Student Handbook - Hattiesburg Public School District

Transcription

Hattiesburg Public School District
Elementary Student Handbook
and Code of Student Conduct
School Year 2014-15
Lillie Burney Elementary
Grace Christian Elementary
Hawkins Elementary
Rowan Elementary
Thames Elementary
Woodley Elementary
OUR MOTTO
Today’s Learners…Tomorrow’s Leaders!
Published by
P. O. Box 1569 − 301 Mamie Street − Hattiesburg, MS 39403-1569
www.hattiesburgpsd.com
The Hattiesburg Public School District does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, religion, color, age,
disability, or any other legally protected status.
NOTE: This handbook is as complete as possible, but cannot cover every conceivable situation. In the
absence of specific handbook guidance, the school administrator is empowered to make binding decisions
in the best interest of the student, staff, and the school district.
FOREWORD
Welcome to each of you as we begin a new school year in the Hattiesburg Public School
District. Every effort is being made to ensure that you receive a quality and meaningful
educational experience.
This handbook is published to serve as a guide for elementary students and their parents.
Within these pages, you will find important information and instructions which will be
beneficial to you.
Should you need additional information, please contact your building
principal.
Again, we say welcome and wish you a pleasant and productive school year.
Mr. James Q. Bacchus
Superintendent
HPS District Goals
1. Academic Achievement: Every child is supported and nurtured with a systemic process to reach their full
potential.
2. Parent and Community Engagement: School, parents and the community function as a team to support a
learning community.
3. Safe and Orderly Schools: Maintain a learning environment that is conducive to high performing schools.
4. Accountability: Employ effective and efficient accountability systems that evaluate the academic, operation
and fiscal performance of the school district.
District Beliefs
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We believe in ALL children achieving at high global academic standards.
We believe students are the central focus of all school district activities. We value and have high
expectations for them.
We believe that our staff is the core of the district. We value, support, and expect high levels of
performance from them.
We believe in providing a physically and psychologically safe learning and working environment.
We believe in cultivating leadership in educational matters throughout the district and community.
We believe in strategically allocating resources to enable students to learn at high levels.
•
We believe in providing a wide range of academic and extracurricular opportunities and experiences for
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our students.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Calendar
Administration
Schools
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ATTENDANCE
Attendance
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ACADEMIC POLICIES
Grade Reports
Parent-Teacher Conferences
Student Assignment
Promotion-Retention
ADMISSION-WITHDRAWAL
Enrollment Information
Residency
Age Requirements
Withdrawal from School
Change of Address/Telephone
DISCRIMINATION/COMPLIANCE
Discrimination Policy
Grievance Procedure
DISCIPLINE
Gun-Free School Policy
Drug-Free School Policy
HONORS
Honor Roll
Honors Recognition
STUDENT RELEASE
Names in Publications
Student Records
Student Interviews
School Trips
School Parties
School Pictures
Special Activities
EMERGENCY - HEALTH - SAFETY
Student Accidents, Emergency Action
First Aid
Student Medical Care
Student Medication
Healthcare Services
Student Insurance
Fire/Drill Procedures
Severe Weather
Exclusion of Disease
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27
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PE Exemption
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GENERAL POLICIES
Length of School Day
Check-Out Procedure
Visitation and Deliveries
Dress/Grooming
Standardized Dress Policy
Drug Education
Food Services
Transportation
Special Services
Athletics
Testing
Use of School Building
Use of School Telephone
Sexual Harassment
Personal Property
Title I – Parental Involvement Policy
Cell Phones and other Electronic Devices
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CODE OF STUDENT CONDUCT
Section I: Legal Basis
Section II: Parental Responsibility
Section III: Three Tier Process
Section IV: Behavioral Interventions
Section V: Discipline
Discipline Steps
Behaviors
Bus Discipline
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2014-15 Academic Year Calendar
August 6……………………………………….
September 1……………………………………
September 11…………………………………..
September 22-26 ………………………...…… .
September 29-30/October 1-3…………….…...
October 6-10…………………………………..
October 10…………………………………….
October 13…………………………………….
October 14…………………………………….
October 21………………………………….…
October 22………………………………….....
November 13………………………………….
November 17-20………………………………
November 24-28………………………………
December 1-12………………………………..
December 15-19………………………………
December 19………………………………….
December 22-31/January 1-2………………….
January 5………………………………………
January 6………………………………………
January 13……………………………………..
January 19……………………………………..
January 28……………………………………..
February 5……………………………………..
February 10……………………………………
February 11……………………………………
February 16……………………………………
February 19……………………………………
February 27……………………………………
March 2………………………………………..
March 3 …………………………..…….……..
March 6………………………………………..
March 9-13…………………………………….
March 16………………………………………
March 24 ……………………………………...
March 30………………………………………
April 1…………………………………………
April 3…………………………………………
April 6…………………………………………
April 7…………………………………………
April 7-10…………………………….….…......
April 13……………………………………….
April 13-17……………………………………
April 16………………………………………..
April 24……………………………...…………
April 2…………………………….….….……..
April 30………………………………………..
May 4-8…………………………...……………
May 8………………………………………….
May 11-15……………………….…………….
May 11-15……………………………………..
May 15…………………………………………
May 18-21………………………………………
May 20…………………………………………
May 21…………………………………………
May 22…………………………………………
May 26…………………………………………
Students Report/First Term Begins
Labor Day Holiday
Progress Reports
SATP II Retest/English II/Algebra I
SATP II Retest/US History/Biology I
First Term Exams
First Term Ends
Student Holiday
Second Term Begins
English II Writing Retest/SATP I/Report Card Pick Up
English II Writing Retest Makeup/SATP I Makeup
Progress Reports
CPAS 2
Thanksgiving Holidays
SATP II Retest Window/PARCC PBA (HHS 4x4)
2d Term Summative Exam/PARCC/EOY (HHS 4x4)
MAAECF Science Test/Second Term Ends/60% Day
Christmas Holidays
Student Holiday
Students Report/3rd Term Begins
Report Cards Sent Home
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday
NAEP Window Opens
Progress Reports
Student Holiday
NAEP Window Closes
Third Term District PBA
PARCC Window Opens/3-10/ELA and Math (Non 4x4)
Statewide ACT (11th Grade Only)
Third Term Ends
Spring Break
Fourth Term Begins
Parent Report Card Pick Up
MKAS Window Opens (3rd grade only
WIDA Window Opens
Good Friday/PARCC Window Closes (Gr. 3-10 PBA)
Easter Holiday
PARCC/HHS only/PBA (4x4)
SATP II Retest/English II/Algebra I
CPAS Window Opens
SATP Retest/US History/Biology I
Progress Reports
MKAS Window Closes (3rd grade only)/PBA 4x4 PARCC Closes
PARCC Window Opens (4x4 and Traditional Grades 3 - 10/EOY))
WIDA Window Closes
MS Science Test 2 Online Grade 8
CPAS Window Closes
SATP II/Paper/US History/Biology I
MS Science Test 2 Online/Grade 5
PARCC Window Closes (4x4/EOY)
Fourth Term Exams/PARCC EOY/Traditional
HPSD Recognitions & Retirement
Fourth Term Ends/60% Day*
Graduation
Last Day for Teachers
School and District Administration
Board of Trustees
Marcus Cathey, President
Mary Williams, Secretary
Patricia Fluker
David Garraway
Stella Mackabee
Superintendent: Mr. James Q. Bacchus
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Hattiesburg Elementary Schools
901 Ida Ave. (601-582-5291)
2207 W. 7th St. (601-583-0662)
Hawkins Elementary
526 Forrest Ave. (601-583-4311)
Rowan Elementary
500 Martin Luther King Ave. (601-583-0960)
Thames Elementary
2900 Jamestown Rd. (601-582-6655)
Woodley Elementary
2006 O’Ferrall St. (601-583-8112)
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ATTENDANCE POLICY K-‐6 Regular attendance and promptness are necessary to assure the continuity of the
educational program.
Time lost from class is irretrievable, and absences disrupt the
instructional program. Time on task is essential if students are to succeed in their educational
efforts.
Teaching is done in an orderly sequence of building concepts and practices based on
classroom activities and previous academic experiences. If this pattern is broken by poor
attendance, neither the student nor the school can expect satisfactory progress.
COMPULSORY SCHOOL ATTENDANCE/
ATTENDANCE OFFICER
School attendance is ultimately the responsibility of students and families. Students should
remain out of school ONLY WHEN ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY. The school attendance
officer is available to assist parents and children understand the importance of getting an
education. Mississippi’s Compulsory Attendance law provides legal penalties for parents or
guardians who neglect their child’s attendance. Students under the age of 17 are required to
attend school. Students who are not enrolled by the 15th school day or who accumulate
five or more days of absences will be reported to the attendance officer. When the child
has 12 unexcused absences, the law provides that charges of “Education Child Negligence”
may be brought against the parent/guardian, which is punishable by a fine up to $1000 and/or
one year in jail.
Student Attendance Review Board (SARB)
After a student has accumulated 8 more unexcused absences, the student and parent must meet
with the Student Attendance Review Board (SARB). The School Attendance Review Board
(SARB) is a district intervention process designed to develop a service that coordinates school,
community, and home efforts to deal with attendance issues. The SARB team may request
assistance from other agencies and programs to help students and parents understand that
school is important and that they must attend school. Serious attendance issues will be referred
to the juvenile court system. Members of the SARB team may include the following: district
administrators, district social worker, counselors, interventionists, parent liaisons, and other
appropriate/designated personnel. The board provides suggestions and referrals for the family
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with the goal of improving student attendance in school by enforcing the Mississippi
Compulsory Education Laws.
Attendance Requirements
I. Excused Absences: Absences may be excused for the following reasons:
A. Personal illness
B. Death or serious illness of immediate family
C. Observance of religious holidays of the student’s own faith
D. State Board of Health Isolation
E. Required attendance at a court proceeding
F. Special permission granted by the principal for medical, dental or orthodontist
appointments, and
G. Situations approved by the principal.
All schoolwork missed for the above reasons must be made up within a reasonable time as
determined by school personnel, normally based on one day allowed per each day missed.
II. Unexcused Absences: All absences other than for the reasons listed in Part I will be
unexcused. Students may receive a zero for all school work missed and not completed.
Excuses for absences must be received within three school days of returning to school.
Excuses not received within 3 days after returning to school may result in absences
remaining unexcused.
III. Makeup Work (Excused Absences Only)
The student will be allowed to make up work missed following an excused absence by
contacting teacher(s). Makeup work may be done under the following provisions:
A. The student and parent should take the initiative to consult the teacher(s) for work
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missed upon returning to school following an absence.
B. The teacher(s) will determine when and how work shall be made up.
C. Time permitted for work to be made up shall be in direct proportion to the days missed.
D. A student who fails to appear for an appointment for makeup work without being
excused by the teacher forfeits the right to make up the work.
IV. Homework Assignments May Be Requested Under the Following Provisions:
A. If a student in grades K-6 is to be absent two or more consecutive days, the parent/guardian
may request homework assignments by calling the school. Assignments may be picked up at
the school within 30 minutes after students are dismissed.
B. If the student is too ill to work on the assignment at home, arrangements can be made to
makeup work upon return to school.
V. Reporting Absences
Absences for reasons listed will be approved if the parent or guardian will do ONE (1) of the
following:
A. Phone the school on the day of the absence.
B. Send a written excuse by the student upon returning to school within three school days.
The excuse must be presented to school office personnel.
C. Phone the school and get prior approval when there is prior knowledge of an absence.
D. Principals may require additional formal documentation if absences become excessive.
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VI. Truancy
Students are considered truant when absent without knowledge or consent of parents and
school officials. A student guilty of truancy will be reported to the school attendance officer
and appropriate discipline considered.
A parent or guardian should accompany the student to the principal’s office to be readmitted to
school. Should a second offense occur, a three day suspension could result. Truancy will
result in unexcused absence(s).
VII. Absences-School Activities
A student who is absent-unexcused cannot participate in school activities or events on the day
of the absence without principal approval.
Dismissal from School (Must sign out in office)
All requests for early dismissal should be in the school office before first period except for
dismissals due to unforeseen emergencies. Any written request for dismissal must contain the
date, reason, and parent or guardian’s signature. Early dismissal will count against perfect
attendance awards.
In the event of an emergency, the principal will take appropriate action to ensure the wellbeing and safety of the child and fellow students.
ANY CHANGE IN ROUTINE DISMISSAL PROCEDURES WILL BE HONORED
ONLY IF WRITTEN PERMISSION IS PROVIDED BY THE PARENT OR
GUARDIAN.
School personnel have an obligation to protect the safety of students by asking for positive
identification from anyone who is picking up a child from school.
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VIII. Tardiness to School (K-12)
A student who arrives at any time after the tardy bell each morning is considered tardy.
Any student who is tardy must report to the principal’s office with parent BEFORE going to
class. Teachers are instructed not to admit a student to class without an admittance slip after
the tardy bell has rung. An acceptable excuse must be presented to determine if the tardiness is
to be excused. The same guidelines used for absences and early dismissals also apply to
tardiness.
NOTE: For students eligible to ride a bus, “car trouble” will not normally be accepted for
approval of tardiness. Oversleeping, clock failure, missed rides, etc. will not be accepted for
approval of tardiness. Tardiness that falls in the excusable category will be excused if the
parent or guardian sends a written notice with the student or calls the office before the student
arrives. Notes must state the date, reason for tardiness, and signature of parent or guardian.
Time lost due to unapproved tardiness to school may be made up before or after regular hours.
Parents and guardians of elementary students will be contacted before a child stays after school.
IX. Perfect Attendance
Perfect attendance shall be defined and observed by all schools as no absences, tardies, or
early checkouts (except as may be determined by principal). Exceptions shall be late school
bus arrival or school sponsored field trips. Students with perfect attendance will be recognized
at the end of the school year in each school. Additional attendance incentives may be used
provided that the incentives are approved by the school administration.
ACADEMIC POLICIES Grade Reports
The elementary schools have four terms of nine weeks each. Report cards will be issued
for all elementary students at the end of each term.
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Grading Scale
E = Excellent
A = 95-100
G = Good
B = 86-94
S = Satisfactory
C = 75-84
N = Needs Improvement
D = 70-74
U = Unsatisfactory
F = Below 70
I = Incomplete
The elementary schools have four terms of nine weeks each. Report cards will be issued
for all elementary students at the end of each term.
Parent-Teacher Conferences
Parents may arrange conferences with teachers by calling the school office. By following
this procedure, the conference can be scheduled at a time that will be mutually acceptable to
both parent and teacher. No teacher conferences will be held during instructional periods;
however, parents may schedule an appointment with the principal during the regular school
day.
Student Assignment
The principal has the sole responsibility to assign students to teachers or instructional
teams.
Homework/Reinforcement Activities
Education is a joint responsibility of the home and school. Homework plays a significant
role in student achievement. In keeping with the district’s philosophy of mastery learning,
teachers will provide appropriate reinforcement assignments according to the needs of the
student.
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Textbooks
Textbooks for students are provided by the state.
These textbooks are issued at the
beginning of the school year and returned at the close of the same school year. Parents are
required to sign the book card, assuming full responsibility for the books and their proper care
until they have been checked back to the school. Students should see that their books are not
abused, as a fine will be charged for any textbook that shows unnecessary wear. In case a new
book is lost, the list price of the book must be paid. Charges for lost books will be adjusted on
the basis of age and abuse.
Promotion-Retention
Beginning in the 2014-15 School Year, a student scoring at the lowest achievement level in
reading on the established state assessment for 3rd grade will not be promoted to 4th grade
unless the student meets the good-cause exemptions for promotion. Students in Grade K-6 are
required to master concepts and minimal skills at each grade level. Student performance on
instructional objectives will be measured by the district’s instructional programs and state
standards.
Any decision on promotion or retention will be based on a comprehensive assessment of
each child’s specific performance, mastery of required curricular material, and other pertinent
factors. Parent consultation is appropriate and encouraged, but final decisions on K-2 and 46 promotion or retention are vested in the school and district personnel.
Student Support Services
If you feel your child needs additional instructional support, you may contact your child’s
school counselor for more information and assistance.
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ON/ADMISSION/WITHDRAWAL All elementary students must provide the school with the following information upon enrolling
in school for the first time or reentering after interrupted attendance:
•Immunization Records - As required by state law, all students in grades K-12 must acquire a
special immunization certificate known as the Certificate of Compliance from their doctor or
the Forrest County Health Department. In cases of lost, missing, or questionable immunization
documents, the Health Department will assist in clarifying the situation, and may issue a
temporary enrollment certificate.
•Certified Birth Certificate - As required by state law, all students shall present an original
certified birth certificate upon entering the first year of school.
•Withdrawal Report - Transfer students from other schools should present a withdrawal report
upon enrollment. All transfer students should present grade reports.
•Copy of Social Security Card
•Medicaid Number (if applicable)
•Notice of Special Needs - The school must be advised of any known disabilities or special
needs at the time of admittance to school as they occur.
•Evidences of Residency (Two proofs of residency are required.)
As part of the registration process, parent or guardian must verify the physical residence
address of each student with two current proofs of residence, or by affidavit of residency for
families residing in the household of a school district resident. A post office box address will
not be accepted. Two of the following items may be used for address verification:
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•Property tax records
•Apartment/Home lease or rental records
•Automobile registration
•Mortgage documents or property deeds
•Current utility bills (within past 60 days)
•Filed homestead exemption
•Government document (DHS, Medicaid, Social Security, IRS, etc.)
•Medical or dental bills
•Local payroll information (check stub)
•Voter ID
•Transfer letter
•Drivers’ License
•Other valid documentation as determined by school or district administration
Or:
Affidavit of Residency –
If a student is living in the district in the household of someone other than parent or guardian,
either with or without the student’s parent or guardian, an affidavit of residency must be completed
at Central Office. The affidavit must be signed by the homeowner/leaseholder AND by the parent
or guardian. The homeowner/leaseholder must provide two proofs of residency (as listed above),
and both the parent/guardian and the homeowner/leaseholder must provide positive picture
identification. “False swearing” of an affidavit has a fine of up to $1000 and imprisonment for up
to five years.
•
Verification of Residency. Verification of residency is required each year because
students may only legally attend the school district in which they reside, which is normally
the address of the parent or legal guardian. The school may require additional
documentation or verification at any time if there is a discrepancy or a reason to question a
student’s listed address. School administrators or School Resource Officer may verify the
accuracy of any registration document by home visit or other means.
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Age Requirements
Students entering the preschool program for the developmentally delayed must reach the
age of three on or before September 1 of the current school year. Students entering Pre-K
must reach the age of four on or before September 1 of the current school year.
In order to enter the preschool program for
on or before September 1 of the
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the developmentally delayed, the student
current school Year.
must reach the age of
In order to enter Pre-K, the student must
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reach the age of
In order to enter K, the student must reach
5
the age of
In order to enter grade 1, the student must
6
reach the age of
current school year.
Fees--Information regarding district policies on fees is available in the principal’s office in
HPS Board Policy JHA.
Withdrawal from School
The school shall be notified at least one day in advance before a student is withdrawn. To
avoid interruption of the teacher’s day, a student shall be withdrawn at the end of the school
day. No student will be considered officially withdrawn unless released by the principal’s
office. (See Student Records.) No student will be allowed to enroll in another school within the
school district until officially dropped from the original school. Students will be provided a
withdrawal form to be presented to the new principal. Any child who misses 5 consecutive
days without having contact with school may be disenrolled.
Change of Address or Telephone Number:
Parents must notify the school immediately
upon any change of home address or telephone number.
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DISCRIMINATION/COMPLIANCE The Hattiesburg Public School District does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color,
religion, national origin, or disability and complies with Title IX of the Education Amendments
of 1972 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1972. The district meets all federal and
state policies and procedures regarding the provision of appropriate education and related
services for students with disabilities.
Section 504 Policy/Americans with Disabilities Act
Nondiscrimination of the Basis of Disability Policy
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 prohibits discrimination against any person with
a disability in any program receiving federal financial assistance. Under Section 504 a person
with a disability is anyone who:
•has a mental or physical impairment which substantially limits one or more major life
activities such as walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, working, and caring
for one’s self;
•has a record of such impairment; or
•is regarded as having such an impairment.
The Hattiesburg Public School District acknowledges its responsibility to prohibit
discrimination in its policies and programs regarding students, personnel and campus visitors.
Discrimination against any person with a disability will not knowingly be permitted in any
program or practice of the school district.
Under Section 504, the District has the responsibility to identify and evaluate, and if the student
is determined to be eligible, afford access to appropriate educational services.
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If the parent or guardian disagrees with the determination made by school personnel of the
District, he or she has a right to a hearing with an impartial hearing officer.
The Section/504/Americans with Disabilities Act Coordinator will handle inquires regarding
the Hattiesburg Public School District’s nondiscrimination policies, the filing of complaints,
and requests for copies of complaint procedures covering discrimination on the basis of
disability.
For assistance, contact:
504/Americans with Disabilities Act Coordinator:
Hattiesburg Public School District Central Office
301 Mamie Street
Phone: 601-582-5078
Fax:
601-582-6666
Grievance Procedure
Any student or employee of this district who believes he or she has been discriminated
against, denied a benefit, or excluded from participation in any education program or activity
on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, national origin, or disability may file a written
complaint with the Title IX compliance administrator. The compliance administrator shall
cause a review of the written complaint to be conducted and a written response mailed to the
complainant within 10 working days after receipt of the written complaint. A copy of the
written complaint and the compliance administrator’s response shall be provided each member
of the Board of Education indicating with particularity the nature of the disagreement with the
response and reasons underlying such disagreement.
The Board of Education shall consider the appeal at its next regularly scheduled meeting
following receipt of the response. The Board of Education shall permit the complainant to
address the board in public or closed session, as appropriate and lawful, concerning his or her
complaint and shall provide the complainant with its written decision in the matter as
expeditiously as possible following completion of the hearing.
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GUN-FREE SCHOOLS ACT
The Hattiesburg Public School District operates in compliance with the Mississippi Code
97-37-17, which prescribes a felony crime for any person to possess or carry, any gun, rifle,
pistol or other firearm of any kind, or any explosive on educational property. This crime carries
a maximum penalty of a fine of not more than $5,000.00, three (3) years in prison, or both.
Any student who possesses a firearm on campus is subject to expulsion for up to one calendar
year.
DRUG FREE SCHOOLS POLICY
The Hattiesburg Public School District prohibits the unlawful possession, use, or
distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students and employees on school campuses or as
part of any of its activities.
The district strives to be drug free because drug use/abuse limits academic performance,
hinders maturity, and affects social and emotional development. The district does not tolerate
the use or possession of alcoholic beverages, prescription drugs used improperly, marijuana, or
other controlled substances. The district encourages the appropriate education of all students in
the prevention of drug use, the development of community resources in providing drug free
activities, the enforcement of all laws against drug use and possession, and the referral to
treatment when necessary. The Hattiesburg Public School District will impose disciplinary
sanctions on students and employees consistent with local, state and federal laws.
Students in Hattiesburg Schools may be tested for alcohol or drug impairment if the school
administrator has a reasonable belief that the student is impaired or under the influence of drugs
or alcohol. See School Board Policy JCBJD for details.
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HONORS
Honor Roll
•To qualify for the Superintendent’s honor roll, a student in grades 3-6 must have all A’s in
Reading, Math, English, Spelling, Science and Social Studies and performing at or above
grade level. Students in grades K-2 must have all E’s (excellent) and performing at or above
grade level. (See Academic Policies)
•To qualify for the Principal’s honor roll, a student in grades 3-6 must have all A’s and B’s in
Reading, Math, English, Spelling, Science and Social Studies and performing at or above
grade level.
Students in grades K-2 must have all E’s (excellent) & S’s (satisfactory) and
performing at or above grade level. (See Academic Policies)
Honors Recognition
Students in elementary schools will be recognized throughout the year for academic honors,
perfect attendance, citizenship and related activities.
STUDENT INFORMATION RELEASE
Names in Publications
Students’ names and appropriate information will be released and printed in various
publications and electronic media throughout the year.
Parents who desire that such
information not be included or released should complete the form included at the end of this
handbook.
Student Records
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20 U.S.C. 1232g; CFR Part 99)
is a Federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. The law applies to all
schools that receive funds under an applicable program of the U. S. Department of Education.
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FERPA gives parents certain rights with respect to their children’s education records.
These rights transfer to the student when he or she reaches the age of 18 or attends a school
beyond the high school level. Students to whom the rights have transferred are “eligible
students.”
•
Parents or eligible students have the right to inspect and review the student’s education
records maintained by the school. Schools are not required to provide copies of records unless,
for reasons such as great distance, it is impossible for parents or eligible students to review the
records. Schools may charge a fee for copies.
•
Parents or eligible students have the right to request that a school correct records which
they believe to be inaccurate or misleading. If the school decides not to amend the record, the
parent or eligible student then has the right to a formal hearing. After the hearing, if the school
still decides not to amend the record, the parent or eligible student has the right to place a
statement with the record setting forth his or her view about the contested information.
•
Generally, schools must have written permission from the parent or eligible student in order
to release any information from a student’s education record.
However, FERPA allows schools to disclose those records, without consent, to the following
parties or under the following conditions (34CFR 99.31):
o School officials with legitimate educational interest;
o Other schools to which a student is transferring;
o Specified officials for audit or evaluation process;
o Appropriate parties in connection with financial aid to a student;
o Organizations conducting certain studies for or on behalf of the school;
o Accrediting organizations;
o To comply with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena;
o Appropriate officials in cases of health and safety emergencies; and
o State and local authorities, within a juvenile justice system, pursuant to specific State law.
Schools may disclose, without consent, “directory” information such as a student’s name,
address, telephone number, date and place of birth, honors and awards, and dates of attendance.
However, schools must tell parents and eligible students about directory information and allow
parents and eligible students a reasonable amount of time to request that the school not disclose
directory information about them. Schools must notify parents and eligible students annually
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of their rights under FERPA. The actual means of notification (special letter, inclusion in a
PTA bulletin, student handbook, or newspaper article) is left to the discretion of each school.
Student Interviews
With the exception of youth court jurisdiction or Department of Human Services, no
student may be interviewed by non-school personnel without permission of parent or guardian.
School Trips
School-sponsored trips may be planned in conjunction with instructional activities
conducted during the school year. Official notification of school-sponsored trips will be made
to the parents of participating students. Parental permission is required. Parents are not
permitted to be transported on the school bus to/from school trips unless they are officially
selected as chaperones.
School Parties
School parties are limited to a maximum of three (3) parties per year during school hours.
The teachers and principal will select which three parties they will have by the end of the third
week of school.
School Pictures
School pictures are made for every child. A purchase is optional.
Special Activities
Students in the Hattiesburg schools participate in many activities such as poster and art
contests sponsored by civic and educational organizations. Although every effort will be made
to return each child’s materials at the close of the activity, the school system cannot be held
responsible for failure of the sponsoring organization to return the materials.
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EMERGENCY -‐ HEALTH -‐ SAFETY
Crisis Management Plan for Schools:
Hattiesburg Public School District has instituted procedures to safely manage a variety of
emergency situations, from student accidents to inclement weather to nation-wide emergency
situations.
Each situation will be handled in accordance with a specific template, with
directions for teachers, principals, and other school personnel. The Crisis Management Plan is
located at each principal’s office, with training provided to all school personnel.
Student Accidents:
School personnel will exercise their best judgments in handling an emergency affecting the
health and welfare of a student. Established policy and procedural guidelines will be followed
in every case in so far as possible. If the parents or guardian cannot be reached, school
personnel will act to safeguard the student in every reasonable way, which may include
transporting the child to the district clinic and/or emergency facility (ER). If the school fails to
reach the parent by phone, a report of the incident will be sent home with the student. Reports
of all accidents or injury will be maintained in the principal’s office.
First Aid and Student Medical Care
School district employees shall not render medical care to students except for first aid
(limited care for an illness or injury, which is provided to a sick or injured person until
definitive medical treatment can be accessed or until the illness or injury is dealt with).
Parents/guardians shall be notified immediately by authorities should a student become ill or
injured at school or school sponsored activity so parent/guardian may reassume control over the
student. In the event of serious illness or injury and parent/guardian cannot be contacted,
school authorities shall seek professional medical care. Such care shall be at the expense of
parent/guardian.
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Student Medication
Medication shall be provided or administered to a student by school personnel ONLY with
the written request and consent of the student’s parent/custodian/legal guardian, AND based on
written medication guidance provided by a physician. Medication should be provided in
original containers only. Students are prohibited from taking their own medication at school,
either prescription or over-the-counter. Only HPSD Medication Permission Forms may be
used to grant this permission and consent.
Students with proper authorization may self-
administer asthma medications. See Board Policy JGCDA.
Healthcare Services
The District provides healthcare services for students, parents, staff, and the local
community through a partnership with Southeast Mississippi Rural Health Initiative
(SEMRHI). The clinic will conduct annual medical screenings (limited physical exam) of each
elementary child through the Early Prevention Screening Detection and Treatment (EPSDT)
program. Parents will be notified when students are scheduled for screening, and screening
results will be provided.
Healthcare service is provided by two primary-care medical clinics, one located on the
campus of Lillie Burney Elementary School and one at Hattiesburg High School. The Clinics
have exam rooms, a waiting room, and private counseling areas. A full-time nurse-practitioner
is on site, and the support staff consists of a receptionist and a nurse. The clinic hours of
operation are M-F 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Services include, but are not limited to, routine
examinations based on the Early and Periodic Screening, Detection, and Treatment (EPSDT)
model.
The Clinic is open to students, staff, and the general public. Students of HPSD will be
treated regardless of ability to pay. SEMRHI will bill MEDICAID or private insurers, but will
not bill individual students. There will be a Sliding Fee scale for HPSD staff and community
members.
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Each student in the district must provide a properly filled out Parental Consent Form and a
Student Health History in order to receive treatment at the Clinic. These forms will be
available at registration, along with brochures about the Clinic and Southeast Mississippi Rural
Health Initiative.
The District provides shuttle bus transportation to the clinic for non-
emergency cases. For additional information about the Clinic, please find the ‘Clinic’ link on
the District website or go to http://www.semrhi.com.
Student Insurance:
Even though the district makes every effort to provide a safe and accident-free
environment, students may have accidents which can lead to expensive medical care. In order
to assist parents with this eventuality, the school system offers and encourages the purchase of
special student accident insurance offered on an optional basis. This insurance assists parents
with medical related expenses should an accident occur at school. Information explaining
coverage will be sent home during the first month of school.
The two types of accident insurance available to elementary students include:
•Accident insurance covering students en route to and from school and while at school for the
regular session.
•24-hour coverage for 12 months for accidents.
Fire Drill Procedures (See Crisis Management Plan)
During fire drills, students are to leave the building quickly and in an orderly manner, and
report to a designated place outside, remaining in a class group until the signal to return to the
building is sounded. Fire drills are conducted monthly. The signal for a fire emergency or fire
drill is a series of three short rings repeated.
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Severe Weather Procedures (See Crisis Management Plan)
All schools receive weather bulletins directly from the Civil Defense; thus parents are
discouraged from calling the school to report weather conditions. The school phone must be
available for use in the event of an emergency. Students are not dismissed during a severe
weather warning. Students will be dismissed only after an all-clear bulletin has been issued.
Tornado drills are held monthly within each school.
The signal for a severe weather
emergency or drill is a continuous, long ring.
Official notice of emergency school cancellations will be aired over WDAM Channel 7
(Channel 4 on Comcast Cable), WORV/WJMG and WFOR/WHER. These announcements
will be released as soon as decisions can be made and may come as late as 6:30 a.m. If no
announcement is broadcast, it may be assumed that school is open.
Exclusions from School for Disease
A student who has an infectious or contagious disease known to be spread through casual
contact shall be excluded from school until the danger of transmitting the infection or disease to
other students has passed.
The requirement for readmission will be a certificate from the
Forrest County Health Department or the child’s physician. Below is a list of diseases or
conditions for which a child should not attend school until danger of communicability has
passed.
Illness
Return to School
Chicken Pox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 days after eruption appears
German Measles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 days after onset of rash
Red Measles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 days after onset of rash
Mumps. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 days after glands swell
Hepatitis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Clearance by physician
Mononucleosis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Clearance by physician
Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Proper treatment
Impetigo. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Proper treatment
Pediculosis (lice) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Proper treatment
Ringworm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Proper treatment
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SECTION 41-79-21, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, requires the principal to notify the county
health department after the third incident of head lice during a school year for a student and that
the student obtain proof of treatment from the county health department in order to return to
school.
Physical Education Exemption
If a child should not participate in the physical education program for any reason, a note
from the parent must be sent to the school. Prolonged or permanent exemptions from the
physical education program may be granted only by the principal upon the recommendation of
a physician.
GENERAL POLICIES
Length of School Day
**In the interest of safety, students must not arrive on school grounds before the designated
time of supervision, as determined by each principal.
**When students are dismissed from school at the end of the day, they must leave the
building and grounds immediately.
Student Pickup (Car Riders)
Each principal will provide parents with plans specific to the school and its local traffic pattern
for pickup of car riders. These plans must be followed, for the safety and convenience of all.
*School personnel may require positive identification, to include a government issued
picture ID for student checkout or pickup.
* Should circumstances arise where students are repeatedly brought to school too early or
are not picked up after school in a timely manner, school personnel will communicate or
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conference with parents. If the incidents continue, school personnel may notify local police or
child welfare authorities to investigate as possible child neglect.
STUDENT DAY
Dismissal
60% Day
Time for
Dismissal
Breakfast
Start Time
Walkers
Time
Hawkins Elementary
7:20
8:00
3:00
11:55
7:20
8:00
3:00
11:55
Rowan Elementary
7:30
8:00
3:00
11:55
Thames Elementary
7:30
8:00
3:00
11:55
Woodley Elementary
7:30
8:00
3:00
11:55
7:20
8:00
3:00
11:55
Procedure for Checking Out
Only the parent, legal guardian, or other persons previously designated by the parent or
legal guardian may check a student out of school. All parties must comply with the school’s
policies and practices for preventing unauthorized removal of students from school. The
student’s safety may well depend upon strict observance of these policies. School personnel
may require positive identification, to include a government issued picture ID for student
checkout or pickup.
Students may not be checked out early without proper justification. Students who are
checked out early miss important instructional time, and early checkouts interrupt the learning
process for others.
Visitation or Deliveries
Any person desiring to visit a school must report to the principal’s office for clearance upon
arrival at the school. No one should go directly to a classroom or other area of the school
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without check-in at the office. During specific blocks of time such as the Reading First reading
time, classes will only be interrupted in the case of a genuine emergency, as determined by the
principal. In order to preserve the learning environment, deliveries of non-emergency items to
students at school are prohibited at any time. This includes, but is not limited to, cards,
flowers, balloons, presents, etc. This rule applies throughout the school year—no exceptions
will be made for holidays, birthdays or other occasions which should be celebrated during nonschool hours.
Dress/Grooming
The personal appearance of the student represents that individual to fellow students. The
personal appearance of the student body represents the school to others. Cleanliness, neatness,
and appropriateness are the standards which should be observed by all students in their personal
dress and grooming.
Any apparel that hinders the learning process or is disruptive will not be accepted by the
school. Each year, a few distracting items, including some fads, show up in our elementary
schools. We are not listing any of these nor are we making a regulation to cover all problems
that may arise. A “fad” which becomes a “nuisance” will be eliminated. Anything that
distracts from the spirit or dignity of the Hattiesburg schools will be controlled. The principal
shall have the final decision about the appropriateness of the length, fit, size, and/or style of
clothing.
HATTIESBURG PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT
STANDARDIZED DRESS POLICY (K-6)
This dress code outlines the acceptable form of attire approved to be worn by students in
district schools. Every component of the student uniform should be appropriate in length and
size. Appropriate is defined as that which properly covers the body and which is in good taste.
The principal shall have the final decision about the appropriateness of the length/size of
clothing.
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As a general rule of thumb, shorts, skorts, or jumpers may not exceed four (4) inches above
the top of the kneecap.
No component of the uniform may be of denim material.
Button-Up Shirt/Blouse/ Knit Polo 2-3 button shirt, Turtlenecks: Solid color purple, gold,
white.
No ruffles, pleats, lace, trim, etc.
No visible emblem preferred, but small trademarks, logos, etc. are allowed
Must be tucked in
Sweatshirts: Solid color: purple, gold, or white
Pullover/round neck- no hoods
With or without pockets
No visible emblem, but small trademarks, logos, etc. are allowed
Students may not wear/carry sweatshirts around the waist, neck, shoulders, etc.
Sweaters: Solid color: purple, gold or white
Cardigan (button-up) or pullover-plain front
Scoop neck or V-neck
Long sleeves or sleeveless (with a uniform shirt underneath)
With or without pockets
No visible emblem, but small trademarks, logos, etc. are allowed
Students may not wear/carry sweaters around the waist, neck, shoulders, etc.
Uniform shirt must be worn under sweater
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Vests: Solid color: purple, gold, or white
Plain, open front worn with approved uniform shirt
No visible emblems preferred, but small trademarks, logos, etc., are allowed.
Jackets/Coats
Elementary school students are allowed to have jackets with solid colors consistent with the
colors of solid purple, gold, white, brown, black, navy blue, khaki, or blue denim.. No visible
emblems preferred, but small trademarks, logos, etc. are allowed on jackets/coats. Jackets
representing organization (club) affiliations can be worn only for school sponsored programs.
Clothing must not advertise or exhibit any likeness of alcohol, drugs, tobacco, etc. or in any
way be lewd, profane, obscene, suggestive, vulgar; or in any way harass, threaten, intimidate,
or demean any other group, or in any way display illegal merchandise or contraband, or in any
way be distractive to the educational process.
Students may not wear/carry jackets/coats around the waist, neck, shoulders, etc.
Pants: Solid color: khaki (tan) or navy
Any brand of long dress slacks or capris pants only
Cuffed or un-cuffed, properly hemmed
Pleated or un-pleated
With or without elastic
*The construction shall be of uniform quality, wash-n-wear, or permanent press fabric.
*No corduroy, denim, stretch fabric, zip-off pants, low riders, bell bottoms, carpenter pants,
warm-up windsuits, etc.
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Walking Shorts/Skorts: Solid Color: khaki (tan) or navy
Any brand of dress shorts only
Cuffed or un-cuffed, properly hemmed
Pleated or un-pleated
With or without elastic
The construction shall be of uniform quality, wash-n-wear, or permanent press fabric.
No corduroy, denim, stretch fabric, or carpenter shorts
Length: must be no more than four (4) inches above the top of the kneecap
Skirts: Solid color: khaki (tan) or navy
Styles: box pleat, kilt Style, knife pleat, regular/straight (without slits). The construction shall
be of uniform quality, wash-n-wear, or permanent press fabric.
Length: must be no more than four (4) inches above the top of the kneecap for elementary.
Jumpers: Solid Color: khaki (tan) or navy
Styles: round, square, V-neck, straight, A-line, or pleated
Length: must be no more than four (4) inches above the top of the kneecap.
The construction shall be of uniform quality, wash-n-wear, or permanent press fabric.
Belts
Color: black, brown, or navy
No visible emblem, trademark, or logo, etc
If belt loops exist on clothing, a belt must be worn.
If belt loops are removed, pants must fit student appropriately.
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Socks
Socks are required.
Solid color: white, khaki (tan), brown, or navy blue
Styles: crew, knee highs, tights/hose
No visible emblem preferred; small trademarks, or logo, etc. are allowed
Shoes
Navy, white, brown, or black (no platforms or flip-flops)
Black and white saddle oxfords
Basic athletic shoes (no lighted soles or platforms)
No open toe shoes
Boots (knee-length or below) may be worn .
Other Considerations
•
Small purses are permitted
•
Bows, barrettes, ponytail holders, headbands, and scrunchies are acceptable for girls only
School Spirit T-shirt/Sweatshirts
•
Only on specific days, designated by the principal as spirit days, will students be allowed to
wear special apparel. T-shirts must be tucked in. T-shirts or sweatshirts should be purple,
gold, or white, or may be a distinctive school-specific color-combination approved in
advance by the superintendent.
GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS
Each student has the responsibility to dress appropriately for the school environment.
Wearing apparel, hair, and general appearance shall not disrupt the classroom atmosphere, shall
not be unusually provocative, or shall not violate health and safety rules of the school. The
guidelines for dress and grooming are provided to assist parents and shall apply to all students.
Student dress and grooming shall be neat, clean, and follow the general guidelines below:
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A. Shirts are to be tucked into pants, skirts, shorts, and skorts.
B. Students are prohibited from wearing additional “patches,” pins, tattoos, earrings, jewelry, or
any other item that may be considered lewd, profane, obscene, vulgar, suggestive, or distractive
which may harass, threaten, intimidate, or demean other groups; or which display illegal
merchandise or contraband; or any item which may distract from the educational process.
C. Pierced ears for earrings are acceptable. Other visible body piercing is not allowed.
D. Head coverings including but not limited to caps, hats, bandannas, “doo” rags, hair curlers,
sunglasses, or any “gang” symbols are prohibited.
E. Oversize clothing is prohibited. The waistband of shorts, slacks, and skirts shall be worn on
the waist. If belts, suspenders, or straps are worn, they shall be worn in place and fastened.
“Sagging” and/or “low-riding” is prohibited.
F. Sunglasses or shades may not be worn.
G. The principal may designate certain days during the year as “Free Dress” days and students
will not have to wear uniforms on those days only.
Drug Education
The school district uses a written curriculum in drug and alcohol education.
Drug
education enables students to learn facts, to understand the importance of values and attitudes,
to increase self-understanding and self-esteem, and to develop positive communication skills.
Drug Awareness Resistance Education (DARE) is offered at each elementary school.
Food Services
The food service makes it possible for every student to have adequate, well-balanced meals
and sufficient time in which to eat. The school cafeteria is well-supervised and meets the
requirements set by the state.
The following rules will be strictly enforced:
•All food is to be eaten in the cafeteria, including food brought from home.
•Children bringing food from home may purchase milk or ice cream to add to their meals.
•Beverages other than those offered in the food program shall not be consumed in the cafeteria.
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Transportation
School transportation is available to students who live more than a mile from their school.
Participating students will be given school bus rules and regulations at the beginning of the
school year.
Student cooperation is imperative. Students who do not conduct themselves as set forth in
the rules and regulations will not be allowed to ride the bus. Severe misbehavior on the bus can
also result in suspension or other disciplinary action. The school bus driver is responsible to
the school district to maintain student order and to insure maximum safety at all times.
Therefore, a driver is authorized to instruct and control students as to proper conduct and safety
while they are on the bus. The school principal will be responsible for disciplinary action
regarding students reported by the driver.
Questions and inquiries regarding discipline should be directed to the school principal.
Questions and inquiries regarding stops, routes, and student eligibility should be directed to
Transportation Services at 601-583-2857.
Special Services
Exceptional needs of students are met through gifted education and a full range of programs
for students with disabilities.
Programs and services are provided for students who are
academically gifted and talented, learning disabled, mentally retarded, physically disabled,
hearing-impaired, emotionally disabled, language/speech impaired, and multiply disabled. Any
person who knows of a child, birth to 21 years of age, in need of special educational services in
Hattiesburg should contact the Office of Student Services at 601-582-5078 or visit the
Hattiesburg Public School District Administration Building at 301 Mamie Street.
Elementary Athletics
The Hattiesburg City Recreation Department provides an after-school elementary athletic
program in football, basketball, cheerleading, and track for those desiring to participate. The
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school district provides the facilities and cooperates to make this program a worthwhile
activity. The Recreation Department is responsible for directing and governing these activities.
Testing Program
The district provides a comprehensive curriculum-based testing program to assess the
academic abilities and achievement of each student. During the month of May, the State of
Mississippi tests students in grades 3-8 in the academic areas of language arts and mathematics.
The state conducts an annual writing assessment for 4th and 7th grade students during the
month of March. The state also conducts a science assessment for 5th and 8th grade students in
March.
Use of School Building
Students may not use school buildings and other school facilities unless permission has
been given by the principal. Request for use of building is accomplished through the office of
the superintendent.
Use of School Telephone
School telephones are for business use; therefore, the students’ use of the telephone is to be
limited to emergencies with the permission of office personnel.
Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment of employees and students will not be tolerated. Sexual harassment
shall include, but not be limited to, unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and
other verbal or physical conduct which interferes with a person’s school/work performance or
creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment. Other types of sexual harassment
may include jokes, stories, pictures or objects that are offensive, tend to alarm, annoy, abuse or
demean. Claims of sexual harassment should be reported to the Office of Human Resources
(for employees) and the principal’s office (for students).
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Bullying: See Code of Conduct
Personal Property
The Hattiesburg Public School District does not assume responsibility for the theft of or
damage to personal property brought onto school property. Items that detract from the learning
environment will be removed from the student’s possession and stored in the office. Parents
may come to the office after the school day to retrieve the personal property.
District Title I Policy
Each elementary school has its own Title I Parent Involvement Policy. District Title I Policies
are available at the office of the Federal Programs Coordinator at Central Office.
POSSESSION OF CELLULAR PHONES OR OTHER ELECTRONIC DEVICES
District and school personnel understand that the use of cell phones and other electronic
devices has become so widespread that many parents and students feel that these items are
necessities rather than conveniences. While students are certainly free to use these devices
while away from school, there are important reasons why students are not permitted to use cell
phones and other electronic devices at school:
1. Cell phones and other devices distract from the teaching and learning process. Calls to or
from students in school interrupt not only the student involved, but all others in earshot, both
students and faculty.
2. Taking tests and quizzes in school involves a certain level of test security, which can easily
be breached by the use of camera phones and text messaging. Allowing the use of phones and
cameras on campus would provide too much opportunity for exchanges of answers through
text-messaging and emailing of digital photographs.
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3. Some parents have stated that they wish for their child to have a cell phone as an emergency
notification device. While this is a laudable sentiment, it is simply not necessary while in
school. The school district is constantly updating school security measures, and has installed a
phone system in every classroom. All faculty and staff are provided training on emergency
notification procedures for a number of contingencies.
If school personnel are made aware by sight or sound that a cell phone is being
used (verbally or through texting), or other such electronic devices are in a student’s
possession, the student will immediately surrender the device to the teacher or
administrator on demand. Students found to be in using electronic games, pagers,
beepers, cell phones, or other electronic devices shall have:
1st offense - such item(s) confiscated and held until parent or guardian comes to the
school to retrieve the item upon coordination with school staff.
2nd offense - such item(s) confiscated for five school days; must be retrieved by
parent or guardian.
Subsequent offense – student will not be allowed to possess or use cell phone or
other electronic device at school for the remainder of the school year.
Students who refuse to surrender an electronic device on demand will be considered to have
committed a separate disciplinary infraction (open defiance of school personnel/failure to
comply with directives) and may be disciplined separately from the original offense.
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CODE OF STUDENT CONDUCT—ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
Section I: Legal Basis.
The legal basis for providing a Code of Student Conduct is Section 37-11-55 of the Mississippi
Code.
Section II: Parental Responsibility: The support of parents is absolutely critical to the
success of students in school, and is even more important in areas of student discipline.
Please note the summary of parent responsibilities outlined below.
MS Code 37-11-53 (excerpts):
(1) A copy of the school district's discipline plan shall be distributed to each student enrolled in
the district, and the parents, guardian or custodian of such student shall sign a statement
verifying that they have been given notice of the discipline policies of their respective school
district. The school board shall have its official discipline plan and code of student conduct
legally audited on an annual basis to insure that its policies and procedures are currently in
compliance with applicable statutes, case law and state and federal constitutional provisions.
(2) All discipline plans of school districts shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
(a) A parent, guardian or custodian of a compulsory-school-age child enrolled in a public
school district shall be responsible financially for his or her minor child's destructive acts
against school property or persons;
(b) A parent, guardian or custodian of a compulsory-school-age child enrolled in a public
school district may be requested to appear at school by an appropriate school official for a
conference regarding acts of the child specified in paragraph (a) of this subsection, or for any
other discipline conference regarding the acts of the child;
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(c) Any parent, guardian or custodian of a compulsory-school-age child enrolled in a school
district who refuses or willfully fails to attend such discipline conference specified in paragraph
(d) of this section may be summoned by proper notification by the superintendent of schools
and be required to attend such discipline conference; and
(e) A parent, guardian or custodian of a compulsory-school-age child enrolled in a public
school district shall be responsible for any criminal fines brought against such student for
unlawful activity as defined in Section 37-11-29 occurring on school grounds.
(3) Any parent, guardian or custodian of a compulsory-school-age child who (a) fails to attend
a discipline conference to which such parent, guardian or custodian has been summoned under
the provisions of this section, or (b) refuses or willfully fails to perform any other duties
imposed upon him or her under the provisions of this section, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor
and, upon conviction, shall be fined not to exceed two hundred fifty dollars ($250.00).
(4) Any public school district shall be entitled to recover damages in an amount not to exceed
twenty thousand dollars ($20,000.00), plus necessary court costs, from the parents of any minor
under the age of eighteen (18) years and over the age of six (6) years, who maliciously and
willfully damages or destroys property belonging to such school district.
(5) A school district's discipline plan may provide that as an alternative to suspension, a student
may remain in school by having the parent, guardian or custodian, with the consent of the
student's teacher or teachers, attend class with the student for a period of time specifically
agreed upon by the reporting teacher and school principal.
Section III: Three Tier Intervention System. Response to Intervention (RTI): A Three
Tier Model of School Wide Positive Behavior Support. All behavioral interventions in the
Hattiesburg Public Schools are based on the Three Tier Intervention System, as approved by
the local and state Boards of Education. School Board Policy IEF (Three-Tier Intervention
System) is reproduced below:
1. Hattiesburg Public Schools shall require an instructional model designed to meet the needs
of every student. The model shall be based on MS School Board Policy and guidance from the
Mississippi Department of Education, and will consist of three tiers of instruction.
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Tier I: All students receive universal interventions. School-wide Positive Behavior
Support Quality classroom instruction based on MS Curriculum Frameworks
Tier II: Some students receive targeted interventions, and focused supplemental
instruction. Students will be referred to the counselor to assist the teacher with a more
targeted small group intervention.
Tier III: Few students will receive Intensive Positive Behavior Support; Intensive
interventions specifically designed to meet the individual needs of students. The
student’s name will be referred to the TST team for data monitoring and decision
making. The team will provide more intensive and individualized interventions.
2. Teachers should use behavior monitoring tools and progress monitoring information to
(a) determine if students are making adequate progress;
(b) identify students as soon as they show signs of distress or begin to fall behind; and
(c) create interventions to modify behavior instruction early enough to ensure each and
every student gains the instructional knowledge needed for success. Monitoring of student
progress is an ongoing process that may be measured throughout the school year.
3. If strategies at Tiers I & II are unsuccessful, students must be referred to the Teacher Support
Team. The TST is the problem-solving unit responsible for interventions developed at Tier III.
Each school must have a Teacher Support Team (TST) implemented in accordance with the
process developed by the Mississippi Department of Education. The chairperson of the TST
shall be the school principal as the school’s instructional leader or the principal’s
designee. The designee should not be an individual whose primary responsibility is special
education.
Section IV: Behavioral Interventions: The Hattiesburg Public Schools is making every
effort to ensure that our students are afforded the opportunity to excel behaviorally in the
classrooms. We believe that encouraging positive behavior, treating students with compassion
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and respect, and communicating our behavioral expectations will help to foster an environment
conducive for learning.
a. (Positive Behavior Initiatives). Teachers, administrators, and staff are continuing with
professional development sessions designed to improve their relations with students and
families. Parents have the right to expect that their children will be accorded a rigorous
education, a caring environment, and that each child will be valued as an individual.
Throughout the district, we are implementing a system of positive behavioral management
programs designed to enhance desired behaviors and thus reduce student discipline problems.
b. Random Drug Testing for extracurricular activities. The district’s Drug Screening
Policy (Board Policy JCBJC) is summarized in the main section of this Student Handbook. The
policy is intended to deter drug use, provide students an opportunity to decline the use of drugs,
to educate students on the dangers involved, and to provide counseling and treatment if
necessary. Drug testing has proven to be a successful means of identifying students with
problems, and with providing needed counseling and assistance.
Section V: Elementary School Discipline Policies (Excerpt from School Board Policy
JCBE: The superintendent and principal of a school shall have the power to suspend a pupil
for good cause, including misconduct in the school or on school property, as defined in Section
37-11-29, on the road to and from school, or at any school-related activity or event, or for
conduct occurring on property other than school property or other than at a school-related
activity or event when such conduct by a pupil, in the determination of the superintendent or
principal, renders that pupil's presence in the classroom a disruption to the educational
environment of the school or a detriment to the best interest and welfare of the pupils and
teacher of such class as a whole, or for any reason for which such pupil might be suspended,
dismissed, or expelled by the School Board under state or federal law or any rule, regulation or
policy of the local school district.
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The disciplinary philosophy of the Hattiesburg Public School District supports the teacher’s
right to teach and the student’s right to learn. Behavior which stops the teacher from teaching
and/or any student from learning is discouraged and will not be tolerated. We recognize that
maintaining effective discipline and safety on buses, in classrooms, on campuses, and at
school-related activities is a shared responsibility of parents, students, and school personnel.
The assistance of parents is needed in the following ways:
1. Review discipline policies with your children to make sure they understand them and the
conditions set forth.
2. Know where your children are, what they are doing, and with whom they are associating.
3. Take action against anyone who commits offenses against your child, and support action by
school, police, and court officials in dealing with offenders.
4. Respond in a timely manner to requests for conferences.
Teachers will provide students and parents with a list of rules and consequences, both
positive and negative, which will be used in their classrooms. When a student chooses to
break the rules and is referred to the office, disciplinary action will be taken according to the
following prescribed steps:
Discipline Steps - Action or Consequence
Note: All the consequences will be more severe depending on the offense, the age of the student, and
the student history of behavior.
LEVEL I
1. Classroom intervention strategies by the teacher
2. School wide intervention (PBIS Plan)
3. Confiscation of Item, loss of privilege
4. Detention
5. In-School Suspension
6. Over-night Suspension (parental involvement)
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LEVEL II
1. Continue with Level I
2. Parent Conference
3. Referral to TST
4. 1-3 day out of School suspension
LEVEL III
1. Continue with Level II
2. District Wide intervention strategies, group counseling
3. 3-4 days out of school suspension (Parent Conference)
4. Include HPSD Security on some infractions
LEVEL IV
1. Continue with Level III #2
2. 5-9 day suspension (Parent Conference)
3. Assigned to Alt School
4. Expulsion 10-45 days
5. Include HPSD Security on all infractions
LEVEL V & VI
1. Continue with District Wide Interventions
2. 10-180 expulsion
3. Include HPSD Security on all infractions
LEVEL I
1
Excessive excused tardies to school/early releases (excluding medically
documented and school-sponsored events)
1
Excessive unexcused tardies to school or early releases (more than 3 times)
1
Unexcused/excessive tardies to class (more than 3 times) Class cutting,
leaving class without permission
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1
Possession of cellular phones in public view or use
1
Possession of objects such as laser pointers (non-use)
1
Failure to wear district-adopted school uniform or violation of the school’s
dress code (3 times or more)
1
Class cutting
LEVEL II
2
Defiance of school personnel and or procedures
2
The use or possession of tobacco products
2
Profanity or vulgarity (use toward a student)
2
Possession, posting distribution of unauthorized materials
2
Participates in a verbal/push-shove confrontation
2
Cheating/plagiarism or forgery and theft under $500
2
False fire Alarm, False ID, False accusation against a students
2
Possession of flammable materials (matches, lighters, fireworks)
2
*Elementary: Possession of a dangerous object /weapon (including pocket
knives)
LEVEL III
3
Fight (minor no injuries) non-gang related
3
Defacing/destruction of property under $500
3
Improper use of the Internet-network or equipment
3
Trespassing or loitering
3
Disruptive behavior/food fight, throwing chair or similar object without
injuries
LEVEL IV
4
Continuing to engage in Level 3 violations
4
Hazing/initiation: non-school sponsored/non-sanctioned organizations,
societies, clubs, or teams
4
Breaking and entering/burglary, theft over $500, or motor vehicle theft,
Vandalism/graffiti
4
Vandalism/graffiti, possession of drug paraphernalia
4
Under the influence of an unauthorized substance at school (no actual
possession or use at school) mandatory referral to Alcohol and Drug
Counseling
4
Possession/use of alcohol
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4
Assault against a student (resulting in minor injury),
Threats against a student, Arson
4
Refusal to produce an object identified by metal detectors
4
Profanity, provocative, and/or abusive language directed at school
personnel
4
Sexual Harassment, bullying, intimidation and harassment
4
Felony per juvenile court, where the student’s continued presence in school
poses a danger to person or property or disrupts the educational process (Alt
Placement)
4
*Elementary students engaging in activities implying gang
affiliation/membership
4
Making a threat, including a false report, to use a bomb, dynamite, any
other deadly explosive or destructive device including chemical weapons
on school property or at a school sponsored event
LEVEL V
5
Use or attempted use of an object as a dangerous weapon
5
Possession of a dangerous object /weapon (including pocket knives)
5
*Middle/high school students engaging in activities implying gang
affiliation/membership
5
Gang related symbols, clothing (secondary)
LEVEL VI
6
Fighting (serious injury, weapon used, or gang related)
6
Aggravated assault against students (resulting in serious injury)
6
Possession of a dangerous weapon (including a bowie knife, hawk bill
knife, ice pick, dagger, a switchblade, or a weapon of like kind)
6
False imprisonment or kidnapping, Sexual battery
6
Serious threats against a student
6
Threats (serious & non-serious)/false accusations against school personnel
6
Other major incidents and behaviors which have high potential for causing
serious injury and/or death (e.g., throwing bricks at an occupied school bus)
6
Assault (injury or extremely offensive or provocative physical
contact)/aggravated assault (serious injury) against school personnel _
6
Possession/sale/distribution of illegal drugs or unauthorized prescription
drugs
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6
Possession/concealment/use/sale/distribution of explosive devices and
firearms (assembled or unassembled parts), real/look-alike
6
* HS Activities implying gang affiliation/membership include gang fights,
gestures, actions, signals, literature, colors, drawings, signs, jewelry,
apparel, manner of grooming, writings, gang graffiti, verbal or nonverbal
communication, possessing/distributing gang information, participating in
gang recruitment, solicitation, or hazing/initiation activities,
coordinating/ordering gang activities at school, gang-related threats,
intimidation, extortion and other gang activity, or acts that imply gang
affiliation or membership.
*When a child is involved in a FIGHT or is considered a habitual offender, the principal
may refer the student to the Alternative School.
A threat of bodily harm to oneself or others may result in a disciplinary action and the
Resource Office will be notified, as well as the District Behavior Support Team.
In addition to the discipline, the parent or guardian may be required to seek outside professional
counseling or assessment for their child before the child will be allowed to return to regular
classes. Appropriate certification from the behavioral support agency may be required by the
principal, stating that the student is not a threat to himself, other students, faculty or staff, prior
to readmission to school
DISCIPLINE/DETENTION
In-School Isolation (ISI)
At the discretion of the principal and as a last alternative to out-of-school suspension, a
student may be placed in In-School Isolation (ISI), a program designated to keep students
working productively at school while being restricted under disciplinary measures. The ISI
program is designated to minimize nonproductive behaviors and act as an alternative to home
suspension. Students will be assigned to the ISI classroom located on each campus. During
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the time in the ISI program room, a student is totally separated from the normal school setting.
Re-entry into the regular school program is based on personal performance and meeting the
specific requirements of the ISI program.
Detention
Any student duly informed by the teacher(s) to remain after school or report before school
for disciplinary action is expected to be present. If emergencies exist requiring a change, the
teacher will make the final decision. Failure to report will result in appropriate disciplinary
action, including possible suspension. Students remaining at school after regular hours, either
before or after school, whether for completing makeup or extra work or as a disciplinary
action, must be under the supervision of a teacher.
Hazing
Hazing is defined as any act that is physically or mentally abusive, degrading, or causes
personal indignity to any student, faculty member, or employee. Hazing includes doing any act
or coercing another, including the victim, to do any act of initiation into any organization that
causes or creates a substantial risk of causing mental or physical harm to any person. It is
normally associated with new members of a club or organization proving their “worth” to
become members.
Activity of this nature is inconsistent with the educational process and the mission
statement of the Hattiesburg School District, and such activities are prohibited at all times. No
administrator, faculty member, or any other employee of this school shall encourage, condone,
tolerate, or recklessly permit the hazing of any person.
No student shall encourage or engage in the hazing of any person. If hazing or planned
hazing is discovered by an administrator, faculty member, or employee, he/she will make
reasonable attempts to prevent it, including but not limited to, informing all involved students
of the prohibition against hazing contained in this policy and requiring the students to cease all
hazing immediately. ALL hazing incidents shall be reported to the principal immediately.
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Anyone who participates, encourages, condones, tolerates, or recklessly permits the hazing
of any person may be subject to disciplinary action, and may be liable for civil and criminal
penalties in accordance with Mississippi law.
The negligence, consent, or assumption of the risk of any individual subjected to hazing does
not lessen the prohibition contained in the policy. Hazing will not be tolerated on any public
school property or at any school-related function, to include on school busses or on school
trips.
Bullying
Bullying or harassing behavior is any pattern of gestures or written, electronic or verbal
communications, or any physical act or any threatening communication, or any act reasonably
perceived as being motivated by any actual or perceived differentiating characteristic, that
takes place on school property, at any school-sponsored function, or on a school bus, and that:
(a) Places a student or school employee in actual and reasonable fear of harm to his or
her person or damage to his or her property; or
(b) Creates or is certain to create a hostile environment by substantially interfering with
or impairing a student's educational performance, opportunities or benefits. Hostile
environment means that the victim views the conduct as bullying or harassing behavior and the
conduct is severe or pervasive enough that a reasonable person would agree that it is bullying
or harassing behavior.
(2) No student or school employee shall be subjected to bullying or harassing behavior by
school employees or students.
(3) No person shall engage in any act of reprisal or retaliation against a victim, witness or
a person with reliable information about an act of bullying or harassing behavior.
(4) A school employee who has witnessed or has reliable information that a student or
school employee has been subject to any act of bullying or harassing behavior shall report the
incident to the appropriate school official.
(5) A student or volunteer who has witnessed or has reliable information that a student or
school employee has been subject to any act of bullying or harassing behavior should report
the incident to the appropriate school official.
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Bullying can be in the form of verbal, physical, or psychological attacks, such as taunting,
teasing, ridiculing, picking-on, gossiping about, name-calling, or many other forms of behavior
which is intended to degrade, humiliate, or ridicule another person. Bullying is harmful to
victims, and is very detrimental to maintaining a safe and orderly learning environment at
school. Bullying is absolutely prohibited in any form, to include physical, verbal, written, or
electronic. Bullying should be reported to school staff, and will be dealt with as a serious
disciplinary issue. All reports of bullying to school staff will be documented and reported to
the school principals.
Gangs:
This school district is committed to maintaining a safe school environment for its students and
staffs. Students are expected to adhere to the school’s and district’s standards of conduct that
promote well-being and support the learning process. Gang activity will not be tolerated in any
form. Where gang activity is suspected or confirmed a complaint will be filed in accordance
with the “Mississippi Streetgang Act” (MS Code §97-44-1 through 97-44-19).
A student(s) will not be allowed to initiate or become involved in activities or conduct which
threatens the safety and well-being of others or property on school premises or which disrupts or
threatens to disrupt the school environment. The use of words or symbols that tend to disrupt the
school environment or to encourage violations of school policy or which threaten the safety and
well-being of others on the school premises will not be allowed.
An individual or individuals who are initiating, advocating, or promoting activities which
threaten the safety or well-being of persons or property on school grounds or which disrupt the
school environment are harmful to the educational process. The use of hand signals, graffiti, or
the presence of any apparel, jewelry, accessory, or manner of grooming which, by virtue of its
color, arrangement, trademark, symbol, or any other attribute which indicates or implies
membership or affiliation with such a group, presents a clear and present danger. This is contrary
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to the school environment and educational objectives and creates an atmosphere where unlawful
acts or violations of school regulations may occur.
No student shall actively participate or wear clothing or other indications of membership in an
organization or gang which advocates violence or hatred toward any group of students and other
individuals, or an organization which either intends to or does disrupt the educational process
through its purpose or actions.
Incidents involving initiations, hazings, intimidations, and/or related activities of such group
affiliations which are likely to cause bodily danger, physical harm, or personal degradation or
disgrace resulting in physical or mental harm to students are prohibited.
The school district shall enforce the above rule and attempt to ensure that any student wearing,
carrying, or displaying gang paraphernalia or exhibiting behavior or gestures which symbolize
gang membership and/or participation in activities which intimidate or affect the attendance of
another student shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary action, in accordance with the
disciplinary ladder. Also see JCBE, JC, IDH.
Bus Discipline for Elementary Students
**Students are only able to ride the buses they are assigned to by the Department of
Transportation unless a written explanation is provided in advance to the office.
Transportation is only provided to permanent address of parent/legal guardian.**
The School District provides transportation service to our students as a safe and efficient
means of getting most children to and from home and school on time. Transportation is a
service provided to students by the district and is an extension of school property. All school
rules and regulations are in effect on school buses.
Referrals for misbehavior on the bus can lead to loss of bus privileges. For rule violations
on the bus, the student will enter the principal’s bus ladder at the appropriate step. In
addition, school rules and regulations as listed on the principal’s school disciplinary ladder
will apply.
53
Options for Bus Rules Violations
Step 1
Warning, referral sent to parents (If the first infraction is severe,
students may be progressed one or more steps up the ladder.)
Step 2
2-5 days suspension from bus
Step 3
5-15 days suspension from bus
Step 4
20 or more days suspension from bus
Step 5
Permanent denials of transportation services
Behavior
Steps
01. Student Out of Seat
Steps 1-4
02. Fighting
Steps 2-5
03. Vulgar/unacceptable language
Steps 2-4
04. Defiance of driver
Steps 2-5
05. Defacing or destroying school property
Steps 2-5 with restitution
06. Other misbehavior as designated by Administrator
Steps 2-5
SCHOOL BUS DISCIPLINE LADDER
Step
Warning notice of referral sent to student’s parent/guardian from
1.1
principal
Step
1.2
No bus referrals for 20 school days will remove student from the bus
discipline ladder for 1st referral only. After 2nd referral, the student
may remain on that minimum step for the remainder of the school year.
Step
2.1
Two (2) to five (5) days suspension from bus
Step
3.1
Five (5) to fifteen (15) days suspension from bus
Step
4.1
Twenty (20) or more days suspension from bus
Step
5.1
Denial of transportation for remainder of School Year
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BUS DISCIPLINE LADDER STEP/CONSEQUENCES FOR STUDENT BEHAVIORS
REFERRED TO THE PRINCIPAL’S OFFICE
BEHAVIOR
DISCIPLINE
STEP
1ST
2ND
3RD
1. Not following directions/defiance
1-5
2-5
3-5
2. Not staying in seat while bus in motion
1-5
2-5
3-5
1-5
2-5
3-5
4. Eating, drinking, littering
1-5
2-5
3-5
5. Vulgar/unacceptable language
1-5
2-5
3-5
1-5
2-5
3-5
3. Not keeping all parts of body and/or personal objects to self
and in the bus, pushing/shoving, horse-playing
6. Violations which require immediate attention of the school
principal (i.e., fighting, threatening and/or vulgar language,
carrying of any weapons, setting off fireworks,
defacing/destroying school property, using tobacco; bodily
injury to student or staff, etc.)
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56
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HATTIESBURG PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT
English Language Learners (ELL) Service Program
It is the policy of Hattiesburg Schools that:
Students who are English Language Learners (ELL) shall be provided equal opportunities to
participate in the educational programs operated by the district, as required by federal, state,
and local policy. Reference: Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; Title III of the No Child Left
Behind Act of 2001.
The Hattiesburg ELL program is designed to meet the unique needs of ELL students. Eligibility for
the ELL program is contingent on the outcome of a multi-phasal screening process. This process
involves the use of the Hattiesburg Public Schools online “Home Language Survey”; the MDE
approved English Language Proficiency Test (W-APT) {WIDA Access Placement Test}, in-class
monitoring, review of student performance on in-class formative and summative assessments, an
analysis of MCT2 or SATP data if available, as well as a review of student records from previous
schools.
A copy of the Hattiesburg English Language Learners Plan, may be requested from The Office of
Federal Programs at 301 Mamie Street, Hattiesburg, MS 39401.
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HATTIESBURG PUBLIC SCHOOL’S
DISTRICT PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT POLICY
In support of strengthening student academic achievement, each local educational agency (LEA or school
district) that receives Title I, Part A funds must develop jointly with, agree on with, and distribute to, parents of
participating children a written parental involvement policy that contains information required by Section
1118(a)(2) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) (district wide parental involvement policy).
The policy establishes the LEA’s expectations for parental involvement and describes how the LEA will
implement a number of specific parental involvement activities, and is incorporated into the LEA’s plan
submitted to the Mississippi Department of Education.
The Hattiesburg Public School District agrees to implement the following statutory requirements:
The school district will put into operation programs, activities and procedures for the involvement of parents in all
of its schools with Title I, Part A programs, consistent with Section 1118 of the Elementary and Secondary
Education Act (ESEA). Those programs, activities and procedures will be planned and operated with
meaningful consultation with parents of participating children.
Consistent with section 1118, the school district will work with its schools to ensure that the required school-level
parental involvement policies meet the requirements of Section 1118(b) of the ESEA, and each include, as a
component, a school-parent compact consistent with Section 1118(d) of the ESEA.
The school district will incorporate this district wide parental involvement policy into its LEA plan developed
under Section 1112 of the ESEA.
In carrying out the Title I, Part A parental involvement requirements, to the extent practicable, the school district
and its schools will provide full opportunities for the participation of parents with limited English proficiency,
parents with disabilities, and parents of migratory children, including providing information and school
reports required under Section 1111 of the ESEA in an understandable and uniform format and, including
alternative formats upon request, and, to the extent practicable, in a language parents understand.
If the LEA plan for Title I, Part A, developed under Section 1112 of the ESEA, is not satisfactory to the parents of
participating children, the school district will submit any parent comments with the plan when the school
district submits the plan to the State Department of Education.
The school district will involve the parents of children served in Title I, Part A schools in decisions about how the
1 percent of Title I, Part A funds reserved for parental involvement is spent, and will ensure that not less than
95 percent of the one percent reserved goes directly to the schools.
The school district will be governed by the following statutory definition of parental involvement, and expects that
its Title I schools will carry out programs, activities and procedures in accordance with this definition:
Parental involvement means the participation of parents in regular, two-way, and meaningful
communication involving student academic learning and other school activities, including ensuring—
(A) that parents play an integral role in assisting their child’s learning;
(B) that parents are encouraged to be actively involved in their child’s education at school;
(C) that parents are full partners in their child’s education and are included, as appropriate, in
decision-making and on advisory committees to assist in the education of their child;
(D) the carrying out of other activities, such as those described in section 1118 of the ESEA.
Please see the full Parent Involvement Policy on the website for district implementation procedures of the
policy.
59
Statements of Agreement: Please use these pages from the handbook to make copies for
signature and return to school.
Student Handbook:
I/We hereby acknowledge receipt of the 2013-14 Hattiesburg Public Schools Student
Handbook and Code of Conduct. By my/our signatures, I/we state that I/we have reviewed the
handbook and understand that any questions regarding its contents should be forwarded to the
appropriate school office. I/we further understand that this handbook is a guide and that the
rules, regulations, and a policies set forth herein are approved policies of the Hattiesburg Public
School District, as adopted by the Board of Education of Hattiesburg Public Schools. Students
and parents are considered to have knowledge of the information contained here, and agree to
follow the handbook policies.
Parents’ Consent:
Yes
No
Statement of Permission (Surveys):
The Hattiesburg Public Schools participates in federal education programs (Title I, II, IV,
and V) as part of the Improving America’s Schools Act. These programs require certain
surveys and evaluations to be completed by students. I/we give permission for this student to
participate in such surveys and evaluations.
Parents’ Consent:
Yes
No
Name of Parent/Guardian
(Printed):____________________________________________________
Parent or Guardian Signature:
________________________________________________________
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Student Name (Printed):
_____________________________________________________________
Student Signature:
_________________________________________________________________
Date Signed:
_____________________________________________________________________
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NETWORK AND INTERNET ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY
(AUP)
Hattiesburg Public School District recognizes the value of computer and other electronic resources to improve
student learning and to enhance the administration and operation of its school. To this end, the Hattiesburg Public
School District encourages the responsible use of computers and computer networks, which include Internet usage,
e-mail, web applications and other electronic resources in support of the mission, and goals of Hattiesburg Public
Schools.
Because the Internet and e-mail is an unregulated, worldwide vehicle for communication, information
available to staff and students is impossible to fully control. Therefore, Hattiesburg Public School
District adopts this policy governing the voluntary use of electronic resources, e-mail, and the Internet to
provide guidance to individuals and groups obtaining access to these resources on Hattiesburg Public
School District-owned equipment or through Hattiesburg Public School District-affiliated organizations.
Hattiesburg Public School District Rights and Responsibilities
It is the policy of the Hattiesburg Public School District to maintain an environment that promotes ethical and
responsible conduct in all online network activities by staff and students. It shall be a violation of this policy for
any employee, student, or other individual to engage in any activity that does not conform to the established
purpose and general rules and policies of network usage. Within this general policy, the school site recognizes its
moral obligation to protect the well being of students in its charge. To this end, the Hattiesburg Public School
District retains the following rights and recognizes the following obligations:
1. To log network use and to monitor fileserver space utilization by users, and assume no
responsibility or liability for files deleted due to violation of fileserver space allotments.
2. To remove a user account on the network.
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3. To monitor the use of online activities. This may include real-time monitoring of
network activity and/or maintaining logs of Internet and/or e-mail activity for later
review.
4. To provide internal and external controls as appropriate and feasible. Such controls
shall include the right to determine who will have access to Hattiesburg Public School
District -owned equipment and, specifically, to exclude those who do not abide by the
Hattiesburg Public School Districts acceptable use policy or other policies governing
the use of school facilities, equipment, and materials. Hattiesburg Public School District
reserves the right to restrict online destinations through software or other means.
5. Hattiesburg Public School District complies with the regulations of CIPA, the
Children’s Internet Protection Act H.R. 4577, by providing Internet content filtering
services for staff and students. Filtering services are a means of protection from
objectionable sites but cannot provide a 100% guarantee. Therefore, Hattiesburg Public
School District provides no guarantees but will diligently attempt to protect staff and
students from accessing such objectionable Internet sites.
6. To provide guidelines and make reasonable efforts to train staff and students in
acceptable use and policies governing online communications and e-mail.
Staff Responsibilities
1.
Staff members who supervise students, control electronic equipment, or otherwise have occasion to
observe student use of said equipment online shall make reasonable efforts to monitor the use of this
equipment to assure that it conforms to the mission and goals of the Hattiesburg Public School District.
2.
Although the Hattiesburg Public School District will maintain an Internet filtering service, staff members
will continue to monitor student use to prevent the access of objectionable sites.
3.
Staff shall make reasonable efforts to become familiar with the Internet and e-mail use so that effective
monitoring, instruction, and assistance may be achieved.
4.
Staff shall exercise extreme caution in using any student and other staff member’s likeness, picture,
personal information, and/or original work of art, prose, or poetry for distribution through any electronic
media within the Hattiesburg Public School District.
User Responsibilities
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1. Use of any electronic media including the Internet and e-mail provided by the
Hattiesburg Public School District is a privilege that offers a wealth of information and
resources for research.
2. Users agree to learn and comply with all of the provisions of this policy. Through the
actual use of any network related service, the user warrants and signifies his agreement
to any/all of the provisions of this policy.
3. Hattiesburg Public School District recognizes the concept of “Free Speech” and
individual privacy. The Internet, network, and e-mail services are owned and/or
operated by the Hattiesburg Public School District and reserves the right to exercise
reasonable control over any electronic communication and/or publication users may
produce.
INTERNET
The Internet is a global system of interconnected computer networks that use the
standard Internet Protocol Suite (TCP/IP) to serve billions of users worldwide. It is a
network of networks that consists of millions of private, public, academic, business, and
government networks of local to global scope that are linked by a broad array of
electronic and optical networking technologies. The Internet carries a vast array of
information resources and services, most notably the inter-linked hypertext documents
of the World Wide Web (WWW) and the infrastructure to support electronic mail.
Guidelines
1.
All use of the Internet should be in support of educational and research objectives consistent with the
mission and objectives of the Hattiesburg Public School District.
2.
Observe proper etiquette when using electronic communication and never publically display personal
information.
3.
Respect the legal protections for data and software provided by copyright and licenses.
4.
Network accounts are to be used only by the authorized owner of the account for the authorized purpose.
5.
Exhibit exemplary behavior on the network as a representative of your school and community. Be polite
at all times!
6.
From time to time, the Hattiesburg Public School District will make determinations on whether specific
uses of the network are consistent with the acceptable use policy.
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Unacceptable Uses
1.
Giving out personal information about another person, including home address or phone number is
strictly prohibited.
2.
Any use of the network for commercial or for-profit purposes is prohibited.
3.
Excessive use of the network for personal reasons shall be cause for disciplinary action.
4.
Any use of the network for product advertisement or political lobbying is prohibited.
5.
Users shall not intentionally seek information on, obtain copies of, or modify files, other data, or
passwords belonging to other users, or misrepresent other users on the network.
6.
No use of the network shall serve to disrupt the use of the network by others.
7.
Malicious use of the network to develop programs that harass other users, or infiltrate a computer or
computing system, and/or damage the software components of a computer or computing system is
prohibited.
8.
Hate mail, chain letters, harassment, discriminatory remarks, and other antisocial behaviors are prohibited
on the network.
9.
The unauthorized installation of any software, including shareware and freeware for use on the
Hattiesburg Public School District computers is prohibited.
10. Use of the network to access or process pornographic material, objectionable web sites, inappropriate test
files (as determined by the system administrator or building administrator), or files dangerous to the
integrity of the local area network is prohibited.
11. The
Hattiesburg
Public
School
District
network
may
not
be
used
for
downloading
entertainment/music/video/movie software or other files for transfer to a user’s home computer, other
personal computer, DVD, or any music/movie device. This prohibition pertains to freeware, shareware,
copyrighted commercial and non-commercial software, and all other forms of software and files not
directly related to the instructional and administrative purposes of the Hattiesburg Public School District.
Software, files, and/or licenses owned by Hattiesburg Public School District cannot be transferred to staff
or student personal or home computers. This violates the copyright laws.
12. Downloading, copying, otherwise duplicating, and/or distributing copyrighted materials without the
specific written permission of the copyright owner is prohibited, except that duplication and/or
distribution of materials for educational purposes is permitted when such duplication and/or distribution
would fall within the Fair Use Doctrine of the United States Copyright Law (Title 17, USC).
13. Use of the network for any unlawful purpose is prohibited.
14. Use of profanity, obscenity, racist terms, or other language that may be offensive to another user is
prohibited.
15.
Establishing network or Internet connections to live communications, including voice and/or video (relay
chat/live chat), is prohibited unless specifically authorized by the system administrator or building
administrator.
66
E-MAIL
Electronic mail, most commonly abbreviated email or e-mail, is a method of exchanging
digital messages. E-mail systems are based on a store-and-forward model in which email server computer systems accept, forward, deliver and store messages on behalf of
users, who only need to connect to the e-mail infrastructure, typically an e-mail server,
with a network-enabled device for the duration of message submission or retrieval.
Originally, e-mail was always transmitted directly from one user's device to another's;
nowadays this is rarely the case.
Guidelines
1.
E-mail is provided by Hattiesburg Public School District and is NOT considered private. Hattiesburg
Public School District can monitor and review any messages sent or received by the users as deemed
appropriate by the system administrator.
2.
Check electronic e-mail often to see if there are any messages.
3.
To maximize server space, delete and empty trash for electronic mail messages when they are no longer
required.
4.
Respect the legal protections for data and software provided by copyright and licenses.
5.
Take care not to express personal views that could be regarded as defamatory or libelous.
6.
Always be mindful that e-mail use is a privilege and the user is a representative of Hattiesburg Public
School District.
7.
Be aware that all electronic mail activity may be monitored and logged or scanned for viruses and/or
offensive material.
Unacceptable Uses
1.
Do not print electronic mail messages unless a hard copy is needed for record keeping purposes.
2.
Do not send excessively large electronic mail messages or attachments. There is a size limit to messages
and attachments.
3.
Do not indiscriminately forward electronic mail messages to users and/or groups without knowing
whether the group users wish to receive such messages. For example: these messages would be personal
items sent to you such as recipes, quotes, pictures, stories, jokes, songs, and etc. These messages take up
time and space and are not useful for the purpose and objectives of the Hattiesburg Public School District.
4.
Limit messages such as festive greetings or other non-work related items by electronic mail, particularly
to several people.
5.
Do not participate in chain or pyramid messages or similar schemes.
67
6.
Do not represent yourself as another person.
7.
Do not use electronic mail to send or forward material that could be construed as confidential, political,
obscene, threatening, offensive, discriminatory, or libelous.
PUBLICATIONS
Acceptable Uses
1.
Make sure any web design is appropriate to the educational, administrative, or research objectives of the
Hattiesburg Public School District.
2.
Any use of the Hattiesburg Public School District name and/or school site names, likeness, pictures,
graphics must have prior approval of the system administrator or building administrator.
3.
Any use of staff or student likeness, pictures, graphics, art, prose, or poetry must have written permission
before usage. Staff members must give their written signature permission while a student must give
his/her written signature in addition to the parents written signatures before publication use.
4.
The system administrator and/or building administrator will make the final determination whether any
web item(s), which identify the Hattiesburg Public School District, are appropriate for web publication
before that publication occurs.
5.
All web publications will abide by the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) for the
dissemination of student information.
Unacceptable Uses
1.
Do not publish personal information concerning staff or students. The only phone numbers, addresses,
and/or locations allowed are those of the school site available to the public.
2.
Staff and/or students are prohibited from publishing a website using the Hattiesburg Public School
District name and/or school site names, likeness, pictures, graphics without prior approval of the system
administrator or building administrator.
3.
Hattiesburg Public School District recognizes the concept of “Free Speech”, however, staff and/or
students are prohibited from publishing any work that that may be discriminatory, offensive, racists,
threatening to district, school, staff, or other students. The final decision as to whether any work meets
these criteria will be determined by system administrator and/or building administrator.
4.
Right to “”Freedom of Speech” will NOT allow staff and/or students to publish offensive materials
through any Hattiesburg Public School District electronic media. The final decision as to whether any
work meets these criteria will be determined by the system administrator and/or building administrator.
68
Disclaimer
1.
The Hattiesburg Public School District cannot be held accountable for the information that is retrieved via
the Internet, network, or e-mail.
2.
Pursuant to the Electronic Communications Privacy Act of 1986 (18 USC 2510 et seq.), notice is hereby
given that there are no facilities provided by this system for sending or receiving private or confidential
electronic communications. System administrators have access to all mail and may monitor messages.
Messages relating to or in support of illegal activities will be reported to the appropriate authorities.
3.
The Hattiesburg Public School District will not be responsible for any damages any user may suffer,
including loss of data resulting from delays, non-deliveries, or service interruptions caused by user
negligence, errors or omissions. Use of any information obtained is at the user’s own risk.
4.
The Hattiesburg Public School District makes no warranties (expressed or implied) with respect to:
• The content of any advice or information received by a user, or any costs or charges incurred as a
result of seeing or accepting any information.
• Any costs, liability, or damages caused by the way the user chooses to use his or her access to the
Internet, network, or e-mail.
5.
All staff and students of the Hattiesburg Public School District shall be responsible for abiding by the
policies of this AUP. No signature is required to make this AUP binding on staff and students. The use of
Hattiesburg Public School District’s electronic media denotes the user’s agreement of responsibility.
However, Hattiesburg Public School District shall make concerted effort to inform staff and students of
this AUP through such means as publications in student and staff handbooks, notices in all school offices,
oral information from supervisors and/or teachers, and distribution of AUP copies.
6.
Any staff or student who violates any of the AUP policies will be subject to disciplinary action, which
may include but not limited to the loss of use privilege for the Internet, network, and/or equipment; loss
of the e-mail account assignment, and/or any other disciplinary deemed appropriate by the Hattiesburg
Public School District authorities.
69
Hattiesburg Public Schools
STUDENT DIRECTORY INFORMATION
DENIAL FORM
Student’s Name _______________________ School__________________________
Home Address _________________________ Phone_________________________
Parental Rights Regarding Student Directory Information
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) gives parents certain rights
with respect to their children’s educational records, including directory information.
Directory information means information contained in an educational record of a
student that would not generally be considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if
disclosed. It includes, but is not limited to, the student’s name, photograph, date of
birth, major field of study, dates of attendance, grade level, enrollment status,
participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of
members of athletic teams, degrees, honors and awards received, and the most
recent educational agency or institution attended.
Unless the parent or guardian notifies the Hattiesburg Public School District otherwise
within five days after notification by receipt of the Handbook and Code of Conduct for
Students and Parents, consent is implied for the Hattiesburg Public School District to
release directory information.
Implied consent includes the release of student directory information, or for nondirectory information such as student work, for use in the following ways:
1. On the Hattiesburg Public School District’s web site
•
The web site will use student’s name only. Personal information such as
home address, phone number, or names of family members will not be
used. Any information that indicates the physical location of a student at a
70
given time other than attendance at a particular school or participation in
school activities will not be used.
•
Schoolwork may include, but is not limited to, art, written papers, class
projects, and computer projects.
2. In material printed by the school or the Hattiesburg Public School District or printed
by publishers outside the Hattiesburg Public School District
•
Printed material may include a child’s full name.
•
Printed material may include, but is not limited to, school directories,
yearbooks, programs, brochures, newspaper articles, and print
advertisements.
3. In videos produced and broadcast by the Hattiesburg Public School District or
produced and broadcast by news organizations and others who receive approval from
the Hattiesburg Public School District.
This Student Directory Information Denial Form is available from each school’s office
or from the Hattiesburg Public School District’s web site at:
http://www.hattiesburgpsd.com/pr/
Parent/Guardian
I deny permission for directory information, including photographs, of my child to
be published by the Hattiesburg Public School District or to be released to any other
publisher outside the Hattiesburg Public School District.
Parent Guardian Signature ______________________________________________
Date ________________
This signed form should be kept on file in the school office
and a copy sent to the HPSD Communication Office.
71
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72
District Asbestos Management Plan Available for Public Review
The asbestos management plan for Hattiesburg Public Schools is available for review by any
interested person.
This documentation includes any changes of asbestos containing material (ACM) in schools and
buildings. To provide continuing management of asbestos in schools and buildings, ACMs are
inspected every six months by an engineering firm. Changes are recorded in a report as part of the
management plan. Copies of the report and plan are located in each principal’s office. Copies of all
plans are maintained at the Department of Buildings and Grounds, 244 Dauphine St. Hattiesburg, MS.
73
Please send comments or suggestions for improvement to:
Hattiesburg Public Schools
ATTN: Alan Oubre, Ph.D.
PO Box 1569
Hattiesburg, MS 39403-1569
alan.oubre@hattiesburgpsd.com
74

Student Handbook - Hattiesburg Public School District

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