Pleasant Hope
Middle School
Student
Handbook
Preface
This 2008-2009 Middle School Handbook, a revision of earlier publications, represents the cooperative efforts of administration, staff members, community members, and students.
The purpose of this handbook is to help students and parents to more fully understand some important policies, guidelines and procedures upon which our middle school operates. The intent of these policies, guidelines, and procedures is to ensure a safe and orderly environment conducive to effective teaching and learning.
Both students and parents should study this handbook carefully and then work closely with teachers, counselors, and administrators as they participate in the middle school program.
EDUCATION PHILOSOPHY
SCHOOL DISTRICT MISSION
A philosophy of education is the foundation on which a school district is
built, and upon which the product of the school program is evaluated. The
philosophy herein subscribed to by the Board of Education shall be a guide
in determining the policies, rules and regulations of the school district.
Recognizing each student as a unique individual, we believe that education
should provide an opportunity for the maximum development of each individual
within the limitations of his or her capacities. Through education, it is
possible for the individual to discover and endeavor to achieve to the limits
of his or her capacities.
We believe that in a democratic society, education must help the student realize
his or her worth as an individual and should lead him or her toward becoming
a productive member of society. Strong emphasis must be placed upon democratic
values which are important for an effective and satisfying personal and social
life.
We believe that the role of the teacher in the educational process is to provide
opportunities for the individual to achieve at the maximum level of capacity,
to create a learning situation in which individual motivation for learning
is the stimulus for achievement, and to promote through teaching and example
the principles of the democratic way of life.
We believe that parents/guardians have definite responsibilities in education.
They need to have a basic confidence in the school, and they need to impart
this confidence to the students. The parents/guardians may do this by cooperating
to the fullest with the schools, by encouraging the student to give his or
her best efforts to the daily school responsibilities, and by participating
in school activities.
We believe that the student must have responsibilities in the educational
program of the community. The most important of these is attitude. The student
is obliged to come with an open mind, equipped with all the necessary materials,
ready to fulfill the responsibilities in the learning process. The basic attitude
should be that the school is an institution of opportunity, staffed with trained
personnel to help the student become a contributing member of society.
We believe that the foundation of the district’s educational program
is based on the development of competencies in the basic fundamentals of reading,
oral and written communication and mathematics.
It is, therefore, the responsibility of the Pleasant Hope R-VI School District
to provide an educational environment for children of the district, which
will foster and accelerate their intellectual, physical, social and career
development.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Equal Opportunity
Applicants for admission and employment, students, parents, employees, sources
of referral of applicants for admission and employment, and all employee groups,
associations or organizations who meet and confer with representatives of
the Pleasant Hope R-VI School district are hereby notified that this institution
does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (belief or non-belief),
ancestry national origin, sex, age, or handicap in admission or access to,
or treatment or employment in, its programs and activities. Any person having
inquiries concerning the Pleasant Hope R-VI School District’s compliance
with the regulations implementing Title VI, Title IX, ADA, or Section 504
is directed to contact the Superintendent.
Student Records (see Board Policy 2400)
Following is an abbreviated version of the board policy for complete information
see Board Policy.
A cumulative educational record shall be maintained for each student from
his/her entrance into school through the last date of attendance or through
graduation, whichever occurs first.
Each student's educational record will include information required by state and federal statutes, regulations or agencies and shall include other information considered necessary by school officials.
The District will comply with the mandates of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the Safe Schools Act regarding confidentiality of student records and disclosure of personally identifiable information.
The parents/guardians of students who are attending or have attended the
District's schools have the right to inspect and review the educational records
of their students and to request amendment of their students’ educational
records. The District has adopted procedures for the
granting of parental requests for access to the educational records of their
students within a reasonable period of time, but in no case more than forty-five
(45) days after the request is made.
All information contained in a student's educational record, except information designated as directory information by the District, shall be confidential and shall be directly accessible only to school officials who demonstrate a legitimate educational interest in the student's records and to parents/guardians or eligible students.
Visitors
Principals and teachers shall welcome and encourage visits by parents/guardians,
Board members, volunteers and patrons of the schools. All visitors shall report
to the principal's office on entering the building so that the office will
be aware of their presence. When a patron of the school has a need for a conference
with a teacher or counselor, an appointment should be made so the staff member
may proceed with his/her assigned duties without undue interruption.
Groups of visitors wishing to visit the school or facilities shall notify the Superintendent as far in advance as possible.
Students dismissed earlier in one school than others are not permitted to be on the grounds of any other school in the District.
All persons who do not obtain permission from the principal's office to visit the school, or visitors who create serious distractions to the learning environment in the building or on the premises, shall be considered trespassers and subject to arrest and prosecution.
STUDENT INFORMATION
Course Syllabus
At the beginning of the school year (or at the beginning of each course),
teachers will provide a written syllabus for each course taught. Students
and parents should be familiar with information provided for each course for
which the student is enrolled.
Marking System
Each student is encouraged to attain the highest level of achievement of which
he/she is capable. Competition against his/her own record for self-improvement
and the satisfaction that comes from performing each task well is an important
goal for each student.
Scholarship marks are given in comparison with the standards of achievement expected of a student in the grade level of his/her classification and in comparison with others in the class. In order that indication of achievement may be recorded and made available for reference when needed, the following system is used: A-Excellent; B-Superior; C-Average; D-Below Average; I-Incomplete; F-Failure.
Incomplete grades will remain as “I”s without converting to “F”s throughout the academic year. Two weeks following the end of the year, all “I”s will be converted to “F”s and the official rank for that semester will be calculated on that basis. If additional work is completed, either in summer school or on personal arrangements with teachers, these “F” s can be changed on an individual basis. The official rank for that semester, however, will not be adjusted.
Activities
Each middle school student is urged to join clubs and participate in extracurricular
activities. Join activities that interest you. When you commit yourself to
an activity, you owe your best efforts not only for the benefit of the club,
or activity, but also for yourself. Extracurricular activities are all those
activities connected with the Pleasant Hope School system but not part of
any class nor used in determining any class credit or grade. Cocurricular
are all those activities connected with the Pleasant Hope School System, which
are a mandatory part of a class, used to determine class credit or grade.
Attendance at middle school dances will be limited to students who are in
good standing academically and in terms of behavior. Participation in some
activities also falls under the guidelines, rules and policies of the Missouri
State High School Activities Association.
Student Athletic and Activities Standards (MSHSAA Bylaws 213.0)
Participation in interscholastic athletics is a privilege and carries with
it responsibilities to the community, staff, and students. The following standards
define expectations for athletes who represent our school through participation
in these activities in grades 7-12. The list is not all-inclusive and does
not specify additional standards set forth by coaches. Athletes must also
meet the eligibility requirements of the Missouri State High School Activities
Association. If standards are violated, the athlete may be restricted from
practicing, competing, or representing the team. Penalties noted below will
apply unless extenuating circumstances are present.
1. Academics: Athletes must be good students.
Athletes in grades 7-8 must be enrolled in a normal course load and have been
promoted at the end of the previous year. Athletes must have a cumulative
GPA of 2.00 and no "F" grades to be eligible each quarter. A student
will be allowed to practice while ineligible but will not be allowed to participate
in contests.
2. Attendance: Athletes should attend school on the date of an activity.
If an athlete misses class on the date of a contest he or she will not be
eligible on that date and cannot be eligible again until the student attends
a full day of classes without an absence.
3. School Conduct: Athletes must be good school citizens.
Athletes may not represent the school (practice or in games) while on in-school
or out-of-school suspension. Excessive discipline referrals (5 or more) or
a second out-of-school suspension may result in loss of eligibility for 10-20
school days.
4. Out-of School Conduct: Athletes must be good citizens of the community.
Any athlete who is arrested or charged with a misdemeanor (except minor traffic
violations) or felony must inform the coach or principal the next school day.
If there is credible evidence of guilt the student may lose their eligibility
for 10-180 school days.
5. Substance Abuse: Athletes must not abuse illegal or controlled substances.
Athletes must participate in the district's random drug testing program. Athletes
found to be in possession or use of alcohol or any illegal controlled substance
will be ineligible to compete for a minimum of 10 school days on the first
offense. The second offense will result in loss of eligibility for a minimum
of 60 school days. All policies and standards for athletics will apply to
student social functions such as dances and lock-ins.
ATTENDANCE
Student Absences and Excuses (see Board Policy 2310)
Regular and punctual patterns of attendance will be expected of each student
enrolled in the school district. Students should strive to maintain a good
attendance record, because there is a direct relationship between school attendance
and grades, citizenship and success in school.
It is recognized that absence from school may be necessary under certain conditions. However, every effort should be made by students, parents/guardians, teachers and administrators to keep absences and tardiness to a minimum.
Frequent absences of students from regular classroom learning experiences disrupt the continuity of the instructional process. The benefit of regular classroom instruction is lost, and cannot be entirely regained. The school cannot teach students who are not present. The entire process of education requires a regular continuity of instruction, classroom participation, learning experiences and study in order to reach the goal of maximum educational benefits for each individual student. The regular contact of the student with one another in the classroom and their participation in well-planned instructional activities under the supervision of a competent teacher are vital to this purpose.
Attendance Procedures
The purpose of the instructional process in this community is to assure all
students an opportunity to receive the best possible education governed only
by their ability and interest. The instructional format for courses offered
requires that students attend classes regularly. The compulsory attendance
statute of the State of Missouri also reinforces this expectation.
Suspension (out-of-school) – An absence required by school authorities
as disciplinary action for inappropriate student behavior. One of the consequences
of suspension from school is the lost opportunity for learning. Students are
not allowed to receive credit for make-up work missed due to suspension. Assignments
such as major term projects major exams, final exams, etc., which generally
exceed the time reference of the suspension, should be accepted by a teacher
for credit.
Class Participation Factor –10% to 20% of the quarter grade in any class
may be determined by class participation. Class participation may include
such factors as attendance, punctuality, student preparation and contributions
to the class learning environment, and cooperative attitude.
Incentives – Attendance incentives may be used in the classrooms and
school-wide.
Tardies – Tardy will be defined as late arrival to school within the
first 15 minutes of first class. Students who arrive after the first 15 minutes
will be considered absent. One tardy per quarter will result in a warning
with each subsequent tardy resulting in a consequences. Consequences will
include: lunch detention, after school detention and ISS. Teachers will have
established classroom tardy policies, which will be reviewed the first day
of class. Unexcused tardies will result in detentions and in school suspensions.
Excessive Absence – Will be defined as missing more than 5 days. Attendance
letters will be sent home after 5, 10, 20 days missed. Absences will be recorded
if a student is more than 15 minutes late to school. The Polk or Green County
Juvenile Division may also be contacted.
Truancy and Educational Neglect (Board Policy 2340) – Truancy is defined
as deliberate absence from school on the part of the pupil with or without
the knowledge of the parent/guardian and for which no justifiable excuse is
given. When a pattern of truancy becomes evident, the principal will investigate
and take such action as circumstances dictate.
Section 210.115R.S.Mo. mandates reporting to the Division of Family Services
when there is reasonable cause to suspect that a student’s nonattendance
is due to the educational neglect of the parents/guardians.
Attendance Guidelines
1. Daily Absence Reporting
a. Parents should notify the attendance office each day a student is absent.
b. If the parent, for some reason, fails to notify the school, the school
may contact the parent.
c. All absences, including those approved in advance by parents or school
officials, will count against a student's days absent. The student should
be careful in the use of absences because excessive absences may result in
consequences and affect a student’s class participation grade.
d. The school encourages doctor and dental appointments after school hours
whenever possible to reduce the number of classes missed for medical reason.
e. Students who leave school during the school day without prior parental
consent and without checking out through the office will be considered truant.
Make-up work is permitted and is graded for full credit for all absences with
the exception of suspension. It is the student’s responsibility to check
with his/her teacher(s) as to work missed during the absence, the procedure
to follow and the amount of time in which to complete the work. When absences
are anticipated, the student is to contact his/her teacher(s) to determine
what assignments are to be completed during the absence or completed and turned
in prior to the absence. Any assignment not completed within the allotted
time designated by the teacher will receive no grade.
2. During In-School-Suspension assignments will be given to the student and
collected and returned to the teacher(s) at the end of the day unless otherwise
notified.
Inoculations of Students (see School Board Policy 2850)
All students attending District schools are required to be in compliance with
state programs mandating immunization against specific diseases. Failure to
comply with District immunization requirements will result in exclusion from
school until proof of compliance is provided. Homeless children will be granted
a temporary twenty-four (24) hour grace period within which to submit proof
of compliance.
The Superintendent shall institute procedures for the maintenance of health records, which are to show the immunization status of every student enrolled or attending in the District, and for the completion of all necessary reports in accordance with guidelines prepared by the Department of Social Services-Missouri Division of Health.
Medication (see School Board Policy 2870)
It shall be the policy of the Board of Education that the giving of medicine
to students during school hours be discouraged and restricted to medication
that cannot be given on an alternative schedule. The Board of Education recognizes
that some students may require medication for chronic or short-term illness/injury
during the school day to enable them to remain in school and participate in
their education.
Closed Campus (Board Policy 2630)
We operate a closed campus policy. Students must stay on the school grounds
from the time they arrive until dismissal or until they are picked up by parents
or go home on the bus. Students must bring a written parental request to the
office to leave the campus for any reason. If it is necessary to leave school
for any reason, a permit must be obtained from the office. The student must
sign out in the office. Students are not permitted to leave school during
lunch period, nor will students be allowed in the parking lot.
Before and After School
Any student arriving before the first bell should remain in the commons area.
Students should not arrive at the middle school earlier than 7:30. If a student’s
bus arrives early or the student should arrive early then he/she is to report
directly to the commons and wait for the first bell. After arriving on school
grounds, students are not to leave unless permission is granted from the office.
No student should be in the building after 3:30 p.m. unless requested by a teacher or participating in a supervised activity. Groups using the building in the evening must use only the section of the building reserved for them and leave all rooms and equipment in proper condition to resume school the next day.
Computer Use
Students who will use, or may use the computers in the lab, classroom, or
library, must have their User ID, and Passwords entered. Fifth Grade students
will receive a new User ID when they begin Middle School. 6th-8th graders
will continue to use their same User ID throughout their Middle School years.
The User ID and Password that you use MAY NOT be shared with other students. They are for your use only. If you share your User ID and Password with other students, and they make changes on the computer system, you will be held responsible. Discipline measures will be taken for improper or incorrect usage of the computers. All students should have on file a Computer Usage Agreement before being allowed to use district computers.
Lockers (see School Board Policy 2150)
School lockers and desks are the property of the Board of Education and are
provided for the convenience of students, and as such, are subject to periodic
inspection without notice, without student consent, and without a search warrant.
The lockers and desks may be searched by school administrators or staff who
have a reasonable suspicion that the lockers or desks contain drugs, alcohol,
material of a disruptive nature, stolen properties, weapons, items posing
a danger to the health or safety of students and school employees, or evidence
of a violation of school policy. In addition, the Board of Education authorizes
the use of trained dogs to sniff lockers or other school property to assist
in the detection of the presence of drugs, explosives, and other contraband.
Students or student property may be searched based on reasonable suspicion
of a violation of District rules, policy or state law. Reasonable suspicion
must be based on facts known to the administration, credible information provided
or reasonable inference drawn from such facts or information. The privacy
and dignity of students shall be respected. Searches shall be carried out
in the presence of adult witnesses, if such witnesses are available. Students
may be asked to empty pockets, remove jackets, coats, shoes and other articles
of exterior clothing for examination if reasonable under the circumstances.
Lunch Program
We use a computerized lunch program. All money you send for meals will be
placed in the student’s account (breakfast and/or lunch). Money should
be sent in one lump sum. Change will not be given. The entire amount will
be added to your child’s account. Parents will be notified when the
account is low. You will receive a letter notifying you of the account status.
Students will not be allowed to charge over $6 to their total account.
Telephone Use
The school office phone is only for school personnel use. A pay telephone
located in the cafeteria is for student use during lunch, before school and
after school. The office must approve use of the telephone during school hours.
Students are able to use classroom telephones with teacher approval.
Items Prohibited in School
Problems arise each year when students bring articles, which are hazards to
the safety of others or interfere in some way with school procedures. Following
are some items that will not be allowed at school (other items may also be
banned by the administration): aerosol cans, pagers, cell phones, radios,
cassette or CD players, MP3 players, IPODS, Gameboys (Game Systems) TV sets,
toy guns, water pistols, bean shooters, rubber bands, hard paper wads, sling
shots, knives, chains, lighters and matches, firecrackers, lasers, balls or
weapons of any kind. These items will be confiscated and turned over to the
office and parents may be required to make arrangements to pick up the item(s).
Items which do not require parents to pick up will be returned to students
at the end of the week. Local authorities will be contacted if deemed necessary.
Drinks that are determined to be used for energy will not be allowed to be
consumed during school hours of 7:45-3:30.
If any of the items need to be brought to school for an educational purpose,
permission must be obtained ahead of time from the administration and the
item will be left in the office when not used.
Student Dress Code
Students are expected to be neat and clean so that each student may share
in fostering a positive and healthy atmosphere within the school. All students
must wear shoes, boots or other type of footwear. Clothing or lack of clothing
that will cause disruptive or undue attention to an individual will not be
allowed. The following shall not be worn: tattered or torn clothing, slouched/sagging
clothing, midriff/short tops, short shorts (the bottom of the shorts should
be “finger-tip length”), shoes with wheels, shirts with spaghetti
straps clothing with inappropriate slogans/language, sexual connotation, alcohol
or tobacco related articles, no undergarments shall be visible, and no chains
or head gear allowed. As a rule, students will be covered from the shoulder
to the mid-thigh. Additional dress regulations may be imposed upon students
participating in certain extra-curricular activities. Colored hairspray will
not be allowed in school. Class activities, which present a concern for the
student’s safety, may require the student to adjust his/her hair and/or
clothing in the interest of maintaining safety standards.
Care of School Property
Students will be held responsible for the proper care of all books, lockers
and locks, supplies, apparatus or equipment furnished them by the Board of
Education. Students who deface, damage, or lose school property, shall be
required to pay for the damage or loss.
STUDENT DISCIPLINE
The Student Code of Conduct is designed to foster student responsibility, respect for the rights of others, and to ensure the orderly operation of district schools. No code can be expected to list each and every offense, which may result in the use of disciplinary action. However, it is the purpose of this code to list certain offenses, which, if committed by a student, will result in the imposition of a certain disciplinary action. Any conduct not included herein, or an aggravated circumstance of any offense or an action involving a combination of offenses may result in disciplinary consequences that extend beyond this code of conduct as determined by the principal, superintendent and/or Board of Education. In extraordinary circumstances where the minimum consequence is judged by the superintendent or designee to be manifestly unfair or not in the interest of the district, the superintendent or designee may reduce the consequences listed in this policy, as allowed by law.
BOARD POLICY 2610 (REGULATION 2610)
The discipline code set out in this regulation is intended to be illustrative but not an exclusive listing of acts of misconduct and the consequences for each. Misconduct which is not specifically listed in this regulation may be deemed to warrant discipline up to and including expulsion following provision of all due process procedures. In addition, the disciplinary consequence listed for each offense may be increased or decreased by the Administration or the Board of Education due to mitigating or aggravating circumstances.
Alcohol - Possession of or presence under the influence of alcohol regardless of whether the student is on school premises
First Offense: 11-180 days out of school suspension.
Subsequent Offenses: 11-180 days out of school suspension.
Arson - Intentionally causing or attempting to cause a fire or explosion
First Offense: 11days out of school suspension – expulsion and notification of law enforcement.
Subsequent Offenses: 11days out of school suspension – expulsion and notification of law enforcement.
Assault - (Refer to Policy and Regulation 2673 - Reporting of Violent Behavior)
Assault of a Student - Use of physical force with the intent to do bodily harm.
First Offense: 5 – 10 days out of school suspension – expulsion and notification of law enforcement.
Subsequent Offenses: 11 – 180 days out of school suspension
Assault of a Staff Member - Use of physical force with the intent to do bodily harm.
First Offense: 11days out of school suspension – expulsion and notification of law enforcement.
Subsequent Offenses: 11days out of school suspension – expulsion and notification of law enforcement.
Bullying – Intentional intimidation or infliction of physical, emotional, or mental harm (see Policy 2655).
First Offense: 10-30 Days of OSS
Subsequent Offenses: 180 Days of OSS to expulsion
Fighting - Physically striking another in a mutual contact as differentiated from an assault.
First Offense: 1 – 3 Days ISS
Subsequent Offenses: 3 – 10 Days ISS
Bus Misconduct – Any offense committed by a student on a district-owned
or contracted bus shall be punished in the same manner as if the offense had
been committed at the student’s assigned school. In addition, bus riding
privileges may be suspended or revoked.
Defiance of Authority - Refusal to obey directions or defiance of staff authority
First Offense: Parent/Student Conference, ISS, 1-10 days OSS
Subsequent Offenses: ISS, 1 – 180 Days OSS.
Disruptive Behavior - Conduct which has the intentional effect of disturbing education or the safe transportation of a student
First Offense: Parent/Student Conference, ISS, 1-10 days OSS
Subsequent Offenses: ISS, 1 – 180 Days OSS.
Drugs/Controlled Substance
Possession or presence under the influence of a controlled substance or substance represented to be a controlled substance while at school, on the school playground, on the school parking lot, a school bus or at a school activity whether on or off of school property.
First Offense: 11 – 180 days OSS, notification to law enforcement.
Subsequent Offenses: Expulsion, notification to law enforcement.
Sale of a controlled substance or substance represented to be a controlled
substance while at school or at any of the locations described above.
First Offense: 11 – 180 days OSS, notification to law enforcement.
Subsequent Offenses: Expulsion, notification to law enforcement.
Prescription Medication
Possession of a prescription medication without a valid prescription for such medication on school premises or on a school bus.
First Offense: 11 – 180 days OSS, notification to law enforcement.
Subsequent Offenses: Expulsion, notification to law enforcement.
Distribution of prescription medication to any individual who does not have a valid prescription for such medication on school premises or on a school bus.
First Offense: 11 – 180 days OSS, notification to law enforcement.
Subsequent Offenses: Expulsion, notification to law enforcement.
Extortion - Verbal threats or physical conduct designed to obtain money or other valuables
First Offense: Parent/Student Conference, ISS, 1-10 days OSS
Subsequent Offenses: ISS, 1 – 180 Days OSS.
Firearms and Weapons (Refer to Policy and Regulation 2620 - Firearms and Weapons in School)
Possession of a firearm or weapon
First Offense: (Minimum of one-year suspension)
Subsequent Offenses: Expulsion
Harassment (Refer to Policy 2130 - Harassment)
First Offense: Parent/Student Conference, ISS, 1-10 days OSS
Subsequent Offenses: ISS, 1 – 180 Days OSS.
Improper Display of Affection - Consensual kissing, fondling, or embracing
First Offense: Parent/Student Conference, ISS, 1-10 days OSS
Subsequent Offenses: ISS, 1 – 180 Days OSS.
Improper Language
Threatening Language-Use of verbal, physical or written threats to do bodily
harm to person or personal property.
First Offense: Parent/Student Conference, ISS, 1-10 days OSS
Subsequent Offenses: ISS, 1 – 180 Days OSS.:
Use of Obscene or Vulgar Language- Language which depicts sexual acts, human waste, and blasphemous language
First Offense: Parent/Student Conference, ISS, 1-10 days OSS
Subsequent Offenses: ISS, 1 – 180 Days OSS.
Disruptive or Demeaning Language or Conduct - Use of hate language to demean
other persons due to the race, gender, disability, natural origin, or religious
beliefs. This provision also includes
conduct, verbal, written, or symbolic speech which materially and substantially
disrupts class, school activities, transportation, or school functions.
First Offense: Parent/Student Conference, ISS, 1-10 days OSS
Subsequent Offenses: ISS, 1 – 180 Days OSS.
Inappropriate Sexual Conduct (Refer to Policy and Regulation 2130 - Harassment)
Physical touching of another student in the area of the breasts, buttocks, or genitals
First Offense: Parent/Student Conference, ISS, 1-10 days OSS
Subsequent Offenses: ISS, 11– 180 Days OSS.
Use of sexually intimidating language, objects, or pictures.
First Offense: Parent/Student Conference, ISS, 1-10 days OSS
Subsequent Offenses: ISS, 11 – 180 Days OSS.
Indecent Exposure - Includes display of breasts, buttocks and genitals in a public location
First Offense: Parent/Student Conference, ISS, 1-10 days OSS
Subsequent Offenses: ISS, 11 – 180 Days OSS.:
Theft - Nonconsensual taking or attempt to take the property of another
First Offense: Parent/Student Conference, ISS, 1-10 days OSS
Subsequent Offenses: ISS, 11 – 180 Days OSS.
Tobacco - Possession or use of tobacco or tobacco products
First Offense: Principal/Student conference, ISS
Subsequent Offenses: 1-10 days ISS or OSS
Truancy - Absent or tardy from class or classes without authorization (See also Policy and Regulation 2340 - Truancy and Educational Neglect.)
First Offense: 1-3 days ISS
Subsequent Offenses: 3-10 days ISS
Vandalism - Intentional damage or attempt to damage property belonging to the staff, students, or the District
First Offense: Parent/Student Conference, ISS, 1-10 days OSS
Subsequent Offenses: ISS, 11 – 180 Days OSS.
Due Process (see Board Policy 2671)
All Students are entitled to due process. This means that there are certain
procedures that school officials will follow prior to taking appropriate disciplinary
actions. This includes notice of the charges and the opportunity for the student
to respond.
In-School Suspension
In-school suspension is an alternative to suspension that allows students
to remain in a detention room at school rather than being sent home. In-School
Suspension carries with it closure from activities/programs similar to a regular
suspension.
Suspension
The school principal has the right to suspend for a period up to 10 school
days. In these cases, an informal hearing between the school administrators,
student, and other appropriate persons will be conducted. During this hearing,
the student would be given notice of the charges against him/her and given
an opportunity to present his/her version of the incident. If the student
denies the charges, he/she will be given an explanation of the facts that
form the basis of the proposed suspension.
If, after the hearing is completed, the administrator decides that a suspension is necessary, it will become effective immediately. The parents or guardian will be notified in each case of a suspension. The Superintendent has the right to revoke a suspension.
The school principal has the right to recommend to the Superintendent of Schools a suspension of up to 180 school days. Should this occur, both the student and the student’s parents will be notified of the recommendation. Part of this notification will include instructions regarding the due process and appeal procedures. If an appeal is requested, it is conducted by the Board of Education through the Superintendent of Schools.
Students, while under suspension, are prohibited from participation in, or attendance at, any school sponsored activities or programs.
Expulsion
The principal and/or Superintendent have the right to recommend to the Board
of Education that a student be expelled from school. Should this occur, the
student and the student’s parents will be notified of the recommendation.
Part of this notification will include instructions regarding the due process
and appeal procedures. If an appeal is requested, it will be conducted by
the Board of Education.
Discipline of Students with Disabilities (see Board Policy 2672)
The obligation and the responsibility to attend school regularly and to comply
with the District's discipline policies applies to all students. When appropriate,
the District may discipline a student with a disability who has not complied
with the District's discipline policies in a manner that is consistent with
the District's policies and applicable law. Special education services will
be provided to a disabled student if the student has been removed from school
for more than ten (10) school days. If a student with a disability is removed
for less than ten (10) cumulative days, educational services will be provided
only if such services are provided to students without disabilities who have
been similarly removed.
STUDENT REFERRAL PROCEDURES
I. Purpose of the procedures
The purpose of this guideline is to establish and define the referral procedures
for student discipline offenses to be used in the school. These guidelines
shall be subordinate to the written policies of the District’s Board
of Education.
II. Scope of the Student Referral Procedures
The referral procedures set forth in this guideline, unless otherwise specified
by Board of Education policy or these guidelines, are applicable to conduct
which is defined in the Board of Education student discipline policies and
the guidelines on Student Discipline.
III. Non-Discrimination in Application of Referral Procedures
The School District is committed to maintaining and administering its Student
Discipline policies without regard to the race, color, religion, ancestry,
national origin, sex, age or disability of any student, parent, or other person
affected by the policies. Any person having inquiries concerning the School
District’s compliance with Title VI, Title IX, the Americans with Disabilities
Act or Section 504, or their implementing regulations, should contact the
Superintendent.
IV. Referral of Students with Disabilities
Students with disabilities shall be treated in a manner consistent with their
individual educational program and federal and state law.
V. Procedure Prior to Referral to the Building Administration
Teachers and/or staff members should work with a student who has committed
a minor disciplinary infraction prior to officially referring the student
to the building administration. A student who commits a minor disciplinary
infraction should be given the opportunity to self-correct his or her conduct.
It is expected that prior to referral to the office for minor disciplinary
infractions, the teacher and/or staff member shall conference with the student
and shall have made contact with the student’s parent or guardian concerning
the conduct by conference, telephone or letter.
VI. Student Referral Procedures
The School District’s student referral procedures are as follows:
1. Students may be referred for discipline for a violation of the School District’s
student discipline policies, as defined in the guidelines on Student Discipline.
2. Minor disciplinary infractions should be handled as described above.
3. Staff members who refer a student to the office should prepare the approved
student discipline referral form. The administrator, with signature of the
referring staff member later, may complete referral forms if circumstances
prevent the staff member from completing the form at the time of referral.
4. The referring staff member on the form will supply sufficient and accurate
details in order that the administrator will be able to quickly determine
the nature and extent of the alleged infraction.
5. No student will be referred for discipline because of the student’s
race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, age or disability.
Resolution of Discrimination Complaints (Board Policy 2130)
Introduction: This is a summary of Board of Education Policy 2130. The official
Board of
Education Policy shall rule if there are any differences between the summary
and the official policy.
Complaint Procedure
1. Informal Resolution Stage---When you have a concern about discrimination
you should first talk informally to the person or persons involved.
2. Filing the Complaint With The Building Administrator
A. If your concern is not worked out by talking informally to the
person or persons involved, you should make a written statement
and give it to the building Principal.
B. The Building Principal will report the complaint to the Compliance
Officer.
3. The Compliance Coordinator
A. The Compliance Officer will complete an investigation within 14
Days and submit a written report to the superintendent.
4. The Superintendent
A. District will take prompt, appropriate formal or informal action to
address, and where appropriate, remediate the violation.
Nondiscrimination and Student Rights
Harassment
It is the policy of the District to maintain a learning environment that is
free from harassment because of an individual’s race, color, sex, national
origin, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, or perceived sexual orientation.
The School District prohibits any and all forms of unlawful harassment and
discrimination because of race, color, sex, national origin, ethnicity, disability,
sexual orientation, or perceived sexual orientation.
It shall be a violation of District policy for any student, teacher, administrator, or other school personnel of this District to harass or unlawfully discriminate against a student through conduct of a sexual nature, or regarding race, color, national origin, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, or perceived sexual orientation as defined by this Policy.
It shall also be a violation of District policy for any teacher, administrator, or other school personnel of this District to tolerate sexual harassment or harassment because of a student’s race, color, national origin, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, or perceived sexual orientation, as defined by this Policy, by a student, teacher, administrator, other school personnel, or by any third parties who are participating in, observing, or otherwise engaged in activities, including sporting events and other extracurricular activities, under the auspices of the School District.
For purposes of this Policy, the term “school personnel” includes school board members, school employees, agents, volunteers, contractors, or persons subject to the supervision and control of the District.
The school system will act to promptly investigate all complaints, either formal or informal, verbal or written, of unlawful harassment or unlawful discrimination because of race, color, sex, national origin, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, or perceived sexual orientation; to promptly take appropriate action to protect individuals from further harassment or discrimination; and, if it determines that unlawful harassment or discrimination occurred, to promptly and appropriately discipline any student, teacher, administrator, or other school personnel who is found to have violated this Policy, and/or to take other appropriate action reasonably calculated to end the harassment/discrimination.
TITLE IX GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE
(Sexual Harassment)
Level 1: Principal or immediate Supervisor (informal and optional –
may be bypassed by grievant)
Many problems can be solved by an informal meeting with the parties and the
principal or coordinator. A student who believes that he/she has been subjected
to sexual harassment is encouraged to first discuss it with the teacher, counselor,
or building administrator involved with the objective of resolving the matter
promptly and informally. Employees with a sexual harassment complaint are
encouraged to first discuss it with their principal or immediate supervisor
with the same objective. If the individual’s teacher/supervisor is the
person alleged to have engaged in sexual harassment, the grievant should skip
Level 1 and go directly to Level 2.
Level 2: Title IX Coordinator
If the complaint or issue is not resolved at Level 1 or if the grievant chooses
to skip Level 1, the grievant may file a signed, written grievance stating
1) the nature of the grievance; 2) the remedy requested; and 3) the date the
grievance was submitted. The Level 2 written grievance should be filed with
the Title IX Coordinator within fifteen (15) days of the event or incident;
or from the date the grievant could reasonably become aware of such occurrence.
The Coordinator has the authority to investigate all written grievances.
If possible, the Coordinator will resolve the grievance. If the parties cannot
agree on a resolution, the Coordinator will prepare a written report of the
investigation, which shall include the following:
1. A clear statement of the allegations of the grievance and remedy sought
by the grievant.
2. A statement of facts as contended by each of the parties.
3. A statement of facts as found by the coordinator and identification of
evidence to support each fact.
4. A list of all witnesses interviewed and documents reviewed during the investigation.
5. A narrative describing attempts to resolve the grievance.
6. The coordinator’s conclusion as to whether the allegations in the
grievance are meritorious.
If the Coordinator believes the grievance is valid, the Coordinator will recommend
appropriate action to the Superintendent. The Coordinator will complete the
investigation and file the report with the Superintendent within fifteen (15)
days after receipt of the written grievance. The Coordinator will send a copy
of the report to the grievant.
If the Superintendent agrees with the recommendation of the Coordinator, the recommendations will be implemented.
The Coordinator and the Superintendent may appoint an outside investigator
once a written grievance is filed.
Level 3: The Board of Education
If the Superintendent rejects the recommendations of the Coordinator, and/or
either party is not satisfied with the recommendations from Level 2, either
party may make a written appeal within ten (10) days of receiving the report
of the Coordinator to the Board of Education. On receipt of the written appeal,
the matter shall be placed on the agenda of the Board of Education for consideration
not later than their next regularly scheduled meeting. A decision shall be
made and reported in writing to all parties within thirty (30) days of that
meeting. The decision of the Board of Education will be final.
Inquiries, complaints or grievances from students and their parents and employees regarding sexual harassment or compliance with Title IX may be directed to the Superintendent of Schools, to the District’s Title IX Coordinator:
Jessica Robertson, Title IX Coordinator
Pleasant Hope School District R-6
311 W. McCurry
Pleasant Hope, MO 65725
417-267-2277
or to:
U.S. Department of Education
Office for Civil Rights
8930 Ward Parkway, Suite 2037
Kansas City, MO 64114
Phone 816-268-0550
Fax 816-823-1404
Telecommunications for the deaf 800-437-0833
Email: OCR.KansasCity@ed.gov
WebSite: http://www.ed.gov/ocr
Other Options:
At any time during this process, a grievant may file a complaint with the
Missouri Human Rights Commission or With the U.S. Department of Education,
Office for Civil Rights.
Public Complaints (See Board Policy 1480 P)
Although no member of the community shall be denied the right to petition
the Board of Education for redress of a grievance, the complaints will be
referred through the proper administrative channels for solution before investigation
or action by the Board. Exceptions are complaints that concern Board actions
or Board operations only.
The Board advises the public that the proper channeling of complaints involving instruction, discipline, or learning materials is as follows:
1. Teacher
2. Principal
3. Appropriate Central Office Administrator
4. Superintendent
5. Board of Education
Any complaint about school personnel will be investigated by the Administration
before consideration and action by the Board.
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