Quick Reference

Parents are welcome in our lunchroom on any school day. Due to school size, we do not have special days for parents or grandparents to eat lunch with their child. Adults are welcome any day provided they call into the school office early in the morning so we can make a reservation and as a visitor all persons must stop in the school office to register and receive a badge.

School Nurses are shared between buildings, but are always on call to any building needing their services. Nurses will not diagnose or prescribe treatment. They will render first aid when needed, advise parents concerning student health problems, provide vision screening and scoliosis testing for students.

For more information check out JHC's Health page.

The decision to close school, or delay the starting time, will normally be made by 6:00 a.m. the morning of the school day in question. When the decision is made, the Warrick County School Corporation will notify all local radio and television stations, and they, in turn, will relay the message to parents and students. PARENTS AND STUDENTS ARE ASKED NOT TO CALL THE SUPERINTENDENT'S OFFICE, AS THE TELEPHONES MUST BE KEPT OPEN. REMEMBER: If there is no announcement, school will be held as usual.

The following website's also list school closings:
NBC - Channel 14 WFIE School Closing
CBS - Channel 44 WEVV School Closing
ABC - Channel 25 WEHT School Closing

JHC School Student Handbook

You may contact the school office at 853-8878, to receive information concerning enrolling of students. Students must live within the school boundaries, as set by the Warrick County Board of School Trustees. Families may not use grandparents or other relatives' address for enrollment purposes unless that person has guardianship of the children. Forms for this purpose are available in the school office.

When enrolling students, it is best to come to the office between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. This will avoid the starting and ending times of school to allow us time to properly enroll your child. Assignment of students to classes is based on lowest class enrollment at the time you are entering. We are proud of our faculty and they will all work with the children to help with adjustment into a new school.

Please contact the school office if you wish to make an appointment with your child's teacher. We will be happy to assist you with making the necessary arrangements. Remember that teachers have planned activities during the school day and do not have the freedom to drop everything to talk with a parent at any time. Scheduled appointments allow us to talk with you, uninterrupted, and do not take away from our time with all of the students in the class. Please call the office at 853-8878.

Drop Off in the AM: Students may be dropped off between the hours of 7:45 a.m. and 8:05 a.m. at the back door in the parking lot off of Oak Grove Road. School personnel supervise this area during these hours. Prior to 7:45 a.m., the YMCA provides child care services in the cafeteria beginning at 6:30 a.m. Charges for this service and application forms are available in the school office or from the YMCA prior to school in the cafeteria.

Students arriving by car should continue to be dropped off in the back parking lot until 8:20 a.m. Buses will be using the front parking lot from 8:00 a.m. to 8:20 a.m. and buses and cars do not mix well when you are dropping off young children. After 8:20 a.m. the only doors to the building that will remain open are the front doors at the main entrance.

We remind you that anytime you are driving through our parking observe the 15 MPH speed limit. It is for the safety of your children.

Pick Up Procedures: During the school day, parents should come to the school office to sign out their students. Office personnel will call the students to the office from their classes or off the playground.

At 3:05 p.m., students who are being picked up by their parents are permitted to walk to the back hallway to be picked up in the paring lot off of Oak Grove Rd. School personnel help supervise this dismissal. At the same time, bus students are dismissed to the front parking lot as their busses arrive. Cars should not use the front parking lot from 3:00 p.m. to 3:20 p.m. If it is necessary for you to come to the front doors during bus dismissal, please park in the parking lot instead of against the curb which will block our buses.

If you are picking up a student early, please come prior to 2:45 p.m. Dismissal time can be very hectic with last minute changes. Also, plan with your child what they are to do each day so we do not have to make last minute changes. Picking up students daily through the office is not an option. Students doing something different than the "normal" for them, like riding a different bus or being picked up instead of riding a bus, must have a note from their parent - signed by the office. This note should be shared with the homeroom teacher and signed by the office first thing in the morning when the change takes place.

Please be mindful of the crowded conditions at dismissal time. We encourage students to ride the bus to and from school if at all possible on a daily basis. Do not make our crowded conditions worse by picking up multiple students for parties or contracting with a limo service etc. at dismissal time.

Nursing Services: Castle Elementary has the services of a Registered Nurse, 2 days per week and a trained Health Aide, 3 days per week. If you have questions concerning your child's health contact the school office.

All medications taken by our children at school must be dispensed through the nurse's office. This includes all over-the-counter as well as prescription drugs. All medications must be kept in the office until needed. Parents must fill out a medication form provided by the nurse for any medications taken at school.

In the event of accidents at school, parents will be contacted as per the emergency cards filled out at the beginning of the year. Please keep this information current.

Speech/Hearing Clinician: Castle Elementary provides full speech and hearing services. Students are tested several times throughout their elementary time but if you suspect any problems please contact the school office or nurse to have your child retested. Students must be tested for placement in Speech/Hearing services and the parent will participate in this placement decision.

General Education Intervention (G.E.I.): If your child is experiencing academic or other school related problems, the G.E.I. team will assist with possible interventions that may help. The team consists of the classroom teacher, parents, administrative personnel, Home/School Advisor and others deemed necessary. Changes in academic work, behavior sheets, assignment sheets, etc., are a few of the ways we can help solve problems. Initial contact should be made through the classroom teacher or the Home/School Advisor.

Learning Disability Resources: Castle Elementary has the services of a L.D. Resource teacher for students who exhibit testable Learning Disabilities. Initial contact for these services should be made through the classroom teacher or the Home/School Advisor to the G.E.I. team. General Education Intervention sometimes solves problems without the use of a resource teacher. Additional testing and approved placement is required for use of L.D. Resource services.

Reading/Math Recovery: Castle Elementary has the services of a full time Reading/Math specialist to help students performing significantly below grade level in these areas. Services are offered based on academic testing.ESL Services: The Warrick County School Corporation provides English as a Second Language (ESL) services based on an at need basis. Non-English speaking students are screened upon enrollment and placed accordingly.

Parents are welcome in our lunchroom on any school day. Due to school size, we do not have special days for parents or grandparents to eat lunch with their child. Adults are welcome any day provided they call into the school office early in the morning so we can make a reservation. Visits to classrooms must be scheduled with the teacher and the school office prior to the visit.

As a visitor, all persons must stop in the school office to register and receive a visitor's pass, which must be worn when in the building.

Parents should contact the school office if a child is going to be absent from school. You should contact the office at 852-8878, prior to 8:30 a.m. You may request homework at this time and it can be sent home with another student or picked up at the school after 3:00 p.m. Homework is left on the table outside the front office and the doors remain open until approx. 5:00 p.m.

Calls received after 10:00 a.m. may result in homework not being available until the next school day. Students are given 24 hours after they return to school in order to complete any homework missed for the previous day.

If a student is absent from school they are counted absent. Excused absences, which include Doctor/Dentist appointments, are still counted as an absence but students are permitted to make up school work. If a student is not present at school at 8:20 a.m. they are counted tardy no matter what the reason.

If a student is absent 10 days throughout the year parents will receive a letter from the school corporation. This is just a reminder that attendance is important. This is repeated at 20 days and a conference is held if a student misses 30 days.

The Home/School Advisor works with students who are experiencing problems with academics, attendance, behavior, adjustments or personal matters. Students can be referred to the advisor by staff members or parents by calling the school office. The advisor will work closely with both the teacher, parents, and students to affect change. All special testing requests and General Education Intervention, Section 504 matters are handled through the office.

If your student has a birthday during the school year and you are planning on bringing treats for the class, please make arrangements with the teacher. If they know in advance they can make time during the day for the treats. All treats must be store bought. Additionally, we ask that students not pass out invitations to parties at school. Student directories may be purchased through the Castle Elementary PTO.

Please do not have balloons, flowers, etc., sent to the school for individual students. In most cases these cannot be taken home on the bus and parents must be called to pick them up. We ask that if you plan on sending your student these items that they be delivered at home.

The P.T.O. plans two parties a year for the students. Generally these coincide with holidays and celebrations. These are always announced at the beginning of the school year. Parties for individual teachers and staff members are not permitted unless cleared through the Principal's office.

Student Discipline Policies and Rules:

Castle Elementary abides by the Warrick County School Corporation discipline guidelines, which are printed in the front of the agenda books and sent home at the beginning of the year. We encourage you to go over these guidelines and suggestion with your student. In addition, each classroom may have rules, which students are to follow. These will be communicated to the students and parents.

Castle Elementary expects good behavior from all of our students. It is our goal to apply discipline fairly and in a consistent manner. Common sense is the overriding factor when disciplining students. Loss of privileges, contact marks, etc., is generally tried first before in school or out of school suspensions.

The school provides equipment for recess and P.E. Students are not permitted to bring video games, jam boxes, CD players, and other expensive items to school. Trading cards and the swapping of items is prohibited. Students many times have a hard time realizing "value" and may end up giving away some expensive item.
Students are not permitted to sell items to other students at school. Items can be offered to faculty and staff but not sold between students. We discourage students from bringing money to school without an express purpose. Live animals are strictly prohibited. We encourage students to bring pictures of their pets instead of the real thing.

Student Dress Codes:

Castle Elementary uses the dress codes as listed in the Warrick County School Corporation Elementary Handbook located in the agenda books. We cannot possibly cover each possible manner of dress and fashion that comes up during the school year. We ask that parents closely monitor what a student wears to school. Length of shorts, dresses, etc. should be appropriate for a school atmosphere. The length should be at mid-thigh or lower. T-shirts with printing must be acceptable in a school atmosphere. Pants must stay at the waist and not ride down around the hips. Common sense should be used in deciding what is OK and what is not. "Everyone else is wearing this", is not an acceptable reason - generally everyone else is NOT wearing it.

Keep in mind that what is acceptable at school is generally more conservative than what is permissible elsewhere.

P.T.O. Spirit Store:

The P.T.O. Spirit Store has a number of items with school logo's or name on them. The store is open every Thursday prior to the start of school in the front hallway. At other times during the year the P.T.O. may sell sweatshirts or jackets separately in which case information concerning this will be sent home.

Parent - Teacher Organization:

The Castle Elementary P.T.O. offers a number of opportunities for parental involvement in the school. Information concerning such things as popcorn days, working in the library, helps the teachers and other activities are sent home at the beginning of the school year in a P.T.O. packet. Please take the time to read over these opportunities and help us where you can. The P.T.O. business meeting is the 1st Monday of each month in the school cafeteria at 9:00 a.m.
The P.T.O. has one fundraiser in the fall of the school year to raise money for its activities throughout the school year. In addition, the P.T.O. has a book fair and uses it's profits from its weekly popcorn sale to purchase playground equipment and upgrades. The P.T.O. provides helpers for school activities and is actively involved with suggesting improvements for the school. Come join the fun of the Castle Elementary P.T.O.

Castle Elementary personnel are committed to provide our students with as safe an atmosphere as possible while the children are under our care. Planning by the Warrick County School Corporation is ongoing and procedures are in place to cover any problem area. No amount of planning can cover every possibility but staff members are taught to be flexible and use good judgment in extreme situations.

Visitors Badges - Everyone who enters Castle Elementary is asked to sign in at the office and put on a badge during the time that children are present in the building. This is also true for our playground areas during school hours. If you are stopped by school officials asking about your badge understand that this is done for the safety of your children.

Drills - Students practice fire drills and disaster drills throughout the school year. These are done so that the students react automatically to the instruction of their teacher or other staff members. These are designed to put students in the safest areas possible. Generally these areas are in the hallways but in certain circumstances can include the individual classrooms or an outside area. In any event students are under the direction and control of staff members.

Restrictions - At various times throughout the school year we are asked by parents to not allow certain people to pick up their children. It is the policy of the school to allow a student to leave with someone other than a parent, only with written permission from a parent. If someone is picking up your student you need to send a note to the teacher that states that fact. If there are legal restrictions on a parent from having access to their child this must be on file in the Principal's office.

Weather Related Drills - In the event of "Severe Thunderstorm Watch", "Sever Thunderstorm Warning" or "Tornado Watch" issued by the weather office the faculty is put on alert to watch for conditions affecting the safety of the children. They are to be prepared to move to safe areas if notified. In the event of a "Tornado Warning" students are put into their safe areas in the hallways of the school until the threat has passed.

Following a Disaster - We hope to never be faced with a natural or man-made disaster at Castle Elementary School. Parents should be aware that if such a thing should occur, emergency personnel, including the Warrick County Sheriff's Office will be in charge of activities in the school. The natural reaction is for parents to rush the school to find their children. It would be our job to match children with their parents as soon as possible while still maintaining a safe setting. Students would not be permitted to leave the area until checked out by school or safety personnel as to who was picking them up. Please be patient if this would occur so we can make sure that all students are safe.

WCSC Student Handbook

To enroll in Kindergarten, students must be 5 years old on or before June 1. To enroll in First Grade, students must be 6 years old on or before June 1. Students who have attended a certified Kindergarten program outside of the Warrick County School Corporation may enroll in First Grade without meeting the age requirement.

School offices are to be notified at least three days prior to the withdrawal date. Also, school offices should be notified of any changes of address, even if the change is within the present school boundaries.

Book Rental and Fees:

All book rental and fees are due the first week of school. A book rental and fee schedule will be sent home the first day of school. All checks should be made payable to the school.

Illness and Accidents:

Parents should notify the school if their child has a chronic illness, such as epilepsy, heart condition, diabetes, allergic reactions, etc., so this information can be properly recorded. This would include any physical impairment. (See form at the end of this handbook).

Minor injuries will be cared for by general first aid at school. If any questions desist as to the severity of the injury, it is the policy to contact the parents (or person designated on the Emergency Card) and arrange for the student to be taken home for care and observation.

Generally speaking, if a child is running a temperature, the parents will be contacted to arrange transportation home for care.

Periodic physical examinations by a physician are in the best interest of each student and are recommended, but not required, by the Warrick County School Corporation. Physical examinations may be required before participation in some special school activities such as competitive athletics are required.

When a student enrolls in a school in the Warrick County School Corporation, the parent must show that he/she has been fully immunized as follows:

All Children Newly Enrolled in Kindergarten or Grade 1 and Less Than 7 Years of Age:

• 5 doses of dipththeria-tetanus-accellular pertussis (DTaP), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussin (DTP), or pediatric diphtheria-tetanus vaccine (DT) or 4 doses are acceptable if the fourth dose was administered on or after the fourth birthday;

• 4 doses of either oral polio vaccine (OPV) or inactivated polio vaccine (IPV), in any combination of 3 doses of all OPV or all IPV are acceptable if the third dose was administered on or after the fourth birthday;

• 2 doses of measles (rubella) vaccine, on or after the first birthday;

• 1 dose of rubella (German measles) vaccine, on or after the first birthday;

• 1 dose of mumps vaccine, on or after the first birthday;

• 3 doses of hepatitis B vaccine

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All Children Enrolled in Grade Two or Above 7 Years of Age and Older:

• 3 does of diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis (DTaP), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTP), or tetanus-diptheria (Td) vaccine, or pediatric diphtheria-tetanus (DT) vaccine;

• 3 doses of either all oral polio vaccine (OPV) or all inactivated polio vaccine (IPV). If a combination of OPV and IPV is used, 4 doses are required.

• 1 dose of measles (rubeola) vaccine, on or after the first birthday;

• 1 dose of rubella (German measles) vaccine, on or after the first birthday;

• 1 dose of mumps vaccine, on or after the first birthday;

• 2 doses of measles-containing vaccine are required for children in grades six to twelve and students in upgraded classrooms who are 11 to 12 years of age or older by August 1, 1999.

Procedure for Obtaining Immunization Records for Students Not In
Compliance With The Board Policy On Student Immunization

1. Parents are notified of needed immunizations by the school secretary or the school nurse.

2. Parents are to supply the school with an immunization record from the health department, the physician, the former school, or certain other sources.

A telephone verification to a designated school representative from a former school representative, a physician, or a health department representative will be accepted pending written verification.

3. The school principal can issue a waiver for up to twenty (20) days.

4. A letter or statement of immunization objection signed by the parent,
guardian, or physician can be accepted.5. At the end of twenty (20) days, if the immunization program has not been initiated, contact the parent or guardian again and begin the following process of notification of parents or guardian:

(a) Send letter #1 to the parents or guardian by U.S. Mail.

(b) If no response to letter #1 in two (2) weeks, send letter #2 to the parents or guardian by U.S. Mail.

(c) If there is no response to letter #2 within two (2) weeks, a home visit by the school nurse and principal (or designee) is conducted.

(d) If there is no response to step (c) within two (2) weeks, submit the name to the school principal who will notify the Directory of Student Services of the student who does not comply with the board policy on immunization.

It is the policy of the Board of School Trustees to provide and maintain the appropriate and required educational programs for students residing in the Warrick County School Corporation. Regular school attendance is an important element in attaining and maintaining successful performance in school. Clear policy and guidelines which encourage, nurture, and if necessary, compel students and parents to expect and maintain regular school attendance help student performance.

A child is entitled to attend either a public school or "some other school which is taught in the English language," except in specific exception as detailed in the guideline following. All children age seven (7) to age seventeen (17) must attend a school or receive instruction as designated in the law IC 20-8.1-3-17 and HEA 1597. It is the responsibility of the parent or legal guardian to "ensure that each child attends school as required" by law.

All students enrolled in schools in the Warrick County School Corporation are to be in their assigned classes at the required times unless they have been excused. Excuses allowed are: (a) personal illness; (b) death in immediate family; (c) home emergencies or other conditions where parents make arrangements which are approved by the principal; (d) exclusion because of exposure to contagious diseases; (e) other exceptions as designated in the law.

Accurate student attendance records will be kept for each student. Parents will be notified of each student's attendance by the regular report card or by special notice when there is a specific need. Students whose attendance approaches, or exceeds the limits as established by the Warrick County School Corporation of the State of Indiana shall be subject to corrective restriction, punitive action, or legal jurisdiction.

1. COMPULSORY ATTENDANCE: All students who are enrolled in school of the Warrick County School Corporation are to be in their assigned classes at the required times, unless they have an allowable excuse for their absence.

2. EXCUSED ABSENCES: Excused absences and tardiness are these: (a) personal illness; (b) death in the immediate family; (c) home emergencies or other conditions where parents make arrangements which are approved by the principal; (d) exclusion
because of exposure to contagious disease; and (e) exceptions as designated in the law. Excused absences are recorded.

Exceptions to compulsory attendance designated in the law and for which the student's absence is not to be recorded or penalty awarded (IC 20-.8.1-3-18) are service as a page or an honoree of the Indiana General Assembly, secondary school (high school) students service on the election board, or who help in the election process, appearance by subpoena in court, and ordered service on active duty in the Indiana National Guard (IC 20-8.1-318).

3. UNEXCUSED ABSENCES: All absences and tardiest not designated in #1 and #2 shall be considered as unexcused. Examples of more common unexcused absences are (work, missing bus, trips, car trouble, oversleeping, suspension, and truancy).

4. CLASSIFICATION OF ABSENCE:

(a) Excused Absence-(See #2 above). No penalty. Reasonable make-up work is allowed.

(b) Unexcused Absence WITH Make-up Credit-(See #3) above where there is an arrangement with the school before the absence occurs and where approval has been granted. Examples of Unexcused Absence With Make-up could be family trips approved in advance, verified emergencies, etc.) Make-up work credit is allowed.

(c) Unexcused Absence WITHOUT Make-up Credit-(See #3) above where there is NO knowledge or approval of the parent and school - no acceptable parent permission, truancy, work, suspension, missed bus, etc.) Make-up work may be expected for educational development, but credit will not be applied to class grade.

(d) Truancy-A student will be considered truant when the absence from school or class is without the knowledge and approval of a parent and school official.

(e) Habitual Truancy-A student who has been found to be truant for the second time in a school year is considered a habitual truant.

(f) Preplanned Absence-A Preplanned absence occurs when a student or group of students choose to violate school and/or state attendance laws or regulations by participating in a planned absence from classes.

5. SCHOOL ACTIVITIES: Students who miss school for the full day because of illness or unexcused absences may not attend after school activities the same day unless permission is granted by the principal.

6. LEAVING SCHOOL (EARLY DISMISSAL): Students may leave the school building or school grounds during the regular hours of school when written permission from a parent and approval of the school principal have been obtained.

7. RETURN TO SCHOOL: Students returning to school from an absence shall have a note from a parent stating the reason for absence. (Phone contact by a parent will be satisfactory in place of a written note.) The note should contain the student's name, reason for the absence, date(s) and time of absence, a parent signature and the phone number where the parent may be reached. The note is to be presented prior to re-admittance to school.

8. NOTIFICATION AND PENALTY:

Elementary School and Junior High School -A student in the Elementary or Junior High School who misses thirty (30) days or more in any one year may not earn promotion to the next level or grade unless special circumstances are approved by the principal.

Due Process
10 DAYS OF ACCUMULATED ABSENCE - Written notice to the parents from the principal and a contact by the Home/School Advisor.

20 DAYS OF ACCUMULATED ABSENCE - Written notice to the parent from Director of Student/Support Services requesting a parent conference. Notification may be sent to the Division of Family and Children's Services
and the Court.

30 DAYS OF ACCUMULATED ABSENCE - Written parent notice of a request for non-promotion and right of a hearing. Written report sent to Warrick County Welfare Department, Child Protection Agency. A determination for non-promotion does not exempt a student from school attendance.

9. MAKE-UP WORK - It id the responsibility of the student to arrange for make-up work with each teacher on the day that they return to school. A teacher may expect make-up work in cases where the absence is found to be an UNEXCUSED ABSENCE WITHOUT MAKE-UP CREDIT, but make-up credit will not apply to the class grade. Make-up work should be turned in within a reasonable time after returning to school (one day for each day of absence), unless special arrangements are made in advance with the teacher. Failure on the part of the student to make up work as directed will limit credit for the effort.

10. TARDINESS - Students who report to school or class late will receive a reasonable penalty (loss of recess time, etc.) as established by the school.

Student Health Services:

School Nurses are shared between buildings, but are always on call to any building needing their services. Nurses will not diagnose or prescribe treatment. They will render first aid when needed, advise parents concerning student health problems, provide vision screening and scoliosis testing for students.

Procedures for the Administering of Medications to Students:

Administration of medication to students shall follow the guidelines below (House Enrolled Act 1566 (Now Public Law 287 - Acts of 1979 as amended 1981) creating IC 3404016-16.5-3.5 Section 1. IC 34-4-16.5 is amended by P.L. 156-1988 effective March 2, 1988 and DOE Memorandum February 10, 1989]:

1. The parent/guardian of the students are encouraged to deliver the medication to school in person. The prescribed medication shall be in the original container bearing the original pharmacy label, which includes the directions from the physician, name of medication, date, student's name, and written instructions from the student's parent or guardian should be attached.

2. The parent/guardian shall sign the Authorization for Administering Medication by School Personnel form, which can be obtained from the school nurse or school office.

3. The parent/guardian is encouraged to bring limited amounts of medication to school and to schedule times of administration so that a minimum number of doses will be given during the school day. The parent/guardian should ask the pharmacist for a small bottle with the pharmacy label to use to send medicine to school.

4. The medication must be administered by the school employee designated by the school administrator.

5. The medicines are to be kept in the nurse's office or the principal's office.

6. All prescription and parental authorization forms must be renewed annually. The school nurse will be responsible for all necessary follow-up involved with such renewal.

7. Under no circumstances should any staff member tell a parent that a child should be given medication to improve school behavior or concentration. This is a medical practice decision between the parent and their physician. The staff may advise a parent to consult with the physician to see if medication might be of assistance.

8. Very often medication prescribed for hyperkinesias needs to have the dosage adjusted to improve behavior throughout the school day. Consequently, teachers should provide feedback information to parents on the effectiveness.

Indiana Statewide Test for Educational Progress (ISTEP+):

The Indiana Statewide Test for Educational Progress (ISTEP) will be administered to students in grades three, six, eight, and ten. The test will primarily assess the achievement of students in the areas of language arts and math. The test will be administered in September and results will be available in January.

Educational Field Trips:

Schools have the option of providing students educational field trips. These trips must be in compliance with existing State Department of Education Guidelines.

PTO Room Parties:

The number of room parties during the school year shall not exceed two. The PTO and school administrator will schedule the parties at their discretion.

Elementary School Rules:

1. Students are encouraged to avoid behavior that interferes with their or other student's achievement or education goals. a. Students are expected to refrain from loud and unruly behavior in the hallways or on the school grounds. b. Students are expected to pass from room to room in an orderly manner and to arrive at their rooms at the appropriate time.

2. Loitering in the halls and restrooms is considered a waste of valuable time and should
be avoided.

3. Possession of tobacco, alcohol, and controlled substances is a violation of School Board Policy.

4. of any kind is a violation of school rules.

5. Respect for school and private property is essential. This includes, but is not limited to, books, lockers, equipment, desks, chairs, etc.

6. Respect to fellow students, teachers, substitute teachers, and all other staff members is expected.

7. Items such as radios, tape players, toys, games, and pets should be approved by a teacher before being brought to school.

8. Help keep your school clean by using waste containers and picking up paper.

9. Gum and candy is permitted at P.T.O. parties and other special occasions, but not on a daily basis.

Playground Rules:

1. Play in designated areas only.

2. Use the playground equipment as it was designed to be used.

3. Help keep the playground clean.

4. Show fairness and consideration for others.

5. All students, unless they have valid excuses, are expected to participate to outdoor recess.

6. Throwing objects that may cause injury such as rocks, sticks, snowballs, etc is a violation of school rules.

7. Fighting and rough play, such as tackle football, are violations of school rules.

8. Students can only leave the school property after securing permission from the teacher or under the supervision of the teacher.

Lunch and Breakfast Programs:

Each elementary school has a well-equipped kitchen and serves nutritious breakfast and lunches daily. The cost of student lunches and breakfasts will be sent home the first day of school. Information concerning free and reduced price meals will be sent home the first day of school. Monthly menus will be provided for all students.

Cafeteria Rules:

1. Students shall not be permitted to share food.

2. No throwing of food or other objects.

3. No loud or boisterous shouting.

4. No hitting or scuffling.

5. All students will be seated during the lunch period and must have permission from the adult on duty before leaving.

Bus Students:

School bus drivers are to have control of all children conveyed between the homes of the children, or pick up points, and the school building and return. The drivers shall keep order, maintain discipline among the children while in the bus or along the route, shall treat all children in a civil manner, see that no child is imposed upon or mistreated while in his charge, and shall use every care for the safety of the children under his charge.

A written request must be sent by the parent of a child to ride a bus he normally does not ride. The request will be denied any child without a written request or if the bus is overcrowded. This request must be approved by the school principal and presented to the bus driver. School bus driver should assure that the bus regulations are observed by all pupils.

Bus Rules:

1. Observe same conduct as in the classroom.

2. Be courteous; use no profane language.

3. Do not eat or drink on the bus.

4. Keep the bus clean.

5. Cooperate with the driver.

6. Do not smoke, use tobacco, or use controlled substances on the bus.

7. Do not be destructive.

8. Stay in your seat. Standing on the seats or putting feet on the seats is prohibited. Moving about while the bus is in motion is prohibited.

9. Keep head, hands, and feet inside the bus.

10. Bus driver is authorized to assign seats.

11. Animals, insects, reptiles, fowl, firearms, weapons, fireworks or other dangerous or unsanitary objects will not be permitted on the bus.

12. Equipment may not be transported on the bus that would damage the bus, block the view of the driver, block the aisles, entry or exit doors.

13. There will be no talking to the driver while the bus is in motion, except for emergencies.

14. Pupils will not tamper with the emergency door or any other part of the bus without instructions from the driver.

15. When necessary to cross the street, students must cross in front of the bus.

16. Buses will stop at authorized bus stops only.

17. Students should respect the personal property of property owners at bus stops.

18. Only authorized students are permitted on buses. New students on a bus must have a note signed by the principal. Occasional student riders (Boy/Girl Scouts, babysitting, etc.) wanting to ride busses other than their assigned route must have written permission signed by the school principal.

19. No student will be allowed to get off or on the bus at any other stop, other than his own, unless they have written permission from the parent and/or principal.

20. The student should be waiting at his stop when the bus arrives. In case of emergency causing late arrival by the student at his stop, the school bus driver will wait a reasonable amount of time. The school bus driver will be required to wait no longer than three (3) minutes after the scheduled time for arrival. If the school bus driver as already three (3) minutes late, he/she need not wait at all.

21. Adults will not be allowed to remove students once the students have boarded the bus

Student Dress Code:

The following regulations shall be used for implementation of the Student Dress Code policy:

1. The wearing of apparel that has on it any writing, printing, symbols or pictures that is judged to be immoral, lewd, or, vulgar, or is suggestive and/or implies sex, drugs, alcohol, violence, or other subjects disruptive to the normal operation of the school, or which interfere with normal educational functions or school purposes, is prohibited.

2. Bare midriffs, halter tops, muscle shirts, and tank tops, or any other garments which unduly or suggestively expose the upper torso are prohibited, beginning with Grad Four through Grade Twelve.

3. All skirts and shorts shall approach the knee in length (mid0thigh or lower). Biker
shorts are prohibited.

4. All students are required to wear footwear, such as boots, shoes, or sandals. Footwear, which is unsafe, inhibits movement, creates a disturbance, or which is disruptive, either by appearance or sound, is prohibited.

5. The wearing of clothing which is torn in such a way as to cause disruptions to or
distractions from the educational process, is prohibited.

6. Any extreme in clothing, hair, cosmetics, jewelry, or appearance that may disrupt normal operations of the school, or which interfere with normal educational functions or school purposes, is prohibited.

7. HATS/CAPS - Students are not permitted to wear hats/caps unless it is for a special
occasion which has been approved by the school.

8. Any jewelry or other items are prohibited when worn in any pierced body part other than the ear.

Additional regulations may be added by school administrators if such regulations are deemed important to an orderly implementation of the policy. New proposed regulations shall be approved by the Superintendent of Schools and presented to the School Board prior to any such implementation.

A student whose dress and grooming does not conform to the above standards, or any subsequently approved standard(s), will be referred to the principal or his/her designee. Students will be informed by the principal, or his/her designee, as to what adjustments must be made in order to comply with approved standards.

If a student chooses not to remedy or correct a problem, his/her parent(s) or guardian will be contacted immediately to arrange a conference for the purpose of:

1. Building communication linkages between home and school regarding the
student's behavior.

2. Developing an understanding of the issue by the parent(s) or guardian.

3. Encouraging and receiving parental or guardian support and commitment to
correct the problem.

4. Outlining consequences for failure to correct the problem.If the problem remains uncorrected, the student will be removed from the class, activity, or school until the student corrects the problem. The student will be subjected to suspension and expulsion during this period of time.

Dress and grooming regulations will become incorporated in student handbooks and distributed directly to parents/guardian and students following approval by the Superintendent of Schools and presentation of the School Board.

Adverse Weather Plans:

Because the potential always exists for adverse weather conditions, the Warrick County School Corporation has adopted the following set of plans that may be used this school year.

PLAN A- School as usual.
PLAN B - No School in Warrick County.
PLAN C - All schools in Warrick County to start one hour later. (This plan could be used when we have early morning fog, sleet, or snow with temperatures hovering around the freezing point.) This plan would also allow much of the business traffic to be out of the way when driving conditions are not ideal and buses would only add to traffic congestion, it they traveled at their usual time.
PLAN D - Schools in Warrick County will be open with no buses running. (This plan could be used when extended periods of cold weather, coupled with heavy snow, keep secondary roads impractical for bus travel.)
PLAN E - Schools in Warrick County will be open with buses running on highways or main secondary roads. (With this plan, bus drivers would need to communicate with students as to where individual pick up points would be located.

The plans listed above are different alternatives that could be used during bad weather periods; however, any decision about school closing will normally be made at approximately 6:00 A.M. the morning of the school day in question. When the decision is made, the Warrick County School Corporation will notify all local radio and television stations, and they, in turn, will relay the message to parents and students. PARENTS AND STUDENTS ARE ASKED NOT TO CALL THE SUPERINTENDENT'S OFFICE, AS THE TELEPHONES MUST BE KEPT OPEN. REMEMBER: If there is no announcement, school will be held as usual.

Because of weather conditions, heating failure, power failure, or water failure, it may become necessary to dismiss school early. Notification of early dismissal will be made on the same radio and TV stations listed under Adverse Weather Plans in this handbook. All children should be instructed in advance by their parents as to where they are to go. If the schools are not notified otherwise, all children will be sent home. In addition to early dismissal, possible conditions might arise that make it necessary to keep pupils past normal dismissal time for their safety.

Health/Family Life Education:

An approved curriculum for Family Life Education is presented to students as a part of the regular health education classes. Before teaching the Family Life Education Curriculum in grades 4 through 12, teachers must have parental consent forms properly completed. Teachers will have an appropriate alternative program for those students choosing not to participate. The alternate programs will not exceed the amount of work required by teaching students in regular classroom. Parents may wish to discuss this program with the teacher and/or principal before agreeing to student participation. The parent response form is attached in this Handbook.

Athletic Eligibility/Participation:

Scholastic Eligibility - Any student in an elementary sports program shall be declared ineligible when they receive an "F" in any subject of one "U" in conduct. This ineligibility shall be for a period of three weeks. The conduct mark is a composite of a child's behavior from all classes and is issued by the homeroom teacher. Eligibility will be reviewed after three weeks.
Participation/Age Limits - Students may only participate in an elementary sport one time at any one grade level.

No student may participate in an elementary school sport at the age of fourteen. Students become ineligible on their fourteenth birthday.

Fire Drills and Emergency Drills:

All schools will conduct one fire drill each month. All schools will conduct a minimum of two disaster drills each semester.

Homework:

The School Corporation believes that the effective use of homework can extend productive learning experiences beyond the school day. Homework is only one part of the teaching/learning process. Homework is seen as giving the students the opportunity to extend their classroom learning and to practice skills while developing self-discipline and study habits that will benefit them in school as well as in careers at the completion of school.

The responsibility for the success of the homework policy is shared equally among administrators, teachers, parents, and students.

We believe homework should give students the opportunity to accept the responsibility of participating in their learning process.

The School Corporation supports the practice of assigning reasonable homework as a necessary part of the learning process and as a legitimate demand on the non-class time of the student.

Homework is a flexible and individual instructional responsibility of the instructional staff of the school corporation. Because of the individual differences and needs of students, the school corporation does not require or expect all students to experience the same kind of homework in connection with classroom instruction.

Basic guidelines regarding homework suggest that homework have a purpose, that understanding precedes the homework, that homework be checked, and that such homework enrich and extend learning experiences.

Homework should be reserved primarily for either the reinforcement of those skills which have already been introduced to the student or projects that are extensions of classroom work and should reflect individual pupil needs.

Homework Definition

Homework is properly defined as any work planned or approved by the teacher to be completed by the student outside of the regular classroom without the immediate and direct supervision of the teacher.

Goals To Be Accomplished Through Homework

1. To reinforce learning through the practice, application, integration, extension, and/or preparation of knowledge and skills.
2. To develop study skills, work habits, and a sense of personal responsibility so
that the student may become an independent learner.

3. To stimulate originality and creativity.
4. To enrich school experiences and encourage a carry over into leisure and career-centered interests.

Purposes For Homework

1. Provide essential practice in needed skills.
2. Trains pupils in good work habits.
3. Affords opportunities for increasing self-direction.
4. Enriches and extends school experience.
5. Helps students to budget time.
6. Brings pupils into contact with out-of-school learning resources.

7. Promotes growth in responsibility.

Criteria helps to keep homework activities in line with our homework purposes.

1. Does the homework serve a valid purpose?
2. Is it within the capabilities of the pupils?
3. Has the class been motivated for the work?
4. Does the assignment grow out of school experience?
5. Are pupils entirely clear about what they are to do?
6. Can most pupils do the work without the assistance of parents or others?
7. Does the assignment minimize the temptation merely to copy information?
8. Can the homework be evaluated fairly and/or used in the daily program?

The amount of homework assigned should vary with the grade, age, and the needs of child and the class. The following guidelines are provided:

Primary Grades (1.2.3)
Homework is assigned to meet individual students' needs. Thirty (30) minutes
per day should be sufficient for children in the primary grades. Homework should
not be assigned every day, however, it may be assigned on weekends.
Appropriate homework assignments include work missed due to absence,
individual assignments, special projects.

Intermediate Grades (4.5.6)
Homework is assigned in language arts/reading and mathematics on a regular basis. In addition, special projects are suitable homework assignments. Home-
work may be assigned daily and on weekends. One (1) hour of homework per
day should be sufficient for children in the intermediate grades, assuming they
have efficiently used their class time at school.

Homework should be consistent with course objectives and may include practice
drills for review and reinforcement as well as extension activities.

Absences

When requested, makeup work will be sent home for students. They are expected to do the work and follow the time frame specified by the teacher for completion of the work. If the specified schedule can't be followed, parents should notify the teachers. Students will be given one day for each day's absence to complete work missed when absent. For example: a student who has three consecutive days of excused absences will have three days in which to complete the work.

Elementary Absences
When a student is absent from school for any reason, assignments missed during that absence are expected to be completed. Parents are encouraged to contact the office by 9:00 A.M. to make arrangements to have their child's homework picked up in the office between 2:45 and 3:20 P.M. unless special arrangements are made.

Role of the Parent

Cooperation by parents is a necessary factor in meaningful homework experiences .Parents, you can encourage your children by showing interest and exhibiting helpful attitudes toward homework. You can do the following:

1. Provide a quiet, well-lighted place for your child to study.
2. Establish a regular "homework time" in the home and have a special place free from excessive noise and other distractions where your child can work.
3. Encourage and support your child's efforts.
4. Before going to the principal, superintendent or the school board, please communicate with the teacher whenever your child has consistent difficulty with homework assignments.
5. Encourage your child to seek help and ask questions of the teacher when in doubt about an assignment. 6. Help students organize adequate time for homework completion (time frame).
7. Familiarize your child with the resource materials available at the library.
8. Allow ample uninterrupted time to look over your child's homework.

Role of the Student

In the early grades, the effectiveness of homework assignments depends largely on the concern each student's parents and teachers show for his/her welfare. As the student matures, however, his/her success with homework becomes progressively more dependant on his/her own efforts. The students, with guidance from teachers and parents, should continue to develop responsibility for bridging the gap of communication between home and school. Each student has the responsibility to develop good work and study habits. Students, you should do the following:
1. Clarify with the teacher any questions pertaining to the instructions before
leaving class (i.e., its purpose, when it is due and how it should be done.)
2. Take home any materials and information needed to complete the assignment.
3. Learn to budget your time.
4. Analyze your study habits and take advantage of available study aids.
5. With the aid of your parents,

a. Set aside a special time in which to do the assignment.
b. Find a workplace free from excessive noise and other distractions to which to work.
c. Organize your time so assignments can be completed in a reasonable length of time.

d. Check carefully the completed assignment.

6. When absent from school for any reason, complete missed assignments.
7. Return all work completed to the teacher by the date requested.

The Policy concerning the student grading system states that "one of the most important requirements of a good grading system is that the grades indicate as accurately as possible the extent to which students have mastered the subject matter being taught. A corporation-wide systematic approach to deriving the most accurate objective grading possible will be implemented to assure uniformity." The following information is a digest of the printed Policy. For clarification and interpretation consult the printed Policy.

1. STUDENT EVALUATION may include performance on teacher made tests, quizzes, textbook prepared tests, homework, assignments, oral and written projects, and class participation. Other factors considered in student evaluation could be, but might not be limited to, following directions, correct spelling, neatness, promptness, effort, and work habits.

2. ATTENDANCE AND BEHAVIOR are not to be considered as factors in
grading unless it involves suspension or expulsion, which by corporation policy denies inclusion of make-up work.

3. Grade Definition:

A - Excellent - High level of understanding and/or mastery of skills in course content
B - Good - Good level of understanding and/or mystery of skills in course content.
C - Satisfactory - Acceptable level of understanding and/or mastery in skills in course content.
D - Poor - Minimum level of understanding and/or mastery of course content.
F - Failure - (No Credit Earned) Unacceptable level of understanding and/or mastery in skills in course content.

4. Teachers have "a certain amount of freedom" in evaluating student progress among different disciplines, ability groups and grade levels.

5. Students and parents are to be informed in advance, in writing, concerning the grading scales to be used in each class.

6. SUGGESTED GRADING SCALE:

95 - 100 = A
88 - 94 = B
78 - 87 = C
70 - 77 = D
Below 70 = F

7. Teachers may assign letter grades or numerical points to each factor used to evaluate student progress. These evaluations may be averaged to determine the report card grade. Junior and senior high school teachers may assign semester grades based on accumulated points.

8. Parents of students whose work is likely to result in a failing grade should be notified in writing as soon as possible.

9. REPORT CARDS will be issued every six weeks.

The promotion or retention of students should be based on what is best for each student within laws, regulation, and policies. Consideration should be given to the student's current level of achievement and the potential for successful work at the next grade level. Guidelines for grading and promotion shall emphasize the attainment of passing grades in each subject or course of study. The Warrick County School Corporation's Curriculum Guides define the goals and objectives for each student. In order for a student to receive a passing grade in any subject area, the student must demonstrate successful completion of minimum standards. Decisions on remediation, retention, or promotion may include but not be limited to the following:

1. Testing a. Indiana Statewide Testing for Educational Progress (ISTEP+) program at
grades designated by the Department of Education.
b. Available standardized achievement test data.
c. Other evaluation instruments.

2. Student Work
a. Teacher assignments, oral reports, homework, and class participation.
b. Exhibits, such as artwork, a model, or similar items.
c. Demonstration skills, such as science, industrial arts, home economics, physical education.
d. Performance skills, such as a dramatic or musical recital.

Students in grades kindergarten through eight are promoted or retained in grade levels each year. Students in grades nine through twelve earn promotion through the accumulation of credits for that particular grade level. Special Education students are promoted on the basis of standards set forth in the student's Individualized Education Program (IEP). Retention of Language Minority Students shall not be based solely upon English Proficiency (511 IAC 6.1 1-5-8G). The following standards will be on the basis upon which promotion/retention decisions are to be made in all Warrick County School Corporation Schools for each grade level as set forth below:

A. ACADEMIC:
1. Kindergarten - The student must successfully meet the minimum standards in language arts and mathematics identified in the kindergarten curriculum to be promoted to grade 1.
2. Grades 1-8 - The student must successfully meet the minimum standards in the subject areas as set forth in the curriculum to be promoted to the next grade.
B. ATTENDANCE: Any provision in the Warrick County School Corporation attendance policy which impacts promotion/retention must be followed when reaching a final decision on a student's grade placement.

C. ISTEP+: INDIANA STATE TEST FOR EDUCATIONAL PROGRESS PLUS rules and standards will be followed.

Decision Making Procedure:

1. Notification of a parent: Parents of students being considered for retention shall be notified of the intent and the following procedures and appeals process.

2. PROCEDURE: If, after the first semester and before February 15, the teacher(s) and/or counselor believe that retention should be considered, the following steps shall be taken:

a. The teacher(s) will complete the referral form and confer with
the principal.
b. The principal will inform the parents by mail of the possibility of retention. The teacher will schedule a conference at that time to discuss remediation and/or the possibility of retention. If the parent does not respond to the initial letter, the principal will send a second.
c. During the conference, page 2 of the referral form will be completed and signed.
d. Exception of the February 15 deadline should be carefully considered, but available to the principal.

3. Procedure for Decision to Retain An Elementary School Student: If, near the end of the school year, the teacher believes that retention is in the best interest of the child, the following steps will be taken
a. The teacher will schedule a conference with the appropriate school personnel and the parents to confirm the proposed retention.
b. If the teacher, counselor, and principal agree that retention should occur, the final disposition form will be completed and signed.
c. Retention will occur upon recommendation of the teacher, with the approval of the principal. A parent consultation will be held and parents' opinion will be considered before the final decision is made.

The Warrick County Board of School Trustees believes that discipline is a required condition for educating, teaching, and learning. This means that students, parents, teachers and administrators - the human components of every school - must share the responsibility to ensure that discipline pervades the entire school environment.

Student Discipline Measures - Kindergarten through Grade 6:

A. While positive reinforcement for good student behavior is encouraged and rewarded, consequence (see Page JGA - R-6) will be implemented when students choose to engage in disruptive behavior leading to misconduct. Consequences will be imposed for student misconduct, which occur during school hours, at any school sponsored or related activity and/or while traveling to and from school.
B. All student disciplinary incidents shall be supported by written documentation.
C. Unless otherwise stated, all student suspensions will be served out of school.
D. All student suspensions and expulsion procedures shall be governed by the provisions set forth under I.C. 20-8.1-5-4.
E. The list of Consequences- Grades K-6 on Page JGA-R-6 is not intended to be an all inclusive list. Schools reserve the right to address any other forms of misconduct not listed on the following page and to apply any reasonable penalty in response to such misconduct.
F. Teachers and principals may select and administer a consequence for student misconduct at any Suggested Disciplinary Level (A, B, C, or D on Page JGA-R-5) at their discretion.
G. All K-6 teachers, K-6 principals and their designees, have the responsibility and authority to implement student discipline measures, including consequences, explicitly stated in School Board Policy JGA and accompanying Regulations JGA-R. All K-6 teachers, K-6 principals and their designees also have authority to implement consequences not listed in IGA-R, provided that such consequences are approved by an appropriate K-6 building principal prior to implementation.

Misconduct and Consequences - Grades K-6:

Suggested Disciplinary Levels & Consequence
Misconduct 1st 2nd 3rd 4th

1. Negligence resulting in Warning & A B C,D
destruction of property Restitution Restitution Restitution Restitution

2. Dress Code Warning & A & B & C & D
Change Change Dress Change Dress

3. Failure to follow Warning A B C & D
classroom rules

4. Inappropriate behavior Warning A B C & D
in classroom, cafeteria,
hallways, playground

5. Possession use of tobacco B, C D E
products, matches/lighters

6. Truancy B, C C, D D

7. Obscene or profane B, C C, D D D

8. behavior/language

9. Theft B, C C, D D D+

10. Fighting/threats B, C C, D D
harassment

11. Insubordination B, C C, D D D

12. Vandalism-intentional B, C C, D D D

13. Possession/use of drug D+ E+
paraphernalia

14. Possession/use of alcohol E+
& other drugs

15. Possession/use of weapons E+

16. Physical or verbal attack D, E+ E+
on a staff member

Suggested Disciplinary Levels and Consequences

A - Warning
- School work (extra
- Student - teacher contract
- Write narrative concerning misconduct requiring parent signature
- Loss of privileges

B - Time out in another classroom
- Phoning parents at work or home
- Classroom time out or isolation
- Counseling with At- Risk counselor
- Student conference with teacher

C - Send to principal
- Parent conference with teacher and/or principal of Student/Support Services
- Parent attends school with child - Saturday School (all day) - Corporal
Punishment
- Cooperative home/school plan for improved behavior
- In-school suspension

D- Suspension in/out of school
- Contact Assistant Superintendent

E - Expulsion

+ contact juvenile authorities and/or law enforcement officials

Corporal punishment is a penalty for misbehavior and may be administered by authorized school personnel, unless an individual parent or guardian files a written statement (School Corporation Form) with a school principal requesting that corporal punishment not be administered to his/her child or children. The filing of such a statement by a parent or guardian may result in a one to five day suspension in or out of school for a disruptive child or children in lieu of corporal punishment.

If corporal punishment becomes imperative as a "last resort" consequence for disruptive behavior, except in cases where a parent or guardian has filed a written statement with a building principal requesting that corporal punishment not be administered to their child, the parent or guardian will first be notified verbally prior to administering such punishment. Written notification will later be mailed to the parent or guardian. Corporal punishment is permitted in Grades K-6 only.

Any 5th or 6th grade student who commits a suspend able offense during the regular school program may be offered attendance at Saturday School as an alternative to suspension from school. A student may not be assigned to Saturday School for more than two (2) incidents of suspendable offenses in any school year without the approval of the Superintendent. One (1) day suspension or any part thereof equals one (1) Saturday Session. Transportation must be provided by parents/guardians. School buses are not available. Students are expected to provide their own study materials and may have available a specific written work program approved by their principal. Saturday School is staffed by faculty members who expect student productivity during each Saturday session. Notification of a Saturday School assignment is to be sent to the parent/guardian and the superintendent. An incident of student behavior resulting in a choice of Saturday School as a consequence will be counted as a suspendable offense in progressive discipline consequences, including driver's license eligibility.

(a) Any principal may suspend a student for no more than five (5) school days for conduct constituting grounds for expulsion or suspension as set out in section 4 (20-8.1-5-4) of this chapter.

Such suspension shall be made only after the principal has made an investigation there of and has determined that such suspension is necessary to help any student or to prevent interference with an educational function or school purposes.

However, the student may be suspended by the hearing examiner until the date of the expulsion or exclusion hearing, if the hearing examiner determines that this suspension is necessary under IC 20-8.1-5-12.

(b) No suspension may be made without affording the student and opportunity for an informal hearing. At the informal hearing the student is entitled to:
(1) A written or oral statement of the charges against him;
(2) And, if he denies the charges, a summary of the evidence against him; and
(3) An opportunity to explain his conduct.

The procedures provided in sections 8 through 12 (20-8.1-5-8 - 20-8.1-5-12) of this chapter do not apply to suspensions made under this section.

(c) Notice and the informal hearing shall precede suspension of the student except where the nature of the misconduct requires immediate removal. In such a situation, the notice and informal hearing shall follow as soon as reasonably possible after the suspension.

(d) Within twenty-four (24) hours, or such additional time as is reasonably necessary, following a suspension, the principal shall send a written statement to the student's parent describing the student's conduct, misconduct or violation of any rule or standard and the reasons for the action taken. The principal shall make a reasonable effort to hold a conference with the parent before or at the time the student returns to school. Failure of the parent to participate in a conference with the principal does not justify extending the period of the student's suspension. (IC 20-8.1-5-6, as added by Acts 1973, P.L.218, -1; Acts 1976, P.L.102,-2; Acts 1980, P.L.146,12; Acts 1982, P.L.129,-2).

In the event the principal feels it is necessary to request the expulsion (or exclusion) of a student the procedure described in I.C.20-8.1-5-8 will be followed. Any student or parent wishing to review this process may request a copy.

All lockers are the private property of the school corporation. A student using a locker is presumed to have no expectation of privacy in that locker or its contents. The principal, or other member of the administrative staff of a school designated in writing by the principal, may search a locker and its contents at any time. Other than a general search of lockers of all students, any search conducted, shall be where possible conducted in the presence of the student whose assigned locker is the subject of the search. A law enforcement agency having jurisdiction over the geographic area in which the school is located may, at the request of the school principal, assist the school administrators in searching such a locker and its contents. Only the lock provided by the school shall be used. Any unauthorized lock may be removed and destroyed at any time without notice.

Search of the Person

The principal, or another member of the administrative staff designated in writing by the principal and acting at the direction of the principal, may search the person of a student during a school activity if the principal or another member of the administrative staff has reasonable cause for a search of that student. Searches of the person of the student shall be limited to:

1. Searches of the pockets of the student.

2. Any object in the possession of the student, such as a purse or briefcase, and

3. A "pat-down" of the exterior of the student's clothing.

Searches of the person of a student, which require removal of clothing, other than a coat or jacket or sweater, may be referred to a law enforcement officer after contacting parents.

Reasonable Cause

As used in this section "reasonable cause" means circumstances, which would cause a reasonable person to believe particular person, place, or thing will lead to the discovery of:

1. Evidence of a violation of the student conduct standards contained in the
student handbook; or
2. Anything, which, because of its presence, presents an immediate danger of
physical harm or illness to any person; or
3. Evidence of an interference with school purposes.

Anything found in the course of the search conducted in accordance with this section, which is evidence of a violation of the student conduct standards contained in the student handbook, or anything which because of its presence presents an immediate danger or physical harm or illness to any person, or evidence of an interference with school purposes, may be:

1. Seized and admitted as evidence in any suspension or expulsion proceeding;
2. Returned to the parent or guardian of the student from whom it was seized;
3. Destroyed if it has not significant value; or
4. Turned over to any law enforcement officer.

The principal, or member of the administrative staff designated in writing by the principal, may request the assistance of a law enforcement officer to search any area of the school premises, any student, or any motor vehicle on school premises, or to identify or dispose of anything found in the course of the search conducted in accordance with this section.

In a continuing effort to provide a safe and orderly environment for our students and toward the goal of keeping our schools free from the harmful influence of any groups or gangs which advocate and/or provoke dangerous, disruptive, violent and/or intimidating behavior, the Warrick County School Corporation has implemented the following guidelines.

A gang is any identifiable group of people who:

1. Are perceived as a distinct group by the principal,
2. Are perceived by the students, parents and/or staff of the school as
interfering with normal school activities by participating in dangerous,
disruptive, violent, and/or intimidating acts of behavior,
3. Are involved in the commission of disruptive, violent and/or intimidating
acts of behavior.

The Warrick County School Corporation, having recognized the many sensible advantages of cooperative programming for the expressed purpose of serving special education needs, has joined together with East Gibson School Corporation, North Gibson School Corporation, South Gibson School Corporation, and Pike County School Corporation in a joint program operating under the name of Gibson-Pike-Warrick Special Education Cooperative.

All the Special Education services provided in the participating school corporations are directed by a joint program Director of Special Education. Some of the services are jointly funded, while others are totally supported by the individual school corporation.

The following Special Education services are available to eligible students in the Warrick County Schools:

Resource Support from/or placement fin classes for :
Speech & Language Therapy
Physical Therapy
Visually Impaired
Early Childhood Education
Hearing Impaired
Occupational Therapy
Mentally Retarded
Emotionally Disturbed
Learning Disabilities

Eligibility for Special Education Placement is determined through referral and case conference procedures with written parental notification and consent. The Cooperative operates under the guidelines of P.L.94-142.

The Warrick County School Corporation is participating in the state funded Prime Time
Program in grades K-3 to reduce the pupil-teacher ration in the elementary grades. The pupil-teacher ration is computed for the entire school corporation for an overall average, and this average is not intended to be applied on an individual room-by-room basis.

The act of possession, using or threatening to use any fireworks, explosives, or other such instruments capable of inflicting bodily injury will result in disciplinary consequences, which may result in expulsion from school.

Schools in Warrick County by the authority of School Board Policy may release certain "directory information" about students which means information contained in an education record of a student that would not generally be considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if disclosed and which includes, but is not limited to, the student's name, address, parents' names and their home and work telephone numbers, major field of study, participation in official recognized activities and sports, height and weight of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, awards received, motor vehicle description, (including license plate number), hair and eye color, race, sex, date of birth, height, weight, grade level, and other similar information, without consent to media organizations (including radio, television, and newspapers), colleges, civic or school-related organizations and state or local governmental agencies.

Parents of a student years of age or a student who is at years of age desiring to object to disclosure of any or certain of the categories of directory information should complete and file form JO-E-2 (Denial of Permission to Release Certain Directory Information Without Prior Written Consent) at the school.

The Warrick County School Corporation, by recommendation of the Indiana Department of Education, has designed a portfolio plan that will provide students with an opportunity to exhibit their learning progress by collection samples of their work. Students will be expected to share the responsibility for development and maintenance of their portfolios with their teachers. These portfolios will be available for parent review at conferences.

Schools throughout the Warrick County School Corporation have been established in order to serve the needs of those children living within certain geographic and community areas. Boundary lines have been established by the local school board to insure that enrollment levels continue to conform to the limits for which the various buildings were designed. Therefore, the Warrick County School Corporation operates within defined school district areas and is not a free choice system. A student is to attend the school in the district in which his/her parents, legal guardians or other adult custodians have established legal settlement.

Circumstances may develop for families when it is better for a child to attend a school in a different school within the corporation. Due to the wide range of circumstances which can develop, the foregoing policy has been established.

Consideration for transfer will be given when any of the following reasons are addressed:

1. CHILD CARE - The available child care provider lives within another
school boundary. The child care provider must submit to the Office of
Student/Support Services a written affidavit which indicates their employ-
ment/position as such.

2. MOVING/BUILDING- A residence change is expected to be made to a
new school district in a reasonable time, such as the impending purchase of a
different home or the completion of a new residence. Parents will be
required to complete a 30-day conditional enrollment form in such cases,
which will be subject to review at the end of the conditional period.

3. MEDICAL- Parents provide documentation from a physician, psychologist
or psychiatrist indicating that it is in the student's best interest to attend a
different school.

Personal preference of the student or parent is not an acceptable reason for transfer to, nor continuation of, attendance in a school outside the home school district.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 ("FERPA") serves two primary functions: to provide access by parents and eligible students to the student's education records and to protect the privacy of student education records. FERPA applies to all schools that receive money from the United States Department of Education. FERPA gives certain rights to parents regarding their child's education records. These rights transfer to the student when the student turns 18 or begins attending any school beyond the high school level. Such students are known in the Act and its regulations as "eligible students." Essentially, FERPA gives parents and eligible students the right to inspect and review the student's education records, to request that records which the parents or eligible student believes are inaccurate be amended, and to give or withhold consent for the release of personally identifiable information from the student's education record.

Generally, any written or documentary material concerning a student which is maintained by a school is considered an education record under FERPA. This includes test scores, attendance records, and grades, among others. However, education records do not include:

(1) Personal notes of a teacher or counselor that are solely for that person's use or
For the use of a temporary substitute for the teacher or counselor;

Certain records for the school's law enforcement unit;

Records pertaining to an individual employed by the school if they are made and maintained in the normal course of business, relate exclusively to that individual in his or her capacity as an employee, and are not made available for any other purpose;

With respect to a student who is 18 or is attending any school beyond the high school level, records that are made or maintained by a physician, psychiatrist, psychologist or other recognized professional that are used only in connection with the treatment of the student and are disclosed only to individuals providing the treatment; and

Records containing information about an individual after he or she is no longer a student at the school.

Under FERPA and its regulations, parents have an equal right of access to their child's education records. Thus, generally, both custodial and non custodial parents have the right to inspect and review their child's education records. However, the parent's right to review and inspect his or her child's education records may be circumscribed by a court order, state statute, or legally binding document which specifically revokes those rights. Unless the school has been provided with evidence of such a court order, state statue, or legally binding document, it must give full rights under FERPA to either parent. Additionally, FERPA defines the term "parent" broadly, including a natural parent, a guardian, or an individual in loco parent is to the child. All of these individuals are entitled to access the child's education records. When a student turns 18 or begins any school beyond the high school level, the rights given to parents by FERPA are transferred from the parents to the student.