Fort Caspar Academy

Parent-Student-Staff Handbook 2013-2014

4100 West 38th Street Casper, WY 82604 (307) 253-3400 (ph) (307) 253-3450 (fax) www.FortCasparAcademy.com Natrona County School District #1 Index ARRIVING AT SCHOOL ...... 5 ATTENDANCE ...... 5 AUDIO-VISUAL ...... 16 BELL SCHEDULE ...... 3 BICYCLES ...... 4 BIRTHDAYS ...... 7 BOOK FINES…….………………………………………………………………………………………………..……………14 CLASS PLACEMENT ...... 3 CONTACTING TEACHERS ...... 14 CONTRACT OF MUTUAL RESPONSIBILITY ...... 19 CURRICULUM OVERVIEW ...... 17 DISCIPLINE ...... 11 DISTRICT WAITING LIST ...... 4 DOCTOR APPOINTMENTS ...... 7 DRESS CODE ...... 12 EMERGENCY CLOSING OF SCHOOL ...... 8 ENROLLMENT ...... 3 EXCUSED AND UNEXCUSED TARDINESS ...... 5 EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES ...... 16 FINGERPRINTS………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..15 FIELD TRIPS ...... 14 GOING HOME AFTER SCHOOL ...... 6 GRADES ...... 14 GUEST SPEAKERS ...... 15 HOMEWORK ...... 9 HONOR ROLL ...... 14 INTERNET ACCESS ...... 16 LEAVING SCHOOL GROUNDS ...... 6 LIBRARY………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..14 LOST & FOUND ...... 8 LUNCH PROGRAM ...... 8 NURSE ...... 8 PARENT/GUARDIAN CONCERNS ...... 14 PARENTAL/GUARDIAN ACCOUNTABILITY ...... 3 PARENT/GUARDIAN-TEACHER CONFERENCES ...... 15 PARENT/GUARDIAN-TEACHER ORGANIZATION ...... 7 PICKING UP YOUR CHILD DURING SCHOOL ...... 6 PREFERENCE LIST FOR FUTURE KINDERGARTNERS ...... 4 REPORT CARDS/PROGRESS REPORTS ...... 14 SAFETY - COMING TO AND LEAVING SCHOOL ...... 6 SCHOOL PARTIES ...... 7 SCHOOL RULES ...... 10 SPECIAL EDUCATION ...... 16 SPORTS PROGRAM ...... 7 STUDENT DIRECTORY ...... 4 STUDENT RETENTION ...... 14 TELEPHONES & CELLULAR PHONES ...... 8 TRANSPORTATION ...... 4 TUTORING ...... 16 VISITS TO SCHOOL ...... 7 WHOLE GROUP INSTRUCTION ...... 15

2 FCA 2013-2014 – Parent – Student - Staff Handbook The policies in this handbook are intended to be consistent with applicable laws, district board policies and administrative regulations. Should any provision in this handbook be in conflict with such laws and policies, those laws and policies shall be paramount to the policies in this handbook BELL SCHEDULE

First Bell 8:35 Tardy Bell 8:40 Kindergarten Recess 10:05 1st-2nd Grade Recess 10:20 3rd-5th Grade Recess 10:40

K & 1st Lunch/Recess 11:20-12:00 4th & 5th Lunch/Recess 11:50-12:30 2nd & 3rd Lunch/Recess 12:20- 1:00

Kindergarten Recess 1:15 1st-2nd Grade Recess 2:05 3rd-5th Grade Recess 2:20 Dismissal Bell 3:35

ENROLLMENT Fort Caspar Academy is a school of choice within the public school system in Natrona County. There is no tuition, and no standards for entry are required of the students. Any K-5 child residing in Natrona County may attend on a basis of availability of openings. Prior to initial enrollment, at least one parent/legal guardian is required to attend an orientation session. At the beginning of each school year, at least one parent/legal guardian is required to attend the annual Back-to-School Night where parent(s)/legal guardian(s) will sign a Contract of Mutual Responsibilities (see appendix “A”).

CLASS PLACEMENT Students will be grouped heterogeneously at all grade levels. Parent(s)/Legal Guardian(s) may request a specific teacher if they can show a compelling reason for the requested assignment. Forms to request a specific teacher will be available in the school office and must be submitted no later than the last day of the previous school year. However, assigning students to individual classes is the prerogative of the principal. Teachers are expected to provide academic situations that challenge the students. It is the parent(s)/legal guardian(s) responsibility to provide additional enrichment activities for their children. Class lists will be posted on the front doors of the school one week prior to the first day of school.

PARENTAL/GUARDIAN ACCOUNTABILITY A strong volunteer program is a vital aspect of Fort Caspar Academy. Every family will be expected to donate a minimum of ten (10) hours per semester to the school. Parent(s)/Legal Guardian(s) are encouraged to seek out opportunities for volunteering in the school. Parent/Legal Guardian volunteers help develop school/home partnerships that result in an increased quality of education for our students. Please contact your classroom teacher, your Governing Council representative, or our school’s website at www.fortcasparacademy.com to find out about volunteering opportunities. Governing Council representatives’ names and contact information may be found on the school website.

Ways to Volunteer:

▪ Discover Days ▪ Art Room ▪ Track Day ▪ Classroom Help ▪ Checking Homework ▪ Class Parties ▪ Watch D.O.G.S. ▪ School Improvement Goal Teams ▪ P.T.O. Meetings ▪ Parent/Guardian Committees ▪ Library ▪ Enrichment/Extra-Curricular Activities

3 FCA 2013-2014 – Parent – Student - Staff Handbook The policies in this handbook are intended to be consistent with applicable laws, district board policies and administrative regulations. Should any provision in this handbook be in conflict with such laws and policies, those laws and policies shall be paramount to the policies in this handbook. PREFERENCE LIST FOR FUTURE KINDERGARTNERS Parent(s)/Legal Guardian(s) with children who have not yet started school may contact Fort Caspar Academy to place their children on our kindergarten preference list beginning when their child reaches his or her third birthday. After parent(s)/legal guardian(s) have completed an orientation session at FCA and the District enrollment process, staff from Fort Caspar Academy will communicate with the District Enrollment Office to ensure that students on our kindergarten preference list are given open spots in the order in which parent(s)/legal guardian(s) informed the school until capacity is reached. When capacity is reached at Fort Caspar Academy, children remaining on the kindergarten preference list will be enrolled in other schools according to their remaining choices and schools’ capacities. Please refer to the NCSD open enrollment guidelines for further details on this process.

The kindergarten preference list will maintain “Sibling” and “Non-Sibling” categories for each academic year. All children with a sibling who has been enrolled in FCA for a full academic year (enrolled in FCA prior to the end of the first grading period and completed the academic year) have priority over students who do not have siblings enrolled at FCA. To ensure sibling priority, parent(s)/legal guardian(s) have the responsibility to register their children as soon after their third birthday as possible with Fort Caspar Academy’s front office. Failure to register children as outlined will result in loss of sibling priority. If the parent(s)/legal guardian(s) of a kindergarten student who is selected for enrollment at FCA chooses to delay enrollment to the next year, the child will be placed at the top of the kindergarten preference list for the next year’s kindergarten class. Names will be removed from the kindergarten preference list only after FCA office personnel verify the parent(s)/legal guardian(s) desire to have a child’s name removed. Date and time of removal from the kindergarten preference list and method of verification will be recorded.

DISTRICT WAITING LIST At the conclusion of the District’s open enrollment process, parent(s)/legal guardian(s) will be informed of their children’s placement. Parent(s)/Legal Guardian(s) wishing to attend Fort Caspar Academy who were placed in other schools by the District due to lack of capacity in any grade level at Fort Caspar Academy may call the District Enrollment Office to be placed on the District waiting list for Fort Caspar Academy. Please call the Enrollment Office (253-5322) for more information regarding current District Wait List policy and procedures.

TRANSPORTATION Fort Caspar Academy is a school of choice. It is the parent’s/legal guardian’s responsibility to make certain that the student arrives at school at the specified time. School District bussing is available. Parent(s)/Legal Guardian(s) interested in bussing should indicate so on the NCSD Student Enrollment form. The NCSD Transportation Department phone number is (307) 253-5283. Bussing information can also be found at www.natronaschools.org.

STUDENT DIRECTORY Because of the federal mandate regarding privacy, a student directory will not be published.

BICYCLES Students may ride bicycles to school. We ask, however, that they NOT ride their bicycles once they are on school property. The student should walk the bicycle from the street to the bike racks/hand rail located in the front of the building. Students are responsible for the security of the bicycles, and we strongly encourage that all bicycles be locked to the rack. All students who ride their bike to school are encouraged to wear a helmet. 4 FCA 2013-2014 – Parent – Student - Staff Handbook The policies in this handbook are intended to be consistent with applicable laws, district board policies and administrative regulations. Should any provision in this handbook be in conflict with such laws and policies, those laws and policies shall be paramount to the policies in this handbook. ATTENDANCE Regular attendance at school is extremely important if the student is to do well in school and is also a state regulation (See District Handbook). At Fort Caspar Academy, students going on vacations with parent(s)/legal guardian(s) or needing to be absent from school for other personal reasons may be considered excused if the absence has been prearranged with the school. Prearranged means the parent(s)/legal guardian(s) has notified the school office and the child’s teacher and arrangements have been made for the student’s homework prior to the time school begins on the first day of the absence. This does not necessarily mean your child will receive all assignments prior to the prearranged absence. The earlier you can notify the school of an absence, the better a teacher can assist the child in keeping up with his/her school work. Please make sure your child is in school unless he/she is ill. Should a student need to be absent, please notify the school office before 9:00 a.m. on the day of the absence, which assures excused absence status (answering machine is on all night and early morning). If your child is ill, homework may be picked up between 3:35 and 4:00 p.m. The school day ends at 3:35. If you need to take your child out of school early, please send a note with your child at the beginning of the school day. The teacher will not interrupt class time to give homework assignments for the day.

EXCUSED AND UNEXCUSED TARDINESS It is very important that your child be punctual. Two bells are rung, 5 minutes apart, at the beginning of the school day (8:35 a.m. and 8:40 a.m.). It is expected that students should be in their seats ready to work when the tardy bell rings. If a child comes to school after the tardy bell has rung, the child must first report to the office to be removed from the absence list and receive a pass to class. Tardiness is disruptive to the learning process. It has a negative impact on the entire class, not just the child who is tardy.

Excused Tardiness – The tardiness must occur with the knowledge and approval of the parent(s)/legal guardian(s) and for reason(s) approved by the Principal or his/her designee.

Unexcused Tardiness - The reason(s) for the tardiness has not been approved by the Principal or his/her designee even if it occurs with the knowledge and approval of the parent(s)/legal guardian(s).

The Governing Council has established the following plan to help curtail tardiness: • After the 6th tardy, and all following tardies in any given semester, students will be required to serve a 15-minute detention after school of the following school day. • After the 8th tardy of either semester, a letter from the Council will be sent to parent(s)/legal guardian(s) reminding them of the importance of being punctual. • After the 11th tardy of either semester, parent(s)/legal guardian(s) will be required to meet with the principal and submit a written plan of action detailing what corrective actions are being taken. * The only excuse that will be accepted will be a note from a health-care provider. PLEASE refer to the NCSD Student/Parent Handbook – Policies & Administrative Regulations Section on Attendance.

ARRIVING AT SCHOOL IN THE MORNING It is very important that your child arrive at school on time. Unless your child is attending a special, scheduled activity or appointment, he/she should not arrive at school earlier than 8:20. Anyone arriving before the 8:35 bell must go directly to the playground. People may not loiter in the school building. 5 FCA 2013-2014 – Parent – Student - Staff Handbook The policies in this handbook are intended to be consistent with applicable laws, district board policies and administrative regulations. Should any provision in this handbook be in conflict with such laws and policies, those laws and policies shall be paramount to the policies in this handbook. SAFETY - COMING TO AND LEAVING SCHOOL The guidelines listed below relate to traffic safety at Fort Caspar Academy. The guidelines apply when you deliver your child to school and when you pick your child up after school. 1. Students and visitors must enter/exit the building through the middle front doors. (Exception: At the end of the school day, Kindergartners only may exit the building through the southeast doors (kindergarten hallway) to meet parent(s)/legal guardian(s).) 2. Instruct your children carefully as to where you will drop them off and pick them up after school. 3. Always drop your child off and pick them up at the designated area in the front of the building. 4. Please do not stop your car on the crosswalk, in a handicap zone, or in the drive-through lane when you pick up or deliver your child. 5. Children should get in the car on the passenger side of the vehicle. 6. When picking up or dropping off your child, make certain that he/she crosses the street or drop-off lane in front of the school only at the designated crosswalks. 7. There is a drop-off lane in front of the school for drop off and pick up only. The right lane is for loading and unloading of students. The left-hand lane is a through traffic lane. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES should students enter or exit a vehicle in the left-hand lane. 8. No vehicles shall remain unattended in either lane for any reason or for any duration. If parent(s)/legal guardian(s) need/desire to leave the vehicle, then it should be parked in the parking lot. 9. Due to SAFETY CONCERNS, Please DO NOT drop students off in the handicap parking area located near the kindergarten playground. 10. Be Courteous.

GOING HOME AFTER SCHOOL Students are to go home directly after school. Students should not linger, but go directly home. Students being transported by parent(s)/legal guardian(s) should go directly to their assigned pickup area. Parent(s)/Legal Guardian(s) providing transportation should be at the school site when school is dismissed. There is no adult supervision for students after school is dismissed.

PICKING UP YOUR CHILD DURING SCHOOL If it is necessary for a parent(s)/legal guardian(s) to pick up his/her child during the school day, the parent(s)/legal guardian(s) MUST come to the school office. The office staff will then arrange for the child to come to the office to meet his/her parent(s)/legal guardian(s). Teachers must get verbal consent from the office before releasing a student. If you pick up a child at noon, during lunch, or during recess, the same procedure applies. At the end of the school day, please do not go to the child’s class and wait outside the door. Rather, wait in the school lobby until the child comes to meet you. Waiting by a classroom door is often disruptive for the class.

LEAVING SCHOOL GROUNDS Students are never to leave the school grounds without permission from the school office. The District has a closed campus policy for elementary and middle schools. Students are only allowed to leave campus in the company of a parent(s), legal guardian(s), or staff member.

6 FCA 2013-2014 – Parent – Student - Staff Handbook The policies in this handbook are intended to be consistent with applicable laws, district board policies and administrative regulations. Should any provision in this handbook be in conflict with such laws and policies, those laws and policies shall be paramount to the policies in this handbook. DOCTOR APPOINTMENTS If possible, doctor appointments should be made for after-school hours. However, if that is not possible, please adhere to the following guidelines:

1. Send your child to school before the appointment when at all possible. Please do not allow your child to miss all morning if the appointment is not until 10:00 a.m. If the appointment is before school begins and the student is tardy, the student will need a note from the health care provider to receive an excused tardy. 2. Send a note to the teacher in advance when at all possible. This allows the teacher to plan ahead for that student’s absence. 3. Students should return to school after their appointment if at all possible.

FORT CASPAR ACADEMY PARENT/GUARDIAN-TEACHER ORGANIZATION The Fort Caspar Academy Parent/Guardian-Teacher Organization (PTO) is a very important element of Fort Caspar Academy. All parent(s)/legal guardian(s) are members of the PTO. A governing council, made up of elected voting members, meets regularly to act on matters of policy and concern. The Governing Council represents the general membership and promotes the policies and stated purposes of the PTO. All parent(s)/legal guardian(s) of Fort Caspar Academy students are invited and encouraged to attend these meetings as a part of their volunteer commitment to the school. Meeting dates are generally scheduled for the first Tuesday of each academic month and will be published on the FCA website. Please feel free to contact members of the Governing Council at any time.

VISITS TO SCHOOL Fort Caspar Academy has an Open Door Policy and we welcome and encourage parent(s)/legal guardian(s) to come to school frequently to visit their child’s classroom and to take an active part in the education of their child. Please check with the office and/or classroom teacher for the best time(s) to visit your child’s classroom. Visitors to the school are required to stop by the school office to pick up a visitor’s badge and sign in before proceeding into other areas of the building. If visiting a classroom, please do not bring non-school age children, and turn off your cell phones. Make sure your visit does not disrupt classroom learning. Please sign out upon leaving the building.

AFTER-SCHOOL SPORTS PROGRAM A variety of after-school sports programs are offered throughout the year. Information on sponsored sports programs are regularly sent home with your student(s). Please check your student(s) homework folders for this information. Fourth and fifth grade basketball and volleyball are provided through the Casper Recreation Center.

BIRTHDAYS Teachers recognize children on their birthdays; however, during class time no other birthday recognitions (including balloons, flowers, presents, stuffed animals, etc.) are permitted. Students may supply birthday treats for the class, and Parent(s)/Legal Guardian(s) of students may hand out birthday treats at a time determined by the teacher.

SCHOOL PARTIES Each class has the opportunity to have two parties per year (Christmas and Valentine’s). The format will be at the discretion of the teacher and the approval of the principal. Parties are planned and run by parent(s)/legal guardian(s) volunteers. Please contact your teacher to learn how you can help. There is also an all-school picnic (Last Blast) at the end of the school year. Please contact your teacher, Governing Council representative or the FCA website for additional information. 7 FCA 2013-2014 – Parent – Student - Staff Handbook The policies in this handbook are intended to be consistent with applicable laws, district board policies and administrative regulations. Should any provision in this handbook be in conflict with such laws and policies, those laws and policies shall be paramount to the policies in this handbook. LUNCH PROGRAM A lunch program is in place at Fort Caspar Academy. Children may purchase a school lunch, or they may choose to bring a sack lunch. Milk may be purchased for students bringing sack lunches to school. The cost of lunch is indicated on the lunch menu. Children may also go home for lunch. If your child is to go home for lunch, the office needs to be notified of such by the student’s parent/legal guardian. Students who go home each day for lunch need to notify the office of this only once. However, if the child goes home on an irregular basis, you will need to notify the school office each time the child is to go home. Also, please notify the office if you are taking your child off campus for lunch. District policy dictates that if your child is going to lunch with another child/another adult, we must have a note from you stating this is approved. Parent(s)/Legal Guardian(s) are permitted to join their children for lunch. Adult lunch fees apply.

PLEASE REFER to the NCSD Student/Parent Handbook – Food Service -Meal Plans section for more detailed information.

SCHOOL CLOSURE/EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS If a decision is made by District administration to close the school, notice of such will be forthcoming on any of the major radio or TV stations. It is important for all parent(s)/legal guardian(s) to list a minimum of one emergency phone number on the Student Enrollment Form. This emergency number can be a work number, a friend, or a neighbor who may know how to contact you in case of an emergency at school. Please make sure that the phone number the school has for you is current as you will be notified by the NCSD Campus Messenger system of school emergencies or announcements.

NURSE A school nurse is provided for FCA. The nurse will complete health assessments, review immunizations, and provide health instructions. The nurse will also provide care for injury or illness and make referrals when necessary. The nurse will communicate with parent(s)/legal guardian(s) as needed. In addition, all parent(s)/legal guardian(s) are welcome to ask for assistance from the nurse with any health problem they may have with their children.

PLEASE REFER to NCSD Student/Parent Handbook for information on illness in the school setting, immunizations, and medication options.

TELEPHONES / CELLULAR PHONES Students are welcome to use the hall phone with a permission slip from his/her classroom teacher. Students may not use personal mobile phones while in the school building during school hours or while under the supervision of staff (e.g. bus students). Mobile phones must be turned off and placed in the student’s personal backpack. Should a parent / legal guardian need to contact his/her child, please call the office and a message will be sent to your student. Any change in transportation plans need to be coordinated through the office, including bus students.

LOST & FOUND If your child has lost an article at school, please check the lost and found box. Much confusion will be eliminated if names are placed on all articles of clothing, notebooks, etc., before they are brought to school. Items will be displayed in front of the main office at the end of each quarter for one week, after which all remaining unclaimed items will be donated to a local charity.

8 FCA 2013-2014 – Parent – Student - Staff Handbook The policies in this handbook are intended to be consistent with applicable laws, district board policies and administrative regulations. Should any provision in this handbook be in conflict with such laws and policies, those laws and policies shall be paramount to the policies in this handbook. PLEASE READ AND DISCUSS THE FOLLOWING POLICIES WITH YOUR CHILD BEFORE THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL

HOMEWORK Homework is an essential element of the educational experience at Fort Caspar Academy. It has three major purposes: 1. To teach personal responsibility and time management skills. 2. To keep parent(s)/legal guardian(s) informed about what their children are studying. 3. To provide opportunity to practice academic concepts learned in class. All students, K-5, receive homework four nights a week, Monday through Thursday, except before holidays. Parent(s)/Legal Guardian(s) will assist students with homework by providing a time, place, and quiet environment for their child. Parent(s)/Legal Guardian(s) agree to sign the homework form indicating that they have seen the assignments. Following are the minimum as well as the maximum guidelines for homework for which parent(s)/legal guardian(s) should plan:

Minimum Maximum KDG 10 min. 15 min. 1st 15 min. 20 min. 2nd 20 min. 30 min. 3rd 30 min. 45 min. 4th 30 min. 45 min. 5th 30 min. 60 min.

These guidelines are meant to estimate the amount of time the average student will need to complete all daily and long-term assignments. These guidelines reflect time on task. All assigned homework must be completed each evening. If a child spends over the maximum amount of time per day on homework, parent(s)/legal guardian(s) should indicate the amount of time spent. If a child has difficulty with a particular concept, parent(s)/legal guardian(s) should indicate such on the homework sheet that accompanies the child home each night. Standards of neatness and accuracy are to be maintained regardless of the subject matter area. Parent(s)/Legal Guardian(s) and students need to be aware that if students do not finish their daily work in class, that work must be completed at home and returned the next day. This work is in addition to the regular homework and should not be considered a part of the actual homework time. Parent(s)/Legal Guardian(s) will have the ultimate responsibility for following through with the consistent discipline of homework. Teachers will send homework sheets with each child, indicating any special areas of concern that may be worked on. Homework activities could include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Recreational reading (enrichment) of books, magazines, newspaper, etc. 2. Writing experiences - creative writing, letters to relatives, etc. 3. Math facts practice. 4. Work on memorization skills, such as poetry, prose, important dates, etc. 5. Take-home activities for science, social studies, etc. 6. Practice spelling words. 7. Review and edit class notes. 8. Finish work not completed in class. 9. Other activities that may be mutually agreed upon by parent(s)/legal guardian(s) and teacher.

20% will be deducted from the grade of any assignment that is turned in late (late is indicated by the 8:40 bell). Assignments that are 2 or more days late will receive a grade of “0.” However, all assignments must be completed, regardless of how late they may be. In grades kindergarten through second grade, one ticket is taken for incomplete/late homework. In third through fifth grade there will be one ticket taken for each incomplete/late homework assignment up to three tickets; there is a maximum of three tickets taken in one day for things related to homework. 9 FCA 2013-2014 – Parent – Student - Staff Handbook The policies in this handbook are intended to be consistent with applicable laws, district board policies and administrative regulations. Should any provision in this handbook be in conflict with such laws and policies, those laws and policies shall be paramount to the policies in this handbook. A student who has an excused absence has 1 day for each day missed to make up homework without having a penalty, unless other arrangements are made with the teacher. All students are expected to read or be read to for a minimum of ten minutes each night as a part of their homework time.

REQUIRED READING / BOOK REPORTS / RECITATIONS Students in grades 1-5 will complete at least 1 written book report per grading period. The books will be approved by the teacher. Failure to complete the required book report is considered a missed assignment. Each student should keep a reading book in his/her desk at all times. During the year an assigned number of memory work selections (poems, etc.), a minimum of one each grading period, will be required of all children at all grade levels.

SCHOOL RULES School rules are established by parent(s)/legal guardian(s) and teachers. The following rules apply while students are attending Fort Caspar Academy: 1. Follow directions. 2. Stay in your seat unless given permission to leave. (Permission includes pre-established procedures as outlined by individual teachers). 3. Raise hand to speak and wait to be called upon. 4. Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself. 5. Bring necessary books, notebooks, paper, & pencils to class.

The following school rules apply throughout the school campus: * Settle disagreement without fighting or threatening to fight. * Use only wholesome and courteous verbal and body language. * Show respect to adults and fellow students. * Tolerate and accept physical, mental and cultural differences among others. * Show consideration to property and others by not throwing rocks, snowballs, or any other objects, other than using play equipment (balls) in an appropriate manner. * Play games which do not require grabbing, pulling, or hitting other students. No tackle football. * Do not leave the school grounds without parental/legal guardian(s) consent and permission from the office. * Do not bring personal play items to school. * Student mobile phones are not allowed to be seen or heard at FCA. * Kindles, e-readers, iPads, etc. are allowed for reading only at designated times. * Play only in designated play areas. * Respect other’s possessions and do not take items belonging to others. * Do not run or talk loudly until out on the playground. * Observe the specific rules for various playground equipment as given by the playground supervisor. * No gum, sunflower seeds, or other food or candy is allowed in the classroom, the hall, or on the playground unless special permission is given by the teacher or staff. * Always talk in a quiet voice while in the lunchroom. * Act mannerly in the lunchroom. Do not throw food, or touch other’s food. * When the bell rings to come off the playground, stop play immediately and report to designated area. * Do not write on or deface school property. * Realize that the teacher’s workrooms, supply rooms, faculty bathrooms, offices and teacher’s lounge are for parent(s)/legal guardian(s) and staff only.

10 FCA 2013-2014 – Parent – Student - Staff Handbook The policies in this handbook are intended to be consistent with applicable laws, district board policies and administrative regulations. Should any provision in this handbook be in conflict with such laws and policies, those laws and policies shall be paramount to the policies in this handbook. DISCIPLINE A very structured and consistent learning environment characterizes Fort Caspar Academy. The program operates on the concept of mutual respect between students and faculty, common courtesy, friendliness, and cheerfulness. Its purpose is to create a calm and orderly atmosphere in which to teach children the academic skills. There are specific consequences for inappropriate behavior, which will be enforced by the staff. We consider our discipline program as a caring stand. We believe children have a right to learn, teachers have a right to teach, and parent(s)/legal guardian(s) have a right to be parent(s)/legal guardian(s). At no time will school personnel use corporal punishment. Except for unusual circumstances, the following consequences, which begin over each day, will be adhered to within the school building during normal school hours, and on all school-sponsored activities (e.g. field trips):

Ticket System 1st level (green): Warning from teacher or staff. 2nd level (blue): 5-minute detention during a designated recess. 3rd level (pink): 15-minute detention during a designated recess and a call to the parent(s)/legal guardian(s) by the teacher. 4th level ( red): A short visit to the principal’s or administrative manager’s office followed by a conference with the child, parent(s)/legal guardian(s), teacher & principal or administrative manager after school or before school begins on the next day. 5th level (purple): Child sent immediately to the office. Child sent home for the remainder of day. If the fifth level is reached prior to lunch, the child may return the following morning. However, if the fifth level is reached after lunch, the child may not return to class until after lunch the following day. A re-entry meeting/conference with the child, parent(s)/legal guardian(s), teacher & principal or administrative manager is required before the student can return to school.

Citations for Serious Behavior/Offense When a “SERIOUS OFFENSE” takes place anywhere on school property or on a school-sponsored activity (e.g. field trips), a citation is issued. The following will be considered a "SERIOUS OFFENSE" and will result in a minimum of a written citation and a letter to the parent(s)/legal guardian(s), briefly explaining the conduct, which must be signed and returned the next school day, and one (1) point assigned: * Roughhousing, fighting, wrestling, attempting to provoke fights, kicking, hitting, or any other type of assault, provoked or unprovoked. * Obscenity or profanity (including name-calling or any type of inappropriate behavior of an obscene nature). * Detrimental conduct, insubordination, talking back, or other disrespect of authority.

The citation MUST be signed and returned by the student’s parent(s)/legal guardian(s) by the end of the third day, or the child will receive one day of out-of-school suspension.

Point System To prevent frequent repeat offenses of minor infractions, and to address more serious offenses that may take place anywhere on the school grounds, a point system will also be adhered to. Students will receive points for the following reasons:

Tickets: 1 point for reaching level 3 (pink ticket) 2 points for reaching level 4 (red ticket) 3 points for reaching level 5 (purple ticket) (Points are only given for the highest level ticket reached. They are not accumulative.) Citations: 1 point will be given when a “SERIOUS OFFENSE” takes place. 11 FCA 2013-2014 – Parent – Student - Staff Handbook The policies in this handbook are intended to be consistent with applicable laws, district board policies and administrative regulations. Should any provision in this handbook be in conflict with such laws and policies, those laws and policies shall be paramount to the policies in this handbook. Consequences for receiving points will be as follows: * 6 points = Parent(s)/Legal Guardian(s), student, teacher, principal or administrative manager to have a conference prior to a student attending class on the following day. * 10 points = Temporary suspension - 1 day of out-of-school suspension followed by a re-entry meeting/conference prior to a student attending class on the following day. * 14+ points = Principal’s discretion - could include additional OSS or other appropriate action. The point system begins over at the end of the 2nd quarter. The principal, administrative manager, teachers, and staff may administer other consequences for disciplinary infractions when necessary.

DRESS CODE & PERSONAL APPEARANCE It is expected that the students of Fort Caspar Academy shall maintain their person and clothing in a modest, clean, and orderly manner consistent with the school dress code and compatible with the educational program. In order to ensure that proper appearance of students is maintained, the principal or administrative manager will make the final determination as to appropriate apparel in a questionable circumstance. The principal also has the right to modify the dress code. Parent(s)/Legal Guardian(s) may be required to bring appropriate attire if the student does not adhere to the dress code. The faculty, staff and administration is expected to set good examples of appropriate dress. Faculty and staff may dress in attire appropriate for their specific duties. Apparel shall not be of the type that would detract from the primary purpose of the school, which is academic instruction, nor shall accessories carried by children to school be disruptive to the conduct of the school or hazardous to student welfare.

The following dress code rules are pertinent to both boys and girls: 1. Uniforms such as Cub, Boy Scout, Brownies, Girl Scout and the like are acceptable school attire. However, caps will not be worn in the building. 2. Shirts or clothing with suggestive words or phrases, pictures and advertisements of cigarettes, narcotics, alcoholic beverages, or any type emblems, pictures or writing not appropriate for school will not be permitted. No concert or music shirts are permitted. 3. Sweaters and sweatshirts should not extend beyond the hips. Midriff, upper torso and undergarments may not be exposed, even when arms are extended. The size of shirts or blouses shall be appropriate to the student’s body size and shall not be unduly oversized. Spaghetti straps, tube tops, halter-tops, midriff tops, tank tops, see-through tops or clothing that exposes the upper torso are not allowed. Shirts must not be ripped or frayed. 4. Shirts and pants are to be normal-fitting, not being over or under-sized. Shirts must be worn tucked inside pants or skirts, with the exception of sweatshirts, sweaters, and coordinated tops styled to be worn with stretch pants. Belts must be worn with garments having belt loops. Pants shall be worn so that the waistband is worn at the waist and not below the waist. The size of the pants shall be appropriate to the student’s body size and not be unduly oversized. Wording on the seat of pants draws attention to that area and is distracting, so it is not allowed. Pants must not be ripped or frayed. 5. Skirts, Skorts, Dresses, and Shorts: Skirts, skorts, and dresses must be no shorter than 2” above the knee and shorts must be no shorter than 4” above the knee. ** Unacceptable Shorts: Athletic shorts including spandex-style “bicycle” shorts, cut-off jeans, cut-off sweat pants, short-shorts, running shorts, and see-through boxer-type shorts are not permitted. Shorts must not be ripped or frayed. 12 FCA 2013-2014 – Parent – Student - Staff Handbook The policies in this handbook are intended to be consistent with applicable laws, district board policies and administrative regulations. Should any provision in this handbook be in conflict with such laws and policies, those laws and policies shall be paramount to the policies in this handbook. 6. Shoes: No wheels or cleats are allowed on bottoms of shoes. Appropriate shoes are to be worn with socks. Thongs, flip-flops, and platform shoes will not be permitted. However, sandals well secured at the toes and ankles will be permitted during hot weather. Socks are optional with sandals. 7. Earring(s) will not be worn by boys. Students will not wear makeup while at school. No visible tattoos (permanent or wash-off) are permitted. 8. Hair color shall not be unnatural in color and hairstyle shall not be a distraction (e.g. spiked Mohawks, hair tattoos, etc.). 9. Coats and jackets will be removed while inside the classroom. Coats and Jackets are defined as garments designed with an outer shell and a liner with or without added insulation. • Lined Jackets are only allowed in the classroom if they are of professional type attire, such as a lined sport coat or blazer, and if all other criteria are met. 10. Single layer outer garments, including but not limited to sweaters and vests, may be worn in the classroom over regular clothing subject the following criteria: • Garments must fit normally and not be oversized or undersized for the student so as not to interfere with academic activities such as writing, hearing, etc. • Garments should be constructed of a single layer of material such as knit, cotton, fleece or other similar material. Garments to be worn in the classroom may not be lined as defined in “Coats or Jackets” (See Sect. 9). • Garments must be constructed of a material that is not distracting during class activities. For example, garments which make noise during movement in the classroom are not permitted to ensure all students can hear and be heard. 11. Appropriate head wear for inclement weather is permitted, but must be removed in the school.

Dress Code Enforcement For serious violations of the dress code (attire or hair color/style which is totally unacceptable), parent(s)/legal guardian(s) will be required to make an immediate correction. The principal or administrative manager shall contact the student’s parent(s)/legal guardian(s) and direct them to come to the school and retrieve their student. The student shall not be allowed to return to school until the student’s attire and/or hair has returned to a non-distractive state, as determined by the principal or administrative manager. For minor violations in the dress code, a dress code citation will be issued for each violation with the following consequences

1st-2nd offense A Dress Code citation will be issued for each offense.

3rd offense A Discipline point will be issued resulting in a phone call to the parent(s)/legal guardian(s) from the principal or administrative manager.

4th offense A conference with the principal or administrative manager, parent(s)/legal guardian(s), and student will be held.

Dress code citation points start over at the end of the 2nd quarter.

13 FCA 2013-2014 – Parent – Student - Staff Handbook The policies in this handbook are intended to be consistent with applicable laws, district board policies and administrative regulations. Should any provision in this handbook be in conflict with such laws and policies, those laws and policies shall be paramount to the policies in this handbook. PARENT/GUARDIAN CONCERNS A parent(s)/legal guardian(s) who has concerns about any matter involving a student should personally speak to the staff member involved. If unable to come to a solution with that staff member, the parent(s)/legal guardian(s) should contact the school’s principal. If necessary, a meeting will be held. If no resolution can be reached, the parent(s)/legal guardian(s) may request the principal involve personnel at the District level. Appointments should be scheduled in advance.

CONTACTING TEACHERS Fort Caspar Academy has an Open Door Policy and we welcome and encourage parent(s)/legal guardian(s) to get in contact with their student’s teacher. However, in order to have proper time to address your concerns, please refrain from impromptu meetings with teachers. Parent(s)/Legal Guardian(s) are encouraged to make phone calls to staff members during normal school hours (8:00 a.m. - 3:45 p.m.), write a note on their child’s homework sheet, or contact teachers by email to schedule meeting times.

LIBRARY & BOOK FINES The library is a center of instruction at Fort Caspar Academy. Students are taught basic library skills at each grade level. The librarian is also aware of the classroom activities that relate to specific information in the library, and works cooperatively with classroom teachers to support the various academic subjects. Students are expected to be quiet in the library, and all regular classroom rules apply. Students may choose to go to the library rather than go outside for recess to do reading or research. School District Policy states that a student shall be held responsible for damage to, loss of, or failure to return books. Students may be assessed a fine for books that have been lost, damaged by water, torn or damaged in other ways. Money will be returned if a book is found.

GRADES Behavior, art, music and P.E. are graded with “E” “S” “I” “N” or a “U.” Letter grades are given to reflect actual achievement in the academic areas. A - Excellent (93-100%) B - Above Average (85-92%) C - Average (77-84%) D - Below Average (70-76%) F - Unsatisfactory (Below 70%)

HONOR ROLL The honor roll criteria are: To be on the honor roll, Principal’s Honor Roll: 4.0 GPA students may not have a D or an First Honor Roll: 3.5 - 3.99 GPA F. Grades in resource do not Second Honor Roll: 3.0 - 3.49 GPA count for honor rolls.

Honor Rolls are posted at the end of each quarter in the glass case in front of the library.

REPORT CARDS/PROGRESS REPORTS Report cards are issued every nine weeks and are taken home by students, examined, and the report card envelope is signed by parent(s)/legal guardian(s) and returned to the teacher. Additionally, the teacher halfway through each quarter (excluding the 1st quarter) will issue individual student progress reports.

14 FCA 2013-2014 – Parent – Student - Staff Handbook The policies in this handbook are intended to be consistent with applicable laws, district board policies and administrative regulations. Should any provision in this handbook be in conflict with such laws and policies, those laws and policies shall be paramount to the policies in this handbook. STUDENT RETENTION Moving automatically from one grade to the next is not always the best thing for a child. Some children have a better chance for success if they remain at a grade level for an extra year. If the teacher thinks your child will benefit by staying in his or her current grade, you will be involved in meetings with the teacher, the principal, and other staff members involved with your child’s education. A mutual decision will be reached concerning retention.

PARENT/GUARDIAN-TEACHER CONFERENCES Parent(s)/Legal Guardian(s)-Teacher conferences are held at the end of the first quarter and during the third quarter as per adopted school district schedule. Parent(s)/Legal Guardian(s) will be notified of the specific schedules for the conferences. We feel these conferences benefit the students, parent(s)/legal guardian(s) and teacher.

FIELD TRIPS The school classroom can be enriched by taking advantage of places in and around our community. All field trips will correspond with grade-level curriculum. Other trips with educational opportunities will be considered. All field trips must receive prior permission from the principal. Written permission from parent(s)/legal guardian(s) is required before children are allowed to participate with the groups in these experiences and a note will be sent home to the parent(s)/legal guardian(s) listing the event, the time and place, and the mode of transportation, prior to each event. The discipline policy is actable and enforceable while on field trips or school-sponsored activities.

FINGERPRINTING Natrona County School District (NCSD) requires chaperones, sponsors, and volunteers to complete a background check by completing the fingerprint process before participating in school-sponsored events that take place away from the school building (e.g. field trips). There is not a charge to the non-employee chaperone (i.e. parent/legal guardian), sponsor, or volunteer. Please call the Human Resources office at 253-5225 to schedule an appointment to have your fingerprints taken. The results can take up to eight weeks. Fingerprint processing is through the Department of Criminal Investigation. Once a background check has been completed, the non- employee chaperone, sponsor, or volunteer will only need to complete the process again if he/she does not volunteer from one academic year to the next. In other words, a non-employee chaperone, sponsor, or volunteer will need to serve in the volunteer capacity continuously, from one academic year to the next. Within the confines of school premises and under the supervision of staff, parent/legal guardian volunteers to do not need to be fingerprinted. However, if a parent/legal guardian is volunteering to coordinate extra-curricular activities (i.e. Lego Robotics, basketball coach, etc.), fingerprinting is required.

GUEST SPEAKERS / ASSEMBLY PROGRAMS The teacher and the principal will approve all guest speakers and assemblies. Each speaker or program must be evaluated for grade-level merit.

WHOLE GROUP INSTRUCTION At Fort Caspar Academy, students are taught by the teacher as a whole group. If a child needs extra help, this may be received before and after school, during free times and independent work times in the classroom, or practice time in the classroom, or through tutoring when required by the teacher.

15 FCA 2013-2014 – Parent – Student - Staff Handbook The policies in this handbook are intended to be consistent with applicable laws, district board policies and administrative regulations. Should any provision in this handbook be in conflict with such laws and policies, those laws and policies shall be paramount to the policies in this handbook. TUTORING Tutoring will be provided for all new students and for students who fall behind providing they qualify for additional assistance as determined by the teacher and/or Building Intervention Team (BIT). If a parent(s)/legal guardian(s) feels that their student is in need of additional tutoring, a meeting should be requested by the parent(s)/legal guardian(s) with the teacher to discuss tutoring availability. The parent(s)/legal guardian(s) also shall have the opportunity to make a tutoring request to the Building Intervention Team in a meeting if their concerns are not alleviated during the initial teacher meeting. Tutoring may be provided by certified tutors, teaching assistants, classroom teachers, or volunteers, and may take place before, during or after school. Once notified that their students need tutoring, parent(s)/legal guardian(s) is/are expected to provide transportation on days when assigned tutoring takes place outside of school hours (i.e., having the student at school by 8:00 a.m. or picking up the student at 4:00 p.m.). Siblings of students being tutored may go to the library. New students to Fort Caspar Academy (other than kindergarten) enrolled over the summer are expected to attend a one-week summer class sponsored by the school. It is also recommended that parent(s)/legal guardian(s) attend a Spalding mini-course in order to assist their children at home. These mini courses will be offered at the school on an as-needed basis.

AUDIO-VISUAL Audio-visual aids should be used only if they relate directly to what is being taught. Films and other AV material which are primarily entertainment should be limited to two viewings per year per class. Unless special permission is granted by the principal and parent(s)/legal guardian(s) are notified, only “G” rated videos may be shown.

INTERNET ACCESS Fort Caspar Academy Technology Committee and the Governing Council require strict supervision of any student using the internet. No student will be allowed to randomly use (“surf”) the internet. Students cannot use the internet without a teacher or teacher assistant present. Students are only allowed to go to certain site(s) that the teacher has previously designated for the project. Students will not be given access to the internet until a permission form signed by a parent(s)/legal guardian(s) is on file at FCA.

SPECIAL EDUCATION Natrona County School District has a continuum of all special education services as required by state and federal legislation. Programs are provided for children with learning disabilities, speech and language disabilities, visual/hearing disabilities, to the educable mentally disabled, severely/multiple disabled, physically disabled, and emotionally disabled. Some of the above programs are provided in each of the schools in Natrona County, while other programs are available only at selected sites. Referrals for placement in a special education program may be initiated by a parent(s)/legal guardian(s) or staff member. No child is placed in a special education program without parent(s)/legal guardian(s) permission. Fort Caspar Academy follows best educational practices by ensuring that all students are instructed in the least restrictive environment. Information regarding special education programs can be obtained from the principal.

EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES Students have an opportunity to participate in a wide variety of programs. Chorus, arts and crafts, drama, foreign languages, etc., may be offered providing there is enough volunteer support to staff these programs and sufficient interest to hold the class. These activities occur before and after normal school hours and are parent(s)/legal guardian(s) run. 16 FCA 2013-2014 – Parent – Student - Staff Handbook The policies in this handbook are intended to be consistent with applicable laws, district board policies and administrative regulations. Should any provision in this handbook be in conflict with such laws and policies, those laws and policies shall be paramount to the policies in this handbook. CURRICULUM OVERVIEW The District Essential Curriculum is closely adhered to. In addition to the District Essential Curriculum, skills and specific content from “Core Knowledge” and from the “Spalding Writing Road to Reading” are incorporated in the Fort Caspar Academy Instructional Guide. This instrument, developed by the FCA staff, with approval from the Governing Council, is an exhaustive list of the skills and content taught at each grade level. The guide also lists those reading selections that will be presented at each grade level, and also the approved list of books from which students can choose books for required book reports.

LITERATURE/READING/PHONICS Reading/literature/phonics and written expression with correct grammar and clarity of thought will be taught daily. The Spalding method (The Writing Road to Reading, teacher’s manual) that incorporates the various senses of hearing, saying, writing, and seeing, will be used to teach language arts. Sets of children’s books/novels will be taught to develop skills and the love of reading. Teachers are expected to read to their students a minimum of 10 minutes each day.

MATHEMATICS - SAXON MATHEMATICS The incrementalization of topics is combined with continual review, wherein all previously learned material is reviewed in every lesson for the entire year. Topics are never dropped but are instead increased in complexity and practiced every day, providing the time required for concepts to become totally familiar.

SPELLING A phonetics-based spelling program using Spalding will be implemented in all grades. Each student is expected to express clarity of thought with preciseness in spelling and handwriting.

ENGLISH/COMPOSITION DAILY ORAL LANGUAGE and DAILY ORAL LANGUAGE PLUS will be used. Children will be encouraged to use the library extensively for research. The elements of composition, including but not limited to organization, word choice and vocabulary, correct sentence structure, grammatical correctness, and mechanics/usage is required. In addition to written expression, practice in grammar and its rules and usage will be stressed.

SCIENCE Core Knowledge and District Essential Curriculum guide our science instruction. As the District determines a new science curriculum, FCA will consider whether or not this will be incorporated into our instruction through the philosophy and Exemption Request agreement FCA has with the District.

HEALTH The District Essential Curriculum guides our health curriculum. The human growth and development program and the HIV education for grade five, including information, discussion, and the viewing of videos, will be presented in the evening or after school with parent(s)/legal guardian(s) in attendance. Boys and girls shall be taught these classes separately.

SOCIAL STUDIES CORE KNOWLEDGE topics are used at each grade level. Please see the school Instructional Guide for the specific areas covered at each grade level.

MUSIC Natrona County School District’s K-5 Music Curriculum is in the process of being updated to fit the Wyoming State Music Standards. The text used is SPOTLIGHT ON MUSIC, by McMillan/McGraw-Hill, and GAME PLAN, by Randy DelLelles and Jeff Kriske. A structured general music and music appreciation program is taught in all grades K-5. Band or strings is also offered before school to fifth grade students. Chorus and 17 FCA 2013-2014 – Parent – Student - Staff Handbook The policies in this handbook are intended to be consistent with applicable laws, district board policies and administrative regulations. Should any provision in this handbook be in conflict with such laws and policies, those laws and policies shall be paramount to the policies in this handbook. any other music participation will be offered as extra curricular activities, dependent upon demand for such, and volunteers to teach such programs.

ART The Art Curriculum Guide 1987 provides direction for the art program. Art appreciation is a part of the basic program. Art is used to emphasize special themes and seasons, and where appropriate, is incorporated into other areas of study. Fundamental knowledge of art is important to a well-rounded curriculum. Colors, sketching techniques, and art appreciation help students become comfortable with art. Additional art programs may be included as an extra-curricular activity after school.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION Each child participates in a structured physical education program twice a week unless excused for medical reasons, which must be in writing from a care provider. The physical education program is designed to teach your child important physical skill development that will carry over into day-to-day life and help promote good health.

TECHNOLOGY Computer usage will be aligned with, and supportive of, the school’s curriculum and goals.

PENMANSHIP Neatness and legibility of penmanship are stressed through daily practice. It is imperative for teachers to model and reinforce the importance of neatness and legibility. The Spalding program, WRITING ROAD TO READING, provides handwriting instruction as a part of its total program.

The major responsibility of the teaching staff is to insure there is adequate instructional time for the teaching of reading, spelling, handwriting, and mathematics. On those occasions when the daily schedule is interrupted because of other activities (field trips, assemblies, etc.), the teaching in these fundamental areas will take precedence.

18 FCA 2013-2014 – Parent – Student - Staff Handbook The policies in this handbook are intended to be consistent with applicable laws, district board policies and administrative regulations. Should any provision in this handbook be in conflict with such laws and policies, those laws and policies shall be paramount to the policies in this handbook. Appendix A FORT CASPAR ACADEMY CONTRACT OF MUTUAL RESPONSIBILITY STUDENT As a student at Fort Caspar Academy, I agree to: 1. Contribute to making the school a safe and orderly environment in which my fellow students and I improve our academic achievement. 2. Arrive at school on time and attend all my classes prepared to work. 3. Participate in class discussions and school activities on a regular basis. 4. Seek help when I do not understand what is taught or what is required of me. 5. Complete my homework assignment thoroughly and on time. 6. Behave appropriately in school by being respectful and courteous. 7. Support the school community by setting an example of good citizenship for myself and encouraging my fellow students to do the same. 8. Read and abide by the guidelines and regulations listed in the Parent/Student/Staff Handbook. 9. Recognize that as a student at Fort Caspar Academy, it is my work and actions that will make this school a success now and in the future. 10. Be held accountable as a student at the school by accepting responsibility for my actions. Student Signature:______PARENT/LEGAL GUARDIAN As a parent /legal guardian at Fort Caspar Academy, I agree to: 1. Contribute to making the school a safe and orderly environment in which my child and his/her classmates improve their academic achievement. 2. Make sure my child arrives at school on time and attends all of his/her classes prepared to work. 3. Take an active role in my child’s education by ensuring that school homework it is completed and on time. 4. Maintain high standards of academic excellence and expectations for my child and communicate them to my child on a regular basis. 5. Communicate regularly with my child’s teachers regarding my child’s academic and behavioral performance. 6. Attend the fall Parent/Legal Guardian Orientation/Back-to-School Night, parent/legal guardian-teacher conferences, and other scheduled conferences. 7. Partner with the school in instilling in my child a lifelong understanding of the importance of education. 8. Read and abide by the guidelines and regulations listed in the Parent/Student/Staff Handbook. 9. Recognize that as a parent/legal guardian at Fort Caspar Academy, it is my work and actions that will make this school a success now and in the future (parent(s)/legal guardian(s) is/are required to volunteer 10 hours per semester at the school ). 10. Be held accountable as a parent/legal guardian at the school by accepting responsibility for my actions. Parent/Legal Guardian Signature: ______TEACHER As a teacher at Fort Caspar Academy, I agree to: 1. Contribute to making the school a safe and orderly environment in which all of my students improve their academic achievement. 2. Arrive at school on time and prepared to teach. 3. Provide an academically rigorous learning environment which appropriately challenges the students. 4. Inspire my students to have a knowledge and appreciation for the various disciplines. 5. Communicate regularly with parent(s)/legal guardian(s) regarding student’s behavioral/academic performance. 6. Assess regularly, fairly, and constructively the efforts and work of my students. 7. Model and teach character development as outlined in the Parent/Student/Staff Handbook. 8. Serve as a role model for students by conveying to them a lifelong understanding of the importance of education. 9. Recognize that as a teacher at Fort Caspar Academy, it is my work ethic and my positive attitude that will make this school a success now and in the future. 10. Be held accountable as a teacher at the school by accepting responsibility for my actions, and to abide by all guidelines and policies as stated in the Staff Handbook and the Parent/Student/Staff Handbook. Teacher Signature: ______ADMINISTRATOR As an administrator at Fort Caspar Academy, I agree to: 1. Uphold the guidelines and policies as set forth in the Staff Handbook and in the Parent/Student/Staff Handbook. 2. Encourage parents/legal guardians, students, and teachers to fulfill their respective commitments. Administrator Signature ______

19 FCA 2013-2014 – Parent – Student - Staff Handbook The policies in this handbook are intended to be consistent with applicable laws, district board policies and administrative regulations. Should any provision in this handbook be in conflict with such laws and policies, those laws and policies shall be paramount to the policies in this handbook. NATRONA COUNTY SCHOOLS Student/Parent Handbook

2013-2014 2013-14 NCSD Student/Parent Handbook Contents

Welcome Student Conduct —­ General Letter from Superintendent Hopkins, NCSD Board Athletic Code of Conduct, Transportation Code of of Trustees, NCSD Schools & Programs, NCSD Conduct Administration, Mission & Goals, Academic Calendar Student Conduct — Terms & Definition Attendance & Enrollment Admission, Immunizations, Enrollment, Changing Student Conduct Schools, Attendance Policies, Illness, Homebound Introduction, Philosophy, Best Practices, Framework, Level Instruction, Homelessness & Education I, Level II, Level III, Referrals, Rights & Responsibilities, Interventions, Consequences General Information Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, Directory Policies & Regulations Information, Nondiscrimination Policy, Nondiscrimination Assault, Bullying, Care of School Property, Detention Against Students with Disabilities, Grievance Procedures, of Students, Dress and Appearance, Drugs and Alcohol, Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment Fighting, Gangs, Habitual Disruption, Law Enforcement, Misconduct Documentation, Clubs and Organizations, Parking Lots, Right of Search, Student Publications, Health & Safety Suspension, Suspension of a Student with a Disability, Accident Insurance, Animals, Building Use, Crisis Tobacco, Weapons Management, Inclement Weather, Medication, Vehicle Insurance Acknowledgement of Receipt (sign and return) Student Services & Programs Assessments, Athletics, Food Service, Graduation Requirements, Hathaway Scholarships, Internet Use, Special Education Services, Title I

www.natronaschools.org 2 2013-14 NCSD Student/Parent Handbook Welcome back to school! After a summer of fun, rest, and adventures, we hope you are excited as we are about a new school year! We are experiencing exciting times within the Natrona County School District. With near record enrollment numbers, we are doing our best to create learning systems where all of our students can succeed in school, become prepared for graduation and ultimately become valuable, contributing members of our global society. Using our five key goals as guiding points, we are working hard to ensure a meaningful learning experience for your children. Literate Students: All NCSD students will read at or above grade level by the end of third grade. Excelling Schools: NCSD will perform in the top 10 percent on state assessments. Prepared Graduates: All NCSD students will graduate prepared for college and/or a high-skills career. Safe, Healthy People: NCSD will maintain environments that are safe and healthy for everyone. Efficient, Effective Operations: NCSD will be efficient and effective in its operations and classrooms. We are proud of the progress and successes we see each day in our schools. We are confident that your children are empowered and inspired to strive for the very best!

Rita Walsh NCSD Board of Trustees NCSD Board Chair

Rita Walsh, chair; Dave Applegate, vice-chair; Audrey Cotherman, treasurer, Suzanne Sandoval, clerk; Kevin Christopherson; Elizabeth Horsch; Dana Howie; Pat Keefe; Paula Reid

Superintendent Greetings As your new superintendent, I am anxious to continue to build upon the successes we’ve experienced and look closely at areas that need a little more attention. As a parent/guardian or family member, you play a valuable role in your child’s success in school. I encourage you to stay involved in your child’s education. Talk and read with your students. Ask them about their day. Your interest will help your children — at all ages — know that you value their education. Watch for news that comes home from teachers and schools, as well as communications from the district. The following handbook is designed to help us maintain safe and efficient schools, clearing the way for students and staff to focus on learning and teaching. This information is important, and you should review it with your student. Finally, if you have any questions or concerns about the Natrona County School District, please contact our offices (a list of important numbers is on the next page). You can learn more about our policies, procedures, activities and services on our website, www. natronaschools.org, and stay up-to-date with the latest district news on Facebook or Twitter. Together, we are well on our way in realizing our vision of providing modern and relevent learning experiences for all of our students. Steve Hopkins Superintendent

www.natronaschools.org 3 2013-14 NCSD Student/Parent Handbook NCSD Schools & Programs

Adult Based Learning 261-6156 Midwest School 253-3500 Sagewood Elementary 253-3300 Environments (ABLE) 256 Lewis, Midwest 82643 2451 Shattuck 82601

Alcova Elementary 472-2079 Mills Elementary 253-3700 Southridge Elementary 253-1900 P.O. Box 106, Alcova 82620 420 2nd St., Mills 82644 2300 Bellaire 82604 (temporary)

Bar Nunn Elementary 253-4000 Mountain View Elementary 253-6500 Special Education Services 253-4600 2050 Siebke Dr. 82601 400 N. 3rd 82604 500 S. Jefferson 82601

Casper Classical Academy 253-3160 Natrona County High 253-1700 Star Lane Center 253-3100 900 S. Beverly 82601 930 S. Elm 82601 1400 S. Fairdale 82601

Centennial Junior High 253-2900 North Casper Elementary 253-4100 Student Support Services 253-3150 1421 S. Waterford 82609 1014 Glenarm 82601 920 S. Beverly 82601

Cottonwood Elementary 253-4700 Oregon Trail Elementary 253-6200 Summit Elementary 253-3000 1230 W. 15th 82604 6332 Buckboard 82604 2210 S. Waterford 82609

Crest Hill Elementary 253-4200 Paradise Valley Elementary 253-1200 Transitions Learning Center 253-4350 4445 S. Poplar 82601 22 Magnolia 82604 2000 Casper St. 82604

CY Middle School 253-2700 Park Elementary 253-3200 University Park Elementary 253-3800 2900 Cyclone Dr. 82604 140 W. 9th 82601 600 N. Huber 82609

Dean Morgan Junior High 253-2500 Pineview Elementary 253-6000 Verda James Elementary 253-1100 1440 S. Elm 82601 639 Payne 82609 701 Carriage Lane 82609

Evansville Elementary 253-6400 Poison Spider 253-6900 Willard Elementary 253-6300 452 S. Texas, Evansville 82636 14200 Poison Spider Rd. 82604 129 N. Elk 82601

Fort Caspar Academy 253-3400 Powder River Elementary 472-3939 Willow Creek Elementary 738-2542 4100 W. 38th St. 82601 35348 Hwy 20/26 24135 Willow Creek Rd., Kaycee 82639 Powder River 82648 Frontier Middle School 253-2300 Woods Learning Center 253-3900 900 S. Beverly 82609 Red Creek Elementary 473-1224 500 S. Walsh 82601 15651 Hwy. 487 82604 Grant Elementary 253-1300 1536 S. Oakcrest 82601 Roosevelt High School 253-1400 140 E. K St. 82601 Kelly Walsh High School 253-2000 3500 E. 12th 82609 Safe Schools Suspension 253-5357 Lab (SSSL) Manor Heights Elementary 253-1800 920 S. Beverly St., Casper 82601 3201 E. 15th 82609

NCSD Administration Central Services Facility 253-5200 970 N. Glenn Rd. Steve Hopkins, Superintendent Mike Bond, Executive Director of Kelly Eastes, Chief Public Human Resources Relations Officer Dr. Mark Mathern, Associate Superintendent of Dennis Bay, Executive Director of Curriculum & Instruction Business Services

Dr. Crystal Mueller, Associate Kelly Hornby, Executive Director of Superintendent of Human Curriculum & Instruction Resources Services

www.natronaschools.org 4 5 2013-14 NCSD Student/Parent Handbook

www.natronaschools.org 6 2013-14 NCSD Student/Parent Handbook

This handbook provides an overview of the rules, regulations and district, regardless of where in the county they live. codes of conduct in the Natrona County School District. It is not a The district hosts an online school selection process comprehensive list of district policies. For complete policies, please see the NCSD website at www.natronaschools.org. You also may each January, in which families make their top three access policies by visiting the NCSD Central Services Facility at 970 school choices for the upcoming academic year. N. Glenn Rd., in Casper. Enrollment is based on space available, as well as established preferences, when space is limited. Families are notified of their child’s placement in the spring. A Attendance & Enrollment waitlist is available for those who don’t receive their top choices. Admission Families who are new to the area and did not The Natrona County School District serves all school- participate in the school selection process should age children who are residents of Natrona County. contact the Central Enrollment Office at (307) 253-5322 By state law, to start kindergarten, children must be 5 to secure a space. on or before Sept. 15. An official, certified birth certificate is required for students to start school. Changing Schools Residency of children is determined by where their Students are eligible to change schools each year custodial parent or guardian lives. An emancipated minor through the school selection process. Mid-year school or a student 18 or older is a resident if he or she lives in transfers must be approved by administrators. While Natrona County. school changes may be necessary in some cases, Students who live outside Natrona County can apply it typically is best for a student’s education to move for a tuition fee waiver to attend an NCSD school. schools at a logical break, such as between semesters. Applications are available at each school. For more information or to request a mid-year school transfer, please contact the Central Enrollment Office at Immunizations (307) 253-5322. Wyoming state law requires children be immunized against preventable diseases. Students entering Attendance Policies Wyoming public schools for the first time must have Regular and on-time attendance in school is critical to proof of the following immunizations: each child’s academic success. * 5 doses of DPT (diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus) Absences may be excused if the student is ill, if an vaccine. If a fourth dose was administered on or immediate family member is ill or dies, if the student’s after the fourth birthday, a fifth dose is not required. family is celebrating a recognized religious holiday, or * 4 doses of polio vaccine. If a third dose was if the student is involved in activities that the school administered on or after the fourth birthday, the administrator has pre-approved. fourth dose is not required. Absences are typically unexcused if the student * 2 doses of MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine. misses school without the knowledge of his or her The first dose should be on or after the first birthday, parents or for an unacceptable reason, even with the and the second dose at least one month after the parents’ knowledge. first dose. Tardies, or lateness, are excused if the child has * 3 doses of Hepatitis B vaccine. a valid reason, such as a medical appointment, and * 2 doses of varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, or written is less than 45 minutes late for school. Families are verificaiton of child having had the chickenpox in the strongly encouraged to schedule appointments outside past. of the school day, when possible. Students entering seventh grade also must have a Five unexcused tardies will be counted as one TDaP vaccine, which is a booster to prevent tetanus, unexcused absence. Ten total absences, whether diphtheria, and pertussis. excused or unexcused, in one semester equals “failure Immunizations are available with an appointment at to attend school” and may result in legal action. the Casper-Natrona County Health Department, 475 S. Truancy is a serious risk to students’ educational Spruce St. No child will be denied immunization due to success, and sometimes to their safety. The district an inability to pay. makes every effort to address the issue before Immunization waivers ­— for religious or medical resorting to the juvenile justice system. These actions reasons — may be obtained from the Casper-Natrona will include calling and sending letters to parents County Health Department. and making a home visit if necessary to discuss the absences; developing a written “intervention plan” to Enrollment get students back in school; involving a team of people NCSD is an open enrollment school district. That to intervene, including school officials, social services, means that students may choose any school in the community mental health, substance abuse and

www.natronaschools.org 7 2013-14 NCSD Student/Parent Handbook prevention professionals, and others; and eventually * On the street. referring the case to court intervention. * In an abandoned building, trailer, or other inadequate (Suspension does not count toward the absence accommodation. policy; however, failure to attend the Safe Schools * Doubled up with friends or relatives because you Suspension Lab is an unexcused absence.) cannot find or afford housing. For the full NCSD attendance policy and regulations, Your children have the right to: please see Board Policy and Administrative Regulations * Go to school, no matter where you live or how long 5120. These policies and regulations are available you have lived there. They must be given access to online at www.natronaschools.org. They also are the same public education — including preschool — available for review at the district’s Central Services as other children. Facility, 970 N. Glenn Rd., in Casper. If you have * Continue at the school they attended before you questions about the attendance policy, contact your become homeless, or the school they last attended, school principal or the Student Support Office at (307) if that is your choice and is feasible. 253-5325. * Receive transportation to the school they attended before your family became homeless. Illness * Attend a school and participate in school programs While school attendance is very important, students with other children who are not homeless. should not attend school when they are seriously ill or * Enroll in a school without giving a permanent could transmit illnesses to other students. address. Using the best practices of school nurseing, NCSD * Enroll and attend classes in the school of your choice schools will contact parents and send students home even while the school and you seek to resolve a when: dispute over enrolling your children. * They have a fever of 100.0 F or above. * Receive the same special programs and services, if * They are vomiting. needed, as provided to all other children served in * They have diarrhea. these programs. * They have an unidentified or undiagnosed rash. If you and your family need assistance, contact Greta Students should see a health care provider to Hinderliter, the district’s liaison for homeless education, diagnose and treat the rash before returning to at (307) 253-4337. school. More information is available through the National * They have a possible contagious disease, such as Center for Homeless Education at (800) 308-2145. pink eye, impetigo, head lice, ring worm, scabies, or strep throat. In such cases, students should be seen and treated by a health care provider. After seeing a General Information health care provider, students should stay home for Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act 24 hours before returning to school. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act * A nurse determines the student is distressed or (FERPA) gives parents and students over the age of 18 uncomfortable to an extent that he or she needs to certain rights around educational records. go home. Parents and students 18 or older have the right to * The student has an injury that requires medical inspect and review the student’s education records attention. within 45 days of requesting access from the school. Parents or eligible students should submit a written Homebound Instruction request to the school principal that identifies the In some cases, a student may be unable to attend record they want to inspect. The principal will make school for a long time due to an injury or illness. arrangements for access within 45 days. NCSD provides homebound instruction for students who Parents and students 18 or older have the right to are homebound or hospitalized for more than one week. request an amendment of the student’s education If your child needs this service, contact your school records if they believe those records are inaccurate office for more information. or misleading. The request should be made clearly in writing and should indicate why the record is incorrect Homelessness and Education or misleading. If the school decides not to make the Children who experience homelessness have rights change, the school will notify the parent or student and and protections under the McKinney-Vento Homeless advise them of their right to request a hearing. Education Assistance Act. Parents and students 18 or older have the right If your family lives in any of the following situations, this to consent to the release of personally identifiable applies to you: information in the student’s education record. Schools * In a shelter, motel, vehicle or campground. may release information without consent to school

www.natronaschools.org 8 2013-14 NCSD Student/Parent Handbook officials with a legitimate educational interest. students can benefit from their education. A school team Parents and students 18 or older have the right to file knowledgeable of the student determines, with evaluative a complaint if they believe their school did not comply data, if the student meets eligibility criteria. with FERPA. Complaints may be sent to the Family Eligibility for Accommodations Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, 1. A student may be considered disabled under the 400 Maryland Ave. SW, Washington D.C. 20202-5920. definition of Section 504 if the student has a mental or physical impairment that substantially limits his Directory Information or her ability to learn. The above criteria needs to FERPA allows the school district to release certain be justified with good evaluation data and made by “directory information” about students without written a team that includes the parents. Many students consent of parents or students 18 or older, unless you have impairments that do not substantially impact have specifically directed otherwise. their education. If the disability does not impact the Directory information that can be released includes: student’s education, he or she would not qualify for * Student’s name, address, telephone listing, and date/ Section 504 accommodations. place of birth 2. Has a record of such impairment. * Parent/guardian name, address and telephone listing 3. Is regarded as having such an impairment. * Student photos in yearbooks or taken during school The second and third prongs of the definition only activities and events become a factor if discrimination has occurred because of * E-mail addresses the “record” or “perception.” * Major field of study or career interest Please contact your school principal or school’s Section * Grade level 504 coordinator if you have questions or need assistance. * Student’s participation in officially recognized activities and sports Grievance Procedures * Weight and height of a member of an athletic team Students and parents have the right to file a formal * Dates of attendance complaint alleging noncompliance with regulations * Diplomas, certificates, awards and honors received outlined in Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act; Title IX of * Most recent previous educational agency or the Education Amendments of 1972; and Section 504 of institution attended by the student. the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. If you do not want NCSD to disclose directory Level I: A student or parent with a complaint of information for your child without prior written consent, discrimination on the basis of sex, race, national origin, you must notify the district or school principal in writing religion, sexual orientation or disability concerning within 10 days of the start of the school year. Parents or student activities may discuss it with the teacher, eligible students may also opt out of having information counselor, or building administrator involved. disclosed to military recruiters using the same procedure. Level II: If the grievance is not resolved at Level I, the student or parent may formalize it by filing a complaint Nondiscrimination Policy with the associate superintendent of Human Resources. NCSD #1 does not discriminate on the basis of The complaint should explain the nature of the grievance race,color, ancestry, ethnicity, national origin, disability, and the remedy requested. The complaint must be filed religion or sexual orientation in employment, treatment, within 20 working days from the event or from when admission or access to educational programs and the parent or student became aware of the situation. activities. The parent or student may ask for a meeting with the Inquiries about perceived discrimination may be associate superintendent of Human Resources, or referred to the Associate Superintendent of Human appropriate designee, who will investigate and attempt Resources, 970 N. Glenn Rd., Casper, WY 82601, to solve the issue. A written report regarding actions or (307) 253-5231; or to the Wyoming Department of taken will be sent within 15 working days of receiving the Education, Office for Civil Rights Coordinator, Second complaint. Floor, Hathaway Building, Cheyenne, WY 82002-0050, Level III: If the grievance is not resolved at Level or (307) 777-6198. II, the parent or student may present a written appeal to the superintendent. This appeal should be filed Nondiscrimination for Students with Disabilities within 10 working days of receiving the report from Section 504 is a federal statute that prohibits Level II. The parent or student may request a meeting discrimination based upon a disability. Section 504 covers with the superintendent or appropriate designee. The eligible students with disabilities for accommodations superintendent has the option of meeting with the parent that enable them to learn. Section 504 is what good or student to discuss the appeal. A decision will be teachers do for students with disabilities, making practical rendered within 10 days of receiving the appeal. accommodations to “level the educational playing field” so Level IV: If the complaint is not resolved at Level

www.natronaschools.org 9 2013-14 NCSD Student/Parent Handbook

III, the parent or student may present a written appeal or scoliosis screenings, or any physical exam or to the chairman of the Board of Trustees. This appeal screening permitted or required under state law; or should be filed within 10 working days of receiving the * Activities involving collection, disclosure, or use superintendent’s decision. The parent or student may of personal information obtained from students request a meeting with the board to discuss the appeal. for marketing or to sell or otherwise distribute the A decision will be rendered by the board at its next information to others. regularly scheduled meeting, and the parent or student Inspect, upon request and before administration or will be notified of the decision in writing within 10 working use: days of the board action. * Protected information surveys of students; This process in no way denies the right of the grievant * Instruments used to collect personal information from to file formal complaints with the Office of Civil Rights students for any of the above marketing, sales, or or other agencies available to mediate and rectify other distribution purposes; and grievance, or to seek private counsel for complaints * Instructional material used as part of the educational alleging discrimination. For all other harassment or curriculum. discriminatory complaints, follow board policies. These rights transfer from the parents to a student Associate Superintendent of Human Resources, who is 18 years old or an emancipated minor under state NCSD, 970 N. Glenn Rd., Casper, WY 82601; (307) 253- law. 5231 (phone); (307) 253-5385 (fax). Parents who believe their rights have been violated Office of Civil Rights, Department of Education, may file a complaint with the Family Policy Compliance Cesar E. Chavez Memorial Building, 1244 Speer Blvd., Office, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Suite 310, Denver, CO 80204; (303) 844-5695 (phone); Ave. SW, Washington D.C. 20202-8520. (303) 844-4303 (fax); (877) 521-2172 (TDD). Diversity Partnerships is a group available to assist Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment and facilitate issues pertaining to diversity. Its mission is PPRA affords parents certain rights regarding the to educate, advocate for and promote the human rights school district’s conduct on surveys, collection and of students, staff and community members of Natrona use of information for marketing purposes, and certain County with the following goals: physical exams. These include the right to: *Promote inclusive philosophy that strives to Consent before students are required to submit to encourage understanding of every learner’s unique a survey that concerns one or more of the following ability and perspective. protected areas, if the survey is funded in whole or in *Create unity among NCSD students, staff and part by a program of the U.S. Department of Education: community. * Political affiliations or beliefs of the student or *Inform everyone of the policies and procedures student’s parents; relevent to diversity that are currently in place. * Mental or psychological problems of the student or *Initiate additional policies pertaining to education student’s family; and employment that help everyone to learn about and * Sex behavior or attitudes; acknowledge diversity. * Illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating, or demeaning *Provide programs and training that help everyone behavior; learn about the acceptance of all people. * Critical appraisals of others with whom respondents *Monitor the safety of our students regarding diversity have close family relationships; issues. * Legally recognized privileged relationships, such as For more information about Diversity Partnerships, with lawyers, doctors, or ministers; contact: Associate Superintendent of Human * Religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the Resources, NCSD, 970 N. Glenn Rd., Casper, WY student or parents; or 82601; (307) 253-5231 (phone); (307) 253-5385 (fax). * Income, other than as required by law to determine program eligibility. Receive notice and an opportunity to opt a student Health & Safety out of: * Any other protected information survey, regardless of Accident Insurance funding. NCSD and its schools do not carry accidental injury * Any non-emergency, invasive physical exam, or insurance that covers students injured at school. screening required as a condition of attendance, Accidental injuries may happen with children taking part administrated by the school or its agent, and not in the activities of the school day. Because the school necessary to protect the immediate health and acts “in lieu of parent or guardian,” school employees will safety of a student, except for hearing, vision, take action to assist the injured students in the place of

www.natronaschools.org 10 2013-14 NCSD Student/Parent Handbook the parents. This may include emergency transportation Facility use must be of a public nature and be to medical facilities. The resulting cost of the injury will available to the general county population for such be the responsibility of the parent, not the school district. activities as educational, recreational, cultural, civic or Many people carry family medical insurance that charitable programs. Activities that interfere with the will help cover the expenses, and some may obtain school program; constitute an extreme public nuisance; supplemental coverage from local agents. However, advance doctrine or theory promoting disruptive, illegal as a convenience, the district endorses one student or destructive acts toward the person or property of accident insurance policy each year. This policy is made another; involve secret organizations; or represent available to parents and guardians for purchase from the excessive use by a single organization shall not be approved insurance carrier. The decision to purchase permitted. or not purchase the policy is strictly up to the parent or Anyone using a district swimming pool, gym or guardian. If the policy is purchased, it then becomes playing field must obtain a proof of insurance for $1 a contract between the insurance company and the million of liability coverage and $1 million of property parents or guardians, and the NCSD is not involved in coverage. The proof of insurance must be turned in to any way. Claims are made directly to the company. the Risk Management Office, along with the building use form, before the date of use. Animals Please see the complete NCSD Building Use Policy, The Natrona County School District recognizes No. 1370. that animals may be included in the classroom for instructional purposes. Their inclusion, however, must Head Injuries directly support classroom learning strategies or the Thousands of children are hospitalized nationwide objectives of an approved education program, such as every year due to head injuries. Even mild traumatic an IEP, Title I or Title III program for specific children. brain injuries, such as a concussion, can cause cognitive Every animal poses safety risks, including service impairments and should be taken seriously. animals. However, risks can be mitigated by careful NCSD has implemented a head injury protocol for handling, adequate training, and other precautions. sports-related and non-sports related injuries. Please speak with your principal before bringing animals 1. All employees who have a responsibility to stabilize into the classroom. a student after a head injury will be provided training. 2. Parents will be notified when their child experiences Asbestos a head injury. The Asbestos Management Emergency Response 3. NCSD nurses or designee will follow Head Injury/ Act (referred to as AHERA), was enacted in 1986 Non-sports Related Protocol. by Congress to determine the extent of and develop 4. NCSD secondary coaches, athletic trainers, solutions for any problems schools may have with administrators and other related personnel will follow the asbestos. Sports Related Concussion Protocol. NCSD had all district facilities inspected in 1988 by an To find out more about non-sports head injuries, accredited asbestos inspection company. Since then, a contact Suzey Delger, RN FNP, NCSD Nursing great deal of the identified asbestos in district buildings Coordinator (307) 253-1306. For sports related head has been removed. What remains is managed by the injuries, contact Terry Hooker, NCSD Athletics/Activities district’s Asbestos Management Plan. Director (307) 253-4319. The management planner has developed a management plan for your school building, which is Inclement Weather available for your inspection in the school administrative The official closing of a school or schools will come office during regular office hours. For further information, from the district and is made by the Superintendent. contact your school’s principal. If school is to be closed, media will be alerted by the A condition inspection is completed every six months district. Updates will also be available on NCSD’s at each facility having identified asbestos-containing website http://www.natronaschools.org and NCSD’s building materials. These are required to undergo official social media channels – Facebook and Twitter. a complete re-inspection every three years by an The regulations as follows: accredited asbestos inspector. I. The Determination for Schools to be Closed Building Use Schools will be closed only during extreme weather School facilities may be used by outside groups that may cause a significant safety risk and/or when so long as they do not interfere with scheduled or the community itself is unable to operate reasonably. projected school activities and they meet the criteria of Primary factors to consider are anticipated or this policy. forecast weather conditions, safety of students being

www.natronaschools.org 11 2013-14 NCSD Student/Parent Handbook transported and walking to and from school, and staff School Safety safety in reporting for work. The primary responsibility Your child’s safety is our top priority every day. and decision to protect a child’s health and to ensure We have comprehensive districtwide and site-based school attendance always resides with the parent or protocols in place that ensure the safety and well-being guardian. of students and staff while they are in our buildings. We ask for your cooperation and patience in the event of II. Procedure for the Emergency Closure of Schools a lockdown. Although, as a parent, it may be a scary Due to Weather or Natural Disaster time not knowing what may be happening, please The Director of Transportation and/or the Risk be assured our staff and crisis management teams Manager will evaluate travel conditions, the current are doing everything possible to keep our grounds, weather conditions and weather forecasts using the facilities, and buildings as safe and secure as possible. National Weather Service, road reports from drivers, Communication to parents regarding a lockdown will be and information from the Wyoming Department of sent out in the quickest way possible first. Transportation. A recommendation is made to the Information regarding lockdown procedures will be Superintendent as early as possible. The final decision available to parents and students at the beginning of lies with the Superintendent. The media (including each school year. print and electronic outlets) will be notified and the Please contact Jeff Hauk, NCSD Risk Manager, for Emergency Campus Messenger notification system will more information, (307) 253-3150. be initiated. Updates can also be found on the district’s website and/or social media outlets. Vehicle Insurance It is imperative that all district phone lines be kept NCSD provides secondary or excess coverage to non- open for vital communications. Stay tuned to local owned or borrowed vehicles (for example, if a parent media and/or monitor NCSD’s official social media volunteers to drive for a field trip) if injury or property channels for updates, rather than calling district damage claims are made against the owners of the offices and/or the bus garage. vehicle. Note: Rural schools, including Midwest Schools, will The school district’s policy would only be involved if close when Casper area schools are closed. the owner’s policy limit is met or if, for some reason, Please see the complete NCSD Crisis Management there is no primary coverage. The district’s policy would Policy and Administrative Regulation, No. 3470. only cover claims made by a third party ­— not claims for injuries or damage for the volunteer driver. The Medication Protocol limits of liability for the above coverage is $1 million per When your child needs any type of medication occurrence. (including over-the-counter medications) during school Parents volunteering to drive on field trips must complete hours, you have the following choices: and sign an insurance form before driving. Parents must * You may discuss with your doctor an alternative agree to comply with the state statute concerning the schedule of medication so that it can be given use of seat belts by students riding in the vehicles. If seat outside school hours. belts are not used, the driver/owner is responsible and the * You may come to the school and give your child their secondary liability coverage will be void. medication at the appropriate time. * You may get a medication form from the school or Volunteers physician and have the school nurse or physician We welcome and encourage parental involvement indicate the diagnosis, drug, dose, and time to in our schools, however, we have a responsibility to be given. Both you and the physician must sign maintain a safe environment for our staff and students. the form. A new form must be completed for each Any parent or other community member that wishes to new medication, or each school year for ongoing volunteer within our schools, must be fingerprinted and medication needs. a background check completed prior to being allowed to The medication must be in its original container. All volunteer. (Policy and Administrative Regulations 4130). medication will be stored in a designated area that will For further information contact, Associate remain locked when not in use. Students must take Superintendent for HR, Dr. Crystal Mueller at 253-5231. all medications in the presence of designated school personnel. At the end of the school year, all medications not picked up will be discarded. Exception: Students may carry inhalers and/or Epi- pens if the “exception” on the medication form has been signed by both the parent/guardian and the physician, and is on file in the school nurse’s office. www.natronaschools.org 12 2013-14 NCSD Student/Parent Handbook

child’s meals by check. Checks should include your child’s Student Services & full name in the memo line and should be made out to Natrona County School District. Programs In accordance with federal law and U.S. Department Assessments of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from Student achievement is measured with district, discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, statewide and national tests. These tests are used mainly sex, age or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, to improve schools and programs. The tests also may be write USDA Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 used to determine if children are performing at grade level Independence Ave. SW, Washington D.C. 20250-9410, and to get extra help for those who need it. or call (800) 795- 3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TTY). Some of the tests that are used include the Proficiency USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. If Assessment of Wyoming Students (PAWS), and the you have questions about NCSD Food Services, contact NWEA Growth Assessment, also known as the MAP. Mike Pyska at (307) 253-5205.

Athletics and Activities Graduation Requirements NCSD offers a comprehensive program of co- The NCSD graduation requirements are designed to curricular activities (sports and clubs) for students. At provide opportunities for all students to learn the content the K-5 elementary level, a variety of co-curricular clubs standards and to demonstrate their learning in different and sports are offered. Examples of some of the clubs ways in the “body of evidence.” include, Lego Robotics, Art Club, Band Club, Photography There are two parts a student must complete in order Club, Spelling Club, and Homework Club. NCSD offers to graduate: 1) Carnegie unit credit, and 2) demonstrating basketball and volleyball for 4th & 5th grade students proficiency in content areas. through the Casper Recreation Center. Sports offered at the 6-8 middle level include football, Carnegie Unit Credits basketball, volleyball wrestling, track & XC-running. Students must earn a passing grade of D or above to Examples of the many middle level clubs offered are earn Carnegie unit credits. To graduate, students must drama, robotics, band, cheer, choir, geography, and earn the required number of credits as follows: leadership. Language arts/English (4.0) Sports offered at the 9-12 high school level include Math (3.0) football, golf, swim, volleyball, Nordic ski, basketball, Physical education/P.E. (2.0) track, Alpine Ski, Soccer and XC running. Examples of Science (3.0) the many high school clubs and activities offered include Social studies (3.0) drama, band, choir, FFA, DECA, FBLA, speech, ROTC, Electives (10.5) robotics, art club, and student council. Civic Responsibility/Financial Literacy (1) All sports offered at the high school level are sanctioned Total credits (26.5) through the Wyoming High School Activities Association (WHSAA) and are regulated by the Association. High Proficiency school activities sanctioned by WHSAA include All State Students also must demonstrate proficiency in at Music, Art, Marching Band, Dance, DECA, Drama, FBLA, least five of nine content areas. The district has defined FFA, Journalism, Orchestra, SkillsUSA, Speech, Spirit, proficiency in each content area for a graduating senior and Student Council. by adopting the descriptions of performance provided If you have additional questions, call the District with the state standards. Performance reports are used Athletics/Activities office at 253-4340. as indications of a student’s progress towards meeting graduation requirements. There are three levels of Food Services performance that a student can attain when attempting NCSD serves breakfast and lunch at most schools. to meet the standards in a content area: advanced, Exceptions are Alcova, Powder River, Red Creek and proficient, and not proficient. The content areas that Willow Creek. students must demonstrate proficiency in are: Free and reduced-price meals are available to those * Language arts who qualify. Applications are sent home at the beginning * Math of the school year and are available online at www. * Science natronaschools.org. * Social studies Families can purchase and track their students’ meals * Fine and performing arts through myschoolbucks.com. This service lets families * Foreign language deposit money into their child’s school meal account at * Health any time. You may also make advance payments for your * Physical education

www.natronaschools.org 13

Graduation Requirements in Natrona County for the Classes of 2013 and Thereafter

Part 1 + Part 2 = Diploma

Part 2 Part 1 Demonstration of Proficiency in BOE Courses Grade Content Content BOE Course List Carnegie Units (Evidence is collected from BOE Courses to determine Level Area Area proficiency in a content area) Options Fine and No Fine and An entire introductory course that concludes in a Performing credits Performing 7-12 minimum of 18 weeks (or its equivalent) Arts required Arts No Foreign Foreign An entire introductory course that concludes in a credits 3-12* Language Language minimum of 18 weeks (or its equivalent) required No 9th and 10th Grade PE, and courses in 7th and 8th Health credits Health 7-10 grades specified at the school site required Language Language Arts 4.0 Arts 9th, 10th, and 11th grade English 9-12 (English) An (English) additional Any three of the following: Pre-Algebra, Algebra Math 3.0 Math 7-12 10.5 Elective I/IM I, Algebra II/IM III, or Geometry/IM II Credits Physical Physical 2.0 Required 9th and 10th Grade PE 9-12 Education from any Education combination Science 3.0 of content Science A physical science, a biology, and one other science 9-12 areas

Social Social WY Constitution/Wyoming History (9th grade), 3.0 9-12 Studies Studies World History, and Modern American Studies No Vocational Vocational An entire introductory course that concludes in a credits 7-12 Education Education minimum of 9 weeks (or its equivalent) required Civic Resp./ 1.0 Transcript Endorsements Financial Lit 26.5 Carnegie Units Required in grades General Comprehensive Advanced 9 – 12 Proficient Proficient Advanced in 5 of 9 Content in in Areas and Proficient in the 5 of 9 Content Areas 9 of 9 Content Areas remaining 4 Content Areas

*Evidence may be collected beginning in elementary schools where a foreign language is taught kindergarten through 6th grade.

Curriculum & Instruction, NCSD #1 Revised as of 11/26/2012

14 2013-14 NCSD Student/Parent Handbook

www.natronaschools.org15 2013-14 NCSD Student/Parent Handbook year of year sequenced years sequenced years One Foreign LanguageForeign language which need The American Sign of the same foreign consecutively; and at consecutively; least grades 9 through 12. grades not be taken not be taken Eastern Shoshone or Two which shall be taken in which shall be taken may be taken in be taken may fulfillment of this the Northern Arapaho the Northern Arapaho Language (ASL) and Language (ASL) requirement. native languages of native standards for the standards for the requirements. requirements. core knowledge core knowledge proficiency on the state proficiency proficiency on the state proficiency Demonstrate Demonstrate Demonstrate foreign cultures and languages common foreign cultures and languages common : World : World : World : World years of social years years of social years Social StudiesSocial History, American History, History, American History, subject areas subject area Government, and Government, Economic Systems studies in grades 9 studies in grades studies in grades 9 studies in grades and Institutions. Government, and Government, Economic Systems Three Three Three and Institutions. History, Geography, Geography, History, History, Geography, Geography, History, American American through 12 to include through 12 to include one of the following three of the following graduation graduation (3 credits) Current high school requirements. of from a Three Three Plus year from year Three Three

Science science courses Physical Physical through 12, graduation graduation high school Four Four requirements. which shall satisfy which shall satisfy taken in grades 9 in grades taken course approved by by course approved the following subject Science, Physics l, Science, Physics Geology l, Computer (3 credits) additional science graduation graduation any of those courses any Current high school Choose WDE. specified above or an specified above areas: Physics ll, Chemistry Physics requirements. Fourth Fourth Biology l, Biology ll, l, Biology Biology Science l l, Chemistry ll, l, Chemistry years of years years of years Language Arts Speaking. Speaking. language arts at the language arts at the Four Four Four college or industry college or industry Listening and Listening and preparatory level in level preparatory preparatory level in level preparatory grades 9 through 12, grades grades 9 through 12, grades in Reading, Writing, Writing, in Reading, in Reading, Writing, Writing, in Reading, to include standards to include standards (4 credits) graduation graduation Current high school requirements. Hathaway Success Curriculum Requirements for 2011 Beyond Hathaway Success Curriculum Requirements for Math years of the following years years of math to years of math to years school level content content level school functional equivalents functional equivalents approved by WDE), plus an WDE), by approved before high school at the district's discretion and if the courses cover high approved by WDE. approved ll, and Geometry (or their of 12. Up to three years additional math course Four Four Four before high school at the taken in grades 9 through in grades taken be satisfied math may school level content content level school functional equivalents functional equivalents 12. Up to three years of 12. Up to three years approved by WDE), plus an WDE), by approved additional math course include: Algebra l, Algebra l, Algebra include: Algebra l, Algebra include: Algebra district's discretion and if the courses cover high approved by WDE. approved taken in grades 9 through in grades taken be satisfied math may ll, and Geometry (or their TWO functional equivalents functional equivalents approved by WDE.) by approved courses: Algebra l, Algebra l, Algebra courses: Algebra ll, and Geometry (or their ll, and Geometry The current high school must include any must include any graduation requirements graduation combination of at least

Honors Honors Provisional Provisional Opportunity Opportunity Opportunity Opportunity Performance GPA 3.5/ACT 25 25 3.5/ACT GPA GPA 3.0/ACT 21 21 3.0/ACT GPA or Work Keys 12 Keys or Work ($800/Semester) ($800/Semester) GPA 2.50/ACT 19 2.50/ACT GPA GPA 2.50/ACT 17 17 2.50/ACT GPA ($1200/Semester) ($1600/Semester) Scholarship Level Scholarship

www.natronaschools.org 16 2013-14 NCSD Student/Parent Handbook

* Career/vocational * Use the e-mail function to collaborate with others for If a student does not show proficiency through the educational purposes. primary pathway, there are alternate pathways described Responsible users may not: on the “Routes to a Diploma” page. (See page 5) * Purposefully access, send or display offensive or Students must be proficient in a minimum of five content inappropriate messages or pictures. areas in order to receive a diploma. * Give their password to another person. Students will have one of three endorsement options * Use another’s password or seek unauthorized written on their high school transcripts upon receiving access to files or networks. a diploma. An endorsement describes a student’s * Disrupt or modify any network, software or hardware. proficiency in the content areas. A general endorsement * Engage in illegal activities, including copyright means a student is proficient in any five of the nine infringement, harassment or discrimination. content areas. A comprehensive endorsement is given * Forward any person’s e-mail without prior when a student is proficient in all nine content areas. permission. An advanced endorsement is for students who are * Use obscene or threatening language. advanced in any five content areas and proficient in the Responsible users should: remaining four. * Recognize that e-mail is not guaranteed to be If you have questions and would like to discuss the private. requirements further, please contact your principal or the * Download accumulated e-mail or other research files NCSD Curriculum & Instruction Division at 253-5253. from the fileserver to save storage space. Responsible users should not: Hathaway Scholarships * Reveal personal information (age, phone number, The state of Wyoming provides Hathaway Merit and address, etc.) about yourself or others. Need Scholarships to Wyoming students attending The school district maintains the network, software the University of Wyoming and Wyoming community and equipment upon which Internet and e-mail access colleges. Every Wyoming student who meets the merit is provided and will assign and have access to all user requirements can earn a Hathaway Merit Scholarship. accounts, including e-mail. Network administrators may Contact your school counselor for more information. review files and communications to maintain system integrity and insure that users are using the system Internet Use/High-Access Schools responsibly. E-mail or other storage of files, if used NCSD is a high-access school district. Most secondary to excess, may be cleared as a general maintenance students will utlilze iPads while at school for schoolwork. of the network. Use of the Internet, e-mail and other These iPads will NOT be allowed home and will remain at online services through the school district is a privilege; school. therefore, violations of this agreement may result in the Internet and e-mail access also are available to loss of access as well as other disciplinary measures students in Natrona County schools. This service is or legal action. Updates and changes in policy may be provided to promote educational excellence in schools implemented when needed by publishing modifications by facilitating research, resource sharing, innovation on the network system. When not restricted through and communication in support of the curriculum and parental request, student use of online services of the individual academic needs. school constitutes acceptance of the conditions within Access to e-mail and the Internet will enable learners this agreement. to explore thousands of libraries, databases and bulletin boards. Users are warned, however, that some Special Education Services materials accessible via the Internet are controversial The Natrona County School District is considered a and, by some standards, offensive. We believe that the leader in providing special education throughout Wyoming valuable information and positive interactions available and the Rocky Mountain region. The Special Education far outweigh the possibility that users may procure Department operates under the mission that we exist material that is not consistent with the educational to provide exceptional professional support to school goals of our schools. Users are expected to behave personnel in the education of students with special needs. in an ethical, responsible, legal manner, accessing The Department values diversity and believes that by information and engaging in activities consistent with adhering to our core values of Achievement, Commitment, the educational goals of the schools. Respect, Support, Teamwork, and Trust, every child Social networking sites including, but not limited to, can and will learn. Special Education Staff provide an Facebook, Skype, and YouTube have been blocked on appropriate education within a full continuum of placement district-provided computers. options in the school and community which allows for Responsible users may: responsible inclusion based on individual student needs. * Use the Internet for educational research purposes Parents are encouraged to become full and equal

www.natronaschools.org 17 2013-14 NCSD Student/Parent Handbook partners in planning for their child’s education. Educators Within this context, what follows is district level written and parents have the responsibility to challenge all students guidelines/policy for establishing the expectations for parent by setting high expectations and increasing options involvement of participating Title I children. The intent is for students. Natrona County School District supports to encourage Title I schools to further involve parents of responsible inclusion, and our programs have served as a participating children in the education of their children model for other districts in the state. through an organized structure that: Aligning with the Individuals with Disabilities Education A. Involves parents in joint development and review of Act (IDEA), special education is defined as “specially each building’s Title I and school improvement plans through designed instruction, at no cost to the parents, to meet school improvement plan meetings held at each site; the unique needs of a child with a disability.” A child may B. Coordinates and assists participating Title I Schools have a disability but not fit the definition for educational by holding district parent advisory committee meetings at purposes which may support eligibility under Section 504 least one time per year for the purpose of sharing parent of the Rehabilitation Act and may therefore be entitled to involvement activities and developing new activities for a 504 Accommodation Plan to ensure equal access to the buildings implementation; educational opportunities afforded to same-age peers. C. Provides each school with ideas and recommendations A child who is eligible for Special Education services must for building their capacity to: meet specific eligibility criteria to qualify in at least one of the • Assist parents in understanding the standards and following categories: Autism Spectrum Disorder, cognitive assessments while monitoring their student’s progress and disability, deaf-blindness, developmental delay, emotional working with educators, disability, hearing impairment including deafness, multiple • Provide support in implementing effective parental disabilities, orthopedic impairment, other health impairment, involvement, specific learning disability, speech language impairment, • Provide training on helping parents work with their traumatic brain injury, and visual impairment, including children, blindness. • Build ties between the school and parents, including For more information on Special Education Services, education on reaching out to parents and the value of their please contact Tammie Bertelson, Special Education involvement, and Director, at (307) 253-4600. • Communicate to parents the information about meetings and programs, effectively, Title I D. Coordinates and integrates Title I parent involvement Title I is a federal program that provides financial support strategies with those of Head Start, Even Start, preschool for schools with high percentages of students from low- and other parent-student training programs; income families. NCSD schools that qualify for Title I E. Annually evaluates the parent policy during one of include Bar Nunn Elementary, Cottonwood Elementary, the district Title I parent advisory committee meetings and Evansville Elementary, Frontier Middle, Grant Elementary, through the use of survey data. The evaluation will include Midwest, Mills Elementary, Mountain View Elementary, North content and effectiveness of the policy, participation trends, Casper Elementary, Paradise Valley Elementary, Pineview and possible barriers to greater participation. Methods will Elementary, University Park Elementary and Willard be developed to: Elementary schools. • Compare levels of parent participation, These schools are responsible for meeting additional • Determine whether the levels of participation of parent requirements under the federal law. who are economically disadvantaged, disabled, have limited All teachers and teaching assistants who work in Title English proficiency, have limited literacy, or are of any racial I schools are required to meet specified credential that or ethnic minority background are represented in adequate make them “highly qualified.” All teachers and teaching proportions, assistants at NCSD’s Title I schools have been deemed • Identify barriers to greater participation, “highly qualified.” Parents will be notified by the school if this • Assess effectiveness of parental participation activities, 100 percent highly qualified status changes. Parents have procedures, and policy in the improvement of schools, the right to check these credentials by contacting the NCSD • Report evaluation findings, and Human Resources Services Office. • Use evaluation finding to revise policy. Copies of school improvement plans and Title I action F. Requires buildings to plan specific parent involvement plans are available at each of the NCSD Title I schools. activities and spend a portion of their Title I allocation toward Title I schools also follow districtwide parent involvement the support of these activities and distribute the district guidelines, as follows: parent involvement fund as needed; The Natrona County School District empowers every G. Develops school/parent compact for schools to use learner to grow, excel, and be successful contributors to the each year to define shared responsibility with parents for local/global community. (Board approved Mission Statement, student achievement; 2010) H. Completes the following items at each building’s annual

www.natronaschools.org 18 2013-14 NCSD Student/Parent Handbook meeting and/or during individual conferences: Students covered by the code of conduct who violate • Give timely information about their programs to municipal, state, or federal codes (excluding minor parents. traffic violations) will incur punishment as outlined in this • Describe the curriculum, assessments, and proficiency administrative regulation. levels required. It is understood that local law enforcement will be notified • Provide opportunities during School Improvement whenever school personnel confiscate alcohol products, Planning and/or other meetings for parents to provide controlled substances, tobacco products, or suspected suggestions and participate in decision-making. stolen merchandise. The penalty administered by the • Inform parents of their right to submit comments with justice system may be different, and in addition to penalties the school’s plan, if the plan is not satisfactory to them, and outlined in school board policies and administrative • Review the Parent/Student/Teacher Compacts which regulations. describe our shared responsibilities for obtaining high Party Rule student academic achievement. Participants are expected to avoid situations/gatherings •Include a description of parent involvement activities in where illegal substances (alcohol/drugs/tobacco) are their school improvement plans. available to underage youth. Participants need to take In summation, at the building level there will be an positive action to avoid situations where illegal substances organized plan for parent involvement; at the district are present. Failure to take appropriate steps to avoid level a Title I Parent Advisory Council will be continued; these types of situations will result in a code violation. in addition, it is the district’s responsibility to provide Suspensions coordination and other support to those involved with First Offense/Step 1: Suspended from active participation program implementation; it is understood when parents according to the suspension penalties. The student must are meaningfully involved there are positive effects for the participate in and complete an intervention program deemed education of children. appropriate by the district. In the event that the student does not complete the prescribed intervention program, the student will move to Step 3. Student Conduct - General Second Offense/Step 2: Suspended from participation in all activities covered by the code for triple the first offense. Athletic Code of Conduct The Natrona County School District recognizes that Third Offense/Step 3: Suspended from participation in all participation in athletics and co-curricular clubs and activities covered by the code for one year from the date of activities is a “privilege,” not a “right.” infraction. Students who volunteer to participate in the Natrona Examples: All activities with fewer than 10 events County School District athletic or co-curricular club and (including, but not limited to football, cross country, tennis, activity programs do so with the understanding that they swimming/diving, golf, alpine/Nordic skiing): Step 1 = one must observe some regulations that are more restrictive contest; Step 2 = three contests; Step 3 = suspended for than those relating to the general student community. This one year. All activities with 10 or more events (including, policy is in effect during the entire academic school year but not limited to volleyball, basketball, wrestling, soccer, and during the dates as set by the WHSAA and/or schools track and cheerleading): Step 1 = two contests; Step 2 = six of NCSD #1. This administrative regulation is in addition to contests; step 3 = suspended for one year. the current District Student Discipline and Conduct Policy Violations during co-curricular clubs or activities with no (No. 5370). Suspensions from activities shall not prevent a defined season will result in suspension for one quarter. student from taking part in practice sessions. Students who The suspension penalty for co-curricular clubs are suspended may not suit up with the team, nor will they and activities shall be based on the total number of be allowed to travel. interscholastic competitions and in line with the suspension The code shall apply to those athletic teams, cocurricular penalties. Co-curricular clubs and activities without clubs and activities that require participation on an interscholastic competitions will have consequences at the interscholastic level and/or exceed normal classroom discretion of the building principal or his/her designee. requirements. Regulation Administration Additional rules may be established by coaches/sponsors District Conduct Regulations Students who volunteer to participate on any athletic to this administrative regulation, but must have the written team, co-curricular club or activity will not use, possess, approval of the building athletic director and principal. transfer, or disperse any tobacco products, alcoholic Participants and parents must be fully informed of all rules beverages, or controlled substances (drugs). Students in writing prior to the start of each activity. will not confiscate (steal), destroy or vandalize private or All coaches and sponsors of co-curricular clubs and public property. This will include but not be limited to theft, activities will schedule a meeting with the students and their shoplifting, breaking and entering, and vandalism. parent to explain the code of conduct. It is mandatory for the principal or designee to have on

www.natronaschools.org 19 2013-14 NCSD Student/Parent Handbook file for each student involved in an activity the information 14. Any student who is temporarily suspended from and consent form, and/or code of conduct cover letter NCSD bus riding privileges and subsequently found signed by the student and parent. riding any bus shall be permanently suspended from NCSD transport. Transportation Code of Conduct 15. Students shall give their correct names and The right of students to ride a bus is based upon the addresses when requested to do so. continued observance of the rules and regulations. 16. Large and potentially dangerous objects are not Bus riders must: to be brought on the bus. This includes some sports * Be responsible. equipment and skateboards, rip-sticks, etc. * Be respectful. 17. Animals, birds or reptiles of any type are not to be * Be safe. brought on the bus. * Be nice. * Not bring glass containers onto the bus. Student Conduct - Terms & Students must behave so that the bus driver’s attention is not diverted from his or her primary duty: safely transporting Definitions students in the bus. To make student transportation safe and efficient, students The following definitions are important to know and should follow these rules: understand. Students who engage in prohibited activities 1. Students must ride the bus assigned unless written are subject to discipline, which may include suspension or authorization is given by the parent/guardian and the expulsion. This policy applies to all students at all school principal of the school they attend. district-operated or -controlled buildings, playgrounds, 2. Students are to be on time. The bus must maintain vehicles, or any other property owned or controlled by the its schedule. The morning scheduled time is the leave school district and at all activities conducted, sponsored, time; students should arrive at the bus stop at least five or participated in by students of Natrona County School minutes before the scheduled leave time. District No. 1. 3. Students are not to stand in the roadway while waiting This list is not meant to be exhaustive, but it does at the bus stop. include many of the more common and/or serious types of 4. Students should take their seat as soon as they get on prohibited conduct. Prohibited conduct that is attempted but the bus. Students should not move or change seats at not completed may subject the student to discipline to the any time unless instructed by the driver. same extent as if the conduct was completed. 5. The bus driver is in full charge while transporting The categories of prohibited conduct are meant as the students and has the authority to make seating guidelines only and are not intended to limit the district’s assignments and additional rules to ensure the safe ability to discipline students nor to limit the type of transport of students. disciplinary measures administered. The Board of Trustees, 6. Students are not to extend hands, arms or heads out administration, and teachers shall have the right to impose of the window. disciplinary action for other types of misbehavior when 7. Students are to refrain from unnecessary conversation conditions warrant. with the bus driver. Academic Dishonesty: Includes but is not limited to 8. Damage done to the seats or other equipment will be cheating on a test, changing grades, plagiarism, or paid for by the offender. Vandalism may result in a one- unauthorized collaboration with another person in year bus-riding suspension. preparing written work. 9. The use of tobacco, controlled substances and alcohol Adjacent: All property having a common boundary is prohibited. with all school premises of NCSD #1, including the 10. The buses are to be kept clean. Students should not property of persons other than the school district. When throw or shoot items at any time. prohibited behavior is a consequence of or directly 11. The driver cannot unload or load students anywhere related to causes or events that occurred entirely or in other than assigned stops. In the case of an part on school property or property controlled by the emergency, the proper school officials will issue a district or at a school activity, function, or event, it will written authorization for students to depart at another be considered an imposing discipline even though it established bus stop only. also occurred, in part, on private, non-school, adjacent 12. Students are not to leave the bus without the driver’s property. consent. The emergency exit shall not be used unless Affection, Public Display Of: Lewd and obscene behavior, the driver gives instruction to do so. acts of kissing, embracing, and/or sexual contact. 13. When it is necessary to cross the road after leaving Arson: Starting a fire or attempting to set fire to any the bus, students must wait for the driver’s instruction substance that would endanger the physical and to cross the road in front of the bus. psychological well-being of students and school personnel. www.natronaschools.org 20 2013-14 NCSD Student/Parent Handbook

Automobile Misuse: Driving on school grounds in a perpetuate forms of civil disobedience such as sit-ins, careless or reckless manner, speeding, illegal parking, walk-outs, boycotts, or other disruptions of the normal or using an automobile for any purpose prohibited by operation of classrooms, other parts of the school district policy or rules/regulations. premises or school activities. Under no circumstances Assault: An unlawful and unsolicited attempt, coupled should dissent interfere with the health, safety, or with the existing ability to commit a violent injury on educational opportunities of members of the school the person of another, or any aggressive act toward community. another, that places the victim in fear of harm to his/her Distractive or Disruptive Dress and Appearance: Styles person. that are distractive and disruptive to the educational Battery: The willful and unlawful use of unsolicited force or process; those that are obscene or vulgar; those that violence upon the person of another. constitute a possible threat to safety and health; and Bullying/Harassment/Intimidation: As used in this those that promote disrespect for school authorities. policy, “bullying, harassment, or intimidation” means Students are expected to recognize standards of intentional conduct, including verbal, physical, decency and appearance. or written conduct or an intentional electronic Distribution of Unauthorized Printed Materials: communication that creates a hostile educational Distributing unauthorized materials on school property environment by substantially interfering with a student’s in violation of board policy or individual school policies. educational benefits, opportunities, or performance, or Due Process: Constitutional process that provides an with a student’s physical or psychological well-being opportunity for a student to be advised regarding and is: misconduct and to present his/her defense against * motivated by an actual or a perceived personal charges of misconduct that may lead to disciplinary characteristic including race, national origin, marital action as provided by law. status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, Explosive: Possession of explosives, fireworks, stink religion, ancestry, physical attributes, socioeconomic bombs, or other substances that have the potential to status, familial status, or physical or mental ability or do damage to others, school or personal property, or disability; or, that cause interruption of the normal school process. * threatening or seriously intimidating; and, Expulsion: Exclusion from and denial of the right of * occurs on school property, at a school activity or attendance at any school in NCSD #1 for up to one full event, or on a school bus; or, school year, not to exceed two semesters, which may * substantially disrupts the orderly operation of a also encompass summer school, and which includes school. a denial of the right of admission to and entry upon “Electronic communication” means a communication any real or personal property owned, leased, rented, transmitted by means of an electronic device, or controlled by the school district during the period including but not limited to a telephone, cellular of expulsion as defined by decision of the Board of phone, computer, or pager. Trustees. Burglary: The unauthorized entry of any vehicle, school Extortion: Taking, or attempting to take, personal property building, or other structure or portion thereof that or money from any other person, by means of force or belongs to the school, or onto any property or portion fear. Extortion may also include attempts, utilizing force thereof lawfully possessed or controlled by another or fear to extract information or an act, or to force an person, with the intent to commit any felony, theft, or individual to refrain from revealing information or doing other prohibited act. an act, despite the individual’s legal rights. Bus Misconduct: See Transportation Policy. False Reports: Falsely reporting incidents, making false Defiance: Willful disobedience or defiance of authority of accusations, or giving false statements to school any district policy, rule, regulation, or of any reasonable personnel. All false reports are harmful and illegal. request by school personnel. False reports include: Discipline: All forms of corrective action or behavioral a. improper release of a school fire alarm; intervention, including suspension or expulsion. b. tampering with or discharging a fire extinguisher or Disrespect: To insult, call derogatory names, dishonor, fire hose; defy, or in any other manner abuse any member of the c. bomb threats or false 911 calls; district staff or a student verbally or in writing. d. any report that may cause interruption to the normal Disrespect Toward School Personnel: Students school process; or shall address all school personnel, including board e. any oral or written report containing a false statement members, administrators, teachers, secretaries, of fact. custodians, coaches, and other personnel by the last Fighting: Students engaged in physically striking each name, prefixed by: Mr., Mrs., Miss, Ms., Dr., or Coach, other in an aggressive manner. as appropriate. Flying Objects: Any paper objects, snowballs, rocks, Disruption of Entire School: To incite, participate in, or coins, bottles, etc., thrown or propelled, which may www.natronaschools.org 21 2013-14 NCSD Student/Parent Handbook

cause injury to persons or property. or while the student is on his/her way to or from school. Forgery: Falsely using in writing the name of another Profanity/Obscenity: Using language and/or gestures, person, or falsifying time, dates, grades, addresses, or which are offensive or vulgar to students or school other data. personnel, in verbal or written form, or in pictures or Gambling: Participation in games of chance with hopes of caricatures as interpreted by school officials. winning something of value; i.e., dice, cards, pitching Progressive Discipline: A philosophy whereby students coins and betting. This does not apply to approved receive lesser consequences for first-time minor academic or extracurricular activities. misconduct and more serious consequences for Gang Activity: Any behavior that displays evidence chronic misbehavior. of membership in or affiliation with a criminal or Prohibited Printed Materials: Possession or use of illegal gang, including both verbal and non-verbal materials that contain obscene language or pictures; communication (gestures, handshakes, earrings, etc.), language that is slanderous, libelous or defamatory; as well as the wearing of symbols, jewelry, emblems, language that incites students to create a clear and clothing, or other adornments associated with a gang. present danger; or language that is a disruption or Gang activity includes any effort to recruit for or further distraction. the interests of a gang, or to intimidate any other Restrooms: Restrooms are not to be used as meeting student on behalf of a gang. places, eating places, or smoking lounges. Hate Activity: Any act or attempted act that may cause Sexting: Sending, forwarding, displaying, physical injury, emotional suffering, property damage retaining, storing or posting sexually explicit, lewd, through intimidation, harassment, racial or ethnic slurs, indecent or pornographic photographs, images or bigoted epithets, vandalism, force, or threat of force, messages by cell phone, computer or other electronic motivated in whole or in part by hostility to the victim’s means during school hours or activities on or off real or perceived race, ethnicity, religion, or sexual campus; while on school district property; during orientation. any recess, lunch or leave periods on or off school Inciting Others to Violence, Disruption or district property; by use of school district property; Disobedience: Giving encouragement by words, acts, or beyond the hours of school operation if the behavior or deeds to demonstrations or protests that disrupt the detrimentally affects the personal safety or well-being normal educational process of a class or any other of school-related individuals, the governance, climate operation or activity of a school. This includes inciting or efficient operation of the school or the educational or encouraging a fight. process or experience. Indecent Exposure or Immoral Acts: Any lewd, indecent, or Sexual Harassment: Any type of unwelcome personal offensive act that would be disruptive or distractive to the attention that is coercive or offensive to another educational process as determined by school personnel. person, including, but not limited to unwelcome Insubordination: The failure to obey a lawful rule, touching, patting, pinching; sexually offensive language directive, order, or policy. or pictures; derogatory or sexually based humor; Lawful Restraint: The act of controlling students when disparaging remarks to a person about his/her gender; their actions may inflict harm to others or the student suggestive references about a person’s appearance; or him/herself. unwanted notes, calls or requests for dates or sexual Littering: Willfully leaving trash on school property. favors. Students are to report any allegations of sexual Loitering: Being in or about any school building, or in harassment to their appropriate counselor, school specifically restricted areas of a school building or nurse, social worker, teacher, or an administrator. campus at unauthorized times or without specific Stalking: The persistent following, contacting, watching, authorization of the school’s personnel. This refers to or any other threatening actions that compromise the students, non-students, and suspended or expelled peace of mind or the personal safety of the individual. students. Student: Any person enrolled in NCSD #1. Multiple Misbehaviors/Habitually Disruptive: The Suspension: Denial of attendance at any single subject repeated failure to comply with directions of teachers, or class, or at any full schedule of subjects or classes student teachers, substitute teachers, aides, principals, for a period of time not to exceed 10 school days. A or other authorized school personnel. suspension also may include a denial of admission to Parent: Person(s) having legal custody of the child. or entry upon any real personal property that is owned, Possession: A student is deemed to be in possession of leased, rented, or controlled by the school district an illegal and/or banned item under this policy when during the period of the suspension. such item is found on the person of the student; in his/ Tardiness: Being late to school, class, homeroom, or any her locker; on school property assigned to, used by, other part of the student’s schedule. or under the control of the student; on property owned Telephone Harassment: General nuisance calls; non- or being used by the school; at any school function or emergency 911 calls; bogus bomb threats; telephone activity; at any school event held away from the school; calls for the purpose of intimidation, harassment, www.natronaschools.org 22 2013-14 NCSD Student/Parent Handbook

making threats, causing disruption of any part of school operations; or calls made for any other purpose Student Conduct - Policy prohibited or prescribed by law or policy. Thievery: Theft of private, school, and/or personal property Introduction of students or school personnel; possession of stolen The Natrona County School District, (NCSD), Board of property; or possession of property without the owner’s Trustees recognizes its responsibility to give support and permission. assistance to school employees with respect to student discipline policies and procedures of the school district. Threatening or Intimidating Acts: Verbally or by gesture threatening the well-being of any person on any school Further, the Board recognizes that an effective discipline owned or controlled property or en route to or from policy is intended to foster student growth while assuring school. each student an atmosphere which is safe, conducive to the learning process, and as free as possible from Tobacco, Alcohol and Other Drugs: Possession, sale, use, transfer, ingestion of, or being under the unnecessary disruptions. influence of any stimulating, depressing, or behavior- The Board also recognizes that the District is the altering substance, including any form of tobacco, school community and that schools are a reflection of hallucinogenic drug, or marijuana, not possessed under society. The rules of the District reflect the standards of a lawfully issued prescription from a person licensed the school community. The interest of this policy is to to practice medicine; or an over-the-counter substance have all stakeholders use a consistent set of behavioral taken without compliance with school policy. expectations and rules. Discipline techniques should teach those expectations, how to make acceptable choices, and Trespass: Entering or remaining unlawfully in any school building, portions thereof, or other school property how to resolve conflict in a productive, non-violent way. without the permission of the school personnel in lawful Additionally, it is the intent of this policy to help create a control of the premises. positive, caring atmosphere where all students and adults feel respected and are valued members of our school Truancy or Unauthorized Absence from Class: Absence from school without the prior knowledge and community. The desired result is to have a safe, positive, consent of parents, guardians, and school personnel. and proactive environment where both the students and When the excuse does not meet the satisfaction of the staff feel enthusiastic about learning and sharing ideas. school personnel, the absence will be counted as an This policy is based on the following tenets: unexcused absence or an act of truancy even if the 1. Students and adults are encouraged to work parent or guardian has given approval. cooperatively. 2. Students and adults are expected to treat one Unauthorized Items in School: Bringing any unauthorized objects to school that may be disruptive or distractive on another with respect. and that are not related to the educational process. 3. Students and adults are expected to conduct themselves in an honest manner. Unauthorized Petitions: Presenting or distributing petitions that contain obscenities, libelous statements, 4. Students and adults have the right to be and those that are disruptive or prohibited by law, physically and emotionally safe. policy, rule, regulation, or order of a school official. 5. When school personnel are instituting consequences or discipline for inappropriate behavior they Unauthorized Reentry: Once a student leaves a school activity, he/she will not be readmitted to the activity will consider the following: without the permission of the administrator or teacher Fairness (appropriate to the situation) in charge. Consistent Allows for individualization Unauthorized Sale or Distribution: Selling, distributing, or attempting to sell or distribute any object or substance Developmentally appropriate that has not been authorized for sale or distribution by Adheres to District’s and each school’s philosophy the designated school official. Reflective of exemplary practice Promotes partnerships/communication with families Unauthorized Student Protest or Gatherings: Protesting or gathering that results in disruption of the educational Promotes learning and personal responsibility process. Parents are encouraged to take appropriate cooperative measures to ensure proper behavior of their student. Vandalism: Willful destruction of school property or property belonging to others. Student chronic or severe misbehavior is an infringement on the right all children to learn and negatively affects the Weapons: To possess, handle, transmit, or conceal any object that could be used as a weapon or is capable classroom-learning environment. of causing harm to another person, including but not Through the Wyoming Education Code (W.S. §21- limited to guns of any type, water and toy guns that 1 - 21-15) and Board policy, all school personnel are resemble the real thing, Ninja stars, screwdrivers, ball charged with providing a proper learning environment and bats, slingshots, bludgeons, or knives. for maintaining order among the students placed in their charge. This charge includes developing means to motivate www.natronaschools.org 23 2013-14 NCSD Student/Parent Handbook and reinforce positive behavior patterns and taking positive learning, appearance, and other differences) action to correct unacceptable behavior by students. * Touching others’ property only with permission In addition, data will be gathered about effectiveness * Being mindful of other people’s space of creating an atmosphere that is safe, conducive to the * Keeping confidential information private learning process, and as free as possible from unnecessary * Treating school property with care disruptions. The purpose of gathering the information is Honesty: Students and adults are expected to conduct to continually improve efforts to have a safe, positive, and themselves with honesty. Examples of honesty include, but proactive environment where both the students and the are not limited to, the following: staff feel respected, valued, and enthusiastic about learning * Doing one’s own work and sharing ideas. * Answering truthfully within a climate of safety (e.g., It shall be the duty of all school personnel to enforce without fear of reprisal) such rules for school and class control as the Board may * Being respectful of other people’s property (and only establish. Procedures used to control pupil conduct should taking property that belongs to oneself) assist in advancing the purposes of education and be Safety: Students and adults have the right to be safe consistent with Board policies, state laws, and State Board physically and emotionally. Students are expected to follow of Education regulations. all safety rules for the school and buses, and respect Any misconduct on the part of pupils which directly other people’s right to be safe emotionally and physically. relates to and affects the management and efficiency of Examples of physical and emotional safety include, but are the schools is within the scope of power of school officials not limited to, the following: and the Board to regulate. As appropriate based on the * Walking in the halls circumstances, the Board authorizes administrative and * Walking when entering and exiting the building supervisory staff to suspend or expel students pursuant the * Playing on and around playground equipment provisions set forth in W.S. § 21-4-305 and W.S. § 21-4- appropriately 306. * Leaving weapons at home (including toy weapons) The Board recognizes that individual schools may * Following bus rules adopt additional rules for orderly conduct; however, such * Avoiding fighting and play fighting rules must be consistent with Board Policy and District * Respecting other people’s physical space Administrative Regulations. * Using appropriate tone and volume at all times (even The Discipline and Conduct Policy of Natrona County when angry) School District is binding upon all school and student * Talking politely and using appropriate language personnel at all District operated or controlled buildings, * Using appropriate body language (avoiding obscene playgrounds, vehicles, or any other property owned or gestures) controlled by the District and at all activities conducted, * Avoiding words that are hurtful to others sponsored, or participated in by school personnel or * Accepting individual differences (including cultural, students of Natrona County School District. learning ability, appearance, and other differences) * Keeping confidential information private Philosophy * No spitting or biting Cooperation: Students and adults are encouraged to work cooperatively with one another and with peers. Consideration for Consequences: Examples of cooperation include, but are not limited to, the * Fair (appropriate to the situation) following: * Consistent * Working together toward common goals and interests * Allows for individualization * Working together to resolve differences * Developmentally appropriate * Adults giving students direction in keeping with the * Adheres to school philosophy school philosophy and behavior guidelines * Reflective of exemplary practice (e.g., positive * Students following adult direction discipline) Respect: Students and adults are expected to respect * Promotes partnerships/communication with families each other. Examples of respectful behavior include, but * Promotes learning and personal responsibility (not are not limited to the following: “control and correct”) * Listening to each other * Built-in evaluation for effectiveness * Talking politely and using appropriate language * Using appropriate body language Influence of Best Practice * Using an appropriate tone and volume (even when The foundations of the Elementary School Behavior and angry) Discipline Framework are aligned with the Natrona County * Avoiding words that are hurtful to others School District’s Multi-Tiered Intervention Process (At- * Accepting individual differences (including cultural, Risk) and were synthesized from goals, philosophies, and

www.natronaschools.org 24 2013-14 NCSD Student/Parent Handbook standards for discipline frameworks including: -Entered into SWIS or an equivalent school based * Code of Conduct/PBIS, Parkland Magnet Middle tracking system, not Infinite Campus. School Levels of Consequences * Hopkins Hill Huskies Behavior Definitions Level II Discipline * Pocomoke Elementary School Behavior Framework Level II discipline offenses are intermediate acts of * Reduction of School Violence: Alternatives to misconduct that may require administrative intervention. Suspension, Third Edition by Beverly H. Johns and These acts include, but are not limited to, repeated acts Valerie G. Carr of minor misconduct and misbehaviors directed against * Spencerport Central School District Code of Conduct people or property, but which do not seriously endanger (2010-2011) the health, safety or well-being of others. Consideration * SWIS Documentation Project Referral Form of necessary behavior support services should be given, Definitions Version 4.4 by Anne W. Todd, Rob H. if not already provided. Horner, and Tary Tobin In classifying a behavior as a Level 1, Level 2 or Level * Taneytown Elementary Student Behavior 3, the administrator should consider the intent, context, Management Process circumstance and repetitiveness or pattern of the behavior (more than 2 occurrences). Level II offenses NCSD Discipline Framework must be entered into Infinite Campus. The progressive discipline framework is divided Students exhibiting a Level II offense may receive any into three levels. Each level represents progressively of the discipline management techniques appropriate for more serious acts of inappropriate behaviors and the situation as determined by administration, including, consequences. The level of discipline imposed shall be but not limited to the following: based on the severity of the misbehavior. -Student participation in conference with parent/ Level I Discipline guardian, teacher and/or administration Level I discipline is used for minor and no repetitive -Restriction from programs, special assemblies or field acts of misconduct, which interfere with orderly school trips procedures, school functions, extracurricular programs, -Assignment to detention (or teacher lunch detention) approved transportation or student’s own learning -Partial day in-school suspension process. When a student exhibits Level 1 behaviors, -Participation in cleaning/repair of damage caused to consider the teachable moment as being a component the school related environment of the natural consequences in the continuum. The -Social Skills education in refocus room or equivalent staff member involved will take corrective action as intervention/counselor appropriate. Office referrals are not written for this level. -Consider Tier II behavior interventions In classifying a behavior as a Level 1, Level 2 or -Financial restitution for repair or replacement of any Level 3, the administrator should consider the intent, damage caused to the school related environment or context, circumstance and repetitiveness or pattern of materials the behavior. -Development of a written or graphic representation that reflects understanding of specific misbehavior, Staff members may utilize any of the discipline the nature of the expected behavior, and the related management techniques appropriate for the situation, character trait(s) including, but not limited to the following: -Participation in a school service project which enables -Classroom detention after-school (This must be the student to be engaged in the desired character communicated to the parent prior to the detention) trait(s) -Loss of recess -Any other disciplinary technique that positively -Lunch detention/isolation promotes the school’s goals and desired character -Classroom isolation trait(s) -Referral to refocus room or equivalent school intervention /counselor Level III Discipline -Student participation in conference with parent/ Level III discipline offenses are serious acts of guardian and teacher misconduct including, but not limited to, repeated -Participation in a school service project which enables misbehavior that is similar in nature, serious disruption the student to be engaged in the desired character of the school environment, threats to health, safety, or trait(s) property, and other acts of serious misconduct. These -Development of a written or graphic representation offenses must be reported directly to the administration. that reflects understanding of specific misbehavior, When staff members encounter or suspect drugs, the nature of the expected behavior, and the related alcohol, and weapons, they MUST contact administration character trait(s) immediately. Level III offenses must be entered into

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Infinite Campus. was written. This may include letters and dates of phone In classifying a behavior as a Level 1, Level 2 or Level calls made to the student’s parent, or conferences 3, the administrator should consider the intent, context, that you held with the parent. It is also important that circumstance and repetitiveness or pattern of the there is no form of judgment statements made on the behavior (more than 2 occurrences). referral form. When more than one child is involved in These violations are so serious that they may require an incident, please use separate referral forms for each use of outside agencies and/or law enforcement. Such child excluding the names of the other students involved. acts may result in criminal penalties being imposed. Any If a parent contacts you, inquiring about the other misconduct that threatens the health, safety, or well- children involved, please inform them that you are not at being of others may result in immediate suspension and/ liberty to give out that information. or expulsion of the student from school and/or school sponsored activities, pending disciplinary investigation of the allegations. Rights & Responsibilities Students exhibiting a Level III offense may receive The principal has the right to: any discipline management technique appropriate for the * expect full support and compliance of the staff, situation as determine by the administration, including students and other personnel with all district but not limited to the following: guidelines, rules and regulations; -Restriction from programs, special assemblies or * expect a positive learning environment that helps field trips facilitate self-discipline and encourages academic -Full day in-school suspension (ISS); Number of days success; as determined by administration * establish, with the assistance of teachers, students, -Safe Schools Suspension Lab and other personnel, building-level school policies, -Out of school suspension rules and regulations; -Consider Tier III behavior interventions * impose necessary disciplinary measures; -Participation in the cleaning or repair of any damage * expect the staff to use appropriate disciplinary caused to the school-related environment measures; -Financial restitution for the repair or replacement of * assess and collect from students or their parents any damage caused to the school-related environment money for restitution of damage to school property in or materials. the manner and to the extent allowed by law; -Participation in a school service project which enables * expect parents/guardians to respond in a positive, the student to be engaged in the desired character helpful manner when informed of learning or trait(s) behavioral difficulties encountered by the student; -Any disciplinary technique that positively promotes * administer the school in an atmosphere free from the student code of conduct, and desired character threats, intimidations, harassments, or prejudices; trait(s) * expect maximum educational benefits for all -Change in school placement by Director of Student students. Support Services The principal has the responsibility to: -Expulsion * administer the school according to statute and the -Required entry into IC policies of the Board of Trustees and make a District -If a student commits an infraction that requires an out Student Discipline and Conduct Handbook available of school suspension or Safe Schools Suspension Lab, to all staff, parents, and students; a re-admittance conference must be held. * create and maintain a positive school atmosphere with the aid of students, staff and parents; Referral Process * communicate, implement, and enforce the Office referrals are used as documentation of acts established policies, rules and regulations with the of misconduct committed by a student. The referral objective of creating a positive learning situation and also serves as a means to help the administrative fostering self-discipline; team assess a situation, communicate with the student * support the staff in the reasonable enforcement of concerning the misbehavior, and communicate with policies, rules, and regulations of the school and of the parent regarding the infraction committed and the the district and ensure that due process is afforded consequence of the student’s infraction. When an all students; infraction occurs that requires an office referral, it is * assist the staff in identifying appropriate disciplinary extremely important that it is as detailed as possible. measures; Include what was observed, what was said, who was * ensure that board policy and or administrative involved, and time and place. When possible the referral procedures are followed and enforced; should include any interventions taken before the referral * advise and discuss with parents/guardians, in a professional manner, learning difficulties www.natronaschools.org 26 2013-14 NCSD Student/Parent Handbook

encountered by the student; and qualifications of persons entrusted with the * support an atmosphere free from threats, education of their children to the extent permitted by intimidations, harassments, and prejudices; law; * administer the school’s resources in order to offer * offer constructive suggestions and/or criticism maximum educational benefits for all students. concerning existing and/or anticipated district The teacher has the right to: policies, procedures, codes and regulations; * teach in a positive atmosphere free from threats, * be advised of and to discuss fully children’s progress intimidations, harassments, or prejudices; and/or learning difficulties; * expect student due process procedures to be in * be advised of and to discuss fully disciplinary effect at all times; difficulties encountered by children and to have * receive the support of the Board of Trustees, district discipline fairly and consistently enforced in personnel, and principal in establishing a positive accordance with district/school policies and learning environment; procedures; * assist in the formulation of compliance guidelines, * expect that children be provided with non- rules and regulations with full support from consumable and non-personal educational materials administrative personnel; and facilities needed to complete the prescribed * impose disciplinary measures consistent with the course of study; guidelines, rules and regulations adopted to enforce * expect school to be a safe place; the district and building policies; * have access to student records in accordance with * have access to all adopted policies and state/federal laws and district policy; administrative procedures; * expect an environment that is conducive to learning * expect school to be a safe place; and free from prejudice. * expect students/parents/guardians to respond in The parent has the responsibility to: a positive manner when informed of learning or * promote learning readiness by assuring children behavioral difficulties encountered by the student. adequate food, proper clothing, shelter, and The teacher has the responsibility to: supervision; * support an atmosphere free from threats, * promote and ensure regular attendance of children; intimidation, harassments, and prejudices; * fully support district efforts in providing for a sound * support and utilize guidelines, rules and regulations and successful educational program; that pertain to individual rights and due process; * become informed and advise their children about * exercise professional knowledge and skills in district policies, procedures, regulations and codes; establishing a positive learning environment; * become personally acquainted with those directly * develop and adhere to the guidelines, rules and responsible for educating children and attend parent/ regulations which have been developed by the staff teacher conferences; to enforce the district and building policies; * seek changes in areas in which there is * establish classroom disciplinary measures consistent dissatisfaction and work positively through existing with the guidelines, rules and regulations adopted by channels in a responsible manner; the staff to enforce the district and building policies; * respond in a positive and helpful manner when * become familiar with district-adopted policies and advised of children’s progress and/or learning administrative procedures; difficulties; * assist school staff in maintaining a safe school; * promote respect for district/school personnel * advise and discuss with students/parents/guardians, and their positions of authority by responding in in a professional manner, learning or behavioral a positive and helpful manner when advised of difficulties. disciplinary difficulties encountered by children; The parent has the right to: * actively support and participate in processes that * expect children to be attentive and productive in provide a safe and secure educational environment; school; * support and adhere to all district procedures * have children attend school from age 6 to 21, until pertaining to any and all student records in graduation, or until they are legally discontinued; accordance with state/federal laws; * have district representatives recognize that their * respect rights of school personnel who are involved primary objective is the educational development of in the educational process to ensure a positive all children to their maximum potential; learning climate. * have the district establish, publish and make The student has the right to: available for review its policies, procedures, codes * learn in a positive atmosphere free from threats, and regulations; intimidations, harassments, or prejudices; * inquire into the facilities, environment, curriculum, * have an opportunity to be provided an education www.natronaschools.org 27 2013-14 NCSD Student/Parent Handbook

consistent with student’s ability and/or potential; misbehavior in order to modify the behavior. Please * be recognized as a unique individual and be an consult with your principal if you have questions or active participant in his/her own well-being; concerns regarding consequences. * receive a free public education from age 6 until The district specifically reserves the right to reassign graduation or to age 21, whichever occurs first; a student to another school for purposes related to * produce in an educational environment that is education, discipline, safety, prevention, or student conducive to learning and free from prejudice; welfare. * provide input in making decisions affecting school life Options include alternative placement, apology, and activities; behavior management contract, building intervention * be informed of learning or behavioral difficulties and team, recess, reprimand, restitution, Saturday school, be involved in the development of an improvement rearranging schedule, school/community work, seizure plan; of contraband, suspension (Safe Schools Suspension * be provided with a review of charges relating to Lab), suspension (in-school), suspension (out-of- possible disciplinary action; school), suspension of privileges, suspension of bus- * expect anonymity to the extent legally possible when riding privileges, informal talk, isolation, referral to law circumstances require giving information in discipline enforcement weekly report, parent attending classes cases involving others; with child, parent custody, parent involvement, point * be provided with certain fundamental educational system, conferences with school personnel, corporal materials and facilities needed to complete punishment, counseling, daily progress sheet, demerits, prescribed course of study; detention, discipline committee, discipline letter to * expect school to be a safe place. parents, evaluation, expulsion, group counseling, The student has the responsibility to: homebound instruction, timeout, transfer, warning, make- * support an atmosphere free from threats, up privileges and rights, written statement by student. intimidation, harassments, and prejudices; * continually strive to advance to the highest degree Examples of Consequences possible by attending all classes and meeting all Below are listed the minimum and maximum academic requirements and standards; consequences for various offense. Principals may * support wellness aimed at improving the general impose a wide range of consequences between the welfare of the student, family unit, staff, and minimum and maximum guidelines. community; Academic Dishonest: first offense, student * be on time and attend all classes daily, from 6 years conference to suspension; repeated offense, parent of age or at least until age 16 or completion of the involvement to suspension 10th grade, whichever occurs first; Display of Public Affection: first offense, student * respect rights of all district personnel and other conference to suspension; repeated offense, parent students who are involved in the educational involvement to suspension process to ensure a positive learning climate; Alcohol: first offense, suspension to suspension; * utilize appropriate channels for expressing ideas and/ repeated offense, suspension to expulsion or opinions; Automobile Misuse: first offense, parent involvement * make a conscientious effort to follow an improvement to suspension; repeated offense, loss of privilege to plan; suspension * be aware of all rules and regulations for student Assault: first offense, parent involvement to expulsion; behavior and consequences for misbehavior, repeated offense, suspension to expulsion and conduct himself/herself in accordance with Battery: first offense, parent involvement to expulsion; standards for behavior; repeated offense, suspension to expulsion * volunteer information regarding serious disciplinary Burglary: first offense, parent involvement to cases and cooperate with school staff; expulsion; repeated offense, suspension to * provide reasonable care for said educational expulsion materials and facilities; Bus Misconduct: see Transportation Code of * assist school staff in maintaining a safe school. Conduct Defiance/Insubordination: first offense, student Interventions & Consequences conference/warning to suspension; repeated The following are disciplinary options that school offense, parent involvement to expulsion officials may use when a student engages in conduct Disrespect: first offense, student conference/warning warranting disciplinary action. All misconduct will be to suspension; repeated offense, detention to recorded in the student’s discipline record. This list is suspension not inclusive since all disciplinary action should fit the Disruption of Entire School: first offense, student

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conference to expulsion; repeated offense, detention to Prohibited Printed Materials: first offense, student expulsion conference to suspension; repeated offense, parent Distribution of Unauthorized Printed Material: first involvement to expulsion offense, student conference to suspension; repeated Sexual Harassment: first offense, parent involvement to offense, parent involvement to expulsion suspension; repeated offense, parent involvement to Distractive.Disruptive Dress or Appearance: first expulsion offense, warning/change to sent home; repeated Stalking: first offense, parent involvement to suspension; offense, parent involvement to suspension repeated offense, parent involvement to expulsion Drugs: first offense, suspension to expulsion; repeated Tardiness: first offense, warning to detention; repeated offense, suspension to expulsion offense, detention to suspension Explosives/Matches: first offense, student conference Telephone Harassment: first offense, warning to to expulsion; repeated offense, parent involvement to suspension; repeated offense, parent involvement to expulsion expulsion Extortion: first offense, student conference to Theft: first offense, warning to suspension; repeated suspension; repeated offense, parent involvement to offense, detention to expulsion expulsion Threatening/Intimidation: first offense, warning to False Reports/Bomb Threats: first offense, student suspension; repeated offense, parent involvement to conference to expulsion; repeated offense, suspension expulsion to expulsion Tobacco Products: first offense, suspension/intervention Fighting: first offense, student conference to expulsion; to suspension; repeated offense, parent involvement to repeated offense, parent conference to expulsion expulsion Flying Objects: first offense, student conference to Trespass: first offense, warning to suspension; repeated suspension; repeated offense, parent involvement to offense, notify police to expulsion expulsion Truancy: first offense, parent involvement to suspension; Forgery: first offense, student conference to suspension; repeated offense, parent involvement to expulsion repeated offense, parent involvement to suspension Unauthorized Items In School: first offense, Gambling: first offense, student conference to detention; confiscation to expulsion; repeated offense, repeated offense, parent involvement to suspension confiscation to expulsion Gang Activity: first offense, student conference to Unauthorized Gatherings: first offense, parent suspension; repeated offense, parent involvement to involvement to suspension; repeated offense, parent expulsion involvement to expulsion Habitual Disruptions: first offense, student conference Unauthorized Petitions: first offense, warning to to suspension; repeated offense, behavior contract to suspension; repeated offense, parent involvement to expulsion expulsion Harassment/Discrimination: first offense, student Unauthorized Sale: first offense, parent involvement to conference to suspension; repeated offense, parent parent involvement; repeated offense, suspension to involvement to expulsion expulsion Hate Activity: first offense, student conference to Unauthorized Student Protest: first offense, parent suspension; repeated offense, parent involvement to involvement to suspension; repeated offense, parent expulsion involvement to expulsion Hazing: first offense, student conference to suspension; Use or Possession of Electronic Equipment: first repeated offense, parent involvement to expulsion offense, student conference to suspension; repeated Inciting Violence: first offense, student conference to offense, parent involvement to suspension suspension; repeated offense, parent involvement to Vandalism: first offense, warning to expulsion/restitution; expulsion repeated offense, parent involvement to expulsion/ Indecent Exposure: first offense, parent involvement to restitution suspension; repeated offense, parent involvement to Weapons: first offense, suspension to expulsion; expulsion repeated offense, suspension to expulsion Littering: first offense, warning to detention; repeated offense, student conference to suspension Loitering/Trespassing: first offense, warning to suspension; repeated offense, parent involvement to suspension Profanity/Obscenity: first offense, student conference to suspension; repeated offense, parent involvement to expulsion

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effect of unreasonably differentiating in treatment based Policies & Regulations on disability, race, color, gender, national origin, ethnicity, The following are select NCSD policies and regulations sexual orientation, age, characteristics or linguistic related to student behavior. This is not a comprehensive characteristics of a national origin group. listing of policies. To review all district policies and e. “District” includes NCSD facilities, NCSD premises and administrative regulations, visit www.natronaschools.org or non-district property if the student or employee is at any the Central Services Facility at 970 N. Glenn Rd. in Casper. district-sponsored, district-approved or district-related activity or function such as field trips or athletic events Assault, Battery, Harassment where students are under the auspices of the district or & Physical Restraint where the employee is engaged in district business. Students are prohibited from assaulting, battering or f. “Electronic communication” means a communication harassing any school personnel or any other student. transmitted by means of an electronic device, including In cases involving assault, battery, harassment, the use but not limited to a telephone, cellular phone, computer or of force, or the threat of physical harm against school pager. personnel or against students in which school personnel g. “False charges” or “malicious accusations” means an are involved, reasonable force may be used by school untrue allegation which is made intentionally, knowingly, personnel in the defense or protection of other school with reckless disregard for the truth or an untrue allegation personnel or a student to prevent possible injury. This made with the specific intent of causing injury or damage includes the use of reasonable physical force to restrain to another person. The District will take disciplinary action an assaultive student. School personnel are specifically against any individual making a false charge or malicious authorized to use that degree of force necessary to prevent accusation of bullying, discrimination or harassment. harm, defined as reasonable and moderate, not excessive. h. “Harassment” means unwanted behavior of a non-verbal, verbal, written, graphic, sexual or physical nature that is Bullying (No. 5440) directed at an individual or group of students or staff on NCSD is committed to providing a secure student the basis of disability, race, color, gender, national origin, learning environment free of threat, hazing, harassment, ethnicity, sexual orientation, age, religion, marital status, intimidation, menacing, cyber bullying, “sexting” and other socioeconomic status, cultural background, familial status, bullying behavior, including harassment of a person with physical characteristic or linguistic characteristics of a a mental, physical, developmental, or sensory disability. national origin group. Pursuant to the policy and administrative regulations i. “Hazing” includes, but is not limited to, any act that herein, created with the assistance of parents and recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental health, guardians, school employees, volunteers, students, physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of administrators and community representatives, no person initiation or as a condition or precondition of attaining may engage in threats, hazing, harassment, intimidation, membership in, or affiliation with, any district-sponsored menacing, cyber bullying, “sexting” or bullying behavior activity or grade level attainment, e.g., forced consumption against an NCSD student or students participating in of any drink, alcoholic beverage, drug or controlled functions sponsored by the District (“student participants”). substance, forced exposure to the elements, “paddling” Further, NCSD prohibits reprisal or retaliation against a or other physical punishment, forced prolonged exclusion student, witness or person who reports information about from social contact, sleep deprivation or any other forced or cooperates in the investigation of an act of threatening, activity that could adversely affect the mental or physical hazing, harassment, intimidation, menacing, cyberbullying, health or safety of a student; requires, encourages, “sexting” or bullying. See W.S. § 21-4-313, 314 (2009). authorizes or permits another to be subject to wearing or carrying any obscene, degrading or physically burdensome Definitions article, assignment of pranks to be performed or other a. “Bullying” (See “Intimidation” or “Bullying,” below.) such activities intended to degrade or humiliate a particular b. “Cyber-bullying” (See “Intimidation” or “Bullying,” below.) person or group. c. “Disability Harassment” occurs when unwelcome j. “Intimidation” or “bullying” means any intentional physical, verbal, or nonverbal conduct is based upon gesture, any intentional electronic communication (“cyber an individual’s disability and when the conduct has bullying”) or any intentional written, verbal or physical act the purpose or effect of interfering with the individual’s or statement initiated, occurring or received by a student at educational performance, interfering with one’s ability to school that a reasonable person under the circumstances participate in or benefit from a class, educational program, should know will have the effect of: or activity. Such harassment may occur where conduct 1) Harming a student physically or emotionally, is directed at the characteristics of a person’s disabling damaging a student’s property or placing a student in condition. reasonable fear of personal harm or property damage; d. “Discrimination” means any act that has the purpose or 2) Insulting, mocking or demeaning a student or group

www.natronaschools.org 30 2013-14 NCSD Student/Parent Handbook of students causing substantial disruption in, or substantial sufficiently serious to warrant administrative intervention; or interference with, the orderly operation of the school; or 4) The superintendent of schools or his designee. 3) Creating an intimidating, threatening, hostile or b. Complaints against the building principal shall be filed abusive educational environment for a student or group with the superintendent or his designee. Complaints of students through substantially severe, persistent or against the superintendent shall be filed with the Board pervasive behavior. chairman. Complaints against the Board chairman shall be k. “Menacing” includes, but is not limited to, any assault or filed with the vice-chairman. threat intended to place a school employee, student or third c. Teachers, counselors and other certified classified and party in fear of imminent physical injury. administrative staff who observe students engaging in l. “Retaliation” or “Reprisal” means any verbal or physical bullying behavior are responsible for taking action to timely act or statement against any person who reports, files and appropriately address the behavior and/or timely report a complaint or participates in an investigation under the incident to the administrator or his designee. this policy. Retaliation is prohibited and is considered a d. Students and parents are encouraged to resolve serious violation of board policy, independent of whether a concerns through discussions with school staff. However, complaint is substantiated. if they are unable to resolve the complaint and believe the m. “School” includes a classroom or other location on student is the recipient of bullying, they are encouraged to school premises, school grounds, a school bus or other follow the procedure outlined in this policy and the Student school-related vehicle, a school bus stop, an activity or Handbook. event sponsored by a school, whether or not it is held on e. Reports may be made anonymously. Anonymous school premises, and any other program or function where reports will be investigated and addressed consistent the student is present as a student of the school. with the investigation process under this policy. Formal n. “Sexting” means sending, forwarding, displaying, disciplinary action shall not be taken solely on the basis retaining, storing or posting sexually explicit, lewd, indecent of an anonymous report unless the allegation has been or pornographic photographs, images or messages by or investigated and corroborating evidence indicates a policy on a cell phone, computer or other electronic means during violation. school hours or activities on or off campus, while on school f. While many concerns may be resolved through an district property, during any recess, lunch or leave periods informal process, the severity and/or nature of a specific on or off school district property, by use of school district incident may require an immediate formal complaint and property, or beyond the hours of school operation if the disciplinary action. behavior detrimentally affects the personal safety or well- being of school-related individuals, the governance, climate Complaint Process or efficient operation of the school or the educational Reporting parties may use informal procedures process or experience. such as oral reports to report and resolve lesser and/or o. “Third parties” include, but are not limited to, coaches, isolated complaints of bullying or retaliation which do not school volunteers, parents, school visitors, service result in physical harm or meet other criteria for formal contractors or others engaged in district business or reporting as noted in ¶4(b), below. Such complaints will activities who are not directly subject to District control at be appropriately investigated and addressed by teachers, inter-district and intra-district athletic competitions or other counselors or other adults consistent with due process school events. requirements. Substantiated reports will be documented in the Student Management System and/or student Reporting Bullying or Retaliatory Behaviors disciplinary file Repeat offenses shall be referred to the a. Any student, employee, parent or third party who has principal or his/her designee. knowledge of conduct in violation of this policy or any Formal complaints should be made in writing and student who feels he/she has been a victim of hazing, submitted to the appropriate administrator or his/her harassment, discrimination, blackmail, intimidation, designee. Forms shall be available for reporting, although bullying, menacing or retaliation or reprisal (hereafter the use of a specific form is not mandatory in order to “bullying” or “retaliatory behavior”) in violation of this policy lodge a formal complaint if the reporting party is unable or shall immediately report his/her concerns to: unwilling. Formal complaints are warranted any time such a 1) The building principal or his/her designee; report and investigation is requested by any parent, student 2) A teacher who will be responsible for notifying the or other person, when bullying involves threats, is physical building principal or his/her designee immediately if the in nature, causes physical harm, is repeated (i.e.; more matter cannot be adequately addressed by the teacher or is than once), is unusual in nature, is perpetrated by a group sufficiently serious to warrant administrative intervention; or groups of students or others, is racial or discriminatory in 3) A counselor, who is responsible for notifying the nature and/or otherwise highly offensive in nature. building principal or his/her designee immediately if A copy of all formal complaints, investigations and results the matter cannot be addressed by the counselor or is should be forwarded to the Safe Schools office within three

www.natronaschools.org 31 2013-14 NCSD Student/Parent Handbook (3) school days of completing the documentation. Such Protection of Victims from Additional Bullying or files shall be stored in a confidential manner, with access Retaliation/Reprisal limited to administrative personnel and their designees. The principal or his or her designee shall be responsible File information shall also be available to administrative for working with the student, parents and others to timely personnel or their designees for the gathering and reporting develop and implement strategies for protecting the of statistical and other data which does not individually reporting party and/or affected student following the report identify the individuals therein. of threat, hazing, harassment, intimidation, menacing, cyber-bullying, bullying, “sexting,” reprisal or retaliation. Investigation Such strategies may include, but are not limited to, In all schools the principal or his or her designee shall be monitoring, counseling, follow-up checks with the student responsible for timely investigating a complaint made under and/or parent, safety plans for the affected student, this policy. Alleged serious violations shall be promptly reassignment of one or more students and other protective investigated and documented. While the investigator planning and/or interventions. will make efforts to maintain confidentiality to the extent The student who has been bullied, or his/her parent, is reasonably possible, reporting parties shall not be promised responsible for reporting any reprisal or retaliation. full confidentiality. The complaint, investigation, witness and other Consequences and Remedial Actions for False information shall be documented along with the findings. Accusations Substantiated reports will be documented in the Student False accusations of bullying shall be immediately Management System and/or student discipline file. reported by the affected party or an adult to the school Both the alleged student victim and the individual principal or his/her designee. False accusation reports shall accused of bullying behavior shall have the opportunity to be investigated consistent with due process procedures be heard by the investigating adult or a designee prior to a noted under “investigation,” above. final “substantiated” or “unsubstantiated” finding. Persons found to have made false accusation reports For formal complaints, the complainant and reported may be disciplined up to and including expulsion or party, and their respective parents or guardians, shall be dismissal. See listing of potential consequences, NCSD notified of whether the allegations are substantiated or Student Handbook; see also potential consequences for unsubstantiated and, if appropriate, that remedial action NCSD employees and third parties, ¶6(A), above. has or will be taken. For formal complaints, the complainant and reported party, and their respective parents or guardians, shall Consequences for Substantiated Reports be notified whether the allegations are substantiated or a. Students whose behavior is found to be in violation of unsubstantiated and, if appropriate, that remedial action this policy will be subject to discipline up to and including has or will be taken. expulsion. See also listing of potential consequences, NCSD Student Handbook. Staff whose behavior is found Student Bullying Policy Education for Students, to be in violation of this policy will be subject to discipline Certified and Classified Personnel, Parents, Volunteers up to and including dismissal. Third parties whose behavior and the Community is found to be in violation of this policy shall be subject to Students: Bullying training and education curriculum appropriate sanctions as determined and imposed by the shall be standardized, based on age group, throughout superintendent or Board, up to and including civil trespass the District. Students shall be provided a copy of the orders. Any individual may be referred to law enforcement Student Bullying Policy prior to December 31, 2009 and officials if his or her behavior may constitute a crime. annually thereafter during registration and/or orientation. b. Schools may attempt to assist students and/or parents Each building principal or his or her designee shall be in resolving concerns and issues prior to the use of the responsible for assuring the delivery, and documentation of formal complaint process, investigation and disciplinary the delivery, of this orientation information. Documentation procedures. These interventions may include consultation, of the delivery of bullying orientation information shall be counseling, education, mediation and/or other opportunities sent to the Safe Schools Director within three (3) school for problem-solving between the parties. days of delivery. c. Consequences and remedial actions shall be determined Beginning in Fall, 2010, the Student Bullying Policy taking into consideration the context of events, all relevant and procedures shall be discussed annually at each circumstances, the parties’ prior behavior, the nature of the school during student orientation or at an alternative time bullying behavior and its potential harm and the emotional to be determined by the principal or his or her designee and/or physical harm resulting from the reported party’s prior to October 1. Each building principal or his or her actions. designee shall be responsible for assuring the delivery of this standardized orientation information. Documentation of the delivery of bullying orientation information shall be sent to the Safe Schools Director within three (3) school

www.natronaschools.org 32 2013-14 NCSD Student/Parent Handbook days of delivery. In the event of a report of bullying or procedures as needed. retaliatory behavior, substantiated or unsubstantiated, a student accused of a bullying or retaliatory behavior shall Care of School Property be re-educated concerning the District’s Student Bullying Damage, unauthorized taking of or destruction of school Policy. Each building principal or his or her designee shall property shall be the basis of disciplinary action. Further, be responsible for assuring the delivery and documentation any student damaging, taking without authorization, or of delivery of this re-education. destroying school property, shall be deemed to be indebted Students and Parents: A version of the Student Bullying to the school district for the cost of repair or replacement Policy shall be included in the Natrona County School thereof, and said student may be denied a diploma or credit District No. 1 Student Handbook beginning in Fall of 2010. for successful course completion until the indebtedness is On-line versions of the Student Handbook shall include fully satisfied (Wyoming Statutes, 1977, §21-4-308(b)). a link to the Student Bullying Policy and administrative regulations no later than December 31, 2009. Detention of Students Certified and Classified Personnel: All NCSD personnel For minor infractions of the code of conduct or other shall be provided with a copy of the Student Bullying Policy policies and regulations, teachers may detain students and administrative regulations prior to December 31, 2009. before, during or after school hours. Before assigning Beginning in Fall 2010, the Student Bullying Policy and students to detention, the teacher will inform the student administrative regulations shall be presented annually at of the conduct that allegedly constitutes the violations, and classified and certified personnel orientations for those the student will be given an opportunity to explain his/her personnel who have substantial contact with students, version of the incident. or at an alternative time to be determined by the building Students will be given the opportunity to notify parents principal or his or her designee prior to October 1. Each prior to serving a detention. In the elementary grades, building principal, supervisor or his or her designee shall teachers should notify parents of the detention(s). be responsible for assuring the delivery of this orientation A student failing to serve detention will be disciplined in information, and documentation of delivery. a manner and method as determined by school rules and Professional development programs concerning bullying regulations and consistent with established district policies. prevention, intervention and reporting shall be available to certified and classified personnel who have substantial Dress & Appearance contact with students. Documentation of the delivery of Primary responsibility for appropriate dress and bullying education shall be sent to the Human Resources appearance rests with the student and his/her guardian. Executive Director within three (3) school days of delivery. Students shall not wear clothing which, in the judgment Volunteers: All school volunteers with substantial contact of the appropriate school personnel, constitutes a health with children shall be provided a copy of the Student or safety hazard, is destructive to school property, or is Bullying Policy and administrative regulations beginning no distractive or disruptive to the educational process. Student later than December 31, 2009 or at the time the volunteer dress that is obscene, immodest, indecent, or lewd shall begins participating in volunteer activities in the schools. not be tolerated. In the interest of maintaining a positive Each building principal or his or her designee shall be learning environment, the following regulations of student responsible for assuring the delivery of this orientation dress shall be in effect: information. Hair: The length of student hair is generally not Students, Parents, Certified and Classified Personnel, prescribed. Hair may be regulated in such classes as shop, Volunteers and Community Members: The Student Bullying art, or home economics consistent with health and safety Policy and administrative regulations shall be posted requirements. Bathing caps may be required in swimming on the Natrona County School District No. 1 website by classes. Hair covering prescribed by state sanitary codes December 31, 2009. The Communication Team supervisor in food preparation is required. Uncleanliness of hair shall be responsible for assuring the website posting and constitutes a health hazard. updating of the Student Bullying Policy and administrative Outerwear: Outerwear, such as coats, jackets, hats, or regulations. No later than December 31, 2009 the Natrona gloves, shall not be worn inside school classrooms without County School District No. 1 Communication Team shall the consent of appropriate school personnel. Shoes shall develop, adopt and begin implementing a Student Bullying be worn for health and safety reasons unless the shoes are Policy community education plan. unsafe, distractive, or destructive to school property. The District may establish bullying prevention programs Logos: Logos, printed statements, or pictures upon or other initiatives and may involve school staff, students, student attire which are distractive, immoral, sexually administrators, volunteers, parents, law enforcement and suggestive, disruptive, obscene, encourage defiance or community members. disrespect of authority is prohibited. Attire advertising Continuous Review and Revision: The district shall drug, alcohol or tobacco products also is prohibited at the annually review and update the Student Bullying Policy and discretion of the building administrator.

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Miscellaneous: Clothing such as tube tops, see-through explore rehabilitation services available. garments, fishnet tops, undergarment T-shirts, clothing Any student who, in the judgment of school personnel, allowing a bare midriff, shorts in poor repair, short shorts, has consumed alcohol or any illicit controlled substance, as and tight-fitting shorts shall not be worn. defined by Wyoming state law, recently enough to display Procedures: When a student wears prohibited clothing signs of consumption, such as unusual behavior or the odor articles, the student shall receive a warning. If the student of the breath, is also in violation of this policy. fails to remedy the problem by removal of the article of If the residue of a controlled substance is found in any clothing, reversing the article so that the offensive logo apparatus such as a pipe or other container, the policy does not appear, or changing the article of clothing to regarding possession of a controlled substance will apply. comply, the parent shall be notified. If no correction occurs Regardless of residue, possession of any form of the drug thereafter, students may be suspended for disruption of the paraphernalia such as roach clips, rolling paper, pipes, etc., learning process. will be cause for concern and notification of parents. Special Activities: Designated dress may be required The illegal use of legal products by students will for students participating in special activities. The sponsor also constitute violation of the substance abuse policy. of the activity shall determine an appropriate dress Examples include, but are not limited to, inhaling products requirement, with prior approval of the administration. like correction fluid, rubber cement, or airplane glue, or Drugs & Alcohol consuming larger-than-prescribed quantities of alcohol- The possession or use of alcohol or any illicit, controlled and/or drug-containing medications like cough syrup. substance, as defined by Wyoming state law, by any The drugs and alcohol portion of this policy was revised student while attending school, while on campus, or at by the Board of Trustees on Nov. 27, 1995. any school activity, is prohibited. At the discretion of the principal drug dogs will be brought onto campus to conduct Fighting sweeps. These sweeps will be conducted using developed Immediate disciplinary action, which may include protocol. suspension and/or possible recommendation for expulsion, First Offense: along with possible law enforcement involvement, will 1. Notify parents: This is a breach of state law as well be taken against individuals who participate in a fight or as school rules, and parents need to respond to the encourage it in any way. Students are expected to solve school as quickly as possible. their problems in ways other than physical aggression. 2. Notify police: Police will be directly notified and they A student who has made an effort to avoid a fight by will respond as rapidly as possible. There may be bringing the situation to the attention of school personnel situations where an offense report is filed and officers may be subject to different consideration regarding any follow up later. Individual situations may vary. consequences that might be received. Failure to cease 3. The school will impose not more than a 10-day fighting when requested verbally by school personnel will suspension or not less than a five-day suspension result in automatic suspension. Students who obstruct or following normal due process procedures. The Board interfere with school personnel trying to stop a fight will be of Trustees reserves the right to seek expulsion for subject to the consequences of the fighting policy. any drug-related infraction including a first offense, in the event circumstances warrant expulsion of student, Gangs, Criminal or Illegal, which circumstances include sale of alcohol or illegal Within a School Setting drugs, and/or any other risk to student health or safety. The Board of Trustees believes that a safe and orderly Possession of felony amounts of a drug will also environment is essential to effective teaching and learning. constitute an example. Because the presence of criminal gangs represents a 4. A mandatory meeting between parents/student and substantial disruption of the physical and psychological school administration will be held prior to the student’s environment and a threat to the well being of students return to determine appropriate intervention tactics. and staff alike, the Board of Trustees prohibits students Interventions available include, but are not limited to: from participating in open gang activity and gang-related a. Ongoing substance abuse counseling behavior within the school setting. A “gang” is defined in b. Substance abuse assessment this policy as any ongoing organization, association or c. Help accessing inpatient treatment group of three or more persons, whether formal or informal, Second Offense: having as one of its primary activities the commission of 1. Notify parents as in first offense one or more disruptive or criminal acts; which conduct or 2. Notify police as in first offense promote activities prohibited by law, policy or rules and 3. A 10-day out-of-school suspension will be immediately regulations; which has an identifiable name or identifying imposed. Due process procedures will be followed. sign or symbol; and whose members, individually or 4. A meeting with parents/student and the administration collectively engage in, or have engaged in, a pattern of will be held to discuss the petition for expulsion and to such prohibited gang activity.

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Individuals who initiate, advocate or promote gang by a student that is willful and overt and interferes with activities that threaten the safety or well-being of persons the normal progression of academics and/or activities. or property on school grounds or at school-related activities The principal will make the final decision as to whether an or that disrupt the school environment are harmful to the incident is classified as disruptive behavior. educational process. Actions such as the use of hand Behavior Management Contract: If a student is signals, graffiti or the presence of any apparel, jewelry, engaged in habitually disruptive behavior, a behavior accessory, or manner of grooming which, by virtue of its management contract will be developed by the principal color, arrangement, trademark, symbol or any other attribute, or his/her designee with the assistance of the appropriate indicates or implies membership or affiliation with a gang will teaching and specialist personnel, and shall include an not be tolerated. These actions/behaviors are contrary to the opportunity for input by the student and his/her parent. school environment and educational objectives by creating The principal may develop such a plan prior to the fifth an atmosphere where unlawful acts or violations of school disruptive behavior incident report. policies, rules or regulations may occur. Discipline: Any student who violates his/her behavior Conduct involving initiations, hazing, intimidations, management contract and continues to engage in activities of criminal or illegal gangs that are likely to disruptive behavior shall be subject to suspension and cause bodily danger, physical harm, personal degradation, may be recommended for expulsion. Habitually disruptive humiliation resulting in physical or mental harm to students, students may be subject to involuntary transfer to a or intimidations that affect the attendance of another different educational setting. student is prohibited. Furthermore, no student on or about school property or Law Enforcement and School Administration any school activity shall: It shall be the policy of Natrona County School District a. wear, possess, use, distribute, display or sell any that a reasonably cooperative effort be maintained between clothing, jewelry, emblem, badge, symbol, sign, or other the school administration and law enforcement agencies. thing which is evidence of membership or affiliation in Law enforcement officials may be summoned to conduct any gang; an investigation of alleged criminal conduct on the school b. commit any act or omission or use any speech, either premises or during a school-sponsored activity or to verbal or non-verbal (gestures, handshakes, etc.), maintain the educational environment. showing membership or affiliation in any gang; Investigations: Principals and their designees shall c. use any speech or commit any act or omission in have the authority to conduct investigations and to furtherance of the interests of any gang or gang activity, question students pertaining to infractions of school including, but not limited to: rules, whether or not the alleged conduct is a violation of 1. soliciting others for membership in any gangs; criminal law. The principal shall determine the necessity 2. requesting any person to pay for protection or to contact law enforcement officers when the behavior of otherwise intimidating or threatening any person; persons jeopardizes the safety of students, school staff, 3. committing any other illegal act or other violation of or school property; interferes with the operation of the school district policies; and school; or requires an investigation of alleged criminal 4. inciting other students to act with physical violence behavior. upon any person. The principal may request that law enforcement officers Students shall conduct themselves in a manner conduct an investigation and question students who are appropriate to their age and maturity levels and with potential witnesses of such alleged criminal behavior respect and consideration for the rights of others while during school hours. A reasonable attempt will be made to on school-controlled premises; while on school-owned contact the student’s parents prior to questioning by law and/or -operated or -chartered buses; while attending enforcement officers. or engaging in school activities; and/or while away from Taking a Student into Custody: When an emergency school-controlled property if misconduct will affect the situation exists, the school principal may summon law safety of other school personnel or students. Violation of enforcement officials to the school to take a student into this policy will result in disciplinary action consistent with custody. A reasonable effort will be made to contact the district policy and state law, and may include notification to student’s parents, guardian, or representative immediately law enforcement, suspension, and/or expulsion. and such effort shall be documented.

Habitually Disruptive Students Misconduct Documentation A habitually disruptive student is one causing disruption Discipline records shall be a part of a student’s of the educational and/or activity process more than five cumulative records that shall be transferred to other times during one school year on school-controlled property, schools in Natrona County School District No. 1 when the at district-sanctioned activities, or on district-sponsored student changes schools. transportation. Disruptive behavior is behavior initiated

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Organizations and Clubs magnometer may be conducted: All school clubs and organizations must be considered a. when school officials have a reasonable suspicion that for their contributions to the improvement of the moral, a particular student is in possession of a weapon; social and educational experiences of the student body. b. to screen students attending extracurricular activities They operate under the authority of the superintendent and for the possession of weapons; Board of Trustees. c. to screen students entering the school premises for the regular school day for possession of a weapon. Parking Lot Usage Weapons found will be confiscated. Return of weapons Students permitted to park on school premises do so as a is a privilege, not a right, and the return thereof will be matter of privilege, not of right. Student automobiles parked at the discretion of the principal and subject to the right in parking lots are subject to inspections for unauthorized of law enforcement officials to confiscate said weapon. substances or articles. Illegal, contraband, or prohibited Surveillance Cameras: Video cameras may be used items that are in plain view may be seized without as part of the school security system and to prevent and student consent. Automobiles parked in parking spaces record disciplinary infractions. not reserved for students or improperly parked may be Student Publications ticketed, fined, or towed from the parking spot at student’s Student newspapers, other publications that are school- expense. School officials having reasonable suspicion of sponsored, and other printed materials shall not be the presence of contraband, illegal, or prohibited items may disseminated, distributed, or transferred without approval of search the automobile, confiscate the item(s), and subject the principal or his/her designee. the student to appropriate disciplinary action. Students parking on school property are deemed to have consented Suspension, Expulsion and Due Process to the search of their automobile by school officials. When a student is sent to the office of the principal “Student automobiles” include any automobile driven to or other building administrator in charge of discipline, and/or parked on school district property regardless of the following due process will occur: The student will ownership. Unsafe driving will result in loss of privileges. be advised of the nature of the misconduct and of the Fines and towing expenses incurred by students are debts proposed consequence to be administered. After due to the district. Failure to satisfy may result in denial of a consideration by the disciplinarian, including consideration diploma. of any appropriate information from the student, the Junior high school pupils must have written permission disciplinarian will advise the student of the consequence from their parents to drive motorized vehicles to school and being imposed. If the imposition of the consequence must agree to abide by each school’s regulations. involves the use of a performance contract or other appropriate forms or written documents, said documents Right of search will be completed and a copy furnished to the student. Student’s Person: The principals and/or administrators In the case of a proposed suspension of a student for charged by the Board of Trustees with the responsibility misconduct, a conference (informal hearing) will be held, at of supervising students during regular school hours and which time the student will be informed of the misconduct during school-related activities are authorized, in the course in addition to the evidence against him/her. The student will of carrying out their duty of maintaining school discipline, then be given the opportunity to present any information in to conduct a search of a student’s person within the his/her defense or as mitigating evidence. Upon completion confines of a reasonable expectation of personal privacy. A of the conference between the disciplinarian and the student’s person may include, but is not limited to, purses, student, the disciplinarian will announce the consequences backpacks, brief cases, book bags or outer garments. to the student, e.g., Lockers: Lockers are property of the school and a. he/she has been suspended; and are provided to students without charge. The school is b. he/she will receive a designated number of school authorized to open lockers and to examine the contents, days of suspension. Suspension may include not including personal belongings of students, when school only exclusion from regular class attendance, but officials have reasonable cause to believe that the contents restrictions regarding participation in school activities threaten the safety, health, or welfare of students, or or other attendance on school property, and prohibition contain suspected stolen property or items which are regarding riding on school buses. In any emergency specifically prohibited by law, board policy, or school situation, a suspension may be imposed without the regulation. Students are personally responsible for all informal hearing at the beginning of the process; in an contents in their lockers and are not to share their lockers emergency case, the informal hearing may be delayed with any other student. up to 72 hours. Parents will be notified in writing within Locker combinations must not be given to another 24 hours of the imposition of any suspension. student for security purposes. Principals may impose The superintendent of schools has been designated disciplinary consequences for violations of locker policies. by the Board of Trustees to act in their place to hear all Electronic Metal Detectors: A search with a petitions for expulsions. In the event of a recommendation www.natronaschools.org 36 2013-14 NCSD Student/Parent Handbook that a student should be expelled, written “Notice of Expulsion is considered a change in placement for a child Hearing” on the petition will be served to the student with a disability. The Board of Trustees/superintendent may and his/her parents. A formal hearing will be held before expel a child with a disability from school for a period not to the superintendent on any petition for expulsion unless exceed one school year if: the hearing is waived in writing by the student and his/ a. the school district determines that the child has her parent/guardian. Formal expulsion hearings will be engaged in conduct which would warrant expulsion of conducted in accordance with state statutes, board policies, such duration if the child were not disabled; and the rules of practice and procedure for formal hearings b. the Individual Education Plan team determines that the before the superintendent. When a student is expelled child’s conduct is not related to the child’s disability. from the Natrona County School District No. 1, that student Disciplinary removal of a child with a disability for more is barred from attending schools, from all activities, and than 10 cumulative days in a school year may not be a from bus riding privileges during the period of expulsion. change in placement if the child has NOT been subjected to Expulsion in one school district in Wyoming can be used a series of removals that constitute a pattern. More than 10 as the basis for excluding a student from attendance at cumulative days in a school year is a change in placement, schools in any other school district in the state of Wyoming. if a pattern exists. Services must be provided under IDEA to Records of suspensions and expulsions shall be kept as a child with a disability after the first 10 cumulative days in regular, confidential student records under federal and state a school year that the child is removed. law and school district policies. Tobacco Products Suspension/Expulsion of Students with Disabilities For the health, safety, and benefit of all students and A principal may suspend a child with a disability from employees, the Board of Trustees has designated all school for a period of no more than 10 consecutive school Natrona County School District properties, including days if the district determines that: vehicles, as tobacco/smoke free facilities. The use of a. the child’s behaviors pose a danger to self or others; or tobacco products by students, patrons, and employees on b. the child is engaged in conduct which would warrant any district site is prohibited. suspension for a child without a disability. All Schools: Student possession or use of any tobacco Removal of more than 10 consecutive days is a change product is prohibited in the school building and on property in placement. A school day is defined as “any day, including adjacent to school property, at school-sponsored activities, a partial day, that children are in attendance at school for or in school vehicles. Sanctions may include: instructional purposes.” A manifestation determination must First Offense Per Year: Educational intervention activity be conducted within 10 school days of any decision to or three-day suspension. Law enforcement will be notified change the placement of a child with a disability because of any student possession or use of tobacco products of a violation of a code of student conduct. The individuals where that student is less than 18 years of age. conducting the review must determine if the conduct in Second Offense Per Year: Educational intervention question was caused by, or had a direct and substantial activity or five-day suspension, only if not used after the relationship to, the child’s disability; or if the conduct in first offense. question was the direct result of the school district’s failure Third Offense Per Year: Maximum 10-day suspension. to implement the IEP. This suspension will end upon submission of proof that If the behavior is a manifestation of the student’s the student will or has attended a certified smoke stoppers disability, the school district must either conduct a functional program offered through a community agency. Attendance behavioral assessment, and implement a behavioral will be verified. Failure to follow through will invoke the intervention plan or review the behavior plan if the child remaining suspension days. already has one, and modify it to address the behavior Further Offenses Per Year: The school reserves the and return the child to the placement from which s/he was right to seek a petition for expulsion in extreme cases. removed, unless the parent and the school district agree to a change of placement as part of the behavior plan. Weapons If the behavior is NOT a manifestation of the student’s It is the intent of this policy to prevent dangerous items disability, the school is allowed to use the disciplinary from being brought into the school building. Dangerous procedures applicable to non-disabled students. However, items include things capable of causing harm to students, the school must continue to provide educational services faculty and staff, or the school facility. Possession and/ to enable the child to continue to participate in the general or use of any dangerous or deadly weapon in any school- education curriculum, although in another setting, and to controlled building, on school grounds, in any school progress toward meeting the goals set out in the child’s vehicle, or at any school-sponsored activity is prohibited. IEP; as well as conduct a functional behavioral assessment A student shall not possess, handle, transmit, or conceal and design a behavior plan to address the behavior so that any object that could be used as a weapon or cause harm it does not recur. to another person. This weapon definition includes any

www.natronaschools.org 37 2013-14 NCSD Student/Parent Handbook item that can be construed as a weapon, such as guns of any type, water and toy guns that resemble the real thing, Ninja stars, screw drivers, ball bats, slingshots, bludgeons, knives, or any pocketknife with the blade in an open position. Consequences: The possession or use of any firearm or explosive device shall require that proceedings for suspension, with the possibility of expulsion of the student involved, be initiated immediately as follows: a. Notify parents. b. Notify police (citation at police option). c. Notify superintendent of schools. d. Immediately initiate proceedings for suspension and/or expulsion of the student involved pursuant to provisions of Board Policy 5370 and Wyoming Education Code §21-4-305, 306.

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