Plainville Public Schools » High School » JR/SR High School Principal » Student Handbook

Student Handbook

STUDENT HANDBOOK

2011-2012

USD 270

…where students walk through the doors of opportunity every day

WELCOME TO PLAINVILLE UNIFIED SCHOOLS!

It is our pleasure to welcome you to the 2011-2012 school year. It is the goal of our entire staff at Plainville Unified School District that you have a great year in which you further develop the unique talents and potential that you possess. Our ultimate objective is to provide each student the opportunity to develop, achieve and accept the responsibilities, obligation and basic knowledge which will be valuable in successfully participating in society today and in the years that follow.

Your participation in classroom and extra-curricular activities will help determine the benefits and enjoyment of school life for you. The greater your effort to succeed, the greater the benefits and enjoyment will be for you.

We have high expectations for you and take great pride in helping you achieve your goals. We believe that we offer outstanding opportunities for you in our schools, and that all of us must take responsibility for your success.

Good Luck and have a great school year!

Troy Keiswetter

JR/SR High School Principal

Matthew Whitney M.Ed.

Elementary School Principal

BOARD MEMBERS – DARLENE JONES– JAY FRIEND – AMY TUTTLE – DONNA BROWN – TOM NUCKOLS – NATHAN GREBOWIEC

Matthew Whitney

Grade School Principal

203 SE Cardinal, Plainville KS 67663

Phone 785.434.4508

Troy Keiswetter

JR/SR High School Principal

202 SE Cardinal, Plainville KS 67663

Phone 785.434.4547

Beth Reust

Superintendent of Schools

111 West Mill, Plainville KS 67663

Phone 785.434.4678

PART 1: ACADEMICS AND ENROLLMENT..................................................................................... 6

Accreditation......................................................................................................................................... 6

Admission Requirements................................................................................................................... 6

Non-Resident Students........................................................................................................................ 6

Assignment to School/Classes............................................................................................................. 6

Pupil Information.................................................................................................................................. 6

Address /Phone Number Change........................................................................................................ 6

Student Fees........................................................................................................................................ 6

Graduation Requirements.................................................................................................................. 7

Curricular Requirements: Kansas Board of Regents......................................................................... 7

Transcripts............................................................................................................................................. 8

High School Graduation Ceremony................................................................................................. 8

Dress for the Graduation Ceremony................................................................................................... 8

Graduation Program............................................................................................................................ 8

Valedictorian and Salutatorian Selection............................................................................................. 8

8^th Grade Promotion............................................................................................................................. 8

Classification of High School Students........................................................................................... 9

Grading Scale....................................................................................................................................... 9

Honor Roll............................................................................................................................................. 9

Extended Learning Opportunities..................................................................................................... 9

Homework/Make-up............................................................................................................................. 9

Retention Policy................................................................................................................................. 10

Eligibility for Activities and Athletics............................................................................................... 10

Changing Courses............................................................................................................................ 10

Arrival Time......................................................................................................................................... 10

Parent-Teacher Conferences.......................................................................................................... 10

Progress and Report Cards.............................................................................................................. 10

Student Improvement Period Guidelines...................................................................................... 10

SIP Grades.......................................................................................................................................... 11

High School Early Release Program during SIP………………………………………………...12

PART 2: ATTENDANCE AND BEHAVIOR...................................................................................... 12

Disciplinary Point System................................................................................................................ 12

Detention............................................................................................................................................. 12

Friday School (Grades 7 through 12)............................................................................................. 13

In-school Suspension (ISS)............................................................................................................. 13

Out of School Suspension (OSS)................................................................................................... 13

Board Policy for Suspension and/or Expulsion of Pupils.......................................................... 13

Disciplinary Chart.............................................................................................................................. 14

General Classroom Rules................................................................................................................ 15

Inappropriate Behavior..................................................................................................................... 15

Alcohol, Narcotics, and Other Illegal Drugs.................................................................................. 15

Cell Phones........................................................................................................................................ 15

Cheating.............................................................................................................................................. 15

Dress Code......................................................................................................................................... 15

Fighting............................................................................................................................................... 16

Agenda Issues................................................................................................................................... 16

Tobacco............................................................................................................................................... 16

Food and Drink.................................................................................................................................. 16

Lunchroom Behavior........................................................................................................................ 17

Stealing or Possession of Stolen Property.................................................................................... 17

Threats................................................................................................................................................. 17

Weapons............................................................................................................................................. 17

Bullying, Harassment, Hazing and Cyber-bullying..................................................................... 17

Hazing/Initiations................................................................................................................................ 17

Sexual Harassment............................................................................................................................ 17

Student Publications......................................................................................................................... 18

Student Parking................................................................................................................................. 18

Personal Property.............................................................................................................................. 18

ATTENDANCE POLICY....................................................................................................................... 18

Excused or unexcused Absence................................................................................................. 18

Eight Absences............................................................................................................................... 19

Parent Excuse................................................................................................................................. 19

Acceptable Reasons for Excused Absences............................................................................ 19

College Visitation and Recruiters……………………………………………………………………….…………….……19

Extracurricular Activities................................................................................................................... 20

Late Arrivals........................................................................................................................................ 20

Pre-Absence Forms........................................................................................................................... 20

Tardiness............................................................................................................................................. 20

Release of Students during School............................................................................................... 20

Truancy................................................................................................................................................ 20

Public Displays of Affection............................................................................................................. 21

Posters................................................................................................................................................. 21

Sportsmanship – Rule 52................................................................................................................. 21

Staff Respect...................................................................................................................................... 21

PART 3: SCHOOL AND PERSONAL PROPERTY........................................................................ 21

Backpacks........................................................................................................................................... 21

Electronic Devices............................................................................................................................. 21

Equipment and Uniforms................................................................................................................. 21

Lockers................................................................................................................................................ 21

School Telephones........................................................................................................................... 22

Textbooks and Library Material........................................................................................................ 22

Vandalism, Property Damage and Theft........................................................................................ 22

Lost and Found.................................................................................................................................. 22

PART 4: HEALTH AND SAFETY....................................................................................................... 22

Animals................................................................................................................................................ 22

Communicable Diseases................................................................................................................. 22

Crosswalk and Crossing Guard...................................................................................................... 22

Emergency Drills................................................................................................................................ 22

Immunizations.................................................................................................................................... 22

Kansas School Safety Hotline Number (1-877-626-8203)......................................................... 23

Medication Policy............................................................................................................................... 23

Pest Control Applications................................................................................................................. 23

Physical Education........................................................................................................................... 23

Physicals............................................................................................................................................. 23

Surveillance System......................................................................................................................... 23

School Nurse...................................................................................................................................... 24

PART 5: GENERAL INFORMATION................................................................................................. 24

AIDS and Sexuality Curriculum Inspection.................................................................................. 24

Civil Rights Statement ……………………………………………………………………………...24

Distribution of Materials.................................................................................................................... 25

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)................................................................. 24

Directory Information......................................................................................................................... 25

Recruiting information...................................................................................................................... 25

Food Service....................................................................................................................................... 25

Network Policy.................................................................................................................................... 26

Making Change................................................................................................................................. 26

Practices.............................................................................................................................................. 26

After School....................................................................................................................................... 26

Cancellations/Postponements............................................................................................................ 27

Rehearsals and Events on Holidays, Sundays, and Wednesdays.................................................... 27

Transportation.................................................................................................................................... 27

Visitors................................................................................................................................................. 27

Weather Bulletins.............................................................................................................................. 27

Dances................................................................................................................................................ 27

Junior High Social Activities............................................................................................................ 28

Extracurricular Activities and Organizations................................................................................. 28

FCCLA............................................................................................................................................... 28

FFA..................................................................................................................................................... 28

Student Council (Stuco)..................................................................................................................... 28

NHS.................................................................................................................................................... 28

Drama……………………………………………………………..………………………………..28

Pep Club............................................................................................................................................. 28

New Organizations............................................................................................................................. 29

Class or Organizational Meetings...................................................................................................... 29

Class Officers Election Procedures................................................................................................... 29

Fundraising......................................................................................................................................... 29

PART 1: ACADEMICS AND ENROLLMENT

Accreditation

The state Department of Education grants accreditation to the schools in Kansas that meet at least the minimum requirements for accreditation. USD 270 schools are accredited through the Quality Performance Accreditation process.

Admission Requirements

All resident students shall be admitted to attend school in the district unless they have been expelled. A resident student is any child who has attained the age eligibility for school attendance and lives with a parent or guardian who is a resident of the district. All students enrolling in the district for the first time shall provide required proof of identity and a copy of his/her immunization records. Students enrolling in kindergarten or first grade shall provide a certified copy of their birth certificate or other documentation, which the Board of Education determines to be satisfactory. Students enrolling in grades K-12 shall provide a certified transcript or similar pupil records from previous schools of attendance.

Non-Resident Students

Non-resident students are those who do not meet the definition of a resident student. Non-resident students may be admitted with the approval of the building administration and Superintendent. The criteria for a non-resident student being admitted to USD 270 will be based on the following criteria: academics, attendance and discipline records.

Assignment to School/Classes

Assignment to a particular grade level or particular classes shall be determined by the building principal and/or counselor based on the educational abilities of the student and the teaching assignments of staff. If the parents disagree, the principal’s decision may be appealed to the Superintendent.

Pupil Information

Each year during enrollment, parents and students must fill out a pupil information form including the following mandatory information:

Name(s), phone number(s), and address of the student’s parent(s)/guardian(s),
Name of individual(s) to contact in case of emergency,
Name of the student’s physician, and
Description of any medical conditions of which the staff needs to be aware
Designation of ethnicity.

This information is kept on file in the office and made part of the student’s record.

Address /Phone Number Change

Please notify the school secretary within seven days if any of the following change:

Numbers for home or parents’ work,
Mailing or street address, or
Emergency contacts

Student Fees

Textbooks fees (all students) $50.00

Art fees (9^th-12^th grade) $20.00

Art fees (7^th grade) $10.00

Activity fee (High School) $25.00

(7-8^th grade) $15.00

If there are three or more students from one family, the third student pays $5.00 less for their activity fee.

Band equipment rental fee $20.00

Other classes at Plainville High School (for example: wood shop) may assess charges for projects based upon material and supply usage.

Graduation Requirements

SUBJECT	NUMBER CREDITS NEEDED
English	4
Math	3
Science	3
Social Studies	3
PE/Health	1
Fine Arts	1
Electives	9
Total credits	24

English Language Arts – The four language arts units must consist of English I, English II, English III, and English IV or dual credit College English Composition and include reading, writing, literature, communication and grammar.
World History – 1 credit required
American History – One full credit required
Government – ½ credit required
Elective Social Studies – ½ credit required, Economics, Current Social Issues
Mathematics – 3 credits (including algebraic & geometric concepts)
Lab Science – 3 credits (The laboratory science unit may consist of Biology I, Biology II, Chemistry, Physics, Anatomy and Physiology.
Physical education (1 unit), which shall include health, and which may include safety, first aid, or physiology. This requirement shall be waived if the school district is provided with either of the following:
1. A statement by a licensed physician that a pupil is mentally or physically incapable of participating in a regular or modified physical education program; or
2. A statement, signed by a lawful custodian of the pupil, indicating that the requirement is contrary to the religious teachings of the pupil.

Any additional requirements of the local board of education that increase the number of units of credit required for graduation apply to honor roll requirements.

Curricular Requirements: Kansas Board of Regents

All current students are required to meet the Qualified Admissions Standards if they wish to attend a 4-year State of Kansas Regents University (Fort Hays State University, Emporia State University, Kansas State University, University of Kansas, Wichita State University, and Pittsburgh State University) following their high school graduation.

Qualified Admissions - Classes of 2012-14

To qualify for admissions to any of the six Kansas Regents universities, students must meet one of the following requirements:

Complete the pre-college curriculum with at least a 2.0 grade point average (GPA) on a 4.0 scale; OR
Achieve an ACT score of 21 or above; OR
Rank in the top one-third of your high school’s graduating class

Qualified Admissions – Classes of 2015 and after

***Changes to Qualified Admissions Standards by Kansas Board of Regents ***

Please note that KBOR made changes in December 2010 to the Qualified Admissions requirements for students who will graduate from high school in the academic year of 2014-15 and after. Under the new regulations, students will be required to:

Complete the Qualified Admissions Precollege Curriculum or the Kansas Scholars Curriculum with at least a 2.0 GPA. These curriculums are made up of core courses approved for each individual school. Students must also achieve a 2.0 GPA or higher on any college credit taken in high school.

AND

Students must also achieve one of the following:
1. An ACT Composite score of 21 or higher; OR
2. An SAT score of 980 or higher; OR
3. Graduate in the top 1/3 of their class.

Changes were also made to the English and Math requirements, as well as elective course requirements being added.

Transcripts

Plainville High School will send out one student transcript free of charge when a student graduates from Plainville High School. There will be a $3.00 fee for additional transcript requests.

High School Graduation Ceremony

A graduation ceremony is an auspicious occasion honoring those students who have fulfilled the requirements for graduation. All high school requirements must be met in order to participate in the graduation ceremonies. Seniors for whom the possibility of completing graduation requirement before the scheduled ceremony exists will have their names listed in the program, newspaper, and on the senior panel. Listing names in the program, newspaper, yearbook, and on the senior panel does not guarantee the right to participate in the ceremony if

made no later than the Monday preceding the scheduled exercises of which the student is ineligible to participate. Seniors in question and/or their parent or guardian will be notified if the student will not be allowed to participate in the ceremony.

Dress for the Graduation Ceremony

PHS students follow the long held tradition of American education by wearing caps and gowns. Although in ancient times the purpose of wearing this clothing was warmth, it is a tradition that has been passed down through history. In keeping with this formal, serious, uniform tradition, all caps and gowns are to look the same, so as to promote an organized dress code for the graduates. Therefore, any student who does not arrive at the graduation ceremony dressed appropriately in the cap and gown (this means NO decoration added to either), will not be allowed to participate in the graduation ceremony.

Graduation Program

National Honor Society, students with grade point averages of 3.5 and above, and Kansas State Board of Regents Qualified Admissions completers, Kansas Scholar Curriculum completers, and the State Scholars will be noted on the graduation program.

Valedictorian and Salutatorian Selection

The Valedictorian and Salutatorian will be selected by grade point average at the end of the eighth semester. All eighth semester grades will be included in determining the Valedictorian and Salutatorian even though credits may not yet be earned. Four decimal places will be used when the grade point averages are reviewed and ties will be honored. Students wishing to be considered for Senior Class Valedictorian or Salutatorian honors must have attended Plainville High School a minimum of four (4) semesters and earned at least twelve (12) units of credit from PHS.

8^th Grade Promotion

A promotion ceremony will be held honoring those students who have fulfilled the requirements through the 8^th grade and who are in good behavioral standing. All students who are scheduled to be promoted will be listed in the program, newspaper, and district newsletter. This listing, however, does not guarantee the right to participate in the ceremony if all requirements have not been met. A determination of participation will be made no later than the Wednesday preceding the scheduled exercises. 8^th grade students in question and their parent or guardian will be notified if the student will not be allowed to participate in the ceremony.

Students should wear attire appropriate to the occasion.

Classification of High School Students

Plainville High School students will be classified at the beginning of each school year according to the number of units of credit successfully completed at the time of classification. The following is the scale which will be used in determining each high school student’s classification:

Þ Seniors shall have successfully completed a minimum of 17 units.

Þ Juniors shall have successfully completed a minimum of 12 units.

Þ Sophomores shall have successfully completed a minimum of 5 units.

Þ Freshmen shall have successfully completed the eighth grade.

Grading Scale

Grades are determined by the teacher and based on the scale as listed, with teachers determining the level of difficulty and mastery in each area.

A+ = 100% A = 99-91%

A- = 90 B+ = 89

B = 88-81 B- = 80

C+ = 79 C = 78-71

C- = 70 D+ = 69

D = 68-61 D- = 60

F = 59 & below

Honor Roll

The high school honor roll is compiled at the end of each nine weeks and semester. For the Administrator’s Honor Roll, a student must have a 3.75 to a 4.00 grade average. For the Regular Honor Roll, a student must have a 3.33 to a 3.74 grade average. For Honorable Mention Honor Roll, a student must have a 3.00 to 3.32 grade average. Students receiving a grade below a “C-” or an incomplete in any subject will not be eligible for the Administrator’s, Regular or Honorable Mention Honor Rolls.

Three levels of student achievement will be recognized in the elementary school honor roll:

All A’s
All A’s and B’s
All B’s

The honor rolls will be published in the newspaper and certificates will be presented to elementary school students at the end of the year.

Extended Learning Opportunities

School Board Policy AEB may extend or modify a student’s school year by requiring a student to attend before/after school tutoring, Friday school, summer sessions, and/or school day remedial sessions (i.e. recess or lunch time). Truancy laws, suspension and expulsion policies and laws, and student behavior codes apply during extended academic sessions.

Homework/Make-up

Students are expected to complete homework assignments or make-up work as required by teachers and approved by the principal. It is the student’s responsibility to obtain make-up assignments from teachers following an excused or unexcused absence. Unless special arrangements are made by the student with the teacher, make-up work is to be completed by allowing one day make up for each day absent plus one day. Example: A student misses school on Monday, then returns on Tuesday and has an assignment. The assignment will be due on Thursday. Teachers have the discretion of assigning a consequence for any work not completed in the time allotted. Work for absences that are known of in advance, such as trips out of town, appointments, and school activities require a Pre-Absence Form to be completed and turn in at the office prior to the event.

Retention Policy

The final decision to promote, retain, or grant credit shall rest with the principal after receiving information from parent/guardians, teachers and other appropriate school personnel. Unsatisfactory performance in two core curriculum subject areas (English, math, science, social science, literature/spelling) will necessitate a review by teachers, parents, and the principal to study the problems of the student and to develop an improvement plan that will best benefit the student. If a student has an IEP, that student must satisfy the requirements of the plan.

Eligibility for Activities and Athletics

To be eligible to participate in interscholastic activities, a student must be certified by the school principal as meeting all eligibility standards set forth by the Kansas State High School Activities Association. All KSHSAA rules and regulations are available in detail online at www.kshsaa.org. The KSHSAA requires that students be in good standing and passing at least five subjects.

Additionally, at USD 270 all students must pass all classes and SIP to be eligible to participate in school activities, including athletic teams, FCCLA, FFA, Cheerleading, Dance Team, All-School Play, and journalism contests. Eligibility will be determined weekly on Monday, unless the beginning of the grading period falls on Wednesday or after. In that case the last weekly eligibility will carry over until at least one full week of classes has occurred. A student who has a failing grade will be placed on academic probation for one week to bring up that grade. If a student is not successful in bringing up the grade to a passing status, he/she will become ineligible until the grade is passing. The “ineligibility” status runs from Tuesday 12:01 a.m. through Monday night at 11:59 p.m.

A student must be at school all day in order to participate in activities and practices for activities. The only excused absences or tardy attendance will be funerals, scheduled appointments, and special situations approved by the building principal.

Changing Courses

Students must obtain a Drop/Add permit from the guidance office. The permit must be signed by the student's parents, the teacher of the class being dropped, the teacher of the class being added, and the guidance counselor. The drop is not complete until the principal has approved and signed the permit. No class may be dropped or added after three school days, except in very unusual circumstances, and any class dropped will be replaced with another class. Class changes should be made to improve a student's schedule.

Arrival Time

Elementary school students arriving at school between 7:00 a.m. and 8:15 a.m. will be expected to take a seat in the cafeteria until dismissed for school. School starts at 8:15 a.m. Students who have early morning tutoring, detention, or are under the supervision of an adult must obtain a pass from the office before traveling outside of the cafeteria before 8:05 a.m. After arriving on the grounds in the morning, students are not allowed to leave the school premises without permission from the office.

High School students may go to the cafeteria for breakfast or may go to their lockers. If they are not eating breakfast or are not involved in some athletic or extra-curricular activity practice, students are encouraged not to arrive before 8:00 a.m.

Parent-Teacher Conferences

Parents and students are encouraged to request a conference with teachers at any time convenient to all parties. Scheduled parent conference dates may be found on the school calendar. It is important that the school and the parents work together for the best education of each student.

Progress and Report Cards

Progress reports may be sent to parents at any time. Formal reports in writing shall be made to parents following the end of each established grading period. Parents and students are encouraged to monitor the student’s progress on PowerSchool as well.

Student Improvement Period Guidelines

The purpose of SIP is to provide students the opportunity to receive additional help, complete

homework, and make up assignments and tests. This is intended to benefit those students who

are in extracurricular activities, those who work, and those who have other out-of-school

commitments. It is the responsibility of the student to best utilize their SIP time. Students will receive a grade for SIP (A, B, C, D, or F). The first ten minutes of SIP on Tuesdays and Thursdays will be used for Sustained Silent Reading. Students will be required to sign in and out of the SIP classroom on sheets that remain in the classroom.

All meetings held during SIP must start at 3:15 p.m. All students must remain in the meetings until the final bell rings at 3:30 p.m.

Teachers may request that a student come to their classroom by issuing a red pass to the SIP teacher of that student. A red pass means that a student MUST go to that teacher during SIP immediately after the attendance is taken. A red pass precludes any organization meeting, class meeting, or recruiter visit.

Students may request to get extra help from a teacher who is not their SIP teacher by requesting a gold pass be given to their SIP teacher. If the teacher agrees and gives the gold pass to the SIP teacher, the student may go to the requested teacher after attendance is taken in the SIP classroom.

Without a red or a gold pass or because of an organizational or class meeting, the student may not go to another teacher’s room during SIP.

SIP may be used to:

Work on homework assignments, projects, or other academic activities
Collect homework/make-up work assignments
Attend class and organizational meetings scheduled during SIP. When scheduled, class and organizational meetings will be held during the last fifteen minutes of the SIP. These class and organizational meetings must be approved by the office. Students are to remain in their meeting area for the remainder of SIP
Attend college and military recruiter visits. The guidance office will publish a list of those students signed up to visit the college or military recruiter.
Go to the library during SIP. Library staff will set their guidelines during SIP.
Conduct business in the main office, or guidance office

SIP Teachers may refuse to allow students to leave their SIP.

SIP is not to be used to

Participate in extra-curricular/co-curricular practices without advance administrative approval
Go to lockers except with teacher approval
Sleep, check email, or other recreational activities without educational merit
Travel for the purpose of socializing or distracting students who are studying
Go to the beverage machines

Students who are failing at least one class will not be allowed to go to the library or computer labs unless they have a specific class assignment that requires use of those rooms and have written permission from the classroom teacher that gave the assignment.

SIP Grades

Students will receive a citizenship grade for SIP. Grades will be based on the student’s appropriate use of SIP time and the adherence to SIP rules. This grade is being assigned to communicate more effectively with parents and appropriate support personnel. The grade will appear on the student’s grade card and transcript; however, it will not affect the student’s GPA. Daily grades for each class period will be kept in the teacher’s grade book and will be determined on the following criteria:

1. Bringing appropriate material to SIP

2. Using time productively

3. Exhibiting appropriate behavior

Each student will receive a daily behavior grade documented by the SIP teacher. Teachers are to use the following grading system:

3 Points – Indicates that the three criteria have been met

2 Points – Indicates that two criteria have been met

1 Point – Indicates that one criteria has been met or the student has caused minor disruptions in the SIP based on the three criteria

0 Points – Indicates the student has caused major disruptions in SIP based on the three criteria

Excused absences are not figured in the student’s grade, and the grading scale is the district’s adopted grading scale for all classes.

High School Early Release Program during SIP

The Early Release Program is to reward 9-12^th grade students for achieving appropriate grades. The Early Release will begin at the end of the first nine weeks. Parents are required to sign a permission slip in the office allowing their child to be dismissed in the Early Release Program.

THREE LEVELS

CARDINAL RED
1. have all A’s
2. will be released from SIP every Monday/Wednesday/Friday
BLACK
1. have all A’s and B’s
2. will be released from SIP every Wednesday & Friday
WHITE
1. have all A’s and B’s, except for one C and must have an A in another class
2. will be released from SIP every Friday

Early Release privileges can be revoked for the following reasons;

-if grades fall below the required levels

-if a suspension is issued through the office (nine weeks)

-anytime at the discretion of the principal

-eligible students must check out with their SIP teacher before they leave the building; released students cannot roam the building

-released students that have class/organization meetings must report to those meetings and remain until 3:30 p.m.

PART 2: ATTENDANCE AND BEHAVIOR

Disciplinary Point System: (Grades 7-12)

Under the disciplinary point system, a student will be allowed 30 discipline points per year. At the

time where a student reaches 18 points (or any total between 18 and 29 points) and then does

not receive any more points for the next calendar month, 2 points will be taken off their point total.

A student who accumulates 30 points will be recommended for long-term suspension from school

for the remainder of that semester, resulting in the loss of credit in all classes for the semester.

Students who are long-term suspended first semester will start with ten points when they return

to school at the start of second semester. Students who transfer to another school and return to

Plainville later in the school year will re-enter Plainville schools with the same number of points with

which they left. Once a student accumulates 15 disciplinary points, parents will be notified of the situation.

Detention

Detention will be served in the mornings in Room 205 on the day it is assigned and must be served in full. A 50 minute detention will start at 7:20 a.m. and a 20 minute detention will start at 7:50 a.m. If a student is late, Friday school will be assigned.
Absences from assigned detention due to illness will not relieve students from fulfilling required time.
Transportation is the responsibility of the student.
Detention policies will be posted and must be followed by students.
Detention reminders are a courtesy. Failure to receive a reminder does not relieve the student

from this obligation.

Students will not be excused from any assigned detention or Friday school in order to participate in extracurricular activities or work.
Students are expected to bring materials to read or work on during detention. Listening to music is not allowed during detentions.

Friday School (Grades 7-12)

Friday School is a structured setting where students are allowed to work on school work under the supervision of a staff member.

Friday School will be held from 3:40 p.m. until 5:40 p.m.
Students being assigned a Friday school on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday will be required to serve their Friday School the same week.
If students are assigned Friday school on either Thursday or Friday, they will have the option of attending Friday school either the current week or on the following Friday.
Students will not be excused from any assigned detention or Friday school in order to participate in extracurricular activities or work.

In-school Suspension (ISS)

ISS is an alternative to removing students from the school setting because of behavioral problems

or violation of certain school rules. Under the ISS Program, students are provided the opportunity to continue their school work. At the same time, they lose their privileges to socialize with the student body.

Students will not sleep, talk or listen to music.
Students will be allowed to use the restroom twice a day or upon an emergency.
Absence from ISS due to illness or other emergency reasons will not relieve the students

from fulfilling their required time.

Guidelines will be posted and students will follow these rules or face possible OSS.

Out of School Suspension (OSS)

Students who receive OSS will receive no credit for daily work or quizzes during suspension.
1 OSS day = 24 hours
Students will lose 10% per day suspended on tests given, or projects due while the student has OSS. (i.e. 1 day OSS = 10% off; 3 days OSS = 30% off.)
Students who are suspended or expelled may not attend school activities (on or off campus)
Any out-of-school suspension will carry the penalty of 4 points per day.

Board Policy for Suspension and/or Expulsion of Pupils

The authority to suspend for a “Short Term” and to propose an “Extended Term” suspension and/or expulsion is delegated to the superintendent, district office administrators, building principal or vice principal by the Board of Education in accordance with the applicable statutes of the State of Kansas. The provisions of this section apply to all students enrolled in USD 270.

Definitions:

A short-term suspension means to remove the student from school for a period not to exceed ten (10) school days.

An extended-term suspension means to remove the student from school for a period in excess of ten (10) school days, and not to extend beyond the last day of the current semester.

An expulsion means to remove the student from school for up to 186 days (K.S.A.72-8901 through 72-8906).

Rules and Regulations Pertaining to Suspension and/or Expulsion:

Legal authority for suspension and expulsion is found in K.S.A. 72-8901 through 72-8906. The Board of Education of USD 270 may suspend or expel or, by regulation, authorize any certified employees to suspend or expel any student guilty of any of the following:

a. Willful violation of any published regulation for student conduct adopted or approved by the Board,

b. Conduct which substantially impinges upon or invades the rights of others,

c. Conduct which substantially disrupts, impedes or interferes with the operation of any public school, or,

d. Disobedience of an order of a teacher, peace officer, school security officer or other school authority, when such disobedience can be reasonably anticipated to result in disorder, disruption or interference with the operation of any public school or substantial and material impingement upon or invasion of the rights of others.

e. Conduct which has resulted in conviction of the student of any offense specified in the criminal code of the Kansas law or any criminal statute of the United States.

Disciplinary Chart

More detailed explanation of the policy dealing with each may follow. Administration will have the final authority and can assign points or modify severity of consequences.

**It is impossible to list every infraction that could possibly occur.

Behavior	Consequence	Points
Inappropriate writing or pictures in agenda	50 minute detention, confiscate agenda, require purchase of another agenda	2 points
Use, possession of or attempt to sell alcohol, narcotics, or any illegal drug	OSS – 3 days	12 points
Misbehavior on Bus	20 minute detention	1 point
Cell Phone Use	Confiscate and returned only to parent/guardian, Friday school	3 points
Cheating	Zero for assignment	2 points
Failure to attend detention	Friday school	1 point
Late to detention	Friday school	1 point
Failure to attend Friday School	OSS – 1 day	4 points
Dress Code violation	1^st time warning	1 point
	2^nd time – 20 minute detention	2 points
	3^rd time – 50 minute detention	3 points
Fighting	1^st time – OSS 1 day	4 points
	2^nd time – OSS 3 days	12 points
No agenda in hallway	20 minute detention	1 point
No agenda outside building	50 minute detention	1 point
Agenda fraud	50 minute detention	2 points
Possession of tobacco (including locker and/or book bag)	Confiscate, Friday School	3 points
Possession of lighter	Confiscate, 50 minute detention	2 points
Smoking or chewing	1^st violation OSS – 1 day	4 points
	2^nd violation OSS – 2 days	8 points
Inappropriate Behavior (in or out of the classroom)	Assigned by teacher – 20 minute detention	1 point
	Sent to the office – 50 minute detention	2 points
Outside drink or food brought into school	20 minute detention	1 point
Throwing food in cafeteria	20 minute detention	1 point
Stealing	3 days OSS	12 points
Weapons	Long-term expulsion
Parking Violations	First violation – warning	1 point
	Second violation – 20 minute detention	2 points
Laser Lights	Confiscated, 20 minute detention	1 point
Unexcused absence	1 hour detention for each class period missed	1 point for each hour missed
Tardiness, per class	3^rd, 20 minute detention	0 points (if detention served)
	4^th, 50 minute detention	0 points (if detention served)
	5^thand up, Friday school	1 point
Outside of Building during class time	50 minute detention	2 points
Violation of Internet Use Policy, 1^st offense	Conference with teacher, 20 minute detention	1 point
2^nd offense	Office referral, 50 minute detention	2 points
3^rd offense	Office referral, suspension from use of computers and network	3 points
Throwing snow, snowballs, ice, etc.	20 minute detention	1 point

General Classroom Rules

Individual teachers may have their own classroom rules. In general, the following apply:

1. Students are to be seated and ready to work when the tardy bell rings.

2. Students are to be prepared for class with pencils, paper, books, agendas, and assignments.

3. Students are to keep hands, books, feet, and objects to themselves.

4. Students are to follow the directions of the teacher(s).

5. Students in grades 7-12 are to use their agendas as a hall pass. School agendas must be intact to be considered valid. Replacement agendas may be purchased in the school office.

Inappropriate Behavior

Inappropriate behavior is defined as, but not limited to, the use of profanity, disrespect for teacher or other students, failure to do work as required, sleeping in class, reading or bringing inappropriate material to class, etc.

Alcohol, Narcotics, and Other Illegal Drugs

Students shall not possess, sell, use, transmit or be under the influence of any narcotic drug,

hallucinogenic drug, simulated drug, amphetamine, barbiturate, marijuana, alcoholic beverage or

intoxicant, or any other controlled substance, nor be in possession of any drug paraphernalia of

any kind:

on school grounds during and immediately before or after school hours,
on school grounds at any other time when the school is being used by school personnel or by a school group, or
off the school grounds at a school activity function or event.

Drug possession, intention to sell, or the transmission of drugs, and under the influence, will result in a recommendation for long-term suspension or expulsion.

The high school will follow the Kansas Highway Patrol Drug Recognition Policy when they feel that a student is under the influence of an illegal drug. High School Administrators, nurse, and security personnel will receive the training to administer this program. Based on the results of this testing, the parents will be given the option of getting an expedient urinalysis at their own cost. If the urinalysis is negative, the student will be allowed back in school with no points and the opportunity to make up missed work.

Use of a drug authorized by a medical prescription from a registered physician shall not be considered a violation of this rule.

Cell Phones

Cell phones are to be turned off at all times during the school day. A phone that is turned on silent or vibrate mode is considered on. Cell phones must be turned off. Cell phone use is defined as checking the time; receiving or making calls; receiving or transmitting text messages; looking at, receiving, or sending pictures; or any other use for which the phone is activated.

School telephones are available in the office for urgent/necessary phone calls.

Cheating

Cheating, whether on homework, daily work, quizzes, tests, papers or projects, will not be tolerated. Plagiarism is a form of cheating which involves:

failing to document copied material
failing to document paraphrased material
taking credit for someone else’s work

The teacher will notify the parent if their child is caught cheating.

Dress Code

Appearance affects the learning atmosphere of a school. Neatness, decency and good taste are emphasized as guidelines for the understanding and interpretation of this dress code. The code is not intended to work a financial hardship upon any student or family; neatness and good taste are emphasized, not expensive clothing.

Universal dress code for school days and school activities at USD 270 secondary schools:

A. Appearance must be neat and clean.

Hair must be clean and well-groomed.
Facial hair must be trimmed and maintained.
Clothing must not be unreasonably soiled or badly worn.
Health standards require that shoes are to be worn at all times.

B. Decency and good taste are required.

Apparel that is excessively short, excessively tight, or excessively low-cut may not be worn.
Shorts and skirt length must reach the tip of the middle finger when arms are extended at the student’s side.
Spaghetti straps and one-strap tops/dresses will not be allowed.
All shoulders, sides, back and midriffs must be covered. No pajama pants or lounge pants or slippers.
Inappropriately torn clothing will not be allowed. No mesh clothing of any kind will be acceptable unless worn over appropriate outer clothing.
Writing or pictures on clothing shall not display alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, tobacco products, suggestive or obscene language or violent acts including weapons.
Symbols representing hate groups, such as Confederate flags and swastikas, will not be allowed.
No clothing may be worn that represents any gang or hate group as determined by the administration.
Hats, coats, hoods and sunglasses, except under special circumstances approved by administrators, may not be worn in the building.
Billfold chains, sharp or spiked jewelry will not allowed.
Rollerblades, Heelys (shoes that have one or more wheels embedded in each sole, similar to inline skates), and motorized scooters are not allowed at school.

C. School Activity/Class/Sport T-shirt policy

For a T-shirt to be considered “school approved,” the shirt must be approved by a class sponsor, activity sponsor, or a coach. The sponsor/coach must approve the exact design and then take it to the administration for final approval.

Fighting

Fighting will not be tolerated.

Agenda Issues

Students should never be out of an assigned class without a signed agenda from appropriate school personnel. Use of another student’s agenda, forgery of a teacher’s/staff’s initials/signature, change of time or date, or any other misuse of agenda is termed agenda fraud. Writing or pictures in agendas or on papers or assignments shall not display alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, tobacco products, suggestive or obscene language or actions, or violent acts. Symbols representing hate groups, such as Confederate flags and swastikas, will not be allowed. The agenda will be confiscated and a new agenda must be purchased from the office.

Tobacco

Students may not smoke or use smokeless tobacco in the school building, on school grounds, or at any USD 270 school activity. Furthermore, students may not have tobacco products or related items (i.e. lighters, matches, pipes, etc.) in their possession. Violation of this policy will lead to disciplinary actions.

Law Enforcement will also be called and students under 18 years of age may receive a ticket.

Food and Drink

No food or drink is allowed in the computer labs or the library, unless approved by the teacher, librarian, or lab sponsor. Teachers will decide if food or drink will be allowed in their classrooms. No outside food or drink is allowed in the school unless permission has been obtained from the administration and classroom teacher for special occasions. That permission must be obtained prior to the actual day it is to be brought in. All bottle drinks must have original label. If it does not, it is considered an outside drink.

If students choose to buy items from the school vending machines, they will be required to follow the individual classroom rules as to whether it is allowed. No supplements may be added to the beverages.

Lunchroom Behavior

Plainville schools have a closed lunch hour. Students are not allowed to leave the school grounds. If a student does not want to eat school lunch, they should bring a lunch. A parent request for a student to leave during lunch will be marked unexcused unless administration approved.

• No food or drink is to be taken from the cafeteria.

• Students are responsible for their own clean-up.

• Students are to remain seated during lunch.

• Throwing food will not be tolerated.

Stealing or Possession of Stolen Property

Stealing is a crime and will be treated as such. Instances of stealing will be referred to the local law enforcement. Students are expected to lock their lockers at all times.

Threats

Threats made by students toward other students, faculty, staff, or administration will not be tolerated. All threats (including “veiled” or implied threats) will be taken seriously, and violators will be subject to suspension or expulsion, depending upon the severity of the threat. Students must not even make threats in jest, as they will be treated as actual threats, and disciplinary action will be taken. Students receiving suspensions for making threats may be required to undergo an evaluation by a mental health professional at the expense of the parent/guardian. School personnel must receive official notice that the student is not a danger to others before he/she will be allowed to return to school.

Weapons

Students shall not possess, handle or transmit any object that can reasonably be considered a weapon on the school grounds or off the school grounds at a school activity, function, or event. This includes any item being used as a weapon or destructive device, or any facsimile of a weapon. Small pocket knives may or may not be considered weapons warranting expulsion at the discretion of the building administration. Possession of a firearm or other weapon (based on “Weapon-Free School Act” definition) will result in expulsion from school for a period of one year (186 school days). The superintendent may recommend that this expulsion be modified on a case-by-case basis. Students expelled or long-term suspended for weapon possession will have this information relayed to law enforcement authorities.

Bullying, Harassment, Hazing and Cyber-bullying

Plainville USD 270 is committed to providing a safe, civil, and respectful environment for all students, staff, volunteers, and guests, free from all forms of discrimination and harassment, including but not limited to bullying, sexual harassment, hazing, and cyber-bullying. The anti-bullying policy applies at all times on school grounds; at any school-related function, activity, or event; to and from any school or school-related activity; and on buses. Discrimination or harassment includes but is not limited to any intentional physical, verbal, nonverbal, or written act that is motivated by age, race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, parental status, mental and physical disability, or other distinguishing characteristics, such as physical appearance, clothing, or socioeconomic status. Students should recognize and follow the traits of good character including: Caring, Common Sense, Cooperation, Curiosity, Effort, Flexibility, Friendship, Initiative, Integrity, Organization, Patience, Perseverance, Problem-Solving, Responsibility, and Sense of Humor. The student should follow and exemplify positive traits of character at school and activities. Bullying is subject to disciplinary action.

Hazing/Initiations

Incidents during school hours or school-sponsored events involving initiations, hazing, intimidations, and/or related activities which are likely to cause bodily danger, physical harm, personal degradation, or disgrace resulting in physical or mental harm, or which affect the attendance of another student, are prohibited.

Sexual Harassment

It shall be a violation of this policy for any employee to sexually harass a student, for a student to sexually harass another student or an employee, or for any employee to discourage a student from filing a complaint or to fail to investigate or refer for investigation any complaint lodged under the provisions of this policy.

Sexual harassment is unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and other inappropriate oral, written, or physical conduct of a sexual nature when made by a member of the school staff to a student or when made by any student to another student or staff member when

submission to such conduct is made, explicitly or implicitly, a term or condition of the individual’s education;
submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for academic decisions affecting the individual;
such conduct has the purpose or effect of interfering with the individual’s academic or professional performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive academic environment.

Sexual harassment may include, but is not limited to

verbal harassment or abuse;
pressure for sexual activity; repeated remarks to a person, with sexual or demeaning implication;
unwelcome touching; or suggesting or demanding sexual involvement accompanied by implied or explicit threats concerning a student’s grades, participation in extracurricular activities, etc.

Any student who believes that he or she has been subjected to sexual harassment should discuss the alleged harassment with the principal, guidance counselor, or another certified staff member. If the matter is not resolved to the satisfaction of the student in this meeting, the student may initiate a complaint under the district’s discrimination complaint procedure. The filing of a complaint or otherwise reporting sexual harassment will not reflect upon the individual’s status nor will it affect grades, future employment or assignments. Confidentiality will be maintained throughout the complaint procedure.

Student Publications

School-sponsored student publications shall be under the supervision of the building principal or designated faculty representative. Non-school sponsored publications may not be distributed without prior permission.

No student shall distribute any publication which

Is obscene according to current legal definitions,
Is libelous according to current legal definitions, or
Creates a material or substantial interference with normal school activity or appropriate discipline in the operation of the school.

Student Parking

Designated areas are available for high school students. Students are not to park in staff designated areas.

Personal Property

Students may use radios, IPODs, MP3 players, cameras, video games, pagers, or any other electronics at school if approved by the teacher or sponsor and used appropriately and ethically. Items that could be described as valuable, dangerous or disruptive are not appropriate in school without special permission granted by the principal prior to their appearance at school. Students are not allowed to have laser lights at school or at school activities.

ATTENDANCE POLICY

Research shows that the single greatest factor contributing to student achievement is attendance at school. Although we realize that there will be occasions when students legitimately need to be gone from school, it is the combined responsibility of the school officials, students, and parents to see that these absences are kept to a minimum.

Excused or Unexcused Absence

School administrators will make a determination as to whether an absence is excused or unexcused. Students will not be allowed to receive credit for any work missed due to an unexcused absence.

Eight Absences

Once a student has accumulated eight absences per semester, any additional absences will be considered unexcused and handled as an unexcused absence, including vacations or trips. Exceptions to this policy are absences, which can be verified by a physician, and other situations which the administration has determined to be emergencies. Absences without proper documentation will result in points being assigned.

Note: This policy does NOT automatically excuse a student for his/her first eight absences from school, as the administration has the final authority to determine whether or not any absence will be excused.

Parent Excuse

Upon an absence, a student must have a written or oral excuse from a parent or guardian within one day of the absence. The secretary may be reached at 434-4547 and should be informed early on the morning of an absence. Only calls from parents or legal guardians will be acceptable. If a parent excuses their child for a doctor appointment, a note from the doctor will be required to verify the absence.

Acceptable Reasons for Excused Absences

1. Personal illness

2. Serious illness or death of a member of the family

3. Emergencies calling for the student’s services or presence at home

4. Obligatory religious observations

5. Participation in a district-approved or school sponsored activity.

6. College/post secondary school visitation for seniors (2 days) and for juniors (1 day) if arranged through the counseling office.

Again, school administrators will have the final authority to determine whether or not an absence is excused.

College Visitation and Recruiters

In order for Plainville High School junior and senior students to be able to learn more about various educational institutions, seniors are allowed to schedule two visits and juniors are allowed one visit during school time to visit post-secondary schools. Students need to follow the instructions listed below so that they can insure themselves of an excused absence and a well-planned visit.

Select a day to make the school visit (consider weather conditions, school activities, etc.). Verify the date with their parents and mark it on their calendars once they have the date scheduled.
Make arrangements for the school visit by contacting the school directly or by coming into the Counseling Office to make the call together. If students make the arrangements directly with the school, they need to inform with the Counseling Office so that the visit may be verified for their absence to be excused. This process should be completed preferably 2-3 weeks before the day of the visitation.
Complete a Pre-Absence Form signed by all of the student’s teachers and returned to the High School Office prior to the visitation day. Students are responsible for turning in all assignments prior to the absence, unless other arrangements are made with individual teachers.
Complete and have parents sign the Post-Secondary School Visitation Form (available in the Counseling office) and return the signed permission form to the Counseling Office as soon as possible prior to the visitation (at least two days), so that the front office can be informed of their visitation absence. If the student’s visit is not verified or this form is not signed by a parent or received by the Counseling Office in advance of the date of visitation, the student’s absence will not be excused. Parent and student signatures on the form verify their understanding that it is the student’s responsibility to have a Pre-Absence Form filled out by his/her teachers, to inform them of the visit, and to make arrangements for class assignments, as well as to submit the visitation permission form prior to the absence.
If a visit has to be postponed or cancelled, the student needs to call the institution right away and let the Counseling Office and High School Office also know of the changes.

In order to have a meaningful college visit, we recommend that:

At least one parent accompanies the student.

The student and/or parent visit with the counselor in advance of the trip.
“Spur-of-the-moment” trips should be avoided. Usually, these trips are not very productive and may not be able to be facilitated by the institution of interest.

College representatives often contact our school to set up a time to meet with students about their schools. The Counseling Office will post the dates of these visits on the bulletin board by the Counseling Office. To attend, students must sign up in the Counseling Office at least two days prior to the meeting to be excused to attend.

Extracurricular Activities: A student must be in school all day in order to be allowed to participate in or attend extracurricular activities that day or evening. Exceptions will require administrative approval.

Late Arrivals

A student who arrives after 8:30 a.m. will be entered as an unexcused absence. Oversleeping and personal transportation problems are not considered to be an excused absence or excused tardiness. When students arrive late to school or leave school for any reason, they are expected to come to the office to sign in or out.

Pre-Absence Forms

If a student knows in advance that he/she will have a personal absence or will be gone on a field trip, he/she should have a pre-absence form signed by all his/her teachers. These forms may be picked up in the office. If all teachers do not approve the slip, the absence will not be approved.

Tardiness

It is important that classes be free from interruption and that students be available for organized class activities as soon as the bell rings. Being on time means that students are in their seats when the bell rings. When students have accumulated three unexcused tardy times in a class, they will be expected to make up time in detention.

Release of Students during School

Students shall not be released during the school day except upon a written or verbal request from the student’s parent or guardian. Before releasing a student during the school day, the school office personnel shall verify the identity of the person seeking release of the student. If the principal, or school office personnel are not satisfied with the identification provided by the person seeking release of a student, the student’s release may be refused.

Each student has the responsibility to arrive at school and to each class on time.
Students who arrive in class 15 or more minutes after the class begins will be counted as an unexcused absence for the entire class period.
A student who arrives at school after the 8:15 a.m. bell MUST check in through the office.
Students tardy to other classes should have a signed agenda or note from the excusing teacher explaining the delay in order to be excused.

It is our responsibility to know the whereabouts of our students during school hours. Students who leave without checking out will not be excused even if parents call in later.

Truancy

The building principal shall report students who are inexcusably absent from school to the appropriate authority. Truancy is defined as any three consecutive unexcused absences, any five unexcused absences in a semester or seven unexcused absences in a school year, whichever comes first. If a truant child is returned to school by a law enforcement official, the principal shall notify the parent or guardian.

Public Displays of Affection

In keeping with our school philosophy, which is to educate academically, socially, morally, emotionally, and physically, it is felt that young men and women should learn that public display of affection in the school or on the school grounds is in poor taste. Parents of students who are involved in this type of activity will be informed by the school, and disciplinary action may be taken. Holding hands is permissible. Any other public display of affection is not acceptable.

Posters

All posters, bulletins and locker signs to be placed in the school must have administrative approval or club sponsor approval PRIOR to posting.

Sportsmanship – Rule 52

In accordance with the Kansas State High School Activity Association’s requirement to encourage and enforce good sportsmanship, we ask that all students and fans assist us by abiding by Rule 52:

Be courteous to all (participants, coaches, officials, staff and fans).

Know the rules, abide by and respect the official’s decisions.

Win with character and lose with dignity.

Display appreciation for good performance regardless of the team.

Exercise self-control and reflect positively upon yourself, team. and school.

Permit only positive sportsmanlike behavior to reflect on your school or its activities.

Students/fans who violate Rule 52 or who display any type of poor sportsmanship may be ejected from the activity and may be subject to losing the privilege of attending future school activities, as well as other disciplinary actions.

Staff Respect

Students are expected to give respectful attention and appropriate responses to the requests and directives of all teachers, administrators, security officers, custodians, secretaries, or other staff members. Students are required to give their names to staff members upon request.

PART 3: SCHOOL AND PERSONAL PROPERTY

Backpacks

In order to keep aisles clear, backpacks should be on the floor or in a teacher-approved area.

Electronic Devices

The school is not responsible for the theft of cell phones, I-Pods, and other electronic devices.

Equipment and Uniforms

Participants are responsible for the care of each piece of equipment issued to them. Any equipment damaged or destroyed by misuse, or lost, will be replaced at the expense of the participant. To be eligible to participate in the next sport season, the participant must return all equipment and uniforms.

Lockers

Lockers in the district schools shall be under the supervision of the building principal and assigned to the student to store necessary school materials and clothing. Locker signs or decorations must have prior approval of the building administrator. A combination lock will be provided for each locker. Students are responsible for the loss of personal articles. Students should lock their lockers at all times. The principal may search any locker at any time without notice to the student to whom the locker is assigned. If a law enforcement officer desiring a search of a student’s locker or property has a search warrant, the principal may permit the search which shall be made in the presence of the principal. At the grade school, when a student loses a lock, they may be charged a fee for the replacement of the lock. High school combinations are given to students during enrollment.

School Telephones

The phone in the lobby area is available for student use before 8:15 a.m., between class periods, and after 3:30 p.m. Students are allowed to use the lobby phone for school related calls with permission of the secretary. Due to the disruption of the educational process, messages will only be given to students between classes or at the end of the school day unless there is an emergency. Administration and office secretaries will determine what calls are emergencies. Phones in the classrooms are for faculty and staff use only.

Textbooks and Library Material

Textbooks and library materials are provided by the district. Cost for damage, loss, or repair of these items shall be assessed by the principal and shall not exceed the replacement cost.

Vandalism, Property Damage and Theft

Our school buildings and equipment require patron taxes to construct, purchase, and maintain. Students who destroy, steal or vandalize school property will be required to pay for losses or damages. If students willfully destroy school property or some other individual’s items, suspension or further disciplinary action may be necessary. If you should happen to damage something by accident, you should report it to a teacher or the office immediately.

Lost and Found

Each child’s belongings should be plainly marked to avoid loss or exchange. Whenever a student loses an article, it should be reported to the office. When a student finds an article, it should be turned in to the office. A lost and found area is located in the office.

PART 4: HEALTH AND SAFETY

Animals

Persons bringing animals into the school or to school activities must receive prior permission from the supervising teacher and/or the building principal. Animals used by persons for disabilities are excluded.

Communicable Diseases

Any student noted by a physician or the school nurse as having a communicable disease may be required to withdraw from school for the duration of the illness. The student will be readmitted to regular classes upon termination of the illness, as authorized by the student’s physician or as authorized by a health assessment team.

The school administration may require a written statement from the student’s physician indicating the student is free from all symptoms of the disease.

Crosswalk and Crossing Guard

Students are to comply with the directions and rules that are enforced by the crossing guard and at the crosswalk. The crossing guard may refer students to the school principal for discipline.

Emergency Drills

Students will be informed of emergency drill procedures at the beginning of each school year. Students are required to participate and follow the directions of the administration and school personnel during these tornado and fire drills.

Immunizations

All students enrolling in USD 270 shall provide the principal with proof of immunizations of certain diseases or furnish documents to satisfy statutory requirements (KSA 72-5209). Required immunizations include inoculation against poliomyelitis, diphtheria, measles, rubella, mumps, peruses, tetanus, hepatitis B, and chickenpox (unless proof of prior chickenpox is provided). Booster shots required by the KSDHE are also required. Since the 1998-99 school years, a DPT booster is required to be taken within 10 years from the last DPT shot.

Students who fail to provide the documentation required by law may be excluded from school by the Superintendent until statutory requirements are satisfied. Notice of exclusion shall be given to the parents/guardian as prescribed by law. Students who are not immunized against a particular disease(s) may be excluded from school during an outbreak.

Kansas School Safety Hotline Number (1-877-626-8203)

The 1999 Kansas Legislature appropriated funds to assist the State Department of Education, in cooperation with the Kansas Highway Patrol, in establishing a school safety hotline. This hotline is a toll free number available 24 hours per day, 365 days per year to give students, parents, and community members the opportunity to report any impending school violence. As you are aware, students usually have knowledge of potential school violence before it occurs. This hotline would give students the opportunity to anonymously report any potential violence.

Medication Policy

In certain explained circumstances when medication is necessary in order that the student remain in school, the school may cooperate with the parents in the supervision of medication that the student will use, but the medical person authorized to prescribe the medication must send a written order to the building administrator who may supervise the administration of the medication or treatment, and the parent must submit a written request to the building administrator requesting the school’s cooperation in such supervision and releasing the school district and personnel from liability.

Under the following rules the supervision of medication by school personnel, including the school nurse, is authorized:

1) School personnel shall not be required to be custodians of any medication except as required by written order of a licensed medical person;

2) The medication shall be examined by the school employee administering the medication to determine in his/her judgment that it appears to be in the original container, to be properly labeled, and be properly authorized by the written order of a licensed medical person;

3) The building principal or nurse may choose to discontinue the administration of medication provided that he/she has first notified the parent or medical person in advance of the date of such discontinuance with the reasons therefore.

The administration of any such authorized medication shall be logged by the building administrator or designee in the school’s medical diary, which shall be maintained for these purposes and filed by the administrator for future reference.

In the administration of medicine, the school employee shall not be deemed to have assumed to himself/herself any other responsibility other than acting as a duly authorized employee of the school district.

Pest Control Applications

The district periodically applies pesticides inside buildings. Information regarding the application of pesticides is available from the maintenance department.

Physical Education

In order for students to be excused from a physical education class, they need either a doctor’s note or a parent’s note. In the absence of a doctor’s note, a parent’s note will be accepted, though the school reserves the right to require a doctor’s note if it appears this procedure is being abused. Students in grades 6-12 are expected to wear physical education clothes during the PE period. This rule includes footwear suitable for the gym surface and clean enough so the sole does not scratch the gym floor. Students are also encouraged to shower following the vigorous activity of physical education.

Physicals

Students participating in athletics, cheerleading, and drill team must have a KSHSAA approved physical on file before participating. KSHSAA Physicals obtained after May 1, will be good for the following school year. KSHSAA physical forms can be obtained online at www.kshsaa.org.

Surveillance System

Surveillance systems are in place inside Plainville Elementary School and Plainville High School, outside the buildings, and on busses.

School Nurse

The school nurse will conduct vision and hearing screenings, some dental checks, spinal deformity screening (grade 5, 6, 7) and other testing as required. Written parent request is required to not participate in these screenings. First aid is administered only as authorized by the State Board of Health. This means NO medications, including aspirin, will be administered by the school nurse, teachers, or office personnel unless the medication policy has been followed.

PART 5: GENERAL INFORMATION

AIDS and Sexuality Curriculum Inspection

The human sexuality and AIDS curriculum is available for inspection from the building principal. A parent or guardian may use the district opt-out provision to remove the student from some portion or all of human sexuality and AIDS classes included in the district’s required curriculum. To receive information on the opt-out provision, contact the principal’s office.

Civil Rights Statement

USD 270 does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, national origin, handicap, or age in admission or access to, or treatment of students or employees, in its programs or activities. Any questions regarding the district’s compliance with Title VI, Title IX, or Section 504, including information about the existence and location of services, activities, and facilities that are accessible to and usable by disabled persons may be directed to the Title IX Coordinator or Section 504 Coordinator which is the Superintendent of Schools at 785-434-4678. Any student complaint of discrimination shall be resolved under the district’s discrimination procedure.

Distribution of Materials

Materials unrelated to the school’s curriculum may not be distributed without prior consent of the principal. Students will only be allowed to hand out personal party invitations if the student has an invitation for every student in the class.

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

Under the provisions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), parents of students and eligible students (those who are 18 or older) are afforded various rights with regard to educational records that are kept and maintained by Unified School District No. 270. In accordance with FERPA, you are required to be notified of those rights which include:

The right to review and inspect all of your educational records, except those which are

specifically exempt. Records will be available for your review within 45 days of the day the district receives your request for access.

The right to prevent disclosure of personally identifiable information contained in your

educational records to other persons, with certain limited exceptions. Disclosure of information from your educational records to other persons will occur only if

we have your prior written consent for disclosure; or
the information is considered “directory information” and you have not objected to the release of such information; or
disclosure without your prior consent is permitted by law.

The district may disclose, without your consent, personally identifiable information to school officials with a legitimate educational interest. A school official is a person employed by the school as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff member (including health or medical staff and law enforcement unit personnel); the school board (in executive session); a person or company with whom the school has contracted to perform a special task (such as an attorney, auditor, medical consultant, or therapist); or a parent or student serving on an official committee such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility or duties.
The district will disclose a student’s education records to officials of another school district in which the student seeks or intends to enroll without your consent and without further notice that the records have been requested or forwarded.

The right to request that your educational records be amended if you believe the records are misleading, inaccurate, or otherwise in violation of your rights. This right includes the right to request a hearing at which you may present evidence to show why the record should be changed if your request for an amendment to your records is denied in the first instance.
The right to file a complaint with the Family Policy and Regulations Office at the U.S.

Department of Education if you believe that Unified School District No. 270 has failed to comply with FERPA’s requirements. The address of this office is 400 Maryland Avenue SW, Room 4074, Washington, DC 20202-4605.

The right to obtain a copy of Unified School District No. 270 policies for complying with FERPA. A copy may be obtained from: 111 W. Mill Street, Plainville, KS. 67663.

Directory Information

For purposes of FERPA, Unified School District No. 270 has designated certain information contained in educational records as directory information. This information may be disclosed for any purpose without your consent. This information can be disclosed without consent because it is the type of information that would not generally be considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if disclosed. The following information is considered directory information: name, address, telephone number, electronic mail address, date and place of birth, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, degrees, honors and awards received, the most recent previous school attended by the student, class designation or grade level, enrollment status (e.g., undergraduate or graduate, full-time or part-time), major field of study and photographs).

You have a right to refuse to permit the designation of any or all of the above information as directory information. If you refuse, you must file written notification to this effect with Unified School District No. 270 at (the Plainville School District Office at 111 Mill Street on or before September 1 of the current school year). If a refusal is not filed, Unified School District No. 270 assumes you have no objection to the release of the directory information designated.

Recruiting information

Military recruiters and institutions of higher education are entitled under federal law to a list of names, addresses, and telephone numbers of high school students unless you object to the release of this information. If you notify your principal in writing at any time that you do not wish your child’s name, address, and telephone number released without your written consent, we will honor that request.

Food Service

USD 270 provides a school breakfast and lunch program. Breakfast will be served from 7:45 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. when school is in session. Lunch may be purchased from the lunch program, or brought from home. Milk may be purchased to supplement lunches brought from home. Pop will not be allowed in the lunch room. Students may purchase an additional milk serving. All students will eat in the cafeteria during the lunch period, unless alternative arrangements have been approved by the principal. Students will not be allowed to order or have food delivered during lunch. State law prohibits food to be brought into the cafeteria from an outside food establishment in the food establishment wrappers, box, or sack. Breakfast is available and paid in the same manner as the lunch.

Free or reduced price meals shall be provided for students who qualify under state and federal rules and regulations. The eligibility forms and rules and regulations governing this program shall be provided by the administration to students or their parents.

A lunch notice will be sent home to parents when money is due for meals. Students in grades K-5 will turn lunch money into the classroom teacher. Students in Grades 6-12 will turn lunch money into the school secretary. Checks for school lunch should be made payable to USD 270.

If a student has a balance in their lunch account at the end of the school year, the money will be transferred to the next school year. A parent may request a refund at the end of the school year. Students are expected to maintain a positive balance in their lunch account. Students may charge up to three meals. Parents may check PowerSchool for current lunch balances.

Network Policy

Parents and high school students will need to sign a permission form to allow their students to have access to computer and internet usage. In a case where parents select the following: I do not give my student permission to use USD 270 computers or access to the internet. Students will not be allowed to use the computers or internet.

USD 270’s network includes but is not limited to all electronic machines and equipment used to run or maintain computers, monitors, printers, peripheral devices, and Internet access owned by USD 270.

All materials stored or loaded on USD 270’s network are property of USD 270. Privacy to student folders is not limited to the students. If unacceptable material is found to be stored in a student folder, the student will be contacted and disciplinary action will be taken in accordance with the USD 270 Network Policy. The material will then be removed.

The USD 270 network will be provided for students to use as an educational tool. All activity will be monitored and approved by the classroom teacher. Students are to use the computers and network provided by USD 270 with respect and refrain from any damaging conduct.

Students will be assigned a folder on the network to store a specified amount of information. They will be responsible for tracking the amount of space available in their folder and deleting or removing items, so the folder has the ability to save information. This folder will be the only accessible storage given to the students. Unauthorized access or activity on any other parts of the network without instruction or consent from a teacher and technology coordinator will result in disciplinary action.

The following activities are not allowed on USD 270’s network:

Accessing, uploading, downloading, transmitting, displaying, or distributing obscene or sexually explicit material;
Transmitting obscene, abusive, or sexually explicit language;
Damaging computers, computer systems, or computer networks through deleting or altering of system or operating files;
Damaging computers, computer systems, or computer networks through physical means;
Debilitating, disabling, or disrupting computers, computer systems, or network through the intentional mis- or overuse of the network and available bandwidth provided to users;
Distribution or spreading of computer “viruses” or other file altering programs whether intentional or unintentional;
Violating of copyrighting, use of another person’s passwords, trespassing in folders or files which have been restricted;
The use of network, server(s), and any bandwidth associated for the purpose of broadcasting messages or “chatting.”

Violations of the policies and procedures of USD 270 concerning use of computers and networks will result in disciplinary action.

Making Change

The office will make change before school, during lunch period, and after school. Two-party checks are not accepted. Checks written for projects should be made for the amount only.

Practices

After School

Athletes engaged in after-school-hour practices will leave the school promptly and will not run at large in the building. During plays, band, chorus rehearsals and other activities that take place after school hours, only those students who are involved will be admitted to the building.

Cancellations/Postponements

In the event it becomes necessary to dismiss school due to inclement weather, the administration shall be responsible for making the decision to cancel, postpone, or conduct an activity whether it is a regular scheduled practice or event. The general rule prevailing is that practices will be canceled and previously scheduled events, other than practices, will be canceled, postponed or conducted based upon the merits of each situation. Parents will be notified quickly through the use of School Reach. You may also listen to radio or television for weather announcements concerning schools. Many times decisions on whether or not to hold school have to be made quickly. Make sure the office has your current phone number for our School Reach service.

Rehearsals and Events on Holidays, Sundays, and Wednesdays

There will be no USD 270 sponsored activities, meetings, or practices on Sundays (non-mandatory Sunday practices will be permitted if the team is playing in a tournament on the following Monday).

No USD 270 sponsored activity will be scheduled or practice conducted after 6:30 p.m. on Wednesdays. There will be no USD 270 sponsored activities or practice scheduled on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, Holy Thursday, Good Friday, or Easter Sunday, unless school is in session. The moratorium on school activities and events listed will apply to activities either on or off school premises, under the supervision of school employees, or in which school-owned equipment, facilities, or land is used.

Exceptions to the above paragraph will be during the months of June and July when activities may be scheduled on Sunday afternoons or evenings with administrator approval as long as they follow the KSHSAA guidelines. They must be scheduled with the administrator to avoid any overlap or confusion.

Transportation

USD 270 owns busses used for student routes and activities. Appropriate behavior is expected on the buses. Consequences for inappropriate behavior may include assigned seating, removal from riding, or action considered appropriate for the behavior.

Extra passengers (students not on regular routes) may ride the bus after their parent has called the school for authorization to ride the bus.

No individuals other than those directly involved with an activity are to ride a school vehicle. Students must ride school transportation to and from school activities unless prior arrangements are made with the administrator in charge for reasons of a specific obligation or business.

Visitors

All visitors are required to report to the office upon entering the building. Students are not allowed to bring student visitors to school without prior approval of both the teacher and school administrator.

Weather Bulletins

The school district will send the bus students home when weather conditions make it advisable. Students living in town will be expected to be present as usual. Students shall be released to their parents at the school according to board policy for release of students during the school day.

Dances

High School dances may be held on Friday or Saturday evenings and will not be held later than 11:00 p.m. Each dance must be chaperoned by at least three approved sponsors. Dances must be approved in advance by the activity sponsor and the principal. Once you leave a dance, you will not be readmitted. Proper conduct is required at all times. The door to the dance will be closed 30 minutes after the dance begins. No one will be admitted after that time unless prior approval has been granted by the principal. The Plainville Police Department will be invited to all dances to administer an alcohol breath test. Any student who fails the test is subject to the district alcohol policies. The student will not leave the building and will call a parent or guardian to pick them up.

Dances are open to all high school students enrolled and attending Plainville High School. A guest may accompany a Plainville student only if they are registered and approved by the administration by noon of the day of the dance, or on Friday if the dance is Saturday. No junior high students or guests over the age of 20 will be allowed to attend any dances or prom. The PHS host student fills out the guest permit, submits it to the principal with appropriate signatures for approval, along with a copy of the guest’s driving license. When the principal approves the guest request, the student submitting the request will receive a copy of the approved request. The student must show the guest permit to the dance sponsor when entering the dance. Guests will not be permitted into the dance if the above procedures are not followed. Guests will comply with the same rules as PHS students.

All students and guest are expected to dress appropriately (ie: Prom = Formal Attire).

Junior High Social Activities

General rules of social activities outside of school hours include:

1. Dress for the social will conform to school policy.

2. Students who arrive after 30 minutes from the start of the dance will not be permitted to enter unless prior arrangements are made with the sponsor(s).

3. Attendance is limited to Plainville students (grades 6, 7, 8) only.

4. Students attending are expected to stay until the activity is over. Once a student leaves, he/she will not be re-admitted to the dance.

5. Students on school activity restrictions due to discipline will not be permitted to attend.

Extracurricular Activities and Organizations

FCCLA

The organization is open to any student who has taken or is taking a course in Family and Consumer Science. Involvement in FCCLA offers members opportunities to expand their leadership potential and develop skills for life necessary in the world of work and the home. Members may participate in local, district, state, and national events.

FFA
The National FFA Organization is dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. Members must be currently enrolled in an agricultural education course, or have instructor approval (a one year grace period is offered to any student who cannot enroll in an Ag class due to scheduling conflict). Members are expected to attend monthly meetings, participate in Career Development and Community Service Events, and will have the option to exhibit at local fairs and festivals, participate in district and state-wide events, and may have the opportunity to travel to the National FFA Convention or the National Western Stock Show.

Student Council (Stuco)

An organization composed of representatives from each class in the school. Student Council is the leadership group in the school. Its purpose is to give the students some practical experience in facing the problems met in the operation of a school.

NHS

The NHS chapter has a specific selection process. The purpose of NHS shall be to create enthusiasm for scholarship, to stimulate a desire to render service, to promote leadership, and to develop character in the students of PHS.

Drama

Membership is open to any student who participates in the all-school play or drama troupe, whether it is through performing, technical work, or as a member of a committee. Committees include Script Review and Selection, Graphic Design and Publicity, Stage Management, Lighting and Sound Development, Fundraising, Educational and Social Activities, and Drama Troupe. Members are expected, though not required, to attend club activities and to participate in fundraisers. Members may attend other area performances, workshops, and conferences.

Pep Club

Pep Club promotes school spirit for athletic and other school events and is open to all students in high school. The purpose of Pep Club is to increase student involvement, school morale and school spirit as well as to encourage students to have more pride in their school, not only in athletics, but also during and outside of school. Pep club members are admitted free (with pep club pass) to regular season home events.

New Organizations

Any new organization must have the recommendation and approval of the administration before formation. Generally, a proposed constitution and member list will be requested before approval.

Class or Organizational Meetings

Students may not schedule a meeting without written permission from the sponsor and approval from the principal. Dates of class and organizational meetings will be the responsibility of the sponsor to schedule. Class sponsors and organization sponsors may cancel a scheduled meeting by notifying the office by 8:15 a.m. on the date of the scheduled meeting.

Class Officers Election Procedures

To be nominated for a class officer position or Student Council representative position, a student must be passing all subjects and secure from the high school office a nominating petition. The petition must be signed by 5 members of the respective class, class sponsor, and principal. Students who return the completed petition to the high school office will have their name placed on the ballot. If three or more students have been nominated for an office, an election will be conducted to narrow the field of candidates to two. The two students receiving the highest number of votes will face off in another election. The student receiving the highest number of votes in this election will win the election. Should a tie occur at any time the class sponsor will flip a coin to determine the winner. All balloting will be done by secret ballots. Class sponsors and the current class officers will count all ballots. If a current officer or Stuco representative is seeking a class office or Stuco position, he or she will not be permitted to count ballots for the office which he or she is seeking.

If elected to an office, the student agrees to carry out the duties of his/her office, attend a training session on being a class officer, abide by the rules set forth in the Plainville High School Student Handbook, and maintain a GPA of 2.0 or better each nine weeks. If the above requirements are not met, the office holder could be removed from the office to which he/she was elected.

Fundraising

All money raising activities must be scheduled and approved by the building principal at least two weeks in advance of the activity. New projects must be approved by the principal and school board. Solicitations by students during school hours and on school property shall be done only when they are related to school-sponsored activities. The following minimum balances should be maintained: Freshmen $200, Sophomores $400, and Juniors $800.