Handbook Home Page

STUDENT BEHAVIOR POLICY

The School Board and the Administration of the Savage Public Schools, in support of the aims of public education, believes the behavior of students attending the public schools shall reflect standards of good citizenship demanded of members in a democratic society. Self-discipline (responsibility of one's action) is one of the important ultimate goals also, that while education is a right of American youth, it is not an absolute right. It is qualified first by eligibility requirements, the courts speak of education as a limited right or a privilege; that is, should the pupil fail to perform those duties required of him upon attendance in public school, he may then be excluded from the school.

Savage students represent the community, the school and their families when either attending or participating in school sponsored activities. With this in mind then, students shall conduct themselves in an appropriate and responsible manner while in the school building, on school property, on school buses, and while present at any school function either home or away. Inappropriate displays of affection will not be allowed. The consumption, apparent consumption or possession of dangerous drugs, tobacco in any form, or liquor, by students, regardless of age, while under school supervision is prohibited. Based upon reasonable suspicion, students may be required to submit to a breath or oral swab alcohol test. Students are not allowed to possess weapons while on school grounds or while attending school sponsored events. It is a violation of federal law, while on school property or at school functions, for students to have in their possession any form of weapon. Refer to the District's definition of weapons.

Assault, defiance, profanity and disregard for the rights and property of others are serious offenses and will be dealt with accordingly.

FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION

Students shall enjoy the privilege of free verbal and written expressing providing such expression does not violate school policy or disrupt the educational atmosphere of the school. Students are responsible for the audio and video material that they play while in school or while attending all school sponsored activities. The principal/teacher/supervisor shall have the authority to monitor student verbal, written, computer disks, recorded audio or recorded video expression. Students are required to acknowledge ownership of computer disks, audio disks, audio tapes, and video tapes, with their name affixed to the disk or tape. Students will be held accountable for the contents of all tapes and disks in their possession during school or school related activities. Tapes or disks without proper labeling will be confiscated. Students who violate the above standards shall be subject to corrective action.

DUE PROCESS CLAUSE

Any student who violates rules and regulations as outlined in this handbook will be informed what rule or regulation has been violated and what action is being taken against him or her by school personnel.

STUDENT HANDBOOK RULES EXCEPTIONS

The Savage School Board has established a board committee for the purpose of ruling on requests for consideration of exceptions to its student handbook rules. Exceptions will be considered on a case by case basis. To be considered the request must be in written form and must state the rule for which the exception is requested, the rational for the exception and the names of the student or students involved. Exceptions will only be considered in advance (not after the fact) and must be delivered to the chairperson of the handbook committee 48 hours or more, preferable more, prior to the date of the exception needing to be in place. The committee will respond to requests as soon as possible after receiving a written request.

SCHOOL-WIDE DISCIPLINARY PLAN

PURPOSE

It is the goal of the Savage School District to unify the efforts of its faculty and staff in the area of consistent and effective discipline. The purpose of this plan then is to (1) recognize and distinguish inappropriate and insubordinate student behavior, (2) communicate to the disruptive student the inappropriateness of the behavior and possible alternatives, (3) to specify types of disciplinary action and the steps that will secure district-wide disciplinary consistency and effectiveness.

PLAN

Success and discipline go hand in hand. Very seldom do you see one without the other. Discipline brings self control, character, orderliness, structure and growth, all necessary ingredients to success. The Savage School District desires that all its students be achievers, grow academically, become productive citizens, and are successful. With that thought in mind then, school discipline is not only necessary but critical.

Most disciplinary problems will be dealt with at the classroom level. It is the student's responsibility to maintain a behavior that does not require that the student be referred to the principal. In cases where a student does not respond appropriately to a teacher's disciplinary action, that student then gives up his/her right to remain in the classroom. In situations when a student does not respond appropriately to administrative disciplinary action and he/she can lose the privilege of remaining in school.

1. CLASSROOM DISCIPLINE

GENERAL SAVAGE SCHOOL DISTRICT RULES

1. Students will show respect for others and their property.

2. Students will obey all rules and instructions.

Individual teachers will have specific classroom rules and guidelines for conduct and classroom behavior. These rules and guidelines will be posted in the classroom as a daily reminder of each student's responsibilities, plus a copy will be sent home for parental notification. Each classroom teacher will explain to the students the consequences of inappropriate behavior, insubordination, and poor decision making.

The following classroom disciplinary steps will be followed:

1. Verbal warning

2. Verbal warning and/or loss of privileges

3. Detention, notify parent (s), notify superintendent.

4.The student will be temporarily removed from class and sent to the superintendent. The student will be subject to step 1 (1st offense) of the administrative plan.

If a student is sent to the superintendent a second time they will be subject to step 2 (2nd offense) of the Administrative plan, etc.

Classroom teachers may skip to step 2, 3 or 4 if deemed appropriate

2. ADMINISTRATIVE PLAN

General administrative guidelines regarding: Truancy, inappropriate behavior, insubordinate, attendance violations, excessive tardiness, or other school policy or handbook violations. Grade reduction only applies in cases where student attendance is affected.

Step 1. First Offense: Notification of parent, detention or loss of privileges.

Step 2. Second Offense: Notification of parent, 1 Day In school Suspension (ISS).

Step 3. Third Offense: Meeting with student and parent, 2 Days Out-Of- School Suspension (OSS).

Step 4. Fourth Offense: Meeting with school board and recommendation of expulsion for remainder of the year. Minimum of 5 days OSS.

Step 5. Fifth Offense: Meeting with school board and recommendation of expulsion from school for remainder of the school year. Minimum of 10 days OSS.

***Administrative Action for any handbook violation may begin with steps 1,2,3,4 or 5 as deemed appropriate in the superintendent's sole judgment, or may include detention, loss of privileges or other action as determined by the superintendent***

ATTENDANCE

Savage School attendance criteria are based on the theory that prompt and regular attendance in school is the beginning of dependability in adult business, personal and social life. Furthermore, regulate attendance is important, because valuable skills and information gained in the classroom may or may not show up on tests or be reflected in an academic grade. The general welfare of all students is best served by regular attendance.

A student will be allowed eight (8) absences per class, per semester. Beyond this is considered excessive. Both Excused and Unexcused absences count toward this number. When students miss class more than 8 times in a semester, they may be penalized two percentage points on their nine weeks grade for each absence beyond the eighth day. In this event, the parent(s) and the student will be notified of the grade reduction.

A student is not allowed any (0) unexcused absences.

Definitions:

a. Unexcused Absence: (The student is considered to be truant) absent from class or leaving school without prior approval or parental knowledge, failure to bring an excuse note from parents upon returning from an absence. Also, In-school-suspension and out-of-school suspension.

b. Excused Absence: Absences that are excused by the student's parent or guardian by note for illness (which does not require hospitalization), family vacations, family hunting trips, scheduled medical appointments, etc.

c. School-Related Absence: These absences will apply to students participating in school athletic events, school music events, academic field trips, and other absences deemed curricular.

d. Waived Absence:

1. Subpoenas, to appear in court or court-ordered, out-of-district placements for special services.

2. Serious illness, family emergency, hospitalization or mental or physical impairment verified by a doctor's statement.

3. Bereavement of an immediate family member (father, mother, brother, sister, grandparent).

Absence Disciplinary Procedure

2% Rule: A student's nine weeks grade will be reduced by 2 percentage points for each unexcused absence from class and for each absence over 8 in any 1 semester. Excused or unexcused absences will be counted toward the first 8 absences. ISS and OSS are considered unexcused absences.

Unexcused Absences: A student will not be allowed any unexcused absences. Beginning with the 1st unexcused absence the student will be subject to the administrative procedure. First offense, 2% reduction of nine weeks grade in classes affected and notification of parent, 2nd offense, step 2 of administrative procedure, etc. Unexcused absences will be recorded as a U in Power School.

Excused Absences: A student will be allowed a maximum of eight excused absences per class period, per semester before any grade reduction is imposed. Excused absences will not subject students to the administrative plan (These absences will be recorded as an E in Power School).

School-related Absences: These absences will not mandate a grade reduction and will not be counted as one of the (8) permissible absences. (These absences will be recorded as a W in Power School)

Parents/guardians must always excuse their student's absence, Parents must notify the school in advance of a student's absence if it is anticipated. If prior notification is not possible, please call the school by 8:07 a.m. The school's office personnel will attempt to contact any parent, guardian or legal custodian whose child is absent from school, but who has not reported child as absent to determine if the parent, guardian or legal custodian is aware that the child is absent. A student must bring a WRITTEN note signed by parent/guardian stating the reason for the absence upon returning to school. The school reserves the right to rule upon the validity of each excuse, subject to the guidelines set forth in this policy.

	Savage Public Schools Student Handbook 2008-2009



	STUDENT BEHAVIOR POLICY The School Board and the Administration of the Savage Public Schools, in support of the aims of public education, believes the behavior of students attending the public schools shall reflect standards of good citizenship demanded of members in a democratic society. Self-discipline (responsibility of one's action) is one of the important ultimate goals also, that while education is a right of American youth, it is not an absolute right. It is qualified first by eligibility requirements, the courts speak of education as a limited right or a privilege; that is, should the pupil fail to perform those duties required of him upon attendance in public school, he may then be excluded from the school. Savage students represent the community, the school and their families when either attending or participating in school sponsored activities. With this in mind then, students shall conduct themselves in an appropriate and responsible manner while in the school building, on school property, on school buses, and while present at any school function either home or away. Inappropriate displays of affection will not be allowed. The consumption, apparent consumption or possession of dangerous drugs, tobacco in any form, or liquor, by students, regardless of age, while under school supervision is prohibited. Based upon reasonable suspicion, students may be required to submit to a breath or oral swab alcohol test. Students are not allowed to possess weapons while on school grounds or while attending school sponsored events. It is a violation of federal law, while on school property or at school functions, for students to have in their possession any form of weapon. Refer to the District's definition of weapons. Assault, defiance, profanity and disregard for the rights and property of others are serious offenses and will be dealt with accordingly. FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION Students shall enjoy the privilege of free verbal and written expressing providing such expression does not violate school policy or disrupt the educational atmosphere of the school. Students are responsible for the audio and video material that they play while in school or while attending all school sponsored activities. The principal/teacher/supervisor shall have the authority to monitor student verbal, written, computer disks, recorded audio or recorded video expression. Students are required to acknowledge ownership of computer disks, audio disks, audio tapes, and video tapes, with their name affixed to the disk or tape. Students will be held accountable for the contents of all tapes and disks in their possession during school or school related activities. Tapes or disks without proper labeling will be confiscated. Students who violate the above standards shall be subject to corrective action. DUE PROCESS CLAUSE Any student who violates rules and regulations as outlined in this handbook will be informed what rule or regulation has been violated and what action is being taken against him or her by school personnel. STUDENT HANDBOOK RULES EXCEPTIONS The Savage School Board has established a board committee for the purpose of ruling on requests for consideration of exceptions to its student handbook rules. Exceptions will be considered on a case by case basis. To be considered the request must be in written form and must state the rule for which the exception is requested, the rational for the exception and the names of the student or students involved. Exceptions will only be considered in advance (not after the fact) and must be delivered to the chairperson of the handbook committee 48 hours or more, preferable more, prior to the date of the exception needing to be in place. The committee will respond to requests as soon as possible after receiving a written request. SCHOOL-WIDE DISCIPLINARY PLAN PURPOSE It is the goal of the Savage School District to unify the efforts of its faculty and staff in the area of consistent and effective discipline. The purpose of this plan then is to (1) recognize and distinguish inappropriate and insubordinate student behavior, (2) communicate to the disruptive student the inappropriateness of the behavior and possible alternatives, (3) to specify types of disciplinary action and the steps that will secure district-wide disciplinary consistency and effectiveness. PLAN Success and discipline go hand in hand. Very seldom do you see one without the other. Discipline brings self control, character, orderliness, structure and growth, all necessary ingredients to success. The Savage School District desires that all its students be achievers, grow academically, become productive citizens, and are successful. With that thought in mind then, school discipline is not only necessary but critical. Most disciplinary problems will be dealt with at the classroom level. It is the student's responsibility to maintain a behavior that does not require that the student be referred to the principal. In cases where a student does not respond appropriately to a teacher's disciplinary action, that student then gives up his/her right to remain in the classroom. In situations when a student does not respond appropriately to administrative disciplinary action and he/she can lose the privilege of remaining in school. 1. CLASSROOM DISCIPLINE GENERAL SAVAGE SCHOOL DISTRICT RULES 1. Students will show respect for others and their property. 2. Students will obey all rules and instructions. Individual teachers will have specific classroom rules and guidelines for conduct and classroom behavior. These rules and guidelines will be posted in the classroom as a daily reminder of each student's responsibilities, plus a copy will be sent home for parental notification. Each classroom teacher will explain to the students the consequences of inappropriate behavior, insubordination, and poor decision making. The following classroom disciplinary steps will be followed: 1. Verbal warning 2. Verbal warning and/or loss of privileges 3. Detention, notify parent (s), notify superintendent. 4.The student will be temporarily removed from class and sent to the superintendent. The student will be subject to step 1 (1st offense) of the administrative plan. If a student is sent to the superintendent a second time they will be subject to step 2 (2nd offense) of the Administrative plan, etc. Classroom teachers may skip to step 2, 3 or 4 if deemed appropriate 2. ADMINISTRATIVE PLAN General administrative guidelines regarding: Truancy, inappropriate behavior, insubordinate, attendance violations, excessive tardiness, or other school policy or handbook violations. Grade reduction only applies in cases where student attendance is affected. *Step 1. First Offense: Notification of parent, detention or loss of privileges.* *Step 2. Second Offense: Notification of parent, 1 Day In school Suspension (ISS).* *Step 3. Third Offense: Meeting with student and parent, 2 Days Out-Of- School Suspension (OSS).* *Step 4. Fourth Offense: Meeting with school board and recommendation of expulsion for remainder of the year. Minimum of 5 days OSS.* *Step 5. Fifth Offense: Meeting with school board and recommendation of expulsion from school for remainder of the school year. Minimum of 10 days OSS.* *Administrative Action for any handbook violation may begin with steps 1,2,3,4 or 5 as deemed appropriate in the superintendent's sole judgment, or may include detention, loss of privileges or other action as determined by the superintendent* ATTENDANCE Savage School attendance criteria are based on the theory that prompt and regular attendance in school is the beginning of dependability in adult business, personal and social life. Furthermore, regulate attendance is important, because valuable skills and information gained in the classroom may or may not show up on tests or be reflected in an academic grade. The general welfare of all students is best served by regular attendance. A student will be allowed eight (8) absences per class, per semester. Beyond this is considered excessive. Both Excused and Unexcused absences count toward this number. When students miss class more than 8 times in a semester, they may be penalized two percentage points on their nine weeks grade for each absence beyond the eighth day. In this event, the parent(s) and the student will be notified of the grade reduction. A student is not allowed any (0) unexcused absences. Definitions: a. Unexcused Absence: (The student is considered to be truant) absent from class or leaving school without prior approval or parental knowledge, failure to bring an excuse note from parents upon returning from an absence. Also, In-school-suspension and out-of-school suspension. b. Excused Absence: Absences that are excused by the student's parent or guardian by note for illness (which does not require hospitalization), family vacations, family hunting trips, scheduled medical appointments, etc. c. School-Related Absence: These absences will apply to students participating in school athletic events, school music events, academic field trips, and other absences deemed curricular. d. Waived Absence: 1. Subpoenas, to appear in court or court-ordered, out-of-district placements for special services. 2. Serious illness, family emergency, hospitalization or mental or physical impairment verified by a doctor's statement. 3. Bereavement of an immediate family member (father, mother, brother, sister, grandparent). Absence Disciplinary Procedure 2% Rule: A student's nine weeks grade will be reduced by 2 percentage points for each unexcused absence from class and for each absence over 8 in any 1 semester. Excused or unexcused absences will be counted toward the first 8 absences. ISS and OSS are considered unexcused absences. Unexcused Absences: A student will not be allowed any unexcused absences. Beginning with the 1st unexcused absence the student will be subject to the administrative procedure. First offense, 2% reduction of nine weeks grade in classes affected and notification of parent, 2nd offense, step 2 of administrative procedure, etc. Unexcused absences will be recorded as a U in Power School. Excused Absences: A student will be allowed a maximum of eight excused absences per class period, per semester before any grade reduction is imposed. Excused absences will not subject students to the administrative plan (These absences will be recorded as an E in Power School). School-related Absences: These absences will not mandate a grade reduction and will not be counted as one of the (8) permissible absences. (These absences will be recorded as a W in Power School) Parents/guardians must always excuse their student's absence, Parents must notify the school in advance of a student's absence if it is anticipated. If prior notification is not possible, please call the school by 8:07 a.m. The school's office personnel will attempt to contact any parent, guardian or legal custodian whose child is absent from school, but who has not reported child as absent to determine if the parent, guardian or legal custodian is aware that the child is absent. A student must bring a WRITTEN note signed by parent/guardian stating the reason for the absence upon returning to school. The school reserves the right to rule upon the validity of each excuse, subject to the guidelines set forth in this policy.	The C