*Section 2: Policies
Tobacco-Free Schools: ADC 29
Sexual Discrimination and Harassment: GBAA 29-30
Staff Personal Security and Safety: GBGB 30-31
Grading/Assessment Systems: IKA 31
Equal Educational Opportunities: JB 31-32
Sexual Harassment: JBB and JBB-R 32-33
Students Absences and Excuses: JH 34-35
Truancy: JHB 35-36
Student Dress Code: JICA 36-37
Student Conduct on Buses: JICC 37
Code of Conduct: JICDA 38-39
Violent and Aggressive Behavior: JICDD 39-40
School Related Student Publications: JICEA 40
Student Distribution of Noncurricular Materials: JICEC 41
Student Expression Rights: JICED 41-42
Secret Societies/Gang Activity: JICF 42
Drug and Alcohol Use by Students: JICH 43-44
Weapons in School: JICI 44-45
Student Interrogations, Searches, and Arrests: JIH 45-47
Extracurricular Activity Eligibility: JJJ 48
Discipline of Students with Disabilities: JK-2 48-49
Disciplinary Removal from Classroom: JKBA 49-50
Suspension/Expulsion of Students: JKD/JKE 50-51
Immunizations of Students: JLCB 52
Administering Medicines to Students: JLCD 52
Screening/Testing of Students: JLDAC 52-53
Reporting Child Abuse/Child Protection: JLF 53
Reporting Child Abuse/Child Protection: JLF-R 54-56
Student Fees, Fines, and Charges: JQ 56-58
Student Records/Release of Information on Students: JRA/JRC 58-62
Internet Acceptable Use Policy for Students: JS 63-64
Visitors to School: KI 65
*Section 2 Policies
Tobacco smoke in the school and work environment is not conductive to good health. As an educational organization, a charter school should provide both effective educational programs and a positive example to students concerning the use of tobacco.
In order to promote the general health, welfare and well-being of students and staff, smoking, chewing or any other use of any tobacco products by staff, students and members of the public is banned from all school property.
For purposes of this policy, the following definitions apply:
1. “School Property” means all property owned, leased, rented or otherwise used by a school including but not limited to the following:
2. “Tobacco” includes cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco, snuff, chewing tobacco and all other kinds and forms of tobacco prepared in such manner as to be suitable for chewing, smoking or both. “Tobacco” includes cloves or any other product packaged for smoking.
3. “Use” means lighting, chewing, inhaling or smoking any tobacco product.
Signs will be posted in prominent places on all school property to notify the public that smoking or other use of tobacco products is prohibited in accordance with state law and charter school policy. This policy will be published in all employee and student handbooks, posted on bulletin boards and announced in staff meetings.
Any member of the general public considered by the administrator or designee to be in violation of this policy will be instructed to leave school property. Employees found to be in violation of this policy will be subjected to appropriate disciplinary action.
Disciplinary measures for students who violate this policy will include in-house detention, revocation of privileges and exclusion from extracurricular activities. Repeated violations may result in suspension from school. In accordance with state law, no student will be expelled solely for tobacco use.
Pursuant to state law no exemption shall be granted pursuant to this policy. Any previously granted exemption shall be invalid after
29
File: GBAA-Rev.
*Sexual Discrimination and Harassment
Sexual harassment is recognized as a form of sex discrimination and thus a violation of the laws which prohibit sex discrimination.
A learning and working environment that is free from sexual harassment shall be maintained. It shall be a violation of policy for any member of the charter school staff to harass another staff member or students through conduct or communications of a sexual nature.
Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature may constitute sexual harassment when:
1. Submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of a person’s
employment or educational development.
2. Submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for employment or
education decisions affecting such individual.
3. Such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individuals work or
educational performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working or educational
environment.
Sexual harassment as defined above may include but is not limited to:
1. Sex-oriented verbal “kidding,” abuse or harassment.
2. Pressure for sexual activity.
3. Repeated remarks to a person with sexual or demeaning implications.
4. Unwelcome touching, such as patting, pinching, or constant brushing against another’s body.
5. Suggesting or demanding sexual involvement, accompanied by implied or explicit threats concerning
one’s grades, employment status, or similar personal concerns.
Staff members may file a formal grievance of sexual harassment through use of the accompanying grievance procedure. If the alleged harasser is the immediate supervisor or administrator with whom a grievance routinely would be filed, the employee may file the grievance with the Charter Board president.
All matters involving sexual harassment complaints shall remain confidential to the extent possible.
Filing of a grievance or otherwise reporting sexual harassment shall not reflect upon the individual’s status or affect future employment or work assignments.
Notice of this policy shall be circulated throughout the charter school and incorporated in employee handbooks.
30
File: GBGB-Rev.
*Staff Personal Security and Safety
The following procedures shall be followed in instances of assault, disorderly conduct, harassment, knowingly false allegation of child abuse, or alleged criminal offense by a student directed towards a teacher or school employee.
These same procedures shall be followed in instances of damage by a student to the personal property of a teacher or school employee occurring on school district premises.
1. The teacher or employee shall file a written complaint with the building administrator, the superintendent’s
office and the Board of Education.
2. The administrator, after receipt both of the complaint and adequate proof of the charges, shall suspend the student for three days in accordance with established procedures.
3. The superintendent shall initiate procedures for the further suspension or expulsion of the student when
injury or property damage has occurred.
4. The superintendent or designee shall report the incident to the district attorney or the appropriate local law
enforcement agency or officer who shall then investigate the incident to determine the appropriateness of
filing criminal charges or initiating delinquency proceedings.
5. A copy of this policy shall be distributed to each student and posted in each school building.
Communication of Disciplinary Information
The administrator or designee shall communicate discipline information concerning any student enrolled in the district to all teachers and counselors who have direct contact with that student. Any teacher or counselor who is assigned a student with known serious behavior problems will be informed of the student’s behavior record. Any school employee who is provided this information shall maintain its confidentiality and shall not communicate it to any other person.
*Grading/Assessment Systems
It is the philosophy of the Board that students will respond more positively to the opportunity for success than to the threat of failure. The charter school shall seek, therefore, in its instructional program to make achievement in its processes of evaluating students’ performance.
The administration and professional staff shall devise a grading or assessment system for evaluating and recording student progress and to measure student performance in conjunction with Board-adopted content standards. The records and reports of individual students shall be kept in a form which will be meaningful to parents as well as teachers. The grading/assessment system shall be uniform school wide at comparable grade levels.
The Board shall approve the grading, reporting and assessment systems as developed by the faculty, upon recommendation of the administrator.
The Board recognizes that any grading and/or assessment system, however effective, is subjective in nature but urges all faculty members to conduct student evaluations as objectively as possible.
31
File: JB-Rev.
Every student of the charter school shall have equal educational opportunities regardless of race, color, creed, sex, marital status, national origin, or handicap.
Further, no student shall on the basis of sex be excluded from participating in, be denied the benefits of, or be subject to discrimination under any educational program or activity conducted by the school.
More specifically, as prescribed by legal requirements, the charter school shall treat its students without discrimination on the basis of sex as this pertains to access to and participation in course offerings, athletics, counseling, employment assistance, and extracurricular activities.
File: JBB-Rev.
Sexual harassment is recognized as a form of sex discrimination and thus a violation of the laws which prohibit sex discrimination.
A learning environment that is free from sexual harassment shall be maintained. It shall be a violation of policy for any staff member to harass students or for students to harass other students through conduct or communications of a sexual nature.
Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature may constitute sexual harassment when:
1. Submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of a person’s educational development.
2. Submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for education decisions affecting such individual.
3. Such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s educational performance or creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive educational environment.
Sexual harassment as defined above may include but is not limited to:
Students may file a formal grievance of sexual harassment through use of the accompanying grievance procedure. If the alleged harasser is the administrator with whom a grievance routinely would be filed, the student may file the grievance with an alternate staff member.
All matters involving sexual harassment complaints shall remain confidential to the extent possible.
Filing of a grievance or otherwise reporting sexual harassment shall not reflect upon the individual’s status or affect grades.
Notice of this policy shall be circulated throughout the charter school and incorporated in student handbooks.
32
File: JBB-R-Rev.
.(Grievance Procedure)
1. Students who believe they have been subject to sexual harassment will report the incident to any teacher,
counselor or administrator in their school building or to the administrator, who will be referred to as the grievance officer. All reports received by teachers, counselors, administrator or other school employees will be forwarded to the grievance officer. If the alleged harasser is the person designated as the grievance officer, an alternate grievance officer will be appointed by the administrator to investigated the matter.
2. Upon receiving a report, the grievance officer will confer with the student who has allegedly been
harassed as soon as is reasonably possible, but in no event more than 2 school days from receiving the
report, in order to obtain a clear understanding of the basis of the complaint and to discuss what action
the student is seeking. The student’s parents/guardians will also be contacted and kept informed
regarding progress of the investigation.
3. At the initial meeting with the student, the grievance officer will explain the avenues for informal and
formal action and provide a description of the grievance procedure. The grievance officer will also
explain that whether or not the student files a formal grievance or otherwise requests action, the charter school is required by law to take steps to correct the harassment and to prevent recurring harassment or retaliation against anyone who makes a harassment report or participates in an investigation. The
grievance officer will also explain to the student that any request for confidentiality will be honored so
long as doing so does not preclude the school from responding effectively to the harassment and
preventing future harassment.
4. Following the initial meeting with the student, the grievance officer will attempt to meet with the alleged
harasser and his or her parents/guardians in order to obtain a response to the reported harassment and
will investigate the matter in accordance with policy JBB*. The grievance officer will complete the
investigation within 14 school days of the initial meeting with the student.
5. Within 7 school days of completing the investigation, the grievance officer will determine whether the
matter should proceed formally or informally. On the basis of the grievance officer’s investigation and if the student requests that the matter be resolved in an informal manner and the grievance officer agrees
that the matter is suitable for such resolution, the grievance officer may attempt to resolve the matter
informally through conciliation.
6. If the student requests a formal grievance process, the grievance officer will transfer the record to the
administrator or designee for formal resolution within 7 school days of completing the investigation, and so notify the parties by certified mail.
7. After reviewing the record made by the grievance officer, the administrator or designee may gather
additional evidence necessary to decide the case. Within 14 school days of receiving the record, the
administrator or designee will announce any sanctions or other action deemed appropriate, including
recommendations to the Board for disciplinary or other action.
8. Whether or not a formal grievance was filed, the charter school will take all reasonable steps necessary to end the harassment, to make the victim whole by restoring lost educational opportunities, to prevent
harassment from recurring and to prevent retaliation against anyone that reports sexual harassment or
participates in a harassment investigation.
9. All parties, including the parents/guardians of all students involved, will be notified by the administrator of the final outcome of the investigation and all steps taken by the charter school.
10. At any time, the student making a report of sexual harassment may request an end to the informal
process and begin the formal grievance process.
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File: JH-Rev.
One criteria of a student’s success in school is regular and punctual attendance. Frequent absences may lead to poor academic work, lack of social development and possible academic failure. Regular attendance is of utmost importance for school interest, social adjustment, and scholastic achievement. No single factor may interfere with a student’s progress more quickly than frequent tardiness or absence.
According to state law, it is the obligation of every parent/guardian to ensure that every child under their care and supervision receives adequate education and training and, if of compulsory attendance age, attends school.
Each year the Board establishes the school attendance period by adopting a school calendar. Secondary students are required to have actual teacher-pupil instruction and contact time of 1,056 hours for secondary students and 968 hours for elementary students during each school year.
Continuity in the learning process and social adaptation is seriously disrupted by excessive absences. In most situations, the work missed cannot be made up adequately. Students who have good attendance generally achieve higher grades, reasons, the Board believes that a student must satisfy two basic requirements in order to earn full class credit: (1) satisfy all academic requirements and (2) exhibit good attendance habits as stated in this policy.
The following shall be considered excused absences:
1. A student who is temporarily ill or injured or whose absence is approved by the administrator of the
school of attendance on a prearranged basis. Prearranged absences shall be approved for appointments or circumstances of a serious nature only which cannot be taken care of outside of school hours.
2. A student who is absent for an extended period due to physical, mental, or emotional disability.
3. A student who is pursuing a work-study program under the supervision of the school.
4. A student who is attending any school-sponsored activity or activities of an educational nature with
advance approval by the administration.
The charter school may require suitable proof regarding the above exception, including written statements from medical sources.
An unexcused absence is defined as an absence that is not covered by one of the foregoing exceptions. Each unexcused absence shall be entered on the student’s record. The parents/guardians of the student receiving an unexcused absence shall be notified orally or in writing by the charter school of the unexcused absence.
In accordance with law, the charter school may impose academic penalties which relate directly to classes missed while unexcused. The administration shall develop regulations to implement appropriate penalties. Students and parents/guardians may petition the Board of Education for exceptions to this policy or the accompanying regulations provided that no exception shall be sustained if the student fails to abide by all requirements imposed by the Board as conditions for granting any such exception.
The maximum number of unexcused absences a student may incur before judicial proceeding are initiated to enforce compulsory attendance is 10 days during any calendar year or school year.
Any student who has been absent from class for six consecutive weeks or more in any one school year, except for reasons of expulsion, excused long term illness, or death, is considered a “dropout” and shall be reported to the Department of Education by the school district. However, if the student is in attendance at the end of the school year, or enrolled in another school, home study course, or on-line program, such student is not considered a dropout and shall not be reported.
Make-up work shall be provided for any class in which a student has an excused absence unless otherwise determined by the building administrator. It is the responsibility of the student to pick up any make-up assignments permitted on the day returning to class. There shall be 1 day allowed for make-up work for each day of absence. Make-up work shall be allowed following an unexcused absence with the goal of providing the student an opportunity to keep up with the class and an incentive to attend school. However, this work will receive only partial credit, which is the consequence for an unexcused absence.
Tardiness is defined as the appearance of a student without proper excuse after the scheduled time that a class begins. Because of the disruptive nature of tardiness and the detrimental effect upon the rights of the non-tardy student to uninterrupted learning, penalties shall be imposed for excessive tardiness. Parents/guardians shall be notified of all penalties regarding tardiness.
In an unavoidable situation, a student detained by another teacher or administrator shall not be considered tardy provided that the teacher or administrator gives the student a pass to enter his next class. Teachers shall honor passes presented in accordance with this policy.
The provisions of this policy shall be applicable to all students in the charter school, including those above and below the age for compulsory attendance as required by law.
35
File: JHB-Rev.
If a student is absent without a signed or verbal parental excuse, or if the student leaves school or a class without permission of the teacher or administrator in charge, the student shall be considered truant. A “habitual truant” shall be defined as a student of compulsory attendance age who has four unexcused absences during any school year. Absences due to suspension or expulsion shall not be counted in the total of unexcused absences.
In order to reduce the incidents of truancy, parents of all students shall be notified in writing at the beginning of each school year of their obligation to insure that all children of compulsory attendance age attend school. Parents shall be required to acknowledge in writing awareness of their obligations and to furnish the school with a telephone number or other means of contacting them during the school day.
The school shall establish a system of monitoring individual unexcused absences. When a student fails to report on a regularly scheduled school day and school personnel have received no indication that the parent is aware of the absence, school personnel or volunteers under the direction of school personnel shall make a reasonable effort to notify the parent by telephone.
A plan shall be developed for a student who is at risk of being declared habitually truant with the goal of assisting the child to remain in school. When practicable, the child’s parent, guardian or legal custodian shall participate with charter school personnel during the development of the plan. Appropriate school personnel shall make all reasonable efforts to meet with the parent, guardian or legal custodian to review and evaluate the reasons for the child’s truancy.
Penalties
Three truancies shall be grounds for out of school suspension. Additional truancies shall be grounds for suspension and/or expulsion.
File: JICA-Rev. 2
A safe and disciplined learning environment is essential to a quality educational program. District-wide standards on student attire are intended to help students concentrate on schoolwork, reduce discipline problems, and improve school order and safety. The Board recognizes that students have a right to express themselves through dress and personal appearance; however, students shall not wear apparel that is deemed disruptive or potentially disruptive to the classroom environment or to the maintenance of a safe and orderly school.
Any student deemed in violation of the dress code shall be required to change into appropriate clothing or make arrangements to have appropriate clothing brought to school immediately. In this case, there shall be no further penalty.
If the student cannot promptly obtain appropriate clothing, on the first offense, the student shall be given a written warning and an administrator shall notify the student’s parents/guardians. On the second offense, the student shall remain in the administrative office for the day and do schoolwork and a conference with parents/guardians shall be held. On the third offense, the student may be subject to suspension or other disciplinary action as outlined in the school discipline code.
Unacceptable Items
The following items are not acceptable in school buildings, on school grounds, or at school activities:
1. Shorts, dresses, skirts, or other similar clothing shorter than mid-thigh length.
2. Sunglasses and/or hats worn inside the building.
3. Inappropriately sheer, tight, or low-cut clothing (e.g., midriffs, halter tops, backless clothing, tube tops,
garments made of fishnet, mesh, or similar material, muscle tops, etc.) that bare or expose
traditionally private parts of the body including, but not limited to, the stomach, buttocks, back, and
breasts.
4. Tank tops or other similar clothing with straps narrower than 1.5 inches in width.
5. Any clothing, paraphernalia, grooming, jewelry, hair coloring, accessories, or body adornments that are or
contain any advertisement, symbols, words, slogans, patches, or pictures that:
* Refer to drugs, tobacco, alcohol, or weapons
* Are of a sexual nature
* By virtue of color, arrangement, trademark, or other attribute denote membership in gangs which
advocate drug use, violence, or disruptive behavior
* Are obscene, profane, vulgar, lewd, or legally libelous
* Threaten the safety or welfare of any person
* Promote any activity prohibited by the student code of conduct
* Otherwise disrupt the teaching-learning process
6. Make-up must not be worn to school. Face painting, costume make-up, etc. can be used on specific
events that are set aside for that, such as Halloween parties. During those specific events, the costume make-up or face-painting must not be offensive.
7. Hairstyles are the jurisdiction of the individual student. However, if an offensive symbol is shaved into a
student’s scalp, the student will not be allowed to come on the campus. Long hair should be restrained so that it does not interfere with the child’s ability to read or write.
8. Any areas that are not covered in the policy and raise the concern of staff members, will be addressed by
meeting with the student, administrator, and parent (if necessary) to determine as a team whether or not
the dress is appropriate.
Appropriate athletic clothing may be worn in physical education classes. Clothing normally worn when participating in school-sponsored extra curricular or sports activities (such as cheerleading uniforms and the like) may be worn to school when approved by the sponsor or coach.
The administrator, in conjunction with the school accountability committee, may develop and adopt school-specific dress codes that are consistent with this policy.
File: JICC-Rev.
The privilege of riding a school bus is contingent upon a student’s good behavior and observance of the student code of conduct and established regulations for student conduct both at bus stops and on-board buses.
The driver of a school bus shall be responsible for safety of the students on the bus, both during the ride and while students are entering or leaving the vehicle. Therefore, it is the bus driver’s duty to notify the supervisor of transportation and the administrator of the school if any student persists in violating the established rules of conduct.
After due warning has been given to the student and to parents/guardians, the administrator may withhold from the student the privilege of riding the school bus. The student also may be denied admission to school, suspended, or expelled, in accordance with established policies including discipline of habitually disruptive students, for flagrant violation of school bus rider conduct regulations or conduct detrimental to the safe operation of the bus.
37
File: JICDA-Rev.
The administrator may suspend or recommend expulsion of a student who engages in one or more of the following activities while in school buildings, on school grounds, in school vehicles, or during a school-sponsored activity and in certain cases when the behavior occurs off of school property.
1. Causing or attempting to cause damage to school property or stealing or attempting to steal school property of value.
2. Causing or attempting to cause damage to private property or stealing or attempting to steal private property.
3. Commission of any act which if committed by an adult would be robbery or assault as defined by state law. Expulsion shall be mandatory in accordance with state law except for commission of third degree assault.
4. Violation of criminal law which has an immediate effect on the school or on the general safety or welfare of students or staff.
5. Violation of charter school policy or building regulations.
6. Violation of the charter school’s policy on dangerous weapons in the schools. Expulsion shall be mandatory for carrying, bringing, using or possessing a dangerous weapon without the authorization of the school or school district, unless the student has delivered the firearm or weapon to a teacher, administrator, or other authorized person in the district as soon as possible upon discovering it, in accordance with state law.
7. Violation of the charter school’s alcohol use/drug abuse policy. Expulsion shall be mandatory for sale of drugs or controlled substances, in accordance with state law.
8. Violation of the charter school’s violent and aggressive behavior policy.
9. Violation of the charter school’s tobacco-free schools policy.
10. Violation of the charter school’s policy on sexual harassment.
11. Throwing objects, unless part of a supervised school activity, that can cause bodily injury or damage property.
12. Directing profanity, vulgar language, or obscene gestures toward other students, school personnel or visitors to the school.
13. Engaging in verbal abuse, i.e., name calling, ethnic or racial slurs, or derogatory statements addressed publicly to others that precipitate disruption of the school program or incite violence.
14. Committing extortion, coercion, or blackmail, i.e., obtaining money or other objects of value from an unwilling person or forcing an individual to act through the use of force or threat of force.
15. Lying or giving false information, either verbally or in writing, to a school employee.
16. Scholastic dishonesty which includes but is not limited to cheating on a test, plagiarism, or unauthorized collaboration with another person in preparing written work.
17. Continued willful disobedience or open and persistent defiance of proper authority including deliberate refusal to obey a member of the school staff.
18. Behavior on or off school property which is detrimental to the welfare or safety of other students or school personnel.
19. Repeated interference with the school’s ability to provide educational opportunities to other students.
20. Engaging in “hazing” activities, i.e., forcing prolonged physical activity, forcing excessive consumption of any substance, forcing prolonged deprivation of sleep, food, or drink, or any other behavior which recklessly endangers the health or safety of an individual for purposes of initiation into any student group.
21. Violation of the charter school’s dress code policy.
22. Violation of the district’s policy on student expression.
The administrator shall post a copy of these rules in a prominent place in the school and shall distribute a copy to each student. Copies also shall be available to any member of the public upon request.
38
File: JICDD-Rev.
The Board recognizes there are certain behaviors that, if tolerated, would quickly destroy the type of learning environment to which the students and staff of the charter school are entitled. These behaviors, categorized as violent or aggressive, will not be tolerated and shall result in immediate action being taken by the school.
Students exhibiting violent or aggressive behavior or warning signs of future violent or aggressive behavior shall receive appropriate intervention to change behavior before a crisis occurs and shall be subject to disciplinary action when appropriate.
Students shall be taught to recognize the warning signs of violent and aggressive behavior and shall report questionable behavior or potentially violent situations to appropriate school officials. All reports shall be taken seriously.
Acts of violence and aggression shall be well documented and communicated by the staff to the administrator. The Board shall be informed of all students who are receiving intervention. The immediate involvement of the parents/guardians is also essential. Law enforcement officials shall be involved if there is any violation of law.
An act of violence and aggression is any expression, direct or indirect, verbal or behavioral, or intent to inflict harm, injury, or damage to persons or property. A threat of violence and aggression carries with it implied notions of risk of violence and a probability of harm or injury.
The following behaviors are defined as violent and aggressive:
1. Possession, threat with or use of a weapon-as described in Weapons Policy: JICIC.
2. Physical assault-the act of striking or touching a person or that person’s property with a part of the body or with any object with the intent of causing hurt or harm.
3. Verbal abuse-includes, but is not limited to, swearing, screaming, obscene gestures, or threats directed, either orally (including by telephone) or in writing, at an individual, his or her family or group.
4. Intimidation-an act intended to frighten or coerce someone into submission or obedience.
5. Extortion-the use of verbal or physical coercion in order to obtain financial or material gain for others.
6. Bullying-any written or verbal expression, physical act or gesture, or a pattern thereof, that is intended to cause distress upon one or more students in the school environment as further described in the charter school’s Bullying Prevention and Education Policy JICDE.
7. Gang Activity-as described in the charter school’s Secret Societies/Gang Activity Policy JICF.
8. Sexual Harassment-as described in the charter school’s Sexual Harassment Policy JBB.
9. Stalking-the persistent following, contacting, watching, or any other such threatening actions that compromise the peace of mind or the personal safety of an individual.
10.
11. Discriminatory Slurs-insulting, disparaging or derogatory comments made directly or by innuendo regarding a person’s race, sex, sexual orientation, religion, national or ethnic background or handicap.
12. Vandalism-damaging or defacing property owned by or in the rightful possession of another.
13. Terrorism-a threat to commit violence communicated with the intent to terrorize or with reckless disregard for the risk of creating such terror or to cause serious public inconvenience, such as the evacuation of a building.
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School-sponsored publications are a public forum for students as well as an educational activity through which students can gain experience in reporting, writing, editing, and understanding responsible journalism. Because the Board recognizes creative student expression as an educational benefit of the school experience, it encourages freedom of comment, both oral and written, in a school setting with a degree of order in which proper learning can take place.
The Board encourages students to express their views in school-sponsored publications and to observe rules for responsible journalism. This means expression which is false or obscene, libelous, slanderous, or defamatory under state law; presents a clear and present danger of the commission of unlawful acts, violation of school rules, or material and substantial disruption of the orderly operation of the school; violates the privacy rights of others, or threatens violence to property or persons shall not be permitted.
Student editors of school-sponsored publications shall be responsible for determining the news, opinion, and advertising content of their publications subject to the limitations of this policy and state law. The publications advisor within each school shall be responsible for supervising the production of school-sponsored publications and for teaching and encouraging free and responsible expression and professional standards of journalism.
The publications advisor has authority to establish or limit writing assignments for students working with publications and to otherwise direct and control the learning experience that publications are intended to provide when participation in a school-sponsored publication is part of a school class or activity for which grades or school credits are given.
All school-sponsored publications shall contain a disclaimer that expression made by students in the exercise of freedom of speech or freedom of the press is not an expression of Board policy. The school district and employees are provided immunity from civil or criminal penalties for any expression made or published by students.
The administrator shall develop, for approval by the Board, a written official school publications code which shall include:
1. A statement of the purposes of official school publications.
2. Responsibilities of official school publications’ advisors and student editors.
3. A list of prohibited materials.
4. Reasonable provisions for the time, place, and manner of distributing school-sponsored student publications within the school district’s jurisdiction.
5. Procedures for resolving differences.
The publications code shall be distributed to all students and teachers at the beginning of each school year.
40
File: JICEC-Rev.
*Student Distribution of Noncurricular Materials
To understand Constitutional values such as the right to free speech, students must not only study such principles but also have an opportunity to put them into practice. However, there are limitations on the right of student free speech in the school setting that have been upheld by the courts because of the unique nature of the school community.
It is the goal of this policy to strike a necessary balance between a student’s right of free speech and the school’s responsibility to maintain an orderly and safe school environment which respects the rights of all students on school grounds and during school-sponsored activities.
Students shall be allowed to distribute noncurricular written materials on school property subject to restrictions on time, place and manner of distribution set out in the accompanying regulations and the prohibitions set out below and in state law.
Any material in any media containing expression which is obscene, libelous, slanderous, or defamatory shall be prohibited. Students shall not distribute any material which advocates commission of unlawful acts or violation of Board or charter school and/or regulations, violates another person’s right to privacy, causes a material and substantial disruption of the orderly operation of the school, or threatens violence to property or persons.
Students who distribute materials in violation of this policy and/or materials that cause a material and substantial disruption, damage to a person or property, or threaten violence to property or persons in the judgment of school officials, shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary action.
School equipment and supplies shall not be used for publication of such material unless authorized as a school-sponsored activity.
This policy and the accompanying regulations shall be made available to all students and teachers at the beginning of each school year and included in all student handbooks.
41
File: JICED*-Rev.
While students do not shed their constitutional rights when they enter the school or engage in school-related activities, it is the Board of Education’s responsibility to adopt rules reasonably necessary to maintain proper discipline among students and create an effective learning environment.
For purposes of this policy, student expression includes expression in any media, including but not limited to written, oral, visual, audio, and electronic media in all classroom and other school-related activities, assignments, and projects.
Students shall not turn in, present, publish, or distribute expression that is disruptive to the classroom environment or to the maintenance of a safe and orderly school, as follows:
1. Obscene
2. Libelous, slanderous, defamatory, or otherwise unlawful under state law.
3. Profane or vulgar
4. False as to any person who is not a public figure or involved in a matter of public concern.
5. Creates a clear and present danger of the commission of unlawful acts, the violation of lawful school regulations, or the material and substantial disruption of the orderly operation of the school.
6. Violates the rights of others to privacy.
7. Threatens violence to property or persons.
8. Attacks any person because of race, color, sex, age, religion, national background, disability or handicap.
9. Tends to create hostility or otherwise disrupt the orderly operation of the educational process.
10. Advocates illegal acts of any kind, including the use of illegal drugs, tobacco, or alcohol.
Violation of this policy shall result in disciplinary action against the student consistent with charter school student discipline policies.
File: JICF-Rev.
The Board of Education desires to keep the charter school and students free from the threats or harmful influence of any groups or gangs which advocate drug use, violence, or disruptive behavior. The administrator or designee shall maintain continual, visible supervision of school premises, school vehicles, and school-related activities to deter gang intimidation of students and confrontations between members of different gangs.
The administrator or designee shall establish open lines of communication with local law enforcement authorities so as to share information and provide mutual support in this effort.
The administrator or designee shall provide inservice training to help staff members identify gangs and gang symbols, recognize early manifestations of disruptive activities and respond appropriately to gang behavior. Staff members shall be informed about conflict management techniques and alerted to intervention measures and community resources which may help students.
The Board prohibits the presence on school premises, in school vehicles, and at school-related activities of any apparel, jewelry, accessory, notebook, or manner of grooming which by virtue of its color, arrangement, trademark, or any other attribute denotes membership in gangs which advocate drug use, violence, or disruptive behavior. This policy shall be applied at the administrator’s discretion as the need for it arises.
The Board realizes that many students become involved in gangs without understanding the consequences of gang membership. Early intervention is a key component of efforts to bread the cycle of gang membership. Therefore gang violence prevention education in the schools shall start with students in third grade.
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File: JICH-Rev.
It shall be a violation of Board policy and considered to be behavior which is detrimental to the welfare or safety of other students or school personnel for any student to possess, use, sell, distribute, or procure or to be under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or other controlled substances. The unlawful possession or use of alcohol or controlled substances is wrong and harmful to students.
For purposes of this policy, controlled substances include but are not limited to narcotic drugs, hallucinogenic or mind-altering drugs or substances, amphetamines, barbiturates, stimulants, depressants, marijuana, anabolic steroids, any other controlled substances as defined in law, or any prescription or nonprescription drug, medicine, vitamin, or other chemical substances not taken in accordance with the Board policy and regulations on administering medicines to students.
This policy also includes substances that are represented by or to the student to be any such controlled substance or what the student believes to be any such substance.
This policy shall apply to any student who is on school property, in attendance at school, in a school vehicle, or taking part in any-school sponsored or sanctioned activity or whose conduct at any time or place interferes with the operations of the charter school or the safety or welfare of students or employees.
Students violating this policy shall be subject to disciplinary sanctions which may include suspension and/or expulsion from school and referral for prosecution. Expulsion shall be mandatory for sale or distribution of drugs or other controlled substances, in accordance with state law.
Situations in which a student seeks counseling or information from a professional staff member for the purpose of overcoming substance abuse shall be handled on an individual basis depending upon the nature and particulars of the case. When appropriate, parents shall be involved and every effort made to direct the substance abuser to sources of help.
The Board, in recognition that drug and alcohol abuse is a community problem, shall cooperate actively with law enforcement, social services, or other agencies and organizations, parents, and any other recognized community resources committed to reducing the incidents of illegal use of drugs and alcohol by school-aged youths.
Whenever possible in dealing with student problems associated with drug and alcohol abuse, school personnel shall provide parents/guardians, and students with information concerning education and rehabilitation programs which are available.
Information provided to students and/or parents about community substance abuse treatment programs or other resources shall be accompanied by a disclaimer to clarify that the school district assumes no financial responsibility for the expense of drug or alcohol assessment or treatment provided by other agencies or groups unless otherwise required.
The charter school shall provide all students and parents/guardians with a copy of this policy and its accompanying procedures on an annual basis.
The Board shall conduct a biennial review of its drug prevention program to determine its effectiveness, to implement any required changes and to ensure that the disciplinary sanctions required are consistently enforced.
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File: JICI-Rev.
The Board of Education determines that possession and/or use of a weapon by students is detrimental to the welfare and safety of the students and school personnel within the district.
.Mandatory expulsion in accordance with state and federal law
Carrying, bringing, using, or possessing a dangerous weapon in any school building, on school grounds, in any school vehicle, or at any school-sponsored activity without the authorization of the school or the school district is prohibited. An exception to this policy may be made for students participating in an authorized extracurricular activity or team involving the use of firearms.
If a student discovers that he or she has carried or brought, or is in the possession of a dangerous weapon and the student notified a teacher, administrator, or other authorized person in the school district, and as soon as possible delivers the dangerous weapon to that person, expulsion shall not be mandatory and such action shall be considered when determining appropriate disciplinary action, if any.
As used in the policy, “dangerous weapon” means:
a. A firearm, whether loaded or unloaded, or a firearm facsimile that could reasonably be mistaken for an
actual firearm.
b. Any pellet, BB gun, or other device, whether operational or not, designed to propel projectiles by spring action or compressed air.
c. A fixed blade knife with a blade that measures three inches or longer in length, or a spring-loaded knife or a pocketknife with a blade three inches or longer.
d. Any object, device, instrument, material, or substance, whether animate or inanimate, used or intended to be used to inflict death or serious bodily injury including, but not limited to slingshot, bludgeon, brass knuckles, or artificial knuckles of any kind.
The administrator shall initiate expulsion proceedings immediately for students that violate this policy.
In accordance with federal law, expulsion shall be for no less than one full calendar year for a student who is determined to have brought a firearm to school. The superintendent may modify the length of this federal requirement for expulsion on a case-by-case basis.
The Board of Education determines that extra precautions are important and necessary to provide for student safety. Therefore, the carrying, bringing, using, or possessing of any knife, regardless of the length of the blade, in any school building, on school grounds, in any school vehicle, or at any school-sponsored activity without express authorization is prohibited. Students who violate this policy shall be referred for appropriate disciplinary proceedings. However, if a student discovers that he or she has carried, brought or is in possession of a knife and the student notifies a teacher, administrator or other authorized person in the charter school, and as soon as possible delivers the knife to that person, expulsion shall not be mandatory and such action shall be considered when determining appropriate disciplinary action, if any.
The charter school and district shall maintain records which describe the circumstances involving expulsions of students who bring weapons to school including the name of the school, the number of students expelled, and the types of weapons involved as required by law.
School personnel shall refer any student who brings a firearm or weapon to school without authorization of the charter school or the school district to law enforcement, unless the student has delivered the firearm or weapon to a teacher, administrator or other authorized person in the charter school as soon as possible upon discovering it. In such case school personnel shall consult with law enforcement to determine whether referral of the student to law enforcement is necessary and how to properly dispose of the firearm or weapon or return it to its owner.
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File: JIH-Rev.
*Student Interrogations, Searches and Arrests
The Board of Education seeks to maintain a climate in the schools which is conducive to learning and protective of the safety and welfare of staff and students. To achieve this goal, it may be necessary for school personnel to search the person and/or the personal property of the student and to seize any property deemed injurious or detrimental to the safety and welfare of students and staff.
Searches conducted by school personnel
Searches may be conducted by a school official who has reasonable grounds for suspecting that a search will turn up evidence that the student has violated either the law or Board policy. When reasonable grounds for a search exist, school personnel may search a student and/or the student’s personal property while on school premises or during a school activity under the circumstances outlined in this policy and may seize any illegal, unauthorized or contraband materials.
Any search conducted by a school official shall respect the privacy of the student and not be any more intrusive than necessary, considering the age and sex of the student and nature of the suspected infraction.
Whenever possible, the student shall be informed of the reason(s) for conducting the search and the student’s permission to perform the search shall be requested. A student’s failure to cooperate with school officials conducting a search shall be considered grounds for disciplinary action.
An administrative report shall be prepared by the school official conducting a search explaining the reasons for the search, the results and the names of any witnesses to the search. If the search produces evidence to be used as the basis for disciplinary action, the report shall be filed in the student’s cumulative folder.
Definitions
1. “Reasonable suspicion” is the standard for a search on school property at school activities carried out by school authorities. Reasonable suspicion is based on facts provided by a reliable informant or personal observation which cause the school official to believe, based on personal experience, that search of a particular person, place, or thing would lead to the discovery of evidence of a violation of Board policy or state or federal laws. Reasonable suspicion requires more than a mere hunch.
2. “Contraband” consists of all substances or materials prohibited by Board policy or state law including
but not limited to drugs, alcoholic beverages, guns, knives, other weapons, and incendiary devices.
Search of school property
School lockers, desks, and other storage areas are school property and remain at all times under the control of the school. School property provided for the use of students is subject to inspection, clean-outs, access for maintenance and search pursuant to this policy.
Students shall assume full responsibility for the security of their lockers and/or other storage areas in the manner approved by the administration. Students shall be responsible for whatever is contained in desks and lockers assigned to them by the school.
The administrator or designee may search a desk, locker, or any other storage area and its contents when there are reasonable grounds for a search. Whenever possible, another person shall be available to witness the search.
Search of the student’s person
The administrator or designee may search the person of a student if the school official has reasonable grounds to believe that the student is in possession of contraband.
Search of the person shall be limited to the student’s pockets, any object in the student’s possession such as a purse or briefcase, and/or a “pat down” of the exterior of the student’s clothing.
Searches of the person shall be conducted out of the presence of other students and as privately as possible. At least one but not more than three additional persons of the same sex as the student being searched shall witness but not participate in the search.
The parent/guardian of any student searched shall be notified of the search as soon as reasonably possible.
Searches of the person which require removal of clothing other than a coat or jacket shall be referred to a law enforcement office. No strip search shall be carried out by any school employee.
Seizure of items
Anything found in the course of a search conducted by school officials which is evidence of a violation of law or Board policy or school rules or which by its presence presents an immediate danger of physical harm may be:
1. Seized and offered as evidence in any suspension or expulsion proceeding if it is tagged for identification at
the time it is seized. Such material shall be kept in a secure place by the administrator until it is presented at the hearing.
2. Returned to the student or the parent/guardian.
3. Turned over to a law enforcement officer in accordance with this policy.
Appeals
Within 10 school days after a search, the student may appeal the search decision to the Board who shall investigate the reason(s) and circumstances of the search. The Board shall issue written finding within five school days after receiving the appeal. The Board’s decision shall constitute the final charter school determination.
Law enforcement officers’ involvement
Search and seizure
The administrator or designee may request a search on school premises be conducted by a law enforcement officer. When law enforcement authorities are involved in the search, the search will be conducted under criminal law standards rather than under the provisions of this policy.
When law enforcement officers respond to such a request, no school employee shall assist or otherwise participate in the search unless under the direct order of the law enforcement officer.
If law enforcement personnel seek permission from school authorities to search a student, the student’s personal property or school property to obtain evidence related to criminal activities, school officials shall require the police to produce a valid search warrant before the search is conducted unless:
1. There is uncoerced consent by the student.
2. There is probable cause and circumstances such that taking the time to obtain a search warrant would
frustrate the purpose of the search.
3. The search is incident to an arrest and is limited to the person and immediate surroundings.
Interrogation
When law enforcement officials request permission to question students when students are in school or participating in school activities, the administrator or designee shall be present. If the student is under 18, the student’s parent/guardian also shall be present unless the juvenile is emancipated as that term is defined in state law.
Every effort shall be made not to draw any attention to the student being questioned by conducting the interrogation in private and with as little disruption to the schedule as possible.
Custody and/or Arrest
When custody and/or arrest by the police in involved, the administrator shall request that all procedural safeguards as prescribed by law be observed by the law enforcement officers. This includes all due process procedures including but not limited to obtaining proper arrest warrants where required.
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Students participating in after school activities are expected to maintain satisfactory academic and attendance records and maintain a satisfactory conduct record. If a student misses school on the day of or the school day prior to the event if the event is during the weekend, the student cannot participate in the event unless the absence was prearranged. Extenuating circumstances may be reason for the administration to make exceptions.
Students who are residents of Park County School District Re-2 but who are being educated in a home school may participate provided they comply with all laws governing non-public home-based education.
Students with disabilities are neither immune from a charter school’s disciplinary process nor entitled to participate in programs when their behavior impairs the education of other students. Student’s with disabilities who engage in disruptive activities and/or actions dangerous to themselves or others will be disciplined in accordance with their IEP, any behavioral intervention plan and this policy. During any period of disciplinary action, the student shall continue to receive a “free appropriate public education” in accordance with federal law.
Manifestation Determination
When a disciplinary change in placement is being considered related to a disabled student’s behavior, the IEP team and other qualified charter school personnel shall review the relationship between the student’s disability and the behavior. Such a review must take place immediately, if possible, but no later than 8 school days from the date of the decision to take disciplinary action.
The team will determine whether the student’s behavior is a manifestation of the disability, and whether the student’s disability impaired his or her ability to control or understand the impact and consequences of the behavior.
Disciplinary Action for Behavior that is Not a Manifestation
Once the team determines that the behavior was not a manifestation of the disability, disciplinary procedures shall be applied to the student in the same manner as applied to nondisabled students.
Disciplinary Action and/or Alternative Placement for Behavior that is a Manifestation
A student with disabilities whose behavior is determined to be a manifestation of his or her disability may not be expelled but will be disciplined in accordance with his or her IEP, any behavioral intervention plan and this policy.
In addition to any disciplinary action provided for in the IEP or behavioral intervention plan, a disabled student may be placed for up to 8 school days in an appropriate interim alternative educational setting, another setting or be suspended to the extent suspension would be applied to non disabled students.
Disabled students carrying weapons to school or possessing, selling, or soliciting drugs may be removed to an alternative setting for the same amount of time as would be applied to a nondisabled student, but not more than 45 days.
A hearing officer may order removal to an alternative setting for 45 days where the charter school demonstrates by substantial evidence that maintaining the student’s current placement is substantially likely to result in injury to the student or others.
Either before or within 8 days after any change in placement related to a disciplinary problem, the IEP team must meet to determine an appropriate alternative setting, to develop a behavioral assessment plan or to review and modify an existing intervention plan, and review and modify the IEP where necessary.
Nothing in this policy shall prohibit an IEP team from establishing consequences for disruptive or unacceptable behavior as a part of the student’s IEP. The plan shall be subject to all procedural safeguards established by the IEP process.
.Expedited Hearings
An expedited hearing is available when:
1. the parent/guardian disagrees with the IEP team’s determination regarding manifestation or with
any decision regarding placement
2. the parent/guardian disagrees with the proposed new placement following an interim alternative
placement
3. the charter school believes it is dangerous for the student to be returned to the previous placement
During any challenge to placement, the student will stay in the alternative placement.
.Students Not Identified as Disabled
Students who have not been identified as disabled may be subjected to the same disciplinary measures applied to children without disabilities if the charter school did not have “knowledge” of the disability.
The charter school has knowledge of the disability when:
1. the parent/guardian has expressed concern in writing that the student needs special education
2. the student’s behavior or performance has demonstrated such a need
3. the parent/guardian has requested an evaluation
4. the student’s teacher or other charter school personnel have expressed concern about the student’s
behavior or performance to the special education teacher or administrator
If a request for evaluation is made during the period the student is subject to disciplinary measures, the evaluation will be expedited.
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File: JKBA*-Rev.
*Disciplinary Removal from Classroom
It is the policy of the Board to maintain classrooms in which student behavior does not interfere with the ability of the teacher to teach effectively or the ability of other students to participate in classroom learning activities.
Students shall be expected to abide by the code of conduct adopted by the Board and any other appropriate classroom rules of behavior established by the administrator and/or classroom teacher for the purpose of maintaining order and a favorable academic atmosphere. Any student who violates the code of conduct or other classroom rules may be subject to removal from class and/or disciplinary action.
Student removal from class is a serious measure and should not be imposed in an arbitrary, casual, or inconsistent manner. Behavioral expectations are always more constructive and more likely to be followed when they are communicated as clearly as possible to students. However, it is neither possible nor necessary to specify every type of improper or inappropriate behavior, or every circumstance that would justify the removal from class under this policy. Teachers are expected to exercise their best professional judgment in deciding whether it is appropriate to remove a student from class in any particular circumstance. All instances of formal removal from class shall be documented.
A teacher is authorized to immediately remove a student from the teacher’s classroom if the student’s behavior:
violates the code of conduct adopted by the Board; is dangerous, unruly, or disruptive; or seriously interferes with the ability of the teacher to teach the class or other students to learn.
A student with a disability may be removed from class and placed in an alternative educational setting only to the extent authorized by state and federal laws and regulations.
Removal from class under this policy does not prohibit the charter school from pursuing or implementing additional disciplinary measures, including but not limited to detentions, suspensions, or expulsions for the conduct or behavior for which the student was removed.
The administrator is directed to establish procedures to implement this policy so that removals from a classroom occur in a consistent manner throughout the charter school. Parents/guardians shall be notified of the student’s removal from class in accordance with established procedures.
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File: JKD/JKE-Rev.
*Suspension/Expulsion of Students
The Charter Board shall provide due process of law to students, parents/guardians and school personnel through written procedures consistent with law for the suspension or expulsion of students and the denial of admission.
As an alternative to suspension, the administrator or designee at personal discretion may permit the student to remain in school with the consent of the student’s teachers if the parent/guardian attends class with the student for a period of time specified by the administrator or designee. If the parent/guardian does not agree or fails to attend class with the student, the student shall be suspended in accordance with the accompanying regulations.
This alternative to suspension shall not be used if expulsion proceedings have been or are about to be initiated or if the administrator or designee determines that the student’s presence in school, even if accompanied by a parent/guardian, would be disruptive to the operations of the school or be detrimental to the learning environment.
.Delegation of Authority
1. The Board delegates to the administrator or a person designated in writing by the administrator the power to suspend a student for not more than five school days on the grounds stated in C.R.S. 22-33-106 (1)(a), (1)(b), (1)(c), or (1)(e) or not more than 10 school days on the grounds stated in C.R.S. 22-33-106 (1)(d) unless expulsion is mandatory under law (see exhibit coded JKD/JKE-E), but the total period of suspension shall not exceed 25 school days.
2. The Board delegates to the administrator of the charter school the authority to suspend a student, in accordance with C.R.S. 22-33-105, for an additional 10 school days plus up to and including an additional 10 days necessary in order to present the matter to the Board.
3. The Charter Board retains the authority to deny admission to or expel for any period not extending beyond one year any student whom the Board, in accordance with the limitations imposed by Title 22, Article 33, of the Colorado Revised Statutes, shall determine does not qualify for admission to or continued attendance at the charter school.
.Expulsion for Crimes of Violence
Whenever school officials are notified by appropriate authorities that a student is alleged to have committed an offense that would constitute a crime of violence if committed by an adult a determination shall be made whether proceedings shall be initiated for immediate expulsion. This determination may be made by the Board or its designee.
Alternatively, the Board may determine to wait until the conclusion of court proceedings to consider expulsion, in which case it shall be the responsibility of the charter school to provide an alternative educational program for the student as specified in state law.
.Annual Reports
The Board annually shall report to the state Board of Education the number of students expelled from district schools for disciplinary reasons or for failure to submit certificates of immunization. Expelled students shall not be included in calculating the dropout rate for the charter school.
.Information to Parents
Upon expelling a student, charter school personnel shall provide information to the student’s parent or guardian concerning the educational alternatives available to the student during the period of expulsion, including the right of the parent/guardian to request that the charter school provide services during the expulsion. If the parent/guardian chooses to provide a home-based education program for the student, charter school personnel shall assist the parent/guardian in obtaining appropriate curricula for the student if requested by the parent/guardian. The charter school may request help from the district in obtaining materials needed by the parent/guardian.
If a student is expelled for the remainder of the school year, the school district shall contact the expelled student’s parent or guardian at least once every 60 days until the beginning of the next school year to determine whether the child is receiving educational services.
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No student is permitted to attend or continue to attend the charter school without meeting the legal requirements of immunization against disease unless the student has a valid exemption for health, religious, personal, or other reasons as provided by law.
Students who do not submit an up to date certificate of immunization or a written authorization signed by one parent/guardian requesting local health officials to administer the immunizations or a valid exemption will be suspended and/or expelled from school according to regulation JLCB-R.
All information distributed to parents/guardians by the charter school will inform them of their rights to seek an exemption for immunization requirements.
File: JLCD-Rev.
*Administering Medicines to Students
No prescription or nonprescription medication shall be administered at school by the school nurse or other school designee, as determined by the administrator, without the following requirements being met:
1. Medication shall be in the original properly labeled container. If it is a prescription medicine, the student’s name, name of the drug, dosage, times for administering, name of physician, and current date shall be printed on the container.
2. The school shall have received written permission from the doctor or dentist to administer the medication. Permission forms are available in the office.
3. The school shall have received written permission from the parent/guardian, a full release from the responsibilities pertaining to the administration and consequences of such medications also must be presented to the administrator by the student’s parent/guardian.
All medication shall be safeguarded at school to avoid any risk that it may be improperly ingested by anyone.
Medication shall be given legally only by school personnel whom a registered nurse has trained and delegated the task of giving such medication.
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.(And Treatment of Mental Disorders)
Students shall not be required to submit to any psychiatric or psychological methods or procedures for the purpose of diagnosis, assessment, or treatment of any emotional, behavioral, or mental disorder or disability as part of any classroom or instructional activity without parental knowledge and consent.
Licensed school personnel are encouraged to be knowledgeable about psychiatric or psychological methods and procedures but shall not be involved in any diagnosis, assessment, or treatment of any type of mental disorder or disability unless appropriately certified. In accordance with state law, school personnel including certified school psychologists are not authorized to practice psychotherapy or utilize any psychiatric or psychological procedure outside of or beyond their area of training, experience, or competence.
Psychological tests shall be administered to students only by appropriately certified school personnel employed for this purpose or by interns under their supervision. Adherence to this policy shall insure quality psychological services and shall protect the educational rights, dignity, and privacy of students and parents.
Psychological examination and testing shall be made only after informed and written consent of the student’s parents or guardian is obtained unless the student is of legal age to give his informed and written consent. Psychological data shall be only one of several criteria for determining any change in a student’s educational program. Psychological data older than three years shall not be used as the basis for prescriptive teaching or placement.
The giving of parental permission for evaluation in anticipation of a special education staffing and possible provision of services for a handicapped student and any subsequent approval for the provision of such services is governed by state and federal law and is outside the scope of this policy. This policy is in addition to and does not supersede any other legal rights or obligations of parents and students.
Ordinary classroom instruction, activities and techniques involving the approved curriculum which teach about psychological or psychiatric methods or procedures shall be permissible and considered outside the scope of this policy. It is understood that there is a significant difference between practicing therapy and providing activities that may be therapeutic in nature. In all cases, care must be exercised to protect the privacy of students.
*Reporting Child Abuse/Child Protection
It is the policy of the Board of Education that this charter school comply with the Child Protection Act.
To that end, any school official or employee who has reasonable cause to know or suspect that a child has been subjected to abuse or neglect or who has observed the child being subjected to circumstances or conditions which would reasonably result in abuse or neglect, as defined by statue, shall immediately report or cause a report to be made to the appropriate county may result in civil and/or criminal liability. A person who reports child abuse or neglect in good faith is immune from civil or criminal liability.
Reports of child abuse or neglect, the name and address of the child, family or informant or any other identifying information in the report shall be confidential and shall not be public information.
The Board shall provide periodic inservice programs for all teachers in order to provide them with information about the Child Protection Act, to assist them in recognizing and reporting instances of child abuse and to instruct them on how to assist victims and their families.
School employees and officials shall not contact the child’s family or any other persons to determine the cause of the suspected abuse or neglect. It is not the responsibility of the school official or employee to prove that the child has been abused or neglected.
The administrator shall submit such procedures as are necessary to the Board for approval to accomplish thee intent of this policy.
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1. Definition of abuse or neglect
Child abuse or neglect is defined in law as “an act or omission which seriously threatens the
health or welfare of a child.” Specifically, this refers to:
a. Evidence of skin bruising, bleeding, malnutrition, failure to thrive, burns, fracture of any
bone, subdural hematoma, soft tissue swelling, or death and such condition or death
which is not justifiably explained or where the history given concerning such condition or
death is at variance with the condition or the circumstances indicate that the condition
may not be the product of an accidental occurrence.
b. Any case in which a child is subject to sexual assault or molestation, sexual exploitation,
or prostitution.
c. Any case in which a child is in need of services because the child’s parents, legal
guardians, or custodians fail to take the same actions to provide adequate food, clothing,
shelter, medical care, or supervision that a prudent parent would take.
d. Any case in which a child is subjected to emotional abuse which means an identifiable
and substantial impairment of the child’s intellectual or psychological functioning or development or a substantial risk or impairment of the child’s intellectual or psychological functioning or development.
e. Any act or omission described as neglect in state law as follows:
1) A parent, guardian, or legal custodian has abandoned the child or has subjected him
or her to mistreatment or abuse or allowed another to mistreat or abuse the child
without taking lawful means to stop such mistreatment or abuse and prevent it from
recurring.
2) The child lacks proper parental care through the actions or omissions of the parent,
guardian, or legal custodian.
3) The child’s environment is injurious to his or her welfare.
4) A parent, guardian, or legal custodian fails to refuses to provide the child with proper or necessary subsistence, education, medical care, or any other care necessary for his or her health, guidance, or well-being.
5) The child is homeless, without proper care or not domiciled with his or her parent, guardian, or legal custodian through no fault of such parent, guardian, or legal custodian.
6) The child has run away from home or is otherwise beyond the control of his or her parent, guardian, or legal custodian.
7) A parent, guardian, or legal custodian has subjected another child or children to an identifiable pattern of habitual abuse and the parent, guardian, or legal custodian has been the respondent in another proceeding in which a court has adjudicated another child to be neglected or dependent based upon allegations of sexual or physical abuse or has determined that such parent’s, guardian’s, or legal custodian’s abuse or neglect caused the death of another child, and the pattern of habitual abuse and the type of abuse pose a current threat to the child.
2. Reporting requirements
Any school employee who has reasonable cause to know or suspect that any child is subjected to abuse or to conditions that might result in abuse or neglect must report such fact to the Park or Teller County Department of Social Services or the Park County Sheriff’s Department. The employee must follow any oral report with a written report sent to the appropriate agency.
In cases where the suspected or known perpetrator is a school employee, the repost should be made to the law enforcement agency. (Reports made to social services will be referred to law enforcement.)
If a child is in immediate danger, the employee should call 911. “Immediate” refers to abuse that occurs in the employee’s presence or has just occurred.
The employee reporting suspected abuse/neglect to social services or law enforcement officials must inform the school administrator as soon as possible orally or with a written memo. The ultimate
responsibility for seeing that the oral and written reports are made to social services or law enforcement agencies lies with the school official or employee who had the original concern.
3. Contents of the report
The following information should be included to the extent possible in the initial report:
a. Name, age, address, sex, and race of the child.
b. Name and address of the child’s parents, guardians, and/or persons with whom the child
lives.
c. Name and address of the person, if known, believed responsible for the suspected abuse
or neglect.
d. The nature and extent of the child’s injury or condition as well as any evidence of
previous instances of known or suspected abuse or neglect of the child or the child’s
siblings-all with dates as appropriate.
e. The family composition, if known.
f. Any action taken by the person making the report.
g. Any other information that might be helpful in establishing the cause of the injuries or
the condition observed.
It is helpful if the person reporting suspected abuse/neglect is prepared to give documentation. Thus,
noting details of observations is important. It is permissible for the school official or employee to
conduct a preliminary non-investigative inquiry of any injury or injuries under the following
circumstances:
a. School personnel may inquire of the child how an injury occurred. Leading and/or suggestive
questions should be avoided. School personnel may not contact the child’s family or any other person suspected of causing the injury or abuse to determine the cause of the suspected abuse or
neglect.
b. A school employee’s reasonable cause to suspect that the child has been subjected to abuse or
neglect may arise from a child’s vague or inconsistent response to such an inquiry or from an
explanation which does not fit the injury.
c. All efforts must be made to avoid duplicate or numerous interviews of the victim.
4. After filing reports
After the report is made to the agency, charter school staff members will cooperate with social services and law enforcement in the investigation of alleged abuse or neglect. The school will report any further incidents of abuse to the agency’s representative.
As the case is being investigated, the school will provide supportive aid and counseling services for the child.
Once a report of child abuse is given to the agency, the responsibility for investigation and follow-up lies with the agency. It is not the responsibility of the school staff to investigate the case. Therefore, the school staff will not engage in the following activities:
a. Make home visits for investigative purposes.
b. Take the child for medical treatment. (This does not preclude taking action in an emergency situation.)
c. Convey messages between the agency and the parents/guardians.
Authorized school personnel may make available to agency personnel assigned to investigate instances of child abuse the health or other records of a student for such investigative purposes.
5. Guidelines for consideration
a. If any school employee has questions about reasonable cause of child abuse and the need for
making a report, the employee may consult with the administrator. If the administrator is not
available, a direct call to the county department of social services about concern is advisable.
Note: Consultation with another school official or employee will not absolve the school
official or employee of the responsibility for reporting child abuse.
b. In an emergency situation requiring retention of the child at the school building due to fear that if
released the child’s health or welfare might be in danger, it should be observed that only law
enforcement officials have the legal authority to hold a child at school. Otherwise a court order
must be obtain ed to legally withhold a child from his parent or guardian.
c. When any school official or employee has a question about the thorough investigation of
suspected abuse/neglect following the filing of a report, the employee or official should
contact the administrator.
d. While all school officials and employees are reminded of their legal responsibility to report suspected cases of abuse or neglect, they may be assured that reports will be investigated by trained professional and that there are more supportive and therapeutic treatment alternatives available for parents/guardians, and/or other persons with whom the child lives that there have been in the past.
e. The confidential nature of information pertinent to child abuse or neglect cases is a matter to be emphasized both legally and humanely.
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Students shall not be charged an instructional fee as a condition of enrollment in school or as a condition of attendance in any class that is considered part of the academic portion of the charter school’s educational program except tuition when allowed by law. However, the charter school may require students to pay textbook fees, fees for expendable materials and other miscellaneous fees as more fully set forth in this policy.
All student fees and charges shall be adopted by the Board. The fee shall remain in place until modified or removed by Board resolution. All student fees adopted by the Board shall be used for the purposes set forth in the motion and shall not be spent for any other purpose.
When publicizing any information concerning any fee authorized to be collected by this policy, the school shall specify whether the fee is voluntary or mandatory and the specific activity from which the student will be excluded if the fee is not paid.
Among the fees which the Board may authorize are the following:
.Textbook Fees
Textbooks shall be provided on a loan basis. No rental fee will be assessed for textbooks and workbooks used in the classroom for reference.
Students may be assessed a loss or damage deposit prior to use of textbooks provided by the charter school. This deposit shall be refundable, subject to any applicable fines or related charges. The fines will be for the amount of the loss. In computing a fine, 20 percent of the original cost of a book will be deducted for each year it has been used.
It is expected that students shall return textbooks to the school in good condition except for ordinary wear. Students shall be assessed fines for lost, damaged, or defaced books (including those checked out from the library), materials, or equipment. The fines will be for the amount of the loss. In computing a fine, 20 percent of the original cost of a book will be deducted for each year it has been used.
Indigent students, as determined in accordance with charter school guidelines, shall not be required to pay a damage deposit or fine for lost or damaged books. A student shall not be refused use of textbooks based on failure to pay the required fees.
.Fees for Expendable Supplies and Materials
Teachers shall determine a basic course for each class which can be completed with materials furnished by the school. However student may be charged a fee for expendable supplies and materials used in the course. Fees for expendable supplies and materials shall relate directly to the actual cost of providing these materials to the student. These fees shall be waived for indigent students. Student shall be required to pay for materials that go into shop, crafts, or art projects that are above the basic requirements for the course and are to be retained by the student.
.Miscellaneous Fees
Students may be asked to pay miscellaneous fees on a voluntary basis as a condition of participating in or attending a school-sponsored activity or program not within the academic portion of the educational program.
Fees for the use of items such as choral robes, band uniforms, and school-owned instruments shall be approved by the Board upon the recommendation of the superintendent.
Students participating in activities which are not required by the teacher or used in the determination of a grade may be required to pay charges covering the cost of the activity. Such charges may include but are not limited to admission fees, food costs, and transportation costs on activity trips. However, it is incumbent upon the teacher and administrator to make every effort to be sure no student is denied the right to participate in trips or other enrichment activities because of lack of funds.
.Waiver of Fees
All fees, fines, and charges shall be waived for indigent students. For purposes of determining if a student is able to pay, an indigent student is defined as any child who is eligible for a free or reduced price lunch under the federal poverty income guidelines.
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File: JQ-Rev. cont
*Fee Schedule
The charter school shall prepare and make available upon request a complete list of student fees, describing how the amount of each fee was derived and the purpose of each fee.
Parents shall be informed on the fee schedule or otherwise regarding how to apply for a waiver of fees, whether fees are voluntary or mandatory and the specific activity from which the student will be excluded if the fee is not paid. Students qualifying for a fee waiver will receive it without unnecessary embarrassment or public exposure of their need.
1. Content and custody of records/information
Student education records may contain, but will not necessarily be limited to, the following information: identifying data; academic work completed; attendance data; scores on standardized intelligence, aptitude and psychological tests; interest inventory results; health data; family background information; teacher or counselor ratings and observations, and reports of serious or recurrent behavior patterns.
Education records do not include records maintained by a law enforcement unit of the charter school that are created by that unit for the purpose of law enforcement.
Nothing in this policy shall prevent administrators, teachers, or staff from disclosing information derived from personal knowledge or observation and not derived from a student’s education records.
All requests for inspection and review of student education records and requests for copies of such records, as well as disclosure of personally identifiable information except as provided by law, shall be maintained as a part of each student’s record.
The administrator is the official custodian of student records in his or her building.
2. Access to record by parent
A parent/guardian (“parent”) and student 18 years old or older, has the right to inspect and review the student’s education files. If a student is 18 years old or older (“eligible student”), the parent or guardian may not inspect or review the student records without written permission from the student. However, if an eligible student is a dependent for federal income tax purposes, parents/guardians are entitled along with the student to access to student educational records.
During inspection and review of student records by a parent or eligible student and when requested by them, the administrator will provide personnel necessary to give explanations and interpretations of the student records.
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In all cases where access to student records is requested, except as provided in this policy, a written request to see the files must be made by the parent or eligible student. The administrator, upon receipt of the written request, shall provide access to inspect and review the records and set a date and time for such inspection and review. In no case will the date set be more that three working days after the request has been made.
The parent or eligible student shall examine the student’s records in the presence of the administrator and/or
other person(s) designated by the administrator.
Only certificated personnel such as the administrator or another staff member may be so designated.
The record itself shall not be taken from the school building. However, upon request, one copy of the
record shall be provided within a reasonable time to the parent or eligible student at a cost of 10-15 cents
per page.
3. Requesting records from other districts/schools
When a student transfers to this school from another district, the administrator of the receiving school shall ask the parent or eligible student to sign a form requesting the other school district to transfer the student’s records. This form will be completed by the administrator and forwarded to the school of previous attendance.
4. Requesting and receiving information and records from state agencies
Within the bounds of state law, charter school personnel shall seek to obtain such information regarding student as is required to perform their legal duties and responsibilities, including protecting public safety and the safety of the student. Such information may be obtained from the judicial department or any state agency that performs duties and functions under the Colorado Children’s Code.
Charter school personnel receiving such information shall use it only in the performance of their legal duties and responsibilities and shall otherwise maintain the confidentiality of all information obtained.
If such information is shared with another school or school district to which a student may be transferring, it shall only be shared in compliance with the requirements of federal law, including the Federal Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (“FERPA”).
5. Request to amend education records
A parent or eligible student may ask the charter school to amend a record they believe is inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise violates the privacy rights of the student by writing to the school administrator (or appropriate school official) clearly identifying the part of the record they want changed and specifying why it is inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise violates the privacy rights of the student. The request to the administrator to amend a student’s records must be made in writing within 10 school days of the date the records were first examined.
If the administrator, after consulting with any other person having relevant information, decides not to
amend the record as requested by the parent or eligible student, the administrator shall notify the parent or
eligible student of the decision and advise them of their right to a hearing regarding the request for
amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures shall be provided to the parent or
eligible student when notified of the right to a hearing.
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A request for a formal hearing must be made in writing and addressed to the administrator of the charter school.
The response to the request shall be mailed within 10 school days. The hearing shall be held in accordance with the following:
a. The hearing will be held within 15 school days after receipt of the request. Notice of the date, place and time of the hearing will be forwarded to the parent or eligible student by certified mail. The hearing will be conducted by the administrator.
b. Parents or eligible student shall be afforded a full and fair opportunity to present evidence relevant to the issues raised and may be assisted or represented by individuals of their choice at their own expense, including an attorney.
c. The official designated above shall make a decision in writing within 10 school days following the conclusion of the hearing and shall notify the parent or eligible student of the decision by certified mail.
d. The decision of the official shall be based upon the evidence presented at the hearing and shall include a summary of the evidence and the reason for the decision.
e. The decision shall include a statement informing the parents or eligible student of their right to place in the student records a statement commenting upon the information in the records and/or setting forth any reason for disagreement. Any explanation placed in the records shall be maintained by the charter school. If the student record is disclosed by the school to any other party, the explanation shall also be disclosed to that party.
6. Disclosure with written consent
Whenever the charter school is required by law or policy to seek written consent prior to disclosing personally identifiable information regarding a student, the notice provided to the parent/guardian or eligible student shall contain the following:
a. The specific records to be released.
b. The specific reasons for such release.
c. The specific identity of any person, agency, or organization requesting such information and the intended uses of the information.
d. The method or manner by which the records will be released.
e. The right to review or receive a copy of the records to be released.
Parental consent shall only be valid for the specific instance for which it was given. Consent for student to participate in any course, school activity, special education program, or in any other school program shall
not constitute the specific written consent required.
All signed consent forms shall be retained by the charter school.
7. Disclosure without written consent
The charter school will disclose personally identifiable information from student records without written consent of the parent or eligible student only to those persons or entities allowed under federal or state law to receive such information.
The charter school may disclose group scholastic achievement data from which the individual cannot be identified without written consent of the parent or eligible student.
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8. Disclosure of disciplinary information to school personnel
In accordance with state law, the administrator or designee is required to communicate disciplinary information concerning any student enrolled in the school to any teacher who has direct contact with the student in the classroom and to any counselor who has direct contact with the student. The purpose of this requirement is to keep school personnel apprised of situations that could pose a risk to the safety and welfare of others.
For purposes of this policy, “disciplinary information” means confidential records maintained by or in possession of the administrator or designee on an individual student which indicate the student has committed an overt and willful act which constitutes a violation of the charter school’s code of student conduct and/or there is reasonable cause to believe, through information provided to the administrator from another credible source, that the student could pose a threat to the health and safety of other students and school personnel based on prior misbehavior.
“Disciplinary information” is intended to include only that information of a serious nature that is not otherwise available to teachers and counselors as part of the education records maintained on students or other reports of disciplinary actions. It is appropriate for instructional staff members to request disciplinary information from the administrator or designee on student in their classrooms if there is concern that the student poses a threat to the safety of other students or school officials.
Any teacher or counselor to whom disciplinary information is reported shall maintain the confidentiality of the information and shall not communicate it to any other person. The administrator or designee is required to inform the student and the student’s parent/guardian when disciplinary information is communicated and to provide a copy of the disciplinary information. The student and or the student’s parent/guardian may challenge the accuracy of disciplinary information through the administrative regulations which accompany this policy.
9. Disclosure to military recruiting officers
Names, addresses, and home telephone numbers of secondary school students will be released to military recruiting officers within 90 days of the request unless a student submits a written request that such information not be released. Reasonable and customary actual expenses directly incurred by the charter school in furnishing this information will be paid by the requesting service.
10. Disclosure to Medicaid
In all cases in which a student is enrolled in the Colorado Medicaid program, the charter school shall release directory information consisting of the student’s name, date of birth, and gender to Health Care Policy and Financing (Colorado’s Medicaid agency) to verify Medicaid eligibility of students. The charter school shall obtain written consent annually from a parent/guardian before the release of any non-directory information required for billing. To accomplish this, the charter school shall:
· Include a consent provision on the Medical Emergency form
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11. Disclosure to criminal justice agencies
The administrator or designee is authorized by law to share disciplinary and attendance information with a criminal justice agency investigating a criminal matter concerning a student enrolled or who will enroll in the charter school when necessary to effectively serve the student prior to trial. Such information shall only be shared upon written certification by the criminal justice agency that the information will not be disclosed to any other party, except as specifically authorized or required by law, without the prior written consent of the student’s parent/guardian.
12. Disclosure to other parties
Except as noted in this policy, student records will not be released to other individuals and parties without a written request and authorization of the parent or eligible student.
Personal information will only be released to a third party with the assurance it will be kept confidential.
13. Disclosure of directory information
The charter school may disclose directory information without written consent of the parent or eligible student. The parent or eligible student has the right to refuse to permit the designation of any or all of the categories of directory information if such refusal is received in writing in the office of the administrator of the school where the student is in attendance no later than September 7 or the following Monday if September 7 is a Saturday or Sunday.
Directory information which may be released may include the student’s name, date and place of birth, major field of study, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, degrees and awards received, the most recent previous education agency or institution attended by the student, and other similar information. Student telephone numbers and addresses will not be disclosed pursuant to
14. Annual notification of rights
The charter school will notify parents and eligible students of their rights pursuant to this policy at the beginning of each academic year. The notice will be in the form provided on exhibit JRA/JRC-E. For notice to parents or eligible students who are disabled or whose primary or home language is other than English, the format or method of notice will be modified so it is reasonably likely to inform them of their rights.
A copy of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act and this policy on student records shall be on file in the office of the administrator and of each individual who carries out procedures relative to the act or policy.
15. Waivers
A parent or eligible student may waive any or all rights protected by this policy. The wavier shall not be valid unless in writing and signed by the parent or eligible student. The charter school does not require a waiver but may request a waiver. Any waiver under this provision may be revoked at any time in writing.
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Overview
Access to the Internet is available at Lake George Charter School (LGCS). There is a wealth of information available through the Internet that can serve to enhance and augment the curriculum. This interconnected world wide web can provide students with access to the most recent research and the most up-to-date statistics and opinions. To this end, LGCS is providing access to students after their parent or guardian has read, agreed to and both parents and student have signed this Internet Acceptable Use Policy.
LGCS has taken all reasonable precautions to ensure safe access to the Internet. The computer lab is set up so that the instructor can view all monitors from one position. No students will be allowed to use the Internet without adult supervision. However, students may accidentally access less than desirable information. We recommend you and your child have continual discussion on their Internet use at home and at school throughout the year.
Curriculum
Grades 1 and 2 Introduce what the Internet is and how it can be used to research information.
Teacher directed through demonstration using the LCD projection system.
Grade 3 Introduce what the Internet is and how it can be used to research information.
Teacher directed through demonstration using the LCD projection system.
Students will perform a topical search on scientific concepts using the Internet
Students will locate examples of charts and graphs on the Internet.
Grade 4 Introduce what the Internet is and how it can be used to research information.
Teacher directed through demonstration using the LCD projection system.
Students will perform a topical search on scientific concepts using the Internet
Students will locate graphs and download them from the Internet to illustrate a short story
they have keyed.
Grade 5 Introduce what the Internet is and how it can be used to research information.
Teacher directed through demonstration using the LCD projection system.
Students will perform topical search on language arts, science and social studies using the
Internet.
Students will search the Internet for different desktop publishing examples before creating
their own newspaper.
Students will locate examples of charts and graphs on the Internet.
Grade 6 Introduce what the Internet is and how to research information.
Teacher directed through demonstration using the LCD projection system.
Students will perform topical searches in all subject area using the Internet.
Students will use the overhead projection system and incorporate the Internet to give a
multimedia presentation.
Privileges
Each student accessing the Internet will be trained on the proper uses of the Internet. Use of the Internet is a privilege and inappropriate use will result in a cancellation of those privileges.
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We encourage your help in guiding your child to use on-line services responsibly by reading over this document together. We further recommend continual discussion and monitoring of your child’s interaction, learning, and exploration activities throughout the year for both encouragement of good practices and prevention of possible problems. Please indicate that you have read this document with your child and agree with the rules specified by signing where indicated and returning this document to school.
If there is ever a question about your child’s interaction with the on-line services, please contact your child’s teacher immediately.
Specific Guidelines
1. Student use may be permitted provided the student receives written parental permission and proper supervision is maintained by school officials. Students shall not use the Internet unsupervised.
2. No student is to be identified over the Internet by full name, photograph, etc. without specific written permission from the parent or legal guardian. If the parent or legal guardian has signed a form provided by the classroom teacher or technology instructor, personal information may be posted in certain circumstances.
3. Use of the Internet to defame or demean any person is prohibited.
4. Network etiquette-Be polite. Use appropriate language. Do not swear, use vulgarities, or any other inappropriate language. Do not reveal your personal address or phone number or the personal addresses or phone numbers of others. Remember that illegal activities are strictly forbidden.
5. Users may not download, nor use, any documents or data that could knowingly cause damage to the school’s computer system (ex: viruses).
6. Students will not engage in any activity that requires an exchange of money, credit card numbers or where they enter into an area of service for which the school will be charged an additional fee. Purchases or sales of any kind are prohibited.
7. Hate mail, harassment, discriminatory remarks, and other antisocial behavior are prohibited on the network.
8. The illegal installation of copyrighted software for use on school computers is prohibited.
9. Use of the network to access or process pornographic material, inappropriate text files, or files dangerous to the integrity of the network is prohibited.
10. Users shall not intentionally seek information on, obtain copies of, or modify files, other data, or passwords belonging to other users, or misrepresent other users on the network
11. LGCS shall be the final authority on use of the network.
12. Appropriate disciplinary action shall be taken against any staff member who willingly and knowingly violates the Internet Acceptable Use Policy.
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The Board encourages parents and other citizens of the charter school to visit classrooms at any time to observe the work of the school. The Board believes that there is no better way for the public to learn what the school is actually doing.
In order to insure that no unauthorized persons enter buildings with wrongful intent, all visitors to the school shall report to the school office when entering, receiving authorization before visiting elsewhere in the building. This will not apply when parents have been invited to a classroom or assembly program.
The charter school shall notify the public in an appropriate manner that persons violating the criminal law by using, selling or distributing any controlled substance on school grounds, on school buses transporting students or within 1,000 feet of the perimeter of the school grounds shall be subject to enhanced criminal penalties.