Core Beliefs 1. Students are lifelong learners who deserve a globally competitive education 2. Students and educators are valuable human resources who deserve high quality instructional leaders 3. Educators are practitioners who deserve ongoing professional training 4. Students, parents, and community members are stakeholders who deserve an exceptional public education system

Mission Prepare every student for global leadership

Vision Educating global leaders

Strategic 5 Year Goals

TCSD will increase graduation rate to 85%, average ACT score to 20, and achieve AYP on state MCT2 and SATP exams.

TCSD will be one of the state’s top 10 districts for percentage of budget spent on Instruction.

TCSD will give parents and community members the platform to become involved participants in a transparent educational process.

TCSD will prioritize professional development for all educators to ensure high quality instruction for every student.

TCSD will adopt and enforce policies that support the teaching & learning process and ensure the safety of all stakeholders.

TUNICA COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT 2012-2013 CALENDAR

FIRST SEMESTER

AUGUST 2 Teacher’s First Day/Professional Development AUGUST 3 Professional Development (No Students) AUGUST 6 Students’ First Day SEPTEMBER 3 Labor Day Holiday SEPTEMBER 14 Professional Development (No Students) OCTOBER 9-11 1st Nine Weeks OCTOBER 19 Professional Development (No Students) NOVEMBER 19-23 Thanksgiving Break DECEMBER 17-19 2nd Nine Weeks DECEMBER 19 60% Day (Winter Break Begins)

SECOND SEMESTER

JANUARY 1 New Year’s Holiday JANUARY 2 Professional Development (No Students) JANUARY 3 Students Return JANUARY 21 Martin Luther King Holiday FEBRUARY 18 President’s Day Holiday FEBRUARY 22 Professional Development (No Students) MARCH 6-8 3rd Nine Weeks Exams MARCH 11-15 Spring Break MARCH 29 Good Friday Holiday APRIL 1 Good Monday Holiday APRIL 12 Professional Development (No Students) MAY 21-23 4th Nine Weeks Exam MAY 23 (60% Day) Students’ Last Day MAY 24 Teacher Work Day MAY 26 Graduation MAY 27 Memorial Day Holiday MAY 28 Teacher’s Last Day

BOARD OF EDUCATION (Mailing Address)

Mrs. Marilyn Young, President District 1 (662-541-5333) Mrs. Tomaka Henderson Cotton District 2 (662-541-4031) Mr. Larry Braziel District 3 (662-541-2256) Mrs. Barbara Conway, Secretary District 4 (662-357-3883) Rev. Joe Anderson District 5 (662-357-3780)

Regular meetings of the Board of Education are held in Library/Media Center on the Rosa Fort High School Campus located at 1100 Rosa Fort Drive, Tunica, MS, on the second Wednesday of each month at 5:00 p.m., unless otherwise announced.

ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF

Bernard Stephen Chandler Superintendent of Education Robert Beebe Principal - Tunica Elementary School Eva O’Neil Assistant Principal - Tunica Elementary School Dexter Green Principal - Dundee Elementary School Natasha Bates Assistant Principal - Dundee Elementary School [Vacancy] Principal - Robinsonville Elementary School Alisha Leflore Assistant Principal – Robinsonville Elementary School Glen Newson Principal -Tunica Middle School Sherry McKinney Assistant Principal – Tunica Middle School Derrick Dace Principal - Rosa Fort High School Bacardi Harris Assistant Principal – Rosa Fort High School Shirley Cathey Assistant Principal – Rosa Fort High School Dianne Daley Director – David Williams, Jr. Career and Technical Center Barbara Cage Special Services Program Coordinator Rosemary Hippensteel School Psychologist Gail Carter Federal Programs Coordinator Debra Dace Curriculum & Testing Coordinator Sherwonda Dunn Technology Coordinator Yulanda Austin Business Manager Jeffrey Taylor Assistant Business Manager Carolyn Steele Payroll Manager Katrina Porter Account Payables Manager Odessa Gibbs Fixed Asset Manager Robin Jones Personnel Director Shernina Carter Superintendent Secretary Angela Thomas Receptionist Yvonne Franklin Food Service Director Ricky Herring Transportation Director [Vacancy] Director of Maintenance

DISTRICT CONTACT INFORMATION

Tunica County School District Office of Superintendent P. O. Box 758 Tunica, MS 38676 www.tunicak12.org Phone: (662) 363-2811 Fax: (662) 363-3061

Dundee Elementary School Tunica Middle School 12910 Old Hwy 61 S 2486 Hwy 61 Dundee, MS 38626 P. O. Box 967 Phone: 662-363-1810 Tunica, MS 38676 Fax: 662-363-1695 Phone: 662-363-4224 Fax: 662-357-1058

Robinsonville Elementary School Rosa Fort High School 7743 Old Hwy 61 N 1100 Rosa Fort Drive Robinsonville, MS 38644 P. O. Box 997 Phone: 662-357-1077 Tunica, MS 38676 Fax: 662-357-1087 Phone: 662-363-1343 Fax: 662-363-4222

Tunica Elementary School Career Technical Center 690 School Street 2400 Hwy 61 P. O. Box 1289 P. O. Box 2618 Tunica, MS 38676 Tunica, MS 38676 Phone: 662-363-1442 Phone: 662-363-2051 Fax: 662-363-4221 Fax: 662-363-2052

Department of Curriculum & Assessment Alternative School 690 School Street (Rear); P. O. Box 758 1100 Rosa Fort Drive Tunica, MS 38676 Tunica, MS 38676 Phone: 662-363-5988 Phone: 662-363-2444 Fax: 662-357-1068 Fax: 662-363-2444

Janitorial & Maintenance Department Transportation Department 1100 Rosa Fort Drive 6129 Fox Island P. O. Box 758 P. O. Box 758 Tunica, MS 38676 Tunica, MS 38676 Phone: 662-363-4220 Phone: 662-363-2812 Fax: 662-363-2966 Fax: 662-363-1749

Parent Center Located on Tunica Elementary School Campus Phone: 662-363-5057 6

FOOD SERVICE CONTACT INFORMATION

Yvonne Franklin Food Service Director Central Office 662-363-2811 #225

Dundee Elementary School Cafeteria 662-363-1890 Dora Smith (Manager)

Tunica Elementary School Cafeteria (1) 662-363-3417 Shirley Winters (Manager)

Tunica Elementary School Cafeteria (2) 662-363-4729 Willa Turner (Manager)

Robinsonville Elementary School Cafeteria 662-357- 1085 Wonda Anderson (Manager)

Tunica Middle School Cafeteria 662-363-1968 Mary Fennell (Manager)

Rosa Fort High School Cafeteria 662-363-1436 Roman Fullilove (Manager) 7

SCHOOL DISTRICT ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

ADMISSION A student is not officially enrolled in school until all book fines from any school are paid; your book card is signed by your parent or guardian and returned; and your cumulative folder has been received from your previous school indicating your grades.

Please make sure that your registration forms are completely filled out. The information contained on them is required by the State of Mississippi and is necessary as part of your record. State laws require that pupils entering kindergarten must be five (5) years old on or before September 1st, and pupils entering first grade must be six (6) years old on or before September 1st. NO EXCEPTIONS WILL BE MADE! Presentation of a certified birth certificate, immunization record, and certification of residency along with a Social Security number is required of all students entering the Tunica County School District for the first time.

SCHOOL ENROLLMENT

All children reaching their sixth birthday on or before September 1st of each year must be enrolled in school that year.

A district attendance counselor will call on parents to find out why children of school age are not enrolled and/or why they are not attending school regularly.

Entrance Age The District will comply with age requirements for entry into kindergarten and grade one as follows:

Kindergarten: A child must have attained his/her fifth birthday on or before September 1 of the current year. Grade One: A child must have attained his/her sixth birthday on or before September 1 of the current year.

Any child who transfers from an out-of-state accredited public or private school in which that state’s law provides for first grade enrollment subsequent to September 1 shall be allowed to be enrolled if (a) the parent or legal guardian of the child was a legal resident of the state from which the child is transferring; and (b) such child was legally enrolled in a public or private school of that state for a minimum of four weeks; and (c) the Superintendent determines that the child was making satisfactory progress in the school from which he/she is transferring.

When ruled eligible according to policies and operating procedures for the Mississippi programs for exceptional children, a child may be enrolled in a program for the disabled prior to age six (6).

Reference: Mississippi Code of 1972 Statue §37-15-9

Following Suspension/Expulsion from Another School District

Students who are expelled or suspended by another school district and who subsequently apply for admission to the District shall not be eligible to enroll in any school until they are eligible for readmission to and have actually attended classes in their previous school following their suspension or expulsion.

Legal Guardianship – Non-Resident Students

The following procedures will be in force in regard to students who wish to attend the District under court- approved guardianship: 1) The court order must establish a guardianship for all purposes and not simply for the purpose of enrolling in or attending school. 2) Sufficient evidence must be provided to the District that the legal, full-time residence is that of the guardian.

3) Sufficient evidence must be available to show that the guardian acts on behalf of the child in other matters of importance. 4) The guardian must reside in the zone in which the student is attempting to enroll.

Students who attempt to enroll in school and who present guardianship papers must be sent to the central office for determination that the court-approved guardianship meets the above guidelines.

Students whose parents or legal guardians are non-residents of the State of Mississippi must apply to the central office for admission. Before application can be accepted for any specified school, it must be approved by the Board of Trustees.

Should a student, parents, or legal guardian give false essential information on the application form or personal data form, such student shall be subject to dismissal from the Tunica County School District.

The school system shall have the right to reject the application of any non-resident student who fails to meet satisfactory scholastic standards or who does not exhibit good conduct. Students expelled or suspended from other schools shall not be accepted.

LATE ENTRANCE

A student residing in the District who enrolls after the first day of the school year in the District must make up all work missed because of late enrollment. Failure to make up such work will be cause for withholding credit for the term’s work. All make-up work due to late enrollment must be completed as established under the make-up policy. A student who transfers into the District from a school within the continental boundaries of the United States shall be allowed five (5) school days for travel which shall not be counted in his/her total absences. A student who transfers into the District from a school outside the continental boundaries of the United States shall be allowed ten (10) school days for travel which shall not be counted in total absences. Any child who transfers from an out-of-state accredited public or private school in which that state’s law provides for first grade enrollment date subsequent to September 1 shall be allowed to be enrolled in the District if (a) the parent or legal guardian of the child was a legal resident of the state from which the child is transferring; and (b) such child was legally enrolled in a public or private school of that state for a minimum of four weeks; and (c) the Superintendent of the District determines that the child was making satisfactory progress in the school from which he/she is transferring.

STUDENTS ENROLLED FROM HOMESCHOOL

Students who have been home schooled and who seek placement in a Tunica County School will take the necessary term tests in all appropriate subject areas to determine assignment to classes.

RESIDENCY CERTIFICATION

According to Senate Bill No. 2177, “no minor child may enroll in or attend any school except in the school district of his residence, unless such child is lawfully transferred from the school in another school district in accord with the statutes of this state now in effect or which may hereafter be enacted.” In order to comply with this law, school districts are now being required to certify the residency of every student enrolled in the district. There are eight (8) documents which parents, legal guardians, or custodial adults may present to the school principal to certify residency. TWO of these are required. The acceptable documents are:

1. Filed Homestead Exemption 2. Mortgage Documents or Property Deed 3. Apartment or Home Lease 4. Utility Bills 5. Driver’s License 6. Voters Precinct Identification 7. Automobile Registration 8. Affidavit of Residency or District Representative Personal Visit

IMMUNIZATIONS/VACCINATIONS

The State Department has mandated that all students entering the 7th grade for the 2012-2013 school year receive a new 121 form, or shot record for Tdap Vaccination. Tdap (tentanus, diphtheria and pertussis) vaccination provides protection again whooping cough, a highly contagious disease that can be severe or fatal, especially in very young children. In order to enter school, all students entering the 7th grade must have documentation from a physician verifying that they have received a recent Tdap vaccination (at age seven or later). This includes new students, current students and transfer students in both public and private education.

Effective August 1, 2007,the following vaccines are required for school entry: 5- DTaP, 4- Polio, 3- Hep B, 2- MMR and 2- Varicella. Every student in kindergarten through grade 12 must present a certificate of immunization compliance from his/her doctor or from the health department. This certificate of compliance must be presented in order to attend school, even though all shot records are now up-to- date on school records.

In order to secure this certificate of compliance, it will be necessary for the student to go to the County Health Department or the office of his/her family physician, taking with him/her all official shot records. Before a child can register, the CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE must be presented. The validation of this certificate will become a permanent part of the student’s records and will be valid through grade 12. REMEMBER: No student may register or attend school until this certificate of compliance has been received by the school. If the doctor signs the certificate indicating that other doses are necessary, the student will be given ninety (90) days to complete the required immunizations; if they are not completed at the end of ninety (90) days, the child by law must be suspended until compliance is achieved.

Mississippi law requires that every student in grades K-12 have on file with the school one of the following before the student can be allowed to attend school even for one day: A. A Certificate of Compliance (MSDH form); B. An unexpired time-limited Temporary Compliance Form (MSDH form); or C. A combination of one of these with a Certificate of Medical Exemption (MSDH form).

The Certificate of Compliance is necessary for the enrollment of all students, Grades K-12. Students who previously had Certificates of Compliance in grades 2-12 in the prior year do not need new Certificates of Compliance for the current school year. Students required to have new Certificates of Compliance are the following: A. All students enrolling in kindergarten or first grade for the first time who have not been issued a certificate previously; 11

B. All students enrolling in a Mississippi school for the first time; C. All previously enrolled students with the original Certificate of Compliance marked “incomplete” and those who have a Temporary Compliance Form with an expired date.

Any student wishing to enter school without one of the above specified forms must be excluded until the proper form is obtained. The Mississippi Supreme Court has ruled that the exemption from required vaccination because of religious belief is invalid.

In regard to transfer students, the following will apply: Students wishing to enroll in school as in-state transfer students would require an appropriate compliance form within their cumulative folders. ALL SCHOOLS MUST SEND THE ORIGINAL COPY OF THE COMPLIANCE REPORT FORM IN THE CUMULATIVE FOLDER OF THE CHILD TRANSFERRING TO ANOTHER SCHOOL.

Students wishing to enroll in a Mississippi school from another state (out-of-state transfer) would present one of the three required Mississippi State Department of Health Compliance report forms noted above. Although the Certificate of Compliance Form was revised in July, 1989, it is not necessary to replace forms from previous years with the latest revisions.

County health departments or private physicians may issue a valid Certificate of Compliance or a Temporary Compliance Form. Certificates of Medical Exemption Forms must be approved by the local county health officer or his/her designee in addition to the child’s physician to be valid.

Both the Temporary Compliance Form and the Certificate of Medical Exemption for all students in school must be kept together in a separate file for ready access for compliance evaluation or outbreak control.

All Temporary Compliance Forms are time-limited and must be reviewed periodically to see that the student is in permanent compliance prior to expiration of the Temporary Compliance Form.

In instances where further information is required by the county health departments or the local health officer for the final disposition regarding immunization needs of a child seeking enrollment, a Temporary Compliance Form is given at the time of the request, provided a review of the case indicates that immediate attendance poses no apparent significant threat to the child or students or staff of the school.

A child is in compliance if he/she is enrolled with either a Temporary or a Full Certificate of Compliance on his/her first day of attendance, whether that first day is at the beginning of the school year or during the school term. The deadline for having forms on file in schools is not October or December. These are deadlines for reports only. The interval from the beginning of the school year to the filing of these Compliance Reports is not a “grace period” with regard to the obligation of the schools to have each child in compliance. This gives schools time to tabulate and complete the reports.

Both a Preliminary Compliance Report and a Final Compliance Report are required by the schools. Procedures require that the Preliminary Compliance Report be completed and sent to the immunization health program representative at the “return address” stamped on the report forms by October 1. The Final Compliance Report must be completed and returned by December 31. Forms for the Preliminary Report and instructions are available from the State Health Department.

WITHDRAWALS

Students withdrawing from school shall turn in all textbooks and library books checked out and pay any fines assessed on them. A transfer sheet showing school status will be given to the student transferring to allow admission there.

When a pupil withdraws from the District, the following procedures shall be used:

A. If the pupil withdrawing from the district is moving outside the school district, the principal of the school from which the pupil is withdrawing should be notified in advance as soon as practicable. B. The last day of attendance by the pupil shall be considered when there is confirmation from another school requesting records. C. The student’s cumulative record (Form 1 only) shall be forwarded to the school to which the student is transferring, upon written request by that school. This form should be brought up-to-date before being forwarded to the school.

Form 2 of the permanent record shall remain in the files of the school from which the student is withdrawing. However, when students transfer from one school to another within the District, both Form 1 and 2 shall be forwarded. If the school to which the student is transferring is outside the State of Mississippi, a duplicate of Form 2 and an individual test sheet shall be forwarded to said school.

The District will grant parents access to their child’s records, in accordance with the Family Rights and Privacy Act.

TRANSFERS

In accordance with state statutes now in effect and in conformity with current judicial decisions, the District will accept for enrollment students whose parents or legal guardians are certified personnel or instructional personnel of the district, provided that they meet requirements outlined in this policy.

Requirements governing the acceptance of transfer students for enrollment in the District are as follows: 1. The transfer of students to the District from another school district shall be by the mutual consent of the school boards of all the school districts concerned and said consent shall be given in writing and spread upon the minutes of such boards; 2. Parents must request a release from the district in which the student resides; the release must be sent to this District and placed on file; and the School District will not be responsible for requesting district maintenance funds for the education of students accepted from another school district. 3. Parents must apply in writing to the District for admission of the student; 4. The School Board may in its discretion approve the request for enrollment; 5. The District will not furnish any transportation for the transfer student, and the parent of the transfer student must furnish student transportation to and from school; 6. Students whose parents or legal guardians are personnel of the district will not be required to pay tuition; 7. For reasons of fairness and equity, out-of-district transfer students other than those described in #6 above will be required to pay tuition in advance on a quarterly basis (prorated for actual dates of attendance) in an amount approximating the previous year’s average per pupil ad valorem taxes collected by the local district for school purposes; 8. New transfer students will be required to present a properly documented behavioral statement from the previous school; 9. Refunds of tuition payments will be made only for whole quarters, and attendance during any part of a quarter will preclude refunding of payments for that quarter.

Students who make written requests for release from the District, stating their reasons, may be released according to state statutes if the School Board approves; however, the District will not make any payments for students released by the local district for enrollment in any other district.

The Board recognizes that students residing in the individual school zones must have priority in regard to the placement of students. All requests for transfer into the District shall be subject to administrative review and considered only on a space-available basis, with the administration to make all school assignments in accordance with federal court requirements, state statutes, and accreditation guidelines. In addition, the following guidelines will also apply: 1. Instructional personnel or certificated employees and non instructional or non-certificated employees who reside in the District may enroll their children in the schools where they teach. If a teacher has a child who is not in one of the grades in the school where the teacher is employed, the child must attend in the zone of residence unless special approval is given by the superintendent to attend outside the zone in which the teacher resides. 2. Instructional personnel or certificated employees, and non instructional or non-certificated employees who reside outside the District may enroll their children in the school where they teach. If the child is not in one of the grades in the school where the teacher is employed, he/she may attend the appropriate school that is most convenient to the route traveled or the nearest to the school where the parent teaches. If other circumstances dictate that it seems necessary to attend one of the other schools, the situation may be presented to the superintendent for his consideration.

ATTENDANCE REGULATIONS AND POLICIES ABSENCES/TARDIES/ATTENDANCE The entire process of education requires a regular continuity of instruction, classroom participation, learning experiences, along with studying. For children to be successful in school, they must attend school daily and be on time daily. All policies in this handbook in regard to absences and tardies, late entrance, checking in and out of school, make-up work, and attendance, etc., should be carefully read and adhered to. Questions concerning these policies should be addressed to the school principal.

MISSISSIPPI SCHOOL ATTENDANCE LAW

The school is required to report to the school attendance officer all unexcused absences. In order for an absence to be excused, according to school policy, the student must bring a doctor’s statement for illness. For other absences to be excused, they must meet school policy guidelines. Students may request a hearing to determine if an absence is excused. Parents found in non-compliance with this law, which allows for no more than twelve (12) unexcused absences for the year, are subject to having a petition filed with the appropriate court for child education neglect. This carries a fine of up to $1,000 or up to one (1) year in jail or both. Also, a child over ten (10) years of age can be declared a delinquent if he/she refuses to attend school.

ATTENDANCE ZONE: Board Approved: June 10, 2009

1. The attendance zone for the Robinsonville Elementary School shall be that part of Tunica County north of a line which shall: begin at the western boundary of Tunica County at Bordeaux Point in Township 4 South, Range 13 West; proceed due east along the northern boundaries of Section 34, 35, 36, 18, 16, 15, 14, and southern boundaries of Section 13, 18, and 17 to Old Highway 61 N; and proceed south to Abbay Drive; proceed east on Abbay Drive to U. S. Highway 61 N; then south along U. S. Highway 61 to Prichard Road; turn east on Prichard Road and proceed due east on Prichard Road to the Tate County line; then north to the De Soto County line. 2. The attendance zone for Tunica Elementary School shall be bounded to the north by the attendance zone line described for the Robinsonville Elementary School; and shall be bounded to the south by an attendance zone line that shall begin at the western boundary of Tunica County, Township 5 South, Range 13 West, and include Section 15, 14, 23, 3, and 2 and the north part of Section 22; then proceed east along the southern boundaries of Sections 4, 3, 2, 1, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 6, 5, 4, 3, and 2 to the Tate County line. 3. The attendance zone for the Elementary School shall be that part of Tunica County south of the attendance zone described as the attendance zone for Tunica Elementary School and proceed south to the Coahoma County and Quitman County boundary lines and east to the Quitman County, Panola County, and Tate County boundary lines. Students who live in the following areas should attend: Robinsonville Elementary Tunica Elementary Dundee Elementary Plantation Estates Apartments Residence West on Prichard Residence South of Josephine Rd Residence North on Abbay Road Sears Subdivision White Oak Residence on Perry Road Walker Cove Residence on Highway 4 Alpha Creek Subdivision Grant Subdivision Residence on Fish Lake Hambrick Subdivision North Park Kimble’s Road Buck Island Old Subdivision Henderson Residence North on Hwy 3 Residence in Mhoon Residence Christian Grove Road

And Prichard Landing/Cut Off - Levy Area Hollywood Clark Cove Residence on Henry Drive Bowdre Sutton Cove Hot Thornton Road Kirby Estates/ Shady Lane II Residence on McGee Street Residence South on Highway 3 And Prichard Residence on Riverview Dr All Residence in Robinsonville All Residence in the New Area Subdivision Area Residence on Jacks Ave Residence on Academy Dr. Cedar Ridge Cove

The purpose of the school attendance re-zoning is to equalize student enrollment at all elementary schools. Parents may call their local school, the school transportation department or central office if they have questions concerning the school bus route changes or the school attendance zone changes for the upcoming school year. Phone numbers are Dundee Elementary, 363-1810; Tunica Elementary, 363-1442; Robinsonville Elementary, 357-1077; Transportation Department, 363-2812; Central Office 363-2811.

All students enrolled in the District must attend school in the zone in which their parents or legal guardians reside.

Absences and Arrival/Dismissal Policy Arrival and Dismissal:

School Day Schedule School opens at 7:00 a.m. for breakfast and closes for students at 3:00 p.m. Instruction will begin at 8:00 a.m. All students must be off campus by 3:30 p.m. unless they have written approval by the Principal to stay late under the supervision of a certified teacher, who has certified in writing that such “late time” is for a valid educational purpose.

All students shall be at school at 7:30 a.m. All students who arrive after 7:45 a.m. are considered tardy. All students are allowed three (3) tardies per nine weeks grading period. Any student found to be in violation of this section of the student code is subject to the following as noted:

Tardies (Elementary, Middle and High Schools) (including periods) (Policy JBD) After the third and subsequent tardies, the students are subject to the following:

1. Written Warning to the student and parent 2. 1 day in school suspension and parent conference- (Middle & High School) Parent conference- (Elementary Schools) 3. Out of school suspension pending parent conference

END OF THE SCHOOL DAY All students who are not under the direct supervision of a teacher/coach/sponsor must clear the building and campus immediately.

CHECKING IN/CHECKING OUT

Checking In School

Elementary (Pre-K-5): If a student arrives to school after the instructional day has begun, a parent/guardian must sign the student in at the front office so that an admission slip is acquired for entrance in class.

Secondary (6-12): If a student is late getting to school, the student MUST report to the office to check in and get an admission slip. Students who arrive late will not be permitted to enter classes without an admission slip.

Grades 6-8 1. Upon arrival, students should go directly to the cafeteria for breakfast and then report to the Gym for morning announcements. 2. After morning announcements, students should immediately report to your homeroom class. 3. Middle school students are not allowed on any Elementary Campuses, the High School Campus nor the David Williams, Jr. Career and Technical Center without permission from the school office and/or principal.

Grades 9-12 and Career & Technical

1. Upon arrival, students should go directly to the cafeteria for breakfast. The principal my designate another area for standby as deemed necessary. 2. High School and Career & Technical Students are not allowed to be on the Elementary or Middle School campuses without permission from the school office and/or principal.

Checking Out of School (Policy JBDA)

Checking out of school is done in the following manner:

1. The student makes the parent/guardian aware of the time periods between classes in order to prevent instructional time interruptions.

2. The parent/guardian reports to the school office and signs the check-out list and the student is then cleared to depart the campus. Students will not be released from school unless the parent/guardian signs the student out. To be checked out, a student must have on file in the Principal’s office documentation that identifies who is authorized to “check out” the child.

Because time on task in the classroom is extremely important to the student’s success, checking out of school prior to the dismissal time is strongly discouraged. Doctor and dental appointments should be scheduled during non-school hours whenever possible. Students not following this procedure are subject to disciplinary action.

Absence: Excused and Unexcused (Policy JBD) Each of the following shall constitute an excused absence:

1. Illness or injury which prevents the student from being physically able to attend school.

2. When isolation is ordered by the county health officer, the State Board of Health, or an appropriate school official.

3. Death or serious illness of a member of the family, which includes grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles, brothers, sisters, stepbrothers, and stepsisters. The absences must be approved by the principal or his/her designee.

4. A medical or dental appointment documented with the proper excuse from the attending physician/dentist upon return to school.

5. Attendance at the proceedings of a court or an administrative tribunal if the student is a party to the action or under subpoena as a witness.

6. Observance of a religious event, with prior approval of the principal or his/her designee. (Approval should not be withheld unless, in the professional judgment of the principal or his/her designee, the extent of absence would adversely affect the student’s education.)

7. Attendance at an authorized school activity with the prior approval of the principal or his/her designee.

8. Participation in a valid educational opportunity, such as travel including vacations or other family travel, with prior approval of the principal or his/her designee.

9. An absence may be excused when it is demonstrated to the satisfaction of the principal or his/her designee that conditions are sufficient to warrant the child’s non-attendance. However, no absences shall be excused by the principal or his/her designee when any student suspensions or expulsions circumvent the intent and spirit of the compulsory attendance law.

All other absences except for those listed above are unexcused.

Elementary School Students (Pre-K-5)  Ten (10) absences may be excused by a note from a parent/guardian. Any additional absence after the ten (10) excused by a parent/guardian note must be excused by a note from a doctor or other documentation excusing said absence.

 Any documentation being given for excuse of absence(s) must be submitted to the principal or his/her designee within five (5) school days of returning to school unless granted an exception by the principal for extenuating circumstances.

 When a student has received three (3) absences, the parent/guardian will receive a call from the Tunica County School District Attendance Call Center.  When a student has received five (5) absences, the Tunica County School District Attendance Officer shall be notified within two (2) days by a school official.

Middle School Students (6-8)  Seven (7) absences may be excused by a note from a parent/guardian. Any additional absence after the seven (7) excused by a parent/guardian note must be excused by a note from a doctor or other documentation excusing said absence.

 Any documentation being given for excuse of absence(s) must be submitted to the principal or his/her designee within five (5) school days of returning to school, unless granted an exception by the principal for extenuating circumstances.

 When a student has received three (3) absences, the parent/guardian will receive a call from the Tunica County School District Attendance Call Center.

 When a student has received five (5) absences, the Tunica County School District Attendance Officer shall be notified within two (2) days by a school official.

High School Students (9-12)

 Five (5) absences may be excused by a note from a parent/guardian. Any additional absence after the five (5) excused by a parent/guardian note must be excused by a note from a doctor or other documentation excusing said absence.  Any documentation being given for excuse of absence(s) must be submitted to the principal or his/her designee within five (5) school days of returning to school, unless granted an exception by the principal for extenuating circumstances.

 When a student has received three (3) absences, the parent/guardian will receive a call from the Tunica County School District Attendance Call Center.

 When a student has received five (5) absences, the Tunica County School District Attendance Officer shall be notified within two (2) days by a school official.

All absences, excused or unexcused, will be recorded in the school’s office and on the student’s report card.

It shall be the responsibility of the student and or parent to request the makeup work after an absence. Requests for makeup work must be made in writing or person. No phone calls will be accepted.

Makeup for all grade levels shall be conducted as follows: 1 absence – 2 days 2 absences – 4 days 3 absences – 5 days 1 week or longer – 2 weeks

Senior Privileges: (Policy JOAB)

Senior Privileges – Early Release Seniors, whose parents request early release and have principal approval, may be allowed to attend a minimum of two (2) periods as deemed appropriate for graduation completion. Students receiving approval for early release must have reliable transportation to leave at the approved time, every day, and must not return to the home campus or visit any other District campus. The only exceptions to students being allowed to return to the home campus after school will be for students who occasionally need tutoring or to make up tests and who have a pass from the teacher. Early release 20 students will be allowed to attend school functions such as ball games, theater or music performances, dances, banquets, etc. Early release is not for students who want to participate in extra-curricular activities that meet or practice at the end of the school day, such as athletics, clubs, band, choir, etc.

Fifth Year Seniors If a student returns to the Tunica County School District as a fifth year senior, the student will only be required to enroll in needed courses. The student will not be required to attend two (2) classes.

RELEASE OF STUDENTS

Students should not be released before the end of the school day except under urgent circumstances where requested by a parent or legal guardian. Dismissals may be approved only by the principal or assistant principal in charge. In the event of the absence of both the principal and assistant principal, the authority to approve dismissal must be delegated in writing to a faculty or staff member. If someone other than a parent or legal guardian requests the dismissal of a student, the principal or other authority must not act on such request unless and until:

1) An authentic written request signed by a parent or legal guardian is made; and

2) Direct communication has been made with a parent or legal guardian for verification.

LEAVING CAMPUS No student is allowed to leave school for any reason without the permission of the principal. If a student becomes ill during the school day, the student must report to the office for permission to go home. If a parent or guardian desires that the student be dismissed for any part of a day, the parent or guardian must communicate with the principal in writing.

PARENT NOTE EXCUSE FORM

Student’s Legal Name______

Date of Absence(s):______

School:______

Homeroom Teacher:______

Please excuse ______(Student’s Full Name) for being absent on the days listed above. Please check the absence reason that applies.

______Illness or injury.

______Death or serious illness of immediate family member.

______Court appearance.

______Other reason. Explanation______

This excuse must be received within 3 days of your child’s absence. If an excuse is not received in the time required, the absence will be considered unexcused. If you have any questions, please contact the Attendance Clerk at the school.

Parent Signature______

Date:______

USE POLICY OF DAVID WILLIAMS, JR., CAREER AND TECHNICAL CENTER

The Career Center located in the Tech Prep building on the Rosa Fort Campus is for the use of the student body, faculty, staff, and community. The use of the center is a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate use will result in the cancellation of that privilege. The schools administrators may deny, revoke, or suspend a specific user’s access to the center.

Appropriate use reflects academic honesty and ethical behavior. Students must have a pass from their instructors or be escorted to the center by the instructor to use the center during the regular school day. Students are not allowed to use the center as study hall or neglect class work to use the center.

Community members are encouraged to use the Career Center by scheduling use time with the center’s technician. The center is opened from 7:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m., unless specific arrangements are made in advance. Please call 363-2051 to speak to the technician.

CAREER EDUCATION AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION (CTE) (Policy IN)

Tunica County Schools offers Career Education courses/programs at David Williams, Jr. Career and Technical Center located on the same campus of Rosa Fort High School. The skill/two-year programs prepare students for employment in the occupational area of his or her choice and/or prepare him or her for entry into advanced post-secondary career training programs in the same, or closely related occupational area.

The programs are designed to provide an opportunity for students to become aware of the world of work, to participate in appropriate career-oriented exploratory experiences, and to develop job skills in selected occupational areas. The Programs offered at David Williams, Jr. Career & Technical Center are:

Cluster Pathway Course Name Carnegie Credit Transportation, Distribution Automotive Automotive Service I * 2 & Logistics Service Technician (10th – 12th) Automotive Service II 2 Manufacturing Metal Fabrication Manufacturing Fundamentals I * 2 (10th – 12th) Manufacturing Fundamentals II 2 ~ Metal Fabrication ~ Architecture & Construction Construction Construction I * 2 Technology (10th – 12th) Carpentry Construction II 2 ~ Carpentry ~ Business Management & Management Business Fundamentals I * 2 Administration (Meets Graduation Requirement (10th – 12th) for ½ credit of Economics and ½ credit of Personal Finance) Business Fundamental II 2 ~ Management ~ Health Sciences Health Sciences Health Sciences I * 2 (Meets Graduation Requirement (10th – 12th) for ½ credit of Health) Health Sciences II 2 24

(Meets Graduation Requirement for 2 credits of Science) Agriculture, Food, & Natural Agriculture & Concepts of Agriculture Science * 1 Resources Cluster Environmental (Must take this course before (9th – 12th) Science enrolling in Animals or Plants and &Technology upon completing 1 credit of Science will be given) Science of Agricultural Animals 1 Science of Agricultural Plants 1 Personal Care Cosmetology Cosmetology I * 2 (11th Only) Cosmetology II 2 Note: * Prerequisite for second part of program

Other Career and Technical Education Courses:

 STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) 9th grade only o Meets Graduation Requirement for 1 credit of Business & Technology  Family and Consumer Sciences @ RFHS (9th – 12th) o Family and Individual Health (Meets Graduation Requirement for ½ credit of Health) o Family Dynamics ½ credit o Nutrition and Wellness ½ credit o Child Development ½ credit  Information and Communication Technology @ TMS o ICT I (7th Graders) – Prerequisite for ICT II o ICT II (8th Graders) - Meets Graduation Requirement for 1 credit of Business & Technology

David Williams, Jr. Career and Technical Center

Rules and Regulations All rules and regulations adopted by Rosa Fort High School and Tunica Middle School are in effect while in attendance at David Williams, Jr. Career and Technical Center.

Enrollment

Any student enrolled at Rosa Fort High School who is in the tenth or eleventh grade may enroll in any two- year career program offered at David Williams, Jr. Career and Technical Center if all prerequisites are met. First year students must make an appointment with the career-technical counselor, high school counselor, or student service coordinator for admission during the spring recruitment for one of the courses offered at the Career and Technical Center.

The counselors and student service personnel will assist the students in the selection process. Students are admitted into the program until teacher capacity is reached. Students are not discriminated against on the basis of race, sex, creed, religion, or handicapping condition.

Transfer Students Students who are enrolled in a career-technical program in another school district and transfers to a school in Tunica County will be considered for admission if David Williams, Jr. Career and Technical Center offers the same program of study in which the student was previously enrolled.

Student Check-In and Check-Out Policy

All students must check in and out at the high school. David Williams, Jr. Career and Technical Center will only accept students coming from the high school and dismiss students to the high school. Parents wishing to check students out from the vocational school must report to the high school office. Personnel from the high school office will contact the office at DWJCTC.

Live Work Policy

Live work shall be directly related to skill learned or being learned with approval from the instructor and the center’s director. The work must be scheduled in advance for the instructor to incorporate the project into the lesson plans. A fee will be assessed for all work. Fees are to be receipted in the student club activity account in the office of the director. All price lists are posted in the shops or classrooms.

The person or organization for which the live work project is performed shall assume all costs of materials, supplies, and parts associated with the work performed by students. The career/technical teacher is responsible for invoicing the person or organization for which the work is performed and the collection of all fees associated with the live work projects performed by students. Live work projects are not to be performed in competition with private enterprise. The career/technical education programs assume no responsibility for the results of the work being performed by students.

The Live Work Order Request and Agreement Form must be filled out before any work is done. The following persons are eligible to have work performed at the Career-Technical Center in priority order: currently enrolled vocational students; non-profit agencies; Board of Education employees; city, county, and state employees; and all others.

State Testing

All Career and Technical Education students will be required to take the Mississippi Career Program Assessment System (MS-CPAS exam) at the spring of the year. This exam will evaluate the student’s preparedness for the workforce/post-secondary education in that field.

MS- CPAS2- The Mississippi Career Planning and Assessment System (second edition) is the state vocational testing program. The purpose of the MS-CPAS2 is to assess local program performance in producing students with workplace readiness skills and to create a meaningful measure of accountability of the level of instruction and resulting student performance in occupational program areas.

GUIDANCE The purpose of the guidance program is to help each individual student achieve his/her highest growth mentally, emotionally and socially.

WE TRY TO DO THIS IN SEVERAL WAYS: 26

1. Helping the new student feel at home in our school with teachers and friends in a different setting. 2. Individual conferences whenever a student, a teacher, or the counselor deems it necessary. 3. A testing program designed to help learn as much as possible about his/her capabilities. 4. The counselor welcomes the opportunity to talk things over with any student, parent or teacher.

SCHEDULE CHANGES: Great care and effort has been made to insure that students have a schedule designed to meet their educational needs. Any requests for changes are to be made through the counselor’s office at a time to be determined. This time will be announced within a reasonable time at the opening of the semester. Requests will be considered solely on their educational merit.

PRE-ENROLLMENT PROCESS: The enrollment or registration process will usually take place during April of each year. Course planning guides listing course offerings may be obtained from the counselor’s office. In addition to a wide variety of college preparation selections, numerous vocational-technical programs are available. Early planning contributes to a better understanding of individual needs and a well- balanced educational program that addresses those needs.

MEDIA CENTER/LIBRARY

The library will be opened at 7:30 a.m. and remain open throughout the day. You are encouraged to use the library as much as possible. From time to time, it may be desirable for a student to visit the library during class time to do research. In such case, the student should first get permission, in writing, from the teacher in charge. Then upon entering the library, present the permission note and request help with your particular need.

Other Services and Required Course Offerings

Special Education Special Education services are provided to students who qualify under IDEA . Special education students will be given an option of working toward a special certificate or the Mississippi Occupational diploma prior to entering a special program in the ninth grade.

Homebound Services Board Revised/Approved: June 30, 2011 Tunica County Schools will provide services to those students with a ruling in special education who are medically fragile and cannot attend school. These services will also be provided to students with a special education ruling who experience a short term medical crisis situation. This service will be used to serve students on a short term basis who have a special education ruling and have been suspended from school more than the days allowed according to the Mississippi Policies and Procedure Section 300.536

English as a Second Language (ESL or ELL) English as a Second Language instruction is provided in the district. The primary goal of this program is to enable the student to become sufficiently competent in comprehending, speaking, reading, and writing for the successful mastery of the essential skills and knowledge in an English program.

PRE-KINDERGARTEN THROUGH KINDERGARTEN PROGRAM Possessing a good foundation before entering first grade is an important determinant of academic success and social adjustment. Kindergarten must be a time when children develop the social, emotional and physical skills necessary to cope with the more academic demands of the first grade. As such, kindergarten in the Tunica County School District will provide children with a balance of developmental and academic readiness skills appropriate for kindergarten students. 27

ADVANCED PLACEMENT COURSES (AP Courses) Advanced placement courses are college prep courses that students can take and earn college credits while in high school. Research and statistics show that students who take advanced placement courses score higher on ACT and SAT exams.

GIFTED EDUCATION The Tunica County School District offers a gifted education program termed- CSI: Challenging Students Intellectually. The mission of the Gifted Education Program – CSI is to identify the special needs of the intellectually gifted students in grades 2-6 and to give the appropriate instructional modification to expand the knowledge base of these students. All elementary students comprise the initial screening pool, and once a year, all second grade students will have the opportunity to be screened as potential candidates. Referrals are accepted form anyone who believes the student is eligible including parents and school staff. Information on the referral/identification process can be obtained from the district’s Office of Special Services. ASSEMBLIES (Policy JAC) Assemblies are to assist in educating our students, to help expose our students and patrons to the fine arts, and disseminate information.

TEXTBOOKS Fines Pursuant to Mississippi Code Section 37-7-30 1, the school boards of all school districts, as part of their duties to prescribe the use of textbooks, may provide that parents and legal guardians shall be responsible for the textbooks and for compensation to the school district for any books which are not returned to the proper schools upon the withdraw of their dependent child. If a textbook is lost or not returned by any student who drops out of the public school district, the parent or legal guardian shall also compensate the school district for the fair market value of the textbooks.

Students who fail to return textbooks at the end of the school year will be charged. Parents are responsible for all fines owed by the student(s). The school district will make every effort to collect monies owed in the current school year. If textbook fines are not paid before the beginning of the next school term, students will not be issued books until all textbook fines are paid or books are returned. This policy was implemented with start of the 2004-2005 school year. The first instance of a student not being issued books because he/she has not returned books or paid fines will take place beginning August of the 2005- 2006 school year. A. The labels on the inside covers of the textbooks shall be filled out completely before the books are issued to pupils. Duplicate textbook cards shall be made for all pupils receiving textbooks. Students must take their book cards home, have a parent/guardian sign their cards and return their cards to the appropriate teachers. These cards shall be filled out completely so that the identity and condition of the books issued are clearly shown. B. Teachers must record the condition of the book, the book number and the kind of book on the school copy and on the student copy. C. At the end of the session, upon transferring to another school, or at any other time ordered by the principal, all books shall be returned by the pupil, and the textbook card, signed by the teacher, shall be given to him/her as a receipt. The pupil shall present this card upon re-enrollment at the school next attended before any books are issued to him/her. D. If, at any time during the session, the pupil loses a book, he/shall be charged a replacement fee. This fee shall be based upon an average life of four (4) years for each book. Nevertheless, a minimum charge of not less than 1/4 the cost of the book shall be assessed for any lost book. All such losses and collection shall be reported to the principal.

E. Teachers, local custodians and superintendents distributing books to pupils are authorized to collect for any damage to, or excessive wear of, textbooks. The amount collected should be determined by the extent such damage has impaired the future use of the book and should be sufficient to impress upon parents and children the necessity for the proper care in the use of district- owned textbooks. F. Please refer to scale in regard to lost textbooks: 1. Books used less than 1 complete year – full price. 2. Books used less than 2 complete years – 3/4 price. 3. Books used less than 3 complete years – 1/2 price 4. Books used less than 4 complete years – 1/4 price 5. Books used 4 years or more – 1/4 full price. 6. A fine will be assessed to any student who abuses the use of the textbook. The amount of the fine will be determined by the extent of damage to the book.

Minimum Guidelines for Tunica County School District GED Option Program

1. The GED Option Program is defined through written policies approved by the local school board. Approved policies and procedures for the GED Option Program are published and available to the public for review. All policies and procedures for the operation of the GED Option Program will meet minimum requirements specified in Mississippi Code Section 37-13-92. Further, the program will meet the requirements and applicable policies of the State Board for Community and Junior Colleges as stated in Mississippi Code Section 37-35-1.

2. Selection procedures will ensure that students who enroll in the GED Option Program will not graduate with their class because of credit deficiency and are otherwise capable of completing graduation requirements. Recommendation for student participation in the GED Option Program will be made by a committee of school staff consisting of campus administrators, counselors, classroom teachers, and support staff. Documentation of the committee recommendation shall be maintained for each student. The criteria for student participation in the GED Option Program as outlined in Mississippi Code Section 37-35-3 will consist of the following:

a. The student will be at least 16 years of age; b. The student will be at least one (1) grade levels behind or have acquired less than four (4) Carnegie units; c. The student will have taken every opportunity to continue to participate in course work leading to a regular diploma; and d. The student will be certified to be eligible to participate in the GED course by the school district superintendent, based on the developed criteria to include that students demonstrate the ability to perform on the Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE) at seventh grade level. The TABE will utilize as the placement assessment.

3. According to the American Council on Education (ACE), students that have been referred to the Alternative Education Program for disciplinary reasons shall not be eligible for placement in the GED Option Program until behavioral modification goals for exiting the Alternative Education Program have been met.

4. The recommendation for placement in the GED Option Program will be approved by the superintendent of the school district. Students shall not be placed in a GED Option Program prior to obtaining written parental or guardian consent for placement. Documentation of parental consent for placement in the program will be maintained for each student.

5. Guidance counseling is required prior to enrollment in GED Option and will be available on a regular basis throughout participation in the program. Student motivation and individual needs are critical factors to consider when determining the quantity of counseling services Students will have access to certified counselors.

6. The GED component will remain under the supervision of the Alternative Education Administrator.

7. GED Option will offer a full range of instruction that aligns with the core content measured by GED Tests. Content will align with high school mathematics, writing, social studies, reading and science.

8. To ensure effective instructional delivery, sufficient instructional resources and qualified instructional staff will be assigned to instruct and supervise GED classes. Students will participate in the GED academic instructional program for a minimum of 15 hours each week. Content will include instructor- prepared material, standardized GED-instructional material from publishers, instructional materials from secondary publishers and developers. Workforce development instruction and activities will focus 31

knowledge, skills, and abilities required for securing and maintaining employment. GED Option instructional time and workforce development will total at least 27.5 hours weekly. GED testing will be set when a student has studied sufficiently to pass.

9. The student/teacher ratio in the GED Option Program will not exceed 15:1 with an exception of 20:1 when an aide is employed full time to assist the teacher.

10. The curriculum and instructional methodology will address the individual needs of each student as specified in an Individual Education and Career Plan (IECP) developed at the time of placement. The IECP committee (the committee will include an academic counselor, academic teacher, principal, and vocational personnel) will emphasize academic/instructional needs of the student, job readiness skills, and work experience options.

11. Under normal circumstances, students cannot circumvent the State’s Compulsory School Attendance Law or receive a GED certificate/diploma prior to their age equivalent peers. However, students in GED Option may be eligible to receive a GED equivalency diploma prior to their age equivalent peers and/or prior to reaching mandatory compulsory school age, as outlined in Mississippi Code Section 37-13-91, provided the district in which the student resides is in compliance with the minimum guidelines for implementing a GED Option Program in Mississippi School Districts. In addition, the district superintendent will submit a request to the Mississippi Department of Education (MDE), Office of Compulsory School Attendance Enforcement, Alternative Education/GED and Counseling for approval. There will be documentation to support the extenuating circumstance(s) for which the request is being made. The student will not be allowed to exit early until written approval from the MDE is given. Any abuse of this policy (i.e. habitually requesting that students exit early) will result in a review of the district’s GED Option program for future authorization.

12. The school district will comply with GED Option testing guidelines provided by the State Board for Community and Junior Colleges.

13. Evaluation of the student’s progress shall be conducted at regular intervals according to GED policy and the appropriate records shall be maintained and subject to the Mississippi Department of Education review.

14. The facility housing the GED Option Program shall be commensurate with facilities provided to other students by the local school district and shall meet minimum accreditation standards for public school buildings as required in the current edition of the Public School Accountability Standards. The GED Option Program shall not be housed in a vocational facility unless a request for waiver has been granted by the State Board of Education.

15. The cumulative folder and permanent record of each eligible student placed in an approved GED Option Program shall remain at and be maintained by the school of origin.

16. Evaluation of the student's progress shall be conducted at regular intervals according to GED policy and the appropriate records shall be maintained and subject to the Mississippi Department of Education’s review.

17. Appropriate assessment and evaluation of each student's educational progress shall be conducted at regular intervals according to established policy approved by the school board. Assessment and evaluation records will be appropriately maintained to ensure individual student confidentiality.

GRADING

It is the purpose of the Tunica County School System to conduct a well-planned and consistently administered student evaluation program. The primary function of a evaluation program is to measure each student’s academic process.

A number of factors may be used in determining the pupil’s grade: daily class work, homework, class participation, test grades, special projects, etc. Parents are invited to contact teachers, counselor, and/or administrators concerning any questions relative to a pupil’s progress.

CUSTODIAL PARENT

The Tunica County Schools will be responsible for issuing report cards, progress reports, and other necessary reports only to the custodial parent (defined as the parent with whom the student resides during the school year). Copies of report cards will be given to non-custodial parents upon written request to the principal.

GRADING PRE-K THROUGH

KINDERGARTEN Methods of Evaluating

Students

The Early Prevention of School Failure Assessment Model is being used for determining program eligibility for Pre-Kindergarten. The information learned about each child will be used to plan specific activities to address the individual needs of the child. Additionally, students will participate in district-wide testing to determine student learning and identify growth. Benchmark testing will be conducted three times per year to see how much progress the child has made. Report cards will be sent home every nine-week grading period and parent conferences will be held throughout the year. Should parents wish to talk with teachers about their child’s progress, they should make an appointment by calling the school office.

Grades 1-5 A. There will be four (4) grading periods of nine (9) weeks each. B. A minimum of 5 major test grades and 16 additional grades which results in a minimum total of 21 grades will be recorded for each student in each academic course in each nine (9) weeks grading period unless a written exception is granted by the principal. Major tests shall be counted as 50% of the nine (9) weeks grade. C. Nine (9) weeks tests shall count 20% of the nine (9) weeks average. D. Student evaluations such as quizzes, daily class work, homework, and class participation shall count a maximum of 30% of a nine (9) weeks average, exclusive of the ninth week for testing. E. Semester averages will be computed. Yearly grades shall be the average of the two (2) semester grades. F. All written work shall be returned to students within three (3) days for parental viewing. (Exceptions include book reports, term papers, major writing projects). G. All grades shall be recorded in the electronic grade book (SAMS 7). A description of the type of evaluation should be included such as major tests, homework, class work, quiz, etc.

EXAMPLE: Major Test Average 80 Homework/Quiz Average 90 Nine Weeks Test Grade 94

Average 80+80+80+80+80+90+90+90+94+94 = 858 = 86 10 10

PROMOTION/RETENTION IN PRE-KINDERGARTEN THROUGH KINDERGARTEN

It is not mandatory that children participate in kindergarten. Therefore, the district will not retain pupils in kindergarten unless recommended by the professional staff and agreed to by the parent(s).

PROMOTION POLICY (Grades 1-5)

Student performance on the course objectives must be used as the principle basis for determining whether a student fails or passes for each elementary school grade. Students in grades 1-5 must earn a minimum yearly average of 65% in reading and math and a minimum yearly average of 65% in two of the other three core courses (science, language arts and social studies) to be promoted to the next grade. Failure in reading, language arts or math will result in retention.

GRADE 3 BENCHMARKS

All students in grade 3 are required to meet the State benchmarks as denoted on the Mississippi Curriculum Test 2. All 4th grade students who score at the minimal level on the 3rd grade MCT2 will be automatically referred to the Response To Invention (RTI) formally known as Teacher Support Team (TST) as required by the Mississippi Department of Education.

GRADES 6-12 A. There will be four grading periods of nine weeks each. B. A minimum of 5 major test grades and 16 additional grades which results in a minimum total of 21 grades will be recorded for each student in each academic course in each nine (9) weeks grading period unless a written exception is granted by the principal. Major tests shall be counted as 1/2 of the nine (9) weeks grade. C. Nine weeks tests shall count 1/4 of the nine weeks average. D. Student evaluations such as quizzes, homework, and class participation shall count a maximum of 1/4 of a nine weeks exclusive of the ninth week for testing. E. Semester averages will be computed. Yearly grades shall be the average of the two semester grades. F. All graded written work shall be returned to students within three (3) days for parental viewing. (Exceptions include book reports, term papers, major writing projects). G. All grades shall be recorded in the grade book. A description of the type of evaluation should be included such as major test, homework, class work, quiz, etc.

EXAMPLE:

Major Tests Average 80 Homework/Quiz Average 90 Nine Weeks Test 94 Average: 80 + 80 + 90 + 94 = 344 = 86 4

PROMOTION POLICY (Grades 6-8)

Student performance on the course objectives must be used as the principle basis for determining whether a student fails or passes for each elementary school grade. Students in grades 6-8 must earn a minimum yearly average of 65% in reading/language arts and math; and a minimum yearly average of 65% in one of the two other core courses (science or social studies) to be promoted to the next grade.

GRADE 7 BENCHMARKS

All students in grade 7 are required to meet the State benchmarks as denoted on the Mississippi Curriculum Test 2. All 8th grade students who score at the minimal level on the 7th grade MCT2 will be automatically referred to the Response to Intervention (RTI) formally known as Teacher Support Team (TST as required by the Mississippi Department of Education.

PROMOTION POLICY (GRADES 9-12)

Promotion in grades 9-12 is based upon earning Carnegie Units. A Carnegie unit or half-unit is earned when a student completes the course with an average of 65 or higher. Half units are earned in courses designed to be completed in one semester.

CLASSIFICATION OF STUDENTS

The classification of students for high school will be as follows for students in 10th grade or higher as of the 2012-2013 school year:

Freshman – Students who have passed from the eighth grade. Sophomore – Students who have earned six (6) Carnegie units and passed English 9. Junior – Students who have earned twelve (12) Carnegie units and passed English 10. Senior – Students who have earned eighteen (18) Carnegie units and passed English 11.

The classification of students for high school will be as follows for students entering 9th grade in 2012-2013 and later:

Freshman – Students who have passed from the eighth grade. Sophomore – Students who have earned seven (7) Carnegie units and passed English 9. Junior – Students who have earned fourteen (14) Carnegie units and passed English 10. Senior – Students who have earned twenty-one (21) Carnegie units and passed English 11.

CREDIT COURSE RECOVERY (Policy IDCAB) Credit Recovery has been defined by the Mississippi State Department as a course-specific, skill-based learning opportunity for students who have previously been unsuccessful in mastering content/skills required to receive course credit or earn promotion.

Tunica County School District has set up a credit recovery program to help struggling students graduate. Students must go through an application process and be approved by the administration before participation will be allowed. (Board approved on July 15, 2009)

Grading Procedures for Weighing of Accelerated and Advanced Placement Courses The following procedures will go into effect for 2011 seniors and all seniors’ classes thereafter: Grades for students in Accelerated and Advanced Placement courses will be weighed using the following formula: 3% will be added to all Accelerated grades and 5% will be added to all Advanced Placement grades. 36

Example: An Accelerated grade of 86 would be calculated as 86 x 1.03 = 88.5800 An Advanced Placement grade of 86 would be calculated as 86 x 1.05 =90.3000

All grades will be carried out to four (4) decimal places.

Student GPA calculations will be made using the current 10-point scale to include 2011 senior grades received during their 9th -12th grade years. The same procedure will be used for graduates in subsequent years.

Exemption Policy (Grades 6-8) Students in grades 6-8 may be exempt from semester and final exams if the following criteria are met:

1. The student has a ninety (90) or above semester average in the course and has not missed more than three (3) days of class.

2. Students assigned to the Tunica County School District Alternative School or students who are suspended at any time during a semester will forfeit the right to exemption from final exams for the semester in which the infraction occurred.

Exemption Policy (Grades 9-12) Students in grades 9-12 may be exempt from end of course final exams for full credit and half credit courses if the following criteria are met:

1. The student has a ninety (90) or above semester average in the course and has not missed more than three (3) days of class.

GRADE POINT AVERAGE FOR SENIORS The grade point average (GPA) for seniors at Rosa Fort High School will be computed at the end of the seventh (7th) semester of course work for each school term. The GPA is used to select the valedictorian, salutatorian and to determine class rank. In order to determine the Grade Point Average for students the following scale will be used: Grade Point Numerical Grade Average 100-99 4.0 98-97 3.9 96-95 3.8 94-93 3.7 92-91 3.6 90-89 3.5 88-87 3.4 86-85 3.3 84-83 3.2 82-81 3.1 80 3.0 79 2.9 78 2.8 77 2.7 76 2.6 75 2.5 74 2.4 73 2.3 72 2.2 71 2.1 70 2.0 69 1.8 68 1.6 67 1.4 66 1.2 65 1.0 Below 65 No Points

SPECIAL EDUCATION EXCEPTIONS

Grading Policy for High School Students with Individual Education Plans

Special education students who are on Occupational Diploma or Certificate tracks may receive a passing grade of D with a grade of 60-70 in regular education classes if designated in student’s IEP. This is an IEP team decision, dependent on the abilities and needs of each student. Accommodations and modification must still be made according to the IEP. If a student with an IEP is receiving a Traditional Diploma, the student must meet the same standards as regular education students but with accommodations and modifications designated in the student’s IEP.

Failure In Special Education Program Any student with a disability who does not meet course requirements, even though the adaptations necessary to adjust for the student’s disability have been made, may receive a failing grade. If it is obvious, however, that the student with a disability cannot function socially, emotionally or educationally in a regular class, the student’s IEP should be revised.

PROGRESS REPORTS – GRADES K-12 Each student’s progress will be evaluated in the middle of each nine-week grading period. The student will receive an interim report detailing his/her progress or lack thereof. Parents should review this interim report and, based on noted concerns, should make arrangements to have a conference with the teacher(s). Conferences will be conducted during the teacher’s planning period or after 3:30 p.m. in the counselor’s office. Parents wishing to arrange a conference will be assisted in doing so by the counselor and the school secretary. Report Cards/Academic Credit – grades 1-12 Each pupil is to be issued a report card indicating subject grade, attendance, and conduct for every nine-weeks. Every student will receive a complete report according to the dates indicated on the school calendar that is a part of this handbook. Grades indicating the pupil’s standing in each course of study will be shown by numbers. The numbers will indicate work abilities by the following numerical range:

A 100-90 B 89-80 C 79-70 D 69-65 F Below 65

Kindergarten E Exceeds Standards M Meets Standards B Below Standards n/a not applicable or covered during the indicated grading period

A written review test will be given during the ninth week of each nine-week period and included in the student’s average grade. A notation of “I” will be made if the student has not completed work required during any nine-week period, including all tests, if a valid cause is identified and accepted. The grade “I” will become an “F” if the make-up work is not satisfactorily completed before cards are issued again.

CONDUCT GRADES A pupil’s conduct will be evaluated by the teacher. The grades will be shown by the following method:

E Excellent S Satisfactory N Needs Improvement CHEATING Whenever a student is guilty of cheating, the teacher shall collect the student’s paper, mark a “Zero” for the work and notify the parent and office immediately as to the action taken. The parent shall be notified that a second offense will bring automatic suspension from school.

HONOR ROLL Students demonstrating high academic success will be recognized at the end of each grading period by the following honor rolls and the stated criteria:

Principal’s List - Students must receive all A’s Honor Roll - Students must receive all A’s and B’s or All B’s PLEASE NOTE: Because academic achievement cannot be separated from citizenship, any student who fails to conduct himself/herself in the manner expected of students will not receive honor roll recognition regardless of grades reported (no referrals, detentions, ISS, suspensions, etc.)

AWARDS Students must be in good standing with all school policies and/or rules to officially receive any award granted by the School District.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS (Policy IHF) GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

STATE GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS Each student graduating from a secondary school in an accredited school district will have earned the required Carnegie units. Any student who completes the minimum graduation requirements as specified below and has achieved a passing score on each of the required high school exit examinations is eligible to receive a high school diploma.

Students who entered 9th grade in 2008-2009 or later (anticipated graduation of 2012 or later) are required to earn 24 Carnegie units to meet Tunica County School District’s graduation requirements. Four (4) of these units must be in English; four (4) units in mathematics; four (4) units in science; four (4) units in social studies; one (1) unit in physical education(1/2) /health (1/2); one (1) unit in business and technology; one (1) unit in the arts and five (5) units in electives.

TUNICA COUNTY GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS Students who entered 9th grade in 2012-2013 or later (anticipated graduation of 2016 or later) are required to earn 26 Carnegie units to meet Tunica County School District’s graduation requirements. Four (4) of these units must be in English; four (4) units in mathematics; four (4) units in science; four (4) units in social studies; one (1) unit in health and physical education ( physical education(1/2) /health (1/2); one (1) unit in business and technology; one (1) unit in the arts and seven (7) units in electives.

State Testing In order to receive a high school diploma, all students must take and past the four required Subject Area Tests. They are:

Algebra I Biology I English II U.S. History from 1877

Passage of the required Subject Area Test is a separate requirement towards graduation and SHALL NOT be the criteria for awarding Carnegie unit credit.

AS OF THE 2007-2008 SCHOOL YEAR ALL SPECIAL EDUCATION STUDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO TAKE ALL SUBJECT AREA TESTS BEFORE GRADUATING.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS STANDARD 20

SENIORS OF SCHOOL YEAR 2011-2012 and later (Entering ninth graders in 2008-2009)

Beginning with the school year 2008-2009 and thereafter, all entering ninth graders (seniors of school year 2011- 2012 and later) will be required to have a minimum of 24 Carnegie units as specified below, unless their parent/guardian requests to opt the student out of these requirements. Any student who is taken out of these requirements will be required to complete alternately approved graduation requirements.

CURRICULUM AREA CARNEGIE REQUIRED SUBJECTS UNITS ENGLISH 41 English II

MATHEMATICS 42 Algebra I

3 SCIENCE 4 Biology I

SOCIAL STUDIES 1 World History 4 1 U.S. History ½ Geography ½ U.S. Government ½ Economics ½ Mississippi Studies4

HEALTH & PHYSICAL 15 ½ Comprehensive Health or ½ 6 Family and Individual Health and ½ Physical EDUCATION 7 Education BUSINESS & TECHNOLOGY 16 1 Computer Discovery or ½ Keyboarding and ½ Computer Applications THE ARTS 1 Any approved 500.000 course or completion of the 2-course sequence for Computer Graphics Technology I and II ELECTIVES 5

TOTAL UNITS REQUIRED 24

PARTICIPATION IN GRADUATION CEREMONIES: In order to participate in district graduation ceremonies, ALL district and state requirements MUST be fulfilled.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS STANDARD 20 SENIORS OF SCHOOL YEAR 2011-2012 (Entering ninth graders in 2008-2009)

1 Compensatory Reading and Compensatory Writing may not be included in the four English courses required for graduation; however, these courses may be included in the 5 general electives required for graduation.

2 Compensatory Mathematics and any developmental mathematics course may not be included in the four mathematics courses required for graduation; however, these courses may be included in the 5 general electives required for graduation. Students are prohibited from taking Pre-Algebra or any other lower level math after successfully completing Algebra I. One of the four required mathematics units may be in Drafting if the student completes the 2-course sequence for Drafting I & II. Beginning school year 2007-2008 for all entering eighth graders, at least two of the four required mathematics courses must be higher than Algebra I. Effective with the eighth graders of 2008-2009, Pre-Algebra and Transition to Algebra may not be taken after a student completes Algebra I. The allowable mathematics courses that can be taken which are higher than Algebra I are: Geometry, Algebra II, Advanced Algebra, Trigonometry, Pre-Calculus, Calculus, AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, Discrete Mathematics, Statistics, and AP Statistics. Effective with the eighth graders of 2004-2005, Pre-Algebra, Transition to Algebra, and Algebra I, may be taken in the eighth grade for Carnegie unit credit. Effective with the eighth graders of 2008-2009, Geometry may be taken in the eighth grade for Carnegie unit credit.

3 One unit may be in Introduction to Agriscience, Concepts of Agriscience, Science of Agricultural Plants, Science of Agricultural Animals, or Science of Agricultural Environment. Two units may be in the following courses if the student completes the 2-course sequence: Agriscience I & II; Allied Health I & II; Aquaculture I & II; Forestry I & II; Horticulture I & II; Plastics and Polymer Science I & II; and Technology Applications I & II. Two units may be earned by completing the AEST 3-course sequence: one unit in Concepts of Agriscience; one unit in Science of Agricultural Animals or Science of Agricultural Plants, or Science of Agricultural Environment; and one unit in Agribusiness and Entrepreneurship. Beginning school year 2008-2009 for all entering eight graders, one unit must be a lab-based physical science. The allowable lab-based physical science courses are Physical Science, Chemistry I, Chemistry II, AP Chemistry, Physics I, Physics II, AP Physics B, AP Physics C – Electricity and Magnetism, and AP Physics C – Mechanics. 4 The credit earned for a State/Local Government course in any other state by an out-of-state transfer student who enters after the sophomore year can stand in lieu of Mississippi Studies or Mississippi State and Local Government. If the transfer student took a State/Local Government course in a grade level that did not award Carnegie unit credit, then any other ½ unit social studies course may be accepted. An out-of-state student who transfers after the junior year may substitute any other ½ unit social studies course.

5 Credit earned in Allied Health I/Health Science I may be accepted in lieu of Comprehensive Health or Family and Individual Health to meet the graduation requirement for ½ Carnegie unit in Health.

6 Evidence of proficiency in Keyboarding and Computer Applications is accepted in lieu of the required courses if the student earns one unit in any of the courses listed in the Business and Technology Framework (academic and vocational).

7 Carnegie units (up to one each school year) in physical education may be received from participation in interscholastic athletic activities, band, and ROTC if they meet the instructional requirements specified in the Fitness through Physical Education Framework. Interscholastic athletic activities used for Carnegie unit credit must be sanctioned by the Mississippi High School Activities Association

SENIORS OF SCHOOL YEAR 2015-2016 and later (Entering ninth graders in 2012-2013)

Beginning with the school year 2012-2013 and thereafter, all entering ninth graders (seniors of school year 2015- 2016 and later) will be required to have a minimum of 26 Carnegie units as specified below, unless their parent/guardian requests to opt the student out of these requirements. Any student who is taken out of these requirements will be required to complete alternately approved graduation requirements.

CURRICULUM AREA CARNEGIE REQUIRED SUBJECTS UNITS ENGLISH 41 English II

MATHEMATICS 42 Algebra I

3 SCIENCE 4 Biology I

SOCIAL STUDIES 1 World History 4 1 U.S. History ½ Geography ½ U.S. Government ½ Economics ½ Mississippi Studies4 HEALTH & PHYSICAL 15 ½ Comprehensive Health or ½ 6 Family and Individual Health and ½ Physical EDUCATION 7 Education BUSINESS & TECHNOLOGY 16 1 Computer Discovery or ½ Keyboarding and ½ Computer Applications THE ARTS 1 Any approved 500.000 course or completion of the 2-course sequence for Computer Graphics Technology I and II ELECTIVES 7

TOTAL UNITS REQUIRED 26

1 Compensatory Reading and Compensatory Writing may not be included in the four English courses required for graduation; however, these courses may be included in the 7 general electives required for graduation.

Algebra may not be taken after a student completes Algebra I. The allowable mathematics courses that can be taken which are higher than Algebra I are: Geometry, Algebra II, Advanced Algebra, Trigonometry, Pre-Calculus, Calculus, AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, Discrete Mathematics, Statistics, and AP Statistics. Effective with the eighth graders of 2004-2005, Pre-Algebra, Transition to Algebra, and Algebra I, may be taken in the eighth grade for

Carnegie unit credit. Effective with the eighth graders of 2008-2009, Geometry may be taken in the eighth grade for Carnegie unit credit.

5 Credit earned in Allied Health I/Health Science I may be accepted in lieu of Comprehensive Health or Family and Individual Health to meet the graduation requirement for ½ Carnegie unit in Health.

PARTICIPATION IN GRADUATION CEREMONIES: In order to participate in district graduation ceremonies, ALL district and state requirements MUST be fulfilled.

Grade Level Testing Program (GLTP)

MISSISSIPPI CURRICULUM TEST 2ND EDITION- MCT 2 Grade level testing in grades 3-8 is designed to assess a student’s depth of knowledge on outlined standards of learning.

5TH & 8TH GRADE SCIENCE

These tests are designed to assess student learning based on the 2010 science frameworks at each grade level.

4TH, 7TH & 10th GRADE WRITING These tests are designed to assess student learning of standards outlined in the 2006 Language Arts Frame- works. Student writing is assessed based on their responses to narrative, informative and persuasive prompts in grades 4 and 7. Grade 10 students respond to expository, position, or response to literature prompts.

SUBJECT AREA TESTING PROGRAM-(SATP) Includes end of the course tests in Algebra I, English II, U.S. History from 1877 and Biology I.

The Algebra I test measures a student’s knowledge of and skill level in applied algebra. The test consists of 65 multiple choice items.

The English II test measures knowledge of language conventions, reading comprehension, and effective writing skills according to competencies found in the Language Arts Curriculum Framework. The test consists of two separate administrations: English II Multiple Choice and English II Writing.

The U.S. History from 1877 test measures important historical knowledge and real- world skills. Students read and interpret statistical data, maps, charts, and tables. The test consists of 89 multiple choice questions. The Biology I test measures a student’s knowledge of basic biological concepts, the use of science skills, and the application of biology of real-world problem solving and decision making. The test consists of 89 multiple choice items which may include charts diagrams, or graphs.

The Biology I test measures a student’s knowledge of basic biological concepts, the use of science skills, and the application of biology of real-world problem solving and decision making. The test consists of 89 multiple choice items which may include charts diagrams, or graphs.

General Operational Information

ANNOUNCEMENTS Daily announcements will be made using the public address system at the beginning and end of each school day. The public address system will be used only for urgent bulletins that cannot be handled in any other way. Classes will be interrupted for these announcements only when necessary.

VISITORS

We welcome visitors, but require that all visitors report to the office to obtain a visitor’s pass before entering the halls, cafeteria, library or classrooms.

Tunica Elementary, Dundee Elementary, Robinsonville Elementary, Tunica Middle, Rosa Fort High, and David Williams, Jr. Career and Technical Center encourage parents, guardians, and patrons to visit the school. All visitors MUST report to the Principal’s office upon arrival on campus! Students cannot bring visitors to school with them (example: brother, sister, other younger relatives, or guests).

APPEARANCE OF BUILDINGS AND CAMPUS CARE OF SCHOOL PROPERTY Taking pride in one’s surroundings is good training in citizenship. The school buildings and the campus can be kept attractive with the cooperation of students and all school personnel. Trash and empty paper cups should be deposited in containers, and restrooms should be kept clean.

LOST AND FOUND The principal’s office should be notified immediately of items that are lost. If any items are found, they should be turned in to the office. Writing the student’s name on his/her clothing will help us identify owners of lost articles. Articles found in and around school should be turned in to the main office, where the owners may claim their property by identifying it.

TELEPHONE USAGE

The telephone in the office is for business only. No messages will be delivered to students unless it is an extreme emergency. PERSONAL MESSAGES ARE NOT DELIVERED TO STUDENTS. It is important that students are provided an appropriate environment for study. In emergency cases and with staff permission, students will be allowed to use the office telephones.

BACK PACKS/BOOK BAGS – GRADES Pre-K - 12 Back packs or book bags may be brought to school and may be subject to search. By bringing a back pack or book bag to school, a student hereby consents to a search of the contents of the back pack or book bag by school personnel.

DELIVERY OF GIFTS Since this is an educational institution and time on task is extremely important, we will not deliver balloons, candy, flowers and/or gifts of any nature to our students. We do not have the time or personnel to deal with these situations.

HALL PASSES Students should be in the halls only at the beginning and the close of school or when moving from one class to another, unless they have special permission or duties that require them to be there. Students must have a hall pass when in the halls during class time.

CELLULAR PHONES AND OTHER PROHIBITED DEVICES (Policy IL/JCDAF) Board Approved: June 30, 2011 The Tunica County School District has determined that cell phones have limited or no educational value and their use may create a distraction to the learning environment. Student possession of cell phones in the Tunica County School District is not allowed. In addition to cell phones, other electronic devices not permitted on school grounds including the following: Beepers, CD Players, Cassette players, radios, pagers, PDA’s, Palm Pilots, I- PODs or any device not normally associated with the normal operation of school. Consequences for having any prohibited devices are as follows:

OFFENSE CONSEQUENCES First Time Devices are confiscated and only return to parent/legal guardian. Devices may only be picked up on Friday between the hours of 3:00 – 3:30 p.m.

Second Time Devices are confiscated and only return to parent/legal guardian. You will be fined a $25 violation fee. This fee must be paid before the item is returned. Devices may only be picked up on Friday between the hours of 3:00 – 3:30 p.m. Third Time Devices are confiscated and only returned to the parent or legal guardian at the end of the school year. Refusal to turn in item At any point, if the student refused to turn the item over to the proper authority, he or she will automatically be recommended for 3 days out of school suspension. You will be fined a $25 violation fee. This fee must be paid before the item is returned. Devices may only be picked up on Friday between the hours of 3:00 – 3:30 p.m.

Upon discovery of any such items in a student’s possession, a teacher, principal or other district employee charged with enforcing district policies may confiscate such item(s). Such items will be transferred to the principal office. The parent or legal guardian of the student may retrieve the confiscated item(s) in accordance with procedures established by the district.

The district shall not guarantee the safekeeping or segregation of any confiscated item(s) and shall bear no responsibility for the damage or destruction of confiscated item(s) including those items that have been stolen or misplaced.

Exclusion from School The law provides the school district with the power to exclude from school any student suffering from contagious or infectious diseases. Each staff member has the responsibility to observe students and notify the principal of any student suspected of having an infectious or contagious disease.

A student who is absent from school as a result of contagious or infectious diseases shall be excluded from attending school as indicated below: Disease Exclusion From School Chicken Pox Eight (8) days after eruption appears (until rash is dry) German Measles Four (4) days after onset of rash; clearance by physician 50

Red Measles Seven (7) to ten (10) days after onset of rash; clearance by physician Mumps Nine (9) days after glands swell (until swelling has subsided) Scarlet Fever One (1) day (with antibiotic treatment) Four (4) days (without treatment) Pediculosis (lice) Until nits are gone Hepatitis Clearance by physician Conjunctivitis (pinkeye) Until under proper treatment Impetigo Until under proper treatment Ringworm Until under proper treatment Scabies Until under proper treatment NOTE: The principal may require a written note from the student’s family doctor or public health department for a student returning to school after having a communicable or infectious disease.

STUDENT MEDICAL CARE ASTHMA (Policy JGCDA) Emergency standby prescription medication provided by parents/guardians will be administered to students with chronic asthma, diabetes, epilepsy, or violent allergy reactions and to students for hyperactivity, provided that all cases are approved by a school nurse before medication can be administered. All medications must be prescribed by a licensed physician. No medication will be administered for such illnesses as colds, coughs, viruses, etc. If the student is still taking medication for an illness, he/she should remain at home, or the parent may come to the school to give the medication. The preference of the Tunica County Schools is never to administer a prescription medication to a student; but we understand that at times there are emergencies that justify school personnel’s dispensing prescription drugs. When a doctor prescribes a medication, the parent must arrange with a doctor for the child to receive the medication at times other than during school hours. If the doctor states it is absolutely necessary for the medication to be administered during the hours the child is at school, the parent must adhere to this procedure: 1. The parent must call the principal to discuss the situation regarding the medication needs of the child. 2. The parent must bring the medication to the school in the original prescription bottle, which must be properly labeled as prescribed by law. Only prescription medicine, according to medication policy as written above, will be dispensed at school. A child may not bring medicine to school or take medicine home from school even if sent by the parent, unless it is self administered asthma medications. 3. The written consent form must be signed by the parent and returned to the school nurse for approval before any medication will be dispensed to the child. Note: Medications must be kept in an area that prevents student access (preferably under lock and key or in vault) and all dispensing must be done by informed school personnel. It is the responsibility of the student taking medication to keep up with his/her medication time.

Dispensing of medication by school personnel shall be in accord with the following procedures: I. Initial Preparation A. All new requests for administration of medication or changes in the medication dosage must be in writing from a physician, certified by the parents(s), checked by the nurse and recorded on the documentation sheet before being dispensed by school personnel. B. School personnel dispense only those medications checked by the nurse.

II. Dispensing Medication A. Dispense one medication at a time. B. Ask student to give his or her name. C. Verify student’s name with the label on the bottle and on the medication sheet. D. Check medication name and dosage on the label and on the medication sheet. These should be identical. 51

E. Observe student taking medication. F. Before replacing medication bottle, recheck student’s name, medication name, administration time and dosage. G. Document time and initials on the medication sheet immediately after dispensing.

In the case of self-administered asthma medications, the school district shall permit students to self administer medication provided that the student’s parent or guardian has given written authorization for self- administration to the school. In addition, a written statement from the student’s health care practitioner, indicating that the student has asthma and has received instructions in self administration of asthma medications, must accompany the parental consent and shall be kept on file in the office of the school nurse or school administrator. The statement shall also contain the following information: The name and purpose of the medications; The prescribed dosage; The time or times the medications are to be regularly administered and under what additional special circumstances the medications are prescribed.

The parent or guardian of the student shall sign a statement acknowledging that the school shall incur no liability and the parent or guardian shall indemnify and hold harmless the school and its employees against any claims relating to the self-administration of asthma medications. This process shall be renewed each school year.

FIRST AID (Policy JGFG) The school attempts to provide an environment in which the child will be safe from accidents. If a minor accident occurs, first aid will be administered.

No care beyond first aid, defined as the immediate, temporary care given in case of accidents or sudden illness, will be given.

Home telephone numbers, business telephone numbers, and emergency telephone numbers must be furnished to the school.

Trained faculty and staff first aid specialists are available in each school.

INSURANCE School insurance is available to all students. A packet will be available for each student. Purchase of this program is optional. The enrollment period expires the day after Labor Day.

The school or county board does not pay for medical attention required for the pupil. This is a responsibility of the parents.

In the event that a student is injured to the point that medical treatment is required, school district personnel will see that the child is transported. However, the cost of the medical treatment and transportation is the responsibility of the parent. The school district is not responsible for paying the cost.

2011-2012 CAFETERIA Board Approved: June 30, 2011 CAFETERIA Breakfasts and lunches are served each day in all schools. Free and reduced price breakfasts and lunches are available for those who apply and qualify. All new students to Tunica County School District must pay the full price for breakfast and lunch until a new application has been submitted and approved. Milk may be purchased by any student in the cafeteria. All students must remain at school during the lunch period unless signed out by parents or legal guardians on a daily basis. Students will not take food out of the designated dining areas. Students who bring their lunches to school may eat in the cafeteria or in other approved areas. In compliance with Federal (USDA) guidelines, commercially prepared competitive food and drink items will not be distributed or sold one hour prior to or during breakfast and lunch period and shall not be taken into the cafeteria during lunch. No credit will be extended for breakfast or lunch. Students must pay for their meals in advance or at the point of service. If meals are not paid in advance or at the point of service, meals may be denied. The system used in identifying student meal status will be the number system. The concept of the number system requires that all students be assigned a certain coded number for the school year enabling each student to eat breakfast and lunch in the school cafeteria without a ticket or I.D. card. Students may pay in advance for daily meals at a place and at times designated by the principal for this purpose. Students may also pay in advance on a weekly, bi-weekly, and monthly basis. Each student must complete a lunch application.

SCHOOL LUNCH APPLICATION (Policy EEA/EEC)

Each year a new lunch application must be completed and returned for all students enrolled in the Tunica County School District. By completing the lunch application, you may be eligible for free or reduce meals. All parents are encouraged to participate in the free and reduce lunch program. Guidelines on how to fill out the lunch application will be sent home with your child/children.

Only one lunch application per household has to be completed and returned. Applications must include every child’s name, the school name he/she will be attending and his/her grade. Also, it must include every adult member in your household. All applications must have an adult signature, preferable the parent or legal guardian.

All students that were enrolled in the Tunica County School District for the previous school term will eat on his/her last year’s lunch application for the first 30 working days or until a new application has been processed and approved for the new school year. All students who were not eligible for free or reduce meals during the previous school term will continue to pay for his/her meals starting the first day of school or until a new lunch application have been approved for the current school year.

All first-time students enrolled in the Tunica County School District must pay $1.00 for breakfast and $1.75 for lunch the first day of attendance and continue to pay until his/her lunch application has been processed and approved.

All meals must be paid for the day of service or in advance. You may submit weekly or monthly payments to be credited to your child/children account. The price for a full paying student for Breakfast is $1.00 and for Lunch is $1.75. The price for reduce payment is for Breakfast is $.30 cents and for Lunch is $.40 cents. There will be no charging, all meals are to be paid in advance or at the point of service.

VERIFICATION

Schools participating in the National School Lunch Program are required to make sure only eligible students receive free or reduced price meals. A random sample of applications will be selected in order to verify the eligibility for free or reduced pricing. The selected household must provide information and/or documentations that prove they are eligible for free or reduced price benefits. If you do not provide the requested information or documentation, your child/children lunch application will be denied and they will have to pay the full price of his/her meals.

LETTER OF NOTIFICATION

Notification letters of eligibility will be given to students to take home to parents once their application has been processed and approved. If you need assistance completing your application please contact Mrs. Yvonne Franklin, Food Service Director at 662) 363-2811 ext. #225.

LUNCH VISITS Parent(s)/guardian(s) are encouraged to visit the school. They are also invited to eat lunch with their child/children whenever possible. The adult pricing is Breakfast $1.85 and Lunch $3.00.

District Wellness Policy Rationale: The link between nutrition, physical activity, and learning is well documented. Healthy eating and activity patterns are essential for students to achieve their full academic potential, full physical and mental growth, and lifelong health and well-being. Healthy eating and physical activity, essential for a healthy weight, are also linked to reduced risk for many chronic diseases, like Type 2 diabetes. Schools have a responsibility to help students learn, establish, and maintain lifelong, healthy eating and activity patterns. Well-planned and effectively implemented school nutrition and fitness programs have been shown to enhance students’ overall health, as well as their behavior and academic achievement in school. Staff wellness also is an integral part of a healthy school environment, since school staff can be daily role models for healthy behaviors.

Goal: All students in the Tunica County School District shall possess the knowledge and skills necessary to make nutritious food choices and enjoyable physical activity choices for a lifetime. All staff of the Tunica County School District is encouraged to model healthful eating and physical activity as a valuable part of daily life. To meet this goal, the Tunica County School District adopted a school wellness policy with the commitments to nutrition, physical activity, comprehensive health education, marketing, and implementation. This policy was designed to effectively utilize school and community resources and to equitably serve the needs and interests of all students and staff, taking into consideration differences in culture. Below are some examples of how the will promote its Wellness Policy:

At any Function (parties, celebrations, receptions, festivals, sporting events, etc.) healthy food choice options should be made available to students. Some suggested foods are listed below to include on refreshment tables, price lists, etc.

Raw vegetable sticks/slices with low-fat dressing or yogurt dip Fresh fruit 100% Fruit Juices Frozen Dry roasted peanuts, tree nuts, and soy nuts (not coconut or palm nuts) Low-fat meats and cheese sandwiches (use low-fat mayonnaise in chicken/tuna salads) Party mix (variety of cereals, nuts, pretzels, etc.)

Low-sodium crackers Baked corn chips and fat free potato chips with salsa and low –fat dips ( Ranch, French Onion, bean, etc.) Low-fat muffins, granola bars, and cookies Angel food and sponge cakes Flavored yogurt and fruit parfaits Jell-O and low-fat pudding cups Low-fat ice creams, frozen yogurt, sherbets Low fat and skim-milk products Pure ice cold water

Tunica County School Food service has eliminated all fried food from the school menu. Items such as fried chicken, french fries and fish are baked in order to help cut fat from our school meals.

In selecting food items to offer, keep in mind the numerous students and adults who are on special diets and if their consumption of sugar, fat, sodium, etc., is restricted. The use of foods of minimal nutritional value as learning incentives should not be practiced, and healthy food choices or non-food items should be substituted.

Technology Mission The technology mission of the Tunica County School District is to incorporate current and emerging technologies into the educational process in order to:

Enhance the quality of instruction by making technology available to students, parents and teachers, both on and off campus. Use technology to improve learning of basic skills, problem solving strategies, and critical thinking. Integrate technology into the curriculum by providing computer/Internet access to staff, students and parents. Utilize computer-assisted instruction in alternative learning environments. Provide opportunities for students to research, create, and publish using a variety of tools in all curricular areas. Use computer-assisted instruction in alternative learning environments. Provide opportunities for students to research, create, and publish using a variety of tools in all curricular areas. Use computer-assisted instruction as a supplement to traditional teacher-directed instruction. Provide training and support for teachers to utilize technology for classroom management and instruction. Promote student centered learning with the teacher acting as a facilitator and manager.

“Everybody’s Input Counts!”

Tunica County School District offer Internet access for student and staff use. This document E contains the Acceptable Use Policy for your use of the Local Area Network (LAN) or Internet. This document is a legal and binding document and meets the Children Internet Protection Act (CIPA) and the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998 (COPPA) compliance.

Educational Purpose: Staff/Students C 1. The Internet is a privilege, not a right. It is the responsibility of each user to utilize the network appropriately. The Local Area Network (LAN) or Internet has been established for a limited educational purpose. The term ‘educational purpose” includes classroom activities, career development, and limited high-quality self-discovery activities. H 2. The Local Area Network (LAN) or Internet has been established as a public access service, not a public forum. The Tunica County School District has the right to place reasonable restrictions on the material you access or post through the system. You are expected to follow the rules set forth in Section J-12 (Students) and Section G-2 (Personnel) of the Tunica County School District Policies and Procedures Manual and the N law. 3. You may not use the Local Area Network (LAN) or Internet for commercial purposes. This means you may not offer, provide or purchase products or services through the Local Area Network. 4. You may not connect personal computers or devices (laptops, desktops, tablets, MP3 O players, IPODs, cell phones, flash drives, etc.) to the LAN or Internet; or use proxies to alter content filtering. These actions are illegal, even if only for “browsing.” 5. Music/video/file sharing services (i.e. Napster, I-Tune, Lime wire, YouTube, etc.) and any other illegal software/services are not permitted on the network. 6. You may not use the Internet for political lobbying. However, you may use the system to L communicate with elected representatives to express our opinion on political issues. 7. Staff and students are expected to abide by all rules and regulations for use of the Tunica County School District network. Do not attempt to bypass network controls or filters. If rules are violated, the privilege of using the Internet can be terminated and other disciplinary measures may be taken. Teachers are expected to closely monitor student O activity by frequent screen checks.

Student Internet Access 1. All students will have access to Internet information resources through the classroom, library or computer lab. G 2. Elementary students should have e-mail access only under the teacher’s direct supervision using a classroom account. 3. Secondary students may obtain individual e-mail accounts with the approval of their parent(s) or guardian. 4. You and your parent must sign an Account Agreement to be granted an individual e-mail Y account on the Internet. This agreement must be renewed on an annual basis. Your parent can withdraw their approval at any time.

Unacceptable Use: The following uses of the Internet are considered unacceptable:

1. Personal Safety a. Do not post personal contact information about yourself or other people. Personal contact information includes your address, telephone number, school address, work address, etc. b. Do not agree to meet with someone you have met online. c. Do promptly disclose to your teacher or other school employees any message you receive that is inappropriate or makes you feel uncomfortable.

2. Use of Social Networking Media a. In recent years, social networking media such as MySpace, Facebook, internet forums, and blogs have grown tremendously in popularity. The District urges those employees who choose to utilize such media to do so with caution, especially when posting personal information. Such sites may not be as private as they may seem, and once personal information is posted, it may very well be accessible to thousands of viewers for years to come. Accessing social networking sites during school hours is prohibited for students and employees. The use of School District property for accessing social networking media is prohibited at all times for students and employees. b. Any employee who chooses to utilize social networking media should do so responsibly. Employees are reminded that disclosure of confidential information is prohibited, regardless of when such a disclosure occurs. Employees should be especially aware that the disclosure of certain information concerning other employees, students and parents of students is prohibited by law. c. Employees should be aware that inappropriate conduct on social networking sites can adversely affect the employee's ability to carry out the responsibilities of his or her job. Accordingly, employees are prohibited from posting on any website inappropriate data, documents, photos or information that might result in a disruption of normal school operations

3. Illegal Activities a. Do not attempt to gain unauthorized access to the LAN or Internet or any other computer system or go beyond your authorized access. This includes attempting to log in through another person’s account or access another person’s files; connecting personal computers (laptops, desktops, or tablets) to the LAN or Internet. These actions are illegal, even if only for “browsing.” b. Do not make deliberate attempts to disrupt the computer system or destroy data by spreading computer viruses or by any other means. These actions are illegal. c. Do not use the Local Area Network or Internet to engage in any other illegal act, such as arranging for a drug sale of the purchase of alcohol, engaging in criminal gang activity, threatening the safety of other people, etc. d. Violations of these procedures may result in, but is not limited to, a loss of access privileges, disciplinary action by the school and/or district administration, suspension, termination, and/or contact of law enforcement agencies.

4. System Security a. You are responsible for your individual account and should take all reasonable precautions to prevent others from being able to use your account. Under no conditions should you provide your password to another person. b. Immediately notify a teacher or technology coordinator if you have identified a possible security problem. Do not go looking for security problems, because this may be construed as an illegal attempt to gain access. c. Avoid the inadvertent spread of computer viruses by following the District virus protection procedures if you download software.

5. Inappropriate Language a. Restrictions against inappropriate language apply to public messages and private messages. 59

b. Reframe from the use of obscene, profane, vulgar, rude, inflammatory, threatening, or disrespectful language. Do not post information that could cause damage or a danger of disruption. c. Do not engage in personal attacks, including prejudicial, discriminatory or harassments of any kind including cyber bullying. d. Do not harass another person. Harassment is persistently acting in a manner that distresses or annoys another person. If you are told by a person to stop sending messages, you must stop. e. You will not knowingly or recklessly post false or defamatory information about a person or organization.

6. Respect for Privacy a. Do not re-post a message that was sent to you privately without permission of the person who sent you the message. b. Do not post private information about another person.

7. Respecting Resource Limits a. Use the Internet only for educational and career development activities and limited high-quality, self-discovery activities. There is no limit on use for educational and career development activities. The limit on self-discovery activities is no more than 5 hours per week. b. Do not download large files, unless absolutely necessary. If necessary, download the file at a time when the system is not being heavily used and immediately remove the file from the system to your personal computer,

8. Plagiarism and Copyright Infringement a. Give credit to work you use from the Internet. Do not plagiarize. b. Respect the rights of copyright owners.

9. Inappropriate Access to Material a. Do not use the Internet to access, upload, download, store or distribute material that is profane, obscene, pornographic or sexually explicit material. Do not access material that advocates illegal acts, or that advocates violence or discrimination towards others (hate literature). b. If inappropriate information is mistakenly accessed, notify your teacher. This will protect you against a claim that you intentionally violated Section J-12 of the School Board Policy. c. All users must also recognize that no system is perfect, and that in the event inappropriate material is accessible, the District shall not be held liable. The network is being filtered to help prevent the access to inappropriate material.

Your Rights 1. Free Speech. Your right to free speech, as set forth in Section JC and JCAA of the Tunica County School District Policies and Procedures Manual, applies also to your communication on the Internet. The LAN or Internet is considered a limited forum, similar to a school’s newspaper, and therefore the District may restrict your speech for valid educational reasons.

2. Search and Seizure. a. You will have limited privacy in the contents of your personal files on the District’s LAN. This situation is similar to the right you have in the privacy of using a locker. b. Routine maintenance and monitoring of the LAN or Internet may lead to discovery of policy violations.

c. An individual search will be conducted if there is reasonable suspicion that you have violated Section JCAB of the Tunica County Policies and Procedures Manual. The investigation will be reasonable and related to the suspected violation. d. Your parents have the right at any time to request to see the contents of all your files. 60

3. Due Process. a. The District will cooperate fully with local, state, or federal officials in any investigation related to any illegal activities conducted through the LAN or Internet. b. Violations of this policy will be handled in the same manner as any other suspected violation of Section JCAA of the Tunica County School District Policies and Procedures Manual.

Email and Electronic Document Retention

All emails and electronic documents created and shared with others inside or outside the district in conducting district business should be saved in user-designated folders within the district’s email client or network folders on the user’s computer.

The District archive policy currently is that all emails will be archived including any attachments as long as server storage is available and it is manageable, even after an employee resigns, retires, or is fired from the district.

Internet Safety: Online Behavior Education

The Protecting Children in the 21st Century Act (Broadband Data Improvement Act, S. 1492) was passed in October of 2008 which promotes online safety in schools. The internet safety policy indicates that minors should be educated about appropriate online behavior, including interacting with other individuals on social networking websites and in chat-rooms, cyber bullying awareness and response, and online predators.

Limitation of Liability

The District makes no guarantee that the functions or the services provided by or through the District’s system will be error-free or without defect. Further, the District will not be held responsible for any damage you may incur. The District is not responsible for the accuracy or quality of information obtained through or stored on the system. The District will not be responsible for financial obligations arising through the unauthorized use of the LAN or Internet.

NOTE: Please refer to the back of the handbook for the Student User Agreement – Statement of Receipt. This form must be signed by the student and the parent or guardian and returned to the school office or technology department.

SAFETY (Policy EBBA) RULES: The following rules will help us all to have a safe and orderly educational environment: Classroom 1. Follow the directions of the teacher the first time they are given. 2. Stay in your seat unless you have been given permission to get up. 3. Raise your hand wait to be called upon before you speak during discussions and work time. 4. Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself. 5. Always follow the Tunica County Schools Student Conduct Code. 6. Have materials and homework for class. 7. Be in the classroom and seated before the tardy bell rings.

Cafeteria 1. Walk, do not run. 2. Do not break line. 3. Pre-prepared lunches should be in paper bags, lunch boxes, or other similar containers. 4. Do not bring commercial lunches. 5. Do not bring bottles or cans into cafeteria; use a thermos or other similar containers. 6. No misuse of food, utensils, containers or tables. 7. No horseplay or other disruptive behavior. 8. Students are to enter and leave with their assigned teacher unless directed otherwise. 9. Keep voice level at a low moderate tone.

Hall 1. No running or playing. 2. Always walk on the right unless directed to do otherwise. 3. Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself. 4. Talk in a low moderate tone. 5. Follow directions that you may be given by faculty/staff. 6. No gum chewing anywhere in the building.

Campus Grounds 1. No running or playing. 2. No throwing of objects of any kind. 3. Do not litter. 4. Do not block entries. 5. Respect all landscaping. 6. Do not sit on or tamper with automobiles. 7. Do not go into any areas between campus buildings. You must walk either on designated sidewalks or in hallways. You are not to “shortcut or be in any areas between the campus buildings.” 8. At the bus line in the afternoons, do not cross it until you get permission from the staff member on duty after the buses have come to a complete stop. 9. Do not use the Media Center as a shortcut or a walk-through to classes. It is a classroom/academic area, and should be treated as such.

EMERGENCY OPERATIONS – GRADES PRE-K THROUGH 12 (Policy: EBBC) Emergency Drills

Students will be provided special instruction concerning the procedures to follow and how to proceed to safety in an emergency. These instructions will be provided at the start of the school year and repeated at the start of the second semester. These instructions will include a practice evacuation of all buildings.

During fire, tornado, and other emergency drills or actual emergency, instructions must be followed completely. Failure to do so could result in serious injury or possible loss of life.

The following signals will indicate: FIRE - 3 short bell sounds TORNADO - 2 long bell sounds EARTHQUAKE - verbal announcement over the intercom

SCHOOL CLOSING DUE TO ABNORMAL WEATHER CONDITIONS: (Policy EBBD) It will be the intent of the Tunica County School District to follow the school calendar so long as it is safe for students and employees. Decisions to suspend operation of schools for a day or part of a day due to severe weather conditions will be based on the most recent information provided by the National Weather Service, Tunica County Emergency Operations Center and other officials within the county.

Closure before school begins: Announcements concerning changes that affect the opening of school will be made on radio and television stations by 6:00 a.m. The following stations will carry the announcements:

Local Television Stations: Local Radio Stations:

Channel 3 WREG- TV (CBS) FM 97.1- WHRK AM 1070- WDIA Channel 5 WMC- TV (NBC) FM 101.1- KJMS AM 1340- WLOK Channel 13 WHBQ- TV (FOX) FM 103.5- WRBO Channel 24 WPTY- TV (ABC) FM 107.1- KXHT Channel 30 WLMT- TV (UPN) FM 95.7- WHAL FM 94.5 KJIW

While School is in session: In the event a school day is to be shortened, all school administrators and supervisors will be notified by the Superintendent of Education and/or designee. The announcements will also be carried on the stations listed above.

STUDENT SEARCH A student’s person and/or personal effects may be searched whenever a school authority has reasonable suspicion to believe that the student is in possession of illegal or unauthorized materials.

If a pat-down search of a student’s person is conducted, it will be conducted in private by a school official of the same sex with an adult witness present.

It will be an extremely rare situation that requires a more intrusive search of a student’s person than a pat-down. Only if extreme emergency conditions exist, and only upon prior approval by the Superintendent of Education, shall a more intrusive search be conducted. If such a search is necessary, it will be conducted in private by a school official of the same sex with an adult witness of the same sex present.

OTHER ITEMS SUBJECT TO SEARCH: DESKS Desks are school property and remain at all times under the control of the school. However, students are responsible for whatever is contained in desks. School authorities may conduct periodic general inspections at any time for any reason related to school administration. Inspection of individual desks may occur when there is a reasonable basis to do so, and in those cases, the student or a third party shall be present.

AUTOMOBILES The school retains authority to inspect student automobiles used as transportation to school whether on or off school property. When a school authority has reasonable suspicion to believe that illegal or unauthorized materials are contained inside a student vehicle, the student may be required to open the automobile, including the trunk, for further inspection.

STUDENT VEHICLES Students are not allowed to operate cars on school grounds without special permission from the school office.

Grades 9-12/Vo-Tech: 1. Students vehicles must be registered in the school office. To register a vehicle, you must: a. Complete information card b. Purchase a parking decal c. Show proof of valid driver’s license and automobile insurance 2. Students are to park only in designated areas. 3. Vehicles are to be parked immediately upon arrival on campus. Students parked are not to sit in cars. 4. Vehicles are not to be moved once parked on campus. 5. Students are not to go to parked vehicles without permission from the school office. 6. Refer to Section 13 of the Student Conduct Code.

Due to liability insurance purposes, non-school aged children are not allowed to ride on district owned school buses.

Only school age students are allowed on field trips. Children who are not enrolled in the Tunica County School District must have special permission from the principal or Superintendent for attendance. Students must be in good standing with their respective school in order to participate in school field trips. Students with bad behavior problems and other disciplinary issues will not be allowed to participate in field trip.

BUS REGULATIONS: Board Approved July 21, 2010

Students will meet the bus promptly and load and unload in an orderly manner. School buses are for transportation of students to and from school. Students should remain seated at all times when the bus is moving to insure safety. Noise should be kept to a minimum at all times. Misconduct on the bus must be corrected and reported to the principal immediately upon arrival to school. THE DISTRICT HAS ZERO TOLERANCE FOR STUDENTS MISBEHAVIOR ON SCHOOL BUSES AND CAN RESULT IN A STUDENT BEING SUSPENDED OR EXPELLED FROM RIDING THE BUS FOR THE ENTIRE SCHOOL TERM. Other disciplinary actions may include assignment of seats, suspension from the bus, or suspension from school. Students will participate in a bus evacuation plan twice during the school year, once during the first semester and once during the second semester. (See Emergency Drills.) When the bus stops, load and unload promptly. Never cross the road behind the bus; always cross in front of the stopped bus. The rear door of a school bus is not to be used for unloading, only in case of emergency. Students should never board the bus from the rear door. Parents are requested not to call the school office and ask that students be given a pass to ride another bus unless it is an extreme emergency. The school will not be able to get messages to students concerning riding a different bus unless the parent calls by 12:30 p.m.

RIDING A SCHOOL BUS IS A PRIVILEGE extended to students and this privilege can be taken away at any time for disruptive and unsatisfactory conduct. Along with that privilege, comes the responsibility of being prepared to board the school bus on time. School bus drivers are charged with the duty of arriving to all stops at a consistent time in order to safely deliver students to school on time. There is no way to pinpoint the exact time a bus will arrive at a particular stop. In 67 order to address this, it is requested that all students arrive at their bus stop five (5) minutes before normal pick-up time. Students should be prepared to board the bus once stopped to avoid delays. In instances of inclement weather, a short span of time will be allowed to accommodate the circumstances.

All students being transported are under the authority of the bus driver and must obey his/her requests. The school is responsible for you from the time you enter the bus at home until you get off at home in the afternoon. If you ride the bus to the school grounds and leave campus without permission, you are absent (unexcused) and subject to corrective measures. Parents who want their child to ride a bus other than the one he/she comes to school on, parents must write a note to the principal requesting the change. The principal will give your child a bus pass for one day only authorizing him or her to ride another bus. The note must include the responsible party’s name and the complete physical address of the location where the student is to be taken by the bus. Students who come to school on a bus must return on the same bus unless they have a note from the parent/guardian signed by the principal. 1) Only regularly-scheduled bus students are to ride school buses. 2) Bus students are to go immediately to the bus line as soon as they are dismissed from class in the afternoon.

Parents/guardians who want students to be transported on a daily basis to place other than their home location in the afternoon must complete and sign the Agreement between Tunica County School District and Parents of Children who desire that their children be dropped off after school at community centers, day care centers, recreation centers or other locations other than the child’s home, prior to the school bus driver transporting a student to a location other than their home. The agreement form can be obtained from the Principal’s office at student’s individual school. The agreement must also be signed by the Superintendent of Education prior to the bus change being made.

The privilege of riding the bus carries with it some responsibilities on the part of the student and the student’s parent/guardian. Drivers are expected to keep order and discipline on the bus, but their major responsibility is to drive the bus. A student’s failure to conform will result in his/her being subject to disciplinary action. All students are expected to cooperate with the following regulations: 1) Students are to be waiting at the stop a minimum of 5 minutes early. This does not mean inside your home. 2) Students are to obey all orders of the driver and to show proper courtesy and respect to drivers. 3) Students must be at assigned stops at loading time specified by each driver. 4) Students are to be seated immediately upon entering the bus and are to remain seated until they arrive at their destination and the bus comes to a complete stop. 5) Students are not to touch the outside of the bus nor hang their heads, arms, legs, bodies, or hands out of the windows of the bus. 6) Loud talking and other noises are not permitted on the bus. The level of noise will be determined by the driver. 7) Students are not to molest, pester, harass, assault, abuse, or bother other students in any way – either at the bus stops or on the bus. All students’ reports will be taken immediately to the principal by the driver. 8) No student will be allowed to take names for the driver. 9) Students will board the bus and leave the bus and bus stop according to the instructions of the driver. 10) Students may not leave the bus on its way to or from the school. 68

11) Students are not to throw objects while on the school bus. 12) Students must sit in seats assigned by the driver. 13) Students are asked to assist in keeping the bus clean. 14) No beverages, chewing gum, or food may be consumed on the bus. 15) Students must wait until the bus comes to a complete stop before trying to enter. 16) Students are not to play on or in the road while waiting for the bus. 17) Students are not to fight or tussle on the bus or at the bus stop. 18) Smoking is prohibited on the bus and at the bus stop. 19) Students are not to ride outside of the bus. 20) Students will be held financially responsible for damage to the interiors of the bus, including the seats. When a disciplinary infraction occurs on the school bus, a student can be suspended from their assigned school as well as the school bus. This includes instructional field trips, after school tutorial programs, athletic trips, band trips, summer school programs and/or any other extra-curricular activities approved by Tunica County School District Board of Education.

Bus Loading Zones (Board Approved July 21, 2010) Those responsible for dropping students off or picking up must adhere to the school bus loading zones in the mornings and afternoons. Please only pick up or drop off in the areas designated at each school. The local Sheriff’s Department and Police Department will be issuing traffic tickets to anyone ignoring the traffic signs posted in the loading zones.

THE SPEED LIMIT ON ALL SCHOOL CAMPUSES IS FIVE (5) MILES PER HOUR FOR ALL MOVING VEHICLES.

NOTE: Please refer to the back of the handbook for Tips For School Bus Student Riders. This form must be signed by the student and the parent or guardian and returned to the school office or transportation department. You can request any of the following revised forms from the school office or the transportation department: School Bus Pass Request School Bus Pass School Bus Disciplinary Code School Bus Incident Report

NOTE: Mississippi Code of 1972 §37-41-2: Interference with operation of school bus; penalty. a) It shall be unlawful for any individual, other than a student scheduled to be a passenger upon that particular bus, a member of the public school administration or faculty, or a law enforcement official, to directly or indirectly interfere in any way with passenger ingress and egress or the operation, including unauthorized boarding thereof, of a bus used in public school student transportation unless permission has been obtained as prescribed by pertinent rules and regulations promulgated by the state board of education or the local school authorities. b) Upon conviction of violation of any provision of this section, such individual shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be subject to a fine of not to exceed five hundred dollars ($500), imprisonment in the county jail for a period not to exceed six (6) months, or both. Any person under the age of seventeen (17) who violates any provision of this section shall be treated as delinquent within the jurisdiction of the youth court.

BULLYING POLICY: Adopted: June 30, 2010

The Tunica County School District does not condone and will not tolerate bullying or harassing behavior. Bullying or harassing behavior is any pattern of gestures or written, electronic or verbal Communications, or any physical act or any threatening communication, or any act reasonably perceived as being motivated by any actual or perceived differentiating characteristic that (a) places a student or school employee in actual and reasonable fear of harm to his or her person' or damage to his or her property, or (b) creates or is certain to create a hostile environment by substantially interfering with or impairing a student's educational performance, opportunities or benefits. A "hostile environment" means that the victim subjectively views the conduct as bullying or harassing behavior and the conduct is objectively severe or pervasive enough that a reasonable person would agree that it is bullying or harassing behavior. Bullying or harassing behavior will not be condoned or tolerated when it takes place on school property, at any school-sponsored function, or on a school bus, or when it takes place off school property when such conduct, in the determination of the school superintendent or principal, renders the offending person's presence in the classroom a disruption to the educational environment of the school or a detriment to the best interest and welfare of the pupils and teacher of such class as a whole.

The Tunica County School District will make every reasonable effort to ensure that no student or school employee is subjected to bullying or harassing behavior by other school employees or students. Likewise, the District will make every reasonable effort to ensure that no person engages in any act of reprisal or retaliation against a victim, witness or a person with reliable information about an act of bullying or harassing behavior. The District encourages anyone who has witnessed or has reliable information that a student or school employee has been subject to any act of bullying or harassing behavior to report the incident to the appropriate school official.

The School Board directs the superintendent or designee to design and implement procedures for reporting, investigating, and addressing bullying and harassing behaviors. The procedures should be appropriately placed in District personnel policy handbooks, school handbooks that include discipline policies and procedures, and any other policy or procedure that deals with student or employee behavior. The discipline policies and procedures must recognize the fundamental right of every student to take "reasonable actions" as may be necessary to defend himself or herself from an attack by another student who has evidenced menacing or threatening behavior through bullying or harassing. Furthermore, the Tunica County School District defines "reasonable action" as promptly reporting the behavior to a teacher, principal, counselor, or other school employee when subjected to bullying or harassing behavior.

Ref: SB 2015; Miss. Code Ann. § 37-7-301(e)

STUDENT COMPLAINTS OF BULLYING OR HARASSING BEHAVIOR Adopted: June 30, 2010

Students and employees in the Tunica County School District are protected from bullying or harassing behavior by other students or employees. It is the intent of the Board and the administration to maintain an environment free from bullying and harassing behavior. This complaint procedure provides a process for filing, processing and resolving complaints of such conduct. Adherence to these procedures is mandatory. The failure of any person to follow these procedures will constitute a waiver of the right to pursue a complaint at any level, including review by the Board.

I. Definitions

Bullying or harassing behavior is any pattern of gestures or written, electronic or verbal communications, or any physical act or any threatening communication, or any act reasonably perceived as being motivated by any actual or perceived differentiating characteristic that (a) places a student or school employee in actual and reasonable fear of harm to his or her person or damage to his or her property, or (b) creates or is certain to create a hostile environment by substantially interfering with or impairing a student's educational performance, opportunities or benefits.

A "hostile environment" means that the victim subjectively views the conduct as bullying or harassing behavior and the conduct is objectively severe or pervasive enough that a reasonable person would agree that it is bullying or harassing behavior.

Bullying or harassing behavior will not be condoned or tolerated when it takes place on school property, at any school-sponsored function, or on a school bus, or when it takes place off school property when such conduct, in the determination of the school superintendent or principal, renders the offending person's presence in the classroom a disruption to the educational environment of the school or a detriment to the best interest and welfare of the pupils and teacher of such class as a whole.

II. Procedures for Processing a Complaint

Any student, school employee or volunteer who feels he/she has been a victim of bullying or harassing behavior, or has witnessed or who has reliable information that a student, school employee or volunteer has been subject to bullying or harassing behavior shall report such conduct to a teacher, principal, counselor or other school official. The report shall be made promptly but no later than five (5) calendar days after the alleged act or acts occurred. The school official shall complete a "Bullying/Harassing Behavior" complaint form which shall include the name of the reporting person, the specific nature and date of the misconduct, the names of the victim of the misconduct, the names of any witnesses and any other information that would assist in the investigation of the complaint. The report shall be given promptly to the principal or superintendent who shall institute an immediate investigation. Complaints against the principal shall be made to the superintendent and complaints against the superintendent shall be made to the Board chairman.

The complaint shall be investigated promptly. Parents will be notified of the nature of any complaint involving their student. The District official will arrange such meetings as may be necessary with all concerned parties within five (5) working days after initial receipt of the complaint by the District. The parties will have an opportunity to submit evidence and a list of witnesses. All findings related to the complaint will be reduced to writing. The District official conducting the investigation shall notify the 72 victim and parents as appropriate when the investigation is completed and a decision regarding disciplinary action, as warranted, is determined.

If the victim is not satisfied with the decision of the District official, he/she may submit a written appeal to the superintendent. Such appeal shall be filed within ten (10) working days after receipt of the results of the initial decision. The superintendent will arrange such meetings with the victim and other affected parties as deemed necessary to discuss the appeal. The superintendent shall provide a written decision to the victim's appeal within ten (10) working days.

If the victim is not satisfied with the decision of the superintendent, a written appeal may be filed with the Board. Such appeal shall be filed within ten (10) working days after receipt of the decision of the superintendent. The Board shall, within twenty (20) working days, allow the victim and parents as appropriate to appear before the Board to present reasons for dissatisfaction with the decision of the superintendent. The Board shall provide a written decision within ten (10) working days following the victim's appearance before the Board.

TCSD: Bullying/Harassing Behavior Complaint Form

The staff of ______School and the Tunica County School Board strongly believes that every student/adult deserves to feel safe at school; therefore, our school and the District enforce a "no bully" policy. Complete this form to report to administration any problems you are having with other students or adults while you are at school. It is important that detailed information is given so action can be taken. You can also tell an administrator or teacher about any bullying you may have experienced. Either way, we will keep your information confidential.

Type of Incident - Check all the Apply: Check One: Bullying/Harassment I am a student Drugs/Alcohol I am a staff member Weapons I am a parent Other ______Other:______

Who is the victim? If more than one, include all names.

______

Who is the perpetrator (person doing wrong)? If more than one person, include all names.

______

Time and Date incident happened

______

Please state where incident happened (example: 6th grade hallways, outside, etc.)

______

Description of the incident (give all details) and list of witnesses (if applicable) ______

Have you reported this incident to anyone yet? If so, to whom? (teacher, parent, etc.) ______

Reporting Person’s name (Optional) ______

Acts of Misconduct Policy: JD/JDA

The levels of behavior and disciplinary options are designed to protect all members of the educational Community in the exercise of their rights and duties. The chart below displays what disciplinary action may be taken as a minimum and further explanation of maximum actions are included in the description of the Levels. These acts of misconduct include those student behaviors which disrupt the orderly educational process in the classroom or on the school grounds including the following:

DISCIPLINE 1ST INCIDENT 2ND INCIDENT 3RD INCIDENT LEVELS LEVEL 1 Teacher Discipline Office Referral In School and and Suspension Contact Parent Teacher –Administrator (1-2 Days) Parent - Student And Conference Contact Parent LEVEL 2 In School Suspension Out Of School Suspension Out Of School (2-3 Days) (1-2 Days) Suspension and and (2-3 Days) Contact Parent Contact Parent And Contact Parent

LEVEL 3 Out Of School Out Of School Suspension Suspension (5 -10 Days) Pending (3- 5 Days) Disciplinary Hearing With and Referral To Alternative School Contact Parent and Contact Parent

DISCIPLINE 1ST Occurrence LEVELS LEVEL 4 Out Of School Suspension (5 -10 Days) Pending Disciplinary Hearing With Referral To Alternative School Parent Conference: The parent must bring the child back to school for a conference with the principal/administrative staff and/or superintendent. LEVEL 5 Out Of School Suspension (10 Days) Parent Conference Pending Disciplinary Hearing Referral of Expulsion to the Superintendent and/or Board of Education

**NOTE: Elementary Students are not referred to the Tunica County Alternative School. Elementary students will require a conference with the Parent(s), Principal, Administrative Staff, and/or Superintendent of Education. Appropriate discipline will be determined for all elementary students and will be place in In-School- Suspension at Tunica Middle School. Necessary arrangements will be made for elementary students.

Level I 1 – 1 Tardiness 1 - 2 Running and/or making excessive noise in the hall or building 1 - 3 Initiating or participating in any unacceptable physical contact (horse playing) 1 - 4 In unauthorized area without pass (halls, etc.) 1 - 5 Displaying any behavior which is disruptive to the orderly process of education 1 -6 Using forged notes or excuses 1 -7 Failure to wear district adopted school uniform or violation of the school’s dress code 1 -8 Disruptive classroom behavior 1-9 Abusive language

Level II

2 - 1 Leaving the school grounds without permission 2 - 2 Skipping class 2 - 3 Insubordination, defiance of school personnel’s authority, disrespect 2 - 4 Possession and/or use of tobacco products (including smokeless tobacco) 2 - 5 Exhibiting any hostile physical actions 2 - 6 Unauthorized or inappropriate use of the internet, computers, or computer software 2 - 7 Continuation of unmodified Level I 2 - 8 Dress code violation 2 - 9 Failure to wear district adopted school uniform or violation of the school’s dress code

Level III

3 - 1 Fighting, Instigating, Initiating of a fight 3 - 2 Gambling 3 - 3 Theft of personal and/or school property (Restitution shall be made regardless of other punishment) 3 - 4 Acts which threaten the safety and well being of student and/or staff 3 - 5 Extortion- use of intimidation, coercion or force 3 - 6 Cheating on tests or exams 3 - 7 Vandalism of personal and/or school property (Restitution shall be made regardless of other punishment) 3 - 8 Using profane, obscene, indecent, immoral, or offensive language and/or gestures, and/or possession of obscene, indecent, immoral or offensive materials 3-9 Refusal of punishment 3-10 Repeated refusal to follow administrator’s instructions 3-11 Sexual harassment 3-12 Trespassing or loitering on any school property while suspended 3-13 Disorderly conduct, out of control, throwing objects, yelling, screaming, loud profanity 3-14 Continuation of unmodified Level I and II 3 – 15 Bullying/Harassing Behavior of any form

Level IV

4 - 1 Possession, use or under the influence of alcohol, counterfeit drugs, illegal drugs, narcotics, controlled substance(s) or paraphernalia. 4 – 2 Aggravated assault, assault/battery (resulting in serious injury) toward a student 4 - 3 Assault/battery against a school employee 4 - 4 Using profane, obscene, indecent, immoral, or offensive language and/or gestures directly to a staff member 4 - 5 Gang Fighting (involvement of three or more students); Group Fighting 4 - 6 Sexual assault /battery toward students 4 - 7 Sexual assault/battery toward school employee 4 - 8 Continued Level I, II, or III behaviors 4 – 9 Possession and/or use of tobacco products (including smokeless tobacco) 4 – 10 Matches, any forms of lighters

Any student in violation of the above shall be suspended by the principal for five to ten days and ordered to appear for a disciplinary hearing with referral to Alternative School.

LEVEL V *5-1 Destructive Devices, Weapon(s) possession or use of such as a knife, gun, ice picks, brass Knuckles or any form of a weapon or object that may be used to do bodily harm, etc.

** 5 - 2 Sale or distribution, or conspiring to sell counterfeit drugs, illegal drugs/alcohol, narcotics or controlled substance(s).

** 5 - 3 Students are prohibited from wearing, displaying, or possessing in any manner on school property or at school-sponsored events clothing, apparel, accessories, drawings, or messages associated with any gang or social club that is associated with criminal activity, as defined by law enforcement agencies.

In addition to these penalties, provisions of the Mississippi Criminal Code are applicable to illegal behavior. Principals are required to report illegal activities to the proper authorities. Reference: Mississippi Code of 1972; Section 37; §37-9-14, §37-11-18, §37-11-29

CORPORAL PUNISHMENT (Policy JDB)

Reasonable corporal punishment of a student is permitted as a disciplinary measure in order to preserve an effective educational environment which is free from disruption and is conducive to furthering the educational mission of the Tunica County Schools. The Superintendent shall establish and enforce these rules which are consistent with the following requirements: 1. Corporal punishment shall be administered only after other methods have failed. 2. Any corporal punishment shall be reasonable and moderate and may not be administered maliciously or for the purpose of revenge. 3. Corporal punishment shall be administered by the Superintendent of Education, Principals, and Assistant Principals, in the presence of another certified/classified employee. Both employees shall sign the discipline form. The witness shall be informed of the charges against the student. 4. No corporal punishment shall be administered in the presence of other students. This includes hallways and classrooms. Among the suggested private locations would be the principal's office, lounge, or vacant teacher's room. 5. Any paddle used for the purpose of corporal punishment shall be no more than 18 inches in length, no more than 6 inches in width, and no more than 1 1/8 inch in thickness, and must be approved by the building principal. 6. Corporal punishment is to be administered to the buttocks only and must not be excessive. A maximum of three (3) licks (swats) is highly recommended. In instances where corporal punishment is refused, suspension or placement in "In School Suspension," or schedule for hearing for Alternative School shall be administered. 7. Students may be detained by the principal only when a productive purpose is achieved through its use. The principal who wishes to detain a student shall notify the parent one day prior to detention. 8. In all cases where corporal punishment is administered, a discipline form containing the following information shall be completed: a. Student's name b. Date c. Details of specific incident for which punishment was administered d. Number of swats administered e. Signature of person administering punishment f. Signature of witness g. Signature of student 9. Special student's suspension/punishment will be administered according to Federal Court requirements.

If corporal punishment must be administered to one individual more than two (2) times in anyone (1) school session, a suspension or some other approved form of punishment by the principal may follow.

Corporal punishment shall not be administered to any child who does not have a parental approval form on file with the principal of the school. Any parent who objects to his/her child being paddled by the school personnel shall file written objections with the principal. Suspension or some other approved form of punishment of the student shall be the alternative punishment for the students whose parents have filed written objection to the paddling of their child.

OTHER PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES

GANG ACTIVITY OR ASSOCIATION A student(s) will not be allowed to initiate or become involved in activities or conduct which threatens the safety and well-being of others or property on school premises or which disrupts or threatens to disrupt the school environment. The use of words or symbols that tend to disrupt the school environment or to encourage violations of school policy or which threaten the safety and well-being of others on the school premises will not be allowed. An individual or individuals who are initiating, advocating, or promoting activities which threaten the safety or well-being of persons or property on school grounds or which disrupt the school environment are harmful to the educational process. The use of hand signals, graffiti, or the presence of any apparel, jewelry, accessory, or manner of grooming which, by virtue of its color, arrangement, trademark, symbol, or any other attribute which indicates or implies membership or affiliation with such a group, presents a clear and present danger. This is contrary to the school environment and educational objectives and creates an atmosphere where unlawful acts or violations of school regulations may occur. No student shall actively participate or wear clothing or other indications of membership in an organization which advocates violence or hatred toward any group of students and other individuals, or an organization which either intends to or does disrupt the educational process through its purpose or actions. Incidents involving initiations, hazing, intimidation, and/or related activities of such group affiliations which are likely to cause bodily danger, physical harm, or personal degradation or disgrace resulting in physical or mental harm to students are prohibited. The school district shall enforce the above rule and attempt to ensure that any student wearing, carrying, or displaying gang paraphernalia or exhibiting behavior or gestures which symbolize gang membership and/or participation in activities which intimidate or affect the attendance of another student shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary action, in accordance with the disciplinary ladder.

SEXUAL HARASSMENT The Board of Trustees will not tolerate sexual harassment of or by students. This policy applies to all personnel employed by the district, to non-employee volunteers who work subject to the control of school authorities, and to all students of the district. Students who are guilty of threatening or sexually harassing other students or employees shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary action, including suspension and/or expulsion.

AFTER-SCHOOL HOURS/TRESPASSING Students shall not be on school property after school hours unless in teacher-supervised school activities.

UNACCEPTABLE CONDUCT IN ASSEMBLIES Assemblies are to assist in educating our students, to help expose our students and patrons to the fine arts, and disseminate information. Therefore, at all times during assemblies, your behavior must be refined and courteous. An indication of the cultural level of the school is the conduct of its student body at an assembly. Whether guests are present or not, each student is personally responsible for the impression made by the school as a whole. Unacceptable conduct would include, but is not limited to, whistling, uncalled-for clapping, boisterousness, and talking during the program.

SUSPENSION AND EXPULSION (Policy JDD/JDE)

Any student suspended from school will receive an unexcused absence. However, the students will be allowed to make up work according to the District policy. It shall be the responsibility of the student and parent to request the makeup work. Request for makeup work must be made in writing or person. No phone calls will be accepted. In the event the suspension occurs during the last 10 days of any semester or term, the student shall be permitted to take such final examinations or submit such required work as would be necessary to complete the course of instruction for that semester or term, provided that all work is completed after the regular school day.

The principal may recommend expulsion of a student or students to the Superintendent of Education. Afterwards, the superintendent may accept the recommend for expulsion or may modify the principal’s recommendation. The student shall remain at the Tunica County Alternative Learning Center until a final decision is made. The parent or guardian of the child reserves the right to appeal the decision before the Board of Education.

Reference: Mississippi Code of 1972: § 37-11-18 Expulsion of student possessing controlled substance or weapon or committing violent act on school property.

Any student in any school who possesses any controlled substance in violation of the Uniform Controlled Substances Law, a knife, handgun, other firearm or any other instrument considered to be dangerous and capable of causing bodily harm or who commits a violent act on educational property as defined in Section 97-37-17, Mississippi Code of 1972, shall be subject to automatic expulsion for a calendar year by the superintendent or principal of the school in which the student is enrolled; provided, however, that the superintendent of the school shall be authorized to modify the period of time for such expulsion on a case by case basis. Such expulsion shall take effect immediately subject to the constitutional rights of due process, which shall include the student's right to appeal to the local school board

ENFORCEMENT

It is the responsibility of the serving building principals and their designated representatives to enforce the policies set forth in the student conduct code of the handbook.

ALTERNATIVE SCHOOL STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

The primary purpose of the Tunica County Alternative Learning Center is to serve as a disciplinary school for students in grades 6-12 who have been assigned through the Tunica County Schools Disciplinary Hearing.

Our ultimate mission is to return the student to their regular school program, with academic progress, and with a self understanding to make better decisions in regards to behavior in the future. With that in mind, we must work together to direct the student's academics and behavior through the Alternative School Rules and Procedures.

TUNICA ALTERNATIVE LEARNING CENTER MISSION AND VISION

The Tunica Alternative Learning Center’s mission is to provide a learning environment that allows middle and high school students to experience behavioral success. Our goal is to provide an educational foundation that promotes integrity, self-worth, and lifelong learning that fosters healthy, productive, responsible members of society.

In addition, the mission of the Alternative Education Program is also to promote the following objectives in a learning environment that offers high expectations and high support: • Academic Performance • Behavior Modification • Functional Skills • Career Education

Through the individual instruction and education plans (IIP or IEP), students, parents, and school faculty collaborate to address the six key areas. The Tunica Alternative Learning Center is committed to making a safe, structured, environment that is conducive to helping students succeed in today’s changing world.

Note. Procedures outlined in the modified discipline plan for Tunica Alternative Learning Center.

ADMISSION PROCEDURES

A. Within five (5) days of notification by telephone (1) by the hearing officer of the final decision to place a student in the alternative school or (2) the Superintendent of the final decision by the Board to place a student in the alternative school, the student’s parent or guardian shall contact the alternative school principal to arrange for a conference with the student at the alternative school. This conference is a requirement for enrollment in Tunica county Alternative Learning Center. B. All parents and students must sign a behavior contract which states their agreement to follow the program guidelines.

Placement Students will be placed in the alternative school for a minimum of 45 days. The date to return to the home school may be adjusted to coincide with the end of the grading period. Students may receive placement in the alternative school by: Alternative School Screening Committee. The Superintendent of Education The Board of Education

ATTENDANCE

A. Attendance, like attention, is vitally important to an academic environment. You must attend on a daily bases. It is the responsibility of the parent or guardian as well as a student’s responsibility to make certain that school attendance requirements are followed. B. Tunica County Schools’ policies still apply while in Alternative School. Absences are referred back to the home schools. C. Referrals will be made to the attendance Officer after five (5), ten (10), and fifteen (15) days of unexcused absences. D. Regardless of whether an absence is excused or unexcused, the time missed must be made up by adding days that extend your stay.

TRANSPORTATION TO THE ALTERNATIVE SCHOOL

Transportation to the Tunica County Alternative Learning Center will be provided by Tunica County Schools. Students will ride their regular bus from home to the Rosa Fort High School Campus. The expectations for compliance and discipline procedures are the same as those outlined for Tunica County School District. The following procedures shall be observed: Students will remain under the supervision of the school security personnel until the bus arrives. Students will then be transported to Tunica County Alternative Learning Center in Dundee, MS. Students are expected to obey the driver at all times. Students shall ride their zoned bus to the high school. Students may not ride any bus other than their zoned bus. Students shall load and unload the bus to the alternative school in front of the high school gym. If students miss the bus to the alternative school, they must make arrangements for transportation. They will not remain on any school campus. Students shall not be on any school campus other than the bus stop in front of the high school gym. Violation of rules may be caused for removal from the alternative school. Bus misconduct may results in a bus suspension and/or removal from the alternative school program.

CHECK IN/OUT

Check in/out—an intensive search will be conducted each day. The students will:

A. All students must enter by the front door. B. Empty pockets. C. Submit to a search with a hand-held metal detector. 1. Search and Safety – Students are searched thoroughly each day upon entry to the Tunica Alternative Learning Center. 2. A metal detector is used. If a weapon or drugs are suspected, staff may conduct a hands-on check of the student. 3. Anything other than school material is considered contraband. Candy and gum are thrown away. Any other items of value are held for the parent to pick up. Items that are unlawful to possess on a school campus (tobacco, drugs, weapons, etc.) are discarded or turned over to law enforcement. 4. Jackets and sweaters that are hung on the racks are also searched daily. The staff accepts no responsibility for any contraband brought to school. D. All unauthorized items in one’s possession shall be given to the Alternative School staff as soon as they arrive and enter the building. E. Arrive at school with no-more than five dollars ($5.00) only if paying for lunch or required for special activities.

LUNCH / BREAKFAST

Lunch/Breakfast – cost will be the same as it is at all other schools in Tunica County. Lunch/breakfast can be paid for on the day of purchase. Students are not allowed to charge meals. There are no exceptions to this rule.

VISITORS

The Alternative School is a restricted access facility. A. No one enters classrooms without the prior consent of the principal or designee. B. Off campus counselors are encouraged to visit their clients at times other than scheduled class time. Meeting during the scheduled lunch break is permissible when it is not disruptive to the school, is not invasive on the rights of other students, and does not extend lunch beyond the published times. C. Friends from other schools are prohibited from visiting. D. Parents, legal guardians, or those indicated on the parental consent form completed upon enrollment are the only visitors permitted to have contact with students. The parental consent form may be updated as needed but must be done in writing.

UNIFORM AND GROOMING CODE: Policy - GRADES PRE-K THROUGH 12 -

Student Dress Code Clothing and other items that students wear to school must not disrupt the educational process, be embarrassing to others, nor create any form of school disturbance. Any items symbolic of gang activity, inappropriate language, drugs, alcohol, etc. will not be tolerated. The students MUST follow the following guidelines:

Shirts

ALL SHIRTS WILL BE A TRADITIONAL UNIFORM STYLE SHIRT WITH A COLLAR.

Shirts must have sleeves. No brand logo can appear on the shirt except the school designated logo. Shirts must be properly tucked into pants/skirts. A solid white or black undershirt may be worn under the uniform shirt. No writing or images are allowed on the undershirt.

Pants/Skirts/Bottoms

ALL PANTS/SHIRTS/BOTTOMS MUST BE A UNIFORM STYLE BOTTOM.

Pants/skirts must be worn properly at the waist. Regular pleated or flat front pants are acceptable. Pants/skirts must be size appropriate (Jeggings, Leggings, skin-tight or oversized – sagging pants will not be tolerated). Knee-length pants or skirts shall be no shorter than the top of the knees. No jogging pants, wind suits, warm-ups, spandex, draw strings, tight fitting clothing including leggings, jeggings, and skinny pants of any style. Clothing with lettering, symbols, pictures, designs, etchings or decoration may not be worn. Cargo and Carpenter Style pants may be worn by elementary students only.

Shoes/Socks/Stockings/Tights Shoes must completely cover the feet {example, gym shoes or casual shoe} Boots can be worn by elementary students only. Shoes with eyelets must have laces and be properly tied. Velcro closures must be fastened. Flip-flops, sandals, mules, clogs, stilettos and open toe shoes are not acceptable. Heels shall be no higher than one inch. Socks shall be a solid color {black, brown, navy blue, white}. Stockings/Tights should be the color of the uniform bottom or skin tone. Shoe must be a solid color {black, brown, white; it may have a contrasting color(s)}.

Belts Belts must be worn with the school uniform. Belts must be a solid color (Black, Brown, or Navy Blue) and must be worn inside of the belt loops. Belt buckles must be proportion to the size of the belt. No large/oversized buckles are allowed. No design or logos should be on the belt or buckle.

Denim – No denim material of any kind is to be worn as uniform clothing.

Jewelry/Accessories No facial or other observable piercing. No removable, cosmetic or fashionable mouth grills. Females may wear earrings no larger than one inch in diameter (the size of a quarter); only one earring or stud may be worn in each ear. No oversized jewelry will be worn. No colored beads or other long hanging jewelry may be worn. No spiked accessories, chains including those attached to wallets, belt loops or other accessory/item.

Males may not wear any form of earrings or piercing during school hours.

Headgear Headgear will only be permitted during the winter months and/or bad weather. Knit/sweater/ watch style caps without bills, tails or ties may be worn. No baseball caps, doo rags, head wraps, head rags, scarves – fashion or other style, of any style are not acceptable. Bandanas, sun glasses, visors, curlers, headbands are not allowed. Unauthorized items will be confiscated and returned to parent/guardian. No headgear will be worn inside of the classroom.

Jackets Jackets/Coats/Hoodies are acceptable. The garment must completely open and close down the front and zips, buttons or snaps.

Hoodies should not be worn inside the classroom. The headgear of the hoodie should not be worn inside the building or the classroom. No pull-over hoodies are allowed; only hoodies that button-up, zip, or snap are allowed. Athletic letterman’s jackets may be worn.

Travel Wear The principal/coach/sponsor will determine the appropriate attire for school related travel and/or field trips.

Special Classes The Principal will designate a weekday for JROTC, Health Science and other classes/clubs/organizations to wear the designated attire.

Special Days The Principal may periodically designate a special day to deviate from the uniform. Any items symbolic of gang activity, inappropriate language, drugs, alcohol, etc. will not be allowed.

New and Transfer Students New and transfer students will be given five (5) days from the date of enrollment to obtain the required uniform.

Winter Wear: A scarf or knit/sweater cap should only be worn during the winter season. Otherwise, any type of head gear is not acceptable as part of the uniform policy.

Gloves should only be worn during winter season and should not be worn inside the building during the exchange of class periods.

Compliance with the uniform policy shall be the responsibility of the individual student and parent. Teachers or staff members may at any time counsel with students about attire that may not be acceptable. When there is any doubt that students are adhering to the Uniform policy, the school administration will render the final authority. Non-compliance of student will result in disciplinary actions.

Revised/Adopted: April 13, 2011

Uniform and Grooming Code – Grades Pre-k through 12th Grade

Tunica County School District has adopted the following uniform policy. Item of All Elementary Tunica Middle Rosa Fort Clothing Schools School High School Shirt Navy or Red Red Black or White Uniform Style Shirt Uniform Style Shirt Uniform Style Shirt Pants/ Tan Navy Blue Tan Skirts Uniform Style Bottom Uniform Style Bottom Uniform Style Bottom

Knee Length, Long or Long or Capri Pants, Uniform Knee Length Long or Shorts, Skirts or No Carpenter Pants Knee Length Jumpers No Cargo Pants/ No Carpenter Pants Pockets No Cargo Pants/ Pockets No leggings, jeggings No leggings, jeggings or or skinny pants of any Skinny pants of any form form Shoes: Completely cover the Completely cover the Completely cover the feet: Black, Brown, or white feet: Gym or Casual feet: Gym or Casual Gym or Casual Shoes are and may have a Shoes and Boots are Shoes are acceptable. acceptable. contrasting color(s) acceptable. No Flip flops, Boots, No Flip flops, Boots, House No Flip flops, House House shoes or Sandals shoes, Sandals or Stilettos shoes or Sandals Heels no higher than one inch Heels no higher Heels no higher than one inch than one inch Belt Solid Color Solid Color Solid Color Black, Brown, Blue Black, Brown, Blue Black, Brown, Blue Plain Buckle Plain Buckle Plain Buckle (No Design) (No Design) (No Design) Socks Solid Color Solid Color Solid Color Jewelry No Facial or other No Facial or other No Facial or other & Observable piercing Observable piercing Observable piercing Accessory No Mouth Grills No Mouth Grills No Mouth Grills Boys: No Earrings Boys: No Earrings Boys: No Earrings Females: Females: Females: One stud/hoop per One stud/hoop per One stud/hoop per ear (maximum one ear (maximum one ear (maximum one inch inch diameter – size of inch diameter – size of diameter – size of a quarter) a quarter) a quarter) Headgear Winter Scarf (Only) Winter Scarf (Only) Winter Scarf (Only) (Winter Knit/Sweater Caps Knit/Sweater Caps Knit/Sweater Caps Only) Watch Style Caps Watch Style Caps Watch Style Caps

Uniform and Grooming Code – Alternative School & GED:

Tunica County School District has adopted the following uniform policy. Item of Alternative School Alternative School Clothing GED Attire for Attire for Tunica Middle Rosa Fort High Shirt Gold Hunter Green Hunter Green Uniform Style Shirt Uniform Style Shirt Uniform Style Shirt Pants/ Tan Navy Blue Tan Skirts Uniform Style Uniform Style Bottom Uniform Style Bottom Bottom Long or Long or Long or Knee Length Knee Length Knee Length No Carpenter Pants No Carpenter Pants No Carpenter Pants No Cargo Pants/ Pockets No Cargo Pants/ Pockets No Cargo Pants or No leggings, jeggings or No leggings, jeggings or Pockets Skinny pants of any form Skinny pants of any form Shoes Completely cover the Completely cover the feet: Completely cover the feet: Black, Brown, or feet: Gym or Casual Gym or Casual Shoes are Gym or Casual Shoes are white and may have Shoes and Boots are acceptable. acceptable. a contrasting color(s) acceptable. No Flip flops, Boots, House No Flip flops, Boots, House No Flip flops, House shoes or Sandals shoes, Sandals or Stilettos shoes or Sandals Heels no higher than one inch Heels no higher than one inch Heels no higher than one inch Belt Solid Color Solid Color Solid Color Black, Brown, White Black, Brown, White Black, Brown, White Plain Buckle Plain Buckle Plain Buckle (No Design) (No Design) (No Design) Socks Solid Color Solid Color Solid Color Jewelry No Facial or other No Facial or other No Facial or other & Observable piercing Observable piercing Observable piercing Accessory No Mouth Grills No Mouth Grills No Mouth Grills Boys: No Earrings Boys: No Earrings Boys: No Earrings Females: Females: Females: One stud/hoop per One stud/hoop per One stud/hoop per ear (maximum one ear (maximum one inch ear (maximum one inch inch diameter – size diameter – size of a quarter) diameter – size of a quarter) of a quarter) Headgear Winter Scarf (Only) Winter Scarf (Only) Winter Scarf (Only) (Winter Knit/Sweater Caps Knit/Sweater Caps Knit/Sweater Caps Only) Watch Style Caps Watch Style Caps Watch Style Caps

Pants must fit properly at the waist. They may not be oversized (baggy or saggy) or undersized. Belts must fit properly and should be worn through all belt loops. Shirt must be long enough to stay tucked inside of pants or skirts. No denim material of any type is to be worn as uniform clothing. All uniform clothing must be plain without any manufacturer’s logos, brand names, pictures, or insignias visible on the clothing and must fit. Violations of the District Uniform policy is a Level II offense. Discipline will be given according to the rules and procedures that are required for Level II offenses

The Tunica County School District will not grant permission for any student to participate in any school-related activity which would require an absence that would exceed five (5) per class and/or twenty (20) total class periods during the school year. When required, students participating in extra- and co-curricular activities must have on file at the school written parent consent and liability waiver forms. In order to participate in any extra- or co-curricular activity, the student must attend school for at least three class periods on the day of the scheduled activity.

In determining eligibility for tryouts and participation in student activities requiring at least minimum grade averages for semesters and terms, grades will be determined in accordance with grading policy as noted in the handbook (see “Grading”). No student in the Tunica County School district shall be retained at any grade level for the purpose of extending eligibility for participating in athletics or any other school activity.

CLUBS/ORGANIZATIONS

Rosa Fort School/Tunica County Vocational-Technical Center offers a comprehensive array of activities for the educational development of students. It is the intent of these activities to provide educational opportunities outside the regular classroom setting by providing experiences in leadership, team and group work, fellowship and individual development. You are encouraged to select those activities which fit your talents and interest, meet their requirements and the school’s requirements for participation, and further your own education and represent yourself, family, school and community.

PARTICIPATION IN BAND/SPORTS

A student must pass all academic subjects in order to participate in band and sports activities.

Band is offered to students in grades 6-12 at Rosa Fort School. Beginning band may be taken in grades 6-8. Students may participate in the concert/marching/gospel/jazz band but must have participated in beginning band in order to join any of these groups. Good grades and conduct must be maintained as outlined in the student handbook. A student with failing grades will not be permitted to participate in band performance and after-school practice until passing grades are achieved. NOTE: Only one Carnegie unit may be applied each year to the 24 state units from participation for interscholastic athletic activities, band, performance choral, or ROTC, if they meet the instructional requirements specified in the Fitness through Physical Education Framework. Graduation requirements above the state requirements may award additional credits as outlined in the Board policy. Source: Mississippi Public School Accountability Standards ELIGIBILITY FOR ATHLETICS

All students participating in athletics will be required to have on file written parent consent, proof of insurance, liability waiver, and medical screening by a licensed physician. Eligibility for competitive activities is determined according to the rules of the Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA). Students must meet all requirements established by the MHSAA. Among the requirements are the following:

1. To meet all residency verification requirements as established by the MHSAA. 2. To be under 19 years of age prior to August 1st. (Copy of Birth Certificate must be given.) 3. To be limited to six (6) consecutive years of competitive athletics from the time the student enters the seventh grade. 4. A student must maintain a grade point average of at least a “C” Average. This will be measured at the conclusion of the first semester using the semester averages of all the courses the student is taking. Students who do not have a “C” average the first semester will be ineligible for the second semester. 5. At the end of the school year, each student’s grade point average for the year will be assessed. This assessment will reflect the average for the entire year using the final grades for each course. If the student does not have a grade point average of at least a “C” average, he/she will become ineligible for the fall semester. 6. Students may attend summer school, extended school year, take correspondence classes, participate in credit recovery programs and take advantage of other elated options to establish a “C” average to regain eligibility. Students must complete these programs prior to the first day of the next year or the next semester. 7. A student athlete may become eligible for the second semester only once during his/her high school career if he/she fails the year end average the previous year, by achieving a least an overall “C” average at the end of the first semester. This will be done in order to keep the student on track for graduation. NOTE: Detailed information on eligibility can be found on the MHSAA website: www.misshsaa.com home page under Eligibility. 9. MHSAA eligibility rules require each student participating in MHSAA sanctioned competitions to make satisfactory progress toward graduation. 10. Special education students will be academically eligible if they are making satisfactory progress according to the committees reviewing their Individual Education Plans (IEP).

Academic Rule

Out of School One or More Semesters: If a pupil who is eligible for a given semester drops out of school for one or more semesters, he/she is then ineligible until he/she achieves an overall average of a “C” during a semester. A pupil who is eligible for a given semester cannot drop out of school during the semester or remain out of school for one or more semester and then be eligible for the next semester he/she attends.

Seventh and Eighth Grade Participation: To be eligible for participation in the fall as a seventh and eighth grader, a student must be promoted; have passed the four core courses (English, Math, Science and Social Studies that meet the equivalent of 250 minutes per week); and the average of those four core courses must be a “C” or above. For the spring semester eligibility, the student does not have to be passing all four core courses; the average of those four core courses must be a “C” or above. Summer school or extended school year grades will replace the frail for a failed course in the spring semester grade point average (GPA).

If a student meets promotional requirements at the end of the school year but is retained in the same grade, the student is ineligible for one (1) year. This is commonly referred to as redshirting. If the student participates after being declared ineligible, the school will be placed on athletic probation by the MHSAA and may lose accreditation from the State Department of Education

A pupil who is not eligible at the beginning of the school year may become eligible the second semester only once during the student’s junior high school career by passing four basic courses with a 75 in each course.

STUDENT PUBLICATIONS

Because student publications in the Tunica County Schools are centered in the instructional programs and are developed through classroom experiences, the professional staff member directing student publications shall exercise proper control over the content, development, and distribution of publications under his/her charge and shall be directly responsible to the building principal for the exercise of such control.

It is the intent of the Board of Education to support the continuing development of student learning through publications of high quality, to encourage the growth of student writers, to develop respect for the responsibilities that accompany the opportunity to prepare school publications, and to assist students in the development of their appreciation of the rights of others. The Board encourages students to exercise sound and reasonable judgment in the selection or creation of materials for publication and further recommends that articles, letters, etc., which appear to be objectionable be considered for revision to avoid problematic language, statements, or inferences without destroying the intent and point of view of the writer. Staff members shall be directly responsible to the publication advisor/sponsor, and all materials prepared, selected, and edited by staff members must be submitted to the advisor/sponsor for approval or disapproval. Disagreements among staff members over matters of taste, propriety, or form will be resolved by the advisor/sponsor. Further disagreements must be submitted to the building principal for his/her decision regarding publication.

The Board specifically prohibits publication in school papers, magazines, yearbooks, and other school-sponsored publications of any item which may hold any person liable, materials which are considered by teacher advisors/sponsors or by the principal to be obscene or in poor taste, materials which might result in any possibility of violence, or items which might damage or hurt any person.

PARTIES Student Social Events – Parties, Dances – K-12

Elementary Schools

In elementary schools, K-5, parties are permitted only by permission of the principal.

Secondary Schools No parties are permitted in the secondary schools, 6-12, during the school day, without approval of the principal. All evening parties and dances shall be scheduled with the administration in accordance with district policy and shall end no later than 10:00 p.m. for junior high school and 11:30 p.m. for senior high, unless special permission is granted from the office of the Superintendent. Parties and dances will not be held on an evening during the school week. All junior high school parties or dances will be limited to events which do not permit students to rent or wear formal attire. Students who indulge in or have possession of alcoholic beverages or drugs will be subject to disciplinary action as required under Board policy regarding use and/or possession of alcohol or controlled substances on school grounds or at school events.

When a student leaves a party or a dance, the student will not be allowed to return to the event.

Parties or dances are given only for members of the sponsoring student body unless written permission is granted by the office of the Superintendent of Education.

There will be no spontaneous parties or dances. Plans must be made by the sponsor of each activity and submitted in writing to the principal at least ten (10) school days before the activity. The Superintendent of Education must give written approval before any final action is taken in regard to social activities.

Chaperones for Parties, Etc. – This responsibility will be approved by the principal. 93

Tunica County School District Handbook Receipt Form 2012-2013 Please Sign, Date, and Return this page to the Building Principal

We, (parent and student) understand and consent to the responsibilities outlined in the 2012-2013 Tunica County School District Parent/Student Handbook.

We, (parent and student) acknowledge receipt of the 2012-2013 edition and will adhere to the regulations and policies that are outlined within.

Student’s Name (please print) Student’s Signature Date

Parent’s Name (please print) Parent’s Signature Date

*** Please fill out and return to your child’s school. Thank You.***

STUDENT USER AGREEMENT ~ STATEMENT OF RECEIPT

“We (student and parent) have received and reviewed the Tunica County School District Handbook. We understand that we are expected to be familiar with the policies, procedures, and consequences explained in these documents. We understand that the student will be held accountable for the behavior and consequences outlined in the Student Handbook at school and at school-sponsored or school related activities. We understand that any student who violates the Student Conduct Code will be subject to disciplinary action. We further understand that a lack of knowledge of the policies will not be an acceptable defense in the event of a violation to the policy.”

“I acknowledge that I have read the “Acceptable Use Policy” with my child. We have discussed it together and he/she understands that these expectations apply to the use of the district’s computers, telephones, and any other communication technology that is used at school. I understand that the Internet has been established for educational purposes and that safeguards are being taken to minimize the chance of accessing inappropriate materials. I know that all students will be expected to follow guidelines established regarding the use of the Internet whether during class or during leisure time. I further understand that should my child deliberately access a site that is unacceptable for a given assignment or access a site without prior permission, he/she will be referred to an administrator.”

“I, therefore, release the district and its personnel from any and all claims and damages of any nature arising from my child’s use of, or inability to use, the District’s LAN. This release includes, but is not limited to claims that may arise from the unauthorized use of the system to purchase products and services. I will emphasize to my child the importance of following the rules for personal safety and the restrictions set forth in the District Acceptable Use Policy.”  I give permission for my child to use the Internet.  I do not give permission for my child to use the Internet. Please sign and return the Student User Agreement to school within one (1) week of enrollment. This form must be on file before accessing the Internet. A form will be given to each student during orientation or a form can be acquired from the Technology Department. ______Student’s Name (Printed) ______School and Grade Level ______Signature, Parent or Guardian ______Signature, Student ______/ ______/ ______Date ...... This space reserved for Network System Administrator Assigned User Name: ______Assigned Password: ______

*** Please fill out and return to your child’s school. Thank You.***

Learning Compact TUNICA COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT STUDENT – PARENT- TEACHER COMPACT

Student responsibilities for achieving a positive learning environment at school or school- related activities shall include: Attending all classes, daily and on time; Being prepared for each class with appropriate materials and assignments; Exhibiting respect toward others; Being properly attired; Conducting themselves in a responsible manner; Obeying all school rules, including safety rules Cooperating with staff in the investigation of disciplinary cases; and Delivering all school correspondence, including discipline reports, to parents.

Comments:

Student’s Signature______Date:______

Parents have the right/responsibility to: Provide for the physical needs of their child; Be knowledgeable of school policies and academic requirements of school programs; Be afforded due process in all proceedings; Cooperate with school administrators and teachers Encourage their child to pay attention and obey the rules; Ensure that the child attends school regularly and promptly report and explain absences and tardies to the school; Participate in parent-teacher conferences to discuss the child’s school progress and welfare; Return all documents that need to be signed; Provide necessary supplies and materials needed for school; Maintain up-to-date home, work and emergency numbers and other pertinent information; Encourage and lead the child to develop proper study habits at home; Participate in school related events, open house, community meetings,etc. Comments:

Parent’s Signature ______Date: ______

Teachers have the right/responsibility to: Use the discipline management procedures developed by the district; Provide instruction and be prepared to perform their teaching duties with appropriate materials, assignments and resource materials; Explain assignments to students clearly; Provide clear evaluations of students’ progress to both students and parents; Comply with district and school policies, rules, regulations and directives; Provide a safe and pleasant atmosphere for learning; Maintain an orderly classroom atmosphere conducive to learning; and Ensure that all students are treated with dignity and respect

Comments:

Teacher’s Signature: ______Date: ______

*** Please fill out and return to your child’s school. Thank You.***

Tips for School Bus Student Riders

1. Be waiting at your stop 5 minutes early. This does not mean inside your house. 2. If crossing the street, wait for traffic to stop. The school bus driver will motion to you when it is safe to pass in front of the bus to load or unload 3. Do NOT bring any unauthorized items on the bus, such as weapon, tobacco, combustibles, firecrackers, pets, large items, etc. 4. Keep pencils/pens put away in your backpack. For safety reasons do not board the bus with pencils in your hand. 5. Be nice and courteous to everyone. You should not use profanity or fight with anyone on the bus. These offenses are subject to suspension from the bus. 6. Do not distract or bother the driver through loud talking or misbehavior. 7. Keep the bus clean. No Food or Drinks should be consumed on the bus. 8. Keep your hands and head inside of the bus. This can cause serious harm. 9. Do not throw anything out of the window or make faces or signs at cars behind or to the side of the bus. 10. Stay in your seat. The bus driver does have the right to assign you a specific seat. 11. Emergency door/window may only be opened in case of an emergency. 12. Bus drivers are not responsible for articles left on the bus. 13. Graffiti or damage to the bus interior will result in those individuals responsible paying for the damages. 14. Use or possession of gang graffiti or any gang related items or activities of any kind may result in EXPULSION from bus and school. 15. A student can be suspended from school if a disciplinary infraction occurs on a school bus at any time or any place.

ALL VIOLATIONS WILL BE REPORTED TO YOUR SCHOOL PRINCIPAL. PUNISHMENT MAY INCLUDE SUSPENSION FROM RIDING THE BUS TEMPORARILY OR PERMANENTLY. SCHOOL PRINCIPALS WILL DETERMINE ALL PUNISHMENTS.

School authorities will investigate and determine the appropriate discipline.

I have read and understand the “Tips for School Bus Student Riders” and the consequences of violating the rules. In additional, I acknowledge that I have received a copy and will adhere to the procedures of the District.

______Printed & Signature Name of Parent or Guardian DATE

______Printed & Signature Name of the Student DATE

*** Please fill out and return to your child’s school. Thank You. ***

PARENT NOTE EXCUSE FORM

Student’s Legal Name______

Date of Absence(s):______

School:______

Homeroom Teacher:______

Please excuse ______(Student’s Full Name) for being absent on the days listed above. Please check the absence reason that applies.

______Illness or injury.

______Death or serious illness of immediate family member.

______Court appearance.

______Other reason. Explanation______

Parent Signature______

Date:______

Table of Contents