MMS Parent Student Handbook 2018-2019 - …...2 Statement of Nondiscrimination McCormick School...
Transcript of MMS Parent Student Handbook 2018-2019 - …...2 Statement of Nondiscrimination McCormick School...
McCormickMiddleSchoolCHIEFS
Parent/StudentHandbook
2018-2019
“EndlessPossibilities”
6979Highway28South
MCCORMICK,SOUTHCAROLINA29835
TEL864-443-2243 FAX864-443-3298
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StatementofNondiscrimination
McCormickSchoolDistrictdoesnotdiscriminateonthebasisofrace,religion,color,nationalorigin,immigrantstatusorEnglish-speakingstatus,disability,maritalorparentalstatus,orsex,inprovidingeducationoraccesstobenefitsofeducationalservices,activitiesandprogramsinaccordancewithTitleVIoftheCivilRightsActof1964asamended,TitleIXoftheEducationalAmendmentsof1972:Section504oftheRehabilitationActof1973,asamendedandTitleIIoftheAmericanswithDisabilitiesAct.Thefollowinghavebeendesignatedtocoordinatecompliancewiththeselegalrequirementsandmaybecontactedatthedistrictofficeforadditionalinformationand/orcomplianceissues.
Contact:McCormickCountySchoolDistrict
821NorthMineStreetMcCormick,SC29835(864)852-2435
Preface
Thematerialcoveredwithinthisstudenthandbookisonemethodofcommunicationtostudentsandparentsregardinggeneraldistrictandschool
information,rulesandprocedures.Anyinformationcontainedinthisstudenthandbookissubjecttounilateral
revisionoreliminationfromtimetotime.DistrictPolicyoverridesstudenthandbook.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
General Information
MCSD Board of Trustees, Vision and Mission Statement……..………………………………………...…………....4
Administrative Staff…………………………………………………………………………………………………...5
Telephone Listing……………………………………………………………………………………………………...5
MMS Teaching Staff………………………………………………………………………………………………......6
Section I Attendance…………………………………………………………………………………………….…....7
Section II Academic Requirements………………………………………………………………………………...13
Section III Student Rights and Responsibilities…………………………………………………………………...15
Section IV Health and Emergency Information…………………………………………………………………..19
Section V Student Expectation and Conduct...…………………………………………………………………....24
Section VI Athletic and School Representation …………………………………………….………………….....46
Section VII Parent Involvement …………………………………..……………………………………………….48
Section VIII Media and Technology...……………………………………………………………………………..51
Section IX Fees…………………………….………………………………………………………………………...55
Section X Cafeteria Information…………………..……………………………………………………………….56
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Superintendent of McCormick County School District
Mrs. Betty Bagley
School Board of Trustees
Chair, Mr. Bernard Moss ([email protected])
Vice Chairman, Ms. Verteema Chiles ([email protected])
Secretary, Ms. Heather McNally ([email protected])
Mr. Albert Bell ([email protected])
Mrs. Karen Beckner ([email protected])
Mrs. Christine Lee ([email protected])
Mr. Frank Puckett ([email protected])
Board Meetings
Regularly scheduled meetings of the McCormick County School District Board of Trustees are held the second Monday of each month at the K-12 Educational Complex, unless otherwise noted, which is located at 6977, 6979 and 6981 Highway 28 South, McCormick, SC 29835
McCormick County School District
Vision Statement Inspiring, challenging, and preparing our students for tomorrow’s global opportunities.
Mission Statement
The mission of the McCormick County School
is to provide a quality education for every student.
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MCCORMICKMIDDLESCHOOLADMINISTRATIVESTAFFPrincipal
Mrs.GenaK.Wideman([email protected])
AssistantPrincipalMr.TomWilliamson([email protected])
SchoolCounselorDr.VelmaWilliams([email protected])
InstructionalCoachMrs.ToyeWillis([email protected])
AdministrativeOfficeManagerMs.JeanFreeman([email protected])
StudentInformationSystemDataSpecialistMrs.JoyBell-Turman([email protected])
SchoolResourceOfficer(SRO)DeputyWillieCallaham([email protected])
PARENTCOORDINATOR
Mrs.CatherineCallaham([email protected]
AthleticDirector
Mr.RickySalliewhite([email protected])
TELEPHONE LISTING
MainOffice:(864)443-2243
Fax:(864)443-3298
AthleticOffice:(864)443-0179
Parenting/VolunteerOffice:(864)443-0160
SchoolImprovementCouncilChairOffice:(864)443-0160
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McCormickMiddleSchoolFaculty&StaffSIXTH(6th)GRADE
English-LanguageArts
Mrs.NakishaDurant,SocialStudiesandScience
Mrs.VickiHuffman,[email protected]
SEVENTH(7th)GRADEMs.TeresaLewis,[email protected]
Mrs.RebeccaHoneycuttEnglish-LanguageArts
SEVENTH(7th)andEIGHTH(8th)GRADEMrs.SheleanaMatthews,[email protected]
Mr.ThomasSchneider,[email protected]
EIGHTH(8th)GRADEMs.ShelondaHouston,English-LanguageArts
Mr.NolanGoss,[email protected]
SPECIALSERVICESMrs.JanRushton
PHYSICALEDUCATIONMr.JimmyHughes
RELATEDARTS
Ms.KrystyNunley,[email protected]
Mr.JosephWilson,Band
[email protected]/COMPUTERAPPLICATIONS
Mrs.KatinaDansby,[email protected]
IN-SCHOOLSUSPENSION(ISS)DebbieBryant
McCORMICK MIDDLE “CHIEFTAIN PRIDE”
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Section I Attendance
Student Absences and Excuses Policy JH
Purpose:Toestablishthebasicstructureforallowingandexcusingstudentabsences.
Theboardbelievesthatattendanceisakeyfactorinstudentachievement.Anyabsencefromschoolrepresentsaneducationallosstothestudent.However,theboardrecognizesthatsomeabsencesareunavoidable.
Anystudentwhomissesschoolmustpresentawrittenexcusesignedbyhis/herparent(s)/legalguardian(s).Avalidexcusewillcontainthedateoftheabsenceandthereasonfortheabsence.Ifastudentbringsafalse(orforged)excuse,he/shewillbereferredtotheadministrationforappropriateaction.Theschoolprincipalorhis/herdesigneewillreviewtheexcuseforeachstudent'sabsenceandclassifytheabsenceaslawfulorunlawfulinaccordancewiththeguidelinessetforthbelow.Theprincipalreservestherighttorequestadoctor'sexcuseifastudenthasalong-termillness.Ifastudentfailstobringavalidexcusetoschoolwithintwodaysofhis/herreturntoschool,he/shewillautomaticallyreceiveanunlawfulabsence.
Thispolicyappliestoallgradelevelsfromkindergartenthroughgrade12.Thepolicyalsopertainstoindividualclassesorportionsoftheschoolday.Aparent(s)/legalguardian(s)shouldconsiderthiswhenschedulingmedical,dentalorotherappointmentsforhis/herchild.
Astudentwillbeconsideredlawfullyabsentinthefollowingcircumstances:
•thestudentisillandhis/herattendanceinschoolwouldendangerhis/herhealthorthehealthofothers
•thereisadeathorseriousillnessinthestudent'simmediatefamily
•thestudentisobservingarecognizedreligiousholidayofhis/herfaith
•thestudentmustappearincourtorhasanappointmentwithalegalofficerandprovideswrittenverification
•thestudenthasreceivedpriorapprovalbytheprincipalorhis/herdesigneetoparticipateinaschool-relatedactivity •thestudenthasamedicalordentalappointment
•thestudenthasapprovedcollegevisitswithadministrativeapproval
•thestudentencountersunusualcircumstancesasdeterminedbytheprincipal.Wheneverpossible,thestudentmustobtainapprovalinadvancefromtheprincipalforsuchabsences.
Astudentwillbeconsideredunlawfullyabsentinthefollowingcircumstances:
•thestudentisabsentfromschoolwithouttheknowledgeofhis/herparent(s)/legalguardian(s)
•thestudentisabsentwithoutacceptablecausewiththeknowledgeofhis/herparent(s)/legalguardian(s)
Absencesduetosuspensionwillnotbecountedasunlawfulabsencefortruancypurposes.
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Tardies
Theschoolconsidersstudentsarrivingaftertheappointedbeginningtimetobelate.Studentsarrivingafterthebeginningofclassmaynotenterwithoutanadmittanceslipfromtheoffice.
Approvalordisapprovalofabsences
Inorderforastudentinkindergartenthrougheighthgradetoreceivecredit,he/shemustattendschoolfor170days.Theboardoritsdesigneewillapproveordisapproveanystudent'sabsenceinexcessof10daysforgradesKthrougheight,whetherlawful,unlawfuloracombinationthereof.
Toreceivecreditforahighschoolcourse,astudentmustattendschool42daysfora45-daysemestercourse,84daysfora90-dayyearcourseand170daysfora180-daycourse.Theboardoritsdesigneewillapproveordisapproveanystudent'sabsenceinexcessofthreedayspersemesterorsixdaysperyearforgradesninethroughtwelve,whetherlawful,unlawfuloracombinationthereof.InordertoreceiveoneCarnegieUnitofcredit,astudentingrades9through12mustbeinattendanceatleast120hoursperunit,regardlessofthenumberofdaysmissed.Studentswhoseabsencesareapprovedwillbeallowedtomake-upanyworkmissedinordertosatisfythe120-hourrequirement.
Theprincipalorhis/herdesigneewillberesponsibleforimplementingandexpeditingthehomeboundprogramforstudentsexperiencingaprolongedillnessorinjuryrequiringthemtobeabsentfromschool.
Make-upwork
AstudentwillbeallowedtomakeupworkmissedduringlawfulabsencesfromschoolaslongasTHESTUDENTmakesappropriatearrangementswiththeteacher(s)withintwodaysafterreturningtoschool.Theteacher(s)willnotifythestudentofareasonabletimeinwhichtheworkmustbecompleted.
Appealsprocessfordenialofcoursecredit
Superintendentlevel
Ifastudenthasbeendeniedcoursecreditduetoattendanceregulations,theparent(s)/legalguardian(s)orstudent(age18oremancipated)maymakeanappealtothesuperintendent.Anysuchappealmustbemadetothesuperintendentinwritingwithin10calendardaysofthedatethestudentisadvisedthathe/shefailedtoreceivecoursecredit.Thewrittenappealshouldprovidesomeexplanationastowhythestudentfailedtomeettheattendancerequirement.
Theappealwillbeconductedasaninformalhearing.Theattendanceofficer,parent(s)/legalguardian(s)andstudentmaybepresent.Theymayaddressthesuperintendentandpresentanysupportingdocumentationregardingthestudent'sattendancerecord.Within10calendardaysofthehearing,thesuperintendentwillrenderadecisionregardingtheappealandreporthis/herdecisioninwritingtotheparent(s)/legalguardian(s)andtheschool.
Boardlevel
Afterfollowingtheaboveprocedure,theparent(s)/legalguardian(s)orstudent(18oremancipated)maypetitiontheboardtoreviewthesuperintendent'sdecision.Thepetitionforboardreviewmustbemadeinwritingtothesuperintendentwithin10calendardaysafterreceiptofthesuperintendent'swrittendecision.Thesuperintendentwill,atthenextregularlyscheduledboardmeeting,presenttherequest,togetherwithcopiesofalldocumentspresentedatthehearingbeforethesuperintendent,totheboard.Theboardwillnotifytheparent(s)/legalguardian(s)/studentwithin10calendardayswhetherornotitwillreviewthematter.Ifahearingisconducted,itwillbeconductedinformallyas
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determinedbytheboard.
Truancy
Definitions
•Truant
Achild,ages6to17,meetsthedefinitionofatruantwhenthechildhasthreeconsecutiveunlawfulabsencesoratotaloffiveunlawfulabsences.
•Habitualtruant
A"habitual"truantisachild,ages12to17years,whofailstocomplywiththeinterventionplandevelopedbytheschool,thechildandtheparent(s)/legalguardian(s),andwhoaccumulatestwoormoreadditionalunlawfulabsences.
•Chronictruant
A"chronic"truantisachild,ages12to17years,whohasbeenthroughtheschoolinterventionprocess,hasreachedthelevelofa"habitual"truant,hasbeenreferredtofamilycourtandplacedonanordertoattendschool,andcontinuestoaccumulateunlawfulabsences.
•Interventionplans
Onceastudentisdeterminedtobetruant,orafterthreeconsecutiveunlawfulabsencesoratotaloffiveunlawfulabsencesoccur,theattendanceofficerwillattempttoidentifythereasonsforthestudent'scontinuedabsenceanddevelopaplaninconjunctionwiththestudentandparent(s)/legalguardian(s)toimprovefutureattendance.Theattendanceofficerwilldevelopawritteninterventionplan.
Theplanforimprovingstudentattendancewillinclude,butnotbelimitedto,thefollowing.
•designationofapersontoleadtheinterventionteam
•reasonsfortheunlawfulabsences
•actionstobetakenbytheparent(s)/legalguardian(s)andstudenttoresolvethecauseofunlawfulabsences
•documentationofreferralstoappropriateserviceprovidersand,ifapplicable,alternativeschoolandcommunity-basedproviders
•actionstobetakenbyinterventionteammembers
•actionstobetakenintheeventunlawfulabsencescontinue
•signatureofparent(s)/legalguardian(s)orevidencethatattemptsweremadetoinvolveparent(s)/legalguardian(s)
•documentationofinvolvementofteammembers
•guidelinesformakingrevisionstotheplan
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Referralsandjudicialintervention
Astudent,ages6to17years,willnotbereferredtothefamilycourttobeplacedonanordertoattendschoolpriortothewritteninterventionplanningbeingcompletedwiththeparent(s)/legalguardian(s)bytheschool.Shouldtheparent(s)/legalguardian(s)refusetocooperatewiththeinterventionplantoremedytheattendanceproblem,thedistrictmayreferthestudenttofamilycourtinaccordancewithS.C.CodeAnn.§59-65-50(1990)andfileareportagainsttheparent(s)/legalguardian(s)withthedepartmentofsocialservicesincompliancewithS.C.CodeAnn.§20-7-490(2)(c)(Supp.2002).
Iftheinterventionplanisnotsuccessfulandfurtherinquirybyschoolofficialsfailstocausethetruantstudentand/orparent(s)/legalguardian(s)tocomplywiththewritteninterventionplan,orifthestudentand/orparent(s)/legalguardian(s)refusestoparticipateininterventionandthestudentaccumulatestwoormoreadditionalunlawfulabsences,thestudentwillbeconsideredan"habitual"truant.Thereafter,theschoolattendanceofficermayreferthestudenttofamilycourtfortruancy.Eachreferralmustincludeacopyoftheplanandspecifyanycorrectiveactionregardingthestudentand/ortheparent(s)/legalguardian(s)thatthedistrictrecommendsthatthecourtadopt,aswellasanyotheravailableprogramsoralternativesidentifiedbythedistrict.TheinterventionplanmustbeattachedtothepetitiontotheFamilyCourtandservedonthestudentandtheparent(s)/legalguardian(s).
Petitionforcontemptofcourt
Onceaschoolattendanceorderhasbeenissuedbythefamilycourtandthestudentcontinuestoaccumulateunlawfulabsences,thestudentwillbeconsideredtobea"chronic"truantandthedistrictmayreferthecasebacktofamilycourt.Theschoolanddistrictmustexhaustallreasonablealternativespriortopetitioningthefamilycourttoholdthestudentand/ortheparent(s)/legalguardian(s)incontemptofcourt.Anypetitionforcontemptofcourtmustincludeawrittenreportindicatingthecorrectiveactionsthatwereattemptedbythedistrictandwhatgraduatedsanctionsoralternativestoincarcerationareavailabletothecourtinthecommunity.Thedistrictmustincludeinthewrittenreportitsrecommendationtothecourtshouldthestudentand/orparent(s)/legalguardian(s)befoundincontemptofcourt.
Transferofplans
IfastudenttransferstoanotherpublicschoolinSouthCarolina,his/herinterventionplanmustbeforwardedtothereceivingschool.Schoolofficialswillcontacttheparent(s)/legalguardian(s)andlocalteammemberstoreviewtheplanandreviseasappropriate.Courtorderedplansmaybeamendedthroughapplicationtothecourt.
Admission
Astudentseekingenrollmentinthedistrictforthefirsttimemustmeetallacademic,age,immunization,tuitionandothereligibilityprerequisitesforadmissionassetforthinSouthCarolinalaw,boardpolicyandadministrativeregulations.Studentsandtheirparentsshouldcontacttheschoolofficeforadmissionrequirements.
Generally,allpersonsoflegallydefinedandmandatedschoolagewhoresideinthedistrictandwhohavepresentedrequiredcertificatesofimmunizationmayattendthepublicschools.
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MedicalHomeboundInstruction
Medicalhomeboundinstructionisaservicethatisavailableforstudentswhocannotattendschoolforamedicalreasonevenwiththeaidoftransportation.APhysicianmustcertifythatthestudenthassuchamedicalconditionbutmaybenefitfrominstruction,andmustfilloutthemedicalhomeboundformthattheschooldistrictprovides.Theschooldistrictthendecideswhethertoapprovethestudentformedicalhomeboundservices.Theschooldistrictwillconsidertheseverityofthestudent’sillnessorinjury,thelengthoftimethatthestudentwillbeoutofschool,theimpactthatalongperiodawayfromschoolwillhaveonthestudent’sacademicsuccess,andwhetherthestudent’shealthneedscanbemetatschool
LeavingSchoolbeforeLastScheduledDay
Thestudentmustsubmitawrittenrequestfromparentstotheschooladministratorthreedaysbeforeleaving.
Studentsneedtobeclearedthroughtheadministrationbeforetheymakearrangementswiththeteachers.Atthistime,theywillreceiveacheckoutsheetandwrittenconfirmation.
Testsandfinalexamsarenottobegivenearly,unlessclearedthroughadministration.
Thegrademaybereducedifthestudentfailstobeinattendancetotakethefinalexam(thegradeisnotreducedbecauseoftheabsence,butbecauseofthestudent’sfailuretocompletethefinalexam).
Nostudentistobegivenanincompletegradethelasttermunlesscircumstancesaresouniquethatitcanbehandlednootherway.Thisappliestoallstudents,notjustthosewholeaveearly.
Disclosure(exceptfordirectoryinformation)
Theschooldistricthastherighttodisclosepersonallyidentifiableinformationfromtheeducationrecordsofastudenttoappropriatepartiesinconnectionwithanemergency,ifknowledgeoftheinformationisimmediatelynecessarytoprotectthehealthorsafetyofthestudentorotherindividuals.
Theschoolwillrequireawrittenrequestorconsentfromaparentoreligiblestudentforeachactofreleaseofinformation.Blanketauthorizationforreleaseofinformationisnotpermissible.Writtenrequestsorconsentwillincludethetypesofinformationtobereleased,thepurpose(s)forthedisclosure,thepartiesorclassofpartiestowhomthedisclosuremaybemade,thedatesignedandthesignatureoftheparentoreligiblestudent.
Thedistrictwillnotrequirepriorconsentfordisclosurewhenstateandfederalofficialsrequesttheinformationasauthorizedbystatutesorregulationsimplementingstatutes.
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TheFamilyEducationalRightsandPrivacyActOffice ParentsandeligiblestudentshavetherighttofilewrittencomplaintsconcerningallegedviolationsoftheFamilyEducationalRightsandPrivacyAct.Writtencomplaintsshouldbesenttothefollowingaddress:
TheFamilyEducationalRightsandPrivacyActOfficeDepartmentofEducation
330IndependenceAvenue,S.W.Washington,DC20201
Thisofficehastheresponsibilityforinvestigating,processing,andreviewingallegedviolations.Thisofficewillreferappropriatecasestoareviewboardforadjudication.
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Section II Academic Requirements
AwardsandHonors
HonorRoll
StudentswhoreceiveallA’sforanineweekgradingperiodwillbenamedtothe“Ahonorroll”forthegradingperiodinwhichallA’swerereceived.StudentswhoearnallA’sandB’sineveryclassforanineweekgradingperiodwillbenamedtothe“A-Bhonorroll”forthegradingperiodinwhichallA’s&B’swerereceived.Studentswiththehighestacademicaveragearerecognizedatanawardsceremony.
GradingScalefortheDistrict
A90-100
B80-89
C70-79
D60-69
FBelow60
Homework
Teachersassignhomeworktoprovidestudentsanopportunitytopracticeindependentlywhathasbeenpresentedinclass,toimprovethelearningprocesses,toaidinthemasteryofskillsandtocreateandstimulateinterest.Whateverthetask,theexperienceisintendedtobecomplimentarytotheclassroomprocess.Studentsareexpectedtocompleteallhomeworkassignments.Allhomeworkassignedwillbegivenfeedback.
ReportCards
Theschoolyearisdividedintofourgradingperiods.Thesetermslastfor45days.Duringtheyear,studentswillreceivefourreportcardsandfourinterimreports.Ifthereisagradeletterdropfromonenineweekstoanother,parentscanexpecttobenotified.
PROMOTIONANDRETENTIONPOLICY
ParentswillbenotifiedofpossibleretentionforstudentsinOctoberandMarchforsemestercoursesandinFebruaryforyearlycourses.Twoformalletterswillbesentfromtheteacherrequiringparentsignature.Itistheteacher’sresponsibilitytoensuresigneddocumentationarereturned
StudentEducationRecords
Theinformationcontainedbelowwillserveasthedistrict’sannualnoticetoparentsofminorsandeligiblestudents(if18orolder)oftheirrights,thelocationanddistrictofficialresponsibleforeducationrecords.ThedistrictwillalsoprovidenoticetoparentsofminorstudentswhohaveaprimaryorhomelanguageotherthanEnglish.
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GeneralProvisions
Astudent’s“educationrecords”arethoserecordsdirectlyrelatedtoastudentandmaintainedbytheschooldistrictorapartyactingfortheschooldistrict.
“Parent”referstoaparent,alegalguardian,apersonactingasaparent,asurrogateappointedinaccordancewithlawsregulatingprogramsfordisabledstudentsorastudentwhois18yearsofageorover,orastudentwhoisattendinganinstitutionofpost-secondaryeducationonafulltimebasis.
Wheneverastudentis18orisattendinganinstitutionofpost-secondaryeducation,therightsaccordedtoandtheconsentrequiredoftheparentofthestudentwillthereafteronlybeaccordedtoandrequiredoftheeligiblestudentunlesstheschooldistricthasreceivednoticethatacourthasawardedlegalguardianshipbeyondtheageofmajority.Theschoolwilldocumentsuchnotice.
Inmaintainingstudentrecords,theschoolswillfollowapplicablestateandfederalregulations.
ReleaseofSchoolRecords
FamilyEducationRightsandPrivacyActSection438oftheGeneralEducationActasamended
AccordingtotheFamilyEducationRightsandPrivacyAct,theparentoreligiblestudenthasarightto:1. Review,receiveaninterpretationof,andacopy(forafee)ofthestudent’seducationrecords.2. Requesttheamendmentofthestudent’seducationrecordstoensurethattheyarenotinaccurate,
misleading,orotherwiseinviolationofthestudent’sprivacyorotherrights.3. Consenttodisclosuresofpersonallyidentifiableinformationcontainedinthestudent’seducation
recordsexcepttotheextentthattheActandtheregulationsinthispartauthorizedisclosurewithoutconsent.
4. FilewiththeU.S.DepartmentofEducationacomplaintunder#99.64concerningallegedfailuresbytheagencyorinstitutiontocomplywithrequirementsoftheactandthepart.
5.Obtainacopyofthepolicyadoptedunder#99.64.
Thedistrictcannotreleaseschoolrecordstoanypersonoragency(employer,governmentagency,etc.)withoutthewrittenconsentofastudent’sparent.Ifthestudentis18yearsofage,he/shemaysignforthereleaseofhis/herrecords.
Thedistrictwillreleaseschoolrecords,withoutpriorwrittenconsentofparentoreligiblestudent,toofficialsofothereducationalinstitutionsinwhichthestudentseeksorintendstoenroll.Theschoolwillnotifythestudent’sparentofthetransferonlyifhe/shehasrequestedthisexceptiontothedistrict’spolicy.
ParentsandeligiblestudentshavetherighttofilewrittencomplaintsconcerningallegedviolationsoftheFamilyEducationalRightsandPrivacyAct.Writtencomplaintsshouldbesenttothefollowingaddress.
FamilyPolicyComplianceOfficeU.S.DepartmentofEducation400MarylandAvenue,S.W.Washington,DC20202-4605
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Section III Student Rights And Responsibilities
Policy JI
Theboardbelievesthatanimportantpartofeachstudent’seducationistherighttomakedecisionsandtheresponsibilitytoaccepttheresultsofthesechoices.Thefollowinghasbeenadoptedbytheboardwithrespecttostudent’srightsandresponsibilities.
Rights
• toattendschoolandclassesregularly
• totakepartinallschoolactivitiesonanequalbasisregardlessofrace,sex,color,religion,ornationalorigin
• toestablishandparticipateinstudentgovernmentactivities
• toaddresstheboardoftrusteesonthesametermsasanycitizen
• toexploreideasandfeelfreetoexpressvariouspointsofview
• tocreateschoolpublicationstoexpressopinionsandoffersuggestions
• toreceivecounselingoneducational,social,andothertypesofservices
Studentshavetherighttodueprocessofthelawwithrespecttosuspension,expulsion,andunreasonablesearchesandseizures.Theyalsohavetheprivilegeofappealingadministrativedecisionsthattheybelievehavedeprivedthemoftheirrights.
Responsibilities
• tomakethemostoftheopportunitiesofferedatschool
• tobeawareoftheschool’srulesandregulations
• tomakeconstructivecontributionstoschool
• toreportfairlythecircumstancesofschoolrelatedissues
• torespectothers’pointsofview
• torefrainfromlibelandobscenityandtoobservereasonablerulesforresponsiblejournalism
• tocontributetothemaintenanceofalearningenvironmentandtoshowduerespecttootherpersonsandproperty
Studentshavetherighttodueprocessofthelawwithrespecttosuspension,expulsion,andunreasonablesearchesandseizures.Theyalsohavetheprivilegeofappealingadministrativedecisionsthattheybelievehavedeprivedthemoftheirrights.
Thedistrictwillaccordallstudentsprivilegesandrightswithoutregardtorace,religion,sex,creed,disability,nationalorigin,orimmigrantstatusorEnglish-speakingstatus.
Adopted6/26/00;Revised8/30/04
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Purpose:Toestablishthebasicstructureformaintainingasafe,positiveenvironmentforstudentsandstaffthatisfreefromharassment,intimidationorbullying.
Theboardprohibitsactsofharassment,intimidationorbullyingofastudentbystudents,staffandthirdparties that interfere with or disrupt a student’s ability to learn and the school’s responsibility toeducateitsstudentsinasafeandorderlyenvironmentwhetherinaclassroom,onschoolpremises,onaschoolbusorotherschool-relatedvehicle,atanofficialschoolbusstop,ataschool-sponsoredactivityor eventwhether or not it is held on school premises, or at another programor functionwhere theschoolisresponsibleforthestudent.
For purposes of this policy, harassment, intimidation or bullying is defined as a gesture, electroniccommunication,orawritten,verbal,physicalorsexualact reasonablyperceivedtohavetheeffectofeitherofthefollowing:
• Harmingastudentphysicaloremotionallyordamagingastudent’sproperty,orplacingastudentinreasonablefearofpersonalharmorpropertydamage
• Insulting or demeaning a student or group of students causing substantial disruption in, orsubstantialinterferencewith,theorderlyoperationoftheschool
Anystudentwhofeelshe/shehasbeensubjectedtoharassment,intimidationorbullyingisencouragedtofileacomplaintinaccordancewithproceduresestablishedbythesuperintendent.Complaintswillbeinvestigated promptly, thoroughly and confidentially. All school employees are required to reportallegedviolationofthispolicytotheprincipalorhis/herdesignee. Reportsbystudentsoremployeesmaybemadeanonymously.
Thedistrictprohibits retaliationorreprisal inany formagainstastudentoremployeewhohas filedacomplaintorreportofharassment,intimidationorbullying.Thedistrictalsoprohibitsanypersonfromfalselyaccusinganotherasameansofharassment,intimidationorbullying.
The board expects students to conduct themselves in an orderly, courteous, dignified and respectfulmanner. Students and employees have a responsibility to know and respect the policies, rules andregulationsof theschoolanddistrict. Anystudentoremployeewho is foundtohaveengaged in theprohibited actions as outlined in this policywill be subject to disciplinary action, up to and includingexpulsion inthecaseofastudentorterminationinthecaseofanemployee. Individualsmayalsobereferred to law enforcement officials. The district will take all other appropriate steps to correct orrectifythesituation.
Students, parents/legal guardians, teachers and staffmembers should be aware that thedistrictmaytakedisciplinaryactionsforconductinitiatedand/orcreatedoff-campusinvolvingtheinappropriateuseoftheInternetorweb-basedresourcesifsuchconductposesathreatorsubstantiallyinterfereswithordisruptstheworkanddisciplineoftheschools,includingdisciplineforstudentharassmentandbullying.
Thesuperintendentwillberesponsible forensuringnoticeof thispolicy isprovidedtostudents,staff,parents/legal guardians, volunteers and members of the community including its applicability to allareasoftheschoolenvironmentasoutlinedinthispolicy.
Thesuperintendentwillalsoensurethataprocess isestablishedfordiscussingthedistrictpolicywithstudents.
Harassment, Intimidation, or Bullying Code JICFAA
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MCCORMICKCOUNTYSCHOOLDISTRICTRULESFORRIDINGTHESCHOOLBUS
Aschoolbusisnotaplayground.Thesamebehaviorexpectedintheclassroommustalsobemaintainedonthebus.Studentsmustcooperatewiththedriver.Belowaretherulesthatareexpectedtobefollowedbyallstudentstoensureasafetriponthebus.Failuretofollowtheserulescouldresultinbusprivilegesbeingdenied.• Studentswillbe atthe busstopwhen thebus arrives.The buswillwait for onlya shortperiod
oftimeiftheweatherisextremelycoldorrainy.• Studentswhocrosstheroadwhenloadingorunloadingthebusneedtocross infrontofthebus.
Theywillgetnoclosertothebusthantheextendedcrossinggate.• Students will move quickly and quietly, without crowding or pushing, when loading or
unloadingthebus.• Studentswillsitintheirassignedseatfacingforwardatalltimeswiththeirbelongings(bookbags,
books,gymbags,bandinstruments,etc.)intheirlaps.• Studentswillsitwiththeirlegsandfeetinsidetheseatarea,notintheaisles.• Studentswillstayintheirassignedseatuntilthebushasstoppedandthedriverhasopenedthe
door.• Studentswillalwaysbeseatedwhenthebusismoving.• Studentswillnotstickarmsorheadoutofwindow.• Studentswillnotwaveorshouttopeopleoutsidethebus.• NOsmoking,eatingand/ordrinkingonthebus.• Studentswillnotthrowobjectsonthebusoroutthebuswindow.• Studentswillberequiredtopayforanydamagetothebusseats.• Studentsarenevertotamperwithanyoftheemergencydoors.• Studentsareexpectedtoremainreasonablyquietonthebus.• NO TALKINGATRAILROADCROSSINGS!• Studentsarenottousefoullanguageand/orobscenegestures.• Studentsaretokeephandsandfeettothemselves.• Studentswhofightonthebusaresubjecttoarrestbylawenforcementofficers.• Studentsaretorespectandobeythedriver.
*Learnyourbusnumberanddriver’sname–bothmorningandafternoon.
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MCCORMICKCOUNTYSCHOOLDISTRICTGUIDELINESFORBUSMISCONDUCT
GRADES5-12FirstOffenseA warning will be given to the student and a copy of the bus misconduct form will be sent toparent(s)advisingthemofthemisconductandfortheirsignature.This formistobereturnedtotheschool. If the offense is of a nature, which, in the judgment of school officials, warrants asuspension from riding the school bus, up to five (5) days suspension may be given. This mayinclude such offenses as fighting, cursing, hitting or harassing other students or disrespect to thedriver.SecondOffenseThestudentwillbesuspended fromridingthebus foraperiodofno lessthantwo(2)days,butnotmore than five (5) days. Ifa student has already been suspended once, the suspensionwill be atleastthree(3)daysoruptoten(10)days.Acopyofthemisconductformwillbesenttotheparent(s)and a conference will be requested with the student, parent(s) and school official(s) before busprivileges may be restored. A phone conferencemaybeheld inplaceofapersonalconference ifcircumstancesnecessitate.ThirdOffenseThestudentwillbesuspendedfromridingthebus foraperiodofnot lessthanfive(5)days,butnotmorethanten(10)days.Attheendofthisperiod,anotherconferencewillberequestedadvisingthestudentandparent(s)thatfurthermisconductmayresultindenialofbusprivileges.FourthOffenseThestudentwillbesuspendedfromridingthebusforaperiodofnotlessthanten(10)days.Attheend of thisperiod, another conference will be requested to advise the student and parent(s) thatfurthermisconductmayresultindenialofbusprivilegesfortheremainderoftheschoolyear.FifthOffenseIf a student persists in uncontrollable conduct while riding a bus after the fourth offense, he/sheWILLbesuspendedoffthebusfortheremainderoftheschoolyear. Insuchcases,allcircumstanceswillbethoroughlyreviewedbyschoolofficialsbeforeactionistaken.Offensessuchasfighting,carryingweaponsorexplosivesonthebus,vandalism,throwingobjectsonthebus,openingemergencydoororwindowswhilebusisinmotion,andpersistinginuncontrollableconductmayresultinsuspensionfromridingthebusevenifastudenthasnothadawarning.Theactingadministratorwilldeterminetheperiodofsuspensionfromridingthebus.Anybusmisconductcouldresultnotonlyinsuspensionfromridingthebusbutalsosuspensionorexpulsionfromschool
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Section IV Health & Emergency Information
Communicable/InfectiousDiseases
Intheeventofaninfectiousdiseaseoutbreak,parentsmayreceiveinformationviatheschoolnurseat(864)443-2292,theschoolmessengerat(864)852-0055,thelocalEMSat(864)852-2811or911,theMcCormickCountyHealthDepartmentat(864)852-2511,orthroughthemedia.Thefollowingwebsitesofferadditionalinformation:http://www.pandemicflu.gov,http://www.redcross.org,http://www.mccormickcountyemergencyservices.org,andhttp://www.scdhec.gov/panflu
Thedistrictwillnotautomaticallyexcludestudentswithaseriouscommunicablediseasefromschoolattendance.Whenachildhasaphysicalconditionthatwouldinterferewithhis/herabilitytolearnorwouldexposeotherstudentstoinfection,thesuperintendent,afterconsultationwithappropriateauthorities,willmakethedecisionregardingattendance.
Stateregulationsrequirethatthesuperintendent,schoolnurseorotherhealthprofessionalthatreceivesnoticeofaminor’sHIVinfectionmustkeeptheinformationstrictlyconfidential.Theinformationshouldonlyberevealedtopublicschoolpersonnelwhohaveabonafideneedtoknow.Violationoftheconfidentialityrequirementsisaviolationofstatelaw.
ImmunizationsInordertoenrollinschool,astudentmustbefullyimmunizedagainstcertaindiseasesormustpresentacertificateorstatementthat,formedicalorreligiousreasons,thestudentshouldnotbeimmunized.Proofofimmunizationmaybepersonalrecordsfromalicensedphysicianorpublichealthclinic.TheschoolmayexcludeanystudentnotincompliancewithSouthCarolinastatutesandrulesrelatedtoimmunizationuntilsuchtimeashe/shehasmetimmunizationrequirements.
AdditionalHealthServicesTheLion’sCluboffersvisionandhearingscreeningsannuallytostudentsasrecommendedbytheschoolnurse.HealthPromotionsSpecialistoffersdentalservicesbyadentalhygienistforstudentswhoseparentssignfortheservices.TheMcCormickFamilyPracticeprovidesahealthcliniconcampustwohalf(1/2)daysaweekforstudentsandstaffinneedofmedicalassistance.Parentsmustgivepermissiontobeserved.
WhentoKeepYourChildatHomePleasekeepyourchildathomefromschoolifhe/shehasoneoftheconditionsorillnesseslistedbelow.Calltheschooltoletthemknowwhyyourchildisabsent.ChickenPox/Varicella-Childrenwithchickenpoxmayreturntoschoolwithaparentnoteonceallblistersaredried/scabbedover.Diarrhea–Keepyourchildathomeifhe/shehashadthreeormoreloosestoolsin24hoursorstoolswithbloodormucus,unlessyourchildisknowntohavediarrheaforanon-contagiouscondition.Yourchildmayreturntoschoolwithaparentnotewhenthediarrheahasstopped.Fever–Keepyourchildhomeforfeverof101degreesorhigherbymouth,100degreesorhigheriftakenunderthearm.Yourchildcanreturntoschoolwithaparentnotewhenthefeverisgone.FeverwithRashorBehaviorChange–Takeyourchildtoadoctororclinicforafeverifshe/healsohasa
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rashorchangeinbehavior.Amedicalnoteisrequiredtoreturntoschool.GermanMeasles/Rubella/3-Day-Measles–Keepyourchildoutofschooluntilsevendaysafterthestartoftherash.Amedicalnoteisrequiredtoreturntoschool.HeadLice–Childrenwithheadliceshouldbesenthomeattheendoftheschoolday.Theycanreturnwithaparentnoteaftertheirfirsttreatmentwithaschool-approvedliceremovalproduct.HepatitisA/YellowJaundice–Keepchildrenwithhepatitisoutofschooluntilsevendaysafterthestartofthejaundice.Amedicalnoteisrequiredtoreturntoschool.Impetigo–Ifyourchildhashoney-coloredcrustysoresthatcannotbecovered,he/sheshouldremainoutofschooluntil24hoursafterstartingtreatment.Yourchildmayreturntoschoolwithaparentnote.Measles/RedMeasles/10-Day-Measles–Childrenwithmeaslescanreturntoschoolwithamedicalnotefourdaysaftertherashbegins,iftheyfeelwellenoughtoparticipateinschoolactivities.Mumps–Childrenwithmumpscanreturntoschoolwithamedicalnoteninedaysafterthebeginningoftheswelling.Pink-Eye/Conjunctivitis–Childrenwhoseeyesareredorpink,andwhohaveeyepainandreddenedeyelids,andwhiteoryelloweyedischargeoreyelidsmattedaftersleepmayhavePurulentConjunctivitis.Theyshouldnotbeinschooluntiltheyhavebeenexaminedandtreated.Amedicalnoteisrequiredtoreturntoschool.Childrenwithpinkeyeswhohaveacleardrainageandnofever,eyepainoreyelidrednessdonothavetobekeptoutofschool.Rash–Takeyourchildtoadoctorifshe/hehasarashwithfeverorbehaviorchange.Amedicalnoteisrequiredtoreturntoschool.Ringworm–Childrenwithringwormofthescalpmustremainoutofschooluntiltheyhavebeguntreatmentwithaprescriptionoralantifungalmedication.Itisrecommendedthatyourchilduseseleniumsulfideshampootohelpdecreasethespreadofringworminfection.Yourchildmayreturntoschoolwithamedicalnote.Childrenwithringwormofthebodymayreturntoschoolwithaparentnoteoncetheyhavebegunoralortopicalantifungaltreatmentoriftheaffectedareacanbecoveredbyclothing.TheremaybeadditionalrestrictionsforchildrenparticipatinginPEandsportsactivities.Scabies–Childrenwithscabiesshouldbeoutofschooluntiltreatment/medicationhasbeenapplied.Amedicalnoteisrequiredtoreturntoschool.Shingles–Keepchildrenhomewhohaveshingleslesions/sores/blistersthatcannotbecovered.Yourchildmayreturntoschoolwithaparentnote.StrepThroat/StreptococcalPharyngitis–Yourchildwith“strepthroat”canreturntoschoolwithamedicalnote24hoursafterstartingantibiotictreatmentifshe/hehasnofever.WhoopingCough/Pertussis–Childrenwithwhoppingcoughcanreturntoschoolwithamedicalnoteaftercompletingfivedaysofappropriateantibiotics.
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ServicesAvailabletoStudentswithSpecialHealthCareNeeds
ParentNotice(IHPs,504,IDEA,Homebound):RequiredByS.C.CodeAnn.Section59-63-90(Supp.2005)
Manyhealthcareservicescanbeprovidedforstudentstokeepthematschoolwheretheycanlearnandparticipatewithotherstudents.Ourgoalistoprovideinformationtoparentsandlegalguardiansaboutsomeoftheservicesandprogramsavailableforaddressingthehealthcareneedsofstudentsduringtheschooldaytohelpstudentssucceedinschool.Itisimportantthatthenecessaryhealthcareinformationissharedwiththeappropriatepeople—suchasteachersondutyduringrecess,busdrivers,andcafeteriaemployees—tomakesurethatthestudents’needsaremetthroughouttheschoolday.
IndividualHealthCarePlansorIndividualHealthPlans(IHPs)
IndividualhealthcareplansarealsocalledindividualhealthplansorIHPs.SchoolnurseswhoareregisterednurseswriteIHPstoguidehowastudent’shealthcareneedswillbemetwhileatschool.Thenurseworkswiththestudent,thestudent’sparentsorlegalguardians,thestudent’shealthcareprovider,andotherschoolstafftowritetheplan.IHPsarewrittenforstudentswhohavespecialhealthcareneedsthatmustbemetbyschoolstaffduringtheschoolday.IHPsarealsowrittenforstudentswhohavebeenapprovedbytheschooldistricttoself-medicateorself-monitor.TolearnmoreaboutIHPs,talkwithyourchild’sschoolnurse.
Medicine at School
ImportantInformationaboutMedicationsintheSchoolSetting
1. Whenpossible,medicationsshouldbegivenbeforeorafterschoolbytheparent/guardian.
2. InitialdosesofmedicationthatachildhasnevertakenbeforeshouldNOTbegivenatschool.
3. AwrittenprescriptionisREQUIREDformedications,INCLUDINGOVER-THE-COUNTERMEDICATIONS,tobegiveninourschools.The“PermissionforSchoolAdministrationofMedication”form,whensignedbyanauthorizedprescriber,mayserveasthewrittenprescription.Stampedsignatureswillnotbeaccepted.
4. Aparent’s’/guardian’swrittenconsentisalsorequired.Stampedsignatureswillnotbeaccepted.
5. Aseparateformmustbecompletedforeachmedication.
6. Spaceformedicationstorageintheschoolsettingislimited;thereforetotheextentpossiblemedicationquantitiestobestoredatschoolshouldbelimited.
a. Controlledsubstancesmustbelimitedtonomorethana31-daysupply.
b. Ifitisnecessarytostoreanover-the-countermedicationatschool,smallcontainersofthemedicationshouldbepurchasedandprovidedtotheschool.
7. Prescriptionsormedicalordersforover-the-countermedication:
a. shouldbeforspecificconditionsthatachildisknowntoexperience(e.g.menstrualcramps,headachenotduetoinjury,painduetosicklecell),
b. shouldbeamedicationthattheprescribinghealthcarepractitionerhasdeemedappropriatebasedonthechild’smedicalhistory,and
c. shouldlistthegenericnameofthemedicationifuseofagenericproductispermitted.
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8. Prescriptionsormedicalordersmustberenewed,ataminimum,atthebeginningofeachschoolyear.
9. Schoolsmaydeclinetoadministercertainmedicationsifdeemedinappropriatefortheschoolsetting.Inthatevent,theparentandthehealthcarepractitionerwillbenotified.
10. Medicationstoreduceafever,definedasabodytemperatureelevation,willonlybeadministeredatschoolwhenprescribedaspartofanemergencyresponseforstudentswithcertainchronichealthconditions.
11. Medicationsthatmakestudentsdrowsyandunabletoparticipateineducationalactivitiesmaynotbeappropriateforschooladministration.
12. Aresponsibleadultshoulddeliverthemedicineandpermissionformtotheschool.Themedicinemustbeintheoriginalpharmacylabeledcontaineror,inthecaseofover-the-countermedications,inthemanufacturer’scontainerwiththemanufacturer’slabelintact.Parents/guardiansshouldattachalabelwiththestudent’snametoover-the-countermedications;thenamelabelmustnotcoverthemedicationmanufacturer’slabel.
AdditionalNotesonMedicationatSchool
1. StudentsareNEVERallowedtohavemedications,prescribedorover-the-counter,including,butnotlimitedto,ontheirperson,bookbag,lockerorvehiclewhileonschoolgrounds.
2. StudentsareNOTallowedtotransportmedications,prescribedorover-the-counter.ONLYparents,guardiansoraresponsibledesigneeareallowedtobringmedicationstoschool.
3. Thisincludes,butisnotlimitedtoaspirin,Tylenol,allergymedications,inhaler.
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Emergency Drills FireDrillsSchoolswillconductfiredrillsatleastonceeachmonthwithoutnotice.Thestaffwillfullycooperatetocarryoutthislegalrequirementandwilltrainstudentsinpromptandorderlyevacuation.TornadoDrillsandOtherNaturalDisastersThedistrictwilldevelopaplantoprovidefortheprotectionofstudentsintheeventofanydisasterthatmaythreatentheschoolcommunity.Eachschoolwillconductatleastoneemergencydrillwithinthefirstmonthofschooltoensuresafetyagainstsuchdisasters.EmergencySchoolClosingInformationIncaseofhazardousoremergencyconditions,thesuperintendentmayalterdistrictandtransportationschedulesasareappropriatetotheparticularcondition.Suchalterationsincludeclosureofallschools,closureofselectedschoolsorgradelevels,delayedopeningsofschoolsandearlydismissalofstudents.InclementWeather
PlanA:Closed
PlanB:Students,TeachersandStaffoperateonatwo-hourdelayfromnormalreportingtime*
PlanC:Studentstwo-hourdelay,teachersandstafffollowregularschedule
*TwohourdelayforFacultyandStaffmeanstwohourslaterthanyouwouldnormallyarrive,forexample:Ifyourregularreporttimeis7:30a.m.youwouldarriveat9:30a.m.
RadioandTelevisionStationsthatwouldannounceourschoolclosingsareasfollows:
RadioStations: TVStations
WBBQ104.3FM WJBFChannel6
WJMZ107.3FM WSPAChannel7
WPRW107.7FM WRDWChannel12
WKSP96.3FM WAGTChannel26
WSCZ96.7FM WYFFChannel4
WWISChannel10
Thedistrictschoolmessengersystemwillcallandthedistrictwebsitewww.mccormick.k12.sc.uswillalsoannouncetheschoolclosinganddelayinformation.
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Section V
Student Expectations And Conduct AUTHORITYOFTHEBOARDOFTRUSTEES
TheMcCormickSchoolDistrictBoardofTrusteesmayauthorizeorordertheexpulsion,suspension,ortransferofanystudentforacommissionofanycrime,grossimmorality,grossmisbehavior,persistentdisobedience,orforviolationofwrittenrulesandregulationsestablishedbytheboardoftrusteesorstateboardofeducation.Theboardmayalsoauthorizeorordertheexpulsion,suspension,ortransferofanystudentwhenthepresenceofthestudentisdetrimentaltothebestinterestoftheschool.WhenastudentcommitsanoffensethatisalsoaviolationoftheSouthCarolinaCodeofLaws,theappropriatelawenforcementauthoritieswillbenotified(59-63-210;59-63-240CodeofLawsofS.C.,1976).
ADMINISTRATIVEDISCRETION
TheMcCormickSchoolDistrictStudentDisciplineCodeisnotexhaustive,andtheadministrationmaytakeotherappropriatedisciplinaryactionwhennecessary.Administratorsarealsogiventheauthoritytodealwithbehaviorsnotcoveredbythecode.
PARENTALRESPONSIBILITY
Althoughtheboardoftrusteeshasestablishedadisciplinecode,studentsareexpectedtocometoschoolwithacertainstandardofbehavior.Standardssuchasfollowingandobeyingrules,beingrespectfultoothersandtheirproperty,andtakingresponsibilityforhisorherownbehaviorshouldbeaddressedathome.
DECISIONPROCESS
Thebuildingadministratorswillmakedecisionsregardingdisciplineinfractionsafterconsideringallfactsandcircumstancesofaparticularmatter.Ifastudentreceivesin-schoolsuspension(ISS)orout-of-schoolsuspension(OSS),aparentwillbenotifiedandanadministrativeconferencemayberequired.
In-SchoolSuspension: TheassignmentofstudentstoIn-SchoolSuspensions(ISS)isreservedfortheadministration.
Thedurationofastudent’stimeinISSisdeterminedbythereferringadministrator.ThereisnotaminimumamountoftimethatastudentmayserveISS,howeverifastudentisassignedISSonnumerousoccasions,anotherconsequencewillresulttobetterassistindeterringinappropriateconduct.Studentswilltakepartinaninterventionconferencepriortoreturningtotheirregularclasses.
Out-of-SchoolSuspension:TheadministrationhastheauthoritytoissuestudentsOutofSchoolSuspension(OSS).StudentsareissuedOSSforanexcessiveamountofleveloneinfractionsorleveltwoand/orlevelthreeinfractions.TheamountofOSStimeimposediscontingentupontheseverityoftheinfractionand/orthedisciplinaryhistoryofastudent.
REFERRALTOALTERNATIVESCHOOLTheadministrationreservestheauthoritytorecommendstudentstoanalternativesetting.
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UseofMetalDetectors
MCSDSchoolsareauthorizedtheusehand-heldorwalk-throughmetaldetectorstocheckastudent’spersonorpersonaleffectsasfollows:1. Schoolofficialsmayconductmetaldetectorchecksofgroupsof individuals if thechecksare
doneinaminimallyintrusive,non-discriminatorymanner(e.g.,onallstudentsinarandomlyselectedclass;oneverythirdindividualenteringanathleticevent).Metaldetectorchecksofgroups of individuals may not be used to single out a particular individual or category ofindividuals.
2. Ifaschoolofficialhasreasonablesuspiciontobelievethataparticularstudentisinpossessionof an illegal or unauthorizedmetal-containing object or weapon, he or shemay conduct ametaldetectorcheckofthestudent’spersonandpersonaleffectsinaccordancewithprecisewritteninstructionsonsearchprocedures.
3. Astudent’sfailuretopermitametaldetectorcheckasprovidedinthispolicywouldbeconsideredgroundsfordisciplinaryactionincludingpossiblesuspension.
SearchandSeizurePolicy
PolicyJIHStudentInterrogations,SearchesandArrest
StudentsareentitledtotheguaranteesoftheFourthAmendment,andtheyaresubjecttoreasonablesearchesandseizures.Schoolofficialsareempoweredtoconductreasonablesearchesofaparticularstudentandschoolpropertywhenthereisareasonablesuspiciontobelievethatthestudentmaybeinpossessionofdrugs,weapons,alcohol,orothermaterialsinviolationofschoolpolicyorstatelaw.SchoolPropertyStudentlockers,desks,andothersuchpropertyareownedbytheMcCormickCountySchoolDistrict.Theschoolexercisesexclusivecontroloverschoolpropertyandastudentshouldhavenoexpectationofprivacyregardingitemsplacedinschoolpropertywhichissubjecttosearchatanytimebyschoolofficials.Dogstrainedtodiscoverdrugsorothercontrabandmaybeusedtosniffobjectssuchasbags,lockersorautomobiles,withoutindividualsuspicion. ThePersonAccordingtotheUnitedStatesSupremeCourtdecisionofNewJerseyv.T.L.O.,astudentmaybesearchediftherearereasonablegroundsforsuspectingthatthesearchwillturnupevidencethatthestudenthasviolatedeitherthelawortherulesoftheschool.Aparticularstudent’seffectsalsoaresubjecttobeingsearchedbyschoolofficialsandaresubjecttothesamerule.Effectsmayincludeautomobileslocatedonschoolproperty.
AdministrativeSearchesSearchesofgroupsofstudentsandtheireffectsaredesignedtopreventtheoccurrenceofadangerousevent(i.e.,aweapononschoolgrounds)andtopreserveanatmosphereconducivetoeducation.Suchasearchispermissibleaslongastheproceduresarereasonableandnotoverlyintrusive.Theadministrativesearchmustbedirectedtowardsawholegroupbasedonrandomformulaandconductedaccordingtoastructuredprotocol.Examplesofsuchadministrativesearchesare1)allstudentspassingthroughastandingmetaldetectortoenterschoolproperty,2)randomlyselectedstudentspassingthroughstandingmetaldetectorsuponenteringschoolproperty,3)randomlyconductedclassroomsearchesofstudentsandtheireffectsbyhand-heldmetaldetectors.Thescopeofthesearchmustbe‘reasonablyrelatedtotheobjectivesofthesearchandnotexcessivelyintrusiveinthelightoftheageandsexofthestudentandthenatureoftheinfraction.
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StudentDressCodePolicy Educationrequiresanorderly,structured,andproductiveenvironment.Appropriatestudentdresscontributestoaproductiveeducationalenvironment.Inappropriatestudentdresscanbedisruptivetotheeducationalprocess.Ourschoolhastheresponsibilityandtherighttomakedecisionsregardingstudentattire.Studentsmaynotbepermittedtoattendclassesuntilattirethatisdeemedinappropriatebytheschoolpersonneliscorrectedtomeetschoolpolicy.Tosomedegree,commonsenseanddecencywillbeafactorindeterminingwhatisconsideredappropriateattire.StudentsshouldbeawarethatinappropriatedressisaviolationoftheCodeofStudentConductofMcCormickCountyPublicSchools.Dresscodeincludes,butisnotlimitedtothefollowing:
1. Shoes:Studentsmustwearshoesatalltimes(NObedroomshoes,houseshoes,orflipflopsallowed).Lace-upshoesmustbeproperlytied.Allshoesmusthaveeitheranenclosedbackorastraparoundthebackoftheankle.Anexceptionwillbemadeifaphysicianprescribestheshoesandsendsastatementtotheadministrationverifyingalegitimateneedforthestudenttowearspecialshoesinorderforthestudenttobeabletoattendschool
2. Hats:Studentsarenotpermittedtowearordisplayhats,caps,headbands,sweatbands,bandanas,do-rags,oranyheadcoveringsatschool.Ifanyoftheseitemsareworntoschool,thenthestudentistoplacetheiteminhis/herlockerbeforegoingtoclass.Suchattireshouldremaininthelockeruntilafterschool.Failuretofollowtheseinstructionsmayresultintheitemsbeingconfiscatedbyaschoolemployee.
3. AppropriateCovering:Studentsaretowearclothingthatappropriatelycoverstheirbody.
Clothingshouldfullycoverthetorsofromnecktothreeinchesabovethekneeinsuchawaythatthemidriffisfullycoveredandnocleavageandnoundergarmentsareexposed.
4. Shirts/Shorts:Allshorts,skirts,anddressescanbenoshorterthan3inchesabovetheknee
whenstandingupright.Thisincludeshi-lowhemdresses(longerinback,shorterinfront).
5. Straps/TankTops:Allshirtsneedtohavesleeves/strapsthatareatleast3incheswide.
6. NoSagging:Pantsaretobewornatorabovethewaistline.Studentsarenotpermittedtowear"sagging"pantsatschool.
7. BeltsRequired:Abeltmustbewornwithallslacksandjeans(withbeltloops).
8. Jeggings/Tights:StudentsmaynotweartightfittingclothingsuchasLycra/spandexpants,skirts,
shorts,ortopsiftheclothingisnotcoveredbyattirethatconformstotheschooldresscode.(refertonumber4)
9. NoHolesinPants:Studentsmaynotwearanypants,includingjeans,slacks,orsweatpants,
withrips,tears,orholes,evenwithtightsorothergarmentsunderthem.Allrips,tears,andholesmustbeproperlypatchedand/orsewnclosed.
10. NoSunglasses:Studentsmaynotwearsunglassesatschool.Anexceptionwillbemadeifa
physicianprescribesthesunglassesandsendsastatementtotheadministrationverifyingalegitimateneedforthestudenttowearsunglassesinorderforthestudenttobeabletoattendschool.
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11. OffensiveClothing:Studentsmaynotwearordisplayclothing,jewelry,oranyotheritemthatcontainswords,phrases,pictures,and/orsymbolsconsideredtobedisrespectful,offensive,abusive,obscene,profane,orotherwisedisruptiveand/ornon-conducivetotheeducationalenvironment.
12. IllegalPromotion:Studentsmaynotwearordisplayclothing,jewelry,oranyotheritemthatpromotesillegalactivitiesorbehaviorcontrarytoschool,district,civil,state,orfederalpolicies,rules,regulations,statutes,and/orlaws.
13. AppropriateJewelry:StudentsmaynotwearANYspikedjewelry,includingbracelets,watches,
necklaces,collars,rings,orearrings
ExamplesofInappropriateClothing:
1. Shortskirtsandshorts-SkirtsandShortscannotbeshorterthan3inches(IDlength)abovethekneestandingupright
2. Leggings,jeggings,opaquetights,andtightworkoutclothingarenotconsideredappropriatepants
3. Pantswithholeswithoutsewnpatches
4. Pajamasorpajama-stylepants
5. See-throughgarments,tanktops,low-cutblousesorshirts(frontorback),topswithspaghettistraps,topswithoutappropriateshoulderstraps
6. Clothingwhichexposesundergarmentsorthemidriffwhenthearmsareraised
7. Clothingwhichexpressesorimpliesprofaneorobscenelanguage
8. Clothingwhichdepictsalcoholicbeverages,drugs,andtobaccoproducts
9. Anyitemthat“migrates”onitsown,orthathastobepulledup,tuggeddown,stretched,or
otherwiseadjustedinordertocoverthebody.
10. Slacksorjeanswithoutabelt.
11. Jewelrywithspikes,includingbracelets,necklaces,rings,andearrings.
ConsequencesforDressCodeViolationare,butarenotlimitedto:
1. AdministrativeConference/CalltoParent/Guardianand2. ISSuntilthedresscodeissueisrectifiedor3. OSSforHabitualOffendersor4. ReferraltoREALAcademy
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RulesRegardingCellPhones/PagingDevices/OtherCommunicationDevices
PolicyJICJIssued6/09Purpose:Toestablishthebasicstructureforstudentpossession/useofcommunicationdevicesinschool.
1. Cellulartelephones,pagingdevicesandothercommunicationdevicesarenottobeusedorvisibleintheschoolbuildingduringtheregular,academicschoolday. Communicationsdevicesshouldnotbevisibleduringtheschoolday.Thisincludesbutnotlimitedtohangingoutofapocket,checkingtimeonthedevice,takingpictures,showingpictures.CommunicationsdevicesmustbeturnedOFF.Settingthecommunicationdeviceonvibrateisconsideredaviolationofthispolicy.
2. Cellulartelephones,pagingdevicesandothercommunicationdevicesAREallowedafterschoolduringextracurricularactivitiesandonschoolbusestransportingstudentstoandfromextracurricularactivities.However,thereareexceptions.(E.g.Ifthebusdriverdoesnotallowcommunicationdevicesonthebus,thedevicemaynotbeused).
3. Theschoolprincipalreservestherighttofurtherlimitand/orconfiscatethesedevicesiftheuseofthesedevicesiscausingadisruptiontotheschool.
Violationsofthepolicyincludes,butarenotlimitedto:
1. Firstoffense–confiscatedeviceandreturnofthedevice.2. Secondoffense-confiscatedeviceandretainuntilparentretrievesfromadministration.3. Thirdoffense-confiscatedeviceandretainuntiltheendoftheschoolyear.4. Anycellphonepicturetakingortextmessagingthatresultsinstudentscheatingorwhichcauses
majordisruptionswillresultinthedevicebeingconfiscateduntilthelastdayoftheschoolyearandadditionaldisciplineattheprincipal'sdiscretion.
PleaseNote:Althoughthedistrictwilltakeappropriatestepstosafeguardallcellulartelephonesandpagingdevicesthatareconfiscated,thedistrictwillnotberesponsibleforlost,stolenordamageddevices.Rules Regarding Radios, IPODS, Headsets, Ear Buds, Laser Pointers and any other Non-educational Electronic Device Radios,IPODS,headsets,earbuds,laserpointersandanyotherelectronicdeviceswillnotbeallowedintheschool.Studentsarenottohaveheadsetsontheirheadsoraroundtheirnecks.Studentswhoareallowed to listen to electronic deviceswhile traveling to school on the bus (at individual bus driver'sprerogative)orwhoarepartofanathleticteamandwillbetravelingtoanawaysiteforagameshouldplacethesedevices insidebackpacksandoutofsightbeforeenteringthebuilding. Laserpointerswillnot be allowed on school buses or in the school building and will be confiscated and held for anindefiniteperiodoftime.
PleaseNote:Shouldanyoftheaboveitems,whicharebroughttoschool,becomelostorstolen,schoolpersonnelwillNOTbeabletoinvestigateorsearchfortheseitems,whichaccordingtoschoolrulesshouldnotbeatschool.
Studentsmayonlyuseearbuds/earphoneforacademicpurposeswhengivenpermissionbytheteacher.
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IntegrityAnystudentwhoengages,orattemptstoengage,inplagiarismorfalsificationshallbesubjecttodisciplinaryaction.Thefollowingactionsarespecificallyprohibited:
1. Cheating:Cheatingincludestheactualgivingorreceivingofanyunauthorizedaidorassistance,ortheactualgivingorreceivingofunfairadvantageofanyformofacademicwork.
2. Plagiarism:Plagiarismincludesthecopyingoflanguagestructure,idea,and/orthoughtofanotherandrepresentingitasone’sownoriginalwork.
3. Falsification:Falsificationincludestheverbalorwrittenstatementofanyuntruth.Violationsmayresultinoneormoreofthefollowingdisciplinarymeasures:
1. AdministrativeConference/ParentGuardianConferenceand/or2.In-SchoolSuspensionand/or3.Suspensionfromschoolandbasedondecision4.Zeroonallworkinvolved5.ReferraltoREALAcademy
ConductinCafeteria Thefollowingruleswillgoverntheconductofthestudentswhileinthecafeteria.Lunchperiodsareshort,andeveryoneshouldbeonhisorherbestbehavior.Allstudentsshallreporttothecafeteriaorcommonsareaduringlunch.1.Nooneshouldbreakinline.2.Astudentshouldnotthrowfoodordrink.3.Studentsarenottotalkloudorboisterously.4.Studentsshouldnotleavetrays,food,orotherobjectsonthetable,inthechairs,oronthefloor.5.Breakfastandlunchmustbeeateninthecafeteria/commons.Violationoftheaboverulesmayresultinoneormoreofthefollowingdisciplinarymeasures:1.Conference-teacherondutyand/or2.Senttothebackofthelineand/or3.Cleancafeteriaand/or4.In-SchoolSuspension5.Suspensionfromschool
ConductinHalls Thefollowingruleswillapplytostudentconductinthehallsandcorridors:1. Publicdisplayofaffection(PDA)isprohibited.2. Ordermustbemaintainedinthehallsandcorridors.Therefore,loiteringinthehalls,blocking
hallways,andunsatisfactorybehaviorwillnotbetolerated.3.Hallpassesarerequiredtobeinthehall.Specifically,studentsshall:
• Movedirectlytoclass• Avoidclusteringingroupsthatimpedetrafficflow• Avoidstandinginornearhallentrances,heavytrafficareasandmediacenterarea
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• WALKontheRIGHTSIDEofthehall.• Norunning,pushing,orhorseplayingshallbeallowed.• Whenastudentisinthehallwayduringclass,DONOTDISTURBotherclasses.Disturbingother
classes include, but is not limited to, looking in classroomwindows, waving at students in aclassroom,singingortalkingloudlyinthehallways.
Failuretocomplywiththeserulesmayresultinoneormoreofthefollowingdisciplinaryactions:(notnecessarilyinthisorder)1.AdministrativeConference/Parent/GuardianConferenceand/or 2.In-SchoolSuspensionor3.Suspensionfromschooland/or4.ReferraltoREALAcademy
ConductDuringSchoolAssemblies SchoolassembliesprovideopportunitiesfortheMMSfamilytocometogethertolistentomotivationalspeakers,toacknowledgeaccomplishments,gainknowledgeandsometimesjusthaveagoodtimetogether.ManytimesparentsandotherguestareinvitedtoattendMMSassemblies.Therefore,studentsareexpectedtobeontheirbestbehavior.Thefollowingruleswillgoverntheconductofthestudentswhileentering,leavingandduringassemblies:
• Studentsaretowalkquietlytotheassemblywiththeirteacher.• Afterarriving,exceptforpeprallies,studentsareexpectedtositwiththeirclass.• Followteacherdirectivesastowhereyouaretosit.• Studentsaretositupstraight.Avoidleaningoneachother/layingonbleachersorputtingheads
down• Nopublicdisplayofaffection.(PDA)• Studentsarenottotalkwhenothersarespeaking.• Unlessinviteddownfromthestands,studentsarenottocomeontothegymfloor.
Violationoftheaboveruleswillresultinoneormoreofthefollowingdisciplinarymeasures:1.Conference–administrator/teacheronduty 2.Removalfromtheassemblyand/or3.In-SchoolSuspensionor 4.Suspensionfromschool
MorningProcedures
1. Studentsmayenterthebuildingat7:30A.M.2. Allstudentsmustreporttothegymnasiumuponenteringthebuilding.Studentsarenot
allowedtolingerinthehallways.3. FREEBreakfastwillbeservedtoallstudentsfrom7:45am–8:15am.4. Studentswillremaininthecafeteriaandleavewiththeirhomeroom/firstblockteacher.5. Allstudentsshouldarrivetoschoolbefore8:00am.Anystudentarrivingafter8:00amwillbe
consideredtardy.
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Food Regulations No food items are to be consumed in the academic area or hallways except at the individual teachers’ discretion. No open containers of food or drink may be carried beyond the cafeteria/commons area. Students may bring lunches from home.
1. No food items are to be delivered during the school day. (Staff will refuse to receive food items during the school day)
2. No food items can be brought from home and sold or given to other students.
Violations may result in one or all of the following: 1. Parent/GuardianConference 2. AdministrativeConference 3. In-SchoolSuspension 4. Out-of-SchoolSuspension 5. ReferraltoREALAcademy
Forfurtherinformationaboutschoolmealsgoto:http://www.fns.usda.gov/
Non-InstructionalItems Non-essential,non-educationalitemsarenotallowedatschoolduringtheregularschoolhours.Studentsarenotallowedtobringthefollowing:Toinclude,butnotlimitedtoballoons,balls,flowers,stuffedanimals,blankets,cameras,playingcards,andelectronicgames.
• Musicalinstrumentsarenotallowedinnon-musicclasses.Instrumentsshouldbestoredinthebandroom.
• AthleticequipmentshouldbeplacedintheAthleticOffice.AthleticEquipmentisnotallowedinclassrooms.
• (ExceptiontothisruleisValentine’sDayDeliveries).Thefrontofficewillallowdeliveries,butstudentswillnotbeallowedtopickupthedeliveriesuntilaftertheschooldayiscomplete.
Possibleconsequencesforviolation:
1. Confiscateitems2. AdministrativeConference3. ISSor4. OSSand/or5. ReferraltoREALAcademy
PleaseNote:
• Shouldanyoftheaboveitems,whicharebroughttoschool,becomelostorstolen,schoolpersonnelwillNOTinvestigateorsearchfortheseitems,whichaccordingtoschoolrulesshouldnotbeatschool.
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StudentIdentificationBadges McCormickMiddleSchoolwantstomakeeveryefforttoensurestudentsafety.StaffandvisitorsarerequiredtowearIDbadges.StudentsaretoweartheirIDbadgeatalltimesduringschoolhours.Purpose:
1. Tomaintainthesecurityoftheschoolanditsoccupants;2. Tomonitorunauthorizedentry/visitation;3. Toprotectthefaculty,staffandstudents;and4. Toprovideaccuratepictureidentification.
IfastudentforgetstheirID:
1. AnassignedstaffmemberwillissuethestudentatemporaryID.2. TemporaryID’smaybepurchasedfor$1eachday.ThestudentmustwearthetemporaryID
duringtheentireschoolday.3. Ifthestudentdoesnothave$1.00,theamountwillbeaddedtothestudent’sdebt.4. AfterthepurchaseoffivetemporaryID’s,thestudentwillbeissuedanewIDatanadditional
costof$5.5. Ifastudentloses/defaces/damagestheirIDthereplacementcostis$5.00foreachincident.
IfastudentrefusestoweartheirID,oneormoreofthefollowingviolationsmayapply:
1stoffense-warning,parentcontactand/or2ndoffense-1periodofISSandparentcontactand/or3rdoffense–fulldayOSSandparentcontactand/or4thoffense-fulldayOSSandparentcontact5thandsubsequentoffense-administratordecision
DamagedorLostTextbooks
Ifastudentlosesordamagesatextbookbelongingtothestateordistrict,thestudentmustpayareplacementfeebasedonthepriceofthetextbook.Thedistrictdoesnotissueanewbookuntilthestudentpaysforthedamagedorlostbook.Studentswithoutstandingtextbookfeesmaynotreceivereportcards.
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RELEASEOFSTUDENTSFROMSCHOOL/EARLYRELEASENostaffmemberwillexcuseanypupilfromschoolpriortotheendoftheschooldayorintoanyperson’scustodywithoutthedirectandpriorknowledgeofthebuildingprincipal,principal’sdesigneeand/orattendanceclerk.Theprincipalorprincipal’sdesigneewillauthorizeearlydismissalwiththefollowingguidelines:
• Theparent/guardianmustrequestallnon-emergencyearlydismissalsinwritingorinpersonpriortothetimeoftherequesteddismissal.
• Studentswillnotbereleasedtoanyoneotherthanthecustodialparentorguardianunlesstheperson(s)islistedonthestudent’sregistrationformintheEmergencyContactInformationSection.
• Phonecallswillnotbeaccepted.• Allstudentsmustsignoutinthefrontoffice. • Studentswillnotbereleasedafter2:45p.m.
StudentconductawayfromschoolgroundsorschoolactivitiesTheboardexpectsadministratorstotakeappropriateactionwheninformationbecomesavailableaboutstudent misconduct away from school grounds or school activities that may have a direct anddetrimentaleffecton,orseriouslythreatensthediscipline,educationalenvironment,safetyorgeneralwelfareof students, faculty, staff and/or administrators of thedistrict.Whenassessing the impact ofout-of-schoolbehavior,theadministratorshouldtakeintoconsiderationtheseriousnessoftheallegedout-of-schooloffenseandtheprotectionofstudents,faculty,staffandadministratorsfromtheeffectsofviolence,drugs,weaponsand/ordisruptions.Administrators are directed to evaluate each situation on a case-by-case basis. At a minimum,administrators,ortheirdesignees,shouldmeetwiththestudentuponhis/herarrivalatschool,givethestudentnoticeoftheconcernsbasedonthereportedout-of-schoolbehavior,andallowthestudent(s)an opportunity to present his/her side of the story. Based upon all of the circumstances, including afindingthattheallegedconductwillhaveadirectandimmediateeffectontheschoolorthreatensthediscipline, educational environment, safety or general welfare of students, faculty, staff and/oradministratorsoftheschool,theadministrationmayeitherpermitthestudenttoattendclassesasusualormaytakeappropriatedisciplinaryactionincluding,butnotlimitedto,in-schoolsuspensionorout-of-schoolsuspensioninordertoconductfurtherinvestigationintothematter.Theparents/legalguardiansofstudentswillbenotifiedofanyactiontakenbytheadministrationandofferedtheopportunityforaconferencewiththeadministration.Intheeventthestudentisincarceratedbasedonhis/herout-of-schoolconduct,theprincipalorhis/herdesigneewill notify the student that he/she is tomeetwith the administration prior to returning toschool.Attheconclusionoftheinquiriestoobtainmoreinformationonthematter,theadministratororhis/herdesigneeshould takeappropriateactionwhichmay include,but isnot limited to,oneormoreof thefollowing:
• returningthestudenttohis/hernormalclassscheduleandremovingallevidenceofsuspension• placingthestudentonprobationandallowingthestudenttoresumehis/hernormalclass
schedule• placingthestudentonprobation,allowingthestudenttocontinueclasswork,butrestrictingthe
student'sparticipationinextracurricularactivitiesand/ordesignatedschoolactivities,i.e.clubs,studyhalls,peprallies,studentgovernmentactivitiesandsoforth
• suspendingthestudent
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• recommendingexpulsionandremovalofthestudentfromregularschooland/orplacement inthedistrict'salternativeschool
• recommendingexpulsionofthestudentforeithertheremainderofthesemesteroryearThedisciplinary action takenmust be supportedby the evidence and take into full consideration theimpactofthestudent'spresenceatschoolandsafetyorgeneralwelfareofotherstudents,faculty,staffand/oradministratorsoftheschool.Note regarding specialeducation students:Administratorsmustensure thatallprocedural safeguardsaffordedtospecialeducationstudentsarealsoimplementedinsuchcircumstances.Extenuating,mitigatingoraggravatingcircumstancesTheboardconfersuponthesuperintendentorhis/herdesigneetheauthoritytoconsiderextenuating,mitigating or aggravating circumstances that may exist in a particular case of misconduct. Theadministratorshouldconsidersuchcircumstancesindeterminingthemostappropriatesanction.
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CodeofConductPolicyJICDA
Purpose:Toestablishthebasicstructureforcodeofconductanddisciplineforstudents.Theboardofeducationrecognizesthatrulesofstudentconductandconsequencesforviolationsarenecessaryfortheorderlyoperationofthedistrict’sschools.Generally,itisthephilosophyofthedistricttohandleallstudentdisciplinemattersatthelowestsupervisorylevelpossibleandinthemostreasonablemannerpossible.Ultimately,thoughthesuperintendentisinchargeofensuringthatsounddisciplinarypracticesarefollowedthroughoutthedistrict.Theadministrationischargedwiththedevelopmentofappropriaterulesofstudentconductwhichwillincludegenerallistingofoffenses,requiredorrecommendeddisciplinaryactionforviolations,andthetimesandplaceswhensuchruleswillbeineffect
StudentConductPolicyJIC
Purpose:Toestablishtheboard’svisionforstudentconduct.
Theboardexpectsstudentstoconductthemselvesinanorderly,courteous,dignifiedandrespectfulmanner.Thisrequirementreferstotheiractionstowardsotherstudentsandadults,theirlanguage,theirdressandtheirmanners.Theboardbelievesself-disciplineisanimplicitinterpersonalgoalofpubliceducation.Studentshavearesponsibilitytoknowandrespectthepolicies,rulesandregulationsoftheschoolanddistrict.Violationsofsuchpolicies,rulesandregulationswillresultindisciplinaryactions.Theboarddirectstheadministrationtoestablishrulesandregulationsnecessarytocreateandpreserveconditionsessentialtoorderlyoperationoftheschools.Theboardauthorizesitsschoolauthoritiestoutilizeprobationandsuspensionandtorecommendexpulsion,ifnecessary,toenforcethispolicy(seepoliciesJKDandJKE).Formorespecificinformationonstudentconduct,theboarddirectsstudentstopolicyJICDAandthestudenthandbookintheirindividualschool.
LevelI-DisorderlyConductDisorderly conduct includes any activity engaged in by student(s) that tends to impede orderlyclassroom procedures or instructional activities, orderly operation of the school, or the frequency orseriousnessofwhichdisturbclassroomorschool.Acts of disorderly conduct may include, but are not limited to, the following: classroom tardiness,cheatingonexaminationsorclassroomassignments,lying,actinginamannersoastointerferewiththeinstructionalprocess,abusivelanguagebetweenstudents,failuretocompleteassignmentsorcarryoutdirections, use of forged notes or excuses, cutting class, tardy to school, truancy, possession oftechnologydevicesinconflictwithdistrictpolicies,orotherdisorderlyactsasdeterminedbytheboardoradministration.
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Consequencesforstudentthatviolatetherulesinclude,butarenotlimitedto:
1. AdministrativeConference/Parent/GuardianNotificationand/or
2. ISSand/or3. OSSand/or4. ReferraltoREALAcademy
Level1Offensesincludebutarenotlimitedto:
• Non-CompliancewithDirectionsofPrincipal,TeachersandOtherSchoolPersonnel• Cutting/SkippingClass• DisrespecttoPrincipal,Teachers,andOtherSchoolPersonnel• Violatingclassroomrules• Forgeryofparent/guardianorteachersignature• OutofArea(Studentsinunauthorizedareasatanytime.)• Confrontationthatdisruptstheschoolenvironment.• Loitering• OpenDisplaysofAffection,(including,butnotlimitedto,holdingshands,embracing,kissingor
inappropriatetouching.)• Horseplay• Refusaltocompleteassignments• Loudorunnecessarynoises• Tardytoclass/school• Gamblingorplayingcards• Horseplay
LevelII-DisruptiveConduct
Disruptiveconductincludesthoseactivitiesengagedinbystudent(s)thataredirectedagainstpersonsorpropertyandtheconsequencesofwhichtendtoendangerthehealthorsafetyofoneselforothers intheschool.Someinstancesofdisruptiveconductmayoverlapcertaincriminaloffenses,justifyingbothadministrative sanctions and court proceedings. Disorderly conduct (Level I) may be reclassified asdisruptiveconduct(LevelII)ifitoccursthreeormoretimes.
• Acts of disruptive conductmay include, but are not limited to, use of an intoxicant, fighting,vandalism (minor), stealing, threats against others, trespassing, abusive language to staff,refusal to obey school personnel or agents (such as volunteer aides or chaperones) whoseresponsibilities includesupervisionof students,possessionoruseofunauthorizedsubstances,asdefinedbylaworlocalschoolboardpolicy,illegallyoccupyingorblockinginanywayschoolproperty with the intent to deprive others of its use, unlawful assembly, disrupting lawfulassembly,inappropriateverbalorphysicalconductofasexualnature,orotherdisruptiveactsasdeterminedbytheboardoradministration.
Possible sanctions to be applied in cases of disruptive conduct may include, but are not limited to,temporary removal from class, alternative education program, in-school suspension, out-of-schoolsuspension,transfer,referraltooutsideagency,expulsion,restitutionofpropertyanddamages,whereappropriate, should be sought by local school authorities, withdrawal of privileges/exclusion fromparticipationinextracurricularactivities,othersanctionsapprovedbytheboardoradministration.
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1. AdministrativeConference/Parent/GuardianNotificationand/or
2. ISSand/or3. OSSand/or4. ReferraltoREALAcademy
Level2Offensesalsoincludeleavingschoolwithoutpermission.
StudentDemonstrations
Nostudentshall,on/noroffschoolpremises,engageinanyprotest,march,picketing,orsit-inorsimilaractivitieswhichhasitspurposethedisruptionofanylawfulfunction,mission,orprocessofMcCormickMiddleSchool.DisruptionofSchool(A) Nostudentshall,byuseofpassiveresistance,noise,threat,fear,intimidation,coercion,force,
violence,oranyotherformofconduct,intentionallycausethedisruptionofanylawfulfunction,mission,orprocessoftheMcCormickMiddleSchool.
(B) Nostudentshallengageinsuchconductasisreferredto(A)forthepurposeofcausingthedisruptionofanylawfulfunction,missionorprocessofMcCormickMiddleSchool.
(C) Nostudentshallurgeanyotherstudenttoengageinanysuchconductasreferredtoinsubsection(a)ofthisruleforthepurposeofcausingthedisruptionofanylawfulfunction,mission,orprocessofMcCormickMiddleSchool.
(D) Whilethelistisnotintendedtobeexclusive,schooldisruptionsincludebutarenotlimitedto:(1) Occupyinganyschoolbuilding,schoolgrounds,schoolbuses,orpartthereofwiththe
intenttodepriveothersofitsuse;(2) Blockingtheentranceorexitofanyschoolbuildingcorridororroomorschoolbus
thereinwiththeintenttodepriveothersoflawfulaccesstoorfrom,oruseof,thebuildingorcorridororroom;
(3) Settingfiretoorsubstantiallydamaginganyschoolbuildingorproperty;(4) Preventingorattemptingtopreventbyphysicalacttheconveningorcontinuedfunction
ofanyschool,class,oractivityorofanylawfulmeetingorassemblyontheschoolpremises;
(5) Preventingstudentsfromattendingaclassoractivity.(6) Exceptunderthedirectinstructionoftheprincipal,blockingnormalpedestrianor
vehiculartrafficinschoolpremises;and(7) Intentionallymakingnoiseoractinginanymannersoastointerferewithanyteacher’s
abilitytoconducthisorherclassortocarryonanyschoolactivity.
Profanity--EitherGeneralorDirectedataPersonStudentswhouseprofanelanguageinthehallways,classrooms,andcafeteriaoranywhereontheschoolgrounds,onschoolbusesoratofficialschoolfunctionswillfaceLevelIIdisciplinaryactions.
TobaccoPolicyJICGTobaccoUsebyStudents Issued8/04Purpose:Toestablishthebasicstructurefortheboard'sprohibitionoftobaccousebystudents.Studentsarenotallowedtouseorpossesstobaccoproducts,cigarettelightersortobaccoparaphernaliawhileondistrictorschoolgroundsorbuildings,onbusesorduringdistrict-orschool-relatedactivities,whetheronoroffdistrictorschoolgrounds.
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LevelIII-CriminalConductCriminalconductincludesthoseactivitiesengagedinbystudent(s),whichresultinviolencetooneself,or another's personorpropertyorwhichposeadirect and serious threat to the safetyofoneself orothersintheschool.Theseactivitiesusuallyrequireadministrativeactionsthatresultintheimmediateremovalofthestudentfromtheschool,theinterventionoflawenforcementauthoritiesand/oractionbytheboard.Schooladministratorswillcontactlawenforcementauthoritiesimmediatelyuponnoticethatapersonisengaging,orhasengaged,inactivitiesonschoolpropertyorataschool-sanctionedorsponsoredactivitywhichmayresult,orresults, in injuryorseriousthreatof injurytothepersonortoanotherpersonorhis/herproperty.Criminal conduct may include, but is not limited to, assault and battery, extortion,, bomb threat,possession,useortransferofdangerousweapons,sexualoffenses,vandalism(major),theft,possessionor sale of stolen property, arson, furnishing or selling unauthorized substances, as defined by boardpolicy, distribution, sale, purchase, manufacture or unlawful possession of a controlled substance,threatening to take the life of or inflict bodily harm upon a principal, teacher or members of theirimmediatefamily,orothercriminalactsasdeterminedbytheboardoradministration.Possiblesanctionstobeappliedincasesofcriminalconductmayinclude,butarenotlimitedto,oneormoreofthefollowing:
1. out-of-schoolsuspension2. assignmenttoalternativeschool,3. expulsion,4. restitution of property and damages, where appropriate, and should be sought local school
authorities,5. withdrawal of privileges/exclusion from participation in extracurricular activities, and other
sanctionsapprovedbytheboardoradministration.Nothing in this policy prohibits the superintendent or other appropriate district-level administratorsfrom directly, or in consultation with appropriate school-level administrators, imposing authorizeddisciplinarysanctions.*Thisincludestheuseofvaporcigarettes.
CriminalActsCommittedonSchoolPropertyImmediatelyReportedtoLawEnforcementAgency
Theprincipalordesignee,whenhe/shehasareasonablebeliefthatoneormoreofthefollowingactshaveoccurredonschoolproperty,willimmediatelyreportthatacttotheSROorthelocalmunicipalpolice:(1) Assaultresultinginseriouspersonalinjury(2) Assaultofateacherorotherschoolofficial(includingvolunteersandstudentteachers)(3) Sexualassault(4) Sexualoffense(5) Rape(6) Kidnapping(7) Indecentlibertieswithaminor(8) Assaultinvolvingtheuseofaweapon(9) Possessionofafirearminviolationofthelaw(10) Possessionofacontrolledsubstanceinviolationofthelaw.The principal or designee shall also report immediately to law enforcement officials the following: (11) Theftfromtheperson
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(12) Theftofpropertyvaluedover$75.00(13) Breakingorenteringofaschool(14) Theftfrommotorvehicle(s)(15) Theftofmotorvehicle(s)(16) Arson(17) Possessionofstolenproperty(18) Vandalismover$200.00Thereporttolawenforcementofficialsdoesnotreplacetheobligationtoapplytheestablishedschooldisciplinepolicies.1.AdministrativeConference/and2.Suspensionfromschoolor3.Dismissalfromschooland/or 4.Criminalprosecution
AssaultorPhysicalInjuryA. Nostudentshallassault,cause,orattempttocausephysicalinjurytoorintentionallybehavein
such a way as could reasonably cause physical injury to any school official, employee, orvolunteer.
B. No student shall cause, or attempt to cause, serious physical injury to another student orintentionallybehaveinsuchamanner,ascouldreasonablycauseseriousphysicalinjurytoanystudent.
C. Nostudentshallintentionallyhit,shove,scratch,bite,usephysicalcontacttoblockthepassageof,orthrowobjectsatastudentorotherperson.
D. No student shall take any action ormake comments or writtenmessages intended to causeotherstofightorwhichmightreasonablybeexpectedtoresultinafight.
A student who is attacked may use reasonable force in self-defense but only to the extent to freehimselffromtheattackandtonotifyproperschoolauthorities.Astudentwhoexceedsthisreasonableforcemaybedisciplinedeventhoughhe/shemaynothaveprovokedthefight.Violationswillresultinoneormoreofthefollowingdisciplinarymeasures:1.AdministrativeConferenceand/or 2.In-SchoolSuspensionand/or3.Suspensionfromschooland/or4.Dismissalfromschooland/or5.ReferraltoREALAcademyand/or5.Criminalprosecution Threatening,Insulting,Abusive,orSeriouslyDiscourteousWords,Signs,orOtherActsNostudentshalldirecttowardanyprincipal,teacher,orotherschoolemployee,towardanyotherstudent,ortowardanyotherperson,inanyschoolbuilding,oranyschoolpremises,oronanyschoolbus,orofftheschoolpremisesatanyschoolactivity,function,oreventanylanguagethatthreatensforceorviolence,orwhichisabusiveorinsultingoranysignoractthatconstitutesathreatofforceorviolence,orwhichisabusiveorinsulting.Violationswillresultinoneormoreofthefollowingdisciplinarymeasures:1.AdministrativeConferenceand/or 2.In-SchoolSuspensionand/or3.Suspensionfromschooland/or 4.Dismissalfromschooland/or
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5.ReferraltoREALAcademyand/or5.Criminalprosecution
WeaponsandDangerousInstrumentsStudentsareforbiddentopossess,transmitorhandleanyinstrumentsoritemsthatareordinarilyandgenerallyconsideredtobeaweapon(seedefinitionsection);includinganyotherinstrumentorimplementthatisormaybeusedtoinflictinjuryorharm.Thisruledoesnotapplytonormalschoolsuppliessuchaspencils,compasses,ortoolsunlesstheyareusedasweapons.PolicyJICIWeaponsinSchool Issued8/04
Purpose:Toestablishthebasicstructurefortheboard’sprohibitionofstudentpossessionofweapons.Itisthepolicyoftheboardtoensurethesafetyandwelfareofitsstudentsandemployees.Thepresenceoffirearms,knives,blackjacksorotherweaponsonschooldistrictpropertyposesaseverethreatofseriousharmorinjurytostudentsandstaff.Whileonschoolgrounds,inschoolbuildings,onbusesoratschool-relatedfunctions,studentswillnotpossessanyitemcapableofinflictinginjuryorharm(hereinafterreferredtoasaweapon)topersonsorpropertywhenthatitemisnotusedinrelationtonormalschoolactivityatascheduledtimeforthestudent.Novehiclesparkedonschoolpropertymaycontainfirearms,knives,blackjacksorotheritems,whicharegenerallyconsideredtobeweapons.Levelofoffense
Itisafelonyoffense,punishablebyafineof$1000.00orimprisonmentforfiveyears,orboth,tocarryaweaponasreferencedaboveonschoolproperty.
Weapons(firearms)Theboardoritsdesigneewillexpelfornolessthanonecalendaryearanystudentwhohasbroughtorpossessedafirearmonschoolproperty,atdistrictorschoolrelatedfunctionsoratanysettingunderthejurisdictionoftheMcCormickCountySchoolDistrict.Forpurposesofthissectionofthepolicy,weaponisdefinedasafirearm.ThetermfirearmisdefinedextensivelyintheU.S.Code,butgenerallymeansaweapon(gun)ordestructivedevice(explosive,incendiary).Theboarddirectsthesuperintendenttobringrecommendationsforexpulsionconsistentwiththispolicyexceptthatthesuperintendent,onacase-by-casebasis,maymodifythisexpulsionrequirement.Inconsideringwhethertomodifytheone-yearexpulsionrequirement,thesuperintendentmayconsider,amongotherthings,thestudent’sage,disciplinerecordandthespecificfactsandcircumstancesoftheincident.Expulsionproceedingsforweaponsviolationswillbeconductedconsistentwiththedistrict’sexpulsionpolicyandAR. Expulsionprohibitsastudentfromenteringtheschoolorschoolgroundsexceptforaprearrangedconferencewithanadministrator,attendinganydayornightfunctionsorridingaschoolus.ThedistrictwillrefereachexpelledstudenttothelocalcountyofficeoftheDepartmentofJuvenileJustice.Adopted6/29/81;Revised6/26/00,8/30/04
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TheftorDamagetoPropertyNostudentshallstealorattempttosteal,orknowinglybeinpossessionofstolenpropertyorintentionallydamageorattempttodamage,anyschoolpropertyorprivatepropertywhileunderschooljurisdiction.ViolationswillresultinoneormoreofthefollowingdisciplinarymeasuresasdirectedbytheMcCormickCountyBoardofEducationPolicy:1.AdministrativeConferenceand 2.In-SchoolSuspensionor3.Suspensionfromschoolor 4.ReferraltoREALAcademyor5.Dismissalfromschooland/or6.Criminalprosecutionand 7.Makerestitution
Narcotics,AlcoholicBeverages,andStimulantDrugsPolicyJICHDrugandAlcoholUsebyStudents Issued8/04Nostudentshallpossess,use,transmit,orbeundertheinfluenceofanynarcoticdrug,hallucinogenicdrug,amphetamine,barbiturate,marijuana,orothercontrolledsubstance,oranyalcoholicbeverage,orintoxicantofanykind,orpossess,useortransmitdrugparaphernaliaorcounterfeitdrugs,orinhaleoringestanychemicalsorproductswiththeintentionofbringingaboutanalterationtomoodorbehavior. Violationswillresultinoneormoreofthefollowingdisciplinarymeasures:1.AdministrativeConferenceand/or 2.Suspensionfromschooland/or3.ReferraltoREALAcademyand/or3.Dismissalfromschooland/or4.CriminalProsecution
PossessionorundertheinfluenceofDrugsorAlcohol,including,butnotlimitedtobeer,liquor,narcotics,over-the-countermedicationslikeTylenol,inhalers,aspirin,prescriptionmedications.
PolicyJICHDrugandAlcoholUsebyStudent Issued8/04
*Pleasenotetherequirementsforhavingmedicationatschool
FIRSTOFFENSE:Parentsandlawenforcementofficialswillbecontactedimmediatelyuponverificationoftheviolation.Studentwillreceiveaperiodofsuspensiontobedeterminedbytheprincipalonanindividualbasis.SECONDOFFENSE:Parentsandlawenforcementofficialswillbecontactedimmediatelyuponverificationoftheviolation.Asecondviolationofanyofthesebehaviors(SectionI)willresultinsuspensionfortheremainderofthecurrentyear.
OtherConsequences1. ISS2. OSS3. RecommendationtoREALAcademy4. RecommendationforExpulsion5. Parentsandlawenforcementofficialswillbecontactedimmediatelyuponverificationofthe
violation.
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Gang-RelatedActivitiesPolicyJICFSecretSocieties/GangActivity Issued8/04
Purpose:Toestablishthebasicstructureforthedistrict'sprohibitionofstudentsecretsocietiesandgangactivities. Theboardfindsthatsecretsocieties,gangsthatinitiate,advocateorpromoteactivitiesthreateningthesafetyandwellbeingofpersonsorpropertyondistrictandschoolpropertyorevents,organgswhichdisrupttheschoolenvironmentareharmfultotheeducationalprocess.Theuseofhandsignals,graffitiorthepresenceofanyapparel,jewelry,accessoryormannerofgroomingbyvirtueofitscolor,arrangement,trademark,symboloranyotherattributewhichindicatesorimpliesmembershiporaffiliationwithsuchagrouppresentsaclearandpresentdangercontrarytotheschoolenvironmentandeducationalobjectives. Thedistrictprohibitsincidentsinvolvinginitiations,hazing,intimidations,bullyingorrelatedactivitiesofsuchgroupaffiliationswhicharelikelytocausebodilydanger,physicalharmorpersonaldegradationordisgraceresultinginphysicalormentalharmtostudents. Theadministrationwillestablishprocedurestoensurethedisciplineofanystudentwearing,carryingordisplayingsecretsocietyorgangparaphernalia,exhibitingbehaviororgesturessymbolizinggangmembershiporcausingorparticipatinginactivitieswhichintimidateoraffecttheattendanceofanotherstudent. Theadministrationwillprovideinformationtoemployeesaboutgangorgroupbehaviorandcharacteristicstofacilitateemployeeidentificationofstudentsat-riskandtopromotemembershipinauthorizedschoolgroupsoractivitiesasanalternative.Adopted6/26/00;Revised8/30/04 Bythispolicy,theBoardofEducationactstoprohibitexistenceofgangsandgangactivitiesasfollows:Nostudentshallonoraboutschoolpropertyoratanyschoolactivity:
1. Shallwear,possess,use,distribute,displayorsellanyclothing,jewelry,emblem,badge,symbol,sign,orotherthingsthatareevidenceofmembershiporaffiliationinanygang.
2. Shall commit any act or omission, or use any speech, either verbal or non-verbal (gestures,handshakes,etc.)showingmembershiporaffiliationinagang.
3. Shalluseanyspeechorcommitanyactoromissioninfurtheranceoftheinterestsofanygangorgangactivity,including,butnotlimitedto:a. solicitingothersformembershipinanygangb. requestinganypersontopayprotectionorotherwiseintimidatingorthreateningany
personc. committinganyotherillegalactorotherviolationofschooldistrictpoliciesd. incitingotherstudentstoactwithphysicalviolenceuponanyotherperson
Violationsmayresultinoneormoreofthefollowingdisciplinarymeasures:1.AdministrativeConferenceand 2.In-SchoolSuspensionor3.Suspensionfromschoolor4.ReferraltoREALAcademy 5.Dismissalfromschooland/or6.Criminalprosecution
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TrespassingPolicyECASecurity Issued6/07
Purpose:Toestablishthebasicstructureforsecurityofdistrictbuildingsandgrounds.
StudentswholoiteratanyschoolintheMcCormickCountySchoolDistrictafterthecloseoftheschooldaywithoutspecificneedorsupervisionwillbeconsideredtrespassersandmaybeprosecutediftheydonotleavewheninstructedtodoso.Anystudentwhohasbeensuspendedfromschoolmaybeconsideredtrespassingifhe/sheappearsonanyschoolpropertyduringthesuspensionperiodwithouttheexpresspermissionoftheprincipal.Violationswillresultinoneormoreofthefollowingdisciplinarymeasures:1. AdministrativeConferenceand/or2. ISSand/or3. OSSand/or4. Criminalprosecution
HazingHazingisprohibited.Nogrouporindividualshallrequireanystudenttowearabnormaldressorcostumeoncampus,annoyanotherstudentbyplayingabusiveorridiculoustricksonhim/her,frighten,scold,beatorharasshim/her,orsubjecthim/hertopersonalindignity.Failuretocomplywiththesedirectionswillresultinoneormoreofthefollowingdisciplinarymeasures:
1. AdministrativeConferenceand/or2. In-SchoolSuspensionand/or 3. Suspensionfromschooland/or4. ReferraltoREALAcademy
ThreattoSchoolEmployeeAnystudentwhospeaksthreatsofharmorotherwisemakesthreateninggesturesofbodilyharmdirectedtoaschoolteacheroranyschoolemployeeshallbesubjecttothefollowingpenalty:
1. OSStenschooldaysand/or2. RecommendationtoREALAcademyand/or3. Expulsionrecommendationand/or4. Criminalprosecution
Fighting/AssaultAnystudentwhocommitsanactofphysicalassaultuponanotherstudent,andtheactofassaultisdeterminedbytheprincipaltobefullyunprovoked,shallbesubjecttooneormoreofthefollowingpenalty:
1. OSS-six(6)schooldaysand/or2. RecommendationtoREALAcademyand/or3. Expulsionrecommendationand/or4. Criminalprosecution
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DisciplineofStudentswithDisabilitiesIntroduction:AstudentidentifiedasdisabledpursuanttotheIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationImprovementAct(hereinafterIDEIA-disabled)maynotbesuspendedfromschoolforanynumberofschooldaysinaschoolyearbeyond10,ifsuchremovalwouldconstitutea"changeofplacement,"asdefinedbelow,unless,pursuanttotheproceduralrequirementsdescribedinthe"LevelIII-criminalconduct"sectionofthispolicy,thestudent'sbehaviorresultinginsuspensionisdeterminednottobeamanifestationofthestudent'sdisability.Thedeterminationwhethera"changeofplacement"wouldoccurasaresultofaremovalmustbemadeonacase-by-casebasisbasedonthecircumstancesofeachcase.Schoolpersonnelmayconsideranyuniquecircumstancesonacase-by-casebasiswhendeterminingwhetherachangeinplacement,consistentwiththispolicy,isappropriateforastudentwithadisabilitywhoviolatesacodeofstudentconduct.
Inregardtoasuspensionbeyond10totaldaysinaschoolyear,a"changeofplacement"wouldlikelyoccurunderthefollowingcircumstances:
• thestudent'ssuspensionfromschoolisformorethan10consecutivedays• thestudentissubjectedtoaseriesofsuspensionsfromschoolthatconstitutea"pattern"
becausetheytotalmorethan10schooldaysinaschoolyear• student'sbehaviorissubstantiallysimilartothebehaviorinpreviousincidentsthatresultedin
theseriesofremovals• suchadditionalfactorsasthelengthofeachremoval• thetotalamountoftimethestudenthasbeenremoved• proximityoftheremovalstooneanother
Nolaterthanthedateonwhichadecisionismadetoimposearemovalthatwouldconstituteachangeofplacementbecauseofaviolationofacodeofstudentconduct,thedistrictmustnotifytheparents/legalguardiansofthedecisionandprovideproceduralsafeguardsnotice.
DisciplineOptions:Short-termsuspensionswhichdonotconstitutea"ChangeofPlacement"
DurationofSuspensionsIfastudentwithadisabilityviolatesthedistrict'scodeofconduct,aschooladministratormayremovethestudentfromhis/hercurrentplacementtoanothersettingorsuspendthestudent,foramaximumof10consecutiveschooldaysforthatparticularincident.Forseparateincidentsofmisconduct,theschooladministratormayremovethestudentforadditionalperiodsofnotmorethan10consecutiveschooldayseachinthatsameschoolyear,aslongasthesuspensionsdonotconstitutea"changeofplacement,"assetforthinthesectionentitled"Disciplineofstudentswithdisabilities"above.Removalsmaybeappliedonlytotheextenttheyareappliedtostudentswithoutdisabilities.ServicesProvidedDuringSuspensions
Theschoolisnotrequiredtoprovideservicestoastudentwithadisabilitywhohasbeensuspended,solongasthestudentissuspendedfornotmorethan10cumulativeschooldaysduringaschoolyear,unlesstheschoolprovidesservicestoastudentwithoutdisabilitieswhoissimilarlyremoved.Duringanysubsequentdaysofsuspensionbeyond10totalschooldays,(solongasthesuspensiondoesnotconstitutea"changeofplacement"asdescribedinsectionentitled"Disciplineofstudentswithdisabilities"aboveandisfornotmorethan10consecutiveschooldays),theschooladministrativepersonnel,inconsultationwithatleastoneofthestudent'steachers,mustdeterminetheextentto
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whichservicesareneededtoenablethestudenttodothefollowing.• continuetoparticipateinthegeneraleducationcurriculum,althoughinanothersetting• progresstowardmeetinggoalssetoutintheIndividualEducationPlan(IEP)
Longer-termremovals:Removalsthatconstituteachangeofplacementasdefinedunderthesectionentitled
"Disciplineofstudentswithdisabilities"
Ifaremovalconstitutesachangeofplacementeitherbecauseitisaremovalofmorethan10consecutivedaysorbecauseitisapatternofremovalsasdescribedunderthesectionentitled"Disciplineofstudentswithdisabilities"above,anMDRmustbeheld.Ifitisdeterminedthatthebehaviorisamanifestationofthestudent'sdisability,thestudentmaynotberemovedunlessthebehaviorisaspecialcircumstance(seesectionentitled"Removaltoalternativeplacementforupto45schooldaysunderspecialcircumstances").Ifthebehaviorisdeterminednottobeamanifestationofthestudent'sdisability,thestudentmayberemovedbutthestudent'sIEPteammustdetermineappropriateservices.Theseservicesmustallowthestudenttodothefollowing:• continuetoreceiveeducationalservicessoastoenablethestudenttocontinuetoparticipateinthe
generaleducationcurriculum,althoughinanothersetting• progresstowardsmeetingthegoalssetoutintheIEPandtoreceive,asappropriate,afunctional
behavioralassessmentandbehavioralinterventionservicesandmodificationsthataredesignedtoaddressthebehaviorviolationsothatitdoesnotrecur.
Thestudent'sIEPteammustalsofollow,asappropriate,theproceduresoutlinedunderthe"Procedurestofollow"sectionbelow.
Removaltoalternativeplacementforupto45schooldaysunderspecialcircumstances
(Dangerousweapons,drugsorseriousbodilyinjury,asdefinedbelow)
Ifadisabledstudent(1)possessesorcarriesaweaponto/atschool,onschoolpremisesorto/ataschoolfunction;(2)knowinglypossessesorusesillegaldrugsorsellsorsolicitsthesaleofacontrolledsubstancewhileatschool,onschoolpremisesorataschoolfunction;or(3)hasinflictedseriousbodilyinjuryuponanotherpersonwhileatschool,onschoolpremisesorataschoolfunction,theschooladministratormayremovethestudenttoan"interimalternativeeducationalsetting"(asdeterminedbytheIEPteam)fornotmorethan45schooldaysregardlessofwhetherthebehaviorisdeterminedtobeamanifestationofthestudent'sdisability.•A"dangerousweapon"isdefinedasaweapon,device,instrument,materialorsubstance,animateorinanimate,thatisusedfororisreadilycapableof,causingdeathorseriousbodilyinjury,exceptthatsuchtermdoesnotincludeapocketknifewithabladeoflessthan21/2inchesinlength.•IllegaldrugsandcontrolledsubstancesaredefinedinSection202CoftheControlledSubstancesAct,21U.S.C.§812c.•"Seriousbodilyinjury"meansbodilyinjurythatinvolvesasubstantialriskofdeath,extremephysicalpain,protractedandobviousdisfigurementorprotractedlossorimpairmentofafunctionofabodilymemberorganormentalfaculty.
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Section VI Athletics/School Representation
ATHLETICS
GuidelinesforAthleticParticipationatMcCormickMiddle/HighSchool
• AstudentmustnotbeolderthannineteenyearsofagebeforeJuly1ofthepresentschoolyeartoparticipateinathleticsatMHS.Abirthcertificatemustbeonfiletoindicate.
• Studentsmusthaveanapprovedphysicalexaminationandasignedparentpermissionform.
• StudentsmustmeettheacademicguidelinesoftheSouthCarolinaHighSchoolLeagueandofMcCormickSchoolDistrict.
• AmiddleschoolstudentcannotparticipateinasportatthehighschoollevelifthatsportisofferedatMMS.
• Nostudentcanparticipateinanothersportuntilhisorhercurrentsportseasoniscompleted.
RegulationsforParticipationinActivitiesRepresenting
McCormickMiddleSchoolThisincludes,butisnotlimitedto:• BeautyQueen/Kingcontestants• Flag/DanceTeam• MarchingBand(NotincludingtheBandCourse)• Choir(FieldTripsorotherextracurricularactivitiesonly,notChoralclasses)• StudentGovernment• JuniorBetaClub• SchoolSponsoredTrips,FieldTripsorOvernightTrips
(Notincludingacademicfieldtrips)• AndotherorganizationsasdeemedappropriateREQUIREMENTS:StudentsmustbeingoodstandingwiththeschoolAcademics:• StudentsmustearnaminimumoffiveCarnegieunitsapplicabletowardsahighschooldiplomathe
previousyear.SecondsemesterstudentsmusthaveapassinggradeinaminimumoffiveCarnegieunitclassesforthefirstsemester.Middleschoolstudentsmustpassthepreviousyearandnotbesociallypromoted.Secondsemester,studentsmustbepassingatleastfiveclassesafterthefirstsemester.
• 3.0forBetaClub,and3.5forHonorSocietyDiscipline• ISS:4thtimewillresultindismissalfromprogramorrepresentation• OSS:2ndtimewillresultindismissalfromprogramorrepresentation• StudentsinanalternativesettingfordisciplinaryissuesarenoteligibleAttendance• Nomorethan10unexcusedabsences
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StudentswithDisabilities• Studentsdiagnosedwithdisabilitiesandbeingservedinanon-diplomatrackshallbeconsidered
eligibleforparticipationinactivitiesrepresentingMcCormickMiddleSchoolifhe/sheissuccessfullymeetingtherequirementsofhis/herIndividualEducationPlan.
• StudentsdiagnosedwithdisabilitiesandbeingservedinaprogramleadingtoastatehighschooldiplomamustmeetalleligibilityrequirementspreviouslystatedforparticipationinactivitiesrepresentingMcCormickHighSchool.
FailuretomeetGuidelinesOncestudentsaremembersoftheabovementioned,failuretocomplywiththerequirementswillresultinimmediatedismissalfromtheprogramorrepresentation.
AppealsAppealswillbeheardbytheMcCormickMiddleSchoolPrincipalwhowillmakethefinalschoolleveldecision.
ExceptionsAthleticswillcontinuetofallundertheMcCormickCountySchoolsAthleticsHandbook.
*ThisincludesCheerleaders
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Section VII Parent Involvement
Asweworkwithyouandyourchildthisyear,wewanttoestablishapartnership.Byworkingtogether,wehope to involve youand your child’s teachers to create a safenurturingenvironment.Oneway you canassisttheschoolstaffisbyprovidingyourchildwithafairchanceathavingagoodschoolday.Thiscanbeaccomplishedby:• Givingmedicinesathome• Ensuringchild’spresenceatschooldaily• Ensuringchild’sarrivaltoschoolontimeandthroughouttheday• Providingagoodbreakfastanddinner• Arrangingprompttransportationhomeafterschool• Allottingforquiethomeworktime• Engagingyourchildandteacheraboutclassroomprogress• Ensuringagoodnight’ssleep• Monitoringyourchild’suseofsocialmediaEducationsucceedsbestwhen there isa strongpartnershipbetweenhomeandschool.Asapartnershipthrivesoncommunication,thedistrictasksparentstodothefollowing:
• Encouragechildtoplaceahighpriorityonhis/hereducationandcommittomakingthemostoftheeducationalopportunitiesprovidedbytheschool/district.
• Stayinformedofdistrictactivitiesandissues.• Becomeadistrictvolunteer.Forfurtherinformationcontactthemainoffice.• Participate in district parent organizations. The activities are varied, ranging from graduation
activitiestotheschool’simprovementcouncil,withitsemphasisoninstructionalimprovement.
ThefollowingpageisaVolunteerformtobecompletedifyouareinterestedinbecomingavolunteerintheschools.OnlyoneformisneededfortheDistrict.Parentsalsoneedtonotethevisitationpolicyonthefollowingpage.Youmustadheretothispolicywhenvisitingtheschoolatanytime.OtherPossibleWaystoBeInvolved:• AthleticBoosterClub• BandBoosterClub• PTO• SchoolImprovementCouncil
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Policy BBA – Board Powers and /Duties - Visits to Schools Board members should make visits to the school only under board authorization and with the fullknowledgeofstaffincludingthesuperintendent,principalsandothersupervisors.Boardmembersmaymakevisitstoschoolsorclassroomsaftermakingarrangementsforvisitationsthroughtheprincipalsofthevariousschools.Suchvisitswillberegardedasinformalexpressionsofinterestinschoolaffairsandnotas“inspections”orvisitsforsupervisoryoradministrativepurposes.
Administrative Rule VISITORS CodeKI-R Issued5/13Theschoolboardencouragestheactive interestand involvementofparentsandcitizens inthepublicschools. In order to promote the safety of students and staff, and to avoid interruption of theinstructional program, building principals have been directed to institute the following administrativeprocedures concerningvisitors to the schools. Suchprocedureshavebeen reviewedandapprovedbythesuperintendentandboardoftrustees.Thefollowingguidelinesapplytoallvisitorsenteringtheeducationalcomplex.The term “visitor” shall apply to any person on school grounds or in school buildings who is not anemployeeorstudentof theschoolunit.Forpurposesof thisadministrativerule,adistinction ismadebetween parents and community citizens visiting the complex. A parental visitor is defined as aparent/guardianwithcustodyofchild/childrenwithinthedistrict.Acommunityvisitorisdefinedasanyothervisitorwhodoesnothavecustodialchildrenwithinthedistrict.Allvisitorsshall report to themainofficeuponarrivalat theschoolandreceiveavisitor’spass. (Thissection shall not apply to visitors who are attending an open house, performance or other public,preplannedprogram.)• Visitorsshallsigninwiththereceptionist/secretaryinthemainofficeofeachschool.• Thesign-insheetshallincludetheintendeddestinationand/orperson(s)tobevisited.• VisitorswillbeissuedanIDthatmustbeworninavisiblemanneratalltimes.• Adesignatedstaffmembershallmonitorvisitorsatalltimes.• Visitorsmustsignoutinthemainofficebeforeexitingthebuilding.• Ifavisitorwishestovisitmorethanoneschool,he/shemustsigninateachschool.Avisitormaynot
signinatoneschoolandproceedtoanadjoiningschool.Community visitorswhowish to visit classroomsorobserveaspectsof the instructional programarerequired to schedule such visits a minimum of 24 hours in advance through the schoolreceptionist/secretary. The receptionist/secretary will confirm that a visitor has a scheduledappointment prior to issuing a visitor pass. (This 24-hour requirement does not apply to parentalvisitors.)• Non-custodial visitorsmust have priorwritten approval from a parent/guardian of student to be
visited/observedpriortoschedulingvisit.• Writtenapprovalmustbeonfilewithadministration.• Administrationreservestherighttoauthenticatethewrittenapprovalpriortoschedulingvisit.The receptionist/secretary will greet each visitor upon arrival, ensuring that the sign-in form andidentificationbadgeareaccuratelycompleted.Thereceptionist/secretarywillcollecttheIDbadgewhenthevisitorsigns-out,beingcertaintoindicatethatthevisitorhasexitedthebuilding.Thevisitationlogshouldreflectanaccuratecountofvisitorsinthebuildingatalltimes
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KI-R-VISITORSTeachersandotherstaffmaynotuseinstructionaltimetodiscussindividualmatterswithanyvisitors.Visitorsshouldrequestameetingtimewiththeteacherduringnon-instructionaltimeifaconferenceisdesiredthroughtheestablishedprotocols.Instructionalmomentumshouldnotbecompromisedduringthevisit.Individualschoolboardmembersshallfollowthesameproceduresasothervisitors,andstatewhethertheyarevisitingtheschoolsonpersonalbusinessorinconnectionwithboardduties.Visitors shall comply with all applicable board policies and school rules. Visitors who violate thesepolicies/rules and/or disrupt the safe andorderly operationof the school shall be asked to leave thepremises.Thebuildingadministrator/designeehastheauthoritytorefuseentrytoschoolgroundsorbuildingstopersonswhodonothavelegitimate,schoolrelatedbusinessand/orwhomaydisrupttheoperationsofthe schools. This may include, but not be limited to, the news media, profit-making businesses,fundraisersandotherorganizationsseekingaccesstostudentsand/orstaff.Schoolstaffshallreportunauthorizedpersonsonschoolgroundsor inschoolbuildingstothebuildingadministrator/designee.Avisitorwhoisnotwearingtheirbadgeinaprominentlyvisiblemannerwillbeconsidered an unauthorized person. Unauthorized persons shall be directed to leave the premisesimmediately.The building administrator/designeemay request the assistance of law enforcement as necessary todealwithunauthorizedpersonsorviolationsofthelawbyvisitorstotheschools.
Adopted5/13/13
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Section VIII Media Center & Technology
AcceptableUsePolicyTechnologyisavitalpartofeducationandthecurriculumoftheschooldistrict.Inanefforttopromotelearningandexpandeducationalresourcesforstudents,thedistricthasmadearrangementstoprovideInternetaccesstostudentandstaff.Thedistrict’sgoalinprovidingthisserviceistopromoteeducationalexcellencebyfacilitatingresourcesharing,communicationandinnovation.AccesstotheInternet,an“electronichighway”connectingmillionsofcomputerusersallovertheworld,willallowschooldistrictstudentsandstafftheopportunitytocommunicatewithothersonagloballevelandaccesseducationalmaterialsworldwide.AccesstotheInternetisaprivilege,notaright.Withthisprivilege,therealsoisaresponsibilitytousetheInternetsolelyforeducationalpurposesandnottoaccessinappropriatematerialsunsuitableforstudents.TothatendtheschooldistrictadministrationisdirectedtodevelopappropriateguidelinesgoverningtheuseofdistrictcomputerstoaccesstheInternet.Aspartoftheimplementationoftheadministration’sguidelines,studentsandstaffmustbeinstructedontheappropriateuseoftheInternet.Inaddition,parentsmustsignapermissionformtoallowstudentstoaccesstheInternet.StudentsalsomustsignaformacknowledgingthattheyhavereadandunderstandtheInternetacceptableusepolicyandadministrativeregulationsthattheywillcomplywiththepolicyandregulations,andthattheyunderstandtheconsequencesofviolatingthepolicyorregulations.DistrictstaffmustsignasimilaracknowledgmentbeforetheywillbeallowedtoaccesstheInternet.Thedistrictwillnottolerateinappropriateusebyanyperson.
AdministrativeRuleInternetAccess
Becausetechnologyisavitalpartoftheeducationalprocessandthecurriculumoftheschooldistrict,studentsandstaffwillbeprovidedaccesstotheInternet.Byprovidingthisaccess,thedistrictintendstopromoteeducationalexcellenceandallowaccesstoresourcesunavailablethroughtraditionalmeans.ThroughtheInternet,studentsandstaffwillhaveaccesstothefollowing:• electronicmailcommunicationswithpeopleallovertheworld• informationandnewsfromresearchinstitutions• publicdomainsoftwareandgraphicsofalltypesforschooluse• manyuniversitylibrarycatalogs,theLibraryofCongressandalargecollectionofinformationofeducationalvalueWithaccesstocomputersandpeopleallovertheworldalsocomestheavailabilityofmaterialthatmaynotbeofeducationalvalue.Theschooldistricthastakenprecautionstorestrictaccesstocontroversialorinappropriatematerials.However,onaglobalnetwork,itisimpossibletocontrolallmaterialsandlimitallaccesstoinformationthathasnoeducationalvalue.Theschoolbelievesthatthevaluableinformationandtheinteractionavailableonthisworldwidenetworkfaroutweighthepossibilitythatusersmayprocurematerialthatisnotconsistentwiththeeducationalgoalsoftheschooldistrict.ThesmoothoperationoftheInternetnetworkreliesontheproperconductoftheenduserswhomustadheretostrictguidelines.
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TechnologyResourcesTermsandConditionsofUse
AcceptableUseThe purposeoftheschooldistrict’sdecisiontoprovideInternetaccessistoallowanexpandedopportunityforresearchandeducationbyprovidingaccesstouniqueresourcesandtheopportunityforcollaborativework.AlluseoftheInternetmustbeinsupportofeducationandresearchandconsistentwiththeeducationalobjectivesoftheschooldistrict.Useofotherorganizations’networkorcomputingresourcesmustcomplywiththerulesappropriateforthatnetwork.Transmissionofanymaterialinviolationofanynationalorstatelawsorregulationsisprohibited.Thisincludes,butisnotlimitedto,copyrightedmaterial,threateningorobscenematerialormaterialprotectedbytradesecret.
Proceduresforuse• AdministratorsandteachersmayaccesstheInternetforeducationalorwork-relatedpurposes
atanytimethatisnotdisruptiveanddoesnotinterferewiththeperformanceofotherresponsibilitiesbytheemployeeorotherstaffmembers.
• StudentswillbeallowedtoaccesstheInternetonlythroughtheirteacher.NostudentsmayaccesstheInternetwithoutpermission.Studentusemustbesupervisedatalltimesbyastaffmember.
• Allusersmustsigninonaloginsheetbeforeeachuse.
RulesGoverningUseTheuseoftheInternetisaprivilege,notaright,andinappropriateusewillresultincancellationofInternetprivileges.Allstaffandstudentsmustabidebythegenerallyacceptedrulesofnetwork-etiquette,includingthefollowing:• Bepolite.• Donotbeabusiveinmessagestoothers.• Alwaysuseappropriatelanguage.• Profanity,vulgaritiesorotherinappropriatelanguagesareprohibited.• Illegalactivitiesarestrictlyforbidden.• Neverrevealyourpersonaladdressorphonenumberorthatofothers.• Notethatelectronicmailisnotguaranteedtobeprivate.• Peoplewhooperatethesystemhaveaccesstoallmail.• Messagesrelatingtoorinsupportofillegalorinappropriateactivitieswillbereportedtotheappropriateauthorities.• Donotdisrupt,harassorannoyotherusers.• Allcommunicationsandinformationaccessibleviathenetworkshouldbeassumedtobeprivateproperty.• Alwaysciteallquotes,referencesandsources.• Neveraccessinappropriateorrestrictedinformationsuchaspornographyorotherobscenematerialsorotherinformationnotdirectlyrelatedtotheeducationalpurposesforwhichaccessisbeingprovided.• Restrictedinformationincludesobscene,libelous,indecent,vulgar,profaneorlewdmaterials:advertisementsforproductsorservicesnotpermittedtominorsbylaw,fighting,andharassingwords:andothermaterialswhichmaycauseasubstantialdisruptionoftheacademicenvironment.• Vandalismalsoisprohibitedandwillresultincancellationofprivileges.Vandalismincludesanymaliciousattempttoharmordestroydataofanotheruser,andincludes,butisnotlimitedto,theuploadingorcreationofcomputerviruses.• AllusersshouldusetheInternetonlyforresearchandacademicreasons;non-academicusesareprohibited.• Donotusethesystemforfinancialorcommercialgain.• Alwaysfollowtheinstructionofthesupervisor/staffmembers.
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PenaltiesforImproperUse
StudentswhoviolatethetermsofthisadministrativeruleorwhootherwisemisusetheiraccesstotheInternetalsowillbesubjecttodisciplinaryactioninaccordancewiththedistrict’sstudentbehaviorcode.
Consequencesforstudentthatviolatetherulesinclude,butarenotlimitedtooneormoreofthefollowing:
1. Administrative/ Teacher/Parent Conference and/or 2. ISS and/or 3. OSS and/or 4. Referral to REAL Academy and/or 5. Internet access privileges may be cancelled for up to one year. 6. Violations of the laws of the United States or the state of South Carolina also may subject the user
to criminal prosecution. If a user incurs unauthorized costs, the user, as well as the user’s parents, if the user is a student, will be responsible for all such costs.MediaCentersTheMcCormickSchoolMediaCentersofferthespaceandatmospheretostudyandengageinresearch,checkoutbooks,usecomputers,workonprojects,andparticipateinrecreationalreading.Themediacenterisopenbeforeschool,afterschoolandthroughouttheschoolday.StudentsResponsibilities:
• PresentaLibraryPass,signedbyteacher.• PresentastudentIDwhencheckingoutbooks.• Noeatinganddrinkingwithinthemediacenter.• Workquietly.• Placealllibrarymaterialsandchairsbackintheirproperplacebeforeleaving.• Beforeleavingthemediacenter,studentsmustgettheirLibraryPasssignedbymediaspecialist.• Astudentwhosebehaviorisdisruptivewillbeaskedtoleaveandmaylosehis/hermediacenterprivileges.
ComputerUsageWithintheMediaCenter• Studentsareallowedtousecomputersforinstructionalpurposesonly.• Studentsmayprintblackandwhitetextassignments(upto4pages)atnocharge.• Textprintingthatisnotschoolrelatedis$0.15perpage.• Allcolorandgraphicsprintingis$0.25perpage.• Anystudentwhomisusesacomputerwillbesuspendedfromusingthecomputersforan
indefiniteperiodoftime.
Internet• AllstudentsarerequiredtoturninanAcceptanceUsePolicyagreementthathasbeen
signedbyaparentorguardiantothemediacentertobekeptonfile.• TheInternetisforinstructionalpurposesonly.• Studentsmustsigninandoutforthecomputertheyareusing.Studentswillberesponsible
foranysitesvisitedduringthetimestheyaresignedin.• StudentsusingtheInternetmustselectacomputerwherethemonitorwillbevisible.
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E-MailTheonlytimestudentswillbeallowedtoaccessanE-mailaccountwillbetocorrespondwithacollege.AteachermaygiveanassignmentrequiringstudentstocommunicateusingE-mailbuttheteacherwillberesponsibleformonitoringtheassignment.ChatRoomsStudentswillonlybeallowedtoenterintoachatroomifitisanassignmentgivenbyateacher.Theteacherwhohasgiventhisassignmentwillberesponsibleformonitoringthestudents.
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Section IX FEES
Student Fees, Fines, and Charges ItistheresponsibilityoftheBoardtoassurethatthechildrenoftheMcCormickCountySchoolDistrictareprovidedwithafreeandappropriatepubliceducation.TheDistrictdoesprovideactivities,programs,andservicestochildren,whichextendbeyondtheminimumlevelofconstitutionallyrequiredfreeinstruction.TheDistrict’sgeneralpolicyistocontinuetoencourageand,totheextentpermittedbylaw,torequirestudentandparentcontributionstoenhancetheeducationalprogram.
• GeneralCourseMaterials–ItemsnecessaryforstudentstobenefitfromcourseswillbemadeavailablebytheDistrictfortheuseofstudentsduringtheschoolday.However,allparentsarerequiredtoprovidethebasictoolsneededforclasssuchaspencils,pens,paper,erasersandnotebooks regardless of the student’s lunch status. Specific grade level supply lists will bepublishedannuallyforparentconsiderationontheDistrict’swebsite.
• Textbooks –The state provides free textbooks for all students. All books are bar coded andassigned to a specific student. South Carolina State Board of Education regulations requirepayment for the lossordamageofanybook,with theexceptionofordinarywearand tear.McCormick County SchoolDistrict requires students, parents or guardians to pay for lost ordamagedbooks.
• Replacement of Other Materials –If a student loses or damages district-owned or school-owned materials such as library books, classroom books, calculators, computers, etc., thestudentwillberesponsibleforpayingthereplacementcostoftheitem.
o Librarylatebookfine$.10perday(maximumfine$5)o Lostlibrarybookfee
• Identification(ID)Replacemento firstIDbadgewillbefreeo replacementcost$5.00o temporaryID’sare$1.00foreachtimeissued
• DamagedorLostItems–StudentswillnotbeheldresponsibleforanyactofGodsuchasFire,Flood, etc. Students are responsible for the careful and appropriate use of school property,which isplacedinthecareofstudents. Studentsandtheirparentsorguardianswillbeheldresponsiblefor:
o damagetoschoolpropertyo replacementcostofschoolproperty
• Fees for Optional Courses or Activities –The District will make standard materialsavailable.Occasionally, feesarenecessary forcoursesoroptionalspecialactivities. Inthese instances, parentswill be asked for voluntary payment for supply fees for thepurchaseofitemstoenhanceandextendlearningsuchas:
Collectionoffeesshallbeonayearlybasisandshallbesubjecttoauditinaccordancewithstandardauditingprocedures.ExtracurricularActivities–Studentshavetheresponsibilitytofurnishanypersonalorconsumableitemsforparticipationinextracurricularactivities.
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CHECKREDI
Due to the volume of uncollectible checks that the district receives, the McCormick County SchoolDistricthascontractedwithCHECKREDIfortheelectroniccollectionofchecksreturnedfor insufficientfunds (NSF).Thedistrictwill gladlyacceptyour checks;however, in theeventyour check is returned,youraccountwillbedebitedelectronicallyforthefaceamountandfeesallowedbythestateofSouthCarolina.
Pleaseincludethefollowingonyourcheck:
DriverLicenseNumberFullNameStreetAddressPhoneNumbers
Ifthereareanyquestions,pleasecontactthedistrictoffice,locatedat821NorthMineStreetorcall(864)852-2435extension237.
Section X Cafeteria Information
LunchandSchoolBreakfastProgram
The district participates in the national school lunch program and provides nutritional, well-balancedbreakfast and lunches in all schools. The district provides free breakfast and lunch to all students.Studentsmaypurchaseasecondmealfor$1.35.Anypreviousbalancesareduetobepaidbytheendoftheschoolyear.
BREAKFASTISSERVEDATSCHOOL.
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“WhosePride?”
McCormickMiddleSchool
“CHIEFTAINPRIDE”