ARLINGTON SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 3
2005-2006
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PREFACE__________________________________________________
The material covered within this student/parent handbook is intended as a method of communicating to students and parents/guardians regarding general district information, rules, and procedures and is not intended to either enlarge or diminish any Board policy, administrative regulation, or negotiated agreement. Materials contained herein may therefore be superseded by such Board policy, administrative regulations or negotiated agreement.
Any information contained in this student handbook is subject to unilateral revision or elimination from time to time without notice.
No information in this document shall be viewed as an offer, expressed or implied, or as a guarantee of any employment of any duration.
Parents/Guardians objecting to the release of directory information on their student should notify the district office within fifteen (15) days of the receipt of the Student & Parent Handbook.
Parents/Guardians must also give their signed and dated written permission for the district to release personally identifiable information. A written permission form is provided with registration materials.
EQUAL EDUCATION OPPORTUNITY_________________________
The Arlington School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, disability or marital status providing education or access to benefits of education services, activities and programs in accordance with Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, and other civil rights or discrimination issues; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended; and the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Further, no student will be excluded from participating in, denied the benefits of, or subjected to discrimination under any educational program or activity conducted by the district. The district will treat its students without discrimination on the basis of sex as this pertains to course offerings, athletics, counseling, employment assistance and extracurricular activities.
Complaints alleging violation of this policy should be filed using the procedures in Board policy KL, Public Complaints.
ARLINGTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CREED
We believe in clean living and the development of ourselves mentally, physically, socially and spiritually.
We believe in a spirit of good sportsmanship; a spirit which recognizes the ability of our opponents.
We believe in a spirit of fair play, whether in the classroom, on the athletic field or in any outside activity.
We believe in an attitude of courtesy, kindness and consideration for those about us, and a respect for the rights of others.
We believe that this, our school, offers to each of us training for the highest type of citizenship and life usefulness in the community.
VISION STATEMENT
Our community, uniting toward common goals –
* facing changes
* becoming involved
* effectively communicating
* facilitating life-long learning
--to secure the future of our families, school and society.
ARLINGTON SCHOOL/COMMUNITY YOUTH GOAL
To create an innovative education system
that graduates students with the academic
background, social skills, moral character,
self-esteem, and confidence necessary to become
positive productive members of society.
PHILOSOPHY______________________________________________
It is the purpose of the Arlington Schools to provide opportunities for continuous mental, physical, and moral growth of its students.
NOTIFICATION OF RIGHTS UNDER PPRA____________________
The Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA) gives parents/guardians and students who are 18 or older or emancipated minors (“eligible students”) certain rights regarding the school district’s conduct of surveys, collection and use of information for marketing purposes, and conduct of certain physical exams. These include the right to:
1. Consent to federally funded surveys concerning “protected information.” If the U.S. Department of Education funds a survey in whole or in part, a student’s parents or an eligible student must consent in writing before the student may provide information relating to the following categories:
· Political affiliations;
· Mental or psychological problems of the student or student’s family;
· Sexual behaviors or attitudes;
· Illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating, or demeaning behavior;
· Critical appraisals of student’s family members;
· Privileged or similar relationships recognized by law, such as with attorneys, doctors, and ministers;
· Religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the student or student’s parents; or
· Income other than that required by law to determine program eligibility.
A survey that concerns any of these points is called “protected information survey.”
2. Opt out of certain surveys and exams. Parents/Guardians and eligible students will receive notice of any of the following activities and will have the right to opt out of them:
· Activities involving collection, disclosure, or use of personal information obtained from students for purposes of marketing or selling or otherwise distributing the information to others;
· Any protected information survey, regardless of funding; and
· Any nonemergency, invasive physical exam or screening required as a condition of attendance, administered by the school or its agent and scheduled by the school, and not necessary to protect the immediate health and safety of a student or of another student, except for hearing, vision, or scoliosis screenings, or any physical exam or screening permitted or required under state law.
3. Inspect certain material. Parents/Guardians and eligible students have the right to inspect the following, upon request, before the district administers or uses them:
· Protected information surveys of students (including any instructional materials used in connection with the survey);
· Documents used to collect personal information from students for any of the above marketing, sales, or other distribution purposes; and
· Instructional material used as part of the educational curriculum.
4. Receive notification of district policy. The School District has developed a policy, in consultation with parents/guardians, regarding these rights and has made arrangements to protect student privacy in the administration of protected information surveys and the collection, disclosure, or use of personal information for marketing, sales, or other distribution purposes. The School District will directly notify parents/guardians and eligible students, such as through U.S. Mail or e-mail, of this policy at least annually at the start of each school year and after any substantive changes are made.
5. Report violations. Parents/Guardians and eligible students who believe their rights have been violated may file a complaint with:
Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Ave. SW
Washington, DC 20202-4605
PLACEMENT IN PRIVATE SCHOOL_________________________
While parents/guardians are free to choose private schooling or additional services (such as tutoring) from a private individual or organization, the District has no obligation to pay for such services or schooling. If the parent/guardian wants the District to consider making a placement for the child in a private school or with private services, parents/guardians must give the District notice and opportunity to propose other public school options.
Therefore, whether the child is identified as disabled (under IDEA or Section 504) or not, the parents/guardians must provide notice as follows: If parents decide to withdraw their student to enroll the student in a private school, parents must give notice either at the last IEP meeting attended or to the school administrator in writing at least ten (10) business days before withdrawing their student. If parents/guardians fail to do this, and instead make a private placement themselves, a court or hearing officer may reduce or deny reimbursement if it is requested by the parent/guardian.
TITLE I____________________________________________________
The Board recognizes that parent/guardian involvement is vital to achieve maximum educational growth for students participating in the District Title I program. Therefore, in compliance with federal law and the Oregon Department of Education guidelines, the district shall provide information regarding their schools participation in the Title I program and requirements.
The Superintendent shall ensure equivalence among schools in teachers, administration and other staff and in the provisions of the curriculum materials and instructional supplies.
The Board directs the Superintendent to ensure that each of the districts schools participating in the Title I program meet annually with parents/guardians. Parents/Guardians of participating students shall be informed of their right to be involved in the development of the district’s parental involvement policy, overall Title I plan and school-parent compact. The school-parent compact is inserted in this handbook. Each student and parent/guardian should sign and return the school-parent compact.
The district shall, to the extent practicable, provide full opportunities for the participation of parents/guardians with limited English proficiency or with disabilities, including information and school profiles in a language and form parents understand.
In cooperation with parents/guardians, the district’s Title I plan and school-parent compact shall be reviewed annually and updated periodically to meet the changing needs of parents/guardians and the school. The Title I plan will be distributed to parents/guardians of participating Title I students annually.
The new federal law, No Child Left Behind, requires the district to notify parents at the beginning of each school year that they may request information regarding the professional qualifications of their child’s classroom teacher. Parents also have the right to request the qualifications of any paraeducators working with their child. Parents of limited English proficient students have the right to be notified of their child’s inclusion in language instruction programs no later than two weeks after a student’s placement in an ELL program. Copies of the district’s ELL plan are available upon request.
Schools that receive Title I funds must give timely notice to parents/guardians whose children have been taught for four or more weeks by a teacher who’s not “highly qualified” in core academic subject areas as defined by the state and federal government.
Districts must notify parents/guardians of each student in a “persistently dangerous” school about the unsafe school choice option. “Persistently dangerous” schools are identified by the state.
Schools that have been identified by the state for school improvement, that is failed to make adequate yearly progress for two years, must offer public school choice.
ADMISSION_______________________________________________
A student seeking enrollment in the district for the first time must meet all academic, age, immunization, tuition and other eligibility prerequisites for admission as set forth by law, Board policy, and administrative regulations. Students and their parents/guardians should contact the office for admission requirements.
A parent or legal guardian when registering should accompany students who are new to our school. At this time a transfer slip from the school last attended should be presented.
Oregon State Law requires the following immunizations for all students:
Vaccine Number of Doses
DPT 5 (4 if 4th one given after 4 yrs. of age)
Polio 4 (3 if 3rd one given after 4 yrs. of age)
MMR 2 (1 if given after 15 months of age)
Hepatitis B Series of 3
Varicella 1 Dose unless already had Chicken Pox (then you need the month & year)
FOR KINDERGARTNERS AND FIRST GRADERS: Children entering kindergarten are required to be five (5) years old on or before September 1 for the year in which they are enrolling. Children entering first grade for the first time, who have not attended kindergarten, are required to be six (6) years old on or before September 1 for the year in which they are enrolling. Pre-registration takes place in the spring. At the time of enrollment, parents/guardians should bring birth records, social security cards and immunization records in order to complete the enrollment. Additionally, a physical examination by a physician is required before registering for school.
ALTERNATIVE PROGRAMS________________________________
Students are informed of alternative programs available if they meet one of the following conditions:
1. Being or has been expelled.
2. Having repeated severe discipline problems.
3. Attending so erratically that he/she is not benefiting from the educational program.
4. The Alternative Learning Specialist at the Oregon Department of Education is the contact person for appeals regarding expulsions and alternative school placement. He/She may be contacted at 503-378-3600 ext. 2285.
ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE _________________________________
Students who walk to school or come by private transportation are requested to arrive no earlier than 7:50 a.m. At that time K-5 students will be served breakfast in the classroom at 8:00 a.m. bell signaling the beginning of classes. Students must leave the school grounds immediately upon dismissal. Primary students should not wait for children in the elementary levels. Students need to be reminded often of the need for caution and safety when walking home. Dismissal times are as follows:
Grades K-3 2:35 p.m. (K-3 students will receive Alternative Learning until 3:35 p.m. at scheduled times. K-3 Bus students will be supervised until 3:35 p.m.
Grades 4-8 3:35 p.m.
ASBESTOS__________________________________________________
The district has complied with the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) by having their buildings inspected by accredited inspectors and the development of a management plan for the control of this substance.
The management plan is available for public inspection in the district office.
The Superintendent serves as the district’s asbestos program manager and may be reached for further information.
ASSEMBLIES________________________________________________
A student’s conduct in assemblies must meet the same standard as in the classroom. A student who does not abide by the district’s Student Code of Conduct during an assembly shall be subject to disciplinary action. Students are expected to be attentive, quiet, and polite upon entering the assembly area. All students are required to attend assemblies unless permission to be absent is obtained from the office prior to the assembly.
ATTENDANCE_______________________________________________
The Oregon Revised Statutes (339.020) state: Except as provided in ORS 339.030 every person having control of any child between the ages of 7 and 18 years who has not completed the 12th grade, is required to send such child to and maintain such child in regular attendance at a public full-time school during the entire school term. Violation of the compulsory attendance law is a Class C infraction and is punishable by a citation up to $150. In addition, a parent/guardian who is not supervising his/her student by requiring school attendance may also be in violation of ORS 163.577 (1)(c). Failing to supervise a child is a Class A violation and punishable by a fine up to $600.
At Arlington Schools, all students are expected to attend school regularly and to be on time for classes. There is a direct relationship between poor attendance and class failure. Students who have good attendance generally achieve higher grades, enjoy school more and are much more employable after leaving school. However, students can fail on the basis of performance, despite good attendance.
Exemptions from Compulsory Attendance are provided by law (ORS 339.030).
EXPECTATIONS
ORS 339.065 states that an absence may be excused by the administration if the absence is caused by the pupil’s sickness, by the sickness of some member of the pupil’s family, by an emergency or, if satisfactory arrangements have been made in advance of the absence.
Arlington School District students maintain good attendance in the following ways:
1. Attend all classes regularly.
2. Report to all classes on time.
3. Check in at the office before going to class if you arrive late to school.
4. Check out at the office before leaving campus even if your parents pick you up.
5. Get appointments or trips pre-arranged. Bring a note to the office explaining the date, time, and reason for the absence prior to the absence.
6. Get all schoolwork to be missed ahead of time whenever possible.
7. Clear all absences within two (2) days or the absence will be considered unexcused.
a) Absence Without Prior Arrangement: Upon return to school, a student should report to the Office with a note from the parent/guardian. The note should include the date, student’s name, date(s) and/or time of student absence, reason for absence, and parent/guardian signature.
b) Pre-arranged Absences: Pre-arranged excused absences may be approved providing a request from the parent/guardian is presented to the office at least one day in advance of the absence. The note should include the date, student’s name, date(s) and/or time the student will be absent, reason for the absence, and parent/guardian signature. The student will take a pre-arranged absence form to each teacher allowing them to be aware of the absence, and the student to get their assignments in advance. Students cannot be failing classes and all assignments are due upon return to school.
8. As per state law (ORS 339.065) excused absences will only be given for:
a) Family emergency – determined by the administrator
b) Illness
c) Pre-arranged absence – determined by the administrator
c) School sponsored activities – participants will not be counted absent from class.
9. Make up all work on time required by the teacher.
a) Excused Absence: Student will have one day per day absent to complete and turn in work for full credit.
b) Unexcused Absence: Student will have one day after their return to complete and turn in work
LEAVING SCHOOL DURING SCHOOL HOURS
If it should become necessary to leave school during the school day, the student must check out of school by seeing the office secretary and gaining clearance from the administration. Failure to do so will constitute an unexcused absence, regardless of whether or not your parents/guardians are “aware”. Discipline will be administered as stated within the behavior management procedure. If parents/guardians wish to have a student excused during the school day, arrangements must be made with the administrator or his/her designee. The administrator will determine whether the reason is of sufficient cause to release the student, and to determine whether the absence will be excused.
STUDENTS WHO TURN UP MISSING DURING THE SCHOOL DAY AND WHO HAVE NOT FOLLOWED THE ABOVE POLICY FOR LEAVING SCHOOL DURING SCHOOL HOURS WILL RECEIVE AN UNEXCUSED ABSENCE FOR THE ENTIRE DAY.
UNEXCUSED ABSENCES INCLUDE
1. Leaving campus without properly checking out through the Attendance Office.
2. Skipping class – Leaving class without permission.
3. Oversleeping.
4. Missing the bus.
5. Personal errands.
6. Family vacations that have not been pre-arranged.
7. Employment, job shadowing or apprenticeships during the instructional day that have not received prior approval from the administration.
8. SNEAK DAY – Absences from school for “sneak days” will be treated as truancy.
9. TRUANCY – A student who is absent from school or from any class without permission will be considered truant and will be subject to disciplinary action including detention, suspension, expulsion and ineligibility to participate in athletics or other activities.
BEHAVIOR________________________________________________
Students are responsible for conducting themselves properly, in accordance with the policies of the district and the lawful direction of staff. The district has the responsibility to afford students certain rights as guaranteed under federal and state constitutions and statutes.
Arlington School District has one general rule of behavior; that its members conduct themselves as good citizens. The characteristics of good school citizenship are:
1. Regard for the rights and privileges of others.
2. Punctuality and prepared for class.
3. Care for the condition and appearance of the grounds, buildings, and fixtures of the school.
4. Respect for those in authority.
A complete record of the conduct of each student is maintained at the school. Unacceptable behavior is clearly defined by each elementary classroom teacher.
Disrespectful, disruptive, irregular attendance, and illegal activities are discouraged through the assignment of consequences, which include loss of privileges, parent/guardian conferences, detention and suspension. Among these activities are: repeated unexcused absences, truancy, repeated tardiness, dress code violation, note writing, inappropriate or obscene language, disrespect, disruptive behavior, cheating, illegal behavior, harassment, physical violence, damage to school property, behaviors that place others at risk, unprepared for class, display of affection.
The following may result in suspension and, in some cases, expulsion: repeated violations, fighting, gang behavior, defiance of authority, failure to serve detention, cheating, any violation aggravated by racially/sexually derogatory behavior, use of drugs/alcohol, sale or supply of drugs/alcohol, possession of a weapon (state law requires one year expulsion).
GENERAL CONDUCT EXPECTATIONS
The following rules of general conduct are expected of all students:
A. General Conduct:
1. Teachers are to be given the proper respect and be addressed as Miss, Mr., Mrs., or Ms. and their last name.
2. The Student Management Policy is in effect whenever you are under the auspices of Arlington Schools, including lunch (even off campus) and any school activity.
3. A student must attend school the day of an after school function in order to participate in the function unless he/she has prearranged his/her absence with the administrator or his/her designee.
B. In the halls:
1. Pass quickly, quietly and safely, but do not run.
2. Refrain from showing inappropriate action to others.
C. In the classroom:
1. Be in your seat by the bell.
2. Be orderly even if the teacher is temporarily out of the room.
3. Be prepared to begin the lesson at once without borrowing pencils, books, paper, etc.
4. Do not leave the room without the teacher’s permission.
5. Wait until the teacher dismisses you. THE BELL NEVER DISMISSES.
6. Food and drink are not allowed in class and cannot be purchased during class time without the teacher’s permission.
7. Personal property which disrupts class, such as a CD Player, cell phones, pagers, laser light, etc. may be taken by the teacher and turned over to the office for parent/guardian notification.
D. In assemblies:
1. Be attentive, quiet, and polite as soon as you enter the assembly.
2. All students are required to attend assemblies unless permission to be absent is obtained from the office prior to the assembly.
ARLINGTON STUDENT MANAGEMENT POLICY
The teachers and staff at Arlington Schools believe that students have the right to a safe, pleasant environment in which to learn. It is important that students be encouraged to conduct themselves in a manner that will maintain such a climate that everyone is given the greatest opportunity to achieve and succeed. When every person in a school is doing their best, the school becomes an exciting and warm place where every person is learning new things every single day.
In the classrooms, hallways, lunchroom, or on the court or field, students make behavioral choices every day. At Arlington Schools the teachers and staff believe that people move toward personal maturity as they make good behavioral choices and take responsibility for their actions. Behavioral choices that are mature and responsible deserve acknowledgement. Recognition of appropriate student behavior is important and may include:
§ Nominations/Selection as Student of the Month
§ Positive recognition: including assemblies, releases, breaks, assemblies, etc.
§ Verbal praise
§ Eligibility for special prizes, outings, or field trips
§ Positive notes/phone calls, acknowledgment to parents/guardians
Students make good behavioral choices using three simple guidelines. Everyone in the school is encouraged to remember the phrase, “Strive for excellence and help others to achieve this goal” as they actively work on the following goals:
CODE OF CONDUCT
BE SUCCESSFUL
Always try – Do your best – Manage yourself.
Students determined to be successful come to class on time prepared to work and learn skills to help them achieve their goals.
BE THOUGHTFUL OF OTHERS
Cooperate with other people and treat them with respect. Respect the property and rights of others. Everyone at Arlington Schools has the right to expect mutual courtesy, respect, and a sense of self-worth.
BE LOYAL TO YOUR SCHOOL
Having pride in and respecting yourself and others is a part of making Arlington Schools a positive, good place to be.
Rules at Arlington Schools are aimed at the goal of creating a school environment, which protects every student’s rights to learn as well as every teacher’s rights to teach. Rules should be clear and fair and consistently enforced. Aside from general school rules and these simple guidelines, teachers and classroom instructors will state and post their classroom expectations. Parents/guardians are welcome to be part of the annual review process of the Student Management Policy.
Most students are able to act in a responsible, mature manner that does not interfere with the educational rights of others. For this reason, Arlington’s Student Management Policy is reviewed at the beginning of each school year and with students as they enroll during the school year, so that students are fully aware of the rules and can make good choices. However, when inappropriate choices have been made, parents/guardians are notified. Students who choose to continue violating school rules face consequences for their behavior.
DRUGS/ALCOHOL/TOBACCO
Oregon State Law ORS 474 and 475 prohibits the possession, use or sale of alcohol, narcotics, and habit-forming drugs. This obligates the school district to enforce a policy prohibiting the possession, use, sale or source of supply of alcohol, narcotics and habit-forming drugs (or look alikes) on or near the school grounds, or at any time students are going to or from school or while being transported to and from any school sponsored activity. Use of a drug authorized by medical prescription from a registered physician, and within the guidelines of the policy on medication, shall not be considered a violation of this rule.
GANG ACTIVITY/HATE GROUPS
Gang/Hate group activity will not be allowed. Prohibited activities include, but are not limited to: the congregation of members, the solicitation or recruitment of members, the possession of group paraphernalia and materials, the intimidation of others, the advocacy of discrimination, and any other behavior which the school administration finds disruptive such as the wearing of gang colors or insignia and the use of language, code or gestures that provoke violence or seek to advocate the purpose and objectives of such groups. Disciplinary action may include suspension and/or expulsion.
HAZING/HARASSMENT/INTIMIDATION/BULLYING/MENACING
Hazing, harassment, intimidation, menacing or bullying by students, staff or third parties is strictly prohibited and shall not be tolerated in the district. See District Policy GBNA/JFCF. Students found to be in violation of district policy will be subject to discipline up to and including expulsion. Individuals may also be referred to law enforcement officials.
INAPPROPRIATE OR OBSCENE LANGUAGE AND DISRESPECT
Inappropriate and/or obscene language is not to be allowed or tolerated. The use of profanity, and sound-a-like words or phrases, which show disrespect or willful defiance will not be allowed or tolerated. Students found to be in violation of district policy will be subject to discipline including detention and/or suspension.
TARDINESS/UNPREPARED FOR CLASS
Student tardiness and unpreparedness is an extreme disruption to the daily operation of classes. Students are advised that repeated tardiness/unpreparedness may face discipline.
VANDALISM
No person shall willfully write, make marks or draw obscene pictures on the walls or any other part of any schoolhouse or outbuildings, or furniture thereof, or deface or damage any school building. The district school board shall prosecute any person who violates this section.
WEAPONS
Students shall not bring, possess, conceal or use a weapon on or at district property, activities under the jurisdiction of the district or interscholastic activities administered by a voluntary organization approved by the State Board of Education (i.e. Oregon Schools Activities Association).
Weapons may include, but are not limited to, dangerous weapons (any weapon, devise, instrument, material or substance, which under the circumstances in which it is used, attempted to be used or threatened to be used is readily capable of causing death or serious physical injury), firearm, destructive device (any device with an explosive incendiary or poison gas component or any combination of parts either designed or intended for use in converting any device into any destructive device or form which a destructive device may be readily assembled), knives, metal knuckles, straight razors, noxious or irritating gases, poisons, unlawful drugs or other items fashioned with the intent to use, sell, harm, threaten or harass students, staff members, parents and patrons.
Replicas of weapons, fireworks and pocketknives are also prohibited by Board policy. Exceptions to the district’s replicas prohibition may be granted only with prior administrative approval for certain curriculum or school-related activities.
Prohibited weapons, replicas of weapons, fireworks and pocketknives are subject to seizure and/or forfeiture.
Students found to have violated the district’s zero-tolerance weapons policy (Board Policy JFCJ) shall be expelled for a period of not less than one year. Administrators shall promptly notify the appropriate law enforcement agency any time there is reasonable cause to believe violations have occurred or when a student has been expelled for bringing, possessing, concealing or using a dangerous or deadly weapon, firearm or destructive device. Parents/Guardians will be notified of all conduct by their student that violates the weapons policy.
In accordance with the federal Gun-Free School Zone Act, possession or discharge of a firearm in a school is prohibited. A “school zone,” as defined by federal law means, in or on school grounds or within 1,000 feet of school grounds.
BUS REGULATIONS_______________________________________
The Arlington School District provides bus transportation, or payments in lieu of transportation to all students in the Arlington School District living more than one mile from school. The local administrator or the bus supervisor establishes bus routes. Any request for a route change must be made to the bus supervisor, as the driver does not have the authority to alter the bus route. The state regulations governing students while riding school buses are posted on each school bus. Any violation of these rules may cause loss of bus privileges.
Bus students must have a note from parents/guardians if they will not be riding the bus or are to be taken some place other than home.
Please remember to send a note, as children become confused about whether or not they are to wait for parents/guardians, etc. Students will not be permitted to ride a different bus or to wait at school without a note from home.
LOST CHILD
If your child does not come home from school at the expected time and you become alarmed, please call the school office. The school office will contact school personnel (bus drivers, teachers, etc.). If the child is not located soon, the school will contact the parent/guardian and suggest that the parent/guardian contact the appropriate authorities. Please call the school office back if you locate the child, as the school will continue to look for the child and are concerned for the child’s welfare.
CELL PHONES, PAGERS, COMMUNICATION DEVICES______
Students are not allowed to use cell phones, pagers, or other communication devices except for emergencies, with permission of the administration on school premises during school hours. School hours are from 8:00 a.m. until 3:35 p.m. Students are not to have cell phones, pagers, or other communication devices in the classrooms at any time. During school hours cell phones, pagers, and other communication devices should be turned off and kept in storage tubs.
CONFERENCES______________________________________________
Regular conferences are scheduled to review student progress. Conferences are held at the end of the first and third nine-week grading period. Second nine-week grading period conferences will be held by parent/guardian and/or teacher request. Grades or marks earned are dependent on the grade level of the student.
Students and parents may also expect to request a conference if the student is not maintaining passing grades or achieving the expected level of performance; if the student is not maintaining behavior expectations; and/or in any case the teacher considers necessary.
The district encourages a student or parent/guardian in need of additional information or with questions or concerns to confer with the appropriate teacher, counselor or administrator. A parent/guardian who wishes to confer with a teacher may call the office for an appointment before or after school, during the teacher’s preparation period, e-mail the teacher (e-mail addresses are the teacher’s first name initial and the first seven letters of the last name @arlington.k12.or.us – for example mkeown@arlington.k12.or.us), or request that the teacher call the parent/guardian to arrange a mutually convenient time for a conference.
COUNSELING_______________________________________________
ACADEMIC COUNSELING
Students are encouraged to talk with a district counselor, teachers and administrators in order to learn about the curriculum, course offerings and testing requirements.
PERSONAL COUNSELING
The school counselor is available to assist students with a wide range of personal concerns. The counselor may also make available information about community resources to address personal concerns.
DANCES/SOCIAL EVENTS___________________________________
All school events – banquets, parties, positive recognition activities, and dances are under the supervision of the administrator. Dances are only allowed with the approval of the administration. The sponsoring organizations are responsible for all arrangements including finances, entertainment, refreshments, decorations, chaperons and clean-up. The administration will set a dress code for such dances (i.e., “formal,” “semi-formal,” etc.). The rules of good conduct and grooming shall be observed for school dances and social events. The following rules govern school dances and parties:
1. Dances are held on Thursday or Friday nights.
2. The faculty class advisor and parents/guardians (minimum 2) must chaperon each event.
3. Students leaving the building will not be allowed to re-enter during the event.
4. All school sponsored dances and social events are closed to all individuals except Arlington Middle School (for middle school dances/events) students. Under no circumstances will Middle/Junior High School students be allowed to attend High School dances or social events nor will high school students be allowed to attend Middle/Junior High School dances or social events.
5. Organizations must have administrative approval at least two weeks prior to the event.
6. Except on special occasions, all social events and dances will held usually between 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Special occasions will be determined by the administration.
DISCIPLINE/DUE PROCESS_________________________________
A student who violates the Student Code of Conduct shall be subject to disciplinary action.
A student’s due process rights will be observed in all such instances, including the right to appeal the discipline decisions of staff and administration.
The district’s disciplinary options include using one or more discipline management technique including counseling by teachers, counselors, and administrators, detention, suspension, expulsion, loss of driving privileges, and loss of right to apply for driving privileges and removal to an alternative education program. Disciplinary measures are applied depending on the nature of the offense. The age and past pattern of behavior of a student will be considered prior to any suspension or expulsion.
In addition, when a student commits drug, alcohol and/or tobacco-related offenses or any other criminal act, he/she may also be referred to law enforcement officials.
A student may be detained outside of school hours on one or more days if the student violates the Student Code of Conduct. The detention shall not begin, however, until the student’s parents/guardians have been notified of the reason for the detention and can make arrangements for the student’s transportation on the day(s) of the detention.
FRIDAY/SATURDAY SCHOOL
A student may be assigned to Friday/Saturday School for up to four hours (8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.) if the student violates the Student Code of Conduct. The Friday/Saturday School detention shall begin after parents/guardians have been notified of the reason for the detention and can make arrangements for the student’s transportation to and from the Friday/Saturday School.
SUSPENSION
A student may be suspended from school for up to and including 10 school days for willful violations of the Student Code of Conduct. The district may require a student to attend school during non-school hours as an alternative to suspension.
An opportunity for the student to present his/her view of the alleged misconduct will be given. Each suspension will include a specification of the reason(s) for the suspension, the length of the suspension, a plan for readmission and an opportunity to appeal the decision.
Every reasonable and prompt effort will be made to notify the parents/guardians of a suspended student.
While under suspension, a student may not attend after school activities and athletic events, be present on district property nor participate in activities directed or sponsored by the district.
Schoolwork missed by a student while on suspension is due within one day after the student returns to school.
EXPULSION
A student may be expelled for severe or repeated violations of the Student Code of Conduct.
No student may be expelled without a hearing unless the student’s parents/guardians waives the right to a hearing, either in writing or by failure to appear at a scheduled hearing.
An expulsion shall not extend beyond one calendar year.
The district will provide appropriate expulsion notification including expulsion hearing procedures, student and parent/guardian rights, and alternative education provisions as required by law. See alternative education programs in this handbook.
DISCIPLINE OF DISABLED STUDENTS
A student being served by an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) who engages in conduct which would warrant suspension for a non-disabled student may be suspended for up to and including ten consecutive school days for violations of the Student Code of Conduct.
When a disabled student is suspended more than ten consecutive school days or for more than ten cumulative school days during a school year or is being expelled, the student’s parents/guardians will be notified immediately (within 24 hours) of the circumstances of the misbehavior and the time and location of the student’s IEP team meeting addressing the infraction and its relationship to the disability.
The IEP team will determine whether the misconduct is a manifestation of the student’s disability. Should the IEP team conclude the misconduct has no relationship to the student’s disability, the student may be disciplined in the same manner, as would other students.
If the IEP team concludes the misconduct is a consequence of the student’s disability, the team may recommend alternative placement for the student. The district may not expel a disabled student or terminate educational services for any behavior, which is a consequence of the disability.
If the district determines that the student’s behavior, which is related to his/her disability, poses imminent danger to others and the parent/guardian refuses to agree to a change of placement, the district may suspend the student for up to ten consecutive school days or ten cumulative school days, to provide a general planning and “cooling off” period. At the end of the ten-day period the student shall be allowed to stay put in his/her current school placement unless the district has obtained a hearings officer or court order to change the student’s placement.
DISTRIBUTION OF MATERIAL_____________________________
All aspects of school-sponsored publications, including newspaper, video, yearbook, etc. are completely under the supervision of the teacher and administration. Students may be required to submit such publications to the administration for approval.
Written materials, handbills, photographs, pictures, petitions, films, tapes or other visual or auditory materials may not be sold, circulated or distributed on district property by a student or a non-student without the approval of the administration.
Materials not under the editorial control of the district must be submitted to the administration for review and approval before being distributed to students. Materials shall be reviewed based on legitimate educational concerns. Such concerns include whether the material is defamatory; age appropriate to the grade level and/or maturity of the reading audience; poorly written, inadequately researched, biased or prejudiced; not factual; or not free of racial, ethnic, religious or sexual bias. Materials including advertising that is in conflict with public school laws, rules and/or Board policy, deemed inappropriate for students or may be reasonably perceived by the public to bear the sanction or approval of the school district will not be distributed.
If the material is not approved within three (3) days from the time it was submitted to the administration will be considered disapproved. The disapproval may be appealed to the Board at its next regular meeting when the individual shall have a reasonable period of time to present his/her viewpoint.
DRESS AND GROOMING___________________________________
The district’s dress code is established to promote appropriate grooming and hygiene, prevent disruption, provide for a workplace environment, and avoid safety hazards. In addition to the district policy on dress and grooming, dress issues often constitute conflicts with district policy on sexual harassment and gangs. Such dress can, at times, for some students, create a hostile school environment. The following dress code seeks to create a more logical and useful set of guidelines for students and parents/guardians.
Responsibility for dress and grooming rests primarily with students and their parents. However, the district expects student dress and grooming to meet standards, which ensure that the following conditions do not exist:
1. Disruption or interference with the classroom learning environment;
2. Threat to the health and/or safety of the student concerned or of other students.
Students who represent the school in a voluntary activity may be required to conform to dress and grooming standards and may be denied the opportunity to participate if those standards are not met.
It is essential that the administration of the school have the authority to interpret and enforce the dress and grooming code. However, it shall be the responsibility of all staff members to send any violators of the dress and grooming code to the office. Students who willfully repeat violations of the dress code will be disciplined.
DRESS AND GROOMING CODE
In general, students should dress in neat, clean appropriate clothing that does not disrupt the educational process and protects the rights of others. This specifically includes the following:
1. All items worn shall be safe, both to the wearer and those around him/her. Dress and grooming shall be clean and in keeping with health, sanitary and safety procedures. State law requires some kind of footwear with a hard sole. Shoes must be worn at all times. Sandals and flip-flops are acceptable, but students wearing them do so at their own risk. Some classes for the sake of safety may require students to wear appropriate footwear for the safety reasons (i.e., physical education). For the sake of cleanliness and good hygiene, it is recommended that stockings or socks be worn at all times. Slippers are not acceptable.
2.