Senior High School, Parent-Student Handbook

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1991--1992 SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL PARENT-STUDENT HANDBOOK NORTH LIITLE ROCK SCHOOL DISTRICT NORTH LIITLE 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 (80-1629.6-8~1629.8) 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 ____ _ Hospital Preference ____________________ _ Signature of Parents or Guardians: Mother's Signature Father's Signature Student's Signature It is nry important that t~ be returned to the school offke as soon as pos.gble. SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL PARENT-STUDENT HANDBOOK NORTH LITTLE ROCK SCHOOL DISTRICT James R. Smith Superintendent 1991, 1992 'iJ'IHIIlr! :l@m'i1'II!H..III 'i1''i1m'I!.@.~~ [K[\F )Il!IDI!~..~IlI~H IOOI!..~ ADMINISTRATIVOEF FICES 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. ~-u James Smith Superintendent of Schools P.O. BOX 687, NORTH umE RCCK, 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 School::: 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 No person in the United States shall, on the grounds of race, color, or national origin, be excluded for participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any 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 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 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 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. Ii - I S M T w T F s North Llttle Rock s M T w T F s Aug. 18 SD lcn ,_ _.
: .,r SchooDl istrict i I..,_. I SD 24 Jan. H H H 4 II 25 1262 7 28 29 30 31 1991.9c2a lendar 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 I Sept. Aug. 26, first school 12 13 14 1 H 3 4 5 6 7 day lo! students 15 16 17 18 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Sept. 2. labor Day. 19 H 21 22 2] w 25 no school 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 Nov 1 . teacher 26 g1 28 29 30 31 wor1(danyo. school 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 Nov. 7-8, AEA meetingsn, o school Feb. 1 29 30 I! 2 3 4 5 Nov 11-15, 6 7 8 parent conlaranoas. II. 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 10 11 12 Thanksgivinhgo idays, 22 no school 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 Dec 23 Jan. 3, 23 s 25 26 27 28 29 Ill wint81h olidaysn, o school II 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 Mar. 1 2 3 Jan. 20, Dr. Kng Day, 4 5 6 7 27 28 29 30 31] no school 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Jan. 24, 18acher Nov. w 2 wor1(dany,o school 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 3 ~ 5 6 SD H 9 Feb.2 4,s lafl development 22 23 24 25 26 w ~8 day, no school 10 I"- 1~ pc pc I''- March 27, teacher 29 SB SB 11 13 14 15 16 wori(dayn, o school 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 sMparirncghb3 r0e aAkp,r il3 Afx. :SES B SE 4 24 25 26 27 H H 30 no school 5 ~~ r I''- ~c pc Apri 6-10, . 8 10 11 Dec. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 parenct onlerenoas. 12 13 14 15 16 H ~8 schoool ut t houre arly 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Apri 17, holiday, 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 no school 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 May 25, Memorial 26 27 28 29 30 Da~, r,o school 22 H H H H H ~8 June 3, last May 1 2 29 H H scnood1a y 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 I w 176s choodl ays 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 187t eacherd ays 1, W TeacheWr orkdaSy,t udenHt oliday 17 18 19 20 21 22 ~3 SD StaffD evelopmeDnat yS, tudenHt oliday ~ H 26 27 28 29 30 includerse quiredde segregatiionns ervice H Holidafyo rS tudentasn dS taff I BeginN ineW eek.Pse riod June 1 2 ~ w 5 6 I EndN ineW eek.Pse riod SB SpringB reak 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 II Table of Contents Absences And Excuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Arrival Time At School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Arkansas School Law Governing School Attendance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Arkansas School Law Governing Compulsory Attendance Age . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Behavior At School Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Bus Conduct . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Care Of School Property . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Change Of Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Communicable Disease . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Conduct To And From School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Contact With Students While At School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Corporal Punishment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Demonstrations And Disorderly Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Detention . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Discipline For Handicapped Students . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Disruption Of School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Distribution Of Literature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Drugs And Alcohol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Electronic Communication Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Emergency Phone Numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Entrance Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Expulsion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Field Trips ......... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Food Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Gifted I Talented Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Graduation Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Guidance Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Handguns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Health Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Homebound Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Homework / Independent Study Skills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Honors Classes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Honor Graduates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Honor Roll . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Injuries I Illnesses At School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Leaving School During School Day . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Lockers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Lost And Found . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Magnet Schools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 How To Apply For Magnet School Enrollment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 M - To - M Transfers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 How To Apply For M - To - M Transfer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Make Up Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Medication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Notes From Parents Regarding Absences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Parent - Teacher Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Physical Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Promotions / Retention . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Public Display Of Affection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Religion In Schools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Reporting Student Progress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Safety Regulations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Bicycles / Motorcycles / Other Vehicles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Schedules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 School Closing In Inclement Weather . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Search, Seizure And Interrogation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Smoking/ Use Of Tobacco . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Special Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Student Assignments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Student Behavior - Prohibited Conduct . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Student Dress And Grooming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Student Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Student Records . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Summer School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Supplies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Suspension From School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Tardies............ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Telephones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Testing Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Textbooks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Transfers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Visitors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Weapons And Dangerous Instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Work Permits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 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 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 m 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 12tb 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. ACTMTIES Eligibility to participate in athletic activities is governed by the Arkansas Activities Association (AAA), including the requirement that a student passes four academic subjects from the preceding semester. A 1.6 grade point average is required from the preceding semester. Any competitive interscholastic activity under the jurisdiction of AAA must meet these schofastic requirements. Additionaf information regarding activities 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 minimum grade requirements except those clubs and orgamzations that are governed by charters from parent organizations. All clubs and student orgamzations 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. 1 ARRIVAL TIME AT SCHOOL IdeaJly, students should not arrive at school more than 10 minutes before school opens l 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 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 e~ulsion or dismissal of a student. (tl) The legislative intent is that a student having excessive absences because of illness, accident, or other unavoidable reason should be given assistance in obtaining credit for the course. (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 wben the student has accumulated excessive absences e9ual to one-half (1/2) the total number of absences permitted under the school districts 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 scliool 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 autbority shall file an action in the appropriate court to impose the civil penalty set forth in subdivision (a)(4) of the section and shall take whatever action 1s necessary to collect the penalty provided for therein. The failure of the prosecuting autho1ity 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 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 ~urt may utilize mandatory attendance to such programs as well as commumty service reqmrements in lieu of monetary penalties. 2 (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 apJ>?inted 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. (b )(1) Each public, _private, or parochial school shall notify the Department of Finance and Admmistrahon whenever a student fourteen (14) years of age or older is no longer in school. (2)(AJ Upon receipt of such notification, the Department of Finance and Administration shall notify the licensee by certified mail, return receipt requested, that his motor vehicle operator's license will be suspended unless a hearing is requested in writing within thirty (30) days from the date of notice. (B) The licensee shall be entitled to retain or regain his license by providing the Department of Finance and Administration with adequate evidence that: (i) The licensee is eighteen (18) years of age
(ii) The licensee is attending school
or (iii) The licensee has obtained a high school diploma or its equivalent. (C)(i) In cases where demonstrable financial hardship would result from the suspension or the learner's permit or driver's license, the Department of Finance and Administration may grant exceptions only to the extent necessary to ameliorate the hardship. (ii) If it can be demonstrated that the conditions for granting a hardship were fraudulent, the parent, guardian, or person in loco parentis shall be subject to all applicable perjury statutes. (D) The Department of Finance and Administration shall have the power to promulgate rules and regulations to carry out the intent of this section and shall distribute to each public, private, and parochial school a copy of all rules and regulations adopted under this section." 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 Scbool 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 6-18-20l(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 following 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. 3 (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 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 regl.!lation of the State Department of Education. On filing the kindergarten waiver form, the child or children shall not be required to attend kindergarten m that school year. (3) Any child enrolled in a postsecondary vocation/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 and District rules and regulations may also result m disciplinary action applicable under the regular school program. 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 termmated. 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 PROPER1Y Deliberate destruction or damage to school property will result in payment for loss, as well as other disciplinary action which may mclude police involvement. Careless destruction or damage may result in a requirement to pay damages. CHANGE OF ADDRESS office. It is the parent's responsibility to keep addresses current in the school 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 temeorary basis not to exceed ten (10) school days. An exclusion longer than ten (10) days shall be brou~t before the Board of Directors immediately for a determination on the indiV1dual's status. Before any official action is taken by the Board for an exclusion 4 longer then ten (10) days, the individual shall be provided an opportunity for a hearing before the Board of Directors upon appropnate notice. Student/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. B:x 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 establisfied 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 discielinary 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 wnere 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 p~se of obtaining information, the principal shall cooperate. If removal from school 1s requested, the principal shall inform tile parent or legal guardian prior to any release of the student. If tlie 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 Li_ttle 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 we11-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 and early/late detention has been assigned and shall assume responsibility for student transportation. The North Little Rock School District wiJI operate a Saturday Detention School between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. Secondary students assigned 5 Saturday detention will be expected to work on school assignments during the four hour program. Transportation to and from Saturday Detention School will be the responsibility of the student and his/her family. 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. 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 or 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 disruption or obstruction is reasonably certain to result. Neither shall a student urge other students to en~age in such conduct for the purpose of causing the substantrnl and material disruption or obstruction of any lawful mission, process, or function of the school if the disruption or obstruction 1s 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 6uilding 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 buildmg admimstrator 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. 6 2. To possess, procure or purchase, to attempt to possess, procure or purchase, to be under the influence of (legal mtoxication 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 hsted 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, tf1ink, 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 sha11 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 be suspended off-campus for a minimum of ten school days. The pohce 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 schoolJear. B. Selling any substance prohibite by this policy or what the student rerresents or believes to be any substance prohibited by this policy. ( ) 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 alcohoVdrug 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 imtial 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 m the State of Arkansas may be enrolled in kindergarten upon written request of the student's parents or guardians. 7 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 tlie year of m1tial 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 enrolleo 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 parents. 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 secunty number if: 1. other proof of the child's date of birth is submitted along with a comp1eted, 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 shalJ be placed in the same grade that would have been assigned in the former school. Students who have attended an unaccredited school shalJ be evaluated by the District and proper grade placement determined. Arkansas law reqmres that all students be immunized against poliomyelitis, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whopping cough) and red (RubeolaJ measles. Students who do not comply with this requuement shall be excluded from school enrollment. A student entenng 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 tempora1y 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 otber 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. 8 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. FOOD SERVICES Hot lunches are provided in the school cafeteria. Students are encouraged to participate in these nutntionally balanced programs
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 eat lunch anywhere else except at home, and only those students having a permit will be allowed to leave the campus during the lunch period. The North Little Rock School District operates a meal assistance program which complies with federal guidelines. Meal assistance in the form of free or reduced price meals is available with the lunch program. Students must not sell, give away or exchange lunch tokens. Unused tokens must be returned to the school office. GIFTED{fALENTED 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 may be made to the principal by school personnel, parents, peers or the student. The decision for placement 1s made after all available data are reviewed by a referral/placement committee. English Mathematics Social Studies Practical Arts Physical Education Health Education Fine Arts Communications Electives TOTAL GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS 4 Units 5 Units 3 Units 1 Unit 1/2 Unit 1/2 Unit 1/2 Unit 1/2 Unit 8 Units 23 Units (No substitutions allowed) (2 units of mathematics and 3 units of science or 2 units of science and 3 units mathematics) (Must include 1 unit of life science and 1 unit of physical science) (1 umt must be American History and .at least 1/2 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) In counting credits for graduation, courses taken in grades nine through twelve shall be considered. No more than three units may be earned in any other way than through regular attendance in a recogniz.ed high school. This exception will be made only m cases of extreme emergency and with the principal's permission. A student must be enrolled in six subjects each year. 9 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 services by the school nurse are primarily inspectional rather than diagnostic in nature. Students are routinely screened for hypertension in the 10th grade. 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. Secondary students participating in interschool competitive athletics, including Special Olympics, are reqmred to pass a physical exammation each year BEFORE oeing 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 availabfe from Special Services (771-8033). HOMEWORK/INDEPENDENTS TUDY SKILLS Recognizing that homework is a flexible and individual instructional responsibility, teachers in the North Little Rock Schools shall consider the following in making tfiis 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 judgement, homework should vary gradually from fairly light (no more than 15-30 mmutes per day) in grades 1-3 to fairly heavy (no more than 60-120 minutes per day) in grades 10-12. 10 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 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 during 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. 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 more appropriate placement. Grades earned in honors courses will be weighted only in those courses designated as exit level Advanced Placement (AP) courses, e.g., AP Biology, AP Calculus, and AP English, and AP Physics. HONOR GRADUATES For students who will graduate in 1992 or 1993, the critetion for being named an honor graduate is a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 in grades ten, eleven, and twelve. Act 980 of 1991 establishes qualifications for valedictorians, honor graduates, and membership in the National Honor Society. Beginning with the 1993-94 school year, students who have successfully completed a minimum core of high school courses recommended for preparation for post secondary education or a more rigorous program of vocational study shall be eligible for the honor of serving as a valedictorian or honor graduate. Honor graduates must earn a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.5 in grades nine through twelve in addition to completing the core curriculum. The core curriculum recommended by the State Board of Higher Education and the State Board of Education is an follows. English - 4 units (not to include oral communications courses) Natural Science - 2 units, with laboratory components, chosen from two of the following: biology, chemistry, or physics Mathematics - 3 units, including algebra I & II and geometry 11 Social Studies - 3 units, including one of American history, one of world history, and at least one-half unit of civics or American government ForeiS!} Language- 2 units in one foreign language Candidates for valedictorians or honor graduates who are enrolled in technical preparation courses are required to compfete the following coursework in addition to or in lieu of the minimum core outlined above. l. Students will complete three credits each in mathematics and science with at least two credits in each area from courses with content comparable to that in the college preparatory curriculum. The two higher level math and science courses may be courses designed to teach essential content from the college preparatory curriculum through an applied instructional process. 2. Students will complete at least four credits in a vocational major and two related vocational credits. Beginning with the 1991-92 school year, only those students enrolled in a course of study containing the minimum core of high school courses recommended for preparation for post secondary education shall be eligible for membershif in the National Honor Society. Students who are current members of the Nationa Honor Society are exempt from the provisions for membership outlined in Act 980. 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 pomt 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 famify 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 cf ass. Only those students who live within walking distance (five blocks) and have written consent may be granted permission to walk home for lunch. 12 LOCKERS Locker space is provided for the storage of a student's school supplies and personal items. In grades 9 through 12, students supply their own locks. Students are responsible for the care of their Tackers. 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 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 learnmg 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 rriority 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 wdl 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-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. 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 1s predominantly black.) Transportation will be provided for students involveo in M-to-M transfers. 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, 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-served basis according to priorities set by the court. If the target enrollment for a school has been reached, 13 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 completed withm 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 admimstered 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-TEACHERA SSOCIATION Parents are encouraged to join and participate in Parent-Teacher Association activities. Senior high school Parent-Teacher Association meetings are usually held on the second Tuesday of each month. PHYSICAL EDUCATION Each secondary student shall be re~uired to take physical education 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 allowea 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. 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, nine units for junior standmg and 15 units for senior standing. It is recommended that individually failed subjects be made up in summer school. 14 Required subjects failed, which are not made up in summer school, must be successfulfy 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 tlie 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 oefore 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 ts deficient. Any student failing to achieve mastery at the end of the second year shall be evaluated to determine the education programming that offers additional education 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 1s 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 mig,ht 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. 15 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 mailed home to parents if a student's performance is unsatisfactory. Grades shalJ be determined and reported in accordance with procedures established by the Superintendent and Board of Education and will be in compliance with state laws and regulations approved by State Board of Education. Letter grades will be reported in grades one through twelve. Act 1070 of 1991 establishes a statewide uniform grading scale. 93 - 100 A 60 - 69 D 83 - 92 B Below 60 F 70 - 82 C Students in grades K-12 will be graded each nine-weeks. Students in grades 7-8 will receive four nme-week grades and two semester averages. Students in grades 9-12 will receive four nine-week grades, semester exam grades, and semester averages in each course taken. In grades 9-12, the two nine-week grades shall equal 80% of the semester average, and the semester test shall equal 20% of the semester average. Semester tests must be taken before credit in a course is awarded. Group exceptions to the semester test requirement must be approved by the Director of Secondary Education and the Assistant Superintendent-Instmction. Grade point average is computed for each student at the secondary level based on all letter grades the student has received in academic subjects. Grade point averages will be calculated using the following four point gradmg scale: A=4.0
B=3.0
C=2.0
D=l.0
and F=0. Letter grades earned in Advanced Placement courses at the exit level will receive one additional point
e.g., A=S.00
B=4.0
etc. Cumulative grade point averages will begin with grades earned in the ninth S!.ade commencing with tbe 1990-91 school year. Cumulative grade point averages will be updated at the end of each semester when credit is earned. SAFETY REGULATIONS BICYCLES/MOTORCYCLES/OTHEVRE HICLES Licensed drivers are permitted to drive a motor vehicle to school if the following rules are obeyed: 1. All vehicles must be registered in the office. 2. Vehicles must be parked in designated area. 3. Loitering in the parking lot is not allowed at anytime. 4. Students will leave the 1ot immediately after parking. 5. Students may not enter the parking lot during school hours unless permission is obtained from the office. 6. Caution in driving should be used at all times. Fast or reckless driving will not be tolerated. It is illegal to pass a school bus while it is loading and unloading. 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. 16 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. 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 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. SMOKING/USE OF TOBACCO Students shall not be permitted to smoke or use tobacco in any form on the school grounds, or in school buildings dming the school day, or when riding school buses to and from school or on a school sponsored trip. Parental permission to smoke or otherwise use tobacco does not exempt a student from the policy. Professional school personnel shall organize and maintain intensive programs of education designed to make pupils fully aware of the hazards of smoking and use of tobacco. Students caught using tobacco in any form on the school grounds are subject to suspension or other appropriate disciplinary action. SPECIAL EDUCATION A special education program is provided for handicapped students whose handicapping conditions result in educational deficits. Special education services are available for: 1. Speech/Language handicapped 2. Learning disabfed 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, J)arents, 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. 17 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. 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. Wage1ing 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 belon-ging 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 exto11ion, coerc10n, blackmail or forcmg another person to act through the use of force or threat of force. 14. Engaging in verbal abuse such as namecalling, 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 pufP?Se 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 schoolrelated activity. The School District reseives the right to establish rules in addition to those appearing in this policy and to punish those who are guilty of their violation. 18 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 time. 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 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. 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 <?r older. A student's records may also be released to other school systems upon thelf 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 m1terial 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 1s ruled to be accurate, material remains in the file, but parents may prepare a statement to be 19 placed with the materials 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 eacfi 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 SUMMER SCHOOL A summer school program on a tuition basis is offered to students in grades 9 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. 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 orrations will likely result. 4. I guilry 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: 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, pnor 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 20 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 as,"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. Student Assignment Classes (SAC) shall be established for on-campus suspension of secondary school students. If a student is assigned to SAC three times in a given school year, any subsequent serious misbehavior will result in that student's bein_g suspended off-campus {Boys' Club, Alternative School or home) for a m8Xlmum of ten days. Chronic severe discipline problems may be grounds for recommending expulsion for the remainder of the school year. An alternative school for secondary students shall-be established for suspension of students who are identified as having severe discipline problems. While under suspension, students shall not be eligible to participate in, practice for, or attend any student activity whether during or after the school day. These activities include both Vespers and graduation. Absence from school due to home 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 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. TESTING PROGRAM Standardized tests are administered in grades nine, ten,and eleven. Pre college tests (PSAT and PACT+) and college admissions tests (ACT and SAT) are administered on a voluntary, test-fee basis. Specific test dates and test fee information is available in each high school's guidance office. 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. 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 programming reasons. 21 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 buifdmg 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. WORK PERMITS Work permits for the last fX:riod of the day may be granted to students who are regularly employed in a job which necessitates reporting to work before the end of the school day. Applications for work permits will be approved by the principal. The student will be required to present a written request from the student's parents and a statement from the empfoyer covering the time and nature of the employment. Upon arrival of the application, the office will issue a special permit to be carried each day by the student and presented on request by members of the teaching staff. Students having work permits must leave the building. Permits will be revoked for students who loiter in or about the building and/or are no longer employed. Due to the increasing enrollment and the complexity of scheduling, not all requests for work permits can be granted. Efforts will be made to grant as many work permits as possible, but first consideration must be given to the total class schedule. 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>