Student Handbook

Over the past five years, my current principal is the 3rd principal in 5 years. Working with him this past year has been enlightening in many ways. One factor that I found from the staff that was interesting is the change in leadership. Either the staff has bought into his leadership or they act as this is a broken record in new leadership philosophy. As I was looking up my research of this project, my mentor gave me two of the past Student Handbooks. They are both electronically formed and both very old. One was for the 2003-2004 school year and the second one was from the year 2007-2008 school years. I asked my mentor why a newer model hasnt been updated. He basically said it was time and getting committees developed to help update the handbook. One factor was the discipline committee. This year they have started the committee but little movement towards consistency in the meetings so nothing has been updated yet. If I was the principal, I would have updated the handbook and then asked the staff for their input. The 5 major updates in the handbook would be in having our school mission statement, discipline, security, communication efforts and putting this handbook on the school website. The biggest challenge doing this project is to make sure that its personalized for the school but using the guidelines with the district student handbook. In this project I would like to give you my description of all of the five areas and then add this to my handbook in Red ink.

The mission statement validates what our school philosophy is about. This should be on the first page. This philosophy assures the students and parents what we are doing in school. Here is the current school mission: Iditarod Elementary School's Mission Statement

Our mission at Iditarod Elementary is to prepare our students for success by creating a safe, responsible, and respectful learning community.

The second objective would be the discipline. I would update and use what the school district uses and explain what happens in each situation. The one factor I would explain would be a regular student to a specialized student with an IEP for their knowledge. The third objective would be in security and explaining what we have in our building for policies and procedures and the use of security camera. As you read our school mission, our goal is to have a safe place for our students. The fourth objective is our ability to communication with our parents and students. Using mass emails and using Ed-Connect for calls home. This gives our parents assurance that we communicate for any major issues or just a reminder about school events. The last objective I would change is an easy access of this handbook for parent and students. This is simply adding this in a PDF form to the school site web page. Im going to attempt to show the changes in the Student Handbook in Red Ink. The entire handbook was in 3 different fonts and I cleaned it up to be consistent too.

STUDENT HANDBOOK
UPDATED PICTURE

SY 2012-2013 Iditarod Elementary School's Mission Statement Our mission at Iditarod Elementary is to prepare our students for success by creating a safe, responsible, and respectful learning community. This information can also found on our web site at: http://www.matsuk12.us/Page/3372

DRUG-FREE SCHOOL ZONES Drug-free zones around schools offer communities one way to give students a place where they can play and talk without being threatened by drug dealers and drug users. Federal law and many state and local laws increase penalties for drug-related activities in drug-free school zones. A Drug-Free School Zone Is More Than a Law and a Sign. It is a law and a community-wide commitment to reduce drug use among young people. Federal law and many state and local laws increase penalties for drug-related activities in drug-free school zones. SIX STEPS TO TAKE

1.

Build a drug-free school zone coalition that includes representatives from law enforcement, schools, parent groups, civic clubs, youth organizations, businesses, religious institutions, local government, drug treatment centers, other social service agencies, public housing authorities, and the courts. Mobilize the community talk to key people, build partnerships, assess the communitys drug problems

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Create a shared vision of a safe and drug-free environment for children. Set goals and design strategies to meet them. Establish the drug-free school zone by researching laws and establishing formal partnership agreements with school administrators, city officials, and law enforcement. Name a coordinator, measure and map the zone, post signs (check with law enforcement and city officials regarding wording and placement), and

4.

publicize the project. Kick off with special school assemblies, a parents organization meeting, a proclamation, and press conference. 5. 6. Mobilize the community talk to key people, build partnerships, assess the communitys drug problems. Celebrate successes with award ceremonies, family events, posters, publicity, and T-shirts. Have young people plan and run a drug-free celebration.

Dont stop at the schools boundaries. Expand your drug-free zone efforts to any area besieged by problems associated with drug and alcohol abuse. Drug-free zones around schools offer communities one way to give students a place where they can play and talk without being threatened by drug dealers and drug users. The National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information (800-729-6686)

Safety and School Visitors:

EMERGENCY DRILLS: Drills will be held monthly during the year. Teachers will announce and post directions for students to follow regarding fire and earthquake drills. All alarms indicate possible fires or other emergencies, and instructions should be strictly obeyed when an alarm rings.

SECURITY CAMERAS IN SCHOOLS (BP 5143): It is the policy of the Matanuska Susitna Borough School District to create and maintain a safe school and work environment. Security cameras (close circuit television systems, CCTV) may be installed in Matanuska Susitna Borough School District schools to monitor school property, to assist school administrators in detecting and deterring unacceptable behavior or activities, and to provide an historical record to assist in investigation. Security cameras are used to accomplish three important goals in the Matanuska Susitna Borough School District: 1. Deterrence: prevention of crime and student misconduct; 2. Apprehension of those not deterred from the conduct noted immediately prior; VISITORS: All persons are welcome on District property when there for legitimate purposes. Individuals not enrolled in a school must report to the main office upon

entering the school grounds or building. Individuals are discouraged from attending classes in a role other than as a parent, volunteer, or presenter. Parents and guardians are encouraged to visit the school. Individuals must report to office immediately upon entering the school grounds or the building. A visitors pass is issued to all visitors and must be worn at all times while on school property. This precaution is taken to protect all students and visitors in the event of an emergency. Visits to classrooms must be scheduled with the respective teacher and principal. This will allow the teacher to introduce the parent or observer, review expectations of visitors, and minimize any impact on the classroom climate to which the students are accustomed. Persons who do not have a valid reason for their presence, or who do not comply with school rules, may be denied access to District property. Individuals who proceed onto District property without proper authorization shall be treated as trespassers and shall be subject to prosecution under relevant state statutes and/or municipal ordinances.

Parent Communication CONNECT-ED: Connect-ED is an automated phone message system that enables School District administrators to record, schedule, send and track personalized voice messages within minutes to thousands of families in the Mat-Su Borough School District. Prerecorded phone messages may be received by parents for three primary reasons: emergency communication (to reach parents in an emergency situation via phone), community outreach (e.g. reminders of upcoming school events, alerts regarding last-minute changes to schedules, information about school initiatives), and student attendance (notification of a childs absence from school).

I-PARENT: I-Parent offers parents/guardians web based access to student information including attendance, scheduling, discipline, and grades. If you would like to have access to I-Parent via the Internet, please email the Districts Technology Helpdesk at iparent@matsuk12.us. If you encounter problems using I-Parent, please email this same address for assistance.

Attendance

When a child is absent because of illness, doctor or dental appointment or death of an immediate family member, please inform the school by note or phone call. This is an excused absence. The teacher will assist the student in making up the missed work.

A child may be dismissed early from school when a note or telephone call to the school has indicated the specific reason. Early dismissal for other than illness, medical/dental appointments, or family emergency is not considered an excused absence. The teacher may, at his/her discretion, assist the student in making up the missed work.

If your family is planning a trip of four or more days, please notify t he students teacher in advance.

A child leaving school at a time other than the usual dismissal time must report to the school office and await transportation there. The parent will sign the student out upon picking them up.

A full instructional day is important for your childs educational success. The school day is from 9:15 AM to 3:45 PM. We understand that there may be those rare emergencies or scheduled doctors appointments when you may need to pick up your child before the school day ends. However, as a rule, children do not benefit from ending their learning day in the middle of the last instructional component. This effectively ends the learning day for all students in the class. In order for us to ensure the best use of instructional time and efficient and safe transportation for your children to and from school, we need your assistance.

Doctors Appointments: Please send a note with your child so his/her teacher will be prepared. You do not need to go to the classroom, our office staff will call the room and the student will meet you at the office.

Emergencies: Please try to call ahead so we can have your child waiting for you to arrive. Transitions in emergencies are smoother when we can help in this way.

If we do not have notice before 3:00 PM we will put your child on the bus.

You will be able to meet them at the bus stop. This will alleviate concerns of parents waiting patiently at the bus stop for their children. We need to stop holding full buses while families try to locate their children and take them off of the bus. This means all children on the bus are late getting to where their families are waiting for them.

Tardy Policy

Children should be in class by 9:15 am. Students are considered tardy if they are not in their classrooms at 9:20 am. A tardy student should report to the office on arrival. (The new time changed during the 2011-2012 School Year.)

Persistent tardiness is a matter of serious concern. When children are late for school, the child misses learning time. The child misses the setting of the tone and the context for the day. This has significant implications for learning readiness, as well a sense of belonging to the classroom community. The late student needs to have instructions, presentations, and explanations repeated and this hinders instructional efficiency.

Our school procedure on tardiness is as follows:

The classroom teacher will indicate tardy on the class attendance sheet. Students who arrive after the attendance sheet has left the room must report in at the office and will be given a tardy slip.

The No Child Left behind Act comes with important accountability. As a result, a common policy has been published by the Mat-Su Borough School District. It reads:

Elementary students will be considered tardy if they arrive up to 30 minutes after school has started. Elementary students who arrive between 30 minutes and 2.5 hours after school has started are considered absent for half a day. Those arriving more than 2.5 hours after school has started are to be considered absent all day. Elementary students who leave 2.5 hours before the end of the school day are considered absent for half a day.

Lunch

Children may bring their lunch or buy hot lunch at school. Menus are sent home with the children every month. Milk, juice, and a variety of snack items

cost from $.50 to $1.75 depending on the item. Children may buy one snack item each day.

Please make checks out to Nutrition Services. Put your childs name and teachers name on the check.

Lost or Forgotten Ticket/Lunch Money Policy

As per the Mat-Su District Student Handbook, elementary students are allowed one lunch charge. No more than one charge may accumulate at any time. Students who have inadvertently forgotten their lunch or money will be provided lunch consisting of selected foods from the regular menu.

Soda and Candy

Please try not to send soda, candy or multiple sweets for lunch. Many children experience an afternoon slump or change in behavior. This adversely effects their education and participation in class activities. Please send appropriate snacks and drink to school.

Lost and Found

Sweaters, jackets, lunch boxes and other personal items should be labeled. Lost items not claimed by families will be placed in the three wooden boxes in the entry area. All lost items will be sent periodically to a local charitable organization. The school is not responsible for stolen or damaged property.

Health Service and Emergency Care

Iditarod Elementary School has a school nurse on campus. This service is provided to protect the health and safety of pupils and to identify health problems that may inhibit a childs activity and ability to learn.

Personal Appearance

Our appearance reflects our respect for ourselves and others. Wearing appropriate clothing both inside and outside is necessary for comfort and good health.

Students need to dress in a clean, neat and appropriate manner.

Aspects of inappropriate/appropriate include, but are not limited to:

-Crop tops and shirts that expose the midriff are considered inappropriate dress. -Trousers that need to be held up with a belt are not safe for school. -Clothing with offensive words, slogans, or pictures is considered inappropriate. -Clothing that promotes violence, racism, alcohol, drugs, or tobacco products are inappropriate. -Hats/bandanas are to be removed while inside the building. -Appropriate shoes for inside wear should be safe and healthy. Please consider close-toed, low-heeled shoes or sport shoes for your childrens safety.

-Students remove snow/pac boots and put on their inside shoes upon arrival and after recess. -Students should not wear shoes having skates embedded in the soles. Skates may snag on carpet resulting in unsafe conditions for your child and others around him/her.

During the winter months, children should come to school with coats, hats, gloves, and boots/snowpants when necessary. The school does not have the staff to keep students inside when they come to school without appropriate clothing for recess. If they are too sick to go out for recess, please allow them a day of rest at home.

Student Transportation

Regulations Governing Pupils Riding School Buses

Alaska statutes do not mandate pupil transportation. School bus transportation is provided as a courtesy and is a privilege, not a right. If a students conduct is such that the health, safety, comfort, or the well being of others is jeopardized, on or off the bus, a school district official may deny the privilege of riding the bus. The school bus driver is in charge of the bus and its passengers and has total authority and responsibility. Only designated school officials are authorized to suspend transportation privileges.

General Policies

1.

Students are required to ride the bus assigned to them and to board and disembark at their assigned stop. Students may be transported to an unassigned bus stop or on a different bus on an occasional basis or for periods of time less than 30 days upon approval by the school office. Parents should contact the

school office with their request. Requests for students to be transported to unassigned bus stops or on different buses for more than 30 days must be directed to the Transportation Office. The student must give the driver a Bus Pass issued by the school office authorizing the transportation. 2. Parents may not remove a student from a bus after the student has boarded without a Bus Pass or approval by a school representative. Students will be issued School Bus Conduct Reports for infractions of the rules by the bus driver. The school bus driver and the school principal are responsible for handling behavioral problems occurring on the school bus, but only the school principal, or his/her designee, has the authority to suspend a students bus riding privileges.

3.

At All Times

1.

Students must obey the school bus driver. His/her primary concern is student safety. Students should exercise good manners, caution and consideration for other people. Elementary students will be assigned seats by the driver. Students may not have anything in their possession that may cause injury to others. Hanging on to any portion of the school bus from outside the school bus, whether the bus is moving or not, is illegal and DANGEROUS. Items that can be held in the students lap or under the students seat in the bus may be transported on the bus. Some large musical instruments, which are not larger than 43 x 14 x 10 may be transported on the bus. These instruments must be placed in the seat with the student next to the window. Tubas, drums, and some Bass guitars or other instruments larger than specified above may not be transported. Radios or stereos, (cassette tapes, etc.) may not be transported on the bus. Any items not permitted at school may not be transported on the bus.

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Parents are responsible for damages to the school bus due to the misconduct of their children.

8. 9.

No animals, large or small, of any kind are allowed on the bus at any time. Ice skates must have protective guards on the blades or be placed in an appropriate box. Paper bags are not adequate blade protection. Skis, ski poles and other sharp edged objects will not be permitted unless previously coordinated with the principal and Transportation Department.

10.

Waiting for the Bus

1. 2. 3.

Walk on the left hand side of the road facing traffic. Stay a safe distance from the roadway. Be at your stop five (5) minutes ahead of time. Your school bus driver has a schedule to keep and cannot wait for you. Be on time for your bus. Line up at the place designated by the bus driver when the school bus approaches. Stay clear of the wheels until the school bus has come to a complete stop dont play or push others. Students must cross the roadway approximately (15) feet in front of the bus and only when the driver motions for pupils to cross. Stop immediately if the bus driver sounds the horn!

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Boarding and Off-Loading the School Bus

1.

Students boarding from the right must also wait for the drivers hand signal to board. Let the smaller children board first. Always use the handrail and go up and down the steps one at a time. Dont push, crowd or disturb others. When boarding, go directly to your seat and be seated.

2. 3. 4. 5.

6.

After you leave the bus, go directly home or to the assigned place.

Conduct on the School Bus

1.

In general, classroom conduct will be observed. The school bus is not a playground. Save horseplay and wrestling for another place and time. Place books and other gear in your lap. Avoid loud talking, confusion, or anything else that might distract the driver. Do not sit in the drivers seat or interfere with him/her in any manner at any time. Keep quiet near railroad tracks so that the driver can listen for trains. Keep head, arms and body inside the bus. Do not throw objects inside or out of the bus. Do not chew or spit tobacco, smoke, eat, drink or make use of, or have in possession, alcohol, drugs or controlled substances on the bus. Remain seated until the bus has come to a complete stop and get off only at your assigned bus stop. Do not open windows without permission; maximum two (2) notches. Do not damage the bus and always assist in keeping it clean. Keep feet on the floor in front of the seat, not in the aisle. Fighting with other students and/or attacking other students or the driver is prohibited. Use of abusive, vulgar language, or directing such language toward other students or adults, is prohibited. Keep the aisle and the exits clear. The emergency door and exit controls may be used only during supervised drills or actual emergencies.

2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

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Misconduct Policy and Procedures

Drivers are responsible for maintaining order on the buses.

Administering sanctions for misconduct on the school bus is the responsibility of the principal at the school where the student is enrolled. Again, only the principal or designee has the authority to suspend a students bus riding privileges. It i s the responsibility of the principal to inform parents when a student has been suspended.

In the event of misbehavior on the part of the student riding the bus, the bus driver may issue the student a School Bus Conduct Report for minor and/or major infractions. The driver will complete the School Bus Conduct Report. Three (3) copies will be forwarded to the principal and one (1) copy will be retained by the Transportation Department. The principal will forward one (1) copy to the parents and return one (1) copy to the Transportation Department indicating any disciplinary action taken.

The following courses of action are considered as a minimum:

1.

Depending on the nature and severity of the incident, the first conduct report may result in a warning, or other disciplinary action, up to and including temporary or permanent suspension of bus privileges by the principal. The second conduct report will result in the imposition of PROBATIONARY status. This process will include counseling with the student and official notification to the parents of the probationary action. Bus riding privileges may be denied the student for additional violations. The third conduct report may result in suspension of bus privileges for a minimum of three (3) days, depending on the severity of the incident, and may not be reinstated until after a conference with the student and school personnel. The fourth conduct report will result in suspension of bus privileges. In either case, privileges will not be reinstated until such time a conference has been held with the student, the parents, principal and the Transportation Department.

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This procedure will not preclude the right and responsibility of school officials to take other immediate action, as may be necessary in their judgment, for the preservation of good order and specifically for the safety and well being of other persons who ride the bus.

For Safetys Sake

The bus driver has full responsibility and authority for the safety of Students while they are being transported on a Mat-Su School District Bus.

Students must be responsible for their own conduct on the bus and not risk their own safety or the safety of others.

Habitual misconduct may result in permanent suspension from the privilege of bus transportation. Suspension from bus transportation does not excuse the student from school attendance.

Parents should discuss safety and good behavior on the bus with their children. Parent support of the bus driver and the school will ensure safe rides to and from school.

REMEMBER

1. 2.

Riding on the school bus is a privilege and not a right. If a pupils conduct is such that the health, safety, comfort, or well being of others is jeopardized, on or off the bus, the privilege of riding the bus may be denied by a school district official.

3.

Have a safe, pleasant and enjoyable trip.

FOR INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL: DISTRICT TRANSPORTATION OFFICE AT 373-2287.

Bicycles, Skateboards, Rollerblades & Scooters

There is a permission form needed for those students riding bicycles to school.

Children may be able to pedal a bicycle before they have the skills, maturity and judgment to ride to school safely. We strongly discourage children below 3rd grade from riding bicycles to school alone. We encourage parents to determine their children are competent riders before they are permitted to ride to school unaccompanied - regardless of age. Bicycles must ride directly to the bike rack and locked. Bikes must be locked to the bike rack when parked. All cyclists must wear protective helmets. Skateboards, scooters and rollerblades are to be left at home except for special occasions, such as class parties.

Bicyclists will remain in the gym until buses depart.

Students not choosing to follow school policy regarding bicycle use will lose this privilege.

Walkers

There is a permission form needed for those students walking to school.

Make sure your child is familiar with the route. Give a copy of the route to the school secretary. Parents are responsible for their childrens safety when they are walking to and from school.

Walkers will remain in the gym until buses depart. Students not choosing to follow school policy will lose this privilege.

Cars

If you are driving to or from school it is critical that you keep all children (and adults) safe by observing the following safety rules:

1. Be alert for children on foot in the parking lot and drive. 2. Drive slowly in the school zone and when entering the school grounds. Keep in single file line as you proceed to the curb drop-off/pick-up zones.

3. Children should exit and enter your car quickly and safely so that the car line moves efficiently. Please have them exit curbside as often as possible. 4. If your child needs assistance getting to and from the classroom, park in a regular parking space. Do not leave your car beside the curb during school hours. 5. In the morning, there will be staff members who will help your child get out of their cars and remind them to get their jackets and backpacks.

Field Trips

When children are taken on field trips, other than walking trips around the immediate neighborhood, the teacher will send home information and a permission slip for the parents to complete. No child is taken on a field trip without a signed permission slip from a parent.

Groups are supervised by parents and teachers. Field trips may be cancelled and rescheduled, if possible, should there not be an adequate student/adult ratio.

Students on field trips are representing Iditarod Elementary School. As such, there are expectations for exemplary behavior. Teachers will review behavior expectations before the field trip. Students who are accompanied by their parents (as chaperones or guests) on field trips are required to follow the same behavior expectations as their classmates.

Telephone Use

Front Lobby: This (pay) phone is for parents and for supervised use after school in extra-curricular activities.

School Office: For emergency use only. Students will request assistance of office personnel before using phone.

Classrooms: Students may use classroom phones with the permission of the classroom teacher. Teachers will determine classroom policy for phone use.

Cell Phones: The use of cell phones at school is discouraged. If parents send a cell phone with their child for after-school communication, it must be given to the classroom teacher to hold until after school hours when it will be returned to the student.

Expectations for Behavior at Iditarod

A basic objective at Iditarod Elementary School is to create a learning environment in which children behave appropriately, respect the rights of others, and take responsibility for the school community. Each student has the right to be treated with fairness and respect by students and staff. With these rights come responsibilities, and each student has the responsibility of preserving his/her rights as well as the rights of others.

Students are expected to:

Be responsible

Come to school on time and ready to learn.

Follow school rules, make safe and respectful decisions, and take responsibility for their actions at all times and in all locations (classrooms, library, playground, halls, gym/cafeteria, restrooms)

Be respectful

Treat all students, staff and adults with courtesy and respect. Listen to all adults and follow their direction. Treat materials, the school building and the outdoor environment with respect and care. Use inside voices when in the school building.

Be Safe

Follow school rules while on the school grounds, on the playground, at the bus and car pick-up zones, on the black top areas, in the classroom, and in all parts of the building. Walk when inside the school building. If late, check in at the office.

To foster this school climate, the staff emphasizes positive attitudes, encourages good conduct, and helps students to learn to value themselves and others.

From the beginning of the school year, each teacher works with his/her class to establish classroom rules and procedures, to share school-wide rules and expectations, to develop ways to reinforce appropriate behavior, and to make clear, consistent consequences that focus on students taking responsibility for their own behavior.

Consequences for behavior in the classroom depend upon the seriousness of the infraction, the conditions under which it occurred, and the degree of recurring incidences. These consequences may extend from checks on the board, to time-out, to

student/principal discussion, to teacher/parent conference, to teacher/parent/principal conference. In the instance of serious violation of conduct (i.e. severe fighting, defiance of authority) suspension from school may be instituted.

School-wide Discipline Policy

Iditarod Elementary School has designed a discipline policy ensuring our children the opportunity to obtain a quality education in a safe and caring environment. We hope to accomplish this by fostering respect for self and others and by promoting pro-social behavior among our students. Discipline is that part of growing up that assists children to be in charge of themselves and to cooperate with others. It is part of a total teachinglearning process intended to promote self-confidence, fairness, honesty, responsibility, human values and self-management.

Discipline means:

maintaining a safe, healthy and happy learning environment. expecting appropriate behavior from all students. having home and school work together. strengthening behaviors which will enable students to be self-disciplined. setting well-defined, responsible limits of behavior and by being consistent in implementing those limits. What you can expect.

Discipline is an integral component of education that works best when everyone involved knows exactly what to expect.

Iditarod maintains a school wide policy of zero tolerance for disruptive, inappropriate or violent behavior in our school.

The principal and faculty may enforce other reasonable disciplinary actions which are warranted by situations not covered in this policy.

SUSPENSION AND EXPULSION OF STUDENTS FROM SCHOOL: The administrative staff of Borough Schools may suspend a student from school. Only the School Board may expel a student from school. (4 AAC 06.060.) Please note specific procedures for the handling of special needs students as per the Exceptional Child Services Procedures Manual. The School Board has adopted policy outlining Student Rights and Responsibilities. Please thoroughly review this section in the handbook. General Procedures:

Students who have difficulties being safe and respectful of self and others will be offered support in a variety of ways.

direct instruction and practice of school and classroom rules regular review of safety rules individual encouragement verbal warnings and cues to facilitate memory

Behavior Tracking System

A behavior tracking system discerns whether a behavior is repetitive and/or escalating or whether different each time. This facilitates finding an appropriate solution.

The tracking system consists of three levels:

Level 1 infractions are relatively minor and are usually dealt with by the classroom teacher and/or playground monitors. When a student has persistent Level 1 infractions, s/he may be sent to see the principal. At that point, the behavior becomes a Level 2 infraction.

Level 2 infractions may be referred to the principal at the discretion of the teacher. The teacher and/or principal will interact with the student and parent, as appropriate, to find a solution to the problem.

Level 3 infractions are serious and will result in the suspension of the student. Level 3 infractions can also be reached by escalating and/or continual Level 2 infractions.

*************************************** Level I (Examples)

A. Failure to be in assigned area. B. Failure to do work. C. Noncompliance with a directive, not involving the safety of other children. D. Failure to respect the property of others. E. Chewing gum. F. Running and/or jumping in the halls or to and from the bus. G. Breaking minor playground rules.

H. Dishonest behavior

Interaction is usually between teacher and student.

Level 2 (Examples)

A. Non-directed inappropriate language. B. Rude and inappropriate language directed at a school employee other student. C. A fight which the student did not initiate, but actively participates. or

D. Willful disobedience of a directive given by a school employee. E. Theft or vandalism/graffiti. F. Bullying and/or harassing. G. Persistent Level 1 infractions.

Interaction is between student, teacher, principal and parent (when appropriate).

Level 3 (Examples)

A. Bullying, harassing, smoking, alcohol, or drug

possession/distribution.

B. Purposeful damage or vandalism to school equipment or property. C. Initiates a fight with another student, teacher or aide. D. Possession of a weapon. (Defined as anything used to cause E. Severe abusive language directed at others. harm.)

Consequences: Suspension

In all common areas: The student will ...

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Refrain from touching or keeping dangerous or harmful objects. Refrain from throwing objects around the school. Refrain from chewing gum. Respect others feelings - No teasing, name-calling, swearing, etc. Respect other persons - No rough play, fighting, bullying, threats, harassing, gestures, etc. 6. Respect others property - no theft, vandalism 7. Use inside voices in the school building.

General Classrooms ......Students will:

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Demonstrate respect to teacher or designees. Show courtesy to others. Observe class and school rules/policies. Practice self-discipline. Use time effectively. Return promptly to class after errands or out-of-class activity. Refrain from chewing gum.

Each classroom will develop individual plans which monitor student behavior, reward appropriate behavior, and provide consequences for inappropriate behavior.

Playground.*.....Students will:

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

Stay in designated play area. Practice good safety habits in all play areas. Obey directions of duty personnel promptly. Demonstrate courtesy and respect to others. Practice self-discipline. Report all misunderstandings to the teacher/monitor on duty. Fighting will not be tolerated. The result is suspension. 7. Refrain from bringing guns, knives, or simulations of weapons of any kind. The result is suspension. 8. Refrain from chewing gum. 9. Refrain from bringing personal toys or playground equipment to school.

*Monitors keep a more comprehensive list for playground safety.

Restrooms.......Students will:

1. Use proper disposal for waste. 2. Use low voices without shouting, whistling, or other inappropriate noises. 3. Leave restrooms immediately after washing and drying hands.

Hall ...... Students will:

1. Walk. 2. Always walk to the right. (Single file for safety.) 3. Keep hands, feet and other objects to self. 4. Be quiet.

5. Open doors gently.

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Discipline Options:

1. Cleaning (If you mess it up, clean it up.) 2. Peer Mediation (playground) 3. Picking-up (If you throw it down, pick it up.) 4. Repairing (If you break it, fix it.) 5. Apologizing (verbal or written) 6. Making restitution 7. Developing, writing, signing and carrying out a plan for improved behavior. 8. Loss of privileges 9. Phone call to parent 10. Letter to parent 11. Loss of recess 12. Loss of %age of lunchtime 13. Time-outs (playground, school, home) 14. Involvement in behavior modification program 15. Counseling 16. Supervised Academic Placement Program (SAPP) 16. Out-of-school suspension*

Grounds for Suspension:

a. Caused, attempted to cause, or threatened to cause physical injury to another person. b. Possessed, sold, or furnished firearm, knife, explosive, or other dangerous object. c. Possessed, used, sold, furnished, or been under the influence of drugs, alcohol, a controlled substance or intoxicant. d. Offered, arranged, or negotiated to sell look-alike controlled substances, alcohol or intoxicants.

e. Committed or attempted to commit robbery or extortion. f. Caused or attempted to cause damage to school or private property on school grounds. g. Stole or attempted to steal school or private property on school grounds. h. Committed obscene act(s) or engaged in habitual profanity or vulgarity. i. Possessed, offered, arranged, or negotiated to sell any drug paraphernalia. j. Disrupted school activities, willfully defied valid authority of school personnel in the performance of their duties. k. Knowingly received stolen property or private property on school grounds. m. Committed sexual harassment (physical, verbal). n. Participated in an act of hate violence. o. Harassed, threatened, or intimidated another student.

The general discipline policy of the Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District may be found in the Elementary School Handbook distributed at the beginning of the school year. A copy may also be obtained at the District Office in Palmer.

Discipline of Students with Disabilities a. Introduction: These procedures define local administrative policies which are intended to maintain the Districts compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Amendments of 2004, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title IV Chapter 52 Alaska Administrative Code, and the Alaska Special Education Handbook. The following narrative is a summary of general requirements necessary for providing a free, appropriate, public education (FAPE) to children who possess disabilities. The IDEA Amendments require districts to address student behavior issues in a proactive manner. The IEP team is required to consider, when appropriate, positive behavioral interventions, strategies, and supports to address students behavior that may impede their learning or present safety issues. School personnel may discipline a student with disabilities in the same manner as nondisabled students, which might include short-term removals of up to and including 10 school days, consecutively or cumulatively, during one school year. If a school proposes to remove a disabled student

for more than the accumulated 10 days, an IEP meeting must be scheduled immediately to determine if the misconduct is a manifestation of the students disability. Additionally, the IEP team must conduct a functional behavior assessment and develop a behavioral intervention plan, which becomes part of the IEP document.