Special thanks go to the many students, staff, parents, community and school board members who provided input and insight into the building of these expectations for a quality school organization.
Efforts have been made to simplify and to raise expectations for learning. These include generous incentive rewards and strict but reasonable punitive consequences.
Parents and students, please read and support our handbook expectations. These expectations are in effect until revised at the end of the 1996-97 school term.
HAYS LODGE POLE PUBLIC SCHOOLS DISTRICT #50
MISSION STATEMENT
It is the mission of the Hays Lodge Pole School District to provide continual, successful academic, social, personal and emotional growth by modeling professional staff behavior, by motivating students through active, life-long learning, by cooperating with staff, students, and community involvement, and by building on students' cultural background and experiences.ATTENDANCE POLICY
It is understood that the educational process includes continuity and consistency of instruction. This process cannot succeed without the participation and cooperation of all parties. There has been shown a relationship between attendance and achievement. The whole idea is to increase continuity and consistency of instruction and learning within our system. This means quality improvement.It is further understood that all staff, students, and parents and community members are expected to support and enforce this policy Staff and students who do not follow this policy on a consistent basis will subject themselves to disciplinary consequences. All middle and high school students and middle and high school staff and subject area specialist teachers and administrators are required to participate in noon activities whenever they are scheduled. The athletic director shall control said schedule under the advisement of constructive suggestions made by students, parents, community members, and staff.
Expectation for Achievement and Attendance
Absences, skips, and tardies are defined as follows:Total absences are all absences except those related to bereavement (funerals). A tardy is late to class not more than 10 minutes after the tardy bell has sounded. A skip is late to class in excess of 10 minutes. No hall passes will be given to students; students are not to be in the hallway except for extreme emergency. Teachers who allow students out of their class except for the rare emergency will subject themselves to disciplinary consequences.
It is expected that students and staff attend their respective duties on a regular basis. When regular attendance is not possible and in most cases, arrangements need to be made in advance. When pre-arrangements are not possible for absences, a note excuse and/or a parent contact either made in person or on the telephone shall be accepted. For absences that can be pre-arranged, including school related activities, it is expected that students complete a prearranged absence form that can be obtained in the front office Said form must have the signed approvals from the building principal and parents/guardian at least 24 hours in advance. All such work shall be completed in advance of participation in school related activities. Only eligible students will participate in school related co-curricular and extra-curricular activities.
Homework shall be assigned students on a regular basis in each class. A general rule of thumb is 10 minutes of homework assigned for each grade in school. No student shall be given high school credit for intermittent attendance. Exceptional circumstances may be appealed to the Superintendent and to the Hays Lodge Pole School District Board of trustees.
Campus is considered "closed" which means that students shall remain inside all buildings during school hours, including lunch and between classes. Students who wish to drive vehicles to school may do so and park them in designated school parking after they register their driver's license and proof of insurance in the office. Students will be given an identification sticker that shall be placed in the vehicles' windows as directed. No student driven vehicles shall be parked outside of school parking areas. Once vehicles arrive at school, they will remain until after school hours. Students shall not enter their vehicles during school hours after they arrive at school. Students shall not transport other students in their vehicles to or from school or to school-related activities during school hours. Failure to strictly follow these rules shall result in loss of driving privileges to and from school. Students shall not be dismissed early for lunch. With the exception of regular classes, or a regular established work or college schedule, all students must receive permission to leave the building during a normal day. Permission must be received from the Principal/Superintendent or other front office personnel when that administrator is not accessible. Students will be released only to their parents/guardians. Before leaving the building, students will sign out at the office after oral permission has been granted by the administrator; Failure to do so, will result in punitive consequences.
Teachers are expected to give students assignments that have been missed due to absence. Students are expected to complete all missing work due to absence. Reductions in class grades will occur, if the work due to absence is not completed within the same number of days; students will be allowed a time period of 1 (one) day for each day absent in which to make up missed work.
Students may be denied credit based upon the sole criteria of attendance; moreover, some small group projects that cannot be completed (by individual students as compared to a small group) by themselves may result in a failing or reduced grade. Specific quantified minimums are explained in detail in subsequent sections of this policy. Each classroom teacher will discuss with students, post in their classroom, and distribute to student's homes school-wide classroom rules including reduction in grades, rules for non-completed assignments due to absence. Parents are responsible for informing the school office (673-3120 or 673-3220) each day of any absence or by signing the prearranged absence form. Permission slips shall be signed by eligible students' parents, in order that eligible students may attend school related activities. High school students participating on a team or in an activity will not be considered absent as long as that work is completed in advance of the event. All students will be responsible for missed work.
Attendance, Behavior, Honor Roll, and Community Service Incentive Awards
The following awards will be given middle and high school students before their respective peers, staff members, parents and community members at the end of each quarter.* Exemplary Attendance (0-2 days missed per quarter and no tardies)-- 45 points equal to $45.00 credit
* Exemplary Behavior (no discipline write-ups per quarter)--45 points equal to $45.00 credit
* Honor roll achievement (3.0 G.P.A., excluding AP course work)--45 points equal to $45.00 credit
* Community Service Projects (quarter long projects approved in advance by the administration and inspected for quality) variable credits awarded up to 45 points equalling up to $45.00 credit
The following awards will be given elementary school students, grades K-5 before their respective peers, staff members, parents and community members at the end of each quarter.
* Exemplary Attendance (0-2 days missed per quarter and no tardies)-- 10 points equal to $10.00 credit
* Exemplary Behavior (no discipline write-ups per quarter)--10 points equal to $10.00 credit
* Honor roll achievement (3.0 G.P.A., excluding AP course work)--10 points equal to $10.00 credit
* Community Service Projects (quarter long projects approved in advance by the administration and inspected for quality) variable credits awarded up to 10 points equaling up to $10.00 credit (Parents may assist their children in this category)
Intermittent Attendance
Five minutes passing time will be given to middle and high school students between classes. A 10 minute mid-morning and a 10 minute mid-afternoon break along with a 35 minute lunch break will be given students. Notwithstanding these generous breaks, it is expected that no student be tardy for class. Three tardies in any class or in any combination of classes shall result in a recommendation for expulsion to the board of directors by the superintendent. The student will be responsible to inform parent(s) for any time to be served in detention, twenty-four hours in advance of the scheduled time to be served. Tardiness will result in the following consequences:1st Tardy: 1 hour detention and discipline visit with the principal
2nd Tardy: 2 hour detention and parent/student/principal conference
3rd Tardy: Recommendation for expulsion to board
Emergencies are excused under the presumption that they will not occur frequently by the same student or excused frequently by the same teacher.
Skipping class shall result in a lengthy written out of school assignment assigned by the principal. This 10 page assignment shall be type-written for high school students and hand-written for middle school students. Other details shall be explained by the principal. The second skip shall result in recommendation for expulsion for the duration of the semester or school year at the discretion of the superintendent and school board.
If a student reaches three (3) days of total absences for any class or combination of classes per semester, a form letter will be sent home informing the parents of the student's attendance status.
After a student's sixth (6th) day of total absence for any class or combination of classes per semester, a parent conference with the superintendent will be requested in writing by certified letter.
After a student's ninth (9) day of total absence for any class per semester, the Tribal courts or court of competent jurisdiction will be informed of the student's truancy. Also, a behavioral contract will be written.
If Truancy continues the student will be recommended for expulsion upon the students' tenth (10) day of absence for any class for that semester to the Board of Trustees.
Discipline Policy
Teachers are primarily responsible for managing a disciplined learning environment in the classroom and outside of it during school-related activities. Teachers will refer a minority of students that they discipline to the principal. It is recognized that staff and students attending Hays Lodge Pole School have individual rights and responsibilities. It is further recognized that staff and students who abuse these rights and responsibilities must also accept the consequences for their actions. Conditions that encourage or produce misconduct must be eliminated. This is best done by describing in clear concise language expectations for conduct as set forth in this code.Classroom rules and consequences for those other than major offenses will be posted in each classroom. These expectations will not vary from classroom to classroom and will be discussed with students at the beginning and throughout the year. Teachers will submit these rules and consequences to the principal for approval and will send them home with students before the end of the first week of school.
Students who commit major infractions of this discipline code will be exited from class, stationed in the principal's office, and will be written an office referral form. Teachers will make parent contacts whenever a student is referred to the principal's office; parents will be notified whenever a student is referred to the principal; parents will be notified at the earliest possible time. Repeated parent contact shall result in a parent\teacher\student\administrator conference. Students shall not be referred to the principal except for the commission of major offenses; minor offenses, including the minor need for time-out, will be handled by classroom teachers.
Major Offenses
The following is a list of major offenses to include but not limited to:1. Fighting, intimidation, extortion, or threats of injury or assault to another person (any person) (automatic out-of-school suspension-expulsion recommendation upon 3rd offense--three strikes clause)
2. Use or possession of alcohol, tobacco, or illegal drugs
3. Leaving the school building without the permission of the administration or designee
4. Demeaning, profane, disrespectful, or obscene oral or written language to another person (any person)
5. Intrusion into others' personal property, school property, or theft or damage of same: restitution in monetary or in-kind-inservice shall be made for damage done to personal and/or school property as well as additional consequences
6. Use or possession of weapons or dangerous objects (automatic expulsion recommendation )
7. Serious classroom disruption (in the perception of the teacher)
8. Sexual harassment--unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature (between students, adults to students, students to adults, and adults to adults) to include but not limited to: visual, verbal, written, touching, power, threats, and force
9. Displays of affection other than holding hands
10. Insubordination--disobedience or refusal of a directive (immediate out-of-school suspension with suspension assignment)
11. Being in the hallway except by rare emergency
Consequences for Major Offenses
Students referred to the principal for major infractions of this discipline code will be subject to but not limited to any of the following disciplinary consequences:1. Principal\student conference
2. Principal\parent\teacher\student conference
3. Behavior contract
4. Work detention
5. Suspension (both in- and out-of-school) and school activities for one to ten days
6. Expulsion recommendation
No ISS time-outs for students from the 6th grade on up. All students referred to the ISS room, Detention or the Discipline Officer from the 5th grade through the 12th grade will need a discipline notice.
Automatic three days out of school suspension for fighting, no excuses for fighting. Repeated instances of fighting will result in out-of-school suspension with a recommendation to the Hays Lodge Pole School Board of Directors for expulsion for the duration of that semester or year.
Students will have at least 24 hours notice before having to appear in after school detention so they will have time to inform their parent\guardian.
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
Language Arts ----------------------------------------------------------------4 crdts
Science -----------------------------------------------------------------------4 crdts
Math --------------------------------------------------------------------------4 crdts
Social Studies -----------------------------------------------------------------4 crdts
Health Enhancement -----------------------------------------------------------2 crdts (½ year 9th and ½ year 10th grade)
Computers --------------------------------------------------------------------2 crdts
Foreign Language -------------------------------------------------------------2 crdts
Practical Arts -----------------------------------------------------------------2 crdts
Fine Arts ----------------------------------------------------------------------2 crdts
Total Required Credits --------------------------------------------------------26
Total Elective Credits -----------------------------------------------------------2
Total Required and Elective Credits --------------------------------------------28
School Philosophy
America's future is in the hands of the young people of today. The ultimate purpose of education is to demonstrate effectiveness in current and future endeavors. Students and staff demonstrate effectiveness through responsibility taken and contributions made to their society. Opportunities, therefore, will emerge that enable practice in decision making so needed in a transitioning world.School Goal
Hays Lodge Pole Public School's goal is to develop excellence in students and staff.School Objectives
At least seventy-five percent with a latter expectation of 100% of all graduating seniors will prepare successfully for post high school pursuits to include higher education, vo-tech, training and work force entry by June 1998.Ninety-five percent of all eighth grade students will successfully continue their education through the twelfth grade by building on-grade-level academic and social skills.
Administration and staff will expand educational opportunities through a multicultural and linguistic approach that builds on the strengths of the Gros Ventre/Assiniboine language and culture.
Hays/Lodge Pole Schools will meet and/or exceed state curriculum requirements at all levels by continually revising these same requirements through efforts of a district curriculum committee.
Staff and students will demonstrate effective citizenship through enhancement of self-esteem, individualism, and active participation in the realms of family, school, community, state, and nation.
Hays Lodge Pole Schools will offer multi-cultural and integrated cultural programs at all levels through varied approaches and programs.
School Hours
School will be in session from 8:20 a.m. to 3:35 p.m. each day, including Fridays. The school building will be open from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. each day for students' ninth period use--8:00-8:20 and 3:35-4:00.Breakfast will served at 8:00 - 8:20 a.m. each day. Staff will eat breakfast between 7:30 - 8:00 a.m. Extracurricular scheduling will be determined by the activities coordinator. Students must be supervised at all time while in the building. School buses arrive at the school at 8:00 a.m. or shortly before.
Library Media Center
The K- 12 Library Media Center will be offering Distance learning through IDEANET and other CABLE programs. All courses are received over satellite taped for the convenience of the teacher and students. Some classes being offered for High school are AP Calculus and AP English. Many special enhancement programs are also available for the classroom teacher in grades K- 12, including Elementary Spanish and German in three course grades levels-- (1-2), (3-4), and (5-6).Fifth Year Students and Pregnant/Parenting Students
Fifth year students who are enrolled in the number of classes necessary to complete their graduation requirements must leave school after completing their last class for the day. Day care will be provided children of parenting students in the middle school/high school.Food or Drinks in the Classroom
Students and staff may not drink pop or coffee at any time in carpeted areas. Staff may not drink coffee in any area except in the staff lounge or cafeteria. There will be no drinks brought into the gymnasium or classrooms while classes are in session.Hallway Conduct
Students shall exhibit appropriate hallway manners at all times. Students shall not be in the hall during class time except for the rare emergency. No Hall Passes will be given.Leaving School During the Day
No student is to leave the school grounds without the express permission of the Building administrator or designee. Students leaving school to attend medical appointments or for any other reason must check-out through the office.Make-up Work
When students miss a class for any reason, they are expected to make up the class work missed. Students will have the same number of days to make up the work as the length of the absence. Teachers may require students to take tests upon their return to class if the test was announced prior to the student's absence. Students have the responsibility for securing work missed due to student activity absences. Students and parents need to be aware that some graded in-class activities or assignments cannot be made up.
Procedural Due Process Suspension and Expulsion
The student has their right:
- To oral or written notification of charges.- To an explanation of evidence held by school authorities.
- To an opportunity to refute the charges.
The student has a responsibility:
-To follow the appropriate procedural guidelines provided by the district when desiring a re-examination of action taken by school officials.- To act in a manner that demonstrates an appreciation of adjudication as a peaceful means of settling disputes.
- To understand that suspension and expulsion are considered severe disciplinary measures involved exclusion from school for a short period of time (suspension), usually three to five days or for a longer period of time (expulsion) generally until the end of the current school year. School administrators and the Board of Trustees have the authority to suspend. Expulsion is reserved for the School Trustees.
Dress Code:
First Occurrence: Minimum=Parental/guardian involvement Maximum = sent home to change clothes*Repeated Occurrences: Minimum = Parental/guardian involvement Maximum = two (2) day suspension
* Students may wear their hats to school. Students are to remove their caps when entering classrooms, while getting their trays for breakfast and lunch, and while eating their meals in the commons area, during assemblies or other performances.
* Students must dress in a way that will not interfere with the learning process. Clothing is to be neat, clean and in good taste. No athletic practice clothing - jersey, sweats, P.E. shorts, cutoffs. No sleeveless jerseys, tank tops, biker shorts, spandex or short coats. Coats, jackets, sunglasses, are not to be worn in the building and are to be left in the locker during school hours. Hemmed shorts that rest at mid thigh will be permitted from May 1 to September 30, longer cut dress shorts may be worn all year long. Mesh shirts will be allowed only if a solid shirt is worn underneath the mesh. Shirts with vulgar, obscene, satanic, or suggestive connotations will not be allowed. All shirts must cover the mid-section of the body, midriffs are not to be exposed. Shoes must be worn at all times.
Fire Drills
The following procedures are to be followed during an emergency evacuation of the building for fire, bomb threats, fire drills, etc:a) Walk, don't run!
b) Evacuate building in an orderly manner as indicated by the fire plan that is posted in each room.
c) Students should remain at least 500 feet from the building until the emergency is over.
d) Students are not to re-enter the building until the all-clear bell sounds. The all-clear bell will be three short rings of the bell.
Only the Board of Trustees has the authority to expel a student. The more severe the punishment, the more elaborate the due process procedures should be. Hays Lodge Pole Public Schools will comply with the Montana State School Law 20-5-201 and 202.
Dismissal From Class
If a teacher finds it necessary to send a student from a classroom because of disruptive behavior, that student must report immediately to the school office and will not be re-entered to that class, that day. To be reinstated in the class any time thereafter, that student must secure a release from the disciplinarian.Congratulations and Deficiency Reports
Reports will be sent out to parents in the middle of each nine week period to keep parents informed of student progress whether students are excelling and doing an extra fine job or are having difficulty in formal subjects. We wish to praise students for good work as well as notifying parents when the work needs improvement. Letter grades, including appropriate comments will be given on these reports.Telephone Calls
No teacher or student shall be called out of the classroom to take a telephone call except in the case of an emergency. Staff codes shall not be given to any other person. Failure to follow this directive will result in disciplinary consequences that may include payment for fraudulent calls made as a result of sharing or disclosing codes. The office telephones are not to be used by students. A student phone in the commons will be made available.Transfer and New Students
Any new students wishing to attend Hays Lodge Pole Public Schools who for any reason is under suspension or expulsion from another school system, shall not be admitted until his/her case has been carefully reviewed by the Hays Lodge Pole Public Schools system and the term of the suspension has ended. Only one transfer is permitted per semester.School Sponsored Dances
1. Students will comply with all rules relating to the regular school days.2. All dances are to conclude by 12:00 a.m. midnight.
3. Once a student leaves the area of the building where the dance is being held, that student will not be readmitted.
4. Two set of parents/guardians, are required as chaperons.
5. Two school personnel are required.
6. For any dance an off duty police officer is required. They must be paid for services rendered.
7. (back gate) The gate will be locked prior to the dance and students will be encouraged to use the front door.
8. A complete activity request form including names of chaperons, time, date, place, and etc. must be presented to the student council five (5) days prior to the date of the dance, or the dance will not be held.
9. These dances will be restricted to high school students. Students from other high schools may attend these dances only as they are escorted by Hays Lodge Pole High School students.
10. High school and middle school dances shall not be combined.
Clinic Appointments:
The Hays Lodge Pole Public Schools will not chauffeur students to the clinic at any time. Appointments made for students during the school day will be the responsibility of the student or the parent/guardian.Clubs and Advisors
If any club is not active, the advisor will not receive the contracted amount provided for sponsorship of the club or activity.In order for the club to be considered active the following conditions must be met:
1. All clubs and activities must be chartered through the student council.
2. All clubs must have a constitution stating goals and philosophy.
3. All constitutionally stated goals and philosophy must be met and adhered to.
4. All clubs must meet at least once a month with a quorum being present.
5. If a quorum is not present at the regularly scheduled meeting, the meeting must be rescheduled with a quorum being present.
6. If after two scheduled make up meetings the club cannot achieve a quorum, the club will be declared non-active and will cease to function as a club.
7. When the club or activity is declared non-active the sponsorship of the club or activity will stop at that time.
8. The compensation for the advisor or sponsorship of the club will be prorated to the time of nonactivity, based on the normal length of the time for the activity.
9. Advisors shall count and sign the deposit slip for all moneys to be deposited in the office. A receipt shall be given to the club advisor at least by the next school business day each time money is deposited.
Over Night School Trips and Out of Town Activities
The school bus will leave from and return to the Hays Lodge Pole Public Schools at prearranged times. Students who fail to catch the bus as it makes it's route will assume responsibility for getting to the school before departure time.It is recognized that the time the bus will arrive at a specific location along it's route will arrive according to the many factors, therefore, it is the responsibility of the student to be ready and be waiting or watching for the bus to arrive.
Curfew at overnight activities will be set by the coach advisors and chaperones. Students in violation of curfew may be excluded from future activities and their participation at the activity may be terminated at the timely infraction. School Rules apply to these activities.
CO-CURRICULAR AND EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES CODE
1. PHILOSOPHY
Extracurricular activities are an essential part of the overall education program. Activities provide additional learning experiences which are not readily provided in the classroom. Activities develop young people physically and mentally. They teach young people to win or lose gracefully, develop character, sportsmanship and emphasize the need for cooperation.The major emphasize shall be on teaching our young people. Activities shall be primary for the benefit of the students who participate. The activities and contests shall be psychologically sound by being tailored to the physical, mental and emotional maturity levels of the youth participating in them.
Participation in activities is a privilege granted to those students who meet the minimum standards of the eligibility adopted by the Montana High School Association and those set by Hays Lodge Pole Public School District. The purpose of this activity code is to provide for equitable and consistent administration of various programs.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
1. Students must meet MHSA standards to participate at the beginning of any activity season.2. Weekly eligibility checks shall be made. Teachers need to have weekly assignment lists posted available to students on Monday. Eligibility sheets will be distributed by the Athletic Director. Eligibility grading period extends from Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Results will be posted for coaches by 4:00 p.m., Monday. Students must pass each class with a 2.0 grade average weekly to be eligible to participate. Students not meeting this standard shall not participate in game/contests for one week.
If by the end of the preceding week, the above-mentioned class/grade standard has been met, eligibility shall be reinstated. If not, ineligibility from game contests shall continue for the succeeding week.
3. Students must participate in ten (10) days of practice to be eligible to play in their first game.
4. Students must be in attendance for an entire school day, eight (8) class periods to participate in a game or practice.. If a student has an absence other than a funeral on Friday they shall not be eligible to participate that same weekend. Students shall not miss due to absence more than one scheduled practice per week to be eligible to play in game contests that same week.
5. Only two (2) students of the same gender as the participants per team from the middle and high school may be selected as managers.
6. No player. coach, or advisor having a "hickey" " shall be allowed to represent our school as an activity participant.
7. Pep buses shall be allowed as long as a certified teacher supervises said activity.
8. Activity advisors shall provide for orderly and substantial supervision of all activity participants. Advisors shall behave in a professional manner toward their students.
9. Cheerleaders shall ride on the team bus. Only those authorized shall be allowed to ride the team bus.
Rules and Consequences
Students and or Coaches shall be referred for the following discipline offenses during the activity season.- Damaging or stealing property (major and on purpose)
Defiance or disrespect of authority
Possession or use of dangerous weapons
Lying or cheating to cover offense
Physical abuse, fighting (offensive)
Truancy (3 periods or 1 day)
Unsportsmanlike conduct
Gambling
Smoking or chewing tobacco
Alcohol and/or drug use
2. Athletes are to ride to and from games in the transportation provided by the school authorities unless written permission had been obtained in person from parents by the administration in advance of the activity and not at the activity ride home with the parents. Students who are not participants shall not ride with other students to or from school-related activities during school hours.
3. No consumption or possession of alcoholic beverages. No use or possession of drugs or marijuana on or off campus during that sport's season.
4. Skipping practices will not be tolerated. Skipping practice means not showing up without informing the coach first, not having a good reason. (illness, bereavement, etc.)
5. Skipping a game will not be tolerated..
6. Each coach will create and disseminate among participants and their parents training rules that are consistent with this code.
CONSEQUENCES
First Offense - Suspended for three weeks.Second Offense - Suspended from activity for remainder of the activity season and year.
Rules have not been made so that students/athletes might break them. The student body, coaches and school faculty wants a sports program that participants will enjoy, but are sure they will do a better job, be competitive and take pride in their team. This will be accomplished if athletes are willing to abide by and follow this code.
Rules Enforcement
When a major rule has been violated, the coach in the case of a student or athletic director in the case of a coach shall communicate with the Athletic Director and/or Superintendent about facts concerning the violation. The Athletic Director and Superintendent will make the determination of the consequences.Student discipline offenses will go directly to the Athletic Director. The Athletic Director will report to the coaches the line of action taken and inform the coach on eligibility.
If an athlete is suspended he/she must continue to practice and must attend the home contests. A suspended basketball player must sit on the bench in their street clothes during the home contest. Suspended athletes will not travel with the team to away game.
The team will forfeit the game if there are not enough athletes eligible.
Parents and Guardians
1. Helping your child to be a responsible bus student helps keep everyone safe. Help them to be on time for their bus and to take the safest route to and from the bus stop.2. Help them to learn all of the bus rules and explain the importance of following the instruction of their driver.
3. Get to know your child's bus driver and let the driver know of any problems or concerns you may have.
4. Please see that your child is properly clothed for the cold weather. Bright clothes are better for safety during periods of darkness and heavy overcast days.
5. Please remember that there are always two sides to every story. If your child is suspended or in trouble try to be understanding and listen to both sides of the issue. Drivers may, if necessary, assign a student a seat on the bus.
6. Drivers are there to deliver your children safely to and from school. That is why all of the rules must be obeyed.
7. Please inform the school and or the driver of any change to your student's normal routine. If your child will not be riding the bus a call is greatly appreciated.
8. Once a child is on the bus they become the driver's responsibility. No student will be allowed off unless prior arrangements have been made or they are released to a parent or guardian. Your cooperation in this matter is greatly appreciated.
9. Due to the near full capacities of our buses we are not able to allow extra passengers to ride. If your son or daughter is having friends over for the weekend or if they belong to a group or organization that needs transportation, please make other arrangements for these times.
10. Students are to load and unload at their building. Students who miss their bus should contact the office so arrangements can be made for transportation.
Your Responsibility as a Bus Student
1. Obeying the driver is a must. Do not talk back to the driver. Listen quietly to instructions. Your safety and that of all of the other students is your driver's responsibility.2. Always be on time for your bus. Delays cause others to have to wait. Wait quietly on the side of the road far away from on-coming traffic.
3. Upon boarding the bus, walk to your seat and quickly sit down. Rough-housing, changing seats, and loud disturbances are not acceptable behavior. This also includes singing and foul language.
4. Ask permission to change seats or to open windows. Please keep all body parts and all personal belongings inside the bus at all times.
5. No animals of any kind are allowed on the bus. Large objects such as band instruments should be transported to and from school some other way.
6. On school buses: eating, drinking, and smoking are not allowed. Gum chewing may be allowed if permission is given by the driver.
7. Deliberate damage to the bus will result in suspension of bus privileges. Students are responsible for any repairs necessary.
8. In cases of emergency, listen to your driver for instructions and follow them immediately.
9. Drivers will not discharge students at places other than their regular stops of home or school, except with proper authorization from a parent or proper school employee. If a friend is to ride, a note from the parent or school must be given to the driver.
**
Follow the above rules and the trip will be pleasant for everyone. Remember, the driver can and will suspend you for not being responsible and obeying the rules. All of the other bus student's safety depends on you. Do your part, ride smart.
Student Discipline for Bus Riding Infractions
A fair, consistent and firm discipline policy is of great importance to maintain a safe and secure atmosphere for all passengers on a school bus.It is the driver's responsibility to follow written district policy on discipline and to instruct their passengers on the rewards or punishments of this policy.
Control of students on the bus will be the responsibility of the driver. Students behavior must be such that it does not endanger the safety of the driver or other passengers.
A driver cannot remove a passenger from the bus at any stop other than the regularly scheduled stop for that students. If a student is transported to school via the bus, it is the schools responsibility to transprot that student home (emergencies or criminal behavior excluded).
Documentation is extremely important in the event that a student is denied bus privilege. Bus conduct slips will be provided to all drivers in the event that a student's behavior is such that written documentation is needed.
Disciplinary Action
1. Pushing, tripping, foul language, throwing objects and changing seats while the bus is moving:* First offense: seat assignment 1 to 3 days
* Second offense: conduct slip; seat assignment 5 days
* Third offense: conduct slip; parent called by driver; seat assignment remainder of school year
2. Fighting:
* First offense: conduct slip; automatic 3 day out-of-school suspension, parent called by driver and administration
* Second offense: conduct slip; long-term suspension from school with recommendation to the Board of Trustees for expulsion from school for remainder of the school semester or year.
3. Use or possession of tobacco, lighter, or matches:
* First offense: referred to the regular student discipline code in this handbook plus a conduct slip, 5 day suspension from riding the bus; seat assignment for a period if 2 weeks; parent called by driver.
4. Use of alcohol or illegal drugs:
* First offense: referred to the regular student discipline code in this handbook.
5. Direct defiance or verbal abuse of driver:
* First offense: conduct slip: a verbal and written apology from the student to driver; seat assignment not to exceed 2 weeks; parent called by driver.
* Second offense: conduct slip, meeting of school counselor, student, and driver; 5 to 7 day suspension from riding the bus; parents called by driver.
6. Deliberate destruction of property:
* First offense: conduct slip; suspension from bus until repair is paid or other arrangements have been made with administration; permanent seat assignment for remainder of school year.
* Second offense: Conduct slip; meeting of building principal, school counselor, driver, and parent; further suspension determined by school.
7. Use or display of weapons with intent to harm self or others:
* First Offense: Reported to the police and appropriate juvenile authorities; automatic suspension from bus; parent called by driver; meeting of building principal, school counselor, driver, and parent, further suspension determined by school.
