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FORWARDThe purpose of this handbook is to provide informationnecessary for effective planning of the educationalprogram of each student who attends Forsyth HighSchool and should be used as a guide by students,parents, teachers and other staff members responsiblefor such planning.
The policy making body of Forsyth R -III SchoolDistrict is the Board of Education, whose members areselected by the people. Procedures outlined in thishandbook are consistent with the policies adopted bythe Board of Education. The Superintendent isresponsible for carrying out board policies. ThePrincipal is responsible to the Superintendent for properoperation of the school.
This handbook is written with the belief it will help youmake Forsyth the best school you could attend. It mustbe understood that not all rules, regulations and policiesnecessary to the effective operation of the school can beincluded in this handbook.
2009-2010 Handbook
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WELCOMEThe teachers, school personnel and administrators wouldlike to welcome you to Forsyth High School. It is ourhope that you will enjoy this school year and will takeadvantage of the opportunities that exist here. We hopeyou will always be conscious of its traditions andrequirements. We have the reputation of being one of th efinest schools in the area. You, the students, have theopportunity to attain an excellent high school education.If you will only take advantage of this opportunity, youwill receive the quality education we are striving to offer.Remember, the school will be whatever you make it. Letus always have the spirit to do the thing, which will makeit outstanding. All things considered, it is the student thatis most influential in deterring the kind of year he/shehas.
SCHOOL CLASSIFICATIONThe Forsyth School program is classified “FullyAccredited” by the State Department of Education.
SCHOOL COLORSRoyal Blue and White.
SCHOOL MASCOTPanther.
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FORSYTH R-III PUBLICSCHOOL
MISSION STATEMENT
To create a safe and positive learning environment i nwhich students can grow and learn.
A+ PROGRAM
This program provides money to students to help pay forpost secondary training at any MissouriVocational/Technical or Community College provided theymeet the following criteria:1. Attend an A+ designated school for 3 years prior tograduation;2. 95% attendance overall;3. 2.5 cumulative GPA;4. 50 hours unpaid mentoring/tutoring;5. Maintain good citizenship record,6. Be free of drug/alcohol violations;7. 18 year old males must be registered for the selectiveservice
For more information contact Grant Boyer - ForsythHigh School A + Coordinator
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ivTABLE OF CONTENTS
ABSENTEES................................ ................................ .................29ACADEMIC LETTER CLUB ................................ ...................... 43ACADEMICS – SPORTS ................................ ............................ 38ACT INFO ................................ ................................ .................... 13ACTIVITY CALENDAR ................................ ............................. 48AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ................................ .................. 30ASBESTOS ANNUAL NOTIFICATION................................ .... 58ASSEMBLIES ................................ ................................ .............. 41ASVAB INFO ................................ ................................ .............. 12ATTENDANCE POLICY ................................ ............................ 17AUTOMOBILES ................................ ................................ .......... 45BUS TRANSPORTATION ................................ .......................... 25BUS/CONDUCT RULES – ACTIVITY TRIPS .......................... 38CALENDAR ................................ ................................ ................ 3CARE OF SCHOOL PROPERTY ................................ ............... 47CELL PHONES ................................ ................................ ............ 24CHANGING A CLASS ................................ ................................ 11CITIZENSHIP – SPORTS................................ ............................ 38CLASS RANK................................ ................................ .............. 10CLUBS/ORGANIZATIONS – REGULATIONS ........................ 42CLUBS/ORGANIZATIONS ................................ ........................ 42CODE OF STUDENT CONDUCT ................................ .............. 21COMMUNICABLE DISEASE ................................ .................... 49COMPLAINT RESOLUTION PROCEDURE FOR NCLB ........ 59COMPUTER USE AGREEMENT – SIGNATURE PAGE ......... 35DAILY ANNOUNCEMENTS ................................ ..................... 48DANCES ................................ ................................ ...................... 41DETENTION GUIDELINES ................................ ....................... 26DETENTION................................ ................................ ................ 19DETENTIONS – FAILURE TO SERVE ................................ ..... 23DIPLOMA – ADVANCED STUDIES................................ ......... 7DIPLOMA – GENERAL................................ .............................. 6DISCIPLINE MEASURES ................................ .......................... 19DISCIPLINE POLICY ................................ ................................ . 19DISMISSAL OF SCHOOL ................................ .......................... 4DRESS CODE/APPEARANCE ................................ ................... 23DRUG TESTING ................................ ................................ ......... 32DUE PROCESS – DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS .......................... 20
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vELECTRONIC DEVICES................................ ............................ 24ELIGIBILITY – MSHSAA ................................ .......................... 38EXAMS ................................ ................................ ........................ 12EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES GUIDELINES ............... 36FACILITIES – USE THEREOF................................ ................... 38FACULTY MEMBERS ................................ ............................... 2FEES and CHARGES................................ ................................ ... 5FIELD TRIPS ................................ ................................ ............... 16FOOD SERVICE ................................ ................................ .......... 44FUND RAISING ................................ ................................ .......... 16GOOD CONDUCT RULES - GENERAL ................................ ... 32GOOD CONDUCT RULES - SPORTS ................................ ....... 39GRADE CLASSIFICATION ................................ ....................... 10GRADE POINT AVERAGE ................................ ........................ 12GRADUATION POLICY – MODIFIED ................................ ..... 8GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS ................................ ............ 6GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE ................................ ....................... 51GUIDANCE SERVICES ................................ .............................. 12HALL CONDUCT ................................ ................................ ....... 47HALL PASSES ................................ ................................ ............ 29HANDBOOK – SITUATIONS NOT IN ................................ ...... 25HEALTH INSURANCE ................................ ............................... 49HEALTH SERVICES................................ ................................ ... 14HEALTH STANDARDS ................................ ............................. 46HONOR ROLL................................ ................................ ............. 12HOURS OF SCHOOL ................................ ................................ .. 4INAPPRORIATE ITEMS................................ ............................. 24INJURIES – PRACTICE/GAMES ................................ ............... 37IN-SCHOOL SUSPENSION GUIDELINES ............................... 27IN-SCHOOL SUSPENSION ................................ ........................ 19LEAVING SCHOOL GROUNDS ................................ ............... 30LIBRARY................................ ................................ ..................... 14LOCKERS ................................ ................................ .................... 29LOST AND FOUND ................................ ................................ .... 48MAKE UP TIME FOR ABSENCES ................................ ............ 18MEDICATION FOR STUDENTS ………………………………46MUSIC PROGRAM ................................ ................................ ..... 32NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY ................................ ............ 17OUT-OF-SCHOOL SUSPENSION ................................ ............. 20
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viPARENT/GUARDIAN CONFERENCES ................................ ... 5PARENTS/GUARDIANS – COMMUNICATIONS ................... 25PART-TIME ATTENDANCE ................................ ..................... 9PHYSCIAL ED CLASS ................................ ............................... 28PLAN TEST INFO ................................ ................................ ....... 13POP/FOOD – CLASSROOMS................................ ..................... 47PRACTICE AND GAME ATTENDANCE ................................ . 39PRINCIPAL’S OFFICE ................................ ............................... 30PROGRESS REPORTS ................................ ................................ 31PSAT INFO ................................ ................................ .................. 13PUBLIC NOTICE ................................ ................................ ........ 55REPORT CARDS ................................ ................................ ......... 11REVISED GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS .......................... 6SAFETY DRILLS ................................ ................................ ........ 49SALUTATORIAN ................................ ................................ ....... 10SAT INFO ................................ ................................ .................... 13SCHOLARSHIP/FINANCIAL AID INFO ................................ .. 13SELECTIVE SERVICE INFO ................................ ..................... 16SPORTSMANSHIP GUIDELINES/RULES ............................... 31STUDENT SAFETY ................................ ................................ .... 48STUDENT RECORDS ................................ ................................ . 16SURROGATE PARENT PROGRAM ................................ ......... 56TECHNOLOGY USE AGREEMENT – SIGNATURE PAGE ... 35TECHNOLOGY USE POLICY ................................ ................... 33TELEPHONE CALLS ................................ ................................ .. 46TELEPHONE NUMBERS ................................ ........................... 4TESTING................................ ................................ ...................... 12TOP TEN PERCENT AWARDS ................................ ................. 10USE OF BUILDING ................................ ................................ .... 4VALEDICTORIAN ................................ ................................ ...... 10VENDING MACHINES ................................ .............................. 47VISITORS ................................ ................................ .................... 5VO-TECH INFO ................................ ................................ .......... 15WITHDRAWAL FROM SCHOOL ................................ ............. 31
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F.H.S FACULTY MEMBERS
TEACHER CLASSGregg Zeller Alternative
Brandon Pennington AlternativeEileen Smith Art
Jeff Walls BusinessKim Hisaw Business/Social Studies
Kaye Presley FrenchBethany Stambough Guidance Counselor
Jim Voliva Health/Physical EdMartha Rudnick Industrial Arts
Laura Dees-LaRocque Language ArtsCatherine Harger Language Arts
Terry Hendrickson Language ArtsRichard Voliva Language ArtsTara Roberts Mathematics
Jeff Olson MathematicsJean Andress Mathematics
Adam Stallcup MathematicsJaney Darnell Media Service/LibrarianAaron Drake Band, Select, Music Appreciation
Jeremy Peterson Physical EducationJim Julian Physical Education
1st Sgt. Patrick Cannon ROTC1st Sgt. Chris Lozier ROTC
Ben Bilyeu SciencePhillip Guy Science
Greg Dougherty ScienceBrian Anton Social StudiesJohn Elliott Social Studies
Sheila Myers Special ServicesMark Woody Special ServicesJohn Wyatt Vocational Agriculture
Ramona Blair Vocational Home EconomicsCarol Szabo ISS
Neale Richardson PrincipalGrant Boyer Assistant Principal, A+ CoordinatorChris Padgett Activities Director
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FORSYTH R-III SCHOOLSCHOOL CALENDAR
August 12, 13, 14 Teacher Work DaysAugust 17 CLASSES BEGIN FOR STUDENTS
September 7 No School - Labor DaySeptember 18 Early Dismissal at 12:45 P.M. - Teacher
in ServiceOctober 16 No School –
Parent/Teacher ConferencesNovember 6 Early Dismissal at 12:45 P.M. - Teacher
in ServiceNovember 24 Early Dismissal at 12:45 P.M.
November 25, 26 27 No School – Thanksgiving VacationDecember 18 Semester Ends – 85 Days Attendance.
December 21 – January 1 No School – Christmas BreakJanuary 4 Classes resumeJanuary 18 No School – Martin Luther King DayFebruary 5 Early Dismissal at 12:45 P.M.
Teacher in ServiceFebruary 15 No School – Presidents’ Day
March 5 No School – Teacher In-ServiceMarch 15-19 No School - Spring Break
March 22 Classes Resume April 2 Good Friday – Early Dismissal at
12:45 p.m.May 18 Semester Ends – 89 Days Attendance
Early Dismissal at 12:45 P.M.May 19 Teacher In-Service
Note: Calendar is subject to revision by action of the Forsy th R-III Board of Education.
Make up Days (in order)Jan 18Feb 15March 5May 19, 20, 21Calendar Hours167 days @ 6.25 hrs. = 1043.75hrs
7 days @ 4.25 Hrs. = 29.75hrs174 Days = 1073.50hrs
Days Of Attendance each monthAug. 11Sept. 21Oct. 21Nov. 18Dec. 14
Jan. 19Feb. 19Mar. 17Apr. 22May 12
174 Days
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4TELEPHONE NUMBERS
High School Telephone Number: 417-546-6383High School Fax Number: 417-546-5987Superintendent’s Office: 417-546-6384Middle School Telephone Number: 417-546-6382Elementary School Telephone Number: 417-546-6381Nurse’s Office: 417-546-6381
SCHOOL HOURS
High School Building Opens: 7:50 a.m.High School Classes Begin: 8:20 a.m.High School Dismisses: 3:00 p.m.High School Building is locked: 3:30 p.m.High School Building Closed: 4:00 p.m.
DISMISSAL OF SCHOOL
The Superintendent of Schools may dismiss school due to weather,mechanical failure or other emergencies that may ar ise. Notice to thepublic will be made over the following radio stations: KRZK, KOMC,KWTO and KTTS and the following television stations: KY3, KOLRand KSPR.
USE OF BUILDING
Prior arrangements should be made with the Athletic Director for anyactivities, which may require the use of the building after school hours.Arrangements should be made at least one week in advance and thesponsor of the organization or activity is to make the request. Groupsoutside the school wanting to use school facilities m ust makeapplication through the Superintendent’s Office.
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5PARENT/GUARDIAN CONFERENCES
Each teacher has a planning period. Parents/guardians may call theprincipal’s office to request a time for a return phone call or conferencewith a teacher. We would encourage parents/guardians to do soanytime there is a concern.
FEES and CHARGES
1. Students desiring to construct special projects incourses, such as art, home economics or shop, shall pay for neededmaterials as they are utilized. All required ite ms constructed by thestudent in such courses might be purchased from the school for the costof materials used.
2. Clubs and organizations not required for academiccredit may charge membership dues.
3. Where the student causes the willful or negligen tdestruction of property, the school district may assess charges to coverthe cost of repair or replacement of property.
4. Fines may be imposed in classes, such as art or shop,if items loaned are not returned promptly so other students may usethem.
5. The school district may withhold a student’stranscript/diploma for failure to pay charges assessed by the school.
VISITORS
All visitors to the school are to report to the high school principal’soffice upon entering the building or school grounds. Visits for otherthan school business are not allowed. Parents and Guardians may eatlunch with their student with pre -approval from the high schoolprincipal’s office.
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6GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
Forsyth R-III School will offer two diplomas to graduating s eniors.The “DIPLOMA” will require students to accumulate 25 units of credit.The requirements for the “DIPLOMA” are listed in this section.
The school will also offer an “ADVANCED STUDIES DIPLOMA” tothose students completing the prescribed course of s tudy. It is highlyrecommended that students desiring to attend a four -year collegeleading to a Bachelor’s Degree complete the requirements leading tothe “ADVANCED STUDIES DIPLOMA”. The course of study for the“ADVANCED STUDIES DIPLOMA” is also given i n this section.
IN ORDER FOR STUDENTS TO PARTICIPATE IN THEGRADUATION CEREMONY, ALL REQUIREMENTS MUSTBE MET PRIOR TO THE CEREMONY.
REVISED PER STATE REQUIREMENTSGRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
“DIPLOMA”Units possible in 4 years: 28 Units to Graduate: 25
1. Seven (7) units of credit would be possible each year.Twenty-eight (28) in four years.2. All students shall successfully complete:
a. 4 units of English, including English I & IIb. 3 units of Social Studies, including 1 unit of American History,
1/2 unit of Government, 1/2 unit of World History or Geography;c. 3 units of Scienced. 3 units of Mathematicse. 1 unit of Fine Arts;f. 1 unit of a Practical Art;g. 1 unit of Physical Education;h. .5 units of Health;i. .5 units Personal Financej. Remaining units will be electives.
3. All students must pass examinations on the Constitutions ofthe United States and Missouri.4. Students will have one elective credit waived for each yearof attendance at Vo-Tech.
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7“ADVANCED STUDIES DIPLOMA”
Units possible in 4 years: 28 Units to graduate: 28
1. Seven (7) units of credit would be possible each year, or 28in four years (7.5 units for some students).
2. All students shall successfully complete:a. 4 units of English, including English I & II;b. 3 units of Mathematics, Algebra and beyond (4
units are strongly recommended);c. 3 units of Science, including Physical Science and
2 units of Biology I, Chemistry I or Physics;d. 3 units of Social Studies, including 1 American
History, .5 units of Government, 1 unit of World History;e. 2 units of Foreign Language (same language);f. 1 unit of Fine Arts;g. 1 unit of a Practical Art;h. 1 unit of Physical Education;i. .5 units of Health;j. .5 units of Personal Financek. remaining units will be electives;l. 2 units of advanced electives from English, Math,Science, Social Studies, Foreign Language.
3. Maintain a 3.0 or higher GPA in Math, Science, SocialStudies and English.4. It is strongly recommended that candidates for theAdvanced Studies Diploma take the ACT at least twice priorto graduating.5. Pass the U.S. and Missouri Constitution examinations.6. Students will have one elective credit waived for each yearof attendance at Vo-Tech.
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8MODIFIED GRADUATION POLICY
Eight full-day semesters of attendance are required by the Forsyth R -IIISchool District for graduation. However, this requirement may bereduced to seven semesters with approval of the R -III Board ofEducation. The Modified Graduation Policy requires students to haveseven successful semesters of attendance, and meet all other graduationrequirements. In addition, the student must have an appropriatelyplanned educational experience with one of the following:
a. A college or university;b. A vocational-technical school;c. Employment offering vocational, on -the-job training.
Students applying for modified graduation must meet the followingguidelines:
1. Students must file an application with the principal, which shallinclude the following items:
a. A statement of intent signed by student and parent/guardian;b. A statement indicating the student will meet all graduation
requirements by the end of the seventh semester;c. Verification of enrollment in a college, university, junior
college or trade school, ord. Verification from employer offering vocational training;e. A request for Board of Education approval of the
application.
2. The student is responsible for supplying all appropriate informationin the letter of application.3. The student and parents understand that modified graduationwaives inclusion in class rank and class honors.
The Board of Education will make the final decision on all applicationsfor Modified Graduation and reserves the right to review cases in whichextreme hardship or unusual circumstances exist.
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9PART-TIME ATTENDANCE
The ultimate goal of any high school student should be the attainmentof a diploma. FHS is organized to provide all high school students afull four year program with many and varied opportunitie s to meet theneeds of each student. Occasionally, circumstances dictate the need forpart-time enrollment. Students wishing to attend part -time should takecare to plan an individual program that will lead to the completion ofcourses required to earn a diploma. Requests for part -time attendancewill be considered for the following reasons:
1. Students needing to work due to family finances.2. Students wanting to attend a nearby college/university.3 . S tudents working for an employer or vocat ional
training as par t o f a p lanned educa tional exper ience.
All requests for part - t ime at tendance must meet thefol lowing gu idel ines:
1. Requests are to be made prior to the start of the semester inwhich the part-time attendance will occur.
2. A letter of application must be filed with the principal,including a statement of intent signed by the student andparent/guardian.
3. An application filed with the appropriate educationalinstitution, or a statement from the business or employer providing theon-the-job training.
4. Student must have reached the senior status. Part -timestatus will not be granted to any senior not on schedule to graduate atthe end of that school year. Students must maintain passing grades inall classes in which enrolled.
5. Students who attend part -time and attend less than 6 creditclasses will not be eligible for MSHSAA sanctioned activities.
6. Schedules will not be broken up. For example, studentsmay not attend first block, leave for the next block and return for thefollowing block, etc.
7. Students attending less than full time will not be included inclass rank, honor roll and Academic Letter Club.
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10VALEDICTORIAN, SALUTATORIAN, TOP TEN
PERCENT AWARDS
The valedictorian and salutatorian of a graduating class must havecompleted at least two of the four years at Forsyth High School. To beeligible for the valedictorian, salutatorian and George Washington TopTen Percent awards at Forsyth High School, a student must meet therequirements for the Advanced Studies Diploma .
CLASS RANK
The class rank of Forsyth High School graduates is determined on thebasis of average grade point in all courses taken for credit duringgrades 9 through 12. Grade point will be figured on a four pointsystem.
Students entering from anothe r public accredited school must attendForsyth two full semesters in order to be ranked in the class. Studentsentering Forsyth from other than a public accredited school must attendfour full semesters to be ranked in the class. Students attending part-time or graduating at seventh semester will not be included in theclass rank.
GRADE CLASSIFICATION
Student grade level is determined by the number of years completed atthe high school level beginning with grade nine.
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11CHANGING A CLASS
All students are to be enrolled in 7 classes for credit. Students wishingto change a class are to do so during the first 5 school days of thesemester. If a student chooses to drop a class after the announceddeadline the student will receive an “F” for that class. The student maythen be admitted to another class if available, but will be responsiblefor making up all work since the beginning of the grading period. Adropped class will result in an “F” grade and become part of theirofficial records. The dropped grade will also be used to calculateG.P.A. and class rank.
If the instructor, administration, counselor, student and parents reach aconsensus that it is in the student’s best educational interest to changeclasses, he/she may do so without being penalized if another class maybe scheduled.
REPORT CARDS
Report cards showing student grades are issued at the end of eachsemester with one card being issued for all subjects. Progress reportswill be sent periodically throughout the semester and neit her needs tobe returned to the school. The grading system is based on thefollowing percentage scale:
A 90-100B 80-89C 70-79D 60-69F 59 and below
Incomplete grades may be given. All course work is to be completedby the deadline set by the ins tructor.
Grade cards/diplomas will be held until all fines, fees and/or bills arepaid in full.
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12EXAMS
Final exams will be given at the end of each semester in every class.Final exams in college prep classes will be comprehensive. Mid termexams will be given at the discretion of each teacher.
GRADE POINT AVERAGE
Grade point average (GPA) is an accumulative numerical average of allsemester grades earned during high school. The point values areassigned as follows: A-4; B-3; C-2; D-1; F-0.
HONOR ROLL
A Principal’s Honor Roll of all students earning a straight 4.0 GPA willbe published at the conclusion of each semester.
In addition, at the conclusion of each semester, an Honor Roll ofstudents earning a 3.01-3.99 will be published.
GUIDANCE SERVICES
The Forsyth R-III School District offers guidance services with thehope we may provide each student with individual guidance andcounseling.
All students will have the opportunity to meet with the counselor anddiscuss future educational and occ upational plans. We urge you to takeadvantage of this opportunity.
TESTING
The ACT, SAT, PSAT, PLAN and ASVAB will be given on the dateslisted below and are voluntary:The ACT registration and test dates are as follows:
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13REGISTRATION DEADLINE TEST DATE
August 7, 2009 September 12, 2009September 18, 2009 October 25, 2009November 6, 2009 December 12, 2009
January 5, 2010 February 6, 2010March 5, 2010 April 10, 2010May 7, 2010 June 12, 2010
NOTE: THE OCTOBER AND FEBRUARY ACT WILL BE ADMINISTEREDAT FHS.
The SAT registration and test dates are as follows:REGISTRATION DEADLINE TEST DATES
September 9, 2009 October 10, 2009October 1, 2009 November 7, 2009
October 30, 2009 December 5, 2009December 15, 2009 January 23, 2010February 4, 2010 March 13, 2010March 25, 2010 May 1, 2010April 29, 2010 June 5, 2010
PSAT, PLAN, and ASVAB will be administered during October orNovember.
SCHOLARSHIPS and FINANCIAL AID
Many scholarships are available each year to graduating seniors. Thesevary in monetary amounts, qualifications and application deadlines.COMPLETION OF THE APPLICATION PROCESS IS THERESPONSIBILITY OF THE STUDENT.
Information about scholarships or other financial aid is available in theCounselor’s office and is included in t he daily announcements.Students interested in obtaining financial aid should plan their highschool course program to make them competitive. Students mustassume the responsibility for being aware of the information available.The Counselor is here to assist you and students should take advantageof that help.
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HEALTH SERVICES
If a student becomes ill during the school day or requires first aid, thestudent is to be sent to the office. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCESHOULD A STUDENT GO DIRECTLY FROM CLASS TO THENURSE. Aspirin, Tylenol, etc., is NOT available either in the office orfrom the nurse. Should a student be seriously ill and need to be senthome or to a hospital, parents will be notified. Each student must havean emergency telephone number on fi le with the nurse. All studentsmust have permission from the office BEFORE going home forillness.
The school nurse is responsible for maintenance of health records,including immunizations for each student.
Students’ immunizations must be up to date a nd current or theywill NOT be allowed to attend school.
LIBRARY
The FHS library exists to provide students and faculty withaccess to information from a variety of sources and to encouragepersonal development through reading. Materials available for s tudentsto use at school and home include books, magazines, newspapers, andCD’s. Additional equipment is available during school time such as acopier, a scanner, computers, cameras, camcorders, internet, on -linedatabases, videos, CD/DVD burners, projec tors, CD/cassette players,and more. A certified library media specialist is able to help studentswith the collection, organization, and presentation of informationthrough a variety of audio, video, and printed media.
The library adheres to guidelines e stablished by the AmericanLibrary Association and the Missouri Department of SecondaryEducation with regard to recommended policies and procedures. Thefollowing library policies are in place to provide students with equalaccess to assorted media. Books may be checked out for a two -weekperiod and repeatedly renewed if not requested by another student.Reference material may be checked out for one hour or overnight.
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15Fines will be charged for materials damaged or not returned on time. Ifmaterials are not returned by the end of the school year, grade cardsand diplomas will be held. Students are encouraged to submit specificrequests for the purchase of additional reading material and to maintainan environment conducive to learning. For protection of librarymaterials and equipment, food and drink are not allowed. The library isopen from 7:50 a.m. to 3:10 p.m. every day during the normal schoolyear. Students are welcome to use the library after hours byappointment.
VOCATIONAL-TECHNICAL SCHOOL
Juniors and seniors in high school wishing to attend Gibson Vo -Tech inReeds Spring may do so if they meet the qualifications established byboth Forsyth and Vo-Tech Administrative personnel. Applicationshould be made with the High School Counselor so a s to allow theCounselor to submit a student count and class choices to the Vo -TechSchool.
The following classes are available:
Auto Collision TechnologyAutomotive Technology I, II
Building and MaintenanceWelding Technology
Marketing/COE Computer Technology I & IIBusiness Technology Culinary ArtsConstruction Technology Health TechnologyMarine Technology Printing & Graphic Design
Forsyth School will provide transportation to and from Vo -Tech; thebus leaves at 8:15 a.m. and returns approximate ly 12:00 p.m.
Students attending Vo-Tech are being offered some very specialopportunities. In order to take advantage of these opportunities,students are required to be in REGULAR ATTENDANCE, adhere toall school rules and regulations while at Vo -Tech, as well as at FHS,maintaining a passing grade in all classes taken.
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FUND RAISING
Any fund raising promotions by classes, organizations or individualsmust have prior approval from the administration.
FIELD TRIPS
Educationally related field trips wi ll be permitted when approved inadvance by school administration. Students will observe all schoolpolicies when on field trips of any kind. Students with SaturdaySchools to serve will not be permitted to attend field trips during schoolhours. Competitions and performances are not considered field trips.
STUDENT RECORDSParents and students who are 18 or older shall have access to theirstudent educational records. Student information termed “directoryinformation” may be released unless the school i s directed by theparents/guardian not to release such information. This information willinclude: Name, address, telephone number, date and place of birth,attendance, and grade level.
SELECTIVE SERVICE REGISTRATION
Law requires all males, to register w ith the Selective Service when theyreach the age of 18 years. This is required for students to be eligiblefor federal student loans, job training benefits and federal employment.
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NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICYThe Forsyth Board of Educatio n has adopted the following policyregarding nondiscrimination:
Forsyth R-III School District does not discriminate onthe basis of race, color, national origin, gender, ageor disability. This policy pertains to admission/accessto, or treatment/employment in its programs andactivities. This notice is made to: Applicants forAdmission and Employment, Students, Parents,Elementary and Secondary Students, Employees, Sourcesof Referral of Applicants for Admission and Employmentand Union or Professional Organizations holding col -lective bargaining or professional agreements.
Any person having inquiries concerning compliance with theregulations implementing Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, TitleIX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and Section 504 of theRehabilitation Act of 1973, is directed to contact: Superintendent ofSchools, P.O. Box 187, Forsyth MO 65653. Interested persons mayalso contact the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, U.S. Dept. ofEducation: 330 “C” St., Washington DC 20202-1242.
ATTENDANCE POLICYMissouri Law requires every parent or guardian, having
control or custody of a child between the ages of 7 and 16,to cause said FORSYTH R-III HIGH SCHOOL
child to attend a school not less than the entire school term of theschool which the child attends. Any parent or guardian who violatesthe provisions of Sections 167.031 to 167.051 RSMO is guilty of amisdemeanor. Parents who do not abide by the compulsory attendancelaw will be referred to local authorities.
There is a direct correlation between regular attendance and academicachievement. It is expected that each student will attend classes
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18everyday. Only through regular class attendance and a commitment topersonal and educational growth can students achieve optimumbenefits.This attendance policy is not intended to penalize students who have anoccasional illness or who miss infrequently for approved reasons. Itdoes, however, emphasize that students are responsible for theirattendance. Because a parent excuses an absence, does not mean theschool will excuse it.Any student that misses more than 6 periods of class per semester willbe in jeopardy of losing credit in that class. In the high school, astudent with excessive absences (more than six) would miss almost 300minutes of instruction. That amount of missed instruction is substantialand would significantly compromise a student’s comprehension of thesubject matter. The office must be notified by parental note ortelephone call when a student is absent or they can be considered truantor “skipping school”.
Exceptions to Six (6) Day LimitThe following absences may be subtracted from the 6 -day limit.
1. Written verification (must include date of visit and signature)by physician or dentist that the student was under their careand excused from school.
2. A family emergency such as a death or an immediate familymember was hospitalized. No more than 1 day will be allowedwithout administrative approval.
3. Required attendance at a legal proceeding, written verification(this must include date of proceeding and signature) from ajudge or court officer will meet exemption.
Attendance Recovery SchoolThe student must attend 8:00 a.m. to 12 noon to receive any credit lostdue to poor attendance.If credit is lost, the student will be required to attend AttendanceRecovery School on the next available scheduled Saturday.One (1) Attendance Recovery School session (8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.)is required for each class hour lost. A student may rec eive multiplehours of credit if more than one subject area’s credit is in jeopardy, asarranged by the administration.Students missing 6 consecutive days without contact with the schoolwill be dropped for non-attendance. Further, a student dropped for
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19non-attendance will not be allowed to re -enroll until the start of thenext semester.Students must enroll in the first 6 days of the semester unless they are atransfer from another school. Transfer -in students must enroll within 6days of leaving their previous school.
DISCIPLINE POLICY
One of the most important lessons education should teach is discipline.While it does not appear on the schedule as a typical subject, itunderlies the entire educational process and structure. Discipline is anattribute that develops self -control, character, organization andorderliness. It is the key to proper conduct and relationships, not onlywith yourself, but with others.
The responsibility of proper conduct lies with each individual student,not the teacher, principal or parents. Individual decisions are made,and if wrong, responsibility for that action must be accepted. It ishoped this policy will serve as a guide for those who are unsure ofproper behavior and will be an aid to improvement of the overa ll schoolclimate.
DISCIPLINE MEASURES
1. DETENTION: Detention may be served from 7:30 a.m. to8:15 a.m. or at 3:10 p.m. to 3:55 p.m. The exact date and time will beassigned at the discretion of the administration. The student will followall detention guidelines as approved by the District. Changes inassigned detentions can be made only by the parent/guardian with anote by 8:20 a.m. the day of the assigned detention, or a telephone callfrom the parent/guardian by 2:30 p.m. the day of the assigneddetention. (The day before for morning detention.)
2. IN-SCHOOL SUSPENSION (ISS): The student is underthe supervision of a teacher the entire day and isolated from the normalschool routine. Work completed while in ISS may be made up forcredit. Inappropriate behavior while in ISS will result in out -of-school
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20suspension. The suspension will end at midnight of the last dayassigned.
3. OUT-OF-SCHOOL SUSPENSION (OSS): The studentis to remain out-of-school and off campus day and night whilesuspended. Student may not attend any school activities, home oraway, nor any practices, while suspended. Makeup work will not beallowed for OSS. The suspension will end at midnight of the last dayassigned. OSS days will count only when school is in session.
The use of the aforementioned disciplinary measures does notpreclude normal classroom management procedures. The followingpolicy is a guide to be used for consistency and fair treatment of allstudents. Situations that disrupt the educational process , involve thesafety of self or others, or are extremely severe in nature, may warrantincreased disciplinary measures at the discretion of the administration.
Penalties are meant to be progressive in severity andeventually result in long-term suspension or expulsion from school ifthe behavior is repeated. Violations by the same student, in differentdiscipline situations, may be dealt with in a progressively severemanner. In instances where the Missouri Safe Schools Law Applies,the authorities will be summoned. School discipline handed out will beseparate from that of the authorities.
DUE PROCESS
Students have the right of due process concerning disciplinaryactions:
a. Given oral or written notice of the charges against them.b. Given the opportunity to present their version of the
incident.c. Given oral or written explanation of the proposed
disciplinary action(s).d. The opportunity to appeal.
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CODE OF STUDENT CONDUCTThe consequences for any of the following categories are listed at
the end of this section and referred to as“Step 1, Step 2, etc.)
1. WEAPONS AND WEAPON THREATS: The term “weapon”shall include, but not be limited to: A firearm, a knife, or any objectused in a threatening manner (BEGIN @ STEP 8). A pocket knife wi thno blade over 4 inches is not considered a weapon unless it is used in athreatening manner; however, it is an inappropriate object and will beconfiscated and returned to the parent upon request (SECONDOFFENSE BEGINS @ STEP 3). Includes threatening t o bring aweapon to school. (BEGIN @ STEP 8.)2. SALE OR DISTRIBUTION OF A CONTROLLEDSUBSTANCE: Including drugs, look-a-like drugs, drug paraphernalia,legal and/or prescription medication, and alcohol within 2000 feet ofthe school property, on school busses, or school activities at home oraway. (BEGIN @ STEP 8.)3. BOMB THREATS: A felony. (BEGIN @ STEP 8.)4. ASSAULT: An unprovoked attempt to cause physical injury toanother. (BEGIN @ STEP 7.)5. ASSAULT OF STAFF: An attempt to cause physical in jury to astaff member. (BEGIN @ Step 8.)6. PHYSICAL CONTACT WITH STAFF MEMBER:Inappropriate and threatening. (BEGIN @ STEP 7.)7. POSSESSION OR USE OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE:Including drugs, look-a-like drugs, drug paraphernalia, legal and/orprescription medication, and alcohol within 2000 feet of schoolproperty, on school busses, or school activities at home or away. Thisincludes being under the influence. First time offenders submitting to adrug and alcohol evaluation (evaluator to be chose n by the school at thestudent’s expense) may have their suspension reduced. (BEGIN @STEP 7.)8. DISRESPECT: (BEGIN @ STEP 6.)9. VANDALISM: Purposeful damage to school, staff or studentproperty. Requires restitution. (BEGIN @ STEP 5.) Accidentaldamage to property requires restitution.
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2210. FIGHTING: Both parties contributing either verbally or byphysical action. (BEGIN @ STEP 4.)11. BULLYING/HARASSMENT/HAZING: This includes any formof sexual harassment, words and/or actions directed toward a notherstudent or staff member which are meant to be demeaning and/orthreatening. Hazing is defined as any activity, on or off school grounds, that wouldnegatively impact the mental or physical health or safety of a student or put the student ina ridiculous, humiliating, stressful or disconcerting position for the purposes of initiation,affiliation, admission, membership or maintenance of membership in any group, class,organization, club or athletic team including, but not limited to, a grade level, s tudentorganization or school-sponsored activity. Bullying is defined as intimidation orharassment of a student or multiple students perpetuated by individuals or groups.Bullying may also include cyber bullying or cyber threats. Cyber bullying is sendi ng orposting harmful or cruel text or images using the Internet or other digital communicationdevices. Cyber threats are online materials that threaten or raise concerns about violenceagainst others, suicide or self -harm. (BEGIN @ STEP 4.)12. STEALING: Stealing of another person’s property. Requiresrestitution. (BEGIN @ STEP 4.)13. TOBACCO: The possession or use of any tobacco product withinone (1) square block of school property by a student is prohibited. Thisdoes include all school activitie s at home or away. (BEGIN @ STEP3.)14. TRUANCY: Absence from school without expressed parentalconsent or knowledge before the absence occurs, including leavingschool without permission of school authorities. Homework may not bemade up when truant. (BEGIN @ STEP 3.)15. SKIPPING A CLASS: Missing a scheduled class without priorapproval of the teacher. (BEGIN @ STEP 2)16. BEING IN OTHER BUILDING OR PARKING LOTWITHOUT PERMISSION: Must have written permission from highschool office to be in the elementary, middle school building, orparking lot. (BEGIN @ STEP 3.)17. INSUBORDINATION: (BEGIN @ STEP 3.)18. DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIOR AT ACTIVITIES ORASSEMBLIES: Also requires removal from activities for 6 to 36weeks. May be carried over to the next year. (BEGIN @ STEP 2.)19. PUBLIC DISPLAY OF AFFECTION: Students should refrainfrom anything other than holding hands. (BEGIN @ STEP 1.)20. USE OF INAPPROPRIATE LANGUAGE: (BEGIN @ STEP1.)
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2321. ABUSE OF VEHICLE OR PARKING REGULATIONS:Students driving to school must park on school property in designatedareas. Parking on paved lot by permit only. Excessive speed,squealing of tires, and pulling through spots is unacceptable. Also,vehicles may be towed at owner’s expense at the discretion of theadministration. (Note: Vehicles parked on school property may besearched when deemed necessary by school officials.) (BEGIN @STEP 1.)22. DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIOR: ISS is for that class period only. 6 th
offense is permanent removal from that class.23. TARDIES: Calculated per semester per class. The first tardy is averbal warning by teacher, second and subsequent tardies are onedetention.24. FAILURE TO SERVE: Failure to serve an assigned detention(Begin @ STEP 2). Not to exceed STEP 4.
DRESS CODE AND APPEARANCEStudents violating the guidelines for proper dress and appearance couldbe sent home and not be admitted to school until they are in compliancewith this policy. Violators of this policy begin at Step 1.1. Students shall not wear clothing tha t is in any way suggestive ofsupport of, or membership in, a gang. The exhibition of gang symbolsin or on lockers or classroom materials; the flashing of gang signs orthe wearing of gang colors will not be tolerated.2. Dress and appearance shall not, in any way, cause a distraction,interfere with the educational process, or be suggestive or indecent.3. Dress and appearance shall be in keeping with what is generallyaccepted by the community as being in good taste.4. Dress and appearance shall not in any manner present a potentialhealth or safety hazard.6. Footwear and undergarments are to be worn at all times.Shirts/blouses must have sleeves and the shirt/blouse must meet the topof the jeans, pants, or skirt when the student is standing. Shorts may beworn any time provided they are in good taste. Face painting, writingor drawing on the skin, or costumes will not be allowed at school.Chains, bandanas, gloves, or sunglasses are not to be worn in thebuilding. (Exceptions may be made for schoo l-sponsored specialactivities such as school spirit week). Headwear will be left up to theindividual teacher’s classroom rules.
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247. Any article that advertises or promotes the use of drugs, alcohol,tobacco, or is sexually suggestive, shall not be allowed in school.8. Teachers or classes in which specific dress is necessary or requiredto ensure student safety may require student to dress accordingly.
INAPPROPRIATE ITEMSMany items, such as laser pointers, squirt guns, some magazines, etc.,are inappropriate items for school. If any of these items are brought toschool by accident, it should be turned into the office as soon aspossible; the item(s) will be returned with no action taken. If notturned into the office, it will be confiscated and necessary action will betaken against the student (BEGIN @ Step 1).
ELECTRONIC DEVICESElectronic devices may be turned on only before school, the 4 minutesbetween classes, during your assigned lunch, and after school. Duringall other times these devices must b e turned off. Upon violation of thisrule the device will be confiscated. (BEGIN @ STEP 1) The school isnot responsible for stolen, lost, or damaged electronic devices .
CELL PHONESCell phones may not be seen or heard on campus from 8:20 -3:00. If astudent loans his/her phone to another student during these hours bothparties will be punished for misuse. Students will be sent to the officeto turn in the phone. The school will not be responsible for stolen, lost,or damaged cell phones. A parent/guar dian will have to pick up thecell phone from the office (BEGIN @ Step 1).
CONSEQUENCES:STEP 1: 1 Detention (After School or Morning Detention)STEP 2: 1 Day of In-School Suspension (ISS)STEP 3: 3 Days ISSSTEP 4: 5 Days ISSSTEP 5: 10 Days ISSSTEP 6: 5 Days OSSSTEP 7: 10 Days OSSSTEP 8: Recommendation to the Superintendent of Schools for up to180 days of OSS or to the Board of Education for expulsion.
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25SITUATIONS NOT IN STUDENT HANDBOOK
Situations that might arise that are not addressed i n this handbook, thatendanger the welfare of students and staff, or seriously interrupt theeducational process of the school, will be handled at the discretion ofthe administration.
COMMUNICATION WITH PARENTS/GUARDIANSCommunication with parents or gua rdians is a vital aspect of anydiscipline policy. Any disciplinary action documented by teachers oradministration will involve contact with the home either by disciplinaryreport, letter, telephone or conference with parent or guardian.
BUS TRANSPORTATIONThe school buses are owned and operated by the school district and areunder the jurisdiction of the Board of Education. The administration ofthe school has the authority to make necessary rules and regulationsconcerning the use of school buses. St udent appreciation for thisservice can be shown by good conduct on the bus, following thedirectives of the driver, and also by considerate treatment of the busequipment.In order to insure the safest possible environment for ALL students onthe bus, the following discipline policy is in effect for ALL studentsthat CHOOSE to ride:
1. Obey the directives of the bus driver.2. Be courteous: no pushing, shoving, swearing, fighting etc.3. No illegal substances: tobacco, drugs, alcohol, weapons etc.4. Do not eat or drink on the bus.5. Do not damage bus or equipment.6. Do not litter: includes inside and outside the bus.7. Stay seated correctly and talk to your neighbors without
screaming or shouting.8. No pets, balloons, flowers etc. Busses are for transporting
students and their school supplies.Most violations will be minor and a written warning will be issued onlyafter an attempt has been made by the driver to contact theparent/guardian to discuss the problems on the bus. A minor [levelone] violation will have the followin g consequences:
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261. First offense-verbal warnings by the driver with
documentation to the assistant principal.2. Second offense- contact with the parent [if possible] with
documentation to assistant principal.3. Third offense – written warning with documentation t o
assistant principal.4. Fourth offense – One day bus removal5. Fifth offense – three day bus removal for each subsequent
discipline notice.More severe violations [level two], which create unsafe conditions onthe bus, will result in more severe consequences. The first level twoviolation will result in a three day bus removal AND parentalconference with the bus driver and/or school administration. Pleasekeep in mind that we are trying to maintain a safe environment for ALLon the bus. Some examples of a level two violation:Refusal to obey bus driver [insubordination]VandalismVerbal or physical abuseSexual harassmentUse or possession of illegal substance Continued level 2 violations will result in 10 days, 30 days, 90 daysand eventual permanent bus removal.
The transportation department wants you to know that we are doing allwe can to make sure your child has a safe and enjoyable trip, whether itbe to and from school or an activity. With your help we can achievethese goals. The transportation department phone number is 546 -6606if you have any questions or comments.
The administration reserves the right to use regular school discipline inaddition to or in place of bus discipline.
DETENTION GUIDELINESDetention will be used as a form of dis cipline for violation of schoolpolicy. The following will serve as a guide for students and detentionsupervisors:
1. Detention will be held for 45 minutes before or after school.Days and times may be assigned by the administration.
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272. Transportation home at the end of detention is the
responsibility of the student.3. Students must work on school assignments or reading
materials accessible from the school library.4. All homework, books and reading materials must be
brought with the student when ente ring detention. Students will not beallowed to go to the library or locker after entering detention.
5. No talking allowed.6. No visitors allowed.7. Students are not allowed to take or make telephone calls.8. No radios, food or drink will be allow ed in detention.9. Students will remain in assigned seat and get up only with
permission of the supervisor.10. Any student found writing on the desks will be assigned
further discipline.11. Student must serve detention on the date assigned.
Requests for change must be made by the parent or guardian prior tothe date assigned.
12. Student’s failure to abide by these guidelines, or theinstructions of the supervisor’s, will result in the student being removedfrom detention and additional discipline m easures taken.
IN-SCHOOL SUSPENSION GUIDELINES1. Students must get assignments from all teachers prior to
reporting for ISS. The ISS Teacher will give an assignment on the dayof the ISS.
2. Students are to report to the ISS room by 8:20 a.m.3. Students are to have all materials necessary to complete all
assignments when reporting to ISS.4. There is to be no talking at any time unless a student raises
their hand to ask a question about an assignment.5. Sleeping or putting head down on the desk is not allowed.
All four legs of the chair must remain on the floor.6. Students are allowed one restroom break in the morning,
and one in the afternoon. Restroom breaks will be taken when all otherstudents are in class.
8. Students will have the choice of bringing a brown bag lunchor eating the scheduled class “A” lunch served by the cafeteria.
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289. Students must complete all assignments given to them while
in ISS. If they fail to do so, or in the opinion of the supervisor theyhave not used their time properly, they will remain in ISS until allassignments are complete.
10. It is the responsibility of the student to see that all workcompleted is turned into the teacher. Some assignments or tests may becollected by the supervisor and turned into the teacher immediately.
11. Students are not allowed to eat candy, chew gum, drinksoda, etc., while in ISS.
12. Parents may request out -of-school suspension (OSS) inlieu of their child serving ISS. The days will count toward theirattendance policy limit and they may not make up homework.
13. If a student is removed from ISS they will spend theremainder of their assigned time as OSS.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION CLASS
Students enrolled in physical education class are required to providetheir own clothing. The clothing shall be of the type which is necessaryfor safety, health or protection of people or property. Soft -soled shoes,white socks and white tee shirt or blouse are acceptable. However, cut -off jeans are not considered acceptable. Students are encouraged to putlocks on their lockers, which may be obtained in the high school officefor a $4.00 refundable deposit. IT IS STRONGLYRECOMMENDED STUDENTS PUT A LOCK ON THEIRLOCKER.A student who has an illness or disability which necessitates a limitedphysical education program, or one who should be excused entirelyfrom physical education, must have on file with the principal, adoctor’s statement to that effect. The statement should include thefollowing information:
1. The student’s name.2. A statement of the problem.3. The dates during which the student will be unable to
participate.4. The signature of the attending physician.
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29LOCKERS
IT IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED STUDENTS PUT A LOCKON THEIR LOCKER. Locker assignments are made at thebeginning of school. Students are not to trade lockers or lockerpartners. Locks may be placed on lockers in the hallway or gymprovided the office or coach has the combination or extra key to thelock. Locks may be obtained in the high school office for a $4 .00refundable deposit.
Lockers will work properly if treated properly. Problems that mayoccur should be reported as soon as discovered. Students who misuselockers may lose the privilege of having a locker to use.
Students are encouraged to keep lock ers neat in appearance and to keepthe doors closed when not in use. Students are reminded that lockersare the property of the school and are subject to inspection and searchby school administration without notice.
HALL PASSES
No student may leave a c lassroom unless excused by the teacher. Anystudent not in class must have a hall pass, found in the student planner,explaining why he/she is out of class or be accompanied by a teacher toprevent facing disciplinary action. The pass is to have the time thestudent left the room and be signed by the sending teacher. The sameapplies when the student leaves to return to class. It should not benecessary for a teacher to give students passes to go to their lockers orto the restroom on a frequent basis. Students are not to go to the otherbuildings without a pass issued from the office, except to attend anassigned class.
ABSENTEES
When a student returns to school following an absence, the student isrequired to bring a note or have a phone call from a parent/guardianexplaining the reason for the absence. If the note is received prior to
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30the absence, a second note is not necessary upon return to school. Thestudent absence will be verified in the computer and marked with a V.The student will be allowed to make up work missed during theabsence. Students will have one day to make up work for each day theyare absent. This does not effect the due date of previously assignedwork or tests.Students who fail to present a written excuse from a parent/g uardianmay not be granted credit for make up work.
LEAVING SCHOOL GROUNDS
A student must never leave school before the regular dismissal timewithout permission from the administration. When a student needs toleave school early, they must present a par ental permission note beforetheir first class so the note can be verified if necessary. Students mayalso have a parent/guardian call the school to leave school early. Theparent/guardian will be asked a security question prior to the release ofthe student. Students must sign out in the office prior to leaving.Students may not return to school that day unless a parent/guardianaccompanies the student to the office to sign the student back intoschool. Students leaving without permission will be conside redtruant and will be disciplined according to policy.
AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIESStudents attending ball games or other activities are expected to supporttheir peers in the activity in a display of good sportsmanship. Studentswho cannot behave appropria tely at after school activities will not beallowed to attend further activities.
PRINCIPAL’S OFFICE
A student should never ask to go to the office during class unless ill orcalled for by the office personnel. In addition, a student should notcome to the office between hours unless an urgent matter arises.Students are expected to maintain an attitude of business and quietwhenever they are in the office.
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31PROGRESS REPORTS
Occasionally it is necessary for teachers to send special reportsconcerning a student to parents/guardians. Often such reports indicatethere is a need for improvement and/or a conference with theparent/guardian is desired. Reports of this nature are usually mailed.
WITHDRAWAL FROM SCHOOL
Students withdrawing from school must obtain a withdrawal form fromthe high school office. All school property will be returned to theappropriate school authorities and all outstanding fees or bills will bepaid. PARENTS ARE EXPECTED TO ACCOMPANY THESTUDENT TO SCHOOL AT THE TIME OF WITHDRA WAL.
SPORTSMANSHIP
Forsyth School is committed to the belief that participation in athletics,both as players, spectators and coaches, supplements and enriches thestudents’ educational experiences. Such participation, however, is aprivilege that carries with it responsibilities to the team, the school, thecommunity and the student himself. Whether participating as a playeror a spectator, athletics should contribute to the student’s knowledge,skills, appreciation of fair play and ideals of sportsman ship, therebymaking each a better person and citizen. When and where athletics failto provide these desirable values, they cease to serve their true purpose.
THE FIRST RULE OF SPORTSMANSHIP IS COURTESY TOEVERYONE AROUND YOU - YOUR CLASSMATES,VISITORS, PLAYERS, COACHES AND OFFICIALS.
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32RULES OF GOOD CONDUCT and
SPORTSMANSHIP1. No objects of any kind should be thrown onto the court or
field. Besides the possibility of inflicting an injury, this shows lack ofrespect for your school and opponents.
2. No vulgar language or suggestive gestures will be allowed.3. Booing officials and opposing team members is prohibited.
A mature person accepts the game officials’ decisions and respectsguests (sometimes you are the guest).
4. All yelling, screaming, cheering should be FOR your ownteam and NOT AGAINST the opposing team - appreciate a good play,no matter who makes it.
5. Quiet during free throws should be observed for both teams.Any comments, such as “air ball”, “rebound”, or counting dribbles a rein poor taste.
6. Any signs or posters used should be of a positive natureencouraging your team.
7. Only authorized school personnel should be on the floor atany time. No one should block the view of other spectators.
8. Stay in seated area during the game. Go to the lobby,restroom or get refreshments only at half time or between games.
9. Unsportsmanlike conduct on the part of others SHOULDNOT be an example for us. We should set the example of goodsportsmanship always.
MUSIC PROGRAMSThe music department prepares for and presents several programsthroughout the year. These are held at night and are open to the public.In addition, the band and Select Choir perform at various functions andin parades in Forsyth and nearby communities.
Drug TestingAll students who wish to be involved in co -curricular and extra-curricular activities are required to be a part of the Drug TestingProgram. In addition, any student who is suspected to be under theinfluence of drugs may be tested at the school d istrict’s discretion.
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Forsyth R-III SchoolDistrict
Technology Acceptable UsePolicy
This form must be completed and returned before privileges will begiven for the school year.
Access to the Internet is a privilege that brings unparalleled opportunityto interact with the world at large. These services offer vast, diverse,and unique resources to both students and staff. In order to use thedistrict’s resources to access the Internet, and magazine database, thecomputers for word processing, spreadsh eet or database development,etc., students and their guardians must read, agree to, and sign thefollowing agreement:
Proper use of the computers:
1. I understand that computers are expensive and delicate learningtools. Any damage caused to the comput er by a student will bepaid for by the student.
2. I understand that I should use a computer only with the approval ofthe staff member responsible for that computer. Deliberate“hacking” into the network or other unauthorized access is notallowed.
Network/Internet use policies:
1. Respect the privacy of others. Do not intentionally obtain copiesor modify files, passwords, or data that belong to anyone else(including the staff or the district)
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342. Respect the legal protection provided by copyright li cense to
programs, books, articles, data, and Internet resources.3. No advertising for profit, campaigns for political office, or
commercial use of the district’s resources is allowed.4. For your own safety, do not reveal personal information including
addresses, phone numbers, social security numbers (driver’slicense number!), etc., on-line or any other time.
5. Use appropriate language respecting others. Do not use languagethat is obscene, profane, or abusive.
6. Because of the potentially large numb er of students who need touse the computers for Internet as well as personal productivity,student access to the Internet may be limited to a specified numberof minutes per session. This limitation, if any, will be posted at thenetwork site.
7. The district reserves the right to inspect any material stored on thecomputers or server and will remove any material that is foundobjectionable. Users may not obtain, view, download, install, orotherwise gain access to potentially objectionable materials(including text, video, pictures, and/or sound).
8. The intention of the district’s resources is for educational use.Non-educational use may be limited at any time by district staff.
9. Specific classroom teachers or lab supervisors may have additionalrules that apply to the resources under their responsibility. Usersare subject to those rules as well as these.
Usability Warranty
The district does not warrant that the functions of the system willmeet any specific requirements a student may have, or th at it willbe error free or uninterrupted; nor shall it be liable for any direct orindirect, incidental, or consequential damages (including lost data,information, or profits) sustained or incurred in connection withthe use, operation, or inability to u se the system.
Consequences:
Access to the district resources and Internet is considered aprivilege. Anyone found using access in a way deemedinappropriate will incur the following consequences. Theseconsequences apply to any and all computer use; t hat is, if a
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35suspension is given due to inappropriate Internet use, the studentwill not be able to use the computer for word processing,spreadsheets, or any other use as well. Also, violating differentprovisions of the Acceptable Use Policy will be con sidered as a2nd, 3rd, etc., offense. Cancellation or suspension of privilegeswill take place according to the following schedule:
1st Offense – ACCIDENTAL Internet Violation – Warning1st Offense – INTENTIONAL Internet Violation - 30-day Internetuse suspension2nd Offense – INTENTIONAL Internet Violation -Revocation of Internet use privileges for 1 calendar year.1st Offense – Bypassing or Disabling a Content Filter – Revocationof Internet use privileges for 1 calendar year.* All technology equipment damage falls under handbook policieswith other school district property.
The technology coordinator, in conjunction with the appropriatebuilding administrator, will make all decisions regarding whether auser has violated this policy and may deny, revoke, or suspendaccess at any time.
“I have read the Acceptable Use Policy, understand it, and agree toadhere to the principles and procedures listed within. I also understandthat additional rules and regulations may be added from time to timeand that they become a part of this agreement. I further understand thatinappropriate or illegal use of district resources may result in civil orcriminal lawsuits. Finally, I understand that parents and/or guardiansmay be held accountable for the inapp ropriate use or damage caused bytheir child.”
________________________________ __________ ________________________________ __________Student Signature Date
________________________________ __________ ________________________________ __________Parent Signature Date
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36EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES GUIDELINES
Fun, fellowship and respect for an opponent are only a few of theadvantages extra-curricular activities and athletic competition furnishesfor those who participate. These activities, aside from the regularclassroom, are a very important part of any school’s curriculum. Thevalues that can be learned from participation, above and beyon d thenormal school day, can be invaluable.
The activity program should stand for good sportsmanship. It must beunderstood that participation in any activity at FHS is a privilege, not aright. The privilege to participate can be lost for rules violati ons and/orfailure to meet eligibility guidelines.
The student and the school are judged by the participant’s character andconduct at all times. The students are representatives of their schooland community both at home and on the road. Students serve as amodel to many people and their attitude has an important impact uponothers.
Any student whose habit and conduct, in or outside the school, duringthe school term or in the summer, are not consistent with the ideals,principles and the standards of t he Forsyth Schools shall be declaredineligible.
Student/athletes should be aware their academic work comes first andthat academic standards will be adhered to throughout the year.
Good sportsmanship should be practiced at all times by all participants.It should be remembered that the actions of an individual athlete mayaffect many people and constant attention to this fact is a principle onwhich this handbook is based.
Students wishing to participate in FHS sanctioned competition mustmeet the following eligibility standards set forth by Forsyth R -IIISchool District:
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371. Must be a creditable citizen.2. Must have passed 6 classes the previous semester and must
be currently enrolled in at least 6 classes.3. Must be in attendance for four (4) full periods of the school
day to participate in any game or practice (exceptions to this rule maybe granted by administration).
4. Students serving “out -of-school” suspension will NOT beeligible to attend any school activity the day and night of thesuspension.
5. Students will follow District guidelines regarding riding“school provided transportation” to and from activities.
6. Regular attendance for classes, practices, games, team oractivity meetings.
7. Students must meet the coach or sponsor’s standard orconduct and performance.
8. Students participating in athletics, Cheerleading or dancesquad must have a current/approved physical on file in the schoolnurses office prior to any practices or contests.
9. Cheerleaders have other expectations and guide lines thatpertain to them to which they must abide.
FAILURE TO ABIDE BY ANY OF THE ABOVE ELIGIBILITYSTANDARDS MAY RESULT IN IMMEDIATE INELIGIBILITYTO PARTICIPATE IN ALL FORSYTH HIGH SCHOOLACTIVITIES.
INJURIES – PRACTICE/GAMES
All injuries should be of great concern to the coach and should bedocumented and reported to the office. If necessary, and in thejudgement of the coach, the parents and/or medical emergencypersonnel should be called. Student/athletes under the care of aphysician must have release from that physician before being allowedto resume practice.
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ELIGIBILITY
Students wishing to participate in Forsyth School and MSHSAAsanctioned activities must meet the eligibility standards set forth by theForsyth School and the Missouri High School Activities Association.
1. CITIZENSHIP:Student/athletes must be a creditable school citizen. Creditable schoolcitizens are those students whose conduct, both in and out of school,will not reflect discredit upon themselves or their school.
2. ACADEMICS (Grades 9 –12):a. Must be currently enrolled in and passing courses
that offer a minimum of 3.0 units of credit (6 courses).b. Must have earned at least 3.0 units of credit the
preceding semester of attendance.c. Must be making satisfactory progress toward
graduation.3. BUS CONDUCT/RULES:All rules pertaining to behavior on buses as outlined in the
student handbook shall also pertain to activity trips.Students representing Forsyth School must ride school
provided transportation to and from the game or meet. Students may bereleased to their parents for the ride home provided the parentspersonally make the request to the coach, and sign a permission/releasesheet or provide the coach/sponsor with a signed note. Students will bereleased to parents only unless prior arrangements have been made withthe administration.
USE OF FACILITIES:There will be no Sunday use of school facilities for practices unlessprior approval is granted by the administration. All practices will beover and the buildings empty no later than 6:30 on Wednesdays. Anyactivity on Wednesday evening must receive approval from schoolofficials. Facilities may be used by the general public as outlined byschool board policy.
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39PRACTICE AND GAME ATTENDANCE
The policy will be established by each activity and it willbe the coach’s discretion as to how practice and gameattendance is handled.
GOOD CONDUCT RULE
Any student who is observed by a staff member or a lawenforcement officer, either on or off school grounds or at aschool activity, or admits to, or at a judicial or administrativeproceeding is found by substantial evidence to have any of thefollowing below. This rule is cumulative through the student’sHigh School career.
1. Possessed alcoholic beverages with knowledge, intentand control thereof;
2. Consumed alcoholic beverages;3. Possessed a controlled substance(s) and/or drug
paraphernalia as defined by law, without a prescription,and with knowledge, intent and con trol thereof;
4. Used or offered for sale any controlled substance asdefined by law;
5. Committed theft, vandalism, or other serious offenses,including those, which would violate the Missouri codeof law, as to make the student unworthy to represent theideals and standards of this school.
6. These consequences are in addition to and separate from discipline administered elsewhere in this handbook.
a. Due process will be afforded students forviolations of the Good Conduct Rule.
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40b. A student who has been found to have violated
the Good Conduct Rule will be disciplined asfollows.
1. FIRST OFFENSE: The student in violation will besuspended from all activities for a period of 4 games.
a. If in the off-season, the suspension shall beginthe first day the activity is scheduled to begin.
b. Scrimmages, practices and team meetings arenot included in the suspension.
c. The length of the suspension may be adjusted bythe administration if the student agrees to anassessment, at the student’s expense, by anapproved agency, or voluntarily reports theviolation of the Good Conduct Rule.
2. SECOND OFFENSE: Student in violation will besuspended from all activities for a period of 8 gameswhile school is in session.
a. The suspension may carry over from one year tothe next.
b. The student must complete the entire season inorder for the suspension to count.
3. THIRD OFFENSE: The student in violation will bepermanently suspended from all activities.
The effects of the use of all tobacco products creates a long termdanger to the user and should be dealt with differently thanalcohol, controlled substances or serious violations of the law.Since the immediate danger of tobacco products is less, thediscipline for the use should not be as harsh.
1. FIRST OFFENSE: Suspension from all activities for aperiod of 1 game.
a. Scrimmages, practices, and team meetings arenot included in the suspension.
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412. SECOND OFFENSE: Suspension from all activities for
a period of 4 games.a. Scrimmages, practices, and team meetings are
not included in the suspension.3. THIRD OFFENSE: Suspension from all activities for a
period of 8 games and consecutive offense thereafterwill be 8 games.
a. Scrimmages, practices, and team meetings arenot included in the suspension.
SCHOOL DANCES
All school dances must be approved in advance and placed on theschool calendar. They shall be supervised by at least 3 staff members.Most dances are open to Forsyth High School students only. Guestsmay attend some dances when invited by a FHS student and uponapproval by the school. Students who have not reached high schoolmay not be invited to FHS dances. All dances will end at midnight orbefore. Homecoming King and Queen are not eligible to become PromKing and Queen candidates during the same school year.
ASSEMBLIES
Assemblies are an important part of our school program. The faculty,administration and student organizations will schedule a variety ofprograms. An attempt will be made to make the programs bothenjoyable and educational. Admission may be charged for someassemblies and students will be notified in advance when this is to bethe case.One of the educational values of assemblies is training in goodaudience behavior. It is each student’s responsibility to be respectful,courteous and attentive at all times.
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42CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS
The following clubs and organizations are available to students atForsyth High School:
ACADEMIC TEAMBINART
FOREIGN LANGUAGE CLUBSFUTURE BUSINESS LEADERS OF AMERICA (FBLA)
FUTURE FARMERS OF AMERICA (FFA)FAMILY, COMMUNITY, AND CA REER LEADERS OF AMERICA
(FCCLA)INDUSTRIAL ARTS CLUB
MATH CLUBNATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY
PEP CLUBROTC
SPEECH CONTESTSTUDENT COUNCIL (STUCO)
The following athletic activities are available:FALL SPORTS: Baseball, Cross Country, Girls’ Tennis, Softball,VolleyballWINTER SPORTS: Boys’ Basketball, Girls’ Basketball,Cheerleading, Dance SquadSPRING SPORTS: Baseball, Softball, Golf, Boys’ TennisA student may participate in only one sport per sports season as listedabove.REGULATIONS FOR CLUBS & ORGANIZATIO NS
1. Class and club meetings will be scheduled with theadministration and held during the 1 st Wednesday of the month. Clubsmay meet outside the school day, but not before 8:00 a.m. nor after4:00 p.m. Classes and clubs are limited to 9 meetings per year duringschool hours.
2. Every club and organization is to file a list of officers andmembers with the principal by the end of the first month of school.
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433. No club or organization shall hold a meeting without the
presence of the sponsor and the app roval of the principal.4. No student shall be the president of more than one club or
organization. Officers elected shall be members in good standing ofthat class or organization.
5. No club or organization may use the building at nightwithout the prior permission from the principal.
6. Requests for school transportation should be made to theprincipal at least two weeks in advance of the scheduled event.
7. Students riding the bus to events away from FHS mustreturn on the bus. However, in some ca ses, students may be permittedto ride home with parents if prior arrangements have been made withthe coach/sponsor.
8. No meetings or practices are to be scheduled on Wednesdayevenings.
ACADEMIC LETTER CLUB
This award is designed to reward those stude nts who have excelled inthe academic area. In order to receive an Academic Letter, thefollowing requirements must be met:
1. Students must be in attendance full -time.2. Students must earn a 3.0 or higher grade point average the
first semester and 3.0 GPA at mid point of the second semester.3. Any student who transfers to Forsyth must attend our school
a full year to be eligible for a letter. In addition, they must have earneda minimum grade point average of 3.0 at their previous school andmaintain at least a 3.0 grade point average the first semester at FHS.
4. Academic Letter Club Members will be honored eachspring at an awards ceremony, and will receive the following awards:
1. FIRST YEAR: Chenille letter “F”.2. SECOND AND SUCCESSIVE Y EARS: bar
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44FOOD SERVICES
The cafeteria is maintained for the convenience of the students of FHS.A nutritious breakfast and lunch is available daily. Additional milksand second lunches are available for purchase by all students.
FHS maintains a “Closed Lunch” period, therefore, STUDENTS MAYNOT LEAVE THE SCHOOL GROUNDS FOR LUNCH. Classeswill be divided into two sections during the lunch period.
It is imperative that students maintain proper conduct in the cafeteria.Running, pushing, crowding will not be allowed. Noise should be keptto a minimum so as not to disturb classes that are in session. Studentswho cannot act as ladies and gentlemen while in the cafeteria will bedenied the privilege of eating there.
CHARGING YOUR MEAL IS NO LONGER ALLOWED. Thecharge limit has been eliminated. You must have money in youraccount in order to purchase a lunch with your ID number. Students onthe reduced lunch price program must also have funds in their accountto purchase a lunch. Students who pay full price or reduced pricefor their lunch must have money in their account. Students on thefree lunch program will receive a regular lunch at no cost.However, free lunch students may not purchase ala carte items noranother lunch without having mone y in their account to pay for theextras.
1. Each student will be issued an ID number. The ID numberis to be used by one student only. Students must present their IDnumber when purchasing their meal. Students who persist in goingthrough the lunch line without knowing their number, will bedenied service and/or disciplined.
2. Students with a negative balance in their account will havetheir food service ID number revoked. The ID number will be returnedwhen funds are deposited in the account to agai n bring about a positivebalance. Deposits on accounts must be at least $5.00.
3. There will be a 24 hour processing period for fundsdeposited into your account. After that period, upon request, your ID
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45number will be returned. Meals served to you duri ng this period (whileyou don’t have an ID number) will be from a specified menu (mainlypeanut butter sandwich and milk). There will be a charge to youraccount for these meals (.50 for the peanut butter sandwich and milk -no substitutions or deletions ). Another option to this would be to bringyour lunch from home.
4. Students attempting to purchase a regular meal or ala carteitem, without an ID number, will have that meal or item taken awayand a day in ISS will be assigned. It is the student’s responsibility tomake sure they have their ID number before they get in line.
5. Students without ID numbers will be allowed to get in lineafter the students with ID numbers have been served and have clearedthrough the cashier. The students without ID num bers are to remainseated until a cafeteria supervisor indicates that it is time to get in line.At this time, they may charge to their account a peanut butter sandwichand a carton of milk.
6. A student may purchase a lunch for another student, butmust be present with their ID number when the lunch is purchased.
7. Students may not eat in the elementary cafeteria.
AUTOMOBILES
Students driving to school must park on school grounds. Permits arerequired for designated areas. Upon entering school grounds, studentsare to park their vehicle in the designated area and leave it until schoolis out. No student will be allowed to enter or move a vehicle during theschool day unless granted permission by a high school administrator.
Students are expected to operate their vehicles in a safe manner at alltimes while on school property. Any infraction of the rules related tooperating a motor vehicle on school grounds will result in temporary orpermanent loss of driving privileges on school property.
If there is sufficient reason to believe a vehicle contains drugs,alcoholic beverages or other items which may be disruptive to theeducational process or destructive to the school facility, the driver shallbe asked to open the car a nd show school authorities that none are in
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46the vehicle. Vehicles should not be left unattended overnight in theparking lot. The school is in no way responsible for vandalism of student vehicles.
TELEPHONE CALLS
THE PHONES IN THE OFFICE ARE FOR SCHOO LPERSONNEL USE ONLY. Unless it is an emergency, students willnot be called out of class to answer the phone. However, messages willbe taken and relayed to the student toward the end of the school day.
HEALTH STANDARDS
The school nurse, with the consent of the principal, may require a pupilsuspected of having a disease or of being able to transmit a disease tobe excluded from school according to school policy for prevention andcontrol of communicable diseases. These students may also berequired to be examined by a physician and to provide a writtenstatement of health before returning to school. Any pupil notcomplying may be excluded from school. Children who become ill atschool should be taken to the health office and a decision will be madethere as to calling a parent, doctor, ect. The decision regarding medicaltreatment should always be the responsibility of the parent. Only incases of emergency will the school make this decision. Please seecommunicable disease policy on page 49.
MEDICATION FOR STUDENTS
All medicines including over the counter and prescriptionmedicines must be brought to the health office and dispensed bythe nurse or designee. Written permission must be obtained from aparent/guardian to administer over the coun ter medications. Thispermission must be renewed annually. All medications brought toschool outside of these guidelines will be held and will not be given tothe student. The parent may come to the health office and pick up themedication during school hours. It is advisable to inform the
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47pharmacist at the time the prescription is filled if some of themedication is to be left at school. A record of any administration ofmedicines to any student shall be kept. The school district retains theright to reject any request for the administration of medicine. SeeForsyth Board Policy JHDC for further details on Administration ofMedication to Students. Board Policy is available on Forsyth SchoolWebsite.
CONDUCT IN HALLSThe halls are very crowded betwe en classes as well as before and afterschool. Therefore, it is necessary to observe certain rules sodisruptions, confusion or other problems are kept to a minimum.Students are to be courteous to others in the hall. Students are to avoidrunning, shouting, whistling, slamming lockers and other forms ofunnecessary loudness at all times. Do not loiter at lockers or stand ingroups blocking the hallways. Please make an effort to keep the hallsclean by placing waste paper and other refuse in trash cans .
CARE OF SCHOOL PROPERTY:
It is the responsibility of each student to see that school property is keptin good condition. Vandalism of any sort will not be tolerated.Students will be held responsible for the proper care of all books,supplies, apparatus and furniture furnished by the Board of Education.Pupils who deface or mar school property will be required to pay alldamages and will be subject to disciplinary action.
VENDING MACHINES
Pop or juices may only be purchased before school, at lunch a nd afterschool. The machines will be turned off during the day. Open cans ofpop or juice are not to be kept in lockers. Students are not to take foodand drink into the classrooms.
POP AND FOOD IN THE CLASSROOM
Pop and food items may not be taken in the classroom, except forscheduled meetings with prior approval from the administration.
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LOST AND FOUND
A Lost & Found is maintained through the principal’s office. Studentswho either lose or find items should report this to the office. Loss ofproperty may be minimized by placing the owner’s name on everyarticle and by not leaving personal items unattended.
DAILY ANNOUNCEMENTS
A daily bulletin with items of student and teacher interest will be readover the intercom at a designated time each day. A copy of the dailyannouncement will be posted on the school website.
ACTIVITY CALENDAR
An official school calendar is kept in the principal’s office. Toeliminate conflicts and confusion, teachers, sponsors and students are toschedule events with the office as early as possible. All dates andactivities must be approved by the principal before they will be enteredon the calendar.
STUDENT SAFETY
On rare occasions students are needlessly hurt during the school year.In most instances, injury could be avoided if students would be morecautious and simply think before acting. To minimize the possibility ofinjury, students are expected to obey the following rules:
1. Report accidents promptly and accurately to the principal.2. Inform someone in authority of unsafe practices in the
building, school grounds and/or streets.3. Help keep the school building clean and hazard free.4. Remain calm and follow the directions of the principal and
school personnel during safety drills and other emergencie s.
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495. Students participating in agriculture, industrial arts and lab
classes are required to wear safety glasses or goggles and must followthe safety rules set for each class.
SAFETY DRILL INSTRUCTIONS
A CRISIS RESPONSE GUIDE is posted in every classro om. Teachersand students will respond appropriately to the situations described inthe guide through a series of safety drills conducted during the schoolyear. Students are to follow the instructions of school personnel duringall crisis responses. Crisis response includes evacuation, severeweather, and lockdown.
HEALTH INSURANCE
Supplemental insurance is available on a voluntary basis for eachstudent in school. This insurance provides for coverage of injury whileat school-sponsored events. Students are not covered under theinsurance if they drive or ride with someone to and from school. Theymust be on the school bus to be covered. All students participating inathletics must be covered by insurance. If a student does not purchaseschool insurance, a statement from a parent or guardian will be neededto show proof of insurance. In addition, it is STRONGLYrecommended that students enrolled in the following classes be coveredby some type of insurance:1. VoTech; 2. Agriculture; 3. In dustrial Arts; 4. Physical Ed.
COMMUNICABLE DISEASE POLICY
A student shall not be permitted to attend classes or other schoolsponsored activities if the student is known to be afflicted with or liableto transmit any contagious or infectious disease, unless the Board ofEducation, or its designee, has determined, based on medical evidence,that:
1. Student is no longer infected or liable to transmit thedisease, or
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502. The student is afflicted with a chronic infections disease
which poses little risk of transmission in the school environment withreasonable precautions.Any student permitted to attend school with a chronic infectiousdisease must do so under specified conditions. Failure to adhere to theconditions will result in the student being ex cluded from school. Anystudent determined to have a chronic infectious disease and who is notpermitted to attend school will be provided instruction in an alternativeeducational setting in accordance with district policy.
Students with a contagious or infectious disease, and their families,have a right to privacy and a need for confidentiality. Only staffmembers, who have a medical reason to know the identity andcondition of such students, will be informed. Willful or negligentdisclosure of confidential information about a student’s medicalcondition by staff members will be the cause for disciplinary action.
The district will implement the “Reporting Disease Outbreak ControlMeasures” in accordance with 19 CSR 20 -20.010 through 20-20.060and 20-28.010.
PUBLIC NOTICE OF ADA REQUIREMENTS
The Forsyth R-III School District does not discriminate on the basis ofdisability in admission to, access to, or operation of its programs, services oractivities. The Forsyth School District does not discrimi nate on the basis ofdisability in its hiring or employment practices.
This notice is provided as required by Title II of the Americans withDisabilities Act of 1990.
Questions, concerns, complaints, or requests for additional informationregarding the ADA may be forwarded to the Forsyth School District’sdesignated ADA Compliance Coordinator:
Mr. Brent Blevins, SuperintendentForsyth R-III School District
P.O. Box 187 Forsyth, Missouri 65653 Phone: (417) 546-6384
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51Days/Hours Available Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Individuals who need auxiliary aids for effective communication in programsand services of the Forsyth R-III School District are invited to make their needsand preferences known to the ADA Compliance Coordinator.
This notice is available in large print, on audio tape and in Braille, from theADA Compliance Coordinator.
FORSYTH R-III SCHOOL DISTRICTGRIEVANCE PROCEDURE
TITLE VI, TITLE IX, SECTION 504
Students, parents of students or employees have the right to file a formalcomplaint alleging noncompliance with regulations outlined in Title VI of the1964 Civil Rights Act, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, andSection 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
Level One – Principal or Immediate Supervisor (Informal and Optional – maybe bypassed by the grievant) – Employees with a grievance ofnondiscrimination on the basis of sex, race, national origin or disability mayfirst discuss it with their principal or immediate s upervisor, with the objectiveof resolving the matter informally. A student or parent with a complaint ofdiscrimination on the basis of sex, race, national origin or disability maydiscuss it with the teacher, counselor or building administrator involved .
Level Two – Title IX and Section 504 Coordinator(s) – If the grievance is notresolved at level one and the grievants wish to pursue the grievance, they mayformalize it by filing a written complaint on a Compliance Violation Form,which may be obtained from the Title IX and Section 504 Coordinator. Thecomplaint shall state the nature of the grievance and the remedy requested. Thefiling of the formal, written complaint at level two must be within fifteen (15)working days from the date of the event giving rise to the grievance or from thedate of grievants could reasonably become aware of such occurrence. Thegrievants may request that a meeting concerning the complaint be held with theTitle IX and Section 504 Coordinator who shall investigate the complaint andattempt to solve it. A written report from the Compliance Office regardingaction taken will be sent within fifteen (15) working days after receipt of thecomplaint.
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52Level Three – Superintendent – If the complaint is not resolved at level two,the grievants may proceed to level three by presenting a written appeal to theSuperintendent within ten (10) working days after the grievants receive thereport from the Title IX and Section 504 Coordinator. The grievants mayrequest a meeting with the Superintendent or his/her designee. TheSuperintendent or his/her designee has the option of meeting with the grievantto discuss the appeal. A decision will be rendered by the Superintendent orhis/her designee within ten (10) working days after rece iving the writtenappeal.
Level Four – Board of Education – If the complaint is not resolved at levelthree, the grievants may proceed to level four by presenting a written appeal tothe President of the Board of Education within ten (10) working days a fter thegrievants receive the report from the Superintendent. The grievants mayrequest a meeting with the grievant to discuss the appeal. A decision will berendered by the Board of Education at their next regularly scheduled meeting.The grievant will be notified in writing of their decision within (10) workingdays after the Board of Education action.
This procedure in no way denies the right of the grievants to file formalcomplaints with the Missouri Civil Rights Commission, the Office for CivilRights, or other agencies available for mediation or rectification of rightsgrievances, or to seek private counsel for complaints alleging discrimination.Title VI, Title IX , Section 504 CoordinatorMr. Jeff MingusP.O. Box 187Forsyth, MO 65653Phone: (417) 546-6384
The Forsyth R-III School District does not discriminate on the basis of sex inadmission to or employment in its education programs or activities. Inquiriesto recipients concerning the application of Title IX and its implementingregulations may be referred to the Title IX coordinator or OCR.
TITLE VI COMPLIANCE VIOLATION, RACE FORMTITLE IX COMPLIANCE VIOLATION, GRIEVANCE FORM
SECTION 504 COMPLIANCE VIOLATION, GRIEVANCE FORM
I, _______________________, am filing this grievance becau se:________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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53____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________
(Attach additional sheets if necessary).
Describe incident or occurrence as accurately as possible:________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
(Attach additional sheets if necessary).
What remedy are you requesting?___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________ ____________________ ___________Grievant’s Signature Principal’s Signature Date of Filing
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SECTION 504 OF THE REHABILITATION ACTPARENT/STUDENT RIGHTS IN IDENTIFICATION,
EVALUATION AND PLACEMENT
Please keep this explanation for future re ference (Section 504 of theRehabilitation Act of 1973). The following is a description of the rights grantedby federal law to students with disabilities. The intent of the law is to keep youfully informed concerning decisions about your child and to in form you of yourrights if you disagree with any of these decisions.You have the right to:1. Have your child take part in, and receive benefits from public educationprograms without discrimination because of his/her disability;2. Have the school district advise you of your rights under federal law;3. Receive notice with respect to identification, evaluation, or placement ofyour child;4. Have your child receive a free appropriate public education. This includesthe right to be educated with non -disabled students to the maximum extentappropriate. It also includes the right to have the school district makereasonable accommodations to allow your child an equal opportunity toparticipate in school and school -related activities.5. Have your child educated in facilities and receive services comparable tothose provided non-disabled students;6. Have your child receive special education and related services if he/she isfound to be eligible under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act(PL94-142) IDEA or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act;7. Have evaluations, educational, and placement decisions made based upon avariety of information sources, and by persons who know the student, theevaluation data, and placement options;8. Have transportation provided to and from an alternative placement setting atno greater cost to you than would be incurred if the student were placed in aprogram operated by the district;9. Have your child be given an equal opportunity to participate in non -academic and extracurricular activities offered by the district;10. Examine all relevant records relating to decisions regarding your child’sidentification, evaluation, educational program, and placement;11. Obtain copies of educational records at a reaso nable cost unless the feewould effectively deny you access to the records;12. A response from the school district to reasonable requests for explanationsand interpretations of your child’s records;
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5513. Request amendment of your child’s educational rec ords if there isreasonable cause to believe that they are inaccurate, misleading or otherwise inviolation of the privacy rights of your child. If the school district refuses thisrequest for amendment, it shall notify you within a reasonable time, and a dviseyou of the right to a hearing;14. Request an impartial due process hearing related to decisions or actionsregarding your child’s identification, evaluation, educational program orplacement. You and the student may take part in the hearing and hav e anattorney present for you;15. Ask for payment of reasonable attorney fees if you are successful on yourclaim; and,16. File a local grievance.
* (Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act statute and regulations: 29 U.S.C.706(7), Section 794; 34 C.F .R. Part 104, the Individuals with DisabilitiesEducation Act statute and regulations: 20 U.S.C. Section 1232g; 34 C.F.R Part99)
The person in this district who is responsible for assuring that the districtcomplies with Section 504 is Mr. Jeff Mingus, telephone number: (417) 546 -6384.
PUBLIC NOTICE
All responsible public agencies are required to locate, evaluate, and identifychildren with disabilities who are under the jurisdiction of the agency,regardless of the severity of the disability, includ ing children attending privateschools, highly mobile children, such as migrant and homeless children, andchildren who are suspected of having a disability and in need of specialeducation even though they are advancing from grade to grade. The publicschool district assures that it will provide a free, appropriate public education(FAPE) to all eligible children with disabilities between the ages of 3 and 21under its jurisdiction. Disabilities include autism, deaf/blindness, emotionaldisorders, hearing impairment and deafness, mental retardation, multipledisabilities, orthopedic impairment, other health impairments, specific learningdisabilities, speech or language impairment, traumatic brain injury, visualimpairment/blindness and young child with a developmental delay.
The public school district assures that it will provide information and referralservices necessary to assist the State in the implementation of early interventionservices for infants and toddlers eligible for the Missouri First St eps program.
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The public school district assures that personally identifiable informationcollected, used, or maintained by the agency for the purposes of identification,evaluation, placement or provision of FAPE of children with disabilities maybe inspected and/or reviewed by their parents/guardians. Parents/guardiansmay request amendment to the educational record if the parent/guardianbelieves the record is inaccurate, misleading, or violates the privacy or otherrights of their child. Parents have the right to file complaints with the U.S.Department of Education or the Missouri Department of Elementary andSecondary Education concerning alleged failures by the district to meet therequirements of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERP A).
The public school district has developed a Local Compliance Plan for theimplementation of State Regulations for the Individuals with DisabilitiesEducation Act (IDEA). This plan contains the agency’s policies andprocedures regarding storage, discl osure to third parties, retention anddestruction of personally identifiable information and the agency’s assurancesthat services are provided in compliance with the General Education ProvisionAct (GEPA). This plan may be reviewed during regular school hours (8a.m. –4p.m.) on days school is in session, in the office of the Superintendent ofSchools.This notice will be provided in native languages as appropriate.
SURROGATE PARENT PROGRAMPursuant to the requirements of state law, the State Board of E ducation isrequired to appoint a surrogate parent at such time as it becomes evident that achild with a disability does not have a parent or a person acting as a parent toparticipate in matters dealing with the provision of special education. Forpurposes of surrogate parent appointment, “parent” is defined as a biologicalparent, a guardian, or a person acting as a parent of a child including, but notlimited to, a grandparent, a step parent, or a foster parent with whom the childlives. The term does not include the State if the child is a ward of the State. Theterm does not include a person whose parental rights have been terminated.The local school district is given the responsibility to determine when a childwith a disability who requires special education and who resides in the districtis without a parent. The district must notify the Missouri Department ofElementary and Secondary Education of the need to appoint a surrogate parent.Training for persons serving as surrogate parents will be provi ded by theMissouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and the District.
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57If you are interested in volunteering to serve as a surrogate parent moreinformation can be obtained from the district’s Director of Special Services at417-546-6384.
August 2005Standard Complaint Resolution Procedure
For No Child Left Behind Programs
This complaint resolution procedure applies to all programs administered bythe Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education under the NoChild Left Behind Act (NCLB).
A complaint is a formal allegation that a specific federal or state law orregulation has been violated, misapplied, or misinterpreted by school districtpersonnel or by Department of Education personnel.
Any parent or guardian, surrogate parent, teacher, administrator, school boardmember or other person directly involved with an activity, program, or projectoperated under the general supervision of the Department may file a complaint.Such a complaint must be in writing and signed; it will provide specific detailsof the situation and indicate the law or regulation that is allegedly beingviolated, misapplied, or misinterpreted.
The written, signed complaint must be filed and the resolution pursued inaccordance with local district pol icy:
If a complaint has been made and appealed in accordance with administrativeprocedures, the parent/guardian or member of the public may appeal the issueto the Board by submitting a written request to the superintendent or thesecretary of the Board. The Board will address the complaint in an appropriateand timely manner.
If the issue cannot be resolved at the local level, the complainant may file acomplaint with the Missouri Department of Education. If there is not evidencethat the parties have attempted in good faith to resolve the complaint at thelocal level, the Department may require the parties to do so and may providetechnical assistance to facilitate such resolution.
Any persons directly affected by the actions of the Department may fi le asimilarly written complaint if they believe state or federal laws or regulationshave been violated, misapplied, or misinterpreted by the Department itself.
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Anyone wishing more information about this procedure or how complaints areresolved may contact local district or Department personnel.
Annual Notification to Parents and Employees
Dear Parents and Employees;
Asbestos is an issue we have been dealing with for many years. The AsbestosHazard Emergency Response Act of 1986 (Referred to as AHER A) wasenacted by Congress in 1987. AHERA was enacted to determine the extent ofand develop solutions for any problems schools may have with asbestos.
To give you some background, asbestos has been used as a building materialfor many years. It is a naturally occurring mineral that is mined primarily inCanada, South Africa, and the USSR. Asbestos properties made it an idealbuilding material for insulating, sound absorption, decorative plasters,fireproofing, and a variety of miscellaneous uses. Ther e have been over 3,000different products made using asbestos materials. EPA began action to limituses of asbestos products in 1973 and most uses of asbestos products asbuilding materials were banned in 1978.
We continuously have our facility inspected by our LEA Rep., as required byAHERA. Soon our facilities will be reinspected by a qualified asbestosInspector/Management Planner as required by AHERA every three years. Theinspectors inspect all areas that were classified or assumed to be asbestos. Theinspections to this date revealed no changes and that all areas were in goodcondition.
A copy of the asbestos management plan is available for your inspection in ouradministrative offices during regular office hours. Our Asbestos ProgramManager will answer all inquiries regarding the plan.
We will continue to implement the asbestos management plan. We are intenton not only complying with, but exceeding federal, state and local regulationsin this area. We plan on taking whatever steps are nece ssary to insure yourchildren and our employees have a healthy, safe environment in which to learnand work.
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Dear Parent or Guardian:
Our district is required to inform you of certain information that you, accordingto The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (Public Law 107-110), have the rightto know.
Upon your request, our district is required to provide to you in a timely manner,the following information:
Whether the teacher has met state qualification and licensing criteriafor the grade levels and subject areas in which the teacher providesinstruction.
Whether the teacher is teaching under emergency or other provisionalstatus through which state qualification or licensing criteria havebeen waived.
Whether your child is provided services by p araprofessionals and, ifso, their qualifications.
What baccalaureate degree major the teacher has and any othergraduate certification or degree held by the teacher, and the field ofdiscipline of the certification.
In addition to the information that pa rents may request, districts must provideto each individual parent –
Information on the achievement level of the parent’s child in each ofthe state academic assessments as required under this part; and
Timely notice that the parent’s child has been assig ned, or has beentaught for four or more consecutive weeks by, a teacher who is nothighly qualified.