POLICY HANDBOOK

“03-04”

 

 

INTRODUCTION:

 

            This handbook contains the rules and regulations governing Bath High School students at school and at school sponsored events.  Therefore, all students, regardless of age and living with parent or guardian, are responsible for and must adhere to all the rules and regulations contained within.  Some of the regulations are unique to the high school and apply only to our students.

 

ATTENDANCE:

 

            Attendance is a basic and integral part of your education.  If a student is absent we prefer that the parent call/fax the school, (221-0366)/Fax (221-0766).  If we are not called, a written note will be necessary.  All students are required to report to the office before 8:10 a.m. following any absence from school.  Failure to report to office will result in an unexcused tardy.

            EXCUSED ABSENCES:  Students with excused absences are solely responsible for making up any schoolwork missed.  These absences are based on one or more of the following conditions:  (1) personal illness (2) death or illness in the immediate family (3) observance of a religious holiday and (4) other circumstances which may constitute an excused absence will require prior approval from the Principal or Assistant Principal.

            UNEXCUSED ABSENCES:  Students with unexcused absences will not be given credit for any schoolwork missed.  Unexcused absences usually consist of, but are not limited to one or more of the following conditions:  (1) truancy-no note (2) needed at home (3) gainful employment (4) oversleeping and/or missing the bus (5) car trouble of any kind (6) running non-emergency errands of any kind and (7) personal reasons, unless the reason is specifically identified and prior approval given by the Principal or Assistant Principal.

 

            A student who misses more than 7 days of school per semester will receive an unexcused absence for every day over 7 days unless a medical excuse is presented when the student returns to school or the principal authorizes such absence based on extenuating circumstances.  A medical excuse is defined as “ _____ has been under my care from _____ to _____ any may return to school on _____”.

            PROLONGED ABSENCES:  If a student is unable to attend class or school for a lengthy period of time, but is able to study at home,  a telephone call should be made to the guidance office and arrangements made for assignments to be sent home.

            MEDICAL APPOINTMENTS:  Students who must be out of school to secure medical service must have their parents call or bring a note from their parents and an appointment form from the doctor to be presented at the office upon return to school.  The student must sign the register when leaving the building and must do the same upon return.  If a student misses school because of a medical appointment the absence must be treated as any other absence, i.e., the time missed must be marked on attendance records.  If at all possible the student is to return to school after an appointment.  Anyone leaving school under false pretenses will be subject to two (2) Saturday schools.

            TARDINESS:  Students who arrive at school after 8:15 a.m. must report to the office for an appropriate tardy notice.  If the student comes late in the morning and arrives after the first period, it must be considered one-half day absent.  If the student comes to school after fourth period, it must be considered one day absence.

            A STUDENT WHO IS ABSENT FROM SCHOOL, COMES TO SCHOOL AFTER SECOND PERIOD OR IS SENT HOME DUE TO ILLNESS DURING THE SCHOOL DAY WILL NOT BE ELIGIBLE TO TAKE PART IN ANY TYPE OF AFTER SCHOOL EVENT OR ACTIVITY AS A PARTICIPANT OR SPECTATOR  (PENALTY TWO SATURDAY SCHOOLS).

            HOWEVER, WE REALIZE THAT THERE MAY BE SPECIAL SITUATIONS (MEDICAL APPOINTMENT, FUNERAL, ETC.) AND IN SUCH CASES THE PRINCIPAL/ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL WILL DEAL WITH EACH CASE INDIVIDUALLY.

            VACATIONS: We would hope that parents would make every effort to take their vacations during the summer.  However, if a vacation is planned during the school year, we ask the parents to let the school officials know when they will be leaving and make-up work can be arranged.  Vacation forms are available in the office and must be completed before leaving.  Students should make every effort to complete work before leaving on vacation. NO VACATIONS WILL BE APPROVED FOR THE LAST WEEK OF EITHER SEMESTER.

            COLLEGE VISITATION requests must be made through the guidance department, and parent consent must be made in the form of a note or telephone call.  Only juniors in their second semester and seniors are excused for college visitations.  There is a limit of two college visitations per student using school time.

 

DISCIPLINE:

 

            Education cannot proceed without good discipline.  Good discipline is the presence of a friendly yet business-like rapport in which students, teacher, and administrators work toward accepted goals.

A.     TARDINESS:  After a student accumulates three (3) unexcused tardies to school or class, he/she will be assigned a before school detention. Detentions will be assigned for each subsequent unexcused tardies through twelve (12) tardies.  Detentions are to be served on Tuesday mornings from 7:30 to 8:05.

B.     SATURDAY SCHOOL:  Assignments to Saturday school will include but not be limited to the following infraction: 1) unexcused absences, two (2) sessions, 2) unexcused absences – ½ day, one (1) session, 3) missing after school detention, 4) dress code violations, 5) excessive displays of affections,  6) excessive tardiness, more than 12 tardies,  7) radios, tape and CD players, pagers, electronic games, or cell phones,  8)  food or drink in the classroom, 9)  throwing food or other objects in the cafeteria, 10) in snack bar without permission, 11) leaving building without permission, 12) not having a doctor’s excuse after leaving school for an appointment.  Saturday schools will be scheduled from 8:00 to 11:00 a.m.  Students are to be out of building by 11:05 a.m.  After being assigned twelve (12) Saturday schools a student will be subject to suspension/expulsion.

 

            MAJOR MISCONDUCT CODE:  A VIOLATION OF ANY OF THE FOLLOWING RULES MAY RESULT IN DISCIPLINARY ACTION INCLUDING, EMERGENCY REMOVAL, ASSIGNMENT TO ALTERNATE SCHOOL, SUSPENSION AND/OR EXPULSION.

 

1.      DISRUPTION OF SCHOOL:  A student shall not cause disruption or obstruction of the educational process by: 1) engaging in fighting or other violent behavior; 2) threatening harm to another; 3) making un-realistic noise, using grossly abusive language or offensive language; 4) challenging or taunting another likely to evoke a violent response; 5) creating a physically offensive condition; 6) creating a risk of physical harm to person or property; 7) insubordination; 8) disrespectful to any school employee, and 9) disrupting after school detention or Saturday school.

2.      DAMAGE TO PROPERTY:  A student shall not knowingly mar, deface, destroy or otherwise tamper with any property not owned by the student.

3.      ASSAULT:  A student shall not knowingly or willingly cause or attempt to cause physical harm to another; or knowingly cause another to believe that the offender will cause physical harm to that person.

4.      DANGEROUS WEAPONS AND INSTRUMENTS:  A student shall not possess, handle, or transmit weapons and/or any other dangerous instruments or ordinance capable of inflicting bodily harm while on the school grounds, before, during or after school hours, or while attending school functions, activities or events, or while in school vehicles.  This includes, but is not limited to guns, knives, fireworks and “Look-A-Like” weapons.

5.      TOBACCO, NARCOTICS, ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES AND DRUGS:  No student shall possess, use, transport, purchase, have under his/her control, offer for sale,  or administer to another any intoxicant, hallucinogen, narcotic drug, or other dangerous drug.  No student shall have or possess any equipment or paraphernalia for the purpose of any items mentioned above.

6.      “LOOK-A-LIKE” AND “COUNTERFEIT SUBSTANCES”:  No student shall possess, use, transport, purchase, have under his/her control, offer for sale, or administer to another, an counterfeit controlled substance ( or any substance) which represents a controlled substance or which might be construed as a controlled substance.

7.      HAZING:  See Insert

8.      SEXUAL HARASSMENT:  A student shall not engage in unwanted sexual advances, or unwanted visual, verbal or physical conduct of a physical nature toward another student.  The term sexual harassment is intended to mean sexual harassment in the broadest meaning of that term in current popular as well as legal usage.

9.      COMPUTER USAGE:  Improper use of computers, software, or the related equipment and materials as defined by the rules of the computer labs and classrooms

10.  MISSING SATURDAY SCHOOL

. 

MINOR MISCONDUCT CODE:  VIOLATIONS OF THE FOLLOWING RULES WILL FALL UNDER THE ALTERNATE SCHOOL AND THE DEMERIT SYSTEM.  REPEATED VIOLATIONS OF THESE RULES WILL BE TREATED AS MAJOR MISCONDUCT.

1.      Throwing food or other objects in cafeteria/classroom:  3 days alternate school (second offense).

2.      Leaving School Grounds Without Permission from the Office:  1st Offense:  3 days alternate school; 2nd Offense:  10 days alternate school.

3.      Use of/possession of Tobacco/Tobacco Products, lighters or matches, on School Property, on the School Bus, or at School Activities:  1st Offense:  5 days alternate school; 2nd Offense and All Subsequent Offenses:  10-day suspension with a recommendation for expulsion.

4.      Unauthorized use of school property: 1st offense – 3 day alternate school, 2nd offense -10 days alternate school.

 

            DEMERIT SYSTEM:  A demerit system is one of the many ways to educate students to respect the rights and responsibilities of each other.  Most students will have no difficulty in following the policies of the school; others will have to be guided by the disciplines listed below: 

 

1.      SKIPPING CLASS OR STUDY HALL:  3 demerits

2.      SENT TO OFFICE/ REFERRAL FOR MINOR MISCONDUCT:  1 – 5 demerits

3.      LOITERING/TRESPASSING:  No student shall be in an unauthorized area without expressed permission by a staff member – 3 demerits

4.      PORNOGRAPHIC PUBLICATIONS:  No student shall possess, edit, or read any pornographic materials on school property or during school hours – 3 demerits

5.      DISRUPTIVE CONDUCT IN CAFETERIA/AUDITORIUM:  3 demerits

6.      AUTO OPERATION/PARKING:  Improper use of auto/parking – 5 demerits.  Repeated violations will result in loss of driving privileges.

A student will be placed in alternate school for a minimum of five (5) days to a maximum of ten (10) days when they have accumulated twelve (12) demerits.  When a student has accumulated a second twelve (12) demerits he is subject to a ten (10) day suspension and a recommendation for expulsion.  After a first semester expulsion, a student will be subject to expulsion in the second semester after the accumulation of twelve (12) demerits or a violation as stated in the major misconduct code.

The parent will be notified by mail when a student has accumulated six (6) demerits and arrangements for a parent conference will be made for the purpose of discussing the causes of misconduct and suggested means of improvement.

 

RULES AND REGULATIONS GOVERNING ALTERNATE SCHOOL:

 

            LOCATION:  136 South West Street (Old Y.M.C.A.)

                  Students assigned to the alternate school are to

1.      provide their own transportation

2.      report between 8:15 and 8:30 a.m.

3.      bring all books

4.      bring lunch

5.      leave at 2:30 p.m.

6.      follow Bath’s schedule unless otherwise noted

Students who are absent, regardless of reason from the alternate school, must make up the

days.  If the student is over days, a medical excuse will be required.  Assignments are provided for the days assigned and are due upon the students return.  Students assigned to the short-term alternate program may attend or participate in all after school activities.

 

SUSPENSIONS:

 

1.      The Superintendent or Principal/Assistant Principal may suspend.

2.      No suspensions are to exceed ten (10) school days.

3.      The superintendent or Principal/Assistant Principal must give written notice of intention to suspend and the reason why to the pupil.

4.      The pupil must have an opportunity to appear at an informal hearing before the Principal, Assistant Principal, Superintendent or his designee, and has the right to challenge the reasons for the intended suspension or otherwise explain his actions.  The hearing may take place immediately.

5.      Within 24 hours of suspension the Principal/Assistant Principal will notify in writing the parent, guardian or custodian of the pupil and Treasurer of the Board of Education the suspension.  This notice must include the reason for the suspension, and the right of the pupil, parent to appeal to the Board of Education or its designee, the right to be represented at the appeal and to request the hearing or appeal to be held in executive session.

 

EMERGENCY REMOVALS:

 

            An emergency removal from the premises, curricular or extra-curricular activities, may occur if a pupil’s presence poses a continuing danger to persons or property, or an engaging threat of disrupting the established process.  A due process hearing must be held within 72 hours after removal is ordered.

 

EXPULSION:

 

1.      Only a Superintendent may expel.

2.      The Superintendent must give the pupil and his parent or guardian written notice of the intended expulsion.

A.     The notice is to include reasons for the intended expulsion.

B.     The pupil and parent or REPRESENTATIVE has the opportunity to appear on request before Superintendent or his designee to challenge his action or to otherwise explain the pupil’s actions.  The administrator cannot compel such hearing in the event the pupil and parent choose not to have a hearing.

C.     The notice is to state the time and place to appear which must not be less than three days nor later than five days after the notice is given.

D.     The Superintendent may grant an extension of time, if granted his must notify all parties of new time and place.

E.      Within 24 hours of the expulsion the Superintendent will notify the parent, guardian or custodian of the pupil and Treasurer of the Board of the action to expel.  The notice must include the reasons for the expulsion, and the right of pupil, parent to appeal to the Board of Education or its designee; the right to be represented to the appeal and to request the hearing to be held in executive session, but the board may act upon the expulsion only at a public meeting.  The request for appeal must be made within seven (7) days.

SUSPENSIONS AND EXPULSIONS:  All school work during the time of out of school or expulsion is treated as an “F” and cannot be made up after the student return to school.  Also, the student is prohibited from any and all extra-curricular activities and is not to be found on school premises during the duration of the suspension.  The days absent as a result of a suspension or expulsion are counted as unexcused absences.  A parent conference must be held before the suspended student may return to school.

 

MISCELLANEOUS:

 

            DRESS CODE:  The administration of Bath High School will not become involved in the matter of dress unless an individual student exercises extremely poor judgement in his mode of dress, that is, the dress interferes with the learning process or constitutes a hazard to the student or others.  Good judgement would indicate that clothing with offensive illustrations/slogans, illustrations/slogans pertaining to alcohol, drugs, tobacco products, clothing that is soiled, ripped or torn, bare feet, midriffs, hats, head bands, bandannas, sweat pants, chains, spike bracelets, offensive jewelry, and tank tops (girls:  sleeveless tops or dresses must cover 3 inches of shoulder, length of tops cover all of you all of the time; boys: sleeveless shirts are not acceptable.  Shorts and skirts are to exceed fingertip length when arms are dropped in a natural position.  Shorts are not to be cut-offs and are not to be athletic in nature (i.e., bicycle shorts, tennis shorts, basketball shorts, mesh shorts, etc.)  Students who choose to violate the dress code will be assigned a Saturday school and be asked to take care of the problem immediately.  If problem is not taken care of, the student will be removed from class (unexcused).

            WITHDRAWING FROM CLASS:  Students who withdraw from class after the second week of a semester will receive an F for that class.  It also results in a loss of study hall privileges

for the remainder of the year.

            STUDENT ATHLETICS:  If a student athlete quits a team after the first game or match, he will not be allowed to participate in any open gym, conditioning or practices with another sport until the first sports regular season schedule has been completed.

            CARD PLAYING:  There shall be no card playing of any type permitted during school hours.

            SPORTSMANSHIP:  The Western Buckeye League is placing a greater emphasis on sportsmanship.  Students who misbehave or show poor sportsmanship at an athletic event will be subject to removal from that event, future events, and school discipline.

            LOCKERS:  All lockers made available for pupil use are the property of the Bath Local School 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.

            STUDENT SEARCH:  In order to insure the safety and well being of all students, teachers, other school employees and guests, it is the policy of this school 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 sex of the student and the nature of the possible infraction that may have or may be occurring. ANNOUNCEMENTS, DISTRIBUTION AND POSTING MATERIALS:  All materials to be announced, announcements, distributed or posted must be approved by the office.

            VISITORS:  All visitors must register at the main office before visiting a student, teacher, the cafeteria or classroom.  Students desiring to bring a guest to visit classes must make prior arrangements with the Principal or Assistant Principal.  Visitors, whose purpose is that of a social call (girlfriend, boyfriend, etc.), will not be permitted in the building.

            LEAVING THE BUILDING:  ANY TIME ANY STUDENT LEAVES THE BUILDING FOR ANY REASON HE/SHE MUST RECEIVE PERMISSION FROM HIGH SCHOOL OFFICE AND SIGN OUT IN HIGH SCHOOL OFFICE.

            WORK PERMITS:  For student under 18 years of age, work permits are available in the office.

            STUDENT PARKING:  All student vehicles are required to display a parking sticker on the right front windshield.  Failure to comply may result in demerits and loss of driving privileges.

 

            HARASSMENT OF EMPLOYEES/EMMPLOYEES FAMILY:  Students may be subject to school discipline for any harassment, vandalism, physical/verbal abuse, or other disruptive behavior toward school personnel, their family, or their property during non-school time.

            USE OF TELEPHONE:  The use of any phone during school is strictly prohibited unless permission is specifically granted.  Students WILL NOT be called from class to answer the phone except in an emergency.

            CAFETERIA:  Students may pack a lunch if they so desire; however, glass containers are prohibited.  The catering of any food by anyone is strictly prohibited.  Students may not use any school facilities for storing or preparing food unless permission is specifically granted.

 SNACK BAR:  STUDENTS WHO HAVE BEEN ASSIGNED TO THE ALTERNATE SCHOOL OR SUSPENDED FROM SCHOOL LOSE THEIR SNACK BAR PRIVILEGE.

ILLNESS:  Students who become ill during the school day must report to one of the secretaries in the high school office.

MEDICATIONS:  See Insert

RECORD DISCLOSURE POLICY:  See Insert

DRIVER PRIVILEGES REVOKED:   See Insert

BUS RULES:  See Insert