TABLE OF CONTENTS - Madison County Schools / Overview · Grades K - 5 Grades K – 2 Jessica Smith,...
Transcript of TABLE OF CONTENTS - Madison County Schools / Overview · Grades K - 5 Grades K – 2 Jessica Smith,...
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TABLEOFCONTENTS
MADISONCOUNTYSCHOOLS ComplianceStatement….………………………………………………………………………………………………………………4 MissionStatement….…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….4 VisionStatement………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 4 Superintendent’sMessage..………………………………………………………………………………………………………….4 BoardofEducation….…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...5 AdministrativeStaff….…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..5 SchoolContactInformation….……………………………………………………………………………………………………….6 SchoolYearCalendar….…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………8 StateTestingSchedule…..…………………………………………………............................................................. 9 GradingPeriods…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….10ENROLLMENT CompulsoryAge….………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..10 DefinitionofResidency………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….10 Documentation….………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….10 EnrollmentProcedure……………………………………………………………………………….………………………………….11 NewStudents….…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….11 ContinuingStudents……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..11
StudentsResidingwithLegalGuardians….…………………………………………………………………………………….11StudentsResidinginHomenotOwnedorRentedbyParent/LegalGuardian………………………………..11HomelessStudents….…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….12StudentsofMilitaryPersonnel….…………………………………………………………………………………………………..13PlacementTesting.………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..13
TransferStudents.…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………13WithdrawalofStudents.……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….14
FERPA..………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….14PublicRecordsAccessPolicy.…………………………………………………………………………………………………………15
ACADEMIC/ASSESSMENTEveryStudentSucceedsAct(ESSA)…..…………………………………………………………………………………………..17
ActiveParent…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………........ 17ACTDistrictChoiceStateTesting..…………………………………………………………………………………………………18
ThirdGradeSummativeAssessment……………………………………………………………………………………………..18StudentAssessmentGlossary.……………………………………………………………………………………………….……..18EnglishLanguageLearners(ELL)…………………………………….……………………………………………………………..20
EnglishLanguageLearnersGradingGuidelines………………………………………………………………………………21GradingStudentswithDisabilities…………………………………..…………………………………………………………….21
TierInterventionProcess..…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….23 SemesterExamSchedule..…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….24 Grading.………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..24 HonorRoll……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..24 TransferGrades..…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..25 UniversalScreeners.………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………25ATTENDANCE CompulsoryAttendance.……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….25 PerfectAttendance…..…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..26
Tardiness.……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..26AdmittanceAfterAbsence.……………………………………………………………………………………………………………26
MakeUpWork..…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….27DISCIPLINE
DisciplinaryManagementPolicy……………………………………………………………………………………………………27CorporalPunishment…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….28Suspension…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….28SummarySuspension…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….28
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ShortTermSuspension……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…28Expulsion………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………29ProhibitedActivitiesDuringSuspension/Expulsion…………………………………………………………………….…30ReadmissionAfterExpulsion…………………………………………………………………………………………………………30Appearance&Dress………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………30
Bullying/Harassment……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..31 DrugPolicy/RandomBased……………………………………………………………………………………………………………32 DrugPolicy/SuspicionBased………………………………………………………………………………………………………….36 ElectronicDevices…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………39 ItemsProhibitedonSchoolProperty…………………….……………………………………………………………………...40 MajorOffenses……..………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………41 ConsequencesofMajorOffenses………………………………………………………………………………………………….41 NotificationofLawEnforcement…….…………………………………………………………………………………………….42 DisciplineofStudentswithSpecialNeeds………..……………………………………………………………………………43 ThreeStrikePolicy.………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..43 ZeroTolerance.……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..43 StudentConductandBehaviorPolicy………………………………………………………………………………………….. 43FOODSERVICE
ChildNutrition.………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………44Offervs.Serve……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….44StudentCafeteriaAccounts..…………………………………………………………………………………………………………44AccountBalances.…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………45MealCharges..……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...45Free&ReducedMealApplications..………………………………………………………………………………………………45GracePeriod/ReturningStudents.…………………………………………………………………………………………………46WellnessPolicy.…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….46
GENERALGeneralPublicConductandBehaviorPolicy.………………………………………………………………………………..46AerialDevices…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..…………..47EmergencyDrills/SchoolSecurity.…………………………………………………………………………………………………47Fees.……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..47FinancialHardshipWaiver..…………………………………………………………………………………………………………..47GoFundMeAccounts……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..……47Holidays…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………47InclementWeather.………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………48Medication……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………48AsthmaandAnaphylaxisChildSafetyAct………………………………………………………………………………….….48CommunicableDiseases…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…49RestraintandSeclusionPolicy..……………………………………………………………………………………………………..49SmokeFreePolicy.………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..49SpecialOccasions..………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..49SpecialServices…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….50Section504……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..……51Textbooks.…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….51Transportation.……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..51Visitors..………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..52
TECHNOLOGY1:MDigitalInitiative………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………52
AcceptableUsePolicy..………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….53ELEMENTARYSCHOOLS
CompulsoryAge/Attendance.……………………………………………………………………………………………………….57 DyslexiaIdentification…………………….……………………………………………………………………………………………..57 SpeechIdentification……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..57 Grading….………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………57 GuidedReadingLevels.………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...58 Promotion/Retention…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….58
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SchoolParties….…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….59MIDDLE/HIGHSCHOOLS
Accelerated,AdvancedPlacementCourses….……………………………………………………………………………….61AthleticAwards……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..62ClassificationLevels….……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………62ClassRank….………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….62CollegeDays..………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..62CorrespondenceCourses………………………………………………………………………………………………………………63DualEnrollment/DualCredit…………………………………………………………………………………………………………63ExamExemption……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………64ForeignExchangeStudents..………………………………………………………………………………………………………….64GraduationPolicy………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….64DistrictOption……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….65GraduationRequirements…..………………………………………………………………………………..……………………..65GraduationRecognition………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..67CareerPathways………..………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….67NoPass/NoPlay…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….69ScheduleChanges………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….71SelectionofMr./Miss…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….71StudentElections/Tryouts……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..71StateAssessmentsRequiredforGraduation………………………………………………………………………………… 71SummerPrograms.………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..73SummerSchool..……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………75TermRecovery.……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..75Valedictorian/Salutatorian…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….76
ACADEMICOPTIONSCENTERGeneralInformation………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………76ProcessforReferral…..…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..77WaiverofHearing………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….77HearingonRecommendationforPlacement…..…………………………………………………………………………….77AppealtoBoardofEducation..………………………………………………………………………………………………………78PlacementintheAcademicOptionsCenter..…………………………………………………………………………………78ProbationaryStatusuponReturntoHomeSchool..………………………………………………………………………79StudentswithDisabilities/PlacementtotheAOC….………………………………………………………………………79StudentswithDisabilities/AOCGuidelines…..………………………………………………………………………………..80
STUDENTPARENTAGREEMENT ElementarySchoolStudent/ParentAgreement………………………………………………………………………..… 87 MiddleandHighSchoolStudent/ParentAgreement…………………………………………………………………….88
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COMPLIANCESTATEMENT
EducationalAmendments:1964,1972,OthersItisthepolicyofMadisonCountySchoolstocomplywithallprovisionsofTitleIXoftheEducationAmendmentsof1972,TitleVIoftheCivilRightsActof1964,andtheCarlPerkinsActof1984,Section504ortheRehabilitationActof1983,andIDEA.Theboardofeducationdirectsthatnopersonshall,onthebasisofrace,color,nationalorigin,sex,disability,age,orreligion,bediscriminatedagainst,orexcludedfrom,ordeniedthebenefitsof,anyprogramoranyopportunityoractivityprovidedbythiseducationalagency.Thisactionoftheboardofeducationappliestoallapplicantsforemploymentinthisschooldistrict,presentemployees,andtostudents.Anyinquiriesregardingcomplianceshouldbedirectedto:
Mrs.ShayWilliamson,TitleIXCoordinator or DirectoroftheOfficeofCivilRightsMadisonCountySchools Dept.ofHealth,EducationandWelfare476HighlandColonyParkway Washington,D.C.Ridgeland,MS39157(601)879-3000
VISIONSTATEMENTMadisonCountySchools,incollaborationwithfamiliesandcommunity,strivestopromoteasafeandcaringlearningenvironmentthatempowersstudentsbyprovidingdiverseopportunitieswhichemphasizeacademicexcellenceandencouragecriticalthinkingskills.
MISSIONOFMADISONCOUNTYSCHOOLS
Motivate,Educate,Graduate
SUPERINTENDENT’SMESSAGE
WelcometoMadisonCountySchools!Wehopeyouareexcitedtobepartofoneofthefastestgrowing,top-ratedschooldistrictsinthestate!Thepurposeof thishandbook is toprovideyouwith informationyoumayneedtoaccess throughouttheschoolyear. Pleasekeepittouseasareference. OurstudenthandbookisalsoaccessibleontheDistrictwebsiteatwww.madison-schools.com.Informationcommontoallstudentsisdetailedatthefrontofthehandbook,whileinformationspecificto elementaryor secondary (middle, high) students is included in separate sections in thehandbook.PleaserefertotheTableofContentsforthespecificlocationofinformation.Ronnie L. McGehee Dr.RonnieL.McGeheeSuperintendent
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MADISONCOUNTYBOARDOFEDUCATION
EllenAregood–BoardSecretary601.499.0707
WayneJimenezRepresentative-District1
WilliamGrissett,PresidentRepresentative-District2
SamKelly,Member
Representative-District3
PhilipHuskey,SecretaryRepresentative-District4
Dr.PolliaGriffin,MemberRepresentative-District5
ADMINISTRATIVESTAFFDr.RonnieL.McGehee,SuperintendentRichardBurge,AssociateSuperintendentEdithMitchell,AssociateSuperintendentKalvinRobinson,AssociateSuperintendentCharlotteSeals,AssociateSuperintendent
ChristylErickson,Coordinator JenniferFillingim,MathCoordinatorCurriculum/MTSS Curriculum GavinGuynes,Director JayHarrison,DirectorTechnology Operations BillLenington,Director BarryMcKenzie,DirectorStudentAffairs FinancialOperationsDr.GregPaczak,Director StephaniePermenter,DirectorResearchandDevelopment DataManagement LetitiaReeves,Manager LynnSlay,Director16thSection SpecialServices BrendaThompson,Director SharonThompson,Director FederalPrograms ChildNutrition ShayWilliamson,DirectorHumanResources
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MADISONCOUNTYSCHOOLSELEMENTARYSCHOOLS
AnnSmithElementary CamdenElementary GradesK–2 GradesK–5 Dr.MelissaPhilley,Principal FannieGreen,Principal 306S.PearOrchardRd. 4784Hwy43North Ridgeland,MS39157 Camden,MS39045601.856.6621 662.468.2833 Fax:601.853.2043 Fax:662.468.3695 EastFloraElementary HighlandElementary GradesK–5 Grades3–5 Dr.CapucineRobinson,Principal PaulaTharp,Principal 4759Highway22(PODrawerJ) 330BrameRoadFlora,MS39071 Ridgeland,MS39157 601.879.8724 601.853.8103 Fax:601.879.3158 Fax:601.853.8109 LutherBransonElementary MadisonAvenueElementaryGradesK-5 GradesK–2JessicaSmith,Principal Dr.BrendaJones,Principal3903Hwy.16East 1199MadisonAvenueCanton,MS39046 Madison,MS39110 601.859.2743 601.856.2951Fax:601.859.0173 Fax:601.853.2726 MadisonAvenueUpperElementary MadisonCrossingElementaryGrades3–5 GradesK–5KimHurst,Principal TerriThornton,Principal 1209MadisonAvenue 300YandellRoad(POBox2589)Madison,MS39110 Madison,MS39110601.856.6609 601.898.7710Fax:601.853.7679 Fax:601.898.7716MadisonStationElementary MannsdaleElementaryGradesK–5 GradesK–2 MarthaHanna,Principal Dr.EmilyMulhollen,Principal459ReunionParkway 443MannsdaleRoad Madison,MS39110 Madison,MS39110 601.856.6246 601.879.0309 Fax:601.879.3013MannsdaleUpperElementaryGrades3–5DebraHoughton,Principal371MannsdaleRoadMadison,MS39110601.879.3433Fax:601.879.9294
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MIDDLESCHOOLS
GermantownMiddle MadisonMiddleGrades6–8 Grades6–8ChrisPerritt,Principal LeathaPhillips,Principal439CalhounStationParkway 1365MannsdaleRdMadison,MS39110 Madison,MS39110601.859.0376 601.605.4171Fax:601.859.1302 Fax:601.853.2254ShirleySimmonsMiddle OldeTowneMiddleGrades6–8 Grades6–8 KelvinGriffin,Principal CrystalChase,Principal820SulphurSpringsRoad. 210SunnybrookRoadCanton,MS39046 Ridgeland,MS39157601.855.2406 601.898.8730Fax:601.859.7615 Fax:601.853.8108
HIGHSCHOOLSGermantownHigh MadisonCentralHighGrades9–12 Grades10–12 WesleyQuick,Principal AustinBrown,Principal409CalhounStationParkway 1417HighlandColonyParkwayMadison,MS39110 Madison,MS39110601.859.6150 601.856.7121Fax:601.859.0389 Fax:601.853.2712RidgelandHigh RosaScottGrades9–12 Grade9TimDowdy,Principal SeanBrewer,Principal586SunnybrookRoad 200CrawfordStreetRidgeland,MS39157 Madison,MS39110601.898.5023 601.605.0054Fax:601.853.7822 Fax:601.898.5017
VelmaJacksonHighGrades9-12CareyKirkland,Principal2000LoringRoadCamden,MS39045662.468.2531Fax:662-468-2748
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SPECIALTYSCHOOLSAcademicOptionsCenter Career&TechnicalCenterGradesK–12Grades9–12BrentCofield,Principal Dr.AimeeBrown,Principal300IndustrialDr.South 379CalhounStationParkwayMadison,MS39110 Madison,MS39110601.607.7963 601.859-6847Fax:601.859.0374 Fax:601.859.0372MadisonCountyPre-SchoolLynnSlay,Director476HighlandColonyParkwayRidgeland,MS39157601.853.1326Fax:601.853.7610
2017-2018SCHOOLYEARCALENDAR
2017TeachersReport,ProfessionalDevelopment Friday-August4 ProfessionalDevelopment,Convocation Monday-Tuesday-August7-8StudentsReport Wednesday-August9 LaborDay Monday-September4FallHoliday,(Make-upWeatherDay) Monday–October9 Thanksgiving Monday-Friday,November20-24ChristmasHolidaysBegin Friday-December15(60%day) End1stSemester–86days 2018StudentsReport Wednesday-January3 M.L.KingHoliday Monday-January15ProfessionalDevelopment,(Make-upWeatherDay) Monday–February19 SpringBreak Monday-Friday-March12-16GoodFriday Friday–March30EasterMonday Monday–April2 LastDayforStudents Friday-May25(60%day) End2ndSemester–94days LastDayforTeachers Friday-May25MemorialDay Monday–May28 TotalStudentDays 180TotalTeacherDays 187
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STATETESTINGCALENDAR
Event
Initial Date(s)
Make Up Date(s)
Description
Pre-K & K-Readiness
Pre-test
Tues-Fri: Aug 22-Sept
22, 2017
Anytime
during initial testing window
Online Assessment to determine baseline for children who are entering school at Pre-K or Kindergarten level; offers a 5-week testing window
MAP/ Questar Retests
Mon–Fri: Nov 27-Dec 15,
2017
Anytime during initial
testing window
Online Re-testers; offers a 3-week online testing window for Algebra I & English II
SATP2 Retests
Mon–Fri: Nov 27-Dec 8, 2017
Anytime during initial
testing window
Online Re-testers; offers a 2-week online testing window for Biology I & US History
ACT
Tuesday, February 27,
2018
Tuesday, March 20
Paper/Pencil Assessment that is the actual ACT for Grade 11 students and funded by the state; results are utilized for college admission and scholarship purposes, accountability & graduation; the accommodated testing window is Feb 27-Mar 9
LAS-
LINKS ELPT
Thurs-Fri: Mar 1-Apr 13,
2018
Anytime during initial
testing window
Online English Language Proficiency Assessment for ELLs; offers a 5-week testing window (when taking into account Spring Break & Easter)
MAP-A
Mon-Thurs: Mar 19-May
11, 2018
Anytime during initial
testing window
Online Mississippi Alternate Assessment Program in ELA, Math and Science assessments for students with Significant Cognitive Disabilities (SCD); offers a 7-week testing window
MS-
CPAS2
TBD
Anytime during initial
testing window
Online Mississippi Career Planning Assessment System, Second Addition for Vocational students; offers a 4-week testing window
Pre-K & K-Readiness Post-Test
Mon-Fri: Apr 9-May 18,
2018
Anytime during initial
testing window
Online Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten Post-test; offers a 6-week testing window
MAP/
Questar
Tues-Tues: Apr 17-May
18, 2018
Anytime
during initial testing window
Online General Education Assessment for Grades 3-10 in CCSS Math & ELA, including Algebra I & English II; offers a 4 ½-week window for testing; ELA extended response will be administered in paper/pencil format through Spring 2017; also, the Third Grade ELA Part I serves as the Third Grade Reading Summative Assessment and must be completed by April 24; additionally, seniors must complete Algebra I & English II by April 24
MST2 5/8 Science
Online
Mon-Fri: April 30-May 4, 2018
Anytime during initial
testing window
Grade 8 Science; online testing window over 5 days
Mon-Fri: May 7-11, 2018 Grade 5 Science; online testing window over 5 days
SATP2
Mon-Fri: April 23-May 11, 2018
Bio I & US Hist
Anytime during initial
testing window
Online for Biology I & US History; offers a 3-week testing window; Senior testing must be complete by May 2
3rd
Reading Gate
Alternate (STAR)
Retest Window #1 – Tues-Fri: May 15-18,
2018 &
Retest Window #2 – Mon-Tues: June 25-Aug
3, 2018
Anytime during either
testing window
Online Grade 3 Reading for students who were absent during initial testing window or scored below promotion cut; summative assessment for re-testers receiving instructional support in reading provided by parents/schools to determine 4th grade promotion; students may only retest twice with immediate results; Renaissance Learning STAR assessment utilized as in the past
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GRADINGPERIODS
NineWeeks Numberof
Days Dates ProgressReports ReportCards
First 42 August9-October6 September7 October12 Second 44 October10-December15 November9 January4 Third 46 January3-March9 February8 March22 Fourth 48 March19-May25 April19 May25
ENROLLMENT
COMPULSORYAGE/ATTENDANCE“Compulsoryschoolagechild”meansachildwhoattainedorwillattaintheageof6yearsonorbeforeSeptember1ofthecalendaryearthechildwishestoenrollinfirstgrade.Kindergartenattendanceisnotcompulsory;butinaccordancewithMiss.CodeAnn.Section37-13-91,studentswhoattaintheageof5yearsonorbeforeSeptember1ofthecalendaryearmayattendkindergartenintheDistrict.Ifacompulsoryschoolagechildhasnotbeenenrolledinaschoolwithinfifteen(15)calendardaysafterthefirstdayoftheschoolyear,orsuchchildishabituallyabsentwithoutexcuse,theprincipalordesigneeshallreportthechildtotheschoolattendanceofficeroftheyouthcourtorfamilycourtforinvestigation.DEFINITIONOFRESIDENCYDefinitionof“residency”forschoolattendancepurposes:thestudentandtheparent/guardianphysicallyresidefulltime,weekdays,weeknightsandweekends,atadwellinglocatedwithintheboundariesoftheMadisonCountySchools.Theschooldistrictadministrativestaffwillverifytheresidenceofeachstudent.
Residencyrequirementsarestrictlyenforced.Theresidencyrequirementsoutlinedbelowareminimumrequirements.TheDistrictreservestherighttorequireadditionaldocumentationandverificationatanytime.
PrincipalsareempoweredbytheMadisonCountyBoardofEducationtodetermineatanytimethatachildisnotlegallyenrolledandmaynotattendclasses.DOCUMENTATIONAparentorlegalguardianmustaccompanyeachstudentseekingtoenrollintheDistrict.NostudentwillbeofficiallyenrolledintheMadisonCountySchoolDistrictuntilallofthefollowingrequirementshavebeenfullysatisfied.• PresentproofofresidencywithintheMadisonCountySchoolDistrict;• Presentacertifiedbirthcertificate(notacopy);• Presentacertifiedcourtorderofguardianshipwhenenrollingastudentashis/herlegalguardian;• Presentacertificateofhealthcompliance(immunizationform)issuedbytheMississippi
DepartmentofHealthoralocalphysicianasrequiredbyMississippilaw;• Presentaddressofpreviousschoolattended;• Presentwithdrawalinformationfromthepreviousschoolattended;
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• Presentareportcard(elementary,middleschool),oratranscript(highschool);• Passportswillbeacceptedforout-of-countrystudentspendingreceiptofacertifiedbirthcertificate
within30days.Note:ProvidingfalseinformationorfalsedocumentsinordertoregisterastudentwithintheDistrictmay result in immediate withdrawal of the student from the school he/she is attending. AnysuspiciousinformationwillbeturnedovertotheDistrict’ssecurityofficeforinvestigation.ENROLLMENTPROCEDURETheDistrictregistersstudentson-siteattheschooltheyareassignedtoattend,baseduponwheretheyresidewithintheDistrict.Eachstudentmustestablishhis/herresidenceinthefollowingmanner:NEWSTUDENTSTheparentofastudentseekingtoenrollmustprovidetheDistrictwiththefollowingitems:
1. Mortgagedocument,filedhomesteadexemption,propertydeed,propertytaxnotice,closingstatement
OR2. Anapartmentorhomelease–allleasesmustbecurrent,signedbytheowner,andinthecase
ofanapartment,thenameofeveryoccupantmustbelistedonthelease.AND
3. Onecurrentutilitybill–(onlyelectric,water,orgaswillbeaccepted)showingresidencepropertyaddress.
Otherresidencydocumentationapprovedbyschooladministration.
Inadditiontotheabove,autilitydisconnectnoticefromthepreviousaddressandproofofreconnectatthecurrentaddressmayberequired.
CONTINUINGSTUDENTSInsucceedingyears,allcontinuingstudents,whoseresidencehasremainedunchanged,willberequiredtosubmitonecurrentutilitybill(onlyelectric,water,orgaswillbeaccepted)toproveresidency,aspartofthepre-registrationprocessandallleasesmustbecurrent,signedbytheowner;andinthecaseofanapartment,thenameofeveryoccupantmustbelistedonthelease.STUDENTSRESIDINGWITHLEGALGUARDIANSInadditiontoprovidingdocumentationofresidencyasoutlinedabove(Items1–3),astudentwhoislivingwithalegalguardianwhoresidesintheDistrictwillsubmitastamped,filedcopyofthefinaldecreeapprovingtheguardianshiporacertifiedcopyofthefiledpetitionforguardianshipifthematteriscurrentlypendingbeforethecourt.
STUDENTSRESIDINGWITHPARENT/LEGALGUARDIANINAHOMENOTOWNEDORRENTEDBYTHEPARENT/LEGALGUARDIAN(SHAREDRESIDENCY–ENROLLMENTBYSPECIALAFFIDAVIT)TheMadisonCountySchoolDistrictnowrequiresthattheparent/legalguardianofastudentresidinginahomenotownedorrentedinthenameoftheparent/legalguardianmustprovideproofofresidencyattheDistrictCentralOfficebeforethestudentmaybeenrolled.Boththeparent/legalguardianofthestudentandtheowner/leaseholderofthepropertymustmeetwithDistrictpersonnelattheDistrictCentralOfficeeachyear.Theparent/guardianandtheowner/leaseholdermustbepresentandprovidethefollowingdocuments:
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Owner/leaseholdermustprovide:1.Mortgagedocuments,filedhomesteadexemption,propertydeed,propertytaxnotice,closing
statement,oracopyofafullyexecutedapartmentorhomeleasesignedbytheowner.Inthecaseofanapartment,thenameofeveryoccupantmustbelistedonthelease.Theleasemustbecurrentduringtheschoolyear.
2.Oneutilitybill(onlyelectric,gas,waterbillswillbeaccepted)inowner/leaseholder’sname,currentatthetimeofregistration,andshowingresidencepropertyaddress.
Parent/GuardianLivingwithowner/leaseholdermustprovideTWOofthefollowing: 1.ValidMississippidriver’slicenseorstateidentificationwithresidencepropertyaddress2.Automobileregistration(validduringcurrentschoolyear)showingresidencepropertyaddress3.Governmentmailingfromcounty,state,orfederalagencyshowingresidencepropertyaddress4.Utilitybill(onlyelectric,gas,waterbillswillbeaccepted)intheparent/guardian’snameandshowing
residencepropertyaddress Ifdocumentationisapproved,theparent/guardianmustattestthattheparent/guardianandthestudentlivewiththeowner/leaseholderfull-timeandmustsignan“AffidavitStatementofLegalResidency”form.OnceresidencyhasbeenverifiedattheCentralOffice,theparent/guardianmustcompleteenrollmentattheschool.NOTE:Ifbothparentssharejointlegalcustody,inadditiontoenrollmentdocumentationlistedabove,parentsmustprovideastamped,filedcopyofthecourtorderidentifyingeachparent’srespectiveresponsibilities.InthecasewherebothparentsresideintheDistrictbutindifferentattendancezones,bothparentsmustsignadeclarationstatingtheattendancezonethestudentwillattendforthecurrentschoolyear.Bothparentsareresponsibleforimmediatelynotifyingtheschoolofanymodificationstothecourtorderregardinglegalcustodyofthechild.NostudentwillbeofficiallyenrolledinMadisonCountySchoolsuntilalloftheserequirementshavebeenfullysatisfied.
NOTE:BoththecitiesofMadisonandRidgelandhaveadoptedcityordinanceswithstrongpenaltiesforfalsificationofresidencyinformationinordertoenrollachildinMadisonCountySchools.Detailedcopiesoftheseordinancescanbefoundonthewebsitesofeachcity.
HOMELESSSTUDENTSWhenachildisdeterminedtobehomelessasdefinedbytheMcKinney-VentoHomelessEducationAssistanceAct,theschooldistrictshallconsiderandtakeenrollmentactionthatisinthebestinterestofthechildpursuantto42USCSection11432(e)-(3),andtheMadisonCountySchoolsPolicyandProceduresforservingHomelessandUnaccompaniedYouth.FormoreinformationonconcerningtheMcKinney-VentoHomelessEducationAssistanceAct(TitleX)andtheschooldistrict’sHomelessPolicy,seethefollowingwebpagelinks.http://www.madison-schools.com/cms/lib4/MS01001041/Centricity/Domain/23/Board%20Approved%20Homeless%20Policy%20May%202013.pdfhttp://www.mde.k12.ms.us/OFP/title-x
Homelesschildrenandyouthsmayinclude:• individualswholackafixed,regular,andadequatenighttimeresidence;• childrenandyouthswhoaresharingthehousingofotherpersonsduetolossofhousing,
economichardship,orasimilarreason;arelivinginmotels,hotels,trailerparks,orcamping
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groundsduetothelackofalternativeaccommodations;arelivinginemergencyortransitionalshelters;areabandonedinhospitals;orareawaitingfostercareplacement;
• childrenandyouthswhohaveaprimarynighttimeresidencethatisapublicorprivateplacenotdesignedfororordinarilyusedasaregularsleepingaccommodationforhumanbeings;
• childrenandyouthswhoarelivingincars,parks,publicspaces,abandonedbuildings,substandardhousing,busortrainstations,orsimilarsettings;and
• migratorychildrenwhoqualifyashomelessasdescribedabove.STUDENTSINFOSTERCARETheEveryStudentSucceedsActemphasizestheimportanceoflimitingeducationaldisruptionsforchildrenplacedinfostercarewhomoveduetoenteringcareorchangingplacementsbymandatingthatthechildremaininhis/herschooloforiginunlessitisdeterminedbytheLocalEducationAgencyandthestatechildwelfareagencythatrelocatingthechildtoanotherschoolisinthebestinterestofthechild.STUDENTSOFMILITARYPERSONNELParentsorlegalguardianswhoareactivemembersoftheUnitedStatesArmedForcesorcivilianmilitarypersonnelwhoresideonamilitarybasemayenrolltheirchildreninanyschooldistrictoftheparentorlegalguardian’schoosing,subjecttocertainconditions.Reference:HB879effectiveJuly1,2013.PLACEMENTTESTINGHomeSchooled,InternationalSchooled,Non-AccreditedSchooledStudentsTheDistrictadherestothehomestudypolicysetforthbyMiss.CodeAnn.37-15-33.ThispolicyshallalsoapplytostudentswishingtoentertheDistrictfromaninternationalschooloranon-accreditedschoolwithintheUnitedStates.• AnystudentenrollingintheDistrictfromahomestudyprogramwillbeadministeredteststo
determineproperplacement.StudentsenteringhighschoolwillbeadministeredanexamineachcourseforwhichaCarnegieunitisrequested.Enteringninthgraderswillbeadministeredan8thgrademathtest,an8thgradeEnglishtest,an8thgradesocialstudiestest,andan8thgradesciencetesttoverifyproperplacement.
• Thestudent’sgradeoneachexamwillberecordedontheofficialschooltranscriptasthefinalsemestergradeinthatcourseforbothfirstandsecondsemesterinyear-longcourses.
• Atestingschedulewillbedevelopedtoensurepromptcompletionoftheaforementionedrequirements.Thestudentwillreceivenotificationofthetestingscheduleaminimumoffivedayspriortotheinitialadministrationofthetests.Alltestingmustbecompletedwithinaminimumofthirtydays.
• TheDistrictisundernoobligationtoprovidereviewassistance.However,textbookswillbemadeavailableuponrequest.
TRANSFERSTUDENTSStudentswhohavebeenexpelledfromanotherschooldistrictareineligibletoenrollintheDistrictforthedurationoftheexpulsionterm.IfastudentenrollsintheDistrictafterfullcompletionoftheexpulsiontermfromanotherschooldistrict,thestudentwillentertheDistrict’sAcademicOptionsCenterforthesemesterwhenthestudentenrolls.AdministratorsorcounselorswiththeDistrictmayrequestaletterofgoodstandingfromapreviousschool.Studentswhohavebeenplacedorarependingplacementinalternativeschoolsettings,correctionalinstitutions,ortrainingfacilitiesinanotherschooldistrictaresubjecttoplacementintheAcademicOptionsCenteruponenrollmentinMadisonCountySchools.
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Anystudentreturningfromanexpulsionorre-enteringfromanexpulsionfromwithintheDistrict,shallre-entertheAcademicOptionsCenterfortheremainderofthesemesterinwhichhe/shereturns,beforereturningtohis/herhomeschool.WITHDRAWALOFSTUDENTSIfastudentistobewithdrawnfromschool,pleasenotifytheofficeassoonaspossible(preferablyseveraldaysinadvance).Teachersshouldnotbeinterruptedduringteachingtimetoprocesspaperworknecessarytowithdrawastudent.Anystudentwhowithdrawspendingadisciplinaryhearingmaynotparticipateinorattendanyschool-relatedactivities,functions,oreventseitheronoroffcampus.SuchstudentsareprohibitedfromenteringanyschoolpropertyotherthanforattendanceattheAcademicOptionsCenter.
FAMILYEDUCATIONALRIGHTSANDPRIVACYACTTheFamilyEducationalRightsandPrivacyAct(FERPA)affordsparentsandstudentsover18yearsofage(“eligiblestudents”)certainrightswithrespecttothestudent’seducationalrecords.Theyare:• Therighttoinspectandreviewthestudent’seducationrecordswithin45daysofthedaythe
Districtreceivesarequestforaccess.Parentsoreligiblestudentsshouldsubmittotheschoolprincipal(orappropriateschoolofficial)awrittenrequestthatidentifiestherecord(s)theywishtoinspect.Theprincipalwillmakearrangementsforaccessandnotifytheparentoftheeligiblestudentofthetimeandplacewheretherecordsmaybeinspected.Afeeof$.25perpage(8.5”x11”),or$.50perpage(8.5”x14”)willbecharged,unlessthefeeeffectivelypreventsaparentoreligiblestudentfromexercisingtherighttoinspectandreviewthestudent’seducationrecords.• Therighttorequestamendmentofthestudent’seducationrecordsthattheparentoreligible
studentbelievesareinaccurateormisleading.ParentsoreligiblestudentsmayasktheDistricttoamendarecordthattheybelieveisinaccurateormisleading.Theyshouldwritetheschoolprincipal,clearlyidentifythepartoftherecordtheywantchanged,andspecifywhyitisinaccurateormisleading.IftheDistrictdecidesnottoamendtherecordasrequestedbytheparentoreligiblestudent,thedistrictwillnotifytheparentoreligiblestudentofthedecisionandadvisethemoftheirrighttoahearingregardingtherequestforamendment.Additionalinformationregardingthehearingprocedureswillbeprovidedtotheparentoreligiblestudentwhennotifiedoftherighttoahearing.• Therighttoconsenttodisclosuresofpersonallyidentifiableinformationcontainedinthestudent’s
educationrecords,excepttotheextentthatFERPAauthorizesdisclosurewithoutconsent.Oneexceptionwhichpermitsdisclosurewithoutconsentisdisclosuretoschoolofficialswithlegitimateeducationalinterests.AschoolofficialisapersonemployedbytheDistrictasanadministrator,supervisor,instructor,orsupportstaffmember(includinghealthormedicalstaffandlawenforcementunitpersonnel);apersonservingontheBoardofEducation;apersonorcompanywithwhomtheDistricthascontractedtoperformaspecialtask(suchasanattorney,auditor,medicalconsultant,ortherapist).
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Aschoolofficialhasalegitimateeducationalinterestiftheofficialneedstoreviewaneducationrecordinordertofulfillhisorherprofessionalresponsibility.UponrequestofofficialsofanotherschoolDistrictinwhichastudentseeksorintendstoenroll,thedistrictmaydiscloseeducationalrecordswithoutconsent.TheDistrictmaydisclosedirectoryinformationregardingitsstudents.Directoryinformationmeansinformationcontainedinaneducationrecordofastudentwhichwouldnotgenerallybeconsideredharmfuloraninvasionofprivacyifdisclosed.Itincludes,butisnotlimitedtothestudent’sname,address,telephonelisting,dateandplaceofbirth,majorfieldofstudy,participationinofficiallyrecognizedactivitiesandsports,weightandheightofmembersofathleticteams,datesofattendance,degreesandawardsreceived,andthemostrecentpreviouseducationalagencyorinstitutionattended.TheparentoreligiblestudenthastherighttorefusetolettheDistrictdesignateanyoralltypesofinformationaboutthestudentasdirectoryinformation.Theparentoreligiblestudentmustnotifytheprincipal(ordesignee)inwritingwithin14daysofreceiptofthisnoticethatheorshedoesnotwantanyorallofthosetypesofinformationaboutthestudentdesignatedasdirectoryinformation.TheDistrictmaydisclosedirectoryinformationaboutformerstudentswithoutmeetingtheseconditions.• TherighttofileacomplaintwiththeU.S.DepartmentofEducationconcerningallegedfailuresby
thedistricttocomplywiththerequirementsofFERPA.ThenameandaddressoftheofficethatadministersFERPAis:
FamilyPolicyComplianceOffice (202)260-3887U.S.DepartmentofEducation TTD:(202)260-8956400MarylandAve.SW Washington,D.C.20202-4605PUBLICRECORDSACCESSPOLICYThefollowingpoliciesandprocedureswereadoptedinordertocomplywiththerequirementsoftheMississippiPublicRecordsActasamended.RecordsAccessibleAll“publicrecords”maintainedbytheDistrict,asdefinedbytheAct,shallbemadeavailableforaccessandduplication,subjecttotheexceptionsandrequirementsofthesepolicies,andotherstateorfederallaws.RequestsforAccessRequestsforaccesstopublicrecordsshallbefiledinwritingandaddressedtotheSuperintendentofEducation,MadisonCountySchools,476HighlandColonyParkway,Ridgeland,MS39157.Therequestmuststate,withsufficientspecificity,thenature,location,anddescriptionofthepublicrecordssoughtinordertoenabletheappropriateofficial(s)oftheDistricttoobtaintherecordsforreviewand/orduplication.Intheeventthattherequestlackssufficientclarityorisotherwiseundulyburdensome,itwillbereturnedtotheoriginatorforclarificationorcorrection.Allrequeststoinspectorduplicatepublicrecordsmustbefiledbetweenthehoursof9:00a.m.and3:00p.m.onanyworkingdayintheSuperintendent’soffice.Requestsforinspectionand/orduplicationofrecordsshallbehonoredatsuchtimeduringthedayasthedocumentsarenotbeingusedbytheappropriateofficialsoftheDistrict.Aftertherecordsarelocatedandmadeavailableforinspectionand/orduplication,theoriginatoroftherequestwillbenotifiedofatime,placeanddate,notlaterthan7workingdaysfromthedateofreceipt
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oftherequest,toallowinspectionand/orduplication.IftheDistrictisnotabletocomplywithin7workingdays,itmustgiveawrittenexplanationtothepersonmakingtherequest,statingwithspecificitythereasonswhytherecordscouldnotbeproducedwithinthe7-daytimeframe,andabsentmutualagreement,therecordsmustbeproducednolaterthan14workingdaysfromreceiptoftherequest.FeesChargedAsallowedbystatute,theDistrictshallchargeandcollectfeestoreimburseitfortheactualcostsofsearching,reviewing,duplicatingandmailingcopiesofpublicrecords.Allapplicablechargesshallbepaidtothedistrictinadvanceofcomplyingwithanyrequests,pursuanttothefollowingschedule:• Photocopying:$.50perpage(8.5”x11”),$.75perpage(8.5”x14”)• Searching&Reviewing:Anhourlychargeof$7.00or,intheeventitisnecessaryforsupervisory
personneltoconductthesearchandreview,anamountwhichequalstheactualwageperhourofsuchperson.
• Postage:Actualcostofpostageshallbeassessedforallrecordsmailed.• Anyrequestwhichwillrequireconsiderableassistanceofschoolpersonnelforsearchingand
reviewingshallbesubjecttoaminimumdepositof$25.00.Intheeventthattheactualcostisfoundtobelessthan$25.00,thebalanceshallberefundedtotheoriginatoroftherequestattheappointedtimefortheinspectionand/orduplication.
ExemptRecordsThefollowingrecordsareexemptfromtheMississippiPublicRecordsActandfromthispolicyandshallnotbesubjecttodisclosure,exceptunderotherauthorityandunderappropriatecircumstances.• Recordsfurnishedtopublicbodiesbythirdpartieswhichcontaintradesecretsorconfidential
commercialorfinancialinformation,asprovidedbytheAct.• Records,whichareconfidentialorprivileged,asprovidedbyconstitutional,statutorylaworcase
lawofthisstateoroftheUnitedStates.• Recordswhicharedevelopedamongjudges,judgesandtheiraides,andjuries.• Personnelrecords,includingbutnotlimitedtoapplicationsforemployment,testquestionsand
answersusedinemploymentexaminations,andlettersofrecommendation.• Testquestionsandanswersinthepossessionofapublicbodywhicharetobeusedinfuture
academicexaminations.• RecordswhichrepresentandconstitutetheworkproductofanattorneyrepresentingtheDistrict,
recordswhicharerelatedtolitigationbyoragainsttheDistrict,orinanticipationofprospectivelitigation,andcommunicationsbetweentheDistrictandtheattorneyinthecourseofanattorney-clientrelationship.
• Recordswhichwoulddiscloseinformationaboutaperson’sindividualtaxpaymentorstatus.• Recordsconcerningthesaleorpurchaseofpropertyforpublicpurposespriortotheannouncement
ofthepurchaseofsalewherethereleaseoftherecordwouldhaveadetrimentaleffectonthesaleandpurchase.
• Alleducationalrecordsofstudentsandformerstudents,asdefinedbyTheFamilyEducationalRightsandPrivacyAct(FERPA);suchexemptionshallalsoapplytolettersofrecommendationrespectingadmissiontoanyeducationalagencyininstitutions.
• Recordsthataremaintainedregardingtheprocessofdetectionandinvestigationinunlawfulactivity,inadditiontosuchrecordsasdefinedinMiss.CodeAnn.Section45-20-1oftheMississippiCodeof1972.
• Commercialandfinancialinformationofaproprietarynaturerequiredtobesubmittedtothedistrict.
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DenialofAccessIntheeventthattheDistrictdeniesarequestforaccesstoorcopiesofpublicrecords,thedenialwillbeinwritingandmuststatethespecificstatutoryexemption,whichapplies.TheDistrictwillmaintainarecordofalldenialsforaperiodof3years.
ACADEMIC/ASSESSMENTEVERYSTUDENTSUCCEEDSACT(ESSA)PARENTANDFAMILYENGAGEMENTUNDERESSANotificationofTeacherQualifications:AschooldistrictmustnotifyallparentsofchildreninTitleIschoolsthattheymayrequestinformationonteacherqualificationsatanytime.Additionally,parentsmustbenotifiedifachildisassignedtoand/orisbeingtaughtforfourormoreconsecutiveweeksbyateacherwhodoesnotmeetstatecertificationandlicensurerequirements.
NotificationofAssessmentsandIndividualStudentAssessmentResults:Aschooldistrictmustprovideinformationtoparentsregardingstateassessments,locallyselectedassessmentsforhighschoolstudents,alternateassessmentplansforchildrenwiththemostsignificantcognitivedisabilitiesandindividualstudentassessmentresults,includingdetailsaboutparentopt-outrights,ifapplicable.Districts’musttest95%ofallstudentsandeverystudentsubgroup.
NotificationandPermissionforPlacementofEligibleTitleIIIStudents:TheschooldistrictandschoolsservingEnglishlanguagelearnersshallinformtheparentsthattheirchild(ren)has/havebeenplacedinaninstructionalprogramforEnglishLearnersnolaterthan30daysafterbeginningoftheschoolyear.Ifthestudentisidentifiedafterthebeginningoftheschoolyear,theLEA/schoolshallnotifyparentswithinthefirsttwoweeksofthechild’sbeingplacedinaprogramforELs.Onceachildhasbeenidentifiedaseligibleforlanguageassistance,theparentmustbenotifiedoftheinstructionalprogramofferingsandservicesinanunderstandableanduniformformatandtotheextentpracticableinalanguagethattheparentcanunderstand.
ReportCards:States,districts,andschoolsmustpublishreportcardsforpublicdisseminationinthefallsemesterofeachschoolyear.ESSAreportcardsstartinDecember2018.Reportsmustincludeprofessionalqualificationsofteachers,emergencyandprovisionalcredentials,teacherswhoteachinareasoutsideofcertification,disaggregateddataonthegraduationrates,fostercaredataandacademicachievementofhomelesschildrenandyouthexperiencinghomelessness.Reportcardsmustbeinalanguagethatparentscanunderstand.
Literacy-BasedPromotionActAnnualReport-http://mdereports.mdek12.org/data/lbpa/2015/District/4500.pdf
ProgramPlanningandImplementation:Itisimportantforparentstobeinvolvedinplanningandimplementingprogramsfundedthroughstateandfederaldollars.
ACTIVEPARENTBeginninginthirdgrade,yourstudent’sgrades,discipline,attendance,andschoolnewsareavailabletoyouwithanActiveParentaccount.Toaccessthisinformation,parentsmustenrollattheschoolforausernameandpassword.Onlyoneaccountisnecessaryformultiplestudents.AlinktoActiveParentmaybefoundontheDistrict’swebpageatwww.madison-schools.com.
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ACTDISTRICTCHOICESTATETESTINGMadisonCountySchoolswillparticipateintwoadministrationsoftheACTduringthe2017-18schoolyear.TheACTwillbeofferedduringtheschooldayonthestudent’shomecampusatnocosttothestudent.MadisonCountySchoolswillofferalltwelfthgradestudentsanopportunitytoparticipateinACT’sDistrictChoiceStateTestingonOctober3,2017,atDistrictexpense.Also,theStateofMississippiwilladministertheACTtoalleleventhgradestudentsduringanonlinetestingwindowscheduledforFebruary27,2018.Scoresforbothadministrationscanbeusedforcollegeadmissionsandscholarships,tomeetmandatedhighschoolgraduationassessmentrequirementsandtodetermineschoolanddistrictaccountabilityratings.MoreinformationwillbemadeavailablethroughMCShighschoolstoeleventhandtwelfthgradestudentsinthebeginningofthe2017-18schoolyear.THIRDGRADESUMMATIVEASSESSMENTTheLiteracyBasedPromotionAct,aspartofSenateBill2347,callsforstudentsscoringatthelowestachievementlevelinreadingontheestablishedstateassessmentforthirdgradetonotbepromotedtofourthgrade,beginningwiththe2014-15schoolyear.ThethirdgradestatereadingassessmentistherequiredEndofYearstate-wideassessment,MAP.ResultsfromtheAprilassessmentwillbeusedtoaddressspecificreadingdeficienciesofstudentswhodonotachieveapassingscore.Tworetestopportunitieswillbeprovidedtostudentsinanefforttosupportstudentsinearningpromotiontofourthgrade.MoreinformationwillbemadeavailablethroughMCSelementaryschoolstothirdgradestudentsinthebeginningoftheschoolyear.STUDENTASSESSMENTGLOSSARYCollege&CareerReadinessAssessmentsMasteryPrepPracticeACT(Grades9-11)–PracticeACTsareforearlyhighschoolstudents.Resultsareameasureofcurrentacademicprogress.AdministeredonOctober3,2017atnocostforstudents.ACT(Grades11&12)–Curriculum-and-standards-basededucationalandcareerplanningtoolthatassessesstudent’sacademicreadinessforcollege.Resultscanbeusedforcollegeadmissionandscholarshippurposesaswellastomeetmandatedstategraduationassessmentrequirements.AliveversionisadministeredatnocosttoseniorsonOctober3rdandtojuniorsonApril27thduringregularschoolhoursatthestudent’shomecampus.NotethatstudentscanregisterattheirowncostfortestadministrationsonSaturdaysinSeptember,October,December,February,April,andJuneatwww.act.org.PSAT(Grades9-11)–Voluntaryassessmentthatmeasuresskillsintheareasofreading,mathandwriting/language.ResultsareutilizedtodeterminestudentstrengthsandweaknessesonskillsnecessaryforcollegestudyaswellastoqualifyforNationalMeritstatusthejunioryear.AdministeredwithapotentialcosttostudentsduringregularschoolhoursonOctober11thatthestudent’shomecampus.ASVAB(Grades11or12)–NationallynormedassessmentofTheDepartmentofDefense.Resultsareusedtodetermineaptitudeforacareerinthearmedforcesaswellasstudentvocationalstrengths.Administeredpotentiallyduringtheeleventhortwelfthgradetosecond-yearCareerandTechnicalSchoolstudents.WorkKeys(Grades11or12)–ACTassessmentsystemthatmeasuresjobskills.Resultsareusedtosupportemployerswiththeselection,hiring,training,development,andretentionofahigh-performanceworkforce.Administeredpotentiallyduringtheeleventhortwelfthgradetosecond-year
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CareerandTechnicalSchoolstudents.MadisonCountySchoolsFormativeAssessmentsCase21Benchmarks(Grades1-11)–Customizedcriterion-referencedcommonassessmentsdesignedtoreflectMississippistatetestsinbothformatandcontentforthesubjectareasofLanguageArts,Math,Science(5th&8thGradesandBiologyI)andSocialStudies(USHistory).Resultsareutilizedtoguideclassroominstructionaldecisionsaswellassometimesservingasnineweekandsemestertests.Administeredtypicallyattheconclusionofthefirstthreenine-weekperiods.NWEA/MAP(Grades6-8)&STAR(GradesK-5)–Adaptiveassessmentswherestudentresponsesdeterminethedifficultylevelofquestions.Resultscanbeusedtoguideclassroominstructionaldecisionsaswellastoserveasauniversalscreener,whichhelpsinidentificationofspecificmathandreadingdeficiencies.AdministeredtypicallythreetimesayearduringSeptember,JanuaryandApril.MississippiDepartmentofEducationLanguageArts,Math,ScienceandSocialStudiesFrameworkAssessmentsLASLinks(GradesK-12)-EnglishlanguageproficiencyassessmentadministeredtostudentswhohavebeenofficiallyidentifiedasEnglishlearners(ELs).ThisassessmentisadministeredannuallytomonitorEnglishlearners'progressinacquiringacademicEnglish.Academiclanguageisdefinedasthelanguagerequiredtosucceedinschoolthatincludesdeepunderstandingsofcontentandcommunicationofthatlanguageintheclassroomenvironment.Theseunderstandingsrevolvearoundspecificcriteriarelatedtodialogue,sentence,andword/phraselevelsoflanguage.AdministeredduringthemonthofMarch.MAP-A(Grades3-12)–formerlytheDynamicLearningMapsAlternateAssessment(DLM),theMississippiAssessmentProgram–Alternate(MAP-A)isacomputer-basedassessmentforthe1%ofthepublicschoolstudentpopulationwithsignificantcognitivedisabilitiesforwhom,evenwithaccommodations,generalstateassessmentsarenotappropriate.Thesealternateassessments,justlikethegeneralassessments,mustbealignedtoacademiccontentstandardsthatapplyinReading,Writing,andMathematicsingrades3-8andonceinhighschoolandinscienceinatleastonegradeineach3-5,6-8andhighschoolgraderanges.Resultsareutilizedforschoolanddistrictaccountabilitypurposesaswellastodetermineindividualstudentprogress.Administeredinthespring.MKAS2(GradesK-3)MississippiKindergartenReadinessAssessment(GradesPre-K&K)–Baselineassessmenttoinformparents,teachers,andearlychildhoodproviderswithacommonunderstandingofwhatchildrenknowandareabletodouponenteringschool.Resultswillbeusedtodeployresourcesandinstructionalsupportsforstudentsfrombirthtothirdgrade.Administeredduringapre-testwindowinAugust/Septemberandapost-testwindowofApril/May.MississippiReadingSummativeAssessment(Grade3)–Summativecriterion-referencedlanguageartsassessmentthatisfullyalignedwiththeMississippiCollegeandCareerReadinessStandards.Resultsareutilizedtodeterminetheminimumlevelofcompetencyinreadingforpromotiontofourthgrade.Initiallyadministeredduringascheduledone-weektestwindowinAprilwithtworetestopportunitiesfollowing,duringmid-Mayandlate-Junetoearly-August.
MississippiAssessmentProgram(QuestarGrades3-8,AlgebraI,EnglishII)–Customizedcriterion-referencedlanguageartsandmathematicsteststhatwillbefullyalignedwiththeMississippiCollegeandCareerReadinessStandards;PerformanceBasedAssessment(PBA)formatthatincludesmultiple-choiceaswellasbothshortandextendedresponses.Resultsareutilizedforschoolanddistrict
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accountabilitypurposesaswellastodetermineindividualstudentprogress.AlgebraIandEnglishIIassessmentsarerequiredforstudentsearningahighschooldiploma.Administeredduringanonlinewindowinlate-Apriltomid-May.MST2(Grades5&8)-Customizedcriterion-referencedscienceassessmentsthatarefullyalignedwiththe2010MississippiScienceFramework.Resultsareusedforschoolanddistrictaccountabilitypurposesaswellastodetermineindividualstudentprogress.AdministeredthefirsttwoweeksofMay.SATP2(Grades8-11)–Customizedcriterion-referencedassessmentsinBiologyIandU.S.HistorythatarefullyalignedwithMississippiscienceandhistoryFrameworks.Resultsareutilizedforschoolanddistrictaccountabilitypurposesaswellasagraduationrequirementforstudentsearningahighschooldiploma.PrimaryadministrationistypicallyscheduledforApril/MaywithretestsoccurringinDecemberandMarch.
CPAS2(Grades10-12)-Occupational-specificportionoftheMississippiCareerPlanningandAssessmentSystem.ResultsareutilizedforestablishingaccountabilityforsecondaryCareerandTechnicalSchoolprogramsaswellastodetermineindividualstudentprogress.AdministeredtypicallyduringAprilandMay.
ENGLISHLANGUAGELEARNERS(ELL)MadisonCountySchoolsiscommittedtoprovidingaqualityeducationforallstudents,includingthosewhosefirstlanguageisoneotherthanEnglish.TheinstructionalgoaloftheEnglishasaSecondLanguage(ESL)programistoprovideservicestoELLstudentstoimproveorincreasetheirEnglishproficiency;thus,enablingthemtofunctionindependentlyandtoparticipateeffectivelyintheregularacademicprogram.
AllEnglishLanguageLearnersreceivetheirprimarycorecurricularinstructionthroughtheregularprogram.Asasupplementtoregularclassroominstruction,ELLstudentsreceiveregularlyscheduledinstructioninEnglishasaSecondLanguage,withemphasisonEnglishlanguageacquisitionskills.AsstudentstestintotheESLprogram,theyarescheduledinESLclassesandtutorialsessions,throughpull-out,and/orpush-in/inclusion.StudentsareservedbyESLteachersandcontentarea/mainstreamteachers.
Initially,emphasisoftheK-5ESLprogramisonteaching“survival”language,followingdirectionsandbasicconversationalEnglish.SupportandassistanceareprovidedforELLstudentsincorecurricularcontentfortheregularprogram;buttheESLprogramdoesnottaketheplaceofregularclassroominstruction.Attheelementaryandmiddleschoollevels,studentsaregroupedaccordingtotheirproficiencylevelsinordertoindividualizeinstructionasmuchaspossibleinatutorialprogram.ThelevelofEnglishlanguageproficiencyandtheindividualneedsofstudentsdeterminethefrequencyanddurationofESLinstruction.Atthehighschoollevel,studentsarescheduledintoanESLclass,whichalsocountsasalanguagecredittowardgraduation.CurrentlytheDistrictemploys11certifiedteachers,withESLendorsements,toserveover430EnglishLearnersintheDistrict.TheDistrictalsoemploysoneparaprofessionaltoassistESLteachers.
TheacademicneedsofELLstudentsaremetthroughavarietyofeducationalstrategieswithemphasisplacedonthedevelopmentoflistening,speaking,reading,andwriting.ESLteachersutilizePearson’sKeystoLearningresourcesforexplicitandfocusedinstructiontopromotelanguageproficiencyandreadingcomprehensioningrades5-12foracademicvocabularyacquisitionandtransferablecross-curricularacademicskills.FormoreadvancedELstudents,theKeystoneseriesisused.ElementaryELLstudentsuseanassortmentofresourcestoincludePockets(K)andPearson-LongmanCornerstoneresources.
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Raz-KidsESLisanenhancedreadingprogramthatsupportsELLwithresearchedbasedstrategiestopromotereading,listening,speakingandwritingskills.Integratedintheprogramaregrammarandvocabularysupportsatvariouslanguageproficiencylevels.Throughoutthedistrict,theprogramismainlyusedinelementaryschools.
I-Stationisusedforremedialreadingusingshelteredinstructionwithafocusonacademicvocabularyforgrades1-5.Keywordsarepracticedwithdecodablereadersalongwithotherpassages.StudentsunderstandandreadEnglishwithimaginablewords,animatedphonics,auditory,visualandkinestheticrepresentationsofwords.Studentsbuildbackgroundknowledgethroughtheuseofcommon/universalconcepts.Readinginstructionandlanguagedevelopmentareintegrated.AsthestudentdevelopsEnglishlanguageskills,visualscaffoldsdisappear.
TheacronymsLEP,ESL,ELandELLaresometimesusedinterchangeably.
ENGLISHLANGUAGELEARNERS(ELL)GRADINGGUIDELINESProceduresforgradingELLstudentsmustfacilitatestudents’successinschoolandtheschooldistrictmustensurethatELLstudentsarenotbeingdiscriminatedagainstintheassignmentofgradesduetoalanguagebarrier.ELLstudentsshouldbeexpectedtomeetthesameeducationalrequirementsasotherstudents;however,theymayneedmoretimetodoso.Federalrequirementsmandatethatschooldistrictstakeaffirmativestepstoopentheireducationalprogramstonationaloriginminoritygroupstudents.ThismeansthatwhileELLstudentsmustmeetthesameeducationalrequirementsasotherstudents,theserequirementsmustbepresentedinamannerappropriatetoELLstudents’culturalandlinguisticneedsandinatimeframethatfacilitatestheirlearning.
Teachersmustconsideralternativeassessmentmeasuressuchasportfolios,specialprojects,andjournals.MadisonCountySchoolswilladheretotheregular,District-widegradingguidelineswiththefollowingcautionswhengradingELLstudents:
• The focus for gradingnon-English and limitedEnglishproficient students in the content areasmustbeonimprovement.
• Fluent English proficient (FEP) ELL students must be graded on improvement as well asknowledgeofcontent.
• No failing grades may be given during the English Language Learners’ progression from Level 1-Beginning through Level 3- Intermediate (LAS Links English Language Proficiency Levels: 1-Beginning, 2-Early Intermediate, 3-Intermediate, 4-Proficient, 5-Above Proficient).
• Teachers must fully document regular contact with the EL teacher regarding specificmodifications for ELL students, the performance of ELL students and the progress of ELLstudents. Failures for ELL studentsmust not be due to English language deficiency. Englishlanguagedeficiencyincludesreading,writing,speaking,andcomprehension.
IfanELLstudentreceivesafailinggrade,completedocumentationofmodificationsandaccommodations,includingconferenceswiththeELLteacher,mustbeplacedinthestudent’scumulativefolderandacopysenttotheMadisonCountySchools,OfficeofFederalPrograms.
MCSPlan,Policies,ProceduresandAssessmentsforELL–http://www.madison-schools.com/cms/lib4/MS01001041/Centricity/Domain/23/esl_handbook_guide_for_mcsd_rev_09.20.12.pdfSTUDENTSWITHDISABILITIESGradingandReportofProgressThepolicyusedforreportinggradesorprogressforstudentswithdisabilitieswillbeasfollows:
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• The grading system used in the regular education program will be utilized for students who
receiveinstructionthroughtheregulareducationprogramandareexpectedtomasterthesameobjectivesasregulareducationstudents.
• Forstudentswhoreceiveinstructionthroughtheregulareducationprogrambutanalternateorparallelcurriculum(whichdiffersfromthatprovidedtogradelevelpeers)istaught,gradeswillbe assigned for each academic area addressed on the student’s Individualized EducationProgram(IEP).Gradesgivenwillbebasedonthemasteryofobjectives/benchmarksoutlinedontheIEPusingtheregulareducationgradingsystemwithinputfromboththeregularandspecialeducation teachers. The student’s report card will reflect that these grades are based onobjectives/benchmarks outlined in the student’s IEP. For those students in grades K-2, theregulareducationmathematics,readingand/or languageartsbenchmarksbeingtaughtwillbemarkedaccordingtothedistrict’sgradingsystem.AnybenchmarklistedontheK-2reportcardthatisnotbeingtaught,accordingtotheIEP,willbeindicatedasnotapplicable.Attheendofeach nine (9) weeks (ormore often as outlined on the IEP), the Report of Progress for eachobjective/benchmarkontheAnnualServiceGoalPage(s)oftheIEPwillalsobecompletedandforwardedtotheparent(s).ThestudentwillnotearnCarnegieunitcredittowardaregularhighschooldiplomaforthistypeofcurriculuminstruction.
• Forstudentswhoreceivedirectinstructioninacademicareasfromaspecialeducationteacher,grades will be assigned for each academic area based on mastery of objectives/benchmarksidentifiedonthestudent’sIEPusingtheregulareducationgradingsystem.Thestudent’sreportcard will reflect that these grades are based on objectives/benchmarks addressed in thestudent’s IEP. For those students in grades K-2, the regular educationmathematics, readingand/orlanguageartsbenchmarksbeingtaughtwillbemarkedaccordingtothedistrict’sgradingsystem.AnybenchmarklistedontheK-2reportcardthatisnotbeingtaught,accordingtotheIEP,willbeindicatedasnotapplicable.Attheendofeach9weeks(ormoreoftenasoutlinedon the IEP), theReportofProgress foreachobjective/benchmarkon theAnnual ServiceGoalPage(s)oftheIEPwillalsobecompletedandforwardedtotheparent(s). Thestudentwillnotearn Carnegie unit credit toward a regular high school diploma for this type of curriculuminstruction.
• For studentswho receivedirect instruction froma special education teacher in functional/lifeskillsareasorfromaspeechpathologist ina language/speecharea(s),gradeswillbegivenforeachareabasedonmasteryofobjectives/benchmarksaddressedonthestudent’sIEPusingthefollowinggradingsystem: N=NoProgressMade;P=ProgressMade; M=ObjectivesTaughtDuringThisGradingPeriodMasteredBasedonCriteriaOutlinedon IEP. The student’s reportcard will reflect that these grades are based on objectives/benchmarks addressed in thestudent’s IEP.For students ingradesK-2, the regulareducation report cardwillbecompletedwhenbenchmarkson the report cardare reflected in the student’s IEP.At theendof each9weeks (or more often as outlined on the IEP), the Report of Progress for eachobjective/benchmarkontheAnnualServiceGoalPage(s)oftheIEPwillalsobecompletedandforwardedtotheparent(s).ThestudentwillnotearnCarnegieunitcredittowardaregularhighschooldiplomaforthistypeofcurriculuminstruction.
Anystudentenrolledinregulareducationcourseswhodoesnotmeetcourserequirements,eventhoughaccommodationsandmodificationshavebeenimplementedinaccordancewiththestudent’sIEP,mayreceiveafailinggrade.Ifitisobvious,however,thatthestudentwithadisabilitycannotfunctionappropriatelyinaregulareducationclass,thestudent’sIEPshouldberevised.
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MULTI-TIERSYSTEMOFSUPPORTTheDistricthasimplementedaninstructionalmodeldesignedtomeettheneedsofeverystudent.Themodelconsistsofthreetiersofinstruction.Tier1: QualityclassroominstructionbasedonMississippiCollegeandCareerReadinessStandards.Tier2: FocusedsupplementalinstructionTier3: Intensiveinterventions(bothacademicand/orbehavioral)specificallydesignedtomeetthe
individualneedsofstudentsTheclassroomteachersuseprogressmonitoringinformationto(a)determineifstudentsaremakingadequateprogress,(b)identifystudentsassoonastheybegintofallbehind,and(c)modifyinstructionearlyenoughtoensureeachandeverystudentgainsessentialskills.Monitoringofstudentprogressisanongoingprocessthatmaybemeasuredthroughinformalclassroomassessment,benchmarkassessmentinstrumentsandlarge-scaleassessments.IfstrategiesatTiers1&2areunsuccessful,studentsmustbereferredtothetheirschool’sTeacherSupportTeam(TST).TheTSTisaproblem-solvingunitresponsibleforinterventionsdevelopedatTier3.Interventionswillbe:
• Designedtoaddressthedeficitareas• Research/Evidencebased• ImplementedasdesignedbytheTST• supportedbydataregardingtheeffectivenessofinterventions
Afterareferralismade,theTSTwilldevelopandbeginimplementationofanintervention(s)withintwoweeks.Nolaterthanfourweeksafterimplementationoftheintervention(s)theTSTwillconductadocumentedreviewoftheintervention(s)todeterminesuccessoftheintervention(s).Asecondreviewwillbeconductednolaterthan8weeksaftertheimplementationoftheintervention(s)todeterminewhethertheinterventionissuccessful.Nolaterthan12weeksaftertheimplementationoftheintervention(s)athirdreviewwillbeconducted.Iftheintervention(s)isdeterminedtobeunsuccessful,thenthestudentwillbereferredtotheschool’sLocalSurveyCommitteetodeterminetheneedforacomprehensiveassessmentforspecialeducationservices.InadditiontofailuretomakeadequateprogressfollowingTiers1&2,studentswillbereferredtotheTSTforinterventionsifanyofthefollowingeventsoccur:
A. Grades1-3:Astudenthasfailed1grade;B. Grades4-12:Astudenthasfailed2grades;C. Astudentsfailedeitheroftheprecedingtwogradesandhasbeensuspendedorexpelledfor
morethan20daysinthecurrentschoolyear:orD. AstudentscoresattheminimallevelonanypartoftheGrade3orGrade7MississippiState
Assessment.ReferralstotheTSTmustbemadewithinthefirst20schooldaysofaschoolyearifthestudentmeetsanyofthecriteriaA-Dabove.StudentswhoreceiveinterventionatTiers2and3,willhaveahearingandvisionscreenercompletedattheschoolbuilding.Ifaproblemisdetected,theparentwillbenotifiedbytheschool’sLiteracySpecialist.
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MIDDLEANDHIGHSCHOOLSEMESTEREXAMSCHEDULEFirstSemester
MondayDecember11
TuesdayDecember12
WednesdayDecember13
ThursdayDecember14
FridayDecember15
REVIEW5thand6th
TEST5thand6th
TEST1stand2nd
TEST3rdand7th
TEST4thand8th
REVIEW1stand2nd
REVIEW3rdand7th
REVIEW4thand8th
SecondSemester
MondayMay21
TuesdayMay22
WednesdayMay23
ThursdayMay24
FridayMay25
REVIEW5thand6th
TEST5thand6th
TEST1stand2nd
TEST3rdand7th
TEST4thand8th
REVIEW1stand2nd
REVIEW3rdand7th
REVIEW4thand8th
GRADINGExplanationofGradesA.................90-100D..................65-69B.................80-89F...................0-64C.................70-79I...............IncompleteNC................InadequateAttendance NG.............NoGrade
Inanefforttoproperlypreparemiddleandhighschoolstudentstotakestandardizedtestingmandatedbyboththestateandfederalgovernments,theDistrictrequireshighschoolstudentstotakeacomprehensiveexamattheendofeachsemester.Theseexamswillcountasamajorgradeandwillbeweightedaccordingly.
Firstandsecondtermgradeswillbeaveragedtocomputea1stsemestergrade.Thethirdandfourthtermgradeswillbeaveragedtocomputethe2ndsemestergrade.
• The1stsemestercumulativeexam=20%ofthesemestergrade• The2ndsemestercumulativeexam=20%ofthesemestergrade• Thefinalaverage=1stsemesteraverage+2ndsemesteraveragedividedbytwo
Ifthemethodofarrivingatgradesvaries,itwillbeclearlystatedatthebeginningofthetermtothestudentandparent.HONORROLLTheDistrictrecognizestwotypesofhonorrolls:• The“A,B”honorrollshallbecomposedofallstudentswithgradesnolowerthan80/B.• The“AllA”honorrollshallbecomposedofallstudentswithgradesnolowerthan90/A.Honorrollsshallbedeterminedattheendofeachnine-weekgradingperiod.
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TRANSFERGRADESStudentsfromotherschooldistrictswithdifferentgradingscalesenrollinginthisDistrictwillhavegradestransferredintotheDistrictaccordingtotheDistrict’sscale.Gradesatthetimeofenrollmentwillfirstbeidentifiedasthealphagradefromthesendingschool,basedonthesendingschool’sgradingscale.ThealphagradeatthetimeofenrollmentwillthenbeconvertedtotheMCSalphascale,andthenassignedtheMCSnumericcorrespondent.Thefollowingscalewillbeusedintransferringgrades:
A+ = 99 C+ = 79 A = 95 C = 75 A- = 90 C- = 70 B+ = 89 D+ = 69 B = 85 D = 67 B- = 80 D- = 65 F = 60Transferstudentsattendingsummerschoolataninstitutionotherthantheoneinwhichthestudentwasenrolledduringthepreviousschoolyear,musthavethecreditsacceptedandrecordedontheschoolrecordsoftheinstitutioninwhichthestudentwasenrolledduringthefullschoolyearbeforetherecordsareforwardedtoMadisonCountySchools.UNIVERSALSCREENERSAuniversalscreenersuchasMeasuresofAcademicProgress(MAP)orSTARforacademics,andtheMCSbehaviorscreener,willbeadministeredinthefall,winterandspringingradesK-8.Reportswillbesenthomefollowingeachscreening.Theintentoftheassessmentsistoidentifyat-riskstudents.FifthgradespringdatawillbeusedforsixthgradeplacementinEnglishandmath.
ATTENDANCETheDistrictbelievesthatthatregularschoolattendanceisparamounttostudentsuccess.Researchindicatesthatastudent’sattendanceisdirectlyproportionaltothestudent’sgraduationfromhighschool.TheDistrictiscommittedtoworkingwiththestudentaswellastheparentswhenthestudent’sattendanceisaffectedbyextenuatingcircumstances.Throughcollaboration,thestudent’slevelofsuccessisgreatlyenhanced.Mississippilawrequiresstudentstoattend63%oftheinstructionaldayinordertobeconsideredpresent.COMPULSORYATTENDANCEIfacompulsoryschoolagechildhasnotbeenenrolledinaschoolwithin15calendardaysafterthefirstdayoftheschoolyear,orsuchchildishabituallyabsentwithoutexcuse,theprincipalordesigneeshallreportthechildtotheschoolattendanceofficeroftheyouthcourtorfamilycourtforinvestigation.
Studentsinaregularhighschoolprogramorcareerandtechnicalprogram,maymissnomorethan11daysinafullyearcourseornomorethan6daysinaonesemestercourse.
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PERFECTATTENDANCEAperfectattendancecertificatewillbeawardedonlytothosestudentswhohavenotbeenabsent,tardyorwithdrawnfromanyclassforanyreasonduringtheentireschoolyear.Absencesduetoreligiousholidaysmaybeexcused.TARDINESSIfastudentistardy,thestudentmust:
A. Reportpromptlytotheschoolattendanceclerkforanadmittancesliptoclassor,ifnecessary,foralatebusslip.Latebuseswillbeexcused,butthestudentisrequiredtoreporttotheschoolattendanceofficeforanadmittanceslip.
B. Makesuretheattendanceclerkknowsthestudentispresent,otherwisethestudent’srecordswillreflectabsenceallday.
C. Besignedinbyaparentifthestudentisinelementaryormiddleschool.Formiddleandhighschoolstudentsonly,tardieswillbedealtwithinthefollowingmanner:
A. Theclassroomteacherwilladministerconsequencesforthefirst3tardiestothatclass.B. Onthefourthtardy,andeachonethereafter,thestudentwillbereferredtothe
administrationformoresevereconsequenceswhichmayincludecorporalpunishment,in-schooldetention(ISD),orout-of-schoolsuspensionandtheparent/guardianwillbenotifiedthatthereisaproblem.
C. Sixormoretardiesmayresultinastudentbeingsuspendedfromschool.
***Astudentwhomissesmorethan25%ofaclassperiodwillbecountedabsentforthatclassperiod.ADMITTANCEAFTERABSENCEWhenastudentreturnsfromanabsenceof1ormoredays,thestudentmustsubmitanexcusefromhis/herparentorguardiantotheattendanceclerkorcounselorstatingthereasonfortheabsenceinordertoreceiveanexcusedabsence.Thestudentwillthenbeissuedanadmittancesliptoclass.
Theexcuse,handwrittenoremailed,shallcontainthedatewritten,thedate/datesoftheabsence,thecauseofabsence,andtheparent/legalguardian’sname.Amedicalexcusemayberequiredatthediscretionofschoolpersonnel.
Ifacheck-inorcheck-outresultsinastudentbeingcountedasabsentfortheday,thecheck-in/outsheetwillbeusedasverificationinlieuofawrittenexcusefromtheparent/guardian.Excusessubmittedmorethan2daysaftertheabsencemaynotbeaccepted.
Bylaw,anystudentaccumulatingfiveunexcusedabsencesmustbereportedtotheMadisonCountyAttendanceOffice.
*Anychildwithatemperatureof100°,vomiting,orsufferingdiarrheamustbepickedupimmediately.Studentssenthomewithanyoftheseconditionsshouldnotreturntoschooluntilfreeofsymptomswithoutmedicationfor24hours.
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MAKE-UPWORKItisthestudent’sresponsibilitytomakeupworkthatismissed.Astudentwhoneedstomakeupworkafteranabsencemustcontacteachofhis/herteachersimmediatelyuponreturningtoschooltomakearrangementsformakingupthework.Forelementarystudents,allworkmissedduringanexcusedabsencemustbemadeupwithinthetimeallowedbythe“onedayplus”rule.Forexample,ifastudentmissedschoolonWednesday,thenallmakeupworkwillbedueFriday,(1day+1daymissed).IfastudentmissesWednesdayandThursday,thenallmakeupworkwillbeduethefollowingWednesday(1day+2daysmissed).
Forsecondarystudents,allworkmissedduringanabsencemustbemadeupbythesecondclassmeetingaftertheabsence.Onschoolsponsoredtripsassignmentsshouldbesecuredaheadoftimeandaredueonthedaythestudentreturnstoclass.
Astudentwhoreceivesanout-of-schoolsuspensionwillnotbeallowedtomakeupanydailyworkmissed.Agradeofzerowillberecordedforallassignedworkmissedduringthesuspension.However,astudentwillbeallowedtomakeupallmajorexams(nineweek,semester,final).
Requestsforassignmentsinadvancemaybehonoredtotheextentthattheyaredeemedappropriatebytheteacherandtheprincipal.Advancedassignmentswillnotbeprovidedonmaterialthathasnotbeentaughtinclass.
DISCIPLINEDISCIPLINARYMANAGEMENTPOLICYTheSuperintendent,principal,assistantprincipal,oranydistrictadministratormaydisciplineastudentformisconduct.Eachadministratorhastheauthoritytodeterminetheappropriatedisciplinaryaction,includingin-schooldetention,out-of-schooldetention,conferencingwithstudent,corporalpunishment,suspension,placementintheAcademicOptionsCenter,orexpulsion.StudentsaresubjecttodisciplineduringanytimethattheyareeitherunderorsubjecttothejurisdictionoftheDistrict,whileparticipatinginorgoingtoorfromanyschool-relatedactivity,atanyplacewhereanathleticcontestoreventistakingplace,duringthecourseofanyfieldtrip,duringthecourseofanytriporactivitysponsoredorsupervisedbytheDistrict,whileunderthesupervisionordirectionofanyteacher,principal,orotherauthorityoftheDistrict,orwhensuchconductdoesormaythreatentointerferewithordisrupttheeducationalprocessorposesathreattothesafetyofthestudentorothers.Schooladministratorsmayremovestudentsfromparticipationinschool-relatedactivitiesfordisciplinaryreasons.Parentswillbenotifiedofdisciplinaryactionsregardingtheirstudent.Afterthreemajorreferralsofastudentfordisciplinaryaction,astudentwillautomaticallybeplacedonprobationandabehaviorplanwillbeformulated.Probationarystatusmayresultinrecommendationforsuspension,placementintheAcademicOptionsCenter,orexpulsion.Thebuildingprincipalhasthediscretiontoimplementabehaviorplanpriortothreemajorreferrals.BusTransportationItisthebusdriver’sresponsibilitytodrivesafely.Itisthestudent’sresponsibilitytobehaveappropriately.Thepurposeofanyruleorregulationrelatedtobustransportationistoinsurethesafety
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ofstudentsandtoprovidefororderlyoperationofthebus.Parents,studentsandschoolpersonnelcanbemosteffectiveinpromotingsafetyandorderlyconductwhentheyworktogether.Ifabusdriverhasminordisciplinaryproblemswithastudent,thedriverwilltakethestudenthomeandsubmitadisciplinaryreporttotheprincipalforactionthefollowingschoolday.Disciplinaryproblemsonabusmayresultinlossofridingprivilegesaswellasadditionaldisciplinaryaction.CorporalPunishmentTheMadisonCountyBoardofEducationhasadoptedapolicyallowingreasonablecorporalpunishmentofastudentasadisciplinarymeasureinordertopreserveaneffectiveeducationalenvironmentwhichisfreefromdisruptionandisconducivetofurtheringtheeducationalmissionoftheschoolboard.
1. Corporalpunishmentwillbeadministeredonlyafterlessstringentmeasuressuchascounseling,parentalconferences,and/orotherformsofdisciplinehavefailedtoproducethedesiredresults.Corporalpunishmentisadministerediftheconductofastudentisofsuchanextremenaturethatthismethodistheonlyreasonableformofdiscipline.
2. Corporalpunishmentmaybeadministeredbyeithertheprincipalorhis/herdesignee,butinallcases,anothercertifiedstaffmembermustbeawitness.
3. Corporalpunishmentshallnotbeadministeredinthepresenceofotherstudents.4. Awrittenreportofcorporalpunishmentandthenameofthesecondschoolofficialpresentasa
witnessshallbeonfileintheprincipal’sofficeanddocumentationenteredinthestudentdatamanagementprogram.
5. Whennot inuse,allpaddlesshallbestored intheadministrativeofficesofeachschool inthepossessionandunderthecontroloftheprincipalorhis/herdesignee.
6. At thebeginningofeachschoolyear,aparentor legalguardianmayrequestexemption fromcorporalpunishmentforhis/herchild.Sucharequestmustbemadeinwritingtotheprincipal’soffice,andwillbeplacedinthechild’scumulativefolder.
SuspensionTheMadisonCountyBoardofEducationdelegatestotheprincipal,orhis/herdesignee,subjecttotheprocedurallimitationslistedherein,theauthoritytosuspendstudentsforviolationofanyschoolruleoranyactofmisconduct,speech,orinsubordination.Suspensionfromschoolconstitutesanunexcusedabsencefromschool.Unexcusedabsencesareconsideredunlawfulabsencesforcompulsoryattendancepurposes.Studentswillonlybeallowedtomakeupworkinaccordancewiththeschoolmake-upworkprocedures.
SummarySuspensionTheprincipalorhisdesigneemaysummarilysuspendastudentfornomorethan4daysforseriousstudentmisconductundercircumstanceswhereimmediateremovalofthestudentisnecessarytorestoreorderortoprotectotherpersons.Insuchcases,theprincipalmustconducttheinvestigationatleastbytheendoftheschooldayfollowingthesummarysuspension.Ifadditionalsuspensionisnecessary,theprincipalmayextendthesuspensionforaperiodnottoexceedamaximumof10days.
Short-TermSuspensionAshort-termsuspensiondeniesthestudenttherighttoattendschoolandtotakepartinschoolfunctionsforanyperiodoftimenottoexceed10schooldays.Anysuspensiondenyingastudenttherighttoattendschoolduringthelast15daysofthesemesteroftheschoolyearmustbereviewedbytheSuperintendent.
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Thereisnoappealofsuspensionsof4daysorless.AssignmenttoAcademicOptionsCenterPleaserefertotheAcademicOptionsCentersectionofthishandbookfordetailedinformation.ExpulsionExpulsionisremovalfromschoolforaperiodofmorethan10consecutiveschooldays,anduptoonecalendaryear.Inthecaseofexpulsion,thestudent’sparentorlegalguardianshallbenotifiedofthetimeandplaceofahearingbeforeaDisciplinaryHearingCommitteecomprisedofDistrictleveladministrators.Thehearingshalltakeplacewithin10daysorlessofthenotificationatatimeandplacedesignatedbytheHearingFacilitator,andadecisionshallberenderedfollowingthehearing.Atthehearing,thestudentandhis/herparent/guardianmaybepresentandrepresentedbylegalcounsel.
Principal’sInvestigationIndealingwithallegedmisconduct,theprincipalshallinvestigatetheincidentandhearreasonablyavailableaccounts.Thestudentwillbeallowedtoraiseanydefensehe/shethinksrelevant.Ifthestudentrequeststhatotherwitnessesbequestioned,theprincipalshouldtalktothemifreasonablypossible.Ifthestudentmakesareasonableclaimofotherdefensivematerialthat,iftrue,wouldfreehimfromblame,reasonablestepsshouldbetakentoobtaintheinformation.However,ifotherdefensivematerialisnotimmediatelyavailable,theprincipalshouldconsiderpostponingdisciplinaryactionforareasonabletimeuntilsuchevidencemaybepresented.HearingforExpulsionWhenevertheprincipalseeksanexpulsion,writtennoticemustbegiventothestudentandtheparentassoonaspossible.Thenoticeshallinclude:
A. theruleallegedlyviolatedandtheactsofthestudentwhowasthoughttohaveviolatedthe
rule,includingasummaryoftheevidenceagainsthim;B. thepenaltythattheprincipalplanstorecommendtotheDisciplinaryCommittee,orplans
toapplyifthehearingiswaived;C. atentativetimeandplaceforthehearing;D. adescriptionofthehearingprocedures;E. anotificationthatanywrittenstatementsregardingthemisconductareavailableatthe
schoolforexaminationbythestudentandhis/herrepresentatives;F. anotificationthatthestudent’sschoolrecordsareavailableattheschoolforexamination
bythestudentandhis/herrepresentatives;and,G. astatementthatbeforeexpulsioncanbeinvoked,thestudenthasarighttoahearingwhich
maybewaivedifthestudentandhisparentsagreebyfurnishingtheprincipalasignedstatementtothateffect.Thestudentandhis/herparentsshallnotifytheschoolwithin24hoursafterreceiptofthenoticeastowhethertheywillwaivethehearing.Ifnonotificationisreceived,thehearingschedulewillbeobserved.
AppealofExpulsionAstudentaggrievedbytheDisciplinaryCommittee’sdecisionmayappealtotheBoardofEducationbyfilingawrittenrequestwiththeSuperintendent’sofficewithintendaysfromthedateoftheDisciplinaryCommittee’sdecision.Thewrittenrequestforahearingmustcontainanitemizedlistofthereasonswhytheparent/student/guardianfeelsthattheDisciplinaryCommittee’sdecisionshouldbeoverturnedormodifiedandasummaryofthefactsthat
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supportthisposition.Arequestforappealwhichdoesnotcontaintherequiredinformationshallnotbevalid.
Re-admissionafterExpulsionofonecalendaryearAn expulsion is generally for one school calendar year. At the end of a calendar year, theexpelled student may apply for re-admission. If granted re-admission, the student mustcompleteuptooneyearofre-admissionattheAcademicOptionsCenter.Ifre-admissionisineitherDecemberorMay,thestudentmustcompletetheremainderofthatmonthandallofthenextregularsemesterattheAcademicOptionsCenter.
ProhibitedActivitiesduringaSuspension/ExpulsionPeriod,orwhileassignedtoAcademicOptionsCenterWhenastudenthasreceivedout-of-schoolsuspensionorhasbeenexpelled,he/sheisprohibitedfromenteringanyoftheDistrict’sschoolsorschoolgrounds,attendinganydayornightschoolfunctionsorridingaschoolbusexceptforapre-arrangedconferencewithanadministratorduringtheperiodofthesuspension/expulsion.
APPEARANCEandDRESSTheMadisonCountyBoardofEducation,theadministration,andfacultyexpectallstudentstodressinamannerwhichreflectsfavorablyupontheeffortsofthetotaleducationalcommunitytoprovidethebestlearningexperiencepossibleforeachstudent.StudentsenrolledintheDistrictareexpectedtoadheretothedresscodelistedbelow.1. Hairshallbegroomedsoasnottoextendbelowtheeyebrowsorcovertheeyes.2. Hairandnailsshallnotbegroomedinclass.3. Hairandbodyshallbefreefromobnoxiousodors,clean,andneatinappearance.4. Shoes,sandals,orbootsshallbewornatalltimeswithshoesbeinglacedandtied.Nocleatsor
tennisshoeswithwheels.5. Notanktops,halters,topswithspaghettistrapsortopsthatexposethemidriff,withhandsraised
abovethehead,shallbeworn.Appropriateunderclothingshallbeworn.Noclothingconsideredanddesignedasunderclothingshallbewornasanoutsidegarment.Underclothingshallnotbeexposedwhilewornunderneathanoutsidegarment.
6. Anystyleofclothingtendingtowardimmodestyisprohibited.7. Picks,combs,rollers,andotherstylingdevicesshallnotbeworninthehair.8. Unlessprescribedformedicalreasons,sunglassesarenotallowedinthebuilding.9. Nohats,caps,toboggans,headscarves,bandanas,wristbands,sweatbands,hairnets,orshower
caps,stockingcaps,ordoragsareallowedoncampusorinthebuilding.Thisruleappliestobothboysandgirls.
10. Nosee-throughclothingshallbeworn.11. Studentsmaywearshorts,providedthelengthmeetsthefingertiprule(thelengthmustextendto
theendofthemiddlefingerwhenstandingandarmsarehungstraightattheside).12. Girls’skirtanddresslengthmustmeetthefingertipruleasstatedabove.13. YoungmenshallnotbepermittedtowearearringsorconcealtheearringswithaBand-Aidorany
othermaterial.Neitherfemalenormalestudentsshallbepermittedtowearringsorstudsintheirnoses,tonguesorotherbodyparts.Dogtagsmustbeworninsideofclothing.
14.Nopantswithholesabovethekneesarepermitted.Nopajamapantsarepermitted.15.Overallstrapsandsuspendersshallbefastenedandwornovertheshoulders.16.Leggings,skin-tightpants,jeansorbikingshortsmustbewornwiththeappropriateskirtorothercoveringwhichmustmeetthefingertipruleforlength.17.Pantsshouldbewornappropriatelyatthewaist.Saggingpantswillnotbetolerated.18.Studentswithtattoosmayberequestedtokeepthemcovered.19.Clothingwithsuggestive,vulgar,indecent,ordisruptiveslogans/picturesisnotpermitted.
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20.Clothingadvertisingalcoholicproductsordrugsisnotpermitted.21.Astudentshallnotwearanyclothingorpresenthimselfinamanner(suchascutsintheeyebrows,onepantslegorsleeverolledup)thatwouldidentifyhim/herwithgangoranyotherillegalactivity.Further,astudentshallnotwearanyclothingadvertisinggang-relatedsigns,colors,orwrittengestures.22.Malesarenotpermittedtowearskirtsand/orothergarmentstraditionallydesignedtobewornbyfemales.23.Walletchainsarenotallowed.24.Trenchcoatsordusterstylecoatsarenotallowed.25.Forschoolswearinguniforms,seeindividualschooldresscodesforguidelines26.StudentsenrolledinCareerandTechnicalcoursesmayhaveotherdresscoderequirementsrelatedtohealthandsafetyissues.27.Modificationstothedresscodemaybeallowedbyschooladministratorsforspecialoccasions.28.Anydressorpersonalappearancethattheadministrationfeelsisdisruptiveorpresentsasafetyhazardtotheinstructionalprocesswillbedealtwithonanindividualcasebasis.BULLYING/ANTI-HARASSMENTMadisonCountySchoolsiscommittedtoprovidingasafe,orderly,andwell-mannerededucationalsettingforstudents,employees,volunteers,andpatronsthatisfreefromharassment,intimidationorbullying.
TheMississippiCodeof1972,Section37-11-67defines“BullyingorHarassingBehavior”asanypatternofgesturesorwritten,electronicorverbalcommunications,oranyphysicalactoranythreateningcommunication,oranyactreasonablyperceivedasbeingmotivatedbyanyactualorperceiveddifferentiatingcharacteristic,thattakesplaceonschoolproperty,atanyschool-sponsoredfunction,oronaschoolbus,andthat:
a. Placesastudentorschoolemployeeinactualandreasonablefearofharmtohisorherpersonordamagetohisorherproperty;or
b. Createsoriscertaintocreateahostileenvironmentbysubstantiallyinterferingwithorimpairingastudent’seducationalperformance,opportunities,orbenefitsand/orsubstantiallydisruptstheoperationsofaschool.Forpurposesofthissection,“hostileenvironment”meansthatthevictimsubjectivelyviewstheconductasbullyingorharassingbehaviorandtheconductisobjectivelysevereorpervasiveenoughthatareasonablepersonwouldagreethatitisbullyingorharassingbehavior.
MadisonCountySchoolsprohibitthebullyingofastudentorschoolemployee,retaliationagainstanyperson,includingavictim,awitnessoranotherpersonwhoingoodfaithprovidesinformationconcerningabullyingincident.TheDistricthasestablishedproceduresforprovidingnoticeofanincidentofbullyingtoparents/guardiansofthevictimandparents/guardiansofthebullywithinareasonableamountoftimeaftertheincident.
TheDistrict’sproceduresforreportingbullyingoutlinesthestepsastudentshouldtaketoobtainassistanceandinterventioninresponsetobullying.
• Anystudentorschoolemployeewhofeelsheorshehasbeenavictimofbullyingorharassingbehavior,orhaswitnessedsuchorhasreliableinformationthatanotherstudentoremployeehasbeensubjecttobullyingorharassingbehaviorshallreportsuchconducttoateacher,counselor,schooladministrator,orotherappropriateschoolofficialwithin5calendardaysoftheallegedact(s).
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• Theparentorlegalguardianofanystudentwhofeelsheorshehasbeenavictimofbullyingorharassingbehaviorshallcompleteacomplaintformandsubmitthecompletedformtotheprincipal.Thereportwillincludethenameofthepersonreporting,thespecificnatureanddateofthemisconduct,thenameofthevictimorvictims,thenamesofanywitnessesandanyotherinformationthatwouldsupportaninvestigationofthecomplaint.
• Familiesofallegedvictim(s)sandperpetrator(s)mustbenotified.• Theschooladministrationwillconductaninvestigationintoallegedacts.• Disciplinaryactionsandprocedurestakenbytheschoolmustadheretothefundamentalrightof
everystudenttotake“reasonableactions”asmaybenecessarytodefendhimselforherselffromanattackbyanotherstudentwhohasshownevidenceofintimidatingorthreateningbehaviorthroughbullyingorharassing.Disciplinarymeasuresshouldnotbeimposedonastudentwho,afteraninvestigation,isfoundtobeavictimofbullying.
• Disciplinaryactionsforbullyingofastudentwithdisabilitiesmustcomplywithapplicablerequirementsunderfederallaw.
• Counseling,correctivediscipline,and/orreferraltolawenforcementwillbeusedtochangethebehavioroftheperpetratorandremediatetheimpactonthevictim.
• Theschoolwillprovidethevictimofbullyingwithaplanofactionthatincludesappropriateinterventionsandsupporttohelprestoreapositiveschoolenvironmentforthevictimandtheschoolwillalsoprovidethevictimorwitnesstothebullyingwithregularcounselingsessions.
• Theparentsofallstudentsinvolvedwillbenotifiedinwritingoftheresult/outcomeoftheinvestigation.
• Iftheparentsofthevictim(s)arenotsatisfiedwiththeprincipal’sdecision,theyhave10workingdaysfromthedateofnotificationtoappealtotheSuperintendent.
• TheSuperintendentwillnotifytheparentsofhis/herdecisioninwritingwithin10workingdaysofreceiptoftheappeal.
• Ifthevictim’sparentsarenotsatisfiedwiththeSuperintendent’sdecision,theyhave10daysfromreceiptoftheSuperintendent’sdecisiontoappealtotheBoardofEducation.
• TheBoardshallofferthevictim’sparentsanaudiencebeforetheBoardwithin20workingdaysofthewrittenappealrequest.
• TheBoardshallnotifythevictim’sparentswithin10workingdaysofitsdecision.• TheBoard’sdecisionwillbefinalandallappealswillbeexhausted.
DRUGPOLICY:RANDOM-BASED(Adopted4/7/03,amended5/17/04,6/17/13)Inanefforttoprotectthehealthandsafetyofstudentsfromillegaland/orperformance-enhancingdruguseandabuseandtocurtailtheuseofsuchdrugs,theBoardofEducation(the“Board”)oftheMadisonCountySchoolDistrict(the“District”)adoptsthefollowingpolicyforrandomdrugtestingofallstudentswhoparticipateinextracurricularactivitiesandforallstudentswhopurchaseaparkingdecal/permittodriveoncampus.
STATEMENTOFPURPOSEANDINTENT
TheBoardofEducation,administration,faculty,andstaffdesirethatnostudentuseorpossessillegalorperformanceenhancingdrugs.Thispolicygovernstheuseandpossessionofperformance-enhancingandillegaldrugsbystudentsparticipatingincertainextracurricularactivities,andforstudentswhopurchaseaparkingdecal/permittodriveoncampus.Thispolicysupplementsandcomplementsallotherpolicies,rules,andregulationsoftheDistrictregardingpossessionoruseofillegaldrugs,including,butnotlimitedto,allpoliciesandrulesconcerningreasonablesuspicionoftheuseorpossessionofsuch
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illegaldrugs.Thepolicyalsosupplementsandcomplementsalllawsandpolicieswithrespecttospecialeducationstudents.
Participationinschool-sponsoredextracurricularactivitiesanddrivingoncampusintheDistrictareprivileges.Studentsrespectthosestudentswhoparticipateintheseactivitiesandseethemasexamples.ParticipatingstudentsrepresenttheDistrictandtheircommunity.Accordingly,studentsintheseactivitiescarryaresponsibilitytothemselves,theirfellowstudents,theirschool,theirfamilies,andtheircommunitytosetthehighestpossibleexamplesofconduct,sportsmanship,andtraining,whichincludesavoidingtheuseorpossessionofillegalandperformance-enhancingdrugs.
Thepurposesofthispolicyaresix-fold:1. Toeducatestudentsabouttheseriousphysical,mental,andemotionalharmcausedbyillegal
druguse.2. Toalertstudentswithpossiblesubstanceabuseproblemstothepotentialharmsthatdruguse
posesfortheirphysical,mental,andemotionalwell-being.3. Toofferstudentstheprivilegeofcompetitionandparticipationinextracurricularactivitiesasan
incentivetostopusingsuchsubstances.4. Toensurethatstudentsadheretoatrainingprogramorhealthregimenthatprohibitsillegal
andperformance-enhancingdrugs.5. Topreventinjury,illness,andharmtostudentsthatmayariseasaresultofillegaland
performanceenhancingdruguse.6. Toofferstudentsschoolactivitiesfreeoftheeffectsofillegalandperformance-enhancingdrug
use.
Illegalandperformance-enhancingdruguseofanykindisincompatiblewiththephysical,mental,andemotionaldemandsplaceduponparticipantsinextracurricularactivitiesandwiththepositiveimagethesestudentsprojecttootherstudentsandtothecommunityonbehalfoftheDistrict.Toprotectthesafety,healthandwell-beingofallstudentsinvolvedinextra-curricularactivities,theDistrictadoptsthispolicyforallparticipantsinspecifiedextracurricularactivitiesingrades7through12;andforallstudentswithaparkingdecal/permittodriveoncampusingrades10through12.
Theadministrationshalladoptregulationstoimplementthispolicy.I.Definitions“ActivityStudent”meansamemberofanymiddleschoolorhighschoolsponsoredextracurricularorganization.ThisdefinitionincludesanystudentwhorepresentsDistrictschoolsinanyextra-curricularactivityinvolvingcompetitionofanykind,suchasacademicteam,band,vocal,choral,cheerleader,andathletics.
“StudentDriver”meansanystudentwhopurchasesaparkingdecal/permittodriveoncampus.
“Drugtest”meansascientificallysubstantiatedmethodtotestforthepresenceofillegalorperformance-enhancingdrugs,orthemetabolitesthereof,performedbyanindependenttestinglaboratory.
“Randomselectionbasis”meansamechanismforselectingActivityStudentsfordrugtestingthat:
A. Results in an equal probability that any Activity Student from a group of Activity Students
subjecttotheselectionmechanismwillbeselected.
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B. Does not give the District discretion to waive the selection of any Activity Student selectedunderthemechanism.
C. IsadministeredbyaprofessionaltestinglaboratoryemployedbytheDistrict.
“Illegaldrugs”meansanysubstancethatanindividualmaynotsell,possess,use,distribute,orpurchaseundereitherfederalorMississippilaw.“Illegaldrugs”includes,butisnotlimitedto,allscheduleddrugsasdefinedbyMiss.CodeAnn.Sections41-29-113,41-29-113,41-29-115,41-29-117,41-29-119,and41-29-121,allprescriptiondrugsobtainedwithoutauthorization,andallprescribedandover-the-counterdrugsbeingusedforanabusivepurpose.
“Performance-enhancingdrugs”includeanabolicsteroidsandanyothernaturalorsyntheticsubstanceusedtoincreasemusclemass,strength,endurance,speed,orotherathleticability.Thetermdoesnotincludedietaryornutritionalsupplementssuchasvitamins,minerals,andproteinsthatcanbelawfullypurchasedover-the-counter.
“Positive”whenreferringtoadrugtestadministeredunderthispolicymeansatoxicologicaltestresultthatisconsideredtodemonstratethepresenceofanillegaloraperformance-enhancingdrug,orthemetabolitesthereof,usingthestandardscustomarilyestablishedbythetestinglaboratoryadministeringthedrugtest.II.ProceduresEachActivityStudentandStudentDrivershallbegivenacopyofthispolicyandoftheStudentDrugTestingConsent.Boththestudentandthestudent’sparentorcustodialguardianmustread,sign,anddatetheStudentDrugTestingConsent.Nostudentshallbeallowedtopracticeorparticipateinanyextra-curricularactivitytowhichthepolicyapplies,ortodriveavehicleoncampus,unlessthestudenthasreturnedthefullyexecutedStudentDrugTestingConsent.TheDistrictreservestherighttosupplementandmodifytheextra-curricularactivitiestowhichthepolicyapplies.
Eachsemester,principalsandarepresentativeoftheindependenttestinglaboratorywillpresentaninformationalsessiontostudentstoeducatethemaboutthesamplecollectionprocess,privacyarrangements,drugtestingprocedures,theconsequencesofpositivedrugtests,andrelatedproceduresandpractices.Thepurposeofthesessionistoreassurethestudent,toavoidembarrassmentoruncomfortablefeelingsaboutthedrugtestingprocess,andtogivenoticeoftheconsequencesofdruguse.
StudentswillbechosenonarandomselectionbasisfromalistofallActivityStudentsandStudentDrivers,nomatteriftheactivitiesareoff-seasonorin-season.TheDistrictwilldeterminethenumberofnamestobedrawnatrandomfordrugtesting.Anindependenttestinglaboratorywillselectthenamesofthestudentsatrandomandwillperformthedrugtesting.Anystudentselectedatrandommustgiveaurinespecimenfortesting.
AprofessionaltestinglaboratorychosenbytheDistrictwilladministerthedrugtesting.Thetestinglaboratorymustusescientificallyvalidatedtoxicologicaltestingmethods,havedetailed,writtenspecificationstoassurechainofcustodyofthespecimens,anduseproperlaboratorycontrolandscientifictesting.Amedicalreviewofficerofthetestinglaboratoryshallreviewallpositivetestresults.
Thetestinglaboratoryshallconductallaspectsofthedrug-testingprogram,includingthetakingofurinespecimens,soastosafeguardthestudent’spersonalandprivacyrightstothemaximumdegreepracticable.Thetestspecimenshallbeobtainedinamannerdesignedtominimizeintrusivenesstothestudent.Ifatanytimeduringthesamplingprocedurethetestinglaboratoryemployeehasreasontobelieveorsuspectthatastudentistamperingwiththespecimen,thetestinglaboratoryemployeemay
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stoptheproceduretodetermineifanewsampleshouldbeobtained.Oncethesamplehasbeenobtained,thelabwillreviewthedateofbirthforeachdonor.Ifadonoris14yearsofageoryounger,thelabwillnotifythatstudent’sparent/guardiantoobtainanupdatedreleaseofinformation.Assoonasthereleaseisreceived,thedrugtestresultswillbereleasedtotheDistrict.
Thetestinglaboratoryemployeemustgiveeachstudentaformonwhichthestudentmaylistanylegallyprescribedmedicationsthatthestudenthastakenintheprecedingthirtydays.Thestudent’sparentorlegalguardianshallbeabletoconfirmthemedicationlistsubmittedbythestudentduringthetwenty-fourhourperiodfollowinganydrugtest.ThemedicationlistshallbesubmittedtothelaboratoryinasealedandconfidentialenvelopesothatDistrictemployeesshallnotseetheconfidentialmedicationlist.Iftestresultsarepositiveforuseofprescriptiondrugsthatthestudentdidnotlist,thetestinglaboratorywillcontactdirectlythestudent’sparentsorguardiantoobtainalistofallprescriptionmedicationsthatthestudentistakingorhastakenfortheprecedingthirtydaysandtorequiretheparentorguardiantoproduceverificationofprescriptionsforthestudent’sprescriptionmedicationswithin24hours.Iftheparentsorguardiandonotrespondtothetestinglaboratory’scallswithin48hoursofitsfirstattempttocontact,thetestinglaboratoryshallhavenofurtherdutytoattempttocontacttheparentsorguardian.
Ifthetestinglaboratoryreportsapositivetestresultsforprescriptionmedicationstoastudent’sparentorguardian,astudentorhis/herparentorguardianmaysubmitadditionalinformationtothetestinglaboratorywithin24hoursofnotificationofthestudentofthepositivetestresults.Thestudentwillremaineligibleforparticipationinextracurricularactivities,andtodriveoncampus,untilthetestinglaboratoryhascompleteditsreviewoftheadditionalinformationandmadeareportofpositivetestresultstotheprincipalandSuperintendent.
TheprofessionaltestinglaboratoryshallconfirmaninitialpositivetestresultbyasecondtestofthesamespecimenbyanotherindependentlaboratorybeforeareportismadetotheDistrict.ThelaboratorywillinformtheprincipaloftheschoolandtheSuperintendentorhisdesigneeofthepositivetestresults.AfterareportofpositivetestresultsismadetotheDistrict,theprincipalwillscheduleaconferencewiththestudentandparentorguardianaboutthepositivedrugtestresults.Theprincipalshallencourage,butnotrequire,thestudentandhis/herparentorguardiantoseekdrugcounselingforthestudentattheexpenseoftheparentorguardian.
AnystudentwhoreceivesapositivetestthatisreportedtotheDistrictmustbere-testedwithintwenty-28days.
III.ConfidentialityThetestinglaboratorywillnotifytheprincipaloftheschoolthatthestudentattendsandwillalsonotifytheSuperintendentorhisdesigneeofanypositivetestresults.Tokeeppositivetestresultsconfidential,theprincipalwillnotifyonlythestudent,thestudent’sparentorguardian,andthecoach/sponsoroftheactivityoractivitiesinwhichthestudentparticipatesofthetestresults.Testresultswillbekeptinfilesseparatefromthestudent’sothereducationalrecords,shallbedisclosedonlytothoseschoolpersonnelwhohaveaneedtoknow,andwillnotbeturnedovertoanylawenforcementauthorities.IV.ConsequencesAnyActivityStudentorStudentDriverwhotestspositiveinadrugtestunderthispolicyshallbesubjecttothefollowingconsequences:
• Immediate removal from activities and driving privileges on campus for 28 calendar days.Duringthis28dayperiod,thestudentmustsubmitatleastonce,ormoreoftenasrequired,tomandatorydrugtestingattimesdeterminedbythetestinglaboratory.
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• Ifattheendofthe28calendardayremovalperiodthetestinglaboratorydeterminesthatthestudentdoesnot testpositive fordrugs, the student shall be reinstated in theextracurricularactivitiesanddrivingoncampusprivilegeswillbereinstated.
• Ifthestudenttestspositiveatanytimeduringthe28-dayremovalperiod,thestudentshallberecommended for immediate placement in the Academic Options Center for 180 qualifyingdays.
• If the student does not test positive at any timeduring the 28-day removal period and is re-instated,thestudentwillautomaticallybeselectedtosubmittoadrugtestateachsubsequenttestingperiodduringtheschoolyear.
• Ifthestudentisre-instated,andtestspositiveatalaterdateduringthesameschoolyear,thestudent shall be recommended for immediate placement in theAcademicOptions Center for180qualifyingdays.
• If the student is re-instated, but at a later date in another school year in another randomselectiontestspositive,thestudentwillberemovedfromextracurricularactivitiesandwilllosedrivingprivilegesoncampusforacalendaryear.
V.RefusaltoSubmittoDrugUseTestIfanActivityStudentorStudentDriverrefusestosubmittoadrugtest,thestudentshallbeconsideredinviolationofhis/herconsentagreementandshallbebarredfromthespecifiedextracurricularactivitiesandfromdrivingoncampusforonecalendaryear.If,however,thestudentreconsidershis/herrefusalandsubmitstoadrugtest,consistingofasampleofhis/herhair,within24hoursoftheinitialrefusal,thestudentmayremaineligibleforparticipationinextracurricularactivitiesandmaydriveoncampus.Inthisevent,thestudentandhis/herparentsorguardianwillbearresponsibilityforcontactingthetestinglaboratoryusedbytheDistrictandarrangingforthelaboratorytotestthestudent’shairsamplewithinthe24-hourperiodfromthetimethestudentinitiallyrefusedtosubmittotheinitialtest.Ifthetestinglaboratoryhasreasonorsuspiciontobelievethatthesampletakenfromsuchstudenthasbeenadulteratedorhasbeentamperedwithsoastoaffecttestresults,thetestinglaboratoryshalldeemitarefusaltosubmittoadrugtest.VI.AppealTheDistrictwillrelysolelyontheopinionoftheindependenttestinglaboratorytodeterminewhetherthepositivetestresultwasproducedbysomethingotherthanconsumptionofanillegalorperformance-enhancingdrug.Thereshallbenoappealofthetestresultsoftheprofessionaltestinglaboratorytoaprincipal,theSuperintendent,ortheBoardofEducation.
If,however,thestudenthastestedpositiveforasecondtimesothatthestudentwillbetransferredtotheAcademicOptionsCenter,thestudentmayappealhis/hertransfertotheAcademicOptionsCentertotheSuperintendent.TheSuperintendentshallmakeadetermination,whichthestudentmayappealtotheBoardofEducationoftheDistrict.ThedecisionoftheBoardofEducationshallbefinal.MadisonCountySchoolsiscommittedtocooperatingwithparents/guardiansinanefforttohelpstudentsavoidillegaldruguse.MadisonCountySchoolsbelievesaccountabilityisapowerfultooltohelpstudentsavoidusingdrugsandthatearlydetectionandinterventioncansavelives.DRUGPOLICY:SUSPICION-BASED(Adopted4/7/03)Allstudentsareprohibitedfromcarrying,possessinginanymanner,orattemptingtopossess,using,orselling alcoholic beverages, morphine, marijuana, cocaine, opium, heroin, their derivatives orcompounds, drugs commonly called LSD, “pep” pills, tranquilizers, or any other narcotic drugs,barbiturate, substance, ingredient, or compound that, when taken orally, intravenously, inhaled, or
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consumedinanyothermanner,maycausethepersontobeundertheinfluencethereof,oranyothercontrolled substance regulated by law, including any substance that is falsely represented to be acontrolledorcounterfeitsubstance.Nostudentshallactin,aid,abet,assist,distribute,orconcealthepossessionand/ortheconsumption,purchase,orthedistributionofanyillegaldrugsoralcoholicbeveragesbyanotherstudentorstudents.Anystudentwhoviolatestheprovisionsofthispolicywillbe immediatelysuspendedfortendaysandrecommendedforplacementintheAcademicOptionsCenterand/orexpulsionfor180qualifyingdays.
PROVISIONSTheprovisionsofthispolicyshallnotapplytoanystudentwhoisunderthecareofalicensedphysicianandwhoistakingmedicationunderthesupervisionanddirectionofsuchphysicianunlessthestudentisillegally selling or distributing medications. With regard to prescription medications, refer to theMadisonCountySchool’smedicationpolicy.Theprovisionsof this policy shall apply to all students during theperiodof time that they areunderand/or subject to the jurisdictionof theMadisonCounty Schoolswhileparticipating inor going toorfromanyschool-relatedactivity,atanyplacewhereanathleticcontestoreventistakingplace,duringthe course of any field trip, during the course of any trip or activity sponsored by theDistrict,whileunderthesupervisionanddirectionofanyteacher,principalorotherauthorityoftheDistrict,orwhensuchconductdoesormaythreatentointerferewithordisrupttheeducationalprocessorposeathreattothesafetyofthestudentorothers.
REASONABLESUSPICIONTESTINGSubject to the limitationscontained in thispolicy, theDistrictmayrequireanystudent tosubmit toadrugand/oralcoholtestifthereisreasonablesuspicionthatthestudenthasorisusingprohibiteddrugsand/oralcohol.Reasonablesuspicionmustbebasedonspecificcontemporaneousphysical,behavioral,or performance indicators of probable drug and/or alcohol use. The requirement of a drug and/oralcohol test is within the discretion of the District and is not a prerequisite to the administration ofpunishmentunderthispolicy.
Thefollowingcircumstancesshallconstitutegroundsforreasonablesuspicion:1. Direct observation and/or confirmation by a District employee of drug and/or alcohol use or
possession;2. Abnormalorerraticbehaviorindicatingintoxication;3. Physicalsymptomsindicatingintoxicationincluding,butnotlimitedto,glassyorbloodshoteyes,
slurredspeech,lossofbalance,poorcoordinationorreflexes;4. First-hand information provided by reliable and credible sources of use, possession, or
intoxication;5. Thepresenceofadrugoralcoholonthestudent,detectablebythesenses,suchasthesmellof
marijuanaoralcohol;or6. Possession or sale of illegal drugs, prescription drugs for which the student does not have a
prescription,alcoholcontainers,ordrugparaphernalia. Intoxicationmeansbeingexcited,stupefied,oraffectedbyalcoholoradrugtothepointwherephysicalandmentalcontrolisdiminished. Areportfromanysourceindicatingreasonablesuspicionthatastudentmaybeinviolationofthispolicyshouldbeimmediatelygiventoamemberoftheadministrativestaff.Theadministrativestaffmembermust determine that the circumstances constitute reasonable suspicion of drug and/or alcohol use
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beforeastudentcanberequestedto takeadrugoralcohol test. Theadministrativestaffmember isrequired to write in reasonable detail the facts, symptoms, or observations that form the basis ofreasonablesuspicion. Once an administrator finds reasonable suspicion, an administrator shall contact the student’sparent/guardian. If the District decides to require submissions to such a test, the student will beimmediately removed from school for a drug/alcohol test to be conductedwithin a 5 hour period oftime. If a student appears incoherent, semi-conscious, unconscious, or convulsive, or appears to behallucinating, is in respiratorydistressoranaphylactic shock,or is inothermentalorphysicaldistressindicating danger or injury to the health and safety of the student, District personnel shall seekimmediatemedical attentionbeforeanyotheractionsunder thispolicy are taken. Thehealthof thestudentshallbegivenpriority.
DRUGANDALCOHOLTESTINGAnystudentrequiredtobetestedunderthispolicywillbeaccompaniedbyaDistrictemployeeandaparent/guardian to a professional testing laboratory or to such other place qualified for drug/alcoholtestingattheparent’s/guardian’ssoleexpense.IfDistrictpersonnelcannotaccompanythestudentfortesting, theDistrictmaystill requirethestudents’parent/guardiantohavethetestingcompleted. Allbreath, urine, and blood specimens will be collected under reasonable and sanitary conditions.Individual dignity and privacy will be preserved to the extent practicable. Accepted standards fortesting, labeling, storage, and transportation of specimenswill be followed by the testing laboratory,which will request information regarding prescription and non-prescription drugs and any otherinformationthatcouldleadtoafalsepositivetest. Arefusalorfailuretotakeadrugandalcoholtestundertheconditionsofreasonablesuspicionshallbeconsideredapositivedrugandalcoholtestresultoroffense. Astudentorparent/guardianmayrequestaretest,buttheresultswillonlybeconsideredifscientificallymeaningful, timelyperformed,and incompliancewiththeprofessionaltesting laboratory’sguidelines.All positive confirmed test results will be made part of a student’s record, but they shall be keptconfidentialandseparatedinasecuredlocationwithrestrictedaccess.Allpositiveinitialtestresultsforwhichtheconfirmationtest isnegativeorwhicharedeterminedtobefalsepositiveshallnotbecomeanypartofthestudent’srecordordisciplinerecord. TheDistrictshallkeepthe followingrecords for theperiodsspecifiedasapartof itsdrugandalcoholpolicy:
1. Records of drug and/or alcohol test results that show a student failed both an initial and a
confirmationdrug/alcoholtest(apositivedrugtest)andthereasonablesuspiciousfindingsforthetestsmustbekeptforfiveyears.
2. Records of drug and/or alcohol results that show that the student passed an initial orconfirmationtest(anegativedrugtest)mustbekeptforatleastoneyearbutshallnotbepartofthestudent’srecord.
3. TheDistrictmay retain such records for statistical analysisandpolicyevaluations,as itdeemsappropriate,consistentwithconfidentiality.
FINDINGOFDRUGAND/ORALCOHOLUSE/POSSESSIONCONSEQUENCESIf the initial test for drugs and/or alcohol indicates a positive result, the testing laboratory mustimmediately conducta confirmation test. If the confirmation test also indicatesapositive result, the
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testinglaboratorymustreportthepositivetestresultstotheschoolprincipalandtheSuperintendentorhisdesignee.Theschoolprincipalwillnotifythestudentandparent/guardianinwritingofsuchpositivetestresultsandoftheconsequencesofsuchareport.Iftheinitialtestisnegative,nofurthertestswilloccurunlessthere isagoodreasontosuspect thequalityof thesample. If theconfirmedresultsarenegative,thestudentwillbereinstated.
CONFIDENTIALITYTheresultsofastudent’sdrugtestshallnotbereleasedtoanyoneotherthanthetestinglaboratory,theSuperintendentandhisdesignee,principal,andotheremployeesoragentsof theDistrictwhohaveaneedtoknowsuchinformation.Anydisciplineresultingfromthedrugtestresultsshallberecordedinthe student’s discipline record in accordance with the discipline policies and other policies of theDistrict. Inordertomaintainconfidentiality,writtenrecordsofdrugtestingwillbestored inasecurelocationwithrestrictedaccess.The District will cooperate with law enforcement, but the test results will not be released to lawenforcementagencieswithoutacourtorderorsubpoenaunlesslawrequiresdisclosure.Nothinginthispolicy will prohibit or restrict District officials from making any report required by law to lawenforcementagenciesorotheragencies.
DRUGEDUCATIONANDCOUNSELINGBeforetheimplementationofthispolicy,andatleastannuallythereafter,theDistrictshallgivetrainingtoprincipalsandadministratorsindrugandalcoholuse/abuserecognitionandintheimplementationofthispolicy.Principalsandadministratorswillgiveprofessionaldevelopmenttoemployeesofallschoolsin recognition of drug and alcohol use and abuse, handling procedures, and policy implementationfamiliarization.If there is reasonable suspicion that a student has or is using prohibited drugs and/or alcohol, theDistrictmayrecommendcounselinganddrug/alcoholeducationatthestudent’sexpense.NOTICEBefore implementationof thispolicy, reasonablenoticeof thepolicywillbemadetoall studentsandparentsand/orguardiansofstudents.ThispolicyisforthedisciplineandprotectionofthestudentsoftheDistrictandtheirgeneralwelfare.Nothing herein contained shall be construed to avoid any prosecution under any pertinent criminalstatutesoftheStateofMississippi.This policy shall supersede and take precedence over any other policy or practice that inconsistentherewith.
ELECTRONICDEVICESElectronicdevicesmaybebroughtonmiddleandhighschoolcampusesattheprincipal’sdiscretion.Cellphoneuseissitespecific,andmaybeallowedasdeterminedbythebuildingprincipal.Teachersmayalsoallowuseduringclass,attheirdiscretion,asitrelatestotheinstructionalprocess.Thedevicesmustbeputawayandturnedoffatallothertimes,includingclasschange.Headphonesmayonlybeusedintheclassroomswithteacherapproval.TheDistrictdoesnotacceptresponsibilityforlostormisplacedelectronicdevices;andtheDistrictwillnotbeheldresponsibleforanyfeesassociatedwiththeuseofpersonaldevices.
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Unauthorizeduseofacellphoneorotherelectronicdeviceduringtheschooldayoronthebus,maysubjectastudenttodisciplinaryactionwhichmayincludethefollowing:
• Corporalpunishment• In-schooldetention• Outofschoolsuspension
Possessionofcellphonesandotherelectronicequipmentisstrictlyprohibitedinanyroomduringtesting.Violationofthispolicyduringstatemandatedtestingshallinvalidatethestudent’stest.Ifanelectronicdeviceisconfiscatedforunauthorizeduse,itwillbereturnedonlytotheparentorlegalguardian.ITEMSPROHIBITEDONSCHOOLPROPERTYTheSuperintendent,aprincipal,assistantprincipal,oranyDistrictadministratorisauthorizedtocontactlawenforcementofficialsand/ortotakeappropriatedisciplinaryaction,includingrecommendationforimmediateexpulsion,considerationforplacementintheAcademicOptionsCenter,suspension,detention,in-schooldetention,and/orcorporalpunishment,againstanystudentformisconduct.Possessionofthefollowingitemsonschoolproperty,aschoolbus,orataschool-relatedactivityisprohibited:alcoholicbeverages bandanas,bandanasweatbands caps cartridges,bullets,ammunition cigarettelighters,electroniccigarettes drugparaphernaliafingernailfiles firearms fireworksgamblingparaphernalia gangparaphernalia guncaps gunjewelry hookah\vapes incendiarymaterialsillegalor“lookalike”drugs accessinginappropriateInternetsites knives laserlights mace matches noise-makingdevices paintguns personaldefensesprayplayingcards pornographicmaterials sillybandsslingshots stinkbombs stolenpropertytobaccoinanyform toys/toyweapons walkingcanes waterpistols weaponsofanytype,“lookalike” Inaddition:
• Studentsarenotpermittedtosellortradeanyitemsatschoolwithoutpermissionfromtheprincipal.
• Studentsarenotpermittedtositonthetopsofdesksortablesintheschoolbuilding.• Studentsareexpectedtoproperlydisposeofallgarbageandlitter.• Animalsarenotallowedoncampusexceptforinstructionalorservicepurposesapprovedbythe
principal.• Studentsarenotpermittedtobringfoodintoclassroomswithoutpermissionfromthe
principal.• Studentsarenotpermittedtopossessand/ortakemedicationunlesstakenintheschooloffice
orwiththeschoolnurse.
Contrabandpropertyconfiscatedbyschoolofficialsmaybereturnedonlytotheparentorlegalguardian.Schoolpersonnelshallnotbeheldresponsibleforprohibiteditemswhichhavebeenconfiscated.
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MAJOROFFENSESTheSuperintendent,aprincipal,assistantprincipal,oranyDistrictadministratorisauthorizedtocontactlawenforcementofficialsand/ortotakeappropriatedisciplinaryaction,includingrecommendationforimmediateexpulsion,considerationforplacementintheAcademicOptionsCenter,suspension,detention,in-schooldetention,and/orcorporalpunishment,againstanystudentformisconduct,includingbutnotlimitedtothefollowing:
• Fightingorprovokingafight• Harassment(includingsexualharassment),intimidation,bullying,harassingbehavior,threats,
actinginadefiantorrebelliousmanner,orrefusingtocooperatewithauthority• Disruptionofschooloperations,function,programs,oractivities• Disobedience• Disorderlyconduct• Disrespect• Insultinglanguageorbehavior• Obscenelanguageorgesture• Vandalism• Maliciousmischief• Theft• Unauthorizedentryofschoolpremisesorunauthorizeduseofschoolproperty• Loitering• Possessionoruseoftobacco• Indecentexposure• Sexualmisconductorpublicdisplayofsexualaffectionsuchasintimatephysicalcontactlike
kissing,hugging,ortouching• Possessionoffireworks,incendiarymaterials,knives,firearms,slingshots,weaponsofanykind,
pornographicmaterials,stolenproperty,tobaccoinanyform,cardsorgamblingparaphernalia,ornoise-makingdevices
• Changinggradesonareportcard• Possessionofdangerousarticlessuchasfireworks,knives,clubs,orientalstars,nunchukas,or
chains• Involvementindisruptivedemonstrations• Possessingorthrowinganysubstanceorthingthatmaybeconsideredharmfulordangerous• Involvementinanygangorgang-relatedactivity,includinggangsigns,ganggraffiti,gang
tattoos,andincludinginvolvementinskinheadandcultgroups• Plagiarism,cheating,forgery,orcounterfeiting• Inappropriateuseofdigitalmessaging,cellphones,orcomputers• Hazinginanyform.• Inappropriateuseofacamera.• Cuttingclass/school• Possession,distributionorsaleofillegalorprescriptiondrugs• Possessionofalcohol,alcoholcontainers,and/ordrugparaphernalia• Useofelectronicdeviceforunauthorizedfilmingofactivities,ortotakeaninappropriatepicture• Hacking• Trespassing• Seriousbodilyharm
CONSEQUENCESOFMAJOROFFENSESTheDistrictwantsstudentstounderstandtheconsequencesofcertainseriousoffenses.
A. Possessionofagun,firearm,weapon,explosive,orammunition
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B. Violencetowardanyperson,includingbutnotlimitedtoverbal,digitalorwrittenthreatstolifeorsafety,wieldingaweapon,wieldingaweapon.Wieldingaknife,orthreateningconductwithanytypeofweaponorknife
C. Distributionorsaleofillegalorprescriptiondrugs.a. ConsequenceforoffenseslistedinA,B,andC:Mayresultinrecommendationfor
immediateexpulsionforonecalendaryearorconsiderationforplacementattheAcademicOptionsCenterfor180qualifyingdays.
D. Possessionofaknife,illegalorprescriptiondrugs,alcohol,alcoholcontainersand/ordrugparaphernalia.
a. Consequence:Mayresultinsuspensionand/orconsiderationforplacementattheAcademicOptionsCenter.
E. Fightinga. Minorfightsuchasarguing,pushingandshovingwhichresultsinminordisruption.
Consequence:Detentionand/orcorporalpunishment,orsuspension.b. Majorfight,whichresultsinmajordisruptionandthepossibilityofinjury
Consequence:Mayresultinsuspensionand/orconsiderationforplacementattheAcademicOptionsCenter.
F. Repeatedoffensesa. Consequence:Mayresultinsuspensionand/orconsiderationforplacementinthe
AcademicOptionsCenterfor45qualifyingdays.G. Possessionand/oruseoftobaccoortobaccoproducts,electroniccigarettes
a. Consequence:MayresultinsuspensionH. CyberOffenses
a. Consequence:Mayresultinsuspension,ornotificationoflawenforcementofficials.
NOTIFICATIONOFLAWENFORCEMENTOFFICIALSCommissionofanyofthefollowingmisconductshallresultinnotificationoflawenforcementofficialsbytheprincipalorhis/herdesignee:1.aggravatedassaultresultinginseriousphysicalinjury2.sexualassault/battery3.sexualoffense4.rape5.indecentlibertieswithaminor6.assaultinvolvinguseofaweapon7.possessionofafirearminviolationofthelaw8.possessionoruseofaweaponinviolationofthelaw9.possession,sale,oruseofanycontrolledsubstanceinviolationofthelaw10.simpleassaultuponanyschoolemployee11.murder12.otherviolentacts(actionresultingindeathorphysicalharmorattempttocausedeathorphysical
harmtoanother)orthreatsofviolentactsTheprincipalmakingthereportorparticipatinginanyjudicialproceedingresultingthereofshallbepresumedtobeactingingoodfaithand,assuch,shallbeimmunefromanycivilliabilitythatmightotherwisebeincurredorimposed.
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DISCIPLINEOFSTUDENTSWITHSPECIALEDUCATIONRULINGSpecialeducationstudentsareresponsibleforadheringtothesamerulesofconductasnondisabledstudents.Stateandfederalregulationsrelatedtostudentswithdisabilitieswillbefollowedwhenimplementingdisciplineprocedures.
THREESTRIKEPOLICY(MississippiSchoolSafetyActof2001)Amongotherprovisions,thisactrequirestheautomaticexpulsionofastudentwhois13yearsofageorolderonthethirdoccurrenceofhabituallydisruptivebehaviorduringaschoolyear.Theterm“disruptivebehavior”meansconductofastudentthatistoounruly,disruptiveorabusivethatitseriouslyinterfereswithaschoolteacher’sorschooladministrator’sabilitytocommunicatewiththestudentsinaclassroom,withastudent’sabilitytolearn,orwiththeoperationofaschoolorschool-relatedactivityandwhichisnotcoveredbyotherlawsrelatedtoviolenceorpossessionofweaponsorcontrolledsubstancesonschoolproperty,schoolvehiclesoratschool-relatedactivities.Suchbehaviorsinclude,butarenotlimitedto:foul,profane,obscene,threatening,defiantorabusivelanguageoractiontowardteachersorotherschoolemployees;defiance,ridiculeorverbalattackofateacher;andwillful,deliberateandovertactsofdisobedienceofthedirectionsofateacher.Theterm“habituallydisruptive”referstosuchactionsofastudentwhichcausedisruptioninaclassroom,onschoolpropertyorvehicles,orataschool-relatedactivityonmorethantwooccasionsduringaschoolyear,andtodisruptivebehaviorthatwasinitiated,willfulandovertonthepartofthestudentandwhichrequiredtheattentionofschoolpersonneltodealwiththedisruption.
ZEROTOLERANCEPOLICYTheDistricthasazerotolerancepolicytowardsthepossessionand/oruseoffirearmsonanyschoolpropertyoratanyschoolfunctionorschool-relatedactivity.Anystudentfoundtobeinviolationofthispolicywillbeexpelledimmediately.NOEXCEPTIONS.
STUDENTCONDUCTANDBEHAVIORPOLICYStudentshavebasicrightsundertheConstitutionoftheUnitedStates,theConstitutionofthestateofMississippi,andtheMississippiStateLaw.Thoserights,however,donotextendtoinfringementontherightsofteacherstoteachandotherstudentstolearn.TheDistrictrecognizestheteacherastheauthorityinclassroommattersandsupportsteachersintheirdecisionsincompliancewiththewrittendisciplinarycodeofconduct.OfficeReferralsWithintheDistrict,eachschoolhasasetofprocedureswhicharefollowedwithregardtostudentswhoarereferredtotheofficeforcausingadisruptionintheclassroom,onschoolpropertyorvehicles,oratschool-relatedactivities.Theseproceduresoutlineconsequencesforvariousdisciplinaryproblems.ParentConferencesAnyparentorguardianofacompulsory-school-agestudentenrolledinapublicschooldistrictmayberequestedtoappearatschoolforadisciplineconferenceregardingactsofthechild.Aparentorguardianofacompulsory-school-agestudentenrolledinapublicschooldistrictshallberesponsiblefinanciallyforhisorherminorchild’sdestructiveactsagainstschoolpropertyorpersons;andforanycriminalfinesbroughtagainstsuchstudentforunlawfulactivityoccurringonschoolgroundsorbuses.Failuretoattendadisciplineconferenceorrefusaltocomplywithanyrequirementsimposed,shallresultinamisdemeanorchargebeingfiledagainsttheparent,guardianorcustodianand,uponconviction,afinenottoexceed$250.00.
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RecoveryofDamagesAnypublicschooldistrictshallbeentitledtorecoverdamagesinanamountnottoexceed$20,000.00,plusnecessarycourtcosts,fromtheparentsofanyminorundertheageof18yearsandovertheageof6years,whomaliciouslyandwillfullydamagesordestroyspropertybelongingtosuchschooldistrict.Thisobligationshallnotapplytoparentswhoseparentalcontrolofsuchchildhasbeenremovedbycourtorderordecree.Astudentwhoobstructsanyteaching,learning,administrative,orextracurricularactivityshallbesubjecttodisciplinaryproceduresoutlinedinthishandbookorasotherwiseauthorizedbylaw.Everystudentisaccountableforanydisorderlyconductinschool,onschoolproperty,oratschool-relatedeventsandactivities.
FOODSERVICE
CHILDNUTRITIONMadisonCountySchoolsparticipatesintheNationalSchoolLunch/BreakfastProgramandthereforemustmeetUSDAfederalandstaterequirements.TheDistrictoffersfoodchoicestosatisfythisrequirement.OFFERVS.SERVE• Allschoolsimplement“offervs.serve”,whichallowsstudentstoselectatleast3ofthe5meal
componentsfortheirlunch.• Everystudentwhoeatsaschoollunchisrequiredtotakeatleast½cupofafruitorvegetable.• Extrafoodsareallowedwiththepurchaseofamealtray.• Studentswhobringtheirlunchesareallowedtobuymilk.• Studentswhowishtopurchasemorethanonemealtraywillberequiredtopaytheadultpricefor
thesecondtray.USDAallowsreimbursementforonemealperstudent.
MEALPRICES
STUDENTLUNCHSTUDENTBREAKFAST
(notavailableatallsites)
FullPrice ReducedPrice FullPrice ReducedPrice
Daily $3.00 $.40 $1.75 $.30
Weekly $15.00 $2.00 $8.75 $1.50
STUDENTCAFETERIAACCOUNTSStudentsareassignedalunchnumber/accountatthebeginningoftheschoolterm.Pre-paymentisencouraged,andcanbecalculatedbymultiplyingthenumberofdaysachildwishestoeatbythepriceof(breakfast/lunch).Fundsreceivedandnotusedduringtheschoolyearwillcarryoverintothenextacademicyear.
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PAYMENTPROCEDURES
o Paymentsformealsmaybeenteredintoastudent’saccountonadailybasisusingthefollowingpaymentmethods:§ Cash§ Check
• Onecheckperchildisrequired.• Student’snameandorlunchnumbershouldbewrittenoneachchecksubmitted.• Personalcheckscannotbecashed.
§ On-Line• Paymentsmaybemadetoyourchild’saccountviatheInternetusing
www.MySchoolBucks.com.Thesiteacceptscreditcardsaspaymentforschoolmeals.
ACCOUNTBALANCES
o Allaccountswillbeopenallowingextrasalestobepulledfromastudent’saccount.ParentsmayrequesttoclosetheopenaccountforbreakfastandlunchmealsonlybycompletingtheStudentCafeteriaAccountRestrictionsFormandsubmittingittotheChildNutritionDepartment.
o Parentmayviewpurchasesontheirstudent’saccountatwww.MySchoolBucks.com.(Note:Parentsmustsetupanaccountbutdonothavetousethissitetomakepaymentsontheirstudent’saccountinordertoviewaccountinformation).
o Pre-Paybalancesmaybetransferredtoasibling’saccountbysubmittingaCafeteriaAccountRefund/TransferForm.
o Pre-PaybalancesarerefundableintheeventthestudentwithdrawsfromMadisonCountySchoolsorthelunchstatuschangestofreeandiftheaccountbalanceis$5.00ormore.TheparentmustcompletetheCafeteriaRefund/TransferForm.
o EndofSchoolYearinformation:§ Beginninginmid-May,studentlunchaccountswillnotbeallowedtogointoanegative
balance.§ Studentaccountbalanceswillcarryovertothestudent’saccountforthenextschool
year.(Note:thisisanannualcarryoverpolicy.)MEALCHARGESFederalLawprohibitsfederallyfundedprogramstoaccruedebt.
• TheMCSChildNutritionDepartmenthasa“NOCHARGE”policyforstudentsattendingmiddleorhighschoolsthatwillbestrictlyenforced.Anymiddleorhighschoolstudentwhogetsatrayinthecafeteriamusthavefundsavailableinhisorheraccountorhavecash/checkinhandforthecashier.Ifastudentdoesnothavethefundsnecessaryforpayment,thecashierwilltakethetrayfromthestudent.
• Elementarystudentsareallowedtochargeonelunchandonebreakfast.Chargesareallowedforelementaryschoolstudentswhohavelostlunchmoneyorfailedtobringlunchmoney.Parentswillreceivewrittennotificationofthemoneyowed,andareexpectedtorepaythecafeteriaonthenextschoolday.Thecafeteriawillprovideacomplimentarylunchconsistingoffruits,vegetablesandmilktoelementarystudentswhoexceedonelunchcharge.
• Ifapatterndevelops,parentswillbeencouragedtoseekfederalassistanceassoonaspossible.
FREE&REDUCEDMEALAPPLICATIONS• AllschoolsparticipatingintheNationalSchoolLunchand/orBreakfastProgramarerequiredto
servefreeandreducedpricemealstostudentsoffamilieswhom,basedonacurrentmeal
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application,haveanincomethatisatorbelowthecurrenteligibilityincomescaleforfreeandreducedpricemeals.
• Anewapplicationmustbefilledouteveryyear.Inorderforthedistricttoprovidestudentswithmealbenefitsforthe2017-18schoolyear,parentsmustcompleteandsigna2017-18applicationformealbenefits.
• Applicationsmaybecompletedon-lineatAPPLYFORLunch.com• Applicationsareavailablethroughouttheentireschoolyearatalldistrictandschooloffices.• ReturnonlyONEapplicationperfamily.Itisbesttoreturntheapplicationtoyouryoungest
child'sschool.GRACEPERIODFORRETURNINGSTUDENTS:
o Returningstudentswhoqualifiedformealbenefits(freeorreducedmeals)lastschoolyearcaneatonthesamemealapplicationstatusforthe2017-18schoolyearuntilSeptember19oruntilanewapplicationhasbeenprocessed.
o Afterthegraceperioddeadline(9/19/17),benefitswillbediscontinuedandthestudentmustpayfullpriceformeals.Federallawdoesnotallowafederallyfundedprogramtoaccruedebt;thereforechargepolicieswillbeenforced.Pleasemakesurethesestudentsbringalunchand/orhavelunchmoneydaily.
• NewandKindergartenstudentsmustpayformealsuntilapprovalnotificationisreceivedfromthechildnutritionoffice.Federallawdoesnotallowafederallyfundedprogramtoaccruedebt;thereforechargepolicieswillbeenforced.Pleasemakesurethesestudentsbringalunchand/orhavelunchmoneydaily.
• Incomplete,illegible,orincorrectapplicationscannotbeprocessed.Therefore,student(s)ontheapplicationwillhavetopayfullpriceformeals.Incomplete,illegible,orincorrectapplicationsarereturnedtotheparentifpossible.Federallawdoesnotallowafederallyfundedprogramtoaccruedebt;thereforechargepolicieswillbeenforced.Pleasemakesurethesestudentsbringalunchand/orhavelunchmoneydaily.
WELLNESSPOLICYSchoolswithintheMadisonCountySchoolDistrictarecommittedtosafeandhealthyschools.AcopyoftheWellnessPolicyisonfileineveryschooloffice.
GENERALINFORMATION
GENERALPUBLICCONDUCTANDBEHAVIORPOLICY(BoardApprovedJune29,2009)Nopersonmaypossessorusetobaccoproductsonschoolproperty.Nopersonmaypossessorusealcoholorillegaldrugsonschoolproperty.TheDistrictmayremoveanypersoninviolationofthispolicyfromschoolpropertyandmay,initsdiscretion,prohibitthepersonfromenteringschoolpropertyandattendingschooleventsforastatedperiodoftime.Nopersonmaythreaten,bully,harass,orassaultanyDistrictemployeeorstudentoftheMadisonCountySchools.Ifanypersonengagesinsuchthreatening,bullying,orharassingconductofaDistrictemployeeorstudentorassaultsaDistrictemployeeorstudent,theDistrictmayremovethepersonfromschoolpropertyandmay,initsdiscretiondependingontheperson’soffensivebehavior,prohibitthepersonfromenteringschoolpropertyorattendingschooleventsforaperiodoftime.
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AERIALDEVICESNoonemayflyadroneoranykindofremote-controlledaircraftovertheskiesofanyDistrictschoolcampusorschoolproperty,including,butnotlimitedtofootballstadiumsorathleticfields,exceptasmaybepermittedinwritingbytheSuperintendentortheBoardofEducationforschooldistrictpurposes.Useofsuchdronesposesasafetyhazard.Anypersonviolatingthispolicywillbesubjecttoimmediateremovalfromschoolpropertyandcontinuedviolationofthepolicymayresultinbarringhis/herpresenceonschoolproperty.TheDistrictshallreportuseofdronesonschoolpropertytolawenforcementauthoritiesand/ortheFederalAviationAdministration.EMERGENCYDRILLS/SCHOOLSECURITYSchoolsecurityisoneofthenation’stopprioritiesandremainsatoppriorityinourDistrictaswell.TheDistrictworkswithlocal,state,andnationalentitiestooffertrainingopportunitiesinourDistrictwhichemphasizeprevention.EmergencydrillsareconductedperiodicallyoneachcampuswithintheMadisonCountySchools.Emergencyprocedures,uniquetoeachindividualcampus,areinplaceandtheprincipalandallstaffareknowledgeableandwell-trainedintheimplementationofalloftheseprocedures.
FEESTheSchoolBoardhasauthorizedthatreasonablefeesmaybechargedforthefollowing:
• supplementalinstructionalmaterialsandsupplies,excludingtextbooksbutincludingsciencelabfees;
• otherfeesdesignatedbytheBoardofEducationasfeesrelatedtoavalidcurriculumeducationalobjective,includingtransportation;and,
• extra-curricularactivitiesandanyothereducationalactivitiesoftheschooldistrictwhicharenotdesignatedbytheBoardofEducationasvalidcurriculumeducationalobjectives,suchasbandtripsandathleticevents.
FINANCIALHARDSHIPWAIVER• Applicationsforhardshipwaiversmaybeobtainedineveryschoolofficeandwillbekeptinthe
strictestofconfidence,withallfilesandpersonaldisclosuresrestrictedfromreviewbythegeneralpublic.Financialwaiversarenotgrantedforelectivecoursesorextra-curricularactivities.
• Thereshallbenodiscriminationagainstastudenteligibletohaveanysuchfeewaivedasaresultofaninabilitytopay.
• Theinabilitytopayfeesshallnotresultinastudentbeingdeniedanyacademicawardsorstandards,anyclassselection,grade,diploma,transcript,ortherighttoadvanceacademicallyinanyactivityrelatingtohis/hereducationaladvancement.
• Applicationsshouldbesubmittedtotheprincipal’soffice.
GOFUNDMEACCOUNTSStudentsarenotpermittedtoset-upGoFundMeaccountstogeneratefundsforschoolclubsoractivities.
HOLIDAYSSchoolwillbeinsessioneverydayexceptforholidaysdesignatedontheschoolcalendar.Studentsshallnotattendclassesonprofessionaldevelopmentdaysbecauseallfacultywillbeattendingrequiredprofessionaldevelopment.
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INCLEMENTWEATHERItisthephilosophyofMadisonCountySchoolsthatschoolwillbeinsessionunlessoruntilconditionsdictateotherwise.Intheeventofinclementweather,thedecisiontocancelclasseswillbemadebytheSuperintendent,postedontheDistrict’swebsiteatwww.madison-schools.com,relayedtothelocalEmergencyOperationsCenterforbroadcastoverradioandtelevisionstations,andnotificationsentthroughtheDistrict’sallcallsystemandsocialmedia.Ifnecessary,daysmissedduetoinclementweatherwillbemadeupatalaterdate.Whenbadweatherthreatens,allschoolsareequippedwitheitheraweather-bandradioortheweatherchannelontelevision,whichtheadministrationmonitors.Duringatornadowarning,allstudentsarebroughtintothemainbuildingandarrangedinareasonablysecuremanner.Attheprincipal’sdiscretion,studentshousedinportablesaresubjecttomovementintothemainbuildingatanytimeduringbadweather.FollowingarethebasicguidelinestheDistrictfollowswhenbadweatheroccursatorneardismissaltime:• Busesandcardriversarenotdismissed,andstudentsaresecuredinthemainbuildings.• Carridersaredismissedtotheirparentswhowishtocheckthemout,keepinginmindthatitis
difficulttolocateastudentquicklyinthemiddleofastormdrillprocedure.Weaskforyourpatienceinthissituation.(NOTE:Studentsaredismissedonlytoaparentorlegalguardianduringaweatheremergency,unlesspriorarrangementshavebeenmadewiththeoffice.)
MEDICATIONPRESCRIPTIONANDOVER-THE-COUNTERUnderexceptionalcircumstances,medicationmaybeadministeredbyschoolpersonnel.Ifastudentisrequiredtotakeoralmedicationduringnormalschoolhoursinordertoremaininschool,themedicationmaybeadministeredunderthefollowingguidelines:
• Themedicationwillbedeliveredtotheprincipal’sofficeinitsoriginalcontainerbyaparentorguardianalongwithasignedconsentformforAdministrationofMedication,whichcanbeobtainedintheschoolofficeorfromtheschoolnurse.
• Parentsmusttransportmedicationtoandfromschool.Nomedicationwillbeacceptedfromstudents.
• Parentsareresponsibleforinformingtheschoolofficeofanychangeintheirchild’shealthormedication.Aphysician’sorderisrequiredforallmedication,bothover-the-counterandprescription
• Itistheparent’sresponsibilitytonotifytheschoolthatthechildneedstotakeprescriptionorover-the-countermedication.
• Nomedicationwillbeadministeredunlessanofficialdistrictmedicalreleaseformhasbeencompleted,signedbyaparentorguardian,andplacedonfileintheschooloffice.Theseformsareavailableineachschooloffice.
• Anychildwithatemperatureof100°,vomiting,orsufferingdiarrheamustbepickedupimmediately.Studentssenthomewithanyoftheseconditionsshouldnotreturntoschooluntilfreeofsymptomswithoutmedicationfor24hours.
ASTHMAANDANAPHYLAXISCHILDSAFETYACT.(MS37-11-71)Astudentwithasthmaand/oranaphylaxisisentitledtopossessandself-administerprescriptionasthmaand/oranaphylaxismedicationwhileonschoolproperty,onschool-providedtransportation,orataschool-relatedeventoractivityif:
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• Theprescriptionasthmaand/oranaphylaxismedicationhasbeenprescribedforthatstudentasindicatedbytheprescriptionlabelonthemedication;
• Theself-administrationisdoneincompliancewiththeprescriptionorwritteninstructionsfromthestudent’sphysicianorotherlicensedhealthcareprovider;and
• Aparentofthestudentprovidestotheschool:o Writtenauthorization,signedbytheparent,forthestudenttoself-administer
prescriptionasthmaand/oranaphylaxismedicationwhileonschoolpropertyorataschool-relatedeventoractivity;
o Awrittenstatement,signedbytheparent,inwhichtheparentreleasestheschooldistrictanditsemployeesandagentsfromliabilityforaninjuryarisingfromthestudent’sself-administrationofprescriptionasthmaand/oranaphylaxismedication.
COMMUNICABLEDISEASESTheDistrictworksincooperationwiththeMississippiStateHealthDepartmenttoprevent,control,andcontaincommunicablediseasesinschools.HEADLICEWhileheadlicedonottransmitanyhumandiseasestheyareanuisanceandrequireacooperativeeffortonthepartofparentsandschoolofficialstocontrol.Whenateachersuspectsthatastudenthasheadliceornitsthestudentwilldiscreetlybesenttotheofficeforanexaminationinprivate.Ifliceornitsarefound,theparentwillbenotifiedandaskedtopickupthestudentandtreathim/herwithanapprovedover-the-counterheadlicetreatment.Proofoftreatment(theemptybox)willberequiredbeforethestudentisallowedtore-enterschool.Studentswillnotbeallowedtoreturntoschoolunlesstheyarefreeofnits.Whenacaseofheadliceisfoundinaclass,anotewillbesenthomewitheverystudentinthatclassinformingparentsandrequestingthattheychecktheirstudentthateveningandtreatifnecessary.RESTRAINT&SECLUSIONPOLICYMadisonCountySchoolswillcomplywiththeMississippiBoardofEducationPolicy38.13forrestraintandseclusionofallstudents.YoumayviewthepolicyinitsentirelyontheDistrictwebsiteatwww.madison-schools.com.SMOKEFREEPOLICYConsistentwiththeprovisionsofPubliclaw103-227,20USC6083,theMadisonCountyBoardofEducationbanstheuseofalltobaccoproductsonallschoolcampusesintheDistrictandinallschoolvehiclesandbusesbyallpersonsatalltimes.Thisbanextendstoallemployees,students,andpatronsattendingschool-sponsoredathleticeventsandmeetings.Thebanextendstoschool-ownedoroperatedvehiclesandfacilities.TheBoardissuesthisbaninasincereappealtoallemployees,studentsandpatronstocooperateinhelpingtocreatewithinourfacultiesahealthyenvironmentforeveryone.SPECIALOCCASIONSBalloons,flowers,andotherspecialdeliveriesforstudentswillnotbeacceptedatanyschool.
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SPECIALSERVICESCHILDFINDItisthepolicyoftheDistrictthattheDistrict-widechildidentification,location,andevaluationprocessinMadisonCountybeongoing.LocalschoolDistrictpersonnelarecontinuingthesearchforunservedchildrenwithdisabilitiesintheagerangebirththrough20yearsofage.Earlyidentificationofchildreninneedofspecialeducationexperiencesismostimportanttoeachchild.Furthermore,thisinformationgatheredfromcontactswithparentsandotheragencieswillbeusedtodeterminepresentandfuturesprogramneedsasprogressismadetowardthegoalofprovidingafreeappropriatepubliceducationtoallchildrenwithdisabilities.Thechild-findcoordinatorworkswiththelocalHeadStart,Welfare,HealthandMentalHealthagencies,aswellaslocaleducationagencies,physicians,licenseddaycareproviders,localjuvenilecorrectionalfacilities,andotherindividualstoidentifyandlocatechildrenoutofschoolandinschoolwhomaybeinneedofspecialeducationservices.InformationwhichcouldidentifyanindividualchildwillbemaintainedbythisagencyandwillbeprovidedtootheragenciesonlyinaccordancewiththeFamilyEducationalRightsandPrivacyActandtheIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationAct.Asaparent,youareguaranteedtherighttoinspectanysuchinformationaboutyourchildandtochallengeitsaccuracy.Accesstothisinformationisforbiddentoanyunauthorizedpersonwithoutinformedconsent.Ifyouhavequestionsregardingthecollection,maintenance,anduseofdataaboutyourchild,youmaycontact: Mrs.LynnSlay,Child-FindCoordinator MadisonCountySchoolDistrict 476HighlandColonyParkway Ridgeland,MS39157 Phone:(601)853-1326Thechild-findcoordinatorisresponsiblefordistrict-widecoordinationoftheplanningandimplementationofchildidentification,location,andevaluationeffortsofchildren(birththroughage20)whohavedisabilities(regardlessoftheseverityofthedisability),andwhoareinneedofspecialeducationand/orrelatedservices.Ifatanytime,anindividualsuspectsthatastudentresidinginMadisonCountySchoolshasadisability,pleasecall601-853-1326sothattheChildFindprocessmaybegin.FollowingimplementationoftheThree-TierInterventionProcess(exceptforthosestudentswhohavechronichealthproblemsthatadverselyaffecttheireducationperformanceandforwhominterventionswouldnotchangethestatusoftheimpairment),iftheinterventionprocessisunsuccessful,itistheresponsibilityofthechild-findcoordinatortoensurethatthereferral-to-placementproceduresarefollowed.Theseproceduresinclude:
• Priortoevaluation,acopyof“ProceduralSafeguards”isgiventoparents.• Districtpersonnelexplaintoparentsthe“ProceduralSafeguards.”• Notestingwillbeconductedwithoutparentalconsent.• Ifitisdeterminedthatacomprehensiveassessmentiswarranted,studentswillbeevaluatedin
allareasrelatedtothesuspecteddisabilitybyqualifiedpersonnel.• Parentsparticipateinthemeetingtodeterminewhetherthechildhasadisability.• Iffoundtohaveadisability,anIndividualEducationPlan(IEP)isdevelopedforthestudentand
writtenparentalpermissionisobtainedpriortotheprovisionofspecialeducationand/orrelatedservices.
• IEPsofallstudentsreceivingspecialeducationservicesarereviewedatleastonceayear.• Thestudent’seligibilitystatuswillbereevaluatedatleastonceevery3years.
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NONDISCRIMINATIONONTHEBASISOFDISABILITYTheDistrictacknowledgesitsresponsibilityunderSection504andtheAmericanswithDisabilitiesActtoprohibitdiscriminationinitspoliciesandprogramsregardingstudents,personnel,andcampusvisitors.Discriminationagainstanypersonwithadisabilitywillnotknowinglybepermitted inanyprogramorpracticeoftheschooldistrict.UnderSection504,theDistricthastheresponsibilitytoidentify,evaluate,andifthestudentisdeterminedtobeeligible,affordaccesstoappropriateeducationalservices.Priorto determining eligibility under 504, it is the District’s policy to first follow its procedures for acomprehensive evaluation for services under the IDEA, including the requirement to implement theThree-Tier InterventionProcess. If theparentorguardiandisagreeswith thedeterminationmadebytheDistrict,heorshehasarighttoahearingwithanimpartialhearingofficer. The following persons have been designated as the Section 504/Americans with Disabilities ActCoordinatorandwillhandleinquiriesregardingtheMadisonCountySchoolDistrict’snondiscriminationpolicies, the filing of complaints, and requests for copies of complaint procedures coveringdiscriminationonthebasisofdisability.
Section504/ADACoordinator
Name:LynnSlayAddress:476HighlandColonyParkwayRidgeland,MS39157Phone:601.853.1326
TEXTBOOKSTextbooksaremadeavailabletoeachstudentonayearlybasis.Workbooksandotherinstructionalsuppliesarepurchasedbythestudentthroughfeeswhicharecollectedatthebeginningoftheschoolyear.TraditionalstudenttextbooksattheelementaryandmiddleschoollevelmaynotbeassignedforEnglish/LanguageArts/Science/SocialStudiesintheDistrict.Followingbestpracticesinliteracyinstruction,learningisfacilitatedforeachstudentattheirinstructionallevelthroughleveledbooks/resources.Thesebooks/resourcesareprovidedforallstudentsthroughleveledbookroomslocatedineveryelementaryandmiddleschool.AllDistricthighschoolstudentsparticipateinthe1:MInitiativeandhaveaccesstoallinstructionalmaterialsthroughe-books,Internet,orCanvaslearninginstruction.TRANSPORTATIONAllDistricttransportationserviceishandledthroughaprivatecontractwithDurhamSchoolServices.DurhamSchoolServicesprovidestrainingtodriversandinformationalprogramstoadministrationandstudentsemphasizingtransportationregulationsandbussafety.AnyquestionsregardingschooltransportationshouldbedirectedtoDurhamSchoolServices,601-859-0077ortotheOfficeofTransportation,MadisonCountySchools,601-499-0800.
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VISITORS• Visitors,parents,friends,solicitors,oranyoneelsecomingonanycampusorintoanyschool
buildingforanyreasonmustfirstreportdirectlytotheschoolofficetoobtainpermissionfromtheprincipalorschoolofficepersonneltovisitormakepersonalcontactwithstudentsorteachers.Visitorswillbeissuedavisitor’spassonlyafterbeingapproved.Noclassroomvisitsorobservationsareallowedduringinstructionaltime.
• Staff members shall routinely check with visitors to confirm that they have permission from theofficetovisit.Ifpermissionhasnotbeensecured,theteachershouldimmediatelyescortthevisitortotheprincipal’soffice.
TECHNOLOGY
1:MINITIATIVEBeginningwiththe2014-15schoolyear,MadisonCountySchools(MCS)embarkedona1:MDigitalInitiative.Eachstudentingrades9-12receivedalaptop(MacBookAir)touseinschoolandathome.
The1:MDigitalInitiativecontinuesourintegrationoftechnologyintoallareasofcurriculuminorderto equip students with the research, communication, collaboration and creativity skills needed tosucceedinthe21stcentury.MCShighschoolteachersworkdailydevelopingcurriculumandinstructionthateffectivelyintegratestechnologyintostudentlearning.
Rising9thgraders,andstudentsnewtotheDistrict,andtheirparent/guardian,arerequiredtoattendanorientationsessionontheirhighschoolcampuspriortoreceivingalaptop.Allstudentsmustbeaccompaniedbyaparent/guardianandwillberequiredtosignacopyoftheStudentTechnologyHandbookbeforebeingissuedalaptop.AdditionalImportantInformation
• Studentswillbeassessedamandatorynon-refundable$50.00usagefee.• Thelaptop,protectivecase,sleeve,poweradapterandcablemustbereturnedattheend
oftheschoolyear.• Thestudentmusthavecontinuousaccesstothelaptop.Thelaptopcannotbesharedwith
others,asthestudentmustbringittoschooleverydayandhaveaccesstoitathomeforworkoutsideofclass.
• ThelaptopwillhavetheMCSprofileloadedontoit.• Thelaptopmustbefullychargedeachnightbeforebringingittoschool.
Formoreinformation,visitwww.madison-schools.com/1M.
ACCEPTABLEUSEPOLICYMadisonCountySchools(MCS)recognizesthevalueofcomputerandotherelectronicresourcestoimprovestudentlearning,teaching,instruction,researchandcommunicationtoenhancetheadministrationandoperationofitsschools.Tothisend,theMCSprovidesIntranet(internal)andInternet(external)connectionsforstaff,students,andfaculty.MCSencouragestheresponsibleuseofcomputers,computernetworks,includingtheInternet,e-mail,andotherelectronicresourcesinsupportofthemissionandgoalsoftheMCSanditsschools.
InordertoaccessDistrictservicessuchastheIntranetandInternetviatheDistrictNetwork,eachusermustsignaStatementofAssurance(SOA)toacknowledgeagreementwiththisAcceptableUsePolicy(AUP)statingthattheyareawareofandacknowledgeagreementwithallthesectionsbelow.
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TheoperationoftheMCSnetworkisguidedbypolicyorpoliciessetforthbytheMadisonCountySchoolBoard,Districtadministration,theMississippiDepartmentofEducation,andallapplicablelocal,stateandFederalLaws.ThisAUPdoesnotlisteveryapplicablepolicyorlaw,butsetsforthsomespecificpoliciesparticulartoMCS.
MONITORINGOFNETWORKUSEAlldatatransferredand/ortransmittedovertheMCSnetworkcanbemonitoredandrecordedatanytime.Alldatatransferredortransmittedoverthenetworkcanbetrackedandidentified,andoriginatinguserscanbeheldliableiftheiruseofthenetworkviolatesanyestablishedpolicy,regulation,orlaw.Anydatastoredondistrict-ownedequipmentmaybearchivedandpreservedbythedistrictforanindefiniteperiod.Suchdataincludes,butisnotlimitedtoe-mail,textdocuments,digitalphotographs,musicandotherdigitalorelectronicfiles..SCHOOLDISTRICTOWNERSHIPAlldatatransferredoverthedistrictnetworkorstoredonanydistrict-ownedequipment/mediaisthepropertyofMCS.Studentsshouldhavenoexpectationofprivacyofinformationtransmittedand/orstoredondistrictissuedequipment.CONSEQUENCESOFPOLICYVIOLATION(S)TheuseoftheDistrictNetworkisaprivilege,notaright,andinappropriateusewillresultinacancellationofthoseprivileges.Anystudentordistrictstaff,includingcontractservices(outsideparties),whoviolateanypolicy,regulationorlawregardinguseoftheDistrictNetworkwillbeidentifiedandcorrectiveand/orpunitiveactionswillbetaken.AllusersoftheMCSnetworkarechargedwithreportingviolationsormisconducttotheirteachers,supervisors,ortheNetworkadminister.Userswhofailtoreportviolationsaresubjecttothesamedisciplinaryactionsasthosewhoviolatethepolicy.
Violationsoftheseproceduresmayresultin,butisnotlimitedto,alossofaccessprivileges,disciplinaryactionbytheschooland/ordistrictadministration,and/orcontactoflawenforcementagencies.
DISCLAIMEROFLIABILITYMCSdisclaimsallliabilityforthecontentofmaterialstowhichastudentorstaffmayhaveaccessontheInternetandforanydamagessufferedasaresultofthestudentorstaffmember’sInternetuse.BecausetheInternetande-mailisanunregulated,worldwidevehicleforcommunication,informationavailabletostaffandstudentsisimpossibletocontrol.Therefore,MCSshallnotberesponsiblefor:
• Anydamagesastudentorstaffmembermaysuffer,including,butnotlimitedto,lossofdataorinterruptionofservices,
• Fortheaccuracyorqualityofinformationobtainedfromorstoredonanyofitsnetworkorclientsystems,
• Financialobligationsarisingthroughtheunauthorizeduseofthesystems,• Theft,lossordamagetopersonalelectronicdevices,• AnyactionsorobligationsofastudentorstaffmemberwhileaccessingtheInternetoutside
thepublicschoolsystemforanypurpose.
WhileMCStakesstepstoprotectusersfrominappropriatematerial,tointerceptunlawfulandmaliciousactionsfromaffectionusers,tosafeguardusers,nosystemiscompletelyperfect.ThoserisksmustberecognizedandacceptedbyuserswhosigntheAUPSOA.
FILTERINGMCSusesanaggressiveContentFilterandSPAMfilter.MCScomplieswiththeregulationsofCIPA,theChildren’sInternetProtectionAct[Pub.L.No.106-554and47USC254(h)],toprovideInternetcontent
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filteringservicesforstaffandstudents.Filteringservicesareameansofprotectionfromobjectionablesitesbutcannotprovidea100%guarantee.Therefore,MadisonCountySchoolsprovidesnoguaranteesbutwillattempttoprotectstaffandstudentsfromaccessingsuchobjectionableInternetsites.Intheeventthatinappropriatematerialisaccessible,MCSshallnotbeheldliable.
EMAILANDELECTRONICDOCUMENTRETENTIONAllemailsandelectronicdocumentscreatedandsharedwithothersinsideoroutsidetheDistrictinconductingDistrictbusinessshouldbesavedinuser-designatedfoldersontheuser’scomputer.AllDistrictemployeeemailwillbearchivedforaminimumofoneyear.
AllDistrictemployeesandstudentsingrades6-12willbeissuedaDistrictemailaccount.Anyofficialcommunications,e.g.teachertoparent,teachertostudent,studenttoteacher,stafftostaff,mustbeviathedistrict’smadison-schools.comemailsystem.Thisincludes,butisnotlimitedtoteacherswhoguideextracurricularactivitiessuchasclubs,choirs,bands,athletics,etc.
Districtstaffwhogeneratenewsletters,memoranda,slideshows,graphics,etc.withtheirworkstations,laptops,orotherdistrictequipment,shouldorganizetheircomputer’sworkspace(storage)usingfolderstostoreelectronicdocumentation.
Useof“internetmail”bystudents,staff,andfacultysuchasYahoomail,Gmail,andPOP3accountsprovidedbytheir“home”internetserviceprovidersisallowedatthistime.
PROHIBITEDACTIONSThefollowingactionsontheDistrictNetworkarespecificallyprohibited,butarenotlimitedto:
• Installingsoftware,softwareapplication,utility,plug-inorothersuchoperationswithouttheapprovaloftheTechnologyoffice;
• Creating,downloading,storing,sending,ordisplayingoffensivemessagesorpicturesincludingbutnotlimitedtopornographicorothersexuallyexplicitmaterial;
• Inserting,using,orattachingnon-approveddisks,CD-ROMs,orothermediastoragedevicesintoorwithcomputers;
• Usingobscene,profane,orvulgarlanguage;• Harassing,insulting,intimidating,orattackingothers;• Giving out personal information about another person, including home address or phone
number;• Engaginginanypractice(s)thatthreatenthenetworkandothertechnologicaltools;• Violatingcopyrightlaws;• Downloadingentertainment/music/video/moviesoftwareorother files for transfer toauser’s
homecomputer,otherpersonal computer,DVD,oranymusic/moviedevice. Thisprohibitionpertainstofreeware,shareware,copyrightedcommercialandnon-commercialsoftware,andallother forms of software and files not directly related to the instructional and administrativepurposesoftheMCS. Software,files,and/orlicensesownedbyMCScannotbetransferredtostafforstudentpersonalorhomecomputers;
• Using the password of others to access the network or any other electronic information ortelecommunicationservices;
• Accessing the documents, files, folders, or directories of others without permission from theownerofthefiles;
• Usingthenetworkandtelecommunicationservicesforcommercialpromotion,productendorsement,oradvertisementnotpreviouslyapprovedbytheMCSSchoolBoard;
• Using the network, electronic information, computer-driven software and telecommunicationservicesforpersonalgainorconvenience;
• Conductingbusinessotherthanthatdeemedacademicinnatureoverthenetwork;
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• Misusing the resources of the district’s network, electronic information ,computer-drivensoftware,ortelecommunicationsserviceequipmentandsupplies;
• Attempttobypassnetworkcontrolsandfilters;• Promoting causes that are religious in nature with no apparent educational or instructional
value; and/or violating this or other procedures and guidelines establish and set forth by theMCSTechnologyOffice.
Theabovelistisnotallinclusiveandwillbeamendedfromtimetotime.
STIPULATIONSFORWEBSITEUSEASDISTRICTREPRESENTATIVESUseofNon-Districtwebsitestopresentinformation,classrooms,clubs,oranyotherofficiallysponsoredactivities of theMCS is prohibited. Any sanctioned activity must be hosted on the District website,(http://www.madison-schools.com).AllwebpublicationswillabidebytheFamilyEducationRightsandPrivacyAct(FERPA)forthedisseminationofstudentinformation.CurrentteacherororganizationwebsitesoperatingoutsidetheMCS’swebsiteasofJuly1,2008,willbegrantedexceptionfromthisnewprocedure.However,astatementofdisclaimermustbepostedattheschool’swebsiteandasectionunderthenameofeachteacherororganizationthathasanexternalwebsite.
Thedisclaimermustread,“DISCLAIMER;youarenowleavingtheMadisonCountySchoolWebSite.Thedistrictdoesnotendorseandassumesnoresponsibilityforcontentorcontrolofthewebsite(s)towhichyouareabouttoproceed.Thelinkprovidedatthispageisacourtesyservice.Responsibilityofexternalwebsitecontrolandcontentrestsolelyontheauthor(s)ormanager(s)orwebmaster(s)ofsuchwebsite(s)andnotwiththedistrict.”
Attheexternalteacherororganizationwebsite,anotherdisclaimershouldbeposted,“As(a)representative(s)oftheMadisonCountySchool,responsibilityofexternalwebsitecontrolandcontentrestsolelyontheauthor(s)ormanager(s)orwebmaster(s)ofthiswebsite(s)andnotwiththedistrict.MCSdoesnotendorsethiswebsiteforschool,academic,business,oranyotherpurposes.”
Personalelectronicdevicesusedonthedistrictnetworkshouldhaveanti-virusandspywaresoftwareinstalledwhenapplicable.
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ELEMENTARYSCHOOLINFORMATION
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COMPULSORYAGE/ATTENDANCE“Compulsoryschoolagechild”meansachildwhoattainedorwillattaintheageof6yearsonorbeforeSeptember1ofthecalendaryearthestudentwishestoenrollinfirstgrade.Kindergartenattendanceisnotcompulsory;butaccordancewithMiss.CodeAnn.Section37-13-91,studentswhoattaintheageof5yearsonorbeforeSeptember1ofthecalendaryearmayattendkindergarteninthedistrict.SubjecttotheprovisionsofMiss.CodeAnn.Section37-15-9[Requirementsforenrollmentofchildreninpublicschools]subsection(3),anychildwhotransfersfromanout-of-statepublicorprivateschoolinwhichthatstate’slawprovidesforafirst-gradeorkindergartenenrollmentdatesubsequenttoSeptember1,shallbeallowedtoenrollinthepublicschoolsofMississippiatthesamegradelevelastheirpriorout-of-stateenrollment,if:
• Theparent,legalguardianorcustodianofsuchchildwasalegalresidentofthestatefromwhichthechildistransferring;
• Theout-of-stateschoolfromwhichthechildistransferringisdulyaccreditedbythatstate’sappropriateaccreditingauthority;
• Suchchildwaslegallyenrolledinapublicorprivateschoolforaminimumof4weeksinthepreviousstate;and
• ThesuperintendentofschoolsintheapplicableMississippischooldistricthasdeterminedthatthechildwasmakingsatisfactoryeducationalprogressinthepreviousstate.
Ifacompulsoryschoolagechildhasnotbeenenrolledinaschoolwithin15calendardaysafterthefirstdayoftheschoolyear,orsuchchildishabituallyabsentwithoutexcuse,theprincipalshallreportthischildtotheschoolattendanceofficeroftheyouthcourtorfamilycourtforinvestigation.
DYSLEXIAIDENTIFICATIONTheDistrict,incompliancewithHouseBill1031,willscreenstudentsduringthesecondsemesterofKindergartenandduringthefirstsemesteroffirstgradeforcharacteristicsofdyslexia.Adiagnosisofdyslexiamustcomefromalicensedpsychologist,psychometrist,orspeechlanguagepathologist.StudentsdiagnosedwithdyslexiaandservedwillnotnecessarilyhavearulingunderIDEAand/orSection504.SPEECHIDENTIFICATIONTheDistrict,incompliancewithHB896,willscreenallfirstgradersforarticulation,voice,fluencyandlanguagetodeterminetheneedforfurthertesting.
GRADINGKindergarten/Grades1&2K-1-2studentswillreceivereportcardsattheendofeachnine-weekgradingperiod.Thefollowingkeywillbeusedtoconveyprogress:
2nd grade students will begin seeing numerical and/or letter grades on all graded work during thesecondsemesteroftheyear.Thisisanattempttotransitionfromanon-gradedsystemtoasystemofgrades.Thekeyabovewillcontinuetobeusedonreportcards.Grades3,4,5
Report Card Key / Your child is learning this skill, but it has not been formally assessed.
Your child is making progress, but has not met the 80% mastery level.
Your child has mastered this component of the concept/skill. M Your child has learned to work independently using this concept/skill with 80% accuracy.
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Reportcardsforstudentsingrades3,4,and5willbesenthometheweekfollowingeachnine-week’sgradingperiod.NumberandlettergradesareusedtoconveyprogressinareasofLanguageArts,Mathematics,andReading.LettergradesareusedtoreportprogressinScienceandSocialStudiesatgrade3.NumberandlettergradesareusedtoreportprogressinScienceandSocialStudiesatgrades4and5. A 90-100 B 80-89 C 70-79 D 65-69 F 64andbelow(VeryPoor/Failure) I IncompleteToreportprogressinHandwritingforgrades3,4,and5anS=Satisfactory,N=NeedsImprovement,andU=Unsatisfactorywillbenotes.AüwillbeusedtoindicateworkhabitsmarkedImprovementNeeded. A letterwillbeused to communicate the independent reading levelsof studentsasmeasuredby theBenchmarkAssessmentSystem(BAS).Studentsareexpectedtomasterskillsandreadonlevelinordertoadvancetothenextgrade.IndependentGuidedReadingLevels/ApproximateGradeLevels
BASLevel ABC DEFGHI JKLM NOP QRS TUV
ApproximateGradeLevel Kindergarten 1stGrade 2ndGrade 3rdGrade 4thGrade 5thGrade
Allreportcardsshouldbesignedbyaparentandreturnedtoschoolthefollowingday.PROMOTION/RETENTIONKINDERGARTENInaccordancewithSection37-13-91,studentswhoattaintheageof5yearsonorbeforeSeptember1ofthecalendaryearmayattendkindergartenintheDistrict.Whenacademicskillshavebeensuccessfullymet,thestudentwilladvancetogradeone.Ifthestudenthasnotsuccessfullymetthecriteriatoadvancetogradeone,thestudentwillbeplacedinkindergartenforanadditionalyear.StudentmustbereadingonoraboveIndependentBASLevelCandmaster80%ofLanguageArtsandMathematicsskills*tobepromotedtothenextgrade.TheBoardofEducationhastheauthoritytoretainastudentinkindergartenforanadditionalyeariftheDistrictdeemsthatplacementofthestudentinthefirstgradewouldnotbethemostappropriateeducationalplacementTransfer5-year-oldstudentsor6-year-oldstudentswhohavenotattendedanaccreditedpublic/privateschoolwillbeassessedandappropriateeducationalplacementwillbeassignedonanindividualbasis.Section37-15-33,whichgovernsthetestingandassignmentoftransferstudents,statesthatastudentistobeassignedtothegradeandclassthatisinthebestinterestofthestudent.TheDistrictwillconsidertheeducationalneedsandwelfareofeachindividualstudent.Considerationswillincludebutwillnotbelimitedto:
1. Academiclevel2. Welfareofthestudentinvolved3. Welfareandbestinterestofallstudentsattendingtheschool(s)involved4. Healthfactors
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Processforretentionofakindergartenstudentwillbe:1. Reviewofstudent’syearlyprogressandgrowth2. Documentationofparentnotification3. Kindergartenassessment4. Recommendationofretentiontoschoolprincipal5. Reviewandconcur/denyofretentionbyteacherandschoolprincipal
MembershipoftheKindergartenPromotion/RetentionBoardwillbethestudent’steacher,apeerteacher,principal,parent,andthecurriculumdirectorwhowillserveasfacilitator.TheBoardwillconcurordisagree.Areportwillbeforwardedtothestudent’steacher,parentorguardianandprincipal.GRADES1,2Studentsshouldbereadingonorabovegradelevel(IndependentLevelIfor1stGrade/IndependentLevelMfor2ndGrade),andmaster80%ofLanguageArtsandMathematicsskills*tobepromotedtothenextgrade.GRADES3,4,5Studentsshouldbereadingonorabovegradelevel(LevelPfor3rdGrade/IndependentLevelSfor4thGradeandLevelVfor5thGrade).Allstudents(grades3,4,5)MUSTmasteressentialskillsinReading,LanguageArts,andMathematicsatthe65%level*.*AllskillsaredefinedasMississippiCollege&CareerReadinessStandardsasadoptedbytheMississippiDepartmentofEducation.AnelementarystudentwholeavestheDistrictwithinadequateprogress,orfailingreading,language,ormath,mayberequiredtotakeaplacementtestifhe/sheispromotedbyanotherschooldistrict,butreturnstoMadisonCountySchoolDistrictthefollowingyear.
SCHOOLPARTIESTherewillbe2school-widepartiesduringtheschoolyear-thedaybeforeChristmasholidaysandonValentine’sDay.TheonlyotherpartieswillbePTA/PTO-sponsoredpartiesforspecialrecognition.Kindergartenmayhaveunit-relatedparties.Therewillbenobirthdaypartiesatschool,andnopartyinvitationsshouldbebroughttoordistributedatschool.Pleaserefertoyourschool’sprocedureforbringingtreatsforyourstudent’sbirthday.
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MIDDLESCHOOLANDHIGHSCHOOLINFORMATION
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ACCELERATEDANDADVANCEDPLACEMENTCOURSESTheDistrictoffersthefollowingacceleratedcourses:English ACCEnglishI ACCEnglishII ACCEnglishIII ACCEnglishIVScience Genetics PhysicsI BiomedicalResearch Language SpanishIII SpanishIV FrenchIII LatinIV LatinIIIMath AlgebraIII AdvancedMathPlus Calculus DualCredit CoursestaughtonthehighschoolcampusbyMCSstaff.TheDistrictoffersthefollowingadvancedplacementcourses:English EnglishLanguageandComposition
EnglishLiteratureandCompositionMath CalculusAB CalculusBC
Statistics
SocialStudies ComparativeGovernmentandPolitics EuropeanHistory
HumanGeography MacroEconomics MicroEconomics Psychology U.S.GovernmentandPolitics U.S.History WorldHistory Art ArtHistory
StudioArtScience Biology
ChemistryPhysicsI
PhysicsII
Language FrenchSpanish
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Foracompletelistofcourses,pleaseseethecourseselectionsheet,whichisavailableinyourschoolcounselor’sofficeorontheDistrictwebsiteatwww.madison-schools.com.ATHLETICAWARDSInter-scholasticathleteswillbeeligibletoreceivea“letter”whentheyparticipateinatleast50%oftheopportunitiesforparticipationinagivensport.Forexample:anathletewillbeconsideredafootballlettermanwhenheappearsinatleast20differentandseparatequartersina10gameseason.CLASSIFICATIONLEVELSLevelofclassificationisbasedonobtainingtheCarnegieunitslistedbelow:• Astudentwillbeclassifiedasafreshmanuponpromotionfromthe8thgrade.• AstudentwillbeclassifiedasasophomoreaftersuccessfullycompletingEnglishI*,oneunitof
math,and4additionalunitsforaminimumof6units.• AstudentwillbeclassifiedasajunioraftersuccessfullycompletingEnglishI,EnglishII*,twounitsof
mathand8additionalunitsforaminimumof12units.• AstudentwillbeclassifiedasasenioraftersuccessfullycompletingEnglishI,EnglishII,EnglishIII*,
threeunitsofmathand13additionalunitsforaminimumof18units.Toparticipateingraduationexercises,astudentmust:• beclassifiedasasenior;• haveearned24units,includingEnglishIV*andallotherrequiredcourses;• passallstatemandatedexitexamsorequivalency;• havemetallotherstateandlocalrequirementsforahighschooldiploma.*EnglishI,II,III,andIVmustbetakeninsequence.
CLASSRANKFordiplomaboundseniors,classrankwillbedeterminedbyaveragingthesemestergradesinallcoursesinwhich aCarnegieunit is attempted. Rankwill be computed to thehundredthof apercent exceptwhennecessarytobreakatie,inwhichcasethousandthsofapercentwillbeused.Finalrankwillnotberounded.Averageswillbeobtainedbyaddingnumericalgradesusingthefollowingscale: AdvancedPlacementCourses=1.10xgrade AcceleratedCourses(asrecognizedinthishandbook)=1.05xgrade AllotherCourses=1.0xgradeAfteracoursehasbeenpassed,nofuturegradeearnedinthesamecourseistobeusedindeterminingclassrank.A student’s rank in class will be available after the spring semester of the senior year to determinevaledictorian,salutatorianandotheracademicachievements.Inordertodeterminefinalclassrank,seniorexamsmustbecompletedwithin5daysofthescheduledexamorthestudentmaybegivenazero.COLLEGEDAYSStudentswhoareclassifiedasseniorswillbepermittedtwoexcusedcollegedaysduringtheirsenioryear.Studentswhoareclassifiedasjuniorswillbepermittedoneexcusedcollegedayduringthejunioryear.ThesevisitsshouldbeusedduringthemonthsofSeptemberthroughApril.Studentswishingto
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makeacollegevisitshouldsubmitarequestinwritingoneweekpriortothescheduledvisit.Inorderfortheabsencetobeexcused,thestudentmustpresentasignedcollegevisitationformuponhisreturntoschool.(Visitationformsaregenerallyavailableonallcollegecampuses).Acollegedayabsencewillnotcountagainstexamexemption.CORRESPONDENCECOURSESAstudentmaytakeonlyonecorrespondencecoursethatcountstowardgraduationduringhis/herhighschoolcareer.DUALENROLLMENT/DUALCREDITDualenrollmentisaprogramthatallowshighschooljuniorsandseniorstosimultaneouslyearncollegeorvocationalcredittowardapostsecondarydiplomaataMississippipubliccollegethatmayormaynotalsocountascredittowardahighschooldiplomathroughMadisonCountySchoolsCampusDualCreditprogramandHolmesCommunityCollegeCampusDualEnrollment.AdmissionRequirementsforDualEnrollment/DualCreditStudentsmust:
• HaveearnedaminimumACTCompositeScoreof18,orACTsubscoreasestablishedbyHolmesCommunityCollege,SATCombinedScoreof990,andanoverallGPAofa3.0ona4.0scale.
• Haveearnedaminimumof14creditsandbeclassifiedasajuniororsenior.• Passedaminimumof5credits(canincludesummerschool)fromcoursestakeninthepreceding
schoolyear.• Completeappropriateformsindicatingifstudentwilltakecoursefordualenrollmentonlyor
dualenrollment/dualhighschoolcredit.• Obtainedanunconditionalwrittenrecommendationfromtheirhighschoolprincipaland/or
guidancecounselorpriortoenrollmentincourse.• NothaveanydisciplinaryinfractionsresultinginexpulsionorplacementattheMadisonCounty
AcademicOptionsCenterduringtheprecedingsemester.ImportantFacts:
• Priortoenrollment,thestudentmustreceivewrittenpermissionfromthehighschoolprincipalforparticipation.Aspecificformwillbeprovidedforthatpurpose.Thestudentwillregisteronlineandwillattachacopyoftheofficialstudentclassscheduletotheform,indicatingdaysandtimefortheclass.Thismustbeturnedintotheschoolcounselorpriortothecollegeclassesbeginning.
• ItistheresponsibilityofthestudenttomeetadmissionsrequirementsofthecollegeandpayallfeesrequiredbyHolmesCommunityCollegeforcredit.
• Thestudentwillbeexpectedtofollowtheattendancepolicyatthecollegeandwillsufferallfinancialandacademicpenaltiesthataccruefortardiness,absenceand/orwithdrawal.
• Textbookcostsforthecollegecoursearetheresponsibilityoftheparentand/orstudent.• Ifthestudentwantstodropoutofadualenrollment/dualcreditcourse,thestudentmust
electronicallysubmittheofficialcollegeWithdrawalRequestForm.• Ifthestudentchoosestoearndualcredit,thelettergradeearnedatthecollegewillbethe
gradeassignedthecorrespondingnumericvaluesetbyMadisonCountySchoolBoard.Thenumericgradewillbecalculatedasapartofthegradepointaverageandaffectclassranking.
• Courseweightwillbeassignedbasedonschoolboardpolicyforcoursesearningdualcreditatthehighschool.
• Transportationistheresponsibilityoftheparentand/orstudent.
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DualCredit/HighSchoolGradeTranslationforonlinecoursesorcoursestaughtonHCCcampusA=99 C=79 F=64B=89 D=69 W=NC
EXAMEXEMPTION–MIDDLEANDHIGHSCHOOLExemptionfromexamswillbegrantedattheendofthefirstsemesterforseniorsonly,whoareenrolledinonesemestercourses.Studentseligibleforexemptionfromatestwillhavetheoptiontotakeanexamiftheyfeelitwillimprovetheirgrade.Forallmiddleandhighschoolstudents(grades6-12),exemptionfromthesecondsemestercumulativeexamwhichisadministeredinMayisanearnedprivilege.Astudentwillbeconsideredforexemptionifthestudenthasnoofficeordisciplinaryreferralsinateacher’sclass,orareferralfromanadministrator,andmeetsthefollowingrequirementsregardingabsencesandgradeslistedbelow:SemesterCourses Year-longCoursesAttendance SemesterAverage Attendance FinalAverageNoabsences 70-79 NoAbsences 70-791absence 80-89 1-2absences 80-892absences 90–100 3-4absences 90–100
Allabsenceswillbecountedexceptforthosethatareschool-relatedsuchasathletic,band,andchoircontestsortrips.Itisthestudent’sresponsibilitytoprovidedocumentationofanyschool-relatedabsence.Studentswhoreceiveanout-of-schoolsuspensionatanytimeduringtheyearwillNOTbeexemptfromanyexam.StudentswhoowefeesorfineswillNOTbeexemptfromanyexam.
Tobecountedpresent,astudentmustbeinclass75%oftheclassperiod.
Forthepurposeofexamexemption,three(3)tardies=1absence.FOREIGNEXCHANGESTUDENTSDuetoover-crowding,alimitednumberofforeignexchangestudentswillbeacceptedineachschoolyear.Anyoneinterestedinhostingaforeignexchangestudentshouldobtainapproval,priortoJuly1,fromtheprincipaloftheschoolwhichthestudentwishestoattend.Allinternationalforeignexchangestudentswillbeclassifiednohigherthanthe11thgrade(junior).GRADUATIONPOLICYParticipationinanyMadisonCountySchoolGraduationislimitedtothosestudentswhohavecompletedallgraduationrequirements,asspecifiedbytheBoardofEducationandtheMississippiStateBoardofEducation. Inaddition,studentsparticipating ingraduationshallcomplywithallrulesandregulationsregarding attendance at practice for graduation exercises, proper dress and/or attire, and any otherregulationdeemedappropriate.TheDistrictreservestherighttoholddiplomasandorimposedisciplinaryactionfordisruptiveincidentsormisconductatthegraduationceremony.Students enrolled in the Academic Options Center are not eligible to participate in graduationceremoniesatMadisonCentralHighSchool,GermantownHighSchool,RidgelandHighSchool,orVelmaJacksonHighSchool. However,there isanAcademicOptionsCenter/MCSSummerSchoolGraduationheldinlatesummerforstudentsinthesecategories.
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DISTRICTOPTIONAnystudentwhocompletestheminimumgraduationrequirementsasspecifiedbelowandhasachievedapassingscoreoneachoftherequiredhighschoolexitexaminationsiseligibletoreceiveahighschooldiploma.CURRICULUMAREA CARNEGIEUNITS REQUIREDSUBJECTSEnglish 4 EnglishI
EnglishII
Mathematics 4 AlgebraIorIntegratedMathI
Science 3 BiologyISocialStudies 3 ½MississippiStudies
1WorldHistory1U.S.History½U.S.Government
Health ½ ContemporaryHealthBusinessandTechnology 1 1InformationandCommunicationTechnology (ICTII)
1Science,Technology,Engineering&Mathematics(STEM)1TechnologyFoundations½Keyboardingand½ComputerApplications
TheArts 1 Anyapproved500.000courseElectives 4½ TotalUnitsRequired 21GRADUATIONREQUIREMENTSRequirementsforFreshmanEntranceintoa2YearorCommunityCollegeinMississippiAnystudentwhomeetstherequirementslistedbelowisautomaticallyeligibleforentranceintoa2-yearorcommunitycollege.TheACTtestisalsorequiredforadmission.English:(4Carnegieunits) Math:(4Carnegieunits)
EnglishI AlgebraI EnglishII Geometry EnglishIII 1additionalhighermath EnglishIV course
Anyother1fullcreditmathcourse
Science:(4Carnegieunits) SocialStudies:(4Carnegieunits) BiologyI MSStudies Aphysicalbasedscience(PhysicalScience,Chemistry) WorldGeography
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Anyother2fullcreditsciencecourses WorldHistory U.S.History U.S.Government EconomicsHealth&PhysicalEducation:(1Carnegieunits)
ContemporaryComprehensiveFamily&IndividualHealth(.5Carnegieunit)
PhysicalEducation:(.5Carnegieunit)–MHSAAactivitieswillfulfillthisrequirement. FineArts:(1Carnegieunit) Business/Technology:(1Carnegieunit)
Band .5-ComputerApplication Art .5-Keyboarding IntroductiontoFineArts 1-STEM Theatre ChoralMusic Electives:(5Carnegieunits)
GeneralMusic AnycoursesofyourchoiceAllstudentsmustpassSubjectAreaTestsorequivalencyin: *AlgebraI *BiologyI *EnglishII *U.S.Historyfrom1877 TotalCreditsRequiredforGraduation:24*NOTE:CompensatoryMathematicsandanydevelopmentalmathematicscoursemaynotbeincludedinthefourmathematicscoursesrequiredforgraduation;however,thesecoursesmaybeincludedinthe5generalelectivesrequiredforgraduation.Atleast2ofthe4requiredmathematicscoursesmustbehigherthanAlgebraI.TheallowablemathematiccoursesthatcanbetakenwhicharehigherthanAlgebraIare:Geometry,AlgebraII,Calculus,APCalculusAB,APCalculusBC,APStatistics,SREBMathReady,AlgebraIII,andAdvancedMathPlus.RequirementsforFreshmanEntranceintoa4-YearCollegeorUniversityinMississippiEnglish:(4Carnegieunits) Math:(4Carnegieunits) EnglishI AlgebraI EnglishII Geometry
EnglishIII AlgebraIIplusaminimumEnglishIV of1additionalhighermathcourse
Science:(4Carnegieunits–twolab-based) History:(4Carnegieunits) BiologyI Economics(.5Carnegieunit)
ChemistryI MississippiStudies(.5Carnegieunit) Anylab-based,fullcreditsciencecourse U.S.Government(.5Carnegieunit)
U.S.History WorldGeography(.5Carnegieunit) WorldHistory
(Districtrequirementexceedscollege requirements)
Computer:(.5Carnegieunit) ComputerApplication
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RequiredElective:(2Carnegieunits) Arts:(1Carnegieunit)• Option1:ForeignLanguageIandForeignLanguageII• Option2:ForeignLanguageIandAdvancedWorldGeography• Option3:AnycombinationofEnglish,MathematicshigherthanAlgebraI,Sciencehigherthan
BiologyI,AdvancedElectivecategory,anyAPcourse,anyIBcourse.Plusanyothercourses/electivesrequiredbythelocalschooldistrictforahighschooldiploma.InadditiontothesuccessfulcompletionoftherequiredCarnegieunits,astudentmusthaveachievedapassingscoreontheMississippiSATPorequivalencyrequiredforgraduationbytheStateDepartmentofEducation.Astudentmustalsocurrentlyattendtheschoolfromwhichhewishestograduate.Eachstudentgraduatingfromasecondaryschoolinthedistrictshallhaveearnedatleast2ofthelast4Carnegieunitsattheschoolgrantingthediploma.ThefollowingformulawillbeusedtocalculatethenumberofdaysofenrollmentrequiredtograduatefromaMadisonCountySchoolsecondaryschool:
• 2(B)÷2(A)=C A=Numberofunitsthestudentearnedduringthelastsemester B=Numberofdaysinthesecondsemester
C=Numberofdaysthestudentmustbeenrolledinschoolduringthesecondsemestertobeeligibleforgraduation
GRADUATIONRECOGNITION(DIPLOMABOUND)Distinction Studentswitha90.0–93.99GPASpecialDistinction Studentswitha94.0andaboveGPAGRADUATIONREQUIREMENTS(CAREERPATHWAYS)In2010,Mississippistatepolicymakerspassedlegislationtocreatemultiplepathwaystoastandarddiploma.Thislegislativechangeprovidesforhighschoolcareeroptionprogramsandcareertrackcurriculaforstudentsnotwishingtopursueabaccalaureatedegree.
CurriculumArea
CarnegieUnits
RequiredSubjects
English 41 EnglishIEnglishII
Mathematics 32 AlgebraI
Science 33 BiologyI
SocialStudies 34,5 1U.S.History½U.S.Government½MississippiStudies
HealthandPhysicalEducation ½6 ½ComprehensiveHealth,or½FamilyandIndividualHealth,or½PhysicalEducation
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CareerandTechnical 47 (SelectedfromStudent’sProgramofStudy)
IntegratedTechnology 18 ComputerDiscovery,ICTI,ICTII,9thSTEM,orComputerApplicationsandKeyboarding
AdditionalElectives 2½9 Coursesselectedfromthestudent’sapprovedprogramofstudy
TotalUnitsRequired 2110
1CompensatoryReadingandCompensatoryWritingshallnotbeincludedinthefourEnglishcoursesrequiredforgraduation.ThetwoadditionalEnglishcreditsmustbefromthestudent’sprogramofstudywhichincludesTechnicalWriting,CreativeWriting,EnglishIII,EnglishIV,oranycollege-leveldualcreditcourses.2CompensatoryMathematicsmaynotbeincludedinthethreemathematicscoursesrequiredforgraduation.Effectivewitheighthgradersof2008-2009,Pre-AlgebraandTransitiontoAlgebramaynotbetakenafterastudentcompletesAlgebraI.ForstudentspursuingtheCareerPathwayGraduationOption,atleastoneoftherequiredmathematicscoursesmustbeaboveAlgebraIandselectedfromthestudent’sprogramofstudy.TheallowablemathematicscoursesthatcanbetakenwhicharehigherthanAlgebraIare:Geometry,AlgebraII,SurveyofMathematicalTopics,AdvancedAlgebra,Trigonometry,Pre-Calculus,Calculus,APCalculusAB,APCalculusBC,DiscreteMathematics,Statistics,andAPStatistics,oranycollege-leveldualcreditcourses.Effectivewiththeeighthgradersof2004-2005,Pre-Algebra,TransitiontoAlgebra,andAlgebraI,maybetakenintheeighthgradeforCarnegieunitcredit.Effectivewiththeeighthgradersof2008-2009,GeometrymaybetakenintheeighthgradeforCarnegieunitcredit.3ForstudentspursuingtheCareerPathwayGraduationOption,atleastoneoftherequiredsciencecoursesmustbeaboveBiologyIandselectedfromthestudent’sprogramofstudy.Ifastudent’sprogramofstudyallows,oneunitmaybeinConceptsofAgriscience(AEST).Asecondscienceunitmaybeearnedbycompletingatwocoursesequenceselectedfromthefollowingthreeoptions:ScienceofAgriculturalAnimals,ScienceofAgriculturalPlants,orScienceofAgriculturalEnvironment.Twounitsmaybeinthefollowingcoursesifthestudentcompletesthe2-coursesequence:AgriscienceIⅈAlliedHealthIⅈHealthScienceI&II,AquacultureIⅈForestryIⅈHorticultureIⅈPolymerScienceIⅈTechnologyApplicationsI&IIandEngineeringI&II.4AdvancedplacementU.S.HistoryisacceptedinlieuoftherequiredU.S.History1877toPresent.Thethirdsocialstudiescreditshouldbeselectedbasedonthestudent’sprogramofstudy.5ThecreditearnedforaState/LocalGovernmentcourseinanyotherstatebyanout-of-statetransferstudentwhoentersafterthesophomoreyearcanstandinlieuofMississippiStudiesorMississippiStateandLocalGovernment.IfthetransferstudenttookaState/LocalGovernmentcourseinagradelevelthatdidnotawardCarnegieunitcredit,thenanyother½unitsocialstudiescoursemaybeaccepted.Anout-of-statestudentwhotransfersafterthejunioryearmaysubstituteanyother½unitsocialstudiescourse.CreditearnedforthefirstyearofMarketingandEconomics(Vocational)maybeacceptedinlieuof½unitinEconomics.6CreditearnedinAlliedHealthI/HealthScienceImaybeacceptedinlieuofComprehensiveHealthorFamilyandIndividualHealthtomeetthegraduationrequirementfor½CarnegieunitinHealth.
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Interscholasticathleticactivities,band,andROTCiftheymeettheinstructionalrequirementsspecifiedintheFitnessthroughPhysicalEducationFrameworkmayalsobeaccepted.7CareerandTechnical(CTE)coursesmustbebasedonthestudent’sprogramofstudyandshouldincludedualcredit/dualenrollmentoptionsasfoundinSection37-15-38oftheMississippiCodeof1972.8Evidenceofproficiencyintechnologyisacceptedinlieuoftherequiredcoursesifthestudentearnsoneunitinatechnology-richacademicorcareertechnicalcourserelatedtotheirprogramofstudy.9Electivesmustbeselectedfromcoursesrelatedtothestudent’sprogramofstudy.Creditsearnednotapprovedforthatstudent’sprogramofstudywillnotbecountedtowardgraduationrequirements.10Seethefollowingwebsiteforinformationconcerningequivalencycourseallowancesforallcareerandtechnicaleducationandhowtorecordinformationonastudent’stranscript.(TBA)Mississippi’sInstitutionofHigherLearningrequirementsdifferfromminimumgraduationrequirementsforthisdiplomapathway.
NOPASS/NOPLAYMississippiHighSchoolActivitiesAssociationSCHOLASTICREQUIREMENTSTheMHSAArequiresstudentsparticipatinginMHSAAsanctionedcompetitionstomake“satisfactoryprogresstowardgraduation”.Eachschooldistrictshalldeterminetherequirementsfor“satisfactoryprogresstowardgraduation”throughitsgraduationrequirementsandshallinterpretthisruleaccordingtoitsrequirements.AccordingtoMississippilaw,astudentmustmaintainagradepointaverageofatleasta2.0or“C”averageinordertoparticipateininterscholasticsports/activities.Gradepointaverageswillbecalculatedattheconclusionofthefirstsemesterusingthesemesteraveragesofallcoursesthestudentistaking.Studentswhodonothavea2.0or“C”averageforthefirstsemesterwillbeineligibleforthesecondsemester.Attheendoftheschoolyear,eachstudent’sgradepointaveragefortheyearwillbeassessed.Thisassessmentwillreflecttheaveragefortheentireyearusingthefinalgradesforeachcourse.Astudentwhodoesnothaveagradepointaverageofatleasta2.0or“C”average,willbeineligibleforfallsemester.HighSchooleligibilitybeginswhenastudententersninthgrade.Tobeeligibleforthefallsemester,astudentmustbepromotedtoninthgradewithatleastanoverall2.0or“C”averageofalleighthgradecourses.Astudentmaybecomeeligibleforthesecondsemesteronlyonceduringhis/herhighschoolcareerifhe/shefailstheyear-endaveragethepreviousyear,byachievingatleastanoverall2.0or“C”averageattheendofthefirstsemester.A2.0or“C”averagemaybecalculatedintwoways:
1. Gradepointaverage:A=4,B=3,C=2,D=1,F=02. Numericalaverage:placeallsemesteroryear-endaveragesinthelocalgradingscale.Ifthe
overallaverageisa“C”orbetter,thestudentiseligible.
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MIDDLESCHOOLSCHOLASTICREQUIREMENTForparticipationonthemiddleschoollevel,astudentmustbepromoted(ifnotpromoted,thestudentisineligiblefortheentireyear)andhavepassedanyfourbasiccourses(anysubjectthatmeetstheequivalentofatleast250minutesperweekormeetstheStateDepartmentrequirement)witha2.0or“C”averagetheprevioussemester(computednumericallyorbyGPA).Theyear-endaverageoffourbasiccoursespassedwillbeusedtodetermineeligibilityforthefallsemester.Thesameguidelinesapplyattheendofthefirstsemesterforspringparticipation.Studentsmustbeontracktobepromotedtobeeligible.Astudentonthejuniorhigh/middleschoollevel,whowaspromotedbutisnoteligibleatthebeginningoftheschoolyearduetohis/heracademicaverage,maybecomeeligibleforthesecondsemesteronlyonceduringthestudent’sjuniorhigh/middleschoolcareerbypassingfourbasiccourseswithanoverallaverageof2.0attheendofthefirstsemester. SEVENTHANDEIGHTHGRADEPARTICIPATIONONTHEHIGHSCHOOLLEVELInordertoparticipateinthefallsemester,astudentmustbepromoted(ifnotpromoted,thestudentisineligiblefortheentireyear)havingpassedthefourcorecourses(English,math,scienceandsocialstudies),andtheaverageofthosefourcorecoursesmustbea“C”orabove.Forspringsemestereligibility,thestudentdoesnothavetobepassingallfourcorecourses,buttheaverageofthosefourcorecoursesmustbea“C”orabove.Studentswhoareallowedtoparticipateonahighschoolteaminanysport/activityshallnotbeallowedtoparticipateonamiddleschoolteaminthesamesport/activityatthesametimeoratalaterdate.SPECIALEDUCATIONREQUIREMENTSSpecialeducationstudentsmakingsatisfactoryprogressaccordingtothecommitteesreviewingtheirIndividualEducationPlans(IEP)shallbeacademicallyeligible.Specialeducationstudentsmustmaintainattendanceaccordingtodistrictpolicy,beassignedadateenteringninthgradecorrespondingtootherstudentsofthatage,andbesubjecttoallotherrulesandregulationsoftheMHSAA.FOREIGNEXCHANGESTUDENTREQUIREMENTSAforeignexchangestudentparticipatinginanestablishedprogramacceptedbytheCouncilofStandardsforInternationalEducationTravel(CSIET)shallbeimmediatelyeligibletoparticipateinMHSAAsanctionedsports/activitiesintheschooldistrictinwhichthehostfamilyisabonafideresident.Eligibilityisgrantedforoneyearprovidedthereisnoevidenceofrecruitmentofthestudentbytheschooloranotherfamily.AstudentwhohasestablishedeligibilityataMississippischoolandparticipatesinaForeignExchangeProgramsponsoredbyaCSIETapprovedprogramwillbeeligibleforparticipationimmediatelyuponhis/herreturntothesameMississippischool.ThestudentshallmeetallotherrequirementsforeligibilityoftheMHSAA. STUDENTSOUTOFSCHOOLFORONEORMORESEMESTERSAneligiblestudentwhodropsoutofschoolforoneormoresemestersandre-enrollsisineligibleuntilhe/sheachievesanoverallaverageof2.0attheendofthesemester.Astudentwhoiseligibleforagivensemestercannotdropoutofschoolduringthesemesterorremainoutofschoolforoneormoresemestersandthenbeeligibleforthenextsemesterhe/sheattends.
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SUMMERSCHOOLCREDITSCredits/Carnegieunitsearnedbyastudentinanaccreditedsummerschoolshallbeconsideredindetermininghis/herscholasticeligibility.Onlyonecreditperyearmaybeusedforeligibility.Coursemustbecompletedandrecordedincounselors’officeonorbeforethefirstdayoftheschoolyear.CREDITRECOVERYAND/ORCORRESPONDENCECOURSESCreditrecoverycoursesandaccreditedcorrespondencecoursesmaybeacceptedindeterminingeligibilityprovidedthecoursehasbeencompletedandrecordedpriortothefirstdayofthefollowingyear/semester.EXCEPTION:Achangeofresidenceforthepurposeofcreatingathleticeligibilityshallnotbeconsideredabonafidechangeofresidence,unlessthemoveismade60dayspriortothebeginningofschool.Studentstransferringtoandenrolledinaparticularschoolduringthesummermayparticipateinsummeractivitiessuchasband,athletics,etc.SCHEDULECHANGESTheDistricthasaNoDropPolicyforscheduledclasses.Pre-registrationateachschoolisheldduringthelastmonthsoftheschoolyear.Eachstudentisgivenanopportunitytoselectthesubjectsforthefollowingyear.Teachersareemployedonthebasisofstudents’subjectselections.Absolutelynochangeofscheduleswillbemadeexceptforadministrative/academicpurposes.SELECTIONOFMR./MISSHIGHSCHOOLEachcandidatenominatedmustmeetspecificguidelinesandbeapprovedbyafacultycommittee.Eachcandidatemustbean“idealstudent,havingconductabovereproach”inadditiontomeetingthefollowingguidelines:• beamemberoftheseniorclassasofSeptember1;• beanhonorrollstudent;• supportandupholdtheprinciplesandrulesoftheschool;• manifestoutstandingschoolspiritSTUDENTELECTIONS/TRYOUTSWithin the District, each school has its own unique activities, elections, clubs and organizations andeligibilityrequirementsforparticipation.Onlyfull-timestudentswhoareenrolledthefirstdayofschoolin Januaryof that school year, andmeetMHSAAeligibility requirements,mayparticipate inelectionsandtryoutforcheerordanceteamatthatparticularschool.TheDistrictreservestherighttoremovethenameofanystudentwithmultipleand/orseriousofficereferrals.EXCEPTION: Students transferring to and enrolling in a particular school after tryouts have beenconducted,mayparticipateinsummeractivitiessuchasband,athletics,etc.
STATEASSESSMENTSREQUIREDFORGRADUATIONGRADUATIONREQUIREMENTS
• StudentsmustpasstheSubjectAreaTestsinU.S.Historyfrom1877,EnglishII,BiologyIandAlgebraI.ThisgroupofstudentsmustpassallfourSubjectAreaTestseveniftheytakethecourse(s)priortotheir9thgradeyear.
• StudentsenteringaMississippipublicschoolwillnotberequiredtopassanyend-of-courseSubjectAreaTestinacourseforwhichtheschoolacceptsCarnegieunitsearnedbythestudent
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inaprivateschoolasfulfillingtherequirementsforaMississippihighschooldiploma,providedtheprivateschoolisaccreditedregionallyorbythestateofMississippi.
• StudentsenteringaMississippipublicschoolwillberequiredtopassanyend-of-courseSubjectAreaTestinacourseforwhichtheschoolacceptsCarnegieunitsearnedbythestudentthroughhomeschoolingoranon-accreditedprivateschoolasfulfillingtherequirementsforaMississippihighschooldiploma.
AnyMississippipublicschoolstudentwhofailstopassarequiredSubjectAreaTestwillbeofferedachancetoretaketheapplicabletestbasedonthenumberofretestopportunitiesprovidedbytheMississippiDepartmentofEducationuntilminimumgraduationassessmentrequirementshavebeenmet.
APPEALSPROCESSWhenastudent,parent,ordistrictpersonnelhasreasontobelievethat,duetoascoringerror,astudentwhodidnotpassaSubjectAreaTestshouldhavepassedthetest,anappealforrescoringmaybemade.
Process1. Thestudent,parentorDistrictpersonnelmustsubmitawrittenstatementwithsupporting
informationoutliningwhytheapplicantthinkshe/sheshouldhavepassedthetest.2. Theinitialappealissubmittedatthelocallevelfordeterminationofmerit.3. Alocaldecisionismadetoforwardtheappealtothestatelevelforconsiderationorto
denytheappeal.4. Iftheappealisdeniedatthelocallevel,theappealcanbesubmitteddirectlytothestate
levelforconsideration.5. Directappealsandappealsforwardedfromthelocallevelareconsideredatthestate
level,andadecisionismadetogranttheappealortodenyit.6. Anyrequestforrescoringmustbesubmittednolaterthanonecalendaryearfromthe
timeofthereceiptofscorereportsinthedistrict.7. Iftherescoringdeterminesthatascoringerroroccurredthatresultsinthestudentpassing
thetest,thetestingcompanywillbearthecostoftherescoring.Iftherescoringdoesnotdeterminethatascoringerroroccurred,thecostsassociatedwithrescoringwillbebornebytheschooldistrictinwhichthestudenttookthetestinquestion.
AppealforaSubstituteEvaluationProcessWhenastudent,parent,orDistrictpersonnelhasreasontobelievethatastudenthasmasteredthesubjectareacurriculumbutisunabletodemonstratemasteryonthestandardstatewideSubjectAreaTest,anappealforasubstituteevaluationprocessmaybemade.CriteriaforSubmittinganAppealThestudenteitherpassedthecoursebutfailedtheSubjectAreaTest,orthestudentfailedtheSubjectAreaTestduringasubsequentretest.
AppealsProcess1. Thestudent,parentordistrictpersonnelmustsubmitawrittenstatementwithsupporting
evidenceindicatingthatthestudenthasmasteredthesubjectareacurriculumandoutliningreasonsthestudentmightbesuccessfulwithasubstituteevaluation.
2. Theinitialappealissubmittedatthelocallevelfordeterminationofmerit.3. Alocaldecisionismadetoforwardtheappealtothestatelevelforconsiderationortodeny
theappeal.4. Iftheappealisdeniedatthelocallevel,theappealcanbesubmitteddirectlytothestate
levelforconsideration.
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5. Directappealsandappealsforwardedfromthelocallevelareconsideredatthestatelevel,andadecisionismadetogranttheappealortodenyit.
6. Iftheappealisgranted,theMississippiDepartmentofEducationwillassessthesubstituteevaluationtodetermineifthestudentdemonstratesmasteryofthesubjectareacurriculum.
7. Iftheresultsofthesubstituteevaluationdeterminethatthestudenthasdemonstratedmasteryofthecurriculum,apassingscorewillbesubstitutedforafailingscoreonthestandardstatewideSubjectAreaTest,andtheMississippiDepartmentofEducationwillbearthecostassociatedwiththesubstituteevaluation.Iftheresultsofthesubstituteevaluationdonotdeterminethatthestudenthasdemonstratedmasteryofthecurriculum,thestudentmustcontinueparticipatinginsubsequentstandardstatewidetesting.Thecostsassociatedwiththeadministrationandscoringofthesubstituteevaluationwillbebornebytheschooldistrictinwhichthestudenttookthetestinquestion.
SUMMERPROGAMSMadisonCountySchoolswillofferdigitallearningopportunitiestostudentswhoneedcoursesorcreditsforpromotionorgraduationpurposes.Inaddition,studentsingrades9–12willbeaffordedanopportunitytoenrollinselectcourses.OnlystudentsenrolledinMadisonCountySchoolsareeligibletoparticipateinthesesummerprograms.Threespecificprogramswillbeincluded.TheseprogramsincludeExtendedSchoolProgram(6–8),DigitalCreditRecovery(9–12),andBlendedLearning(9–12).Studentsmustreceiveapprovalfromtheschoolcounselorandwrittenpermissionfromtheschoolprincipaltoparticipate.Studentsingrades6–12mustreceiveapprovalfromtheschoolcounselorandwrittenpermissionfromtheschoolprincipaltotakeasummercourseataninstitutionotherthanaMadisonCountyschool.TransferstudentsattendingsummerschoolataninstitutionotherthantheoneinwhichthestudentwasenrolledduringthepreviousschoolyearmusthavethecreditsacceptedandrecordedontheschoolrecordsoftheinstitutioninwhichthestudentwasenrolledduringthefullschoolyearbeforetherecordsareforwardedtoMadisonCountySchools.(Onlyonecreditwillbeacceptedforsummerschoolworksentdirectlyfromanon-publicschool.)EXTENDEDSCHOOLPROGRAMTheExtendedSchoolProgramwillbeofferedtostudentsinGrades6–8whodidnotsuccessfullycompleteacourseduringthemostrecentschoolyear.TheExtendedSchoolProgramStudentsenrolledinthisprogrammustcompleteallremainingcourserequirementsbeforecreditforthecourseisissued.{MSCode37-3-49}InordertoparticipateintheExtendedSchoolProgram,thestudentmusthavereceivedafinalgradeofatleast55inthecourseorhaveaprincipal’srecommendation.Twosourcesofdatawillbeusedtodevelopaprogramofstudyforeachstudent:
a. Aformwillbecompletedbyeachstudent’sregularteacherthatdetailstheobjectivesnotmasteredduringtheregularschoolyear.
b. Apre-testwillbegivenonthefirstdayofclasstodeterminetheobjectivesthestudenthasnotmastered.
IfastudentissuccessfulintheExtendedSchoolProgram,thegradeforthesemester(s)recoveredwillbenohigherthanaminimumpassinggradeof65.Thefinalaveragefortherecoveredcoursewillberecalculated.
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DIGITALCREDITRECOVERYDigitalCreditRecoverywillbeofferedtostudentsingrades9–12whodidnotsuccessfullycompleteacourseduringthemostrecentschoolyear.DigitalCreditRecoveryisnotforstudentswhoaretakingaclassforthefirsttime.Studentswillcompletecourseworkthroughadigitalplatform,thenreporttoclasstotakeproctoredtestsandexams.Studentswillreceiveindividualizedinstructionasneeded.Studentswillberequiredtoattendanestablishednumberofclassmeetingsuntiltheyhavesuccessfullycompletedallrequirementstorecovercredit.Studentswillreceiveindividualizedinstructionasneeded.InordertoparticipateinDigitalCreditRecovery,thestudentmusthaveearnedafinalgradeofatleast55inthecourse.DigitalCreditRecoverycoursesmayinclude:
a. EnglishIb. EnglishIIc. EnglishIII(Researchpaperisrequired.)d. EnglishIV(Researchpaperisrequired.)e. FoundationsofAlgebraf. AlgebraIg. Geometryh. AlgebraIIi. Chemistryj. MSStudiesk. WorldGeographyl. U.S.Historym. U.S.Governmentn. Economics
Twosourcesofdatawillbeusedtodevelopaprogramofstudyforeachstudent:
a. Aformwillbecompletedbyeachstudent’sregularteacherthatdetailstheobjectivesnotmasteredduringtheregularschoolyear.
b. Apre-testwillbegivenonthefirstdayofclasstodeterminetheobjectivesthestudenthasnotmastered.
AmaximumoftwoCarnegieunitsmaybeobtainedthroughDigitalCreditRecovery.IfastudentissuccessfulinDigitalCreditRecovery,thegradeforthesemester(s)recoveredwillbenohigherthantheminimumpassinggradeof65.StudentswhowithdrawfromDigitalRecoverypriortothecompletionof25%ofthecoursewillnotreceivearefundoftuitionandthecoursewillnotbeincludedinthestudent’spermanentrecord.Ifastudentprogressesbeyond25%anddoesnotcompletethecourse,0swillbeawardedforallincompleteworkandwillbefactoredintothestudent’sfinalgradeforthecourse.Thisgradewillbecomepartofthestudent’spermanentrecord.Allgradesincludedinthestudent’spermanentrecordwillbefactoredintotheGPAandQPA.Thefinalaveragefortherecoveredcoursewillberecalculated.AdiplomawillnotbeawardeduntilthestudentpassesallSATPexams.BLENDEDLEARNINGBlendingLearningwillbeofferedtostudentsingrades9–12whoareenrollinginacourseforthefirsttime.Thisprogramisintendedtohelpstudentsfulfilltherequirementsoftheirintendedcourseofstudy.Studentswillcompletecourseworkthroughadigitalplatform,thenreporttoclasstotakeproctoredtestsandexams.Studentswillreceiveindividualizedinstructionasneeded.Studentswillberequiredtoattendanestablishednumberofclassmeetingsuntiltheyhavesuccessfullycompletedallrequirements.StudentswhowithdrawfromBlendedLearningpriortothecompletionof25%ofthe
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coursewillnotreceivearefundoftuitionandthecoursewillnotbeincludedinthestudent’spermanentrecord.Ifastudentprogressesbeyond25%anddoesnotcompletethecourse,0swillbeawardedforallincompleteworkandwillbefactoredintothestudent’sfinalgradeforthecourse.Thisgradewillbecomepartofthestudent’spermanentrecord.Allgradesincludedinthestudent’spermanentrecordwillbefactoredintotheGPAandQPA.InordertoparticipateinBlendedLearning,studentsmustmeetthefollowingcriteria:
• OverallCaverage• Principalapproval
BlendedLearningcoursesmayinclude:• EnglishIII(Researchpaperisrequired.)• EnglishIV(Researchpaperisrequired.)• AlgebraII• SpanishI• ContemporaryHealth• Psychology• AdvancedWorldGeography• MSStudies• WorldGeography• Driver’sEducation(noon-linecomponent)
AmaximumoftwocreditsmaybeobtainedthroughDigitalLearningorBlendedLearning,perMississippiPublicSchoolsAccountabilityStandardsandeligibilityrequirementsoftheMississippiHighSchoolActivitiesAssociation.SUMMERSCHOOLTobeeligibleforsummerschool,astudentmusthaveafinalgradeaverageofatleast55inthecoursethathe/shewishestoretake.Studentsingrades9-12mustreceiveapprovalfromtheschoolcounselorandwrittenpermissionfromthehighschoolprincipaltotakeasummerschoolcreditataninstitutionotherthanMadisonCentralHS,RidgelandHS,RosaScott,GermantownHSorVelmaJacksonHS.(Onlyonecreditisaccepted,asperMississippiPublicSchoolsAccountabilityStandards,andeligibilityrequirementsoftheMississippiHighSchoolActivitiesAssociation).Transferstudentsattendingsummerschoolataninstitutionotherthantheoneinwhichthestudentwasenrolledduringthepreviousschoolyear,musthavethecreditsacceptedandrecordedontheschoolrecordsoftheinstitutioninwhichthestudentwasenrolledduringthefullschoolyearbeforetherecordsareforwardedtoMadisonCountySchools.(Onlyonecreditwillbeacceptedforsummerschoolworksentdirectlyfromanon-publicschool).
TERMRECOVERY
1. Termrecoverywillbeofferedonlytostudentsingrades9–12.2. Termrecoverymaybeavailabletostudentswhodidnotpassacourseinthemostrecentterm
completed.3. Inordertobeeligiblefortermrecovery,thestudentmusthavereceivedatleastatermgradeof
55inthecourse.4. DiplomaswillnotbeawardeduntilastudentpassesallSATPexamsorequivalency.5. Termrecoverycoursesmayincludebutarenotlimitedto:
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• EnglishIII• EnglishIV• AlgebraII• Geometry• Chemistry• U.S.History• Economics
6. Studentswillcompletecourseworkthroughadigitalplatform,andcompletetestsandexamsproctoredbydesignatedschoolstaff.Studentsmayworkontermrecoveryathomeorduringtheschooldayifpermitted.
7. Ifastudentissuccessfulinatermrecoverycourse,theirtermgradewillbechangedtotheminimumpassingscoreof65.
8. Eachschoolwilldesignateappropriatestafftomonitorthestudentprogressandfacilitatetheprogram.
9. Thedeadlineforcompletionofeachtermrecoverycourseisonorbeforetheendofthenexttermperiod.(Forexample,1sttermrecoveryistobecompletedonorbeforetheendofthe2ndterm.)
10. Parent/Guardiansignaturewillberequiredforstudentparticipationintermrecovery.11. AmaximumoftwoCarnegieunitsmaybeobtainedthroughdigitaltermrecovery.
VALEDICTORIAN/SALUTATORIANAstudentmustbeenrolledfor3semesterspriortograduation(notcountingsummerschool),andmustbecompletinga4-yearcourseofstudy,tobeeligibleforValedictorianorSalutatorian.
ACADEMICOPTIONSCENTERTheMadisonCountySchoolDistrictoffersanalternativeschool,namedtheAcademicOptionsCenter,forstudentsofcompulsoryschoolage.StudentsmaybereferredtotheAcademicOptionsCenterforanyofthefollowingreasons:
1. Anystudentwhohasbeenplaced,iscurrentlyplaced,orispendingplacementinanyalternativeschoolprograminanotherschooldistrictorwhohasbeenexpelledfromanotherschooldistrict,andtransferstoenrollintheDistrictshallautomaticallybeplacedintheDistrict’sAcademicOptionsCenter;
2. Anystudentwhoisreferredtothealternativeschoolbyadispositiveorderofa chancellororyouthcourtjudgeshall,withtheconsentoftheSuperintendent,beplaced intheAcademicOptionsCenter; 3. AnystudentwhoisreferredforplacementintheAcademicOptionsCenterupona requestbythestudent’sparent,legalguardian,orcustodianbaseduponadocumented needbecauseofdisciplinaryproblemswiththestudent;
4. Anystudentwhosepresenceintheclassroom,inthedeterminationoftheSuperintendentorschoolprincipal,isadisruptiontotheeducationalenvironmentoftheschooloradetrimenttothebestinterestandwelfareofthestudentsandteacherofaclassroomasawholemaybereferredforplacementintheAcademicOptionsCenter;
5. Anystudentwhoissuspendedfromschoolformorethantendaysmaybereferredfor placementintheAcademicOptionsCenter.Studentswhoareexpelledfromschoolfor possessionofaweaponorotherfeloniousconductarenoteligibleforplacementinthe AcademicOptionsCenter;
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6. AnystudentwhoeitherwithdrawsfromenrollmentintheDistrictwhileintheAcademicOptionsCenterorwithdrawswhilereferraltotheAcademicOptionsCenterispendingmustcompletethestudent’sassignmenttotheAcademicOptionsCenterbeforereturningtohisorherregularorhomeschoolintheDistrict;or
7. AnystudentwhoisreferredtotheAcademicOptionsCenterwillnotbeeligibleforexamexemption.
PROCESSFORREFERRALTOACADEMICOPTIONSCENTERWhenthehomeschoolprincipalrecommendsplacementofastudentintheAcademicOptionsCenter,thehomeschoolprincipaloranassistantprincipalshallinformthestudentandthestudent’sparentorguardianoftherecommendationandthereasonsfortherecommendation.Thehomeschoolprincipaloranassistantprincipalmusthaveeitheranin-personconferenceoratelephoneconferencewiththestudent’sparentorguardianabouttherecommendation.Pendingacceptancebythestudent’sparentorguardianofplacementintheAcademicOptionsCenterorpendingahearingontherecommendationforplacementintheAcademicOptionsCenter,thesuspendedstudentshallnotattendschooloranyschool-relatedfunction,activity,oreventeitheronoroffschoolproperty.WAIVEROFHEARINGANDACCEPTANCEOFPLACEMENTATACADEMICOPTIONSCENTERThehomeschoolprincipalshallexplaintothestudent’sparentorguardianthattheDistrictwillconductahearingontherecommendationtoplacethestudentintheAcademicOptionsCenterandthatthestudent’sparentorguardianmaywaivethehearingandconsenttoplacementofthestudentintheAcademicOptionsCenter.Theparentorguardianmustsignawrittenwaiverandacceptanceofplacement.Oncetheparentorguardiansignsthewrittenwavierandacceptanceofplacement,thewaivershallnotberevoked.HEARINGONRECOMMENDATIONFORPLACEMENTATACADEMICOPTIONSCENTERIfthestudent’sparentorguardiandoesnotwaiveahearingbysigningawrittenwaiver,thehomeschoolprincipalorassistantprincipalshallsendtoorgivetheparentorguardianwrittennoticeofthedateandtimeforahearingonthereferralrecommendation.Ahearingwillbescheduledwithin10orlesscalendardaysfromthedateofthewrittennoticeofahearing.IfthehearingdatefallsduringaDistrictholidayperiodsuchasChristmasorspringbreak,thehearingshallbesetwithinthefirstschoolweekaftertheholidayperiod.Failureofthestudent’sparentorguardiantoappearatthehearingisawaiverofthehearing,whichwaivermaynotberevoked.Thestudentandthestudent’sparentorguardianmayberepresentedbylegalcounselatthehearing.AnemployeeoftheDistrictwillactashearingofficerandpresideoverthehearing.ThehearingcommitteewillconsistofthreeDistrictadministrators,noneofwhomshallbefromthestudent’shomeschool.Thehearingisinformalandisnotopentothepublic.Formalrulesofevidencedonotapply.ThecommitteewillhearfromthehomeschoolprincipalorassistantprincipalwhoshallpresentasummaryofthefactsandcircumstancessupportingtherecommendationforplacementattheAcademicOptionsCenter.Thecommitteemayalsohearfromthestudent’scounselor;witnesses,ifany,fortheDistrict;theDistrict’scounsel,ifpresent;thestudent;thestudent’sparentorguardian;andthestudent’switnessesandcounsel,ifany.Iftheparentorguardianengageslegalcounsel,theDistrictrequeststhattheparentorguardianortheircounselnotifythehearingofficerortheSuperintendentreasonablyinadvanceofthehearingdatesotheDistrictmayhaveitscounselpresent.Theparentorguardian,ortheircounsel,mayquestiontheDistrict’switnesses.Thehearingcommitteemayaskquestionsandseekwhateverinformationitneedsforitsdecisionfromanypersonattendingthehearing.
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Thehearingofficerwillcommunicatethehearingcommittee’sdecisiontothestudent’sparentorguardian,generallywithinadayofthehearingcommittee’sdecision.APPEALTOBOARDOFEDUCATIONThestudent’sparentorguardianofthestudentwhoisaggrievedbythehearingcommittee’sdecisionmayappealthedecisiontotheBoardofEducationoftheDistrict.Ifthestudent’sparentorguardianwishestoappealthehearingcommittee’sdecisiontotheBoardofEducation,thestudent’sparentorguardianmustrequestanappealwithin10daysofthedatethatthehearingofficertoldtheparentorguardianofthehearingcommittee’sdecision.Theparentorguardianmusteitheremail,makehanddeliveryof,ormailbyU.S.mailawrittenrequestforappealtotheSuperintendentattheDistrict’sCentralOfficelocatedat476HighlandColonyParkway,Ridgeland,Mississippi.IftherequestissentbyU.S.mail,therequestmustbepostmarkedwithin10daysofthedatethatthehearingofficertoldtheparentorguardianofthehearingcommittee’sdecision.IfnowrittenrequestforanappealtotheBoardofEducationismadewithin10days,thehearingcommittee’sdecisionshallbefinalandnoappealmaybetaken.Ifastudent’sparentorguardianmakesatimelyandproperappealtotheBoardofEducation,theBoardofEducationshallheartheappealataregularmeetingorataspecialmeetingcalledbytheBoard.Theappealshallbeheardinexecutivesessionandnoformalrulesofevidenceshallapply.ThedayfollowingtheBoarddecision,theSuperintendentorhisdesigneeshallcommunicatethedecisionoftheBoardtotheappealingparentorguardian.PLACEMENTINTHEACADEMICOTIONSCENTER UponnotificationbythehearingofficerofthefinaldecisiontoplaceastudentintheAcademicOptionsCenterornotificationbytheSuperintendentofthefinaldecisionbytheBoardtoplaceastudentintheAcademicOptionsCenter,thestudent’sparentorguardianshallcontacttheAcademicOptionsCenterprincipaltoarrangeforaconferencewiththestudentattheAcademicOptionsCenter.Ifastudent’sparentorguardiandecidesthatthestudentwillnotattendtheAcademicOptionsCenter,theparentorguardianmustnotifytheprincipaloftheAcademicOptionsCenter.Ifnosuchnotificationbythestudent’sparentorguardianisreceivedbytheAcademicOptionsCenterprincipalwithin5daysofnotificationbythehearingofficerofthefinaldecisiontoplaceastudentinAcademicOptionsCenterorbytheSuperintendentofthefinaldecisionbytheBoardofEducationandnoconferencehasbeenscheduledwiththeAcademicOptionsCenterprincipal,theDistrictwillnotifytheattendanceofficerthatthestudentisnotattendingschool.StudentsplacedattheAcademicOptionsCenterfordrug-relatedoffensesorstudentswhohavetestedpositivefordrugspriortoplacementattheAcademicOptionsCentershallbesubjecttopassingadrugtestpriortobeingdismissedfromtheAcademicOptionsCenter.Ifastudentdoesnotpassthedrugtest,he/sheshallremainattheAcademicOptionsCenteruntilthestudentpassesadrugtest.AnystudentplacedattheAcademicOptionsCenter,includinganystudentwhowithdrawsfromenrollmentintheDistrictinsteadofattendingAcademicOptionsCentermaynotparticipateinorattendanyschool-relatedactivities,functions,oreventseitheronoroffcampus.SuchstudentsareprohibitedfromenteringuponanyschoolpropertyotherthanforattendanceattheAcademicOptionsCenter.TheprincipalandcounseloroftheAcademicOptionsCentershallreviewdataoneachstudentassignedtotheAcademicOptionsCentertodeterminehisorherfunctionalgradelevel.Anindividualinstructionplan(IIP)shallbepreparedforeachstudentattheAcademicOptionsCenter.TheIIPshallbethebasisforplanninginstructionforthestudent.EachstudentattheAcademicOptionsCenterwillhaveabehaviorplan.
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StudentswhoattendtheAcademicOptionsCentermustabidebyallAcademicOptionsCenterrulesandregulations,includingthegeneraldisciplinaryrulesandcodeofconductforstudents.TheSuperintendentortheAcademicOptionsCenterprincipalmaysuspendastudentfromtheAcademicOptionsCenter,extendthetimeforwhichthestudentwasoriginallyassignedtotheAcademicOptionsCenter,orrecommendexpulsionofastudentfromtheAcademicOptionsCenterforanytypeofmisconduct.Afterahearing,astudentmaybeexpelledfromtheAcademicOptionsCenterforanytypeofmisconduct,whetherafelony,misdemeanor,oranyviolationofschoolandconductrules.TheDistrictprovidescamera-equippedbustransportationforstudentstotheAcademicOptionsCenter.AstudentattheAcademicOptionsCenterwhoviolatesrulesandregulationsgoingtoandfromschoolmaybedeniedbustransportation.PROBATIONARYSTAUSUPONRETURNTOHOMESCHOOLThestudent’sreturntothehomeschoolwillbeonaprobationarystatusfor20schooldays.Duringthisprobationaryperiod,thehomeschoolprincipalortheSuperintendentmayimmediatelyre-assignthestudenttotheAcademicOptionsCenterwithoutahearingifthehomeschoolprincipalortheSuperintendentdecidesthatthestudent’sbehaviorwarrantsimmediatereassignmenttotheAcademicOptionsCenter.STUDENTSWITHDISABILITIESProceduresforManifestationDeterminationandChangeofPlacementtotheAcademicOptionsCenterBeforebeingplacedattheAcademicOptionsCenter,astudentwithdisabilitiesmusthavebehaviorgoalsandbehaviorinterventionplan(BIP)inplaceifpriorhistoryofbehaviorincidentshasbeendocumented.Theonlyexceptionisforstudentoffensesinvolvingdrugs,weapons,andseriousbodilyinjury.IfSchoolAdministratorrecommendsAcademicOptionsCenterplacement,thestudentissuspendedfornomorethan10days(unlessfordrugs,weapons,orseriousbodilyinjury)andtheparentisnotifiedofthesuspension.UnlessparentsagreetowaivetheirrighttopriornoticeandcanparticipateintheManifestationDeterminationReview(MDR)onthedatethestudentisremoved,theSchoolmustsendMDRnoticeanddisciplinaryhearingnoticeatthesametimeforthesameday.IfparentsagreetowaivenoticeandgoforwardwiththeMDR,allappropriatepersonnelmustbepresent.Priortotheremovalofanystudentwithdisabilitiesformorethan10dayscumulativeinaschoolyear,thespecialeducationdirectormustbenotified.Parentscanwaivetheirrighttoadisciplinaryhearing.Iftheydoso,theIEPcommitteewillmeettocompleteMDRandreviewand/orreviseIEP.Ifparentschoosetogoforwardwithadisciplinaryhearing,theIEPcommittee,includingtheparent(s),completestheMDRpriortothedisciplinaryhearing.*DuringtheMDRmeeting:reviewalldata,currentIEP,makesurebehaviorgoalsandBIPareappropriate.Iftheyarenot,revisethem.
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*Ifbehaviorisdeterminedtobeamanifestationofthestudent’sdisabilitythenreviewtheIEPanddetermineifanyadditionalservicesand/orrevisionstotheBIPorbehaviorgoalsareneeded.Nofurtherdisciplinaryactionwillbetakenandstudentreturnstohispreviousplacementunlessparentsandschoolpersonnelagreeotherwise.*IfthebehaviorisNOTamanifestationofthestudent’sdisabilitythedisciplinaryhearingwillgoforward.Therecommendationofthehearingcommitteeshouldbeupheldandthestudentmaybedisciplinedtothesameextentthatstudentswithoutdisabilitieswouldbedisciplinedforsimilarbehavior.Followingthehearing,ifdisciplinaryremovalisrecommended,anIEPmeetingmustbeheldattheAcademicOptionsCentertodeterminehowserviceswillbeprovidedinthestudent’snewplacement.Ifachangeofplacementwilloccurcompleteachangeofplacementform.TheIEPofanystudentreferredtotheAcademicOptionsCentermustbereviewedwithin45days.ACADEMICOPTIONSCENTERGUIDELINESThefollowingproceduresareapartoftheAlternativeSchoolPolicyasadoptedbytheMadisonCountyBoardofEducation:A.DueProcessRequirementsThosestudentswhoareeligibleforplacementinthealternativeprogramarethosewho:
(1) havebeensuspendedorexpelledfromschoolexceptforanystudentexpelledforpossessionofaweaponorotherfeloniousconduct;and,
(2) haveIndividualEducationPlans(IEP’s)whichspecificallydocumentinterventionsimplementedtocontrolbehaviorsbutdocumentationreflectsthatinterventionshavenotbeeneffective;or,
(3) havebeenreferredbytheparent,guardian,orcustodianduetodisciplinaryproblemsatschool;or,
(4) areorderedbyachancellororyouthcourtjudge,withtheconsentoftheSuperintendentofthechild’sschooldistrict.
(5) TheIEPcommitteedeterminesthatamorestructured,controlledenvironmentiswarrantedsothatmeaningfulbenefitcanbemadebythestudentrelatedtohis/herIEPgoal(s).
Priortotheplacementinorremovalfromthealternativeprogram,parentswillbegivenpriorwrittennoticealongwithacopyoftheproceduralsafeguards.ThenoticewillrequestthattheparentattendanIEPmeetingtodetermineappropriateservicesandplacement.TheIEPCommitteewillconsistofthefollowing:
• Student’steacher• Principalofthehomeschoolordesignee• Principalofthealternativeschoolordesignee• SupervisorofSpecialServicesordesignee• Parent/legalguardian/custodian• SpecialEducationteacherofthealternativeprogram• Otherpersonneldeemedappropriate
OnlytheIEPCommitteemaydeterminetheplacementofaspecialeducationstudentinthealternativeprogram.Shouldtheparentsdisagreewiththeplacementdecision,dueprocessproceduresaffordedunderIDEAwillbefollowed.
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TheIEPCommitteewillalsodetermineifthestudenthasmetthegoalsoutlinedontheIEPwhichwouldallowthestudenttoreturntoanappropriateplacementotherthanthealternativeschool.B.CurriculumTheneedsofeachstudentwillbedeterminedbytheIEPCommittee.Curriculadesignedtomeettheneedsofstudentsearningaregularhighschooldiploma,anoccupationaldiplomaoracertificateoflikeskillswillbeavailable.AnyadditionalordifferentservicesdeemednecessarybytheIEPCommitteewillalsobeprovided.C.AdequateInstructionalStaffAcertifiedteacherwillbeemployedtoprovideeducationalservices.D.SafetyofRegularStaffandStudentsSpecialtransportationwillbeprovidedtothesestudentsifitisarelatedserviceintheIEP.E.EvaluationofStudent’sProgressTheIEPwillreflecttheschedulefordeterminingwhethertheshort-terminstructionalobjectivesaremet.Documentationwillbemaintained.F.LengthofProgramTheIEPCommitteewilldeterminethelengthofeachstudent’sprogram.TheIEPwillreflectanyneededshortenedschooldayandthereasonsforthisrecommendation.Ifappropriate,stepswillbetakentoreturnthestudenttoafull-dayprogram.
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INDEXAAcademicOptionsCenter(AOC)…....................................................................................................76AcceleratedandAdvancedPlacementCourses…..……………………………………………………………………….61AcceptableUsePolicy….………………………………………………………………………………………………………………53ACTDistrictChoiceTest…………….....................................................................................................19ActiveParent….…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….18AdministrativeStaff…….……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….5AdmittanceAfterAbsence………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 27AerialDevices…………………………………………………………………………………….…………………………………………47AppearanceandDress………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...30AssessmentGlossary…….……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..18AsthmaandAnaphylaxisChildSafetyAct…………………………………………..…………………………………………48AthleticAwards……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………62Attendance………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….26BBoardofEducation……….……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..5Bullying/Harassment…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...31CCalendar(SchoolYear) ………………………………………………………………………..……………………………………..8CareerPathways…………………………………………………………………………………….…………………………………….67ChildFind………..……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………50ClassificationLevels…………………………………………………………………………………..…………………………………62ClassRank……….……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………62CollegeDays………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..62CommunicableDiseases…………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 49ComplianceStatement….……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..4CompulsoryEnrollments……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..10CompulsoryAttendance……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….26ConsequencesofMajorOffenses…………………………………………………………………………………………………42ContinuingStudents…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….11CorporalPunishment………………………………………………………………………………..………………………………...28CorrespondenceCourses……………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 63DDiscipline………..…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..27DisciplineofStudentswithSpecialNeeds………….………………………………………………………………………..43DisciplinaryManagementPolicy…………………………………………………………………………………………………. 27DocumentationofResidency.………………………………………………………………………………………………………10DrugPolicy–RandomBased…….………………………………………………………………………………………………….33DrugPolicy–SuspicionBased…..………………………………………………………………………………………………….37DualEnrollment/DualCredit..……………………………………………………………………………………………………..63DyslexiaIdentification…..……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..57EElectronicDevices………..……………………………………………………………………………………………………………...40ElementaryStudentSucceedsAct(ESSA)…………….……………………………………………………………………….17EmergencyDrills/SchoolSecurity…………..…………………………………………………………………………………….47
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EnglishLanguageLearners(ELL)…………………………………………………………………………………………………..20EnglishLanguageLearnersGradingGuidelines…………………………………………………………………………… 21EnrollmentProcedures….…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….11ExamExemption………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 64ExamSchedule …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….24Expulsion……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..29FFamilyEducationalRightsandPrivacyAct(FERPA)………..…………………………………………………………….14Fees……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..………………………………47FinancialHardshipWaiver……….…………………………………………………………………………………………………..47FoodService…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………44ForeignExchangeStudents….………………………………………………………………………………………………………64GGeneralInformation……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………47GeneralPublicConduct/BehaviorPolicy………………………………………………….…………………………………..47GoFundMeAccounts………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 48Grading……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..………………………….24Grading(Elementary)………………………………………………………………………………………….………………………..57GradingPeriods……………………………………………………………………………………………….…………………………..10GradingforStudentswithDisabilities…….……………………………………………………………………………………22GraduationPolicy………….……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..64GraduationRecognition…………………………………………………………………..…………………………………………..67GraduationRequirements………..………………………………………………………………………………………………….65GuidedReadingLevels …………………………………………………………………………….…………………………………58HHolidays……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….48HomelessStudents……..……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….12HonorRoll……….…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..25IInclementWeather………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………48ItemsProhibitedonSchoolProperty…….……………………………………………………………………………………..40MMajorOffenses…….……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..41Make-upWork……..………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………27DistrictOption………………………….…………………………………………………………………………………………………65Medication……..……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………49MissionStatement………..……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..4NNewStudents………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………11NotificationofLawEnforcement………………………………………………………………………………………………….42NoPass/NoPlay………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..…………69PPerfectAttendance………………………………………………………………………………………………..…………………….26PlacementTesting……….……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….13
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ProhibitedActivitiesduringSuspension/Expulsion……………………………………………………………………….30Promotion/Retention….……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….58PublicRecordsAccessPolicy………………………………………………………………………………………………………..15RReadmissionafterExpulsion…………………………………………………………………………………………………… 30Residency…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….10Restraint&Seclusion…….…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….50SScheduleChanges………..…………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 71SchoolInformation–Elementary……………………………………………………………………………………………… 6SchoolInformation–Secondary……………………………………………………………………………………………… 7SchoolParties…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 59Section504………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….51SelectionofMr.andMissHighSchool………………………………………………………………………………………….71ShortTermSuspension………………………………………………………………………………………………..………………29SmokeFreePolicy………..………………………………………………………………………………………………………………50SpecialOccasions………..……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….50SpecialServices……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…………..50SpeechIdentification……………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 57StudentConductandBehaviorPolicy……...………………………………………………………………………………….43StudentElections/Tryouts……….…………………………………………………………………………………………………..71StudentsofMilitaryPersonnel..…………………………………………………………………………………………………..13Student/ParentAgreement……..…………………………………………………………………………………………………..87StudentsResidinginHomenotOwnedorRentedbyParent/LegalGuardian…………………………….…11StudentsResidingwithLegalGuardians.……………………………………………………………………………………..11StudentAssessmentsRequiredforGraduation..………………………………………………………………….………72SummarySuspension…...……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..29SummerPrograms……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….……….73SummerSchool…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….………75Superintendent’sMessage…………………………………………………………………………………………………………..4Suspension……..……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………29TTardiness………..……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………26Technology…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..52TermRecovery……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..76StateTestingSchedule……………………….……………………………………………………………………….……………. 9Textbooks………..…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..51ThirdGradeSummativeAssessment……..…………………………………………………………………………………….19ThreeStrikePolicy……….………………………………………………………………………………………………………………43TransferGrades…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….……..25TransferStudents………..……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….13Transportation……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..52UUniversalScreener……….………………………………………………………………………………………………………………25VValedictorian/Salutatorian…………………………………………………………………………………………………………..76
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VisionStatement……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 4Visitors……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..………….52WWellnessPolicy……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..46WithdrawalofStudents……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….14ZZeroTolerancePolicy……………………………………………………………………………………………..……………………43
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ELEMENTARYSCHOOLSTUDENT/PARENTAGREEMENT
(STATEMENTOFASSURANCE)
ThisistocertifythatI:
(1) Havereviewedtheentirecontentsofthishandbook.(2) AgreetoabidebytheAcceptableUsePolicyforInternet/email
network.
PrintStudentName__________________________StudentSignature__________________________
ThisistocertifythatI:
1) Willallowmystudent’sfullname,photographorworktobepublishedinschoolyearbooksandtheschooldirectorywithoutliabilitytotheschoolortheMadisonCountySchoolDistrict.
_______YES ______NO
2) Willallowmystudent’sfullname,photographorworktobepublishedonschoolordistrictwebsites,localpapers,television,orsocialmedia;withoutliabilitytotheschoolortheMadisonCountySchoolDistrict.
______YES ______NO
PrintParent/GuardianName__________________________________________________
Parent/GuardianSignature___________________________________________________
DateSigned_______________________________________________________________
SchoolName_______________________________________________________________
Completethisformasdirected,detachandreturntoyourstudent’shomeroomteacher.
88
MIDDLEANDHIGHSCHOOLSTUDENT/PARENTAGREEMENT
(STATEMENTOFASSURANCE)
ThisistocertifythatI:
(1) Havereviewedtheentirecontentsofthishandbook.(2) AgreetoabidebytheAcceptableUsePolicyforInternet/email
network.
PrintStudentName__________________________StudentSignature__________________________
ThisistocertifythatI:
1) Willallowmystudent’sfullname,photographorworktobepublishedonschoolordistrictwebsites,inschoolyearbooks,localpapers,schooldirectory,television,orsocialmedia;withoutliabilitytotheschoolortheMadisonCountySchoolDistrict.
_______YES ______NO
PrintParent/GuardianName__________________________________________________
Parent/GuardianSignature___________________________________________________
DateSigned_______________________________________________________________
SchoolName_______________________________________________________________
Completethisformasdirected,detachandreturntoyourstudent’shomeroomteacher.