Junior High School, Parent-Student Handbook

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1989-1990 JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL PARENT-STUDENT HANDBOOK NORTH LI'rl'LE ROCK SCHOOL DISTRICT NORTH LITILE ROCK, ARKANSAS NORTH LITTLE ROCK SCHOOL DISTRICT Parent-Student Statement of Responsibility Student Name Date The statement below must be signed and returned to the homeroom teacher within one (1) week after the student receives the handbook. We have read the North Little Rock Parent-Student Handbook. We understand the District's discipline policies and realize that the student must adhere to these and to the other policies, rules and procedures contained in the Handbook. In the event that we are not entirely certain of some aspect of school policy, we will contact the principal for clarification. Student Signature Parent/Guardian Signature Date State law (80-1629.6-~1629.8) requires documentation of student and parent receipt of student discipline policies. This document will become part of the student's file. (over) Emergency Procedure Information Date ____ Student's Name _______________ _ Date of Birth Address _______________ Home Phone ____ _ In case of emergency, illness or accident to the student named above, the school is authorized to proceed as indicated. Number below in order of desired action. __ Contact parent at number listed above. __ Contact father at Business Name Phone __ Contact mother at ___________________ _ Business Name Phone __ Contact other ____________________ _ Name Phone Physician's Name _______________ Phone ____ _ Ho pital Preference ____________________ _ Signature of Parents or Guardians: Mother's Signature Father's ignature tudent' Signature It "'ry important that this be returned to the school office as soon as po ible. JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL PARENT-STUDENT HANDBOOK NORTH LITTLE ROCK SCHOOL DISTRICT James R. Smith Superintendent 1989-1990 ifllil~ ~@I&ifllil !Lilifif!L~ I&@~([ ~@IID!Lil~ ~~llil@@!L~ ADMINISTRATIVEO FFICES 2700 POPLARS TREET Dear Students and Parents, The North Little Rock School District is recognized as a quality educational institution. Sound academic programs, great variety of offerings, special programs to meet student needs and strong school spirit have led to educational excellence in our schools. Excellence has been maintained through the outstanding support and cooperation of the students and patrons of our school district. I thank you for that support and cooperation and look forward to a continued good working relationship. This handbook has been provided so that you will better understand the purposes, policies, and regulations of the North Little Rock School District. It is important that you familiarize yourself with the total contents and that the handbook be retained for reference from time to time. If you have questions regarding infonnation included in the handbook or any other matter, please contact the principal's office. We welcome suggestions that will help make the North Little Rock Schools even better. I hope that this school year is a happy and productive one for you. Sincerely, '&~~ James Smith Superintendent of Schools bja PO BOX 687, NORTH LITTLE ROCK, AR 72115/0687 501/758-1760 ASSURANCE OF COMPLIANCE WITH CIVIL RIGHTS RESPONSIBILITIES The undersigned superintendent for the North Little Rock School District in Pulaski County, assures the Director, General Division, Arkdnsas Department of Education, that all Schools within the District are in compliance with the following Civil Rights Reguldtions as stated: ********* Title VI, Section 601, of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 No person in the United States shall, on the grounds of race, color, or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under dDY program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance. Title IX, Section 901, of the Education Amendment of 1972 No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 No otherwise qualified handicdpped individual in the United States ... shall, solely by redson of handicap, be excluded from the participation in, be denied the benefit of, or be subject to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance. This is to certify that the District's Civil Rights Coordinator is: Name: Bobby Acklin Telephone: Address: 270Q Poplar Street (P. O. Box 687) North Little Rock, AR 72115 758-1760 Date 1 COMPLAINTS AND PROBLEM SOLVING A good communication link between the school and the home is necessary if students are to receive the maximum benefits from the educational opportunities available to them in the schools of North Little Rock. Good communication results from open, frequent and objective dialogue among students, teachers, parents and school administrators. Most school problems are the result of poor communication among the parties involved. Proper communication, therefore, usually solves most, if not all, problems that are related to the school. In order to ensure that problems are discussed and solved as quickly and fairly as possible, the following procedure is to be employed in the North Little Rock School District. If a parent becomes concerned about a problem at the classroom level, the parent should make an appointment with the teacher and thoroughly discuss the matter. Most problems are solved at this level. Should the problem not be solved through discussions with the teacher, or if the problem is not related to classroom activities, the parent should contact the principal for further attempts to find a workable solution. If the parent is not satisfied with solutions offered at the building level, the matter may be appealed to the appropriate educational director or assistant superintendent at the District Administrative Office. The phone number is 758-l 7flJ. After other appeals have been exhausted, the parent may appeal to the Superintendent of Schools. The Superintendent may uphold, overturn or modify decisions made by other District administrators. An appeal of a decision by the Superintendent may be heard only by the School Board while an official meeting of the Board is being held. North Little Rock School District 1989-90 Calendar s M I w I E s s M I w I E s August January 1 2 3 4 5 H 2 3 4 5 6 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Aua. 18, 22, 23, 2~ 7 8 9 10 11.121 13 13 14 15 16 17 SD 19 staff development 14 W [16 17 18 19 20 20 W SD SD SD W 26 Aua. 21, 25, teacher vorlt day 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 27 [28 29 30 31 Au1. 28, first school day 28 29 30 31 September Sept. ~, Labor Day February 1 2 1 2 3 3 H 5 6 7 8 9 Oct. 12-13, AEA Metting 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 Nov. 6-10, dismiss early for parent conferences 18 SD 20 21 22 23 24 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 Nov. 23, Thanltsaiving Day 25 26 27 28 October Dec. 21-Jan 1 March 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Winter Holidays 1 2 3 8 9 10 11 H H 14 Jan. 1, Nev Year's Day 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 Jan. 15, teacher work day 11 12 13 14 15 16) 17 22 23 24 25 26 27] 28 18 [19 20 21 22 23 24 29 [30 31 Feb. 19, staff development 25 28 'Zl 28 29 30 31 (no school) November March 26-30, dismiss early April 1 2 3 4 for parent conferences 1 SBSB SB SB SB 7 5 e 7 8 9 10 11 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 April 2-6, Spring Break 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 19 20 21 22 H H 25 April 15, Easter 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 26 27 28 29 30 May 28, Memorial Day 29 30 December June l, Teacher vork day May 1 2 1 2 3 4 5 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 17 18 19 20 H H 23 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 24 H H H H H 30 27 H 29 30 31] 31 June KEY w 2 w TeacherWori<day, Student Holiday 3 4 5 6* r a 9 SD Staff Development Day, Student Ho&day 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 H Ho0day for Students and Staff 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 [ Begin Nine Weeks Period 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 ] End Nine Weeks Period SB Spring Break *Days to be used as make-up days in case of inclement weather Table of Contents Absences and EKcuses ........ . Academic Skills Development Plan Conferences Activities ............ . Arrival Time at School .... . Arkansas School Laws Governing School Attendance North Little Rock School Board Policy Pertaining to School Attendance Behavior at School Activities Bus Conduct ..... . Care of School Property .. Change of Address ..... Communicable Disease Conduct To and From School ..... Contact With Students While at School Corporal Punishment ........ . Demonstrations and Disorderly Activities De tent ion . . . . . . . . . . . . . Discipline for Handicapped Students Distribution of Literature Drugs and Alcohol ....... . Electronic Communication Devices Emergency Phone Numbers. Entrance Requirements .. Expulsion ....... . Field Trips ...... . Gifted/Talented Education Graduation Requirements Guidance Services . Handguns ...... . Health Services ... . Homebound Services Homework/Independent Study Skills Honors Classes ..... . Honor Roll .......... . Injuries/Illnesses at School Leaving School During School Day Lockers . . . . . . . . . . . . Lost and Found . . . . . Magnet Schools ..... How to Apply for Magnet School Enrollment M - to - M Transfers . . . . . .. How to Apply for M - to - M Transfer Make Up Work .......... . Medication ........... . Notes from Parents Regarding Absences Parent-Teacher Association Physical Education Promotion/Retention .... Public Display of Affection Religion in Schools .... Reporting Student Progress Safety Regulations--Bicycles/Motorcycles/Other Vehicles Schedules ........ . School Closing In Inclement Weather School Lunch ...... . School Supplies ........ Search, Seizure and Interrogation. Special Education ........ . Student Assignments ....... . Student Behavior--Prohibited Conduct Student Dress and Grooming Student Insurance . Student Records .. Student Suspension Summer School . Tardies .... Telephones Testing Program Textbooks . Tobacco and Tobacco Products Transfers . Visitors Weapons and Dangerous Instruments Yearbook 1 1 l 2 2 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 5 6 6 7 7 B B 8 8 9 9 9 10 10 11 11 11 11 11 12 12 12 12 12 13 13 13 13 13 14 14 14 15 15 15 16 16 16 16 16 17 17 18 18 19 19 20 20 20 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 I I Absences and Excuses The Board believes the fundamental right to attend public schools places upon students the accompanying responsibility to be regular in attendance. Regular attendance can be assumed to be essential for a student's successful progress in the instructional program. In accordance with Board policy, only the following absences shall be considered excused absences, provided that in such instance parental confirmation has been received of the reason for the absence: 1. Illness 2. The existence of a family emergency or other family situations which have received prior approval by the principal 3. When the student is on official school business. When a student returns to school after being absent, he/she shall bring a written statement from the parents with an explanation of the reason for the absence and the date of the absence. Students having unexcused tardies or absences shall be disciplined accordingly. No make up work shall be allowed if the absence is unexcused. A student who accrues 12 excused and unexcused absences in a course during a semester shall not receive credit for that course. Exceptions may be granted by the principal after consultation with teachers, counselors and others who have knowledge of the circumstances. Except in the cases of illness or other excusable reason, students are expected to attend every day in which school is in session. The Board does not recognize "skip days" or other similar days when students willfully miss school. Such absences shall be unexcused and no make up work shall be allowed. Because a student is required to be in attendance, days of suspension to the Student Assignment Class are not counted as days of absence. A student who is exempted from compulsory school attendance will not be permitted to enroll after the 12th day of the first semester or after the 12th day of the second semester unless the principal determines that extenuating circumstances exist. Students who are absent during all or part of a school day shall not participate in any school activity on that day or night unless permission is granted through the principal's office. Academic Skills Development Plan Conferences Act 474 of the Arkansas General Assembly requires conferences to be organized and held by the public schools with the parents, guardians or persons in loco parentis of students in grades three, six and eight who failed to master the state's minimum performance test. The school district shall evaluate students and develop academic skills development plans to assist students in achieving mastery of the basic skills in subject areas where performance is below mastery. The conferences will be held by the end of October each school year to review the academic skills development plans. Activities Eligibility to participate in athletic activities is governed by the Arkansas Activities Association, including the requirement that a student passes four academic subjects from the preceding semester. Additional information regarding athletics may be obtained from the school office. Eligibility to be a cheerleader or a drill team member is determined by the same standards as athletic participation. Clubs and organizations related to special interests or subject areas do not have min- imum grade requirements except those clubs and organizations that are governed by charters from parent organizations. All clubs and student organizations shall operate under the direction of the principal and shall be under the supervision of a staff member appointed or approved by the principal. Membership to student organizations and clubs shall not be restricted on the basis of race, sex, national origin or other arbitrary criteria. Entry shall not be by decision of the current membership of the organization. Arrival Time at School Ideally, students should not arrive at school more than 10 minutes before school opens (or before bus departure time) except to participate in scheduled activities. The District recognizes that this ideal cannot always be realized because of family schedules
however, because children must have the security of supervision, absolute limits must exist as to when the school will assume responsibility. The North .Little Rock School District assumes this responsibility up to 30 minutes before school hours for students who do not ride a bus to another school and up to 15 minutes for those who do. Parents must make other arrangements outside these limitations. Arkansas School Laws Governing School Attendance Arkansas school laws pertaining to school attendance are found in the following acts: (Act 60-1983, Act 1069-1985 and Act 466 of 1987): SECTION 1. The public schools of any school district in this State shall be open and free through completion of the secondary program to all persons between the ages of five (5) and twenty-one (21) years whose parents or legal guardians are domiciled in the district and to all persons between those ages who have been legally transferred to the district for education purposes. Any person eighteen (18) years of age or older may establish a domicile separate and apart from his or her parents or guardians for school attendance purposes. In order for a person under the age of eighteen (18) years to establish a residence for the purpose of attending District schools separate and apart from his parents, guardians or other person(s) having lawful control of him under an order of a court, he or she must actually reside in the District for a primary purpose other than that of school attendance. SECTION 2. The minimum age for enrollment in public school kindergarten shall be age five (5) on or before October 1 of the year of initial enrollment. Provided, any student who has been enrolled in a kindergarten program in another state for a period of not less than sixty (60) days, who will become five (5) during the school year in which he is enrolled in kindergarten and whose parents or guardians establish domicile in a public school district in the State of Arkansas may be enrolled in kindergarten upon the written request of the student's parent or guardian. SECTION 3. (a) Every parent, guardian or other person residing within the State of Arkansas having custody or charge of any child or children of age seven (7) through sixteen (16), both inclusive, shall send such child or children to a public, private or parochial school under such penalty for noncompliance as shall be set by law. Provided, however, this Section shall not be applicable to any child who has received a high school diploma or its equivalent as determined by the State Board of Education. (b) The State Board of Education shall adopt rules and regulations for the imple- 2 mentation of this Act, which shall provide that any parent or guardian of a child aged five (5) on or before October 1 of any school year shall have the option not to enroll such child in kindergarten in that year. Any six year old child who has not completed a kindergarten program prior to initial enrollment in a public school district shall be evaluated by the district and placed in the first grade if the evaluation results indicate that the child is ready for enrollment at the first grade level. If the evaluation results indicate that the child is not ready for enrollment at the first grade level, the child shall be enrolled in the district's kindergarten program. (Act 60-1983) SECTION 4. The Board of Directors of each school district in the State shall adopt student attendance policies. Each school district shall, as a part of its six-year educational plan, develop strategies for promoting maximum student attendance, including, but not limited to, the use of alternative classrooms and in-school suspensions in lieu of suspension from school. A student attendance policy may include excessive unexcused absences as a mandatory basis for denial of promotion or graduation. (Act 1069-1985) North Little Rock School Board Policy Pertaining to School Attendance Every child who resides within the North Little Rock School District who is at least seven (7) years of age and not more than seventeen (17) years of age, and who is not legally exempt from this requirement, shall attend public school in the District or in some other public school district to which the student may legally be transferred. The following are exempt from the compulsory attendance law: l. One who attends a recognized private, parochial or home school, 2. One who, because of a physical or mental handicapping condition, attends a special school, 3. One who has been suspended or expelled in accordance with the requirements of law, and 4. One who has graduated from high school. Truancy is the unlawful absence from school. Arkansas law holds parents or guardians legally responsible for insuring that children who are subject to the compulsory attendance law do attend school on a regular basis. The Board expects school administrators to seek strict enforcement of laws relating to school attendance. Principals shall see that charges are filed against parents or guardians when attendance laws are broken. Prior to the filing of charges, parents shall be warned in writing that such charges will be filed if their child's attendance does not comport with the Jaw. Behavior at School Activities Students attending chool sponsored activities, on-campus or off-campus, shall be governed by school district rules and regulations and will be subject to the authority of school district per onnel. Failure to obey rule and regulations and/or failure to obey reasonable instructions of school personnel may result in loss of eligibility to attend school sponsored events. Failure to comply with District rules and regulations may also result in disciplinary action applicable under the regular chool program. Bus Conduct Since the school bus is an extension of the classroom, tudents shall be required to conduct themselves on the bus in a manner consistent with established standards for classroom behavior. 3 When a student does not conduct himself /herself properly on a bus, such instances shall be brought to the attention of the building principal by the bus driver. The building principal shall inform the parents immediately of the misconduct and seek their cooperation in controlling the student's behavior. The principal shall discipline guilty students as deemed appropriate. A student who becomes a serious disciplinary problem on the school bus may have transportation privileges suspended or terminated. In such cases, the parents of the students involved shall become responsible for seeing that their children get to and from school. Care of School Property Deliberate destruction or damage to school property will result in payment for loss, as well as other disciplinary action which may include police involvement. Careless destruction or damage may result in a requirement to pay damages. Change of Address It is the parent's responsibility to keep addresses current in the school office. Communicable Disease The Board of Directors hereby authorizes the Superintendent to make determinations on the exclusion of a student/individual suffering from a reportable disease, as defined by the Arkansas Department of Health, on a temporary basis not to exceed ten ( 10) school days. An exclusion longer than ten (10) days shall be brought before the Board of Directors immediately for a determination on the individual's status. Before any official action is taken by the Board for an exclusion longer then ten (I 0) days, the individual shall be provided an opportunity for a hearing before the Board of Directors upon appropriate notice. Students/individuals excluded for reason of infectious/communicable disease shall be readmitted by one or more of the following methods as determined by the State Department of Health: I. By permit for readmission issued by the State Department of Health. 2. After a period of time corresponding to the duration of the communicability of the disease as established by the State Department of Health. 3. By application to the School Health Advisory Committee and upon the recommendation of the School Health Advisory Committee. Conduct To and From School School officials may take disciplinary action against any student who does not exhibit proper personal conduct while traveling to and from school Contact With Students While at School In case of question about the legal custody of a student, the principal shall require the necessary documentation in order to make a valid determination of who has custody and what, if any, limitations are imposed. In cases of estrangement where legal custody has been afforded a parent, or where other legal restrictions have been decided, it shall be the responsibility of the custodial parent to make such information known to the principal. Estranged parents may visit with students during school hours with consent of the parent holding legal custody. Without such consent, visits shall be in the presence of the principal. If the police, SCAN, or family service agencies wish to contact students for the purpose of obtaining information, the principal shall cooperate. If removal from school is requested, the principal shall inform the parent or legal guardian prior to any release of 4 .. custody of the student. If the principal is presented a subpoena by a police officer, he/she must release the student with or without communication with the parent or legal guardian. Corporal Punishment Reasonable corporal punishment may be used as a means of preserving an effective learning environment. When used, corporal punishment shall be moderate and shall be used solely for the purpose of changing student behavior. Corporal punishment shall be administered in the District in accordance with the following guidelines: l. Students shall not be paddled in the presence of other students. 2. Paddling may be done by a building administrator. At least one other certified staff member must be present when corporal punishment is administered. All paddling must be administered in the administrative offices. 3. The student shall be informed of the offense and be afforded an opportunity to explain his/her actions before corporal punishment is administered. 4. The District shall respect the wishes of parents who formally notify the school that they do not want their child disciplined by paddling. Other discipline measures, including suspension, may be employed if parents do not want corporal punishment usect. 5. If used, paddling will be administered to the buttocks only. 6. A written record of the date, nature and reasons for the corporal punishment shall be made and retained by the principal. Demonstrations and Disorderly Activities Demonstrations and disorderly activities on the part of any student or group of students at any time on school grounds shall not be tolerated. Participation in any such demonstration activities, no matter how well-intentioned, may bring about immediate suspension and possible expulsion from school. Demonstration and disorderly activities on school grounds during school hours shall, if circumstances justify, be promptly handled by civil authorities. Detention Elementary and secondary school principals may establish student detention (D Halls) as a means of discipline to preserve an effective learning environment. Detention may be used before and/ or after regular school hours. Parents shall be notified in advance that early /late detention has been assigned and shall assume responsibility for student transportation. Discipline for Handicapped Students Handicapped students who engage in misbehavior are subject to normal school disciplinary rules and procedures so long as treatment does not abridge the right to a free, appropriate public education. Distribution of Literature All publications edited, printed or distributed in the name of, or within the schools of the North Little Rock School District, shall be under the direction and control of the school administration and Board. In allowing the distribution of student literature, the principal shall set firm and fair regulations for students to follow. 5 Drugs and Alcohol This policy applies to any student who is on school property, who is in attendance at school or at a school-sponsored activity (including any student who has left the campus for any reason and who returns to the campus), or whose conduct at any time or in any place interferes with or obstructs the mission or operation of the school district. It shall be a violation of policy for any student: 1. To sell, supply, or give, or attempt to sell, supply, or give to any person any of the substances listed in this policy or what the student represents or believes to be any substance listed in this policy. 2. To possess, procure or purchase, to attempt to possess, procure or purchase, to be under the influence of (legal intoxication not required), or to use or consume or attempt to use or consume, the substances listed in this policy or what is represented to the student to be any of the substances listed in this policy or what the student believes to be any of the substances listed in this policy. Prohibited substances shall include, but not be limited to: alcohol or any alcoholic beverage
marijuana
any narcotic drug
any hallucinogen
any stimulant
any depressant
any other controlled (illegal) substance
any substance, legal or illegal, that alters the student's ability to act, think, or respond
any other substance that the student represents or believes to be any substance prohibited by this policy
or any substance manufactured to look like a substance prohibited by this policy. Any student engaging in any of the activities with any of the prohibited substances listed above shall be subject to the following penalties: A. Use or possession of any substance prohibited by this policy or what the student represents or believes to be any substance prohibited by this policy. (1) First violation: The student shall b~ suspended off-campus for ten school days
police may be called
proof of professional help is required
and parental conference is required prior to readmission. (2) Second violation: the student shall be expelled for the remainder of the school year. B. Selling any substance prohibited by this policy or what the student represents or believes to be any substance prohibited by this policy. (1) The police will be summoned. (2) The student will be expelled for the remainder of the school year. Any student suspended or expelled in accordance with this policy shall be required to seek professional counseling prior to readmission to school. The student will receive full counseling through District approved professional counseling services at his/her own expense. Upon readmission, continued enrollment shall be contingent upon completion of the alcohol/drug counseling program. Failure to complete the alcohol/drug counseling may be grounds for expulsion. Electronic Communication Devices The North Little Rock School District will enforce Act 146 of 1989, which prohibits elementary and secondary students from possessing paging devices or electronic communication devices on school campuses. 6 Emergency Phone Numbers Emergency phone numbers where parents can be contacted are to be provided for each student enrolled in the school. It is the parent's responsibility to keep these numbers current and up-to-date. Entrance Requirements In order to enroll in a school in the District, a student must be a bona fide resident and must meet age requirements. The minimum age for enrollment in public school kindergarten shall be age five on or before October I of the year of initial enrollment. Any student who has been enrolled in a state accredited or approved kindergarten program in another state for a period of not less than 60 days, who will become five during the school year in which he is enrolled in kindergarten and whose parents or guardians establish domicile in a public school district in the State of Arkansas may be enrolled in kindergarten upon written request of the student's parents or guardians. The minimum age for enrollment in the first grade of any public school in the state shall be age six on or before October I of the year of initial enrollment. Any student who has been enrolled in grade one of an accredited or state approved elementary school in another state for a period of not less than 60 days, who will become age six during the school year in which he is enrolled in grade one and whose parents or guardians are residents of Arkansas, may be enrolled in grade one upon request thereby in writing by a parent or guardian. Any six year old who has not completed an accredited kindergarten program prior to initial enrollment in a public school district shall be evaluated by the District and placed in the first grade if the evaluation results indicate that the child is ready for enrollment at the first grade level. If the evaluation results indicate that the child is not ready for enrollment at the first grade level, the child shall be enrolled in the District's kindergarten program. Each school must have a placement committee consisting of the principal, a kindergarten teacher, a first grade teacher and the child's parent/s. The committee's primary task is to determine whether the student should be placed in a kindergarten or a first grade classroom. A student who has been enrolled in a first grade of an Arkansas School District or a private school but whose parents reside in the North Little Rock School District shall not be allowed to enroll in the first grade in the District if the child's sixth birthday falls after October 1 of that year. A student entering a school in the District for the first time shall submit a copy of his/her birth certificate. Official enrollment shall not be completed until this requirement is met. When a student moves into the District from attendance in an accredited school, he/she shall be placed in the same grade that would have been assigned in the former school. Students who have attended an unaccredited school sh.JI be evaluated by the District and proper grade placement determined. Arkansas law requires that all student be immunized against poliomyelitis, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough) and red (Rubeola) measles. Students who do not comply with this requirement shall be excluded from school enrollment. A student entering a school in the District for the first time shall submit a copy of his/her immunization record. 7 Expulsion The Board of Education is authorized to expel a student for the remainder of the school term: _1) for conduct that is deemed to be of such gravity as to make a relatively short temporary suspension inappropriate, 2) when the Board finds that the student's continued attendance at school would be unacceptably disruptive to the educational program, or 3) when continued attendance would present unreasonable danger to other stu-dents and faculty members. Arkansas Statute 80-1516 provides that directors of a school district may exclude students for immorality, refractory conduct, insubordination, infectious disease, habitual uncleanliness or other conduct that would tend to impair the discipline of the school or harm the other students. Field Trips A field trip is defined as any organized educational experience outside the classroom involving travel. Written parental consent must be obtained for each field trip. Gifted/Talented Education A program of gifted/talented education is provided for those students who require differentiated activities and services beyond those normally provided in the regular school program. Students who are above average in ability, task commitment and creativity may be considered for the program. Students must exemplify an interaction of these three traits. Referral for consideration to receive services through the gifted/talented program rnay be made to the principal by school personnel, parents, peers or the student. The decision for placement is made after all available data are reviewed by a referral/placement committee. Enghsh Mathematics Science Social Studies Practical Arts Physical Education Health Education Fine Arts Communications Electives TOTAL Graduation Requirements 4 Units 5 Units 3 Units 1 Unit Unit 1/2 Unit Unit Unit 8 Units 2J Units (No substitutions allowed) (2 units of mathematics and 3 units of science or 2 units of science and 3 units of mathematics) (Must include 1 unit of life science and 1 unit of physical science) (1 unit must be American History and at least unit must be civics or American Government) (There shall be no activity or assignment substituted for this requirement) (Three non-academic units may be counted) 8 In counting credits for graduation, courses taken in grades nine through 12 shall be considered. No more than three units may be earned in any other way than through regular attendance in a recognized high school. This exception will be made only in cases of extreme emergency and with the principal's permission. A student must be enrolled in six subjects each year. A District progress form shall be a part of the student's record to ensure that the courses taken by the student meet State Standards and District requirements. Any student lacking no more than one credit to meet graduation requirements shall be allowed to participate in the graduation ceremonies, provided the student has paid summer school tuition. A student's diploma shall be retained by the principal's office until any deficiency has been removed. Any deviation from these requirements shall be at the discretion of the principal and his staff. Guidance Services The North Little Rock School District maintains a guidance program in its elementary and secondary schools consistent with state and North Central Association regulations. The program provides counseling for students, parents and school personnel relative to students' academic progress, behavior and personal matters. Parents and students are encouraged to seek guidance services at any time. Handguns The North Little Rock School District will enforce Act 649 of 1989, which prohibits minors from possessing or carrying handguns. In Section I, a handgun is defined as, "a firearm capable of firing rimfire ammunition or centerfire ammunition, which is designed or constructed to be fired with one hand'.' Health Services Health service by the school nurse are primarily inspectional rather than diagnostic in nature. Students are routinely creened for hypertension in the 10th grade. Screening for vision and hearing is conducted for new student and i available for others at teacher and/or parent reque t. Students receiving pecial education services may be screened more often depending uoon the date of their la t comprehensive evaluation. 9 Secondary students participating in interschool competitive athletics, including Special Olympics, are required to pass a physical examination each year BEFORE being allowed to take part in such sports. Free physical examinations are provided at the beginning of the season for all students participating in such sports. Examinations conducted by family medical doctors at parents' expense will also be accepted. Homebound Services Students with medical conditions certified by a medical doctor which will require them to be absent from school for four or more consecutive weeks are eligible for homebound services. Application forms need to be completed as far in advance as possible and are available from Special Services. (771-6123) Homework/Independent Study Skills Recognizing that homework is a flexible and individual instructional responsibility, teachers in the North Little Rock Schools shall consider the following in making this type of assignment: That parent-student understanding of the necessity for homework is desirable. That homework shall be within the limits of individual student ability. That, within the limits of good judgment, homework should vary gradually from fairly light (no more than 15-30 minutes per day) in grades 1-3 to fairly heavy (no more than 60-120 minutes per day) in grades 10-12. That teachers, particularly at the secondary level, shall, at all times, be aware of the student's problem of multiple assignments. That homework, to be purpo eful and worthwhile, should, in all probability, vary from day to day depending upon the needs of the tudents. That the availability of study materials such as reference books at home be considered in assigning homework. The following guidelines for homework and the development of students' independent tudy skills will be observed in making homework assignments: Assignments will be considered as an extension of the classroom instruction for the purpose of either independent skill practice for mastery or for review of previously mastered skills/ concepts. Assignments v.ill not involve skills/concepts which have not been previously taught. Assignments to achie\,e mastery of new skills/concepts will follov. guided practice to ensure that the learner can successfully practice the skills concepts accurately. Maximum use of classroom time for input and supervised study should be planned for each lesson. Some homework a .. ignments can best be accomplished during supervised study conducted as part of the allotted instructional period. Assignments will be designed 10 provide short, frequent practice sessions focu ed on small segments of learning while maintaining maximum meaning for the learner. Assignment~ v.ill be made which address common needs of groups of learners and specific needs of individuals rather than automatically assigning common homework to all learners without regard to the individual learner's need. Immediate feedback should be given to the learner whenever possible. 10 Honors Classes Placement in an honors class is based on a student's grades, teacher recommendation and standardized test scores. After all data are studied, the school may issue a written invitation to the student and parent. If this invitation is accepted, then the student is placed in the honors program. Student progress is monitored continuously to determine if the correct placement has been made. Generally, if a nine-week grade falls below a "C", then the student is reassigned to a regular class. The grade in the honors class is weighted one point higher than other classes: A = 5 points B = 4 points C = 3 points D = 2 points F = 0 points Honor Roll Each nine weeks, all secondary schools will prepare honor rolls of students making 4.0 averages and 3.0 averages. To be eligible, a student must be a full-time student, have no failing grades, no incomplete grades and no unsatisfactory citizenship grades. Honor roll eligibility will be based on all subjects taken and on the grade point average (GPA) listed on the report card. Injuries/Illnesses at School When a student is injured in the school building or on the school grounds, the parent will be called immediately. The student may be taken to the family doctor if parents have made emergency numbers and the name of the family doctor available. When a student becomes ill at school, the parent is called immediately. The student will remain in the health room until the parent can check the student out of school. If contact with the parent cannot be made, the principal and teacher will do what is expedient and safe for the injured and/or seriously ill student, which may include taking/ sending the student to the emergency room of a hospital. The school assumes no responsibility for treatment. Leaving School During School Day All schools in North Little Rock operate as closed campuses. Students must stay on the school grounds from arrival time until the completion of the scheduled day. If at any time during the school day it becomes necessary for a student to leave school, the student must report to the office to obtain permission from both a parent or guardian and a school official and sign the check-out sheet. Any student arriving at school after the tardy bell or returning after an absence during a part of the school day must report to the office to get permission to return to class. Only those students who live within walking distance (five blocks) and have written consent may be granted permission to walk home for lunch. Lockers Locker space is provided for the storage of a student's school supplies and personal items. In grades seven through nine, locks are provided. Students are responsible for the care of their lockers. 11 Lockers are school property, and therefore, are subject to search by school officials when reasonable cause exists. Lost and Found Students are encouraged to label all belongings. Lost and found items will be kept in a designated area. Unclaimed items will be discarded periodically. Magnet Schools Six magnet schools located in Little Rock are available for North Little Rock students. Each offers one or two areas of specialization for students of all ability levels. Magnet schools offer highly-trained staff members and enriched learning activities. Optional enrollment is open to all students, kindergarten through grade twelve. Registration is on a first-come/first-served basis. Once enrolled, a student has priority to continue attending the magnet school, until he or she chooses to transfer to another magnet school or back to the assigned school in North Little Rock. The Arkansas Department of Education provides transportation to and from school for students who attend magnet schools. Pick-up points will be announced at a later date. How to Apply for Magnet School Enrollment Fill out one application for each child. Place in a stamped envelope and mail to: Magnet School Office, North Little Rock School District, P.O. Box 687, North Little Rock, AR 72115. Applications may be obtained by calling 758-1760. Applications are accepted on a first-come/first-served basis according to priorities set by the court. If the target enrollment for a school has been reached, students are placed on a waiting list. Parents receive notification of their child's acceptance by mail. High school students wishing to attend Metropolitan should see a school counselor for enrollment information. Interested students and parents must return a completed application form to the North Little Rock School District by May 1. M-to-M Transfers The plan approved by the U.S. District Court allows for majority-to-minority (Mto- M) transfers among the three Pulaski County districts (North Little Rock, Little Rock and Pulaski County School Districts.) A student who is enrolled in a district in which his or her race is predominant may enroll in any district and school in the county in which his or her race is in the minority, provided that school offers appropriate programs for the student's needs at his or her grade level. Therefore, any white student in the North Little Rock School District (which is predominantly white) may elect to attend any school in the Little Rock School District (which is predominantly black.) The Arkansas Department of Education will provide transportation from predetermined pickup points for students who participate in the Mto- M transfer plan. How to Apply for M-to-M Transfer Fill out one application for each child. Place in a stamped envelope and mail to: M-to-M Transfer Office, North Little Rock School District, P.O. Box 687, North Little Rock, AR 72115. Applications may be obtained by calling 758-1760. 12 Applications are accepted on a first-come/first-served basis according to priorities set by the court. If the target enrollment for a school has been reached, students are placed on a waiting list. Parents receive notification of their child's acceptance by mail. High school students wishing to attend Metropolitan should see a school counselor for enrollment information. Interested students and parents must return a completed application form to the North Little Rock School District by May I . Make Up Work A student who misses school due to an "excused absence" shall be afforded the opportunity to submit make up work. Following the absence, the teacher and student shall make arrangements for completion of the assignments. In order to receive credit, all work must be completed within the prescribed time. A student who misses school due to an "unexcused absence" shall not be afforded an opportunity to submit make up work for credit. Medication Written parent consent is required for the school to administer any medication. A medication consent form should be completed, even for medication given on a temporary basis. Prescription and non-prescription drugs must be brought to the school office in the original container stating the dosage and method of administration. Reasons for the medication must be clearly stated. All medication, including non-prescription drugs, will be kept in the principal's office and will be administered by designated school personnel. Students are encouraged not to possess any non-prescription drugs. (Possession of illegal drugs is addressed in the School Board Policy on Drugs and Alcohol FBO.) Notes from Parents Regarding Absences To be readmitted to school, a student shall bring a note from a parent or legal guardian stating the reason for the absence and the dates of the absence. Notes will be presented to the appropriate staff member. If a note is not received on the day of the return, the student will be readmitted to class with an unexcused absence. Parent-Teacher Association Parents are encouraged to join and participate in Parent-Teacher Association activities. Junior high school Parent-Teacher As ociation meetings are usually held on the econd Tuesday of each month. Physical Education Each secondary student shall be required to take physical education unless a doctor's statement is on tile in the principal's office recommending that the student be excused from this activity. Any student who has religious objections to certain activities in the physical education program will be allowed to substitute other activities. Religious objections must have supportive documentation. Upon written request from the parents, a student may be excused from physical education activities on a temporary basis due to illness or injury. 13 Promotions/Retention Students from 9-12 are not classified by grade level except for homeroom and reporting procedures. For such purposes, five units are required for sophomore standing, ten units for junior standing and 15 units for senior standing. It is recommended that individually failed subjects be made up in summer school. Required subjects failed, which are not made up in summer school, must be successfully completed before the student can advance to the next course offering in that sequence. Students in grades 7-8 are on a pass or fail policy. All students in the eighth grade shall be tested in reading, mathematics, language arts, social studies and science on a competency test developed by the State Department of Education. Any student who does not achieve a passing score, as determined by the State Department of Education, shall not be promoted to the ninth grade. The level of competence required will be derived by the State Department of Education from an analysis of the Minimum Performance Test, standardized examinations and any other examination that may assist in determining the level of achievement that is expected in the United States at large. In any examination area where Arkansas students are significantly below the national average, the State Department of Education will devise a plan to move student achievement toward the national average. Retesting shall be permitted for students who score below the level required to progress to the ninth grade. The test shall be administered two (2) additional times before the beginning of the next school year on dates selected by the State Department of Education. Each local school district shall provide opportunities for additional study for all students who request it in order to prepare those students to retake the test. Any student who is retained at the eighth grade shall be evaluated by the student's school principal, teachers and counselors who shall jointly prepare an academic skills development plan to assist the student to attain mastery of the area(s) in which the student is deficient. Any student failing to achieve mastery at the end of the second year shall be evaluated to determine the educational programming that offers additional educational opportunities. A conference shall be held with each student's parent(s) or guardian(s) to review and discuss the student's retention and plan. Special Education students shall be required to accomplish the goals and objectives stated in their individual education plans for the current year before progressing to ninth grade. Public Display of Affection Public display of affection is considered inappropriate behavior. Failure to abide by this rule may result in disciplinary action. Religion in Schools The Board respects the sincere religious beliefs of all students and staff members. The Board believes that teaching about religion, as it relates to a study of the historical development of civilization is appropriate. Moreover, it is proper for teachers to enumerate and emphasize the generally accepted moral and ethical principles of the different religions. Teachers shall not, however, evaluate, advocate or place values upon any particular religion or religious belief. 14 No student shall be required to participate in programs or activities which are contrary to the tenets of his/her religion. Speakers who are affiliated with religious organizations shall be allowed to speak in schools only upon the approval of the Superintendent of Schools. The Superintendent's decision should be guided by the following considerations: The presentation is designed for all students who might attend the assembly or meeting. The presentation does not advocate the beliefs of any denomination, religious group or faith. The presentation does not encourage students to attend worship services or activities associated with specific denominations or beliefs. Reporting Student Progress Report cards are issued to students after each of the first three nine week grading periods. The final report card may be mailed at the parent's expense or picked up in the school office. Written interim reports will be sent home to parents if a student's performance is unsatisfactory. Letter grades (A-F) are used at the secondary level to report progress in academic areas. The following four-point grading scale is used: A= 4.0
B = 3.0
C = 2.0
D = 1.0
F = 0. Grades shall be based on many factors such as tests, class assignments, class participation, research and special projects and contributions. Students also receive conduct grades. A grade point average (GPA) is computed based on all letter grades a student has received. The letter grades are converted into a numerical value. Grade point averages shall be based on the following scale: 4.0-3.8 = A
3.79-2.8 = B
2.79-1.8 = C
1.79-1.0 = D
below I.0=F. Parents are encouraged to confer with teachers and administrators throughout the year concerning the progress of students. Appointments should be made through the school office. Safety Regulations - Bicycles/ Motorcycles/ Other Vehicles Central Junior High students may ride bicycles to school. Motor vehicles are not allowed. Students in grades eight and nine are permitted to ride motorcycles to school but are not allowed to drive automobiles. In order to have the privilege of riding a motorcycle, the student must complete a registration form provided by the principal. Bicycle and motor vehicle riders must obey the following rules: I. Observe the same traffic regulations required of automobile drivers. 2. Ride single on the bicycle. 3. Park in designated places and leave the area immediately. Bicycles and motor vehicle may not be ridden during the day. The school cannot be responsible for stolen or damaged bicycles or motorcycles
therefore, students are encouraged to use locks. Schedules Assignments to classes are based on available data and are generally expected to be permanent. If errors or changes in student enrollment should occur, the school staff will approve appropriate changes. 15 School Closing In Inclement Weather Weather conditions sometimes force the cancellation or alternate scheduling of school. It is not always possible to provide in advance alternative plans and procedures for students to follow because of the varied circumstances of times and conditions that might arise. Therefore, the District admini!tration is charged with the responsibility of making alternate plans, procedures and schedules as the weather conditions warrant and notifying students and parents through the means of broadcast and print media. The guiding principle will be the safety and welfare of the students. School Lunch Hot lunches are provided in the school cafeteria. Students are encouraged to participate in this nutritionally balanced program
however, students may choose to bring a lunch from home. Each student who lives within five blocks of the school will be allowed to walk home during the lunch period provided that a note is brought from the parents stating a desire for a lunch permit to be granted. Students will not be excused to each lunch anywhere else except at home, and only those students having a permit will be allowed to leave the school campus during the lunch period. The North Little Rock School District operates a lunch assistance program which complies with federal guidelines. Students must not sell, give away or exchange lunch tokens. Unused tokens must be returned to the school office. School Supplies Parents are responsible for furnishing school supplies. Basic supplies are available for purchase at the school. Search, Seizure and Interrogation The District respects the rights of students' privacy and security against arbitrary invasion of their person or property. School officials do have the right, however, to search students and their property in the interest of the overall welfare of other students or when necessary to preserve order and discipline in the school. School authorities may conduct searches of student lockers, desks and automobiles when a reasonable cause exists to believe that stolen items or items prohibited by law or policy are contained in the area to be searched. School officials may seize illegal contraband, weapons or stolen property found in a search. The search of a student's person shall be conducted by a school official of the same sex and with an adult witness of the ame sex present. Interrogations by law enforcement authorities shall be conducted in private with the school principal or designee present. Efforts shall be made to have a parent or guardian present. In the event a parent or guardian cannot be present within a reasonable length of time, law enforcement officials shall be permitted to proceed with questioning. Special Education A special education program is provided for handicapped students whose handicapping conditions result in educational deficits. Special education services are available for: I . Speech/ Language handicapped 2. Learning disabled 16 I' I, 3. Mentally retarded 4. Orthopedically handicapped 5. Emotionally disturbed 6. Severely/profoundly handicapped 7. Hearing or visually impaired 8. Other health impaired Referral for consideration to receive special education services may be made to the principal by teachers, administrators, parents, counselors and students. The decision for appropriate placement is made after all available data are reviewed by an evaluation/programming committee and appropriate school personnel. Student Assignments School attendance zones for elementary, junior high school and high school students shall be established in accordance with the Federal Court ordered desegregation plan. Students shall attend the schools as assigned by the District. If a family moves from one attendance zone to another during the final nine weeks of school, the students may, at the option of the parent or guardian, elect to complete the school year in either of the two zones. Students who establish residence in another school district may, at the option of the parents, continue enrollment in a North Little Rock school if the change in residence occurs within the final nine weeks of school. Student Behavior - Prohibited Conduct Appropriate learning opportunities can be afforded students only in an environment that is free from conflict, distraction, intimidation and various other influences that result from student misbehavior. Certain students' actions are beyond the definition of acceptable student behavior and are, therefore, prohibited in school and while traveling to and from school. Prohibited conduct may include, but is not limited to the following: I. Disregard of directions or commands of teachers, administrators, bus drivers or other authorized school personnel. 2. Disruption and/or interference with the normal and orderly conduct of school and school-sponsored activities. 3. Behavior that involves indecent and/or immoral acts. 4. Wagering or any form of gambling. 5. Physical abuse or assault to a school employee, other student or any other individual. 6. Possession of a knife, razor, ice pick, explosive, pistol, rifle, shotgun, pellet gun or any other object that can be considered a weapon or dangerous instrument. 7. Using, offering for sale, or selling alcoholic beverages, any narcotil: drug as defined by Arkansas law, or what the student represents or believes 10 be any substance prohibited by the district policy on Drugs and Alcohol. 8. Destruction of or the attempt to destroy school property. 9. Stealing or the attempt to steal school property or the property belonging to an-other individual. 10. Cheating or copying the work of another student. 11. Failure to abide by a11endance rule . 12. Use of profanity, vulgar language or obscene language. 13. Committing extortion, coercion, blackmail or forcing another person to act through the use of force or threat of force. 14. Engaging in verbal abu e such as namecalling, ethnic or racial slurs or using derogatory statements to other students, school personnel or other individuals. 17 I I I I I I I 15. Hazing. Hazing includes any willful act done by a student, either individually or with others, to another student for the purpose of subjecting the other student to indignity, humiliation, intimidation, physical abuse or threats of abuse, social or other ostracism, shame or disgrace. The School District reserves the right to establish rules in addition to those appearing in this policy and to punish those who are guilty of their violation. Punishment may include corporal punishment, detention study hall, suspension and expulsion. Any of these disciplinary actions may occur on the first offense or any subsequent offense depending upon the nature of the situation and the age of the student involved in the situation. The student shall be informed of the offense and shall be afforded an opportunity to explain the actions before disciplinary action is taken. Student Dress and Grooming The general climate of any school is reflected by the dress, grooming and manners of the students
therefore, students are expected to wear appropriate clothing and to present a neat appearance at all times. Students, with the help and approval of parents, know what is acceptable attire for school activities
moderation in type and style should be the basic standard. The following guidelines should be followed: I. Grooming or dress which could cause blocked vision or restricted movement is discouraged, as well as dress styles that create or are likely to create a disruption of classroom order. No hats or sunglasses will be allowed to be worn in the building. 2. Clothing which displays profanity, nudity or suggestive comments or clothing that is supportive of illegal chemicals, tobacco products, alcoholic beverages, drug paraphernalia, etc. will not be tolerated. 3. Clothing or shoes made of materials or of such structure that cause damage to school facilities will not be permitted. 4. During warm weather, students will be permitted to wear shorts
however, the appearance of students should not be disruptive to the educational atmosphere of the school. 5. For health and safety reasons, students must wear shoes at school at all times. 6. Clothing shall be clean and appropriate for school wear. Articles of dress which are distracting or which fail to conform to reasonable rules of decency shall not be worn. If, in the judgment of the administration, a student's attire is a health hazard or a distraction to the educational atmosphere of the school, the student will be asked to go home and make proper adjustments. Disciplinary action may occur if grooming or dress violations continue. Student Insurance An accident insurance policy is offered to all students at the beginning of the school year on a voluntary basis. Parents may choose school day coverage or 24 hour coverage. Expenses above and beyond either policy covered by the student accident insurance will be assumed by the parents. 18 Student Records Authorized school personnel shall have access to students' records. The parent or legal guardian shall have access to his child's records upon written request to the principal. If a student is 18 years old or older, he/ she has the right to determine who, outside of the school system, may have access to his/her records. A student's records may be released to other school systems upon the written request of the parent or guardian, or student if he/she is 18 years old or older. A student's records may also be released to other school systems upon their request, provided that notification is given to the parent or legal guardian, or student if he/ she is 18 years old or older. Parents have the right to request that the school withdraw material from a student's record. Refusal by the school entitles the parent to a hearing to determine if material is accurate and appropriate. If at the hearing, material is ruled to be accurate, material remains in the file, but parents may prepare a statement to be placed with the material stating their objection. Statement is to be made available with objectional material whenever access is permitted. Directory information may be made available for noncommercial uses by the school principal without the prior consent of the parent. However, at the beginning of each school year, the parent may request that all or part of such information not be made available. Directory information shall be defined as: Student's name Address Phone number Parent's name Grade level School(s) attended Activity participation Height and weight, if member of athletic team Dates of attendance Honors and awards received Student Suspension The Board of Education recognizes that many alternatives are necessary to a workable system for maintaining good student conduct. Among those alternatives is student suspension. The Board views student suspension as a serious matter and believes that all other less severe measures should be tried before students are excluded from the regular school experience. Within the scope of this policy, the school principal may suspend students for a period of time not to exceed 10 days for any one action. Students may be suspended off-campus or in the case of secondary students, to the on-campus ,.udent Assignment Class. The following guidelines are to be followed in imposing student suspensions: 1. Suspensions are to be imposed only by the principal. 2. The principal shall advise a student who is to be suspended of the exact nature of the misconduct and shall give the student the opportunity to express his/her perception of the facts of the matter. 3. In the case of secondary students, genuine efforts shall be made to contact the parent prior to imposing a student suspension. 19 ' ' I I i I I 4. The parent or legal guardian and the Superintendent of Schools shall be given written notice of each suspension. The notice shall include the specific reason(s) for the suspension, its duration, the manner in which the student is to be readmitted to school and (if appropriate) the method through which the suspension may be reviewed or appealed. The notice shall be mailed to the parent or legal guardians at the address reflected on the student's records on the day the suspension is imposed. If a suspension exceeds four school days in addition to the day the suspension is imposed, the parent shall be notified of the right to have the decision to suspend reviewed by the Assistant Superintendent for Student Affairs. At the review, the student and the student's parent or legal guardian may make statements and present evidence. The Assistant Superintendent may sustain, revoke, terminate or otherwise modify the suspension. The student, parent of record, the principal and the Superintendent of Schools shall be notified of the Assistant Superintendent's decision on the day the review is completed. Students may be suspended for the violation of rules established by the school and within the scope of policies adopted by the Board. Suspension imposed for periods of time in excess of 10 days shall be treated procedurally as an expulsion. Summary suspension from school, without prior notice and hearing, may be imposed when the student's continued presence in school poses a danger to other persons or property or an ongoing threat of disruption of the academic process. Due process shall be afforded as soon after a summary suspension as is practical. Student Assignment Classes (SAC) shall be established for on-campus suspension of secondary school students. An alternative school for secondary students shall be established for suspension of students who are identified as having severe discipline problems. While assigned to SAC or the alternative school students shall not be eligible to participate in, practice for or attend any student activity whether during or after the school day. Absence from school due to off-campus suspension shall be treated as an unexcused absence AND NO MAKE UP WORK SHALL BE ALLOWED. Summer School A summer school program on a tuition basis is offered to students in grades nine through 12 for credit courses. Students needing this service either for credit toward graduation or for enrichment may participate
however, approval of the principal must be received before credit can be granted. Tardies Promptness to class is necessary in order to maximize learning opportunities for all students. Students are, therefore, expected to be in class and ready for instruction at the appointed time. Principals shall implement suitable discipline procedures to encourage promptness in class attendance. Telephones School telephones are for school business only. Students will be called to the phone only in case of emergencies. Important messages will be delivered by office personnel. Parents desiring to talk with teachers should call the office and leave a phone number. The calls will be returned at a convenient time. When pay phones are available, use will be regulated by building rules. 20 Testing Program Standardized tests are administered in the 10th grade. Other tests, such as the ACT, are scheduled during the year as a service to the students. Textbooks The North Little Rock School District furnishes textbooks to all students and provides access to library books and other media materials. Loss or destruction of books or other media materials will result in payment to the school district. Tobacco and Tobacco Products Students shall not be permitted to have tobacco products (including matches and lighters) in their possession. This restriction applies to students at school, on school grounds, at bus stops, on school buses and/or at any school-sponsored event during or after regular school hours. Transfers The students of the North Little Rock School District will attend school according to assigned residence zones or as assigned under the Federal Court-ordered desegregation plan. The only exceptions are for medical or programrr~ng reasons. If a family moves from one attendance zone to another during the final nine weeks of school, the student may, at the option of the parent or guardian, elect to complete the school year in either of the two zones. Visitors All visitors are required to register with office personnel. Classroom visitations should be arranged in advance through the principal's office. Student visitors in the classroom are strongly discouraged and should be permitted only after careful consideration by the building principal. Weapons and Dangerous Instruments No student shall possess, handle, or transmit any object that can reasonably be considered a weapon: 1. On the school grounds during, before, or after school, 2. On the school grounds at any other time when the school is being used by a school group, or 3. Off the school grounds at any school bus stop, or at any school activity, function, or event. A weapon is defined as a firearm, knife, explosive device, or any other instrument or device capable of causing bodily harm. Expulsion from school may result and/or criminal charges may be filed against any student who has possession of a weapon as described herein. Yearbook No commercially prepared yearbook shall be produced at the junior high level. 21
This project was supported in part by a Digitizing Hidden Special Collections and Archives project grant from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation and Council on Library and Information Resoources.

<dcterms_creator>North Little Rock School District</dcterms_creator>