STUDENT HANDBOOK
INTRODUCTION
This booklet is a guide to explain the policies of the Lauderdale County Board of Education. Copies of Board policies are located in all schools and the Central Office.
The purpose of this handbook is to inform students and parents/guardians of their basic rights and responsibilities. These rights and responsibilities in no way diminish the legal authority of school officials and the Board of Education.
LAUDERDALE COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION
Mr. William Valentine, Superintendent
Mr. Joe Frank Fowler, Chairman
Mr. Ralph Thompson, Vice-Chairman
Mr. Dan Beavers
Mrs. Barbara Cornelius
Mr. Terry Holden
EQUAL EDUCATION OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT
It is the policy of the Lauderdale County Board of Education that no one will be excluded from participation, be denied benefits, or be discriminated against in any school program or activity based on sex, race, religion, belief, national origin, ethnic group, color, age or disability.
The language of this student handbook (2008-2009) is intended to comply with all state and federal guidelines that are presently in force or that may become law after the printing of this handbook.
DEPARTMENT CONTACTS (PHONE: 760-1300)
Assistant Superintendent/Testing/Title IV – Mark Butler
Assistant Superintendent/Title IX - Ronald Killen
High School Curriculum/504/BBSST/Professional Development– Pam Tanner
Elementary Curriculum/Federal Programs-Jennifer Gray
Special Education – Kim Gray
Child Nutrition - Judy Patterson
Attendance/Safety/Textbooks/Homeschool – John Mansell
SAFE SCHOOLS HOTLINE – 1-888-SAV-KIDS
An anonymous number for students, parents, or other individuals to use to report any suspicious behavior in their school.
LAUDERDALE COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION
FLORENCE , ALABAMA
2008-2009
Superintendent’s Message
Dear Students, Parents and School Employees:
Sincerely,
William L. Valentine
Superintendent of Education
www.lcschools.org
TABLE OF CONTENTS
School Calendar ………………………………………………………….. 7
Trimester Grade Report Dates …………………………………………… 8
School Closings…………………………………………………………… 8
Weather Make-up…………………………………………………………. 8
School Hours………………………………………………………………. 8
Facilities…………………………………………………………………… 9
Jurisdiction of the School Board…………………………………………… 9
Mission Statement…………………………………………………………. 10
Parents Right-To-Know……………………………………………………. 10
Parent Involvement Policy ………………………………………………… 10
Custody Disputes ………………………………………………………….. 10
STUDENT SERVICES
Registration………………………………………………………………. 11
Admission Policy for Homeless, Migrants, and ELL Students …………. 12
School Zones…………………………………………………………….. 12
Resident Students…………………………………………………….. 12
Out-of-District Students ……………………………………………… 12
Homeless Students …………………………………………………… 12
Change of Address……………………………………………………. 13
Transfers………………………………………………………………..…. 13
Unsafe School Choice Option. …………………………………………… 13
Transfers from Non-Accredited Schools/School Settings (Including
Homeschool)…………………………………………………………….. 13
Withdrawals………………………………………………………...…….. 15 Promotion/Retention…………………………………………………….. 15
Elementary Grades K-6 ……………………………………………… 15
Junior High – Grades 7 and 8 ………………………………………... 15
High School – Grades 9-12 ………………………………………….. 15
Summer School, Correspondence, and Distance Learning (On-Line,
Internet) Education Courses……………………………………………... 16
Summer School…………………………………………………………… 17
Graduation Requirements…………………………………..…………….. 17
GED Diploma…………………………………………………………….. 17
Academic and Standard Diploma……………….………………………… 18
Alabama Occupational Diploma……………………………………..……. 19
Graduation Exam………………………………..………………………… 20
Graduation Exercises…………………………………………..…………. 20
Statewide Tests……………………………………………………………. 21
Grading Scale…………………………………………..…………………. 21
Trimester Grading Policy ……………………………………………..….. 21
Exemption From Exams ………………………………………………….. 22
Selection of Valedictorian and Salutatorian……………………………….. 23
Class Rankings…………………………………………………………….. 23
Dual Enrollment/Dual Credit……….…………..…………………………. 23
Advanced Placement (AP) Courses………………..……………………… 23
Weighting of Advanced Placement and Dual Enrollment/
Dual Credit Courses ……………………………………………………. 24
Guidance Services………………………………..……………………….. 24
Building-Based Student Support Team (BBSST)………………………… 24
Directory Information……………………...……………………………… 24
School Records…………………………………………………………….. 25
Fees………………………………………………………………………… 25
Textbooks/Library Books………………………………………………….. 25
School Lunches……………………………………………………...…….. 26
Charged Meals Policy …………………………………………………….. 26
Worthless Checks Policy …………………………………………………. 26
Co-Curricular/Extracurricular Activities……………………………..…… 27
Organizations ……………………………………………………………. 27
Co-Curricular/Extra-Curricular Activities (No Pass/No Participation)….. 27
Drug Testing …………………………………………………………….. 29
ATTENDANCE
Compulsory Attendance………………………………………………….. 29
Absences & Excuses……………………………………………………… 30
Check Ins/Check Outs……………………………………………………. 31
Campus Passes - Internal Movement…………………………………….. 32
School Participation Absences…………………………………………… 32
Student Trips (Not Sponsored by the School)……………………………. 32
Make-up Work……………………………………………………………. 32
Tardies……………………………………………………………………. 32
Truancy…………………………………………………………………… 32
Parent/Guardian Responsibility (Enrollment and Attendance)…………… 33
Driver’s License/Attendance……………………………………………… 33
STUDENT RIGHTS, RESPONSIBILITIES AND DISCIPLINE
Driving on Campus……………………………………………………….. 33
Student Due Process………………………………………………..…….. 33
Physical Restraint …………………………………………………..……. 34
Public Complaints……………………………………………………..…. 34
Sexual Harassment/Misconduct………………………………………..… 34
Dress Code………………………………………………………………... 34
Articles Not Allowed at School…………………………………………… 35
Electronic Pagers, Beepers, & Communication Devices…………………. 35
Search & Seizure……………………………………………………..…… 37
Student Search………………………………………………………..…… 37
Vehicle Search………………………………………………………..…… 37
Interrogation………………………………………………………………. 37
Students Leaving School Grounds……………………………………..…. 38
School Bus Safety Rules………………………………………………..… 38
School Bus Suspension.…………………………………………………... 38
Illegal School Bus Passing ……………………………………………….. 38
Corporal Punishment……………………………………………………… 39
Alternative School……………………………………………………..…. 40
Verbal/Written Threats/Bullying/Harrassment ………………………….. 40
In-School Suspension (If Available) …………………………………….. 40
Suspension………………………………………………………………... 40
Expulsion…………………………………………………………………. 41
Admission of Suspended, Expelled, or Alternative School Students
From Another System ………………………………………………….. 41
Parent/Guardian Responsibilities (Behavior)…………………………….. 41
Deadly Weapons/Gun-Free Schools (For Students) ……………………… 41
Pistol Possession/Driver’s License………………………………………... 42
Discharging Firearms Into School Bus/Buildings ………………………… 42
Alcohol.……………………………………………………………………. 43
Drugs………………………………………………………………………. 43
Drug Dealing…………………………………………………………….... 44
Criminal Charges………………………………………………………….. 44
Tobacco Use (Cumulative From Year to Year)………………………..…. 45
Unannounced Visits of Law Enforcement Officers……………………..… 45
Vandalism…………………………………………………………………. 45
STUDENT WELFARE
Meningococcal Disease and Vaccine ……………………………………. 46
School Nurses…………..…………………………………………………. 46
Social Services…………..………………………………………………… 47
Reporting Abuse/Neglect..………………………………………………… 47
Medication Procedure……..………………………………………………. 48
Accidents…………………..……………………………………………… 49
Communicable Diseases……..……………………………………………. 49
Limited Physical Activity………………………………………………….. 51
Fire Drills, Tornado Drills, Bomb Threats……..…………………………. 51
PROGRAMS FOR EXCEPTIONAL CHILDREN AND YOUTH
Special Education……………………………………..………………….. 51
Gifted/Enrichment Program……………………………..……………….. 52
504 Services………………………………………………..…………….. 52
Homebound Services ……………………………………………………. 52
Pregnant Students…………………………………………..…………….. 53
Married Students……………………………………………..…………… 53
GENERAL INFORMATION
Wellness Guidelines ………………………………………………………. 53
School Insurance………………………………………………..…………. 54
Parent/Guardian Conferences……………………………………..………. 54
Fund Raising………………………………………………………...…….. 54
Visitors………………………………………………………………..…… 54
Trespassing……………………………………………………………..…. 54
Surveillance Equipment…………………………………………………... 55
Tobacco Use (Parents/Guardians/Visitors on School Property)………….. 55
Asbestos…………………………………………………………………… 55
Complaints and Grievances……………………………………………….. 55
Code of Conduct………………………………………………………..… 56
SCHOOL CONDUCT INTERVENTION PROGRAM
Parental Notification……………………………………………………….. 57
Letter From Jimmy Sandlin, Juvenile Court Judge ……………………….. 59
It’s the Law………………………………………………………..………. 63
Code of Student Conduct………………………………………………….. 64
Respect for Person, Privacy, and Property……………………….……. 64
Knowledge and Observation of Rules of Conduct……………….……. 65
The Right to Learn……………………………………………….……. 65
Free Speech……………………………………………………….…… 65
Student Publications………………………………………………..….. 65
Assembly………………………………………………………….…… 66
Participation in School Programs and Activities………………….…… 66
Classification of Violations and Sanctions………………………………... 66
Class I Violations/Sanctions…………………………………………… 67
Class II Violations/Sanctions…………………………………………... 67
Class III Violations/Sanctions…………………………………………. 68
ACCEPTABLE USE/COPYRIGHT POLICY…………………………. 69
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT………………………………………….……. 73
HEALTH INFORMATION FORM ……………………………………. 75
SCHOOL MEDICATION/PRESCRIBER/PARENT
AUTHORIZATION …………………………………………………...77
PARENT/LEGAL GUARDIAN ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ………… 79
LAUDERDALE COUNTY SCHOOLS STUDENT
RESIDENCY QUESTIONAIRE …….……………………………….. 81
LAUDERDAL E COUNTY SCHOOLS CALENDAR – 2008-2009
August 4 Teacher Workday
August 5 Teacher Workday
August 6 Teacher In-Service/Professional Development
August 7 Local Professional Development/Teacher Workday
August 8 First Day of Classes
September 1 Labor Day
September 15-19 Alabama High School Graduation Exam (AHSGE)
October 13 Local In-Service/Parent-Teacher Conferences
(12:00 P.M.-3:00 P.M) (3:00 P.M.-7:00 P.M.)
October 30-31 Trimester Exams
November 3-7 Fall Break
November 11 Veteran’s Day
November 26-28 Thanksgiving Holidays
December 8-12 Alabama High School Graduation Exam (AHSGE)
December 19 Last Day of Classes Before Christmas Holidays
December 22-Jan. 2 Christmas Holidays
January 5 Classes Resume
January 19 King/Lee Holiday
February 18, 19 Trimester Exams
February 20 Teacher In-Service/Weather Make-Up Day
February 23 Weather Make-Up/Teacher In-Service
February 26 Alabama Direct Assessment of Writing
March 6-13 Alabama High School Graduation Exam (AHSGE)
March 9-27 Alabama Alternate Assessment (1 day)
March 30-April 10 Stanford/ARMT Assessments
April 10 Good Friday/Weather Make-Up Day
April 13-17 Spring Break
May 25 Memorial Day
May 28, 29 Trimester Exams
June 1 Graduation/Teacher Workday
Note: Holidays for All Personnel – July 4, 2008, September 1, 2008, November 11, 2008, November 27-28, 2008, December 22, 2008-January 2, 2009, April 13-17, 2009, May 25, 2009
Note: Work Days for 222/240 Day Employees – November 24-26, 2008, January 19, 2009, February 23, 2009, April 10, 2009
GRADING PERIODS
1st Six-Weeks: August 8, 2008 – September 19, 2008 30 Days
2nd Six-Weeks September 22, 2008 – October 31, 2008 29 Days
1st Trimester 59 Days
3rd Six-Weeks November 10, 2008 – January 9, 2009 31 Days
4th Six-Weeks January 12, 2009 – February 19, 2009 28 Days
2nd Trimester 59 Days
5th Six-Weeks February 24, 2009 – April 9, 2009 33 Days
6th Six-Weeks April 20, 2009 – May 29, 2009 29 Days
3rd Trimester 62 Days
TOTAL 180 DAYS
TRIMESTER GRADE REPORT DATES
1 ST Trimester 2 nd Trimester 3 rd Trimester
3 WEEKS Aug. 29, 2008 Dec. 5, 2008 March 16, 2009
INTERIM
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END OF 6 WEEKS Sept. 19, 2008 Jan 9, 2009 April 9, 2009
REPORT CARD DATE Sept. 25, 2008 Jan. 15, 2009 April 23, 2009
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9 WEEKS Oct. 10, 2008 Jan. 30, 2009 May 7, 2009
INTERIM or or or
Oct. 13, 2008 Feb. 2, 2009 May 8, 2009
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END OF TRIMESTER Oct. 31, 2008 Feb. 19, 2009 May 29, 2009
(12 weeks)
REPORT CARD DATE Nov. 13, 2008 Feb. 26, 2009 K-6 - May 29, 2009;
7-11 after June 1,
2009; 12th grade on
graduation date
SCHOOL CLOSINGS
The Superintendent will close schools when weather conditions are too hazardous for safe operations. News media will be notified. The Board of Education will determine make-up days for inclement weather. Athletic events are to be canceled on days the Lauderdale County Schools are not in session due to inclement weather conditions, unless required for state deadlines. The principal will make the final decision on the safety of playing state ballgames. It will be the responsibility of the parents to be aware of schedule changes that involve school closings and delays, and to make appropriate arrangements for the care of students.
WEATHER MAKE-UP
The trimester break/school holidays may be used for make-up days.
SCHOOL HOURS
School hours at all of the Lauderdale County school facilities are from 7:55 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. Some schools offer breakfast at 7:30 A.M. Each building is open at least one-half hour before the first bell. In the afternoon, students not engaged in approved after-school activities must leave the premises immediately.
FACILITIES
Allen Thornton Career Technical Center Lauderdale County High School
7275 Highway 72 201 Cedar Street
Killen, Alabama 35645 Rogersville, Alabama 35652
757-2101 247-3414
Anderson Junior High School Lexington High School
201 Bayles Street 101 School-Church Street
Anderson, Alabama 35610 Lexington, Alabama 35648
247-5673 229-6622
Brooks Elementary School Rogers High School
100 School Lane 300 Rogers Lane
Killen, Alabama 35645 Florence, Alabama 35634
757-2171 757-3106
Brooks High School Underwood Elementary School
4300 Highway 72 4725 Highway 157
Killen, Alabama 35645 Florence, Alabama 35633
757-2115 764-8939
Central High School Waterloo High School
3000 County Road 200 311 School House Lane
Florence, Alabama 35633 Waterloo, Alabama 35677
764-2903 766-3100
Cloverdale Junior High School Wilson High School
12101 Highway 157 North 7601 Highway 17
Florence, Alabama 35633 Florence, Alabama 35634
764-4816 764-8470
Central Office
P.O. Box 278
Florence, Alabama 35631-0278
760-1300
JURISDICTION OF THE SCHOOL BOARD
Students enrolled in the Lauderdale County School System are subject to the policies of the Lauderdale County Board of Education and to the rules and regulations of the schools. This authority applies to all school-sponsored activities including but not necessarily limited to:
§ regular school activities
§ transportation on school buses
§ field trips
§ athletic functions
§ activities during which appropriate school personnel have supervisory responsibility for students.
All school regulations and prohibitions pertain to motorized vehicles driven or
parked on school property. In addition to the foregoing, jurisdictional control over the student may be extended to the immediate vicinity of the school when the conduct of the student is deemed to have a detrimental effect on the health, safety, and welfare of the school.
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the Lauderdale County School System, which represents a diverse area devoted to education, family values, recreation activities, and a rich musical and historical heritage, is to provide the opportunity for each individual to become a productive and contributing citizen in an expanding society through an educational system that is characterized by technologically integrated curriculum, a devoted and highly qualified staff, strong community and parental support, and a safe and structured environment.
PARENTS RIGHT-TO-KNOW
The Lauderdale County Board of Education employs qualified classroom teachers and paraprofessionals. Information regarding qualifications and certification levels are on file at the county office. Requests for this information will be provided in a timely manner (as per “No Child Left Behind Act of 2001”).
PARENT INVOLVEMENT POLICY
The Lauderdale County School Board recognizes that parental involvement must be a priority of the Board for children to learn and achieve academic success. Parents and families should provide the primary educational environment for children. It is important for parents to partner with the Board of Education employees throughout their children’s school careers. The concept of parent involvement shall include programs, services, and/or activities on the school site, as well as contributions of parents outside the normal school setting.
It shall be the policy of the School Board and each public school receiving Title I funds in Lauderdale County, in collaboration with parents, teachers, students, administrators and other educational resources, to establish, develop, and maintain strategies and programs that are intended to enhance the involvement of parents and other caregivers.
CUSTODY DISPUTES
Every school year there are parents who become involved in a custody dispute over their children. School staff, including teachers, principals, counselors, nurses, and others are asked by one parent to keep the other parent from coming to the school to see the child, from picking up the child after school, or from obtaining the child’s school records.
Under Alabama laws, both parents have equal rights and access to their children and to participate in their child’s education, unless there is a court order requiring something different. It is the policy of the Lauderdale County School System that both parents are entitled to come to their child’s school, to participate in their child’s education and to exercise all rights which parents have with their children.
The Lauderdale County School System and staff will not honor any request by one parent to keep the other parent from the child unless they are provided with a certified copy of a court order. The court order must clearly establish that the other parent is not allowed to have access to the child or is restricted or limited in some way in exercising parental rights over the child.
STUDENT SERVICES
REGISTRATION
To enter a Lauderdale County school, you should contact the appropriate elementary, middle, or high school for each child to register. The birth certificate and the Certificate of Immunization or Certificate of Exemption as required along with the social security card must be presented for enrollment. Students must be five years old on or before September 2 to enter kindergarten; students must be six years old on or before September 2 to enter first grade. However, pupils who are six years old after September 2 who have completed kindergarten in another state and who have been certified to attend first grade in that state, may be accepted in first grade. (Note: Child must live with parent or legal guardian.) The following proofs are required for initial enrollment in public schools:
§ Certified birth certificate
§ Certificate of Exemption or Certificate of Immunization (blue form IMM 50) against the following diseases: Diptheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Poliomyelitis, Measles (Rubella, Rubeola), Mumps/Whooping Cough, Varicella (chicken pox) (16-30-4) (REQUIRED FOR ENROLLMENT)
Immunization certificates are available from the Lauderdale County
Health Department, 4112 Chisholm Road , Florence , Alabama and
from local physicians.
§ Social security card or temporary school assigned number
§ Grades K-12 will have two weeks to obtain immunization certificate from the date of notification
§ 9 th or 10 th graders may be notified to renew their health certificate
SAFE SCHOOLS HOTLINE – 1-888-SAV-KIDS
ADMISSION POLICY FOR HOMELESS, MIGRANTS, AND ELL STUDENTS
Pursuant to the requirements of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act as amended by the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 and the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, all homeless children, migrants, and English language learners must have equal access to the same free appropriate public education, including public preschool education, provided other children and youth. This shall be the policy of the Lauderdale County School System. Such children will be provided the opportunity to meet the same challenging state content and state student performance standards to which all students are held without being stigmatized or isolated. The enrollment of homeless, migrant, and limited English proficient children and youth shall not be denied or delayed due to any of the following barriers: Lack of birth certificate; Lack of school records or transcripts; Lack of immunization or health records; Lack of proof of residency; Lack of transportation; and Unaccompanied, no guardian.