Red Cloud High School
“Educating Lakota Youth in Lakota Catholic Values for Leadership and Service”
STUDENT HANDBOOK 2011-2012
Home of the Crusaders
Pine Ridge, SD 57770 Phone: (605) 867-1289; Fax: (605) 867-2528 www.redcloudschool.org
Accredited by the State of South Dakota Member: North Central Association, and Jesuit Secondary Education Association
This Student Handbook belongs to
NAME :______
PHONE :______Cell : ______
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Red Cloud High School is sponsored and managed by RED CLOUD INDIAN SCHOOL, INC. Red Cloud Indian School, Inc. also sponsors and manages Our Lady of Lourdes Elementary School at Porcupine and Red Cloud Elementary School at Pine Ridge. The chief educational administrator for the three schools is the RCIS Superintendent (Ph: 605- 867-5888). Red Cloud Indian School, Inc. also sponsors the Heritage Center and the Catholic parish churches on the Pine Ridge reservation.
AGREEMENT
By the act of registering at Red Cloud High School (RCHS), the student and his/her parents/guardians agree to pursue the educational objectives and practices as stated in this handbook and to respectfully observe the disciplinary code of the school. These norms and policies remain in effect for the academic year until, and including, graduation.
REVISION
After review by and upon the recommendation of the Education Committee, the Board of Directors approved this handbook on January 28, 2011.
RIGHT TO AMEND
The Administration of Red Cloud Indian School reserves the right to amend this handbook at any time during the school year. Parents/guardians will be informed about any amendments that may be adopted.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
President’s greeting Superintendent’s message Principal’s welcome 1. History of Red Cloud Indian School (RCIS) . . . . . 6 2. Mission Statement and Philosophy of RCIS . . . . . 6 3. Educational Objectives of RCIS . . . . . 7 4. RCHS Mission and Objectives . . . . . 9 5. Office Procedures . . . . . 9 6. School Personnel . . . . . 10 7. Admission Policies . . . . . 11 8. Registration Policies . . . . . 13 9. Payment and Refund Policies . . . . . 13 10. Student Information Policies . . . . . 14 11. Calendars and Schedules . . . . . 15 12. Academic Class Scheduling Policies . . . . . 18 13. Required Course of Study . . . . . 18 14. Academic Evaluation Policies . . . . . 18 15. Graduation Requirements . . . . . 21 16. Co-Curricular Activities . . . . . 21 17. Student Services . . . . . 24 18. Attendance Policies . . . . . 25 19. Safe School Policies . . . . . 28 20. Student Discipline Policies . . . . . 31 21. Sanctions . . . . . 36 22. Grievance Procedures . . . . . 37 23. Procedure Review Policies . . . . . 37 24. Departure Policies . . . . . 38
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PRESIDENT’S GREETING
Dear RCHS Students and Families,
Welcome to the 2011-2012 school year! I pray that it will be a time of blessing for all of you. May God keep you safe and may you be healthy. Let us walk and learn together as partners who are united by respect, friendship, and self-sacrifice. We are a community of hope marked by family bonds and deep friendships. Together let us put into practice what our Lakota and Catholic values teach us about bravery, generosity, and the many other virtues that give direction to our lives.
Red Cloud High School succeeds when we keep our eyes focused on our mission of educating the whole person. Everything we do – classroom learning, study at home, sports and other activities, counseling, and participation in school events – contributes to the intellectual, physical, social, and spiritual growth of each student. Opportunities arise every day for knowing ourselves, our talents, and our possibilities for the future. Be attentive! Listen to your teachers at school and at home. Trust God speaking in you. Some learning comes from persons or places you expect, such as classrooms, while other opportunities for maturing as persons come from helping others, working hard in whatever you do, and acting responsibly. God will surprise you in ways you least expect!
Our lives are greatly influenced by the choices we make. One choice is to be grateful despite the challenges we face. We receive every day from our Creator opportunities for learning and spiritual growth. Let us be grateful for them and for one another.
I pray for you and your loved ones, your faculty and staff, and all who support Red Cloud in any way. You are surrounded by people who care about you and for you. As they are a blessing to you, may you be a blessing to them.
Sincerely,
Fr. George Winzenburg, S.J. President
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SUPERINTENDENT’S MESSAGE
Dear Parents/Guardians and Students:
Thank you for choosing to be a part of the Red Cloud Indian School community. I hope that the 2011-2012 school year will be a great year for you. All communities have sets of principles, policies and procedures that guide day-to- day life, and Red Cloud High School is no exception. The Student/Parent Handbook serves as an agreement that the parents, guardians, and students make with our school regarding educational mission, philosophy, goals, policies, and rules. It is extremely important that you read this handbook so that you understand your responsibilities and rights as members of the Red Cloud Indian School community.
Each year the administration and the Education Committee of the Board of Directors make revisions in the Student/Parent Handbook. I encourage you to read the entire handbook.
Parent, guardian, and student input and involvement is welcome in the formation of educational mission, philosophy, goals, policies, and rules. Please feel free to contact members of the Education Committee or the school administration with your ideas.
We appreciate your help and support in the education of your children! Let’s work together in the educational process to help form your children to be the leaders of tomorrow.
Wakan Tanka Ni Yawaste yelo!
Sincerely,
Robert Brave Heart, Sr. Superintendent Red Cloud Indian School
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1. HISTORY OF RED CLOUD INDIAN SCHOOL
Red Cloud Indian School was established in 1888 as the Holy Rosary Mission. Founded by the Jesuits, it owes its origin to Chief Red Cloud, the leader of the Oglala Sioux tribe, who petitioned the government to permit the "Black robes" (Jesuits) to establish a school on the Pine Ridge Reservation.
In 1969, Holy Rosary Mission School officially changed its name to Red Cloud Indian School. This was done out of respect for the man whose work had made it possible to found the school and, as importantly, to affirm that the school seeks to build up the local Native American community rather than serve as a vehicle of cultural imperialism.
Today, Red Cloud Indian School continues that rich tradition – of being a Lakota, Catholic, and Jesuit school that serves the children of the Pine Ridge Reservation.
2. MISSION STATEMENT AND PHILOSOPY OF RCIS 2.1. THE MISSION STATEMENT OF RED CLOUD INDIAN SCHOOL
The Mission of Red Cloud Indian School, a Catholic institution that is administered by the Jesuits and Lakota people, is to develop and grow as a vibrant Church, through an education of the mind and spirit that promotes Lakota and Catholic values.
2.2. THE PHILOSOPHY OF RED CLOUD INDIAN SCHOOL
Red Cloud Indian School seeks the formation of Lakota youth as modeled by the person of Jesus Christ. In its spiritual mission, the school recognizes the profound spiritual values that exist within the traditions of the Lakota community and seeks the expression of those values. The school upholds a person’s worth in the sight of God, each individual’s moral responsibility, and the need for continual renewal and a change of heart – from selfish concerns to a spirit of generosity and the service of God by serving one another.
The Red Cloud Indian School System recognizes that a student’s intellectual capabilities are not lessened because of poverty, culture, or circumstance. Just as the school seeks to challenge the student to spiritual growth, it also challenges the student to grow intellectually and realize his/her highest potential. In essence, Red Cloud Indian School aims to form young Lakota men and women of competence, character, and conscience, rooted in their Lakota culture and as modeled by Jesus Christ.
The following beliefs guide our schools in fulfilling its mission: Concerning our students, we believe that: All of students are capable of learning. Students learn in different ways and at different rates. Therefore, our students will: Realize the role that their faith plays in their lives, Treasure their Lakota traditions and culture, Grow in knowledge of the Catholic faith,
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Be discerning and critical learners, Become responsible adults who live independent and productive lives, And become motivated citizens who desire to serve the tribe, thirst for justice, and respect others. Concerning our teachers, we believe that they will: Possess an understanding of the Catholic faith and an appreciation of Lakota traditions and culture, Maintain high standards and have high expectations for all students, Strive to meet the individual needs of our students, and Be role models for learning and living. Concerning our school, we believe that we will be: Partners with parents/guardians in helping our students grow, Partners with the community and a resource for each other, Creating and utilizing real life learning situations for students, and Promoting standards that allow and require our students to demonstrate what they learn inside and outside the school.
3. EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES OF RED CLOUD INDIAN SCHOOL 3.1. SPIRITUAL The religious sensitivity of Red Cloud Indian School adds a distinctive quality to our community life. 1. The ideals of Lakota/Christian spiritual development and growth are to be emphasized in the general atmosphere of the school. Wisdom, courage, respect, and generosity, along with the other values flowing from Lakota tradition and Christianity are to be shown by all members of the Red Cloud community as they relate to each other on a daily basis. 2. Religion classes are to be a regular part of the curriculum at all levels, and each student is encouraged and guided in his or her own spiritual growth. 3. Time for expression of religious and spiritual growth and values are part of the schools’ programs. Periods of prayer, prayerful silence, and, on special occasions, religious celebrations underscore our beliefs and the values we profess. 4. The relationship between educational growth and God’s call to service is made explicit in the teaching of subject matter.
3.2. CULTURAL Each person is first of all a member of the human family. The richness of this family is found in the unique cultural situations of its members. Red Cloud Indian School is conscious of the richness of the Lakota culture and sensitive to its inculcation in the students of this school. 1. The unity of the human family shall find expression in the relating of subject matter in class. A positive attitude and a spirit of respect for the culture and traditions of others is the only path to peace and justice. 2. The pressures placed upon Native cultures by the dominant American culture recommend that the curriculum reflect a heightened sensitivity to continuance and growth of Lakota ways. Although all classes will reflect this respect and cultural sensitivity, classes in Lakota culture and language will be part of the regular school curriculum. 3. To show a heightened sense of respect and sensitivity in the teaching of other cultures, teachers at Red Cloud Indian School shall further their own knowledge of the Lakota culture through reading, classes in Lakota studies, continuing contact with parents/guardians and the larger community, and through participation in community affairs and events.
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4. To ensure the presence of the Lakota spirit at Red Cloud Indian School, the school will continue to be involved in the hiring of competent Lakota and Native American staff and the ongoing hiring and training of Lakota teachers. 5. The school shall realize its respect for Lakota ways through the sponsoring of special celebrations and events for the Red Cloud community and the local Native American community.
3.3. INTELLECTUAL As an educational institution, Red Cloud Indian School will provide the opportunity for students to acquire the intellectual skills necessary for successful participation in all areas and at all levels in American society. The choice of the level of participation in society will rest on future decisions made by the student, but the ability to be able to choose is built through one’s early formation. 1. Qualified and competent teachers are to be hired. 2. A functioning curriculum shall direct the progressive development of students through various learning skills. The curriculum will be revised at regular intervals. 3. The curriculum shall attempt to meet each student’s needs and interests and provide students with the opportunity to succeed. 4. A student will remain at a level of education until the skills necessary for promotion to the next level have been mastered.
3.4. SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL The full development of a human requires a level of self-acceptance, the recognition of one’s unique gifts and limitations, the realization of one’s potential, and the desire to share one’s gifts within the human community. 1. Students will interact with the administration, faculty, staff, and larger Red Cloud Indian School community, including fellow students, with the intent of fostering a healthy and happy atmosphere. 2. Students will be encouraged to nurture Lakota and Christian values in their personal life, to make wise decisions, and to accept responsibility for their decisions. 3. Students will be encouraged to develop attitudes of respect for themselves, for others, and for nature and the world around them. 4. The Red Cloud Indian School community will utilize all available opportunities to communicate to its members the value of being an integral part of the greater community and will nurture a sense of social responsibility and an interest in the welfare of others.
3.5. PHYSICAL A healthy person is one who is physically developed to the furthest extent possible. Opportunity for such development shall also be made available. 1. Health, nutrition, and personal hygiene are important concerns and will be part of the school curriculum. 2. Students will be provided with nutritional meals and advised on the role of good nutrition in their development. 3. Physical Education and some extracurricular activities will advance the learning of gross motor and sport skills and will emphasize the significance of physical fitness and good health. 4. Issues relating to activities and personal habits that can be harmful and self- destructive will be addressed in the school. A deliberate effort will be made to do so in a supportive way.
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4. RCHS MISSION AND OBJECTIVES
4.1. THE MISSION OF RCHS “Red Cloud High School educates Lakota youth in Lakota and Catholic values for leadership and service.” 4.2. RCHS OBJECTIVES These are the objectives of RCHS: 1. To learn and pass on Lakota culture and language, 2. To learn and pass on the Catholic faith, 3. To seek 100% student enrollment in post-secondary education or career paths, 4. To model and teach personal responsibility, 5. To develop and implement a service program, and 6. To develop our Jesuit identity.
4.3 The Red Cloud High School Graduate at Graduation This profile is based upon a document that was created by the Jesuit Secondary Education Association. This document provides Red Cloud High School with a picture of what a Red Cloud High School Graduate should be at the time of his/her graduation. Each of the five categories exemplifies the best of what Jesuit education has to offer and also fits well with our Lakota Catholic identity. 1. Open to Growth 2. Intellectually Competent 3. Religious 4. Loving 5. Committed to Doing Justice
5. OFFICE PROCEDURES
5.1. SCHOOL OFFICE HOURS Office hours are from 7:30am-noon and 12:30-3:30pm on all school days. The office remains closed on Saturdays and Sundays and on all public holidays. During the summer vacation, office hours will be found posted at the main entrance of the school building.
5.2. VISITORS TO THE SCHOOL 1. For safe school reasons, visitors, including parents/guardians, must first report to the school office before going elsewhere in the building. 2. In order to maintain a safe environment, visitors must display a visitor’s sticker at all times while in the building. 3. Visitors who would like to sit in on classless must request permission in advance. Student visitors must be accompanied by a Red Cloud High School student at all times. The visiting student and the Red Cloud student must provide the office with a letter from their parents/guardians granting permission.
5.3. CONFERENCES AND APPOINTMENTS
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1. The principal and assistant principals are available for conferences by prior appointment during school hours. Appointments can be setup personally or by contacting the school office manager. 2. Similarly, teachers can meet for conferences by prior appointment in their prep periods or after school. These appointments can be arranged either personally with the teacher or by contacting the school office. 3. Parents/guardians who would like to sit in on the classes of their student/s need to call and set things up at least a week in advance. Last minute requests cannot be entertained.
5.4. TELEPHONE AND FAX 1. The school phone number is (605) 867-1289. The school fax number is (605) 867-2528. 2. Teachers and students are not called to the phone during class hours, but messages are passed on to them. In the case of an emergency, the principal or the AP needs to be contacted first.
6. SCHOOL PERSONNEL
6.1. PERSONNEL LISTINGS Administration Superintendent Robert Brave Heart, Sr., MA Principal James Mattern. MA Asst. Principal (Students) Robin Johnson Asst. Principal (Academics) Clay Leonard Director, Athletics Jennifer Schaer, MA, CAA Campus Ministry Spiritual Formation Department Director, Student Activities Carla Jasso Office Manager Dani Steele Because of possible changes in staffing from the time of printing this agenda and the time when the academic year begins, the list of school staff for the year is provided to students and parents/guardians on the first day of school.
6.2. JOB DESCRIPTIONS Superintendent The Superintendent is the chief educational administrator at Red Cloud Indian School. The superintendent oversees the principals in the general operation of their schools, does the annual contracting of all school staff, and prepares the annual operating budget for each school. Principal The Principal of RCHS is the on-site administrator of the school. The principal’s responsibilities include the oversight of the school’s program, personnel, budget, resources, and physical plant. Assistant Principal for Students (AP-S) The Assistant Principal for Students is responsible to the principal for matters relating to students. The AP-S works with students’ parents/ guardians and the staff on student-related issues. The AP-S assists the principal in other duties as assigned. Assistant Principal for Academics (AP-A) The Assistant Principal for Academics is responsible to the principal for matters relating to the student grades and academic work. The AP-A schedules student classes and is responsible for students’ academic eligibility and academic
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performance and progress. The AP-A assists the principal in other duties as assigned. Director for Athletics (AD) The Director for Athletics is responsible to the principal for planning and executing the school’s athletic and physical education (PE) programs. The AD also plans and looks after the school’s athletic budget. The AD assists the principal in other duties as assigned. Campus Ministry (CM) Campus ministry is responsible to the principal for coordinating and executing ministerial activities in the school which would include, but are not limited to, student retreats, masses, prayer services, service programs, etc. Director for Student Activities (DSA) The Director for Student Activities is responsible to the principal for planning and executing the all non-athletic co-curricular activities. The DSA is the moderator of the after-school program and student council. Department Chairs (DC) Department Chairs are appointed by the principal and have delegated responsibilities in the areas of supervision, coordination, and leadership within their departments. The responsibilities of DCs include curriculum development, supervision of instruction, evaluating student assessments, and the departmental budget. Office Manager (OM) The Office Manager is responsible to the principal for the day-to-day functioning of the school office. The OM also provides support services to the school administrators. Assistant to the Office Manager (AOM) The Assistant Office Manager works closely with the AP-S and the OM. The AOM helps maintain student attendance records and fulfills other responsibilities that are assigned or delegated. Teachers The primary responsibility of a teacher is toward the teaching of the classes for which they have been contracted and those assigned to them. Teachers also fulfill other outside-the-classroom duties that are necessary for effective operation of the school’s programs and any additional responsibilities that may be assigned or delegated to them. Teacher-Aides Teacher-aides are responsible for classroom duties, which are assigned to them by the teacher to whom they are appointed. Teacher-aides are also obliged to fulfill extra-curricular duties and other delegated tasks. Guidance Counselors The Guidance Counselors are responsible for implementing the school’s Guidance Plan. The Guidance Plan focuses on three major areas: (1) Educational development and success of students, (2) Student personal and social development, and (3) Student career development and life planning. School Custodians The school custodians are responsible to the principal for maintaining the cleanliness of the school’s buildings and facilities. The custodians also fulfill other responsibilities that are assigned to them by the principal.
7. ADMISSION POLICIES Class sizes are restricted at RCHS in order to create a superior learning environment. New admissions, as a result, are contingent on vacancies.
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The following policies govern student admission to RCHS:
7.1. GENERAL ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS 1. Applicants must live on the Pine Ridge Reservation, except in the case of the children of Red Cloud staff. 2. The Admission Application Form must be completed and submitted. 3. Applicants must qualify for admission on the admission test. Admission exams are offered twice during the school year and there is a testing fee (refer sections #7.2 and #7.3). 4. Applicants with “special needs” must indicate them on the Admission Application Form. Concealing such information would invalidate a candidate’s admission, even if granted.
7.2. FRESHMAN ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS 1. Freshmen applicants must meet all general admission requirements in order to qualify for admission (refer section #7.1). 2. The student needs to have graduated eighth grade. (a) The student must maintain a 1.70 GPA in all subjects at the end of the first year. Failure to do so will result in an automatic academic dismissal at the end of the year. (b) All school rules relating to Academic Probation apply (refer #14.9). (c) The student may be required to receive tutoring.
7.3. TRANSFER STUDENT ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS 1. Transfer students must meet all general admission requirements in order to qualify for admission (refer section #7.1). 2. Transcripts from the previous school are required before a transfer student can be officially enrolled. 3. No student can transfer into the 2nd semester of the senior class. 4. Transfer students with less than a 2.0 cumulative GPA will not be admitted.
7.4. IMPEDIMENTS TO ADMISSION/ RE-ADMISSION (refer section #21.5) The following students cannot be admitted to RCHS and, if admitted, will be dropped when knowledge of an impediment comes to light: 1. Students twice dismissed for poor attendance (refer section #18.14). 2. Students twice dismissed for discipline reasons. 3. Students who have twice transferred out from RCHS. 4. Student who violate the substance abuse policy (refer section #20.7). 5. Students caught selling or distributing drugs (refer section #20.9.3). 6. Students disinterested in the school’s Lakota language or spiritual formation programs. 7. Students with certain “special needs” or medical conditions. 8. Students who were dismissed from the Red Cloud School system for discipline, but have not completed the next grade level at another school.
7.5. RE-ENROLLMENT POLICY Students who have previously been dismissed or withdrawn from RCHS and now seek to re-enroll are required to go through the entire new student admission process (refer section #7).
7.6. ADMISSION DECISION POLICY 1. The principal’s decision regarding admissions is final.
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2. The principal may make exceptions to the policy should prevailing circumstances, in his judgment, mitigate the need for an exception.
8. REGISTRATION POLICIES
8.1. NEW STUDENT REGISTRATION (These policies also apply for students who left or were previously dropped or dismissed from RCHS). 1. New students need to qualify for admission in order to be enrolled at RCHS. Qualifying for admission includes a minimum grade reading level on the admission test and other admission criteria (refer section #7). 2. At the time of enrollment, the applicant’s parent/guardian must bring the following: a) A certified copy of the Birth Certificate. b) Immunization record. c) 8th grade diploma and/or transcripts. d) Social security number. e) Proof of legal custody, if applicable. f) Enrollment fees (refer section #9.1). NOTE: Enrollment procedures cannot be done unless ALL the documents and fees listed above are submitted. 3. Students who qualify for admission are enrolled on a first-come-first-served basis. Because of limited vacancies each year, qualifying applicants could get excluded if they do not complete procedures in time or if other qualifying applicants complete the admission procedures before them. 4. The school strictly adheres to the dates of the enrollment schedule. These dates are announced in advance and posted outside the school.
8.2. TRANSFER STUDENT REGISTRATION Registration requirements that apply to new students also apply to students who seek to transfer in (refer section #8.1).
8.3. RETURNING STUDENT REGISTRATION 1. The enrollment dates for returning student are announced in advance. Students who are not enrolled on time will lose their spots to students on the waiting list. 2. Returning students are not enrolled until their enrollment fees and past debts are all paid (refer section #9.1).
8.4. HEALTH RECORD INFORMATION 1. Parents/guardians must fill out a Health Form for their student(s) at the time of enrollment. 2. Parents/guardians must declare the applicant’s existing medical conditions on the Admission Form. Concealing such information would invalidate the student’s admission, even if granted (refer section #7.1).
9.0. PAYMENT AND REFUND POLICIES
9.1. ENROLLMENT FEES
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The enrollment fee for the academic year (or part thereof) is one hundred dollars ($100) per student or two hundred dollars ($200) in the case of two or more students from the same family. The following rules apply for the payment of fees: 1. Families are encouraged to pay the enrollment fees in full at the time of registration. If this is not possible, at least 50% of the enrollment fees needs to be paid at the time of registration and the rest must be paid before the first day of school. 2. Failure to pay enrollment fees in full will result in the student(s) not being permitted to attend classes. 3. All past debts must be paid in full in order to enroll. These would include debts incurred at RCES and OLL, past enrollment fees, lost book fees, athletic fees, library fees, etc. 4. Debts accruing from the first semester must be paid before the second semester begins. 5. Absences resulting from a delay in the payment of fees count toward a student’s total unexcused absences (refer section #18.1). 6. Students will lose their spot on the school roster if enrollment fees and debts are not paid within ten days after classes begin. 7. Enrollment fees may be paid in cash/money-order/check or through the exchange of in-kind goods.
Enrollment fees at Red Cloud do not cover the cost of a Red Cloud education thus making it necessary for Red Cloud Indian School Inc. to raise money from other sources. By the act of registering a student at Red Cloud, a parent/guardian also gives Red Cloud Indian School Inc. permission to use photographs and/or the schoolwork of the student.
9.2. REFUNDS 1. Given the actual costs of a Red Cloud education, no refunds will be made after the completion of the 15th day of September, or the last school working day in the month of January for those enrolling in the spring semester. 2. Students who are voluntarily withdrawn after classes have begun but before the 15th of September in the first semester, or the end of January in the second semester, will be entitled to receive no more than half their enrollment fees. 3. Parents/guardians who voluntarily withdraw their student(s) prior to the beginning of classes are eligible to receive a full refund of the student(s) enrollment fees. However, if the parents/guardians have two or more students still enrolled in the Red Cloud Indian School system, they would not be eligible to receive a refund. 4. No refund of enrollment fees will be made for students who transfer out, or who are dropped or dismissed, no matter what the reason for their departure.
10. STUDENT INFORMATION POLICIES
10.1. STUDENT RECORDS POLICY 1. Official student Information files usually contain these documents: (1) Academic transcripts and testing scores (2) Emergency medical release and contact information (3) Copy of the Birth Certificate (4) Immunization Record (5) 8th grade diploma
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(6) Copy of the student’s social security card, and (7) Tribal enrollment certificate, if available. 2. When requests for transcripts are submitted (requires a filled out Release of Information form), only academic transcripts and testing scores are sent. No other information is sent unless specifically requested in writing by the parent/guardian or the student who is no longer a legal minor. 3. In special cases, when there is a concern relating to a student’s safety, life, or health, a letter may be attached to the student transcript detailing this concern. This letter is sent with the transcripts. 4. Student grade reports will not be held back because of fees that have not been paid in full. Official transcripts, however, are withheld until all outstanding debts are paid.
10.2. RELEASE OF STUDENT INFORMATION POLICY 1. Parents/guardians have the right to see the contents of the student’s records. 2. Student records are confidential and shall not be released to anyone without the expressed written consent of the student or of the parent/ guardian in the case of a legal minor. 3. School administrators, counselors, and teachers may access student academic records for the purpose of meeting their educational needs. 4. RCHS abides by the provisions of the Buckley Amendment with respect to the rights of non-custodial parents. Accordingly, (a) in the absence of a court order to the contrary, RCHS will provide the non-custodial parent with access to the academic records and to other school-related information of the student; (b) if there is a court order specifying that no information is to be given, it is the responsibility of the custodial parent to provide the school with an official copy of the court order indicating the contrary.
10.3. CONFIDENTIALITY OF MEDICAL CONDITION POLICY 1. A student’s medical records and/or conditions are personal. Any discussion, speculation, or disclosure of a student’s medical condition shall be considered a serious breach of professional ethics and will be treated as such, unless all concerned parties have agreed to permit such a disclosure. 2. In order to ensure a safe and healthy school environment, school administrators, health officials, and the student’s teacher(s) have a right to be informed if a student has a special condition or suffers/carries a communicable disease or infection.
11. CALENDAR AND SCHEDULES
11.1. SCHOOL CALENDAR 2011-2012 JMM 12/4/10 6:38 PM Red Cloud Indian School Comment: To be entered 2011-12 School Calendar
Date Time Holiday or Inservice Place August 1, 2011 First Day for Principals August 1-14, 2011 Volunteer Orientation TBA August 8, 2011 First Day for Admin/Counselors August 15, 2011 8:00 AM First Day of Faculty Service School Buildings August 15-19, 2011 Orientation Week .
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August 17, 2011 Mission Orientation Serena Hall/Church August 22, 2011 First Day of School September 5, 2011 NO SCHOOL Labor Day October 7-10, 2011 NO SCHOOL Fall Break October 10, 2011 NO SCHOOL Native American Day October 21, 2011 End of the 1st Quarter November 2, 2011 3:00pm - 7:00pm Parent Teacher Conferences Red Cloud November 3, 2011 3:00pm - 7:00pm Parent Teacher Conferences OLL November 11, 2011 NO SCHOOL Veteran's Day Observed November 23-25, 2011 NO SCHOOL Thanksgiving Vacation December 14-17, 2011 Lakota Nation Invitational Rapid City Civic Center December 15, 2011 Christmas Vacation begins January 4, 2012 School Resumes January 13, 2012 Last Day of the 1st Semester January 16, 2012 NO SCHOOL Martin Luther King Day January 17, 2012 NO SCHOOL In-service Day School Buildings January 18, 2012 Second Semester Begins January 25, 2012 3:00pm - 7:00pm Parent Teacher Conferences Red Cloud January 26, 2012 3:00pm - 7:00pm Parent Teacher Conferences OLL February 17, 2012 NO SCHOOL Staff Retreat TBA February 20, 2012 NO SCHOOL President's Day March 16, 2012 NO SCHOOL End of the 3rd Quarter April 3, 2012 3:00pm - 7:00pm Parent Teacher Conferences Red Cloud April 4, 2012 3:00pm - 7:00pm Parent Teacher Conferences OLL April 5-9, 2012 NO SCHOOL Easter Vacation May 11, 2012 6:30 Graduation Pow-wow Field House May 16, 2012 5:30 PM Baccalaureate Mass and Dinner Holy Rosary Church May 19, 2012 1:00 PM RCHS Graduation TBA May 23, 2012 2:00 PM OLL Mass/Graduation May 24, 2012 4:00 PM RCES Mass/Graduation Holy Rosary Church 12:30 PM May 25, 2012 Dismissal Last Day of School May 28, 2012 NO WORK Memorial Day May 29-30, 2012 Faculty In-service Days May 30, 2012 Last Day of Faculty Service June 6, 2012 Last Day for Counselor/Admin Service June 4-29, 2012 Summer School School Buildings
11.2. UNANTICIPATED SCHEDULE CHANGES 1. When there are changes in the calendar or schedule because of unanticipated reasons (eg: a mechanical breakdown or severe weather conditions, etc.),
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students and their parents/guardians are advised to listen to the following stations for information on changes in timings: KILI (90.1 FM) Porcupine KOTA (Channels 3, 4 & 11) Rapid City KEVN (Channels 5 &7) Rapid City Parents/guardians may also be notified by School Reach (automated calling system of any changes in the school schedule including school closings, late starts, or early dismissals. 2. Parents/guardians are advised to call the School Office in the case of doubts regarding any unanticipated changes in the school schedule. 3. Assuming that the school schedule will be changed or that classes will be cancelled, no matter what the reason, will not be accepted as a reason to excuse a student’s absence from school or a late arrival. 4. The school will not be liable for delays resulting from weather-related conditions and other circumstances beyond the control of the school.
11.3. MONTHLY CALENDARS Monthly calendars are mailed home. Parents/guardians are advised to check the school website for the latest updates on calendars at: http://www.redcloudschool.org/highschool/index.htm
11.4. DAILY SCHEDULES 1. The regular school day begins at 7:45 am and ends by 2:40 pm. 2. The school has schedules with different class timings that are used depending on need or circumstance. The different school schedules are listed below (they can also be found on the back cover): 3. A corresponding schedule is followed on days when Early-Dismissal or Late- Start class days are announced (usually because of anticipated weather conditions or for planned school activities). 4. Parents/guardians are expected to leave students in school only when there is supervision. Supervision does not begin until 20 minutes before classes start, and lasts until 20 minutes after classes end. The school does not assume responsibility or liability for students who are at school at other times unless they are at school to participate in a school-sponsored and supervised athletic or after- school program.
Daily Schedules
Full Day Schedule SH/Mass Schedule 7:45 1st Bell 7:45 1st Bell 7:50 2nd Bell 7:50 2nd Bell 7:55-8:45 Period 1 7:55-8:38 Period 1 8:48-9:38 Period 2 8:41-9:24 Period 2 9:41-10:31 Period 3 9:27-10:10 Period 3 10:34-11:24 Period 4 10:13-10:56 Period 4 11:27-12:17 Period 5 10:59-11:52 Prayer/Study 12:17-12:52 Lunch 11:52-12:24 Lunch 12:57-1:47 Period 6 12:29-1:12 Period 5 1:50-2:40 Period 7 1:15-1:58 Period 6 2:55 Buses Depart 2:01-2:44 Period 7 2:55 Busses Depart
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Club Schedule 12:30 Dismissal Schedule 7:45 1st Bell 7:45 1st Bell 7:50 2nd Bell 7:50 2nd Bell 7:55-8:40 Period 1 7:55-8:27 Period 1 8:43-9:28 Period 2 8:30-9:02 Period 2 9:31-10:16 Period 3 9:05-9:37 Period 3 10:19-11:04 Period 4 9:40-10:12 Period 4 11:07-11:52 Period 5 10:15-10:47 Period 5 11:52-12:27 Lunch 10:50-11:22 Period 6 12:32-1:17 Period 6 11:25-11:57 Period 7 1:20-2:05 Period 7 11:57-12:25 Lunch 2:08-2:40 Club 12:30 Buses Depart 2:55 Buses Depart
1:30 Dismissal Schedule One Hour Late Start 7:45 1st Bell 8:45 1st Bell 7:50 2nd Bell 8:50 2nd Bell 7:55-8:35 Period 1 8:55-9:37 Period 1 8:38-9:18 Period 2 9:40-10:22 Period 2 9:21-10:01 Period 3 10:25-11:07 Period 3 10:04-10:44 Period 4 11:10-11:52 Period 4 10:47-11:27 Period 5 11:52-12:27 Lunch 11:30-12:10 Period 6 12:32-1:14 Period 5 12:10-12:45 Lunch 1:17-1:59 Period 6 12:50-1:30 Period 7 2:02-2:44 Period 7 1:35 Buses Depart 2:55 Buses Depart
Two-Hour Late Start 9:45 1st Bell 9:50 2nd Bell 9:55-10:29 Period 1 10:32-11:06 Period 2 11:09-11:43 Period 3 11:46-12:19 Period 4 12:19-12:53 Lunch 12:58-1:32 Period 5 1:35-2:09 Period 6 2:12-2:46 Period 7
12. ACADEMIC CLASS SCHEDULING POLICIES 1. Student schedules are based on graduation requirements, the courses offered during the semester, and the student’s personal preference. The final determination of a student’s schedule and courses rests with the principal. 2. Permission for a student to drop a course or to change from one section to another requires the approval of the principal. 3. Two weeks after classes begin, permission is rarely given to change sections or drop courses. 4. When circumstances warrant it, the principal may permit home study. This is done strictly on an individual basis.
13. REQUIRED COURSE OF STUDY
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In addition to the course of study prescribed in the South Dakota High School Graduation requirements, RCHS has its own additional academic requirements. The courses required in order to graduate from RCHS are the following: * Students who fail to meet their grade-level service requirements do so before graduation.
Subject Semesters ____ Credit(s) English 8 4.0 Spiritual Formation 7 3.5 Math 8 4.0 Science 8 4.0 Social Studies 6 3.0 Fine Art 2 1.0 Lakota Language 4 2.0 Computers 1 0.5 Economics/Personal Finance 1 0.5 PE/Health 1 0.5 ______TOTAL 23
*Requirements for the class of 2014 and beyond
Subject Semesters ____ Credit(s) English 8 4.0 Spiritual Formation 7 3.5 Math 8 4.0 Science 8 4.0 Social Studies 6 3.0 Lakota Studies 1 Lakota Language 4 2.0 Fine Art 2 1.0 Computers 1 0.5 Economics/Personal Finance 1 0.5 PE 1 0.5 Health 1 0.5 ______TOTAL 23.5
14. ACADEMIC EVALUATION POLICIES
14.1. GRADING POLICY 1. Student grading is done comprehensively and, in addition to the student’s performance on tests and exams, takes into account the student’s effort, participation, and work done during the semester. 2. Semester grades are determined by averaging the two quarter grades. 3. Semester exams are a prerequisite for the second and fourth quarter grades.
14.2. PROGRESS REPORTS Progress reports are compiled and sent at every mid-quarter. It is imperative that parents/guardians follow the recommendations for improvement when students are faring badly academically.
14.3. REPORT CARDS Report cards are distributed at parent-teacher conferences and/or sent by mail at the end of each quarter. In addition to these quarter grades, a mid-quarter grade
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will be determined by the teachers and will be made available to students and parents/guardians.
14.4. GRADING STANDARDS Permanent grades are determined at the end of each semester. The meaning of academic grades is as follows: Grade Scores GPA Status A 90-100% 4.00 Superior Work B+ 86-89% 3.50 Excellent Work B 80-85% 3.00 Very Good Work C+ 76-79% 2.50 Good Work C 70-75% 2.00 Satisfactory Work D+ 66-69% 1.50 Fair Work D 60-65% 1.00 Marginal, Passing Work F 59 or below 0.00 Failure I 0.00 Incomplete WF 0.00 Withdrew Failing – Counts as a failing grade WP 0.00 Withdrew Passing – No Credit P 0.00 Passing – No Credit Earned
14.5. FINAL EXAMS POLICY 1. At the end of each semester, final exams that are comprehensive for the semester are conducted in each course offered at school. 2. Students who are absent for the final exam get an “F” on the exam.
14.6. ONLINE VERIFICATION OF GRADES The web-based computerized grading system (Digital Dakota Network) at Red Cloud makes it possible for parents/guardians to view their student’s grades and the academic performance online. The link for this website can be found at www.redcloudschool.org. Please contact the school office to have access to this facility.
14.7. MINIMUM QUARTER GRADE POINT.AVERAGE 1. In order to stay enrolled at RCHS, students need to maintain a minimum GPA of 1.70. 2. At the end of each semester, students who do not maintain the minimum required GPA will be placed on Academic Probation. (refer section #14.9).
14.8. GRADE CHANGE POLICY To request a review of student’s grade/s, the parent/guardian needs to request the principal for a “review of grade” within one week of receiving a student’s grade/s. Such requests may be submitted in writing or by phone. Late requests cannot be entertained. 14.9. ACADEMIC PROBATION (AP) AND ACADEMIC DISMISSAL 1. At the end of each semester, students found to be failing one or more classes, or having a GPA that is below 1.70, or found to be apathetic to studies, are placed on Academic Probation for the following semester. 2. Students will be put on Academic probation at the end of a quarter if their GPA is at 1.5 or below. In this case students may be dismissed at the end of the semester if their GPA remains below a 1.70 (refer to 14.9, #4) 3. The following norms apply to students on Academic Probation:
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a) The school notifies the student’s parents/guardians in writing about the student’s performance and GPA. b) The student may be required to attend the after-school study or get tutoring. c) The student may be referred to counseling. 4. At the end of the following semester, if the student on AP continues to show no progress in studies, fails in one or more classes, or has a GPA that continues to be below 1.70, the student will be dismissed from school for academic reasons (refer section #21.5). 5. The principal may make exceptions to the policy if, in his judgment, there are reasons that warrant it.
14.10. LATE WORK & MAKE-UP WORK All student work that is assigned is due on the assignments due date. a) Students who are in school, but turn in work after the due date will receive a grade that will be no higher than 50%. b) Students who are absent will have the same number of days that they were absent to make up missing assignments for full credit. Work that is turned in after this time will result in a grade that is not higher than 50%. c) No late work, with the exception of student work that qualifies under point (b), will be accepted after a grading period (mid-quarter, quarter, semester).
14.11. GRADING POLICY FOR STUDENTS WHO LEAVE RCHS General Policy: When a student leaves RCHS before the end of the quarter or semester, the student is given a WP (Withdrawn Passed) or WF (Withdrawn Failed), as appropriate, based on the student’s grade at the time of departure. If a WP grade is given, the teacher may also write the student’s letter grade for transfer purposes, e.g. WP (B+). Special Case: When a student leaves RCHS within 5 school days before the end of a quarter or semester, the teacher may give the student a letter grade based on the average grade the student earns on his/her work until then. All work that is not completed is averaged in as zero.
14.12. NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY The purpose of the National Honor Society (NHS) is to create enthusiasm for scholarship, to stimulate a desire to render service, to promote leadership, and to develop character in secondary school students. 1. Selection into NHS is based on four criteria: scholarship, leadership, service, and character. To fulfill the scholarship requirements, students must have a cumulative GPA that equals or exceeds 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. 2. Qualified students are selected for the NHS membership by a majority vote of the faculty council on the above-mentioned four criteria
14.13. HONOR ROLL To recognize and encourage its academic high-achievers, the school has a two-tier honor roll system: 1. Honor Roll Gold: To qualify for this honor, a student must secure a GPA of 3.5 or higher and must not fail in any subject in the semester. 2. Honor Roll Silver: To qualify for this honor, a student must secure a GPA of 3.0 or higher in the semester.
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14.14. ACADEMIC HONESTY AND CHEATING A hallmark of Jesuit education is excellence in academics. Excellence that comes at the expense of academic honesty, however, is of no value. The school realizes that a choice to cheat, copy, or plagiarize, no matter how small, diminishes one’s integrity. Red Cloud is committed in the resolve that any work presented that is not one’s own will be treated most seriously. Accordingly, all students at RCHS are expected to:
Academic honesty means that the student produces original work on all papers, projects, homework, and other assignments.
1. Complete original research for all papers, projects, oral presentations, or lab reports. 2. Acknowledge another person’s contribution by citing it. 3. Must not permit other students to copy their work -- on papers, projects, oral presentations, or lab reports. 4. Complete quizzes, tests, and examinations without seeking the help of others or offering to help others. 5. The consequences for violating the school’s academic honesty policy are as follows: (a) The first incident: The student is given a zero on work with no make-up possible, and the teacher reiterates the school policy on academic honesty. (b) The second incident: The student is given a zero on work with no make-up possible. The student is referred to the AP-S and the parents/guardians are informed about it. (c) The third incident: The student is referred to the AP-S and dismissed.
15. GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS ALL graduation requirements need to be fulfilled for a student to participate in any of the school’s graduation ceremonies. In addition to the usual school departure formalities (refer section #24), graduation requirements at Red Cloud necessitate that the student would have: 1. Completed 24 credits (23 for the class of 2013 and beyond) of academic work with passing grades in all the required courses (refer section #13). 2. Completed a minimum of eight semesters of high school, beginning with the 9th grade. 3. Passed all required courses each semester. Failed prerequisite courses must be made up before a diploma can be awarded. 4. Completed the minimum required service hours 5. All school debts are paid and the Senior Checkout Form must be completed and submitted.
16. CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES The school’s co-curricular programs exist so that students have the opportunity to test their skills at a high level of interscholastic competition. It is important that students realize that it is both a privilege and an honor to represent Red Cloud. Exemplary conduct and sportsmanship are expected of all students at school sponsored competitions and events. There are two kinds of co-curricular activities: Year-round activities and Seasonal activities.
16.1. YEAR-ROUND ACTIVITIES The year-round co-curricular activities at RCHS vary from year to year and could include the following: Student Council, National Honor Society, Drama, Yearbook
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Club, Dance Club, Drum Group, After-school Clubs, and various other activities and clubs.
16.2. SEASONAL ATHLETIC ACTIVITIES The seasonal athletic activities usually include the following: Fall Winter Spring Boys Golf Boys Basketball Girls Golf Cross Country Cheerleading Track & Field Football Girls Basketball Girls Volleyball Wrestling
16.3. CO-CURRICULAR ELIGIBILITY The policies of the South Dakota High School Activities Association govern all co- curricular activities at RCHS. These policies are in the SDHSAA “Blue Book,” which is on file with the Athletic Director and principal. In addition, there are also the school’s rules and regulations for each athletic event, which are specified in the RCHS Athletic handbook. RCHS maintains the following eligibility criteria for students intending to participate in co-curricular activities: 1. Academic Eligibility: 1. A student passing all classes at the end of any grading period (ie. mid-quarter, quarter, or semester), is eligible until the end of the next grading period. If a student is not passing in all classes at the end of the grading period, the following rules apply: (a) The first week of the next grading period is a probationary period that allows participation and the opportunity to bring the grade(s) to a passing level by the weekend. (b) On the first day of each week thereafter (usually Mondays), teachers turn in a cumulative grade for the week. If a student does not pass all classes, then the student is ineligible from the next day (usually Tuesdays) until the first day of the next school week. (c) This process continues each week until the end of the grading period. 2. A student receiving a failing grade at the end of the semester is ineligible during the first grading period of the following semester. 3. Students failing in the spring semester are ineligible at the beginning of the fall semester of the following academic year. 2. Physical Eligibility: 1. Students must pass a physical examination and have the parent/guardian’s consent to participate in athletics. The Physical Examination Form and Parental Consent Form must be given to the athletic director before the student does tryouts, practices, or does any physical activity connected with the sport. 2. RCHS reserves the right to request additional medical certification during the season to ensure that the student continues to be able to participate. Examples of physical conditions that may require additional medical certification include, but are not limited to, asthma, pregnancy, blood diseases, diabetes, severe allergies, epilepsy, as well as in the case of certain contagious diseases. 3. Other Eligibility criteria: 1. A student must be in school for the entire school day of a co-curricular event in order to represent Red Cloud in a co-curricular activity. Students who check into school after 8:30am on regular school days, 9:30am on days with a one hour late start, and 10:30am on days with a two hour late start will not be permitted to participate on that day. 2. A student with an unexcused absence for the entire day cannot practice.
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3. Should a student be placed into Suspension, (ISS or Out of School), He/She cannot participate/practice in an extra-curricular activity on that day or for the number of days that the student is in suspension. 4. If a student is placed into ISS or detention, even for one period, he/she cannot practice or participate in extra-curricular activities on that day. 5. When a student has been suspended either ISS/Out of School, he or she cannot attend extra-curricular activities on the days the suspensions are upheld. 4. Participation of RCIS Elementary School Students: 1. Elementary school students participating in RCHS co-curricular activities must meet all eligibility criteria of the elementary school and the South Dakota High School Activities Association (SDHSAA). 2. An elementary school student’s participation in high school athletics must be requested in writing by the student’s parents/guardians and approved by the principal of the school, after consultation with the high school coaches and athletic director. The final decision will be made by the high school principal, based of various factors including the student’s academic ability, physical and emotional maturity, and athletic talent. 5. Exemptions: The principal may offer an academic contract, which would make the student eligible, if there is adequate reason to warrant it.
16.4. RETURNING HOME WITH OTHERS: 1. After an event, student may not go home with anyone who is not on the student’s Checkout list. 2. After an event, students may not be dropped off at any place other than their home, unless they have the explicit written permission of the parents/guardians indicating what must be done. Students violating this rule will be penalized as per the norms in section #16.5.
16.5. PENALTIES (1) Penalties for violating the rules of the SDHSAA or the school procedures and policy can vary from suspension to dismissal from school. It could also mean loss of the privilege of participation in school-sponsored co-curricular activities from a few days, to a season, to an entire year, depending on the gravity of the violation. (2) The coach, in conjunction with the athletic director and principal, will decide on the appropriate penalty. (3) Students who are late or absent for practices or events, those who do not follow the school rules and regulations, and those who are written up in class for incomplete academic work or inappropriate behavior, could face penalties ranging from a loss of playing time to suspension, depending on the frequency and gravity of their behavior.
17. STUDENT SERVICES
17.1 GUIDANCE AND COUNSELING 1. Students are encouraged to use the school’s counseling services. 2. Permission to see a counselor needs to be obtained from the classroom teacher in advance.
17.2. LIBRARY 1. Students may check out library books. 2. Fines are charged for overdue or lost books.
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17.3. TEXTBOOKS 1. Textbooks are furnished free of charge to students. 2. In the case of unusual wear and tear, willful destruction, or the loss of a book, students will be charged the cost of the book.
17.4. TELEPHONE 1. A phone for student use is provided in the high school office. The phone is for local outgoing calls only. 2. Students will not be called to the office to take phone calls unless there is an extreme emergency, in which case, the principal or AP-S would need to be notified first.
17.5. LOCKERS School lockers are school property on loan to the student for the school year. As owners of the lockers, the administration reserves the right to access the lockers for inspection and/or maintenance purposes (refer section #19.3). 1. No student is permitted to lock or otherwise impede access to any locker except with a device approved by the school. Unapproved devices shall be removed and destroyed. 2. Students will be responsible for whatever is in their assigned locker, regardless of whether they claim to have placed a given item within the locker or not. Students experiencing problems with their lockers are encouraged to bring them to the attention of the AP-S. 3. A fine of not less than $10.00 will be charged to students who put graffiti on their locker or damage it in any way.
17.6. 17.6 Computers, Computer Network, and Acceptable Use Students are provided with access to computers and a computer network, which includes Internet access. This service is a privilege offered to students to support their educational experience at RCHS. The following guidelines are provided so that students are aware of the responsibilities and obligations of this privilege. If a RCHS student violates any of these provisions their use or access may be terminated, future access could be denied, and the school’s discipline policies may be applied (refer to section #20). Internet- Terms and conditions as outlined in the Child Protection Act Privileges – The use of the Internet is a privilege, not a right and inappropriate use may result in a cancellation of those privileges. School administration will deem what is inappropriate use and its decision is final. Faculty, staff and network administrators may request student access be denied, revoked, or suspended. Students should be advised that in an effort to maintain system integrity and to ensure responsible use, files and communications can and will be monitored. Students should not under any circumstances expect that messages or files that are created, modified, transmitted, received, or stored on school equipment are private. Students who violate any of the above conditions will be subject to the suspension or termination of their Internet and computing privileges, as well as other disciplinary action as determined appropriate by school officials. Acceptable Use – Internet use must be in support of education and research and consistent with the educational objectives and mission of RCHS. Transmission of any material in violation of any federal or state regulation is prohibited. Users are expected to abide by generally accepted rules of network etiquette. Unacceptable Uses – The following uses of the school’s computer system and
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Internet are considered unacceptable for students but are not limited to the following: 1. Users will not use the school’s system to access, review, upload, download, store, print, post, receive, transmit or distribute: a. Pornographic, obscene or sexually explicit material or other visual depictions that are harmful to minors; b. Obscene, abusive, profane, lewd, vulgar, rude, inflammatory, threatening, disrespectful, or sexually explicit language—this includes any and all forms of cyber bullying whether originating from the school’s system or from an outside computer that impacts RCHS students or the school; c. Materials that use language or images that are inappropriate in the education setting or disruptive to the educational process; d. Information or materials that could cause damage or danger of disruption to the educational process; e. Materials that use language or images that advocate violence or discrimination toward other people (hate literature) or that may constitute harassment or discrimination; f. Access social networking sites such as Bebo, Facebook, MySpace or other similar sites. 2. Users will not use the school’s system to knowingly or recklessly post, transmit or distribute false or defamatory information about a person or organization, or to harass another person, or to engage in personal attacks, including prejudicial or discriminatory attacks. 3. Users will not use the school’s system to engage in any illegal act or violate any local, state or federal statute or law. 4. Users will not use the school’s system to vandalize, damage or disable the property of another person or organization, will not make deliberate attempts to degrade or disrupt equipment, software or system performance by spreading computer viruses or by any other means, will not tamper with, modify or change the school system software, hardware or wiring or take any action to violate the school districts security system, and will not use the school district system in such a way as to disrupt the use of the system by other users. 5. Users will not use the school’s system to gain unauthorized access to information resources or to access another person’s materials, information or files without the implied or direct permission of that person. 6. Users will not use the school’s system to post private information about another person or to post, transmit or distribute personal contact information about themselves or other persons, or other personally identifiable information, including, but not limited to, addresses, telephone numbers, school addresses, work addresses, identification numbers, account numbers, access codes or passwords, labeled photographs or other information that would make the individual’s identity easily traceable, and will not repost a message that was sent to the user privately without permission of the person who sent the message.
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7. Users must keep all account information and passwords on file with the designated school official. Users will not attempt to gain unauthorized access to the school’s system or any other system through RCIS, attempt to log in through another person’s account, or use computer accounts, access codes or network identification other than those assigned to the user. Messages and records on the school’s system may not be encrypted without the permission of appropriate school authorities. 8. Users will not use the school’s system to violate copyright laws or usage licensing agreements, or otherwise to use another person’s property without the person prior approval or proper citation, including the downloading or exchanging of pirated software or copying software to or from any school computer, and will not plagiarize works they find on the Internet. 9. Users will not use the school’s system for conducting business, for unauthorized commercial purposes or for financial gain unrelated to the mission of the school. Users will not use the school’s system to offer or provide goods or services or for product advertisement. Users will not use the school system to purchase goods or services for personal use.
Filtering – Software is used on all computers and applicable network equipment to block or filter access to depictions that are obscene and found harmful to students.
Limitation on School District Liability – Use of the school’s system is at the user’s own risk. The system is provided on an “as is, as available” basis. The school will not be responsible for any damage users may suffer, including, but not limited to, loss, damage or unavailability of data stored on school diskettes, tapes, hard drives or servers, or for delays or changes in or interruptions of service or mis-deliveries or non-deliveries of information or materials, regardless of the cause. The school is not responsible for the accuracy of quality of any advice or information obtained through or stored on the school’s system. The school will not be responsible for financial obligations arising through unauthorized use of the school’s system or the Internet.
Implementation and Policy Review – The school will review this policy with the students at the beginning of the school year and periodically thereafter. The school reserves the right to review and modify any portion of this policy at any time. School administration will conduct a review of this policy no less then on an annual basis.
17.7. SCHOOL BUS Riding the school bus is a privilege that can be revoked for non-compliance with school rules, several of which are mandated by state law. The safety of students
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during transportation to and from school is a responsibility that they and their parents/guardians share with the bus driver and the school. The following school bus rules apply: 1. All school rules apply during bus riding and at bus stops. 2. Students are to remain well out of the roadway while waiting for the bus. 3. Students are not to crowd or push while getting on and off the bus. 4. Students are to remain seated in their bus seat during transportation. 5. Students should not yell or scream while riding the bus. 6. Students are not to sit in the driver’s seat or touch any of the bus keys, switches, video equipment, or controls. Students are not to touch bus emergency equipment, including, but not limited to, the First Aid Equipment and the Emergency door(s), without the permission of the bus driver. An exception would be when the bus driver is unable to give permission as a result of an emergency or accident. 7. Students must keep clear of the bus aisles at all times. 8. No part of the body should be extended outside the bus. 9. No object should be thrown within the bus or out of it. 10 No food or drink is allowed on the regular bus run. 11. Vandalism of school vehicles will not be tolerated. 12. Students must ride their assigned bus to and from school and must get on and off the bus at their assigned bus stop. 13. Parents/guardians must notify the school if a student is to ride a different bus or get off at any stop other than their designated stop. 14. Buses are not obliged to wait for students who are not on time at their bus stop. 15. Video equipment installed on school buses will be used to monitor student behavior on the bus. 16. Possession and/or use of cigarettes, chewing tobacco, or other illegal substances are strictly forbidden on school buses. 17. Students who violate school bus policies will be reported to the school’s administration by the bus driver. 18. School administrators will determine the appropriate disciplinary action for misbehaving students and the penalty could vary from suspension of the privilege to ride the bus to dismissal from school.
18. ATTENDANCE POLICIES Regular attendance is vital for a student to gain the maximum benefit from an education experience. Section #79 of the Oglala Sioux Tribal Code requires that all children between the ages of 5 and 18 be enrolled and attend school regularly. Regular and punctual attendance at school is not just expected at RCHS -- it is required.
18.1. ABSENTEE POLICY 1. A student may be absent from school for no more than TEN unexcused days in a semester. 2. Absences are only excused for the following reasons: a) Hospitalization / extreme medical condition (needs verifiable proof) b) Communicable disease quarantine c) Death in the immediate family d) Participation in school-sponsored activities
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3. Absences resulting from ordinary medical/dental appointments or conditions are not excused. 4. Class period absences count toward a student’s total absences. 5. When students reach ten days of unexcused absence in a semester, they are dismissed (refer section #18.12.2). 6. If a student is to be absent, parents/guardians are encouraged to notify the Office Manager by 10.00 am. If not, the parent/guardian will be notified by the school. This is done to ensure the student’s safety and does not constitute an excused absence. 7. Only school administrators can excuse student absences. 8. Time spent in ISS does not count toward the accumulated unexcused absence figure.
18.2. LATE ARRIVAL AND TARDY POLICY (refer section #20.13) 1. If a student arrives at school after classes have begun, but before the first half of class is over, it is marked as a Late Arrival. Students who arrive after the first half of class is over will be marked as absent. 2. Seven Late Arrivals equal one day of In-School Suspension that will be marked as an unexcused absence (refer section #18.1.1). 3. Parents will be advised when their student reaches 4 late arrivals 4. Students are marked Tardy when they are already in school but come late to class. Tardy students report to the ISS room from where they are sent back to class with a Tardy Admission Pass. Tardys are considered discipline (refer section #18.1.1)
18.3. FRESHMAN ORIENTATION All freshmen are required to attend the Orientation program. A student’s absence from orientation will count as unexcused and be added to the student’s semester total.
18.4. SCHOOL ASSEMBLY ATTENDANCE POLICY Attendance at school assemblies is mandatory. Absence from a school assembly will be treated as cutting class (refer section #18.8).
18.5. STUDENT RETREAT ATTENDANCE POLICY 1. All students are required to attend scheduled class retreats because retreats are an integral part of the Red Cloud educational experience. 2. Exemption from retreats can only be given by the principal. Non-exempted students will be required to complete a service project or another activity in its stead. 3. For each of the days of a retreat that non-exempted students do not attend, they are marked with an unexcused absence. 4. Given the significance of retreats to the school’s mission, students found deliberately abstaining from school retreats may be dropped.
18.6. FIELD TRIP ATTENDANCE POLICY All students are required to attend planned field trips because they are part of the school’s educational program. Students are required to submit the field trip permission form signed by the parent/guardian before going on the field trip. Those
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students without signed forms will not attend the trip and will remain at school in a supervised setting.
18.7. OUT-OF-THE-CLASSROOM POLICY 1. Students need a signed hall pass by their class teacher or an administrator to be outside the classroom during class time. 2. Hall passes cannot be extended beyond five minutes. 3. Students without hall passes, those who over-extend the duration of their hall pass, and those who leave class without the teacher’s permission will be marked for cutting class (refer sections #18.9).
18.8. CUTTING CLASS POLICY When a student is found to be cutting class, the student is put on a disciplinary step and marked with an unexcused absence.
18.9. PARTICULAR CLASS ABSENCES If a student accumulates ten unexcused absences for a particular class and has a failing grade in that class, the student may be removed from that class. In all such cases, the principal makes the final determination.
18.10. CHECK-OUT POLICY 1. Only authorized persons are permitted to check a student out. 2. All checkouts, including those during the lunch break, must be done in person. 3. Students who are checked out of school during a class day are counted as being absent for the periods that the student misses. These class period absences count toward a student’s absence total. 4. Students who are not checked out are stepped if they leave campus.
18.11. WARNINGS AND DISMISSAL 1. When a student accumulates 5 and 8 days of absences in one semester, the school will notify the student’s parent/guardian. 2. After the TENTH day of unexcused absence in a semester, the student is dismissed. Upon dismissal, the school will notify the Juvenile Court.
18.12. REINSTATEMENT POLICY A student who has been dismissed for absenteeism may be reinstated if the following criteria are met: 1. Parents/guardians request and attend a conference with the AP-S within three days after receiving notification of their student’s dismissal. 2. Parents/guardians show reasonable cause for the absences. 3. At the time of dismissal, the student was passing in all classes. 4. The student must not have been previously dismissed for attendance and should not have been on an Attendance Contract more than twice at RCHS. 5. A reinstated student cannot miss any more school. Missing even one class period will result in the reinstated student’s dismissal from RCHS. 6. The principal may permit a student who is dismissed for absenteeism to remain in school and sign the “Provision to Keep Terms” contract provided that: a) There are mitigating circumstances, in the judgment of the principal, that justify and warrant such an arrangement, and, b) The student agrees to abide by the conditions of a “Conditional Re- Admission Contract” and signs it along with the parent/guardian. 7. There are no appeals for a dismissal resulting for breaking the “Provision to Keep Terms” contract.
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18.13. RE-ADMISSION POLICY 1. Students who are dismissed from RCHS because of excessive absences can re-apply for admission only after completing a full semester elsewhere. Rules that apply for new admissions govern all admission in such cases (refer section #7). 2. Students who have been dismissed twice for attendance cannot be re-admitted (refer section #7.4). 3. Students who are dismissed from RCHS because of excessive absences which is the result of a discipline related action will follow the re-admission policy as noted in section 20.15.
19. SAFE SCHOOL POLICIES These Safe School Policies have been developed to ensure that the school campus is safe.
19.1. SAFE SCHOOL VIOLATION POLICY: A Safe School violation is defined as any physical or verbal threat or act that endangers the safety of the school community. It also includes off-campus acts that may threaten the school community in any way. Safe school violations include: 1) The possession of dangerous weapons such as firearms, knives, numb- chuck’s, etc. on one’s person or in one’s bag, locker, or vehicle, and/or their use. 2) An object commonly not seen as a weapon is also considered a weapon if the intention is to use it to harm, threaten, or harass another person. In certain circumstances, items such as scissors, chemicals, lighters, belts, buckles, ropes, chains, etc. may be considered to be weapons. 3) It is a federal crime to sell drugs in or near a school. 4) Drugs, alcohol, and other illegal substance are forbidden on the RCHS campus. Students found to be in possession of drugs, alcohol, or any other illegal substance will be suspended for up to three days and moved up three steps in the 5-Step Discipline Policy (refer section #20.2). They will also be turned over to the authorities. 5) Students found selling or distributing drugs, alcohol, or other illegal drugs will be dismissed and turned over to the authorities.
In accordance with the 1994 Gun-Free Schools Act, Red Cloud Indian School has the following policy: “Any student bringing a weapon to school will face mandatory and immediate expulsion.”
19.2. DANGEROUS OBJECTS ON CAMPUS POLICY 1. Any staff who finds a student with an object that could pose a threat to the safety of self or of other students shall confiscate the object and turn it into the office. The parents/guardians of the student will be notified, and the object may be picked up only by the student’s parents/guardians (Also refer section #20.3). 2. Students who see, know about, or find dangerous objects with another student or in the school premises are obliged to inform a school administrator about it.
19.3. SEARCH OF STUDENT AND STUDENT BELONGINGS 1. An administrator, or one designated by an administrator, may search a student, his/her belongings, and/or vehicle, when there is reasonable suspicion that the student possesses something that is a threat to the life, health, or safety of the student, or another person, or is in violation of school policy.
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2. A search of a student’s person includes asking the student to empty pockets, roll down socks, take off shoes, roll up pant legs, roll up shirt- sleeves, and take off hat. 3. A search of a student’s belongings includes any personal items that the student may bring into the school and could include the use of canine units in the case of illegal substances. 4. Under normal circumstances, the search of a student’s belongings shall be conducted in the high school office and in the presence of the student and two staff members. 5. In emergency situations, the school administrators, or their designee, may search student belongings where they are found and without the student being present, e.g. a bomb threat, a weapon threat, etc. 6. The School Resource Officer (SRO), when delegated by the principal or AP-S, may conduct a search of a student’s person or belongings, and may utilize methods approved by Public Safety. 7. Lockers are school property and liable to random searches. 8. All bags must have the owner’s name attached to them. Bags that do not meet this standard may be searched at any time. 9. Students on road trips and other school-sponsored off-campus activities are liable to being searched when there are grounds for reasonable suspicion.
19.4. SCHOOL SAFETY EQUIPMENT 1. To facilitate maintaining a safe school environment, RCHS uses surveillance cameras and video monitoring equipment. Tampering with the surveillance equipment or cameras is enough reason for dismissal. 2. Tampering with the school fire alarms, fire extinguishers, or school locks may be enough cause for expulsion.
19.5. CARE OF SCHOOL PROPERTY POLICY Students are expected to take personal pride in their school and expected to take proper care of the school’s building, equipment, and facilities, and to keep them clean. 1. A student who deliberately and maliciously abuses or damages school property will, in addition to paying for the damage, will be placed on disciplinary steps and may be even dismissed, depending on the nature of the infraction. 2. Students who damage school property, intentionally or otherwise, will be asked to compensate for the cost of damage.
19.6. RCHS SAFE SCHOOL POLICIES FOR STUDENT AND NON-STUDENTS, INCLUDING PARENTS/GUARDIANS Because there have been incidents in schools in the United States and other countries in which parents and other adults have threatened the safety of the school community, RCHS has developed this Safe School policy. The purpose of the policy is to keep our school, especially our students, safe. Conduct of students at school sponsored co-curricular activities is also covered by this policy. When, in the judgment of the school principal, a parent/guardian or adult is a threat to the safety of the school community, the principal will: 1. Call law enforcement, when necessary. 2. Make a legal complaint, when necessary. 3. Write a letter of warning to the person documenting the behavior(s) that has been a threat.
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4. If the unacceptable behavior continues, the principal will write a letter to the person banning them from the Red Cloud campus and from all school events, whether at home or away. 5. If the person refuses to honor the ban, the person’s student(s) may be dropped from the Red Cloud school system and legal action, in addition, may also be pursued.
19.7. PRIVATE VEHICLES ON CAMPUS POLICY Students may drive a personal vehicle to school as long as they have permission from their parents/guardians and provide the AP-S with a parental permission slip. The conditions for driving a personal vehicle to school are: 1. The student must possess a valid operator’s license or a Restricted Minor Permit. 2. The student must be an insured driver and provide a copy of the insurance policy and the vehicle’s license plate number. 3. The student must pay the requisite parking fees. 4. The vehicle must remain parked, locked, and unoccupied during school hours, including the lunch break. 5. The student must drive in a safe and prudent manner. Reckless driving results in the loss of this driving privilege. 6. RCHS will not be responsible for any accidents, theft, or injury that may occur while on school property. 7. RCHS reserves the right to search any vehicle on RCIS property and the student driving the vehicle to school will be held responsible for anything found in the vehicle, irrespective of whether the student acknowledges putting it in the vehicle or not (refer section #19.3).
19.8. FIRE AND TORNADO DRILLS Fire and tornado drills are held at regular intervals, as per state codes, to ensure that students and staff are acquainted with procedures relating to safe and orderly evacuation of the classrooms and buildings.
19.9. SAFETY ON SCHOOL BUSES All school rules apply to students who ride the school bus. Rules that relate to bus- safety may be found under section #17.8.
19.10. HEALTH-RELATED ISSUES 1. Any health condition of a student that poses a danger to other students shall be reported to the principal. 2. In cases of an emergency and when a student’s parents/guardians fail to attend to a student’s health-related problems, the school will utilize the services of the Public Health and Child Protection Services. 3. Students are not allowed to be in possession of prescription medicines that they are not supposed to have. In case of need, parents/guardians are obliged to contact the school administrators. 4. The school does not undertake any obligation to dispense or supply medicines to students.
19.11. AIDS/COMMUNICABLE DISEASE POLICY Red Cloud Indian School recognizes the seriousness of some prevalent communicable diseases, including AIDS, which could be divisive within a community. Therefore, the school has adopted the curriculum prepared by the National Catholic Education Association, the goal of which is to provide scientific
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facts about AIDS (about how it is contracted and how to avoid contracting it), but also the Christian response to such diseases, which is one of compassion, not rejection. This is the RCHS Aids/communicable disease policy: 1. Students afflicted by contagious diseases or communicable parasites may be excluded from school attendance. 2. A determination of whether an infected student will be excluded from the classroom or school activities shall be made on a case-by-case basis by the principal. In situations where the decision requires additional expertise and knowledge, the principal will refer the case to the superintendent and may setup an advisory committee. 3. The advisory committee could be comprised of: a) A representative of Health and Human Services, b) A physician of the school’s choice, c) The student’s parents/guardians, d) The student’s physician, if available, e) The principal, f) The superintendent, g) Some of the primary teacher(s) involved, and h) A school counselor. 4. In making the determination, the principal may consider: a) The behavior, developmental level, and medical condition. b) The expected types of interaction with others in school. c) The impact on both the infected student and others. d) The guidelines and policies of the South Dakota DOH. e) The recommendation of the advisory committee.
19.12. EPA Annual Notification of Asbestos Containing Materials In compliance with the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA), the school performed inspections of all buildings for asbestos-containing building materials in the fall of 1988. The inspection findings and asbestos management plans have been on file in the school since that time. The EPA requires schools to perform re-inspections of the asbestos materials every three years. At our last re-inspection, there were no significant changes in condition of the remaining asbestos. The results of the re-inspection are on file in the administrative office of the school. RCIS’ Asbestos Program Manager (the superintendent of RCIS) will answer any questions you may have about asbestos in our buildings. We are not only intent on complying with federal, state, and local regulations, but in exceeding them and taking all steps necessary to insure our students have a safe environment.
19.13. SAFE SCHOOL ISSUES RELATING TO STUDENT DISCIPLINE For Safe School issues that also relate to student discipline (refer sections #20.4– #20.6).
20. STUDENT DISCIPLINE POLICIES Student discipline is important, not only because of the school’s responsibility to educate students in it, but also because of its potential to jeopardize the educational process. Any behavior that threatens or harms the community needs to be dealt with quickly and judiciously. As a Lakota and Catholic school, the school’s discipline is also compassionate – considering the overall well being of the student yet without neglecting the rights of other students. When circumstances justify it, therefore, the
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principal may make exceptions to these rules and may even call parents/ guardians and/or law enforcement authorities.
20.1 THE FIVE-STEP DISCIPLINARY POLICY The 5-Step Discipline Policy is the key component of Red Cloud’s disciplinary program. 1. The 5-Step Discipline Policy is an on-going process throughout the school year and carries over from the 1st semester to the 2nd semester. 2. The 5-Step Discipline Policy is intended to afford a student the opportunity, over time, to realize that certain forms of misbehavior threatens their own education and/or that of others. At the same time, the 5-Step Discipline Policy provides the student with a system of due process.
20.2. STEPS IN THE 5-STEP DISCIPLINARY POLICY The teacher/supervisor will make the initial attempt to correct the unacceptable and disruptive behavior of the student. The teacher may take the following actions: 1. Minor disruptions and disturbances in the classroom or in normal daily operation of the school are handled by teachers and may include warnings, student conferences, detention, parent/ guardian phone calls, or any other corrective action the teacher deems appropriate. 2. Teachers report continued disruptions of the learning process to the AP-S and write up the student. 3. When there are major or repeated violations of the student code of conduct including, but not limited to, abusive language, racial slurs, disrespectful action/s towards a teacher, abuse of school property, or cutting classes, the student is referred to the AP-S by the teacher and the student may be placed on one or more steps. 4. Disciplinary steps carry over for the entire year. First Step: 1. The AP-S informs the student that he/she is being placed on step #1. 2. The AP-S records the referral, returns one copy to the teacher, and mails a copy to the student’s parent/guardian.
Second Step: 1. A disciplinary referral slip is filled out about the incident. 2. The AP-S informs the student that he/she is placed on Step #2. 3. The AP-S records the referral, returns one copy to the teacher, and mails a copy to the student’s parent/guardian. 4. A parent/guardian conference will be arranged, if necessary.
Third Step: 1. The AP-S informs the student that he/she is on Step #3. 2. The school-counseling department is notified. 3. The student is suspended for 1 to 3 days, depending on the severity of the incident. The suspension could be in-school or out-of-school. 4. If the suspension puts the student over the 10-day limit for absenteeism, he/she is dropped from school. 5. If suspended, the student must be accompanied by the parent/ guardian for a conference with the AP-S and a counselor when he/she returns. 6. The AP-S records the referral, returns one copy to the teacher, and mails a copy to the student’s parent/guardian
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Fourth Step: 1. The student is informed that he/she is being put on Step 4. 2. The student is suspended out-of-school for 3 days. The number of days may be extended by the principal when warranted. 3. Upon returning to school, the student and the student’s parent/ guardian will sign a contract. 4. If the suspension puts the student over the 10-day limit for absences, the student is dismissed from school 5. Failure to comply with the Step 4 Contract will result in dismissal.
Fifth Step: 1. The student is expelled from school. 2. The student’s parents/guardians are informed of the dismissal and the procedure review process (refer section #23). 3. The parents/guardians are requested to meet with the principal within two school days of the dismissal and have recourse to the option of the Procedure Review Policy (refer section #23).
20.3. IMMEDIATE AND NON-NEGOTIABLE DISMISSALS Even with the 5-Step Discipline Policy there are certain behaviors that will not be tolerated and would result in a student’s immediate and automatic expulsion. These are: 1. Safe school violations (refer section #19.1). 2. Harassing, assaulting, or striking a RCIS staff member. 3. Theft. 4. Willful and malicious destruction of school, mission, or individual property. 5. Bomb threats, vandalism, false fire alarms, or arson. 6. Harassment, assault, or any form of personal violation, including that of a sexual nature (refer section #20.5) 7. Selling or distributing illegal substances on campus (refer section #19.1).
20.4. FIGHT POLICY 1. Fighting will not be tolerated. 2. Those students who are directly involved in a fight will be suspended for up to three days and moved up three steps in the 5-Step Discipline Policy. 3. Upon further review of the incident, students involved in a fight may be dismissed. 4. A second incident of fighting results in an immediate and automatic dismissal from school. 5. Students found instigating or encouraging fights are also subject to disciplinary penalties. 6. Any student involved in a fight during the last 4 weeks of a school year, will be dismissed and will need to complete a full semester elsewhere before applying for re-admission.
20.5. BULLYING, HARASSMENT, AND ASSAULT POLICY 1. Any form of bullying (including cyber-bullying), harassment, assault, or threatening behavior on a student or a RCIS staff member will not be tolerated in the school. 2. Bullying, harassment, assault, and threatening behavior could be in the form of a violent or an intimidating verbal or physical attack, and also includes a verbal or written threat of future physical harm.
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3. Unwanted physical contact, obscene gestures, sexually oriented propositions or comments, and/or the display of sexually explicit pictures are also considered forms of harassment. 4. Student(s) engaged in any form of bullying, harassment, assault, or threatening behavior will be suspended for one to three days, moved up on the 5-Step Discipline Policy. 5. Upon further review, those responsible for the bullying, harassment, assault, or threatening behavior may be expelled.
20.6. DISRESPECT TO STAFF MEMBERS 1. Students who intentionally threaten or attempt to physically harm an RCIS staff member are immediately and automatically dismissed. 2. Students who are disrespectful to a staff member and/or use foul language will be placed on disciplinary step/s and, depending on the gravity of the behavior, may even be suspended.
20.7. SUBSTANCE ABUSE POLICY RCHS recognizes that drugs and alcohol are seriously debilitating and that they are a problem that calls for strong and immediate intervention. RCHS supports a chemical dependency treatment program but also insists that families make an effort to ensure that students stay clean. When students are found to use or possess drugs or other illegal substances, they are dealt with in the following manner: First Offense: 1. The student is referred to the AP-S and suspended for three days. 2. Upon returning to school, the student and the student’s parent/ guardian must sign a Substance Abuse Contract. 3. The student is moved up three discipline steps (refer section #20.2). 4. The student must attend a minimum of four chemical-dependency counseling sessions and complete a drug and alcohol assessment in order to stay in school. 5. In case the student is already on a discipline-step that would entail dismissal, procedures for the second offense are applicable. Second Offense: 1. The student is dismissed, and the student’s parents/guardians are informed about the decision. 2. The student may apply to the superintendent for reinstatement for the same academic year but can do so only after the successful completion of a sanctioned chemical dependency treatment program. Students who cannot return during the same academic year have to apply for re-admission and all rules that govern new admissions are applicable (refer section #7). Treatment Guidelines 1. A student cannot attend an inpatient treatment program more than once in an academic year (refer to section #7.4). 2. A student who has attended an inpatient treatment program is dismissed if he/she is found to be using or possessing illegal substances again in the same academic year (refer to section #7.4) 3. A student cannot attend an inpatient treatment program more than twice during his/her academic career at RCHS (refer to section #7.4).
20.8. TOBACCO POLICY Tobacco products are not allowed at RCHS. Students found using, possessing, or selling tobacco products will be stepped.
20.9. DISALLOWED ITEMS POLICY
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Students found possessing and/or using the following items are subject to the 5 step disciplinary policy (refer to section 20.0) 1. Sexually inappropriate books and materials, dice, and any other materials associated with gambling. 2. Lighters, dark glasses, bandanas, hats, stocking caps, hoods and certain other items are prohibited in school. Pets are not allowed in school. 3. Cell phones, Mp3 players, videogame systems, and other personal entertainment devices may not be used during instructional periods but may be used during the lunch break. The administration reserves the right to disallow the use of such devices during the lunch break.
20.10. PUBLIC DISPLAY OF AFFECTION (PDA) POLICY 1. Students who engage in repeated public displays of affection (PDA) at school or school-sponsored events are referred to the AP-S and may be stepped and/or suspended from school for repeated PDA violations. 2. Students with “hickies” are not allowed to attend class and the resulting absences count toward their unexcused absences.
20.11. DRESS CODE POLICY Student attire impacts the learning environment, while also mirroring the social and moral values that the school upholds. Accordingly, 1. Students are not permitted to wear clothing or display visible markings that are deemed gang-related or displays substance abuse, nor are they permitted to wear anything that is obscene, pornographic, or sexually inappropriate. 2. Clothing shall not transgress social norms of propriety and modesty. Clothing where the torso or chest are exposed, or the length of the skirt/shorts is less than two inches below the side-reach of the student’s finger tips, are in violation of school policy. 3. Hat/caps are not allowed in the school or classrooms (refer to section 20.9). 4. Parents/guardians are asked to work with their students to ensure they are appropriately attired. 5. Students who violate the school’s dress code policy may be sent home. The student’s absence will count toward the student’s total unexcused absences for the semester (refer section # 18.1) 6. Repeated violations of the dress code policy will be considered to be non- compliance with school rules and will be dealt with in conformity with the 5-Step Discipline Policy.
20.12. OFF-LIMITS AREAS 1. For safety reasons, students are not permitted to be in certain areas during the school day, including the lunch period, unless with specific permission from the school office. The following areas are off-limits: (a) The student parking lot and the area beyond the log fence, (b) Areas beyond the former church building, the road, and cemetery, (c) Area beyond the dike and the open field along the highway in front of the school (including culverts and the trees along Highway 18), (d) The area beyond the Field house (including the area between the Field house and Highway 18), (e) The area beyond the softball backstop (including the creek and the track), (f) The area of the Middle School (this includes the Middle School playground, football field, picnic grounds, garage, and associated buildings), and (g) The area between Eben Hall and the Middle School should not be used as a lunch route.
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(h) The hallway by the Heritage Center is also out of bounds to students. 2. Other areas in and around the school may also be designated as off-limit areas if the school administrators deem it is warranted. 3. Students found off-limits during school hours will be dealt with in accordance with the 5-Step Discipline Policy.
20.13. TARDY POLICY (also refer section #18.2) 1. Chronic tardiness is a disciplinary problem. The procedure for tardy behavior is as follows: a) First to fourth tardy: Go to the office or designated reporting location before proceeding to class. b) Fifth and sixth tardy: A meeting with the AP-S, is held and the parents are notified. c) Seventh tardy: Student meets with the AP and is placed on a discipline step (refer section #20.2). 2. Every additional three tardy classes in the quarter after that result may result in further action consisting of detention and/or discipline steps. 3. Tardy classes are accumulated per quarter, but the steps that are awarded remain for the entire academic year.
20.14. RESCINDING OF DISCIPLINE-STEPS 1. The school provides students with the opportunity to have a discipline step rescinded should they demonstrate an improvement in behavior. 2. The process for rescinding steps is as follows: (a) The student must submit a written appeal to the AP, not earlier than six weeks after receiving the last step. (b) The appeal must include adequate reason to justify the rescinding of a step and must be attested by at least two faculty members who teach the student. (c) The AP convenes a Discipline Committee meeting which includes a counselor and another faculty member(s). (d) The discipline step may be rescinded only if the committee arrives at a consensus. (e) The student is informed of the Committee’s decision. 3. Students cannot appeal for a rescinding of steps more than once per year, and a maximum of one step can be rescinded with an appeal. 4. Discipline steps that are accrued for serious offenses such as a safe school policy violation, fighting, etc., cannot be rescinded.
20.15 RE-ADMISSION POLICY 1. Admission requirements applicable to new applicants also apply to students who have been dismissed and seek re-admission to RCHS (refer section #7). 2. Students who have been dismissed from an RCIS school for discipline-related reasons cannot apply for admission until they have successfully completed the next grade in another school. 3. There are certain impediments that alienate the possibility of a student being re-admitted at RCHS (refer section #7.4).
21. SANCTIONS
21.1 DETENTION Detention after class/school is used as a means to handle minor offenses in class or in school. Skipping detention is a serious offense and will result in the student being placed on a step in the discipline policy.
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21.2. IN-SCHOOL SUSPENSION (ISS) When a student’s actions warrant in-school suspension, the student is isolated in the school, class work will be brought to them, and they are expected to eat lunch in isolation. Time spent in ISS does not count toward the accumulated unexcused absence policy.
21.3. SUSPENSION (Out of School Suspension) 1. Suspension from school or school-sponsored activities is reserved for severe and/or frequent misconduct. The student and parents/guardians are required to meet with the AP-S before the student returns to school. 2. All the days when a student is on suspension are marked as unexcused absences and count toward the 10-day limit. 3. The length of an out of school suspension is determined by the principal.
21.4. DISMISSAL Although reserved for extreme situations, a student may be dismissed for a seriously wrong act and/or for the repetition of misconduct for which the student has been previously suspended. Dismissal can be immediate and automatic if the student behavior is deemed to be of a dangerous nature.
21.5. REFUSAL TO READMIT The school reserves the right to refuse re-admission for the following semester or academic year to a student whose academic performance, attendance, or behavior has consistently been unsatisfactory and the student has shown apathy to improving or to being corrected.
21.6 MAKING UP LOST SCHOOL TIME When a disturbance, such as a false bomb threat, disrupts the school day and reduces the classroom time of students, the principal reserves the right to have students make up lost time by extending the school day on the same day or a following day.
22. GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES The school has a grievance procedure to ensure that students have a right to due process. 1. All grievances, other than dismissal, will be handled only by following the school’s chain of command. 2. In case of a grievance, all parties are requested to come with a willingness to confront the realities of the case with honesty and keeping in mind the good of all those who are involved. 3. The primarily responsibility of the school faculty, staff, and administrators is seek the good of each student. Parents/guardians are exhorted to cooperate with them and give them the respect they deserve. When parents/guardians have a grievance, they are requested to refrain from publicly criticizing the school or the staff because that would only fuel an atmosphere of blame, criticism and faultfinding. Instead, parents/guardians are exhorted to bring the problem to the attention of the school authorities and to explore healthy ways to address the issue.
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23. PROCEDURE REVIEW POLICIES The purpose of the Procedure Review is to hear appeals for students who have been dismissed for disciplinary reasons. Students who are dismissed for violating the school’s academic or attendance policies have no claim to a procedure review. The procedure review process guarantees due process, assuring that procedures were correctly followed. These are the steps in the Procedure Review: 1. At the time of the dismissal, both the student and parent/guardian are notified of their right to have the superintendent review the policies and procedures used in the decision to dismiss the student. 2. The request for such a review must be made in writing and submitted to the superintendent within two (2) working days from the day of dismissal. The request must include the grounds for a review. 3. Within two (2) working days of receiving the request, the superintendent will review the decision and decide if the policy and procedures were followed correctly. 4. Based on policies and procedures followed, the superintendent will make one of the following choices: a) To uphold the dismissal, or b) To reinstate the student with or without contractual conditions and with a procedural explanation for the school administrator. 5. The student’s parent/guardian and the school authorities will be notified of the superintendent’s decision in writing.
24. DEPARTURE POLICIES For students departing from RCHS, the following policies apply: 1. Before a student’s official transcripts and/or the graduation diploma can be released, the student should have returned all books and other school belongings that may have been provided to the student, the locker should be cleaned out, and the Departure Checkout Form or the Graduation Checkout Form (refer section #15) should have been completed and submitted. 2. Students will have official transcripts withheld until all school debts are paid and, in the case of damage to school property, until restitution for the damage has been made in full. 3. The school will not be responsible for the loss of personal items of students who do not follow the school’s departure policies.
If you need clarification regarding any of Red Cloud High School’s policies, procedures, rules, or regulations, please do not hesitate to contact the principal. It is better to be certain of what the school expects of its students than to presume what is implied. Ignorance or a lack of clarity about the implication of the school’s policies, procedures rules, and regulations, especially when the student is in trouble, is not accepted as an excuse for leniency or exemption.
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