Strafford R-VI School District     Early Childhood Center      Elementary School      Middle School    High School

 

 

Strafford R-VI School District Policy Manual

Master Index | Section A | Section B | Section C | Section D | Section E | Section F | Section G Part 1 | Section I Part 1 | Section J Part 1 | Section K | Section L                                                                             Section G Part 2 | Section I Part 2 | Section J Part 2
                                                                                                                        Section G Part 3 | Section I Part 3 | Section J Part 3 
 

 

 

 

 


SECTION J:  STUDENTS

Part 2

 


FILE:  JFCH

Critical

 

 

STUDENT ALCOHOL/DRUG ABUSE

 

The Strafford R-VI School District is concerned with the health, welfare and safety of its students.  Therefore, use, sale, transfer, distribution, possession or being under the influence of unauthorized prescription drugs, alcohol, narcotic substances, unauthorized inhalants, controlled substances, illegal drugs, counterfeit substances and imitation controlled substances is prohibited on any district property,  in any district-owned vehicle or in any other district-approved vehicle used to transport students to and from school or district activities.  This prohibition also applies to any district-sponsored or district-approved activity, event or function, such as a field trip or athletic event, where students are under the supervision of the school district.  The use, sale, transfer or possession of drug-related paraphernalia is also prohibited.

 

For the purpose of this policy a controlled substance shall include any controlled substance, counterfeit substance or imitation controlled substance as defined in the Narcotic Drug Act, § 195.010, RSMo., and in schedules I, II, III, IV and V in section 202(c) of the Controlled Substances Act, 21 U.S.C. § 812(c).

 

Students may only be in possession of medication as detailed in Board policy JHCD.Searches of persons reasonably suspected to be in violation of this policy will be conducted in accordance with Board policy.

 

Any student who is found by the administration to be in violation of this policy shall be referred for prosecution and subject to disciplinary action up to and including suspension, expulsion or other discipline in accordance with the district's discipline policy.  Strict compliance is mandatory.  The school principal shall immediately report all incidents involving a controlled substance to the appropriate local law enforcement agency and the superintendent.  All controlled substances shall be turned over to local law enforcement.

 

Students with disabilities who violate this policy will be disciplined in accordance with policy JGE.

 

* * * * * * *

 

Note:   The reader is encouraged to check the index located at the beginning of this section for other pertinent policies and to review administrative procedures and/or forms for related information in.

 

 

______________________________________________________________________

For Office Use Only:  JFCH-C.1L (1/06)                   Page 1


FILE:  JFCH

Critical

 

 

Adopted:          May 19, 1998

 

Revised:           November 21, 2002/April 20, 2006                                                                             

 

Cross Refs:       GBEBA, Drug-Free Workplace

IGAEA, Teaching about Drugs, Alcohol and Tobacco

 

            Legal Refs:       §§ 167.115, .117, .161, .171, 195.010, .017, 577.625, .628, 578.250 - .265, RSMo.

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 20 U.S.C §§ 1400 - 1487

34 C.F.R. § 300.520

Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act, 20 U.S.C. §§ 7101 - 7165

Controlled Substances Act, 21 U.S.C. § 812(c)

 

Strafford R-VI School District, Strafford, Missouri

 

 

______________________________________________________________________

For Office Use Only:  JFCH-C.1L(1/06)                   Page 2


FILE:  JFCJ

Critical

 

 

WEAPONS IN SCHOOL

 

1.         POLICY STATEMENT

 

The possession or use of a weapon, concealed or otherwise, by any student, shall be prohibited, upon or in the vicinity of school premises, while on a school bus or in other school transportation, or at any time the student is engaged in any school sponsored activity.  The use of a weapon away from school premises may also be prohibited, as more clearly defined below.

 

2.         DEFINITIONS—The following definitions are applicable to this policy:

 

A.        Whenever the term “Weapon” is used in this policy it shall mean any one of the following:

1)                     Any instrument or device commonly used for attack, defense, to inflict bodily harm and/or to intimidate other persons.

2)         Other weapons defined in 571.010 RSMo. Including the following weapons:  blackjacks, concealable firearms, explosive weapons, firearms, firearm silencers, gas guns, knifes, knuckles, machine guns, projectile weapons, rifles, shotguns, spring guns or switchblade knives.

3)         Articles designed for other purposes but by inappropriate use could easily be used to inflict bodily harm and/or intimidate may be classified as weapons when so used.  Examples are belts combs, pencils, files, compasses, scissors, etc.

The term “weapon” shall not mean weapons brought onto School District property with permission of the Superintendent or the Principal and which do not otherwise violate this policy, such as firearms used during a Conservation Commission hunter safety course, or, antique or display firearms used solely for educational purposes.

 

B.         Whenever the term “Class I Weapon” is used in this policy it shall mean articles designed for other purposes but by inappropriate use could easily be used to inflict bodily harm and/or intimidate others, when such items are so used.  Examples of these items are belts, combs, pencils, files, compasses, scissors, chains, cafeteria trays, etc.

 

C.                Whenever the term “Class II Weapon” is used in this policy it shall mean:

1)         any knife, butterfly knife, dagger, dirk, stiletto or bladed hand instrument that is readily capable of inflicting serious physical injury or death by cutting or stabbing a person; or,

2)            any knuckles, including any instrument that consists of finger rings       

 

 

______________________________________________________________________

For Office Use Only                     Page 1


 

FILE:  JFCJ

Critical

 

 

or guards made of a hard substance that is designed or adapted for the purpose of inflicting serious physical injury or death by striking a person with a fist enclosed in the knuckles; or,

3)         any blackjack, including any instrument that is designed or adapted for the purpose of stunning or inflicting physical injury by striking a person; or,

4)         any switchblade knife, or whatever length that opens automatically with a button or other device or opens by force of gravity or application of centrifugal force; or,

5)             any throwing stars or other similar instruments or devices.

 

C.                Whenever the term “Class III Weapon” is used in this policy it shall mean:

1)         any fireman or other weapon that is designed or adapted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive, including but not limited to:  firearms, concealable firearms, machine guns, rifles, shot guns and spring guns; or,

2)         any explosive weapon, such as an explosive, incendiary or poison gas bomb or similar device designed or adapted for the purpose of inflicting death, serious physical injury, or substantial property damage; or a device designed or adapted for delivering or shooting such a weapon; or,

3)         any gas gun, such as a gas ejection device, weapon, cartridge, container or contrivance other than a gas bomb, that is designed or adapted for the purpose of ejecting any poison gas that will cause death or serious physical injury, but not any device that ejects a repellant or temporary incapacitating substance; or, 

4).        any projectile weapon, such as any bow, crossbow, pellet gun, paint gun, slingshot or other weapon that is not a firearm, which is capable of expelling a projectile that could inflict serious physical injury or death by striking or piercing a person. 

5).        any item or device purported to be any of the weapons defined in paragraph 1 D 1 through 4 above.

 

3.         PENALTIES

 

Violation of this policy shall result in the following penalties:

 

            A.        Possession of a Weapon

 

1)         If the student is in possession of a Class II weapon upon or in the vicinity of school premises, while on a school bus or in other school transportation, or at any time the student is engaged in any school sponsored activity:

 

______________________________________________________________________

For Office Use Only                     Page 2


FILE:  JFCJ

Critical

 

 

-           The principal shall suspend the student for ten (10) school days with a recommendation that the Superintendent extend the student’s summary suspension and/or recommend to the Board of Education that the student be expelled from the School District.

-           The Superintendent shall extend the student’s summary suspension for up to one hundred eighty (180) school days and shall recommend to the Board that the student be expelled from school.

 

2)         If the student is in possession of a Class III weapon upon or in the vicinity of school premises, while on a school bus or in other school transportation, or at any time the student is engaged in any school sponsored activity:

-           The principal shall suspend the student for ten (10) school days with a recommendation that the Superintendent extend the student’s summary suspension and/or recommend to the Board of Education that the student be expelled from the School District.

-           The Superintendent shall extend the student’s summary suspension for up to one hundred eighty (180) school days and shall recommend to the Board that the student be expelled from school.

 

B.                 Use of a Class I Weapon

 

1)         If the student displays, flourishes, or uses a Class I weapon upon or in the vicinity of school premises, while on a school bus or in other school transportation, or at any time the student is engaged in any school sponsored activity:

-           The principal shall suspend the student for up to ten (10) school days and, depending upon the circumstances of the conduct, may recommend that the Superintendent extend the student’s summary suspension and/or recommend to the Board of Education that the student be expelled from the School District.

-           The superintendent shall extend the student’s summary suspension for up to one hundred eighty (180) school days depending upon the circumstances of the conduct.

 

C.                Use of a Class II Weapon

 

1)         If the student displays, flourishes or uses a Class II weapon upon or in the vicinity of school premises, while on a school bus or in other school transportation, or at any time the student is engaged in any school sponsored activity:

  

 

______________________________________________________________________

For Office Use Only                     Page 3


FILE:  JFCJ

Critical

 

 

-           The principal shall suspend the student for ten (10) school days with a recommendation that the Superintendent extend the student’s summary suspension and/or recommend to the Board of Education that the student be expelled from the School District.

-           The Superintendent shall extend the student’s summary suspension for up to one hundred eighty (180) school days and shall recommend to the Board that the student be expelled from school.

 

2)         If the student displays, flourishes or uses a Class II weapon away from school premises which results in a summons being issued to the student, charges being filed in court against the student, or conduct which can otherwise be verified to the satisfaction of the principal:

-           The principal shall suspend the student for ten (10) school days.

-           During that period of time, the Superintendent (or designee) shall determine whether the student or the student’s presence in school constitutes a continued threat to the good order and discipline of the school.

-                      In that event, the Superintendent (or designee) shall suspend the student for up to one hundred eighty (180) days with a recommendation to the Board of Education that the student be expelled from school.

 

           

3)If the student assists, aids or abets a student or non-student inany act described in paragraph 3 C 1 or 2 of this Policy, which results ina summons being issued to the student, charges being filed in Courtagainst the student, or conduct which can otherwise be verified to thesatisfaction of the Principal:

-The Principal shallsuspend the student for ten (10) school days.

-Duringthat period of time, the Superintendent(or designee) shalldetermine whether the student or the student’s presence in schoolconstitutes a continued threat to the good order and discipline of theschool.

-Inthe event, the Superintendent (or designee) shall suspend the student forup to one hundred eighty (180) days with a recommendation to the Board ofEducation that the student be expelled from school.

B.                 Use of a Class III Weapon

 

1)         If the student displays, flourishes or uses a Class III Weapon upon or in the vicinity or school premises, while on a school bus or in any school transportation, or at any time the student is engaged in any school sponsored activity:

 

______________________________________________________________________

For Office Use Only                    Page 4


FILE:  JFCJ

Critical

 

 

-          The principal shall suspend the student for ten (10) school days with a recommendation that the Superintendent extend the student’s summary suspension and/or recommend to the Board of Education that the student be expelled from the School District.

-          The Superintendent shall extend the student’s summary suspension for up to one hundred eight (180) school days   and shall recommend to the Board that the student be expelled from school.

                       

2)         If the student displays, flourishes or uses a Class III Weapon away from school premises which results in a summons being issued to the student, charges being filed in court against the student, or conduct which can otherwise be verified to the satisfaction of the principal:

-          The principal shall suspend the student for ten (10) school days.

                                    -           During that period of time, the Superintendent (or designee) shall determine whether the student or the student’s presence in school constitutes a continued threat to the good order and discipline of the school.

-          In that event, the Superintendent (or designed) shall suspend the student for up to one hundred eighty (180) days with a recommendation to the Board of Education that the student be expelled from school.

3)         If the student assists, aids or abets a student or non-student in any act described in paragraph 2 D 1 or 2 of this Policy, which results in a summons being issued to the student, charges being filed in Court against the student, or conduct which can otherwise be verified to the satisfaction of the Principal: 

-          The Principal shall suspend the student for ten (10) school days.

-           During that period of time, the Superintendent (or designed) shall determine whether the student or the student’s presence in school constitutes a continued threat to the good order and discipline of the school.

-                      In that event, the Superintendent (or designee) shall suspend the student for up to one hundred eighty (180) days with a recommendation to the Board of Education that the student be expelled from school.

 

 

______________________________________________________________________

For Office Use Only                    Page 5


 

FILE:  JFCJ

Critical

 

Adopted:          March 20, 2003

 

Cross Refs:       JG, Student Discipline

                        JG-1, Discipline of Students with Disabilities

 

Legal Refs:       161.161, .171, 571.010, RSMo.

 

 

Strafford R-VI School District, Strafford, Missouri

 

 

______________________________________________________________________

For Office Use Only                    Page 6


 

 

 

FILE:  JFCG
Basic

 

 

TOBACCO AND TOBACCO DERIVATIVES USE BY STUDENTS

 

The disciplinary measures for those who are caught using or in possession of any tobacco product shall be:

 

1.         First offense -- 3 days ISS (in-school-suspenion) with written report on hazards of tobacco use and keep up with schoolwork.

 

2.         Second offense -- 5 days ISS, keep up with schoolwork.

 

3.         Third offense -- 10 days OSS (out-of-school-suspension) and referral to superintendent for further review.

 

The students will be given due process rights prior to the suspension.  The administration shall contact the parent or guardian in writing as soon as possible concerning the suspension, with a copy of the correspondence placed in the student's folder.  School assignments, tests, etc., missed due to the suspension, impose no obligation on the teachers or administrators to give make-up tests or otherwise to assist students in make-up work.

 

 

Adopted:                      December 21, 1995

 

Strafford R-VI School District, Strafford, Missouri

 

 

______________________________________________________________________

For Office Use Only                     Page 1



FILE:  JFD

Critical

 

 

STUDENTS OF LEGAL AGE

 

Every student eighteen years of age or older shall be deemed to be an adult and all educational rights and privileges shall transfer from the parent/guardian to the student.  Such students, like all other students, shall comply with the policies, rules and regulations established by the Board of Education, pursue a prescribed course of study and submit to the authority of teachers and others in a supervisory role.

 

* * * * * * *

 

 

Adopted:          December 15,1994

 

Legal Refs:       § 431.055, 610.021 (6), RSMo.

                        P.L. 93-380, Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974

 

 

______________________________________________________________________

For Office Use Only                    Page 1


FILE:  JFG

Critical

 

 

INTERROGATIONS, INTERVIEWS AND SEARCHES

 

Searches by School Personnel

 

School lockers, desks and other district property are provided for the convenience of students and, as such, are subject to periodic inspection without notice.

 

Student property may be searched based on reasonable suspicion of a violation of district rules, policy or law.  Reasonable suspicion must be based on facts known to the administration, credible information or reasonable inference drawn from such facts or information.  Searches of student property shall be limited in scope based on the original justification of the search.  The privacy and dignity of students shall be respected.  Searches shall be carried out in the presence of adult witnesses and not in front of other students, unless exigent circumstances exist.

 

It is a privilege, not a right, to park on school grounds.  The school retains the authority to conduct routine patrols of any vehicle parked on school grounds.  The interior of a student's automobile on school premises may be searched if the school authority has reasonable suspicion to believe that such a search will produce evidence that the student has violated or is violating either the law or district policy.

 

The administration will contact law enforcement officials to perform a search if the administration reasonably suspects that a student is concealing controlled substances, drug paraphernalia, weapons, stolen goods or evidence of a crime beneath his or her clothing and the student refuses to surrender such items.  Law enforcement officials may be contacted for assistance in performing a search in any case in which a student refuses to allow a search or in which the search cannot safely be conducted.

 

School employees and volunteers, other than commissioned law enforcement officers, shall not strip search students, as defined in state law, except in situations where an employee reasonably believes that the student possesses a weapon, explosive or substance that poses an imminent threat of physical harm to the student or others and a commissioned law enforcement officer is not immediately available.  If a student is strip searched, as defined in state law, by a school employee or a commissioned law enforcement officer, the district will attempt to notify the student's parents/guardians as soon as possible.

 

During an examination, and if reasonable under the circumstances, school employees may require students to empty pockets or remove jackets, coats, shoes and other articles of exterior clothing that when removed do not expose underwear.  Employees may also remove student clothing to investigate the potential abuse or neglect of a student, give medical attention to a student, provide health services to a student or screen a student for medical conditions.

 

 

______________________________________________________________________

For Office Use Only:  JFG-C.1J (7/04)                    Page 1


FILE:  JFG

Critical

 

 

School Resource Officers

 

The school resource officer (SRO) may interview or question students regarding an alleged violation of law.  A school resource officer may also accompany school officials executing a search or may perform searches under the direction of school officials.

 

Interview with Police or Juvenile Officers/Other Law Enforcement Officials

 

Law enforcement officials may wish to interview students regarding their knowledge of suspected criminal activity and may wish to interrogate students who are themselves suspected of engaging in criminal activity.  Such interviews and interrogations are discouraged during class time, except when law enforcement officials have a warrant or other court order or when an emergency or other exigent circumstances exist.  It is the responsibility of the principal or designee to take reasonable steps to prevent disruption of school operations while at the same time cooperating with law enforcement efforts.

 

When law enforcement officials find it necessary to question students during the school day or during periods of extracurricular activities, the school principal or designee will be present and the interview will be conducted in private.  The principal will verify and record the identity of the officer or other authority and request an explanation of the need to question or interview the student at school.  The principal ordinarily will make reasonable efforts to notify the student's parents/guardians unless the interviewer raises a valid objection to the notification.

 

Removal of Students from School by Law Enforcement Officials

 

Before a student at school is arrested or taken into custody by a law enforcement official or other legally authorized person, the principal will verify the official's identity.  To the best of his or her ability, the principal will verify the official's authority to take custody of the student.  The school principal will attempt to notify the student's parents/guardians that the student is being removed from school.

 

Interview with the Children's Division

 

Representatives of the Children's Division (CD) of the Department of Social Services may meet with students on campus.  The district liaison will work with CD to arrange such meetings so they are minimally disruptive to the student's schedule.  If the student is an alleged victim of abuse or neglect, CD may not meet with the student in any school building or child care facility where the abuse of the student allegedly occurred.  The principal will verify and record the identity of any CD representatives who request to meet with or take custody of a student.

 

 

 

 

______________________________________________________________________

For Office Use Only:  JFG-C.1J (7/04)                    Page 2


FILE:  JFG

Critical

 

 

Contacts by Guardian Ad Litem and Court-Appointed Special Advocate

 

When a court-appointed guardian ad litem or special advocate finds it necessary to interview a student during the school day or during periods of extracurricular activities, the school principal or designee must be notified.  The principal will verify and record the identity of the individual through the court order that appoints him or her.  The interview must be conducted in a private setting and with the least disruption to the student's schedule.

 

* * * * * * *

 

 

Note:   The reader is encouraged to review administrative procedures and/or forms for related information in support of this policy area.

 

 

 

Adopted:          November 18, 2004                                                                                                    

 

Cross Refs:       ECD, Traffic and Parking Controls

KNAJ, Relations with Law Enforcement Authorities

 

Legal Refs:       §§ 167.166, 210.145, 544.193, RSMo.

New Jersey vs. T.L.O., 469 U.S. 325 (1985)

 

Strafford R-VI School District, Strafford, Missouri

 

 

______________________________________________________________________

For Office Use Only:  JFG-C.1J (7/04)                    Page 3


 

FILE:  JFH

Basic

 

 

STUDENT COMPLAINTS AND GRIEVANCES

 

Alleged acts of unfairness or any decision made by school personnel, except as otherwise provided for under student suspension and expulsion, which students and/or parents/guardians believe to be unjust or in violation of pertinent policies of the Board or individual school rules, may be appealed to the school principal or a designated representative.

 

The following guidelines are established for the presentation of student complaints and grievances:

 

Ø         The principals shall schedule a conference with the student and any staff members involved to attempt to resolve the problem.  Parents/Guardians may be involved in the conference, or a later conference for parents/guardians may be scheduled at the discretion of the principal.

 

Ø         If the problem is not resolved to the satisfaction of the student and/or parents/guardians, a request may be submitted for a conference with the superintendent of schools.  The superintendent shall arrange a conference to consider the problem, and to inform participants of the action that will be taken.

 

Ø         If the student and/or parents/guardians are not satisfied with the action of the superintendent, they may submit a written request to appear before the Board of Education.  Unless required by law, a hearing will be at the discretion of the Board.  The decision of the Board shall be final.

 

All persons are assured that they may utilize this procedure without reprisal.

 

* * * * * * *

 

 

Adopted:          March 18, 1999          

 

Cross Refs:       AC, Nondiscrimination

                        IGBC, Programs for Disadvantaged Students

                        IGBCA, Programs for Homeless Students

 

Strafford R-VI School District, Strafford, Missouri

 

 

______________________________________________________________________

For Office Use Only:  JFH-C.1C (01/99)                    Page 1


 

 

FILE:  JG

Critical

 

 

STUDENT DISCIPLINE

 

It is essential that the district maintain a classroom environment that allows teachers to communicate effectively with all students in the class and allows all students in the class to learn.  To assist district staff in maintaining the necessary classroom environment, the Board of Education has created a discipline code that addresses the consequences, including suspension or expulsion, for students whose conduct is prejudicial to good order and discipline in the schools or impairs the morale or good conduct of other students.  The Board authorizes the immediate removal of a student upon a finding by a principal or superintendent that the student poses a threat of harm to self or others, as evidenced by the prior conduct of such student.  Any such removal will be subject to the appropriate due process procedures and in accordance with law.

 

These policies, regulations and procedures will apply to all students in attendance in district instructional and support programs as well as at school-sponsored activities.  All district staff are required to enforce these policies, regulations and procedures in a manner that is fair and developmentally appropriate and that considers the student and the individual circumstances involved.

 

Off-campus misconduct that adversely affects the educational climate will also be subject to these policies, regulations and procedures.  Students who have been charged, convicted or pled guilty in a court of general jurisdiction for commission of a felony may be suspended in accordance with law.