Transcript Document

THE STUDENT HANDBOOK
Guide for Secondary School
STUDENTS and their PARENTS
St. Mary’s County Public Schools (SMCPS)
COMPULSORY ATTENDANCE
Under law, every child between 5 and 16
years of age must attend school regularly
and each person who has LEGAL CUSTODY
of a child (5-16) shall see that the child
attends school.
The school stands in “loco parentis” during
school functions and ensures the safety
and well-being of its students.
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IN LOCO PARENTIS ?????
LOCO PARENTIS means the school
acts as your parent when you are in
school and at school functions.
ATTEND SCHOOL EVERYDAY
There are lawful and unlawful absences.
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PAY ATTENTION!!!
This is what you need to
know to understand the
importance of regular
attendance…
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WHAT IS A LAWFUL
ABSENCE?
Death in the immediate family
Student illness (a physician’s note may be
required)
Court summons
Hazardous weather conditions
Work (if approved or sponsored by the school)
Observance of a religious holiday
State of emergency
Suspension
Lack of authorized transportation
Other emergencies or circumstances – in
judgment of the principal
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UNLAWFUL ABSENCES
Absences for any reason other than
those listed as lawful.
Family vacation absences are unlawful
(exceptional circumstances may be reviewed by
the principal or designee ).
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ATTENDANCE
Unlawful absences and excessive
absences lead to failing grades
and/or retention.
Regular attendance is VITAL to
academic success.
If you are trying to attend school
regularly and need some help, be sure
to talk to your counselor.
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FULL DAY PRESENT
Present for four (4) or more hours of
the school day.
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FULL DAY ABSENT
Absent the entire school day or
present less than two (2) hours of
the school day.
.
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ONE-HALF DAY PRESENT
AND ONE-HALF DAY ABSENT
Present for at least two (2) hours of
the school day, but less than four (4)
hours.
Two (2) half-day absences equals one
(1) day absent.
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ALL ABSENCES MUST BE
DOCUMENTED WITH A
REASON
Parents/Guardians of the student
must provide documentation for the
absence on the day the student
returns to school. If documentation
is not received within three (3) days,
the absence will be coded as
UNLAWFUL.
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DOCUMENTATION MUST
INCLUDE
Student’s name
Date of Absence
Reason for Absence
Parent’s Signature
ONLY absences due to lawful reasons will
be coded as lawful – all other absences will
be considered UNLAWFUL.
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MIDDLE SCHOOL
If you are unlawfully absent twentyfive (25) or more days, you will be at
risk of repeating your grade. You will
be referred to the Pupil Services
Team for assistance.
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HIGH SCHOOL
If you are unlawfully absent from school in
excess of five (5) days in a marking
period, you may receive a failing grade for
ALL subjects in that marking period. You
and your parent/guardian may be required
to conference with the principal/designee
to review the absences.
A failing grade = ZERO percent (0%)
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High School
If you are unlawfully absent from a class
in excess of five (5) days in a marking
period, you may receive a failing grade in
that class. You and your parent/guardian
may be required to conference with the
principal/designee to review the absences.
A failing grade = ZERO percent (0%).
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High School
If you are absent lawfully and/or
unlawfully for a total of ten (10) or
more days in a marking period, you
and your parent/guardian may be
required to conference with the
principal/designee.
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High School
Failure to conference with the
principal/designee and provide
appropriate documentation and/or
explanation of the excessive
absences may result in receiving
failing grades.
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YOU HAVE ONE CHANCE TO
RECOVER A FAILING GRADE IN
A SCHOOL YEAR
You may have your grade reinstated, if
you do not exceed the five (5) unlawful
day absence limit or the 10 day absent
limit in the next marking period – BUT
1. RECOVERY can only be used one time
during the school year
2. A failing grade in the fourth marking
period may mean a failing grade for the
semester.
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LATE FOR SCHOOL?
LATE means you are not present in
your class or designated area when
the bell rings at the start of the
school day.
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LATE FOR SCHOOL?
Sign-in.
Present documentation stating reason
for tardiness or have your
parent/guardian sign you in.
Tardies are marked either lawful or
unlawful. Missing the bus or running
late is marked UNLAWFUL.
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LATE FOR CLASS?
Late for class means that you are
absent when the class begins and
present before the class ends.
If you come to class late, you must
present the teacher with an official
pass.
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SUMMER SCHOOL
Summer School is available to students for
REVIEW only with the following conditions:
You were:
Enrolled in high school during the prior
school year.
Received at least forty-five (45) percent in
the course of the semester seeking to
register.
Have no more than 10 unlawful absences in
the semester.
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A PICTURE ID IS
REQUIRED
Your parent/guardian is required to
present a valid PICTURE ID when
checking you out of school.
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NEED MEDICATION AT SCHOOL?
You are encouraged to take medications at times other
than during school hours.
However, if it is necessary, medication must be
administered in accordance with certain guidelines.
A doctor must provide a written order, form PS 109,
and the parent must sign the parent consent on the
back of the form.
The parent must bring the PS 109 form and the
medication in the original pharmacy container to
school.
The parent must pick up unused or discontinued
medication at school.
This includes over-the-counter medications such as Tylenol, aspirin, etc.
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Medications
NEVER bring medication to school
(this includes over-the-counter
medication).
Your PARENT must bring it
directly to the nurse.
Let your parent talk with the
nurse.
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Students with certain
respiratory conditions may
carry an emergency inhaler
and self administer if they
have
doctor’s order
school nursing assessment
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Students Seeking Help
with substance abuse, sexually transmitted diseases,
AIDS, mental and/or emotional disorders,
contraception, abortion, and pregnancy - Must be directed to appropriate resources
- Must have their privacy protected.
WHAT DOES THAT MEAN??
If you are in a situation that you know you need help with, seek help
from a school nurse, teacher, counselor or administrator. The
school staff will help you find the resources you need.
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Students Who Do Not Seek Help
Those students who use or possess alcohol
or drugs, or otherwise violate the law, and
do not voluntarily seek help, in essence,
forfeit their right to protection. THEY
ARE SUBJECT TO THE SCHOOL POLICY
AND REGULATIONS.
School officials cannot ignore substance
abuse or other illegal activities. Teachers
are required to observe the laws and
enforce school policy.
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DRESSING FOR SCHOOL
THE DRESS CODE
There is a close relationship between
student dress and student behavior.
Schools are expected to develop
appropriate guidelines for dress and
grooming.
Dress which may cause disruption of the
instructional program or create a potential
safety hazard is prohibited.
Make a good impression and feel good
about yourself.
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STUDENT SERVICE LEARNING
(SSL)
The SSL requirement is integrated into the
curriculum to provide structured time for
students to prepare for, perform, and
reflect upon serving others. It is hoped
that this will allow students to gain
meaningful learning experiences that will
eventually lead to volunteerism in their
communities. SSL is part of the middle and
high school curriculum. 75 hours are
required for graduation.
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SMILE
Video and Audio recording devices
may be “in use” in school or on your
bus.
The purpose of these surveillance devices is
to monitor behavior on the bus or on school
grounds.
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NEWSPAPERS * TV * INTERNET * DISPLAY
Sometimes your picture or a display of
your work will be used for public information or
by the media.
If you do NOT want your picture or your
school work to be shared with others in the
public, your parent must sign NO
on the form USE OF STUDENT IMAGES AND
LIKENESSES IN PUBLIC INFORMATION
PROGRAMS
Otherwise, your picture, name and/or
school work could be on display.
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YOU MAY BE SEARCHED IF
A PRINCIPAL, OR ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL HAS A
REASONABLE BELIEF THAT YOU HAVE IN
YOUR POSSESSION AN ITEM THAT IS IN
VIOLATION OF ANY STATE LAW OR A SMCPS
RULE OR REGULATION.
ALSO….
THE SCHOOL BUILDING AND ITS FURNISHINGS
AND EQUIPMENT – INCLUDING LOCKERS –
MAY BE SEARCHED!!!
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SCHOOLS ARE DRUG-FREE ZONES
The Youth Protection Act makes it a FELONY if a person
manufactures, dispenses, distributes, or possesses with
the intent to distribute certain controlled dangerous
substances, or conspires to commit these offenses on or
within 1,000 feet of any school property or in a school
vehicle.
Drug detection dogs may be used to scan school buildings,
school grounds, and any vehicle on or adjacent to school
grounds at any time.
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Possession or Use of Portable
Electronic Communication Devices
Beepers, cell phones, PDAs and laptop computers
are allowed on school property.
School personnel have the right to limit the use of
electronic communication devices. The
instructional climate cannot be disrupted.
An electronic device may be confiscated by an
administrator and a parent /guardian may be
required to meet with an administrator.
The school assumes no liability for lost, stolen or
malfunctioning devices.
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CELL PHONES
All CELL PHONES are required to be
turned OFF during the school day and
on the bus.
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CELL PHONES – after school hours
May only be “turned on” with
permission from school staff or a
bus driver.
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Bullying/Harassment
Intentional negative actions by one or more
students against another student.
Actions done repeatedly and over time, and
Actions interfering with a student’s ability to
participate in or benefit from his/her
education.
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BULLYING/Harassment
Should be reported to an adult at
school.
May also be reported by a student,
parent/guardian, or close relative by
completing the “Harassment or
Intimidation (bullying) Reporting
Form.
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Sexual Harassment
Say NO to sexual harassment and REPORT
it to an adult (counselor, teacher, parent,
or administrator).
Sexual harassment includes: unwanted
sexual attention from teachers, other
adults, or students. It could include
leering, suggestive verbal comments, or
pressure for sexual activity. It may occur
once or be repeated over time.
An administrator needs to know so that
action can be taken.
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Sexual assault
Any unwelcome sexual contact, either
directly or through clothing, such as
deliberate inappropriate
touching/pinching/grabbing of a sexual
nature, attempted rape or rape.
Any form of sexual assault should be
reported to an adult (counselor, parent or
administrator).
An adult will take appropriate action.
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WEAPONS
Bringing any weapon or firearm onto school
property or the possession of any weapon
shall be reported to the police and the
superintendent of schools or his/her
designee immediately.
The Gun Free School Act of 1994 and other
public laws require expulsion from school
for a period of not less than one calendar
year.
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WEAPONS
Weapons include:
Any object which reasonably could cause physical
harm or injury to a person
Firearm
Any weapon that could be converted into a
projectile – mechanical or explosive
Any firearm muffler or silencer
Explosive or incendiary material or a poisonous gas
Other – firecrackers, smoke bombs, weapon lookalikes, knives, razor
(READ your handbook carefully)
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TOBACCO-FREE SCHOOL
ENVIRONMENT
The sale and use of tobacco in any form is
prohibited by anyone at all times (24/7) in
school buildings and vehicles. This includes
schools, school buses, offices, warehouses,
and garages.
Purchasing tobacco products by and/or for
minors is illegal at all times.
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Eligibility 2.0
Eligibility for high school activities is
2.0 for ALL students in All grades.
YOUR MARKING PERIOD GRADES
determine your Grade Point Average (GPA).
At every marking period you have the
opportunity to become eligible or ineligible.
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WATCH OUT
You may also be INELIGIBLE for high school
activities IF:
You are suspended from school.
You were assigned in-school suspension.
You have debts and fines at the end of the
marking period.
You are absent from school.
SEE your HANDBOOK for details.
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MAKE-UP WORK
Students with lawful absences/tardiness are
allowed to receive full credit for any makeup work. They are also allowed to make up
and take alternative exams/tests. It is the
responsibility of the student and/or
parent(s)/guardian(s) to request the makeup work and turn in completed assignments
within five school days or in an agreed upon
time period as determined by the school
principal or designee.
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USING School Computers?
The use of all school computers must be in
support of education and research and
consistent with the purposes of SMCPS.
NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO
Illegal activity
Commercial for profit activities
Invasion of other people’s files, passwords, settings
Disruption or destruction of hardware, software
Malicious use of the network to harass others
Illegal installation of copyrighted software
Access to obscene or pornographic material
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STUDENT CONDUCT
YOUR CONDUCT is a reflection of you as a person.
Your conduct is a reflection of your character.
The core values of a person (student) may be
described as his or her character.
A purpose of education is to help support
character development.
SMCPS aspires to help students recognize the Six
Pillars of Character as reflected in their behavior.
When an infraction occurs, administrators will
review appropriate character traits with students.
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Judge Your Behavior – Does it Display
One of the Six Pillars of Character?
CARING
CITIZENSHIP
FAIRNESS
RESPECT
RESPONSIBILITY
TRUSTWORTHINESS
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SOME INFRACTIONS
NOT ONLY HURT
OURSELVES, BUT
ALSO HURT
OTHERS.
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BUS MISBEHAVIOR (irresponsibility)
Standing, distracting the driver, running on
the bus, eating on the bus, using a cell
phone…endangering the safety of others.
DISRESPECT (lack of respect)
Inappropriate comments or physical
gestures to teachers or staff members or
others. This could also be considered
harassment.
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FIGHTING (lack of caring) A physical
confrontation involving two (2) or more
students.
DEFAMATION (lack of respect) False
statements about an individual or group
that harms the reputation of the person or
group.
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MOST FIGHTS CAN BE AVOIDED
Learn ways to stay out of fights
MOST students never get into a fight at
school.
Students who learn to resolve conflicts
peacefully are more likely to be
successful at school and in the
workplace.
Peer Mediators at school can help you
learn to resolve conflict.
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FIGHTING = SUSPENSION
It takes COURAGE to walk away from
a fight.
Your EDUCATION is at stake.
WALK AWAY and say YES to your
FUTURE.
Talk with your counselor, teacher and
parents.
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YIKES!!!!
I hit a teacher…..
This may be considered as
an attack.
The consequence could be
EXPULSION.
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An EXPULSION CONFERENCE
will be requested immediately for the following violations:
Alcohol (possession/misrepresentation and/or use of)
Illegal Drugs, Intoxicants, Related Paraphernalia,
Representations (possession and/or use of)
Inhalants/Look-alikes (use and/or distribution of)
Intent to Sell, Give, Deliver, or Distribute Alcohol,
Tobacco, Drugs, Controlled Dangerous Substances, Drug
Paraphernalia and/or Look-alikes (possession with the)
Guns
Physical Attack on a Community Member
Physical Attack on a Teacher/Staff
Sexual Assault
Threat to a Teacher, Staff, or Others (verbal or
physical)
The Sheriff’s Office will be notified. That means you could
be arrested, too!
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The Sheriff will be notified
when a student is involved in…
Alcohol
Arson/Fireworks/Explosive
Firearms, Other Guns, Other Weapons
Illegal Drugs/Intent to Sell
Physical Attack
Sexual Assault
Trespassing
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THINK BEFORE YOU ACT
EXPULSION MEANS…
NO EDUCATION.
YOU CANNOT ATTEND PUBLIC
SCHOOL.
YOU HAVE GIVEN UP YOUR RIGHT TO
AN EDUCATION.
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YOU ARE OUT!!
YOUR DISCIPLINE RECORD WILL
FOLLOW YOU.
NO OTHER PUBLIC SCHOOL HAS
TO ENROLL YOU.
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READ YOUR HANDBOOK…
You are accountable
for knowing
everything in it.
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