k-6 student handbook

K-6 STUDENT HANDBOOK
GENEVA AREA CITY SCHOOLS

eagle on red cicrle

2008-2009

Austinburg Elementary 275-5392 or 275-3501
Cork Elementary 466-0715 or 466-4831, ext. 145
Geneva Elementary 466-0824 or 466-4831, ext. 156
Spencer Elementary 466-0592 or 466-4831, ext. 149

*Additional Directory Information can be found in the
Geneva Schools District Calendar

Board Adopted June, 2008

THE EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY
of
GENEVA AREA CITY SCHOOLS

Education in the elementary school provides the foundation for all academic learning that will follow. It is our philosophy that every child that enters Geneva Area City Schools will benefit from the high expectations for learning established in our curriculum aligned to the challenging Ohio Academic Content Standards and from the support provided by our instructional staff.

Reading, Mathematics, and Language Arts are our core curriculum; they are the basis for what we teach. Science, Social Studies, and Health are also stressed. Physical Education develops the body. Cultural arts such as Art, Music, and Library/Literature appreciation enrich our students’ lives.

Socialization activities are provided through recess, free time, and playground exercises. Fairness is encouraged at all times.

We promote a healthy, positive self-discipline in our Discipline Plan.

We will endeavor to develop each child’s natural abilities and make our school a happy experience for each child.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Click on the title to go directly to that section of the Handbook.

Absence from School and Tardiness ..................................................3-4
Acceptable Use and Internet Safety Policy.......................................16-18
Access to School Records ..................................................................4
Behavior ..............................................................................................4
Bus Pass ..............................................................................................4
Child Abuse .........................................................................................4
Communicable Diseases......................................................................5
Conferences .........................................................................................5
Dangerous Weapons and Instruments ...............................................14
Detention Policies - Elementary ..........................................................5
Detention Procedures ..........................................................................5-6
Dress Code ...........................................................................................6
Drills......................................................................................................7
Emergency Information ...................................................................... 7
Emergency School Closing ..................................................................7
Equal Education Opportunity ..............................................................7
Field Trips.............................................................................................7
Gum ..................................................................................................... 7
Homework ........................................................................................... 7
Leaving School Grounds ..................................................................... 8
Library ................................................................................................. 8
Lockers ................................................................................................ 8
Lost & Found. ...................................................................................... 8
Lunch .....................................................................................................8
Medication ............................................................................................8-9
Parental Involvement In Education .....................................................9
Parties .................................................................................................. 10
Physical Education ............................................................................... 10
Pictures ..................................................................................................10
Playground Rules ..................................................................................10
Promotional Policy ................................................................................10
Report Cards ........................................................................................10
School Day ............................................................................................10
Secret Societies ....................................................................................11
Signs, Banners, Announcements .........................................................11
Student Conduct Code .........................................................................11-14
Telephone..............................................................................................15
Testing ..................................................................................................15
Textbooks .............................................................................................15
Transportation ......................................................................................15
Valuable Articles ..................................................................................15
Zero Tolerance .....................................................................................15

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K-6 STUDENT HANDBOOK

ABSENCE FROM SCHOOL AND TARDINESS
Establishing good habits of attendance and punctuality are very important for a student’s future success.
A.    If a child is going to be absent from school, parents MUST NOTIFY THE OFFICE by phone between 8:00-10:00 a.m. each day the child is absent.
B.    The State of Ohio recognizes the following excuses for absence from school:
1.    personal illness
2.      illness in the family
3.    quarantine of the home
4.     death of a relative – three days limit except in unusual cases
5.     religious holidays
6.    emergencies justified to superintendent of schools or designee
7.    working at home due to absence of parents or guardians
8.    emergency situations approved by the Superintendent
C.    In case of an appointment related to a medical, dental, or emotional condition –
written request signed by the parent and approved by the principals are required if a student is to be permitted to leave the school before regular dismissal time; however, appointments should be made before or after school hours whenever possible.
D.    A written explanation of the absence from the parent or guardian is to be turned in to the teacher the day the student returns to school. The explanationshould include the dates of absence, the reason, and the signature of the parent or guardian and a phone number where the parent or guardian may be reached.
E.    A doctor’s excuse is required for any absence beyond ten (10) consecutive days in a six week period, or fifteen (15) days in a semester, or as deemed necessary by the building principal.
F.    Unexcused Absences – The law does not excuse absence from school due tomusic lessons, dancing lessons, shopping trips, visits to other schools, movies, theater parties, trips to the barber or beauty shop, holidays, vacations, other than those excused by law, or any other absence considered not part of a reasonable school program.
G.    Vacations – Absences from school for traveling and family vacation do not fall in the excused category. These absences must be evaluated by the parent, as to the possible detrimental effects on the child’s progress in school.
If a vacation does occur during scheduled school days, to be approved by the Superintendent, the following criteria must be met:
1.    The teacher and the principal are to be consulted in advance of the absence and presented with a written statement of intent to take the child out of school, the reason for taking the child out of school and the inclusion dates of the proposed absence.
2.    Missed schoolwork must be made up and advance arrangements are to bemade for the make-up assignments and evaluation of the work.

           Parents should note: It is difficult for students to make up work without teacher instruction. Without parental supervision of the make-up work, teacher time is  wasted and the child may become deficient in meeting his or her academic requirements.
          Preparation of homework for any extended absence requires the expenditure of the teacher’s time, which is not readily available during the school day. Such requests should allow the teacher at least three days lead-time.
H.    Tardiness – Students who arrive late must have a written excuse signed by the parent/guardian. Tardy slips are to be issued by the office.
Students will be marked “tardy” if they arrive less than thirty minutes after school begins.
I.    Early Dismissal – To be dismissed early, a student must have a written excuse from parent/guardian with a phone number giving the reason and dismissal time. Students who leave before 11:15 a.m. will be marked absent for a whole day. Students leaving after 11:24 a.m. will be marked absent for a half-day. Parents are to pick up students and sign them out at the office during student hours. Acceptable reasons for dismissals are:
1.    Professional appointments (doctor, dentist, counselor, court, etc.
2.    Family emergency
3.    Other extenuating circumstances with parent/principal approval

ACCESS TO SCHOOL RECORDS
The educational records of students are available for review by parents. The Schools believes that maintaining of records is an important responsibility. The district has established a Board policy for the proper maintenance of all school records, including student records. Interested parties can inspect this policy at each school by contacting the building principal. Parents do have access to their child’s educational records maintained at the school.
Personally identifiable student information regarding all students shall remain confidential except in those specific circumstances as specified by ORC 3319.321 and the Privacy Act (ORC 1347) and 20USC 1232g (and other pertinent state or federal regulations).
From time to time, the school releases for public consumption directory information contained in a student’s record. This information is most often used for identifying a student in an athletic or drama program, school picture, team roster, press release related to a school sponsored function, etc. Any parent or eligible student may refuse to allow the release of any or all the directory information concerning the student. Parents must submit their refusal of consent in writing within the appropriate time period set forth. Any request to deny consent to release any or all parts of directory information must be carried out on the appropriate district form and within the deemed time period (August 15 through September 30).
Any questions about records should be addressed to the building principal.

BEHAVIOR
Good conduct in the halls, in class, and at all school activities is required of all students. Students are expected to behave appropriately as young ladies and gentlemen, not only in their speech, but also in their conduct during school hours and at all school functions.

BUS PASSES
Parental permission and a bus pass are needed for any change in busing. In order to obtain a bus pass, please send a note to the office including the bus number of the bus you wish your child to ride. These arrangements may not be possible when buses reach maximum capacity.

CHILD ABUSE
Ohio law requires that any school employee who suspects a child is a victim of abuse or neglect must report such suspicions to the proper authorities. We hope we do not have to be involved in any such cases, but we have no choice if there is suspicion of abuse or neglect.

COMMUNICABLE DISEASES
If a parent suspects their child is ill, they are asked to please keep the child at home.
State regulations require that the following precautions and/or procedures be followed for any children suspected of having a communicable disease.
1.    A staff member shall immediately notify the parent /guardian/or other approved contact of the child’s condition when a child has been observed with signs or symptoms of an illness.
2.    A child with any sign of illness or disease that would give the suspicion of a communicable disease shall be immediately isolated and discharged to his parent /guardian/or other approved contact. Such symptoms include but are not limited to:
a.    Diarrhea (more than one abnormally loose stool within 24 hour period)
b.    Severe coughing which causes the child to become blue or red in the face or makes a “whooping” sound.
c.    Difficult, labored, or rapid breathing
d.    Yellowish skin or eyes
e.    Conjunctivitis (“pink eye”)
f.    A temperature of 100 degrees F taken by the auxiliary method when in combination with other symptoms of illness
g.    Untreated infected skin patches
h.    Unusually dark urine or a gray or white stool
i.    Stiff neck
j.    Evidence of lice, scabies, or other parasitic infestation
3.    Any child with these symptoms or signs of illness shall be immediately isolated from other children. Decisions regarding whether the child should be discharged immediately or at some time during the day shall be determined by the principal and/or nurse and the parent/guardian will be informed of this decision. The child while isolated at the school shall be carefully monitored for symptoms described in number 2 above.
a.    Sore throat or difficulty swallowing
b.    Unusual spots or rashes
c.    Elevated temperature
d.    Vomiting
         Any isolated child suspected of any communicable disease will be cared for in a room or portion of the room not being used by the preschool program. They will be in sight or hearing of an adult staff member or school staff member at all times. They will never be without adult supervision. Any such child will be made comfortable until discharge to his/her parent /guardian/or other approved contact. Any bedding used by the child will be cleaned before it comes into contact with another individual. Any furniture used by the
child will be disinfected. The nurse and staff will follow all procedures for dealing with communicable diseases.

CONFERENCES
Regular parent-teacher conferences will be scheduled for all students during the school year. Teachers and parents are encouraged to schedule additional conferences as they are needed. Parents or guardians should call the school office to arrange an appointment.

DETENTION POLICIES – ELEMENTARY
Detentions may be assigned to those students whose behavior and/or subsequent actions are contrary to school policy and/or the educational program. Detentions serve as one of the steps in disciplinary procedures, which are essential for any educational program to be effective.
Elementary detentions shall be forty (40) minutes in duration (3:15-3:55 p.m.) on an assigned afternoon once a week. Students will be given at least a one-day advance notice in order to make arrangements for transportation. Parents or guardians are required to provide transportation for their child, from school to home, promptly following each detention.

Detentions will be served on the assigned day or days. A student may have their assigned detention date(s) changed by the teacher or principal who originally assigned the detention or the principal.
Any student who fails to serve an assigned detention without a legitimately acceptable excuse (approved absence or emergency written request from a parent or guardian) will be subject to further disciplinary action.

DETENTION PROCEDURES
1.    When detentions are assigned:
a.    The parent and student will be notified by the teacher/principal
b.    A written “Detention Notification” will be sent to the parent
c.    This slip will be signed by parent/guardian and returned to the Detention Supervisor prior to detention date
d.    The Detention Supervisor will give “Detention Notification” toassigning teacher after the detention has been served
2.    Students must bring work (books, writing material, etc.) to the detention center. Students who do not bring work will be sent to get proper work and an additional detention may be added.
Any questions or problems that result from the interpretation of detention policies will be resolved by the principal.

DRESS CODE
We rely on the good judgment of our parents regarding the clothing students wear to school. We are also aware that when students dress neatly and have a well-groomed appearance, they tend to do better in school. The school recommends that clothes be appropriate for the current weather conditions, simple, washable, sturdy, not too tight, safe, and easy to manage. Outerwear, boots and shoes should be labeled.
During rainy or snowy weather, students should wear boots and heavier clothing. Boots are not worn in the classrooms so students must bring shoes to wear in class. All elementary students have daily outside recess during their lunch periods and will definitely need proper clothing.
The school may regulate any student’s clothing if it causes damage to property, disruption to the educational program, or constitutes a threat to any student’s health or safety.
In order to help to eliminate the confusion and maintain the proper school environment the following list of clothing items will not be permitted in the
Geneva Area City Schools:

1.   Shorts, split shorts, or skirts if they are shorter than the fingertips
when arms are extended at sides. Wearing tights under clothing does not
change the length requirement.
2.   Spandex or extra tight shorts, slacks, or skirts.
3.   Hats, bandannas, and sunglasses.
4. Tank tops, muscle shirts, spaghetti straps, shirts and trousers that revealthe stomach, chest, back, shoulders, or undergarments.
5.   Holes and tears in jeans, shorts, etc., must be below the fingertips whenarms are extended at sides.
6.   Clothing bearing slogans, words, or symbols which relate to or display alcohol,tobacco, drugs, sex, or profanity, or considered “gang related”.
7.   Clothing bearing slogans, words, or symbols considered to be negative, derogatory, or of a discriminatory nature towards any person’s or persons’ religion, race, creed, gender/sex, national origin, handicap, or socio-economic status.
8.   Students are not permitted to wear or carry personal listening devices(headphones, cellular phones, pagers, etc.) during the school day.

*Shorts that meet the guidelines (long and loose) may be worn in the elementary schools.
**The School recommends that students have labels on their clothes, so that it is easier to return them when they are found.

DRILLS
Evacuation, Fire, Tornado Drills, and Lock Down Procedures will be practiced as required by State law or local policy. Necessary procedures will be posted in each classroom.

MERGENCY INFORMATION
The school should be kept informed of any changes in home address and telephone numbers so that the School may notify you promptly in an emergency.
Registration forms and emergency authorization are sent home the first week of school. The forms should be completed to allow emergency treatment to take place if a parent cannot be reached. All information is kept confidential and no phone numbers contained on the form will be released without parental authorization.

EMERGENCY SCHOOL CLOSING
In case of severe weather conditions or other emergencies, parents and students will be notified of school closing by announcements on radio stations’ WFUN(.970KHZ), WKKY (104.7FM), and WZ00 (102.5 FM), as well as the Cleveland television stations.

EQUAL EDUCATION OPPORTUNITY
In compliance with (1) Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, (2) Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, (3) Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973,And (4) the OCR Vocational Educational Guidelines, we are notifying all STUDENTS, PARENTS, EMPLOYEES, and GENERAL PUBLIC that Geneva Area City Schools has adopted a non-discrimination policy on the basis of race, color, creed, handicap, religion, sex, national origin, or social or economic background. Any complaint regarding this non-discrimination policy should be referred to Administration Assistant, Brett Horvath, 135 S. Eagle Street, Geneva, Ohio 44041, phone area code (440) 466-4831, Ext. 155.
The Board of Education has established procedures for processing student grievances related to this non-discrimination policy. Copies of the student grievance procedures and assistance are available from the Administrative Assistant.

FIELD TRIPS
Elementary students may go on a field trip as part of our educational program and as part of the curriculum. Permission slips will be sent home prior to each trip and must be signed by their parent or guardian and returned. Students not having properly signed permission slips may have to remain at school.
The principal reserves the right to deny participation in any school sponsored activity if a student’s behavior poses a threat to the safety of the student or others.

GUM
Elementary students are not permitted to chew gum in school. This requirement is based upon health and cleanliness reasons and the need to protect school property, equipment, and carpeting.

HOMEWORK
Work not finished during the school day, special projects, or homework assignments may be required to be completed outside of class, or at home. All students need to memorize math facts and practice reading. Please be supportive of assignments brought home from school.
Parents can help in the following ways:
1.    Provide a quiet, well-lighted place to work
2.    Set aside a certain time for school work
3.    Avoid interruptions
4.    Help as needed

LEAVING SCHOOL GROUNDS
During school hours, no student may leave school without written permission from the office.

LIBRARY
Books may be checked out for a period of two weeks. Fines are charged for overdue books. Students must pay for damaged or lost books. Reference books and magazines are to be used in the library, unless special arrangements are made.

LOCKERS
Lockers, where available, will be assigned to every student the first week of school. Coats, extra books, and other school materials are to be kept in the locker during the school hours. Lockers are to be kept neat and tidy. Students found using a locker other than the one to which they were assigned will lose their locker assignment for the remainder of the year. Any changes in a locker assignment must be approved by the principal.
It is the policy of the school to provide lockers for students’ use. However, any student who uses said lockers will be required to permit the lockers to be inspected by the school principal or designee. Lockers are the property of the school on loan to the students and as any such property under the authority of the Geneva School Board, are subject to inspection by authorized school personnel.

LOST AND FOUND
Everything found at school should be turned in to the office. Articles which are found are displayed. Children are encouraged to check for lost items at the lost and found display. Valuable articles such as watches, money, etc. may be claimed at the office.

LUNCH
Students have a choice of entrees daily in our school cafeteria. Menus are printed in the local newspapers, given to the students, posted in the classrooms and available on the school web site ~ www.genevaschools.org
Lunchroom manners are especially important because of the number of students using our facilities. The following behaviors are encouraged:
1.    waiting patiently in the lunch line for turn
2.    talking in a quiet polite voice
3.    keeping the table and floor area clean
4.    placing lunch wrappings in waste containers
5.    returning tray to proper place
6.    eating only in the cafeteria
7.    not exchanging or giving away of any food
8.    staying in proper designated area in the cafeteria

MEDICATION
Administration of Medication:
If possible, all medication should be given by the parents to their child at home.
When in such cases as this is not possible, the Geneva Board of Education has adopted a written policy for dispensing and administering prescribed and over-the counter medication to students in school. This policy and the aligned procedures will be followed. This policy and procedures are available through the school nurses office. Parents may contact the school nurse at 275-5392. Procedures for the administration of medicines is as follows:
•    Only the school nurse or a person designated by the principal can only administer medication to students at school.
•    All medicine to be dispensed at school must be brought to the school office by a parent or responsible adult.
• Any medication or drug, whether over the counter or prescription only will be administered with the written orders of a physician/dentist. The nurse may contact the physician/dentist if necessary.
•    All medication must be in the pharmacy package (with dosage/administration information). Any medicine not properly labeled will not be administered.

•    The appropriate school medication authorization form must be completed and signed by 1.) the parents/guardian and 2.) physician/dentist requesting that the Geneva Schools comply with the physician’s request to administer said dosage of each medication and this form must accompany every/all medication for students. Forms are available in the school office.
•    All medications must be kept in the secure/locked medicine area of the school clinic or office.
•    Should any changes occur regarding the administration of this medication to the child change, the parents must immediately submit a revised statement regarding dosage/administration to the school nurse.
•    No person authorized by the Geneva Schools Board of Education to administer a prescribed drug and who has a copy of the most recent physical/pharmacy statement, and written parental permission to administer said drug would be liable for civil damages for administering or failing to administer the drug, unless he/she acted in a manner that would constitute “gross negligence or wanton or reckless misconduct.”
Emergency Treatment:
Parents are required to complete an emergency medical form for each child in the Geneva Schools.
In case of an accident or emergency, the parents will be immediately notified using this form. In case the parents cannot be reached immediately, the school will contact an alternate responsible adult as listed by the parents on that form. Please advise those listed as alternates to be available for the call during school hours. The parents are strongly advised to provide the number of a person who resides in the district and who can respond more immediately to an emergency situation involving their child.
In case no one listed on the form can be reached, the school will abide by the directions in the form or call emergency medical services should they be needed.
Medications on a four hour schedule will be dispensed one time at the school office on the following schedule:

             Austinburg Elementary    11:30am - 12:30pm
             Cork Elementary             11:30am - 12:30pm
             Geneva Elementary        11:30am - 12:30pm
             Spencer Elementary        11:30am - 12:30pm

PARENT INVOLVEMENT IN EDUCATION
The Board believes that parent/guardian involvement is an important part of the educational program. Current research indicates that a home-school partnership and greater involvement on the part of the parents/guardians in the education of their children generally results in higher achievement scores, improved student behavior and reduced absenteeism.
All parents/guardians of students enrolled in the district are encouraged to take an active role in the education of their children.
The Board directs the administration to develop the necessary regulations to ensure that this policy is followed and that parent/guardian involvement is encouraged. The regulations will:
1. encourage strong home-school partnerships
2. provide for consistent and effective communications between the parents/guardians and school officials
3. offer parents/guardians ways to assist and encourage their children to do their best
4. offer ways parents/guardians can support classroom learning activities
5. provide opportunities for parents/guardians to be involved in the parental involvement

PARTIES
Class parties in elementary school are permitted for Fall/Autumn/Winter, and Valentine’s Day. Refreshments are provided by homeroom mothers. Flowers balloons, bouquets, etc., will not be delivered to students until the end of the day.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Students are required to participate in all physical education classes unless excused by a doctor. Gym shoes are required and no jewelry shall be worn. The School’s prime concern is the individual student’s physical, emotional, social, and mental health. The various physical education activities emphasize fitness and physical movements.

PICTURES
Individual and class/group school pictures are taken each fall pictures are taken each year. There is no obligation to buy pictures; purchased packages are prepaid with information sent home prior to picture day.

PLAYGROUND RULES
Violation of rules may result in denial of playground use. Students will be expected to follow directions of playground supervisors. Parents may be contacted and required to meet with teacher and/or principal concerning any such behavior. The elementary school playground aide or teacher on duty has full authority over students. Playground rules are:
1.   Students are expected to dress appropriately for the weather
2.   Students are expected to respect the rights of others and to observesafety rules at all times.
3.   The following behaviors will not be tolerated:
a.    running into students
b.    kicking balls or throwing objects that are not part of a game
          c.     unsafe use of playground equipment
          d.    playing games which might cause bodily harm or torn clothing
4.   Specific ground rules are:
          a.   use playground equipment safely
          b.   stay away from parking lots and watch for moving vehicles
c.   stay within the designated play area
          d.   line up when called
          e.   refrain from using foul or abusive language or gestures

PROMOTIONAL POLICY
Students will be promoted on the basis of test scores, daily work, attendance, general attainment of skills, and passing grades. If retention is recommended in grades K-6, a parent/teacher/principal conference will be scheduled to reach a joint decision on the student’s placement for the following year.

REPORT CARDS
Kindergarten students are issued four progress reports by way of two (2) report cards and two (2) parent-teacher conferences.
Report cards for grade 1-6 are issued six times each year. Parents are urged to examine the card closely to determine their child’s progress. The parent’s signature indicates that the card has been examined.

SCHOOL DAY
Students will be allowed to enter the building 10 minutes before the beginning of the school day.
After dismissal, walking students are expected to go directly home. Bus students are expected to board their assigned buses immediately.
School responsibility ends at the conclusion of the student day unless students remain for an organized school activity.

SECRET SOCIETIES (GANGS)
The type of dress, apparel, activities, acts, behavior or manner of grooming displayed, reflected, or participated in by the students shall not:

1. lead school officials to reasonably believe that such behavior, apparel, activities,
acts, or other attributes are gang related and would disrupt or interfere with the school environment or activity and/or education objectives;
2. present a physical safety hazard to self, students, staff, and other employees;
3. create an atmosphere in which a student, staff, or other person’s well-being is hindered by undue pressure, behavior, intimidation, overt gesture, or threat of violence; or
4. imply gang membership or affiliation by written communication, marks, drawings, painting, design, emblem upon any school personal property or on one’s person

If the student’s behavior or other attributes is in violation of these provisions, the principal or designee will request the student to make the appropriate correction. If the student refuses, the parent/guardian may be notified and asked to make the necessary correction. The principal will take appropriate corrective and disciplinary action.
Students identified as being gang involved, influenced, or affiliated will be provided
assistance, and/or be informed of programs which discourage gang involvement or affiliation, enhance self-esteem, encourage interest and participation in school or other positive activities and promote membership in authorized school organizations.

SIGNS, BANNERS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
Any sign, banner, announcement, etc. which is posted in the hallways for students to read must have prior approval from the building principal.

STUDENT CONDUCT CODE
Effective discipline is an important and necessary prerequisite of effective learning. Students attend the Geneva Area City Schools under the direction of constitutional protection for their right as citizens.
Students have a right to reasonable treatment from the school and its employees. The school, in turn, has a right to make rules and regulations. The intent of these rules and regulations is to create a positive educational environment, which holds students accountable for their behavior and teaches them to live with the consequences of their decisions. Freedom carries with it responsibilities for all concerned.
A. STUDENT CONDUCT CODE
A violation of any rule may result in disciplinary action, including out-of school suspensions, in-school suspension, emergency removalexpulsion, and citation into Juvenile Court.
RULE 1. DISRUPTION OF SCHOOL: A student shall not, by use of violence, force, coercion, or threat cause disruption or obstruction to the educational process, including all curricular and extra-curricular activities. Some examples of disruption, not intended to be an exhaustive list, would include: unusual dress and appearance, bomb threats, setting of fire alarms, strikes or walk-out, the impeding of free traffic to or within school, etc.
RULE 2. DAMAGE TO SCHOOL PROPERTY: A student shall not cause or attempt to cause damage to school property, including building, grounds, equipment, materials.
RULE 3. DAMAGE TO PRIVATE PROPERTY: A student shall not cause or attempt to cause damage to private property on school premises, or at any school activity on or off school grounds.
RULE 4. ASSAULT: A student shall not cause physical injury or act in such a manner that would threaten to cause physical injury to school staff, other students or visitors while under the jurisdiction of the school.

RULE 5. THEFT: A student shall not take into possession the public property or equipment of the school district or the personal property of another student, teacher, visitor, or employee of the district.
RULE 6. TRUANCY AND TARDINESS: Truancy is declared when a student is absent from school or any portion of the school day without school authorization and parent consent. The only tardiness or absence from required activities that will be excused are those provided for in the Ohio Revised Code, a doctor’s certificate may be required to verify the absence in question. Repeated violations of tardiness shall also be considered a violation of RULE 7.
RULE 7. INSUBORDINATION: A student shall not fail to comply with directions of teachers or other authorized school personnel. Repeated violations of rules, directives, or discipline procedures shall also constitute insubordination.
RULE 8. TOBACCO, NARCOTICS, ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, AND DRUGS: A student shall not possess, use, transmit, sell, conceal or be under the influence of tobacco, narcotics, alcoholic beverages, and/or drugs at school or on school grounds, or at any school function.
RULE 9. DANGEROUS WEAPONS AND INSTRUMENTS: A student shall not possess, handle, transmit, or conceal any weapon or instrument capable of harming another person. Some examples, not intended to be exhaustive, include: guns, knives, brass knuckles, clubs, firecrackers, explosives, etc.
RULE 10. PROFANITY AND OBSCENE LANGUAGE: A student shall not use profanity or obscene language, either written or verbal, in communicating with a faculty member, any other authorized school personnel, or another student. Included in this prohibition would be the use of obscene gestures, signs, pictures, and/or publications.
RULE 11. GAMBLING: No student shall wager with any other person for money or other stakes.
RULE 12. EXTORTION: The act of extortion is borrowing, attempting to borrow, or taking any money or thing of value from a person in the school, unless both parties enter into the agreement freely and without the presence of either an implied or expressed threat.
RULE 13. USE OF INAPPROPRIATE DRESS AND APPEARANCE: A student shall not dress or appear in a fashion that would be harmful to the student’s health and welfare or that of other students, causes disruptions, or directly interferes with the educational process.
RULE 14. FALSIFICATION: A student, while under the jurisdiction of the school, shall not issue or transfer any school related document, student pass, absence excuse, or early dismissal excuse while having knowledge that any of the following conditions apply to said item:
1)    The item was obtained by giving false information or by failing to givecorrect information
2)    The item contains false information
3)    The item contains false authorization or signature
RULE 15. BEING IN AN UNAUTHORIZED AREA: A student shall not be in any hallway, classroom, or restroom that he/she is not duly assigned to or does not have a signed pass granting permission to be in the area.
RULE 16. SAFETY/SCHOOL EQUIPMENT: No student shall make unauthorized use of any school safety equipment, including but not limited to, fire extinguishers, fire and burglar alarms, eye rinses, blankets, etc. No student shall make unauthorized use of school telephones, duplicating equipment, or materials and supplies.
B.    PRINCIPAL’S RESPONSIBILITIES
The principal is charged with the proper enforcement of discipline in the total school setting. He/she has the discretionary authority to use or authorize other certificated personnel to use the following
disciplinary measure to correct student behavior:
1.   Assign detention
2.   Suspend
3.   Recommend to the superintendent for expulsion

4.   Cite to Juvenile Court
5.    Call juvenile authorities and/or notify for the police
6.    Ask parents to remove their students from school for the protection of the students involved pending investigation of a situation which may be disruptive to the school program
7.    Prescribe other disciplinary measure
C. STUDENT DUE PROCESS
1.   REMOVAL PROCESS
a.    If a student's presence or behavior poses a continuing danger to persons or property or is an ongoing threat of disrupting the academic process, then the teacher, supervisor, or another certified staff member may remove the student from curricular or extra-curricular activities under his/her supervision with the following conditions:
1)    Students shall be sent to the principal's office.
2)    If a teacher or supervisor makes a removal, the reasons for removal must be submitted in writing to the principal as soon after the removal as possible.
b.    A due process hearing must be held within seventy-two hours after the removal is ordered. The person who ordered the removal must be present at the hearing.
c.    If a principal reinstates a student prior to the hearing, the teacher, upon request, will receive written reasons for the action. The teacher cannot refuse to reinstate a student even though reasons are given.
d.    In all cases of normal disciplinary procedures where a student is removed from a curricular or extra-curricular activity for less than twenty-four hours, due process requirements outlined in this policy, do not apply.
2.     SUSPENSION PROCESS
a. The student shall be informed of the intended suspension and the   reasons for the proposed action in the initial hearing regarding the action(s) of the student.
b. The parent or guardian shall be informed in writing of the suspension and the reasons for the proposed action. Within twenty-four hours after an informal hearing, a letter shall be sent to the parent or guardian stating the specific reasons for the suspension and the dates of the suspension and shall include notice of the right to appeal such action.
c.   Suspensions shall not exceed ten consecutive school days for each occurrence.
3.     EXPULSION PROCESS
a.    A student may be expelled for a period not to exceed eighty school days by the superintendent of schools unless otherwise required by law.
b.    The student and his/her parent or guardian shall be given written notice by the principal stating his intention to recommend expulsion. A copy of this notice shall also be sent to the Superintendent and Treasurer. The notice shall include: the reasons for the intended expulsion, and the right of student, parent, or other representative to appear in person before the Superintendent to challenge the reasons for the expulsion. The notice shall also include the place and time of the hearing which shall take place no earlier than three days and no later than five days after the notice is sent, unless an extension is granted by the Superintendent.
c.    Within twenty-four hours of the expulsion, the Superintendent shall notify the parent or guardian of the student, with a copy to the Treasurer, of the decision to expel. The notice shall include the reasons for the expulsion; the right of the student, parent or guardian to appeal to the president of the Board of Education; the right to be represented at the appeal; and to request the hearing be held in executive session.

4.   APPEAL PROCESS TO THE BOARD OF EDUCATION
a.    The date and time of the Appeal Hearing shall be set at the discretion of the president of the Board of Education. The hearing shall be held in executive session.
b.    A verbatim record of the hearing shall be kept, therefore, the proceedings will be tape-recorded.
The Board of Education shall take formal public action to affirm, vacate, or modify the expulsion in public session.
5.   PERMANENT EXCLUSION
The Board may seek the permanent exclusion of a student 16 years of age or older who is either convicted in criminal court or adjudicated delinquent by the following offenses that occur on school grounds or at a school function.
a. illegal conveyance or possession of a deadly weapon or dangerous ordinance, carrying a concealed weapon, aggravated trafficking, trafficking in drugs, trafficking involving the possession of bulk amount of a controlled substance or the sale of a controlled substance and/or
b. aggravated murder, murder, voluntary or involuntary manslaughter, felonious or aggravated assault, rape, gross sexual imposition or felonious sexual penetration.
In addition, complicity in any of the above acts, whether or not that complicity takes place on school grounds or at any school function, may also be the basis for permanent exclusion.

DANGEROUS WEAPONS AND INSTRUMENTS
The Geneva Area City Board of Education is committed to providing the students of the District with an educational environment, which is free of the dangers of firearms, knives and other dangerous weapons in the schools.
The definition of a firearm shall include any weapon (including a starter gun) which will or is designed to or may readily be converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive; the frame or receiver of any such weapon; any firearm muffler or firearm silencer; or any destructive device, which included but is not limited to any explosive incendiary, or poisonous gas: bomb, grenade, or rocket having a propellant charge of more than four ounces, missile having an explosive or incendiary charge of more than one-quarter ounce, mine or device similar to any of the devices described above.
Students are prohibited from bringing a firearm on school property, in a school vehicle or to any school-sponsored activity. If a student brings a firearm on school property, in a school vehicle or any school-sponsored activity, the Superintendent shall expel this student from school for a period of one calendar year and refer the student to the criminal justice or juvenile delinquency system. Any such expulsion shall extend, as necessary, into the school year following the school year in which the incident occurred. The Superintendent may reduce this requirement on a case-by-case basis in accordance with State Law.
Students are also prohibited from bringing knives on school property, in a school vehicle or to any school-sponsored activity. The definition of a knife includes, but is not limited to a cutting instrument consisting of a sharp blade fastened to a handle. If a student brings a knife on school property, in a school vehicle or to any school-sponsored activity, the Superintendent may, if authorized by the Board, expel the student from school, with the same expulsion implications as noted above.
Students who possess or use other dangerous weapons, which are defined but not limited to metal knuckles, straight razors, explosives, noxious irritation or poisonous gases, poisons, drugs or other items possessed with the intent to use, sell, harm, threaten or harass students, staff members, parents or community members, may be subject to expulsion.

TELEPHONE
School phones may be used for school business only. The office staff will deliver messages to students, but will not call students out of class to accept calls.

TESTING
Standardized tests as well as state mandated achievement or diagnostic tests are administered to all students. Students should try their best. These tests measure achievement in the basic areas, such as reading, writing, mathematics, citizenship, and science. The results are used to determine each student's needs and program for next year and become part of the student's permanent record.

TEXTBOOKS
All basic texts are loaned to students for their use during the school year. Books should be covered and handled carefully. Fines will be charged for misuse or abuse. Students must pay for lost books.

TRANSPORTATION
Students who ride buses must obey their driver and the rules and regulations concerning bus discipline. The safety of all students riding buses is paramount. Bus rules and regulations for all students are:
1)    being on time
2)    no standing in roadway while waiting for the bus
3)    lining up and entering quietly
4)    no eating, drinking, or smoking on bus
5)    no loitering, defacing or damaging any part of bus
6)    no extending arms or heads out of windows
7)    silence at railroad crossings
8)    no fighting or disruptive behavior
9)    the illicit or inappropriate use of drugs, alcohol, or tobacco is prohibited
Drivers will report any misconduct and the student may be refused transportation with written notice to the parents.
The Route & Bus Driver Supervisor may be reached at 466-2684 and handles transportation issues and questions.

VALUABLE ARTICLES
The school does not assume responsibility for student's personal property. Students are fully responsible for damage, theft, or misplacement of personal articles.

ZERO TOLERANCE
Students are expected to conduct themselves in such a way that they respect and consider the rights of others. Students of the District must conform to school regulations and accept directions from authorized school personnel. The Board has "zero tolerance" of violent, disruptive or inappropriate behavior by its students.
A student who fails to comply with established school rules or with any reasonable request made by school personnel on school property and/or at school related events is subject to approved student discipline regulations. The Superintendent/designee develops regulations, which establish strategies ranging from prevention to intervention to address student misbehavior.
Students and parents annually receive, at the beginning of the school year or upon entering during the year, written information on the rules and regulations to which they are subject while in school or participating in any school-related activity or event. The information includes the types of conduct, which are subject to suspension or expulsion from school or other forms of disciplinary action. The Board directs the administration to make all students aware of the Student Code of Conduct and the fact that any violations of the Student Code of Conduct are punishable.
If a student violates this policy or the code of conduct, school personnel, students or parents should report the student to the appropriate principal. The administration cooperates in any prosecution pursuant to the criminal laws of the State of Ohio and local ordinances.

ACCEPTABLE USE AND INTERNET SAFETY POLICY
FOR THE COMPUTER NETWORK OF THE
GENEVA AREA CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

The Geneva Area City School District is pleased to make available to student’s access to interconnected computer systems within the District and to the Internet, the worldwide network that provides various means of accessing significant educational materials and opportunities.
In order for the School District to be able to continue to make its computer network and Internet access available, all students must take responsibility for appropriate and lawful use of this access. Students must understand that one student’s misuse of the network and Internet access may jeopardize the ability of all students to enjoy such access. While the school’s teachers and other staff will make reasonable efforts to supervise student use of network and Internet access, they must have student cooperation in exercising and promoting responsible use of this access.
Below is the Acceptable Use and Internet Safety Policy (“Policy”) of the School District and the Data Acquisition Site that provides Internet access to the School District. Upon reviewing this Policy, each student will be given the opportunity to enjoy Internet access at School and is agreeing to follow the Policy.
Listed below are the provisions of your agreement regarding computer network and Internet use. If you have any questions about these provisions, you should contact the person that your School has designated as the one to whom you can direct your questions. If any user violates this Policy, the student’s access will be denied, if not already provided, or withdrawn and he or she may be subject to additional disciplinary action.
I.    PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY
Because this Policy is included in the Student Conduct Book, you are agreeing not only to follow the rules in this Policy, but also are agreeing to report any misuse of the network to the person designated by the School for such reporting. Misuse means any violations of this Policy or any other use that is not included in the Policy, but has the effect of harming another or his or her property.
II.    TERM OF THE PERMITTED USE
A student will have computer network and Internet access during the course of the school year only. Students will be asked to review the Policy each year during which they are students in the School District before they are given an access account.
III.    ACCEPTABLE USES
A.    Educational Purposes Only. The School District is providing access to its computer networks and the Internet for only educational purposes. If you have any doubt about whether a contemplated activity is educational, you may consult with the person(s) designated by the School to help you decide if a use is appropriate.
B.    Unacceptable Uses of Network
Among the uses that are considered unacceptable and which constitute a violation of this Policy are the following:
1.    Uses that violate the law or encourage others to violate the law. Don’t transmit offensive or harassing messages; offer for sale or use any substance the possession or use of which is prohibited by the School District’s Student Discipline Policy; view, transmit or download pornographic materials or materials that encourage others to violate the law; intrude into the networks or computers of others; and download or transmit confidential, trade secret information, or copyrighted materials. Even if materials on the networks are not marked with the copyright symbol, you should assume that all materials are protected unless there is explicit permission on the materials to use them.
2.    Uses that cause harm to others or damage to their property. For example, don’t engage in defamation (harming another’s reputation by lies); employ another’s password or some other user identifier that misleads message recipients into believing that someone other than you is communicating or otherwise using his/her access to the network or the Internet; upload a worm virus, “trojan horse,” time bomb” or other harmful form of programming or vandalism; participate in “hacking” activities or any form of unauthorized access to other computers, networks, or information systems.

3.    Uses that jeopardize the security of student access and of the computer network or other networks on the Internet. For example, don’t disclose or share your password with others; don’t impersonate another user.
4.    Uses that are commercial transactions. Students and other users may not sell or buy anything over the Internet. You should not give others private information about you or others, including credit card numbers and social security numbers.
C.    Netiquette. All users must abide by rules of network etiquette, which include the following:
1.    Be polite. Use appropriate language. No swearing, vulgarities, suggestive, obscene, belligerent, or threatening language.
Acceptable Use and Internet Safety Policy
2.    Avoid language and uses, which may be offensive to other users. Don’t use access to make, distribute, or redistribute jokes, stories, or other material which is based upon slurs or stereotypes relating to race, gender, ethnicity, nationality, religion, or sexual orientation.
3.    Don’t assume that a sender of e-mail is giving his or her permission for you to forward or redistribute the message to third parties or to give his/her e-mail address to third parties. This should only be done with permission or when you know that the individual would have no objection.
4.    Be considerate when sending attachments with e-mail (where this is permitted). Be sure that the file is not too large to be accommodated by the recipient’s system and is in a format, which the recipient can open.
IV.    INTERNET SAFETY
A.    General Warning; Individual Responsibility of Parents and Users. All users and their parents/guardians are advised that access to the electronic network may include the potential for access to materials inappropriate for school-aged pupils. Every user must take responsibility for his or her use of the computer network and Internet and stay away from these sites. Parents of minors are the best guides to materials to shun. If a student finds that other users are visiting offensive or harmful sites, he or she should report such use to the person designated by the School.
B.    Personal Safety. Be safe. In using the computer network and Internet, do not reveal personal information such as your home address, or telephone number. Do not use your real last name or any other information, which might allow a person to locate you without first obtaining the permission of a supervising teacher. Do not arrange a face-to-face meeting with someone you “meet” on the computer network or Internet without your parent’s permission (if you are under 18). Regardless of your age, you should never agree to meet a person you have only communicated with on the Internet in a secluded place or in a private setting.
C.    “Hacking” and Other Illegal Activities. It is a violation of this Policy to use the School’s computer network or the Internet to gain unauthorized access to other computers or computer systems, or to attempt to gain such unauthorized access. Any use which violates state or federal law relating to copyright, trade secrets, the distribution of obscene or pornographic materials, or which violates any other applicable law or municipal ordinance, is strictly prohibited.
D.    Confidentiality of Student Information. Personally identifiable information concerning students may not be disclosed or used in any way on the Network/Internet without the permission of a parent or guardian or, if the student is 18 or over, the permission of the student himself/herself. Users should never give out private or confidential information about themselves or others on the Network/Internet, particularly credit card numbers and Social Security numbers. A supervising teacher or administrator may authorize the release of directory information, as defined by Ohio law, for internal administrative purposes or approved educational projects and activities.
E.    Active Restriction Measures. The School, either by itself or in combination with the Data Acquisition Site providing Internet access, will utilize filtering software or other technologies to prevent students from accessing visual depictions that are (1) obscene, (2) child pornography, or (3) harmful to minors. The School will also monitor the online activities of students, through direct observation and/or technological means, to ensure that students are not accessing such depictions or any other material, which is inappropriate for minors.
Internet filtering software or other technology-based protection systems may be disabled by a supervising teacher or school administrator, as necessary, for purposes of bona fide research or other educational projects being conducted by students age 17 and older.
The term “harmful to minors” is defined by the Communications Act of 1934 (47 USC Section 254 [h][7], as meaning any picture, image, graphic image file, or other visual depiction that

-    taken as a whole and with respect to minors, appeals to a prurient interest in
nudity, sex, or excretion;
-    depicts, describes, or represents, in a patently offensive way with respect to what is suitable for minors, an actual or simulated sexual act or sexual contact, actual or simulated normal or perverted sexual acts, or a lewd exhibition of the genitals;
-    taken as a whole, lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value as to minors.
V.    PRIVACY
Network and Internet access is provided as a tool for your education. The School District reserves the right to monitor, inspect, copy, review and store at any time and without prior notice any and all usage of the computer network and Internet access and any and all information transmitted or received in connection with such usage. All such information files shall be and remain the property of the School District and no user shall have any expectation of privacy regarding such materials.
VI.    FAILURE TO FOLLOW POLICY
The user’s use of the computer network and Internet is a privilege, not a right. A user who violates this Policy, shall at a minimum, have his or her access to the computer network and Internet terminated, which the School District may refuse to reinstate for the remainder of the student’s enrollment in the School District. A user violates this Policy by his or her own action or by failing to report any violations by other users that come to the attention of the user. Further, a user violates this Policy if he or she permits another to use his or her account or password to access the computer network and Internet, including any user whose access has been denied or terminated. The School District may also take other disciplinary action in such circumstances.
VII.    WARRANTIES/INDEMNIFICATION
The School District makes no warranties of any kind, either express or implied, in connection with its provision of access to and use of its computer networks and the Internet provided under this Policy. It shall not be responsible for any claims, losses, damages or costs (including attorney’s fees) of any kind suffered, directly or indirectly, by any user or his or her parent(s) or guardian(s) arising out of the user’s use of its computer networks or the Internet under this Policy. By signing this Policy, users are taking full responsibility for his or her use, and the user who is 18 or older or, in the case of a user under 18, the parent(s) or guardian(s) are agreeing to indemnify and hold the School, the School District, the Data Acquisition Site that provides the computer and Internet access opportunity to the School District and all of their administrators, teachers, and staff harmless from any and all loss, costs, claims, or damages resulting from the user’s access to its computer network and the Internet, including but not limited to any fees or charges incurred through purchases of goods or services by the user. The user or, if the user is a minor, the user’s parent(s) or guardian(s) agree to cooperate with the School in the event of the School’s initiating an investigation of the user’s use of his or her access to its computer network and the Internet, whether that use is on a School computer or on another computer outside the School District’s network.
VIII.    UPDATES
Users, and if appropriate, the user’s parents/guardians, may be asked from time to time to provide new or additional registration and account information or to sign a new Policy, for example, to reflect developments in the law or technology. Such information must be provided by the user (or his/her parents or guardian) or such new Policy must be signed if the user wishes to continue to receive service. If after you have provided your account information, some or all of the information changes, you must notify the person designated by the School to receive such information.

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Updated 6/12/07