Student Handbook

2008-2009

Mrs. Melissa Vesser, Superintendent of Schools

Mr. Roger Feagan, Principal & Activities Director

Mrs. Erica Sims, Counselor

200 South Linn Street

Phone:  (660)-595-2371

Fax:  (660)-595-2430

Malta Bend R-V District School Board Members

Mr. Art Madden, President

Ms. Mindy Rigby, Vice President

Mr. Scott Moore, Treasurer

Mrs. Ann Gorrell

Mrs. Susan Jansen

Mrs. Doreena Forqueran

Mrs. Jackie Plattner

 Mrs. Debbie Kiser, Board Secretary

Dear Malta Bend Students,

On behalf of the faculty and staff, I would like to welcome you to the Malta Bend R-V School Community.  As we embark on this new school year I look forward to assisting you in fulfilling your educational goals.  Malta Bend is designed to make school a positive personal experience.  This handbook will give you an overall picture of your school, your activities, and the rules and regulations that will guide your actions as you learn.  Your teachers are prepared to encourage and assist you with your successes along the way.  I assure you that if you set high goals for yourself and expect to learn you will find your education at Malta Bend to be very positive.  Remember, don’t settle for being happy, but strive to be the best that you can be!

Sincerely,

Roger Feagan                                                          

Principal                                                                    

Malta Bend R-V District Mission Statement

The goal of the Malta Bend R-V District is to provide the best educational experience for every student in a safe and nurturing environment.

We believe students should be challenged to maximize their positive emotional, mental, aesthetic, and physical potentials.  In cooperation with the community, the school should provide students with fundamental skills including application of knowledge, technological training, thinking skills, and problem-solving abilities which will enable them to achieve personal and vocational goals. 

The staff of the Malta Bend High School believes that all students can learn and can achieve mastery of basic grade-level skills, regardless of their previous academic performance, family background, socio-economic status, race or gender.  We believe that our school’s purpose is to educate all students to high levels of academic performance while fostering positive growth in social/ emotional behaviors and attitudes. 

Malta Bend School Improvement Goals

1.      To improve student success.

2.      To encourage parental and community involvement in the educational process.

3.      To provide students and teachers a safe and motivational environment that is conducive to learning.

School Colors:  Black and Gold

School Mascot:  Tito the Tiger

Malta Bend School Song

When Malta’s mighty men fall in to line,

We’re gonna win again another time.

It’s for that dear old school we love so well,

It’s for that dear old school we yell, we yell, we yell.

So let us fight, fight, fight, with all our might,

We won’t give up till this old game is won.

We’ll give that old time yell of Rah, Rah, Rah Sis Boom Bah

Malta Bend High!

Malta Bend R-V Employees

Shaded rows indicate the faculty members who are new to the District this year.

We welcome them all and look forward to them being a valuable asset to the Malta Bend R-V School District.

General School Information

Absent from School

Absence from school should be kept to an absolute minimum.  Appointments, when possible, should be made outside the school day. When you are absent from school for any reason, your parents should notify the School Office at 595-2371.  This is for each child’s safety and protection.  A written note must also be sent upon your returning to school.  An admit slip will be required for admission to class.  When it is necessary for a student to leave during the school day or arrive late, parents or guardians picking up or dropping off a student must enter the building and sign the student in or out in the office.  In order for a student to attend or participate in an after school activity it is required that the student be present for a minimum of four full class periods on the day of the activity.  Any student who misses more than seven (8) days of school each semester and does not make the time up in either 8^th Hour or Saturday Detention will be required to attend Summer School to make up the time missed if they wish to receive credit for the year. 

Excused Absence - This is an absence for which the parent provides a call or note to the school concerning the absence.  Schoolwork missed during an excused absence will be allowed to be made up within a reasonable time.  Reasonable time will be defined as one day for every day of absence. ALL absences count against the eight-day allotment that students are given per semester. 

Unexcused Absence - This in an absence for which the parent provides no call or note to the school concerning the absence.  Work missed because of an unexcused absence may not be made up. 

Truancy - This is an absence of which the parents were not aware.  These will be unexcused and disciplinary consequences will result.  Work for these absences cannot be made up.  

The Public School Laws of Missouri, 167.031, states, “Every parent, guardian, or other person in this state having charge, control or custody of a child between the ages of seven and sixteen shall cause the child to attend regularly some day school, public, private, parochial or parish, not less than the entire school term of the school which the child attends or shall provide the child at home with regular instruction during the usual school hours which shall, in the judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction, be at least substantially equivalent to the instruction given children of like age in the day schools in the locality in which the child resides;...”  Absences, which are deemed excessive, even if the parent is aware of such absences, shall be dealt with on a case-by-case basis.  An excessive pattern of non-attendance will be reported to the Division of Family Services and/or juvenile authorities.

Academics

Grades are determined by teachers and reported on quarterly grade cards, which are issued every nine weeks.  Students who fail three or more classes in a semester will be required to attend and pass summer school before they are eligible for promotion.  Students who fail three or more classes first semester and third quarter will be required to meet (accompanied by a parent) with the promotion/retention committee to discuss their academic future.  The members of this committee monitors all student's grades throughout the year and communicates to parents by mail any concerns regarding student academic failure beginning at the end of the first quarter of school. Progress reports are issued each mid-quarter.  Honor Roll is calculated at the end of each quarter.  To be eligible for the honor roll, students must achieve a (3.50) point average or above for the “A” Honor roll, and (3.00) for the “B” Honor roll. 

The following grading standard will be used:

After School

Dismissal time is 2:56 p.m.  Students are allowed to remain in the building after school for specified organized activities or under the direct supervision of a teacher.  If it is necessary for students to wait for their parents to pick them up after school, they are to wait in the commons or outside the commons entrance.  Students who are not participating in supervised activities need to be picked up no later than 3:05 p.m.  Students will be encouraged to ride the bus or make other transportation arrangements if they can't be picked up by this time

Arriving at School

Students should not arrive at school prior to 7:30 am.  When the building is opened at 7:30 am. ALL STUDENTS shall report to the commons area.  The doors will only be unlocked earlier than 7:30 am on days of inclement weather.  Elementary School classes begin at 7:50 am, and high school begins at 7:55 am. Students who are not in their homeroom class by five minutes after these times will be considered tardy.

Assemblies

Assemblies will be held throughout the year.  Proper conduct is absolutely essential.  Those who cannot conduct themselves in an appropriate manner will be removed from the assembly and immediately placed in an alternate location.

Bus Transportation

The safety of students during their transportation to and from school or activities is a responsibility that is shared by the student, parents, bus driver and school officials.  Students are responsible for following all the rules of conduct while waiting for or riding a school bus.  School rules apply to students concerning bus conduct. Students are to be reminded that bus riding is a privilege not a right and this privilege will be forfeited if students cannot follow the rules of safe bus behavior.

Classroom Materials

Students are required to bring all materials with them to class that are required by the specific teacher.  These materials include but are not limited to the following: notebook of paper, pen/pencil, textbook, folder, and any other materials required as described by the course syllabus. 

Closed Campus

Malta Bend School is a CLOSED CAMPUS.  It is our belief that parents wish to know where their children are during the school day.  Therefore, once students arrive at school, they are not to leave unless being checked out by a parent from the office.  The student is responsible to get the schoolwork they missed from being pulled out of or arriving at school early.

Daily Schedule

The High School will operate on a seven period school day.  Each period will be fifty-two (52) minutes in length.  There will be three (3) minutes allowed for students to change classes between each period.  There are two bells that will ring between each period.  One bell signifies the end of the current period, and the next bell, three (3) minutes later, signifies the beginning of the next period.  The first bell will ring at 7:55 am, which indicates all students have five (5) minutes to report to their homeroom class.  Elementary students are dismissed from the commons at 7:50 and will fulfill the rest of the day according to the schedule of the grade level teacher.

The schedule is as follows:

Any group working after 2:56 p.m. MUST have a school sponsor present

Dress Code

The primary responsibility for proper dress rests with the student and parents.  Students are expected to dress in good taste.  The school reserves the right to request that students dress in a manner that is acceptable to the best interest of the entire student body.  When student dress is considered disruptive, the student shall be required to change to appropriate clothing or be removed from the school program.  The building principal will have appropriate attire that will be offered to the student in order to meet the dress code. 

Some general guidelines are as follows:

A.  Proper footwear is required.

B.  Teachers of specific courses where safety is a factor may require students to adjust hair or clothing, or both, accordingly for that class.

C.  Clothing shall not have writing, drawings, or emblems that are obscene, derogatory, or which promote the sale or use of drugs including tobacco and alcohol products.

D.    Walking shorts and athletic shorts are permitted.  Spandex shorts, mini skirts, and short-shorts, tank tops, halters, midriffs, backless, spandex, spaghetti straps, net, and see through clothing is not permitted.

F.   Extremely tattered, ragged, baggy or frayed clothing is not permitted.  Underwear shall not be seen.

G.  Sunglasses, jewelry, jelly bracelets, and colored hair sprays, which create disorder, are not to be worn in the building.  Hats, bandannas or other forms of head covers are not to be worn.

H. Hair color of an un-natural color (blue, green, etc.) will not be permitted if it creates a distraction to the learning environment.

  I.  Tongue, nose, eyebrow and other facial rings will not be permitted if it creates a distraction to the learning environment.

Exclusion from Activities

Participation in the activity programs at Malta Bend School is a privilege.  When a student’s conduct in school results in a suspension of any type (ISS or OSS), the student will be excluded from the activity programs for the length of the suspension, and will be unable to attend these events as a spectator as well.  

Field Trips

Field trips are designed to enhance the class learning objectives and increase student attitude in the learning process.  All regular school rules of conduct will be followed during the trip.  These trips are for educational purposes and students who cannot conduct themselves properly in the regular school setting will not be allowed to attend the trip.  If a student has one or more discipline referrals resulting in more than two 8^th hours, any ISS/OSS time, or Saturday Schools within two weeks prior to the field trip, then they will be not eligible to participate in the trip.  The in-eligible student IS required to attend school on the day of the trip and they will receive an assignment that corresponds to the nature of the trip for similar grading value. 

The Principal will make the final decision regarding students and their eligibility to attend the field trip.  The decision will be made on a case-by-case basis if the nature of the child’s offenses during the year has been such that they may cause problems on the field trip.

Food at School

Parents shall not bring food to their child from an outside restaurant due to the nature of the distraction that it creates.  All food, candy, and snack items must be eaten at lunchtime in the cafeteria.  All snacks provided by a teacher must be consumed during that teachers’ class.

Grade Point Average (GPA)

A student’s Grade Point Average (G.P.A.) can be calculated by adding the total number of grade points earned per subject, and then divide by the number of grades received.  The scale for grade points will be figured for all 7-12^th grade students only and will include:            A  = 4.00          B  = 3.00      C   = 2.00        D   = 1.00             F   = 0.00

Guidance and Counseling

Ms. Ellington is the counselor for the Malta Bend R-V School District.  Students are encouraged to schedule a time with the counselor if they must visit with her.  Students must first report to their classroom and gain permission from their classroom teacher prior to going to visit with Ms. Ellington.  Students will be sent back to class if they do not have permission from their classroom teacher.   High School students requesting to change their schedule must do so within the first three days of the new semester.

1. The objective of the Guidance and Counseling Department is to provide help to students with their educational, vocational, and personal problems.  In the counseling situation, an attempt is made to help the student understand themselves and his or her problems, and to make intelligent and realistic decisions.
2. Assessments will be given at different intervals during the year in the fields of scholastic ability, achievement, and interests.  The test results will be interpreted and explained to students and/or parents.  

Halls and Hall Passes

Your teacher will provide you with a hall pass for you to leave the classroom.  When you are in the halls for any reason during class time, you are required to carry a pass from your teacher or your planner with the hall pass sheet signed by the teacher.

Health Information – Nurse

Students should have permission from their classroom teacher before visiting the nurse.

Medication - any medication that has to be taken at school should be taken to the nurse along with a medication release form from a parent giving permission for the nurse to give medication.  Medication must be in the original labeled container.  Students who are required to take medication on a daily basis must have the medication at school or the student will not be allowed to attend until medication is provided. 

Head lice - The Malta Bend R-V School District checks students periodically for head lice.  If a student is found to have head lice or their nits (eggs), Missouri health regulations require children to be removed from school until proper treatment has been taken.  To re-enter school the student must be medically treated with approved lice and nit killer.  Under no circumstances will children be allowed to re-enter school with head lice or nits.

Honor Roll

Any student who earns a GPA of 3.50 or higher will qualify for the “A Honor Roll.”  Any student who earns a GPA from 3.00 to 3.49 will qualify for the “B Honor Roll.”  These individuals will be notified after grades have been configured and they will be acknowledged accordingly. 

Internet Policy

All students and parents will be required to sign an agreement with the district Internet policy prior to use of the computer lab or library Internet facilities.  Improper use of this service will result in termination of student’s privilege.

Leaving School

If it is necessary for you to leave school during the day, your parents must notify a school official either by phone or in writing.  Any student violating this rule will be considered truant.  A student who is present before school begins in the morning, but who is absent when school begins, will also be considered truant. 

Library Use and Computer Lab

Library hours are from 7:50 am to 3:05 pm daily.  Most books are loaned for a two- week period.  Some reference and reserved material are for one period only.  Students are expected to pay for books that are lost or damaged.  Students must have a pass to use the library during the school day.  Food and beverages are not permitted in the library.  The computer lab will be closed to students unless a teacher accompanies them.  Students will be asked to leave the lab if a teacher is not present. 

Lockers and Locks

All Junior High and High School students are assigned a locker. This is to remain a private locker for the length of the school year and students are to keep their locker combinations confidential.  Lockers shall be kept neat and clean without personal markings, stickers, decals, etc. The student should use the locker that is assigned to him/her and only that locker. 

Locker Search

School lockers and desks are the property of the Board of Education and are provided for the convenience of the students, and as such, are subject to periodic inspection without notice.  Students or student property may be searched based on reasonable suspicion of a violation of district rules, policy or state law. 

Lost and Found

All articles found will be placed in the lost and found box outside of the school office.  Any articles that are not claimed will be donated to a charitable organization at the end of each quarter.  Please use name labels or some form of identification on items of clothing and other belongings so that they can be recognized and returned to the owner.  The Malta Bend R-V School District is not responsible for lost or stolen items.

Lunch

All students are assigned to a specific lunch period.   Lunches should be purchased before school from the office.  Full plate lunches are available for all students.  Seconds are available on all items for an additional charge. The following guidelines deal with behaviors and procedures to be followed during the lunch period.

1.    When you come to lunch, do so in a polite and orderly manner.  Stay in the lunch line and do not allow others to cut in line ahead of other students.

2.    After you have eaten, return your tray to the window.  Leave the area where you have eaten neat and clean.  We need your help to keep the cafeteria clean for others who will be eating after you have finished.

3.    Following your meal and clean up, you should return to your table and sit until you are dismissed to return to class.

4.      During your lunch period, you are not to leave the cafeteria without permission of the lunchroom supervisor.

5.      You should leave your seat only to purchase food or to return your tray.

Lunch Schedules

The Malta Bend High School observes a closed lunch policy (i.e. Students may not leave for lunch).  It will be considered truancy if a student were to leave campus for lunch, without permission from the office.  Any student who is late returning to class after the scheduled lunchtime will receive a tardy for that class.          

Parent-Teacher Conferences

Fall Parent-Teacher conferences will be held at the mid-term of the first quarter and spring conferences at the mid-term of the third quarter (dates and times TBA). Teachers are available to tutor students either before or after school.  Please contact the office if tutoring assistance is needed.

Personal Property

Expensive items or materials of value should not be brought to school, and they will be confiscated upon sight.  This includes cell phones, skateboards, radios, cassette tape recorders, CD players, cameras, toys, and expensive watches and large sums of money.  The school will not be responsible for lost or stolen items even when they are placed in the responsibility of a school official or teacher.

Reward Day

Reward day is used as a motivation for students to achieve excellence in their school endeavors.  The criteria for qualifying for the Reward Day trip will be passed out by the building principal at a later date. 

Student Checkout Procedure

Students will be dismissed from school to the custody of their parents, guardian, and other persons specifically listed on the emergency card.  It will be necessary for the individual picking up the child to personally sign the student out through the office.  (Identification may be required).

Student Directory Information

Please be advised that the school district will release “Directory Information” of students upon request.  This will include the following information: student’s name, participation in extracurricular activities, height and weight of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, diplomas, all awards received, photographs and other similar information. Parents who do not wish this information released should send a signed note to the building principal.

Telephone Usage

School phones are for school business only.  Students will not be allowed to use the School phone to request parental pickups from school during the school day. A school employee will call for the student should the need arise.  Students abusing this privilege are subject to disciplinary action.  Any student making bogus or prank 911 calls are subject to suspension from school and a forwarding of information regarding his/her actions to appropriate juvenile authorities.  In the event a cell phone must be brought to the school for emergency reasons it must remain in the office.

Textbook Policy

Students are responsible for the care and maintenance of the textbooks as well as library books. If lost, damaged or defaced, the student will be assessed a charge for damages or replacement of textbooks, library books or materials.

Visitors to School

All visitors must report to the office upon arriving on school grounds. Visitors will be issued a "Visitors Pass", which will be required to visit in a classroom or other parts of the building. Please return the pass to the office when leaving.  Students are not permitted to bring non-Malta Bend students to school during the school day.

Discipline Information

Discipline Definitions

We are all proud of the general tone of good discipline that exists in our schools.  Most students are very serious about their school experiences and want to get the most from them.  A few students, unfortunately, do not share these principles and attitudes and their behavior can create problems for everyone involved--students, teachers, administrators, and parents.  Students who become involved in areas of problem behavior will be subjected to certain disciplinary actions.  Depending upon the behavior problem of the student, one or more of the following actions will be taken by the school officials.  Depending upon the severity of the offense, certain steps may be omitted in an effort to correct a problem or administer appropriate disciplinary action.

A.  INFORMAL TALK - A school official (teacher, administrator, or counselor) will talk to the student and try to reach an agreement regarding how the student should behave.

B.  CONFERENCE - A formal conference is held between the student and one or more school official.  During this conference, the student must agree to correct his/her behavior.

C.  PARENT INVOLVEMENT - Parent(s) notified by telephone, personal contact, or letter.  A conference may be conducted between the student, his/her parent(s), appropriate school personnel and any other individuals concerned.

D.  8^TH HOURS (After School Detention) - To facilitate proper discipline in the school, teachers or the principal may assign after school detention.  After school detention begins promptly at 3:00 and is dismissed at 3:30.  A student who is absent from an assigned detention time will be re-assigned to serve double detentions before be assigned In-School-Suspension.

E.  IN SCHOOL SUSPENSION- (ISS-Supervised Non-traditional classroom) ISS occurs when a student’s behavior warrants removal from classes for a period of time, but suspension or expulsion from school is not recommended.  Students should understand that any violation of the rules and regulations of the ISS program would result in out of school suspension, and the day in ISS being rescheduled.

F. SATURDAY SCHOOL - Saturday School assignments may be assigned for any violation of the discipline code.  Failure to serve your Saturday School Detention will result in three (3) days of ISS with the Saturday School Detention being scheduled for a later date.  Any Saturday School detentions that are left un-served at the conclusion of the school year will result in the student being required to attend the mandatory session of summer school in order to be promoted to the next grade level, regardless of grades earned in the classroom.  Saturday School will begin promptly at 8:00 am and will conclude at 12:00 pm, with students gaining entrance to the building through the front elementary doors.

G. SHORT SUSPENSIONS - (Up to ten (10) school days) The student is informed that he/she is subject to a suspension.  The student is afforded the appropriate due process procedure.  Following this procedure, if the building administrator determines that a suspension is in order, it will be administrated at that point.  A student suspended may not attend school functions during suspension days.  Also, students may not make up daily assignments, quizzes, and/or performance/participation activities when serving out of school suspension more than once. 

H.  EXPULSION - The Board of Education authorizes the expulsion of students.  The student is informed that he/she is subject to expulsion.  The student is afforded the appropriate due process procedure.  Following this procedure, if the Superintendent of Schools determines that the expulsion is appropriate, they would make that recommendation to the Board of Education in which the authority for expulsion rests. 

I.  CORPORAL PUNISHMENT - Corporal punishment, as a measure of correction or of maintaining discipline and order in schools that is not permitted.  A staff member may use reasonable physical force against a student without advance notice to the principal, if it is essential for self-defense, the preservation of order, or for the protection of other persons or the property of the school district. 

J.  LONG-TERM SUSPENSION - (Up to 180 school days) The Board of Education authorizes the Superintendent of Schools to suspend a student for up to 180 school days.  The student is informed that he/she is subject to a suspension.  The student is afforded the appropriate due process procedure.  Following the procedure, if the Superintendent of Schools determines that a long-term suspension is in order, it will be administered at that point.  A suspension of more than ten (10) school days may be appealed to the Board of Education through the Superintendent of Schools.  A student suspended out of school more than once, may not make up daily assignments, quizzes, and/or performance/ participation activities. 

Consequences of Discipline Code Infractions

In all major infractions where the student is referred to the office the following consequences will follow.  In cases where the offense may be severe, repetitive or not described herein, the administrator may accelerate the consequence level or apply alternative consequences.  If any infraction is covered by multiple clauses, the more severe penalty shall apply.  All infractions are subject to reporting to juvenile or other legal authorities.  Willful and persistent violations may result in advanced penalties, expulsions, or alternative actions.  (Ref: BOE Policy 2600-2673).

Possession and/or use of: (Ref:  BOE Policy 2640 & 2641 and Missouri Safe

Schools Act)

 

Drugs/Alcohol - this includes look alike drugs and drug paraphernalia.

1. Minimum of ten (10) days of OSS and notification of authorities.
2. Ten (10) days OSS, recommendation to Superintendent for long-term suspension or expulsion from school, and notification to proper legal authorities.

Weapon (Non-firearm) - Examples include but are not limited to knives, chains, metals, metal knuckles, etc.

1. OSS up to (90) days and notification of authorities.
2. Long-term suspension or possible expulsion. Notify authorities.
   
    

Weapon (Firearm/ Bomb) - While this applies to real firearms, the possession or use of toy or other “fake” firearms could also bring about disciplinary action.

1. Subject to review by the Superintendent, long-term suspension or expulsion from school, and notification to proper legal authorities.
   
    

Tobacco -This includes cigarettes/ cigars, and smokeless tobacco.  In all cases, banned substances will be confiscated and not returned to the individual.  Lighters will be confiscated and discarded.

1. Two (2) days ISS
2. Five (5) days ISS
3. Three (3) days OSS

THIS IS A VIOLATION OF THE MISSOURI SAFE SCHOOLS ACT AND THE AUTHORITIES WILL BE CONTACTED ON THE FIRST VIOLATION.  RECOMMENDATION TO THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS MAY BE MADE FOR EXPULSION FROM SCHOOL FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE SCHOOL YEAR.

Verbal, Physical, or Racial Harassment or Bullying - Harassment/Bullying of students or staff by another student is strictly prohibited.  This form of harassment includes threats, intimidation (written or verbal), or any other unwelcome physical contact. (Ref:  BOE Policy 2600-2673, and Missouri Safe Schools Act)

1. 8^th hours or ISS time depending upon severity.
2. Three (3) days ISS or OSS time depending upon severity.
3. OSS and possible expulsion. 

Public Displays of Affection or Immoral Conduct – Conduct that is inappropriate for school setting.  Examples include but are not limited to:  Public displays of affection, grabbing or touching a student in a sexual manner that is found to be unwelcome, etc. (Ref:  BOE Policy 2600-2673).

1. Conference with student, 8^th hours, ISS or OSS, depending upon severity.
2. Parent conference with five (5) days of ISS
3. Ten (10) days of OSS and referral to Superintendent.

Sexual Harassment – Sexual harassment of students or staff is strictly prohibited in the Malta Bend R-V School District.  This is defined as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal, written or physical conduct of a sexual nature. (Ref:  BOE Policy 2600-2673 and Missouri Safe Schools Act)

Physical – Unwanted physical contact that is sexual in nature and interferes with an individuals feeling of security and safety

1.      Five (5) days ISS, referral to authorities, notification to Superintendent, and recommendation for counseling.

2.      Ten (10) days ISS, referral to authorities, referred to Superintendent, and mandatory counseling before return to the regular school day

3.      Ten (10) days OSS, referred to Superintendent for possible expulsion, and mandatory counseling before returning to school.

Verbal – An unwanted verbal, written, or symbolic behavior that is sexual in nature and interferes with an individual’s feeling of security and safety

1.      Three (3) days ISS.

2.      Ten (10) days ISS, referral to Superintendent, and recommendation for counseling.

3.      Ten (10) days OSS, referred to Superintendent for possible expulsion, and mandatory counseling before returning to school.

Fighting – Actual or attempted physical contact by striking or hitting another student with any part of the body or other object.  Participating any way to provoke a physical confrontation, wrestling, pushing, or tripping will be considered as fighting depending upon the severity and perceived intention.  Legal authorities will be notified. (Ref:  BOE Policy 2600-2673).

1. Three (5) days of ISS and parent contacted.
2. Ten (10) days of ISS, parent and authorities contacted.
3. Ten (10) days of OSS, parent and authorities contacted, and recommendation to Superintendent for expulsion from school.

Theft – The taking of property belonging to the school or others. Must always return or replace the item (Ref: BOE Policy 2600-2673).

1.   Parent conference, three (3) days ISS, thirty (30) days loss of privileges or
            participating or attending school activities, and notification to the authorities.

2. Parent conference, five (5) days OSS, loss of privileges or participating or attending school activities for the school year, and notification to the authorities.
3. Recommendation to Superintendent for long-term OSS and notification to the authorities.

Destruction of Property – The destruction of property belonging to an individual, staff, or school will not be tolerated.  In every instance, the property must be replace with new, or monetary settlement. (Ref:  BOE Policy 2600-2673).

1.  Conference with student and parent; reimburse property, referral to authorities, 

     and up to five (5) days of ISS.

       2.  Same as above with the exception of mandatory ten (10) days of OSS.

       3.  Recommendation for expulsion from Superintendent and reimbursement of 

            damages.

Defiance of Authority – This occurs when a student does not follow the staff member’s direct demands for proper behavior. Ref:  BOE Policy 2600-2673).

1. Conference with student and two (2) 8^th hours or ISS depending on severity.
2. Conference with student and three (3) days of ISS.
3. Conference with student and five (10) days of ISS, and referral to authorities.
4. Conference with student and ten (5) days of OSS, and referral to authorities.
5. Ten (10) days of OSS or Long-term suspension by Superintendent of Schools.

Severe Disruption of Class (Ref:  BOE Policy 2600-2673)

1. Conference with student and three (3) days in ISS.
2. Five to ten (5-10) days of ISS.
3. Five to ten (5-10) days of OSS.

Severe Disruption of a School Function (Ref:  BOE Policy 2600-2673)

1.  Conference with student and loss of privileges to attend or participate in any 

     school activity for thirty (30) days.

2.  Deny privilege to attend or participate in any school activity for the remainder of

     the year.

Obscene Language or Gesture – Penalty may vary depending upon the directed use of the infraction. (Ref:  BOE Policy 2600-2673).

1. Conference with student and three (3) 8^th hours.
2. Conference with student and three (3) days in ISS.
3. Conference with student, loss of privilege for thirty (30) days, and up to 5 days of OSS.

Assault – Any assault against a student, staff member, or parent on school grounds will be dealt with in accordance to the state and federal law’s governing the Safe Schools Act (Ref:  BOE Policy 2600-2673, and Safe Schools Act)

All offenses:  Minimum of ten (10) days of OSS, notification to authorities, and referral to Superintendent.

Disrespect to Staff Member-Rude or other wise inappropriate language or behavior directed at a staff member. (Ref:  BOE Policy 2600-2673).

1. Conference with student and three (3) to ten (10) days in ISS or OSS depending upon severity.

False Reports and/or Emergency Reports-The false reporting of bomb threats, fire alarms, or any other emergency report.  (This includes “911” calls). (Ref:  BOE Policy 2600-2673, and Safe Schools Act)

1. Warning, 1-180 days ISS/OSS, or expulsion

Academic Integrity – Cheating is strictly prohibited by the Malta Bend R-V District and will be dealt with severely.  Any person who uses another’s work for their gain, inappropriately uses material or Internet resources (plagiarism), or presents the work of others as their own is acting in violation of this policy

1. The student will receive a grade of “Zero” on this particular assignment and will serve three (3) 8^th hours.  The principal will notify parents of the incident.
2. In any class, even if in a different class than the first infraction or in a different quarter, the penalty will be a failure of that class for the quarter.  The student will receive an “F” for the quarter grade in the class the second cheating infraction occurs in.  Parents will be notified, and the work will be kept on file.

Truancy – Leaving or not attending school without permission and/or failing to properly sign out at the office are all considered to be a violation of this policy.  There will be no opportunity to make-up work missed during the absence.  All acts of truancy will be reported to the parents as well as the Juvenile authorities. (Ref:  BOE Policy 2600-2673 and Missouri Safe Schools Act).

1. Make up time via detentions in 8^th hours
2. Make up double-time via Saturday school and notification to authorities.
3. Three (3) days of ISS, and notification to authorities.
4. Principal shall recommend suspension from school from ten (10) days to the remainder of semester, and notification to authorities.

Forgery- Writing/using the signature/initials of another person (include parent note, & deceptions by telephone). (Ref:  BOE Policy 2600-2673).

1. Conference with student, parent contacted, and (2) Two 8^th hours
2. Three (3) days of ISS
3. Five (5) days of ISS

Threats- Statements, which intimidate or cause another person to feel unsafe.  The level of scope and sequence invoked will be determined by the degree of threat.  Threats verbalizing the use of a weapon will be subject to Ten (10) days OSS and referral to the office of the Superintendent as well as the juvenile authorities. (Ref:  BOE Policy 2600-2673 and Missouri Safe Schools Act).

1. Conference with administrator; parent contacted
2. Three (3) days ISS
3. Five to Ten (5-10) days ISS
4. Five (5) days OSS
5. Ten (10) days OSS

Missing Assigned Detentions - This occurs when a student fails to serve the assigned 8^th hour detention or Saturday School without prior notice to the office staff.  The office staff must receive prior notice at least one day in advance before the detention is to be served.  It is the student’s responsibility to remember they have an assigned detention.

Any missed detention will be rescheduled and served as well as serving the following consequences.

**The Principal will notify the Saline County Juvenile Officer of ALL missed detentions after the second offense**

Missing 8^th Hours                           Missing Saturday Schools

            1.  Two (2) 8^th hours assigned                     1.  Two (2) Saturday Schools assigned

            2.  One (1) Saturday School assigned       2.  One (1) day of ISS

            3.  Three (3) days of ISS                              3.  Five (5) days of ISS

Cell Phone Usage- This type of infraction occurs when a student “uses” his/her cell phone during “regular” school hours. (This includes, but not limited to: text messaging, games, talking, ringing, or in view of a faculty member.)  Students are strongly urged to turn the power off to your cell phone during regular school hours.

1^st offense- Cell phone will be confiscated and given to the building administrator.  The student may pick up their cell phone at the conclusion of the school day in the office.  The student will also serve one (1) 8^th hour.

2^nd offense- Cell phone will be confiscated and given to the building administrator.  The cell phone may be picked up by the parent/guardian at the conclusion of the school day in the office.  The student will also serve (1) one Saturday School detention.

3^rd offense- Cell phone will be confiscated and given to the building administrator.  The cell phone may be picked up by the parent/guardian after parent conference and at the discretion of the principal. The student will also serve disciplinary measures deemed necessary by the building administrator.

Chronic Violations- The purpose of the sanctions listed above is to improve the behavior of the student. If the student continues to engage in inappropriate behavior after repeated interventions, more serious corrective measures may be necessary. A student/parent/administrator conference will be scheduled to discuss the behavior and possible alternative actions. Long-term suspension or expulsion may be recommended.

DEVIATION FROM THE ABOVE SCOPE AND SEQUENCE MAY OCCUR AT THE DISCRETION OF THE BUILDING ADMINISTRATOR.  OTHER OFFENSES NOT NOTED IN THIS SCOPE AND SEQUENCE CHART WILL BE HANDLED ACCORDING TO SCHOOL BOARD POLICY AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH MISSOURI STATUTE 167.171.

Participation in Student Activities

Students participating in extra or co-curricular activities must sign the Activities Code in order to be eligible for such activities.  Students must also meet the following academic requirement to remain eligible:

Any student failing two (2) courses or more at the end of the semester shall be deemed ineligible as per guidelines set forth by the Malta Bend R-V Board of Education.  The student shall be ineligible for the next semester.  It could be the second semester of the current school year, or the first semester of the next school year.

2007-2008 Malta Bend R-V School District Activities Code

The school grants eligibility only if the student meets all standards adopted by the school, which allows a student to participate in activities.  Participation in activities is a privilege, not a right.  All students who wish to participate in any extra/co-curricular activities in the Malta Bend R-V School District are governed by the following code of behavior at all times.  The following rules are in addition to the MSHSAA rules governing eligibility:

1. To be eligible for an activity on a given day, students must be in school from the start of the regular fourth period (11:49) through the end of the day.  Exemptions will be granted for funerals and documented medical appointments. 

2.  In the event of an out-of-school suspension, the student will not be eligible for activities until he/she has fulfilled the disciplinary requirements by the administration and school policy.

3.  The use or possession, or distribution of alcohol is strictly prohibited.  Consequences:  1^st offense = thirty (30) day suspension from activities; 2^nd offense = ninety (90) day suspension from activities; 3^rd offense = three hundred sixty-five (365) day suspension from activities.

4.  The use, possession or distribution of drugs (illicit controlled substances) is absolutely prohibited and will result in complete suspension from all activities for 365 days.

5.  Students must serve assigned detentions at the first opportunity or be ineligible for until they begin serving the detentions.

6.  Students must meet academic eligibility standards as defined in the student handbook.

7.  Students involved in activities are representing the school and community.  They are expected to behave in a positive fashion.  Students violating such expectations by receiving penalties for poor sportsmanship, etc. shall be required to complete disciplinary action as listed herein and any other penalty as required by the coach or sponsor.  The penalty shall be:  Verbal apology to activity peers and sponsor/coach, written apology to officials, opposing sponsor/ coach and to the administration and Board of Education.  Subsequent offense may result in further action.

8.  All suspensions are effective immediately upon acceptance of the written verification by the principal.

9.  Students will have normal due process rights in regards to any action taken under this policy.  Appeals are to be directed in order to the: 

A. Principal                B.  Superintendent of Schools         C.  Board of Education

Due Process Procedures

Short-Term Discipline is any action taken, including ISS for a student up to (10) ten days.

1. Student informed of rule broken.
2. Student informed of how the principal became aware of the infraction, and will have a chance to tell their side of the story.
3. Parents will be notified of rule(s) broken and consequences for those.
4. A student serving OSS will be allowed to earn credit for work completed during the first suspension in a year.  They will receive no credit for work during subsequent out-of-school suspensions.
5. Students serving ISS will complete all work assigned by teachers.  This work will count toward the student’s grade.
   
    

Long Term Discipline is any disciplinary action taken that suspends or expels a student from school for more than ten (10) School days. A FORMAL HEARING MAY BE REQUESTED.

1. Student and parent given notice of the charges.
2. A hearing date set, giving due time, but within two (2) weeks.
3. The student informed that he has right to counsel during the hearing.
4. The student has the right to face his accusers at the hearing, cross-examine witnesses, present a defense, call witnesses, and to an impartial tribunal (Adults not familiar with the situation should be involved in the tribunal as opposed to the principal who imposed the discipline).
5. The decision of the tribunal must be based solely on the facts presented at the hearing.  A student cannot be suspended for something unrelated to the infraction that precipitated the hearing.
6. The superintendent may or may not be present during the formal hearing for suspension.  But disciplinary action decided upon by the tribunal must be approved by the superintendent in writing.

Notice of Non-Discrimination

Applicants for admission and employment, students, parents of elementary and secondary school students, employees, sources of referral of applicants for admission and employment, and all unions or professional organizations with Malta Bend R-V School District are hereby notified that this institution does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or handicap in admission or access to, or treatment of employment in its programs and activities.  Any person having inquiries concerning the Malta Bend R-V District in compliance with the regulations implementing Title IV, Title IX, or Section 504 is directed to contact Mrs. Melissa Vesser, Superintendent of Schools, 200 Linn, Malta Bend, MO 65339.  Telephone:(660)-595-2371.  Mrs. Vesser has been designated by the Malta Bend R-V District to coordinate the institution’s efforts to comply with the regulations implementing Title IV, Title IX, or Section 504.

Public Notice

All public schools are required to provide a free and appropriate public education to all students with disabilities, including those attending private/parochial school, beginning on the child’s third birthday through the age of twenty (20), regardless of the child’s disability.  The public school assures that to comply with the full educational opportunity goal, services, for students three (3) through twenty-one (21) will be fully implemented by 1999.  Disabilities include:  Learning disabilities, mental retardation, behavior disorders/ emotional disturbance, speech disorders (voice, fluency, or articulation), language disorders, visually impaired, hearing impaired, physically/ other health impaired, multiple disabilities, deaf/ blind, autism, early childhood special education, and traumatic brain injury:  The public school assures that it will provide information and referral services necessary to assist the State in the implementation of early intervention services for infants and toddlers eligible for the Missouri First Steps Program. 

All public schools are required to provide the right to inspect and review personally identifiable information collected and used or maintained by the district relating to their children.  Parents have the right to request amendment to these records if they feel the information is inaccurate, misleading, or violates the privacy or other rights of their children.  Parents have the right to file complaints with the U.S. Department of Elementary and Secondary education or the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education concerning alleged failures by the district to meet the requirements of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).  You may contact your local district if you wish to review the requirements provided by FERPA.

The public school has developed a Local Compliance Plan for implantation of Special education, and this Plan is available for public review during regular school hours on days school is in session in the Office of the Superintendent of Schools.  The Local Compliance Plan is a written narrative, which describes the district’s plan for compliance with requirements for identifying and serving all students with disabilities.  Included in this plan are the policies and procedures, which the district must follow regarding storage, disclosure to third parties, retention, and destruction of personally identifiable information.  The plan also describes the assurances that services are provided in compliance with the requirement of 34 CFR 76.301 of the General Education Provision Act.

Public schools in the State of Missouri are required to conduct an annual census of all children with disabilities or suspected disabilities from birth through age twenty (20) who reside in the district or whose parent/legal guardian resides in the district.  The census is complied as of May 1 each year.  This information is treated as confidential and submitted to the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.  Information to be collected includes:  name of each child, parent/ legal guardian’s name/address, birth date and age of each child; and each child’s disability or suspected disability.  Should the district fail to submit an annual census, the State Board of Education may withhold state aid until the census is submitted.  If you have a child with a disability who is not attending the public school, please contact your school district.  This notice can be provided in languages such as Chinese, Spanish, Arabic, and Vietnamese, or any other language as may be necessary. 

Directory Information

The Malta Bend R-V School District is required to notify parents of students currently in attendance of the “Directory Information” the district will release.  Parents or eligible students will have ten (10) school days after the annual public notice to view the student’s “Directory Information” and to provide notice in writing to the district that they choose to not have this information or any portion of the “Directory Information” released.  Unless notified in writing within the ten (10) school day period, the district may disclose any of those items designated as “Directory Information” without the parent’s or eligible student’s prior written consent including print and electronic publication of the Malta Bend R-V School District.

“Directory Information” is information contained in an educational record of a student that would not generally be considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if disclosed.  The Malta Bend R-V School District designates the following items as “Directory Information”:  student’s name; parent’s name; address; telephone number; electronic mail address; date and place of birth; grade level; major field of study; enrollment status (e.g. full-time or part-time); participate in officially recognized activities and sports including audiovisual or photographic records of openly visible activities thereof (e.g. artistic performances, sporting contests, assemblies, service projects; awards’ ceremonies, etc.); weight and height of members of athletic teams; dates of attendance; degrees, honors, and awards received; most recent previous school attended; and photographs including photographs of regular school activities that do not disclose specific academic information about the child and/or would not be considered harmful or an invasion of privacy.

Planner Acknowledgment Page

Students

I, ________________________________________________________,  have read and understand the contents of the 2007-08 Student Handbook as I have read through the contents of this book with my teacher during the beginning days of school.  Furthermore, I realize that I am responsible for following the rules and procedures outlined within.  I also understand that I will be held accountable for my actions if I choose to not follow the guidelines, rules, and procedures outlined within the 2007-08 Student Handbook.

__________________________________________  _______________________

Student Signature                                                                 Date

Parents

I have read and understand the contents of my child’s 2007-08 Student Handbook.  I realize that my child is responsible for following the rules and procedures within. Furthermore, I understand that my child will be held accountable for their actions if they so choose to not follow the guidelines, rules, and procedures outlined within the 2007-08 Student Handbook.

As a parent, I am aware that I may contact the school administrator at any time if I have any question concerning the rules, practices, and policies contained herein the 2007-08 Malta Bend R-V School District Student Handbook.

__________________________________________  ________________________

Parent Signature                                                                   Date

Technology Use Agreement for the

Malta Bend R-V School District

I have read the school’s technology usage policy.  I understand that violations of these provisions may result in disciplinary action taken against my child, including but not limited to, suspension of my child’s access to district technology and suspension or expulsion from school.  I understand my child’s usage is not private and that the school district can monitor my child’s use of technology.  I consent to district interception of, or access to, the communications sent, received, or stored by my child using the school’s technology resources.

I agree to be responsible for any unauthorized costs arising from my child’s use of the district’s technology resources.  I agree to be responsible for any damages incurred by my child.

 I give permission for my child to utilize the school district’s technology resources.

_____________________________________________       _____________

(Parent/ Guardian Signature)                                                          Date

Student Section

I have read the technology usage policy and agree to abide by its provisions.  I understand that violations can result in disciplinary actions taken against me.  I also know that technology usage is not private, with the school being able monitor my usage.

______________________________                             _________                            _