research. If duplicating or altering a product is to fall within the bounds of fair use, these four standards must be met for any of the purposes:

The Purpose and Character of the Use

The use must be for such purposes as teaching or scholarship and must be nonprofit. Fair use would probably allow teachers acting on their own to copy small portions of work for the classroom but would not allow a school system or an institution to do so.

The Nature of the Copyrighted Work

Copying portions of a news article may fall under fair use but not copying from a workbook designed for a course of study.

The Amount and Substantiality of the Portion Used

Copying the whole of a work cannot be considered fair use; copying a small portion may be. At the same time, however, extracting a short sequence from a 16mm film may be far different from a short excerpt from a textbook, because two or three (3) minutes out of a twenty (20)-minute film might be the very essence of that production and thus outside fair use. Under normal circumstances, extracting small amounts out of an entire work would be fair use, but a quantitative test alone does not suffice.

The Effect of the Use Upon the Potential Market for or
Value of the Copyrighted Work

If resulting economic loss to the copyright holder can be shown, even making a single copy of certain materials is an infringement, and making multiple copies can result in greater penalties.

Prohibited Practice

No one may make multiple copies of a work for classroom use if it has already been copied for another class in the same institution; make multiple copies of a short poem, article, story, or essay from the same author more than once in a class term or make multiple copies from the same collective work or periodical issue more than three (3) times a term; make multiple copies of works more than nine (9) times in the same class term; make a copy of works to take the place of an anthology; and may not make a copy of “consumable” materials, such as workbooks.

Permitted Practice

A teacher may make—for use in scholarly research, in teaching or in preparation for teaching a class—a single copy of the following: a chapter from a book; an article from a periodical or newspaper; a short story, short essay or short poem (whether or not from a collected work); a chart, graph, diagram, drawing, cartoons or picture from a book, periodical or newspaper; may make (for classroom use only and not to exceed one per student in a class) multiple copies of the following: a complete poem (if it has fewer than two hundred fifty [250] words and is printed on not more than two [2] pages), an excerpt from a prose work (if the excerpt has fewer than one thousand (1,000) words or ten (10) percent of the work, whichever is less) and one chart, graph, diagram, cartoon or picture per book or periodical.
A library may, for interlibrary-loan purposes, make up to six (6) copies a year of a periodical published within the last five (5) years, make up to six (6) copies a year of small excerpts from longer works, make copies of unpublished
works for purposes of preservation and security and make copies of out-of-print works that cannot be obtained at a fair price.

Guidelines for Off-Air Recording of Broadcast
Programming for Education Purposes

A broadcast program may be recorded off-air simultaneously with broadcast transmission (including simultaneous cable retransmission) and retained for a period not to exceed the first forty-five (45) consecutive calendar days after date of recording. Upon conclusion of such retention period, all off-air recordings must be erased or destroyed immediately.
Off-air recordings may be used once by individual teachers in the course of relevant teaching activities and repeated once, only when instructional reinforcement is necessary, in classrooms and similar places devoted to instruction within a single building, cluster or campus, as well as in the homes of students receiving formalized home instruction, during the first ten (10) consecutive school days in the forty-five (45) calendar day retention period. “School days” are school session days--not counting weekends, holidays, vacations, examination periods or other scheduled interruptions--within the forty-five (45) calendar day retention period.
Off-air recordings may be made only at the request of and used by individual teachers and may not be regularly recorded in anticipation of requests. No broadcast program may be recorded off-air more than once at the request of the same teacher, regardless of the number of times the program may be broadcast.
A limited number of copies may be reproduced from each off-air recording to meet the legitimate needs of teachers under these guidelines. Each such additional copy shall be subject to all provisions governing the original recordings.
After the first ten (10) consecutive school days, off-air recordings may be used up to the end of the forty-five (45) calendar day retention period only for evaluation purposes by the teacher, i.e., to determine whether or not to include the broad-cast program in the teaching curriculum. They may not be used for student exhibition or any other non-evaluation purpose without authorization.

Off-air recordings need not be used in their entirety, but the recorded programs may not be altered from their original content. Off-air recordings may not be physically or electronically combined or merged to constitute teaching anthologies or compilations.
All copies of off-air recordings must include the copyright notice on the broadcast programs as recorded.

Computer Software

District employees may make a back-up copy of computer programs as permitted by current Federal Law. Back-up copies may be used for archival purposes only and all archival copies shall be destroyed in the event that continued possession of the computer program should cease to be rightful.
When software is used on a disk-sharing system, efforts shall be made to secure this software from copying.
Illegal copies of copyrighted programs shall not be made or used on school equipment.
[BOE Approved 7/03]

GYMNASIUMS— USE AND CARE

The gymnasium floors, because they are wood, require special consideration for use and care. The following guidelines have been developed for the use and care of the gym floor:

1. Wear approved indoor gym shoes only.
2. Rollerblades, skates, or similar equipment are not allowed.
3. Walk outside the boundary lines at games, assemblies, and pep rallies.
4. Hanging on baskets is not allowed.
5. Throwing balls at the ceiling, lights or persons is not allowed.
6. Food and drink are not allowed on gym floor.

PROPERTY AND TEXTBOOKS

SCHOOL PROPERTY

School property (textbooks, desks, lockers, tools, etc.) is public property and is not to be defaced or marred in any way. In cases of willful damage of property, full payment will be expected. Student textbooks are provided by the school district.
However, damaged or lost textbooks must be paid for by the student and parent as follows: new book, one hundred (100) percent of cost of new book; two-three (2-3) years old, seventy-five (75) percent of cost of new book; four (4) years and older, fifty (50) percent of cost of new book

PERSONAL PROPERTY

All personal property, including jackets, tennis shoes, etc., should be marked with the owner’s name. Students often leave things at school and is difficult to find the owner if there is no name. Physical education shoes often look alike, so having the student’s name in them helps avoid confusion. A lost and found box is maintained for items whose owners cannot be identified.

ATHLETIC EVENTS/ACTIVITIES—SCHOOL SPONSORED

One of the privileges that comes with being a student in USD 241 is being able to attend home games without having to pay admission. Along with this privilege comes responsibility of proper behavior. The primary responsibility for a student’s behavior at games rests with parents/guardians. School personnel will intervene as necessary. Some guidelines have been established as follows:

1. At football games, unauthorized personnel shall not be along
sidelines or team box. Due to the danger and disruption
created, students should be discouraged from playing games
in the parking areas and sidelines.
2. At basketball games, a designated section where grade school
students may sit will be established. Students, wherever they
sit, are expected to be orderly and not disruptive to others
around them.
3. Once a student is in attendance at a school-sponsored activity, the expectation is that the student will remain at the activity until it is completed. If the student does leave prior to the activity being completed, he/she will be expected to pay admission price to return.
Students will be excused if they leave and return with a parent.
4. Students are not to loiter and/or run in the hallway, restroom, or concession area during an activity.

In accordance with district rules and “Rule 52” of the Kansas State High School Activities Association, students are expected to display good sportsmanship and show respect for opponents and officials.

DRESS CODE

The appearance and dress of an individual or group influences attitude and behavior, thus affecting the learning environment. Simplicity and cleanliness are the basic qualities for proper school dress. The following dress code will apply for SES students during school and at school activities:
Clothing is to be neat and clean. Examples of inappropriate clothing would include, but not be limited to, clothes that are revealing, cut off, have lewd, suggestive or double-meaning sayings, display tobacco, alcohol, or illegal drug products, display disrespect, or display gang paraphernalia.
Remember: “Appropriateness” questions seldom arise when clothing is worn as intended by its design. The student, the parent and the school must share the responsibility for appropriate dress and grooming to reduce points of conflict as to what is accepted by the student, the parent and the school. School authorities reserve the right to counsel students in matters of dress and grooming. If a student has a question as to what might be considered “appropriate dress,” he/she should ask the Principal in advance of wearing the clothing in question!
Students wearing the following will be required to change before continuing classes.

1. Sleeveless blouses, and/or tops, for females only will be allowed. They must have a strap width of at least three (3) inches and have a factory hemmed sleeve covering the shoulder. Separate straps must stay at least 3” together. A blouse or dress must also meet these guidelines. Sleeves should be snug fitting and no undergarments may be showing with any sleeveless clothing.
2. Hats or caps inside the building and/or at school sponsored activities (home/away).
3. Shirts or tee shirts with vulgar or suggestive words or pictures or which advertise alcoholic beverages. This includes sexual pictures and wording. (i.e. Big Johnson or Coed Naked shirts.) No clothing is allowed that contains references to alcohol or tobacco companies.
4. Shirts which expose the bare midriff or revealing low cut shirts or blouses (lingerie style).

5. Going barefoot. (Sandals or other footwear must be worn at all times.)
6. Sunglasses in the building unless specified by a doctor.
7. See-through shorts, or shorts with holes. Shorts must be dress style shorts, or team style shorts, and reach the middle of the thigh, approximately five (5)” inseam. Denim style shorts will be allowed if they are hemmed and the appropriate length. (No PE style shorts.)
8. Cut off jeans, pajama style clothing, soiled jeans, and jeans
with holes or rips are not allowed. Sweat pants must have factory hem or clean cut bottom on legs.

Students whose clothing or appearance is questionable will be referred to the office. The first referral will warrant changing the clothing item. A second referral will warrant not being allowed to wear shorts or sleeveless tops the remainder of the semester, in addition to changing the clothing item at the time of
the referral. The principal will make the final decision on whether the student is dressed appropriately.
[BOE Approved 7/05]

DISCIPLINE

Wallace County USD No. 241 is committed to providing its students with a quality educational program. This requires that the school environment be free of disruptions and distractions which interfere with teaching and learning activities.
The district sets expectations for appropriate behaviors that contribute in a positive way. The district believes that every student has the right to learn, every teacher has the right to teach, and all staff and students have the right to be safe.
Basic expectations for student behavior are:

1. Be courteous and use quiet voices;
2. Do not touch others;
3. Respect the rights and property of others;
4. Respect and obey all adults;
5. Respect all fellow students.

General school rules for the K-8 level are as follows:

1. Students are to be in their assigned classrooms and seats with
necessary materials when the tardy bell rings.
2. Students are to walk, not run, in the school building.
3. Food and drink are prohibited during the school day in hallways,
classrooms, library, and lockers. (Exception: classroom parties, etc.)
Vending machines in high school are not available for use by grade
school students.
4. The high school area is off-limits to grade school students during
the school day unless they are passing to a classroom, the library,
auditorium, or commons for specified reason such as class, breakfast,
or lunch.

ALTERNATIVE BEHAVIOR PLAN

Students in the 7th & 8th grades will follow the same behavior plan as the high school (refer to the “Guidelines for Action in Consideration of Certain Types of Misbehavior” found on pages 20 A-C).
Steps involved in the plan:

1. Teachers will try multiple classroom management techniques before
sending students from the classroom. When students are sent out they will come to the office for at least the remainder of the class period.
2. Students are allowed to return to their original classroom the following day if they are ready to come back to learn.
3. Any graded work a student misses will be given a “0.”
4. When a student is sent from the room, he/she will fill out the time left the room on a slip of paper and this will be brought to the office. If the student does not show up in the office, he/she may be given a discipline referral and sent home.
5. If a student is sent home, he/she will be required to make up all the time missed with service to the school, or the community, for the amount of hours they are gone from school. This time will be made up before or after school, on week-ends, or days when students are not in school but the school is open.
6. Students must meet with their teacher(s) before or after school, at a time convenient for the teacher, and work out a solution satisfactory to both parties, so they are ready to come back and learn. Saying “I’m sorry” is not enough.
7. We will encourage the teacher to make an appointment with the parents, student, and/or principal, to discuss problems should they occur.
8. Some actions such as cheating, fighting, illegal, immoral, or harmful
acts to others are automatic referrals and students may be sent home
immediately. Parents will be contacted before a student is sent home,
and will be required to meet with the principal before being allowed
to go back to class. If parents cannot be contacted, students will stay
at school in the office until school is out.
9. Our goal is to teach students to control their own behaviors and be
responsible for their actions.

Students in Kindergarten through 6th grade:

1. Teachers will use various management strategies in the classroom
to persuade students to act appropriately.
2. If the teacher feels the student is not ready to learn and/or has not
stopped the inappropriate behavior, the student will be sent to another
teacher’s room or to the office. The teacher will send a form to be completed by the student . On this form will be an area for the student to come up with a solution to his/her inappropriate behavior or what they might do to prevent this from happening in the future. The student may return to class when he/she is ready to learn.
3. The teacher and/or principal may contact the parents if the
inappropriate behavior is repeated.
4. The principal will handle actions such as cheating, fighting,
illegal, immoral, or harmful acts. Parents will be contacted and the
student may be sent home. The duration of time spent away from school will depend upon the severity of the infraction. If parents can not be contacted, students will stay at school in the office until school is out.

RESTITUTION

Where an offense at any level involves a readily demonstrable monetary loss to the school district or staff the district may seek restitution as part of the disciplinary actions to be taken.
Depending on the severity of the behavior problem of the student, one (1) or more of the aforementioned actions in any relevant part of the discipline plan may be taken by school officials. Disciplining actions to be taken are intended to be progressive; however, occasionally the nature of the offense may be so disruptive that each successive step, as determined by the principal, may not be required.

AUTOMOBILES

Driving or riding in a private, non-school motor vehicle during school hours is prohibited unless the student has been granted permission through the office to leave school. Students are not to be in or about motor vehicles when school is in session or during the lunch period.

TOBACCO

Student use or display of tobacco in any form at any time on the school grounds, in the buildings or at school functions anywhere is prohibited.

ALCOHOL and DRUGS

The unlawful possession, use, sale or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students on school premises or as a part of any school activity is prohibited. This policy is required by the 1989 amendments to the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act, P.L. 102-226, 103 St. 1928.
As a condition of continued enrollment in the district students shall abide by the terms of this policy. Students shall not unlawfully manufacture, sell, distribute, dispense, possess or use illicit drugs, controlled substances or alcoholic beverages on school district property or at any school-sponsored activity (home/away). Any student violating the terms of this policy will be reported to the appropriate law enforcement officials and will be subject to the sanctions listed herein and in USD 241 Board Policy JDDA.

FOOD and DRINK

Food or drink in classrooms and the library without administrative approval is prohibited. Food is not to leave the cafeteria. Exception: concessions. Vending machines will be open certain times during the school day and closed the remaining time.
Only clear bottles with water only will be allowed in the classroom.

MALE-FEMALE RELATIONSHIPS

The existence of romantic relationships between young men and young women is an accepted fact. However, most displays of public affection are considered inappropriate on the school grounds, in the buildings or at school
functions. As a guideline, holding hands would be considered appropriate; walking arm-in-arm, romantic touching, hugging, kissing or other actions would be considered inappropriate.

HAZING, HARASSMENT/INTIMIDATION/BULLYING/MENACING

The board is committed to providing a positive and productive learning and working environment. Hazing, harassment, intimidation, menacing or bullying by students, staff or third parties is strictly prohibited and shall not be tolerated in the district.
Students whose behavior is found to be in violation of this policy will be subject to discipline, up to and including expulsion. Staff whose behavior is found to be in violation of this policy will be subject to discipline, up to and including dismissal. Third parties whose behavior is found to be in violation of this policy shall be subject to appropriate sanctions as determined and imposed by the superintendent or board.
Individuals may also be referred to law enforcement officials. (See Board Policy JDD)

INITIATION

Any act of initiation is prohibited, both by the Board of Education and Kansas law. (See K.S.A. 21-3434)

SNOWBALLING

Because of the possibility of personal injury and/or damage to property, making and throwing snowballs on the school grounds is prohibited.

WEAPONS

A student shall not knowingly possess, handle or transport any object that can reasonably be considered a weapon (i.e. pocket knives - see complete list detail USD 241 BOE Policy JCDBB) at school, on school property or at a school sponsored event. This shall include any weapon, any item being used as a weapon or destructive device, or any facsimile of a weapon.
WARNING: Possession of a weapon or firearm as defined by federal
and state law will result in a full one hundred eighty-six (186) school-day expulsion as required by federal and state law.
DRUG FREE SCHOOLS AND COMMUNITITES ACT

The unlawful possession, use, sale or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students on school premises or as a part of any school activity is prohibited. This policy is required by the 1989 amendments to the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act, P.L. 102-226, 103 St. 1928.
As a condition of continued enrollment in the district, students shall abide by the terms of this policy. Students shall not unlawfully manufacture, sell, distribute, dispense, possess or use illicit drugs, controlled substances or alcoholic beverages on school district property, or at any school-sponsored activity (home/away). Any student violating the terms of this policy will be reported to the appropriate law enforcement officials, and will be subject to the sanctions listed in USD 241 BOE Policy JDDA-R, effective July 2005.

LOCKER REGULATIONS
GRADES 5-12

1. Lockers are the property of the school district. Students are only using
them. Students should not put anything in their lockers they would not
want a teacher of the Principal to see.
2. Students may not place tags, magnets, or other items on the outside of their lockers. On special occasions, cheerleaders may place items on lockers.
3. Students may place items (pictures, magnets, etc.) inside their lockers as long as the items can be removed and do not stick to the lockers permanently.
4. Locker caddies, shelves, etc., may be placed in the lockers as long as they do not scratch or mar the lockers in any way.
5. Any printed material or pictures must be appropriate, i.e., in good taste, not vulgar, offensive, or derogatory to others.
6. If any student has a question about whether some items can be placed in locker, please ask a teacher or the principal for guidance.
7. Students should be careful not to “stuff” their lockers. If the door has to be “forced” shut, then too many items are in the locker or the items are arranged improperly. Proper organization will protect books, personal item, and the locker itself.
8. Students are required to place locks on their gym lockers. School locks are provided and students are expected to use a school lock. If a student does not return his/her lock, a $5 replacement fee will be assessed.

9. The school is not responsible for lost or stolen items. Do not place valuable items such as jewelry, money, etc., in an unlocked locker.

STUDENT and PARENT/GUARDIAN LEGAL RIGHTS

STUDENT PRIVACY RIGHTS

District employees may have ongoing opportunities to access confidential information or records that are required to be kept confidential. Much of the student information processed by district employees is confidential and state and federal law limits its release; for example, driver record and vehicle registration information, confidential student records, criminal history background check information, information obtained pursuant to Social and Rehabilitation Services
(SRS) interventions, social security number information and professional misconduct background checks.
Employees are prohibited from divulging information contained in the student records and files of the district, except to other authorized employees who may need such information for an educational purpose in connection with their duties and to authorized persons or agencies only in accordance with law, district policies and administrative rules.
If an employee is approached to provide information inappropriately the employee must refuse to release the requested information unless authorized by his/her supervisor or otherwise be required to release the information under law or court order. In all cases the employee’s immediate supervisor shall immediately be informed of any requests.
Any employee who inappropriately releases information or uses confidential information obtained in the course of his/her employment with the district will be disciplined in accordance with board policies, the negotiated agreement and district procedures. Disciplinary action may include penalties, up to and including termination. (See Board Policies GBU and JRB)

FAMILY EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS and PRIVACY ACT of 1974

Schools may make directory information available without parent/guardian or student consent, according to this Act. Schools must give public notice of categories of information designated as directory information with respect to each student. Directory information includes the following:

• The student’s name, address, telephone number and
date of birth;
• The student’s major field of study;
• The student’s participation in officially recognized
activities and sports;
• The weight and height of members of athletic teams;
• Dates of attendance;
• The most recent educational agency or institution
attended by the student;
• School publications such as student newspapers and
yearbooks.

If any parent/guardian objects to the school releasing any of the aforementioned information without the parent’s/guardian’s prior consent, the parent/guardian should inform the school by letter or telephone by September 1 of the current year.

PROTECTION of PUPIL RIGHTS AMENDMENT
SURVEYS: PARENTAL INSPECTION RIGHTS

Parents/guardians shall have the right to inspect any survey created by a third party before it is administered or distributed to students in the school. Prior to distribution parents shall have the right to inspect any survey that seeks information about: political affiliations or beliefs of the student or the student’s parent/guardian, mental or psychological problems of the student or the student’s family, sex behavior or attitudes, illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating or demeaning behavior, critical appraisals of other individuals with whom respon-
dents have close family relationships, legally recognized privileged or analogous
relationships (such as those of lawyers, physicians and ministers), religious practices, affiliations or beliefs of the student or student’s parent/guardian, or income (other than that required by law to determine eligibility for participation in a program or for receiving financial assistance under such program).

WRITTEN PERMISSION REQUIRED

If such survey is funded in whole or in part by federal funds, a survey that seeks the above information shall not be administered without the express written consent of the parent/guardian. If the survey is not federally funded parents/
guardians must be given direct notification of the survey through U.S. mail or
e-mail and provided with an opportunity to opt the student out of the survey. If the survey is part of the curriculum, parents shall have the right to inspect any instructional materials used in conjunction with the survey.

MARKETING INFORMATION

If the school collects, discloses or uses personal information from students for the purpose of marketing or selling that information, parents shall have a right to inspect any instrument used for the collection of such information before it is administered or distributed to students in school. With publication and distribution of this handbook to USD 241 parents/guardians and students such activities are noticed. Parents/guardians will notify the USD 241 office on or before September 1 of each school year if they do not what their student(s) to participate in the activities. The requirements concerning activities involving the collection and disclosure of personal information from students for marketing purposes do not apply to the collection, disclosure or use of personal information collected from students for the exclusive purpose of developing, evaluating or providing educational products or services for or to students or educational institutions such as the following:

1. College or other postsecondary education recruitment, or
military recruitment;
2. Book clubs, magazines and programs providing access to
low-cost literary products;
3. Curriculum and instructional materials used by elementary
schools and secondary schools;
4. Test and assessments used by elementary schools and
secondary schools to provide cognitive, evaluative, diagnostic,
clinical, aptitude or achievement information about students;
5. The sale by students of products or services to raise funds
for school-related or education-related activities; or
6. Student recognition programs.

RELEASE of INFORMATION: FERPA RIGHTS

Unless the information collected from students is designated as directory information, no information gathered about students shall be released to third

parties without the express written consent of the parent/guardian or eligible student. (See Board Policy JRB)
[BOE Approved 7/03]

ACADEMICS

COMPLETING ASSIGNMENTS—GRADES 5-12

It is expected that students will report to class ready to learn. This includes bringing paper, pencils, books, and assignments. In grades 5-12, assignments not turned in when due will receive a “zero” (“0”) grade, unless extraordinary circumstances exist. Students who are absent due to illness or other unforeseen circumstances will be allowed additional time to complete make-up work, at least one (1) day for each day missed or longer, as determined by the teacher. If students turn in assignments that have not been completed, a grade/points reduction and/or penalty may occur.
Teachers are available in their classrooms by 7:40 AM for students seeking additional academic assistance. Other times, either before or after school, may be mutually scheduled by the student and teacher. Students are encouraged to seek the assistance they need from staff members to ensure academic success.
subject to the loss of credit for the work in question, as well as other disciplinary measures up to and including suspension or expulsion. (See Board Policies GAA and ECH)

SCHOLASTIC ELIGIBILITY FOR PARTICIPATION IN ATHLETICS AND PERFORMING GROUPS—GRADES 5-12

In order to be eligible, a student must pass all classes and maintain a C- (2.0) grade point average. Grades are cumulative from the first grading period of the school year to the completion of that semester and will be checked weekly by the principal or designated representative. If a student’s grade point average falls below a C- (2.0), that student will be ineligible for the following week or until the average is a C- (2.0) or above. Eligibility will start over at the beginning of the second semester. A three (3) week grace period will be allowed at the beginning of the first and second semesters.
Progress reports will be sent out on a weekly basis for students who have a D or F.
Eligibility will be determined on a weekly basis. Ineligibility status will be from Monday to Monday.
“Performing Groups” include all activities/events that occur outside and/or in addition to the regularly-scheduled school day/class period. This would include, but not limited to, school-sponsored dances, music group concerts/
contests, field trips, art shows, scholar’s bowl, etc.
[BOE Approved 7/04]

GRADING SYSTEM/REPORT CARDS

The grading system will be “A” for “Superior,” “B” for “Above Average,” “C” for “Average,” “D” for “Below Average,” “F” for “Failing” and “I” for “Incomplete.”
Report cards will be issued in timely manner, generally the Friday after the close of the marking period. Final report cards will be mailed to parents/guardians as soon as grades are verified, usually about a week after the close of school.
All bills must be paid before final grade cards will be mailed. Progress reports will be mailed to parents any time between grading periods for students who need or merit special attention.

“STRIVE FOR FIVE”

Students that improve their grade point averages by “.5” will be recognized.

GRADING SCALE—GRADES K-8

A+ = 100
A = 95-99
A- = 90-94
B+ = 87-89
B = 83-86
B- = 80-82
C+ = 77-79
C = 73-76
C- = 70-72
D+ = 67-69
D = 63-66
D- = 60-62
F = 59-below

GRADING SCALE—GRADES 9-12

A+ 100 C+ 77-79
A A 95-99 C C 73-76
A- 90-94 C- 70-72

B+ 87-89 D+ 67-69
B B 83-86 D D 63-66
B- 80-82 D- 60-62

F 59 & Below

HIGH SCHOOL CLASS MEMBERSHIP

In order to determine class membership students will be classified as follows, with classification being determined at the beginning of the fall semester:

Freshman: 0-5 Units of Credit Earned
Sophomore: 6-10 Units of Credit Earned
Junior: 11-15 Units of Credit Earned
Senior: 16 or More Units of Credit Earned

CLASS SCHEDULE/STUDENT LOAD/CLASS CHANGES

All high school students are required to enroll in a minimum of six (6) classes and one (1) study hall. Schedule changes may be made during the first three (3) days of the class. Students changing out of year-long classes at the semester will not receive credit for that semester.

INDEPENDENT STUDY

Students who wish to pursue a course beyond those offered on the class schedule will be allowed to do so through independent study arranged by the student with the teacher involved and with the approval of the principal. If a student does not complete the independent study class he/she will be required to reimburse the school district for the cost of the class if the school district covered the initial cost.

STUDENT AIDE

Senior students may serve as a student aide one (1) period per day provided they meet the qualifications and are accepted into the program. A complete description of the student aide program is available in the office. One (1) unit of credit will be awarded for the student who successfully completes the student aide requirements. Letter grades will not be given. A “P” for “pass” or an “F” for “fail” will be recorded on the student grade card. A “P” or “F” will not be included in the student’s GPA. Seniors may not be an aide and have a study hall the same year.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

The following courses and units must be passed by USD 241 high school students for graduation: English—four (4) Units, Social Studies—three (3) Units [including American History and American Government], Science—two (2) Units
[Beginning with the Class of 2009 will be three (3) Units], Mathematics—two (2)
Units [Beginning with the Class of 2009 will be three (3) Units, Health & Physical
Education—one (1) Unit and Computer Literacy—one (1) Unit. A total of twenty-four (24) Units will be required for graduation.

EARLY GRADUATION

Board of education policy permits early graduation. If a student graduates early all the student’s school activities cease when the student leaves school.
The diploma of an early graduate will be dated the date of the first commencement ceremony following the completion of graduation requirements. The student’s picture may appear on the class panel. Early graduates may participate in the first commencement ceremony following the completion of graduation requirements.

GRADUATION CEREMONY

The graduation ceremony is an auspicious occasion honoring those students who have completed the requirements for graduation. If a senior has not completed the twenty-four (24) required credits by the end of the fourth nine-weeks, he/she will not be permitted to take part in the high school graduation ceremony. Students will be allowed to finish requirements for graduation on a part- or full-time basis the next year and will receive a diploma when they have completed graduation requirements. They will not take part in graduation exercises following the completion of their requirements.

NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY—GRADES 9-12

National Honor Society Selection Process:

1. Candidate must have a cumulative grade point average (PGA) of
3.25 or better;
2. Candidate must exhibit qualities of leadership;
3. Candidate must exhibit examples of community service; and
4. Candidate must exhibit qualities of character development in the
following areas:
A. Takes criticism willingly and accepts recommendations
graciously;
B. Constantly exemplifies desirable qualities of personality
(cheerfulness, friendliness, poise and stability);
C. Upholds principles of morality and ethics;
D. Cooperates by complying with school regulations con-
cerning property, programs, office, halls, etc.;
E. Demonstrates highest standards of honesty and reliability;
F. Shows courtesy, concern and respect for others;
G. Observes instructions and rules, punctuality and faithfulness
in obligations both inside and outside of the classroom;
H. Has powers of concentration and sustained attention as shown
by perseverance and applications to studies;
I. Manifests truthfulness in acknowledging obedience of rules,
avoding cheating in written work, and showing unwillingness
to profit by mistakes of others;
J. Actively helps to rid the school of bad influences or
environment;
K. No record of skipping classes or of knowingly violating school
Regulations. No record of civil offenses within the community.

ACTIVITIES/ATHLETICS

PARTICIPATION

In order to participate in an extracurricular activity, a student must have been in school for at least one-half (1/2) of the school day involved, the half immediately before the activity. The lunch period is considered the dividing point. School sponsored activities, funerals, and prescheduled appointments are considered as being in school. Weekend activities are based on attendance of the previous school day. Activities that require leaving the school before school starts will be based on the attendance of the previous school day.
If a student is present at school on a practice day, he/she is expected to be at practice that day. If a student cannot be at practice, he/she should clear it with the coach before practice.
Since there is no perfect system for every circumstance and since not every possible in- or out-of-school activity can be listed, the principal will, on a case-by-case basis, have the authority to determine what is an “authorized activity” under this policy. In every case all such requests must be approved in advance by the principal.

TRANSPORTATION

Transportation will be provided by the district for all extra-class activities. (See Board Policy JGG)

Students shall ride to and from school activities with the team/group on the school bus. However, students may return home from an activity with parents/guardians, provided the parent personally contacts the coach/director at the activity and signs a check-out sheet. In unusual circumstances, students may be permitted to ride to and/or from an activity by means other than school transportation, provided a parent/guardian makes approved arrangements with the principal prior to leaving the school.
Students are not to leave the site of an activity without permission of the head coach/sponsor.

BEHAVIOR CODE FOR AWAY GAMES AND ACTIVITIES

Students who attend away games are part of the team and/or pep club and are under the supervision of the coach and/or sponsor. They are expected to either be with the team preparing for the game, playing the game, or be in the gymnasium with the student section.

STUDENT COUNCIL

Members of the high school Student Council represent the student body. The purpose of this organization is to create school spirit by student participation in all school events and activities, to promote scholarship and recognize student achievement, to maintain a medium of cooperation between the administration and the student body and to strive for higher standards of friendship, scholarship and citizenship. Included among the duties and powers of the Student Council is the right to confer with the administration of the school on any matter that concerns the welfare of the student body. A constitution outlines procedures and guidelines that govern council activities.

CONCESSIONS AND MONEY-MAKING PROJECTS

The usual distribution of concessions to the four (4) high school classes will be followed. The group listed lists, but is not limited to, the main money-making projects that classes are assigned:

Freshman: Alumni Banquet
Sophomore: JH Concessions, JH FB/VB/BB, Alumni Banquet
Junior: HSBB and Tournaments
Senior: HSVB and FB

Any solicitation of funds or money-making projects must be approved by the principal.
This is in effect if the class plans on going on a class trip after graduation. If the class does not plan on a trip adjustments may be made to these assignments. It is not the intent of USD 241 to provide spending money for students after graduation but to allow them to raise funds for prom and a trip if so desired.

CODE OF CONDUCT FOR SUBSTANCE ABUSE

Students who participate in Category I and/or II activities are prohibited from using tobacco in any form, alcoholic beverages of any kind, including beer, or any drug or controlled substance other than those prescribed by a physician. This applies to both on and off school premises. Possession of or being part of any misuse of prohibited items will constitute use. Violations observed by a faculty member/administrator or any other reasonable proof of the act will be sufficient cause for disciplinary action.
Category I includes those Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA) sponsored activities in which a member school has a schedule of interscholastic contests, including KSHSAA sponsored tournaments: 1. Athletic Activities: Football, Volleyball, Basketball, Track and Golf; 2. Non-Athletic Activities: Scholars Bowl and Speech. Category II includes those activities in which a member school’s only interscholastic schedule is the KSHSAA sponsored regional or state contests, festivals or conferences. Category II also includes local only activities: 1. Fine Arts Activities: Music and Art; 2. Student Leadership Activities: Student Council and Spirit Squad; 3. Local Activities: School Plays, Pep and Marching Band, Music Clinics, Performances/Concerts and Prom and Homecoming Dances.
Violations of the substance abuse policy will result in disciplinary action
as follows:

First Offense:

The student will be suspended from Category I and II activities for one (1) week (seven [7] calendar days). For Category I activities, this must include at least one (1) contest in each activity in which the student ordinarily would have participated. The student will be expected to participate in all practice sessions during the suspension, as determined by the head coach/director.

Second Offense:

If alcohol/drugs are involved in the first or second offense, dismissal from all Category I activities for the remainder of the season and Category II activities for the remainder of the semester will occur. The student will be eligible for the next season (Category I) or semester (Category II) provided he/she receives an evaluation and, if necessary, treatment from a school-approved drug and chemical dependency agency.

Third Offense:

Dismissal from all Category I and II activities for the remainder of the school year.

Disciplinary action in conjunction with this policy (including a conference with the student, parent/guardian and principal) will be administered by the head coach/director. Offenses and penalties that occur during the school year, including between athletic/activity seasons, accumulate for the school year but to not carry over to the next school year. The principal will be responsible for recording and reporting the disciplinary action to the other head coaches/directors.
If, in the judgment of the head coach/director or principal, the first offense is a flagrant violation and is possibly deserving of more sever action, the head coach/director or principal shall submit a request to a standing hearing committee
composed of the principal, a coach selected by the coaching staff, a licensed faculty member selected by the faculty, and the presidents of the student council and senior class. In case one of these individuals is the coach/director of athlete involved a substitute will be appointed by the other committee members. A written report/decision will be prepared and copies made available to all parties involved.

LETTERS

Varsity Letter (White “S” on blue felt)

Varsity letters are earned by participating in varsity athletics. Letters are awarded upon the decision of the principal and coach of the sport involved. To receive a varsity letter an athlete must participate in one-half (1/2) of the varsity quarters and in volleyball one-half (1/2) of the varsity games. An athlete may also receive a letter by being in the sport for four (4) years and finishing the season with the team unless unable to because of injury. An athlete may also receive a varsity letter by participating in three (3) sports and successfully completing the season of each sport.

Activity Letter (Blue “S” on white felt)

Activity letters are earned by participating in vocal music, instrumental music, speech, drama and scholars bowl. Speech and drama participants must participate in two (2) plays or contests to receive a letter. A primary requirement in this area is a cooperative attitude beneficial to the group—students must be cooperative about attending festivals and other performances by attending practices and performances.

Scholastic Letter (White “S” on white felt)

Scholastic letters are earned by making all A’s for a semester of study.

SCHOOL SOCIALS and DANCES

Two (2) school socials (dances) for students in grades seven (7) and eight (8) will be held during the school year. Only students currently enrolled in grades 7 and 8 at Sharon Springs Grade School are eligible to attend. (See Page 28 for detailed eligibility requirements)

FIRE DRILLS

Unannounced fire drills shall be held monthly.
Two (2) different exit routes are designated for each classroom. A safe area far enough from the building (fifty [50] feet minimum) is also designated. The secondary evacuation routes should be used occasionally.
After the alarm has sounded, students and staff should proceed in an organized manner to the nearest exit as quickly as possible using one of the two evacuation routes designated for their location. Staff shall account for students after reaching the safe area. In the event of a fire, the teacher that is in the classroom at the time of the alarm/fire, will have the responsibility of assisting any handicapped/disabled child from the building.
If any teacher has more than one handicapped/disabled child in any particular class, notify the principal immediately upon that child’s attendance in the class. The principal will have the responsibility of assigning an adult to assist with such situations. In no event can a student be assigned the responsibility of assisting a handicapped/disabled child from the building.
Teachers shall carry grade books with them during the evacuation.
Adult monitors shall verify that occupants have evacuated. Restrooms and other closed areas must be checked by sight and voice.

DESIGNATED EXITS AND SAFE AREAS, PREFERRED LISTED 1ST

Rooms: G.S. Gym, 107, West to Sidewalk, or North out of
112,114,116,119 connecting link to safe area Northwest of
G.S. Gym

Rooms: 201,202,208, South to Playground, or North to connecting
209 link, then East to sidewalk

Rooms: 206,207,216 North to connecting link, then East to
217 sidewalk, or South to playground

Rooms: H.S. Gym South and East to Front sidewalk, or West
Weights Gym Lobby to sidewalk

Rooms: 403, 405 South and East to Front sidewalk, or West
and North through North hallway to
driveway

Rooms: 408,409,410, West through North hallway to driveway or
411,412,413,414,417 South and East to Front sidewalk

Rooms: 422,425,429 West through South hallway to driveway or
East and South to Front sidewalk

Rooms: Shop Classroom South to East door to driveway or
North to East door to driveway.

TORNADO DRILLS

A minimum of three (3) unannounced tornado drills shall be held during the school year.

DESIGNATED TORNADO SHELTER AREAS

Rooms: G.S. Gym, 107, Boys’ Locker Room in H.S. Gym
112,114,116,119 (Northwest Corner)

Rooms: 201, 202, 206, Boys’ Locker Room in H.S. Gym
207, 208, 209, 216, 217 (Northwest Corner)

Wheel chair occupant: Boys’ Locker Room in H.S. Gym
(Helpers)

Rooms: H.S. Gym Girls’ Locker Room in H.S. Gym
Weight Room, Offices (Northeast Corner)

Rooms: All 400’s (HS) Girls’ Locker Room in H.S. Gym
(Northeast Corner)

Room: Shop Boys’ Locker Room in H.S. Gym
(Northeast Corner)

SPECIAL EDUCATION

USD #241 is committed to providing an education which appropriately meets the needs of each student. For some students, supportive educational assistance is needed through special education programs and services. This means that USD 241 will identify all exceptional students and then provide the needed special education for these students in the most normal educational setting possible. Exceptional students are defined as autistic, behavior disordered, deaf-blind, early childhood special education, gifted, hearing impaired, mentally retarded, other health impaired, physically impaired, severe multiply disabled, speech/language impaired, traumatic brain injured, and visually impaired.
USD 241 has a comprehensive special education program which adheres to the federal regulations within the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and to the Kansas requirements contained within Article 12 of the Kansas Administrative Regulations. The need for these services is determined with parents at each building site. Specific steps in identifying and providing special education services are followed with all parent and student due process rights and confidentiality provided.
If you believe your student may be in need of special education services, you may initiate a referral to your school’s Student Services Team. All parents will be informed as soon as their student is referred for one of the special programs. Parents and, in some cases, the student will be closely involved with the school’s special service team decision. While parents may request a due process hearing, this is ordinarily not necessary if parents and school personnel work closely together for the student’s benefit.
The goals of an appropriate educational program for all exceptional students is a reflection of the philosophy of USD #241 to provide quality educational services for all children. For further information concerning the special education programs and referrals, contact the Superintendent of Schools, Larry M. Lysell, at (785) 852-4252. You may also contact the Director of Special Education at the Northwest Kansas Educational Service Center (NKESC), Oakley, KS, (785) 672-3125. The Kansas State Department of Education also maintains a toll-free number (1-800-332-6262) which may be called for additional information or resource materials on special education services, rights and procedures.

TITLE I PROGRAM

PARENT INVOLVEMENT ENCOURAGED

Parents shall receive information about the Title I program, the curriculum, academic assessments, and required proficiency levels, and their right to request additional meetings. All parents of Title I students shall be invited to the meetings.
The board shall strongly encourage parental involvement in the district’s Title I program. Included in these efforts shall be: activities that will educate parents regarding the intellectual and developmental needs of their children at all age levels including:

*Assistance in understanding.
*State academic content and achievement standards;
*How to monitor their child’s progress; and
*Title I regulations.

*Activities that include promoting cooperation between the district and other agencies or school/community groups (such as parent-teacher groups, Head Start, Parents as Teachers, etc.) to furnish learning opportunities and disseminate information regarding parenting skills and child/adolescent development.

*Implementing strategies to involve parents in the educational process, including: Joint development of a school-parent compact that outlines the shared responsibilities of the school and the parent for high student achievement by:

• Keeping families informed of opportunities for involvement and encouraging participation in various programs.
• Providing access to educational resources for
parents/families to use together with their children.

• Keeping families informed of the objectives of district
educational programs as well as of their child’s participation and progress within these programs.
• Allowing parents reasonable access to staff who work
with their children.
• Providing professional development opportunities for
teachers and staff to enhance their understanding of effective parent involvement strategies.
• Promoting activities, which emphasize the importance
of parent-school communication.

ACTIVITIES TO ENABLE PARENTAL PARTICIPATION

The district shall enable families to participate in the education of their children through a variety of roles. For example, family members shall be given opportunities to:

*Provide input into district policies that affect Title I programs and their children.

*Understand and participate in school improvement efforts.
*Volunteer time within classrooms and school programs.

*Perform regular evaluations of parent involvement at each school and at the district level.

*Provide access, upon request, to any instructional material used as part of the educational curriculum.

*Provide information in a language understandable to parents, if practical.

SCHEDULING FOR PARENTS’ CONVENIENCE

The district shall, to the extent possible, schedule activities for parent involvement at times and places accessible to parents of Title I students and provide information in a format and language the parents understand.

ANNUAL EVALUATION

The district shall conduct, with involvement of parents, an annual evaluation of the contents and effectiveness of the parental involvement policy IDAD. The district shall use the findings of the evaluation to design strategies for more effective parental involvement and to revise, if necessary, the policy IDAD.
[BOE Approved 7/03]

OCR VOC/ED GUIDELINES

CIVIL RIGHTS COMPREHENSIVE NOTIFICATIONS FOR WALLACE COUNTY USD 241

In compliance with the Executive Order 11246; Title II of the Education Amendments of 1976; Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended by the Equal Employment Opportunity Act of 1972; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and all other Federal, State, School rules, laws, regulations and policies, the Wallace County USD 241, Sharon Springs, Kansas, shall not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, national origin, or handicap in the educational programs or activities which it operates.
It is the intent of Wallace County USD 241, Sharon Springs, Kansas, to comply with both the letter and spirit of the law in making certain discrimination does not exist in its policies, regulations and operations. Grievance procedures for Title IX and Section 504 have been established for students, their parents, and employees who feel discrimination has been shown by the local education agency. Specific complaints of alleged discrimination under Title IX (sex) and Section 504 (handicap) should be referred to TITLE IX COORDINATOR AND SECTION 504 COORDINATOR Larry M. Lysell, Superintendent, 521 N Main, Sharon Springs, Kansas, (785) 852-4252.
Title VI, Title IX and Section 504 complaints can also be filed with the Regional Office for Civil Rights, 10220 N. Executive Hills Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64153.

WRITTEN PERMISSION REQUIRED

If such survey is funded in whole or in part by federal funds, a survey that seeks this information shall not be administered without the express written consent of the parent. If the survey is not federally funded, parents must be given direct notification of the survey, through U.S. mail or e-mail, and provided with an opportunity to opt their child out of the survey. If the survey is part of the curriculum, parents shall have the right to inspect any instructional materials used in conjunction with the survey.

PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS

Prior to the administration of any non-emergency, invasive physical examination or screening that is required as a condition of attendance, administered by the school, scheduled by the school in advance and not necessary to protect the immediate health and safety of the student, the school shall provide parents with notice of the activity and provide parents with an opportunity to opt their child out of the activity. This requirement does not apply to routine dental, hearing and vision screenings required under Kansas law.

ASBESTOS HAZARD EMERGENCY
RESPONSE ACT (AHERA)

USD 241 school facilities were first inspected for asbestos in 1988. Reinspections were conducted in 1991, 1994, 1997, 2000, 2003, 2006. At each inspection, certified inspectors located, sampled, and rated the condition and hazard potential of building materials. Laboratory analysis records were used by a certified management planner to develop an asbestos management plan. A copy of this plan is available for inspection at the USD 241 district office. A copy of the reinspection/management planner report for each building is available for inspection at each school office and the district office. It is USD 241’s intent to comply with AHERA regulations and take those steps necessary to insure each child and employee a healthy and safe environment in which to learn and work.

GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES

The board encourages all complaints regarding the district to be resolved at the lowest possible administrative level. Whenever a complaint is made directly to the board as a whole or to a board member as an individual, it will be referred to administration for study and possible resolution.
Discrimination against any individual on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or religion in the admission or access to, the treatment or employment in the districts programs and activities is prohibited. Harassment of an individual on any of these grounds is also prohibited. Larry M. Lysell, Superintendent, 521 N Main, Sharon Springs, Kansas, (785) 852-4252, has been designated to coordinate compliance with nondiscrimination requirements contained in Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Information concerning the provisions of these acts, and the rights provided there under, are available from the compliance coordinator.
Complaints of discrimination or discriminatory harassment by an employee should be addressed to the employee’s supervisor, the building principal, or the district compliance coordinator. Complaints by a student should be addressed to the building principal, another administrator, the guidance counselor, or another certified staff member. Any school employee who receives a complaint of discrimination or harassment from a student shall inform the student of the employee’s obligation to report the complaint and any proposed resolution of the complaint to the building principal. If the building principal is the alleged harassed, the complaint shall be reported to the district compliance coordinator. Complaints by any other person alleging discrimination should be addressed to the building principal or the district compliance coordinator. Complaints about discrimination, including complaints of harassment, will be resolved to the following complaint procedures:

INFORMAL PROCEDURES

The building principal shall attempt to resolve complaints of discrimination or harassment in an informal manner at the building level. Any school employee who receives a complaint of discrimination harassment from a student, another employee or any other individual shall inform the individual of the employee’s obligation to report the complaint and any proposed resolution of the complaint to the building principal. The building principal shall discuss the complaint with the individual to determine if it can be resolved. If the matter is resolved to the satisfaction of the individual, the building principal shall document the nature of the complaint and the proposed resolution of the complaint, and forward this record to the district compliance coordinator. Within 20 days after the complaint is resolved in this manner, the building compliance coordinator shall contact the complainant to determine if the resolution of the matter remains acceptable. If the matter is not resolved to the satisfaction of the individual in the meeting with the building compliance coordinator, or if the individual does not believe the resolution remains acceptable, the individual may initiate a formal complaint.

FORMAL COMPLAINT PROCEDURES

*A formal complaint to be filed in writing and contain the name and
address of the person filing the complaint. The complaint should
briefly describe the alleged violations. If an individual does not wish
to file a written complaint and the matter has not been adequately
resolved, the building principal may initiate the complaint. Forms for
filing a written complaint are available in each building office and the
central office.

*A complaint should be filed as soon as possible after the conduct
occurs, but not later than one hundred eighty (180) days after the complainant becomes aware of the alleged violation, unless the conduct forming the basis of the complaint is ongoing.

*If appropriate, an investigation shall follow the filing of the
complaint. If the complaint is against the Superintendent, the board
shall appoint an investigating officer. In other instances, the
investigation shall be conducted by the building principal, the
compliance coordinator or another individual appointed by the board.
The investigation shall be informal but thorough. All interested
persons, including the complainant and the person against whom
the complaint is lodged, will be afforded an opportunity to submit
written or oral evidence relevant to the complaint.

*A written determination of the complaint’s validity and a description
of the resolution shall be issued by the investigator, and a copy
afforded to the complainant no later than thirty (30) days after the filing
of the complaint.

* If the investigation results in a recommendation that a
student be suspended or expelled, procedures outlined in
board policy and state law governing student suspension and expulsion will be followed.

* If the investigation results in the recommendation that an
employee be suspended without pay or terminated, procedures
outlined in board policy, the negotiated agreement or state law
will be followed.
*Records relating to complaints filed and their resolution shall be
forwarded to and maintained in a confidential manner by the district
compliance coordinator.

*The complainant may appeal the determination of the complaint.
Appeals shall be heard by the district compliance coordinator, the
hearing officer appointed by the board or by the board itself as
determined by the board. The request to appeal the resolution shall
be made within twenty (20) days after the date of the written resolution
of the complaint at the lower level.

*The appeal officer shall review the evidence gathered by the investigator and the investigator’s report, and shall afford the complaint and the person against whom the complaint is filed an opportunity to submit further evidence, orally or in writing, within ten (10) days after the appeal is filed. The appeal officer will issue a written determination of the complaint’s validity and a description of its resolution within thirty (30) days after the appeal is filed.

*Use of this complaint procedure is not a prerequisite to the pursuit of any other remedies including the right to file a complaint with the Office for Civil Rights of the United States Department of Education, the Equal
Employment Opportunity Commission, or the Kansas Human Rights Commission.

Kansas Commission on Civil Rights
Landon State Office Building, 8th Floor
900 Jackson, Suite 851 South
Topeka, Kansas 66612-1258

Department of Health, Education and Welfare
Office for Civil Rights
10220 N. Executive Hills Blvd.
Kansas City, Missouri 64153

Equal Employment Opportunity
911 Walnut, 10th Floor
Kansas City, Missouri 64106

HOMELESS STUDENT REGULATIONS
(REQUIRED BY FEDERAL AND STATE LAW)

Homeless students shall, by definition, include the following:

1. Children and youth who are sharing the housing of other persons due to loss of housing, economic hardship or a similar reason; are living in motels, hotels, trailer parts 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.

2. Children and youth who have a primary nighttime residence that is a public or private place not designated for or ordinarily used as a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings.

3. Children and youth who are living in cars, parks, public spaces, or abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations or similar settings.

4. Migratory children who meet one of the above-described
circumstances.

ENROLLMENT/PLACEMENT
(See BOE Policy JBC)

The administration shall consider the best interest of the child, with parental involvement, in determining whether the child should be enrolled in the school of origin or the school that non-homeless students who live in the attendance area in which the homeless child or youth is actually living are eligible to attend.
To the extent feasible, and in accordance with the child or youth’s best interest, the child or youth should continue his or her education in the school of origin, except when contrary to the wishes of the parent or guardian. If the youth is unaccompanied by a parent or guardian, the homeless coordinator will consider the views of the youth in deciding where the youth will be educated. The choice regarding placement shall be made regardless of whether the child or youth lives with the homeless parents or has been temporarily placed elsewhere.
The school selected shall immediately enroll the homeless child or youth, even if the child or youth is unable to produce records normally required for enrollment, such as previous academic records, immunization records, proof of residency or other documentation. However, the district may require a parent or guardian of a homeless child or youth to submit contact information.
The district must provide a written explanation, including a statement regarding the right to appeal, to the homeless child or youth’s parent or guardian, or to the homeless youth if unaccompanied, if the district sends the child or youth to a school other than the school of origin or other than a school requested by the parent or guardian.
If a dispute arises over school selection or enrollment in a school, the child or youth shall be immediately admitted to the school in which enrollment is sought, pending resolution of the dispute. The child, youth, parent or guardian shall be referred to the district homeless coordinator, who will carry out the dispute resolution process as expeditiously as possible.
For the purposes of this policy, “school of origin” is defined as the school that the student attended when permanently housed or the school in which the student was last enrolled.
A complaint regarding the placement or education of a homeless child or youth shall first be presented orally and informally to the district’s homeless coordinator. If the complaint is not promptly resolved, the complainant may present a formal written complaint (grievance) to the homeless coordinator. The written complaint must include the following information: date of filing, description of concerns, the name of the person or persons involved and a recapitulation of the action taken during the informal charge stage. Within five (5) working days after receiving the complaint, the coordinator shall state a decision in writing to the complainant, with supporting evidence and reasons. In addition, the coordinator will inform the superintendent of the formal complaint and the disposition.

SERVICES

Each homeless child or youth shall be provided services comparable to services offered to other students in the district including, but not limited to, transportation services; educational services for which the child meets the eligibility criteria, such as educational programs for disadvantaged students,
students with disabilities and gifted talented students; vocational programs
and technical education; school meals programs; preschool programs; before-and- after-school care programs; and programs for students with limited English proficiency. Homeless students will not be segregated in a separate school or in a separate program within a school based on the students’ status as homeless.
TRANSPORTATION
(See BOE Policies EDAA, JBC and JGG)

If it is in the best interest of the homeless child or youth to attend the school of origin, transportation to and from that school will be provided at the request of the parent or guardian or, in the case of an unaccompanied youth, the homeless coordinator. If the student’s temporary housing is outside the attendance area of the school of origin, then the district will work with the school of origin to agree on a method to apportion the responsibility and costs for transporting the child. If an agreement cannot be reached, the costs will be shared equally.

RECORDS
(See BOE Policies JR and JGCB)

Any records ordinarily kept by the school, including immunization records, academic records, birth certificates, guardianship records and evaluations for special services or programs of each homeless child or youth shall be maintained so that appropriate services may be given the student, so that necessary referrals can be made and so that records may be transferred in a timely fashion when a homeless child or youth enters a new school district. Copies of records shall be
made available upon request to students or parents in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.

COORDINATOR

The Board designates the following individual to act as the district’s homeless coordinator: Larry M. Lysell, Superintendent of Schools, Wallace County USD 241, 521 N Main, Sharon Springs, Kansas, 785-852-4252, Fax 785-852-4603. The district shall inform school personnel, service providers and advocates working with homeless families of the duties of the district homeless coordinator. The homeless coordinator will ensure that:

1. Homeless children and youths are identified by school personnel and through coordination activities with other entities and agencies.

2. Homeless children and youths enroll in, and have a full and equal opportunity to succeed in, schools in the district.

3. Homeless families, children and youths receive educational services for which such families, children and youths are eligible, including Head Start, Even Start and preschool programs administered by the district and referrals to health care services, dental services, mental health services and other appropriate services.

4. The parents or guardians of homeless children and youths are informed of the educational and related opportunities available to their children and are provided with meaningful opportunities to participate in the education of their children.

5. Public notice of the educational rights of homeless children and youths is disseminated where such children and youths receive services, such as schools, family shelters and soup kitchens.

6. Enrollment disputes are mediated in accordance with law.

7. The parent or guardian of a homeless child or youth, and any unaccompanied youth, is fully informed of all transportation services, including transportation to the school of origin and is assisted in accessing transportation to the school selected.

8. Unaccompanied youths will be assisted in placement or enrollment decisions, their views will be considered and they will be provided notice of the right to appeal.

9. Children or youths who need to obtain immunizations, or immunization or medical records, will receive assistance.

WALLACE COUNTY USD 241
2007-2008 School Calendar

Mon. Aug. 13 Fall Athletic Practices Begin
Tues. Aug. 14 Senior/Junior Enrollment 7:30-11:30 AM
Tues. Aug. 14 Sophomore/Freshman Enrollment 12:30-4:00 PM
Thurs. Aug. 16 Football Practice – 1st Day w/Pads
Fri. Aug. 17 New Teachers Report
Mon./Tues. Aug 20-21 Teacher Inservice
Wed. Aug. 22 Teacher Workday
Wed. Aug. 22 K-12 Open House 5:30 – 7:00 PM - Hot Dog Feed
Thurs. Aug. 23 1st Day of School (8:00 AM Start)
Mon. Sept. 3 Labor Day (NO SCHOOL)
Tues. Sept. 4 Late Start - 10:00 AM
Fri. Sept. 28 Fall Homecoming
Mon. Oct. 8 Parent Teacher Conferences 12:00-7:00 PM K-12
Sun. – Sat. Oct. 14-20 National Activities Week
Wed. Oct. 17 School Picture Day
Fri. Oct. 19 End 1st Term
Mon.-Sun. Nov. 5-11 KSHSAA “Buffer Week”
Fri. Nov. 16 School Picture Retakes
Wed.-Fri. Nov. 21-23 Thanksgiving Vacation (NO SCHOOL)
Mon. Nov. 27 School Resumes 8:00 AM
Fri.. Dec. 21 End 2nd Term
Fri. Dec. 21 12:00 Noon Dismissal (NO LUNCH SERVED)
Fri.-Tues. Dec. 21-Jan. 2 Christmas Vacation (NO SCHOOL)
Sun.-Thur. Dec. 23-27 KSHSAA “Non-Practice” Dates
Thur. Jan. 3 School Resumes 8:00 AM
Fri. Feb. 1 Winter Homecoming
Mon. Feb. 18 Parent-Teacher Conferences K-8 - 8:00 AM -3:20 PM
Fri. Mar. 14 End 3rd Term
Mon.-Fri. Mar. 17-21 Spring Break (NO SCHOOL)
Fri. Mar. 21 Good Friday
Sun. Mar. 23 Easter Sunday
Mon. Mar. 24 School Resumes 8:00 AM
Fri. Apr. 18 Teacher Inservice (NO SCHOOL)
Sat. May 10 High School Graduation - 4:30 PM
Thurs. May 15 8th Grade Promotion - 7:30 PM
Fri. May 16 Elementary Playday
Fri. May 16 Last Day of School Dismiss 12:00 Noon; End 4th Term
Dec. 22 - May 18 2nd Semester
Fri. May 16 Teacher Workday - ½ day PM
Mon. May 19 Teacher Inservice ½; Teacher Workday ½
Tues. May 20 Teacher Workday - ½ day AM

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