Please be involved in your child’s/children’s education. If you … · Please be involved in your child’s/children’s education. ... First Quarter September 7 Labor Day ...

Dear Parents, Guardians, and Students;

Welcome to the 2015-2016 Couch Elementary school year. I look forward to

working with the students at Couch Elementary. We, the administration, fac-

ulty and staff, are committed to providing a high quality, well-rounded educa-

tion in the safest of environments to our students. Each child’s educational

success is dependent upon the hard work of the educator and student along

with the cooperation and support of the parent/guardian/community. Couch

Elementary stands committed to the achievement of this mission.

Couch School has placed an emphasis on reading because we know that the

key to learning and knowledge is reading. We have stressed reading and ask

that you read with your child at home. Reading well will help your child excel

in school and in life.

This handbook has been developed as a guide to the policies and procedures

of Couch Elementary School, but is not all inclusive of the day to day opera-

tions of the school. Please review the student handbook with your child/

children. It contains important information about the rules and regulations at

Couch Elementary School.

Please be involved in your child’s/children’s education. If you have questions,

do not hesitate to contact the school at (417)938-4215. I look forward to

working with you this school year.

Sincerely,

Pam Smith

Elementary Principal

2

TABLE OF CONTENTS

School Calendar 3

Mission & Philosophy 4

Admission 4-5

Attendance 5-6

Tardies & Retention Policy 6-7

Appearance & Dress Code 8

Visitors Policy 8-9

Parent/Teacher Organization 9

Student Check In/Out Policy 9

Students Staying After School 9

Telephone Usage, Posting Announcements 9-10

School Insurance 10

Student Off Limit Areas 10

School Breakfast & Lunch 10

Classroom Parties 10

Bus Changes, Student Textbooks, Personal Belongings 11

Cell Phones 11

Emergency Evacuation 11

Student Evaluation, Grading Scale & Progress Reports 11-12

Missouri Assessment Program (MAP) 12

Pledge of Allegiance 12

Withdrawal from School 13

Discipline Policy 13-20

Elementary Playground Rules 20-21

Drug Policy 21

Notice of Nondiscrimination 21-22

Asbestos Notice 22

Public Notice 22-23

Complaint Resolution Procedure 23-24

Student Disenrollment Procedure 24-25

Hazing & Bullying 25-26

No Child Left Behind 27

Public Notice 27-28

Health & Medication 28-29

Sexual Harassment 30

3

Couch R-1 School District

2015-2016 School Calendar

August 10, 11, 12 Teacher Workshop

August 13 School Starts – First Quarter

September 7 Labor Day – No School

September 25 Teacher In-Service – No School

October 9 End of First Quarter – 40 days

October 16 Parent/Teacher Conference – No School

November 16-20 Fall Break – No School

November 23-27 Thanksgiving Break – No School

December 18 End of Second Quarter – 39 days

End of First Semester – 79 days

December 21-January 1 Christmas Vacation – No School

January 4 School Resumes

Begin 3rd Quarter and 2nd Sem.

January 18 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day – No School

January 29 Teacher In-Service (No School)

February 12 Parent/Teacher Conferences – No School

February 15 President’s Day – No School

March 4 Third Quarter Ends—41 days

March 25-28 Spring Break – No School

May 5 Fourth Quarter Ends – 42 Days

Second Semester Ends – 83 Days

Last Day of School – Dismiss at 12:30

First Semester Second Semester

August 13 January 18

September 20 February 19

October 21 March 21

November 11 April 21

December 14 May 4

Total 1st Semester 79 Total 2nd Semester 83

Make-up days: May 6, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, January 18, February 15, and May 16 and 17. If the sev-

enth missed day falls after January 19 or February 16, and more than 8 makeup days are needed,

May 18 and 19 will be used. The preceding 10 days are listed in order that they will be used for

make-up. If additional days are needed, the dates will be added on to the end of the above dates.

4

COUCH R-1

MISSION AND PHILOSOPHY

MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of Couch R-1 School District is to provide experiences that will

enhance the skills and talents students possess in order to prepare them for

life.

PHILOSOPHY

The Couch R-1 School District recognizes that the purpose of education is to

help the student realize his/her self worth thus leading them toward becom-

ing a productive member of a democratic society. A strong emphasis must be

placed upon the fundamentals of academic, physical, and technical skills as

well as social and democratic values. The district adheres to the beliefs that

cooperation among parents, educators, students, and community is essential

for success.

Each student is a unique individual; therefore, we believe that education

should provide an opportunity for the maximum development of each individ-

ual within the limitations of his/her capacities. We believe that the student

must take responsibility for his/her education as an opportunity to enhance

his/her skills and talents as a guide to becoming a productive member of soci-

ety. Students should internalize ownership of the knowledge and skills they

gain while attending Couch R-1 School.

We recognize the role of the educator is to provide an environment in which

individuals can be challenged to the maximum level of their capacity, as they

acquire knowledge and skills to solve problems which will help them to be-

come productive members of society.

We recognize that the role of the parents/guardians is to encourage their

child each day to give his/her best effort to maximum education.

ADMISSION

The minimum age for enrollment in Kindergarten is the age of five (5) as of

August 1st of the year of enrollment. Any student who has been enrolled in a

Kindergarten program in another state for a period of not less than sixty (60)

days, and who will become five (5) during the school year in which he/she is

enrolled in Kindergarten, and whose parents or guardians establish domicile

in their school district, may be enrolled in Kindergarten upon the written re-

quest of the student’s parent or guardian.

The minimum age for enrollment in first grade shall be six (6) before August

5

1st of the year of initial enrollment if the child has completed a Kindergarten

program prior to enrollment. Any six (6) year old child who has not complet-

ed a Kindergarten program prior to enrollment in the Couch School District

shall be evaluated by the principal or designee. The child will be placed in the

first grade if the evaluation results indicate that the child is ready for enroll-

ment at the first grade level. If the evaluation results indicate that the child is

not ready for enrollment at the first grade level, the child will be enrolled in

Kindergarten.

A copy of the birth certificate, social security card, and immunization record is

required at the time of admission. Students who do not have immunization

records available will not be allowed to enroll until appropriate records are

received. Also, students enrolling in Kindergarten or first grade must provide

proof of a comprehensive vision examination by January 1st of the first year in

the district, in accordance with the law.

Before a student can be admitted, to any grade 1st through 6th, written evi-

dence must be presented that he/she has been promoted to the grade in

which he/she is seeking enrollment. Home schooled students will be evaluat-

ed by the principal or designee to determine placement.

ATTENDANCE

School attendance is the responsibility of the parents. Students should be in

school unless forced to be absent due to illness, etc. Parents failing to send

healthy children to school are in violation of the law.

Any time a student is absent, and the parent or guardian has not contacted

the school, the principal or designee will contact the parent or guardian.

When a student has accumulated five (5) absences, excused or unexcused, in

any semester, the school will set up a conference with the parent or guardian

to discuss the student’s attendance and current level of academic perfor-

mance. The purpose of the conference is to clarify the school’s expectations

regarding attendance and elicit suggestions from parents on ways to improve

the student’s attendance. When a student has accumulated a total of ten

(10) absences for the year, the school will set up a conference to develop an

attendance plan that includes specific intervention strategies designed to im-

prove the student’s attendance. When a student misses more than ten (10)

days, the district will determine whether there is a reason to suspect educa-

tional neglect or whether the parent is violating the compulsory attendance

laws. The district may then contact the Children’s Division Department of

6

Social Services. More than ten (10) absences will be a factor in determining

whether a student may be retained.

Ten (10) unexcused absences will result in students being reported to the

State of Missouri as truant.

Perfect attendance shall be awarded to those students missing no more

than three total hours of school for the entire year.

Students will be allowed the number of days missed plus two (2) to make up

work after being absent. (In grades 5 and 6 it is the student’s responsibility to

request make-up work from the teacher.)

TARDIES

It is important for students to arrive at school on time and remain the entire

day. A student is considered tardy if he/she arrives after 8:00 a.m. Students

who are tardy to school must check in at the office. Students who are tardy

more than five (5) days per semester, will be required to serve noon deten-

tion for each subsequent tardy.

RETENTION POLICY

The board of education, administration and staff of the Couch R-1 School Dis-

trict are dedicated to the maximum educational development and progress of

all students. The personnel have the responsibility to place these students at

a level that will ensure growth emotionally, socially, and academically.

Normally, a student will progress from one grade to another, based on his/her

ability to master the objectives and skills required to move from one level to

the next level. When this normal progress does not occur, then sometimes, it

is the best interest of the student to be retained. Each situation will be han-

dled individually, based on the child’s needs. In most situations, the basis for

promotion or retention is academic achievement. There are however, other

factors that must be considered also, including: educational history, social and

emotional maturity, physical size, attitudes, etc.

The recommendation to the parents that their child be retained will occur

only after a very thorough and complete professional analysis has been con-

ducted. Because of the firm commitment that retention will be made only in

the best interest of the child, the recommendation will be a team decision

using the combined knowledge of all personnel working with the student.

The principal, after consultation with the parents and all of the personnel that

deal with the student, will make the final decision concerning the placement

for the upcoming school year.

7

Guidelines for retention:

Children will normally be retained only one time during their elementary

school years.

Except under unusual circumstances, students will not be retained after

the first three years of school. However, Couch Elementary School will

abide by the state’s reading law regarding reading assessment and reten-

tion (See Senate Bill 319 on page 6).

A staff meeting must be held to review the data prior to discussion with

the parent. The following must be included in the staff meeting: princi-

pal, classroom teacher, specialists, and school counselor. A majority of

those present at the staff meeting must agree to the retention. Dissent-

ing opinions must be attached to the final recommendation of retention.

Parents should agree to the retention. While we strive to gain parent

approval and support, the policy is very clear that the school personnel

will make the final decision.

Procedures for retention:

When a student is having difficulty, the classroom teacher will keep the

parents informed of all intervention strategies used to accelerate their

child’s performance.

The teacher will inform the building principal in writing by March 7th of

any student that is having difficulty and not working up to recent grade

level. No mention of a retention recommendation will be made to the

parents until authorized by the principal.

The principal will make the necessary arrangements to ensure that appro-

priate assessment data is available and arrange for the required staff

meeting.

A registered letter will be forwarded to the parents, by March 31st, advis-

ing them that their child is continuing to have difficulty and may be re-

tained. Recommendation regarding retention for students enrolling dur-

ing second semester will be processed prior to the end of the school year.

The staff committee will meet during the fourth quarter to make the final

recommendation to retain or not to retain the student.

After the final decision has been made, the teacher/principal will arrange

a conference to inform the parents.

The decision may be appealed by notifying the superintendent in writing.

Senate Bill 319:

8

Governor Bob Holden signed Senate Bill 319 on June 29, 2001. The measure

emphasizes the early assessment of students’ reading skills and requires

school districts to intervene with students who are reading below grade level.

The law that became effective on July 1, 2001 requires:

● Assessment of students in grades 3-6 to determine their reading level.

individualized “Reading Improvement Plans” for students in grades 4-6

who are substantially below grade level in reading.

Additional reading instruction for students with Reading Improvement

Plans.

● Retention of students in grade 4 if they are reading below the third grade

level. Students with Individual Education Plans (IEPs) are exempt from this

requirement.

APPEARANCE & DRESS CODE

All students should maintain a neat and well-groomed appearance during the

school day, and while attending school sponsored activities. The following

guidelines will be used in judging appropriate student dress:

Hair should be clean and well-groomed.

Dress & grooming shall be clean and in keeping with health and sanitary

practices.

Dress & grooming should not disrupt the educational process.

Examples of inappropriate attire include: short-shorts and skirts

(shorts and skirts shall be no more than four inches above the knee),

bare-midriff tops, spaghetti strap tops or open mesh.

Clothing with indecent or “double-meaning” writing or pictures will not

be permitted, including tobacco, alcohol, or other obscenities.

Head cover of any type may not be worn inside the building during school

hours.

Sunglasses are not to be worn in the building.

It is the parent’s responsibility to provide suitable dress. Parents will be noti-

fied to bring proper attire for the student.

VISITORS POLICY

Visitors, which include student’s parents, grandparents, and other individuals,

with permission from the Principal’s office are welcome at Couch Elementary

School. Visitors should follow these guidelines when visiting the school:

Each visitor should go directly to the Principal’s office to let him/her know

they are in the building and will be visiting. All visitors during the regular

9

school day will receive a visitor’s badge prior to proceeding elsewhere in the

building.

We discourage students from bringing visitor friends to their class.

Visitors are not allowed in classrooms during instruction time.

PARENT/TEACHER ORGANIZATION

The Couch Elementary has an active Parent/Teacher Organization (PTO) that

meets monthly. If you are interested in joining, call the elementary office at

(417) 938-4215 for further information.

STUDENT CHECK IN/OUT POLICY

Students arriving late for school must come to the Principal’s office accompa-

nied by the person bringing them to school. An attendance sheet stating arri-

val time, date, etc. must be signed.

Students having necessary appointments or business during the school day

must be checked out by a parent/guardian or other party designated by the

parent/guardian using the following procedure:

1. The parent/guardian must call or come by the Principal’s office to inform him/her of who is picking up the child.

2. The person picking up the child should go to the Principal’s office first and sign the check-out sheet. The student will then be called.

3. Parents dropping off and/or picking up students before or after school

should drop off or collect their child at the south entrance of the elemen-

tary building. This will be the primary access point of the building.

STUDENTS STAYING AFTER SCHOOL

Students staying after school for school approved activities must have written

permission from parents/guardians. Students who are not involved in the

activities are not permitted to stay after school.

TELEPHONE

The Couch Elementary office telephone number is (417) 938-4215. We be-

lieve very strongly that the lines of communication between the school and

parents should always be open and honest. Therefore, if you have any con-

cerns or are unclear about particular information, please feel free to call.

STUDENT USE OF TELEPHONE

Students will be allowed to use the telephone only in cases of emergency, as

determined by the building principal or designee. Students will not be called

out of the classroom to receive phone calls. Messages may be left with the

school secretary or principal.

POSTING ANNOUNCEMENTS

10

Posting of announcements or materials on bulletin boards or in halls will re-

quire clearance through the Principal’s office.

SCHOOL INSURANCE

Low cost insurance is available for all students while under the jurisdiction of

the school. Application forms are available on the school website:

http://markel.sevencorners.com Parents may go directly to the website fol-

lowing this link to obtain insurance for their student.

STUDENT OFF LIMIT AREAS

The teacher workroom is off limits for all students unless given permission by

a classroom teacher. The refrigerator and microwave are for teacher use on-

ly.

No student in Elementary will be permitted in the High School building with-

out permission from a teacher.

SCHOOL BREAKFAST & LUNCH

Lunch money should be paid monthly.

If your child can not drink milk with their lunch due to medical reasons,

please have your doctor write a note and send it to your child’s teacher.

Your child will be given juice or water to drink with their meal.

Each student is to be mannerly, courteous, and quiet in the lunchroom.

When students bring lunches, they may bring drinks, however, sodas are

not allowed. No refrigeration is available.

No drinks in glass bottles are allowed in the lunchroom.

Students are not allowed to eat food from other student’s plates.

No food is to be taken out of the cafeteria.

CLASSROOM PARTIES

Annual party days for the entire Elementary will include:

1. Halloween Masquerade Party

2. Christmas gift exchange

3. Valentine’s Day

Students must be present the day of the party in order to attend. All food and

drinks brought for parties must be in compliance with the district’s wellness

policy.

BUS CHANGES

11

Students riding a different bus must have written permission from the Princi-

pal’s office. The office may be contacted about bus changes by either a note

or phone call from the child’s parent/guardian. A parent/guardian must also

notify the school if their child will not be riding the bus after school, and who

will be picking them up.

STUDENT TEXTBOOKS

Textbooks are provided from school tax money paid by parents. While these

books are furnished to the students without charge, they are not free. Stu-

dents are responsible for the proper care and return of books at the end of

the school year or when withdrawing from school.

PERSONAL BELONGINGS

We recommend that students do not bring toys or other personal belongings

to school. Teachers cannot be responsible for student’s personal belongings.

Radios, CD players, MP3 Players, handheld video games, head phones, cellular

phones, pagers, trading cards, etc. are not allowed. Parents will be required

to pick up and sign for any items confiscated from students.

CELL PHONES

Developments in cell phone technology in recent years have resulted in en-

hanced communication opportunities. However, the use of cell phones in

schools poses increased risks of school disruptions, academic dishonesty, bul-

lying, and criminal activity. As a result, cell phones will be banned in school

buildings during the instructional day and on school buses coming to and from

school. Students found in possession of a cell phone will be disciplined ac-

cording to the handbook policy:

EMERGENCY EVACUATION

All classrooms have individual fire, tornado, and earthquake plans. Each

teacher will give instructions and procedures for evacuation.

STUDENT PERFORMANCE AND EVALUATION

Report cards will be sent home at the end of each eight (8) weeks. This is a

means of informing parents/guardians of the student’s progress in each sub-

ject. Parent/Teacher Conferences will be held at the end of the 1st and 3rd

quarters.

GRADING SCALE

12

95-100 A 73-75 C 90-94 A- 70-72 C- 86-89 B+ 66-69 D+ 83-85 B 63-65 D 80-82 B- 60-62 D- 76-79 C+ 59 and below F

PROGRESS REPORTS

Progress reports are a means of communication with parents/guardians re-

garding whether their student is progressing satisfactorily. Progress reports

will be mailed during the fifth (5th) week of each quarter to inform parents of

their child’s progress.

To participate in extra-curricular activities fourth, fifth and sixth grade stu-

dents will be required to maintain a passing accumulative semester grade of

60% and above in all classes. One two-week probationary period at the time

of the two week grade check will be given each semester.

MISSOURI ASSESSMENT PROGRAM

Students will be given standardized tests in the following subjects at designat-

ed grade level:

K: Terra Nova 4: MAP- Communication Arts, Math

1: Terra Nova 5: MAP- Communication Arts, Math & Science

2: Terra Nova 6: MAP- Communication Arts & Math

3: MAP- Communication Arts & Math

Students scoring at the advanced, proficient or moving up from below basic to

basic levels on the MAP Communication Arts and Math tests will receive one

excused absence for each subject in which they scored at these levels. MAP

Passes must be used during the school year in which they are issued and

may not be used during standardized testing dates or in the event of school

suspension. Make-up work will be at the discretion of the classroom teach-

er.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Senate Bill 718 requires that Missouri schools recite the Pledge of Allegiance

weekly. Couch Elementary students will recite the Pledge of Allegiance at the

beginning of every school day. Students who do not wish to participate in this

activity, must contact their principal so other arrangements can be made.

STUDENT WITHDRAWAL FROM SCHOOL

13

Students who are transferring to another district or who are withdrawing

from the Couch R-1 School District for any reason shall notify the building

principal or his/her designee of the last day of attendance and complete nec-

essary withdrawal procedures. Official notification concerning a student’s

withdrawal from school will be issued to teachers by the appropriate adminis-

trator or counselor.

DISCIPLINE POLICY

GOALS AND PHILOSOPHY

In an endeavor involving large numbers of people, a reasonable discipline is

necessary for a smooth operation. Teaching/learning being “the” operation

of school makes discipline necessary.

Most teachers agree that the best discipline is self-discipline, so with this in

mind, we will resort to punishment and suspension or expulsion in an effort

to maintain an atmosphere in which the teacher can teach and students can

learn. (It is our firm belief that students have a right to a quiet and orderly

school atmosphere, and that teachers have a right to work at their profession

without interference).

In pursuing this line of thought, we have attempted to create a list of unac-

ceptable behaviors and punishments that will result from such actions. This

philosophy is based upon a framework of long-standing school rules. With

the exercise of common sense it will be little or no problem to live within this

framework.

Any rules we may write and any punishments we may prescribe at this time

will not supersede the administration’s prerogative of suspension, or expul-

sion.

Throughout this discipline policy, in-school suspension will be used as much as

practical in lieu of out-of-school suspension. However, out-of-school suspen-

sion will be used in certain flagrant violations when deemed necessary by the

administration. Some of these violations are: drug/alcohol abuse, threat of

violence, disruption of the orderly school process, etc.

VIOLATIONS AND CONSEQUENCES

1. Verbal correction by the teacher.

2. Visit the principal for counseling and/or punishment. 3. Noon detention (loss of recess time) 4. Assignment of work detail, or some other form of restitution. 5. Corporal punishment 6. In-School Suspension

14

7. Social Suspension (loss of extra-curricular activity privileges) 8. Out-of-School Suspension 9. Suspension from school bus 10. Expulsion

BEHAVIOR AND DISCIPLINE

The Board of Education has shown support for House Bill 207 (holding parents

responsible for damages done by their dependents to public buildings and

equipment.) Any student found with explosives in their possession which

pose a danger to persons or property, or a threat to disrupting the academic

process shall be removed immediately from school premises and a notice and

hearing shall follow as soon as practical thereafter.

Important! Punishment for each offense may vary according to severity of

the offense. For example, third and fourth offense punishment may be as-

signed if the misbehavior is extreme even on the first offense. All acts of

violence and/or violations of the Safe Schools Act will be reported to juve-

nile authorities.

Tardy

The student will check in at the office.

1st–5th – verbal warning

Each additional tardy will result in a noon detention.

Disrupting class; talking, laughing, clowning, etc.

The teacher will:

1st – verbal warning

2nd – 1 noon detention

3rd – 1 noon detention & notify parent

4th – 2 noon detentions & notify parent

5th - Refer to principal for ISS or Corporal Punishment & notify parent

Each successive referral will bring longer ISS terms or OSS.

Failure to participate in class

The teacher will:






Each successive referral will bring longer ISS terms or OSS

Failure to go to class prepared

15

The teacher will:







Inappropriate conduct in the cafeteria, library, assembly, hall, bathroom, PE,

Music or Art

The teacher will:







Misbehaving for a substitute teacher

The teacher will:







Using offensive and/or abusive language

The teacher will:

1st – 1 noon detention & notify parent

2nd – 2 noon detentions & notify parent

3rd - Refer to principal for 1 to 3 days ISS or corporal punishment & notify par-

ent

4th - Refer to principal for 1 to 3 days ISS or corporal punishment & notify par-

ent

5th – 1 day OSS

Each successive referral will bring longer OSS terms.

Cheating

The teacher will:


16


3rd - Refer to principal for 1 to 3 days ISS or corporal punishment & notify

parent

4th – Refer to principal for 1 to 3 days ISS or corporal punishment & notify

parent

5th – 1 day OSS


Possessing obscene materials

The teacher will:




parent


parent

5th – 1 day OSS


Public Display of Affection

The teacher will:




parent


parent

5th – 1 day OSS


Dress code violation (If clothing cannot be changed the student will be sent to

ISS for the remainder of that day.)

The teacher will:

1st – verbal warning, opportunity to change clothing item in violation of dress

code & notify parent

2nd – 1 noon detention, opportunity to change clothing item in violation of

dress code & notify parent

3rd - Refer to principal for 1 ISS, opportunity to change clothing item in viola-

tion of dress code & notify parent

Each successive referral will bring longer ISS terms.

17

Disrespect/Insubordination to staff member

Refer to the principal for:

1st – 3 noon detention or corporal punishment & notify parent

2nd – 5 noon detentions or corporal punishment & notify parent

3rd - 3 days ISS & notify parent

4th – 5 days ISS & notify parent

5th - 1 day OSS


Cursing a member of the staff



2nd – 3 days ISS & notify parent


4th – 3 days OSS

5th - 5 days OSS

6th - Superintendent review for suspension up to 90 days.

Smoking or chewing tobacco products





4th – 3 days OSS


Bullying/Harassing/Menacing/Instigating Trouble





4th – 3 days OSS


Fighting (parent will be notified each time)

1st – 3 days ISS & 5 days Social Suspension

2nd – 5 days ISS & 10 days Social Suspension

3rd – 3 days OSS & 20 days Social Suspension & referral to juvenile office and/

or law enforcement

4th – 5 days OSS, 30 days Social Suspension & referral to juvenile office and/or

18

law enforcement

5th – 10 days OSS, Social Suspension for the remainder of the school year &

referral to juvenile office and/or law enforcement

6th – Referral to the Superintendent and/or Board of Education for long-term

suspension, & referral to juvenile office and/or law enforcement

Destroying or damaging school property deliberately

1st – 3 days ISS or corporal punishment, cost of repair & notify parent

2nd – 3 to 5 days OSS, cost of repair & notify parent

3rd – Superintendent review for suspension up to 90 days & cost of repair.

Stealing (At the discretion of principal based on value of item)

1st – 3 days ISS & notify parent


3rd - 3 days OSS

4th – 5 days OSS

5th – Superintendent review for suspension up to 90 days.

Possessing alcohol or controlled substances

1st – 3 to 5 days OSS

2nd – Superintendent review for suspension up to 90 days.

Assaulting a member of the staff



Possessing fireworks, firearms, or any other weapons that may pose a threat

to the safety and well-being of others



Cell Phone Violation

1st – phone confiscated, parents notified & phone returned to student at the

end of the day

2nd – phone confiscated, parents notified & required to pick up the phone

3rd – phone confiscated, 1 day ISS, parents notified & required to pick up the

phone


Inappropriate bus conduct

The bus driver will:


2nd – refer to principal for principal/student/parent conference

19

3rd – refer to principal for 3 days bus suspension

4th – refer to principal for 5 days bus suspension

5th – refer to principal for 10 days bus suspension

Any subsequent offense will be handled at the discretion of the principal.

Students who receive social suspension or out-of-school suspension will not

be allowed to attend extra-curricular activities.

INDIAN TIME/FUN FRIDAY

Students with no tardy, discipline issues, and/or missing assignments for the

week will be given a 30 minute play time outside on Fridays.

AUTHORITY

All teachers have equal authority over all pupils during the time they are un-

der the jurisdiction of school authorities.

CONDUCT AT SCHOOL EVENTS

All students should display good conduct and sportsmanship at all school

events such as assemblies and ballgames.

TOBACCO POSSESSION

The possession and/or use of tobacco products of any kind are not permitted

on a school bus, on school grounds, or in any buildings at any time day or

night including both home and away ballgames.

Teachers and/or administrators will confiscate any tobacco discovered in stu-

dent’s possession. Possession of tobacco products will result in disciplinary

action.

DEFACING SCHOOL PROPERTY

Students found guilty of writing on walls, desks, books, or defacing or destroy-

ing school property shall pay in full for all such damages. Students failing to

pay full damages may, after due notification of the parents or guardians, be

suspended from school and may be readmitted only upon approval by the

Board of Education

PUPIL CONDUCT ON BUSES

1. The driver is in charge of the pupils and the bus. Pupils must obey the driv-

er promptly.

2. Pupils must be on time. The bus cannot wait beyond its regular schedule

for those who are tardy.

3. Pupils should never stand in the roadway while waiting for the bus.

4. Classroom conduct is to be observed by all students while on the bus, ex-

cept for ordinary

20

conversation.

5. Pupils must not at any time:

A. Move from seat to seat while bus is in motion.

B. Extend arms or head out of windows, throw things from the bus,

or throw things at anyone on

the bus.

C. Use tobacco in any form.

D. Take drink bottles or cans on the bus.

E. Refuse to sit by any other student or save seats for someone else.

F. Damage the bus by writing, marking, or cutting on any part or

destroying anything on the bus.

6. Any pupil who consistently causes trouble shall be sent to the Principal’s

office for a conference. If any

student continues to cause trouble, he/she will be suspended from riding

the bus by the Principal.

7. Pupils must use front door to load and unload except in a case of emergen-

cy.

8. Students who damage the bus in any way shall pay for damages done. Par-

ents will be held

responsible for student damage.

9. The driver or school officials may require students to sit in certain seats if

found advisable.

ELEMENTARY PLAYGROUND RULES

GENERAL RULES

1. Wrestling and scuffling are not permitted.

2. Rocks, sticks, acorns, etc. are not to be thrown.

3. Only 4th & 5th graders are allowed on the baseball field with duty teacher

permission and supervision.

4. The area around the gas tank is off limits to everyone.

5. Playing between the High School building and the Lunchroom is not per-

mitted except by special permission during muddy conditions.

6. No one is permitted to come inside the Elementary building during recess

without permission.

7. No running in the halls while going to recess, or coming in from recess.

8. No horseplay while standing in line.

9. No running up or down steps.

21

10. Everyone must wear shoes on the playground.

11. No drinks in cans or bottles are permitted on the playground.

SWING RULES

1. Standing on swings is not permitted.

2. No swinging sideways.

3. Only one person at a time in the swing.

4. Pushing others in the swing is not permitted.

5. No jumping out of swings.

6. Do not twist the swing chains or throw them over the top.

OVERHEAD LADDER

1. No sitting on top of overhead ladder.

2. Only one person may cross the ladder at a time.

3. Kindergarten and 1st grade are not permitted on the overhead ladder.

SLIDES

1. Only one person at a time may slide down.

2. No standing on the slide.

3. No running up the slide.

BARS

1. No sitting on bars.

DRUG POLICY

The use of illicit drugs and the unlawful possession and use of alcohol is

wrong and harmful. The possession and/or use of controlled dangerous sub-

stance, narcotic, and/or other drugs as defined by State and Federal laws are

illegal and therefore prohibited on school grounds and at any school activity.

Students found in possession of, or using the aforesaid substance shall be

suspended forthwith from school until such time as the Board of Education

shall act upon the case. The parents of the offending student will be notified

of their legal rights, and due process will be followed. The Board reserves the

right to call in outside civil authorities where it deems appropriate.

The Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989 (Public

Law 101-226) requires that parents and students be given a copy of the stand-

ards of conduct and the statement of disciplinary sanctions. Couch School will

provide information about any drug and alcohol counseling and rehabilitation

and re-entry programs that are available to students. Compliance with this

policy is mandatory according to Public Law 101-226.

NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATION

22

Applicants for admission and employment, students, parents, employees,

sources of referral of applicants for admission and employment, and all un-

ions or professional agreements with the Couch R-1 School District are hereby

notified that this institution does not discriminate on the basis of race, color,

national origin, sex, age or handicap in admission or access to or treatment or

employment in its programs and activities. Any person having inquiries con-

cerning Couch R-1 School District’s compliance with the regulations imple-

menting Title VI, Title IX, or Section 504 is directed to contact the Superinten-

dent of Schools at Couch High School, at (417) 938-4211, who has been desig-

nated by the Couch R-1 School District to coordinate the District’s efforts to

comply with the regulations implementing Title VI, Title IX, and Section 504.

ASBESTOS NOTICE

Some buildings contain asbestos materials on the Couch R-1 School campus.

An inspection of asbestos containing materials and assumed asbestos contain-

ing materials is conducted every three years by Mead Environmental Associ-

ates, Inc.

Anyone wanting more information or wishing to view the Couch R-1 Asbestos

Management Plan can do so in the Superintendent’s office.

PUBLIC NOTICE

Procedures by which the public can find out information concerning location

and steps to follow in accessing the Couch R-1 District facilities and services:

1. Each of the districts buildings are ADA accessible.

2. ADA restrooms are located in the following buildings:

A. Elementary

B. Library Complex

C. High School

D. New Gym

E. Pre-School

3. There are handicapped parking spaces located as follows:

A. Two spaces near library complex

B. One space near music room

C. One space near playground

D. One space near the ball field

4. Anyone who has ADA needs that requires access to the concession area of

the ball field may gain assistance by contacting the Couch R-1 coach that is

conducting the ball field activity of the day. The coach will assist by allowing

23

them to be driven to the home dugout. Once there, they can exit their vehi-

cle and immediately get through the fence to a safe area to watch the activi-

ties and get concessions.

5. Anyone with ADA needs that wish to obtain additional information or

needs special arrangements made to assist them in accessing any of the

Couch R-1 school facilities or services may contact any of the following per-

sons:

Allen Moss - Superintendent @ 417-938-4211

Sherry McMasters - HS Principal @ 417-938-4212

Pam Smith— Elementary Principal @ 417-938-4215

STANDARD COMPLAINT RESOLUTION PROCEDURE

FOR NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND PROGRAMS

This complaint resolution procedure applies to all programs administered by

the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education under the

No Child Left Behind Act.

A complaint is a formal allegation that a specific federal or state law or regula-

tion has been violated, misapplied, or misinterpreted by school district per-

sonnel or by Department of Education personnel.

Any parent or guardian, surrogate parent, teacher, administrator, school

board member, or other person directly involved with an activity, program, or

project operated under the general supervision of the Department may file a

complaint. Such a complaint must be in writing and signed; it will provide

specific details of the situation and indicate the law or regulation that is alleg-

edly being violated, misapplied, or misinterpreted.

The written, signed complaint must be filed and the resolution pursued in

accordance with local district policy:

The principal shall schedule a conference with the student and any staff

members involved to attempt to resolve the problem. Parents/Guardians

may be involved in the conference, or a later conference for parents/

guardians may be scheduled at the discretion of the principal.

• If the problem is not resolved to the satisfaction of the student and/or parents/guardians, a request may be submitted for a conference with the superintendent of schools. The superintendent shall ar-range a conference to consider the problem, and to inform partici-pants of the action that will be taken.

• If the student and/or parents/guardians are not satisfied with the action of the superintendent, they may submit a written request to appear before the Board of Education. Unless required by law, a

24

hearing will be at the discretion of the Board. The decision of the Board shall be final.

If the issue cannot be resolved at the local level, the complainant may file a

complaint with the Missouri Department of Education. If there is not evi-

dence that the parties have attempted in good faith to resolve the complaint

at the local level, the Department may require that parties to do so and may

provide technical assistance to facilitate such resolution.

Any persons directly affected by the actions of the Department may file a sim-

ilarly written complaint if they believe state or federal laws or regulations

have been violated, misapplied, or misinterpreted by the Department itself.

Anyone wanting more information about this procedure or how complaints

are resolved by contact local district or Department personnel.

STUDENT DIS-ENROLLMENT PROCEDURE

The following procedure is intended to assist building administrators by es-

tablishing procedures associated with the disenrollment of students.

1. The student handbooks will set forth that it is expected that a

student, if the student is eighteen (18) years or older, or the parent/guardian,

if the student is under the age of eighteen (18) years, will contact the building

principal and inform the building principal that the student intends to with-

draw from school and is not transferring to another school, going to an alter-

native school, or participating in home schooling. Upon receiving such infor-

mation, the principal will schedule the student and parents, if they so desire,

to meet with the student’s counselor to discuss the reasons the student in-

tends to withdraw from school to allow the counselor to offer alternatives to

withdrawal from school. The student, if he or she is eighteen (18) years of

age or older, or the parent/guardian if the student is under the age of eight-

een (18) years, will be required to complete all necessary documents regard-

ing the student’s withdrawal from school. If the student who is eighteen (18)

years or older, or the parent/guardian, for a student under the age of eight-

een (18) years, refuses to come to the school to complete the withdrawal

forms, but authorizes either in person or by phone the disenrollment of the

student shall be dis-enrolled by the building principal.

2. When a student is absent for six consecutive days, the building

principal, or his or her designee, shall contact the parent/guardian or the stu-

dent, if the student is eighteen (18) years of age or older, regarding the stu-

dent’s absences. The school official who contacts the parent/guardian or stu-

dent will attempt to receive information regarding the reason for the stu-

25

dent’s absences, in order to determine whether the absences should be ex-

cused, or whether some action should be taken by the school district so that

the student can return to school.

3. If the student does not return to school after the student or

parent/guardian is contacted by the appropriate school official, then the

building principal shall send a letter to the student, if he or she is eighteen

(18) years of age or older, or the parent/guardian, if the student is under the

age of eighteen (18) years, informing the student or parent/guardian that the

student will be considered to have voluntarily dis-enrolled himself or herself if

the student does not return to school. The student or parent/guardian will be

encouraged in that letter to contact the building principal or his or her design-

ee to discuss with them the student’s non attendance and to provide to that

individual any information regarding whether the period of absence should be

considered excused.

4. A student may be dis-enrolled for the semester for non attend-

ance if the student fails to return to school after receiving a non attendance

letter, and the student or parent/guardian fails to provide to the school infor-

mation as to why the student’s periods of absences should be excused.

HAZING AND BULLYING

General

In order to promote a safe learning environment for all students, the Couch R-

1 School District prohibits all forms of hazing, bullying, and student intimida-

tion. Students participating in or encouraging inappropriate conduct will be

disciplined in accordance with JG-R. Such discipline may include, but is not

limited to, suspension or expulsion from school and removal from participa-

tion in activities. Students who have subjected to hazing or bullying are in-

structed to promptly report such incidents to a school official.

In addition, district staff, coaches, sponsors and volunteers shall not permit,

condone or tolerate any form of hazing or bullying or plan direct, encourage,

assist, engage or participate in any activity that involves hazing or bullying.

District staff will report incidents of hazing and bullying to the building princi-

pal. The principal shall promptly investigate all complaints of hazing and bul-

lying and shall administer appropriate discipline to all individuals who violate

this policy. District staff that violates this policy may be disciplined or termi-

nated.

The superintendent will provide for appropriate training designed to assist

26

staff, coaches, sponsors and volunteers in identifying, preventing and re-

sponding to incidents of hazing and bullying.

The district shall annually inform students, parents, and district staff and vol-

unteers that hazing and bullying is prohibited. This notification may occur

through the distribution of the written policy, publication in handbooks,

presentations at assemblies or verbal instructions by the coach or sponsor at

the start of the season program.

Definitions

Hazing – For purposes of this policy, hazing is defined as any activity, on or off

school grounds, that a reasonable person believes would negatively impact

the mental or physical health or safety of a student or put the student in a

ridiculous, humiliating, stressful or disconcerting position for the purposes of

initiation, affiliation, admission, membership or maintenance of membership

in any group, class, organization, club or athletic team including, but not lim-

ited to, a grade level, student organization or school-sponsored activity.

Hazing may include those actions that subject a student to extreme mental

stress including, but not limited to, sleep deprivation, physical confinement,

forced conduct that could result in extreme embarrassment or criminal activi-

ty, or other stress-inducing activities. Hazing may also include, but is not lim-

ited to: acts of physical brutality; whipping; beating; branding; exposing to

the elements; forcing consumption of any food, liquor, drug or other sub-

stance; forcing inhalation or ingestion of tobacco products; or any other

forced physical activity that could adversely affect the physical health or safe-

ty of an individual.

Hazing may occur even when all students involved are willing participants.

Hazing does not occur when a student is required to audition or try out for an

organization when the criteria are reasonable, approved by the district and

legitimately related to the purpose of the organization.

Bullying – For purposes of this policy, bullying is defined as intimidation or

harassment of a student or multiple students perpetuated by individuals or

groups. Bullying includes, but is not limited to: physical actions, including

violence, gestures, theft, or damaging property; oral or written taunts, includ-

ing name-calling, put-downs, extortion, or threats; or threats of retaliation for

reporting such acts. Bullying may also include cyber bullying or cyber threats.

Cyber bullying is sending or posting harmful or cruel text or images using the

Internet or other digital communication devices. Cyber threats are online

27

materials that threaten or raise concerns about violence against others, sui-

cide or self-harm.

NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND ACT OF 2001

Dear Parent/Guardian:

Our district is required to inform you of certain information that you, accord-

ing to The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (Public Law 107-110, have the

right to know.

Upon your request, our district is required to provide to you in a timely man-

ner, the following information:

• Whether the teacher has met state qualification and licensing criteria for the grade levels and subject areas in which the teacher provides instruction.

• Whether the teacher is teaching under emergency and provisional status through which state qualification or licensing criteria have been waived.

• Whether your child is provided services by paraprofessionals and, if so, their qualifications.

• What baccalaureate degree major the teacher has and any other graduate certification or degree held by the teacher, and the field of discipline of the certification.

In addition to the information that parents may request, districts must pro-

vide to each individual parent:

• Information on the achievement level of the parent’s child in each of the state academic assessments as required under this part; and

• Timely notice that the parent’s child has been assigned, or has been taught for four or more consecutive weeks by, a teacher who is not highly qualified.

PUBLIC NOTICE

All responsible public agencies are required to locate, evaluate, and identify

children with disabilities who are under the jurisdiction of the agency, regard-

less of the severity of the disability, including children attending private

schools, highly mobile children, such as migrant and homeless children, and

children who are suspected of having a disability and in need of special educa-

tion even though they are advancing from grade to grade. The Couch R-1

School assures that it will provide a free, appropriate public education (FAPE)

to all eligible children with disabilities between the ages of 3 and 21 under its

jurisdiction. Disabilities include autism, deaf/blindness, emotional disorders,

hearing impairment and deafness, mental retardation, multiple disabilities,

orthopedic impairment, other health impairments, specific learning disabili-

28

ties, speech or language impairment, traumatic brain injury, visual impair-

ment/blindness and young child with a developmental delay.

The Couch R-1 School assures that it will provide information and referral ser-

vices necessary to assist the State in the implementation of early intervention

services for infants and toddlers eligible for the Missouri First Steps program.

The Couch R-1 School assures that personally identifiable information collect-

ed, used, or maintained by the agency for the purposes of identification, eval-

uation, placement or provision of FAPE of children with disabilities may be

inspected and/or reviewed by their parents/guardians. Parents/guardians

may request amendment to the educational record if the parent/guardian

believes the record is inaccurate, misleading, or violates the privacy or other

rights of their child. Parents have the right to file complaints with the US De-

partment of Education or the Missouri Department of Elementary and Sec-

ondary Education concerning alleged failures by the district to meet the re-

quirements of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

The Couch R-1 School has developed a Local Compliance Plan for the imple-

mentation of State Regulations for the Individuals with Disabilities Education

Act (IDEA). This plan contains the agency’s policies and procedures regarding

storage, disclosure to third parties, retention and destruction of personally

identifiable information and the agency’s assurance that services are provided

in compliance with the General Education Provision Act (GEPA). This plan

may be reviewed in the principals’ office on days school is in session.

This notice will be provided in native languages as appropriate.

Last revised August 2005

HEALTH

Medication

Prescription Medication

Prescription medication may be administered to students during school hours

with written permission from the parent/guardian. The prescription label will

be considered the equivalent of a prescriber’s written direction. The appro-

priate form is available in the health office.

Over-the-Counter Medication

Over-the-counter medication may be administered to a student upon receipt

of written request and permission to do so by a parent/guardian. All over-the

-counter medications must be brought to the school in the original packaging

and will only be administered in accordance with the manufacturer’s label.

29

The appropriate form must be on file in the health office for students to re-

ceive over-the-counter medication from the school supply.

Self-Administered Medication

Students with chronic health conditions may self-administer medications with

completion and notarization of the appropriate forms available at school. The

school nurse should be notified of any medication students bring to school.

Illness and Injury

Parents/guardians will be contacted to pick up students if he/she has a tem-

perature of 100 degrees or above, or in the event of other illness or injury, at

the judgment of the nurse or other school personnel.

Any chronic health problem your child has should be reported to the

school for appropriate follow-up by the nurse.

Health Screenings

Screening for vision, hearing, speech, spinal, height and weight are

done annually for specific grades. If a possible problem is detected, the stu-

dent will be rescreened after an appropriate time. If a possible problem is still

detected, a referral will be sent to the parent/guardian for professional evalu-

ation. You will not be notified of positive screening results but may obtain the

information by contacting the school nurse. Students may opt out of screen-

ings with a written request and signature of parent/guardian requesting a

specific screening not be done.

The school will not perform routine school-wide head lice screening.

However, should case/s be reported, screening will be done, based on the

identification of students most likely to have been exposed, as well as those

residing with that student. Students who have lice in their hair will be isolat-

ed and excluded from school until treatment is obtained. Students who have

been treated will have to be examined by the school nurse or other personnel

before returning to classes.

Notification of needed immunizations will be sent to parent/

guardian. Students will be excluded who are not in compliance by the appro-

priate date according to state law.

30

SEXUAL HARASSMENT

IS

NOT A JOKE

Sexual harassment is illegal. It hurts people.

Our school has a policy that sexual harassment is unwanted sexual attention

or behavior that makes someone uncomfortable or embarrassed in a harmful

way.

Under federal and state laws, schools are required to maintain a school set-

ting that is free from sexual harassment.

We will take action against anyone who is guilty of sexual harassment. We

want everyone to feel safe here at school.

If you have been sexually harassed, please let us know!

Talk to: Allen Moss or Sherry McMasters

Title IX of the 1972 Education Amendments also prohibits sexual harass-

ment in schools. People can file complaints with the Office for Civil Rights,

USDED, 10220 North Executive Hills Boulevard, Kansas City, Missouri, 64153-

1367.

Please be involved in your child’s/children’s education. If you … · Please be involved in your child’s/children’s education. ... First Quarter September 7 Labor Day ...

Documents