Frank B. Willis Intermediate School
74 West William Street
Delaware, Ohio 43015
Phone: 740-833-1700
Attendance: 740-833-1712
Fax: 740-833-1799
This agenda belongs to:
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Student/Parent Handbook
For
Willis Intermediate School
Welcome to Willis Intermediate School. Our staff is pleased to have you as a member of our school community and will do our best to help make your experience at Willis as productive and successful as you wish to make it.
Heidi Kegley, Principal
Josh Page, Assistant Principal
Viviane Bushong, Guidance Counselor
Alison McLeskey, Guidance Counselor
Holly Wood, Administrative Secretary
JoAnn Smith, Guidance Secretary
Mary Bowe, Attendance Secretary
School Year 2012-13
Adopted by the Board of Education
May 2013
Table of Contents
Topic______Page
Foreword…………………………………………………………………………………………… 5
District Vision Statement………………………………………………………………………….. 5
History of Willis…………………………………………………………………………………… 5
Equal Education Opportunity ……………………………………………………………………… 5
Expectations for Students……………………………………………………………………………. 5
Student Health and Safety …………………………………………………………………………. 6
Pesticide Use………………………………………………………………………………………... 6
Asbestos Management Plan………………………………………………………………………… 6
Positive Behavior Support ………………………………………………………………………… 6
Individuals with Disabilities……………………………………………………………………….. 6
Gifted Services……………………………………………………………………………………… 6
Section I-General Information
Enrolling At Willis Intermediate School………………………………………………………… 7
Scheduling and Assignment……………………………………………………………………….. 7
Early Dismissal…………………………………………………………………………………….. 7
Immunizations……………………………………………………………………………………… 7
Emergency Medical Authorization………………………………………………………………… 7
Health Services…………………………………………………………………………………….. 7
Use of Prescribed Medications…………………………………………………………………….. 8
Over-the-Counter Medications…………………………………………………………………….. 8
Control of Casual Contact Communicable Diseases……………………………………………… 8
Control of Non Casual-Contact Communicable Diseases………………………………………… 8
Student Records…………………………………………………………………………………… 9
Student Fees, Fines, and Charges………………………………………………………………….. 9
Student Fund-Raising……………………………………………………………………………… 9
Cafeteria…………………………………………………………………………………………… 9
Emergency Closing and Delays…………………………………………………………………… 10
Visitors……………………………………………………………………………………………. 10
Lost and Found……………………………………………………………………………………. 10
Use of the Telephone……………………………………………………………………………… 10
Book Bags…………………………………………………………………………………………. 10
Bicycles, Skateboards and Scooters, Etc………………………………………………………… 10
Library Media Center……………………………………………………………………………… 10
Cellular Telephones & Electronic Communications Devices ……………………………………. 11
Prohibition Against Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying…...………………………………… 11
Note: / For more information about the applicable Board of Education Policies or Administrative Guidelines, contact the principal or Access them at www.neola.com/delaware-OHTopic______Page
Section II- Academics
Field and School-Sponsored Trips………………………………………………………………… 11
Grades…………………………………………………………………………………………….. 11
Grading Periods…………………………………………………………………………………… 12
Promotion and Retention…………………………………………………………………………. 12
Use of District Technology………………………………………………………………………. 12
Student Assessment/Ohio Achievement Assessment ……..…………………………………… 12
Section III-Student Activities
School-Sponsored Clubs and Activities……………………………………………………………. 12
Performing Arts…………………………………………………………………………………… 12
Non-School-Sponsored Clubs and Activities……………………………………………………. 12
Advertising Outside Activities…………………………………………………………………… 13
Student Attendance at School Events…………………………………………………………… 13
Section IV-Attendance
Attendance Policy…………………………………………………………………………… 13
Truancy…………………………………………………………………………………………… 13
Medical Appointments……………………………………………………………………………. 13
Excused Absences………………………………………………………………………………… 13
Vacations during the School Year………………………………………………………………… 14
Withdrawal/Transfer from School………………………………………………………………... 14
Section V
Student Discipline………………………………………………………………………………… 14
Informal Discipline………………………………………………………………………………. 14
In-School Intervention……………………………………………………………………………. 14
Formal Discipline…………………………………………………………………………………. 14
Suspension from School………………………………………………………………………….. 15
Expulsion from School…………………………………………………………………………… 15
Search and Seizure……………………………………………………………………………….. 15
Student Code of Conduct………………………………………………………………………… 15-19
FOREWORD
This student handbook was prepared for the purpose of helping students and their parents adjust to the middle school grades. While the information is general in nature, it also contains specific rules and policies that we hope will maintain a safe, supportive, healthy, and positive learning environment for our constituents. It is our intention that students and their parents review the student handbook and become familiar with its contents, including, the Student Code of Conduct. In addition, the student handbook will help clarify what is expected at school.
The student handbook was adopted and approved by the Delaware City School Board of Education. The Board’s adoption of this student handbook indicates its endorsement of the stated guidelines and policies. It is our hope that these policies and procedures will provide sound guidelines for our students.
The staff of Willis Intermediate School is composed of professional, enthusiastic, helpful, supportive, and caring individuals who expect and demand that each child perform at his/her best each and every day. The staff believes education is a shared process between the school, the student, and the parents. Each participant must do his or her part in order to insure a positive and rewarding educational experience. If you have any questions about the content of the Willis handbook, please contact the Willis administrative office at 740-833-1700.
DISTRICT VISION STATEMENT
“The Delaware City Schools will promote a culture of excellence that engages and empowers students and staff to embrace the challenges of our global society. We will build on our traditions, respect our diversity and partner for a strong community.”
HISTORY OF WILLIS INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL
Frank B. Willis Intermediate School is located on two acres of land in downtown Delaware, Ohio and named after a former Ohio governor and presidential candidate. Mr. Willis died while preparing to give a speech at Ohio Wesleyan’s Gray Chapel in 1928.
The Winter Street section of Willis first opened its doors in 1883 as Delaware High School. Over the years it has survived two fires and undergone numerous additions and renovations. After opening Rutherford B. Hayes High School in 1963, Willis became a Junior High School serving students in grades six, seven and eight. With the opening of John C. Dempsey Middle School in 2000, the Willis building has been the home of the district’s 5th and 6th grade student population.
The 800-member student body is structured into seven smaller learning communities called teams. The middle school model effectively provides for the social, physical, and mental needs that are unique to 5th and 6th grade students.
EQUAL EDUCATION OPPORTUNITY
It is the policy of the Delaware City Schools to provide an equal educational opportunity for all students.
Any person who believes that the school or any staff person has discriminated against a student on the basis of race, color, creed, disability, religion, gender, ancestry, national origin, place of residence within the boundaries of the district, or social economic background has the right to file a complaint. Complaints and/or questions should be directed to the District’s Compliance Officer, Director of Student Support Services at 740-833-1100.
Complaints placed in writing will be investigated and a response provided to the person filing the complaint in a timely manner. The Compliance Officer can provide additional information concerning equal access to educational opportunities. Under no circumstances will the District threaten or retaliate against anyone who raises a complaint.
EXPECTATIONS FOR STUDENTS
It is our belief that students are entitled to basic civil liberties guaranteed to all citizens. It is, therefore, the purpose of the schools (staff members and society in general) to help students exercise these liberties. It is further recognized that the role of the school official and teacher is “in loco parentis” relative to the student. School officials must often make decisions which protect the health and well-being of all students while at the same time safeguarding individual rights.
Students have responsibilities. These responsibilities include regular school attendance, conscientious effort in classroom work, and obedience to school rules and regulations. Most of all, they share with the administration and faculty the responsibility of developing a climate in the school that is conducive to wholesome learning and living. The ultimate goal of the school is to provide the students with attitudes and behavioral patterns which will lead to productive employability, and result in an individual who is a positive, contributing member of society.
The need for a well-ordered school environment is unquestionable. So that every student will be informed, rules and regulations pertinent to daily school life are outlined. Students will be afforded all rights as required under due process and the provisions of the Amended Substitute HB421 of the State of Ohio.
Students will receive one student handbook at the beginning of the school year. The cost of this handbook will be $6.00 and will be part of the student fees. Students are not permitted out in the halls without their own handbook signed by a teacher, administrator, or staff member. Replacement handbooks may be purchased in the main office for $6.00.
STUDENT HEALTH AND SAFETY
Student safety is the responsibility of both students and staff. All staff members are familiar with emergency procedures such as fire and tornado drills and accident-reporting procedures. If a student is aware of any dangerous situation or accident, he/she must notify a staff person immediately.
State law requires that all students have an emergency medical authorization card completed, signed by a parent or guardian, and on file in the school office. Students with specific health care needs must submit those needs, in writing and with proper documentation by a physician, to the school office.
All injuries must be reported to a Willis staff member or volunteer immediately. If the injuries are minor, the student will be treated to the best of our abilities and may return to class. If medical attention is required, the office will follow the school’s emergency procedures.
A student who becomes ill during the school day should request permission from a staff member to go to the attendance office. The office will determine whether or not the student should remain in school or go home. No student will be released from school without proper parental permission.
To report issues that effect education or safety, contact the school office at 740-833-1700 or 1-866-listen2me.
PESTICIDE USE
Notice: To parents or guardians of students, adult students, and the staff employees that you “may request and receive prior notifications of scheduled service visits by pesticide businesses in which pesticides may be periodically scheduled for application” to building structures of schools during the current school year. Contact the school office and request from (#8431 F5).
ASBESTOS MANAGEMENT PLAN
The management plan for compliance with the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) 40 CFR Part 763 effective December 1987, describing the locations and conditions known and assumed asbestos-containing building materials is available at the school administrative office for anyone to review. Please contact the Director of Facilities at 740-833-1120 for assistance.
POSITIVE BEHAVIOR SUPPORT
Positive Behavior Support or PBS is an evidence-based, data driven model that increases student achievement, attendance and school success and decreases challenging behaviors. PBS is not a specific practice or curriculum, but a general approach to preventing problem behavior. It is also not limited to any particular group of students and is not new, but is based on a long history of behavioral practices and effective instructional design & strategies.
INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES
The Americans with Disabilities Act (A.D.A) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act provide that no individual will be discriminated against on the basis of a disability. This protection applies not just to the student, but also to all individuals who have access to the District’s programs and facilities.
A student can access special education services through the proper evaluation and placement procedure. Parent involvement in this procedure is required. To inquire about the procedure or programs, a parent should contact the Student Services Supervisor at the administration building at 740-833-1100.
GIFTED SERVICES
In accordance with the belief that all students are entitled to education commensurate with their particular needs, students who are gifted in the district must be provided opportunities to progress as their abilities permit. The Delaware City Schools Board of Education believes that these students require services beyond those offered in regular school programs in order to realize their potential contribution to themselves and society.
Annually, students who are gifted are identified by professionally qualified persons using a variety of assessment procedures. The Board encourages efforts to provide services for the students who are gifted as an integral part of the kindergarten through grade twelve.
For further information on the district Gifted and Talented Program, please contact the Director of Enrichment at 740-833-1100.
SECTION I – GENERAL INFORMATION
ENROLLING AT WILLIS INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL
Students who are new to the Delaware City School District are required to enroll with their parents or legal guardian. When enrolling, the parents will need to bring:
· Birth certificate
· Court papers allocating parental rights and responsibilities, or custody (if appropriate)
· Proof of residency
· Proof of immunizations
4 DPT shot dates
3 OPV or IPV dates
2 MMR
2 Three doses of Hepatitis B
Under certain circumstances, temporary enrollment may be permitted. If that is done, the parents will be told what records are needed to make the enrollment official.
A student who has been suspended or expelled by another public school in Ohio or another public school from another state may be temporarily denied admission to the Delaware City Schools during the period of suspension or expulsion even if that student would otherwise be entitled to attend school in the District. Prior to denying admission; however, the Superintendent or designee shall offer the student an opportunity for a hearing to review the circumstances of the suspension or expulsion and any other factors the Superintendent or designee determines to be relevant.
Any student registering for enrollment at Willis Intermediate School with the proper paper work will be permitted to begin classes one day after registration and meeting with the guidance counselor.
SCHEDULING AND ASSIGNMENT
Schedules are provided to each student at the beginning of the school year or upon enrollment. The schedule is based upon a student’s needs and available class space. Any changes in a student’s schedule should be handled through the guidance office. It is important to note that some courses, which are requested by the student, may be denied because of available space. Students are expected to follow their assigned schedules at all times. The principal or designee must approve any schedule variation.
EARLY DISMISSAL
Students are not permitted to leave school prior to dismissal without either (a) a written request signed by parent or guardian or (b) a parent or guardian coming to the office to request a release. Students will not be released to a person other than a custodial parent(s) or guardian without the written consent of a custodial parent or guardian.
IMMUNIZATIONS
Each student must have the immunizations required by law or have an authorized waiver. If a student does not have the necessary shots or waivers, the principal or designee may remove the student or require compliance with a set deadline. This is for the safety of the entire school community and in accordance with state law. Any questions about immunizations or waivers should be directed to the school nurse.