SUMMERSVILLE R-II HIGH SCHOOL

This student handbook is designed to benefit students in grades 7-12. As most of you know, this is our fifth year for the eight block schedule, which I believe has been a success.

It is important that we all work together to continue to make this, and every year, a success. We will build on our successes, confront our problems, and eliminate our weaknesses. Most of all Summersville Jr.-Sr. High School wants to continue to build a sound educational program and a learning community which cares for our young people. Together we will continue to make this school one of the finest educational institutions in the country.

Each student who graduates from SUMMERSVILLE High School shall complete a minimum of 25 units of credit during grades 9-12. They must be enrolled in morning classes or afternoon classes if they are a senior.

The credit in fine arts should be earned from the fields of music and art; however, appreciation of literature, speech and dramatics may be used in satisfying the fine arts requirements.

Students who are placed in special education and have an IEP stating such will not be required to meet the local board requirements, but will meet the IEP requirements for graduation.

Credits earned in summer school cannot be applied toward minimum graduation requirements, unless the student has failed a class. One-half credit can be earned in each of two different courses, not to exceed one credit per summer.

1. Class schedules may be changed the first week of school with permission of the high school counselor.

2. Classes may be dropped after one week through the end of the third week only with the principal’s permission.

3. After the third week, if a student drops a class a WF will be registered on the student’s transcript for the entire semester. This will be figured in as an F for the semester GPA. An IEP stating such will not be required to meet the local board requirements, but will meet the IEP requirements for graduation.

3. Written parental permission must be on file in the principal’s office when school starts.

A student must complete all course work and receive credit in courses before he/she may participate in the graduation exercise in May. Students may earn credit from summer school to meet the graduation requirement of the State of Missouri and the Summersville School District. Credits earned during summer school may not accelerate your graduation date nor count toward Valedictorian or Salutatorian Scholarship.

Less than 5 1/2 units................................................................................................................................. Freshman

6 to 11 units ............................................................................................................................................ Sophomore

111/2 to 171/2 units ................................................................................................................................ Junior

18 or more units ...................................................................................................................................... Senior

Students must maintain at least a “C” average per semester.* Failure in any subject will result in a student being ineligible the following semester.

A student must be enrolled in at least five units of credit to be eligible to participate in extracurricular activities, except seniors who attend only 1/2 day.

Students who attend summer school classes or approved correspondence classes will be eligible. Course work must be done in subjects failed with a maximum of two courses. Work must be completed before the beginning of school.

Just as education is important to our society, teaching discipline and maintaining order are imperative to education. Teaching and learning are fragile processes, difficult enough under the best of circumstances. The special relationship between teacher and pupil requires a secure environment that is physically safe and sufficiently tranquil so attention can be focused on the task of learning a setting of disorder, disruptive elements, and excessive behavior problems. Students can realize their greatest opportunities for growth with an excellent school management system.

2. Cursing and use of foul language is prohibited at school or school connected functions.

3. Students are not to bring objects to school that may interrupt classroom behavior or student discipline.

4. Drinking alcoholic beverages, or using any form of narcotics while on school grounds or at school-sponsored activities will be reason for suspension from school and in some instances subject to legal action.

5. Students who misbehave on the school buses or refuse to obey the bus driver will be subject to discipline by the principal.

6. Public display of affection reflects poor taste in most instances. Kissing, embracing, and any other public display of affection, beyond holding hands is prohibited here at school.

7. Any students who shall willfully injure, destroy or deface school property (including buses, furniture, books, etc.) shall pay for the damages and be punished.

9. The shooting of objects with rubber bands or flipping others with rubber bands is prohibited. Water guns and balloons are also prohibited.

10. All students are responsible for listening to, or reading the daily bulletin from the principal's office for further information about their conduct at school.

11. Once a student arrives at the school grounds or boards a school bus, he/she is considered at school. If it is necessary to leave school for any reason after this time, the student must check out at the principal's office. To be given permission to leave, the student must be picked up by their family or present other proof of need to leave, such as written permission from parents.

12. General locker searches will be made at the discretion of the administration. A drug dog from area law enforcement agencies may assist in such searches.

13. In accordance with the Safe School Act (HB 1301 & 1298) the gun free zone for all schools will include all buildings, school buses, parking lots, and all school activities.

All persons wishing to visit the school buildings, grounds, Classrooms, or teachers whether for personal reasons or for business shall obtain permission from the high school office. NO visitors are allowed in the classroom during the end of semester tests.

Parents are welcome at all times to visit school, teachers, or call at the offices to discuss any school problems. Please call for an appointment or check through the high school office.

No preschoolers, non Summersville students, recent graduates, etc. shall be allowed to visit the school classrooms due to the distractions and disruptions to the educational environment and process. Do Not bring visitors with you to school.

The business office is just that, a business office. Students are not to come into this office unless they have business to conduct with the superintendent or secretary.

Every student will come under the jurisdiction of every teacher at all times during the school day, while on the school campus, and while attending school functions at any time or place. Authority of all teachers extends to the limits that is in the best interest if the school.

Students may bring their cars to school. However, the privilege will be removed by failing to observe the following safety rules.

1. No student will drive the vehicle during school hours, except by special permission from the principal.

5. Students will not operate a vehicle in a reckless or dangerous manner in the vicinity of the school or school grounds.

6. Do not park in such a way on the lot that you block the exit. Students must leave the parking lot from the east exit, after the buses have left.

7. Students are not to drive or ride in motor vehicles during the lunch break. No student will be allowed to leave the school grounds, except with permission from the office. The school campus will be closed during lunch break.

Arrangements should be made with the principal for all activities which need to use the building after school hours. Arrangements should be made at least one week in advance. The applications should be filed by the teacher sponsoring the organization. No students should be in the building after 3:30 p.m., unless under the direct supervision of a teacher.

The calendar in the principal’s office will be the official calendar for the high school. All activities must be cleared with the principal at least one week in advance, before being placed on the calendar. In the event of a conflict the activity placed on the calendar first will take priority.

Students’ dress should be of a nature that is not disruptive to the educational process of the school. Students are expected to wear clothing that is appropriate for attending classes. The advertisement of any alcoholic beverage, controlled substance, sex, etc., is prohibited on caps, coats, shirts, or other articles of clothing. Blouses and shirts are to cover the midriff. Tank tops must have T-shirts worn under them.

Hair should be kept clean and well groomed. Teachers may ask students to wear their hair in a manner that does not present a hazard in shop or science classes.

No gang related items or clothing shall be worn or shown while at school or school sponsored activities.

All students may be video taped or photographed for school projects. If anyone objects to this practice, please notify the building principal in writing.

The school telephone may be used only by students if they are calling for permission to go home.

The junior class will run the concession stand during the school year and no other class will be allowed to sell food or drink during these activities. All school functioned fund raisers must be approved by the principal.

All students must use the locker assigned to them. Changes in locker assignments must be made in the office. Lockers should be kept clean and their contents orderly at all times. Nothing is to be put on the outside of the locker door. It is recommended that you do not keep money or valuables in the locker. You may put a lock on your locker if you so desire.

The student is responsible for the payment of any books that are lost, stolen or damaged.

Students withdrawing from school must check out through the principal’s office. All school owned books and other equipment must be returned to the school before grades will be given or released.

All students shall take written tests in all courses the last week of each quarter. Any student desiring to take the tests before the scheduled days due to extenuating circumstances shall notify the principal no later than 10 days prior to final exams.

All instructors are in their classrooms no later than 8:00 a.m. each school day with the exceptions of the days they are assigned supervision duty. All instructors are readily available to provide students with assistance on problems they are encountering with the assignments. They may include after school tutoring or providing assistance utilizing the telephone.

Students desiring to hire someone to provide student peer tutoring in the course(s) they are having difficulty with should contact the guidance office.

4.When you are finished eating, do not leave a mess on the table. Put your napkins and milk cartons in the trash can provided and stack your tray on the dishwasher counter.

Parents/guardians or eligible students are entitled to the following involving student records:

2. To request changes to the educational records to ensure that the records are not inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy or other rights.

3. To consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s educational records, except to the extent that federal and state law authorize disclosure without such consent; and

A copy of this policy can be found in the principal’s or superintendent’s office upon request.

There is to be no use of tobacco products in the school buildings, on the school grounds, on school buses, in cars parked on the school grounds or on school-sponsored trips.

Absenteeism hampers educational achievement and is determined to vocational and academic success. Parents, students and teachers all share in the responsibility for encouraging regular attendance. It is difficult to teach someone who is not present. Thus, there is a close relationship between poor attendance and class failure. Also, employers hesitate to hire a student with poor attendance records. The following policy has been designed and adopted to provide a framework for ensuring responsible attendance by all students and to encourage students to stay in school by providing opportunity for recovery of lost credit.

1. Attendance must be carefully checked by school personnel to determine the cause of absence. Causes for absence may be ascertained by telephone calls to parents or by home visits. IMPORTANT: Parents or guardians should telephone the school (932-4929) the morning of the absence. Calls should be made from 7:15 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., to verify parental knowledge of the students absence. If no contact has been received by 9:00 a.m., as a safety concern, office personnel can call parent/guardian. Absentees with no parental verification may be considered truant. Written verification will be accepted from students with no phone.

2. In the event that a student is absent for the third (3^rd) time from a class, the student and his parent or legal guardian, shall be notified by letter of the student's total absences as of the date of the mailing. After the fifth (5^th) day of absence from class by the student, the student, his or her parents and/or guardian shall be notified that the student will be assigned to summer school. With the notification, all credit for classes affected by the attendance violation will be withheld until completion of a summer school assignment. A student who is suspended from school will have the number of days charged against the total days missed for the semester.

3. Absences by a student exceeding five (5) days or more in one semester per class shall cause the student to be notified of placement in summer school. For purposes of placement the guidelines are as follows:

9. Perfect attendance is defined as not having been absent for more than 45 minutes.

10. 5 (five) absences or more in Seminar that is used for personal business will result in the following:

1^st:........................................................................................................................ 2 days after school detention.2^nd:....................................................................................................................... 4 days after school detention.
3^rd:................................................................................................................................................ 3 days I.S.S.
4^th:................................................................................................................................................ 5 days I.S.S.

1. If a student chooses ASD (After School Detention) for punishment, the following policy will be in effect.

Corporal punishment, as a measure of correction or of maintaining discipline and order in schools, is permitted. However, it shall be used only when all other alternative means of discipline have failed, and then only in reasonable form and upon the recommendation of the principal. If found necessary, it should be administered preferably by the principal in the presence of the teacher. It should never be inflicted in the presence of other pupils, nor without a witness.

Corporal punishment shall be administered only by swatting the buttocks with a paddle. When it becomes necessary to use corporal punishment, it shall be administered so that there can be no chance of bodily injury or harm. Striking a student on the head or face is not permitted.

A staff member may, however, use reasonable physical force against a student without advance notice to the principal, if it is essential for self-defense, the preservation of order, or for the protection of other persons or the property of the school district.

This student disciplinary code was developed in accordance with the requirements of House Bill 463 of the 83rd General Assembly. Section 5, which pertains to the code, is quoted below:

Section 5.1. The local Board of Education of each school district shall establish a policy of discipline, a written copy of which shall be made available in the office of the superintendent of such district, during normal business hours, for public inspection.

2. The policy shall contain the consequences of failure to obey standards of conduct set by the local board of education, and the importance of the standards to the maintenance of an atmosphere where orderly learning is possible and encouraged.

3. All school district personnel responsible for the care and supervision of students are authorized to hold every pupil strictly accountable for any disorderly conduct in school or on any property of the school, on any school bus going to or returning from school, during school sponsored activities, or during intermissions or recess periods.

4. Teachers and other authorized district personnel in public schools responsible for the care, supervision, and discipline of school children, including volunteers selected with reasonable care by the school district, shall not be civilly liable when acting in conformity with the established policy of discipline developed by each board under this section.

School Discipline Policies--This legislation outlines several policy requirements focusing on promoting safe school environments. Local boards of education of each school district are required to establish a written discipline policy, including specifying the district’s policy on corporal punishment and procedures in which punishment will be applied. Pupils and their parents or legal guardians must be provided a copy of the disciplinary policy. All employees of the district are to receive annual instruction on the content of the disciplinary policy.Reporting Requirements--District administrators are required to report acts of school violence to teachers and other school employees who have direct responsibility for the child’s education or interact with the student on a professional basis.This section defines “acts of violence” and “violent behavior”, including a list of felonies that are required to be reported.Any portion of a child’s IEP relating to demonstrated or potentially violent behavior must be reported to any teacher or district employee who is directly responsible for the child’s education or who interacts with the student within the scope of their duties.
Student Suspension--Current law requires a minimum of a one-year suspension for a student bringing a weapon to school.This amendment allows the suspension to be either one year or an expulsion and expands the definition of weapon.Civil war era weapons, when used for a civil war reenactment on school property, are exempted.
Discipline Records--Districts are required to compile and maintain records of any “serious violation” of district policy.Records will be made available to district personnel with the need to know based upon their assigned duties and shall also be sent to any district a student subsequently attends.
Abuse Investigations--This section outlines investigations of alleged abuse based upon the use of corporal punishment within the district.The amendment authorizes the juvenile officer to designate another law enforcement officer to investigate these allegations in conjunction with school personnel. Children with Disabilities--Section 162.680.RSMo, contains the state prohibition on denial of educational services based upon the child’s disability.This section is amended to provide that if violent behavior of a child with a disability causes a substantial likelihood of injury, the school shall initiate procedures to change the student’s educational placement. Residency Issues--Prior to registration a pupil, parent or legal guardian must establish proof of residency, or must have requested a waiver of the proof of residency.A process is defined for requesting a waiver of proof of residency, including authorizing a hearing before the local board of education.Athletic ability is prohibited as a basis for the issuance of the waiver.Submitting false information relating to residency is defined as a Class A misdemeanor.School districts are authorized to file a civil action for recovery of educational costs based upon submitting false information relating to a student’s residency. Transfer of Documents--School officials enrolling the pupil must request within forty-eight (48) hours a transfer of documents from all school districts the pupil attended within the previous twelve(12) months.Any school district receiving that request shall respond within five (5) business days of receipt of that request.The request must include the disciplinary records required under this legislation.Transfer of school records is prohibited to persons not employed by the school district or employed by another school district, or to any governmental entity other than a school district, juvenile or family court, unless written permission is granted by the parent, guardian or student, if the student is eighteen (18) years of age or older.Violation of this subsection is a Class B misdemeanor and a civil action is authorized based upon a district’s failure to comply.The State Board of Education is authorized to establish rules relating to the enforcement of this section. Removal of Students--Districts are authorized to immediately remove a pupil posing a threat to themselves or others.Prior disciplinary action may not be the sole basis for such removal.Removal of a pupil with a disability is subject to state and federal procedural rights.Boards are required to make a good-faith effort to have the parent or other custodian present at the suspension or expulsion hearings. Readmission Conference--Section 167.171. RSMo, outlines the procedural requirements relating to the suspension or expulsion of students.A new subsection requires a conference prior to re-admission of a student suspended for more than ten (10) days for an act of school violence, or where the pupil poses a threat or harm to themselves or others.Written notice of the conference shall go to the parent or guardian.The section specifically prohibits re-admission of a student convicted or indicted of specified criminal acts.An exception is provided for children with disabilities as identified under state eligibility criteria.A conference is also required if a student attempts to enroll in one district during a suspension or expulsion from a second district.The second school district may recognize the disciplinary action if it is determined that the behavior would be subject to suspension or expulsion in that district. Communication with Juvenile Officers--Juvenile officers must notify school officials when students have committed certain specified criminal acts.The notification must include a description of the conduct and the dates when the conduct occurred, but shall not include the name of the victim.This report shall be shared with teachers or other district employees with a need to know based upon the scope of their assigned duties.The superintendent is required to notify the appropriate juvenile or family court upon the suspension of any student within the jurisdiction of the court when the suspension is in excess of ten (10) days. Notice of Violent Acts Principals are required to notify the superintendent and law enforcement if any person is believed to have committed first, second or third degree sexual assault or deviant sexual assault against a pupil or school employee while on school property, on a school bus, or while involved in a school activity.The principal must also report possession of a controlled substance or a weapon by people in violation of school policy.A teacher must immediately report to the principal knowledge of an assault or possession of a weapon or controlled substance.This section grants good-faith civil immunity for school employees providing information to law enforcement.Refusal by school officials relating to their reporting requirements under this section and Section 160.261. RSMo, is defined as a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $500 and imprisonment in a county jail not to exceed one (1) year. Violence Prevention Programs The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is authorized to identify programs relating to violence prevention to be administered to the public schools.The State Board of Education is authorized to adopt rules approving such programs.Academic credit may not be offered for participation in these programs.Beginning no later than the 1998-99 school year and thereafter, districts are authorized to administer violence prevention programs for kindergarten through twelfth grade.The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is authorized to fund programs relating to violence prevention. Statement of Disciplinary HistorySchool districts may require a parent, guardian, or other custodian to provide a statement indicating whether a student was previously expelled, violated board policy on weapons, alcohol or drugs, or willfully inflicted injury on another.Persons making a false statement would be guilty of a Class B misdemeanor.The statement would be maintained as a part of the student’s record. Alternative EducationSuspension or expulsion is stated not to relieve the State or the suspended student’s parent or guardian from responsibility to educate the student.Districts are encouraged to provide in-school suspensions or other alternatives to suspensions or expulsions.Districts constituting the domicile for a child for whom alternative education programs are provided shall pay the per pupil cost of that education.School districts may contract with other political subdivisions, public agencies, not-for-profit organizations or private agencies to provide alternative education.

The Internet was developed as a research tool and it has the potential to be a tremendous resource for students and teachers at all levels.The use of an assigned account must be in support of educational research and within the objectives and goals of the Summersville R-II School District.Accounts will only be assigned to current staff and students of this district.You must realize that you are personally responsible for this provision at all times when using electronic information.The use of this information system is a privilege, not a right.The following rules apply to all Network/Internet accounts and are a part of the Summersville R-II Board Policy.

The purpose of the Summersville high School library is to provide material to students and teachers for information, inspiration and recreation.To receive these benefits the teachers and students need to be aware of the following rules and regulations that the library will operate under.

SUMMERSVILLE R-II SCHOOL DISTRICT

400 Rogers Street

P.O. Box 198

Summersville, MO 65571

Mike McAdams, Superintendent

Danny Shockley, Principal

Dear Parent:

Asbestos is an issue we have been dealing with for many years.The asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act of 1986 (referred to as AHERA), was enacted by congress.AHERA was enacted to determine the extent of and develop solutions for any problems schools may have with asbestos.

To give you some background, asbestos has been used as a building material for many years.It is a naturally occurring Mineral that is mined primarily in Canada, South Africa and the U.S.S.R. Asbestos’ properties made it and ideal building material for insulation, sound absorption, decorative plasters, fire proofing, and a variety of miscellaneous uses.There have been over 3,000 different products made using asbestos materials, EPA began action to limit uses of asbestos products in 1973 and most uses of asbestos products as building materials were banned in 1978.

We have recently had our facilities inspected by a certified asbestos inspector, as required by AHERA.The inspector located, sampled, and rated the condition and hazard potential of all material in our facilities suspected of containing asbestos.The inspection and laboratory analysis records were turned over to a certified management plan writer to develop an asbestos management plan.

He has developed an asbestos management plan for our facilities which includes: this notification letter and a set of plans and procedures designed to minimize the disturbance of the asbestos containing materials, and plans for regular surveillance of the asbestos-containing materials.

A copy of the asbestos management plan is available for your inspection in our administrative offices duringregular office hours.Mr. McAdams is our Asbestos Program Manager and all inquiries regarding the plan should be directed to him.

Sincerely,

Mike McAdams, Superintendent

Notice of Asbestos Reinspection

TO:Parents and Staff of Summersville R-II School

FROM:Mike McAdams, Superintendent of Schools

DATE:August 1998

In compliance with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA), in the fall of 1999 we performed inspections of each of our school buildings for asbestos containing materials.The inspection findings and asbestos management plans have been on file in each school administrative office since that time.

The EPA requires us to perform reinspection of the asbestos materials every three years.Our most recent reinspection was done in September, 1999.

All asbestos materials in this school system are in good condition and we will continue to manage them as recommended by the management plan.In the summer of 1999 & 2000, new non-asbestos tile was placed over the asbestos tile in the elementary

The results of the reinspection are on file in the management plan in the school’s administrative office.Everyone is welcome to view these anytime during normal school hours (M-F, 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.).The Asbestos Program Manager, Mike McAdams, is available to answer any questions you may have about asbestos in our buildings.

Sexual Harassment of Students

The Board of Education is committed to maintaining a work environment for its students that is free from sexual harassment.Furthermore, the Board of Education strongly believes that no person in the School District 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.

Definition Of Sexual Harassment

Title IX forbids discrimination on the basis of sex in any educational program or activity that received federal funds.This includes a prohibition on sexual harassment.The Office for Civil Rights of the U.S. Department of Education defines sexual harassment under Title IX as follows: “Verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature, imposed on the basis of sex, by an employee or agent of a recipient that denies, limits, provides different, or conditions the provisions of aid, benefits, services or treatment protected under Title IX.”

1.Sexual harassment under Title IX includes, but it not limited to, unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when:

2.Submission to such conduct is made either implicitly or explicitly a term or condition of an individual’s academic status or progress, or employment.

3.Submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is the basis for educational or employment decisions affecting that individual.

4.Such conduct creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational or work environment.

5.Qualified students are denied educational or employment opportunities or benefits because the opportunities or benefits are given to another student or employee who submitted to sexual advances or requests for sexual favors.

Examples Of Sexual Harassment

Unwelcome Sexual Advances

Whether the advance is"unwelcome"` is determined on a case-by-case basis.Unwelcome advances may include, but are not limited to, the following:

1.Any invitation (even subtle) intended to result in a sexual liaison.

2.Invitations to dinner or social events, when refusal results in the loss of academic status or in other adverse educational decisions.

3.Propositioning a student.

Unwelcome Verbal Conduct of a Sexual Nature

This may include, but is not limited to, the following:

1.Sexually provocative or explicit speech.

2.Publicly expressed sexual fantasies.

3.Jokes of a sexual or crude nature.

4.Derogatory comments directed to males or females as a class (language directed toward a specific student is more likely to be viewed as sexual harassment.

5.Demeaning comments.

6.Threats for not agreeing to submit to sexual advances.

7.Writing sexually explicit memos.

Unwelcome Physical Conduct of a Sexual Nature

This may include, but is not limited to, the following:

1.Grabbing or twisting an individual's arm.

2.Any unwarranted touching.

3.Sexually offensive pranks.

4.Drawing sexually explicit cartoons, other drawings, or graffiti.

5.Gestures indicating sexual behavior.

6.Suggestive wink.

7.Kissing.

Student Specific

In addition to the foregoing examples, students may experience harassment that is unique to their situation, some of which may not be immediately recognized as sexual harassment, but which may support a potential claim against the District and/or its employees if not remedied.Such harassment may include, but is not limited to, the following:

1.Unwanted sexual behavior, such as touching, oral comments, sexual name calling, spreading sexual rumors, jokes, pictures, leers, overly personal conversation, cornering or blocking a student’s movement, pulling at clothes, students “making” out on school premises.

2.A student in a predominately single-gender class who is subjected to sexual remarks by a teacher or students who regard the comments as joking and part of the usual class.

3.Interfering with a student’s achievement in a predominately or historically single-gender class by hiding tools or equipment, questioning the student’s ability to handle the work, or suggesting that the student is “abnormal” for enrolling in the class.

4.Purposefully limiting or denying students access to educational resources because of their gender.

5.Teasing a student about the student’s enrollment in a predominately or historically single-gender class.

Nature of Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment is not limited to conduct by males toward females.Sexual harassment may occur between any or all of the following:

1.Student to student.

2.Staff to student.

3.Student to staff.

4.Male to male.

5.Female to female.

6.Male to female.

7.Female to male.

Investigation Of Sexual Harassment Complaints

1.If a student believes he/she is being sexually harassed, the student should bring the concern to the attention of the building principal.

2.If the student feels that such contact with the building principal would be inappropriate, if the situation is not satisfactorily resolved by the building principal, or if the student simply feels more comfortable speaking to someone other than the building principal, the student should contact the Title IX compliance coordinator for the School District.

3.If neither the student’s building principal nor the Title IX compliance coordinator is of the same sex as the student, or the student for any reason would prefer to report the student’s concern to another administrator within the District, the student may do so.However, it is essential that the report be made to someone with the authority and obligation to act upon the concern.

4.Any teacher, counselor, pr administrator who receives a report, orally or in writing, from any studentregarding sexual harassment of that student or another student by a student or adult in the educationalsetting must forward to the building principal and the Title IX compliance officer within twenty-four (24)hours, or within a reasonable extension of time thereafter, for good cause shown.

5.Oral complaints of sexual harassment will be put in writing by the complaint or by the person who receives the complaint, and should be signed by the complainant.However, the complainant’s refusal to sign a complaint does not relieve the District of the obligation to investigate the complaint.

6.A student who believes that he/she has been subjected to sexual harassment shall not be required to confront the alleged harasser prior to making the report.

7.Following receipt of the report, District personnel will promptly and fully investigate the complaint and will notify the student and the alleged harasser of the results of the investigation.Investigations will be conducted with full recognition of the rights of all parties involved.

8.Upon receipt of the report, the principal and/or Title IX officer will appoint an investigator to investigate the complaint, which investigation shall commence within forty-eight (48) hours after such appointment.

9.The District will maintain confidentiality of the complaint and the details of the investigation to the fullest extent possible.

10.The investigator will put his/her findings in writing and will forward a copy to the principal and Title IX compliance officer within one week after concluding the investigation, or within a reasonable extension of time thereafter, for good cause shown.

11.If the investigation substantiates the complaint, the District will take appropriate disciplinary action against the offender(s), commensurate to the severity of the harassment (up to and including termination of employment).If the offender is another student, disciplinary action will be taken in accordance with Board established Policy 2610.If the offender is not an employee of the District, the District will take appropriate action within the scope of its authority to eliminate and redress the harassment.

12.If the investigation is indeterminate, the matter will be designated as unresolved, and the investigation file will be maintained by the Title IX Compliance Officer in a file separate and apart from any student or personnel file.

13.There will be no retaliation against or adverse treatment of any student who uses this procedure to resolve a concern when such complaint has been brought in the good faith belief that the complainant has been subjected to sexual harassment.

14.The responsible administrator shall follow up regularly with the complaining student to ensure that the harassment has stopped and that no retaliation has occurred.

Enforcement

Each building administrator is responsible for maintaining an educational and work environment free from sexual harassment.In accordance with that responsibility, each building administrator, or his/her designee, shall take appropriate actions to enforce the School District’s sexual harassment policy, including but not limited to the following:

1.All vulgar or sexually offensive graffiti shall be removed from the premises.

2.The building administrator shall provide an inservice regarding harassment (including sexual harassment involving students) to all staff by the end of the first full calendar week of school.

3.Student instruction regarding sexual harassment shall be provided annually by the end of September to all students in grades six through twelve.Age appropriate instruction will also be presented to pre-kindergarten through fifth grade students.

4.Written copies of the policy shall be given to each student in grades six through twelve (and in lower grades as may be appropriate) as part of these discussions.Discussions shall be conducted in age appropriate manner and should assure students they need not tolerate any form of sexual harassment.

5.All teachers, counselors, and administrators shall instruct students on the procedures for reporting sexual harassment within the educational setting on an as-needed basis.

6.The building administrator shall take prompt action to investigate all complaints of sexual harassment.

7.The building administrator shall take appropriate disciplinary action, as necessary.

Notifications

A copy of the School District’s sexual harassment policy shall:

1.Be included in the School Handbook.

2.Be displayed in a prominent location near each school principal’s office.

3.Be included in any orientation program conducted for new students in grades six through twelve.

4.Appear in any School District or building publication that sets forth the School District or building’scomprehensive rules, regulations, procedures, and standards of conduct for students.

The District’s Title IX compliance officer will be available to answer all questions regarding this policy or its implementation.

Discipline/Consequences

1.Any student who engages in sexual harassment while on school property or while participating in school activities will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion.

2.Any employee who permits or engages in the sexual harassment of students will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal.

3.Any employee who receives a complaint of sexual harassment from a student and who does not act promptly to forward that complaint to the principal and the District Title IX coordinator shall be disciplined appropriately.

4.Any student who brings a false charge of sexual harassment shall receive appropriate discipline.The term “false charge”means charges brought in bad faith, that is, without the good faith belief that one has been subjected to sexual harassment.The term “false charge” does not include a charge that was brought in good faith but which the District was unable to substantiate.

TITLE IX GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES

(Sexual Harassment)

Level 1:Principal or Immediate Supervisor (Informal and optional C may be bypassed by grievant)

Many problems can be solved by an informal meeting with the parties and the principal or Coordinator.A student who believes that he/she has been subjected to sexual harassment is encouraged to first discuss it with the teacher, counselor, or building administrator involved with the objective of resolving the matter promptly and informally.If the individual’s teacher/supervisor is the person alleged to have engaged in sexual harassment then the grievant should skip Level 1 and go directly to Level 2.

Level 2:Title IX Coordinator

If the complaint or issue is not resolved at Level 1 or if the grievant chooses to skip Level 1, the grievant may file a signed, written grievance stating: 1) the nature of the grievance; 2) the remedy requested; and 3) the date the grievance was submitted.The Level 2 written grievance should be filed with the Title IX Coordinator within fifteen (15) days of the event or incident, or from the date the grievant could reasonably become aware of such occurrence.

The coordinator has authority to investigate all written grievances.If possible, the Coordinator will resolve the grievance.If the parties cannot agree on a resolution, the Coordinator will resolve the grievance.If the parties cannot agree on a resolution, the Coordinator will prepare a written report of the investigation which shall include the following:

1.A clear statement of the allegations of the grievance and remedy sought by the grievant.

2.A statement of the facts as contended by each of the parties.

3.A statement of the facts as found by the Coordinator and identification of evidence to support each fact.

4.A list of all witnesses interviewed and documents reviewed during the investigation.

5.A narrative describing attempts to resolve the grievance.

6.The Coordinator’s conclusion as to whether the allegations in the grievance are meritorious.

If the Coordinator believes the grievance is invalid, the Coordinator will recommend appropriate action to the Superintendent.

The Coordinator will complete the investigation and file the report with the Superintendent within fifteen (15) days after receipt of the written grievance.The Coordinator will send a copy of the report to the grievant.

EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY