To Southington Students:
I would like to welcome all of our
students to the Southington Local Schools for the 2010-2011 school year. I would expect every student to set some
goals for this year. It is time for all
of us to resolve that we need to develop the learning skills related to
creativity and innovation, critical thinking, problem solving, communication
and collaboration to face the challenges of the 21st Century.
We urge you use this Student & Parent
Handbook as a tool to achieve success.
It outlines our policies, procedures and expectations. It also provides you with information on a
variety of topics. It is very important
that both you and your parents become familiar with the handbook so that we all
share the same information. I ask that
you embrace this responsibility as a member of the Southington Schools
community.
The faculty, staff, and administrators
are here to support you and to provide you with assistance as you work
throughout the year to meet your goals. It is our privilege to assist you in
any way possible to insure your success.
Respectfully,
Mr. Nick Roberts
Mr.
Nick Roberts
Middle
School & High School Principal
Southington Local Schools
Southington Elementary
School
Southington Middle School
Chalker High School
4432 State Route 305 N. W.
Southington, OH 44470
(330) 898-1781 or (330)
898-7480
(330) 898-7480 Ext. 222
Secretary: Mrs. Shari Gilanyi
(330) 898-7480 Ext. 221
MS & HS Principal: Mr. Nick Roberts
(330) 898-1781 Ext. 229
Secretary: Mrs. Wendy Tietz
(330) 898-1781 Ext. 228
Elementary Principal: Mr. Frank Danso
(330) 898-1781 Ext. 222
Secretary: Mrs. Lisa Meyers
(330) 898-1781 Ext. 242
Transportation Supervisor/A.
D.: Ms. Hope Songer
(330) 898-1781 Ext. 225
(330) 898-7480 Ext. 223
Assistant: Mrs. Sylvia Jackson
(330) 898-7480 Ext. 224
Board of Education Members:
Mr. Gary Ifft
Mr. Timothy Arbogast
Mr. Michael Davis
Mr. Steve Gilanyi
Mrs. Patty Anderson
2005-2006, 2006-2007,
2007-2008, 2008-2009, 2009-2010, 2010-2011
MISSION STATEMENT
Southington
Local Schools are committed to excellence in teaching and learning for all
students. The community and school both
hold high expectations for students and staff.
We share with our community the responsibility for the education of all
students so they will be prepared to live and work in a rapidly changing world.
Within
the scope of community needs and district finance we adopt the goals:
FOREWORD
This
handbook has been prepared for you—the students of Southington Local
Schools. Included in it are regulations
and policies governing the various activities of your school. Your school will be as good as you make
it. You are better citizens of your
school if you know the rules and regulations and respect them.
Remember,
nothing but your best is good enough!
In education, you receive only what you work for — and once earned, it
is yours! We hope you will enjoy your
years at Southington Schools.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES
The
Southington Board of Education provides equal education, counseling, extra
curricular and employment opportunities to all students, employees and job
applicants. Equal opportunities exist
without regard to race, color, creed, national origin, sex or handicap. Concerns shall be referred to the High
School Principal.
EMERGENCY
WEATHER PROCEDURES
Every attempt is made to have school daily, but when the
issue of the safety of our students is in question the school will either be
canceled or placed on a two-hour delay.
A Parent Notification system will be in place starting with the 2007
school year. If your caller ID shows SOUTHINGTON
SCHOOLS 330-898-1781, you will know that you are being notified that school
is delayed or cancelled. In addition,
the following TV & Radio stations will broadcast our school closings or
delays:
PLEASE DO
NOT PHONE THE SCHOOL TO ASK.
TV
Stations: RadioStations:
WFMJ-Channel
21 (www.wfmj.com) WHOT-FM 101
WKBN-Channel
27 (www.wkbn.com) WKBN-FM 98.9
WYTV-Channel
33 (www.wytv.com) WRRO-AM 1440
WYFM-FM-103
TWO-HOUR
DELAY PROCEDURES
Two-hour delays are announced as quickly as possible. The two-hour delay will first be announced
on the radio stations. Every effort is
made to get the information out as quickly as possible. When a school delay procedure is announced
the following time schedules and changes are used:
·
High
School will start at 9:30 a. m. (Buses leaving for their routes at
approximately 8:50 a. m.)
·
Elementary
school will start at 10:30 a. m. (Buses leaving for their routes at
approximately 9:45 a. m.)
·
TCTC
students will be provided transportation at 9:20 a. m. by school bus.
·
The
normal ending times for both High School & Elementary will remain
the same.
·
PLEASE DO NOT PHONE THE SCHOOL.
SCHOOL TELEPHONE LINES WILL BE IN USE TO COORDINATE STUDENT
TRANSPORTATION.
PLEASE DO NOT DROP STUDENTS
OFF EARLY
COUNSELOR
Students
may arrange to see our counselor by filling out an appointment slip in the
guidance office. The guidance office
arranges all meetings with college, vocational, and military representatives. Transcripts will be released to post
secondary schools upon request with prior authorization. Our counselor can also talk with students
about personal problems, school problems, scheduling, grades, and career
plans. Student conversations with the counselor
are considered confidential except in cases of child abuse or a serious threat
to the student or another individual.
Self-injury is considered a serious threat & will be reported.
GRADING
Grades
are given each nine-weeks and reflect a cumulative grade (mark) for the
immediate grade period. All homework,
tests, class work, projects, laboratory work, etc. are reflected in this
grade. Semester and yearly grades will
also be issued. The semester grade is
based upon the two previous nine-week grades, and if a semester exam is given,
the grade is divided by five. The
yearly grade is the average of the two semester grades. Final exams must be taken in their entirety
in order to receive credit for a course.
Failure to complete all parts of a semester or final exam will result in
loss of credit for the course, regardless of prior grades. It is the teacher’s professional
responsibility to evaluate the work and progress of the students. Feel free to ask teachers to describe their
grading system. Students have the
responsibility for understanding the grading system. All students and parents
shall be informed of a failing grade. No student will receive a failing grade
if notification is not given. Parents have access to grades with screen name
& password. Check with the office
for more information.
The
grading scale is based on the following percentage (%):
A = 100 – 92 D = 72 – 66
B = 91 – 85 F = 65 –50*
C = 84 – 73 I = Incomplete
*Students showing no effort will be given an
appropriate grade.
GRADES-INCOMPLETE
A
teacher may award a grade of “I” when a student does not fulfill the
requirements for the class. In any
excused absence, a student will have a reasonable amount of time to complete
the requirements and be awarded credit for the course. All incomplete grades not completed to the
satisfaction of the teacher shall remain incomplete, and no credit will be
granted until completion of the required work.
Failing work, submitted in fulfillment of incomplete work, may be
returned to the student for improvement and resubmission if time allows. All “incomplete” grades, if not made up
within two (2) weeks following the end of the grade period, will result in an
“F” grade. Based on special
circumstances, the Principal may grant an extension of time to complete
necessary work. Such arrangements are
to be made BEFORE the expiration of the time limit for making up incomplete
work.
Written
interim reports may be sent to parents between scheduled reporting periods when
a student’s work falls below expectancy, at time of significant improvement, or
for the recognition of unusual contribution.
In addition, a conference may be arranged at any time to aid in
determining causes of student difficulty or to cooperatively plan strategies
specifically designed to assist the student in the classroom.
-EVERY
STUDENT WILL GET AN INTERIM REPORT DURING THE MIDPOINT OF EACH GRADING PERIOD.
-ALL STUDENTS RECEIVE GRADE REPORTS FOUR (4)
TIMES PER YEAR, FOLLOWING COMPLETION OF EACH OF THE FOUR NINE-WEEK GRADING
PERIODS.
Grade
cards are usually sent home about one week after the end of the grade
period. Students will bring home grade
reports and interims. Parents/Guardians
requesting additional copies of the report card or interim report can send
self-addressed, stamped envelopes to the school office. The envelopes should be clearly marked with
the students’ name and which specific report is being requested.
1.
A
minimum of 21 units of credit is the present graduation requirement.
2.
All
students must earn the following units of credit:
4
credits of English 1
credit of Health/Physical Education
3 credits of Science 5
credits of Electives
3 credits of Mathematics 1 credit of
Business/Technology
3 credits of Social Studies 1 credit of
Fine Arts/Foreign Language
4 units of English 4
units of Math
3 units of Science 3
units of Social Studies
½ unit of Health ½
unit of Physical Education
1 unit of Financial Literacy 4 units of
electives
Math
must include Algebra 2 or the equivalent of Algebra 2. TCTC Students are exempt from the Fine Arts
requirement. Electives must include one
or any combination of Foreign Language, Fine Arts, Business, Career Tech,
Family & Consumer Science, Technology, Agriculture or English Language
Arts, Math, Science or Social Studies not otherwise required.
Promotion
is made in relation to homeroom assignments.
Each student is assigned to a homeroom reflecting the grade achievement
EARNED AS OF THE BEGINNING of each school year. The grade achievement is determined on the basis of credit
earned. Educational options shall not
be utilized to make up deficiencies during the school year for failed course
work during the same school year. The
following minimum credits are required for assignments to grade levels:
9th – completion of 8th
grade 10th – 4.0
credits
11th – 9.0 credits 12th – 14.0
credits
The Middle School teachers and counselor make middle school retention
and promotion recommendations to the Principal and Superintendent. Students in grades 7 & 8 can be retained
if they do not pass three or more proficiency test subject course areas. This board policy was adopted 9.16.97 by the
Southington Local Schools Board of Education.
PUPIL LOAD AND SCHEDULE CHANGE
·
Every
student must carry a minimum of six classes a day in an seven period
day. Seniors are required to carry a minimum of five classes.
·
Students
will be permitted to add a course only during the first ten days of school.
·
Students
carrying six classes (minimum) will not be permitted to drop/add any class
after the 10th day of school.
·
Students
with more than six classes may drop a class by the first interim date with
written permission from their parent.
Students
have an opportunity to attend this school during their junior and senior
years. The counselor will take
application during the student’s sophomore year. Students should have completed the following minimum credits by
the end of the sophomore year:
2 credits in English 2
credits in Math
2 credits in Science 2
credits in Social Studies
1 credit in Health/Physical
Education
NATIONAL
HONOR SOCIETY
Membership
in the National Honor Society is one of the highest honors that can be awarded
to a high school student. Chapters
across the nation strive to give practical meaning to the Society’s goals of
scholarship, leadership, service, and character. These four ideals are considered as the basis for selection. No student is inducted simply because of a
high academic average. Membership is
open to qualified juniors and seniors maintaining an academic requirement of a
3.0 cumulative grade point average.
HONOR
GRADUATES
Honor
diploma graduation must meet 7 of 8 requirements from the college preparatory
curriculum.
a)
Four
units of English,
b)
Three
units of mathematics that shall include algebra I, algebra II, and geometry or
complete a three-year sequence of courses that contains equivalent content
c)
Three
units of science that develop concepts for physical, life and earth and space
sciences
d)
Three
units of social studies
e)
Either
three units of one foreign language or two units each of two foreign languages
f)
One
unit of fine arts
g)
Either
one unit of business/technology and two additional units in (a) through (f)
above or earn three additional units, in (a) through (f) above
h)
Maintain
an overall high school grade point of at least 3.5 on a four-point scale up to
the last grading period of the senior year
i)
Obtain
a composite score of 27 on the American College Testing (ACT) test or an
equivalent composite score of 1210 on the Scholastic Assessment Tests (SAT).
VALEDICTORIAN/SALUTATORIAN
The valedictorian and salutatorian will be the
student(s) selected from all eligible graduating seniors a Chalker High School
who meet the following requirements:
1. Holds the highest accumulative GPA.
2. Coursework must include six of the following
courses:
·
Academic
English 9,10,11,12, Calculus, Biology I & II, Chemistry, Physics or Post
Secondary Education Option classes. Two
of the courses must be taken in the senior year.
3. Be a student in good standing for the entire
3 years at Chalker High School.
The valedictorian will be determined at the end of
the 7th semester grading period of the senior year. It will be the responsibility of the High
School Principal with the assistance of the Guidance Counselor to make the
determination. When two or more
students meet all the established criteria and have identical GPA’s,
co-valedictorians will be recognized.
The student with the 2nd highest GPA will be recognized as salutatorian.
The valedictorian, salutatorian and class president will give graduation
speeches. If the class president is
also the valedictorian or salutatorian, the class advisor will determine the
3rd speaker. The “Top Ten” will be
recognized as “Distinguished Scholars” beginning with the Class of 2009
(Adoption date: April 19, 2005)
HONOR ROLL/ HIGH SCHOOL – MIDDLE SCHOOL
Honor roll will consist of students whose quarterly
average is a 3.0. Student behavior can disqualify a student from the honor roll
regardless of the academic criteria.
The
OHSSA and the Southington Local Schools establish the eligibility rules. They are:
1.
A
High School student must earn five (5) credits, pass 75% of their classes,
and maintain a 1.0 GPA in the previous grading period to be eligible for
the next nine-week participation.
Junior High students must pass 75% of their classes and maintain a 1.0
GPA in the previous grading period in order to be eligible to participate.
2.
Scholastic
deficiencies cannot be made up during summer school, night school, tutoring, or
exams other than accorded every other pupil because of illness certified by a
doctor and concluded within seven (7) days after the official close of the
semester. (Rule 7, Section 2).
3.
Suspension/expulsion/emergency
removal shall cause an athlete to be ineligible for the designated time.
4.
Eligibility
for FALL sports is the 4th grade period, NOT the end of the year
grades. Questions regarding athletic
eligibility can be referred to the Athletic Director or the Principal.
EMERGENCY MEDICAL AUTHORIZATION FORMS
These
forms MUST be on file in the office for ALL students. BY LAW, STUDENTS CAN BE EXCLUDED FROM SCHOOL ATTENDANCE FOR
FAILURE TO COMPLETE AN EMERGENCY MEDICAL AUTHORIZATION FORM. Although Chalker students attend the JVS, an
Emergency Medical Form must be completed by the parents/guardians of these
students.
FERPA
AND DIRECTORY INFORMATION
The
exception to disclosure of student information without consent is the release
of “directory information.” The
district will make the information listed below as directory information
available upon a legitimate request unless a parent/guardian or student 18
years or older notifies the school in writing by September 14 of each school
year that he/she will not permit distribution of the following
information. Under Ohio law, directory
information includes the following:
·
Student
name
·
Address
·
Telephone
listing
·
Date
of graduation
·
Date
and place of birth
·
Major
field of study
·
Dates
of attendance
·
Awards
received
·
Participation
in officially recognized activities and sports
·
Weight
and height of members of athletic teams
The
following procedures must be used for announcements on the school’s PA system:
1.
All
announcements must be written on appropriate forms.
2.
A
faculty advisor must sign all announcements.
3.
The
principal must approve all announcements.
4.
Emergency announcements
must be approved by the Principal.
5.
No
announcements will be made during the school day except in emergencies.
6.
Announcements
will be made for school related activities only.
STUDENT
ACTIVITIES
Participation
in co-curricular, extracurricular, and interscholastic athletic activities
enables students to develop leadership qualities, make new friends, learn
leisure-time activities, pursue special interests, and just have fun.
(Co-curricular activities are tied to courses, which require time outside the
regular school day.) Students are
encouraged to select from the activities available, one or more in which to
participate actively. However, since
the primary purpose of high school is to promote scholastic achievement,
students are reminded to select activities wisely and to budget their time
effectively. There are activities that
provide for: (1) extension of interests
aroused in the classroom, (2) an opportunity to develop special interests and
abilities, and (3) social and service activities in the school and community.
Some possible activities are:
Cheerleading Cross
Country (boys & girls)
Class Officers Volleyball
Drama Football
National Honor Society Basketball (boys & girls)
Pep
Band Baseball
Student Aides Softball
Ski Club Track
(boys & girls)
Co-Curricular Activities Band, Choir, Yearbook
Weightlifting
All
students, regardless of age, are required to abide by all school
regulations. Adult students have this
same responsibility and are required by the Board of Education policy to do
so. Continued violations of school
regulations may result in the students being withdrawn from school. Students may fill out an ’Age of Majority’
request.
Students
are to contact the Guidance Counselor and or Principal before enrolling in
summer school courses. Summer school
classes may only be taken to replace deficiencies or for remediation purposes.
Failure to contact the Guidance Counselor or Principal will result in summer
classes not being credited.
All
office phones are reserved for business purposes. Students will not be called out of class to receive telephone
calls. Emergency messages will be
delivered to students in their classes.
All
basic hardbound texts are loaned to the student for his/her use during the
school year. Texts are the property of
the Southington Board of Education.
Students are responsible for texts issued to them and will be required
to pay for loss or damage. Students
deliberately causing damage to textbooks, etc. will also face disciplinary
action. We must continue to take care
of all of our books. Covers on books
help in this cause.
All students who participate in interscholastic athletics must have
signed the athletic code of conduct.
Failure to have this on file with the athletic director before the
beginning of each season will be reason to deny a student participation in that
sport.
Cafeteria
Guidelines:
-
All paper and refuse is to be thrown away in the proper receptacles.
-
Food is not to be taken from the cafeteria to other areas of the building.
- No
food, such as pizza, may be ordered and delivered to the school.
-
There is to be no loitering in the hallway restroom.
-
Students are not to leave the cafeteria without permission.
-
Students must receive permission to use rest rooms.
- There are no locker or phone passes
during lunchtime.
-
Loud, disruptive or rowdy behavior is inappropriate and prohibited and may
result in cafeteria supervisors assigning seats and referring students to the
office for disciplinary action.
Class
dues may be charged annually to each student beginning with the ninth
grade. These monies are collected to
pay for prom, graduation expenses, and other expenses deemed necessary by the
class. The class officers, with the
advice of their class advisors, decide upon these dues. Failure to pay dues will exclude a student’s
ability to run for class office, participate in Homecoming, Prom court, senior
trip, or activities financed through class dues.
Certain courses (chemistry, shop, biology, art,
etc.) require a fee to be paid by each student to cover anticipated usage of
materials. Further charges may be made
in cases of over-usage of supplies or damage to equipment. In addition, courses may have fees for
supplemental materials for which a student is charged. The school office has a list of all course
fees and charges. If fees are not paid,
grade cards and/or diplomas will be held.
Seniors must have all fees and obligations cleared two weeks prior to
graduation.
One
of the outstanding characteristics of Southington students is their high
standard of personal grooming and dress.
Due to changing styles, dress codes must be flexible. Students are expected to wear clean clothing
that fits properly. Clothing must be
worn according to the purpose for which it was designed. Any type of dress or grooming that distracts
from the educational process or causes concern for health, safety, or general
well being of students will be considered improper. Any questions concerning interpretation of the school dress code
should be referred to the building principal. Book bags may not be carried
during the school day. Severe dress code violators may be sent home to change
or sit in the in-school suspension room until proper clothing or appearance can
be acquired.
The
following items are considered inappropriate:
-
Hats,
other head coverings and gloves
-
Sun
glasses (worn or displayed)
-
Tank
tops or bare midriff clothing
-
Transparent clothing
-
Sagging pants below the
hipbone.
-
Sleepwear.
-
Beachwear.
-
Wallet
chains, spiked jewelry, heavy or oversized jewelry worn around the neck, wrist
or waist.
-
One
facial piercing is allowed in addition to ear piercing. Lip rings are not allowed.
-
Skirts
and shorts must extend to the fingertips when arms are at your side.
-
Shirts,
blouses and all tops must be long enough to cover the stomach. All tops must
have finished sleeves that cover the entire shoulder and the top part of the
upper arm. No cut-off sleeves are
permitted.
-
Sandals
may be worn from August until October 15th and from April 1st
until June. Otherwise dress shoes or tennis shoes must be worn.
-
Clothing
or accessories with writing, pictures, or slogans referring to or suggestive of
inappropriate, derogatory or offensive language, alcohol, drugs, tobacco or
obscenity are prohibited.
-
Coats
or jackets are not to be worn during the school day. Students are urged to keep
a sweater or sweat shirt in their locker to compensate for uncomfortable
conditions.
-
Hair
coloring must be of natural shades.
Any students whose
appearance, as determined by the administration is distracting or disruptive to
the optimal learning environment will be considered in violation of this code.
The administration will serve as the final authority on all matters related to
dress and proper grooming.
DROP OFF/PICK UP
Students will be dropped
off and picked up at the gym lobby.
Students will not be permitted to be in the hallways before the bell
rings for the start of the day.
Students will remain on the bus or in the gym lobby until the first
period bell rings. Students will also
not be permitted to be in the school or hallways at the end of the day unless
coaches have given students authorization.
EARLY DISMISSAL FROM SCHOOL AND SENIOR PRIVILEGE
It is strongly recommended that doctor and/or dentist appointments be
scheduled after regular school hours.
However, if needed, the students can be dismissed if a written parental
permission slip is submitted to the office before school begins. The parental permission slip should state
the nature of the requested absence and the time of dismissal. VERIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT AND
COMPLETION OF THE APPOINTMENT WILL BE REQUIRED. All students must sign out at the school office before leaving
the school grounds. STUDENTS WHO ARE ILL ARE NOT
PERMITTED TO DRIVE THEMSELVES HOME. The
office will follow the emergency medical form directions. The Southington Local Board of Education
will allow seniors who have been assigned a last period study hall to leave
school after seventh period, provided they are in compliance with Chalker High
Schools, “Request for Early Dismissal.”
This includes maintaining the appropriate G.P.A., passage of all parts
of mandated testing programs, be on schedule to graduate and have parent
permission on file with the High School Principal. (Adoption date: April 19, 2005)
EMERGENCY DRILLS
All students are to
participate fully, quietly, and cooperatively in all drills. Directions for fire and emergency drills
will be posted in each room at the beginning of the year and are to be followed
without question.
Lockers
are the property of the school, and their use is a student privilege. Lockers are loans to the students for use
during the school year. Responsibility
for the locker and contents rests solely with the student. Lockers are not to have anything on their
exterior. On prior approval from the
principal, lockers may be decorated on birthdays. These decorations can remain on the lockers for a period of one
week. In addition to student birthdays,
students may decorate the exteriors of lockers for pep rallies. Only school-authorized locks may be
used. Students not returning school
locks at the end of the year or at time of withdrawal will be charged a
replacement charge of $4.00. Under no
circumstances should students’ money or valuables be contained in lockers. Open beverage containers, foodstuffs,
perishables, gym clothing, etc., are not permitted in lockers for longer than
one school day.
No medications are to be kept in the student lockers, classrooms, or on the person unless the parent/guardian and physician complete proper paperwork. The school office should be contacted for the required procedures concerning the taking of medications. In all cases, written parental permission is required before the office gives any medication. Every effort shall be made to schedule the administration of medication outside of school hours. If this is not possible, the school nurse, teacher, principal, or secretary will administer the medication. Instructions on dispensing the medication must be given to the school nurse/secretary by the prescribing physician. All prescription and non-prescription medication will be kept in a locked cabinet.
Temporary Excuse-20 days or
fewer
If
an excuse is for less than four weeks, a student will substitute written
assignments for the time covered by the medical excuse. These assignments may include book reports,
work sheets, magazine summaries, filmstrip viewing, or any other assignment the
student may wish to complete with the teacher’s consent. These assignments will include areas
pertaining to sports, recreation or fitness. Parent notes are appreciated but cannot excuse a student from
class.
Extended Excuse-21 days or
more
If
an excuse is for four weeks or longer, the student should be rescheduled for
another semester and withdrawn from the semester in which the excuse applies.
Permanent Excuse-semester or
year
If
an excuse should continue for the entire year, the student will be rescheduled
for the following school year. If
students are unable to complete this physical education requirement due to
medical reasons, they will be handled on an individual basis at the discretion
of the H. P. E. Department through programs that will be developed to meet the
individual needs of students who are unable to physically participate in
classroom assignments. Upon successful
completion of these tasks, the student will be given credit for physical
education. Physical education is a
graduation requirement of Chalker High School.
Lockers supplied by the school and used by the students are the property
of the board of education. Therefore,
student lockers and the contents of the locker are subject to random search at
any time without regard to whether there is a reasonable suspicion that tan
locker or its contents contains evidence of a violation of a school rule or
criminal statute. Random searches of
lockers may include the assistance of dogs trained to detect the presence of
drugs. This also includes vehicles driven to school.
STUDY HALLS
Study
halls are provided for constructive study.
An atmosphere of quiet and orderliness is expected. Specific study hall rules include:
1.
No
talking without teacher permission.
2.
Books
are to be brought for use during the study hall.
3.
Only
one (1) student is permitted to use the restroom at one time.
4.
Students
are not permitted to visit students in another class.
5.
A
student leaving the study hall for any part of the building must have a pass
signed by supervisory personnel and presented in person to the study hall
teacher.
6.
No
sleeping allowed.
7.
No
food or drink is allowed.
8.
If
student does not have study material, detentions will be assigned.
Driving
to school is a privilege that can be revoked if these procedures are not
followed:
1.
All
cars must be registered and a parking permit displayed.
2.
Drivers
must park and exit their vehicles upon arrival. There is no loitering in
vehicles while on school property.
Students are not permitted to go to their car during the day without
administrative approval.
3.
Cars
must allow ALL buses to leave the school area before exiting.
4.
Students
must drive in a safe and cautious manner, abiding by all traffic regulations.
5.
Students
could also lose driving privileges for the following reasons:
1) Truancy 4)
Drug/alcohol violations
2) Excessively “late to
school” 5) Excessively “late to class”
3) Poor grades 6)
Discipline issues
Publications
such as the student newspaper, and yearbook are connected to the overall school
program and subject to editorial control by the school’s authorities. The school recognizes the rights of students
to express themselves. With the right
of expression comes the responsibility to do it appropriately. Students may distribute or display, at
appropriate times, non-sponsored, non-commercial written material and
petitions, badges, buttons, or other insignias. All items must meet school
guidelines. Any material may not be
displayed or distributed if it:
The
Trumbull Career and Technical Center is an extension of our school program;
therefore, students who elect to attend the career center are subject to
disciplinary action based upon the Student Code of Conduct of either Chalker
High School and/or the Trumbull Career Technical Center.
Consequently, conduct and/or involvement in any activity that may or
does result in disciplinary action by one school may be grounds for similar disciplinary
action by the other school.
Chalker
High School welcomes adult visitors but asks they do the following:
1. All
visitors to Chalker High School MUST check in at the principal’s office
immediately upon entering the building.
This includes alumni returning for a visit. Alumni visits are restricted
to before and after school hours.
Alumni may meet with former teachers during their conference periods
provided arrangements have been made ahead of time.
2. No
visitor may enter a room while a class is in session.
3. Parents
are welcome to visit Chalker High School at any time, but are requested to
check in at the office in order that proper arrangements are made to insure a
quality visit.
4. Permission will not be granted to have a visitor come to school during lunch or to attend classes with you.
5. Prospective
students who wish to visit Chalker High School must make prior arrangements through the
Guidance Office.
6. TCTC
students are still Chalker students but must abide by all rules set forth for
visitors.
EXCUSED
ABSENCE
Excuses
from school attendance are recognized for the following reasons only (by Board
of Education policy and ORC 3321.04)
1.
Personal Illness
2.
Funerals
3.
Religious Holidays
4.
Court Summons
5. Quarantine
6.
Emergency (approved by the principal)
7.
Illness in the family (approved by the principal)
Personal illness is
always a concern. Chalker HS believes
that children who are truly ill should not be forced to attend school and
jeopardize their health. However, it is
the expectation of the school that students who demonstrate a pattern of
illness should receive medical attention.
Medical and dental appointments that are not of an emergency nature
should, as far as possible, be scheduled after school hours or on non-school
days. State Law specifically states that every child up to age 18 must attend
school. The law is very clear on what
constitutes a legal excuse for an absence from school. No parent or guardian has the right to
excuse his/her child or anyone else’s child from school for any reason other
than those stated. Once a student
reaches twenty-three (23) days of unexcused absence, he/she may be recommended
for expulsion from school and may run the risk of failing their classes or losing
credit.
CALLING YOUR CHILD ABSENT FROM SCHOOL
Parents are required to
call 330-898-1701 to report your child absent from school. This line is operational 24 hours a day and
is the preferred method for reporting absences. Students that are not called off by phone are required to
bring a written note within 24 hours of their absence. Students without notes will be considered
unexcused.
COLLEGE VISITS
College
visits are limited to two (2) per year.
Prior approval must be obtained one week before the scheduled
visit. A form from the Guidance Office
must be completed by the student and returned to the Guidance Counselor or
Principal.
TARDY TO SCHOOL
(SIGN-IN)
Students arriving late to
school must go directly to the office to sign in and receive a tardy slip.
The penalty for tardies
is as follows:
1-3
tardies per grading period – Warning
4-5
tardies per grading period – One detention for each tardy
6
tardies per grading period – Two detentions
7
+ tardies per grading period – In School Suspension
Students arriving:
Before the end of 2nd period – tardy
During 3rd-4th-5th-6th
period – absent ½ day
During 7th-8th period – absent all
day
EARLY DISMISSAL
(SIGN-OUT)
Each teacher keeps
classroom attendance. The 18-day
absence limit applies to each scheduled classroom period. If you have early dismissal:
Before the end of 2nd period – absent all day
During 3rd-4th-5th-6th period – absent ½ day
During 7th-8th period – present all
day
LEAVING WITHOUT
PERMISSION
Students failing to
follow procedures for leaving early will be subject to disciplinary action.
DISMISSAL
At the close of the
school day, students should leave the building immediately. If a student is to attend a meeting or are
assigned a specific task, they will go directly to the assigned location.
Truancy,
an unexcused absence, is the failure of the student to attend school without a
legal reason. According to juvenile
court guidelines, students identified as having excessive unexcused absences
will have home contact in each case of absenteeism, and court referral will result
if the absenteeism continues. There are
two types of truancy: (1) Truancy where
a student chooses to miss class but stays in the building, and (2) Truancy
where a student misses an entire day and/or leaves the building. Students will receive zeroes for any missed
work due to truancy. When a student has
been absent without a legitimate excuse for more than 10 consecutive days, or a
total of 15 days in any semester, that student may have his/her temporary instruction
or driver’s license suspended by the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (ORC 33210.13)
Students
may make up work missed during an excused absence under the following
guidelines:
-The number of days for make up work to be completed
shall not exceed the number of days absent and shall not exceed one week
without teacher or administrative approval.
-Students absent on the day of an exam shall be
expected to take a make up exam on the day of their return if the exam date was
announced while they were present.
-Students are responsible for obtaining missed
assignment information from teachers.
Students are also responsible for completing missed assignments. Homework requests will be honored for
students on an excused absent for more than 3 days.
A
student who is absent from school or a class more than 9 days in a semester or
more than 18 days in a full year class will be subject to loss of credit. Any
number of unexcused absences or truancy may result in a charge of irregular
attendance being filed with the county attendance officer and/or juvenile
court. The only exceptions will be:
Medical
Excuse
College Visits (2 maximum)
Religious
Holiday Death in the family
Extenuating
circumstances decided by Administration
Court Excuse
School
Function In
School Discipline Excused tardy
over 15 minutes Quarantine of the Home
All absences except those
listed above count toward the 9/18 attendance policy limits. Those absences listed above must be verified
by a written excuse from the appropriate authority.
PARENT NOTIFICATION
A
letter will be sent to the parent/guardian notifying them of their child’s
attendance record.
6 days absent – Letter #1
12 days absent – Letter #2
18 days absent – Letter #3 (Final Notice)
Some
times major emergencies, extended illness, accidents, etc. will deprive
students of the ability to attend school. Home instruction may be needed in
some situations. Special schooling
programs are required in other situations.
If these alternatives are not utilized and more than 18 days worth of
class sessions are missed in a year course, credit for the course is lost
unless the principal or designee grants an exemption. Courses of less than a year in duration would be pro-rated as to
acceptable absences.
The
Southington Local School Board realizes that many parents cannot control the
dates of their vacation. We also
realize that many problems can arise from leaving high school age children at
home for long periods of time. It is
for this reason we will excuse students for vacations under the following
conditions:
-Students will not be excused for vacations
unless their parents accompany them.
This rule does not change when a student becomes 18.
-Students must arrange with the building principal or at least one week in advance for all excused vacations.
-Any student requesting permission for an excused vacation must make arrangements with each of his/her teachers for makeup assignments.
-If a vacation is not properly approved, the absence will be unexcused.
-Tests
are not to be administered prior to the scheduled time.
-Student’s attendance record of prior absences for the
current school year is within the 9/18 policy.
Students, like all citizens, have rights guaranteed by the
Constitution of the United States. Most often, the First Amendment, which
ensures freedom of religion, speech, press and petition, and the Fourteenth
Amendment, which guarantees due process and equal protection, apply in school
situations.
The rights of an individual are preserved only by the
protection and preservation of the rights of others. Students are responsible
for the way they exercise their rights, and must accept the consequences of
their actions and recognize the boundaries of their rights. Each exercise of an
individual’s rights must demonstrate respect for the rights of others.
These statements set
forth the rights of students in the public schools of the district and the
responsibilities that are inseparable from these rights:
1. Civil Rights- including the
right to equal educational opportunity and freedom from discrimination; the
responsibility not to discriminate against others.
2. The right to attend free
public schools; the responsibility to attend school regularly and to observe
school rules essential for permitting others to learn.
3. The right to due process of
law with respect to suspension and expulsion.
4. The right to free inquiry and
expression; the responsibility to observe reasonable rules regarding these
rights.
5. The right to privacy, which
includes privacy in respect to the student’s school records.
SCOPE OF JURISDICTION
This policy applies to students under the authority of school
personnel or involved in any school activity. This includes but is not limited
to school buses, and property under the control of school authorities, and
while at interscholastic competition, extracurricular events, or other school
activities or programs. Also included is:
1. Misconduct by a student that
occurs off school district property but is connected to activities or incidents
that have occurred on school property; and
2.
Misconduct by a student that, regardless of where it occurs, is directed at a district
official or employee or the property of an official or employee.
POINTS TO KEEP IN MIND WITH REGARD TO MISCONDUCT
1. Students at Southington are expected to behave and obey school
rules, regulations, and procedures, and to practice good citizenship at all
times. We feel that the following rules and regulations can act as positive
guides.
2. Every attempt shall be made to be as fair as possible as well as
firm as possible.
3. Proper behavior is one of the most important lessons that we must
learn.
4. You may have the right to decide not to learn in a democracy,
however, you have no right to interfere with the education of others in any
way.
5. The administration and teachers do not punish students when they
show improper conduct. They only take corrective action hoping it will not
happen again.
6. A constant effort will be made to keep a few students from giving
Southington Schools a poor reputation.
7. Please note that this Southington Local Board adopted policy is in
compliance with Ohio Law 3313.661 (conduct code).
8. The violations involve corrective action for one school year at a
time.
9. Parents are to be notified, whenever possible of serious or
repetitive infractions.
10. Under due process, students have the right to appeal
out-of-school suspensions to the superintendent. Expulsions may be appealed to the Board of Education.
11. All
possible misconduct could not possibly be listed. Any action or behavior judged
by school officials to be
inappropriate in a school setting and not specifically mentioned in
other sections shall be in violation of the student conduct code. In cases of
misconduct, the corrective action will relate as closely as possible to the
offense.
INFRACTIONS
OF STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT (DEFINED)
SUSPENSION
Pursuant to Section 3313.66 of the Ohio Revised Code, the
Superintendent, Principal may suspend a pupil from school for not more than ten
(l0) school days. If, at the time a suspension is imposed, there are fewer than
ten (l0) school days remaining in the school year, in which the incident which
gives rise to the suspension takes place, the Superintendent or designee may
apply any remaining part or all of the period of the suspension to the
following year.
Suspension may be imposed for violations of the rules and
regulations appearing in the Code of Conduct and Board of Education policies on
student behavior.
Misconduct for which Suspension may be imposed
Electronic Devices: The following items may be brought to school, but, except for cell
phones, must be kept in the students’ lockers or cars during the school hours:
radios, CD players or any other form of amplified music, individual listening
devices such as CD players, iPods©, MP3 players, walkmans, pagers,
Blackberries©, broadband equipped computers, or other electronic signaling
devices. Cell phones must be kept in
the off position and be kept out of site during the entire school day. Any devices, which are found to be on, make
a noise or vibrate, or otherwise call attention to themselves will be deemed to
be creating a disruption.
Tobacco: The use or possession of tobacco products or
paraphernalia in a school building, on or near a school campus, or at any
sanction1d school activity on or off of the campus is prohibited.
Gambling: Students shall not participate in games of chance
for money or other stakes, bookmaking, wagering, or any other form of gambling.
Honor Violations: Presenting someone else’s work as one’s own in order
to obtain a grade or credit is considered to be cheating. This includes, but is not limited to,
copying others assignments, quiz or test answers, and plagiarism. Students who violate this policy will
receive zero credit for assignments or work involved and disciplinary action.
Trespassing: Students shall not enter upon
school grounds or premises of a school building to which the student is not
assigned, except with the express permission of the school principal of that
building. Students may attend or participate in School District sponsored
events. Students are not permitted to enter upon the grounds or premises of any
Board of Education facility when the student has been placed on suspension,
expulsion or removal without the express permission of the building principal.
Students are not permitted in the school building at such times as the building
is closed.
Misuse of Facilities and Equipment: Students
shall not use school facilities and/or equipment for uses other than those
which were intended. Students shall not damage, destroy or deface school property,
or private property on school premises.
Disruption of School: Students shall not use violence,
force, noise, coercion, threat, harassment, intimidation, fear, passive
resistance, or any other conduct, cause, attempt, or threaten to cause the
disruption or obstruction of any mission, process, activity, or function of the
school.
Use of Flame Producing Devices: The
unauthorized use or possession of matches, lighters, or any other flame-
producing device on school property is prohibited.
Use of Profane, Indecent, or Obscene Language: Use of
language of this type, whether written or verbal, directed toward or used in
the presence of school personnel or students is prohibited. This shall include
the use of obscene gestures, pictures and signs.
Failure to Complete Minor Disciplinary Sanction: A student
who fails to complete an assigned minor disciplinary sanction such as in-school
discipline, detention, or written work will be subject to suspension.
Insubordination or Disrespect: Students
who refuse to comply with the directions of school personnel or who talk back
to, argue with, or make disrespectful comments toward any staff member or about
a staff member will be subject to suspension.
Truancy: A student
who misses school, including a study hall, class, lunch or any other assigned
activity for part or all of a day without school authorization or who leaves
the school building without administrative permission is subject to suspension.
Transmission of Prescription or
Non-Prescription Medication: No student shall transmit or
attempt to transmit any form of prescription or non-prescription medication to
another student.
Fireworks, Smoke Bombs, or Other
Similar Devices: No student shall possess, use or threaten to use
fireworks, smoke bombs, or any other similar devices while on school property
or while participating in any school sponsored activity.
Theft or Unauthorized Possession: Theft or
unauthorized possession of school property or equipment, personal property of
any District employee or of another student or visitor is grounds for
suspension.
Fighting: Fighting
among two or more students is grounds for suspension.
Harassment: Students
shall not engage in any obscene, abusive, profane or degrading gestures or
expressions; racial, ethnic or religious prejudicial or disrespectful actions;
harassment of any kind (including sexual) to any individual or group; or
intimidation and/or threats to an individual or group. This includes
publication or distribution of materials meeting this description.
Assault: No student
shall cause, attempt or threaten to cause physical injury to any person on
school property or any school event. This will include an unprovoked attack.
Extortion: Students
shall not solicit money or objects of value from other students for any reason.
Complicity: Students
shall not be present or in such a position as to allow or assist another
student to be in violation of any school rule. This specifically includes, but
is not limited to students that serve as "look outs".
Motor Vehicle Violations: Students shall not engage
in reckless, unsafe or unauthorized operation of a motor vehicle on school
grounds or at school sponsored activities.
Dress Code: Students shall not violate school
rules pertaining to appearance and dress. Students shall attend dressed in a
manner which is clean, not hazardous to their safety or the safety of others
and which does not detract from the educational process.
Hazing: Students shall not plan,
encourage, or participate in any from of hazing. Hazing is defined as doing any act or coercing another, including
the victim, to do any act of initiation into any organization that creates a
risk of mental or physical harm.
Permission, consent, or assumption of risk by an individual subjected to
hazing does not lessen the prohibition contained in this policy. Violation may lead to suspension,
recommendation for expulsion, and/or legal action as contained in ORC2307.44
Gang Activity: Students shall not engage in any
gang activity. Any indication of gang activity by the type of dress, apparel,
activities, acts, behavior or manner of grooming, displayed, reflected, or
participated in by a student is prohibited.
Gross Misconduct/Repeated or Flagrant Violations: Gross
misconduct or repeated or flagrant violations of any school rule may result in
suspension.
Violation
of the Student Code of Conduct: Any violation of the TCTC Student
Code of Conduct where suspension is normally considered appropriate is grounds
for suspension from the Southington Local School District.
Physical Attack/Inappropriate Contact: A student shall not cause, attempt to cause, threaten to cause,
or behave in such a manner as could reasonably be interpreted to cause injury
or damage to any person (i.e. fighting, verbal abuse, threats, physical
retaliation). Any hostile acts of
bodily contact among two or more students, regardless of how it begins or who
was at fault, in or on school property, or while in attendance at any sponsored
activity, at home or away, shall result in suspension or other disciplinary
action for all parties involved. The principal will take into consideration if
the student was found to be acting in self-defense. This will also include throwing of any object or causing an
object to become a projectile
Disregard of Reasonable Directions or Requests: A student shall not fail to obey or comply with any reasonable
direction or command given by any authorized school employee. This shall also apply to classified
employees in the performance of their assigned duties including secretaries,
teacher aides, bus drivers, cafeteria workers and custodians.
Being in an Off-Limits Area: These are locations designated by the school administration or
personnel that should be avoided by a student or groups of students. Students
will be considered off-limits if they attend an extra-curricular event and are
not in school a minimum of 3.5 hours or 4 periods.
Repeated
Tardiness to class or school.
Other Grounds for Suspension: Commission
of any of the acts which are grounds for expulsion could also result in
suspension and/or any acts that constitute a violation of Local, State, or
Federal Law.
EXPULSlON
Pursuant to Section 3313.66 of the Ohio Revised Code, the
superintendent may expel a pupil from school attendance for a period not to
exceed the greater of eighty (80) school days or the lumber of school days
remaining in the semester or term in which the instant it gives rise to the
expulsion takes place. If at the time an expulsion is imposed there are fewer
than eighty (80) school days remaining in the school year in which the incident
that gives rise to the expulsion takes place, the superintendent or designee
may apply any remaining part or all of the period of the expulsion to the
following year. Any act that would be a criminal offense when committed by an
adult that results in serious physical harm to persons or property (as defined
by Section 2901.01 of the Ohio Revised Code) may subject the offender to
expulsion for up to one year. Additionally, violations of the weapons in school
policy may result in expulsion of up to one (1) year. The Superintendent or
his/her designee may reduce the one (I) year expulsion on a case by case basis
for reasons relating to the age of the student, previous offenses, the students
disability, or for individual circumstances. This list is not all-inclusive.
Misconduct for which Expulsion may be imposed
Assault: To cause or attempt to threaten or cause ·physical
injury to any person is grounds for expulsion. This will include an unprovoked
attack.
Making False Fire Alarms and Bomb Threats: Students
shall not, through written, electronic or verbal means disrupt or threaten to
disrupt the educational process and/or endanger or threaten to endanger the
safety of school occupants by means of false alarms and/or bomb threats.
Involvement with Alcoholic Beverages: A student
shall not possess, transmit, buy, sell, conceal, use or be under the influence
of any alcoholic beverage al any time the student is subject to the authority
of the school. Use of an alcoholic beverage shall be determined by the
professional staff and may include, but not be limited to, detection on the
breath of the student, regardless of where the alcoholic beverage may have been
consumed. A student shall not consume any alcoholic beverage before arrival al
school or a school sponsored or related event or activity.
lnvolvement with Drugs and Drug Paraphernalia: A student
shall not possess, use, transmit, buy, sell or conceal any of the drugs defined
as a "drugs of abuse" in Ohio Revised Code Section 3719.011 or
possess, use, transmit, buy, sell, or conceal any of the drugs defined as
"counterfeit controlled substance" in Ohio Revised Code Section
2925.01 or be under the influence of any such drugs. Nor shall any student
possess, use, transmit, buy, sell or conceal any drug related paraphernalia at
any time the student is subject to the authority of the school. Examples of
drugs of abuse include, but are not limited to, narcotic drugs, "look
alike" drugs, hallucinogenic drugs, amphetamines, barbiturates, marijuana,
cocaine, or derivatives, glue, or other substances that could modify behavior.
A student shall not use any drug of abuse before arrival at school or at a
school sponsored or related event or activity. Use of drugs authorized by a
medical prescription from a licensed physician shall not be considered a
violation of this rule. However, no student may self-administer drugs
authorized by a medical prescription from a licensed physician, except for
asthma inhalers. Students in grades 6-12, self-administering of
non-prescription “over-the-counter” medication (aspirin, ibuprofen, cough
drops, etc.) shall not be considered a violation of this policy. Students in
grades kindergarten through five may not self-administer any medication,
whether prescription, non-prescription, or "over the counter." A
student who demonstrates behavior seemingly related to drug usage or who
exhibits symptoms or physical conditions that may be related to drug usage,
shall be referred by a staff member for observation and questioning by a school
administrator. If the suspicion of drug usage still exists, the parents shall
be informed immediately and shall be requested to come to school as soon as
possible. Based on his/her professional judgment, the administrator may send
the student home in the custody of his/her parents.
Counterfeit, controlled substances or
"look-a-likes" shall be defined as:
a. Any drug that bares, or whose container or label bares, a
trademark, trade name, or other identifying mark used without authorization of
the owner or writes such trademark, trade name, or identifying mark;
b. Any unmarked or unlabeled substance that is represented
to be a controlled substance manufactured, processed or packed or distributed
by a person other than the person that manufactured, processed or packed or
distributed it;
c. Any substance that is represented to be a controlled
substance but is not a controlled substance or is a different controlled
substance;
d. Any substance other than a controlled substance that a
reasonable person would believe to be a controlled substance because of its
similarity in shape, size and color for its markings, labeling, packaging,
distribution for the price for which it is sold or offered for sale.
Disruption of School: A student shall not, by use of
violence, force, noise, coercion, threat, harassment, intimidation, fear,
passive resistance, or any other conduct, cause, attempt or threaten to cause
or urge other students to cause, attempt or threaten to cause disruption or
obstruction of any lawful mission, process or function of the school.
Arson/Attempted Arson/Possession of Incendiary Device:
Setting fires or the use or possession of any incendiary
device is prohibited.
Involvement with Weapons or Dangerous Instruments: A student
shall not use, possess, handle, transmit, sell or conceal any object that can
be classified as a weapon or dangerous instrument. Weapons or dangerous
instruments include, but are not limited to guns, knives, metal knuckles,
straight razors, explosives, noxious irritants, poisons and other dangerous
substances along with any item that is a "look alike" of the above,
i.e., toy guns, knives, etc. or any object which is used or may be used to
inflict physical harm. Weapons violations may result in expulsion for up to one
(1) year.
Harassment: Students
shall not engage in any obscene, abusive, profane or degrading gestures or
expressions; racial, ethnic or religious prejudicial or disrespectful actions;
harassment of any kind (including sexual) to any individual or group; or
intimidation and/or threats to an individual or group. This includes
publication or distribution of materials meeting this description.
Violation
of the Tobacco Policy: A student who violates the tobacco policy for the
third time is subject to expulsion.
Repeated or
Continued Violation of Minor School Conduct Rules or Rules for which Suspension
may be Imposed: If, after out-of-school suspension, a student continues to
violate minor school conduct rules, expulsion may result as the
next step. Additionally, a student who has been suspended may be expelled for
new suspendable conduct after having served an out-of-school suspension.
Violation of the Student Code of
Conduct: Violations of the TCTC Student Code of Conduct by
committing an offense for expulsion is normally considered appropriate grounds
for expulsion from the Southington Local School District.
Harassment, intimidation, or bullying behavior by
any student/school personnel in the Southington Local Public Schools is
strictly prohibited, and such conduct may result in disciplinary action,
including suspension and/or expulsion from school. “Harassment, intimidation, or bullying, in accordance with House
Bill 276, means any intentional written, verbal, graphic or physical acts
including electronically transmitted acts i.e., Internet, cell phone, personal
digital assistant (PDA), or wireless hand-held device, either overt or covert,
by a student or group of students toward other students/school personnel with
the intent to harass, intimidate, injure, threaten, ridicule or humiliate. Such behaviors are prohibited on or
immediately adjacent to school grounds, at any school-sponsored activity, on
school-provided transportation or at any official school bus stop that a
reasonable person under the circumstances should know will have the effect of:
Causing mental or physical harm to the other student/school personnel
including placing an individual in reasonable fear of physical harm and/or
damaging of students’ personal property; and, is sufficiently severe,
persistent, or pervasive that it creates an intimidating, threatening, or
abusive educational environment for the other student/school personnel. Dating
violence is defined as a pattern of behavior where a person uses or threatens
physical, sexual, verbal or emotional abuse to control the person’s dating partner. A dating partner is any person, regardless
of gender, involved in an intimate relationship with another person primarily
characterized by the expectation of affectionate involvement whether casual,
serious, or long term.
Students and/or their parents or guardians may file
reports regarding suspected harassment, intimidation or bullying. Such written reports shall be reasonably
specific including person(s) involved, number of times and places of the
alleged conduct, the target of suspected harassment, intimidation and/or
bullying, and the names of any potential student or staff witnesses. Such
reports may be filed with any school staff member or administrator, and they
shall be promptly forwarded to the building principal for review and action.
School personnel are required to report any
prohibited incidents of harassment, intimidation, or bullying to school
principal or other personnel designated by the principal.
If after investigation, acts of harassment,
intimidation and bullying by a specific student are verified, the building
principal or his/her designee shall notify in writing the parent or guardian of
the perpetrator of that finding. If disciplinary consequences are imposed
against such student, a description of such discipline shall be included in
such notification. If after
investigation, acts of bullying against a specific student are verified, the
building principal or his/her designee shall notify the parent or guardian of
the victim of such finding. In providing such notification, care must be taken
to respect the statutory privacy rights of the perpetrator of such harassment,
intimidation and bullying.
Reports Documented
Any prohibited incident will be
documented in accordance with procedures followed by other disciplinary
problems. These incidents are recorded
on a database.
Response Procedures
Any prohibited incidents will be
investigated by using the student incident report form, by interviews, and by monitoring
school surveillance equipment.
Protecting the Victim
Inform school personnel of
the incident and instruct them to monitor the victim and the offending party
for indications of harassing, intimidating and bullying behavior. Personnel are
to intervene when prohibited behaviors are witnessed. Check with the victim daily to ensure that there have been no
incidents of harassment/intimidation/bullying or retaliation from the offender
or other parties.
When acts of harassment, intimidation and bullying are verified and a
disciplinary response is warranted, students are subject to the full range of
disciplinary consequences. Anonymous complaints that are not otherwise
verified, however, shall not be the basis for disciplinary action.
In and out-of-school
suspension may be imposed only after informing the accused perpetrator of the
reasons for the proposed suspension and giving him/her an opportunity to
explain the situation.
Summary of Incidents
District administrators
semiannually will provide the president of the district board a written summary
of all reported incidents and post the summary on the district Web site, if one
exists. The list shall be limited to the number of verified acts of harassment,
intimidation and bullying, whether in the classroom, on school property, to and
from school, or at school-sponsored events.
The
exercise of self-control, self-discipline, and self-direction are essential to
positive school behavior and future success.
To this end, each student must be responsible for his/her own behavior
and must respect the rights of others. The following criteria will be
considered when determining the appropriate corrective action for infractions
of the student conduct code:
Verbal Warning
Loss of Privileges
a. Driving and parking
b. Computer use
c. Activities
d. Bus transportation
Administrative detentions
In-school Discipline
Overnight Suspension
Out-of-School Suspension
Emergency Removal
Expulsion
CORRECTIVE
ACTIONS (DEFINED)
School detention is held after school from 2:25 until
3:00. Students assigned to detention
are responsible for finding their transportation from school. Students assigned
detention are under the jurisdiction of the Southington Local Schools Board
of Education. Students must serve all
assigned detentions.
1.
Assigned
for infraction of school conduct code.
2.
Assigned
to In-School Discipline room.
3.
Due
process is not required. No appeal.
4.
Receive
credit for schoolwork; student is not counted absent.
5.
May
be assigned In-School Discipline a maximum of 3 times a school year.
OVERNIGHT
SUSPENSION
Overnight suspension
means that a student has been suspended until such time that a parent meets
with the principal or his designee to reinstate the student. This can be done before the school day
begins so there will not be an interruption of the academic process. If a parent does not appear for a
reinstatement hearing, the student will be officially suspended until a hearing
does occur.
The
principal or superintendent shall be empowered to suspend a student from school
for disciplinary reasons outlined in the student code of conduct. No period of
suspension will be for more than ten (10) school days.
1.
Serious
infractions of the student code of conduct
2.
Due
process is required.
3.
Student
is counted absent. 9/18 attendance policy is in effect
4.
Suspension
can carry over to following school year.
5.
Students
are not permitted to attend or participate in extra curricular activities.
6.
If
a student is suspended out of school more than once no credit or class
work can be made up.
7.
If
a student is suspended out of school only tests & major projects can be
made up.
1.
Student
will be informed in writing of the potential suspension for the proposed
action.
2.
The
student will be provided an opportunity for an informal hearing to challenge
the reasons for the intended suspension and explain his/her actions.
3.
An
attempt will be made to notify parents or guardians by telephone if a
suspension is issued.
4.
Within
24 hours, a letter will be sent to the parent or guardian stating the specific
reasons for the suspension and include a notice of their right to appeal.
5.
Students
may appeal to the Superintendent. All appeals must be made within 10 days of
receipt of the notice of suspension from the principal.
If a students’ presence
poses a continuing danger to persons or property or an ongoing threat of
disrupting the academic process, the Superintendent, Principal or personnel
employed to direct, supervise or coach a student activity program may remove
the student from the premises.
EXPULSION
Behavior of a student can
be considered so serious as to justify total removal from the educational
program for a prolonged length of time.
The Southington Local Schools Board of Education has policies &
procedures that will be followed in the event an expulsion is necessary.
Southington Schools
recognize that our students live in a world of increasingly sophisticated
technology and greatly enhanced communication. We further recognize that the
availability of an ever – present and virtually unlimited information resource
has profound implications for instructions. We therefore believe that it is
imperative to provide Internet access to our students and staff. The Acceptable Use and Safety Policy
detailed here is designed to articulate the appropriate use of computer
networks, including the Internet, in the instructional setting of our schools.
This document seeks to set ground rules that will forestall problems that could
surface in such an unfettered environment. User compliance with these rules
will help ensure a safe and appropriate learning environment. To this end, the district will employ
reasonable technology solutions, including Internet filtering software to
restrict access to objectionable material.
Staff or software will monitor Internet access by students at all times.
The use of obscene, vulgar, threatening, harassing, abusive, or other graphic
communication, which create a substantial risk of materially disrupting or
creating liability for the district in either public or private messages is
expressly forbidden. Students who intentionally try to by pass any filtering
system will lose computer privileges.
All students and employees are eligible to access the network resources
in our school building. Students will not provided with email accounts by the
school district. Except in cases involving specific class projects, students
will not have access to chat rooms, online messaging systems, or other forms of
direct electronic communication in school. Parents who would like their
children to be denied access to thee Internet in school should notify each
child’s principal in writing at the beginning of each school year. Internet and
user account privileges may be denied, suspended, or revoked as a consequence
of violation of the provisions of this policy. Security of any computer system
is a high priority, especially when the system involves many users. If the user
can identify a problem on the Internet, he/she must notify a system
administrator immediately. Do not demonstrate the problem to other users. Do
not use another individual’s account.
Do not use MP3 players for downloading music. Do not use USB media storage devices. Furthermore, Southington schools will cooperate fully with law
enforcement officials when there is suspicion that unlawful activity has taken
place.