STUDENT HANDBOOK

It shall be the policy of the Clinton school district that the most recently adopted version of the Student Handbook be incorporated into the policies of this district. In the event that there is a conflict

between the student handbook and a general board policy or policies, and the student handbook is more recently adopted than the general board policy, the student handbook will be considered

binding and controlling on the matter. The intent of the handbook is to serve as a guideline for parents, students, teachers and administrators, but is not intended to replace sound reasoning and good

judgment on the part of teachers and administration when applying disciplinary measures. This handbook is not intended to limit teachers and administrators in the application of disciplinary

measures. Every effort will be made to follow these guidelines; however, it is realized that extenuating circumstances may lead a teacher or administrator to make appropriate changes to these

guidelines. This handbook is not intended to be all inclusive. It does not and can not contain all the rules, regulations, and procedures that are needed for the efficient and effective function of the

schools as educational institutions. New information will be given and new rules will be made to fit each new situation that might arise. It is the wish of the school that each student conducts

him/herself in a way that will be acceptable to all concerned. We are all here for one purpose, to see that each student receives an education that will allow him/her to develop to his/her fullest

potential and to insure his/her mental and physical growth insures his/her future success and well-being.

Freedom is a constitutional right, but it does not mean the absence of reasonable rules and regulations which serve to guide the actions of individuals. Along with freedom comes the responsibility to

act in such a manner as to insure that all participants may enjoy the same freedoms and obtain the greatest possible benefit of the students, teachers, administrators, parents, school board,

and the entire community. It is essential that all participants in the school work together to insure that all persons are treated equally and with dignity in respect to their rights and responsibilities.

Students have the responsibility to pursue their educational career in Clinton Schools in a manner that show respect for other students, faculty, parents, and other citizens. Students should be

aware that they have the responsibility to cooperate with and assist the school staff in the orderly and efficient conduct of the school by abiding by rules and regulations established by the Board

of Education and implemented by the administration and teachers. Each student is responsible for their own conduct at all times.

EQUAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY

No student in the Clinton School District shall, on the grounds of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, or disability, be excluded from participation in, or denied the benefits of, or subjected to discrimination under any academic, research, occupational training, educational program, or extracurricular activity sponsored by the District.

PERMANENT RECORDS

Permanent school records, as required by the Arkansas Department of Education, shall be maintained for each student enrolled in the District until the student graduates or is beyond the age of

compulsory school attendance. A copy of the student’s permanent record shall be provided to the receiving school district upon the transfer of the student to another district.

GENERAL RECORDS

General purpose information about students which considered essential in accomplishing the educational objectives of the school and in promoting the welfare of our students will be collected and

maintained under the supervision of the certified staff. The collection, maintenance, accessibility, dissemination, and retention of such information will be controlled by procedures adopted by the

Board designed to implement the primary tasks of the schools while protecting the individual rights in the best interest of the students and preserving the confidential nature of various types of records.

PRIVACY OF STUDENTS’ RECORD/DIRECTORY INFORMATION

All students’ educational records are available for inspection and copying by the parents of any student who is under the age of eighteen (18). At the age of eighteen (18), the right to inspect and copy

a student’s records transfers to the student. The district forwards education records, including disciplinary records, to schools that have requested them and in which the student seeks or intends to

enroll.

The district shall receive written permission before releasing educational records to any agency or individual not authorized by law to receive and/or view the educational records without prior

permission.

For purposes of this policy, the Clinton School District does not distinguish between a custodial and non-custodial parent with respect to gaining access to a student’s records. The fact of a person’s

status as parent or guardian, alone, enables that parent or guardian to review and copy his child’s records.

If a court order exists which directs that a parent not have access to a student or his records, the parent or guardian must present a file-marked copy of such order to the building principal and the Superintendent. The school will make good-faith efforts to act in accordance with such court order, but the failure to do so does not impose legal liability upon the school. The actual responsibility for enforcement of such court orders rests with the parents or guardians, their attorneys and the court which issued the order.

A parent or guardian does not have the right to remove any material from a student’s records, but such parent or guardian may challenge the accuracy of a record. The right to challenge the accuracy

of a record does not include the right to dispute a grade, which must be done only through the appropriate teacher and/or administrator, the decision of whom is final. A challenge to the accuracy of

material contained in a student file must be initiated with the building principal, with an appeal available to the Superintendent or his designee. Any appeal above that level will be subject to the

procedure set our in federal law and/or regulation.

Unless the parent or guardian of a student (or student, if above the age of eighteen [18]) objects, directory information about a student may be made available to the public, military recruiters, post

secondary educational institutions, prospective employers of those students, as well as school publications such as annual yearbooks and graduation announcements.

“Directory information” includes, but is not limited to, a student’s name, address, telephone number, electronic mail address, photograph, date and place of birth, classes in which he/she is enrolled,

his/her placement on the honor role (or the receipt of other types of honors), as well as his/her participation in school clubs and extracurricular activities, among others. If the student participates in

inherently public activities (for example, basketball, football, or other interscholastic activities), the publication of such information will be beyond the control of the District. A student’s name and

photograph will only be displayed on the district or school’s web page(s) after receiving the written permission from the student’s parent or student if over the age of 18.

The form for objecting to making directory information available is located in the back of the student handbook and must be completed and signed by the parent or age-eligible student and filed with

the building principal’s office no later than ten (10) school days after the beginning of each school year or the date the student is enrolled in school. Failure to file an objection by that time is considered

a specific grant of permission.

CURRICULUM

Students have a right to a meaningful curriculum, the right to know what is expected of them in class, to be informed of their progress toward graduation and or plan of study, to seek counsel and

direction in determining educational goals, and to work with the teacher to try to resolve any conflicts which might arise. School staff members have the responsibility to recognize the

individuality of their students who seek their advice and counsel. The staff members will also work toward improving the learning capabilities of their students as they strive for excellence. A

residential, tuition free School for Mathematics and Sciences for gifted and talented students in grades 11 and 12. was established by Act 305 of 1991 for qualifying students. Act 650 of 1991

established summer remedial programs for high school graduates and students who have completed the junior year of high school. See the counselor for details.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Clinton School District has a new phone system. You may contact the Clinton campuses by calling 745-6000 and accessing the appropriate extension key:

High School #1

Middle School #2

Elementary School #3

Superintendent #4

Junior High School #6

Announcements #7

Note: For information regarding school closings or special events, please access #7 for details.

The following numbers may be dialed directly:

Technology Coordinator 745-6032

Maintenance and Transportation 745-4701

High School Cafeteria 745-4515

High School Fax 745-2450

Junior High Fax 745-6065

CLINTON JUNIOR HIGH CAMPUS

BELL SCHEDULE

1^ST Bell 8:00

1^st Period 8:05 – 8:50

2^nd Period 8:55 – 9:40

3^rd Period 9:45 – 10:30

4^th Period 10:35 – 11:20

5^th Period 11:25 – 12:10 LUNCH

Learning Skills 12:45: - 1:00

6^th Period 1:05 – 1:50

7^th Period 1:55 – 2:40

8^th Period 2:45 – 3:30

CLINTON SENIOR HIGH CAMPUS

BELL SCHEDULE

1^st Bell 8:00

1^st Period 8:05 – 8:50

2^nd Period 8:55 – 9:40

3^rd Period 9:45 – 10:30

4^th Period 10:35 – 11:20 LUNCH

Advisory 11:55 – 12:10

5th Period 12:15 – 1:00

6^th Period 1:05 – 1:50

7^th Period 1:55 – 2:40

8^th Period 2:45 – 3:30

SCHEDULE CHANGES

Student class schedules may be changed up to a period of time recommended by the Counselor and delegated and announced by the Principal. The proper procedure for schedule changes is:

1. Visit the counselor and state your reason for wanting a schedule change.

2. If the counselor and the principal agree with the reasoning and the change will not impede accumulation of credits toward graduation, a new schedule will be prepared for

you with the counselor’s name and date.

3. Take the new schedule to the teachers involved so they may add or delete you from their class roll

RESIDENCE REQUIREMENTS

Definitions:

“Reside” means to be physically present and to maintain a permanent place of abode for an average of no fewer than four (4) calendar days and nights per week for a primary purpose other than

school attendance.

“Resident” means a student whose parents, legal guardians, persons having legal, lawful control of the student under order of a court, or persons standing in loco parentis reside in the school district.

“Residential address” means the physical location where the student’s parents, legal guardians, persons having legal, lawful control of the student under order of a court, or persons standing in loco

parentis reside. A student may use the residential address of a legal guardian, person having legal, lawful control of the student under order of a court, or person standing in loco parentis only if the

student resides at the same residential address and if the guardianship or other legal authority is not granted solely for educational needs or school attendance purposes.

The schools of the District shall be open and free through the completion of the secondary program to all persons between the ages of five (5) and twenty one (21) years whose parents, legal

guardians, or other persons having lawful control of the person under an order of a court reside within the District and to all persons between those ages who have been legally transferred to the

District for educational purposes.

Any person eighteen (18) years of age or older may establish a residence separate and apart from his or her parents or guardians for school attendance purposes.

In order for a person under the age of eighteen (18) years to establish a residence for the purpose of attending the District’s schools separate and apart from his or her parents, guardians, or other

persons having lawful control of him or her under an order of a court, the person must actually reside in the District for a primary purpose other than that of school attendance.

The children or wards of any person who is at least a half-time employee of this district but reside in another district are eligible to enroll in District schools.

ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS

To enroll in a school in the District, the child must be a resident of the District as defined in District policy or meet the criteria outlined in policy concerning

HOMELESS STUDENTS, be accepted as a transfer student under the provisions of TRANSFER STUDENTS, or be a participant under a SCHOOL CHOICE

options and submit the required paperwork as required by the choice option.

Students may enter kindergarten if they will attain the age of five (5) on or before September 15 of the year in which they are seeking initial enrollment. Any student who has been enrolled in a

state-accredited or state-approved kindergarten program in another state for at least sixty (60) days, who will become five (5) years old during the year in which he/she is enrolled in kindergarten,

and who meets the basic residency requirement for school attendance may be enrolled in kindergarten upon written request to the District.

Any child who will be six (6) years of age on or before October 1 of the school year of enrollment and who has not completed a state-accredited kindergarten program shall be evaluated by the

district and may be placed in the first grade if the results of the evaluation justify placement in the first grade and the child’s parent or legal guardian agrees with placement in the first grade; otherwise

the child shall be placed in kindergarten.

Any child may enter first grade in a District school if the child will attain the age of six (6) years during the school year in which the child is seeking enrollment and the child has successfully completed a kindergarten program in a public school in Arkansas.

Any child who has been enrolled in the first grade in a state-accredited or state-approved elementary school in another state for a period of at least sixty (60) days, who will become age six (6) years

during the school year in which he/she is enrolled in grade one (1), and who meets the basic residency requirements for school attendance may be enrolled in the first grade.

Students who move into the District from an accredited school shall be assigned to the same grade as they were attending in their previous school (mid-year transfers) or as they would have been

assigned in their previous school. Home-schooled students shall be evaluated by the District to determine their appropriate grade placement.

Prior to the child’s admission to a District school:

1. The parent, guardian, or other responsible person shall furnish the child’s social security number, or if they request, the district will assign the child a

nine (9) digit number designated by the department of education.

2. The parent, guardian, or other responsible person shall provide the district with one (1) of the following documents indicating the child’s age:

a. A birth certificate;

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

c. An attested baptismal certificate;

d. A passport;

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

f. United States military identification; or

g. Previous school records.

3. The parent, guardian, or other responsible person shall indicate on school registration forms whether the child has been expelled from school in any other school district or is a party to an

expulsion proceeding.

4. The child shall be age appropriately immunized from poliomyelitis, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, red (rubeola) measles, rubella, and other diseases as designated by the State Board of Health,

or have an exemption issued by the Arkansas State Department of Health. Proof of immunization shall be by a certificate of a licensed physician or a public health department acknowledging

the immunization.

HOMELESS STUDENTS

The Clinton School District will afford the same services and educational opportunities to homeless children as are afforded to non-homeless children. The Superintendent or his/her designee shall

appoint an appropriate staff person to be the local educational liaison for homeless children and youth whose responsibilities shall include coordinating with the state educational liaison for homeless

children and youth to ensure that homeless children are not stigmatized or segregated on the basis of their status as homeless and such other duties as are prescribed by law and this policy.

Notwithstanding, homeless students living in the district are entitled to enroll in the district’s school that non-homeless students who live in the same attendance area are eligible to attend. If there is a

question concerning the enrollment of a homeless child due to a conflict with policy, the child shall be immediately admitted to the school in which enrollment is sought pending resolution of the dispute.

It is the responsibility of the District’s local educational liaison for homeless children and youth to carry out the dispute resolution process.

The District shall act, according to the best interests of a homeless child and to the extent feasible do one of the following. (For the purposes of this policy “school of origin” means the school the child

attended when permanently housed or the school in which the child was last enrolled.)

3. continue educating the child who become homeless between academic years or during an academic year in their school of origin for the duration of their

homelessness;

4. continue educating the child in his/her school of origin who become permanently housed during an academic year for the remainder of the academic year; or

5. enroll the homeless child in the school appropriate for the attendance zone where the child lives.

If the District elects to enroll a homeless child in a school other than their school of origin and such action is against the wishes of the child’s parent or guardian, the District shall provide the parent or

guardian with a written explanation of their reason for so doing which shall include a statement of the parent/guardian’s right to appeal.

In any instance where the child is unaccompanied by a parent or guardian, the District’s local educational liaison for homeless children and youth shall assist the child in determining his/her place of

enrollment. The Liaison shall provide the child with a notice of his/her right to appeal the enrollment decision.

The District shall be responsible for providing transportation for a homeless child, at the request of the parent or guardian (or in the case of an unaccompanied youth, the Liaison), to and from the

child’s school of origin.

For the purposes of this policy, students shall be considered homeless if they lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence and

(a) are sharing the housing of other persons due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason; are living in motels, hotels, trailer parks, or camping grounds due to the lack of alternative

adequate accommodations; are living in emergency or transitional shelters; are abandoned in hospitals; or are awaiting foster care placement;

(b) have a primary nighttime residence that is a public or private place not designed for or ordinarily used as a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings;

(c) are living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations, or similar settings;

(d) are migratory children who are living in circumstances described in clauses (a) through (c).

COMPULSORY ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS

Every parent, guardian, or other person having custody or charge of any child age five (5) through seventeen (17) years on or before September 15 of that year who resides, as defined by policy,

within the District shall enroll and send the child to a District school with the following exceptions.

1. The child is enrolled in private or parochial school.

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

3. The child will not be age six (6) on or before September 15 of that particular school year and the parent, guardian, or other person having custody or charge of the child elects not to have

him/her attend kindergarten. A kindergarten wavier form prescribed by regulation of the Department of Education must be signed and on file with the District administrative office.

4. The child has received a high school diploma or its equivalent as determined by the State Board of Education.

5. The child is age sixteen (16) or above and is enrolled in a post-secondary vocational-technical institution, a community college, or a two-year or four-year institution of higher education.

6. The child is age sixteen (16) or seventeen (17) and has met the requirements to enroll in an adult education program.

STUDENT TRANSFERS

The Clinton School District shall review and accept or reject requests for transfers, both into and out of the district, on a case by case basis at the July and December regularly scheduled board

meetings.

Any student transferring from a school accredited by the Arkansas Department of Education to a school in this district shall be placed into the same grade the student would have been in had the

student remained at the former school.

Any student transferring from home school or a school that is not accredited by the Arkansas Department of Education to a District school shall be evaluated by District staff to determine the

student’s appropriate grade placement.

The Board of Education reserves the right, after a hearing before the Board, not to allow any person who has been expelled from another district to enroll as a student until the time of the person’s

expulsion has expired.

The responsibility for transportation of any nonresident student admitted to a school in this District shall be borne by the student or the student’s parents. The District and the resident district may

enter into a written agreement with the student or student’s parents to provide transportation to or from the District, or both.

SCHOOL CHOICE

The superintendent will consider all applications for School Choice postmarked not later than the July 1 proceeding the fall semester the applicant would begin

school in the District. The superintendent shall notify the parent or guardian and the student’s resident district, in writing, of the Board’s decision to accept or reject

the application within 30 days of its receipt of the application.

The District shall advertise in appropriate print and broadcast media to inform students and parents in adjoining districts of the range of possible openings available

under the School Choice program. The public pronouncements shall state the application deadline and the requirements and procedure for participation in the

program. Such pronouncements shall be made in the spring, but in no case later than June first.

When considering applications, priority will be given to applications from siblings or stepsiblings residing in the same residence or household of students already attending the District through school

choice.

The District may reject a nonresident’s application for admission if its acceptance would necessitate the addition of staff or classrooms exceed the capacity of a program, class, grade level, or school

building, or cause the District to provide educational services not currently provided in the affected school. The District shall reject applications that would cause it to be out of compliance with

applicable laws and regulations regarding desegregation. Letters of rejection shall state the reason(s) for the rejection.

The Board of Directors reserves the right, after a hearing before the board, not to allow any person who is currently under expulsion from another district to enroll in a District school.

Students admitted under this policy shall be entitled to continued enrollment until they graduate or are no longer eligible for enrollment in the District’s schools

HOME SCHOOLING

Parents or legal guardians desiring to provide a home school for their children must give written notice to the Superintendent of their intent to do so and sign a waiver acknowledging that the State of

Arkansas is not liable for the education of their children during the time the parents choose to home school. Notice shall be given:

1. At the beginning of each school year, but no later than August 15;

2. By December 15 for parents who decide to start home schooling at the beginning of the spring semester; or

3. Fourteen (14) calendar days prior to withdrawing the child (provided the student is not currently under disciplinary action for violation of any written school policy, including, but not limited to,

excessive unexcused absences) and at the beginning of each school year thereafter.

The parents or legal guardians shall deliver written notice in person to the Superintendent the first time such notice is given and the notice must include:

1. The name, date of birth, grade level, and the name and address of the school last attended, if any;

2. The location of the home school;

3. The basic core curriculum to be offered;

4. The proposed schedule of instruction; and

5. The qualifications of the parent-teacher.

To aid the District in providing a free and appropriate public education to students in need of special education services, the parents or legal guardians home-schooling their children shall provide

information which might indicate the need for special education services.

COUNSELING SERVICES

Clinton Schools have student counseling services available to all students. Concerns with scheduling, grading, instruction, graduation, college enrollment, testing, peer problems, and personal

problems are all part of the areas that counseling serves. Students having a problem of any kind who feel they need help or guidance may visit with a school counselor.

ABSENCES

Education is more than the grades students receive in their courses. Important as that is, students’ regular attendance at school is essential to their social and cultural development and helps prepare

them to accept responsibilities they will face as an adult. Interactions with other students and participation in the instruction within the classroom enrich the learning environment and promote a

continuity of instruction which results in higher student achievement. Therefore, in accordance with state laws governing school attendance, the Clinton School Board has adopted the following

attendance policy.

An absence is defined as a any student who misses fifteen (15) minutes or more of a class period even with parental permission.

When a student has 10 (ten) absences , the District shall notify the prosecuting authority and the Department of Human Services. The parent, guardian, or persons in loco parentis shall be subject to

a civil penalty as prescribed by law.

Students with (10) or more absences in a course shall not receive credit for that course. At he discretion of the principal after consultation with persons having knowledge of the circumstances of the

absences, the student may be denied promotion or graduation. Excessive absences shall not be a reason for expulsion or dismissal of a student.

Arkansas State Law requires Clinton Schools to notify parents concerning absences. Therefore, when a student has three (3) absences, his/her parents, guardians, or persons in loco

parentis shall be notified. Notification shall be by regular mail with a return address. This same process of notification will also take place when a student has accumulated five (5) absences. When

a student has eight (8) absences, the parent, guardian, or persons in loco parentis will be notified by certified mail.

When a student has ten (10) absences, the District shall notify the prosecuting authority and the Department of Human Services. The parent, guardian, or person in loco parentis shall be subject to a

civil penalty as prescribed by law. The student will also be recommended for lose of credit toward graduation or promotion.

A committee will meet to review any documentation the student may have to determine excused absences.

Excused absences are absences where a student was on official school business or when the absence was due to one of the following reasons and the student brings an official written statement upon his/her return to school.

1. Serious Illness;

2. Death or serious illness in their immediate family;

3. Observance of recognized holidays observed by their faith;

4. Attendance at a medical appointment;

5. Attendance at an appointment with a government agency;

6. Exceptional circumstances with prior approval of the principal;

It is the Arkansas General Assembly’s intention that students having excused absences be given assistance in obtaining credit for their courses. Absences not defined as above or not having

accompanying documentation shall be considered as unexcused absences.

Students assigned to in-school suspension shall not be counted absent for those days.

Make up work due to expulsion or out of school suspension will not be allowed.

Applicants for an instruction permit or for a driver's license by persons less than eighteen (18) years old on October 1 of any year are required to provide proof of a high school diploma or

enrollment and regular attendance in an adult education program or a public, private, or parochial school prior to receiving an instruction permit. To be issued a driver's license, a student enrolled

in school shall present proof of a “C” average for the previous semester or similar equivalent grading period for which grades are reported as part of the student’s permanent record.

The District shall notify the Department of Finance and Administration whenever a student fourteen (14) years of age or older is no longer in school. The Department of Finance and Administration

is required to suspend the former student’s operator’s license unless he/she meets certain requirements specified in the code.

* It is the student’s responsibility to keep up with days missed; the office will not run printouts of absences for students.

MAKE-UP WORK

Students who miss school shall be allowed to make up the work they missed during their absence under the following rules:

1. Students are responsible for asking the teachers of the classes they missed what assignments they need to make up.

2. Teachers are responsible for providing the missed assignment when asked by a returning student.

3. Students are required to ask for their assignments on their first day back at school or their first class day after their return.

4. Make up tests are to be rescheduled at the discretion of the teacher, but must be aligned with the schedule of the missed work to be made up.

5. Students shall have one class day plus one to make up their work for each class day they are absent.

6. Make up work which is not turned in within the make up schedule for that assignment shall receive a zero.

7. Students are responsible for turning in their make up work without the teacher having to ask for it.

8. Students who are absent on the day their make up work is due must turn in their work the day they return to school whether or not the class for the work is due meets the day

of their return.

9. Work missed due to an out of school suspension or expulsion may not be made up.

TARDIES

Promptness is an important character trait and is the responsibility of each student. Students who are late to class show a disregard for both the teacher and their classmates which compromises

potential student achievement. Students who are consistently tardy are subject to disciplinary action. Any student who arrives in the classroom (up to 15 minutes) after the beginning of class bell rings

is considered tardy. If a student is tardy, s/he is to report to the office for a tardy slip where a record will be made. Tardies are cumulative throughout a semester per class period. Cumulative

tardies, four (4) or more, will count as one day of absence within the District’s semester test exemption policy but not for loss of credit or the District’s absence policy. Seniors will be exempt from

spring semester exams if they have no more than four (4) absences for the semester and are passing his/her class..

Consequences:

One (1) day detention for the fourth (4^th) tardy will be assigned.

Two (2) days detention for the fifth (5^th) tardy will be assigned.

Three (3) days detention for the sixth (6^th) tardy will be assigned.

The school will notify parents/guardians when seven (7) tardies have occurred to determine the appropriate action to be taken. Actions may include but not be limited to In-School-Suspension,

Out-of- School-Suspension, or Corporal Punishment.

OUT OF CLASS

Clinton High School students, grades 10-12 who leave class with permission to take care of personal business will be considered “out of class” (OC)

Consequences:

One (1) day detention for the fourth OC will be assigned.

Two (2) days detention for the fifth OC will be assigned.

Three (3) days detention for the Sixth OC will be assigned.

ISS for the seventh OC and thereafter will be assigned.

CLOSED CAMPUS

All schools in the District shall operate closed campuses. Students are required to stay on campus from their arrival until dismissal at the end of the regular school day. Students may be given

permission to leave the campus by a school official and must sign out in the office upon their departure. If a student leaves campus after his/her arrival, he/she may not return unless given prior

approval by school officials.

EQUAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY

No student in the Clinton School District shall, on the grounds of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, or disability will be excluded from participation in, or denied the benefits of, or be

subjected to discrimination under any educational program or activity sponsored by the District.

STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS/Equal Access

Non-curriculum-related secondary school student organizations wishing to conduct meetings on school premises during noninstructional time shall not be denied equal access on the basis of the

religious, political, philosophical, or other content of the speech at such meetings. Such meetings must meet the following criteria.

1. The meeting is to be voluntary and student initiated;

2. There is no sponsorship of the meeting by the school, the government, or its agents or employees;

3. The meeting must occur during noninstructional time;

4. Employees or agents of the school are present at religious meetings only in a non-participatory capacity;

5. The meeting does not materially and substantially interfere with the orderly conduct of educational activities within the school; and

6. Nonschool persons may not direct, conduct, control, or regularly attend activities of student groups.

All meetings held on school premises must be scheduled and approved by the principal. The school, its agents, and employees retain the authority to maintain order and discipline, to protect the

well being of students and faculty, and to assure that attendance of students at meetings is voluntary.

Fraternities, sororities, and secret societies are forbidden in the District’s schools. Membership to student organizations shall not be by a vote of the organization’s members, nor be restricted by the

student’s race, religion, sex, national origin, or other arbitrary criteria.

There are presently no State or Federal laws which prohibit student organizations at the secondary level. Students have the right to join any existing club; however, students may be restricted to

membership on the basis of their sex only if the organization is entitled to under Title IX under the Bayh Amendment. This amendment gives exemptions to organizations that are: (1) voluntary youth

service organizations, (2) tax exempt under Section 501 (a) of the 1954 Internal Revenue Code, (3) single sex by tradition, or (4) principally composed of membership under the age of 19.

Clubs and extracurricular activities are important to the character and growth of students and the school. Clubs and extracurricular activities are the real heart of the school and are the other side

of the academic experience. Students are encouraged to participate and enjoy these activities and make the most of these wholesome opportunities to associate with other students here on campus

and with other students from other schools and communities.

HOMEWORK POLICY

Homework is considered a major part of school. Seventh through ninth grade students should prepare for around 30 minutes of homework per major subject area each night. Tenth through

twelfth grade students should prepare for around 45 minutes per major subject area each night. Remember, homework is an extension of the classroom and is enhancement of what is being

taught each day. To be really successful, a habit of setting aside an uninterrupted time each night is critical. Teachers will make an effort to schedule homework around major events.

Students, who continually fail to turn in assignments, bring class supplies, or sleep in class will be referred to the counselor. Subsequent incidents will require a conference with parents and

disciplinary actions.

GRADING SCALE

Act 1188 of 1993 provides for a uniform grading scale for all public schools in the state and for other purposes. The grading scale is as follows:

90 – 100 A

80 – 89 B

70 – 79 C

60 – 69 D

59 and Below F

Grades shall reflect only the achievement of educational objectives.

GRADE PLACEMENT POLICY

As of the 2001 -2002 school year, only courses taken in grades 9 – 12 will be counted toward meeting graduation requirements with the exception of Algebra 1 and a Foreign Language level 1

course which may be taken in the 8^th grade for credit. Credit in any subject will be given on a basis of one-half (1/2) credit per semester. If a student fails one semester but passed the other

semester of a subject, ½ credit will be given. If the failed semester is in a class required for graduation, the student must make up that semester. Students will move up in classification to sophomore

status when they have completed five (5) units of credit. Students will be classified a junior when they have completed ten (10) units of credits. Students will be classified a senior when they

have completed sixteen (16) units of credit.

CORRESPONDENCE CREDIT

No student will be permitted to graduate ahead of their class by taking correspondence courses. Correspondence courses may be taken for the purpose of making up failed work or for

supplementing the normal school offerings. It may be accepted for credit upon approval by the principal and under supervision of the counselor.

SUMMER SCHOOL

Courses may be taken for the purpose of making up failed work providing the student has prior approval. These courses must be taken through a Arkansas Department of Education approved

school district or program. Summer school may not be used to improve current grades or G.P.A.

G.E.D. PROCEDURES

Arkansas law requires all students from ages five (5) through seventeen (17) on September 15^th to attend school unless they have received a diploma or its equivalent or unless they have

enrolled in a post-secondary vocational institution or a two or four year institution of higher education. Seventeen year old students may enroll in a G.E.D. program with approval of their parent or

guardian and approval of the local school district and local G.E.D. program. Students who leave the public system and enroll in the G.E.D. program are not permitted to re-enroll in

Clinton Schools the same semester in which they leave.

CONCURRENT CREDIT

A ninth through twelfth grade student who successfully completes a college course(s) from an institution approved by the Arkansas Department of Education shall be given credit toward high

school grades and graduation at the rate of one-half (1/2) high school credit for each three semester hours of college credit.

Unless approved by the school’s principal, prior to enrolling for the course, the concurrent credit shall be applied toward the student’s graduation requirements as electives.

Students will retain credit applied toward a course required for high school graduation from a previously attended, accredited school. Any and all costs of higher education for concurrent credit

are the student’s responsibility. Concurrent Credit Courses will not be counted as weighted credit.

EARLY GRADUATION

Students may graduate ahead of their regular appointed class provided they meet all the graduation requirements of the local school district and the State of Arkansas. Correspondence

courses may not be used to fulfill the requirements.

GRADUATION DRESS POLICY

The graduating student must realize that even though s/he may have met the attendance and academic requirements, s/he has not met the requirements of the local district until such time as the

graduation ceremonies have concluded. All students participating in the graduation exercises are to conduct themselves according to the rules specified by their class sponsors and in compliance

with school district policy. The importance of the occasion lends itself to reverence (regard with deep respect). Students are not to talk, make gestures, or in any way distract from the ceremony.

Female students are to wear appropriate dress with hose and black colored shoes. The traditional graduation cap and gown will be worn by all students during the service. Male students are to

wear a light colored shirt, preferably with tie, dark slacks, and dark (either brown or black) dress shoes with socks. Graduation cap and gown will be worn by the graduating class and the fee for

the same will be incurred by the student. Commencement events will be held on school grounds.

Students who choose not to participate in the graduation ceremonies will be mailed their diplomas on the next school day following graduation. Determination not to participate shall be made two

(2) days prior to graduation rehearsal.

Each candidate for graduation will be presented a copy of the graduation policies. A copy will be sent to the parents or guardians. A signed copy of acknowledgment of receipt from students and their parents or guardian will be collected by the class sponsor. Only students who have completed all academic requirements will be invited to participate in graduation exercises.

ADMISSION STANDARDS AT ARKANSAS PUBLIC COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES

As of May 1, 1999, any public school student who graduates from a public high school must have successfully completed the core curriculum recommended by the State Board of Higher

Education with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale to be eligible for unconditional admission as an undergraduate to a public four year institution of higher education. Nothing in

this subsection shall prevent a student from enrolling for the purpose of obtaining a degree or certificate offered by a public four-year institution.

Students enrolling in a two-year college or university must have successfully completed the core curriculum, but are not mandated to have a 2.0 GPA to be eligible for enrollment.

REQUIRED COURSES AT SUGGESTED GRADE LEVELS

9^th Grade: English I, Math, Physical Science, Health, and Physical Education

10^th Grade: English II, Math, Biology, Social Studies

11^th Grade: English III, Math, Science, Social Studies, Speech

12^th Grade: English IV, Math, Social Studies

BASIC GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS (Core)

English 4 units
Mathematics 4 units (one course must be taken in either grade 11 or grade 12)
Science 3 units (must be one unit life science and one unit physical science)
Social Studies 3 units (must include ½ unit Civics, 1 unit American History, and 1 unit World History)
Physical Education ½ unit
Health ½ unit
Fine Arts ½ unit
Speech ½ unit
Electives 7 units

Total Units: 23 units beginning with the Class of 2005 through 2009.

24 units beginning with the Class of 2010 and thereafter.

Special Education students may receive a diploma upon meeting the above criteria with said units being specified in the student’s Individual Educational Plan.

All units must be met in order to participate in graduation exercises.

GPA is computed on a 4.00 scale. Only AP class grades will carry a weighted value beyond graduation. It does not include activity classes.

HONOR GRADUATE REQUIREMENTS

Beginning with the class of 2006 – 2007, in order to be considered for Honor Graduate status the following criteria must be met:

the prospective candidate will follow the required curriculum courses needed to qualify for the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship Grant that is in effect at the beginning of the

candidate’s ninth (9^th) grade year

the candidate will take at least four (4) AP courses (8 semesters total)
the candidate will have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.6
only credit grades earned in grades 8 – 12 will be considered in fulfilling the above listed criteria
To be eligible for Valedictorian or Salutatorian status, candidates must have taken 10 semesters of AP courses.

ARKANSAS CHALLENGE GRANT CURRICULUM (Smart Core)

4 units of English

3 units of natural science with labs (Physical Science, Biology, Chemistry or Physics)

4 units of mathematics (Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, any unit of higher math i.e. Pre-Calculus with Trigonometry, Trigonometry, Calculus, Transitional Math, etc...)

3 units of social studies (American History, World History, ½ unit of Civics or American Government, and ½ unit of any other social science

2 units of the same foreign language

½ units Physical Education

½ units Health

½ units Speech (Oral Communication)

½ units Fine Art

5 units of electives

Total Units: 23 units beginning with the Class of 2005 and any beyond.

24 units beginning with the Class of 2010 and beyond.

All units must be met in order to participate in graduation exercises.

GPA is computed on a 4.00 scale. Only AP class grades will carry a weighted value beyond graduation. It does not include activity classes.

CALCULATING GRADE POINT AVERAGE

Grade point is calculated on a 4.00 scale. It does not include non-academic classes i.e. Athletics, aides, Cheerleading, Drivers Education, etc… Academic classes, those recognized as a

Carnegie unit of study, such as Band, Choir, and Journalism will count only in the first year taken. If taken again, such classes will count for elective credit but will not be calculated in the overall GPA.

Non- AP formula AP Class formula

A = 4 points A = 5 points

B = 3 points B = 4 points

C = 2 points C = 3 points

D = 1 point D = 2 points

F = 0 points F = 0 points

The AP Class formula will be used for determining class ranking at the local level only. Only the GPA of “AP Class” offerings will be used in determining Honor Graduate status.

To be eligible for Valedictorian or Salutatorian status, candidates must have taken 10 semesters of AP courses. The top 10 semesters of APclasses will be used in determining ranking.

GOLD CARD PROGRAM

Students in grades 7 – 12 who achieve a 3.5 grade average over a 9 weeks grading period are given a Gold Card for their achievement. Students who achieve all “A’s” are given a Gold

Card Plus. The student’s behavior grade also matters in this program. If a student has a “C” in conduct, s/he is not eligible for either card. These cards are sponsored by organizations and

businesses in the community and have various rewards. A list of rewards associated with each card is posted throughout the schools. A special assembly is held after each grading period to

announce the recipients.

CLASS LOAD

Many hours of work have been put into the class schedules so that students may have a wide variety of subjects from which to choose. Each student is individually considered and computer

scheduled into subject areas. All students must carry a minimum of five (5) subjects each semester and be directed toward meeting graduation requirements. No student will be allowed more

than one (1) study hall.

TRANSCRIPTS AND DIPLOMA SEALS

As of the 1994 – 1995 school years, a seal or stamp, or other symbol will be attached to transcripts and diplomas awarded to high school students who have completed the core curriculum with

a minimum grade point average of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale.

THIRTEENTH YEAR

Currently enrolled students who have completed their twelfth year and who lack completion of the required units for graduation and lack one (1) or less of the required units and who desire to

return to school for completion of the high school diploma may do so provided the student has not reached the age of 21. Any such student, however, will take the same class load as all other

students and may participate in the graduation ceremony the following year.

ALTERNATIVE LEARNING ACADEMY (ALE)

The mission of ALE is to provide an effective education to students identified as needing a flexible, non-traditional learning environment with alternative ways to acquire either a high school

diploma or a general education diploma by means of personalized, multi-faceted, computer-based instruction, as well as career-technical preparation, in a nurturing, stimulating, student-centered

environment to empower them with academic skills, quality life skills, and technical competency to become productive and responsible adults.

ALE is a perspective based on the belief that there are many ways to become educated as well as environments and structures in which this may occur. The present law for admission is as follows:

1. student is not age appropriate for grade level

2. poor school attendance

3. failure or at risk of failing two (2) or more courses

4. record of retention for two (2) or more school years

5. inability to function in the traditional education setting as evidenced by excessive discipline referrals

6. students must be referred by a teacher, administrator, and/or parent

Credit is gained according to standard Carnegie requirements. 60 hours equals ½ credit.

SEMESTER TEST EXEMPTIONS

Testing is an integral part of any academic career. Students are urged to prepare for any test s/he may have to take. However, testing is not the sole indicator of success or of learning. Students in

grades 7 – 12 will be allowed to be exempt from semester testing if the following criteria are met: Seniors will be exempt from spring semester test is they have no more than four absences

and are passing his/her classes.

1. students will be allowed four (4) absences in an individual class if s/he has an “A” for both nine weeks; NOT AN AVERAGE OF THE TWO NINE WEEKS

2. students will be allowed three (3) absences in an individual class in s/he has a “B” for both nine weeks; NOT AN AVERAGE OF THE TWO NINE WEEKS

3. students will be allowed two (2) absences in an individual class if s/he has a “C” for both nine weeks; NOT AN AVERAGE OF THE TWO NINE WEEKS

4. students will be allowed one (1) absence in an individual class if s/he has a “D” for both nine weeks; NOT AN AVERAGE OF THE TWO NINE WEEKS

5. seniors will be exempted from their last semester of testing unless s/he is failing that class

Students who accumulate four (4) or more tardies will be assessed one day of absence within the semester test exemption policy.

Any student who is failing a course must take the semester examination.

TESTING INCENTIVES DAYS

As an incentive to students who achieve at the state mandated levels on state mandated tests, the following incentives are allowed:

For the student who makes a ten percent (10%) gain from one test to another, s/he will receive one (1) day release from school.
For the student who scores PROFICIENT, s/he will receive one (1) day release from school.
For the student who scores ADVANCED, s/he will receive two (2) days release from school.

The following guidelines must be adhered to in order to receive the release day(s):

The office must have (2) two days advance notice of the desired release day in writing from the parent/guardian.
The release day may not be used during scheduled testing periods, i.e. semester tests or state-mandated testing.
If a release day(s) is gained, the day(s) must be used during the next school year.
A release day may not be used to make up an absence.
The student is responsible for the missed day(s) material.

PROMOTION AND RETENTION

GRADES 7 - 9

Federal and State mandates require an increased emphasis on student achievement. Student achievement is a must to prepare a student for the twenty-first century.

Students in grades seven and eight are required to take six subjects during the school year.

Four of the six required subjects are the core subjects. The core subjects are English, Math,

Social Studies, and Science. Students are enrolled in each core subject for two semesters.

Two semesters of each core subject makes up the eight core semesters that each student takes each year.

To be eligible for promotion to the next grade level, a seventh or eighth grade student must pass six (6) of the eight (8) core semesters. In addition to passing six (6) of the (8) core semesters, a student can not fail more than one semester of English or Math.

Students who do not meet the criteria for promotion will be retained in their present grade level.

Ninth grade students must earn a minimum of five (5) credits their freshman year to be classified as a tenth grade student. Students who do not earn five credits must remain in the ninth grade until five credits are earned.

Seventh and eighth grade students who are retained are not eligible to participate in extra curricular activities. Ninth grade students who did not pass four (4) academic courses (3 must be in the core curriculum) during the second semester of their eighth grade year are not eligible to participate.

GIFT DELIVERIES TO SCHOOL

Deliveries of gifts are acceptable; however, deliveries containing balloons are not allowed at anytime. Students will be allowed to pick up the delivery when s/he leaves school for the day.

PATRIOTIC AND RELIGIOUS EXERCISES

Students have the right to participate in or abstain from such exercises as the flag salute, oaths or pledges, anthem, and religious observances. Students have the responsibility to respect the choice

of those who choose to participate or abstain from such exercises.

PARENT CONFERENCES

There will be two (2) days scheduled during the school year for parents and teachers to meet and check on the progress of students. These events are held during the first and third grading periods.

All parents are urged to come to school and visit with their child’s teachers during these meeting. If there is ever a concern by a parent about the progress of their children at school, or any special

problem in which a parent feels the need to visit school, please feel welcome. Please contact the office ahead of time to arrange a special conference so that all concerned personnel may

be available. Unannounced visitors are also welcome, but visits with the desired school personnel cannot be guaranteed, so please call in advance.

LOCKERS

The district makes available lockers for the purpose providing students with a convenient receptacle for the storage of books and other articles necessary for the student’s use during the school

day. Due to limited space, students may have to share their locker space. There is no charge for lockers and locks are not required. If a lock is put on a locker, a key or combination must be

provided the office. The student has no property interests in any locker. All lockers are subject to inspection by school officials to protect the health and welfare of the students. The school reserves

the right to inspect all lockers at any time. Inspection will be conducted in case of emergency, or when there is reason to suspect the presence of evidence of violations of school rules and

regulations or other misconduct. Whenever practical, inspections will be made in the presence of the student concerned but not necessarily depending on the circumstance involved where there

might be an immediate danger to other students. Drinks and snacks are not to be kept in lockers.

TEXTBOOKS

Textbooks are issued to all students at no cost. Lost or damaged textbooks must be paid for in accordance with nature of the damage and the price replacement of a particular text. Failure on

the part of the student to reimburse the school for damages shall deprive her/him of further use of free textbooks until such time as the damage or replacement is paid.

STUDENT WORK PROGRAM

Twelfth grade students who have been enrolled in the Jobs After Graduation (JAG) program may leave the campus at the beginning of the last period of the day provided they have a job. Students

are not to leave campus work purposes at any other time. Students desiring to be part of this program must have secured legitimate employment while working for wages with both employer

and parental permission. Approval will be determined by the program coordinator and principal. Any student who is in the program and loses his/her job or fails to follow the guidelines of the

program will be brought back into the regular schedule.

FUND RAISING

Any drive for money by classes or other organizations must have the authorization of the principal. All money collected in the name of the school shall be deposited in the School Activity

Account or with the superintendent’s office. Money making projects are limited and should be oriented toward service to the community rather than door to door sales activities. No fund raising

activities shall include any student being subjected to selling from a street or highway.

ATHLETICS

We are proud of our athletic teams and their programs. All students are urged to support their teams by participating in them or as supportive spectators during games. They young men and

women who represent our school deserve and expect support from the student body. The athletic programs consist of football, basketball, track, volleyball, golf, tennis, baseball, and softball.

Other sports might be considered in the future as athletes become available and activities are added.

ELIGIBILTIY RULES FOR EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Students must be under 20 years old.
Students may participate only during the first eight (8) semesters’ attendance in grades 9 – 12.
Students must live within the district served by the school which they are attending. A student who drops out during the semester must attend at least one (1) full semester before

becoming eligible again.

Unless legally adopted by another or under other legal actions, the residence of the participant is that of his/her parent.
Students are not allowed to change sports during the season the original sport is in effect. If a student elects to no longer participate in the sport, s/he must wait until the season is completely

over before beginning a new sport.

The Clinton School District supports extracurricular activities at an integral part of a student’s career, but will make every effort to minimize interruptions to the educational process. Students must

attend at least one-half (1/2) of the school day in order to be eligible to participate on any given event day. One-half day will be considered four (4) periods. The exception of this is being

absent due to a professional appointment or death in the immediate family.

Students must maintain at least a 2.0 GPA in order to be eligible. If a student falls below the required GPA, the student may remain eligible if the guidelines established by the Arkansas Activities

Association are met. These guidelines are as follows:

Any student who falls below a 2.0 should be enrolled in the Supplemental Instruction Program (SIP) no matter how many classes are passed. Only students passing four (4)

subjects and not attaining a 2.0 will be eligible to participate if they are enrolled and attending regularly the SIP class.

Students in the SIP will have one (1) semester in which to improve their GPA a minimum of one-tenth of a point to maintain eligibility for a second consecutive semester in the SIP program.
The maximum length of involvement in SIP is two (2) consecutive semesters. If a student earns a GPA of 2.0 and leaves the program, that student may later return to the program for a

maximum of two (2) semesters if the GPA again drops below a 2.0.

A student promoted from the sixth grade to the seventh grade automatically meets the academic eligibility requirements. A student promoted from the seventh grade to the eighth grade

automatically meets the academic eligibility requirements for the first semester.

Second semester eighth grade students and the first semester ninth grade students meet the academic eligibility requirements for junior high by successfully passing four (4) academic

courses the previus semester, three of which shall be in core curriculum areas specified by the ADE. First semester ninth grade students must pass four academic classes to be

eligible second semester of the ninth grade. Ninth grade students must meet senior high academic eligibility requirements by the end of the second semester in order to be eligible to

participate the fall semester of their tenth grade year.

CARE OF CAMPUS AND GROUNDS

The impression of our school to an outsider is how well the grounds and buildings look. We strive to keep all buildings and grounds clean and as attractive as possible. The school employs

maintenance personnel to help with this task. This is a very big job cleaning up after several hundred students everyday. We ask that the entire student body help keep our buildings and

grounds clean and attractive. If you see a student defacing our property, please discourage that student to the best of your ability. If that fails, ask a teacher or staff member for help. Please help

make our school look its best. Trash receptacles are provided throughout the campus for this purpose. Please dispose of all trash properly.

LIBRARY

The library is open during all regular periods of the school day. The book collection consists of non-fiction, fiction, and reference materials classified according to the Dewey Decimal System.

There are also daily and weekly newspaper and a number of weekly and monthly magazines.

Students must have their ID card in order to check out library material. A maximum of five (5) books per day may be checked out for a period of two (2) weeks. Renewal is available for a

two (2) week period. Reference material may be checked out overnight and are due the following school day. A fine of ten (10) cents is charged for each day the book is overdue up to a

maximum fine of three ($3.00) dollars or the cost of replacing the book if lost. Future check out privileges will be suspended until all fines are paid.

Computers with Internet access are available for use all periods during the regular school day. Permission must be received from the Librarian, and a user sheet must be signed.

The Librarian is in charge of all phases of the Library. Student assistants are at the circulation desk during regular school hours to check materials in and out. The Librarian is normally available to

assist students in locating information and materials during all periods of the day.

The use of the library is a privilege, but failure to observe the rules of the library will cause loss of this privilege. All rules pertaining to the library are available from the Librarian and the School Policies

Handbook located in the Superintendent’s office.

CAFETERIA

The cafeteria is operated for the benefit of students, faculty, and other school personnel. A well-balanced breakfast and lunch is provided each day at a minimum charge. Breakfast prices are $.60

cents for full price and $.30 cents for reduced price. Lunch prices are $1.25 for full price and $.40 for reduced price. Free and Reduced Lunch applications are available in all offices.

Applications must be completed and returned within one week of the beginning of school. Students who were on the “Free or Reduced” list the previous year will have a one week grace

period in which to bring back their completed applications. All students are expected to eat lunch in the cafeteria or picnic tables whether they buy their lunch or bring it from home.

Students must access their lunch account when going through the lunch line by having their finger scanned (optional-parental choice) or by using a scannable lunch card. Lunch cards are required

if a student chooses not to use the finger scan. Each student who chooses to use the lunch card will be provided one free card. Replacement cards start at one dollar ($1.00) and increase one

dollar ($1.00) each time replaced. Courtesy is always commendable, and we need to be courteous in the cafeteria. The following rules apply to the cafeteria:

no running
enter at the correct door
do not break or cut in line
be polite to everyone
remove trays and milk containers from table when leaving
do not throw food

STAGE RULES

Only water based paints are allowed inside; other painting must be done outside for ventilation purposes.
Each sponsor using the stage is responsible for cleanup and removal and storage of materials; a specified person should berify this has been accomplished.
If student are working after school hours, a sponsor must be present.
Scheduling for use of the stage must be arranged in the Superintendent’s office and each sponsor should check with the drama teacher about what to use and not to use from school supplies.
Sound and light systems should only be used by specified people.
Key for the building should be obtained from the Superintendent’s office and returned to that office.

STUDENT PUBLICATIONS AND THE DISTRIBUTION OF LITERATURE

Student Publications

All publications that are supported financially by the school or by use of school facilities, or are produced in conjunction with a class shall be considered school-sponsored publications. School

publications do not provide a forum for public expression. Such publications, as well as the content of student expression in school-sponsored activities, shall be subject to the editorial control of the

District’s administration whose actions shall be reasonably related to legitimate pedagogical concerns and adhere to the following limitations.

1. Advertising may be accepted for publications that does not condone or promote products that are inappropriate for the age and maturity of the audience or that endorse such things as tobacco,

alcohol, or drugs.

2. Publications may be regulated to prohibit writings which are, in the opinion of the appropriate teacher and/or administrator, ungrammatical, poorly written, inadequately researched, biased or

prejudiced, vulgar or profane, or unsuitable for immature audiences.

3. Publications may be regulated to refuse to publish material which might reasonably be perceived to advocate drug or alcohol use, irresponsible sex, or conduct otherwise inconsistent with the

shared values of a civilized social order, or to associate the school with any position other than neutrality on matters of political controversy.

4. Prohibited publications include:

a. Those that are obscene as to minors;

b. Those that are libelous or slanderous, including material containing defamatory falsehoods about public figures or governmental officials, which are made with knowledge of their falsity

or reckless disregard of the truth;

c. Those that constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy as defined by state law,

d. Publications that suggest or urge the commission of unlawful acts on the school premises;

e. Publications which suggest or urge the violation of lawful school regulations;

f. Hate literature that scurrilously attacks ethnic, religious, or racial groups.

Student Publications on School Web Pages

Student publications that are displayed on school web pages shall follow the same guidelines as listed above plus they shall

1. Not contain any non-educational advertisements. Additionally, student web publications shall;

2. Not contain any personally identifying information, as defined by “Directory Information” without the written permission of the parent of the student or the student if over eighteen (18);

3. State that the views expressed are not necessarily those of the School Board or the employees of the district.

Non-school Publications

Each building principal shall review non-school publications prior to their distribution and will bar from distribution those materials that are obscene, libelous, pervasively indecent, or advertise

unlawful products or services. Material may also be barred from distribution if there is evidence that reasonably supports a forecast that disruption will likely result from the distribution.

Distribution of Literature

The school principal or designee shall establish reasonable regulations governing the time, place, and manner of student distribution of literature.

PARENT CONTACT WITH STUDENTS WHILE AT SCHOOL

Parents wishing to visit their children during the school day shall register first with the office. If there is any question concerning the legal custody of the student, the parent shall present documentation

to the principal or his/her designee establishing the parent’s custody of the student or legal right of visitation. It shall be the responsibility of the custodial parent to make any visitation restrictions

regarding the non-custodial parent known to the principal by presenting a copy of a file-marked court order. Estranged parents may visit their child during school hours with the consent of the

custodial parent.

Questioning of students by non-school personnel shall be granted only with a court order directing such questioning, with permission of the parents of a student (or the student if above eighteen [18]

years of age), or in response to a subpoena or arrest warrant. If the District makes a report to any law enforcement agency concerning student misconduct or if access to a student is granted to a law enforcement agency due to a court order, the principal or the principal’s designee shall make a good faith effort to contact the student’s parent, legal guardian, or other person having lawful control

by court order, or person acting in loco parentis on student enrollment forms.

Principals must release a student to either a police officer who presents a subpoena for the student, or a warrant for arrest, or to an agent of the social services with a court order signed by a judge.

Upon release of the student, the principal or designee shall give the student’s parent, legal guardian, or other person having lawful control by court order, or person acting in loco parentis notice that

the student has been taken into custody by law enforcement personnel or a social services agency. If the principal or designee is unable to reach the parent, he or she shall make a reasonable, good

faith effort to get a message to the parent to call the principal or designee, and leave both a day and an after hours telephone number.

STUDENT VISITORS

Student visitors in the classroom can be disruptive to the educational process. Casual or non-authorized visits of school age students are not permitted during school hours. Parents and interested

parties of the community are always welcomed to school. Visitors are encouraged to call the school in advance and make an appointment to ensure the availability of all parties concerned. All

visitors must check in at the office. Visitors with official business at the school will be given a visitor’s ID badge to wear while on campus.

CONDUCT TO AND FROM SCHOOL

Students are subject to the same rules of conduct while traveling to and from school as they are while on school grounds. Appropriate disciplinary actions may be taken against commuting students

who violate student code of conduct rules.

The preceding paragraph also applies to student conduct while on school buses. Students shall be instructed in safe riding practices. The driver of a school bus shall not operate the school bus until

every passenger is seated. Disciplinary measures for problems related to bus behavior shall include suspension or expulsion from school, or suspending or terminating the student’s bus transportation

privileges. Transporting students to and from school who have lost their bus transportation privileges shall become the responsibility of the student’s parent or legal guardian.

The following rules must be adhered to:

Be at the bus stop at the scheduled time. Stand back about ten feet from the bus stop and wait until the door is opened before moving closer to the bus. Do not attempt to play on the

highway, road, or bus. If you miss the bus, do not attempt to hitch a ride to school; go back home and notify your parent or guardian.

Enter and exit the bus quickly and in an orderly manner.
While riding the bus, students are under the supervision of the driver. The driver can assigned seating arrangements. The principal or designee has the authority to temporarily suspend

a student from riding the bus for misbehavior.

Students are not to distract the attention of the driver or disturb other riders on the bus. This includes keeping your hands to yourself, attending your own matters, leaving others alone,

and being reasonable quiet.

No knives or sharp objects of any kind, firearms, radios, tape players, noise makers, pets, etc…
Students are to remain seated at all times.
Tampering with safety devices is not allowed.
Students are not to throw objects from the bus or use profane language or gestures.
Students are not to deface the bus. Do not eat on the bus or bring drinks on the bus. Keep aisles clear at all times. Do not put feet in aisle.
Do not ask the driver to let you off the bus anywhere else but your designated bus stop. You must have note from the office to get off the bus at any other stop besides your stop.

The severity of the problem will determine the appropriate disciplinary action taken. The student may be removed from school transportation even though it may be a first offense. The action

taken will be at the discretion of the principal or designee.

Normal consequences:

1. Warning

2. Three (3) days off bus suspension

3. Five (5) days off bus suspension

4. Ten (10) days off bus suspension

5. Possible termination of transportation privileges

STUDENTS’ VEHICLES

Students, who have presented a valid driver’s license and proof of insurance to the appropriate office personnel, may drive their vehicle to school. Vehicles driven to school shall be parked in the

area designated for student parking. An annual registration fee of $5.00 is required. The student will receive a numbered parking permit. This number indicates where the student is to park.

Students are not permitted to loiter in parking areas and are to immediately leave their vehicle upon arrival to school. They are not to return to their vehicles for any reason unless given permission to

do so by school personnel.

It is understood that there is no expectation of privacy in vehicles in parking areas. Drivers of vehicles parked on a school campus will be held accountable for illegal substances or any other item

prohibited by District policy found in their vehicle.

Students driving are not to be on elementary or intermediate grounds unless they are transporting siblings. Students are to operate their vehicles in a safe manner at all times. Students are not to

pick up any student once they arrive at school and leave. Failure to follow these procedures may result in loss or suspension of driving privileges.

STUDENTS ARRIVING ON CAMPUS

Students using school furnished transportation and/or arriving on school campus are under the jurisdiction of the school. Students using private vehicles and arriving to school are under the

jurisdiction of the school. Students arriving on campus in the morning may proceed to the cafeteria or the mall area where teachers are on duty. No student is to be in the buildings unless

supervised by a teacher. Students are not allowed to sit in vehicles or leave campus once they arrive.

STUDENT DRESS AND GROOMING

The Clinton Board of Education recognizes that dress can be a matter of personal taste and preference. At the same time, the District has a responsibility to promote an environment conducive to

student learning. This requires limitations to student dress, grooming, and personal hygiene that could be disruptive to the educational process because they are immodest, disruptive, unsanitary or

unsafe, could cause property damage, or are offensive to common standards of decency.

The student who fails to comply with this dress code may be offered chance to change clothing, sent home, or subject to other disciplinary action. Subsequent violations may lead to further

disciplinary action.

Any clothing, accessory, symbols, jewelry, or other paraphernalia which depicts or suggests association with a gang, secret society, or fraternity shall not be brought to or worn at school or at school-sponsored events. Any other considerations will be determined by the individual school administrators. The school administration shall have the right to consider any current fashion to determine its

acceptability for the school year. Some allowances will be made for such activities as prom, homecoming, and dances. Clarification of acceptability should be made prior to wearing the

clothing to school. Faculty and staff are charged with enforcing the dress code.

No attempt will be made to dictate fashion styles as long as they are in keeping with district policy. It should be noted, however, that it is the responsibility of the student and parent that the student

adheres to the dress code.

General:

1. Any clothing, jewelry, or accessories with decorations, patches, lettering, advertisements, etc, that may be considered obscene or offensive are not to be worn at school. This includes

any clothing, jewelry, or accessories that may be used as weapons or having drug emblems, tobacco, alcohol or sexual references.

2. Crop tops, tube tops, halter, and spaghetti straps are unacceptable. Anything less than two (2) inches wide is considered a spaghetti strap. Strapless dresses without jackets

worn at all times are unacceptable.

3. Transparent and/or see through material is considered unacceptable. Shirts or blouses must cover the entire torso at all times, even in movement.

4. A boy’s shirt should cover the entire crown of the shoulder. Sleeveless shirts are not allowed.

5. The length of a skirt, dress, or shorts must be a minimum of half the distance between the fingertips and the top of the knee when the student’s hand is fully extended down the side

of the student’s leg. When measuring skirts, dresses, or shorts that have slits, the length will be determined by measuring from the top of the slit.

6. Form-fitting pants and shirts, such as spandex or bicycle pants, may only be worn with another layer of clothing which meets the dress code. Cut or slashed pants are considered

inappropriate.

7. Students shall wear pants, trousers, overalls properly at the waist—no sagging.

8. All students must wear shoes.

9. Hair should be kept neat, clean, and of reasonable style. Facial hair should be neat, clean, closely trimmed, and not be a distraction to the learning environment.

10. Proper undergarments should be worn.

11. ANY TYPE OF HEAD COVERING IS UNACCEPTABLE (including caps, hats, etc). Hoods attached to coats, jackets, etc. are permissible to be worn outside.

12. Chains or spike jewelry are unacceptable.

13. Pierced body ornaments are restricted to the ear.

14. Cases involving profanity or gang-related apparel will be dealt with according to those specific policies.

*This is not an all inclusive list.

COMMUNICABLE DISEASES AND PARASITES

Students with communicable diseases or with parasites shall demonstrate respect for other students by not attending school while they are contagious. In some instances, a letter from a health care

provider may be required prior to the student being readmitted to the school.

The parents or legal guardians of students found to have live lice or nits will be asked to pick their child up at school. The parents or legal guardians will be given information concerning the eradication

and control of head lice. Before students may be readmitted following an absence due to head lice, the school nurse or designee shall examine the student to make sure they are free of any lice or nits.

Each school may conduct screenings of students for head lice as needed. The screenings shall be conducted in a manner that respects the confidentiality of each student.

SCHOOL HEALTH

Clinton School District offers the services of a licensed or registered nurse for the general maintenance of health record keeping and general health care for its students.

STUDENT MEDICATIONS

Prior to the administration of any medication to any student under the age of eighteen (18), written parental consent is required. The consent form shall include authorization to administer the

medication and relieve the Board and its employees of civil liability for damages or injuries resulting from the administration of medication to students in accordance with this policy.

Students may carry an asthma inhaler or auto-injectable epinephrine, or both, while in school, at an on site school – sponsored activity, or at an off-site school activity if the following provisions are

met:

The parent or guardian of a student who needs to carry an asthma inhaler or auto-injectable epinephrine, or both, shall provide the school with written authorization for the student to carry an

asthma inhaler or auto-injectable epinephrine, or both, on his or her person for use while in school, at an on school-sponsored activity, or at an off school site activity.

The authorization shall be valid only for the duration of the school year at the school the student is attending the authorization is provided. The authorization must be renewed for each school year or

if the a student changes schools.

The parent or guardian of a student who needs to carry an asthma inhaler or auto-injectable epinephrine, or both, shall provide the school with appropriate medical documentation.

All medical documentation provided with regard to a student who carries an asthma inhaler or auto-injectable epinephrine, or both, shall be kept on file at the school the student attends in a location

that is readily accessible.

Unless authorized to self-administer, students are not allowed to carry any medications while at school. The parent or legal guardian shall bring the student’s medication to the nurse, or in the absence

of the nurse, to the principal’s office. The student may bring the medication if accompanied by a written authorization from the parent or legal guardian. Medications, including those for

self-medication, must be in the original container and be properly labeled with the student’s name, the ordering provider’s name, the name of the medication, the dosage, frequency, and instructions

for the administration of the medication (including times). Additional information accompanying the medication shall state the purpose for the medication, its possible side effects, and any other

pertinent instructions (such as special storage requirements) or warnings.

Nonprescription medications may be given to students upon the decision of the principal or the nurse or their designee(s). Such medications must be in the original container, clearly labeled and

accompanied by a written authorization form signed by the parents or legal guardians that includes the student’s name, the name of the medication, the dosage, and instructions for the administration

of the medication (including times).

The school shall not keep outdated medications or any medications past the end of the school year. Parents shall be notified ten (10) days in advance of the school’s intention to dispose of any

medication. Medications not picked up by the parents or legal guardians within the ten (10) day period shall be destroyed by the nurse with a witness present.

STUDENT ILLNESS/ACCIDENT

If a student becomes too ill to remain in class and/or could be contagious to other students, the principal or designee will attempt to notify the student’s parent or legal guardian. The student will

remain in the school’s health room or a place where he/she can be supervised until the end of the school day or until the parent/legal guardian can check the student out of school. Students who

are eighteen (18) years of age are considered adults and as such have the right to check themselves out of school

If a student becomes seriously ill or is injured while at school and the parent/legal guardian cannot be contacted, the failure to make such contact shall not unreasonably delay the school’s expeditious

transport of the student to an appropriate medical care facility. The school assumes no responsibility for treatment of the student. When available, current, and applicable, the student’s emergency

contact numbers and medical information will be utilized. Parents are strongly encouraged to keep this information up to date.

EMERGENCY DRILLS

All schools in the District shall conduct fire drills at least monthly. Tornado drills shall also be conducted at least annually. Students, who ride school buses shall also participate in emergency

evacuation drills at least twice each school year.

Other types of emergency drills may also be conducted. These may include, but are not limited to:

1. Earthquake;

2. Act of terrorism;

3. Chemical spill;

4. Airplane crash.

PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS OR SCREENINGS

The Clinton School District may provide from time to time for the administration of physical exams or screenings of its students. The intent of the exams or screenings shall be to detect contagious

or infectious diseases or defects in hearing, vision, or other elements of health that would adversely affect the student’s ability to achieve to their full potential.

The district shall notify parents, at least annually, of the specific or approximate dates of any non-emergency, invasive physical examination or screening that is:

1. required as a condition of attendance;

2. administered by the school and scheduled by the school in advance; and

3. not necessary to protect the immediate health and safety of the student, or of other students.

For the purposes of this policy, “Invasive Physical Examination” is defined as any medical examination that involves the exposure of private body parts, or any act during such examination that

includes incision, insertion, or injection into the body, but does not include a hearing, vision, or scoliosis screening.

Except in instances where a student is suspected of having a contagious or infectious disease, parents shall have the right to opt their student out of the exams or screenings by using the objection

form or by providing certification from a physician that he/she has recently examined the student.

A student may be required to pass a physical exam before being allowed to participate in certain extracurricular activities to help ensure they are physically capable of withstanding the rigors of the

activity. It is understood that students who refuse to take such an exam will not be allowed to participate in the desired activity.

The rights provided to parents under this policy transfer to the student when he/she turns 18 years old.

COMPUTER AND INTERNET USE POLICY

The Clinton School District makes computers and/or computer Internet access available to students, to permit students to perform research and to allow students to learn how to use computer

technology. Use of district computers is for educational and/or instructional purposes only. It is the policy of this school district to equip each computer with Internet filtering software designed to

prevent users from accessing material that is harmful to minors.* No student will be granted Internet access until and unless a computer-use agreement, signed by both the student and the parent

or legal guardian (if the student is under the age of eighteen [18]) is on file. The current version of the computer use agreement is incorporated by reference into board policy and is considered part

of the student handbook.

Students are advised that they enjoy no expectation of privacy in any aspect of their computer use, including email, and that monitoring of student computer use is continuous. Students who misuse

district-owned computers or Internet access in any way, including using computers except as directed or assigned by staff or teachers, using computers to violate any other policy or contrary to the

computer use agreement, attempting to defeat or bypass Internet filtering software, or using the computers to access or create sexually explicit or pornographic text or graphics, will face disciplinary

action, as specified in the student handbook and/or computer use agreement.

*The designated District Technology Committee may authorize the disabling of the filter to enable access by an adult for a bona fide research or other lawful purpose.

Normal Consequences for Computer Use Violations:

First Offense: one (1) month loss of use
Second Offense: six (6) months or remainder of year, whichever is longer, loss of use
Third Offense: permanent loss of use

* The nature of the offense will determine what disciplinary action will be taken.

STUDENT INTERNET USE AGREEMENT

The Clinton School District agrees to allow the student identified above (“Student”) to use the district’s technology to access the Internet under the following terms and conditions:

1. Conditional Privilege: The student’s use of the district’s access to the Internet is a privilege conditioned on the student’s abiding to this agreement. No student may use the district’s access to the

Internet unless the student and his/her parent or guardian have read and signed this agreement.

2. Acceptable Use: The student agrees that he/she will use the District’s Internet access for educational purposes only. In using the Internet, the student agrees to obey all federal and state laws and

regulations. The student also agrees to abide by any Internet use rules instituted at the student’s school or class, whether those rules are written or oral.

3. Penalties for Improper Use: If the student violates this agreement and misuses the Internet, the student shall be subject to disciplinary action.

4. “Misuse of the District’s access to the Internet” includes, but is not limited to, the following:

using the Internet for other than educational purposes;
gaining intentional access or maintaining access to materials which are “harmful to minors” as defined by Arkansas law;
using the Internet for any illegal activity, including computer hacking and copyright or intellectual property law violations;
making unauthorized copies of computer software;
accessing “chat lines” unless authorized by the instructor for a class activity directly supervised by a staff member;
using abusive or profane language in private messages on the system; or using the system to harass, insult, or verbally attack others;
posting anonymous messages on the system;
using encryption software;
wasteful use of limited resources provided by the school including paper;
causing congestion of the network through lengthy downloads of files;
vandalizing data of another user;
obtaining or sending information which could be used to make destructive devices such as guns, weapons, bombs, explosives, or fireworks;
gaining or attempting to gain unauthorized access to resources or files;
identifying oneself with another person’s name or password or using an account or password of another user without proper authorization;
invading the privacy of individuals;
divulging personally identifying information about himself/herself or anyone else either on the Internet or in an email. Personally identifying information includes full names, address,

and phone number.

using the network for financial or commercial gain without district permission;
theft or vandalism of data, equipment, or intellectual property;
attempting to gain access or gaining access to student records, grades, or files;
introducing a virus to, or otherwise improperly tampering with the system;
degrading or disrupting equipment or system performance;
creating a web page or associating a web page with the school or school district without proper authorization;
providing access to the District’s Internet Access to unauthorized individuals;
failing to obey school or classroom Internet use rules; or
taking part in any activity related to Internet use which creates a clear and present danger of the substantial disruption of the orderly operation of the district or any of its schools.
Installing or downloading software on district computers without prior approval of the technology director, designee, or committee.

5. Liability for debts: Students and their cosigners shall be liable for any and all costs (debts) incurred through the student’s use of the computers or the Internet including penalties for copyright

violations.

6. No Expectation of Privacy: The student and parent/guardian signing below agree that if the student uses the Internet through the District’s access, that the Student waives any right to privacy the

student may have for such use. The student and the parent/guardian agree that the district may monitor the student’s use of the District’s Internet Access and may also examine all system activities

the student participates in, including but not limited to e-mail, voice, and video transmissions, to ensure proper use of the system. The District may share such transmissions with the student’s

parents/guardians.

7. No Guarantees: The District will make good faith efforts to protect children from improper or harmful matter which may be on the Internet. At the same time, in signing this agreement, the parent

and student recognize that the District makes no guarantees about preventing improper access to such materials on the part of the student.

STUDENT DISCIPLINE

The Clinton Board of Education has a responsibility to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the District’s students and employees. To help maintain a safe environment conducive to high student achievement, the Board establishes policies necessary to regulate student behavior to promote an orderly school environment that is respectful of the rights of others and ensures the uniform

enforcement of student discipline. Students are responsible for their conduct that occurs: at any time on the school grounds; off school grounds at a school sponsored function, activity, or event;

going to and from school or a school activity.

The District’s administrators may also take disciplinary action against a student for off-campus conduct occurring at any time that would have a detrimental impact on school discipline, the educational environment, or the welfare of the students and/or staff. A student who has committed a criminal act while off campus and whose presence on campus could cause a substantial disruption to school

or endanger the welfare of other students or staff is subject to disciplinary action up to and including expulsion. Such acts could include, but are not limited to a felony or an act that would be

considered a felony if committed by an adult, an assault or battery, drug law violations, or sexual misconduct of a serious nature. Any disciplinary action pursued by the District shall be in accordance

with the student’s appropriate due process rights.

The District’s personnel policy committee shall review the student discipline policies annually and may recommend changes in the policies to the Clinton School Board. The Board shall approve any

changes to student discipline policies.

The District’s student discipline policies shall be distributed to each student during the first week of school each year and to new students upon their enrollment. Each student’s parent or legal guardian

shall sign and return to the school an acknowledgement form documenting that they have received the policies.

It is required by law that the principal or the person-in-charge reports to the police any incidents where a person has committed or threatened to commit an act of violence or any crime involving a

deadly weapon on school property or while under school supervision.

The District will follow logical discipline procedures. These include but are not limited to warnings, conferences, detention, in-school suspension, out-of-school suspension, corporal punishment,

probation, legal action, and expulsion. The seriousness of the infraction will determine the appropriate disciplinary action taken by the District.

The District reserves the right to pursue disciplinary or legal actions for behavior which is subversive to good order and discipline in the school even though such behavior is

not specified in the written rules.

DISCIPLINE FOR HANDICAPPED

Handicapped students who engage in misbehavior are subject to normal school disciplinary rules and procedures so long as such treatment does not abridge the right to a free and

appropriate public education.

The individualized educational plan (IEP) team for a handicapped student should consider whether particular discipline procedures should be adopted for that student and included in the IEP.

Handicapped students may be excluded from school only in emergencies and only for the duration of the emergency. In no case should a handicapped student be excluded for more than

ten (10) days in a school year.

After an emergency suspension is imposed on a handicapped student, an immediate meeting of the student’s IEP team should be held to determine the cause and effect of the suspension with a

view toward assessing the effectiveness and appropriateness of the student’s placement and toward minimizing the harm resulting from the exclusion.

The suspended student will be offered alternate educational programming for the duration of the exclusion. The respective building principals are given the

responsibility of serving as the grievance officer in compliance with Act 504.

DETENTION

A temporary time of correction used for minor infractions. Students placed in detention will have one (1) day prior notice to notify parents and arrange for transportation the day of detention. Detention begins promptly at 7:15 a.m. Students in grades 7 – 9 will be assigned to lunch detention. Students may not miss detention to attend extracurricular activities. Failure to attend detention will result in either corporal punishment or out-of-school suspension for the day.

IN-SCHOOL-SUSPENSION

A temporary isolation of a student to an assigned learning station made at the discretion of the principal. A student must complete all assigned work. A student

will receive credit in attendance and for assignments. Any student placed in ISS is prohibited from participation in any school function or activity during the time

of ISS assignment. Failure to abide by ISS rules could result in but not be limited to extended time in ISS, out-of-school suspension, and possible recommendation for expulsion. A student is normally limited to three (3) separate assignments to ISS per school year. Students will be given a copy of the ISS rules when assigned to ISS. Students are to return those rules the following day signed by parent, guardian, or person in loco parentis. The ISS rules are as follows:

Upon arrival, student shall report to the ISS classroom. If tardy, students will stay but

will be assessed an extra day.

A lunch break will be scheduled. Each student shall eat lunch at this time at a

designated place. Students may bring their lunch or purchase one from the cafeteria.

At the discretion of the ISS supervisor, restroom activities shall be permitted during

the noon period and once in the morning and afternoon.

Students shall remain in the ISS classroom from 7:55 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. except for

the lunch period. Students will not leave the ISS classroom or the school campus for any reason without authorization from the principal.

Students shall be responsible for bringing all books and supplies each day to

successfully complete their assignments. Failure to complete daily assignments

shall result in additional days of ISS.

Students will immediately and courteously obey the direct and reasonable request of

school employees.

Students shall follow regular school policies as well as those pertaining to ISS.

Students will adhere to the rules of ISS listed below:

Student must work continuously while assigned to ISS.
Students must not talk, chew gum, eat or behave in any manner that might

interrupt others or be deemed by the ISS supervisor as being disruptive

behavior.

If the student does finish assigned work, he/she will be required to remain

busy with free reading, newspaper, novels, library books, etc.

Failure to comply may result in additional days of assignment or off campus

suspension.

A signed copy of the ISS shall be turned into the ISS supervisor the first full

day of suspension. If a signed copy of rules are not turned in, another day shall

be added for each day that the rules are not turned into the ISS supervisor.

Students shall not attend nor participate in any extra curricular activities while

assigned to ISS.

PROBATION

A condition in which total adherence to rules and regulations of the school are met without further incidents for the remainder of the school year is required.

Failure to adhere to this condition will result in more strict measures being implemented which may include possible recommendation for expulsion.

REASONABLE FORCE

The minimum amount of force necessary used to stop or restrain a student from conducting him/herself in an inappropriate manner or in such manner which

could cause physical injury to self or others.

CORPORAL PUNISHMENT

The Clinton School Board authorizes the use of corporal punishment to be administered in accordance with this policy by the Superintendent or his/her designated staff members who are required

to have a state-issued certificate as a condition of their employment.

Prior to the administration of corporal punishment, the student receiving the corporal punishment shall be given an explanation of the reasons for the punishment and be given an opportunity to

refute the charges.

All corporal punishment shall be administered privately, i.e. out of the sight and hearing of other students, and shall be administered in the presence of another

certified staff member as a witness, shall not be excessive, or administered with malice. Corporal punishment will be administered on the posterior only.

Corporal punishment may be refused. If refused, alternative disciplinary measures will be used.

SUSPENSION FROM SCHOOL

Students who are not present at school cannot benefit from the educational opportunities the school environment affords. Administrators, therefore, shall strive to find ways to keep students in school

as participants in the educational process. There are instances, however, when the needs of the other students or the interests of the orderly learning environment require the removal of a student

from school. The Board authorizes school principals or their designees to suspend students for disciplinary reasons for a period of time not to exceed ten (10) school days, including the day upon

which the suspension is imposed. The suspension may be in school or out of school. Students are responsible for their conduct that occurs: at any time on the school grounds; off school grounds at

a school-sponsored function, activity, or event; going to and from school or a school activity. A student may be suspended for behavior including, but not limited to that which:

1. Is in violation of school policies, rules, or regulations;

2. Substantially interferes with the safe and orderly educational environment;

3. School administrators believe will result in the substantial interference with the safe and orderly educational environment; and/or

4. Is insubordinate, incorrigible, violent, or involves moral turpitude.

The school principal or designee shall proceed as follows in deciding whether or not to suspend a student.

6. the student shall be given written notice or advised orally of the charges against him/her;

7. if the student denies the charges, he/she shall be given an explanation of the evidence against him/her and be allowed to present his/her version

8. of the facts;

9. if the principal finds the student guilty of the misconduct, he/she may be suspended.

When possible, notice of the suspension, its duration, and any stipulations for the student’s re-admittance to class will be given to the parent(s), legal guardian(s), or to the student if s/he is eighteen

(18) years of age prior to the suspension. Such notice shall be handed to the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) or mailed to the last address reflected in the records of the school district.

Generally, notice and hearing should precede the student's removal from school, but if prior notice and hearing are not feasible, as where the student's presence endangers persons or property or

threatens disruption of the academic process, thus justifying immediate removal from school, the necessary notice and hearing should follow as soon as practicable.

Out-of-school suspensions shall be treated as unexcused absences and during the period of suspension students shall not be permitted on campus except to attend a student/parent/administrator

conference.

Suspensions initiated by the principal or his/her designee may be appealed to the Superintendent, but not to the Board.

Suspensions initiated by the Superintendent may be appealed to the Board.

EXPULSION

The Board of Education may expel a student for a period longer than ten (10) school days for violation of the District’s written discipline policies. The Superintendent may make a recommendation

of expulsion to the Board of Education for student conduct deemed to be of such gravity that suspension would be inappropriate, or where the student’s continued attendance at school would

disrupt the orderly learning environment or would pose an unreasonable danger to the welfare of other students or staff.

The Superintendent or his/her designee shall give written notice to the parents, legal guardians, or the student if such student is eighteen (18) years of age (mailed to the address reflected on the

District’s records) that he/she will recommend to the Board of Education that the student be expelled for the specified length of time and state the reasons for the recommendation to expel. The

notice shall give the date, hour, and place where the Board of Education will consider and dispose of the recommendation.

The hearing shall be conducted not later than ten (10) school days following the date of the notice, except that representatives of the Board and student may agree in writing to a date not

conforming to this limitation.

The President of the Board, Hearing Officer, or other designated Board member shall preside at the hearing. The student may choose to be represented by legal counsel. The hearing shall be

conducted in open session of the Board unless the parent requests that the hearing be conducted in executive session. Any action taken by the Board shall be in open session.

During the hearing, the Superintendent will present evidence, including the calling of witnesses that gave rise to the recommendation of expulsion. The student, or his/her representative, may then

present evidence including statements from persons with personal knowledge of the events or circumstances relevant to the charges against the student. Formal cross-examination will not be

permitted. However, any member of the Board, the Superintendent, or designee, the student, or his/her representative may question anyone making a statement and/or the student. The presiding

officer shall decide questions concerning the appropriateness or relevance of any questions asked during the hearing.

The Superintendent shall recommend the expulsion of any student for a period of not less than one (1) year for possession of any firearm or other weapon prohibited on school campus by law. The Superintendent shall, however, have the discretion to modify the expulsion recommendation for a student on a case-by-case basis. Parents or legal guardians of a student enrolling from another

school after the expiration of an expulsion period for a weapons policy violation shall be given a copy of the current laws regarding the possibility of parental responsibility for allowing a child to

possess a weapon on school property. The parents or legal guardians shall sign a statement acknowledging that they have read and understand said laws prior to the student being enrolled in school.

The Superintendent and the Board of Education shall complete the expulsion process of any student that was initiated because the student possessed a firearm or other prohibited weapon on

school property regardless of the enrollment status of the student

Arkansas statute 80-1516 provides that he directors of a school district may exclude students for immorality, refractory conduct, insubordination, infectious diseases, habitual uncleanness, or

other conduct that would tend to impair the discipline of the school or harm other pupils.

An expulsion will result in the loss of academic credit for the semester and or year.

ACT 888

This regulation requires principals to report any known information regarding the commission of a felony or acts of violence on school property or while under school supervision to the district

superintendent and to law enforcement officials.

SEARCH, SEIZURE, AND INTERROGATIONS

The District respects the rights of its students against arbitrary intrusion of their person and property. At the same time, it is the responsibility of school officials to protect the health, safety, and welfare

of all students enrolled in the District in order to promote an environment conducive to student learning. The Superintendent, principals, and their designees have the right to inspect and search

school property and equipment. They may also search students and their personal property in which the student has a reasonable expectation of privacy, when there is reasonable suspicion to

believe such student or property contains illegal items or other items in violation of Board policy or dangerous to the school community. School authorities may seize evidence found in the search

and disciplinary action may be taken. Evidence found which appears to be in violation of the law shall be reported to the appropriate authority.

School property shall include, but not be limited to, lockers, desks, and parking lots, as well as personal effects left there by students. When possible, prior notice will be given and the student will

be allowed to be present along with an adult witness, however, searches may be done at any time with or without notice or the student’s consent. A personal search must not be excessively

intrusive in light of the age and sex of the student and the nature of the infraction.

The Superintendent, principals, and their designees may request the assistance of law enforcement officials to help conduct searches. Such searches may include the use of specially trained dogs.

A school official of the same sex shall conduct personal searches with an adult witness of the same sex present.

State Law requires that Department of Human Services employees, local law enforcement, or agents of the Crimes Against Children Division of the Department

of Arkansas State Police, may interview students without a court order for the purpose of investigating suspected child abuse. In instances where the interviewers

deem it necessary, the may exercise a “72 hour hold” without first obtaining a court order. Other questioning of students by non-school personnel shall be granted

only with a court order directing such questioning, with permission of the parents of a student (or the student if above eighteen [18] years of age), or in response to

a subpoena or arrest warrant. If the District makes a report to any law enforcement agency concerning student misconduct or if access to a student is granted to a

law enforcement agency due to a court order, the principal or the principal’s designee shall make a good faith effort to contact the student’s parent, legal guardian,

or other person having lawful control by court order, or person acting in loco parentis on student enrollment forms.

In instances other than those related to cases of suspected child abuse, principals must release a student to either a police office who presents a subpoena for the

student, or a warrant for arrest, or to an agent of state social services or an agent of a court with jurisdiction over a child with a court order signed by a judge. Upon

release of the student, the principal or designee shall give the student’s parent, legal guardian, or other person having lawful control by court order, or person acting

in loco parentis notice that the student h as been taken into custody by law enforcement personnel or a state’s social services agency. If the principal or designee is

unable to reach the parent, he or she shall make a reasonable, good faith effort to get a message to the parent to call the principal or designee, and leave both a day

and an after hours telephone number.

DUE PROCESS FOR STUDENTS OR PARENTS

If a student and /or parent of a student involved in a disciplinary ruling should wish to contest a disciplinary ruling, the following procedural steps will be followed. Normally, the complaint is in

an oral format; however, any party to a complaint may at any time request that a complaint be made in writing.

1. The complaint must be directed to the person who originally took the action upon which the complaint is based. The person shall reconsider their action and give their decision to the

complainant.

2. If the complainant is not satisfied with the decision, the complaint must be directed to the immediate supervisor of the person who took the original action. If the complaint is

directed toward a teacher, the immediate supervisor would be the building principal. If directed toward a principal, the superintendent is the immediate supervisor. The principal

shall review the original action taken and render a decision or suggest a solution which might be satisfactory to all parties. If either party is not satisfied with the decision, the

complaint may be directed to the superintendent.

3. The superintendent shall review the complaint and shall issue a decision. Any further appeal must be made to the Board of Education through regular procedures. These

procedures will be provided by the superintendent.

Note: Only the Board of Education may expel a student from school on concurrence of the superintendent with the principal’s recommendation and only for the remainder of the semester or

school year.

PROHIBITED CONDUCT:

Students and staff require a safe and orderly learning environment that is conducive to high student achievement. Certain student behaviors are unacceptable in such an environment and are

hereby prohibited by the Board. Prohibited behaviors include, but shall not be limited to the following:

INSUBORDINATION

Disrespect for school employee and failing to comply with their reasonable directions or otherwise demonstrating insubordination, i.e. arguing, rebuking, lying, etc…

Normal Consequences:

1. ISS or OSS and restitution

2. 10 days ISS

3. OSS - length to be determined by principal; possible recommendation for expulsion

VANDALISM

Willfully and intentionally damaging, destroying, defacing, or stealing school property.

Normal Consequences:

1. 5 days ISS and restitution

2. OSS – length to be determined by principal and restitution

3. OSS - length to be determined, restitution, and possible recommendation for expulsion

PUBLIC DISPLAY OF AFFECTION

Inappropriate public display of affection is prohibited. This means keep your hands and person to yourself. This applies to any school activity whether during regular hours, being transported, or at extracurricular events.

Normal Consequences:

Warning
Detention and parental notification
ISS
OSS

CHEATING

Cheating, copying, or claiming another person's work to be his/her own is prohibited.

Normal Consequences:

“Zero” points being awarded for the assignment
“Zero” for the assignment, parent notification, and detention or corporal punishment
“Zero” for the assignment, parent notification, and ISS
“Zero” for the assignment and OSS

GAMBLING

Gambling and wagering is prohibited.

Normal Consequences:

Warning and parental notification
Detention or corporal punishment
ISS

4. OSS and possible recommendation for expulsion

PROFANITY

The use of vulgar, profane, or obscene language or gestures is prohibited.

Normal Consequences:

Detention or corporal punishment and parental notification
ISS
OSS

TRUANCY

A student shall be considered truant if s/he is absent from his/her assigned learning station without permission by a school official or teacher.

Normal Consequences:

ISS and parental notification
ISS and parental conference
ISS, parental notification, and notification of juvenile authorities and Department of Human Services.

LOITERING

A student who has been notified that because of an act of behavior, they are not allowed on school property will receive one (1) warning and then will be subject to arrest by civil authorities.

DISRUPTION OF SCHOOL

No student shall by the use of violence, force, noise, coercion, threat, intimidation, fear, passive resistance, or any other conduct, intentionally cause the disruption of any lawful mission, process, or

function of the school, or engage in any such conduct for the purpose of causing disruption or obstruction of any lawful mission, process, or function. Nor shall any student encourage any other

student to engage in such activities.

Disorderly activities by any student or group of students that adversely affect the school’s orderly educational environment shall not be tolerated at any time on school grounds. Teachers may

remove from class and send to the principal or principal’s designee office a student whose behavior is so unruly, disruptive, or abusive that it seriously interferes with the teacher’s ability to teach the

students, the class, or with the ability of the student’s classmates to learn. Students who refuse to leave the classroom voluntarily will be escorted from the classroom by the school administration.

Normal consequences:

1. Detention or corporal punishment and parent conference

2. In-school suspension

3. Out-of-school suspension

4. Probation

5. Possible recommendation for expulsion

STUDENT ASSAULT OR BATTERY (FIGHTING)

A student shall not threaten, physically abuse, or attempt to physically abuse, or behave in such a way as to be perceived to threaten bodily harm to any other person (student, school employee,

or school visitor). Any gestures, vulgar, abusive or insulting language, taunting, threatening, harassing, or intimidating remarks by a student toward another person that threatens their well-being is

strictly forbidden. This includes, but is not limited to, fighting, racial, ethnic, religious, or sexual slurs.

Furthermore, it is unlawful, during regular school hours, and in a place where a public school employee is required to be in the course of his or her duties, for any person to address a public school

employee using language which, in its common understanding, is calculated to: a) cause a breach of the peace; b) materially and substantially interfere with the operation of the school; c) arouse the

person to whom it is addressed to anger, to the extent likely to cause imminent retaliation. Students guilty of such an offense may be subject to legal proceedings in addition to student disciplinary

measures. Such incidents will be reported to the proper authorities.

Normal consequences:

1. Parent notification and in-school suspension

2. Parent conference and out-of-school

3. Out-of-school suspension and probation

4. Out-of-school suspension and recommendation for expulsion

*In the case of a teacher being assaulted, OSS is immediate until board hearing.

BULLYING

Respect for the dignity of others is a cornerstone of civil society. Bullying creates an atmosphere of fear and intimidation, robs a person of their dignity, detracts from the safe environment necessary

to promote student learning, and will not be tolerated by the Board of Directors. Students who bully another person shall be held accountable for their actions whether it occurs on the school

grounds; off school grounds at a school sponsored or approved function, activity, or event; or going to or from school or a school activity, in a school vehicle, or school bus, or at a designated

school bus stop. The person or persons reporting behavior they consider bullying shall not be subject to retaliation or reprisal in any form.

Definition:

Bullying is any pattern of behavior by a student, or a group of students, that is intended to harass, intimidate, ridicule, humiliate, or instill fear in another child or group of children. Bullying behavior can be a threat of, or actual, physical harm or it can be verbal abuse of the child. Bullying also includes unacceptable behavior identified in this policy which is transmitted electronically. Bullying is a series of recurring actions committed over a period of time directed toward one student, or successive, separate actions directed against multiple students.

Examples of "Bullying" may include but are not limited to a pattern of behavior involving one or more of the following:

1. Sarcastic "compliments" about another student’s personal appearance,

2. Pointed questions intended to embarrass or humiliate,

3. Mocking, taunting or belittling,

4. Non-verbal threats and/or intimidation such as “fronting” or “chesting” a person,

5. Demeaning humor relating to a student’s race, gender, ethnicity or personal characteristics,

6. Blackmail, extortion, demands for protection money or other involuntary donations or loans,

7. Blocking access to school property or facilities,

8. Deliberate physical contact or injury to person or property,

9. Stealing or hiding books or belongings, and/or

10. Threats of harm to student(s), possessions, or others.

Students are encouraged to report behavior they consider to be bullying; including a single action which if allowed to continue would constitute bullying, to their teacher or the building principal. The