STUDENT/PARENT HANDBOOK
FOREWORD:
The purpose of this Handbook is to give information that will help those who attend school in the Alcorn School District to know the opportunities, honors, and responsibilities that are theirs. This book should be of special interest to new students. If carefully studied, it will help them in adjusting themselves to new conditions and surroundings. We hope that parents and other interested citizens will read it in order that they may become more familiar with our school system, its purposes, and practices.
FROM THE
SUPERINTENDENT
We are all extremely fortunate
to live in this great country, this United States of America. A country
where everyone, regardless of race or religion, can be all they are capable of
being. I sincerely believe that we are just as fortunate to live in Alcorn
County, in the state of Mississippi. We live in a state and a county where
the majority of the people put God, family, and country as their top priorities.
I am pleased that you are part of the Alcorn
School District. Our school district's motto is "Children - Our #1
Priority". I believe this philosophy is right in line with the ideas
and ideals that helped make our nation, our state, and our country great.
You, as an individual, are important! You are somebody!
As Superintendent of Education my total energies will
go toward helping you meet your goals and aspirations. If you haven't set
goals for yourself, I encourage you to start. I challenge you to set your
goals high. Push yourself to the limit as you strive for academic,
athletic, and personal success. Take part in all the many activities that
are offered to you through your school career and in each activity strive to do
your very best. Always remember that just as you look toward others for
guidance, someone is looking to you as their example. Be a good example
for others to follow.
All of us have special times in our lives.
Whether you realize it or not, this is a special time in your life. Make
the most of it. Your hard work and dedication today will guarantee your
school career is a success. It will also help lay a firm foundation for
the rest of your life.
I hope the 2005-2006 school year is the
best year you've ever had. Make it a year of learning. A year of
multiple successes. A year of good, positive fun.
Mike Wamsley,
Superintendent of Education
INTRODUCTION
The Student/Parent Handbook is provided to each student and contains a discipline plan for the district. The parents, guardian, or custodian of each student shall sign a statement verifying the receipt of notice of the discipline policies of the District. This plan or discipline code contains the following: Policy and Procedure concerning duties, responsibilities, and rights of students as required by law.
EQUAL EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES
Every pupil of the district will
have equal educational opportunities regardless of race, color, creed, sex,
handicap, religion, or marital status.
No student shall be excluded on such basis from
participating in or having access to any course offerings, athletics,
counseling, employment assistance, and extra-curricular activities.
LEGAL REF: Mississippi Code, 37-15-35 and 1972 Educational
Amendments, Title IX;45CFR Part 86;1964 Civil Rights Act, Title VI,1973
Rehabilitation Act, Section 503&504;45 CFR Part 84;
School board policies follow federal laws related to
non-discriminatory practices in the operation of the schools, as pursuant to
Standard 301,Requirement #5.
LEGAL REF; Standard 301, Requirement #5, Bulletin 171,
Volume11, (1992).
FAMILY EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS AND PRIVACY ACT (FERPA)
The School District will comply with the Family Educational
Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) under the "No Child Left Behind Act of
2001" (NCLB). Legal Ref.: Statute 20 U.S.C. 1232 g., Regulations
34 CFR Part 99.
Unless the parent or guardian notifies the Alcorn
School District otherwise within five days after notification by receipt of the
Student/Parent Handbook and School Calendar, consent is implied for the
Alcorn School District to release directory information to others including
military recruiters.
The implied consent includes the release of student directory information,
or for non-directory information such as student work, for use in the following
ways:
A student Directory Information Denial Form is available from each school’s office or from the Parent’s Resource Page of the Alcorn School District’s web site at http://www.alcorn.k12.ms.us.
SCHOOL ADMISSION:
1.
GENERAL
ELIGIBILITY
1. This school district shall admit to its
free public schools all eligible resident and legally transferred
minor children who
are five and not over 20 years of age on September 1 of the school year.
2. Each minor child shall attend school in the
school district of his/her residence unless legally transferred
to another school
district by the school board pursuant to MS Code Section 37-15-29(1992).
ASSIGNMENT OF PUPILS
1. No student shall be allowed to transfer
from one school or attendance center in the District to another
school or attendance
center without approval of the School Board.
2. No minor child may enroll in or attend any
school, except in the school district of his residence, unless
such child be lawfully
transferred from the school district of his residence to a school in another
school
district, in accordance
with the statutes of this state. LEGAL REF: Mississippi Code, Section
37-15-13
(1987); Section
37-15-17(1987); Section 37-15-21(1987); Section 37-15-29(1992).
RESIDENCE VERIFICATION PROCEDURES
1.
Residence for school attendance purpose means
the legal residence of the student's custodial parent or legal guardian unless the
student is classified as homeless.
2. Except for those students who have been legally
transferred, each new student or continuing student that has changed his/her
residence must establish his/her residency in the following manner:
A. STUDENT LIVING WITH PARENT(S) OR GUARDIAN(S)
The parent(s) or
guardian(s) of student seeking to enroll must provide this school district with
at least two of the items numbered
1-9 below as verification of their address, except that a document with a post office box as an
address will not be accepted. For permanent enrollment students of divorced or separated parents or legal guardians shall
also provide a copy of any Chancery Court order establishing custody of the student.
1. Filed Homestead
Exemption Application form.
2. Mortgage
documents or property deed
3. Apartment or
Home
lease
4. Utility Bills
5. Driver's
license
6. Voters identification card
7.
Automobile registration
8. Affidavit and
personal visit by a designated school district official.
9. Any other
documentation that will objectively and unequivocally establish that the parent
or
guardian resides within the school district.
ASBESTOS
The Alcorn School District Board of Education has
submitted an Asbestos Management Plan to the Office of the Governor of
Mississippi for review and approval. Contained within this plan are the results
and findings of a survey of all buildings in the school district to determine
the absence or presence of asbestos-containing building materials (ACBM). In
compliance with AHERA regulations Alcorn School District will inspect each
building every 6 months that has identified ACM or ACBM. In March 2004, a three
year re-inspection was conducted by an accredited inspector. The results of
these inspections are included in the management plan which is on file in the
school's administrative office. Everyone is welcome to view the results any time
during normal school hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.). The
next scheduled re-inspection will be done in March, 2007.
Copies of the Management Plan are available for public
inspection and may be obtained by contacting the Office of County Superintendent
of Education, P.O. Box 1420, Corinth, MS 38835. The Management Plans will
be available, without cost or restrictions, for review by representatives of EPA
and the State, the public, including parents. A copy is filed in the
Administrative Office of each school. Questions or comments concerning the
Asbestos Management Plan should be directed to the Program Manager: Joe
Duncan, Telephone (662) 286-7724 or 286-5591.
ATTENDANCE LAWS AND POLICIES
Consistent with the mission of the Alcorn School
District, student understanding of the importance of prompt and regular
attendance in all classes is an important goal of the district staff.
Therefore, any student who exceeds eighteen (18) absences in a yearly class or
nine (9) absences in a semester class will not be awarded credit for that course
nor be eligible for promotion to the next grade. In the event of a medical
hardship, an attendance committee selected by the school principal will review a
request in behalf of the student for exception of a waiver of the absences which
caused the student to exceed the limit for course credit or promotion.
Upon completion of the review, a recommendation will be submitted to the Board
for final approval. A medical hardship is defined as an extended home
care. A written statement from a licensed physician outlining the nature
of the medical hardship must accompany a request for an exception to minimum
attendance requirements. The compulsory school attendance law defines
"school day" as not less than five (5) and not more than eight (8) hours of
actual teaching in which both teachers and pupils are in regular attendance for
scheduled schoolwork. LEGAL REF: Mississippi Code 1972 Annotated, Section
37-13-91.
An absence is excused when it results from:
MEDICAL - Illness or injury which prevents the student from physically attending
school. the student must submit a written excuse from a parent and from a
licensed physician or dentist upon returning to school. In the case
of chronic illness, one statement from a licensed physician upon return from the
first absence will suffice for the school year. Failure to provide a
written excuse within 5 days after returning to school will result in an
unexcused absence. The written excuse must contain the parent's signature
and telephone number - home and work.
ADMINISTRATIVE - Student absences which result from school sponsored student
activities inclusive of academic competition, field trips, or student
conventions, meetings, and workshops. Administrative discretion will
prevail in determining the status of absences in this area.
PARENTAL - Students may be absent from school for a maximum of eight (8) days in
a yearly course or four (4) days in a semester course without penalty. A
written excuse from the parent/guardian containing the home and work telephone
number is required. Failure to present a written excuse within five days
after returning to school will result in and unexcused absence. Graduating
seniors may be absent from school for a maximum of ten (10) days in a yearly
course and five (5) absences in a semester course without penalty.
An absence is unexcused if:
Any absence from class is not properly excused by meeting one of the
guidelines listed above. An unexcused absence may be for a period, or any
part of the school day or for the entire school day.
TARDINESS
Students are expected to be in class on time each period.
a. Tardiness to Class
Each principal shall set the amount of time
students have to change classes. Punishment for tardiness
to class shall be in a manner within the
discretion of each principal. Each principal shall develop a
consistent policy for each school.
b. Tardiness to School
Three tardies constitute an absence. Each
attendance center shall have the option of utilizing such methods
as a detention room or other disciplinary
procedures deemed appropriate for their particular school regarding tardiness. Students who enter
school after one-half of the period shall be
assigned to a designated location for the remaining portion of the class period.
No make-up work will be given for unexcused tardies. A zero
will be given for any graded work missed by the
student. This work includes classwork, homework, or tests administered during the period.
ABSENCES FROM CLASS
A student who is in school cannot be absent from class without
permission of the principal or his/her designee.
EXTENDED ABSENCE POLICY
Students who are absent from school fifteen (15) consecutive days
will be dropped from the school rolls unless the absences are due to illness
supported by a doctor's statement. Students dropped from the rolls under
this policy who wish to be considered for readmission must appear before the
principal for a hearing with parent(s) or guardian present.
A student will not be eligible to receive credit if he/she misses more
than eighteen (18) classes in any particular course during the school year (nine
for one semester courses).
These 18 absences include both excused and unexcused absences
except authorized school trips. Consideration may be given to a student
who has been hospitalized or confined at home because of a serious illness,
provided the student presents a letter from his/her doctor stating that he/she
has been confined upon his/her (the doctor's) orders to the school principal by
the fifth day after the student returns to school. All excuses must be
presented to each teacher within five (5) days.
THE UNEXCUSED ABSENCE
All absences other than those excused as defined above
shall be classified unexcused.
The privilege of making up work shall be denied and a grade
of 0 shall be given for each day an absence
is unexcused.
MAKE-UP WORK
It is the student's responsibility to make up work due to an absence.
1. All work shall be made up for excused absences. Make-up shall begin
immediately upon the return of the student to school (bus riders included) and
should be completed within five (5) school days. Additional time is granted for
prolonged excused absences at the discretion of the principal.
2. A teacher may grant permission for a student to make up work during a library
or study hall period.
3. Any work not made up shall be considered unexcused. A grade of 0 shall be
given for each assignment missed.
4. Any student suspended from school shall not be allowed to make up work* and
will receive a grade of 0 for all assignments and exams that are missed.
5. Any student with an unexcused absence shall not be allowed to make up work*
and will receive a grade of zero (0) for all assignments and exams that are
missed.
6. Any pre-announced work or tests missed due to absence shall be made up on the
day the student returns to school.
7. Any student failing to abide by the rules of MAKE-UP OR CHECKOUT FROM SCHOOL
will receive a zero for the work or tests missed.
8. Make-up work due to an excused checkout must be made up within five (5) days
upon return to school.
*Students may make up unit tests and/or major
class projects previously assigned.
ABSENCE REPORTING AND ABSENCES
AFFECTING ACADEMIC CREDIT
Absence Reporting by Principal or Designee:
Students are expected to be in attendance ALL school days
(number of school days which are open for students), for academic growth and
success are based upon regular attendance.
If a compulsory-school-age child who was expected by a school
principal or his/her designee to enroll has NOT enrolled within fifteen (15)
calendar days after the first day of the school year, or when a
compulsory-school-age child has accumulated five (5) unlawful/unexcused absences
during the school year of the school in which he/she is enrolled, the principal
of that school or his/her designee shall immediately report such absence to the
school attendance officer of the youth court or family court within two (2)
school days or five (5) calendar days whichever is less.
LEGAL REF: Mississippi Code, Section 37-13-91 (1993).
WITHDRAWAL FROM SCHOOL
In the event you are withdrawing from school, you are to
get a withdrawal slip from the office before 8:00 a.m. of the day you plan to
leave. This slip must be signed by each teacher during the day and returned to
the office by you at 3:00 p.m. that day. If you have turned in all your
books, including library books, paid all fees, you will be given your book card
and report card.
CHECK OUT FROM SCHOOL
A parent or guardian may check his/her child out of school at any
time. The school reserves the right to verify the identity of the parent
or guardian. Upon check-out, a student shall not return to campus without first
reporting to the school office. Students are not allowed to check out to go to
lunch and then return to the campus.
When a student becomes ill or an emergency arises during the regular
school day which may warrant early dismissal, the student must report to the
school office. Before the student will be allowed to leave school, the
student's parents or legal guardians must be contacted by telephone or the
parent, legal guardian, or person authorized by the parent must come to the
school to sign the student out. The school administration will reserve the
option to release a student from school if the student's parents cannot be
contacted.
A student will be released, with an excused check-out, for: (1) Sickness
of a student; (2) doctor/dentist appointment; (3) Illness, death, or marriage in
the immediate family; (4) Students who have to stay home to take care of illness
in the family; (5) Any school-sponsored event; (6) Family
emergencies/circumstances that may occur which are cleared with the School
Administration.
The initiative must be taken by the student to consult the teacher(s) as
to work missed and he/she must complete make-up work within three (3) days after
he/she returns to classes.
Eleventh and twelfth grade non-cooperative education students are not
allowed to leave school before the end of the 5th period.
Athletes who have a 6th and 7th extracurricular period will remain at
school until their extracurricular period is finished.
Students below the 11th grade may not obtain a standing checkout. No fast foods are allowed on school premises during the regular
school day. It is not the intent of the school district to prohibit school
functions or programs whereby individual teachers may allow pizzas or other fast
foods to be brought on school premises in conjunction with school functions or
programs with the approval of the building principals.
CHECKOUT FOR 11TH AND 12TH GRADE STUDENTS
All 12th grade cooperative education students who are
within 4 1/2 credits of meeting graduation requirements will be permitted to
leave school after all their classes are complete. All 11th grade
cooperative education students are not to leave school before the end of 5th
period.
This policy
speaks to 11th and 12th grade students and should not be presumed to address
students below the 11th grade. REF: Alcorn School District Board Policy CH 483, H.B. 119 (1977)
DUE
PROCESS
When a student is confronted with disciplinary action, the board
and its administrators shall afford him/her the safeguards of due process as
required by applicable law. In any case, the student must be made aware of
his/her rights.
The superintendent and the principal of a school shall
have the power to suspend a pupil for good cause or for any reason for which
pupil might be suspended, dismissed, or expelled by this school board.
However, such action of the superintendent or principal shall be subject to
review by the school board. The parent or guardian of that child shall be
advised of this right to a hearing by the superintendent or principal, and the
proper form shall be provided for requesting a hearing as provided by Section
37-9-71.
LEGAL REF.: Mississippi Code, Section 37-9-71; Goss v. Lopez , 419 U.S.
565 (1975) ; U.S. Constitution Amendment XIV ; Wood v. Strickland, U.S.
95 S. Ct. 992 (1975)
STUDENT DRESS AND
APPEARANCE
It should be a matter of personal pride for a student of the Alcorn School
District to maintain high standards of neatness and appropriateness of dress and
appearance. The dress code of the Alcorn School District is not all-inclusive--it is
virtually impossible to write a dress and grooming code which will properly
address every detail and aspect of appropriate dress and grooming.
A student who is not, at the discretion of the principal or designee, attired appropriately or exhibits grooming which is
detrimental and/or distractive to the school environment shall be asked to
refrain from wearing the inappropriate attire in the future or shall be required
to make arrangements for more suitable or appropriate dress. If the
arrangement for more suitable clothing requires the student to be absent from
class, the absence will be designated as unexcused.
The following guidelines will be observed:
GRADES K-3
GRADES 4-12
The length of shorts will not exceed 6 inches above the top of the knee. Cut-off blue jean shorts are inappropriate as well as shorts with holes, tears, and/or shreds. Holes, tears, and/or shreds no longer or wider than four (4) inches will be permitted on clothing from the knee to the ankle. Athletic shorts are inappropriate for Grades 7-12.
Athletic shorts are inappropriate for grades 7-12. Athletic shorts include gym shorts, cycling shorts, Umbros, or shorts of a plastic or spandex material.
The length of dresses and skirts will not exceed four (4) inches above the top of the knee and will also be appropriate for bending, stooping, sitting, and working overhead while at school.
Transparent clothing without proper underclothing is inappropriate. Transparent wind suits are inappropriate. Wind suits which are a part of an athletic uniform are appropriate.
Muscle shirts, tube tops, and fish-net tops are inappropriate.
No clothing top shall be so low in the front or side as to expose any part of the breast or shall be so low in the back to expose the shoulder blades.
The midriff shall not be exposed while walking, standing, and/or sitting.
An overshirt is permitted as long as a proper undergarment is worn.
An article of clothing which contains or depicts the
following is prohibited:
a. Substances illegal by law for minors--alcohol, drugs, tobacco
b. Profane, suggestive, and/or violent language. Examples of clothing which
includes suggestive language includes shirts from Fudpucker's and Hooter's.
c. Derogatory symbols or remarks directed to any ethnic group.
Clothing, accessories, or manner of grooming which, by nature of its color, arrangement, trademark, symbol, or any other attribute which indicates or implies membership or affiliation with gangs or gang activity or association is prohibited.
Any jewelry or ornamentation which depicts a weapon of violence or substances illegal to minors are prohibited.
Hair shall be free from obnoxious odors, and shall be clean and neat in appearance. Hair shall not obstruct vision, and hair shall not be extreme in color. Picks, combs, and rollers shall not be worn in the hair.
Basketball jerseys will not be worn without appropriate underclothing.
Shoes and/or sandals shall be worn. Shoes designed to be laced will be laced. House shoes or shoes with cleats are inappropriate.
Loose and/or sagging pants, slacks, and shorts falling below the waist are inappropriate. Sweat pants, leggings, and pajama pants/scrubs are inappropriate.
Sunglasses will be removed from the head when entering a building.
Hats and caps, unless a part of an athletic uniform or a course requirement, shall not be brought to school, during the academic day. A practicing physician's statement permitting a head-dress for a specific period of time will be permitted. The penalty for bringing a hat or cap to school is confiscation. The hat or cap will be returned to the student upon completion of the school year.
Neither male or female students shall be permitted to wear rings and/or studs in their noses, tongues, or other exposed body parts other than their ears.
Doo-rags, bandannas, and wash cloths are inappropriate.
All fasteners and buckles designed for use with an article
of clothing will be used appropriately at all times.
POSSESSION OF WEAPONS AND VIOLENT CONDUCT
Any student possessing, displaying, or discharging a gun, a knife, or
any other instrument considered to be dangerous and capable of causing bodily
harm or who commits a violent act on educational property as defined in Section
97-37-17 of the Mississippi Code during regular school hours, at school
functions, or on school property, or at any school event after school hours or
on a school bus shall be expelled for a calendar year, unless the time is
modified as allowed by State law.
USE OF TOBACCO SUBSTANCES
Use of, possession of, or transfer of tobacco products will not be
permitted in the schools and strong measures will be taken to prevent such
activities. the following policy applies:
Possession or the use of tobacco products in any form shall be prohibited
for students during the regular school hours in the Alcorn School District.
A student found using tobacco or with tobacco products in his/her
possession will be subject to the following discipline:
(1) FIRST OFFENSE - Parents and/or guardian will be contacted and students will
be required to present to the principal a ten-page report on the harmful effects
of tobacco use or have the option of corporal punishment.
(2) SECOND OFFENSE - Will be placed in the in-school suspension one day.
(3) THIRD OFFENSE - Will be placed in in-school suspension for three days.
(4) FOURTH OFFENSE - Repeated violation will result in student and parent or
authorized adult to appear before the Alcorn Board of Education to show good
cause why he/she should not be placed in the alternative school for the
remainder of the school year.
PUPIL CONDUCT
Pupils are expected to conduct themselves in all school activities in such a manner that will promote development rather than inhibit it.
A teaching situation which is conducive to learning must be maintained. Therefore, any student whose actions make it impossible for the teacher to devote full attention to the class will be sent to the principal's office. the counselor or principal will review the case and try to resolve the problem. A student who has been sent from class will be subject to discipline by the principal or his designee.
Any student who is involved in conduct that requires discipline may be suspended from school immediately, or placed within in-school suspension, and will be able to re-enter regular school only after satisfactory assurance has been given to the principal by the pupil and by his/her parent or guardian that there will not be a recurrence of this sort of behavior.
If any student shall willfully destroy, cut, deface, damage, or injure any school property, he/she shall be liable to suspension or expulsion.
A student, upon his/her second suspension for a disciplinary reason, will be informed that a third discipline action shall result in expulsion.
Profanity, cheating, stealing, counterfeiting and gambling can never be accepted by the schools of this District. Thus, such offenses may result in suspension, alternative school placement, expulsion, or other appropriate punishment in the discretion of the principal.
Radios, "jam boxes", walkmans, beepers, or any electronic products and any other sound reproducers shall be forbidden on campus.
Use of a cellular phone during school hours is prohibited.
A student caught using a cell phone during the school day will be subject to
the following discipline:
(1) FIRST OFFENSE - The cellular phone will be taken and returned to the
student at the end of the school day with a note sent home to the
parent/legal guardian to be signed and returned the next school day.
(2) SECOND OFFENSE - The parent/legal guardian will be required to pick up
the cellular phone at the school; and
(3) THIRD OFFENSE - In-school suspension (ISS) as deemed by the local school
administration.
Corridor courtesy requires that students walk in an orderly manner on the right side of the corridor.
The Alcorn School District will comply with Chapter 486, Senate Bill 2239 known as the School Safety Act and according to the Attorney General's Opinion which has been issued. For a copy of the Attorney General's Opinion, please contact the school office. OR go to www.agopin.state.ms.us/ Enter Opinion Database; insert 2001-0311 in the data field "Words Anywhere" and submit query. This will bring up the screen for the official AG's opinion.
DRUGS AND ALCOHOL
Any pupil who has in his/her possession, uses, or is
under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be disciplined as herein-after set
out:
Any student who uses, possesses, or is under the influence of drugs or alcohol at school or at a school function shall be placed in the alternative school for a period of 6 weeks. This shall apply only to the first offense. Seniors with less than 6 weeks of school who violate this rule will not be allowed to participate in graduation ceremonies.
On a second offense, any student who uses, possesses or is under the influence of drugs or alcohol at school or at a school function shall be permanently expelled.
On a first offense, any student who distributes and/or sells drugs or alcohol at school or at any school function shall be permanently expelled.
Any student who is permanently expelled may make an application for readmission the next year and the School Board may, at its discretion, readmit the expelled student if the School Board is convinced that the drug use, possession, distribution, sale, or being under the influence will never occur again.
If any student is found guilty of the use, possession, or is under the influence of drugs or alcohol at school or at any school function, he/she shall be on a probation period upon his/her return to school after appropriate punishment is administered. This will involve his/her reporting to the office during break, lunch, and other free times. It is the intent of this policy to give the principal the authority to closely supervise the student at all times.
The Administration and the Board of Education may use discretion in administering this policy in such cases where across-the-counter, non-illegal/non-controlled drugs (such as aspirin, Tylenol, diet tablets, caffeine tablets, etc.) are used or distributed but not abused. If a substance cannot be identified on sight, it will be treated as an illegal or controlled substance
Abuse of these so-called across-the-counter,
non/illegal/non-controlled drugs will still require the same penalty as
described in articles above. Abuse can be defined as taking more than is
prescribed on the package or container.
Violators of item f. above shall receive the following penalty:
Students who use or possess across-the-counter drugs without permission from the office, coach, or the teacher shall be placed in in-school suspension for a period of not less than four (4) school days.
Students who distribute across-the-counter drugs shall be placed in in-school suspension for a period of not less than seven (7) school days. Students that sell non-illegal/non-controlled drugs at school or at a school function shall be permanently expelled.
Repeat offenses will be treated in accordance with articles a,
b, and c as shown above. In each alcohol/drug related matter, the student or
students involved shall appear before the Alcorn Board of Education.
The following definitions shall apply to disciplinary action concerning drugs or
alcohol:
(a) "controlled substance" means a drug, substance or of sections 41-29-113
through 41-29-121 of the Mississippi Code of 1972, as amended.
(b) "drug means"
(1) a substance recognized as a drug in the official United States Pharma
copoea, official homeopathic pharma copoea of the United States, or official
National Formulary, or any supplement to any of them;
(2) a substance intended for use in the diagnosis, cure, medication, treatment,
or prevention of disease in man or animals;
(3) a substance (other than food) intended to affect the structure or any
function of the body of man or animals, i.e. aerosol sprays, White-Out, etc.;
and
(4) a substance intended for use as a component of any article specified in this
paragraph.
(a) "distribute" means deliver, other than by administration or dispensing a
controlled substance or drug.
(b) "dispense" means to deliver a controlled substance, or a drug, to an
ultimate user or research subject by or pursuant to the lawful order of a
practitioner, including the prescribing, administering, packaging, labeling, or
compounding necessary to prepare for that delivery.
(c) "administer" means the direct application of a drug whether by injection,
inhalation, ingestion, or any other means, to the body of a patient or research
subject by a particular (doctor, or a school official).
HAZING/HARASSMENT
Soliciting, encouraging, aiding, or engaging in "hazing" on
or in any school property at any time. or in connection with any activity
supported or sponsored by the District, whether on or off school property, is
strictly prohibited.
"Hazing" means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act
meant to induce physical pain, embarrassment, humiliation, deprivation of rights
or that creates physical or mental discomfort, and is directed against any
student or other person associated with the school, including specifically, but
without being limited to, actions taken for the purpose of being initiated into,
affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any
organization, club, or athletic team sponsored or supported by the District and
whose membership is totally or predominantly other students form the District.
Students engaging in any hazing or hazing-type behavior that
is, in any way, connected to any activity sponsored or supported by the
District, will be subject to one or more of the following disciplinary actions:
Conference with parent(s)/guardian(s)
Removal from participated in extracurricular activities
Suspension form school
Long-term assignment to the alternative school
Referral to an appropriate law enforcement agency
Expulsion form the School District.
PUBLIC DISPLAY OF AFFECTION/SEXUAL
MISCONDUCT
Display of affection is inappropriate in the school
environment. A referral may result in disciplinary action. In
appropriate and unsolicited comments, looks, or contract of sexual nature may be
treated as harassment.
The Alcorn School District supports each student's right to be
free from inappropriate sexual acts from staff or students at school or school
functions.
No student shall sexually accost, molest, or sexually harass
another student, school employee or any other person, or engage in any type of
sexual involvement with another student, employee or any other person, or
indecently expos himself or herself, or perform any other heterosexual or
homosexual act on school property, while under school supervision, district
provided transportation, or at any school-related activity or even when the
conduct prohibited hereby, in the determination of the superintendent or
principal, renders that student's presence a disruption to the educational
environment of the school or a detriment to the best interest an welfare of the
students and teacher of a class as a whole.
Inappropriate sexual acts include, but are not limited to
those acts specifically defined as a crime pursuant to the Mississippi Code of
1972, amended and Federal law. Other sexual acts may also be inappropriate
sexual acts, if they are of such nature that would reasonable offend the
recipient engaged in similar conduct, and other relevant factors in each case.
A student engaging in inappropriate sexual acts may be
suspended, expelled, or placed in the alternative school program or otherwise
disciplined consistent with due process.
BUS CONDUCT
Eligible students will be given the following school bus rules
and regulations at the beginning of the school year.
1. Obey the driver concerning your conduct on the bus. Your right to ride the
bus depends on this.
2. Do not use profane language.
3. No eating, drinking, or any tobacco products on the bus.
4. No can drinks, plastic, or glass containers allowed on the bus.
5. Do not damage or tamper with bus or equipment.
6. Stay seated and keep hand, hands, and feet inside bus.
7. Do not fight, push, or shove.
8. Always cross in front of the bus.
9. Never get on or off the bus while it is in motion.
10. Do not run alongside the bus while it is in motion.
Student cooperation is imperative. Students who do not
conduct themselves properly as set forth in the rules and regulations will not
be allowed to ride the bus. Severe student behavior on the bus can also result
in suspension or other disciplinary action.
The school bus driver is responsible to the school district
to maintain student order and to insure maximum safety at all times. Therefore,
he/she is authorized to instruct and otherwise control students as to proper
conduct and safety while they are on the bus.
The school principal will be responsible for disciplining
students reported to him/her by the driver. Questions and inquiries regarding
discipline should be directed to the school principal.
Questions and inquiries regarding stops, routes, and student
eligibility must be directed to the Transportation Supervisor, 286-7724.
LEGAL
REF: Mississippi Code, Section 37-41-1, Pupil Transfer Guide 1988.
COMPLIANCE WITH FEDERAL REGULATIONS
The Title II, Title VI, Title IX, and Section 504 Coordinator is Betty
Hopkins, 286-7734.
The ELL Coordinator is Jean McFarland, 286-3202.
FEES SCHEDULE
The school board, according to state law, has authorized the charge of
reasonable fees, but no more than the actual cost.
FREE SPEECH, ASSEMBLY, ETC.
The District recognizes students' right to free speech, free assembly,
privacy, and participation in school programs, which do not interfere with school
instruction and activities, and are in accordance with all federal and state
laws.
TECHNOLOGY
Alcorn School District is pleased to offer students access to computer
usage to enhance academic development and skills in using media that are
commonly found in all aspects of our daily lives. The district policy
shall be that all computers with Internet access will be filtered in order to
restrict the access of minors to harmful materials. The Alcorn School
District uses the filtering solution managed by the Mississippi Department of
Education.
STUDENT ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY
The use of the Internet is a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate use may result in a cancellation of those privileges. The administrator of the school will determine if an action is inappropriate use and their decision is final. The following items constitute unacceptable/inappropriate use:
Students enrolled in the Alcorn School District may need to
be able to use the computers and equipment at school. Students may be involved
in research projects and class activities involving the Internet under
supervision of ASD staff.
Computer/Internet usage is designed for educational
purposes only, and the Alcorn School District will not be responsible for other
materials acquired on the network.
REFERENCE:
Acceptable Use Policy adopted June 26, 2003.
ALTERNATIVE SCHOOL PROGRAM
1. This school district has established, and maintains and
operates, in connection with regular programs of said school district, an
alternative school program for, but not limited to, the following categories of
compulsory-school-age students:
(a) Any compulsory-school-age child who has been
suspended or expelled form school, except for any student expelled for
possession of a weapon or other felonious conduct.
(b) Any compulsory-school-age child referred to such
alternative school based upon a documented need for placement in the alternative
school program by the parent, legal guardian, or custodian of such child due to
disciplinary problems.
(c) Any compulsory-school-age child referred to such
alternative school program by the dispositive order of a chancellor or youth
court judge, with the consent of the superintendent of the child's school
district.
(d) The principal or program administrator of any such
alternative school program shall require verification form the appropriate
guidance counselor of any such child referred to the alternative school program
regarding the suitability of such child for attendance at the alternative school
program. Before a student may be removed to an alternative school
education program, the superintendent of this school district must determine
that written and distributed disciplinary policy of the local school district
has been followed.
(e) Students in Alternative School shall not be allowed
at any school programs or activities.
(f) Students in Alternative School shall be present and
accounted for all time assigned.
(g) Any student charged with a felony involving
violence, weapons, or drugs may be placed in the Alternative School until the
legal matter is resolved after a board hearing if requested.
The policy of this district is incorporated
in a separate handbook. The Alternative School Program Handbook is
incorporated herein by reference. This district operates the Alternative
School pursuant of all requirements of Section 37-13-92 of the Mississippi Code
of 1972, as amended in 1995 and as amended by Chapter 604, Senate Bill 2855 of
the 1977 Legislative session.
The Alternative School Handbook is included herein by
reference.
CORPORAL PUNISHMENT
As a matter of board policy, appropriate corporal punishment
of a student is permitted as a disciplinary measure in order to preserve an
effective educational environment which is free from disruption and is conducive
to furthering the educational mission of the board.
OUT OF SCHOOL SUSPENSION
1. Suspension is the denial of the privilege of attending school in the
district imposed after due process upon any student of the district at the
direction of the principal of the school in which the student is enrolled.
Students under suspension shall not trespass upon any other school campus or
enter into any other school building except for a prearranged conference with a
principal. additionally, students under out-of-school suspension shall not
attend any day or night school functions.
2. When unacceptable behavior cannot be corrected by the resource of the
school, the board hereby authorizes the school principal or his/her designee to
suspend any student for violation of any other act of misconduct or
insubordination as a final effort to influence the student's future behavior.
3. Suspension Period:
a. The principal may suspend students for a period not
to exceed five (5) school days.
b. The principal, with the approval of the
superintendent, my suspend students for a period not to exceed ten (10) school
days.
c. Superintendents may suspend.
4. Due Process:
a. The superintendent and the principal of a school
shall have the power to suspend a pupil for good cause or for any reason for
which such pupil might be suspended, dismissed, or expelled by the school board.
However, such action of the superintendent or principal shall be subject to
review and the approval or disapproval of this school board. If the
parent, guardian, or other person shall have the right to due process hearing,
the parent or guardian or other person shall be advised of this right to a
hearing by the superintendent or principal, pursuant to Section 37-9-71.
b. Students facing suspension shall be given oral or
written notice of the charges against him/her by the principal or his/her
designee.
c. If the student denies the charges, he/she shall be
given an explanation of the evidence that the principal or his/her designee has
against him/her and shall be given an opportunity to present his/her side of the
story.
5. In all cases of suspension, the parent, guardian, or custodian shall be
notified in writing within 24 hours of such suspension giving the reason
therefore.
6. Principal shall make a written report of each suspension to the
superintendent each six week period to include:
a. Name of student, address, name of parent or
guardian.
b. Statement of reason for the suspension including the
date, time, and place.
7. Suspension in excess of ten (10) school days may be given only by
action of the Board of Education and then only after such a student has been
afforded notice, opportunity for a hearing, and other procedural rights
consistent with state and federal due process requirements.
8. Students on suspension for three or mort days must return to school
accompanied by a parent, guardian, or custodian before he/she will be readmitted
to school.
LEGAL REF: Mississippi Code, Section 37-7-301(e) (1987); Gross v. Lopez
419 U.S. 565; Tinker v. Des Moines 393 U.S. 503.
IN-SCHOOL SUSPENSION
The Alcorn School District provides an in-school suspension
program which allows the principal or designee to place students in this
program. The students are allowed to maintain attendance and school
assignment. This is an isolated environment and students cannot attend
school programs or functions while assigned to this program. In-school
suspension is used as allowed for in this plan, or other rule violation or
conduct not deemed serious enough for out-of-school suspension, alternative
school or expulsion. Students must finish assignments and report to the
principal's office before being readmitted to regular classes.
TEXTBOOKS
Textbooks are supplied to us by the state; however, each school is
limited as to the number of books. Because of this, it is necessary to exercise
extreme care in handling your textbooks. The law requires payment for loss of
books and for unnecessary damage to textbooks.
If a student loses a book and it
is brought by the office, the owner of the book may pick it up upon request.
CAFETERIA
The school cafeteria is operated on a non-profit plan in cooperation
with the State and Federal Food Service Programs.
The meal served each day
will be nutritious and well balanced, more than meeting State and Federal
requirements.
Each pupil will receive a plate lunch and one carton of grade A
milk and water upon request.
VISITORS
Parents are welcome to visit our school at any time. However, all
visitors will not be allowed in classrooms during the school day. It has been
proven that this kind of visit disrupts classroom work. Anyone wishing to see a
student for a specific reason may seek permission to do so from the principal's
office.
STUDENT'S PERSONAL PROPERTY
Students are cautioned not to bring large amounts of money or articles
deemed inappropriate by the school officials, to school or to school-sponsored
events.
If students wear glasses or watches, they must keep up with them
at all times. Students are responsible for their personal property. They should
not leave money in their locker or desks. Girls should keep up with their purses
if they leave money in them.
LOST AND FOUND
Students who find lost articles should take them to "Lost and
Found" areas or to the office. Watches, money, and other valuables should
be turned in at the office. Lost or abandoned clothing and other unclaimed items
will be disposed of after a reasonable length of time.
FIRST AID
Children who get cuts and bruises at school will be treated at school
for these minor injuries. In case of serious accidents that need to be treated
by a medical doctor, every effort will be made to reach the parents; however, if
we fail to reach them, the principal will use his/her own discretion.
MEDICATION
Children who need to take an aspirin or any other medicine during the
school day should bring in the appropriately labeled container their medication with a note which is dated and signed
by the parent, with instructions as to how the medication should be given. The
homeroom teacher or office staff will keep and administer the medication.
COMMUNICABLE DISEASES
This school board has the power, authority, and duty to exclude from the
school's students with what appears to be infectious or contagious diseases;
provided, however, such student may be allowed to return to school upon
presenting a certificate from a public health officer or duly licensed physician
that the student is free from such disease, as pursuant to Section 37-7-301
(1990).
EDUCATING STUDENTS WITH CHRONIC
INFECTIONS DISEASES POLICY
The following shall be policy of this school district for educating
students known to have a chronic infectious disease (persistent illness in the
carrier state as compared to an acute short-term self-limiting illness) such as,
but not limited to hepatitis B, herpes simplex, AIDS/ARC, or cytomegalovirus.
1. A student with a chronic infectious disease shall be removed
from the classroom temporarily and until the district's medical advisor in
consultation with the student's physician determines whether the student's
presence in the school poses a risk of transmission of such chronic infectious
disease to others.
PROCEDURES DEALING WITH A STUDENT WHO HAS HIV/AIDS/ARC
Persons involved in the care and education of HIV/AIDS/ARC infected
students should respect the student's right to privacy and maintain
confidentiality requirements and penalties for breach of confidentiality.
A. The Superintendent of Schools must be informed that a student has
HIV/AIDS/ARC.
B. The school principal, classroom teacher, school nurse, and anyone else
involved in the care and education of HIV/AIDS/ARC infected students must be
aware of the student's condition.
C. These persons must be provided with appropriate information by the team
concerning such precautions as may be necessary.
D. The evaluation team (the student's doctor, parents or guardian, local health
official, school nurse, and appointed school administrator) shall review the
student's condition as needed. Changes in the student's condition must be
monitored in order to weigh the risks and benefits to both the infected student
and to others.
E. The evaluation team shall decide and make recommendations to the
Superintendent of Schools whether HIV/AIDS/ARC students shall be allowed to
attend school in an unrestricted setting, a restricted setting, or receive
special tutoring at home.
F. Changes in the student's condition such as open lesions shall be reported to
the evaluation team immediately for re-evaluation.
G. The local health department should be encouraged to provide a contact person
knowledgeable about HIV/AIDS/ARC who can answer questions which may arise.
STUDENT SAFETY
Each student, while participating in or observing any of the
following courses of instruction:
1. Vocational, technical, chemical, or chemical-physical, involving exposure to:
a. hot molten metals, or other molten materials;
b. milling, sawing, turning, shaping, cutting, grinding, or
stamping of any solid materials;
c. heat treatment, tempering, or kiln firing of any metal or
other materials;
d. gas or electric arc welding, or other forms of welding
processes; and/or
e. caustic or explosive materials; or
2. Chemical, physical, or combined chemical-physical laboratories
involving caustic or explosive materials, hot liquids or solids, injurious
radiations, or other hazards not enumerated; is required to wear an appropriate
industrial quality eye protective device at all times.
For purposes of this section, unless the context indicates otherwise
"industrial quality eye protective device" shall mean the standard of
the American National Standard Practice for Occupational and Educational eye and
Face Protection z87.1-1968, and the subsequent revisions thereof, approved by
the American National Standards Institute, Inc.
Such devices may, at the discretion of the individual school, be
a. furnished for all students and teachers;
b. purchased and sold at cost to students and teachers; and
c. made available for a moderate rental fee.
d. such devices shall be furnished to all visitors to such shops and
laboratories. 37-11-49
AUTOMOBILE
USE
Students may bring cars as long as they obey the following rules:
1. Must have a driver's license and liability insurance.
2. Must park at a designated place for vehicles.
3. Must not speed on school campus or violate any other safety rule.
4. Must not carry other students on outside of vehicle.
5. Students will not be permitted to return to their automobile until school is
dismissed without permission from the office.
6. Students will not be permitted to drive to the Alcorn Career and Technology
Center (ACTC) without
permission from the Career Center Director, High School Principal, and Parent.
7. Unlicensed vehicles such as ATV's shall not be brought to school.
8. Driving on school roads and parking on school property is a courtesy offered
to students and others by the school board.
9. The parking facilities located at the various school district buildings are
not public parking areas and are to be used for school purposes only.
School purposes include attendance at school, school activities, or other school
authorized activities which occur before or after the regular school day.
10. Violators may be charged with trespassing and/or vehicles towed at owner's
expense.
11. The administration, obtaining suggestions from the local police department,
shall establish rules and regulations to assure traffic safety. The
district shall not assume any responsibility for damage to vehicles.
12. Students shall not sit in or upon vehicles parked on the school campus.
13. Students shall be responsible for locking their vehicles upon arrival since
the school district shall assume no responsibility for a loss.
14. Failure to abide by vehicle regulations may result in the loss of the right
to bring a vehicle to school or other disciplinary action.
15. Student automobiles are subject to administrative searches.
Alcorn career and technology Center
(actc) Transportation
Alcorn Career and Technology Center students are to be transported to and from the
center during school hours by bus, parent/guardian, or approved adult, with the
following exceptions:
Temporary Driving Pass--Must be obtained in advance with required signatures.
Emergency Driving Pass--May be issued by the administrator if parent/guardian calls the school office providing valid reason and giving verbal permission. This will be limited to three (3) per semester at the discretion of the administrator.
Permanent Driving Pass--Director and school principal must agree that there is a valid need. Documentation must be complete with required information, signatures, and turned in to the office.
Students are NOT allowed to ride with other
students. Exception:
*Riding Pass--Limited and must be obtained in advance as described
above.
Driving or Riding Violations:
1st Offense--One day in-school suspension.
2nd Offense--Three days in-school suspension.
Driving with unapproved rider 1st offense--Two days in-school suspension.
Repeated offenses--Discretion of the administrator and may include loss of privileges.
SECRET SOCIETIES
It shall be unlawful for any pupil attending the public schools of
this state to become a member of or to belong to or participate in the
activities of any high school fraternity, sorority, or secret society as defined
in Section 37-11-37. Any student violating this policy shall be subject to
expulsion. LEGAL REF: Mississippi Code, Section 37-11-37 (1947): 37-11-39
(1942); 37-11-41 (1942); 37-11-43 (1942); and 37-11-45 (1942).
EDUCATION FOR HOMELESS CHILDREN AND YOUTH
The District complies with the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance
Act of 1990, as amended.
CURRICULUM
Ninth grade students who did not pass 8th grade math may be
enrolled in Pre-Algebra or Transition Algebra prior to enrolling in Algebra 1.
CLASSIFICATIONS
In order to graduate, a student must earn 22 Carnegie units.
They should have a minimum of 19 units to be a senior, 13 units to be a junior,
and 6 units to be a sophomore.
GRADUATION
REQUIREMENTS
Each student must earn 22 credits. For minimum requirements, see your
local guidance counselor. NOTE: The beginning 2005-2006 SY freshman
class must earn 25 credits.
For requirements for college bound students
entering one of the eight major universities as a freshman, see your local
guidance counselor for any questions concerning entrance requirements.
SUBJECT AREA GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
Beginning in school year 2001-2002, all SATP tests count
for graduation.
Entering 9th graders:
2002-2003 SY U.S. History form 1877, English II, Biology I, and Algebra I (This group of student must pass all four area tests even if they take the course(s) prior to their ninth grade year).
Subsequent 9th
graders and beyond will have the same requirements as the 2002-2003 beginning
9th graders.
A passing score is required on all Subject Area Tests. The 2005-2006 assessment dates,
see school calendar.
BENCHMARKS FOR GRADES 3 AND 7
Students in grades 3 and 7 will be expected to meet
benchmarks for those grades based on the Mississippi Curriculum Test given each
May. Since score reports arrive in the district mid-July, students will
move on to grades 4 and 8 (unless they are retained for other reasons.) Students
who did not meet the benchmarks will be identified and will receive remediation
during the first part of the school year. These students will be retested in
January. If they reach the benchmarks, they are eligible to move on to grades 5
and 9, unless they are retained based on the district promotion/retention
policy. Students who do not pass are referred to an External School Review Team.
The team, using criteria set forth by the Mississippi Department of Education,
will recommend retention or promotion to the school district.
PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES
Parent and teacher conferences are encouraged. However, it is
necessary that all conferences be scheduled in advance. The parent should
contact the teacher for an appropriate time for both parties.
All parents
are encouraged to participate in the local parent/teacher organization.
SPECIAL EDUCATION/PROGRAMS FOR THE DISABLED/HANDICAPPED
STUDENTS
Students with disabilities requiring special education instructional
services who wish to receive a standard high school diploma must meet all criteria outlined in the Subject Area Graduation Requirements section. Appropriate
accommodations will be made in testing procedures for
students with disabilities.
POLICIES RELATED TO THE EDUCATION OF
STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
Service Goal Policy
The Alcorn School District is committed to serving students with
disabilities. The district hereby sets a goal of providing educational
opportunities to identified eligible students with disabilities under the age of
twenty-one (21).
Child Find Policy:
Each year, the school district will have an awareness campaign aimed at
finding unserved eligible children with disabilities age birth through
21. When a child who is suspected of having a disability is
identified by an assessment team and confirmed by a screening team, the child
will either be placed in an appropriate class or placed on a waiting list with
plans being made for the provision of appropriate public education to him/her in
accordance with applicable state and federal laws and court decisions.
Individualized Educational Program (IEP):
The district will develop or revise, whichever is appropriate, and implement
an Individualized Educational Program for each eligible student with a
disability. The program will be reviewed periodically but not less than
annually.
Due Process:
The district will insure that eligible students with disabilities and their
parents are guaranteed due process with respect to the provision of a free
appropriate public education.
Least Restrictive Environment:
The district will, to the maximum extent appropriate, educate eligible
students with disabilities with students having no disability in their
group. The removal of the students with disabilities from the regular
educational will occur only when the nature of severity of the disability is
such that education in regular classes with supplementary aids and services
cannot be achieved satisfactorily. A continuum of alternative placements
based on individual students' IEP will be provided to eligible students with
disabilities in the district. Placement of the students will be determined
at least on an annual basis and will be as close to the student's home as
possible. In selecting the least restrictive environment for each student,
consideration is given to any potentially harmful effect on the student or the
quality of services needed. If a student with disability can function
socially, emotionally, and mentally with students with no disability of a
similar chronological age, he/she will be given that opportunity in account with
his/her IEP. Opportunities for participation to the maximum extent
appropriate in a variety of non-academic and extracurricular services will be
available to children with disabilities.
Protection in Evaluation
Evaluation materials and placement procedures used by the district will be,
to the maximum extent possible, selected and administered so as not to be
racially or culturally discriminatory such that no student will be
misclassified, misplaced, or unnecessarily labeled as having a disability
because of the inappropriate selection, administration, or interpretation of the
materials procedures.
Confidentiality
The district will protect the confidentiality of all the data in its records
relative to students with disabilities.
Special Education Students:
Special Education students shall be disciplined as per Special Education
Handbook and said handbook is incorporated herein.
LEGAL REF.: Mississippi Code, Section 37-13-92 (2) through (5), (1991).
SPECIAL EDUCATION GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
Elementary School and High School
All students who attend special classes will receive grades
based on the Alcorn School District grading system.
If a student attends a
regular classroom, the regular classroom teacher will assign the letter grade
for that class. If the student attends a resource room, the resource
teacher will assign the grade for that class time. Resource grades
will be designated on report cards by special subject area. Regular
classroom grades will be designated on report cards by subject area. All
students who attend special classes will receive special grades for that class
except in the case of tutoring. Regular grades will be given by the regular
classroom teacher when tutoring occurs.
Recommended Graduation and Certification Procedure
Students with disabilities will be given an option of working toward a
regular high school diploma, Mississippi occupational diploma, or a special
certificate prior to entering ninth grade. A Mississippi certificate or
occupational diploma will be presented without special mention in regular
graduation exercises. This will be explained to the student and parent
upon entrance into the program. This decision will be documented on the
Individualized Education Plan (IEP).
Diploma route students must meet all graduation requirements.
Beginning with the ninth grade class the 2005-2006 SY, 25 credits are required.
The regular classroom teacher will grade units from the regular high school
curriculum. The students must pass regular classroom work in order to
receive credit for regular curriculum courses. Parents are given the
option to meet the school personnel to review and revise this agreement (IEP) at
any time.
Students entering the ninth grade the 2005-2006 School Year
pursuing the Mississippi Occupational Diploma must complete 25 course credits,
career/technical requirements, and an approved portfolio containing a collection
of evidence of the students' knowledge, skills and abilities related to the
occupational core curriculum. Attendance laws and policies apply to
students receiving an occupational diploma. (School Board Policy IDDF:
Special Education Programs adopted 6-28-05)
Students entering the ninth grade the 2005-2006 School Year
in the certificate rout must complete a program comprised of 25 units of
curriculum courses as indicated by their IEP. Students who choose the
special certificate must attend school a minimum of 12 years beginning with the
first grade. Certificate students may be exempted form attending high
school four years as long as the credit requirements have been met, they have
successfully completed their IEP, and the student is age appropriate.
These exemption decisions will be made on a case by case basis on the district
level. Attendance laws and policies apply to certificate students.
Students receiving a special certificate will complete coursework through the
general curriculum as determined appropriate by the Individualized Education
Plan (IEP) Committee.
Special Curriculum:
Employment English
Job Skills Math
Life Skills Science
Career Preparation (Social Studies)
Career/Technical Education
Reading
Age Consideration:
A student must be at least 17 but not more than 21 years of age prior to
the date of graduation.
General Consideration:
All students graduating from special programs will have the same rights and
privileges as other graduating seniors.
LIBRARY POLICY
Take care of all materials. They belong to everyone.
Return all materials to their proper place.
The media center is a place for reading, learning, and exploring library materials. It is not a place for socializing.
Check out all materials before leaving the media center.
Failure to follow this policy will result in disciplinary action to be determined by administration and librarians.
FIELD TRIPS
Field trips will be planned and supervised by the sponsor of
the activity. It must be of an educational nature and approved by the
office.
HIGH SCHOOL ELIGIBILITY FOR
ATHLETICS
Students will not be permitted to participate in interschool
contest for more than four (4) years after entrance into the ninth grade. He/she
will not be permitted to participate in interschool contests if he/she has
reached the age of 19 prior to September 1.
To be eligible for participation, a student must meet the following
minimum scholastic requirements at the end of a semester and at the end of the
year if the pupil is to be eligible for the next year: to be eligible a student
shall at the end of each semester be able to demonstrate normal progress toward
earning of 22 Carnegie units of credit required for graduation. To be
eligible for athletics and activities, beginning with the freshman class of
2005-2006, students must pass five credits toward graduation with one year of
six credits. The 5 units will be averaged as a whole, and the overall
average must be 75 or higher in order to maintain eligibility. This will
be done on a yearly basis. A student who fails to meet the requirements at
the end of the first semester would be placed on warning for the following
semester. A student athlete may become eligible only once during his/her
high school career if he/she fails the last semester of the previous year, by
passing 5 units with a 75 average the first semester of the following year.
All athletics or cheerleaders must show proof of a physical exam at
his/her own expense before participation in any sport. He/she is directly
responsible for the requirements of this examination.
The District shall comply with all rules and regulations of the
Mississippi High School Activities Association. (REF: MHSAA New Academic
Requirements for Participation in Extra-Curricular Activities.)
JUNIOR HIGH ELIGIBILITY FOR ATHLETICS
No student will be permitted to participate in interschool contests
if he/she has reached the following age prior to August
1.
7th Grade--Age
14 8th Grade--Age 15
9th Grade--Age 16
To be eligible to participate in interschool junior high/middle
activities, a contestant must:
1. Must pass their grade level by achieving at least an
average of 75 in four
basic courses* the previous year in order to be eligible to participate during
the present year.
2. To be eligible for participation, he/she must be promoted.
3. A student who fails to meet the requirements at the end of the first semester
would be placed on warning for the following semester. Participation may
continue during the warning semester (the second semester). If by the end of the
warning semester, requirements have not been met, the student would be
ineligible. A pupil who is not eligible at the beginning of the school year may
become eligible the second semester only once during the student's junior high
school career by passing four basic courses with a 75 in
each course.
All athletes or cheerleaders must show proof of a physical
exam at his/her own expense before participation in any sport. He/she is
directly responsible for the requirements of this examination.
The District shall comply with all rules and regulations of
the Mississippi High School Activities Association. (REF: MHSAA New
Academic Requirements for Participation in Extra-Curricula Activities.)
*Basic Courses - Any subject that the student meets five days a week.
JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL PUPILS PLAYING ON HIGH SCHOOL TEAMS
If seventh, eighth, and ninth grade pupils are permitted to play on a
high school team, they must meet the same eligibility rules as high school
pupils. If these pupils are allowed to play on a high school team in any sport,
they shall not be allowed to participate on a junior high school in the same
sport at the same time or at a later date. An athlete or cheerleader must have
school insurance or a statement from parents that he/she has adequate coverage.
Physical examination requirements apply to junior high athletes and cheerleaders
as stated above in high school requirements.
GRADING SYSTEM
A = 95-100 B =
85-94 C = 75-84 D =
70-74 F = Below 70
Report Cards will be sent out on Thursday following the end of each
six-week term.
This report (elementary only) should be signed by parents
or guardians and sent back the following day, no later than the following
Monday. If the report card is lost, the student will be charged fifty
cents ($.50) for replacement.
NATURAL DISASTER
A copy of the natural disaster plan will be posted on each board and
each student will be aware of the total plan. For the safety of all students, it
is strongly encouraged by the School Administration that no check-out of
students be made during natural disaster warnings.
FIRE DRILL
In order to inform the faculty and the student body of safety
precautions during a fire drill, it is necessary to set up definite signals and
rules of conduct to observe fire drills.
The signal for the fire drill or for a real fire will be three taps of
the bell to warn the occupants to leave the building.
In the event of
power failure, the same signal will be given with a whistle.
At signal, all pupils will form a single line and march in an orderly
fashion, without talking, to the assigned place.
A copy of the fire drill will
be posted throughout the building.
INSURANCE
Students participating in athletics or cheerleading or enrolling in shop or
lab (chemistry lab) classes must have school insurance or must have a written
statement from the parents stating that they have sufficient coverage.
HEAD LICE IN SCHOOLS
Head lice constitutes a health hazard for all who may come in contact
with an infested student. On December 10, 2001, the Alcorn Board of Education
reaffirmed a "no nit" policy meaning a student will not be allowed to
return to school until nits are removed from the hair.
The infested student's parents/guardians shall be notified, and
the student sent home immediately with a form explaining recommended treatment.
Students who are sent home with head lice must be examined for the presence of
nits and present proof of treatment (i.e., box top from medication or empty
bottle of the treatment used with note stating the name of the product used and
the date the parent/guardian used it, or note from a physician or registered
nurse) to the school before the student will be readmitted to school. A
second treatment 7 to 10 days after the first treatment is required and
absolutely essential. The parent/guardian must provide proof that the
student has received the second treatment. Re-examination shall
occur in 10 days.
Upon the third incidence of head lice or the third contact the school has
had with an infected student's parents/guardians within a school year, the infected
student will not be allowed to attend school until proof of treatment is
obtained from the County Health Department. The County Health Department shall
instruct the student's parents or guardians on how to treat head lice, eliminate
the recurrence of head lice. The
County Health Department shall charge the student's parents/guardians a fee
to cover its costs of providing treatment and counseling for the head
lice. REFERENCE: School Board Policy JGCC.
BALLOONS, FLOWERS, ETC., DELIVERY POLICY
The delivery of balloons, flowers, etc., to students and faculty
causes disruption of the school day and loss of instructional time in the
classroom. The Alcorn Board of Education established as policy on March 4, 1991,
that no deliveries of balloons, flowers, etc., to students or faculty at school
would be permitted. Reasons for this action may be summarized as follows:
(1) Balloons may cause a safety problem on the school bus thus prohibiting
the bus driver from monitoring students' conduct and could possibly distract the
driver's attention.
(2) Glass jars and vases constitute a safety hazard at school and on the
bus.
(3) Pins and other sharp objects used in floral arrangements may
constitute a safety hazard.
(4) Loss of instructional time in the classroom.
DUTIES OF PARENTS, GUARDIANS, AND CUSTODIANS
(A) A parent, guardian, or custodian of a compulsory-school-age child
enrolled in a public school distract shall be responsible financially for his or
her minor child's destructive acts against school property or persons;
(B) A parent, guardian, or custodian of a compulsory-school-age child enrolled
in a public school district may be requested to appear at school by an
appropriate school official for a conference regarding acts of the child
specified in paragraph (a) of this subsection, or for any other discipline
conference regarding the acts of the child;
(C) Any parent, guardian, or custodian of a compulsory-school-age child enrolled
in a school district who refuses or willfully fails to attend such discipline
conference specified in paragraph (b) of this section may be summoned by proper
notification by the superintendent of schools and be required to attend such
discipline conference; and
(D) A parent, guardian, or custodian of a compulsory-school-age child enrolled
in a public school district shall be responsible for any criminal fines brought
against such student for unlawful activity as defined in Section 37-11-29
occurring on school grounds.
Any parent, guardian, or custodian of a compulsory-school-age child
who (a) fails to attend a discipline conference to which such parent, guardian,
or custodian has been summoned under the provisions of this section of (b)
refuses or willfully fails to perform any other duties imposed upon him or her
under the provisions of this section, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon
conviction, shall be fined not to exceed Two Hundred Fifty Dollars ($250.00).
Any public school district shall be entitled to recover
damages in an amount not to exceed Twenty Thousand Dollars ($20,000.00), plus
necessary court costs, from the parents of any minor under the age of eighteen
(18) years and over the age of six (6), who maliciously and willfully damages or
destroys property belonging to such school district. However, this section shall
not apply to parents whose parental control of such child have been removed by
court order or decree. The action authorized in this section shall be in
addition to all other actions which the school district is entitled to maintain
and nothing in this section shall preclude recovery in a greater amount from the
minor or from a person, including the parent, for damages to which such minor or
other person would otherwise be liable. 37-11-53
APPENDIX A
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS--STANDARD
20
SENIORS OF SCHOOL YEAR 2004-2005, 2005-2006, 2006-2007, and
2007-2008
(Entering ninth graders in 2001-2002, 2002-2003, 2003-2004, and 2004-2005)
|
CURRICULUM AREA |
CARNEGIE UNITS |
REQUIRED SUBJECTS |
| ENGLISH | 4(1) | |
| MATHEMATICS | 3(2) | Algebra 1 Geometry |
| SCIENCE | 3(3) | Biology 1 |
| SOCIAL STUDIES | 3 | 1 World History 1 U.S. History 1/2 U.S. Government 1/2 Mississippi Studies(4) |
| HEALTH | 1/2 | Comprehensive Health or Family and Individual Health |
| BUSINESS AND TECHNOLOGY | 1(5) | 1/2 Keyboarding 1/2 Computer Applications |
| THE ARTS | 1 | |
| ELECTIVES | 4 1/2(6) | |
| TOTAL UNITS REQUIRED | 20** |
**The Alcorn School District requires a minimum of 22 units.
(1)Compensatory Reading and Compensatory Writing courses may not
be included in the four English courses required for graduation; however, these
courses ay be included in the 41/2 general electives required for graduation.
(2)Compensatory Mathematics and any developmental mathematics course may not be
included in the three mathematic courses required for graduation; however, these
course may be included in the 41/2 general electives required for graduation.
At least on the three required mathematics courses must be higher than Algebra
I. The allowable mathematics courses that can e taken which are higher
than Algebra I are: Geometry, Algebra II, Advanced Algebra, Trigonometry,
Pre-Calculus, Calculus, AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, Discrete Mathematics,
Probability and Statistics, and AP Statistics.
(3)One unit may be in Technology Applications or Introduction to Agriscience or
Agriscience I or Concepts of Agriscience or Allied Health or Aquaculture.
(4)The credit earned for a State/Local Government course in any other sate by an
out-of state transfer student who enters after the sophomore year can stand in
lieu of Mississii8pi Studies or Mississippi State and Local Government.
(5)One unit in Computer Discovery is accepted in lieu of the two 1/2 unit
courses. Evidence of proficiency in Keyboarding and Computer Applications
is accepted in lieu of the required course in the student earns one unit in any
of the courses listed in the Business and Technology Framework (academic
and vocational)
(6)Elective units in physical education include participation in interscholastic
athletic activities that meet the instructional requirements specified in the
Fitness through Physical Education Framework and that are sanctioned by the
Mississippi High School Activities Association.
SENIORS OF SCHOOL YEAR 2008-2009 AND
LATER
(Entering ninth graders in 2005-2006 and thereafter)
|
CURRICULUM |
CARNEGIE UNITS | REQUIRED SUBJECTS |
| ENGLISH | 4(1) | |
| MATHEMATICS | 4(2) | ALGEBRA I |
| SCIENCE | 3(3) | BIOLOGY I |
| SOCIAL STUDIES | 3 | 1 WORLD HISTORY 1 U.S. HISTORY 1/2 U.S. GOVERNMENT 1/2 MISSISSIPPI STUDIES (4) 1/2 ECONOMICS*** |
| HEALTH | 1/2 | COMPREHENSIVE HEALTH OR FAMILY AND INDIVIDUAL HEALTH |
| BUSINESS AND TECHNOLOGY | 1(5) | 1/2 KEYBOARDING 1/2 COMPUTER APPLICATIONS |
| THE ARTS | 1 | |
| ELECTIVES | 4 1/2(6) | |
| TOTAL UNITS REQUIRED | 21** |
**The Alcorn School District requires a minimum of 25 units.
***Entering ninth graders for the 2005-2006 SY and thereafter are required to
pass Economics to meet graduation requirements.
(1)Compensatory Reading and Compensatory Writing courses may not
be included in the four English courses required for graduation; however, these
courses ay be included in the 41/2 general electives required for graduation.
(2)Compensatory Mathematics and any developmental mathematics course may not be
included in the three mathematic courses required for graduation; however, these
course may be included in the 41/2 general electives required for graduation.
At least on the three required mathematics courses must be higher than Algebra
I. The allowable mathematics courses that can e taken which are higher
than Algebra I are: Geometry, Algebra II, Advanced Algebra, Trigonometry,
Pre-Calculus, Calculus, AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, Discrete Mathematics,
Probability and Statistics, and AP Statistics.
(3)One unit may be in Technology Applications or Introduction to Agriscience or
Agriscience I or Concepts of Agriscience or Allied Health or Aquaculture.
(4)The credit earned for a State/Local Government course in any other sate by an
out-of state transfer student who enters after the sophomore year can stand in
lieu of Mississii8pi Studies or Mississippi State and Local Government.
(5)One unit in Computer Discovery is accepted in lieu of the two 1/2 unit
courses. Evidence of proficiency in Keyboarding and Computer Applications
is accepted in lieu of the required course in the student earns one unit in any
of the courses listed in the Business and Technology Framework (academic
and vocational)
(6)Elective units in physical education include participation in interscholastic
athletic activities that meet the instructional requirements specified in the
Fitness through Physical Education Framework and that are sanctioned by the
Mississippi High School Activities Association.
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