
Publications, Video, Internet Consent and Release Agreement For Students

Students who attend or participate in Bryant School District programs or events are occasionally asked to be part of the county and/or statewide publicity, promotion, marketing efforts and/or public relations activities or projects, and/or to appear in educational and curriculum material developed by the District. In order to guarantee your child’s privacy and ensure your agreement for your child to participate, the Bryant School District asks that you sign and return this form for each of your participating children to your child’s teacher/sponsor. By your signature on this form, you approve the Bryant School District, should it choose, to use your child’s name, picture, art, written work, voice, verbal statements or portraits (video or still) in any educational and/or promotional printed or electronic piece that furthers the District’s educational and/or public relations efforts during this and subsequent years. This includes but is not limited to external news media outlets, printed and/or broadcast, District web site, brochures, displays, newsletters, curriculum guides, purchased advertisements or other means of communicating with the public about District programs and services. The pictures, recordings, articles, copy or other means of communications may or may not personally identify your child.

AGREEMENT

Youth and Parent/Guardian release to the Bryant School District by indicating below, consent to their use by the Bryant School District. Please mark the following options:
		Picture
		Child’s name
		Art
		Voice
All of the above

The Bryant School District agrees that the youth’s name, picture, art, written work, voice, verbal statements, portraits (video or still) will only be used for the District’s public relations, public information, promotion, publicity and marketing efforts and/or to support its educational program. Youth and Parent/Guardian understand and agree that: • No monetary consideration shall be paid; • Consent and release have been given without coercion or duress; • This agreement is binding upon heirs and/or future legal representatives; • The photographs, video or student statements may be used in subsequent years; • If the Youth and Parent/Guardian wish to rescind this agreement, they may do so at any time with written notice.


Effective Date of Agreement				__________________________________________________________

Youth’s Name			______________________________________________________________________


Youth’s Signature if at least 18 years old						________________________________________________

Parent/Guardian: (Print name)					_________________________________________________________


Signature	___________________________________________________________________________

INTRODUCTION

This handbook has been prepared for the purpose of assisting all elementary students and their parents in the Bryant School District in becoming familiar with the rules and regulations, which apply to all students. A committee of parents, students, and teachers reviews this handbook annually.

All rules (and consequences) in this handbook apply to children en-route to and from school including transported and non-transported students.

We invite you to visit your school and consult with your teacher and principal when we may be of service in meeting the needs of your child. You may call the school office to set up an appointment with your child’s teacher or to see the principal. Please stop by the office whenever you enter the building to let us know when and why you are visiting and to pick up a visitor’s pass.

Dean Burbank, Principal Todd Sellers, Principal Tiffany Beasley , Principal

Teri Henningsen, Asst. Principal Jeanette Turner, Asst. Principal Tammy Reitenger, Asst. Principal

Bryant Elementary School Collegeville Elementary School Davis Elementary School

Bryant Elementary School Telephone: 847-5670 Telephone: 455-5672

Telephone: 847-5642 tsellers@bryantschools.org tbeasley@bryantschools.org

dburbank@bryantschools.org cturner@bryantschools.org treitenger@bryantschools.org

thenningsen@bryantschools.org

Mark Scarlett, Principal Karen Metcalf, Principal Jana Starr, Principal

Jeanette Turner, Asst. Principal Tammy Reitenger, Asst. Principal Paron Elementary School

Salem Elementary School Springhill Elementary School Telephone: 594-5622

Telephone: 316-0263 Telephone: 847-5675 jstarr@bryantschools.org

mscarlett@bryantschools.org kmetcalf@bryantschools.org

cturner@bryantschools.org treitenger@bryantschools.org

Wanda Beggs, Principal

Russell Sherrill, Asst. Principal

Hurricane Creek Elementary School

Telephone: 653-1012

wbeggs@bryantschools.org

rsherrill@bryantschools.org

Bryant Public Schools Website

http://www.bryantschools.org

District Mission Statement: In a safe and nurturing environment, the Bryant School District – in close partnership with family and community – will motivate, challenge, and educate our students through a variety of individualized instructional methods and diverse learning experiences to become lifelong learners who will have the foundation to achieve a higher quality of life and to contribute positively to society.

BOARD OF EDUCATION

Bryant Public Schools

200 Northwest Fourth Street

Bryant, Arkansas 72022

Parents:

The Bryant School Board would like to take this opportunity to welcome you to the Bryant Public School System.

The Board is responsible for ensuring that the administration operates in a manner that reflects sound and cost-efficient management principles. This oversight role includes monitoring the District’s compliance with all relevant state and federal guidelines. Ultimately, our goal is to facilitate each student receiving a quality, comprehensive education.

The Board also performs some specific functions regarding student disciplinary action and a variety of personnel measures. These activities are a part of a specific chain of command that must be adhered to in order to guarantee that the rights of all staff, faculty, and students are protected.

It is important for all patrons of the school district to understand that the authority and responsibility of the board members exist only on a collective basis. Individually, they have no authority.

If you have a concern regarding your child, contact his/her teacher(s). If you still have a concern regarding your child and his/her education, contact the teacher’s supervisor (this is typically the principal). If you still have concerns regarding your child, contact the Superintendent of Schools. If at this level a satisfactory resolution cannot be reached, the Board may become involved as indicated by policy.

The Bryant School Board members consider it a vital element of their role to reflect the desires of the community with respect to the school system. Listed below are the names of the School Board members. If you have any suggestions or comments, please feel free to contact any board member:

Mr. Jim Davis 847-8082 Mrs. Sandra Porter 847-3627

Mr. David Passmore 316-2581

Mr. David Moore 847-8879 Mrs. Rhonda Sanders 847-6849

Introduction……………………………………………………………………..….. 1

Letter from Board of Education……………………………………………………. 2

Entrance Requirements……………………………………………………………. 4

Student Attendance.……………………………………………………………….. 8

Student Conduct……………………………………………………………………9

ALC/In School Suspension/ Anonymous Reporting –Unacceptable Activities….…11

Bullying/Corporal Punishment - Board Policy………………………….…………. 12

Dress Code………..…………………………………………………………..……. 13

Expulsion/ Management for Discipline Infractions ………………………...………14

Search and Seizure/Suspension/Contact with students at school by individuals…... 17

Drug Policy………………………………………………………………………….17

Academic Notes………………………………………………………………… 18

Smart Core…………………………………………………………………………..19

After-school programs/ Academic Assessment / Academic Improvement Plan …...18

Graduation Requirements/ Grade Assignment – Transfer Students ……...……….. 21

Homework Policy – Notification/ Instructional Materials Selection Procedures … 22

Retention/ Student Records and Directory Information ……………………...…… 23

Textbooks…………………………………………………………………….……. 23

Health Services…………………………………………………………………..... 24

Child Find/Health Care Plan/ Family Center ………………………………..……. .25

Injured Students/ Medication Policy ………………………………………………. 26

Reporting Child Abuse…………………………………………………………….. 27

Food Services/Meal Prices……………………………………………………….. 28

Civil Rights Regulations…………………………………………………………….29

General Information…………………………………………………………….. 29

Petitions……………………………………………………………………………..29

Birthday and Class Parties……… ………...……………………………………… 29

Closing Announcements/Contact with Students.……………...…………………… 29

Computer System/Internet Use Policy……………………………………………...30

Controversial Materials/ Distribution of Literature ……………….…………….… 35

Field Trips/Floral or Balloon Arrangements………………………………………..35

Student Publication Policy ………………………………….………………….….. 36

Tobacco Use on Campus……………………………………………………………37

Fundraisers…………………………………………………………………………..37

Visitation Guidelines/Volunteer Program ….……………………….………………37

Policies for Students Riding School Buses………………….…………………… .37

Calendar…………………………………………………………………………. 42

ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS

CAMPUS AVAILABILTY POLICY

Due to ratio standards, it is the practice of the Bryant School District that when grade sections are full at a zoned campus, students will be transferred to another elementary campus.

EMERGENCY FORMS

Current telephone numbers must be furnished - four numbers if possible. Address changes should be sent immediately. In the event your child should be injured and neither parent can be reached, Bryant School District officials will contact the named physician on the medical information card filled out at the beginning of the school year and authorize any treatment deemed necessary in an emergency for the health and safety of the child. If physicians or any named person cannot be contacted, the officials are authorized to take whatever action is necessary in their judgment for the health and safety of the child. Bryant School District will not be held financially liable for the emergency care and/or transportation of the child.

IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS

In order to be allowed to attend school, Arkansas State Law requires proof from your doctor or health department that your child has received certain immunizations before entering school.

Diphtheria-Tetanus 3 or more doses of DPT, DtaP, Td or DT vaccine with one dose on or after the age of 4 years

Polio 3 doses of vaccine with the last dose being administered on or after the age of 4 years

MMR 2 doses of MMR vaccine. (The first dose must have been administered on or after the child’s 1^st birthday) A second dose of the measles vaccine will be required beginning the school year 2000-2001.

Hepatitis B 3 doses of Hepatitis B vaccine are required for all Kindergarten and all transfer (new) students

Varicella All kindergarten students are to be vaccinated against Chickenpox if they have not had the disease.

KINDERGARTEN WAIVER

Any parent, guardian, or other person residing within the State and having custody or charge of any child or children may elect for the child or children not to attend Kindergarten if the child or children will not be age six (6) on September 15 of that particular school year. If such an election is made, the parent, guardian, or other person having custody or charge of the child must file a signed Kindergarten waiver form with the local District administrative office. Such form shall be prescribed by regulation of the State Department of Education. On filing the Kindergarten waiver form, the child or children shall not be required to attend Kindergarten in that school year. (ACT 570 of 1999)

PHYSICAL ASSESSMENT

Enrolling kindergarten students shall be evaluated with the Early, Periodic, Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment (EPSDT) or its equivalent. Any pupil may be excused from the examination on presentation of a physical assessment form from a physician. Physical assessment forms may be obtained from the school office or school nurse. (AR 6-18-701)

PERTINENT INFORMATION

All pertinent information concerning the child’s health (well-being) record should be furnished to school authorities such as immediate teacher, principal, school nurse. This includes the health information given at registration, records furnished by the family physician, and information provided on emergency call cards. If change of custody occurs or disputes in custody exists, parents will provide court documents clarifying custody arrangements.

Entrance Requirements(A.C.A.6-18-208)

1. Prior to a child’s enrollment in a school in the Bryant School District, the parent, guardian, or responsible person shall provide the school district with one (1) of the following documents indicating the child’s age:

a. A birth certificate.

b. A statement by the local registrar or a county recorder certifying the child’s date of birth.

c. An attested baptismal certificate.

d. A passport.

e. An affidavit of the date and place of birth by the child’s parent or guardian.

f. Previous school records, or

g. A United States military identification.

2. Prior to a child’s admission to a school in the Bryant School District, the school shall request the parent, guardian, or other responsible person to furnish the child’s social security number and shall inform the parent, guardian, or other responsible person that, in the alternative, they may request that the school district assign the child a nine-digit number designated by the Department of Education.

3. Prior to a child’s admission to a school in the Bryant School District, the parent, guardian, or other responsible person shall indicate on school registration forms whether the child has been expelled from school in any other school district or is a party to an expulsion proceeding.

PROOF OF RESIDENCE

Before a child is enrolled in school the parent must present proof of residence within the Bryant School District. Examples of acceptable proof of residence include a sales contract or closing papers for the purchase of a home, a rent receipt with a current date, or a current utility bill, which indicates the address. Also, parents must provide proof of real estate and personal property assessment for the current year. This is to protect the District from accepting students who are not legal residents of the Bryant School District.

STUDENTS EXPELLED

Students expelled from any other school district shall not be enrolled in the Bryant school District unless the Bryant School Board grants a student’s enrollment following a hearing.

STUDENT EDUCATIONAL RECORDS AND DIRECTORY INFORMATION

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords parents and students over 18 year of age ("eligible students") certain rights with respect to the student's education records. They are:

1.) The right to inspect and review the student's education records within 45 days of the day the District receives a request for access. Parents or eligible students should submit to the school principal (or appropriate school official) a written request that identifies the record(s) they wish to inspect. The principal will make arrangements for access and notify the parent or eligible student of the time and place where the records may be inspected.

2.) The right to request the amendment of the student's education records that the parent or eligible student believes are inaccurate or misleading. Parents or eligible students may ask to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate or misleading. They should write the school principal, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading. If the District decides not to amend the record as requested by the parent or eligible student, the District will notify the parent or eligible student of the decision and advise them of their right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the parent or eligible student when notified of the right to a hearing.

3.) The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student's education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. One exception, which permits disclosure without consent, is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility. A school official is a person employed by the District as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff member (including health or medical staff and law enforcement unit personnel); a person serving on the School Board; a person or company with whom the District has contracted to perform a special task (such as an attorney, auditor, medical consultant, or therapist); or a parent or student serving on an official committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. Upon request, the District will disclose educational records without consent to officials of another school district in which a student seeks or intends to enroll.

4.) The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the District to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The Office that administers FERPA is: Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, 600 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20202-4605.

Students' names, addresses, and phone numbers shall not be given to any person without written parental consent or other proper legal authority.

Any student and his/her parent(s) are entitled to see school records regarding that student’s educational progress in school. Personal memoranda prepared by a teacher, counselor, or administrative staff member concerning observations of the staff or teachers with reference to student’s personalities and behavior problems will not be exhibited to the parent(s) or student.

The Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment

The Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA), 20 U.S.C.§ 1232h, requires the Bryant School District to notify you and obtain consent or allow you to opt your child out of participating in certain school activities. The activities include a student survey, analysis, or evaluation that concerns one or more of the following eight areas (“protected information surveys”):

1. Political affiliations or beliefs of the student or student’s parent;

2. Mental or psychological problems of the student or student’s family;

3. Sex behavior or attitudes;

4. Illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating, or demeaning behavior;

5. Critical appraisals of others with whom respondents have close family relationships;

6. Legally recognized privileged relationships, such as lawyers, doctors, or ministers;

7. Religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the student or parents; or

8. Income, other than required by law to determine program eligibility.

This requirement also applies to the collection, disclosure or use of student information for marketing purposes (“marketing surveys”), and certain physical exams and screenings.

The Bryant School District will provide parents, within a reasonable period of time prior to the administration of the surveys and activities, notification of the surveys and activities and be provided an opportunity to opt their child out, as well as the opportunity to review the surveys. (Please note that this notice and consent/opt-out transfers from parents to any student who is 18 years old or an emancipated minor under State law.)

STUDENT ATTENDANCE

AGE REQUIREMENTS

Every parent, guardian, or other person having custody or charge of any child age five (5) through seventeen (17) years on or before September 15 of that year who resides, as defined by policy (RESIDENCE REQUIREMENTS), WITHIN THE district shall enroll and send the child to a District school with the following exceptions:

The child is enrolled in private or parochial school.

The child is being home-schooled and the conditions of policy (HOME SCHOOLING) have been met.

The child will not be age six (6) on or before September 15 of that particular school year and the parent, guardian, or other person having custody or charge of the child elects not to have him/her attend kindergarten. A kindergarten waiver form prescribed by regulation of the Department of Education must be signed and on file with the District administrative office. (AR 6-18-201)

ATTENDANCE SPECIFICATIONS

Regular school attendance is vital to the overall academic success of every student. The responsibility of regular attendance rests with the student and his/her Parent/Guardians. An absence from school is excused, unexcused, or excessive.

Excused Absences- Student absences will be excused for the following reasons:

· Personal illness of student

· Court appearance

· Medical appointments

· Serious illness in the immediate family (Parents/guardians, siblings, and grandparents)

· Death in the family

· Any circumstances not covered above which the principal or designee determines are acceptable. All other absences will be categorized as unexcused.

All excused absences require a written note or doctor’s excuse to be provided to the school within five (5) school days of returning to school. All absences over six (6) days per semester will require a medical/professional written note.

Students are responsible for seeing that work missed during an excused absence is made up. The normal time allowed to makeup work will be one (1) day per absence.

Unexcused Absences- Any absence not excused by note or official documentation will be considered an unexcused absence. After three (3) unexcused absences in a semester, the student’s Parent/Guardian will be notified. Students will receive a zero for work missed during a suspension or any unexcused absence.

Excessive Absences & Excessive Tardies- Seven (7) unexcused absences or ten(10) tardies per semester is considered excessive. A referral to DHS for educational neglect shall be made for all students age 10 and under with excessive absences or tardies. A truancy petition will be filed with the Saline County Juvenile Court for students, ages 11 and older with excessive absences or tardies. If excessive absences or tardies continue, a FINS petition (Families in Need of Services) could be filed.

CHECK IN/OUT PROCEDURES

Students arriving late must be accompanied by parents to check in through the office. A late notice will be issued to the student for teachers to admit them to class. Parents/Designee may pick up a student by checking them out through the office. Teachers will require a notice from the office before allowing a student to leave. A student will be released directly to the parents at any time. If parents call or send a note giving permission, another adult may pick up a student. For the safety of your child, a student check out card will be sent home to list authorized individuals to pick your child up from school early. Adults checking children out early may be required to show identification to school personnel.

INSTRUCTIONAL TIME/TARDIES

A student must be present six (6) hours of instructional time to be counted present all day. A student must be present three (3) hours instructional time to be counted present one-half day. A student arriving one hour or more late or checking out one hour or more early will be counted present one-half day. Students considered for perfect attendance awards shall receive no more than two (2) tardies per nine-week grading period. Tardy is defined as a student not being in his/her assigned classroom when the tardy bell rings each morning, a student checked out during the day and missing instructional time, or a student leaving before the end of the day. Instruction missed due to excessive tardies will not be made up during regular instructional time.

STUDENT CONDUCT

A student’s behavior should conform to acceptable standards of conduct. The staff requests support in maintaining appropriate conduct in school. Students’ behavior should reflect self-respect and consideration for the rights, feelings and property of others.

The school staff has the authority and the responsibility to take customary and

reasonable measures to maintain proper control and discipline among students.

This may include reasonable force to stop or restrain a student from causing

physical injury to himself/herself or others.

Students involved in disciplinary action will find the following possibilities:

conference with student or parent/student, required reading or VCR viewing

during recess time, detention during or before school, withholding privileges,

work detail, placed on probation, in-school suspension, isolation, send to another

class, corporal punishment, suspension, expulsion, family parenting classes,

student pays for damages, sentence/theme writing, etc.

In the case of students assigned to a special education self-contained classroom, the self-contained teacher or supervisor in cooperation will handle all discipline infractions with

the principal as determined by the student’s individual education plan.

A student will be informed of the offense, given an opportunity to explain the behavior,

evidence against him/her presented (if denied), and given an opportunity to tell his/her

side before disciplinary action is taken. The school district reserves the right to provide consequences for behavior that is not conducive to good order and discipline in the schools, even though such behavior is not specified in the rules.

Bryant Public Elementary Schools use the Assertive Discipline Model. Individual consequences and rewards are posted in each classroom. All elementary campuses follow the rules listed below:

Cafeteria Rules

· Classes will enter the cafeteria as a group and sit as a group.

· Do not leave food, napkins or utensils on the tables or floor.

· There shall be no playing, loud talking, or loud noise in the cafeteria.

· Do not take food or paper products from the cafeteria.

Hallway Rules

· Students shall walk quietly and orderly at all times.

· Students report directly to their rooms. There should be no roaming the halls or standing in the halls visiting.

· Students should be given hall passes if they are to be out of the classroom.

Classroom Rules

· Follow all directions of the teacher.

· Be in your room and ready to work when class begins.

· Have materials for class and assignments every day.

· Keep hands, feet, books, and other objects to yourself.

· No bad language, rude gestures, cruel teasing, or put-downs.

Playground Rules

· Use playground equipment in a safe and proper manner.

· Remain within assigned playground areas.

· No tackle football.

· No hardballs, wooden or metal bats. No skateboards or roller blades.

· No jumping or riding on each other’s backs.

· No climbing trees or fences.

· No playing war or gangs.

· Keep hands and feet to yourself. No karate, games involving kicking or punching, including wrestling.

· No throwing of objects (rocks, sticks, pine cones, etc.).

· No teasing, making fun of others, harassment (verbal or physical).

· Stay away from animals on the playground.

· For the safety and well-being of our children, only school personnel should be on the

playground with the children at recess, unless approved by the principal.

Walkmans, cell phones, I-Pods, MP3 players, radios, tape players, CD players, electronic games, laser pointers, skateboards, roller blades, trading cards (sport cards, Pokemon, etc.), stuffed animals, spent ammunition casings including those incorporated in items such as jewelry or key rings, miniaturized images of weapons, or any items that may disrupt the instructional process are not allowed on campus and will be confiscated. The student must make arrangements for the parent to pick up the item at school. Toys are only allowed with teacher approval for use in the classroom. The school will not be responsible for these items.

P.L.A.C.E. PROGRAM

Purpose

The purpose of the PLACE (Positive Learning And Creative Education) program is to establish an alternative educational and behavioral environment for students with behavioral or learning difficulties, which prevent them from functioning in a regular classroom setting.

Criteria

· Students in first through fifth grade in the Bryant School District are eligible for referral.

· Students must demonstrate specific behavioral, emotional, or learning difficulties that make him/her unable to function in the regular classroom setting.

· Sufficient evidence must be provided to show that the student has not responded to standard disciplinary procedures.

· Classroom intervention strategies must be attempted before placing the student in the more restrictive setting.

Parents/guardian will attend orientation classes provided at the Bryant Public Schools Family Center or at the Saline County Juvenile Court Center.

ANONYMOUS REPORTING - UNACCEPTABLE ACTIVITIES

The Bryant School District has established a telephone line for students and/or parents that may be used to anonymously report unacceptable activity at any campus that needs to be brought to the attention of the building principal. The number to call is 316-0909. All calls will be recorded on an answering machine.

BULLYING (Act 1437 of 2005)

The General Assembly finds that every student in this state has the right to receive his or her public education in a public school educational environment that is reasonably free from substantial intimidation, harassment, or harm or threat by another student.

“Bullying” means the intentional harassment, intimidation, humiliation, ridicule, defamation, or threat or incitement of violence by a student against another student or public school employee by a written, verbal, electronic, or physical act that causes or creates a clear and present danger of: (a) Physical harm to a public school employee or student or damage to the public school’s employee’s or student’s property: (b) Substantial interference with a student’s education or with a public school employee’s role in education: (c) a hostile educational environment for one (1) or more students or public school employees due to the severity, persistence, or pervasiveness of the act: or (d) substantial disruption of the orderly operation of the school or educational environment: “Electronic act” means without limitation a communication or image transmitted by means of an electronic device, including without limitation a telephone, wireless phone or other wireless communications device, computer, or pager; “Harassment” means a pattern of unwelcome verbal or physical conduct relating to another person’s constitutionally or statutorily substantial interference with the other’s performance in the school environment; and “Substantial Disruption” means without limitations that any one or more of the following occur as a result of bullying: (a) Necessary cessation of instruction or educational activities; (b) Inability of students or educational staff to focus on learning or function as an educational unit because of a hostile environment; (c) Severe or repetitive disciplinary measures are needed in the classroom or during educational activities; or (d) Exhibition of other behaviors by students or educational staff that substantially interfere with the learning environment.

Students who engage in bullying (a) while at school, on school property, in school vehicles, on school buses, at designated bus stops, at any school function in connection to or with any District sponsored activity or event, while en route to or from school, or (b) by an electronic act that results in the substantial disruption of the orderly operation of the school or educational environment are subject to disciplinary action, up to and including suspension or expulsion. This section shall apply to an electronic act originated on school property or with school equipment, if the electronic act is directed specifically at students or school personnel and maliciously intended for the purpose of disrupting school, and has a high likelihood of succeeding in that purpose. School employees who witness bullying, or have reliable information that a pupil has been the victim of bullying, as defined in this policy, shall report the incident to the building principal immediately.

The person or persons who file a complaint will not be subject to retaliation or reprisal in any form. A school employee who has reported violations under the school district’s policy shall be immune from any tort liability that may arise from the failure to remedy the reported incident.

A copy of this policy shall be posted in every classroom, cafeteria, restroom, gymnasium, auditorium, and school bus in the district. In addition, notice of this policy shall be provided to parents, students, school volunteers, and employees. Copies of this policy shall be available upon request.

CORPORAL PUNISHMENT - BOARD POLICY

Corporal punishment may be administered by any certified employee (teacher/principal) of the District to any student following warning that the misbehavior will not be tolerated. The Board of Education directs that corporal punishment will be administered according to the following requirements with the parent’s permission:

· It will be administered by a certified staff member in the presence of a school administrator or designee, who shall be a teacher or administrator employed by the school district. (Act 333 of 1995)

· It will not be administered in the presence of other students, or in a spirit of malice or anger, nor will it be excessive.

· Refusal to take corporal punishment may result in suspension.

· The employee administering the corporal punishment shall prepare a written report stating the reason for the punishment and the name of the witness, and shall submit a copy to the principal’s office.

· On request, the parent shall be informed in writing of the reasons for the punishment and the name of the witness.

The school district reserves the right to punish behavior, which is subversive to good order and discipline in the schools, even though such behavior is not specified in the preceding written rules.

DRESS CODE

Student dress, grooming and appearance should be the responsibility of the student and the student’s parents under the following guidelines:

· Dress and grooming should be clean and in keeping with health, safety, sanitary practice, and accord-ing to weather conditions. Appropriate shoes and clothing for physical education classes will be worn.

· Dress and grooming will not be allowed to disrupt the educational process.

· Clothing or articles that advertise drugs, alcoholic beverages, tobacco, suggest obscenities, violence, or present double messages may not be worn.

· Dresses or tops must cover the shoulders, stomach, and back. Students may not wear midriff tops, fishnets, or tops that leave the stomach, sides, or back exposed. Students may not wear any garment that exposes the body between the waist and the accepted length of shorts according to current dress code. (Length must be longer than fingertips with arms dropped at side of body). This is to regulate the holes, tears, split, or cuts in garments.

· Students may not wear clothing or hairstyles that can be distracting or disruptive to the educational process.

· A student shall not wear or display emblems, insignias, badges, tattoos, or other symbols if the message is intended to mock, ridicule, or otherwise demean or provoke others because of race, religion, national origin, or other individual views.

· Students must wear shoes. Every school will have a minimum 30 minutes of daily physical activity.(Act 1220 of 2003) For safety requirements, we recommend that students wear tennis shoes, not flip flops or sandals. No cleats or skate shoes allowed.

· No caps or hats may be worn in the building.

· Pants must be fitted at the waist, no sagging.

Students will be permitted to wear shorts throughout the school year under the following restriction:

· Shorts must be neatly hemmed/no cut-offs with raveled edges.

· Absolutely no short shorts. (Length must be longer than fingertips with arms dropped at side of body.)

· Spandex, leggings, dance or exercise clothing may be worn underneath clothing which meets fingertip regulation.

In determining the proper hemline of dresses, skirts and trousers, the administration will take into consideration the style changes that take place in the school community. Students must be dressed in good taste. It is the discretion of the administration to determine acceptable dress.

EXPULSION

Expulsion is exclusion of a student from school for the remainder of the term or semester.

This authority rests with the Board of Education upon recommendation of the principal and the superintendent. Students who bring firearms or other weapons to the school campus shall be expelled for a period of not less than one year. (Act 567 of 1995)

The Board of Education is authorized to expel a student for the remainder of the school year for conduct it deems to be of such gravity as to make a relatively short temporary suspension inappropriate, or when it finds that the student’s continued attendance at school would be disruptive to the education program or dangerous to other students and/or faculty members. The Superintendent or his/her designee shall give written notice mailed within five (5) school student interaction days from the alleged incident causing the expulsion recommendation to the parents or guardian that he/she has recommended to the Board of Education that a student be expelled for the balance of the school semester/year and the notice shall contain a statement of reasons for this recommendation. The notice shall reflect the date, hour, and place where the Board will consider and dispose of the recommendation.

MANAGEMENT FOR DISCIPLINE INFRACTIONS

Any conduct that tends to be disruptive of the educational program will be grounds for disciplinary action.

1. Dress code violation

Min. - Student conference with parent notification

Max. - One (1) day suspension

2. Cheating

Min. - Student conference. Zero for work.

Max. - Three (3) day suspension

3. Truancy or leaving school grounds at any time without permission

Min. - Student/Parent conference

Max. - Report to prosecuting authority (Act 876 1991)

4. Possession of any cell phone, I-Pod, MP3 player, paging device, beeper or similar electronic communication device on the school campus and possession of fireworks, matches, etc. Refusing to identify self to school personnel or giving wrong identification.

Min. - Student conference

Max. - Five (5) day suspension

5. Sexual harassment, inappropriate language, gestures, teasing, sexual

acts or art. Insubordination or disrespect toward any school employee

Min. - Student conference

Max. - Ten (10) day suspension with recommendation for expulsion for the remainder of the semester. No credit.

6. Possession or use of any tobacco or tobacco products

Min. - Student conference with parent notification.

Max. - Ten (10) day suspension with recommendation for expulsion for the remainder of the semester. No credit.

7. Participation in gambling or wagering where the stakes are money or any

other objects of value.

Min. - Student conference

Max. - Ten (10) day suspension.

8. Gang, secret organizations (Use of gang signs, symbols, paraphernalia, etc.)

Min. - Warning with student/parent/administrator conference.

Max. - Ten (10) day suspension with recommendation for expulsion for the

remainder of the semester. No credit.

9. Inappropriate use of technology or media

Min. - Student conference.

Max. - Ten (10) day suspension with recommendation for expulsion for the

remainder of the semester. No credit.

10. Damaging, destroying or stealing of school or another individual’s property

Min. - Student/parent conference. Student pays for damages.

Max. - Ten (10) day suspension with recommendation for expulsion for the

remainder of the school year. No credit.

11. Fighting/Scuffling/Rough-Housing

Min. - Student conference

Max. - Ten (10) day suspension with recommendation for expulsion for the

remainder of the school year. No credit.

12. Bullying, threatening, attempting or causing physical injury or violence

towards any school employee, student, or other individual.

Min. - Student conference

Max. - Ten (10) day suspension with recommendation for expulsion for the

remainder of the school year. No credit.

13. Possession of any weapon or object considered to be a dangerous instrument

or possession of any object that looks like a weapon is prohibited on school property or at school sponsored events. A student shall not possess, handle or transmit an object that can be easily mistaken for a gun, knife, razor blade, ice pick, club, or other weapon.

Min. – Student conference

Max. – Ten (10) day suspension with recommendation for expulsion for the

remainder of the school year. No credit(If a knife or other dangerous

object is brought to school by mistake, turn in to the office or teacher

immediately without penalty.)

14. Threats of mass violence such as bomb threats, shootings, etc.

Possible ten (10) day suspension with recommendation for expulsion for the remainder of the school year and/or following semester/term or permanently. A report will be filed with the appropriate law enforcement agency. The school year may be extended to make up required instructional days.

15. Purchase, possession, using, offering for sale or selling alcoholic beverages or

other elicit drugs or look-alike drugs (substances represented as a controlled

substance in any form) on school property

Min. - Ten (10) day suspension

Max. - Ten (10) day suspension with recommendation for expulsion for the

remainder of the school year. No credit.

The District strongly encourages the student to get a drug and alcohol

assessment by a Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor (available through an

independent agency under contract with the District at no cost to the student)

before re-admittance.

16. Possession of any firearms (Act 567 of 1995)

Ten (10) day suspension with recommendation for expulsion for one (1)

calendar year. A referral will also be made to the following: the School

Resource Officer, the police department and the Saline County Juvenile

courts. The superintendent has the discretion to modify the expulsion

requirements for a student on a case-by-case basis.

17. Principals will have the authority/discretion to refer students to the Bryant

ALC/PLACE program in lieu of recommending expulsion if, in the principal’s

judgment, such a referral is warranted and appropriate.

18. The school district reserves the right to punish behavior, which is subversive to

good order and discipline in the schools, even though such behavior is not

specified in the preceding written rules. The minimum consequences will be a

verbal reprimand and the maximum will be a recommendation for permanent

expulsion.

SEARCH AND SEIZURE

The District respects the rights of students’ privacy and security against arbitrary invasion of their person or property. School officials do have the right, however, to search students and their property in the interest of the overall welfare of other students or when necessary to preserve order and discipline in the school. School authorities may conduct searches of student desks and lockers when a reasonable cause exists to believe that stolen items or items prohibited by law or policy are contained in the area to be searched. School officials may seize weapons, items prohibited by law or policy or stolen property found in a search. The search of a student’s person will be conducted only if school officials have probable cause that a students’ clothing, purse, or other personal possessions, contain stolen items, or items prohibited by law or school policy. The person conducting the school search will be a school official of the same gender and with an adult witness of the same gender present.

SUSPENSION

Suspension is prohibition of a student from entering the school or grounds (except for a prearranged conference with an administrator) for a period of time set by the principal of the school or the superintendent.

Suspensions will not be longer than ten (10) days including the day on which the offense occurred. Suspension does not carry with it loss of credit for the semester, however, make-up work will not be allowed. School closings due to inclement weather will not be counted as part of the suspension days.

CONTACT WITH STUDENTS AT SCHOOL BY INDIVIDUALS

Questioning of students by non-school personnel, except for law enforcement personnel and/or investigative personnel from State or federal child-protective agencies (Department of Human Services, SCAN, etc.) who are conducting a child maltreatment or abuse investigation,

shall be granted only with a court order directing such questioning, with permission of the parents of a student (or the student if above eighteen [18] years of age), or in response to a subpoena or arrest warrant. Except for child maltreatment/abuse investigations, no student shall be questioned under any circumstances without an employee of the district being present.

ACADEMIC NOTES

AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMS

After school programs may be offered to elementary students as an extended service. Academic tutoring will be the primary focus of these programs. Attendance is optional; however, disciplinary problems will NOT be tolerated. For more information, please contact the building principal.

ACADEMIC ASSESSMENT

Grades assigned to students for performance in a course shall reflect only the extent to which a student has achieved the expressed academic objective of the course. Grades that reflect other educational objectives, such as those contained in the learner outcomes and curriculum frameworks, may also be given.

Report cards are issued each nine-weeks period. Interim reports are sent at four and one-half weeks. Report cards will be sent home no later than one week following the end of the quarter.

Elementary teachers shall meet with the parent/guardian of each student at least once a semester through a parent-teacher conference, telephone conferences, e-mail, or a home visit to discuss student academic progress. Please contact your child’s teacher if you feel additional conferences are needed.

Grading Scale

A Excellent 90-100

B Above Average 80-89

C Average 70-79

D Below Average 60-69

F Unsatisfactory Below 60

· A skill check system will be utilized for Kindergarten and First grade with a P or N being given-

· P-Proficient, N-Needs additional time to master the skill..

· Terminology that is used on the Benchmark examinations will be found on various assignments:

4- Advanced, 3 – Proficient, 2- Basic, 1- Below Basic.

REMEDIATION

All students must participate in appropriate benchmark, norm-referenced, and end of course exams as established by the State Board of Education. Each student identified as not scoring at the proficient level or higher on the Benchmark or End of Course Literacy, Algebra, or Geometry Exams shall participate in a remediation program to address the specific needs of that child. School personnel in conjunction with parents shall develop an appropriate individualized academic improvement plan (AIP) for those identified students.

Any student in grades three through eight identified as scoring basic or below basic on the Benchmark Exam and who fail to participate in the AIP shall be retained and shall not be promoted to the next appropriate grade until:

(A) The student is deemed to have participated in an academic improvement plan; or

(B) The student passes the benchmark assessment for the current grade level in which the student is retained.

Any student required to take an End of Course (EOC) Exam that receives a score of basic or below basic for that exam shall participate in remediation activities as required by the student’s AIP in order to receive credit on their transcript for the course related to the End of Course Exam.

The student’s AIP shall include remediation activities focused on areas in which the student failed to pass on the Benchmark or EOC Exam.

SMART CORE POLICY

Beginning with the incoming 7^th grade class of the 2004-2005 school year, parents and students will be required by the Arkansas Department of Education’s Standard of Accreditation to select to participate in either the Smart Core or Core curriculum. According to the Standard’s of Accreditation, all students will participate in the Smart Core curriculum unless the parent or guardian waives a student’s right to participate. In the case of a waiver, the student will be required to participate in Core classes. A form will be provided and must be filled out, signed, dated, and returned to the school district to be placed in each student’s permanent record file. In the event that a student from the Bryant School District should transfer to another district, the signed Smart Core Informed Consent Form will be sent as part of that student’s permanent record. If a student transfers to the Bryant School District, the parent will complete a new Smart Core/Core form. The student will be required to complete the Smart Core option unless the parent chooses to opt out.

A review of the requirements of Smart Core and course of study for graduation will be discussed with parents and students to ensure an informed understanding of the Smart Core curriculum and courses necessary for graduation will occur during CAP conferences. These conferences will occur during parent/teacher conferences in the spring of each child’s sixth grade year and each year thereafter or upon entering the Bryant School District from another district. In addition parent meetings such as PTO, Family Nights, and Open House will be held during the year to inform parents of the requirements of Smart Core and the courses necessary for graduation on each secondary campus. Also, the requirements for Smart Core will be reviewed by each secondary handbook committee as part of the annual review of handbooks. During this review, any necessary changes required to comply with the changes to the Arkansas Standards of Accreditation will be addressed. All student handbooks will be on file with the Arkansas Department of Education to ensure compliance with these requirements.

All teachers, counselors, and administrators at the secondary level will receive training during district in-service on the requirements for and implementation of the Smart Core and Core curriculum.

Should a parent/guardian desire to reverse their decision concerning Smart Core/Core, the parent/guardian will be required to complete a Course of Study Informed Consent Reversal Form. This may be done at any time as long as the student may complete the required courses prior to graduation. Typically, this would be no later than the end of the student’s tenth grade year although circumstances will dictate the final date at which the decision may be reversed.

The minimum requirements to complete the “Smart Core” are defined as follows:

Smart Core:

1. English – 4 units

2. Oral Communications – ½ unit

3. Mathematics – 4 units (All students must take a mathematics course in grade 11 or grade 12. Comparable concurrent credit college courses may be substituted where applicable.)

Algebra I or Algebra A & B (grades 7-8 or 8-9)

Geometry or Investigating Geometry or Geometry A & B

Algebra II

(choice of: Transitions to College Math, Pre-Calculus, Calculus, Trigonometry, Statistics, Computer Math, Algebra III or an Advanced Placement math)

4. Natural Science – 3 units with lab experience chosen from

Physical Science

Biology or Applied Biology/Chemistry

Chemistry

Physics or Principles of Technology I & II or PIC Physics

5. Social Studies – 3 units

Civics or Civics/American Government

World History

American History

6. Physical Education – ½ unit

7. Health and Safety – ½ unit

8. Fine Arts – ½ unit

9. Career Focus – 6 units Total – 22 units

The minimum requirements to complete the high school "Core" are defined as follows:

Core:

1. English - 4 units

2. Oral Communications - ½ unit

3. Mathematics - 4 units (1 unit of algebra or its equivalent and 1 unit of geometry or its equivalent math units must build on the base of algebra and geometry knowledge and skills. Comparable concurrent credit college courses may be substituted where applicable. A two-year algebra equivalent or a two-year geometry equivalent may each be counted as two units of the 4 unit requirement.

4. Science - 3 units (at least 1 unit of biology or its equivalent and 1 unit of physical science).

5. Social Studies - 3 units (1 unit of World History, 1 unit of U.S. History, ½ unit of Civics or government).

6. Physical Education - ½ unit.

7. Fine Arts - ½ unit.

8. Health - ½ unit.

9. Career Focus – 6 Units Total – 22 units

Career Focus: All units in the career focus requirements shall be established through guidance and counseling based on the students' contemplated work aspirations. There are four career focus areas: Math-Science/Engineering, Business/Information Technology, Health Science and Human Services, and Communications, Humanities, and Fine Arts. These four areas are detailed in the CAP booklet. Career focus shall conform to policy and will reflect the Arkansas curriculum frameworks through course sequencing and career choice concentrations where appropriate.

Under regulatory Acts 977, 1172, 1108, 1195 and 1290 of 1997, local districts may require additional units for graduation beyond the 15 core and career focus units.

Bryant students are to choose one of the pre-established career focus areas in order to meet the common core requirements to graduate and the district's graduation requirements of 24 units (26 units for graduates of 2005, 2006, etc.).

Core and District Graduation Requirements:

1.) English – 4 units

2.) Oral Communications – ½ unit

3.) Mathematics – 4 units (including 1 unit of Algebra or its equivalent

and 1 unit of geometry or its equivalent)

4.) Science – 3 units (including 1unit Biology or its equivalent and 1 unit of Physical Science)

5.) Social Studies – 3 units (1 unit of World History, 1 unit of U. S. History, ½ unit of Civics or government)

6.) Physical Education – ½ unit

7.) Fine Arts – ½ unit

8.) Health and Safety – ½ unit

9.) Business – ½ unit

10.) Electives – 9½ units Total: 26 units

GRADE ASSIGNMENT-TRANSFER STUDENTS

Any student transferring from a school accredited by the Arkansas Department of Education to the Bryant School District shall be placed into the same grade the student would have been in had the student remained at the former school.

Students transferring to the Bryant School District from a home school or a school that is not accredited by the Arkansas Department of Education will be evaluated as follows:

Grades 1-8: Principals will use all available information in making grade placement decisions. The principal may change the placement depending on the performance of the child. Principals may require informal testing to determine placement.

Grades 9-12: Students in grades 9-12 who have completed coursework in another school will be required to take tests in the academic areas for which credit is desired. No letter grade will be issued, only “CR” for “credit earned”.The tests will be considered by the appropriate departments. The percent of material mastered on the test will determine the credit. For example:

Percent Credit

60-100 Full

59 or less None

Special Education: Special Education students entering the district will receive services according to their current Individual Education Plan (IEP) while records are gathered to confirm eligibility for services according to state and federal regulations. A full continuum of service options and related services are available to meet the needs of identified students from 3-21 years of age.

HOMEWORK POLICY -NOTIFICATION

The Bryant School District believes homework should be an integral part of the instructional program and a means by which students are provided extended time to master learning concepts and objectives. Homework should be a positive experience and provide students the opportunity to:

· Reinforce the concepts taught in class and/or lesson preparation

· Manage learning time away from the school setting

· Involve other adults in helping students learn

· Inform the parents of the learning activities provided during the school day

· Develop independent study habits, skills, and responsibilities

· All homework shall be monitored and credit will be given as part of the students’ grade.

· Division of average amounts of homework per week shall be left to the discretion of the building principal and department heads.

· Inter-departmental planning and coordination shall be necessary for long-range assignments such as research papers, science projects, television assignments, etc.

Students may expect homework amounting up to the following averages per week:

Kindergarten One-half hour Grades 1-3 Two hours

Grades 4-5 Four hours

It needs to be stressed that the time set for homework is the average time for an average child. Time frames will be followed as a general rule, but occasionally variation may be necessary.

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS SELECTION PROCEDURES POLICY

The Bryant School District subscribes in principle to the statements of policy on library philosophy as expressed in the First Amendment of the United States Constitution and the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights. Whenever a student or a student’s parents find books or other teaching materials to be offensive, he/she should contact the principal of the school.

RETENTION

Retention or the possibility of retention will be conveyed to parents/guardians in a personal conference prior to the end of the school year. The decision to retain or promote a student in the elementary grades will be the responsibility of school personnel. The promotion or retention of a student must be substantiated by current grades, standardized achievement scores, benchmark results, and permanent records

TEXTBOOKS

Subject Publisher Approx. Cost

Language Arts Harcourt $ 14.97 – 48.15

Mathematics Harcourt $27.50-49.98

Reading McGraw-Hill $33.24-50.34

Science Scott Foresman

Social Studies Houghton Mifflin $25.00 - $45.00

Parents are responsible for replacement cost of any textbooks lost or damaged.

HEALTH/SOCIAL SERVICES

The school nurse is available to administer first aid and care for ill students during regular school hours. There are also other available trained staff in first aid and CPR who may be utilized in the absence of the nurse.

The school nurse serves as the health care coordinator for each school. She coordinates and schedules conferences for chronically ill, medically fragile, and technology dependent students to develop individual health care plans. Parents/Guardians should contact her regarding any medical needs or concerns.

Hearing/Vision screenings are conducted on all K, 1^st, 3^rdgrade students under the direction of the school nurses. Parent/Guardian will be notified of any suspected problems. Any student will be screened upon request by parents, teachers, or students as needed through the school nurse.

Scoliosis screening is conducted as required by law (Act 41 of 1987) under the direction of the school nurse. All female students are checked in grade 5 – Parent/Guardian will be notified of any suspected problem.

Heights and Weights are obtained on each student to determine Body Mass Index (BMI) as required by law. This information will be reported to the parent/guardian in a confidential manner with appropriate health information.

Students found with head lice are to be excluded from school until proof of treatment is provided and all traces of lice and eggs (nits) are removed from the hair. The student is not to be re-admitted to school until the school nurse or designee has agreed. One (1) day excused absence will be allowed for treatment of head lice. A parent must accompany the student to school to be readmitted.

Arkansas School Infectious Guidelines furnished by the Arkansas Department of Education will be utilized in management of infectious diseases to reduce the risk of spreading diseases. Some common communicable diseases requiring exclusion from school until a period of communicability has passed or treatment has been established to render a student non-communicable are: Chickenpox, head lice, influenza, scabies, whooping cough and streptococcal sore throat.

Students known to have chronic infectious diseases must be individually evaluated to determine if their behavior and/or physical condition pose a risk of spreading of disease (Review team should consist of the school nurse, attending physician or local health authority, and the principal). For your child’s safety, appropriate staff may be notified of needed health information provided. The student’s right to privacy will be respected at all times.

CHILD FIND

The District will utilize varied methods on an annual basis to locate children with special health care needs. These students will require individualized health care intervention to enable participation in the educational process.

FAMILY CENTER

Mission Statement of the Parent Center:

The Bryant School District – in close partnership with family and community is committed to the concept of parents becoming directly involved in their student’s education process. We are committed to providing each student with a safe, educationally stimulating, learning environment so that all students will learn.

The Bryant Family Center supports parents as both learners and teachers. The schools center provides materials and a space where parents can gather with other parents and school staff to learn how to assist in their children’s at-home learning. Parents can come to such a center for educational materials, training, informal meetings, and even for referral to other community services.

For more information, contact the District Social Service Department at 653-5085.

INDIVIDUAL HEALTH CARE PLAN

If a need for an Individualized Health Care Plan (IHCP) exists, written consent from the Parent/Guardian to obtain information from the child’s physician may be requested. An IHCP will then be written.

INJURED STUDENTS

· If, at any time, either in the school building or on the school campus a student is injured; the principal and/or other school personnel are directed to do what is expedient and safe for the injured student.

· The school nurse should be contacted immediately, during school hours, followed by a call notifying the parents/guardian.

· An accident report shall be filed providing details of the nature of the accident. The school assumes no financial responsibility for treatment.

MEDICATION POLICY

It is the policy of the Bryant School Board that no prescription medication be administered to a student on any premises by school personnel unless the student requires the medication to attend school and unless a current valid doctor’s prescription and instructions, as well as a written request from the student’s parents are received by the school. School personnel should not give nonprescription medication to any student unless it is required for a student to attend school and a written request and instructions are received by the school from the student’s parents.

Guidelines for the policy:

· A Medication Administration Release Form (MARF) signed by the physician and parent will be used for prescription medications. This form should include: 1) Request for medication to be given, 2.) Student’s name, grade, and teacher, 3.) Medication, 4.) Dosage, 5.) Time to be given, including recommended interval, 6.) What the medication is for, and 7.) Emergency numbers in case the child has a reaction to the medication. A separate form is required for each medication. Other written documents may be accepted from the physician, which contain the student’s name, name of the drug, dosage, and time to be given, with approval from the school nurse.

· All medication must be in the original container. (Pharmacists should provide second container

to be sent to school upon request). The label on prescription medications must include the child’s

name, current date, and name of the drug, dosage, and time to be given. Drugs should not be mixed in a

container. The manufacturer’s label is sufficient on non-prescription medications. Drugs should not be

mixed in a container.

· If a student presents a prescription medication at school for a short-term illness (prn - as needed medication) to be given or a dosage adjustment during the school hours and meets all of the established criteria of the medication, but does not have a physician’s signature, the nurse will be notified and will make a review of each case.

· Parents shall be responsible for transporting medication to and from school for students in grades K-12 unless other arrangements are made with the school nurse or principal. It is recommended that parents bring a month’s supply to school and note when more medicine would be needed to prevent missed dosages due to depleted supply. At the end of the school year, parents of K-12 students must pick up any unused medication on or before the last day of school. All medication will be destroyed in the presence of a witness unless prior arrangements have been made through the school nurse.

· The school nurse or designee must administer all prescription and non-prescription medications. To comply with Act 1694 of 2005, an exception will be made for students to carry/self administer asthma inhalers or emergency medication required for specific health conditions with a physician’s order and school nurse approval. These students will require an emergency health care plan and a Medication Administration Release Form (MARF) on file with the school nurse. Parents will need to furnish required medical documentation. For the student’s protection, the nurse or designee will not give dosage of non-prescription medication in excess of the recommended dosage on the label of the container unless a written physician’s order is received.

· If a student is found with medication at school and the nurse determines it is needed for the well-being of the student (i.e., inhalers, etc.), she will attempt to contact the parent for appropriate information or obtain a verbal order from the physician to be used until a written order can be obtained. The parent will also be instructed concerning the District’s medication policy and disciplinary action to be taken.

· No more than six (6) doses of a non-prescription medication should be given per school year. Parents are to send only enough medication in original container for the six (6) dose maximum. If the student has a medical condition that requires more doses a written physician’s order is required. Parents must supply all medications.

· Students with fevers of greater than or equal to 100.5 °F will be sent home. A child with a fever should be fever free for 24 hours before returning to school.

· The Parent/Guardian outside of the school setting must give the initial dose of a new medication.

REPORTING CHILD ABUSE

It is the policy of the Bryant School District to comply with the state’s child abuse and neglect reporting laws and with the mandatory reporting section of those laws.

Any school official or employee who knows or has reasonable cause to suspect that a child has been subjected to abuse or neglect, or observes reasonable results of abuse or neglect, as defined by law shall immediately report or cause a report to be made to the Department of Human Services as required by law.

In keeping with the philosophy of Bryant Public Schools, parents/guardians will be informed by mail whenever outside agencies have interviewed a student at school. The District will always consider the welfare of the child in this Parent/Guardian notification process. With this in mind, the principal will be responsible for determining when Parent/Guardian notification is appropriate.

SCHOOL NURSE

Students who must see the school nurse shall get a pass from their teacher or the principal’s office. The nurse will give the student a pass to return to class.

FOOD SERVICE DEPARTMENT

MEAL PRICES

Student Lunch $1.90 Adult Breakfast 1.50

Student Breakfast $1.25 Extra milk .35

After School snacks: .75 Adult Lunch 2.55

Lunch applications may be picked up at building 16 – Food Service Office after July 1. Completed applications may be returned to the Food Service Office or mailed to: Food Service – Gay Sellers 200 NW 4^th Street Bryant, AR 72022. Applications are also available at any school office.

The Mealtime computerized lunch program is used. The first week of school will be used to set up student accounts so that everyone will have a meal balance.

Your child(ren) will need to bring lunch money on the first day of school. Please enclose lunch payments in an envelope with your student’s name, grade, and teacher on the outside of the envelope.

Please do not include snack money, book money, etc. with your child’s lunch payment. If you have more than one child in your school and send one check for both students, please specify name, grade, teacher and the amount for each.

Elementary students will be allowed to charge two(2) meals to their account.

This may be a breakfast and a lunch, two lunches or two breakfasts. The cashier will tell students that a charge has occurred. The charge must be reimbursed the following day.

No charges or personal checks will be allowed on student cafeteria accounts beginning May 1^st.

The Bryant School District does not want any student to go without a lunch; therefore, it is the District policy that a lunch of peanut butter and crackers will be provided by the school principal’s office to students who do not have lunch money and who cannot charge additional meals to their accounts. We will be glad to answer any questions concerning your child’s meal account by calling the Bryant Food Service Office at 847-5632.

Breakfast is served from 7:30 A.M. to 7:50 A.M. at all elementary campuses.

FOOD ALLERGY POLICY

An annual doctor’s note is required to be filed with the school nurse stating the student’s allergies to any food item before a food substitution can be made.

CIVIL RIGHTS REGULATIONS:

P.L. 94-142

In disciplining the disabled, it is necessary that due process procedures mandated by P.L. 94-142, and Arkansas Laws be followed by the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) team.

TITLE VI. SECTION 601, OF THE CIVIL RIGHTS ACTS OF 1964

No person in the United States shall, on the grounds of race, color, or national origin,

be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.

TITLE IX. SECTION 901, OF THE EDUCATION AMENDMENT OF 1972

No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.

SECTIONS 504 OF THE REHABILITATION ACT OF 1973

No otherwise qualified disabled individual in the United States...shall, solely, by reason of disability, be excluded from the participation in, be denied the benefit of, or be subject to discrimination under any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.

GENERAL INFORMATION

PETITIONS (circulation of)

A petition for any cause may not be circulated on school property or at any school related activity.

BIRTHDAY PARTIES

Are not allowed.

CLASS PARTIES

Are limited to two per year: Christmas and Valentine’s Day. Please remember all cookies or cupcakes must be store bought or from a bakery. All candy must be in a sealed package, individually wrapped.

CLOSING ANNOUNCEMENTS

There will be no announcement if schools are open on a regular schedule. Unscheduled closings due to equipment failure or weather may occur.

Early school closings will be announced over the radio and television stations stating the time of dismissal. Each child should know where to go if an emergency arises and school is dismissed early. Each school’s crisis plan provides emergency checkout procedures, i.e. inclement weather.

INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY

At times it has not been safe for our buses to run. If any day we feel that we cannot safely run our buses, we will ask television and radio stations to announce that we are not having school. School closings will be announced. All days missed because of inclement weather will be made up at a later date.

CONTACT WITH STUDENTS AT SCHOOL

In the event there is a question about the legal custody of a child, it should be established who has this responsibility and what limitations are imposed by this situation. Both custodial and non-custodial parents are entitled to be involved in the education of their child(ren), including visits to school and having access to school records, unless a court order exists and is on file at school, which (1) specifically prohibits such activity, and (2) specifically names the school in question.

COMPUTER SYSTEM / INTERNET APPROPRIATE USE POLICY

The Bryant School District is pleased to make available to students access to interconnected computer systems within the district and to the Internet, the worldwide network that provides various means of accessing educational materials and opportunities.

In order for the school district to be able to continue to make its computer network and Internet access available, all students must take responsibility for appropriate and lawful use of this access. Students must understand that one student’s misuse of the network and Internet access may jeopardize the ability of all students to enjoy such access. While the School’s teachers and other Staff will make reasonable efforts to supervise student use of network and Internet access, they must have student cooperation in exercising and promoting responsible use of this access.

Below is the Acceptable Use and Internet Safety Policy of the school district and the Data Acquisition Site that provides Internet access to the School District. Upon reviewing, signing, and returning this policy as the students have been directed, each student will be given the opportunity to enjoy Internet access at school and is agreeing to follow the policy. If a student is under 18 years of age, he or she must have his or her parents or guardians read and sign the policy. The school district cannot provide access to any student who, if 18 or older, fails to sign and submit the policy to the school as directed or, if under 18, does not return the policy as directed with the signatures of the student and his/her parents or guardians.

Listed below are the provisions of your agreement regarding computer network and Internet use. If you have any questions about these provisions, you should contact the person that your school has designated as the one to whom you can direct your questions. If any user violates this policy, the student’s access will be denied, if not already proved, or withdrawn and he or she may be subject to additional disciplinary action.

I. PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY

By signing this policy, you are agreeing not only to follow the rules in this policy, but are agreeing to report any misuse of the network to the person designated by the school for such reporting. Misuse means any violations of this policy or any other use that is not included in the policy, but has the effect of harming another or his/her property.

II. TERM OF THE PERMITTED USE

A student who submits to the school, as directed, a properly signed policy and follows the policy to which she or he has agreed will have computer network and Internet access during the course of the school year only. Students will be asked to sign a new policy each year during which they are students in the school district before they are given an access account.

III. ACCEPTABLE USES

A. Educational Purposes Only. The school district is providing access to its computer networks and the Internet for ONLY educational purposes. If you have any doubt about whether a contemplated activity is educational, you may consult with the person(s) designated by the school to help you decide if a use is appropriate.

B. Unacceptable Uses of Network. Among the uses that are considered unacceptable and which constitute a violation of this policy are the following:

1. USES, that violate the law or encourage others to violate the law. Do not transmit offensive or harassing messages; offer for sale or use any substance the possession or use of which is prohibited by the school district’s Student Discipline Policy; view, transmit or download offensive materials or materials that encourage others to violate the law; intrude into the networks or computers of others; and download or transmit confidential, trade secret information, or copyrighted materials. Even if materials on the networks are not marked with the copyright symbol, you should assume that all materials are protected unless there is explicit permission on the materials to use them.

2. USES, that cause harm to others or damage to their property. For example, do not engage in defamation (harming another’s reputation by lies); employ another’s password or some other user identifier that misleads message recipients into believing that someone other than you is communicating or otherwise using his/her access to the network or the Internet; upload a worm, virus, “trojan horse,” “time bomb” or other harmful form of programming or vandalism; participate in “hacking” activities or any form of unauthorized access to other computers, networks, or information systems.

3. USES that are commercial transactions. Students may not sell or buy anything over the Internet. You should not give others private information about you or others, including credit card numbers and social security numbers.

C. Netiquette. All users must abide by rules of network etiquette, which include the following:

1. Be polite. Use appropriate language. No swearing, vulgarities, suggestive, obscene, belligerent, or threatening language.

2. Avoid language and uses, which may be offensive to other users. Do not use access to make, distribute, or redistribute jokes, stories, or other material, which is based upon slurs or stereotypes relating to race, gender, ethnicity, nationality, religion, or sexual orientation.

3. Do not assume that a sender of email is giving his or her permission for you to forward or redistribute the message to third parties or to give his/her email address to third parties. This should only be done with permission or when you know that the individual would have no objection.

4. Be considerate when sending attachments with email (where this is permitted). Be sure that the file is not too large to be accommodated by the recipient’s system and is in a format, which the recipient can open.

IV. INTERNET SAFETY

A. General Warning; Individual Responsibility of Parents and Users.

All users and their parents/guardians are advised that access to the electronic network may include the potential for access to materials inappropriate for school-aged pupils. Every user must take responsibility for his or her use of the computer network and Internet and stay away from these sites. Parents of minors are the best guides to materials to shun. If a student finds that other users are visiting offensive or harmful sites, he or she should report such use to the person designated by the school.

B. Personal Safety. Be safe. In using the computer network and Internet, do not reveal personal information such as your home address or telephone number. Do not use your real last name or any other information which might allow a person to locate you without first obtaining the permission of a supervising teacher. Do not arrange a face-to-face meeting with someone you “meet” on the computer network or Internet without your parent’s permission (if you are under 18). Regardless of your age, you should never agree to meet a person you have only communicated with on the Internet in a secluded place or in a private setting.

C. “Hacking” and Other Illegal Activities. It is a violation of this Policy to use the school’s computer network or the Internet to gain unauthorized access to other computers or computer systems, or to attempt to gain such unauthorized access. Any use which violates state or federal law relating to copyright, trade secrets, the distribution of obscene materials, or which violates any other applicable law or municipal ordinance, is strictly prohibited.

D. Confidentiality of Student Information. Personally identifiable information concerning students may not be disclosed or used in any way on the Internet without the permission of a parent or guardian or, if the student is 18 or over, the permission of the student himself/herself. Users should never give out private or confidential information about themselves or others on the Internet, particularly credit card numbers and Social Security numbers. A supervising teacher or administrator may authorize the release of directory information for internal administrative purposes or approved educational projects and activities.

E. Active Restriction Measures. The school, either by itself or in combination with the Data Acquisition Site providing Internet access, will utilize filtering software or other technologies to prevent students from accessing visual depictions that are obscene or harmful to minors. The school will also monitor the online activities of students, through direct observation and/or technological means, to ensure that students are not accessing any material which is inappropriate for minors.

Internet filtering software or other technology-based protection systems may be disabled by a supervising teacher or school administrator, as necessary, for purposes of bona fide research or other educational projects being conducted by students age 17 and older.

V. PRIVACY

Network and Internet access is provided as a tool for your education. The school district reserves the right to monitor, inspect, copy, review and store at any time and without prior notice any and all usage of the computer network and Internet access and any and all information transmitted or received in connection with such usage. All such information files shall be and remain the property of the school district and no user shall have any expectation of privacy regarding such materials.

VI. FAILURE TO FOLLOW POLICY

The user’s use of the computer network and Internet is a privilege, not a right.

A user who violates this policy, shall at a minimum, have his or her access to the computer network and Internet terminated, which the school district may refuse to reinstate for the remainder of the student’s enrollment in the school district. Further, a user violates this policy if he or she permits another to use his or her account or password to access the computer network and Internet, including any user whose access has been denied or terminated. The school district may also take other disciplinary action in such circumstances.

VII. WARRANTIES/INDEMNIFICATION

The school district makes no warranties of any kind, either express or implied, in connection with its provision of access to and use of its computer networks and the Internet provided under this policy. It shall not be responsible for any claims, losses, damages or costs (including attorney’s fees) of any kind suffered, directly or indirectly, by any user or his or her parent(s) or guardian(s) arising out of the user’s use of its computer networks or the Internet under this policy. By signing this policy, users are taking full responsibility for his or her use, and the user who is 18 or older or, in the case of a user under 18, the parent(s) or guardian(s) are agreeing to indemnify and hold the school, the school district, the Data Acquisition Site that provides the computer and Internet access opportunity to the school district and all of their administrators, teachers, and staff harmless from any and all loss, costs, claims or damages resulting from the user’s access to its computer network and the Internet, including but not limited to any fees or charges incurred through purchases of goods or services by the user. The user or, if the user is a minor, the user’s parents(s) or guardian(s) agree to cooperate with the school in the event of the school’s initiating an investigation of a user’s use of his or her access to its computer network and the Internet, whether that use is on a School computer or on another computer outside the school district’s network.

VIII. UPDATES

Users, and if appropriate, the user’s parents/guardians, may be asked from to provide new or additional registration and account information or to sign a new policy for example, to reflect developments in the law or technology. Such information must be provided by the user, (or his/her parents or guardian), or such new policy must be signed if the user wishes to continue to receive service. If after you have provided your account information, some or all of the information changes, you must notify the person designated by the school to receive such information.

CONTROVERSIAL MATERIAL

There is a tremendous variety of material available on the Internet, not all of which has a place in the Bryant Public Schools. When browsing the World Wide Web (www), users are not to intentionally access web sites which:

· Contain adult content, nudity, or other sexually explicitly material or images.

· Discuss, promote, or provide information about prohibited, controlled, or regulated drugs and their abuse; also, paraphernalia associated with such use and abuse (this does not include medications which may be prescribed by a properly licensed health care provider).

· Promote the identification of racial groups, the denigration or subjection of groups (racially identified or otherwise), or the superiority of any group.

· Provide information on or promote violent activity.

· Provide information about or promote gambling or that support online gambling.

· Provide instruction in or promote crime or unethical or dishonest behavior or evasion of prosecution thereof.

· Provide information on or promoting illegal or questionable access to or use of communications equipment and/or software.

· Any other activity, which is not specifically defined but is deemed to be unacceptable by administration.

While users are expected to avoid such materials, the District recognizes that it is not always possible to know, prior to going to a web site, exactly it’s contents. Should a user inadvertently access prohibited materials, he/she should leave the page immediately by (1) using the browser’s “back” button, (2) using the browser’s “home page” button, (3) closing the browser, or (4) taking some other action that demonstrates the student’s intent to leave the prohibited site. Failure to do so will indicate intentional access and possibly subject the users to the disciplinary policies found elsewhere in this Handbook.

Users will not use any sort of chat room or chat window, access news groups or use instant messaging programs, unless under the direct supervision of a teacher or staff member for the purpose directly related to school business or coursework, such as obtaining technical support information for the District’s computer systems, software, or network.

DISTRIBUTION OF LITERATURE

· The superintendent or his/her designee may approve the teacher’s use of material that are commercial and are controversial if it fits into the regular school program.

· Material such as advertising literature of any organization, religious tracts, or material that have not been fully approved by the superintendent or his/her designee may not be distributed to the children or to homes through the children.

· Materials, which are designed to furnish information about the school district and its program or any worthwhile cause for the public good, may be distributed at the discretion of the superintendent.

All publications of the elementary schools in the Bryant School District are published as a part of the curriculum and are a non-public forum under the supervision of the District Board of Directors.

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Students in grades K-12 who meet academic, discipline, and attendance requirements may be eligible to participate in school sponsored activities and other educational experiences during the school year.

FIELD TRIPS

A field trip is an educational experience that is an extension of the regular classroom environment. The following guidelines will apply to field trips:

· Written parental permission must be given before a student participates in a field trip. A permission slip is in the front of the Elementary Handbook.

· Only students from the classroom are allowed to attend field trips. Siblings and pre-school children are not allowed on field trips.

· As a part of the field trip experience, all students are expected to ride the school bus. If a parent does not want their child to ride the school bus, parents may transport their child in an automobile. The Bryant School District accepts no liability involving privately transported students on school field trips. No other student can ride with another parent even if there is written permission.

· All school discipline procedures and consequences apply on field trips.

· Parents can check out a student during a field trip if the student is signed out through school officials before leaving the field trip.

LOVE AUDITORIUM PERFORMANCES

The Bryant School District’s elementary curriculum includes performances at Love Auditorium on the Bryant High School campus. Collegeville, Davis, Hurricane Creek Elementary, Salem, and Springhill Elementary students are transported by bus to these events as they occur within the school day. Permission slips are not required. If you object to your child/children riding a bus on these occasions, it is your responsibility to notify your respective school. Normally, Bryant Elementary students walk to these performances but on occasion buses are used due to inclement weather. Parents will be notified prior to trips.

FLORAL OR BALLOON ARRANGEMENTS

Floral or balloon arrangements are not permitted at school.

SCHOOL HOURS

School hours are available on the district web site for all campuses. Students are allowed in the buildings when buses unload or times listed. Parents are to adhere to school hours because school personnel are not present to supervise children.

STUDENT PUBLICATIONS POLICY

The Bryant School District recognizes that truth; fairness, accuracy, and responsibility are essential to the practice of journalism. Editorial material (defined as stories and commentary) and advertisements shall not be excluded from student publications merely because such material is controversial, unpopular, or supports minority opinion. However, the following types of publications by students are not authorized:

· Publications that are obscene to minors as defined by law.

· Publications that are libelous or slanderous as defined by law.

· Publications that constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy, as defined by law.

· Publications that incite students as to create a clear and present danger of the commission of unlawful acts on school premises, or the violation of lawful school regulations, or the material and substantial disruption of orderly operation of the school.

· Publications that promote products that are illegal for minors to possess, purchase, or use.

When a disagreement occurs about the appropriateness or quality of material scheduled for publication, the building principal will be consulted. After such consultation, the building principal’s decision shall prevail. The reasons for the principal’s decision must be reasonable and related to valid school purpose.

TOBACCO USE ON CAMPUS

The use of intoxicants, drugs, or tobacco in any form is prohibited by students or adults on any school property /building owned and operated by the Bryant School District.

FUNDRAISING- ARKANSAS CODE 6-18-1104

Student participation in fundraising events is voluntary. All students that participate must have on file at the school written parental permission. No student can sell door to door without parental supervision or parent designee.

VISITATION GUIDELINES/PARENTAL VISITORS

Parents are welcome on our school campus. All visitors must sign-in at the office and pick up a visitor badge.

Student visitors are not allowed in classrooms, school parties, and/or field trips. In order to maintain an atmosphere conducive to learning, parents should follow the guidelines listed below:

· Classroom observation - Schedule in advance with teacher and principal. Parent will be provided an unobtrusive seat in the classroom area. Interaction is not allowed with students.

· Teacher conference - Schedule in advance and will be held in an area away from the students.

· Lunch or Breakfast - Sign in at the office and meet your child in the cafeteria. After lunch, sign out in the office. Please do not go to the playground with your child's class.

· Deliveries - All deliveries of personal items such as forgotten homework, lunches, etc. will be made to the school office. Classes will not be interrupted for deliveries.

VOLUNTEER PROGRAM

A volunteer program is organized in each elementary school. Any parent wishing to know more about the program may get further information by calling the parental involvement designee at each school. Arkansas law requires that all volunteers be trained in student discipline procedures.

BUS POLICIES AND PROCEDURES:

PARENTS PLAY IMPORTANT ROLE IN SCHOOL BUS SAFETY

To have an effective safety program, safety awareness must begin and be constantly reinforced at home. Bus drivers must operate the bus safely in traffic with many students behind them. There is only a minimal amount of time for drivers to participate in the area of bus safety instruction.

The following points are suggested to parents:

· Stress the importance of remaining seated and reasonably quiet while the vehicle is in motion.

· Train your student not to automatically expect traffic to stop for the overhead flashers of the bus.

· Find an established time--not too early and not too late--to have your children leave home for AM pick-up.

· Warn youngsters about strangers who hang around the bus stop and may offer rides or candy.

· Discuss the safety hazards involved in throwing anything out of a bus window.

· As a Parent/Guardian, support Bryant School District’s policies and procedures for riding the bus. Riding a school bus is a privilege, not a right.

· As a Parent/Guardian, instill in your child that they are to obey all school rules at the bus stop. Misbehavior at the bus stop will be reported to the building administrator.

While at the bus stop, students will:

· Be at the bus stop before the bus is scheduled to arrive.

· Choose a spot that is about 10 feet off the road to wait for the bus.

· Wait until the bus comes to a complete stop and the driver has given directions to board before crossing the street in front of the bus.

· Not gather on private property without permission from the landowner.

· Obey all rules and regulations at the bus stop as if in a school classroom. The bus stop is considered part of the school grounds.

When boarding and exiting the bus, students will:

· Get on and off the bus only at their assigned bus stop or school, unless they have an

official bus boarding pass.

· Board and exit the bus quickly and in an orderly manner.

· Not board or leave the bus by the back door, except when instructed by the driver.

· Go to a point on the shoulder of the street, ten feet in front of the bus and wait for the

driver’s signal before crossing the street.

· Not attempt to retrieve a dropped object until the bus has left the scene and the street is clear of other vehicles.

· Not get in the way of exiting students.

While riding the bus, students will:

· Follow all rules and regulations in the student handbook.

· Follow the driver’s instructions and not distract his/her attention.

· Go to and remain in their assigned seats until they arrive at their school or bus stops.

Students are responsible for the seat they are assigned.

· Face the front of the bus and talk quietly (no screaming or yelling).

· Carry on the bus only items that can be placed on their laps and keep all belongings out of the

aisle of the bus.

· Not bring opened beverage containers, knives, firearms, sharp objects, clubs, glass

objects, or animals on the bus.

· Keep hands, etc., to themselves and inside the bus windows.

· Not eat or drink on the bus.

· Not get off the bus at any stop, but their own, unless they have a permission slip from a principal’s office.

· All rules that are followed at school are also to be followed on the school bus and/or at the school bus stop. If a child breaks a rule other than the safety rules mentioned above, the violation(s) will be reported to the school administrator who will then follow the school’s student handbook. This violation will also count as one of the five (5) bus discipline steps before a student is denied bus-riding privileges for the semester or year.

· Students who ride any bus while suspended will have their bus suspension doubled.

· When riding a Bryant school bus, students are subject to videotaping. The videotape will be used to help maintain discipline and student safety.

The following discipline policy will be used at the DISCRETION OF THE PRINCIPAL AND/OR ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL, depending upon the severity of the offense. If a child chooses to break the safety rules and procedures above, the following will occur: 1st Offense - probation notice sent home.

2nd Offense - three (3) day suspension from riding ALL buses or paddling.

3rd Offense - five (5) day suspension from riding ALL buses.

4th Offense - ten (10) day suspension from riding ALL buses.

5th Offense - suspension from ALL buses for the remainder of the semester or year.

BUS TRANSPORTATION PROCEDURES IN TORNADO WEATHER

If inclement weather occurs (SIRENS HAVE SOUNDED) while school is in session, students are to follow written tornado drills procedures.

AFTERNOON

The following steps need to be followed until the area has been cleared by the Weather Service:

1. The elementary and middle school students will remain in their building in a safe location and following tornado drill procedures.

2. The junior high and senior high students will follow emergency evacuation procedures and enter BMS. Students will assume the tornado position (sit facing an inside wall of the building away from all doors and windows with heads down.)

3. In the event students must be unloaded from buses, drivers will assist building administrators and teachers in the supervision of their respective passengers.

If the buses have already loaded and are enroute to the satellite schools, buses will proceed to the satellite schools, students will follow emergency evacuation procedures, enter the school, and assume the tornado position until area has been cleared by the Weather Service.

If buses have already left the satellite schools (or for buses that do not stop at satellite schools), drivers will proceed to a “safe haven” as designated by the bus transportation office, follow emergency evacuation procedures, and enter the safe haven. Safe havens will be designated on each route and be made known to parents.

If weather circumstances are such that something needs to be done immediately, drivers are to pull off the road and have students get down below the windows as much as possible. If feasible, park next to a permanent structure or under an overpass. Overpasses are areas designated as a “safe haven” for automobiles.

MORNING

The procedures for morning will be in reverse order of those listed above for afternoons. Bus drivers do not always hear the sirens over the noise of the bus engine and children on the bus. The District Transportation Office and/or Central Office Administration will be responsible for calling the Weather Service and relaying information to schools. Local fire department and police officials with access to emergency communication systems can also give schools information needed to allow buses to proceed.

NOTES:

· Students riding buses other than the bus to which they are assigned by residence has caused over crowding on some of our buses. Students will be allowed to ride only the bus to which they are assigned by residence.

· Students are not to get off the bus at any stop but their own, unless they have a permission slip from the Principal’s office. Safety takes place over convenience in selecting school bus stops. Bus stops are not made over 2 per one-quarter mile or four per mile. There will be exceptions to this policy in case of hardship, dangerous stops, and bad weather. The superintendent’s judgment will be accepted on these matters.

· No student who lives within two (2) miles of school will be allowed to ride the bus.

· Students must be walking over one mile to a bus stop before the Board will consider entering an area. There must be also at least seventeen (17) students in the area. The administration will be given the authority to consolidate bus stops according to Arkansas Department of Education recommendations; stops one-fourth mile apart in rural areas and one stop every three blocks in urban areas.

· Passing a school bus while flashing red lights are on is in direct violation of Arkansas law(Act 2128 of 2005), regulating the unlawful passing of a school bus. A violation of this law can result in penalties of a fine up to $1,000.00 and up to 90 days in the Saline County Jail.

· When a student chooses to misbehave and the school administrator suspends the bus riding privileges of a student, that administrator will attempt to contact a parent by telephone and inform the parent of the bus suspension the day before the suspension is scheduled to start.

· Parents with concerns or questions about bus discipline involving their students should first call the school’s principal in charge of discipline. If the problem remains unresolved, parents may then contact the District’s Assistant Superintendent in charge of Support Services. If parents are still unsatisfied at this point, the Superintendent may be contacted.

· Parents with concerns or questions about the bus driver when it involves their child(ren) should first call the transportation supervisor at 847-5601. If the problem remains unresolved, parents may then contact the District’s Assistant Superintendent in charge of Support Services. If parents are still unsatisfied at this point, the Superintendent may be contacted.

A note must be sent to the teacher if your child is not going to ride the bus home on a particular day, otherwise your child will be placed on the school bus.

Approved 02-05-07

BRYANT SCHOOL DISTRICT

2008-09 SCHOOL CALENDAR

FIRST QUARTER

August 12-13 District level professional development day

August 18 1^st day of school for students (see note #2 below)

September 1 Labor Day – schools closed

September 19 Mid-term progress reports issued

October 15 End 1^st quarter – 42 days

October 23 Parent-Teacher conferences (12:00-6:00 elementary/middle schools, 1:00-7:00 high school) — schools closed. Report cards issued.

SECOND QUARTER

November 14 AEA Conferences — schools closed

November 20 Mid-term progress reports issued

November 26-28 Thanksgiving Holiday – schools closed

December 19 End 2^nd quarter (42 days) and 1^st semester (84 days)

Dec. 20-January 4 Christmas Holiday – schools closed

THIRD QUARTER

January 5 Classes resume

January 12 Report cards issued

January 19 Dr. Martin Luther King Day – professional development for staff – schools closed

February 10 Mid-term progress reports issued

February 16 Presidents’ Day — schools closed

March 12 End 3^rd quarter – 47 days

March 20 Report cards issued

FOURTH QUARTER

March 21-29 Spring Break

March 30 Classes resume

April 2 Parent-Teacher/CAP conferences (12:00-6:00 elementary/middle school, TBD- high school) — school closed

April 10 Good Friday – schools closed

April 24 Mid-term progress reports issued

May 25 Memorial Day – schools closed

May 28 Last day of school for students. End 4^th quarter (47 days), 2^nd semester (94 days), and year (178 days)

Notes:

1. Days missed due to inclement weather will be made up at the end of the year.

2. Kindergarten assessment days will be Aug. 18-20. Full-day classes for kindergarten students will begin on August 21.

3. Seven (7) professional development days for certified staff will be scheduled through plans submitted by building principals and approved by the Central Office.

Approved 2-19-08

Revised 5-21-08 (AEA Day changed)

Field Trip Permission

INTRODUCTION

TABLE OF CONTENTS

STUDENT ATTENDANCE

ANONYMOUS REPORTING - UNACCEPTABLE ACTIVITIES

BULLYING (Act 1437 of 2005)

Min. - Student conference

ACADEMIC NOTES

HEALTH/SOCIAL SERVICES

SCHOOL NURSE

FOOD SERVICE DEPARTMENT

GENERAL INFORMATION

Are not allowed.

COMPUTER SYSTEM / INTERNET APPROPRIATE USE POLICY

Floral or balloon arrangements are not permitted at school.

BUS TRANSPORTATION PROCEDURES IN TORNADO WEATHER

FIRST QUARTER

SECOND QUARTER

THIRD QUARTER

FOURTH QUARTER