LMS Handbook
September 25, 2006
GENERAL INFORMATION
SCHOOL HOURS
School hours are from 8:14 a.m. to 3:20 p.m. Hallway and Classroom doors will be open for pupils at 8:00 a.m. with COMMONS doors open earlier during inclement weather. 5th and 6th grade students are to use the North doors with the 7th and 8th grade students using the South doors of the Middle School. Town students eating breakfast at school are to enter the South COMMONS door at 7:45.
School buses will depart promptly after school dismissal. All bus students are expected to go directly to the buses. All students are expected to leave the school immediately after dismissal unless prior arrangements have been made.
STORMY WEATHER
Parents are encouraged to listen to the radio and television stations for any announcement concerning school activities during stormy weather. If school is dismissed during the school day, it is important that children know what they are to do and where they are to go in the event parents are not home. If individual parent contact cannot be made, the emergency contact stated on the enrollment form will be notified. For parents of rural children, a form is to be completed regarding a place in town where the child may stay during stormy weather.
Announcements will be made on radio stations, KBUF, KIUL, KJIL, KSKL, KULY, and KWKR, and on TV stations, KSNG, Channel 11, KBSD, Channel 6, and KUPK, Channel 13.
SCHOOL VISITATION
Parents are encouraged to visit the classrooms. It would be appreciated if visitations would begin after school gets well underway and before the last few weeks of school. At no time are children allowed to visit unless accompanied by their parents. Please arrange appointments through the school office before visiting the classrooms.
SCHOOL INSURANCE
The school will not carry school accident insurance. If insurance is desired, check with the respective school office.
LUNCH AND BREAKFAST PROGRAM
Lakin Middle School observes a closed lunch hour. Meals will be served as school-day schedules permit. All students eating school meals will use breakfast and lunch tickets.
All food service accounts with a $10.00 balance or below will receive a weekly notice. If payment on an account is not made after the second notice, the parent will be informed that all meals must be paid in cash daily until the balance is paid. At the start of a new school term, all previous accounts must be paid in full. If the account is not paid, the students will be required to pay cash on a daily basis for meals.
LOCKERS
The school will provide both ACADEMIC HALLWAY lockers and PE lockers for student use. These lockers are school property. Students are encouraged to provide locks for their ACADEMIC HALLWAY lockers, as the school does not provide them. The school will attempt to provide locks for the PE lockers, however, should these locks not be available, students are to provide their own.
Students supplying their own locks are encouraged to provide an extra key or combination to their classroom teacher or school office in case of loss or forgetfulness.
VALUABLES
Students should not bring large sums of money to school. If it is necessary for a student to bring money to school, it may be left in the office for safekeeping. Students should not bring things of value to school. These would include roller skates, skateboards, radios, etc.
LOST AND FOUND
Items found or reports of missing items may be turned in to the middle school office. Articles not claimed at the end of the school year are donated to a charitable organization, where appropriate.
MARK YOUR BELONGINGS
Each student’s belongings, including school supplies, physical education clothes, and athletic clothes should be plainly marked with the student’s name.
BEEPERS, PAGERS, CELL PHONES, WALKMANS, CD PLAYERS
Students are not allowed to bring beepers, pagers, cell phones, walkmans, or cd players to school during normal operational hours.
TEACHERS' LOUNGE
Students are not allowed in the Teachers' Lounge unless under direct supervision of an adult school employee.
STUDENT AGENDAS
When the school provides Student Agendas, students are expected to keep it in their possession when the 'academic' portions of the day are in session. The agendas are to be used as a hall pass and must be signed by the dismissing teacher OR by the office staff when leaving for or returning to the building following an absence. Lost agendas must be replaced at the office for $5 for the first replacement and $10 for each one thereafter.
BICYCLES
Students riding bicycles to school are to follow these safety rules:
1. Walk bicycle on the school grounds and park it in the bicycle rack.
2. Walk bicycle off the school grounds looking both directions for cars before riding off.
3. Do not ride double.
4. Follow the traffic rules on the street the same as one does driving a car. This includes
walking bicycles through crosswalks.
SCHOOL NURSE
The school nurse will visit our school upon request to examine and counsel students with health problems or to administer first aid.
Illnesses or injury should be reported to the principal’s office.
INJURIES AND ILLNESSES
Parents will be notified in case of injury or illness. First aid will be given for minor cuts, scratches, burns, and abrasions. In case of emergency and when parents cannot be reached, the student will be taken to the nearest doctor or emergency room. Medicine (including over-the-counter medicine such as Tylenol) will be given only with the written consent of the parents and written doctor’s order. Medication must be brought in the original container and will be kept in the school office. If dosage change is made, another written doctor’s order is required. Parents will provide all medications. Parents should not permit a child to attend school who is afflicted with an untreated infectious, contagious, or communicable disease. It is the parents’ responsibility to consult a physician concerning a child’s illness and to keep at home any child having a sore throat, fever, skin eruption, or any other sign of contagious illness.
MEDICATION
The Nurse Practice Act KSA 65-113 et seq., as amended, makes it illegal for school nurses to administer medications and treatment that have not been prescribed by a medical person authorized to prescribe medicine. The law under this statute also prohibits any acts of diagnosis.
It is the policy of the Board of Education that the public school should not provide students with aspirin or any other medication. The decision as to whether aspirin is needed is a form of diagnosis, and the dispensing of this medication is a form of treatment. Any school personnel shall not practice unauthorized administration of aspirin or other un-prescribed medications.
In certain explained circumstances when medication is necessary in order that the student remain in school, the school may cooperate with parents in the supervision of medication that the student will use; but the medical person authorized to prescribe medication must send a written order and the parents must submit a written request requesting the school’s cooperation in such supervision and releasing the school district and personnel from liability.
The medication shall be examined by the school nurse or school employee designated by the nurse administering the medication to determine in his/her judgment that it appears to be in the original container, to be properly labeled, and to be properly authorized by the written order of a licensed medical person. Over-the-counter medications should not be maintained on any school premises, including athletic areas, unless a written doctor’s order is provided along with written parent permission to administer. In the administration of medication, the school employee shall not be deemed to have assumed to himself/herself any other legal responsibility other than acting as a duly authorized employee of the school district
STUDENT HEALTH
Students will be excluded from school when they have any one of the following symptoms:
Severe cold; Severe nose bleed; Upset stomach, vomiting, etc.; Abnormal menstrual cramps; General malaise (a tired, listless child); Suspicion of contagious illness; Sudden appearance of unidentified rash; Earache; Untreated discharge of inflammation of the eyes; Pediculosis (infestation with lice); Inflammation of the eyes
STUDENT HEALTH ASSESSMENTS
The state statutes require those pupils under age nine (9) who are entering a Kansas school for the first time to present the results of a health assessment upon entrance to school. The health assessment must have been conducted within the previous 12 months and conducted by a licensed physician, a person acting under the license of a physician, or by a nurse who has completed the Department of Health and Environment training and certification. The health assessments will be made a part of the student’s records and kept confidential.
If proof of current health assessment is not received within two (2) weeks after notification, the student will not be allowed to attend school and may be considered truant until records or proof that student is in the process of receiving the required health assessment have been given to the administrator.
All new students to the district, regardless of age or prior attendance in a Kansas school, must supply proof of a current (not over 6 months) negative tuberculin skin test within 7 days of admission; or in the case of a positive tuberculin skin test suitable proof of follow up referral and treatment must be received within no more than 30 days. Written permission from the student’s attending physician will be required for school attendance for positive test results.
STUDENT IMMUNIZATIONS
Immunizations set forth by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment are required for each child before attending school.
INTERRUPTION OF CLASSES
Classes will not be interrupted for delivery of messages to students except in the case of an emergency. If possible, students should be informed of all appointments and schedule changes before they come to school.
GIFT POLICY
The giving and receiving of gifts between school personnel and students on school premises or at school-sponsored events is prohibited. A gift is defined as any donation, present, or endowment in the form of cash or merchandise that has a value of more than $1.00. Class treats, such as soft drinks, candy, gum, cake, cookies, and popcorn, are not included in the definition of a gift.
School personnel shall not be permitted to accept gifts from pupils or classes of pupils in class situations.
Individual students are not to present gifts to school personnel and are not to collect moneys in class situations for the purpose of purchasing gifts for school personnel.
School personnel are prohibited from giving gifts to individual students or to classes of students in a school situation.
ANIMALS AND PLANTS IN SCHOOL — KSA 21-4310
Persons bringing animals and plants into the school must receive prior permission from the supervising teacher and the building principal. Animals, including all vertebrates, invertebrates, and toxic plants such as poison ivy or sumac, may be brought into the classroom for educational purposes.
Under no circumstances are animals to be transported on school buses.
Domesticated animals must be inoculated against rabies at the student’s expense before the student may bring such animal to school. Animals must be adequately housed and cared for in screened cages. Handling of animals and plants by students must be on a voluntary basis. Only the teacher or students designated by the teacher are to handle the animals.
Teachers must be aware of federal and state laws regulating the handling of animals. (Cf.KSA 21-4310).
If animals are to be kept in the classroom on days when classes are not in session, the teachers must make arrangements for their feeding, care, and safety.
All experiments using live animals must have prior approval of the principal.
If a staff member or student has been bitten by an animal, the incident must be reported immediately to the school office by the supervising teacher. Principals are to assume responsibility to notify public authorities to have the animal impounded for observation. Principals will attempt to notify the parents.
LIBRARY
The middle school library is available for use by middle school students. A student pass is required. Improper behavior may result in denial of library privileges.
VOC/ED GUIDELINES-FAMILY EDUCATION RIGHTS AND PRIVACY ACT
On November 19, 1974, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, as amended, became law. Under this law, the parents of students enrolled in any educational institution receiving federal funds are given certain rights concerning the educational records of their children.
The following information is being provided in accordance with this Act:
Types of Educational Records Maintained: The types of education records regularly maintained and directly related to each student includes the following: (a) personal data and family background information, (b) medical and health information, (c) date of school entry, (d) school grades, academic work completed and attendance, (e) transcripts from previous schools attended, (f) school-wide test results, (g) clinical findings from the High Plains Educational Cooperative (if your child has ever been referred to the Co-op), (h) school activities, (i) cumulative folders, and (j) suspension and expulsion from school. (Not all of the above records are kept at each attendance center in the district.)
Parent or Eligible Student* Access to Records: You are entitled to have access to the educational records for your inspection and review. The appropriate form for requesting access to the educational records may be obtained from the building principal.
Right to Copy: Parents and eligible students may have copies of the desired record at a cost charged to the parent or eligible student at 25 cents a page.
Right of Interpretation: Parents or students have the right to appropriate interpretations of the content of their educational record.
Directory Information: The following information is defined as “Directory Information”: name, address, telephone listing, date and place of birth, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, honors and awards received, sex, honor rolls, name of parent(s) or guardian, people who have had driver education for purposes of insurance discounts, and the most recent previous educational agency or institution attended by the student. This is the kind of information which is released to the public routinely through school publications, school news in the local paper, athletic program, tournaments, and activities and events sponsored by the Kansas State High School Activities Association. If you believe that any or all of the above directory information should not be released without prior consent, please respond to the building principal (record custodian) or the superintendent in writing within ten (10) days after enrollment of your child.
Right to a Hearing: You are entitled to a hearing to challenge the content of your child’s educational records. The records may be challenged on the following grounds: (a) the records are inaccurate, (b) misleading, (c) in violation of the privacy and other rights of students, and/or (d) contains inappropriate data. You will be provided an opportunity for the correction or deletion of any such inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise inappropriate data contained therein and to insert into such records a written explanation of your objection to the contents of such records.
*Eligible student means a student who has attained eighteen years of age, or is attending an institution of post-secondary education.
Civil Rights Comprehensive Notification for Lakin USD 215
In compliance with the Executive Order 11246; Title II of the Education Amendments of 1976; Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended by the Equal Employment Opportunity Act of 1972; Title IX Regulation Implementing Education Amendments 1972; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; and all other Federal, State, School rules. laws, regulations, and policies, the Lakin Schools shall not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, national origin, or handicap in the educational programs or activities which it operates.
It is the intent of Lakin USD 215 of Lakin, Kansas to comply with both the letter and spirit of the law in making certain discrimination does not exist in its policies, regulations, and operations. Grievance procedures for Title IX and Section 504 have been established for students, their parents, and employees who feel discrimination has been shown by the local education agency.
Specific complaints of alleged discrimination under Title IX (sex) and Section 504 (handicap) should be referred to:
Randy Steinle Randy Steinle
Superintendent Superintendent
Lakin USD 215 Lakin USD 215
1003 West Kingman 1003 West Kingman
Lakin, KS 67860 Lakin, KS 67860
620-355-6761 620-355-6761
Title VI, Title IX, and Section 504 complaints can also be filed with the Regional Office for Civil Rights. Address correspondence to:
U.S. Department of Education, Region VII
Office for Civil Rights
10220 North Executive Hills Boulevard
Kansas City, MO 64153
USD 215 – AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT/EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY AGENCY
Lakin Unified School District No. 215 does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, colour, national origin, disability, or age in admission or access to, or treatment or employment, its programs or activities. Any questions regarding Lakin USD #215’s compliance with Title VI, Title IX, ADA, or Section 504 may be directed to the Coordinator, who is Superintendent of Schools, Randy Steinle. He can be reached at (620) 355-6761, or at 1003 W. Kingman, Lakin, KS. 67860. The Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education is also available.
ATTENDANCE
ABSENCES AND EXCUSES
Absence from a class for any reason results in a loss to the student that is irretrievable. It shall be the responsibility of the school principal to guard against absenteeism.
Kansas Law (KSA 72-1113) states that a child is inexcusably absent from school if absent there from all or a significant part of a day without a valid excuse acceptable to the school employee designated by the board of education to have the responsibility for the attendance of such child.
A significant part of a day will be interpreted to mean one scheduled period. The school will determine what an excused absence is. Each student is expected to attend all classes in which enrolled unless the absences are excused by a parent. (All absences will be considered unexcused unless the parent, prior to or on the day of the absence, has notified the school that the student’s absence is excusable, or upon return to school, the student brings a note signed by the parents explaining the absence.) Notification for prearranged absence should be given the school as early as possible. A student who leaves school without the parents’ permission after attendance is taken will be counted absent/unexcused for the period(s) missed.
In the case of an unexcused absence, the student will be permitted to make up work missed each nine-week grading period on an hour-for-hour basis. Both time and work must be made up.
On days of Middle School activities, students must be in attendance FOUR class periods immediately proceeding the dismissal time. Students with a verifiable physician's appointment, court appointment, or funeral attendance may have the four periods waived, provided the student is in attendance immediately after the aforementioned excuse.
Students sent home with head lice will be excused that day plus the following day. Any additional days will be considered UNEXCUSED.
TARDIES
Three class tardies shall constitute one period absence. Tardies will be dealt with in accordance to the DISCIPLINE MATRIX. Tardies will be accumulative throughout the entire year, not on a quarterly or semester basis. If a chronic absence or tardy situation develops: (1) the teacher, student, principal, and parent will meet to determine what action to take and (2) the situation will be reported to other cooperating agencies. The teacher will notify the office when a tardy occurs.
It is the responsibility of the student to obtain the necessary information from teachers with respect to making up the schoolwork missed during absences.
STEPS TO FOLLOW WHEN A STUDENT IS ABSENT
1. Bring a note from parent or guardian, signed and dated, stating the days of absence and the reason for the absence. Or, parents may telephone the principal or secretary to explain the absence. If the office does not receive communication regarding the absence, it will be considered an unexcused absence.
2. Have student agenda signed by office personnel.
3. Present the agenda to each teacher whose class was missed.
4. The teacher will record the assignment of work missed.
5. Complete the assignment promptly. Students are responsible for acquiring and completing makeup work.
6. Students who have not completed makeup work may be asked to stay after school to complete the work.
For excused absences other than a suspension, students will be afforded two (2) days for the first day absent and one additional day for each subsequent day absent to make up work.
When an absence is planned in advance, the student should bring a note from the parent/guardian at least twenty-four hours in advance. The student will be expected to use their agenda to record makeup work assignments.
When a student has accumulated three consecutive unexcused or five nonconsecutive unexcused absences during a given semester, the student will be considered truant. Truancy infractions will be reported to the county attorney.
PERMIT TO LEAVE BUILDING
If a student must be absent during any part of the school day and must leave the building, he/she are not to leave the building without first notifying the office and having their agenda stamped. Students returning from an absence must report to the office for verification and agenda stamping.
ACADEMICS
SCHEDULE CHANGES
7th and 8th grade students desiring a schedule change must consult with the principal for approval. Changes will not be considered after the 3rd day of the semester. All changes must have approval by the principal and teachers involved.
GRADE CARDS
The first and third 9-week's grade cards will be picked up by the parents at the Parent/Teacher Conferences. Students whose parents do not attend P/T Conferences may pick up their grade cards on the Monday following conferences. Second 9-week's grade cards will be distributed to students for home delivery at the beginning of the 3rd 9-weeks. Fourth 9-week's grade cards will be given to students at the year-end awards assembly.
PROGRESS REPORTS
Weekly PROGRESS REPORTS will be e-mailed to parents for all classes unless otherwise notified by the parents. For parents not receiving weekly e-mail reports, a paper copy of the mid-term progress report will be given to students for home delivery. It is the student's responsibility to share their progress report with their parents. Parents may request that a progress report be mailed home.
HONOR ROLL
Principal’s Honor Roll - Student must receive all “A’s”.
Teacher’s Honor Roll - Student must have a “B” average.
ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY
All Middle School students wishing to participate in school activities outside and during the school day will be required to meet academic standards checked quarterly.
Quarterly eligibility will be based on the nine weeks grade for the first and third grading period and the semester grade for the second and fourth grading period. Students who become ineligible will remain ineligible until the end of the next grading period. Students at the Middle School level will be required to pass 7 classes. It will be the student’s responsibility to inform parents of their eligibility situation. Students able to become eligible during the activity season will be allowed to practice with the group.
This policy will be enforced for all school-sponsored activities including but not limited to athletics, cheerleading, vocal and band performances, forensics meets, quiz bowl competitions, conferences, and dances.
PROMOTION POLICY
It is our desire at LMS that all students succeed. We also recognize that student success is measured by a variety of both objective and subjective factors. To that end, students at LMS will be eligible for promotion to the next grade level when they successfully meet the following criteria:
Students have demonstrated they are DEVELOPMENTALLY ready for the next grade level in areas such as Organizational Skills, Maturity, Study Skills, and Motivation.
Students have demonstrated they are ACADEMICALLY ready for the next grade level. This will be determined by an examination of Classroom Grades, State Assessment Scores, and CTBS Scores. Students not demonstrating the appropriate level of achievement will be ineligible for promotion to the next grade level.
Students not demonstrating adequate / appropriate levels of achievement in any of the above may:
• be required to successfully complete Summer School
• be promoted with specific, mandatory remediation interventions in place for the following year
• be retained
The final decision will be based on teacher / principal documentation and teacher / principal recommendation.
WITHDRAWAL FROM SCHOOL
In order for all necessary records to be completed, parents or legal guardians must notify the principal’s office stating their intention to withdraw their son or daughter from school. This notice should be given at least two days before leaving. Students are required to turn in all books, pay all bills and complete a student withdrawal form signed by al teachers on the last day of attendance before leaving school. The completed withdrawal form must be turned into office personnel before leaving school.
STUDENT EXPECTATIONS
DRESS AND APPEARANCE
GUIDELINES
Students are expected to dress in a
manner that will present a positive image for themselves as
individuals as well as the school they represent. The basic
guidelines are neatness, cleanliness, and good taste based on the
principles of common sense, such as the following:
1. A belt must be worn with loose fitting long pants or shorts.
2. A shirt must be worn over or under sleeveless shirts with loose fitting arms, this
includes spaghetti strap styles.
3. Shirts must touch the waistband at all times of long pants, shorts, or skirts.
4. Shorts, dresses, or skirts will not be shorter than the extended arm/hand.
The dress and appearance guidelines will serve in helping students and parents determine what is appropriate for school. When students are not in compliance with the guidelines, parents will be notified and will be expected to provide appropriate clothing.
Inappropriate dress includes, but is not limited to, the following: clothing, jewelry, or appearance that presents a physical danger to the health or safety of him/herself or others; evidence of obscenity and/or indecent or immoral appearance; appearance that presents a distraction to the educational process; evidence of commercial advertisement of alcohol, drug, or tobacco related products; hats or other headwear-this includes bandanas- worn inside the building except in conjunction with approved ‘Spirit Week’ activities; torn clothing, such as with regards to sleeves on shirts and shorts; clothing which displays undergarments or parts thereof; shorts that are not visible when standing due to shirts or jackets that are of an oversized nature; clothing which displays evidence of gang related style, symbols, race superiority, bedtime/sleepwear attire including slippers.
CODE OF STUDENT BEHAVIOR
Students at Lakin Middle School have a responsibility to maintain a standard of behavior that fosters respect for each person. Students will be held responsible for understanding and complying with the following code of student behavior;
1. Attend school on a regular basis.
2. Make every possible effort to complete work assigned and makeup work missed due to
absences in order to complete the required course of study.
3. Report to class on time every day unless ill or excused.
4. Respect themselves and others at all times, whether in the classroom, hallway, on school
grounds, at school sponsored activities (home or away), and on the way to and from
school or activities. This includes:
• Threatening or bullying behavior, either verbal or physical
• The use of profane or vulgar language or the making of obscene or suggestive behavior
• The possession, use, or distribution of tobacco, narcotics, alcohol, knives, weapons, pornography, or other
contraband
5. Understand and respect the role and authority of the principal and teachers.
6. Comply with building and classroom rules and regulations as they have been established.
7. Respect and treat appropriately all school property. This includes, but is not limited to:
Actions which deface, damage, destroy (inclusive of possession / use of fireworks on
school grounds), possession of matches / lighters and sunflower seeds within the MS
building.
The teacher will deal with infractions of classroom rules. More severe or repeated behavior problems will be referred to the principal and the appropriate consequences will be determined.
We reserve the right to modify the consequences depending on the severity or frequency of the incident and /or any mitigating circumstances that need to be taken into account. Parents may need to bring student to school following any out-of-school suspension.
STUDENT CONDUCT—THREATS
Lakin USD #215, in its desire to provide a safe environment for all students, will not allow students to threaten physical violence to another student or staff member.
Threats may include, but are not limited to, the following: An expression of intention to inflict or cause injury, harm or damage to another person or property; disturbing or tormenting either singularly or in a group; extortion; intimidation; hitting; shoving; an innuendo, overt or implied threat to cause physical harm or creating a hostile school environment; or any action that causes the other person to fear or be afraid for his or her person while at school or attending any school activity.
If a student is found guilty of threatening another within the school year by a school administrator, the following penalty procedures will be followed:
1. First offense. The student will be warned, the parents will be notified and/or the police may be notified depending on the severity of the incident. If a student has been warned previously by a staff member, the principal may assign IN or OUT of School suspension for up to three (3) days. The student will be placed on probation for a minimum of 30 calendar days.
2. Second offense. The offender may be suspended from school up to 10 days, as determined by the building principal and placed on probation for a minimum of the remainder of the school semester.
3. Third offense. The student will be expelled from school for the remainder of the school semester. Assurances by the student and his/her parents, as determined by the building principal, must be made before the student will be allowed to re-enroll in the school system.
Any or all of the steps may be skipped depending on the severity of the incident. Students should be aware that legal action may be initiated by the person offended.
SUSPENSION AND EXPULSION
The board of education extends its authority to suspend and expel any student as authorized by law to the superintendent of schools and the building principals. Building principals have the authority to determine whether they will enforce in-house or out-of-school suspension.
A pupil or student may be expelled or suspended if guilty of one or more of the following:
(a) willful violation of any published regulation for student conduct adopted or approved
by the board of education,
(b) conduct which substantially disrupts, impedes, or interferes with the operation of any
public school,
(c) conduct which substantially impinges upon or invades the rights of others, or
(d) conduct which has resulted in conviction of the pupil or student of any offense specified
in chapter 21 of the Kansas Statutes Annotated or any criminal statute of the United States, or
(e) disobedience of an order, teacher, peace officer, school security officer, or other school authority, when such disobedience can reasonably be anticipated to result in disorder, disruption, or interference with the operation of any public school or substantial and material impingement upon or invasion of the rights of others.
HEARING
No suspension shall extend beyond the current school semester to 90 school days and no expulsion shall extend beyond the current school year to 186 school days. A suspension may be for a short term not exceeding five days, or for an extended term exceeding five school days.
Except as hereinafter authorized, no suspension for short term shall be imposed upon a student without giving the student notice of the charges and affording the student a hearing thereon. The notice may be oral or written and the hearing may be held immediately thereafter. The hearing may be conducted informally but shall include the following procedural due process requirements: (1) the right of the student or pupil to be present at the hearing, (2) the right of the student or pupil to be informed of the charges, (3) the right of the student or pupil to be informed of the basis for the accusation, and (4) the right of the student or pupil to make statements in defense or mitigation of the charges or accusations.
A short-term suspension may be imposed upon a pupil or student forthwith, and without affording the pupil or student or the parents or guardians thereof a hearing if the presence of the pupil or student endangers other persons or property or substantially disrupts, impedes, or interferes with the operation of the school. A written notice of any short term suspension and the reason therefore shall be given to the pupil or student involved and to the parents or guardians thereof within 24 hours after the suspension has been imposed and, in the event the pupil or student has not been afforded a hearing prior to any short term suspension, an informal hearing shall be provided as soon thereafter as practicable but in no event later than 72 hours after such short term suspension has been imposed.
No suspension for an extended term and no expulsion shall be imposed upon a pupil or student until an opportunity for a formal hearing on the suspension or expulsion shall be afforded to the pupil or student. A written notice of any proposal to suspend for an extended term or to expel and the charges upon which the same is based shall be given to the pupil or student proposed to be suspended or expelled and to the parents or guardians thereof. Any notice of a proposal to suspend for an extended term or to expel shall state the time, date, and place that the pupil or student will be afforded an opportunity for a formal hearing, and the hearing shall be held not later than ten (10) days after the date of the notice. The notice shall be accompanied by a copy of this act and the regulations of the board of education adopted under KSA 72-8903.
Upon the conclusion of any formal hearing which results in a suspension for an extended term or an expulsion, the person or committee which conducts the hearing shall make a written report of the findings and results of the hearing. The report shall be directed to the board of education of the school district and shall be open to the inspection of the pupil or student who is suspended or expelled and if the pupil or student has not attained 18 years of age, to the parents or guardians and counsel or other advisor of the pupil or student. If the pupil or student has attained 18 years of age, the report shall be open to the inspection of the parents or guardians and counsel or other advisor of the pupil or student only upon written consent of the pupil or student.
Whenever any formal hearing results in suspension for an extended term or expulsion, the person or committee conducting the hearing may make a finding that return to classes by the student or pupil, pending any appeal or during the period allowed for notice of appeal, is not reasonably anticipated to cause continuing repeated material disorder, disruption, or interference with the operation of any public school or substantial and material impingement upon or invasion of the rights of others, in which case the student or pupil may return to regular classes until the period for filing a notice of appeal has expired with no notice filed, or until the determination of any appeal if a notice of appeal is filed. Whenever the person or committee conducting a hearing fails to make the findings specified, the report of the hearing shall provide that the suspension shall continue until appeal therefrom is determined or until the period of suspension or expulsion has expired, whichever is the sooner.
Whenever any written notice is required under this act to be given to parents or guardians of any student or pupil, it shall be sufficient if the same is mailed to the residence of the parents or guardians at the address on file in the school records of the student or pupil. In lieu of mailing the written notice, the same may be personally delivered.
DUE PROCESS
In the event of suspension or expulsion, the student has the right to a formal hearing as described in the current board policy.
WEAPONS AND DANGEROUS INSTRUMENTS
A student shall not knowingly possess, handle, or transmit any object that can reasonably be considered a weapon on the school grounds or off the school grounds at a school activity, function, or event. This policy shall include any weapon, any item being used as a weapon or destructive device, or any facsimile of a weapon. This policy also includes any type of laserpointer.
Possession of a firearm shall result in expulsion from school for a period of one year (186 school days), except that the superintendent may recommend that this expulsion requirement be modified on a case-by-case basis.
As used in this policy, the term “firearm” means any weapon (including a starter gun) which will or is designed to or may readily be converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive, the frame or receiver of any such weapon, or any firearm muffler or silencer, or any destructive device.
As used in this policy, the term “destructive device” means any explosive, incendiary or poison gas, bomb, grenade, rocket having a propellant charge of more than four ounces, missile having an explosive or incendiary charge of more than one-quarter ounce, mine, or other device similar to any of these devices.
SEXUAL HARASSMENT
District employees shall not sexually harass, or knowingly permit sexual harassment of a student by another employee, student, non-employee, or non-student on school premises or at school-sponsored activities. Neither shall a student sexually harass another student or students. Violation of this policy shall result in disciplinary action, including but not limited to, possible termination of an employee or disciplinary action against the violator(s) involved. Supervisors who fail to follow this policy or who fail to investigate complaints shall be in violation of this policy. If the principal is the object of a harassment complaint, the student may bypass the principal and report directly to the superintendent. Complaints against the superintendent shall be heard by the board. Retaliation against anyone who participates in an investigation shall not be knowingly permitted.
Sexual harassment may include, but not be limited to the following:
• unwelcome sexually oriented communication;
• subtle pressure or requests for sexual activity, persistent unwelcome attempts to change a professional relationship into a personal, social-sexual relationship creating a hostile school environment;
• the use of innuendo or overt or implied threats, unnecessary touching of an individual, e.g., patting, pinching, hugging, repeated brushing against another person’s body;
• requesting or demanding sexual favors accompanied by an implied or overt promise of preferential treatment with regard to a student’s grades or status in any activity;
• sexual assault or battery as defined by current law.
Any student who believes he or she has been subjected to sexual harassment should immediately discuss the problem with his/her principal or another certified staff member. Initiation of sexual harassment complaint will not cause any adverse reflection on the student. The initiation of a student’s complaint shall not adversely affect the status of any student until a finding of fact determines that improper conduct occurred. Strict confidentiality shall be maintained throughout the complaint procedure.
Students who have been accused of sexual harassment will remain in school until the investigation has been completed if there are no extenuating circumstances such as a fight.
If a student is found to be guilty of sexually harassing another student or a faculty member, the following procedure will be followed:
1. First offense: The student will be warned and the parents will be notified. The incident will be documented and filed in the principal’s office.
2. Second Offense: The second offense will result in a 1 to 3 day in or out-of-school suspension and the parents will be notified. A parent/principal meeting may be appropriate.
3. Third Offense: The third offense will result in a 3 to 5 day in or out-of-school suspension and a conference with the parents.
4. Fourth Offense: Expulsion proceedings will be initiated.
Any or all of the steps may be skipped depending on the severity of the incident. Students should be aware that legal action may be initiated by the person offended.
USD #215 COMPUTER USAGE GUIDELINES
USD #215 recognizes that there is potential for both illegal and disruptive behaviors associated with unauthorized and unsupervised computer usage. For the purpose of implementing these guidelines, the following infractions will apply:
• using any other person’s file with or without their permission,
• installing unauthorized programs using authorized directories and/or computer disks
• accessing DOS system prompts
• distributing pirated software with or without compensation (monetary)
• having any computer disks, programmed or un-programmed
• using any self-help computer books not contained in USD #215 curriculum guide
• accessing student e-mail accounts
• any other determinable infractions
Consequences: In the event that the school district’s computer network is damaged as a result of unauthorized computer use, costs may be assessed to the student responsible.
First offense: Unauthorized materials unrelated to curriculum will be confiscated until
the end of the school year.Loss of computer privileges in all classes for 2 weeks.
Second offense: Loss of computer privileges in all classes for 4 weeks.ISS for one (1) day
Third offense: Loss of computer privileges for the rest of the school year.
ASSEMBLY/LYCEUM BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS
1. Students will sit with their homeroom during assemblies.
2. All students should practice good citizenship during assemblies and show their appreciation for the program in the proper manner.
3. Whistling or applauding too long is discourteous and unacceptable.
SCHOOL DANCE GUIDELINES
LMS dances are for seventh and eighth grade students attending Lakin Middle School. No guests are allowed.
ACTIVITY TRANSPORTATION
LMS students participating in off-campus activities will ride the transportation provided by the district to the event. Students will be released to parents or direct family members only, for transportation from the event when the district Liability Waiver has been processed with the sponsor.
DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE POLICY
DRUG FREE SCHOOLS
Maintaining drug free schools is important in establishing an appropriate learning environment for the district’s students. The unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs, drug paraphernalia, and alcohol by students on school premises or as a part of any school activity is prohibited. This policy is required by the 1989 amendments to the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act, P.L. 102-226, 103 St. 1928.
STUDENT CONDUCT
As a condition of continued enrollment in the district, students shall abide by the terms of this policy.
Students shall not unlawfully manufacture, distribute, dispense, possess or use illegal drugs, controlled substances, drug paraphernalia, or alcoholic beverages on school district property, or at any school activity. Any student violating the terms of this policy will be reported to the appropriate law enforcement officials, and will be subject to the following sanctions:
First Offense – A first time violator shall be subject to the following sanctions:
a. A punishment up to and including short term suspension;
b. Suspension from all district activities for a period of not less than one month.
Second Offense – A second time violator shall be subject to the following sanctions:
A punishment up to and including long-term suspension;
c. Suspension from all district activities for a period of not less than one semester or four months;
d. Student placed on long-term suspension under this policy may be readmitted on a probationary status if the student agrees to complete a drug and alcohol rehabilitation program.* (Name (s) of acceptable programs are on file with the board clerk.
Third and Subsequent Offenses - A student who violates the terms of the policy for a third time, and any subsequent violations, shall be subject to the following sanctions:
e. A punishment up to and including expulsion from school for the remainder of the school;
f. Suspension from participation and attendance at all school activities for the year;
g. A student who is expelled from school under the terms of this policy may be readmitted during the term of the expulsion only if the student has completed a drug and alcohol education and rehabilitation program at an acceptable program.*
Students who are suspended or expelled under the terms of this policy will be afforded the due process rights contained in board policies and Kansas statutes, K.S.A. 72-8901, et seq. Nothing in this policy is intended to diminish the ability of the district to take other disciplinary action against the student in accordance with other policies governing student discipline. *In the event a student agrees to enter into and complete a drug education and rehabilitation program, the cost of such program will be borne by the students and his or her parents.
A list of available programs along with names and addresses of contact persons for each program is on file with the board clerk. Parents or students should contact the directors of the programs to determine the cost and length of the program.
A copy of this policy will be provided to all students and the parents of all students. Parents of all students will be notified that compliance is mandatory.
REPORTING TO DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES
Whenever a pupil 13 years or older is expelled from school or long-term suspended for:
• Possession of a weapon at school, on school property, or at a school activity; or
• Possession, use, sale or distribution of an illegal drug or controlled substance at school, or on school property or at a school activity; or
• Behavior at school, on school property, or at a school activity, which resulted in, or was substantially likely to have resulted in, serious bodily injury to others.
The principal or superintendent shall give written notice of the explanation of the expulsion or suspension to the division of vehicles of the department of revenue. The report shall include the pupil’s name, address, date of birth, and driver’s license number (if available).
TOBACCO
A student shall not knowingly possess or use tobacco in any form in or on school property during and immediately before or immediately after school hours, at any other time when the school is being used by any school group, or off school property when such student is a participant in a school activity, function, or event.
A student who violates the policy will be subject to the following:
First Offense: 1-3 days in or out-of-school suspension, parent notification, and parental assistance requested.
Second Offense: 3-5 days in or out-of-school suspension, conference with parents (and a requirement that the student attend and complete a tobacco use cessation clinic).
Third Offense: 5 day in or out-of-school suspension and conference with parents.
Fourth Offense: 5-day out-of-school suspension and possible hearing for a long-term suspension.
LAW ENFORCEMENT INTERACTION WITH STUDENTS
It is the desire of the school district to cooperate with federal, state, county, and municipal agencies in the enforcement of laws and regulations pertaining to all matters the of education and welfare of children. It is paramount that the rights of the school, home, the legal authorities, and the individuals be clearly understood and protected. The SRO (School Resource Officer) is granted the authority to assist the Principal at the Principal's discretion.
When students become involved with law enforcement, the officer should be requested to confer with the student at a time when the student is not under the jurisdiction of the school. However, when the foregoing is impractical, law enforcement officers may be permitted to confer with a student during school hours provided the following conditions are met:
1. The law enforcement officer must show appropriate identification,
2. Permission must be given by the principal or designee,
3. Every effort should be made to contact the parents or lawful guardians and give them the opportunity to be
present during the interview,
4. The student is to be removed from the classroom by school personnel,
5. The discussion must be conducted in private with the principal or designee present, and
6. The student shall be afforded the same rights he/she has outside the school, including the right to be informed of his/her legal rights, the right to protection from coercion and constraint, and the right to remain silent.
The school principal will maintain an informal record of time, place, persons, and summary of the interview or interrogation.
SEARCH OF PROPERTY AND STUDENTS
APPLICATION OF POLICY
Students are entitled to the guarantees of the fourth amendment, and they are subject to reasonable searches and seizures. School officials are empowered to conduct reasonable searches of students and school property when there is reasonable cause to believe that students may be in possession of drugs, weapons, alcohol, and other materials (“contraband”) in violation of school policy or state law. Students who bring contraband on school grounds may be searched in order to secure the school environment so learning can take place and to protect other students from any potentially harmful effect stemming from the contraband. School property shall remain under the control of school officials and shall be subject to search. The administration may utilize canines and metal detectors (magnetometers) as provided in the administrative procedures.
DEFINITIONS
For purposes of policy and these administrative procedures, the following definitions are applicable:
“Contraband” is all substances or materials, the presence of which is prohibited by school policy or state law, including but not limited to, controlled substances, drugs, alcohol or alcoholic beverages, abusable glue or aerosol paint, guns, knives, weapons, and incendiary devices.
“Reasonable cause” is the standard for a search on school property or at school-related events which is based on the school official’s specific reasonable inferences which he/she is entitled to draw from the facts in light of the school official’s experience. Specific reasonable inferences may be drawn from instances including but not limited to a tip from a reliable student, suspicious behavior which suggests that contraband is present, a smell indicating the presence of the contraband or a bulge in a pocket, etc. Reasonable cause should not be based on mere hunch.
SCHOOL PROPERTY
Student lockers, desks, and other such property are owned by the school. The school exercises exclusive control over the school property, and student should not expect privacy regarding items placed in school property because school property is subject to search at any time by school officials. Students are responsible for whatever is contained in desks and lockers issued to them by the school.
PERSONAL SEARCHES
A student’s person and/or personal effects (e.g., purse, book bag, etc.) may be searched whenever a school authority has reasonable suspicion to believe that the student is in possession of illegal or unauthorized materials.
If a pat down search of a student’s person is conducted, it will be conducted in private by a school official of the same sex and with an adult witness present when feasible.
If extreme emergency conditions require a more intrusive search of a student’s person, such a search may only be conducted in private by a school official of the same sex, with an adult witness of the same sex present, and only upon the prior approval of the superintendent, unless the health or safety of students will be endangered by the delay which might be caused by following these procedures.
SUGGESTED PROCEDURES
If a school official has reasonable cause to believe that contraband is present, he or she may institute a search. Although the following procedures for a search are suggested, they are not mandated because the circumstances for each search may vary. The student should ordinarily be required to be present and asked to consent to the search. If after being informed of the basis for the school official’s reason to search the student does not consent and the circumstances permit, the student’s parents or guardian should be called and informed of the circumstances. If the parent or guardian will not consent to the search, the school official may proceed with the search, contact security, or if necessary, call law enforcement authorities. Ordinarily, and if circumstances permit, the search of a person or his/her effects should be conducted out of the presence of other students.
USE OF CANINES
The administration is authorized to utilize canines whose reliability and accuracy for sniffing out contraband has been established to aid in the search for contraband in school owned property and automobiles parked on school property. Canines shall not be used to search students unless school officials have established independently that there is probable cause to believe the student possesses contraband on his/her person. The canine must be accompanied by a qualified and authorized trainer who will be responsible for the dog’s actions. An indication by the dog that contraband is present on school property or an automobile shall be reasonable cause for a further search by school officials.
USE OF METAL DETECTORS (MAGNETOMETERS)
Weapons of any nature on school property or at school functions are prohibited by school policy and state law. The presence of weapons is inherently dangerous to all persons in the school setting. When the administration has reasonable cause to believe that weapons are in the possession of unidentified students, when there has been a pattern of weapons found at school, or when violence involving weapons has occurred at a school, the administration is authorized to use stationary or mobile metal detectors.
If a metal detector is to be used in a particular school, the students will be notified via the loudspeaker, at an assembly, or by similar means of its use. On the day of its use signs will be posted to warn students that each student will be required to submit to a screening for metal as a condition of entering or continuing attendance at school. When a metal detector is being used students will be allowed to use only the entries designated. If a metal detector activates on a student, the student should be asked to remove metal objects from his/her person and walk through or be scanned again. If, after the removal of other metal objects and a third activation by the metal detector on the student, the student should be taken to a room out of view from the other students where the procedures suggested above for a search would be applicable.
