THE STUDENT HANDBOOK

Guide for Secondary SchoolSTUDENTS and their PARENTS

St. Mary’s County Public Schools (SMCPS)

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COMPULSORY ATTENDANCE

Under law, every child between 5 and 16 years of age must attend school regularly and each person who has LEGAL CUSTODY of a child (5-16) shall see that the child attends school.The school stands in “loco parentis” during school functions and ensures the safety and well-being of its students.

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IN LOCO PARENTIS ?????

LOCO PARENTIS means the school acts as your parent when you are in school and at school functions.

ATTEND SCHOOL EVERYDAY

There are lawful and unlawful absences.

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PAY ATTENTION!!!

This is what you need to know to understand the importance of regular attendance…

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WHAT IS A LAWFUL ABSENCE?

Death in the immediate familyStudent illness (a physician’s note may be required)Court summonsHazardous weather conditionsWork (if approved or sponsored by the school)Observance of a religious holidayState of emergencySuspensionLack of authorized transportationOther emergencies or circumstances – in judgment of the principal

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UNLAWFUL ABSENCES

Absences for any reason other than those listed as lawful.

Family vacation absences are unlawful (exceptional circumstances may be

reviewed by the principal or designee ).

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ATTENDANCE

Unlawful absences and excessive absences lead to failing grades and/or retention.Regular attendance is VITAL to academic success.If you are trying to attend school regularly and need some help, be sure to talk to your counselor.

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FULL DAY PRESENT

Present for four (4) or more hours of the school day.

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FULL DAY ABSENT

Absent the entire school day or present less than two (2) hours of the school day.

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ONE-HALF DAY PRESENT AND ONE-HALF DAY ABSENT

Present for at least two (2) hours of the school day, but less than four (4) hours.Two (2) half-day absences equals one (1) day absent.

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ALL ABSENCES MUST BE DOCUMENTED WITH A REASON

Parents/Guardians of the student must provide documentation for the absence on the day the student returns to school. If documentation is not received within three (3) days, the absence will be coded as UNLAWFUL.

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DOCUMENTATION MUST INCLUDE

Student’s nameDate of AbsenceReason for AbsenceParent’s Signature

ONLY absences due to lawful reasons will be coded as lawful – all other absences will be considered UNLAWFUL.

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MIDDLE SCHOOL

If you are unlawfully absent twenty-five (25) or more days, you will be at risk of repeating your grade. You will be referred to the Pupil Services Team for assistance.

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HIGH SCHOOL

If you are unlawfully absent from school in excess of five (5) days in a marking period, you may receive a failing grade for ALL subjects in that marking period. You and your parent/guardian may be required to conference with the principal/designee to review the absences.

A failing grade = ZERO percent (0%)

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High School

If you are unlawfully absent from a class in excess of five (5) days in a marking period, you may receive a failing grade in that class. You and your parent/guardian may be required to conference with the principal/designee to review the absences.

A failing grade = ZERO percent (0%).

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High School

If you are absent lawfully and/or unlawfully for a total of ten (10) or more days in a marking period, you and your parent/guardian may be required to conference with the principal/designee.

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High School

Failure to conference with the principal/designee and provide appropriate documentation and/or explanation of the excessive absences may result in receiving failing grades.

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YOU HAVE ONE CHANCE TO RECOVER A FAILING GRADE IN A SCHOOL YEAR

You may have your grade reinstated, if you do not exceed the five (5) unlawful day absence limit or the 10 day absent limit in the next marking period – BUT

1. RECOVERY can only be used one time during the school year

2. A failing grade in the fourth marking period may mean a failing grade for the semester.

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LATE FOR SCHOOL?

LATE means you are not present in your class or designated area when the bell rings at the start of the school day.

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LATE FOR SCHOOL?

Sign-in.Present documentation stating reason for tardiness or have your parent/guardian sign you in.Tardies are marked either lawful or unlawful. Missing the bus or running late is marked UNLAWFUL.

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LATE FOR CLASS?

Late for class means that you are absent when the class begins and present before the class ends.If you come to class late, you must present the teacher with an official pass.

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SUMMER SCHOOL

Summer School is available to students for REVIEW only with the following conditions:You were:Enrolled in high school during the prior

school year.Received at least forty-five (45) percent

in the course of the semester seeking to register.Have no more than 10 unlawful

absences in the semester.

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A PICTURE ID IS REQUIRED

Your parent/guardian is required to present a valid PICTURE ID when checking you out of school.

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NEED MEDICATION AT SCHOOL?

You are encouraged to take medications at times other than during school hours. However, if it is necessary, medication must be administered in accordance with certain guidelines.A doctor must provide a written order, form PS 109, and the parent must sign the parent consent on the back of the form.The parent must bring the PS 109 form and the medication in the original pharmacy container to school. The parent must pick up unused or discontinued medication at school.

This includes over-the-counter medications such as Tylenol, aspirin, etc.

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Medications

NEVER bring medication to school (this includes over-the-counter medication).

Your PARENT must bring it directly to the nurse.

Let your parent talk with the nurse.

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Students with certain respiratory conditions may carry an emergency inhaler and self administer if they have

doctor’s order school nursing assessment

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Students Seeking Help

with substance abuse, sexually transmitted diseases, AIDS, mental and/or emotional disorders, contraception, abortion, and pregnancy -

- Must be directed to appropriate resources- Must have their privacy protected.

WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?? If you are in a situation that you know you need help with, seek

help from a school nurse, teacher, counselor or administrator. The school staff will help you find the resources you need.

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Students Who Do Not Seek Help

Those students who use or possess alcohol or drugs, or otherwise violate the law, and do not voluntarily seek help, in essence, forfeit their right to protection. THEY ARE SUBJECT TO THE SCHOOL POLICY AND REGULATIONS.School officials cannot ignore substance abuse or other illegal activities. Teachers are required to observe the laws and enforce school policy.

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DRESSING FOR SCHOOL THE DRESS CODE

There is a close relationship between student dress and student behavior. Schools are expected to develop appropriate guidelines for dress and grooming.Dress which may cause disruption of the instructional program or create a potential safety hazard is prohibited.Make a good impression and feel good about yourself.

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STUDENT SERVICE LEARNING (SSL)

The SSL requirement is integrated into the curriculum to provide structured time for students to prepare for, perform, and reflect upon serving others. It is hoped that this will allow students to gain meaningful learning experiences that will eventually lead to volunteerism in their communities. SSL is part of the middle and high school curriculum. 75 hours are required for graduation.

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SMILE

Video and Audio recording devices may be “in use” in

school or on your bus.

The purpose of these surveillance devices is to monitor behavior on the

bus or on school grounds.

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NEWSPAPERS * TV * INTERNET * DISPLAY

Sometimes your picture or a display of your work will be used for public information or by the media.

If you do NOT want your picture or your school work to be shared with others in the public, your parent must sign NO on the form USE OF STUDENT IMAGES AND LIKENESSES IN PUBLIC INFORMATION PROGRAMS

Otherwise, your picture, name and/or school work could be on display.

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YOU MAY BE SEARCHED IF

A PRINCIPAL, OR ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL HAS A REASONABLE BELIEF THAT YOU HAVE IN YOUR POSSESSION AN ITEM THAT IS IN VIOLATION OF ANY STATE LAW OR A SMCPS RULE OR REGULATION.

ALSO….THE SCHOOL BUILDING AND ITS FURNISHINGS

AND EQUIPMENT – INCLUDING LOCKERS – MAY BE SEARCHED!!!

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SCHOOLS ARE DRUG-FREE ZONES

The Youth Protection Act makes it a FELONY if a person manufactures, dispenses, distributes, or possesses with the intent to distribute certain controlled dangerous substances, or conspires to commit these offenses on or within 1,000 feet of any school property or in a school vehicle.

Drug detection dogs may be used to scan school buildings, school grounds, and any vehicle on or adjacent to school grounds at any time.

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Possession or Use of Portable Electronic Communication

DevicesBeepers, cell phones, PDAs and laptop computers are allowed on school property.School personnel have the right to limit the use of electronic communication devices. The instructional climate cannot be disrupted. An electronic device may be confiscated by an administrator and a parent /guardian may be required to meet with an administrator.The school assumes no liability for lost, stolen or malfunctioning devices.

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CELL PHONES

All CELL PHONES are required to be turned OFF during the school day and on the bus.

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CELL PHONES – after school hours

May only be “turned on” with permission from school staff or a bus driver.

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Bullying/Harassment

Intentional negative actions by one or more students against another student.Actions done repeatedly and over time, andActions interfering with a student’s ability to participate in or benefit from his/her education.

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BULLYING/Harassment

Should be reported to an adult at school.

May also be reported by a student, parent/guardian, or close relative by completing the “Harassment or Intimidation (bullying) Reporting Form.

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Sexual Harassment

Say NO to sexual harassment and REPORT it to an adult (counselor, teacher, parent, or administrator).Sexual harassment includes: unwanted sexual attention from teachers, other adults, or students. It could include leering, suggestive verbal comments, or pressure for sexual activity. It may occur once or be repeated over time.An administrator needs to know so that action can be taken.

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Sexual assault

Any unwelcome sexual contact, either directly or through clothing, such as deliberate inappropriate touching/pinching/grabbing of a sexual nature, attempted rape or rape.Any form of sexual assault should be reported to an adult (counselor, parent or administrator). An adult will take appropriate action.

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WEAPONS

Bringing any weapon or firearm onto school property or the possession of any weapon shall be reported to the police and the superintendent of schools or his/her designee immediately.

The Gun Free School Act of 1994 and other public laws require expulsion from school for a period of not less than one calendar year.

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WEAPONS

Weapons include:Any object which reasonably could cause physical harm or injury to a personFirearmAny weapon that could be converted into a projectile – mechanical or explosiveAny firearm muffler or silencerExplosive or incendiary material or a poisonous gasOther – firecrackers, smoke bombs, weapon look-alikes, knives, razor

(READ your handbook carefully)

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TOBACCO-FREE SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT

The sale and use of tobacco in any form is prohibited by anyone at all times (24/7) in school buildings and vehicles. This includes schools, school buses, offices, warehouses, and garages. Purchasing tobacco products by and/or for minors is illegal at all times.

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Eligibility 2.0

Eligibility for high school activities is 2.0 for ALL students in All grades.

YOUR MARKING PERIOD GRADES determine your Grade Point Average (GPA). At every marking period you have the opportunity to become eligible or ineligible.

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WATCH OUT

You may also be INELIGIBLE for high school activities IF:

You are suspended from school.You were assigned in-school suspension.You have debts and fines at the end of the marking period.You are absent from school.

SEE your HANDBOOK for details.

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MAKE-UP WORK

Students with lawful absences/tardiness are allowed to receive full credit for any make-up work. They are also allowed to make up and take alternative exams/tests. It is the responsibility of the student and/or parent(s)/guardian(s) to request the make-up work and turn in completed assignments within five school days or in an agreed upon time period as determined by the school principal or designee.

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USING School Computers?

The use of all school computers must be in support of education and research and consistent with the purposes of SMCPS.

NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO

Illegal activityCommercial for profit activitiesInvasion of other people’s files, passwords, settingsDisruption or destruction of hardware, softwareMalicious use of the network to harass othersIllegal installation of copyrighted softwareAccess to obscene or pornographic material

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STUDENT CONDUCT

YOUR CONDUCT is a reflection of you as a person. Your conduct is a reflection of your character.The core values of a person (student) may be described as his or her character.A purpose of education is to help support character development. SMCPS aspires to help students recognize the Six Pillars of Character as reflected in their behavior.When an infraction occurs, administrators will review appropriate character traits with students.

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Judge Your Behavior – Does it DisplayOne of the Six Pillars of Character?

CARINGCITIZENSHIPFAIRNESSRESPECTRESPONSIBILITYTRUSTWORTHINESS

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SOME INFRACTIONS NOT ONLY HURT OURSELVES, BUT ALSO HURT OTHERS.

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BUS MISBEHAVIOR (irresponsibility) Standing, distracting the driver, running on the bus, eating on the bus, using a cell phone…endangering the safety of others.DISRESPECT (lack of respect) Inappropriate comments or physical gestures to teachers or staff members or others. This could also be considered harassment.

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FIGHTING (lack of caring) A physical confrontation involving two (2) or more students.

DEFAMATION (lack of respect) False statements about an individual or group that harms the reputation of the person or group.

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MOST FIGHTS CAN BE AVOIDED

Learn ways to stay out of fightsMOST students never get into a fight at school.Students who learn to resolve conflicts peacefully are more likely to be successful at school and in the workplace.Peer Mediators at school can help you learn to resolve conflict.

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FIGHTING = SUSPENSION

It takes COURAGE to walk away from a fight. Your EDUCATION is at stake.

WALK AWAY and say YES to your FUTURE.Talk with your counselor, teacher and parents.

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YIKES!!!!

I hit a teacher…..This may be considered as an attack.

The consequence could be EXPULSION.

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Alcohol (possession/misrepresentation and/or use of)Illegal Drugs, Intoxicants, Related Paraphernalia, Representations (possession and/or use of) Inhalants/Look-alikes (use and/or distribution of)Intent to Sell, Give, Deliver, or Distribute Alcohol, Tobacco, Drugs, Controlled Dangerous Substances, Drug Paraphernalia and/or Look-alikes (possession with the)Guns Physical Attack on a Community Member Physical Attack on a Teacher/StaffSexual AssaultThreat to a Teacher, Staff, or Others (verbal or physical)

The Sheriff’s Office will be notified. That means you could be arrested, too!

An EXPULSION CONFERENCE will be requested immediately for the following violations:

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The Sheriff will be notified when a student is involved in…

AlcoholArson/Fireworks/ExplosiveFirearms, Other Guns, Other WeaponsIllegal Drugs/Intent to SellPhysical AttackSexual AssaultTrespassing

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THINK BEFORE YOU ACT

EXPULSION MEANS…

NO EDUCATION.

YOU CANNOT ATTEND PUBLIC SCHOOL.

YOU HAVE GIVEN UP YOUR RIGHT TO AN EDUCATION.

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YOU ARE OUT!!

YOUR DISCIPLINE RECORD WILL FOLLOW YOU.

NO OTHER PUBLIC SCHOOL HAS TO ENROLL YOU.

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READ YOUR HANDBOOK…

You are accountable for knowing

everything in it.