LEEDS CITY SCHOOLS Home of the Green Wave

STUDENT HANDBOOK / CODE OF STUDENT CONDUCT 2016-2017

The Leeds City School System does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, national origin, creed, age, marital status, or disability in its educational programs, activities, or employment policies and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups as required by Title VI ABD, Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, Title IX of the 1972 Educational Amendments, Section 504 of the Federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the American with Disabilities Act (ADA). Leeds City Schools utilize curriculum materials that reflect the cultural and racial diversity present in the United States and the variety of careers and roles open to women as well as men in our society. An objective of the total curriculum and teaching strategies is to reduce stereotyping and to eliminate bias on the issue of sex, race, religion, and disability, to include Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The Curriculum should foster respect and appreciation for the cultural diversity found in our country and an awareness of rights, duties, and responsibilities of each individual as a member of pluralistic society. Inquiries regarding compliance with Title VI, Title IX, and Section 504 and ADA may be directed to the Superintendent of Education or designee, Leeds City Schools, PO Box 1029, Leeds, AL 35094.

i

LEEDS CITY SCHOOLS Acknowledgment of Student Handbook and Code of Student Conduct I_______________________________________________________, a student enrolled in Leeds (Print Name) City Schools at school and my parents/guardians hereby acknowledge by our signatures that we have received and read, or had read to us, the foregoing Student Handbook / Code of Student Conduct which includes the Internet Acceptable Use Policy, Discipline Policy, Attendance Policy, Sexual Harassment Policy, and Student Dress Code. Signed Signature of Student

Date

Signature of Father

Date

Signature of Mother

Date

Signature of Guardian

Date

Signature of Guardian

Date

Signed

Signed

Signed

Signed

This acknowledgment is to be detached and returned to the proper school employee (principal, counselor, homeroom teacher, etc.) as designated by the principal of the student’s school. The student will not be properly enrolled until this form has been signed and returned within five (5) days of receipt. Contained in this handbook are policies adopted by the City of Leeds Board of Education. The student may receive from the school attended an additional list of rules and regulations regarding specific behavior requirements at the school. Failure to follow those school regulations will also result in disciplinary action.

ii

This page is intentionally blank

iii

Alabama State Department of Education Policy Cell Phone/Digital Device in Testing Setting Cell Phone/Digital Device in a Testing Setting by Students The possession of digital devices (including but not limited to cell phones, MP3 players, cameras, mobile entertainment, social connections, navigation devices, or other telecommunication devices) is strictly prohibited in the testing setting. Local education agency (LEA) school personnel will collect such devices before students can enter the testing room. If a device is in the possession of a student in the testing setting, testing, for the student will cease, the device will be confiscated, the student will be dismissed from testing, and the student’s test will be invalidated. Additional disciplinary action may be taken by the LEA. Cell Phone/Digital Device in a Testing Setting by School Personnel School personnel involved in administration of state testing may not use digital devices (including but not limited to telephones, cell phones, MP3 players, camera, mobile entertainment, social connections, navigation devices, or other telecommunication devices) during test administration. Violations may result in disciplinary action/certification revocation. Additional disciplinary action may be taken by the LEA. Printed Name of Student: Student Signature: School Personnel Signature:

The document has been read to the student(s). School Personnel reading statement:

iv

This page is intentionally blank

v

CORPORAL PUNISHMENT PARENTAL CONSENT FORM PRINTED STUDENT’S NAME SCHOOL GRADE _________________________TEACHER_____________________________ According to Leeds City Schools Policy, parents or legal guardians who do not want corporal punishment to be administered to their child/children must inform the principal of the school on an annual basis. The principal will check for pre-existing medical conditions which would prevent corporal punishment from being administered. The parent/guardian shall be responsible to provide written documentation regarding the preexisting medical condition to the principal. Please complete the following information to approve or not approve the use of corporal punishment and return the form to your child/children’s school. Failure to return the form shall be considered authorization for school personnel to administer corporal punishment. _____

I do not give permission for the school to administer corporal punishment as a form of discipline to my child/children.

_____

I give permission for the school to administer corporal punishment as a form of discipline to my child/children. ___ Yes, the administration needs to be aware of my child’s pre-existing medical condition. I have attached medical documentation explaining the condition. ___ My child does not have a pre-existing medical condition.

*I certify that I am the parent/legal guardian of the listed students. ____________________________________ Parent/Guardian Signature

________________________ Date

vi

This page is intentionally blank

vii

CITY OF LEEDS BOARD OF EDUCATION HOME / SCHOOL LEARNING COMPACT LPS, LES, and LMS ONLY 2016-2017 Student Name: ____________________Printed Name:_______________Grade: _________ STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES: I will: § Attend school regularly. § Attend school on time. § Complete and return homework assignments. § Obey student conduct rules. § Come to school each day with school books, pens, pencils, paper and any other tools necessary for my school work. § Develop and maintain good study habits including reading 30 minutes daily § Respect and cooperate with other students and adults. § Give my parents/guardian all papers sent from the school Student Signature: ________________________________________________________ PARENT RESPONSIBILITIES: I will: § Help my child attend school regularly and be on time. § Provide an appropriate place at home to study /monitor extracurricular activities § Serve on school committees if possible and volunteer when possible § Monitor the amount of television watched § Read information sent from the school § Support the school in its efforts to maintain proper discipline. § Become involved in the education of my child by staying aware of what my child is learning. § Attend parent meetings/conferences at school § Make sure my child completes homework and review it regularly. § Make sure my child eats a nutritionally-sound diet. § Make sure my child gets the proper amount of rest each school night. Parent Signature: __________________________Printed Name:_____________________ SCHOOL RESPONSIBILITIES: We will: § Provide high-quality curriculum and instruction in a supportive and effective learning environment that enables the participating children to meet the state’s student academic achievement standards § Hold parent-teacher conferences during which this compact will be discussed as it relates to the individual child’s achievement § Provide parents with frequent reports on their children’s progress § Provide parents reasonable access to staff § Provide parents opportunities to volunteer and participate in their child’s class, and to observe classroom activities when it is scheduled with the teacher School Personnel Signature: ________________Printed Name:________________

Additional suggestions and/or comments welcome viii

This page is intentionally blank

ix

LEEDS CITY SCHOOLS Permission to Publish Student Information/Work on the Internet Dear Parent or Guardian: Your permission is being requested to potentially publish information, such as photographs, awards, honor rolls, etc. of your child on one of our school’s websites or in other school literature. This permission shall also include video recording as well. Student’s Printed Name:

Grade:

! I give Leeds City Schools permission to publish the information described above on the school website or in other school literature. ! I DO NOT give Leeds City Schools permission to publish the information on the school website or in other school literature. Signature of Student, Grades 6 – 12 only

Date

Signature of Parent/Guardian

Date

A copy of this form is to be kept on file in the school office.

x

This page is intentionally blank

xi

Leeds City Schools Technology Acceptable Use Agreement I have read, understand and agree to abide by the terms of the Technology Acceptable Use Agreement. Should I commit any violation or in any way misuse my access to the School System's computer network and the Internet, or do not abide by the terms of the Technology Acceptable Use Agreement, I understand and agree that my access privilege may be revoked and disciplinary action may be taken against me.

Printed Name

(student)

Printed Name

Parent/Guardian

Signature

(student)

Signature

Parent/Guardian

Grade

School

Date

Date

xii

This page is intentionally blank

xiii

--- First Year Enrollment Only --ALABAMA STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION EMPLOYMENT SURVEY School System:

School Year:

School:

Grade:

Dear Parents or Guardians: Please, complete the following survey. The results of this survey will be used to determine if you are possibly eligible for the Migrant Education Program. Printed Student Name: Name of Parent or Guardian: Address: Telephone Number: 1. Have you moved during the last 3 years to work or to seek work even if it was for a short period of time? YES NO 2. Are you or your spouse working or have you worked in an activity directly related to some of the following? Please, check ( √ ) all applicable:

□

The production or process of harvests, milk products, poultry farms, poultry plants, cattle farms

□ □ □ □ □ □

Fruit farms The cultivation or cutting of trees Work in nurseries or sod farms Fish or shrimp farms Worm farms Catching or processing sea food (shrimp, oysters, crabs, fish, etc…)

3. From what city, state, or country did you come from?

4. What type of work did you or your spouse do before coming here?

Revised: 6/1/08 V.2

xiv

This page is intentionally blank

xv

xvi

This page is intentionally blank

xvii

First Year Enrollment Only

Leeds City Schools Survey Printed  Name  of  Student:  _________________________________Grade:    __________    

  McKinney-­‐Vento  Act  Survey   All   public   schools   are   required   by   federal   law   to   provide   services   for   students   who   qualify   based   upon   the   McKinney-­‐Vento   Act.     This   act   deals   with   housing.   There   are   services   that   can   be   offered   to   children   and   youths   who   are   sharing   the   housing   of   those   persons   due   to   loss   of   housing,   economic   hardship   (or   similar   reason),   living   in   standardized   housing,   or   living   in   primary   nighttime   residence   that   is   a   public   or   private   place   not   ordinarily   used   as   a   regular   sleeping   accommodation.   Please   complete   the   following   and   return   to   your   child’s   counselor.   ALL  INFORMATION  IS  CONFIDENTIAL.  Only  total  numbers  are  reported.     Yes   No   1.  Do  you  and  your  child(rent/  live)  in  a  dwelling  that  is  owned  by  another  family   AND  that  member    lives  there  also?  (Ex:  Your  family  lives  with  grandmother  in   grandmother’s  house)   Yes    

No  

2.  Does  your  family  share  a  dwelling  with  another  family?  

Yes  

No  

3.  Does  your  residence  have  plumbing  that  does  not  work?  

Yes  

No  

4.  Do  more  than  two  people  have  to  share  a  bed  in  your  living  area?  

Yes  

No  

5.  Is  your  family  in  a  shelter?  

Yes  

No  

6.  Is  your  family  living  in  a  car  or  at  a  camping  ground?  

Yes  

No  

7.  Does  your  child  live  with  a  friend  or  relative  without  the  biological  parent(s)   or  legal  guardian  living  there?  

Yes  

No  

8.  Has  your  family  recently  lost  housing  due  to  loss  of  employment,  fire,   tornado,  or  flooding?  

Yes   No   9.  Is  housing  inadequate  for  human  habitation?             Signature  of  Parent                                            Printed  Name        

 

 

Date  

xviii

This page is intentionally blank

xix

Escuela de la Ciudad de Leeds Estadistica  del  Acta  McKinney-­‐Vento   A  todas  las  escuelas  públicas  se  les  requiere  por  la  ley  federal  proveer  servicios  para  los   estudiantes  quienes  califiquen  basados  en  el  Acta  McKinney-­‐Vento.  Esta  acta  tiene  que  ver  con   la  vivienda.  Hay  servicios  que  pueden  ser  ofrecidos  a  los  niños  y  jóvenes    que  están   compartiendo  la  viviendo  con  aquellas  personas  que  han  perdido  la  vivienda,  por  apuros   económicos,  (o  razones  similares),  viviendo  en  casas  estandarizadas,  o  viviendo  primariamente   en  lugares  para  pasar  la  noche  ya  sea  en  lugares  públicos  o  privados  que    no  son  ordinariamente   usados  como  un  lugar  regular  para  dormir.  Por  favor  conteste  las  siguientes  preguntas  y   entrégalo  a  la  consejera  de  su  niño.  Toda  la  información  es  confidencial.  Solamente  los   números  totales  son  reportados.     Si     No   1.  Vive  usted  y  su  niño(s)  en  una  casa  que  le  pertenece  a  otra  familia    y  ese       miembro  vive  ahí  también?  (Ex:  Su  familia  vive  con  la  abuelita  en  la  casa  de  la         abuelita)   Si  

No  

2.  Su  familia  comparte  vivienda  con  otra  familia?  

Si  

No  

3.  Tiene  su  residencia  problemas  de  plomería  

Si  

No  

4.  Tienen  dos  o  más  personas  que  compartir  la  cama  en  la  casa?  

Si  

No  

5.  Esta  su  familia  viviendo  en  un  albergue?  

Si  

No  

6.  Esta  su  familia  viviendo  en  un  carro  o  un  área  de  acampar?  

Si  

No  

7.  Tiene  usted  problemas  o  dificultades  para  oír  en  el  área  donde  vive?  

Si    

No    

8.  Vive  su  niño  con  un  amigo  o  familiar  sin  que    sus  padres  biológicos  o  guardian     legal  vivan  ahí?  

Si    

No    

9.  Recientemente  su  familia  ha  perdido  la  vivienda  debido  a  pérdida  de  empleo,   fuego,     tornado,  o  inundación?  

Si   No   10.  Es  la  casa  inadecuada  para  ser    habitada?         _____________________________________________       _________________                                                                      Firma  del  padre                                                                                                                                                                      Fecha  

xx

This page is intentionally blank

xxi

Leeds City Schools School-based Student Random Drug and Alcohol Testing Program Pupil Consent to Test Form I understand fully that my performance as a pupil and the reputation of my school are dependent, in part, on my conduct as an individual. I hereby agree and abide by the standards, rules, and regulations set forth by the Leeds City Board of Education and sponsors-coaches for the activity in which I participate. I authorize the Leeds City Schools to conduct a test on saliva or urine which I provide onsite to test for alcohol and/or drug use if my number is drawn from the random pool. Pursuant to the regulations for the Students Random Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy and Implementing Guidance, I also authorize the release of information concerning the results of such tests to designated personnel. I understand that this form remains in effect until the submission of an Activity Drop Form or graduation and/or withdrawal from the school district. ___________________________________ Pupil name (print) Current grade

________________________ Pupil ID (leave blank)

___________________________________ Pupil signature

________________________ Date

___________________________________ Parent-guardian name (print)

________________________ Contact number(s)

___________________________________ Parent-guardian signature

________________________ Date

I plan to participate in one or more of the following: _______ _______ _______

Athletic program Competitive extra-curricular clubs-organizations Student driver/authorized to park on the campus of Leeds High School via parking permit

xxii

This page is intentionally blank

xxiii

Leeds City Schools School-based Student Random Drug and Alcohol Testing Program Drop Form

I, ______________________________, wish to withdraw from Print Name

___________________________________________________. I will submit this form to the advisor-coach of said activity. My name will be withdrawn from the testing pool on the date this is received by the principal or designee. Completing this form will pertain to all athletic programs and extra-curricular activities with competitive components as well as student drivers. I understand, by withdrawing, I can no longer participate in any athletic programs or other programs with competitive components, as well as driving-parking at school, and I may not receive recognition as a member of these activities or athletic programs. I may re-enter the testing pool after a period of one (1) calendar year by filling out a new consent form. PUPILS HAVE 15 CALENDAR DAYS TO RECONSIDER THEIR DECISION AND RE-ENTER THE POOL WITH NO CONSEQUENCES. _______________________________ Pupil signature

______________________ Date

_______________________________ Parent signature

______________________ Date

_______________________________ Advisor-coach signature

______________________ Date

_______________________________ Principal signature

______________________ Date

xxiv

This page is intentionally blank

xxv

xxvi

xxvii

Leeds City Schools Home of the Green Wave

Our Vision Promoting Achievement, Respect, and Success

Our Mission Statement The mission of Leeds City Schools is to develop confident, productive young people and enable them to become independent xxviii

and successful learners in a global society.

We will

accomplish this through a dedicated professional staff committed to continued learning.

A relevant curriculum will

be taught based on thinking and reasoning skills.

This will

take place in a positive environment recognizing the individual differences in children.

xxix

This page is intentionally blank

xxx

STUDENT HANDBOOK / CODE OF STUDENT CONDUCT INTRODUCTION Instruction should occur in an environment that is conducive to learning. Effective instruction requires good order and discipline which may be described as the absence of distractions, friction and disturbances which interfere with the effective functioning of the student, class and school. Leeds City Schools hopes to nurture a friendly - yet businesslike - atmosphere in which students and school personnel work cooperatively toward mutually recognized and accepted goals. Ultimately, the goal of the Board of Education in student discipline is to modify undesirable behavior while maintaining a school environment, which provides maximum learning opportunities for all students. As students progress in our public schools, it is reasonable to assume that an increase in age and maturity will result in the students assuming greater responsibility for their own actions; however, the procedures identified in this document shall apply to all students in grades PreK - 12.

xxxi

This page is intentionally blank

xxxii

Table of Contents Signature Pages Acknowledgement of Student Handbook and Code of Conduct ...................................................ii ALSDE Policy: Cell Phone/Digital Device in Testing Setting ......................................................iv Corporal Punishment Parental Consent Form .............................................................................vi Home/School Learning Compact (LPS, LES, and LMS only) .................................................... viii Permission to Publish Student Information/Work on the Internet ................................................ x Technology Acceptable Use Agreement ..................................................................................... xii ALSDE Employment Survey ...................................................................................................... xiv Encuesta de Empleo .................................................................................................................. xvi McKinney-Vento Act Survey .................................................................................................... xviii Estadistica del Acta McKinney-Vento .........................................................................................xx School-based Student Random Drug and Alcohol Testing Program .................................xxii-xxiv Pupil Consent to Test Form ......................................................................................... xxii Drop Form ................................................................................................................... xxiv ALSDE Health Assessment Record ................................................................................. xxvi-xxvii

General Information Leeds City Schools Mission Statement .................................................................................. xxviii Introduction ............................................................................................................................... xxx Table of Contents ........................................................................................................... xxxii-xxxiii 2016 – 2017 School Calendar ............................................................................................... xxxiv Superintendent’s Letter ........................................................................................................... xxxv Board of Education and Administrative Staff ......................................................................... xxxvi Schools and Principals ........................................................................................................... xxxvi Board of Education Members’ Addresses and Phone Numbers ........................................... xxxvii

Code of Conduct and Student Handbook Academic Diploma Tracks……….. ..................................................................................... 25 - 27 Alcohol, Drugs, and Tobacco ..................................................................................................... 56 Alternative Education, At Risk, and Drop Out Programs………………………………………54 - 55 Appeal of Hearing Decision ....................................................................................................... 86 Appendices A – H ............................................................................................................. 87 - 106 Bus / Transportation ............................................................................................................ 44 - 47 Cell Phone Use .......................................................................................................................... 66 Charged Meals ........................................................................................................................... 20 Class I – Minor Offenses ............................................................................................................ 75 Class I – Disciplinary Action ....................................................................................................... 76 Class II – Intermediate Offenses ......................................................................................... 76 - 79 Class II – Disciplinary Action ............................................................................................... 79 - 80 Class III – Major Offenses ................................................................................................... 80 - 83 Class III – Disciplinary Action ..................................................................................................... 83 Class Rankings and Weighted Credit………………………………………………………………….30 Compulsory School Attendance Age ...................................................................................... 5 - 7 Credit Recovery Program ................................................................................................... 32 - 34 Credits and Required Courses for High School .................................................................. 24 - 26 Diploma Requirements…………………………………………………………………………………..27 Disciplinary Action – Jurisdiction to Take ................................................................................... 59 Discipline of Students with Disabilities ....................................................................................... 72 Dress and Grooming Guidelines ......................................................................................... 73 - 74

xxxiii

Table of Contents (continued) Drug Testing Program – Procedures .................................................................................. 57 - 59 Due Process ....................................................................................................................... 84 - 85 Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) ......................................................... 14 - 15 Gifted Services .................................................................................................................... 11 - 12 Grading Scales .......................................................................................................................... 21 Homeless Students ............................................................................................................. 15 - 16 Honors Criteria ............................................................................................................. 21 – 23; 27 Hospital Homebound Service ............................................................................................. 17 - 18 Interrogations and Searches ............................................................................................... 68 - 70 Law Enforcement – Unannounced Visits ................................................................................... 71 Limited English Proficient (LEP)/English Language Learners (ELL) .......................................... 18 Los Padres el Derecho a Saber ................................................................................................. 13 Medications – Administration During School Hours ............................................................ 48 - 49 Meningococcal Disease and Vaccine – Important Information ........................................... 50 - 51 Metal Detectors ................................................................................................................... 67 - 68 Migrant Students ................................................................................................................. 16 - 17 MyLunchMoney .......................................................................................................................... 20 Nutrition Program ................................................................................................................ 19 - 20 Other Academic Programs .................................................................................................. 34 - 35 Parents’ Right to Know .............................................................................................................. 12 Participation in Graduation Ceremonies………………………………………………………………29 Pre-AP and AP Courses ............................................................................................................ 28 Problem Solving Team (PST) .................................................................................................... 11 Research .................................................................................................................................... 12 Returned Check Policy .............................................................................................................. 20 Safe and Drug Free Schools ...................................................................................................... 57 Special Education Services – Child Find and Section 504 ........................................................ 10 Student Attendance and Absences ......................................................................................... 3 - 4 Student Code of Conduct, Purpose of ......................................................................................... 1 Student Government .................................................................................................................... 2 Student Grievances ............................................................................................................ 52 - 53 Student Harassment & Bullying Prevention ........................................................................ 60 - 62 Student Harassment, Bullying, Threat of Violence Report Form ............................................... 64 Student Promotion and Retention…………………………………………………………………..8 - 9 Student Publications .................................................................................................................... 2 Students Who Withdrew with Discipline Pending ...................................................................... 57 Technology Acceptable Use for Students ........................................................................... 37 - 43 Textbooks and Library Books .................................................................................................... 56 Valedictorian, Salutatorian, and Honor Graduates .................................................................... 31 Virtual School Program Option……………………………………………………………………..35-36

xxxiv

Leeds City Schools School Calendar 2016-2017 First Semester

August August August August

3 4 5 8&9

August September October October

10 5 3 10 & 11

November 11 November 21 & 22 November December December December

23 - 25 20 21 22–January 3

Wednesday Thursday Friday Mon & Tues Wednesday Monday Monday Mon & Tues Friday Mon & Tues Wed - Fri Tuesday Wednesday -------------

New Employee Orientation System Institute In-service (all teachers and school employees) Professional Development (all teachers and school employees) First Day for Students Labor Day (schools/offices closed) Teacher Conferences (no students) Fall Break (schools/offices closed) Veteran’s Day (schools/offices closed) In-service/swap days (no students) ** Thanksgiving Holidays (schools/offices closed) Students’ Last Day In-service (no students) End of 1st Semester Christmas Break (schools/offices closed)

Second Semester

January 4 January 16 February 20 March 27 – 31 April 14

Wednesday Monday Monday Mon – Fri Friday

May

12

Friday

May May May

24 25 29

Wednesday Thursday Monday

2016

2017

Students & Faculty Return King Holiday (schools / offices closed) In-service (no students) Spring Break (schools/offices closed) Inclement weather day #1 (schools closed unless needed for make-up)

Inclement weather day #2 (schools closed unless needed for make-up)

Students’ Final Day In-service & Graduation - Teachers’ Final Day Memorial Day – schools/offices closed

** Principals may schedule professional development on November 21-22 in lieu of approving swap days Total Days:

Student Teacher

177 187

(school day will be 8:00am – 3:10 pm) (certificated employees’ day will be 7:45am – 3:25pm)

xxxv

Leeds City Schools Promoting Achievement Respect and Success 1404 Eighth Street/P.O. Box 1029 • Leeds, Alabama 35094 (205) 699-KIDS (5437) • Fax (205) 699-6629 www.leedsk12.org Dear Parents and Students: On behalf of the City of Leeds Board of Education, I would like to welcome you to the 2016-2017 school year. We are honored that you have elected to send your child to our school system, and we take our responsibility to you seriously. Our goal is to educate the whole child so that he/she is ready to meet the challenges of the ever-changing global society and economy in which we live. I believe part of the success of the Leeds School System is based in our commitment to maintaining positive partnerships with all stakeholders: students, parents, teachers, community members, and businesses. We will continue to improve not only standardized scores, but to also grow academic offerings in the area of career technical education in the middle and high school grades. We are excited to provide more for our students than we ever have in the past. Our school district was awarded District Accreditation in June 2015 by Advanced Ed, an international accrediting agency of 31,000 schools. This is a designation we should all be proud to claim. We are excited to announce that a new fourth campus, Leeds Primary School, will be open for this school year. We look forward to alleviating overcrowding at Leeds Elementary and Middle Schools with the opening of this new school. Please know that we welcome your involvement in our schools, and we hope to make the 2016-2017 school year one of the best for your child. If I may ever be of service to you, please do not hesitate to contact my office. Roll Greenwave!

John J. Moore Superintendent of Education

xxxvi

BOARD OF EDUCATION MEMBERS Mr. Scott Sisk, President Ms. Tamara Graham, Vice President Ms. Kathy Dutton, Member Mr. Phillip Hyche, Member Mr. Chad Anderson, Member Mr. John J. Moore, Superintendent [email protected] Chief Financial Officer ..................................................................... Mr. Ryan Miller [email protected] Director of Student Services and Personnel ..................................... Ms. Amy Terry [email protected] Director of Secondary Education and Testing.. ................................. Dr. Jason M. Baker [email protected] Director of Elementary Education and Federal Programs ................. Dr. Burke Wren [email protected]

SCHOOLS AND PRINCIPALS Leeds Primary School

Ms. Lisa Shaddix [email protected]

991 Park Drive Leeds, AL 35094 TBA

Leeds Elementary School

Mr. Justin Burns [email protected]

950 Ashville Road Leeds, AL 35094 (205) 699-4500

Leeds Middle School

Mr. Bobby Byrd [email protected]

1771 Whitmire Street Leeds, AL 35094 (205) 699-4505

Leeds High School

Mr. D. Brent Shaw [email protected]

1500 Greenwave Drive Leeds, AL 35094 (205) 699-4510

xxxvii

LEEDS CITY SCHOOLS BOARD OF EDUCATION Mr. Scott Sisk (President) .................................................................. (205) 699-3909 6806 Lanford Lane Leeds AL 35094 Ms. Tamara Graham (Vice President) ............................................... (205) 586-2262 1100 Cahaba Avenue Leeds AL 35094 Ms. Kathy Dutton ............................................................................. (205) 699-6055 6444 Zeigler Road Leeds AL 35094 Mr. Phillip Hyche .............................................................................. (205) 577-1999 8680 Dover Drive Leeds AL 35094 Mr. Chad Anderson ........................................................................... (205) 699-3656 7015 Rowan Lane Leeds AL 35094

xxxviii

CODE OF STUDENT CONDUCT The purpose of the Code of Student Conduct is to provide a safe, business-like, and nurturing environment conducive to teaching and learning in the Leeds City Schools. This section of the handbook has been prepared in accordance with Discipline Procedures of the Leeds City Schools. It contains information for school personnel, students, and parents. The Code of Student Conduct is an outline of expected behaviors and the consequences relating to various violations. Expected behavior is behavior that promotes learning and encourages maturity during the school day as well as during all school related activities. Students and their parents need to know and understand this code in order to achieve these goals. Each student is expected to: • Demonstrate courtesy and respect for others • Behave in a responsible manner at school, on school buses, and at all school functions on or off campus • Attend all classes regularly and on time • Prepare for each class, take appropriate materials assignments to class • Be well-groomed and dress appropriately • Obey all campus and classroom rules • Respect the property of others including system property and facilities • Cooperate with or assist the school staff in maintaining safety, order, and discipline • Avoid violations of the Code of Student Conduct The system may impose campus, classroom, or club/organization rules in addition to those found in the Code of Student Conduct. These rules may be listed in the student and campus handbooks or posted in classrooms, published in extracurricular handbooks, state or national organizations by-laws, and/or constitutions, are adopted and approved by the sponsor, principal, and/or system administrator, and may or may not constitute violations of the Code of Student Conduct. A copy of these standards shall be provided to the students and administrators. Sponsors and coaches of extracurricular activities may develop and enforce additional standards of conduct that are higher than the system general standards and may condition membership or the student’s participation in the activity on adherence to those standards. Extracurricular standards of behavior may take into consideration conduct that occurs anytime, on or off school property. However, no provision of an extracurricular behavioral standard shall have the effect of disclaiming on the basis of gender, race, disability, religion, or ethnicity. A copy of these standards shall be provided the students and administrators. Organizational standards of behavior of an extracurricular activity are independent of the Code of Student Conduct. Violations of these standards of behavior that are also violations of the student Code of Conduct may result in independent disciplinary actions. A student may be removed from participation in extracurricular activities or may be excluded from school honors for violation of Code of Student Conduct. 1

STUDENT GOVERNMENT PHILOSOPHICAL BASIS: Effective student government associations are the forums for the training and involvement of students in the democratic process. Members of the school community share the responsibility for shaping student government associations into instruments for student involvement. STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES ARE: 1.

To become knowledgeable of Board and individual school policies governing the actions of students,

2.

To conduct election campaigns in a positive, mature manner with all respect provided to opponents,

3.

To vote for student government officers and representatives who are responsive to the needs of the school(s) and who will work constructively toward the resolution of such needs,

4.

To attend regularly scheduled meetings, if elected, as a student representative and to exhibit appropriate conduct at all times.

STUDENT RIGHTS ARE: 1.

To form and operate a student government within the respective schools under the direction of the faculty advisor,

2.

To have access to policies of the Board and individual school,

3.

To seek office in student government, or any school organization, regardless of race, disability, sex, creed, or political beliefs,

4.

To attend, as student government officers and representatives, official student government meetings upon approval of such meetings by the school principal or his/her designee. STUDENT PUBLICATIONS

PHILOSOPHICAL BASIS: One of the important roles of the school is to provide effective avenues through which students may express themselves on a wide range of subjects. Official student publications, such as school newspapers, should include the viewpoints representative of the student body. STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES ARE: 1.

To refrain from publishing libelous, obscene, or disrespectful materials,

2.

To seek full information on the topic,

3.

To observe the accepted rules for responsible journalism under the guidance of the faculty advisor.

STUDENT RIGHT IS: 1. To participate, as part of the educational process, in the development and distribution of publications.

2

CHAPTER 5.00 – STUDENTS

STUDENT ATTENDANCE AND ABSENCES

5.40

Alabama law requires all children between the ages of six (6) and seventeen (17) to attend school. The law further provides that a parent, guardian, or other person having control or charge of a school-age child is responsible for that child’s regular attendance and proper conduct. Parents and guardians are responsible for enrolling their children in school and ensuring that the children attend school and obey behavior policies adopted by the Board. Parents failing to enroll students and ensuring their proper behavior and attendance are subject to fines and imprisonment under state law. Regarding absences, a parent, guardian, or other person having charge of any child officially enrolled in an Alabama public school shall explain in writing the cause of any and every absence of the child no later than three (3) school days following the child’s return to school. Failure to furnish such explanation shall be evidence of the child being truant each day he/she is absent. The child shall also be deemed truant for any absence determined by the principal to be unexcused based on the current State Department of Education attendance manual. A. Excused (Permissible) Absences Absences are excused for the following reasons: 1. Illness, 2. Death in the immediate family, 3. Inclement weather which would be dangerous to the life and health of the child as determined by the principal and/or Superintendent, 4. Legal quarantine, 5. Emergency conditions as determined by the principal and/or Superintendent, or 6. Prior permission of the principal with the consent of the parent or legal guardian. B. Unexcused Absences/Truancy Unexcused absences are those for which no acceptable written explanation is provided by the parent, guardian, or person having control of the child, or for other reasons other than those noted above in “Excused (Permissible) Absences” section or those after ten (10) days per school year for which no physician or court documentation is provided. If any child fails to attend school without a legal excuse for more than five (5) days, the child and the person having custody of that child shall be referred to a meeting with the LCS Hearing Officer. Upon seven (7) unexcused absences, the child and the person having custody of that child will be referred to the Jefferson County Early Warning Program. Finally, ten (10) unexcused absences within a school year will result in a student being considered truant for the purpose of filing a petition with the court system. C. Excessive Absences Excessive absences are defined as any absence above ten (10) days for a student per school year. Days of absences beyond ten (10) days must be documented by a Page 1 of 2

LEEDS CITY 5.40 3

physician’s statement or by a court order to be considered excused. A parent/guardian note of explanation is not acceptable for absences after the tenth (10th). Absences without a physician’s statement or court documentation beyond these numbers shall be considered unexcused absences. D. Early Warning/Truancy Intervention Program State law requires parent/guardians who enroll a student in school to be responsible for the child’s regular attendance and proper conduct. The Leeds City Board of Education, The Leeds City District Attorney’s Office, and the Leeds City Juvenile Probation Office, adheres to procedures published annually in the Code of Student Conduct to reduce truancy and to promote school attendance. In addition, the Leeds City School System actively participates in the Jefferson County Early Warning Program. E. Make-Up Work Schoolwork missed due to excused absences may be made up, and a grade shall be awarded. Students shall have two (2) days for each day of excused absence to complete and return make-up work. It is the responsibility of the student to request and return make-up work. F. Credit Not Awarded for Excessive Absences Any student who accumulates excessive absences in any course may not receive credit or Carnegie units in that particular course. In a traditional period schedule, a student may not exceed more than nine (9) absences per class per semester. In accordance with a student’s Individualized Education Plan, 504 Plan, Problem Solving Team Recommendation, or with Permission from the Principal, credit or Carnegie units may be allowed for a student who has more than nine (9) absences per class per semester. The principal may stipulate that the absences be certified in writing from the court or a physician. Furthermore, the principal may require the student to attend additional educational instruction through a Board recognized program to receive Carnegie units or credits. REFERENCE(S):

CODE OF ALABAMA 16-28-2.2, 16-28-12 TO -15, LEGISLATIVE ACT 2009-564

HISTORY:

ADOPTED: MAY 23, 2003 REVISED: MAY 9, 2016 FORMERLY: 5.40

Page 2 of 2

LEEDS CITY 5.40 4

CHAPTER 5.00 – STUDENTS

COMPULSORY SCHOOL ATTENDANCE AGE

5.41

Every student residing in the area served by the Leeds City School System between the ages of six (6) and seventeen (17) years shall be required to attend a state-approved school for the entire length of the school term in every scholastic year. Every student must attend the entire length of each school term through the day preceding the seventeenth (17th) birthday. Students of school age not known to be enrolled in school shall be reported to proper authorities. An accurate record of attendance for each student shall be maintained by the classroom or homeroom teacher or other designated person. A. ENTRANCE 1. ADMISSION Admission to public school shall be on an individual basis on the application of the parents, legal custodian, or guardian of the child to the local board of education at the beginning of each school year, under such rules and regulations as the board may prescribe. Authority: Ala. Code §16-28-3(1975) 2. ATTENDANCE ZONES/DISTRICTS The county or city superintendent shall recommend a plan for identifying local attendance districts and shall submit this plan for approval and adoption by the county or city board of education. Students shall be assigned to the schools within the attendance district according to local board policies, court order or applicable state laws, and/or State Board of Education mandates. Authority: Ala. Code §§16-9-17(1975), 16-28-19(1975), 16-8-34(1975) B. AGE 1. 1. REQUIRED TO ATTEND Every child between the ages of six and 17 years shall be required to attend a public school, private school, church school, or be instructed by a competent private tutor. Admission to public school shall be on an individual basis on the application of the parents, legal custodian, or guardian of the child to the local board of education at the beginning of each school year, under such rules and regulations as the board may prescribe. The parent, legal custodian, or guardian of a child who is six years of age, may opt out of enrolling their child in school at the age of six years by notifying the local school board of education, in writing that the child will not be enrolled in school until he or she is seven years of age. Authority: Ala. Code §16-28-1, §16-28-3 and §16-287(1975)as amended by Alabama Act No: 2014-245

Page 1 of 3

LEEDS CITY 5.41 5

2. MINIMUM AGE FOR ADMISSION a. A child who is 6 years of age on or before September 1(2)* or the date on which school begins in the enrolling school system shall be entitled to admission to the public elementary schools at the opening of such schools for that school year or as soon as practicable thereafter. Authority: Ala. Code §16-28-4(1975) *Report of Attorney General of Alabama, October-December 1963, Volume 113, page 20 *An opinion of the Attorney General states in effect that under the common law one’s age is computed by including the day of birth so that a given age is attained the day before the birthday anniversary. b. A child whose sixth birthday falls on or before February 2, with the approval of the local board of education, be admitted at the beginning of the second semester in school systems having semiannual promotions of pupils. Authority: Ala. Code §16-28-4(1975) c. A child whose fifth birthday falls on or before September 1 (2)* or the date on which school begins in the enrolling district is entitled to admission to the Kindergarten program at the beginning of the school year or as soon as practicable thereafter. Authority: Ala. Code §16-28-4(1975) Interpretation based on *Report of Attorney General of Alabama October-December 1963, Volume 113, page 20 d. Kindergarten or Grade 1 students who were enrolled in an Alabama private school, church school, or were being tutored in accordance with the Ala. Code (1975) and who seek admission to Kindergarten or Grade 1 in the public schools must meet the age requirements for admittance. Authority: Ala. Code §16-28-4(1975) *An opinion of the Attorney General states in effect that under the common law one’s age is computed by including the day of birth so that a given age is attained the day before the birthday anniversary. 3. AGE REQUIREMENTS-KINDERGARTEN AND GRADE 1 OUT-OF-STATE TRANSFERS a. An underage child who transfers from the first grade of a school in another state may be admitted, but must have the approval of the local board of education. Authority: Ala. Code §16-28-4(1975) b. An underage child who has moved into this state and has completed a mandated kindergarten program in another state shall be entitled to admission to the public elementary school regardless of age. Authority: Ala. Code §16-28-4(1975) c. An underage child who transfers to Alabama from the public school Kindergarten in another state may be admitted, but must have prior approval of the local board of education. Authority: Ala. Code §16-28-4(1975) d. The age requirements apply to the provision of special education and related services Page 2 of 3

LEEDS CITY 5.41 6

for preschool children with disabilities by the child’s third birth date. Public agencies may not use school admission cutoff dates to deny special education services for eligible preschool children. However, these children may not attend the regular kindergarten program, unless they meet the age requirements. Authority: Alabama Administrative Code: 290-8-9-.04(3(a)

REFERENCE(S):

CODE OF ALABAMA 16-28-2.2, 16-28-12, 16-28-3, 16-28-4,

HISTORY:

ADOPTED: OCTOBER 12, 2010 REVISED: FEBRUARY 18, 2016 FORMERLY: NEW

Page 3 of 3

LEEDS CITY 5.41 7

CHAPTER 5.00 – STUDENTS

STUDENT PROMOTION AND RETENTION

5.26

All students must comply with the Leeds City School System attendance policy to be promoted to the next grade. No student will be recommended for retention unless their case has been presented to the school’s problem solving team. Any teacher recommending retention must document using intervention strategies and their results. Promotion or retention decisions for students who transfer after the beginning of the final quarter of the school year will be made on a case-by-case basis. The promotion determination process should involve the principal and teacher(s) with the authority for determining promotion and retention resting entirely with the teacher(s) and principal, except that a kindergarten student may be retained only upon approval/agreement of the student’s parent(s) or guardian(s). Grades 1-5 To be promoted to the next grade, a student in grades one (1) through four (4) should be proficient in reading and mathematics to grade level standards. The process of making decisions as to promotion and retention of students should take into consideration a variety of factors including age, maturity, motor coordination, capacity for learning, and academic progress. If a student needs to be retained based on the educators’ professional judgment of the student’s academic performance and/or other factors, the parent(s) or guardian(s) of that student would be informed as early in the school year as possible. In all cases, the decision of whether a student should be promoted or retained shall be made on the basis of which grade placement provides the student a better chance of progressing in his/her educational development. Grades 6-8 Students enrolled in grades six (6) through eight (8) must pass English (or the combined average of separate language and literature classes), math, science, and social studies in order to be promoted to the next higher grade. Students who do not pass required core courses each year will be retained at their current grade level for the next school year unless they successfully meet the requirements in an approved summer school program. Only one core subject may be attempted in summer school. Placement If a student is retained twice in any grade or is two (2) or more years older than typical grade level peers, he/she may be placed in the next higher grade level upon teacher recommendation(s) and the approval of the principal. A possible referral for evaluation for special education services for such a student is recommended. Grades 9-12 For students to be permitted to move to the next higher grade level, the following standards must be met: Page 1 of 2

LEEDS CITY 5.26 8

Tenth Grade – students who have earned five (5) Carnegie units will be classified as tenth graders. Eleventh Grade - students who have earned eleven (11) Carnegie units will be classified as eleventh graders. Twelfth Grade – students who have earned seventeen (17) Carnegie units will be classified as twelfth graders. Summer School Options A student who does not pass coursework in a logical and sequential order should be strongly encouraged to attend an approved summer school to earn the required Carnegie unit(s) necessary for orderly progression through the courses required for graduation. Special Education Students Promotion of any student in a special education program, with the exception of gifted students, must be based on his/her accomplishments of goals stated in the IEP in conjunction with all other regular program requirements. However, a special education student (except gifted) may not be placed at any grade level unless the student has attended school for a commensurate number of years equal to the proposed grade placement; i.e., for a special education student to be placed at the sixth (6th) grade level, he/she must have been enrolled in school for at least five (5) years. REFERENCE(S):

CODE OF ALABAMA 16-8-35

HISTORY:

ADOPTED: MAY 23, 2003 REVISED: FEBRUARY 18, 2016 FORMERLY: 4.72

Page 2 of 2

LEEDS CITY 5.26

9

10/16/2010, 10:55AM

Page 1 of 1

LEEDS CITY 5.41

SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES – CHILD FIND The City of Leeds Board of Education is committed through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA) of 2004, to ensure that children ages birth to twenty-one, regardless of the severity of their disability, and who need special education and related services are identified, located, and evaluated. Child Find applies to children with disabilities who attend private schools, including children attending religious schools, w i t h i n the education agency's jurisdiction, highly mobile children with disabilities (e.g. migrant), homeless children, or children who are wards of the State and children who are suspected of having a disability and are in need of special education, even though they have not failed, been retained in a course or grade or are advancing from grade to grade. Please contact Amy Terry, Director of Student Services, at (205) 699-5437 for additional information.

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 Section 504 is an Act which prohibits discrimination against individuals with a disability in any program receiving Federal financial assistance. The Act defines a person with a disability as anyone who: 1.

has a mental or physical impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities (major life activities include activities such as caring for one’s self, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning and working);

2.

has a record of such an impairment; or

3.

is regarded as having such an impairment.

In order to fulfill its obligation under Section 504, the Leeds City Schools recognize a responsibility to avoid discrimination in policies and practices regarding its personnel and students. No discrimination against any person solely due to his/her disability will knowingly be permitted in any of the programs and practices in the school system. The school district has specific responsibilities under the Act, which include the responsibility to identify, evaluate, and if the child is determined to be eligible under Section 504, to afford access to appropriate educational services. If the parent or guardian disagrees with the determination made by the professional staff of the school district, he/she has a right to a hearing with an impartial hearing officer. If there are questions contact Dr. Burke Wren, Director of Elementary Education, at (205) 699-5437.

10

PROBLEM SOLVING TEAM (PST) According to the Alabama Administrative Code 290-3-1-.02(19): Building Based Student Support Teams (BBSST) have been replaced with Problem Solving Teams (PST). (a) Definitions. Problem Solving Teams (PST) is a model to guide general education intervention services for all students who have academic and/or behavioral difficulties. The PST is central to the school’s successful implementation of the Response to Instruction (RtI) framework. (b) Decisions regarding the number of PSTs needed by a school should be determined at the school level; however, a minimum of one PST per school is required. (c) The documentation requirements for a referral to special education found in the Alabama Administrative Code, Chapter 290-8-9.01(2) and (4) [Child Identification] and Chapter 290-8-9.03(10)(b)1., (10)(c)2.(ii), (10)(d)2.(I)(II)(ii) and (10)(d)4. [Disability Definitions, Criteria, and Minimum Required Evaluative Components] must be collected and provided by the PST. (d) Any student who is reevaluated and determined not eligible for special education services must be referred to the PST to determine the appropriate supplemental services to facilitate successful transition to the general education program. Please call Dr. Burke Wren, Director of Elementary Education, at (205) 699-5437 for any additional information.

GIFTED SERVICES Gifted Education Program According to the Alabama Administrative Code 290-8-9.12(1), gifted is defined as "Intellectually gifted children and youth are those who perform or who have demonstrated the potential to perform at high levels in academic or creative fields when compared with others of their age, experience, or environment. These children and youth require services not ordinarily provided by the regular school program. Children and youth possessing these abilities can be found in all populations, across all economic strata, and in all areas of human endeavor." Gifted students are those who perform at or who have demonstrated the potential to perform at high levels in academic or creative fields when compared to others of their age, experience, or environment. These students require services not ordinarily provided by the regular school program. Students possessing these abilities can be found in all populations, across all economic strata, and in all areas of human endeavor. Teachers, counselors, administrators, parents or guardians, peers, self, or any other individuals with knowledge of the student’s abilities may refer a student. Additionally, all second grade students will be observed as potential gifted referrals using a gifted behavior checklist. 11

For each student referred, information is gathered in the areas of Aptitude, Characteristics, and Performance. The information is entered on a matrix where points are assigned according to established criteria. The total number of points earned determines if the student qualifies for gifted services. For more information or to make a referral, contact Amy Terry, Director of Student Services, at (205) 699-5437.

RESEARCH All instructional materials, including teachers' manuals, films, tapes, or other supplementary material which will be used in connection with any survey, analysis or evaluation conducted by or for the school system, shall be available for inspection by the parents or guardians of the students involved in the survey, analysis or evaluation. No student shall be required to submit to a survey, analysis or evaluation which reveals any of the following information without prior consent of the student (if an adult or an emancipated minor) or of the student's parent or guardian: Information concerning political affiliations or beliefs of the student or parent; mental and psychological problems; sexual behavior and attitudes; illegal, anti-social, selfincriminating and demeaning behavior; critical appraisals of other individuals with whom students have close family relationships; legally recognized privileges and analogous relationships such as those with lawyers; physicians and ministers; religious practices; affiliations or beliefs of the student or student's parent; or income (other than that required by law to receive eligibility for participation in a program or for receiving financial assistance under such program). PARENTS RIGHT-TO-KNOW Dear Parent/Guardian: In accordance with ESEA Section 1111(h)(6) PARENTS RIGHT-TO-KNOW, the Leeds City School District is notifying every parent of a student in a Title I school that you have the right and may request information regarding the professional qualifications of your child’s classroom teacher. At this time, Leeds Primary, Leeds Elementary, and Leeds Middle Schools are Title I. This information regarding the professional qualifications of your child’s classroom teachers including, at a minimum, the following: 1. Whether the teacher has met State qualification and licensing criteria for the grade levels and subject areas in which the teacher provides instruction. 2. Whether the teacher is teaching under emergency or other provisional status through which State qualification or licensing criteria have been waived. 3. The baccalaureate degree major of the teacher and any other graduate certification or degree held by the teacher, and the field of discipline of the certification or degree. 4. Whether the child is provided services by paraprofessionals and, if so, their qualifications. Leeds City Schools, Federal Programs 12

LOS PADRES EL DERECHO A SABER Estimados Padres de Familia/Guardianes: De acuerdo con la Sección ESEA 1111 (h) (6) DERECHO DE LOS PADRES A SABER, el distrito escolar, Leeds City School District, está notificando a todos los padres de un estudiante en una escuela de Título I que ustedes tienen el derecho y podrán solicitar información sobre las calificaciones profesionales del maestro de su hijo/a. En este momento, las escuelas en primarias e intermedias de Leeds son el Título I. Esta información a cerca de las calificaciones profesionales de maestros de su hijo/a, incluyen, como mínimo, lo siguiente: 1. Si el maestro ha cumplido con requisitos estatales y criterios de concesión de licencias para los grados y áreas temáticas en las que el maestro provee instrucción. 2. Si el maestro está enseñando bajo una licencia de emergencia u otro estado provisional a través del cual los criterios de calificación del estado o la de concesión de licencias han sido objeto de renuncia. 3. El título de bachillerato del maestro y cualquier otra certificación de graduación o título obtenido por el maestro y el campo de la disciplina de la certificación o título. 4. Si el niño está recibiendo servicios por paraprofesionales y de ser así, sus calificaciones. Las Escuelas de Leeds, Programas Federales

13

THE FAMILY EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS AND PRIVACY ACT (FERPA) This act offers parents and students over 18 years of age "eligible students" certain rights with respect to the student's education records. They are as follows: The right to inspect and review the student's education records within 45 days of the day the system receives a request for access. Parents or eligible students should submit to the school principal [or appropriate school official] a written request that identifies the record(s) they wish to inspect. The principal will make arrangements for access and notify the parent and eligible student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the parent or eligible student believes are inaccurate or misleading. Parents or eligible students may ask City of Leeds Board of Education to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate or misleading. They should write the school principal, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading. If the system decides not to amend a record as requested by the parent or eligible student, the system will notify the parent or eligible student of the decision and advise them of their right to a hearing regarding request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the parent and eligible student when notified of the right to a hearing. The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student's education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. One exception, which permits disclosure without consent, is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the system 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 system has contracted to perform a special task, (such as attorney, auditor, medical consultant, or therapist); or 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. 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. The right to file a complaint with the U. S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the system to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the office that administers FERPA is: Family Policy Compliance Office U.S. Department of Education 600 Independence Ave. SW Washington, DC 20202-4605 The school system has designated the following types of personally identifiable information about students as “Directory Information.” Directory information may be released by the school system without the consent of a parent or student. • • • • •

Student's name, address and telephone listing; Date and place of birth; Dates of attendance; Participation in officially recognized activities and sports; Weight and height of members of athletic teams;

14

Photographs; Video and audio images and recordings; Diplomas and awards received; Major field of study; The name of the most recent previous educational agency, institution, or school attended by the student.

• • • • •

A parent or eligible student who desires that the school system not release any or all of the directory information about a student must notify the school system to that effect in writing addressed to City of Leeds Board of Education, Attention: the principal of the respective school, no later than September 1, 2016, or within ten (10) school days after the student enrolls.

HOMELESS STUDENTS The McKinney-Vento program is designed to address the problems which homeless children and youth have faced in enrolling, attending and succeeding in school. State educational agencies must ensure that each homeless student has equal access to the same free, appropriate public education, including a public preschool education, as other students. Homeless children and youth should have access to the educational and other services that they need to enable them to meet the same challenging State student academic achievement standards to which all students are held. In addition, homeless students may not be separated from the mainstream school environment. State and system are required to review and undertake steps to revise laws, regulations, practices, or policies that may act as a barrier to the enrollment, attendance, or success in school of homeless children and youth. Every local education agency (LEA) is required to designate a local liaison for homeless children and youth. The local liaison serves as one of the primary contacts between homeless families and school staff, system personnel, shelter workers, and other service providers. The local liaison must ensure that: • • •

•

• •

Homeless children and youth are identified by school personnel and through coordination activities with other agencies and entities; Homeless students enroll in, and have full and equal opportunity to succeed in, the schools of the LEA; Homeless children and youth receive educational services for which they are eligible, including Head Start, Even Start, and preschool programs administered by the LEA, and referrals to health, mental health, dental and other appropriate services; Parents or guardians of homeless children and youth are informed of educational and related opportunities available to their children and are provided with meaningful opportunities to participate in the education of their children; Parents and guardians and unaccompanied youth are fully informed of any transportation services; Enrollment disputes are mediated in accordance with the requirements of the McKinney-Vento Act; and 15

•

Public notice of the educational rights of homeless children and youth receive services under the Act.

In meeting these responsibilities, a local liaison will assist homeless children and youth with activities such as the following: • • • •

•

Enrolling in school and accessing school services; Obtaining immunizations or medical records; Informing parents, school personnel, and others of the rights of homeless children and youth; Working with school staff to make sure that homeless children and youth are immediately enrolled in school pending resolution of disputes that might arise over school enrollment or placement; and Helping to coordinate transportation services for homeless students.

States and local systems may be eligible for federal grants to establish programs to assist in the identification and education of homeless children and youth. Such funds may be used to provide additional educational materials and supplies, student transportation, tutoring, medical services or other demonstrated needs related to the academic achievement of the student. Additional information about best practices for educating homeless children and youth is available from the U.S. Department of Education website (www.usdoe.gov). Special provisions for homeless students are provided. Please contact the homeless liaison, Dr. Burke Wren at 699-5437 if you have any questions. Local Support Services Jessie’s Place of the Jimmie Hale Mission 2305 5th Ave North Birmingham, AL 323-0170 Downtown Jimmie Hale Mission Men’s Center 3420 2nd Ave North Birmingham, AL 324-2271

Leeds First United Methodist Church 7833 Parkway Drive – Leeds AL 699-8575 Cedar Grove Baptist Church 2001 Cedar Grove Rd – Leeds AL 699-8446 First Baptist Church,Leeds 7481 Parkway Drive – Leeds AL 699-6141

MIGRANT STUDENTS Federal legislation describes the local education agency’s (LEA’s) responsibilities for education services to migrant students. Federal legislation also provides the parameters for identifying and developing appropriate instructional programs for students meeting the Federal statutory definition as migrant. A migrant child is defined as one who is, or whose parent, spouse, or guardian is, a migratory agricultural worker, including a migratory agricultural worker, including a migratory dairy worker, or a migratory fisher, and who, in the preceding 36 months, 16

in order to obtain, or accompany such parent, spouse, guardian, in order to obtain temporary or seasonal employment has moved from one (1) school system to another. Systems are directed annually to conduct surveys to identify migrant students and to submit reports of migrant students enrolled in the system. Federal funds allocated under Title I, subpart C may be used to provide supplemental educational and other services to migrant students and their families. Please contact the Director of Elementary Education, Dr. Burke Wren, at (205) 699-5437 for additional information.

HOSPITAL HOMEBOUND SERVICE A student enrolled in Leeds City Schools, who has a medically diagnosed physical condition which is non-communicable and restricts the student to his/her home or a hospital for a period of time that will significantly interfere with his/her education is eligible to be served by the hospital homebound program. A student is not eligible for hospital homebound if absence is due to any of the following: 1. Emotional Problems. 2. Cases of pregnancy not requiring abnormal restriction of activities as prescribed by a licensed physician. 3. Abuse of chemical substances where hospitalization is not required. Pregnant students are eligible for hospital homebound if, and only if, a medical doctor determines the condition does not permit attendance at the school. A medical referral form shall be completed and signed by a physician, as defined in state law and licensed by the appropriate state agency or board. The physician shall project that the student will be absent a minimum of 10 consecutive school days and is physically able to participate in educational instruction, unless the physician certifies that the student has a chronic health condition causing the student to be absent for intermittent periods of time, (i.e., of greater than, equal to or less than 10 days on each occasion), during the school year. In case of the latter situation, re-documentation of the chronic or recurring condition is not required upon each period of absence. At a minimum, an annual medical referral on the chronic or recurring condition shall be maintained on file at the school. A physician shall certify that the condition restricts the student and state the date of expected recovery or length of expected incapacitation. A parent requesting hospital homebound services shall contact the principal of their child's school. An application, completed and signed by the physician, shall be returned to the principal for approval prior to initiating hospital homebound services. A student will be counted as present each day if served a minimum of three (3) hours per week. The hospital homebound teacher shall consult the child's regular classroom teacher(s) to provide continuity of the educational program. 17

It is the responsibility of the student to keep the appointment with the hospital homebound teacher. If the appointment is not kept, the student may be dropped from the program. In addition to the above guidelines, the following applies for special education students: When eligibility for Special Education Services is determined, the Individualized Educational Program (IEP) team shall convene to review the (IEP) for any necessary changes and to recommend Hospital Homebound services. The student is counted present each day if served a minimum of three (3) hours per week (unless otherwise specified and documented by the Individualized Education Program (IEP) team). A parent and/or a guardian shall be present in order for the child to be served by the hospital homebound teacher. For information contact Amy Terry, Director of Student Services, at (205) 699-5437.

LIMITED ENGLISH PROFICIENT (LEP) / ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNER (ELL) In Alabama, the definition of a Limited English Proficient (LEP)/ English Language Learner (ELL) student is as follows: “(25) Limited English Proficient – the term ‘limited English proficient’, when used with respect to an individual, means an individual: (A) Who is age three (3) through twenty-one (21); (B) Who is enrolled or preparing to enroll in an elementary school or secondary school; (C)(i) Who was not born in the United States or whose native language is a language other than English; (ii)(I)Who is a Native American or Alaska Native, or native resident of the outlying areas; and (II) Who comes from an environment where a language other than English has had a significant impact on the individual level of English language proficiency; or (iii)Who is migratory, whose native language is a language other than English; and who comes from an environment where a language other than English is dominant; and (D) Whose difficulty in speaking, reading, writing, or understanding the English language may be sufficient to deny the individual, (i) The ability to meet the State’s proficient level of achievement on State Assessments described in section 1111(b)(3); (ii)The ability to successfully achieve in classrooms where the language of instruction is English; or , (iii)The opportunity to participate fully in society. Please contact the Director of Elementary Education, Dr. Burke Wren, at (205) 699-5437 for additional information.

18

SCHOOL NUTRITION PROGRAM Breakfast Served Student Breakfast Reduced Breakfast Employees Visitors Visitor Child Extra Milk

7:30 – 7:55 AM $1.25 $ .30 $1.75 $2.25 $2.00 $ .50

Student Lunch/Primary/Elementary $2.25 Student Lunch/Middle/High $2.50 Reduced Lunch/All Schools $ .40 Employees $3.50 Visitors $3.75 Visitor Child $3.50

Meals are planned to include nutrition and variety in mind. A copy of the monthly menu is sent home with elementary students and posted on each school’s website. The menu is subject to change due to circumstances beyond our control. Children are assigned a meal identification (ID) number. Parents are encouraged to help their child memorize the number. The student will enter the number on a keypad each time he/she purchases an item/meal from the cafeteria. Parents may put any amount of money in their child's account for them to use for breakfast, lunch, and/or a la carte items. When sending meal money, please label it with the child's name and ID number. Please do not combine meal money with any other payment to the school. Parents may contact the lunchroom to check their child's account balance between 7-10AM or 1-2PM, or they can set up an account on Mylunchmoney.com. The application for Free or Reduced Meals will be available at school. Following review of application, the parent shall receive a letter within ten (10) days informing them of the status of the application. Parents are responsible for meal payment during the application process. If a child cannot drink milk or requires a special diet, the cafeteria manager will need to have a signed statement from his/her physician. The Child Nutrition Program wants to encourage healthy eating habits and ensure that the foods being provided to our children are handled in accordance with the Alabama State Department of Health food safety regulations. For this reason, no food other than that provided by the Child Nutrition Program shall be available to students from the beginning of the school day until after the end of the last lunch period. School administrators are required to restrict student access to other food service meals, such as fast food/restaurants. These meals are not allowed. Also, the United States Department of Agriculture prohibits carbonated beverages, soft drinks and other categories of foods of minimal nutritional value (cupcakes, cake, cookies, etc.) that are associated with parties. Competitive Food Rule: 7 CFR 210.11 and 220.12 (USDA) Examples of allowable foods for parties: Fruit/fruit trays, vegetables/vegetable trays, granola bars, baked chips, popcorn. Should you have questions regarding foods of minimal nutritional value, please contact school administrators before offering the item to students. Anita Carlisle, Child Nutrition Program Director, may also be contacted at 205-699-5437, extension 6. Nutrition Staff Leeds Primary School Cafeteria Manager Leeds Elementary School Cafeteria Manager Leeds Middle School Cafeteria Manager Leeds High School Cafeteria Manager

Ms. Janine Miller Ms. Janice Daffron Ms. Michelle Kelly Ms. Theresa Cooper

TBA 205-699-4500 x 2006 205-699-4505 x 3006 205-699-4510 x 4006

19

Charged Meals The charge policy for Leeds City Schools consists of a five (5) meal limit at Leeds Primary and Leeds Elementary. LPS and LES students will receive a nominal meal after accumulating five (5) unpaid charges. LMS and LHS students will receive a nominal meal if the student brings no money or has no money in his/her account. A Leeds Middle/High School student shall not be permitted to charge a meal. LPS and LES students who charge a meal are given a slip stating the amount that the child owes for meals. The charge slip is given to the student each day that he/she charges so that the parent will know that his/her child needs money for the meal account. Adults and/or employees shall not be allowed to charge meals. No student shall be permitted to charge a la carte items, ice cream, or milk.

Returned Check Policy Any bad check will go immediately to a recovery company that contacts the bank and then the funds are pulled from the account. If there are insufficient funds, then the recovery company will work to recover the funds from the party with the returned check.

MyLunchMoney

Mylunchmoney.com Online Prepayment for your child’s meals  

MyLunchMoney is the nation’s leading site for updating and managing your student’s cafeteria expenses. Introduced nearly 10 years ago, it was the first online prepayment system for school meals, allowing parents to say goodbye to sending cash and checks to the school cafeteria. MyLunchMoney is a secure environment that allows parents to prepay student meals using credit/debit cards ($1.95 charged per online transaction for each student) and set up recurring payments when the account reaches a low balance threshold. MyLunchMoney also provides free services to parents who want to set up an account. This account would enable the parent to view student account balances, view student meal purchases, set student spending limits, and receive an email when a student’s account reaches a low balance threshold. MyLunchMoney is a convenient tool provided for parents to allow easy access to their student/s’ account.

20

GRADING SCALES The academic grading scale for K-12 shall be as follows: Kindergarten - 2

Grades 3 - 12

3 – Proficient 2 – Developing 1 – Emerging

A: B: C: D: F:

90 - 100 80 - 89 70 - 79 60 - 69 0 - 59

The grading scale for K – 5 for Physical Education, Art, and Music, and Other Electives shall be: S - Satisfactory N - Needs Improvement U - Unsatisfactory The grading scale for Conduct in Grades K - 5 shall be: E – Excellent S – Satisfactory N – Needs Improvement U - Unsatisfactory

HONORS CRITERIA Kindergarten, 1st grade, and 2nd grade students are recognized daily/weekly for academic accomplishments. Honor rolls are not used at this level. “A” Honor Roll (Grades 3 - 4) When: Who:

Every nine (9) weeks Students who have a grade average of 90-100 (with rounding) or greater for the nine (9) weeks grading period in each core subject (math, science, social studies, language arts) and Satisfactory (S) in Physical Education, Music, and Art shall be eligible for the honor roll. Student names will be submitted to the newspaper.

“A-B” Honor Roll (Grades 3 - 4) When: Who:

Every nine (9) weeks Students who have a grade average of 80-100 (with rounding) for the nine (9) weeks grading period in each core subject (math, science, social studies, language arts) and Satisfactory (S) in Physical Education, Music, and Art shall be eligible for the honor roll. Student names will be submitted to the newspaper.

21

Annual “A” Honor Roll (Grades 3 - 4) When: Who:

End of school year Annual Honor Roll shall be based on the student satisfying the criteria for “A” honor roll for each of the first three (3) nine weeks and at the end of 4 ½ weeks of the fourth nine weeks. The names of these students will be submitted to the newspaper. These students will be recognized at a special program. Certificates will be given as the Annual “A” Honor Roll award.

Annual “A-B” Honor Roll (Grades 3 - 4) When: Who:

End of school year Annual Honor Roll shall be based on the student satisfying the criteria for “A-B” honor roll for each of the first three (3) nine weeks and at the end of 4 ½ weeks of the fourth nine weeks. The names of these students will be submitted to the newspaper. These students will be recognized at a special program. Certificates will be given as the Annual “A-B” Honor Roll award.

“A” Honor Roll (Grades 5-8) When: Who:

Every nine (9) weeks Students who have a grade average of 90-100 (with rounding) or greater for the nine (9) weeks grading period in all subjects shall be eligible for the honor roll.

“A-B” Honor Roll (Grades 5-8) When: Who:

Every nine (9) weeks Students who have a grade average of 80-100 (with rounding) for the nine (9) weeks grading period in each subject shall be eligible for the honor roll.

Annual “A” Honor Roll (Grades 5-8) When: Who:

End of the year Students who have grades averaging 90-100 in each subject. Annual Honor Roll shall be based on the student satisfying the criteria for “A” honor roll for each of the first three (3) nine weeks and at the end of 4 ½ weeks of the fourth nine weeks. These students will be recognized at a special program. Certificates will be given as the Annual “A” Honor Roll award.

Annual “A & B” Honor Roll (Grades 5-8) When: Who:

End of the year Students who have a grade average of 80-100 (with rounding) in each subject. Annual Honor Roll shall be based on the student satisfying the criteria for “A-B” honor roll for each of the first three (3) nine weeks and at the end of 4 ½ weeks of the fourth nine weeks. These students will be recognized at a special program. Certificates will be given as the Annual “A-B” Honor Roll award. 22

Principal’s Annual “A” Honor Roll (Grades 9-12) When: Who:

End of the year Students who have grades averaging 90-100 in each subject. Annual Honor Roll shall be based on the student satisfying the criteria for “A” honor roll for each of the first three (3) nine weeks and at the end of 4 ½ weeks of the fourth nine weeks. These students will be recognized at a special program. Certificates will be given as the Principal’s Annual “A” Honor Roll award.

Annual “A-B” Honor Roll (Grades 9-12) When: Who:

End of the year Students who have grades averaging 80-100 in each subject. Annual Honor Roll shall be based on the student satisfying the criteria for “A-B” honor roll for each of the first three (3) nine weeks and at the end of 4 ½ weeks of the fourth (4) nine weeks. These students will be recognized at a special program. Certificates will be given as the Annual “A-B” Honor Roll award.

Highest Average in Academic Subjects (Grades 9-12) When: Who:

End of the school year Students who have the highest numerical average in an academic subject. Students enrolled in the class first semester shall be based on the 1st and 2nd nine weeks grades. Students enrolled in the class in the second semester shall be based on the 1st nine weeks and the average at the 4 ½ week of the second nine weeks. These students shall be recognized at a special program.

23

State of Alabama High School Diploma Credit Requirements Students enrolled as freshmen in the school year 2013 – 2014 and all who follow will receive diplomas based on the following pages (pages 24 - 27) English ....................................................................................................................... 4 Units English 09 or equivalent ....................................................................................... 1.0 English 10 or equivalent ....................................................................................... 1.0 English 11 or equivalent ....................................................................................... 1.0 English 12 or equivalent ....................................................................................... 1.0 Mathematics............................................................................................................... 4 Units Algebra I or equivalent* ....................................................................................... 1.0 Geometry or equivalent ........................................................................................ 1.0 Algebra II or equivalent ........................................................................................ 1.0 Math Choice ......................................................................................................... 1.0 *Students could complete this course at the middle school level, but will still be required to complete 4 units at the high school level. This student will complete 2 Math Choices. History ....................................................................................................................... 4 Units World History or equivalent ................................................................................. 1.0 U.S. History through 1877 or equivalent .............................................................. 1.0 U.S. History 1877 to Present or equivalent .......................................................... 1.0 Government .......................................................................................................... 0.5 Economics ............................................................................................................ 0.5 Science ....................................................................................................................... 4 Units Biology or equivalent ........................................................................................... 1.0 Physical Science Choice ....................................................................................... 1.0 2 Science Choices ................................................................................................. 2.0 Physical Education ................................................................................................. 1.5 Units L.I.F.E or equivalent. ............................................................................................ 1.0 Health.................................................................................................................... 0.5 Career Preparedness ................................................................................................. 1.0 Unit Electives.................................................................................................................. 5.5 Units Fine Arts, Career Technical, and/or Foreign Language* ..................................... 3.0 Elective Choice ..................................................................................................... 2.5 *Students must complete 3 units of any combination in the fine arts, career technical, and/or foreign language programs. Total Credits ............................................................................................................ 24 Units

24

State of Alabama High School Diploma Credit Requirements w/ Advanced Academic Endorsement English ....................................................................................................................... 4 Units English 09 or equivalent ....................................................................................... 1.0 English 10 or equivalent ....................................................................................... 1.0 English 11 or equivalent ....................................................................................... 1.0 English 12 or equivalent ....................................................................................... 1.0 **2 of the 4 units must be in an honors equivalent or advanced level course Mathematics............................................................................................................... 4 Units Algebra I or equivalent* ....................................................................................... 1.0 Geometry or equivalent ........................................................................................ 1.0 Algebra II with Trigonometry .............................................................................. 1.0 Pre-Calculus.......................................................................................................... 1.0 *Students could complete this course at the middle school level, but will still be required to complete 4 units at the high school level. This students would complete through Calculus. History ....................................................................................................................... 4 Units World History or equivalent ................................................................................. 1.0 U.S. History through 1877 or equivalent .............................................................. 1.0 U.S. History 1877 to Present or equivalent .......................................................... 1.0 Government .......................................................................................................... 0.5 Economics ............................................................................................................ 0.5 **2 of the 4 units must be in an honors equivalent or advanced level course Science ....................................................................................................................... 4 Units Biology or equivalent ........................................................................................... 1.0 Life Science Choice .............................................................................................. 1.0 Chemistry.............................................................................................................. 1.0 Science Choice ..................................................................................................... 1.0 Physical Education ................................................................................................. 1.5 Units L.I.F.E or equivalent. ............................................................................................ 1.0 Health.................................................................................................................... 0.5 Career Preparedness ................................................................................................. 1.0 Unit Electives.................................................................................................................. 5.5 Units Fine Arts, Career Technical, or Foreign Language .............................................. 1.0 Foreign Language ................................................................................................. 2.0 Elective Choice ..................................................................................................... 2.5 Total Credits ............................................................................................................ 24 Units

25

State of Alabama High School Diploma Credit Requirements w/ Career Technical Endorsement English ....................................................................................................................... 4 Units English 09 or equivalent ....................................................................................... 1.0 English 10 or equivalent ....................................................................................... 1.0 English 11 or equivalent ....................................................................................... 1.0 English 12 or equivalent ....................................................................................... 1.0 Mathematics............................................................................................................... 4 Units Algebra I or equivalent* ....................................................................................... 1.0 Geometry or equivalent ........................................................................................ 1.0 Algebra II or equivalent ........................................................................................ 1.0 Math Choice ......................................................................................................... 1.0 *Students could complete this course at the middle school level, but will still be required to complete 4 units at the high school level. This student will complete 2 Math Choices. History ....................................................................................................................... 4 Units World History or equivalent ................................................................................. 1.0 U.S. History through 1877 or equivalent .............................................................. 1.0 U.S. History 1877 to Present or equivalent .......................................................... 1.0 Government .......................................................................................................... 0.5 Economics ............................................................................................................ 0.5 Science ....................................................................................................................... 4 Units Biology or equivalent ........................................................................................... 1.0 Life Science Choice .............................................................................................. 1.0 Physical Science Choice ....................................................................................... 1.0 Science Choice ..................................................................................................... 1.0 Physical Education ................................................................................................. 1.5 Units L.I.F.E or equivalent. ............................................................................................ 1.0 Health.................................................................................................................... 0.5 Career Preparedness ................................................................................................. 1.0 Unit Electives.................................................................................................................. 5.5 Units Career Technical* ................................................................................................. 3.0 Elective Choice ..................................................................................................... 2.5 *Students must complete 3 units and acquire completer status within one career technical program. Total Credits ............................................................................................................ 24 Units

26

Diploma Requirements All students must complete the minimal number of credits required for the State of Alabama High School Diploma and successfully complete the state required assessments. Honors Recognitions Valedictorian and Salutatorian awards will be awarded to the students who have earned the State of Alabama High School Diploma with the Advanced Academic Endorsement and have acquired the highest GPA in the core academic courses and foreign language requirements. The student with the highest GPA will be awarded valedictorian and the student with the second highest GPA will be awarded salutatorian. Valedictorian and salutatorian students will be recognized at the graduation ceremony. Students maintaining a cumulative GPA of 4.0 or higher will be noted as Honor Graduates and will be recognized at the graduation ceremony with honors cords. Students receiving an endorsement on their diploma will be recognized with a graphic representation added on their diploma and also noted on the graduation program.

27

Pre-AP and AP Courses Pre-AP and AP courses will be offered at Leeds High School, in lieu of honor courses beginning the 2015-2016 school year. Students wishing to participate in these courses must meet specific prerequisites, including but not limited to, teacher permission, GPA requirements, and high stakes testing scores. Students who successfully complete the following courses will earn an additional 0.5 or 1.0 quality point if they complete the course with a 70 average or higher depending on the course taken. Course Pre-AP English 9 Pre-AP English 10 AP English 11 - Language & Composition AP English 12 - Literature & Composition Pre-AP World History Pre-AP United States History I AP United States History Pre-AP Government Pre-AP Economics Pre-AP Geometry Pre-AP Algebra II Pre-AP Pre-Calculus AP Calculus AB Pre-AP Biology Pre-AP Chemistry AP Biology AP Chemistry Pre-AP Physics

Grade Level 09 10 11

Extra Quality Point Earned 0.5 0.5 1.0

12

1.0

09 10 11 12 12 09/10 10/11 11/12 12 09 10 11/12 11/12 12

0.5 0.5 1.0 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 1.0 0.5 0.5 1.0 1.0 0.5

28

CHAPTER 5.00 – STUDENTS

PARTICIPATION IN GRADUATION CEREMONIES

5.21

The Leeds City Board of Education authorizes local high school principals and appropriate staff members to design and implement graduation ceremony exercises for their respective schools. In all cases, eligibility criteria for participation in graduation exercises (marching) shall encompass the following provisions: 1. Students who have met the requirements for any Alabama High School Diploma are eligible to participate in the graduation ceremony (marching). 2. Special education students who have not met the requirements for a diploma but have met the requirements of their IEPs shall be permitted to participate in the graduation ceremony and will be awarded the Graduation Certificate.

REFERENCE(S):

CODE OF ALABAMA 16-11-9

HISTORY:

10/16/2010, 10:52 AM

ADOPTED: JUNE 15, 2015 REVISED: _______ FORMERLY: NEW

Page 1 of 1

Leeds City 5.21

29

CHAPTER 5.00 – STUDENTS

CLASS RANKINGS AND WEIGHTED CREDIT

5.22

Class rankings (GPA) for senior students shall be computed using a four (4) point scale as follows: A = 4 points B = 3 points C = 2 points D = 1 point F = 0 points Weighted credit (A=5 points; B=4 points; and C=3 points) shall be awarded in courses with Honors, PreAP, or AP (Advanced Placement) distinction. Class rankings shall be calculated at the end of the senior year. Calculations will be carried out four decimal places with no “rounding”. REFERENCE(S):

CODE OF ALABAMA 16-11-9

HISTORY:

10/16/2010, 10:53 AM

ADOPTED: JUNE 18, 2015 REVISED: _______ FORMERLY: NEW

Page 1 of 1

Leeds City 5.22

30

CHAPTER 5.00 – STUDENTS

VALEDICTORIAN, SALUTATORIAN, and HONOR GRADUATES

5.23

Ten (10) senior honor students shall be designated from among those students who are candidates for the Advanced Academic Diploma. Determinations of senior award th winners shall be made at the conclusion of the 4 term. In the case of a tie, the students shall share the honor/title of the award. Calculations for honor graduates, valedictorian, and salutatorian shall be the student’s earned grade point average (GPA) in academic core and foreign language courses in grades 9 through 12 carried out to the fourth (4th) decimal place. The student with the highest GPA shall be declared valedictorian, and the student with the second highest GPA shall be declared salutatorian. Should there be a tie for valedictorian and/or salutatorian when GPA is calculated, tied candidates shall serve as co-valedictorians or co-salutatorians. Candidates for these two awards/honors shall have attended Leeds High school for two (2) consecutive years (grades 11 and 12) and shall not have been found guilty of a Class III conduct violation by the Hearing Officer or the Board of Education in grades 9 through 12. After valedictorian and salutatorian students have been determined, the remaining students of the top ten (10) shall be designated honor graduates.

REFERENCE(S):

CODE OF ALABAMA 16-11-9

HISTORY:

10/16/2010, 10:53 AM

ADOPTED: OCTOBER 12, 2010 REVISED: _______ FORMERLY: NEW

Page 1 of 1

Leeds City 5.23

31

Leeds High School Credit Recovery Program In accordance with new Alabama State Department of Education guidelines which allow for increased flexibility in State regulations regarding remedial high school programs, Leeds City Schools will offer students who have received a failing grade(s) in select core courses which are required for graduation an opportunity to recover the lost credit. The credit recovery program employs a standards-based approach which will target specific knowledge and skills deficits instead of requiring the student to repeat the entire course. Such students must meet eligibility requirements to apply, and the credit recovery program must be operated under the guidelines established by this document. Leeds High School Credit Recovery Description and Procedures The goal of Credit Recovery is to give high school students the opportunity to graduate in a timely manner. This program has policies and procedures that allow students who have failed core courses (courses required for graduation) an opportunity to make-up nonmastered standards without repeating the entire course. Leeds High School students may participate in Credit Recovery by adhering to the guidelines outlined below. Any student failing one or more core courses in grades 9-12 may apply for admission to the Credit Recovery program. Instruction will be delivered through the use of a computer-based instructional software program or targeted small-group instruction supervised and managed by a facilitator or through direct instruction from a teacher. Note: Students should be aware that the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) does not recognize Credit Recovery for course credit.

Student Eligibility, Admission, and Removal •

Students who earned a final grade between 40% - 59% in a core course are eligible for Credit Recovery. Students in grades 9-11 are given the opportunity to earn a maximum of ten (10) credits per academic year. Students in grade 12 may earn a maximum of twelve (12) credits per academic year. Exceptions for 12th graders may be granted by the Superintendent.

•

Students must complete the Credit Recovery Contract form. Parent/guardian and student signatures on the form signify agreement with the terms of Credit Recovery.

•

The parent/guardian and student must participate in an interview with the counselor in order to review the program goals and requirements.

•

Credit Recovery is not tied to regular seat hours, with the exception of students who have failed due to excessive absences.

•

Early dismissal from Credit Recovery is not allowed. Excessive absences or tardies, disruptive behaviors, and/or abuse of technology privileges as outlined in the Technology Acceptable Use Agreement will result in removal from Credit Recovery and no refund will be given.

32

•

Students participating in Credit Recovery must attend all sessions until the students complete the prescribed remediation plan.

•

No refunds will be given for any reason once the contract is signed. Awarding of Grades and Credits

•

Recovered credit will only be awarded when students have completed all work satisfactorily and met the attendance requirements set forth by the Credit Recovery procedures.

•

The Credit Recovery grade will be calculated as an average of the failed grade with the Credit Recovery grade.

•

A grade of C is the highest grade awarded through Credit Recovery. In order to receive the C the student must complete all lessons at 70% accuracy and 90% accuracy on all tests while adhering to all attendance and other policies.

•

Any student who does not complete plan requirements or earn scores required to receive a letter grade, or is removed from the program for contract violations will not receive credit for the course. No refund will be given. Credit Recovery Curriculum

The following regular core courses will be offered through Credit Recovery Algebra Algebra II Geometry Pre-Calculus

English 9 English 10 English 11 English 12

Biology Physical Science Chemistry Earth Science Anatomy

World History U.S. History I U.S. History II U.S. Gov./Economics

An individualized student prescription will be developed by the Credit Recovery facilitator based on failure reports completed by the students’ teacher of record and skillspecific diagnostic tools which are offered by the computer-based instructional software. The Credit Recovery facilitator will use his or her professional judgment of this data along with any further diagnostic device deemed necessary to develop a prescriptive plan for specific standards for remediation targeted to individual students. The student must complete his or her individual prescribed plan within the published operating dates and hours of the Credit Recovery Program. Students may attempt to recover multiple credits, but one credit must be completed before attempting the next. Instructional assignments, whether computer-based or taught by a classroom teacher will be aligned with the Alabama academic content standards approved by the State Board of Education. Students will be released from the Credit Recovery Program upon successful completion of individual prescribed plans regardless of the number of hours of instruction.

33

Credit Recovery Program Authorization and Operation A tuition fee of $100.00 must be paid to participate in the program and will be nonrefundable. Tuition must be paid by cash, money order or cashier’s check. The principal will set the operating hours. Credit Recovery programs operating during the summer term or outside normal school hours will be supervised by an administrator or designee. Teachers working with students in Credit Recovery programs must be certified and highly qualified in the content area they are teaching or in one content area if they are facilitating a software-based program. They also must be trained in the software program as well. In situations where online courses are being utilized, a facilitator may be used who is an approved adult employee of the school system. Credit Recovery Program offerings may be limited by the availability of space, teachers, or appropriate computer-based content for specific courses.

OTHER PROGRAMS Dual Enrollment Program The Dual Enrollment program through Jefferson State Community College allows high school students to take college courses and receive both high school and college credit. This program is available to students who attend a public high school or a private high school that is accredited by SACS (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools). This program is only available to school systems that have entered into Dual Enrollment contract agreement with Jefferson State Community College (JSCC). To be eligible for dual enrollment each student must meet the following criteria: 1. Meet the entrance requirements established by JSCC; 2. Have a “B” average in completed high school courses; 3. Have written approval of the appropriate principal and the superintendent (via signatures on the application); 4. Be in grades 10, 11 or 12; 5. Students must re-apply every semester 6. Students must attend class according to JSCC attendance guidelines. For more information about Dual Enrollment contact Lisa Hudson, Leeds High School Counselor, at (205) 699-4510 ext 4002.

34

General Educational Development (GED) Courses Leeds City Schools, in cooperation with Jefferson State Community College, offers an adult education/GED preparation program. The GED test offers people who did not finish high school the opportunity to earn high school credentials. The GED is considered equivalent to a high school diploma. For additional information, contact Cindy Moore at [email protected] or Dr. Jason Baker, Director of Secondary Education, at (205) 699-5437.

______________________________________________________________ CHAPTER 4.00 – CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION

VIRTUAL SCHOOL PROGAM OPTION

4.19

Per Alabama Act No. 2015-89, each local board of education is to adopt a policy that provides a virtual school or program option for eligible students in grades 9-12. In addition, such policy shall offer students an online pathway for earning a high school diploma. Thus, the Leeds City Board of Education will provide a virtual school program option for eligible students in grades 9-12 with course opportunities that are consistent with the instructional goals of the school district and aligned with Alabama’s academic standards, curriculum frameworks, and assessments. Scope and Delivery The Leeds City Schools will offer a virtual school program option that includes, but is not limited to, all courses that are needed to obtain a high school diploma. These courses will be delivered through the Alabama State Department of Education’s ACCESS Virtual Learning program and/or other locally approved online instructional program (e.g. Compass Learning). Student Eligibility Criteria Students who meet the following requirements are eligible to participate in the virtual school program option: 1) Meet all enrollment guidelines for attending the Leeds City Schools; 2) Be proficient in reading, writing, mathematics, and general computer skills; 3) Have consistent and daily access to a computer or other device as well as access to the Internet outside of school; 4) Have and maintain an overall GPA of 3.5 or higher; only with extenuating and extreme circumstances, and with approval by the school principal, will a student with a lower GPA be allowed to enroll in the virtual school program option; 5) Maintain appropriate course progression as determined by the school principal; 6) Remain a student in good standing of the Leeds City Schools;

Page 1 of 2

LEEDS CITY 4.19

35

7) Have and maintain acceptable and daily attendance at school as determined by the school principal or other attendance alternatives as determined by the school principal; and 8) Other alternative criteria as determined by the school principal. Monitoring Performance and Testing Requirements Individual student performance will be monitored pursuant to the school system’s traditional academic requirements and grading scale. In addition, students enrolled as full time virtual program students will be subject to all state testing and accountability requirements as traditional students. Thus, the school system reserves the right to require students utilizing the virtual school program option to participate in required state testing and accountability requirements on campus at a date and time selected by the school system. Attendance In addition to having and maintaining acceptable attendance at school, students participating in the virtual school program option are subject to the following additional attendance requirements which may involve reporting to the school campus: 1) Virtual school program option orientation; 2) Guidance, counseling, and/or advising sessions; 3) Conferences with teachers, counselors, and/or school administrators regarding academic issues and course progression or the delivery of services in compliance with EL, 504, or IEP requirements; 4) Tests, quizzes, or assessments as required by teachers, the school, state, or federal agencies; and 5) Meeting and maintaining all practice, rehearsal, participation, and eligibility requirements of the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) and/or other activities and clubs in order to maintain membership and/or eligibility in that extracurricular activity.

REFERENCE(S):

ALABAMA LEGISLATIVE ACT 2015-89

HISTORY:

ADOPTED: May 9, 2016 REVISED: _______ FORMERLY: NEW

Page 2 of 2

LEEDS CITY 4.19 36

CHAPTER 5.00 – STUDENTS

TECHNOLOGY ACCEPTABLE USE AGREEMENT – STUDENTS 5.89 The goal of the technology environment is to support all educational and instructional needs of the students and the teachers of Leeds City Schools. Use of any and all resources should be considered a privilege and not a right. Introduction: •

User will include anyone, including employees, students and guests using any of HCS’s technology, including, but not limited to, computers, both wired and wireless networks, Internet, email, chat rooms, phones and other forms of technology services and products.

•

Network is both the wired and wireless networks including our Wide Area Network.

•

Equipment includes, smart phones, cellular phones, ios devices, desktop computers, tablets, laptops, netbooks and any portable storage device.

To ensure that students receive a quality education and that employees are able to work in a professional and intellectually stimulating environment, it is the intention of the Leeds City Schools to provide all students and employees with access to a variety of technology resources. All Leeds students and staff must acknowledge and adhere to this Agreement. The creation of a large and varied technology environment demands that technology usage be conducted in legally and ethically appropriate ways. We recognize that the use of technology always requires attempts to balance the benefits against the possibilities of danger, security problems, and abuse. Rapid changes in technology and growth in the range of content available makes this a constant challenge. Thus, it is the intention of the Leeds City Schools that all technology resources will be used in accordance with any and all school system policies and procedures as well as local, state, and federal laws. Some of these procedures pertain to technology equipment personally owned by school employees and students and brought into school facilities. All personal technologies used on any HCS campus are subject to this agreement and may be used only if such use is in compliance with all school system policies, procedures, and guidelines as well as local, state, and federal laws. This would also include any external storage medium including Dropbox, Google Docs or similar online storage. Employees are prohibited from emailing outside the school system or storing/saving on external storage devices or portable devices that do not remain on campus, electronic copies of student or staff personal information. This information includes, but is not limited to data containing social security numbers, information protected by FERPA, and any other sensitive and/or protected information. In the event that this type of information is stored on a portable or external device and said device is lost or stolen, the Chief Technology Officer should be notified immediately. Page 1 of 7

LEEDS CITY 5.89 37

Any questions about this agreement, its interpretation, or specific circumstances shall be directed to the Chief Technology Officer before proceeding. Violations of this agreement will be handled in a manner consistent with comparable situations requiring disciplinary and/or legal action. I. ACCESS: A. The use of all Leeds City Schools technology resources is a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate or suspected inappropriate use can result in a cancellation of those privileges, pending investigation. Moreover, users of Leeds City Schools’ technology must be aware that Leeds City Schools cannot assume any liability arising out of the illegal or inappropriate use of technology resources. The Chief Technology Officer, local school Technology Coordinators and/or school system administrators will determine when inappropriate use has occurred, and they have the right to deny, revoke, or suspend specific user accounts. B. Individuals may use only accounts, files, software, and/or other technology resources that are assigned to, provided, or approved for him/her. C. Individuals identified as a real or suspected security risk can be denied access. D. Any use of technology resources that reduces the efficiency of use for others can be considered a violation of this Agreement. E. Personal technology-related devices (if connected to the HCS network) such as, but not limited to laptops, mobile devices, smart-phones, iPods, etc. used on school grounds are subject to all items covered in this Agreement and other applicable published guidelines. II. PRIVACY: A. To maintain network integrity and to insure that the network is being used responsibly, local school Technology Coaches, Technicians and/or other designated technology staff reserve the right to inspect any and all data, including data stored by individual users on individual school or personal devices (if connected to the HCS network). Users should be aware that activities might be monitored at any time, without notice. B. Users should not have any expectation that their use of technology resources, including files stored by them on the Leeds City Schools' network, will be private and will be secure from access by others. Reasonable steps will be taken to maintain the security of technology resources, but no assurance can be given that penetration of such security will not occur. Because communications on the Internet are public in nature, all users should be careful to maintain appropriate and responsible communications. Leeds City Schools cannot guarantee the privacy, security, or confidentiality of any information sent or received via the Internet, an email correspondence, telephone, etc. C. Users are encouraged to avoid storing personal and/or private information on technology devices or network resources owned by the district and/or school. III. DATA SECURITY: A. Students and staff are expected to follow all local, state and federal laws in addition to Page 2 of 7

LEEDS CITY 5.89 38

this acceptable use agreement regarding the protection of student and staff confidential data. B. Individuals may not attempt to log into the network using any network account and/or password other than the login(s) assigned to him/her. Individuals may not allow someone to use his/her network account and/or password to access the network, email, or the Internet. C. In emergency situations, student pictures or other personally identifiable information can be shared with outside agencies in accordance with this signed “Leeds City Schools Acceptable Use Agreement” and in accordance with FERPA guidelines. D. District or school data, such as but not limited to STI information, accessed through school system technology resources may not be used for any private business activity. The system-wide technology staff does perform routine backups in an effort to assure continuity of business. There can be no assurance, however, that technology resources will be available within a particular time frame following an outage. There is no guarantee that information that existed prior to an outage, malfunction, or deletion, can be recovered. Users are expected to maintain and back up their critical files and data. IV. COPYRIGHT: Any questions about copyright provisions should be directed to the district Chief Technology Officer, local school Technology Coach, or local school media specialist. A. Legal and ethical practices of appropriate use of technology resources will be taught to students and employees in the system (i.e. as part of the Technology Education Curriculum, during lab orientation, network orientation, or faculty meetings, etc). Again, all questions regarding legal and ethical practices of appropriate use should be directed to the local school Technology Coach and/or district Chief Technology Officer. B. Copyright is implied for all information (text, data, and graphics) published on the Internet. Student and employee web page authors will be held responsible for the contents of their pages. Do not "borrow" icons, sounds, or graphics from other pages without documented permission. It is the student or employee’s responsibility to secure proper usage permission. Duplication of any copyrighted software is prohibited unless specifically allowed in the license agreement and, then, should occur only under the supervision and direction of the technology staff. V. EMAIL: Leeds City Schools provide access to email accounts for all employees, long-term substitutes, and, on a limited basis, for students. This agreement addresses each user. Email accounts may be granted for school related organizations or classes with designated employee sponsors. Leeds City Schools make a reasonable effort to maintain (backup) email for normal business operations. Backups are maintained for a maximum of 14 days. Technical support is provided for Leeds City Schools email accounts used to conduct educational and/or instructional business. A. Personal use of email is permitted as long as it does not violate this Leeds City Page 3 of 7

LEEDS CITY 5.89 39

Schools' Acceptable Use Agreement and/or adversely affect others or the speed of the network. B. Use of Leeds City Schools’ email accounts for harassing or threatening is strictly prohibited. C. Leeds City Schools' email accounts may not be used for political activity, personal gain, commercial purposes, or profit. E.SPAM- Leeds City Schools' email accounts may not be used for attempting to send or sending anonymous messages. Leeds City Schools' email accounts may not be used for sending mass emails unless to parent lists or for other educational purposes. F. Leeds City Schools' email accounts may not be used for posting or forwarding other user's personal communication without the author's consent. G. Because email is not securely transmitted, discretion must be used when sending, or encouraging the receipt of email containing sensitive information about students, families, school system employees, or any individuals. There can be no assurance that email will be confidential and/or private. H. There is a system-imposed limit on storage for email accounts. Users meeting or exceeding the limit will be unable to send or receive emails. Users who are required to maintain email for more than 180 days should print said emails. I. Incoming and outgoing email is filtered by the district for inappropriate content. However, no filtering system is foolproof, and material deemed inappropriate by individual users may be transmitted in spite of filtering. Leeds City Schools cannot assume any liability for such breaches of the filter. J. At the discretion of the Chief Technology Officer, email accounts may be locked without notice. VI. INTERNET USE: The intent of the Leeds City Schools is to provide access to resources available via the Internet with the understanding that staff and students will access and use information that is appropriate for their various curricula. All school rules and guidelines for appropriate technology usage, as well as local, state, and federal laws apply to usage of the Internet. Teachers should always screen all Internet resources before projecting them in the classroom. A. Students gain access to the Internet by agreeing to conduct themselves in a considerate and responsible manner and by providing written permission from their parents via this Leeds City Schools Acceptable Use Agreement. The acceptable use agreement is not transferable, and therefore, may not be shared. Existing acceptable use agreements are valid until new forms are received. Students are required to have new forms signed when changing schools or enrolling as a new student. B. Internet activity can and will be monitored, along with other aspects of technology usage. Internet access for all users is filtered, through one central point, by URL (web Page 4 of 7

LEEDS CITY 5.89 40

address) and by IP address and may be filtered by keyword. URLs (web addresses) and IP addresses may be added to or deleted from the filtered list by the Chief Technology Officer and his or her designee. Staff members may request to review filtered categories. Users requesting sites for blocking or unblocking must list specific URLs. Successful or unsuccessful attempts to bypass the Internet filter by using proxies or other resources are a violation of this agreement. VII. WEB PUBLISHING: The Leeds City Schools' web site is limited to usage associated with activities of Leeds City Schools. The web site cannot be used for personal financial gain, to express personal or political opinions, or to editorialize. The Technology Staff reserves the right to reject all or part of a proposed or posted web page. A. Links from pages housed on the Leeds City Schools’ website to personal blogs, social networking sites, advertisements unrelated to school system business, and/or personal web pages are prohibited. B. Student pictures or other personally identifiable information can be used in accordance with the signed “Leeds City Schools Acceptable Use Agreement” and in accordance with CIPA and FERPA guidelines. Student posting of personally identifying information of any kind on the Leeds City Schools’ website or linking to personal information from the Leeds City Schools’ website is prohibited. Personally identifying information includes home and/or school address, work address, home and/or school phone numbers, full name, social security number, etc. F. Individual students may be identified by first name and first letter of last name. G. Caution should be used when photographs of any students are included on web pages. Group photographs without names are preferred for all students. VIII. SOCIAL MEDIA RECOMMENDATIONS Social media can be a valuable tool for both personal and professional use. However, as with any tool, it must be used with skill and care. The guidelines below have been developed to help protect students and employees from charges of inappropriate use. Although many of the items below specifically reference Facebook or Twitter, the guidelines and cautions apply to all social networking venues. It is strongly recommended that teachers do not “friend” current students and/or students under 18 years of age. There may be exceptions, such as a relative, a friend's child, etc.; however, as a general rule, it is recommended that teachers do not “friend” students, and they assume personal responsibility if they choose to do so. Leeds City Schools has created and hosts several options for teachers to safely use social media for instructional purposes including, but not limited to, Edmodo and Moodle. District technology personnel have immediate access to online dialogue when challenges are made regarding inappropriate use if the sites are hosted by Leeds City Schools. A potential danger exists when employees communicate directly with students or instruct Page 5 of 7

LEEDS CITY 5.89 41

students to communicate directly to each other or the general public on social media sites that are not hosted by Leeds City Schools. District sponsored and approved teacher websites, including email and SchoolMessenger along with the iNOW parent portal should be the primary means for electronic parent communication. A. Remember, once something is posted on a social networking site, it may be available forever. B. Please avoid posting comments that discuss or criticize others. C. Only post what could be shared in a face-to-face meeting with the public. No confidential student information. D. Make sure posts and pictures are presented in a professional role or manner. IX. EXAMPLES OF INAPPROPRIATE USE OF RESOURCES: This list is not all-inclusive, but is intended to provide general guidance. Anything that would be considered inappropriate in "paper form" is also considered inappropriate in electronic form. The following are examples of inappropriate activities when using any Leeds City Schools’ network, email system, hardware, software, technology service, and/or Internet access: A. Using another user's password or attempting to discover another user's password B. Sharing passwords C. Unauthorized access of another user's files, folders, home directory, or work D. Saving information on any network drive or directory other than your personal home directory or a teacher-specified and approved location E. Downloading, installing, or copying software of any kind onto a workstation, laptop, home directory, or any network drive F. Harassing, insulting, embarrassing, or attacking others via technology resources G. Damaging any technology resources, including, but not limited to, printers, telephones, computers, computer systems, or computer networks. H. Placing irresponsible demands on limited resources such as Internet bandwidth, disk space and printing capacity I. Accessing inappropriate material from web sites or attempting to bypass the Internet filter to access web sites that have been blocked. J. Sending, displaying, or downloading offensive messages or pictures K. Using obscene, racist, profane, discriminatory, threatening, or inflammatory language in a document, email, etc. L. Using a digital camera, camera phone, or any other device capable of storing a still or video image to take inappropriate and/or embarrassing pictures M. Editing or modifying digital pictures with the intent to embarrass, harass or bully N. Posting any false or damaging information about other people, the school system, or other organizations Page 6 of 7

LEEDS CITY 5.89 42

O. Using images or text from an online source without appropriate reference (i.e. plagiarism) P. Use of technology resources to create illegal materials (i.e. counterfeit money, fake identification, etc.)

REFERENCE(S):

HISTORY:

ADOPTED: MAY 9, 2016 REVISED: _______ FORMERLY: NEW

Page 7 of 7

LEEDS CITY 5.89

43

TRANSPORTATION The Leeds City School System provides daily transportation for students. If you have questions regarding bus transportation, bus routes, bus stops, etc. please contact Hobdy Moorer, Director of Support Services, at (205) 699-5437. The bus may be equipped with a video camera. Students are video recorded on each trip. The videos provide a record of student’s behavior on the bus. School personnel may review the video to determine actual events. All students transported by Leeds City School System buses shall be picked up and returned to approved stops which are configured by transportation personnel specifically for students in close proximity areas. Stops shall not be made specifically to accommodate the wishes of any financial enterprise, (i.e. daycare centers, dance studios). Exceptions to the policy would be buses which transport special education students for educational purposes as specified in the student’s Individualized Educational Plan (IEP). Students will be assigned a bus and must ride only that bus. In an emergency situation, the parent shall contact the principal of the school and if space permits, arrangements may be made. Students will be picked up at their designated bus stop and returned to their designated bus stop. It is responsibility of the Leeds City School System to transport students from bus stop to school and from school to bus stop. Parents are responsible for the child during the time he/she is at the designated bus stop. Leeds City School System shall not be responsible for the student after he/she returns to the designated bus stop or before boarding the bus. The Leeds City School System shall not provide transportation for non-resident students.

Safety Tips -

Students must be at the bus stop five (5) minutes prior to the scheduled arrival of the school bus. Students who must cross a road to board a bus should never do so until the bus has arrived, the proper warning signs are displayed, and the driver signals for the students to cross. Students should never cross behind the bus. Students should always stand a safe distance from the road (at least five (5) feet). Students should never run to or from the bus.

Students who must cross the road after exiting the bus should always cross at least ten (10) feet in front of the bus after looking in both directions to be sure no traffic is approaching and after the driver signals that it is okay for them to cross.

BUS CONDUCT Rules and Regulations 1.

The school bus is an extension of the classroom. 44

2.

Bus drivers have complete charge of students while riding the bus. Drivers are responsible for the student's conduct, safety, and transportation. Bus drivers will report promptly to the principal or his/her designee violation of the Code of Conduct. Principals and/or designee, NOT BUS DRIVERS, are responsible for disciplining students for violation of Code of Conduct.

3.

Bus drivers, with the assistance of the principal or designee, will assign seats to all students.

4.

Students must take their seats promptly when loading the bus.

5.

Students must remain in their seats while the bus is in motion.

6.

Students shall not be allowed to enter or leave a bus at any place other than at the student's usual bus stop or school unless authorized by the principal of the school. Students shall be picked up at their designated bus stop and returned to their designated bus stop. It is the responsibility of the Leeds City School System to transport students from bus stop to school and from school to bus stop. Parents are responsible for the child after he/she is deposited at designated bus stop. The City of Leeds Board of Education shall not be responsible for the student after he/she returns to the designated bus stop.

7.

Bus drivers will not put students off the bus after accepting students, but will carry students to the school or to their homes.

8.

Students will cooperate in keeping the bus clean and free of damage. Students causing damage to the school bus may be punished by suspension from the school bus. Parents/Guardians/Students shall be required to repay the cost of any damage to any bus by any student.

9.

Students are not allowed to transport animals (dead or alive), balloons, or glass containers on the bus.

10.

Students shall be prohibited from using any electronic devices during the operation of a school bus, including but not limited to cell phones, pagers, audible radios, tape or compact disc players without headphones, or any other electronic device that might interfere with the school bus communications equipment or the school bus driver's operation of the school bus.

11.

Students shall be prohibited from using mirrors, lasers, flash cameras, or any other lights or reflective devises in a manner that might interfere with the school bus driver's operation of the school bus.

12.

Misconduct on a school bus will result in the application of the normal discipline procedures of the Leeds City Schools. The following is a noninclusive list of infractions, which will result in the principal suspending students from the school bus or school or both: a. b.

Being insubordinate to the bus driver including, but not limited to, giving the bus driver an incorrect name and address, Failing to obey orders and directions of the bus driver, 45

c. d. e. f. g. h. i. j. k. 13.

14.

Using vulgar or obscene language whether written or spoken, Using obscene gestures, Smoking, possessing and/or using tobacco or any smoking paraphernalia, Getting on or off the bus at improper locations, Damaging the bus, throwing objects on the bus or out the window, Making threats, bullying, or engaging in acts of physical violence, Possession of contraband items, including weapons, drugs, alcohol, or electronic devices, Tampering with emergency exits (back door), Eating, drinking, or chewing,

In cases of extreme student misbehavior while being transported to and from school or school related activities, appropriate law enforcement officials may be called to remove the student(s) from the bus. In this event, the Transportation Department or the police will notify the parent or legal guardian that the student has been removed from the bus and as to where the law officer has transported the student. In addition to removal by the appropriate law enforcement official, the student may be suspended from the school bus for the remainder of the school year. Students shall be prohibited from acts of physical violence, bullying, physical assault or battery of other persons on the school bus, verbal assault of other persons on the school bus, disrespectful conduct toward the school bus driver or other persons on the school bus, and other unruly behavior. Fighting on a school bus is among the most serious offenses committed by students. Students who fight endanger themselves and everyone riding the bus by causing the bus driver's attention to be diverted. Fighting on a school bus will result in immediate suspension from the bus with no prior warning or prior disciplinary action being taken.

15.

No luggage carriers and/or luggage carts are allowed on the bus.

16.

Silence will be observed at all railroad crossings.

CLASSIFICATION OF BUS VIOLATIONS Bus conduct is stated in accordance with the City of Leeds Board of Education Code of Student Conduct. After determining the classification of a violation, the principal/designee will implement the appropriate disciplinary procedure indicated by category. The categories indicate disciplinary measures to accommodate each grade level with the administration to make the determination of those measures best suited to the grade level and the situation.

CONSEQUENCES FOR VIOLATING SCHOOL BUS RULES AND REGULATIONS The Principal is authorized to take disciplinary action up to and including loss of transportation for offense(s) which have a direct impact on the welfare of students following an investigation and due process procedures. 46

Each bus driver is expected to maintain safety and appropriate behavior on his/her bus and is also expected to contact parents as the first line of correction as students are warned of inappropriate behaviors. The principal/designee is responsible for administering discipline for inappropriate conduct on a school bus. The disciplinary actions are guidelines to be applied according to the seriousness of the offense and to ensure that the student is provided the right to due process. First Offense – Class I The driver will speak with the student, possibly reassigning the student to another seat. The driver will document this, will give a copy to the principal or the principal's designee, and the student, and parents will be contacted. This discipline slip shall be taken home with the student, signed by the parent and returned to the bus driver. In the event the student does not return the signed discipline slip to the driver, the principal will be notified by the driver and further disciplinary action will be taken by the principal.

Subsequent Offenses - Class I, II, and III As appropriate - Disciplinary Action by the Principal or Designee The driver shall document and give a written report to the principal. The principal/designee will take appropriate disciplinary action up to and including the loss of the privilege of transportation after due process. The principal/designee will notify the parent/guardian of any warnings, disciplinary actions, or bus suspension. No student shall be allowed to ride any Leeds City School bus if the student’s riding privilege has been suspended. If the school year ends and the student has not served his/her entire bus suspension, then the student shall finish the bus suspension at the beginning of the next school year. Transportation from School: Students are often involved in extracurricular activities which keep them from returning home through the school transportation system. If a parent cannot provide transportation for the student, the parent should ensure that a means of transportation is provided to the student. The school system does not take responsibility to provide transportation for students outside of the normal busing schedules. Parents should not allow students to loiter on school property after extracurricular activities have been completed. Students who repeatedly loiter on school property after the conclusion of extra-curricular activities may lose the privilege to participate in those activities.

47

ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICATION DURING SCHOOL HOURS I.

Each LCS principal shall designate a staff member to administer prescribed medications. The staff member shall be trained annually by a licensed nurse or licensed physician. A student must be free from vomiting, diarrhea, and fever for at least 24 hours before returning to school.

II.

Administration of prescription medications during school hours is discouraged unless a physician determines that a student’s health needs require medication during school hours.

III.

All medications shall be delivered to the office-clinic by a parent-guardian with the following information on the label: A. Student name B. Name of medication C. Date of prescription and dispensing pharmacy D. Specific instructions for the administration of medicine E. Approximate duration of medication

IV.

A School Medication Prescriber/Parent Authorization form shall be required and signed by the student’s parent-guardian. The physician’s signature on the Student Medication Prescriber form is required. This form shall be updated annually.

V.

Prescription medication which is kept at the school shall be counted and shall be stored in its original container in a secure location under lock and key as designated by the school principal. Only trained staff designated by the principal shall have access to the medication.

VI.

A record shall be maintained on each student who receives a prescription medication during school hours, including the time each dose of prescription medication was administered.

VII.

Administration of non-prescription medication will be given in accordance with the policies and procedures requested for administration of prescription medication with the exception of the physician signature. Non–prescription medications may be given with the completed Parent Authorization form filled out and signed only by the parent or guardian. All non-prescription medication will be stored in a locked cabinet in the nurse’s office. A. If a student is receiving non-prescription medication at school, a parent authorization form will be filled out and signed by the parent. B. Documentation of the administration of any medication will be made on the student’s medication administration record.

VIII.

No student may carry medication in his-her pocket, purse, or on his-her person during school hours; however, the physician may authorize a student to carry an allergic reaction kit or asthma inhaler when a parent authorizationprescriber form is completed and signed by the physician. 48

IX.

Self-administration of medications by students for chronic conditions may be permitted when conducted in compliance with the SDE and State Board of Nursing Medication curriculum as may be amended from time-to-time by the department or board. Approved medications may be self-administered if the parent-guardian of the student provides all the information outlined in the Medication Curriculum including, but not limited to, the following: A. Written and signed authorization for the self-administration to the nurse of the school. B. Written and signed acknowledgement that the school shall incur no liability and that the parent or legal guardian shall indemnify and hold harmless the school and the employees and agents of the school against any claims that may arise relating to the selfadministration of approved medications. C. Written medical authorization that includes all of the following: 1.

The signature of the attending physician, or his or her authorized agent.

2.

Confirmation that the student has been instructed in the proper self-administration of the approved medication.

3.

The name, purpose, and prescribed dosage of the medications to be self-administered.

4.

The frequency with which the prescribed medications are to be administered.

5.

Any special instructions or circumstances under which the medications should be administered.

6.

The length of time for which the medications are prescribed.

D. All documents provided to a school pursuant to a student’s selfadministration of medication shall be kept on file in the office of the school nurse or principal. E. The Board of Education shall incur no liability and is immune from any liability exposure created by a student’s selfadministration of medication. F. Permission for the self-administration of approved medications shall only be effective for the school year in which permission is granted. G. Upon obtaining permission to self- administer approved medications pursuant to this policy, a student shall be permitted to possess and self-administer approved medications, according to the orders of the prescriber, at any time while on school property or while attending a school-sponsored event. H. Nothing in this section shall be interpreted as permitting a student to posses a controlled substance, as defined in the Medication Curriculum, on school property. 49

50

51

CHAPTER 5.00 – STUDENTS STUDENT GRIEVANCES

5.33.1

Whenever a Leeds City School System student believes that he/she has a complaint, every effort is to be made to arrive at a satisfactory resolution of the problem on an informal basis. When this cannot be done, students can resort to the more formal procedures as provided herein. Definitions A.

Complaint shall mean any alleged violation, misinterpretation or any inequitable application of any published policy, rule or regulation of the school system. Complaint shall not apply to any matter in which the method of review is prescribed by law. Complaints are objections to a specific act or condition.

B.

Complainant shall mean any student or group of students, directly affected by the alleged misinterpretation or violation, filing a complaint.

C.

Faculty/Staff and Administration shall mean the employees of the Leeds City Board of Education or representatives under the direct supervision of an employee of the school board.

D.

Day shall mean a school/academic day.

Time Limits – The number of days indicated at each level is to be considered the maximum. Time limits may be extended by mutual agreement between the parties. Released Time – The complaint procedure will normally be carried out during noninstructional time. If, however, the Board elects to carry out provisions during instructional time, the complainant shall not lose academic credit. Complaint Procedure A.

Informal Discussion – If a student believes there is a basis for complaint, he/she shall discuss the complaint with his/her principal or the designee of the principal (except in cases of discrimination or harassment involving the principal or the designee), in which case the complainant shall report to the Equity Coordinator or other person designated by the Superintendent within five (5) days of the occurrence of the alleged violation except in cases involving harassment or discrimination in which thirty (30) days will be allowed.

10/16/2010, 10:55 AM

Page 1 of 2

Leeds City 5.33.1

52

CHAPTER 5.00 – STUDENTS B.

Level One – If the complainant is not satisfied with the informal resolution he/she may, within five (5) days, file a formal complaint in writing and deliver it to his/her principal or designee. The principal or designee shall communicate his/her answer in writing to the complainant within five (5) days of receiving the written complaint. Class complaints involving more than one (1) principal or designee and complaints involving an administrator above the building level may be filed by the complainant at level two.

C.

Level Two – If the complainant is not satisfied with the resolution at level one, he/she may, within five (5) days of the answer, file a copy of the complaint with the Superintendent. The Superintendent shall indicate his/her disposition in writing to the complainant within five (5) days.

D.

Board Appeal – If the complainant is not satisfied with the resolution by the Superintendent, he/she shall have the right to appeal the Superintendent’s decision to the Leeds City Board of Education, provided request for placement on Board agenda is filed within five (5) days.

Confidentiality will be provided to the extent possible to any student or affected party who alleges discrimination or harassment. REFERENCE(S):

CODE OF ALABAMA 16-1-30, 16-12-3(c)

HISTORY:

10/16/2010, 10:55 AM

ADOPTED: OCTOBER 12, 2010 REVISED: _______ FORMERLY: NEW

Page 2 of 2

Leeds City 5.33.1

53

CHAPTER 4.00 – CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION AT-RISK, ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION AND DROP OUT PROGRAMS

4.12

The Superintendent or designee shall develop, for the Leeds City Board of Education’s approval, a plan for at-risk students addressing drop-out prevention. Components of the plans for academically at-risk students may include but are not limited to High Hopes grants/programs, Childrens’ First, Title I, Title VI, Title IV Safe and Drug Free Schools programs, and other state, federal, or local initiatives. The Board shall also maintain an alternative education program for students who, because of disciplinary problems, cannot be appropriately educated in the regular school environment or who, because of academic difficulty, have been identified as at-risk of academic failure. The Leeds City Board of Education maintains a comprehensive career awareness program in middle schools to help students appreciate the value of a high school education and understand the consequences of not acquiring a high school diploma. The Board places strong emphasis on the utilization of school counselors for early identification of and intervention for students deemed to be at-risk.

REFERENCE(S):

CODE OF ALABAMA 16-1-13, 16-1-16, 16-13-231, AAC §290-1-4-.01

HISTORY:

10/16/2010, 10:47 AM

ADOPTED: MAY 23, 2003 REVISED: OCTOBER 12, 2010 FORMERLY: 4.12

Page 1 of 1

Leeds City 4.12

54

ALTERNATIVE SCHOOL Students who commit a Class III offense may be assigned to Alternative School. The student will be assigned to Alternative School upon the recommendation of the hearing officer. Students assigned to alternative school will be held responsible for all academic requirements pertaining to their grade level. Parents must accompany their child when reporting to Alternative School on the first day to receive important information. Attendance At the discretion of the Hearing Officer, students may be assigned to Alternative School for a time period as determined by the students’ Class III offense and previous disciplinary history. Students will abide by the same attendance regulations outlined in their school’s handbook. Students must make up any days missed while assigned to Alternative School. Academic Requirements Students will receive academic assignments from their home school on a regular basis. Assignments are to be completed in a reasonable time to allow teachers an opportunity to grade and document the student’s progress. Students will receive their report card during the regularly scheduled dates based on the school calendar. Transportation Parents will be responsible for the transporting of their child to and from Alternative School. Discipline Students assigned to Alternative School will follow the Leeds City Schools Code of Conduct. In-School Suspension School administrators may assign students to In-School Suspension for a time period as determined by the students’ disciplinary infraction and the students’ previous disciplinary history. Students will follow the same rules and regulations of the Alternative School when assigned to In-School Suspension.

55

TOBACCO Students shall not possess, transmit, or use tobacco-related products in any form, including, without limitation, lighters, matches, or rolling papers.

ALCOHOL AND DRUGS A student shall not possess, sell, use, transmit, or be under the influence of any narcotic drug, hallucinogenic drug, amphetamine, barbiturate, cocaine, marijuana, controlled substance, counterfeit drug, alcoholic beverage, anabolic steroid, or intoxicant of any kind. Use of medications as prescribed in the system’s medicine policy, is not in violation of this prohibition. However, students shall at all times observe all school rules governing the possession and use of medications. All drugs shall be kept in the original container in the school office unless a physician’s statement requires a medication to be kept with a student.

LOST AND/OR DAMAGED TEXTBOOKS AND LIBRARY BOOKS •

Parents are responsible for the replacement cost of lost or damaged textbooks or library books.

•

Parents are responsible for replacement of any technology checked out to students.

56

STUDENTS WHO WITHDRAW WITH DISCIPLINE PENDING Any student who is subject to a disciplinary order in the City of Leeds Board of Education who withdraws from school and then seeks to re-enter school shall remain subject to such disciplinary order for any period of time remaining on such order at the time of the student’s withdrawal.

SAFE AND DRUG FREE SCHOOLS The City of Leeds Board of Education is committed to providing a learning environment free from alcohol, drugs, controlled substances and weapons. This Code of Student Conduct includes serious consequences for those who violate its provisions relating to drugs, alcohol, controlled substances and weapons. The Board's policy is "zero tolerance." The Board is sympathetic to assisting parents with the dispensing of both prescription and nonprescription/over-the-counter medications. Specific instructions concerning the dispensing of medications are available at the local schools. Failure to follow the local school directives can result in the student being disciplined under the Class III section of the Code of Student Conduct. The possession, use, sale, attempted sale, attempted possession or any other involvement with drugs, alcohol, controlled substances or weapons will not be tolerated and will subject the violating individual to immediate disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion. Violation of Board and State policies, rules and regulations involving drugs, alcohol, controlled substances and weapons or physical harm to persons may subject the student, parent or other individual to criminal charges and a restriction from entering the public schools of the State of Alabama. In accordance w i t h state law, the Board also strictly prohibits the possession of firearms in a Board facility, on Board property, on school buses, at Board or school sponsored functions, or at any Board or school-related activity. Any violation regarding firearms will result in involvement by appropriate law enforcement authorities and may also result in expulsion from the school system.

Drug Testing Program-Procedures It is the responsibility of the Board of Education to safeguard the health, character, citizenship, and personality development of the pupils in its schools. We, therefore, must maintain that the use of drugs and the unlawful possession and use of alcohol and drugs is wrong and harmful. The Board recognizes that the misuse of drugs, alcohol, or steroids threatens the positive development of pupils and the welfare of the entire school community. The Leeds City Board of Education is committed to the prevention of drugs, alcohol, and steroid abuse and the rehabilitation of identified users. The Board of Education recognizes the problem of illegal drug and alcohol use presents a continuing challenge in its schools and a clear danger to the pupil population as a whole. The district’s commitment to maintaining athletics and extra-curricular programs in a safe, healthy, and secure educational environment requires a clear policy and supportive programs relating to the detection and prevention of substance use by pupils involved in athletics, extra-curricular activities, and those who drive an automobile to school. 57

Consistent with the U.S. Supreme Court Ruling, Board of Education of Independent School District No.92 of Pottawatomie County et al v. Earls et al., 536 US 822 (2002), it is the policy of the Board of Education, namely 5.83, to direct the Superintendent and other appropriate school personnel to develop, implement, and conduct a program of school-based random drug testing of pupils in athletics, extra-curricular activities, school clubs with competitive components, and students who drive an automobile to school. Pupils in grades seven through twelve (7-12) are eligible for participation in the drug testing program. Eligibility shall apply until graduation or a drop form is completed. The principal or his/her designee at each school shall oversee the policy and procedure. Primary emphasis in administering this program should be directed toward deterrence and remediation rather than punishment of pupils who test positive for alcohol, nonprescribed medications, illegal drugs or their metabolites. Consequences for a pupil who tests positive for illegal drugs or their metabolites will be followed according to Board regulation. The policy is NOT intended to be disciplinary or punitive in nature as indicated by existing court decisions as it relates to loss of instructional time. No pupil shall be expelled or suspended from school as a sole result of any verified positive test conducted by the school under the random drug testing grant program. The Board of Education recognizes that the dangers of drugs and alcohol are a threat to middle school pupils as well as those in the high school. As the district is committed to a proactive approach to protecting our pupils, middle school grades, namely seven and eight (7th-8th grades) within the district will be eligible to participate in the drug testing program, provided that funding is available. The policy will apply to middle school grades as it does in the high school grades, except as noted. Priority will be given to high school grades, nine through twelve. This procedure and its implementing regulations will supplement our existing comprehensive program of drug, alcohol, and steroid education, prevention and intervention. This program will expand our existing programs aimed at the identification and remediation of pupils involved with drugs, alcohol, or steroids. This program will be therapeutic in nature allowing for the opportunity to refer identified users of drugs, alcohol, or steroids to an appropriate counselor in the school setting. This policy-regulation will comply with the confidentiality requirements established in federal regulation found at 42 CFR Part II. This implementing regulation will apply to all pupils in grades 7-12 in the Leeds City Schools who participate in any athletics, extra-curricular activities, school clubs with competitive components, and pupil drivers. Policy 5.83 and its implementing regulations will be made available to all project staff, school personnel, pupils, and parents/guardians on an annual basis. Policy 5.83 and its implementing regulations shall be available on line and in each school’s office. Definitions: Drug: For the purpose of this policy, “drug” shall include all controlled dangerous substances designated and prohibited as stated in the Code of Alabama, 20-2-20 et seq. For the purpose of this policy, a drug includes, but is not limited to PCP, marijuana (TCH), cocaine, methamphetamine, opiates, alcohol, and anabolic steroids or any other 58

substance which is defined as a controlled substance by Alabama law or their metabolites; and all referenced chemicals that release toxic vapors set and all medications taken that are not pursuant to a legal prescription. Alcohol: For the purpose of this policy, “alcohol” includes beer, wine, distilled liquors and any other liquid containing alcohol. Extra-curricular Activity: For the purpose of this policy, “extra-curricular activity” shall be those activities which are sponsored or approved by the Board but are not offered for credit toward graduation. Competitive: For the purpose of this policy, “competitive” shall be those activities in which students compete against another school system in that activity. For example, if the debate team-club competes against another school’s debate team-club, the debate team’s activity is competitive. Extra-curricular, Competitive: For the purposes of this policy, “extra-curricular, competitive” activities shall be those activities which are sponsored or approved by the Board, but are offered for credit toward graduation and are competitive, i.e. students compete against another school system in that activity. Driver: Pupils who are authorized to drive to school and who are issued a parking permit by the principal and/or his/her designee at Leeds High School. Non-punitive: no loss of instructional time as established in the United States Supreme Court decisions. Creation date: June 27, 2011 JURISDICTION TO TAKE DISCIPLINARY ACTION School administrators are authorized to take disciplinary action for misconduct that occurs: 1. On the school grounds during or immediately before or immediately after school hours, 2. On the school grounds at any other time when the school is being used by a school group, 3. Off the school grounds at a school activity, function or event, 4. En route to and from school, 5. Within a school safety zone. Authority to take disciplinary action also extends to any off-campus non-school related actions by students, at any time of the year, which have a direct and immediate impact on school discipline, the educational function of the school, or the welfare of students and staff. A student who has committed a criminal act while off campus is subject to disciplinary action and may be excluded from school. Such act could include, but is not limited to, a felony, a delinquent act which could be considered to be a felony if committed by an adult, an assault upon another student, a violation of the laws prohibiting controlled substances, or sexual misconduct of a serious nature. A student whose presence on school property may endanger the welfare and/or safety of other students or staff, or whose presence may cause substantial disruption at school, is also subject to in-school suspension, and assignment to an alternative education program. 59

CHAPTER 5.00 – STUDENTS STUDENT HARASSMENT & BULLYING PREVENTION

5.28

No student shall engage in or be subjected to harassment, violence, threats of violence, bullying or intimidation by any other student that is based on any of the specific characteristics that have been identified by the Leeds City Board of Education in this policy. Students who violate this policy are subject to disciplinary sanctions. Definitions

A.

The term “harassment” as used in this policy means a continuous pattern of intentional behavior that takes place on school property, on a school bus, or at a school-sponsored function including, but not limited to, written, electronic, verbal, or physical acts that are reasonably perceived as being motivated by any characteristic of a student or by the association of a student with an individual who has a particular characteristic, if the characteristic falls into one of the characteristics set forth in Section III B below. To constitute harassment, a pattern of behavior may do any of the following: •

Place a student in reasonable fear of harm to his or her person or damage to his or her property.

•

Have the effect of substantially interfering with the educational performance, opportunities, or benefits of a student.

•

Have the effect of substantially disrupting or interfering with the orderly operation of the school.

•

Have the effect of creating a hostile environment in the school, on school property, on a school bus, or at a school-sponsored function.

•

Have the effect of being sufficiently severe, persistent, or pervasive enough to create an intimidating, threatening, or abusive educational environment for a student.

B.

The term “violence” as used in this policy means the infliction of physical force by a student with the intent to cause injury to another student or damage to the property of another student.

C.

The term “threat of violence” as used in this policy means an expression of intention to inflict injury or damage that is made by a student and directed to another student.

4/23/2012, 2:40 PM

Page 1 of 3

LEEDS CITY 5.28

60

CHAPTER 5.00 – STUDENTS D.

The term “bullying or intimidation” as used in this policy means a threat or other action that is intended to cause fear or apprehension in a student, especially for the purpose of coercing or deterring the student from participating in or taking advantage of any school program, benefit, activity or opportunity for which the student is or would be eligible.

E.

The term “student” as used in this policy means a student who is enrolled in the Leeds City School System.

Description of Behavior Expected of Students A.

Students are expected to treat other students with courtesy, respect, and dignity and comply with the Code of Student Conduct. Students are expected and required (1) to comply with the requirements of law, policy, regulation, and rules prohibiting harassment, violence, or intimidation; (2) to refrain from inflicting or threatening to inflict violence, injury, or damage to the person or property of another student; and (3) to refrain from placing another student in fear of being subjected to violence, injury, or damage when such actions or threats are reasonably perceived as being motivated by any personal characteristic of the student that is identified in this policy.

B.

Violence, threats of violence, harassment, and bullying or intimidation are prohibited and will be subject to disciplinary consequences and sanctions if the perpetrator of such action is found to have based the prohibited action on one or more of the following personal characteristics of the victim of such conduct: • The student’s race; •

The student’s sex;

•

The student’s religion;

•

The student’s national origin; or

•

The student’s disability.

A series of graduated consequences for any violation of this policy will be those outlined in the Code of Student Conduct or any rule or standard adopted under authority of this policy. Reporting, Investigation, and Complaint Resolution Procedures

A.

Complaints alleging violations of this policy must be made on Board-approved complaint forms available at the principal’s and or counselor’s office. The complaint must be signed by the student alleging the violation or by the student’s parent or legal guardian and delivered to the principal or the principal’s designee either by mail or personal delivery. At the request of the complaining student or the student’s parent or legal guardian, incidental or minor violations of the policy may be presented and resolved informally.

4/23/2012, 2:40 PM

Page 2 of 3

LEEDS CITY 5.28

61

CHAPTER 5.00 – STUDENTS B

Upon receipt of the complaint, the principal or the principal’s designee will, in his/her sole discretion, determine if the complaint alleges a serious violation of this policy. If the principal or the principal’s designee determines that the complaint alleges a serious violation, the principal or the designee will undertake an investigation of the complaint in a reasonably prompt time period taking into account the circumstances of the complaint. If the investigation establishes a violation, appropriate disciplinary sanctions will be imposed on the offending student(s). Other measures that are reasonably calculated to prevent a recurrence of the violation(s) may also be imposed by the principal or the school system.

C.

Acts of reprisal or retaliation against any student who has reported a violation of this policy or sought relief provided by this policy are prohibited, and are themselves a violation of this policy. Any confirmed acts of reprisal or retaliation will be subject to disciplinary sanctions that may include any sanction, penalty, or consequence that is available to school officials under the Code of Student Conduct. A student who deliberately, recklessly, and falsely accuses another student of a violation of this policy is subject to disciplinary sanctions as outlined in the Code of Student Conduct.

D.

The complaint form developed to report violations of this policy will include a provision for reporting a threat of suicide by a student. If a threat of suicide is reported, the principal or the principal’s designee will inform the student’s parent or guardian of the report.

This policy and any procedures, rules, and forms developed and approved to implement the policy will be published, disseminated, and made available to students, parents and legal guardians, and employees by such means and methods as are customarily used for such purposes, including publication on the Leeds City School System web site.

REFERENCE(S):

CODE OF ALABAMA 16-11-9, LEGISLATIVE ACT 2009-571

HISTORY:

4/23/2012, 2:40 PM

ADOPTED: OCTOBER 12, 2010 REVISED: JUNE 12, 2012 FORMERLY: NEW

Page 3 of 3

LEEDS CITY 5.28

62

This page is intentionally blank

63

LEEDS CITY BOARD OF EDUCATION REPORT OF VIOLENCE, THREAT OF VIOLENCE, HARASSMENT, BULLYING OR INTIMIDATION School Name:

Student Name:

Grade: INCIDENT REPORTED BY: STUDENT

PARENT/GUARDIAN

Date of Incident: Specific Location of Incident:

Time:

DESCRIPTION OF CONDUCT/CIRCUMSTANCES LEADING TO COMPLAINT/REPORT:

(Attach Additional Sheets if Necessary) REQUESTED RESOLUTION/RELIEF:

(Attach Additional Sheets If Necessary) OTHER INFORMATION: I believe the incident in question was motivated by the following characteristic(s) (Check all that apply): Race Disability National Orientation Religion Gender

Student:

The incident resulted in a threat of suicide by the victim: Yes No

Date: Signature

OR Parent/Guardian:

Date: Signature DELIVER OR MAIL TO THE PRINCIPAL’S OFFICE P.O. BOX 1029 LEEDS AL 35094

Approved: 6/12/2012

LCBE/Policy No. 5.28, Anti-Harassment

64

This page is intentionally blank

65

CHAPTER 5.00 – STUDENTS CELL PHONE USE

5.91

The Leeds City Board of Education may permit any student to carry a pocket pager, cellular telephone, or other electronic communication device while on school property and may permit any student to use a pocket pager, cellular telephone, or other electronic communication device, when such use is expressly and specifically permitted by the school administrator, teacher, or employee who is acting in a supervisory capacity at the time of the use. Any student found in violation of this policy may be subject to suspension or other disciplinary action by the school administration and/or the Leeds City Board of Education.

REFERENCE(S):

CODE OF ALABAMA 16-1-27; LEGISLATIVE ACT 89-953; P.1880, §1, LEGISLATIVE ACT 2006-530, §1

HISTORY:

10/16/2010, 10:58 AM

ADOPTED: OCTOBER 12, 2010 REVISED: _______ FORMERLY: NEW

Page 1 of 1

Leeds City 5.91

66

USE OF METAL DETECTORS In view of the potential presence of weapons in our schools, the Board of Education has authorized the use of hand-held and walk-through metal detectors to check a student's person or personal effects as follows: School officials or law enforcement officers may conduct metal detector checks of groups of individuals if the checks are done in a minimally-intrusive, nondiscriminatory manner (e.g., on all students in a randomly selected class, on every third individual entering an athletic event). Metal detector checks of groups of individuals may not be used to single out a particular individual or category of individuals. If a school official or a law enforcement officer has reasonable suspicion to believe that a particular student is in possession of an illegal or unauthorized metal-containing object or weapon, he or she may conduct a metal detector check of the student's person and personal effects. A student's failure to permit a metal detector check as provided in this code will result in disciplinary action, including suspension. Any student wearing a pacemaker, defibrillator, or similar device who objects to being scanned by a metal detector may so notify the appropriate school official and may be subjected to an alternate means of search. Metal Detector Checks of Classes of Students: When a principal decides to conduct a group metal detector check, he or she will select the class to be checked at random by blindly drawing one or more classrooms from all of the classrooms within the school. The drawing shall be conducted in the presence of another adult. Before conducting the metal detector checks, the participating administrator or law enforcement officer will enter the classroom and explain the scanning process to students in the class, emphasizing that the checks are intended to maintain safe schools. An administrator or officer will check each student by visually searching the student's desk and then escorting the student and his/her personal effects into the hall to proceed with the metal detector check. An adult will closely observe students at their desks to make sure that no objects are removed from pockets or personal effects. In the hall, the administrator or officer will ask the student to remove all metal-containing objects from his or her clothing and personal effects. The administrator or officer will then scan the student without touching his or her body and scan the outside of the student's personal effects. The metal detector scan of the student's person will be done by an adult who is the same sex as the student. If the student refuses to cooperate, the administrator or officer may proceed with the check in the presence of another adult. If the metal detector is activated during the scanning of the student's effects, the administrator or officer will open the bag, purse, etc., and look for weapons. If the metal detector is activated during the scanning of the student's person, the student will be given a second opportunity to remove any metal-containing object from his person. If the metal detector is again activated, a same-sex administrator or officer will conduct a pat-down search of the student's outer clothing in the presence of an adult witness, when feasible. If the administrator or officer feels an object on the student's person, the student will be given an opportunity to remove the object. If he or she refuses, the administrator or officer will escort the student into a private room and remove the object from the student in the presence of an adult witness of the same sex. 67

Metal Detector Checks of Individual Students: Before conducting a metal detector check of an individual student, the administrator or officer must have individualized reasonable suspicion that the student is in possession of an illegal or unauthorized metal-containing object or weapon. The provisions regarding personal searches as set forth shall be followed under the circumstances. If a properly conducted search yields a weapon or any other illegal material, it shall be turned over to the proper legal authorities for ultimate disposition.

CHAPTER 5.00 – STUDENTS INTERROGATIONS AND SEARCHES

5.31

Search of Property The Leeds City Board of Education fully recognizes the implications of constitutional law in the area of student privacy. The Board is equally aware that such tangible personal property items as student desks, student lockers, and related properties are and remain the property of the Board. The Board is charged with maintenance of such property and thus authorizes inspection for any maintenance-related reasons. With respect to opening of lockers or desks for other reasons, the following shall apply through the Leeds City School System. Desks, lockers and other equipment at school belong to the school board and, although assigned to particular students for use, may be entered and searched by school officials whenever said school officials have reasonable belief that some object, item, article, substance or other material is contained therein which is illegal, harmful to the safety of the student himself or the student body as a whole, or significantly disruptive of or dangerous to the overall discipline of the school. Vehicles driven by students and parked on school property are subject to search with or without the consent of students. Students shall not be allowed to park automobiles on campus until such time that the “Acknowledgement Concerning Use of Student Parking Lots” form has been properly completed and returned to the school. Such forms shall be maintained on file at the school.

10/16/2010, 10:54 AM

Page 1 of 3

Leeds City 5.31

68

CHAPTER 5.00 – STUDENTS Any items which are specifically prohibited by law, by Board policy, or by fair and reasonable local school regulations may be impounded by school officials. In such cases, students shall be given a receipt for said impounded items. Such prohibited items shall include, but not be limited to the following: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Any weapons; Drugs of any sort; Alcoholic beverages; Pornographic or otherwise obscene material; or Any other object, controlled substance or material which would be a violation or evidence of a violation of federal or state law, of Board policy, or of the local school’s fair and reasonable regulations.

If possible, the student or students shall be contacted prior to any search of a desk or locker assigned to such student, and the desk or locker shall be opened in his/her presence. A witness from the professional staff shall be present during the inspection at all times when students cannot be contacted. The content of this policy shall be communicated to all students and staff at the beginning of each year. II.

Search of a Student’s Person The Board authorizes teachers and administrative personnel who have reasonable belief that a student(s) is in possession of weapons, illegal drugs or other items harmful to the student or students or to the welfare of the student body to search the person of said student(s) under the following conditions: • • •

Any such action shall not be taken unless there is a reasonable belief of violation of law or policy which can be substantiated if necessary; Any such action shall not be deliberately intended to embarrass, harass, or intimidate the student(s); Parents/Guardians shall be notified, in writing, of all such searches of a student’s person. A copy of said notice shall be retained by the principal.

The search of a student’s person shall be with the knowledge, and under the supervision, of the principal or his/her designee. Any search of a student’s person shall be done privately by a teacher or administrator of the same sex as the student to be searched. At least one witness who is an administrator or teacher, also of the same sex as said student, shall be present throughout the search. A record of the search shall be made. One copy shall be filed in the principal’s office. One copy shall be sent to the Superintendent of Education. Students shall be given a receipt for all items impounded. 10/16/2010, 10:54 AM

Page 2 of 3

Leeds City 5.31

69

CHAPTER 5.00 – STUDENTS Reasonable belief of a violation of law or policy may be based upon information from such sources as faculty members, reliable students, a law enforcement officer, visual evidence or any of these factors. III.

Detection of Illegal Drugs The Board authorizes law enforcement agencies to make periodic, unannounced visits to any of its schools for the purpose of detecting the presence of illegal drugs. Such visits are unannounced to any one except the Superintendent and building Principal.

IV.

Interrogation A student enrolled in the Leeds City School System shall not be interrogated by any non-school authority without the knowledge of the school principal or the assistant principal. When law enforcement officers make it known that they wish to talk to a student while under the supervision of the school, the student will be informed by the principal or assistant principal that the student has three choices: •

He/she may converse by telephone with his/her parent/guardian.

•

He/she may decline to talk to the officers until his/her parent/guardian is present.

•

He/she may talk with the officers either in or outside the presence of a school official.

School officials will make every reasonable effort in every case to notify the parent/guardian. In those instances where a parent/guardian cannot be present within a reasonable period of time, school officials must allow interviews by law enforcement officials to proceed in the absence of the parent/guardian. Other nonschool persons, with the exception of parent/guardian, shall not interview students during school hours. No student shall be removed from the school without a warrant or petition being officially served. REFERENCE(S):

CODE OF ALABAMA 16-1-14, AAC 290-030-010-06

HISTORY:

10/16/2010, 10:54 AM

ADOPTED: MAY 23, 2003 REVISED: OCTOBER 12, 2010 FORMERLY: 5.31 Page 3 of 3

Leeds City 5.31

70

CHAPTER 5.00 – STUDENTS

UNANNOUNCED VISITS BY LAW ENFORCEMENT

5.31.3

To provide and maintain a safe and secure environment for students, staff, and visitors, the Leeds City Board of Education supports the requirement of the Alabama Administrative Code, §290-030-010-.06, to permit law enforcement agencies to make periodic, unannounced visits to any school within the school system. Such visits shall be for the purpose of detecting the presence of illegal drugs or warrants. Such visits shall be unannounced except to the Superintendent of schools and principals of the individual schools that are subject to the visitation. In accordance with the Code of Alabama, 16-1-24.1, the possession of illegal drugs, alcohol, or weapons will result in immediate suspension from school and possible criminal charges being brought against the student(s).

REFERENCE(S):

CODE OF ALABAMA 16-1-24.1, AAC §290-030-010-.06

HISTORY:

10/16/2010, 10:54 AM

ADOPTED: OCTOBER 12, 2010 REVISED: _______ FORMERLY:

Page 1 of 1

Leeds City 5.31.3

71

DISCIPLINE OF STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES Students served through the special education program under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act or students served through Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 will comply with this Code of Student Conduct unless otherwise specified in an Individual Education Program (IEP) or 504 Accommodation Plan. 1.

Prior to the administration of discipline to any student, the school official authorized to administer discipline shall ascertain, on the basis of reasonably available data, whether the student has been classified as a student with a disability within the meaning of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA) or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

2.

Students with disabilities shall be subject to imposition of reasonable disciplinary measures in the furtherance of the school's legitimate interests in maintaining order and harmony and in providing an atmosphere conducive to learning for all students. However, disciplinary decisions affecting a student with a disability shall be made with reference to, and in consideration of, the following factors as indicated by each student's Individual Education Plan (IEP) or 504 Accommodation Plan: a. b.

the nature of the student's disabling condition and the appropriateness of the discipline contemplated in light of that condition, the cause or causes of the disciplinary problem,

c.

the disciplinary history of the child,

d.

the availability and advisability of alternative disciplinary responses to traditional ones, recommendations, if any, from teachers and appropriate exceptional education staff, such other rules and regulations governing disciplinary practices and procedures needed to comply with state and federal laws, rules and regulations,

e. f. g.

environmental and other circumstances ordinarily taken into account in fashioning appropriate discipline for non-student with a disability.

3.

Suspension of a student with a disability (under IDEA or 504) shall conform to generally applicable substantive and procedural criteria, but shall not exceed ten school days without prior consultation with the Director of Student Services.

4.

In no event shall disciplinary action resulting in permanent or indefinite cessation of educational services to a student with a disability be proposed or approved without prior consultation with the Director of Student Services.

72

GUIDELINES OF DRESS AND GROOMING Parents should familiarize themselves with the dress code policy of the City of Leeds Board of Education and ensure that their children are appropriately dressed in the required attire specified in this Code of Student Conduct. (1)

Hair must be clean and well groomed, and should not impair vision. Boys' hair must not touch the collar of a t-shirt (rounded, crew-neck), when measured at full length (i.e., loose or unpinned). Male students with facial hair must keep it neat and well groomed. A hairstyle, hair color (such as non-natural colors), body piercing, clothing, or other article which is disruptive to the learning environment or which identifies a student as being a member of a gang or any subversive or unlawful organization shall not be allowed.

(2)

Nose jewelry shall not be worn by boys or girls while they are in school. Jewelry (studs, pins, etc.) shall not be worn in any visible pierced areas (excluding ears) of the body, including, but not limited to, the tongue. Band-Aids may not be worn to conceal unauthorized jewelry.

(3)

Students are to wear clothing in the manner for which it is designed. No clothing shall be worn inside out, suspenders/braces shall be fastened and belts buckled. Pants must be worn at the waist. School administration may require that shirts and blouses be tucked in and coats be removed upon entering the building.

(4)

Sun dresses and backless dresses or tops shall be worn with a jacket or appropriate covering. (Jacket or covering shall not be sheer or mesh).

(5)

Bracelets, belts, and other clothing and accessories with spikes, studs, or chains are not allowed.

(6)

Jeans and other articles of clothing must be clean with no open holes above the knee. No shredded jeans will be allowed.

(7)

Grades PreK - 5 sweats pants, jogging pants, and sweat suits are permitted. Grades 6 - 12 sweat pants, jogging pants, athletic shorts, and sweat suits are not permitted unless specifically authorized by the school principal for specific events.

(8)

Articles of clothing must be appropriate for school wear. Skirts, dresses, and shorts may be no shorter than four inches above the top of the knee, except that students in grades K-3 may wear shorts appropriate for school. Slits in skirts must meet the four inches above the knee regulation.

(9)

Clothing shall not be worn in such a way as to be a disruption to the school environment or a safety concern.

(10)

Shoes appropriate to the school setting must be worn at all times. No beach/shower style flip-flops, house slippers, athletic “slides,” or shoes equipped with skates are permitted.

(11)

Hats, sunglasses, caps, bandanas, and hoods shall not be worn at any time inside the building unless otherwise designated by the school administrator. Cases with extenuating circumstances are handled by the principal on an individual basis. (Examples of this would be 73

children with hair loss from chemotherapy or recovering from surgical procedures having required the head to be shaved). (12)

Gender specific underclothing must be worn and not visible.

(13)

Tops must cover the top of the pants and reveal no bare stomach when the student is standing or when the arms are raised. The material must be such that the body is not seen through it.

(14)

Muscles shirts, tank tops, tops with spaghetti straps, and other tops that are physically revealing, are prohibited or must be covered. Pajamas are prohibited.

(15)

Trench coats, overcoats, or other large bulky coats shall not be worn during the school day and shall be placed in lockers at the beginning of the school day.

(16)

Slogans on a garment can be just as hurtful as verbal comments. Clothing with vulgar or profane language, racial or religious slurs, sexually suggestive placing, memorial shirts, or degrading language or graphics are not acceptable for school. Clothing advertising tobacco, alcohol products, weapons, and drugs are prohibited. You are asked to cooperate with the dress code guidelines since it can be inconvenient and upsetting for you to be sent home to change. It also upsets the educational climate of which we are all a part. This is another way you can make school a positive experience. Any student who fails to dress appropriately will not be allowed to attend class until proper clothes can be secured. If necessary, parents will be called to bring proper clothes to school. Until proper clothing can be secured, the student will be isolated and will be responsible for all class work missed. Nonconformity to the dress code is a Class I offense.

(17)

Book bags with rollers are permissible in grades PreK – 5. Any student in grades 6 – 12 requiring a book bag with rollers must provide proper medical documentation to the principal.

The school administrator determines what is and what is not appropriate for the school setting.

74

CLASS I MINOR OFFENSES 1.00

EXCESSIVE DISTRACTION OF OTHER STUDENTS – Any conduct and/or behavior which is disruptive to the orderly educational process in the classroom, or any similar grouping for instruction, which cannot be corrected by appropriate classroom management.

1.01

GAMBLING – Any participation in games of chance, such as flipping coins, matching, etc., for money and/or other items of value. Possession of cards and/or dice or any participation in games involving these items. (LES and LMS)

1.02

Unexcused tardies / Unexcused checkouts / Unexcused checkins – (Grades K-12). Tardy to class or school; checking out of school or into school without at valid reason.

1.03

NONCONFORMITY TO DRESS CODE

1.04

MINOR DISRUPTION ON A SCHOOL BUS

1.05

INAPPROPRIATE PUBLIC DISPLAY OF AFFECTION

1.06

HORSEPLAYING/SHOVING/RUNNING

1.07

CONTINUED FAILURE TO BRING MATERIALS TO CLASS

1.08

POSSESSION OF AUDIO AND/OR VIDEO DEVICES OR OTHER SIMILAR DEVICES/MATERIALS (THIS INCLUDES BUT IS NOT LIMITED TO TAPES AND CDS)

1.09

(K-4) DISRESPECT TOWARD BOARD EMPLOYEES/ADULTS

1.10

POSSESSION OF A LASER POINTER OR OTHER SIMILAR DEVICES

1.11

ANY OTHER VIOLATION WHICH THE PRINCIPAL MAY REASONABLY DEEM FALLS IN THIS CLASS

75

CLASS I DISCIPLINARY ACTION GRADES K-5 First Offense:

Principal/student or teacher/student conference or parental contact.

Subsequent Offenses:

Principal/student conference, parental contact, disciplinary probation, required in-school parental conference, or outof-school suspension for one (1) to three (3) days at the discretion of the principal or designee. Corporal punishment may be administered according City of Leeds Board of Education policy. GRADES 6-12

First Offense:

In-school conference (teacher/student or principal/ student), disciplinary probation and parental contact when necessary. First Offense Horseplay – One (1) day ISS

Subsequent Offenses:

Principal/student conference, parental contact, required inschool parental conference, out-of-school detention (after or Saturday), supervised in-school suspension, or out-ofschool suspension for one (1) to three (3) days at the discretion of the principal or designee. Corporal punishment may be administered according to City of Leeds Board of Education policy.

CLASS I OFFENSES MAY NOT BE APPEALED BEYOND THE LOCAL SCHOOL LEVEL.

CLASS II INTERMEDIATE OFFENSES 2.00

DEFIANCE OF SCHOOL BOARD EMPLOYEE'S AUTHORITY - Any verbal or nonverbal refusal to comply with a lawful and reasonable direction or order of a school board employee. This can result in an automatic suspension of up to five days from school for Grades 5 – 12.

2.01

POSSESSION AND/OR USE OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS, INCLUDING LIGHTERS AND MATCHES

76

2.02

BATTERY UPON STUDENTS - Actual and intentional hitting, kicking or biting of another student against the will of the other student, with the potential to cause bodily harm to the individual. (This will result in an automatic suspension of up to five days from school.) (Also see 3.14)

2.03

FIGHTING - Physical conflict (e.g., fisticuffs) between two or more individuals. (This will result in an automatic suspension of up to five days from school.)

2.04

VANDALISM - Intentional and deliberate action resulting in injury or damages of less than $200.00 to public property or the real estate or personal property of another. Restitution will be required.

2.05

STEALING, LARCENY, THEFT - The intentional unlawful taking and/or carrying away of property valued at less than $100.00 belonging to or in the lawful possession or custody of another. Restitution will be required.

2.06

POSSESSION OF STOLEN PROPERTY WITH THE KNOWLEDGE THAT IT IS STOLEN

2.07

THREATS TO EXTORT, EXTORTION - Verbally, written, printed or electronic communication, maliciously threatening an injury to the person, property or reputation of another, with the intent to extort money or any pecuniary advantage whatsoever, or with the intent to compel the person so threatened, or any other person, to do any act or refrain from doing any act against his/her will. For grades 6-12, see 3.04.

NOTE: Completion of the threat, either by the victim's complying with the demands or the carrying out of the threats against the victim constitutes a Class III offense (3.04 Robbery). 2.08

TRESPASSING - Willfully entering or remaining in any City of Leeds Board of Education structure, conveyance, or property without being authorized, licensed, or invited, or having been authorized, licensed, or invited, is warned by an authorized person to depart and refuses to do so.

2.09

POSSESSION OF FIREWORKS, FIRECRACKERS, OR STINK BOMBS

2.10

POSSESSION OF A POCKETKNIFE (SMALL OR KEY CHAIN VARIETY), OR SIMILAR INSTRUMENTS THAT WOULD NOT NORMALLY BE CONSIDERED A WEAPON (Also see Offense 3.09)

2.11

TOUCH WITH SEXUAL CONNOTATIONS

2.12

WRITTEN REQUEST FOR SEX

2.13

USE OF OBSCENE / PROFANE MANIFESTATIONS (VERBAL, WRITTEN, GESTURE, etc.)

77

2.14

DIRECTING OBSCENE OR PROFANE LANGUAGE OR GESTURES TOWARD A SCHOOL BOARD EMPLOYEE (Grades K-5) Such actions w i l l result in an automatic suspension of up to three days from school. (For grades 6-12, see 3.22)

2.15

LEAVING SCHOOL GROUNDS WITHOUT PERMISSION OR BEING TRUANT FROM CLASS OR SCHOOL

2.16

DISRESPECT TO A SCHOOL BOARD EMPLOYEE - Any verbal or nonverbal conduct and/or behavior directed toward a School Board employee that is rude or discourteous.

2.17

FALSE INFORMATION - Intentionally providing false information to a School Board employee, including giving false student information or concealment of information directly relating to school business. This includes forgery of school notes, re-admittance slips, tardy slips, excuse slips, report cards, hall passes, field trip forms, notes from parents or guardians, or any other material required by the school.

2.18

POSSESSION OF FIREARM FACSIMILES - Discharge, possession, transfer, or sale of any facsimile or toy-type replica of a firearm or any other item resembling a firearm.

2.19

ILLEGAL ORGANIZATION - Any participation in prohibited or secret societies.

2.20

THREAT, HARASSMENT, BULLYING OR INTIMIDATION OF A STUDENT Threatening to injure or do harm of any kind to another student, either by word or by act. Bullying is defined as any willful attempt or verbal threat to inflict injury on another person, when accompanied by an apparent present ability to do so, or any intentional display of force such as would give the victim reason to fear or expect immediate or bodily harm. In addition, if by action by word or deed, (either in person or with the use of technology) has the effect of substantially interfering with the educational performance, opportunities, or benefits of a student; has the effect of substantially disrupting or interfering with the orderly operation of the school; has the effect of creating a hostile environment in the school, on school property, on a school bus, or at a school-sponsored function; has the effect of being sufficiently severe, persistent, or pervasive enough to create an intimidating, threatening, or abusive educational environment for a student; it is deemed bullying/harassment.

2.21

VERBAL ABUSE - Speech or other expressions that insult or stigmatize others on the basis of their sex, race, color, handicap, religion, sexual orientation or national and ethnic origin.

2.22

GANG AFFILIATION - THE WEARING OF CLOTHING, POSSESSION OF WRITINGS OR DRAWINGS, THE USE OF GESTURES AND/OR SIGNALS WHICH INDICATE INVOLVEMENT AND/OR AFFILIATION WITH A GANG 78

2.23

FALSE ACCUSATION OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT

2.24

UNAUTHORIZED USE OF A COMPUTER SYSTEM OR KNOWLEDGE OF RESTRICTED COMPUTER PASSWORDS

2.25

POSSESSION OF OBSCENE, PORNOGRAPHIC, OR SEXUALLY EXPLICIT MATERIAL

2.26

GAMBLING (Class II Offense LHS only). See 1.01 for description.

2.27

ACADEMIC DISHONESTY

2.28

MULTIPLE CLASS I OFFENSES

2.29

SELLING OR SOLICITING FOR SALE ANY MERCHANDISE ON THE SCHOOL CAMPUS WITHOUT THE AUTHORIZATION OF THE BUILDING PRINCIPAL

2.30

VIOLATION OF THE MEDICATION POLICY

2.31

ENGAGING IN FOOD FIGHTS

2.32

THROWING OR SHOOTING OBJECTS THAT CAN CAUSE BODILY INJURY OR DAMAGE TO PROPERTY

2.33

FAILURE TO REPORT TO A TEACHER OR ADMINISTRATOR THE KNOWLEDGE OF AN EVENT, DEVICE, OBJECT OR SUBSTANCE THAT COULD CAUSE HARM TO SELF OR OTHERS

2.34

POSSESSION OF MATERIALS THAT PROMOTE, OR COULD BE USED TO PROMOTE, ADVOCATE, OR CARRY OUT CRIMINAL ACTIVITY

2.35

ANY OTHER VIOLATION OR ACT WHICH THE PRINCIPAL MAY REASONABLY DEEM FALLS IN THE CLASS II OFFENSES

CLASS II DISCIPLINARY ACTION GRADES K-12 First Offense:

Required in-school parental conference, out-ofschool detention (before school, after school or Saturday school) suspension from extra-curricular activities, or suspension for 1-3 school days.

Subsequent Offenses:

Out-of-school detention (morning, afternoon, or Saturday), and/or corporal punishment, in-school suspension, or 1-5 days suspension at the discretion of principal or designee.

79

CLASS II OFFENSES MAY NOT BE APPEALED BEYOND THE LOCAL SCHOOL LEVEL. INTERVENTION AND/OR PROSECUTION BY LAW ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITIES SHALL BE SOUGHT WHERE NECESSARY OR APPROPRIATE AS DETERMINED BY THE PRINCIPAL/DESIGNEE.

CLASS III MAJOR OFFENSES 3.00

ALCOHOL - Unauthorized possession, transfer, use or sale of alcoholic beverages, intent to use, buy, or sell alcoholic beverages, being under the influence of alcoholic beverages.

3.01

DRUGS - Unauthorized possession, transfer, use or sale of drugs or drug paraphernalia (including, but not limited to, water pipes, roach clips, pot pipes, bongs, rolling papers); intent to use, buy, or sell drugs, being under the influence of drugs. "Drugs" also includes all illegal controlled substances, prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and any other substance with a potential for abuse which might create a hazard to the user's health or safety or the health or safety of another.

3.02

ARSON - The burning of any part of a building or its contents and/or other school property.

3.03

BATTERY UPON A SCHOOL BOARD EMPLOYEE - The unlawful and intentional touching or striking of a school board employee against his/her will or the intentional causing of bodily harm to a school employee.

3.04

ROBBERY - The taking of money or other property which may be the subject of larceny from the person or custody of another by force, violence, assault, or putting in fear of same. Restitution will be required.

3.05

STEALING, LARCENY, GRAND THEFT - The intentional unlawful taking and/or carrying away of property valued at $100.00 or more belonging to or in the lawful possession or custody of another. Restitution will be required.

3.06

ILLEGAL SCHOOL ENTRY - Breaking, entering, or remaining in a structure or conveyance without justification during the hours the premises are closed to the public.

3.07

CRIMINAL MISCHIEF - Willful and malicious injury or damages at or in excess of $200.00 to public property, or to real or personal property belonging to another. Restitution will be required.

3.08

POSSESSION OF FIREARMS - Discharge, possession, transfer, or sale of any gun or any firearm or any device which will, or is designed to, or may readily be converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive, the frame silencer, any similar destructive device. 80

3.09

WEAPONS - Possession of a knife (other than those items addressed under 2.10), including larger pocket knives, switchblades or hunting knives, or other object as defined by state law to be deadly weapons or dangerous instruments or the possession of any knife or other object which is used in a threatening manner and is perceived by the individual being threatened as capable of inflicting physical harm.

3.10

POSSESSION OF PROHIBITED OBJECTS - Possession of a gun, other than a firearm (including a starter gun, "BB" gun, pellet gun, or paint ball gun), metallic knuckles, tear gas gun, chemical weapon or device, martial arts weapon, or any other similar object.

3.11

BOMB THREATS - Any such communication(s) which has the effect of interrupting the educational environment.

3.12

EXPLOSIVES - Preparing, possessing or igniting on School Board property, explosives (including live projectiles) which have the potential to cause serious bodily injury or property damage.

3.13

SEXUAL OR LEWD ACTS - Acts of a sexual or lewd nature including, but not limited to, battery, intercourse, attempted rape, rape, or indecent exposure.

3.14

AGGRAVATED BATTERY OR ASSAULT - Intentionally causing bodily harm, disability or permanent disfigurement, use of a deadly weapon.

3.15

INCITING, PROMOTING, PUBLICIZING, OR PARTICIPATING IN A MAJOR STUDENT DISORDER - Leading, encouraging or assisting in disruptions which result in destruction or damage of private or public property or personal injury to participants or others.

3.16

UNJUSTIFIED ACTIVATION OF A FIRE ALARM SYSTEM OR DIALING 911.

3.17

FIRE ALARM CAUSING HARM OR DISORDER

3.18

THREAT TO A SCHOOL BOARD EMPLOYEE - Threatening to injure or do harm of any kind to a school board employee by word or act.

3.19

SABOTAGE OF A COMPUTER OR COMPUTER SYSTEM WHICH RESULTS IN, BUT IS NOT LIMITED TO, THE FOLLOWING: (A)

Unauthorized access to a computer system resulting in data modification or disclosure of restricted information.

(B)

Computer tampering which causes a major disruption in the educational process. Student must also pay restitution for the cost of repairs.

(C)

Distribution of restricted computer passwords.

(D)

Introduction of unauthorized software into computer system. 81

3.20

REFUSAL BY STUDENTS TO HONOR ANY LAWFUL REQUEST MADE BY THE ADMINISTRATION OR REFUSING TO TELL THE TRUTH, MISLEADING THE ADMINISTRATION. - (GRADES K-12)

3.21

LIGHTING OR IGNITING FIREWORKS, FIRECRACKERS OR EXPLOSIVES OR STINK BOMBS

3.22

DIRECTING OBSCENE OR PROFANE LANGUAGE OR GESTURES TOWARD A SCHOOL BOARD EMPLOYEE - (GRADES 6-12)

3.23

THREE (3) CLASS II OFFENSES, THAT COULD RESULT IN SUSPENSION Repeated disruptive and defiant behavior despite school-based intervention.

3.24

HAZING, WHICH IS DEFINED AS FOLLOWS: (A)

Any willful action taken or situation created, whether on or off any school or educational premises, which recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health of any student.

(B)

Any willful act on or off any school or educational premises by any person alone or acting with others in striking, beating, bruising, or maiming, or seriously offering, threatening, or attempting to strike, beat, bruise, or maim; or to do or seriously offer, threaten or attempt to do physical violence to any student of any educational institution; or any assault upon any such student made for the purpose of committing any of the acts or producing any of the results to such student as defined herein.

(C)

The term hazing does not include corporal punishment administered by officials or employees.

3.25

DISPLAY OR DISTRIBUTION OF OBSCENE, PORNOGRAPHIC, OR SEXUALLY EXPLICIT MATERIAL

3.26

IMITATION CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES - Unauthorized possession, transfer, use or sale of a substance other than a drug, which, by dosage unit, appearance (including color, size, shape and markings), and/or by representations made, would lead a reasonable person to believe that the substance is a controlled substance.

3.27

ANY ACT ON A SCHOOL BUS THAT HAS THE POTENTIAL TO CAUSE BODILY HARM TO THE PASSENGERS OR DRIVER

3.28

AGGRAVATED THREAT, HARASSMENT OR INTIMIDATION OF A STUDENT A threat to do serious bodily harm or violence to another student by word or act, a threat to kill, maim or inflict serious bodily harm, a threat to inflict harm involving the use of any weapon, explosive, firearm, knife, prohibited object, or other object which may be perceived by the individual being threatened as capable of inflicting bodily harm, any threat in the form of a "hit list", writing, statement, or communication evidencing a plan or intent to do violence to another. 82

3.29

ANY OTHER VIOLATION OR ACT WHICH THE PRINCIPAL MAY REASONABLY DEEM FALLS IN THE CLASS III VIOLATIONS

3.30

HOMICIDE, KIDNAPPING, KNIFE SALE, OTHER WEAPON SALE OR USE

CLASS III DISCIPLINARY ACTION FIRST OFFENSE – SUSPENDED FROM SCHOOL AND REFERRED TO THE HEARING OFFICER FOR DISCIPLINARY ACTION. PROCEDURES FOR ADMINISTRATION OF FORMAL DISCIPLINARY ACTION DOCUMENTATION OF CLASS III OFFENSES The conclusions of the Hearing Officer shall be based on the documented facts concerning the incident. The principal (or designee) is responsible for assembling appropriate documentation of the offense for use at the hearing. Documentation shall include all information available, including but not limited to, the following categories: 1.

Specific definition of the offense(s) committed and supporting facts,

2.

Names of all persons involved in the incident, suspect(s), victim(s), witness(es),

3.

Signed and dated statement(s) of persons referred to in (2) above may be used instead of testimony presented at a hearing,

4.

List of special program(s), if any, in which student is enrolled or being considered for enrollment,

5.

Past disciplinary records of student involved,

6.

Academic record of student which includes current grades, attendance, report card and front and back of the cumulative record, high school students should also have current transcript, Extenuating circumstances,

7. 8.

Actions taken at the school level before suspending for repeated disruptive behavior,

9.

Current IEP or 504 plan which may include a functional behavior assessment and behavior intervention plan.

The Hearing Officer shall include, or refer to, the documentation in the hearing decision if extenuating or mitigating circumstances exist, the Hearing Officer shall document the extenuating or mitigating circumstances and decide the appropriate disciplinary action to be taken. Failure to comply with Alternative School rules may result in another hearing. 83

CHAPTER 5.00 – STUDENTS DUE PROCESS

5.29

The Board recognizes that observance of applicable substantive due process entails two basic considerations: (1) any objective sought relative to student governance must be legally defensible, e.g., based upon a rational or compelling state interest; and (2) the means taken to accomplish such objective must be within the constitutional limitations applicable to the in loco parentis position of school officials within the School District. To assure compliance with these two substantive aspects, the Board has approved the following guidelines as applicable to all policies, rules, and regulations. 1.

Each local school policy, rule, or regulation shall specify its purpose as it relates to accomplishment of a legally defensible objective.

2.

Each local regulation shall be based on a Board policy.

3.

All policies, rules, and regulations at any level shall be consistent with local, county, or city ordinances, statutes of the State of Alabama, and administrative regulations of duly authorized agencies; e.g. State Board or State Department of Education.

4.

Both policies of the Board and regulations designated by local school administrators shall be specific and precise.

5.

No Board policies or local school codes of conduct shall deny any student his/her constitutional rights.

6.

Discharge of administrative responsibilities and exercise of authority shall recognize applicable legal parameters placed upon the in loco parentis position of school officials.

7.

Authority exercised by administrators, teachers or school officials, shall be capable of withstanding close judicial scrutiny and be free from arbitrary, capricious, discriminatory, or otherwise illegal practices.

8.

Students, parents, citizens, teachers, and administrators should be participants in developing local school codes of conduct.

Procedural due process within the School System shall relate primarily to the area of discipline and disciplinary measures, e.g., short-term suspension, long-term suspension, and expulsion. The degree of procedural due process afforded in each of the above situations shall be dependent upon: (1) the gravity of the offense a student is alleged to have committed; and (2) the severity of the contemplated penalty. 10/16/2010, 10:53 AM

Page 1 of 2

Leeds City 5.29

84

CHAPTER 5.00 – STUDENTS Before being punished for violation of Board policies or school regulations, a student shall have the right of the following minimum due process procedures: 1. The student shall be given oral or written notice of the charges against him; 2. The evidence against the student shall be explained to him; and 3. The student shall be given an opportunity to present his own version of the facts concerning the charges. When a student is facing possible long-term suspension (more than 10 days) or expulsion, the Board shall afford the student the following: 1. The right to an administrative hearing; 2. The right to be represented by an attorney and to present evidence on his/her behalf; 3. The opportunity to question witnesses; 4. A written record of the hearing and a written record of the decision; and, 5. The right of appeal to the Leeds City Board of Education. A school may not unilaterally expel or cease the provision of educational services to a student with a disability whose education is governed by an individualized education plan (IEP). REFERENCE(S):

CODE OF ALABAMA 16-28A-1, 16-28A-3

HISTORY:

10/16/2010, 10:53 AM

ADOPTED: OCTOBER 12, 2010 REVISED: _______ FORMERLY: NEW

Page 2 of 2

Leeds City 5.29

85

APPEAL OF HEARING DECISION If the parent(s) or guardian is dissatisfied with the decision of a Hearing Officer, the parent(s) or guardian may file an appeal with the Superintendent's Designee. The appeal procedures are as follows: 1.

The student or the student's parent(s) or guardian shall file a written request for an appeal.

2.

The written request for an appeal shall be addressed to and mailed to the Superintendent's Office.

3.

The written request for an appeal shall be postmarked on a date no more than seven (7) calendar days after the date of the Hearing Decision or delivered to the Superintendent no more than nine (9) calendar days after the date of the Hearing Decision. If the written request for an appeal is not made on time, the Hearing Decision shall be final.

4.

The Superintendent's Designee, upon receipt of a timely filed written request for an appeal, will schedule an appeal hearing.

5.

An appeal hearing will be arranged following the same procedures provided for hearings.

6.

Within two (2) school days after the appeal hearing, the Hearing Examiner shall submit to the Superintendent written findings, conclusions, and recommendations made based on the evidence and matters presented at the appeal hearing.

7.

The Hearing Examiner's findings and conclusions shall be supported by substantial evidence.

8.

A copy of the recommended findings and conclusions will be sent to the following persons: • The student's parent(s) or guardian (by certified mail). • The principal or designee.

86

APPENDIX A COMPLIANCE WITH TITLE VI OF THE CIVIL RIGHTS ACT OF 1964, TITLE IX OF THE EDUCATION AMENDMENTS OF 1972, THE REHABILITATION ACT OF 1973, THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT, THE FAMILY EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS AND PRIVACY ACT, THE HATCH AMENDMENT, AND THE VOCATIONAL EDUCATION GUIDELINES

It is the intent of City of Leeds Board of Education to comply with the above referenced federal statutes and regulations adopted pursuant thereto, in terms of employment, programs and other related activities in the school system. Part of our compliance effort is to periodically apprize employees, parents and students of the existence of these statutes and regulations, and our intent to carry out the mandates thereof. Coverage: The final regulations cover all operations of the City of Leeds Board of Education with the exception that the Vocational Education Guidelines cover vocational programs only. Treatment: All schools must treat students and employees without discrimination on the basis of race, sex, color, national origin, religion, age, or disability. The regulations cover the following areas: 1.

Access to and participation in course offerings and extracurricular activities, including campus organizations and competitive athletics.

2.

Eligibility for and receipt or enjoyment of benefits and services.

3.

Use of Facilities.

A recipient school system may not participate with single-sex organizations other than the following: Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, YWCA, YMCA, and certain voluntary youth services organizations that meet the provisions of Title IX. Health Education: Classes in health education may not be offered separately on the basis of sex except that separate sessions for boys and girls are permissible during times when materials and discussion deal exclusively with human sexuality. Physical Education: Sex segregated physical education classes are prohibited. The regulations allow separation by sex within physical education classes during competition in wrestling, boxing, basketball, football, and other sports involving bodily contact. Athletics: Where selection is based on competitive skill or the activity involved is a contact sport, athletics may be provided through separate teams for males and females, or through a single team open to both sexes. If separate teams are offered, they must provide equal opportunity — comparable facilities, equipment, etc. — but equal aggregate expenditures are not required. 87

Organizations: The school system may not provide significant assistance, in connection with its education program or activity, to any organization, agency, or person which discriminates on the basis of race, sex, color, national origin, religion, age or disability. Counseling Materials: Counseling materials developed and disseminated in keeping with these regulations must exclude references which portray biases toward race, sex, color, national origin, age, religion or disability. Employment: The regulations apply to nondiscriminatory policies and practices including both full-time and part-time employment and students. Specifically the regulations cover: • • • • • • • • •

Employment criteria, Recruitment, Compensation, Job classification and structure, Fringe benefits, Marital or parental status, Effect of state or local law or other requirements, Advertising, Pre-employment inquiries,

Employment coverage generally follows the policies of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

88

APPENDIX B SUMMARY OF LAWS RELATING TO PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITY The following is a summary of some education-related laws that apply to parents: Section 16-28-2.2 of the Code of Alabama, 1975, as amended, provides as follows: a)

b)

Local boards of education, pursuant to guidelines established by the State Board of Education, shall establish educational programs to inform parents of school children of their education-related responsibilities to their children. The programs shall include, but shall not be limited to, coverage of the following topics: i)

The criminal liability and criminal sanctions parents may be subjected to under Section 16-28-12, for failing to compel their child to properly conduct himself or herself as a pupil, or for failing to ensure that their child attends school or enrolls in school.

ii)

The necessity for a parent to monitor and supervise the school work and educational activities of the child.

iii)

An explanation of the responsibilities of teachers and the school system to child.

iv)

And an enumeration of those matters that are strictly the responsibility of the parent.

v)

Techniques and suggestions to enable a parent to best supervise the school work and educational activities of the child.

vi)

An explanation of the interrelationship of the family life of a child and the educational achievement of the child. The State Board of Education and local boards of education shall develop strategies to ensure that parents of school children receive this information. These strategies may include provisions for weekend meetings, one-to-one conferences, telephone communications, and neighborhood meetings. (Refer to Appendix VI)

Local system attorneys and law enforcement officials shall, at the request of the local board of education, assist in the implementation and operation of this section.

89

SPECIFIC EDUCATION-RELATED LAWS Section 16-28-2, provides that the purposes of Chapter 28 of the Code of Alabama, 1975, as amended, are to secure the prompt and regular attendance of pupils and to secure their proper conduct, and to hold the parent, guardian or other person in charge or control of a child responsible and liable for such child's nonattendance and improper conduct as a pupil, and to effect these purposes, the chapter shall be liberally construed and the courts and those charged with the enforcement of its provisions are vested with a wide discretion in its administration. Section 16-28-12, provides that (a) Each parent, guardian or other person having control or charge of any child required to attend school who fails to have such child enrolled in school or who fails to send such child to school during the time such child is required to attend a public school or fails to require such child to regularly attend such school or fails to compel such child to properly conduct himself as a pupil, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction shall be fined not more than $100.00 and may also be sentenced to hard labor for the county for not more than 90 days. The absence of a child without the consent of the principal teacher of the school he attends or should attend shall be prima facie evidence of the violation of this section. (b) Any parent, guardian or other person having control or charge of any child enrolled in public school who fails to require the child to regularly attend the school or tutor, or fails to compel the child to properly conduct himself or herself as a pupil in accordance with a written policy on school behavior adopted by the local board of education and documented by the appropriate school official which conduct may result in the suspension of the pupil, shall be reported by the principal to the superintendent of education of the school system in which the suspected violation occurred. The superintendent of education or his or her designee shall report such suspected violations to the system attorney within 10 days. Any principal or superintendent of education or his or her designee intentionally failing to report such a suspected violation shall be guilty of a Class C misdemeanor. The system attorney shall vigorously enforce this section to ensure proper conduct and required attendance by any child enrolled in public school. Section 16-28-14, provides that, in case any child becomes an habitual truant, or because of irregular attendance or misconduct has become a menace to the best interest of the school that he is attending or should attend, and the parent, guardian or other person files a written statement in court as provided in section 16-28-13, stating that he is unable to control such child, the attendance officer must file a complaint before the judge of the juvenile court of the county, alleging the facts, whereupon such child must be proceeded against in the juvenile court for the purpose of ascertaining whether such child is a dependent, neglected or delinquent child. Section 16-28-15, provides that, every parent, guardian, or other person having control or charge of any child required to attend public school shall as soon as practical explain the cause of any absence of the child under his control or charge that was without permission of the teacher, and a failure to furnish such explanation shall be admissible as evidence of such child being a truant with the consent and connivance of the person in control or charge of said child, unless such person can show to the reasonable satisfaction of the court that he had no knowledge of such absence and that he has been diligent in his efforts to secure the attendance of such child Section 16-28-16, provides that, every parent, guardian, or other person having control or charge of any child who enrolls in a public school, whether or not the child is required by law to enroll, is subject to the school attendance and truancy laws of the state.

90

Section 6-5-380 (a) provides that the parent or parents of any minor under the age of 18 years with whom such minor is living and who have custody of such minor shall be liable for the actual damages sustained to any school property for all damages proximately caused by the injury to, or destruction of, any property, real, personal or mixed, by the intentional, willful or malicious act or acts of such minor. In summary, there is no limit on liability of parents for damages caused by minor children to school property. As amended by Act No. 94-819 - SB 73. Section 2 (d) of Act No. 94-823 provides that it is the intent of the Legislature that it is the responsibility of the student, and the student's parent or guardian, to care for the textbooks and instructional supplies provided by the state in a manner so that the materials are not damaged to the point of being unusable. Section 16-1-24.1 (c) (2), provides that discipline plans of school systems shall include, but not be limited to, the following provisions: A parent, guardian or custodian of a minor child enrolled in a public school system is responsible financially for such child's destructive acts against school property or persons. A parent, guardian or custodian of a minor child enrolled in a public school system may be requested to appear at school by an appropriate school official for a conference regarding acts of the child. A parent, guardian or custodian of a minor child enrolled in a public school system who has been summoned by proper notification by an appropriate school official shall be required to attend such discipline conference Section 16-1 -24.1 (c) (3), provides that any public school system shall be entitled to recover actual damages, plus necessary court costs, from the parent and/or guardian of any minor who maliciously and willfully damages or destroys property belonging to such school system (This does not apply to parents whose parental control has been removed by court order or decree or to parents of exceptional children with specific mental and physical impairments if the damage is determined to result from such impairments.) Section 16-1-27, states that no board of education shall permit any pupil to carry a pocket pager or electronic communication device in school except for health or other extraordinary needs upon approval by the board of education. Any student found violating these provisions shall be subject to suspension or expulsion from school.

91

APPENDIX C Parental Notification of Civil Liabilities and Criminal Penalties The following laws relate to civil liabilities and criminal penalties for violence or other misbehavior by students on school property or against school employees: Attendance and Conduct (Act 94-782) Each parent/guardian or other person having control or custody of a child required to attend school who fails to require the child to enroll, to regularly attend school, or to compel the child to properly conduct himself/herself as a pupil in accordance with the written policy on school behavior adopted by the local board of education shall be guilty of a misdemeanor (may be fined up to $100 and may be sentenced to hard labor for up to 90 days). Teacher Assault (Act 94-794) A person commits the crime of assault in the second degree (Class C felony) if the person assaults with intent to cause serious physical injury to a teacher or to an employee of a public educational institution during or as a result of the performance of his or her duty. Drug Dealing (Act 94-783) A person who unlawfully sells, furnishes, or gives a controlled substance to a minor may be liable for injury or damage or both suffered by a third person caused by or resulting from the use of the controlled substance by the minor if the sale, furnishing, or giving of the controlled substance is the proximate cause of the injury or damage. Drugs, Alcohol, Weapons, Physical Harm, or Threatened Physical Harm (Act 94-784) The school principal shall notify appropriate law enforcement officials when a person violates local board of education policies concerning drugs, alcohol, weapons, physical harm to a person, or threatened physical harm to a person. If any criminal charge is warranted, the principal is authorized to sign the appropriate warrant. If that person is a student, the local school system shall immediately suspend that person from attending regular classes and schedule a hearing within 5 school days. If a person is found to have violated a local board of education policy concerning drugs, alcohol, weapons, physical harm to a person or threatened physical harm to a person, the person may not be readmitted to the public schools until criminal charges, if any, have been disposed of by appropriate authorities and the person has satisfied all other requirements imposed by the local board of education as a condition for readmission. Weapons in Schools (Act 94-817) No person shall knowingly with intent to do bodily harm carry or possess a deadly weapon on the premises of a public school. Possession of a deadly weapon with the intent to do bodily harm on the premises of a public school or school bus is a Class C felony. (Note: The term "deadly weapon" means a firearm or anything manifestly designed, made, or adapted for the purpose of inflicting death or serious physical injury, and such term includes, but is not limited to a bazooka, hand grenade, missile, or explosive or incendiary device, a pistol, rifle, or shotgun, or a switch-blade knife, gravity knife, stiletto, sword, or dagger, or any baton, Billy club, blackjack, or metal knuckles.) Vandalism (Act 94-819) The parents, guardian, or other person having control of any minor under the age of 18 with whom the minor is living and who have custody of the minor shall be liable for the actual damages sustained to school property, plus the court costs, caused by intentional, willful, or malicious act of the minor.

92

Pistol Possession /Driver's License (Act 94-820) Any person over the age of 14 who is convicted of the crime of possession of a pistol on the premises of a public school, or a public school bus, shall be denied issuance of a driver's permit or license to operate a motor vehicle for 180 days from the date the person is eligible and applies for a permit or license. If a person over age 14 possesses a driver's license on the day of conviction the driver's license will be suspended for 180 days. Drop-Out/Driver's License (Act 94-820) which amended Act 93-368 as codified in § 16-28-40, Ala. Code, 1975) The Department of Public Safety shall deny a driver's license or learner's permit to any person under 19 who is enrolled in school but has missed fifteen unexcused days out of school, who is not enrolled in school, or has not received a diploma or certificate of graduation. Exceptions are students who: are enrolled in a GED program, are enrolled in a secondary school with satisfactory attendance, are participating in an approved job training program, are gainfully employed, are a parent of a minor or unborn child, or are the sole source of transportation for the parent.

93

APPENDIX D PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR ATTENDANCE AND BEHAVIOR Alabama Administrative Code Section 16-28-12 Person in loco parentis responsible for child's school attendance and behavior; noncompliance, local boards to promulgate written behavior policy, contents, annual distribution, receipt to be documented, school officials required to report noncompliance, failure to report suspected violation, system attorneys vigorously to enforce provisions. (a)

Each parent, guardian, or other person having control or custody of any child required to attend school or receive regular instruction by a private tutor who fails to have the child enrolled in school or who fails to send the child to school, or have him or her instructed by a private tutor during the time the child is required to attend a public school, private school, church school, denominational school, or parochial school, or be instructed by a private tutor, or fails to require the child to regularly attend the school or tutor, or fails to compel the child to properly conduct himself or herself as a pupil in any public school in accordance with the written policy on school behavior adopted by the local board of education pursuant to this section and documented by the appropriate school official which conduct may result in the suspension of the pupil, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be fined not more than one hundred dollars ($100.00) and may also be sentenced to hard labor for the county for not more than 90 days. The absence of a child without the consent of the principal teacher of the public school he or she attends or should attend, or of the tutor who instructs or should instruct the child, shall be prima facie evidence of the violation of this section.

(b)

Each local public board of education shall adopt a written policy for its standards on school behavior. Each local public school superintendent shall provide at the commencement of each academic year a copy of a written policy on school behavior to each parent, guardian, or other person having care or control of a child who is enrolled. Included in the written policy shall be a copy of this section. The signature of the student and the parent, guardian, or other person having control or custody of the child shall document receipt of the policy.

94

(c)

Any parent, guardian, or other person having control or custody of any child enrolled in public school who fails to require the child to regularly attend the school or tutor, or fails to compel the child to properly conduct himself or herself as a pupil in accordance with the written policy on school behavior adopted by the local board of education and documented by the appropriate school official which conduct may result in the suspension of the pupil, shall be reported by the principal to the superintendent of education of the school system in which the suspected violation occurred. The superintendent of education or his or her designee shall report suspected violations to the system attorney within 10 days. Any principal or superintendent of education or his or her designee intentionally failing to report a suspected violation shall be guilty of a Class C misdemeanor. The system attorney shall vigorously enforce this section to ensure proper conduct and required attendance by any child enrolled in public school.

95

APPENDIX E Equal Opportunity Complaint Procedure Complaints made to City of Leeds Board of Education regarding alleged discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, or on the basis of handicap, in violation of Title(s) VI, VII, IX or Section 504/ADA, will be processed in accordance with the following procedures: (1)

Any student, employee or other person with a complaint alleging a violation as described above shall promptly notify, in writing or orally, the appropriate coordinator designated below for the school system. If the complaint is oral, the coordinator shall promptly prepare a memo or written statement of the complaint as made by the complainant and shall have the complainant read and sign the memo or statement if it accurately reflects the complaint made.

(2)

The coordinator shall have fifteen days to gather all information relevant to the complaint made, review the information, determine the facts relating to the complaint with the complainant and any other persons involved. The coordinator shall prepare a written response to the complaint detailing any action to be taken in response to the complaint and the time frame in which such action will be taken and copies of this response shall be furnished to the complainant and the Superintendent.

(3)

If the complaint is not resolved at the conclusion of this fifteen day period or if the complainant is not satisfied with the resolution of the complaint, the complainant shall have the right, within five days of receiving a copy of the written response, to have the complaint referred to the Superintendent of Schools.

(4)

The Superintendent shall have fifteen days to review the complaint and the response of the coordinator and attempt to resolve the complaint. The Superintendent shall furnish to the complainant a written response setting forth either approval of the action recommended by the coordinator or the action to be taken by the system in response to the complaint in lieu of that recommended by the coordinator and the time frame in which such action shall be taken.

(5)

If the complainant is dissatisfied with the response of the Superintendent, then the complainant shall have the right within five days of the receipt of the written response of the Superintendent to have the complaint referred to the Board of Education. In order to have the Board review the Superintendent's decision, the complainant must file with the Superintendent a written statement setting forth the reasons he or she disagrees with the response of the Superintendent and the action the complainant is requesting the system take. The complainant shall also include in the written response a request that the complaint be referred to the Board of Education.

(6)

Within thirty days of receipt of the written request of the complainant, the Superintendent shall present the matter to the Board of Education at its regular meeting or at a special meeting called for that purpose. The Board shall review the original complaint, the response of the coordinator, the response of the Superintendent and the response of the complainant. In addition, the Board may, but is not required to, hear directly from any individuals with knowledge of any relevant facts relating to the complaint. 96

(7)

The Board of Education will either uphold the recommendation of the Superintendent or require the system to take some other action in response to the complaint. A copy of the action of the Board will be furnished to the complainant, either as a part of the minutes of the Board of Education or as a separate written statement. The Board shall be the final reviewing authority within the system.

(8)

This procedure is not intended to deprive any employee of any right they may have to file a grievance pursuant to any other policy of the Board of Education. This policy is not intended to provide an alternative process for resolving evaluation and employment disputes where there already exists a due process procedure mandated by state law or State Department of Education regulations, specifically including, but not limited to, hearings to be conducted pursuant to the Fair Dismissal Act of Alabama, Official Code of Alabama Annotated 20-2-940 through 947. The complainant retains at all times the right to contact the Office of Civil Rights with regard to any allegations that the system has violated the statutes described above.

(9)

This procedure is available to students, employees and the general public. The School Board Policy Manuals are available upon request.

If employees or students think that they have been discriminated against because of their race, gender, color, national origin, religion, disability, or age, they should contact: Superintendent of Education City of Leeds Board of Education 1404 Eighth Street Post Office Box 1029 Leeds, AL 35094 (205) 699-5437 OR The Office of Civil Rights U.S. Department of Education 61 Forsyth Street, S.W., Suite 19T70 Atlanta, GA 30303 (404) 562-6350 Contact should be made in writing stating the nature of the grievance and indicating how you may be reached in order to schedule a conference. Note: The Appendix is a review of federal regulations cited above. Only those areas related to the City of Leeds Board of Education are reviewed in this summary. The complete implementation plan includes the Regulations, City of Leeds Board of Education, Policies and Rules related to personnel and students, a Grievance Procedure, and a Title IX record of implementation activities.

97

APPENDIX F Academic Dishonesty Academic Honesty means performing all academic work without plagiarism, cheating lying, tampering, stealing, and receiving unauthorized or illegitimate assistance from any other person. Academic Dishonesty means knowingly performing, attempting to perform, or assisting any other person in performing any academic work that does not meet the standard of academic honesty. Assistance by another, when authorized by a teacher, will not be considered academically dishonest, nor will using information that is fairly attributed to the source. Examples of Academic Dishonesty. The following acts by a student are examples of behavior constituting academic dishonesty: Plagiarism- This means submitting for academic advancement the words, ideas, opinions or theories of another that are not common knowledge, without fair attribution to that other person. Unfair attribution includes, but is not limited to, a direct quotation of all or part of another’s words without identifying that fact by appropriate marks, and/or merely stating the source generally in a bibliography without having noted the specified sources within the body of the work. Unauthorized Assistance – Giving or receiving assistance in connection with any examination or other academic work that has not been authorized by a teacher. During examinations, quizzes, lab work, and similar activities, students are to assume that any assistance (such as books, notes, calculators, and conversations with others) is unauthorized unless it has been specifically authorized by the teacher. Examples of prohibited behavior include, but are not limited to, the following when not authorized: i. ii.

iii. iv.

v.

vi.

Copying, or allowing another student to copy, answers to a test or examination, Transmitting or receiving, during a test or examination, information that is within the scope of the material to be covered by the examination (including transmission orally, in writing, by sign, electronic signal, or other manner), Giving or receiving answers to a test or examination scheduled for a later time, Completing for another, or allowing another to complete for you, all or part of an assignment (such as a paper, exercise, homework assignment, presentation, report, computer application, laboratory experiment, or computation), Submitting a group assignment, or allowing that assignment to be submitted, representing that the project is the work of all of the members of the group when some of the group members did not assist substantially in its preparation, Unauthorized use of a programmable calculator or other electronic device.

98

Lying/Tampering/Bribery – Bribery or giving any false information in connection with the performance of any academic work or in connection with any proceeding under this policy. This includes, but is not limited to: i. ii. iii. iv. v.

vi. vii.

Giving false reasons (in advance or after the fact) for failure to complete academic work. This includes, for examples, giving false excuses to a teacher for failure to attend an exam or to complete academic work, Falsifying the results of any laboratory or experimental work or fabricating any data or information, Altering any academic work after it has been submitted, unless such alterations are part of an assignment (such as a request of a teacher to revise the academic work), Altering grade, lab, or attendance records, Damaging computer equipment (including disks) or laboratory equipment in order to alter or prevent the evaluation of academic work, unauthorized use of another’s computer password, disrupting the content or accessibility of an Internet site (e.g. “mail bombs”), or impersonating another to obtain computer resources, Giving false information or testimony in connection with any investigation or hearing under this policy, Submitting for academic advancement an item of academic work that has previously been submitted (even when submitted previously by that student) for academic advancement, unless done pursuant to authorization from the teacher supervising the work or containing fair attribution to the original work.

Theft - Stealing, taking or procuring in any other unauthorized manner (such as by physical removal from a teacher’s desk or unauthorized inspection of computerized material) information related to any academic work (such as exams, grade records, forms used in grading, books, papers, computer equipment and data, and laboratory materials and data). Any behavior that constitutes academic dishonesty is prohibited even if it is not specifically listed in the above list of examples.

99

APPENDIX G ASBESTOS ANNUAL NOTIFICATION For buildings with an Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) asbestosmanagement plan in place: Upon submission of its management plan to the Governor and, at least, once each school year, the local education agency (LEA) shall notify, in writing, parent, teacher, and employee organizations of the availability of management plans, and shall include in the management plan a description of the steps taken to notify such organizations, and a dated copy of the notification. …..40CFR763.93(g)(4) The steps to inform others and a dated copy of notification should, at least, include the following: Name of LEA:

Leeds City Schools

Name of Schools:

Leeds Elementary School Leeds Middle School (outer facilities)

Date:

August 1, 2016

REQUIRED ANNUAL NOTIFICATION OF PARENTS, TEACHERS, AND EMPLOYEES REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF MANAGEMENT PLANS The management plan for asbestos-containing building materials (ACBM) required by the federal Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) has been performed for this facility. The management plan is on file at the school office and is available for public inspection at the Facilities and Maintenance Manager’s office upon reasonable notice. If desired, a copy of the plan may be obtained upon payment of a reasonable reproduction cost.

100

APPENDIX H Leeds City School District Student Random Drug and Alcohol Testing Procedures to Board policy 5.83 Project Coordinator •

•

The project coordinator or his designee will coordinate and supervise the Schoolbased student random drug and alcohol testing program. The project coordinator will be an employee of the district or someone otherwise approved by the Board. The project coordinator will work with-collaborate with the principal of each affected school in coordinating and supervising the School-based student random drug and alcohol testing program. The project coordinator will adhere to the requirements of the Leeds City School District regarding fingerprinting for a criminal history background check through the ABI and FBI for those who have unsupervised access to children in an educational environment.

Eligibility for Testing •

• • •

•

•

•

All pupils in the Leeds City Schools in grades seven through twelve (7-12) who participate in any athletics, competitive, extra-curricular activities, school clubs which have competitive components, and pupils who are drivers will be eligible for the random drug testing pool (Testing Pool). Pupils become eligible once they complete a “School-based student random drug and alcohol testing program: pupil consent to test form” (Consent to Test Form). The Consent to Test Form must be submitted to the appropriate project coordinator, principal, coach, and/or sponsor. Pupil athletes must submit Consent to Test Form on or before the first day they participate in practice. Failure to do so will result in ineligibility for participation in the athletic endeavor until the form is submitted. Pupils involved in competitive, extra-curricular activities or school clubs with competitive components must submit the Consent to Test Form by no later than their attendance at a second meeting. Failure to do so will result in ineligibility for participation in the competitive, extra-curricular activity or club. Pupils who meet the district’s guidelines for driving-parking on the campus of Leeds High School must submit a Consent to Test Form prior to a parking permit being issued. Pupils remain eligible for random drug testing from the date the Consent to Test Form is turned in until a “School-based student random drug and alcohol testing: Drop Form” is completed, or until the student graduates from Leeds High School, whether or not they have been previously tested or are currently participating in athletics, currently participating in competitive, extra-curricular activities, or drivers at the time they might be randomly selected for a drug test. In the event that a pupil eligible for random alcohol and drug testing ceases to participate or withdraws from any venue aforementioned that would make him/her eligible for testing, he/she has the opportunity to submit to the project coordinator or principal a Drop Form. This Drop Form shall remain in effect for a minimum of one calendar year, with a built-in fifteen (15) day grace period for reconsideration. In 101

•

order for a pupil’s withdrawal to be effective and thereby remove him/her from the Testing Pool, the pupil’s Drop Form must be signed by both the pupil and a parent/guardian. The district will test no less than 50% of the total number of pupils in the Leeds City Schools testing Pool annually.

Confidentiality • • •

•

•

The results of student drug tests will not be disclosed to law enforcement officials. The results of each student’s drug tests will be destroyed when the student graduates or otherwise leaves the Leeds City Schools. The Board’s legal counsel will annually review policy 5.83 and its implementing guidance and advise that the program activities do not appear to violate established constitutional principles or State and Federal requirements related to implementing a student drug-testing program. Every effort will be made to ensure the confidentiality of drug-testing results, including prohibition of the party conducting drug tests from disclosing to school officials any information about the student’s use of legal medications. All proposed activities will be carried out in accordance with the requirements of FERPA and the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRS).

Testing Procedure: •

• •

A confidential testing schedule will be created by the project coordinator and the schools’ administration prior to the initiation of the program to ensure that the testing of eligible pupils is conducted in a manner that is random. Testing will only occur on pupil contact days during the academic year. Selection of eligible pupils for testing will be conducted in a purely and entirely random basis which will be carried out as follows: 1) The pupils eligible for testing will be identified by their pupil ID number, not their name, in order to maintain confidentiality and to maintain the integrity of the randomness of this program. 2) On scheduled testing days, the project coordinator will receive, from the testing company, pupil ID numbers to be tested. 3) The project coordinator or designee will notify appropriate school administrators-counselors of the individuals being selected for testing. 4) Designated school officials will escort the individuals selected to the testing site. 5) The testing site will be a secured testing area which will maximize the privacy of the pupil. 6) Individuals selected will sign-in upon arrival at the testing site on a pre-numbered Specimen Control Form. The students will not sign in with their name. They will sign in using their pre-assigned number which is tied back to their consent form. 7) Alternate pupil selection will be made in the event of the pupil’s absence. 8) The names and/or personally identifiable information of the pupil will remain confidential. 102

Collection of Samples •

•

•

•

• • •

• • •

All aspects of the program, including the taking of specimens, will be conducted so as to safeguard any and all the personal and-or privacy rights of the pupil to the maximum extent possible. The policy treats a pupil’s test results as a confidential health record pursuant to both federal and state regulations. As such, any information obtained by the program which would identify the pupil as a drug or alcohol user may be disclosed only for those purposes and under those conditions permitted by federal regulations in accordance with 42 CFR-Part II. No testing record of any pupil will be used to initiate or substantiate any criminal charges against a pupil or to conduct any investigation of him or her, and the district will not share pupils’ individual test results with law enforcement authorities. Any information transmitted to an approved outside agency for testing or processing will not contain any personally identifiable information of the pupil. The approved outside agency will guide the collection of specimens with federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) standards. In administering the program, the district will test for the presence of certain substances that may include, but are not limited to, the following substances or their metabolites: alcohol, amphetamines, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, cocaine, marijuana, methadone, methamphetamines, opiates, oxycodone, PCP, anabolic steroids, tricyclic antidepressants, and/or any other substances defined as a “controlled substance” by either Alabama or Federal law. All pupils randomly selected for testing shall complete a Specimen Control Form which bears an assigned identification number. This identification number shall be the means for identifying the specimen by all laboratory personnel. Only the project coordinator and/or principal shall know the assigned number for each pupil. The pupil shall submit to a saliva or urine sample-screen according to the Consent to Test Form. The collection of the saliva or urine sample will be done in a manner that is confidential and respects the privacy of the pupil. The laboratory personnel will collect specimens from the selected pupil and conduct an initial on-site test on the specimen. If the specimen produced is determined to be a non-negative, the specimen will be forwarded to a licensed laboratory for confirmatory testing. Any information transmitted to a licensed laboratory for testing or processing will not contain any personally identifiable information of the pupil. Specimens will be kept by the testing facility for at least 90 days pending a request for retesting of a specimen, if an appeal occurs. Any attempt by a pupil to tamper with the specimen collection process or refusal to participate will deem and constitute the specimen as positive. All efforts will be made to minimize the instructional impact and to maintain the confidentiality and privacy rights of pupils.

103

Notification of Testing and Testing Results •

• •

• • •

•

•

All pupils in the Leeds City Schools who participate in any of the aforementioned categories of students who are eligible for drug testing with parental consent will be required to complete a “Consent to Test Form.” Parents will not be notified when the pupil’s test is negative. When a pupil’s test is non-negative, the pupil’s parent will be contacted directly by the Medical Review Officer to conduct a consultation within twenty-four (24) hours following the completion of the testing process. The consultation will address the reasons for the non-negative test and a decision will be made by the MRO regarding the legitimacy, validity, or accuracy of the non-negative test result. The MRO will determine if the substance has been taken pursuant to a legal description. Where the pupil’s test is confirmed positive, the pupil’s parent will be informed directly by a MRO or project coordinator within 24 hours of the test confirmation. Results of the pupil’s test confirmed by the MRO will be provided to the project coordinator within 24 hours after the test confirmation. The project coordinator provides any information concerning a pupil’s confirmed positive test to the school principal. Principals will notify coaches or advisors as required. Pupils’ test results will be kept in a confidential files separate and apart from hisher other educational records and shall be disclosed only to those personnel who have a need to be informed regarding the results of the test in order to implement or to oversee implementation of the program or the consequences for violating the policy. Pupil drug testing information resulting from the program will not be turned over to any law enforcement authorities except under circumstances in which the district is legally compelled to surrender or disclose such results. The district respects the privacy of its pupils and shall maintain confidentiality regarding any alcohol and drug testing for this program. The results will only be released to parents of the pupil and the project coordinator. In order for the principal to have authority to enforce this policy, the project coordinator will work with each principal to ensure that all consequences are applied and corrective actions are taken for all pupils who test positive. All records and subsequent actions shall be kept in a file separate from the pupil’s regular file. The district personnel will not release records of drug and alcohol tests or any resulting action to anyone other than the pupil and-or his parent guardian, in accordance with 43 CFR-Part II.

Consequences In the Leeds City Schools in grades 7-12, consequences will result from the following: • • •

A confirmed positive alcohol or drug test. Refusal to participate in testing, when selected. Tampering with the specimen collection process.

Pupils will be ineligible to participate in any athletics, competitive, extra-curricular activities/school clubs, or driving to school unless they complete the School-based student random drug and alcohol testing program: Pupil Consent to Test Form.

104

First positive: • •

•

•

•

•

The principal or designee will contact the parent to make immediate arrangements for a medical examination. The pupil will forfeit the privilege of participation in any athletics, competitive, extra-curricular activity, driving/parking, or clubs with competitive components for a minimum of 30 days, beginning with the first available opportunity. Pupil will be required to continue practicing with the team or group only if cleared with written permission submitted to the coach-advisor from the physician conducting the required medical examination. Students electing to not participate in practices during the non-participation period may endure additional delays in participation in games or competitions due to safety issues. The pupil shall have a minimum of 3 visits with the school counselor or other qualified counselors as selected by the district. The first visit, at a minimum, shall include the parent, and all reasonable efforts will be made to have the first session within 7 days after a confirmed positive test. The pupil must be evaluated by a physician before returning to the aforementioned activity and a written report must be furnished to the principal or project coordinator certifying the substance use no longer interferes with the pupil’s mental or physical ability to participate in school activities, i.e., athletics, competitive, extra-curricular activities, driving-parking, or school clubs which have competitive components. The pupil must submit a negative drug test prior to returning to extracurricular activities, including driving-parking. The testing company selected by the district shall be used, and the cost of such test shall be born by the parent.

Second positive • •

•

• •

•

•

The principal or designee will contact the parent to make immediate arrangements for a medical examination. The pupil will forfeit the privilege of participation in any of the aforementioned categories of participation for a minimum period of 90 calendar days, beginning with the first available opportunity. Pupil will be required to continue practicing with the team or group only if cleared with written permission submitted to the coach-sponsor from the physician conducting the required medical examination. Students electing to not participate in practices during the non-participation period may endure additional delays in participation in games or competitions due to safety issues. The parent is responsible for the costs of the substance abuse evaluation and any course of treatment-counseling. The pupil must be evaluated by a physician before returning to school and a written report must be furnished to the principal or project coordinator certifying that substance use no longer interferes with the pupil’s mental or physical ability to participate in school activities, including driving. The pupil must submit a negative drug test prior to returning to extracurricular activities, including driving-parking. The testing company selected by the district shall be used, and the cost of such test shall be born by the parent. Failure to follow through on procedures as set forth will result in the pupil being deemed ineligible for any extracurricular participation, including driving-parking at school. 105

Third positive • •

• •

•

•

The principal or designee will contact the parent to make immediate arrangements for a medical examination. The pupil will forfeit the privilege of participation in any extracurricular activity, including parking-driving, for a minimum period of 365 days, beginning with the first available opportunity. The parent is responsible for the costs of the substance abuse evaluation and any subsequent treatment-counseling by the program. The pupil must be evaluated by a physician before returning to school and a written report must be furnished to the principal or project coordinator certifying that substance use no longer interferes with the pupil’s mental or physical ability to participate in school activities, including driving. The pupil must submit a negative drug test prior to returning to extracurricular activities, including driving-parking. The testing company selected by the district shall be used, and the cost of such test shall be born by the parent. Failure to follow through on procedures as set forth will result in the pupil being deemed ineligible for any extracurricular participation, including driving-parking at school.

Appeal Procedure •

•

•

A pupil or his-her parent may request a retest of his-her specimen at his-her expense at a laboratory approved by the Leeds City Schools and which follows SAMHSA standards concerning drug testing protocols and procedures. Requests must be made within 24 hours of receiving the results of their drug test. The specimen previously submitted will be forwarded to the approved lab in cooperation with the district-approved outside agency responsible for confirmatory testing. Results of the re-test will be provided to the project coordinator by the approved laboratory. During the appeal period, pupils may not participate in athletics or any other extra-curricular activity aforementioned, including driving-parking at school. Pupil will be required to continue practicing with the team or group only if cleared with the written permission submitted to the coach-advisor from the physician conducting the required medical examination. Students electing to not participate in practices during the non-participation period may endure additional delays in participation in games or competitions due to safety concerns.

106

Leeds City Schools Home of the Green Wave

Our Vision Promoting Achievement, Respect, and Success

Our Mission Statement The mission of Leeds City Schools is to develop confident, productive young people and enable them to become independent and successful learners in a global society. We will accomplish this through a dedicated professional staff committed to continued learning. A relevant curriculum will be taught based on thinking and reasoning skills. This will take place in a positive environment recognizing the individual differences in children.

City of Leeds Board of Education Main Office: 205-699-5437 Fax: 205-699-6629 1404 8th Street / P.O. Box 1029 Leeds, AL 35094 Website: www.leedsk12.org

107