ATTENDANCE PROCEDURES

  Daily attendance and active participation is a critical part of the learning process.  The following procedures and policies are designed to help students learn responsibility and increase their potential for success.     

    It is essential that you be in school if you expect to be successful.  At Mount Baker High School we have an 8 day absence policy. If a student reaches 8 absences, a parent conference will be required to analyze the causes for the student's absences and appropriate placement.  An appeal may result in the student being granted additional days to complete work. 

PROCEDURES

    Attendance will be taken each period in each class.  Attendance secretaries or volunteers will attempt to call daily to advise parents of same day absences.  The telephoning may carry over to the next morning.  An absence is defined as ANY TIME you miss class or you are more than 10 minutes late to class.

RESPONSIBILITY FOR ATTENDANCE

   Student and parents must accept full responsibility for regular school attendance.  Failure to do so may result in loss of credit and grades, removal from class, or removal from school.

   Teachers are required by law to maintain accurate attendance records.  The teacher's grade book is the official attendance document.

ABSENCES

   Students are expected to attend all classes.  Students returning to school after an absence are to bring a note verifying absence to the office and then report directly to class.  They are expected to make up all work missed.  Failure to complete missed assignments will result in loss of credit for those assignments.  Students with extended illness are expected to have a note from a physician.  In order to fulfill the credit requirements for a class, students must be in attendance thirty-seven (37) days during the forty-five (45) day semester.  Students who have accumulated more than eight (8) days absence (excused or unexcused), will not receive credit for the class unless they have proven through an appeal process that there have been extenuating circumstances which have caused or significantly contributed to the absences.

   Responsibility for making up work lies with the student.  He/She must make arrangements with the teacher of the class missed to make up the work.  When a student knows in advance that he/she will be absent, the student is expected to get assignment information from his/her teachers so that missed work is completed as much as possible prior to the student’s return to class.

   A student who is tardy more than ten minutes may be counted absent.  

PARTIAL DAY ABSENCE

   Students who must leave the school during the day MUST checkout through the office prior to leaving school.  Students must have proof of parent permission to leave during the school day.  If students leave without signing out, students may be considered truant and disciplinary action may follow.

TEACHER TO TEACHER ABSENCES

   Immediate prior approval in writing from both teachers will be adequate for this absence.  It is the student’s responsibility to obtain such verification.  Missing a class to study for a test or complete an assignment for another class is not appropriate.

TRUANCY

   Truancy is an absence that is not sanctioned by parent/guardian or school.  First offense of truancy will result in after school detention, second offense in-school suspension and parent conference, third offense short term suspension, parent conference and establishment of attendance contract, and fourth offense may result in long term suspension and a grade of "F" for the semester.

EMANCIPATED STUDENTS

   Emancipated students are students 18 years of age or older who are self-supporting and self-reliant and have taken responsibility for their own education.  A parent/student conference with an administrator must be held before a student will be considered emancipated. 

TARDINESS

   Tardiness will be considered a behavior problem and will be addressed by individual teachers. On every fifth tardy the student will receive after school detention (ASD)  However, when a student arrives more than 10 minutes late to class, it may be considered an absence and  recorded as such. 

EARLY DISMISSAL/LATE ARRIVAL

   Students who have early dismissal or late arrival are only to be on campus 10 minutes preceding or following their classes.  Exceptions are to be cleared in writing by an administrator.  Students violating these exceptions will have their early dismissal or late arrival privilege revoked.

DISCIPLINE PROCEDURES

Our disciplinary procedures have been developed by staff, students, parents and administrators to accomplish two goals: 1) to provide a safe, orderly learning environment which allows teachers to instruct and students to learn without disruption, intimidation, harassment or fear of physical safety,  2) to help students develop the self-discipline they will need to be successful at school and in society.

   We believe that the following disciplinary procedures are fair and will help ensure the above goals.  It is each student’s responsibility to know these procedures and obligations associated with them.

RESPONSIBILITIES

   It shall be the responsibility and duty of each student to attend school as required by law, to arrive to class on time with appropriate materials, to be fully involved in the classroom environment, to complete all assignments on time; dress in a manner which is not disruptive to the educational process nor which threatens the health and safety of the student or others, to identify himself/herself upon request of any school district personnel or authorities in a school building, on school grounds, at school-sponsored events or on school buses; follow the reasonable request of school employees who are acting in the performance of their duties; comply with school district policies, school rules and with the directions of teachers, student teachers, substitute teachers, educational assistants, principals or other authorized school personnel when he/she is properly under the authority of school personnel.

GROUND RULES

   In addition to the student responsibilities as spelled out in the Student Discipline section of the Mount Baker School District, the following rules will be enforced:

· Food and drink is restricted in some areas of the campus.  Appropriate disposal of food and drink containers and garbage are the users responsibility.

· Gambling of any kind is prohibited on campus or at any school-related activity.

· Skateboards, roller skates, squirt guns, water balloons, and other such “play things” are prohibited on campus.  They may be confiscated & disciplinary action assigned.

· Campus Off Limits Areas

a. Parking lots, except before the start of school day, first ten minutes of lunch period, and after the school day.

b. Area in between gym and wrestling room and  area behind field house and north by fields unless part of  class activity in these areas.

c.  Adjacent private property.

· Students who are not participating in school sponsored athletics/activities should leave campus at the end of the school day.

· Walkmans/CD and tape players may NOT be used during class periods.  Students are discouraged from  

bringing these to school to protect against theft.

   Any student who willfully performs any act which materially interferes with or is detrimental to the orderly operation of a school, a school activity or any other aspect of the educational process within the district shall be subject to discipline, suspension or expulsion.

CLOSED CAMPUS

   Mount Baker is a closed campus.  You may not leave the school grounds from the time you first arrive in the morning until the end of the day.  If you have an appointment during the day, you must first sign out in the office.  If you leave during the day for Running Start or work you can not return unless it is for a required school activity.

FINES FOR LOSSES AND DAMAGES

   A student is obligated to pay for loss or damage to school property.  A student’s records, including grades, diploma and transcripts, shall be withheld until restitution is made.  Students with fines or disciplinary sanctions may be required to register after all other students.

   The Mount Baker School District is not responsible for musical instruments furnished by students and left at school.  The school district will not replace student owned instruments or any other personal property lost, stolen or damaged while at school.

TOBACCO FREE CAMPUS

   Mount Baker is a Tobacco Free Campus.  In keeping with district policy, students may not be in possession of/or use tobacco in any form; including cigarette, cigar, pipe, nor shall students chew or snuff tobacco products at school or school sponsored events/activities, or while a passenger in district vehicles, or on school property.

   Students who violate these rules may be subject to short term suspension (1– 10 days) or smoking cessation class on the first offense.

STUDENT SEARCHES

   School officials may search a student and his/her personal property, including automobiles parked on school district property if there is reasonable cause to suspect the student is in possession of any illegal, stolen, dangerous or disruptive item.  Any such item found may be confiscated and police may be contacted.  Appropriate disciplinary action may result including suspension.

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY

  Students are expected to conduct themselves honorably with regard to academics.  This is to include but not limited to abstinence from all forms of  cheating including  academic dishonesty, and plagiarism,.  Violations may result in loss of credit , discipline and/or suspension.

MINOR OFFENSES            

  In dealing with instances of student misconduct, (generally, violations of specific classroom rules) teachers shall follow this three-step procedure.

STEP ONE:      

  Student  misconduct of  a  minor nature will be handled

by the teacher first and will be documented.  Students will be told that the misconduct is being documented and will be asked to read and initial documentation.         

  A variety of techniques may be used including: 

1 Student/teacher conference; parent contact if needed. 

2 Change seating in class. 

3 Removal from class to In-House Suspension for that period.  Appropriate form must be submitted to administrators the same day. 

4 After school corrective:  action plan for improvement to be completed in after school conference with teacher.  (Twenty-four hour notice must be given to parents/students for after school detention so appropriate transportation may be arranged.)

STEP TWO:

  The repeated misconduct of a minor offense will be handled by the teacher with notification of the parent or guardian by telephone or letter and documented.  Students should be asked to read and initial documentation.                     A  variety of options may by utilized including:

1 Student developed plan (my job/your job).

2 Parent/teacher/student conference

3 Counseling intervention/referral.

4 After school corrective.  If student is retained after school, 24 hour notice must be given.

5 Recommend  to administrator that student be removed from class until the situation has been resolved.

6 Development of behavior contract.

STEP THREE:

  The continued offense will result in  referral to the administration (accompanied with documentation) for one of the following: 

1 After school detention (ASD). 

2 Conference/contract. 

3 Suspension. 

4 Removal from class. 

5 Counseling referral to review future plan and possible alternative educational options.

MAJOR OFFENSES

EXCEPTIONAL MISCONDUCT

  Any conduct which materially and substantially interferes with the educational process is prohibited.  The following acts are specifically prohibited on school grounds, on school sponsored transportation, and at school events off school grounds and may lead to disciplinary action, suspension, or expulsion.  This list is not intended  to  be exclusive.  Administrative   discretion may be applied to each individual case.  Restitution will be required when warranted.  Law enforcement authorities may be informed and/or requested.

  1. Arson - Setting fire to a building or property

  2. Assault/Threat of Assault - An unconsented  touching or application of undue force to another person.  The use of excessive physical force or threatening the use of physical force or sexual assault against another person including the use of a weapon or other instrument for the purpose of inflicting injury.

  3. Bomb Threat - Threats to bomb or damage any public school building facility or property

  4.  Damage, Destruction of Property - Intentional or careless damage to school  or private property.

  5. Defiance/Disobedience - Open disregard, contempt for  authority.  Refusal to obey the  instructions of all district personnel including, but not limited to, giving correct name when asked.

  6. Disruptive Conduct - Use of violence, force,  noise,  coercion,   threat, intimidation, fear, passive resistance, or any other conduct to cause the substantial and material disruption or obstruction of any lawful mission, process, or function of the school.

  7. Disruptive Dress and Appearance - Dress or appearance which is disruptive to the educational process and/or which threatens the health or safety of the school population.  This includes, but is not limited to; clothing displaying messages promoting drug, alcohol, or tobacco; cryptic messages, sexually explicit words, pictures, or illustrations, messages of a violent nature, and any symbols or words likely to illicit a response from others.

  8. Extortion - The wrongful taking of a person’s money or property with his/her consent but by the use of threat or violence.

  9. False Accusations -Untrue charges of wrong-doing.   

  10.  False Alarm - Activating a fire alarm for other than the intended purpose of the alarm.   

  11.  Falsification/Forgery of Documents - Altering or falsifying times, names, dates, grades, addresses, or other data, including computer data. 

  12. Fighting - Intentionally causing or attempting to cause physical injury or intentionally behaving in such a way as could reasonably cause physical injury to another person. 

  13.  Harassment - To persistently disturb, torment, or pester. –  Students are expected to refrain from conducting themselves in a manner that would endanger the physical or mental welfare of others.  Harassment, sexual harassment, hazing, threatening statements, intimidation, coercion, and verbal abuse are not allowed and violations will result in disciplinary action up to and including suspension.

  Malicious  Harassment – Malicious harassment is an overt act of prejudice  or harassment related to a person’s race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, gender, culture, ethnicity or a mental, physical or sensory disability.  Malicious harassment is a class C Felony.

  Sexual Harassment – Harassment on the basis of sex is a violation of Section 703 of Title VII.  Sexual harassment consists of sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other inappropriate verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature which creates a hostile or offensive educational environment.

  14. Inappropriate Language / Verbal Abuse /Obscene Material - The use of vulgar or profane language by students on school property, whether spoken, written, or gestured.  The possession, display, sale or distribution of obscene material. 

  15.  Intentional Misuse of School Equipment/Supplies/Facilities - Deliberate abuse and/or misuse of school Equipment, supplies, or facilities, including failure to follow safety rules established for laboratory instructional areas.

  16.  Intimidation - To force into or deter from some action by inducing fear.            

  17.  Lewd Behavior/Sexual Misconduct - Indecent or obscene act or expression/inappropriate sexual behavior including attire.  

  18.  Mace/Pepper spray - The inappropriate use of MACE canisters - or propellant devices of similar materials – is forbidden.  When used for a purpose other than legitimate self-defense, such objects will be regarded as a weapon.  In keeping with school policy on the possession and use of weapons on campus, offenders may be subject to long-term suspension and/or expulsion.

  19.  Occupation of School Property - Occupying a school building or school grounds in order to deprive others of its use, or blocking normal pedestrian or vehicular traffic on school property.

  20.  Occupying Unauthorized Area - Being present in an area(s) without permission of school authorities.

  21.  Possession or Use of Cellular/Portable Phones/Electronic Pagers (Beepers)/Hand Receiver Transmitter Units (also known as walkie talkies) -

1.  Student possession of a telecommunication device is allowed provided that the telecommunication device is not visible and does not create a disturbance in the classroom or any other area.

2.  Violation may be cause for:

a.  Confiscation of the device(s) and disciplinary      action in response to a first offense.

b.  Corrective action (suspension) in response to a subsequent violation.

3.  Confiscated devices  will be returned  to student’s parent(s) or guardian(s) in the school office.

  22.  Possession, Use, or Attempt to Sell or Procure  Drugs or Paraphernalia, Alcoholic Beverages - A  student shall not possess, use  or  be under  the influence of any narcotic drug(s), hallucinogenic drug(s), amphetamine, barbiturate, marijuana, alcoholic beverage or any substance purported to be such.  A student shall not be in possession  or attempt to procure any drug paraphernalia.

  23.  Possession or Use of Explosives - Possession, use, display and/or transporting of any exploding device, such as firecrackers, bullets, pipe bombs.  The possession of any exploding item or device that could be capable of producing bodily harm, damage to property or disruption of the educational process.

  24.  Possession or Use of Tobacco - A student shall not carry or smoke any kind of pipe, cigar, cigarette, or any other smoking equipment or material, nor shall students chew or sniff tobacco products at school or school sponsored events/activities, or while a passenger in district vehicles, or on school property.

  25.  Robbery - The taking of the property of another by violence or intimidation

  26.  Theft - Carrying away of the personal goods or property of another person or the school district.

  27.  Trespass - Unauthorized entry upon the property of the school district.

  28.  Sale, Procurement or Delivery of Drugs of Alcohol - Students shall not distribute and/or sell alcoholic beverages, unlawful drugs, controlled substances, hallucinogens, or other drugs, medications (or items that purport to be any of the preceding), during school time, on school premises, or during school-sponsored activities.

  29.  Unauthorized Gatherings - The assembly or meeting of students and/or non-students on school property without permission of school authorities.

  30.  Weapons - The possession, display, use, transmission, or transporting of any object on school property, school transportation, bus stops,  or at school sponsored activities that could reasonably be considered a firearm, knife or a dangerous weapon is prohibited.    Violation will result in mandatory expulsion for 1 calendar year.  Student has the right to appeal any long term expulsion.  (More than 10 days)

à   Knives - Possession, display and/or use of a knife is prohibited – Knives are not allowed.

Washington State law requires expulsion  for 1 calendar year for violation of the firearms rule.  Juvenile authorities and parents will be notified.

GANGS, GANG ACTIVITY

    Gangs and the expression of gang membership can cause disruption in the school environment and present a threat to the health and safety of students and staff.  Any such activity or expression by students is prohibited while they are subject to the jurisdiction of the school district. 

  No student on or about school property or in any place involving a school-related activity:

¨ shall wear, possess, distribute or display any clothing, bandannas, (“rags“), jewelry, tattoos, sign or any other thing, which by virtue of its color, arrangement, symbol, or any other attribute, is evidence of membership or affiliation in any gang

¨ shall commit any act, or use any speech or gesture, or any personal “grooming” style, or conduct evidencing membership or affiliation in such a gang;

¨ shall use any speech, display any pictures, write in gang script, gesture, conduct, or commit any act in furtherance of the interests of any such gang, including, but not limited to:  

1 soliciting others for membership in any such gang;

2 pressuring, intimidating, threatening or harassing any person, individually, or creating an atmosphere or environment of  undue pressure which can reasonably be expected to interfere with the physical or mental well-being of others;

3 committing any other illegal act or other violation of school district policies;

4 inciting, provoking or actively seeking other students to act with physical  force or violence or mental harassment of others.

Disciplinary action including suspension and /or expulsion will be imposed on students who choose to partake in the above behavior(s).