|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
||||||||||||||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|||||||||
Middle School Student Handbook
WELCOME TO THE 2009 – 2010 SCHOOL YEAR On behalf of the Dunmore Middle School administration, faculty and staff, we take pleasure in welcoming you to Dunmore Middle School. We are very proud of the Dunmore Middle School’s tradition of excellence in the classroom and in extra curricular activities. We hope you will add to this tradition and participate in our varied programs. To Students: As a Dunmore Middle School student, you will be held accountable to maintain a consistent positive attitude and strong work ethic, be respectful to others, complete assignments on time through adequate preparation and organization, follow all school rules and procedures outlined in this handbook, take pride in yourself, family, community, and school and strive to be the best student and person you can be! To Parents: Early Adolescence is a tricky time not just for parents but for our students as well. Middle school age students need continuous parental support and reinforcement that their education is of utmost importance to their overall development as an adolescent. Your cooperation and support in helping us attain this mindset on behalf of our students and seek to achieve educational accomplishments and set reachable goals will undoubtedly make our shared responsibilities considerably more meaningful for your child; our student. This student handbook is published so that all students and parents may have a ready reference to information, which is necessary to understand the daily operation of our school. It is essential that all students and parents read the information contained in this handbook to avoid misunderstandings. It is your responsibility to know all rules and regulations. When this handbook does not give you the information you are seeking, you should contact your administrator, counselor, or teacher for help. Good luck at Dunmore Middle School and, remember our motto is “Service through Pride and Tradition”. Please be respectful to all, and you will gain respect for yourself.
Robert Galella Back to Top NCLB requires: Increased accountability for states, school districts and individual schools Under NCLB, parents have a right to know the professional qualifications of their children’s teacher(s). This letter is to inform you of your right to ask for the following information about each of your child’s classroom teachers: Whether the State of Pennsylvania has licensed or qualified the teacher for the grades and subjects s/he teaches. Our district is fully committed to the success of your child. We appreciate your partnership in our efforts. DUNMORE SCHOOL DISTRICT The Dunmore School District will not discriminate in its educational programs, activities, and employment practices based on race, color, national origin, sex, sexual preference, disability, age, religion, ancestry, union membership, or any other legally protected classification as required by Title VI, Title VII, Title IX and Section 503 and 504. For information regarding civil rights, grievance procedures, services, activities, programs, facilities, or information about accommodations for persons with disabilities, contact Fran Loughney, Title IX Coordinator, at the Dunmore School District, Quincy Avenue and Warren Street, Dunmore, PA 18509 by calling (717) 347-4905. ACCEPTABLE USE OF ELECTRONIC INFORMATION RESOURCES Information resources offer access to computers and people throughout the world. Students and staff will have access to electronic mail and college and university libraries, information and news from a variety of sources and research institutions, soft-ware of all types, and discussion groups on a wide variety-of topics, and much more. The following guidelines are intended to be helpful and provide a base from which district and school policies can be tailored. While the emphasis here is on appropriate use, there is no intent to diminish the vital nature of electronic information services. The concerns described here are real, but they should not discourage school officials from planning for the appropriate use of one of education's newest and most valuable tools. The Dunmore School District encourages the establishment of a district level electronic information resources committee. Whenever possible, the committee should be composed of school board members, administrators, teachers, library media personnel, students and parents. It should be chaired by the administrator who has overall responsibility for student use of electronic information resources. The committee should develop policies and provide all users and potential users and parents with a handbook that describes the policies related to the acceptable use of electronic information resources. While electronic information resources offer tremendous opportunities of educational value, they also offer persons with illegal or unethical purposes avenues for reaching students, teachers, and others, including parents. The following represent some of the inappropriate uses that may occur: using the network for commercial advertising using copyrighted material in reports without permission using the network to access a file that contains pornographic pictures, taking using the network to send/receive messages that are racist using the network to send/receive inflammatory messages creating a computer virus and placing it on the network using the network to send/receive a message with someone else's name on it using the network to send/receive a message that is inconsistent with the using the network to send/receive messages that are sexist-and contain using the network to request home phone numbers and, later. making obscene phone calls to the numbers using the network to provide addresses or other personal information that others using the network for sending and receiving a large number of personal The primary purposes of the committee are to devise ways to protect students, to develop processes for the reporting of abuses, and to design methods to prevent their recurrence. All users should be aware that the inappropriate use of electronic information resources can be a violation of local, state, and federal laws. Violations can lead to prosecution. Assembly programs are a vital part of the school educational philosophy. These programs should be viewed as an extension of the regular classroom. Students must be on their best behavior during an assembly program. Some basic rules regarding assemblies are: 1. Entry into the auditorium or gym should be in an orderly manner. 2. Respect for the assembly presenters must be the rule. 3. If a student is not interested in the program, he/she should remain quiet so others can 4. Ignorant behavior, such as shouting or whistling, will not be tolerated. 5. Food or beverages are not allowed at assemblies. 6. At the conclusion of an assembly students will report quietly to their directed classes. 7. Failure to obey rules for assemblies will result in disciplinary action. Remember: Good conduct and courtesy reflects on all of us at the Dunmore Middle School. Compulsory Attendance and Truancy This BEC is the result of the work of the Statewide Task Force on School Attendance and Truancy Reduction, so magisterial district judges, parents, and schools will receive guidance on what they can do to help Pennsylvania’s children. The Department of Education and the schools of the Commonwealth are obligated to comply with state and federal requirements for student attendance and truancy. As “No Child Left Behind” and the Pennsylvania Accountability System place increased emphasis on student achievement and attendance, it has become even more important to improve Pennsylvania’s efforts to reduce truancy. Attendance C. Categorizing Absences: What is Unlawful Absence from School? The responsibility for regular school attendance of a student rests with the parent or guardian. ATTENDANCE PROCEDURE 1. Parents or guardians are encouraged to call the middle school (346-2043) by 8:15 AM on days that their child (children) is absent. In certain situations, the attendance officer or middle school clerical aide will call the homes of those students who are absent but whose parents or guardians have not called the school to report them excused for the day. On occasion, the attendance officer or middle school clerical aide will call the homes of students whose parents or guardians have called students excused ill to verify the excuse. 2. Students must have a written excuse from their parents for all absences. This excuse must contain the date, reason for absence, and parental or guardian signature. If after three days from the date of the absence a written excuse is not submitted to school officials, the student absence will be marked unexcused and he/she may be subject to disciplinary action. Students who report to school after 11:30 AM or leave school before 11:30 AM and do not return will be charged with ½ day of absence. 3. If a student is absent from school one or two days, he/she is responsible to get his/her homework assignments. Homework requests may be honored only after a student is absent for two (2) or more days. Homework requests must be given to Mrs. Voytek by 10:00AM in order to give her enough time to see all of the classroom teachers. 4. If it is determined that a student’s absence is unexcused (no parental verification, truancy, school skipping), disciplinary action will be taken by the administration. This action may include: 1) Parental Conference VACATIONS DURING SCHOOL YEAR Vacations during the school year are discouraged. Parents are to contact the school if the student is about to accompany the family on a vacation. Any absence from school, whether excused or unexcused will be reported as an absence. All missed assignments and tests will be determined by the individual teachers. Dunmore School District recognizes that bullying of students has a negative effect on the educational environment of its schools. Students who are bullied, intimidated or fearful of other students may not be able to take full advantage of the educational opportunities offered by the school district. Bullying means to treat abusively. At no time is any student to use browbeating language or behavior. A student is being bullied or victimized when he or she is exposed, repeatedly and over time, to negative actions on the part of one or more students (Olweus 1986 and 1991). Bullying shall mean a pattern of repeated harmful behavior by a person with more physical or social power toward a less powerful person. This may include a wide variety of behaviors, with deliberate intent to hurt, embarrass, or humiliate the other person. Researchers have identified four (4) forms of bullying: 1. Physical – the most commonly known form; includes hitting, kicking, spitting, pushing and taking personal belongings. 2. Verbal – includes taunting, malicious teasing, name-calling, and making threats. 4. Cyber-Bullying – forms of verbal and psychological bullying may also occur on the Internet through e-mail, instant messaging, or personal profile web sites such as My-Space. Cyber-bullying includes, but is not limited to, the following misuses of technology: harassing, teasing, intimidating, threatening, or terrorizing another student, teacher or employee of the district by sending or posting inappropriate or derogatory e-mail messages, instant messages, text messages, digital pictures or images, or web site postings (including blogs). All forms of cyber-bullying are unacceptable and, to the extent that such actions are disruptive of the educational process of the district, offenders shall be the subject of appropriate discipline. Bullying shall mean unwelcome verbal, written or physical conduct directed at a student by another student that has the intent of or effect of: 1. Physically, emotionally or mentally harming a student. The term bullying and cyber-bullying shall not be interpreted to infringe upon a student’s right to engage in legally protected speech or conduct. It shall be a violation of this policy for any student to bully another student on district grounds, at any school activity, or on the way to or from school. Each staff member shall be responsible to maintain an educational environment free of bullying and cyber-bullying. Each staff member shall be responsible to respect the rights of his/her fellow students and to ensure an atmosphere free from all forms of bullying and cyber- bullying. Students shall be encouraged to report bullying or cyber bullying complaints to district employees. All employees who receive a bullying or cyber-bullying complaint shall investigate to determine if bullying or cyber-bullying has occurred. If the behavior is found to meet the definition of bullying or cyber-bullying, written documentation must be submitted to the building principal. The building principal or his/her designee will inform parents/guardians of the victim and person accused. Investigation Procedures 1. A student shall report a complaint of bullying or cyber-bullying, orally or in writing, to the teachers, building administrator, or counselor. 2. The building administrator will investigate the alleged conduct that occurred. 4. After the investigation, the building principal or designee shall be notified in writing of the complaint and the results of the investigation and shall take corrective action to ensure that the conduct ceases. Consequences/Intervention Consequences for students who bully others will be subject to disciplinary options that may include counseling, a parent/guardian conference, detention, suspension or other consequences as provided in the Code of Student Conduct. Three types of bullying which are prohibited by the “PA Safe Schools” are the following: Indirect Bullying- Making faces or dirty gestures, intentionally excluding someone from a group, spreading rumors, or refusing to comply with another person’s wishes. Cyber Bullying- Using electronic device mediums such as but not limited to computers, cell phones and pagers to bully others through methods such as posting comments or pictures on blogs or websites, text messaging, instant messaging and email. This cyber-bullying behavior is not to be confused with terroristic threats, which can be communicated through similar methods. If a student believes that he or she has been bullied, the student should inform the student who is doing the bullying that his or her behavior is unacceptable. If the bullying continues, the student will follow the complaint procedure that has been established for unlawful harassment. At the Dunmore Middle School, riding the school bus is considered a privilege and involves responsibilities. The Bus driver is the sole authority while the bus is en route to or from school. Any violations of rules will be reported to the Transportation Director, Mrs. Rose Crotti. The school administrator will handle discipline. Students are expected to be orderly and cooperative while riding the school bus. Repeated misconduct or unacceptable behavior will be reported to the principal or assistant principal. If it is deemed necessary, students will be denied bus privileges. The following regulations have been set forth in an effort to provide safe transportation for all our students: Students will be denied transportation on any school bus for any of the following reasons: 1. Constantly distracting the driver When a student is denied bus privileges, it is the parents' responsibility to see that the student attends school by providing their own transportation. A) Students should make every effort to keep the cafeteria clean. All disposable articles should be placed in the proper receptacles. Tables should be free of debris and chairs must be put back to their original position after the lunch period is completed. B) All directions given by the cafeteria monitors must be strictly adhered to at all times. Cafeteria Monitors are the authority during lunch periods. All questions must be directed to them. C) Students must not take any food or beverages from the cafeteria. All food or beverages must be restricted to the cafeteria and will not be allowed in the foyer area or other areas of the school. D) Students are reminded cafeteria privileges may be suspended for violations of school rules. E) Respect for the rights of others is of primary concern when the cafeteria is being used. Abusive behavior will not be permitted. F) The cafeteria is part of the school; and all rules and regulations which apply to regular classroom areas, with certain exceptions, apply to the cafeteria. G) Students will use the cafeteria lavs under the supervision of the lav monitor during the lunch periods. Other lavs in the school should not be used while a student is at lunch. H) Students returning to their lockers after lunch should do so quietly and in an orderly manner. Roughhousing, excessive noise or any other disturbance will result in disciplinary action. CHANGE OF ADDRESS OR WITHDRAWAL Any change of address or telephone number should be reported at once so that the home can be contacted in case of an emergency. If a family is moving from the area, it is necessary to transfer records to the receiving school district. The student must report to the guidance office and will be issued a withdrawal form. Each teacher must initial this form signifying that all books have been turned in and all obligations have been met. The final check will be made through the guidance office. Student records cannot be given to parents but will be transferred to the receiving school upon request. The classroom should be viewed as a positive learning situation. Students should be prepared, with all necessary materials, to participate before entering their classrooms. Good posture is conducive to the learning experience. Rude behavior will not be tolerated. All property found in a classroom such as desks, books, tables, chairs, etc. should be handled with respect. Vandalism will not be permitted. Students caught vandalizing school property will be responsible to make restitution for all damaged material. Students must remain in their seats at all times, unless otherwise directed by their teacher. Students should not stand outside the classroom door or block the entranceways to classrooms. When the end of the period bell rings, students should move quickly and orderly to their next assignment. Always be considerate of others when moving from class to class. Parents are welcome for conferences and visitations. Conferences may be arranged by contacting the main office. They may be held at a mutually convenient time but must not interrupt an educational period. However, if requesting a team meeting with all the teachers; the available times are as follows: 7:30 Admission of students into the building LATE START SCHEDULE 8:48 AM Bell to enter the building TWO HOUR DELAY 9:58 Bell to enter the building EMERGENCY SCHOOL CLOSING School closings and/or delayed openings will be carefully monitored and all or cancellations will be made as early as possible. No call or announcements will be made unless schools are to be closed or the opening of schools is delayed. Notification for early dismissal will be made during the school day. ATTENTION TO ANNOUNCEMENTS by all interested citizens is urged enabling these important decisions to be communicated properly and implemented effectively. DETENTION Detention is an assigned period of time after school hours for any infraction of school policy. A detention period is scheduled on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 2:30 to 3:00. Teachers or administrators may issue a detention for infractions such as: missed homework assignments, class misconduct, defiance, disrespect, cafeteria misconduct, tardiness, unlawful absence, hall and stairwell misconduct, not returning of stated mandated examination forms such as Dental forms or other infractions. Repeated offenses will result in suspension from school. Students serving detention are expected to complete the provided assignment and submit it to the detention supervisor. The assigning teacher may provide the detention supervisor with work for the assigned detention period. Students who are uncooperative or disruptive in detention will be suspended. Detention supersedes all other after school activities. After four detentions are issued in one school year, a fifth detention will result in suspension. Parents must inform the middle school administrator by 12:00 noon on the day of detention if their child is unable to attend and the student will be rescheduled. When a student is unable to remain after school because of an emergency or transportation difficulties, the middle school administrator must be notified by the parent before a home assignment can be given. If a student fails to attend, it will be considered a cut and will result in a double detention or suspension from school. CELL PHONES – PAGERS - ELECTRONIC DEVICES The possession by students of telephone paging devices (beepers) and cell phones is prohibited at all school activities. Electronic devices, such as iPods, are also prohibited. If a student is observed with any of the above devices by having it in or out of a pocket; it will be confiscated and turned over to administration. Parent/Guardian will be contacted and must come in to retrieve the device. Furthermore, a consequence will be invoked for Insubordination. One of the most predominant factors of a good school is its discipline. Discipline should be of paramount importance to all members of the Dunmore Middle School community. Students and parents must understand all rules and regulations and the Dunmore Middle School discipline policy. The most important aspect of any discipline policy is self-discipline. Before taking any questionable action, students should always consider the rights of others and consider the effect their actions may have on their families, community, and school. The Dunmore Middle School philosophy of discipline is to be fair, just, individualized, whenever possible, and to bring about a positive behavior change in individuals for the good of the school community. Care for school and personal property, respect for others, appropriate classroom conduct, proper manners and attitudes are the basis for acceptable Dunmore Middle School students’ behavior. The administration has four tools to help correct behavior. They are: Discussion – talking with students about behavior, After-school detention, Suspension, and Expulsion. DRUG AND ALCOHOL POLICY Students involved in the sale, use, possession, or distribution of any controlled substance prohibited by law will be subject to the Dunmore School District & The District Attorney’s Drug and Alcohol Policy. First Violation Second Violation Third Violation Fourth Violation OVER THE COUNTER AND PRESCRIPTION DRUGS First Violation Second Violation
CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES Drug and alcohol abuse is a major health and safety problem nationwide and must be prevented in every conceivable way in our community. The School District wishes to establish and maintain conditions which will deter students from using school facilities, grounds, and activities as a center for the possession, use, manufacture, distribution, or sale of drugs or alcohol. Although the District will make every effort to develop and implement programs aimed at prevention and guidance, decisive corrective actions will be taken when necessary. The District publicly acknowledges and accepts its leadership responsibility in addressing and opposing the epidemic of dysfunctional or self-destructive behaviors which block growth and inhibit learning. The District further acknowledges the establishment of prevention programs and services within the School District which will formally establish our commitment to the prevention of teen-age suicide. Through curriculum, classroom activities, community support and resources, Student Assistance Programs, and strong and consistent administrative and faculty effort, the School District will work to educate, prevent, and intervene in the use and abuse of all drugs, 'alcohol, and mood-altering substances by the entire student population. The primary purpose for any action on the part of the school staff is the protection of the health, safety and welfare of students, staff and school property. In accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding previously signed by the School District and local law enforcement agencies, the District may re- quest the assistance of law enforcement officials at any time in the implementation of District policy. The District will notify law enforcement officials of any violation of this policy. Contraband - Any controlled substance, drug, inhalant, cosmetic, weapon, or any other object deemed prohibited by the school, which is possessed by any person not entitled to possess that item. Distribution - Actual or attempted transfer from one person to another of a controlled substance or other drug. Distribution includes the delivering, selling, passing, sharing, or giving any drug from one person to another. Drug/Mood Altering Substance/Alcohol - Any alcohol or malt beverage, any drug listed in Controlled Substance Drug Device and Cosmetic Act, as amended, as a controlled substance, chemical, abused substance or medication for which a prescription is required under the law and/or any substance which is intended to alter the mood. Examples of the above include but are not limited to beer, wine, liquor, cocaine, crack cocaine, heroin, hallucinogens (LSD, mushrooms), marijuana, anabolic steroids, hashish, chemical solvents, inhalants, glue, counterfeit substances, and any capsules or pills not registered with the school nurse, annotated within student's health record and given in accordance with the school district's policy for the administration of medication to students in school. Counterfeit substances are any substances which, in their overall finished appearance, are Drug Paraphernalia - All equipment, products and materials of any kind which are used intended for use, or designed for use in manufacturing, converting, packaging, repackaging, storing, containing, concealing, injecting, ingesting, inhaling, or other- wise introducing into the human body a controlled substance. Drug paraphernalia includes any utensil or item which, in the school's judgment, can be associated with the use of drugs, alcohol or mood altering sub- stances. Examples include, but are not limited to, roach clips, pipes, bowls, cigarette rolling papers, etc. Furnishing - Supplying, giving, providing, or allowing possession of an item on school property or on any location under the jurisdiction and control of the school district. Jurisdiction and Control of the School District - School buses, school grounds, and the site of any athletic, social, educational or any other function sponsored in full or in part by the school, whether or not held on school property. Manufacture - Production, preparation, propagation, compounding, conversion, or processing of a controlled substance, other drug or the packaging or repackaging of such substance or article, or the labeling or re-labeling of the commercial container of such substance or article. NOTIFICATION Parental Notification - includes, at a minimum, immediate personal contact by the principal or his/her designee of the parent(s) or guardian. (Contact by U.S. mail is generally insufficient to constitute parental notification, but may be required because of extenuating circumstances.) Law Enforcement Notification - Includes the immediate contact by the principal or his/her designee of the local police departments for the town in which the school is located or in which the off-campus incident occurs. If the police department can not be contacted or can not respond, the principal shall immediately contact the Lackawanna County District Attorney's Office. Personal Property - items which are in the actual or constructive possession of people enrolled in or employed by the school district. Personal property includes, but is not limited to, all backpacks, book bags, gym bags, purses, clothing or any other items which are used for the purpose of storing or transporting personal property. Plain View - The observance of any item which can be seen by a school official while on school property or any property under the jurisdiction and control of the school district. As an example, any item seen in an open locker by a teacher standing in a common area, such as a hallway, is in plain view. Possession - Holding, without any attempt to distribute, any alcohol, drug, or mood altering sub- stances determined to be illegal or as defined by this policy. Probable cause - Specific facts and circumstances that would lead a reasonable person to believe that the item sought is at a particular location and will be found if that area is searched. School Official - A school employee or any per- son authorized by the School District to act under these provisions. Reasonable Suspicion - A belief, based on circumstances, that a violation of the law School Property - Building facilities and grounds, school campus, school parking areas, and any facility being used for a school function or school sponsored trip. All lockers shall remain the property of the school district and may be entered at any time by District officials. . Weapon - Any item used to injure another person or to destroy property. Weapons include, but are not limited to, knives, cutting instruments, nun-chaku sticks, mace, firearms (handguns, rifles, shotguns), and BB/pellet guns. Weapons also include counterfeit or replicas, whether or not they are operable. Prohibited Conduct The following acts and/or the causing thereof by a student or employee of the School District while on school property or while under the jurisdiction and control of the school district or its authorities are hereby prohibited: 1. Being under the influence, or having consumed, injected, or ingested any controlled substance, alcohol, non-controlled substance, marijuana, including prescription drugs not registered with the school nurse as required in policy #210. 2. The manufacture, sale or delivery, holding, offering for sale, soliciting to possess, or possession of alcohol, marijuana, any controlled substance, or other drug, including a prescription drug. 3. The use or possession of drug paraphernalia for the purpose of manufacturing, packing, storing, containing, concealing, injecting, ingesting, inhaling or otherwise introducing into the human body a controlled substance. -- 4. The manufacture, sale, or delivery, holding offering for sale, or possession of a non-con- trolled substance that has a stimulant or depressant effect on humans, other than a prescription drug, which, or the label or container of which, substantially resembles specific controlled sub- stance. 5. The sale or delivery, holding, offering for sale, or possession of non-controlled substance upon the expressed or implied representation that the substance is a controlled substance; or upon the express or implied representation that the recipient, in turn will be able to distribute or sell the substance as a controlled substance. Suspected or possible violations of the above stated conduct will have consequences as set forth in the following, Consequences of Prohibited Conduct. Consequences of Prohibited Conduct Any student found by the principal or his/her designee to be in violation of the policy set forth Situation Guidelines - The possible use of drug/mood-altering sub- stance/alcohol by a student is suspected based on corroborated information from reliable sources but there is no direct observation by a school official of violation of law or school regulation. 1. Immediate Action - The student is informed of available help and encouraged to seek assistance. Based on direct observation by a school official, a student demonstrates symptoms of drug/mood altering substance/alcohol use such as staggering, slurred speech, dazed appearance, incoherence, inability to respond and/or odor of alcohol. if this situation occurs off the school property, see #2 (below). 1. Immediate Action - The person detecting the activity will summon the school nurse and the A student possesses drug-related paraphernalia or counterfeit drugs and/or indicates the intention to sell or distribute counterfeit drugs. 1. Immediate Action - The person detecting the activity will secure the item and summon the At a school sponsored function, a school official observes a student demonstrating obvious symptoms of possible drug/mood altering substance/alcohol use. 1. Immediate Action - The parent will be notified. Student will be detained until parent arrives or A student possesses, uses, or is under the influence of drugs/mood altering substance/alcohol. 1. Immediate Action - The person detecting the activity will summon the school nurse and the A student is distributing a drug or controlled substance or is furnishing alcohol on school property or in a location in the jurisdiction and control of the School District. 1. Immediate Action - The person detecting the activity will summon the principal or his/her
Handling of Confiscated Drugs, Drug Paraphernalia, etc. All drugs, drug paraphernalia, and/or alcohol found or confiscated on School District property will be turned over to the principal or his/her designee. In the case where an item is found in a location other than on school property, the item will be turned over directly to the Superintendent or his/her designee. Confiscated material will be labeled with the following information: 1. Date Found. The item should then be turned over to the appropriate local law enforcement officials on the same day when possible. When immediate turnover is not possible, the confiscated material will be stored in a secure location on school property. EARLY ARRIVAL Students arriving before 7:30 AM are not supervised. These students enter school district property at their own risk. EXCUSES TO LEAVE SCHOOL EARLY Students must bring a note to the main office, whenever possible, one day in advance of the date requested. A phone call may be made to the home to verify the excuse. Parents should include in their note where they can be contacted for verification. Unless it is an extreme emergency or an unavoidable appointment, parents should consider the impact on the student’s education for early dismissals. Whenever possible, appointments should be made with consideration to the individual student’s schedule. If a parent/guardian would like his/her child to wait outside for a ride the parent or guardian must indicate that in the note. Otherwise, the parent or guardian will be asked to sign the “Excused” book before the student is permitted to leave the building. EXCUSABLE ABSENCES FROM SCHOOL MEDICAL APPOINTMENTS: FOR EDUCATIONAL TRAVEL: In conformity with the Pennsylvania Code, Title 22, Chapter I 1, the Dunmore School District provides exceptions to the normal attendance regulations for educational tours and trips. The school district recognizes that from time to time students may have the opportunity to participate in preplanned trips and educational experiences during the regular school year. Pre-approval forms for educational travel are available from the attendance secretary. Prior attendance records, previous requests and frequency of such requests and the weighted value of the requested experience will be taken into consideration by the administration when approving or disapproving travel request. EXTRACURRICULAR POLICY The Dunmore Middle School Athletic Program is offered after the school day. All activities are equal for boys and girls, which is in full compliance with the federal government’s Title IX regulations. The activities we offer are as follows: Boys Girls Co-Ed Athletic Eligibility In order to be eligible for interscholastic athletics, a pupil must have passed at least four full-credit subjects, or the equivalent, during the previous grading period. In cases where a student’s work in any preceding grading period does not meet the standards, the student shall be ineligible to participate in interscholastic athletics for at least twenty (20) days of the next grading period where the school has four (4) grading periods per year. Participation in athletics is a privilege not a right. The athlete must earn this privilege through dedication, desire, discipline, and appropriate behavior. Athletics should provide an opportunity for its participants to grow physically, mentally, and emotionally. Participation should provide opportunities for lasting friendships as well as gaining respect from teammates and opponents. Participation is based upon student interest in a program, academic performance, and satisfactory school-based behavior. FIELD TRIPS Educational field trips are an essential part of the Dunmore Middle School educational program. Students are encouraged to participate in field trips. A field trip is an extension of the classroom situation and all standard rules and regulations are applicable. Students who exhibit behavior problems throughout the school year may be disqualified for school sponsored field trips. Only those students who have received the approval of the faculty and administration will be allowed on the trip. Students must have signed parent permission slips before taking part in any Dunmore Middle School field trip. Remember you represent Dunmore Middle School while on field trips, and you should always behave in a proper manner. Any student who is not on a field trip and visits the area of the field trip without permission will be disciplined. FIRE DRILLS For the health and safety of all, fire drills will be conducted periodically during the school year. Speed and safety are the key elements of a successful evacuation. Students must assume a serious attitude about fire drills. Horseplay will not be tolerated. The exit to be used by students is posted by the door in each room. Please follow all directions carefully. GENERAL RULES FOR FIRE DRILLS: FREE/REDUCED PRICE LUNCHES If your family qualifies for income eligibility, your children can get free meals or reduced price meals. A foster child may get free or reduced price meals regardless of your income. To get free or reduced price meals for your child, you must complete an application and return it to the school. Applications may be obtained at the cafeteria director's office in the high school cafeteria. GUIDANCE SERVICES Guidance services are available for every student. It is the aim of the Guidance Department to help every student achieve his/her ultimate educational goals. Each student will be assigned a guidance counselor. Students should contact their guidance counselor should they have any problems. Guidance services include Aptitude, and Achievement Testing, Group and Individual Counseling, and Class Scheduling. If you need more information or have a particular question, please contact Mrs. Ahern. GUM CHEWING Gum chewing is not permitted in any area of the school. HALL REGULATIONS At no time are students permitted to be in the halls without a hall pass or paddle while classes are in session. All students must register with the hall monitor when leaving classes. No more than two students from a class should be in the hall during class periods. Students should make every effort not to leave classes unless it is an emergency situation. The normal traffic pattern is to keep to the right. No pushing, running or horseplay is permitted in the halls. Students are not permitted to use the halls as a meeting area. Students in the hall without a pass may be assigned detention. Students must help to keep the halls and stairwells clean by picking up and disposing of any debris. HEALTH SERVICES The role of the school nurse is to direct, develop and provide a comprehensive health program in a school setting. This program is designed to foster healthy attitudes and behaviors, thus enabling the students to profit from the educational process. The purpose of this program is to take a holistic approach that will motivate students to help themselves and others achieve an optimum level of wellness. The overall goal is to work closely with students and parents to bridge the gap between school health services, the family and physician, and the community health services. This program will provide each student with the knowledge he/she will need to address the varied and seemingly ever-increasing health concerns in our society today.
HEALTH PROGRAMS 2. Audiometric testing on students in grade 7, with referrals of failures to the 3. Annual height, weight, and Body Mass Index (BMI). Parents/guardians will be 4. A school dentist for grade 7 performs dental examinations. 5. Scoliosis screening is done every year on students in grade 7. If a problem is evident 7. Maintaining comprehensive health and immunization records. OTHER HEALTH SERVICES PROVIDED 1. To serve as a staff advisor to the school administration, and as a resource person to the 2. To utilize each student contact as an opportunity for health education, identifying 3. To be a liaison between school, home and community, referring students to outside 4. To integrate the health services with education in all of its phases. PROCEDURES FOR ILLNESS OR ACCIDENT IN SCHOOL 1. A student is not allowed to go home for an illness unless a parent or guardian is 2. Students are not allowed to visit the school nurse during change of classes, EXCEPT IN 3. Transportation must be provided by the parent or significant other indicated by the 4. No medication which includes aspirin, Tylenol, etc., can be given to students in school. 5. Students will be excluded from school for a suspected communicable illness or 6. If the nurse is not in the building, students must report to the principal’s office.
USE OF MEDICATIONS IN THE SCHOOLS GUIDELINES 1. Giving medication is the primary responsibility of the parent/guardian, and as much as 2. If your child requires medication during school hours, the parent or responsible person 3. Prescription & Non-Prescription Medication a. Medication will only be given when the school has received the Medication Form b. The medication is in the original container from the pharmacy. c. The dosage is the same on the container and the permission slip. d. Bring only enough supply for the thirty (30) days. e. If your child’s medication or dosage changes, it is important that you send a new 5. DO NOT send medication with your child to school without a permission slip. This 6. CALL THE SCHOOL NURSE AT YOUR CHILD’S SCHOOL REGARDING THE FOLLOWING: a. Injectable Medications - A dose must remain at school at all times. If your child b. Inhaled Medications – If your child must carry an inhaler, a written physician’s c. Medication that must be taken all year. (Ritalin, Dexedrine, etc.) Please provide a 7. The school accepts no responsibility for accidental or unexplained “self-medication” by If you have any questions or concerns, please call the nurse. HOMEBOUND INSTRUCTION ILLNESS DURING THE SCHOOL DAY If a student becomes ill during the school day, he/she should ask his/her teacher for permission to report to the nurse/main office. The nurse/main office will decide if the student should be sent home. A student will not be sent home unless a parent, guardian or relative is contacted and permission is granted by the above-mentioned family member. Transportation for students is the responsibility of the parents. Students may be allowed to walk home if parental permission is secured. Only the nurse or administration may give a student permission to leave the building. IN-HOME INSTRUCTION The Board shall approve a program of home instruction, pursuant to the School Code, permitting students to study at home in accordance with the following regulations. Home Education Program - a program conducted in compliance with this section, by the parent or guardian or such person having legal custody of the child or children. A Home Education program shall not be considered a nonpublic school under the provisions of this act. A child who is enrolled in a home education program and whose education is therefore under the direct supervision of his/her parent, guardian or other person having legal custody shall be-deemed to have met the requirements if the program provides a mini- mum of one hundred eighty (180) days of instruction or nine hundred (900) hours of instruction per year at the elementary level. At the elementary level, the following courses shall be taught: English, to include spelling, reading and writing; arithmetic; geography; history of the United States and Pennsylvania; civics; safety education, including dangers and prevention of fires; health and physiology; physical education; music; and art. At the secondary level, the following courses shall be taught: English, to include language, literature, speech and composition; science; geography; social studies, to include civics, world history, history of the United States and Pennsylvania; mathematics to include general mathematics, algebra and geometry; art; music; physical education; and health and safety education, including regular and continuous instruction in the dangers and prevention of fires. Such courses of study may include, at the discretion of the supervisor, economics; biology; chemistry; foreign languages; trigonometry; or other age appropriate courses as contained in Chapter 5 curriculum requirements of the State Board of Education. While certain language, whether it be termed vulgar or obscene, may be used without consequence in private conversation or in some of your homes, we feel that such language should not be used in school or other public situations. People do not want to listen to such language. Consequently, the use of vulgar, profane or obscene language is expressly forbidden in the school or anywhere on school district property. Students using such language shall be subject to disciplinary action. Students using lavatories must have a paddle or hall pass. The lavatories should not be used as a gathering place for students. No food, beverages, or tobacco products are permitted in the lavatories. Please keep lavatories clean by using proper waste receptacles. Students should use the library on a regular basis. The library is a source of information and creativity for students. Students using the library are responsible for: Being quiet, so as not to interfere with others. Student lockers are the property of the school district. Students are given the opportunity to use the lockers. Each student will be assigned a locker at the beginning of each school year. Students are not allowed to change their lockers unless they are given permission from the main office. All lockers should have locks placed on them. School officials will do everything possible to safe guard personal property but cannot assume responsibility for valuables left in lockers. Students should give all valuables either to their homeroom teachers or the main office for security. All money should be taken to the main office to be placed in the school safe. Students should keep lockers clean, neat, and locked at all times. Any problems with lockers should be reported to the main office immediately. Any locker, which is not secured, can result in items being improperly removed. All lockers are and shall remain the property of the school district. As such, the student shall have no expectation of privacy in their lockers. Lockers can be subject to random searches at any time. To avoid confusion, homeroom lockers may only be used at the following times OR at the discretion of the teachers: At the beginning of the school day LOST AND FOUND ELIGIBILITY: Any student after the first semester (1st and 2nd quarter grades) of seventh grade who attains the academic requirements and displays qualities of leadership, service and character. Any student after the first semester (1st and 2nd quarter grades) of eighth grade and to include the two semesters of seventh grade who attains the academic requirements and displays qualities of leadership, service and character. ACADEMIC ADMISSION SUSPENSION: Written warnings will be issued to members of the society who are not meeting minimum standards and requirements. At the end of four weeks, notices indicating failure or possible failure in work within the current marking period will be sent to the home. The purpose of this notice is to keep the parent informed of progress or lack of it so that guidance counselor or teacher conferences may be arranged. In grade seven (7) a student must successfully pass five (5) of six (6) major subjects. In grade eight (8) a student must successfully pass five (5) of six (6) major subjects. REPORT CARDS/MARKING SYSTEM/HONOR ROLL Report cards are issued quarterly (approximately every 45 school days). Distinguished Honors - An average of 91% or better (not 90.9%). If there are any problems with report cards, parents should contact the guidance department as soon as possible. For the health and safety of students the following areas are considered restricted for students during the school day. Students found in these areas are subject to disciplinary action. A. STUDENT PARKING LOT The Board welcomes and encourages visits to school by parents or guardians or by other taxpayers of the community or interested educators. To insure order in the schools, it is necessary for the Board to establish guidelines governing such school visitations. Procedure For School Visitation The District Superintendent or Building Principal shall have the authority to prohibit entry of any person to a school of this District unless or until the following procedures have been complied with: If the visitation is for a parent or teacher-initiated parent conference concerning the parent or guardian's child, it must be scheduled in advance with the teacher. Upon arrival at school, a person visiting school for this purpose shall register at the office of the Principal prior to proceeding to the conference site. If the visitation is for any other purpose, arrangements must be made in advance through the office of the Building Principal. All visitors must register at the office of the Building Principal upon arrival. No visitor may confer with a student in school, other than a student of whom he/she is the parent or guardian, without prior permission of the Building Principal. No visitor shall be allowed to photograph or videotape any person or any part of any building or to tape record any conversation of any kind without prior approval by the Building Principal and the District Superintendent. Procedure for Classroom Visitation Visitation of classrooms by persons other than school employees while a class is in progress invariably leads to disruption of the learning process. Accordingly, such visitations are not encouraged. Such visitations may be specifically approved subject to the preceding and to the following additional guidelines: Where the classroom teacher of a student requests that a parent or guardian be allowed to observe a class for a specified period and approval is obtained from the Building Principal. Where a specified period of observation by a parent or guardian of his/her child or by a recognized professional on behalf of the parent or guardian is approved by the Director of Special Education as a necessary part of the evaluation of an exceptional or thought to be exceptional student. In certain situations, the District or an individual school principal may decide that circumstances warrant a generalized search of a school or an individual search of specific student(s). The United States Supreme Court and the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania have held that properly conducted searches in schools do not violate the United States or Pennsylvania Constitutions. In accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding previously signed by the School District and local law enforcement agencies, the District may request the assistance of law enforcement officials at any time in the implementation of District policy. The District will notify law enforcement officials of any violation of this policy. The Courts have held that students have a limited privacy interest while at school; that schools have a compelling interest in maintaining a safe and secure environment; and that a reasonably-conducted search does not violate a student's limited privacy interest. Courts have held that a school search is reasonable if: 1. It is justified at its inception. 2. If the search is reasonably related in scope to the circumstances which justified the search. The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania has held that a canine drug sniff constitutes a search and is limited by the Pennsylvania Constitution. The Court held that the use of a drug-sniffing canine requires "reasonable suspicion", the same justification required for any other search of a student by school administrative personnel. Finally, both Courts have held that school lockers are school property and are subject to search at any time by the District.. All lockers are and shall remain the property of the school district. As such, students shall have no expectation of privacy in their lockers. Students are encouraged to keep their assigned lockers closed and locked against incursion by other students; but no student may use a locker as a depository for a substance or object which is prohibited by law or district regulations, or which constitutes a threat to health, safety or welfare of the occupants of the school building or the building itself. The Board reserves the right to authorize its employees to inspect a student's locker at any time for the purpose of determining whether the locker is being improperly used for the storage of contraband, a substance or object the possession of which is illegal, or any material which poses a hazard to the safety and good order of the schools. Students shall be notified at least annually, more often if deemed appropriate by administration, concerning the contents of this policy. Students shall be required to sign a waiver in order to have the use of a school locker. The principal may, with or without prior notice, search all student lockers. The principal may re- quest the assistance of local law enforcement. The Superintendent shall develop procedures to implement this policy which shall require: 1. All requests or suggestions for the search of a student's locker shall be directed to the school building principal who shall seek the consent of the student and notify the student that s/he may call a parent or another representative. The principal may appoint a third party to be present at the inspection. 2. The principal or representative shall be present whenever a student's locker is inspected. 3. The principal shall open a student's locker for inspection on the request of a law enforcement officer only on presentation of a duly authorized search warrant or on the intelligently and voluntarily given consent of the student. 4. The principal shall be responsible for the safe- keeping and proper disposal of any substance, object or material found to be improperly stored in a student's locker. 5. The principal shall be responsible for the prompt recording in writing of each locker inspection; such record shall include the reason(s) for the search, persons present, objects found and their disposition. Blanket or General Search 1. Definition - Search of the entire school, including student lockers, students, and their personal property which is on school property. 2. Justification - Reasonable suspicion that illegal activity or a violation of school rules is taking place or has taken place and that a search will yield evidence of that activity. 3. Example - A principal has the following information: a . Information from students that illegal drug activity is taking place. b. Observations from teachers of suspicious activity by students, such as passing small c . Increased use of the Student Assistance Program. d. Calls from concerned parents. e. Students in possession of beepers in violation of state law. f.. Students in possession of large amounts of cash. g. Increased use of pay phones by students. Justification for reasonable suspicion does not require all the above and is not limited to the
Note: This example is taken from a search conducted at Harborcreek High School, Erie County, Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court held that search to be legal under both the United States and the Pennsylvania Constitutions. (Commonwealth v. Cass, 1998 WL 3264 (Pa}) (January 7, 1998) Individual Search 2. Justification - Reasonable suspicion that illegal activity or a violation of school rules is taking place or has taken place and that a search will yield evidence of that activity. 3. Example - A student is caught smoking in a rest- room in violation of school rules. In searching for evidence relative to this violation, the principal or his/her designee may make a reasonable search of that student's possessions. The principal or his/her designee may properly find and seize evidence of further illegal activity, such as drug/alcohol possession or possession of weapons. Note: This example is taken from a search which was upheld by the United States Supreme Court. (New Jersey v. T.L.O., 469 U.S. 325 (1985)) 4. Example - As a result of school-wide locker search, drug paraphernalia is found in an individual student's locker. That student's person- al property may be searched for further evidence of a violation of the law or school policy. Whenever the search a of student's locker is prompted by the reasonable suspicion that the con- tents of a student's locker create an emergency, the principal may open the locker as soon as it is necessary to do so to discharge properly his/her duty to protect the persons and property in the school. Smoking includes the use of all tobacco products (cigars, cigarettes, pipes, and smokeless tobacco). The use of tobacco products while on school premises or while in the custody and control of the school -- field trips, sporting events/practices, either as a participant or spectator, using district provided transportation/ waiting at bus stops ---is prohibited. POSSESSION AND USE OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS. Detention The Dunmore School District makes accident insurance available for parents to purchase for their children. The School District will assume no liability for students who do not have accident insurance. STUDENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (S.O.S.) American students face many social challenges affecting their education. To help students meet these challenges a S.O.S. Team has been established at Dunmore Middle School for students “at-risk”. The S.O.S. program is an intervention program staffed by teachers, guidance counselors, nurses, administrators, and community agencies. Referral to the SOS team comes from a variety of sources. The SOS Team meets on a regular basis and coordinates information to determine a plan of action for each student. All information is treated as confidential and the aim of the program is to help students cope with existing problems and to become better individuals. Student-carried backpacks are not allowed to be carried from classroom to classroom during the school day. Backpacks may be used by students to carry belongings to and from school but must remain in the locker during the day. Exceptions can be made with administrative permission in cases of injury or other circumstances. STUDENT DRESS CODE POLICY (REVISED MAY 25, 2005) PURPOSE The intent of this policy is to ensure that our students dress appropriately, are not disruptive to the educational process, and do not compromise the safety and security of our school. The purpose of a Dress Code Policy is not to inhibit any individual’s decisions or freedom of expression, but rather to better facilitate the process of education through reasonable guidelines in dress. This approved clothing is mandatory and may be worn in any combination of tops and bottoms. GENERAL INFORMATION 1. All students must attend school each day in approved clothing. TOPS Solid colors: Red, White, Blue, (Navy, Royal) 1. Golf style shirts, long or short sleeve. ( ALL MUST BE COLLARED SHIRTS ) UNDERGARMENTS / UNDERSHIRTS: 1. Must be a solid color – Red, White, or Blue SWEATERS: 1. Red, White, Blue (Navy, Royal) BOTTOMS Solid colors: Khaki, Navy 1. Dress long pants SWEATSHIRTS 1. Solid colors – red, white, or blue. (Navy, Royal) SHOES 1. Some style of shoe or sneaker must be worn at all times. ARTICLES OF NON-COMPLIANCE • Any clothing or article deemed lewd, vulgar, indecent, plainly offensive, sexually suggestive, condoning violence, drug, alcohol, tobacco, suicide, vulgar language or if it is determined to have a well founded expectation to create disruption. TRANSFER STUDENTS Transfer students will be allowed ten school days from the date of admission to be in compliance with the dress code policy. NOTE: The above dress code may be amended at any time at the discretion of the Dunmore School Board and Administration.
DISCIPLINE GUIDELINES o Non-compliance will be considered a violation of school policy. The consequences may be exclusion from school until the student is in compliance with the dress code policy. STUDENT RIGHTS & RESPONSIBILITIES This policy sets forth guidelines by which student rights are to be determined consistent with law. The Board has the authority and responsibility to establish reasonable rules and regulations for the conduct and deportment of students of the district. At the same time, no student shall be deprived of equal treatment and equal access to the educational program, due process, a presumption of innocence, and free expression and association in accordance with these guidelines. Attendant upon the rights established for each student are certain responsibilities, which include respect for the rights of others, obedience to properly constituted school authority and compliance with the rules and regulations of this district. A student who has reached the age of 18 years possesses the full rights of an adult and may authorize those school matters previously handled by his/her parents. The Superintendent shall develop and promulgate administrative procedures consistent with law and Board policy to ensure that student rights under varying conditions are properly described. When a student is suspended, the parents will be contacted by telephone. If the offense is serious enough, the parents will be asked to come to the school and pick-up their child. When a student is returning from a suspension the parent must either return him/her personally or telephone the administration. The student will remain suspended until the parent contacts the administration. When suspended, the student is not allowed to participate in any extra or co-curricular activities during the days of Internal or External suspension. Students shall be permitted to make up exams and work missed while on suspension. It is the responsibility of the student to make necessary arrangements with his/her teachers within an appropriate time period. Students will be subject to suspension for serious offenses, which may include: Fighting on school property or in a restricted area is an automatic 3 day suspension or other action based upon judgment of administration. Excessive fighting will result in a nine-day suspension, magistrates hearing and possible hearing for expulsion. Disruption or interference with curricular or extra curricular activities - A student shall be considered “in attendance” and subject to all school policies when engaged in: (a) field trips (b) sporting events/practices, either as a participant or spectator. (c) using District provided transportation/waiting at bus stops. Endangering the safety and well being of a member of the school community Vandalism of school property Insubordination and/or disrespect to school personnel Repeated violations of established school policy Students tardy beyond 6 times in one quarter may be subject to a 1-3 day suspension Students who are late must sign the “Tardy Book” in the Main Office. (Noting time of arrival, name, grade and reason for being tardy). Then they must get an “Admit Slip” signed by administration or clerical aide which the pupil takes to each of his teachers. In each particular class the teacher signs it and at the end of the day, said slip is returned to the Main Office. Failure to return the late slip may result in disciplinary action. Tardiness is defined as the period of time after 7:48 A.M. After 7:48 A.M. students coming to school will be considered late. For unexcused tardies such as oversleeping, a student will receive one detention period assigned to them for each period or portion of a period they miss. After 7:48 A.M. unexcused arrivals will count as one tardy and be immediately assigned detention. The only exceptions for tardiness or lateness will be: A. Parental telephone call to building administrator with legal excuse. B. Medical or dental excuse when they can not be handled after or before school hours. No excuses will be accepted without the proper medical or dental forms. If a student is tardy more than three times in one quarter, he/she will be assigned detention. A fifth tardy will warrant two detentions. A sixth tardy will result in suspension. Chronic tardiness may lead to double detention, suspension, and possible legal action.
{ JUST ANOTHER REMINDER REGARDING CELL PHONES, IPODS, ETC. } CELL PHONES – PAGERS - ELECTRONIC DEVICES The possession by students of telephone paging devices (beepers) and cell phones is prohibited at all school activities. Electronic devices, such as iPods, are also prohibited. If a student is observed with any of the above devices by having it in or out of a pocket; it will be confiscated and turned over to administration. Parent/Guardian will be contacted and must come in to retrieve the device. Furthermore, a consequence will be invoked for Insubordination. The Board recognizes the danger that terroristic threats and acts by student’s presents to the safety and welfare of district students, staff and community. The Board acknowledges the need for an immediate and effective response to a situation involving such a threat or act. Terroristic threat - shall mean a threat to commit violence communicated with the intent to terrorize another, to cause evacuation of a building, or to cause serious public inconvenience, in reckless disregard of the risk of causing such terror or inconvenience. Terroristic act - shall mean an offense against property or involving danger to another person. The Board prohibits any district student from communicating terroristic threats or committing terroristic acts directed at any student, employee, Board member, community member or school building. The Board directs the Superintendent to react promptly and appropriately to information and knowledge concerning a possible or actual terroristic threat or act. The Superintendent shall be responsible for developing administrative regulations to implement this policy. Staff members and students shall be responsible for informing the building principal regarding any information or knowledge relevant to a possible or actual terroristic threat or act. The building principal shall immediately inform the Superintendent after receiving a report of such a threat or act. When an administrator has evidence that a student has made a terroristic threat or committed a terroristic act, the following guidelines shall be applied: The building principal may immediately suspend the student. The building principal shall promptly report the incident to the Superintendent. Based on further investigation, the Superintendent shall report the student to law enforcement The Superintendent may recommend expulsion of the student to the Board. If a student is expelled for making terroristic threats or committing terroristic acts, the Board may require, prior to readmission, that the student provide competent and credible evidence that the student does not pose a risk of harm to others. In the case of exceptional students, the district will take all steps necessary to comply with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and follow Board policy. TEXTBOOKS AND INSTRUCTIONAL EQUIPMENT Students incur full responsibility for the security and care of all textbooks and instructional equipment issued to them. The student must pay for lost or damaged articles. The Board strives to provide a safe, positive learning climate for students in the schools. Therefore it shall be the policy of the district to maintain an educational environment in which harassment in any form is not tolerated. The Board prohibits all forms of unlawful harassment of students by all district students and staff members, contracted individuals and vendors, and volunteers in the school. The Board encourages students who have been harassed to report promptly such incidents to the designated employees. The term harassment includes but is not limited to slurs, jokes, or other verbal graphic or physical conduct relating to an individual’s race, color, religion, ancestry, sex, national origin, age or handicap/disability. Ethnic harassment includes the use of any derogatory word, phrase or action characterizing a given racial or ethnic group that creates an offensive educational environment. Sexual harassment shall consist of unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other inappropriate verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when: Submission to such conduct is made explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of a student’s academic status. Submission to or rejection of such conduct is used as the basis for academic or work decisions affecting the individual Such conduct deprives a student of educational aid, benefits, services or treatment. Such conduct has the purpose or effect of substantially interfering with the student’s school performance or creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive educational environment. Examples of sexual harassment include but are not limited to sexual flirtations, advances, touching or propositions; verbal abuse of a sexual nature; graphic or suggestive comments about an individual’s dress or body; sexual degrading words to describe an individual; jokes, pin-ups, calendars, objects, graffiti, vulgar statements, abusive language, innuendoes, references to sexual activities, overt sexual conduct, or any conduct that has the effect of unreasonably interfering with a student’s ability to work or learn or which creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive learning, or working environment. Each student shall be responsible to respect the rights of their fellow students and to ensure an atmosphere free from all forms of unlawful harassment. Students shall be informed that they may choose to report harassment complaints to: Building principals When a student believes that he/she is being harassed, the student should immediately inform the harasser that his/her behavior is unwelcomed, offensive or inappropriate. If the unwelcome, offensive or inappropriate behavior continues, the student shall follow the established complaint procedure. COMPLAINT PROCEDURE A student shall report a complaint of harassment, orally or in writing, to the building principal or a designated employee, who shall inform the student of his/her rights and of the complaint procedure. DISCIPLINE - A substantiated charge against a district student shall subject such student to disciplinary action, consistent with the student discipline code and may include educational activities and/or counseling services related to unlawful harassment. If it is concluded that a student has made false accusations, such student shall be subject to disciplinary action, consistent with the student discipline code. USE OF BICYCLES, SKATEBOARDS, ROLLERBLADES The Board regards the use of bicycles and for travel to and from school by students as an assumption of responsibility by parents and students. The Board will permit the use of bicycles by students in accordance with the rules of the district. The Board will permit the use of motor vehicles by students in grades 11 and 12 in accordance with the rules of the district provided that such students are licensed drivers, have parental permission when they are minors, and have been granted permission by the building principal to drive a motor vehicle on school grounds. The Board will not be responsible for bicycles or motor vehicles which are lost, stolen or damaged. The Superintendent shall develop rules and regulations for the operation and parking of bicycles and motor vehicles and shall disseminate those rules to all students so affected.
SKATEBOARDING / ROLLERBLADING For the safety and welfare of all individuals, the Dunmore School District has a no skateboard / rollerblading policy on school property. This policy shall include weekends. During the regular school day, which includes after school games or practices, the Dunmore School District has restricted all non-employee vehicular traffic from the area behind the high school. Parking is not permitted on the access road leading to the rear of the high school. Individuals, coaches or teams using the facilities must park their vehicles in the parking lots in front of the high school. Individuals violating this policy will risk legal sanctions and/or fines. The term shall include but not be limited to any knife, cutting instrument, cutting tool, nunchaku, firearm, shotgun, rifle, laser beam lights, look-alike guns and / or any other tool or instrument or implement capable of inflicting serious bodily injury. Any student in possession of a weapon will have a hearing before the school board. Act 26 of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania calls for a one-year suspension. The Superintendent may recommend modifications of such expulsion requirements on a case-by-case basis. WEIGHTING OF GRADES LEVEL I: index of 4.0 (all Honor I courses)
Richard McDonald, Superintendent GUIDANCE SCHOOL NURSE Kimberly Ahern Janine Melnick FACULTY / STAFF Mary Ann Belmore Reading 8
ANNUAL NOTICE In compliance with state and federal law, notice is here by given by the Dunmore School District that it conducts on going identification activities as part of its school program for the purpose of identifying students who may be in need of special education and related services. If your child is identified by the District as possibly being in need of special education and related services, you will be identified by the District as possibly being in need of such services, you will be notified of applicable procedures. Individualized services and programs are available for children who are determined to need specially designed instruction due to the following conditions: 1. Autism/pervasive development disorder 7. Multi handicapped Confidentiality: All information about your child is subject to the confidentiality provisions contained in federal and state law. The district has policies and procedures governing the collection, maintenance, destruction, and disclosure to third parties of this information. For information about these policies and procedures, as well as rights of confidentiality and access to educational records, you may contact the district superintendent or building principal. In compliance with state and federal law, the Dunmore School District will provide to each protected handicapped student, without discrimination or cost to the student or family, those related aids, services or accommodations which are needed to provide equal opportunity to participate in and obtain the benefits of the school program and extra-curricular activities to the maximum extent appropriate to the student’s abilities. In order to qualify as a protected handicapped student, the child must be of school age with a physical or mental disability, which substantially limits or prohibits participation in or access to an aspect of the school program. These services and protections for “protected handicapped students” are distinct from those applicable to all eligible or exceptional students enrolled (or seeking enrollment) in special education programs. For further information on the evaluation procedures and provisions of services to protected handicapped students please contact: Mr. Richard McDonald, Superintendent of Schools, at 570-343-2110.
PRINCIPAL Robert Galella SCHOOL COUNSELOR Kimberly Ahern DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES Francis Loughney ATTENDANCE OFFICER John McHale OFFICE PERSONNEL Madelyn Voytek D.M.S. PHONE NUMBER / FAX NUMBER
Revised June 19, 2009 |
| Copyright © 2009 Dunmore School District |
