Jr./Sr. High School Handbook
2010-2011
October 31, 2008
Randolph Jr./Sr. High School Student Handbook
2010-2011
David Hamm Superintendent
Dennis Bazata 7-12Principal, AD
Jane Brummels K-6 Principal
High School 402-337-0252 Elementary 402-337-0385
P.O. Box 755
MissionStatement
The mission of the Randolph Public School is to be the cornerstone in our community for providing a safe, flexible and stimulating environment for learning with a goal of developing productive and responsible persons.
This student planner belongs to:
The purpose of this handbook is to aid the students and parents in the orientation of the operation and expectations of the Randolph Secondary School. Each individual is responsible for knowing the information contained herein. Included are statements of rights and responsibilities of students as well as general information. A student who practices RESPONSIBILITY, SELF-DISCIPLINE, and RESPECT will find success at Randolph Secondary School. The administration reserves the right to make deviations in these policies when it is necessary to best serve the interest of the school, a group of students or an individual student.
Academic Rules & Regulations for Activity Eligibility
These academic rules and regulations are in effect for all students in grades seven through twelve who are enrolled as students in the Randolph Public Schools. The guidelines are as follows:
1. Student academic status will be monitored weekly, starting the fourth Tuesday of each quarter: September 23rd, November 11th, January 27th, and April 7th. Student grades need to be current as of 12:00 p.m. the Monday prior to eligibility report being run on every Tuesday. Students who are on the list to lose academic eligibility will be informed by their respective teachers as to their status.
2. To lose academic eligibility a student will have an average below 70% in two (2) subjects. Students will be ineligible from Wednesday through the following Tuesday when an eligibility check is run again.
3. Ineligibility is for all events or activities but does not affect practices. When a student loses academic eligibility they may not miss school for any activity, may not suit up for any activity, and may not participate in an activity.
4. Areas covered by the policy will include:
1. Plays
2. Speech Contest
3. Athletics/Cheerleading/Dance
4. Extra Curricular Music Groups
5. FFA & FCCLA (Contest, Field Trips, Conventions)
6. Class and Organizational Contest
7. Quiz Bowl
8. Checking out of study halls during school
9. Any other similar activity inadvertently left off the list and/or organized after policy implementation that is similar in nature to the above list.
5. Students must also meet all NSAA interscholastic eligibility guidelines or participation in events or activities under the jurisdiction of the NSAA.
Activity Accounts and Minutes
Minutes of Meetings: There shall be accurate minutes kept of all organized meetings. The minutes shall include a record of all motions and important actions of the organizations. Minutes for each meeting must be approved and signed by the sponsor. A book will be provided for this purpose.
Treasurer’s Record: The treasurers of all organizations shall keep an accurate account of all financial transactions. This record shall have the source, date, and amount of all expenditures. These records shall be balanced with the school treasurer’s record and filed at the close of the year.
Money: All money collected by school organizations for any purpose shall be finalized with the issuance of a receipt to the pupil from the organization treasurer accepting fellow students’ payments, and shall be deposited with the school secretary. All payments shall be made by check drawn on the activities fund and signed by the superintendent and principal. No payment will be made in cash from collections that have not been deposited. A receipt must be given for all money received by the school secretary.
Purchases: All purchases by school organizations or sponsors with monies raised by classes or under auspices of school groups, must be made at the local level, unless local vendors do not handle the goods or product, or the price is demonstrably not competitive with non-Randolph vendors.
Charge Accounts: No purchases may be charged to any school activity unless the purchase is approved by the activity sponsor on the proper form. The sponsor is responsible for and must exercise complete control over the money for the organization of which he is a sponsor. He should see that all bills are settled as soon as possible after purchases are made.
Announcements
The Office will make daily announcements concerning activities. These announcements will be read to the students at the beginning of 2nd period as well as being posted in the commons area outside the office. Announcements from other sources pertaining to outside activities need approval by the administration.
Activity/Athletic Code & Regulations
The Board of Education of the Randolph Public Schools recognizes a certain value in the privilege of participating in extracurricular activities in the overall scope of a student’s education. The participation in these activities is voluntary and considered a privilege granted by the school district. In order to participate in extracurricular activities, the involved students will be subject to, and expected to comply with, certain guidelines as developed by the Nebraska School Activities Association and/or the school district.
The following rules and standards concerning student conduct for all school activities are established to assist the Randolph Public Schools in carrying out the function of the activity. They will govern all students engaged in school activities for all six years of their secondary schooling. If a student is guilty of a violation of these rules, he/she is subject to consequences as prescribed in this policy. This policy affects all non-graded school related activities. The activity code and regulations, even those students who participate only as spectators will govern every student in our school. The application of these guidelines shall begin with the first day of school, or the first day of practice, if such practices start before the first day of school and will continue through the academic year and/or the last activity event of that academic year.
I. Attendance
A. In order to participate in any school activity (music concert, athletic event, plays, practices, meetings, etc), the student must be in attendance by the beginning of 5th period immediately prior to the event or practice in which the student is participating.
B. If any activity occurs on a weekend, the student must be in attendance on the school day prior to the event. If the student did not attend school the day before the event, special permission to allow the student to participate is needed from the administration.
C. Attendance at practice is required if the student is in attendance at school, unless excused by the coach or sponsor.
D. Any exception to the above guidelines will need previous approval from the Administration.
II. One Way Door for Activities
A. The one-way door rule applies to all activities. If a student leaves the activity premises, they will not be allowed to return, unless given permission by authorized personnel.
III. Travel
A. The district will provide or approve the means of transportation to all school activities. All participants will ride to and from the activity in the school sponsored vehicle unless prior arrangements have been made with the activity sponsor. Students may not be transported by any other means without prior approval of the administration.
B. Parents wishing to have their own child return from an event shall present (in person) the event sponsor with a signed written request. Any violation of this rule will result in a one-week activity suspension.
IV. Behavioral Conduct
A. The following actions and/or conduct are deemed inappropriate for any student enrolled in Randolph Public Schools:
1. Possession and/or consumption of alcoholic beverages or in the presence of alcoholic beverages.
2. Possession and/or consumption of a controlled substance or in the presence of controlled substance.
3. Possession and/or use of tobacco in any form.
4. Stealing or damaging the property of the school, school employees, another student, or other schools or businesses while being a representative of Randolph Public Schools, or upon criminal conviction of theft.
5. Refusing to abide by a coach’s or sponsor’s request concerning actions, appearance, and/or general conduct as a representative of Randolph Public Schools.
6. Causing or attempting to cause physical injury to another student. Physical injury caused by accident, self-defense, or other action undertaken on a reasonable belief that it was necessary to protect some other person shall not constitute a violation of this subdivision.
7. Engaging in behavior that would bring discredit to the participant and/or the activity members or the district.
8. Engaging in any other conduct which may not be described above but which constitutes a substantial interference with the activities of the school or is a danger to the student.
9. Student Performance Goals on page 11.
V Investigative Process/Due Process
A. The student may be found in violation of the aforementioned rules:
1. Upon the receipt of information from a school employee.
2. The student may self-report a violation.
3. Conviction of the student by a court of an offense, which constitutes a violation of this policy, shall be considered as sufficient evidence for recommending an exclusion from participation in school activities in accordance with these rules.
4. Parents may report a violation by their student.
B. The activity director and/or principal will make an investigation. This process will include giving the student involved oral or written notice of the charges and an explanation of the evidence against him or her. The student will be given an opportunity to present his or her version.
C. After investigating, the Principal shall make a determination as to whether this policy has been violated, and if so, whether an exclusion from participation in activities is necessary.
D. The student shall be notified immediately of the action taken. Parents will be notified by mail of the findings.
E. The student or student’s parents will have five (5) calendar days to request a hearing with the superintendent if after receiving a copy of the written notice of the violation and action taken the parent or guardian does not accept the decision of the principal.
1. The student will be provided with an opportunity to testify, question, and present other evidence on his or her behalf at the hearing.
2. The decision will be put in writing, and a copy of this decision will be mailed to the student and his/her parents.
F. If the parent or guardian does not accept the decision made by the superintendent, they may file a written appeal within five (5) calendar days of receipt of the superintendent’s written decision to the Randolph school’s Board of Education.
1. The Board of Education shall review the incident and the disciplinary action imposed by the superintendent. Within ten (10) calendar days from the date that the written appeal is received the Board of Education shall inform the parent or guardian of their decision. If the Board of Education votes to support such student’s exclusion the school days of exclusion previously served prior to receipt of the parent’s written appeal by the superintendent shall be deducted from the 10 school day exclusion period.
VI. Restrictions’/Exclusions
A. Exclusions from activities are to take place in the activity the student is currently engaged in and/or the next activity in which the student will participate. To prevent a student from working off an exclusion in one activity so participation would be available in another, the student under restriction must obtain the permission of the sponsor to enter a new activity.
B. If the participant is in two (2) activities at the time of an infraction, the participant will be excluded from both activities.
C. For the purpose of administration of this policy, records of violations will be kept. It will be considered a second offense if another violation occurs within one year of recording a first violation. After one year from the first violation, a participant’s record will show NO violations.
D. Should the activity restriction not be concluded by the last day of school, it will be carried over to the beginning of the following school year.
E. The restriction period will begin on notification from the principal and will run with consecutive meetings or contests. All suspensions for violations of this policy shall run concurrently.
F. If a violation of IV – A 1,2, & 3 is established:
1. The first violation of this policy will result in a fourteen (14)-calendar day suspension from activities. If a student self-reports the violation, the suspension will be for seven (7) calendar days. To be considered self-reported, the student must report the infraction to the high school principal (or in their absence, the superintendent) before noon of the next school day or within 24 hours if the violation occurs on a weekend or when school is not in session.
2. For the second violation of this policy the student has 3 options. If the violation is unreported, the student will be suspended from activities for 8 weeks. If the student self-reports the violation, the suspension shall be for 4 weeks. A third option is available to the student, but this is a one time only option and only for the second violation. The student may participate in a diversion program and complete an 8-week education/counseling program (at the student’s expense) approved by the administration. Proof of completion of this program must be provided to the administration. Students must attend all education/counseling program or they immediately revert back to one of the other two options.
3. For a third violation of this policy the student shall be suspended from activities for one year. A student who self-reports will have the restriction reduced to 6 months. In addition, in order to be allowed to return to participation the student will be required to complete an education/counseling program at his or her own expense. A student who does not complete the education/counseling program will not be allowed to return to activity participation.
G. Students who are not participating and are found in violation of this policy may be restricted from attendance at activities.
H. A student placed on restriction will be allowed to participate in the following activities for the duration of the restriction period:
1. Attendance at regularly scheduled class periods.
2. Participation on any class trip that is developed and supervised by the classroom teacher and is expected to be attended by all members of the class is considered a part of the learning curriculum for that particular class, and takes place within the confines of one calendar day.
3. Participation in any regularly scheduled practices, as developed and supervised by the sponsor of the activity that the restricted student was participating in at the time of the restriction, or will be able to participate in when the restriction period is over.
4. Attendance at any convocations or assemblies as scheduled by the administration designed for the attendance of all or part of the student body.
VII. Other Guidelines
A. These rules and guidelines are distributed to students and parents as part of the Student Handbook at the beginning of each school year or at the time of enrollment. The student and parents must sign and return the form at the end of this handbook to the school stating that they have received and read the handbook, which includes the activity participation policy. The student will not be able to participate until this requirement is met.
B. Students will be neat, clean and well groomed and will display personal conduct of good sportsmanship in situations where they are representing the school.
C. REQUIREMENTS OF NSAA:
1. Physical examination - satisfactory medical finding must be met (Cost of physical examination for the athletic program will be paid by the student.
2. Parent/Guardian permission
3. Insurance statement – insurance requirements must be fulfilled.
4. Eligibility requirements – scholastic standards of association.
5. In order to represent a high school in interscholastic athletic competition, a student must abide by eligibility rules of the Nebraska School Activities Association.
Attendance Policy
If student exceeds five (5) days absence during any quarter, ten (10) days absence during any semester, or twenty (20) days absence during any school year said student absences would be considered excessive. Absences counted in this policy shall include the following categories: excused and unexcused. When a student’s absences become excessive, the parent shall be notified of such in writing sent by restricted delivery certified mail with a return receipt. This letter shall notify the parent or guardian that the school is compelling attendance and shall outline the definition of such for the parent. This letter shall also inform the parents or guardian that if the compulsory attendance guidelines are not followed the county attorney shall be notified of the habitual truancy. All excessive absences will be at the discretion of the administration. (See Mitigating Below)
B. METHOD OF NOTIFICATION OF ABSENCE
Parents are requested to call the school prior to 8:15 a.m. the day of the student absence or if they have future plans of an absence, let the office know as soon as possible. A call will be made to parents/guardians if they have not been heard from by 8:15 a.m. The parent will be questioned as to their knowledge of their child’s location and if they excuse the absence. Please refer to the Excessive Absenteeism above for days allowed.
C. LEAVING SCHOOL DURING THE SCHOOL DAY
If it is necessary for a student to be absent, parent contact is required and the student will be given a blue slip from the office.
D. TARDIES
Tardies will be handled by the instructors and consequences will be at the discretion of the individual instructor.
E. MAKE-UP WORK
Parent Excused: Students will be allowed 2 days for every day missed to make-up work for time absent. Participating in school functions is an automatic excused absence and each teacher will have guidelines as to when class work will be completed.
Parent Unexcused: Students will receive a 0% for time absent.
Mitigating Circumstances: In those instances where extended absences are necessary, the parents and students may petition the administrators to allow for extensions. The mitigating circumstances must be unforeseen in nature and the decision is to be at administrative discretion only.
Automobiles
It is requested that students who drive to school park their vehicles in the designated student parking area or face having their vehicle towed.
Book Fines
TEXTBOOKS: Teachers are asked to record the condition of books at the time they are checked out. If, at the close of the school year when the books are returned, they show more than average wear, the teacher is instructed to assess a fine in proportion to the excess wear. If the teacher does not collect the fine, the book and report card shall be turned into the superintendent’s office. The student must also pay for any damage or breakage done either intentionally or unintentionally.
Bulletin Boards
Bulletin boards are maintained throughout the building for the posting of general information material and school announcements. All posting placed on the bulletin boards must be approved by the office. Persons or groups posting notices should remove them as soon as the purpose of the notice is served. Make a habit to read the bulletin board notices. They may concern you.
Bullying
Bullying is a form of harassment. It is defined as, “The repeated intimidation of others by the real or threatened infliction of physical, verbal, written, electronically transmitted, or emotional abuses, or through attacks on the property of another. It may include, but is not limited to, actions such as verbal taunts, name-calling, put downs, including ethically based or gender based verbal put downs, extortion of money or possessions and exclusion from peer groups within school or its functions.” Such conduct is disruptive of the educational process and, therefore, bullying is not acceptable behavior, will not be tolerated, is prohibited and subject to disciplinary action up to and including suspension, expulsion, and report to law enforcement if circumstances warrant.
Caps and Gowns
It is customary for the seniors to Purchase caps and gowns at commencement. In order to retain uniformity, there are to be no corsages or other decorations, other than ones chosen by the class as a group. Randolph cap and gown colors are red, white, or black. Cap & gown colors other than red, white, and black must be approved by the administration.
Classroom Discipline (PIPSS)
Classroom discipline policy is primarily aimed at maintaining a quality-learning environment. Classroom discipline is conducted by classroom teachers with assistance of the Student Assistance Team (SAT), administrators, guidance counselors, school psychologists, and outside agencies when necessary. To maintain a quality-learning environment, students are expected to perform the following goals:
- Arrive to class prepared
- Use work time appropriately
- Complete assigned tasks on-time
- Demonstrate respect for people and property
- Respond appropriately to staff directives
It is expected that all students at Randolph Public Schools will behave according to the five “Student Performance Goals”. If a student chooses to perform according to these goals, he/she will retain the freedom to interact with teachers and students with minimal supervision. However, if a student chooses not to perform according to these basic expectations, he/she can be assured that teachers, parent(s)/guardian(s), and administration will systematically increase home-school support until student performance is improved or an appropriate educational environment has been identified. Under these conditions, a student will experience a methodical removal of freedoms until satisfactory performance is achieved. Student consequences for unacceptable behavior choices can be summarized in table form and described in narrative format as follows:
|
Level |
Grade 7-12 |
|
I. Classroom (classroom teacher, parent, and student)
|
1- 10 minute session with a teacher during valued time 2- 15 minute session with a teacher during valued time 3- 20 minute session with a teacher during valued time, a student telephone call to a parent, and a mandated parent meeting |
|
II. SAT (classroom teacher, parent, student, Student Assistance Team Coordinator, and administrator when requested) |
1- 30 minute session with a teacher during valued time or consequences stated in IEP/PIP 2- Session with a 1 day ISS or consequences stated in IEP/PIP 3- Session with a 1 day OSS or consequences stated in IEP/PIP, a student telephone call to a parent and a mandated parent meeting |
|
III. MDT/IDT (classroom teacher, parent, student, administration, resource teacher, support staff, and community support staff when needed) |
1- Session with a 2 day ISS or consequences stated in IEP/PIP 2- Session with a 3 day OSS or consequences stated in IEP/PIP 3- Session with a 5 day OSS or consequences stated in IEP/PIP
*Mandated parent meeting with each Session given at this level |
1. Sessions will be conducted within one day of being issued and will be used as a time for the classroom teacher and student to complete a problem solving form. Refusal to complete a problem solving form will result in a one-day in-school suspension.
2. Suspensions will be served the following day of being issued.
3. Students failing to attend a session without making prior arrangements with the classroom teacher will receive a double consequence the next day after school or at a time designated by the teacher. Students failing to attend this second re-scheduled Session will receive a 1 day in-school suspension and will be required to develop a re-entry plan with parents before returning to regular classes.
4. Students receiving three sessions at a particular level will result in a mandated meeting with designated staff. The Performance Improvement Planning (PIP) meeting must to occur within five school days. If a parent/guardian is unable to meet at the scheduled time, it is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to reschedule the meeting within the five school days. Failure to meet will result in the student being placed in ISS (elementary) until a meeting is conducted or being removed (junior high/high school) from school until a meeting is conducted.
5. Students suspended must complete assigned tasks on time to receive partial or full credit. Failure to complete assigned tasks on time will result in 0% credit.
Class Membership
No student shall be eligible to class membership who does not have sufficient credits at the beginning of the fall term to make it probable that he/she will graduate with that class. At the beginning of the fall term, a student must have 25% of the hours required for graduation to be considered a sophomore, 50% of the hours required for graduation to be considered a junior, and 75% of the hours required for graduation to be considered a senior.
College Visitations
1. The student is encouraged to visit with the guidance counselor at least one week prior to the visit date.
2. Details of the visit are worked out such as time, date, program of study, interests, financial aid, etc.
3. The student will bring a parental permission note from home in order to visit and pick up an admit slip from the school office schoolwork needs to be made up before going on the visit.
4. The guidance counselor will call the college and arrange the visit.
5. The School office will be informed of the date and time of the visit.
6. A record of visitations will be kept in the guidance office.
Commencement
Commencement exercises are held the last weeks of school. The principal will appoint all personnel and duties. The Junior Class is responsible for ushering and other duties as assigned by the class sponsor or administration. Commencement, and all student activities of a non-academic nature, would be open only to students enrolled full time at the time of the event.
Computer Guidelines
1. E-Mail, Internet and General Rules
(a) The e-mail and Internet networks are provided to staff and students to conduct research and for educational communication with others. Access to network services is given to staff and students who have agreed to act in a responsible manner. Parental permission is required for student use. Access to e-mail and the Internet is a privilege, not a right.
(b) Individual users of the District computer networks are responsible for their behavior and communications over those networks. Users will comply with District standards and will honor the agreements they have signed. Beyond clarification of such standards, the District is not responsible for restricting, monitoring, or controlling the communications of individuals utilizing the network.
(c) Network storage areas shall be treated like school lockers. Network administrators may review files and communications to maintain system integrity and insure that users are using the system responsibly. Users should not expect that files or any information stored or otherwise retained on District servers or in computers will be private.
(d) Users should not expect, and the District does not warrant, that files stored on District servers will always be private.
(e) The District will not be liable for purchases made by any user over the network. Users shall not make purchases of goods and/or services via the District's network.
2. Policy for Acceptable Use of Computers and Networks
The following policy for acceptable use of computers and networks, including Internet, shall apply to all district administrators, faculty, staff and students. All technology equipment shall be used under the supervision of the site administrator.
(a) Users shall not erase, remake, or make unusable anyone else's computer, information, files, programs or disks. In addition to any other disciplinary action or legal action that may occur, any user violating this rule shall be liable for any and all damages for the replacement of any damage to the computer, information, files, programs or disks.
(b) Users shall not let other persons use their name, log-on, password, or files for any reason (except for authorized staff members.)
(c) Users shall not use or try to discover another user's password.
(d) Users shall not use Randolph Public Schools computers or networks for non-instructional or non-administrative purposes (e.g., games or activities for personal profit).
(e) Users shall not use the computer for unlawful purposes, such as illegal copying or installation of unauthorized software.
(f) Users shall not copy, change, or transfer any software or documentation provided by the Randolph Public Schools District, teachers, or other students without permission from the network administrators.
(g) Users shall not write, produce, generate, copy, propagate, or attempt to introduce any computer code designed to self-replicate, damage, or otherwise hinder the performance of any computer's memory, file system, or software. Such software is often called a bug, virus, worm, Trojan horse, or similar name.
(h) Users shall not use the computer to annoy or harass others with language, images, or threats. Users shall not access or create any obscene or objectionable information, language, or images.
(i) Users shall not tamper with computers, networks, printers, or other associated equipment except as directed by the teacher or network administrator.
(j) Hacking - alternating software or hardware or manipulating or circumventing security systems to gain unauthorized access or direct use of the operating system software.
(k) Harassment/Nuisance - Interference with another user's ability to make effective use of computing privileges.
(l) Mere access to resources not specifically granted to the user, whether damage is done or not, constitutes electronic trespassing, and will not be tolerated. Damages incurred will be considered to constitute electronic vandalism.
3. Etiquette for Use of the Internet
All users of the Randolph Public Schools computers and networks are expected to abide by the generally accepted rules of network etiquette. Informal rules of behavior have evolved for the use of and communication with the Internet and other on-line services. Breaches can result in harsh criticism by others on the net or restricted access to some resources on the Internet. These rules of behavior include, but are not limited to, the following:
(a) Be polite. Do not become abusive in your messages to others.
(b) Use appropriate language. Do not swear, use vulgarities or any other inappropriate language.
(c) Do not reveal your personal information, or that of other colleagues.
(d) Note that electronic mail (e-mail) is not guaranteed to be private. People who operate the system do have access to mail. Messages relating to and/or in support of illegal activities may be reported to the authorities.
(e) All communications and information accessible via the network should be assumed to be private property.
(f) Do not place unlawful information on any network system.
(g) Keep paragraphs and messages short and to the point. Focus on one subject per message.
(h) Include your signature at the bottom of e-mail messages. Your signature footer should include your name, position, affiliation, and Internet address.
(i) Other rules established by the network administrators or teachers from time to time.
4. Penalties for Violation of Rules.
All of the policies and procedures for acceptable use of computers and networks are intended to make the computers and networks more reliable for users. They are also intended to minimize the burden of administrating the network so that more time can be spent enhancing services.
Use of the computer to access telecommunications resources is a privilege and not a right. Violation of the policies and procedures of the Randolph Public Schools concerning the use of computers and networks may result in disciplinary action up to, and including, suspension and/or expulsion of students and suspension, termination, non-renewal, or cancellation of the contract of an administrator, teacher or other school employee.
5. Use of Computer Access to Telecommunications Resources is a Privilege and Not a Right.
Violations of the policies and procedures of the Randolph Public Schools concerning the use of computers and networks will result in disciplinary actions being taken against individual administrators, faculty, staff and/or students who are in violation of said rules. Disciplinary action may include loss of access, in addition to other disciplinary or legal action.
Course Offerings and Course Credit Value at RHS
Courses in Mathematics, Science, Social Science, Foreign Language and English will be awarded 12 credit hours per year (6 credit hours per semester). Band and Chorus will be awarded 5 credit hours per year (2.5 credit hours per semester). All other courses offered at Randolph High School will be awarded 10 credit hours per year (5 credit hours per semester). All students must take a minimum of seven courses a semester. A three-hour college course will be awarded one semester of RHS credit. A student may substitute a maximum of two college courses for the required seven high school courses per semester. Graduation from Randolph Public Schools requires 225 credit hours along with required classes found later in this handbook.
|
College Prep Needs |
Vocational and General Needs |
|
10-20 credit hours for computer science |
24 credit hours of science (physical science and biology) |
|
36-48 credit hours of mathematics |
24 credit hours of mathematics |
|
36 credit hours of science |
48 credit hours of English |
|
48 credit hours of English |
24 credit hours of social science |
|
24 credit hours of foreign language |
Electives in vocational areas |
Damage to School Property
Except in cases of unavoidable accidents, pupils are liable and will be required to pay for damage that they may cause to school equipment and property. Refusal to do so may be deemed cause for disciplinary action.
Dances Banquets – Parties
It is to be clearly understood that school dances and banquets are for the students and faculty members of the school. They are not to be considered public dances. All school dances will have at least three sponsors. Parties, picnics, farewells, showers, social hours, etc. effecting students shall not be planned or held by any student organization for students or faculty members without prior approval of the administration and placement on the School master calendar. Typically high school organizations will not use school time for parties and picnics unless approved by administration.
Dress/Appearance
As a health factor, it is expected that all students will wear shoes. Students are not allowed to wear head gear in the school building during school hours. Apparel determined by the administration to be offensive and/or impedes the learning environment will be addressed and it may be requested to be changed.
Dropping Classes
Dropping a class must be done by the end of the second week of classes each semester. To initiate a drop the student must first pick up a drop/add slip from the guidance office. This slip must be filled out and signed by the parent prior to any further action on the drop. A student is not permitted to drop a class until he/she has obtained the permission of the class teacher, guidance counselor, parent and principal. The counselor will notify the teacher when the student may be dropped from the class roll. The student must attend class until the notice has gone out, even though it is known that he/she will be permitted to drop.
Enrollment Option Policy
The school district participates in the Enrollment Option Program. The Enrollment Option Program is established to enable any student to attend a school in a school district in which the student does not reside subject to certain limitations. The option shall be available only once to each student prior to graduation unless the student relocates in a different resident school district. The program does not apply to any student in the 9th, 10th, 11th, or 12th grade that resides in a Class I School District that is not part of a Class IV School District.
For purposes of all duties, entitlements and rights established by law, including special education but except transportation, the district shall treat option students as resident students.
For a student to participate in the option program, the student’s parents or legal guardian must submit an application to the Board of Education with their resident school district and to the State Department of Education by January 1, for enrollment during the following and subsequent school years. The application must set forth, in detail, the substantial educational opportunity available to the option student and the option school district that is unavailable in their resident school district. If the student is accepted in the option program, the student shall attend the school district until graduation or relocation in a different resident school district unless the student chooses to return to the resident school district: in which case, the student’s parents or legal guardian must submit a cancellation form to the Board of Education, the resident school district and the State Department of Education by January 1, for automatic approval for the following year. No student shall attend school on an option basis for less than one full year unless the student relocates to a different resident school district or completes requirements for graduation prior to the end of their senior year.
Each year the Board of Education by resolution, shall adopt specific standards for acceptance and rejection of applications as provided by law. After applications are submitted by January 1, the Board of Education shall, on or before April 1, notify the parent or legal guardian of the student, the resident school district, and the state Department of Education, in writing as to whether or not the application is accepted or rejected. If an application is rejected, the Board Of Education shall state in the notification the reason for such rejection. The parent or legal guardian has the right to appeal the rejection to the State Department of Education within thirty days of the date of notification of rejection. Upon agreement of the Board of Education of the resident school district and the option school district, the January 1 and April 1 deadlines for application and approval or rejection may be waived or extended. The parent or legal guardian of an option student accepted into the district shall be responsible for required transportation. The Board of Education may, and upon mutual agreement with the parent or legal guardian, make arrangements for providing transportation to the option student
The school district shall accept all credits toward graduation, which were awarded by a resident school district. The school district shall award a diploma to an option student if the student meets graduation requirements. The school district shall make information about the district its schools, programs, policies, and procedures available to all interested parties. The school district reserves the right to contract with other school districts, education, service units, or other state approved entities for the provision of services. (Legal Reference: 79-328 and 79-3401 through 79-3416).
It shall be the policy of this district to approve all applications submitted by residents of this district who apply for option provided they are filed according to law and can be considered by the Board of Education in a timely manner. It shall be the policy of this district to accept enrollment option students from the other districts as provided by law and as long as this district is reimbursed according to law.
Fire Drills
Fire drills are held throughout the year without advanced notice. Students are to pass from their respective rooms, walking rapidly but not running. Routes for leaving the building will be discussed and posted shortly after school starts. As soon as the building is deemed safe, the alarm will discontinue and students may return to their classrooms.
Food & Drink
Food and drinks are encouraged to be kept in the commons area. If a class is having an activity that involves food or drink they may move the class to the commons area for that activity with administrative approval.
Foreign Exchange Students
1. The Randolph Public Schools recognizes the potential value of a Foreign Exchange Program and will accept up to four foreign exchange students under the following conditions. Any student wishing to enroll as a Foreign Exchange Student, must submit, to the principal a written request for enrollment, a personal profile of background and interest, a transcript of all class work and grades for the last completed year of education in their home country.
2. Students will be accepted only after a review of the above-mentioned material by the principal, superintendent, and guidance counselor. Students will be notified as soon as possible concerning acceptance.
3. Any Foreign Exchange Student wishing to be considered for graduation and the receipt of a diploma must request such consideration on the day they enroll in school.
A. At the time, the student will be informed of all requirements that must be met.
B. The student will be asked to supply a full transcript of all past schoolwork from his or her own country.
C. The student will be enrolled in, and must receive a passing grade in whatever classes are necessary to meet full graduation requirements.
D. The student will be notified as soon as possible if graduation cannot or will not be achieved.
4. Only those Foreign Exchange Students who apply for and meet all requirements of graduation will take part in the regular graduation ceremony.
5. The Randolph Public Schools suggest that all Foreign Exchange Students arrive in the community at least 10 days before the start of the school year and enroll in class before school starts.
Fund Drives
MONEY RAISING ACTIVITIES: All activities of this kind must have the approval of the administration and plans for the activity should be submitted for final approval at least 5-7 days prior to the event.
Grading System
All grades will be posted in percentage. Class rank shall be figured on a four point system using the following grading scale.
98% - 100 – 4.0
95% - 97 – 3.75
91% - 94 – 3.5
87% - 90 – 3.0
85% - 86 – 2.75
83% - 84 – 2.5
79% - 82 – 2.0
77% - 78 – 1.75
75% - 76 – 1.5
70% - 74 – 1.0
Graduation Requirements
To graduate a student must complete four years or 8 semesters of attendance, take a minimum of seven courses a semester, receive at least 225 total hours, and successfully complete the following minimum course credit hours.
MATHEMATICS................................................................. 36 credit hours
SCIENCE (Physical Science & Biology)............................ 24 credit hours
SOCIAL SCIENCE .............................................................. 24 credit hours
(Includes American History & Government)
ENGLISH................................................................................ 48 credit hours
HEALTH AND/OR PHYSICAL EDUCATION................. 10 credit hours
The following courses in the ninth through twelfth grade must be repeated when failed: Math courses if you have less than 36 hours completed; Physical Science and Biology; American History and American Government; English 9, English 10, English 11 and English 12; Physical Education
Guidance
It is the purpose of Randolph High School to operate in a manner most helpful to the entire student body, collectively and individually. To help achieve this, the school provides a thorough guidance program, which consists of counseling, assessing and follow-up.
It is the duty of the guidance counselor to assist the students with their concerns, as possible per their occupational, educational, or emotional needs. An abundance of information regarding colleges and universities, trade and commercial schools, scholarships, financial college aid, occupational information, etc. is available in the guidance office. It is not the duty, however, of the guidance counselor to solve the students’ problems. It is his/her duty, rather, to attempt to aid them in solving their own.
Honor Roll
The Honor Roll will be figured on an average grade point of 3.6 or above. Honorable Mention will include 3.0 through 3.59. Grade point averages are calculated to determine standing. Grades from all courses receiving 5 or more hours credit a semester, with the exception of Driver’s Education and Physical Education, will be used to compute Honor Roll & Honorable Mention grades 9-12. Junior High Honor Roll and Honorable Mention is determined by using the grades from English, Math, Social Studies, Science, and exploratory Block Classes. A student who receives 76% or lower in any class is not eligible for either Honor Roll.
Inclement Weather
Parents and students are urged to check the web-site at http://www.randolphpublic.org/or listen for an announcement of altered school start/stop times on radio stations WJAG (780), WNAX (570) and KTCH (1590) at Norfolk, Yankton, and Wayne, respectively. Parents will also be notified of any changes by the School Messenger system as soon as possible.
Library
The library shall be considered separate from the study hall and is under supervision. Fines are charged for overdue material at the established rate. Students doing so will sign into the library and remain in the library. The librarian may limit the library to a maximum number of students each period.
Lockers
The school lockers belong to the school. There is no expectation of privacy with regard to the contents of such locker.
Lost and Found Articles
Lost items are to be turned into the office. The school cannot assume the responsibility for the loss of personal property. However, every effort will be made to help students locate and recover personal property, which has been lost.
National Honor Society Bylaws
ARTICLE I Candidates must have a cumulative scholastic average of at least 3.5. Candidates shall then be evaluated on the basis of service, leadership, and character.
ARTICLE II The selection guidelines for service, leadership, and character are defined in the National Honor Society handbook. These guidelines will be used in the evaluating process by the faculty. The faculty will exercise this responsibility in the most objective manner possible in Recommending students for this high honor.
ARTICLE III The faculty shall review all student applications. A student must have a minimum of seven evaluations turned in. Students receiving a point average of nine or above will determine membership in the Randolph National Honor Society.
ARTICLE IV The Randolph Chapter shall meet at least four times a year to keep member is informed on group projects and to allow individuals input to the group concerning their own personal projects. The guideline for activities is stated in Article XIV of the constitution.
ARTICLE V Members will be re-evaluated by their advisor a minimum of once each year; just after first semester grades are posted, to determine continuing membership. This is based on the demonstration of outstanding scholarship, character, leadership, and service. The student’s group participation and individual projects will be a major factor in the evaluation.
ARTICLE VI The advisory council or advisor shall notify, in writing, members who fall below the standards by which they were selected and are to maintain. In that notice the individual shall be given a set amount of time to correct the deficiency. The student will also receive individual counseling concerning the inappropriate actions.
ARTICLE VII The advisory council and/or advisor shall give an individual a written warning before a formal dismissal. If law enforcement or school administration takes disciplinary actions on an Incident involving a National Honor Student that may be considered grounds for dismissal without a warning.
ARTICLE VIII Any student may appeal, in writing, a non-selection or dismissal decision to the advisor or school principal. He will in turn hold a meeting with the concerned individual to explain the procedures followed and answer any questions.
ARTICLE IX The Randolph High School Principal shall choose the advisory council. He shall rotate membership yearly by keeping two members from the previous year and choosing three new members for that year, making the number of council members five. These appointments will remain anonymous if so desired by the advisory council.
ARTICLE X Each member of the National Honor Society shall receive a copy of the constitution and its bylaws. The member shall have a meeting with the advisor concerning his/her own special service project at least once a year. The meeting time and projects shall be determined by mutual agreement.
ARTICLE XI Should a student be ruled as a member by some local authority (principal, school board, court, etc.) then it is necessary to pursue this matter as a dismissal case and use the guidelines found in Article X of the national constitution. Dismissal is final, and the student may never again be considered for membership.
Noon Guidelines
Staff members are to use the bell and not the clock to determine when their class is to leave for lunch.
1. Staff members are to walk with their class to the lunchroom.
2. Students are to be in the commons or old gym when appropriate unless given approval by the lunch supervisor to be else where.
3. Students may bring sack lunches. All lunches are to be eaten in the lunchroom.
4. Visitors to our school are to check in with the office. If a visitor needs to visit with a student during the noon hour or any other time, the office will make the necessary arrangements.
Parent Conference
Parent conferences for all grades will be held in the fall of the year.
Passes
Passes are required for all students who leave any room or visit any teacher. Each student will be given the use of three passes which they may use for locker, restroom or to visit another teacher. These three passes will be written IN INK, in the handbook on the day used. It will include time and destination with the teacher’s signature and should accompany student to the destination. Once the student has used the three passes they will not be allowed to leave any other classroom for the remainder of that day. Teachers may issue a pass above the handbook passes if the request is deemed appropriate by the teacher. TEACHERS RESERVE THE RIGHT TO DENY ALL PASS REQUESTS, unless an emergency exists. No student is to leave school during the day without a blue pass signed by the office. In emergencies, any teacher may excuse a student without the office signature, but should contact the office immediately.
Pep Rallies
Request for pep rallies are to be made to the administration by both the activity sponsor and coaches of participating sports. After approval of this request the pep rally will be placed on the master school calendar.
Pictures
Individual pictures are taken by a filming agency. Each student in the school is to have their picture taken for permanent record and other uses. A personal purchase is voluntary.
Questioning of Students
Law enforcement officers shall not be allowed to interview or question student during the school day and/or on school grounds unless the parents of the students have been notified prior to the time of the questioning or interview. This notification is the responsibility of the law enforcement officers.
Report Cards and Attendance Records
Regular report cards and attendance records are to be issued after each grading period. In general, grades are determined by the student’s ability to do the work, by the amount of work done, by the quality of work, its neatness, completeness, promptness, and class participation. Upon the signing of the necessary release form by the parents or student (18 years old), all student records, grade information, and attendance information to date will be sent to another school system upon the student’s transfer.
Scholarships and Scholarship Honors
Many scholarships are available for qualified students at a large number of colleges. Information concerning these scholarships may be obtained from the guidance counselor. Interested students should watch the bulletin boards and school website. Students who wish to attend certain colleges should write for information concerning scholarships early in the senior year. To qualify for some scholarships, students must take college board entrance examinations, which are given in October, December, February, April, and June. The dates of these examinations are posted on the scholarship bulletin boards. Each scholarship has its own requirements and means of selection. Students applying for these scholarships should be thoroughly familiar with the requirements. Students interested in Scholarships should begin to plan during their sophomore year a strong program of academic subjects and throughout their high school career make an effort in acquiring basic skills in English, mathematics, science, history and language. The National Merit Examination is given during the junior year.
School Bus Regulations
1. Students must obey the bus driver promptly at all times.
2. Students must arrive at the bus stop before the bus is scheduled to arrive. The bus driver will not wait for tardy students.
3. Students must wait in a safe place for the bus to arrive, clear of traffic and away from where the bus stops.
4. Students are prohibited from fighting, engaging in bullying, harassment or horseplay.
5. Students must enter the bus without crowding or disturbing others and go directly to their assigned seats.
6. Students must remain seated and keep aisles and exits clear while the bus is moving.
7. Students are prohibited from throwing or passing objects on, from, or into buses.
8. Students may not use profane language, obscene gestures, tobacco, alcohol, drugs or any other controlled substance on the bus.
9. Students may not carry weapons, look‑a‑like weapons, hazardous materials, nuisance items or animals onto the bus. No glass items or other items as designated can be brought on the bus.
10. Students may carry on conversations in ordinary tones, but may not be loud or boisterous and should avoid talking to the driver while the bus is in motion. Students must be., absolutely quiet when the bus approaches a railroad crossing and any time the bus driver calls for quiet.
11. Students may not open bus windows without permission from the bus driver. Students may not dangle any item (e.g. legs, arms, backpacks) out of bus windows.
12. Student must secure any item or items that could break or produce injury if tossed about the inside of the bus if the bus were involved in an accident.
13. Student must respect the rights and safety of others at all times.
14. Students must help keep the bus clean, sanitary and orderly. Students must remove all personal items and trash upon exiting the bus.
15. Students may not leave or board the bus at locations other than the assigned stops at home or school.
16. Students cross the road when necessary ahead of the bus, but only after being signaled by the driver, looking after safety of smaller children.
17. Video cameras may be placed on buses, at random, to monitor student behavior on the bus.
Consequences
Bus drivers must promptly report all student misconduct to the administration. These reports may be oral or written. Students who violate the Rules for Conduct will be referred to their building principal for discipline. Disciplinary consequences may include:
1. Note home to parents
2. Suspension of bus riding privileges
3. Exclusion from extracurricular activities
4. In‑school suspension
5. Short term or long term suspension from school
6. Expulsion
These consequences are not progressive, and school officials have discretion to impose any listed punishment they deem appropriate, in accordance with state and federal law and board policy.
Records of school bus misconduct will be forwarded to the appropriate building principal and will be maintained in the same manner as other student discipline records. Reports of serious misconduct may be forwarded to law enforcement. Records may also be maintained in the transportation office.
School Day
The length of the school day will be set annually by the Board of Education.
School-Sponsored Trips
Students authorized by the school to go on sponsored trips must ride on buses both ways unless specifically approved by the office or the teacher in charge to go with his/her parents. Only in this way can the school be certain that all students are accounted for and that the students will be at the scheduled place at the scheduled time for the scheduled group or individual activity. School buses will leave for home immediately following the event unless the sponsor has made other arrangements and had them approved by the office before leaving. Only this way is it possible to coordinate bus usage and respect for plans of parents, students, sponsors, and driver.
Sexual Harassment Policy
It shall be the policy of Cedar County School District No. 45 to prohibit sexual harassment of Employees, applicants for employment, and students on any work premises where the district has total control of the premises or can otherwise lawfully exert its jurisdiction. If proscribed Acts as are set forth in this policy occur on such premises, the superintendent or his/her designee Shall undertake immediate and appropriate action within the bounds of the law to punish as Appropriate any violations of this policy or of applicable law pertaining to sexual harassment and Shall undertake immediate and appropriate action to prevent any such conduct in the future.
As used in this policy the word “employee” shall mean any person who is an employee, or any former employee who alleges to have quit, to have been fired, or to have been constructively terminated as a result of sexual harassment as that term is defined in this policy or by other applicable law.
As used in this policy the word “student” shall mean any resident student of the district, any student being served by contract with another educational agency, or any other person of School age attending the district for educational reasons.
The following are specifically prohibited by this policy:
1. Unwelcome advances, requests for sexual favors, verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature, submission to which demanded by any employee of the District against any other person as a term or condition of obtaining employment.
2. Unwelcome advances, requests for sexual favors, verbal or physical conduct of a basis for any employment decision such as, but not limited to, rate of pay, promotion, favorable evaluations, whether formal or informal, or the conferring of job responsibility.
3. Conduct by an employee or employees directed against another employee or employees of the opposite sex, which has as its purpose unreasonably interfering with work performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working environment.
4. Unwelcome advances, a request for sexual favors, verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature, submission to which or rejection of which by any employee of the District is used as a basis for any educative decision pertaining to a student such as, but not limited to, conferring of a grade, credit, favor, or honor.
5. Conduct by an employee or employees directed against a student of the opposite sex, which has an effect of interfering with academic performance of the student, or creating an intimidating, hostile, offensive, or unsafe or unwholesome, learning environment.
6. Conduct by a student or any other person over whom the school district has control with such conduct being directed against a student of the opposite sex and which conduct has an effect of interfering of academic performance of the student, or creating an intimidating, hostile, offensive, or unsafe or unwholesome learning environment. It shall be the policy of the District to receive information from any person concerning Allegations of conduct prohibited by this policy on a form which shall be distributed to all Employees of the District at the commencement of their employment or as soon as thereafter as is Reasonable or within a reasonable time following the operative date of this policy, whichever date is applicable. Availability of the form shall be made known to all students in grades 7 through 12.
Information pertaining to the availability of such complaint forms shall be made known to the Parents of all other students in a reasonable manner. An adequate number of copies of the Complaint shall be maintained within the superintendent’s control and shall be available to any Person protected by this policy. The effective date of this policy shall be October 10, 1994. Upon Receipt of any complaint upon the form prescribed by this policy, the superintendent or his/her Designee shall undertake an investigation subject to any limitations placed upon the investigation By the complaining party as indicated on the complaint form. After the investigation is completed, The superintendent or his/her designee shall confer with the person or persons against whom a complaint has been lodged and shall give such person or persons a fair opportunity to present his or her version of the facts involved in the complaint, as well as to be informed of the name of the complaining party, the allegations of the complaining party, the names of all corroborating or Refuting witnesses, as well as any statements or allegations made by any such witnesses which are known to the superintendent or his or her designee.
Upon the conclusion of such investigation, the superintendent shall take such immediate and appropriate action as is required in his/her discretion within the bounds of the law. Nothing in this policy shall be construed to require the superintendent to take disciplinary action not within his/her legal authority. In the event action is required, which by law would require Board action, the superintendent shall undertake such proceedings as may be required by law to bring before the Board action, the superintendent shall undertake such proceedings as may be required by law to bring before the Board such matters of proposed discipline involving the person against whom the complaint was lodged.
The Board by this policy also recognizes a desire to protect its employees against non-employees at the work place as well as to protect non-employees at the work place. From time to time as deemed appropriate the superintendent shall address the subject of sexual harassment with the employees of the District by way of in service training, memorandum, administrative regulation, or any other method selected by the superintendent or his/her designee to make known the contents and application of this policy. While this policy shall not be construed to obligate the District to take actions other than are required by law to prohibit and prevent sexual harassment, it is the spirit of this policy to undertake all reasonable effort to prohibit sexual harassment in the work place regardless of by whom it is perpetuated and regardless of by whom it is suffered.
Nothing in this policy, nor any of the terms and conditions attendant to the complaint or used by the District, nor terms or conditions of the consent form used by the complaining party shall be construed to prevent the superintendent or his/her designee from engaging in other action against any person engaging in conduct prohibited by this policy to authorities other than the administration or Board of Education of the District when such action is required or permitted by law. Such actions may be, but are not limited to, providing information to any appropriate prosecuting authority, filing a report concerning any incident complained of with appropriate agencies, including, but not limited to, the Professional Practices Commission, the Nebraska civil rights. Notwithstanding the duty placed on the superintendent or his/her designee shall be permitted by this policy to make such disclosure to witnesses, agencies, prosecutorial personnel, the Board of Education, and any other person entitled to or obligated to be informed of any complaint brought under this policy when any state or federal statute, applicable case law, applicable agency law or any other appropriate body of law mandates such reporting.
Nothing in this policy shall be construed to prevent the superintendent or his/her designee from taking any remedial action as is in the best interest of the District toward the goal of preventing sexual harassment of employees in the work place.
The following forms are available in the office of the Principal:
Complaint and consent to investigate Allegations of Sexual Harassment
General Authority to Disclose Information
Limited Authority to Disclose
State and District Contests
The school will provide expenses and transportation, as appropriate, only to those students participating in the event as contestants, managers, or sponsors.
Student Discipline Policy
It shall be the policy of the Cedar County school District No. 45 in order to comply with the Student Discipline Act of 1994 as amended, to ensure that students receive fair treatment consistent with their constitutional right to due process and fundamental fairness within the context of an orderly and effective educational process, prior to being subject to emergency exclusions, short term or long term suspensions, expulsions, or mandatory reassignments. Such disciplinary action, therefore, will be made in accordance with the following procedures:
Definitions and standards:
The following student conducts will constitute grounds for long term suspension, expulsion, or mandatory reassignment, subject to the procedural provisions of the Student Discipline Act, when such activity occurs on school grounds, in a school owned vehicle being used for school purpose, or at a school sponsored activity or athletic event:
1. Use of violence, force, coercion, threat, intimidation, or similar conduct in a manner that constitutes a substantial interference with school purposes:
2. Willfully causing or attempting to cause substantial damage to property, stealing or attempting to steal property of substantial value, or repeated damage or theft involving property
3. Causing or attempting to cause personal injury to a school employee, to a school volunteer, or any student
4. Threatening or intimidating any student for the purpose of or with the intent of obtaining money or anything of value from such student.
5. Knowingly possessing, handling, or transmitting any object or material that is ordinarily or generally considered a weapon or which is a firearm as defined by 18 U.S.C. 921.
6. Engaging in the unlawful possession, selling, dispensing, or use of a controlled substance or an imitation controlled substance, as defined in s28-401, a substance represented to be a controlled substance, or alcoholic liquor as defined in s53-103 or being under the influence of a controlled substance or liquor.
7. Public indecency as defined in s28-806, except that this subdivision shall apply only to students at least twelve years of age but less than nineteen years of age.
8. Sexually assaulting or attempting to sexually assault any person if a complaint has been filed by a prosecutor in a court of competent jurisdiction alleging that the student has sexually assaulted or attempted to sexually assault any person, including sexual assaults or attempted sexual assaults which occur off school grounds not at an educational function or event. For purposes of this subdivision, sexual assault shall mean sexual assault in the first degree and sexual assault in the second degree as defined in s28-319 and s28-320, as such sections now provides or may hereafter from time to time be amended.
9. Engaging in any other activity forbidden by the laws of the State of Nebraska which activity constitutes a danger to other students or interferes with school purposes.
10. A repeated violation of any rules and standards validly established pursuant to s79-4, 176 if such violations constitute a substantial interference with school purposes.
After a hearing requested pursuant to s79-4,181 and s79-4,182 R.R.S., a report shall be made by the hearing examiner of his/her findings and a recommendation of the action to be taken.
RIGHT TO NOTICE
It shall be the duty of the Superintendent to provide clear notice to each student and his or her parent or guardian of all rules and standards concerning student conduct that have been established or which will be established and promulgated by the Board of Education. Such rules or standards which form the basis for discipline shall be distributed to each student and his or her parent or guardian at the beginning of each school year. The Superintendent shall also be responsible for posting in a conspicuous place within each school building during the school year such rules or standards. In the event there are changes in the rules and standards, such changes shall not take effect until the Superintendent has made a reasonable effort to distribute the text of such changes to each student and his or her parent or guardian.
INFORMAL CONFERENCES:
Before any student is excluded, suspended, expelled, or mandatory reassigned for a violation of the district’s code of student conduct, such student will attend an informal conference with the Principal. During this conference, the Principal will inform the student orally or in writing of the charges against him/her, including an explanation of the evidence relating to such charges. If the student denies or disputes the charges he/she will be given the opportunity to give his/her version of the events relating to the charge.
SHORT TERM SUSPENSION:
A. Informal conference.
Before deciding whether a student should be subjected to a short term suspension, the Principal shall hold an informal conference with the student, at which time the student shall be confronted with the charges, and be provided with an explanation of the charge or charges if requested. The student shall also be provided an opportunity to present his or her version of the facts relating to the charge. The Principal will decide whether the charges against the student are substantially true and whether suspension is necessary; (1) to help any student, (2) to further school purposes, or (3) to prevent an interference with school purposes. If the Principal decides that the student engaged in the conduct as charged, the Principal will impose the appropriate disciplinary action.
B. Development of Guidelines.
It shall be the policy of the District to direct the Superintendent to develop and adopt guidelines to be used in determining whether and to what extent a student who is suspended pursuant to this policy may be given an opportunity to complete any class work, including but not limited to examinations missed during the period of suspension. The Superintendent shall take into consideration such things as, but not limited to, what impact the lack of opportunity to complete class work and examinations would have on the student’s ability to timely graduate, obtain full credit in any course, and whether the disciplinary action would unduly diminish or exaggerate the seriousness of the offense or cause any other educational relevant outcome. Such guidelines as the Superintendent, may develop shall be provided to the student and parent or guardian at or prior to the time of suspension.
C. Written Notice
When a student is suspended, the Principal shall send a written statement to the student, the student’s parent or guardian, describing the student’s conduct, misconduct or violation of the rule or standard and the reason for the suspension. The Principal shall provide the student and the student’s parent or guardian with the school district’s guidelines regarding the student’s opportunity to complete any class work missed during the period of suspension. The Principal shall make a reasonable effort to hold a conference with the student’s parent or guardian before or at the time the student returns to school.
LONG TERM SUSPENSION, EXPULSION, AND MANDATORY REASSIGNMENT:
A. Written Charge and Written Notice.
If, after the initial conference between the Principal and the student, the Principal decides that long term suspension, expulsion or mandatory reassignment is appropriate, on the date of that decision, the Principal shall file a written charge and a summary of the evidence supporting the charge with the Superintendent. Within 2 days of the decision, the school shall send written notice by Registered Mail or Certified Mail to the student and the student’s parent or guardian informing them of their rights under the Student Discipline Act. The written notice shall include the rule or standard of conduct with which the student is charged of violating, a summary of the evidence to be presented against the student, and both the penalty which the Principal has recommended in the charge and any other penalty to which the student may subjected. The written notice shall inform the student and the student’s parent or guardian that they are entitled to a hearing, upon request, before long term suspension, expulsion, or mandatory reassignment for disciplinary purposes can be invoked. Written notice shall also contain a description of the hearing procedures provided by the Student Discipline Act and the procedures for appealing any decision rendered at such a hearing. The written notice shall also inform the student and the student’s parent or guardian that the Principal, the Legal Counsel for the school, the student, the student’s parent, or the student’s representative or guardian shall have the right to examine the students academic and disciplinary records and any affidavits to be used at the hearing, any written statements, and to know the identity of the witnesses which will appear at the hearing and the substance of anticipated testimony from such witnesses. Finally, the written notice shall include a form on which the student, or the student’s parent or guardian may request a hearing.
HEARING PROCEDURES FOR HEARINGS REQUESTED WITHIN FIVE DAYS.
1. Scheduling of the Hearing.
If the student or the student’s parent or guardian requests a hearing within five days after the receipt of the written notice, the Superintendent shall appoint a Hearing Examiner who shall, within 2 days after being appointed, give written notice to the Principal, the student, and the student’s parent or guardian of the time and place of the hearing. The hearing shall be scheduled within 5 days after it is requested, but it may be postponed by the Hearing Examiner for good cause. Unless all the parties consent in writing, no hearing shall be held upon less than 2 school days actual notice to the Principal, the student and the student’s parent or guardian.
2. Single Hearing for Multiple Students.
When more than one student is charged with violating the same rule and they are charged with acting in concert and if the facts appear to the hearing officer to be substantially the same, a single hearing will not prejudice any of the students. If during the of the hearing, the examiner finds that a student will be substantially prejudiced by a group hearing, the hearing examiner may order a separate hearing for that student.
3. Hearing Procedures
During the hearing, the student and the student’s parent or guardian will have the opportunity to present the student’s side of the case and to call the question witnesses. No long term suspension, expulsion, or mandatory reassignment hearing will be held unless it is attended by the hearing examiner, the student, the student’s parent or guardian, the student’s representative, if any and legal counsel as defined in 79-4, 187 R.R.S. 1943, if the hearing examiner or Superintendent deems it advisable. Witnesses shall be present only while they are giving testimony. The Hearing Examiner may exclude the student at times when the student’s psychological evaluation or emotional problems are being discussed and may exclude anyone from the hearing when his or her actions substantially disrupt an orderly hearing. The student may speak in his or her own defense and may be questioned on his or her testimony, but he or she may choose not to testify and in such case, shall not be threatened with punishment or be later punished for refusal to testify. During the hearing, the principal shall present to the hearing examiner the student’s records, and statements, in affidavit form, of any person having information about the students conduct. However, such records and statements will not be accepted by the hearing examiner unless, they had been made available to the student, or the student’s parent, guardian, or representative prior to the hearing. Nothing in this section shall be deemed to supplant any other procedures required by law of board policy. Such explanation and interpretation as desired by the hearing officer pertaining to student records shall be made prior to or at the hearing by appropriate school personnel.
4. Long Term Suspension, Expulsion, Mandatory Reassignment.
The hearing officer shall make reasonable efforts to compel the attendance of any witness Requested by the student, his or her parent, guardian or representative. The Hearing Officer may Invoke the subpoena procedures of the District and shall in his or her sole discretion issue a subpoena in the name of the Board of Education upon reasonable advance request in writing by the student, parent, guardian or representative seeking the assistance of the hearing officer I obtaining the attendance of a witness or witnesses.
5. Hearing Examiner’s Report and Superintendent’s Determination
After the hearing is concluded, the hearing examiner shall within a reasonable time Prepare a report of his or her findings with a recommendation of the action to be taken and the Reasons for the recommendations of the particular action. The Hearing Examiner’s Recommendation may range from no action, through the entire field of counseling, to long term Suspension, expulsion, mandatory reassignment or an alternative educational placement under S79-a4a, 197.01, and as described in this policy. The superintendent shall review the examiner’s Report and may change, revoke, or impose the sanction recommended by the hearing examiner As long as the Superintendent does not impose a sanction more severe than that recommended By the Hearing Examiner. Written notice of the findings and recommendations of the Hearing Examiner and the determination of the Superintendent shall be made by Certified or Registered Mail or by personal delivery to the student or the student’s parent or guardian and upon receipt of such written notice, the determination of the Superintendent shall take effect immediately. Nothing in this policy shall require the hearing officer to place a student in an alternative placement unless required by the Nebraska Department of Education regulations.
6. Appeal Of The Superintendent’s Determination
The student or the student’s parent or guardian may appeal the Superintendents determination to the School Board or the Board of Education by a written request filed with the Secretary of the Board or with the Superintendent within 7 days of their receipt of the written notice of the Superintendent’s determination. If such a hearing is requested, it will be held within a period of 10 school days after such request unless the time for hearing is changed by mutual agreement of the student and Superintendent. The appeal hearing may be held before a committee of the School Board or Board of Education as long as at least three members are present. After examining the record, and if necessary, taking new evidence, the deliberating body may alter the Superintendents disposition of the case if it finds the decision to be too severe, but may not impose a more severe sanction. If the appeal is heard by a committee of the Board as prescribed by s79-4, 199 R..S., such committee shall make a recommendation to the Board of Education which shall at its first regular meeting next following the hearing before the committee consider the recommendation and take such action as the Board may elect, as provided. however, that action may not impose a more severe sanction than that recommended by the Superintendent. Nothing in this policy shall be construed to require a committee of the Board or The Board of Education to receive any new evidence unless the failure to do so would in the Judgment of the Board or the committee as applicable cause substantial unfairness in the Proceedings. Final action of the board shall be evidenced by personally delivering or mailing by Certified mail a copy of the deliberating bodies’ decision to the student and the student’s parent or Guardian.
Hearing Procedures For Hearings Requested After 5 Days But Within 30 Days.
If the student or the student’s parent or guardian requests a hearing more than 5 school days but not more than 30 calendar days following actual receipt of written notice, the hearing shall be held, but the imposed punishment shall continue in effect pending final determination, subject to the exceptions provided in the immediately following subsection.
Immediate Removal By The Principal:
The Principal may suspend a student immediately, regardless of the fact that a hearing was requested within five days of notice of expulsion or long-term suspension by the school, if the Principal determines that such immediate suspension is necessary to prevent or substantially reduce the risk of (a) interference with an educational function or school purpose, or (b) personal injury to volunteers. Although the preferable practice is that the Principal make such determination in writing, nothing in this policy shall so continue until the date the long term suspension, expulsion, or mandatory reassignment takes effect. If a hearing is requested, the suspension will continue until the date the hearing examiner files the report of his or her findings with the Superintendent, if the principal has made a determination as above described.
Maximum Length of Expulsion:
A. In General.
Except as herein otherwise provided, the expulsion of a student shall be for a period not to exceed the remainder of the semester in which the expulsion took effect. However, if the misconduct occurred within 10 school days prior to the end of the first semester, the expulsion may remain in effect throughout the second semester. If the misconduct occurred within 10 school days prior to the end of the second semester, the expulsion may remain in effect for summer school and for the first semester of the following year.
Expulsion For Causing Personal Injury or For Possessing A Dangerous Weapon Other Than A Firearm.
If a student is expelled for the use of force, or causing or attempting to cause personal injury to another individual, or for knowingly and intentionally possessing or transmitting a dangerous weapon other than a firearm, the expulsion shall be for a period not to exceed the remainder of the school year in which it took effect if the misconduct occurs during the first semester. If the expulsion takes place during the second semester, the expulsion shall remain in effect for summer school and may remain in effect for the first semester of the following school year.
Automatic Review Of Expulsions Which Continue During The First Semester Of The following year.
Any expulsion that will remain in effect during the first semester of the following school Year shall be automatically scheduled for the review and shall be reviewed by the Hearing Examiner before the beginning school year. The review shall take place after the Hearing Examiner has given notice of the review to the student and the student’s parent or guardian. The Review shall be limited to newly discovered evidence or evidence of the original hearing. If there is No such evidence the Hearing Examiner need not provide a hearing in order to complete his or Her review. The Hearing Examiner may make a recommendation that the student be readmitted For the upcoming school year. The student may be readmitted by action of the Superintendent Unless the School Board or Board of Education took the final action to expel the student. Under Such circumstances, the student may be readmitted only by action of the board.
Use Of Force
In the event a student is expelled for the knowing and intentional use of force in causing or attempting to cause personal injury to a school employee, school volunteer, or student except when such knowing and intentional use of force resulting in personal injury to persons just named is caused by accident, self defense, or other action undertaken on the reasonable belief that it was necessary to protect some other person, or the knowing and intentional possession, use, or transmission of a dangerous weapon other than a firearm, shall be for a period not to exceed the remainder of the school year in which it took effect if the misconduct occurs during the first semester. If the expulsion takes place during the second semester, the expulsion shall remain in effect for summer school and may remain in effect for the first semester of the following year. Such action may be modified or terminated by the school district at any time during the expulsion period.
SUSPENSION OF THE ENFORCEMENT OF EXPULSION:
Once a student has been expelled, the school district may suspend the enforcement of such expulsion as long as such suspension does not extend beyond the end of the full semester after the semester in which the expulsion took effect. During the period of time that the expulsion is suspended, the school district may assign the student to a school, class, or program, which it deems appropriate for rehabilitation of the student. The district is by this policy herewith authorized to join together with another district or districts as the Superintendent may decide in providing such rehabilitation. The district may, by agreement with another district, send its suspended or expelled students to any school, class, or program operating in the other district. The rehabilitation program if offered may be a community-centered classroom and may include experiences for the student as an observer or aid in governmental functions, as an on the job trainee, or as a participant in specialized tutorial experiences or individually prescribed educational and counseling programs. Such programs shall include an individualized learning program to enable the student continue academic work for credit towards graduation. If, at the end of the period of suspension of enforcement, the student has satisfactorily participated in there habilitation program, the district shall permit the student to return to the school of former attendance or attend other programs offered by the district. However, if the student’s conduct has been unsatisfactory, the district shall enforce the expulsion action. If the student is reinstated, the district by its Superintendent may also take action to expunge the records of the expulsion action.
Nothing in this section shall be construed to require the District or the Administration to suspend the enforcement of any expulsion nor to require the District to enter into any contract or other arrangements with another school district or districts to provide any programs as are described in this section of the policy, unless required by the Nebraska Department of Education.
SUSPENSION OF EXPULSION PERIOD:
In the event the district has expelled the student, such expulsion may be suspended from enforcement for a period of not more than one full semester in addition to the balance of the semester in which the expulsion took effect. The district may, as a condition of such suspended action, assign the student to a school, class or alternative educational program, which the school district deems appropriate for rehabilitation of the student. Effective January 1, 1997, it shall be the policy of the district, in lieu of any programs that the district may offer as a community centered classroom which may include experiences for the student as an observer or aid in governmental functions, as an on the job trainee, or as a participant in specialized tutorial experiences or individual prescribed educational and counseling programs, to have an alternative school, class, or educational program available or in operation for all students expelled or whose expulsion has been suspended pursuant to this policy. Such alternative educational program may consist of services provided at the student residence unless specifically prohibited by any rules and regulations relating to alternative schools, classes, and educational programs, which may be developed by the State Department of Education pursuant to lawful authority.
REPORTS TO LAW ENFORCEMENT:
In the event the principal knows or suspects that a violation of the Nebraska Criminal Code has been violated on school property or off school property at a school function, and when such act consists of any unlawful acts described in s79-4, 180, the principal shall notify the county sheriff or city law enforcement authorities, as appropriate. Before making such a report, the principal shall undertake reasonable efforts to ascertain the truth or falsity of any event upon which the making of a report to law enforcement would be based. Nothing in this section shall be construed to require the reporting of any law violation by the principal except if the criminal act to be reported occurred on the school grounds of the district or during an educational function of event in which the district is involved, but off school grounds.
REPORTS TO NEBRASKA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION:
It shall further be the policy of the district to provide to the Nebraska Department of Education on an annual basis the following:
A. An assurance that the school district has, in effect, the policy required by statute pertaining to firearms, a copy of which assurance shall be developed by the superintendent of schools or shall be as prescribed by the Nebraska Department of Education.
B. A description of the circumstances surrounding any expulsions imposed under The immediately proceeding paragraph of this policy, including the name of the district, the number of students expelled from school, and the type of firearm concerned.
RELEASE TO PEACE OFFICER
Consistent with any other lawful policy of the district, when a principal or other school official releases a minor student to a sheriff, coroner, jailer, marshal, police officer, state highway patrol officer, member of the national guard, on active service by direction of the Governor during periods of emergency, or any other person with similar authority to make arrests, the principal or other school official shall take immediate steps to notify the release of the minor to such officer. The principal shall inform the parent, guardian, or responsible relative of the place to which the minor is reportedly being taken unless the minor has been taken into custody as a victim of suspected child abuse in which case, the principal or school official shall provide the authority by whom the minor has been taken into custody with the address and telephone number of the minor’s parent or guardian or other responsible relative.
COORDINATION WITH OTHER DISTRICT POLICIES:
Nothing in this policy shall be construed to modify any of the district’s existing policies on student privacy, student records, or policies pertaining to the district’s role in dealing with the Department of Social Services, law enforcement officials, or other authorities who seek information from the school about a student when such knowledge is or may be privileged or private by applicable law.
Student Fees
The Randolph Public Schools will waive certain fees for students who qualify for free and reduced lunches under the income guidelines of the United States Department of Agriculture. If a family wishes to have a fee waived they need to fill out in its entirety a Student Fee Waiver Application that can be obtained at the school office, along with any other required documentation and return it to the office of the Superintendent.
Student Records
The school board supports the need for a usefulness of educational records being kept for each student, which will reflect the interrelationships of the physical, emotional and social aspects of a child’s development in the educational process. This policy shall not conflict in any manner with the rules and regulations of the State Records Administrator adopted pursuant to Section 84-1201to 84-1220 Reissue Revised Statutes of Nebraska, 1943 (Laws 1973).
A cumulative record will be kept for each student in the Randolph Public School, which will include such information as: test scores, school marks health, work experience, high school activities and any meaningful information. IEP records are kept in a separate file.
This information will be available to the administration, counselor, and to teachers so that each may be better understand the student. NO information will be provided to other school systems, agencies, prospective employers, or institutions of higher learning unless a release form for the same has been signed by the parents or student (18 years old).
Randolph Public School proposes to designate the following personally identifiable information contained in a student’s education record as “Directory information” and it will disclose this information without prior consent.
1. Student’s name
2. The names of the student’s parents
3. The student’s address
4. The student’s date of birth
5. The student’s class designation
6. The student’s extra curricular participation
7. The student’s achievement awards and honors
8. The student’s weight and height if a member of an athletic team
9. The student’s photograph
10. The school the student attended before Randolph
Any student in the Randolph Public School District, his/her parents, guardians, teachers, counselors, or school administrators shall have access to the school’s files or records maintained concerning him/her. No other person shall have access thereto nor shall the contents thereof be divulged in any manner to any unauthorized person. All such files or record shall be maintained as to separate academic and disciplinary matters and all disciplinary material shall be removed and destroyed upon the student’s graduation or after his continuous absence from the school for a period of three years, and after authorization is given by the State Records Board pursuant to Section 84-1201 to 84-1220, Reissue Revised Statutes of Nebraska, 1943 (Laws 1973).
Information about a student demands judicious use and should always be used so as to contribute to his/her welfare. Upon request of a student’s parents, all tests will be translated into meaningful terms for their benefit, and emphasis will be placed upon the relationships of all known factors influencing the educational development of the student.
Student Representation
Class officers, Student Council representatives, club officers, royalty of various events, and other student roles, to be elected by the student body or parts thereof, will have their names submitted to the principal for clearance prior to any election. No one, who because of bad habits, in school or out of school behavior problems, court convictions (except for minor traffic violations) or other offenses against society, or who would not be expected to represent Randolph High school in a proper manner, will be eligible for election regardless of class standings. Additional qualifications follow:
1. Must be enrolled in Randolph High School at least one semester immediately preceding nominations.
2. Must be a student in good standing of their respective classes, i.e. (see class membership).
3. Royalty of any activity must meet all requirements for elective office. No student shall be elected king or queen or be a candidate for king or queen again elected of more than one activity in any one school year.
Study Hall
General guidelines and rules:
The following rules are mandatory in all study halls. Study hall supervisors have the autonomy to make additional rules when necessary to best provide an environment conducive to study.
1. Students may not leave the study hall without a pass from the study hall supervisor. If a student is going to another classroom they must have a pass from the teacher requesting them to come to their classroom. The only exception to this is lessons/etc. for which the supervisor has an established schedule from the sponsor.
2. Students should bring adequate work for the entire study hall.
3. Students may work collaboratively (three students or less) when appropriate. To work collaboratively students must secure permission of the supervisor, maintain a presence that isn’t in anyway disruptive to other students, and not be copying each others work. If the students fail to meet any of these standards the privilege will be removed.
4. Every study hall is to establish guidelines and procedures for students who need to speak to other students for educational purposes.
5. Students are not to engage in any activity that may disrupt other students or is counterproductive to educational purposes.
Telephone Calls and Cell Phones
The office will always gladly cooperate with parents or guardians to get messages to students during school hours. However, calls for students during school hours are disturbing to the school routine and hence, should be held to a minimum. Messages will be written down and delivered to the student. Students will not be called to the telephone while in class except in an emergency situation. Students who wish to use the commons phone during school hours are to tell the office who they are calling and why. The school telephone is primarily for school business and should not be used for personal calls. Because of their disruptive potential, cell phones are banned from the school building during normal academic hours. Phones will be confiscated if brought into the school during the hours that classes are in session.
Testing
We are required to notify parents when the district is conducting district-wide assessments or surveying students in our district. This is the annual notification of our intent to conduct district-wide assessments and or surveys during the current school year. All students in grades in grades 7-11 will participate in the achievement test assessments in the Spring and State Standards Assessments throughout the year for students in grades 7-12. If you have questions or concerns about your child’s participation in either of these activities, please contact the building principal.
Tornado Drills
In the event of a tornado drill an announcement will be made over the intercom. If the city tornado siren (long even blast) goes off do not wait for an announcement, follow tornado procedure immediately. Shelter locations are posted in each room.
Procedures
1. Students throughout the school go to assigned locations
2. Keep away from windows.
3. Squat as low as possible and shield head and face with hands.
4. Keep it orderly and keep it quiet.
5. Teachers, stay with your group at all times. If you should not have a class at that time, you will be expected to help supervise in the area your class will be!
Use of Facility by Students
All students must have supervision by a school sponsor when using any school facilities. This includes use of the gyms and the weight room.
Valedictorian
Eligibility:
1. Four years of high school attendance.
2. No waivers on requirements for graduation.
3. Complete the last two years in Randolph High School.
4. No failures in any subjects.
5. The class placement designated by numerical averages.
6. The runner-up will be designated as salutatorian.
7. Class placement will be based on pupil ranking at the end of the eighth semester preceding graduation.
