STUDENT HANDBOOK

Daily Class Schedule

Activity Schedule

2 Hour Delay Schedule

ABSENCE

It is important for every student in Ohio to attend school every day. Missing too much school has long-term, negative effects on students, such as lower achievement and graduation rates. There are many reasons students miss school, but districts often can directly impact their students’ attendance. By using data to identify and support students who may need extra support and services, districts can target supports to get students to school every day. Regular school attendance is an important ingredient in students’ academic success. Excessive absences interfere with students’ progress in mastering knowledge and skills necessary to graduate from high school prepared for higher education and the workforce. To support academic success for all students, the district will partner with students and their families to identify and reduce barriers to regular school attendance. The district will utilize a continuum of strategies to reduce student absence including, but not limited to:  Notification of student absence to the parent or guardian;  Development and implementation of an absence intervention plan, which may include supportive services for students and families;  Counseling;  Parent education and parenting programs; Mediation;  Intervention programs available through juvenile authorities; and  Referral for truancy, if applicable. 

DEFINITION OF TRUANCY AND EXCESSIVE ABSENCES

(A) As used in this section and section 3321.191 of the Revised Code, "habitual truant" has the same meaning as in section 2151.011 of the Revised Code.

(B) When a board of education of any city, exempted village, local, joint vocational, or cooperative education school district or the governing board of any educational service center determines that a student in its district has been truant and the parent, guardian, or other person having care of the child has failed to cause the student's attendance at school, the board may require the parent, guardian, or other person having care of the child pursuant to division (B) of this section to attend an educational program established pursuant to rules adopted by the state board of education for the purpose of encouraging parental involvement in compelling the attendance of the child at school.

No parent, guardian, or other person having care of a child shall fail without good cause to attend an educational program described in this division if the parent, guardian, or other person has been served notice pursuant to division (C) of this section.

(C) On the request of the superintendent of schools, the superintendent of any educational service center, the board of education of any city, exempted village, local, joint vocational, or cooperative education school district, or the governing board of any educational service center or when it otherwise comes to the notice of the attendance officer or other appropriate officer of the school district, the attendance officer or other appropriate officer shall examine into any case of supposed truancy within the district and shall warn the child, if found truant, and the child's parent, guardian, or other person having care of the child, in writing, of the legal consequences of being truant. When any child of compulsory school age, in violation of law, is not attending school, the attendance or other appropriate officer shall notify the parent, guardian, or other person having care of that child of the fact, and require the parent, guardian, or other person to cause the child to attend school immediately. The parent, guardian, or other person having care of the child shall cause the child's attendance at school. Upon the failure of the parent, guardian, or other person having care of the child to do so, the attendance officer or other appropriate officer, if so directed by the superintendent, the district board, or the educational service center governing board, shall send notice requiring the attendance of that parent, guardian, or other person at a parental education program established pursuant to division (B) of this section and, subject to divisions (D) and (E) of this section, may file a complaint against the parent, guardian, or other person having care of the child in any court of competent jurisdiction.

(D)(1) Upon the failure of the parent, guardian, or other person having care of the child to cause the child's attendance at school, if the child is considered an habitual truant, the board of education of the school district or the governing board of the educational service center, within ten days, subject to division (E) of this section, shall assign the student to an absence intervention team as described in division (C) of section 3321.191 of the Revised Code.

(2) The attendance officer shall file a complaint in the juvenile court of the county in which the child has a residence or legal settlement or in which the child is supposed to attend school jointly against the child and the parent, guardian, or other person having care of the child, in accordance with the timelines and conditions set forth in division (B) of section 3321.16 of the Revised Code. A complaint filed in the juvenile court under this division shall allege that the child is an unruly child for being an habitual truant and that the parent, guardian, or other person having care of the child has violated section 3321.38 of the Revised Code.

(E) A school district with a chronic absenteeism percentage that is less than five per cent, as displayed on the district's most recent report card issued under section 3302.03 of the Revised Code, and the school buildings within that district, shall be exempt from the requirement to assign habitually truant students to an absence intervention team for the following school year and shall instead take any appropriate action as an intervention strategy contained in the policy developed by the district board pursuant to divisions (A) and (B) of section 3321.191 of the Revised Code. In the event that those intervention strategies fail, within sixty-one days after their implementation, the attendance officer shall file a complaint, provided that the conditions described in division (B) of section 3321.16 of the Revised Code are satisfied.

Honor Roll

An all A-Honor Roll and an A-B Honor Roll are named for each nine-week grading period. All grades are used in determining the honor roll.

CLASS RANK AND GRADE POINT AVERAGE 

The graduation point average and class rank for senior student records will be calculated following the seventh semester. The top ten will be based on the top 10 student ranking. When students are tied with the same GPA, the next rank will be based on ten. For example: If there are 4 students tied for valedictorian, the next rank for salutatorian will be 5th. Final grade point and class rank recorded in final transcripts will be based on end of the year grades. There is no guarantee rank and GPA will not change based on the final semester grades. 

The Valedictorian and Salutatorian averages as well as the top ten will be determined at the issuance of the 7th semester grades. To be eligible for Valedictorian, Salutatorian and top ten ranking, students must be performing at grade level in all academic and elective course work.

THREE SEMESTER RULE 

In order to qualify for an academic award as a graduating senior attending Southern Local Junior-Senior High School, that student must have completed as minimum, the last three full academic semesters at the said school. The types of awards affected are valedictorian, salutatorian, and the top ten graduates. Students should check with the administration / guidance department to receive a complete listing of areas influenced through late enrollment. 

The grade point average is equal to the total number of points earned for the year divided by the total number of credits attempted. Points earned for a semester are halved and divided by the credit attempted. 

Points are obtained by the total points given for each letter grade or percentage received in all subjects.

All full credit subjects carried for one semester for one-half credit are completed on the same basis as regular yearly subjects. For example:

The student earned a total of 15 points which is divided by 5 credits; this results in a 3.00 average. 

Class rank is the numerical ordering, high to low, of the grade point averages of all students in a grade.

STUDENT ACTIVITIES 

All school student activities must be approved by the principal and chaperoned by faculty members or board approved advisor. Activity application forms may be secured in the office, and are to be completed by faculty advisors before the activity can be placed on the school calendar.

ASSEMBLIES - PEP RALLIES 

Assemblies and pep rallies will be held in the gymnasium as scheduled. Students are to enter quietly and be seated in their assigned area as quickly as possible. During the program each student is expected to give courteous attention and to remain in his place until dismissed. Traditionally, underclassmen stand and applaud to honor the seniors as they enter assembly programs.

LOCKERS 

Students are strongly encouraged to only visit their lockers four times a day: before school, before lunch, after lunch, and after school. Assigned lockers remain school property and are subject to inspection by school personnel. Each student is responsible for his or her own assigned locker. No permanent decorations are to be placed on the outside of the lockers unless approved by the principal. Students are to use the assigned locker and cannot change lockers or share lockers unless approved by the principal. Locks are highly recommended for protection of belongings. The school is not responsible for any items placed in or stolen from lockers, nor will time be spent investigating theft of items taken from an unlocked or shared locker.

CARE OF BOOKS/CHROMEBOOKS 

Students involved in damage to school property will be held responsible for the cost of the property and/or labor necessary to repair the damage. Students are responsible for all textbooks and equipment that are issued to them. If they are lost, stolen, or damaged, it is the responsibility of the student to whom they are issued to make restitution.

FIRE DRILLS - TORNADO DRILLS - EMERGENCY EVACUATION POLICY 

Quick, quiet, and orderly are of the utmost importance to assure safety in the case of an emergency. Check the instructions posted in each room as to fire and tornado procedures. 

The following must be observed:

1. Always regard the fire alarm or announced tornado drills denoting danger; it may not always mean practice. 

2. Walk rapidly to the designated area of safety - DON’T RUN!! 

3. Refrain from talking during the drill. 

4. When a P.A. announcement is made as to an Emergency Evacuation situation, students are to be attentive to the instructions given. 

A. Students are to report quickly and quietly to their assigned area and remain with your teacher until the "all clear" is given to re-enter the building.

B. Cells usage is prohibited during emergency drills. 

LOST AND FOUND 

Lost articles are to be reported to the principal’s secretary. All found articles are to be taken to the principal’s office where the owners may make claim.

STUDENT ACCIDENT INSURANCE 

Students may purchase “school time” or “24 hour” accident insurance through the main office. This program is at the parent and students’ option.

CLASS OR ORGANIZATION FUND RAISING 

All fund raising activities are to be arranged and supervised by the faculty advisor(s). A Commercial Enterprise form must be submitted to the principal and superintendent for approval of fund raising activities. No items are to be sold in the building unless approved by the Administration.

SCHEDULE CHANGES 9 - 12 

It is the student’s responsibility to check for the correct number and required credits on your schedule each year toward meeting graduation requirements. 

After class schedule requests have been submitted, there will be no schedule changes. The only exceptions to this rule will be: 

1. Schedule conflicts. (School could not schedule your request) 

2. Credit deficiencies. (Due to failures or not scheduled for at least the minimum number of credits) 

3. Scheduled class does not meet the student academic abilities. (Change will only be made after a conference with the teacher, Parent, and school official) 

After the completion of the first nine-week grading period a WDP will be granted only with the teacher and principal’s permission. Otherwise, there will be no dropping of classes after the first nine-week grading period. COURSES REQUIRED FOR GRADUATION MAY NOT BE DROPPED.

NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY MEMBERSHIP SELECTION PROCEDURES 

To be selected for membership, students: 

1. Must be a member of the junior or senior class and been enrolled at Southern at least one semester.

2. Must have a grade point average of at least a 3.3. At the end of the 5th semester of high school. 

3. Must be selected by a vote of the faculty council. 

4. Shall be evaluated by the faculty council on the basis of service, leadership, and character. 

Guidelines for service, leadership, and character and other N.H. S. procedures are available from the National Honor Society Advisor, the high school principal or the superintendent upon request along with other N.H.S. procedures.

STUDENT ATTENDANCE ACCOUNT (MISSING AND ABSENT CHILDREN) 

The Board of Education believes in the importance of trying to decrease the number of missing children. Therefore, efforts will be made to identify possible missing children and notify the proper adults or agencies. 

A pupil, at the time of his initial entry to school, shall present to the principal or designee a copy of his/her original certificate of birth and any information provided by the school that he/she most recently attended. The principal or designee must initiate contact with the sending school within 24 hours, requesting the student’s official records. Records must be received within 14 calendar days of the student’s admission to school. If the sending school, upon contact, indicates no record of the student or after the 14 days writing period, no records are received, the principal or designee of the school shall notify the law enforcement agency having jurisdiction in the area where the pupil may be a missing child. 

The primary responsibility for supervision of a student rests with his/her parent(s) or guardian(s). The school district staff will provide the assistance it can to parents and guardians with the responsibility. 

The principal or designee is also required to notify a student’s parents, custodial parent, guardian, legal custodian or other person responsible for him/her when the student is absent from school. The parent or other responsible person shall be notified by written notice mailed on the same day that the student is absent or notified by a telephone call that day. Parents or other responsible persons shall provide the school with their current home and/or work telephone numbers and home address, as well as emergency telephone numbers.

In addition, each principal is required to request that any person authorized to take school pictures provide a free wallet size photo to the school for inclusion in student files for identification purposes.

DRESS CODE 

The key to our dress code is that we all accept certain standards for ourselves, our school, and our community at large. The administration and staff feel that there is a definite correlation between student dress and student conduct. 

In general, school dress should be such that it ensures the health, welfare, and safety of the members of the student body and enhances a positive image of our students and school. 

The administration is aware that many areas of dress may not be in the dress code but all students are expected to follow what are acceptable, modest, standards of dress and grooming. The Principal has the final jurisdiction in interpreting and enforcing this policy 

● There shall be no clothing or jewelry advertising alcoholic beverages tobacco drugs or displaying obscene suggestive or provocative writing, weapons or dangerous pictures or symbols on any article of dress. 

● Sunglasses shall not be worn on the students face indoors unless prescribed by a doctor. 

● Shorts and skirt lengths must be no shorter than fingertip length or considered extreme. 

● No holes permitted in clothing that show undergarments may be considered extreme or obscene. Undergarments are not to be seen including boxers and bra straps. (undergarment constitutes anything worn under clothing) 

● During school hours all shirts must have shoulders and sleeves. Attire that displays extreme cleavage and/or see-through garments will not be allowed. No sleeveless shirts or cut off shirts are permissible (no armpit or torso can we be visible while arms are held out) 

● Hats and or hoods are not to be worn inside the building. 

● Visible tattoos must not be inappropriate or suggestive in nature. Any tattoo deemed inappropriate or suggestive must be covered during school hours. 

Students will be given the opportunity to change into appropriate clothing of their own or clothes available in the office. The administration will have final jurisdiction and interpreting and enforcing this policy. Repeat offenders will be subject to disciplinary procedures.

PUPIL AUTOMOBILES 

All students who wish to drive automobiles to and from school, unless accompanied by their parents, must secure a permit from the high school principal and register their respective license numbers. 

The cost of parking permits is $5. 

In order to prevent any misunderstanding between parents and the school, these permits are to be requested by the parents and the following rules will be in effect. 

1. The parent will sign the request for the student driving to school. 

2. All students driving must have a valid driver’s license. 

3. Speed limits of 5 miles per hour will be enforced on the school grounds. 

4. Any reckless or dangerous driving on the school grounds will result in the school driver’s permit being revoked. 

5. All cars must follow state laws. All vehicles will be subject to the State Highway Patrol safety check. 

6. Students who drive to school will not be permitted to leave the school grounds between the time of arrival and afternoon dismissal without a permit from the office. 

7. A reasonable request from the parents will be sufficient to secure a permit to leave the grounds. 

8. Permits to drive may be revoked either temporarily or permanently because of violation of any of these regulations or upon evidence of any careless or reckless driving, excessive tardies to school or for school discipline problems. 

9. In order to insure safety for all, students will be expected to exercise special care while driving on the school grounds.

10. Parent permission forms must be completed and returned to the school office for students wanting to ride to school in autos operated by other students. 

11. Students vehicles are subject to occasional searches by law enforcement officers. 

12. Students who are suspended may lose their driving privileges to school for nine (9) weeks. Students who are unexcused tardy to school will lose their driving privileges as stated within the attendance policy (see Tardy to school).

STUDENT PARKING 

The parking of student operated vehicles is restricted to the parking lot that is designated for student parking. Students will be assigned a numbered parking spot and will be required to park in their spot daily. Vehicles are to be locked upon arrival and students are to enter the building immediately upon arrival at school. Student vehicles are to leave the parking lot in an orderly manner at dismissal time. The school busses will be held until 2:26 PM to permit student vehicles to leave first. Once school busses begin departing, students must wait until all busses have cleared the parking lot before leaving. 

A valid school parking permit must be displayed on the back of the vehicle rear view mirror. These permits must be purchased in the main office each school year for a cost of $5. Student parking on school property is a privilege which may be denied for attendance, discipline, or unsafe driving problems. Students are not permitted to park in staff parking areas.

FLEX 

Each student is to bring sufficient work to flex to keep busy. If a student does not have an assignment the monitor shall make an assignment to be given to the subject teacher. Students are not to sleep or rest their head on the desk. It is not a social time, so students are to be prepared to work, no talking. 

Students will not be issued passes by the monitor to see the guidance counselor, see another teacher, go to the office, etc. Passes should be secured in advance by the student from the person the student needs to see.

INTERNET 

The following are strictly prohibited unless part of classroom curriculum under teacher supervision. 

No downloading exe. Files, programs that are not owned by the District, or programs that may change the District’s network. 

No chat rooms 

No SnapChat or other personal sites 

No posting to bulletin boards, wikis, blogs, personal websites, Podcasting, weblogging, or blogging unless the site is Board 

No viewing sites with profanity, nudity, pornography, or suggestive behavior 

No personal Email accounts of any kind (i.e. Hotmail, Yahoo, AOL, etc.) 

The Southern Local School District is providing access to its technology, the Internet, email, and distance learning for only educational purposes. 

The Southern Local School District make no warranties of any kind, expressed or implied, for the service being provided and will not be responsible for any damages suffered, including loss of data, non-deliveries, miss deliveries or service interruptions caused by negligence, errors, or omissions. The Southern Local School District specifically denies any responsibility for the accuracy or quality of information obtained through the Internet; use of any such information is at the users’ risk. 

Presented to Board of Education in relationship to Board Policy on 5/15/2007 (7540.03 - Property).

STUDENT FINES AND CHARGES 

Fines: When school property, equipment, or supplies are damaged, lost or taken by individuals, a fine will be assessed. The fine will be reasonable, seeking only to compensate the school for the expense loss incurred.

INOCULATION OF STUDENT/ STUDENT HEALTH SERVICES

A. Immunization against diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, poliomyelitis, MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella, hepatitis B series and others legally designated in accordance with State statutes unless specifically exempt for medical or other reasons, is required for each child attending the public schools unless the parent files an objection. 

When registered for admission as a new student, the parent must provide satisfactory evidence that the child has received or is in the process of receiving the required immunization. Students who are not up to date on required immunizations will not be permitted to attend school until there is documentation that all required immunizations are up to date. These absences will be counted as unexcused absences and may require referral to Family Services and or juvenile court for truancy. 

C. The Board of Education may require students of the District to submit to periodic examinations to: 

1. Protect the school and community from the spread of communicable disease 

2. Verify that each student’s participation in health, safety, physical education courses meets their individual needs. 

The District may provide or request parents to provide: 

1. General physical examinations for athletics 

2. Tests for communicable disease 

3. Vision and/or audiometric screening 

4. Scoliosis tests 

Unless the physical examination or screening is permitted or required by an applicable State law, parents may refuse to allow the board to administer a non-emergency, invasive physical examination or screening upon written notification to the Board within ten (10) days after receipt of the Board’s annual public notice. 

Board policy- STUDENTS 5310/page 1 of 1

FORMS CORRESPONDENCE TO HOME 

All forms issued by the school must be returned by the announced deadlines or students will face disciplinary action. Forms such as Emergency Medical Cards or other safety related items must be returned on time or students may face removal from school or in-school disciplinary actions.

CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT 

Child abuse and neglect must be recognized and reported. Children must be protected and the perpetrators of abuse and neglect helped. With the assistance of concerned citizens and alert professionals child abuse and neglect can be treated and future incidents prevented. Parents have the right to care for their children and children have the right to grow up to realize their potential. These rights must be protected. 

Everyone should report suspicions of child abuse and neglect; however, the following professionals are required to report: “Any attorney, physician, including a hospital intern or resident, dentist, podiatrist, practitioner of a limited branch of medicine or surgery as defined in section 4731.15 or the Revised Code, registered or licensed practical nurse, visiting nurse, or other health care professional, licensed psychologist, speech pathologist or audiologist, coroner, administrator or employee of a child day-care center, or administrator or employee of a certified child care agency or other public or private children services agency, school teacher or school authority, social worker acting in his official or professional capacity having reason to believe that a child less than eighteen years of age or any crippled or otherwise physically or mentally handicapped child under twenty-one years of age has suffered any wound, injury, disability, or condition of such a nature as to reasonable indicate abuse or neglect of the child shall immediately report or cause reports to make of such information....” according to Ohio Revised Code, Section 2151.421. 

Immediately report your suspicions to the children services or the county department of welfare exercising the children services function, or to a municipal or county peace officer. 

“Anyone or any hospital, institution, school, health department or agency participating in the making of the reports, or anyone participating in a judicial proceeding resulting from the reports, shall be immune from any civil or criminal liability that might result of such action. ......The physician-patient privilege shall not be a ground for excluding evidence regarding a child’s injuries, abuse, or neglect...” 

Whether receiving a report directly or through a peace officer, the county department of welfare or children services board shall investigate, within twenty-four hours, each report referred to it and determines the circumstance surrounding the injury or injuries, abuse, or neglect, the cause thereof, and the person or persons responsible. 

The child may remain in his home under the supervision of the county department of welfare or children services board, which will provide protective services to ensure the continued well being of the child and treat any social or environmental factors which may have precipitated the abuse or neglect of the child.

The child may be removed from his home on an emergency basis if “in the judgment of the reporting physician and the officer, immediate removal is considered essential to protect the child from further abuse or neglect.” 

Temporary or permanent removal of a child from his home may be deemed necessary and the county department of welfare or children services board shall make such recommendations to county prosecutor or city attorney. However, the final legal decision rests with the juvenile court and according to Section 2151.281, “The court shall appoint a guardian ad litem to protect the interest of a child in any proceeding concerning an alleged abused or neglected child.”

EMERGENCY CLOSING OF SCHOOL 

It is sometimes necessary for school officials to close all or part of the school buildings for some emergency. When this happens, the following radio stations will broadcast the closing: 

Television Stations: WTOV-9 Steubenville, WFMJ-21 Youngstown, WKBN-27 Youngstown, WKBN-27 Youngstown, WYTV-33 Youngstown. 

Radio Stations: WQXK (K105), Y103, WHOT 101, Froggy (98.3, 103.5, 104.3) 

A Southern Local ALL-CALL will be made the day of any delays or cancellation. Parents are reminded to report changes in phone numbers promptly.

STUDENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

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 he exercises his rights, and he must accept the consequences of his actions and recognize the boundaries of his rights. Each exercise of an individual’s rights must demonstrate respect for the rights of others. 

These statements set forth the rights of students in the public schools of the district and the responsibilities that are inseparable from these rights.

1. Civil rights - including the right to equal education opportunity and freedom from discrimination, the responsibility not to discriminate against others. 

2. The right to attend free public school, the responsibility to attend school regularly and to observe school rules essential for permitting others to learn at school. 

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

4. The right to free inquiry and expression, the responsibility to observe reasonable rules regarding these rights. 

5. The right to privacy, which includes privacy in respect to students’ school records.

TITLE IX POLICY 

To insure compliance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of the United States of America the following policy is adopted. 

No pupil of the Southern Local School District shall, on the basis of sex be excluded from participation in, be denied of, or be subjected to discrimination with regard to the programs, policies and operation of the school district. 

1. Grievance Procedure - Students who feel they have been subject to discrimination on the basis of sex will discuss the matter with the principal. If the matter is not resolved the pupil may appeal to the local superintendent. If it is not resolved at this level, the pupil may appeal to the Board for a hearing. This committee will make final resolutions of the matter after investigation and a hearing. 

2. Education Programs and Activities - No pupil shall be excluded from participation in any academic extracurricular, vocational or other educational program on the bases of sex except as follows: 

A. Physical education students may be grouped by ability. 

B. Participation in football, wrestling, boxing, and other sports involving body contact. 

C. Courses dealing solely with human sexuality

D. Chorus if predominantly based on vocal range and quality. 

3. Marital or Parental Status - Students who are married and/or parents shall not be treated differently. The local superintendent and/or principal may require certification as the martial status of a student. 

4. Athletics - Athletic teams shall be formed on the basis of competitive skills with both sexes having the opportunity to try out. 

5. Sexual Harassment - Harassment of a student(s) by other student or any member of the staff is a violation of Federal Law and is contrary to the Board of Education’s commitment to provide a physically and psychologically safe environment in which to learn. 

In addition to sexual harassment, which includes unwelcome sexual advances or any form of improper physical contact or sexual remark, harassment shall also include any speech or action that creates a hostile, intimidating, or offensive learning environment. 

The superintendent is to ensure that the Student Code of Conduct contains language prohibiting any form of sexual harassment and any use of racial or ethnic base. It should also provide a means for a student to report any incidence of harassing behavior from a fellow student, or staff member. It also protects the confidentiality of the student. 

All such reports are to be investigated by the superintendent promptly. Anyone found to have violated this policy and/or the Code of Conduct shall be subject to disciplinary action up to and including dismissal from the District.

STUDENT CONDUCT CODE 

Students attend the public schools under the direction of state law and with full benefits of constitutional protection for their rights as citizens. They, therefore, can act, speak or behave as young citizens within a large scope of options. Students have a right to reasonable treatment from the school and its employees; however, the school and its employees, in turn, have a right to expect reasonable behavior from students. 

A student’s failure to comply with requirements for student conduct outlined in the handbooks may result in the student being placed under discipline. Placing a student under discipline will be defined as social probation and the student may lose all privileges. Participating in school social events or extra-curricular activities for a period of time determined by the principal may also be denied. 

Violation by a student of any one or more of the following rules on school grounds or at school activities and events off school grounds may result in disciplinary action-including social probation, suspension, emergency removal from class or school, and/or expulsion. These rules are not meant to be all-inclusive; a building administrator may use other options if they are deemed more appropriate to infraction of the rules.

INTERROGATIONS AND SEARCHES 

Searches of Student Property by School Personnel 

A student’s personal property is his own. Students are, however, discouraged from bringing to school valuable items, which could be stolen, damaged, or prove disruptive to others. If valuable personal property is to be used in a school related project, the student should arrange with staff for its keeping. 

The following rules apply to the search of school property assigned to a specific student (locker, desk, etc.) and the seizure of items in his possession. 

1. The school official has reasonable grounds to believe that the search will turn up evidence that the student has violated the law or school rules. 

2. Search of an area assigned to a student should be for a specifically identified item, and should be conducted in the student’s presence and with their knowledge. 

3. Random inspection of school property may be conducted without notice. 

4. Illegal items (drugs, weapons, etc.) or other possessions reasonably determined to be a threat to the safety and security of others may be seized by school authorities at any time.

SUSPENSION AND EXPULSION

The Board of Education recognized that exclusion from the educational program of the schools, whether by suspension or expulsion, is the most severe sanction that can be imposed on a student in this district and one that cannot be imposed without due process since exclusion deprives a child of the right to an education. 

For purposes of this policy, “suspension” shall be the temporary exclusion by the school principal of a student from a regular school program and such suspension may take place within as well as outside the school facilities except that “suspension” shall not include removal of a student from curricular or extracurricular activity for a period of less than twenty-four (24) hours. 

“Expulsion” shall be the exclusion of a student from the schools of this district for a period not to exceed eighty (80) school days. 

A student may be suspended by the Superintendent or the building principal for a period of not more than ten (10) days, provided that the student has been given written notice of his/her suspension and the reasons therefore, and had been given an opportunity to appear at an informal hearing to answer the charges against him/her. Students who are suspended and/or expelled are encouraged to continue to complete work assigned by the teacher but WILL NOT receive credit for the work. 

Note: If a student is suspended (3) times within a semester, an expulsion hearing shall be scheduled on the third suspension. 

The superintendent may expel a student from school provided the student and his/her parent or guardian have been given written notice of the intention to expel, the reasons therefore, and an opportunity to appear with a representative before the Superintendent to answer the charges within three (3) to five (5) days after notice has been given, unless the Superintendent grants an extension of time. 

When extraordinary circumstances involving the health and safety of the student or to others in the school require immediate exclusion of the student from a curricular or extracurricular activity, the hearing shall be held within seventy-two (72) hours. 

Referral for expulsion will be at the building administrator’s discretion. 

Authority to expel a student is reserved to the superintendent. Written notice of expulsion, with the reasons therefore, must be sent to the parent or guardian and to the treasurer of the board within twenty-four (24) hours. The treasurer is to notify the Board of Education of all expulsions. 

The student (or parent or guardian) may request an expulsion hearing before the board. The hearing may be private, but the board must act publicly. The board may reinstate the student by a majority vote of its full membership. Request for expulsion appeal hearing before the Board of Education will only be granted when the following have occurred: 

1. A meeting with the staff member initiating the disciplinary action, the parent, or adult student and the principal has been concluded. 

2. A meeting with the principal, superintendent, adult student or parent has been concluded.

SOUTHERN LOCAL JR-SR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT CONDUCT DISCIPLINE CODE 

The Southern Local Junior - Senior High School staff subscribes to a plan of student conduct discipline code as described herein. All staff members use our discipline plan. Any student with chronic behavior infractions, or chronic unexcused absences (truant), may be restricted or denied from participation or attendance in any co-curricular or extracurricular events.

OVERVIEW AND CLASSROOM PLAN 

1. Each teacher will develop and post a list of rules for her/his classroom, study hall, or homeroom. 

2. Failure of any student to follow classroom, study hall or homeroom rules may result in consequences posted in each room. Among these consequences are: 

A. Detention 

B. Parent Conference 

C. Discipline Reassignment Area (Assigned by the Principal) 

D. Out of school suspension (Assigned by the Principal)

E. Loss of privileges

3. Parents/guardians will be provided a syllabus for various classes in which the students are enrolled.

GENERAL INFORMATION 

Students will follow all guidelines, rules, and requirements outlined in the student handbooks, including bulletin updates. Rules and regulations apply at all sponsored activities on and off school property (field trips, athletic contests, etc.).

BUILDING DISCIPLINE PLAN 

Behavior problems which occur outside of class or study hall (i.e. lunch rooms, hallways, restroom, parking lot, and gymnasium, etc.) are building violations and will be assigned appropriate consequences. 

Building Plans 

1. Cafeteria 

A. Students will not throw food or other objects. Students involved in any type of “food fight” will be charged with vandalism with the Sheriff’s department and will be held accountable for clean up of the area affected. Students may also be held financially accountable for any damage caused by the food fight. 

B. Students will not fight and must keep hands, feet, and other objects to themselves. 

C. Students will return trays, dispose of waste properly, and clean their table space before leaving. 

D. Students are not to tamper with another person’s lunch. 

E. Students will refrain from excessive noise. 

F. Students will observe line-up procedures as assigned by the duty teacher. 

G. Students will sit in assigned seats when behavior warrants as determined by their teacher. 

ALL ITEMS (DRINKS, POWDERS, SPRAYS, PILLS CONTAINING STIMULANTS – CAFFEINE, GUARANI, OR TURBINE “ENERGY BLEND” ARE PROHIBITED DURING ALL SCHOOL EVENTS AND FUNCTIONS. 

2. Restrooms 

A. Students will not congregate in the stalls 

B. Students will not loiter in the restroom 

C. Students must have a pass from their assigned teacher to use the restroom during class time 

D. Only one student at a time may be excused from a classroom or study hall to use the restroom. 

3. Hallways and Lockers 

A. Students will not run in the halls and must keep arms, legs, feet, and other objects to themselves. 

B. Students will refrain from public displays of affections. (Hand holding, kissing, etc.) 

C. Students are not permitted to bring book bags or gym bags to class. Book bags and gym bags must be kept in lockers. The only exception to this is gym class. 

D. Students will refrain from excessive noise, vulgarity or profanity. 

E. Students are not permitted in hallways during class time unless they have a pass from a teacher, and all students must sign out of class and then back into class. It is the student’s responsibility to obtain a pass from their teacher. Students must have a pass with them at all times. 

F. All bookbags must be kept in locker once school begins. They can be taken to Gym class

BUILDING RULES CONSEQUENCES 

Students who violate building rules will have a referral slip sent to the office.

EMERGENCY REMOVAL OF STUDENTS FROM CLASSROOMS OR STUDY HALL FOR MISCONDUCT 

Students will be sent immediately and directly to the principal’s office. Students will then be assigned to study hall if removed from a class.

ANTI-HAZING POLICY 

It is the policy of the Southern Local board of Education and School District that hazing activities of any typed 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.

COUNTERFEIT DRUG POLICY 

Any student found to be in possession or sale of counterfeit controlled substance (look-alike drug) will be found in violation of Student Conduct Code Level I-1. 

A. Any drug that bears, or whose container or label bears a trademark, trade name or other identifying mark used without authorization or the owner or rights to such trademark, trade name or identifying mark. 

B. Any unmarked or unlabeled substance that is represented to be a controlled substance manufactured, processed, packed, or distributed it. 

C. Any substance other than a controlled substance that a reasonable person would believe to be a controlled substance because of its similarity in shape, size, and color, or its markings, labeling, packaging, or the price for which it is sold or offered for sale. 

D. Any substance that is represented to be a controlled substance but is not a controlled substance or is a different controlled substance. 

No student shall knowingly possess any counterfeit controlled substance or shall any student knowingly make, sell, offer to sell, give package, or deliver a counterfeit controlled substance. 

No student shall directly or indirectly represent a counterfeit controlled substance as a controlled by describing, either with words or conduct its effects as being the same or similar to the physical or mental effects associated with use of a controlled substance.

No student shall directly or indirectly falsely represent a counterfeit controlled substance as a controlled substance.

VIDEO MONITORS 

Southern Local has installed cameras and video equipment to monitor student behavior on school grounds and selected school buses. The purpose of this equipment is to assist the school in providing a safe and secure environment for its students, staff, and general public. In order to be both proactive and preventive, the following are the guidelines for the implementation and use of the equipment for the maximum utilization of these devices. 

General Guidelines 

1. The monitoring devices are the property of and their use is the responsibility of the school. 

2. Signs are posted in areas near cameras to make students and the general public aware of the use of these devices. 

3. Students are under the jurisdiction of the school district rules and regulations, as found in the Rights and Responsibilities Handbook for students. These include specific building and bus rules and regulations found in the student’s handbook. 

4. Individuals, other than students, are subject to federal, state, and local laws. 

5. The school reserves the right to use tapes in disciplinary occurrences. School authorities may include tapes as part of the officers, police and court authorities, parents/guardians and/or students. When properly identified, these tapes may be stored in the school safe for future references. 

6. Only necessary authorized staff will observe tapes and permission to view and tape by an outside authority will be granted only after a formal request is completed by those requesting permission to see tapes. 

7. When school authorities observe any behavior that may be in violation of the law by any person, including students, school authorities may contact our local authorities may contact our local authorities to determine if such incident is sufficient to warrant criminal charges. If the authorities recommend that the tapes warrant law enforcement action, the central office and the proper authorities will be notified of this decision. 

8. Law enforcement agencies may request viewing of tape to assist them in their investigative responsibilities after completion of the proper request form.

STUDENT RECORDS 

The School District maintains many student records including both directory information and confidential information. 

Directory information includes: a student’s name; address; telephone number; date and place of birth; major field of study; participation in officially-recognized activities and sports; height and weight; if a member of an athletic team; dates of attendance, date of graduation; awards received; honor rolls; scholarships; telephone numbers only for inclusion in school or PTO directories; or unlisted numbers. (District Policy 8330) 

Directory information can be provided upon request to any individual, other than a for-profit organization, even without the written consent of a parent. Parents may refuse to allow the board to disclose any or all of such “directory information” upon written notification to the Board. For further information about the items included within the category of directory information and instructions on how to prohibit its release you may wish to consult the board’s annual Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) notice which can be found in the High School Office. 

Other than directory information, access to all other student records is protected by (FERPA) and Ohio law, the School District is prohibited from releasing confidential education records to any outside individual or organization without the prior written consent of the parents, or the adult student, as well as those individuals who have matriculated and entered a postsecondary educational institution at any age. 

Confidential records include test scores, psychological reposts, behavioral data, disciplinary records, and communications with family and outside service providers. 

Student and parents have the right to review and receive copies of all educational records. Cost for copies of records may be charged to the parent. To review student records please provide a written notice identifying requested student records to the High School Office. You will be given an appointment with the appropriate person to answer any questions and to review the requested student records. 

Parents and adult students have the right to amend a student record when they believe that any of the information contained in the record is inaccurate, misleading or violates the student’s privacy. A parent or adult student must request the amendment of a student record in writing and if the request is denied, the parent or adult student will be informed of their right to a hearing on the matter. 

Individuals have a right to file a complaint with the United States department of Education if they believe that the District has violated FERPA. 

Consistent with the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA), no student shall be required, as a part of the school program or the District’s curriculum, without prior written consent of the student (if an adult, or an emancipated minor) or, if an unemancipated minor, his/her parents, to submit to or participate in any survey, analysis, or evaluation that reveals information concerning: 

1. Political affiliations or beliefs of the student or his/her parent; 

2. Mental or psychological problems of the student or his/her family; 

3. Sex behavior or attitudes; 

4. Illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating or demeaning behavior; 

5. Critical appraisals of other individuals with whom respondents have close family relationships; 

6. Legally recognized privileged and analogous relationships, such as those of lawyers, physicians, and ministers; 

7. Religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the student or his/her parents; or 

8. Income (other than that required by law to determine eligibility for participation in a program or for receiving financial assistance under such a program). 

Consistent with the PPRA and Board policy, the Superintendent shall ensure that procedures are established whereby parents may inspect any materials used in conjunction with any such survey, analysis, or evaluation. Further, parents have the right to inspect, upon request, a survey or evaluation created by a third party before the survey/evaluation is administered or distributed by the school to the student. The parent will have access to the survey/evaluation within a reasonable period of time after the building principal receives the request. The Superintendent will provide notice directly to parents of students enrolled in the District of the substantive content of this policy at least annually at the beginning of the school year, and within a reasonable period of time after any substantive change in this policy. In addition, the Superintendent is directed to notify parents of students in the district, at least annually at the beginning of the school year, of the specific or approximate dates during the school year when the following activities are scheduled or expected to be scheduled: 

1. Activities involving the collection, disclosure, or use of personal information collected from students for the purpose of marketing or for selling that information for otherwise providing that information to others for that purpose; and 

2. The administration of any survey by a third party that contains one or more of the items described in 1 through 8 above. 

The Family Policy Compliance Office in the U.S. Department of Education administers both FERPA and PPRA, Parents and /or eligible students who believe their rights have been violated may file a complaint with: FAMILY POLICY COMPLIANCE OFFICE U.S. Department of Education 400 Maryland Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. www.ed.gov/offices/OM/fpco Informal inquiries may be sent to the Family Policy compliance Office via the following email addresses: FERPA@ED.Gov: and PPRA@ED.Gov.

SEX OFFENDER/CHILD PREDATOR POLICY 

If a sexual predator resides in or attends functions of the school and the school obtains knowledge of this action, the school will contact legal authorities for information to assist the school in the proper legal course to insure the safety of the children. If parents/community members wish to further investigate this area, they may look on the sheriff’s web-site: www.colcountysheriff.com 

Then scroll down left column to “sex offenders” It is the school’s intention to make Southern Local K-12 campus a safe, learning environment for all children and the community.

SOUTHERN LOCAL PROM REQUIREMENTS 

Prom participants must be in school the day of the Prom. Students with notes will be released to prepare for the Prom at 10:38 AM. Make all appointments after 11:00 AM. You will not be permitted to attend the Grand March and/or Prom if they do not follow the attendance rules. Notes may be turned in beginning the Monday prior to Prom. 

If you are inviting a guest to Southern Local Prom, this out of school guest form must be completed and returned to the assistant principal. 

A list of approved guests will be posted in the office no later than 7 days prior to prom. 

ALL GUESTS MUST BE ATTENDING/ENROLLED IN HIGH SCHOOL (GRADES 9-12) or a graduate of no more than 2 years AND not older than 20 by the Principal’s discretion. 

All prom attire must be appropriate for a high school function. Prom attire is formal, which means no t-shirts, sweatshirts or tank tops are permitted. Attendees violating the dress code and wearing revealing clothes will not be permitted to enter the Grand March or Prom. 

Dress Code for Prom; 

1. Hemlines or skirt slits may not be any shorter than 6 inches above the knee. 

2. No see through tops, dresses or skirts are acceptable. No skin between the upper chest and the hem line can show.

3. Halter-tops, spaghetti tops and strapless dresses are permitted IF the chest is covered. 

4. Backless dresses/tops cannot be so low as to reveal the lower back. 

5. Shirts and shoes must remain on during the event. No athletic tops or tank tops are allowed.