OPS-J

SECTION J: STUDENT

______________________________________________________________________________

JA Student Policies Goals

JAA Student Policies Priority Objectives

JB Equal Educational Opportunities

JC School Attendance Areas

JD School Census

JE Student Attendance

JEA Compulsory Attendance Ages

JEB Entrance Age (Mandatory Kindergarten)

JEC School Admission

JECA Admission of Resident Students

JECAA Admission of Homeless Students

JECB Admission of Nonresident Students

JECBA Admission of Exchange Students

JECBB-R Admission of Interdistrict Transfer Students

JECBC Admission of Students From Nonchartered or Home Schooling

JECBD Intradistrict Open Enrollment

JECC Assignment of Students to Schools

JECD Assignment of Students to Classes

JECE Student Withdrawal from School (Loss of Driving Privileges)

JED Student Absences and Excuses

JEDA Truancy

JEDB Student Dismissal Precautions

JEE Student Attendance Accounting (Missing and Absent Children)

JEF Released Time for Students

JEFA Open Campus

JEFB Released Time for Religious Instruction

JEG Exclusions and Exemptions from School Attendance

JEGA Permanent Exclusion

JF Student Rights and Responsibilities

JFA Student Due Process Rights

JFB Student Involvement in Decision Making (Also ABC)

JFBA Student Government

JFC Student Conduct (Zero Tolerance)

JFCA Student Dress Code

JFCB Care of Student Property while on School Premises

JFCC Student Conduct on School Buses (Also EEACC)

JFCD Underground Student Publications

JFCE Secret Societies

JFCEA Gangs

JFCF Hazing

JFCG Tobacco Use by Students

JFCH Alcohol Use by Students

JFCI Student Drug Abuse

JFCIA Prevention of Chemical Abuse

JFCIAA Inpatient Treatment

SECTION J: STUDENT

(continued)

JFCJ Weapons in the Schools

JFCK Use of Electronic Communications Equipment by Students

JFCL Unsafe Schools (Persistently Dangerous Schools)

JFD Students of Legal Age

JFE Pregnant Students

JFF Married Students

JFG Interrogations and Searches

JFH Student Complaints and Grievances

JFI Student Demonstrations and Strikes

JG Student Discipline

JGA Corporal Punishment

JGB Detention of Students

JGC Probation of Students

JGD Student Suspension

JGDA Emergency Removal of Student

JGE Student Expulsion

JGF Discipline of Disabled Students

JH Student Welfare

JHA Student Insurance Program

JHB Student Aid Programs

JHC Student Health Services and Requirements

JHCA Physical Examinations of Students

JHCB Inoculations of Students

JHCC Communicable Diseases

JHCCA HIV/AIDS (Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) (Also GBEA)

JHCD Administering Medicines to Students

JHCE Wellness Policies on Physical Activity and Nutrition

JHD Student Psychological Services

JHDA Psychological Testing of Students

JHE Student Social Services

JHEA Home Visits

JHF Student Safety

JHFA Supervision of Students

JHFB Student Safety Patrols

JHFC Student Bicycle Use

JHFD Student Automobile Use

JHG Reporting Child Abuse

JHH Notification About Sex Offenders

JI Student Awards and Scholarships

JJ Student Volunteers for School and Public Service

JK Employment of Students

JL Student Gifts and Solicitations

JM Staff-Student Relations (Also GBH)

SECTION J: STUDENT

(continued)

JN Student Fees, Fines and Charges

JO Student Records

JOA Student Surveys

File: JA

STUDENT POLICIES GOALS

Through its policies that affect students, the Board seeks to advance these goals to:

1. enhance graduation from high school for all students;

2. promote faithful attendance;

3. ensure that the constitutional rights of all students as citizens in a democracy have practical meaning and application;

4. develop in students a deep sense of personal responsibility for their actions;

5. attend vigorously to matters of student safety, health and welfare and

6. deal justly and constructively with all students in matters of discipline.

[Adoption date: January 20, 2004]

LEGAL REFS.: Ohio Const. Art. II

ORC 3313.48

File: JB

EQUAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

All students of the District have equal educational opportunities.

Students have the right to be free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, citizenship status, religion, gender, economic status, marital status, pregnancy, age or disability in all decisions affecting admissions; membership in school-sponsored organizations, clubs or activities; access to facilities; distribution of funds; academic evaluations or any other aspect of school-sponsored activities. Any limitations with regard to participation in a school-sponsored activity are based on criteria reasonably related to that specific activity.

[Adoption date: January 20, 2004]

LEGAL REFS.: Civil Rights Act, Title VI; 42 USC 2000d et seq.

Civil Rights Act, (Amended 1972), Title VII; 42 USC 2000e et seq.

Executive Order 11246, 1965, amended by Executive Order 11375

Education Amendments of 1972, Title IX, Pub. L. No. 92-318 (1972)

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act

Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 504

ORC 3313.64

OAC 3301-35-02(a)(2)

Americans with Disabilities Act; 42 USC 12112 et seq.

CROSS REFS.: AC, Nondiscrimination/Antiharassment

ACA, Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex

ACB, Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability

GBA, Equal Opportunity Employment

IGBA, Programs for Students with Disabilities

IGBB, Programs for Gifted and Talented Students

JFA, Student Due Process Rights

File: JC

SCHOOL ATTENDANCE AREAS

The Board determines attendance areas for the various schools of the District. The Superintendent recommends boundary lines, taking into consideration the best use of school facilities, the equalization of enrollments in classrooms, natural barriers and traffic hazards and patterns. Except as the foregoing factors influence boundary lines, the area established should permit each student to attend the school nearest his/her place of residence.

Students are expected to attend the schools in the areas in which they live; individual exceptions may be made within Board policy or may be made in the best interests of the student and/or the schools.

[Adoption date: January 20, 2004]

LEGAL REFS.: ORC 3313.48; 3313.64; 3313.65; 3313.97

3319.01

CROSS REF.: JECC, Assignment of Students to Schools

File: JEA

COMPULSORY ATTENDANCE AGES

Under law, children between the ages of 6 and 18 are of compulsory school age. Every person of compulsory school age must attend a school which conforms to the State Minimum Standards prescribed by the State Board of Education until one of the following occurs.

1. The person receives a diploma granted by the Board or other governing authority indicating such student has successfully completed all state and local requirements.

2. The person receives an age and schooling certificate (work permit).

3. The person is excused from school under standards adopted by the State Board of Education pursuant to State law.

The parent, guardian or any other individual having charge of any person who is of compulsory school age must send such person to school unless he/she is exempt as listed above.

HB-281 brings five-year-olds enrolled in school under Ohio's Compulsory Attendance Law. This means that if you have a five-year-old kindergarten student who is not attending school, you will be able to refer that youngster or his/her parent to court for truancy. The court will then be able to take action. Prior to the enactment of HB-281, compulsory attendance did not begin until the school term in which a child was six years of age — essentially compulsory attendance did not begin until a child was in first grade. Parents will be able to remove their five-year-old from compulsory attendance by withdrawing the youngster from school.

[Adoption date: January 20, 2004]

LEGAL REFS.: ORC 3321.01 et. seq.

3331.02

OAC 3301-35-02

CROSS REFS.: IGBG, Home-Bound Instruction

JEB, Entrance Age (Mandatory Kindergarten)

JEG, Exclusions and Exemptions from School Attendance

JFE, Pregnant Students

File: JEB

1. Intellectual Maturity

The child shall demonstrate exceptionally advanced mental maturity through performance on an individually administered intelligence test with the lower limit being an intelligence quotient of 125 for those with an August or September birth date, 130 for those with a October or November birth date, and 135 for those with a December birth date.

* If student fulfills intelligence standard, eligibility will be determined by the following:

2. Pre-Academic/Academic Achievement

The child shall demonstrate exceptional academic achievement on standardized achievement tests and curriculum based assessment.

3. Social and Emotional Maturity

The child shall demonstrate exceptional social and emotional development that is advanced for the grade he/she is to enter, as measured through a norm referenced assessment.

4. Verbal Maturity

The child shall demonstrate exceptional understanding and use of vocabulary and verbal expression that is advanced for the grade he/she is to enter, as measured on the intelligence test in section a.

5. Physical Maturity

The child shall demonstrate exceptional visual-motor perception and muscular coordination, as measured on the kindergarten screening assessment.

Qualifying Factors

Children who have not attained the legal age for regular entrance to kindergarten or first grade and who have attended a nonaccredited kindergarten shall be evaluated for early entrance and be considered for the waiver of kindergarten at the request of their parents in accordance with this policy. The District’s pupil personnel services committee shall make the determination of eligibility. The pupil personnel services committee shall be composed of the following members:

1. an elementary school principal;

2. an elementary school guidance counselor;

3. a school psychologist and

4. a teacher.

2 of 3

File: JEB

A child evaluated and accepted for early entrance to kindergarten is not required to be re-evaluated for entrance to first grade but may be re-evaluated upon request through the building principal.

Procedure

1. Parent Interview

The building principal shall meet with parents who have requested evaluation and shall explain that early entrance is intended to identify and admit only those children who are developmentally advanced and socially well adjusted. It shall be explained clearly that early admission shall be granted only according to the standards adopted by the Board.

2. Parent Application

The parent stating the reasons for the request shall make a written request for evaluation. The application forms shall be obtained from the building principal.

3. Evaluation

A certified school psychologist employed by the County Board of Education shall administer the tests to measure the intellectual, social, emotional, verbal, and physical readiness of the child for kindergarten in accordance with the standards adopted by the Board. The psychologist shall prepare a written report of all evaluative data.

[Adoption date: January 20, 2004]

LEGAL REFS.: ORC 3321.01

OAC 3301-35-03(F)(1)

CROSS REF.: JEA, Compulsory Attendance Ages

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File: JEB-E

APPLICATION FOR EARLY ENTRANCE EVALUATION

Child’s Name Date of Birth

Parent/Guardian’s Name

Address Zip Code

Home Phone Work Phone

I wish to have my child evaluated for early entrance for the following reasons:

CONSENT FOR EVALUATION

I hereby give my permission for to receive an evaluation(s) by designated school personnel. I understand the evaluation information will be shared by teachers, principals, and other appropriate school personnel, and that the school District will forward educational records upon request to another school district or educational agency in which my child seeks or intends to enroll. I further understand that my granting of consent is voluntary on my part and I may revoke my consent at any time.

Signature of parent, legal guardian, custodian or student

Relationship to child

Date

File: JEC

Students admitted under these sections may allow this District to charge tuition to another school district.

Students Entitled to Attend Without The Payment of Tuition by Parents with Board Permission

1. 0pen enrollment students in accordance with Board policy and the provision of ORC 3313.97 and 3313.98;

2. students under the age of 22 who are attending school in this District and after the death of a parent are now residing in another school district for the remainder of the school year;

3. students under the age of 22 who reside in this school District with a grandparent, are in custody of their parents and do not require special education provided the school district of the parents’ residence consents upon a finding that good cause exists;

4. residents of domiciles of foreign nations who request admission as foreign exchange students (not to exceed 1% of the High School enrollment);

5. residents or domiciles of the United States but not of Ohio who request admission as participants in an exchange program operated by a student exchange organization or

6. a student whose parents moved out of this school District after the beginning of the student’s senior year in high school, for the balance of the school year.

Students Entitled to Attend Only by Payment of Tuition by Parents

1. students admitted to school as tuition students and not eligible to attend under any of the provision of Part I or II of this policy.

Academic Programs With Limited Enrollment

In order for a student to be eligible to participate in Academic Programs with Limited Enrollment (i.e., Summer Reading Academy) the student must:

1. be admitted and attending the District under any mandatory provision of ORC 3313.64 by the parent or guardian or

2. be admitted and attending the District under any of the optional provisions of ORC 3313.64 with approval of the Board or

3. be admitted and attending the District by the Board as a tuition student with tuition payments current or

4. be admitted for the year of enrollment for the program to the District as an open enrollment student or

5. be a resident or domiciliary of a foreign nation and be admitted to and attending the District as a foreign exchange student by the school principal (not to exceed 1% of the school enrollment).

2 of 3

File: JEC

The guidance department shall verify in each case that all required documents, including medical forms, other school records, court orders, documents relating to custody and documents needed to prove residency or support, are on file as a condition of admission and participation in academic programs with limited enrollment.

The failure of a student admitted on a tuition basis to keep tuition payments current shall result in the exclusion of the student from academic programs with limited enrollment as well as the withholding of grades. Parents or guardians of students who request the admission of a student on a tuition basis shall be responsible for the payment of tuition even though another Ohio school district may be initially responsible for tuition payment. Out-of-state students will be admitted only upon payment of tuition directly by parents.

[Adoption date: January 20, 2004]

LEGAL REFS.: ORC 3313.48; 3313.64; 3313.67; 3313.671; 3313.672

3317.08

3319.321

3321.01

OAC 3301-35-03(F)

CROSS REFS.: AFI, Evaluation of Educational Resources

JEE, Student Attendance Accounting (Missing and Absent Children)

JHCB, Inoculations of Students

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File: JECAA

ADMISSION OF HOMELESS STUDENTS

The Board believes that all school-aged students, including homeless students, have a basic right to admission in the District schools and equal educational opportunities. Accordingly, the District must enroll each homeless student in the District in the school determined to be in the student’s best interest. A homeless student or individual is defined as an individual who lacks fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence and who has a primary nighttime residence that is:

1. a supervised, publicly or privately operated shelter designed to provide temporary living accommodations (including welfare hotels, congregate shelters and transitional housing for the mentally ill);

2. an institution that provides a temporary residence for individuals intended to be institutionalized or

3. a public or private place not designed for or ordinarily used as a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings.

In compliance with the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act, the District must enroll a homeless student in either:

1. the school of origin for the remainder of the academic year or, if the student becomes homeless between academic years, for the following academic year or

2. the school which he/she would attend if he/she were a resident of the District.

The Board ensures that:

1. it reviews and revises Board policies and regulations to eliminate barriers to the enrollment, retention and success in school of homeless students;

2. it appoints a District liaison who ensures that homeless students enroll and succeed in school and

3. homeless students are provided with transportation services that are at least comparable to the service provided to nonhomeless students.

If the District receives sub grants to implement this policy, the liaison ensures compliance with the sub grant and coordinates services for homeless students with local social service agencies and programs, including those funded under the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act.

To the extent feasible, the District complies with the request made by a parent(s) regarding school placement regardless of whether the student lives with the homeless parent(s) or is temporarily residing elsewhere.

1 of 2

File: JECAA

A student who ceases to be homeless may continue to receive services until the end of the period of time for which the service was originally intended to be provided, which may be the end of the school year or the end of a program cycle.

The District complies with the Ohio Department of Education’s Plan Ohio and Federal law for the education of homeless children and youth.

[Adoption date: January 20, 2004]

LEGAL REF.: 42 USC Sections 11431 et seq.

CROSS REF.: AC, Nondiscrimination/Antiharassment

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File: JECB

ADMISSION OF NONRESIDENT STUDENTS

Nonresident students will not be accepted for enrollment on a tuition basis in the District except:

1. Students in the 12th grade whose parents move from the District during the school year may complete the school year upon the payment of tuition.

2. Students who wish to complete a school year under #1 must be enrolled as resident students for at least 15 school days at the beginning of the school year.

3. Nonresident students who are placed in homes in the District by the courts will be accepted on a tuition basis, if applicable. The tuition rate for these students will be charged at the state specified rate to the sending district. School guardianship requests will be discouraged.

In every case, tuition shall be paid in advance to the CFO/Treasurer of the District.

The tuition rate shall be set on a per-diem basis annually by the Board except as it applied to Item #2 above.

4. The Board will waive the payment of tuition, when foreign exchange students, sponsored under an approved exchange program, reside in the District temporarily.

5. Upon written request of a student, if 18 years of age or older, or of his/her parents, if under that age, and approval of this Board, any student under the age of 22 whose parents were residents of this school District and who have moved out of this District after the commencement of classes in the student’s senior year, shall be entitled to attend the Bath High School without payment of tuition for the remainder of that school year and one additional semester if needed to meet graduation requirements.

In determining whether to permit attendance of a student under this policy, the Board shall consider the availability of space in the classes the student is taking or is likely to take in order to graduate and the best interests of both the student and the District.

To the extent that the information which the Board requires to make a decision upon a request for continued admission under this policy involves confidential student records, the Board may meet in executive session to consider the request.

[Adoption date: January 20, 2004]

LEGAL REFS.: ORC 3311.211

3313.64; 3313.644; 3313.65

3317.08

3327.04; 3327.06

OAC 3301-35-03; 3301-42-01

CONTRACT REFS.: Teachers’ Negotiated Agreement

Support Staff Negotiated Agreement

File: JECBA

ADMISSION OF EXCHANGE STUDENTS

The Board believes that one of the most effective vehicles for improving international understanding is communications among the individuals of various nations. Accordingly, the Board endorses the involvement of high school students and their families in recognized foreign exchange student programs. The Superintendent and administrative staff are responsible for developing regulations to direct the involvement of the high school with such programs.

Exchange students are not responsible for tuition if sponsored under an approved exchange program while temporarily residing in the District with a host family. Exchange students must meet the regulations and expectations of local students, including immunization requirements.

Exchange students are encouraged to participate in all student activities, provided they meet the academic requirements.

The Board reserves the right to limit the number of exchange students in any given year.

Foreign exchange students not enrolled in a state-approved educational or exchange program must be legally adopted by a resident of that school district in order to be eligible for athletics.

[Adoption date: January 20, 2004]

File: JECBA-R

ADMISSION OF EXCHANGE STUDENTS

The following regulations shall be observed in administering the foreign exchange student program:

1. Exchange students must be associated with an organized foreign exchange program that is approved by the Ohio Association of Secondary School Administrators and/or National Association of Secondary School Principals. Such organizations must maintain either an office or a representative in central Ohio.

2. The sponsoring parents and/or representatives of the approved sponsoring organization must contact the designated coordinator of the foreign exchange student program in the high school guidance office.

3. Exchange students must have a host family assigned and accepted by July 1. If, after the July 1 deadline, a maximum of two foreign exchange students have not been registered, an organization may add one additional exchange student if that student will be registered for the entire school year. The maximum number of foreign exchange students to be enrolled in any given year is 10% of grade level.

4. The Board reserves the right to restrict the number of foreign exchange students in any given academic year. Organizations will be limited to two students each year unless space becomes available for another student after July 1.

5. The school reserves the right to deny enrollment to foreign exchange students if approval by the high school guidance office has not been given by July 1 preceding the year of desired enrollment.

6. In order to provide a quality education and to minimize potential disruption, the high school will not accept foreign exchange students after the school year has begun. However, students who were accepted before the July 1 deadline will not be denied enrollment due to late arrival.

7. Exchange students must be full-time students carrying a full academic classload. Enrollment eligibility shall be determined on an annual basis. Exchange students shall receive pass/fail grades only for purposes of class GPA ranking. The coordinator shall keep a record of the students’ actual grades for permanent records.

8. Exchange students will not be accepted on a part-time basis. Part-time is defined as less than a full school day or school year.

9. Priority for enrollment will be granted to students enrolling in a level other than grade 12.

10. Exchange students completing grade 12 will receive a standard diploma (marked honorary) granted to regular high school graduates. Exchange students are not eligible for an honors diploma.

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File: JECBA-R

To receive a standard diploma (marked honorary), the exchange student must successfully complete a program of study developed by the principal/designee.

Those students who complete the program of study will be permitted to participate in graduation ceremonies with expenses borne by the student or sponsoring parents.

Exchange students may not be permitted to participate in the Ohio Proficiency Testing Program.

11. Exchange students are expected to share their cultural heritage to the fullest extent possible including topics such as government, economics, historical understanding and language.

12. Exchange students are subject to the same rules, fees and regulations of the Board as apply to all high school students.

(Approval date: January 20, 2004)

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3 of 3

File: JECBB-E

INTERDISTRICT OPEN ENROLLMENT APPLICATION

Date: ___________ Student SS# _____________________ Student date of birth ___/____/____

Name of student:

Parent/Guardian's name:

Address:

Present school district of residence (should not be Bath Local)

School building presently attending:

Grade level of student for upcoming school year:

Is student enrolled in any special education or tutorial programs, or been suspended and/or expelled in the current or previous year: _____ No _____ Yes

One application must be submitted each year for each student requesting an interdistrict transfer. Students accepted for interdistrict enrollment must enroll in their resident district.

My signature indicates awareness that completion of this application does not provide any permission to change district attendance. It is merely a request to do so. I further understand that notice of approval or denial will be received no later than June 30.

My signature indicates that administrators of our district and the district where attendance is desired may exchange all information and records relative to my child.

Is transportation desired within the District? Yes _____ No _____ If yes, you will need to fill out the attached transportation form. Approval of your application is not a guarantee that Bath Local schools can accommodate your transportation.

Parent/Guardian's Signature ________________________________________ Date

*Application for selection by first-come first-serve, must be received no later than the last Friday in May. Applications received after this May deadline will be reviewed on an individual basis dependent on class space availability.

Received by: _____________________________________________________ Date:

Signature of Official: ______________________________________________ Date:

Approved _____ Rejected _____

Reason(s):

File: JECBB-E

TRANSPORTATION FOR OPEN ENROLLMENT FORM

Student's name

Address

Is entering the ____________ grade in the ___________ school year.

My phone number during the day is _______________ and in the evening is ___.

All rules and laws for transportation set forth by the Bath Local Schools and the state of Ohio will apply and supersede the rules and laws of the home school district.

We have read the above and understand that we are responsible for our son/daughter prior to being picked up at the bus stop and after being dropped off at the bus stop.

Transportation Director

For the _________ school year, your son/daughter has been assigned to the following bus stop at

(description/address required)

on bus # __________

pick up time being approximately ___________

Guardian _____________________________________________ Date

School Official ________________________________________ Date

Student's file

Principal

Transportation office

The participating boards of education believe that students should, under certain prescribed circumstances, benefit from an interdistrict, open-enrollment policy. Guidelines for the transfer
of students, based on criteria established by the schools/administration and in conjunction with
recommendations from officials of the Ohio Department of Education are listed below. The
specific criteria for this program shall be consistent with State law.

1. Any application for an interdistrict transfer for the coming school year must be
submitted to the office of the Superintendent between January 6th, and the last
Friday in May of the current school year. Applications will be acted upon not
later than August 1st for the first round. If it is determined that space is available
further applications will be considered and acted upon no later than the 2nd week
of August.

2. No interdistrict transfer will be permitted if the enrollment of a grade level has been
or will be exceeded by granting the transfer request.

3. Enrollment capacities are set for Bath Schools for grade levels and may change each
year.
Grade level
Grade Enrollment Limit

4. No student, once accepted by the receiving district, will be displaced for one year
should enrollment exceed the limits stated above.

5. Enrollment in a special program, i.e., gifted, L.D., D.H., etc., will dictate which
building a student must attend, as many units are cooperative among several districts
and may not be housed in the child’s district of residence. Excess costs will be charged
back to the district of residence.

6. Districts are not required to institute any special education programs to serve transfer
students.

8. Applicants shall be considered on a first-come, first-served basis with an assurance
that applicants will not displace native students from academic programs.

9. Participating districts will accept no responsibility for the transportation of students to
other districts unless it is deemed practical by the administration.

10. All applicants once accepted, must remain in the receiving district for the duration of
the school year. 1 of 3

File: JECBB-R
Student Records

Students who have applied for the interdistrict open enrollment plan will have school records included with the application.

At the end of the third grading period, the parents of all students participating in the open enrollment program will be required to complete and return a letter of intent in regard to the succeeding school year, in accordance with the application window.

1. _____ I am interested in reapplying for participating in the open enrollment program for the upcoming school year. I understand that I must reapply for consideration prior to the last Friday in May deadline, using the approved application form.

2. _____My son/daughter will not return to Bath Schools in the upcoming school year.

Once an applicant receives notification of acceptance, the applicant must file a letter of commitment (that the student will be attending Bath Local Schools) within 10 days to the Superintendent’s office.

For the purpose of accepting Out-of-District students identified as learning disabled or developmentally handicapped under open enrollment, we establish the following class list and class size limits. This policy will enable Bath Local Schools to stay within State Department of Education guidelines when Bath students are identified and placed as learning disabled or developmentally handicapped students.

Out-of-District learning disabled and developmentally handicapped students will not be accepted when the special class LD and DH teacher at the elementary and middle school level is serving a total of eight children, or eight children during any one instructional period.

Out-of-District learning disabled and developmentally handicapped students will not be accepted when the special class LD teacher at the high school is serving a total of 12 children, or eight children during any one instructional period.

Out-of-District students who are entitled to speech/language services will be admitted so long as they do not exceed the case load limit which is based upon current personnel availability and will insure that all Bath students requiring these services currently as well as those who may be identified during the school year as in need of these services can be adequately served. 2 of 3

File: JECBB-R
Transportation for Open Enrollment

The Bath Local Schools may accept students from another school district under open enrollment, district release, or under contract for transportation purposes only, to be transported by buses of the Bath Local Schools. Transportation of such students will be in accordance with the rules of the Bath Local Schools, which are as follows:

1. Transportation of such students shall not interfere with the daily operation of the transportation department nor the transportation of students of the District.

2. Transportation of such students shall be to or from a bus stop already in use for the buses of the Bath Local Schools.

3. Transportation of such students shall be to and from a stop agreed upon at time of release and shall be in effect for the entire school year.

4. The Bath Local Schools may elect not to transport any student under such release at a given time and will be stated at time of release.

5. The Bath Local Schools shall only be obligated after the completion of form #T-OE or form #T-DR.

6. Parents or legal guardians of such students are responsible for such students prior to being picked up at the stop in the morning and after being dropped off in the afternoon.

7. All rules and laws for transportation set forth by the Bath Local Schools and the state of Ohio will apply and supersede the rules and laws of the home school district.

File: JECBC

ADMISSION OF STUDENTS

FROM NONCHARTERED OR HOME SCHOOLING

Students seeking admission into the District’s schools who have been enrolled in nonchartered schools or home schooling programs may be required to take competency examinations. The purpose of these examinations is to determine the proper grade placement for these students.

In making a placement decision, the Superintendent may consider:

1. the student’s most recent annual academic assessment report;

2. whether to require the student to take any or all of the nationally normed, standardized achievement tests that are regularly scheduled for District students of similar age;

3. whether to require a student in grades 6-8 to take final exams for grade level placement;

4. whether to require a student in grades 9-12 to take final exams for credit only and

5. other evaluation information that may include interviews with the student and the parent.

Home schooled students must be enrolled in the District on a full-time basis in order to participate in cocurricular and extracurricular activities. Full-time enrollment is defined as five Carnegie units per semester.

Home schooled students must be enrolled in the District for a minimum of five Carnegie units in order to be selected as salutatorian or valedictorian for graduation purposes.

Students entering the Bath Local Schools from nonaccredited schools, whether in state or out, and/or home schooling and other noncertified programs may be evaluated by grade level/subject area teachers, or other designees assigned by the building principal. Placement shall be in accordance with the student’s demonstrated ability on tests designed to assess knowledge and skills in the given grade or subject. These tests may include written examinations, oral discussions, demonstration of physical proficiency, portfolio, journal or other demonstrable evidence of competency or mastery of a particular grade/subject.

Credit and/or grade placement will be made at the discretion of the building principal on the basis of evidence and recommendations of persons conducting the examinations.

A student entering the Bath Local Schools under these circumstances may be permitted up to nine weeks to complete all evaluations. At the conclusion of the examination(s), the parent/guardian will be offered an explanation of the resulting grade/credit assignment.

Students who have been approved by the Superintendent of Bath Local Schools, including as designee of the County Superintendent, for an entire school year or for the remainder of a school year or semester will be allowed to re-enroll in Bath Schools before completion of the approved semester or school year only if the Superintendent or designee determines that special circumstances exist to warrant such early re-enrollment, such as early recuperation from a medical condition.

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File: JECBC

Proficiency Testing for Home and Nonaccredited Schooled Students Residing in the District

In order to be eligible for Bath Local Schools to administer proficiency tests, a student must be registered and in attendance in one of Bath Local School’s programs.

This policy is to ensure proper, accurate and representative testing data of actual enrolled and attending Bath Local School students to the state of Ohio.

[Adoption date: January 20, 2004]

LEGAL REF.: OAC 3301-34-06

CROSS REFS.: IGBG, Home-Bound Instruction

IGCF, Home Instruction

IGD, Cocurricular and Extracurricular Activities

2 of 2

File: JECC

ASSIGNMENT OF STUDENTS TO SCHOOLS

The Board approves attendance areas. Students attend the school that serves the attendance area in which their parents reside or, upon acceptance, the student may attend another school pursuant to the District’s intradistrict open enrollment policy.

The Superintendent has authority to assign students to schools. The Superintendent or his/her designee is authorized to make exceptions on the basis of hardship and student need and to assign a student to a school outside his/her own attendance area.

[Adoption date: January 20, 2004]

LEGAL REFS.: ORC 3313.49; 3313.64; 3313.65; 3313.97

3319.01

CROSS REF.: JC, School Attendance Areas

File: jece

student withdrawal from school

(Loss of Driving Privileges)

When the Superintendent receives information that a student of compulsory school age has withdrawn from school, the Superintendent must, within two weeks after the withdrawal, notify the registrar of motor vehicles and the county juvenile judge. Notification is not necessary if a student has withdrawn because of a change of residence or the student is enrolled in and attending, in accordance with District policy, an approved program to obtain a diploma or its equivalent.

Notification to the registrar of motor vehicles and the county juvenile judge must comply with State and Federal laws.

After receiving such information from the Superintendent, the registrar of motor vehicles is required to suspend the temporary instruction permit or driver’s license of the student who is the subject of the notice. If a temporary permit or license has not been issued to that student, the registrar is prohibited from issuing a temporary permit or a license. Any denial of driving privileges would remain in effect until the student reaches 18 or until the denial of driving privileges is terminated for another reason allowable under State law.

In compliance with State law, a student whose driving privileges have been denied can file a petition seeking his/her reinstatement with the juvenile court in whose jurisdiction he/she resides.

The Superintendent notifies the registrar of motor vehicles and the juvenile judge of the county in writing of the suspension, expulsion, removal or permanent exclusion of a student within two weeks after such action is taken against a student for misconduct involving a firearm or other weapon. The notice is given to the registrar in the manner that the registrar requires by rule.

[Adoption date: January 20, 2004]

LEGAL REFS.: ORC 3319.321

3321.13

4507.061

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act; 20 USC 1232g

File: JED

STUDENT ABSENCES AND EXCUSES

The Board strongly believes that consistent attendance and punctuality is an important factor in the pursuit of education.

Furthermore, we are entrusted by State law with accounting for the attendance of all students. Parents and students are also bound by Ohio school attendance laws which states that students must be present at school unless excused for one of the reasons listed below:

1. personal illness,

2. illness in the family,

3. quarantine of the home,

4. death in the family,

5. religious holidays,

6. family vacation or

7. an emergency or set of circumstances which receives approval of the principal.

The determination as to whether an absence is excused or unexcused rests with the building administrator. Truancy and unexcused absences will result in a zero grade being assigned for class work missed.

In addition to school imposed penalties, a pattern of truancy may be referred to Juvenile Court.

Family Vacation

The Board believes that parents should make every effort to schedule their vacations in conjunction with the Board adopted school calendar. Although students have the opportunity to make up work missed, it is never possible to totally regain the information and learning experience provided by the daily classroom instruction and activities.

We know that some parents cannot control the dates of their vacation. We also realize that problems can possible arise from leaving teen-age children at home along for long periods of time. It is for these reasons that students may be excused for family vacations if a request is made one week prior to the dates of absence and an approved vacation form has been completed. Failure to comply with this procedure may result in having days missed while on vacation to be counted as unexcused.

Final approval to be absent from school because of family vacations rests with the school administration.

1 of 2

File: JED

It is the policy of the District that members of athletic teams and/or cocurricular clubs/activities are informed in writing prior to the beginning of each sport of the rules on missing practice during Christmas and Spring vacations. The coaches’ rules must be applied uniformly to all members. A copy of the rules concerning Christmas and Spring vacations must be approved by the school administration and the high school athletic director(s) prior to the start of the activity and/or sport.

The Board authorizes the Superintendent to establish a hearing and notification procedure for the purpose of denying a student’s driving privileges if that student of compulsory school age has been absent without legitimate excuse for more than 10 consecutive days, or a total of at least 15 days during a semester.

[Adoption date: January 20, 2004]

LEGAL REFS.: ORC 3321.01; 3321.04; 3321.13; 3321.14; 3321.38

4507.061

OAC 3301-35-02; 3301-35-03

3301-51-13

CROSS REF.: JHC, Student Health Services and Requirements

2 of 2

File: JED-R

STUDENT ABSENCES AND EXCUSES

Students Habitually Absent – Loss of Driving Privileges

When the Superintendent receives information that a student of compulsory school age has been absent without legitimate excuse for more than 10 consecutive days or a total of at least 15 days in any term or semester, the following procedure applies.

1. The Superintendent notifies, in writing, the student and his/her parent(s) and states that information regarding the student’s absences has been provided to the Superintendent, and, as a result of that information, the student’s driving privileges are denied. This notification also states that the student and his/her parent(s) may appear before the Superintendent/designee to challenge the information provided to the Superintendent.

2. The notice from the Superintendent to the student includes the scheduled time, place and date of the hearing, which is scheduled between three and five days after the notification is given. Upon the request of the student or parent(s), an extension may be granted by the Superintendent. The Superintendent must then notify the student and the parent(s) of the new hearing time, place and date.

3. At the hearing before the Superintendent/designee, the student has an opportunity to present evidence that he/she has not been habitually absent without legitimate excuse. State law defines “legitimate excuses” for absence from school to include, but not be limited to:

A. enrollment in another school or school district in Ohio or another state;

B. possession of an Age and Schooling Certificate (GED);

C. a bodily or mental condition that prohibits attendance or

D. participation in a home instruction program.

4. If a habitually absent student does not appear at a hearing before the Superintendent or designee, or if the student does not convince the Superintendent or designee that the absences were legitimate, the Superintendent must notify the registrar of motor vehicles and the juvenile judge. Such notification must be given to the registrar and the juvenile judge within two weeks of the receipt of the information regarding habitual absences or, if the hearing for the student is held, within two weeks after the hearing.

Notification to the registrar of motor vehicles and the county judge must comply with State and Federal laws.

The registrar of motor vehicles is required to suspend the temporary instruction permit or driver’s license of the student who is the subject of the notice. If a temporary permit or license has not been issued for that student, the registrar is prohibited from issuing a temporary permit or a license.

Denial of privileges remains in effect until the student reaches age 18 or until the denial is terminated for another reason allowed by State law. In accordance with State law, a student whose driving privileges have been denied can file a petition seeking their reinstatement.

(Approval date: January 20, 2004)

File: JEDA

TRUANCY

The Board endeavors to reduce truancy through cooperation with parents, diligence in investigating the causes of absence and use of strict guidelines in regard to tardiness and unexcused absence.

When the Board determines that a student has been truant and that the parent, guardian or other person having care of a child has failed to ensure the child’s attendance at school, State law authorizes the Board to require the parent to attend a specified educational program.

This program has been established according to the rules adopted by the State Board of Education for the purpose of encouraging parental involvement in compelling the child’s attendance at school.

On the request of the Superintendent, or when it comes to the attention of the school attendance officer or other appropriate officer of the District, the designated officer must investigate any case of supposed truancy within the District and must warn the child, if found truant, and the child’s parent in writing of the legal consequences of being a “habitual” or a “chronic” truant.

A “habitual truant” is any child of compulsory school age who is absent without a legitimate excuse for five or more consecutive school days, seven or more school days in one month or 12 or more school days in a school year.

A “chronic truant” is any child of compulsory school age who is absent without legitimate excuse for seven or more consecutive school days, 10 or more school days in one month or 15 or more school days in a school year.

The parent is required to have the child attend school immediately after notification. If the parent fails to get the child to attend school, the attendance officer or other appropriate officer, if directed by the Superintendent or the Board, must send notice requiring the child’s parent to attend a parental education program.

For the correction of the “habitually truant” unruly child, the courts may now order the Board to require the child to attend an alternative school if one has been established.

The courts may order the “habitually truant” child not to be absent without legitimate excuse from school for five or more consecutive days, seven or more school days in one school month or 12 or more school days in a school year.

Regarding “habitual truants,” the Board must take as an intervention strategy any appropriate action contained in the Board policy, or the Board may file a complaint in juvenile court jointly against the child and the parent. The complaint must state that the child is an “unruly child” by virtue of being a “habitual truant” and that the child’s parent violated the School Attendance Law.

Regarding “chronic truants,” if the parent fails to get the child to school and the child is considered a “chronic truant,” the Board must file a complaint in the juvenile court jointly against the child and the parent. The complaint must state that the child is a “delinquent child” by virtue of being a “chronic truant,” and that the parent has violated the School Attendance Law.

1 of 2

File: JEDA

The Board directs the administration to develop intervention strategies that may include the following:

1. providing a truancy intervention program for a habitual truant;

2. providing counseling for a habitual truant;

3. requesting or requiring a parent having control of a habitual truant to attend parental involvement programs;

4. requesting or requiring a parent of a habitual truant to attend truancy prevention mediation programs;

5. notification to the registrar of motor vehicles or

6. taking appropriate legal action.

[Adoption date: January 20, 2004]

LEGAL REFS.: ORC 3321.03-04; 3321.07-09; 3321.22; 3321.38

3313.663

CROSS REF.: JED, Student Absences and Excuses

2 of 2

File: JEDB

STUDENT DISMISSAL PRECAUTIONS

Dismissal of Individual Students during the School Day

Permission for a student to leave school when school is in session requires approval by the principal or a person specifically designed by him/her to exercise that authority. In evaluating requests for this permission, the authority gives primary consideration to the best interest of the student and/or public welfare. Requests will not be approved without a parent’s or guardian’s permission. When a request originates from a person other than the parents or guardian, the authority will contact the parent or guardian to obtain permission.

[Adoption date: January 20, 2004]

LEGAL REF.: ORC 3313.20

CROSS REFS.: JED, Student Absences and Excuses

JEE, Student Attendance Accounting (Missing and Absent Children)

File: JEE

STUDENT ATTENDANCE ACCOUNTING

(Missing and Absent Children)

The Board believes in the importance of trying to decrease the number of missing children; therefore, efforts are made to identify missing children and to notify the proper adults or agencies.

At the time of initial entry into school, a student shall present to the person in charge of admission an official copy of a birth certificate and copies of those records pertaining to him/her which were maintained by the school which he/she most recently attended. In lieu of a birth certificate, birth documentation may include:

1. a passport or attested transcript thereof filed with a registrar of passports at a point of entry of the United States showing the date and place of birth of the child;

2. an attested transcript of the certificate of birth;

3. an attested transcript of the certificate of baptism or other religious record showing the date and place of birth of the child;

4. an attested transcript of a hospital record showing the date and place of birth of the child or

5. a birth affidavit.

If the student does not present copies of the required documents, the principal shall call the school from which the student transferred and request the information. If that district has no record on file of the student or if that district does not send the records within 14 days, the principal shall notify the law enforcement agency having jurisdiction in the area where the student resides of the possibility that the student might be a missing child.

The primary responsibility for supervision of a student resides with his/her parent(s). The staff provides as much assistance as is reasonable to parents with this responsibility.

Parents must notify the school on the day a student is absent unless previous notification has been given in accordance with school procedure for excused absences. The principal or his/her designee is also required to notify a student’s parent(s) when the student is absent from school. The parent(s) or other responsible person shall be notified by telephone or written notice, which is mailed on the same day that the student is absent. Parents or other responsible persons shall provide the school with their current home and/or work telephone numbers, home addresses and any emergency telephone numbers.

The Board shall designate the Superintendent to develop informational programs for students, parents and community members relative to the subject of missing children.

1 of 2

File: JEE

[Adoption date: January 20, 2004]

LEGAL REFS.: ORC 109.65

2901.30

3313.205; 3313.672; 3313.96

3319.321; 3319.322

3321.12

3705.05

CROSS REFS.: JEC, School Admission

JEDB, Student Dismissal Precautions

JHF, Student Safety

2 of 2

File: JEFB

RELEASED TIME FOR RELIGIOUS INSTRUCTION

The Board permits students to be released from school for religious instruction consistent with law. Absence during the school day for religious instruction is permitted provided the student’s parents or guardians submit a written request to the building principal.

Regular classroom instruction missed as a result of a student’s absence for religious instruction will not be made up. The District neither aids, assists or enforces attendance in a religious instruction program, nor discriminates against students who participate in such program.

Individuals providing religious instruction are not permitted to promote student participation by directly contacting students on school premises or by encouraging students in the program to recruit their friends. All promotional activities for such instruction must be conducted off school grounds.

[Adoption date: January 20, 2004]

LEGAL REFS.: U.S. Const. Amend. I

ORC 3321.04

OAC 3301-51-13

CROSS REFS.: IGAC, Teaching About Religion

JED, Student Absences and Excuses

File: JEG

EXCLUSIONS AND EXEMPTIONS FROM SCHOOL ATTENDANCE

A child of compulsory school age residing in the District may be legally excused from public school attendance by:

1. holding a full-time Age and Schooling Certificate (GED) and being regularly employed;

2. receiving approved home instruction;

3. attending a private or parochial school or

4. having graduated from an approved high school.

The District may temporarily deny admittance to any student who is otherwise entitled to be admitted to the District if the student has been suspended or expelled from the schools of another district in the state of Ohio or an out-of-state district and if the period of suspension or expulsion has not expired. The student and parent(s) will have an opportunity for a hearing before the Superintendent/designee to determine the admittance or nonadmittance of the student.

[Adoption date: January 20, 2004]

LEGAL REFS.: ORC 3321.02; 3321.03; 3321.04; 3321.07

CROSS REFS.: IGCF, Home Instruction

JEA, Compulsory Attendance Ages

JECE, Student Withdrawal from School (Loss of Driving Privileges)

JEGA, Permanent Exclusion

JHCC, Communicable Diseases

JK, Employment of Students

File: JEGA

B. send a copy of the resolution to the student and his/her parent, guardian or custodian and

C. designate a representative to present the case for permanent exclusion, including evidence in support, to the Superintendent of Public Instruction (or his/her designee). The representative may be an attorney.

Duty Not to Admit Student to School

No administrator of this District shall knowingly admit to any school a student who has been permanently excluded from public school attendance by the Superintendent of Public Instruction.

Superintendent’s Recommendation to Revoke Permanent Exclusion

The Superintendent may issue a recommendation to the Board that the permanent exclusion be revoked. A finding that the permanently excluded student will no longer endanger the health and safety of other students or school employees must support the recommendation.

Probationary Admission

1. Student Request for Probationary Admission

a permanently excluded student may request that the Superintendent admit him/her on a probationary basis. A probationary admission may not exceed 90 school days.

2. Superintendent’s Recommendation for Probationary Admission

If the Superintendent, the student and the student’s parent, guardian, or custodian, or a designee all agree on a “Probationary Admission Plan,” the Superintendent shall issue a recommendation to the Board that the student be admitted on a probationary basis. The recommendation should include a copy of the “Probationary Admission Plan” and the reasons for the recommendation. The Plan may include a treatment program, a behavioral modification program or any other program reasonably designed to meet the educational needs of the student and the disciplinary requirements of the school.

3. Board’s Adoption of Recommendation for Probationary Admission

The Board may adopt, by a majority vote, the Superintendent’s recommendation for a probationary admission within 14 days after the Board receives the Superintendent’s recommendation.

Revocation of Probationary Admission

1. If a student fails to comply with the “Probationary Admission Plan,” the Superintendent may remove the student immediately after a conference with him/her and issue a recommendation to the Board requesting that probationary admission be revoked.

2. The Board may adopt the resolution by a majority vote. If the Board does not adopt the Superintendent’s recommendation, the student shall continue to attend school under the “Probationary Admission Plan.”

3 of 4

File: JEGA

Extension of Probationary Admission Period

1. A student or the student’s parent, guardian or custodian may request an extension at any time before the expiration of the 90-day probationary period. The request should be made to the Superintendent. The extension is not to exceed an additional 90 days.

2. The Superintendent and Board may recommend and grant subsequent probationary admission periods, each period not to exceed 90 days.

3. Any extension of a probationary admission shall be submitted subject to the adoption and approval of a “Probationary Admission Plan.”

School Records

1. Duty to Maintain Student Records

Information regarding the permanent exclusion of a student shall be included in the student’s official records and shall be included in any records sent to any school district that requests the student’s records.

2. Duty to Expunge Student Records

When a permanently excluded student reaches 22 years of age or a permanent exclusion is revoked, the District shall remove and destroy all references to the exclusion from the student’s file.

Certificate of High School Equivalence

The District may permit a person permanently excluded to seek a certificate of high school equivalence by attending any preparation course offered by the District, except those courses offered on District premises during normal school hours.

[Adoption date: January 20, 2004]

LEGAL REFS.: ORC 3313.66; 3313.661; 3313.662

CROSS REFS.: JFCJ, Weapons in the Schools

JGD, Student Suspension

JGE, Student Expulsion

4 of 4

File: JF

STUDENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Students, like all citizens, have civil rights guaranteed by the Constitution of the United States. The First Amendment, which ensures the freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly and petition and the Fourteenth Amendment, which guarantees due process and equal protection, apply in school environments.

The rights of an individual are preserved only by the protection and preservation of the rights of others. A student is responsible for the way rights are exercised and must accept the consequences of actions and recognize the boundaries of rights. Each exercise of an individual’s rights must demonstrate respect for the rights of others.

These statements set forth the rights of students and the responsibilities which are inseparable from these rights, which include the right to:

1. equal educational opportunity and freedom from discrimination and the responsibility not to discriminate against others;

2. attend free public schools; the responsibility to attend school regularly and to observe school rules essential for permitting others to learn at school;

3. due process of law with respect to suspension and expulsion;

4. free inquiry and expression and the responsibility to observe rules regarding these rights and

5. privacy, which includes privacy with respect to the student’s school records.

As part of the educational process, students should be made aware of their legal rights and of the legal authority of the Board to make rules and delegate authority to its staff to make rules necessary for the orderly operation of the schools.

A copy of the school discipline code is posted in each of the schools and given to each student. This code describes in detail the offenses such as truancy, tardiness, property damage, etc., for which disciplinary action may be taken. Copies of the code are available to any parent in the principal’s office.

[Adoption date: January 20, 2004]

LEGAL REFS.: U.S. Const. Amend. I

U.S. Const. Amend. XIV, Section 1

ORC 3313.20; 3313.66; 3313.661; 3313.662

CROSS REFS.: ABC, Student Involvement in Decision Making (Also JFB)

JFC, Student Conduct

Student Handbook

File: JFA

STUDENT DUE PROCESS RIGHTS

The Board and school officials have the legal authority to deal with disruptive students and student misconduct. Due process, in the context of administrative proceedings carried out by school authorities, does not mean that the procedures used by the courts in juvenile proceedings must be followed. The Ohio and Federal Rules of Evidence do not apply.

Students have clearly established means by which administrative due process is available for the protection of his/her rights.

Due process procedures are:

1. applied equally to all and

2. enforced in a manner which involves:

A. adequate and timely notice and opportunity to prepare a defense;

B. an opportunity to be heard at a reasonable time and in a meaningful manner and

C. the right to a speedy and impartial hearing on the merits of the case.

In cases of student suspension or expulsion, the specific due process procedures set by the Board’s policy are followed.

[Adoption date: January 20, 2004]

LEGAL REFS.: ORC Chapter 2506

3313.66; 3313.661; 3313.662

OAC 3301-35-03(G)(2)(c)

CROSS REFS.: JB, Equal Educational Opportunities

JFC, all subcodes

JGD, Student Suspension

JGE, Student Expulsion

File: JFB (Also ABC)

STUDENT INVOLVEMENT IN DECISION MAKING

Students share responsibility for developing a climate in the school which is conducive to learning. Through participation in the decision-making process, students can be an important resource for the improvement of the school, the educational system and the community. Periodically, students may be asked to review school policies, rules and regulations. Final authority for all decisions rests with the Board.

[Adoption date: January 20, 2004]

LEGAL REF.: OAC 3301-35-03

CROSS REFS.: BCE, Board Committees

BCF, Advisory Committees to the Board

JF, Student Rights and Responsibilities

JFA, Student Due Process Rights

JFC, Student Conduct

Student Handbook

File: JFC

STUDENT CONDUCT

(Zero Tolerance)

Students are expected to conduct themselves in a way that exhibits respect and consideration for the rights of others. Students of the District must conform with school regulations and accept directions from authorized school personnel. The Board has “zero tolerance” of violent, disruptive or inappropriate behavior by its students.

A student who fails to comply with established school rules or with any reasonable request made by school personnel on school property and/or at school-related events is subject to approved student discipline regulations. The Superintendent/designee develops regulations which establish strategies ranging from prevention to intervention to address student misbehavior.

Students and parents receive, at the beginning of each school year or upon entering during the year, written information on the rules and regulations to which they are subject while in school or participating in any school-related activity or event. The information includes the types of conduct, which are subject to suspension or expulsion from school or other forms of disciplinary action. The Board directs the administration to make all students aware of the Student Code of Conduct and the fact that any violations of the student code of conduct are punishable.

If a student violates this policy or the Student Code of Conduct, school personnel, students or parents should report the student to the appropriate principal. The administration cooperates in any prosecution pursuant to the criminal laws of the state of Ohio and local ordinances.

The Student Code of Conduct is made available to students and parents and is posted in a central location within each building.

Whenever a student is suspended or expelled from school in accordance with State law for the possession of alcohol and drugs, the Superintendent may notify the registrar of motor vehicles and the juvenile judge of the county of the student’s residence. After receiving such notification the registrar of motor vehicles is required to suspend the temporary instruction permit or driver’s license of the student who is the subject of the notice. If a temporary permit or license has not been issued for that student, the registrar is prohibited from issuing a temporary permit or license. Driving privileges may be restored once the Superintendent notifies the registrar that the student has satisfied any conditions established by the Superintendent.

The Superintendent shall notify the registrar of motor vehicles and the juvenile judge of the county in writing of the suspension, expulsion, removal or permanent exclusion of a student within two weeks after such action is taken against a student for misconduct involving a firearm, knife, or other weapon. The notice shall be given to the registrar in the manner the registrar requires by rule.

Notification to the registrar of motor vehicles and the county judge must comply with ORC 3319.321 and the U.S. Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) and accompanying regulations.

1 of 2

File: JFC

In accordance with State law, a student whose driving privileges have been denied can file a petition with the juvenile court in which he/she resides for reinstatement.

No student shall engage in conduct prohibited by the Student Code of Conduct off of property owned or controlled by the District but that is connected to activities or incidents that have occurred on property owned or controlled by the District.

No student shall engage in conduct prohibited by the Student Code of Conduct that, regardless of where it occurs, is directed at an official or employees of the District or the property of an official or employee of the District.

The Superintendent is authorized to prohibit a student from participating in any particular or all extracurricular activities of the District or of a school of the District for the remainder of the season, semester, school year and/or the following season, semester or school year.

No high school credit shall be given for postsecondary courses any portion of which was taken during the period of an expulsion imposed by the Superintendent or extended by the Superintendent in accordance with law.

The Superintendent may expel a student for a period not to exceed one year for committing an act that is a criminal offense when committed by an adult and that results in serious physical harm to persons or property while the pupil is at school, on any other property owned or controlled by the Board, or at an interscholastic competition, an extracurricular event or any other school program or activity.

[Adoption date: January 20, 2004]

LEGAL REFS.: ORC 3313.20; 3313.534; 3313.66; 3313.661; 3313.662

OAC 3301-35-03

CROSS REFS.: ABC, Student Involvement in Decision Making (Also JFB)

EBC, Emergency Plans

JFCA, Student Dress Code

JFCEA, Gangs

JFCJ, Weapons in the Schools

JG, all subcodes

Student Handbooks

2 of 2

File: JFCA

STUDENT DRESS CODE

School dress should not threaten the health, welfare and safety of the members of the student body and enhance a positive image of the students and the District. Any form of dress or grooming which attracts undue attention, prompting a disruption of the learning environment or violating the previous statement, is unacceptable.

Requirements include the following.

1. Dress and grooming standards require cleanliness in the interest of health, sanitary conditions and safety requirements.

2. When a student is participating in school activities, his/her dress and grooming must not disrupt his/her performance or that of other students or constitute a health threat to himself/herself or other students.

3. Dress and grooming are such as not to disrupt the teaching/learning process.

[Adoption date: January 20, 2004]

LEGAL REFS.: U.S. Const. Amend. I

ORC 3313.20

CROSS REFS.: JFC, Student Conduct

JFCEA, Gangs

Student Handbooks

File: JFCB

CARE OF STUDENT PROPERTY WHILE ON SCHOOL PREMISES

It is the policy of the Board that no liability is assumed for private property belonging to students or their parents which is lost, stolen or damaged while on school property, unless such damage was caused by the negligent action by a school employee. This policy further directs the Superintendent to advise all employees of this policy to assure that students and their parents are notified as to the potential risk of personal loss if personal property is brought to schools.

[Adoption date: January 20, 2004]

File: JFCC (Also EEACC)

STUDENT CONDUCT ON SCHOOL BUSES

The Board furnishes transportation in compliance with State law. This fact does not relieve parents of students from the responsibility of supervision until such time as the student boards the bus and after the student leaves the bus at the end of the school day.

Students on a bus are under the authority of, and directly responsible to, the bus driver. The driver has the authority to enforce the established regulations for bus conduct. Disorderly conduct or refusal to submit to the authority of the driver is sufficient reason for refusing transportation services or suspending transportation services to any student once proper procedures are followed.

The Board authorizes the Superintendent or other administrators to suspend a student from school bus riding privileges only for a period of up to one school year. The only due process required is notice to the student of an intended bus riding suspension and an opportunity to appear before the administrator considering the suspension before it happens. The administrator’s decision is final.

The Board’s policy regarding bus riding privileges must be posted in a central location in each school building and made available to students upon request.

After Board approval, regulations regarding conduct on school buses, as well as general information about the school transportation program, are available to all parents and students.

[Adoption date: January 20, 2004]

LEGAL REFS.: ORC 3319.41

3327.01; 3327.014

OAC 3301-83-08

CROSS REFS.: JGA, Corporal Punishment

Student Handbooks

File: JFCC-R (Also EEACC-R)

STUDENT CONDUCT ON SCHOOL BUSES

Behavior

The driver shall be in charge of the bus at all times and is responsible for student behavior.

1. The driver may not exclude a student from the bus.

2. Reasonable conversation is permitted but is regulated by the driver.

3. Seats should be assigned.

4. Discipline

A. Loud talk, yelling or profanity are not permitted.

B. Eating on the bus is not permitted.

C. Pushing or crowding is to be avoided.

D. Windows are to be opened only with permission of the driver. Students are to keep head and arms inside the bus. Throwing things out the window is prohibited.

E. Students are to conduct themselves in an orderly manner at stops.

F. No noise or talking is permitted at railroad crossings.

G. The driver is responsible for behavior of students on the bus. Students misbehaving or not following the directions of the driver will be refused transportation as follows:

1) Students with repeated infractions will have a written notice mailed home.

2) Students receiving a second written notice may be refused transportation for up to 10 days.

3) High school and middle school students may be subject to in-school suspension.

4) A third notice will require a parent conference.

5) Expulsion from the bus for the remainder of the semester following all guidelines may be recommended at any time according to the gravity of offenses.

H. If students have assigned seats, they must sit in the assigned seat only.

Pets or any other animals are not permitted on the bus at any time.

1 of 2

File: JFCC-R (Also EEACC-R)

At Stops

1. Pick-up

A. Wait until the bus stops and the driver signals before crossing the road.

B. Look both ways.

C. Board and take seat as soon as possible.

2. Take-home

A. Stay in seat until bus stops.

B. Get off bus as quickly as possible.

C. Wait for driver's signal and look both ways before crossing road.

Students must ride only the bus to which they are assigned.

Damage done to a bus by a student will be paid for by the student.

Large groups visiting another student such as scouts, etc., can be accommodated only if space is available and with prior permission of the administration. All must have parent permission and an office bus pass.

(Approval date: January 20, 2004)

2 of 2

File: JFCEA

GANGS

The Board believes gangs or gang activity create an atmosphere where violations of policies, regulations and State laws may occur. Gangs that initiate, advocate or promote activities which threaten the safety or well-being of persons or which are disruptive to the school environment are not tolerated by the District.

Incidents involving initiations, hazings, intimidations and/or related activities of such group affiliations which are likely to cause bodily danger, physical harm, personal degradation or disgrace resulting in physical or mental harm are prohibited.

The Board directs the administration to establish regulations to ensure that any student wearing, carrying or displaying gang paraphernalia or exhibiting behavior or gestures which symbolize gang membership or causing and/or participating in activities which intimidate or affect the attendance of another student is subject to disciplinary action.

To provide increased awareness of the threat to the safety of students, staff and school property which gang-related activity poses, training is provided by security on an as-needed basis. Presentations provide training in current identification symbols used by those involved in gang-related activity and include things such as the identification of hand signals, apparel, jewelry and/or any other pertinent gang-related information.

[Adoption date: January 20, 2004]

LEGAL REFS.: ORC 3313.20; 3313.66; 3313.661

CROSS REFS.: AC, Nondiscrimination/Antiharassment

JFC, Student Conduct

JFCA, Student Dress Code

JFCF, Hazing

JGD, Student Suspension

JGE, Student Expulsion

File: JFCF

HAZING

It is the policy of the Board that hazing activities of any type are inconsistent with the educational process and shall be prohibited at all times. No administrator, faculty member or other employee of the school District shall encourage, permit, condone or tolerate any hazing activities. No student, including leaders of student organizations, shall plan, encourage or engage in any hazing.

Hazing is defined as doing any act or coercing another, including the victim, to do any act of initiation to any student or organization that causes or creates a substantial risk of causing mental or physical harm to any person. Permission, consent or assumption of risk by an individual subjected to hazing does not lessen the prohibition contained in this policy.

Administrators, faculty members, and all other employees of the District shall be particularly alert to possible situations, circumstances or events which might include hazing. If hazing or planned hazing is discovered, involved students shall be informed by the discovering school employee of the prohibition contained in this policy and shall be required to end all hazing activities immediately. All hazing incidents shall be reported immediately to the Superintendent.

Administrators, faculty members, students and all other employees who fail to abide by this policy may be subject to disciplinary actions, and may be liable for civil and criminal penalties in accordance with State law.

The contents of this policy shall be distributed in writing to all students and District employees following its official adoption by the Board. In addition, this policy shall be incorporated into building, staff and student handbooks, and shall be the subject of discussion at employee staff meetings or inservice programs.

[Adoption date: January 20, 2004]

LEGAL REFS.: ORC 2307.44

2903.31

CROSS REFS: AC, Nondiscrimination/Antiharassment

JFCEA, Gangs

File: JFCG

TOBACCO USE BY STUDENTS

Health professionals have determined that the use of tobacco products can be detrimental to one’s health. The Board wishes to encourage good health practices among the students of this District. Therefore, the Board prohibits the smoking, use or possession of tobacco in any form including, but not limited to, cigarettes, cigars, clove cigarettes, chewing tobacco, snuff and any other forms of tobacco by any student in any area under the control of the District or at any activity supervised by any school within the District. State law also prohibits the distribution or possession of tobacco products to any person under 18 years of age and specifically regulates the location of vending machines dispensing tobacco products.

Students and parents are given copies of the standards of conduct and statement of disciplinary sanctions, and notified that compliance with the standards of conduct is mandatory. Disciplinary measures taken against students for violations of this policy comply with the requirements of State law and related District policies.

The Board directs the Superintendent and CFO/Treasurer to inform all suppliers of goods and services to the District that it no longer makes purchases from vendors violating the Ohio Revised Code, including establishments in which cigarette vending machines are in locations other than those specifically provided for by State law.

[Adoption date: January 20, 2004]

LEGAL REFS.: The Elementary and Secondary Education Act; 20 USC 1221 et seq.

Goals 2000: Educate America Act; 20 USC 6081-6084

ORC 3313.66; 3313.661; 3313.751

OAC 3301-35-02; 3301-35-04

CROSS REFS.: JFA, Student Due Process Rights

JFC, Student Conduct

JGD, Student Suspension

JGE, Student Expulsion

Student Handbooks

File: JFCH/JFCI

3. disciplinary action involving violations of this policy and the Student Code of Conduct.

A working relationship exists between the District and local professional helping agencies in order to enhance familiarity, communication, referral and follow-up.

Students successfully completing an inpatient treatment program will not be penalized for days missed from school. Students will be recognized as absent due to medical reasons. Every effort will be made by Bath Schools to maintain contact with the treatment agency and provide academic instructional materials. Additionally, every effort will be made by the District to assure the students successful transition back into the school atmosphere.

Support/Guidance

Bath Local Schools recognize the importance of guidance activities, which provide support to students who are experiencing problems either directly or indirectly due to alcohol and other drug use. Therefore, programs such as individual guidance, support groups and mentorship programs will be utilized as a means of providing support and guidance to students within the school environment. Such activities may also be provided which promote drug-free lifestyles and support for students who are concerned in regards to a loved one’s alcohol or other drug use.

Parent/Community

Parent involvement must coincide with school efforts in order for significant and consistent positive impact in regard to student alcohol and other drug use. Therefore, through the community arm of our drug-free schools program and guidance plan, parent education programs shall be made available to the community. These programs will focus on parental prevention and intervention strategies.

Other Policies Governing Student Alcohol and Other Drug Use

The Board has adopted a comprehensive eligibility code of conduct policy for student athletes and students involved in cocurricular and extracurricular activities. These policies represent a common philosophy regarding alcohol and other drug use and are administered in a similar fashion.

Student and Parent Notification

At the beginning of each school year the Student Code of Conduct is reviewed with every student as part of the orientation process. Compliance with these standards of conduct is mandatory and require a student signature each year in order to ensure student support and compliance.

3 of 4

File: JFCH/JFCI

[Adoption date: January 20, 2004]

LEGAL REFS.: ORC 2925.01; 2925.37

3313.66; 3313.661

3719.011; 3719.41

CROSS REFS.: IGAG, Drugs, Alcohol and Tobacco Education

JHCD, Administering Medicines to Students

Student Handbooks

Student Code of Conduct

4 of 4

File: JFCJ

WEAPONS IN THE SCHOOLS

The Board is committed to providing the students of the District with an educational environment, which is free of the dangers of firearms, knives and other dangerous weapons in the schools.

The definition of a firearm shall include 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; any firearm muffler or firearm silencer or any destructive device (as defined in 18 U.S.C.A. Sections 921-924) which includes but is not limited to any explosive, incendiary or poisonous gas, bomb, grenade or 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 device similar to any of the devices described above.

Students are prohibited from bringing a firearm on school property, in a school vehicle or to any school-sponsored activity. If a student brings a firearm on school property, in a school vehicle or to any school-sponsored activity, the Superintendent shall expel the student from school for a period of one calendar year. Any such expulsion shall extend, as necessary, into the school year following the school year in which the incident occurred. The Superintendent may reduce this requirement on a case-by-case basis in accordance with State law. In determining to reduce the one-year expulsion, if the student or parent requests in writing that the one year expulsion be reduced, the Superintendent shall consider in the individual case the pupils prior disciplinary record, prior academic record, and any extenuating circumstances.

Students are also prohibited from bringing knives on school property, in a school vehicle or to any school-sponsored activity. The definition of a knife includes, but is not limited to a cutting instrument consisting of a sharp blade fastened to a handle. If a student brings a knife on school property, in a school vehicle or to any school-sponsored activity, the Superintendent may expel the student from school, with the same expulsion implications as noted above.

The Superintendent may expel a student for a period of one year for bringing a firearm to an interscholastic competition, an extracurricular event, or any other school program or activity that is not located in a school or on property that is owned or controlled by the District.

Students who possess or use other dangerous weapons, which are defined but not limited to metal knuckles, straight razors, explosives, noxious irritation or poisonous gases, poisons, drugs or other items possessed with the intent to use, sell, harm, threaten or harass students, staff members, parents or community members may be expelled for up to 80 school days.

The Superintendent shall notify the registrar of motor vehicles and the juvenile judge in the County in writing of the suspension, expulsion, removal or permanent exclusion of a student within two weeks after such action is taken against a student for misconduct involving a firearm, knife or other weapon. The notice shall be given to the registrar in the manner the registrar requires by rules.

1 of 2

File: JFCJ

[Adoption date: January 20, 2004]

LEGAL REFS.: ORC 2923.122

3313.66; 3313.661; 3313.662

3321.13

18 USC 921

20 USC 2701 et seq. - Title IX 9001-9005

20 USC 8921

CROSS REFS.: JEGA, Permanent Exclusion

JFC, Student Conduct

JGD, Student Suspension

JGDA, Emergency Removal of Student

JGE, Student Expulsion

Student Code of Conduct

2 of 2

File: JFCK

USE OF ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT BY STUDENTS

Students will not possess a paging device or electronic communication equipment, such as a phone, while on school property during the course of a school day. An exception to this prohibition includes students who are in school-related attendance but who are also active members of a volunteer fire fighting organization or a volunteer emergency medical service organization. A “paging device” is a telecommunications device that emits an audible signal, vibrates, displays a message or otherwise summons or delivers a communication to the possessor.

A person who discovers a student in possession of a paging device or any other electronic communication device, in violation of this policy, reports the violation to the principal, who confiscates the device, which is forfeited to the District and imposes appropriate discipline.

[Adoption date: January 20, 2004]

LEGAL REFS.: ORC 3313.20; 3313.753

CROSS REF.: Student Handbooks

File: JFCL

UNSAFE SCHOOLS

(Persistently Dangerous Schools)

The Board complies with State and Federal law in adopting a policy on persistently dangerous schools.

Beginning in the 2004-2005 school year, a student attending a “persistently dangerous” school in this District or who becomes a victim of a “violent criminal offense,” “as determined by State law”, anywhere on District “grounds” or during school-sponsored activities is allowed to attend another school in the District that is not persistently dangerous that offers instruction at the student’s grade level. However, there is no transfer option if there is no other school in this District that offers instruction at the student’s grade level.

A “persistently dangerous” school is defined by State law as a school that has two or more violent criminal offenses in or on school grounds, per 100 students, in each of two consecutive school years. In schools with 300 or fewer students enrolled, six or more violent criminal offenses must occur. Likewise, if a school has 1350 or more students enrolled, 27 or more violent criminal offenses must occur in each of two consecutive school years.

“Violent criminal offense” refers to any violent criminal offense set forth and defined in State law as violent in nature.

“As determined by State law” means that the student has been identified as the victim and the perpetrator has pled guilty to, been adjudicated or convicted of a violent criminal offense in an Ohio court.

“Grounds” includes school bus transportation to and from school and school-sponsored activities and designated bus stops.

[Adoption date: January 20, 2004]

LEGAL REFS.: The Elementary and Secondary Education Act; 20 USC 1221 et seq.

OAC 3301-35-02; 3301-35-04

CROSS REFS.: JFC, Student Conduct (Zero Tolerance)

JFCJ, Weapons in the Schools

Student Handbooks

File: JFE

PREGNANT STUDENTS

The Board affirms the right of a pregnant student to continue her participation in the educational program.

As soon as the pregnancy is medically confirmed, the Board recommends that the student consult with a member of the student personnel staff or the principal to plan her educational program.

With the staff member involved, the student may elect any of the following educational plans or suggest alternatives.

1. She may remain in her present school program, with modifications as necessary until the birth of her baby is imminent or until her physician states that continued participation would be detrimental to her health or that of the baby.

2. When information has been obtained from the student’s physician indicating that the student is unable to attend school, home-bound instruction is available at school expense until her physician states that she is physically able to return to school.

3. With Board approval, she may temporarily withdraw from school and enroll in an approved educational program in which she can continue her education.

Students under the age of 18 are still subject to compulsory education requirements. Students 18 or older are encouraged to return to school after delivery and complete requirements for graduation.

[Adoption date: January 20, 2004]

LEGAL REFS.: ORC 3321.01; 3321.04

CROSS REF.: JEA, Compulsory Attendance Ages

File: JFG

INTERROGATIONS AND SEARCHES

In order to insure the safety and well-being of all students, teachers, other school employees and guests, it is the policy of this District to authorize its administrators to search the clothing and personal effects of students where such a search is reasonably necessary under all the surrounding circumstances. In order to conduct such a search, it is not necessary that the administrator have probable cause to believe that a crime or violation of a school rule has occurred. It is necessary only for the administrator to have reasonable grounds, to believe that a search will produce evidence that a student has violated or is violating a law or school rule. If such reasonable grounds exist, an administrator may conduct a search of a students’ person or personal effects. The search shall be reasonably related to the objectives of the search and not excessively intrusive in light of the age and gender of the student and the nature of the possible infraction that may have or may be occurring.

It is the policy of the Board that lockers made available for pupil use are and remain the property of and under the control of the Board at all times.

In furtherance of this policy, principals within this District and their designees which shall include assistant principals and the Superintendent of this school District may subject any student's locker and the contents thereof at any time to random search without regard to whether there is a reasonable suspicion that any locker or its contents contain evidence of a violation of a criminal statute or school rule.

The Superintendent is directed to post and maintain the following notice in a conspicuous place in each school building in this District which contains lockers for pupil use:

Notice Of Policy On Searching Lockers

All lockers made available for pupil use are the property of the District. All such lockers and the contents thereof are subject to random search at any time by appropriate school officials without regard to whether there is reasonable suspicion that any locker or the contents thereof contain evidence of a violation of a criminal statute or school rule.

[Adoption date: January 20, 2004]

LEGAL REFS.: U.S. Const. Amend. IV

ORC 3313.20

CROSS REF.: JHG, Reporting Child Abuse

File: JG

STUDENT DISCIPLINE

Effective discipline, which requires respect for the rights of others, is necessary if all students are to attain a quality education. The Board delegates to school officials the authority to enforce District policies, regulations and school rules governing student conduct.

A complete statement governing or describing all the relationships and processes involved in student discipline would be very extensive. The most important part of such a statement would be the relationship of the teacher and the principal in matters of discipline. Teachers must feel free to consult and work closely with the building principal in dealing with any problem with which the teacher might need guidance. This working relationship is one key to desirable discipline and a quality instructional environment.

The Board also believes that the teacher-student relationship in the classroom, halls and on school property is important and should be one of mutual respect at all times. The teacher is recognized as the person in authority at all times in the classroom, halls, buildings, school grounds and at school-related events.

Each case of unsatisfactory behavior by a student is handled individually. The classroom teacher may take the steps which he/she believes are justified in each case. If the student does not respond to these measures, the teacher then refers the student to the principal.

In terms of the relationship of the teacher and principal in discipline matters, the Board expects that whenever a discipline problem appears to extend beyond the classroom, the teacher discusses the problem with the principal. The teacher(s) and the principal work together in attempting to control or correct the problem.

A student’s failure to comply with the requirements for conduct outlined in the student handbooks may result in the student’s being disciplined. He/She may lose all rights to participate in school-related social events or extracurricular activities for a period of time determined by the principal. Depending on the seriousness of the offense committed by the student, suspension or expulsion may also result. Discipline is always administered in a reasonable manner.

If several methods of discipline have been used in an effort to solve a problem and it appears necessary, in the judgment of the principal and Superintendent, to discipline or withdraw privileges from a large group, this action may be taken. Any punishment technique involving an entire class or large group is used only as a last resort.

The Board requires a parent of a student who is suspended or expelled from school or who is truant or habitually absent from school to attend a parental education or training program. If the parent fails to attend the program, he/she will be charged with a misdemeanor of the fourth degree, punishable by a maximum fine of $250 and imprisonment of up to 30 days.

1 of 2

File: JG

[Adoption date: January 20, 2004]

LEGAL REFS.: ORC 3313.20; 3313.66; 3313.661; 3313.662

3319.41

CROSS REFS.: ECAB, Vandalism

IGD, Cocurricular and Extracurricular Activities

JG, all subcodes

Student Handbooks

2 of 2

File: JGA

CORPORAL PUNISHMENT

The Ohio Revised Code allows boards of education to ban the use of corporal punishment and this Board does not believe such punishment to be suitable. Corporal punishment is prohibited and shall not be used as a form of discipline in the District. The Board expects the administration, faculty and staff to use other forms of discipline, counseling and referral, including communication and meetings with the parents, to promote appropriate, positive behavior.

A student who fails to comply with established school rules or with any reasonable request made by school personnel on school property and/or at school-related events is dealt with according to approved student discipline regulations.

Teachers, principals, administrators and support staff are authorized by law to use, within the scope of their employment, “such amount of force and restraint as is reasonable and necessary to quell a disturbance threatening physical injury to others, to obtain possession of weapons or other dangerous objects, for the purpose of self-defense, or for the protection of persons or property.”

[Adoption date: January 20, 2004]

LEGAL REFS.: ORC 3313.20

3319.41

CROSS REFS.: ECAB, Vandalism

JG, Student Discipline

Student Code of Conduct

Student Handbooks

File: JGD

STUDENT SUSPENSION

The Superintendent, principals, assistant principals and other administrators may suspend a student from school for disciplinary reasons outlined in the Student Code of Conduct. No period of suspension is for more than 10 school days. Suspensions may extend beyond the current school year if, at the time a suspension is imposed, fewer than 10 days remain in the school year. The Superintendent may apply any or all of the period of suspension to the following year.

The Superintendent may require a student to perform community service in conjunction with or in place of a suspension. The Board may adopt guidelines to permit the Superintendent to impose a community service requirement beyond the end of the school year in lieu of applying the suspension into the following school year.

The guidelines listed below are followed for all out-of-school suspensions.

1. The student is informed in writing of the potential suspension and the reasons for the proposed action.

2. The student is provided an opportunity for an informal hearing to challenge the reason for the intended suspension and explain his/her actions.

3. An attempt is made to notify the parent(s) by telephone if a suspension is issued.

4. Within 24 hours, a letter is sent to the parent(s) stating the specific reasons for the suspension and including notice of the right to appeal such action.

5. Notice of this suspension is sent to the:

A. Superintendent;

B. CFO/Treasurer and

C. student’s school record (not for inclusion in the permanent record).

6. Permanent Exclusion - If the offense is one for which the District may seek permanent exclusion, the notice contains that information.

Appeal Procedure

Should a student or a student’s parent(s) choose to appeal the suspension, he/she must do so within 10 days of the notice of suspension. The procedure for such is provided in regulations approved by the Board. All witnesses are sworn and a verbatim record is kept of the hearing which may be held in executive session at the request of the student or his/her parent(s). The student may be excluded from school during the appeal process.

Appeal to the Court

Under State law, appeal of the Board’s or its designee’s decision may be made to the Court of Common Pleas.

1 of 2

File: JGD

[Adoption date: January 20, 2004]

LEGAL REFS.: ORC 3313.66; 3313.661; 3313.662

CROSS REFS.: JEGA, Permanent Exclusion

JFC, Student Conduct

JFCEA, Gangs

JFCJ, Weapons in the Schools

JGE, Student Expulsion

2 of 2

File: JGDA

EMERGENCY REMOVAL OF STUDENT

If a student’s presence poses a continuing danger to persons or property or an ongoing threat of disrupting the academic process, the Superintendent, principal, assistant principal or personnel employed to direct, supervise or coach a student activity program may remove the student from the premises.

If either suspension or expulsion is contemplated, a due process hearing is held within three school days after the removal is ordered. Written notice of the hearing and the reason for removal and any intended disciplinary action is given to the student as soon as practicable prior to the hearing. The student has the opportunity to appear at an informal hearing before the principal, assistant principal and Superintendent/designee and has the right to challenge the reasons for the removal or otherwise explain his/her actions. The person who ordered or requested the removal is present at the hearing. Within one school day of the decision to suspend, written notification is given to the parent(s) of the student and CFO/Treasurer of the Board. This notice includes the reasons for the suspension and the right of the student or parent(s) to appeal to the Superintendent/designee.

If the Superintendent or principal reinstates a student prior to the hearing for emergency removal, the teacher may request, and is given, written reasons for the reinstatement. The teacher cannot refuse to reinstate the student.

In an emergency removal, a student can be kept from class until the matter of the alleged misconduct is disposed of either by reinstatement, suspension or expulsion.

In all cases of normal disciplinary procedures in which a student is removed from a curricular or extracurricular activity for less than 24 hours and is not subject to further suspension or expulsion, due process requirements do not apply.

[Adoption date: January 20, 2004]

LEGAL REFS.: ORC Chapter 2506

3313.66; 3313.661; 3313.662

CROSS REFS.: ECAB, Vandalism

JFCJ, Weapons in the Schools

JGD, Student Suspension

JGE, Student Expulsion

File: JGE

STUDENT EXPULSION

At times, the behavior of a student can be considered so serious as to justify total removal from the educational program for a prolonged period of time. Actions meriting expulsion are outlined in the Student Code of Conduct. Only the Superintendent may expel a student. Expulsion is the removal of a student for more than 10 days, but not more than one year. An expulsion can extend beyond the end of the school year if there are fewer school days than expulsion days remaining. The Superintendent may apply any remaining part or all of the period of the expulsion to the following school year.

The Superintendent may require a student to perform community service in conjunction with or in place of an expulsion. The Board may adopt guidelines to permit the Superintendent to impose a community service requirement beyond the end of the school year in lieu of applying the expulsion into the following school year.

The Superintendent shall give the student and parent(s) written notice of the intended expulsion, including reasons for the intended expulsion. The student and parent(s) or representative have the opportunity to appear on request before the Superintendent/designee to challenge the action or to otherwise explain the student’s actions. This notice shall state the time and place to appear, which must not be fewer than three days nor more than five days after the notice is given.

Within 24 hours of the expulsion, the Superintendent shall notify the parent(s) of the student and CFO/Treasurer of the Board.

The notice shall include the reasons for the expulsion, the right of the student or parent(s) to appeal to the Board or its designee, the right to be represented at the appeal and the right to request that the hearing be held in executive session.

The Superintendent will initiate expulsion proceedings against a student who has committed an act that warrants expulsion even if the student withdraws from school before the Superintendent has held the hearings or made the decision to expel the student.

Permanent Exclusion

If the offense is one for which the District may seek permanent exclusion, the notice shall contain that information.

Appeal to the Board

A student or a student’s parent(s) may appeal the expulsion by the Superintendent to the Board or its designee. They may be represented in all such appeal proceedings and are granted a hearing before the Board or its designee. All witnesses are sworn and a verbatim record is kept of the hearing which may be held in executive session at the request of the student or parent(s). The student may be excluded from school during the appeal process.

Appeal to the Court

Under State law, the decision of the Board may be further appealed to the Court of Common Pleas.

1 of 2

File: JGE

Any student who is expelled from school for more than 20 days or into the following semester or school year is referred to an agency which works towards improving the student’s attitudes and behavior. The Superintendent provides the student and his/her parent(s) with the names, addresses and telephone numbers of the public and private agencies providing such services.

[Adoption date: January 20, 2004]

LEGAL REFS.: ORC 3313.66; 3313.661; 3313.662

CROSS REFS.: ECAB, Vandalism

JEGA, Permanent Exclusion

JFCJ, Weapons in the Schools

JGD, Student Suspension

JGDA, Emergency Removal of Student

2 of 2

File: JHC

STUDENT HEALTH SERVICES AND REQUIREMENTS

The Board recognizes the responsibility of the schools to help protect the health of students. Health services are an integral part of comprehensive school improvement, assisting all students to increase learning, achievement and performance. Health services coordinate and support existing programs to assist each student in achievement of an optimal state of physical, mental and social well-being. Student health services ensure continuity and create linkages between school, home and community service providers. The District’s comprehensive school improvement plan, needs and resources determine the linkages. The principal is responsible for the administration of the health program in his/her school.

Of necessity, school health services must be limited to the prevention and detection of health problems, referral of problems through parents to the family physicians or community health agencies and emergency care.

Each school shall have on file for each student an emergency medical authorization form providing information from the parent(s) on how they wish the school to proceed in the event of a health emergency involving the student and authorization for the school in case emergency action must be taken.

Annually, the District will notify parents of physical exams or screenings conducted on students except for vision, hearing or scoliosis.

[Adoption date: January 20, 2004]

LEGAL REFS.: The Elementary and Secondary Education Act; 20 USC 1221 et seq.

42 U.S.C. Sec. 12101 et seq. (1997)

20 U. S.C. 1232 g Sec. 1400 6301 et seq. (1997)

29 U.S.C. Sec 794(a)(1988)

ORC 3313.50; 3313.67-3313.73

OAC 3301-35-04; 3301-35-06

CROSS REFS.: IGBA, Programs for Students with Disabilities

JED, Student Absences and Excuses

JHCB, Inoculations of Students

JHCD, Administering Medicines to Students

JHG, Reporting Child Abuse

File: JHCA

PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS OF STUDENTS

The District requires health records of students under the following circumstances.

1. Kindergarten and first grade students entering school for the first time must have a completed health record before being admitted to school.

2. Health records are requested for all students transferring into the District. If the previous school does not forward a record or if it is incomplete, it is the parents’ responsibility to comply with health requirements for students.

3. Students must have physical examinations prior to their participation in interscholastic athletic programs.

Parents have the right to refuse to allow their child to participate in nonemergency invasive physical examinations or screenings. Invasive physical exam is defined as any "medical examination that involves the exposure of private body parts, or any act during such examination that includes incision, insertion or injection into the body, but does not include a hearing, vision or scoliosis exam."

The District notifies parents, on an annual basis, of the administration of health and physical screenings and examinations and, thereby, gives parents the opportunity to exclude their children.

[Adoption date: January 20, 2004]

LEGAL REFS.: The Elementary and Secondary Education Act; 20 USC 1221 et seq.

ORC 3313.50; 3313.671; 3313.673; 3313.68; 3313.73

CROSS REF.: JHCB, Inoculations of Students

File: JHCB

INOCULATIONS OF STUDENTS

Students enrolled in kindergarten through grade 12 are required to have written proof on file at their public or nonpublic school that they have been immunized against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, poliomyelitis, measles, mumps, rubella, and hepatitis B as set forth in Section 3313.6761 of the Ohio Revised Code. Pupils who have not been immunized by a “method of immunization approved by the Ohio Department of Health pursuant to Section 3701.13 of the Ohio Revised Code” are to be excluded from school attendance no later than 15 school days after admission.

Minimum immunization requirements are:

1. A minimum of four doses of DPT vaccine is required. If the fourth dose was administered prior to the fourth birthday, five doses are required.

2. A minimum of three doses of polio vaccine is required. If the third dose was administered prior to the fourth birthday, four doses are required.

3. Beginning with the fall 1999 school year, the requirements for the second dose of MMR vaccine apply to all kindergarten students and to all students in grades 7-12.

4. Effective January 1, 1999, all children entering kindergarten shall be required to provide evidence of having received three doses of Hepatitis B vaccine. The second dose must be administered at least 28 days after the first dose. The third dose must be administered at least two months after the second dose and at least four months after the first dose, and at least six months of age. This requirement shall be enforced progressively; therefore, the requirement shall be extended to kindergarten and first grade students in the year 2000, kindergarten, first, and second grades in 2001, etc.

The only children who are exempt are those with a medical or religious/philosophical exemption on file at the school. Under the Law (3313.671), children may be admitted to school if they are “in the process” of completing the required immunizations. “In the process” means they have already had a minimum of one DPT, one polio, one MMR, and one hepatitis B. Children who are not exempt and who are not “in the process” will not be admitted until they qualify. Additionally, those who are “in the process” must complete their series in a medically sound but timely manner, or they must lose their temporary waiver and are subject to exclusion from school.

[Adoption date: January 20, 2004]

LEGAL REFS.: ORC 3313.67; 3313.671; 3313.71; 3313.711

3701.13

CROSS REFS.: JEC, School Admission

JEG, Exclusions and Exemptions from School Attendance

JHCA, Physical Examinations of Students

File: JHCB-E

IMMUNIZATION EXEMPTION FORM

(Religious, Good Cause and Medical Exemption Form)

Amended Substitute Senate Bill No 282, Ohio Revised Code,

Sections 3313.671 Part (3) and (4)

Section 3313.671, part (3): A student who presents a written statement of his/her parent or guardian in which the parent or guardian objects to the immunization for good cause, including religious convictions, is not required to be immunized.

Section 3313.671, part (4): A child whose physician certifies in writing that such immunization against any disease is medically contraindicated is not required to be immunized against that disease. This section does not limit or impair the right of a board of education of a city, exempted village or local school district to make and enforce rules to secure immunization against poliomyelitis, rubeola, rubella, diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus and hepatitis B of the students under its jurisdiction.

I, the parent or guardian of the below named child, hereby object to the immunization(s) listed for the following reasons:

_____Polio _____Diphtheria/Tetanus/Pertussis (DTP)

_____Mumps, Measles, Rubella (MMR) _____ Hepatitis B

Child's name

_____ Religious: List name of denomination

_____ Good cause: Please explain

_____ Medical reason: You must have a signed statement from your physician stating the

condition and attach it to this form.

I further understand that during the course of an outbreak of any of the aforementioned vaccine preventable diseases that the student named here is subject to exclusion from school for the duration of the outbreak.

This action is necessary not only to protect this student, but the remainder of the students and faculty of the school.

Parent/Guardian's Signature

Address ___________________________________________________ Date

File: JHCC

COMMUNICABLE DISEASES

All students with signs or symptoms of diseases suspected as being communicable to others are given immediate attention and sent home if such action is indicated.

Any student suspected or reported to have a communicable disease is examined by a school nurse or public health nurse. Upon the recommendation of the school physician, the student may be excluded from school. Re-admission is dependent upon a decision by a physician, school nurse or public health nurse. In case of doubt, the school physician is consulted.

Parents are informed when a communicable disease occurs in their child’s classroom or on the bus so that early signs or symptoms can be observed and appropriate preventive measures can be instituted.

[Adoption date: January 20, 2004]

LEGAL REFS.: ORC 3313.67; 3313.68; 3313.71

3319.321

3707.04; 3707.06; 3707.08; 3707.20; 3707.21; 3707.26

CROSS REF.: JEG, Exclusions and Exemptions from School Attendance