East Buchanan Secondary Student Handbook

It is the policy of East Buchanan Community School District not to illegally discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, disability, religion, creed, age (for employment,) marital status (for programs), sexual orientation, gender identity and socioeconomic status (for programs) in its educational programs and its employment practices.

There is a grievance procedure for processing complaints of discrimination. Individuals shall use the policy complaint form for policy number 102.E1. If you have questions or a grievance related to this policy please contact the district's Equity Coordinator, Daniel Fox, Superintendent, East Buchanan Community School, 414 5th St. N., Winthrop, IA 50682, (319) 935-3767, dfox@east-buc.k12.ia.us

The school will cooperate with law enforcement officials in investigations involving students, while still protecting the rights of students.

Law enforcement officials will be granted permission to interview students (non-suspect) in the school setting. This generally will occur following approval of school officials and in the presence of a school official.

It shall be the responsibility of the investigator in abuse cases to determine who will be present during an interview. Officials who request an interview for a child abuse investigation and the investigator determines that the child should be interviewed independently of his or her parent(s) or guardian(s) and the school is the most appropriate setting for the interview, school officials will allow the investigation without contacting the parent(s) or guardian(s).

While school officials generally will allow interviews of students (non-suspects) without parental notification, law enforcement has the responsibility to notify parents of any interrogation of minors. The school will do everything possible to see that parents are notified prior to any interrogation of student. In the event that parents are not available, a school administrator shall be present at the interview and serve as an advocate of the student.

The Board of Directors holds all school property in public trust. School authorities may, without a search warrant search a student, student lockers, desks, work areas or student automobiles based on a reasonable suspicion under the circumstances and in a manner reasonable in scope to maintain order and discipline in the schools, promote the educational environment, and protect the safety and welfare of students, school personnel. School authorities may also seize any illegal, unauthorized or contraband materials discovered in the search. Items of contraband may include but are not limited to nonprescription controlled substances, such as marijuana, amphetamines, barbiturates, apparatus used for the administration of controlled substances, alcoholic beverages, tobacco, weapons, explosives, poisons and stolen property. Possession of such items will be grounds for disciplinary action and may be grounds for reporting to local law enforcement authorities.

In an ongoing effort to keep and provide a safe environment for all students, the East Buchanan School District will partner with local law enforcement to participate in a routine unannounced search of the school premises by the drug and bomb K-9 (dog) units. Sessions will be scheduled through the Superintendent and/or Secondary Principals office.

Any student that has been abused either physically or sexually by a school employee shall make a written report of this to the level one investigator immediately. The level one investigators are the Superintendent of Schools or the Secondary Principal. Report forms are available in any administrative office.

If you feel that an action of a faculty member toward you is unfair or improper, you have the right to question the action. You are responsible to behave respectfully and calmly at all times and to follow the listed process:

1. Set up a time to meet with the faculty member privately. Do this later in the day or early the next day. Discuss your opinions and listen to the faculty member's opinion. Normally most disagreements are a misunderstanding of the facts of a particular situation and will be cleared up with this type of discussion. You will not always agree with the faculty member, but will be more likely to understand why the action of the teacher was necessary.

2. If you still feel the action was unjust or improper after meeting with the faculty member, you should contact the principal. The principal will listen to your explanation. Normally, he/she will schedule a meeting with you and the faculty member to discuss the situation and a possible solution.

3. If you still feel the action is unjust or improper after this meeting, you should contact the Superintendent of Schools to discuss the situation.

Academic and sports waivers may be used to reduce the physical education requirements in a given year from two trimesters to one trimester.

To use the academic waiver you must be taking eight credits. You may not use this for the first trimester.

The sports waiver must be used during the trimester in which the athlete is involved in a sport.

There will be no schedule changes or adding and dropping of subjects after the third day of school has been completed in each trimester. Students need to be responsible in making appropriate course selections during registration. Classes dropped after the third day will result in an "F" being recorded as a grade.

Students may graduate at either the end of the first or second trimester of their senior year if all graduation requirements in board policy #605.4 (Graduation Requirements) have been met. An early graduate will be considered an alumnus and will not be allowed to participate in extra-curricular activities or activities of a social nature, except prom. To be considered for early graduation, a student must meet all graduation requirements and submit a written request to the high school principal stating their reason for the request; both the parent/guardian and the student must sign the letter. For the complete policy regarding early graduation, see board policy #505.17 (Early Graduation)

The honor roll is established as a way to recognize academic excellence. To qualify for the "A" Honor Roll, students must have a 3.65 (A-) to 4.00 (A) grade point average (G.P.A.). Students with a 3.00 (B) to 3.64 (B+) grade point average qualify for the "B" Honor Roll. Students listed on both the "A" and "B" Honor Rolls will be able to qualify for National Honor Society with a 3.25 or higher G.P.A.

a.) To enhance innovative education through access to unique resources and collaborations, and

b.) To improve learning and teaching through research, teacher training, collaboration and dissemination of successful educational practices, methods, and materials.

Access to the Internet and EB Network is a privilege and not a right, and persons who misuse this privilege will be denied access.

** Students and their parents must sign the East Buchanan Schools Internet Policy. This will be kept on file for the duration of the student's time at East Buchanan. Any violation of the EB Internet/Network Policy may result in privileges being revoked for a specified amount of time as stated below.

Students who access restricted items or otherwise misuse the Internet/Network will be subject to appropriate action as described in the school's discipline policy or student handbook or to the following consequences.

A student that has been found to be in violation of the EB Internet Policy or has intentionally accessed restricted material will lose Internet privileges for a period of three weeks at the discretion of the building principal.

A student that has been found to be in violation of the EB Internet Policy or has intentionally accessed restricted material for a second time will lose all network privileges for a period of 12 weeks.

A student that has been found to be in violation of the EB Internet Policy or has intentionally accessed restricted material for a third time will lose all network privileges for a period of one calendar year.

The discipline for these offenses will be for the duration of the studentÕs years at East Buchanan.

Junior and senior students carrying 5 academic subjects (not including physical education, P.A.R.T., or cadet teaching) may take one (1) elective course Pass/Fail. Pass/Fail classes may not be required courses. Pass/Fail forms are available in the guidance office and must be completed during the 3-day add/drop period. A student will be given an S (satisfactory) or a U (unsatisfactory) on their report card.

High School students are allowed to retake one (1) elective course per trimester for credit. Listed below are the conditions that must be present and the results of retaking a class.

Assembly programs are generally entertaining as well as educational and are for all secondary students. Your courteous behavior and attitude will determine the number of programs to be held during the school year. Classes will be assigned seating areas as follows:

MIDDLE SCHOOL AND HIGH SCHOOL ATTENDANCE POLICY

It is the educational philosophy of the East Buchanan School District that regular attendance by all students is essential and cannot be duplicated by any other methods. Students are expected to be in class and make attendance a top priority. Only through attendance and class participation do students achieve the benefits of the educational program. Consequently, the Board of Education, the Administrators, and the Staff of the East Buchanan School District expect that students shall be in attendance at scheduled classes and activities for one hundred and eighty (180) days per academic year.

EXCUSED ABSENCE: An excused absence is an absence in which both the school and parents are aware of and condone the nature of the absence.

*Pre-approved family activities (Prior approval must be granted by the Principal)

UNEXCUSED ABSENCE: An unexcused absence is one that the school does not recognize as meeting the above criteria, but the absence is made with the knowledge of the parents.

*A student will be allowed three unexcused absences in a trimester. After the third unexcused absence they will serve 1 Saturday in School Suspension for the fourth and every unexcused absence thereafter.

*The student may also lose credit for the course on a fourth or subsequent unexcused absence.

TRUANCY: A student is said to be truant from school when neither the school nor the parents are aware of the absence or the whereabouts of the student. Truancy may be for one or two periods or for the entire day. All truancies are unexcused absences.

1. NOTIFYING OFFICE OF REASONS FOR ABSENCE: Anytime a student is absent, a parent will notify the school on the morning of said absence. The parent may call between 7:30 and 9:00 A.M. Following the completion of the first period attendance check, the school will call the parents of students whose absence has not been explained by phone. If the parent cannot call the day their child is absent, a written excuse should be sent to the office with the child when he/she returns to school. All absences must be excused within two (2) days of the studentÕs return to school. If a call or note is not received within this time, the absence will be unexcused. For an excused absence to be recorded as professional medical or court appearances/legal appointments, verification must be turned in to the office. This is the responsibility of the student.

EXCUSED ABSENCES: Upon the 4^th, and 10^th excused absence in any trimester the office will notify the parents of the number of absences and the reason for those absences. Upon the tenth absence the Principal shall determine if a parent meeting is required to discuss the frequency and reasons for the absences. Failure of a parent/guardian to help resolve the attendance problem may result in the students being removed from the classes in which they have had excessive absences.

UNEXCUSED ABSENCES: Upon the second unexcused absence the parents will be notified of the number of absences. Upon the fourth and each subsequent unexcused absence the students will serve 1 Saturday in school suspension. After a student has accumulated four unexcused absences the student may lose credit for the classes missed.

3. UNEXCUSED ABSENCES/LOSS OF CREDIT: A student is allowed three (3) unexcused absences in a trimester. A student who has a fourth unexcused absence in that trimester will serve 1 Saturday In-School Suspension for the fourth and every unexcused absence thereafter. The student may also lose credit on a fourth or subsequent unexcused absence. An appeal to the board of education of a loss of credit may be made. Students or parents wishing to meet with the Board must request the meeting immediately following the fourth unexcused absence. This request can be made through the high school principal or the superintendent. It is the students' and/or parent's responsibility to request this appeal.

4. MAKE UP WORK/ADVANCED MAKE UP SLIPS: Any time a student is absent, it is the student's responsibility to contact the instructor of the classes that were missed to request his/her make up work. Students will be allowed the number of days absent plus one to make up their work.

Students who are absent for partial days have an obligation to see the teachers of the classes they have missed or will miss that day. In this way students will know their assignments and be able to have the work done by the following day. (Examples of partial absences include, but are not limited to, leaving early for extra and co-curricular activities, medical appointments, court appearances or leaving early due to illness.)

5. TIMES FOR DETERMINING ABSENCE: Student attendance will be recorded on a period-by-period basis for individual classes. Students must attend at least one-half of the class meeting time to not be counted absent that period. If a student is absent two (2) to five (5) periods he or she will be recorded as one-half day absent and a student absent six (6) or more periods will be recorded as one day absent on their report card and permanent record.

6. COLLEGE VISITS: Senior students will be granted three (3) college visitation days per year. Juniors will be granted two (2) college visitation days per year. Students must return with a visitor's slip from the college they visited. College visits will not be approved in the final two weeks of each trimester.

7. RELEASE DURING SCHOOL HOURS: Students will be allowed to leave the school grounds during school hours only with prior authorization from their parents. Student must sign out in the office before leaving. Any student not following this policy will be considered truant.

8. STUDENTS LIVING INDEPENDENTLY: When a student is no longer living with a parent/guardian and that parent/guardian will no longer be responsible for the student's attendance at school, the student will be guided by an independent living contract. This contract will be determined on a case-by-case basis by the student and the administration. A copy of a sample contract is available in the high school office.

Ninety-eight percent of the students at East Buchanan follow the rules on a daily basis and come to school to learn. The student conduct code is in place to help these students learn in a friendly and safe environment. The code below describes behaviors that will warrant disciplinary action, and the discipline levels imposed for specific behaviors.

Level 5–Out of School Suspension (OSS) 1 to 10 Days (During this period students are ineligible for any and all extra-curricular activities.)

Detentions will be served with the teacher that assigns the detention at a time that is convenient for the teacher. In the case that the office assigns the detention then that detention will be served on Wednesday from 7:30 -8:15 AM or after school. Failure to serve a Wednesday detention will result in an additional 30 minutes being added to the detention time.

Failure to serve the above consequences will result in advancement to the next level.

ISS: In-school suspension is a setting, which removes the student from the general population but allows the student to work on academic courses.

SISS: Saturday in-school suspension is a detention setting that allows students to remain on track in academic courses. With SISS, students still remain in class, get needed instruction, and serve detention time in a Saturday setting. Two Saturday settings of 3 hours each will be used on a need basis.

OSS: Out of school suspension is reserved for cases where prior punishment was ineffective, or the misbehavior warrants more severe punishment than SISS. Students receiving OSS must have a student/administration conference before reentering school. The third OSS will result in a recommendation for expulsion.

Four-Oaks Detention: A temporary placement at Four-Oaks (one to five days) in Independence is a last resort detention policy which the school and parents may choose to try to correct repeated school violations or severe violations of the student conduct code. (Four-Oaks is not placed on the levels of punishment because it is a rare and last resort consequence)

TARDIES: When a student arrives late for a class, they will be counted tardy. If a student arrives late for a class without a proper excuse, the teacher will count that student tardy. Any tardy can result in a 15-minute detention either before or after school. Failure to serve the 15-minute detention will result in a 30-minute detention. If the student fails to serve the 30-minute detention they will be referred to the office, which will result in a 60-minute detention being served with the office.

LATE FOR SCHOOL – Any student that does not arrive on time for their first scheduled class (including study hall) will be tardy for school. Each student will be granted one such occurrence. After one tardy per trimester, students will serve a 15 minute detention for each subsequent tardy. If a student is more than 15 minutes late then the detention will be equal to the time missed.

DISRUPTION OF SCHOOL: Any action or conduct that interrupts, disrupts, or is detrimental to the school environment, including inappropriate hallway behavior.

**ISS for the duration of the period affected to out of school suspension and expulsion.

VANDALISM: Damage, destruction, or defacing school property or private property on school grounds.

INSUBORDINATION: Insubordination is willful disobedience toward authority. Students are expected to comply with the requests of faculty members and staff regardless of whether the request is made in the classroom, hallway, or at an extra-curricular activity. Insubordination will not be tolerated.

Any student who shows disrespect, disregard for school/classroom rules, uses profanity, threatens, or makes obscene gestures directly or indirectly toward a school employee or guest will be found to be insubordinate.

In order to obtain the full benefits of the educational system, students are expected to complete their own assignments, quizzes and exams. Students found guilty of cheating will receive Òno creditÓ for the assignment, quiz or exam in question. Individual teachers may have more strict room rules regarding cheating.

CONDUCT ON SCHOOL BUSES: A list of school bus rules (REGULATIONS FOR PUPILS RIDING SCHOOL BUSES) will be provided at registration. It is both the students' and parents' responsibility to become familiar with the rules and procedures of riding the school bus.

The East Buchanan Community School District Board of Education has authorized the use of video cameras on school district buses. The video cameras will be used to monitor student behavior to maintain order on the school buses. Students and parents are hereby notified that the content of the videotapes may be used in a student disciplinary proceeding.

**Suspension from Riding the Bus – which may range from three days to an indefinite period of time.

The Board of Education prohibits the distribution, dispensing, manufacture, possession, use, or being under the influence of beer, wine, alcohol, tobacco, other controlled substances, or "look alike" substances that appear to be tobacco, beer, wine, alcohol or controlled substances by students while on school district property or on property within the jurisdiction of the school district; while on school owned and/or operated school or chartered buses; while attending or engaged in school activities; and while associated with a school event at home or away from school grounds if misconduct will directly affect the good order, efficient management and welfare of the school district.

The board believes such illegal, unauthorized or contraband materials generally cause material and substantial disruption to the school environment or present a threat to the health and safety of students, employees, or visitors.

Violation of this policy by students will result in disciplinary action including suspension or expulsion. Use, purchase or being in possession of cigarettes, tobacco or tobacco products for those under the age of eighteen, may be reported to the local law enforcement authorities. Possession, use or being under the influence of beer, wine, alcohol and/or of a controlled substance may also be reported to the local law enforcement authorities.

Students who violate the terms of this policy may be required to satisfactorily complete a substance abuse assistance or rehabilitation program approved by the school board. If such student fails to satisfactorily complete such a program, the student may be subject to discipline including suspension or expulsion.

Violation of the Drugs/Alcohol/Tobacco Policy will result in the following disciplinary action:

First Offense: A student found to have violated the policy for the first time would be suspended for ten (10) school days. The student may have the suspension reduced to three (3) school days if they attend and complete successfully a drug/alcohol/tobacco education course approved by the administration.

Second Offense: A student found to have violated the policy for the second time would be suspended for twenty (20) school days. They may have the suspension reduced to ten (10) school days if they complete a drug/alcohol/tobacco evaluation and successfully complete the prescribed counseling outlined by the evaluation.

Third Offense: A student found to have violated the policy for the third and subsequent times would be suspended for 1-year (365) days.

First and Subsequent Offenses: A student found to have violated the policy for the first and all subsequent offenses will be suspended for one year.

ANTI-BULLYING / HARASSMENT (Code No.104)

Harassment and bullying of students and employees are against federal, state and local policy, and are not tolerated by the board. The board is committed to providing all students with a safe and civil school environment in which all members of the school community are treated with dignity and respect. To that end, the board has in place policies, procedures, and practices that are designed to reduce and eliminate bullying and harassment as well as processes and procedures to deal with incidents of bullying and harassment. Bullying and harassment of students by students, school employees, and volunteers who have direct contact with students will not be tolerated in the school or school district.

This policy is in effect while students or employees are on property within the jurisdiction of the board; while on school-owned or school-operated vehicles; while attending or engaged in school-sponsored activities; and while away from school grounds if the misconduct directly affects the good order, efficient management and welfare of the school or school district.

If, after an investigation, a student is found to be in violation of this policy, the student shall be disciplined by appropriate measures up to, and including, suspension and expulsion. If after an investigation a school employee is found to be in violation of this policy, the employee shall be disciplined by appropriate measures up to, and including, termination. If after an investigation a school volunteer is found to be in violation of this policy, the volunteer shall be subject to appropriate measures up to, and including, exclusion from school grounds. "Volunteer" means an individual who has regular, significant contact with students.

Harassment and bullying means any electronic, written, verbal, or physical act or conduct toward a student which is based on any actual or perceived trait or characteristic of the student and which creates an objectively hostile school environment that meets one or more of the following conditions:

- Places the student in reasonable fear of harm to the student's person or property;

- Has a substantially detrimental effect on the student's physical or mental health;

- Has the effect of substantially interfering with the student's academic performance; or

- Has the effect of substantially interfering with the student's ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities, or privileges provided by a school.

"Electronic' means any communication involving the transmission of information by wire, radio, optical cable, electromagnetic, or other similar means. "Electronic" includes but is not limited to communication via electronic mail, internet-based communications, pager service, cell phones, electronic text messaging, or similar technologies.

Harassment and bullying may include, but are not limited to, the following behaviors and circumstances:

Sexual harassment means unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when:

In situations between students and school officials, faculty, staff, or volunteers who have direct contact with students, bullying and harassment may also include the following behaviors:

Any person who promptly, reasonably, and in good faith reports an incident of bullying or harassment under this policy to a school official, shall be immune from civil or criminal liability relating to such report and to the person's participation in any administrative, judicial, or other proceeding relating to the report. Individuals who knowingly file a false complaint may be subject to appropriate disciplinary actions.

Retaliation against any person because the person has filed a bullying or harassment complaint or assisted or participated in a harassment investigation or proceeding, is also prohibited. Individuals who knowingly file false harassment complaints and any person who gives false statements in an investigation shall be subject to discipline by appropriate measures, as shall any person who is found to have retaliated against another in violation of this policy. Any student found to have retaliated, in violation of this policy shall be subject to measures up to, and including, suspension and expulsion. Any school employee found to have retaliated in violation of this policy, shall be subject to measures up to, and including, termination of employment. Any school volunteer found to have retaliated in violation of this policy, shall be subject to measures up to, and including, exclusion from school grounds.

The school or school district will promptly and reasonably investigate allegations of bullying or harassment. The equity coordinator or designee will be responsible for handling all complaints by students alleging bullying or harassment. The equity coordinator or designee will be responsible for handling all complaints by employees alleging bullying or harassment.

It is also the responsibility of the superintendent, in conjunction with the investigator and principals, to develop procedures regarding this policy. The superintendent also is responsible for organizing training programs for students, school officials, faculty, staff, and volunteers who have direct contact with students. The training will include how to recognize harassment and what to do in case a student is harassed. It will also include proven effective harassment prevention strategies. The superintendent will also develop a process for evaluating the effectiveness of the policy in reducing bullying and harassment in the board. The superintendent shall report to the board on the progress of reducing bullying and harassment in the board.

The severity of the event may make it necessary to skip a level and make the discipline more severe.

Clothing which advertises, promotes, or suggests the use of alcohol, drugs, or tobacco is prohibited. Clothing which suggests or depicts things of a sexual nature is prohibited as well. Such material includes, but is not limited to hats, book bags, gym bags, buttons, badges, t-shirts, or other clothing.

Clothing items that advertise or depict the following slogans, companies, or businesses are prohibited: Hooters, Playboy, Playgirl, Big Johnson, Coed Naked as well as other items of this nature.

Any clothing or material item that is obscene or offensive to the average person is prohibited. Obscene and offensive will be measured in terms of communication with the office by those people that deem certain items to be obscene or offensive. If a student has something that is deemed to be obscene or offensive they will be asked to have this item removed in the following ways:

Any offense after the third offense will result in a meeting with the student, the parents, and the administration concerning that studentÕs inability to follow the dress code.

T-Shirts/clothing/items that are not school sanctioned, and are deemed inappropriate will not be allowed during the school day or at school sanctioned activities.

Any student wanting to create a T-Shirt/clothing/item to support a school activity needs to meet with the principal, the AD, and the in-season coaches/directors prior to selling, advertising, or wearing these things to school or school activities. It is important to remember that we are in a grade pre-K through grade 12 setting, and our activities include everyone from our communities. As stated in our dress code appropriateness is a must for any item we allow in the district or at activities.

It is the recommendation of the Administration that students must leave their radios, DVD players, compact disc players, cellular phones, pagers and other such equipment at home. The school will not assume any responsibility if they are lost or stolen. In addition students will not be allowed to use such equipment during the school day. (Exceptions may be made for field trips.)

It is important to note that we do see the value in students utilizing cell phones after school and at school events (where appropriate) as a means to communicate, but not during the school day. From 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM no student will be denied access to a phone in the office for emergency purposes, or for extra-curricular and academic purposes.

First Time: The item will be placed in the office and the student can pick it up after school.

Second Time: The item will be placed in the office and the student can pick it up after school. The student will also be assigned a 30-minute detention. The parents will be notified that the student is using the electronic device and the result of further infractions.

Third offense and all subsequent offenses: The item will be placed in the office. The student will serve a 1-hour detention before the device can be picked up. The parents will be notified and asked to pick up the item in the office.

The school reserves the right to confiscate the phone for the remainder for the year if repeated use is deemed to be interfering with the educational atmosphere of the school.

For the most part, if students keep the cell phones off and out of sight during the school day there should not be any problems. This will allow for a sense of security on the part of the parents for before and after school times, and will allow for academic time that is uninterrupted by cell phone usage. Keep in mind that we do have phones available in the office for legitimate use during the school day, and we are able to get students to these same phones for emergencies in a matter of a few minutes. Students may come to the office to use their cell phone in the case of a legitimate need.

Sometimes in your school life, assistance concerning personal, social, and educational growth will concern you enough to ask for help. Feel free to ask the counseling department to assist you or to refer you to those who can. Information regarding colleges is available through the counselor's office.

Students should not be dismissed from a regular class to see the guidance counselor. They need to go during study hall periods. Students going to the guidance office must have a pass from the counselor prior to coming from study hall.

Locker doors should always remain closed and locked at all times for hall and fire safety reasons. Please do not put anything on the outside of the locker doors except cheerleading/school spirit signs. Defacing a locker will cause a student to be denied the right to have a locker.

Lockers will be inspected by school administration at various times throughout the school year.

Lost and found articles are to be reported to the main office. Valuable lost and found items will be kept in the main office. Students who lose either library or textbooks are required to pay for them. The school provides these books at a nominal cost.

Guidelines: There will be three lunch sections: A, B, & C. All students, including those who bring their lunch, must go to the lunchroom during the assigned lunch period. We have a closed noon hour.

Depositing Money: Parents may send any amount of money they wish to have placed in their child's account. However, we do ask that a minimum of five dollars ($5.00) be deposited each time. Students will not be allowed to eat lunch if they incur a deficit of $5.00. Money must be deposited in individual accounts in the morning before school. Deposits cannot be made while going through the lunch line. Deposits may also be made through PaySchools. Access can be found on the EB Website http://www.east-buc.k12.ia.us/ under the EBCS Quick Links heading "PaySchools".

Home for Lunch: Students who wish to go home for lunch must make arrangements in the office prior to doing so the first time. The decision to let a student go home for lunch will be based on the distance that a student lives from the school, and their ability to get home and back in a safe manner without being late. Driving of vehicles is strongly discouraged and requires written permission by the parents. Students driving cannot take passengers.

Ordering Out: Students are permitted to order from local businesses. The following rules must be followed: Wednesday is the only day ordering out will be permitted; the office phones will not be used to place the orders; and students will not be allowed to leave school to pick up the orders.

Membership in the National Honor Society shall be based upon Scholarship, Service, Leadership, and Character. To be eligible for consideration, a student must have accumulated a 3.25 grade point average during the freshmen, sophomore and junior years.

Based upon these criteria, one becomes eligible for induction into National Honor Society. Inductees are invited based upon the review of faculty recommendations, by a five-person EB NHS appointed board.

The PART program allows senior students more independence, responsibility and flexibility during the day. PART is a privilege granted to students. To be eligible for PART, a senior must meet these minimum requirements.

A senior who has six or more absences the previous trimester will not be eligible for PART. Included in the six absences are any excused or unexcused absences that the student has accumulated. Any student that reaches six absences in a trimester will lose their release time and will be assigned to a study hall.

Days that will not be counted towards the six are pre-approved absences, school related absences, or chronic health conditions.

Any student with 3 or more unexcused absences will not be granted PART for the next trimester and will be pulled from PART during the current trimester.

A senior must maintain a 2.0 grade point average for the previous trimester. Any student who receives a failing midterm will lose their release time for the remainder of the trimester. Any student who fails a class the previous trimester will automatically be ineligible for PART.

Seniors that have been granted PART are expected to maintain excellent behavior. Any behavior that is of such severity as to cause a suspension may be cause for loss of PART. Examples of suspension related offenses are: insubordination, harassment, fighting, and truancy.

PART is available for the first/second hour in the morning or seventh/eighth hour of the day. Students who have release time in the morning must sign in at the office on a daily basis for attendance purposes. Students who have release time in the afternoon are required to sign out. Failure to do this will result in loss of the PART privilege.

assume responsibility and are accountable for their student during the release time.

The East Buchanan High School Student Council will consist of (12) members, composed of three (3) holdover members from the previous year, three (3) members elected from the junior class, and two (2) from each of the other classes.

The board believes weapons and other dangerous objects in school district facilities cause material and substantial disruption to the school environment or present a threat to the health and safety of students, employees, and visitors on the school district premises or property within the jurisdiction of the school district.

Students found with weapons and dangerous objects shall be reported to law enforcement officials and the student will be subject to disciplinary action including suspension or expulsion. Students bringing firearms to school shall be expelled for not less than twelve months.

Food and drink is prohibited everywhere in the school during the school day except in the lunchroom. The pop machines will be turned off from 8:15-3:10. All breakfast items (purchased in the school or elsewhere) are to eaten in the lunchroom before school. All lunch items (purchased at the school or elsewhere) are to be eaten in the lunchroom during that student's lunch period. Special occasions may allow for food in specific classrooms with administrative approval.

All students will park in the north parking lot, with no exceptions. This includes seniors with PART, cadet teaching students, students with work study, and students that arrive late for school or leave early from school. Violators that park in the staff, delivery, and visitor parking areas on the east (in front of the school) and west (behind the HS) do so at the risk of having their car towed at the student's expense. There also will be no parking of any kind on 5^th street.

If you need special arrangements please check with the high school office prior to the first day of school.

POST SECONDARY ENROLLMENT OPTION

The Post-Secondary Enrollment Options Act (Iowa Code 261C, 1989) was enacted to promote rigorous academic pursuits and to provide wider variety of options to high school students by enabling eleventh and twelfth grade students to enroll part time in non-sectarian courses in eligible post-secondary institutions of higher learning in Iowa.

Student Eligibility: A student wanting to request post-secondary courses for secondary credit may do so through the high school office. The period of time each student is eligible is not to exceed two academic school years, starting with their eleventh grade year.

Persons who have graduated from high school are not eligible under this policy. However, students who are eligible for early graduation will be permitted to participate under this policy for the remainder of that regular school year provided that they have not received a diploma prior to the end of the school year.

Counseling: The East Buchanan Community School District may provide counseling services to aid students and parents or guardians in decision-making. These counseling services, to the extent possible, will be structured to do the following:

1. Inform students and parents or guardians about options available in the high school, in post-secondary institutions, and about schedules of course offerings.

3. Advise students regarding benefits and risks of participation in a post-secondary program, including the academic, social, emotional, and other facets of participation under the Act.

4. Encourage joint counseling for students from both our high school and the post-secondary institution counseling staff.

Any student wishing to participate under this Act should inform the East Buchanan Guidance Department immediately.

A Homeless student is a child or youth of school age who lacks a fixed, regular and adequate night time residence and includes a child or youth of school age that might be living on the street, in a car, tent or abandoned building or some other form of shelter not designed as a permanent home; who is living in a community shelter; or is living with non-nuclear family members or with friends, who may or may not have legal guardianship over the child or youth of school age.

Fees and charges that may present a barrier to the enrollment of the homeless student may be waived at the discretion of the superintendent.

Transportation policies or practices that may present a barrier to the enrollment of the homeless student may be waived at the discretion of the superintendent.

Enrollment requirements that may present a barrier to the enrollment of the homeless student may be waived at the discretion of the superintendent. If school records from previous schools cannot be located then the school district will administer tests to determine the educational level of the student.

Services: All services, which are available to resident students, are made available to homeless students enrolled in the school district.

A student may be determined to be at risk if one or more of the following applies:

Student is experiencing academic difficulties in the classroom not based on ability.

Student is scoring below the proficiency level or appropriate grade level for a student of their age and/or grade level.

Student is not involved in school-sponsored activities, which foster a positive relationship with the school.

A student has experienced a disruptive life event, which interferes with his/her progress towards graduation.

School cannot provide extensive individualized support to address non-academic needs of the student.

Student needs additional opportunities to develop positive relationships with adults, allowing the student to better accept authority and structure.

That student's educational history will be brought before the appropriate Assistance Team to review any steps necessary to improve the educational setting for the student.

If deemed to be appropriate by the A-Team the student will have their educational experience modified to see if improvement can be gained.

ACTIVITIES HANDBOOK

It is a privilege and an honor to be able to participate in activities and represent the East Buchanan School District. The student and the school are judged by the participantÕs character and conduct at all times. Students serve as a role model to many people and their attitude and behavior affects others. Students are encouraged to participate in the program of co-curricular and extra-curricular activities that are offered, as there are many benefits to participating.

All students who participate in one or more co-curricular or extra-curricular activities shall adhere to the Good Conduct Code and eligibility requirements.

Extra-curricular activities covered include: Athletics (includes cheerleading), Drama, and Speech. Other activities not listed may also fall under the jurisdiction of the Good Conduct Clause (National Honor Society members are covered by the NHS Constitution.)

a. Middle School – In order to maintain academic eligibility students will need to pass all of their classes. Any student who is failing at mid-term (the six week period) will be ineligible on a weekly basis until they have a passing grade in those classes that they were failing at mid-term. Students not failing at mid-term, or students that raise their grade to a passing mark will no longer have their grades checked on a weekly basis. However, a student who fails a class on their report card (at the end of a trimester) will be ineligible for 1/3 (one-third) of their current activities contest dates (not contests), or their next activity if they are not in one at that time. If a student fails a class that they drop or one that has ended, the same guidelines will apply. If a student fails a class the third trimester they are ineligible for 1/3 (one-third) of the scheduled dates if they participate in a summer activity. If they do not participate in a summer activity, they are ineligible for 1/3 (one-third) of the scheduled dates of the activity they participate in during the fall trimester. Successful completion of any season must take place for a student to serve their ineligibility.

The math to figure out 1/3 (one-third) of the dates is rounded to closest single digit (i.e. 3.40 = 3, and 3.50 = 4). In some cases dates from more than one activity may need to be missed to make up the 1/3 missed dates. One-time events that only take place once (i.e. Homecoming Court, Prom, Graduation, etc.) will not be factored into the eligibility requirements.

b. High School – In order to maintain academic eligibility students will need to pass all of their classes. Any student who is failing at mid-term (the six week period) will be ineligible on a weekly basis until they have a passing grade in those classes that they were failing at midterm. Students not failing at midterm, or those students that raise their grades to a passing mark will no longer have their grades checked on a weekly basis.

A student that fails at the end of a trimester will be held accountable as prescribed by the "Academic Rule" 36.15(2) produced by the Iowa Department of Education, the Iowa High School Athletic Association, and the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union. The provisions of the rule applicable to the academic situation are as follows.

2. All students must receive credit in at least 4 subjects as prescribed under section 281-Chapter 12 of the state code.

3. Each contestant must be passing all coursework for which credit is given and shall be making adequate progress towards graduation.

4. If at the end of a grading period a contestant is given a failing grade in any course for which credit is awarded, the contestant is ineligible to dress for and compete in the next occurring athletic contests and competitions in which the contestant is a contestant for 30 consecutive calendar days.

For the purposes of track the beginning date of the ineligibility will be two weeks prior to the first East Buchanan track meet. If East Buchanan is involved in the state indoor meet then that date will be used as the start date for ineligibility.

a.) High School – All participants must be enrolled and in good standing in a school that is a member or associate member in good standing with the Iowa High School Music Association. All participants must be under 20 years of age. All participants shall be enrolled students of the school and in good standing; they shall be enrolled in at least four full-credit subjects, each of one period or "hour" or the equivalent thereof, at all times. Coursework taken under the provisions of Iowa Code chapter 261C, postsecondary enrollment options, for which a school district or accredited nonpublic school grants academic credit toward high school graduation shall be used in determining eligibility.

Each contestant shall be passing all coursework for which credit is given and shall be making adequate progress toward graduation requirements at the end of each grading period. "Grading period," graduation requirements, and any interim periods of ineligibility are determined by local policy. For the purposes of the rule, "grading period" shall mean the period of time at the end of which a student in grades 9 through 12 receives a final passing grade and course credit is awarded.

If at the end of any grading period a participant receives a failing grade in any course for which credit is awarded, the participant is ineligible to participate in any competitive event sanctioned by the IHSMA / IHSSA or and IHSMA / IHSSA sponsored event that is non-graded (event doesn't affect course GPA) within a period of 30 consecutive calendar days. The period of ineligibility will begin with the first school day following the day grades are issued by the school district.

Academic Eligibility for all other students not covered in the above sections:

This is meant to cover any of those students that would be representing East Buchanan at an extra- curricular event in some way but are not covered in the above policy. Examples of these would be managers, statisticians, and cheerleaders.

2. Any student that is failing a class for which credit is given will be ineligible to participate in the activity for a period of 30 consecutive calendar days following the grading period in which the failing grade was received.

3. The period of ineligibility will begin with the first school day following the day grades are issued.

Students shall not participate in any activity until they have completed and returned the participation form acknowledging the responsibilities placed upon them by the Good Conduct Clause. Both the student and a parent/guardian must sign this form.

Every student must return an athletic emergency information card. These cards will be carried by the coaches for use in the event an injury occurs and the parents cannot be reached.

A student who misses part of the day with an excused absence must attend periods 5, 6, 7 and 8 that day to participate in scheduled activities after school or in the evening (this includes practice). If the student will be absent more than 1/2 day, prior approval must be gained from the secondary principal. Any type of unexcused absence will result in non-participation in any activity after school or in the evening.

All athletes are required to be covered by insurance. Athletes covered by insurance at home may file an insurance waiver available in the office. Insurance coverage may be purchased through the office or at registration. No student will be allowed to practice until the waiver or payment for school insurance has been received.

All students must have a physical examination on file before they are allowed to participate (includes practices) in athletics. The doctor and a parent/guardian must sign this form. The physical forms are available in the office.

Any coach/sponsor may have specific rules and regulations (such as training hours, attendance, etc.). The Secondary Principal and the Athletic Director will approve such rules. Participants will also be made aware of these rules. Activities resulting in state participation will have precedence over school local events.

When a participant is injured, the coach/sponsor in charge is to be notified immediately. The coach/sponsor will notify the student's parents and fill out the school injury form. This form must be turned into the office within twenty-four (24) hours of the injury-taking place. If the injury at practice appears to be serious, the coach/sponsor should, if possible, accompany the student to the doctor.

Athletic emergency cards are to be completed and returned to the head coach. These cards should be at every practice and contest. They will be used when parents cannot be reached.

At least one coach/sponsor shall be in attendance at all practice sessions. There will be no practice sessions conducted on Sunday, unless special permission has been granted by the administration. The Secondary Principal or the Athletic Director must approve practices during school vacations.

All participants will travel to and from activities in school-sponsored transportation. With permission from the head coach/sponsor, it is possible for a student to return from an event with his/her parent or legal guardian. If this occurs, the parent must personally pick up the student from the head coach/sponsor.

The Secondary Principal if contacted prior to that activity-taking place may make exceptions to this policy. Parents my request permission for their child to ride home with another parent whose child is involved in the activity. This request must be made in writing to the head coach or Secondary Principal. The Secondary Principal may call for verbal confirmation of this written request.

EAST BUCHANAN COMMUNITY SCHOOLS GOOD CONDUCT CLAUSE
As adopted by the East Buchanan Board of Education on 7/15/03.

The East Buchanan Community School District believes that participation in extracurricular activities, as a fan, a manager, or a participant is a valuable part of each student's academic career. These activities foster positive teaching and learning opportunities in multiple areas associated with each of the various extracurricular events.

It is a privilege and an honor to participate in any of these activities at the East Buchanan Community Schools. Participants represent themselves, the school, and the community. It is their responsibility to represent all three in a positive manner. Student participants in activities must commit themselves to meeting the standards of the Good Conduct Clause at all times, and in all places, 365 days a year.

Activity participants receive copies of the Good Conduct Clause, and must sign that agreement stating that they will follow the Good Conduct Clause. Both the student, and a parent/guardian must sign this agreement before practice or activity participation is permitted.

Activity Programs: All athletic and cheerleading/dance activities, speech, drama, and music performances.

-Co-curricular Programs: Any event that is a part of a student's grade in an academic course (vocal music, band, school musical, etc.).

-Extracurricular Programs: Any event that is not a part of a student's academic course work (athletics, speech, school play, etc.)

Competition/Performance: Any event that is a part of the activity program whether it is a contest, a performance, or a school sponsored trip that is part of the activity, etc. (Scrimmages are not considered a competition or a performance, but rather an extension of practice.)

Due Process: When provisions of the "Secondary Handbook", or the "Activities Handbook" are violated, the following procedures will be followed to insure that "Due Process" is given to students in all situations in which it is deemed necessary and appropriate. The following shall be provided to each student: oral and/or written notice of charges, the opportunity to admit or deny such charges, an explanation of the evidence against the student, and an opportunity to explain the situation. If a suspension is involved, the building principal or designee will outline the conditions and timeline for readmission.

Good Conduct Clause: A document found in the student handbook that sets standards that students must follow in order to participate in activities.

Offense: When a student is determined by school administration to have violated the Good Conduct Clause. Violations will be counted cumulatively from year to year (7-8) (9-12), regardless of the type of Good Conduct Clause violation. Any offense(s) under the District's previous policy will be considered in their relationship to this Good Conduct Clause.

Possession: When alcohol, drugs, imitation controlled substances, and tobacco are under the actual control of a student, on a student's person, or contained in property under the student's personal control.

School Days: Days when school is in session, (i.e. Monday through Friday, except when a state and/or national holiday dismisses school.)

Student Conduct Code: School rules and expectations for student behavior, found in the student handbook. Student behavior that violates both the Student Conduct Code and the Good Conduct Clause will result in consequences as established in both documents.

Appropriate student behavior is required for participation in activities. A substantiated violation will cause loss of privileges in all extracurricular activities in which the student currently participates.

If a student is not participating in an activity at the time of a violation, the period of ineligibility begins with the next activity of participation.

Disciplinary action will carry over from one activity to another, and from one year to the next.

When school officials suspect a student of violating the East Buchanan Good Conduct Clause, they will arrange a meeting with the student. During this meeting, school officials will inform the student of the suspected violation, their rights, and the consequences of a violation. The student will have an opportunity to respond. A determination of facts will be made.

Violations of the Good Conduct Clause include, but are not limited to, the following:

Use of, under the influence of, or in possession of alcohol, tobacco, or any illegal drug or controlled substance.

The consequences shall be imposed within three (3) school days of the school official's determination of a violation.

A violation results in ineligibility for a definite number of dates. Students that will regain eligibility during a season must attend all practices, follow all rules, and travel with the team/group for the entire time of ineligibility. Students ineligible for the remainder of a given season may participate in practice but cannot compete in interscholastic activities until the defined ineligibility period has been met. Those students choosing to practice are subject to all of the team rules and regulations.

-Self-reporting to a school official within twenty-four (24) hours of the violation of the Good Conduct Clause reduces the ineligibility from 1/2 to 1/3 of the defined dates.

-Self-reporting to a school official within twenty-four (24) hours the violation of the Good Conduct Policy reduces the ineligibility from 3/3 (full season) to 2/3 of the defined dates.

-Students at this level are required to take a district approved awareness course.

-Self-reporting to a school official within twenty-four (24) hours of the violation of the Good Conduct Policy violation reduces the ineligibility from 1 calendar year to 3/3 (full season) of the defined dates.

                        -Students must Self Report in person or via the telephone.

-Students at this level are required to take a district approved awareness evaluation.

Middle school and high school violations are recorded separately. Upon completion of the final day of a student's eighth grade year, all violations of the Good Conduct Clause are recorded into their high school records.

Step 1: A student may contest sanctions as outlined in the "Secondary Handbook", or the "Activities Handbook" to the building principal. The appeal must be submitted orally or in writing and in the principal's possession within 48 hours of the dispensation of the sanction. The principal will then make a determination of a good conduct violation. If the principal was the one to determine the original discipline then the appeal process will begin at step 2.

Step 2: An adverse decision by the building principal may be appealed to the Superintendent of Schools. This appeal shall be submitted orally or in writing to the Superintendent within three school days of the receipt of the principal's ruling. All parties will appear before the superintendent and present their case. The superintendent will then make a determination of a good conduct violation.

Step 3: In the event of an adverse decision by the principal and the superintendent, the sanction may be appealed to the Board of Education. This appeal shall be made orally or in writing to the Board secretary within seven school days of receipt of the superintendent's ruling. The board will make a decision whether or not to hear the appeal at its next regularly scheduled meeting or if deemed necessary a special meeting may be called to determine the validity of the appeal. If an appeal is granted then all parties will appear before the Board of Education to present their case at the next regularly scheduled meeting or at a special meeting if extenuating circumstances warrant. The decision of the Board will be the final determination in the appeal process.

PARENT/GUARDIAN ACKNOWLEDGMENT

I, _________________________________, am the parent/legal guardian of ________________________________ (Student). I have read the attached handbook and understand the policies, rules, guidelines, and Good Conduct Code set by the Board of Education, the District, the Administration, and various committees. I understand that these are the standards of conduct expected of my son/daughter in return for the privilege of representing East Buchanan in all forms of extra and co-curricular activities.

I am also aware that playing or practicing to play/participate in any sport can be a dangerous activity involving many risks of injury.

I the undersigned parent/guardian consent to the participation of my student in activities and do release the East Buchanan Community School District, its officers and employees, when exercising due care, from liability for injury suffered by the named student when playing or practicing to play.

PARTICIPANT ACKNOWLEDGMENT

I, the undersigned participant in extra and/or co curricular activities, have read the attached handbook and understand the policies, rules, guidelines, and Good Conduct Code set by the Board of Education, the District, the Administration, and various committees. I understand that these are the standards of conduct expected of me in return for the privilege of representing East Buchanan in all forms of extra and co curricular activities.

I am also aware that playing or practicing to play in any sport can be a dangerous activity involving many risks of injury. Because of the risks of injury when participating in sports, I recognize the importance of following the coaches' instructions regarding playing techniques, training, and other team rules and agree to obey such instructions.

____________________________ _________________
Signature Date

Nondiscrimination Policy	Questioning of Students by Outside Agencies	Search and Seizure	Student Abuse
Academic Requirements	Add/Drop Classes	Classification of Grades	Early Graduation
Honor Roll	Pass/Fail	Retake Classes	Assembly Programs/Pep Assemblies
Middle School Attendance Policy	Other MS Attendance Requirements	High School Attendance Policy	Other HS Attendance Requirements
Student Conduct Code	Discipline Levels	Conduct on School Buses	Alcoholic Beverages, Drugs, and Tobacco
Cheating	Copy Machine	Dress Code	Electronic Equipment
Guidance	Lockers	Lost and Found	Lunch Program
National Honor Society	P.A.R.T.	Student Council	Weapons
Philosophy of the Activities Program	Coverage	Eligibility	Specific Rules for Sports/Activities
Injuries	Practice Sessions	Transportation	Good Conduct Clause
Parent Acknowledgment	Participant Acknowledgment	-------------	-------------