1

2020 – 2021

Student

Handbook

Cottonwoodschool.net

(580) 927-3907

2

Title TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

School Calendar 3

Cottonwood Character Traits 4

Immunization 5

Birth Certificate 5

The School Day 5

The School Telephone 6

Cell Phones 6

Library Procedures 6

Procedures & Regulations 6

Visiting Children 7

Lost & Found 7

Student Medicines 7

Personal Appearance Code 7-8

Discipline 8

Cottonwood Discipline Policy 8-10

Behavior/Fighting 10

Offense for Which Punishment is

Suspension

10-11

Loss of Field Trip Privileges 11

Tornado Drill 11

Fire Drill 11

Bus Drill 11

School Building 12

Building & Campus 12

School Searches 12

Playground 12

Head Lice & Pink Eye 12-13

Attendance/Absences 13

Tardiness 13

Truancy 14

Leaving School Early 14

Report Cards 14

Electronic Games, Toys, Cards or Music

Players

14

Student Eligibility During a Semester 14-15

Bus Discipline Policy 15

Bus Safety Regulations 15-16

Bus Conduct Notice 17

Annual Notice to FERPA Rights 18

Notice – AHERA 19

Meningococcal Disease Information 20-21

Harassment, Intimidation, Bullying and

Hazing Policy

22-24

Big Five Program Policies 25

3

Cottonwood Public School

2020-2021 School Calendar

School Hours: Monday -Thursday 8AM - 4:15PM

(After-School will be available from 4:15-5:15)

NO SCHOOL ON FRIDAY

July 31 (Friday)

August 3 (Monday)

4 (Tuesday)

5 (Wednesday)

9-12 Enroll/8-3:00PM Teacher In-Service #1

8-3:00PM Teacher In-service #2

8-3:00PM Teacher In-Service #3

First Day of School

September 7 (Monday)

10 (Thursday)

Labor Day Holiday (No School)

PTC (4:15-10:15PM)

October 1 (Thursday)

8 (Thursday)

15-19 (Thurs-Mon)

End of 1st 9 weeks

Fall Festival

Fall Break (No School)

November 19 (Thursday)

23-26 (M-Thurs)

Pie Auction

Thanksgiving Break (No School)

December 14 (Monday)

17 (Thursday)

21-31 (Mon-Thurs)

Christmas Program

End of First Semester

Christmas & New Year Holidays (No School)

January 4 (Monday) Begin 2nd

Semester/School Resumes

February 11 (Thursday) PTC (4:15 -10:15PM)

March 4 (Thursday)

15-18 (Mon-Thurs)

26 (Friday)

End 3rd

9 weeks

Spring Break (No School)

8-3:00PM Teacher In-Service #4

April 19-29 OSTP Tests 3rd

– 8th

May 3-6 (Mon-Thurs)

10 (Monday)

11 (Tuesday)

12 (Wednesday)

13 (Thursday)

OSTP Tests 3rd

-8th

Graduation

Cottonwood’s Got Talent Show

Awards Assembly/Last Day of School

8-3:00PM Teacher In-Service #5

Revised 3/11/2020

4

Cottonwood Student

Character Traits

RESPECT-

o Showing high regard for authority, for other people, for self, for property,

and for country.

o Understanding that all people have value as human beings.

o Recognizing and honoring with actions and words, the office of the

authorities over us.

COURAGE-

o Having the determination to do the right thing even when others don't.

o The strength to follow your conscience rather than the crowd.

o Attempting difficult things that are worthwhile.

GOOD JUDGMENT –

o Choosing worthy goals and setting proper priorities.

o Thinking through the consequences of your actions.

o Basing decisions on practical wisdom and good sense.

KINDNESS-

o Being considerate, courteous, helpful, and understanding of others.

o Showing care, compassion, friendship, and generosity.

o Treating others as you would like to be treated.

PERSEVERANCE-

o Being persistent in pursuit of worthy objectives in spite of difficulty,

opposition, or discouragement.

o Exhibiting patience and having the fortitude to try again when confronted

with delays, mistakes, or failures.

RESPONSIBILITY-

o Being dependable in carrying out obligations and duties.

o Showing reliability and consistency in words and conduct.

o Being accountable for your own actions.

o Being committed to active involvement in your community.

5

Immunization

Title 70, Section 1210, Oklahoma Statutes, 1970:

Rules & regulations for immunization for school children, as amended June 1976,

requires all children be immunized from Poliomyelitis, Diphtheria, Tetanus and Rubella,

before entering the public schools of this state. No child shall be admitted to a public or

private school of this state that has not been immunized as evidenced by a certificate of a

licensed physician, or a public health department acknowledging same.

The following exemptions to the above law: 1. Medical Contradictions: A signed statement, using ODH form 216-A,

from a licensed physician stating the physical condition of the child is such

that immunizations would endanger the life or health of a child.

2. Religious Objection: A signed statement, using ODH form 216-A, from

the head of a religious organization stating immunizations are contrary to the

preaching of that religion.

3. Parental Objection: A signed statement using ODH form 216-A, from a

parent or guardian objecting to the required immunizations.

Birth Certificate

Birth certificates shall be required of all students entering Kindergarten or First

Grade. This certificate must be presented before the child can attend school. A child

must be 5 years old on or before September 1st to be eligible for Kindergarten.

Beginning with the 1991-1992 school year, the State Department of Education

requires a minimum of one half day of Kindergarten.

The School Day

First Bell (classes begin) 8:00 am

School Dismissed (Mon.-Thur.) 4:15 pm

After school program (Mon-Thurs) 4:15-5:15pm

NO SCHOOL ON FRIDAYS

6

The School Telephone

The school telephone is for business calls only. Please make all necessary plans

with children before they leave home in the morning. Children are not to be called to the

telephone, or make calls, except in case of an emergency. However, we are happy to take

a message to be given to your child if you feel it necessary.

If you wish to speak to a teacher, leave your number and he/she will call you back as

soon as possible.

Cell Phones

Cell phones may be carried in bags or belongings as long as they are not seen.

They must remain in the off position at all times at school unless previous arrangements

are made. If a cell phone is used, goes off, or is being played with during school, it will

be confiscated and taken to the office. Parents will be required to retrieve from the office.

Repeat offenses will result in disciplinary actions. If children need to make or receive

calls, they must seek permission from a staff member.

Library Procedures

Students may check out library books for one week. The students who have them

checked out must pay for lost or damaged books. Students may not have more than two

books checked out at one time, unless the student's teacher has made arrangements with

the librarian for the purpose of special assignments. Lost books must be paid for.

Procedures & Regulations

Students should not arrive at school before 7:30 AM unless provisions are made

through the office. Students eating breakfast should do so immediately upon arrival at

school, not after playing in the classroom first. Students should never leave school

grounds under any circumstances without permission from an administrator or teacher.

Students should not knowingly possess any object that can be considered a weapon, such

as a gun or knife. No toys or electronic devices (example: cd players, video games)

should be brought from home unless a teacher gives permission.

7

Visiting Children

Cottonwood School cannot permit high school students, brothers, sisters, or other

guests to visit during school hours without permission from Superintendent. We ask

your cooperation in order to prevent the disruption of regular classroom schedules.

Lost & Found

Cottonwood School cannot be responsible for money items brought to school by

students, so parents are encouraged not to allow students to bring valuable items to

school. All lost and found articles will be handled through the office. Do not leave

valuables in lockers or desks unless lockers are securely locked.

Student Medication

It is the policy of the school not to dispense any internal medicine (including

aspirin). Students who need to take medication during the day are required to have a

signed note from one of their parents or guardians, stating the nature of the medication

and the time to be taken with the medication properly labeled. These medications will be

kept in the Principal's office. The students may obtain them at the proper time.

Personal Appearance Code

o Everyone is expected to be as neat, clean, and well groomed as possible.

o Cutoffs, muscle shirts, and halter-tops are not considered appropriate.

o Shirts or blouses that do not overlap the skirts or trousers are inappropriate.

Shirts should cover the chest. No pajama tops or bottoms or house shoes

are allowed.

o Writing or pictures on shirts or patches that suggest obscenity are not to be

worn.

o Writing or pictures on student's wearing apparel that display or indicate

alcoholic beverage or drugs are not to be worn.

8

o Hats or caps are designed to be worn outside of the buildings. Also,

bandanas worn on the head are considered headwear and should not be

worn in school.

o Tank tops have to have the width of three fingers across the shoulders.

o No short skirts or short shorts. Skirts and shorts shall be reasonable length.

They must go past the fingers when arms are stretched straight down.

o Any school dress that allows undergarments to be shown will not be

allowed.

Campus administrators will make decisions on appropriateness of dress. If the

student’s dress or grooming is objectionable under these provisions, the school

administrator shall request the student to make the appropriate corrections immediately.

The Cottonwood School Administration reserves the right to implement the proper

execution of the foregoing policies and any other policies deemed necessary.

Discipline

One of the most important factors of a good school system is good discipline. A

poorly disciplined school is a failure. We shall enforce good, common sense discipline

throughout the year, beginning with the first day. Extra effort will be put forth to

improve discipline. Any pupil guilty of sexual misconduct or persistent violation of the

regulations of the school may be expelled or suspended by the administration. The

period of suspension may be determined by the administration provided that in no case

will the punishment be longer than the remaining part of the current school year. The

student involved has the right to appeal to the local school board, and the decision of the

board is final. There will be little need for negative consequences if pupils will

remember that they are citizens of a school community and have duties as well as rights.

Cottonwood Discipline Policy

TCIT (Teacher Child Interaction Training) As a School-Wide Discipline Plan

Cottonwood discipline plan involves a cognitive-behavioral plan that utilizes cueing.

This program has been researched in public schools with statistically significant results.

These therapeutic behavioral plans have been established for grades kindergarten

through eight.

9

Three discipline levels are utilized within the classroom itself, with the first level

emphasizing cognition and teaching replacement behaviors. Each of the three discipline

procedures are carried out non-verbally, allowing teachers to establish control in their

classrooms without interruption to the instructional process. These procedures establish

control for the teacher and allow students more time on task, therefore, increasing

academic scores. Furthermore, having consistent discipline throughout all grade levels

reduces confusion and decreases behavioral problems as well as decreasing referrals to

principals, using therapeutic techniques that enhance decision-making skills for students.

This program teaches student to take responsibility for their own behavior and develops

skills that will allow them to become more productive citizens in society.

The following discipline procedures will be utilized in each classroom.

1. Thinking area – gives child times to process events and become aware of

appropriate choices.

2. Time Out – short-term consequence to help facilitate good choices.

3. Discipline time out – a higher-level consequence for continued defiance.

4. Removal from classroom to Principal’s office. (Upon teacher/administrator

discretion) – further steps may be taken that a student may need to comply with

school procedures.

5. In order to return to the classroom students must retrace the discipline procedures

and complete the required behavior at the original teacher’s satisfaction.

6. If student is defiant and/or refuses to comply with step 5, student will return to

Principal's office for further disciplinary action.

Classroom Discipline Plan

RULES:

1. Follow directions

2. Keep hands, feet and other objects to yourself.

3. No bullying, swearing or teasing.

4. No running in the buildings.

DISCIPLINE POLICY

After 3 In-Class Detention – 1 Day In-School Suspension (ISS)

(work permitted, parents notified, conference required)

10

After 6 In-Class Detention – 2 Days In-School Suspension (ISS)

(work permitted, parents notified, conference required)

After 9 In-Class Detentions – 3 Days Suspension from School

(work permitted, parents notified, conference required)

After 12 In-Class Detentions – Suspension for the remainder of school year.

(parents notified, conference required)

Sever disruption – automatically send to principal.

Behavior

Students are expected to exhibit acceptable standards of social behavior while in

the classroom, in the halls, in the restrooms, in the gym, and on school grounds.

Teachers have the authority to establish procedures in regard to their own classes if

approved by the administration and are not in violation with the board policy. Students

should always be striving to improve their personal appearance, language, and

personality. Students engaging in displays of affection on school grounds or at school

activities which school officials consider inappropriate in an education environment may

be subjected to disciplinary measures. Students should never be guilty of dishonesty in

homework or cheating on assignments. It is the hope of Cottonwood School that all

students will take pride in their school and its facilities and equipment and will never be

guilty of defacing, vandalizing, stealing, or destroying school property.

Fighting

After first Offense, students who have been fighting will go to in-school suspension.

Parents will be notified. Anyone involved in a fight a second time will require a parent

conference with student, teacher, and administrator to determine appropriate action such

as corporal punishment, in-school suspension, or suspension from school.

Offense for Which Punishment is Suspension

The Principal shall have authority to suspend any pupil who is guilty of any of the

following acts while in attendance at school or in transit by school transportation or

under school supervision to or from school or at any such school function authorized by

the school district or when present on any facility under the control of the school district.

1. Immorality, profanity, or obscenity as defined by Statutes of Oklahoma.

2. Violation of written school rules, regulations, or policies.

11

3. Possession, threat, or use of a dangerous weapon as defined by the State Statutes.

4. Assault and battery

5. Possession of any narcotic drug stimulant barbiturates or alcohol.

6. Conduct that jeopardizes the safety of others.

7. Truancy.

Loss of Field Trip Privileges

Cottonwood believes that school field trips are an important part of the

educational process. These trips are a reward and a privilege. These privileges are

forfeited by bad behavior. Two in-school suspensions or one out of school suspension

shall result in a student not going on a field trip that semester.

Tornado Drill

Students move to designated areas as directed by the teachers.

Fire Drill

Students move outside the building, according to the fire drill plan and as directed

by a teacher.

Bus Drill

Bus drills will be conducted at the beginning of each semester. Children will be

instructed on procedures to evacuate the bus in case of emergency.

12

School Building

Students are not to be in the gym before or after school unless under the staff

supervision. Students should never be guilty of loitering in the building or restrooms.

Students may stay in a designated classroom during recess only under the direct

supervision of a school employee. Students should never be in a classroom unsupervised.

During cold weather, Kindergarten through 2nd

Grade will go to the library at noon

recess and 3rd

Grade through 8th Grade will go to the gym. Students should never run in

the buildings or run to and from any buildings.

Building & Campus

It is the responsibility of the student to help keep the building, furniture, and

campus neat and as clean as possible at all times. It is hoped that each of us will take

pride in keeping a neat appearance of our buildings and grounds. Please put trash or

garbage in the conveniently placed dispensers.

School Searches

Cottonwood reserves the right to search school property at any time. (examples:

lockers, desks and other storage areas)

Playground

Students should never stand on seesaws or swings. Students should face inside on

the swing set and swing one student per swing seat. They should get out of the swings on

the outside. The chains should never be twisted on the swings. Slide sitting down and

facing forward, never climb up or stand on the slide. Students should never throw rocks.

Students should never hang on the basketball nets or goals. Playground balls should

never be kicked against the building. Baseballs and bats should not be brought to school.

Wrestling, tackle football, and chicken fighting are not allowed on school grounds.

Head Lice & Pink Eye

It is unfortunate but quite common for public school to experience problems with

head lice and pink eye. It is no disgrace to be exposed to them and catch them. It is only

a disgrace to knowingly keep them. Students found to have head lice or nits will be sent

home and may not return to school until proper treatment has been administered, after 48

hours absence will be counted unexcused. A school wide check of all students is

13

performed on a regular basis. If you are absent because of pink eye, you will also be

counted unexcused after 48 hours.

Attendance

Cottonwood School believes that good attendance and promptness are character

traits that are important not only in the school environment, but also in the every walk of

life. Public school has the responsibility for preparing each student to be successful in

the future. If you are ill and cannot come to school, have your parent call the school or

send a signed note and report your reason for absence. If a student is confined at home or

in a hospital, the parent should contact the principal for arrangements for homebound

instruction or makeup work.

Absences

Absences fall into two categories:

Excused: Illness, medical or dental appointments, funerals, personal or family

emergencies, or school activities. Whenever possible, medical, dental, etc., should

make every effort to cooperate with parents and school officials in scheduling

appointments after school.

Unexcused: Work, vacation, recreational activities, shopping, and etc. Students

with an unexcused absence will forfeit their privilege of making up daily

homework assignments and/or any test.

Tardiness

Tardiness falls into two categories:

Excused: Due to being detained by administrator, teacher, or personal emergency.

Unexcused: For reasons other than an excused tardy Consequences for tardiness

may be as follows:

Grades K-3rd: Consequences as appropriate

Grades 4th-8

th: Beyond the fourth unexcused tardy will result to a half day

of in-school suspension and contacting the parents. Beyond the seventh unexcused

tardy will result in a full day of in-school suspension and contacting the parents.

14

Truancy

If a child is absent without valid excuse for four days or parts of days within a

four-week period, the parent will be notified. If a student is absent without excuse for ten

days or parts of days within a semester, State Law requires the attendance officer to

notify the parent and immediately report such absences to the district attorney.

Leaving School Early

Parents expect the Principal to know at all times during school hours where each

student is. Therefore, if you must leave school before the end of the school day, it is of

the utmost importance that the principal know by a parental note or phone call when you

are leaving the school campus. Failure to comply with this policy will result in an

unexcused absence, even though your return to school is accompanied by the necessary

parental note or phone call. Also, students will be disciplined for truancy if truant.

Parents must come in and sign the sign out sheet in the Principal's office.

Report Cards

Report cards will be sent out the week after the 9 weeks ends. Nine weeks grades

will be determined by the following criteria: ¾ daily work and ¼ test.

Electronic Games, Toys, Cards or Music Players

Electronics games, toys, cards or music players will not be allowed at school

without the principal’s permission. Teachers will give one warning then the next time it

will be taken away and will be returned only to a parent.

Student Eligibility During a Semester

1. A student must be passing in all subjects he/she is enrolled in during a

semester. If a student is not passing all subjects enrolled in, on the day of the next

grade check he/she will be placed on probation for the next one-week period. If a

student is still failing one or more classes during the next week on the grade check

day, he/she will be ineligible to participate during the next one-week period.

15

2. Passing grade means work of such character that credit would be entered on

the records were the semester to close at the time.

3. Incomplete grades will be considered to be the same as failing grades in

determining scholastic eligibility. School administrators are authorized to make an

exception to this provision if the incomplete grade was caused by an unavoidable

hardship.

4. An ineligible student who changes schools during a semester will not be

eligible at the new school for a minimum period of three weeks.

Bus Discipline Policy

1st Trip to Office – Verbal warming and 30 minutes detention

2nd

Trip to Office – Parent conference and 1 day suspension from bus

3rd

Trip to Office – 1 week suspension from bus

4th

Trip to Office – Suspension from bus for remainder of school year

Bus Safety Regulations

Loading the Bus

Students must be on time. The bus cannot wait beyond its regular schedule for those who are

tardy.

The riders should conduct themselves in a safe manner while waiting for the bus.

Be careful in approaching bus stops. Waiting until the bus comes to a complete stop before

attempting to enter the bus.

Riding the Bus

Driver is in charge of the pupils and the bus. Pupils must obey the driver promptly.

Unnecessary conversation could divert the driver’s attention and result in a serious accident.

When boarding the bus, go quickly to a seat or your assigned seat and move to the inside.

Keep hands and head inside the bus at all times after entering and until leaving the bus.

Treat bus equipment as you would valuable furniture in your own home. Damaged seats, etc.,

must be paid for by the offender.

Do not throw anything out the bus windows.

Pupils are not permitted to leave their seat while bus is in motion.

Absolute quite when approaching railroad crossing or a street intersection.

Glass containers, pets, animals or weapons are not allowed on bus.

The drivers shall not be required to transport a pupil when the pupil’s conduct dangers the

safety of others. When he/she commits act of vandalism, uses foul language, unacceptable

signs or commits moral offenses. Notification of suspension of transportation shall be made to

the parent, by the school administrator.

16

Use of tobacco, liquor, illegal drugs on the school bus or bus stop is prohibited and shall be

reason for immediate suspension of transportation.

The possession or use of weapons or explosives of any type are prohibited.

Leaving the Bus

Cross the road when necessary (at least 10 feet in front of the bus) wait for the driver to signal

that it is safe to cross.

The driver will not discharge riders at the places other than their regular stop, at home or at

school; unless proper authorization has been made by the parent/guardian.

IN THE EVENT YOUR CHILD AT ANY TIME DOES NOT ADHERE TO ANY OF

THESE REGULATIONS A “BUS CONDUCT NOTICE” WILL BE GIVEN TO

HIS/HER PARENT OR GUARDIAN.

17

BUS CONDUCT NOTICE

Student Name: __________________________________________

Driver: _________________________________ Date of Violation: ______________

Time: _________________________

Dear Parents:

Your child has violated the specific rules of bus safety checked below. Continued misconduct

could lead in suspension from transportation. This signed notice must be returned to the office

immediately.

_____ Deliberate defiance – refusal to cooperate with driver.

_____ Obscene and unacceptable language, gestures, remarks, or signs.

_____ Excessive talking and unnecessary noise. Lack of courtesy and respect.

_____ Throwing items of any kind in the bus or out the window.

_____ Fighting or scuffling on the bus or the bus stop.

_____ Deliberate delay loading or unloading.

_____ Having or using tobacco, liquor, or illegal drugs on the bus or at the bus stop.

_____ Extending head or arms out the window.

_____ Tampering with equipment or explosives on the bus or at the bus stop.

Details _________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

Drivers Signature: ________________________________________________________

The rules of conduct have been established solely in the interest of the children’s safety. Will you do

your part by encouraging your child to have good behavior in the future?

Parent Signature: _________________________________________________________

Action to be taken by school: _______________________________________________

Administrator’s Signature: _________________________________________________

18

ANNUAL NOTICE TO FERPA RIGHTS

On July 1, 2003, the Cottonwood School revised its student’s records and procedures policy. This policy is designed to

meet the new regulations of the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). A copy of this policy is disseminated

annually to parents and eligible students and is posted at each school site. Copies may be obtained at the superintendent’s

office.

In the course of a student’s education, the Cottonwood School will keep records as deemed necessary to provide programs

to met his/her needs and interests. The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords parents and students

over 18 years if age (“eligible students”) certain rights with respect to the student’s education records.

A parent or eligible student has the right to inspect and review the student’s educational records within 45 days of the day

the district receives a request for access; parents or eligible students should submit to the school principal a written request

that identifies the record(s) they wish to inspect. The principle will make arrangements for access and notify the parent or

eligible student of the time and place where the records may be inspected.

A parent of eligible student has the right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the

student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorized disclosure without consent.

One exception, which permits disclosure without consent is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interest.

A school official is a person employed by the Cottonwood School as an administrator, supervisor, instruction or support

staff member (including health or medical staff and law enforcement unit personal); a person serving on the School Board; a

person or company with whom the Cottonwood School has contracted to perform a special tasks (i.e. attorney, auditor,

medical consultant, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official as a legitimate

educational interest, if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional

responsibility.

Upon request, the Cottonwood School discloses education records without consent to officials of another school district in

which a student seeks or intends to enroll.

The FERPA designates the following as “Directory Information:”

1) The students name.

2) The names of the student’s parents.

3) The students date of birth.

4) The student’s class designation (i.e., first grade, tenth grade, etc).

5) The student’s extra curricular participation.

6) The student’s achievement awards or honors.

7) The student’s weight, and height of a member of an athletic team.

8) The student’s photograph.

9) The school or school district the student attended before her or she enrolled in the school district.

It is the policy of the Cottonwood School pursuant to the exercise of its lawful rights under FERPA that it will not release

the above information as “Directory Information” under FERPA. In case a parent of a student, a student or former student

18 years old, or a citizen of the Cottonwood School District believes that the district is violating the Family Education

Rights Act (FERPA), that person has a right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education. The address is:

Family Policy Compliance Office

U.S. Department of Education

600 Independence Avenue, SW

Washington, D.C. 20202-4605

A translation will be provided for anyone not able to read and understand the policy or for anyone not able to read and

understand English.

19

NOTICE

TO: STUDENTS, PARENTS, AND EMPLOYEES

FROM: COTTONWOOD BOARD OF EDUCATION

Date: June 25, 2020

This is to inform you that Cottonwood School is in compliance with the regulations

established by AHERA (Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act). Calling for

schools serving kindergarten through high school students to identify and remove or

safely maintain asbestos materials in the facility structure.

Tests conducted in 1988 by a licensed laboratory revealed asbestos materials in one area

of our facility. None pose a hazard to any student or employee and they are being

maintained in a manner which will insure that they do not become a hazard in the future.

Staff members have been trained in the appropriate maintenance of the materials in order

to assure the safety of all that use the facility.

If you have questions, please contact the office of superintendent to schedule an

appointment to view a copy of the management plan. A copy of the management plan is

located in this office.

THIS ANNUAL NOTICE IS PRESENTED IN COMPLIANCE WITH REGULATIONS

ESTABLISHED BY AHERA.

20

21

Is the meningococcal vaccine safe? Yes, both vaccines are safe; however, there are

risks with any vaccine. About half of the people who get the vaccine will have pain and redness where the shot was given, but because the vaccine is not made from the whole bacteria, it cannot

cause bloodstream infections or meningitis. A small percentage of people who get the vaccine develop a fever. Vaccines, like all medicines, carry a risk of

an allergic reaction, but this risk is very small. A few cases of Guillain-Barré Syndrome, a serious nervous system disorder, have been reported

among people who got the new vaccine, MCV4 (meningococcal conjugate vaccine). At this time, there is not enough evidence to tell if the vaccine caused the disorder. Health officials are investigating these reports. Does the meningococcal vaccine work? Yes. The new meningococcal vaccine protects about 90 percent of the people who receive it from meningococcal disease caused by types A, C, Y, and W-135. These types cause almost two-thirds of all meningococcal disease in teenagers in the United States. It does not prevent type B, which

causes about one third of the cases in teenagers. Does the meningococcal vaccine prevent all cases of meningitis? No. However, 63 percent of the meningitis cases in 18-22 year olds occurring in Oklahoma from 2000 through 2005 could have been prevented by

vaccination. The meningococcal vaccine does not include type B. Scientists have not been able to make a vaccine that will protect against type B. Other bacteria and viruses can also cause

meningitis. More information about these causes can be found at the National Meningitis Association Web site listed in the box in the next column.

Where can I get the vaccine for my son or daughter?

If your child has health insurance you can obtain the meningococcal vaccine from your health-care provider. Local county health departments have the vaccine

available now at no charge for all children who: Have no health insurance, Are Medicaid eligible,

Are Native American, Or whose health insurance does not pay for vaccines,

and are either 15 through 18 years of age, or

who do not have a spleen, have certain immune system problems, or who will be traveling to certain parts of the world. Is this vaccine required to attend school in Oklahoma? This vaccine is not required to attend kindergarten through the 12th grade in Oklahoma. However, it is required for students who are enrolling in colleges and other schools after high school who will live in dormitories or on-campus student housing.

Where can I get more information? For more information contact your healthcare provider or local county health department or visit these Web sites:

National Meningitis Association at www.nmaus.org

Immunization Action Coalition at http://www.vaccineinformation.org/menin/index.asp

Institute for Vaccine Safety, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health at http://www.vaccinesafety.edu/cc-mening.htm

National Network for Immunization Information at http://www.immunizationinfo.org/

This information sheet was prepared with information obtained from the Oklahoma State Department of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

Oklahoma

State

Department

Of Education

This publication, printed by the State Department o Education P inting Services, is issued by the Oklahoma S ate Department o Education as authorized by 70 O.S. § 3-104. Seven hundred and f fty copies have been prepared at a cost of three cents per copy. Copies have been deposited with he Publications Clearinghouse of the Oklahoma Department of Libraries. August 2006.

f r t fi

t

22

COTTONWOOD PUBLIC SCHOOL

HARASSMENT, INTIMIDATION, BULLYING AND HAZING

INVESTIGATING REPORTED INCIDENTS

No student in this district will be subject to hazing, harassment or any other form of

persecution by any student or employee at school or on school-sponsored activities. The district specifically prohibits threatening behavior, harassment, intimidation and bullying by students at school and/or by electronic communication, whether or not such communication originated at school or with school equipment, if the communication is specifically directed at students or school personnel and concerns harassment, intimidation or bullying at school.

This policy will be included in the student handbook that is distributed to each student

each year.

Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying

“Harassment, intimidation and bullying" means any gesture, written or verbal

expression, electronic communication, or physical act that a reasonable person should know will harm another student, damage another student's property, place another student in reasonable fear of harm to the student's person or damage to the student's property, or insult or demean any student or group of students in such a way as to disrupt or interfere with the school's educational mission or the education of any student. This type of conduct includes, but is not limited to, gestures, written or verbal, or physical acts or electronic communications .

“At school “ means on school grounds, in school vehicles, at designated school bus stops,

at school-sponsored activities or at school-sponsored events.

'"Electronic communication" means the communication of any written, verbal or pictorial

information by means of an electronic device, including but not limited to a telephone, cellular telephone or other wireless telecommunication device, or a computer.

“Threatening behavior" means any pattern of behavior or isolated action, whether or not it is directed at

another person, that a reasonable person would believe indicates potential for future harm to students,

school personnel, or school property.

23

Investigating Reported Incidents of Harassment, Intimidation, Bullying or Threatening Behavior

1. The following conduct, as defined and specified above, by any person or persons

and directed toward any person or persons or the property thereof is specifically prohibited by the district: a. Harassment b. Intimidation c. Bullying The above prohibitions apply to such conduct at school and/or by electronic communication and whether or not such communication originated at school or with school equipment, if the communication is specifically directed at students or school personnel and concerns harassment, bullying or intimidation at school.

2. Any student who believes he/she has been subjected to acts of harassment, intimidation or bullying as specified above shall immediate] y report such incident to one of the student's teachers or to the student's school principal. If reported to a teacher, the teacher shall immediately notify the school principal. Students are advised of the importance of reporting these incidents to school officials so that school officials may know about them, investigate them and take any actions deemed appropriate.

3. Upon notification of such an incident by the student or student's teacher, the school principal shall investigate the incident to determine its severity and its potential to result in future violence. a. The alleged incident shall be documented in writing by the principal. b. The investigation shall be made in a timely fashion. c. At the principal's discretion, the investigation may include interviews with students

and/or faculty who may have knowledge of the incident; collection of documentary or other evidence relating to such incident; involvement of local/state/federal law enforcement authorities; involvement of other district officials who may be of assistance and/or guidance in the matter; and/or any other legal means by which the investigation may be facilitated.

d. Consideration shall be given to recommendations made by the Safe School Committee regarding the most recent and most effective methods for investigation, evaluating and responding to such matters.

4. When the investigation has been completed, the district shall administer any and all sanctions as deemed appropriate in light of the determination it has made regarding the incident of harassment, intimidation or bullying.

24

a. Sanctions and various options for control and discipline of students which

may be considered and/or implemented are set forth in the school's

disciplinary policy.

b. In addition, the district may recommend that available community mental

health care options be provided to the student, if appropriate.

c. Students subject to sanctions under this policy shall have due process and

appeal rights as stated in the school's disciplinary policy.

5. At its discretion, the district may request disclosure of any information

concerning students who have received mental health care relating to acts of

harassment, intimidation or bullying, or the like, that indicate an explicit threat

to the safety of students or school personnel, provided that the disclosure of

such information is not made in violation of any federal or state law pertaining to

the disclosure of confidential student information. The request for such

information shall be made in writing to the party from whom it is requested.

Requests for such disclosure from another district as they relate to a student of

this district shall be handled accordingly.

Hazing

It is the policy of Cottonwood Public School District that no student or district

employee shall participate i n or be members of any secret organization on school

property or at any school-related event.

For the purposes of this policy, hazing is defined as an activity which recklessly

or intentionally endangers the mental health or physical health or safety of a student for

the purpose of initiation or admission into or affiliation with any organization operating

subject to the sanctions of the school district.

Note: State law requires that a copy of any hazing policy be given to each student

enrolled in the school.

25

Big 5 Program Policy

1) If the building is locked during school hours please report to the office

or call (580)927-3907.

2) We will conduct daily health checks and notify parents if your child seems

to be sick.

3) In the event that the children are exposed to a communicable disease or

an infestation exposure parents will be notified while maintaining

confidentiality of the ill child or personnel.

4) If children have to use syringes, needles, or lancets we will provide the

proper storing, using, returning, and disposing of medical waste.

5) We will use sun safety methods such as limited sun exposure and using

sunscreen if needed; however, parents will have to sign a medication release

enabling us to apply the sunscreen if needed.

6) Insect repellent will NOT be used.

7) Children will have a hook in the hall to keep personal belongings such as

backpacks, etc.

8) For children that arrive late for field trips when their group has already

left the facility they will need to stay home with their parent that day or

the parent can bring the child to their teacher at the place of the field trip.

(Meals will be provided for all field trips.)

Big 5 Volunteer Policy 1) Volunteers that volunteer on a regular basis will have to comply with

background checks, get fingerprinted, and obtain training.