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Caesar Rodney 2006-07 STUDENT/PARENT HANDBOOK
Student Rights and Responsibilities
2006-2007
STUDENT/PARENT HANDBOOK
Student
Rights and Responsibilities
A primary task of the school is to create a stimulating climate for all students. The school staff, parents, and students have a responsibility to work together so that the learning climate will permeate the total school program.
One of the goals of education in the Caesar Rodney School District is the development in students of an appreciation of the democratic way of life. An appreciation of the democratic way of life must include, to the fullest extent possible, opportunities for students to exercise their rights and assume their responsibilities of citizenship.
The mature exercise of rights and privileges demands the exercise by adults and students alike of the responsibility to respect the rights of others and to respect legally constituted authority.
Students must be free to, and are encouraged to, participate in student government organizations that provide all students with a voice in school affairs. Open channels of communication should exist for the student, student government, the faculty, and the administration. Recommendations made by the student government should receive a prompt and substantive response.
A student’s exercise of rights and privileges in the school setting must depend on age, maturity, and, to an extent, the standards of the community in which we live. No right is absolute. Every right has its limitations. One basic limitation is that the exercise of the rights of one individual or group ceases when it infringes on the rights of another individual or group. Other limitations that pertain to the public education process are found in state law, regulations of the Delaware Department of Education (DOE), and policies of the Board of Education.
Rights assumed by students must be accompanied by corresponding responsibilities. Students must further accept the consequences of their actions, recognize the limits of their freedoms, and show concern and consideration for the rights exercised by both students and adults. Student rights involve equivalent responsibilities. Thus, students have the following responsibilities:
- To attend school for the purpose of obtaining a quality and meaningful education.
- To recognize and function within the policies established by the Board of Education and the rules and regulations of school officials.
- To contribute toward the improvement of the teaching-learning situation and to strive for the overall betterment of the school environment.
- To maintain respect for school staff and students, and to exhibit conduct reflecting self-control, self-regulation and self-discipline.
- To cooperate with the student officers in the development and implementation of student-related policies.
- To develop a sense of pride and respect for the school and the ideals for which it stands.
- To provide support for the members of organizations, groups and teams representing the school as part of the esprit de corps necessary for their success.
- To accept every person as an individual human being and to promote group relations and understanding.
Each school’s disciplinary rules and procedures reflect the age of the students assigned to the school and provide for ever more meaningful ways for students to demonstrate responsibility.
A. Student Due Process Rights
The essential rights involved in disciplinary procedures stem from the concept of due process. In order to ensure students’ due process rights, the Caesar Rodney School District Board of Education has established procedures to be followed in resolving disciplinary violations.
When a student commits a violation which may result in disciplinary action less than a suspension from classes or school (such as, but not limited to, detentions, Saturday detentions, Extended Day, bus suspensions of 5 days or less or lesser bus disciplinary actions, or disciplinary action involving curricular*, co-curricular*, extra-curricular*, and school functions*), the following procedures are to be followed.
The student shall:
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Have had prior opportunity to know that the alleged actions were in violation of established rules and regulations.
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Be given oral or written notice of the charges and, if the charges are denied, be given an explanation of the evidence known to school authorities.
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Be given an opportunity to present his/her side of the story during a conference.
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Be advised that the disciplinary action may only be appealed to the next administrative level for failure of the school administration to follow any of the above three procedures. The student may not appeal disciplinary actions less than a suspension from classes or school because of a disagreement with the school administration over the interpretation of the facts or the determination of disciplinary action.
* Curricular activities - activities such as, but not limited to, band performances, choral performances, and academic contests outside the regular school day.
* Co-curricular activities - activities such as, but not limited to, school clubs, field trips outside the regular school day.
* Extra-curricular activities - activities such as, but not limited to, athletics, drama, yearbook.
* School Functions - activities such as, but not limited to, proms, dances, graduation.
When a student commits a violation which may result in a suspension from classes or school, the following procedures are to be followed:
The student shall:
- Have had prior opportunity to know that the alleged actions were in violation of established rules and regulations.
- Be given oral or written notice of the charges and, if the charges are denied, be given an explanation of the evidence known to school authorities.
- Be given an opportunity to present his/her side of the story during a conference.
- Be advised that the suspension may be appealed to the next administrative level for failure of the school administration to follow any of the above three procedures, or because of a disagreement with the interpretation of the facts or the determination of disciplinary action.
When a student commits a violation which may result in a recommendation for expulsion from school, the following procedures are to be followed:
- The student shall have had prior opportunity to know that the alleged actions were in violation of established rules and regulations.
- When a student allegedly commits a disciplinary violation which may, in the school administration’s judgment, result in a recommendation for expulsion, the school principal shall cause an investigation to be made of the incident.
- If, after reviewing the findings of the investigation, the principal determines that the nature and seriousness of the offense may warrant a recommendation for expulsion, the principal shall suspend the student from school pending a conference with the student and his/her parent(s)/guardian(s).
- As soon as mutually agreeable, the principal or his/her designee shall hold the conference with the student and the student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) in order to review the case.
- At the conclusion of the conference the principal/designee shall inform the student and his/her parent(s)/guardian(s) whether expulsion is to be recommended.
- If expulsion is to be recommended, the principal/designee shall inform the student and his/her parent(s)/guardian(s) that the student’s suspension shall continue at least until the hearing before the Superintendent.
- The principal/designee shall submit his/her recommendation for expulsion in writing, and all supporting materials, to the Superintendent as soon as possible.
- The principal/designee shall coordinate the scheduling of the hearing before the Superintendent at the earliest possible mutually agreeable time. The hearing shall involve the student, the student’s parent(s)/guardian(s), the principal/designee, and the Superintendent.
- The principal/designee shall send a letter to all involved parties expressing his/her recommendation for expulsion, the reason(s) for it, and the date and time of the hearing.
- The student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) may be represented by counsel at the hearing at their expense. If they choose to exercise this option, they need to inform the Superintendent of their intent to do so in adequate time for the Superintendent to arrange for District counsel to be present as well.
- Following the Superintendent’s hearing, the Superintendent shall decide to do one or more of the following:
- Allow the student to return to school on a probationary status.
- Assign a specified period of suspension and/or other appropriate disciplinary action, community service, and/or counseling in lieu of expulsion.
- Allow the family to voluntarily withdraw the student from school rather than go forward with expulsion. If this option is pursued, the Superintendent shall stipulate the conditions for readmission discussed at the conference and in the subsequent documentation correspondence. Before the student may return to school, it shall be necessary for the student and his/her parent(s)/guardian(s) to meet with the Superintendent to review whether all conditions had been met.
- Allow the parent(s)/guardian(s) to waive an expulsion hearing and accept placement of the student in an alternative educational program. If this option is pursued, the Superintendent shall stipulate the conditions the student must meet to successfully re-enter the regular program from the alternative educational program.
- Recommend an expulsion hearing before the Board.
- Following the hearing, the Superintendent shall put his/her decision in writing in a letter to the parent(s)/guardian(s). This letter shall also list any and all conditions the student must meet before he/she can return to the regular program at a later date, if applicable.
- If the Superintendent’s decision is to recommend expulsion, he/she shall schedule an expulsion hearing before the Board and notify all parties in writing.
- At the expulsion hearing before the Board, the student, parent(s)/guardian(s), and the District will have the following rights:
- The right to be represented by counsel.
- The right to be presented with names of witnesses and copies of written statements of those witnesses within twenty-four hours of the hearing.
- The right to cross-examine or question witnesses who are present.
- The right of the parties, including the student, to testify and produce witnesses and documents.
- The right to a copy of a record of the hearing, which shall be kept by tape recording. If a court stenographer is requested, it will be at the expense of the requesting party and the requesting party will be required to provide a copy of the transcript to the other party at no expense.
- Following the hearing, the Board shall determine whether to approve, modify, or reject the recommendation of expulsion.
- The Superintendent or his/her designee shall provide the student and his/her parent(s)/guardian(s) with written notice of the decision of the Board in a timely manner. If that notice is of the Board’s decision to expel the student, the notice shall also include the procedures to be followed should the student and/or his/her parent(s)/guardian(s) wish to appeal the decision to the State Board of Education.
Any student who transfers from the District before the completion of the disciplinary process outlined in any of the above three procedures, or before serving disciplinary action assigned as a result thereof may, at the discretion of the Superintendent, be required to resume the process or complete the disciplinary action upon return to the District.
B.
Students’ and Parents’ Right to Privacy
All personnel records of students are deemed to be confidential and shall not be subject to disclosure or release beyond the schools of the District unless such disclosure or release is authorized in writing by the parent or, if the student is 18 years of age, by written authorization of the student.
Parents shall have the opportunity to review and challenge the contents of their child’s records. Whenever a student has attained the age of 18, the rights afforded the parents shall be those of the student.
C. Student Government
It is important that students have the opportunity to learn about and participate in the decision-making process necessary for developing responsible and productive citizens.
While the forms and functions of student government will vary from school to school, in all cases the scope of its powers, privileges, and responsibilities should be a matter of public record. The student government organization should:
- publish a charter or constitution as a result of joint administration-faculty-student discussions;
- establish procedures for consideration of matters before the group will be formulated, including referral or other disposition of matters considered to be proper concerns of the organization under Board policies, individual school regulations, or the organization’s constitution;
- determine eligibility rules for candidates;
- use the guidelines and practice recommended by the national and state student government associations as models for appropriate student activity in student government.
The decisions of the student government organization shall not be influenced by the staff. However, the administration has the responsibility to monitor the actions of the student government for the purpose of assuring that the actions of student government are within the limits of the Board of Education policies, state and federal laws, and DOE regulations and that the rights of any individual are not infringed upon.
D. Student Conduct
It is the intention of the Board of Education that the district’s schools help students achieve maximum development of individual knowledge, skills and competence and that they learn behavior patterns which will enable them to be responsible, contributing members of society.
The Board, in accordance with state law, will periodically approve a code of conduct for students. The rules:
- will not infringe upon constitutionally protected rights;
- will be clearly and specifically described;
- will be printed in a handbook or some other publication made available to students and parents.
In all instances, students will be expected to conduct themselves in keeping with their level of maturity, acting with due regard for the supervisory authority vested by the Board of Education in all district employees, the educational purpose underlying all school activities, the widely shared use of school property, and the rights and welfare of other students. All employees of the district will be expected to share the responsibility for supervising the behavior of students and for seeing that they abide by the established rules of conduct.
Incorrigibility or acts interfering with the normal operation of the school will be considered extremely serious offenses and will be dealt with accordingly.
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Student Conduct Off School Grounds: Students are subject to discipline, up to and including suspension and expulsion, for misconduct even if such misconduct occurs off school property and during non-school time.
Such discipline may result:
· if the incident was initiated in the school building or on school grounds;
or
· if the incident occurred or was initiated off school grounds and on non-school time and if, after the occurrence, there was a reasonable likelihood that return of the student would contribute to a disruptive effect on the school’s educational program or threaten the health, safety, or welfare of students.
Examples of the type of off school property misconduct that may result in such discipline include but are not limited to:
· use, possession, sale or distribution of dangerous weapons, including knives or guns;
· use, possession, sale or distribution of controlled substances; and
· use of physical force.
The Board may impose discipline up to and including suspension and/or expulsion, if it is determined that a student’s:
· use, possession, or sale of controlled substances in the community has a reasonable likelihood of endangering the safety of students or employees because of the possibility of sales in the school;
· use of weapons (guns, etc.), or violent conduct in the community presents a reasonable likelihood of repeating itself in the school environment; or
· similar type of misconduct in the community has a reasonable likelihood of being continued or repeated in school or of bringing retaliation or revenge onto the school scene for such misconduct off school grounds.
E. Student Dress
Standards for dress and grooming are based on the health and safety of the student as well as the appropriateness for the activity in which the student is engaged.
- Students shall be required to follow dress standards to prevent hazards or dangers in areas such as shop, laboratory, and physical education classes.
- Teacher and student leaders may counsel with students who affect extreme styles of dress and grooming. Faculty members should refer questionable styles to the principal. If it is deemed necessary, the principal will confer with the parents of the students and/or take other appropriate disciplinary actions.
- Students shall be required to modify their dress standards when such dress creates disruptive influence, interferes with the teaching-learning process, or creates classroom disorder.
Note: Additional information will be provided by the school in a separate publication regarding appropriate and inappropriate dress.
F.
Care of School Property by Students
The Board of Education recognizes normal wear and tear to school property will occur and does not hold students responsible for such damage. However, students shall be held responsible for undue wear, willful damage or loss of school property.
Where it has been established without a doubt that students have damaged school property, parents of the student concerned will be billed for the cost of repairs.
Where the principal feels that the student would better learn responsibility for his/her actions by doing work around the school, this arrangement may be made.
Where damage may be considered an act of vandalism, the principal shall notify appropriate law enforcement agencies.
G.
Code of Conduct
The title “Code of Conduct” is to be an identified section in the Parent/Student Handbook in which the principal publishes the expectations, rules, and regulations regarding appropriate and inappropriate student behavior.
The various items are to be listed in alphabetical order and principals are authorized to rephrase district policy to meet the needs for appropriate communication with the age and maturity levels of the students enrolled in their school.
Codes of Conduct are not inclusive listings of all appropriate or inappropriate behavior, but are intended to be a good faith effort to communicate what common sense ought to be regarding student behavior. Principals have the right and responsibility to use their professional judgement in disciplining students and the published Code of Conduct shall not limit their professional judgement unless the Board of Education has presented a specific action regarding a specific student behavior.
H.
Student Publications
Student publications are important elements of the instructional program and contribute directly to the accomplishment of the school’s goals. The Board supports the development of student-produced school newspapers, yearbooks, and other publications. Such publications must have a faculty sponsor appointed by the principal. All student publications shall include a statement, prominently displayed which identifies the publication’s relationship to the district, the staff, the writers, and the faculty sponsor. As designee of the Board of Education, the principal is responsible for instructing the faculty sponsor on all legal requirements pertinent to rights and responsibilities of students and sponsors. The principal must also render prompt decisions to the student editors and sponsors when conflicts occur on the appropriateness of material.
The Board expects student publications to meet the following guidelines:
- published material does not endanger the health or safety of students;
- published material does not threaten to disrupt the educational process;
- published material does not indicate a commercial purpose;
- published material does not contain obscene and/or inflammatory statements;
- published material does not contain libelous or slanderous statements;
- published material does not violate the canons of journalism;
- published material is distributed in accordance with pre-approved procedures.
I.
Underground Student Publications
Students who edit, publish, and/or wish to distribute nonschool-sponsored handwritten, printed, or duplicated materials among their fellow students in the schools must assume responsibility for the content of such materials. They may be restricted in the time and place of distribution; and, if the principal determines that the material is libelous or obscene according to current legal definition, or would threaten to disrupt the educational process, they may be prohibited from distributing it.
J.
Sexual Harassment
Any reported act which unreasonably interferes with the education of any individual by creating an intimidating, hostile, humiliating or sexually offensive educational environment will be dealt with as a disciplinary issue.
All reported incidents of sexual harassment will be investigated; parents of students involved will be contacted; and appropriate disciplinary and/or criminal action will be taken.
K.
Secret Societies/Gang Activity
- Secret Societies: Secret fraternities, sororities, or other clubs made up of students from public school are prohibited. Secret fraternities, sororities, or clubs have been adjudged by the courts to include those social clubs, operating off campus, which nevertheless derive their membership wholly or in part from the public schools. These organizations practice a process of selection designed to create an exclusive membership and seek by this process to maintain the club’s segregation distinction and caste system of self-perpetuation, rushing, pledging and undemocratic selection of new members.
- Gang Activity: Student behavior which is “gang” related is prohibited at school or at school sponsored events. Students who engage in such activities shall be suspended until the matter is resolved. Gang paraphernalia, clothing, grooming, etc. or an activity which indicates or implies membership or affiliation with a gang presents a clear and present danger to the educational environment and are prohibited.
- Consequences for Membership in Secret Societies or Gangs: Students who violate this policy will, by such action, immediately forfeit all privileges of participating in extracurricular activities, honors, or offices.
L.
Hazing
It is the policy of the Board of Education that hazing activities of any type are inconsistent with the educational process and are prohibited at all times. Hazing is defined as:
Doing any act or coercing another to do any act of initiation into any student or other organization that causes or creates a substantial risk of causing mental or physical harm to any person. Permission, consent, or assumption of risk by an individual subjected to hazing does not lessen the prohibition contained in this policy.
No administrator, faculty member, or other employee of the school district will encourage, permit, condone, or tolerate hazing activities. No student, including leaders of student organizations, will plan, encourage, or engage in any hazing.
M.
Tobacco Use by Students
Possessing, using, dispensing or selling tobacco in school buildings, on school grounds, or on school buses is wrong and harmful, and therefore is prohibited and suspension is automatic.
N.
Drug and Alcohol Use by Students
Students are not permitted to possess, use, distribute, sell or be under the influence of drugs, drug-like substances, look-alike drugs, drug paraphernalia, and/or alcohol on school property or at school sponsored events as these items are considered to be wrong and harmful.
Students who violate this policy shall be immediately suspended from school and school activities. The principal shall refer to the superintendent students who have been suspended for drugs or alcohol related matters where expulsion is a consideration. The superintendent or designee shall hold a hearing to determine appropriate disciplinary action.
The principal or designee is to notify the appropriate law enforcement agency when students violate this policy. Notification to law enforcement agencies is not a part of the school disciplinary response, but is action required of school officials by the Code of Delaware.
Procedures and regulations for the implementation of this policy are to be developed by the administration and are to be reviewed and authorized by the Board of Education.
1. THE PROCESS TO BE FOLLOWED FOR GRADES 6-12:
Alcohol : 1 st Incident - Possession/Use/Impairment - Distribution*
- 5 days minimum to 10 days maximum suspension from school
- appropriate law enforcement agency notified
- no participation in or attendance at curricular activities, co-curricular activities, extra-curricular activities, and school functions for 45 consecutive school days plus 40 hours of school service prior to the end of the 45 consecutive school day restriction (see definitions)
- counseling - mandatory for readmission
* Students who distribute or make alcohol available to other students will be disciplined as per the provisions listed under Alcohol: 2 nd Incident.
2 nd Incident
2. THE PROCESS TO BE FOLLOWED FOR GRADES K-5:
A student found to be in violation of this policy is to be suspended and the principal shall refer the matter to the superintendent.
In considering appropriate disciplinary action, the superintendent shall consider the age and maturity of the student involved.
The superintendent shall determine if the circumstances are such that a Board hearing is needed as a part of determining the appropriate disciplinary action.
Definitions:
Curricular activities - activities such as, but not limited to, band performances, choral performances, and academic contests outside the regular school day.
Co-curricular activities - activities such as, but not limited to, school clubs, field trips outside the regular school day.
Extra-curricular activities - activities such as, but not limited to, athletics, drama, yearbook.
School Functions - activities such as, but not limited to, proms, dances, graduation.
O.
Weapons in School
The Board of Education has determined that the possession of a weapon by a student is detrimental to the safety and welfare of students, staff and visitors.
Weapons include items such as guns, knives, explosive devices, and any implement which can cause serious injury are considered weapons with respect to this policy.
Possession and/or use of any dangerous or deadly weapon on school property, on school buses, other school transportation, or at a school activity away from school is prohibited.
Note: Possession of an aerosol self-defense spray device will not be considered a weapon unless it is displayed or discharged for any purpose other than to repel an attack outside the school building.
Possession or use of a weapon at school will result in the immediate suspension of the student and the matter will be referred to the superintendent. A hearing will be held to determine if a recommendation for expulsion from school shall be presented to the Board of Education.
The Federal Gun Free Schools Act of 1994, under certain circumstances, requires a 180 school day expulsion for students who bring certain types of weapons onto school property.
1. Exceptions for Educational Purposes
a. If a weapon is to be used for an appropriate educational purpose, the teacher/student who desires to use a weapon for an educationally related activity may obtain permission of the principal to bring the weapon to school. In such instances, the weapon shall be transported in an enclosed case and stored in the principal’s office before and after its use in the educational activity. Whenever a gun is present for such use, the principal shall determine if it is loaded before accepting the item for storage.
b. This policy would not prohibit an activity such as a school rifle or archery team if the contest and practice are conducted at a range away from school which is designed for such activity.
c. Archery is a sports related activity included in the high school physical education curriculum. The instructor shall take appropriate measures to assure safe instruction and storage of the equipment.
P.
Terroristic Threatening/Bomb Threats
Terroristic threatening, including bomb threats, is a serious offense which subjects the student(s) involved to both school disciplinary action and criminal charges. According to Delaware Code, Title 14, Section 4131, this section on Terroristic Threatening/Bomb Threats serves as notice to both parents and students that (1) individuals are prohibited from making a false statement which causes evacuation of a school or other place of assembly with penalties as specified in Title 11, Section 621of the Delaware Code. In addition to the penalties otherwise authorized by law, any person convicted of a terroristic threatening offense shall pay a fine of not less than $1,000 nor more than $2,500 (which fine cannot be suspended), and minimum community service of 100 hours; (2) individuals are prohibited from disturbing schools or destroying school property with penalties as specified in Title 14, Section 4110 of the Delaware Code, including a fine of $20 or imprisonment of not more than 30 days, or both; and (3) that schools are required to report such crimes as specified in Title 14, Section 4112 of the Delaware Code, including fines for non-reporting of not more than $250 for a first offense and not more than $500 for a subsequent offense. Terroristic threatening ranges from a class A misdemeanor to a felony, depending on the age of the perpetrator and/or the nature of the charge as specified in Delaware Code, Chapter 11, Section 621. A person is guilty of terroristic threatening when: (1) The person threatens to commit any crime likely to result in death or in serious injury to person or property; or (2) The person makes a false statement or statements:(a) Knowing that the statement or statements are likely to cause evacuation of a building, place of assembly or facility of public transportation; or (b) Knowing that the statement or statements are likely to cause serious inconvenience; or (c) In reckless disregard of the risk of causing terror or serious inconvenience.
Q.
Student Use of Electronic Communications Equipment
Students in possession of electronic communications equipment (such as beepers, cellular phones, personal digital assistants – PDA’s, etc.) that is turned on, rings, emits any audible sound, vibrates, or is being used in any manner on the school bus, or from the time the student arrives on school property until school is dismissed, will be subject to disciplinary action. Students serving detention or extended day will not be allowed use of electronic communications equipment until after serving detention or extended day. Violators will be subject to disciplinary action.
For the first violation, the student shall receive a three (3) day in-school suspension and the electronic communications equipment will be held and returned to the parent after fifteen (15) calendar days. For the second violation, the student shall receive a three (3) day out-of-school suspension and the electronic communications equipment will be held and returned to the parent after thirty (30) calendar days. For the third violation, the student will be suspended and referred to the Superintendent for a hearing and the electronic communications equipment will be held and returned to the parent at the discretion of the Superintendent. The administration will make a reasonable effort to securely store the electronic communications equipment, but the school/District is not liable for loss or damage of such equipment during the term of storage.
The principal is authorized to establish procedures to determine whether exceptional circumstances require an individual waiver of this policy.
R. Students of Legal Age
The district recognizes the fact that when most students reach the age of 18, the student has rights which were formerly rights of the parents. When an eligible 18 year old declares independence, the high school principal shall forward a copy of the declaration to the parent/guardian or person who was in control of the student prior to reaching age 18 and provide an explanation as to why the adult will no longer be provided information about the student. If a student who is 18 years of age or older does not declare independence, the school/district shall continue to communicate to the student and the student’s parents as the school/district does before an eligible student declares independence. A student who is eligible to declare independence may do so by completing the form for such purpose. The form for a student to use to declare independence may be obtained from the school principal or designee.
Note: The courts may declare a seriously handicapped person a permanent ward and in such instances the student could not declare legal independence.
S.
Pregnant Students
Access to an educational opportunity is not denied to a pregnant student. However, the condition of pregnancy could necessitate modification of a student’s program if usual and normal activity could be detrimental to the health of the student or unborn child.
The following are guidelines for establishing appropriate educational programs for pregnant students:
Whenever a condition of pregnancy exists, the student may remain in regular school attendance provided there is no compelling reason to prevent such attendance. Pregnant students are expected to notify their guidance counselor and school nurse of their condition as soon as the pregnancy has been diagnosed by a physician.
2. Pregnant students are expected to visit with a physician to obtain appropriate advice for their own health and pre-natal care.
- Pregnant students shall be expected to participate in all usual and normal student activities until the attending physician prescribes limitations on activities.
- Two alternative educational programs are available for pregnant students. Admission to either the James H. Groves Adult High School or the Delaware Adolescent Program, Inc. (DAPI) is an option for pregnant students. Information regarding those programs can be obtained from the guidance counselor.
- Pregnant students who do not opt for one of the alternative programs may continue regular enrollment if attendance prior to time of expected delivery is regular. During the time of absence necessitated by complications or delivery certified by a physician, the student may be eligible for homebound instruction. Such students are expected to return to regular attendance as soon as the attending physician certifies school attendance will not be detrimental to the student’s health.
T.
Student Interrogations, Searches and Arrests
- Student Interrogations : School officials have the right and responsibility to question students as they investigate possible infractions. Such interrogations are to be conducted in accordance with Student Due Process Rights. When school officials deem it appropriate to involve law enforcement agencies in the interrogations, the school officials shall make reasonable effort to notify parents prior to the interrogation of the student by law enforcement personnel. Except as prescribed by the Code of Delaware, any interrogation of a student by law enforcement officials or other authorized agencies on school property shall be conducted with a school official present unless the parent authorizes a private interrogation.
- Student Searches : The school principal or designee is authorized to search a student’s person and/or personal effects if the principal or designee has reason to believe the student may be concealing contraband, illegal and/or prohibited items. All searches of students and student property shall be conducted in the presence of a witness.
- Student Arrests: The relationship between school officials and law enforcement agencies has been established between the district and law enforcement agencies. If the police arrive at school for the purpose of arresting a student for a non-school related offense, the principal or designee shall attempt to notify the parent of the action of the police.
U. Locker Searches
Lockers are school property and are assigned to students for their use. Books and other materials recognized by the school as having educational value may be stored in the locker. Lockers are not transferable by students. The school principal or a designee shall reserve the right to inspect any locker at any time, with or without the student’s presence or consent. Articles that are not of an educational value, or may be deemed harmful to a student or a group of students, or may cause damage to the school or school property, may be confiscated by the school principal and held for proper disposition or disposal. The school shall not be held responsible for money or personal articles of value left in lockers.Note: There should be no expectancy of privacy with respect to use of lockers.
V. Parking Lot Searches
Students are permitted to park on school premises as a matter of privilege, not of right*. The school retains authority to conduct routine patrols of student parking lots and inspections of the exterior of student automobiles on school property. The interiors of student vehicles may be inspected whenever a school authority has reasonable suspicion to believe that illegal or unauthorized materials are contained inside. Such patrols and inspections may be conducted without notice, without student consent and without a search warrant. If a properly conducted search yields illegal or contraband materials, such findings will be turned over to proper legal authorities for ultimate disposition.
Note: Administrative action will be taken in accordance with school policy. It is the driver’s responsibility to secure the contents of his/her vehicle. Anything in the vehicle will be presumed to be the driver’s property.
*Students must have a valid parking permit for the current school year.
W.
Student Concerns, Complaints, and Grievances
The Board of Education expects students and parents to seek redress when they believe action of a support staff person, teacher, or administrator has been unfair in the application of district policy or school regulations. The issue could be related to discipline, curriculum, procedures, regulations or common practice.
An appeal should be first presented to the individual whose action is questioned or staff member who supervises the person who is the focus of the action which caused the student or parent to have a concern, complaint or grievance. The terms concern, complaint, and grievance are not defined but are used to denote issues that have varying levels of complexity and there are various ways to address issues.
An issue which is not related to an appeal of disciplinary action might be appropriately referred to student government if the issues are related to matters in which student government has a role or responsibility.
Issues related to discipline or the action of a staff person should be appealed to the principal or appropriate designee.
Actions or decisions of the staff person may be formally appealed to the principal or superintendent if the principal’s action is in question. Appeals to the principal and superintendent must be submitted in writing.
A formal appeal of a student suspension or other disciplinary action will cause a delay in the serving of the disciplinary action until the appeal is completed. A principal may suspend a student who has filed an appeal if the continued presence of the student is considered to present a danger to the student or other students’ health, safety, or welfare. Then the principal should immediately refer the matter to the superintendent or designee.
Principals shall establish procedures which will provide timely review and disposition of appeals. The superintendent shall establish procedures which will provide timely review and disposition of appeals by a principal’s action.
Students and parents have the right to appeal the superintendent’s disposition to the Board of Education. The procedure for such appeal shall be a part of the written report to the student and/or parent prepared by the superintendent in response to an appeal of a principal’s action.
Students and parents have the right to appeal decisions of the Board of Education to the State Board of Education.
X. Student Protests, Demonstrations, and Strikes
Within each school, the Board of Education expects the principal to have established channels of communication and procedures for students to follow in expressing opinions, concerns or complaints.
Students who willfully disrupt the routine and daily schedule of the school or a school-sponsored event by participating in individual or group activity which has as its purpose the encouragement of noncompliance with an existing school policy, regulation or administrative decision will be subject to disciplinary action as appropriate. They may also be required to forfeit all recognition, student-body participation, honors, awards, and scholarships. Any instance of truancy, insubordination, or overt acts of behavior detrimental to the welfare of others resulting from their participation will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action, including arrest.
Student & Parent Information
Abbreviated Days
Dismissal will be 2 hours and 15 minutes early on all abbreviated days. Cafeterias will be open on all abbreviated days unless special notice is given.
Absences and Excuses
The Code of Delaware requires that every person having control of a child between the ages of five and sixteen shall send such child to school each day that school is in session. The Code further acknowledges that there are instances when a child’s absence is not an illegal act by either the child or the person in control of the child. However, it is clearly the expectation of the State of Delaware that children enrolled in school shall be in regular attendance. The District will schedule a hearing for parents/guardians of students in grades K - 8 whose attendance records are such that is appropriate to determine if the absences are excessive and parents are in violation of compulsory school attendance laws. High School students are subject to the CRHS attendance hearing procedures.
The Board of Education expects those in control of students enrolled in the Caesar Rodney Schools to be responsible for regular and punctual patterns of attendance and such is expected of all enrolled students.
The Board of Education recognizes that under certain conditions, absence from school attendance is necessary or appropriate.
The Superintendent of Schools is charged with maintaining a comprehensive system of attendance records. Classroom teachers and building principals are to maintain an accurate record of student attendance, absence, and tardiness.
The Board classifies absence from school as either “excused” or “unexcused”.
Students who are absent from school or a class are responsible for school work missed during their absence. Building principals shall, in cooperation with classroom teachers, establish the procedures for makeup work and shall communicate such procedures to parents in the school’s parent/student handbook or its equivalent.
It is the student’s responsibility to take advantage of opportunities provided by the teacher to make up work. The student’s grades could reflect failure to make up school work missed as a result of an absence. It is the responsibility of the person in control of a child to send a note to the school on the first day of return from an absence describing the reason which caused the student to be absent.
EXCUSED ABSENCES INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:
· absence associated with student illness;
· absence associated with a family emergency;
· absence associated with a religious holiday;
· absence associated with a subpoenaed court appearance;
· absence associated with an appointment for treatment by a doctor or dentist, providing evidence of such is provided;
· absence associated with other reasons pre-approved by the principal;
· absence associated with suspension.
UNEXCUSED ABSENCES INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:
· absence for which no written note was provided by the person in control of the student;
· absence not considered excused.
Students who are absent from school or a class for an unexcused reason are subject to appropriate school disciplinary action and referral to truancy court. Students may be referred to truancy court after four (4) unexcused absences from school.
Special Circumstances for High School Students
High school students are required to attend class regularly in order to receive academic credit for a course. Students who are absent more than 10 class periods for a semester course and more than 20 for a year course WILL NOT receive academic credit. Through an appeal process, however, students who have DOCUMENTED, long term medical excuses may be granted additional absences before being denied academic credit. This is not to be interpreted that a student has 10 or 20 absences plus absences due to medical reasons.
High school students’ absences due to school sponsored activities are not counted as absences from school or classes. Time spent with guidance counselors or with administrators will not be counted toward the total number of absences if the student
had a scheduled appointment or was called out of class. Time spent in the nurse’s office, however, will count toward the total number of absences. All other absences will count toward the total number of absences.
Principals shall establish procedures for informing teachers of students absent from class but not absent from school because the student is engaged in a school activity. Principals and teachers shall establish procedures for such students to follow to make up missed school work.
When an 18 year-old declares independence, the high school principal shall forward a copy of the declaration to the parent/guardian or person who was in control of the student prior to reaching age 18 and provide an explanation as to why the adult will no longer be provided information about the student.
Tardiness
The term “tardy” will be defined as being late to school, class or an activity, with or without permission of parents/guardian or school personnel. The principal, in
consultation with staff, will establish a specific building definition of what constitutes “being late to school, class or an activity.” All teachers will inform their respective classes of the building’s definition of “being late to school, class or an activity.” The
teacher will counsel with those students who are developing a pattern of being tardy.
Truancy
A student will be considered truant if the student:
· fails to arrive at school when directed to attend by the person in control of the student;
· leaves school property without permission of the principal or designee; or
· is present on school property but not present at the place or class assigned.
A student who is truant will be disciplined by the principal as appropriate to the circumstance associated with the truancy.
A student with more than three days of absence due to truancy in a given school year (which includes any mandatory summer school) will be considered a chronic truant. Students who leave school property without permission or who do not report to assigned areas or class three times in a given school year shall also be considered a chronic truant.
A student who is a chronic truant may be referred to the superintendent or designee. Students who reach the age of 16 may be recommended for expulsion from school.
A student expelled for truancy may re-enter school the following school year, but re-entry will be on a probationary basis. If such a student again is classified a chronic truant, per the description of the policy, the student shall be dropped from the attendance roll of the school.
In combating truancy, school officials shall attempt to involve other state agencies as they work to eliminate truancy as a cause for a student being absent from school.
Note: In addition to school disciplinary action for truancy, students may be referred to truancy court. Students may be referred to truancy court after four (4) unexcused absences from school.
ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY
FOR STUDENTS
The Caesar Rodney School District provides students with access to the District’s wide area network (the “system”), which includes but may not be limited to the Internet and the District’s electronic communication system, for limited educational purposes. Those purposes include preparing students for success in life and work in the 21 st century by providing them with electronic access to a wide range of information and the ability to communicate with people from around the world. Additionally, the system may be used to enhance productivity, facilitate communication within the District, and share information with the local community.
Access to the system is given to students, who are expected to comply with the Caesar Rodney School District (CRSD) Acceptable Use Policy and the State of Delaware Acceptable Use Policy. The CRSD Acceptable Use Policy complies with the State of Delaware Acceptable Use Policy and complete copies of both the District Policy and the State of Delaware Acceptable Use Policy are available in
school offices, school libraries, and on the District WebSite located at www.k12.de.us/caesarrodney.
The District makes no warranties of any kind, whether expressed or implied, for the services being provided. The Caesar Rodney School District will not be responsible for any damages, including loss of data or service interruptions. The use of any information obtained via the system is at the user’s own risk and the District denies any responsibility for the accuracy or quality of information obtained through the system.
In order to ensure the safety of all users and the system, all students are expected to report any messages they receive that are threatening, inappropriate, make them feel uncomfortable, or are otherwise questionable to their teachers(s) as soon as possible. In addition, students will not post personal contact information about themselves unless such posting involves valid applications for college or employment and is approved by an appropriate staff member. Personal contact information includes addresses, telephone numbers, school addresses, work addresses, photographs, et cetera. Students will not agree to meet with anyone they have met online without their parents’ approval and participation.
Students may not use the District’s system for commercial purposes, defined as offering or providing goods or services or purchasing goods or services for personal use, political lobbying, or any other unacceptable purposes. Such unacceptable purposes include, but are not limited to, the following:
Illegal Activities
- Students will not attempt to gain unauthorized access to the District system or to any other computer system through the District system, or go beyond their authorized access. This includes attempting to log on through another person’s account or access another person’s files. These actions are illegal, even if only for the purposes of “browsing.”
- Students will not make deliberate attempts to disrupt the computer system performance or destroy data by spreading computer viruses or by any other means.
- Students will not use the District system to engage in any other illegal acts such as, but not limited to, arranging for drug sales or the purchases of alcohol, engaging in criminal gang activities, threatening the safety of another person, gambling, et cetera.
System Security
- Students are responsible for the use of their individual accounts (when assigned) and should take all reasonable precautions to prevent others from being able to use their accounts. Under no conditions should users provide their passwords to another person, and no users should remain logged on to a workstation when not in a position to supervise the use of that workstation.
- Students will immediately notify their teacher(s) if they have identified a possible security problem. Students will not look for security problems as this may be construed as an illegal attempt to gain access.
Inappropriate Language
The following restrictions against the use of inappropriate language by students apply to public messages, private messages, and material posted on Web pages and applies to both text and visual representations.
- Students will not use obscene, profane, lewd, vulgar, rude, inflammatory, threatening, unacceptable or disrespectful language.
- Students will not post information that, if acted upon, could cause damage or a danger of disruption to the educational process.
- Students will not engage in personal attacks including, but not limited to, prejudicial or discriminatory attacks.
- Students will not engage in the harassment of another person. Harassment is defined as persistently acting in a manner that distresses or annoys another person. If a student is told by an individual to stop sending them messages, the student must honor the request immediately.
- Students will not knowingly or recklessly post false or defamatory information about a person or organization.
Respect for Privacy
Email messages and Internet visits are not guaranteed to be private. An electronic record of all emails is maintained at the state level and an electronic record of Internet site visits may be maintained at the state or District level. Furthermore, messages relating to or in support of illegal activities may be reported and/or provided to appropriate law enforcement authorities. Nonetheless, with respect to privacy on the system:
- Students will not re-post a message that was sent to them privately whenever the sender designates that the message is confidential and should not be shared with others.
- Students will not reveal personal contact information, as defined earlier, of others at any time.
Respecting Resource Limits
- Students will be respectful of the limited system storage resources and will actively manage their files.
- Students will use the system only for educational or career development activities.
- Students will not install applications to local hard drives or the network.
- Students will not download electronic information to the local hard drive or the network.
- Students will not post chain letters or engage in “spamming.” Spamming is defined as sending an annoying or unnecessary message to a large number of people.
Plagiarism and
Copyright Infringement
- Students will not plagiarize electronic works. Plagiarism is defined as taking the ideas or works of others and presenting them as if they were original to the user.
- Students will respect the rights of copyright owners. Copyright infringement occurs when an individual inappropriately reproduces a work, or portions of a work, including electronic media. If a work contains language that specifies acceptable use of that work, the user should follow the expressed requirements. If the user is unsure whether or not they can use a work, they should request permission from the copyright owner.
Inappropriate
Access to Material
The District provides filtering of Internet access through filtering software provided by the State of Delaware. Nonetheless, Internet filtering is not infallible and inappropriate sites may fail to be blocked at times. As a result, the District expects that:
- Students will not use the District system to access material that is profane, obscene, pornographic, or is of a sexual nature, that advocates illegal acts, or that advocates violence or discrimination towards other people (hate literature).
- If students inadvertently access such information, they should immediately disclose the inadvertent access to their teacher(s) in order to protect themselves against allegations that they intentionally violated this Acceptable Use Policy.
Violations of this Acceptable Use Policy may result in the restriction or loss of access to the District’s system, disciplinary action in accordance with the District’s Student Rights and Responsibilities regulations, and/or possible legal action.
Bus Information
Safety is of prime importance as students are transported to and from school or to school-sponsored activities. Safety requires the cooperation of students, parents/ guardians and school personnel. Parents/guardians should review and discuss the school bus rules with their children in an effort to help them understand and assume responsibility for good school bus conduct.
Students are charged with the responsibility of conduct which will result in safe transportation, respect for school personnel and respect for other students. Failure to abide by the school bus rules, show proper respect to others, and comply with requests of school personnel may result in a student being issued a School Bus Report and subsequent suspension or denial of bus transportation. Incidents of a serious nature will be sufficient grounds for a principal to suspend a student from school and refer the student to the Superintendent for consideration for expulsion.
The Superintendent is responsible for the establishment and publication of regulations for Student Conduct on Buses. These rules are intended to help students become aware of their responsibility and guide discussion. The list is not intended to be an all inclusive list but representative of the types of behavior that will be expected.
The Superintendent or designee shall establish procedures for bus drivers to follow to report inappropriate student behavior to the principal.
Transportation is provided for all students who:
A. Are residing one (1) mile or more from school if elementary (K-6).
B. Are residing two (2) miles or more from school if secondary (7-12).
C. Are in grade 9 through 12 and residing in Base Housing. These students will be provided transportation to Caesar Rodney High School.
D. Are residing in Base Housing Annex. These students will be provided transportation to the school attended.
All students are to ride their assigned bus to and from school. Students are assigned to a bus based on their home address. Parent/guardian must submit a written request to the Transportation Office for any bus changes (forms are available at each school and at the District Office.) Requests must be updated each school year. Exceptions are limited to prearranged emergency situations approved by the principal. Any questions related to school buses will be answered by the school principal or the Supervisor of Transportation (697-2173).
Bus Regulations
for Conduct of Students
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Students must obey the driver cheerfully and promptly, be courteous to the driver, and to fellow students. The driver is in full charge of the bus and students, and has the authority of a classroom teacher.
- Students must be on time; the bus has to run on schedule and cannot wait for those who are tardy.
- Students should never stand or play on the road while waiting for the bus.
- Before boarding the bus, students must keep a safe distance from it while it is in motion.
- Students must enter the bus without crowding or disturbing others and occupy their seats immediately.
- Students must not try to get on or off the bus when it is in motion. When on the bus they must remain seated until the bus has come to a complete stop.
- Students must keep out of the driver’s seat and remember that unnecessary conversation with the driver is prohibited while the bus is in motion.
- In approaching the bus or a bus stop along the highway, a student should always walk on the left side of the road facing traffic. Students should be sure that the road is clear of all traffic or that all traffic has stopped before crossing. Upon leaving the bus, students should immediately walk around the front of the bus as directed by the driver and stop before crossing. Students must make sure that the road is either clear of all traffic or that all traffic has come to a complete stop before crossing.
- In crossing the street or highway at any time, students should look both to the right and to the left, then WALK — not run.
- Outside of ordinary conversation in normal tone, classroom conduct is to be observed when on the bus.
- Students must not call out to passers-by. They should not open the bus windows without permission from the driver nor extend head or arms out of the windows.
- Students shall not leave the bus without the driver’s consent, except on arrival at their regular bus stop or at school.
- Students should help to keep the bus clean, sanitary and orderly. They must not damage or abuse the equipment.
- Students are not permitted to smoke while on the bus.
- Students must not use profanity while on the bus.
- Students must not throw articles of any kind in, out, or around the bus.
- Students are not to eat or drink while on the bus.
- Students are to conduct themselves while on the bus in such a way that it will not distract the driver from the job of driving.
- Students are to ride only the bus to which they are assigned.
Bus Video Cameras
Buses are equipped to use video cameras to help enforce discipline. The cameras will be rotated from bus to bus. The principal and other school officials may review the films to help them with disciplinary decisions.
Classroom Parties
Elementary classroom teachers may make plans for a maximum of three (3) parties during the course of the school year. Any school party will be held just prior to dismissal and will last no longer than an hour.
Communicable Diseases
Communicable disease control is vested by law in public health officials. The District will comply with regulations established by the State Board of Health to exclude students from school. General protection against communicable diseases is based on the exclusion of any student with suspicious signs pending a diagnosis. The student should be isolated until released in the custody of the family or other accountable person.
The readmission to school of a student having had a communicable disease varies with the nature of the disease, its communicability, and its seriousness. Any student who is absent from school because of a communicable disease must report to the school nurse before being readmitted to the classroom teacher.
Discipline
Discipline is intended to foster student growth while assuring each student an acceptable environment in which to learn. In keeping with the philosophy that discipline is a means of teaching and that most effective teaching is done in a positive manner, disciplinary efforts are to be as positive as possible. Positive means of working with students include individual discussion and counseling; involvement of students in defining acceptable behavioral standards; involvement of the parent in cases where a student has repeatedly exhibited lack of responsibility or of self-discipline.
When positive efforts have not succeeded in correcting a student whose behavior interferes with the learning environment, the following corrective measures are authorized:
- suspension of the pupil in accordance with the Board regulations;
- exclusion of the pupil in accordance with the Board regulations;
- other disciplinary actions to include, but not limited to probation, detention, fees and fines.
The student has the right to be informed of the reasons for corrective measures taken. Corrective measures should always be based on the need to assist the student to understand that modification of behavior is necessary for the student to be successful at school.
·
suspension of the pupil in accordance with the Board regulations;
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exclusion of the pupil in accordance with the Board regulations;
·
other disciplinary actions to include, but not limited to, probation, detention,
fees and fines.
The student has the right to be informed of the reasons for corrective
measures taken. Corrective measures should always be based on the need
to assist the student to understand that modification of behavior is necessary
for the student to be successful at school.
Corporal Punishment
No teacher, administrator, official employee, or agent of the Board of Education may subject a student to corporal punishment. Corporal punishment means the intentional infliction of physical pain which is used as a means of discipline. Corporal punishment includes, but is not limited to, paddling and slapping, when used as a means of discipline. This policy does not prohibit a teacher, administrator, official employee, or agent of the Board of Education from (1) using reasonable and necessary force to quell a disturbance or prevent an act that threatens physical injury to any person; (2) using reasonable and necessary force to obtain possession of a weapon, or other dangerous object within a pupil’s control; (3) using reasonable and necessary force for the purpose of self-defense or the defense of others; (4) using reasonable and necessary force for the protection of property; (5) using reasonable and necessary force to prevent a pupil from inflicting harm on himself or herself; (6) using reasonable and necessary force to protect the safety of others; or (7) using reasonable and necessary force to maintain order and control (SB15, 142 nd General Assembly).
Detention of Students
Detention is an extension, modification or additional day(s) added to the student’s schedule for disciplinary purposes. The Board of Education is of the opinion that detention is an important disciplinary action which can be effective and supports the use of detention as one way to hold students accountable for inappropriate behavior.
For minor infractions of the Code of Conduct or other policies and regulations, teachers or administrators may use detention. There are several types of detention which may be used.
While in detention, a student may be expected to:
- be engaged in meaningful academic activities
- be engaged in school/community service activities
- assigned to a specified area for a period of time
Except for recess and lunch time detention, detention will not be scheduled on the day it is assigned unless parents agree to the scheduling.
Detention shall be under the supervision of an administrator, teacher, or instructional aide.
Notice to Parents : When detention is assigned which will affect transportation, the principal or teacher assigning the detention shall notify the parent:
- For grades K-5: by telephone or memo sent home with the student;
- For grades 6-12: by verbal message delivered by the student, telephone, or memo mailed to the parent so alternative transportation can be arranged by the parent.
Suspension of Students
The Code of Delaware gives the School Board the power to suspend students and the authority to confer this power on members of the professional staff. In the Caesar Rodney School District , the superintendent, principals, and those teachers identified by the principal and approved by the superintendent are authorized to temporarily suspend students from school, school-related activities, or transportation. The following are examples (not an all-inclusive list) of unacceptable behavior that, depending upon circumstances, could result in the student being temporarily suspended or expelled from school:
· fighting, assaults, threats, acts of harassment, or verbal abuse directed toward a student, school employee or visitor to the school
· use of profanity, obscenities, or immoral acts
· use of tobacco
· creating a false emergency
· terroristic threatening/bomb threat
· theft
· truancy and excessive tardiness
· refusal to follow the directions of school staff or those in authority
· failure or refusal to follow district policy or school regulations
· intentional or malicious destruction of property
· possession or use of alcohol, narcotics, or other controlled substances
· possession of weapons
· acts which endanger the safety of oneself or others
· acts which disrupt the educational environment
· misuse of electronic equipment
· plagiarism
· violation of the District’s Acceptable Use Policy
Parents and students should be aware of the fact that, under certain circumstances, school officials are obligated to inform law enforcement agencies of some of the behavior described above. In addition, legal action may be instituted by school officials or by the State’s attorney.
Note: 1) There are specific limitations on the use of suspension for students identified as eligible for special education services.
2) The infractions listed above are examples of unacceptable behavior. If serious enough, more severe disciplinary action, including expulsion, could result.
Probation of Students
Students who have been involved in an infraction of school rules may be
placed on behavioral probation.
The Board of Education or Superintendent may place a student on probationary
status as part of a disciplinary action for dealing with student disciplinary
matters. The conditions of the probationary status will be presented to
the student and parents in written form.
Principals may place a student on probation in addition to, or in lieu
of, other disciplinary action.
Probation will be for a definite time period during which critical examination
and evaluation of the student’s progress will take place.
During the probation period, the student may be denied the privilege of
participation in or attendance at some or all extra curricular activities.
At the close of the probationary period, the individual case will be reviewed
and the student may regain all privileges.
If the student is further involved in an infraction of school rules during
the probationary period, the student will be suspended or denied certain
extra curricular privileges under the stipulations set forth in the probationary
agreement.
The parent will be notified by the principal that a student is being placed
on behavioral probation, including the length of the period, the terms
of the probation, and the possibility of suspension if the student is
found in further violation of school rules during probation.
Expulsion/Exclusion of
Students
The Code of Delaware gives the Board of Education the power to expel students
from school.
A student whose misbehavior or misconduct is considered to be "grossly
inappropriate" in the area of morality, violation of school policy/regulations,
or whose continued attendance is considered to be detrimental to the best
interests of the school, may be expelled from school. Such action shall
be by the majority vote of the members of the Board of Education following
a hearing to determine the severity of the alleged misbehavior or misconduct.
The expulsion of the student shall be considered only after a thorough
examination of the facts in the matter at a disciplinary hearing.
Disciplinary hearings shall be scheduled by the Superintendent when, in
the Superintendent’s opinion, the expulsion of the student is one of
the viable alternatives for the case under consideration.
Students expelled from school shall be considered for readmission only
by the Board of Education. The procedures for readmission shall be forwarded
to the parents of the student in the letter of expulsion.
Note: 1) Students expelled from the regular programming
may be eligible for an alternative program. In some instances, placement
in an alternative program is a state mandate.2) Expelled students or students attending alternative
school are prohibited from being on Caesar Rodney School District property
at any time during the duration of the expulsion without the written consent
of the Superintendent.
Dismissal
Students are not permitted to leave the school grounds with any individual except their own parents/guardians. The only time an exception will be made to this rule is when the office has on file a written request by the parent stating that the student is permitted to leave school with some other-named authorized person.
Early dismissal from school is discouraged. However, requests for early dismissal will be handled on an individual basis through the school office.
Students may not remain in the school buildings or on school property beyond a reasonable length of time after dismissal unless engaged in or attending an approved school function under the supervision of a school employee.
DSTP
Testing/Security
It will be considered a testing security violation for a student to fail to follow DSTP test administration procedures established by the school, district, and state. Students may not provide answers to or coach another student orally, in writing, or by any other means. Students must follow security regulations and procedures for handling test materials.
A student who violates these regulations shall be subjected to such disciplinary action as deemed appropriate by the school district. Also, at the discretion of DOE, the student’s test score may be invalidated and the student may be declared ineligible to retake the test until the next official testing opportunity.
Electronic Surveillance and Recording
The Caesar Rodney School District Board of Education authorizes the use of electronic surveillance and the recording of video and/or audio data in order to monitor student behavior and to help protect students and staff from breaches of security. Such electronic surveillance and recording may take place on school property that includes, but is not limited to, classrooms, hallways and stairs, auditoriums, cafeterias, gymnasiums, parking areas, athletic fields, and buses (both District owned and those owned by subcontractors). However, in no event shall video cameras be used at any time or in any location which would violate an individual’s reasonable expectation of privacy including, but not limited to, locker rooms, rest rooms or other areas where individuals would be expected to disrobe.
The decision to utilize electronic surveillance and/or recording devices on buses shall be made by the Superintendent or her/his designee. The decision to utilize electronic surveillance and/or recording devices on District owned property other than buses or individual schools shall be made by the Director of Business and Finance or his/her designee. The decision to utilize electronic surveillance and/or recording devices in individual schools or on individual school sites shall be made by the building principal. However, in no event shall such means be used for classroom surveillance unless the principal of the school and the teacher of the classroom agree in writing to the surveillance. Electronic surveillance and/or recording devices may be used without prior notification to the general public, including students, as determined by the authorized decision makers listed above. Authorization to view and/or listen to electronic surveillance and or recordings will also be determined by those same authorized decision makers.
Excusal from Physical Education and Health
State Board policy makes provisions for parents to request excusal of students from physical education for physical reasons as well as excusal from physical education and health education for religious objections. Parents with concerns in either of these subjects are urged to call the principal of the school the student attends, requesting the opportunity to review objectionable material and/or requesting excusal in accordance with State Board rules and regulations. Alternative assignments may be made.
Fire and Emergency Preparedness Drills
Fire drills are held monthly in accordance with the Delaware fire regulations. In addition, local disaster preparedness plans require that emergency preparedness drills be held two times a year. Also, an annual school safety drill is conducted in each school. Students are instructed by classroom teachers concerning the procedures that will be used in conducting these drills.
Gifted/Talented
Eligible students may participate in a gifted/talented program in grades 2-8. Eligibility requirements can be obtained from the student’s school of attendance. TAG students in grades 9-12 may enroll in Advanced, Advanced Placement, and Independent Study options as available. Although there is no formal TAG program offered in grades 9-12, high school students have the opportunity to participate in many extra-curricular activities, including, but not limited to, academic competitions, drama, band, music, and clubs. Students not identified as gifted/talented have the right to participate in the co-curricular activities of the gifted/talented program. Participation in these co-curricular activities is determined in a competitive mode similar to selection of athletic teams. Parents interested in these activities should contact the building principal.
Health Services
The school nurse or certified nursing assistant (CNA) is always on call to administer first aid and care for students who become ill while at school. They are not permitted, however, to diagnose an illness; therefore, students should not be sent to school if the parent is aware of a student’s illness.
School nurses and CNA’s are the only school employees who are permitted to administer medication at school. Other trained school employees may be authorized to administer medications on field trips. When any medication is sent to school, it must be in the original container. A written order from the child’s physician is required to administer prescription medication and the original canister constitutes such authorization. Parent permission is required to administer non-prescription medication.
Students who are required to use prescriptive inhalers during the school day must inform the school nurse of this need. Inhalers must be used in accordance with the school’s guidelines.
Homework
Homework is assigned in limited amounts in first and second grades with larger assignments beginning in the third grade and increasing as the student advances. It is frequently individualized as students needs and speed of work differ. In general, it will be work that has been started in school and requires further practice at home to improve skill. Reading of supplementary material and research projects is assigned to help enrich the regular class program. Parents can help by providing adequate space and regular times for such work at home.
Immunization
All students must show proof that they have been immunized before entering or continuing school unless they have presented an affidavit for exemption in accordance with the State Board policy. State Board policy makes provisions for parents to request excusal of students from immunization for physical and/or religious beliefs. For additional information, parents wishing to excuse students from immunizations for either of these reasons should call the principal of the school(s) attended.
The school nurse will verify immunizations for diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, measles, rubella, and polio. Immunizations can be obtained through the family doctor or by obtaining an appointment with the Kent County Health Unit (739-4726).
Instrumental Music
An orientation to instrumental music and group instrumental music instruction begins in Grade 5 for students who elect the program. Group instruction with instruments begins the second month of Grade 5. Each year, a district-wide beginning band parent meeting is held in September. At this meeting information about instrument purchase or rental is given.
Parent Telephone Conferences and Message to Teachers
Unless there is an emergency, teachers will not be called from their classrooms during the school day. Parents who would like to speak with a teacher by phone are requested to do so at times that do not interfere with instruction.
Physical Examinations
All students, upon entrance to the Delaware school system in kindergarten or grade one, must have a physical examination. Examinations can be obtained at a private physician’s office or a health clinic. For information call the Kent County Health Unit (739-4726).
Remediation Programs/Summer School
Remediation programs such as Title I, Limited English Proficiency (LEP), and summer school programs are available to eligible students. Summer school is provided free of charge for students in grades K-5, as well as for students in grades 6-10, who must attend summer school due to failure on the Delaware State Testing Program (DSTP) test. Students in grades 6-12 who must attend summer school due to course failure will be charged tuition. Eligibility requirements are available from each school. For more information, call the Director of Instruction at 697-2173.
School Attendance Areas
Attendance areas for the schools will be established by the Board of Education and changes in attendance areas will be approved by the Board of Education. Parents/guardians are expected to enroll their child in the school assigned to serve the area in which the student resides.
Except for those exceptions authorized in the contract for services between the Department of Defense and the Caesar Rodney School District, students residing in Dover Air Force Base housing shall attend schools located at Dover Air Force Base and students residing in areas of the district outside the property of Dover Air Force Base shall not attend a school located on Dover Air Force Base, unless approved for School Choice. Questions about school attendance areas should be directed to the District Office (697-2173).
School Choice - (Application Process), (Affidavit of Good Cause), (English Instructions), (Spanish Instructions),
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All applications (English or Spanish) for School Choice must be completed and returned to the Paul L. Dunbar Administration Building (District Office) according to established timelines. Preference is given to District residents. The District determines eligibility criteria for School Choice applicants. Once a student is accepted as a School Choice enrollee, the student is required to continue to meet the same academic, attendance, discipline, and DSTP performance criteria as required for School Choice acceptance. Each year, a School Choice enrollee’s profile will be reviewed to determine that the student is maintaining the eligibility criteria. If the School Choice enrollee is not meeting the criteria, the student’s enrollment is subject to termination at the end of the current school year. Transportation to and from school is the responsibility of the student.
Whenever a Caesar Rodney School District resident student moves from the District, it is the responsibility of the parent to immediately notify the school principal and file a School Choice application in order to be considered for continuing enrollment. Otherwise, the parent is obligated to immediately transfer the student to the school that serves the student’s new residence. All questions regarding School Choice should be directed to the Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent (697-2173).
School Meals
Breakfast and lunch are served in all schools every day. A large variety of foods is offered for student choice. Students are encouraged to participate in both the breakfast and lunch programs. All students can pre-pay for meals by placing money in their cafeteria account. Free and reduced price meals are available to those families who are eligible. Meal Benefit Forms are available from the school office.
Sex
Offender Community Notification
Any student who is a registered sex offender is required by law to notify the principal of the school the student is attending. At the time of notification, the principal will take appropriate action to assure the maintenance of a safe and orderly environment for all students.
All notifications of sex offenders received by the school or the District Office are maintained in a binder and kept in the main office of the school or District Office. These binders may be viewed upon request by any adult or juvenile with adult supervision. Inquiries about the Sex Offender Registry can be made by calling the Delaware State Police at (302) 739-5882 or viewing the State Police web site at www.state.de.us.dsp.
Special Instruction
for the Disabled
Students who have disabling conditions as defined by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) are provided individualized educational programs specifically designed to meet their needs. Such programs of instruction are supervised by trained professionals. For more information, call the Director of Special Education at 697-2173.
Student Accident Insurance
Information and application forms regarding student accident insurance are provided to parents very early in the school year. The cost for this insurance is minimal and covers students while attending school, going to and from school, and all school-sponsored activities. Parents are advised to review the coverage and exclusions as outlined in the application form. Forms are available in the school offices throughout the school year for new students. This insurance will provide full coverage where parents are not covered by other group insurance.
Student Records/Directory Information --Annual Notice of Rights
State and Federal law gives parents (and students over 18 years of age) certain rights concerning the student's school records. These rights include the rights listed below:
1. You have the right to look at your school records. To look at your school records, you should give the Principal a written request listing the records that you want to see. The Principal must allow you to see the records within 45 days from receiving your request.
2. You have the right to request changes in your school records if you believe the records are inaccurate or misleading. If you want to change your records, you should tell the Principal in writing what you want changed and why you think it ought to be changed. If the Principal agrees with you, your records will be changed. If the Principal disagrees with you, you may request a hearing.
3. You have the right to let other people see your school records; however, the law allows some people to see your records without your consent. For example, a school official, which includes an instructor, support staff member, administrator; a health or medical staff and law enforcement unit personnel; a School Board member; an attorney, auditor, medical consultant or therapist with whom the school has contracted to perform a special task; or adult volunteers may see your records if they need information or records to do their job as an employees or volunteers. In addition, the Caesar Rodney School District discloses school records, including disciplinary records, without consent to officials of another school district in which a student seeks or intends to enroll.
4. You have the right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education if you believe the school has violated any of your rights with respect to school records. If you have a complaint, send it in writing to:
Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, S.W.
Washington, DC 20202-4605
The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act requires that the Caesar Rodney School District, with certain exceptions, obtain your written consent prior to disclosure of personally identifiable information from the student's educational records. However, some of the information in student records is not confidential and may be released without your consent. This information is known as "Directory Information". Directory information includes the following:
- Student's name
- Address
- Telephone listing
- Date and place of birth
- Parent or lawful custodian’s name and address
- Participation in officially recognized activities and sports
- Weight and height of members of athletic teams
- Image or likeness in pictures, videotapes, film or other medium
- Degrees, honors, and awards received
- Major field of study
- Dates of attendance, dates of enrollment, withdrawal, re-entry
- Grade level
- The most recent educational agency or institution attended
- Other educational institution(s) attended
- Academic work intended for publication or display
The primary purpose of Directory Information is to allow the Caesar Rodney School District to include this type of information from the school records in certain school publications. Examples of those publications include:
- A playbill, showing the student's role in a drama production;
- The annual yearbook;
- Honor roll and other recognition lists;
- Graduation programs;
- Sports activities sheets, showing weight and height of team members; and
- Newspapers
Directory Information, which is information that is generally not considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if released, can also be disclosed to outside organizations without a parent or eligible student's prior written consent. Outside organizations include, but are not limited to, companies that manufacture class rings or publish yearbooks. If you do not want Directory Information released, you must tell the Principal in writing what types of Directory Information you do not want released. That written notice to the Principal must be received no later then September 15 of each school year or within 15 days of receiving this annual notice.
Military recruiters and institutions of higher education are entitled under Federal law to a list of names, addresses, and phone numbers of high school students unless you object to such release. If you notify your Principal in writing that you do not wish your child's name, address, and phone number released without your written consent, the District will honor that request.
Both parents have the right to see the school records of their child unless there is a certified copy of a court order on file at the school that specifically denies the right to access the school records. Copies of school records are available for a minimal copying charge.
If you have any questions about these rights, please contact your school Principal.
Student Travel
Student travel is categorized into the following two categories:
Field Trips :
Type I : Trips by students in a course or class that take place entirely during the time of the regular school day. Individual parent permission slips are not required providing the notice of the trip has been communicated to parents via school newsletter or other usual school communication procedures.
Type II : Trips by students in a course or class that take place on a regular school day and part of the trip includes time before or after the regular school day. Individual parent permission slips authorizing student participation are required.
Educational Travel : Trips by students, individually or in a group under the sponsorship of the school to participate in a competition, exhibit, study activity or student conference and overnight lodging is often necessary. Individual parent permission slips authorizing student participation are required.
Staff Promoted Non-School Trips : Trips promoted by staff that are personally and privately being planned, and in no way reflective, supported by, or authorized by the District or specific school. Since staff-promoted non-school trips are personally and privately planned, and are in no way reflective, supported by, or authorized by the District or specific school, the staff promoting such trips must adhere to the following requirements:
- No school or District stationary is to be used in relation to planning, organizing or promoting such trips.
- No statement or implication is to be made that such trips are reflective, supported by, or authorized by the District or specific school.
- Collection of money associated with such trips cannot be conducted during school hours or on school property.
- Promotion, recruitment, and planning associated with such trips cannot be held during school hours or on school property at any time.
- The District and Board of Education assume no liability for such trips.
Note: Eighteen-year-old students: Only students who have declared independence may sign their own permission slips.
Field trip costs may be partially or fully funded by student fees; however, no student may be denied participation in a school day field trip who did not provide the request-ed fee to cover the cost of the field trip. Basic Building Budget funds or donations shall be used to cover the costs of field trip participation for a student who did not pay the fee.
Student Use of Telephone
In schools where pay phones are available, they are to be used for all student- originated calls. Office phones may be used by students for incoming and outgoing calls if there is an emergency and if permission is granted. Students who have a need for use of cell phones in relation to after-school activities may check their cell phones into the school office upon arrival at school and pick their phones up at the end of the school day, or prior to leaving the school premises for the day. (For specific information, refer to “Student Use of Electronic Communications Equipment” Policy in this Student/Parent Handbook.)
Supportive Instruction (Homebound Instruction)
Supportive instruction (homebound instruction) is provided for students who are temporarily unable to attend school in accordance with the rules and regulations as prescribed by the Department of Education in 14 DE Admin. Code 930. If this service is needed, contact the school office.
Testing Services
The Caesar Rodney Schools are serviced by qualified school psychologists. Individual testing and study of any student may be undertaken if deemed advisable by the school and parent. Parents will be notified of individual testing and may consult with appropriate school personnel. The psychologist is available for consultation with the parent. Also, group tests of achievement are administered as per district or state guidelines.
Visiting Schools
Parents are welcome to visit schools. All visitors should report to the office immediately upon arriving at any school. If a parent wishes to speak to a teacher, it should be done by arrangement before school begins or at the end of the school day. Visitors are not permitted to interrupt classroom activities. Conferences with teachers and principals can be arranged by calling the school office.
Weather Emergencies
When weather conditions necessitate, ALL SCHOOLS IN THE CAESAR RODNEY SCHOOL DISTRICT WILL BE CLOSED. Notice of such closing will be given frequently between 6:30 & 8:00 a.m. on WKEN (AM 1600), WDOV (AM 1410), Eagle 97 (FM 97.7), WDSD (FM 92.9); and WXPZ (FM 101.3) and WBOC-TV (Ch. 16) and WMDT-TV (Ch. 47). School closing and/or early dismissal information is also available on the Department of Education web site at www.doe.state.de.us (click on the School Closing icon). Parents and students are requested NOT to call the school office, the district office, or a radio station for further information concerning the emergency closing of schools. In the event that weather conditions necessitate an early dismissal, students should have a specific, prearranged place to go should their parents not be home.
DISTRICT NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY
Caesar Rodney School District does not discriminate in employment or educational programs, services or activities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age or disability in accordance with state and federal laws. Inquiries should be directed to Caesar Rodney District Superintendent, Administrative Office, 219 Old North Road, P.O. Box 188, Wyoming, DE 19934. Phone: (302) 697-2173.
It is also the policy of this District to ensure that curriculum content and instructional materials used by our schools reflect the cultural and racial diversity found in our country, and to create an awareness of the rights, duties, and responsibilities of each individual as a member of the multi cultural, nonsexist society.
Inquiries about compliance with Title IX, Title VI, or VII may be directed to the compliance coordinators appointed in the District.
Note: The District appoints compliance coordinators for Title IX, Title VII and for Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as required by law. These compliance coordinators serve as grievance officers and are responsible for the District’s efforts to comply with nondiscrimination requirements under Title IX, Title VII, and Section 504.
NONDISCRIMINATION ON THE BASIS OF SEX
(Compliance Violation Grievance Procedure)
Any student or employee of the Caesar Rodney School District shall have the right to file a formal complaint alleging noncompliance with regulations outlined in Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 or in Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1974.
Level One - Principal or Immediate Supervisor (informal)
A student with a complaint of sex discrimination shall discuss it with the teacher, counselor, or principal.
Level Two - Title IX Compliance Officer
If the grievance is not resolved at level one and the student wishes to pursue the grievance, the student may formalize the grievance by filing a complaint in writing on a Compliance Violation Form, which can be obtained from the Title IX compliance officer. The complaint shall state the nature of the grievance and the remedy requested. The filing of the formal written complaint at Level Two must be within 21 days from the date of the event giving rise to the grievance, or from the date the grievant could reasonably become aware of such occurrence. The grievant may request that a meeting about the complaint be held with the Title IX compliance officer. A minor student may be accompanied at that meeting by a parent or guardian. The Title IX compliance officer shall investigate the complaint and attempt to resolve it. A written report from the compliance officer about action taken will be sent to the grievant within 21 days after receipt of the complaint.
Level Three - Superintendent
If the complaint is not resolved at Level Two, the grievant may proceed to Level Three by presenting a written appeal to the Superintendent within 15 days after the grievant receives the report from the compliance officer. A decision will be rendered and conveyed to the grievant by the Superintendent or his designee within 15 days after receipt of the written appeal.
Level Four - Other Agencies
The grievant may file formal complaints with the Delaware Civil Rights Commission or other agencies available for mediation or rectification of affirmative action grievances, or may seek private counsel for complaints alleging discrimination.
COMPLIANCE COORDINATORS AND GRIEVANCE OFFICERS
The following have been appointed to serve as the District’s compliance coordinators and grievance officers. These coordinators can be contacted at the Paul L. Dunbar Administration Building at 219 Old North Road, Wyoming, DE 19934 or at (302) 697-2173.
TITLE IX : CIVIL RIGHTS ACT OF 1972
(nondiscrimination on the basis of sex, educational programs)
Compliance Coordinator : Dr. Larry E. Harrison, Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent
Grievance Officer : LouAnn Carlson, Supervisor of Human Resources
TITLE VII : CIVIL RIGHTS ACT OF 1974
(nondiscrimination in employment practices)
Compliance Coordinator : Dr. Larry E. Harrison, Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent
Grievance Officer : Dr. Linda Rogers, Supervisor of Instruction
SECTION 504 OF THE REHABILITATION ACT OF 1973
District Coordinator : Janella Newman, Director of Special Education
Compliance Officers : Building Principals
Building Access Issue Officer : Dr. Victor Valeski, Asst. Superintendent and Director of Business and Finance
Hearing Officer : Director of Instruction
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA) OF 1992
District Coordinator : Mark Butala, Supervisor of Facilities Management
GENDER-EQUITY COORDINATOR
Director of Instruction
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