General Information
District and
Building Information
Address and Phone: Onekama Middle/High School
Transportation Phone: (231) 889-5521
School Day:
Onekama
Middle/High School Staff
Principal: Gina Hagen
Secretary Teresa Chandler
Becky Milarch
Faculty:
David Baldner Math
Tom Bromley Social Studies/Physical Education
John Burtch Social Studies
Nathan Bradford MS/HS Special Education
Kathy Joseph English, Band
Jim Hunter Physical Education, Science
Naomi Kolehmainen Spanish
Scott McKenney Counselor/Reading
John Neph Social Studies/Science
Fayeannette Pierce English/Social Studies
Mickey Story Science
Rex Toelle Shop
Nikki Torrey English
Michele Warman Science, Math
Dana Woolman Art
Support Personnel:
Rick Brandis Head Custodian
Mary Jo Zadow Athletic Director
Becky Lindeman Cafeteria
Jan Exo Cafeteria
Deanna Fink Head Cook
Bob Johnson Custodian
Dave Kehrer Custodian
Shelly Gilbert RTC Staff
The Onekama
Consolidated Schools is dedicated to creating
and maintaining a positive learning environment for all students. Teachers, administrators, parents, and
students must assume a responsible role in promoting behavior that enhances
academic and social success. Courteous,
respectful, and responsible behavior fosters a positive climate for the
learning community.
The Code of Student Conduct sets forth student rights and
responsibilities while at school and school-related activities, and the
consequences for violating school rules.
When determining the appropriate action to be taken as a consequence of
student misconduct, school officials may use intervention strategies and/or
disciplinary actions, depending upon the severity or repetition of misconduct;
age and grade level of the student; circumstances surrounding the misconduct;
impact of the student’s misconduct on others in the school community, and any
other relevant factors.
We believe every person has the
right to experience a positive self-image.
At Onekama Schools, we expect a positive attitude and respectful
behavior to be practiced by all.
Students and staff have a right to be on an environment conducive to
learning and in which they feel safe, respected, and protected. We will foster this by:
Accepting others with an open mind
and practicing common courtesy, being cooperative and respectful and tolerating
differences in others.
The Onekama Schools strive to be a
community of caring people. Our behavior
demonstrates our belief in each other’s rights as human beings. Therefore, violations of the rights of others
will not be tolerated and will result in disciplinary action.
The Code of Student Conduct will be administered uniformly
and fairly, without partiality or discrimination.
·
When a student is at school.
·
“At school” means in a classroom, elsewhere on school
premises, on a school bus or other school-related vehicle, or at a
school-sponsored activity or event, whether or not it is held on school
premises;
·
When a student’s conduct at any other time or place
has a direct and immediate effect on maintaining order and discipline, or on
protecting the safety and welfare of students or school district staff;
·
When a student is using school telecommunications
networks, accounts, or other district services.
The school district emphasizes the value of regular
attendance in enabling students to benefit from the school’s education
programs.
More important, however, is the effect of regular and punctual attendance
on the student’s scholastic achievement.
Not only is each day’s lesson important to the individual student, the
student’s participation in class contributes to the education of others. Frequent absences and tardiness, for any
reason, are certain to adversely affect the student’s schoolwork. Each student is expected to be in school every
day except when illness, injury, or some providential condition beyond the student’s
control prevents attendance.
Truancy
All children between the ages of
six and sixteen are required to be in regular attendance at school.
It is the policy of Onekama
Consolidated Schools that it is the responsibility of the parent to verify their
son or daughter’s absence. If an absence
is not verified, the student will be considered truant and dealt with per our
discipline policy and the Michigan Revised School Code. Truancy may also result
in possible referral to the Probate Court.
Students who miss classes may also be required to make up an equal
amount of time during detentions after school in addition to any truancy action
which may be taken. The terms
"excused" and "unexcused" will no longer be used to
describe absences for the purpose of determining whether an absence is without
proper verification.
To verify an absence, the parent
must call or write a note explaining why the student was absent. Verification
may also be made by a note from a physician. The note or phone call must be received
upon or prior to the student’s return.
Student’s who return without this notification will be considered truant
for the time of their absence, but will receive 1 day to obtain a note or
arrange a phone call. An early morning
phone call between
If a student accumulates an
excessive number of absences, a letter will be sent to the student’s parent
notifying them of the number of absences and the current academic progress of
the student. The letter will be sent after 3 absences in a given class. After five absences in a given class, an
additional letter will be sent and the Principal will attempt to schedule a
meeting between the student, the student's parent, the Principal, and the
student's counselor.
If a student misses the first ten
(10) minutes or more of a given class, the student will be treated as being
absent from that class.
Students, 16 years of age or
older, who have dropped one-half or more of their scheduled classes will
forfeit the right to remain in school for the duration of the semester. However, this penalty will be held in
abeyance pending the determination of an attendance appeal.
Students under 16 years of age who
are losing credit in three (3) or more classes as a result of absenteeism will
be referred to the Intermediate School District Truancy Officer.
Students may leave during the
school day by following this procedure:
A.
If a student is ill, he/she must contact a
parent/guardian or emergency contact person so that the parent/guardian or
emergency contact person can contact the school and grant permission to release
the student. The student must also sign
out in the office.
B.
If the student has an appointment, the student must
sign out in the office and provide the office with verification from the
student's parent/guardian either by note or phone.
Under no circumstances may a
student leave school without verification from the student's parent/guardian
and without signing out in the office.
Make-Up Work: The student
shall have a minimum of one (1) day to make-up work assigned or due for each
day he/she was absent. An exception to
this rule is a long-term assignment which is due on the date assigned,
regardless of whether the student is in attendance or not. A long-term assignment is considered to be
any assignment given five (5) or more school days prior to the due date. Make-up days for short-term assignments shall
immediately follow the date(s) of absence.
It is the student's responsibility to obtain
make-up work either before or after school.
Extended Absences: Any request for an extended
excused absence must be made to the Principal by the parent/guardian as soon as
the need for the absence is known so that the student can make arrangements with teachers to secure assignments
and complete work before the absence.
Such requests should be in writing five (5) school days prior to the
commencement of the absence. In the event that the extended absence is due to
illness, the student or parent/guardian may contact the office to request
make-up work while the student recovers.
Excessive Absences
Attendance is an integral part of
student development. As such, attendance
should be considered along with academic achievement when granting course
credit. However, it is recognized that
the reason for an absence should be considered in determining whether it should
be counted when determining whether course credit should be granted. It is, therefore, necessary to have a process
that encourages good attendance, yet acknowledges the limitations of guidelines
which are set in stone. The following
aspects of this Attendance Policy allow for this compromise.
1.
Students will lose credit for any class in which they
exceed 5 absences in one semester unless one of the following criteria are
satisfied:
A.
The Principal determines that the absences were
beyond the student's control.
B.
Student has pre-arranged absence form approved by the
Principal.
C.
School related absences (such as field trips,
athletic events, etc.) do not count against the 5 day limit.
D.
Student has illness or a medical condition with
verification from a doctor's office.
Students who have exceeded five
(5) absences will be required to meet with the Principal to discuss their
attendance and grades. The principal will make a determination at that time
that the student's absences have either been beyond his/her control or have
been a result of poor attendance habits
The attendance committee shall
consist of an appointed faculty member, student and parent. A student who is subject to being penalized
pursuant to this Attendance Policy may appeal to the attendance committee by
submitting a written appeal to the Principal within five (5) days of being
notified that a penalty is being imposed.
The attendance committee may decide to grant credit without requiring
further measures or may require a student to negotiate with his/her teacher to
attempt to achieve a reasonable, academically appropriate means by which the
student can acquire credit. If
dissatisfied with the decision of the committee, the student and parent may
appeal to the Superintendent and ultimately to the Board of Education.
Students must be in attendance the entire day in order to participate
in extra-curricular activities that day.
This includes practices, performances, and games. Exceptions may be made to this rule if
approval is obtained from the principal prior to the absence, or if a student
has an ortho/doctor appointment with a slip from the doctor's office excusing
their absence.
This rule will not be in effect
for students K-8 during the week of dress rehearsals for the spring
play/musical.
Tech Prep Absences
Students attending any Tech Prep class will be granted four
(4) school related day absences and four (4) count day absences. Any absence exceeding eight (8) days per
semester will be required to make up time at the Tech Prep facility.
Student
Rights AND Responsibilities
Individual rights relate to individual responsibilities and
must be seen in relationship to the safety, health and welfare of all students
in each school.
Expectations of student conduct should be kept within the
bounds of reasonable behavior expected of all members of the community. Students should have freedom and
encouragement to express their individuality in school, as long as their
conduct does not intrude upon the freedom of others. This applies especially to the freedom of
fellow students to receive instruction.
There must be a balance between individual freedom and the orderly
operation of a classroom.
All students should recognize the consequences of their
language, manners, and actions toward each other and school staff. Students need to understand that they benefit
from an orderly school operation and, as members of the school community, acknowledge
their responsibility to promote a good learning environment.
If a student feels unsafe or is threatened, the student or
the student’s parent/guardian should contact the principal.
Violations
of the Code OF student Conduct
Student misconduct is classified into three levels. In addition to these three levels of
discipline, a teacher may not allow a student to participate in class
activities. The definitions of
misconduct at each level are not all‑inclusive, but only representative
and illustrative. A student who commits
an act of misconduct not listed herein is nonetheless subject to disciplinary
action.
School district staff may use intervention strategies such
as, RTC, teacher/student conferences, auxiliary staff/student intervention, and
teacher/parent/guardian contacts for Level I and Level II violations. The staff
will refer Level III violations directly to school administrators, because of
the serious and/or unlawful nature of the misconduct. At the option of school administrators, a
student accused of any violation of the Code of Student Conduct may be referred
to a school social worker or counselor, in conjunction with or in lieu of other
disciplinary procedures. Where the misconduct
is subject to mandatory discipline under state law, however, the school board
will act to impose any mandatory sanctions.
The principal may issue short‑term
suspensions. The district’s board of
education or its designee may issue long‑term suspensions or
expulsions.
SHORT-TERM SUSPENSION
A short-term suspension occurs when a student is suspended
for one (1) school day, up to and including ten (10) school days. During a short-term suspension, the student’s
rights and privileges of attending school, including extracurricular activities,
are suspended.
A long-term suspension is when a student is suspended for
more than ten (10) school days. During a
long-term suspension, the student’s rights and privileges of attending school,
including extracurricular activities, are suspended.
An expulsion occurs when the school district’s board of
education terminates the student’s rights and privileges to attend school,
including extracurricular activities. An
expulsion is for an indefinite time, unless otherwise specified by the school
board or state law. The parent/guardian
of the student may petition the school board to request the student’s
reinstatement to school, as permitted by state law.
Bicycle racks are located near the
entrance to the school for student use.
Upon reaching school grounds, bikes should be walked to the racks. The school does not assume responsibility for
bicycles that are stolen. Students who
do not accept the responsibility associated with safe bike operation and
ownership will not be permitted to ride bikes to school.
Posting of any sign, notice, or
poster in the school must first be approved by the club/class sponsor or the
principal.
Bus Transportation to School
The bus schedule and route is
available by contacting the Superintendent's office at 889-5521 Ext. 451.
Students will ride only assigned
school buses and will board and depart from the bus at assigned bus stops. Students will not be permitted to ride unassigned
buses for any reason other than an emergency, except as approved by the
Principal.
A change in a student's regular
assigned bus stop may be granted for a special need, if a note from a parent is
submitted to the building Principal stating the reason for the request and the
duration of the change and the Principal approves.
We plan to have the buses reach
your stop on time every day. Try to be
ahead of time and wait for the bus on the side of the road.
The driver is responsible for the safety
of the passengers and for the bus. The driver’s reasonable requests of the
students MUST be obeyed.
He/She will report all discipline cases to the principal. In the event of
serious and persistent disobedience, it may be necessary to suspend pupils from
riding until they and their parents can guarantee good behavior. Secondary students will be denied riding
privileges from one day to one week on the first written report and on the
second report from three days to one month.
Bus students may not go downtown
after arriving at school unless permission is granted by the principal.
In the morning, students will
leave the bus only when it arrives at school.
In the evening, students wishing to leave the bus at some stop other
than their home stop, must give the driver a written permit signed by their
principal or his designee. To obtain
this permit, students must bring a written permit from their parents or legal
guardian. Buses will carry only
regularly assigned students and will not carry any other persons unless they
have written permission from the principal or superintendent.
For safety, it is necessary that
all students keep their heads and arms inside the bus windows.
Students are expected to seat
themselves quickly after boarding the bus.
The driver may assign seats or may allow students to choose seats. Students are expected to remain seated until
the bus stops at their destination and then to exit promptly. Cross in front of the bus when crossing the
highway, not in back of it.
Vulgar, profane, or indecent
language, or smoking, is as much out of place in a school bus as in
school. A high level of conduct is
expected in the buses at all times. High
school students are expected to set a proper example for younger students and
to help the bus driver when possible.
Students who are riding to and
from school on transportation provided by the school are required to follow
some basic safety rules. This applies to
school-owned buses as well as any other school sponsored transportation that
may be provided.
The driver is responsible for
student safety and may assign seating or direct the student in any reasonable
manner to maintain that safety.
The following behaviors are
expected of all students:
Previous to loading (on the road
and at school)
Each student shall:
Ř Be on time
at the designated loading zone;
Ř Stay off
the road at all times while walking to and waiting for the bus;
Ř Line up
single file off the roadway to enter;
Ř Wait until
the bus is completely stopped before moving forward to enter;
Ř Refrain
from crossing a highway until the bus driver signals it is safe;
Ř Go
immediately to a seat and be seated.
It is the parents' responsibility
to inform the bus driver when their child will not be boarding the bus. The bus will not wait.
During the trip:
Each student shall:
Ř Remain
seated while the bus is in motion;
Ř Keep head,
hands, arms, and legs inside the bus at all times;
Ř Not litter
in the bus or throw anything from the bus;
Ř Keep
books, packages, coats, and all other objects out of the aisle;
Ř Be
courteous to the driver and to other bus riders;
Ř Not eat or
play games, cards, etc.;
Ř Not tamper
with the bus or any of its equipment.
Leaving the Bus
Each student shall:
Ř Remain
seated until the bus has stopped;
Ř Cross the
road, when necessary, at least ten (10) feet in front of the bus, but only
after the driver signals that it is safe;
Ř Be alert
to a possible danger signal from the driver.
The driver will not discharge
students at places other than their regular stop at home or at school unless
s/he has proper authorization from school officials.
A student who becomes a behavior
problem on the bus shall be disciplined in accordance with the Student Discipline
Code and may be deprived of the privilege of riding on the bus.
Driving to school is a privilege
which can be revoked at any time.
Students who are provided the opportunity to ride school transportation
are encouraged to do so. Students and
their parents assume full responsibility for any transportation to and from
school not officially provided by the school.
The following rules shall apply:
1.
Parking lot speed limit is 15 mph.
2.
When the school provides transportation, students
shall not drive to school-sponsored activities.
3.
Students who drive to school are expected to be on
time.
Cancellation of school due to
inclement weather will be announced prior to
Onekama Middle and High School
campuses are closed meaning that students are to remain on campus throughout
the school day unless other, school authorized arrangements have been made.
Parents may not call the school to excuse a student. The parent must physically come to the school
and sign the student out.
The Onekama Consolidated Schools has
designated the following as directory information and may be released without
securing the prior written consent of the parent or 18 year old student:
1.
Name, address, telephone number
2.
Date and place of birth
3.
Major field of study
4.
Participation in school activities
5.
Dates and school attendance
6.
Honors and awards
7.
Other similar information such as alumni
associations, height and weight of athletes, honor roll members, information
generally found in yearbooks.
If for any reason the
parent/student does not want this directory information published, they must
send written notification to that effect to the superintendent’s office.
In order that students may know
how to act quickly and without confusion during an emergency, fire,
severe weather, and evacuation drills will be held periodically throughout the
school year.
Family Educational Rights and Privacy
Act (FERPA)
All parents and guardians of
students less than 18 years of age and all students age 18 or over have the
right, pursuant to the Family Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, to examine the
official records, files and data of the school district relating to the
student.
All persons, agencies, or
organizations desiring access to records will be required to sign a written
form which will be kept permanently with the file of the student.
Field trips may be utilized as an
extension of the educational program of the school. If these trips require school-sponsored
transportation, a parent consent slip will be provided and must be signed. Students may not leave or be picked up by
another student's parents.
Lockers will be provided to all
students to store books, coats, etc.
Student partners will be assigned
a locker at the beginning of the school year.
Periodic locker checks are allowed and are designed for the purpose of
ensuring school safety and student welfare.
Students may switch
lockers/partners, but must notify the office of these changes. The school does not assume responsibility for
valuables stored within student lockers, so students are recommended to keep
these valuables in their possession or at home.
Students are allowed to decorate the interior of their lockers with
approved materials but exterior decorations are prohibited. Students should keep their lockers closed at
all times.
Lost items might be found in the
principal’s office; found items should be taken there. A table is set up outside the high school
counseling office once per month with lost and found items. At the end of a one week period any remaining
items are donated to the Salvation Army.
Students who are sent from class,
but not accompanied by a teacher, must turn in their passes at the librarian’s
desk. Students’ must have their passes
signed by the librarian before returning to class. No food or drink is allowed in the
Random
searches of school lockers and their contents have a positive impact on
deterring violations of school rules and regulations, ensure proper maintenance
of school property, and provide greater safety and security for pupils and
personnel. Accordingly, the board
authorizes the public school principal or his/her designee to search lockers
and locker contents at any time, without notice, and without
parental/guardianship or pupil consent.
The public
school principal or his/her designee shall not be obligated, but may request the
assistance of a law enforcement officer in conducting a locker search. The public school principal or his/her
designee shall supervise the search. In
the course of a locker search, the public school principal or his/her designee
shall respect the privacy rights of the pupil regarding any items discovered
that are not illegal or against school policy and rules.
SEIZURE: When conducting locker searches, the public school
principal or his/her designee may seize any illegal or unauthorized items,
items in violation of board policy or rules, or any other items reasonably
determined by the public school principal or his/her designee to be a potential
threat to the safety or security of others.
Such items include, but are not limited to the following: firearms,
explosives, dangerous weapons, flammable material, illegal controlled
substances or controlled substance analogues or other intoxicants, contraband,
poisons, and stolen property. Law
enforcement officials shall be notified immediately upon seizure of such
dangerous items or seizure of items that schools are required to report to law
enforcement agencies under the Statewide School Safety Information Policy. Any items seized by the public school
principal or his/her designee shall be removed from the locker and held by
school officials for evidence in disciplinary proceedings and/or turned over to
law enforcement officials. The
parent/guardian of a minor pupil, or a pupil eighteen (18) years of age or
older, shall be notified by the public school principal or his/her designee of
items removed from the locker.
Student parking is restricted to
the east side and middle section of the parking lot. Students are not to park along the
building. Students are not to enter the
parking lot during school hours without first obtaining permission from the
principal’s office. Loitering, including
sitting in cars, is not permitted. Safe
speeds are expected at all times and failure to drive safely may result in
disciplinary action.
It is the responsibility of
students who drive to be on time for school.
If students who drive are unable to successfully handle this
responsibility, then they may lose the privilege to park on campus and will,
instead, be required to make alternative transportation plans which may include
accepting bus transportation. Students
will lose their parking privileges as a result of their fifth tardy for any
given semester. They may regain their parking
privileges after nine (9) weeks, if they have not been tardy during this time.
Students may have visitors to
school. The student desiring to bring a
visitor to school must notify the principal’s office at least 1 day prior to
the visit. A form for a visiting student
should be picked up in the office and filled out prior to the visitation. Students from other county schools may not
visit our school. The host student is
responsible and accountable for the guest’s behavior.
All students who attend the
Work Permits
An application for a work permit
can be obtained in the superintendent’s office.
The form must be filled out by the employer and returned to the
school. Any student under the age of 18
must have this permit to work.
It shall be the policy of the
Board of Education to acknowledge each student’s successful completion of the
instructional program appropriate to the achievement of District goals and
objectives as well as personal proficiency by awarding of a diploma at fitting
graduation ceremonies.
The board shall award a regular
high school diploma to every student enrolled in this District who meets the requirements
of graduation established by this Board as provided by the State law.
Special education students who
properly complete the programs specified in their I.E.P. and have received the
recommendation of the I.E.P.C. may participate in graduation activities and
will receive a diploma.
Commencement exercises will
include those students who have successfully completed requirements for
graduation as certified by the high school principal. Students who are within one (1) credit of
meeting the requirements will be permitted to participate in the commencement
exercise if they have a graduation completion plan on file with, and approved
by, the high school principal. A
graduation completion plan may include adult education attendance and/or
class(es) through an accredited correspondence school. Students must complete the requirements for
graduation by the end of the first semester of the succeeding school year to
secure a diploma with their original date of graduation. The total number of credits transferred from
a correspondence school and/or adult education is limited to three (3).
No student who has completed the
requirements for graduation will be denied a diploma as a disciplinary
measure. A student may be denied
participation in the graduation ceremony when personal conduct so warrants or
when there is an outstanding bill due to the district.
To graduate from Onekama High School, a student must have
earned a minimum of credits as listed below from grades 9-12. A credit is equal to one year’s work in one
class.
The courses required for
graduation and the number of credits in each are:
2010
& After
American
Government ˝ Credit
Consumer
Education ˝ Credit
History/Social
Studies 3 Credits
Mathematics 4
Credits
Science 3 Credits
English 4 Credits
Physical
Education/Health 1 Credit
World
Language 2 Credits
On-Line
Learning 1 Credit
Fine &
Applied Arts* 1 Credit
Electives 3 Credits
*One (1) credit from Fine &
Applied Arts from the following: Art,
Band, Shop, Computers.
A student must be in residency as a full time student (enrolled in six
hours) at OHS in order to receive a diploma from OHS. The six hours can be a combination of on
campus and off campus classes.
Final exams will be administered
to all students in all subjects with the exception of seniors. Seniors that have an A- average in a class
may be exempt from their 2nd semester exam in that particular class.
These tests, given at the end of
the semester, may count as high as 20% of the final grade. Make-up exams will be administered following
the completion of the regular exam schedule.
Failure to make-up an exam will result in an “Incomplete” being recorded
for that final grade.
At the end of each marking period,
a report card will be given to each student to take home to his or her
parents. The report cards do not need to
be returned.
Students will be graded on the
following basis:
“A” =
“B” = Good “E”
= Failure
“C” =
Average “I” = Incomplete
There will be four (4) nine week
marking periods.
Students who pass all classes and maintain a “B” (3.0) or better average
in their classes are entitled to be listed on the Honor Roll published at the
close of each marking period. Students
receiving a 3.5 grade point average or higher will be noted as “Special
Honors.” Students with an "I"
for incomplete are not eligible for the Honor Roll until the "I"
becomes a letter grade.
Retention (Middle School only)
6th grade, students
must have earned 7 out of 8 credits to move to the 7th grade.
7th grade students must
have earned 14 out of 16 credits to move to the 8th grade.
8th grade students must
have earned 21 out of 24 credits to move to the 9th grade.
If a student has accumulated 20
out of 24 credits within their middle school career, they can go to the 9th
grade with the understanding that one (1) high school credit will be used to
complete their middle school requirement.
If a student is failing one or
more core classes in any given year, a conference with the student’s
parent(s)/guardian(s), core teacher’s, building administrator, and guidance
counselor will be conducted to review and set goals for subsequent advancement
to the next grade.
This policy is subject to change
due to scheduling change and course availability
School to work and Tech prep
All
students planning on attending Tech Prep or participating in School to Work MUST have administrative approval. The program or work site in which the student
wants to participate in must be listed as a priority interest area on the
students EDP.
INDEPENDENT STUDY
All
independent study classes MUST have
administrative and teacher approval.
CELL PHONES AND ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION DEVICES
A student may
possess a cellular telephone or other electronic communication devices (ECD)
and electronic storage devices (ESD) in school, on school property, at after
school activities and at school-related functions, provided that during school
non-instruction hours, school events and on a school vehicle its use is not
disruptive or distracting to the educational process, the scheduled activity,
or other participants and provided that during instructional hours the cell
phone or other ECD/ESD remains off.
The unauthorized use
of cellular phones and ECD/ESD to communicate or access information during
classes or testing is prohibited.
Except as authorized
under this policy, use of a cellular telephone or other electronic
communication devices (ECD) and electronic storage devices (ESD) in school, on
school property, at after school activities and at school-related functions
will be subject to disciplinary action.
Also, during school
activities when directed by the administrator or sponsor, cell phones and other
ECD/ESD shall be turned off and stored away out of sight.
The use of cell
phones and other ECD/ESD in locker rooms or restrooms is prohibited.
Possession of a
cellular telephone or other ECD/ESD by a student is a privilege, which may be
forfeited by any student who fails to abide by the terms of this policy, or
otherwise engages in misuse of this privilege.
Violations of this
policy may result in disciplinary action against the student which may result in
confiscation of the cellular telephone or ECD/ESD.
The student who
possesses a cellular phone or ECD/ESD shall assume responsibility for its
care. At no time shall the District be
responsible for preventing theft, loss or damage to cell phones or ECD/ESD
brought onto its property.
Levels I, ii, and iii Violations
Depending on severity or repetition, a Level I violation may
be reclassified as a Level II or Level III violation.
1.
Beverages/Food in Hallways and Classrooms: No food
or beverages are allowed in the classroom with the exception of water in a
clear container.
2.
Cheating/Academic Misconduct: A student
will not plagiarize, cheat, gain unauthorized access to, or tamper with
educational materials. Discipline under this section may result in
academic sanctions in addition to other discipline.
3.
Defacement of Property: A student will not wilfully cause defacement of, or
damage to, property of the school or others. Actions such as writing in school textbooks
or library books, writing on desks or walls, carving into woodwork, desks, or
tables, and spray-painting surfaces are acts of defacement.
4.
Disorderly Conduct:: A student will not harass others or misbehave in a
manner that causes disruption or obstruction to the educational process. Disruption caused by talking, making noises,
throwing objects, or otherwise distracting another constitutes disorderly
conduct. Behavior is considered
disorderly if a teacher is prevented from starting an activity or lesson, or
has to stop instruction to address the disruption.
5.
Inappropriate
Displays of Affection: Students will not engage in inappropriate displays of
affection, such as kissing or long embraces of a personal nature.
6.
Inappropriate Dress and Grooming: A student
will not dress or groom in a manner that disrupts the educational process or is
detrimental to the health, safety or welfare of others. A student will not dress in a manner that is distractive or
indecent, to the extent that it interferes with the learning and teaching
process. Example no bare midriffs.
7.
Insubordination/Unruly
Conduct: A student will not ignore or
refuse to comply with directions or instructions given by school
authorities. Refusing to open a book, write an assignment, work with
another student, work in a group, take a test or do any other class or
school-related activity not listed herein, refusing to leave a hallway or any
other location by a school staff member, or running away from school staff when
told to stop constitutes unruly conduct.
8.
Leaving
School Without Permission: A student
will not leave the school building, classroom, cafeteria, assigned area, or
campus without permission from authorized school personnel. Students riding the bus may not leave the
school property after they arrive at school.
9.
Negligent or Improper Operation of a Motor Vehicle: A student will not negligently operate a motor vehicle
on school property, so as to endanger the property, safety, health, or welfare
of others.
10.
Possession of Inappropriate Personal Property: A student
will not possess personal property that is prohibited by school rules or that
is disruptive to teaching and learning, including but not limited to
pornographic or obscene material, laser lights, personal entertainment devices,
computer games, electronic pagers or beepers, radios, television sets, cassette
players, compact disc players, telephones, or other personal communication
devices. Certain devices may be permitted for health or other reasons, if
approved by the principal.
11.
Profanity and/or Obscenity
toward Students: A student
will not orally, in writing, electronically, or with photographs or drawings,
direct profanity or insulting, obscene gestures toward any other student.
12.
Sexual Harassment (Level
I): A student will not use words, pictures, objects, gestures, or other
actions relating to sexual activity or a person’s gender that cause
embarrassment, discomfort, or a reluctance to participate in school activities
13.
Tardiness: A student will not fail to be in
his or her place of instruction at the assigned time without a valid excuse.
14.
Technology Abuse: A student
will not violate the district’s “Technology Use Guidelines.”
15.
Trespassing: A student will
not enter upon the premises of the school district, other than the location to
which the student is assigned, without authorization from proper school
authorities. If removed, suspended, or
expelled from school, a student will not return to the school premises without
permission of the proper school authorities.
16.
Truancy: A student will not fail to report to the school’s
assigned class or activity without prior permission, knowledge or excuse by the
school or parent/guardian.
SCHOOL
RESPONSES TO LEVEL I VIOLATIONS:
School administrators and staff may use appropriate
intervention strategies, as determined by local district policies including,
but not limited to, staff and student/parent conferences, auxiliary staff
intervention and counseling programs, student programs for conflict resolution
and peer mediation, and programs for anger management and violence
prevention. Any of the following
intervention strategies and disciplinary actions may be used:
·
Administrator/student conference or reprimand;
·
Administrator and teacher-parent/guardian
conferences;
·
Referrals and
conferences involving various support staff or agencies;
·
Daily/weekly progress reports;
·
Behavioral contracts;
·
Change in student’s class schedule;
·
School service assignment;
·
Confiscation of inappropriate item;
·
Restitution/restoration;
·
RTC
·
Denial of participation in class and/or school
activities;
·
Other intervention strategies, as needed;
·
Out-of-school suspension (short-term) from one (1)
school day up to and including ten (10)
school days;
·
Law
enforcement agency notification.
Depending
upon severity or repetition, a Level II violation may be reclassified as a
Level III violation.
1.
Bullying/Harassment/Intimidation:
“Bullying, harassment or intimidation” means any gesture or written,
verbal, or physical act that a reasonable person, under the circumstances,
should know will have the effect or harming a student or damaging the student’s
property, placing a student in reasonable fear of harm to the student’s person
or damage to the student’s property, or that has the effect of insulting or
demeaning any student or group of students in such a way as to disrupt or
interfere with the school’s educational mission or the education of any
student. Bullying, harassment or intimidation
includes, but is not limited to, such a gesture or written, verbal, or physical
act, that is reasonably perceived as being motivated by a student’s religion,
race, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability, height,
weight, socioeconomic status, or by any other distinguishing characteristic.
2.
Destruction of Property:: A student will not intentionally
cause destruction of property of the school or others. Actions that
impair the use of something are destructive. Ruining bulletin boards,
intentionally clogging the plumbing system, breaking light bulbs or fixtures,
and damaging school equipment to the point where repair is necessary are acts
of property destruction.
3.
False Identification: A student
will not use another person’s identification or give false identification to
any school official with intent to deceive school personnel or falsely obtain
money or property.
4. Fighting: A
student will not physically fight with another person. Self-defense or
defense of others may be taken into account in determining whether this
provision has been violated.
5. Forgery: A student will not sign the name of another person
for the purpose of defrauding school personnel or the Board of Education.
6.
Fraud: A student will
not deceive another or cause another to be deceived by false or misleading
information in order to obtain anything of value.
7.
Gambling: A student
will not engage in any game of chance or contest wherein money or other items
of monetary value are awarded to the winner, except for those games and
contests authorized as official school functions.
8.
Hazing: A student
will not haze or conspire to engage in hazing of another. As used in this
section, “hazing” includes any method of initiation or pre-initiation into a
student organization or any pastime, or amusement, engaged in with respect to
such an organization which causes, or is likely to cause, bodily danger,
physical harm, personal harm, or personal degradation or disgrace. The
term “hazing” does not include customary athletic events or similar contests or
competitions.
9.
Improper, Negligent, or Reckless Operation of a Motor Vehicle: A student
will not intentionally or recklessly operate a motor vehicle, so as to endanger
the safety, health or welfare of others on school property.
10.
Loitering: A student will not remain or linger on school
property without a legitimate purpose and/or without proper authority.
11.
Profanity and/or Obscenity
Toward Staff: A student
will not verbally, in writing, electronically, or with photographs or drawings,
direct profanity or insulting, obscene gestures toward any school district
staff members or adult volunteers.
12.
Sexual Harassment (Level II): A student will not make unwelcome
sexual advances, request sexual favors or engage in verbal communication or
physical conduct of a sexual nature with or toward any other student, school
district personnel or adult volunteers.
13.
Theft or Possession of
Stolen Property: A student will not, without permission of the owner
or custodian of the property, take property or have in his or her possession
property valued at $100.00 or less which does not belong to the student.
14. Threat/Coercion: A student will not threaten another with bodily harm. A student will not coerce another to act or refrain from acting.
School
Responses to Level II Violations:
Intervention strategies are not limited to those listed
herein. Other methods of addressing
misconduct may be more appropriate, depending upon the circumstances. Any or all of the following intervention strategies and
disciplinary actions may be used:
·
Any
school response to a Level I violation, listed above;
· Out-of-school suspension (short‑term) for one (1) school day, up to and including ten (10) school days.
·
NOTE: Fighting poses an immediate threat to student
safety. In most cases, out-of-school
suspension is imposed even for a first offense.
The length of suspension will depend on severity or repetition.
·
Recommendation to the school district board of
education or its designees for long-term suspension or expulsion;
·
Law enforcement agency notification;
·
Denial of driving privileges.
Depending on severity or repetition, a Level I or Level II
violation may be reclassified as a Level III.
1.
Alcohol and Drugs: A student will not possess, use, offer to buy or sell, or
purport to buy or sell, a controlled substance, dangerous drug, prescription
drug, counterfeit drug, intoxicating substance, or alcohol. A student
legally in possession of prescribed medication will not be in violation of this
section as long as his/her use and possession of the prescribed medication is
authorized at school. All prescription
medication must be kept and dispensed through the office
2.
Arson (Starting a Fire): A student
will not intentionally, by means of starting a fire, cause harm to any property
or person, or participate in the burning of any property or person.
If a student commits
arson in a school building, on school grounds or other school property, the
school board or its designee shall expel the student from the school district
permanently, subject to possible reinstatement, pursuant to MCL
380.1311(5). (MCL 380.1311[2]).
“Arson” means a felony
violation as set forth in Chapter X of the Michigan Penal Code. (MCL 750.71 to
MCL 750.80).
3.
Extortion: A student
will not make another person do any act against his or her will, by force or
threat of force, expressed or implied.
4.
False Fire Alarm or Bomb Report; Tampering with Fire Alarm System: Unless an
emergency exists, a student will not intentionally sound a fire alarm or cause
a fire alarm to be sounded, nor will a student falsely communicate or cause to
be communicated that a bomb is located in a building or on school property, or
at a school-related event. These acts are prohibited, irrespective of the
whereabouts of the student. A student will not destroy, damage, or
otherwise tamper with a fire alarm system in a school building.
If a student enrolled in
grade 6 or above makes a bomb threat or similar threat directed at a school
building, other school property, or a school-related event, then the school
board or its designee shall suspend or expel the student from the school
district for a period of time as determined in the discretion of the school
board, or its designee. (MCL 380.1311a[2]).
5.
Felony: A student will not commit a criminal act that results
in being convicted or, in some cases, charged with a felony offense.
6.
Fireworks: A student
will not possess, handle, transmit, conceal, or use any fireworks or
firecrackers.
7.
Interference with School Authorities: A student
will not interfere with administrators, teachers or other school personnel by
threat of force or violence.
8.
Physical Assault: A student
will not physically assault another person.
If a student enrolled in
grade 6 or above commits a physical assault at school against another student,
then the school board or its designee shall suspend or expel the student from
the school district for up to 180 school days. (MCL 380.1310[1]).
If a student enrolled in
grade 6 or above commits a physical assault at school against a person employed
by, or engaged as a volunteer or contractor by the school board, then the
school board or its designee shall expel the student from the school district
permanently, subject to possible reinstatement under MCL 380.1311a(5).
(MCL 380.1311a[1]).
“Physical assault” means
intentionally causing or attempting to cause physical harm to another through
force or violence. (MCL 380.1310[3][b], MCL 380.1311a[12][b]).
9.
Robbery: A student
will not take or attempt to take from another person any property, by force or
threat of force, expressed or implied.
10.
Sexual Assault: A student will not sexually assault another
person. If a student commits criminal sexual conduct in a school
building, on school grounds or any other school property, the school board or
its designee shall expel the student from the school district permanently,
subject to possible reinstatement, pursuant to MCL 380.1311(5). (MCL
380.1311[2]).
Criminal sexual conduct” means a
violation as set forth in Chapter LXXVI of the Michigan Penal Code. (MCL
750.520b to MCL 750.520g).
11.
Smoking: A student will not smoke, use tobacco, or possess any
substance containing tobacco in any area under the control of a school
district, including all activities or events supervised by the school district.
12.
Theft or Possession of
Stolen Property: A student will not, without permission of the owner
or custodian of the property, take property or have in his or her possession
property valued at more than $100.00 that does not belong to the student.
13.
Verbal Assault Against an Employee
Verbally
threatening a staff member/student/person associated with the District: Any statement or non-contact action that a
staff member, student, or other person associated with the District feels to be
a threat will be considered a verbal assault as well as profanity directed
toward a staff member in a threatening tone.
Verbal threats may result in suspension and expulsion.
If a student enrolled in grade 6 or
above commits a verbal assault, as defined by school board policy, at school
against a person employed by or engaged as a volunteer or contractor by the
school board, then the school board or its designee shall suspend or expel the
student from the school district for a period of time as determined in the
discretion of the school board or its designee. (MCL 380.1311a[2]).
.
14. Weapons: Dangerous
Instruments
A student will not possess, handle,
transmit, or use a dangerous instrument capable of harming another
person. A “dangerous instrument” means any device intended to cause
injury or bodily harm, any device used in a threatening manner that could cause
injury or bodily harm, or any device that is primarily used for
self-protection. Dangerous instruments include, but are not limited to,
chemical mace, pepper gas or like substances; stun guns; BB guns; pellet guns;
razors; or box cutters.
15. Weapons: Dangerous Weapons
A student will not
possess, handle, transmit, or use as a dangerous weapon, an instrument capable
of harming another person. A “dangerous weapon” means a firearm, dagger,
dirk, stiletto, knife with a blade over three inches in length, pocketknife
opened by a mechanical device, iron bar, or brass knuckles. (MCL
380.1313).
A “firearm,” as defined
in section 921, title 18 of the United States Code (18 U.S.C. § 921) means:
· Any
weapon (including a starter gun) which will or is designed to, or may readily
be converted to expel a projectile by action of an explosive;
·
The frame or receiver of any such weapon;
·
Any firearm muffler or firearm silencer; or
·
Any destructive device.
The term
“firearm” does not include an antique firearm (18 U.S.C § 921).
State
law requires the school board or its designee to permanently expel from the
school district a student who possesses a “dangerous weapon” in a “weapon-free
school zone,” subject to possible reinstatement, pursuant to MCL
380.1311(5). (MCL 380.1311[2]).
However, a school board is not
required to expel a student for possessing a weapon if the student establishes
in a clear and convincing manner at least one of the following:
·
The object or instrument possessed by the
student was not possessed by the student for use as a weapon, or for direct or
indirect delivery to another person for use as a weapon;
·
The weapon was not knowingly possessed by the
student;
·
The student did not know or have reason to
know that the object or instrument possessed by the student constituted a
dangerous weapon;
·
The weapon was possessed by the student at the
suggestion, request, or direction of, or with the express permission of, school
or police authorities.
·
“Weapon-free school zone” means school
property and a vehicle used by a school to transport students to or from school
property. (MCL 750.237a).
·
“School property” means a building, playing
field, or property used for school purposes to impart instruction to children
or used for functions and events sponsored by a school, except a building used
primarily for adult education or college extension courses. (MCL 750.237a).
·
If a dangerous weapon is found in the
possession of a student while the student is in attendance at school or a
school activity, or while the student is enroute to or from school on a school
bus, the superintendent or the school district or intermediate school district,
or his or her designee, shall immediately report that finding to the student’s
parent or legal guardian and the local law enforcement agency. (MCL 380.1313[1]).
15. Weapons: Use of Legitimate Tools
as Weapons
A student will not use a legitimate tool,
instrument, or equipment as a weapon including, but not limited to, pens, pencils,
compasses, or combs, with the intent to harm another.
School Responses to Level III Violations:
Any or all of the following
intervention strategies or disciplinary actions may be used:
·
Any
school response to a Levels I or II violation, listed above;
·
Recommendation to the Board of Education or its
designee for long‑term suspension or expulsion;
[NOTE: Drug‑related behaviors pose an immediate threat to
student safety. In all Level III drug‑related
cases, out‑of‑school suspension is imposed even for the first
offense.]
·
Placement in an alternative education program or
transfer to another building;
·
In the event a student is expelled for possession of
a dangerous weapon in a weapon-free school zone, arson in a school building or
on school grounds, or criminal sexual conduct in a school building or on school
grounds, the school board shall ensure that, within three days after the
expulsion, an official of the school district refers the individual to the
appropriate county department of the family independence agency or county
community mental health agency, and notifies the individual’s parent or legal
guardian or, if the individual is at least age 18 or is an emancipated minor,
notifies the individual of the referral.
(MCL 380.1311[4]).
·
Requesting an emotional, behavioral, and/or chemical
dependency evaluation and treatment and/or counseling recommendation. The intervention strategy or discipline may
require the student to follow any or all treatment recommendations of the
evaluation. The evaluation must be from
a source approved by the administration.
Failure to Follow Prescribed Intervention Strategy:
Separate Violation.
If a student fails to comply with the terms of the
disciplinary action, such failure is a separate violation of the Code of
Student Conduct, at the same level for which the student was initially
disciplined; the student may be disciplined for the additional violation.
Staff Authority: The authority of any member of the school
staff extends to all school district students while the students are on school
premises, on a school bus or other school-related vehicle, or at a
school-sponsored activity or event, whether or not it is held on school
premises.
School Activities: A student who is suspended from
school for any reason will not be allowed to practice, participate in, or
attend any school activity, regardless of location, during the suspension
(including weekends and/or holidays).
Except in extraordinary circumstances, alleged violations of
the Code of Student Conduct are initially handled at the student’s school. If a short‑term suspension is
contemplated, the principal or assistant principal shall provide the student
with oral or written notice of the charges or allegations, and an explanation
of the evidence or basis for the charges. The student shall be given the
opportunity to present an explanation or a differing statement of the facts.
If the misconduct is found, the principal may authorize
disciplinary action in accordance with this Code of Student Conduct, including
short‑term suspensions. Students
whose presence pose a continuing danger to persons or property, or an ongoing
threat of disrupting the educational process, may be immediately removed from
the school without prior notice, explanation, or opportunity to respond. In such cases, the above procedures shall be
provided as soon as practical.
The student and parent/guardian shall be notified of the
circumstances and action taken.
Long-Term Suspension or Expulsion
If recommended by the
principal or assistant principal, the school’s board of education or its
designee shall conduct a hearing to determine whether to impose a long‑term
suspension or expulsion.
The student and parent/guardian shall be notified of the
allegation; the recommended disciplinary action; the time, date and location of
the hearing; and of their right to attend and participate in the hearing.
The board of education or its designee shall conduct a
hearing, which may be recorded. The
student shall be advised of the alleged violation and be given an explanation
of the facts. The explanation may
include the written or oral testimony of others.
At the request of the student or the student’s parents, the
board of education may meet in a closed session to “consider the dismissal,
suspension, or disciplining of a student.”
(MCL 15.268[b]).
The student and parent/guardian may be represented at the
hearing by an attorney or other adult.
Written or oral evidence may be presented at the hearing on behalf of
the student.
After the hearing, the board of education or its designee
shall issue a decision, including a determination of disciplinary action.
Appeal to
Board of Education for Reconsideration
A student aggrieved by the
decision of the board of education may, within five (5) days of receipt of the
decision, petition the board of education for the opportunity to request review
or reconsideration by the board or its designee. The petition shall be in writing and contain the
reasons that the board or its designee’s decision should be reviewed or
reconsidered. The board of education may
grant or deny the request for an appeal or request for reconsideration. If granted, the board shall notify the
student in writing of the procedures to be used for the appeal or request for
reconsideration.
Suspension
and Expulsion of Students Receiving or Otherwise Eligible for Special Education
Students previously identified under state and federal
regulations as eligible for special education are entitled to an extra measure of
consideration for the disability in student discipline procedures. Also, other due process provisions are
triggered for any student if a review of a student’s record indicates
significant prior knowledge about a potential but unidentified disability. School personnel are advised to consult with
their local and intermediate district administrators for special education and
to refer to the most recent edition of Special Education Considerations in
Student Disciplinary Procedures (Michigan Department of Education).
Interviews of Students by Police or
Other Public Agencies
The school district endeavors to cooperate with law
enforcement agencies. Students may be
interviewed in school by law enforcement officials. School officials will grant law enforcement
interviews with a student after considering the (1) type of incident; (2)
seriousness of the incident;(3) age and maturity of the student; (4)
relationship of the incident to school and the educational process; and (5)
whether time is of the essence.
When
practical, school personnel will be present during the police interview, and an
attempt will be made to contact the parent/guardian prior to the
interview. If the student is a minor and
the parent was not present during the interview, the parent/guardian will be
notified by the principal that an interview has taken place.
HEALTH POLICIES
Regarding the use of beverages on
school grounds, please note the following:
Ř
Only water in a clear container is
allowed
Breakfast will be available to all
students, each morning at the following prices: Breakfast -- $1.55 and Lunch --
$2.55. Students on free lunch will
receive that service for breakfast, while those on reduced lunch will pay .40 for
lunch and .30 for breakfast.
Students who become ill during the
school day are to notify their teacher and request permission to go to the
principal’s office. If a parent is
contacted by office personnel, a student may be sent home.
It is the school’s policy that
parents are to bring any medicine which their student is required to take to
the office. The medicine will be
dispensed from the office by school personnel.
No medicine will be administered without parental consent. All medicine should be in a container with
the student's name clearly marked on the label.