SCHOOL DAY

The school building will be opened at 7:15 A.M. for those students requiring early entry. Students who do not ride the bus are expected to arrive by 7:55 A.M. Car riders should be dropped off in the school parking lot near the front entrance.  No student should be dropped off in the street or in the entry of the parking lot because that is a safety concern. Students arriving before 7:45 A.M. will report to the gym or cafeteria where they will remain until they are dismissed. Students should not be in the learning area before 7:45 A.M. Students who are not in advisor by 7:55 A.M. are considered tardy.

EMERGENCY INFORMATION

Parents, please notify the office of any changes in address, home and cell phone numbers, and alternative phone numbers. In emergency situations, contacting parents or guardians is essential.  

PARKING AND DISMISSAL

Parents and visitors to the school should park in the parking lot in front of the school. Fire lanes and bus lanes must be kept clear at all times. All parents and guardians of car riders are required to come through the car rider line to drop off and pick up their child at the front of the school building. Students are not allowed to walk across the street to meet a parent/guardian in a business/church parking lot because they do not want to wait in the car rider line. Students are dismissed on the following schedule:

2:50 – First Bell: Early bus riders

2:55 – Second Bell: Car riders and walkers

3:00 – Third Bell: Late buses

TRANSPORTATION/BUS INFORMATION

The Hamblen County Department of Education will provide free bus transportation for students who are zoned for Lincoln Heights Middle School. If you have questions concerning transportation, routes or other issues, call 423-586-2103. LHMS students are expected to demonstrate appropriate bus riding behavior at all times while riding to and from school or while riding on school activities/field trips. 

Students are expected to abide by the following rules:

1. Students shall obey the bus driver's instructions.

2. Students must be seated while on the bus, facing the front with their feet on the floor.

3. Students shall not extend their head or arms out of the window at any time.

4. No throwing objects. No littering.

5. No exiting and reentering the bus.

6. There shall be no profanity, shouting, loud talking, whistling, loud laughing, scuffling, spitting, or disorderly or improper conduct of any kind on the bus.

7. Food or drink is not permitted on the bus.

The following disciplinary action will be taken for students that receive bus referrals:

1st Offense = 5 day suspension of bus privileges

2nd Offense = 30 day suspension of bus privileges

3rd Offense = 1 calendar year suspension of bus privileges

The first offense for fighting on a bus will result in the student's suspension of bus privileges for 30 days. The second offense for fighting on a bus will result in expulsion of the student from riding the bus for one calendar year.

GRADING SCALE

Letter grades are used to indicate a pupil’s progress and achievement.  The grading scale is as follows:

90 - 100 = A        80 - 89 = B        70 - 79 = C        60 – 69 = D        Below 60 = F

I = Incomplete: Incomplete is used mainly in cases where a student has been absent.  A student receiving a grade of incomplete has a period of five school days from the date of return to make up work. An incomplete on the report card becomes an “F” four weeks from the date it is issued. Make-up work is the responsibility of the student. Students are not allowed to “opt-out” of an assignment or work.  Students who get behind on work may be asked to finish work in ALP,  during their related arts classes, or during lunch.

SAFETY PROCEDURES

Lincoln Heights Middle School has a Crisis Management Plan in place to be activated in the event of an emergency or crisis. An Emergency Notification System is in effect to alert staff and students of situations requiring evacuation (fire, disaster, explosion, bomb threat or safety drill), as well as situations requiring a "lockdown" or the need to "shelter in place." Students and staff conduct drills periodically throughout the school year. Drills are a necessary safety precaution for the welfare of everyone at Lincoln Heights Middle School.

The first rule for success in school is regular attendance.  It is the intent of Lincoln Heights Middle School to clearly establish teaching and learning tasks as a priority.  In order for students to benefit from the strong emphasis on instruction, they must attend class regularly and be on time.

REPORTING ABSENCES

Notes excusing a student’s absence must be submitted to the office the day of the student’s return to school. Notes should include the reason the student was absent and the date of the absence. Parents may not keep students’ home to babysit, run errands, or for any non-emergency family business. Such absences are unexcused.  Doctor appointments should be made after school.  Educational neglect takes place when parents willfully allow or keep their students out of school for inappropriate reasons. 

EXCUSED ABSENCES

Absences for grades 6-8 will be classified as either excused or unexcused as determined by the principal or designee in charge of attendance.  When a student is absent, the school will be contacted by the parent/guardian.  The principal or designee will determine whether the individual student absences are excused or unexcused.  Upon return to school, it is the responsibility of the student to present a note signed by the parent/guardian in order to receive an excused absence for the day(s) out of school.  An excused absence is one for one of the following reasons:

1. Personal illness (parent/guardian note will be accepted for three days each semester; after three days, a physician’s statement will be required to receive an excused absence).  A school nurse sending a student home is an excused absence.  

2. Death in the immediate family (not to exceed 3 days)

3. Illness of parent/guardian, requiring student to be absent (parent/guardian note required and counted as part of 3 parent notes)

5.  Court summons (actual time in court only)

6.  Doctor/dentist appointment (medical proof required)

7.  Out of town trip (counted as part of 3 parent notes)

8.  Church-related trip (counted as part of 3 parent notes)

9. Hardship absence approved by the principal (family vacations are discouraged during the regular school year.)

UNEXCUSED ABSENCES

An unexcused absence, which may be from a single class or multiple classes, is one that is not approved. Suspension from school is an unexcused absence but does not count toward total absences. Students who go home sick, but are not sent home by the school nurse, will receive an unexcused absence. 

DISMISSAL DURING SCHOOL DAY

All students are expected to remain in school for the entire day. If a student must leave school for an appointment, he/she must be signed in and/or out by a parent/guardian or authorized person in the office. The student must have permission from his/her parent/guardian and from the school before leaving school grounds. No student will be released to a brother or sister who is a minor or any person other than the student’s parent or legal guardian without a parent request. No student will be released to anyone who cannot present a PHOTO ID that matches the school pickup list on PowerSchool.

SIGN-OUT PROCEDURES

1. Middle school students will not be allowed to sign out unless a parent/guardian, or someone on the PowerSchool pickup list comes to the school office with a photo ID.

2. Parents should take note of the times during which students may be dismissed for non-emergencies.  Those times are during the change of classes or at the student’s lunch period.

3. Students are to leave with a signed note from the parent.  The parent/guardian will be contacted to confirm their signature on the note.

CHANGING THE WAY A STUDENT GOES HOME

It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to alert the office of any changes in how your child gets home.  Parents/guardians should call the front office at 423-581-3200 by 2pm to relay any changes so we have time to alert the student.  

TARDY TO SCHOOL

Lincoln Heights Middle School considers absenteeism excessive when it significantly interferes with a student’s academic performance. This includes excessive tardiness to school.  Students are expected to be in advisor by 7:55 A.M.

Excused tardies include:

1.     Late bus

2.     Illness with doctor’s note

3.     Death in the family

4.     Religious holiday

5.     Medical/dental appointment

6.     Court appointment

7.     School sponsored activity (Principal Approval)

Please note: Students who are tardy to school will receive two warnings before penalties including detention and placement in ALP are assessed.

See Board Policy on Page Below

PARKING AND DISMISSAL

Parents and visitors to the school should park in the parking lot in front of the school. Fire lanes and bus lanes must be kept clear at all times. All parents and guardians of car riders are required to come through the car rider line to drop off and pick up their child at the front of the school building. Students are not allowed to walk across the street to meet a parent/guardian in a business/church parking lot because they do not want to wait in the car rider line. Students are dismissed on the following schedule:

2:50 – First Bell: Early bus riders

2:55 – Second Bell: Car riders and walkers

3:00 – Third Bell: Late buses

Changes in Your Child’s Pick-Up Method

It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to alert the office of any changes in how your child gets home.  Parents/guardians should call the front office at 423-581-3200 by 2pm to relay any changes so we have time to alert the student.  

Early Dismissal & Student Sign-Out

We encourage parents to schedule appointments outside of school hours to ensure students receive full daily instruction. If an early dismissal is unavoidable, please adhere to the following safety protocols:

• Sign-Out Requirements: A parent, guardian, or authorized adult must come into the front office, present a photo ID, and sign the student out. For safety reasons, students will remain in class until the parent arrives in the office.
• Authorized Persons: Students will only be released to individuals listed on the student’s emergency contact record. Please ensure this information is kept current with the front office.

In the event of school delays, early dismissals, or emergency closings due to inclement weather or other unforeseen situations, parents will be notified via the SchoolMessenger notification system.

• Primary Notification: Alerts will be sent via text message and/or automated phone call to the primary contact number provided during registration. It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to ensure that the school office has current and accurate phone numbers on file throughout the school year.
• Media Announcements: Information regarding schedule changes will also be broadcast on local television and radio stations, as well as official district social media pages.

The issuance of grades serves to promote continuous evaluation of student performance, to inform the student and parents of his/her progress, and to provide a basis for bringing about change in student performance. The grading/assessment system is uniform, district-wide, at comparable grade levels.

Grading Scales

Grades 6-8

A = 90-100

B = 80-89

C = 70-79

D = 60-69

F = Below 60

Progress Reports

Report cards are issued every nine weeks to communicate student achievement. To keep parents informed of their child’s performance between these periods, mid-term progress reports are given at the four-and-a-half-week mark of each grading period. 

Parents are encouraged to monitor their child’s grades, attendance, and assignments in real-time through ParentPortal. Please contact the front office to obtain your login credentials. 

Final Grades

Final yearly averages are determined by averaging the four nine-week grading periods. 

Academic Responsibility

Regularly completing assignments is vital for student success. Students who continually fail to complete required work, as determined by the classroom teacher, may be referred to the administration for intervention or an office referral.

Student Rights & Responsibilities (Policy 6.301)

The Board expects all school staff, students, and parents to assume the responsibility for appropriate behaviors in the school.

Each student has the right to:

1. Have the opportunity for a free education in the most appropriate learning environment;
2. Be secure in his/her person, papers, and effects against unreasonable searches and seizure;
3. Expect that the school shall be a safe place;
4. Have an appropriate environment conducive to learning;
5. Not be discriminated against on the basis of sex, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, or disabilities; and
6. Be fully informed of school rules and regulations.

Each student has the responsibility to:

1. Know and adhere to reasonable rules and regulations established by the Board;
2. Respect the human dignity and worth of every other individual;
3. Refrain from libel, slanderous remarks, and obscenity in verbal and written expression;
4. Study and maintain the best possible level of academic achievement;
5.  Be punctual and present in the regular school program;
6. Dress and groom in a manner that meets reasonable standards of health, cleanliness, modesty, and safety;
7. Maintain and/or improve the school environment, preserve school and private property, and exercise care while using school facilities;
8.  Refrain from behavior which would lead to physical or emotional harm or disrupts the educational process;
9. Respect the authority of school administrators, teachers, and other authorized personnel in maintaining discipline in the school and at school-sponsored activities;
10. Obey the law and school rules as to the possession or the use of alcohol, illegal drugs, and other unauthorized substances or materials; and
11. Possess on school grounds only those materials which are acceptable under the law and accept the consequences for articles stored.

Drugs

Students are strictly prohibited from having, selling, or being under the influence of illegal drugs, unauthorized prescription drugs, or any controlled substance while on school property, in school vehicles, or at any school-sponsored activity.

Prohibited Substances and Penalties:

• Zero Tolerance Offense (Expulsion): Unlawfully possessing or being under the influence of any narcotic or stimulant drug, unauthorized prescription drug, or any other controlled substance, including but not limited to marijuana, shall result in the student being expelled for one (1) calendar year.
• Imitation/Look-Alike Substances: Students shall not possess, market, or distribute any substance which is represented to be or is substantially similar in color, shape, size, or markings to a controlled substance. The penalty for this offense is placement of the student in the alternative school.

If a violation occurs, the principal must immediately notify the student's parent/guardian and the appropriate law enforcement officials. Separately, students must follow School Board Policy 6.405 regarding prescription and nonprescription medicines; failure to do so will result in consequences under the school’s assertive discipline plan

Dab Pens and Vape Products

Students shall not possess, distribute, or be under the influence of vape products in school buildings or on school grounds or in school vehicles or buses or at any school-sponsored activity at any time, whether on or off school grounds.

The penalties for NON-THC vape products shall be the following:

• 1st Offense: Office referral and a level on the Assertive Discipline Policy;
• 2nd Offense: Office referral and alternative school orientation;
• 3rd Offense: Forty-five (45) day alternative school placement.

The penalty for a vape product that tests positive for THC is expulsion from school for one (1) calendar year (Zero Tolerance Offense).

Alcohol

Students shall not possess, distribute, or be under the influence of alcoholic beverages in school buildings or on school grounds or in school vehicles or buses or at any school-sponsored activity at any time, whether on or off school grounds. The penalty for first offense violation of the alcohol policy shall be placement in alternative school for ninety (90) days. After completing forty-five (45) days in the alternative school, students may request, through the director of schools, admittance to the regular school program.

If a student violates the alcohol policy a second time or while assigned to the alternative school, he/she shall be subject to expulsion from the school system for a minimum of one (1) calendar year from the date of infraction.

School administrators have the authority to conduct searches to maintain a safe learning environment. The principal may search any student, place, or item on school property, or in the student's possession during off-campus school activities (including buses and vehicles parked on school property), if the principal has a reasonable suspicion that the search will lead to the discovery of:

• Evidence of any violation of the law;
• Evidence of any violation of school rules or regulations or proper standards of student or faculty conduct;
• Any object or substance which, because of its presence, presents an immediate danger of harm or illness to any person.

Students should be aware that they have no right of privacy in lockers or other storage areas, as these remain the property of the school system and are subject to inspection and search. A student may be required to empty their pocket, purse, backpack, or other container, or be subject to a physical search, based on the results of a locker search or information received from staff or other students, provided the principal deems the action reasonable. If a student search is conducted, all of the following standards of reasonableness must be met::

• A particular student has violated policy;
• The search could be expected to yield evidence of the violation of school policy or disclosure of a dangerous weapon or drug;
• The search is in pursuit of legitimate interests of the school in maintaining order, discipline, safety, supervision and education of students;
• The primary purpose of the search is not to collect evidence for a criminal prosecution; and
• The search shall be reasonably related to the objectives of the search and not excessively intrusive in light of the age and sex of the student, as well as the nature of the infraction alleged to have been committed.

Use of Animals

When necessary, dogs or other animals trained to detect drugs or dangerous weapons may be used in conducting searches, but the animals shall be used only to pinpoint areas which need to be searched and shall not be used to search the persons of students or visitors.

It is generally understood to mean that certain student disciplinary infractions shall result in mandatory discipline. Tennessee statutes include the following student misbehaviors that fall within these provisions:

1. Bringing to school or being in unauthorized possession on school property of a firearm as defined by federal law;
2. Unlawfully possessing any narcotic or stimulant drug, prescription drug, or any other controlled substance (see school board policy 6.307);
3. In accordance with state law, any student who commits aggravated assault (assault that results in bodily injury) upon any teacher, principal administrator, any other employee of the school or school resource officer shall be expelled for a period of not less than one (1) calendar year.
4. In accordance with state law, any student who transmits by an electronic device any communication containing a credible threat to cause bodily injury or death to another student or school employee and the transmission of such threat creates actual disruptive activity at the school that requires administrative intervention shall be expelled for a period of not less than one (1) calendar year. 
5. Valid threats of mass violence on school property or at a school-related event as determined by a threat assessment team.

The punishment for these offenses must be expulsion from school for one (1) calendar year. The director of schools may, on a case-by-case basis, alter the mandatory expulsion based on individual circumstances, but not in an arbitrary manner. Special education students who violate the provisions of this policy will be disciplined in accordance with state and federal law.

WEAPONS AND DANGEROUS INSTRUMENTS

Students are strictly forbidden from possessing, using, or attempting to use any firearm or dangerous weapon on school property (including buildings, grounds, buses, or at school events). This is a criminal offense and includes items like firearms, pocketknives, bowie knives, ice picks, and knuckles. These items will be taken by the principal for parent pickup. Students are also forbidden from using common items like pencils, scissors, or chemicals in a way that makes them dangerous or with the intent to cause harm. If a student is suspected of violating this policy, the principal will immediately notify the parent/guardian and law enforcement. If the student is found guilty, the law requires them to be expelled for a minimum of one (1) year. Additionally, under the federal Gun Free Schools Act, any student who brings a firearm to school must be referred to the criminal justice system.

A safe, civil, and supportive environment in school is necessary for students to learn and achieve high academic standards. In order to maintain that environment, acts of bullying, cyber-bullying, discrimination, harassment, hazing or any other victimization of students, based on any actual or perceived traits or characteristics, are prohibited.

This policy shall cover behaviors while on school property, at any school-sponsored activity, on school-provided equipment or transportation, or at any official school bus stop. If the act takes place off school property or outside of a school-sponsored activity, this policy is in effect if the conduct is directed specifically at a student or students and has the effect of creating a hostile educational environment or otherwise creating a substantial disruption to the education environment or learning process.

Definitions

Bullying/Intimidation/Harassment - An act that substantially interferes with a student’s educational benefits, opportunities, or performance, and the act has the effect of:

• Physically harming a student or damaging a student’s property;
• Knowingly placing a student or students in reasonable fear of physical harm to the student or damage to the student’s property;
• Causing emotional distress to a student or students; or
• Creating a hostile educational environment.

Bullying, intimidation, or harassment may also be unwelcome conduct based on a protected class (race, nationality, origin, color, gender, age, disability, religion) that is severe, pervasive, or persistent and creates a hostile environment.

Cyber-bullying - A form of bullying undertaken through the use of electronic devices. Electronic devices include, but are not limited to, telephones, cellular phones or other wireless telecommunication devices, text messaging, emails, social networking sites, instant messaging, videos, web sites or fake profiles.

Hazing - An intentional or reckless act by a student or group of students that is directed against any other student(s) that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of the student(s) or that induces or coerces a student to endanger his/her mental or physical health or safety. Coaches and other employees of the school district shall not encourage, permit, condone or tolerate hazing activities.

Complaints & Investigations

If your child is a victim of or sees discrimination, harassment, intimidation, bullying, or cyber-bullying, they should report it right away to a teacher, counselor, or school administrator.

Confidentiality: Reports may be made anonymously. However, the need for confidentiality must be balanced with our legal duties to conduct a thorough investigation, cooperate with police, and provide fair process to the accused. This means the identities of those involved may be disclosed to individuals with a "need to know" to resolve the complaint.

Investigation Process and Timeline

The school principal is responsible for investigating and resolving all complaints.

• Start Time: The principal must begin an investigation within forty-eight (48) hours of receiving the report. If the principal cannot start within 48 hours, they must provide the Director of Schools with documentation explaining the delay.
• Completion Time: All investigations must be prompt, thorough, and complete, with appropriate action taken within twenty (20) calendar days from the date the initial report was received. If this 20-day timeline is not met, the principal must provide the Director of Schools with documentation detailing the reasons why.

Determining a Violation

The principal will decide if an alleged act is a policy violation. An act is a violation if it meets one or more of the following conditions:

• It causes your child to have a reasonable fear of harm to themselves or their belongings.
• It has a substantially detrimental (very negative) effect on your child's physical or mental health.
• It substantially interferes with your child's academic performance (their grades or ability to learn).
• It substantially interferes with your child's ability to participate in or benefit from school services, activities, or privileges.

Support and Final Reporting

The principal will notify the parent or legal guardian when a student is involved in an act of discrimination, harassment, intimidation, bullying, or cyber-bullying.

• Support Services: The principal will provide information on district counseling and support services. Students involved in these acts shall be referred to the appropriate school counselor when the principal determines it is necessary.
• Written Report: Following the privacy rules of the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), a written report on the investigation will be delivered to the parents of the student who made the complaint, the parents of the accused student, and the Director of Schools.

Response & Prevention

When an incident is confirmed, school administrators will determine the appropriate response. They consider several factors, including the type of incident, the age of the student involved, the level of harm caused, any past issues or patterns of behavior, and any other relevant circumstances.

A proven charge against a student may result in corrective or disciplinary action, up to and including suspension from school.

Appeals

A student who is disciplined can appeal the decision according to the regular school disciplinary policies and procedures.

Retaliation & False Accusations

No Retaliation: Retaliation (getting back at) any person who reports an incident or helps with an investigation is strictly forbidden. The consequences for someone who retaliates will be determined by the administrator, based on the severity and circumstances of the act.

No False Accusations: Making false accusations against another person for an act forbidden by this policy is also prohibited. Consequences for a person found to have made a false accusation may range from positive behavior support up to and including suspension and expulsion.

Personal communication devices include, but are not limited to, wearable technology such as eyeglasses, rings, or watches that have the capability to record, live stream, or interact with wireless technology; cell phones; laptops; tablets; earbuds; and MP3 players.

Medical Exemptions

Students who have a medical device that necessitates cellphone access during the school day, may receive an exemption from this policy upon the development of an individual Healthcare Plan consistent with a physician’s orders. Such exceptions apply to medical needs only and do not allow cell phone use for other purposes. Applications for medical exemptions shall be made to the school administration, and individual Healthcare Plans and any exceptions from this policy must be approved by school administration.

Recording Devices

Whether on school buses or on school property, students are not permitted to use recording devices (photograph, audio, or video) without administrative approval. A student in violation of this policy is subject to the appropriate grade-level disciplinary action as outlined below.

Use on School Buses

Grades 6-12 students in transit may use personal communication devices if the device is in silent mode or if earbuds are utilized. A student in violation of this policy is subject to the appropriate grade-level disciplinary action as outlined below.

Grades 6-8

Students in Grades 6-8 may possess personal communication devices while on school property; however, the device must be in the off mode and must be kept in a backpack, purse, or similar personal carry-all and may not be used during school hours. Students are not permitted to use communication devices during class time unless the teacher has received administrative approval. A student in violation of this policy is subject to disciplinary action as outlined below. 

• First Offense: Warning. Student may pick up the device at the end of the day.
• Second Offense: One (1) day of ALP (commonly termed in-school suspension). Student may pick up the device at the end of the day.
• Third Offense: A level on the assertive discipline plan, orientation to alternative school, and three (3) day ALP placement. Device shall be released to a parent.
• Fourth Offense: Placement in alternative school for forty-five (45) days. Parent may pick up the device at the home-base school.

The principal, principal-teacher, or assistant principal (referred to as the "principal") may suspend any student from attending school or any school-related activity (out-of-school suspension), or from a specific class, or from riding the school bus (placement in an alternate learning program), for good and sufficient reasons, including but not limited to:

• Willful and persistent violation of school rules or truancy.
• Immoral or disreputable conduct, including vulgar or profane language.
• Violence or threatened violence against any school personnel or person attending or assigned to the school.
• Willful or malicious damage to school property or the property of any person associated with the school.
• Inciting, advising, or counseling others to engage in any prohibited acts.
• Possession of a pistol, gun, or firearm on school property.
• Possession of a knife or similar weapon as defined in state law (TCA 39-17-1309); possession of a knife will result in its confiscation.
• Assault against a school employee as defined in state law.
• Unlawful use or possession of barbital or legend drugs (prescription drugs prohibited by federal law without a licensed doctor's prescription).
• Engaging in behavior that disrupts a class or school-sponsored activity.
• Making a threat, including a false report, to use a bomb, explosive, destructive device, or chemical weapon on school property or at a school-sponsored event, or an invalid threat of mass violence.
• Two (2) or more students initiating a physical attack on an individual student on school property or at a school activity, including travel to and from school.
• Off-campus criminal behavior resulting in felony charges when the behavior poses a danger to persons or property or disrupts the educational process.
• Any other conduct prejudicial to good order or discipline in any school.

Except in an emergency, the principal will not suspend any student until that student has been advised of the nature of their misconduct, questioned about it, and allowed to give an explanation.

Procedure

If an investigation shows a student acted in self-defense against the imminent threat of death or serious bodily injury, they may face no disciplinary action. Unless the student poses an immediate danger, suspension will not occur until the student is advised of their misconduct, questioned, and allowed to explain. For any suspension over one day, the principal must immediately attempt to contact the parent/guardian and follow up with written notice, requesting a meeting within five days. After this meeting, the principal determines the length of the suspension and readmission conditions. If the suspension exceeds ten days, the student and parent/guardian have the right to appeal the decision to the Student Disciplinary Hearing Authority (SDHA) within five days of notification. Students cannot attend other schools in the system while suspended, and specific rules govern readmission after alternative school placement.

If the principal suspends a student for longer than ten (10) days, he/she must immediately give written notice to the parent(s) /guardian(s) and the student of the right to appeal the decision. All appeals shall be filed within five (5) days of receipt of the notice. These appeals may be filed by the parent(s)/guardians(s), the student or any person holding a teaching license who is employed by the school district if requested by the student.

The appeal from this decision shall be to the Disciplinary Hearing Authority appointed by the Board.

The purpose of providing assistance in the self-administration of medications at school is to help your child maintain good health so they can focus on their education. Medications given at school should be limited to only those required during school hours that are necessary for the student to access the educational program.

Parent Requirements:

• Written Request: For all medicines (prescription and nonprescription), you must provide a written request to the school, stating that your child is competent to self-administer the medication with assistance.
• Prescription Medicine: Prescription drugs must be brought to school in the original container labeled by the pharmacy, showing the child's name, medication details, date, and doctor's name. Child must have a prescription mediation administration form on file.
• Nonprescription Medicine: Nonprescription drugs must be brought in the manufacturer's original container with the ingredients listed and your child's name affixed. You must provide a written request detailing the name, dosage, time, and reason for the medication. The child must have a nonprescription medication and self administration form on file.
• Safety: Medicines must be kept in a secure, locked area, including refrigeration if needed. You are responsible for picking up any unused or out-of-date medication at the end of treatment.

School Procedures:

• The staff assisting your child must visually observe the self-administration of the medicine.
• A licensed healthcare professional will provide input and training to school staff concerning safety measures.
• All doses given (date, time, dosage, route, and staff signature) must be properly documented and kept on file.
• Students with asthma are permitted to keep and self-administer their prescription inhalers with parental authorization.

Under the McKinney-Vento Act, every student who lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence (including those sharing housing due to economic hardship, living in shelters, hotels, cars, parks, or abandoned buildings) has the legal right to the same free, appropriate public education as all other children. These students must be enrolled immediately, even if they lack required paperwork like immunization or academic records, and they have the right to remain in their school of origin (the school they attended when permanently housed or last enrolled) unless the parent/guardian or unaccompanied youth requests otherwise. The district's Homeless Coordinator is responsible for quickly identifying these students, ensuring they receive comparable services (like transportation, special education, and nutrition), and assisting families in accessing necessary health and housing services.

Any student who attends a school designated as "persistently dangerous" or who is confirmed to have been the victim of a violent crime while at school has the right to attend another safe school within the district. A school is designated as persistently dangerous after meeting specific criteria related to violence-related disciplinary actions or violent crime incidents for three consecutive years. Additionally, if an individual student is identified as a victim of a violent crime at school, the Director of Schools must offer that student a safe school choice.

The school district strictly prohibits all forms of sexual harassment and discrimination on the basis of sex to ensure a safe and civil learning environment. Sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome conduct so severe or pervasive it denies equal educational access, or conduct including sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, or stalking. This policy covers all behavior on school property, at school-sponsored activities, or off-campus if it disrupts the educational environment. Reports must be made immediately to the Title IX Coordinator, who is responsible for promptly offering non-disciplinary supportive measures (such as counseling or schedule changes) to both parties and initiating an investigation within forty-eight (48) hours. The investigation must be completed within twenty (20) calendar days, and disciplinary action, up to expulsion for a student or termination for an employee, will be taken if a violation is confirmed. Retaliation against any person who reports or assists in an investigation is strictly prohibited.

Parents/Guardians have the right to inspect and review his/her student(s)’ records within 45 days of a written request and may ask the school to amend any information believed to be inaccurate or misleading. While the school generally requires written consent before disclosing personally identifiable information, "directory information" (such as name, address, and honors) may be released unless the school is notified in writing of an intent to opt out. If a parent or guardian believes the district has failed to comply with these regulations, they have the right to file a formal complaint with the U.S. Department of Education.