The School is a community and the rules and regulations of a school are the laws of the community. All those enjoying the rights of citizenship in the school must also accept the responsibilities of citizenship. A basic responsibility of those who enjoy the rights of citizenship is to respect the laws of the community.

CITIZENSHIP

Citizenship at Walnut Ridge High School is interpreted to include the usual concept of behavior plus a wholesome and cheerful attitude toward work, teachers and other students. The following list of characteristics and traits of a good citizen is used by Walnut Ridge High School faculty and administration in determining a citizenship grade.

Honest
Truthful
Considerate of others
Courteous and well-mannered
Loyal to school, schoolmates, and self
Dependable
Friendly
Cheerful and not a grumbler
Constructive and not destructive
Careful of personal appearance, always neat and clean
Respectful of constituted authority
Open-minded and broad-minded
Participation in outside activities of the school
Willing to cooperate and work with groups
Wholesome in attitude toward work, teachers, and other students
Willing to take part in all school activities
Able to control self at all times
Industrious and applies himself/herself to his/her work
Responsible

Since the grading is rather close, a grade “B” on citizenship means that the student has been a good average citizen. A grade of “A” on citizenship means that there has been evidence of leadership and there has been something out of the ordinary to commend the citizenship of the student. If the student has a grade of “C” or lower in citizenship, there has been something about his/her behavior, his/her attitude and/or his/her participation that is not commendable. He/She should try to improve at once.

Students have the rights of citizenship as delineated in the United States Constitution and its amendments, and these rights may not be abridged, obstructed, or in any way altered, except in accordance with due process of law.

Administrators and teachers also have rights and duties. The teacher is required by law to maintain a suitable environment for learning, and administrators have the responsibility for maintaining and facilitating the educational program.

The following rules, regulations and procedures are designed to protect all members of the educational community in the exercise of their rights and duties.

DISCIPLINE

The hallmark of the exercise of disciplinary authority shall be fairness.

Teachers and other school personnel have the authority to give reasonable instructions to any student who is under school jurisdiction and are responsible for reporting to the principal violations of school regulations not resolved by the teacher.

A teacher shall send the student to the office of the principal and shall file with the principal a written statement of the reasons for the student’s suspension from class. The principal shall determine whether to reinstate the student in class, reassign him, or take other disciplinary actions.

RESPONSIBILITY OF ADMINISTRATORS TO REPORT CERTAIN VIOLATIONS

Acts 888 of l997 and 1243 of 1997 require that school officials report to local law enforcement agencies, the occurrence of a felony or crime of violence that happens on school property or during a school supervised activity. This could include, but is not restricted to, fighting, theft, possession of weapons, possession, use or selling of alcoholic beverages or controlled substances prohibited by Federal, State or local laws, vandalism, etc.

BEHAVIOR NOT COVERED

The school district reserves the right to punish behavior which is not conducive to good order and discipline in the school, even through such behavior is not specified in the following written rules.

GENERAL CONDUCT

Students should follow the guidelines listed below:

Avoid loud noises, gathering in groups, running or pushing in the halls or corridors.
Refrain from marking, cutting or otherwise defacing the buildings or its furniture.
Respect the rights of others whether in a classroom, the halls, or at any other place on campus.
Avoid talking or any other form of disturbance while assemblies are in progress. Whistling and yelling are not proper forms of applause. Students are expected to give courteous attention to visiting speakers and to student performers at all assemblies.
Each student should try to exercise common sense judgment thus avoiding bad conduct.

A student may be suspended or expelled for immorality, refractory conduct, insubordination, infectious disease, habitual uncleanliness, or other conduct that would tend to impair the discipline of the school or harm the other students, regardless of whether the student’s conduct occurs on or off campus and during or between school terms and regardless of whether a specific prohibition of the conduct is contained in this student handbook. (Insubordination is defined as a defiance of authority)

OFF-CAMPUS EVENTS

Students at school sponsored, off-campus events shall be governed by school district rules and regulations and are subject to the authority of district personnel. Failure to obey the rules and regulations and/or failure to obey reasonable instructions of school district personnel shall result in loss of eligibility to attend school sponsored, off-campus events and may result in disciplinary action applicable under the regular school program.

CLASSROOM

The faculty of Walnut Ridge High School has established a set of basic classroom rules. Faculty members will review these rules with the students at the beginning of the school year and periodically during the year as needed. Faculty members have the right to establish and enforce other rules for discipline in their classrooms as long as these rules are reasonable and necessary to maintain the proper environment for learning.

DISCIPLINE FOR HANDICAPPED

Handicapped students who engage in misbehavior are subject to normal school disciplinary rules and procedures so long as such treatment does not abridge the right to free appropriate public education.

The individualized education plan (IEP) team for a handicapped student should consider whether particular discipline procedures should be adopted for that student and included in the IEP.

Handicapped students may be excluded from school only in emergencies and only for the duration of the emergency. In no case should a handicapped student be excluded for more than 10 days in a school year due to out-of-school suspension.

After an emergency suspension is imposed on a handicapped student, an immediate meeting of the student’s IEP team should be held to determine the cause and effect of the suspension with a view toward assessing the effectiveness and appropriateness of the student’s placement and toward minimizing the harm resulting from exclusion.

The suspended student should be offered alternate educational programming for the duration of exclusion of more than 10 days.

The Special Education Supervisor is the grievance for ACT 504.

DEFINITION OF DISCIPLINARY ACTION

DETENTION

A student may be assigned to a supervised detention room by any faculty member or the high school principal for a period of not more than one (1) hour before, during, or after school for certain violations. A student shall be given notice of such detention at least one (1) day in advance of such detention so transportation can be arranged by the parent/guardian. Failure to attend detention will result in being assigned two detentions.

Students who fail to attend either one of these two detentions may be assigned a Saturday school detention or be suspended.

For more serious offenses or chronic misbehavior, students may be assigned In-School Suspension.

EVENING DETENTION

A student may be assigned to an Evening Detention by an administrator. The evening detention may be for a period of up to two hours. A school staff member will supervise the detention at a location designed by the administrator.

Students will be required to bring school assignments to work on or they will be assigned work by the supervising staff member. Failure to attend evening detention may subject the student to a Saturday school detention or suspension.

IN-SCHOOL SUSPENSION

A student may be assigned to In-School Suspension (ISS) for one (1) to five (5) days. A student will be given notice of ISS at least one (1) day in advance. ISS days will not count as absences and the student will be given classroom assignments to be completed during the ISS. These assignments will be returned to the teachers when completed to be counted for credit. Assignments must be completed by the assigned due date to count for credit. Students in ISS will be allowed to go to the classroom to take exams or get help on assignments if necessary to maintain academic standing. A student in ISS will be eligible to participate in scheduled after-school extra-curricular activities while in ISS (band or athletic practice, games, meetings, dances, etc.)

SATURDAY SCHOOL

A Saturday school detention presents an additional alternative form of disciplinary action which may be taken by school administrators.

Rules concerning Saturday school detention are as follows:

Students may only be assigned by a principal.
Saturday school detention will be for students in grades 7-12.
Saturday school detention will be held once a month with a second date added if deemed necessary by the administration.
Saturday school detention will be from 8:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon. Students will be expected to report by 8:00 sharp or be locked out of the building.
Non-attendance on an assigned date must be due to extenuating circumstances and must be excused (or other arrangements made) by the assigning principal.
Failure to attend the assigned Saturday (unless excused by the principal) will indicate a parental preference for a three-day suspension.
Students may be assigned to Saturday school detention for inappropriate behavior in or out of class, poor attendance, excessive tardies, or for other infractions for which it is felt this would be appropriate action.
Students must bring paper, pencil, and books with them.
One break will be allowed at approximately 10:00 a.m. for a restroom, water break.
If students do not abide by the Saturday school detention rules by being disruptive, failing to do the assigned work, etc., the student will be assigned to another Saturday School session at which they must be accompanied by an adult family member or will receive a three-day suspension.

CORPORAL PUNISHMENT

Corporal punishment is permitted under Arkansas Law and the school board permits corporal punishment.

Reasonable discipline may include the administration of corporal punishment to a student in the exercise of sound discretion by a faculty member or administrator, provided that corporal punishment shall not be excessive or unduly severe.

Corporal punishment can be administered according to the following suggested procedures:

It may be used only after other alternative, including but not limited to counseling, have failed or in unusual circumstances.
It will be administered in the presence of at least one certified employee in addition to the person dispensing it.
It will not be administered in the presence of other students, with malice or anger or in excess.
Before corporal punishment is administered, the student should be advised of the rule and infraction for which the student is being punished in the presence of the witness. If the student claims innocence, the certified employee will permit the student to state his/her position. School officials are not required to conduct formal hearings prior to corporal punishment.
Refusal to take corporal punishment may result in suspension or other disciplinary measures.
The principal will be notified when corporal punishment is administered, and a written report shall be filed in the principal’s office.

SUSPENSION AND EXPULSION

State Laws and State Board regulation permit local school officials to expel students who are unwilling to behave in an appropriate manner and fail to abide by district attendance policies. Due process must be provided.

A teacher may temporarily dismiss for disciplinary reasons any student from class.

The principal of any school or designee is authorized to suspend students from school for disciplinary reasons up to ten days, including the day upon which the suspension was initially imposed.

Prior to such suspension, the principal or designee, shall inform the student, either orally or in writing, about the infraction.

If the student denies the charges, the principal shall explain to him/her the evidence which forms a basis of the charges and shall permit the student to present his/her side of the story.

When the principal considers that a suspension is proper, he/she shall send the student home with a suspension notice requesting a student-parent-principal conference within 24 hours, if possible.

Additionally, the parents will be mailed a copy of the suspension, its duration, the manner in which the student may be readmitted to school and the procedure for review of the suspension.

A suspended student will be readmitted to school after being suspended for ten (10) days including the day upon which the suspension was initially imposed, even if the appeal has not been completed.

A suspension that does not amount to an expulsion for the remainder of the semester but is more than ten (10) days shall come only after the student has been afforded notice, opportunity for a hearing, and the same procedural rights as for expulsion.

Notwithstanding the policy concerning suspension and expulsion, students may be suspended indefinitely without notice, hearing and other rights provided herein if the school is undergoing a violent upheaval or if orderly educational processes have otherwise been substantially disrupted.

This would apply only in rare instances such as riots or where emergency circumstances make is unreasonable for the administration and the board to consider the case within the usual time. In all cases, notices, hearings, and other rights shall be provided in accordance with the normal provisions at the earliest practical date after order is restored.

DUE PROCESS

Every student is entitled to due process in every instance of disciplinary action for which the student may be subject to penalties of suspension. (See Ark. Stat. Ann. 80-1516).

Due process is afforded to students in disciplinary cases of some magnitude such as:

suspension
expulsion
statements removed from the student’s records, and
clearing one’s reputation

Prior to any suspension, the school principal or his/her designee, shall advise the student in question of the particular misconduct of which he or she is accused, as well as the basis for such accusation.

The student shall be given an opportunity at that time to explain his/her version of the facts to the school principal or his/her designee.

Written notice of suspension and the reason(s) for the suspension shall be given to the parents/guardians of the Student.

Any parent(s), tutor or legal guardians of a student suspended shall have the right to appeal to the superintendent of schools.

EXPULSION PROCEDURE

A written recommendation of expulsion by the principal to the superintendent shall include a statement of the policy violation(s) against the student. The superintendent may recommend that a student be expelled from school with loss of credit for the entire semester.

The school board may expel a student for the remainder of the semester, for the remainder of the school year or permanently for conduct it deems to be of such seriousness as to make a suspension inappropriate where it finds that the student’s continued attendance at school would be unacceptably disruptive to the education program or would be attended with reasonable danger to other students and faculty members.

PERSONAL SEARCH

A search of a student’s person should be limited to a situation in which the administration has probable cause that the student is concealing evidence of an illegal act, contraband, or has violated a school rule.

Dangerous items (such as firearms, weapons, knives), controlled substances as defined by Act 590 of 1971, as amended, and other items which may be used to disrupt substantially the educational process will be removed from the student’s possession and will be reported and transmitted to the proper authorities.

An adult witness will be present when a personal search is conducted.

Students should be asked for their consent prior to a personal search. A search warrant should be obtained if a student objects to a personal search, unless there is probable cause to believe that a dangerous weapon or illegal drugs are being concealed.

A pat down search of a student’s person should be done by a school official of the same sex and with an adult witness present.

Warrantless searches of students’ automobiles and lockers are generally valid upon a showing of probable cause.

UTILIZATION OF POLICE DRUG DOG

The Walnut Ridge High School administration has access for use of a drug dog.

The dog may be used at the school when deemed appropriate by the administration.

Students found in possession or whose property contains illegal drugs are subject to discipline of the school as well as the local, state and federal authorities.

“Sniffing” by trained dogs in public hallways or vehicles in public lots is not a search. (The fourth amendment requirements do not apply).

DISTRIBUTION OF LITERATURE

Students shall have the right to distribute and possess literature, but not limited to, newspapers, magazines, leaflets, and pamphlets, except that the district may prohibit a specific issue of a specific publication if there is a substantial, factual basis to believe its possession or distribution will cause, or is causing substantial disruption of school activities.

The time, place and manner of student distribution of literature may be reasonably regulated by the district provided such regulations:

are uniformly applied to all forms of literature;
allow distribution at times and places where no interference with school activities will occur;
are specific as to places where and times where distribution is prohibited; and,
do not inhibit a person’s right to accept or reject any literature distributed in accordance with the rules.

All literature shall be free of obscenities, libelous statements and personal attack and shall be within the bounds of reasonable conduct. Petitions must be submitted to and approved by the principal before circulation. Noncompliance with the stated policy will result in disciplinary action. Students signing such petitions shall be free from recrimination or retribution from members of the staff and administration.

Minimum - oral reprimand

Maximum - suspension and/or expulsion

INFRACTIONS TO AVOID

Walnut Ridge Public School recognizes that each student’s discipline case must be handled on its own merits. The circumstances of each student may dictate a different or unique approach. However, the following guidelines are set forth to outline prohibited student behaviors and the range of penalties recommended for those behaviors. These guidelines are not comprehensive, but are intended to help assure that each student is treated in a fair manner and that the learning environment is secured and maintained. The prohibited student behaviors and recommended penalties are as follows.

Some of the following activities are considered major infractions of proper conduct and will subject the student to disciplinary action including, but not limited to, suspension or expulsion from school, and/or notification of law enforcement officials. The violation of a rule will occur whether the conduct takes place on or off the school grounds at a school supervised activity, function, or event, or en-route to and from school activities on transportation provided by the school.

STUDENT DISCIPLINE -SEXUAL HARASSMENT ACT 1108 of 1997

PURPOSE

Sexual harassment is sex discrimination under Title IX. It is the policy of the Walnut Ridge District to maintain a learning and working environment that is free from sex discrimination, including sexual harassment.

AUTHORITY

It shall be a violation of this policy for any member of the district staff to harass a student through conduct or communications of a sexual nature as defined below. It shall also be a violation of this policy for students to harass other students or members of the district staff through conduct or communications of a sexual nature as defined below.

DEFINITIONS

Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and other inappropriate oral, written or physical conduct of a sexual nature when made by a member of the school staff to a student or when made by any student to another student or member of the district staff constitutes sexual harassment when:

submission to such conduct is made, either explicitly or implied, a term or condition of an individual’s education;
submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for academic decisions affecting that individual; or
such conduct has the purpose or effect of substantially interfering with an individual’s academic or professional performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive academic environment.

Sexual harassment, as defined above, may include but is not limited to the following:

verbal harassment or abuse,
repeated remarks to a person with sexual or demeaning implications,
suggesting or demanding sexual involvement accompanied by implied or explicit threats concerning one’s grades, job, etc.,
inappropriate patting or pinching,
intentional brushing against a student’s or an employee’s body, or
any sexually motivated unwelcome touching.

PROCEDURES

Any person who alleges sex discrimination or sexual harassment by any staff member or student may use the district’s equity complaint procedure (detailed below) or may complain directly to the building principal, guidance counselor, or to Equity Coordinator Joyce Rose, the individual designated to receive such complaints. Filing of a complaint or otherwise reporting sexual harassment or sex discrimination will not reflect upon the individual’s status nor will it affect future employment, grades or work assignments. Use of the provided reporting forms is optional.

Upon receipt of a report of sexual harassment, the building principal or guidance counselor or other staff member shall immediately notify the Equity Coordinator without screening or investigating the report. If the report is given verbally, the principal, counselor, or staff member will reduce it to a written form within 24 hours and forward it to the Equity Coordinator. Failure to report any sexual harassment report or complaint as provided will result in disciplinary action taken against that employee.

If the complaint involves the building principal or counselor, the complaint may be filed directly with the Superintendent or Equity Coordinator. If the complaint involves the Equity Coordinator, the complaint may be filed with the Superintendent. If the complaint involves the Superintendent, the complaint may be filed with the Equity Coordinator.

The Equity Coordinator shall immediately authorize an investigation, which may be conducted by school officials. A written report on the investigation will be provided to the Equity Coordinator within 10 school days of the complaint or report of sexual harassment.

The investigation may consist of personal interviews with the person filing a complaint, the individual(s) against whom the complaint is filed, and others who may have knowledge of the alleged incident or circumstances surrounding the complaint.

In addition, the district may take immediate steps, at its discretion, to protect the person filing the complaint, students and employees pending the completion of the investigation.

The Equity Coordinator shall make a report to the Superintendent within two school days of the completion of the investigation.

SCHOOL DISTRICT ACTION

Upon receipt of a recommendation that the complaint is valid, the district will take such action as appropriate based on the results of the investigation. If the harasser is a student, disciplinary action may include suspension or expulsion. If the harasser is an employee, disciplinary action may include termination or nonrenewal of contract.

The result of the investigation of each complaint filed under these procedures will be reported in writing to the person filing the complaint by the district. If the harasser is a student, the report will document the action taken as a result of the complaint to the extent permitted by FERPA. If the harasser is an employee of the district, the report will document the action taken as a result of the complaint to the extent permitted by law.

REPRISAL

The district will discipline any individual who retaliates against any person who reports alleged sexual harassment or who retaliates against any person who testifies, assists or participates in an investigation proceeding related to a sexual harassment complaint. Retaliation includes, but is not limited to, any form of intimidation, reprisal, or harassment.

HARASSMENT

If a student is being harassed at school or at school functions, the student should report to the nearest faculty member.

Sexual Harassment

Behavior or actions that are offensive to another or violate his/her right to personal privacy, to annoy or to touch in a sexually offensive manner, nuisance telephone calls to students or staff members, continued comments or passing notes to another person that he/she does not wish to hear or receive will result in the following:

detention and parent conference,
three-day suspension, or
recommended expulsion

*In all instances a report will be filed with the Equity Coordinator.

Threats of Physical Violence/Sexual Harassment

A student shall not threaten physical violence upon another student nor shall a student direct harassment toward another person.*

Minimum - detention and parent conference

Maximum - recommended expulsion

*In all instances a report will be filed with the Equity Coordinator.

Profanity And Vulgarity

A student shall not use abusive, vulgar or irreverent language and/or gestures on school campus or school bus at any time. Failure by a student to follow this rule could result in:

detention and/or parent notification,
Saturday school,
three-day suspension, or
recommended expulsion

ASSAULT AND ABUSE OF STUDENTS AND STAFF MEMBERS

ACT 706 of 1997

DEFINITIONS

Assault is the willful attempt or threat to inflict injury upon the person of another, coupled with the apparent present ability to do so. Any display of force that would give the victim reason to fear bodily harm is assault, even if touching or striking does not occur.

Battery is similar to assault, but requires unexcused physical touching or injury.

Abuse means to wrong in speech, reproach coarsely, disparage, revile, or malign. Use of profanity or vulgar expressions directed at another is considered abuse.

STATEMENT OF POLICY

Students are to keep their hands to themselves, and treat teachers and fellow students with respect and courtesy. Horseplay and physical teasing, as well as shoving, striking, fighting or threatening others with physical injury, etc., constitute battery and/or assault, and are strictly forbidden. Profanity and rude and abusive language directed at others is considered abuse, and this is also strictly forbidden. Violation of this policy will result in disciplinary action and may also constitute a criminal offense. By law, local law enforcement must be notified whenever a felony or an act of violence may have been committed on campus.

Walnut Ridge School District will exhibit a zero tolerance policy with regard to threats whether serious or in jest. Actions will reflect this policy.

Minimum - detention/parent conference

Maximum - recommended expulsion

Physical abuse, or assault by a student on a school employee

A student who commits assault and/or battery upon a member of the faculty or staff of the Walnut Ridge Public Schools shall be recommended for expulsion.

Verbal abuse of school employees

The use of violent, abusive, obscene or profane language addressed to a teacher or member of the staff will result in the following:

three-day suspension
recommended expulsion

NOTE: Arkansas Code of 1987 Annotated 6-17-106 - Insult or abuse of teachers.

Any person who shall abuse or insult a public school teacher while that teacher is performing normal, regular or assigned school responsibilities shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction be liable for a fine of not less than one hundred dollars ($100.00), nor more than one thousand five-hundred dollars ($1500.00).

Each school district shall report to the Department of Education any prosecutions within the school districts under this section.

Fighting

Acts of violence will not be tolerated at school or school functions.

Threats of violence by one student upon another or extremely provocative remarks or slurs by one student to another to encourage an act of physical violence is not justification for a physical response. Punishment for making threats or remarks is:

Minimum - detention

Maximum - three-day suspension

The punishment for fighting at school or school functions is:*

Minimum - conference

Maximum - recommended expulsion

A student has the right to defend himself without being suspended in clear cases where the student is the target of a physical attack which he did not provoke and does not have the opportunity to avoid. However, the student must be able to justify the action to the satisfaction of the administration.

*Note Administrator’s Responsibility to Report Violent Acts.

DRUG AND ALCOHOL POLICIES

Possession of Drugs or Alcoholic Beverages

Students found in the possession of or whose property at school or school functions contain alcoholic beverages, controlled substances (illegal drugs) marijuana or other materials prohibited by federal, state, and local laws will be punished. *

Penalty: expulsion with loss of credits

* Note Administrator’s Responsibility to Report Violations

Use of Alcoholic Beverages or Illegal Drugs

Students found to be using, or under the influence, buying or selling such illegal drugs or alcoholic beverages at school or school functions will be recommended for expulsion with loss of credits on the first offense.

Students violating either the possession or use rules may also be prosecuted according to Act 590 of 1971 -- the State of Arkansas Amended. *

* Note Administrator’s Responsibility to Report Violations

Possession with Intent to Deliver

Possession with intent to deliver means offering or selling beer, alcoholic beverages or other illegal drugs by students on school property (Act 104 of 1983 Special Session).

A student shall not possess, sell, use, transmit, or be under the influence of any narcotic drug, amphetamine, barbiturate, marijuana, or other controlled substance, as defined in Act 590 of 1971 of the State of Arkansas, as amended, or beverage containing alcohol or intoxicant of any kind.

Penalty -- Expulsion

* Note Administrator’s Responsibility to Report Felonies

Tobacco or Tobacco Paraphernalia:

Students of the Walnut Ridge School District are not permitted to smoke or use tobacco products on campus or at school activities (Act 779 of 1997). Violation of this act could result in a misdemeanor conviction punishable by a fine of no more than $100.00. Students are not allowed to possess or use any smoking paraphernalia (lighters, matches, pipes, cigarette papers, etc.) on school grounds or at school related activities.

Possesion, Smoking or Use of Tobacco Products:

three-day suspension and law enforcement agencies notified
five-day suspension and turned over to law enforcement agency for appropriate action
recommended expulsion

CHEMICAL SCREEN TEST POLICY FOR WALNUT RIDGE SCHOOLS

It is the mission of the Walnut Ridge School District to educate all students to the highest practical extent of our abilities, and to provide for their physical, mental, and emotional needs through the development of a safe, non-threatening environment with minimum interruptions providing for a conducive learning climate.

The Walnut Ridge School District recognizes that chemical abuse or misuse is a significant health and safety problem for students, detrimentally affecting overall health, behavior, learning ability, reflexes, and the total development of each individual. The Walnut Ridge School Board of Education is committed to its Mission Statement and is determined to help students by providing another option for them to say “NO” to the use of drugs. Chemical abuse includes, but is not limited to, the use of illegal drugs, alcohol, and the misuse of the legal drugs and medications.

PURPOSE OF A CHEMICAL ABUSE POLICY

1. To allow the students of the Walnut Ridge School District to know that the

school is concerned about their total well being. The school district is

interested in helping the students who may be having problems with illegal

drugs or alcohol.

2. To emphasize concerns for the health of students in areas of safety while they

are participating in activities, as well as the long-term physical and emotional

effects of chemical use on their health

3. To confirm and support state laws which restrict the use of such mood-altering

and other illegal chemicals.

4. To assist students of the Walnut Ridge School District to resist the peer

pressure that directs them toward the abuse or misuse of chemical substances

5. To establish standards of conduct for students of the Walnut Ridge School

District who are considered leaders and standard bearers among their peers.

6. To work cooperatively with the parents by assisting them in keeping their

children free from mood-altering and other illegal chemicals.

7. To provide referrals for students who need evaluation regarding their use of

mood-altering and other illegal chemicals.

8. To deter chemical abuse or misuse of all students through the use of random

drug testing

9. To deter chemical abuse or misuse by all students through the use of testing

those who are determined under reasonable suspicion to be using, selling, or

under the influence of drugs or alcohol at school or a school event.

SCOPE

The provisions of this policy apply to all students in the Walnut Ridge School District in grades seven through twelve, who sign, and whose parent/guardian sign Consent Form “A” of the Chemical Screen Policy. All students who wish to participate in extra-curricular activities at the Walnut Ridge School will be required to be subject to random testing.

The use or possession of illegal drugs during school activities or prior to school activities where the illegal drug has the possibility of affecting the participant is a violation of this policy. Students may be tested if reasonable suspicion exists.

GENERAL PROVISIONS AND DEFINITIONS

The Walnut Ridge School District shall randomly require selected students in grades seven through twelve of the Walnut Ridge Schools to provide a urine specimen for urinalysis testing.

Illegal Drugs are defined as drugs, or the synthetic or generic equivalent or derivative of drugs, which are illegal under federal, state, or local laws including, but not limited to marijuana, heroine, hasish, cocaine, hallucinogens, depressants, and stimulants not prescribed for the user. Illegal drugs include steroids and its derivatives or related substances, which are not prescribed by a physician or are prescribed by a physician and not used as authorized by the doctor or the manufacturer of the substance.

Extra-Curricular Activities are defined as school sanctioned activities other than regular classroom instruction. Such activities include clubs, school organizations with district, state, or national affiliates. Also included are student/groups involved in presentations, representing the school and/or competitions either directly or indirectly with the Walnut Ridge School. This also includes any programs sponsored by the Arkansas Department of Education.

Alcohol is defined as ethyl alcohol or any beverage containing ethyl alcohol.

Refusal to submit to testing: Any participant who refuses to submit to random drug testing shall remain at the testing site until the school officials have made proper contact with parent or guardian.

CONSENT FORM

No student shall be allowed to drive and park on school property or be allowed to participate in any extra-curricular activity at Walnut Ridge School until the consent form has been signed by both students and custodial parent/legal guardian and returned to the principal. All students and custodial parents/guardians will be strongly encouraged to sign a consent form for random testing during the year.

TESTING DUE TO REASONABLE SUSPICION

Students who have been identified through the criteria outlined as reasonable suspicion may be tested separately from the times of the random testing. The testing should take place as soon as possible after the determination of reasonable suspicion has been verified. The charge of the testing for those identified will be the responsibility of the district.

Students who test positive under this policy’s provision dealing with reasonable suspicion will be subject to disciplinary action as outlined in the Walnut Ridge High School Handbook and the Walnut Ridge Elementary 5-8 Student Handbook.

REASONABLE SUSPICION PROVISIONS

The use or possession of illegal drugs or alcohol by a student on property under the control of the district or prior to entering property controlled by the district or at a district-sponsored event is a violation of this policy. This includes attendance at any location involving activities in which the Walnut Ridge School District or its students are competing, presenting, or participating. The penalty for possession of drugs or alcohol is outlined in the Walnut Ridge High School Handbook and the Walnut Ridge Elementary 5-8 Student Handbook.

Reasonable Suspicion is defined as a reasonable suspicion by an administrator or other district employee that a student has used, possessed, or sold illegal drugs on district property or has used illegal drugs off of district property, but is on district property or at a district-sponsored event while under the influence of the illegal drug; or that a student has used or possessed alcohol off of district property, but is on district property or at a district-sponsored event while under the influence of alcohol; or that a student is abusing or misusing prescription medication on district property or at a district-sponsored event while under the influence of the prescribed medication. This includes attendance at any location involving activities in which the Walnut Ridge School or its students are competing, presenting, or participating.

Examples of reasonable suspicion include, but are not limited to:

---Eyewitness evidence by a district official, administrator, or employee;

---Eyewitness evidence of another person plus additional evidence;

---Individualized suspicion possessed by an employee of the district which is based

upon reasonable suspicion and/or reasonable reliable evidence.

COST

The cost of the test given during random selection will be paid by the district.

Follow up tests for those students testing positive will be paid by the district. Any test requested by the parent(s) or student challenging the validity of the initial test results will be at the parent’s expense. If that test proves negative, the district will pay for that retest.

GRIEVANCES

The procedure for appealing is found in the Walnut Ridge High School Handbook and the Walnut Ridge Elementary 5-8 Student Handbook.

PROCEDURES

Type of testing: The district shall randomly require selected students of the Walnut Ridge School District in grades seven through twelve to provide a urine specimen for urinalysis testing. Each specimen cup will have a number on it, which will be assigned to a participant’s name. The samples submitted by the students will be sealed and sent to the lab for testing. All students randomly selected must report to the designated location for providing urine samples to be taken at the Walnut Ridge School. Urinalysis will be the method utilized to test for the presence of chemicals in the body. A breathalyzer will be used to determine alcohol content in the body.

Selection process: Students enrolled at the Walnut Ridge School District will be subject to random selection for chemical testing. Students will be divided into a pool for students in grades seven through eight and another pool for students in grades nine through twelve. Each student will be assigned a number. The testing agency will select days for random testing: these days will not be known by the school officials. A minimum of ten test days will be set per year for each pool. The amount of numbers drawn will be no less than 5% or no greater than 25% of the students in grades seven through eight and no less than 5% or no greater than 25% of students in grades nine through twelve annually who have Consent Form “A” signed. If any student whose number is drawn is absent on that day, the selection process will continue until the number (5-25%) of students selected for testing equals the number specified for that day’s random testing.

Use of positive tests: Upon receipt of a positive test result for any student, a student may request a retest at his/her expense within a 24-hour period of a positive result. The specimen used for the second testing will be from the original split sample taken during the random sampling. The original sample taken at the testing site will be divided into two separate containers and sealed at the collection site.

The superintendent or designee shall notify the student’s parent/guardian.
The superintendent or designee shall schedule a conference with the student’s parent/guardian to explain the results.
Initial counseling including referrals, resources and information on chemical abuse will be available from the district. Further outside counseling/rehabilitation for the student will be strongly recommended for the student who tests positive. The additional counseling/ rehabilitation will be at the expense of the student.
The student will be placed on confidential probation for thirty days. If the parent/guardian of the student submits that the student may continue in the Walnut Ridge School extra-curricular activities, the student will be so permitted. The school will not be responsible for injury or other health problems due to the student’s misuse or abuse of the drug while the said student is involved in school activities. After thirty days, the student will be tested again: a written copy of the results will be given to the superintendent or designee. If the retest is negative, the confidential probation will be lifted.
If the retest is positive, the principal and sponsor(s) will be notified that the student will not be allowed to continue in extra-curricular activities until his/her test results prove negative. The following tests to verify the students being tested negatively will be administered by the testing agency. The schedule for retesting will be determined by the superintendent or designee. The student cannot participate in any extra-curricular activities until testing negatively. To regain eligibility for participation in extra-curricular activities, a student must have a negative result on the Chemical Screening Test. This test must be administered by the Walnut Ridge School’s testing agent.

Exception: Certain chemicals that take more than twenty days to leave the student’s system will be considered differently if the Medical Review Officer’s written opinion details the said residual effect of that particular substance.

TESTING PROCEDURE

Analysis of Urine Specimens: The initial urinalysis method shall be an immunoassay screen. If a specimen tests positive for any substance being checked, a gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, (GC/MS), confirmation test will be performed. If the parent/guardian questions the validity or reliability of the testing agency’s results, the sample from the split specimen in the second sealed vial will be used for the parent-requested follow up test. The parents may choose a laboratory of choice so long as the Department of Health and Human Services Standards certify it. GC/MS shall be conducted on the specimen. If the result of the GC/MS test is positive, the student shall be considered to have had a positive result. If the results of the GS/MS are negative for the suspected substance or substances, the student shall be considered to have had a negative result. The school will be responsible for paying for the requested test if the results prove to be negative.

All test results from the laboratory shall be communicated to the superintendent or designee. To ensure proper testing procedures, United States Department of Health and Human Services Standards as defined by the National Institute of Drug Abuse certified laboratories will be followed.

All initial urine specimens will be taken at the designated location determined by the principal or designee. Any student who is requested to provide a urine specimen shall be directed to the collection site where the student will complete the necessary forms. Students selected as part of the random test will be required to provide additional information for the testing agency. Students confirmed positive might be permitted, at the superintendent’s discretion, to provide the sample after day thirty confidential probation at the testing agency facility. (This is to ensure confidentiality.)

The following precautions will be taken, as appropriate, at the collection site:

Agent and/or administrator shall positively identify the examinee.

The agent and/or administrator shall ask the individual to remove any unnecessary outer garments (i.e. coat, jacket) that might conceal items or substances that could be used to tamper with or adulterate the urine specimen. The agent and/or administrator shall note any unusual behavior or appearance.

The student shall be instructed to wash and dry his/her hands prior to providing the specimen. After washing his/her hands, the student shall not be outside the presence of the agent and/or administrator and not have access to water fountains, faucets, soap dispensers, or cleaning agents until after the specimen has been provided and sealed. Only one student will be allowed at a time in the washroom and process area.

The female student will be allowed to provide the specimen in a stall or partitioned area that will allow for individual privacy. The male student may be required to provide the specimen while using a urinal. After the specimen has been provided for the agent, the female student should leave the stall, and the male student should leave the urinal or stall. Extra specimen containers should not be left in the restrooms.

At the collection site, toilet bluing agents shall be placed in the toilet tanks, whenever possible. No other source of water shall be available in the immediate area where the urination occurs.

After the specimen has been provided to the agent, the agent will continue with the chain of custody procedures and will determine whether the specimen contains at 45 milliliters of urine. If there is not at least 45 milliliters, additional urine shall be collected. The student may be given reasonable amounts of water for drinking. If a student fails for any reason to provide the necessary amount of specimen, the agent and/or administrator shall contact the superintendent or designee for guidance.

Immediately after collection, the testing agent shall check the temperature of the specimen and inspect the specimen for color and sign of contaminants. Freshly filled specimen containers should be warm. If the specimen is not between 90 and 100 degrees, the student will be required to provide another specimen of urine within two hours of the original collection.

Both the agent and/or administrator and the student being tested shall keep the specimen in view at all times prior to its being sealed and labeled.

The student shall observe the tamper-proof seal. The labels for the specimen bottle must have all information completed before being placed over the bottle caps and down the sides of the bottles. The agent will place the identification label securely on the bottles.

The student and the agent will sign the chain of custody form. The observer will initial the specimen label.

The identification label on the specimen container shall contain:

*the date

*the student’s assigned number

*the student’s name is NOT to be on the sample

Ethyl alcohol will be tested by using a breathalyzer. The cutoff level for ethyl alcohol will be four-one-hundredths of one percent (.04%) by weight of alcohol in the student’s breath. Cutoff levels used are determined by the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

Medical Review Officer will review and verify all positive test results, report said results, check for chain of custody compliance and determine false positives.

RESULTS AND NOTIFICATION

Test results shall be reported to the superintendent or designee within a specified number of days after the lab’s receipt of the specimens. All reports shall be in writing. All specimens testing negative on the initial test or negative on the confirmation test shall be reported as negative. Only specimens confirmed as positive shall be reported as positive for a specific drug(s).

SUBSTANCES TESTED

The specific drugs in the drug screen may be selected at the beginning of each school year, and may be amended any time throughout the year. The substances for which students may be tested include, but not limited to:

Barbiturates -- Amobarbital, Butabarbital, Butalbital, Pentobarbital,

Phenobarbital, Secobarbital, and Trizolam

Amphetamines -- Amphetamine, Methaphetamine and Crystal Meth.

Benzodiazepines -- Alprazolam, Chlordiazepoxide, Clorazepate, Diazepam,

Halazepam, and Prazepam

Qualitative THC -- Marijuana

Opiates -- Codeine, Heroin, and Morphine

Cocaine Metabolites, Proposyphnenes, Phencyclidine (PCP), Ethyl Alcohol

The cutoff levels for initial screens shall be 100 nanograms per milliliter (ng/ml) for marijuana metabolites (THC), 300 ng/ml for cocaine metabolites and opiates, 25 ng/ml for phencyclidine, and 100 ng/ml for amphetamines. The cutoff level for ethyl alcohol shall be four one-hundredths of one percent (.04%) by weight of alcohol in the student’s breath. Cut off levels used are determined by the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

The cutoff levels for confirmation tests shall be 15 ng/ml for marijuana metabolites, 150 ng/ml for cocaine metabolites, 300 ng/ml for opiates, 500 ng/ml for amphetamines, and 25 ng/ml for phencyclidines.

RECORDS

All records concerning chemical abuse testing shall be maintained by the superintendent or designee in a separate locked file. The records shall not be kept in a students regular file. Only the superintendent or designee shall have access to the files. The files on each student shall be destroyed upon graduation or twelve months after termination of enrollment. A student and the student’s custodial parents/legal guardians may obtain a copy of the student’s chemical abuse testing records upon written request. Information in these files will not be released to local authorities unless required through a court order.

Consent Form “A”

Walnut Ridge School is providing an opportunity to help students be drug free.

The school solicits your support through your voluntarily signing of this form.

Each Parent’s support is needed for the youth to succeed.

I/We, _________________________ and _______________________, the parents of

____________________________ do hereby consent to, abide by, and comply with the policy

regarding the Chemical Screen Testing for Walnut Ridge Public Schools.

I, ______________________________________, a student in the Walnut Ridge School

District do hereby consent to, abide by, and comply with the Chemical Screen Test policy of

the Walnut Ridge School District.

_________________________________ ______________________________

Student Parent/Guardian

_________________________________ ______________________________

Date Parent/Guardian

NOTIFICATION OF VIOLATION OF CHEMICAL SCREEN TESTING POLICY

I, __________________________, am the custodial parent/legal guardian of

___________________________, a student in the Walnut Ridge School District. I have

been notified by officials of the Walnut Ridge School that ____________________

(student’s name) has tested positive during the chemical test administered under the

provisions set by the Walnut Ridge School District.

If my child has been participating in extra-curricular activities, I understand that he/she may be permitted to continue participating during the confidential probation period of approximately thirty days. My signing of this form releases the school from all responsibilities that my child may encounter (health problems or injuries) related to his/her misuse or abuse of drugs or alcohol while participating in a school activity.

I also understand that the school will have information, referrals, and resources available through the district counselor’s office at no cost to the student. I understand that my child is furthermore hereby recommended for professional counseling. If any additional charge is incurred from the professional counselor, it will be our responsibility and not that of the school’s.

After day thirty (specific date will be determined by the superintendent or designee) the student will be allowed to be retested under the guidelines set forth in the Chemical Screen Test Policy.

I, the custodial parent/legal guardian, understand that if the test results are found to be negative, the so named student will remain again eligible for the extra-curricular activities. If the test results are positive, the so named student will be suspended from extra-curricular activities until testing negatively. The third and any subsequent tests will be approximately thirty days apart.

In addition to the suspension, the student will be immediately referred for professional counseling and rehabilitation at the expense of the parent.

_____________________________ _________________________________

Custodial Parent/Legal Guardian School Official

_____________________________ __________________________________

Custodial Parent/Legal Guardian Date

NOTIFICATION OF SECOND POSITIVE RESULTS OF CHEMICAL SCREEN TEST

I, ___________________ custodial parent/legal guardian of _______________________,

A student in the Walnut Ridge School District, was notified on ________________(date)

Of the first positive chemical screen test results of the so named student by

______________________ (school official). At that time, I understood that the student

would be on confidential probation.

I understood that following day thirty my child would submit to a second test

administered under the guidelines set forth in the Walnut Ridge School District’s

Chemical Screen Test Policy. I, custodial parent/legal guardian of the so named student,

was notified of the second positive test results on the date of ________________ by

_________________________ (school official).

I understand that under the Walnut Ridge School District’s Chemical Screen Test Policy, which I, the custodial parent/legal guardian consented to when I signed the consent for, the so named student will be suspended from extra curricular activities until testing negative. I also understand that the named student will be referred for professional counseling and rehabilitation at the expense of the parent.

______________________________ _____________________________

Custodial/Parent Legal Guardian School Official

______________________________ _____________________________

Custodial/Parent Legal Guardian Date

ANTI-BULLYING POLICY

The Walnut Ridge School District has an obligation to and is committed to providing a safe learning environment for each of its students. Student achievement is best attained in an atmosphere that is free from the fear of emotional and physical intimidations and threats. Bullying is a destructive behavior that will erode the foundational principles on which a school is built. This school will not tolerate any behavior that is classified under the definition of bullying and will take steps needed to eliminate such behavior.

Believing that prevention is the strongest means available in eliminating bullying, this school will offer programs or educational material regarding the nature of bullying, it’s consequences should a child choose to engage in this type of behavior, and the procedures for reporting an incident which involves bullying. The information will emphasize that this district will not tolerate bullying, and that school employees, volunteers, and students are encouraged to report any instances of bullying without fear of consequences. Any reports will take into account the age of the offending student, the level of seriousness of the behavior, and whether or not the offending student has developed a habit of engaging in bullying behavior. Appropriate measures will be taken in dealing with such students.

It will be considered a violation of this policy for any student to inflict bullying behavior upon another student (s) as defined in this policy. After completing an investigation of the reported incident, a student who has been found guilty of participating in bullying behavior will be subject to disciplinary action that is appropriate to the degree of seriousness of the bullying behavior which may include:

Detention

Saturday School

3 day suspension

Recommendation for expulsion with loss of credit

For the purposes of this policy, bullying is defined as any written or verbal expression of physical act or gesture, or a pattern thereof, that is intended to cause distress or fear upon one or more students. A student will be found violating this policy if his/her conduct has been found to have the effect of humiliation or embarrassment on a student, and is sufficiently severe, persistent, or pervasive that it limits the student’s ability to participate in, or benefit from, an educational program or activity.

Bullying behavior will generally be established when an individual has exhibited a pattern of offensive behavior or when a single serious act is committed; (i.e. the threat of one’s life, etc.) What is or isn’t bullying will depend on the surrounding circumstances. Depending on these circumstances, examples of bullying include, but are not limited to: sarcastic statements or questions made with the intention of embarrassing, intimidating, or humiliating another student; mocking, taunting, or belittling another student, derogatory statements regarding a student’s race, gender, ethnicity, or personal characteristics; deliberately excluding a student from an activity or group in order to embarrass or humiliate that student, deliberately injuring another student or their property, threatening to harm another student, non-verbal threats, intimidations, and harassment, stealing or hiding another student’s belongings, blackmail, extortion, bribery, and “hazing” or demeaning “initiations”.

Students who believe they have been victimized by a bully or parents who believe their child has been victimized by a bully, are encouraged to file a complaint by contacting a school counselor, teacher, principal or superintendent who will assist them in getting help for the child and take the appropriate steps to ensure that such behavior is stopped. To the extent possible, complaints will be treated in a confidential manner. Limited disclosure may be necessary in order to complete a thorough investigation. Students, parents, or teachers who file a complaint against a student who is guilty of being a bully, will not be subject to retaliation or reprisal in any form.

Students or adults, who knowingly fabricate allegations and falsely accuse a student of being a bully, will be subject to disciplinary action which may include:

detention and parent notification

Saturday School

3-day suspension

Recommended expulsion.

Individuals who withhold information, purposely provide inaccurate facts, or otherwise hinder an investigation of a student for the purpose of bullying, may be subject to disciplinary action which may include:

warning and conference

detention

Saturday School

3-day suspension

MISCELLANEOUS INFRACTIONS

Penalties for failure to comply with requests by administration or faculty for each of the infractions described in this section are listed below each infraction.

Disregard of directions or commands

A student shall comply with reasonable direction or commands of teachers, student teachers, substitute teachers, teacher’s aides, principals, administrative personnel, superintendents, school bus drivers, school security officers or other authorized school personnel.

detention and/or parent notification
Saturday school
three-day suspension
recommended expulsion

Disorderly conduct

A student shall not engage in behavior which produces situations in which instructions or activities of other students are adversely affected.

detention and/or parent notification
Saturday school
three-day suspension
recommended expulsion

Damage, destruction, or theft of school or staff property

A student shall not cause or attempt to cause damage to school or staff property. A student shall not steal or attempt to steal school property or staff property. The Walnut Ridge High School District will recover damages from the student damaging or destroying property. Parents of minor students under the age of 18 will be liable for damage caused by said minor (in an amount not in excess of $2000.00).

detention and/or parent notification
three-day suspension
recommended expulsion

Bomb Threats

Any student who calls in a bomb threat and/or other threat related to the health and safety of students and employees will be referred to the legal authorities and will be recommended for expulsion. *

* Administrative responsibility to report violations

Fire alarm and extinguishers

The activation of the school fire alarm by a student for any purpose other than its intended emergency purposes shall result in suspension and criminal charges filed for turning in a false alarm or tampering with fire extinguishers.

Possession of firearms

Pursuant to Act 104 of 1983, A.C. 5-73-119 and Act 1282 of 1999, the possession of any firearms or other weapons is prohibited on school property.

Act 1282 states: (2)(A) No person in this state shall possess a firearm upon the developed property of the public or private schools (K-12) or in or upon any school bus or at a designated bus stop as identified on the route lists published by school districts each year. (2)(B) Violation of subdivision of (2)(A) of this section shall be a Class D felony, and no sentence imposed for violation thereof shall be suspended or probated or treated as a first offense under 16-93-301.

Pursuant to Act 1149 of 1999, when a parent of a minor knows that a minor is in illegal possession of a firearm in or on the premises of a public or private school, in or on the school’s athletic stadium or other facility or building where school sponsored events are conducted, or public park, playground, or civic center, and the parent fails to prevent the possession or fails to report the possession to the appropriate school or law enforcement official, the parent shall be guilty of a Class B misdemeanor.

“Firearm” means any device designed, made, or adapted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive or any other device readily convertible to that use, including such a device that is not located or lacks a clip or other component to render it immediately operable and components that can readily be assembled into such a device.

Act 1150 of 1999 amends AC 6-18-502 defining suspension and expulsion and stating in section (e) that: The superintendent of any school district shall recommend the expulsion of any student from school for a period not less than one (1) year for possession of any firearm or other weapon prohibited upon the school campus by law; provided, however, that the superintendent shall have discretion to modify such expulsion requirement for a student on a case-by-case basis.

This process shall be completed regardless of the enrollment status of the student. The administrator shall report, within a week, to the Department of Education, the name, current address, and social security number of any student expelled for the reason mentioned above or any other violent act.

Possession of pagers/beepers, electronic devices

The use of or possession of electronic communication such as pagers, beepers, or similar electronic communication devices on school campus is prohibited (Ark. Code Ann. 6-18-502 (b) (2) (0)(Repl. 1993). Exceptions are allowed for a student who is required to use such a device for health or other compelling reasons. These are to have prior authorization from the administration.

confiscation and return to parent/guardian only
confiscation and turned over to the proper law enforcement agency and notify parent/guardian
suspension
expulsion (for repeated offenses)

Pursuant to Act 1408 of 1999:

Section 1(a). It is unlawful for any person under the age of 18 to possess a hand-held laser pointer without the supervision of a parent, guardian or teacher.

Section 1(b). The hand-held, laser pointer shall be seized by the law enforcement officer as contraband.

Tardies

Tardies are disruptive to class and are to be discouraged. The following consequences for unexcused or excessive tardies will be used:

1st unexcused tardy warning

2^nd unexcused tardy detention

3^rd unexcused tardy detention and call to parent

4^thunexcused tardy 1 day ISS or Saturday School and parent conference

5^th unexcused tardy 1 day ISS or Saturday School

6^thand subsequent unexcused tardies 1 day out-of-school suspension

Truancy

A student will not be absent from school without parent and/or school authorities prior knowledge and/or consent. After arrival on campus, a student absent from his/her assigned learning station without permission from school authorities shall be considered truant. This includes leaving campus at any time during the day without permission.

Definition of skipping school: Missing school without parental permission.

detention and/or parent notification 1^st offense
in-school suspension or Saturday School 2^nd offense
1 day out of school suspension 3^rd offense
3 day out of school suspension 4^th and subsequent offenses

Students Who Leave Campus Without Permission

Students are not to leave campus during the school day without permission from the Principal or his/her designee. Once a student arrives on campus, he/she shall remain on campus until properly checked out by a parent, legal guardian or designated person who is allowed to check the student out. Students who leave campus without permission will be given an unexcused absence for any class time missed.

1 day out of school suspension and parent notification 1^st offense
2 day out of school suspension and parent notification 2^nd offense
3 day out of school suspension and parent notification 3^rd and subsequent offenses

Internet Policy

Students may have the opportunity to use a variety of technologies at school, including computers and the internet. Students are to use this technology as directed by the staff in conformity with school curriculum. Students who use any technology in an inappropriate manner and/or not as directed by the school are in violation of school policy and subject to discipline, up to and including the loss of the right to use the technology (which may involve loss of credit if the technology use was course work). Students who violate technology user agreements are also subject to the penalties outlined in the agreement.

Students who use technology to violate other policies will be subject to discipline for misuse of technology as well as policy violation. Example: A student sends a threatening email message to another student. This student would be disciplined for misusing technology as well as threatening another student.

suspension of technology privileges

Minimum -- one month loss of privileges

Maximum -- permanent loss of privileges

other penalties according to offense

Gangs and gang activities

Gangs, secret societies, or other similar groups, whether organized in the community or in other settings, are prohibited on the school grounds and campus and at any school-sponsored activity. Gang-related activity--whether genuine or pretense--that is identified by school officials will result in a minimum of five (5) days suspension up to a maximum of expulsion for the remainder of the semester. A second offense of gang-related activity will result in a recommendation for expulsion for the remainder of the school semester, the remainder of the school year, for one calendar year, or permanently.

Students arrested for gang-related offenses, regardless of where the offense may have occurred, may be expelled for the remainder of the semester, for the remainder of the school year, for one calendar year, or permanently, depending on the circumstances of the arrest. Gang-related activities include but are not limited to such activities as wearing apparel associated with gangs, displaying gangs insignia, “throwing signs” or other gestures or language (however expressed) associated with gangs, intimidation, and threats.

Rules for assemblies

Students are expected to have appropriate behavior at all assembly programs. Students participating in misconduct at such programs are subject to discipline consequences or expulsion from future programs.

Minimum -- conference

Maximum -- recommended expulsion

Lunch

Punishment for not being at proper approved areas (cafeteria, square, student center, and area between gym and library) during lunch is as follows:

detention and/or parent notification
in-school suspension
three-day suspension
recommended expulsion

Walnut Ridge High School has a closed campus. Food deliveries during lunch will only be permitted under extenuating circumstances and must be approved by the principal. Food deliveries from local restaurants are not permitted unless previously approved by the principal. Students shall not accept lunches brought to them by anyone other than an approved person. Approval shall be at the discretion of the principal.

Sleeping in class

A student shall not be allowed to sleep in class. A student who becomes ill shall go to the nurses’ station.

detention and/or parent notification
considered insubordination - Saturday school
three-day suspension
recommended expulsion

Non-diligence of study

A student is expected to be diligent in his/her studies. To be diligent a student shall: a) complete all assigned work on time, b) pay attention as required by teachers, c) equip themselves with necessary materials and/or equipment, and d) cooperate with teachers and other students.

conference and/or counsel

considered insubordination

Public display of affection

Public display of affection is not appropriate behavior at school. Failure to comply with reasonable expectations of school staff will lead to disciplinary action.

detention and/or parent notification
considered insubordination

Fireworks

Fireworks are prohibited at school

Minimum -- conference

Maximum -- expulsion

Gambling

A student shall not participate in any activity which may be termed gambling or wagering where the stakes are money or any other object of value.

Minimum -- conference

Maximum -- expulsion

Appearance and dress code

A student’s appearance is a matter of personal taste to be determined by the individual and the parents. However, dress and grooming which is disruptive to the educational process or which poses a threat to the safety or health of the student or to other students shall be regulated.

Procedures:

1. Dress and grooming shall be clean and in keeping with good health and sanitary practice.

2. Students shall not wear clothing, hairstyles, or facial hair that can be hazardous to them or to others as they are engaged in any educational activity.

3. Dress or grooming which exaggerates, emphasizes, or calls attention to details of the anatomy or which does not conform to the rudiments of common decency shall be regulated.

4. Apparel which displays symbols, slogans, or words or that are lewd, obscene, or alcohol or drug oriented is prohibited.

5. A student shall not wear or use emblems, insignias, badges, or other symbols which may cause substantial disruption or interference to the normal operation and activities of the district.

Students who object to prescribed physical education attire for religious reasons shall be allowed to choose an alternate dress which is in keeping with both the religious beliefs and the objectives of the class.

Failure to comply will result in the following penalties:

require change of apparel

conference and/or warning

suspension until parent conference

suspension not to exceed 10 days

recommendation for expulsion

7. Students cannot wear hats or caps on campus unless it is for a pre-approved school activity or fundraiser.

Penalties:

cap or hat confiscated and returned at the end of the day with warning.*

cap or hat confiscated and returned to parents and a conference with parents.

*If emblem or words violate regulation regarding profanity, then other penalties may apply.

Student parking/driving

A student using any type of vehicle as a means of transportation to and from school shall adhere to the Motor Vehicle Registration section of this book and the parking regulations handout that the student will receive when a vehicle is registered. Reckless operation of a vehicle on or around campus can result in the loss of vehicle privileges at Walnut Ridge High School and possible referral to our local law enforcement agency. Violation of parking regulations will result in the following penalties:

warning -- first offense
three-day suspension of parking privileges -- second offense (same violation)
possible loss of parking privileges for the remainder of semester -- third offense (same violation)

If the third offense occurs during semester examination days, the loss of parking privileges may apply to the next full semester.

Persistent disregard for school rules

A student who persists in acts of misconduct after reasonable efforts have been made by the school to secure the student’s adherence to the established rules, may be suspended or recommended for expulsion.

Repeated suspension

Repeated suspensions may be subject to recommended expulsion. Upon repeated suspensions, a student and parents are subject to meet with the school board.

Any misprint or incorrect statement not approved by the local school board shall be deemed null and void. Policy established by the local school board shall take precedence over any mistake that is written in this student handbook.