Student: ______Date Signed: ______Grade: ______

(Please Print)

IMPORTANT NOTICES TO STUDENTS AND PARENTS

This page needs to be signed and returned

Return to: ______Room # ______

By: ______Date: ______

Code of Conduct

I have read, reviewed and agree to abide by the conditions stated in this assignment/handbook. Furthermore, I fully understand the Weapon Free School Zone Law and its consequences as stated on Page 13 of this document.

The elementary school Code of Conduct reflects the Portage Board of Education’s directive of “Zero Tolerance” for the violation of any item included in this Code for the purpose of maintaining a safe and orderly learning environment.

Student:

______Student Printed Name Student Signature

Parent:

______Parent Printed Name Parent Signature

PPSNet Educational Network Acceptable Use Agreement

*Student I understand that I am responsible for materials accessed and acquired on the PPSNet, and I will abide by the PPSNet user Agreement. I further understand that any violation of the administrative guidelines is unethical and may constitute a criminal offense. Should I commit any violation, my access privileges may be revoked, and disciplinary action, including legal referral, may be taken.

User Name ______(Please Print)

User Signature ______(If you are under the age of 18, a parent or guardian must also read and sign this agreement.)

School ______Date ______

*PARENT OR GUARDIAN As the parent or guardian of this student, I have read the PPSNet user Agreement. I understand that this access is designed for educational purposes. Portage Public Schools has taken precautions to eliminate controversial access. However, I also recognize it is impossible for Portage Public Schools to restrict access to all controversial materials, and I will not hold the District responsible for materials acquired on the network. Further, I accept full responsibility for my child’s computer use while using District equipment, PPSNet. I hereby give permission to Portage Public Schools to issue an account for my child, and I certify that the information contained on this form is correct.

Parent or Guardian Name ______(Please Print)

Parent or Guardian Signature ______

* NOTE: This form is on file for all students enrolled in Portage Public Schools

TEAR OUT AND RETURN!

2

8107 Mustang Dr., Portage, MI 49002 269-323-5000 FAX 269-323-5001 Web Site: www.portageps.org

Vision: An exceptional, continuously improving learning culture with high expectations, committed to all!

Mission: Portage Public Schools will educate all students to achieve their potential

SUPERINTENDENT

Mr. Mark Bielang

CURRENT BOARD OF EDUCATION

Randy Van Antwerp , President Kurt Droppers, Trustee Terri Novaria, Vice President Russell Rathburn, Trustee Celeste Shelton-Harris, Secretary Robert “Bo” Snyder, Trustee Joanne Willson, Trustee

ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

AMBERLY ELEMENTARY – 323-5900 LAKE CENTER ELEMENTARY – 323-6300 Andy Fuehr, Principal Kelly Jensenius, Principal

ANGLING ROAD ELEMENTARY – 323-6000 MOORSBRIDGE ELEMENTARY – 323-6400 Heather Yankovich, Principal Lori Kirshman, Principal

CENTRAL ELEMENTARY – 323-6100 TWELFTH STREET ELEMENTARY – 323-6900 Sara Wagenaar, Principal Darryl Blasingame, Principal

HAVERHILL ELEMENTARY – 323-6200 WOODLAND ELEMENTARY – 323-6600 Jeremy Zonts, Principal Effie McCarren, Principal

ADMINISTRATION

Superintendent – 323-5148 Technology/Media Services – 323-5100 Curriculum Services – 323-5060 Business Office – 323-5180 Instructional Services Office – 323-5140 Human Resources – 323-5150 Assessment Office – 323-5067 Transportation – 323-5151 Community Enrichment– 323-6700 Food Services – 323-5155 Community Relations - 323-5162 Skyward Family Access Portage - [email protected] Special Education/At Risk – 323-5170

For More Information, Call 323-5000

3 TABLE OF CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF RECEIPT SIGNATURE PAGE 1 ALLERGIES 6 ATTENDANCE 4 ATTENDANCE SCENARIOS, FREQUENT 5 BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS 11 BULLYING 8 CIVIL RIGHTS LEGISLATION 19 CODE OF STUDENT CONDUCT 14 CODE OF STUDENT CONDUCT CONSEQUENCE CHART 21 COMPUTER USAGE, INTERNET ACCESS, USE AGREEMENT 28 CONFIRMING CHILD ABSENCE 6 DESTRUCTION OF SCHOOL PROPERTY 15 EMERGENCY DISMISSAL 5 ENROLLMENT INFORMATION 5 FAMILY RIGHTS AND PRIVACY ACT 17 FOOD SERVICE 9 GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE 20 HEALTH SERVICES 7 HOMEWORK 13 IN-DISTRICT TRANSFERS 13 LIBRARY/MEDIA CENTER 12 LOST AND FOUND 12 MEDICATION 7 PARENT CONCERNS 6 PARENT OBSERVATIONS 7 PREPARATIONS FOR EMERGENCIES 5 REGISTERED SEX OFFENDERS 12 REPORTING TO PARENTS 6 SAFETY DRILLS 12 SAFETY FIRST 5 SAFETY PATROL 12 SCHOOL HOURS 5 STUDENT COUNCIL 12 STUDENT TRANSPORTATION SAFETY RULES/ADMINISTRATIVE GUIDELINES 13 STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES 15 TESTING AND ASSESSMENT 12 TEXTBOOKS AND SUPPLIES 11 TRIPS 12 WEAPON FREE SCHOOL ZONE, ARSON, CRIMINAL SEXUAL CONDUCT 14 WEAPONS & EXPLOSIVE DEVICES 14 WEATHER AND RECESS 11

4 INTRODUCTION to the PREPARATIONS FOR Portage Elementary School Program EMERGENCIES We never know when emergencies for the individual **The policies, guidelines and procedures noted in child may arise so it is very important that we keep this handbook are occasionally revised by the home phone and emergency phone numbers updated. State of Michigan and/or Portage Public Schools. It is also important that your child know where he/she As these are reviewed and approved, changes to is to go in case of an emergency school dismissal. some of the handbook information will take place. The most up-to-date version is available online on In the event of a school evacuation, your child will be your school’s website. Any questions in regard to transported by school bus to a safe, secure location. the content of this document should be directed to Students will only be released to individuals specified the Building Principal.** by the parent/guardian. This information will be sent home annually for updates, but parents are advised to The Portage elementary schools are organized and monitor and update enrollment information via the dedicated to serving children. This objective is first Skyward Family Access portal as needed. Adults and foremost. The curriculum includes math, reading, will be required to show identification before a writing, science and social studies in alignment with student will be released in their care. standards adopted by the state of Michigan. The 5th grade class receives Spanish. In addition, there are SAFETY FIRST curricula in human growth and development, Parents are encouraged to take a few minutes to technology, units dealing with child abuse, anti- discuss with their children the best and safest way to bullying and drug prevention, music, physical walk to and from school or the bus stop. It is best to education and art. Instructional materials are have the child cross where there is a marked carefully selected to assist in the delivery of the crosswalk or where there is a safety patrol post. educational program to students. Because we want to ensure a safe and orderly situation for all students, safety patrol posts are The Portage Public School System also has support within the visual parameters of a school. Children are programs at the elementary level which enhance its to go directly home from school unless they have curricular offerings. Each elementary school has a written permission from their parents. If your child group of intervention and support specialists that rides a bike to school, please consider the wearing of work to ensure student learning.. a helmet as a safety precaution.

We are excited to have you as a part of our Portage EMERGENCY DISMISSAL Public Schools family and look forward to an Parents should discuss with their children several excellent school year. alternatives as to where to go in the event school is dismissed due to an emergency arising during school SCHOOL HOURS hours. Emergencies which might occur are: power The school day for elementary students begins at failures, boiler malfunctions, loss of water pressure or 8:35 a.m. and ends at 3:40 p.m. Children may enter severe weather. the building at 8:15 a.m. for breakfast; otherwise, they enter the building at 8:30 a.m. when the bell ATTENDANCE rings. Parents should not send children to school The Michigan School Code states that it is the before that time. Half day dismissal is at 12:00 p.m. responsibility of parents to see that their children ages 6-18 be in regular attendance at school. The ENROLLMENT INFORMATION District expects that all students, regardless of age, Children entering Michigan public schools for the should attend 100% of all scheduled instructional first time are required to present a certified copy of days. their birth certificate and a record of immunizations, or an immunization waiver signed by the parents and All attendance will be recorded. Excused absences the Health Department. All families are also required are limited to those verified by a parent or guardian. to provide proof of residency. Parents are expected to excuse only those absences inclusive of personal illness, professional For students entering Young Fives and Kindergarten, appointments, observances of sacred holidays and parents are also required to provide a record of recent other personal/family emergencies. vision and hearing tests and a current health appraisal. Anticipated absences of three (3) or more consecutive days require notification to the Building Principal. If you have any questions, please contact the school Notification should occur at least five (5) days prior assigned to your residency or Administration to the absence in order to provide students their Building at 323-5000. make-up work.

Parents will receive a letter from the school after 10 5 and 15 absences. Twenty-five absences will result in a. Students must have permission from their a letter from the school and the Truancy Officer with Principal to bring pets. Arrangements with the the attendance record attached. Principal may be made via the phone or in writing. STUDENT ATTENDANCE PROCEDURES Students, parents and the school each bear portions of b. Animals must be brought by car or walked to the ultimate responsibility for student attendance. The school out of consideration to bus passengers following procedure has been developed to ensure with allergies and other safety considerations. student attendance and to provide a measure of safety c. Large animals must be on a leash. Animals or for your child. insects that deal specifically with a curricular area may be brought to school with the teacher's CONFIRMING CHILD ABSENCE permission if the following conditions are Each school shall maintain a parent call-in procedure. satisfied: Parents are requested to call their child’s school between 7:45 and 8:45 a.m. to notify the school that a. The length of time that an animal/insect may their child will be absent. Call anytime and leave a stay shall be the teacher’s determination. message if necessary. The district's automated call system will attempt to contact the parent or guardian b. Animals must be confined in a cage, jar or when a student’s absence has not been reported to the other enclosed container. school by 10:15 a.m. and again at 4:00 p.m. Students My child wishes to bring a toy: who report to school after 10:00 a.m. will be marked absent for the morning. Students who leave school at Children should not bring toys without the 2:00 p.m. or earlier will be marked absent for the permission of their teacher. Many toys today are afternoon. expensive as well as meaningful and while they may be brought to school to share with a child’s class, the A written excuse to the teacher is still requested toys should not be taken outside the classroom. following an absence. This call-in program is an effort (not a guarantee) to see that a child is not REPORTING TO PARENTS absent from school all day without the knowledge of Communication between home and school is the parent. considered to be very important. Parent/Teacher Conferences in the school are merely one method Please note that during the day our teachers are not used to keep parents informed of the progress of their usually able to read email. Please contact the office children. These are held with all parents in the fall if there is to be a change for your child’s dismissal and spring. Also, a written report of each child's procedure. progress is made at the end of the semester. Portage elementary schools are using a system of reporting Please inform the school if the child’s absence is pupil progress, which places an emphasis on essential going to be for an extended period (2+ days), or if the skills expected at each grade level. absence is due to a communicable disease such as head lice, measles, chicken pox, flu, etc. Teachers and parents are encouraged to contact each other whenever questions or concerns about a child FREQUENT ATTENDANCE SCENARIOS arise. Telephone calls, email messages and Family emergencies, appointments, etc.: occasional home visitations are three methods used If you must take your child out during school hours, by parents and teachers to gain greater insight into please come to the office. We will have the child the lives of children and to ensure a constant flow of come to the office and then have you sign the student information between home and school. out. No child will be sent out to a waiting car. This is done as protection for your child. We prefer that Visits to the school by parents are encouraged. children not walk home alone during school hours. Arrangements for visitations can easily be made by contacting the office and the child's teacher. We plan to move:

Please inform the school office as soon as possible. PARENT CONCERNS My child is staying after school: Should you have a complaint or problem regarding Generally the school will seek prior approval from your child, the procedure to follow is: the parent before requiring a child to stay after 1. contact your child’s teacher; school. 2. for social emotional concerns, contact your My child wishes to bring an animal or pet to school: building engagement specialist

All dogs, cats and other large domestic pets may be 3. contact your Building Principal; brought to school only upon meeting the following conditions: 4. if you have additional questions after discussing the situation with your child’s teacher and the 6 issue is not resolved at the building level, you are in the same facility with products containing encouraged to call the Instructional Services peanuts/peanut butter/tree nuts. We cannot allow Office at 323-5140. home-baked or bakery treats as these can inadvertently pose a risk. Our goal is to resolve all issues positively for all parties concerned. Please note that if any food item not on the safe snack list is brought to a classroom or event, it will be PARENT OBSERVATIONS returned home with a reminder of the safe snack PPS respects parents/guardians desires to observe choices. This list applies to all classroom snacks, and their child’s class but must make every effort to avoid for any occasion including classroom celebrations, undue distractions to the educational process. It is school-wide events, and birthdays. requested that observation appointments be scheduled through the Principal, pending the consent of the We ensure allergen safety in school cafeterias by teacher, in order to minimize classroom disruption. making an allergen-free seating area available for 24 hour notice is appreciated. students, as needed. Students may bring any foods HEALTH SERVICES for lunch in the cafeteria and follow safety protocols Several voluntary health programs are planned each accordingly. year for educational and screening purposes. These services are contingent on county/state funding. Safe Snack List ● Fresh fruit: such as apples, apricots, bananas, VISION screening is done each year in grades 1, 3 & blackberries, blueberries, cantaloupe, cherries, 5. Parents of those students who are found to have grapefruit, grapes, honeydew, melon, mandarin vision problems are notified by mail by the oranges, nectarines, oranges, peaches, pears, Kalamazoo County Human Services Department. A pineapple, plums, raspberries, strawberries, form may be sent home requesting more information tangerines, watermelon or applesauce about your child’s vision. ● Dried fruit: raisins, banana chips, etc. No Trail Mix HEARING screening is done in grades K, 2 & 4. The ● Vegetables: such as broccoli, carrot sticks or Human Services Department contacts the parents of baby carrots, celery sticks, cucumber, peppers, the students who are found to have a hearing loss. green beans, snap peas, snow peas, tomato slices or grape or cherry tomatoes, yellow The school will have a space available in the office summer squash slices, zucchini slices, etc. area for students when they become ill or are in need ● Cheese or Cheese Sticks of First Aid. If the student is not well enough to ● Bagels, Rice Cakes, English Muffins, Pita, or return to the classroom, parents are expected to make Tortillas. NO PEANUT BUTTER on above arrangements to pick up their child. Students are not ● Hummus released to emergency contacts without prior written ● Dried Breakfast Cereal (no milk) that are not parent authorization. peanut, nut caramel or chocolate flavored ● Sunflower seeds, pumpkins seeds The Management of Communicable Diseases can ● Lunch meat: plain or serve with bread, pita, be found on Kalamazoo County Health and crackers, tortillas (as a wrap) Community Services website: ● Plain/original flavored graham crackers, http://www.kalcounty.com/hcs/school/facts.htm graham sticks (no nuts, caramel, or chocolate flavored) ALLERGIES ● Crackers, Pretzels-original flavored (no nuts, Portage Public Schools provides a safe and healthy caramel or chocolate flavoring) school environment for all students. We encourage ● Microwave popcorn-already popped (no families with a child who has a serious allergy to Cracker Jacks, caramel, etc. flavored due to include that information in our student information possible allergens) system (Skyward) and to contact the school office to share their individual plan to ensure the student’s COOKIES, CANDY, GRANOLA BARS, AND safety. PRODUCTS THAT MAY CONTAIN PEANUTS OR TREE NUTS WILL NOT BE PERMITTED We continue to see an increasing number of students DURING SNACK TIME. with serious nut and other food allergies. To promote everyone’s safety we have created a list of allergen- MEDICATION free foods. Peanuts/peanut butter/tree nuts can be a The administration of medication to students is not real health risk for a number of students. In addition normally a function of the school, and state law does to not allowing these items in classrooms and at not require the school to do this. However, the school events, we ask that you not bring in snacks Portage Board of Education permits this as a that are made on equipment with products containing convenience to the students and parents as long as it peanuts/peanut butter/tree nuts, or that are processed is consistent with the school code. The Building 7 Principal may refuse to honor a request to administer BULLYING medications when, in the Principal's opinion, the It is the policy of the District to provide a safe and nature of the situation suggests that medication might nurturing educational environment for all of its be better administered out of school or by the child's students. parents. This policy protects all students from bullying Medication forms are included at the back of the regardless of the subject matter or motivation for Handbook or on the district website. such impermissible behavior. The definition of

Before the school can administer medication to your bullying is when an individual or a group of people child it is necessary that you supply the following: with more power, repeatedly and intentionally cause hurt or harm to another person or group of people 1. Authorization who feel helpless to respond. Authorization for the administration of medication shall be in writing and shall be signed by the Bullying behavior toward a student, whether by other parents on a form furnished by the school. The students, staff, or third parties, including Board form includes necessary and required information members, parents, guests, contractors, vendors, and regarding the dispensing of medication. volunteers, is strictly prohibited. This prohibition includes written, physical, verbal, and psychological 2. Preparation of Medication abuse, including hazing, gestures, comments, threats, The medication shall be delivered to the school in or actions to a student, which cause or threaten to such form as necessary for its administration cause bodily harm, reasonable fear for personal without any further preparation. All medication safety or personal degradation. shall be in a labeled container and shall bear the

druggist's label giving the name of the medication, Demonstration of appropriate behavior, treating instructions for administration of the medication, others with civility and respect, and refusing to name of the prescribing physician and the name tolerate harassment or bullying is expected of and phone number of the pharmacy. administrators, faculty, staff, and volunteers to 3. Medication Supply provide positive examples for student behavior. It shall be the responsibility of the person authorizing the medication to provide the school This policy applies to all "at school" activities in the with such medication as shall be from time to time District, including activities on school property, in a required without the prior request of the school. school vehicle, and those occurring off school Elementary students may not bring their own property if the student or employee is at any school- medication to school or transport on the bus, with sponsored, school-approved or school-related activity the exception of inhalers as long as the or function, such as field trips or athletic events authorization indicates a student can self- where students are under the school’s control, or administer unless the authorization shall otherwise where an employee is engaged in school business. expressly provide, the administration of Misconduct occurring outside of school may also be medication shall cease at the end of thirty (30) disciplined if it interferes with the school calendar days. environment.

The school must have the medication form in order to Notification: administer medication to any student. Emergency Notice of this policy will be annually circulated to situations can allow staff to administer medicine to and posted in conspicuous locations in all school students. buildings and departments within the District and discussed with students, as well as incorporated into HEAD LICE the teacher, student, and parent/guardian handbooks. Students diagnosed with live head lice do not need to State and Federal rights posters on discrimination and be sent home early from school; they can go home at harassment shall also be posted at each building. All the end of the day, be treated, and return to class after new hires will be required to review and sign off on appropriate treatment has begun, even if nits persist. this policy and the related complaint procedure. A successful treatment should kill crawling lice. Parents or legal guardians of the alleged victim(s), as Head lice can be a nuisance but they have not been well as of the alleged aggressor(s), shall be promptly shown to spread disease. Personal hygiene or notified of any complaint or investigation as well as cleanliness in the home or school has nothing to do the results of the investigation to the extent consistent with getting head lice. with student confidentiality requirements. A record Additional information about head lice and nits can of the time and form of notice or attempts at notice be found on the Kalamazoo County Health and shall be kept in the investigation file. Community Services website at: http://www.kalcounty.com/hcs/ To the extent appropriate and/or legally permitted, confidentiality will be maintained during the 8 investigation process. However, a proper Superintendent shall submit a compiled report to the investigation will, in some circumstances, require the Board on an annual basis. disclosure of names and allegations. Further, the appropriate authorities may be notified, depending on BULLYING INTERVENTION the nature of the complaint and/or the results of the Students will be taught a 3 step response to investigation. harassment/bullying behavior including “Stop”, “Walk”, and “Talk”. Implementation: ● Ask them to: “Stop doing what they’re doing” The District is responsible to implement this policy, and use our school’s stop signal. and may develop further guidelines, not inconsistent ● Then Walk away from the problem behavior. with this policy. ● If the behavior doesn’t stop, Talk to an adult.

This policy is not intended to and should not be The “Stop” command has a hand signal that will be interpreted to interfere with legitimate free speech taught to students. Planned practice and instruction rights of any individual. However, the District on 3 step response will be provided for students and reserves the right and responsibility to maintain a staff at the beginning of each quarter. safe environment for students, conducive to learning and other legitimate objectives of the school Reporting/Talk program. 1. Report the incident of Bullying to a trusted adult. Procedure: a. In person Any student who believes s/he has been or is the b. Online Bullying Report Form victim of bullying, hazing, or other aggressive c. Written Form behavior should immediately report the situation to 2. Report to the police if the situation imposes an the Principal. The student may also report concerns immediate threat. to a teacher or counselor who will be responsible for notifying the appropriate administrator or Board Bullying Intervention Options official. Complaints against the Building Principal 1. Conflict Resolution (Counselor/ Behavioral should be filed with the District. Complaints against Specialist/School the Superintendent should be filed with the Board Psychologist/Administration) President. 2. Bullying letter sent to perpetrator from Every student is encouraged, and every staff member administration. is required to report any situation that they believe to 3. Anonymous intervention protecting the be aggressive behavior directed toward a student. reporters. Reports shall be made to those identified above. 4. Consequences per code of conduct. Reports may be made anonymously, but formal disciplinary action may not be taken solely on the FOOD SERVICE basis of an anonymous report. National School Lunch Program The National School Lunch Program is a federally The Principal (or other administrator as designated) funded program providing nutritionally balanced shall promptly investigate and document all lunches to children each school day. Schools that complaints about bullying, aggressive or other participate in the program receive financial assistance behavior that may violate this policy. The and donated USDA foods for each meal they serve. investigation must be completed as promptly as the In return they must serve meals that meet federal circumstances permit after a report or complaint is nutrition requirements and must offer free or reduced made. price lunches to eligible children. Portage Public

If the investigation finds an instance of bullying or Schools encourages participation in your school’s aggressive behavior has occurred, it will result in Lunch Program to promote healthy eating habits, as prompt and appropriate remedial action. This may well as improve student achievement and overall include up to expulsion for students, up to discharge wellness. for employees, exclusion for parents, guests, volunteers and contractors, and removal from any School Breakfast Program official position and/or a request to resign for Board The School Breakfast Program is a federally funded members. Individuals may also be referred to law program. Financial assistance is given to schools for enforcement or other appropriate officials. each breakfast served to children, which meets the USDA breakfast meal pattern requirements. Portage The individual responsible for conducting the Public Schools encourages participation in your investigation shall document all reported incidents school’s Breakfast Program. A variety of cold and report all verified incidents of bullying, breakfast meal combinations are available for the aggressive or other prohibited behavior, as well as students to purchase each morning. Breakfast is any remedial action taken, including disciplinary served daily from 8:10 – 8:40 a.m. actions and referrals, to the Superintendent. The 9 Menu Planning When your child pays with a check, they will not be The Director of Dining Services plans breakfast and allowed to receive cash back. Checks will be lunch menus based on availability of products and deposited to your child’s account for the full amount student preferences. Input for these menus is for which they are written. Money is collected daily received from many sources including students, in each classroom and sent to the cafe for deposit parents, food service staff, school staff and other before the lunch service begins. school districts. All menus are planned to meet the Meal Pattern Requirements established by the USDA. Meal Charge Policy Menus are sent home monthly, but can also be found Elementary students are allowed to charge three (3) on the district website at: www.portageps.org/ consecutive meals into the negative. If a 4th meal Departments/FoodGroup then follow the link to or more is charged, then an alternative meal will be menus. You may also find the monthly menu on the provided to the student. The alternative meal will district’s Nutrislice site at portageps.nutrislice.com. consist of cheese sandwich or veggie platter, a trip through the fresh food bar for vegetables and/or fruit Payments and milk. An attempt will be made by the food Lunch money is tracked in the cafe using a service staff or the building office staff to contact the computerized Point of Sale system (POS) that parent when the child will be provided the alternative provides more accuracy in accounting for student’s meal that day to allow the parent to place money on balances and lunch choices. This system enables their child’s account. parents to receive a print out of their child’s account history if requested. When you send a payment for Student Balances your child’s lunch or milk, it will show as a dollar All positive balances will remain on your child’s amount of credit, just like a bank account. When account at the end of the school year and follow them your child eats lunch and/or breakfast, the dollar to their next grade level and/or new school building. amount of the meal will be deducted from their This includes transfers between the high schools, account balance, similar to a debit card. Money middle schools and elementary buildings. Parents deposited into your child’s account can be used for may request a refund if moving out of the district or breakfast, lunch, extra entrees, extra sides, bottled recent meal benefit eligibility changes. All refund water and milk. Student’s whose accounts are in the requests must be made in writing to the district food negative will not be allowed to purchase milk, or any service office at 8107 Mustang Dr., Portage, MI other extra food items until their negative balance has 49002 and should include the student’s full name, ID been paid in full. One carton of milk is included in number, school they attended and a current mailing the price of each breakfast and lunch. Please do not address. Refunds will be processed and mailed to the include money for other school functions in the lunch address in the request within 30 business days. prepayment envelope. Negative balance notices will be sent home for meals We encourage parents to prepay meals for their that have been charged into the negative. On the children. Meals may be paid for by the month, week fourth day of charges, an alternative meal will be or day. Prepayments are accepted by credit/debit provided for your child as noted above. Low balance card, check, money order, or cash and can be for any notices for the elementary students are sent home denomination. Payments by credit/debit card can be weekly. You may sign up to have a low balance e- made at www.sendmoneytoschool.com. The district mail notice sent directly to you when your child’s accepts Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American account is low. Please contact your building food Express. There is a $1.00 convenience fee charged to service staff or the food service department to sign your card when placing money in your children’s up for a daily alert. You may log onto account. Payments made through the www.sendmoneytoschool.com and set up your own SendMoneyToSchool.com website will typically post alert if you prefer not to have a daily alert. to your child’s account within an hour.

When making payments by check, all checks must be Parents may view balance and transaction made payable to PORTAGE PUBLIC SCHOOLS – information, account history, place purchasing not to the building name, teacher name, etc. Please restrictions, set up low balance email alerts, make make sure to include your child’s student ID number credit/debit card payments and transfer balances on all forms of payment. For your convenience, between students’ accounts on our lunch payment envelopes are available from the cafe www.sendmoneytoschool.com website. The account or your child’s teacher (or you may use your own). information on this website is real time and reflects Please include your child’s full name, student ID current account information. If you do not have number, teacher name, and amount of payment internet access, you may contact the school cafe to enclosed on the envelope. Payments returned for receive a printout of the information. Non-Sufficient Funds in your bank account will be charged a $25 service fee. Counter/starter checks and Negative Balance Policy checks drawn off of a business account cannot be Negative balances are required by law to be paid to accepted for student meals. the Food Service Department by the end of each 10 school year. At the end of the year all outstanding staff for a request form. You may also print off a negative balances will be forwarded to the district field trip sack lunch form from the food services Business Office to begin collection proceedings. website.

Free and Reduced Meal Benefits BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS Families who feel they may be eligible for the Free & Teachers recognize and celebrate student birthdays in Reduced Meal Benefit Program are required to apply their classrooms. If you would like to add to the at the beginning of each new school year. Meal celebration of your child’s birthday at school, Benefit applications can be completed through the consider some of the following options: website www.lunchapp.com or paper versions are available at any school office and the district food ● Share a small inexpensive non-edible favor with service office. Online applications go immediately classmates: erasers, highlighters, bookmarks or into our POS system and are the most timely and pencils are always appreciated and needed by private way to have your child’s meal benefits students. approved. ● Donate an age-appropriate game for indoor recess: When the weather does not allow for If your child has been approved for free or reduced recess outside, students are always seeking new price meals, your status will automatically be updated games to play during indoor recess. Donating in the POS computer. Meal benefits are applied on an age-appropriate game in honor of your the date and exact time the application is processed in child’s birthday is a wonderful long-lasting the computer. Once the application has been birthday gift shared with all students. processed, your meal benefit level will automatically ● Donate an item from your teacher’s classroom be posted to your child’s account. Please note that supply wish list: Teachers are always in need of until your meal benefit application is processed, you additional whiteboard markers, an electric are financially responsible for any meals consumed pencil sharpener, etc. Donating an item for use by your child. The district does have up to 10 days to in the classroom is another way to honor your process meal benefit applications from the date that child’s birthday. they are received in our office. The meal benefit ● Dedicate a book: Have your child dedicate a program is a completely confidential program. Your grade-level appropriate book to his/her child’s classmates will not know if your family is a classroom library. We encourage recipient of this benefit. If you have not received an parents/guardians to write “In honor of [your email or a letter in the mail regarding your eligibility child]’s birthday” inside the book. Please check status, you should contact the food service office. with your child’s teacher for book titles and/or When filling out a paper application, one application author ideas. is needed per family, regardless of how many ● Eat lunch with your child on his/her birthday: children you have in the Portage Public Schools Parents/guardians are always welcome to join system or how many different buildings your children their child for lunch at school. While food attend. Foster children are considered households of cannot be shared with other students, parents one and are required to complete a separate are welcome to bring lunch for themselves and application regardless of how many other Portage their child to celebrate their child’s birthday. Public Schools students reside in the same home. TEXTBOOKS AND SUPPLIES If your family qualified for free or reduced meal If a textbook or library book is lost or damaged benefits in the previous year, your children will through misuse or carelessness, a replacement fee automatically receive those same benefits for the first may be assessed to the child. 30 school days of the new school year. YOU MUST REAPPLY for the program each year in order to WEAPONS AND EXPLOSIVE DEVICES continue receiving benefits. You may apply at any All materials that are sharp or have explosive time during the school year. Applications can be capabilities are prohibited and may not be brought to completed online at www.lunchapp.com or paper school. See page 16 for more information. versions are available at any school office, the district food service office, or on the district’s website. WEATHER AND RECESS Every child should come to school each day prepared Field Trip Sack Lunches for a recess period. A decision is made each day with Sack lunches are available for purchase from Food consideration given to temperature, wind factor, Service for your child’s field trips. All lunches must dampness, and local playground conditions as to be ordered 48 hours in advance and can be deducted whether the children will play outside or indoors. from your child’s pre-paid balance or paid on that Current practice is if the temperature is 0 degrees or date. Field trip sack lunches are available to all below and/or the wind chill is 0 degrees or below, students. If your child qualifies for free and reduced students will have recess indoors. meals they may receive the lunch at their current benefit level. See your child’s teacher or the cafe 11 REGISTERED SEX OFFENDERS LIBRARY/MEDIA CENTER Parents/guardians/and others who are listed on the Each Media Center maintains a carefully selected and Sexual Offenders Registry may only drop off and systematically organized collection of diverse pick up their own children or, as otherwise specified learning materials, from print resources to a full array in court documents without violation of the Attorney of computers to access the online Library Media General’s ruling. Specific individual cases may Center catalog and online resources. further limit access to school property. Those individual who have been identified on the registry Parent volunteers are appreciated and very important will not be allowed to attend any events on any to the Library Media Center. Volunteers help to free school property, unless specific arrangements are the media specialist to work with children and made with the building administration, such as, in the teachers. Those interested in volunteer work should case of parent/teacher conferences. Please be aware call the media specialist. that any individual identified on the Sexual Offenders TRIPS Registry will not be allowed to attend classroom Elementary classes may take bus trips on special parties, musical events, field trips, open house or any occasions during the school year. Parents will be activity in which students are present and as defined notified when a trip is being planned for their child. in the written decision. In accordance with our In most cases, written permission will be required student safety precautions and this law, any and all from the parent/guardian before the child can parents, guardians and daycare providers who pick up accompany the class on this trip. students, must sign in at the office and students will be called down from their classrooms for the The Principal may exclude student participation dismissal. based upon inappropriate student behavior.

SAFETY DRILLS LOST AND FOUND Each year, all students participate in emergency drills Names on all personal articles should prevent them in accordance with Michigan Law. from being placed in the lost and found box. Each school has areas where children are sent with However, each Portage elementary school has a lost their teacher in the event of an emergency such as a and found area for those items of clothing, lunch disaster. boxes, sports equipment, etc. that have been misplaced. Parents should feel free to check through SAFETY PATROL these areas. A teacher from the building supervises the safety patrol. Some supplies are obtained from the TESTING AND ASSESSMENT Automobile Association of America (AAA). Assessment for learning is part of the Portage Public The duties of the safety patrol may include watching Schools' academic program. As such, PPS follows the the buses load and unload, and guarding the crossings guidelines associated with the annual state testing used by children who walk to and from school. criteria.

Safeties are chosen from the upper elementary DIBELS assessments are given to all elementary grades. Selection is based upon good behavior, ability students three times each year. The assessments to work with other children, responsibility, and measure kindergarten and first grade students’ academic achievement. knowledge of letter names, letter sounds, and the ability to segment and synthesize sounds. Students in These students are not adults and it should be grades 1-5 take the Oral Reading Fluency test, which remembered that they do not have adult ability and measures their reading fluency. The assessment judgment. results are used to monitor overall student progress in

STUDENT COUNCIL these particular reading sub-skills and as an initial The goal of having a student council is to help screening device for students who may be having provide an environment in which desirable reading difficulties. democratic behavior and citizenship may be NWEA screening assessments are administered to developed through practice. elementary students Kindergarten through fifth grade

three times per year. The system efficiently assesses The student council meetings are held at the student performance in Mathematics and English convenience of the faculty sponsor. Each Language Arts and is aligned to the Common Core representative then reports to the class what was State Standards. The assessment helps identify discussed at the student council meeting. individual learning gaps and provides information to

our teachers on how to best close learning gaps. Some of the projects student councils have had are clean-up campaigns, the school store, playground Our third through fifth grade students also participate planning committee, movies, poster contests, and in the Michigan Student Test of Educational various committees which do special jobs for the Progress, M-STEP. This testing occurs in April and school. May of each school year. Students are assessed in 12 Math and English Language Arts every year and in Parents of students who are eligible for Science and Social Studies in alternating years. transportation services are expected to register with the Transportation Department before HOMEWORK boarding our buses. This will allow the school Homework is defined as practice and reinforcement district to plan appropriate and efficient bus of learning and an extension of study. Research routes. Since school bus transportation is provided indicates that homework is most effective when there only for certain eligible students, it shall be is family involvement. Family involvement includes considered a PRIVILEGE to be enjoyed only as long such aid as a quiet place to work, help with as the students accept responsibility for their own directions, a location for resource materials, etc. personal conduct and carefully follow all rules and administrative guidelines. Most school bus riders, IN-DISTRICT TRANSFERS other than certain handicapped children as designated In regard to school enrollment and school attendance, by an IEPC, may find it necessary to walk some Portage Public Schools and the district Board of distance to the designated bus stop or to school. Education have developed guidelines with the expectation that students enroll in school based on Portage Public Schools is concerned about the safety the location of their permanent residence. The and security of all students. Therefore, any changes district operates within a neighborhood schools to the scheduled transportation for a student can only model as defined by the geographical boundaries be made with written authorization in advance established at the district level. Families should from the parent/guardian. expect, and are required, to enroll their children in the school(s) corresponding with their resident address. Call the Transportation Department in advance to verify seating availability. Bus capacity and A transfer request to attend a school outside of a assignments may limit changes. Unfortunately, we resident’s boundary will only be considered for cannot guarantee that extra groups will have adequate unusual circumstances and cases of family hardship seating for scout meetings, birthday parties, etc. which make it difficult for the family to attend their assigned school and would likely impact the student’s A handbook that outlines Portage Public Schools educational experience. transportation rules and administrative guidelines will be distributed to all eligible families. The The recommendation to allow a transfer to another handbook outlines responsibilities of the student, school will be the responsibility of the current the parent, the bus driver and the District. Building Principal, with final approval determined by the Instructional Services office. Transportation Advisory Committee If approved, the student will be expected to attend When appropriate, a committee shall review special school regularly and on-time and abide by the transportation requests regarding bus stops and Student Code of Conduct. The school/district routes, evaluate the circumstances and make a final reserves the right to take formal action to rescind a decision. The committee shall be composed of the student’s transfer due to circumstances such as poor manager of transportation, a law enforcement attendance, inappropriate behavior, or declining representative, and a parent/community academic performance. representative. Such requests must be in writing and sent to the Transportation Manager. The request Classroom assignment is the responsibility of the should include detailed information describing the Building Principal. situation and the desired remedy, whenever possible. If circumstances change, special requests Special Education programs and services for students may be reevaluated. with IEPs are regulated by legislation. Administrative rules determine maximum class size LEARNER BEHAVIORS in these programs. Learner behaviors are the work habits and social skills students need to acquire. These behaviors are STUDENT TRANSPORTATION essential to a student’s success both in and outside of SAFETY RULES AND ADMINISTRATIVE school. Students are given opportunities throughout GUIDELINES the year to acquire these work habits and social skills. The Portage Public Schools shall provide transportation for all students in grades Young Fives, Learner behaviors are evaluated through observation Kindergarten through Twelve, and to and from using a key noted on the report card. Curious Kids Child Care program as follows: 1. Elementary School pupils, Y5s-5th grade may be COMMUNICATION ABOUT STUDENT PROGRESS expected to walk up to one-half (½) mile to Communication about student progress occurs board a bus and up to a mile and a half (1½ ) to throughout the year and takes various forms. Each school, whenever appropriate walkways and form has a particular purpose. The most familiar traffic signs are available. form is the traditional report card. The other ways 13 that schools communicate what is going on and how interested in protecting the health, safety, and welfare children are progressing are listed below: of students, employees, and visitors. The Board ● Open House in September recognizes that District buildings, facilities, vehicles, ● Newsletters grounds and other property are best utilized in the ● Phone calls educational process in the absence of threats to ● Notes physical wellbeing and safety by individuals ● E-mail possessing weapons and/or dangerous weapons. ● Notes regarding curriculum ● Student work, homework, projects Accordingly, the Board shall permanently expel a ● Portage Public Schools website (portageps.org) student from attending school in the District, if the ● Standardized and district test scores student possesses a weapon in a weapon free school ● Displays of student work such as performances, zone, commits arson, or commits criminal sexual bulletin board work, etc conduct while on District property. Such expulsion is ● Parent Handbook mandatory, unless the student establishes, in a clear ● Elementary Program of Studies and convincing manner, at least one of the following:

CODE OF STUDENT CONDUCT, DISCIPLINE a) The object possessed by the student was not RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES intended for use as a weapon. The Portage School District shall maintain an b) The student did not know that he/she was in educational environment that will assure the health possession of the weapon. and safety of the students and staff along with the c) The student did not know that the object was a protection of District property. Proper conduct is dangerous weapon. essential (1) to develop and maintain a healthy d) The weapon was possessed by the student with teaching/learning environment, (2) to develop and permission of the school or police authorities. maintain those conditions necessary for an orderly, safe and efficient operation of the school and the Excerpt from Revised School Code 380.1311 school program, and (3) to use as a teaching tool, If a pupil possesses, in a weapon free school zone, a illustrating the fact that appropriate conduct is weapon that constitutes a dangerous weapon, required to be a productive citizen. commits arson in a school building or on school

grounds, or commits criminal sexual conduct in a Discipline shall be administered in a firm, fair, school building or on school grounds, the school consistent, expedient and equitable manner, board, or the designee of the school board shall expel recognizing individual differences and circumstances the pupil from the school district permanently. as they relate to the education of all students.

At the direction of the Superintendent of schools: RESPONSIBILITIES In order to insure each student's right to educational

opportunity in the school system, various policies, ● Administrative guidelines, rules and procedures procedures, rules and administrative guidelines governing student conduct and discipline shall be governing student conduct and discipline have been developed and published in a Student Handbook developed. Many of these are contained in this Code, or Planner. although others are unique only to a given building or ● the school staff shall monitor and enforce rules situation and are printed in the student handbook or and administrative guidelines on any school other information released to students in that particular owned property or at any school-approved building. It is the responsibility of the student to be function. aware of those specific administrative guidelines

The Code of Student Conduct will: and interpretations. Discipline is the joint ● include discipline procedures to be followed by responsibility of students, parents and the school. teachers and administrators. When a student is apprehended for violation of a school administrative guideline, the support and ● define unacceptable behavior at school, in classrooms, on school-owned premises, or while cooperation of both student and parent is essential to the school in disciplinary measures. The school is participating in school-approved functions. charged with the responsibility of administering a It is the responsibility of the building administrator to discipline that is educational, rehabilitative, communicate the District’s standards of behavior to reasonable, fair and that takes into account individual his/her staff and students. It is the obligation of the student rights as an inherent tenet of democracy. The parents of students to be aware of the Code of school shall keep a confidential written record of Student Conduct and building rules and procedures. student misconduct and the disposition deemed appropriate. WEAPON FREE SCHOOL ZONE, ARSON, CRIMINAL SEXUAL CONDUCT GENERAL SCHOOL LAWS OF MICHIGAN The Board of Education, as both an employer and a The content of this section has been changed by the public school district, is concerned with and State of Michigan and will be updated after further 14 review. These alterations were communicated to A student on suspension will not be able to attend students and parents in 2017. The Superintendent or his/her regular classes or participate in extra/co- his/her designee shall have the power to suspend curricular activities of any kind. During the dates of students temporarily from school when such the in-school or out-of-school suspension, there is a disciplinary action is warranted. loss of all social privileges.

The Board of Education has the authority to expel Parents or guardians shall be notified about the students from school in accordance with the suspension of their son or daughter. Parents shall be provisions of Michigan School Code when the informed and involved in any case of a student student’s behavior indicates that his or her presence exhibiting a history of unacceptable conduct. in school jeopardizes an effective teaching/learning Records of such involvement shall be maintained in situation or threatens the healthy environment of the the building administrator's office. school. Recommendation for expulsion shall be presented to the Board by the Superintendent. Expulsion: the exclusion of a student from school by the Board of Education. DEFINITION OF TERMS Terms used in this and all other policies, procedures, PRINCIPAL’S RESPONSIBILITY IN rules and administrative guidelines are defined as NOTIFYING PARENTS OF SUSPENSION follows: The Building Principal or person so designated has the authority to suspend a student and establish the Persistent Disobedience: continued disregard for, conditions under which the student will be and repeated infractions of, school administrative readmitted. A suspension may be “in-school” where guidelines. provision is made for the student to remain assigned Willful Destruction or Damage: the deliberate, within the building but not in regular classes. Out-of- unreasonable, and senseless damage to school or school suspension shall restrict the student from the personal property and/or destruction of said property. school premises for a specified period of time.

Detention: the assignment of a student to a An elementary building administrator will attempt to designated area within the school for a specific notify the parent or guardian of the suspension prior period of time prior to or after the regularly to the time the student is instructed to leave the scheduled school day. Transportation arrangements school premises. become the responsibility of the student and/or parent. A student is required to make up all assignments (or

Suspension: the exclusion of a student from school, their equivalent as determined by the teacher) which from a particular class, or from attending regular have been missed due to the suspension. The classes and reporting to an assigned place within the Principal may require the student to complete the school. The suspension is for a specific period of work while serving the suspension in order to receive time or until the fulfillment of a specific set of credit. If not, it is the student's responsibility to make conditions. Suspension for a period of time beyond arrangements with his/her teachers upon the first day ten (10) school days will result in a recommendation back in class to make up the work. Failure to do so, to the Board of Education for expulsion. or to complete the assignments within the time line designated by the teacher, will result in loss of credit 1. Removal from Class – The permanent removal for the work missed. of a student from class for academic attendance or behavioral reasons. STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES 2. In-School Suspension – The exclusion of a Suspending Students Suspected of Having a student from school with the student serving the Disability suspension in a designated area in the building. 1. If there is reasonable cause to believe that the 3. Out-of-School Suspension – The exclusion of a student has a disability, the student is to be student from school premises for a specified referred for a special education evaluation to be period of time. conducted immediately. If the parent refuses permission to evaluate, the district may initiate a Most student suspensions will be in-school hearing to determine if there is reason to believe suspensions. However, sometimes suspensions will the student has a disability and seek the be served out-of-school or will be a combination of permission of the hearing officer to evaluate the in-school and out-of-school. student as prescribed in §300.300 of the IDEA Regulations. Building administrators have the authority to 2. Following the evaluation, the operating district administer suspensions. Within the guidelines of the shall convene an individualized education Code of Student Conduct, administrators decide the program team (IEP) meeting as prescribed in the length of suspensions. Michigan Administrative Rules for Special Education and the IDEA Regulations. 15 Personal Property 3. If the student is found eligible for special Students are expected to respect the property of education services through the IEP team process, others (students, staff, and visitors). a Manifestation Determination Review may be held. Upon the student’s return to the school, the MATTERS RELATED TO THE SAFETY services identified in the IEP will be initiated. OF SELF AND OTHERS 4. If the student is found not eligible, the student Assault will complete the requirements of the Physical threats or violence to persons is prohibited. suspension. (See Criminal Acts)

Suspension of Students Receiving Special False Alarms - Tampering with Safety Equipment Education Services Students are not to tamper with safety equipment, nor Students receiving special education services who to report false alarms by word or by action. violate school administrative guidelines or rules may be suspended. As a student receiving special Throwing of Objects education services accrues 10 days of suspension and There shall be no throwing of objects. Such objects beyond, the building team must monitor to determine could cause injury to other persons. if a pattern of exclusion exists at which time an IEPT meeting must be convened to determine if the Fighting student’s conduct is a manifestation of his/her Fighting or threats of violence will not be tolerated. disability. The student may remain in school (including in-school suspension, if necessary) Unsafe Conditions pending the findings of the IEP Team, unless the Students shall not initiate or carry out any act, which student cannot safely be contained within the school leads to conditions unsafe to students or to school setting. personnel.

MATTERS RELATED TO CRIMINAL ACTS MATTERS RELATED TO The violation of federal, state or local laws or PERSONAL CONDUCT ordinances is grounds for suspension or expulsion Academic Conduct when such violation occurs on school property, in 1. Students are expected to be in the classroom school buildings, on buses, or at school related and prepared for class work. Students who disrupt school sponsored events. Disciplinary action may be classroom routine or who distract teachers or taken by the school regardless of whether or not students will be removed from the classroom. criminal charges result. 2. Cheating and attempts to cheat (including deception in taking examinations or performing MATTERS RELATED TO PUBLIC AND assignments) are prohibited and may result in PERSONAL PROPERTY loss of credit. Each student is expected to School Records prepare assignments and take tests in accordance Official records regarding any aspect of a student's with the teacher's instructions. Because of the enrollment in school are considered confidential nature of certain classrooms, teachers may material. Any student tampering with school records establish specific administrative guidelines to will be in violation of the Family Rights and Privacy apply to individual situations and will inform Act and will be subject to both disciplinary and legal students of the consequences. action. 3. Any materials or objects not related to school Textbooks and Other Equipment assignments that are detrimental to the The care of assigned textbooks and other equipment educational process are not permitted on school is the responsibility of the student. In cases of abuse, property. damage to, or loss of these items, the student or student's parents will be assessed for repair or Dress and Grooming replacement. When books or equipment are lost 1. Student dress should be appropriate and not during the semester, payment will be required. considered detrimental to the process of Textbooks are school property and subject to search education. Clothing will not be permitted which at any time. advertises or supports drugs, alcohol, or tobacco; contains profanity; is revealing, suggestive or Buildings, Equipment, and Buses otherwise distracting. In cases involving "willful destruction" or damage to 2. The school reserves the right to establish more school property, the student or the student's parents definitive administrative guidelines for will be assessed by the school district to recover performing and/or representative groups. losses. 3. Students in violation of the dress code will not be allowed to attend classes or other functions

16 unless otherwise approved. This administrative STUDENT SEARCH AND SEIZURE guideline will be in effect during regular hours FAMILY RIGHTS AND PRIVACY ACT and at other school functions. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974 requires school districts to make Social Conduct available to parents and students the contents of 1. Tobacco, alcohol, or a controlled substance student records maintained by the school. Parents (unless prescribed by a physician), used in any who are interested in examining their student's form by or in the possession of students is not records should contact a building administrator where permissible. the student attends to make arrangements for the 2. Public displays of affection are inappropriate and examination. If, after examination, the parent (or unacceptable. adult student) finds any error or disagrees with the contents, he/she may challenge the records. 3. Students are expected to follow the rules regarding food and beverages in their particular However, a procedure has been established and building. parents who are interested in examining their children's records should contact the Building 4. Students are expected to follow the cafeteria, Principal where the child attends to make study hall, library and assembly administrative arrangements for the examination. If, after guidelines in their particular building. examination, the parent (or student who has reached 5. Attendance is required at all assemblies and the Age of Majority) concludes that the file is in error special programs by all students unless other or in any way disagrees with the contents, he/she is arrangements are announced. Each student will afforded the opportunity to challenge the records. sit in the seat assigned by the classroom teacher. Further, a due process hearing is afforded, if desired. Those who examine the records and conclude that 6. Students are expected to demonstrate respect and they would like a copy will be able to obtain one thoughtfulness for all school staff and fellow from the school at a nominal fee. students including persons with differing backgrounds and/or abilities from their own. In addition to providing the student and parent the

Conduct at/in Extra/Co-curricular Activities right of access, the Educational Rights and Privacy Provisions of the Student Conduct Code are in Act of 1974 restricts the availability of a student's effect during all daily classroom and/or building records to the student, the student's parents, and those programs, including all field trips, extra/co- staff members who are working with the student, i.e. curricular activities, and other activities that are teacher, counselor, principal. school sponsored or school related in nature. RELEASING INFORMATION ABOUT 1. It is expected that only approved guests of Portage STUDENTS students will take part in our activities. The Names, addresses, and phone numbers of students person in charge of an activity reserves the right shall not be released except for the following reasons: to refuse admittance to any person or persons he ● Names and address of students or families shall or she deems undesirable. If guests are permitted be provided to representatives of the armed to attend school functions, the host student forces unless a parent contacts the school office assumes responsibility for making the to opt-out. appropriate arrangements, as required in the ● Names, addresses, and phone numbers may be particular building, and must also assume given to parent groups, parent volunteers, etc. responsibility for the behavior of the guest. when such people are working with the school in a school program, or at such times when the 2. Unless altered by specific action of the goals and activities of such groups are clearly administration, rules for dress and grooming will compatible with those of the school. be in effect at dances and parties sponsored by ● Unlisted phone numbers should not be released the school. to anyone except in the case of an emergency. 3. During after-school hours students will not be permitted in the building unless participating in a School district officials may transfer student records supervised activity with a sponsor or coach to officials of other schools or institutions in which a present. student seeks or intends to enroll. Notices of transfer of records need not be given to students or parents. 4. Parents are responsible for keeping students with Upon transfer, the name of the sending school, them at after school functions. address, phone number, and date shall be noted on Cooperation with School Personnel the student record. In addition, record of the transfer 1. Students are expected to follow the directions and verification by the individual sending the records and instructions given by members of the school shall be made on “Log of Student Record Transfer” staff. form.

17 With the exception of judicial orders to supply data CONCLUSION from the student's record, all other persons who have The preceding statements form the Code of Student need for any other information must present a signed Conduct and Discipline for the Portage Public release of information form with clear indication of Schools. Each building has the authority to develop the items of information approved for release. In the building rules, which interpret and apply this Code to case of a lawfully submitted subpoena or court order, specific situations within the building. It is the the school person(s) who is served has the purpose of this Code to outline those standards of responsibility to notify parents or guardians in behavior which, if violated, may lead to some form of advance of legal compliance (Form CRF-6). Further, disciplinary action---up to and including expulsion school personnel may not testify regarding such from school. records as per the Michigan General Laws of 1973, viz. 600.2165. This provision shall apply to Provisions of the Code of Conduct are in effect employers, attorneys, physicians, public and private during all daily classroom and/or building programs, agencies, clinics, service organizations, military including all field trips, out-of-state and international services, police officers, juvenile court workers, and trips, extra/co-curricular activities, and other federal investigation officials (Form CRF-4). activities that are school sponsored or school related in nature.

18

CIVIL RIGHTS LEGISLATION

The Portage Public Schools does not intentionally discriminate in employment and the education programs and activities which it operates. The Portage Public Schools is required by Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, as amended and Part 86 of the Rules and Regulations issued by the Department of Health, Education and Welfare that it not discriminate in education programs and activities and that this protection extends to and includes employment with the school district. Title IX is currently under review and will likely be amended after publication of this document. For the most up-to-date version of this handbook with updated language regarding these civil rights is available on your school’s website.

TITLE VI OF THE CIVIL RIGHTS ACT OF 1964

“No person in the United States shall, on the ground of race, color or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under any program receiving Federal financial assistance.” (34 CFR, §103.3)

TITLE IX OF THE EDUCATION AMENDMENTS OF 1972

“No person shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any educational program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.” (34CFR, § 106)

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, as amended, is designed to eliminate (with certain exceptions) discrimination on the basis of sex in any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance, whether or not such program or activity is offered or sponsored by an educational institution as defined in part 106.

SECTION 504 OF THE REHABILITATION ACT OF 1973

“No otherwise-qualified individual with a disability in the United States shall, solely by reason of her or his disability, as defined in section 706(8) of this title, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance…” (29 U.S.C. §794 (b))

Part 104 of 34 CFR effectuates Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 which is designed to eliminate discrimination on the basis of disability. On October 29, 1992, the Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1992 had three significant consequences relative to Section 504: (1) the term “disability” replaced the term “handicap”, (2) certain conditions were explicitly excluded from the definition of “disability”, and (3) complaints alleging employment discrimination under Section 504 were to be judged by the standards of Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

AGE DISCRIMINATION ACT OF 1975

“No person in the United States shall, on the basis of age, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.” (§110.10(a))

TITLE II OF THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT OF 1990 (ADA)

“No qualified individual with a disability shall, on the basis of disability, be excluded from participation in or be denied the benefits of the services, programs, or activities of a public entity, or be subjected to discrimination by any public entity.” (§35.130)

LIMITED ENGLISH SKILLS

“No person shall, on the basis of limited English skills, be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.”

19 GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE For TITLE VI OF THE CIVIL RIGHTS ACT OF 1964 TITLE IX OF THE EDUCATION AMENDMENT ACT OF 1972 TITLE II OF THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT OF 1973 SECTION 504 OF THE REHABILITATION ACT OF 1973 AGE DISCRIMINATION ACT OF 1975 Section I Any person believing that the Portage Public Schools or any part of the school organization has inadequately applied the principles and/or regulations of (1) Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, (2) Title IX of the Education Amendment Act of 1972, (3) Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, (4) the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, and (5) Title II of the Americans with Disability Act of 1990 may bring forward a complaint, which shall be referred to as a grievance, to the local Civil Rights Coordinator at the following address:

Civil Rights Coordinator, Portage Public Schools 8107 Mustang Dr. Portage, MI 49002 (269) 323-5152

Section II The person who believes a valid basis for grievance exists shall discuss the grievance informally and on a verbal basis with the local Civil Rights Coordinator, who shall in turn investigate the complaint and reply with an answer to the complainant within five (5) business days. The complainant may initiate formal procedures according to the following steps.

Step 1 A written statement of the grievance signed by the complainant shall be submitted to the Local Civil Rights Coordinator within five (5) business days of receipt of answers to the informal complaint. The coordinator shall further investigate the matters of grievance and reply in writing to the complainant within five (5) days. Step 2 A complainant wishing to appeal the decision of the Local Civil Rights Coordinator may submit a signed statement of appeal to the Superintendent of Schools within five (5) business days after receipt of the Coordinator’s response. The superintendent shall meet with all parties involved, formulate a conclusion, and respond in writing to the complainant within ten (10) business days. Step 3 If unsatisfied, the complainant may appeal through a signed, written statement to the Board of Education within five (5) business days of receiving the superintendent’s response in step two. In an attempt to resolve the grievance, the Board of Education shall meet with the concerned parties and their representative within forty (40) days of the receipt of such an appeal. A copy of the Board’s disposition of the appeal shall be sent to each concerned party within ten (10) days of this meeting. Step 4 If at this point the grievance has not been satisfactorily settled, further appeal may be made to the Office for Civil Rights, Department of Education, Washington, D.C. 20202.

Inquiries concerning the nondiscriminatory policy may be directed to Director, Office for Civil Rights, Department of Education, Washington, D.C. 20202.

The local Coordinator, on request, will provide a copy of the district’s grievance procedure and investigate all complaints in accordance with this procedure.

A copy of each of Acts and the regulations on which this notice is based may be found in the Civil Rights Coordinator’s office.

20 CODE OF STUDENT CONDUCT – Elementary School Level Summary

The primary purpose of the school is teaching and learning. In order to protect each student's right to the fullest educational opportunity available in the school system, rules and administrative guidelines governing student conduct and discipline have been developed. It is the purpose of the Code of Conduct to outline those standards of behavior which, if violated, will lead to some form of disciplinary action -- up to and including expulsion from school. Additionally, a restorative practice approach may be used to address conflict and misconduct to focus on healing rather than punishment to emphasize student accountability.

Provisions of the Code of Conduct are in effect during all daily classroom and/or building programs, including all field trips, out-of-state or international trips, extra/co-curricular activities, and other activities that are school- sponsored or school-related.

The following is a list of unacceptable student behaviors and the consequences that will result for any student, regardless of age, who is under the jurisdiction of the schools. The list is offered as an example of categories of misbehavior to provide clarification for students, and it is not intended to be all-inclusive.

UNACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOR DISCIPLINARY ACTION 1. Alcohol & Drugs: Possession or Use: Possession of, use of, under the influence 1st Offense of alcoholic beverages, narcotics, drugs, ● Referral to police caffeine pills and/or any controlled ● Suspension – 3 to 5 days substances including look-alikes or what is represented as a drug or alcohol 2nd Offense inclusive and/or any related paraphernalia ● Referral to police (empty beer or liquor containers or ● Suspension – 5 to 10 days substitute containers, etc.). ● Drug assessment ● Meeting with a qualified counselor

3rd Offense ● Referral to police ● Suspension – 10 days ● Possible recommended expulsion 2. Transferring or Sale: Transferring/Sale: Sale or transferring, attempting to sell or ● Confiscation furnish illegal drugs, narcotics, ● Referral to police hallucinogens, amphetamines, ● Suspension – 10 days barbiturates, anabolic androgenic steroids, ● Possible recommended expulsion marijuana, controlled substances, designer drugs, and/or look-alikes of any of the above, at school or any school-related activities, or within 500 feet of school premises. 3. Arson: ● Suspension - 10 days Purposely setting fire on school premises. ● Recommended expulsion ● Referral to police ● Restitution

Excerpt from Revised School Code 380.1311: “If a pupil…commits arson in a school building or on school grounds…the school board shall expel the pupil from the school district permanently.”

21 UNACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOR DISCIPLINARY ACTION 4. Assault: ● Possible suspension - 1 to 10 days Striking or threatening to use physical ● Removal from class force with school personnel, students, ● Possible referral to police and/or others on school property or at ● Possible expulsion - up to and including 180 school sponsored events. MCL 388.1709, school days* MCL 388.1606 (6), Revised School Code *Refer to Revised School Code 1311A and 1311A and 1311A(2) define and 1311A(2) differentiate between student assault on a school employee or volunteer, student assault on another student and verbal or written assault by a student. 5. Biting: ● Removal from class Purposely biting another to do harm. ● Possible suspension - 1 to 5 days 6. Cheating: ● May lose credit for the specific assignment The act or an instance of fraudulently ● Possible detention or suspension from the deceiving. specific class involved - 1 to 5 days 7. Computer Tampering: ● Suspension - 1 to 5 days Unauthorized access, modification or ● Responsible for repair/replacement costs destruction of files and/or network ● Possible loss of privileges, class participation operating systems, computer hardware and/or credit and/or electronic information. ● Possible recommended expulsion 8. Disruptive Items: ● Confiscation of item Any item that interferes with the ● Detention or suspension - 1 to 10 days educational process as determined by the ● Possible referral to police teacher or principal will not be allowed. 9. Extortion: ● Suspension - 1 to 10 days Taking money or items of value through ● Possible referral to police force, illegal activity, or ingenuity. ● Restitution 10. False Alarms: ● Referral to police False fire alarms, false 9-1-1 calls, ● Suspension - 3 day minimum inappropriate removal of fire ● Possible expulsion extinguishers, bomb threats, threats of mass violence, or similar actions. 11. Fighting: ● Suspension (all parties) - 1 to 10 days Pushing, hitting, kicking, etc., between ● Possible referral to police two or more students on school property, ● Possible recommended expulsion to or from school, or at school-sponsored activities. 12. Forgery: ● Detention or suspension - 1 to 3 days Fraudulent means to use or obtain use of school-related documents. 13. Gambling: ● Detention or suspension - 1 to 3 days Student involvement in betting/wagering. 14. Gang or Gang-Like Behavior: ● Attire required to be changed Gang or gang-like activity of any kind ● Detention or suspension - 1 to 10 days including graffiti on school property or at any school activities at any time; forming associations with other students who imitate gangs or who have similar characteristics; gang or gang-like attire; “ganging up” on other persons to harass, threaten or intimidate; creating a threatening environment; vandalizing or damaging property.

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UNACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOR DISCIPLINARY ACTION 15. Habits or Bodily Conditions ● Parent and student will be required to correct Detrimental to the School: the condition Conditions under which the pupil is suspected of having a communicable disease. One who has persistently neglected personal hygiene to the point where it is disruptive. 16. Harassment-General, Gender, Ethnic, ● Detention or suspension - 1 to 10 days Religious, Disability: ● Possible referral to Building Team Conduct that shows hostility or aversion ● Possible referral to police toward an individual because of his/her ● Possible recommended expulsion gender, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, or age that has the purpose or effect of creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment; or has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s performance. Also includes incidents that occur to and from school and at school sponsored events that are initiated by students and that are directed toward students, staff or employees of the school District. 17. Illegal Activities: ● Suspension - 1 to 10 days Illegal activities not referred to in other ● Possible referral to police portions of the Code of Conduct (breaking and entering, possession of keys, etc.). 18. Improper Bus Behavior: ● Loss of bus privileges per bus referral For safe transportation, students are procedures expected to conduct themselves in ● Possible school suspension accordance with all school rules and administrative guidelines while on a bus. 19. Inappropriate Behavior: ● Possible detention or suspension - 1 to 10 Disrespectful student behavior, defiance days of authority, the refusal of a student to ● Possible removal from class comply with the reasonable requests of ● Possible loss of privileges including any school employee, unauthorized attendance to field trips/other activities, etc. leaving of school property, student to ● Possible recommendation for expulsion student bullying, or instigating inappropriate behavior. 20. Indecency: ● Detention or suspension - 1 to 5 days Offending acts against recognized ● Parent and student will be required to correct standards of propriety and good taste (as the condition. interpreted by the school administration). This may include items of clothing that the administration determines to be inappropriate. 21. Lying: ● Detention or suspension - 1 to 3 days Marked by or containing falsehoods including false reporting of information.

23 UNACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOR DISCIPLINARY ACTION 22. Non-Productive Behavior: ● Parent contact made Not meeting reasonable academic and/or ● Referral to Building Team attendance responsibilities; failure to comply with the reasonable request of the teachers, principals, custodians, bus drivers, etc. 23. Obscenity: Vulgar acts in verbal or ● Detention or suspension – 1 to 5 days written form, pictures or gestures. 24. Profanity: ● Detention or suspension - 1 to 5 days Use of inappropriate or offensive language, either written or spoken, or actions of vulgarity. 25. Pyrotechnics: ● Detention or suspension - 1 to 10 days Use, possession, and/or production of any ● Referral to police explosive, smoke- or odor-producing ● Possible recommended expulsion device is prohibited in or on school property including possession of lighters and matches. 26. Sexual Assault/Harassment: ● Detention or suspension - 1 to 10 days Any physical or verbal effort to ● Referral to Building Team intimidate/force, or attempt to force ● Possible police referral another person against his/her will into ● Possible recommended expulsion any sexually related activity. Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal/ physical conduct, or communication of an intimidating/hostile or offensive sexual nature. 27. Tardiness/Truancy: ● Parent contact made Excessive tardiness, skipping classes, ● Referral to Truant Officer skipping school, or unauthorized leaving of school property. 28. Theft: ● Suspension - 1 to 10 days The act of stealing and/or possessing ● Restitution stolen goods. ● Possible referral to police

29. Threatening Actions: Threatening to ● Detention or suspension - 1 to 10 days cause harm to another student through verbal, written, physical, or electronic means. 30. Tobacco: 1st offense: Possession or use of tobacco in any form, ● Suspension - up to 5 days including look-alike or what is ● Referral to police represented as tobacco, or being in the presence of visible smoke, is prohibited 2nd + offense: on school property, to or from school, or ● Suspension - up to 10 days at any school event regardless of location. ● Referral to police This includes look-alike or what is represented as tobacco or any related paraphernalia (empty tobacco containers or substitute containers), possession of smoking materials, i.e. lighter, matches, etc. 24 UNACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOR DISCIPLINARY ACTION 31. Vandalism: ● Detention or suspension - 1 to 10 days Defacing or destroying property of the ● Restitution school, staff, or students. ● Possible referral to police ● Possible recommended expulsion 32. Weapon Possession: ● Suspension pending expulsion hearing Possessing, using, threatening to use, or ● Referral to police transferring any weapon or instrument ● Recommended expulsion capable of inflicting harm or considered dangerous by the administration. The The law requires the Superintendent or school term weapon includes such items as a administrator to contact the local police firearm, gun, revolver, pistol (including a agency when a student is found in possession of any weapon. starter gun or BB gun), dagger, dirk, stiletto, knife with a blade over three (3) Excerpt from Revised School Code 380.1311: inches in length, pocket knife opened by a “If a pupil possesses in a weapon-free school mechanical device, iron bar, brass zone a weapon that constitutes a dangerous knuckles, etc. weapon… the school board shall expel the pupil from the school district permanently.” 33. Weapon Look-Alikes: ● Detention or suspension – 1 to 10 days Possessing, handling, or transmitting any ● Possible referral to police object or instrument that is a “look-alike” ● Possible recommended expulsion weapon or instrument (e.g., starter pistol, rubber knife, comb switchblade, souvenir or collectable weapons, toy guns, etc.). Building administrators have the authority to execute the discipline outlined above. The severity of the violation will determine the degree of discipline administered within the above stated guidelines. Exceptions may occur only under extenuating circumstances.

DISCIPLINARY APPEAL PROCESS At the time that a disciplinary consequence is being assigned for inappropriate student behavior, the parent may disagree and wish to appeal to the next level of administrative authority. This should be initiated within 24 hours. Appeals beyond the Building Principal should be made by contacting the Assistant Superintendent of Instruction.

FREEDOM FROM BULLYING - HARASSMENT - STUDENTS It is the policy of the District to provide a safe and nurturing educational environment for all of its students.

This policy protects all students from bullying/aggressive behavior regardless of the subject matter or motivation for such impermissible behavior.

Bullying or other aggressive behavior toward a student, whether by other students, staff, or third parties, including Board members, parents, guests, contractors, vendors, and volunteers, is strictly prohibited. This prohibition includes written, physical, verbal, and psychological abuse, including hazing, gestures, comments, threats, or actions to a student, which cause or threaten to cause bodily harm, reasonable fear for personal safety or personal degradation.

Demonstration of appropriate behavior, treating others with civility and respect, and refusing to tolerate harassment or bullying is expected of administrators, faculty, staff, and volunteers to provide positive examples for student behavior.

This policy applies to all "at school" activities in the District, including activities on school property, in a school vehicle, and those occurring off school property if the student or employee is at any school-sponsored, school- approved or school-related activity or function, such as field trips or athletic events where students are under the school’s control, or where an employee is engaged in school business. Misconduct occurring outside of school may also be disciplined if it interferes with the school environment.

Notification: Notice of this policy will be annually circulated to and posted in conspicuous locations in all school buildings and departments within the District and discussed with students, as well as incorporated into the teacher, student, and 25 parent/guardian handbooks. State and Federal rights posters on discrimination and harassment shall also be posted at each building. All new hires will be required to review and sign off on this policy and the related complaint procedure.

Parents or legal guardians of the alleged victim(s), as well as of the alleged aggressor(s), shall be promptly notified of any complaint or investigation as well as the results of the investigation to the extent consistent with student confidentiality requirements. A record of the time and form of notice or attempts at notice shall be kept in the investigation file.

To the extent appropriate and/or legally permitted, confidentiality will be maintained during the investigation process. However, a proper investigation will, in some circumstances, require the disclosure of names and allegations. Further, the appropriate authorities may be notified, depending on the nature of the complaint and/or the results of the investigation.

Implementation: The District is responsible to implement this policy, and may develop further guidelines, not inconsistent with this policy. This policy is not intended to and should not be interpreted to interfere with legitimate free speech rights of any individual. However, the District reserves the right and responsibility to maintain a safe environment for students, conducive to learning and other legitimate objectives of the school program.

Procedure: Any student who believes s/he has been or is the victim of bullying, hazing, or other aggressive behavior should immediately report the situation to the Principal. The student may also report concerns to a teacher or counselor who will be responsible for notifying the appropriate administrator or Board official. Complaints against the Building Principal should be filed with the District. Complaints against the Superintendent should be filed with the Board President.

Every student is encouraged, and every staff member is required, to report any situation that they believe to be aggressive behavior directed toward a student. Reports shall be made to those identified above. Reports may be made anonymously, but formal disciplinary action may not be taken solely on the basis of an anonymous report. The Principal (or other administrator as designated) shall promptly investigate and document all complaints about bullying, aggressive or other behavior that may violate this policy. The investigation must be completed as promptly as the circumstances permit after a report or complaint is made.

If the investigation finds an instance of bullying or aggressive behavior has occurred, it will result in prompt and appropriate remedial action. This may include up to expulsion for students, up to discharge for employees, exclusion for parents, guests, volunteers and contractors, and removal from any official position and/or a request to resign for Board members. Individuals may also be referred to law enforcement or other appropriate officials.

The individual responsible for conducting the investigation shall document all reported incidents and report all verified incidents of bullying, aggressive or other prohibited behavior, as well as any remedial action taken, including disciplinary actions and referrals, to the Superintendent. The Superintendent shall submit a compiled report to the Board on an annual basis.

Non-Retaliation/False Reports: Retaliation or false allegations against any person who reports, is thought to have reported, files a complaint, participates in an investigation or inquiry concerning allegations of bullying or aggressive behavior (as a witness or otherwise), or is the target of the bullying or aggressive behavior being investigated, is prohibited and will not be tolerated. Such retaliation shall be considered a serious violation of Board policy, independent of whether a complaint of bullying is substantiated. Suspected retaliation should be reported in the same manner as bullying/aggressive behavior.

Making intentionally false reports about bullying/aggressive behavior for the purpose of getting someone in trouble is similarly prohibited and will not be tolerated. Retaliation and intentionally false reports may result in disciplinary action as indicated above.

Definitions: The following definitions are provided for guidance only. If a student or other individual believes there has been bullying, hazing, harassment or other aggressive behavior, regardless of whether it fits a particular definition, s/he should report it immediately and allow the administration to determine the appropriate course of action.

26 "Aggressive behavior" is defined as inappropriate conduct that is repeated enough, or serious enough, to negatively impact a student’s educational, physical, or emotional well-being. Such behavior includes, for example, bullying, hazing, stalking, intimidation, menacing, coercion, name-calling, taunting, making threats, and hitting/pushing/shoving.

"At School" is defined as in a classroom, elsewhere on school premises, on a school bus or other school related vehicle, or at a school-sponsored activity or event whether or not it is held on school premises. It also includes conduct using a telecommunications access device or telecommunications service provider that occurs off school premises if either owned by or under the control of the District.

"Bullying" is defined as any gesture or written, verbal, graphic, or physical act (including electronically transmitted acts – i.e. internet, telephone or cell phone, personal digital assistant (PDA), or wireless hand held device) that, without regard to its subject matter or motivating animus, is intended or that a reasonable person would know is likely to harm one (1) or more students either directly or indirectly by doing any of the following:

A. substantially interfering with educational opportunities, benefits, or programs of one (1) or more students

B. adversely affecting the ability of a student to participate in or benefit from the school district's educational programs or activities by placing the student in reasonable fear of physical harm or by causing substantial emotional distress;

C. having an actual and substantial detrimental effect on a student's physical or mental health; and/or

D. causing substantial disruption in, or substantial interference with, the orderly operation of the school.

Bullying can be physical, verbal, psychological, or a combination of all three. Some examples of bullying are:

A. Physical – hitting, kicking, spitting, pushing, pulling; taking and/or damaging personal belongings or extorting money, blocking or impeding student movement, unwelcome physical contact.

B. Verbal – taunting, malicious teasing, insulting, name calling, making threats.

C. Psychological – spreading rumors, manipulating social relationships, coercion, or engaging in social exclusion/shunning, extortion, or intimidation. This may occur in a number of different ways, including but not limited to notes, emails, social media postings, and graffiti.

"Harassment" includes, but is not limited to, any act which subjects an individual or group to unwanted, abusive behavior of a nonverbal, verbal, written or physical nature, often on the basis of age, race, religion, color, national origin, marital status or disability, but may also include sexual orientation, physical characteristics (e.g., height, weight, complexion), cultural background, socioeconomic status, or geographic location (e.g., from rival school, different state, rural area, city, etc.).

"Intimidation/Menacing" includes, but is not limited to, any threat or act intended to: place a person in fear of physical injury or offensive physical contact; to substantially damage or interfere with person's property; or to intentionally interfere with or block a person's movement without good reason.

"Staff" includes all school employees and Board members.

"Third parties" include, but are not limited to, coaches, school volunteers, parents, school visitors, service contractors, vendors, or others engaged in District business, and others not directly subject to school control at inter- district or intra-district athletic competitions or other school events.

M.C.L. 380.1310B (Matt's Safe School Law, PA 241 of 2011) Policies on Bullying, Michigan State Board of Education Model Anti-Bullying Policy, Michigan State Board of Education

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COMPUTER USAGE, INTERNET ACCESS, and ACCEPTABLE USE AGREEMENT

Portage Public Schools provides a technology enriched educational environment. The District believes that technology should be an integral part of each student’s educational experience. Each student is issued a computer user account enabling students to access the District’s computers and network. This account also connects students to resources on the Internet.

The following Administrative Guidelines describe the District’s official position regarding technology and the Internet. Students and parents of students are required to read and sign the PPSNet Acceptable Use Agreement. The “Signature Sheet” must be on file in the building in which the student is enrolled. A new “Signature Sheet” will be required of all incoming students (at any grade level) when they initially enroll and again when they are promoted to 6th grade and also when they become freshmen at one of our High Schools.

Parents may exclude their children from having computer access and/or Internet access by completing the “Opting Out” forms which are available in each building. “Opting Out” forms must be completed on an annual basis.

Use of Technology Use of District provided technology is a privilege extended to students, faculty, and staff to enhance learning and exchange information. The District expects efficient, ethical, and legal utilization of any technology resource. Each user of technology shall be responsible to read the privileges and responsibilities associated with using the equipment and the networks provided by our District schools and sign the appropriate documentation prior to access authorization. Users should recognize that these systems are not intended to be considered private and should not assume any confidentiality when using these resources.

A violation may result in the termination and denial of future use in accordance with current state and federal laws.

The operation of the Portage Public Schools PPSNetwork relies upon the proper conduct of the end users who must adhere to applicable policies and related administrative guidelines. The District expects efficient, ethical, and legal utilization of any network resource. A violation of existing provisions will result in the termination and denial of future use by the user in accordance with The Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, The 1976 U.S. Copyright Act and its 1980 Amendment, and The Electronic Communications Privacy Act. Each user of technology shall read the terms and conditions found in administrative guideline and sign appropriate documentation prior to access authorization.

Internet Filtering The District offers its students and faculty access to the Internet as an educational resource. Because the Internet is a fluid, global network outside District control, no guarantee can be made that information retrieved from the Internet is accurate or meets the criteria set forth in other policies and administrative guidelines regarding appropriate content of District materials.

The District shall filter incoming Internet data/audio/visual material to exclude content not appropriate to the learning and research activities of students, including, but not limited to, visual descriptions that are: (1) obscene; (2) child pornographic; or, (3) harmful to minors. The District’s guidelines for determining the appropriateness of other instructional materials shall be applied to Internet content.

Acceptable Use Agreement PPSNet EDUCATIONAL NETWORK ACCEPTABLE USE AGREEMENT

This agreement covers access to and the use of PPSNet and Internet Services through network connections.

Portage Public Schools Network (PPSNet) is offering staff and students in our school district accounts to access the educational network which is coordinated through a complex association of governmental agencies, regional and statewide networks. This document contains the terms and conditions of use that an employee and/or student agrees to follow when using PPSNet. This agreement may be modified by Portage Public Schools (PPS) at any time with notice to the user.

28 Terms and Conditions Purpose and Acceptable Use 1. PPS established the PPSNet for limited purpose. Use of any account must be in support of Education, research, and consistent with the educational and business objectives of PPS. The Superintendent of PPS and his/her designees may at any time make determinations that particular uses are or are not consistent with the purpose of PPSNet.

The term “educational purpose” includes classroom and work activities, career development activities to develop skills in technology and limited, high-quality, self-discovery activities.

2. PPSNet has not been established as a public access server or a public forum. PPS retains the right to place reasonable restrictions on the materials users access or post through PPSNet. In addition, users are expected to abide by the rules set forth in their school’s or district’s policies, and all applicable laws and administrative guidelines when using PPSNet.

3. Users may express opinions on political issues. However, PPS prohibits the use of PPSNet for political lobbying.

4. Users must respect the privacy of others; for example, users shall not intentionally seek information on, obtain copies of, or modify files, other than data, or passwords belonging to others, or represent themselves as another user unless explicitly authorized to do so by that user.

5. Users must respect the legal protection provided by copyright and license to programs and data.

6. Users must respect the integrity of computing and network systems; for example, users shall not intentionally develop or use programs that harass other users or infiltrate a computer, computing system or network and/or damage or alter the software components of a computer, computing system or network.

7. Users must monitor email on a regular basis (at least once a week) and delete mail from the personal mail directory to avoid excessive use of the file server hard disk system.

8. Users are responsible for maintaining the integrity of the electronic mail system, which includes reporting all violations of privacy to PPSNet. The user is responsible for making sure all email sent or received by him/her does not contain pornographic or indecent material, copyrighted material, inappropriate information or any other information which may be potentially threatening or dangerous to others in PPSet. 9. Users who can identify a security problem on the PPSNet must notify the PPS Technology Department and not demonstrate the problem to others.

Unacceptable Use 1. PPS prohibits the use of PPSNet for commercial or for-profit purposes. This means that users shall not offer, or provide products or services through PPSNet. Users may purchase personal products or services that are lawful. The user agrees to be fully responsible for any financial obligations arising from purchases via PPSNet. The user agrees to hereby release PPS, their personnel, and any institution affiliated with them from any and all liability arising out of, or in any way connected to, any purchase by the user including, but not limited to, purchase(s) made by user which are related to the official business of the user’s educational institution, personal, or unauthorized purchases.

2. Use of obscene, profane, lewd, abusive, threatening, discriminatory or harassing language is prohibited on PPSNet. This prohibition applies to public messages, private messages, and material posted on web pages.

3. Users shall not engage in any unlawful activity over PPSNet.

4. PPS prohibits the use of PPSNet to access or post pornographic materials, indecent material, or inappropriate information. It is the users responsibility to insure that such material is not accessed or posted.

5. Users agree to not knowingly or recklessly post false or defamatory information about a person or organization.

6. Plagiarism and copyright infringement is prohibited. Users shall not take ideas or writings of others and present them as if they were their own. Also, users shall not inappropriately or illegally reproduce on PPSNet as a work protected by copyright. Respect the rights of copyright holders.

7. Users agree to not intentionally attempt to disrupt PPSNet or destroy data accessible through PPSNet by spreading computer viruses or by any other means.

8. Posting chain letters on PPSNet is prohibited. 29

9. Users shall not bombard other users with email messages or send annoying messages to other persons or organizations on PPSNet.

10. Users shall not forge (spoof) electronic mail messages or IP addresses.

11. PPSNet prohibits the sharing of user names and passwords. Users must not let anyone else use their user name or password. Liability

PPS makes no warranties or assurances of any kind, whether expressed and/or implied, for the service it is providing, including, but not limited to, loss of data resulting from delays, nondeliveries, mis-deliveries or service interruptions caused by PPS negligence or users’ errors or omissions. PPS does not guarantee nor is in any way responsible for the accuracy or quality of information obtained through PPSNet. Use of any information obtained via PPSNet is at the user’s own risk. PPS is not responsible for any damage users suffer, nor responsible for financial obligations arising from the unauthorized use of PPSNet to purchase personal product(s) or service(s) for his/her employer.

Rights and Violations

1. Users should expect only limited privacy in the contents of personal files on PPSNet. PPS makes no guarantees of any kind, expressed or implied, regarding the privacy of electronic mail or any other telecommunications transmitted or received over PPSNet, a monitored telecommunications network. Routine maintenance and monitoring of PPSNet may lead to the discovery that a user has violated this agreement, policies of his/her educational institution and/or the law.

2. If there is reasonable suspicion that the user has violated this agreement, PPS policies or procedures, or the law, PPS will conduct a search of individual user files. This search and investigation will be reasonable and related to the suspected violation.

3. In the event there is a suspected violation of this agreement, PPS policies or procedures, or the law, the user will be provided with notice and an opportunity to be heard before the user’s access is suspended or terminated. In addition, improper use of PPSNet may also lead to further disciplinary action consistent with the user’s educational institution’s policies and procedures.

4. A user’s access to PPSNet may be suspended or terminated for a violation of this agreement. If the user’s account privileges are terminated, PPS will not refund any use fee or portion thereof. Users shall not use PPSNet while access privileges are suspended or revoked.

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