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TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION 4—STUDENTS

4.1—RESIDENCE REQUIREMENTS___________________________________________________________1

4.2—ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS___________________________________________________________ 3

4.3—COMPULSORY ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS__________________________________________ 6

4.4—STUDENT TRANSFERS_________________________________________________________________7

4.5—SCHOOL CHOICE_____________________________________________________________________9

4.6—HOME SCHOOLING___________________________________________________________________12

4.7—ABSENCES___________________________________________________________________________13

4.8—MAKE-UP WORK_____________________________________________________________________16

4.9—TARDIES_____________________________________________________________________________17

4.10—CLOSED CAMPUS___________________________________________________________________18

4.11—EQUAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY_______________________________________________ 19

4.12—STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS/EQUAL ACCESS__________________________________________ 20

4.13—PRIVACY OF STUDENTS’ RECORDS/ DIRECTORY INFORMATION_______________________ 21

4.13F—OBJECTION TO PUBLICATION OF DIRECTORY INFORMATION________________________ 25

4.14—STUDENT PUBLICATIONS AND THE DISTRIBUTION OF LITERATURE___________________ 26

4.15—CONTACT WITH STUDENTS WHILE AT SCHOOL_______________________________________ 29

4.16—STUDENT VISITORS_________________________________________________________________ 31

4.17—STUDENT DISCIPLINE_______________________________________________________________32

4.18—PROHIBITED CONDUCT_____________________________________________________________ 33

4.19—CONDUCT TO AND FROM SCHOOL AND TRANSPORTATION ELIGIBILITY______________ 35

4.20—DISRUPTION OF SCHOOL_______________________________________________36

4.21—STUDENT ASSAULT OR BATTERY____________________________________________________ 37

4.22—WEAPONS AND DANGEROUS INSTRUMENTS_________________________________________ 38

4.23—TOBACCO AND TOBACCO PRODUCTS_______________________________________________41

4.24—DRUGS AND ALCOHOL_____________________________________________________________ 42

4.25—STUDENT DRESS AND GROOMING___________________________________________________ 43

4.26—GANGS AND GANG ACTIVITY________________________________________________________44

4.27—STUDENT SEXUAL HARASSMENT____________________________________________________ 45

4.28—LASER POINTERS____________________________________________________________________47

4.29—COMPUTER USE POLICY_____________________________________________________________48

4.29F—STUDENT INTERNET USE AGREEMENT______________________________________________ 49

4.30—SUSPENSION FROM SCHOOL________________________________________________________ 52

4.31—EXPULSION________________________________________________________________________ 54

4.32—SEARCH, SEIZURE, AND INTERROGATIONS___________________________________________ 56

4.33—STUDENTS’ VEHICLES_______________________________________________________________58

4.34—COMMUNICABLE DISEASES AND PARASITES_________________________________________ 59

4.35—STUDENT MEDICATIONS____________________________________________________________60

4.35F—MEDICATION ADMINISTRATION CONSENT FORM____________________________________61

4.35F2—MEDICATION SELF-ADMINISTRATION CONSENT FORM_____________________________ 62

4.36—STUDENT ILLNESS/ACCIDENT________________________________________________________63

4.37—EMERGENCY DRILLS________________________________________________________________ 64

4.38—PERMANENT RECORDS______________________________________________________________65

4.39—CORPORAL PUNISHMENT____________________________________________________________66

4.40—HOMELESS STUDENTS____________________________________________________67

4.41—PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS OR SCREENINGS_________________________________________ 69

4.41F—OBJECTION TO PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS OR SCREENINGS_________________________ 70

4.42—STUDENT HANDBOOK_______________________________________________________________71

4.43—BULLYING__________________________________________________________________________ 72

4.44— ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS FOR STUDENTS IN GRADES 9 - 12______________________ 75

4.45—SMART CORE CURRICULUM AND GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS FOR THE CLASSES OF 2010-11, 2011-12, AND 2012-13_______________________________________________________________________________ 77

4.45.1—SMART CORE CURRICULUM AND GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS FOR THE CLASS OF 2013-14 AND ALL CLASSES THEREAFTER________________________________________________________________ 82

4.46—PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE____________________________________________________________ 87

4.47— POSSESSION AND USE OF CELL PHONES, BEEPERS, ETC.______________________________ 88

4.48—VIDEO SURVEILLANCE AND OTHER STUDENT MONITORING__________________________ 90

4.49—SPECIAL EDUCATION________________________________________________________________ 92

4.50—SCHOOL LUNCH SUBSTITUTIONS_____________________________________________________ 93

4.51— FOOD SERVICE PREPAYMENT_______________________________________________________ 94

4.52—STUDENTS WHO ARE FOSTER CHILDREN_____________________________________________ 95

4.53— PLACEMENT OF MULTIPLE BIRTH SIBLINGS__________________________________________ 97

“Reside” means to be physically present and to maintain a permanent place of abode for an average of no fewer than four (4) calendar days and nights per week for a primary purpose other than school attendance.

“Resident” means a student whose parents, legal guardians, persons having legal, lawful control of the student under order of a court, or persons standing in loco parentis reside in the school district.

“Residential address” means the physical location where the student’s parents, legal guardians, persons having legal, lawful control of the student under order of a court, or persons standing in loco parentis reside. A student may use the residential address of a legal guardian, person having legal, lawful control of the student under order of a court, or person standing in loco parentis only if the student resides at the same residential address and if the guardianship or other legal authority is not granted solely for educational needs or school attendance purposes.

The schools of the District shall be open and free through the completion of the secondary program to all persons between the ages of five (5) and twenty one (21) years whose parents, legal guardians, or other persons having lawful control of the person under an order of a court reside within the District and to all persons between those ages who have been legally transferred to the District for educational purposes.

Any person eighteen (18) years of age or older may establish a residence separate and apart from his or her parents or guardians for school attendance purposes.

In order for a person under the age of eighteen (18) years to establish a residence for the purpose of attending the District’s schools separate and apart from his or her parents, guardians, or other persons having lawful control of him or her under an order of a court, the person must actually reside in the District for a primary purpose other than that of school attendance. However, a student previously enrolled in the district who is placed under the legal guardianship of a noncustodial parent living outside the district by a custodial parent on active military duty may continue to attend district schools. A foster child who was previously enrolled in a District school and who has had a change in placement to a residence outside the District, may continue to remain enrolled in his/her current school unless the presiding court rules otherwise.

Under instances prescribed in A.C.A. § 6-18-203, a child or ward of an employee of the district or of the education coop to which the district belongs may enroll in the district even though the employee and his/her child or ward reside outside the district.

To enroll in a school in the District, the child must be a resident of the District as defined in District policy (4.1—RESIDENCE REQUIREMENTS), meet the criteria outlined in policy 4.40—HOMELESS STUDENTS or in policy 4.52—STUDENTS WHO ARE FOSTER CHILDREN, be accepted as a transfer student under the provisions of policy 4.4, or participate under a school choice option and submit the required paperwork as required by the choice option.

Students may enter kindergarten if they will attain the age of five (5) on or before August 1 of the year in which they are seeking initial enrollment. Any student who has been enrolled in a state-accredited or state-approved kindergarten program in another state for at least sixty (60) days, who will become five (5) years old during the year in which he/she is enrolled in kindergarten, and who meets the basic residency requirement for school attendance may be enrolled in kindergarten upon written request to the District.

Any child who will be six (6) years of age on or before October 1 of the school year of enrollment and who has not completed a state-accredited kindergarten program shall be evaluated by the district and may be placed in the first grade if the results of the evaluation justify placement in the first grade and the child’s parent or legal guardian agrees with placement in the first grade; otherwise the child shall be placed in kindergarten.

Any child may enter first grade in a District school if the child will attain the age of six (6) years during the school year in which the child is seeking enrollment and the child has successfully completed a kindergarten program in a public school in Arkansas.

Any child who has been enrolled in the first grade in a state-accredited or state-approved elementary school in another state for a period of at least sixty (60) days, who will become age six (6) years during the school year in which he/she is enrolled in grade one (1), and who meets the basic residency requirements for school attendance may be enrolled in the first grade.

Students who move into the District from an accredited school shall be assigned to the same grade as they were attending in their previous school (mid-year transfers) or as they would have been assigned in their previous school. Home-schooled students shall be evaluated by the District to determine their appropriate grade placement.

The district shall make no attempt to ascertain the immigration status, legal or illegal, of any student or his/her parent or legal guardian presenting for enrollment.

1. The parent, guardian, or other responsible person shall furnish the child’s social security number, or if they request, the district will assign the child a nine (9) digit number designated by the department of education.

2. The parent, guardian, or other responsible person shall provide the district with one (1) of the following documents indicating the child’s age:

b. A statement by the local registrar or a county recorder certifying the child’s date of birth;

e. An affidavit of the date and place of birth by the child’s parent or guardian;

3. The parent, guardian, or other responsible person shall indicate on school registration forms whether the child has been expelled from school in any other school district or is a party to an expulsion proceeding.

4. The child shall be age appropriately immunized from poliomyelitis, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, red (rubeola) measles, rubella, and other diseases as designated by the State Board of Health, or have an exemption issued by the Arkansas Department of Health. Proof of immunization shall be by a certificate of a licensed physician or a public health department acknowledging the immunization. Exemptions are also possible on an annual basis for religious reasons from the Arkansas Department of Health. To continue such exemptions, they must be renewed at the beginning of each school year. A child enrolling in a district school and living in the household of a person on active military duty has 30 days to receive his/her initial required immunizations and 12 months to be up to date on the required immunizations for the student’s age.

Every parent, guardian, or other person having custody or charge of any child age five (5) through seventeen (17) years on or before August 1 of that year who resides, as defined by policy (4.1—RESIDENCE REQUIREMENTS), within the District shall enroll and send the child to a District school with the following exceptions.

2. The child is being home-schooled and the conditions of policy (4.6—HOME SCHOOLING) have been met.

3. The child will not be age six (6) on or before August 1 of that particular school year and the parent, guardian, or other person having custody or charge of the child elects not to have him/her attend kindergarten. A kindergarten wavier form prescribed by regulation of the Department of Education must be signed and on file with the District administrative office.

4. The child has received a high school diploma or its equivalent as determined by the State Board of Education.

5. The child is age sixteen (16) or above and is enrolled in a post-secondary vocational-technical institution, a community college, or a two-year or four-year institution of higher education.

6. The child is age sixteen (16) or seventeen (17) and has met the requirements to enroll in an adult education program as defined by A.C.A. § 6-18-201 (b).

The Nevada School District shall review and accept or reject requests for transfers, both into and out of the district, on a case by case basis at the July and December regularly scheduled board meetings.

The District may reject a nonresident’s application for admission if its acceptance would necessitate the addition of staff or classrooms, exceed the capacity of a program, class, grade level, or school building, or cause the District to provide educational services not currently provided in the affected school. The District shall reject applications that would cause it to be out of compliance with applicable laws and regulations regarding desegregation.

Any student transferring from a school accredited by the Department of Education to a school in this district shall be placed into the same grade the student would have been in had the student remained at the former school.

Any student transferring from home school or a school that is not accredited by the Department of Education to a District school shall be evaluated by District staff to determine the student’s appropriate grade placement.

The Board of Education reserves the right, after a hearing before the Board, not to allow any person who has been expelled from another district to enroll as a student until the time of the person’s expulsion has expired.

Except as otherwise required or permitted by law, the responsibility for transportation of any nonresident student admitted to a school in this District shall be borne by the student or the student’s parents. The District and the resident district may enter into a written agreement with the student or student’s parents to provide transportation to or from the District, or both.

The superintendent will consider all applications for School Choice postmarked not later than the July 1 preceding the fall semester the applicant would begin school in the District. The superintendent shall notify the parent or guardian and the student’s resident district, in writing, of the decision to accept or reject the application within 30 days of its receipt of the application.

The District shall advertise in appropriate print and broadcast media to inform students and parents in adjoining districts of the range of possible openings available under the School Choice program. The public pronouncements shall state the application deadline and the requirements and procedure for participation in the program. Such pronouncements shall be made in the spring, but in no case later than June first.

When considering applications, priority will be given to applications from siblings or stepsiblings residing in the same residence or household of students already attending the District through school choice.

The Board of Directors reserves the right, after a hearing before the board, not to allow any person who is currently under expulsion from another district to enroll in a District school.

Students admitted under this policy shall be entitled to continued enrollment until they graduate or are no longer eligible for enrollment in the District’s schools.⁶ Any student admitted to this district under the provisions of this policy who chooses to return to his/her resident district during the school year voids the transfer and must reapply for a school choice admission if desiring to return to this district in the future.

Unless there is a lack of capacity at the District’s school or the transfer conflicts with a federal desegregation order applicable to the District, a student who is eligible for transfer from a school identified under A.C.A. § 6-15-2103(c)(1) may enroll in a District school that has a performance category level 3 or higher as defined by A.C.A. § 6-15-2103(a) provided the student’s parent or guardian, or the student if over the age of eighteen (18), has successfully completed the necessary application process by July 30 preceding the year of desired enrollment.

For the purposes of this policy, a “lack of capacity” is defined as when the school district has reached the maximum student-to-teacher ratio allowed under federal, or state law, the Rules for the Standards of Accreditation, or other applicable rules.

A student’s enrollment under the opportunity school choice provision is irrevocable for the duration of the school year and is renewable until the student completes high school or is beyond the legal age of enrollment. The District may provide transportation to and from the transferring district, but is not responsible for the cost of transporting the student if the student lives outside the District.

Parents or legal guardians desiring to provide a home school for their children must give written notice to the Superintendent of their intent to do so and sign a waiver acknowledging that the State of Arkansas is not liable for the education of their children during the time the parents choose to home school. Notice shall be given:

2. By December 15 for parents who decide to start home schooling at the beginning of the spring semester; or

3. Fourteen (14) calendar days prior to withdrawing the child (provided the student is not currently under disciplinary action for violation of any written school policy, including, but not limited to, excessive unexcused absences) and at the beginning of each school year thereafter.

The parents or legal guardians shall deliver written notice in person to the Superintendent the first time such notice is given and the notice must include:

1. The name, date of birth, grade level, and the name and address of the school last attended, if any;

To aid the District in providing a free and appropriate public education to students in need of special education services, the parents or legal guardians home-schooling their children shall provide information which might indicate the need for special education services.

Education is more than the grades students receive in their courses. Important as that is, students’ regular attendance at school is essential to their social and cultural development and helps prepare them to accept responsibilities they will face as an adult. Interactions with other students and participation in the instruction within the classroom enrich the learning environment and promote a continuity of instruction which results in higher student achievement. In recognition of the need for students to regularly attend school, the district’s policy governing student absences is as follows.

Students shall not be absent, as defined in this policy more than six (6) days in a semester. When a student has three (3) absences, his/her parent, guardian, or person in loco parentis shall be notified that the student has missed half the allowable days for the semester². Notification shall be by telephone by the end of the school day in which such absence occurred or by regular mail with a return address sent no later than the following school day.

Whenever a student exceeds six (6) absences in a semester, the District shall notify the prosecuting authority and the parent, guardian, or person in loco parentis shall be subject to a civil penalty as prescribed by law.²

Students with six (6) absences in a course in a semester shall not receive credit for that course. If the student fails to receive credit for a sufficient number of courses and at the discretion of the principal after consultation with persons having knowledge of the circumstances of the absences, the student may be denied promotion or graduation. Excessive absences, however, shall not be a reason for expulsion or dismissal of a student.

It is the Arkansas General Assembly’s intention that students having excessive absences due to illness, accident, or other unavoidable reason be given assistance in obtaining credit for their courses. Therefore, at any time prior to when a student exceeds the number of allowable absences (unless unable to do so due to unforeseen circumstances), the student, or his/her parent, guardian, or person in loco parentis may petition the school or district’s administration for special arrangements to address the student’s absences. If formal arrangements are granted, they shall be formalized into a written agreement which will include the conditions of the agreement and the consequences for failing to fulfill the agreement’s requirements. The agreement shall be signed by the student, the student’s parent, guardian, or person in loco parentis, and the school or district administrator or designee. Unless a student’s excessive absence is due to an unforeseen circumstance, the District will not accept a doctor’s note for a student’s excessive absence.

Days missed due to in-school or out-of-school suspension shall not count toward the allowable number of days absent.

Additional absences that are not charged against the allowable number of absences are those where the student was on official school business or when the absence was due to one of the following reasons and the student brings a written statement upon his/her return to school from the parent, guardian, person in loco parentis, or appropriate government agency stating such reason:

2. To participate in the election poll workers program for high school students;

4. To visit his/her parent or legal guardian who is a member of the military and been called to active duty, is on leave from active duty, or has returned from deployment to a combat zone or combat support posting; and

5. For purposes pre-approved by the school administration such as visiting prospective colleges, to obey a subpoena, or to attend at an appointment with a government agency ;

The District shall notify the Department of Finance and Administration whenever a student fourteen (14) years of age or older is no longer in school. The Department of Finance and Administration is required to suspend the former student’s operator’s license unless he/she meets certain requirements specified in the code.

Applicants for an instruction permit or for a driver's license by persons less than eighteen (18) years old on October 1 of any year are required to provide proof of a high school diploma or enrollment and regular attendance in an adult education program or a public, private, or parochial school prior to receiving an instruction permit. To be issued a driver's license, a student enrolled in school shall present proof of a “C” average for the previous semester or similar equivalent grading period for which grades are reported as part of the student’s permanent record.

Students who miss school due to an excused absence shall be allowed to make up the work they missed during their absence under the following rules.

1. Students are responsible for asking the teachers of the classes they missed what assignments they need to make up.

2. Teachers are responsible for providing the missed assignments when asked by a returning student.

3. Students are required to ask for their assignments on their first day back at school or their first class day after their return.

4. Make-up tests are to be rescheduled at the discretion of the teacher, but must be aligned with the schedule of the missed work to be made up.

5. Students shall have one class day to make up their work for each class day they are absent.

6. Make-up work which is not turned in within the make-up schedule for that assignment shall receive a zero.

7. Students are responsible for turning in their make-up work without the teacher having to ask for it.

8. Students who are absent on the day their make-up work is due must turn in their work the day they return to school whether or not the class for which the work is due meets the day of their return.

Work may not be made up for credit for absences in excess of the number of allowable absences in a semester unless the absences are part of a signed agreement as permitted by policy 4.7—ABSENCES.

Promptness is an important character trait that District staff is to encouraged to model and help develop in our schools’ students. At the same time, promptness is the responsibility of each student. Students who are late to class show a disregard for both the teacher and their classmates which compromises potential student achievement.

All schools in the Nevada School District shall operate closed campuses. Students are required to stay on campus from their arrival until dismissal at the end of the regular school day. Students may be given permission to leave the campus by a school official and must sign out in the office upon their departure.

No student in the Nevada School District shall, on the grounds of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, or disability be excluded from participation in, or denied the benefits of, or subjected to discrimination under any educational program or activity sponsored by the District.

Noncurriculum-related secondary school student organizations wishing to conduct meetings on school premises during noninstructional time shall not be denied equal access on the basis of the religious, political, philosophical, or other content of the speech at such meetings. Such meetings must meet the following criteria.

2. There is no sponsorship of the meeting by the school, the government, or its agents or employees;

4. Employees or agents of the school are present at religious meetings only in a nonparticipatory capacity;

5. The meeting does not materially and substantially interfere with the orderly conduct of educational activities within the school; and

6. Nonschool persons may not direct, conduct, control, or regularly attend activities of student groups.

All meetings held on school premises must be scheduled and approved by the principal. The school, its agents, and employees retain the authority to maintain order and discipline, to protect the well being of students and faculty, and to assure that attendance of students at meetings is voluntary.

Fraternities, sororities, and secret societies are forbidden in the District’s schools. Membership to student organizations shall not be by a vote of the organization’s members, nor be restricted by the student’s race, religion, sex, national origin, or other arbitrary criteria. Hazing, as defined by law, is forbidden in connection with initiation into, or affiliation with, any student organization, extracurricular activity or sport program.

Board of Education of the Westside Community Schools v. Mergens, 496 U.S. 226 (1990)

Except when a court order regarding a student has been presented to the district to the contrary, all students’ education records are available for inspection and copying by the parent of his/her student who is under the age of eighteen (18). At the age of eighteen (18), the right to inspect and copy a student’s records transfers to the student. A student’s parent or the student, if over the age of 18, requesting to review the student’s education records will be allowed to do so within no more than forty five (45) days of the request. The district forwards education records, including disciplinary records, to schools that have requested them and in which the student seeks or intends to enroll.

The district shall receive written permission before releasing education records to any agency or individual not authorized by law to receive and/or view the education records without prior parental permission. The District shall maintain a record of requests by such agencies or individuals for access to, and each disclosure of, personally identifiable information from the education records of each student. Disclosure of education records is authorized by law to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A personal record kept by a school staff member is not considered an education record if it meets the following tests.

For the purposes of this policy a school official is a person employed by the school as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff member (including health or medical staff and law enforcement unit personnel); a person serving on the school board; a person or company with whom the school has contracted to perform a special task (such as an attorney, auditor, medical consultant, or therapist); or a parent or student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks.

For the purposes of this policy a school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility, contracted duty, or duty of elected office.

The District discloses personally identifiable information from an education record to appropriate parties, including parents, in connection with an emergency if knowledge of the information is necessary to protect the health or safety of the student or other individuals. The superintendent or designee shall determine who will have access to and the responsibility for disclosing information in emergency situations.

When deciding whether to release personally identifiable information in a health or safety emergency, the District may take into account the totality of the circumstances pertaining to a threat to the health or safety of a student or other individuals. If the District determines that there is an articulable and significant threat to the health or safety of a student or other individuals, it may disclose information from education records to any person whose knowledge of the information is necessary to protect the health or safety of the student or other individuals.

For purposes of this policy, the Nevada School District does not distinguish between a custodial and noncustodial parent, or a non-parent such as a person acting in loco parentis or a foster parent with respect to gaining access to a student’s records. Unless a court order restricting such access has been presented to the district to the contrary, the fact of a person’s status as parent or guardian, alone, enables that parent or guardian to review and copy his child’s records.

If there exists a court order which directs that a parent not have access to a student or his records, the parent, guardian, person acting in loco parentis, or an agent of the Department of Human Services must present a file-marked copy of such order to the building principal and the superintendent. The school will make good-faith efforts to act in accordance with such court order, but the failure to do so does not impose legal liability upon the school. The actual responsibility for enforcement of such court orders rests with the parents or guardians, their attorneys and the court which issued the order.

A parent or guardian does not have the right to remove any material from a student’s records, but such parent or guardian may challenge the accuracy of a record. The right to challenge the accuracy of a record does not include the right to dispute a grade, which must be done only through the appropriate teacher and/or administrator, the decision of whom is final. A challenge to the accuracy of material contained in a student’s file must be initiated with the building principal, with an appeal available to the Superintendent or his designee. The challenge shall clearly identify the part of the student’s record the parent wants changed and specify why he/she believes it is inaccurate or misleading. If the school determines not to amend the record as requested, the school will notify the requesting parent or student of the decision and inform them of their right to a hearing regarding the request for amending the record. The parent or eligible student will be provided information regarding the hearing procedure when notified of the right to a hearing.

Unless the parent or guardian of a student (or student, if above the age of eighteen [18]) objects, directory information about a student may be made available to the public, military recruiters, post secondary educational institutions, prospective employers of those students, as well as school publications such as annual yearbooks and graduation announcements. “Directory information” includes, but is not limited to, a student’s name, address, telephone number, electronic mail address, photograph, date and place of birth, dates of attendance,his/her placement on the honor role (or the receipt of other types of honors), as well as his/her participation in school clubs and extracurricular activities, among others. If the student participates in inherently public activities (for example, basketball, football, or other interscholastic activities), the publication of such information will be beyond the control of the District. A student’s name and photograph will only be displayed on the district or school’s web page(s) after receiving the written permission from the student’s parent or student if over the age of 18.

The form for objecting to making directory information available is located in the back of the student handbook and must be completed and signed by the parent or age-eligible student and filed with the building principal’s office no later than ten (10) school days after the beginning of each school year or the date the student is enrolled for school. Failure to file an objection by that time is considered a specific grant of permission. The district is required to continue to honor any signed-opt out form for any student no longer in attendance at the district.

Parents and students over the age of 18 who believe the district has failed to comply with the requirements for the lawful release of student records may file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education at

Notes: Districts must annually notify parents or students if over the age of 18 of the provisions of this

policy and “…shall effectively notify parents who have a primary or home language other than English.” (34 CFR 99.7(b)(2)

Districts may release directory information (DI) (as presently defined by the district) of former students to the extent there is not a signed prohibition against such release. As the definition of DI changes over time (for example, the addition of email addresses to the definition of DI), districts may release DI according to the current definition. It also applies to the release of information that is now defined as DI for students who left the district prior to 1974, when there was no such thing as DI.

As stated in this policy, once a student turns 18, the rights to his/her educational records transfers to the student. The release of educational records to a parent becomes permissive and not a right. At that point, the school gets to decide if it wants to release educational records to parents. The student, however, doesn’t have the right to object one way or the other. If the parents don’t establish dependency, once the student turns 18, the parents don’t have an absolute right to see their student’s educational records. “Dependency” in this regard is defined according to the IRS; if the student is claimed by either of their parents (regardless of custody issues, or filing jointly or separately) as a dependent, then the rights of the parent once the student turns 18 is as described. Without dependency, the parents have no right to see their student’s educational records once the student turns 18.

34 CFR 99.3, 99.7, 99.31, 99.21, 99.22, 99.30, 99.31, 99.32, 99.33, 99.34, 99.35, 99.36, 99.37, 99.63, 99.64

I, the undersigned, being a parent of a student, or a student eighteen (18) years of age or older, hereby note my objection to the disclosure or publication by the Nevada School District of directory information, as defined in Policy No. 4.13 (Privacy of Students’ Records), concerning the student named below. The district is required to continue to honor any signed opt-out form for any student no longer in attendance at the district.

I understand that the participation by the below-named student in any interscholastic activity, including athletics and school clubs, may make the publication of some directory information unavoidable, and the publication of such information in other forms, such as telephone directories, church directories, etc., is not within the control of the District.

I understand that this form must be filed with the office of the appropriate building principal within ten (10) school days from the beginning of the current school year or the date the student is enrolled for school in order for the District to be bound by this objection. Failure to file this form within that time is a specific grant of permission to publish such information.

I object and wish to deny the disclosure or publication of directory information as follows:

Selecting this option will prohibit the release of directory information to the three categories listed above along with all other public sources (such as newspapers), AND result in the student’s directory information not being included in the school’s yearbook and other school publications.

Selecting this option will prohibit the release of directory information to the first three categories listed above along with all other public sources (such as newspapers), but permit the student’s directory information to be included in the school’s yearbook and other school publications.

All publications that are supported financially by the school or by use of school facilities, or are produced in conjunction with a class shall be considered school-sponsored publications. School publications do not provide a forum for public expression. Such publications, as well as the content of student expression in school-sponsored activities, shall be subject to the editorial control of the District’s administration whose actions shall be reasonably related to legitimate pedagogical concerns and adhere to the following limitations.

1. Advertising may be accepted for publications that does not condone or promote products that are inappropriate for the age and maturity of the audience or that endorse such things as tobacco, alcohol, or drugs.

2. Publications may be regulated to prohibit writings which are, in the opinion of the appropriate teacher and/or administrator, ungrammatical, poorly written, inadequately researched, biased or prejudiced, vulgar or profane, or unsuitable for immature audiences.

3. Publications may be regulated to refuse to publish material which might reasonably be perceived to advocate drug or alcohol use, irresponsible sex, or conduct otherwise inconsistent with the shared values of a civilized social order, or to associate the school with any position other than neutrality on matters of political controversy.

b. Those that are libelous or slanderous, including material containing defamatory falsehoods about public figures or governmental officials, which are made with knowledge of their falsity or reckless disregard of the truth;

c. Those that constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy as defined by state law,

d. Publications that suggest or urge the commission of unlawful acts on the school premises;

e. Publications which suggest or urge the violation of lawful school regulations;

f. Hate literature that scurrilously attacks ethnic, religious, or racial groups.

Student publications that are displayed on school web pages shall follow the same guidelines as listed above plus they shall

1. Not contain any non-educational advertisements. Additionally, student web publications shall;

2. Not contain any personally identifying information, as defined by “Directory Information” in Policy 4.13 (Privacy of Student Records), without the written permission of the parent of the student or the student if over eighteen (18);

3. State that the views expressed are not necessarily those of the School Board or the employees of the district.

A student or group of students who distribute ten (10) or fewer copies of the same nonschool literature, publications, or materials (hereinafter “nonschool materials”), shall do so in a time, place, and manner that does not cause a substantial disruption of the orderly education environment. A student or group of students wishing to distribute more than ten (10) copies of nonschool materials shall have school authoritiesreview their nonschool materials at least three (3) school days in advance of their desired time of dissemination. School authorities shall review the nonschool materials, prior to their distribution and will bar from distribution those nonschool materials that are obscene, libelous, pervasively indecent, or advertise unlawful products or services. Material may also be barred from distribution if there is evidence that reasonably supports a forecast that a substantial disruption of the orderly operation of the school or educational environment will likely result from the distribution. Concerns related to any denial of distribution by the principal shall be heard by the superintendent, whose decision shall be final.

The school principal or designee shall establish reasonable regulations governing the time, place, and manner of student distribution of nonschool materials.

1. Be narrowly drawn to promote orderly administration of school activities by preventing disruption and may not be designed to stifle expression;

4. Specify times, places, and manner where distribution may and may not occur; and

5. Not inhibit a person’s right to accept or reject any literature distributed in accordance with the regulations.

6. Students shall be responsible for the removal of excess literature that is left at the distribution point for more than five (5) days.

The Superintendent, along with the student publications advisors, shall develop administrative regulations for the implementation of this policy. The regulations shall include definitions of terms and timelines for the review of materials.

Parents wishing to speak to their children during the school day shall register first with the office.

If there is any question concerning the legal custody of the student, the custodial parent shall present documentation to the principal or his/her designee establishing the parent’s custody of the student. It shall be the responsibility of the custodial parent to make any court ordered “no contact” or other restrictions regarding the non-custodial parent known to the principal by presenting a copy of a file-marked court order. Without such a court order on file, the school will release the child to either of his/her parents. Non-custodial parents who file with the principal a date-stamped copy of current court orders granting visitation may eat lunch, volunteer in their child’s classroom, or otherwise have contact with their child during school hours and the prior approval of the school’s principal. Such contact is subject to the limitations outlined in Policy 4.16, Policy 6.5, and any other policies that may apply.

Unless prior arrangements have been made with the school’s principal, Arkansas law provides that the transfer of a child between his/her custodial parent and non-custodial parent, when both parents are present, shall not take place on the school’s property on normal school days during normal hours of school operation.

State Law requires that Department of Human Services employees, local law enforcement, or agents of the Crimes Against Children Division of the Department of Arkansas State Police, may interview students without a court order for the purpose of investigating suspected child abuse. In instances where the interviewers deem it necessary, they may exercise a “72-hour hold ” without first obtaining a court order. Other questioning of students by non-school personnel shall be granted only with a court order directing such questioning, with permission of the parents of a student (or the student if above eighteen [18] years of age), or in response to a subpoena or arrest warrant.

If the District makes a report to any law enforcement agency concerning student misconduct or if access to a student is granted to a law enforcement agency due to a court order, the principal or the principal’s designee shall make a good faith effort to contact the student’s parent, legal guardian, or other person having lawful control by court order, or person acting in loco parentis identified on student enrollment forms. The principal or the principal's designee shall not attempt to make such contact if presented documentation by the investigator that notification is prohibited because a parent, guardian, custodian, or person standing in loco parentis is named as an alleged offender of the suspected child maltreatment. This exception applies only to interview requests made by a law enforcement officer, an investigator of the Crimes Against Children Division of the Department of Arkansas State Police, or an investigator or employee of the Department of Human Services.

In instances other than those related to cases of suspected child abuse, principals must release a student to either a police officer who presents a subpoena for the student, or a warrant for arrest, or to an agent of state social services or an agent of a court with jurisdiction over a child with a court order signed by a judge. Upon release

of the student, the principal or designee shall give the student’s parent, legal guardian, or other person having lawful control by court order, or person acting in loco parentis notice that the student has been taken into custody by law enforcement personnel or a state’s social services agency. If the principal or designee is unable to reach the parent, he or she shall make a reasonable, good faith effort to get a message to the parent to call the principal or designee, and leave both a day and an after-hours telephone number.

The board strongly believes that the purpose of school is for learning. Social visitors, generally, disrupt the classroom and interfere with learning that should be taking place. Therefore, visiting with students at school is strongly discouraged, unless approved by the principal and scheduled in advance. This includes visits made by former students, friends, and/or relatives of teachers or students. Any visitation to the classroom shall be allowed only with the permission of the school principal and all visitors must first register at the office.

Cross References: For adult visits see Policy 4.15—CONTACT WITH STUDENTS WHILE AT SCHOOL and Policy 6.5—VISITORS TO THE SCHOOLS

The Nevada Board of Education has a responsibility to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the District’s students and employees. To help maintain a safe environment conducive to high student achievement, the Board establishes policies necessary to regulate student behavior to promote an orderly school environment that is respectful of the rights of others and ensures the uniform enforcement of student discipline. Students are responsible for their conduct that occurs: at any time on the school grounds; off school grounds at a school sponsored function, activity, or event; going to and from school or a school activity.

The District’s administrators may also take disciplinary action against a student for off-campus conduct occurring at any time that would have a detrimental impact on school discipline, the educational environment, or the welfare of the students and/or staff. A student who has committed a criminal act while off campus and whose presence on campus could cause a substantial disruption to school or endanger the welfare of other students or staff is subject to disciplinary action up to and including expulsion. Such acts could include, but are not limited to a felony or an act that would be considered a felony if committed by an adult, an assault or battery, drug law violations, or sexual misconduct of a serious nature. Any disciplinary action pursued by the District shall be in accordance with the student’s appropriate due process rights.

The District’s personnel policy committee shall review the student discipline policies annually and may recommend changes in the policies to the Nevada School Board. The Board shall approve any changes to student discipline policies.

The District’s student discipline policies shall be distributed to each student during the first week of school each year and to new students upon their enrollment. Each student’s parent or legal guardian shall sign and return to the school an acknowledgement form documenting that they have received the policies.

It is required by law that the principal or the person in charge report to the police any incidents where a person has committed or threatened to commit an act of violence or any crime involving a deadly weapon on school property or while under school supervision.

Students and staff require a safe and orderly learning environment that is conducive to high student achievement. Certain student behaviors are unacceptable in such an environment and are hereby prohibited by the Board. Prohibited behaviors include, but shall not be limited to the following.

1. Disrespect for school employees and failing to comply with their reasonable directions or otherwise demonstrating insubordination;

3. Willfully and intentionally assaulting or threatening to assault or physically abusing any student or school employee;

4. Possession of any weapon that can reasonably be considered capable of causing bodily harm to another individual;

5. Possession or use of tobacco in any form on any property owned or leased by any public school;

6. Willfully or intentionally damaging, destroying, or stealing school property;

7. Possession of any paging device, beeper, or similar electronic communication devices, cameras, MP 3 players, Ipods, and other portable music devices on the school campus during normal school hours (unless stored in silent mode in the student’s locker or vehicle) unless specifically exempted by the administration for health or other compelling reasons;

8. Possession, selling, distributing, or being under the influence of an alcoholic beverage, any illegal drug, unauthorized inhalants, or the inappropriate use or sharing of prescription or over the counter drugs, or other intoxicants, or anything represented to be a drug;

16. Engaging in behavior designed to taunt, degrade, or ridicule another person on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, sex, or disability;

18. Gangs or gang-related activities, including belonging to secret societies of any kind, are forbidden on school property. Gang insignias, clothing, “throwing signs” or other gestures associated with gangs are prohibited;

The Board directs each school in the District to develop implementation regulations for prohibited student conduct consistent with applicable Board policy, State and Federal laws, and judicial decisions.

Students are subject to the same rules of conduct while traveling to and from school as they are while on school grounds. Appropriate disciplinary actions may be taken against commuting students who violate student code of conduct rules.

The preceding paragraph also applies to student conduct while on school buses. Students shall be instructed in safe riding practices.The driver of a school bus shall not operate the school bus until every passenger is seated. Disciplinary measures for problems related to bus behavior shall include suspension or expulsion from school, or suspending or terminating the student’s bus transportation privileges. Transporting students to and from school who have lost their bus transportation privileges shall become the responsibility of the student’s parent or legal guardian.

Students are eligible to receive district bus transportation if they meet the following requirements.

² Insert your district’s policy for student bus eligibility here. In Arkansas, there is no requirement that the district provide bus transportation for any of its students, but whatever criteria you establish have to be rational and consistently applied throughout the district. It can be as simple as stating that every student is eligible to ride the bus, or you can establish parameters such as a minimum distance from school. You can have different criteria for transporting elementary students to their school than you have for high school students to their school. Both general eligibility rules as well as possible disciplinary measures must take into account the district’s responsibility to meet federal requirements for students with disabilities. If you choose to mention bus route configurations, don’t list them in the policy. Instead, state that the superintendent or his/her designee(s) shall annually establish the routes and may modify them as needed. You may choose to stipulate criteria, such as length of the routes, or snow routes that the superintendent shall use in establishing the routes.

Ark. Division of Academic Facilities and Transportation Rules Governing Maintenance and Operations of Ark. Public School Buses and Physical Examinations of School Bus Drivers 4.0

No student shall by the use of violence, force, noise, coercion, threat, intimidation, fear, passive resistance, or any other conduct, intentionally cause the disruption of any lawful mission, process, or function of the school, or engage in any such conduct for the purpose of causing disruption or obstruction of any lawful mission, process, or function. Nor shall any student encourage any other student to engage in such activities.

Disorderly activities by any student or group of students that adversely affect the school’s orderly educational environment shall not be tolerated at any time on school grounds. Teachers may remove from class and send to the principal or principal’s designee office a student whose behavior is so unruly, disruptive, or abusive that it seriously interferes with the teacher’s ability to teach the students, the class, or with the ability of the student’s classmates to learn. Students who refuse to leave the classroom voluntarily will be escorted from the classroom by the school administration.

A student shall not threaten, physically abuse, or attempt to physically abuse, or behave in such a way as to be perceived to threaten bodily harm to any other person (student, school employee, or school visitor). Any gestures, vulgar, abusive or insulting language, taunting, threatening, harassing, or intimidating remarks by a student toward another person that threatens their well-being is strictly forbidden. This includes, but is not limited to, fighting, racial, ethnic, religious, or sexual slurs.

Furthermore, it is unlawful, during regular school hours, and in a place where a public school employee is required to be in the course of his or her duties, for any person to address a public school employee using language which, in its common understanding, is calculated to: a) cause a breach of the peace; b) materially and substantially interfere with the operation of the school; c) arouse the person to whom it is addressed to anger, to the extent likely to cause imminent retaliation. Students guilty of such an offense may be subject to legal proceedings in addition to student disciplinary measures.

No student shall possess a weapon, display what appears to be a weapon, or threaten to use a weapon while in school, on or about school property, before or after school, in attendance at school or any school sponsored activity, en route to or from school or any school sponsored activity, off the school grounds at any school bus stop, or at any school sponsored activity or event. Military personnel, such as ROTC cadets, acting in the course of their official duties are excepted.

A weapon is defined as any knife, gun, pistol, revolver, shotgun, BB gun, rifle, pellet gun, razor, ice pick, dirk, box cutter, numchucks, pepper spray or other noxious spray, explosive, or any other instrument or substance capable of causing bodily harm.

Possession means having a weapon, as defined in this policy, on the student’s body or in an area under his/her control. If, prior to any questioning or search by any school personnel, a student discovers that he/she has accidentally brought a weapon to school including a weapon that is in a vehicle on school grounds, and the student informs the principal or a staff person immediately, the student will not be considered to be in possession of a weapon. The weapon shall be confiscated and held in the office until such time as the student’s parent/legal guardian shall pick up the weapon from the school’s office. Repeated offenses are unacceptable and shall be grounds for disciplinary action against the student as otherwise provided for in this policy.

Students found to be in possession on the school campus of a firearm shall be recommended for expulsion for a period of not less than one year. The School Board shall have the discretion to modify such expulsion recommendation for a student on a case-by-case basis. Parents or legal guardians of students expelled under this policy shall be given a copy of the current laws regarding the possibility of parental responsibility for allowing a child to possess a weapon on school property. Parents or legal guardians shall sign a statement acknowledging that they have read and understand said laws prior to readmitting the student. Parents or legal guardians of a student enrolling from another school after the expiration of an expulsion period for a weapons policy violation shall also be given a copy of the current laws regarding the possibility of parental responsibility for allowing a child to possess a weapon on school property. The parents or legal guardians shall sign a statement acknowledging that they have read and understand said laws prior to the student being enrolled in school.

The district shall report any student who brings a firearm or weapon to school to the criminal justice system or juvenile delinquency system by notifying local law enforcement,

Smoking or use of tobacco or products containing tobacco in any form (including, but not limited to, cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, and snuff) in or on any property owned or leased by a District school, including school buses, is prohibited. Students who violate this policy may be subject to legal proceedings in addition to student disciplinary measures.

With the exception of recognized tobacco cessation products, this policy’s prohibition includes any tobacco or nicotine delivery system or product.

An orderly and safe school environment that is conducive to promoting student achievement requires a student population free from the deleterious effects of alcohol and drugs. Their use is illegal, disruptive to the educational environment, and diminishes the capacity of students to learn and function properly in our schools.

Therefore, no student in the Nevada School District shall possess, attempt to possess, consume, use, distribute, sell, attempt to sell, give to any person, or be under the influence of any substance as defined in this policy, or what the student represents or believes to be any substance as defined in this policy. This policy applies to any student who; is on or about school property; is in attendance at school or any school sponsored activity; has left the school campus for any reason and returns to the campus; is en route to or from school or any school sponsored activity.

Prohibited substances shall include, but are not limited to, alcohol, or any alcoholic beverage, inhalants that alter a student’s ability to act, think, or respond, LSD, or any other hallucinogen, marijuana, cocaine, heroin, or any other narcotic drug, PCP, amphetamines, steroids, “designer drugs,” look-alike drugs, or any controlled substance.

Selling, distributing, or attempting to sell or distribute, or using over-the-counter or prescription drugs not in accordance with the recommended dosage is prohibited.

The Nevada Board of Education recognizes that dress can be a matter of personal taste and preference. At the same time, the District has a responsibility to promote an environment conducive to student learning. This requires limitations to student dress and grooming that could be disruptive to the educational process because they are immodest, disruptive, unsanitary, unsafe, could cause property damage, or are offensive to common standards of decency.

Students are prohibited from wearing, while on the school grounds during the school day and at school-sponsored events, clothing that exposes underwear, buttocks, or the breast of a female.

The Superintendent shall establish student dress codes for the District’s schools, to be included in the student handbook, and are consistent with the above criteria.

The Board is committed to ensuring a safe school environment conducive to promoting a learning environment where students and staff can excel. An orderly environment cannot exist where unlawful acts occur causing fear, intimidation, or physical harm to students or school staff. Gangs and their activities create such an atmosphere and shall not be allowed on school grounds or at school functions.

The following actions are prohibited by students on school property or at school functions:

1. Wearing or possessing any clothing, bandanas, jewelry, symbol, or other sign associated with membership in, or representative of, any gang;

2. Engaging in any verbal or nonverbal act such as throwing signs, gestures, or handshakes representative of membership in any gang;

3. Recruiting, soliciting, or encouraging any person through duress or intimidation to become or remain a member of any gang; and/or

4. Extorting payment from any individual in return for protection from harm from any gang.

Students found to be in violation of this policy shall be subject to disciplinary action up to and including expulsion.

Students arrested for gang related activities occurring off school grounds shall be subject to the same disciplinary actions as if they had occurred on school grounds.

The Nevada School District is committed to having an academic environment in which all students are treated with respect and dignity. Student achievement is best attained in an atmosphere of equal educational opportunity that is free of discrimination. Sexual harassment is a form of discrimination that undermines the integrity of the educational environment and will not be tolerated.

Believing that prevention is the best policy, the District will periodically inform students and employees about the nature of sexual harassment, the procedures for registering a complaint, and the possible redress that is available. The information will stress that the district does not tolerate sexual harassment and that students can report inappropriate behavior of a sexual nature without fear of adverse consequences. The information will take into account and be appropriate to the age of the students.

It shall be a violation of this policy for any student to be subjected to, or to subject another person to, sexual harassment as defined in this policy. Any student found, after an investigation, to have engaged in sexual harassment will be subject to disciplinary action up to, and including, expulsion.

Sexual harassment refers to unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other personally offensive verbal, visual, or physical conduct of a sexual nature made by someone under any of the following conditions:

1. Submission to the conduct is made, either explicitly or implicitly, a term or condition of an individual’s education;

2. Submission to, or rejection of, such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for academic decisions affecting that individual; and/or

3. Such conduct has the purpose or effect of substantially interfering with an individual’s academic performance or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive academic environment.

The terms “intimidating,” “hostile,” and “offensive” include conduct of a sexual nature which has the effect of humiliation or embarrassment and is sufficiently severe, persistent, or pervasive that it limits the student’s ability to participate in, or benefit from, an educational program or activity.

Actionable sexual harassment is generally established when an individual is exposed to a pattern of objectionable behaviors or when a single, serious act is committed. What is, or is not, sexual harassment will depend upon all of the surrounding circumstances. Depending upon such circumstances, examples of sexual harassment include, but are not limited to: unwelcome touching; crude jokes or pictures; discussions of sexual experiences; pressure for sexual activity; intimidation by words, actions, insults, or name calling; teasing related to sexual characteristics or the belief or perception that an individual is not conforming to expected gender roles or conduct or is homosexual, regardless of whether or not the student self-identifies as homosexual; and spreading rumors related to a person’s alleged sexual activities.

Students who believe they have been subjected to sexual harassment, or parents of a student who believes their child has been subjected to sexual harassment, are encouraged to file a complaint by contacting a counselor, teacher, Title IX coordinator, or administrator who will assist them in the complaint process. Under no

circumstances shall a student be required to first report allegations of sexual harassment to a school contact person if that person is the individual who is accused of the harassment.

To the extent possible, complaints will be treated in a confidential manner. Limited disclosure may be necessary in order to complete a thorough investigation. Students who file a complaint of sexual harassment will not be subject to retaliation or reprisal in any form.

Students who knowingly fabricate allegations of sexual harassment shall be subject to disciplinary action up to and including expulsion.

Individuals who withhold information, purposely provide inaccurate facts, or otherwise hinder an investigation of sexual harassment shall be subject to disciplinary action up to and including expulsion.

Legal References: Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, 20 USC 1681, et seq.

Students shall not possess any hand held laser pointer while in school; on or about school property, before or after school; in attendance at school or any school-sponsored activity; en route to or from school or any school-sponsored activity; off the school grounds at any school bus stop or at any school-sponsored activity or event. School personnel shall seize any laser pointer from the student possessing it and the student may reclaim it at the close of the school year, or when the student is no longer enrolled in the District.

The Nevada School District makes computers and/or computer Internet access available to students, to permit students to perform research and to allow students to learn how to use computer technology. Use of district computers is for educational and/or instructional purposes only. It is the policy of this school district to equip each computer with Internet filtering software designed to prevent users from accessing material that is harmful to minors. No student will be granted Internet access until and unless a computer-use agreement, signed by both the student and the parent or legal guardian (if the student is under the age of eighteen [18]) is on file. The current version of the computer use agreement is incorporated by reference into board policy and is considered part of the student handbook.

Students are advised that they enjoy no expectation of privacy in any aspect of their computer use, including email, and that monitoring of student computer use is continuous. Students who misuse district-owned computers or Internet access in any way, including using computers except as directed or assigned by staff or teachers, using computers to violate any other policy or contrary to the computer use agreement, attempting to defeat or bypass Internet filtering software, or using the computers to access or create sexually explicit or pornographic text or graphics, will face disciplinary action, as specified in the student handbook and/or computer use agreement.

Legal References: 20 USC 6801 et seq. (Children’s Internet Protection Act; PL 106-554)

Student’s Name (Please Print)_______________________________________ Grade Level__________

School____________________________________________________________ Date____________

The Nevada School District agrees to allow the student identified above (“Student”) to use the district’s technology to access the Internet under the following terms and conditions:

1. Conditional Privilege: The Student’s use of the district’s access to the Internet is a privilege conditioned on the Student’s abiding to this agreement. No student may use the district’s access to the Internet unless the Student and his/her parent or guardian have read and signed this agreement.

2. Acceptable Use: The Student agrees that he/she will use the District’s Internet access for educational purposes only. In using the Internet, the Student agrees to obey all federal and state laws and regulations. The Student also agrees to abide by any Internet use rules instituted at the Student’s school or class, whether those rules are written or oral.

4. Penalties for Improper Use: If the Student violates this agreement and misuses the Internet, the Student shall be subject to disciplinary action.

4. “Misuse of the District’s access to the Internet” includes, but is not limited to, the following:

b. gaining intentional access or maintaining access to materials which are “harmful to minors” as defined by Arkansas law;

c. using the Internet for any illegal activity, including computer hacking and copyright or intellectual property law violations;

e. accessing “chat lines” unless authorized by the instructor for a class activity directly supervised by a staff member;

f. using abusive or profane language in private messages on the system; or using the system to harass, insult, or verbally attack others;

l. obtaining or sending information which could be used to make destructive devices such as guns, weapons, bombs, explosives, or fireworks;

n. identifying oneself with another person’s name or password or using an account or password of another user without proper authorization;

p. divulging personally identifying information about himself/herself or anyone else either on the Internet or in an email. Personally identifying information includes full names, address, and phone number.

q. using the network for financial or commercial gain without district permission;

s. attempting to gain access or gaining access to student records, grades, or files;

v. creating a web page or associating a web page with the school or school district without proper authorization;

w. providing access to the District’s Internet Access to unauthorized individuals;

y. taking part in any activity related to Internet use which creates a clear and present danger of the substantial disruption of the orderly operation of the district or any of its schools.

z. Installing or downloading software on district computers without prior approval of technology director or his/her designee.

5. Liability for debts: Students and their cosigners shall be liable for any and all costs (debts) incurred through the student’s use of the computers or the Internet including penalties for copyright violations.

6. No Expectation of Privacy: The Student and parent/guardian signing below agree that if the Student uses the Internet through the District’s access, that the Student waives any right to privacy the Student may have for such use. The Student and the parent/guardian agree that the district may monitor the Student’s use of the District’s Internet Access and may also examine all system activities the Student participates in, including but not limited to e-mail, voice, and video transmissions, to ensure proper use of the system. The District may share such transmissions with the Student’s parents/guardians.

7. No Guarantees: The District will make good faith efforts to protect children from improper or harmful matter which may be on the Internet. At the same time, in signing this agreement, the parent and Student recognize that the District makes no guarantees about preventing improper access to such materials on the part of the Student.

8. Signatures: We, the persons who have signed below, have read this agreement and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of this agreement.

Student’s Signature: _______________________________________________Date _____________

Parent/Legal Guardian Signature: _____________________________________Date__________

Students not present at school cannot benefit from the educational opportunities the school environment affords. Administrators, therefore, shall strive to find ways to keep students in school as participants in the educational process. There are instances, however, when the needs of the other students or the interests of the orderly learning environment require the removal of a student from school. The Board authorizes school principals or their designees to suspend students for disciplinary reasons for a period of time not to exceed ten (10) school days,including the day upon which the suspension is imposed. The suspension may be in school or out of school. Students are responsible for their conduct that occurs: at any time on the school grounds; off school grounds at a school-sponsored function, activity, or event; going to and from school or a school activity. A student may be suspended for behavior including, but not limited to that which:

3. School administrators believe will result in the substantial interference with the safe and orderly educational environment; and/or

The school principal or designee shall proceed as follows in deciding whether or not to suspend a student.

1. the student shall be given written notice or advised orally of the charges against him/her;

2. if the student denies the charges, he/she shall be given an explanation of the evidence against him/her and be allowed to present his/her version of the facts;

3. if the principal finds the student guilty of the misconduct, he/she may be suspended.

When possible, notice of the suspension, its duration, and any stipulations for the student’s readmittance to class will be given to the parent(s), legal guardian(s), or to the student if age 18 or older prior to the suspension. Such notice shall be handed to the parent(s), legal guardian(s), or to the student if age 18 or older or mailed to the last address reflected in the records of the school district.

Generally, notice and hearing should precede the student's removal from school, but if prior notice and hearing are not feasible, as where the student's presence endangers persons or property or threatens disruption of the academic process, thus justifying immediate removal from school, the necessary notice and hearing should follow as soon as practicable.

It is the parents’ or legal guardians’ responsibility to provide current contact information to the district which the school shall use to immediately notify the parent or legal guardian upon the suspension of a student. The notification shall be by one of the following means, listed in order of priority:

The district shall keep a log of contacts attempted and made to the parent or legal guardian.

Out-of-school suspensions shall be treated as unexcused absences and during the period of suspension students shall not be permitted on campus except to attend a student/parent/administrator conference.

In-school suspension shall be treated as if the student was present at school. The student shall not attend any school-sponsored activities during the imposed suspension nor shall the student participate in any school-sponsored activities.

Suspensions initiated by the principal or his/her designee may be appealed to the Superintendent, but not to the Board.

The Board of Education may expel a student for a period longer than ten (10) school days for violation of the District’s written discipline policies. The Superintendent may make a recommendation of expulsion to the Board of Education for student conduct deemed to be of such gravity that suspension would be inappropriate, or where the student’s continued attendance at school would disrupt the orderly learning environment or would pose an unreasonable danger to the welfare of other students or staff.

The Superintendent or his/her designee shall give written notice to the parents or legal guardians (mailed to the address reflected on the District’s records) that he/she will recommend to the Board of Education that the student be expelled for the specified length of time and state the reasons for the recommendation to expel. The notice shall give the date, hour, and place where the Board of Education will consider and dispose of the recommendation.

The hearing shall be conducted not later than ten (10) school days following the date of the notice, except that representatives of the Board and student may agree in writing to a date not conforming to this limitation.

The President of the Board, Hearing Officer, or other designated Board member shall preside at the hearing. The student may choose to be represented by legal counsel. The hearing shall be conducted in open session of the Board unless the parent, or student if age18 or older, requests that the hearing be conducted in executive session. Any action taken by the Board shall be in open session.

During the hearing, the Superintendent will present evidence, including the calling of witnesses, that gave rise to the recommendation of expulsion. The student, or his/her representative, may then present evidence including statements from persons with personal knowledge of the events or circumstances relevant to the charges against the student. Formal cross-examination will not be permitted. However, any member of the Board, the Superintendent, or designee, the student, or his/her representative may question anyone making a statement and/or the student. The presiding officer shall decide questions concerning the appropriateness or relevance of any questions asked during the hearing.

The Superintendent shall recommend the expulsion of any student for a period of not less than one (1) year for possession of any firearm or other weapon prohibited on school campus by law. The Superintendent shall, however, have the discretion to modify the expulsion recommendation for a student on a case-by-case basis. Parents or legal guardians of a student enrolling from another school after the expiration of an expulsion period for a weapons policy violation shall be given a copy of the current laws regarding the possibility of parental responsibility for allowing a child to possess a weapon on school property. The parents or legal guardians shall sign a statement acknowledging that they have read and understand said laws prior to the student being enrolled in school.

The Superintendent and the Board of Education shall complete the expulsion process of any student that was initiated because the student possessed a firearm or other prohibited weapon on school property regardless of the enrollment status of the student.

The District respects the rights of its students against arbitrary intrusion of their person and property. At the same time, it is the responsibility of school officials to protect the health, safety, and welfare of all students enrolled in the District in order to promote an environment conducive to student learning. The Superintendent, principals, and their designees have the right to inspect and search school property and equipment. They may also search students and their personal property in which the student has a reasonable expectation of privacy, when there is reasonable suspicion to believe such student or property contains illegal items or other items in violation of Board policy or dangerous to the school community. School authorities may seize evidence found in the search and disciplinary action may be taken. Evidence found which appears to be in violation of the law shall be reported to the appropriate authority.

School property shall include, but not be limited to, lockers, desks, and parking lots, as well as personal effects left there by students. When possible, prior notice will be given and the student will be allowed to be present along with an adult witness, however, searches may be done at any time with or without notice or the student’s consent. A personal search must not be excessively intrusive in light of the age and sex of the student and the nature of the infraction.

The Superintendent, principals, and their designees may request the assistance of law enforcement officials to help conduct searches. Such searches may include the use of specially trained dogs.

A school official of the same sex shall conduct personal searches with an adult witness of the same sex present.

If the District makes a report to any law enforcement agency concerning student misconduct or if access to a student is granted to a law enforcement agency due to a court order, the principal or the principal’s designee shall make a good faith effort to contact the student’s parent, legal guardian, or other person having lawful control by court order, or person acting in loco parentis on student enrollment forms. The principal or the principal's designee shall not attempt to make such contact if presented documentation by the investigator that notification is prohibited because a parent, guardian, custodian, or person standing in loco parentis is named as an alleged offender of the suspected child maltreatment. This exception applies only to interview requests made by a law enforcement officer, an investigator of the Crimes Against Children Division of the Department of Arkansas State Police, or an investigator or employee of the Department of Human Services.

lawful control by court order, or person acting in loco parentis notice that the student has been taken into custody by law enforcement personnel or a state’s social services agency. If the principal or designee is unable to reach the parent, he or she shall make a reasonable, good faith effort to get a message to the parent to call the principal or designee, and leave both a day and an after-hours telephone number.

Students who have presented a valid driver’s license and proof of insurance to the appropriate office personnel, may drive their vehicle to school. Vehicles driven to school shall be parked in the area designated for student parking.

Students are not permitted to loiter in parking areas and are not to return to their vehicles for any reason unless given permission to do so by school personnel.

It is understood that there is no expectation of privacy in vehicles in parking areas. Drivers of vehicles parked on a school campus will be held accountable for illegal substances or any other item prohibited by District policy found in their vehicle.

Students with communicable diseases or with parasites shall demonstrate respect for other students by not attending school while they are contagious. In some instances, a letter from a health care provider may be required prior to the student being readmitted to the school.

The parents or legal guardians of students found to have live lice or nits will be asked to pick their child up at school. The parents or legal guardians will be given information concerning the eradication and control of head lice. Before students may be readmitted following an absence due to head lice, the school nurse or designee shall examine the student to make sure they are free of any lice or nits.

Each school may conduct screenings of students for head lice as needed. The screenings shall be conducted in a manner that respects the confidentiality of each student.

Prior to the administration of any medication to any student under the age of eighteen (18), written parental consent is required. The consent form shall include authorization to administer the medication and relieve the Board and its employees of civil liability for damages or injuries resulting from the administration of medication to students in accordance with this policy.

Unless authorized to self-administer, students are not allowed to carry any medications while at school. The parent or legal guardian shall bring the student’s medication to the nurse, or in the absence of the nurse, to the principal’s office. The student may bring the medication if accompanied by a written authorization from the parent or legal guardian. Medications, including those for self-medication, must be in the original container and be properly labeled with the student’s name, the ordering provider’s name, the name of the medication, the dosage, frequency, and instructions for the administration of the medication (including times). Additional information accompanying the medication shall state the purpose for the medication, its possible side effects, and any other pertinent instructions (such as special storage requirements) or warnings.

Students who have written permission from their parent or guardian and a licensed health care practitioner to self-administer either an asthma inhaler or auto-injectable epinephrine, or both and who have a current consent form on file shall be allowed to carry and self-administer such medication while in school, at an on-site school sponsored activity, while traveling to or from school, or at an off-site school sponsored activity. Students are prohibited from sharing, transferring, or in any way diverting his/her medications to any other person. The fact that a student with a completed consent form on file is allowed to carry an asthma inhaler or auto-injectable epinephrine, or both does not require him/her to have such on his/her person. The parent or guardian of a student who chooses to not carry an asthma inhaler or auto-injectable epinephrine, or both on his/her person shall provide the school with the appropriate medication which shall be immediately available to the student in an emergency.

Nonprescription medications may be given to students upon the decision of the principal or the nurse or their designee(s). Such medications must be in the original container, clearly labeled and accompanied by a written authorization form signed by the parents or legal guardians that includes the student’s name, the name of the medication, the dosage, and instructions for the administration of the medication (including times).

The school shall not keep outdated medications or any medications past the end of the school year. Parents shall be notified ten (10) days in advance of the school’s intention to dispose of any medication. Medications not picked up by the parents or legal guardians within the ten (10) day period shall be destroyed by the nurse with a witness present.

Legal References: Ark. State Board of Nursing: School Nurse Roles and Responsibilities

Student’s Name (Please Print) _______________________________________________________

Medications, including those for self-medication, must be in the original container and be properly labeled with the student’s name, the ordering provider’s name, the name of the medication, the dosage, frequency, and instructions for the administration of the medication (including times). Additional information accompanying the medication shall state the purpose for the medication, its possible side effects, and any other pertinent instructions (such as special storage requirements) or warnings.

I hereby authorize the school nurse or his/her designee to administer the following medications to my child.

Name(s) of medication(s) _____________________________________________________________

Name of physician or dentist (if applicable) ___________________________________________

Dosage ___________________________________________________________________________

Instructions for administering the medication _________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

Other instructions _________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

I acknowledge that the District, its Board of Directors, and its employees shall be immune from civil liability for damages resulting from the administration of medications in accordance with this consent form.

Parent or legal guardian signature ___________________________________________________

Student’s Name (Please Print) _______________________________________________________

The following must be provided for the student to be eligible to self-administer asthma inhalers and/or auto-injectable epinephrine. Eligibility is only valid for this school for the current academic year. This consent form must be renewed each year and/or anytime a student changes schools.

If the school nurse is available, the student shall demonstrate his/her skill level in using the asthma inhalers and/or auto-injectable epinephrine to the nurse.

Medications for self-medication shall be supplied by the student’s parent or guardian and be in the original container labeled with the student’s name. The parent or guardian may choose to provide the school with additional appropriate medication (use form 4.35F) for the school to have available to deal with an asthma or anaphylaxis emergency.

My signature below is an acknowledgment that I understand that the District, its Board of Directors, and its employees shall be immune from civil liability for injury resulting from the self-administration of medications by the student named above.

Parent or legal guardian signature ___________________________________________________

If a student becomes too ill to remain in class and/or could be contagious to other students, the principal or designee will attempt to notify the student’s parent or legal guardian. The student will remain in the school’s health room or a place where he/she can be supervised until the end of the school day or until the parent/legal guardian can check the student out of school.

If a student becomes seriously ill or is injured while at school and the parent/legal guardian cannot be contacted, the failure to make such contact shall not unreasonably delay the school’s expeditious transport of the student to an appropriate medical care facility. The school assumes no responsibility for treatment of the student. When available, current, and applicable, the student’s emergency contact numbers and medical information will be utilized. Parents are strongly encouraged to keep this information up to date.

All schools in the District shall conduct fire drills at least monthly. Tornado drills shall also be conducted not fewer than four (4) times per year with at least one each in the months of September, October, January, and February. Students who ride school buses, shall also participate in emergency evacuation drills at least twice each school year.

Other types of emergency drills may also be conducted. These may include, but are not limited to:

Ark. Division of Academic Facilities and Transportation Rules Governing Maintenance and Operations of Ark. Public School Buses and Physical Examinations of School Bus Drivers 4.03.1

Permanent school records, as required by the Arkansas Department of Education, shall be maintained for each student enrolled in the District until the student graduates or is beyond the age of compulsory school attendance. A copy of the student’s permanent record shall be provided to the receiving school district upon the transfer of the student to another district.

The Nevada School Board authorizes the use of corporal punishment to be administered in accordance with this policy by the Superintendent or his/her designated staff members who are required to have a state-issued certificate as a condition of their employment.

Prior to the administration of corporal punishment, the student receiving the corporal punishment shall be given an explanation of the reasons for the punishment and be given an opportunity to refute the charges.

All corporal punishment shall be administered privately, i.e. out of the sight and hearing of other students, and shall be administered in the presence of another certified staff member as a witness, shall not be excessive, or administered with malice.

The Nevada School District will afford the same services and educational opportunities to homeless children as are afforded to non-homeless children. The Superintendent or his/her designee shall appoint an appropriate staff person to be the local educational liaison for homeless children and youth whose responsibilities shall include coordinating with the state educational liaison for homeless children and youth to ensure that homeless children are not stigmatized or segregated on the basis of their status as homeless and such other duties as are prescribed by law and this policy.

Notwithstanding Policy 4.1, homeless students living in the district are entitled to enroll in the district’s school that non-homeless students who live in the same attendance area are eligible to attend. If there is a question concerning the enrollment of a homeless child due to a conflict with Policy 4.1 or 4.2, the child shall be immediately admitted to the school in which enrollment is sought pending resolution of the dispute. It is the responsibility of the District’s local educational liaison for homeless children and youth to carry out the dispute resolution process.

The District shall act, according to the best interests of a homeless child and to the extent feasible do one of the following. (For the purposes of this policy “school of origin” means the school the child attended when permanently housed or the school in which the child was last enrolled.)

1. continue educating the child who becomes homeless between academic years or during an academic year in their school of origin for the duration of their homelessness;

2. continue educating the child in his/her school of origin who becomes permanently housed during an academic year for the remainder of the academic year; or

3. enroll the homeless child in the school appropriate for the attendance zone where the child lives.

If the District elects to enroll a homeless child in a school other than their school of origin and such action is against the wishes of the child’s parent or guardian, the District shall provide the parent or guardian with a written explanation of their reason for so doing which shall include a statement of the parent/guardian’s right to appeal.

In any instance where the child is unaccompanied by a parent or guardian, the District’s local educational liaison for homeless children and youth shall assist the child in determining his/her place of enrollment. The Liaison shall provide the child with a notice of his/her right to appeal the enrollment decision.

The District shall be responsible for providing transportation for a homeless child, at the request of the parent or guardian (or in the case of an unaccompanied youth, the Liaison), to and from the child’s school of origin.*

For the purposes of this policy, students shall be considered homeless if they lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence and

(a) are sharing the housing of other persons due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason; are living in motels, hotels, trailer parks, or camping grounds due to the lack of alternative adequate accommodations; are living in emergency or transitional shelters; are abandoned in hospitals; or are awaiting foster care placement;

(b) have a primary nighttime residence that is a public or private place not designed for or ordinarily used as a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings;

(c) are living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations, or similar settings; and includes

(d) are migratory children who are living in circumstances described in clauses (a) through (c).

The Nevada School District may provide from time to time for the administration of physical exams or screenings of its students. The intent of the exams or screenings shall be to detect contagious or infectious diseases or defects in hearing, vision, or other elements of health that would adversely affect the student’s ability to achieve to his/her full potential.

The district shall notify parents, at least annually, of the specific or approximate dates of any non-emergency, invasive physical examination or screening that is:

3. not necessary to protect the immediate health and safety of the student, or of other students.

For the purposes of this policy, “Invasive Physical Examination” 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 screening.

Except in instances where a student is suspected of having a contagious or infectious disease, parents shall have the right to opt their student out of the exams or screenings by using form 4.41F or by providing certification from a physician that he/she has recently examined the student.

A student may be required to pass a physical exam before being allowed to participate in certain extracurricular activities to help ensure they are physically capable of withstanding the rigors of the activity. It is understood that students who refuse to take such an exam will not be allowed to participate in the desired activity.

The rights provided to parents under this policy transfer to the student when he/she turns 18 years old.

20 USC § 1232h (c) [NCLB Act of 2001, Part F, Section 1061 (c) (1)(D), (2)(A)(i)(ii)(B)(C)(iii)(I)(II)(III), (4)(B)(ii), (5)(B), (6)(B)(C)]

I, the undersigned, being a parent or guardian of a student, or a student eighteen (18) years of age or older, hereby note my objection to the physical examination or screening of the student named below.

____ Other, please specify __________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________

It shall be the policy of the Nevada school district that the most recently adopted version of the Student Handbook be incorporated by reference into the policies of this district. In the event that there is a conflict between the student handbook and a general board policy or policies, the more recently adopted language will be considered binding and controlling on the matter provided the parent(s) of the student, or the student if 18 years of age or older have acknowledged receipt of the controlling language.

Respect for the dignity of others is a cornerstone of civil society. Bullying creates an atmosphere of fear and intimidation, robs a person of his/her dignity, detracts from the safe environment necessary to promote student learning, and will not be tolerated by the Board of Directors. Students who bully another person shall be held accountable for their actions whether they occur on school equipment or property; off school property at a school sponsored or approved function, activity, or event; going to or from school or a school activity in a school vehicle or school bus; or at designated school bus stops.

A school principal or his or her designee who receives a credible report or complaint of bullying shall promptly investigate the complaint or report and make a record of the investigation and any action taken as a result of the investigation.

Attribute means an actual or perceived personal characteristic including without limitation race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, socioeconomic status, academic status, disability, gender, gender identity, physical appearance, health condition, or sexual orientation;

Bullying means the intentional harassment, intimidation, humiliation, ridicule, defamation, or threat or incitement of violence by a student against another student or public school employee by a written, verbal, electronic, or physical act that may address an attribute of the other student, public school employee, or person with whom the other student or public school employee is associated and that causes or creates actual or reasonably foreseeable:

Electronic act means without limitation a communication or image transmitted by means of an electronic device, including without limitation a telephone, wireless phone or other wireless communications device, computer, or pager that results in the substantial disruption of the orderly operation of the school or educational environment.

Electronic acts of bullying are prohibited whether or not the electronic act originated on school property or with school equipment, if the electronic act is directed specifically at students or school personnel and maliciously intended for the purpose of disrupting school, and has a high likelihood of succeeding in that purpose;

Harassment means a pattern of unwelcome verbal or physical conduct relating to another person's constitutionally or statutorily protected status that causes, or reasonably should be expected to cause, substantial interference with the other's performance in the school environment; and

Substantial disruption means without limitation that any one or more of the following occur as a result of the bullying:

Examples of "Bullying" may include but are not limited to a pattern of behavior involving one or more of the following:

1. Sarcastic comments "compliments" about another student’s personal appearance or actual or perceived attributes,

4. Non-verbal threats and/or intimidation such as “fronting” or “chesting” a person,

5. Demeaning humor relating to a student’s race, gender, ethnicity or actual or perceived attributes,

6. Blackmail, extortion, demands for protection money or other involuntary donations or loans,

12. Teasing or name-calling based on the belief or perception that an individual is not conforming to expected gender roles (Example: “Slut”) or conduct or is homosexual, regardless of whether the student self-identifies as homosexual (Examples: “You are so gay.” “Fag” “Queer”).

Students are encouraged to report behavior they consider to be bullying, including a single action which if allowed to continue would constitute bullying, to their teacher or the building principal. The report may be made anonymously. Teachers and other school employees who have witnessed, or are reliably informed that, a student has been a victim of behavior they consider to be bullying, including a single action which if allowed to continue would constitute bullying, shall report the incident(s) to the principal. Parents or legal guardians may submit written reports of incidents they feel constitute bullying, or if allowed to continue would constitute bullying, to the principal. The principal shall be responsible for investigating the incident(s) to determine if disciplinary action is warranted.

The person or persons reporting behavior they consider to be bullying shall not be subject to retaliation or reprisal in any form.

Students found to be in violation of this policy shall be subject to disciplinary action up to and including expulsion. In determining the appropriate disciplinary action, consideration may be given to other violations of the student handbook which may have simultaneously occurred.¹

Notice of what constitutes bullying, the District’s prohibition against bullying, and the consequences for students who bully shall be conspicuously posted in every classroom, cafeteria, restroom, gymnasium, auditorium, and school bus. Parents, students, school volunteers, and employees shall be given copies of the notice.

Students in grades nine through twelve (9-12) are required to schedule and attend at least 350 minutes of regularly scheduled class time daily. Part of this requirement may be met by students taking post-secondary courses. Eligible students’ enrollment and attendance at a post-secondary institution shall count toward the required weekly time of school attendance. Each credit hour shall count as three (3) hours of attendance time. This means a three (3) hour course shall count as nine (9) hours of the weekly required time of attendance.

Students may be assigned to no more than one (1) class period each day for a study hall that the student shall be required to attend and participate in for the full period. Such study halls are to be used for the purposes of self-study or for organized tutoring which is to take place in the school building.

Students may be assigned to no more than one (1) class period each day for organized and scheduled student extracurricular classes that the student shall be required to attend and participate in for the full class period. Extracurricular classes related to a seasonal activity shall meet for an entire semester whether or not the season ends prior to the end of the semester. Students must attend and participate in the class for the entire semester in order to receive credit for the course. For the purpose of this policy, extracurricular classes is defined as school sponsored activities which are not an Arkansas Department of Education approved course counting toward graduation requirements or classes that have not been approved by the Arkansas Department of Education for academic credit. Such classes may include special interest, fine arts, technical, scholastic, intramural, and interscholastic opportunities.

Enrollment and attendance in vocational-educational training courses, college courses, school work programs, and other department-sanctioned educational programs may be used to satisfy the student attendance requirement even if the programs are not located at the public schools. Attendance in such alternative programs must be pre-approved by the school’s administration. The district shall strive to assign students who have been dropped from a course of study or removed from a school work program job during the semester into another placement or course of study. In the instances where a subsequent placement is unable to be made, the district may grant a wavier for the student for the duration of the semester in which the placement is unable to be made.

In rare instances, students may be granted waivers from the mandatory attendance requirement if they would experience proven financial hardships if required to attend a full day of school. For the purpose of this policy, proven financial hardships is defined as harm or suffering caused by a student's inability to obtain or provide basic life necessities of food, clothing, and shelter for the student or the student's family. The superintendent shall have the authority to grant such a waiver, on a case-by-case basis, only when convinced the student meets the definition of proven financial hardships.

In any instance where a provision of a student’s Individual Education Plan (IEP) conflicts with a portion(s) of this policy, the IEP shall prevail.

Arkansas Department of Education Rules Governing the Mandatory Attendance Requirements for Students in Grades Nine through Twelve

All students are required to participate in the Smart Core curriculum unless their parents or guardians, or the students if they are 18 years of age or older, sign a Smart Core Waiver Form to not participate. While Smart Core is the default option, both a Smart Core Informed Consent Form and a Smart Core Waiver Form will be sent home with students prior to their enrolling in seventh grade, or when a 7-12 grade student enrolls in the district for the first time and there is not a signed form in the student’s permanent record. Parents must sign one of the forms and return it to the school so it can be placed in the students’ permanent records.This policy is to be included in student handbooks for grades 6-12 and both students and parents must sign an acknowledgement they have received the policy. Those students not participating in the Smart Core curriculum will be required to fulfill the Core curriculum or the requirements of their IEP (when applicable) to be eligible for graduation. Counseling by trained personnel shall be available to students and their parents or legal guardians prior to the time they are required to sign the consent forms.

While there are similarities between the two curriculums, following the Core curriculum may not qualify students for some scholarships and admission to certain colleges could be jeopardized. Students initially choosing the Core curriculum may subsequently change to the Smart Core curriculum providing they would be able to complete the required course of study by the end of their senior year. Students wishing to change their choice of curriculums must consult with their counselor to determine the feasibility of changing.

This policy, the Smart Core curriculum, and the courses necessary for graduation shall be reviewed by staff, students, and parents at least every other year to determine if changes need to be made to better serve the needs of the district’s students. The superintendent, or his/her designee, shall select the composition of the review panel.

Sufficient information relating to Smart Core and the district’s graduation requirements shall be communicated to parents and students to ensure their informed understanding of each. This may be accomplished through any or all of the following means.

· Inclusion in the student handbook of the Smart Core curriculum and graduation requirements;

· Discussion of the Smart Core curriculum and graduation requirements at the school’s annual public meeting, PTA meetings, or a meeting held specifically for the purpose of informing the public on this matter;

· Discussions held by the school’s counselors with students and their parents; and/or

· Distribution of a newsletter(s) to parents or guardians of the district’s students.

The first year of this policy’s implementation all employees required to be certified as a condition of their employment shall receive training regarding this policy so that they will be able to help successfully implement it. In subsequent years, administrators, or their designees, shall train newly hired employees, required to be certified as a condition of their employment, regarding this policy. The district’s annual professional development shall include the training required by this paragraph.

The number of units students must earn to be eligible for high school graduation is to be earned from the following categories. A minimum of 22 units is required for graduation for students participating in either the Smart Core or Core curriculum. In addition to the 22 units required for graduation by the Arkansas Department of Education.

Unless exempted by a student’s IEP, all students must successfully pass all end-of-course (EOC) assessments they are required to take or meet the remediation required for the EOC assessment to receive academic credit for the applicable course and be eligible to graduate from high school.⁷

Mathematics: four (4) units (all students under Smart Core must take a mathematics course in grade 11 or 12 and complete Algebra II.)

· Geometry or Investigating Geometry or Geometry A & B* which may be taken in grades 8-9 or 9-10

*A two-year algebra equivalent or a two-year geometry equivalent may each be counted as two units of the four-unit requirement for the purpose of meeting the graduation requirement, but only serve as one unit each toward fulfilling the Smart Core requirement.

· Choice of: Transitions to College Math, Pre-Calculus, Calculus, Trigonometry, Statistics, Computer Math, Algebra III, or an Advanced Placement math

(Comparable concurrent credit college courses may be substituted where applicable)

Note: While one-half (1/2) unit is required for graduation, no more than one (1) unit may be applied toward fulfilling the necessary units to graduate.

All career focus unit requirements shall be established through guidance and counseling based on the student’s contemplated work aspirations. Career focus courses shall conform to the curriculum policy of the district and reflect state curriculum frameworks through course sequencing and career course concentrations where appropriate.

The Smart Core and career focus units must total at least twenty-two (22) units to graduate.

· All math units must build on the base of algebra and geometry knowledge and skills.

· (Comparable concurrent credit college courses may be substituted where applicable)

*A two-year algebra equivalent or a two-year geometry equivalent may each be counted as two units of the four (4) unit requirement.

Note: While one-half (1/2) unit is required for graduation, no more than one (1) unit may be applied toward fulfilling the necessary units to graduate.

The Core and career focus units must total at least twenty-two (22) units to graduate.

4.45.1—GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS FOR THE CLASS OF 2008