DeerCreekSchool
Junior High and High School
Student Handbook
2016-2017
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Note to Students3
School Calendar4
Philosophy and Code of Ethics5
Admission Policy5
Tuition Payments5
Board Policies on:
Electronic Media Policy 6
Student Photo/ Video usage 6
Substance Abuse Statement6
Visitors 7
Parent/Teacher Conferences 7
Hazardous Materials and Tornado Drills 7
Automobiles on Campus 7
Dispensing of Medications7
Smoking 7
Cheating and Stealing 7
Cell Phones 7
Married Students 8
Unmarried Students and Pregnant Students 8 Changes in Address and/or Phone Numbers 8
Dual Enrollment 8
Grading: Grading System 8
Honor Roll and Headmaster’s List 8
Exemptions from Examinations 9
Term Reports and Progress Reports 9
Home Schooling/ Transfer Student Testing9
Junior High and High School Promotion Requirements 10
Graduation Requirements 10
Graduation Requirements for Incoming 9th Graders 10
Hall of Fame (2011 Graduates)11
Valedictorian and Salutatorian Requirements12
Honors Graduates Requirements12
Changes in Class Schedules12
Testing Programs and Recommendations13
Attendance and Absences; Tardies13
Absences from School and Classes13
Make-up Work14
Early Dismissals from School14
Early Dismissals from School for Seniors14
Closure of School Due to Weather14
Student Appearance and Conduct:
Personal Appearance15
Dress Code Violations15
Student Conduct at School Sponsored Events16
Substance and Drug Abuse Statement16
Drug Testing Policy16 Search and Seizure 17
Conduct17
Suspension18
Student Life:School Courtesies19
Activities19
Participation Policy19
Cheerleader Requirements20
Student Council20
Duties and Requirements of Officers21
Class Officer Guidelines21
Homeroom Officers21
Honor Society22
Concession Stand Duty22
Campus Map23
Sexual Harassment Policy24
Public Notice of Asbestos24
OCR Statement24
Summary of Changes24
Signature Page25
A note to students:
The purpose of the handbook is threefold:
(1)To provide guidelines that will prevent students and other patrons from unknowingly committing acts that may deter the process of education;
(2)TO TRANSLATE THE POLICIES OF THE SCHOOL BOARD INTO RULES THE STUDENTS MUST FOLLOW AND THE STAFF MUST REINFORCE; AND
(3)To provide information about the school and its activities for those interested in attending.
Attending school at Deer Creek is a privilege and any privilege is accompanied by a corresponding responsibility. It is your responsibility to set a standard of excellence that will challenge all pupils who follow you. Obviously, the answers to all questions could not be included; therefore, good prudence must be the guide.
We should strive for excellence in our relations with one another and other schools, in our academic pursuits, and in all co-curricular endeavors. With your cooperation and hard work, DeerCreekSchool will continue to be characterized by a tone of excellence in all things.
Your school offers you many opportunities for growth in knowledge, in skill, in appreciation, and in human understanding. Make the most of these opportunities day by day, and you will be rewarded by the deep satisfaction that comes from personal growth.
This handbook is dedicated to the youth of this community with the hope that it will strengthen loyalty, honesty, sportsmanship, school pride, and a genuine spirit of understanding. We realize that this handbook must be constantly ‘up graded’, and we invite your constructive criticism and suggestions.
Sincerely,
F. E. Allegrezza
Headmaster
DEER CREEK SCHOOL CALENDAR
2016-2017
August 1,2,3DCS Little Cheer Camp
August3Pictures - Cheer/Football/Softball/Programs
August 4-5Teacher Orientation/Workday
August 8Meet the Creek Family Night – 6:00 p.m.
August 8Student Orientation 8:00 – 11:30
August 9First Full Day of School
September 5Labor Day – NO SCHOOL
September 7School Day Pictures/ Senior End Sheet page
September 8Progress Reports
October 7Homecoming –Senior night-Columbus Christian
October 7End of 1st nine weeks (44 days)
October 10Fall Break
October 12Senior Portraits/ School Day Retakes
October 13Report Cards
October 17Harvest Festival
November 21-25Thanksgiving Holidays
December 1Basketball Pictures
December 13Last day for elementary
December 14-15-16Mid-Term Exams – dismissed at 10:30
December 16End of 2nd nine weeks (44 days)
December 19-January 2Christmas Holidays
January 3Return to school – 2nd semester begins
January 5Report Cards
January 16Martin L. King Holiday – NO SCHOOL
February 1Progress Reports
February 24Beauty Review
February 27Who’s Who pictures at Greenwood
March 3End of 3rd nine weeks (43 days)
March 8Report Cards
March 9Kindergarten K3/K4/K5 Open House
March 9District Teachers Meeting dismissal at 11:00 am
March 10,13-17Spring Break
March 31Jr./Sr. Banquet/ dinner at 7:00
April 12Spring Portraits/Baseball
April 12 Progress Reports
April 14, 17Easter Holiday
April 28May Day
May 5HS Awards Day/Senior Class Day
May 7Baccalaureate – 8:30 a.m.
May 8Kindergarten Graduation – 7:00 p.m.
May 11Last day for elementary
May 12Graduation – 7:00 pm
May 12-15-16Final Exams- dismissed at 10:30
May 16Elementary Awards Day/ Report Cards
May 18Junior/High School Report Cards
______
1st Semester – 88days2nd Semester – 87 days
August 18 daysJanuary20days
September21daysFebruary 20days1st 9wks -44days
October20daysMarch17days2nd 9wks -44days
November17daysApril18days3rd 9wks -43days
December12daysMay12days4th 9wks -44days
TOTAL DAYS IN SCHOOL - 175
Philosophy of Deer Creek School
The Deer Creek Educations Institute, which operates the DeerCreekSchool, seeks to establish a philosophy of education that will best meet the needs of the communities it serves. It is the desire of the school to develop each student to the fullest of his abilities and thereby provide each student with the resources for leading a useful, productive, and rewarding life as a member of society.
Believing that academic priority is the school’s primary responsibility, DeerCreekSchool aims to employ the best qualified staff it can secure and to maintain high standards of academic achievement.
Recognizing the relationship between mental, physical, and emotional well-being, DeerCreekSchool strives to provide curricular and extra-curricular opportunities to develop each individual to his maximum potential.
In order to achieve these goals, DeerCreekSchool relies upon the effective cooperation between students, faculty, administration, parents, church, and the community as a whole.
Code of Ethics
D – Devotion to DutyC – CooperationS – Sportsmanship above victory
E – Eagerness to learnE – EnergyC– Courage
E –EmpathyE – ExcellenceH – Have Pride in school and self
R – Respect for allK – KnowledgeO – Obedience to teachers & supervisors
O – Orderly in appearance and work
L –Loyalty
Admission Policy
DeerCreekSchool is operated by Deer Creek Educational Institute, Inc.
A.Parents of the applicant must file an application in the Administrator’s Office.
12A record of the applicant’s grades from the previous school year is to be filed in the Administrator’s Office.
C. The applicant should have achievement test scores that are in the thirtieth percentile or above. DeerCreekSchool believes that if a student is to progress satisfactorily at this institution, such achievement test scores should have been attained.
D.The results of the applicant’s most recent achievement test scores and mental abilities test scores (preferably two of each) are to be received by either the Headmaster or Guidance Counselor.
E.Both academic and character references for the applicant must be submitted.
F.The applicant must be interviewed by the Headmaster or Guidance Counselor. (More than one interview may be required.)
G.Applicants are either approved or approved on probation. If approved on probation, any serious infraction of school policy could lead to expulsion from DeerCreekSchool.
H.Deer Creek Educational Institute, Inc. admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school administered programs
I.A student expelled from any public, private or parochial school will not be considered for admission to DeerCreekSchool.
Tuition Payment Policy
OPTIONS FOR PAYMENT:
12 or 10 monthly drafts or 12 or 10 monthly post-dated checks. Due in the office
for 12 month plan by May 25, 2016 or for 10 month plan July 25, 2016.
Semester payments due on August 1, 2016 and January 1, 2017.
Payment in full at time of registration.
All progress reports, final grades, transcripts, and diploma will be withheld while tuition is in arrears. Also, students will not be allowed to take examinations while tuition is in arrears.
NO EXCEPTIONS WILL BE MADE TO THIS POLICY!
General Board Policies
Deer Creek School Electronic Media Policy:
This policy addresses communications between Deer Creek staff and students via electronicMedia (e-mail, text, Instant messaging, My Space, Facebook, Twitter, etc.)
Staff members may use electronic communications with students when done professionally and appropriately. This would include school related business or any communication thatwould be acceptable
in the presence of a student’s parents or the school administration.
Any communication between a staff member and student that may be viewed as derogatory,sexual or lewd in content, threatening or harassing, discriminatory, or suggestive in natureis inappropriate. It is the staff member’s responsibility to ensure that such relationshipscontinue along with appropriate boundaries. All students must adhere to the policies of decency as well. Any student who engages in inappropriate communication with facultyor other students will be subject to suspension or expulsion.
It is mandated by the Deer Creek Board of Directors that all its employees keep relationshipswith students on a strictly professional basis. Staff members who engage in inappropriate communications with students will be subject to reprimand or termination at the discretion of
the Administration or Board of Directors.
The Board of Directors reserves the right to make modifications or additions to this policy at
any time and has discretionary authority to interpret terms and provisions.
Student photo/Video usage
Deer Creek School will, on occasion, use photos or video of students for promotional use. This can include, but not be limited to:
• DCS website
• School Brochures
• DCS Yearbook
• Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and other social media outlets
• Advertising extracurricular activities such as sports or band
Note: Names will never be placed near photos or video unless parent permission is granted on a case-by-case basis.
Please be aware that the spirit of DCS promotional use of student photos/video is celebrating our students and our school. Video is used for student projects, chapels, teacher professional development (in school), and promotions.All media generated from or about the school will be closely monitored.
If a parent or guardian is concerned about their child’s photo usage please be sure to complete Parental/Guardian Photo Usage Consent Form.
SUBSTANCE ABUSE STATEMENT:
The Board of Directors is committed to providing a zero tolerance environment for our students.
VISITORS
Visitors are welcomed at DCS. The school doors are always open to parents/guardians and others interested in the school. ALL visitors are required to come by the Headmaster’s office upon entering the building and are not to go directly to any classroom. The office will assist with any requests.
PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES
Conferences with teachers may be arranged by calling the secretary for an appointment. Parents/guardians are urged to arrange a conference with teachers.
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS AND FIRE/TORNADO SAFETY DRILLS
The office will notify students in case of a hazardous material emergency or fire/tornado drill. The directions to follow in case of an emergency are as follows:
Hazardous/Fire Drill: indicated by one continuous ringing of the bell. Students are to follow teachers to the designated area.
Tornado Drill: indicated by short continuous rings of the bell. Students are to follow teachers to designated areas in the hall and will sit facing the wall and will cover their heads.
AUTOMOBILES ON CAMPUS
The cars which students bring to school will be parked in the north parking lot. Students are not to sit in cars after arriving on campus or return to their cars during the day.
Students who leave school without permission from the office to go to the store, or any other place during break, lunch, or free period will receive Level 2 detention suspension deemed by headmaster.
DISPENSING OF MEDICATIONS
A physician’s letter with directions will be necessary for Deer Creek School to dispense medicine.
TOBACCO POLICY
It is the policy of the school that students will not smoke, chew or have tobacco products in their possession during school hours while on school property. Students in violation of this policy will be subject to disciplinary action to protect the best interests of all students and the school. This also pertains to dipping or chewing tobacco. The school buildings are tobacco free.
CHEATING AND STEALING
Cheating and stealing are two actions that are expressly forbidden at DeerCreekSchool. Students who are guilty of cheating will receive a zero in that class for that test and assignment. Incidents of stealing will be handled by the Headmaster. If cheating or stealing persists, it may result in suspension or expulsion from school.
CELL PHONES
CELL PHONES WILL BE ALLOWED IN THE SCHOOL BUILDING. THEY MUST BE TURNED OFF AT ALL TIMES. YOU MAY ONLY USE YOUR CELL PHONE WITH A TEACHER’S PERMISSION. If you use your cell phone at school without permission, the first offense will result in a meeting with the Headmaster to determine the appropriate punishment. The second and all subsequent offenses will result in 1 days’ suspension, a $25.00 fine and the surrender of the phone for a 24 hour time period, to be picked up in person by the parent/guardian in the office.
MARRIED STUDENTS
Married Students may attend DCS. No married student may participate in any sport or extra-curricular activities.
UNMARRIED/MARRIEDPREGNANT STUDENTS
In the event of unmarried/married student pregnancy, when the fact becomes known, the student will be allowed to continue her education at home until after delivery; upon which time with doctor’s approval, she will be allowed to return to school.
When applicable, the above criteria shall also apply to the father if he is a student of DeerCreekSchool.
The student may retain all academic and athletic honors; however, she/he will not be eligible for any elected honors or positions, such as Who’s Who, Mr./Ms. Deer Creek School, Homecoming Queen/King, Prom Queen/King, Class Officer, Honor Society Officer, Student Council Member/Officer, Annual Editor/Co-Editor, FCA Officer, etc…
When applicable, the above criteria shall also apply to the father if he is a student of Deer Creek School.
During the period that the student(s) are working at home, athletic participation is denied.
CHANGES IN ADDRESS AND/OR PHONE NUMBER/ EMAIL ADDRESS
If at any time during the year a change of address or telephone number is made, please report it to the Headmaster’s office. Updated emails are important for lines of communication from school to parents.
DUAL ENROLLMENT
All students taking dual enrollment must meet the requirements: minimum overall 3.0 GPA on a 4.0
scale on all high school courses and with successful completion 14 core high school units. Students who
have not completed 14 core high school units may be admitted to dual enrollment/credit program with a
minimum of an overall 3.0 GPA on all high school courses and a minimum composite ACT score of 30
or the equivalent SAT score. An English sub score 17 on the ACT is required to take Comp I and 19 math
sub score in order to take college algebra. Enrollment must be approved by Headmaster.
GRADING SYSTEM
Effective with the 2014-2015 school term, the grade scale will be a modified 10 Point Scale for grades 7th -12th. The Elementary students will remain on a 7 point scale
The Modified 10-Point ScaleThe 7 Point Scale(Elementary)
A = 90-100A =94 - 100
B = 80-89B =85 - 93
C= 73-79C =76 - 84
D= 70-72D =70 - 75
F= 69 and below F =69 - and below
HONOR ROLL AND HEADMASTER’S LIST
Honor Roll: A student must have a 90 average in each subject, each 9 weeks and semester
Headmaster’s List: A student must have a 94 average in each subject, each 9 weeks and semester
EXEMPTION FROM EXAMINATIONS
DCS allows students in grades 7 -12 the privilege of being exempt from any 2nd semester examination. To be exempt, a student must earn an average of 94 or above for the 1st semester and have earned a 94 or above average for the 2nd semester. Students that are exempt in all subjects do not have to attend on review
days only. If you are not exempt in all subjects you must attend all classes each day during regular school
hours.
Seniors must have a 90 or above average for 1st semester and a 90 or above average for the 2nd semester. They must have a 90 average for a one-semester course.
All exemptions are at the discretion of the teacher. They will also be based on conduct, attitude, and attendance.
TERM REPORTS AND PROGRESS REPORTS
TERM REPORTS: Report cards will be sent home four (4) times a school year. These reports do not specify credit for a particular term, but do indicate the quality of work being done. Parents/Guardians should anticipate these reports since they are indicative of what final accomplishments at the end of the year are likely to be.
For the 2016-2017 school session, term reports will be sent home on the following dates:
1st term: October 13, 2016
2nd term: January 5, 2017
3rd term: March 8, 2017
4th term: May 18, 2017
PROGRESS REPORTS: Student’s progress may be followed by viewing grades, assignments, and
conduct reports through our Gradelink( Students will be issued a sign on code,
if you need assistance please contact the office 662-827-5165. Progress reports will be sent upon written
request by the parents/guardians that don’t have access to a computer with internet link on the following
dates.
1st term: September 8, 2016
2nd term: November 10, 2016
3rd term: February 1, 2017
4th term: April 12,2017
Home Schooling/ Transfer Student Testing
All students seeking to transfer from any school, public, private, or home school within or outside of the
boundaries of the State of Mississippi. May be required to take a test to determine the grade and class to
which the pupil shall be assigned at the time of pupil transfer.
The administrative head of the school shall administer the test or tests to such pupil or pupils as shall apply for transfer to Deer Creek School. Such test or tests shall be administered within thirty days after filing of each such application for transfer. Notice of the giving of such test shall be given the applicant n0ot less than
five days prior to the date of administration of such test. No transfer of a pupil shall be effected until the
test has been given and the pupil is assigned according to the grade and class of which the test shows
the pupil is best suited for.
Promotion Requirements:
In order for a student to be promoted to the next grade he/she must adhere to the following rules.
Jr. High Promotion: to the 7th Grade – must pass 6th grade without making below a 70 in reading,