MINFORD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

215 Falcon Road P.O. Box 204

Minford, OH 45653

740-820-2287 Principal’s Office Dennis M. Evans, Principal

Joyce O’Dell, Secretary

740-820-2225 Guidance Office Brent Howard, Counselor

740-820-2466 (FAX) Cheryl Rinehart, Secretary

2012 - 2013 STUDENT/PARENT/GUARDIAN HANDBOOK

This handbook is designed to be of assistance to students in the elementary building and to their

parents/guardians. It contains suggestions, rules of conduct, policies and procedures of the school. It

will also give everyone a better understanding of the elementary school. Please go over the contents

of this handbook with your child.

Parents/guardians and visitors are always welcome to come to the school. As in the past,

parents/guardians may stop in to have lunch with their child. We request that these visits not be

excessive (more than 1 time per week) and you should check with the school secretary ahead of time

to see that no special activities are occurring during that time. Lunch and recess are a very

important part of your child’s education as it is a major part of learning to socialize with

others. When adults are present, the child loses the opportunity to engage his/her peers in a

less structured setting. Also, parents/guardians who do visit during lunch are only permitted to

have lunch with their student. Other students will not be permitted to sit with you and your

child.

LENGTH OF SCHOOL DAY AND SCHOOL TERM

The 2012 - 2013 school year will begin August 22, 2012 and end May 24, 2013. Students may

report to school at 8:30 A.M. with classes beginning promptly at 9:00 A.M. School dismisses for

student pick up at 3:20 P.M. and buses are loaded at 3:25 P.M. Students are to go directly home

upon dismissal of school unless they have written permission to stay for supervised activities. If the

student is not picked up from school, he/she will be sent home on the bus. The school term may be

altered due to calamity days incurred during the school year. During one hour or two hour delays,

students may arrive at school at 9:30 A.M. for one hour delays and 10:30 A.M. for two hour delays,

with classes beginning at 10:00 and 11:00 respectively.

MINFORD ELEMENTARY EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY

Minford Elementary School consists of Preschool, Kindergarten, First, Second, and Third grades. We

recognize that children are different and must be accepted as individuals. The educational program of

our school will accept the child where he/she is and meet as nearly as possible the needs, interests,

and abilities of each child.

We believe the following objectives are consistent with our philosophy:

1. Exercise attitudes of good citizenship and community awareness

2. Formulate values for their lives that will lead to continued growth and self-fulfillment

3. To promote the development of adequate communication

4. To develop computational skills

VISITORS

In an effort to provide additional protection and fewer interruptions during educational time for your

child, visitors to Minford Elementary School (PreK - 3) shall report immediately and directly to the

Principal’s Office upon entering the building. Visitors will sign in with the office stating the

purpose of the visit and arrival time. If approved to go to any other area of the building, the visitor

will be issued a visitor’s pass and shall wear the pass during the entire visit. Visitors shall return the

pass to the office and sign the time leaving when exiting the building.

ALL VISITORS MUST REPORT DIRECTLY TO THE OFFICE UPON ENTERING THE

BUILDING BETWEEN 9:00 A.M. AND 3:20 P.M. For your child’s safety, exterior doors are

locked at 9:00 A.M. and all visitors must enter through the main entrance.

Parents/guardians and other adults who pick students up at the end of the day are urged to not arrive

prior to 3:20 P.M. If arriving prior to 3:20, you must wait in the designated parent/guardian waiting

area outside the building. Parents/guardians and others will not be permitted to stand in the hallway

or wait in the classroom areas until after the 3:20 bell.

With concern for the safety and welfare of your child and school employees, the school feels that it

has become necessary to enforce these measures. Providing a safe environment as well as a quiet

educational setting with as few interruptions and disturbances as possible is our goal. We hope you

understand the need for implementing and enforcing these procedures and ask for your cooperation.

Failure to comply with visitor procedures may result in removal from the building and grounds,

denied permission to enter building and/or legal actions.

VISITOR POLICY - MINFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION

IN AN EFFORT TO ENSURE THE PROTECTION OF STUDENTS, EMPLOYEES, BUILDINGS, AND

EQUIPMENT, THE BOARD OF EDUCATION ADOPTS THE FOLLOWING RULES AND REGULATIONS. THEY

PERTAIN TO PERSONS OTHER THAN EMPLOYEES AND STUDENTS AND THEY SHALL BE POSTED.

1. No unauthorized persons shall trespass, loiter, or remain in any school building of the School

District or on the grounds thereof. Violators will be prosecuted.

2. All persons except those hereinafter described shall upon entering any school building of the

School District report immediately to the office of the Principal and request a visitor’s permit.

Parents/guardians who are visiting classes are to report to the Principal’s office and request a

visitor’s permit.

3. This shall not be applicable to: students enrolled in any such school; students entering any

such building for the purpose of enrollment therein; members of the faculty and staff and

employees of the schools; persons who have been authorized by school authorities to enter

any such building for professional and/or business purposes ; and persons attending events

sponsored by or authorized by school authorities and remaining in the area of the school

building or grounds thereof assigned for such event.

4. No person shall remain in any school building or on the grounds thereof after being

requested to leave the premises by a Principal, teacher, or any person assigned to the duties of

custodian, or member of the administrative staff of the schools.

5. Any person who fails to comply with the provisions of any of the preceding sections shall be

in violation of the rules and regulations of the Board of Education.

6. A copy of these rules and regulations shall be posted conspicuously by the Principal of each

school at or near the entrance to the grounds or premises and at the main entrance of each

school building.

7. The Board of Education prohibits unauthorized persons to trespass on all school areas that are

fenced in or locked during all times when they are not supervised by school personnel (e.g.,

the stadium area; specifically the varsity football field); and that there shall be no use of

unauthorized motor vehicles on school property at any time including wheeled vehicles of any

kind on the track. School playgrounds may be used during daylight hours by persons, as long

as they use the areas designated for play and do not interfere with others or damage school

property.

*Check with the Principal’s office for building procedures.

REPORTING STUDENTS ABSENT FROM SCHOOL

When a student is going to be absent from school, the parent/guardian is to notify the school at 820-

2287 before 9:30 A.M. that the student is going to be absent. When the parent/guardian fails to

notify school authorities of a student’s absence, the school will attempt to call the home to determine

why the student is absent. If the parent/guardian cannot be reached by telephone, a letter will be sent

to the parent/guardian stating that the child did not attend school. It is the parent’s/guardian’s

responsibility to notify the school when a child is going to be absent.

TARDY ARRIVALS AND EARLY DISMISSALS

Students arriving at school after 9:00 A.M. must report directly to the office to receive a tardy

admittance to class and to be taken off of the absence list. Parents/guardians are to make

arrangements for their child to be in school on time. Excessive tardiness may result in disciplinary

action being taken. Children may be required to make up the missed time.

Students leaving school before 3:20 P.M. must receive office approval before leaving. The early

dismissal form, available in the office, must be taken to the child’s teacher, signed by the teacher and

returned to the office. Parents/guardians, etc. must obtain an early dismissal form from the office

before getting the child. No child will be released to anyone other than those listed on the parent

approved pick up form. Excessive early dismissals may result in disciplinary action being taken.

Children may be required to make up the missed time.

For attendance recognition purposes, students with 0-3 excused absences will be considered for

Excellent attendance recognition.

Recognition will be given as follows:

1 year Excellent attendance – Certificate

2 years Excellent attendance – Medallion

3 years Excellent attendance – Plaque

4 years Excellent attendance - Trophy

ATTENDANCE AND TARDINESS POLICY

Minford Elementary, Middle and High Schools

Board Policy Section 5200

A. Statement for Attendance

It is essential that our children learn good attendance habits. Teachers are responsible for

knowing why their students are not in school.

B. Tardiness

Every effort should be made to make sure that the child gets to school on time. Tardiness is

certainly discouraged; it is not only a poor habit for the child to develop, but it interrupts all

other members of the class. Students who are tardy for class or late for school will report to

the office for a tardy slip. The original is given to the student so that he/she may get into the

class (teachers are not to accept students without a tardy slip). A copy is kept and recorded

by the principal’s office. Students are permitted ten (10) late or tardy slips per year, but upon

the 11th and all future times that a student is tardy, he/she will spend the equivalent amount

of time in detention or a minimum of 60 minutes. Parent/guardians will be responsible for

transporting their child to school and home after the detention. Parents/guardians will be

notified of excessive tardiness and consequences prior to detention being administered.

C. Attendance Policy for Minford Schools

Working with the Juvenile Court of Scioto County and the attendance laws as established by

the State of Ohio and the Minford Local Board of Education, the following procedures will

be followed: Parents/guardians are to call the school before 9:30 A.M. if the student is to be

absent that day.

Upon returning to school after an absence, the student must bring a WRITTEN NOTE

from his/her parent/guardian stating the reason for such absence according to building

policy. (Written excuses by parent/guardians will be accepted up to a limit of 10 (days) for

the year. Over ten will be considered unexcused absences unless excused by a doctor.)

School work cannot be made up if the absence is unexcused. Vacations during the school

year are not excused absences (Minford Board of Education Policy). According to the Ohio

Revised Code, absence from school is excusable for the following reasons only:

1. Personal illness

2. Illness in the family

3. Quarantine of the home

4. Death of a relative

5. Observance of a religious holiday

D. Report of attendance to the County Attendance Office:

Once a student has accumulated four (4) unexcused days absent, his/her parents/guardians

will receive a notice from the county attendance officer. The notice will advise

parents/guardians concerning compulsory school attendance laws and serve warning

regarding the Scioto Truancy Procedures.

After eight (8) days unexcused absences, the county attendance officer will notify the

Juvenile Court of the offense and will continue making contact with the parents/guardians

involved. Juvenile Court shall require the parents/guardians and their child to appear for a

hearing before the Court Intake Officer or shall notify the parent/guardian by mail of the

consequences of continued truancy. After the accumulation of twelve (12) days of unexcused

absence, the attendance officer will be directed by the principal to file a complaint in Juvenile

Court. Charges will be filed against the child and/or parent/guardian for truancy, unruliness,

failure to attend or failure to send according to appropriate sections of 3321 of the O.R.C.

The child and parent/guardian will then be required to appear before the Juvenile Court for a

plea hearing and further judicial proceedings.

Consequences of such action against the student may include his/her being assigned a

probation officer for supervision. Charges filed against the parent/guardian could result in a

fine or other more serious consequences. Written excuses from the parent/guardian will be

accepted up to a limit of ten (10) days for the year. (Over ten (10) will be considered

unexcused unless excused by a licensed physician.) Any absence over three (3) consecutive

days must be excused by a licensed physician or school nurse. All absence or tardy excuses

are to be turned in at the office or to the teacher according to building procedure.

FAMILY VACATIONS

The Board recognizes that an increasing number of employers arrange their employees’ vacations at

a time when children may be in school. Consequently, many parents/guardians request that their

child be released from school in order to go on a family vacation. Such absences are unexcused and

the parents’/guardians’ request may be accommodated by the Principal if:

1. Parents/guardians inform the Principal or Secretary at least a week in advance of the

proposed absence.

2. The absence does not jeopardize the student academically or exceed the maximum absences

allowed to receive academic credit.

3. Parents/guardians will sign a form indicating they will assume responsibility for seeing that

their children will complete their assignments.

If approved by the Principal or Secretary, the student is responsible for contacting his/her teacher at

least three (3) days prior to obtain assignments to be completed during his/her absence. These

assignments shall be accepted by teachers for grading upon the student’s return to school.

LEAVING SCHOOL GROUNDS

To help insure the safety of children, leaving the school grounds at any time during the day without

being accompanied by parents/guardians and permission from the office is prohibited.

No one shall be permitted to take a child from the school during school hours except by written

permission of the parent/guardian or of the child. Any person picking a child up from school should

be at least 18 years old. Anyone not listed on the student’s emergency form must have written

permission from the student’s parent/guardian to get the child. Picture identification may be

required from individuals taking students from school.

Parents/guardians picking up or leaving off students in the morning, during, or at the end of a school

day are to use designated entrance(s). Drivers are urged to use caution when bringing a child to

school and are not to drive onto the bus unloading/loading areas. The student drop off and pick area

is located on the south side of the building and is identified as such. Parking is located in the lot

across from the drop off/pickup area. The areas along the south side of the building and across the

driveway are no parking areas and are marking by No Parking signage. Do not park in these areas.

BUS TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

School bus transportation is provided for all children. Students are to conduct themselves properly

while riding the bus. The bus driver is responsible for maintaining control of students on the school

bus. Therefore, the driver has the authority to make reasonable requests of the students on his/her

bus. This responsibility and authority is given to the driver according to Section 3319.41 of the Ohio

Revised Code.

Bus transportation rules are as follows:

--Pupils are to arrive at the bus stop before the bus is scheduled to arrive

--Pupils must wait in a location clear of traffic and back from bus stop

--Behavior at bus stops must not threaten life, limb or property

--Pupils must go directly to an available or assigned seat

--Pupils must remain seated, out of aisles and keep exits clear

--Pupils must obey driver promptly and respectfully and observe conduct rules

--Pupils must not use profanity

--No eating or drinking on the bus, except for approved medical reasons

--Pupils are not permitted to possess or use matches, lighters, knives, sharp or dangerous

objects, tobacco, alcohol, drug products or drug paraphernalia on school property,

except prescription medication which has been approved by the school nurse or

principal and have been registered with the office

--No passing, throwing or transmission of objects on, from or to the bus

--Pupils must keep hands, heads, arms and so forth inside the bus at all times

--Students are not to engage in any unsafe or inappropriate behavior

--Pupils are not to cause damage to the bus or discard items on the bus

--Students are not permitted to ride any bus other than their assigned bus without

permission from the building principal, transportation supervisor or authorized school

authority.

Students who violate bus transportation rules are subject to referral to the appropriate building

principal for disciplinary action(s).

Children who walk to school or are transported by their parent/guardians are not to arrive

before 8:30 A.M. or leave prior to 3:20 P.M.

ADMISSION

Any child living in the area served by the Minford Local School District is eligible for enrollment in

the Minford Schools. Present law states a child must be enrolled in school if he/she is six years of

age on or before September 30th. A child must be five years of age on or before September 30th in

order to enroll in kindergarten. The presentation of a birth certificate, immunization record, social

security card, proof or residence, and custody papers, if applicable, shall be required of each child

upon admission to the Minford Elementary School.

HEALTH AND EMERGENCY PROCEDURE POLICY

An emergency contact form for each child is placed in the office. This form has the telephone

number of parents/guardians or other contacts to be called in case of an emergency. The primary

purpose is to instruct the school as to what steps to take should a student become seriously ill or have

an accident. This form is to be filled out by the parent/guardian and returned to the teacher.

PROGRESS REPORTING TO PARENTS/GUARDIANS

To inform parents/guardians of their child’s progress, report cards will be sent home after each

nine (9) weeks grading period and conferences will be scheduled four (4) nights per year.

Interim reports will be sent for students having difficulty the fifth week of each nine weeks

period. Many of the staff members report student progress through Progress Book. Parents

wishing make use of Progress Book, should contact Ryan Stockham to gain access to the system.

USE OF SCHOOL FACILITIES AND STUDENTS STAYING AFTER SCHOOL

Students are not permitted to remain for after school activities (Scouts, Cheerleading, etc.) unless they

have written permission from the parent/guardian. A note is to be sent each time the child is to

remain after school for an activity. If the child does not have written permission, he/she will be sent

home on the bus. It is the responsibility of the after school activity advisor to properly supervise the

children, be at the meeting’s spot at the beginning time of the activity, remain with the students at all

times and keep students in the activity area. Non-school functions such as these are the sole

responsibility of the advisor and they are responsible for the children and any other persons involved

in the activity. To use school facilities for non school related activities, the leader of the group must

secure a building use agreement, provide proof of insurance and follow all school policies and

regulations regarding the use of the facilities. All groups are to remain in the area(s) assigned and not

be in any other area of the building or grounds. Failure to properly supervise, follow school policies

and/or regulations is cause to have permission revoked and access denied to the activity group. No

child will be permitted to remain after school without written parent/guardian permission received

on the day he/she is to remain after school. He/she will be sent home on the bus at 3:22 PM and it

is the parent’s/guardian’s responsibility to make arrangements for the child’s supervision when

arriving home.

ITEMS FROM HOME

Students should not bring items of value from home to school. This includes: toys, audio/video

equipment, jewelry, and so forth. These items may be lost, stolen, broken, etc. and the school

assumes no responsibility for them. These may be a disruption to the educational climate and may be

confiscated by school personnel and kept until the parent/guardian claims it. The item(s) are to be

taken home from school and not brought back. Students are not permitted to bring toys or items

which may be considered to be associated with violence (ie: toy guns, knives, throwing stars, action

figures which are associated with violence and so forth). These will be confiscated and disciplinary

action will be taken. Items which could cause injury to others, such as yo yos, hard baseballs,

softballs, bats, leather or hard surface footballs and so forth are not permitted. Children have been hit

with these types of objects, have been injured and are a danger on school grounds and the bus. We

want to provide a safe area for your child while at school.

GIFT EXCHANGES, FLOWERS, BALLOONS, ETC.

Parents/guardians are asked not to send flowers, balloons etc. to children at school since this is

disruptive to the educational process and the items are not allowed to be transported on the school

bus. Any items delivered to school by florist, parents/guardians, and so forth will be kept in the

office and may be picked up by the parent/guardian after 3:10 pm. No classroom deliveries will be

permitted.

STUDENT SUPERVISION

Student supervision begins at 8:30 A.M. in the building or when the child is picked up at his/her bus

stop each day school is in session. Supervision ends when the child is let off at the bus stop after

school or when the child leaves school grounds with the person picking him/her up from school.

CLOTHING GUIDELINES

The Elementary School dress code has been established to promote pride in personal appearance and

encourage responsible decisions in matter of proper school attire. Any clothing, grooming or

hygiene that is considered disruptive to the educational process will not be permitted.

Brief and Revealing Clothing

Students must recognize that brief and revealing clothing are not appropriate apparel in school. The

following guidelines on brief clothing are examples and do not cover all situations. Students shall not

wear tank tops, halter tops, garments with spaghetti straps, or strapless garments. Garments that are

see through, are cut low, or expose one’s midriff are not acceptable. Sleeveless garments must extend

to the end of the shoulders and fit closely under the arm. Skirts must not be shorter than mid thigh.

Sagging Pants

Students shall not wear pants that, when fastened, sag or fit below the waist. All pants must fit

around the waist and be properly fastened.

Hats

Students shall not wear hats in the building except for medical or religious purpose.

Vulgar or Offensive Messages

Students shall not wear clothing items that contain messages that are vulgar, offensive, obscene , or

libelous; that denigrate others on the basis or race, color, religion, national creed, national origin,

gender, sexual orientation, or disability; that promote alcohol or drug use or violence; or that

otherwise contrary to the school’s educational mission.

Students are encouraged to wear:

 Loose fitting, clean, comfortable clothing

 Clothing which permits easy use of restroom without adult assistance (difficult to snap pants

or buckles, clothes with zippers in the back, and so forth which young children cannot use

without assistance are discouraged)

 Comfortable shoes which are easily cleaned, do not scuff easily and do not have slippery soles

 In cold weather children need a coat and hat heavy enough to keep the child warm when

outdoors

 Coats, gloves and so forth marked with child’s name

IMMUNIZATION

Your child must have an immunization record as Ohio Law requires that children must be

immunized.

Minimum Immunization Requirements:

DTaP Kindergarten students will need a 5

DTaP if the 4

dose was given prior to the child’s 4

birthday.

Polio Vaccine Kindergarten students will receive a 4

dose of polio vaccine if the 3

dose was

given prior to the child’s 4

birthday.

2 - MMR vaccine

Hepatitis B vaccine (series of 3)

Varicella (Chickenpox) vaccine – Starting with the kindergarten class of 2010, students will be

required to have administered a 2

dose of Varicella

REMEMBER: Keep your child up-to-date on their Polio, Tetanus, and Diphtheria boosters.

MEDICATION

Prescription and Non-Prescription

If your child must take prescription or nonprescription medication at school, a physician’s statement

(available from the school) must be completed by the physician before the school may distribute the

medication. The medicine must be brought to school in its original container and left in the nurse’s

office.

LUNCHROOM

Children may purchase lunch in the cafeteria or they may bring a sack lunch. Students are not

permitted to leave school grounds during lunch.

Children are permitted to charge their lunches. A notice will be sent home when a child has charged

a lunch. Excessive and/or habitual charging of breakfast/lunch may result in the loss of charging

privileges.

KINDERGARTEN

Kindergarten is an important part of the elementary unit. Students enroll in kindergarten during the

annual Spring Registration. A successful completion of kindergarten is required before a child may

enter first grade.

FIELD TRIPS

Trips to areas of interest may be scheduled by the staff. School buses are used for transportation and

supervision is provided by teachers.

Notes will be sent home explaining the details of the trip and requesting written permission for the

child to attend. These must be returned to the instructor.

HOMEWORK

Homework provides an opportunity for students to extend their intellectual, emotional, social, and

moral growth. In addition, it also provides practice to reinforce school instruction and expand the

application of knowledge and skills through independent work. Most often, work that students bring

home is work that was assigned as class work. Students who choose not to use their class time

effectively, must take their work home to complete. This work is not considered homework, but

unfinished class work.

To serve as a guide for the amount of homework assigned by teachers, the following homework

times have been established as daily maximums.

Grades K & 1

– 30 minutes

Grades 2

& 3

– 45 minutes

*It should be noted that some “projects” may require more than the allotted times and will be

considered acceptable. Also, as stated above, unfinished class work will not be considered part of the

times noted.

SCHOOL PICTURES

Each year school pictures are taken (usually once in the Fall and once in the Spring) and sold to the

students. The pictures are paid for in advance of delivery.

Each student will be photographed regardless of the purchase of the pictures. These pictures will be

included in the student’s file and the school yearbook, which will be offered for sale in the Spring.

DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES

It is our policy to work as closely with our parents/guardians as we possibly can. We expect students

to conduct themselves in a proper manner. Most discipline problems can be handled by the

classroom teacher, if this fails, the principal is called into the situation. When a student has refused to

be helped by the teacher and the principal, the child’s parents/guardians will be asked to come to

school to help with the problem. Students will be held to the same behavior and discipline

guidelines and measures as during the regular school year’s, day and times when they are

participating in school related activities, such as before and after school programs, field trips,

summer school, music programs, plays, and so forth.

STUDENT DISCIPLINE CODE

1. Suspension - The local superintendent or building principal may suspend a student from

school for a period of up to but not more than ten days. The student must be notified of this

in writing and he/she also must be given the opportunity of an informal hearing to challenge

the suspension or otherwise explain his/her actions. If the administrator determines as a

result of the hearing that the pupil should be suspended, then within twenty-four hours of the

suspension, the parent/guardian of the student must be notified in writing.

2. Emergency Removal - The superintendent, principal or assistant principal may remove the

student from curricular or extracurricular activities or from school premises. A teacher may

remove the pupil from curricular or extracurricular activities under his/her supervision but

not from school premises. If a teacher makes an emergency removal, the reasons for the

removal must be submitted to the principal thereafter. A hearing must be held within

seventy-two hours after the removal.

Emergency removal is to be used when a student poses a continuing danger to persons or

property or an ongoing threat of disrupting the academic process either within a classroom or

elsewhere on school premises.

3. Expulsion - An expulsion is any removal of a student of more than ten days duration. Only

the superintendent of schools may expel a student. The superintendent must give written

notice to the pupil and his/her parent/guardian. The notice must include the written reasons

for the intended expulsion and that the pupil and his/her parent/guardian, or representative

has the opportunity to appear before the superintendent or his designee to challenge the

expulsion or explain the pupil’s action(s). The notice must state the time and place to appear

which must be no later than five days after the notice is given. An extension of time may be

granted if both parties agree and the Superintendent is required to notify the pupil and his/her

parent/guardians, or representative of the new time and place.

As a result of the hearing, the superintendent must give written notification of the decision

and right to appeal to the board of education. The notice must include the written reasons for

the expulsion, the right to be represented in the appeal, and to request the hearing be held in

executive session.

4. Appeal - A student, his/her parent/guardian may appeal a suspension or expulsion to the

board of education. The board may either review the case itself or appoint a hearing officer

to act in its place. The student has the right to representation at the hearing. The meeting

may be held in executive session if both parties agree. Formal action on the appeal may only

be taken in a public meeting. By a majority vote of the board, the order of suspension or

expulsion may be affirmed, the pupil may be reinstated, the action reversed, vacated or

modified. The hearing of appeal before the board must be recorded verbatim. This can be

done by a tape recorder or stenographer. It need not be reduced to writing until an appeal has

been filed in the common pleas court.

Suspension, expulsion, or emergency removal may result from the following prohibited conduct:

1. Disturbing or interfering with normal school activities whether it be curricular or

extracurricular.

2. Damage or destruction of school property or private property while on school property.

3. Failure to regard repeated requests, directions, or commands by the principal or certified

teaching staff. These requests must be logical and have a purpose in regard to the

educational process.

4. Failure to accept other forms of discipline which are prescribed by the principal

5. Assault on a school employee, student or other person on the school premises, while in the

custody and control of the school or in the course of a school-related activity.

6. Use of profanity or vulgar language and imposing that on others.

7. Possession of dangerous weapons.

8. Possession or use of narcotics, alcoholic beverages, and other drugs.

9. Misconduct on the bus as this constitutes being on school property and in school custody.

10. Smoking by students.

11. Truancy.

12. Stealing from the school itself or from other students.

13. Other.

H.B. 535 Secs.2925.01 and 2925.37

Prohibits: (1) knowingly possessing, making, selling, offering to sell, or delivering counterfeit

controlled substances; (2) making, possessing, selling, offering to sell, or delivering a marking

device knowing or having reason to know that it will be used to mark a counterfeit controlled

substance; (3) representing a counterfeit controlled substance as a controlled substance by describing

its effects as those associated with a controlled substance; and (4) representing or advertising a

counterfeit controlled substance as a controlled substance.

The act defines a counterfeit controlled substance as (1) a drug that bears or whose container bears an

unauthorized trademark; (2) an unmarked or unlabeled substance represented to be a controlled

substance manufactured, process, packed, or distributed by someone other than the manufacturer,

processor, packer or distributor; (3) a substance represented to be a controlled substance but is not

one or is a different controlled substance; and (4) any substance other than a controlled substance

that a reasonable person would believe to be a controlled substance because of its similarity in shape,

size, and color, or its markings, labeling, or packaging, distribution, or price.

The act establishes criminal penalties for violation and more severe penalties for selling or giving

counterfeit controlled substances to persons under 18.

VIOLATION ON THE PART OF A STUDENT OF ANY ONE OF THE FOLLOWING

RULES OF CONDUCT MAY RESULT IN DISCIPLINARY ACTION, INCLUDING, BUT

NOT LIMITED TO, SUSPENSION, EMERGENCY REMOVAL, AND/OR EXPULSION:

1.DISRUPTION OF SCHOOL: A student shall not by use of violence, force, coercion, threat,

harassment, insubordination, or repeated failure to comply with school rules, cause disruption or

obstruction to the educational process, including all curricular and extracurricular activities.

2.DAMAGE TO PROPERTY: A student shall not cause or attempt to cause damage to school

property, including building, grounds, equipment, or materials, or to private property on school

premises, or at any school activity on or off school grounds.

3.ASSAULT: A student shall not cause physical injury or behave in such a way which could threaten

to cause physical injury to school staff, other students, or visitors while under the jurisdiction of the

school.

4.DANGEROUS WEAPONS AND INSTRUMENTS: A student, while under the jurisdiction of the

school, shall not possess, handle, transmit, or conceal any object which might be considered a

dangerous weapon or instrument of violence.

5.TOBACCO, NARCOTICS, ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES AND DRUGS: A student shall not

possess, use, transmit, conceal, or be under the influence of any alcoholic beverage, dangerous drug,

narcotic, or mind-altering substance (except as prescribed for the student by a licensed physician).

No student shall be permitted to smoke in any school building.

6.INSUBORDINATION: A student shall not disobey or fail to comply with reasonable directions of

teachers, student teachers, substitute teachers, teacher aides, principals, or any other authorized

school personnel during any period of time when the student is properly under the authority of the

school personnel.

7.VIOLATION OF THE LAW: A student shall not violate any law or ordinance when the student is

properly under the authority of school personnel.

8.FRIGHTENING, DEGRADING, PROFANE, OR DISGRACEFUL ACTS: A student shall not

engage in any act which frightens, degrades, profanes, disgraces, or tends to frighten, degrade,

profane, or disgrace any school staff member, other student, or visitor by written, verbal, or by using

gestures.

9.USE OF INAPPROPRIATE DRESS: A student shall not dress or appear in a fashion deemed

inappropriate because it either (1) interferes with the student’s health and welfare or that of others, or

(2) causes disruption or directly interferes with the educational process.

10.TRUANCY AND TARDINESS: A student shall not be (truant) absent from school any day or

any portion of a day when attendance is properly required without school authorization and consent

of parent/guardian, guardian, or custodian. A student shall not be tardy (late) to school or to any

class or activity.

STUDENT CONDUCT CODE/REGULATIONS (ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY)

It is the policy of the Minford Local Board of Education to provide and maintain a safe, productive,

and educational atmosphere free of behavior which is violent, disruptive, and/or inappropriate and

free of students who exhibit such behavior. Any behavior by a student which is violent, disruptive,

and/or inappropriate is strictly prohibited and will result in student discipline which may include

suspension, expulsion removal from school.This provision shall be applicable during regularly

scheduled school hours as well as at other school-related times and places (e.g., field trips, athletic

functions, class trips, etc.) where school personnel or representatives have jurisdiction over students.

As stated above, the Minford Local Board of Education has zero tolerance for violent, disruptive,

and/or inappropriate behavior. Examples of these offenses, set forth below, are of such nature as to

be prohibited entirely from the educational atmosphere (this is not an all-inclusive list):

1. Possessing, transmitting, concealing, consuming, or offering for sale any alcoholic beverage,

illegal drug, unprescribed drug, look-alike drugs, or mind altering substance. (Disruptive,

Inappropriate)

2. Committing arson on any piece of building or property. (Violent)

3. Committing or attempting to commit assault and/or sexual assault on a teacher, administrator,

school employee, student, or school visitor. (Violent)

4. Contributing to, or being an accomplice in, another student’s misconduct. (Disruptive)

5. Attempting to cause, or causing, damage to school property or equipment. (Violent)

6. Possessing, handling, transmitting, or concealing any form of dangerous weapon, explosive,

instrument, or chemical. (Violent)

7. Improperly displaying affection to another student, visitor, or school employee.

(Inappropriate)

8. Repeatedly failing to comply with directions of authorized school personnel while under the

authority of school personnel. (Inappropriate, Disruptive)

9. Intentionally causing the substantial and material disruption or destruction of any lawful

mission, process, or function of the school. (Disruptive)

10. Participating in, or initiating, any type of false alarm. (Disruptive)

11. Committing forgery. (Inappropriate)

12. Participating in, or initiating, any form of gambling. (Inappropriate)

13. Initiating, or participating in, any form of hazing or harassment. (Violent, Inappropriate)

14. Dressing or appearing for a school function in improper attire. (Inappropriate, Disruptive)

15. Using foul or obscene language, gestures, or noises, directed toward other students, visitors, or

school personnel. (Inappropriate, Disruptive)

16. Possessing, selling, concealing, disseminating, or otherwise distributing any pornographic

material. (Inappropriate)

17. Using or possessing tobacco products in any form. (Inappropriate)

18. Operating a vehicle in a reckless manner. (Inappropriate, Violent)

19. Attempting to steal, or stealing, any school or private property. (Inappropriate, Violent)

20. Directing any verbal and/or written physical threats toward anyone or anything. (Violent)

21. Trespassing on unauthorized school property or premises. (Inappropriate)

22. Being excessively truant. (Inappropriate)

Legal References: O.R.C. 3313.534; 3313.661

ANTI-HAZING POLICY

It is the policy of the Minford Board of Education and School District that hazing activities of any

type are inconsistent with the educational process and shall be prohibited at all times. No

administrator, faculty member, or other employee of the school district shall encourage, permit,

condone, or tolerate any hazing activities. No student, including leaders of student organizations,

shall plan, encourage, or engage in any hazing.

Hazing is defined as doing any act or coercing another, including the victim, to do any act of

initiation into any student or other organization that causes or creates a substantial risk of causing

mental or physical harm to any person. Permission, consent, or assumption of risk by an individual

subjected to hazing does not lessen the prohibition contained in this policy.

Administrators, faculty members, and all other employees of the school district shall be particularly

alert to possible situations, circumstances or events which might include hazing. If hazing or

planned hazing is discovered, involved students shall be informed by the discovering school

employees of the prohibition contained in this policy and shall be required to end all hazing activities

immediately. All hazing incidents shall be reported immediately to the superintendent.

Administrators, faculty members, students, and all other employees who fail to abide by this policy,

may be subject to disciplinary action, and may be liable for civil and criminal penalties in accordance

with Ohio law.

Bullying, Harassment, Intimidation

Harassment, intimidation or bullying behavior by any student/school personnel in the Minford Local

School District is strictly prohibited, and such conduct may result in disciplinary action, including

suspension and/or expulsion from school. “Harassment, intimidation or bullying, in accordance with

House Bill 276, mean any intentional written, verbal, graphic or physical acts including

electronically transmitted acts i.e., Internet, cell phone, personal digital assistant (PDA), or wireless

hand-held device, either overt or covert, by a student or group of students toward other

students/school personnel with the intent to harass, intimidate, injure, threaten, ridicule or humiliate.

Such behaviors are prohibited on or immediately adjacent to school grounds, at any school-

sponsored activity, on school-provided transportation or at any official school bus stop that a

reasonable person under the circumstances should know will have the effect of:

Causing mental or physical harm to the other student/school personnel including placing

an individual in reasonable fear of physical harm and/or damaging of students’ personal

property; and is sufficiently severe, persistent, or pervasive that it creates an intimidating,

threatening, or abusive educational environment for other student/school personnel.

In accordance with HB 116, (ORC 3316.666) the following is added:

(A) As used in this section:

(1) “Electronic act” means an act committed through the use of a cellular telephone, computer, pager,

personal communication device, or other electronic communication device.

(2) “Harassment, intimidation, or bullying” means either of the following:

(a) Any intentional written, verbal, electronic, or physical act that a student has exhibited toward

another particular student more than once and the behavior both:

(i) Causes mental or physical harm to the other student;

(ii) Is sufficiently severe, persistent, or pervasive that it creates an intimidating, threatening, or

abusive educational environment for the other student.

FIRE DRILLS

Fire drills will be conducted at regular intervals throughout the year.

1. Stay in single file.

2. Move to assigned area orderly and remain quiet.

3. Wait in assigned area until you are told to re-enter the building.

TORNADO DRILLS

Tornado drills will be conducted at intervals throughout the year.

1. Go to your assigned area.

2. Assume the Tornado Position.

(a) Sit on floor.

(b) Remove glasses.

PARENT/GUARDIAN-TEACHER ORGANIZATION

1. Parents/guardians are encouraged to take an active part in their child’s school activities and

the activities of the P.T.O.

2. Programs will be held regularly during the school year.

3. P.T.O. assists in getting acquainted with the teachers, discuss common concerns, hear fine

speakers, and work together to improve the school.

EMERGENCY SCHOOL CLOSING

1. When emergency conditions exist that calls for the closing of rural schools, local television &

radio stations will broadcast such bulletins only as issued by the Superintendents of Schools.

These bulletins will be on the air as early as possible when the weather emergency has

developed. The district also utilizes a phone tree system and will send out weather

related school information via the telephone. To ensure that you receive proper

telephone notification, see that your contact information is updated with the school.

2. There will be some mornings when school will be open on a delayed basis. In this

situation, all buses will run routes for which they have been scheduled, but each bus stop

will be delayed accordingly.

Please continue to listen to radio stations, when on a delay because if the weather conditions

become worse, some individual school districts may cancel school for that particular day.

4. If the bus does not travel a certain road due to poor road conditions, then parents/guardians

should make every effort to see their children gets to the main bus route or even bring the

child to school. If a child is transported to school by the parent/guardian in the morning,

arrangements are to be made by the parent/guardian to transport the child home in the

afternoon.

5. If no bulletin is announced by the local radio stations, it is assumed that schools are to be

open.

6. DO NOT CALL RADIO STATIONS, THE COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT, LOCAL

SUPERINTENDENT, OR SCHOOL PERSONNEL OR THE SCHOOL. THIS MERELY

TIES UP TELEPHONE LINES. LISTEN FOR BULLETINS.

7. If schools have already opened for the day and a weather emergency occurs during school

hours, emergency closing of schools will be handled by local school officials.

AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS – MARCS

Discipline for students in after school programs:

Students who participate in the after school program are subject to the same rules and regulations of

the school day including the following:

 There shall be no cruel, harsh, corporal punishment or any unusual punishments such as, but not

limited to, punching, pinching, shaking, spanking or biting.

 No discipline shall be delegated to another child.

 No physical restraints shall be used to confine a child by any means other than holding a child for

a short period of time, such as in a protective hug, so the child may regain control.

 No child shall be placed in a locked room or confined in an enclosed area such as a closet, a box,

or a similar cubicle.

 No child shall be subjected to profane language, threats, derogatory remarks about

himself/herself or his/her family, or other verbal abuse.

 Discipline shall not be imposed on a child for failure to eat, failure to sleep, or for toileting

accidents.

 Techniques of discipline shall not humiliate, shame, or frighten a child.

 Discipline shall not include withholding food, rest, or toilet use.

 Separation, when used as a discipline shall be brief in duration and appropriate to the child’s age

and developmental ability, and the child shall be within sight and hearing of a school-age child

care staff member in a safe, lighted, and well-ventilated space.

NOTIFICATION OF NONDISCRIMINATION

The Minford Local School District hereby gives notice that it does not discriminate on the basis of

race, color, national origin, sex, and disability in the educational programs and activities operated by

the district.

It is the policy of the Minford Local School District that educational programs are provided without

regard to race, color, national origin, sex, and disability.

No student shall be denied admission to the Minford Local School District or to a particular course

or instructional program, or otherwise discriminated against for reasons of race, color, national

origin, sex and disability.

To carry out these policy statements, persons and offices as identified herein appointed and shall be

responsible for compliance within designated areas:

Civil Rights Coordinator

Title IX (nondiscrimination on the basis of sex)

Title VI (nondiscrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin)

Section 504 (nondiscrimination on the basis of disability)

Name: Mr. Mark Wilcheck, Civil Rights Coordinator

Office: Central Office, Minford High School, Minford, Ohio

Phone: (740) 820-3896

Name: Mr. Jeff Pica, Civil Rights Complaint Coordinator

Office: Minford High School

Phone: (740) 820-3445

APPLICATION OF PESTICIDES

Any staff member or contractor who applies pesticides on District property shall meet the

requirements of AG 8431A in addition to the requirements established by law.

Written notification shall be provided each year, prior to any pesticide application when school is in

session, to those parent/guardians, adult students and employees requesting prior notification of

scheduled pesticide applications:

A. that a pesticide is to be applied;

B. the type of pesticide and its potential side effects;

C. the location of the application; and

D. the date of the application.

The method and type of prior notification shall be determined by the district.

If circumstances arise that prevent prior notification from being provided, regarding such emergency

application of pesticides to control organisms that pose an immediate health threat, the District shall

provide notice as soon as possible. In addition to the information specified above, the notice shall

provide the reasons why advance notice was not provided.