Elementary School, Parent-Student Handbook

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1991--1992 ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PARENT-STUDENT HANDBOOK NORTH LITTLE ROCK SCHOOL DISTRICT NORTH LITTLE 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 (80-1629.6-80-1629.8) 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 _______________ _ Dale of Birth _________________ .,___ ___ _ Address ______________ Horne 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 ____ _ Hospital Preference ____________________ _ Signature of Parents or Guardians: Mother's Signature Father's Signature Student's Signature It is very important that this be returned to the school office as soon ti pos.gble. ELEMENTARY PARENT-STUDENT HANDBOOK NORTH LITTLE ROCK SCHOOL DISTRICT James R. Smith Superintendent 1991, 1992 if'lliII! ~@IK<irllil 11,,lTiiif'ImL@.I~! IK\ IP'@lm!L.~I~l~lli l@@ll,,~ ADMINISTRATIVEO FFICES 2700 POPLARS TREET August 1991 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 information 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. 'i
"U James Smith Superintendent of Schools P.O. BOX 687, NORTH ume 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, Arkansas Department of Education, that all Schools within the District are in compliance with the following Civil Rights Regulations as stated: ******** Title VI, Section 601, of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 the grounds of excluded for of, or be or activity No person in the United States shall, on race, color, or national origin, be participation in, be denied the benefits subjected to discrimination under any program 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 handicapped individual in the United States ... shall, solely by reason 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: Mable Bynum Telephone:_7_7_1_-_8_0_0___0_ __ _ Address: 2700 Poplar Street (P.O. Box 687) North Little Rock, AR 72115 July, 1991 Date 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 Llttle 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 Llttle 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 771-8000. 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. ,. I I S M T w T F s North Lmle Rock s M T w T F s Aug. 18 SD "'-I .... 1 ~ SC2 4 SchooDl istrict Jan. H H H 4 25 1262 7 28 29 30 31 1991-9C2a lendar 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Sept. Aug2. 6,f irsts chool 12 13 14 15 16 1 H 3 4 5 6 7 day lo! students 17 18 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Sept2. . LaborD ay, 19 H 21 22 2] w 25 nosdlool 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 Nov. 1 . taachel 26 g1 28 29 30 31 wori<dany,o school 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 Nov. 7-8, AEA meetingsn. os dlool Feb. 1 29 30 Nov. 11-15, 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 parenct onferences, Oct. 1 2 3 4 5 schoool ut 1 houre arly 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 6 7 8 9 Nov.2 8-29, 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 10 11 12 Thanksgivinhgo idays, no sdlool 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 Dec 23-Jan. 3, 23 SD 25 26 27 28 29 20 21 22 23 24 25 winterh olidaysn, o school 26 Mar. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Jan. 20, Dr. Krig Day, 27 28 29 30 31] nosdlool 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 ', Jan. 24, 1NCher Nov. w 2 wori<dany.o school 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 3 ~ 5 $0 Feb. 24, Slaff dewlopment 22 23 24 25 26 w 28 6 H 9 day,1 '10s chool 10 pc !I(
pc I''- ..,. . March2 7,t eacher 29 SB SB 11 12 13 14 15 16 wori<dany,o school 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 March 30 -April 3 Afx. se SB SE spring bfeak, 4 24 25 26 27 H H 30 no sdlool [~ r I''- ~c pc Ap,i 6-10, 5 8 10 11 Dec. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 parenct onfllllOIIS, 12 13 14 15 16 H 18 I schoool ut 1 houre arly 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Ap,i 17, holiday, 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 nosdlool 15 16 17 18 _19 20 21 May 25, Memorial 26 27 28 29 30 Day, no school 22 H H H H H 28 June 3, last May 1 2 29 H H schoodl ay 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 ID 176s choodl ays 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 1,1 187t each8d1a ys 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 W TeacheWr orkdaSy,t udenHt oliday SD StaffD evelopmeDnat yS, tudenHt oliday ~ H 26 27 28 29 30 includerse quiredde segregationnse rvice H Holidafyo rS tudentasn dS taff [ BeginN ineW eeksP eriod June 1 2 !] w 5 6 ] EndN ineW eeksP eriod SBS ponBg reak 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Table of Contents Absences And Excuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Academic Skills Development Plan Conferences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Arrival/Departure Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Arkansas School Law Governing School Attendance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Arkansas School Law Governing Compulsory Attendance Age . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Behavior At School Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Breakfast Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Bus Conduct . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Care Of School Property . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Change Of Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Communicable Disease . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Conduct To And From School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Contact With Students While At School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Corporal Punishment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Demonstrations And Disorderly Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Detention . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Discipline For Handicapped Students . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Disruption Of School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Distribution Of Literature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Drugs And Alcohol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Electronic Communication Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Emergency Phone Numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Entrance Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Expulsion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Field Trips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Gifted/f alented Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Guidance Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Handguns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Health Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Homebound Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Homework/Independent Study Skills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Honor Roll . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Injuries/Illnesses At School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Leaving School During School Day . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Lost And Found . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Lunch Program .............................................. 12 Magnet Schools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 How To Apply For Magnet School Enrollment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 M-to-M Transfers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 How To Apply For M-to-M Transfer ............................... 14 Make-up Work ............................................... 14 Medication .................................................. 14 Notes From Parents Regarding Absences ............................ 14 Parent-Teacher Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Physical Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Promotion/Retention . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Public Display Of Affection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Religion In Schools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Reporting Student Progress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Safety Regulations Bicycles/Motorcycles/Other Vehicles ................. 16 Schedules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 School Closing In Inclement Weather .............................. 16 Search, Seizure And Interrogation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Seasonal Parties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Special Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Student Assignments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Student Behavior - Prohibited Conduct . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Student Dress And Grooming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Student Insurance ............................................. 19 Student Records .............................................. 19 Supplies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Suspension From School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Tardies ..................................................... 21 Telephones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Testing Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Textbooks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Tobacco And Tobacco Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Transfers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Visitors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Weapons And Dangerous Instruments .............................. 22 Yearbook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 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. 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. An elementary student is not permitted more than twenty-four (24) absences during the school year including excused and unexcused absences. Exceptions will be granted only by the principal after consultation with teacher, guidance consultant and others who have knowledge of the circumstances. If a student exceeds twenty-four (24) absences during a school year, and no exception is granted, then the student may be retained in that grade for the next school year. Excessive absences or patterns of absences may result in court action being taken against the parent. 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. ARRIVAUDEPARTURET IME 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. Students should vacate the school grounds immediately after school. Bus 1 students should vacate the grounds immediately upon arrival at the home base school. Parents must make other arrangements outside these limitations. ARKANSAS SCHOOL LAW GOVERNING SCHOOL ATTENDANCE Arkansas school law pertaining to school attendance is as follows: Section 1. Arkansas Code 6-18-222 is hereby amended to read as follows: (a)(l)(A) The board of directors of each school district in this state shall adopt a student attendance policy as provided for in 6-18-209 which shall include a certain number of excessive absences which may be used as a basis for denial of course credit, promotion, or graduation. However, excessive absences shall not be a basis for expulsion or dismissal of a student. (B) The legislative intent is that a student having excessive absences because of illness, accident, or other unavoidable reasons should be given assistance in obtaining credit for the courses. (2) A copy of the school district's student attendance policy shall be provided to the student's parents, guardians, or persons in loco parentis at the beginning of the school year or upon enrollment. whichever event first occurs. (3) The student's parents, guardians, or persons in loco parentis shall be notified when the student has accumulated excessive absences equal to one-half (1/2) the total number of absences permitted under the school district's student attendance policy per semester. Notice shall be by telephonic contact with the student's parents, guardians, or persons in loco parentis by the end of the school day in which such absence occurred or by regular mail with a return address on the envelope sent no later than the following school day. ( 4) Whenever a student exceeds the number of excessive absences provided for in the district's student attendance policy, the school district shall notify the prosecuting authority, and the student's parents, guardians, or persons in loco parentis shall be subject to a civil penalty in such an amount as a court of competent jurisdiction presiding in the presence of a representative of the school district may prescribe, but not to exceed five hundred dollars ($500) plus costs of court and any reasonable fees assessed by the court. The penalty shall be forwarded by the court to the school attended by the student. (5) Upon notification by the school district to the prosecuting authority, the prosecuting authority shall file an action in the appropriate court to impose the civil penalty set forth in subdivision (a)(4) of this section and shall take whatever action is necessary to collect the penalty provided for therein. The failure of the prosecuting authority to timely file an action or pursue collection on a case once notified shall be considered neglect of duty, subjecting the prosecuting attorney to the provisions of 16-21-116. (6) The penalty set forth in this section is to impress upon the parents, guardians, or persons in loco parentis the importance of school attendance and is not to be used 2 as a primary source of revenue. When assessing penalties, the court shall be aware of any available programs designed to improve the parent-child relationship or parenting skills. When practicable and appropriate, the court may utilize mandatory attendance to such programs as well as community service requirements in lieu of monetary penalties. (7) In cases where the court determines the student's unexcused absences cannot be attributed to the parents, guardians, or persons in loco parentis, the action may be suspended or dismissed conditioned on a petition being filed in juvenile court to seek services on behalf of the student. (8) As used in this section, 'prosecuting authority' means the elected district prosecuting attorney or his appointed deputy for schools located in unincorporated areas of the county or within cities not having a police or municipal court and means the prosecuting attorney of the city for schools located within the city limits of cities having either a police court or a municipal court in which a city prosecutor represents the city for violations of city ordinances or traffic violations. (9) In any instance where it is found that the school district or prosecuting authority is not complying with the provisions of this section, the State Board of Education may petition the circuit court to issue a writ of mandamus. Act 876 of 1989 authorizes school districts to enter into cooperative agreements with law enforcement agencies to detain suspected truants during school hours. The North Little Rock Police Department will detain and question school-age children who are not in school on those days and hours that the North Little Rock schools are in session. Students who are off school grounds without permission from the school will be transported to the Alternative School from where parents will be contacted for further action on the truancy. ARKANSAS SCHOOL LAW GOVERNING COMPULSORYA TTENDANCEA GE Arkansas School Law pertaining to compulsory attendance age is as follows: Section 1. Arkansas Code 6-18-201(a) is hereby amended to read as follows: "(a) Every parent, guardian, or other person residing within the State of Arkansas having custody or charge of any child or children age five (5) through seventeen (17) years on October 1 of that year, both inclusive, shall enroll and send the child or children to a public, private, or parochial school or provide a home school for the child or children as described in 6-15-601 et seq. under such penalty for noncompliance as shall be set by law with the follow exceptions: (1) Any child who has received a high school diploma, or its equivalent as determined by the State Board of Education, is not subject to attendance requirement. (2) Any parent, guardian, or other person residing within the state and having custody or charge of any child or children may elect for the child or children not to attend kindergarten if the child or children will not be age six (6) on October 1 of that particular school year. If such an election is made, the parent, guardian, or other 3 person having custody or charge of the child must file a signed kindergarten waiver form with the local district administrative office. Such form shall be prescribed by regulation of the State Department of Education. On filing the kindergarten waiver form, the child or children shall not be required to attend kindergarten in that school year. (3) Any child enrolled in a postsecondary vocational/technical institution, a community college or a two-year or four-year institution of higher education, is not subject to this attendance requirement. (4) The local school district may grant a waiver of this requirement with notice to the State Board of Education." BEHAVIOR AT SCHOOL ACTMTIES Students attending school 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 personnel. Failure to obey rules 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 school program. BREAKFAST PROGRAM Breakfast will be served in all elementary schools. In the case of late school openings because of inclement weather, breakfast will not be served. Students may pay on a daily basis in the breakfast line. The first school day of each week, reduced price and paying students may go to the cafeteria before school and pay for any number of meals over one. BUS CONDUCT Since the school bus is an extension of the classroom, students shall be required to conduct themselves on the bus in a manner consistent with established standards for classroom behavior. 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. 4 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 (10) 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: 1. 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. Walkers must cross street only at crosswalks and must obey the crossing guard. Students should walk facing oncoming traffic. 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 se1vice agencies wish to contact students for 5 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 custody of the student. If the principal is presented a subpoena by a police officer or if an agent of the social services presents a court order signed by a judge, he must release the student with or without communication with the parent or legal guardian. CORPORAL PUNISHMENT Corporal punishment in any form will not be used as a disciplinary measure in the North Little Rock Public Schools by any teacher, administrator, or other school personnel. DEMONSTRATIONS AND DISORDERLY ACTMTIES 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 mJes and procedures so long as treatment does not abridge the right to a free, appropriate public education. DISRUPTION OF SCHOOL No student shall by use of violence, force, noise, coercion, threat, intimidation, fear, passive resistance, or any other conduct intentionally cause the substantial and material disruption of obstruction of any lawful mission, process or function of the school. Neither shall a student engage in such conduct for the purpose of causing the substantial and material disruption or obstruction of any lawful mission, process, or function of the school if such a dismption or obstruction is reasonably certain to result. Neither shall a student urge other students to engage in such conduct for the purpose of causing the substantial and mate1ial disruption or obstruction of any lawful mission, process, or function of the school if the disruption or obstruction is 6 reasonably certain to result from his/her urging. Any student who threatens a teacher or a teacher's family shall be disciplined by the building administration. The student will not return to class until the building administration has taken appropriate action concerning the incident. A conference with the custodial parent or guardian, an administrator and the teacher will be scheduled by a building administrator as soon as possible following the incident. 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. DRUGS AND ALCOHOL The North Little Rock School District recognizes that student alcohol and other drug use is illegal and harmful and can seriously impair capacity to learn and to function effectively in our schools. Therefore, the North Little Rock School District prohibits the possession, use, distribution or sale of such substances as outlined in Student Policy FBO. Further, the North Little Rock School District supports a comprehensive program approach which includes prevention, early identification/referral, intervention, and support/after-care to prevent or disrupt the use of alcohol and other drugs. Policy FBO 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 prohibiteu 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. 7 (1) First violation: The student shall be suspended off-campus for a mmimum of ten school days. The police may be called. Proof of professional help is required when the student returns to school, and a 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. 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 1 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 sixty 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 1 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 sixty (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. Uthe evaluation results indicate that the child is not ready for enrollment at the first grade level, the child shall be enrolled in the 8 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. Act 838 of 1991, mandates that no child shall be admitted to any public school without an official copy of that child's birth certificate and that child's social security number. School authorities may temporarily admit a child who has not been provided an official birth certificate or social security number if: 1. other proof of the child's date of birth is submitted along with a completed, postage-paid application and money order so that an official birth certificate can be secured
or 2. a completed and postage-paid application for a social security number is provided so that a social security number can be obtained. Act 838 also states that if there is an objection to using the social security number on school records, parents can waive the requirement by signing a notarized statement regarding their objections. With that waiver, an individualized number similar to a social security number will be assigned to the student. 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 fonner school. Students who have attended an unaccredited school shall be evaluated by the District and proper grade placement determined. Arkansas law requires that all students be immunized against poliomyelitis, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whopping 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. 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 temporaiy 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 students 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. Only local field trips may be sponsored for elementary students. 9 GIFTED/TALENTEDE DUCATION 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 se1vices through the gifted/talented program may 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. 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 services by the school nurse are primarily inspectional rather than diagnostic in nature. Screening for vision and hearing is conducted for new students and is available for others at teacher and/or parent request. Students receiving special education services may be screened more often depending upon the date of their last comprehensive evaluation. 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 (771-8033). HOMEWORK/INDEPENDENTS TUDY SKILLS Recognizing that homework is a flexible and individual instructional responsibility, teachers in the N01th Little Rock Schools shall consider the following in making this type of assignment: 10 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 judgement, homework should vary gradually from fairly light (no more than 15-30 minutes per day) in $rades 1-3 to fairly heavy ( no more than 60-120 minutes per day) in grades 10-12. That teachers, particularly at the seconda1y level, shall, at all times, be aware of the student's problem of multiple assignments. That homework, to be purposeful and worthwhile, should, in all probability, vary from day to day depending upon the needs of the students. 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 study 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 will not involve skills/concepts which have not been previously taught. Assignments to achieve mastery of new skills/concepts will follow 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 assignments can best be accomplished du1ing supervised study conducted as part of the allotted instructional period. Assignments will be designed to provide short, frequent practice sessions focused on small segments of learning while maintaining maximum meaning for the learner. Assignments will 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. 11 HONOR ROLL Honor Roll selection will be made each nine weeks and will be based on the current nine week reporting period. The following subjects will be used to determine honor roll status: reading, English, spelling, mathematics, science/health, and social studies. If a student receives all A's, all B's or a combination of A's and B's, he/she will be placed on the honor roll provided no N's appear on the card. A student will not be placed on the honor roll if he/she has an N on the report card in any area. This includes behavior, handwriting, and music, art, and physical education participation. 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 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. The check-out sheet must be signed by the parent/guardian/parent designee or a school official. Parent designee must be documented by a written statement from parent/guardian. 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 parental consent may be granted permission to go home for lunch. 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. LUNCH PROGRAM 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. Students who have doctor verified milk allergies may have fruit juice with their lunch in lieu of milk. The medical doctor must specify the alternate beverage. 12 Each student who lives within five blocks of the school will be allowed to walk home during the lunch pe1iod 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 eat 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 may pay on a daily basis in the lunch line. The first school day of each week, reduced price and paying students may go to the cafeteria before school and pay for any number of meals over one. MAGNET SCHOOLS Ten 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-seivedb asis. 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. Transportation will be provided for students involved in Magnet Schools. HOW TO APPLY FOR MAGNET SCHOOL ENROLLMENT Fill out one application for each child. Place in a stamped envelope and mail to: Student Affairs Department, North Little Rock School District, P.O. Box 687, North Little Rock, AR 72115. Applications may be obtained by calling 771-8010. Applications are accepted on a first-come/first-seived 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. M-TO-M TRANSFERS The plan approved by the U.S. District Court allows for majority-to-minority (M-to-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.) Transportation will be provided for students involved in M-to-M transfers. 13 HOW TO APPLY FOR M-TO-M TRANSFER Fill out one application for each child. Place in a stamped envelope and mail to: Student Affairs Department, No1th Little Rock School District, P.O. Box 687, North Little Rock, AR 72115. Applications may be obtained by calling 771-8010. 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. 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 complete within the prescribed time. A student who misses school due to an unexcused absence shall not be afforded the 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 approp1iate 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-TEACHERA SSOCIATION Parents are encouraged to join and participate in Parent-Teacher Association activities. Elementary Parent-Teacher Association meetings are usually held on the second Thursday of each month. 14 PHYSICAL EDUCATION Each elementary student shall be required to participate in physical education activities unless a doctor's statement is on file 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. PROMOTION/RETENTION Generally, students will progress according to their chronological ages. Retention must be substantiated by a student's records. The principal and teachers will confer with the parents regarding student retention. Decisions to promote or retain students will be made before the end of the school year. 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. 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 at the end of each nine week grading period. In grades one through six, written interim reports will also be sent home to parents if a student's performance is below the grade of "C." A grade is the summary of a student's performance during the entire 15 grading period. It is based on many things including class participation, completion of assignments, quality of work, test scores and using skills and concepts in new situations. The following grading scale will be used in grades one through six for academic subjects: A = 93%-100 %
B = 83%-92%
C = 70%-82%
D = 60%-69%
F =59% and below. Participation grades are given for art, music and physical education. Students are also graded on work habits and behavior. Kindergarten children receive a report card designed specifically for the kindergarten curriculum. Formal parent-teacher conferences are held after the first and third nine week grading periods. Parents receive the report cards at the conferences. If a parent does not attend a conference, the report card will be sent home with the student. Report cards for the second and fourth grading periods will be sent home after the grading periods end. 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. SAFE1Y REGULATIONS BICYCLES/MOTORCYCLES/OTHEVRE HICLES Students may ride bicycles to school. Motor vehicles are not allowed. Bicycle riders must: 1. Walk bicycles while on the school ground to minimize the possibility of accidents. 2. Observe the same traffic regulations required of automobile drivers. 3. Ride single on the bicycle. 4. Park in designated places and leave the area immediately. Bicycles may not be ridden during the day. 5. Skate boards and scooters should not be ridden on the school grounds. The school cannot be responsible for stolen bicycles
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. 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 administration 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. 16 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 same 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. SEASONAL PARTIES Seasonal parties are limited to two per year in the elementary schools. These are at Christmas and Valentine's Day. The Christmas party will be planned by the teachers and principal. The p1incipal and teachers may work with parents in planning the Valentine's Day party. Other parties are at the discretion of the principal. Food served to students must be prepared in a facility inspected by the State Health Department. SPECIAL EDUCATION A special education program is provided for handicapped students whose handicapping conditions result in educational deficits. Special education services are available for: l. Speech/Language handicapped 2. Learning disabled 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, middle 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. 17 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: 1. 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 narcotic drug as defined by Arkansas law, or what the student represents or believes to 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 belong-ing to another individual. 10. Cheating or copying the work of another student. 11. Failure to abide by attendance rules. 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 abuse such as name-calling, ethnic or racial slurs or using derogatory statements to other students, school personnel or other individuals. 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. 16. Students shall not belong to or participate in secret societies of any kind. Gangs or similar groups, whether organized in the community or in other settings are prohibited on school grounds or at any school sponsored activity. Clothing, outer wear, pins, symbols or insignia of such organizations shall not be worn to school or at any school-related activity. The School District reserves the right to establish rules in addition to those 18 appearing in this policy and to punish those who are guilty of their violation. Punishment may include 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: 1. 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 judgement 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 twenty-four (24) hour coverage. Expenses above and beyond either policy covered by the student accident insurance will be assumed by the parents. 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. 19 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. The 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 Activity participation Address Height and weight, if member of Phone number athletic team Parent's name Dates of attendance Grade level Honors and awards received School(s) attended SUPPLIES Parents are responsible for furnishing school supplies. Basic supplies are available for purchase at the school. SUSPENSION FROM SCHOOL 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. The school principal is authorized to suspend a student from class attendance for disciplinary reasons for a period of time not to exceed ten school days, including the day upon which the suspension is imposed. The suspension may be off-campus or may be to the on-campus student assignment class. A student may be suspended if he/she: 1. Violates school policies, rules or regulations. 2. Is guilty of conduct which substantially interferes with the maintenance of essential school discipline. 3. Is guilty of conduct which, in the judgement of school administrators, warrants the reasonable belief that substantial disruption of school operations wilJ likely result. 4. If guilty of incorrigible conduct, including insubordination, disorderliness, and defiant and hostile acts
truancy or cutting class
fighting or other hostile behavior
destruction of school property
act involving moral turpitude
or violation of parking regulations. School officials shall determine whether the alleged misconduct, if proven, would warrant a suspension from classes, and then shall proceed as follows: 20 1. The student shall be advised of the exact charges against him/her. 2. If the charges are denied, the evidence shall be explained and the student given the opportunity to present his/her facts or opinions. 3. If the school official finds the student guilty of the misconduct, a suspension may be imposed. 4. If possible, prior to the suspension, the custodial parent or guardian will be notified of the reason for the suspension, its duration, and the manner in which the student may be readmitted to class. If the suspension results from an incident with a teacher and if the teacher requests a conference, the student will not be readmitted to classes until a conference with the custodial parent or guardian has been scheduled by a building administrator. Every effort will be made to schedule the conference when the teacher is available. Availability would be defined,"before/after school and during the teacher's preparation period." 5. On the day the suspension is imposed, a written notice of suspension will be mailed to the parent or guardian at the address shown on the school records of the student. Absence from school due to off-campus suspension shall be treated as an unexcused absence. 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 appropriate 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. TESTING PROGRAM Standardized tests are administered in grades one through six. In accordance with state regulations, minimum performance tests are administered to students in grades three and six . 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. 21 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 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. 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: l. 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 elementary school level. 22
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>