MISSION STATEMENT

The Mission of Calhan School District is to create, through a collaborative effort, an accepting, supportive, and safe learning environment that encourages growth in each individual.  Our purpose is to promote high standards of educational achievement and social responsibility and to develop lifelong learners with the skills, the knowledge, and the understanding that are necessary to succeed in the twenty-first century.

“Promoting high standards and social responsibility”

ABSENCES (Policy JH)

If a student is not going to be in school, parents should make every effort to call the principal's secretary at 347-2766 prior to 9:00 a.m.  If parents cannot call the school, a note should be sent with the student when he/she returns to school explaining the reason for the absence.  A student must present a note (or phone call from parent) within two days of returning to school.  If the absence is not documented in two days, the student will be assigned detention.  For pre-arranged absences (family trip, doctor or dentist appointment, etc.) students must bring a note from parent(s) in advance which must be approved by the school principal. 

 Note: Parents should attempt to make all appointments on Mondays.

ABSENCES-SCHOOL ACTIVITIES   (Policy JJ-R)                                                                                                

A student must be in school 4 periods the day of a competition in order to participate. In the case that the event is not on a day school is in session (Saturday), the student must be in school 4 periods the day previous to that activity.  The principal may make exceptions if extenuating circumstances exist (funerals, medical appointments, etc.).  Students must return to school promptly following appointments.

 ACTION COUNCIL

Action Council provides for student activities, serves as a training experience for both leaders and followers, promotes the common good, gives the students a share in the management of the school, develops high ideals of personal conduct, seeks to interest students in school affairs, and helps solve problems that may arise.

 ACTIVITY SUSPENSION

One of our expectations at Calhan Middle School is to promote an environment where the focus is on learning and appropriate social interactions.  We expect students to display acceptable behavior throughout the school day.  If a student does not meet these expectations, the student may not be allowed to participate in after-school activities.  This could include not playing in an after-school athletic competition or not being permitted to attend an event as a spectator. The decision for this consequence will be made by the middle school principal, and parents will be notified whenever this disciplinary action is taken.

ADMISSION/WITHDRAWAL   (Policy JF)

The enrollment of a new student begins in the office. The student will be given a schedule of classes.  To formally withdraw from school, a student must secure a withdrawal form from the principal's office.  This form must be signed by all teachers listed on the form indicating that all books and equipment have been checked in and all outstanding bills have been paid.  Once completed, the form should be returned to the principal's office. 

 ALCOHOL AND/OR DRUGS   (Policy JICH)

Drinking/possession of alcoholic beverages or use/possession of illegal drugs on school property or at school activities is against school policy.  Student use/possession of objects used as or associated with drug paraphernalia may be subject to disciplinary action.  Offenders face an automatic suspension from school and may be recommended for expulsion from school for the remainder of the school year and up to a calendar year. 

ARRIVAL AT SCHOOL

The school is open during school days from 7:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.  Students are not to be on the premises before 7:30 a.m. as there is no supervision before that time.  Students are to leave directly upon dismissal.  Classes are from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  Upon arrival, all middle school students must be in the middle school hallway or a middle school classroom.  Students must be supervised by a teacher or a coach.  Students are not to be outside or in the high school area.

ASBESTOS PLAN

The school district has an approved asbestos plan on file in the district office.  This plan is available for inspection by request.

ATTENDANCE POLICY   (Policy JH/JH-R)

Students need to attend school on a regular basis.  One criterion for a student's success is regular and punctual attendance. Frequent absences from school leads to poor academic work and possible failure in classes.  Regular attendance is of utmost importance for school interest, social adjustment, and scholastic achievement.  No single factor may interfere with a student's progress more quickly than frequent tardiness or absenteeism.  Students who have good attendance generally achieve higher grades, enjoy school more, and are more employable after leaving school.  The Board of Education believes that students must satisfy two basic requirements to earn full class credit:  (1) satisfy all academic requirements and (2) exhibit good attendance habits as stated in this policy.   The following shall be considered excused absences by the principal:

1.  A student who is temporarily ill or injured or whose absence is approved by the principal/or designee of the school of attendance on a prearranged basis.

2. A student who is absent for an extended period due to physical, mental or emotional disability.

3. A student who is attending any school-sponsored activity or activities of an educational nature with prior approval of the principal.

Note:  The administration may require suitable proof regarding the above exceptions, including written statements from the medical sources, etc.  The final decision for a student’s absence to be excused or unexcused shall rest with the administration.

Excessive Absenteeism:

After a student has five (5) absences in a single class, a letter will be sent to the parents informing them of the absence problem and the possible consequences. 

Truancy:                                                   

Absence from class without parental consent (This includes leaving the building without checking out at the attendance office).

1st offense - Monday School

2nd offense - 1 day of in-school suspension with "0" credit for classes missed for the day of truancy.  A 1% reduction of  the quarter grade in every class will also be made if the truancy results in a one day, in-school suspension.

3^rd offense – Three days suspension from school with one percent grade deduction from the quarter grade for each day class is missed.

 Further violations may result in expulsion.

Tardiness: 

Reporting to class after tardy bell rings without authorization from staff. 

Per Quarter -

1st-2nd offense- No disciplinary action.

3rd-One-half hour of after school detention.

4^th -Two-half hours of after school detentions.

5th- One week of after school detention (1/2 hours after school for four days or Monday School)

6 or more – Monday School

The District is aware that such things occur as missing the bus, oversleeping, car problems, sudden work conflicts or alarms not sounding.  Therefore, students are allowed two tardies per quarter before disciplinary action is taken.  Students are urged to use the two tardies sparingly because no excuses will be considered.

 Misleading School Personnel:

Any attempt to mislead school personnel regarding violations of the attendance policy will result in a 3 day suspension from school with 1% grade deduction from the quarter grade for each day class is missed.  Such violations include but are not limited to:

(a) lying to school personnel

(b) writing, or having written for you, false notes

(c) making, or having made for you, false phone calls

(d) altering, or having altered for you, passes, attendance sheets, or other school records or documents.

 BOARD OF EDUCATION   (Policy BE)

The Board of Education meets regularly on the third Tuesday of each month.  These meetings are open to the public.  If people desire to have their concerns placed on the agenda, they should notify the Administration Office at 347-2541 no later than the Thursday preceding the Board meeting, stating name, purpose, and approximate time needed to make the presentation.

 BUILDINGS, GROUNDS, OR EQUIPMENT   (Policy KF)

Any student organization wanting to use the school facilities outside of regular school hours must complete a facilities use form and have it turned in to the principal's office for his or her signature.  A notice of no less than one week is recommended.

 BULLDOG TIME

Bulldog Time is unstructured time for 6-8 grade students.  This time is to be used by teachers for class meetings, club meetings, detention time for unacceptable classroom behavior, information distribution, extra help from a teacher at either the student's or the teacher’s request.  Students are not allowed to go to the parking lot or off-campus during Bulldog Time.  This is a privilege and should not be abused.

 Bullyproofing   (Policy JICDE *)

There is a form of violence in our schools today that is chronic, pervasive and harmful to a large number of our students.  It is called bullying.  Not as easily identified as the overt, violent acts that make headline news, bullying is a more subtle form of violence that, if undetected and untreated, is far more damaging to a greater number of our students.  In an environment where bullying has created a climate of fear and anxiety, students pay a terrible price physically, emotionally and academically.  The consequences of bullying are serious.  We can no longer dismiss it as innocent teasing or harmless play.  Victims of bullying report both physical and emotional symptoms, and demonstrate an inability to focus on schoolwork as well as lowered school attendance.  A bully prevention program at Calhan Middle School is based on four main concepts:

• The program is designed as a systemic, comprehensive program.

• The main focus is on climate change.
• The program teaches skills and strategies to avoid victimization.
• The emphasis is on developing the caring majority.

Bullying is defined as any written or verbal expression, physical act or gesture, or a pattern thereof, that is intended to cause distress upon one or more students in the school environment.  For purposes of this policy, the school environment includes school buildings, grounds, vehicles, bus stops, and all school-sponsored activities and events.  A student who engages in any act of bullying is subject to appropriate disciplinary action including suspension, expulsion, and/or referral to law enforcement authorities.  The severity and pattern, if any, of the bullying behavior shall be taken into consideration when disciplinary decisions are made.

 BUS REGULATIONS   (Policy JICC-R)

School bus transportation is a privilege, not a right.  This privilege can and will be suspended for violation of bus rules.  The privilege of riding a school bus is contingent upon a student’s good behavior and observance of established regulations for student conduct both at bus stops and on board the bus.  The driver of a school bus shall be responsible for the safety of his/her students both during the ride and while students are entering and leaving the vehicle.  Therefore, it is the bus driver’s duty to notify the principal if any student persists in violating the established rules of conduct.  After due warning has been given to the student and his/her parents, the principal may withhold from the student the privilege of riding the school bus.  The student may also be denied admission to school, suspended or expelled, in accordance with established policies, for flagrant violation of school bus rider conduct regulations or conduct detrimental to the safe operations of the bus.  Note: Any student who has been suspended from the bus during the previous year will begin the new year on a behavior contract.  This contract will be developed by the students, parents, school administrator, and bus driver.

Prior to Loading (On Road and At School):

1. Be on time at the designated school bus stop.  Keep the bus on schedule.
2. Stay off the road at all times while waiting for the bus.  Conduct yourself in a safe manner while waiting.
3. Be careful when you are approaching the bus stop.
4. Do not move toward the buses at the school-loading zone until the buses have been brought to a complete stop.
5. When loading at school, do not leave the bus without permission from the driver.

 While on the Bus:

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

2.        Assist in keeping the bus safe and sanitary at all times.

3.        Remember that loud talking, laughing, radios, or unnecessary confusion diverts the driver’s attention and may result in a serious accident.

4.        Treat the bus equipment as you would valuable furniture in your own home.  Damage to seats, etc. must be paid for by the offender.

5.        Never tamper with the bus or any of its equipment.

6.        Do not leave books, lunches, or other articles on the bus.

7.        Keep books, packages, coats, and all other objects out of the bus aisles.

8.        Help look after the safety and comfort of small children who are riding the bus.

9.        Do not throw anything out the bus window.

10.     Do not leave your seat while the bus is in motion.

11.     Do not engage in horseplay around or on the bus.

12.     Be courteous to fellow students, the bus driver, and driver’s assistants.

13.     Keep absolutely quiet when approaching a railroad-crossing stop.

14.     In case of road emergency, remain in the bus.

15.     Food or drink is allowed only with approval by the bus driver.

16.     No profanity or obscene language.

 After Leaving the Bus:

1.        Cross the road when necessary after getting off the bus, at least ten (10) feet in front of the bus, but only after looking to be sure that no traffic is approaching from either direction.

2.        Help look after the safety and comfort of small children.

3.        Be alert to the danger signal from the bus driver. 

 The driver will not discharge riders at places other than the regular bus stop, at the home or at the school, unless by proper authorization from the parent or school official.  If a student is riding a bus other than his/her own, he/she must bring a permission slip from home (or a parent must call the school office).  The note should include what bus the student will be taking and where he/she will be getting off the bus.  Students will not be allowed to call home to make arrangements to go home with another student after school is dismissed.  The buses leave at 4:05 p.m. 

 CHEATING

Whenever a student is caught cheating, the teacher shall collect the student's paper, mark a zero for the work, and notify the principal immediately.  Both the teacher and principal will notify parents regarding the incident and disciplinary action to be taken.

 CLASS FUNDS/DEPOSITS

Money should not be kept in lockers or in classrooms.  Any class funds should be deposited in the office by a class/organization officer.  The class/organization treasurer should periodically compare financial figures with those of the business office to see that totals balance.

 CLASS SCHEDULE                         

8:00-8:52                 Period One

8:55-9:47                 Period Two

9:47-10:00               Bulldog

10:03-10:55             Period Three

11:00-11:50             Period Four

11:50-12:20             Lunch

12:25-12:55             Reading

1:00-1:57                 Period Five

2:00-2:57                 Period Six

3:00-4:00                 Period Seven 

 CLOSED LUNCH   (Policy JHCA)

Middle School has a closed lunch.  Students must remain in the cafeteria or under the direct supervision of a staff member.  Students are not permitted in the hallways.

 CLOSINGS   (Policy EBCE)

School closings or emergency early dismissals because of inclement weather or other conditions will be broadcast over the following radio or television stations:

KOA	850 AM	KKTV	Channel 11
KKCS	1460 AM & 101.9 FM	KOAA	Channels 5 & 30
KKFM	98.1 FM	KRDO	Channel 13
KKLI	106.3 FM	KCNC	Channel 4
KVOR	1300 AM

No extra-curricular activities (athletic practices, drama rehearsals) will take place on days that school is not in session due to closing.

COMPLAINTS   (Policy JII-R)

For the purposes of this procedure, the following categories of complaints are established:

 

1. Conduct of an individual.
2. Department procedures.
3. Building procedures.
4. Board of Education policies and regulations.
5. Curricular programs.
6. Civil Rights.
7. All others.

 

Complaints must be initiated within 60 calendar days of the incident in writing, dated and signed by the complainant.  Forms for this purpose are available in the principal’s offices.  Completed forms must be filed with the appropriate persons as follows:

 

1. Complaints of an individual:  Immediate supervisor or the individual.  The building principal is the supervisor of the teachers and support staff members; the superintendent is the supervisor of the principal.

2.  Departmental procedures:  Building principal.

3.  Building procedures:  Building principal

4.  Board of Education policies and regulations:  Superintendent.

5.  Curricular programs:  Building principal.

6.  Civil rights:  Building principal.

7.  All others:  Building principal.

When a complaint is filed in writing, a conference will be held with the complainant within five (5) school days.  A written response will be given to the complainant within ten (10) school days following the conference.

If the complaint is not resolved to the satisfaction of the student, a written appeal may be submitted within ten (10) school days in accordance with the appeal procedures.

 Appeals must be made in the following order:  building principal, superintendent, Board of Education.

 When an appeal has been filed in writing, a conference will be held with all parties involved within ten (10) school days.  A written response will be given to the complainant within ten (10) school days following the conference. 

 If the appeal should reach the level of the Board of Education, a meeting with the Board of Education will be scheduled within twenty (20) school days after the written appeal has been filed.  A written response from the Board of Education will be given to the complainant within ten (10) school days following the conference.

 Complainants who are not satisfied with the resolution of the complaint within the school district have the option of contacting their local Office for Civil Rights of the U.S. Department of Education.

 DETENTION

Detention is held daily from 4:05 p.m. to 4:35 p.m.  If students are required to be in detention, they and their parents will need to make arrangements for transportation home after detention.  Any student who fails to show up at detention will be assigned additional time. 

 DRESS CODE   (Policy JICA)

Students are expected to be dressed appropriately for an educational environment.  Dress shall not materially or substantially interfere or disrupt the operation of the school.  Dress code regulations will be strictly enforced including the ban of cut-off shirts, mesh shirts, shirts with exposed shoulders or excessively large armholes (tank tops, tube tops), distasteful messages on apparel, including beer/alcohol shirts, tobacco ad shirts, sexually suggestive wording, etc. Blouses, shirts, and dresses must have straps at least 2 – 2 1/2 inches wide (the width of approximately 3 fingers).  Shirts must cover the midriff at all times.  No spandex shorts, sexually suggestive clothing, or clothing that could invoke violence should be worn by students.  No pajamas, lounge pants or slippers are allowed. Appropriate footwear is required.  No headwear or sunglasses are to be worn during school hours.  Students are allowed to wear shorts to school.  An appropriate length of shorts will be determined by having students fully extend arms, and the length should be no less than where clothing meets a student's extended fingertips.  The same guideline shall apply when students wear skirts. Students will not be allowed to wear sagging or baggy pants that are worn below the waist.  The dress code applies during P.E. classes also.  No chains are allowed.   Any student improperly dressed will be sent home from school to change clothes.  A second offense will result in truancy, and the student will be subject to the consequences thereof.  Coaches and sponsors will have specific dress codes for students engaging in their activities.

 

ELECTRONICS

Cell phones, pagers, handheld video games, laser pointers, head phones, radios, MP3 players, cassette and disc players are not permitted in any classroom, locker, or in the school. 

 EMERGENCY PROCEDURE CARDS

Emergency cards must be completed by each student's parent/guardian and placed on file in the principal’s office.  It is the parent/guardian's responsibility to inform the office of the changes during the year.

 FIRE DRILLS/TORNADO DRILLS /LOCK DOWN DRILLS   (Policy EBCB - EBCD - EBCF)

Fire, tornado and lock down drills are conducted as necessary during the school year.  All students and staff should vacate the classrooms according to instructions on signs posted in classrooms for fire and tornado emergencies.  Lock-down procedures require that students stay in the classroom.  Students on a pass from the classroom should report to the nearest classroom during a lock down.  All alarms should be treated as if they were signaling a real emergency.  (Tornado drills will be announced over the PA system.)

FOOD AND DRINK

Food and beverages are not to be consumed in classrooms, hallways, or the mall/commons area unless teachers have given permission due to a special occasion.  The only other exception is when school organizations hold a special fundraiser such as a bake sale.  Food and beverages are to be consumed only in the lunchroom.  Open containers of pop and other beverages are not to be kept in lockers at any time.

HALL PASSES

Students should be in the halls only at the beginning and close of school and while moving from one class to another unless they have special permission to complete special duties.  Running or shouting in the hall is not permitted.  Students in the halls during class time must have passes.  Students moving about without a pass will be subject to disciplinary action.

 HOMEWORK   (Policy IKB)

In order to accomplish educational outcomes, homework will be assigned on a reasonable basis.  Long-term assignments such as term papers, research projects, etc. shall be made well in advance of due dates.  Due dates shall be adhered to by students. Short-term assignments will not be assigned to be completed during scheduled vacation dates.  Students who do not turn in homework or assignments on time may be assigned detention by individual teachers.

 It is the responsibility of parents/students to request make-up work.  This can be done in advance.   If a request is made, a 24 hour notice for each day the student will be gone is needed to gather assignments.  Because of the time it takes the office staff and teachers to complete the request, the student should make every effort to have the work completed upon returning to school.

 When students have been absent (excused), they will have one (1) day to turn in make-up work for each day missed.  A "0" credit will be recorded by teachers for all work not handed in within the allowed time.  This policy may not necessarily be applied in cases when the assignment has been given long in advance of the absence, and sufficient time has been given to complete assignments. Teachers may use discretion when assignments are of such a brief nature that the students can complete them during class time.

 HONOR ROLL   (Policy IKD)

Students with an 85% grade or higher may qualify for one of the school's three honor rolls:  Gold (95-100+), Silver (90-94.99) or Bronze (85-89.99).  Honor rolls will be published in the local newspaper.

 INCOMPLETE

Students may request that teachers give an incomplete grade for the quarter/semester whenever extenuating circumstances prevent them from completing course assignments.  Incomplete grades WILL NOT be given simply for failure to complete work on time.  Incomplete grades will become failing grades two weeks after the completion of the semester.  In extenuating circumstances, additional time may be granted with permission from the teacher and principal.

 INDIVIDUAL LITERACY PLANS   (Policy ILBC)

The Colorado Basic Literacy Act (CBLA) mandates that students who are not reading at grade level be placed on Individual Literacy Plans (ILP’S), which are developed by the school and the family.  ILP’s are implemented for the purpose of providing support to the student in attaining grade level expectations for performance in reading.  The ILP will guide the child’s progress and will continue until the data indicate that performance meets grade level expectations.  The ILP is initiated by the classroom teacher, developed by the teacher and the parent, and supported by the school principal and other staff as needed. 

 INELIGIBILITY

Teachers will compute averages each Wednesday at the conclusion of the school day.  Any student failing two or more classes will not be allowed to participate in any extra-curricular activities scheduled for the following week (Monday-Saturday). 

INSURANCE   (Policy JLA)

All students are given the opportunity and are encouraged to purchase student accident insurance offered through PRIMAC insurance.  School-time, 24-hour, and football coverage options are available.  Details about the insurance plan will be distributed to students during the opening week of school.  All students not covered under a family medical insurance plan are strongly encouraged to purchase a PRIMAC POLICY.  Parents should be aware that this is not a replacement for major medical insurance but is designed to provide some minimal assistance.

 INTERROGATIONS/SEARCHES   (Policy JIH)

Police interrogation:  The District has legal responsibility for pupils during the school day and during extra-curricular activities.  The school shall make every effort to protect student rights with respect to interrogations by law enforcement.  When law enforcement officials find it necessary to question pupils during the school day or during extra-curricular activities, the principal or his/her designee shall be present.  An effort shall be made to contact the parents.

Staff searches:  Principals or their designees are granted the legal authority to inspect student’s school lockers.  This authority may be exercised as needed in the interest of safeguarding student and school property.  Searches of student’s automobiles or of the student during the school day and during extra-curricular activities shall be conducted in a manner respecting the student’s rights and consistent with the responsibility for the district to provide an atmosphere conducive to forwarding all aspects of the educational process.

LEAVING SCHOOL PREMISES

Under no circumstances is a student to leave school premises without first checking out at the principal's office and obtaining a building leave pass.  If it is necessary for students to leave school premises, they must present to the principal's office written permission from a parent.  If no written permission is presented to the office, parents must call the principal's secretary.  Any student leaving school without permission will be assessed a truancy upon returning and be subject to consequences thereof.

 LIBRARY

The library is open from 7:45 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.each school day.  Students may use the library throughout the day with a pass from classroom teachers.  Books not in the library may be obtained through inter-library loan. 

 Each book will have a label that is necessary for inventory and circulation reasons.  Any student who is seen removing or disfiguring the labels will have library privileges suspended.  Any student with overdue books will not be allowed to check out additional materials.  Additionally, students who have fines will not be allowed to participate in special events (socials, field trips, etc.) until fines are paid.

 LOCKERS

Students will be assigned to a specific locker and no changes will be permitted without permission from a teacher or the principal.

Any unauthorized change in locker may result in loss of locker privileges.  Lockers are to be kept clean and free of trash at all times.  Locker decorations (interior and exterior) cannot be permanent.  Lockers are property of the school district and may be inspected at any time by the superintendent, principal, or authorized faculty member.  Inappropriate offensive material is not to be displayed inside or outside of the locker.  If the locker door cannot be opened or closed, it should not be kicked or tampered with; instead, the office should be notified immediately.  Students are encouraged to keep locks on their lockers.  The principal's office will provide locks for students.  Pop and other beverages are not allowed in the lockers.

LOST AND FOUND

Lost and found articles are to be left in the principal's office. Students having lost articles may inquire at the office to see if they have been found.  Additionally, a lost and found barrel is located at the east end of the middle school hallway.

 LUNCH PERIOD   (Policy EFC)

The Calhan School District maintains a hot lunch program under the National School Lunch Act.  All students wanting school lunches will purchase them from the lunchroom in advance.  Parents may write a single check for all of their children's lunches.  Students must pay for lunches in the morning before school begins.  Students whose parents feel that they are unable to afford the lunch cost should contact the Food Service Director regarding eligibility for free or reduced lunches.  The price for a school hot lunch is $1.50.   The cost of milk is $.30.  Cost of the lunch includes one milk.  Students are allowed to charge lunches if necessary (a maximum of 2).

 MEDICATION PROCEDURES   (Policy JLCD)

All medication must be in a prescription bottle properly labeled with the name of the drug, dosage, and student's name. All medication must be in the nurse’s office with a dated and signed note from the parent and doctor giving the child's name, dosage amounts, specific dosage times, and other instructions if necessary.  Students are not to keep medication on their person or in their locker, or ask teachers to keep it for them.  The school nurse or office personnel will give medication.  Any medication in the possession of students will be confiscated by staff and turned into the office.  Parent cooperation is necessary and greatly appreciated.  Prescription medications must be in the original container and must be clearly identified as to the name and type of medication and dosage instructions.  The same procedures apply to non-prescription medications.  The exception:  inhalers prescribed to be kept with asthmatic students at all times.

MONDAY SCHOOL

Monday School will be in session from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.  Students may be assigned Monday School for any of the following reasons:

• The student has excessive absences and/or tardies.
• The student is not meeting classroom academic expectations.
• The student has displayed inappropriate/disruptive behavior during the school day.

If a student is assigned Monday School, parents will be notified by telephone or mail.

 NONDISCRIMINATION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY (Policy AC-E)

 In compliance with the Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendment of 1972; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Calhan School District RJ-1, does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex or handicap in admissions, access to, treatment or employment in educational programs or activities which it operates.

 Information regarding grievance procedures, for Title IX and Section 504, have been established for students, parents and employees.  The following person(s) have been identified as the designated employee(s) to coordinate compliance activities for the District.

Specific complaints of alleged discrimination under Section 504 (Handicap) or Title IX (Sex) should be referred to:

           Sharon V. Green, Calhan Elementary Principal

                800 Bulldog Drive

                Calhan, CO 80808

 Complaints may also be filed with the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, Region VIII, Federal Office Building, 1244 North Speer Boulevard, Suite 310, Denver, Colorado 80204.

 OVERNIGHT TRIPS   (Policy IJOA-R)Any student who is suspended from school may forfeit his/her opportunity to participate in overnight activities.  Furthermore, any student disciplined for behavior on an overnight trip may forfeit overnights for a period of up to one calendar year.  If it becomes necessary for a student to be sent home during a trip, parents will be responsible for the transportation of the student. 

 PARENT PICK-UP

Teachers are not to release students to anyone unless there is written authorization from the principal. In some cases, the school secretary will make a release request over the intercom.  Students are to meet their parents in the principal's office before leaving school.  Parents are to wait in the principal's office rather than outside of their child's classroom.

 POSTERS   (Policy JICEA)

Students wishing to place posters on the walls and bulletin boards must first obtain permission from the principal and the principal will initial each poster.  Any unauthorized posters will be removed immediately.

 PROFANITY

Students are not permitted to use profanity while on school premises.  This includes inappropriate language on T-shirts, jewelry, written notes, etc.  Teachers are to complete disciplinary referral forms when this rule is violated.

 PROGRESS REPORTS   (Policy IKAB)

Progress reports will be issued two times per quarter and more often if necessary for students who are failing or in danger of failing a course.  Also, parents can access student progress through Infinite Campus, the online student data management system, at any time.  Parents are encouraged to request a conference with a teacher at any time regarding their child.

PUBLIC DISPLAYS OF AFFECTION

Out of respect and courtesy to school employees and students, excessive displays of affection will not be allowed during school hours or at school activities.  Any student not adhering to this rule will be given a warning from the principal.  The second time a student is warned, the student will be suspended from classes and be given zero credit for classes missed.  (Note:  Only holding hands will be tolerated in the school.)

PUBLICATIONS   (Policy JICEA)

Students are encouraged to express their views in school through sponsored publications, but they must observe the rules for responsible journalism.  Sponsors of student publications have the responsibility to review content before publications and to assist the students in improving their skills.  Reviewing the content before the publication is not censorship, but part of the educational process.  Literature to be distributed must be submitted to the principal in advance and approved by him/her.

 RECORDS   (Policy JRA/JRC)

The Family Educational Right and Privacy Act of 1974 authorized parents or guardians of students and students 18 years of age or older access to the student files by submitting a written request and following established procedures.

1. A written request must be presented to the building principal.

2. The parent or legal guardian shall review the records in the presence of the principal or the guidance counselor.

3. The parent or legal guardian may not remove any materials from the file.

4.  Parents shall be granted a hearing to challenge the content of the record folder if they submit to the building principal a written request for such a hearing.  This hearing shall be held within ten calendar days after receipt of such request and shall  follow procedures established by the Board of Education.

5. Notice of the right of access shall become a part of each parent handbook or official registration guide.

6. All persons 18 years of age have the same right as their parents.

 REPORT CARDS   (Policy IKA-R)

Report cards are issued at the end of each quarter.  Grades are but one method of reporting the evaluation of a student's progress in subjects.  It is assigned for the purpose of informing the student, parents, and the school of student achievement.  The grade assigned a student in any course shall be a single mark ranging from 0 to 100 points. The grading scale used is as follows:

 90 -100                   A            Excellent or outstanding work

80 - 89                     B            Good or above average work

70 - 79                    C            Standard or average performance

60 - 69                    D             Below average, but passing

60 and below          F              Unacceptable - Failing

INC                                        Incomplete - work in progress must be completed for a grade to be assigned; otherwise, an "F" will be recorded.

 SCHEDULE CHANGES

The principal must approve schedule changes.

SEXUAL HARRASSMENT   (Policy JBB*)

The school board recognizes that sexual harassment can interfere with a student’s academic performance and emotional and physical well-being and that preventing and remedying sexual harassment in schools is essential to ensure a nondiscriminatory, safe environment in which a student can learn.  In addition, sexual harassment is recognized as a form of sex discrimination, and thus, is a violation of the laws that prohibit sex discrimination.  The District is committed to maintaining a learning environment that is free from sexual harassment.  It shall be a violation of policy for any staff to harass students or for students to harass other students through conduct or communications of a sexual nature or to retaliate against anyone who reports sexual harassment or participates in a harassment investigation.  The District shall investigate all indications, informal reports, and formal grievances of sexual harassment by students, staff, or third parties and appropriate corrective action shall be taken.  Corrective action includes taking necessary steps to end the harassment, to make the harassed student whole by restoring lost educational opportunities, to prevent harassment from recurring, and to prevent retaliation against anyone who reports sexual harassment or participates in a harassment investigation.   Sexual harassment may result in school disciplinary action up to and including expulsion and/or legal action. 

 SMOKING OR USE OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS   (Policy JICG)

The use/or possession of tobacco or tobacco products, including herbal chew, is prohibited and any student violating this rule is subject to the following:

1^st offense: 1 day in-school suspension*

2^nd offense: 3 days out-of-school suspension*

3^rd offense: 3 days out-of-school suspension*

*with a deduction of 1% from his/her quarter grade per school day of suspension.

 Note: Incendiary devices (lighters, matches, etc.) will not be allowed at school.  Appropriate discipline will be administered.

STUDENT ACCESS TO FACILITIES

All school facilities, including hallways, are closed to students before school, after school, during Bulldog time and during lunch periods unless a faculty member assumes responsibility for supervision.

 STUDENT USE OF THE INTERNET   (Policy JS*) 

The Board of Education believes the internet should be available in school as a learning resource to educate and inform.  It feels that the educational opportunities inherent in these tools far outweigh the possibility that users may procure material not consistent with the educational goals of the district.  However, the internet is and electronic communications are fluid environments in which students may access materials and information from many sources including some that may be harmful to students.  The Board acknowledges that while it is impossible to predict with certainty what information students might locate or come into contact with, it desires to take all reasonable steps to protect students from accessing material and information that is obscene, child pornography, or otherwise harmful to minors, as defined by the Board. Students shall take responsibility for their own use of the district computers and systems and avoid contact with material or information that may be harmful to minors.  Use of the internet and electronic communications demands personal responsibility and an understanding of the acceptable and unacceptable uses of such tools. Student use of the internet and electronic communications is a privilege, not a right.  Failure to follow the use procedures contained in this policy will result in the loss of privilege to use these tools and may result in school disciplinary action and/or legal action.  The school district may deny, revoke, or suspend access to district technology or close accounts at any time.  Students and parents/guardians shall be required to sign the District’s Acceptable Use Agreement annually before internet or electronic communication accounts shall be issued or access shall be allowed (JS-E).  Inappropriate use of the internet and electronic communications hardware and software may result in school disciplinary action from loss of privilege up to and including expulsion. 

 SUSPENSION/EXPULSION PROCEDURES   (Policy JKD/JKE)

1. The student shall be informed of the charges brought against him/her upon being detained by the administration.

2. The student may be given opportunity to question witnesses and confront accusers (informal hearing) before being further detained. If a meeting cannot be arranged immediately, the student may be detained until one can be arranged within a reasonable amount of time during the school day.

3. The student shall be informed of sanctions imposed by the school authorities, including duration of the sanction and the reason for the sanction.  Grounds for suspension/expulsion are listed in the student handbook. The sanctions shall be stated no later than within 24 hours of collection of all necessary information.

4. The parent shall be immediately contacted by phone and asked to pick up the student from school.  If the parent cannot be reached, the student shall remain in school under supervision but not be returned to the classroom.  If the parent cannot be reached prior to the next school day, the person listed on the student's emergency card shall be contacted.