2019-2020
Code
of
Student
Conduct
Empowering Students
Through Education
2019-2020
2019-2020
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
MISSION STATEMENT
1
INTRODUCTION
2
EQUAL EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES
3
DUE PROCESS
3
ROLES OF PARENTS, STUDENTS, SCHOOL &
SCHOOL PERSONNEL
3
JURISDICTION OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION
5
STUDENT ENROLLMENT & TRANSFER STUDENTS
6
VISITATION OF STUDENTS
6
CUSTODIAL ISSUES
7
ATTENDANCE
7
STUDENT ATTENDANCE POLICY
7
PRIVACY & PROPERTY RIGHTS
13
STUDENT RECORDS
15
NOTIFICATION OF RIGHTS UNDER FERPA
16
DECATUR CITY SCHOOLS ANNUAL NOTIFICATION
OF RIGHTS UNDER THE
PROTECTION OF PUPIL
RIGHTS ADMENDMENT (PPRA)
20
PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITY IN DISCIPLINE
21
DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS AND PROCEDURES
22
CENTER FOR ALTERNATIVE PROGRAMS (CAP)
23
PROCEDURES FOR THE ADMINISTRATION
OF SUSPENSION AND EXPULSION
25
2019-2020
CLASSIFICATION OF VIOLATIONS
28
CLASS I VIOLATIONS
28
CLASS II VIOLATIONS
30
CLASS III VIOLATIONS
33
STUDENT COMPLAINTS AND DISCIPLINE
APPEAL PROCESS
39
ADDITIONAL POLICIES
40
TRANSPORTATION
41
DRESS CODE
42
ACCEPTABLE USE OF TECHNOLOGY
AND INTERNET SAFETY
43
STUDENT RESPONSIBILITY OF TEXTBOOKS
45
ANTI-HARASSMENT
46
DISCRIMINATION/HARASSMENT
GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE
49
NOTIFICATION OF AVAILABLE SERVICES FOR
GIFTED STUDENTS
50
ASBESTOS INSPECTION OF OUR SCHOOLS
50
STUDENT HEALTH GUIDELINES
51
MEDICATION GUIDELINES
53
OVERNIGHT FIELD TRIPS
56
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON MENNINGOCCAL
DISEASE AND VACCINE
57
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
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2019-2020
DECATUR CITY SCHOOLS
AUSTIN HIGH SCHOOL
552-3060
3004 Modaus Road SW, 35601
DECATUR HIGH SCHOOL
552-3011
910 Somerville Road SE, 35601
AUSTIN JUNIOR HIGH
1625 Danville Road SW, 35603
552-3045
AUSTIN MIDDLE SCHOOL
552-4622
2715 Danville Road SW, 35603
CAREER ACADEMIES OF DECATUR
1229 Westmeade Street SW, 35603
560-6821
DECATUR MIDDLE SCHOOL
552-3035
1011 Prospect Drive SE, 35601
CENTER FOR ALTERNATIVE PROGRAMS (CAP)
308-2308
406 2nd Avenue SE, 35601
AUSTINVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
552-3050
2320 Clara Avenue SW, 35601
BANKS – CADDELL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
552-3040
211 Gordon Drive SE, 35601
*BENJAMIN DAVIS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
552-3025
417 Monroe Drive NW, 35601
CHESTNUT GROVE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
552-3092
3205 Cedarhurst Drive SW, 35603
DECATUR HIGH DEVELOPMENTAL PROGRAM
1011A Prospect Drive SE, 35601
552-3008
EASTWOOD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
552-3043
1802 26th Avenue SE, 35601
FRANCES NUNGESTER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
726 Tammy Street SW, 35603
552-3079
2019-2020
JULIAN HARRIS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
552-3096
1922 McAuliffe Drive SW, 35603
*LEON SHEFFIELD ELEMENTARY MAGNET SCHOOL
801 Wilson Street NW, 35601
552-3056
OAK PARK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
552-3033
1218 16
th
Ave SE, 35601
WALTER JACKSON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
552-3031
1950 Park Street SE, 35601
WEST DECATUR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
552-3027
708 Memorial Drive NW, 35601
WOODMEADE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
552-3023
1400 19th Avenue SW, 35603
*Magnet Schools
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MISSION STATEMENT
The Mission of Decatur City Schools is to provide an innovative learning
community committed to academic excellence and meeting the unique needs of
every individual.
Beliefs: We believe that:
• All students can learn.
• A safe and supportive learning environment promotes student
achievement.
• The collaboration of teachers, administrators, parents and the school
community is essential to the advancement of the school system’s
mission and goals.
• Each student is a valued individual with unique physical, social,
emotional and intellectual needs.
• The commitment to continuous improvement is expected of all
stakeholders of the school system.
• Diversity enriches our school system through the recognition of the
contributions of a variety of ideas, values, and cultures.
• Our educational programs must prepare students to become contributing
members in a rapidly changing, diverse and global society.
• Quality schools make a vibrant community.
Goals: Our Goals as a school system are:
• To provide a safe learning and working environment on all school
campuses.
• To create on going high quality professional development for all
stakeholders.
• To recruit and maintain outstanding administrators, teachers and support
staff.
• To develop an effective curriculum that utilizes cutting edge
instructional activities and assessment measures to achieve academic
success.
• To engage the community in active participation in pursuit of academic
excellence.
• To sustain and expand resources that ensure a high quality education.
• To recognize and honor the diversity in our school system and its
importance to our community.
• To prepare students to make informed career choices.
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DECATUR CITY SCHOOLS
CODE OF STUDENT CONDUCT
INTRODUCTION
The belief of the Decatur City Board of Education is that instruction shall occur
in an environment that is conducive to learning because effective quality
instruction requires orderly procedures and discipline. The rules in this handbook
are designed to provide a safe, friendly and business-like atmosphere in which
students and school personnel work cooperatively toward mutually recognized
and accepted goals. The policy of the Decatur City Board of Education is to
require the principals, faculties, staffs, students, parents, and guardians to adhere
to and to comply with this Board of Education approved Code of Student
Conduct.
As students progress in the public schools, it is reasonable to assume that an
increase in age and maturity will result in the students' assumption of greater
responsibility for their actions. Although it is true that differences in age and
maturity require different types of disciplinary action, the expectation of student
behavior identified in this handbook will apply to all students in grades
kindergarten through twelve.
The contents of this handbook will:
• Describe roles of the home, student, school and school personnel.
• Describe student responsibilities.
• Identify standards for student behavior.
• Identify classifications of disciplinary violations and describe
procedures for disciplinary actions.
• Standardize procedures for administering formal disciplinary actions.
• Conform to the mandates provided in the Individuals with Disabilities
Education Act.
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EQUAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
The Board shall provide educational opportunities for students on a
nondiscriminatory basis. No person shall be denied benefits of any education
program or activity on the basis of race, color, disability, religion, national origin,
or sex. Students will not be denied enrollment on the basis of homeless, migrant,
immigrant status or English speaking ability. Programs offered by schools within
the school district shall be open to all students in compliance with statutory and
judicial requirements.
Any student who believes he/she has been discriminated against, denied a benefit,
or excluded from participation, in any programs or activities on the basis of sex
may file a complaint in accordance with the Discrimination/Harassment
Grievance Procedure appearing at the end of this Code.
DUE PROCESS
The policy of the Decatur City Board of Education is to adhere to and observe the
essential elements of due process when carrying out the procedures contained
within the Code of Student Conduct handbook. A responsibility of the
principals will be to familiarize their staffs with the due process procedures and
provide each staff member with a copy of this handbook. The consensus of the
Board of Education is that the regulations in this handbook are designed to ensure
the efficient operations of the school.
ROLES OF THE PARENTS, STUDENTS, SCHOOL AND SCHOOL
PERSONNEL
In order for effective teaching and learning to take place in our schools, there must
be a cooperative relationship among students, parents, guardians, and educators.
To foster this relationship:
Parents and Guardians should:
• Keep in regular communication with school authorities concerning their
child's progress and conduct.
• Ensure that their child is in daily attendance and promptly report and explain
an absence or tardiness to school officials.
• Provide their child with the resources needed to complete class work.
• Assist their child in being healthy, neat and clean.
• Bring to the attention of school authorities any problem or condition that may
materially affect their child or other children.
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• Discuss report cards and work assignments with their child.
• Maintain up-to-date home, work and emergency telephone numbers at the
school, including doctor, hospital preferences and an emergency health care
form.
• Attend scheduled parent-teacher conferences.
• Promptly report any change of address.
• Report directly to the school office when visiting a school.
• Sign and return acknowledgment form for receipt of Code of Student
Conduct.
Students should:
• Attend all classes daily and be punctual in attendance.
• Come to class with appropriate working materials.
• Be respectful to all individuals and of all property.
• Refrain from profane or inflammatory statements.
• Conduct themselves in a safe and responsible manner.
• Be clean, neat and appropriately dressed.
• Be responsible for their own work.
• Respect the classroom and school.
• Show a positive, cooperative attitude toward school.
• Promptly report any change of address.
Schools should:
• Maintain an atmosphere conducive to good behavior.
• Exhibit an attitude of respect for students.
• Plan a flexible curriculum to meet the needs of all students.
• Promote effective discipline based upon fair and impartial treatment of all
students.
• Welcome and encourage participation by parents and guardians in school
affairs.
• Encourage the school staff, parents, guardians and students to use the services
of community agencies.
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• Encourage parents and guardians to keep in regular communication with the
school.
• Endeavor to involve the entire community in order to improve the quality of
life within the community.
School Personnel should:
• Be regular in attendance and punctual.
• Be prepared to perform their duties with appropriate materials and lesson
plans.
• Be respectful to all individuals and of all property.
• Refrain from profane or inflammatory statements.
• Conduct themselves in a safe and responsible manner.
• Be clean, neat and appropriately dressed.
• Abide by the rules and regulations set forth by the school and Board of
Education.
• Seek changes in an orderly and recognized manner.
• Participate in continuous improvement of professional knowledge and skills.
• Develop a positive, cooperative attitude toward parents and guardians,
students, co-workers and the total school program.
• Refer students who may need additional services to the appropriate staff.
JURISDICTION OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION
Decatur City Schools students are subject to the rules and regulations of the
Decatur City Board of Education during the school day, while in attendance at
school-related activities, while traveling to and from school or school-related
activities or while on Board-owned property. This includes traveling in school
vehicles or in public or private vehicles which are being utilized at the time for
purposes of transporting students to and from school or school-related activities.
In addition, students may be disciplined in those instances where their conduct or
actions at other times and places is deemed to have direct and/or immediate impact
or effect on the health, safety, discipline and general welfare or operation of the
school community or any member thereof. Use or possession of controlled
substances, weapons or contraband, and/or threats or acts of violence directed
toward students, parents/guardians or School Board employees at any time or
place is presumed by the Board of Education to have a direct and/or immediate
impact or effect on the health, safety, discipline or general welfare or operation of
the school community. Harassment of School Board employees at any time or
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place is presumed by the Board of Education to have a direct and immediate effect
of the health, safety, discipline or general welfare of the school community.
Any student who violates Board policy concerning drugs, alcohol, weapons,
physical harm to a person, or threatens physical harm to a person will be
suspended from school and may not be readmitted to school until (1) any criminal
charges or offenses arising from the conduct, if any, have been disposed of by
appropriate authorities and (2) the person has satisfied all other requirements
imposed by the Board of Education as a condition for readmission. Section 16-1-
24.1(c), Code of Alabama, 1975.
As a condition to readmission, the Board of Education may prescribe such
conditions as it may deem appropriate to ensure the safety or security of students
and employees and such conditions may include, but are not limited to, psychiatric
and psychological evaluation and counseling. Section 16-1-24.1(d), Code of
Alabama, 1975.
A parent, guardian, custodian or person, excluding a foster parent, responsible for
the care or control of a minor child enrolled in the Decatur school system shall be
responsible financially for such child's destructive acts against school property or
persons, and may be requested to appear at school by an appropriate school
official for a conference regarding such acts of the child and, if summoned by
proper notification by an appropriate school official, shall be required to attend
such discipline conference. Section 16-1-24.1 (e)(2), Code of Alabama, 1975.
STUDENT ENROLLMENT AND TRANSFER STUDENTS
Assuming that the student is otherwise eligible to enroll in Decatur City Schools,
the student must be in good standing and must have no disciplinary action or
sanction for disciplinary action pending against him/her in any school he/she
attended during the preceding school year. Any student enrolling with a current
juvenile probation status may be required to provide a copy of court records prior
to enrollment. A student may be denied enrollment due to circumstances that
would adversely affect the health, welfare and/or safety of other students and/or
staff.
VISITATION OF STUDENTS
Decatur City Schools does not facilitate supervised visitation of students related
to custody issues or court outlined visitation schedules. Visitation with students
during the school day is highly discouraged. Individuals wishing to visit or
conference with students during the school hours should confer with the custodial
parent and such individuals should be listed on the student’s registration form with
the ability to check-in and check-out the student. Such individuals may be
required to provide appropriate photo identification.
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CUSTODIAL ISSUES
When matters involving custodial issues are not clearly defined, Decatur City
Schools will generally abide by the wishes of the parent/guardian who enrolled
the student. It is imperative that current paperwork regarding custodial issues is
on file for each student.
ATTENDANCE
Philosophical Basis:
• School administrators are required under state law to enforce compulsory
school attendance laws. Regular attendance by students facilitates the
development of the skills and knowledge to function in a modern
democratic society.
Student Responsibilities are:
• To take advantage of educational opportunities by attending all classes
daily and on time.
• To provide the school with an adequate explanation and appropriate
documentation indicating the reason for an absence.
• To promptly request make-up assignments for each excused absence.
Student Rights are:
• To be informed of Board of Education policies and individual school
rules regarding absenteeism and tardiness.
• To appeal a decision pertaining to an absence.
• To make up class work within a specified length of time when there is
an excused absence.
STUDENT ATTENDANCE POLICY
It is the belief of the Decatur City Board of Education that regular school
attendance is important to all students and to the school system and that course
content and grading procedures should be structured so that regular attendance is
necessary in order to complete course requirements.
Subject to parental guidance, each student must be responsible for his/her own
attendance. Administrators and teachers will make every effort to encourage
regular attendance by students and to solicit assistance from parents and guardians
in accomplishing this objective.
An absence is defined as non-attendance in a regularly scheduled school day or
class unless such non-attendance is related to school sponsored activities
documented by school personnel which will not count as an absence in terms of
attendance accountability.
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Parents or guardians shall explain in writing the cause of any and every absence
of the child no later than three (3) school days following the return to school.
Principals may request a doctor’s note if circumstances warrant or if absences
become excessive as outlined by the attendance requirements.
Excused Absences
A student shall be excused for absences from school for the following reasons:
• Illness (a Principal may request or require a doctor’s note after a
student’s 7
th
absence in any course or class)
• Doctor’s note for non-illnesses, such as dental and physical therapy
• Death in immediate family
• Inclement weather which would be dangerous to the life and health of
the child as determined by the principal or other appropriate
administrator
• Legal quarantine
• Emergency conditions as determined by the principal or his/her designee
• Special circumstances with prior approval by the principal. The
administration of each school will consider special requests only after
consideration of the individual student’s attendance, grades, and
discipline.
Unexcused Absences
Absence for reasons other than those listed above as “excused” shall be
considered as unexcused.
Make-Up Work
If a student is absent for any excused reason, it is the responsibility of the student
to go to each teacher to make arrangements to make up missed work the day the
student returns to school. After the student returns to school, the student has three
school days to make up missed work and turn in the work to the teacher, or the
student may receive a grade of “zero” on missed work. Exceptions may be made
for the following:
• the student has been under a doctor’s care (documentation must be provided);
• the student has had extenuating circumstances approved by the principal; or,
• when prior arrangements have been made with the principal.
For student absences in excess of two consecutive days, teachers will prepare
missed assignments by request from a student or parent/guardian.
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Students who are assigned to the Center for Alternatives to Suspension or the
Center for Alternatives to Expulsion will be given the opportunity to attend daily,
receive academic instruction, and receive full credit for work that is satisfactorily
completed. Students who are suspended from these programs may not be allowed
to make up missed work and may receive “0’s” for any missed assignments during
this time.
Long-term assignments such as research papers, special projects, etc., are due on
or before the due date even if the student is absent on the date the assignment is
due. In unusual cases, extenuating circumstances will be given consideration.
Notification of Absences
Decatur City Schools utilizes a state approved database to report student
attendance. Parents have access to this database via a secure portal. Absences by
date (including check in/check out) are accessible in this database. Should you
have questions or need the access code to the portal, please contact the school
where your child is enrolled.
In addition, parents receive an automated daily message when a student is reported
absent at the time attendance is taken.
Students out of class due to school activities should not be recorded as absent.
Rather, an indication of non-attendance related to the activity purpose will be
shown.
Students out of class for discipline measures will be counted as present and
indicted as such on their attendance record.
Alabama’s Compulsory Attendance Law
Section 16-28-3, Code of Alabama, 1975.
“Every child between the ages of 6 and 17 shall be required to attend a public
school, private school, church school or be instructed by a competent private tutor
for the entire length of the school term in every scholastic year.” The parent or
legal guardian of a child who is 6 years of age may opt out of enrolling their child
in school by providing written notification that the child will not be enrolled until
the child is age 7.
Section 16-28-12, Code of Alabama, 1975.
Requires that any parent/guardian who enrolls a student in school be responsible
for the student’s regular attendance and proper conduct.
Section 12-15-111, Code of Alabama, 1975.
Provides that a parent may be fined $500.00 and receive up to one year of hard
labor if convicted of parental neglect; contributing to the delinquency of a minor;
or if the child is found to be a child in need of supervision. They may also be
required to pay restitution to the Board of Education.
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Section 16-28-16 (b), Code of Alabama, 1975.
Each child who is enrolled in a public school shall be subject to the attendance
and truancy provisions except that any parent or parents, guardian or guardians
who voluntarily enrolls their child in public school, who feel that it is in the best
interest of that child shall have the right to withdraw the child at any time prior to
the current minimum compulsory attendance age.
Section 16-11-16 (b), Code of Alabama, 1975
Provides that bonafide residents of Decatur who are 6 years of age and less than
19 years of age on the date school opens shall be entitled to admission to
Decatur City Schools. A child that is 6 years of age on or before December 31 is
eligible to enroll in first grade.
Attendance Requirements
Any student enrolled in Pre K or Kindergarten who accumulates more than 10
unexcused absences in a semester is subject to forfeiting his/her enrollment.
Partial day absences will be cumulative in computing this total.
Any student enrolled in grades K-12 who accumulates more than seven (7)
unexcused absences or 20 cumulative absences during the year is subject to being
retained in the same grade the next school year.
Any student enrolled in grades Pre K-12 may be required to return with a doctor’s
note explaining each absence after the student’s seventh (7) absence. Failure to
provide such documentation may result in future absences being unexcused, along
with other applicable consequences. A student who is unexcused, is subject to
not being allowed to make up missed work and may receive a grade of “zero” on
missed work for the unexcused absences.
Any student enrolled in grades 9-12 who accumulates more than seven (7)
unexcused absences in any course and/or class may be subject to losing credit for
the work in that course or class.
School-sponsored or sanctioned activities are exempt and do not count toward the
total absences allowed; however, arrangements must be made for making up work
as required for excused absences.
A student who has been retained or who has lost credit(s) because of
noncompliance with attendance policies shall receive a notation of
Noncompliance Attendance (NCA) on his/her report card and cumulative record
for that course/class or year. The principal shall make the determination of
retention or loss of credit due to noncompliance with attendance policies (NCA).
In such cases, a parent or guardian and/or student may request a hearing with the
Principal and Superintendent, or his designee, to appeal such loss of credit or
retention. This request must be in writing, dated and signed, within five days of
the notification of the loss of credit. Failure of parent or guardian and/or student
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to request a hearing shall be sufficient basis for sustaining the loss of credit or
retention.
Credit which is lost because of absences will be made up in the same manner as
academic failures.
In accordance with Alabama Code §16-28-40 (b), the Superintendent or his/her
designee is required to notify the Alabama Department of Public Safety when a
student who has a driver’s license or a learner’s permit accumulates fifteen (15)
total or ten (10) consecutive absences. School attendance for persons between the
ages of 15-19 is mandatory for those who wish to retain their driver’s license or
learner’s permit. Failure to attend school regularly will result in the forfeiture of
the driver’s license or learner’s permit. Students who wish to obtain a driver’s
license or learner’s permit must have certification from their principal or other
authorized school official that they are in school and in regular attendance.
Early Warning Truancy Prevention Program
The Early Warning Program is a joint effort between the Decatur City Board of
Education and the Juvenile Court. It is designed to reduce truancy, habitual
classroom absences and the number of student dropouts. The format of the
program consists of a group session held once each month in the Morgan County
Courthouse in Decatur.
The purpose of Early Warning is to share information concerning the legal
requirements and school board policies pertaining to attendance-thus, an early
warning.
State Truancy Definitions and Procedures
A parent, guardian, or other person having charge of any child officially enrolled
in Alabama public schools (K-12) shall explain in writing the cause of any and
every absence of the child no later than three (3) school days following return to
school. A failure to furnish such explanation shall be evidence of the child being
truant each day he/she is absent. The child shall also be deemed truant for any
absence determined by the principal to be unexcused. If a principal modifies an
unexcused absence for school purposes, those absences shall not be used for
purposes of assigning to early warning court or for a truancy petition.
An attempt should be made to notify the parent/guardian when a student has been
determined to be truant.
On the student’s fifth (5th) unexcused absence the parent, guardian, and/or
student, or person having control of the child shall participate in the Early
Warning Program provided by the juvenile court. Attendance at one of these
conferences shall be mandatory except where prior arrangements have been made
or an emergency exists.
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Individuals may be assigned to the Early Warning Program on a yearly basis.
Failure to appear at the school conference and/or to appear at the Early Warning
Program shall result in the filing of a complaint/petition against the parent under
(Code of Alabama 1975), s16-28-12 (c) (failure to cooperate), or s12-15-13
(contributing to truancy) or a truancy against the child, whichever is appropriate.
On the student’s seventh (7
th
) unexcused absence, a complaint/petition against the
child and/or parent/guardian may be filed in Juvenile Court.
Code of Alabama §12-15-111, §12-15-102(4)(a) and §16-28-12
Check-Ins and Check-Outs
Any student who arrives after school has begun must go to the office of the
principal and check-in. Student attendance at school is essential to academic
success. Certain educational activities that occur during an absence cannot be
replicated by make-up assignments. Parents are encouraged to make dental,
medical, and other appointments for their children after school hours or during the
summer vacation and holiday periods.
Students who have a valid need to leave school before the dismissal bell shall be
checked out at the office of the principal or other designated location. Such
student must be signed out by the parent, guardian or other pre-designated adult.
Such individuals may be required to provide appropriate photo
identification upon checking out a student. Notes or telephone calls may not be
accepted for purposes of check-out of a student. The principal or other authorized
employee has the responsibility of making decisions relating to check-outs.
School administrators have the discretion to deviate from these procedures in the
case of emergencies or other unusual circumstances.
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PRIVACY AND PROPERTY RIGHTS
Searches (Students)
a. Board Property – All school system property, facilities, and grounds
may be entered, inspected, and searched for any lawful purpose by Board
officials or their designees at any time, without prior notice and to the
fullest extent permitted by law. The right to enter, inspect, and search
includes and extends to (but is not limited to) Board owned or controlled
offices, desks, file cabinets, lockers, computers, files, documents, data,
and devices however and wherever kept, stored, or maintained.
b. Personal Property – Personal property, including but not limited to
vehicles, purses, wallets, gym bags, book pages, cell phones, computers,
and “personal digital assistant” (PDA) devices may be searched by
authorized school officials, including school principals or their
designees, when reasonable suspicion exists that the property contains
prohibited materials, illegal substances, weapons, or other items that are
reasonably deemed to present a risk or threat to the safety or welfare of
the school community or that the property contains evidence of an actual
or suspected violation of the law, or Board policy, the code of student
conduct, or of other school rules, provided that the nature and extent of
such search is reasonably related and limited to the suspected violation.
c. Personal Searches – Students may be searched whenever reasonable
suspicion exists that the student in possession of prohibited materials,
illegal substances, weapons, or other items that are reasonably deemed
to present a risk or threat to the safety and welfare of the school
community, provided that the nature and extent of such search is
reasonably related and limited to the suspected violation. Student
searches must be conducted by a school administrator and/or a school
resource officer (SRO) or other law enforcement officer, where
warranted, in the presence of another certified school employee and may
include a private pat down of the student, a search of personal items and
clothing, or a more thorough search upon specific approval of the
Superintendent or his/her designee. Personal searches will be conducted
with due regard for the age and gender of the student. Refusal to submit
to a search or to cooperate in a search as provided in this policy may be
grounds for disciplinary action.
d. Use of Recovered Items – Property, material, substances, information, or
records that are obtained, discovered, or recovered as a result of a search
may be retained and used for any lawful purpose.
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Student Drug Testing Policy
This policy statement clarifies the Board’s position on student tobacco, alcohol,
and drug use as it pertains to athletic and competitive extracurricular participation
and student drivers.
The Board values students and their participation in athletics and other
extracurricular activities. These students, as role models for other students, are
keys to the Board’s goal of providing the best possible education program for all
students. To achieve this goal and to maximize the skills and talents of all students,
it is important that every student and employee of the school system understand
the dangers of tobacco, alcohol, and drug abuse. In addition, it is the objective of
the Board that all students who wish to take advantage of the privilege of driving
or parking a motor vehicle on school property or any other site off campus during
regular school hours at which a student is participating in or observing any school
activity, be completely free of the effects of alcohol, and/or the presence of other
illegal or controlled substances.
In an effort to meet this objective, the Board reserves the right to require that any
student desiring to drive or park a motor vehicle on school property and any
student who participates or intends to participate in high school athletic teams,
cheerleading squads and extracurricular organizations of a competitive nature be
subject to and submit to random drug testing at any time while on school property,
or attending school sponsored activities during regular school hours.
Participation in competitive activities and driving or parking a motor vehicle on
school property or at any other site off campus during regular school hours at
which a student participating in or observing any school activity, are privileges
which can be taken away for failure to comply with this policy. The Board may
change the provisions of this policy at any time in accordance with law. Students
covered by this policy will be informed of any changes. All such testing or
screening will be performed in accordance with local, state and federal laws, and
procedures that are developed by the Superintendent.
See also Board Policy 6.21.
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STUDENT RECORDS
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
Notice for Directory Information
The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), a Federal law, requires
that Decatur City Schools, with certain exceptions, obtain your written consent
prior to the disclosure of personally identifiable information from your child’s
education records. However, Decatur City Schools may disclose appropriately
designated “directory information” without written consent, unless you have
advised Decatur City Schools to the contrary in accordance with Decatur City
Schools procedures. The primary purpose of directory information is to allow
Decatur City Schools to include information from your child’s education records
in certain school publications. Examples include:
• A playbill, showing your student’s role in a drama production;
• The annual yearbook;
• Honor roll or other recognition lists;
• Graduation programs; and
• Sports activity sheets, such as for wrestling, showing weight and
height of team members.
Directory information, which is information that is generally not considered
harmful or an invasion of privacy if released, can also be disclosed to outside
organizations without a parent’s prior written consent. Outside organizations
include, but are not limited to, companies that manufacture class rings or publish
yearbooks. In addition, two federal laws require local educational agencies
(LEAs) receiving assistance under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act
of 1965, as amended (ESEA) to provide military recruiters, upon request, with the
following information – names, addresses and telephone listings – unless parents
have advised the LEA that they do not want their student’s information disclosed
without their prior written consent. Section 9528 of the ESEA (20 U.S.C. Section
7908) and 10 U.S.C Section 503(C)
If you do not want Decatur City Schools to disclose any or all of the types of
information designated below as directory information from your child’s
education records without your prior written consent, you must notify Decatur
City Schools in writing within five (5) days of the start of school. The written
notification should be sent to: The Office of the Superintendent, 302 Fourth
Avenue NE, Decatur, AL 35601. Decatur City Schools has designated the
following information as directory information:
• Student’s name
• Address
• Telephone listing
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• Electronic mail address
• Photograph
• Date and place of birth
• Major field of study
• Dates of attendance
• Grade level
• Participation in officially recognized activities and sports
• Weight and height of members of athletic teams
• Degrees, honors, and awards received
• The most recent educational agency or institution attended
• Student ID number, user ID, or other unique personal identifier used
to communicate in electronic systems but only if the identifier
cannot be used to gain access to education records except when used
in conjunction with one or more factors that authenticate the user’s
identify such as a PIN, password, or other factor known or possessed
only by the authorized user
• A student ID number or other unique personal identifier that is
displayed on a student ID badge, but only if the identifier cannot be
used to gain access to education records except when used in
conjunction with one or more factors that authenticate the user’s
identity, such as a PIN, password, or other factor known or
possessed only by the authorized user.
NOTIFICATION OF RIGHTS UNDER FERPA FOR
ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS
The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords parents and
students who are 18 years of age or older (“eligible students”) certain rights with
respect to the student’s education records. These rights are:
1. The right to inspect and review the student’s education records
within 45 days after the day Decatur City Schools receives a request for access.
Parents or eligible students who wish to inspect their child’s or their
education records should submit to the school principal a written request that
identifies the records they wish to inspect. The school official will make
arrangements for access and notify the parent or eligible student of the time and
place where the records may be inspected.
2. The right to request the amendment of the student’s education
records that the parent or eligible student believes are inaccurate, misleading, or
otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights under FERPA.
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Parents of eligible students who wish to ask Decatur City Schools to
amend their child’s or their education record should write the school principal,
clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it should
be changed. If the school decides not to amend the record as requested by the
parent or eligible student, the school will notify the parent or eligible student of
the decision and of their right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment.
Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the
parent or eligible student when notified of the right to a hearing.
3. The right to provide written consent before the school discloses
personally identifiable information (PII) from the student’s education records,
except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.
One exception, which permits disclosure without consent, is disclosure
to school officials with legitimate educational interests. The criteria for
determining who constitutes a school official and what constitutes a legitimate
educational interest must be set forth in the school’s or school district’s annual
notification under FERPA rights. A school official typically includes a person
employed by the school or school district as an administrator, supervisor,
instructor, or support staff member (including health or medical staff and law
enforcement unit personnel) or a person serving on the school board. A school
official may also include a volunteer, contractor, or consultant who, while not
employed by the school, performs an institutional service or function for which
the school would otherwise use its own employees and who is under the direct
control of the school with respect to the use and maintenance of PII from
education records, such as an attorney, auditor, medical consultant, or therapist; a
parent or student volunteering to serve on an official committee, such as a
disciplinary or grievance committee; or a parent, student, or other volunteer
assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official
typically has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an
education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility.
Upon request, the school discloses education records without consent to
officials of another school or school district in which a student seeks or intends to
enroll, or is already in enrolled if the disclosure if for purposes of the student’s
enrollment or transfer.
4. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education
concerning alleged failures by Decatur City Schools to comply with the
requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the Office that administers
FERPA are:
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Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue SW
Washington, DC 20202
FERPA permits the disclosure of PII from students’ education records,
without consent of the parent or eligible student, if the disclosure meets certain
conditions found in §99.31 of the FERPA regulations. Except for disclosures to
school officials, disclosures related to some judicial orders or lawfully issued
subpoenas, disclosures of directory information, and disclosures to the parent or
eligible student, §99.32 of the FERPA regulations requires the school to record
the disclosure. Parents and eligible students have a right to inspect and review the
record of disclosures. A school may disclose PII from the education records of a
student without obtaining prior written consent of the parents or the eligible
student-
• To other school officials, including teachers, within the educational
agency or institution whom the school has determined to have
legitimate educational interests. This includes contractors,
consultants, volunteers, or other parties to whom the school has
outsourced institutional services or functions, provided that the
conditions listed in § 99.31 (a)(1)(i)(B)(I) – (a)(1)(i)(B)(3) are met.
§ 99.31 (a)(1)
• To officials of another school, school system, or institution or
postsecondary education where the student seeks to enroll, or where
the student is already enrolled if the disclosure is for purposes
related to the student’s enrollment or transfer, subject to the
requirements of § 99.34 (§ 99.31(a)(2))
• To authorize representatives of the U.S. Comptroller General, the
U.S. Attorney General, the U.S. Secretary of Education or State and
local educational authorities, such as the State education agency
(SEA) in the parent or eligible student’s State. Disclosures under
this provision may be made, subject to the requirements of § 99.35,
in connection with an audit or evaluation of Federal – or State –
supported education programs, or for the enforcement of or
compliance with Federal legal requirements that relate to those
programs. These entities may make further disclosures of PII to
outside entities that are designated by them as their authorized
representatives to conduct an audit, evaluation, or enforcement or
compliance activity on their behalf, if applicable requirements are
met. (§§ 99.31(a)(3) and 99.35)
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• In connection with financial aid for which the student has applied or
which the student has received, if the information is necessary for
such purposes as to determine eligibility for the aid, determine the
amount of the aid, determine the conditions of the aid, or enforce the
terms and conditions of the aid (§ 99.31(a)(4))
• To State and local officials or authorities to whom information is
specifically allowed to be reported or disclosed by a State statute
that concerns the juvenile justice system and the system’s ability to
effectively serve, prior to adjudication, the student whose records
were released, subject to §99.38 (§99.31(a)(5))
• To organizations conducting studies for, or on behalf of, the school,
in order to: (a) develop, validate, or administer predictive tests; (b)
administer student aid programs; or (c) to improve instruction, if
applicable requirements are met. (§ 99.31(a)(6))
• To accrediting organizations to carry out their accrediting functions.
(§ 99.31(a)(7))
• To parents of an eligible student if the student is dependent for IRS
tax purposes. (§ 99.31(a)(8))
• To comply with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena if
applicable requirements are met. (§ 99.31(a)(9))
• To appropriate officials in connection with a health or safety
emergency, subject to §99.36 (§ 99.31(a)(10))
• Information the school has designated as “directory information” if
applicable requirements under §99.37 are met. (§ 99.31(a)(11))
• To an agency caseworker or other representative of a State or local
child welfare agency or tribal organization who is authorized to
access a student’s case plan when such agency or organization is
legally responsible, in accordance with State or tribal law, for the
care and protection of the student in foster care placement. (20
U.S.C §1232g(b)(i)(L))
• To the Secretary of Agriculture or authorized representatives of the
Food and Nutrition Service for purposes of conducting program
monitoring, evaluations, and performance measurements of
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programs authorized under the Richard B. Russell National School
Lunch Act or the Child Nutrition Act of 1996, under certain
conditions. (20 U.S.C §1232g(b)(i)(K))
DECATUR CITY SCHOOLS ANNUAL NOTIFICATION OF RIGHTS
UNDER THE PROTECTION OF PUPIL RIGHTS AMENDMENT
(PPRA)
PPRA affords parents and students who are 18 or emancipated minors (“eligible
students”) certain rights regarding our conduct of surveys, collection and use of
information for marketing purposes, and certain physical exams. These include
the right to:
• Consent before students are required to submit to a survey that concerns
one or more of the following protected areas (“protected information
survey”) if the survey is funded in whole or in part by a program of the
U.S. Department of Education (ED):
1. Political affiliations or beliefs of the student or student’s family;
2. Mental or psychological problems of the student or student’s family;
3. Sex behavior or attitudes;
4. Illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating, or demeaning behavior;
5. Critical appraisals of others with whom respondents have close
family relationships;
6. Legally recognized privileged relationships, such as with lawyers,
doctors, or ministers;
7. Religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the student or parents;
or
8. Income, other than as required by law to determine program
eligibility.
• Receive notice and an opportunity to opt a student out of:
1. Any other protected information survey, regardless of funding;
2. Any non-emergency, invasive physical exam or screening required
as a condition of attendance, administered by the school or its agent,
and not necessary to protect the immediate health and safety of a
student, except for hearing, vision, or scoliosis screenings, or any
physical exam or screening permitted or required under State law;
and
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3. Activities involving collection, disclosure, or use of personal
information obtained from students for marketing or to sell or
otherwise distribute the information to others.
• Inspect, upon request and before administration or use:
1. Protected information surveys of students;
2. Instruments used to collect personal information from students for
any of the above marketing, sales, or other distribution purposes;
and
3. Instructional material used as part of the educational curriculum.
• Decatur City Schools will adopt policies, in consultation with parents,
regarding these rights, as well as arrangements to protect student privacy
in the administration of protected surveys and the collection, disclosure,
or use of personal information for marketing, sales, or other distribution
purposes. Decatur City Schools will directly notify parents and eligible
students of those policies at least annually at the start of each school year
and after any substantive changes. Decatur City Schools will also
directly notify parents and eligible students, such as through U.S. Mail
or e-mail, at least annually at the start of each school year of the specific
or approximate dates of the following activities and provide an
opportunity to opt a student out of participating in:
• Collection, disclosure, or use of personal information for marketing,
sales or other distribution.
• Administration of any protected information survey not funded in whole
or in part by ED.
• Any non-emergency, invasive physical examination or screening as
described above.
Parents/eligible students who believe their rights have been violated may file a
complaint with:
Family Protection Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20202-4605
PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITY IN DISCIPLINE
The Code of Alabama Sections 16-28-2.2 and 16-28-12 require that the parent or
other person having control of a child enrolled in school ensure that the child (1)
enrolls in and regularly attends school and (2) engages in proper conduct while in
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attendance in school. The Code of Alabama further requires the Superintendent
to report to the District Attorney the name of any parent with children enrolled in
Decatur City Schools who:
A) Fails to require such child to regularly attend school; or
B) Fails to compel the child to properly conduct himself or herself in
accordance with the Code of Student Conduct.
Parents whose behavior fits either section (A) or (B) as listed above may be
subject to criminal liability and criminal sanctions. Either the Superintendent or
the District Attorney may initiate prosecution of parents for the behavior of their
child (children).
DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS AND PROCEDURES
Re-enrollment with Pending Discipline
Students who withdraw from or cease attending Decatur City Schools with
pending discipline must complete the discipline upon re-enrollment in Decatur
City Schools.
Detention Hall
The principal or his/her designated person(s) has the authority to assign students
to a designated area (detention hall) on campus before and/or at the end of the
regular school day for a reasonable and specified period of time as a disciplinary
action. Students in grades K-12 will be given a one-day notice of their detention
hall assignment. The parent(s) or guardian is responsible for providing
transportation in these cases. A reasonable attempt will be made to notify the
parent(s) or guardian of students in grades K-5 prior to the assignment of a student
to detention hall.
In-School Suspension
In-school suspension is a structured disciplinary action in which a student is
isolated or removed from regular classroom activities but is not dismissed from
the school setting. The principal or his/her designated person(s) has the authority
to assign students to the in-school suspension program for a reasonable and
specified period of time. The principals and their staffs should determine the
scope of in-school suspension in their respective schools. Generally the parent(s)
or guardian is responsible for providing transportation in these cases.
Suspension
The principal or his/her designated person(s) has the authority to suspend a
student. This is generally referred to, but is not limited to, home suspension.
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School Bus Suspension
The principal or his/her designated person(s) has the authority to deny a student
the privilege of riding a school bus based on the misconduct of the student. This
action will be for a reasonable and specified period of time.
Physical Restraint and Seclusion
The use of physical restraint is prohibited in the system and its educational
programs except in those situations in which the student is in immediate danger
to himself/herself or others and the student is not responsive to less intensive
behavioral interventions including verbal directives or other de-escalation
techniques. Physical restraint is expressly prohibited when used as a form of
discipline or punishment. The use of other physical restraint, chemical restraint,
mechanical restraint, or seclusion is prohibited in the school system and its
educational programs.
The use of restraint may occur along with other emergency actions such as the
school seeking assistance from law enforcement, School Resource Officers and/or
emergency medical personnel which could result in removal of the student by
such personnel. For more information please refer to the Decatur City School
Policy
Corporal Punishment
The Board of Education authorizes the use of corporal punishment when
administered with care, tact, and caution and in compliance with Board Policy.
Disciplinary Probation
Disciplinary Probation is a procedure where a student is placed on probation for
designated period of time and includes the probability of a more severe
disciplinary sanction if the student is found to be violating any provision of the
Code of Student Conduct during the probationary period. The principal or other
authorized official will review student disciplinary records and should notify and
request a conference with the parents of the student involved.
CENTER FOR ALTERNATIVE PROGRAMS (CAP)
Center for Alternatives to Suspension / CAS
The principal or his/her designee has the authority to assign students to the Center
for Alternatives to Suspension (CAS). Such assignment shall ordinarily not
exceed ten (10) school days, but the principal, after consultation with the Deputy
Superintendent that oversees school safety, may assign a student to CAS for a
period not to exceed twenty (20) days. Any assignment to CAS exceeding twenty
(20) days must have the prior approval of the student’s parents or guardian and
the Superintendent or his/her designee. This restriction remains in force until the
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students have successfully completed their assignment to the Center for
Alternatives to Suspension.
Offenses which would result in an assignment to CAS are generally the same as
those outlined for out of school suspension in this Code of Student Conduct;
however, the principal and/or the supervisor of CAS may assign students for other
infractions.
Any student entering or returning to Decatur City Schools from any juvenile
detention will be assigned to complete a 10 day transition period at the Center for
Alternatives to Suspension.
Students who are assigned to the Center for Alternatives to Suspension will be
given the opportunity to attend daily, receive academic instruction, and receive
full credit for work that is satisfactorily completed. Students who are suspended
from this program may not be allowed to make up missed work and may receive
“0’s” for any missed assignments during this time.
The parent or guardian of a student assigned to CAS is responsible for providing
student transportation to and from CAS.
Center for Alternatives to Expulsion / CAE
The Center for Alternatives to Expulsion was created by Decatur City Schools to
provide an alternative to long term suspension out of school or expulsion. Students
may be assigned to CAE (a) by the Superintendent or his/her designee with the
consent of the student and the student’s parents or guardian; (b) by the
Superintendent after a Due Process Hearing; (c) by action of the Board of
Education after an expulsion hearing. Generally the parent(s) or guardian is
responsible for providing transportation in these cases.
Students assigned to the Center for Alternatives to Expulsion are restricted from
being on any other Decatur City Schools campus or property and are restricted
from attending or participating in any Decatur City Schools programs or activities,
regardless of the location. This restriction remains in force until the students have
successfully completed their assignment to the Center for Alternatives to
Expulsion. Generally, once a student is released from CAE, a conference
involving CAE staff, the school administrator and counselor of the school in
which the student is returning will be held prior to the student returning to the
regular class environment. The student shall be placed on disciplinary probation,
and the staff will monitor such transition.
Students who are assigned to the Center for Alternatives to Expulsion will be
given the opportunity to attend daily, receive academic instruction, and receive
full credit for work that is satisfactorily completed. Students who are suspended
from these programs may not be allowed to make up missed work and may receive
“0’s” for any missed assignments during this time.
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Disciplinary Due Process Hearing
The Superintendent or his/her designee will review recommendations from
principals for expulsions. The Superintendent or his/her designee may hold a due
process hearing with the student involved, which may include principals, teachers,
parents, guardians, students and other needed individuals to determine whether
the recommendation from the principal shall be upheld.
Board of Education Hearing
The Board of Education hearing involving expulsion recommendations will be
conducted in accordance with the Board of Education policy and procedure.
Other Community Resources
The Board of Education and its employees have the authority to request the
involvement of various community resources in dealing with serious disciplinary
problems. Examples of the resources that could be utilized in resolving a
discipline problem of a serious nature are: the police department or other law
enforcement agencies, juvenile court, and/or the Department of Human
Resources. The use of other resources may be involved if warranted.
PROCEDURES FOR THE ADMINISTRATION OF SUSPENSION AND
EXPULSION
A student recommended for suspension or expulsion will be made aware of the
charges and will be given an opportunity to respond. Any time a referral is
submitted that warrants suspension or expulsion, a reasonable effort will be made
by the school to either contact the parent(s) or guardian by a telephone call made
during school hours or by written notice. The student is responsible for notifying
his/her parent(s) or guardian of all written communications from school. Failure
to do so may result in further disciplinary action.
SUSPENSION OF STUDENTS
Authority
The school principal or other authorized administrator has the authority to suspend
students from school.
Notification
Prior to suspension the student will be made aware of the charges and given an
opportunity to respond to them. Notice will be provided to the Superintendent or
his/her designee and parent(s) or guardian stating the reason(s) such action was
taken.
Immediate suspension of a student is justified when the student's presence would
threaten other students or himself/herself, endanger school property or seriously
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disrupt the orderly educational process. Principals or other authorized
administrators have the discretion to request law enforcement to remove such
students.
Length
The suspension of a student out of school shall ordinarily not exceed ten (10)
school days, but the principal after consultation with the Superintendent or his/her
designee may suspend a student for a period not to exceed twenty (20) days.
1. Any student who has been determined eligible for special education may
be suspended, but all procedural safeguards must be adhered to as set
forth in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Section 504,
and/or other federal and state regulations.
2. If an incident or violation causes the principal or other authorized
administrator to recommend the expulsion of a student, the suspension
shall remain in effect until a final determination has been made regarding
the recommendation for expulsion.
Terms
1. If a student attends or is scheduled to attend more than one Decatur City
Schools campus during the same day and is suspended from either school,
the suspension will include both schools. The principals of both schools or
their designated person(s) must notify each other of such suspensions.
2. Students who are suspended out of school shall not participate or attend
any school activities or go upon or remain on any Decatur City Schools
property during the suspension.
3. When a student is suspended, his/her teacher must be notified concerning
the date of suspension and the number of days suspended.
4. A student who has been suspended from school is not eligible to enroll in
any other school in the system until such time that he/she is reinstated in
the school from which he/she was suspended.
5. Any student who is under suspension or expulsion from another school
system or a private, parochial, or other school will not be permitted to
enroll until the student has satisfied the conditions for readmission set by
the expelling or suspending board or authority in additional to generally
applicable admission requirements established by the Board which may
include temporary attendance at an alternative school.
Readmission
When a student returns to school after suspension, the readmission should be
preceded by a conference with the principal or his/her designated person(s). The
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conference should include the parent(s) or guardian unless otherwise approved by
the principal.
EXPULSION OF STUDENTS
The Decatur City Board of Education makes the final disposition of any expulsion
recommendation. A student may be expelled for any act that is classified as a
Class II or Class III offense as defined later. The school principal is initially
responsible for determining that an offense has been committed for which
expulsion may be warranted.
Any student who is the subject of any expulsion action shall be granted the
following rights of due process: a hearing, the right to be accompanied by
counsel, the right to hear the alleged charge(s), the right to question all evidence,
the right to speak and offer evidence in his/her own behalf.
The following steps of due process shall be observed in all expulsion actions:
1. The local school principal shall consult with the Superintendent or his/her
designee concerning the student’s infraction(s).
2. The Superintendent or his/her designee shall, by letter, notify the
parents/guardians of a hearing that may include the student, the
parent/guardian, the principal and the Superintendent or other necessary
parties.
3. If the parent/guardian and/or student fail to attend the hearing, the hearing
will be held nonetheless.
4. If the decision to recommend expulsion is made by the Superintendent or
his/her designee, the parents/guardian and the student shall be notified, by
letter, of the time and place of an expulsion hearing before the Decatur City
Board of Education, and the student shall remain under suspension until
the hearing is held. This notice shall be given a minimum of five calendar
days before the hearing is held.
5. The student or the parent/guardian may request that the hearing be held in
private or the Board may consider it to be more appropriate to conduct the
hearing and consider and deliberate its decision in executive session. In any
event, the Board will render its decision in open session.
6. If the decision to expel the student is made, the expulsion shall be for any
length of time not to exceed the remainder of the current school year plus
the school year which follows immediately thereafter. The Superintendent
or his/her designee shall, by letter, notify the parent/guardian and the
student of the Decatur City Board of Education’s decision within ten days
after it is made.
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7. Any student, who has been determined eligible for services or
accommodations under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act,
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with
Disabilities Act, may be expelled provided that all procedural and other
requirements of applicable law are observed.
Readmission
When a student requests reenrollment after completing a period of expulsion, the
student will be assigned to an alternative facility for a period of review prior to
returning to his/her designated school.
CLASSIFICATION OF VIOLATIONS
Violations of the Code of Student Conduct are grouped into three classes (Class
I, Class II and Class III). Before determining the classification of a violation, the
principal or his/her designated person(s) will consult with the involved student(s)
and school personnel. Once the classification of the violation is determined, the
principal or his/her designated person(s) will implement the disciplinary
procedure.
The classroom teacher may deal with classroom disruption by taking in-class
disciplinary action, by making a personal call to the parent(s) or guardian when
feasible, and/or by scheduling conferences with the parent(s) or guardian and
other school staff. When the action taken by the teacher is ineffective, or the
disruption is severe, the student should be referred to the principal or his/her
designated person(s). Failure to bring notebook, pencil, books or required
materials and equipment to class is ordinarily not cause for referral; however,
defiance of a teacher in regard to these areas is cause for disciplinary referral.
Parents and guardians should be notified by the teacher of students who
consistently exhibit poor work habits.
DISCIPLINARY ACTION
Violation of the Code of Student Conduct and the subsequent disciplinary action
or assignment thereof will be based upon, but not limited to, (1) classification of
offense; (2) age of student at time of offense; (3) previous/prior disciplinary
violations of student; and (4) any other factors that impact the learning
environment.
CLASS I
1.01 Excessive distraction of other students.
Any conduct and/or behavior which is disruptive to the orderly
educational process in the classroom or any other school related setting.
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1.02 Participation in a prohibited organization.
Participation supporting or furthering the cause of fraternities, sororities,
secret societies or any group or organization, either on or off Board of
Education property, whose activity or proposed activity is disruptive to
the orderly educational process. This would include individuals whose
purpose is to disrupt or disturb the ability of any student, teacher or
administrator to receive or deliver the highest degree of educational
opportunity.
1.03 Failure to Follow Directions.
Failure to follow directions, instructions, or order by a Decatur City
Schools employee.
1.04 Participation in games of chance involving money and/or other things of
value.
1.05 Excessive tardiness: Repeatedly reporting late to school or class.
1.06 Intentional and/or non-direct use of profane, offensive or obscene
language.
1.07 Violation of dress code. (See "Additional Policies: Dress Code").
1.08 Violation of bus rules. (See “Additional Policies: Bus Rules”).
1.09 Inappropriate public display of affection.
1.10 Unauthorized absence from class or school.
1.11 Continued refusal and/or failure to complete class assignments.
1.12 Failure to carry correspondence home.
1.13 Unauthorized and/or inappropriate use of Board of Education property
or private property.
1.14 Littering of Board of Education property.
1.15 Distribution or display of printed materials on Board of Education
property or at a school activity without the approval of the principal or
his/her designee.
1.16 Sale of anything on Board of Education property or at a school activity
without the approval of the principal or his/her designee.
1.17 Possession of and/or use of laser light pointer or any device designed to
emit a laser light.
1.18 Planning, conspiring, soliciting, procuring, causing, encouraging, aiding,
abetting or assisting another to commit any of the foregoing offenses.
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1.19 Any other violation which the principal may deem reasonable to fall
within the definition of a Class I violation after consideration of all the
facts.
DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS-CLASS I OFFENSES
Disciplinary action for such offences may include conference, detention,
completion of extra academic assignments, in-school suspension, or other
reasonable disciplinary actions at the discretion of the principal or his/her
designated person(s).
CLASS II
2.00 Unauthorized Use of Electronic Devices.
Allowing a student to bring electronic devices, including, but not limited
to, cell phones, or other devices to school is a privilege afforded to
Decatur City Schools. Use or visible possession of any such device
during academic instruction is strictly prohibited unless such use is
authorized by the Principal or other school personnel. In addition,
students may use personally-owned technology such as e-readers,
tablets, notepads, laptops, or similar devices according to specifications
within Decatur City Schools’ Bring Your Own Device guidelines. The
Board assumes no responsibility for theft, loss, or damage to any
electronic device.
The Board permits restricted and conditional access to, and use of, its
technology resources, as well as personally-owned devices (if approved)
for instructional purposes and during academic instruction time and not
for personal use. Students may use only accounts, filed, software, and/or
other technology resources that are assigned to, provided to, or approved
for him/her.
The Board reserves the right to place conditions on, restrict, or prohibit
the use of personally-owned technology resources, including all
electronic devices and storage media on its property. School officials
may read, examine, or inspect the contents of any such device upon
reasonable suspicion that the device contains evidence of an actual or
suspected violation of the law, of Board policy, of the code of student
conduct, or of other school rules, provided that the nature and extent of
such examination shall be reasonably related and limited to the suspected
violation.
2.01 Defiance of Board of Education employee's authority.
Any verbal or non-verbal refusal to comply with a lawful direction,
instruction or order of a Board of Education employee.
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2.02 Failure to follow Medication Guidelines.
2.03 Possession and/or use of tobacco products or other devices to inject
nicotine
Possession of any tobacco product on the person, in the locker, or in other
effects of a student; holding of a lighted cigarette (cigar, etc.), inhaling
or exhaling of the smoke of tobacco or the using of any other tobacco
product. Possession of or use of e-cigarette or other vapor devices
designed to inject nicotine or other substances.
2.04 Harassment or Intimidation.
The threatening, stalking, teasing, taunting, or seeking to coerce or
compel a person to do something; engaging in verbal, written or physical
conduct that threatens another with harm, including intimidation through
the use of epithets or slurs involving race, ethnicity, national origin,
religion, religious practices, gender, sexual orientation, age, or disability
that disrupts the educational process.
2.05 Unsafe and/or unlicensed driving on Board of Education property or
other violations of state, municipal or school rules related to the
operation or parking of motor vehicles.
2.06 Vandalism.
Intentional and deliberate action resulting in injury or damages of less
than $200 to public property or the real or personal property of another.
2.07 Theft.
Taking and/or carrying away of property valued at less than $100
belonging to or in lawful possession or custody of another.
2.08 Gambling/Possession of Gambling Device.
The possession of any device or item which can be used to promote or
facilitate gambling or promote or facilitate participation in a game of
chance involving money or other items of value.
2.09 Possession of stolen property with the knowledge that it is stolen.
2.10 Theft of lost property.
Obtaining or exerting control over the property of another which is
known to have been lost or mislaid, and thereafter failing to take
reasonable measures to discover and notify the owner.
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2.11 Threats.
Verbal, non-verbal, written or printed communication, threatening an
injury to the person, property or reputation of another. This may include
threats with the intent to extort money or any pecuniary advantage
whatever, or with the intent to compel the person so threatened, or any
other person, to do any act or refrain from doing any act against his/her
will.
Note: Completion of the threat, either by the victim's complying with the demands
or the carrying out of the threats against the victim, constitutes a Class III offense.
2.12 Trespassing.
Willfully entering or remaining in or on any Board of Education
structure, conveyance or property without being authorized, licensed or
invited, or having initially been authorized, licensed or invited, having
been warned by an authorized person to depart and refusing to do so.
Unauthorized presence, entering or remaining on Board of Education
property or attending any school related activity while under any kind of
home suspension, assignment to the Center for Alternatives to
Suspension, assignment to the Center for Alternatives to Expulsion, or
expulsion.
2.13 Possession of obscene and/or offensive materials.
2.14 Use of obscene and/or offensive manifestations (verbal, written, gesture)
directed toward another person and/or offensive manifestations (verbal,
written, gesture) which are deemed to create a hostile environment
and/or engaging in inappropriate behavior.
2.15 Truancy or unauthorized leaving Board of Education property.
2.16 Possession of a pocket-knife.
2.17 Possession and/or use of matches or lighter.
2.18 Intentionally providing false information to a school board employee,
including, but not limited to, student information data and the
concealment of information directly related to school business.
2.19 Forgery, alteration, or misuse of any document, record, or instrument of
identification.
2.20 Intentionally touching or striking another student against his/her will or
without his/her consent. (Altercation not arising to the level of a fight)
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2.21 Honor Code Violations and/or Cheating.
Students shall not engage in any act of deception or falsification. This
includes cheating by receiving any unauthorized aid or assistance or the
actual giving or receiving of unfair advantage.
2.22 Inappropriate Use of Technology.
2.23 Reckless Endangerment.
Engaging in reckless behavior that endangers one’s self or others.
2.24 ___
2.25 Planning, conspiring, soliciting, causing, encouraging, aiding, abetting
or assisting another to commit any of the foregoing offenses.
2.26 Any other violation which the principal may deem reasonable to fall
within the definition of a Class II violation after consideration of all the
facts.
DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS-CLASS II OFFENSES
Disciplinary for such offenses may include conference, detention, completion of
extra academic assignments, in-school suspension, assignment to the Center for
Alternative Programs, home suspension, corporal punishment or other reasonable
disciplinary actions as deemed appropriate by the principal or his her/designated
person(s).
Note: Commission of Class II and/or Class III offenses may constitute a violation
of criminal laws established by Local, State and Federal government, and will be
reported to the appropriate authorities.
CLASS III
3.00 Fighting.
The initiation of and/or participation in any physical conflict between
individuals.
3.01 Provoking, agitating, inciting, publicizing, encouraging and/or
glamorizing a fight/confrontation or student disorder. This includes the
use of electronic devices to record an altercation on school grounds or at
school programs or activities.
3.02 Drugs, Substances Represented as Drugs, Controlled Substance,
Imitation Controlled Substance, Alcohol and/or Intoxicating Inhalants,
including substances banned from sale as defined by the Food and Drug
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Administration (FDA) or by the Code of Alabama or in rules or
regulations issued by any State board or agency legally authorized to do
so by the Code of Alabama.
Admission of and/or being under the influence of and/or unauthorized
possession, transfer, distribution, use or sale of drugs, substances
represented as drugs, controlled substance, imitation controlled
substance, drug paraphernalia, alcoholic beverages, intoxicating
inhalants, CBD or THC oils, and/or other banned substances.
Communication of the intent or desire to buy, sell, furnish, manufacture,
deliver, distribute or exchange drugs, substances represented as drugs,
controlled substance, imitation controlled substance, alcohol,
intoxicating inhalants and/or other banned substances.
Communication of the intent or desire to facilitate the sale or exchange,
manufacture, delivery, or distribution of drugs, substances represented
as drugs, controlled substance, imitation controlled substance, alcohol,
intoxicating inhalants and/or other banned substances.
The above outlines the general classification of a Decatur City Schools
Class III offense for Drug, Alcohol and other substances category of
disciplinary infractions.
Each offense within this infraction may not rise to the same level of
disciplinary action. Such incidents under this section may also be
recorded as an element of the Alabama School Incident Reporting
System (SIR) as follows:
1 – Alcohol Possession 14 – Drugs, Sale
2 – Alcohol Sale 15 – Drugs, Use
3 – Alcohol Use 55 – Other, Possession
13 – Drugs, Possession 56 – Other, Use
3.03 Arson.
The intentional damage or attempt to damage Board of Education
property or property of others located on Board of Education property,
by starting or maintaining a fire or explosion.
3.04 Assault.
An actual and intentional touching or striking of another person against
his or her will or intentionally causing bodily harm to an individual.
3.05 Robbery.
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The taking of money or other property which may be the subject of
larceny from the person or custody of another by force, violence, assault
or instilling the fear of same.
3.06 Theft.
The participation in and/or the intentional taking and/or carrying away
of money or other property valued at $100 or more belonging to or in the
lawful possession or custody of another without the consent of the
owner.
3.07 Burglary.
Entering or remaining in a building, enclosed area, structure, motor
vehicle or conveyance owned by the Board of Education with the intent
to commit an offense therein during the hours the premises are closed to
the public.
3.08 Criminal Mischief.
Willful and malicious injury or damages at or in excess of $200 to public
property or to real or personal property belonging to another.
3.09 Possession of Firearms.
Possession of any firearm, pistol, rifle, shotgun, air gun or any other
device. "Firearm" is defined as any firearm (including a starter gun),
which will, or is designed to, or may readily be converted to, expel a
projectile by the action of an explosive or any other means, the frame or
receiver of any such weapon, any firearm muffler or firearm silencer,
any destructive device, any imitation or any replica of a firearm.
3.10 Possession of Weapons.
A knife, metallic knuckles, chemical weapon or device, stun or tazer
device, or any other weapon, instrument, device, or object or any
imitation or replica of any other instrument or object that may be used as
a weapon or otherwise cause or inflict fear, harm or damage to property
or person. Possession of a chemical or chemical imitation which could
be used as a weapon or otherwise cause or inflict fear, harm or damage
to property or person.
3.11 Creating a Safety Concern, or False Alarms and/or Threats.
Any communication(s) or attempt to communicate concerning the Board
of Education's property which has or could have the effect of interfering
with or interrupting the educational environment or process, including
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causing a Heightened Sense of Security, Secured Perimeter and/or
Lockdown.
Falsely reporting an incident with the knowledge that the information
reported, conveyed or circulated is false. Initiating or circulating a false
report or warning of an alleged occurrence or impending occurrence of
a fire, bomb, explosion, crime, catastrophe, shooting, threat, or any
emergency under a circumstance in which it is likely to cause or create
fear, evacuation of a building, place of assembly, or transportation
facility, or to cause public inconvenience or alarm, or to interfere with or
interrupt the education environment or process or increased security
measures. This includes any communication through social media or
electronic communications.
3.12 Threats of Death or Serious Bodily Injury.
Written, verbal or non-verbal communication of a threat to kill or do
serious bodily injury to another person.
3.13 Acts of sexual nature including, but not limited to, battery, intercourse,
attempted rape, rape, sexual misconduct. Indecent exposure or conduct
that is lewd or indecent.
3.14 Offensive touching of another person.
3.15 Sexual Harassment.
3.16 Written, verbal or non-verbal unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature,
welcome or unwelcome. (See Additional Policies: Sexual Harassment)
3.17 Aggravated Assault.
Intentionally causing bodily harm, disability or permanent disfigurement
by use of a weapon or any instrument that could be considered a weapon.
3.18 Explosives.
Preparing, possessing, or igniting explosives that include fireworks,
firecrackers, smoke bombs or stink bombs on Board of Education
property or at any school related activity.
3.19 Unjustified activation or tampering with the fire alarm system, fire
extinguishers, AED, security alarm system, or other safety and/or
medical equipment or supplies.
3.20 Inciting or participating in student disorder.
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Leading, encouraging or assisting in activities or disruptions which result
in destruction or damage of private or public property or personal injury,
and/or the disruption of school business or educational process.
3.21 Fleeing a School Board employee to elude contact or questioning.
3.22 Violations of the conditions of Disciplinary Probation.
3.23 Use of obscene and/or offensive manifestations (verbal, written, gesture)
directed toward or regarding a Board of Education member, employee,
volunteer or other adult and/or use of offensive manifestations (verbal,
written, gesture), which are deemed to create a hostile environment.
3.24 Threat.
The completion or attempt to complete a threat to injure a person,
property, or reputation of another by verbal or non-verbal
communication. This includes extorting money or any pecuniary
advantage whatever by compelling another person to do an act or refrain
from doing an act against his/her will.
3.25 Commission of any act which constitutes a criminal offense under the
laws of the United States, Code of Alabama or Code of the City of
Decatur and which in the principal's opinion warrants disciplinary action
authorized for a Class III offense.
3.26 False accusation statement, or representation directed toward or
regarding a Board of Education member, employee, volunteer or other
person.
3.27 Disorderly Conduct.
An act which substantially disrupts the orderly conduct of a school
function or which substantially disrupts the orderly learning environment
or poses an actual or perceived threat to the health, safety, and/or welfare
of students, staff or others.
3.28 Planning, conspiring, soliciting, procuring, causing, encouraging, aiding,
abetting or assisting another to commit any of the foregoing offenses.
3.29 Bullying or Harassment.
A continuous pattern of intentional physical or psychological behavior,
which includes, but is not limited to written, electronic, verbal acts that
substantially interferes with educational opportunities, places a student
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in reasonable fear of harm to their person, property, or acts reasonably
perceived as being motivated by any characteristics of a student.
3.30 Any other violation that the principal may deem reasonable to fall within
the definition of a Class III violation after consideration of all the facts
3.31 Gang or Hate Group Graffiti or Paraphernalia.
Planning, conspiring, possession, transfer, distribution, display or use of
written material, drawings, signs, slogans, names, apparel or other
materials related to or used in gang or hate group activities are not
permitted on any Board of Education property or at any school related
activity.
Alabama School Incident Report (SIR): Some discipline infractions require
State Incident Reporting Codes and are either assigned in conjunction with the
Decatur City Schools codes referred to above or as a replacement for state
reporting. The SIR codes are as follows:
1 – Alcohol Possession 30 – Sexual Offenses
2 – Alcohol Sale 31 – Threats/Intimidation
3 – Alcohol Use 32 – Tobacco Possession
4 – Arson 33 – Tobacco, Sale
5 – Assault 34 – Tobacco, Use
6 – Bomb Threat 35 - Trespassing
7 – Burglary 36 – Truancy
8 – Criminal Mischief 37 – Handgun, Possession
9 – Defiance Authority 38 – Handgun, Sale
10 – Disobedience 39 – Handgun, Use
11 – Disorderly Conduct 40 – Rifle, Possession
12 – Disruptive Demonstration 41 – Rifle, Sale
13 – Drugs, Possession 42 – Rifle, Use
14 – Drugs, Sale 43 – Firearm, Possession
15 – Drugs, Use 44 – Firearm, Sale
16 – Electronic Pagers 45 – Firearm, Use
17 – Fighting 46 – Explosive, Possession
18 – Fire Alarm 47 – Explosive, Sale
19 – Gambling 48 – Explosive, Use
20 – Harassment 49 – Weapon, Possession
21 – Homicide 50 – Weapon, Sale
22 – Inciting Others 51 – Weapon, Use
23 – Kidnapping 52 – Knife, Possession
24 – Larceny / Theft 53 – Knife, Sale
25 – Motor Vehicle Theft 54 – Knife, Use
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26 – Profanity or Vulgar 55 – Other, Possession
27 – Robbery 56 – Other, Sale
28 – Sexual Battery 57 – Other, Use
29 – Sexual Harassment 58 – Other, Incidents
3.32 Possession of other Prohibited Devices
Possession of any device that in the opinion of school officials does not
rise to the level of a gun or weapon but can reasonably be perceived to
create fear, and/or pose a threat or concern to the health, safety and/or
welfare of the school environment.
DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS-CLASS III OFFENSES
Disciplinary action for such offenses may include conference, detention,
completion of extra academic assignments, in-school suspension, assignments to
the Center for Alternative Programs, home suspension, corporal punishment, or
other reasonable disciplinary actions as deemed appropriate by the principal or
his/her designee.
STUDENT COMPLAINTS AND DISCIPLINE APPEAL PROCESS
A “complaint” is based upon an alleged violation, misinterpretation or inequitable
application of any published rule or regulation of the school system. The Board
of Education provides an opportunity for students to express student related
concerns and complaints. To be granted discussion and consideration of a
complaint, any student or group of students should request an appointment with
the principal which will not interfere with regularly scheduled classes or school
related activities. The faculty and administration will make an honest effort to
resolve student complaints at the most immediate level of supervision.
Student Complaint Procedure
1. Level One-The resolution of a complaint through free and informal
communications as close as possible to the point of origin is encouraged.
A student with a complaint should present it first at the local school level.
2. Level Two-In the event the student is not satisfied with the disposition of
his complaint at Level One, he may file an appeal in writing with the
Superintendent or his designee within five (5) school days of receiving the
disciplinary assignment. Within ten (10) school days from receipt of the
complaint, the Superintendent may request a conference with the student
or render a written decision.
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The student may select a representative to accompany him, may ask such
representative to state the facts in written form and may request a written
decision.
3. The student assignment during the appeals process will be determined by
the local school principal. Student placement during an appeal of discipline
will last for three (3) days. On the fourth (4
th
) day, the student will return
to their normal school placement or remain at home with excused absences
if the Superintendent has not made a decision regarding the appeal.
4. Students assigned to an alternative discipline other than the original
discipline which is under appeal will have to complete the full original
assigned discipline, if the original discipline action is upheld.
ADDITIONAL POLICIES
Drug Abuse/Prevention
The intent of the Decatur City Board of Education is to comply and to cooperate
fully with the laws regarding illegal drug use and drug abuse. The Board of
Education understands there are times when prescription drugs may be used by
students for medical reasons. Under these circumstances, the student or his/her
parent(s) or guardian should register the prescription with the principal or his/her
designated person(s) in order to protect the student. Decatur City Schools
provides for drug and substance abuse prevention through age appropriate
developmentally based programs and testing procedures. Students or parents
wanting to obtain additional educational resources or that would like a list of
current referral counseling programs should contact either the Supervisor of
Special Services or the Deputy Superintendent that oversees school safety at 256-
552-3000.
Local School Rules and Regulations
Principals at local schools, with the approval of the Superintendent, may
supplement the Code of Student Conduct with rules and regulations that are
applicable to the particular school. These rules shall not be contrary to the rules
of the Code of Student Conduct. Such rules and regulations shall be reasonable
and related substantially to the maintenance of discipline and the implementation
of the academic program and extracurricular programs of the school. Special rules
and regulations may include standards related to grades, attendance and student
conduct on or off campus. Adequate notice of all rules and regulations shall be
given and violators shall be treated fairly and consistently.
Summer School and Credit Recovery Discipline
The Code of Student Conduct and dress code for the school hosting summer
school and/or Credit Recovery will be strictly enforced. Disruptive and/or
inappropriate behavior during summer school or Credit Recovery may lead to
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student dismissal from the program. Decisions of the administration in charge of
summer school and Credit Recovery will be final. There will be no refund of
tuition to students who are dismissed.
TRANSPORTATION
Bus rules and regulations have been adopted to govern student behavior on the
bus. Questions regarding bus discipline should be directed to the administrator of
the school in which the student is enrolled. Bus discipline rules, bus disciplinary
action, and the Code of Student Conduct apply to all students while they are on
the way to and from the bus stop, while at the bus stop, and while on the school
bus.
In accordance with Act No. 2013-347, it is unlawful for a person to enter a public
school bus without authorization or after being forbidden to do so or to refuse to
leave the bus when demanded by a bus driver or duly authorized official. It is
also unlawful to damage a public school bus or to stop, impede, delay, or detain a
public school bus. The commission of any of these acts may result in a charge of
trespass on a school bus in the first degree.
If there is an emergency or issue, any person wishing to speak with the bus driver
shall communicate through the driver’s side window on the driver’s side of the
bus.
Students in violation of the bus rules are subject to disciplinary action.
Bus Rules
1. Students will obey the driver and all other school board employees
willingly and promptly at all times. The driver is in full charge of the bus
and students.
2. Students will behave in an appropriate and orderly manner.
3. Students must ride the bus on which they have been assigned.
4. Students may be assigned seats.
5. Students will remain seated facing forward with feet on the floor and legs
out of the aisle.
6. Students will keep their feet on the floor at all times while riding the bus.
Students cannot put feet on seats or back of seats.
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7. Students will not stand or move from their assigned seat while the bus is in
motion.
8. Students will not throw trash or litter.
9. Students will not open windows without permission. Students will not
throw any items on the bus or out the windows.
10. Students will not extend head, hands, arms or any part of their body out the
window.
11. Food, drinks, gum or candy will not be consumed on the bus at any time.
No glass containers will be allowed on the bus.
12. There will be no loud talking, singing or laughing on the bus. There will
be no yelling or raising of voice on the bus.
Bus Disciplinary Action
The principal shall administer sanctions for non compliance with bus rules and
regulations. The bus is considered an extension of the school and therefore, the
principal or designee has the authority to assign disciplinary action as outlined in
The Code of Student Conduct. This shall include removing a student from the
privilege of riding a school bus for a reasonable and specified period of time. The
person(s) causing damage to a bus or equipment must pay for or make
arrangements for payment of damage prior to regaining bus privileges.
DRESS CODE
The policy of the Decatur City Board of Education is that good grooming and
personal appearance are essential elements in the teaching and learning processes.
Therefore, it is expected that students dress in such a manner that will ensure their
health and safety while at school. Furthermore, a student’s dress and personal
appearance may not be disruptive or interfere with the legitimate interest and
welfare of the students.
Students should comply with the following guidelines:
1. Students must be neatly dressed, clean and well groomed while at school.
2. Shoes or sandals must be worn.
3. Hair must be clean, neatly styled and well groomed, not in the eyes and not
of length dangerous around equipment.
4. Clothing or body art (tattoos) with pictures, writing, and/or symbols
promoting the use of drugs, alcohol, tobacco, sexual activity, weapons,
gang or hate groups, violence, or that may be otherwise offensive shall be
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considered disruptive of the educational process and is therefore
prohibited.
5. Shorts, skirts, etc., may be worn that are consistent with the intent of this
policy and that are considered appropriate attire.
6. Undershirts alone are not acceptable.
7. With approval of the principal, activity sponsors may establish different
rules for dress and grooming as a prerequisite for membership and
participation in the activity.
8. Hats or other headwear and sunglasses are not to be worn inside a building
during the school day unless approved by the school administration.
9. Clothing, paraphernalia, or devices which are judged to be related to, or
associated with hate groups or gang affiliation activity are prohibited.
10. Students shall not wear or have in possession any jewelry, ornaments, or
accessories that distract from the educational process or that might be used
as a weapon or pose a safety hazard. This includes objects for body
piercing in the face, body or tongue.
Any students violating the dress code may be suspended for the remainder of
the school day and may receive unexcused absences in the classes missed. The
principal or his/her designated person(s) has the authority to determine what
constitutes a violation of the dress code.
ACCEPTABLE USE OF TECHNOLOGY AND INTERNET SAFETY
General Information
• Decatur City Schools provides students with access to many, varied
electronic resources including Internet access to a wide range of online
services. The Decatur City Schools (DCS) network and all other
technology resources are provided for educational and work related
purposes only and are provided as a privilege and not as a right.
• In accordance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA), the
district uses content filtering technologies. All electronic devices
accessing the DCS network are subject to filtering as outlined in CIPA.
CIPA requires blocking access to visual depictions deemed obscene,
child pornographic, and harmful to minors.
a. Filtering can only be disabled for adults who are conducting “bona
fide research” or are serving some other lawful purpose.
b. No web filtering technology is 100% safe and Decatur City Schools
will make every effort to monitor online activity.
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c. The use of anonymous proxies to circumvent the district’s content
filtering is strictly prohibited and is in direct violation of this
agreement.
Internet Safety
• No communication using network resources (e-mail, chat rooms, blogs,
and other forms of direct communication) are private. As such, students
should never share personal and private information using networked
resources.
• Students should take great care in protecting personal identifiable
information.
a. Students should never send messages containing identifiable
information such as names, addresses, phone numbers, etc.
b. At no time should any person seek or capture another user’s
password.
• Passwords are private and should never be shared with others.
• The school district will provide an Internet Safety curriculum for all
users providing guidance for online etiquette and cyber safety. Online
etiquette should be followed in all uses of electronic devices within
Decatur City Schools.
Minimal Standards of Acceptable Use
• Network accounts are to be used only by the authorized owner of the
account for the authorized purpose.
• Use of any Decatur City Schools computer or network for commercial
or for profit purposes is prohibited.
• Harassment of any kind, using any medium is prohibited.
• Viewing, sending, attempting to access, or collecting obscene,
pornographic or otherwise offensive messages or images are prohibited.
• Copyright laws must be strictly adhered to regarding installation,
download or use of any copyright protected software, files, or media.
• Copyright laws must be strictly adhered to making installation or
download of any copyright protected software, files, or media prohibited
unless the copyright is owned by the Decatur City Schools and
installation is permitted by approval of the Supervisor of Technology.
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• Technology resources that are compromised or damaged by users may
subject the users to disciplinary measures that include but are not limited
to dismissal, expulsion, or other measures which may include monetary
charges for damages.
• Students are prohibited from bypassing the filtering system set in place
as required by CIPA and from setting up their own networks or proxies.
• Users shall not intentionally hack/seek information on, obtain copies of,
or modify files, or other data, or passwords belonging to other users, or
misrepresent other users on the computer or network.
• File storage is provided for all students and employees but is subject to
review, should never be considered private, and is ultimately owned by
the Decatur City Board of Education.
• Personal electronic devices are subject to this acceptable use policy.
Terms of Agreement
• Decatur City Schools reserves the right to deny, revoke or suspend
specific user privileges and/or to take other disciplinary action, up to and
including suspension or expulsion (students) for violations of these
Guidelines.
• The District will advise appropriate law enforcement agencies of illegal
activities conducted through the Decatur City Schools network.
• The District will cooperate fully with local, state, and/or federal officials
in any investigation related to any illegal activities conducted through
the service.
• The school district and its representatives are not responsible for the
actions of the users or the information they access.
STUDENT RESPONSIBILTY OF TEXBOOKS
Textbooks issued to Decatur City Schools students remain the property of the
State of Alabama and/or Decatur City Schools. Care should be taken to assure
that textbooks are not damaged or lost. When lost or damaged, the student will
be required to pay for the replacement of the textbook. Some of the damages to
textbooks are as follows: page(s) missing; water-soaked; physically marked with
any kind of pencil, pen, crayon, etc., inside or outside the book; or torn page(s).
The parent, guardian, or other person having custody of a child to whom textbooks
are issued shall be held liable for any loss, abuse, or damage in excess of that
which would result from the normal use of the textbooks. In computing the loss
or damage of a textbook which has been in use for a year or more, the basis of
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computing shall be a variable of 50 to 75 percent of the original cost of the book
to the local board of education. If the parent, guardian, or person having custody
of the child to him the textbook was issued fails to pay the assessed damages
within 30 days after notification, the student shall not be entitled to further use of
the textbook until remittance of the amount of loss or damage has been made.
All textbooks or electronic devices used to access academic material and online
textbooks must be returned at the end of the course or when promoted or
transferred.
ANTI-HARASSMENT
The policy of the Decatur City Board of Education forbids harassment (violence,
threats and sexual harassment) of or by any of its students or employees.
I. Harassment, Violence and Threats:
No student shall engage in or be subjected to harassment, violence, threats of
violence or intimidation by any other student that is based on any of the
specific characteristics that have been identified by the Decatur City Board
of Education in its anti-harassment policy. Students who violate this policy
will be subject to disciplinary sanctions.
A. General and Definitions
It is the intent of this policy to outline prohibited behaviors. The list
includes, but is not limited to, the following:
1. The term “harassment” as used in this policy means a continuous
pattern of intentional behavior that takes place on school property,
on a school bus or at a school-sponsored function including, but not
limited to, written, electronic, verbal or physical acts that are
reasonably perceived as being motivated by any characteristic of a
student, or by the association of a student with an individual who
has a particular characteristic, if the characteristic falls into one of
the categories of personal characteristics. To constitute harassment,
a pattern of behavior may do any of the following:
a. Place a student in reasonable fear of harm to his or her person
or damage to his or her property.
b. Have the effect of substantially interfering with the educational
performance, opportunities or benefits of a student.
c. Have the effect of substantially disrupting or interfering with
the orderly operation of the school.
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d. Have the effect of creating a hostile environment in the school,
on school property, on a school bus or at a school-sponsored
function.
e. Have the effect of being sufficiently severe, persistent or
pervasive enough to create an intimidating, threatening or
abusive educational environment for a student.
2. The term “violence” as used in this policy means the infliction of
physical force by a student with the intent to cause injury to another
student or damage to the property of another student.
3. The term “threat of violence” as used in this policy means an
expression of intention to inflict injury or damage that is made by a
student and directed to another student.
4. The term “intimidation” as used in this policy means a threat or other
action that is intended to cause fear or apprehension in a student,
especially for the purpose of coercing or deterring the student from
participating in or taking advantage of any school program, benefit
activity or opportunity for which the student is or would be eligible.
5. The term “student” as used in this policy means a student who is
enrolled in the Decatur City Schools.
B. Description of Behavior Expected of Students
1. Students are expected to treat other students with courtesy, respect
and dignity and comply with the Decatur City Schools Code of
Student Conduct (hereafter referred to as Code of Student Conduct).
Students are expected and required
a. to comply with the requirements of law, policy, regulation and
rules prohibiting harassment, violence or intimidation
b. to refrain from inflicting or threatening to inflict violence,
injury or damage to the person or property of another student
c. to refrain from placing another student in fear of being
subjected to violence, injury, or damage when such actions or
threats are reasonably perceived as being motivated by any
personal characteristic of the student that is identified in this
policy.
2. Violence, threats of violence, harassment and intimidation are
prohibited and will be subject to disciplinary consequences and
sanctions if the perpetrator of such action is found to have based the
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prohibited action on one or more of the following personal
characteristics of the victim of such conduct:
a. The student’s race;
b. The student’s sex:
c. The student’s religion;
d. The student’s national origin;
e. The student’s disability.
II. Sexual Harassment:
A. General Prohibitions and Definitions
1. Unwelcome Conduct of a Sexual Nature
a) Conduct of a sexual nature may include written, verbal or
physical sexual advances, including subtle pressure for sexual
activity; touching, pinching, patting or brushing against;
comments regarding physical or personality characteristics of a
sexual nature; and sexually-oriented “kidding”, “teasing”,
double entendres, and jokes.
b) Written, verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature may
constitute sexual harassment when the allegedly harassed
student has indicated, by his or her conduct, or otherwise, it is
unwelcome. In order to avoid ambiguity and uncertainty,
students who consider conduct by other students or school
board employees to be unwelcome are encouraged to advise the
alleged harasser in writing that such conduct is unwelcome.
c) A student who has initially welcomed such conduct by active
participation or otherwise must give specific notice to the
alleged harasser that such conduct is no longer welcome in
order for any such subsequent conduct to be deemed
unwelcome. In order to avoid ambiguity and uncertainty,
students are encouraged to give such specific notice in writing.
2. Sexual Harassment
Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and
other written, verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature
constitute sexual harassment if the conduct substantially
interferes with a student’s educational performance, or creates
an intimidating, hostile or offensive educational environment.
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III. Reporting and Sanctions
1. A series of graduated consequences for any violation of this policy will
be those outlined in the Code of Student Conduct or any rule or standard
adopted under authority of this policy.
2. Complaints alleging violations of this policy should be made on Board
approved complaint forms available at the principal’s office, the
counselor’s office and/or the Decatur City School website. The
complaint must be signed by the student alleging the violation or by the
student’s parent or legal guardian and delivered to the principal or the
principal’s designee either by mail or personal delivery.
STUDENT DISCRIMINATION/HARASSMENT
GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE
The Decatur City Board of Education does not discriminate on the basis of race,
color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities and
provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The
following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-
discrimination policies:
Dr. Yvette Evans
302 Fourth Avenue NE
Decatur, AL 35601
256-552-3000
Email: Yvette.Eva[email protected]u
Any student of the Decatur City Schools who believes he/she has been
discriminated against, harassed, denied a benefit, or excluded from participation,
in any of the school system’s education programs or activities on the basis of sex,
race, color, creed, religion, belief, national origin, ethnic group, or disability, may
file a written complaint with the Office of the Superintendent.
A Supervisor shall be assigned to review the written complaint and mail a written
response to the complainant within ten (10) school days after the receipt of the
written complaint. A copy of the complaint response shall be provided the
Superintendent of Decatur City Schools.
If the complainant is not satisfied with such response, he/she may submit a written
appeal to the Superintendent indicating the nature of disagreement with the
response and his/her reasons for such disagreement. The Superintendent shall
mail a written response to the appeal to the complainant within ten (10) school
days after the receipt of the written appeal.
If complainant is not satisfied with such response, he/she may submit a written
appeal to the Board of Education indicating the nature of the disagreement with
the response and his/her reasons for such disagreement. The Board shall consider
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the appeal at its next regularly scheduled Board meeting following receipt of the
appeal. The Board shall permit the complainant to address the Board in public or
closed session, as appropriate, concerning his/her complaint and shall provide the
complainant with its written decision in the matter as expeditiously as possible
following completion of the hearing.
Decatur City Schools
Office of the Superintendent
302 Fourth Avenue NE
Decatur, AL 35601
(256) 552-3000 Ext. 4256
NOTIFICATION OF AVAILABLE SERVICES FOR
GIFTED STUDENTS
Gifted students are those who perform at or who have demonstrated the potential
to perform at high levels in academic or creative fields when compared to others
of their age, experience, or environment. These students require services not
ordinarily provided by the regular school program. Students possessing these
abilities can be found in all populations, across all economic strata, and in all areas
of human endeavor.
Teachers, counselors, administrators, parents or guardians, peers, self, or any
other individuals with knowledge of the student’s abilities may refer a student.
Additionally, all second grade students will be observed as potential gifted
referrals using a gifted behavior checklist.
For each student referred, information is gathered in the area of Aptitude,
Characteristics, and Performance. The information is entered on a matrix where
points are assigned according to established criteria. The total number of points
earned determines if the student qualifies for gifted services.
To make a referral, contact the guidance counselor at your child’s school or call
the Special Services Center at (256) 552-4637.
ASBESTOS INSPECTIONS OF OUR SCHOOLS
On October 22, 1986, President Reagan signed into law the Asbestos Hazard
Emergency Response Act (AHERA). This law requires all local education
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agencies throughout the country, public and private, to inspect their buildings for
asbestos containing building materials (ACBM’s) and to take appropriate
response actions if necessary to control the release of asbestos fibers into the
environment.
In compliance with this law, each building of Decatur City Schools has been
inspected and special “Management Plan” reports have been developed by an
accredited engineering firm. Each Management Plan describes the results of its
corresponding inspection along with recommended response actions in the event
of ACBM identification.
A copy of the Management Plan for each building is available for your review in
the principal’s or supervisor’s office during normal office hours. If you have any
questions regarding this matter, feel free to contact Maintenance at 256-552-3076.
STUDENT HEALTH GUIDELINES
A school may call 911 when the school nurse or staff feels a student has a medical
condition that needs immediate treatment. A student may be transported to a local
emergency room in order to not delay medical care.
FEVER: A student with a fever of 100.0F or higher should not come to school.
If a student comes to school with a fever of 100.0F or higher, the student will be
sent home. If no one can be reached to pick up the student, and the fever is
escalating, 911 may be called to transport the student for medical treatment. This
will depend on the assessment by the school nurse based on the clinical symptoms
of the student. A student must be fever free for at least 24 hours (without the use
of fever reducing medications, such as Tylenol or Motrin) before returning to
school.
HEADACHE: Headaches can be caused by many things such as fever, stress,
sinuses, viral illnesses, and dehydration. Some headaches can be serious while
others are minor. When a student has a headache that is associated with a fever
and/or neck pain/stiffness or a headache that lasts for more than a couple of hours,
the student should be seen by a health care provider. A mild headache can
interfere with a student's learning ability. When a student has a headache during
school hours and the headache does not go away after 20-30 minutes, the student
will be sent home.
SORE THROAT: Sore throats are very common. They can be caused by sinus
drainage, mouth breathing, viruses (colds), bacteria (Strep), dehydration, and
anything that can irritate tissue (such as food, hot liquids, etc.). When a student
has a fever with a sore throat, the student should see a health care provider
before returning to school. If a student is diagnosed or being treated by a
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physician for strep throat, the student must be on antibiotics for 24 hours before
returning to school. A student who has a sore throat with a fever of 100º or more
will be sent home. A student with a non-fever sore throat can be soothed by
drinking cool (not hot) liquids and identifying and treating the underlying cause
(colds, sinus drainage, etc.).
VOMITING: When a student has been vomiting, the student should not come
to school until they have eaten solid foods for at least two meals without vomiting.
A student who vomits more than once while at school will be sent home.
Vomiting can lead to dehydration very quickly, especially in younger children.
When a student has been vomiting for more than 12-24 hours, the student should
see a health care provider as soon as possible.
DIARRHEA: Three or more loose/liquid stools in less than 12 hours is
considered diarrhea. Certain forms of diarrhea can be contagious. When a student
has three or more loose stools during school and/or associated with abdominal
pain, headache, fever, vomiting, or foul smelling flatus, the student will be sent
home. Diarrhea can cause dehydration quickly, especially in younger children.
When a student has multiple episodes of diarrhea that last longer than 12-24 hours,
the student should be seen by a health care provider as soon as possible.
ABDOMINAL PAIN: Any form of abdominal pain in a child should be taken
seriously. Many things cause abdominal pain such as constipation, viral illnesses,
food intolerances, strep throat, urinary problems/infections, digestion problems,
and female-related problems. A student who complains of abdominal pain should
not come to school until the problem has been identified, preferably by a health
care provider. A student with abdominal pain that lasts longer than 15-30 minutes
will be sent home.
COUGH: A cough that is chronic can spread germs and be disruptive in a
classroom. This should be taken into consideration when deciding to send a
student to school. A student with a cough will be evaluated by the school nurse.
A student with an excessive cough may be sent home. If a student brings cough
drops or cough medicine to school, the student must have a Prescriber/Parent
Authorization Form (PPA) filled out and signed by a doctor and a parent.
A parent may bring medication and administer it to their child at school. If the
medication does not improve the child’s condition or symptoms within 30-45
minutes, the child may be sent home.
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RASH: There are many types of rashes. Some are nothing more than irritated
skin, while others are very contagious. The guidelines include:
• All rashes MUST be covered by either clothing or a bandage.
• A student with an undiagnosed rash lasting more than two days will be
required to have a medical doctor's note in order to return to school.
• A student with a scalp rash will be required to have a medical doctor's
note in order to return to school.
• A student with a rash that is associated with a fever and/or cough should
be evaluated by a medical doctor.
• A student with spotted rashes on the stomach, back, arms, or legs should
be evaluated by a doctor if the rash lasts longer than a few days.
MEDICATION GUIDELINES
A student who brings medication to school and does not follow the guidelines
below will be in violation of Decatur City Schools Code of Student Conduct.
1. All students with medications, both prescription and non-prescription, MUST
have a Prescriber/Parent Authorization Form (PPA) completed and signed by
both a doctor and a parent. Only one (1) medication per PPA is allowed.
Medications will not be accepted at school without this form. The
Prescriber/Parent Authorization Form (PPA) is available at your child’s
school or you can download a copy at www.dcs.edu (Click Departments,
Operations & Safety, School Health Services, Downloadable Forms)
2. All Prescriber/Parent Authorization Form (PPA) must be renewed at the
beginning of every school year and anytime a change is made to the
prescription by a doctor. Only the prescriber (MD, NP, PA) can change a
medication order (dose, frequency, specific times, etc.). Cutting, crushing,
or sprinkling a pill/tablet/capsule can be done only with a written prescriber
order. Changes to medication orders by parents/guardians will not be
accepted. All questionable changes will be verified with the prescriber by
the school nurse.
3. All medications must be hand delivered by the parent or guardian to the office
staff or nurse. This includes all students who Self-Administer and/or Self-
Carry medications. The school nurse must verify all orders BEFORE
students are allowed to carry and self-administer their medications. The
nurse or certified medication assistant will count all controlled substances in
the presence of a parent. The parent and school nurse or certified medication
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assistant will sign a form that indicates the medications were received,
counted, and secured by the school.
4. The first dose of any NEW medication should NOT be given at school.
5. ALL students with a prescription medication MUST have a current pharmacy
prescription label attached to the original container. When a student has a
sample from the doctor, the doctor MUST write a prescription label by hand
and attach to the sample medication. The pharmacy prescription label
information must be identical to the Prescriber/Parent Authorization Form
(PPA) information (dose, frequency, specific times, etc.). Any mismatch of
information will not be accepted. Any prescription label that states “Use as
Directed” is not acceptable per state guidelines. Directions MUST be
specified.
6. All prescription medications must:
• Be in the original container with a current pharmacy prescription label
attached (“Use as Directed” is not acceptable).
• Have the correct student's name on the prescription label.
• Have a valid date of expiration – Expired medications will NOT be
accepted.
• Not be mixed with any other medications (unless indicated on the label).
• Have a completed Prescriber/Parent Authorization Form (PPA) signed
by a doctor and a parent/guardian.
7. All non-prescription medications must:
• Be new and unopened/sealed in the original container.
• Have no other medications mixed inside the container.
• Have a valid date of expiration - expired medications will NOT be
accepted.
• Have the student's name clearly marked on the original container.
• Have a completed Prescriber/Parent Authorization Form (PPA) signed
by a doctor and a parent/guardian
8. All students with INHALERS must have a copy of the prescription label
attached to the inhaler or the inhaler should be in the original prescription
labeled box. The school office will need to make a copy of the original
prescription and keep it on file for the school nurse. The pharmacy can print
a duplicate label and can apply it to the inhaler. This is especially helpful for
a student who carries an inhaler at school and self-medicates.
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9. All students with EPI-PENS, TWINJECTS, AUVI-Q and other pre-filled
single-use epinephrine auto injectors must have a copy of the original
pharmacy prescription label attached to the cartridge holder or the original
box. A copy of the prescription must be kept on file for the school nurse.
The Prescriber/Parent Authorization Form (PPA) MUST specify the dose and
route. “Use as Directed” is not acceptable per state guidelines. Directions
MUST be specified.
10. Students may ONLY carry medications indicated for a “CHRONIC” health
condition (asthma, diabetes, seizures, etc.). The doctor MUST indicate the
“chronic” condition on the PPA and check the “kept on person” and/or “self-
medication” box on the PPA. A parent must sign the “Self-Administration”
area of the PPA and sign the “Parent Authorization” area of the PPA.
11. The parent or guardian will be advised in writing or by phone when their
child’s medication is completed or becomes out of date. Expired medications
will NOT be given at school. All student medications must be picked up by
the last day of school, before summer break, or the medications will be
destroyed per federal regulations in the presence of a witness. A letter will
be sent home during the last week of school to help remind parents to pick up
their child’s medication. No medications will be kept at school over the
summer.
12. Some medications are not meant to be given during school hours. The school
nurse reserves the right to refuse to administer certain medications unless a
doctor has specifically written that the medication be given during school
hours. Most medications will be given by the parent/ guardian at home.
Medications that are prescribed for three times per day should be given at
home, just before leaving for school, upon returning home in the afternoon,
and at bedtime. The only exception to this schedule is if the prescriber has
ordered the medication to be given before or along with meals.
13. When a student will be attending an alternative school, it is the parent’s
responsibility to transport his or her child’s medicine to and from the
student’s home school and to and from the alternative school. If a parent
cannot deliver the medication, it is the parent’s responsibility to call his or
her child’s home school and speak with the school nurse. Medications can
only be transported by school nurses or certified medication assistants.
14. The parent/guardian should provide the school nurse with a list of possible
side effects for medications taken over a 30-day period. Information
regarding common potential side effects and adverse reactions will be made
available to all certified medication assistants by the school nurse.
15. Decatur City Schools follows the State of Alabama guidelines for the
administration of medications to students. Only school nurses and certified
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medication assistants are legally allowed to administer medications to
students in the State of Alabama.
OVERNIGHT FIELD TRIP MEDICATION PROCEDURE
The following procedure applies to all overnight field trips, including, but not
limited to, Space Camp, Camp McDowell, 4-H Camp, Dauphin Island,
band/chorus trips, drama trips and athletic events/games.
All medication(s) and completed Prescriber/Parent Authorization (PPA) forms are
due no later than 2-5 days before the departure date. No forms will be accepted
after this date. The nurse must have time to organize and verify all
medications/forms/ signatures for the medication assistants who will be
administering the medications. This requirement allows time to make sure all
problems can be corrected prior to departure. All medications (with PPA) must
be hand delivered to the school nurse by the parent/guardian. Students may not
bring in medications/forms.
Once received, all medications will be signed in, counted, and properly secured
until departure date.
No medications will be given the morning of departure. Please plan to give
medication at home prior to arriving at school.
All medications (including Tylenol, Advil, vitamins, Neosporin, Zyrtec, etc.)
must have a PPA signed by both physician and parent. Only one medication per
PPA form.
The PPA written order must match the medication label exactly (example: If
form states Tylenol 325 mg, a bottle of Tylenol 500 mg will not be accepted).
Also, pills/capsules cannot be crushed/sprinkled/cut/broken without specific
written directions on the PPA by the health care provider. Only provide enough
medication for the designated trip time, plus one (1) or two (2) extra doses in case
a dose is dropped, vomited, wasted, etc. Large quantities of OTC (over the
counter) or prescription meds will not be accepted.
Parents/Guardians of students with chronic illnesses that require monitoring
(diabetics, seizures, food allergies, etc.) must contact the school nurse at least two
weeks prior to the trip.
All medications left at school after completion of the field trip (unless otherwise
arranged with parent), will be disposed of per Federal guidelines after five school
days.
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IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON MENINGOCOCCAL DISEASE
AND VACCINE
What is meningococcal disease?
Meningococcal disease is a serious illness, caused by bacteria. It is the leading
cause of bacterial meningitis in children 2-18 years old in the United States.
How do you catch the disease?
The bacteria that cause meningococcal disease are very common. The disease is
most common in children and people with certain medical conditions that affect
their immune system. College freshmen living in dormitories also have increased
risk of getting the disease. The disease is spread through exchange of respiratory
droplets or saliva with an infected person including kissing, coughing, sneezing,
and sharing drinking glasses and eating utensils. In a few people, the bacteria
overcome the body’s immune system and pass through the lining of the nose and
throat into the blood stream where they cause meningitis.
Meningitis is a term that describes inflammation of the tissues surrounding the
brain and spinal cord.
What are the symptoms of the disease?
• Fever
• Headache
• Stiff neck
• Red rash
• Drowsiness
• Nausea and vomiting
Meningococcal vaccine: Who should get the vaccine and when?
MCV4, or the meningococcal vaccine, is recommended for all children 11-12
years of age and for unvaccinated adolescents at high school entry (15years of
age). High school seniors should also consider obtaining the vaccine prior to
entering college, especially if they are planning on living in a dormitory. Please
consult your physician or local health department for more information.
For more information on this and other vaccine recommendations go to:
www.adph.org/immunization
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EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
Shelter In Place:
This phrase might be encountered during inclement weather or a hazardous
material release. A tornado warning will require schools to take our students to
an inner hallway or a room with few or no windows and stay there until it is safe
to release students. These areas have been reviewed and approved by the Morgan
County Emergency Management Agency. Please note that we cease operations
such as checkout during an active warning. If you are at the school during a
warning, we invite you to join us as we “shelter.” Should we ever encounter a
hazardous material release we have made precautions to limit the amount of
exposure students have with the outside environment. Additionally, students at
schools within the Browns Ferry evacuation area may need to be relocated.
Secured Perimeter:
This term is used when we are notified of a concern or when a potential threat is
identified in the vicinity of the school. If you are notified of a Secured Perimeter,
do not go to the school as instruction will continue with restricted entry and
limited supervised movement within the building. These situations are often very
short lived. If the situation allows and is of a lengthy period of time, the school
will make notification to parents via their normal communication methods, such
as School Cast. Entries and exits are monitored during this situation; students will
not be released outside the building until we receive an all clear by the appropriate
agency.
Lockdown:
A lockdown takes place if a threat or possible threat is identified inside the school
or on the campus. Instruction and all movement is halted. All exterior and interior
doors are locked, and students are secured in their classrooms. No one (except
appropriate emergency response personnel) will be allowed to enter or leave the
building/campus to avoid hindering emergency response teams arriving at the
school. We ask that you monitor School Cast or local news for information about
any possible evacuation of the building and parent reunification site. Please note
that we conduct an annual lockdown audit and review of lockdown procedures at
each school.
What is Parent Staging for Reunification?
When students have been removed from the school or when an emergency has
occurred that affects the ability to have a normal dismissal, a parent staging area
will be established. At this location, parents will be updated concerning the
situation and the plans for reunification with their child. Anyone attempting to
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pick up a student must show proper photo identification. In cases where students
will be released from the school, students that have obtained a parking permit will
be able to sign themselves out at the time of the release.
What you can do now?
Be sure your school office always has updated phone numbers for your family.
Ask your school for the School Cast student profile page that allows you to add
any additional emergency contact numbers into the School Cast system. Read this
letter and become familiar with the procedures listed above. Talk with your child
about taking our drills seriously and remaining calm in a crisis situation. As
always, speak with your building administration should you have any safety
concerns.
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NOTES
SCHOOL CALENDAR for 2019-2020 SCHOOL YEAR
July 1-July 30
Teacher Flex Professional Development Days (2)
July 31 & August 1
Teacher Workdays (for those who missed flex days)
August 2
Institute Day
August 5 & August 6
Professional Dev/Teacher Workday
August 7
First Day for Students
August 7-9
Kindergarten & Pre-K Students attend ½ day
September 2
Labor Day – Schools Closed
October 14-15
Fall Holiday – Schools Closed
November 1
Virtual Day/Parenting Day
November 11
Veterans Day – Schools Closed
November 25-29
Thanksgiving Holidays – Schools Closed
December 20
½ Day for Students
December 23-January 6
Winter Holidays – Schools Closed
January 6
Professional Dev/Teacher Workday
January 7
Students Return
January 20
Martin Luther King, Jr., Day – Schools Closed
February 17
President’s Day – Schools Closed
March 30 – April 3
Spring Holidays – Schools Closed
April 10
Virtual Day/Vertical Planning
May 21
AHS & DHS Graduation/Last Day for Students (1/2)
May 22
Teacher Workday
Graduations are tentatively set for May 21, 2020
, but may be rescheduled if additional
make-up days are required due to school closings.
The SchoolCast call back number 1-866-665-4384 can be called at any time
to listen to the last message that was sent to your phone.
