SA: Smothers Academy Preparatory School 2016-17 Parent 8: Student Handbook We hereby acknowledge that we have read the Smothers Academy Procedures and Policies for Parents and Students. BY THE ACT OF REGISTERING MY SON(S) AT SMOTHERS ACADEMY, WE (I) ACKNOWLEDGE AND AGREE TO ADIDE BY ALL SCHOOL POLICIES AND REGULATIONS RELATIVE TO PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT AND SUPPORT, AND FURTHER AFFIRM THAT OUR (MY) SON WILL OBSERVE, ALL STUDENT POLICIES AND REGULATIONS GOVERNING HIS TENURE AT THIS SCHOOL. WE (I) UNDERSTAND THAT SUCH SAID POLICIES AND REGULATIONS WILL BE ENFORCED BY THE SCHOOL. We (I) agree, NAME OF STUDENT will be held accountable for these rules and regulations. Policies and procedures are subject to change following the printing of this document. Student Signature Date Parent/Guardian Signature Date Parent/Guardian Signature Date NOTE: STUDENT MUST RETURN THIS FORM TO SCHOOL PROPERLY SIGNED. NOTICE This student handbook provides policies established by state law, the Board of Directors, and Administration of Smothers Academy (SA). is committed to ensuring that all of its services, programs and facilities are accessible to our students and parents or guardians or any other persons who enter our facilities. Despite being a single gender campus we do not discriminate on the basis of age, color, disability or handicap in violation of section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, national origin, race, religion, sex or sexual orientation in its programs and activities and provide equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. SA is governed by the following laws… Titles VI, and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 - race color, national origin The Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 The Age Discrimination Act of 1975 Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX) - sex Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504) - disability The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and the ADA amendments act of 2008 (ADA) - disability The Boy Scouts of America Equal Access Act Inquiries concerning the Department's compliance with Title IX and other civil rights laws or complaints about possible discrimination under any of the above statutes may be directed to: Kemic A. Smothers , General Counsel Smothers Academy Preparatory School 2012 Jefferson Highway Jefferson, LA 70121 STUDENT SUPPORT Admission It is the policy of Smothers Academy Preparatory School not to deny admission to students who are legally residing in the State of Louisiana. These students must be between the ages of five (5) years old and thirteen (13) years of age. Age Requirements Kindergarten The youngest age at which a child may enter kindergarten shall be one (1) year younger than the age required for that child to enter first grade. A child must be five (5) years old on or before September 30 of the calendar year in which the school year begins. Upon enrollment in Kindergarten all attendance rules apply. First Grade As a prerequisite to enrollment in any first grade of a public school, a child shall have attended at least a full-day public or private kindergarten for a full school year, or shall have satisfactorily passed an academic readiness screening prior to enrollment to the first grade. A child must be six (6) years old on or before September 30 of the calendar year in which the school year begins. Elementary School, Middle School, and High School Attendance; Compulsory Ages (La.R.S.17:221) Every parent, tutor, or other person residing within the state of Louisiana, having control or charge of any child from that child's seventh (7th) birthday until his/her eighteenth (18th) birthday shall send that child to a public or private day school, unless the child graduates from high school prior to his/her eighteenth (18th) birthday. Special Education Special Education shall be provided for children with disabilities aged three (3) through twenty-one (21). The school system has the option of providing special education to children under three (3) years of age. Admission Requirements The following items are required for admission to Smothers Academy Preparatory For Boys: Birth Certificate Current state of LOUISIANA UNIVERSAL CERTIFICATE OF IMMUNIZATION Custodial papers (when necessary) Final report card from the previous year (except Kindergarten) Proofs of Residence Proof of Residence Requirements The parent/legal guardian of any student whose current legal address has not been verified, or its validity has come into question to the Compliance Office, must provide proof of residence within the school attendance district zone to the Head master or designee. This requirement applies to students who are entering SA for the first time. Documents presented as proof of residence must bear the name and current legal address of the student's parent/legal guardian. Acceptable documents (minimum of two 2) include, but are not limited to, the following: current and verifiable lease agreement; current utility bill or notice of utility deposit; copy of an agreement to purchase or an act of sale for completed dwelling; copy of an agreement to purchase or an act of sale for a residential lot entered into by the parent/legal guardian of the student, and a notarized statement from a contractor indicating the anticipated date of completion of a dwelling on the lot, said completion date not to exceed ninety (90) calendar days; legal document issued by or approved by the Civil District Court for the Parish of Jefferson giving control and custody to the adult(s) if other than the student’s legal parent(s) with whom the student resides, if the student is (16) years of age or under; legal documents verifying student's emancipation and/or legal proof of residence as required; legal document issued by or approved by the U.S. Office of Immigration and Naturalization. If none of these documents can be provided, the Headmaster or designee will contact the Compliance Office for guidance and will give the parent/legal guardian or student(s) fifteen (15) school days to produce acceptable documents to prove residence. The student must be enrolled and attend class. Admission of Temporary Disabled Students All students with temporary disabilities are allowed to attend regular school, providing that a medical doctor licensed to practice in Louisiana and the student's parent/legal guardian present a signed, written statement to the school concerning the nature of the disability, the student's ability to function normally within the school environment, the student's ability to ride a school bus to and from school, and any limitations regarding physical education or other school activities. (See section on Disabilities) Admission With Loss or Damage to School Property A pupil suspended for damages to any property belonging to the school system or to property contracted to the school system shall not be readmitted until payment in full has been made for such damage or until directed by the Headmaster. If the property damaged is a school bus owned by, contracted to, or jointly owned by any parish or city school board, a pupil suspended for such damage shall not be permitted to enter or ride any school bus until payment in full has been made for such damage or until directed by the Headmaster. Authority for such actions on the part of the School Board is found in LA.R.S. 17:416A(3)(d). Absences Types of Absences Exempted and Excused: The student is allowed to make up the missed work and the absence is not counted against the attendance requirements. Examples are extended illness documented by a doctor or to celebrate religious holidays. Non-Exempted and Excused: The student is allowed to make up the missed work but the absence is counted against the attendance requirement. An example is personal or family illness documented by a parent’s note. Unexcused: The student is not allowed to make up the missed work and the absence is counted against the attendance requirement. An example is skipping school. Suspensions: The student is allowed to make up the missed work but the absence is counted against the attendance requirement. Sign Out Procedures/Check Out Procedures All students shall be signed out by an individual listed on the Emergency Card in the designated area before leaving the campus for any reason prior to the end of each school day. For cases in which a person, not listed on the emergency card is sent to pick up the student, such person must deliver to the Headmaster or designee a note from the parent/legal guardian requesting a release of the student. The Headmaster or designee shall verify the request by telephoning the parent/legal guardian. If the parent/legal guardian cannot be reached by telephone, the student will not be released from school. If such written authorization is not presented and the parent/legal guardian telephones giving oral permission for the student to depart the campus with such unauthorized person, the Headmaster or designee shall verify by telephoning the parent/legal guardian at the telephone number listed on the student Emergency Card. If the parent/legal guardian cannot be reached by telephone, the student will not be released from school. In some cases, it will be necessary to send a taxi for the child. The parent/legal guardian shall call the cab company to provide transportation. The parent/legal guardian shall give the school the name of the company and give verbal permission to release the child. The taxi driver shall sign the checkout book and list the number of his/her cab. If the Headmaster or designee feels that the parent/legal guardian cannot afford the cab fare, the cab fare shall be paid out of the school's account, and reimbursed by the parent/legal guardian. The parent/legal guardian may give the Headmaster or designee oral or written permission allowing the student whatever conveyance the parent/legal guardian authorizes. Emancipated students do not need parental consent to sign out. Attendance Requirements to Receive Carnegie Credit and Eligibility for Promotion Elementary/Middle Schools: According to the policy of the State of Louisiana, students must attend elementary or middle school for a total of 60,120 minutes to be eligible for promotion. Based on a standard 360-minute instructional day, a student can miss no more than 10 days of school to be eligible for promotion. Buses Students Riding School Buses Throughout this document the term "school bus" refers to a school bus owned by, contracted to, or jointly owned by Smothers Academy Preparatory School. Bus Safety Guidelines Parents/legal guardians can assist the school bus driver by periodically reviewing with their children behavior and safety standards, by supporting the school bus driver when a child misbehaves, by helping keep the neighborhood safe for school buses, and by supervising children at school bus stops. Parents/legal guardians should take the time to check their children's clothing to make sure it is safe. Certain types of clothing can create a hazard as children get off the school bus. Especially dangerous are: long dangling jackets, sweatshirt drawstrings, long backpack straps, long scarves, and other pieces of loose clothing. Such clothing can be caught in the school bus handrail, door, or other equipment as children get off the school bus. Students must be safety-conscious at all times and must conduct themselves in a manner that will minimize hazards. The following guidelines, if followed by everyone, will make the daily school bus ride both safe and enjoyable:  Remain home when you have a contagious disease.  Leave home at an appropriate time to arrive no more than fifteen (15) minutes and no less than ten (10) minutes before the scheduled pick-up time at the designated bus stop.  Walk on sidewalks whenever possible. If there are no sidewalks, walk on the edge of the left                           side of the street, facing on- coming traffic. Proceed to the assigned school bus stop. Stand off the road at least ten (10) feet when waiting for the school bus. While at the school bus stop, do not play, run, or talk loudly. Conduct yourself in an orderly manner, avoiding damage to private property and safe-guarding against injury to yourself and others. Remember you are representing SA nd your parents at all times. If necessary to wait across the street from the school bus stop, await the school bus drivers' signal before crossing, and cross only in front of the school bus. Board the school bus only when the school bus driver is seated at the controls. Board the school bus single file and promptly proceed to the assigned seat. Store band instruments and school bags under the seat or where designated by the school bus driver, but never in the aisle, the entrance, or the exit. Remain seated at all times when the school bus is in motion. This will minimize injury in case of emergency stops or collisions. Sit straight in your seat with both feet on the floor in front of your seat. Always keep the aisle clear. Speak quietly and carry on normal conversations with the other passengers in your vicinity, loud talking and shouting may distract the school bus driver. Avoid unnecessary conversations with the school bus driver. Abstain from eating, drinking, or smoking on the school bus. Keep arms and head inside the school bus window at all times. Refrain from using profanity. Avoid littering at the school bus stop and/or in the school bus and never throw objects inside or outside the school bus. Respect pedestrians and other motorists at all times. Report to the school bus driver as you leave the school bus any damage you notice, because parents/legal guardians shall be required to pay for damages caused by students. Avoid touching any mechanical controls, including entrance and emergency exit doors, except in cases of emergency, and only then in accordance with emergency procedures practiced once each semester as explained by the school bus driver. Never ask the school bus driver to permit you to get off at any stop other than your designated stop. Parents/legal guardians must send written requests in advance to the Director of Operations, who then may authorize the school bus driver to pick up or discharge students at an alternate stop. Any student who must cross the street after exiting from the school bus should wait for the school bus driver to signal that it is safe to cross. The student should cross approximately ten (10) feet in front of the school bus, never behind it. Students should go home immediately after reaching the "bus stop" location after school. All pencils, pens, and/or any other sharp objects shall be stored in the student's books or school book bag while riding on the school bus. Any student sustaining an injury while riding on the school bus should report this injury to the school bus driver immediately. The following items are not allowed on the school bus: tobacco, alcohol, drugs, pets, glass objects (except eye glasses), weapons of any kind, and objects too large to be held in the student's lap or placed under a seat.      Students with temporary disabilities must present an initial letter from the attending physician confirming the disability/condition and stating the student's physical capabilities and limitations as far as riding the school bus is concerned. A monthly report from the physician must be submitted certifying the student's ability to continue to ride on the school bus. Report to the school bus driver anyone who is sleeping or is sick on the school bus. Once the child has boarded the school bus and has left the school bus stop in the A.M., a parent/legal guardian cannot remove the child from the school bus. (The parent/legal guardian must go to school to formally check the child out of school.) In the P.M., the parent/legal guardian must wait until the child reaches the regular school bus stop. If a child is late and missed the school bus in the A.M. at the regular stop, the school bus driver will not allow the child to board the school bus at another school bus stop. (Parents/legal guardians should not chase or block the school bus with their vehicle or their body.) A parent/legal guardian must bring the child to school. If you have requested that your school bus driver deliver your child to a location other than the assigned stop in order for the child to go to a day care center, it is the parent’s/legal guardian’s responsibility to notify the Director of Operations if the day care center will not be able to accept the child that day. Communications Devices-Use, Possession, or Operation of Electronic Telecommunication Devices Students are allowed to possess electronic devices on campus. However, all electronic devices must be turned off at all times and must not be visible or audible while students are on the school grounds or on the school bus except under the conditions described below. All devices must be checked in with the Executive Secretary daily. Failure to comply will result in immediate confiscation of the device. Electronic devices may be used as part of the instructional process only with prior permission of the Director of Curriculum & Instruction or his/her designee. The Headmaster will establish and communicate guidelines involving electronic device use after school hours for students who participate in field trips, extracurricular activities, athletic events, or any other school sponsored activity. Electronic devices must be stored in the designated secure location. However, students shall be personally and solely responsible for the security of their telecommunications devices. Smothers Academy Preparatory School shall not assume any responsibility for theft, loss, or damage of an electronic device or unauthorized calls made on a cell phone. Phone communication during the instructional day must occur on school telephones with permission from appropriate school personnel with the exception of emergencies as deemed by the Headmaster or his designee. Parents should call the school for any emergencies. The possession of electronic devices is strictly prohibited during testing situations or other forms of student assessment. School personnel may collect such devices before students are administered an assessment. (The electronic device will be returned to the student after the assessment has concluded.) If a student is found in possession of an electronic device during an assessment, the assessment will cease, the device will be confiscated, and the student's assessment will be invalidated. Additional disciplinary action may be taken by the school administration. Failure to give the device to a school system employee when requested is considered a serious offense and will carry a stiff punishment in the discipline ladder. No person, including students, shall be prohibited from using or operating any electronic telecommunication device, including any facsimile system, radio paging system, mobile telephone service, intercom, or electro-mechanical paging system or beeper, in the event of an emergency. "Emergency" means an actual or imminent threat to public health or safety which may result in loss of life, injury, or property damage. Counseling It is the policy of Smothers Academy Preparatory School that a planned comprehensive guidance and counseling program that is preventative and developmental in nature shall be provided in the school through an interdisciplinary approach. Individual and group guidance services shall be provided to students at all levels. Immediate assistance shall be provided for students who experience problems and long range services shall be made available when necessary. These services shall include, but not be limited to, providing educational information, career/occupational information, personal/social services, referral services, orientation, testing, placement, and follow-up. Disabilities Temporary Disability Policies and Procedures Before the student with a temporary disability returns to school, the student's parent/legal guardian must present an initial letter from the student's doctor licensed to practice in Louisiana indicating that the student's medical condition does not preclude the student from returning to school, and stating the nature of the student's disability, and the student's physical capabilities and limitations, including, but not limited to, physical education activities, riding the school bus, and other school related activities. During the period of the student's temporary disability, the student's parent/legal guardian must submit a monthly report from the student's doctor certifying that the student continues to have a temporary disability, and changes, if any in the student's ability to function normally within the school environment, the student's ability to ride a school bus to and from school, and any limitations regarding physical education or other school activities. The parent/legal guardian must also present a signed statement releasing the school system and school bus driver from the responsibilities of injuries incurred which relate to the student's disabilities. Chronic Disability Procedures Students with chronic physical disabilities and conditions must present written certification from their doctor on an annual basis, and renewed at the second semester. Discipline Our student discipline policy subscribes to the principle that we are all human and suffer from poor judgment in certain occurrences. Thus, the staff at Smothers Academy will address all discipline infractions through interventions considered firm, fair, and consistent. Based on the values, culture, and expected behaviors at Smothers Academy we expect few infractions to occur. We will work tirelessly to provide the least restrictive, safe, and orderly environment conducive for learning and creative exploration into the intelligence and character of a person. Martin Luther King, Jr. said, “The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically…Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true education.” Any violations of the code of conduct shall be dealt with swiftly and immediate by the Dean of Students. Smothers Academy will maintain written and computerized records of all discipline infractions and expulsions, including student information, the offending behavior, the disciplinary action taken, and the administered punishment. Discipline incidents are classified into one of three categories. An infraction in any of the categories requires immediate contact of parents. Additionally, students will participate in a self-reflection session with a counselor/school mentor; discussing the event and unacceptable behaviors displayed by the individual. Personal disagreements amongst students will be addressed by the Student Conflict Resolution Council. The findings of this peer review council will be final and binding for students, except where the Headmaster sees fit to intervene in the length or severity of the decision passed down. Students and parents will continually be reminded of the following behavioral infractions and consequences associated with each: Class I infractions are incidents handled by classroom teachers and do not warrant an office referral. These occurrences are minor violations of appropriate classroom behaviors during instruction. Such incidences include but are not limited to... Horseplay or running in the hall/class Throwing objects Out of assigned seat/table/area Inappropriate items in class Non-compliance with teacher or staff requests (i.e., refusal to participate in class) Unexcused tardiness Profanity Any class disruption or unacceptable behavior on school grounds including school buses and public transport. Any other infraction the Principal deems to be similar in severity to other Class 1 infractions These infractions may result in a teacher-student conference, Saturday detention, or bus suspension. Class I infractions may result in the loss of campus privileges. Repeated Class 1 behaviors may result in a short term Character Class assignment or in a referral to the Dean of Students or Headmaster. Class II infractions are considered major infractions. These incidents severely interfere with others’ safety and learning, or show behaviors of a harmful nature and/or legal violations warranting administrative intervention. Use or possession of tobacco and any accompanying products (matches or lighters) Possession of fireworks Coming to school under the influence of drugs or alcohol Stealing/possession of stolen property Vandalism Harassment/bullying Threatening bodily harm Inappropriate and/or unwanted sexual behavior Physical assault with/without bodily harm Truancy Any other infraction the Principal deems to be similar in severity to other Class II infractions. These infractions are major incidents and shall be dealt with swiftly and justly by the Dean of Students and/or Headmaster. In the case of a Class II infraction the Parent is immediately notified of the accusation while the Dean of Students conducts an objective investigation. A school level conference is held with the student(s) involved and parents to discuss, issue, and implement appropriate corrective behavior strategies. Class II infractions require a Character Class assignment as the least of assigned punishment. As Smothers Academy attempts to keep all students on campus despite discipline infractions these students will be assigned a fair timeframe in the Character Class. The Character Class is a self-contained room where students must not only reflect on their behavior transgressions, but will also complete all assignments from their respective classes, with the assistance of their teachers. Additionally, all campus privileges are suspended until their assignment in the Character Class is complete. When needed, a referral to the Response to Intervention Team for a Functional Behavioral Analysis (FBA) is made with a Behavioral Intervention Plan to follow. The student will be placed on Tier II of the RTI process and his progress will be monitored by the RTI team. Class III infractions are considered immediately dismissible infractions requiring response of the administration, crisis team, entire staff, and/or community. Possession or use of illicit drugs Aggravated assault against anyone affiliated, or not, on Smothers Academy property. Sexual Assault Arson Possession of weapon (including firearms) on school grounds or school related activities Making or carrying out criminal threats Causing false fire alarms or conducting bomb threats Extortion Felonious theft Burglary Robbery Any other infraction the Headmaster deems to be similar in severity to other Class 3 infractions. These infractions are intolerable and are handled solely by the Headmaster. The Headmaster conducts a student conference and school wide investigation. If recommendation for expulsion is warranted the Headmaster will notify the Parents, the Board of Directors, make a referral to the Response to Intervention Team to complete an FBA, and contact the social worker. If at the conclusion of the school’s investigation, and the expulsion is upheld by the Board of Directors the student will be formally removed from the school for a period of one year. The Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Department is notified of all Class III infractions. Parents may appeal any expulsion in writing within five calendar days of the expulsion to the Smothers Academy Board of Directors. Character Class Assignment In cases as described in the discipline plan above, students committing Class II infractions shall be assigned Character Class. The Character Class is a self-contained room where students assigned must not only reflect on their behavior transgressions, but will complete all assignments from their respective classes, with the assistance of their teachers. Smothers Academy understands students are successful if they are actively engaged in learning. Thus, students who are assigned a Character Class visit will remain actively engaged in learning as they will work one on one with assigned staff to complete their academic requirements for the duration of their visit. This option is the preferred method of dealing with cases in which a student’s behavior disrupts the learning opportunities of peers. Moreover, students reflect on the situation, in writing, and determine the appropriateness of his behavior. This process allows the student time to think about his actions and is an instrumental step in teaching students’ responsibility and accountability furthering the fulfillment of the Smothers Academy mission and vision. Students must meet with the Dean of Students or Headmaster before returning to the normal educational program. Expulsion The Headmaster and Board of Smothers Academy recognize that expulsions do not provide adequate opportunity for reflection, learning, rehabilitation, and appropriate community support. For this reason, Character Class assignments are the preferred method of dealing with situations where a student’s behavior significantly interrupts learning opportunities of other students. Expulsions are imposed only for Class III infractions or any behaviors that jeopardize health, safety, or welfare of individuals in the school community. If a student commits an offense requiring expulsion, the following steps are taken: If necessary, the student is immediately removed from class and/or school. The student is entitled to respond to the charges against him/her. The parent/guardian is notified by the Headmaster or designee. The school sets a hearing date; the student and his/her parent/guardian are notified of the accusations in writing, including a statement of evidence; logistics of the hearing; and notice of the right to legal counsel (at the student’s/parent’s expense) to present evidence and question witnesses. Within five days of the hearing, the Headmaster issues a written decision forwarded by certified mail return receipt requested to the student, Parents, Board of Directors, and a file copy for the student’s permanent record. Any student expelled has the right to appeal the decision in writing to the Board of Directors within five days from the date of expulsion. All appeals are scheduled at the discretion of Board of Directors’ subcommittee; in such case, the same procedure will be followed. Smothers Academy Board will make every effort to refrain from involving the police department or judicial system, including parole officers etc. within its walls. We firmly believe that this practice at many schools in Jefferson Parish has inadvertently desensitized young males to the harmful effects of their involvement in the court system. School-wide Positive Behavior Intervention Supports (SWPBIS) SWPBIS is a research-based framework that can help schools design, implement and evaluate their approach to school discipline. SWPBIS uses a three- tiered approach to preventing and intervening in problem behavior. Tier 1 focuses on supports for all students in the classroom and school-wide to prevent problem behavior. Tier 2 focuses on “specialized” supports tailored to target groups of students who engage in misbehavior. Tier 3 provides highly individualized responses for those students who continue to face disciplinary problems despite the presence of Tier 1 and 2 supports. SWPBIS is meant to work collaboratively with specific practices such as restorative justice practices to promote positive behavior in classrooms and on school campuses. Restorative Practices A framework for a broad range of restorative justice approaches that proactively build a school community based on cooperation, mutual understanding, trust and respect, and respond to conflict by including all people impacted by a conflict in finding solutions that restore relationships and repair the harm done to the school community. These practices can be used to implement positive behavior in classrooms and on school campuses consistent with the framework set forth in SWPBIS. Restorative Justice A theory of justice that emphasizes repairing the harm caused or revealed by misconduct rather than punishment by: Identifying the misconduct and attempting to repair the damage; Including all people impacted by a conflict in the process of responding to conflict; and Creating a process that promotes healing, reconciliation and the rebuilding of relationships to build mutual responsibility and constructive responses to wrongdoing within our schools. Damage to Property It is the policy of Smothers Academy Preparatory School that a student found guilty or responsible for damage or loss to any property belonging to Smothers Academy Preparatory School, another student, a school employee, or school bus driver shall be held accountable for making restitution for said damage. Any student who is suspended for such an act shall be denied attendance or transportation until arrangements for payment in full have been made for said damage. Bullying Smothers Academy Preparatory School believes that all students have a right to a safe and healthy school environment. All staff within SA have an obligation to promote mutual respect, tolerance, and acceptance among students, staff, and volunteers. A student shall not bully or intimidate any student through words or action. All students, teachers, and other school employees shall take responsible measures within the scope of their individual authority to pre-vent violations of this policy. Smothers Academy Preparatory School strictly prohibits bullying and/or harassment, as defined herein. The Board of Directors shall take reasonable steps to end bullying/harassment, to prevent its recurrence and to prevent retaliation against any individual who reports allegations of bullying/harassment or cooperates in the investigation of an alleged violation of this policy. This policy applies to students on school grounds, while traveling to and from school, or a schoolsponsored activity, and during school-sponsored events. Bullying is defined as a pattern of one or more of the following: gestures, including but not limited to obscene gestures and making faces; written, electronic, or verbal communication, including but not limited to calling names, threatening harm, taunting, malicious teasing, or spreading untrue rumor; electronic communication including but is not limited to a communication or image transmitted by email, instant message, text message, blog, or social networking website through the use of a telephone, mobile phone, pager, computer, or another electronic device; physical acts, including but not limited to hitting, kicking, pushing, tripping, choking, damaging personal property, or unauthorized use of personal property; repeatedly and purposefully shunning or excluding from activities; All students and/or staff shall immediately report incidents of bullying, harassment or intimidation to the Headmaster or designee. School staff members are expected to immediately intervene when they see a bullying incident occur. Each complaint of bullying shall be promptly investigated. This policy applies to students on school grounds, while traveling on a school bus to and from school, or a school-sponsored activity, and during a school-sponsored activity. Bullying and intimidation will not be tolerated. Disciplinary action will be taken following each confirmed incident of bullying. Smothers Academy for Boys Clarification of Corporal Punishment Policies and Procedures How do all policies related to corporal punishment apply to special education students? All policies concerning corporal punishment with Special Education students will be strictly adhered to. Policies directly related to Special Education students shall not differ from regular education students based on the severity of their actions, unless IEP’s or Behavior Intervention Plans require a differing approach in the discipline ladder of specific students in the Special Education program. Additionally, students in Special Education must exhaust the discipline ladder before corporal punishment is recommended for a student. Moreover, any Special Education Student recommended for corporal punishment will have parent notification and acknowledgment of the before the event in accompaniment of the written corporal punishment agreement from the enrollment application. If for any reason corporal punishment is not agreed to by parents, or found to be not in the student’s best interest all actions and events involving that individual student shall cease and desist. What interventions must be used prior to using corporal punishment? Students in Special Education must exhaust the discipline ladder before corporal punishment is recommended for a student. This includes, but is not limited to parent calls, Student Counseling, assignment to Character Class, Behavior Modeling/Intervention, and all other accommodations and modifications as specifically described by their individual IEP or 504 Behavior Intervention Plan. What witnesses must be present and who is limited in being present during punishment (i.e., needs to be at least one staff witness, should not be done publicly)? During a corporal punishment event, the Headmaster or Assistant Headmaster must be present as a witness. In the event the Headmaster, Director of Curriculum & Instruction, Director of Operations, or CEO, perform the event the Dean of Students will serve as the witness (or one of the aforementioned). When available the parents and or CEO will serve as witnesses as well. What is the physical mechanism and what instruments will be used to enforce corporal punishment? The mechanism utilized is paddling. A wooden paddle will be used for corporal punishment events. Who are the specific staff members and positions that will be allowed to administer corporal punishment? Darrin Bedell, Dean of Students Leo Pollard, Director of Curriculum and Instruction J. Vincent Brown, Headmaster Demetrius Franklin, Director of Operations/Athletic Director Damon Smothers, CEO How will corporal punishment be documented, data collected, and incidences reported? All corporal punishment events shall be recorded for future review or use when deemed necessary. Data is collected by recording the number of students who have been recommended for a corporal punishment event as a referral, and the number of students who receive corporal punishment as a measure of discipline. All collected data is stored on our J-Campus Student Management Software and reported to the Headmaster and CEO on a weekly and monthly basis. Data can be interfaced with any state reporting system available. Additionally, Smothers Academy will report all corporate punishment occurrences at the same time the categorical behavioral offenses are reported to the state. How will parents be notified? A copy of the policy must be provided to each parent. Parents are first notified of the event by phone call. Written notification is sent home to parents with students along with a signature line for return to the Dean of Students. Parents must confirm knowledge of the event through the return of the event notification. How do parents opt-out of the corporal punishment program? Parents who wish to opt-out of the corporal punishment program must complete the corporal punishment waiver during the time of student enrollment. What is the due process for appeal of corporal punishment? The parent(s) or guardian(s) of the student in question must complete an appeal request. The request is then reviewed by the Headmaster or Dean of Students. Immediately following the request, the Headmaster (or Dean) and his staff will investigate the behavior incident and determine what punitive measures can and will be taken in lieu of corporal punishment if the situation does not require a corporal punishment event according to school rules and spirit of the infraction. The Headmaster (or Dean) will then host a meeting with all involved parties to discuss the findings and discipline recommendations. How will the discipline policy be used consistently? The discipline policy will be applied equally and evenly across the board for all enrolled students of Smothers Academy. No student shall receive preferential treatment for any reason. If student action meets the criteria for particular discipline events the student will face whatever punishment is required. What is the policy for investigation into employee(s) accused of impermissible corporal punishment or moral offenses involving student(s)? The employee will be immediately suspended based on the severity of the accusation prior to any investigative activities. The Headmaster will then conduct an independent investigation of the occurrence. This includes, but is not limited to conducting interviews with individual students, parents, faculty, staff, and any other persons or witnesses deemed to hold information vital to the investigation. In the event any employee of Smothers Academy is found to be guilty of any What is the process for readmitting students to class after corporal punishment and parent conferences? If a student does experience a corporal punishment event they will be given 5 to 7 minutes to collect themselves and prepare for their return to class. Students will be allowed to use the restroom or the Dean of Student’s office for this time. Parent conferences will not be required unless the student becomes a habitual offender in occurrences that require corporal punishment. What is 'reasonable and proper’ use of corporal punishment? Is there a limit and how is this measured? Reasonable and proper use of corporal punishment shall be deemed by Smothers Academy Preparatory School administration and discipline team as an infraction classified as a Category III offense or infraction so heinous the standard means of discipline applied through the discipline ladder will not serve as a proper remedy for the behavior(s) in question. Individual School Rules and Regulations It is the policy of Smothers Academy Preparatory School that teachers, principals, and administrators may employ, subject to any rules as may be adopted by the parish or city school board, reasonable disciplinary and corrective measures to maintain order, provided, that nothing in this section shall be construed as superseding the provisions of Section 416 of Title 17 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950 relative to the disciplining of students, suspensions, and expulsions. All such rules shall be published and distributed to students and parents/legal guardians. Hazing "Hazing is defined as any knowing behavior, whether by commission or omission, of any student to encourage, direct, order, or participate In any activity which subjects another student to potential physical, mental or psychological harm for the purpose of initiation into, affiliation with, continued membership in, or acceptance by current members of any organization or extracurricular activity at a public elementary or secondary school, whether such behavior Is planned or occurs on or off school property, including school bus and school bus stop." Smothers Academy Preparatory School is committed to maintaining a safe, orderly, civil, and positive learning environment so that no student feels threatened while in school, on the school bus, and/or when participating in school-related activities. While some forms of initiation for membership in student clubs and organizations constitute acceptable behavior, the hazing of students may degenerate into a dangerous form of intimidation and degradation. Hazing is hereby prohibited at Smothers Academy Preparatory School for the purpose of initiation or admission into, affiliation with, continued membership in, or acceptance by existing members of any organization or extracurricular activity. No student may solicit, ask, or request another to do an act forbidden under the definition of hazing given below. No student may aid, help, assist, or abet another in the hazing of a student. No student may consent to be the subject of hazing, or may the fact that a student consented to hazing serve as a defense for the student found to be hazing. Any student, teacher, or other school employee who observes or is the object of hazing will report the hazing to their homeroom teacher or any school administrator. The administration of the school will conduct an investigation into any complaint of hazing. Smothers Academy Preparatory School’ policies and procedures for violations of school discipline policies will be effective for any violation of this policy. Any act of hazing which might be in violation of the criminal laws of the State of Louisiana, the Parish of Jefferson or the municipality wherein the school is located, if appropriate, will be reported to the appropriate law enforcement agency. "Hazing" does not mean any adult-directed and school-sanctioned athletic program practice or event or military training program. Violence Prevention Program The Headmaster has the authority to call the appropriate law enforcement authorities if students are involved in a serious fight and recommend one of the following actions: the student will be disciplined; release the student to a parent/legal guardian with the agreement that both will appear in Juvenile Court; or arrest the student. All students involved in a fight at school will be subject to suspension or expulsion. Students in grades 4-12 school level who are suspended for fighting as determined by the school administrators will be required to undergo conflict resolution training with the parent/legal guardian before being readmitted to school. The student shall not be allowed to participate in any sports or extra-curricular activities during the suspension period. The eight (8) hours of community service will be scheduled and supervised by the administrator at the designated school site. The parent/legal guardian will be required to attend the four (8) hour conflict resolution session on Saturday with the student for each offense as part of the Violence Prevention Program. The student or parent/legal guardian will pay $75.00 for the cost of the Violence Prevention Program at the time of enrollment in the program. Cash or money order only will be accepted. The student must attend the Violence Prevention Program in his/her full school uniform. Failure to complete all components of the Violence Prevention Program may result in a referral to Juvenile Court. Cooperative Endeavor/Law Enforcement It is the policy of Smothers Academy Preparatory School to provide a safe school environment for students and employees. Therefore, there exists a cooperative endeavor among law enforcement, juvenile justice, the district attorney, parish administration, human services authority, and Smothers Academy Preparatory School. The goal of the cooperative endeavor is to keep the campus safe from drugs, weapons, and criminal acts of personal violence. If a criminal act is perpetrated by a student, it is the discretion of the Administration to contact the appropriate law enforcement agency. The responding deputy or police officer will come to the school, arrest the student if the investigation warrants, and secure the evidence. Initial notification of the parent/legal guardian of the juvenile's arrest will be made by Dean of Students. The Dean of Students will instruct the parent/legal guardian that the juvenile has been arrested and taken to Riverdale Detention Center if necessary. The juvenile will not be released from detention until a hearing on the matter is held before a judge in Juvenile Court. Parent/Legal Guardian Information on Suspension or Expulsion In instances when the parent/legal guardian seeks information about the student who may have inflicted injury or damage to their child, the Headmaster or designee shall follow policies outlining release of information as provided in the Family Rights and Privacy Act of 1974. If the parent/legal guardian is not satisfied with the information which is provided, the parent/legal guardian of the injured child may seek redress through legal action under civil law. Suspension Policies/Extended Expulsion It is the policy of Smothers Academy Preparatory School that a student may be suspended for the first, second or third time: Until a parent/guardian returns with the student to school (At the middle/high school levels, following the second and third suspensions the Dean of Students shall schedule a conference for the student with a counselor.) NOTE: Does not apply to special education student For a period not to exceed three (3) school days (Parent/legal guardian conference shall follow.) For a period of time determined by the Headmaster or designee not to exceed nine (9) school days after notifying the Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance (Parent/legal guardian conference shall be conducted within three (3) school days of the suspension.) For the remainder of the school year, depending upon the seriousness of the offense (Parental/legal guardian conference shall follow.) It is the policy of Smothers Academy Preparatory School that a student shall be suspended for the remainder of the school year by the Headmaster on the fourth suspension. Alternative education programs will be provided in only those cases required by law. It is also the policy of Smothers Academy Preparatory School that a student may be expelled for a period of time that extends beyond the present school year upon the recommendation of the Headmaster and the concurrence of the Board of Directors for the serious offenses listed below: The possession or use of any implement which may be used as a weapon or that may result in bodily harm to an individual. Any malicious act which results in serious bodily harm to an individual. Commits any other serious offense or creates any serious disruption of a school education process. Distributing, manufacturing, intending to distribute alcoholic beverages, controlled dangerous substances in any form, mood altering chemicals, or any substances designed to look like or presented to be such a drug in school buildings, on school premises, on school buses, or at schoolsanctioned events. Suspension Policies/Extended Suspensions for Weapons/Drugs Any student found guilty of being in possession of a dangerous weapon/firearm, or in possession/distributing/manufacturing/intending to distribute alcoholic beverages, controlled dangerous substances in any form, mood altering chemicals or any substance designed to look like (A look alike substance is defined as any substance that appears or resembles any prohibited substance and which the student in possession thereof specifically represents to others as a prohibited sub- stance.) or represented to be such a drug in school buildings, on school buses, on school premises, or at school-sanctioned events shall: If sixteen (16) years of age or older, be expelled from Smothers Academy Preparatory School for the maxi-mum period of time allowable under state and federal law for a minimum period of four (4) complete semesters for drugs; If under sixteen (16) years of age and a middle/high school student shall be expelled from Smothers Academy Preparatory School for a minimum period of two (2) complete semesters; For weapons, grades 6-12, expelled for TWO (2) complete semesters; Any case involving an elementary student shall be referred to the Smothers Academy Board of Directors through a recommendation for action from the Headmaster. All individuals affected by this resolution shall receive all legal due process rights provided for under the law. Alternative education programs will be provided only in those cases where required by law. No student expelled under items 1, 2, or 3 shall be allowed to return to Smothers Academy Preparatory School without the express approval of the Smothers Academy Board of Directors. Illegal carrying, possession or use of a firearm or dangerous weapon within the boundaries of school property or on a school bus is a crime under the laws of the State of Louisiana. A person found guilty of the offense of illegal possession or use of a dangerous weapon and/or carrying a firearm, when such an offense is committed on a school bus or within the boundaries of school property, may be subject to criminal penalties including fines and/or imprisonment with or without hard labor under the provision of L.S.A. 14:95.2, L.S.A.14:95 and other applicable law. Possession of a Starter Gun, Stun Gun and/or Facsimile If any student is found guilty, the following shall occur. 1. Students, in grades seven (7) through twelve (12), shall be expelled from the school system. 2. Students in kindergarten through grade six (6) may be expelled from the school system unless other corrective or disciplinary action is recommended by the superintendent or his/her designee. Suspension Make Up Work Students who are removed from the classroom for disruptive, dangerous, or unruly behavior or who are suspended for ten days or less shall be assigned school work missed and shall receive either full or partial credit for such work if it is completed satisfactorily and timely as determined by the principal or designee, upon the recommendation of the student's teacher. Dress Code The student dress code is established to teach students the importance of grooming, hygiene, and professional dress. SA expects the dress code to further instill discipline, prevent violence and disruption in the educational environment and teach students respect for themselves and others. Each student will have good personal hygiene, including but not limited to having clean combed hair, clean teeth, a clean body, and clean clothing. Each young man in Grades K-2 shall wear a Smothers Academy polo shirt and khaki pants, along with black shoes each day (Gym shoes are reserved for Physical Education only). Each young man in Grades 3-6 shall wear a complete Smothers Academy uniform including, but not limited to:  The Smothers Academy Blazer  The Smothers Academy Cardigan  White Oxford Shirt  Smothers Academy Tie  Khaki Pants  Black Shoes (Gym shoes are reserved for Physical Education only)  During the winter months young men in grades K-2 are allowed to wear long sleeve Smothers Academy polo shirts and/or approved Smothers Academy cardigan sweaters.  During the winter months young men are allowed to wear an appropriate amount of clothing to keep them reasonably warm in cold temperatures.  A student will dress appropriately for school, extracurricular, and co-curricular activities in Smothers Academy approved uniform attire.  A student's jewelry, accessories, personal hygiene, and manner of grooming:  will not present a physical safety hazard or create a health hazard to either the student or others;  will not cause or have the potential to cause, a disruption to or interference with the orderly operation of the school, school activities, and/or educational objectives;  will not identify, symbolize or infer gang membership or affiliation through writing, marks, drawings, paintings, photographs, designs, emblems, tattoos or any other means;  will not identify, symbolize or imply membership or affiliation of any group or organization that the school has not authorized to legally assemble on school grounds through writing, marks, drawings, paintings, photographs, designs, emblems, tattoos or any other means;  will not depict violence, drugs, alcohol, tobacco, or obscene subject matter through writing, marks, drawings, paintings, photographs, designs, emblems, tattoos or any other means;  will not depict or convey a suggestive sexual or provocative message or slogan through writing, drawings, paintings, photographs, designs, emblems, tattoos or any other means; and  will not be designed to encourage actions or activities that present a disruption or distraction.  A student will wear black shoes daily. However, the shoes cannot present a safety hazard by virtue of their construction nor can their condition may pose a safety risk.  A student's clothing for school and school-sponsored activities will be at appropriate length and hemmed.  All pants, slacks, and shorts, when allowed, will be worn at the student's waistline including a belt.  Shorts, when allowed, will not be excessively long or baggy so as to create a safety hazard.  A student will not wear clothing with holes in it.  Dress styles should be appropriate for student participation in a school-sponsored formal event.  A student will not wear a hat, cap, or hooded garment to school, unless it is approved Smothers Academy articles of clothing.  Pierced earrings can only be worn in the ear lobe, a student will not wear body piercing studs, rings, or hoops. A student will not wear earrings that present a safety hazard.  A student will wear his hair in a style that does not impair his eye sight.  A student will not dye or color his hair in an extreme hair-color. Student violations of the dress code will result in disciplinary actions. All disciplinary actions are based on the severity of the dress code infraction and punishment handled at the discretion of the Headmaster, Dean of Students or designee. Substance Abuse Policy and Procedures The possession, use, delivery, transfer, or sale of tobacco, alcohol, controlled dangerous substances, any mood-altering chemical, or any substance designed to look like or represented as such by students, on school premises, in school buildings, on school buses, or at school-sanctioned events is expressly prohibited. A look alike substance is defined as any substance that appears or resembles any prohibited substance and which the student in possession thereof specifically represents to others as a prohibited substance. Manufacture/Possession/Distribution (Drug Related) If the Headmaster or designee has reasonable suspicion/cause to believe that a student has manufactured, distributed, or possessed with intent to distribute alcohol, controlled dangerous substances, any moodaltering chemicals, or any substance designed to look like or represented as such a drug, the parent/legal guardian and the appropriate law enforcement agency shall be contacted immediately. Upon such violation, criminal charges shall be filed with the appropriate law enforcement agency. The student shall be suspended from school according to the following procedures: If sixteen (16) years of age or older, the student shall be expelled from Smothers Academy Preparatory School for the maximum period of time allowable under state and federal law for a minimum period of four (4) complete semesters; If under sixteen (16) years of age and a middle/high school student shall be expelled from Smothers Academy Preparatory School for a minimum period of two (2) complete semesters; Any case involving an elementary student shall be referred to the Board of Directors through a recommendation for action from the Headmaster. No student expelled under items a, b, or c shall be allowed to return back to Smothers Academy Preparatory School without the expressed approval of Smothers Academy Board of Directors. First Offense (Drug Related) When the Headmaster or designee has reasonable suspicion/cause to believe that a student is in possession of alcohol, controlled dangerous substances, any mood-altering chemical, or any substance designed to look like or represented as such a drug or is under the influence of alcohol, controlled dangerous substances, any mood-altering chemical, or any substance designed to look like or represented as such a drug, the parent/legal guardian and the appropriate law enforcement agency shall be contacted immediately. In addition, the school must also immediately contact the Safe and Drug Free School Office, the Headmaster, and the Special Education Department if the student is in Special Education. (Immediate contact means on the date of discovery.) Upon such violation, criminal charges shall be filed with the appropriate law enforcement agency. The student shall be suspended from school for nine (9) school days and be ineligible for participation in all extra-curricular activities for a period of eighteen (18) school weeks provided: The student is assessed by a Smothers Academy approved community agency prior to returning to school. The student and at least one (1) parent/legal guardian must participate in a six (6) hour educational program presented by an agency approved by Smothers Academy Preparatory School. The student will complete a hair/drug test at approved agency. The student is referred to the social assistance agency. Failure to comply with these procedures shall result in a suspension from school for the remainder of the school year. Compliance with all provisions must be met before returning to school. Second Offense (Drug Related) When the Headmaster or designee has reasonable suspicion/cause to believe that a student is in possession of alcohol, controlled dangerous substances, any mood-altering chemical, or any substance designed to look like or represented as such a drug or is under the influence of alcohol, controlled dangerous substances, any mood-altering chemical, or any substance designed to look like or represented as such a drug, the parent/legal guardian and the appropriate law enforcement agency shall be contacted immediately. In addition, the school must also immediately contact the Safe and Drug Free School Office, the Headmaster, and the Special Education Department if the student is in Special Education. (Immediate contact means on the date of discovery.) Upon such violation, criminal charges shall be filed with the appropriate law enforcement agency. The student shall be suspended from school for the remainder of the school year. Drug Paraphernalia When a student is found to be in possession of materials used as drug paraphernalia, including but not limited to rolling papers, roach clips, stones, bongs, etc., the student shall be immediately suspended dependent on the findings of an investigation. The student shall be immediately referred to the appropriate social assistance agency. Tobacco Products Possession or use of tobacco products/e-cigarettes while in school buildings, on school premises, on school buses, or at school sanctioned events shall be handled according to the number of offenses. First Violation - When a student is found to be in possession of or using tobacco products, the student shall be disciplined in accordance with the rules governing a Category III offense; and referred to the appropriate social assistance agency. Second or Subsequent Violations - When a student is found to be in possession of or using tobacco products, the student shall be dismissed from school; and referred to the appropriate social assistance agency. Educational Records: Access/Hearings, Privacy Rights (of Parents/Legal Guardians and Students), Privacy Rights In accordance with the Federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, it is the policy of Smothers Academy Preparatory School not to deny access to student records to any custodial or noncustodial parent/legal guardian of a child unless otherwise stated in the court ruling granting custody, that the non-custodial parent is not to have access to the child's educational records. In such cases, a copy of the papers should be on file at the school and the instructions of the court followed. Smothers Academy shall not release educational records or personally identifiable information without the written consent of the parent/legal guardian or eligible student except to the individual school's authorized professional staff, and to other schools or school systems in which the student seeks or intends to enroll, upon condition that the parent/legal guardian or eligible student receive a copy of the records if desired. Withdrawals From School If for any reason a student must withdraw from school, the parent/legal guardian shall authorize a withdrawal form from the school. This form shall be signed by all of the student's teachers, counselor (if applicable), and administrator/designee. In order that the office have sufficient time to prepare for students withdrawing from school, seventy-two (72) hours advance notice shall be given to the school. The student is automatically waitlisted if he returns to the school. Directory Information The term "directory information" means information contained in a student's education records that would not generally be considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if disclosed. The term includes, but is not limited to the student’s name, address, telephone listing, electronic mail address, photograph, date and place of birth, major field of study, grade level, enrollment status, participation in officially recognized sports and activities, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, degrees, honors and awards received, and the most recent previous educational agency or institution the student attended. Prior to publication and distribution of directory information, the principal shall give public notice of the categories of information to be published and distributed and must allow thirty (30) days after such notice to permit the eligible student or parent/ legal guardian to inform the school of any objection to the release of such information. Any parent/legal guardian or eligible student wishing directory information to be withheld must sign a “Directory Information Form” stating so and submit it to the school. Educational Records: Access/Hearing Procedures Educational records as defined by law are those records which are directly related to a student and are maintained by an educational agency or institution. Upon request, a parent/legal guardian or eligible student may inspect/review the student's educational records. Prior to the educational records being shown, the parent/legal guardian or eligible student must sign a release form. If the records contain information on more than one student, the reviewer may only inspect specific information about the one student. The parent/legal guardian or eligible student has a right to a copy of the student's educational records within a reasonable period of time understanding there is a charge for copies. The parent/legal guardian or eligible student may ask the school to amend the student's educational records that contain information that is inaccurate, misleading, or in violation of the student's right to privacy. The request to amend the educational records must be made in writing and specify the changes to be made. The right to challenge the educational records is not a grade grievance mechanism and there is no right to a hearing for a grade dispute. Within a reasonable amount of time after receiving the request to amend the educational records the Headmaster or designee will decide whether to amend the educational records and will notify the parent/legal guardian or eligible student in writing of the decision. If the decision is to not amend the educational records a written notice will be sent informing the parent/legal guardian or eligible student of his/her right to a hearing by the Headmaster’s Office. The parent/legal guardian or eligible student requesting a hearing may apply to the Headmaster’s Office and complete a “Request for Hearing Form.” The parent/legal guardian or eligible student will be notified in writing of the date, time, and location of the hearing. The written notification will also state the rights of the parent/ legal guardian or eligible student to present evidence and be represented by an individual of their own choice, including an attorney paid for at their own expense. The results of the hearing by the Headmaster’s Office will determine if the information is false and the records will or will not be amended. If the decision is not to amend the educational records the written decision from the Headmaster will inform the parent/legal guardian or eligible student of their right to place a statement in the records commenting on the contested information or a statement, why the parent/legal guardian or eligible student disagrees with the decision not to amend the records. Emergency Situations Emergency Card Information It is the policy of Smothers Academy Preparatory School that upon registration and every year thereafter, the Headmaster or designee will secure information necessary to complete an Emergency Card. It is the responsibility of the parent/legal guardian to notify the school if changes occur during the school year. Falsification of information on the Emergency Card by a student will result in disciplinary action. Emergency Care for Students It is the policy of Smothers Academy Preparatory School to act in a responsible manner in the event of any emergency/accident/incident. In the event of an injury, or serious illness, which necessitates immediate removal of a student to a hospital for emergency treatment, the following procedures may be implemented:  An ambulance is to be called by contacting the appropriate emergency agency at 911.  Every attempt shall be made to contact the parent/legal guardian or other person(s) listed on the Emergency Card, even after school hours.  It is the policy of the ambulance company to transport the patient to the nearest hospital for emergency treatment. Ambulance drivers shall be requested to indicate to which hospital they will deliver the student.  If the school is unable to reach the parent/legal guardian listed on the Emergency Card, an ambulance shall be called. An adult staff/faculty member carrying a copy of the student's Emergency Card shall be dispatched immediately to the destination of the ambulance. Meantime, efforts shall continue to reach the student's parent/legal guardian listed on the Emergency Card.  The ambulance service fee is payable through student or family insurance where applicable. In cases where the student is uninsured, the parent/legal guardian of the patient will be billed by the ambulance service provider. The parent is responsible to contact the ambulance service to see if the fees will be waived if indigence is the basis of nonpayment.  If emergency treatment is necessary at the hospital and attempts have been unsuccessful to secure the parent/legal guardian's approval to cover the costs of emergency treatment, the Headmaster's office may be contacted for a recommendation. Emergency Procedures At times during the school year it may be necessary to dismiss students early for various emergencies which may occur. Any decision regarding the early dismissal or emergency closing of schools will be made by the Headmaster based upon recommendation from the CEO and local weather authorities. In the event of emergency closing of schools or early dismissal of students in schools, announcements will be made to the news media regarding the decision. Specifically, radio station WWL-870 AM has been selected as the official station to carry announcements from the Headmaster regarding school closings. In times of adverse weather conditions announcements will be broadcast periodically by the Headmaster over this radio station and several others. Depending upon the existing weather conditions, a decision will be made as to whether students should be kept at school or released. If the decision is to hold students at school, all students, including walkers, will be held. Of course, the parent/legal guardian may come to the school at any time to pick up their children. In some emergencies, such as heating problems, etc., attempts will be made to house kindergarten and elementary age students at alternate sites in order to avoid sending students home earlier than regular dismissal time. The school will be able to provide the parent/legal guardian with information regarding housing for the child in an emergency. However, if problems exist with telephone communications at the school, the parent/legal guardian may call the Headmaster’s office for information. There will be times when there is no other alternative than to dismiss students early. The parent/legal guardian should instruct their child that if he is dismissed from school at a time that is earlier than the regular dismissal and no one will be home, he should go to a neighbor's or relative's home until the parent/legal guardian is able to get home. Evacuation of Buildings Procedures for quick and orderly evacuation of the school have been established by the Director of Operations and are posted in classrooms and about campus. Students are to familiarize themselves with these procedures for evacuation and to obey instructions of teachers in all situations. Because the orderly and rapid evacuation of the building in an emergency is a serious and urgent necessity, student misbehavior during evacuations will result in disciplinary action. Fire Alarms, Discharge of Fire Extinguishers The setting off of a fire alarm in a school at any time is a serious act which interrupts the instructional program and could result in student injury. Students guilty of setting off a fire alarm may be subject to suspension for the remainder of the school year. The discharging of a fire extinguisher by a student, except in the case of a fire, is also an act which has serious consequences and could result in appropriate disciplinary action. Fire Drills/Bomb Threats Fire drills are held at regular intervals. The signal for a fire drill is the sounding of a loud buzzer. When this signal is given, students will leave the classroom in a quiet and orderly manner. When evacuating the classroom students are to: Form a single line. (Students will be led from the building by the teacher.) Leave books behind. Proceed as a class to the designated area and teacher should take a head count. Remain with the teacher throughout the drill. When the ALL CLEAR signal is given, students will return to their classrooms with their teachers to await further instructions over the P. A. system. Under no circumstances are students to yell, run, or create general disorder during a fire drill. The above procedure will also be used during a bomb threat. Hall Passes Teachers determine when students have a valid reason to be excused from instructional time. The appropriate hall pass shall be issued for the student to complete the task(s) at hand and returned to the teacher upon return to class. Lost and Found Articles Students finding articles on the school campus or on the school bus are obligated to turn in such articles to the administrative office, to a teacher, or to the bus driver in accordance with the established policies and procedures of SA. Failure to turn in such articles as required by school policy may result in disciplinary action. Students losing books or personal articles are expected to report such losses to the teacher or administrative office in accordance with established school policies. After a school year ends schools will retain all unclaimed items for a minimum of five (5) days before disposing of them. Homeless/Transitional Student(s) Homeless/transitional student(s) are enrolled immediately. The school will assist the family with the appropriate documents, and direct them to the appropriate social agency to ensure family needs are met. Illness It is the individual student's responsibility to report immediately to the nurse, a teacher, or administrative staff member personal illness or injury. Action is to be taken promptly and in accordance with any special procedures established by the individual school. Diseases: Communicable and/or Contagious It is the policy of Smothers Academy Preparatory School that a student who is suspected of having a communicable and/or contagious disease will be excluded from school and riding the school bus until a written statement from a private physician or the Department of Health and Human Resource (Health Department), certifies that he/she is free of the suspected disease. Head Lice (Pediculosis/Infestation) It is the policy of Smothers Academy Preparatory School that any student who is present at school with head lice/nits shall be excluded from school and from riding the school bus until that student is free of active infestation and all louse nits. The student may be allowed to return to school when his/her head is free of all nits as verified by visual inspection by the nurse and/or parent/legal guardian and submission of written certification by the parent/legal guardian of treatment of the child and household as per instructions. The school reserves the right to check any student for head lice/nits after returning to school. Immunization Requirements In accordance with Louisiana law, it is the policy of Smothers Academy Preparatory School that students registering for Kindergarten and students entering any public school system of the state for the first time, at the time of registration, shall present satisfactory evidence of having been immunized against diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, poliomyelitis, rubella, measles, mumps, meningitis, Hepatitis B, and Varicella (chicken pox) or shall present evidence of an immunization program in progress. The State of Louisiana Universal Certificate of Immunizations is required to verify immunizations. If the student has not been immunized, or an immunization program is not in progress, and no written statement has been provided by a physician stating that the immunization procedure is contraindicated for medical reasons or by the parent/legal guardian dissenting, the student shall be denied registration by the Headmaster.  A student transferring from another school system in the State of Louisiana must show evidence of immunization.  If booster injections are advised by Smothers Academy Preparatory School nursing department, such booster injections shall be administered before the student enters school. If such injections are required during the school year, the student shall be given five (5) school days from notification to obtain the required injection. If not obtained within the allotted five (5) school days, the student shall be excluded from school until the required immunization is administered.  No student shall be required to comply with provisions of the Louisiana Revised Statute 17:170, if the student or parent/legal guardian submits either a written statement from a physician stating that the procedure is contraindicated for medical reasons, or written dissent from the parent/legal guardian is presented in person to the school.  If there is an outbreak of a communicable disease for which student is not immunized, he will be excluded as directed by DHHS. Medication Policy NOTE: If possible, the parent/legal guardian is advised to give medication to the student at home and on a schedule other than during school hours. Only oral, aerosol/inhalant medication in pre-measured dosages, topical ointment for diaper rash, and emergency medications shall be administered by school-based personnel, unless otherwise provided for in this policy. Smothers Academy employees are not allowed to administer any medication that exceeds the recommended dosages. Students are not permitted to have in their possession any medication (prescription or non-prescription) while under school supervision except when ordered by the physician for emergency medication (i.e., asthma inhaler, epinephrine, etc.) and after consultation between the parent/legal guardian, designated school staff, and the school nurse. Smothers Academy Preparatory School, in compliance with the Medication Policy for Louisiana Public Schools dated 4/20/96 and adopted by the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, will provide for administration of medication to a student after the following procedures and responsibilities have been implemented: Parent/Legal Guardian Medication Responsibility  All medication (prescription and non-prescription), MUST be accompanied by a physician’s medication order, which includes the date, the name of the medication, dosage, time to be given at school, route of administration, and any special instructions.  All medication must be in a container properly labeled by a registered pharmacist or the physician. The label must agree with the physician's orders as to the medication, dosage, time, and route of administration. The label must be unaltered. The Louisiana Department of Education requires that the parent/legal guardian use the State of Louisiana Medication Order Form.  The parent/legal guardian is to consult with Smothers Academy nurse. The above mentioned forms and medication must be reviewed. Also the student must be assessed by the nurse in the medication office at that time.  The parent/legal guardian shall arrange for the safe delivery of the medication to and from school by a responsible adult. That adult will also assist the school personnel with the counting of the medication. If the student is at an alternative educational site, it is the responsibility of the parent/legal guardian to see that any necessary medication be delivered to     the site in accordance with the school system’s medication policy. Copies of all forms must accompany the medication to be administered at the alternative site. The parent/legal guardian must supply all necessary items needed for the administration of the medication (i.e., cups, measuring implements, etc.) The parent/legal guardian is also: o to administer the first dose of medication at home and observe the student for possible side effects; o to provide no more than a 25-school day supply of medication to be kept at school; o to comply with written and verbal communication regarding school policies; o to provide unit dose packaging of the student's medication, whenever possible. The physician's medication order is to be renewed at the beginning of each school year, and if the medication, dosage, route of administration, or time of administration is changed during the school year. On overnight field trips, Smothers Academy Preparatory School medication policy is to be followed for all medications, including over the counter medications, to be received during a 24-hour period. School Responsibility School personnel will not provide any medication. The Smothers Academy nurse will consult with the parent/legal guardian, review the required forms and medication, assess the student, and initiate a Medication Administration Plan prior to medication administration. The Smothers Academy nurse will monitor the student's health status and consult with the parent/legal guardian, physician, and school staff, as necessary during the school year. A medication log form will be maintained by school personnel for each medication required by the student. The Headmaster will designate at least two (2) employees to receive training in medication administration and to be available to assist the students in securing the prescribed medication. The designated, trained employee will keep all medication in a locked secure place. All medications will be disposed of seven (7) days after the physician's recommended date to discontinue, if not claimed by the parent/legal guardian. The school may send home a Medication Refill Request form when the student is nearing the end of the supply of medication. Injections - Additional Procedures The parent/legal guardian will be required to come to school and administer injections to their child except in the case of emergency medication for a life threatening situation. The above policy shall not apply to students diagnosed with Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus who do not self-administer and may require insulin during the school day. The parent/legal guardian is responsible for providing the insulin and necessary supplies. If an emergency, injectable medication is to be kept at a school for a student, then: legal guardian must complete an assessment of the student's health status in the school setting previously stated mediation policy is to be followed; designated school personnel will be trained by the school nurse. After the nurse has consulted with the parent, a call is made to the Headmaster. At that point a meeting is held to answer your questions. If you are not satisfied after discussing the matter with the Headmaster; you are welcome to reach out to the CEO for further compliance issues. Students who are responsible for administering their own injections must keep the necessary supplies in a secure place as designated by the Headmaster or nurse. The student is responsible for securing the prescribed dosage. The parent/legal guardian is responsible for providing the necessary supplies. Inhalers and Aerosol Treatments Previously stated medication policy is to be followed. If emergency medication is to be carried by a student at all times, then the physician's written orders must state such. Students must carry inhalers in a case or pocket, on their person. Searches Inspection of School Board Property and Search for Illegal Objects It is the policy of Smothers Academy Preparatory School to reserve the right to inspect all school board property at any time for weapons, drugs, alcohol, stolen goods, or other materials or objects, the possession of which is a violation of the state and/or parish school board policy when articulable facts lead to reasonable belief that the items sought will be found. School board property shall include, but not be limited to, buildings, desks, lockers, area, computers and grounds. Searches With Metal Detectors Smothers Academy Preparatory School shall authorize searches with a hand-held or stationary metal detector, of school board property, of students and non-students and of any bags, parcels, purses, containers, etc., that they bring on to school board property or to school-sponsored activities. Searches Using Canines Smothers Academy Preparatory School shall authorize searches of SA property and automobiles parked on school property using the services of canines whose reliability and accuracy for sniffing out contraband (drugs) have been established. Suicide (Threats or Attempts) Procedures  Any suicide threat or gesture shall be reported to the office and Part I of the Suicide Referral (Form S.S. 80) will immediately be completed and given to the Headmaster or designee.  The Headmaster or designee will refer the student to the school based mental health professional who will conduct an investigation and complete Part II of the Suicide Referral. Those conducting this investigation shall be trained/ experienced in suicide assessment. School mental health professionals are available for this assessment. It is recommended that the mental health evaluator or administrator not be involved in any current conflict with the child/adolescent. It is also recommended that the evaluation take place 20 minutes after an initial statement is made to allow time for a child/adolescent to regulate emotional distress.  As part of this investigation, the mental health professional or principal designee will gather as much information as possible from parents/legal guardians and others who know the student's condition and threat. The following information is essential to collect:  Exact dates and times of any written or verbal material discussing a threat of suicide or self-harm Does the child have a plan to harm self, intent to harm self, or means to harm one’s self Identify all triggers precipitating these events, including social circumstances, conflict between child and peers, teachers or family members, current grudges, mental health and substance use history and recent losses  If no further action is taken, the Headmaster or designee shall sign the form and     forward copies as indicated on the bottom of the form. If the mental health professional and Headmaster or designee determine that the threat was serious and that the student is at high risk for suicide according to the guidelines set forth in Form S.S. 80, action is taken and the mental health professional will complete part III of the suicide referral. As in any case of emergency where the student's safety and well-being are concerned, the mental health professional and principal designee will contact the parent/legal guardian, convey information regarding the severity of the student's condition and inquire about ongoing mental health treatment. If the student is under the care of a mental health professional, the parent/ legal guardian will contact the mental health professional and arrange for an emergency assessment. If the student is not under the care of a mental health professional, the school mental health professional will require the parent to come to the school and will contact Jefferson Parish Mobile Crisis Team (832-5123) and request an emergency evaluation. The school will forward all copies to the crisis team or the child's mental health professional. If the mental health evaluation results in hospitalization, the parent shall inform the principal or designee within 24 hours. Upon release from the hospital, the parent will provide documentation to the school of the child's mental health. If the child received a mental health evaluation and was not admitted to a hospital, the parent will provide documentation of the evaluation and will provide any necessary recommendations to avoid future crisis. If further action is taken, use a second Suicide Referral Form and complete Parts I and III. Forward copies as indicated. Meals Breakfast and Lunch (Child Nutrition Program) A breakfast and lunch program is available to students each day. Lunch and breakfast will be served at no charge or at a reduced price to all students who are determined to be eligible under Federal guidelines. Special meals are provided at no extra charge to students whose disability restricts their diet. The breakfast and lunch programs are available to everyone regardless of race, color, national origin, age, sex, or disability. Truancy Tardiness Procedures The following procedures for student tardiness Smothers Academy shall be followed prior to the suspension of a student for excessive unexcused tardiness, a minimum of the following actions shall be taken by the Headmaster or designee: contact the parent/legal guardian; Character Class assignment; conference with parent/legal guardian or an attempt to have a conference; another type of disciplinary action, if these actions do not result in improved punctuality on the part of the student, the student may be suspended until the parent/legal guardian visits the school for a conference. Continued unexcused tardiness may result in suspension, other disciplinary action, or a referral to the Juvenile Court system. Truancy (Not Reporting to School - Cutting Class - Leaving Campus Without Permission) A child within the compulsory attendance age who is absent from school during regular school hours when there is no valid reason is considered truant. LA. R.S. 17:230. The term "truant" includes students within compulsory attendance age who are not enrolled in school, are absent from school without a valid reason, leave campus without permission, do not report for or leave class during regular school hours without permission or a valid reason. When no valid reason is found for a child’s non-enrollment or un-excused absence from school or class, the parent/legal guardian, or other person having control or charge of a child within the compulsory attendance age range will be given notice, either in person or by registered mail, requiring the child’s enrollment or attendance in school within three (3) days from the date of notice. (LA.R.S. 17:230) When a student is truant, the Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance, or the Headmaster/designee may conduct a counseling session or conference at the school with the child's parent/legal guardian related to school attendance and discipline. The Headmaster/designee will notify the child's parent/legal guardian in writing or by telephone of the conference. The willful failure of the child's parent/legal guardian to attend a meeting with the child's teacher, Headmaster, or other appropriate school employee to discuss the child's repeated truancy may be grounds for a Family in Need of Services Complaint. (La. Ch.C.Art. 730) The FINS COMPLAINT/REFERRAL TO JUVENILE COURT (Form FINS 1, Appendix pg A-1) may be used. When it is determined that the student has been truant, the student may be disciplined in accordance with the school system's discipline policy. Progressive discipline will be used. The student will be disciplined by detention or other measures prior to being suspended. When a student is truant more than once, the Headmaster or designee may follow the above procedure or may suspend the student according to the school system's discipline policy. Where the student is returned to the school by a law enforcement officer, and it is the student's first truancy offense, the Headmaster or designee will follow the procedures set out in this policy. The Headmaster or designee will make a Families in Need of Services (FINS) referral to Juvenile Court when the school has established that a student is truant or has willfully and repeatedly violated lawful school rules. (La.Ch.C.Art.730) Deviations from this policy shall be approved by the Headmaster or designee. Visitors All visitors must report to the main office and sign in before receiving a visitor's pass. SA adheres to ACT 581 which prohibits smoking, as provided in present law, within 200 feet of the entrances, exits, or outdoor areas of any public or private elementary or secondary school. Protection of School Employees Any individual, including any parent/legal guardian of any student attending school in Smothers Academy Preparatory School, who physically assaults or threatens harm to any teacher, staff member, or employee of Smothers Academy Preparatory School will not be allowed to enter the campus or the grounds of any other facility owned and operated by Smothers Academy Preparatory School without prior approval of the Headmaster. Parent/Guardian Dress Code/Decorum Parents of students are expected to be dressed to conduct business at all times while visiting a the campus or any other grounds of any other facility owned and operated by Smothers Academy Preparatory School. If for any reason parents are not dressed appropriately they will be asked to leave the premises and return when properly clothed. If a parent/guardian refuses to leave it is at the Headmaster’s discretion to have them escorted from campus. If removed the parent/guardian must schedule a meeting with the Headmaster before their return to campus is allowed. It is expected that parents will always carry themselves in a manner above board, and where their sons can be proud. This behavior is expected at all Smothers Academy sanctioned events, campus grounds, and any and all other facilities operated by Smothers Academy Preparatory School. Profanity, lude behavior, poor sportsmanship, and general disrespect will not be tolerated. Additionally, any of these acts and others construed against the moral compass of Smothers Academy culture are grounds for those persons to be removed from all events held in the name of Smothers Academy until which time the Headmaster deems otherwise. A student is subject to dismissal from school if his parent/guardian or anyone representing the student uses profanity, becomes belligerent, confrontational, uses threatening or inappropriate language, or otherwise disrupts the ordinary function and operation of the school or school events. Parent/Guardians and others must follow the established protocol for making appointments with teachers and/or administrators. As specified in this handbook, violation of this protocol will subject a student to dismissal. Fund Raising Fund raising activities at all schools are restricted by guidelines established by the School Board. This includes fund raising projects of student and parent organizations. The Headmaster must provide prior approval prior any fund raising project. ACADEMICS Grading Grading Policy A student's grade in a subject or course for a marking period is determined as follows: Elementary: 1/4 participation activities*, 3/4 assessment measures Class participation is defined as class work, homework, notebook, involvement in discussion and activities, and preparation for class, such as having books and supplies. The numerical equivalents of letter grades are: A = 94 - 100 B = 85 - 93 C = 75 - 84 D = 67 - 74 F = 0 - 66 Elementary Schools A final grade for a subject or course is determined as follows: Elementary - Divide the sum of the quality points of the four (4) grading periods by 4. A session summary of "pass" or "fail" is determined in each promotional subject using the quality point system. Rounding occurs only in the final conversion from numerical value to letter grade. A B C D F 4 points 3 points 2 points 1 point 0 point - pass - 3.5 - 4.0 pass - 2.5 - 3.4 pass - 1.5 - 2.4 pass - 1.0 - 1.4 fail - .0 - .9 An elementary student must earn at least one (1) quality point in either the 3rd or the 4th marking period in order to pass the subject for the year. Interim Reports During the fifth week of each marking period, the Interim Report will be issued to all students whose progress is unsatisfactory. When issued, the Interim Report is to be signed by the student. A copy signed by the parent is to be returned to school. Online Grade Reports/Progress Reports Smothers Academy practices a number of parent communication efforts in terms of grade reporting. Parents have the opportunity to utilize the Edmodo software program to remain informed of student grades and classroom activities. Through the parent portal, you can view your child's school information (district calendar, attendance, and grades) from anywhere that access to the internet is available. To gain access to this service, a parent/legal guardian must obtain a form from his/her child’s school, complete it, and return it to the same school. If parents/guardians have students in multiple grades, they only need to complete this form once. After your registration form is processed, you will receive an email with login instructions. User Expectations The Internet and secure web access have altered the ways that confidential information may be accessed, communicated, and transferred. Those changes are influencing instruction and student learning. Smothers Academy Preparatory School supports access by students, parents/guardians, teachers, and administrators to informational resources that will improve participation in a child's education and improve communication between students, parents/guardians and the student's teachers. Smothers Academy Preparatory School manages student information electronically and will make the student education records available for viewing only to authorized parents/guardians with a secure connection over the Internet. All parents/guardians will comply with the Internet use regulations and all technology regulations/procedures, as well as all other District policies that may apply. Rights and Responsibilities This access is a free service offered to all current and active parents/guardians and students of Smothers Academy Preparatory School. Access to student information from the Internet is a privilege, not a right. A parent/ guardian will be authorized to activate a web account only after a family has enrolled their child(ren) in Smothers Academy Preparatory School. Once a student withdraws or graduates from Smothers Academy Preparatory School, their access will be inactivated. Parents/guardians, students, and staff must understand and practice proper and ethical use. Information Accuracy Responsibilities Information accuracy is the joint responsibility between schools, parents/guardians, and students. The district will make every attempt to ensure information is accurate and complete. If a parent/guardian discovers any inaccurate information, he/she will notify their school immediately and provide proof of the inaccurate information. Information Accessible Smothers Academy Preparatory School reserves the right to add, modify or delete functions viewed via the Internet site at any time without notice, including, but not limited to, the functions listed below. 1. Attendance 3. Grades 2. Class Schedule 4. System Calendar Electronic Web Access Agreement Each parent/guardian must complete and sign an Electronic Web Access Agreement for Viewing Student Information Form. After verification of information on the form, the school will establish an account. Use of the System Parents/guardians are required to adhere to the following guidelines:  Parents/guardians will act in a responsible, ethical and legal manner.  Parents/guardians will not attempt to harm or destroy the school or the district's data or networks.  Parents/guardians will not attempt to access information or any account assigned to another user.  Parents/guardians will not use this Internet site for any illegal activity, including violation of Federal and State Data Privacy laws. Anyone found to be in violation of these laws would be subject to Civil and/or Criminal prosecution.  Parents/guardians who identify a security problem within the Portal must notify their school immediately, without demonstrating the problem to anyone else.  Parents/guardians will not share their password with anyone, including their own child(ren).  Parents/guardians will not set their computer to automatically login to the Internet site.  Parents/guardians identified as a security risk will be denied access to the site. Security Features  Access is made available with a secure Internet site. Account holders are responsible for not sharing their passwords and to properly protect or destroy any printed/electronic documentation generated from this site.  Three unsuccessful login attempts will disable the user's account. Until the school has verified the assigned user to the locked account, the account will remain locked. In order to use the account again the user will need to contact their child's school.  The users will be automatically logged off if they leave their web browser open and inactive for a period of time.  The Parent/guardian account will be inactivated when all their child(ren) have either withdrawn or graduated from Smothers Academy Preparatory School, or a court action denies the parent/guardian access to the student's information. Limitation of School Liability Smothers Academy Preparatory School will use reasonable measures to protect student information from unauthorized viewing. JPPSS will not be responsible for financial obligations arising through unauthorized use of the District's system or Internet. JPPSS does not promise any particular level or method of access to the Internet site for viewing student information. JPPSS will not be responsible for actions taken by the parent/guardian that would cause compromise of their student information. JPPSS reserves the right to limit or terminate the Internet site for viewing student information without notice. All parents/guardians who use the parent portal to access their child(ren)'s information consent to electronic monitoring and understand that this is a private network used as an educational tool by Jefferson Parish Public School System employees. Account activity is electronically recorded. Parent Portal Access and Use: Initial Account Request and Setup For Parents/Guardians who do not currently have a parent portal account but have a child already enrolled  Each parent/guardian only needs to complete one Electronic Web Access Agreement form for his/her children who attend Smothers Academy.  For security reasons, each parent must sign the form in front of a school district official.  The school designee will verify parent identification with official photo identification.  The parent requesting the account will be given an activation key.  The school will file the completed and signed form. Account Unlock Procedures  Parents/Guardians must request unlocking their account in person at the school by presenting official photo identification.  Once the school has confirmed the Parent/Guardian identification, they will request an account reset via an email to technology staff. The technology staff will reset the password and notify the parent/guardian of the new password via email. Grade Appeals If a grade of any kind is to be appealed by a student and/or parent, it must be done within 15 school days of the issuance of that grade. Before meeting with the Headmaster, every effort must be made between the student and/or parent and the teacher to resolve the matter. If the matter is not resolved between the student and/or parent and the teacher, an appeal conference will be held in which the student, parent/guardian, teacher and principal will be present. The appeal will be heard by the Headmaster whose decision is final. ACT 1124 Career Options Law Act 1124, the Career Options Law, requires 6 career awareness activities for students in grades 6-8 and it requires completion of an Individual Graduation Plan (IGP) (formerly 5-Year Plan) at the end of the 8th grade. All high school students are encouraged to complete four primary units and two related units in an area of concentration (major). Grade Promotion Requirements High Stakes Testing Policy As of the time of publication for this document a final decision has not been made by the LDOE regarding high stakes testing and the title and composition (grades 3-8) of the standardized tests to be given at the end of the 16-17 school year. Once a final decision is made by the LDOE, the Headmaster will make a recommendation regarding promotional policies and seek board approval. Kindergarten Retention in kindergarten may be made by a recommendation of the Academic Behavior Intervention Team (A/BIT) and/or parental consent. Grades 1 and 2 To be promoted to the next grade, a student must achieve the minimum course requirements as reflected by passing grades in both Reading and Mathematics. Grade 3 To be promoted to the next grade, a student must achieve the minimum course requirements as reflected by passing grades in each of the three subjects of Reading, English, and Mathematics. Grade 4 To be promoted to the next grade, without attending summer school, a student must have a passing final average in all five (5) academic subjects of Reading, English, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies.  A student who fails one or two promotional subjects may be promoted to the next grade if he/she attends a state approved summer school and passes the subjects failed.  A student who fails three (3) or more promotional subjects is ineligible for promotion to the next grade by attending a state approved summer school.  As of the time of publication for this document a final decision has not been made by the LDOE regarding high stakes testing and the title and composition (grades 3-8) of the standardized tests to be given at the end of the 16-17 school year. Once a final decision is made by the LDOE, the Headmaster will make a recommendation regarding promotional policies and seek board approval. Grade 5      To be promoted to grade 6, a student must possess a passing final average in all five academic subjects of Reading, English, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies on the report card. Currently this proficiency is measured by a quality point system equating to letter grades. An annual total of four (4) quality points in each basic subject must be earned to pass. An elementary student must earn at least one quality point in either the 3rd or 4th marking period in order to pass the subject for the year. With prior approval of the principal, a student who fails one or two promotional subjects may be considered for promotion by attending and passing the course(s) at a state approved summer school. Students who will be twelve (12) on or before September 30 th may be considered for promotion by the A/BIT committee and/or Headmaster. In order for this promotion to take place, the Headmaster must agree to this placement. If there is not an agreement, the Director of Curriculum and Instruction will consult the Headmaster to make the final decision on promotion. Grades 6   To be promoted to the next grade, a student must pass five academic subjects of Reading, English, Math, Science, and Social Studies. Passing grades in these subjects reflect proficiency in grade appropriate skills. Currently this proficiency is measured by a quality point system equating to letter grades. An annual total of four (4) quality points in each basic subject must be earned to pass - with at least one (1) quality point earned in the 4th nine weeks. If a sixth or seventh grader passes four of the five academic subjects, the student will be  allowed to progress in the course sequence in the four subjects passed, but not in the subject failed; and the student will be assigned to the higher grade level. In order to advance to the next grade level, students participating in course sequence may be scheduled into an additional academic subject (reading, English, math, science or social studies) in lieu of physical education to complete the course requirements for the subject failed Ex. Reading 6, Reading 7, English 7, Science 7, Math 7 or Social Studies 7. With the prior approval of the principal, a student who fails one (l) or two (2) subjects may be considered for promotion by attending and passing the course(s) at a state approved summer school. A student who fails three (3) promotional subjects may attend a state approved summer school for two (2) subjects. If the student passes the two (2) subjects in summer school, the district will follow the guidelines stated above. If a student fails 6th grade or 7th grade twice the student will be referred to the A/BIT  for appropriate remediation. Students failing during the school year should be discussed during A/BIT. All retained students are referred to A/BIT the following year. If a student in 6th or 7th grade is two or more years behind in grade level placement, an    academic contract will be offered to the student to recover one of those years. If the student has a current IEP or IAP, the contract cannot conflict with goals and accommodations. Parent/Academic Conferences Parent conferences are encouraged whenever the teacher or the parent feels that such a conference is needed. A parent may request a conference by calling the school and arranging a particular time and date. Since teachers and administrators are assigned many tasks throughout a school day, it is advised that appointments will be made in advance before arriving at school. At least one (1) parent or guardian of the child shall attend or participate in at least one (1) of the scheduled parent-teacher conferences. A teacher need not require a parent or guardian to attend the conference if the conference would be unnecessary due to the student’s academic record. Other conferences may be scheduled as the need arises. Children with Exceptionalities It is the responsibility of Smothers Academy Preparatory School to implement all federal and state regulations pertaining to the education of children with exceptionalities. Please refer to Regulations for Implementations of the Children with Exceptionalities Act (R.S. 17: 1941 et seq.) - Title 28 Part XLIII, Bulletin 1706, Subpart A - Regulations for Students with Disabilities, Louisiana Department of Education. Subpart B - Regulations for Gifted/Talented Students. Pupil Appraisal Services Pupil appraisal services are an integral part of the total instructional program of the school.. The purpose of pupil appraisal services is to assist students who have learning problems, adjustment problems, or other special needs by providing services to students, parents, teachers, and other school personnel. Some examples are provided below.  Assistance to teachers in the development and implementation of behavioral and/or instructional interventions  Evaluation of students to determine whether they are exceptional and in need of special educational services     Consultation with parents, students, teachers, and other personnel on topics such as instructional or behavioral modifications, exceptional students, and student development Staff development with school personnel on selected topics Interpretation of evaluation findings to school personnel and parents Direct support services to students with learning or behavioral problems related services to students with exceptionalities Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (1973) Section 504 - (in this part) applies to students who do not qualify to receive special education services (Bulletin 1508) but are identified (based on 504 assessment) to receive individually planned accommodations and/or modifications in the regular education setting. The Individual Accommodation Plan (IAP) sets forth accommodations and/or modifications necessary for the regular education student to have equal access to the educational benefits of the school's program(s). Please refer to Jefferson Parish Public School System, Section 504 Handbook for specific guidelines and criteria of eligibility. Internet Usage Possible Risks Involved In Student Use Of The Internet Computer Network (referred to hereafter as “Internet”), Include But Are Not Limited To: There is the possibility that there may be materials present or otherwise available on the Internet that some students, parents, or teachers may find controversial, offensive, objectionable, pornographic or otherwise inappropriate for minors. Some services available on the Internet could be considered offensive, and students must take responsibility for their own actions in navigating the network. It is virtually impossible to prevent students from getting to materials whose presence the school system never anticipated, while preserving the student’s status as a full member of the Internet community. The school system policy cannot formalize precise limits upon a student’s access. Rather, it is the student’s responsibility to follow standards set by their parents. Student Responsibilities In Internet Usage:  Students have a responsibility to use appropriate language when using the Internet. SA will not tolerate a student’s use of profanity or obscenity on the Internet, and the use of such inappropriate language on the Internet may result in school disciplinary action and the student losing Internet privileges.  As community members, students must respect the rights of others in both the local community and in the Internet at large. Offensive, obscene, harassing, abusive or inflammatory language, pictures, or materials, and/or personal attacks are unacceptable uses of the Internet, and students who engage in such communications on the Internet may be subject to school disciplinary action and/or loss of Internet privileges.  Students have the responsibility to follow copyright laws and rules, and must respect all copyright issues regarding soft-ware, information, and attributions of ownership in their exercise of Internet privileges. A student's failure to do so may result in school disciplinary action, the loss of Internet privileges, and/or prosecution under applicable state and federal law.  Students must recognize the privacy rights of others, and refrain from re-posting personal communications without the original author's prior consent. Failure to do so may result in school disciplinary action and/or the student's loss of Internet privileges.      Students must use the Internet only for legal activities. A student who engages in illegal activities, including but not limited to, tampering with computer hardware or software, computer piracy, hacking, unauthorized entry into computers, or knowledgeable vandalism or destruction of computer files will be subject to school disciplinary action, lose Internet privileges, and may be prosecuted for criminal violations under applicable state and/or federal law. Students are responsible for avoiding the knowing or inadvertent spread of computer viruses. Deliberate attempts to degrade or disrupt system performance by spreading computer viruses is considered criminal activity under state and federal law. A student who engages in such activity will be subject to school disciplinary action, lose Internet privileges, and may be prosecuted for criminal violations under applicable state or federal law. A student must accept full responsibility for usage of his account. A student's failure to fulfill this responsibility by giving his password to another may result in school disciplinary action and/or the loss of Internet privileges. A student must take responsibility for his or her own messages, actions and words on the Internet. Failure to fulfill these responsibilities may result in school disciplinary action and/or loss of Internet privileges. Students have the responsibility to display exemplary behavior when using the Internet, and must conduct themselves as representatives of both their respective schools and the community as a whole. Failure to fulfill this responsibility may result in school disciplinary action and/or loss of Internet privileges. Athletics Academic Eligibility Participation Criteria All fulltime students are eligible to participate in all school activities. Any SA student who participates in extra-curricular activities must meet the criteria. This criteria shall apply to all participants and to ancillary persons, such as managers, equipment personnel, etc. Students who participate in school-based or schoolsponsored activities that do not meet after school, throughout the year, or on a regular basis, must meet eligibility requirements as implemented by the Headmaster. Examples of such activities are (but not limited to) class favorites. More detailed information is available through the Office of the Headmaster. Athletic Events - Guidelines for Conduct The purposes of an athletic event are for entertainment, social interaction, and the development of school pride. The following rules and conduct are for the benefit of the participants and spectators and their pleasure and comfort. The following code of conduct will be expected from all persons in attendance at all Smothers Academy athletic events: The qualities of good sportsmanship shall be exhibited by all spectators and participants at all athletic events. All participants and spectators at all athletic events shall maintain the qualities of self-control at all times, especially during the playing of the National Anthem and the Alma Mater of the respective schools. While in attendance at any athletic event, all spectators and participants will be expected to refrain from the following:  using or possessing unlawful drugs or articles which may be injurious too self or others  consuming, possessing, or being under the influence of any alcoholic beverage  cursing or displaying obscenities  damaging public or private property  entering restricted areas without proper authorization  loitering in entrances, exits, dressing rooms, press box, etc.    fighting throwing objects any other act of harassing spectators, participants, and game officials. Field Trips Field trips are a valuable part of the school curriculum and arrangement for such trips are made by teachers well in advance. Parents will be notified of the date, time destination and cost and will receive a permission slip to sign and return to school by a specified date. If the field trip permission slip is not signed and returned to the classroom teacher, the student will not be allowed to attend the field trip. Parents will be given a specified date on which any charges for admission fees, transportation, lunch, etc., must be paid. In the event the student has paid to attend a field trip and for some reason cannot attend, money can be refunded only if the school has not yet paid for the cost of the activity.  Parents who serve as chaperones on field trips are responsible to the teacher. No person 17 years or younger shall be allowed to participate in a school sponsored field trip unless he is a student involved in the activity.  If, while attending a field trip, including an overnight trip, a student displays unacceptable behavior, he may not be allowed to attend the next field trip for which he would otherwise be eligible to participate.  Students must make arrangements with the subject matter teacher to make up work missed while attending a field trip or other school activities. The district medication policy must be followed for all field trips. Parties At Smothers Academy, parties are limited so as to cause minimum interference with the instructional program of the school. Seasonal parties may be held on the last school day prior to the start of the holiday period. Birthday parties are held at the discretion of the Headmaster. DISTRICT WIDE PARENT INVOLVEMENT POLICY Smothers Academy agrees to implement the following statutes:  SA will put into operation programs, activities and procedures for the involvement of parents of 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, SA will work to ensure that the required school-level parental involvement of 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.  SA will incorporate this 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.  Smothers Academy Preparatory School, School Board and Headmaster recognizes that parental involvement must be a priority for children to learn and achieve academic success. Parents and families provide the primary educational environment for children; consequently, parents are vital and necessary partners with the school system throughout their children's elementary and secondary school careers. The term parent shall refer to any caregiver who assumes responsibility for nurturing and caring for children, and includes parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, foster parents, stepparents, and others. The concept of parental involvement shall include programs, services, and/or activities on the school site, as well as contributions of parents outside the normal school setting. It shall be the policy of the School Board, in collaboration with parents, teachers, students, administrators, and other educational resources, to establish, develop, and maintain strategies and programs that are intended to enhance the involvement of parents and other caregivers that reflect the needs of students, parents, and families served by the Board, in accordance with applicable state and federal laws and regulations. As part of the parental involvement program, it shall be the responsibility of every school to create a welcoming environment, conducive to learning and supportive for comprehensive family involvement programs that have been developed jointly with parents/families. School Board Responsibilities At the district level, the School Board shall: 1. Involve parents in the joint development and amendment of the school district’s plan, which includes components of the district's parental involvement program, to be submitted to the Louisiana Department of Education. Such involvement shall involve, but not be limited to, the following: a. Appointing to, and interacting with, each school's School Improvement Team, which is actively involved with assessing needs and addressing these needs in the school; b. Conducting open public workshops on major issues; c. Holding regular School Board meetings, with opportunities for the Board to receive public input and comments; these meetings are televised on Smothers Academy Preparatory School Cox Cable network with periodic replays for greater public exposure; d. Requiring each school to conduct open house meetings; e. Encourage school based parental organizations, such as PTA, PTO, etc. 2. Provide coordination of various programs that involve parents, technical assistance, and other support necessary to assist every public school in Jefferson Parish in planning and implementing effective parental involvement programs and strategies. a. Coordinate and integrate parental involvement programs with other programs and activities that promote parental involvement. b. Conduct, with the involvement of parents, an annual evaluation of the content and effectiveness of the use of components and strategies. The evaluation shall attempt to identify ways of improving the academic quality of the schools served by the Board, including identifying barriers to greater participation by parents in educational and parental involvement activities; particular attention shall be directed to parents who are economically disadvantaged, disabled, have limited English proficiency, have limited literacy, or are of any racial or ethnic minority background. The School Board and each school shall use findings of such evaluation to design strategies for more effective parental involvement, and to revise, if necessary, the parental involvement policies and procedures. c. Distribute to parent’s information about the Jefferson Parish School District’s parental involvement program, as well as provide proper notification to parents about specific services or special programs, as required by state or federal law. Notification shall also include, at the start of school each year, the right of parents to request and receive timely information on the professional qualifications of their children’s class-room teachers. d. Submit the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Consolidated Application plan to the Louisiana Department of Education comments of parents of participating children who are not satisfied with components of the parental involvement program. e. Distribute to parents of participating students the complaint procedure of the Louisiana Department of Education. f. Inform and notify parents and organizations of the existence of a parental information and resource center established by the state to provide training, information, and support to parents and individuals who work with parents, School Boards, and schools. School Level Responsibilities As part of the parental involvement program, the School Board shall encourage each public school and require those schools receiving federal Title I funds under the jurisdiction of the Jefferson Parish School Board to: a. Convene an annual meeting, at a convenient time, to which all parents of participating children shall be invited and encouraged to attend, to inform parents of their school’s educational programs b. c. d. e. and to explain components of the parental involvement program, and the right of the parents to be involved. Offer a flexible number of meetings, services, and/or activities, on or off school campuses, at various times of the day to maximize parental participation, and may provide transportation, child care, appropriate refreshments, and/or home visits, as such services relate to parental involvement. Involve parents in an organized, ongoing, and timely way, in planning, review, and improvement programs, including the planning, development, review, and improvement of the school parental involvement policy and the joint development of the school wide parental involvement program plan. Provide parents, especially those of participating children in NCLB programs: 1. Timely information about educational and parental involvement programs: 2. A description and explanation of the curriculum in use at the school, the forms of academic assessment used to measure student's progress and the proficiency level students are expected to meet. 3. If requested by the parents, opportunities for regular meetings to formulate suggestions and to participate, as appropriate, in decisions relating to the education of their children, and respond to any such suggestions in a timely manner. To the extent feasible and appropriate, coordinate, and integrate parent involvement programs and activities with other outreach educational programs, such as LASIG, ESL, Pre-K, Instruction, IDEA, Testing and Accountability, Technology, Safe and Drug Free, Head Start, Even Start, and other programs. Shared Responsibilities As part of the parental involvement program, to build a capacity for involvement, the School Board and each public school under its jurisdiction shall: a. Provide assistance to parents of children served by the school or Board, as appropriate, in understanding such topics as the state's academic content standards, state and local academic assessments, the components of the Board's parental involvement program, and how to monitor a child's progress and work with educators to improve the achievement of their children. b. Provide material and training to help parents work with their children in improving academic achievement, such as literacy training and using technology, as appropriate. c. Educate teachers, pupil services personnel, principals, and other staff, with the assistance of parents, in valuing the usefulness of their contributions. Also, reach out to, communicate with, and work with parents as equal partners, implement and coordinate parent programs, and build ties between parents and the school. d. To the extent feasible and appropriate, coordinate and integrate parent involvement programs and activities with other outreach educational programs, such as LASIG, ESL, Pre-K, Instruction, IDEA, Testing and Accountability, Technology, Safe and Drug Free, Head Start, Even Start, and other programs. e. Ensure that information related to school and parent programs, meetings, and other activities is sent to parents in a format and, to the extent practicable, in a language the parents can understand. f. Involve parents in the development of training for teachers, principals and other educators to improve the effectiveness of such training. g. Provide necessary literacy training from federal and state funds received if the Board has exhausted all other reasonably available sources of funding for such training. h. Pay reasonable and necessary expenses associated with parental involvement activities, including transportation, appropriate refreshments, and/or childcare costs, to enable parents to participate in school-related meetings and training sessions. i. Train parents to enhance the involvement of other parents. j. Arrange school meetings, at a variety of times and places, or conduct in-home conferences between teacher or other educators who work directly with children, with parents who are unable to attend such conferences at school, in order to maximize parental involvement and participation. k. Adopt and implement model approached to improving parental involvement. l. Recognize parental activities and/or contributions outside the normal school setting that enhance student academic achievement, such as tutoring, improving attendance, and contributing and preparing school/ classroom support materials and services. m. Establish a district wide parent advisory council to provide advice on all matters related to parental involvement in programs. n. Develop appropriate roles for community-based organizations and businesses in parental involvement activities. o. Provide such other reasonable support for parental involvement activities as parents may request. p. Provide full opportunities for the participation of parents with limited English proficiency, parents with disabilities, and parents of migratory children, including providing necessary information and school reports required in a format, and to the extent practicable, in a language such parents understand. Parent’s Responsibilities The School Board realizes that a child's education begins at birth. Parents and family members, as their child's primary teachers, play a vital role in the intellectual, social, and emotional growth of their children. A child's development and success is dependent on the direct support a child receives at home. In an effort to promote responsible and successful parenting skills, the Board expects parents to: a. Make sure children attend school regularly and arrive at school on time. b. Supervise completion of all homework assignments. c. Assure proper hygiene and daily cleanliness of their children. d. Make sure children are dressed properly, in accordance with the uniform or dress code. e. Make sure that children get adequate amounts of sleep nightly. f. Visit and discuss their child's academic progress regularly with teachers. g. Discuss academic progress and school events regularly with their child. h. Instill proper respect for parents, teachers, and other adults. i. Volunteer in child's classroom, school, or related activities to the extent feasible and appropriate. j. Attend school-sponsored programs in which their child may participate. k. Join and be active in parent/teacher organizations. Statement of Compliance Each student in grades 1-12 and each parent or guardian of a student in grades K-12, shall annually sign a Statement of Compliance, in accordance with state law. For students, the Statement of Compliance shall state that the student agrees to attend school regularly, arrive at school on time, demonstrate significant effort toward completion of homework assignments, and follow school and classroom rules. For parents, the Statement of Compliance shall state that the parent or legal guardian agrees to ensure his/her child's daily attendance at school, ensure his/her child's arrival at school on time each day, ensure his/her child completes all assigned homework, and attend all required parent/ teacher/principal conferences. School-Parent Compact SA shall jointly develop with parents a school-parent compact that outlines how parents, the entire school staff, and students will share the responsibility for improved student academic achievement and the means by which the school and parents will build and develop a partnership to help children achieve the State's high standards. The compact shall:  Describe the school's responsibility to provide high-quality curriculum and instruction in a supportive and effective learning environment enabling students to meet the state's student academic achievement standards, and the ways in which each parent will be responsible for supporting their children's learning, such as monitoring attendance, homework completion; contributing services outside the normal school setting; and participating, as appropriate, in decisions relating to the education of their children, and positive use of extracurricular time.  Address the importance of communication between teachers and parents on an ongoing basis through, at a minimum:  Parent-teacher conferences in elementary schools, at least annually, during which the compact shall be discussed as the compact relates to the individual child's achievement;  Frequent reports to parents on their children's progress;  Reasonable access to staff, opportunities to volunteer and participate in their child's class, and observation of classroom activities; and  Parental activities and/or contributions away from the school site that enhance academic achievement. Other Programs In conjunction with the district services rendered under Smothers Academy Parental Involvement Program, the School Board shall maintain contact and communication with social service and health agencies, faith-based institutions, and community groups to support key family and community services and issues. In particular, SA has a strong relationship with and support from community and/or governmental organizations such as The Manhood Project, Families Helping Families, Volunteers in Public Schools (VIPS), Partners in Education, and the West Bank and East Bank Parent Advisory Council. One of the primary goals of these groups is to support, supplement, and assist in improving the involvement of parents of children in Smothers Academy Preparatory School. BULLYING REPORT FORM Instructions: Complete this form, responding only to the questions that you feel comfortable answering and are able to report accurately. Submit this form to the principal or other school employee. This form may be completed by the person reporting the incident or by the school employee to whom the incident is being reported. Person Reporting the Incident: Date of Report: Person Reporting the Incident: Student Parent/Guardian School Employee Chaperone Description of Incident (Include the names of those involved and as much detail as possible: what, where, when, how, etc.) List the name(s) of any witnesses to the incident. I certify that all statements made in this report are true and complete. Received by : Name Position Date 40 LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION POST OFFICE BOX 94064 BATON ROUGE, LA 70804-9064 1.877.453.2721 WWW.LOUISIANABELIEVES.COM Resolving School-Based Questions & Concerns Smothers Academy Board of Directors Contacting the School Board The Smothers Academy board consists of nine members appointed by the CEO. The Headmaster is appointed by the school board to manage the administrative team of Smothers Academy. The public may contact the board secretary at 504-302-1089 with questions about the board. Contact information for individual board members, along with a list of the schools each board member oversees, can be found on the board member page of the district website at www.smothersacademy.com Board Meetings The school board schedules meetings once a month, with special meetings throughout the year as needed. All regular, special, or emergency school board meetings are open to the public, and parents and community members are encouraged to attend. Regular meetings of the school board are held at the school (2012 Jefferson Hwy., Jefferson, LA 70121) Speaking at Board Meetings Anyone is welcome to speak at school board meetings. Members of the public who wish to address the Board are required to fill out a comment card and submit it to the board secretary before the meeting begins. Comment cards can be found in the entryway of the board room. To download a copy of the School Board Meeting Guide, which includes basic information about how school board meetings are run and how the public may participate, visit http://www.smothersacademy.com