Crawford Junior/Senior High School

CRAWFORD JUNIOR/SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

PARENT/STUDENT HANDBOOK

2017-2018

Crawford Public Schools Mission Statement:

Crawford Public Schools, in partnership with our parents and community, will provide rigorous and relevant learning experiences, empowering each studentto achieve their life’s greatest potential.

CRAWFORD SCHOOL SONG

Cheer, Cheer, for old CHS,

To us your fame will never grow less.

Send a rousing cheer on high,

Shake down the thunder from the sky.

Although the odds be great or small,

Old Crawford High will win over all,

As our loyal sons go marching,

Onward to victory.

NOTE: The rules, regulations, and policies contained in this handbook are constantly monitored for effectiveness. Notification of changes or additions will be made as needed. Revised July 2017

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Staff Directory/Intent of Handbook4

School Calendar5

Article 1: Mission Statement and Goals6

Section 1: Goals and Objectives

Section 2: Mutual Respect

Section 3: Multicultural Policy

Section 4: Complaint Procedures

Article 2: School Day8

Section 1: Daily Schedule

Section 2: Shortened Schedule (Late Starts/Early Dismissals)

Section 3: School Closing Due to Weather Conditions

Section 4: Emergency Preparedness

Section 5: Open Campus

Section 6: Open Period

Section 7: Transportation Issues

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Article 3: Use of Building and Grounds11

Section 1: Entering and Leaving the Building

Section 2: Visitors

Section 3: Parents & Guardians

Section 4: Law Enforcement

Section 5: Searches

Section 6: Video Surveillance

Section 7: Student Valuables

Section 8: Lost & Found

Section 9: Accidents

Section 10: Insurance

Section 11: Use of Telephone

Section 12: Lockers

Section 13: Safety Glasses

Section 14: Bulletins and Announcements

Section 15: Copyright and Fair Use Policy

Article 4: Attendance14

Section 1: Attendance Policy

Section 2: Attendance

Section 3: Tardiness

Section 4: Leaving School

Section 5: Make Up Work

Section 6: Attendance/Eligibility

Article 5: Scholastic Achievement17

Section 1: Grading Policy

Section 2: Promotion/Retention Policy

Section 3: Academic Monitoring

Section 4: Scheduling

Section 5: National Honor Society

Article 6: Support Services26

Section 1: Special Education

Section 2: Guidance Services

Section 3: District Testing Program

Section 4: Health Services

Article 7: Drugs, Alcohol and Tobacco30

Section 1: Drug-Free Schools

Section 2: Smoke Free Environment

Section 3: Education and Prevention

Section 4: Student Conduct Standards

Section 5: Authorized Use of Prescription Medicine

Section 6: Disciplinary Sanctions

Section 7: Intervention

Section 8: Administrative Discretion

Section 9: Safe and Drug-Free Schools—Parental Notice

Article 8: Student Rights, Conduct, Rules and Regulations33

Section 1: Student Conduct and Discipline Policies

Section 2: Rationale

Section 3: Positive Behavioral Expectations (PBiS)

Section 4: Citizenship Program/Policy

Section 5: Care of School Property

Section 6: General Rules of Conduct

Discipline Chart35

Section 7: Weapons & Firearms

Section 8: Bullying and Harassment

Section 9: Student Violation of the Law

Section 10: Public Displays of Affection

Section 11: Dress Code38

Section 12: Cell Phones39

Section 13: Electronic Devices

Section 14: Network, E-Mail, Internet and Other Computer Use Rules

Section 15: Disciplinary Action Due Process

Section 16: Detention Time

Section 17: Dances and Parties

Section 18: Class Meetings

Article 9: State and Federal Programs45

Section 1: Notice of Nondiscrimination

Section 2: Designation of Coordinator(s)

Section 3: Student Fees

Section 4: Anti-discrimination and Harassment Policy

Section 5: Complaint and Grievance Procedures

Section 6: Section 504 Rehabilitation Act

Section 7: FERPA

Section 8: Notice Concerning Staff Qualifications

Section 9: Student Privacy Protection Policy

Section10: Parental Involvement Policies

Section 11: Homeless Students Policy

Section 12: Breakfast and Lunch Programs

Forms55

2017-2018 CRAWFORD JUNIOR/SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL STAFF

Kirk Hughes…………………….……………………………………………..……Superintendent

Christopher Geary………………………………………………..……………………….Principal

Rick Barry…………………………………..………………………………PE/Activities Director

Kim Marx………………………………………………….……….……………….SPED Director

Cherokee Rotherham.…………………………………………………….……...………Counselor

Brenda Vogl…...………………………………………....……High School Secretary/Bookkeeper

Karen Kriz……………..…..……………………………………………..………..…Media Center

Vicky DeWald………………...……………………………………………………………English

Lori Jensen………....………………………………………………………………………...Music

John Jones…………………………………………………………………...Industrial Technology

David Keim……………..…...……………………………………………………………...Science

Ryan Osmotherly…………………………………………………………………………...Science

Matt Rotherham………..…………………………………………………………………...…Math

Nina Anderson………………………………...... ………………………………Special Education

Eric Snitily………………………………………………………………………...………..…Math

Hannah Wilkinson………………………………………………..……………...………...English

Nathan Kackmeister….…….……………….………………………………………Social Science

Angie Allen………………………...…..…………………………………………Paraprofessional

Diane Gaston………………………...……………………………………………Paraprofessional

Wendy Hoem……………………………………………………………………...Paraprofessional

John Lemmon……………………………………………………………………..Paraprofessional

Robert Osmotherly……...…………………………………..………..…………….Head Custodian

Vicki Mader….………………………………………………………………...………...Custodian

Important Telephone Numbers

Superintendent’s Office…………………………………………………………………..665-1537

Elementary Office………………………………………………………………………...665-1928

High School Office……..………………………………………………………………...665-1531

Elementary Fax…………..…………………………………….…………………………665-1909

High School Fax………………………………………………………………………….665-1483

Intent of Handbook

The contents of this handbook are intended to be used by Crawford JH/HS students, parents/guardians, and staff members as a guide to the expectations, regulations, and general information about Crawford Junior/Senior High School. Students, parents, and staff members are responsible for becoming familiar with this handbook.

Although the information found in this handbook is detailed and specific on many topics, the handbook is not intended to be all encompassing, so as to cover every situation and circumstance that may arise during any school day or year. The handbook in itself does not form a contract and the school reserves the right to make decisions and rule revisions at any time to implement the educational program and to assure the well-being of all students.

The administration will be responsible for interpreting the rules contained in this handbook. Should a situation or circumstance arise that is not specifically covered in this handbook, the administration will make a decision based upon all applicable school district policies, state statutes and federal regulations.

ARTICLE 1: MISSION STATEMENT AND GOALS

Crawford Public Schools, in partnership with our parents and community, will provide rigorous and relevant learning experiences, empowering each student to achieve their life’s greatest potential.

Section 1: Goals/Objectives

1.A curriculum broad enough, yet with sufficient depth, to allow education for all of the students;

2.Exploration of new and better means of education;

3.Effectiveness in all phases of the curriculum;

4.Ways and means to encourage professionalism among its staff members;

5.A total program, academic and extra-curricular activities, which will contribute to the life-long cultural, social, and leadership qualities of the student;

6.The means whereby the community can make use of its facilities;

7.A means to communicate with the public so as a better understanding of the school and its needs exist;

8.A staff necessary to fulfill the above objectives; and,

9.Facilities necessary for the above objectives.

Section 2: Mutual Respect

Crawford Public Schools expects every staff member and student to be treated with respect and dignity.A show of disrespect toward a staff member or student and/or insubordination on the part of a staff member or student will be promptly addressed according to school and/or district policy.

Section 3: Multicultural Policy

Multicultural education is the identification, selection and infusion of specific knowledge, skills and attitudes for the purpose of:

• affirming the culture, history and contributions that shall include but not be limited to African Americans, Asian Americans, Hispanic Americans and Native Americans;

• challenging and eliminating racism, prejudice, bigotry, discrimination and stereotyping based on race;

• valuing multiple cultural perspectives; and

• providing all students with opportunities to “see themselves” in the educational environment in positive ways and on a continuing basis.

To promote and support multicultural education within Crawford Public Schools, it shall be the policy and practice of this district to create opportunities for all students to achieve academically and socially in an educational environment in which all students and staff understand and respect the racial and cultural diversity and interdependence of members of our society.

Section 4: Complaint Procedures

It is essential to follow the Complaint Procedure for all concerns/complaints. Failure to follow any part of this sequence may cause additional problems which could have been avoided. It is essential the School Board remain impartial so they may act as judge and jury if necessary. Anyone who contacts a School Board member out of sequence is not only exasperating the situation but placing the due process procedure at risk therefore, please follow the complaint procedure at all times.

The proper procedures for a parent or student to make complaints or raise concerns about school staff or the school programs or activities are set forth at the top of page 8. Other procedures exist to address discrimination or harassment, the bullying of students, and to challenge disciplinary actions, and such other procedures should be used to address those types of concerns.

1. Complaint Procedure:

Step 1. Have a scheduled conference with the staff person involved in the complaint matter:

Step 2. If the matter is not resolved at Step 1, appeal to the Principal by submitting a formal complaint form (located on District Website)

Step 3. If the matter remains unresolved after Step 2, then an appeal to the Superintendent should occur by submitting a letter which outlines the concern(s) and action(s) taken thus far;

Step 4. If the matter is still unresolved after Step 3, then a written appeal to the Board of Educationshould occur bywithin five (5) days of the Superintendent’s decision.

Persons may address the Board about general concerns at regularly scheduled meetings either by making use of the “Public Input” portion at the beginning of the meeting or by asking to be placed on the agenda (must see the Superintendent). Please note that anyone wishing to utilize one of these two approaches must focus their concern on the issue at hand and not utilize this opportunity to speak negatively about the individual(s) involved. The School Board President (or board member acting as the Board President) has the authority to immediately stop an individual addressing the School Board if these parameters are not followed.

1. Conditions Applicable to All Levels of Complaint Procedure:

All information to be considered at each step of the complaint procedures must be submitted in writing on

the District’s Formal Complaint Form.

Appeal decisions shall be expedited as quickly as possible. A decision at any level should be

rendered within ten (10) calendar days, unless a legal hearing is requested or required.

Please remember we are willing to schedule a time to visit in order to hear your concerns and/or explain our position on any issue. It is our desire to reach a mutually agreeable solution to the problem which, at the same time, aligns with school and/or district policy and any legal statutes which may be applicable.

ARTICLE 2: SCHOOL DAY

Section 1: Daily Schedule

Zero Hour:7:00 – 7:55Lunch11:51 – 12:30

1st Hour:8:00 – 8:475th Hour12:30 – 1:30

2nd Hour:8:50 – 9:376th Hour1:33 – 2:20

WIN9:40 – 10:107th Hour2:33 – 3:10

3rd Hour:10:13 – 11:008th Hour3:13 – 4:00

4th Hour11:03 – 11:51

Section 2: Shortened Schedule (Late Starts and Early Dismissals)

Early dismissals may occasionally occur for various reasons. It is the school’s desire to limit these occasions but when they do occur parents will be given as much prior notice as possible. Such notice will primarily be given in the monthly calendar, school newsletter, local newspaper or notes home. In the case of weather related early dismissals we will contact the radio stations.

Section 3: School Closing Due to Weather Conditions

A decision to close school is made when forecasts by the weather service and local weather conditions indicate it would be unwise for students to attend school. Please view the website’s link Inclement Weather Protocol for further information.

If extreme weather causes the cancellation of school, that news will be released through the Chadron radio stations (KCSR 6.10 AM and KQSK 97.5 FM) by 6:30 a.m. Please listen to the radio if cancellation seems likely. Cancellation information is also available on the school web page and on Chadrad Cancellations.

If weather conditions worsen during the school day to the point where early dismissal is necessary, a parent/guardian (or person to be called in an emergency) will be notified before any child is allowed to leave school prior to the usual dismissal time. Parents should have a plan in place to accommodate these circumstances.

If the weather is extremely hot, a decision may be made to run on a “heat schedule” and will be advertised on the radio, district website, and through notes sent home with students.

Inclement Weather & Parental Decisions:Parents may decide to keep their children at home during inclement weather. The absence will be treated like any other absence for legitimate causes provided parents properly notify the school of their decision. Parents may pick up their children in inclement weather at any time during the school day. Elementary students will not normally be dismissed from school during severe weather on the basis of a telephone request.

Section 4: Emergency Preparedness

School officials are not permitted to release students from the school building during a tornado warning or emergency situation. Parents are urged not to call radio and television stations and school buildings during severe weather or emergency situations. Every effort will be made to provide accurate and timely information through the media.

Crawford Schools have a signal which, when activated, includes the necessity to either evacuate the building or to move to safer areas within the building. Regular drills are held as required by law through the school year and include exiting buildings and buses, Tornado Warnings, and Lockdown Situations.

Emergency Drills

The following drills are conducted several times during the school year. Staff and students must be aware of what each code means and how to respond.

a)Lock Out: A lockout is declared when a potential threat exists outside the school building. During a lockout the following actions are taken:

1)All doors are locked;

2)Nobody outside the school is allowed to enter;

3)Nobody is allowed to leave the school;

4)All activities within the building continue as normal (lights on, teaching/learning underway)

b)Lockdown: A lockdown is announced when we must clear the hallways or keep them clear. The following actions occur during a lockdown:

1)All students are removed from the hallways;

2)Teachers shut and lock their doors;

3)Nobody may leave a classroom until the lockdown has ended;

4)Normal instructional practices continue during a lockdown.

c)Active Threat (shooter or person with a weapon): An active threat is announced when a condition exists involving someone with a weapon. The following actions occur during an active threat.

1)All students are removed from the hallways;

2)If a student is in a bathroom and cannot quickly get to a classroom, he/she should take shelter (hide) in a bathroom stall;

3)Teachers shut and lock and barricade their doors, turn out lights, closed window shades;

4)Teacher and students huddle in a corner away from the door and/or windows and keep quiet;

5)Do not use cell phones as this may prevent essential and accurate communication from occurring between the office and law enforcement

d)Fire Drills: Fire drills are conducted each month according to state statute.

e)Tornado Drills: A tornado drill is conducted each year in the spring.

Section 5: Open Campus (Board Policy 602.03)

All students in grades 7-12 are allowed to have Open Lunch provided they have submitted the parent permission form. A student shall lose his/her “open lunch” privilege for the remainder of the semester for any one (1) of the following reasons:

• The student’s GPA drops below 70%;
• The student is ineligible per the Citizenship Policy;
• The student receives disciplinary action which includes the removal of open lunch privileges.

Section 6: Open Period (Board Policy 602.03)

All seniors who meet the following criteria may schedule one open period per semester pending approval of the school principal. Students may only have ONE open period/teacher aide.

• Have successfully completed all courses necessary for graduation (thus far);
• Have submitted the Open Campus Permission Form;
• Have scored proficient in all subjects as determined by MAPS and/or NeSA assessments;
• Have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or better;
• No grades under 70% from the previous semester.

Additionally, any senior who is taking a zero hour class and meets the above criteria, may have an open period during the regular school day. Students may leave the school campus during their Open Campus provided they have properly signed out of the office. Failure to sign out will result in the student being considered truant. Students must sign in at the office when they return to the high school. Students who fail to continue to meet Open Campus requirements will be required to schedule a full class load the following semester.

In the event the student does not understand the terms and conditions of this policy, it shall be the duty of the student to ask for such points of clarification from the principal.

Section 7: Transportation Issues

In order to provide for the health, safety and welfare of students attending Crawford Public Schools, the following regulations governing the use of motor vehicles driven to school will be enforced:

1)All students who drive to school will park in the designated parking areas of the high school building and student parking areas south of the gym. Do not park in the “red zones”, handicap area, visitor parking, or residential driveways.

2)Drivers who are entering or departing the vicinity of the school and surrounding residential area will honor all State of Nebraska traffic laws and city ordinances.

3)Motor vehicles will not be moved from the parking lot during class time (8:00 A.M. to 3:42 P.M.) without the permission of the Principal or Superintendent. This permission will only be given to students who have a valid operator’s license.

4)Students are not to loiter in the parking area or other areas surrounding the school grounds before or after school.

5)Written parental permission must be on file in the office to allow students to drive their vehicle during the lunch period for meal purposes only. Please remember that this is a privilege granted by the school and can be rescinded.

Discipline options for violations regarding any/all of these Transportation Regulations of these provisions may include the following: