2004 – 2005

STUDENT

HANDBOOK

13443 Burgess Ave.

P.O. Box 219  Walker, LA 70785

666-8970 / 665-8971


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SCHOOL CALENDAR – 2004 / 2005

PLANNING/PREPARATION

(For Teachers and Principals).Thursday, August 5, 2004 (Full Day)

...... Friday, August 6, 2004 (Full Day)

...... Monday, January 3, 2005 (Full Day)

...... Wednesday, February 16, 2005 (1/2 Day)

……………………………….Wednesday, April 20, 2005 (1/2 Day)

...... Monday, May 23, 2005 (Full Day)

CLASSWORK BEGINS (STUDENTS).....Monday, August 9, 2004

FIRST SEMESTER ENDS (STUDENTS).Friday, December 17, 2004

SECOND SEMESTER BEGINS (STUDENTS)

...... Tuesday, January 4, 2005

SECOND SEMESTER ENDS (STUDENTS)...Friday, May 20, 2005

SCHOOL HOLIDAYS (STUDENTS)

LABOR DAY...... Monday, September 6, 2004 (1 Day)

LIVINGSTON PARISH FAIR...... Friday, October 8, 2004 (1 Day)

THANKSGIVING ...... Mon.-Fri., Nov. 22-26, 2004 (5 Days)

CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEARSMonday, December 20, 2004 through

...... Monday, January 3, 2005 (11 Days)

...... Class work resumes Tuesday, January 4, 2005

Martin Luther King Day…………… Monday, January 17, 2005 (1 Day)

MARDI GRAS...Monday & Tuesday, February 7 & 8, 2005 (2 Days)

EASTER Friday March 25, 2005 through Friday, April 1, 2005 (6 Days)

TEACHER INSERVICE DAYS

…………………………………Wednesday, February 16, 2005 (1/2 Day)

……………………………………….Wednesday, April 20, 2005 (1/2 Day)

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ABSENCES, ATTENDANCE AND EXCUSES

  1. The Livingston Parish School Board lists personal illness, death in the family, and extreme emergencies as legitimate excuses for absences.
  2. A student must attend 160 days of school in order to receive credit.
  3. A student should bring a written parent excuse or doctor’s excuse upon returning to school from an absence/absences. It should be given to each teacher throughout the day.
  4. Students should bring all doctors’ excuses to the office before school for secretary to copy for absence purposes.
  5. Suspensions are considered unexcused absences; therefore, work missed during a suspension cannot be made up.
  6. Excessive absences will result in a Family in Needs of Services referral.

ASSIGNMENTS

  1. Our computerized homework/assignment program may be used for all work missed. Obtain needed information by dialing 665-8971 after 3:00 p.m. Monday-Friday and all weekend.
  2. Each week’s work is available on a Monday-Friday basis beginning Monday afternoon.
  3. All students will receive an assignment/student handbook to record all daily assignments and remind of all school rules/policies.
  4. Homework and daily class work is also accessible at the teacher class spotlight on the school web page (

ATHLETICS

  1. Students must have a 1.5 GPA, and may not have more than one F for a nine-weeks grading period in order to be eligible to participate in athletics.
  2. Students 15 years old before September 1 of the current school year cannot participate in 8th grade athletics.
  3. Students 14 years old before September 1 of the current school year cannot participate in 7th grade athletics.
  4. Students 13 years old before September 1 of the current school year cannot participate in 6th grade athletics.
  5. All participants in athletics must have proof of insurance coverage.

BUS RULES

  1. Students are expected to be at their bus stop each morning. Bus drivers are not required to blow horns or wait on students who are not at the bus stop.
  2. Students must remain seated at all times when the bus is in motion.
  3. Students who ride buses in the afternoon must remain behind the gates until instructed to load.
  4. Students should adhere to all guidelines concerning bus safety.
  5. Camera equipment will monitor students’ behavior on school buses.
  6. Students will not be allowed to ride another bus home other than the one they are assigned.
  7. Additional bus rules will be provided/required by individual bus drivers; please try working with them as a first step in solving individual problems.

REGULAR DAILY SCHEDULE

1ST Period 7:30 – 8:22
2nd Period 8:25 – 9:12
3rd Period 9:15– 10:02
4th Period 10:05 – 10:52
5th Period/Lunch 10:55 – 12:12
6th Period 12:15 – 1:02
7th Period 1:05 – 1:52
8th Period 1:55 –2:30

CAMPUS RULES

  1. Students are not allowed physical contact.
  2. Students are not allowed in the classroom without a teacher present.
  3. Students will not be allowed in the teachers’ lounge.
  4. A student not in class during class time must have a hall pass.
  5. Use of profanity or vulgarity will not be allowed.
  6. Students may not run, stomp, etc. in the classes, halls, or anywhere else on campus.
  7. Gum is not permitted on the school campus.
  8. Students may not bring, swap, and sell any valuable personal items on campus/buses. EXAMPLES: tapes/tape players, CDs/CD players, Game-Boys, Nintendo cartridges, radios, beepers, cell-phones, cameras, trading cards, Giga Pets, stuffed animals, laser lights, etc.
  9. Note writing, reading, passing, and possession, is not allowed on campus/buses.
  10. Students may not loiter in the restrooms.
  11. Every student must participate in all classes. Sleeping, not bringing required materials, or not attempting assigned work will not be allowed.
  12. Weapons are not allowed on the school campus.
  13. Fireworks are not permitted on campus.
  14. Blankets, pillows, etc are not allowed on the school campus.
  15. Failure to comply with all campus rules will result in disciplinary action.

CHEATING

When a student is caught cheating a grade zero will be given for the work involved, and the teacher will notify the parents of the student caught cheating.

CHECK-IN AND CHECKOUT PROCEDURES

  1. All students who arrive at school late must sign a check-in card in the office and pick up an admit slip to class from the Assistant Principal’s Office.
  2. Students leaving school before dismissal must be signed out in the office by a parent or guardian. In case of emergency, a parent or guardian must notify the office before anyone else will be allowed to checkout a student.
  3. Students checking in to school from Doctor visits, etc. must sign their Check-In Card in the office and get an admit to class.
  4. Excused checkouts after sixth period must be for doctor appointments only. Parents need to bring written verification of such appointments to the office at the time they plan to check out a student.
  5. After bringing a sick slip to the office, students must stay in class until parents arrive, unless there is an emergency.
  6. On the 5th. Unexcused checkout per semester, a student is subject to disciplinary action.
  7. In order to participate in a school activity, a student must be present for more than one-half that school day.

COMPUTERS

  1. Walker Junior High has a homepage that may be visited for additional information about our “total” school program.
  2. Our website is found at the following address: (everything together and small letters)

CONCESSIONS

WJHS provides concessions between 5th and 6th periods. Items cost $.50.

CORPORAL PUNISHMENT/SUSPENSION EXPULSION

  1. The infraction of any of these rules will warrant corporal punishment, suspension or expulsion.
  1. Disorderly conduct; Class/school disturbance; any behavior that seriously endangers another person/property.
  2. Willful disobedience/disrespect.
  3. Theft.
  4. Profane/obscene language, gestures, verbal, writings, and indecent behavior.
  5. Use or possession of tobacco products & accessories, firework, or any drug/controlled substances (less than 16 years of age- 12 month expulsion).
  6. Habitual violation of school rules.
  7. Damaging/writing on property owned or used by school; vandalism.
  8. Physical contact; instigates/participates in fighting
  9. Violatingtraffic/safetyrules/regulations;
  10. Threatening/unprovoked assault on school personnel.
  11. Leaving school/class sponsored activities without permission.
  12. Excessive tardiness/unexcused checkouts.
  13. Possession of deadly weapons, firearms (12 calendar month expulsion).
  14. Failure to report or to/completely serve Saturday detention.
  15. Attending school functions during the period of suspension.
  16. Selling personal items on campus.
  17. Forging school documents/signatures.
  18. Dress code violations.
  19. Consistent failure to bring materials to class/sleeping in class.
  20. Failure to do/complete punish work.
  21. Any behavior unbecoming of a WJHS student
  22. Any violation of state/parish/school guidelines on student discipline.
  23. Items produced/conduct occurring off campus, or during extra-curricular activities that have a negative impact on others.
  24. Any other serious offense not limited to those listed above.
  1. During investigations “hearsay testimony” may be used. Students will be notified of inappropriate conduct, etc. They will be given a chance to tell their side and administrators will take appropriate action.
  2. Questions regarding suspensions/expulsions should be handled promptly; they should be directed to either the principal or asst. principal.
  3. The 4th suspension is an immediate recommendation for expulsion.

DETENTION

  1. Detention is an alternative to a more severe punishment. It is designed to improve behavior, and it affords the student an opportunity to continue at school and not miss any schoolwork.
  2. After-School Detention –It will be used for minor offenses; it will be assigned from 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. one afternoon a week, as needed.
  3. Saturday Detention – It will be used for more serious offenses; it will be from 8:00 a.m. – 12 noon, as needed. FAILURE TO ATTEND SATURDAY DETENTION WILL RESULT IN AN AUTOMATIC SUSPENSION.
  4. All detention must be served as assigned; questions should be directed to administrators promptly.
  5. Adetention will only be rescheduled once per semester. Contact the Assistant Principal for rescheduling.

DISCIPLINE

WJHS embraces the principles of Cooperative Discipline in our classrooms and on our campus. Its major purposes are to build self-esteem in our students through encouragement and, when necessary, to establish positive classroom control through appropriate discipline interventions.

The Cooperative Discipline process not only encourages a positive relationship between the teacher and students but also between the teacher and parent, teacher and teacher and teacher and administration. Achieving such cooperation is not always easy because it is human nature to want to “blame” someone for our problems. This discipline concept suggests alternatives to the blame game by showing concretely how parents, students, and educators can work together to solve discipline dilemmas. When teacher/school Action Plans are needed to provide corrective measures for inappropriate behavior, parents will be key players in helping WJHS implement such strategies. If you are called to a conference regarding your child’s behavior, or negative notes/plans from teachers, please help us to help your child regain his positive, workable partnership in his classes.

DRESS CODE

The following guidelines have been established regarding all students’ dress and appearance.

  1. Appropriate footwear must be worn to school (no shower shoes, flip-flops, or sandals).
  2. Caps, hats, unprescribed glasses are not permitted.
  3. Patches, decorations, slogans, symbols, tags, marks, or advertisements are prohibited. (Examples: Beer, cigarettes, drugs, obscene suggestions, sexual connotations, etc.)
  4. No emblems, insignias, or monograms shall appear on any uniform item.
  5. Earring(s) are not allowed for males as wearing apparel. (Ears or other body parts, shirts, pants, etc.) Tongue rings are not allowed for males or females.
  6. Male hair length must be of even distribution. The hair may not extend below the plane or the shoulder nor down upon the eyebrow in front, or down below the earlobes. Hair must be clean, well groomed and neat at all times. (Lines cut in the hair, shaven hair, “Mohawk” cuts; extreme coloring of hair, “tails” or any other hairstyle which interferes with a student’s performance or that of his classmates is prohibited.)
  7. Sideburns can extend to the lobe of the ear. Beards are unacceptable. Mustaches neatly trimmed are acceptable.
  8. Female hair must be clean, neat and well groomed. Extreme coloring and extreme hairstyles are unacceptable. Hair in rollers is not acceptable.
  9. Foundation garments must be worn.
  10. Dress during any period where uniforms are not required, such as special event days, or for transferring students, shall be consistent with the intent and spirit of the School Uniform Dress Code.

LIVINGSTON PARISH STUDENT UNIFORM DRESS CODE

Appropriate Parish approved Uniform Allowed

(Grades Pre-K – 12): Revised for 22004-05 School Year.

Shirt:

Solid Color – Navy Blue or White

Polo (golf-boxed, hemmed) two, three or four buttons at the top front with collar (short or long sleeve)

Oxford style dress, short or long sleeves.

All shirts are required to be tucked in.

Designs, emblems, insignias, monograms and logos are prohibited.

Undershirts:

Solid White Only, no color trims on undershirts.

Skirts/Shorts/Slacks/Skorts:

Solid color: Khaki

Style must be cotton twill or cotton blend (no jean style or material)-No rivets

No sewn on outside pockets or flaps; cargo pants are prohibited

Pants must have belt loops and mandatory belt

Designs, emblems, insignias, monograms and logos are prohibited

Zip fly only

Jumpers:

Solid color: Khaki

Uniform shirts must be worn under jumpers.

Style must be cotton twill or cotton blend (no jean material)

Length – top of knee or longer.

Designs, emblems, insignias, monograms and logos are prohibited

Skirts:

Solid color: Khaki

Style must be cotton twill or cotton blend (no jean material)

Must be worn at waistline.

Can be pleated, flat, or A-line

Length – top of knee or longer

Shorts:

Solid color: Khaki

Style must be cotton twill or cotton blend (no jean material)

Must be worn at the waistline

Length: Top of knee to four (4) inches above knee (length cannot be below the knees) (length can be cuffed or not cuffed)

Can be pleated or flat front

Skorts:

Solid color – khaki

Style must be cotton twill or cotton blend (no jean material) must be worn at waistline

If skorts have belt loops, a belt must be worn

Must be worn at the waist line

Length: Top of knee to four (4) inches above knee (length cannot be below the knees) (length can be cuffed or not cuffed)

Slacks:

Solid color: Khaki

Style must be cotton twill or cotton blend (no jean material)

Must be hemmed and length not to exceed top of shoe (hem can be cuffed)

No pockets on lower legs

Must be worn at waist line

Can be pleated or flat front

Slits are not allowed on the bottom of the pants leg

Must have belt loops and a belt is required

Cropped, stirrup, parachute, wind, stretch/warm-up, Capri, and jean style pants are prohibited

Belts:

Solid color and solid material: Black, navy blue, khaki or brown

Mandatory when wearing slacks or shorts

Belt buckles must be plain; standard buckle

Emblems, insignias, or initials prohibited

Appropriate length for waist size

Socks:

Solid color: White, Navy Blue, Khaki (must be matching pair)

Mandatory wear

Must be visible and no higher that the knee

Designs, emblems, insignias, monograms and logos are prohibited

Hose/Tights:

Solid Color: Navy Blue, white or skin tone

Socks, hose, tights must be worn with shoes

Pullovers or Any Kind: (Sweaters, sweatshirts, vests; any garment which is pulled over the head which does not snap, button or zip from top to bottom):

Solid color: Navy Blue or White

Pullover v-neck, pullover crew (hoods are prohibited)

Must be worn over uniform shirt

Turtlenecks are prohibited

Designs, emblems, insignias, monograms and logos are prohibited

Shoes:

Shoe may tie, buckle or Velcro

Closed-toe and closed-heel shoe mandatory (tennis shoes, dress shoes, casual shoes or slip-on shoes)

Shoes must be tied of applicable

Boots may be worn with pants only

Coats:

Coat/Jacket/Sweater may be worn as long as the uniform shirt collar is revealed under coat/jacket/sweater. No trench coats allowed.

Jackets/Sweaters/Coats that zip/button/snap from top to bottom may be any color and with hood

GUIDANCE

The purpose of the guidance program is to help each individual student achieve his/her maximum growth mentally, emotionally and socially. We try to do this in several ways:

  1. Individual conferences whenever a student, a teacher, a parent or the counselor deems it necessary.
  2. A testing program designed to help a student learn as much as possible about his/her capabilities.
  3. Support groups designed to help the student deal with issues such as relationships, self esteem, drugs, loneliness, etc.
  4. A student may obtain appointment forms from his/her teacher or the Guidance office to see the Guidance Counselor. By law, what a student tells the counselor is confidential.
  5. Parents are to call the Counselor to set up all teacher conferences.

I RESPECT YOU – YOU RESPECT ME

We expect every staff member to be treated with respect and dignity, just as the student should receive the respect of the staff. It is imperative that the teacher be in charge of the class. Anything less would lead to poor educational opportunity for all. A show of disrespect toward a staff member or insubordination on part of the student will not, under any circumstances, be tolerated. The staff is responsible for supervision of students anywhere on school property and while at school sponsored activities.

LIBRARY

  1. Students will go to the library with their reading class or anytime on Fridays with their teacher’s permission.
  2. Students will be charged $.05 per day for overdue library books.
  3. Students must pay for lost or damaged books.
  4. Students are limited to checking out two books at a time for a period of two weeks.
  5. Reference materials, magazines and newspapers must be used in the library.
  6. Copies for work relative to school may be made in the library for $.10 per page.
  7. Before school each duty teacher has 10 tickets to issue to students wishing to use the library.

LUNCHROOM PROCEDURE AND POLICIES

  1. Student Lunches are $1.15 per day or $.40 per day for reduced price lunches, payable as the student enters the cafeteria for lunch.
  2. Students are responsible for paying for their meals as they enter the cafeteria.
  3. Excessive cafeteria debts will result in a student not being allowed to eat.
  4. Upon arrival on campus, students wishing to eat breakfast must report directly to the cafeteria for breakfast. Breakfast is $.60 or $.30 reduced.
  5. Extra milk is $.25 per carton and will be sold when available. Bottled water is also available for purchase. Can drinks are not allowed in the cafeteria.
  6. Students have lunch cards that must be scanned daily; students are responsible for maintaining these cards; they will not scan if in poor condition; replacement cards are $1.00 for the first replacement card, $2.00 for the second one; etc.

MEDICATION FOR THE STUDENTS