LINCOLN TRAIL ELEMENTARY
HANDBOOK
2011-12
Mr. Ben Lawalin, Principal
13726 N. State Road 245
Lamar, IN 47550
Phone: (812) 544-2929
Fax: (812)544-2930
www.nspencer.k12.in.us/ltes
North Spencer County School Corporation
P.O. Box 316
Lincoln City, IN 47552
Phone: (812)937-2400
School Mission
At Lincoln Trail, we will
Inspire
Challenge
Achieve
Nurture
Vision Statement
At Lincoln Trail Elementary, we commit our time and resources to provide a safe environment where student achievement is relentlessly pursued, lifelong learning is valued, and students are recognized for both academic achievement and for exhibiting positive character traits.
Belief Statements
- We believe that educating children is our number one priority.
- We believe that the combination of high expectations, a challenging curriculum, and a positive school climate fosters academic excellence.
- We believe that parents and community members are essential partners in learning.
- We believe that all children have the ability to learn; but may learn differently and therefore need to be taught using a variety of instructional strategies.
We believe that children deserve a well-rounded educational experience that includes an enthusiastic staff that is passionate about working with kids, lessons that are designed with real world application in mind, and a character education component that is modeled daily and celebrated often.
7:40 Morning Assembly
11:00 Half day Kdg. dismissal
11:05 Lunch Gr. 1, 2 3
11:50 Lunch Gr. 4, 5, 6
2:55 Car riders dismissal
2:57 Bus dismissal begins
Students should arrive at school no earlier than 7:20 am. Between 7:20am and 7:40am students should be dropped off at the back entrance. When students arrive at school, they should report to the cafeteria or gymnasium.
Back entrance doors will be secured at 7:40, so if for any reason your child comes in late, you must sign them in at the office. If for any reason your child needs to leave early, you must sign them out in the office and send a note to the classroom teacher the day this occurs. Parents are not to go directly to the classroom. They should report to the office. The office staff will contact the teacher that the student should be ready to leave and the student will be sent to the office. This is to prevent interruptions of instructional time.
Parents picking children up after school need to pick up their children at the back of the school at 2:55 pm.
Students are not to be left unsupervised for an extended period of time after or before school. For example, if practice doesn’t start until 5:00 PM, then parents will need to make transportation arrangements and not expect their child to wait at school unsupervised.Top
SCHOOL SAFETY
All visitors must report to the office upon entering the building.
The North Spencer County School Corporation has worked in consultation with county emergency personnel, law enforcement officials, and school safety specialists to develop guidelines for the promotion of school safety.
Administrators, counselors, school nurses, teachers, and community representatives continue to work collaboratively in the development and evaluation of crisis prevention and intervention guidelines. Lincoln Trail strongly promotes safety as a priority for all students and staff. It is the responsibility of students, parents, faculty, and staff to create and promote a safe environment for all school-related activities.
Fire, storm, earthquake, and security drills will be held periodically throughout the school year. Follow the procedures that are posted in each classroom. Move quietly and follow the directions of the teacher. For statewide emergency situations, the school corporation will follow directives as received from state and/or national agencies.
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PROCEDURES FOR PARENTS REPORTING STUDENT ABSENCES
Parents must report student absences by 9:00 am on the day of the absence. Prior to 7:00 a.m., a message can be left on the school’s voice mail. All absences and tardies are considered truancies until a phone call or note signed by the parent or doctor has been received.
The student must request make-up assignments from the teachers. Make-up work will be required for an absence. The student will be given two (2) days for each missed day to complete the make-up work and receive credit.
ELEMENTARY ATTENDANCE POLICY
Absence is defined as the following:
1. Illness, injury, or surgery, ten (10) school days or less;
2. Legal, medical, or dental appointment that cannot be scheduled after school hours;
3. Home emergency approved by the principal, which includes illness or death of family member;
4. Absence conducive to the educational process as approved by the principal; vacations are not considered educational!
5. Religious holidays - verification of absence may be required by the principal;
Approved absences may be granted by the principal when conditions warrant.
Any absences for a reason other than those listed above or in excess of 10 days per year are unexcused, unless accompanied by a doctor’s statement. However, a doctor’s note may be required by the principal at any time.
Truancy is any absence other than those listed above. Unreported absences will be recorded as truant. Truancy is a violation of the school rules established by the School Board. If a student is truant, they will not be allowed to make up the class work and will receive a zero (0) for any tests or work done in class while absent. A student who is habitually truant falls under the Indiana Absent Truancy Regulations and will be referred to the Spencer County Prosecutor’s Office, or the principal can recommend expulsion.
Tardiness: A student is considered tardy if they are not in school when the morning bell rings at 7:40. When a student is tardy, they are not counted as absent unless they have not arrived by 8:45 a.m. If a student arrives after 8:45, they will be counted as absent ½ day. If a student leaves before 2:30, they will be counted as being absent ½ day. If a student leaves school after 2:30 but before the dismissal bell, it will be considered an early dismissal.
NORTH SPENCER COUNTY SCHOOL CORPORATION STUDENT ATTENDANCE POLICY
Regular and punctual school attendance is vital to deriving maximum success from the instructional program and to developing habits of responsibility, punctuality, and self-discipline. Research indicates there is a direct correlation between school attendance and achievement. Higher academic achievement occurs for students who regularly attend classes, while excessive absences result in achievement below the level of expectation and/or failure.
Consistent daily attendance of students is a requirement under the laws of Indiana as expressed in the Compulsory Attendance statute. Ensuring students consistently attend class on a daily basis is a responsibility which is shared by students, school officials, parents, and the community.
A parent must also recognize that time away from school for vacations, health care appointments, or other events not directly related to the student’s educational curriculum should be kept to an absolute minimum. When this is unavoidable, it is important that you discuss the situation with the principal in advance.
An approved absence may be granted for a student going on a trip. Requests must be made to the principal within a reasonable time prior to the trip. Students going on a trip may be absent only upon meeting the following conditions:
1) The student can be absent no more than five (5) days, or principal’s discretion;
2) The student will be accompanied by a parent.
Significant illness or medical problem may be counted as an absence as defined by the student having a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits their ability to attend school. This is illness, injury, or surgery that requires a child to miss more than ten (10) consecutive school days. The following conditions must be met:
a) A physician’s statement regarding the proposed length of the student’s absence
b) The parent notifies the principal or nurse in a prompt manner
c) The student must complete the assignments provided by the school
Students who qualify under Section 504 policy of the corporation will not be considered absent when the absence is the result of the disability and they meet the 504 regular education plan.
ATTENDANCE VIOLATIONS
1. When a student has been absent 5 days, a letter indicating the number and types of absences recorded for the student will be mailed to the parents. The letter will explain that a referral may be made to Spencer County Attendance/Truancy Court after 10 days of absences.
2. When a student has been absent 10 days, a letter will be mailed to the parents requesting a conference or indicate a referral to Spencer County Attendance/Truancy Court. The principal/designee will determine the appropriate actions based on the reasons for the absences and the appropriate documentation.
3. When a student has reached 3 days of unexcused absences, a letter will be mailed to the parents requesting a conference and/or warning that further unexcused absences will result in a referral to Spencer County Attendance/Truancy Court.
4. Should a student be absent for more than 5 unexcused absences for non-documented medical or legal reasons, the principal/designee will make a referral to Spencer County Attendance/Truancy Court.
5. If a student is suspended from school, this is an absence. However, this absence will not be counted in compiling actual days attended but will affect perfect attendance.
6. Should a student be absent for 10 or more unexcused absences for non-documented medical or legal reasons, the principal /designee will determine whether the process of expulsion from school should be initiated for habitual truancy.
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A parent must produce a certificate of a student’s incapacity to attend school for a principal/designee within six (6) days after it is requested, as per Indiana Code 20-8.1-3-20. The certificate required shall be signed by an Indiana physician or by an individual holding a license to practice osteopathy or chiropractic in this state or by a Christian Science Practitioner who resides in Indiana and is listed in the Christian Science Journal. If after such a certificate is requested and is not delivered, the principal/designee may deal with the violation by imposing disciplinary consequences, recommending expulsion of the student, and/or referring the matter to Child Protective Services and/or juvenile court authorities for violation of the Indiana Compulsory Attendance statute.
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Interested parents and adult members of the community are always welcome. All individuals entering the school must report to the office for a visitor’s pass.
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PARENT CONFERENCES AND VISITATION
Parent-Teacher conferences are usually scheduled in the fall of each school year. This conference is considered the most effective way for home and school to work together to provide the best understanding of your child. All parents are urged to make every effort to attend this conference. Parents can call the school to arrange additional conferences as needed. When a problem arises between student and teacher, the parent should first discuss the problem with the teacher. If questions still exist, parents should then contact the principal. As a final resort, the superintendent may be consulted. Communication and cooperation between home and school are extremely important in creating a positive educational experience for the student.
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Progress reports will be issued four times during the school year (one per nine weeks). They will be issued on the Thursday following the end of each grading period. Progress reports at the end of the year will be sent home on the last day of school. Communication regarding a student’s academic progress or concerns will be communicated to parents throughout the grading period through phone calls, notes, e-mails, etc. Parents are encouraged to contact the school with any questions or concerns they may have regarding their child’s academic progress.
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Celebration Assemblies are held each quarter to honor student achievement, Lincoln Award winners, and perfect attendance. Students are also recognized for possessing life skills that are valued by our school community.
Students are recognized every morning at assembly for participation in academics, sports, etc. Birthdays are announced and recognized during morning assembly as well.
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North Spencer County Schools comply with the federal regulations established by the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). School records may be released only with the parents’ permission if the child is under 18, except in instances where the records are requested by an educational agency in which the student seeks or intends to enroll.
FERPA gives the parents and eligible students the right to inspect and review the student’s educational records. These rights transfer to the student when the student turns 18 or begins attending any school beyond the high school level. Directory information can be given to any person or organization for nonprofit making purposes when requested, unless the parents of the student restrict the information, in writing, to the principal or his/her designee.
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NORTH SPENCER NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT
The North Spencer County School Corporation is committed to equal opportunity and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, or individuals with disabilities, including limited English proficiency, in its programs or employment policies as required by the Indiana Civil Rights Act, Title VI and VII, the Equal Pay Act of 1973, Title IX, and Section 504. No person is excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise subjected to unlawful discrimination on such basis under any educational program or student activity.
If you have experienced discrimination in such educational programs or activities, written inquiries about procedures that are available and for consideration of complaints alleging such discrimination should be directed to Dan Scherry, Superintendent, North Spencer County School Corporation, P. 0. Box 316, Lincoln City, IN 47552 or call (812) 937-2400.
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Students need to inform the office about any serious health problem that may effect their participation in physical education. A doctor’s written statement is required in order to be excused from participation in physical education for more than two days. Any accident, no matter how minor, that occurs on school property or at any school-related activity should immediately be reported to the school personnel sponsoring the activity.
Any medication to be taken by a student during the school day, including aspirin and other over the counter medications, must be in the original container, have the student’s name on the outside, and be accompanied by a signed permission slip from the parent or guardian and delivered to the nurse’s office. The student will then report to the office at appropriate times to take the medication. If a parent wants their child to carry an emergency medication such as an inhaler or epi-pen, then a special self administration form must be completed by the parents and child’s physician.
North Spencer County Schools will no longer be permitted to send medication home with students in kindergarten through eighth grade. Medication may only be released to the student’s parent or an individual at least 18 years of age and designated in writing by the student’s parent to receive the medication (IC 20-8.1-5.1-7.5). This will include ALL medications prescription and nonprescription, including Tylenol, cough drops, antibiotics, etc.
Immunization requirements for attending school are established by state law. Parents are required to provide the school with a current immunization record for their child. A student may not attend school if his/her immunizations are not in compliance with state statutes.
Attendance is very important. However, students with vomiting, diarrhea, temperatures of 100 or over, or with any communicable disease should remain at home. We ask that students who have been out sick be fever free for 24 hours before returning to school.
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The purpose of the guidance and counseling services is to assist students and teachers in having a satisfying and successful school experience. Services are provided in a manner that recognizes the dignity and worth of all individuals. The counselor seeks to promote the development of human potential and assist the individual in developing confidence and a growing sense of responsibility for decisions and self-direction.
School counselors assist students in career awareness, participate in general education interventions as needed, counsel students relative to social, emotional and educational matters, orient new students and parents to the school and its procedures, facilitate communication between school and home, assist parents in accessing services in the school and community, facilitate referrals to appropriate agencies for students with special needs, and maintain contact with business, community, and assistance agencies.
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Parents are given the opportunity to purchase student accident insurance at a
reasonable rate at the beginning of school. “School Day” or “24-hour” coverage is available.
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The bookstore will be open before school on Tuesdays and Thursdays. School supplies and special items may be purchased at those times. Our Student Council will operate the bookstore.
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Convocations and assemblies for educational, recreational, and entertainment purposes will be given throughout the school year. Parents are welcome to attend. We do ask that all visitors sign in at the office and observe school guidelines throughout the convocation.
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Field trips are an excellent resource to enhance classroom instruction and provide students with opportunities that are unavailable through the regular school setting. It is necessary to have a signed parent/guardian permission form completed and returned to the teacher. The form will cover all local field trips. Chaperones are parent volunteers chosen by the classroom teacher. Due to bus room limitations, only one parent per classroom can attend.
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Student users of technology resources are expected to accept and follow certain guidelines in return for the privilege of using the computers, programs, and associated equipment. Students are to use only programs and equipment as specified by their teachers. Students should not share their individual password with others.
Any student who is found tampering with the computer system may be assigned out-of-school suspension on the first offense. They may be recommended for expulsion on the second offense during the same school year. Tampering includes using another student’s or teacher’s password to enter the system, being in an unassigned area of the system, or causing any other damage to the computer network, the system software, or hardware.
The following devices may be brought in by students to use at school:
- e-readers – examples nook, kindle, etc.
- laptop computers
Any student who wishes to bring one of these items to school must request a parent permission slip from the building principal before utilization in the classroom and must follow all rules and regulations outlined in the Personal Technology Use Guidelines.
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Internet access is available on a limited basis to students and teachers in the North Spencer School Corporation. Students will have limited access that is teacher- directed. The School Corporation is bringing this access to our students in order that they may receive a broad-based exposure to knowledge and experiences. This program will aid in meeting the educational needs of its students. It will also help our students accomplish educational goals which are significant, durable, and transferable.
With access to computers and people all over the world also comes the availability of material that may not be considered to be of educational value in the context of the school setting. North Spencer School Corporation has taken precautions to restrict access to controversial materials.
Because the Internet provides access to other computer systems around the world, it is specifically understood that the school system does not have control of the content of information residing on these other systems. Students and parents are advised that some systems may contain defamatory, inaccurate, abusive, obscene, profane, sexually oriented, threatening, racially offensive or illegal material. The North Spencer School Corporation does not condone the use of such materials and does not permit usage of such material in the school environment. Students who bring such materials into the school environment may have their account terminated and will be dealt with according to the discipline policies of the individual school building.
It is generally accepted that the educational value of students’ Internet access is the joint responsibility of students, parents, and employees of North Spencer School Corporation.
Examples of unacceptable use that may result in the suspension or revoking of the Internet account include but are not limited to:
1. Using the Internet for any illegal activity, including violation of copyright or other contracts;
2. Gaining unauthorized access to resources or entities;
3. Accessing, transmitting, upload, or downloading pornographic, obscene, or sexually explicit materials;
4. Violate any local, state or federal statute;
5. Vandalize, damage, or disable the property of another person or organization.
Account holders specifically agree to indemnify the North Spencer School Corporation for any losses, costs or damages incurred by the Corporation arising out of any breach of this section. The corporation’s Acceptable Use Policy and Guidelines for Internet Use are on file and available for review by parents, guardians, professional staff and members of the community at the Central Administrative Office. It is located on Highway 162, Lincoln City, Indiana. Telephone: 812-937-2400.
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PERSONAL PROPERTY
Do not bring valuable possessions (IPods, collector cards, cd’s, cd players, game boys, video games, toys, excessive cash, etc.) to school. The school cannot be responsible for them. Gum is also not allowed at school.
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SCHOOL DRESS
The manner in which a person dresses often reflects that person’s self-perception. We feel that high levels of self-esteem are important to the educational process. Therefore, we encourage students to dress in a clean and neat manner and to meet certain standards of reasonable dress. Some guidelines (but not limited to) are as follows:
1. Hats, bandannas, and sunglasses are not to be worn in the building.
2. All shorts, skirts, skorts, and dresses must be at least fingertip length.
3. Clothing that states, implies, or displays any reference to drugs, vulgar language, alcohol, tobacco products, nudity, or anything else that may be considered disruptive to the educational process is not allowed.
4. All clothing covering the upper body must not expose any cleavage, bare midriff, or undergarments.
5. Attire that may damage school property or cause personal injury to others such as chains, studded items, etc are prohibited.
6. Sandals without backs are not permitted due to safety concerns at recess.
Any student not dressed properly or in a manner that is considered disruptive to the educational process in the opinion of a Lincoln Trail staff member may be detained in the office by the principal or principal’s designee until such time that proper clothing can be delivered to the school by that student’s parent. Repeated violations could result in disciplinary action, including suspension of the student.
Dressing appropriately for the weather is critical, especially during cold weather. Students should dress for outside recess, which would include a coat, gloves, and a hat during colder weather. Please put the student’s name on all articles of clothing, such as coats, hats, and gloves.
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Students may possess handheld cellular telephones only under the following conditions:
a) Telephones must be powered off during the school day, including field trips.
b) During the school day, telephones may be used only with permission of and in the presence of licensed teaching or administrative personnel.
Should this policy be violated, the device will be confiscated and taken to the office. The device will only be returned to a parent.
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On days of inclement weather when roads are considered to be unsafe for school bus transportation, the decision to close or delay school is made by the superintendent. All families should receive a phone call from the corporation office informing them of delays or cancellations. Parents and students may also listen to the following radio stations for weather and school information when inclement weather conditions exist: WBNL (107.1)- Boonville, WITZ (104.7) - Jasper, WBKR (92.5) - Owensboro, WTCJ (1230 AM)- Tell City, WBDC (100.9) - Huntingburg, and WAXL (103.3) - Santa Claus. Parents and students are asked not to call the school, radio stations, or administrators regarding this information in order to keep all telephone lines open for emergency calls.
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Substitute teachers are recognized by the administration the same as the classroom teacher. Students will be expected to afford them the same courtesy and cooperation as the regular teacher.
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A student must not adopt or reproduce ideas, words, or statements of another person without appropriate acknowledgement. A student must give due credit to the originality of others for their work. This includes work cited from Internet sources.
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Our school cafeteria personnel strive to provide students with delicious and nutritious meals at a reasonable price. A well-balanced meal is important to health and school success. The price of the meals will be determined each year and parents will be notified at registration. Applications for Free or Reduced Priced meals are available from the school office.
Lunch money should be placed in an envelope with the student’s name clearly marked. It is permissible for families to send money for their children’s meals in one amount as long as each child’s name and amount is noted. Parents may also pay ahead for a month, semester, or longer. Each student will have an account. Parents will be notified when their child’s balance becomes zero or negative.
If a child brings his/her lunch, milk may be purchased separately. By law, no soft drinks are allowed. Any student that is allergic to milk must have a medical statement by a doctor on file with the school nurse. This statement must be updated each year. As per federal guidelines, anyone purchasing a school lunch must have milk as part of the meal.
Students are asked to observe the following cafeteria guidelines:
*Use your best table manners
*Feel free to visit with others at your table, but speak softly.
*For safety sake do not share food or drink. Food and drink may not be taken from the cafeteria area.
*Leave your table and area clean.
* Raise your hand if you need assistance.
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NORTH SPENCER SCHOOL CORPORATION HOMEWORK GUIDELINES
The Board of School Trustees is aware that good schools are not products of teachers, school superintendents, or school board members alone, but are representative of the entire community. Because parents and teachers in particular should be partners in the education of students, their cooperative effort in assigning and monitoring homework can provide an excellent opportunity to strengthen this educational partnership.
Homework is an out-of-school assignment that contributes to the educational process of the student. It should be an extension of class work and should be related to the objectives of the curriculum presently studied. Homework may include additional practice exercises, reading of material on a specified subject, in-depth extension of classroom activities, or independent project work related to the subject.
Homework should fulfill the following purposes or objectives:
1. to review, reinforce, or extend classroom learning by providing practice and application of knowledge gained;
2. to teach students responsibility and organization skills;
3. to promote wise and orderly use of time;
4. to encourage a carry-over of worthwhile school activities into permanent career and leisure interests;
5. to provide opportunities for broad enrichment activities.
Cooperation by parents is a necessary factor in meaningful homework experiences. Parents can encourage their children by showing interest and exhibiting helpful attitudes toward homework. Each student has the responsibility to develop good work and study habits. The student is expected to take home any materials and information needed to complete the assignment. The student should learn to budget his/her time.
When study time is provided during the day, the student should take advantage of it. Long-term assignments should be planned so they do not have to be done all at once. The student should return all work completed to the teacher by the date requested and make up work missed during an illness or excused absence.
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All lockers made available for student use on the school premises, including lockers located in the athletic dressing rooms or classrooms, are the property of the school corporation. These lockers are made available for student use in storing school supplies and personal items necessary for use at school. The lockers are not to be used to store items which cause, or can reasonably be foreseen to cause, an interference with school purposes or an educational function, or which are forbidden by state law or school rules.
The student’s use of the locker does not diminish the school corporation’s ownership or control of the locker. The school corporation retains the right to inspect the locker and its contents, without the knowledge or permission of the student, to insure that the locker is being used in accordance with its intended purpose, and to eliminate fire or other hazards, maintain sanitary conditions, attempt to locate lost or stolen materials and prevent use of the lockers to store prohibited or dangerous materials. Do not leave money or valuables in your locker.
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School buses are the safest form of transportation on our roads according to state and national statistics. We must work together to keep it safe for our students. School bus safety requires teamwork and we will always look to parents for support in promoting bus safety.
Our drivers have the responsibility to make safe transportation their first priority. Occasionally, a student will misbehave on the bus to the point that it is distracting to the bus driver. Prompt action is necessary to stop such behavior to protect the safety of all the students being transported. If misbehavior persists, the driver may have to deny the offending student transportation for a day, and the principal may add days depending upon the severity of the problem. In some cases, the school may have to consider permanent suspension from the bus.
School bus drivers are to have control of the children they transport. The driver shall maintain discipline at all times to insure the safety of all the students. No rules or guidelines can cover all incidents that arise. However, the following guidelines include those rules that are necessary for the safety of all the students who ride buses in the North Spencer County School Corporation:
A. Follow the directions of the driver
B. Stay in your seat.
C. No pushing, shoving, or fighting at any time.
D. No eating, drinking, or smoking.
The above rules are established by the North Spencer County School Corporation and will be utilized by all bus drivers. Upon recommendation of the bus driver, school authorities will deny the privilege of riding on the school bus to any pupil who refuses to cooperate and conduct themselves in compliance with the rules.
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STUDENT RESERVED SEATING
An important part of our school bus safety program is for each student to have a seat reserved for them. Reserved seating is important for several reasons. If students know where they are supposed to sit, there is no reason for them to be pushing or shoving to find a particular seat.
During the first week of school, the bus driver will be discussing with the students the need to find a seat with friends. That seat will then become their reserved seat for the remainder of the year. Bus drivers have the authority to change the seating assignment when they deem it necessary to do so.
Communication and cooperation among parents, students, and drivers is needed to be certain everyone arrives safely. We are requesting that parents discuss the reserved seating process and bus behavior guidelines with their students. Parents have the responsibility to support the authority of the bus driver and to encourage the proper behavior of their children.
If the student requests to be let off the bus at a stop other than his/her regular stop, the bus driver will require a written note signed by the parent, the principal, or principal’s designee.
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STUDENT PARTICIPATION IN EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
It is a privilege to participate in extra curricular activities. Students representing Lincoln Trail have certain obligations pertaining to conduct both in and out of school. Students should take pride in representing Lincoln Trail and exemplify high standards of personal behavior and academic accountability. Each student shall fulfill all the expectations established by school, sponsor, or coach.
Students who are absent from school may not participate in or attend any extracurricular activity that day.
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A student who reflects discredit upon his/her school, or creates a disruption in the discipline, good order, moral, or educational environment of his/her school or school activities shall be ineligible to participate in athletics. Prohibited conduct that requires suspension of athletic eligibility includes, but is not limited to: (1) possession or use of tobacco, alcohol or other drugs, (2) fighting or battery, (3) verbal or sexual harassment, (4) theft, or (5) vandalism.
Any suspension may be appealed, within seven (7) school days, to the building principal. During the appeals process, the student will not be allowed to participate in any athletic contests.
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DISCIPLINE — NORTH SPENCER COUNTY SCHOOL CORP POLICY
Indiana Code 20-8.1-5.1-8 states that the legal grounds for expulsion or suspension are student misconduct and substantial disobedience. The grounds for suspension or expulsion apply when:
1. a student is on school grounds immediately before or during school hours,
or immediately after school hours, or at any time when the school is being used by a school group;
2. a student is off school grounds at a school activity, function, or event:
3. a student is traveling to or from school or a school activity, function, or event;
4. the unlawful activity may reasonably be considered to be an interference with school purposes or an educational function;
5. the student’s removal is necessary to restore order or protect persons on school property; including an unlawful activity during weekends, holidays, other school breaks, and the summer period when a student may not be attending classes or other school functions. Indiana Code 20-8.1-5.1-5 empowers a school principal to write regulations to govern student conduct. The following types of student conduct constitute grounds for expulsion or suspension subject to student due process provisions in Indiana Code:
A. using violence, force, noise, coercion, threat, intimidation, fear, passive resistance, or other comparable conduct constituting an interference with school purposes or urging other students to engage in such conduct.
B) Occupying any school building, school grounds, or part thereof with the intent to deprive others of its use.
C) Blocking, the entrance or exits of any school building, corridor, or room therein with the intent to deprive others of lawful access to or from, or use of the building, corridor, or room.
D) Setting fire to or substantially damaging any school building or property.
E) Firing, displaying, or threatening use of firearms, explosives, or other weapons on the school premises for any lawful or unlawful purpose. (Federal law requires expulsion for a period of a least one calendar year, with the return of the student to be at the beginning of the first school semester after the end of the one year period.)
F) Prevention of or attempting to prevent by physical act the convening or continued functioning of any school or educational function or of any lawful meeting or assembly on school property.
G) Continuously and intentionally making noise or acting in any manner so as to interfere seriously with the ability of any teacher or any of the other school personnel to conduct the educational function under his/her supervision.
This subdivision shall not, however, be construed to make any particular student conduct a ground for expulsion where such conduct is constitutionally protected as an exercise of free speech, assembly or other right under the Constitution of Indiana or the United States.
2. a student is causing or attempting to cause damage to school property of substantial value or repeatedly damaging or stealing school property of small value.
3. a student is intentionally causing or attempting to cause substantial damage to valuable private property, stealing or attempting to steal valuable private property, or repeatedly damaging or stealing private property.
4. a student is intentionally causing or attempting to cause physical injury or intentionally behaving in such a way as could reasonably cause physical injury to any person. Self-defense or reasonable action undertaken on the reasonable belief that it was necessary to protect some other person does not, however, constitute a violation of this provision.
5. a student is threatening or intimidating any student for the purpose of, or with the intent of, obtaining money or anything else of value from the student. Knowingly possessing, handling, or transmitting a knife or any object that can reasonably be considered a weapon.
6. a student is knowingly possessing, using, transmitting, selling, or being under the influence of any narcotic drug, hallucinogenic drug, amphetamine, barbiturate, marijuana, alcoholic beverage, or intoxicant of any kind. If an administrator has reasonable suspicion that a student is under the influence of an illegal substance, the student may be required to submit to a urinalysis.
7. a student is engaging in the unlawful selling of an illegal substance, a controlled substance, look a like substance, possessing drug paraphernalia, or engaging in a criminal law violation that constitutes a danger to other students or constitutes an interference with school purposes or an educational function.
8. a student is failing in a substantial number of instances to comply with directions of teachers or other school personnel during any period of time when the student is properly under their supervision where the failure constitutes an interference with school purposes or an educational function.
9. a student is engaging in activity forbidden by the Laws of Indiana that constitutes an interference with school purposes or educational function.
10. a student is engaging in unlawful activity on or off school grounds if the unlawful activity may reasonably be considered to be an interference with school purposes or an educational function.
11. a student is knowingly possessing or using on school grounds during school hours an electronic paging device or a handheld portable telephone in a situation not related to a school purpose or an educational function.
12. there is use or possession of any tobacco products on school grounds or at any school sponsored activity.
13. there is excessive tardiness or truancy.
14. a student is throwing any object in such a manner as to threaten the safety of students or other school personnel.
15. there is a violation of dress policy as stated in this handbook.
16. a student is refusing to identify him/herself when asked to do so by school personnel while on school property or engaged in any school activity.
17. a student is cheating, plagiarizing, or misrepresenting authorship of any school-related assignment.
18. a student is forging or possessing forged documents related to school.
19. a student is leaving school, class, or a school activity without proper authorization.
20. a student is using abusive, vulgar, or indecent language or gestures that cause a disruption in the educational process.
21. a student is vandalizing computers or computer equipment, altering computer software without expressed consent from the teacher, or entering the personal files of other students.
22. there is failure to follow the directions of the bus driver or the bus rules can result in suspension from the bus for the rest of the school year.
23. being in a gang at school, or engaging in gang activity at school or at any school sponsored function. This includes wearing clothing or other items that would denote gang affiliation.
24. Violation of the attendance policy and/or other school rules.
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RESPONSIBILITY TIME/DETENTION GRADES 4 -6
When a student chooses to misbehave at school, he or she will be issued a warning by the teacher. Continued misbehavior will result in the student being given Responsibility Time during the lunch recess. Students are required to sign in upon entering Responsibility Time. The student will also bring home a form for the parent notifying them, and the parent will need to sign the form and return it to school.
After receiving a 4th Responsibility Time assignment, the student will be assigned a detention.
Detentions are held in the school library every Tuesday morning from 7:00-7:40. It is the parent’s responsibility to provide transportation to school the morning of the detention. If a student has been assigned a detention, a form notifying the parent will be sent home. The form needs to be signed, acknowledging the date of the detention and returned to school.
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SATURDAY SCHOOL
This program is an extension of the school discipline procedures. Students may be assigned to this program for various offenses in lieu of ISS or OSS.
Saturday School Rules:
1. Saturday School is to be conducted from 8:00 am until 12:00 noon.
2. Assignment to Saturday School for school rule infractions is at the discretion of the principal or his or her designee(s).
3. Transportation to and from Saturday School is the responsibility of the student and his or her parent. Students must show up for the Saturday assigned. Extenuating circumstances will be adjudged as valid only by the principal or his/her designee.
4. Students must report to the front doors of the high school prior to 8:00 am. No one will be admitted after 8:00 am.
5. A supervised restroom/drink-of-water break will be conducted from 10:00 until 10:10. STUDENTS ARE ABSOLUTELY NOT ALLOWED OUT OF ROOM 53 AT ANY OTHER TIME DURING SATURDAY SCHOOL.
6. Students must come to Saturday School with books and papers prepared to do some form of schoolwork.
7. Sleeping is strictly prohibited.
8. Eating and/or drinking are strictly prohibited.
9. Radios, electronic games, etc. are strictly prohibited.
Failure to show to Saturday School may result in two (2) days of out-of-school suspension. A second failure to show may result in three (3) days of OSS. A third no-show may result in five (5) days of 0SS and the beginning of expulsion proceedings.
Noncompliance with any of these rules, failure to follow the instructions of the supervisor, and/or any behavior that causes a disruption of quiet in Saturday School will result in the offending student being immediately sent home and considered as a no-show.
IN-SCHOOL SUSPENSION (ISS)
The student will not attend regular classroom activities for a period of time. During and until the date of completion of ISS, the student will not be permitted to participate and/or attend any school function.
OUT-OF-SCHOOL SUSPENSION (OSS)
The student will not attend school for a period of time. The absences will not count toward that student’s total of days allowable under the school’s attendance policy. During and until the date of completion of OSS, the student will not be permitted to participate and/or attend any school function.
REPEAT OFFENDER POLICY
Any student who accumulates three office referrals for the same offense during a semester may receive ISS, OSS, or Saturday School for the next same offense. Further violation may result in the initiation of expulsion proceedings.
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NORTH SPENCER COUNTY SCHOOLS TIME OUT GUIDELINES
Time out is a period of time in a less reinforcing environment made contingent on a behavior. Once the behavior is modified the student will return to the regular classroom activities. Time out is for students who disrupt the education process and less directive behavior modifications have not altered the behavior.
Time out is a progression in the discipline code that the classroom teacher may employ to help the child gain self-control, or that the principal may employ to keep a student from hurting themselves or other students. The goal is for the student to gain self-control and return to the regular educational environment.
A copy of the full set of guidelines is on file in the school office.
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The school will follow the procedures and processes as prescribed in Indiana Code enacted and amended by the Indiana General Assembly with regard to all disciplinary action.
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It will be a violation of the North Spencer County School Corporation policy for students to bully or harass other students through conduct or communication. Acts of harassment may be aimed at a person’s sex, race, color, national origin, religion, disability, or other personal characteristics. Bullying is defined as overt, repeated acts or gestures, including verbal or written communications transmitted, physical acts committed, or any other behaviors committed by a student or group of students against another student with the intent to harass, ridicule, humiliate, intimidate, or harm. Violation of the school’s bullying/harassment policy will result in disciplinary action, which could include suspension or expulsion. The Anti-harassment Complaint Coordinator for our school corporation is Superintendent Dan Scherry (937-2400).
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SEARCH AND SEIZURE POLICY
The Board of Education acknowledges the need for in-school storage of students’ possessions. Where locks are provided for such storage places, including lockers, students may lock them against incursion by other students, but in no such places shall students have such an expectation of privacy as to prevent examination by a school official.
School authorities are charged with the responsibility of safeguarding the safety and well being of the students in their care. In the discharge of that responsibility, school authorities may search the person or property (including vehicles) of a student, with or without the student’s consent, whenever they have reasonable suspicion to suspect that the search is required to discover evidence of a violation of law or of school rules. The extent of the search should be governed by the seriousness of the alleged infraction, the student’s age, and the student’s disciplinary history. The school administration has a responsibility to provide for the safety and well being of students while at or going to or from school or school functions. In discharging this responsibility, the school authorities may find it necessary to search not only student lockers, but also the person or property (including vehicles) of a student. Searches may include the use of law enforcement officers and/or trained dogs. The extent of a search would be governed by its purpose, the seriousness of a suspected student infraction and the student’s age and past disciplinary history. Exploratory searches by a trained dog of buildings, parking areas, vehicles and student property may be conducted without prior notice and may provide reasonable cause for more extensive searches by building administrators.
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13726 N. State Road 245 Lamar, Indiana 47550
Phone (812) 544-2929
Fax (812) 544-2930
Mr. Ben Lawalin - Principal