J - STUDENTS

JAA JBA JBB JBC JBCA JBCB JBCBA JBCC JBCCA JBCCB JBCD JBD JBDB JBO JBOA JBP JBPA JC JCAA JCAB JCB JCBC JCBD JCBF JCBFA JCBH JCBI JCBJ JCBJA JCBJB JCD JCE JD JDA JDC JDD JDE JDF JDG JF JFA JFB JGA JGC JGCAA JGCB Equal Educational Opportunities Compulsory Attendance Entrance Age School Admissions Residency Transfer Homeless Admission Pupil Residents Non-Resident Students Tuition Assignment of Students Assignment to Schools Assignment to Classes Transfers and Withdrawals Attendance, Absences, Tardiness and Excuses Truancy Student Bullying Student Complaints of Bullying or Harassing Behavior Procedures Sexual Harassment Title IX Title IX Procedures Code of Conduct Due Process Student Rights Interrogations and Searches (Cf. LDAJA) Student Behavior Disruptive Behavior Fighting Vandalism Care of Property Unlawful or Violent Acts Unlawful Acts Reporting Procedures Gun-Free Schools Bus Conduct (Also see EDCB) Alcohol, Drug Use Random Drug Testing Suspicion-Based Drug and Alcohol Alternative School (Also see IDDI, IDDFB, JBJ) Dress Code Discipline School Safety Act - Discipline Plan Corporal Punishment Detention Suspension Expulsion Discipline Reporting Readmission Denial of Admission Academic Achievement (Also IH) Quality Points Valedictorian/Salutatorian Student Insurance Student Health Services Physical Examinations Inoculations Immunizations Vaccinations

JGCC JGCD JGCE JGFA JGFB JGFC JGFF JHA JHBA JHCAA JHCB JHCD JHEAB JHF JIA JKB JLCD JNA JQB JQL JQN JR JRB JS Fees

Communicable Diseases Medicines/Medications Head Lice Emergency Drills Supervision of Students Off Campus Activity Dismissal Precautions Automobile Use (Cf. EBBE) Fund Raising Secret Societies Student Government Free Speech Band Cheerleaders Food Service Solicitations by Students (Also KEBB) Delivery at School of Student Gifts Student/Staff Recognition Plan Anomalous Students Special Education Hearing/Vision/Behavioral/Academic Screening Education for Homeless Children and Youth Student Records Transcripts (See IKJ) Student Fees (Cf. JBCBA) Waiver of Fees

Date Approved: July 8, 2004 Date Revised: April 10, 2008; November 10, 2011 EQUAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES JAA

Every pupil of the district will have equal educational opportunities regardless of race, color, creed, sex, disability, primary language, immigrant status, religion or marital status. No student shall be excluded on such basis from participating in or having access to any course offerings, athletics, counseling, employment assistance and extra-curricular activities. As provided under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, no person in the U.S. shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance. Further, the school district prohibits sexual harassment of or by any student. This policy applies to conduct during and relating to school and school-sponsored activities. Any student who engages in the sexual harassment of anyone in the school setting may be subject to disciplinary action up to and including expulsion. LEGAL REF.: MS CODE 37-15-35 Mississippi Public School Accountability Standards 1972 Education Amendments, Title IX; 45 CFR Part 86; 1964 Civil rights Act, Title VI; 45 CFR Part 84; 1973 Rehabilitation Act, Section 503; 1973 Rehabilitation Act, Section 504; Brown v. Board of Education, 347 U.S. 483 (1954) Plyler v. Doe, 457 U.S. 202 (1982) CROSS REF.: Policies BA Board Operations Goals and Objectives Mission Statement CA General School Administration Goals and Objectives IB Instructional Goals JC Code of Conduct

Date Approved: July 8, 2004 COMPULSORY SCHOOL ATTENDANCE JBA

The school district shall comply with the requirements of the "Mississippi Compulsory School Attendance Law" (MS CODE, 37-13-91, as amended in the 2003 Regular Session of the Mississippi Legislature). Appropriate data shall be provided to the Office of Compulsory School Attendance Enforcement within the State Department of Education, as may be required by the state. AGE/REQUIREMENTS All children who have attained or will attain the age of 6 years and who have not attained the age of 17 years on or before September 1 of the school year and any child who has attained or will attain the age of five (5) years on or before September 1 and has enrolled in a full-day public school kindergarten program* are compulsory-school-age children" and must be enrolled in school unless the child is: a. b. c. * Physically, mentally or emotionally incapable of attending school as determined by the appropriate school official based upon sufficient medical documentation; Enrolled in and pursuing a course of special education, remedial education or education for handicapped or physically or mentally disadvantaged children; or Being educated in a home instruction program approved by the State Department of Education. 37-13-91 (3)

The parent or guardian of a kindergarten child as described above shall be allowed to disenroll the child from the program on a one-time basis, and such child shall not be deemed a compulsoryschool-age child until the child attains the age of six (6) years. 37-13-91 (2) (f)

UNLAWFUL ABSENCES/VALID EXCUSES An "unlawful absence" is an absence during a school day by a compulsory-school-age child, which absence is not due to a valid excuse for temporary nonattendance. Days missed from school due to disciplinary suspension shall not be considered an "excused" absence under this section. Each of the following shall constitute a valid excuse for temporary nonattendance, provided satisfactory evidence of the excuse is provided to the Superintendent or his/her designee: a. b. c. d. e. f. Attendance at an authorized school activity with the prior approval of the Superintendent of the school district or his/her designee. Illness or injury which prevents the student from being physically able to attend school. When isolation is ordered by the county health officer, by the State Board of Health or appropriate school official. Death or serious illness of a member of the immediate family, which includes children, spouse, grandparents, parents, brothers, sisters, stepbrothers and stepsisters. A medical or dental appointment. Attendance at the proceedings of a court or an administrative tribunal if the student is a party to the action or under subpoena as a witness.

g.

Observance of a religious event, with the prior approval of the Superintendent or his/her designee. (Approval should not be withheld unless, in the professional judgment of the Superintendent or his/her designee, the extent of the absence would adversely affect the student's education.) Participation in a valid educational opportunity, such as travel, including vacations or other family travel, with the prior approval of the Superintendent or his/her designee. (Approval shall be based on the professional judgment of the Superintendent or his/her designee but shall not be withheld unless the extent of the absence would adversely affect the student's education.) Other conditions sufficient to warrant nonattendance, with prior approval of the Superintendent or his/her designee. However, no absences shall be excused when any student suspensions or expulsions circumvent the intent and spirit of the compulsory attendance law. 37-13-91 (4)

h.

i.

NOTE: According to a 1998 Attorney General Opinion, automatic fail provision of an absences policy may not apply against legal, excused absences. Such absences policies may not be applied against absences resulting from disciplinary suspensions; if absences policies are applied to truant children who are otherwise passing, the district must afford the child procedural due process. (Attorney General Opinion, Carter, 1-9-98) (#183) (97-0817) LEGAL REF.: MS CODE as cited Mississippi Public School Accountability Standards CROSS REF.: Policies JBDB Truancy JBD Attendance, Tardiness and Excuses

Date Approved: July 8, 2004 ENTRANCE AGE 1. JBB

No child shall be enrolled or admitted to any kindergarten which is a part of the free public school system during any school year unless such child will reach his/her fifth birthday on or before September 1 of said school year, and no child shall be enrolled or admitted to the first grade in any school which is a part of the free public school system during any school year unless such child will reach his/her sixth birthday on or before September 1 of said school year. No pupil shall be permanently enrolled who formerly was enrolled in another public or private school within the state until the cumulative record of the pupil shall have been received from the school from which he/she transferred. Any child who transfers from an out-of-state public or private school in which that state's law provides for a first-grade or kindergarten enrollment date subsequent to September 1 shall be allowed to enroll at the same grade level as his or her prior out-of-state enrollment, if: a. b. c. d. The parent, legal guardian or custodian of such child was a legal resident of the state from which the child is transferring; The out-of-state school from which the child is transferring is duly accredited by that state's appropriate accrediting authority; Such child was legally enrolled in a public or private school for a minimum of four (4) weeks in the previous state; and The Superintendent has determined that the child was making satisfactory educational progress in the previous state.

2.

LEGAL REF.: MS CODE as cited Mississippi Public School Accountability Standards CROSS REF.: Policy JBC School Admission JBA Compulsory School Attendance

Date Approved: July 8, 2004 Date Revised: May 13, 2010 SCHOOL ADMISSIONS RESIDENCE VERIFICATION TRANSFERS JBC

Whenever any minor child seeks or applies to enroll in the district, he/she shall be accompanied by his/her parent(s) or guardian(s) 37-15-11 (1960) Students who have been expelled from another school district may not be enrolled in the Columbia School District. GENERAL ELIGIBILITY The school district shall admit into its schools all eligible residents and legally transferred minor children who are over five (5) and not over twenty-one (21) years of age on September 1 of the school year.

The school district will provide a free appropriate public education (FAPE) for all identified exceptional children. Disabled preschool age children identified as eligible for special education services will be allowed to attend school for appropriate services. Students enrolled by their parents in private schools have a genuine opportunity for equitable participation in accordance with requirements under IDEA 2004 as described in the Federal Register (34CFR Section 300.130 through 300.148).
Each minor child shall attend school in the school district of his/her residence unless legally transferred to another school district by the School Board pursuant to MS Code Section 37-15-29 (1992). All students shall register at the school they are assigned to attend. Any new student enrolling in the school district or any continuing student whose residence has changed shall be accompanied to enrollment by a parent, legal guardian, legal custodian or adult agent of a social service agency of the district who shall register the minor child for admission, except students who have been legally transferred. The accompanying adult shall be required to verify his/her residence as herein provided as part of the registration process. In the case of separated or divorced parents, court orders and decrees involving custody of children will be controlling. The principal in charge of each school shall require any child enrolling in kindergarten or grade 1 to present a certified birth certificate and valid immunization certificate upon enrollment. It shall be the responsibility of the person in charge of each school to enforce the requirement for evidence of the age of each pupil before enrollment. If the first prescribed evidence is not available, the next evidence obtainable in the order set forth below shall be accepted: 1) A certified birth certificate (long form); 2) A duly attested transcript of a certificate of baptism showing the date of birth and place of baptism of the child, accompanied by an affidavit sworn to by a parent, grandparent or custodian; 3) An insurance policy on the childs life which has been in force for at least two (2) years; 4) A bona fide contemporary Bible record of the childs birth accompanied by an affidavit sworn to by the parent, grandparent or custodian; 5) A passport or certificate of arrival in the United States showing the age of the child; 6) A transcript of record of age shown in the childs school record of at least four (4) years prior to application, stating date of birth; or

7) If none of these evidences can be produced, an affidavit of age sworn to by a parent, grandparent or custodian. Any child enrolling in Kindergarten or Grade 1 shall present the required evidence of age upon enrollment. Any child in Grades 2 through 12 not in compliance at the end of sixty (60) days from enrollment shall be suspended until in compliance. Except as provided in the section below, no child shall be admitted to any school in the school district during any school year unless such child will reach his/her fifth birthday on or before September 1 of said school year for kindergarten enrollment; or unless such child will reach his/her sixth birthday on or before September 1 of said school year for first grade enrollment. No child will be allowed to enroll in or attend any school without a certified birth certificate or valid immunization certificate, report card, and name and address of former school attended. Any child who transfers from an out-of-state public or private school in which that states law provides for a first grade or kindergarten enrollment date subsequent to September 1 shall be allowed to enroll in the school district at the same grade level as his/her prior out-of-state enrollment, if: 1) The parent, legal guardian or custodian of such child was a legal resident of the state from which the child is transferring; 2) The out-of-state school from which the child is transferring is duly accredited by that states appropriate accrediting authority; 3) Such child was legally enrolled in a public or private school for a minimum of four (4) weeks in the previous state; and 4) The Superintendent has determined that the child was making satisfactory educational progress in the previous state. No child in grades two through twelve shall be allowed to enroll in or attend any school without a social security card, valid immunization certificate, long form birth certificate (new students to district), report card, and name and address of former school attended. Valid certificates include: 1) Form 121 Certificate of Compliance 2) Form 121-A Medical Exemption Certificate 3) Form 121-T Temporary Compliance Certificate The Temporary Compliance Certificate, Form 121-T, is not valid after the date shown. After that date, the principal shall deny school attendance by such child unless or until the principal is furnished another Temporary Compliance Certificate, Form 121-T, or a Certificate of Compliance, Form 121, or a Medical Exemption Certificate, Form 121-A. RESIDENCE VERIFICATION PROCEDURE DEFINITION OF RESIDENCE FOR SCHOOL ATTENDANCE PURPOSES: The students parent physically resides full time weekdays/nights and weekends at a place of abode located within the limits of the school district. Except for those students who have been legally transferred, each student must establish his or her residency in the following manner: STUDENTS LIVING WITH PARENT (S) OR GUARDIAN (S) The parent(s) or legal guardian(s) of a student seeking to enroll must provide the school district with at least two of the items listed below as verification of their address, except that a document with a post office box as an address will not be accepted.

Filed Homestead Exemption Application form; Mortgage documents or property deed; Apartment or home lease; Utility bills; Drivers license; Voter precinct identification; Automobile registration; Affidavit and/or personal visit by a designated school district official; Any other documentation that will objectively and unequivocally establish that the parent or guardian resides within the school district; Certified copy of filed petition for guardianship if pending and final decree when granted.

HOMELESS CHILDREN When a child is determined to be homeless as defined by the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, reauthorized January 2002, 42 U.S.C. 11431 (1), 11432 (e) (4) and 11302 (a), the school district shall consider and take enrollment action that is in the best interest of the child pursuant to 42 U.S.C. 11431 et seq. (See JQN.) STUDENTS LIVING WITH ADULTS OTHER THAN PARENTS OR LEGAL GUARDIANS: 1) The non-parent(s) claiming district residency must meet the same criteria required of a parent or legal guardian. 2) The district resident must provide the school with an affidavit stating his or her relationship to the student and that the student will be living at his/her abode full time, and provide documentation fully explaining the reason(s) (other than school attendance zone or district preference) for this arrangement. The Superintendent or his/her designee will make the necessary factual determinations under subsection II.1 (c) (2). Examples of situations where in loco parentis authority of an adult will be recognized to establish residency of the minor include but are not limited to the following: (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) Death or serious illness of the childs parent(s) or guardian(s); Abandonment of the child; Child abuse or neglect; Unstable family relationships or undesirable conditions in the home of the childs parents or guardians having a detrimental effect on the child; Students enrolled in recognized exchange programs residing with host families.

3) Whenever appropriate, the person who has assumed responsibility for the care and custody of the child shall be encouraged to obtain legal guardianship of the child. 4) The requirements stated above are minimum requirements; the school district may require additional documentation and verification at any time. 5) At the minimum, the school district shall maintain in a file a written instrument identifying the types of documents used to verify each students residency and copies of any relevant guardianship petition or decree. 6) The provisions of this policy do not apply to students who reside outside the school district but who have legally transferred into the school district. 7) Any court ordered procedure shall take precedent over any procedure contained herein.

TRANSFERRING STUDENTS A. B. C. No student is to be enrolled in the school district until all questions regarding residence or immunizations have been resolved. Students suspended or expelled from another school or school district are not allowed to enroll. No pupil shall be permanently enrolled in a school in the school district who formerly was enrolled in another school within the state or outside the state until the cumulative record of said pupil shall have been received from the school from which he or she transferred. Should such record have become lost or destroyed, then it shall be the duty of the Superintendent or principal of the school where the pupil last attended school to initiate a new record. Unless a transfer student is tested in the manner provided in Policy II (Testing Programs), the student will be permanently enrolled and placed in a grade or class on the basis of an official transcript of credits from the last school attended. Students seeking to transfer from any school, public or private, within or outside of the boundaries of the State of Mississippi, to the school district may be required to take a standardized test to determine the grade and class to which the pupil shall be assigned at the time of pupil transfer. The principal of the school or his/her designee shall administer the test or tests. Such tests shall be administered within thirty days after the filing of each such application for transfer. Notice of the giving of such test shall be given the applicant not less than five days prior to the date of the administration of such test. No transfer of a pupil shall be effective until the test has been given and the pupil is assigned to the grade and class for which the test shows he or she is best suited. No pupil shall be assigned to a grade and class more than three (3) grades above or below the grade or class that the pupil would have been assigned to had the pupil remained in the school from which the transfer is being made. Pending the administration of the test herein provided for and its grading and an assignment based thereon, the Superintendent may assign the pupil temporarily to a grade and class comparable to that in which the pupil would have been had the pupil continued in the school from which the transfer was being made. If a pupil shall transfer from one school district to another school district in the manner provided and required by the laws of the State of Mississippi, the requirement of such pupil taking the standardized test shall be waived. F. Any legal guardianship formed for the purpose of establishing residency for school district attendance purposes shall not be recognized by the School Board. Any student found to be attending the Columbia School District under false pretense will be removed from the school district immediately (e.g., not receiving an official transfer from home district, residency, custodial/guardianship). LEGAL REF.: MS CODE 37-15-1, 37-15-3, 37-15-9, 37-15-11, 37-15-13, 37-15-29, 37-13-33, and 41-23-37 42, United States Code Sections 11431 11434, State Board of Education: Residency Verification Process Students enrolling in the district's schools for the first time must be of proper age (See JBB) and must present a social security card, a certified birth certificate (long form), and show proof of vaccination

D.

E.

against diphtheria, measles, poliomyelitis, rubella, tetanus, whooping cough and other contagious diseases pursuant to and in compliance with 37-7-301, Mississippi Code, 1972. Students enrolling in the district, grades Pre-K-12, must complete the district registration. No student will be officially enrolled in the district until the registration forms have been completed and signed. LEGAL REF.: As cited above.

Date Approved: July 8, 2004 ADMISSION PUPIL RESIDENTS JBCA

Children of legal school age whose parents or legal guardians are residents of the school district are eligible to attend school. In the case of separated or divorced parents, court orders and decrees involving custody of children will be controlling. Each students residence within the school district must be certified by an affidavit on file at the school the student attends. Any legal guardianship formed for the purpose of establishing residency for school district attendance purposes shall not be recognized by the School Board. 37-15-31 (1) (d) (1989) PRE-KINDERGARTEN ADMISSION All pre-kindergarten students four (4) years old on or prior to September 1 of the current year shall provide the respective school with the following: Birth certificate (long form) Certificate of immunization compliance Legal home address of parent or guardian as per affidavit Social Security account number

KINDERGARTEN ADMISSION All kindergarten students five (5) years old on or prior to September 1 of the current year shall provide the respective school with the following: Birth certificate (long form) Certificate of immunization compliance Legal home address of parent or guardian as per affidavit Social Security account number

ELEMENTARY ADMISSION All first graders six (6) years of age on or prior to September 1 of the current year and new elementary grade pupils shall provide the respective school with the following: Birth Certificate (long form) Certificate of immunization compliance Report card (if available) Name and address of former school attended Legal home address of parent or guardian as per affidavit Social Security number

SECONDARY ADMISSION To be admitted to a secondary school, pupils shall provide the school with the following information: Birth certificate (long form) (new students to the system) Certificate of immunization compliance Report card (if available) Name and address of former school attended Legal home address of parent or guardian as per affidavit Social Security number

Date Approved: July 8, 2004 NON-RESIDENT STUDENTS JBCB

No minor child may enroll in or attend any school except in the school district of his/her residence, unless such child be lawfully transferred from the school district in accord with the statutes of this state now in effect or which may be hereafter enacted. However, those children whose parent(s) or legal guardian(s) are instructional personnel or certificated or non-certificated employees of the school district may make a written request to enroll and attend school in the school district, regardless of the residence of the child. 37-15-29 (1989). It is the policy of the Board to approve such requests. The Columbia School District assumes no responsibility for the transportation of non-resident students. Children who are not dependents of employees of the Columbia School District and who do not reside within the district may request in writing a transfer to the Columbia School District only upon receiving legal transfer from the home school district and being legally accepted by the Columbia School Board. Transfer students will be assessed a tuition charge (approved annually by the School Board). Such tuition shall be paid in advance of each semester at the Administration Building and receipt presented to the school where the student is enrolled prior to attending classes. The Columbia School Board will consider written requests of parents who reside in the Columbia School District and wish their children to attend school in another school district upon the same basis as receiving students. Any transfer approved by the Columbia School District for a student to attend school in another district is done with the stipulation that no local monies will follow the transferring student to the receiving school district. Non-resident students are enrolled on a school year basis and must be reconsidered annually. Legal Ref.: Mississippi Code, as cited above

Date Approved: July 8, 2004 TUITION JBCBA

Tuition shall be assessed by a student whose legal residence is outside the district and who has been released from his/her home school district and accepted by the Columbia School Board. Enrollment shall be considered upon a favorable review of the students school performance and discipline record and a determination that over-crowded conditions do not exist. Permission to attend the Columbia schools may be revoked if overcrowded conditions are determined and/or the student exhibits discipline problems. Tuition fees shall be set annually by the Board. Children whose parents are employees of Columbia School District may attend the Columbia schools without paying tuition. Any student enrolled from outside the school district that fails to pay tuition as required or is improperly enrolled due to false statements or misrepresentation shall be dropped from the school roll. Section 37-19-27, Mississippi Code of 1972, as amended.

Date Approved: July 8, 2004 ASSIGNMENTS OF STUDENTS JBCC

When any child qualified under the requirements of 37-15-9 shall apply or present himself or herself for enrollment in or admission to the schools of the school district, the School Board shall have the power and authority to designate the particular school in which such child shall be enrolled and which he or she shall attend; no enrollment of a child in a school shall be final or permanent until such designation shall be made by the School Board. No child shall be entitled to attend any school except that to which he or she has been assigned by the School Board; however, the principal of a school with approval of the Superintendent, may, in proper cases, permit a child to attend a school temporarily until a permanent assignment is made by the School Board. 37-15-13 (1994)

Date Approved: July 8, 2004 ASSIGNMENTS TO SCHOOLS JBCCA

No child shall be required to be transported in excess of thirty (30) miles on a school bus from his/her home to school, or in excess of thirty (30) miles from school to his/her home, if there is another school in an adjacent school district located on a shorter school bus transportation route by the nearest traveled road. Those children residing in such geographical situations may, at the discretion of their parent(s) or legal guardian(s), enroll and attend the nearer school, regardless of the residence of the child. In the event the parent or legal guardian of such child and the School Board are unable to agree on the school bus mileage required to transport the child from his/her home to school, an appeal shall be made to the State Board of Education, or its designee, whose decision shall be final. Any transfer student from a school or program (correspondence, tutorial, or home study) not accredited regionally or by the State Board of Education [or its designee(s)] is given either a standardized achievement test(s) or teacher-made special subject test(s) to determine the appropriate classification of the student within thirty (30) days after filing for transfer. Notice of the administering of such test(s) shall be given to the applicant not less than five days prior to the date of the administration of such test. {MS Code 37-15-33} LEGAL REF.: MS CODE as cited Mississippi Public School Accountability Standards CROSS REF.: Policy JBAB Home Schooling/Transfer Student Testing

Date Approved: July 8, 2004 ASSIGNMENTS TO CLASSES JBCCB

All students enrolled in kindergarten and first grade in each school shall be in compliance with age of entry requirements. {MS Code 37-15-9} EXCEPTION: Any child who transfers from an out-of-state school whose state law provides for an enrollment date subsequent to September 1 may be enrolled if specific provisions are met. All students enrolled in the school district must comply with immunization requirements. {MS Code 37-7301(I), 37-15-1, and 41-23-37} LEGAL REF.: MS Code, as cited above

Date Approved: July 8, 2004 STUDENT TRANSFER JBCD

All students who transfer from another school system must present a transfer certificate, textbooks receipts and other school records upon entrance to the Columbia Schools. If transfer records do not show a birth date and certificate number, the student must present an official birth certificate. A certificate of immunization must also be presented. Any student entering the Columbia Schools from a non-accredited school or school system not accredited will be tested to determine appropriate grade placement. Students who have been suspended or expelled from another school district may not be enrolled in the Columbia School District.

Date Approved: July 8, 2004 ATTENDANCE, ABSENCES, TARDINESS AND EXCUSES JBD

Policies governing absences, tardies, and attendance are adopted by the School Board and published annually as official policy statements of the Columbia School District.

Date Approved: July 8, 2004 TRUANCY A "truant" is a student who is absent without a valid excuse as identified in Policy JBA. "Truancy" also includes absence without permission from any class or school-related activity for which a student is scheduled during the school day. Disciplinary action shall be taken against students who are truant. Continued truancy may lead to academic failure, placement in the alternative school program and/or suspension or expulsion from the regular and/or alternative school programs. Reports of truancy shall be made in accordance with the Mississippi Compulsory School Attendance Law and Policy JBA. JBDB

Date Approved: June 10, 2010 STUDENT BULLYING

JBO

The Columbia School District does not condone and will not tolerate bullying or harassing behavior. Bullying or harassing behavior is any pattern of gestures or written, electronic or verbal communications, or any physical act or any threatening communication, or any act reasonably perceived as being motivated by any actual or perceived differentiating characteristic that (a) places a student or school employee in actual and reasonable fear of harm to his or her person or damage to his or her property, or (b) creates or is certain to create a hostile environment by substantially interfering with or impairing a student's educational performance, opportunities, or benefits. A "hostile environment" means that the victim subjectively views the conduct as bullying or harassing behavior and the conduct is objectively severe or pervasive enough that a reasonable person would agree that it is bullying or harassing behavior. Bullying or harassing behavior will not be condoned or tolerated when it takes place on school property, at any school-sponsored function, on a school bus, or when it takes place off school property when such conduct, in the determination of the school superintendent or principal, renders the offending persons presence in the classroom a disruption to the educational environment of the school or a detriment to the best interest and welfare of the pupils and teacher of such class as a whole. The Columbia School District will make every reasonable effort to ensure that no student or school employee is subjected to bullying or harassing behavior by other school employees or students. Likewise, the District will make every reasonable effort to ensure that no person engages in any act of reprisal or retaliation against a victim, witness, or a person with reliable information about an act of bullying or harassing behavior. The District encourages anyone who has witnessed or has reliable information that a student or school employee has been subject to any act of bullying or harassing behavior to report the incident to the appropriate school official. The School Board directs the superintendent or designee to design and implement procedures for reporting, investigating, and addressing bullying and harassing behaviors. The procedures should be appropriately placed in District personnel policy handbooks, school handbooks that include discipline policies and procedures, and any other policy or procedure that deals with student or employee behavior. The discipline policies and procedures must recognize the fundamental right of every student to take reasonable actions as may be necessary to defend himself or herself from an attack by another student who has evidenced menacing or threatening behavior through bullying or harassing. Furthermore, the Columbia School District defines reasonable action as promptly reporting the behavior to a teacher, principal, counselor, or other school employee when subjected to bullying or harassing behavior. Ref: SB 2015; Miss. Code Ann. 37-7-301(e)


Date Approved: June 10, 2010 STUDENT COMPLAINTS OF BULLYING OR HARASSING BEHAVIOR JBOA PROCEDURES Students and employees in the Columbia School District are protected from bullying or harassing behavior by other students or employees. It is the intent of the Board and the administration to maintain an environment free from bullying and harassing behavior. This complaint procedure provides a process for filing, processing, and resolving complaints of such conduct. Adherence to these procedures is mandatory. The failure of any person to follow these procedures will constitute a waiver of the right to pursue a complaint at any level, including review by the Board. I. Definitions Bullying or harassing behavior is any pattern of gestures or written, electronic or verbal communications, any physical act, any threatening communication, or any act reasonably perceived as being motivated by any actual or perceived differentiating characteristic that (a) places a student or school employee in actual and reasonable fear of harm to his or her person or damage to his or her property, or (b) creates or is certain to create a hostile environment by substantially interfering with or impairing a student's educational performance, opportunities, or benefits. A "hostile environment" means that the victim subjectively views the conduct as bullying or harassing behavior and the conduct is objectively severe or pervasive enough that a reasonable person would agree that it is bullying or harassing behavior. Bullying or harassing behavior will not be condoned or tolerated when it takes place on school property, at any school-sponsored function, on a school bus, or at a place off school property when such conduct, in the determination of the school superintendent or principal, renders the offending persons presence in the classroom a disruption to the educational environment of the school or a detriment to the best interest and welfare of the pupils and teacher of such class as a whole. II. Procedures for Processing a Complaint Any student, school employee or volunteer who feels he/she has been a victim of bullying or harassing behavior, has witnessed, or who has reliable information that a student, school employee, or volunteer has been subject to bullying or harassing behavior shall report such conduct to a teacher, principal, counselor or other school official. The report shall be made promptly but no later than five (5) calendar days after the alleged act or acts occurred. The school official shall complete a Bullying/Harassing Behavior complaint form which shall include the name of the reporting person, the specific nature and date of the misconduct, the name of the victim of the misconduct, the names of any witnesses, and any other

information that would assist in the investigation of the complaint. The report shall be given promptly to the principal or superintendent who shall institute an immediate investigation. Complaints against the principal shall be made to the superintendent and complaints against the superintendent shall be made to the Board chairman. The complaint shall be investigated promptly. Parents will be notified of the nature of any complaint involving their student. The District official will arrange such meetings as may be necessary with all concerned parties within five (5) working days after initial receipt of the complaint by the District. The parties will have an opportunity to submit evidence and a list of witnesses. All findings related to the complaint will be reduced to writing. The District official conducting the investigation shall notify the victim and parents as appropriate when the investigation is completed and a decision regarding disciplinary action, as warranted, is determined. If the victim is not satisfied with the decision of the District official, he/she may submit a written appeal to the superintendent. Such appeal shall be filed within ten (10) working days after receipt of the results of the initial decision. The superintendent will arrange such meetings with the victim and other affected parties as deemed necessary to discuss the appeal. The superintendent shall provide a written decision to the victims appeal within ten (10) working days. If the victim is not satisfied with the decision of the superintendent, a written appeal may be filed with the Board. Such appeal shall be filed within ten (10) working days after receipt of the decision of the superintendent. The Board shall, within twenty (20) working days, allow the victim and parents as appropriate to appear before the Board to present reasons for dissatisfaction with the decision of the superintendent. The Board shall provide a written decision within ten (10) working days following the victims appearance before the Board.

Date Approved: July 8, 2004 STUDENT COMPLAINTS OF SEXUAL DISCRIMINATION/HARASSMENT TITLE IX JBP

As provided under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, no person in the U.S. shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance. Students in the Columbia School District are protected from sexual discrimination, including sexual harassment, by Title IX of the Education Amendment of 1972 to the Civil Rights Act. Unwelcomed sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature amounting to or constituting harassment are prohibited. HARASSMENT PROHIBITED The school district prohibits sexual harassment of or by any student. This policy applies to conduct during the school day and school-sponsored activities. Any student who engages in sexual harassment will be subject to disciplinary action, including expulsion. SEXUAL MISCONDUCT PROHIBITED If any person eighteen (18) years or older who is employed by any public or private school district in this state is accused of fondling or having any type of sexual involvement with any child under the age of eighteen (18) years who is enrolled in such school, the principal of such school and the Superintendent shall notify the district attorney with jurisdiction where the school is located of such accusation, provided that such accusation is reported to the principal and to the Superintendent and that there is a reasonable basis to believe that such accusation is true. 97-5-24 (1994) LEGAL REF.: MS CODE as cited 1972 Education Amendments, Title VII & Title IX CROSS REF.: Policies JAA Equal Education Opportunities JBPA Students Complaints of Sexual Discrimination/Harassment Title IX Procedures

Date Approved: July 8, 2004 STUDENT COMPLAINTS OF SEXUAL DISCRIMINATION/HARASSMENT TITLE IX PROCEDURES JBPA

This complaint procedure shall provide a process for filing, processing and resolving complaints in matters related to complaints of sexual harassment/discrimination. Adherence to these procedures is mandatory. The failure of any person to follow these procedures will constitute a waiver of the right to pursue a complaint at any level, including review by the Board. I. DEFINITIONS A. Sexual harassment exists when unwelcomed sexual advances, requests for sexual favors or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature meets one of the following criteria: 1. QUID PRO QUO HARASSMENT Submission to such conduct is made, either implicitly or explicitly, a term or condition for a students assignment of grades, promotion or other school-related benefit. 2. QUID PRO QUO HARASSMENT Submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for decisions affecting that individual. 3. HOSTILE ENVIRONMENT HARASSMENT Such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with the students work performance or creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive teaching or learning environment. B. A complaint is a report by any student, a parent, legal guardian or custodian of a student or any employee which alleges that a policy or practice of the district or a practice or act of any of its employees or students has discriminated against a student on the basis of sex, including sexual harassment. C. The complainant is the student or parent, legal guardian or custodian of a student or employee who submits a complaint. D. The respondent is the person alleged to be responsible for the violation alleged in a complaint. The term may be used to designate persons with responsibility for a particular action or those persons with supervisory responsibility for procedures and policies in those areas covered in the complaint. E. The Title IX Coordinator is the person(s) designated by the Superintendent to coordinate the districts efforts to comply with and carry out responsibilities under Title IX and other state and federal laws addressing equal educational opportunity. F. A day means a school day and does not include holidays and/or weekends. II. GENERAL RULES A. The number of days indicated at each step are considered to be maximum; a concerted effort to expedite the process will be made. At any step in the complaint procedure, the time limits may be extended only when necessary under the circumstances. These procedures shall not be extended for more than a 90-day period.

B. If a review is not requested at any step within the time allotted and if the decision at the prior step found a reasonable basis to believe that an employee has engaged in any sexual misconduct or involvement with any student under the age of 18, the Title IX Coordinator shall, immediately upon the expiration of the allotted time, submit such information to the Superintendent. The Superintendent shall make such information available to the appropriate district attorney as required by district policy and Mississippi law. C. Facts elicited during the complaint procedure are confidential and do not become part of a students permanent record. A copy of documents, communications and records dealing with the processing of a complaint will be filed in a separate file as designated by the Superintendent. D. Facts elicited during the complaint procedure that result in adverse disciplinary action against an employee become part of that employees personnel file. E. The failure of a complainant to proceed from one step to the next within the set time limits, without being granted an extension of time by the Title IX Coordinator, shall be deemed to be an acceptance of the decision previously rendered and shall eliminate any future review concerning that particular complaint. F. The failure of the reviewing officer(s) to communicate his/her decision to the complainant or respondent within the time limits shall permit the complainant or respondent to proceed to the next step. G. The complainant may withdraw his/her complaint at any step without reprisal. However, a complainant shall not be permitted to refile the same complaint once withdrawn unless it is within the initial time period. H. No reprisal shall be invoked against the complainant for filing a complaint or against any person for participation in any way in this procedure. I. III. If the complaint is against the students principal, the complainant may go directly to the Title IX Coordinator. PROCEDURES FOR PROCESSING A COMPLAINT The building level principal will immediately investigate a complaint. If the evidence is adequate for a potential problem, the following procedures will take place. Party/Parties Involved/Action Required A. Complainant Within five (5) days from the time a complaint becomes known, the complainant must complete and submit to the Title IX Coordinator a written Title IX Report form. The report must state the respondents name, the nature and date of the alleged violation, the names of any witnesses to such alleged violation and requested action. Forms shall be available from all principals offices and from the Title IX Coordinator. Within two (2) days from receipt of the written complaint, the Title IX Coordinator shall notify the respondent. Within five (5) days, the respondent shall be required to respond in writing to the Title IX Coordinator, as follows:

B. C.

Title IX Coordinator Respondent

1. 2. 3. D. Title IX Coordinator

Confirm or deny the facts as alleged; Indicate acceptance or rejection complainants requested action; or Outline alternative actions.

of

the

Within five (5) days from receipt of the respondents response, the Title IX Coordinator shall provide an initial response to the complainant and respondent, stating initial conclusions of fact and proposed action, if any. Within five (5) days of receiving the initial response, the complainant or respondent may request, in writing, a hearing on the matter. Upon receipt of a written request for hearing, the Title IX Coordinator shall schedule a hearing to be held within 510 days before an unbiased panel of 3-5 district employees. The Title IX Coordinator shall give written notice of such hearing to the complainant, respondent, students principal or employees supervisor, Superintendent and other appropriate witnesses if applicable. Within 5-10 days of the receipt of the written request for a hearing by the Title IX Coordinator, a hearing shall be scheduled before an unbiased panel of 3-5 district employees. The Title IX Coordinator shall facilitate the hearing, at which the following rules shall apply: 1. 2. 3. 4. The hearing shall be informal. The legal rules of evidence and procedure shall not apply. The complainant and respondent shall be permitted to submit written evidence and to bring witnesses before the panel. The Title IX Hearing Panel members may question any witnesses brought before them. The complainant and respondent shall be permitted to make a statement before the panel and may be permitted to examine their witnesses and to cross-examine witnesses actually presented by the other parties. Representation of the complainant or respondent by other individuals shall not be permitted. The Title IX Coordinator shall create and maintain a record of the hearing which shall include the names of all witnesses, all investigation reports, a summary of all witness testimony and all documentary evidence.

E.

Complainant or Respondent

F.

Title IX Coordinator

G.

Title IX Coordinator, Grievant, Respondent, Title IX Hearing Panel

5. 6.

H.

Title IX Hearing Panel

Within five (5) days after the hearing, the Title IX Hearing Panel shall issue a written decision, which shall include findings of fact and recommended action. Upon receipt of the decision of the Title IX Hearing

I.

Title IX Coordinator

Panel, the Title IX Coordinator shall provide a copy of such decision to the complainant, respondent, principal or supervisor and Superintendent. J. Complainant or Respondent If the complainant or respondent is not satisfied with the decision, he/she may request a review by the Superintendent. The request for such review must be made in writing to the Title IX Coordinator within five (5) days of receipt of the Panels decision. Upon receipt of a request for review by the Superintendent, the Title IX Coordinator shall notify the Superintendent of such request and submit to the Superintendent the record of the hearing, the panel decision and all related documents. Within ten (10) days of notice of request for review, the Superintendent shall review the record and panel decision and shall issue a decision. The Superintendent may concur in the findings and recommendations of the panel or may make alternate findings and recommendations. The Superintendent shall have his/her decision provided to the Title IX Coordinator, complainant, respondent and the principal or supervisor within the ten (10) day period. Within five (5) days of the receipt of the Superintendents decision, if dissatisfied with the decision, the complainant or respondent must submit a written request for review by the School Board to the Title IX Coordinator. Upon receipt of the request for review, the Title IX Coordinator must schedule a review before the governing School Board to be held at the Board's next regular or special meeting, but in no event more than 30 days from such request. The Title IX Coordinator shall provide the Board members with copies of the hearing record, all investigation reports, the panel decision, the Superintendents decision and all related documents. Within 30 days of the request for review, the Board shall review the hearing record, all investigation, all reports, the panel decision, the Superintendents decision and all related records. The review is not a hearing; no party has the right to present further witnesses or other evidence or to examine any witness or party. However, the Board may, in its discretion, permit statements of limited duration from the complainant or his/her representative and the respondent or his/her representative. All usual rules of Board procedure shall apply. Furthermore, the Board may, in its discretion, require that the review be conducted in closed or executive session. Within ten (10) days of the review, the Board shall issue a final written decision. The Board may concur in the

K.

Title IX Coordinator

L.

Superintendent

M.

Complainant or Respondent

N.

Title IX Coordinator

O.

School Board, Title IX Coordinator, Complainant, Respondent

P.

School Board

findings of the Superintendent and direct that the recommended actions be taken or may make alternate findings and direct appropriate actions be taken by the Superintendent or other appropriate administrator. The decision of the Board is final.

Date Approved: July 8, 2004 Date Revised: April 10, 2008 CODE OF STUDENT CONDUCT JC

The School Board of the Columbia School District adopts rules governing student conduct and discipline which are published annually in school handbooks. LEGAL REF.: MS Code 37-11-55

Date Approved: July 8, 2004 DUE PROCESS JCAA

When a student is confronted with disciplinary action, the Board and its administrators shall afford him/her the safeguards of due process as required by applicable law. In any case, the student must be made fully aware of his/her rights and must be given an opportunity to present his/her side of the case prior to any action being taken by school officials. The Superintendent and the principal of a school shall have the power to suspend a student for good cause or for any reason for which such student might be suspended, dismissed or expelled by the School Board. However, such action of the Superintendent or principal shall be subject to review by and the approval or disapproval of the School Board. If the parent, guardian or other person having custody of any child shall feel aggrieved by the suspension or dismissal of that child, such parent, guardian or other person shall have the right to a due process hearing. The parent or guardian of the child shall be advised of this right to a hearing by the Superintendent or principal, and the proper form shall be provided for requesting such a hearing. 37-9-71 LEGAL REF.: MS Code 37-7-307 (e), 37-9-71 Goss v. Lopez, 419 U.S. 565 (1975) U.S. Constitution, Amendment XIV Wood v. Strickland, U.S. 95S Ct. 992 (1975) DUE PROCESS PROCEDURE A student who has been suspended or expelled or otherwise denied admission to attend school has the right to due process. All aspects, circumstances and records of the student's case shall be confidential and available only to authorized school officials dealing directly with the student or to the student's parents, legal guardians or attorneys for the student or for the Board. The following procedures provide notice and opportunity to be heard in such matters. STEP ONE: Applies to: INITIAL INFORMAL HEARING Suspensions of 3-5 days or less (Initial suspension may be more than 3 days with approval of the Superintendent. Subsequent suspensions may be up to 5 days at the discretion of the principal.) Suspensions of 5 days or more Recommendations of Expulsions Denials of admission An initial informal hearing is required in each case where disciplinary action may be taken against a student and where an expelled student makes application of readmission following the conclusion of the expulsion period. After an initial investigation appropriate under the circumstances, the principal, Superintendent or designee shall: 1. Advise the student of the charges against him/her or reasons for nonadmission; 2. Afford the student a full opportunity to respond; and 3. If the student denies the charges or contests the reasons for nonadmission, explain the evidence in support thereof. After the informal hearing, the principal may take the following actions: 1. SUSPENSION OF 3-5 DAYS OR LESS: The principal may issue to the student and legal guardian a notice of suspension not longer than 3 consecutive school

A.

B.

days on the student's first suspension of the school year. More than a 3-day initial suspension requires approval of the Superintendent. Subsequent suspensions may be up to 5 days at the discretion of the principal. The suspension is effective immediately; no further due process is required. 2. IMMEDIATE REMOVAL: The principal may immediately dismiss the student from school for the day when such is necessary to restore order, to protect the safety of the student or others and/or to resume normal school functions but when an immediate suspension is not or may not be appropriate. A student sent home under these circumstances shall be instructed to return the following day with his/her legal guardian. Should the student not return as instructed, the principal shall mail a "Notice of Suspension" for 5 days or less, as appropriate (5 days with approval of the Superintendent.) IMMEDIATE SUSPENSION AND RECOMMENDATION OF EXPULSION: Upon the principal's recommendation, the Superintendent may immediately suspend a student for 10 days or less and recommend expulsion when there is reason to believe that the student committed an unlawful or violent act, as defined or otherwise provided by district policy. The suspension shall be effective immediately, pending conclusion of due process on the recommendation of expulsion. DENIAL OF ADMISSION: The principal or Superintendent may recommend a denial of admission which shall be effective immediately, pending the conclusion of due process.

3.

4.

STEP TWO: Applies to:

APPEAL Suspensions of 5 days or more Expulsions Denials of admission

If, after the initial hearing, the principal or Superintendent determines that a recommendation of suspension for 5 days or more, expulsion or other denial of admission is the appropriate disciplinary action: 1. The principal or Superintendent shall give the student a written "Notice of Suspension and Recommendation of Expulsion/Nonadmission and Statement of Rights" in a form provided by the Superintendent for such purposes. 2. The notice shall contain a statement of the charges/reasons, advise the student of his/her rights to legal counsel, to present witnesses and to cross-examine witnesses presented against him and state the date, time and place for hearing. A copy of the notice will be hand-delivered to the student when possible and the original hand-delivered or mailed to the legal guardian. A hearing before a Hearing Officer (superintendent or designee) shall automatically be scheduled no later than the tenth school day following the date of notice. Pending the outcome of the hearing before the Hearing Officer: a. The student may be offered temporary placement in the alternative school program when the counselor verifies the student's suitability for such program and, in such case, the hearing before the Hearing Officer may be held at any appropriate time without application of the 10-day

3.

4.

limitation. However, the district may not offer temporary placement when the offense upon which the action is based is gang or group-related fighting, violation of prohibitions against weapons or controlled substances, assault of a staff member or other unlawful or violent act. b. The student may be allowed to remain in school if the principal or, in the case of nonadmission, the Superintendent determines that his or her continued presence is not detrimental to the normal functioning of the school program. In such case, the hearing may be held at any appropriate time without application of the 10-day limitation. The Officer shall hear and consider all cases presented and is authorized to: i. Concur or not concur with the suspension, expulsion or nonadmission recommendation: ii. Confirm or specify the duration of a suspension of eleven days or more, to remove the suspension or expulsion or to recommend admission; and Recommend limited or unlimited expulsion or nonadmission to the Board. Prepare a written summary of each case.

c.

iii. iv. d. e.

All expulsion and nonadmission recommendations shall be subject to review by the Superintendent and by the Board. After completing this appeal step, a parent, legal guardian or custodian aggrieved by a decision to suspend his/her child may request review of the decision by the Board. A request for review must be submitted to the Board within two (2) days after receiving a decision at this appeal step.

STEP THREE: REVIEW BY THE BOARD Applies to: Suspensions (only upon request by parents) Expulsions Denials of admission The Board shall, at its next regular or special meeting following the recommendation, review and take final action on all recommendations for expulsions, denial of admission and any requests for review of suspensions. All consideration of student disciplinary actions shall be conducted in accordance with standard Board procedure. All decisions by the Board shall be final. According to a 1998 Attorney General Opinion, automatic fail provision of an absences policy may not apply against legal, excused absences. Such absences policies may not be applied against absences resulting from disciplinary suspensions; if absences policies are applied to truant children who are otherwise passing, the district must afford the child procedural due process. (Attorney General Opinion, Carter, 1-9-98) (#183) (97-0817) LEGAL REF.: MS CODE 37-9-71; 37-15-9; 37-13-92 CROSS REF.: Policies JCD Alternative School Program JDA Discipline Plan

Date Approved: July 8, 2004 SCHOOL SEARCHES DESKS AND LOCKERS Desks and lockers are school property and remain at all times under the control of the school. However, students are responsible for contents in desks and lockers issued to them by the school. School authorities may conduct periodic general inspections related to school administration. Inspection of individual lockers or desks may occur when there is reasonable basis to do so; in those cases, the student or a third party shall be present. Buildings, desks, and lockers may be searched by trained police officers using trained drug dogs when there is reason to suspect the presence of drugs. Unannounced random searches using dogs may be conducted. AUTOMOBILES The school retains authority to inspect student automobiles used as transportation to school. When a school authority has reasonable suspicion to believe that illegal or unauthorized materials are contained inside a student vehicle, the police will be called, and the student may be required to open the automobile, including the trunk, for further inspection. Automobiles may be searched by trained police officers using trained drug dogs when there is reason to suspect the presence of drugs. Unannounced random searches using dogs may be conducted. SEARCH OF STUDENTS A student's person and/or personal effects may be searched whenever a school authority has reasonable suspicion to believe that the student is in possession of illegal or unauthorized materials. Metal detectors may be used by school personnel whenever a school authority believes the situation warrants their use. If a pat-down search of a student's person is conducted, it will be conducted in private by a school official of the same sex with an adult witness present. It will be an extremely rare situation that requires a more intrusive search of a student's person than a patdown. Only if extreme emergency conditions exist, and only upon prior approval by the central office, shall a more intrusive search be conducted. If such a search is necessary, it will be conducted in private by a school official of the same sex with an adult witness of the same sex present. NOTICE OF POLICY Students will be provided notice of the School Search Policy by having the policy placed in the student handbook and distributed to all students. JCAB

SCHOOL SEARCHES

The Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution and Article 3, 23 of the Mississippi Constitution provides all people with the right to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects against unreasonable searches. However, circumstances will arise where searches of students' persons, possessions, lockers, desks and vehicles will be necessary. Administrators have the authority and obligation to exercise discretion in the implementation of this policy, balancing the district's responsibility to maintain discipline, order, and a safe environment conducive to education with the students' legitimate expectations of privacy. I. REQUIREMENTS All searches must be pre-approved by the Superintendent, principal, assistant principal or acting principal. No other district employee may authorize a search except where an emergency situation exists. At least two district employees must be present while a search is conducted. If, in the discretion of the administrator or employee conducting the search, the search is particularly intrusive, the person conducting the search and the witnesses, or at least one of them, should be the same sex as the student. No student other than the student who is the subject of the search may be present during the search. All searches must be reasonable in scope. II. SEARCHES PERMITTED Searches are permitted as follows: A. PERSON, POSSESSIONS, LOCKERS: Searches of a student's person, possessions or lockers may be conducted if a district employee has prior individualized reasonable suspicion that a student has violated or is violating a district policy, school rules or regulations or the law and that the search will result in discovery of evidence of such violation. DESKS, OTHER SCHOOL PROPERTY: Searches of desks and other school property (except lockers) may be conducted at any time, with or without reasonable suspicion of a violation. VEHICLES: Searches of vehicles driven to school by or for students may be searched by visual inspection with or without reasonable suspicion of a violation. If a visual search results in individualized reasonable suspicion of a violation, a more intrusive search of the vehicle may be conducted at the direction of the principal. CANINE SEARCHES: The district may at any time utilize canines to search vehicles, possessions not on the student's person, desks, lockers and other school property, with or without reasonable suspicion of a violation. A canine response indicating the presence of contraband constitutes reasonable suspicion, and a more intrusive search may be conducted at the direction of the principal.

B.

C.

D.

E.

GROUP SEARCHES: Caution shall be exercised when a search involving a number of students is conducted. In most instances, in order to justify a search, the district's reasonable suspicion must be particularized to an individual student. Exceptions to this requirement are appropriate only where the intrusiveness of the search is minimal, such as canine searches of lockers, desks or bookbags or automobile searches, etc.

F.

STRIP SEARCHES: No student shall be subjected to a strip search except where an emergency situation exists and with pre-approval by the principal. No student shall be asked to remove any article of clothing in the presence of a member of the opposite sex or of other students.

III.

DEFINITIONS A. "Reasonable in scope" means that the degree of the intrusion must be consistent with the objective of the search. Factors to be considered in whether the scope of a search is reasonable include, but are not limited to, the following: 1. 2. 3. B. The student's age, maturity, and sex; The nature or level of seriousness of the suspected violation; and The intrusiveness of the search, e.g. a canine search is less intrusive than a locker search; a locker search is less intrusive than a "pat-down"; etc.

"Reasonable suspicion" refers to a flexible concept requiring the application of experience and common sense. Determinations of whether reasonable suspicion to support a search exists shall be made on a case-by-case basis with due consideration of all circumstances. In all cases, "reasonable suspicion" must be supported by articulable facts. Factors to be considered in making this determination include, but are not limited to, the following: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. The reliability of the information indicating that evidence of a violation may be discovered; The existence of reasonable suspicion that such evidence will be discovered; The individualization of the suspicion toward the person to be the subject of the search; The prevalence or seriousness of the problem to which the search is directed; The exigency of the circumstances; and In some circumstances, the student's history and record in school.

IV.

DISCIPLINARY ACTION If a search reveals grounds for a reasonable belief that a violation of a district policy, school rules or regulations or the law has occurred, the student will be subject to disciplinary action as provided by district policy.

V.

POLICE SEARCHES

School officials are obligated to cooperate with law enforcement authorities who are validly carrying out their official duties. In such cases involving a student, the district shall make an immediate attempt to notify the student's parent, guardian, or custodian. The principal or principal's designee shall attend the search if conducted on or about the school premises and shall take any disciplinary action necessary as a result of the search. LEGAL REF.: New Jersey v. T.L.O., 469 U.S. 325 (1985); Horton v. Goose Creek Independent School Dist., 690 F.2d 470 (5th Cir. 1982), cert.denied, 103 S.Ct. 35 (1983); Tarter v. Raybuck, 742 F.2d 977 (6th Cir. 1984), cert. denied, 105 S.Ct. 1749 (1985)

Date Approved: July 8, 2004 CONDUCT DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIOR JCB

A code of student conduct shall be adopted annually by the Board and provided to all teachers, school personnel, students and parents, legal guardians or custodians at the beginning of each school year. The Superintendent shall develop the code of conduct in consultation with principals, teachers, school personnel, students and parents, legal guardians or custodians. The School Safety Act of 2001 provides a procedure for disciplining students whose behavior, as determined by the principal or designated administrator of each school, seriously interferes with the school environment as defined by the Act. The Superintendent is authorized to develop and implement more fully the following procedures in the school district. These provisions of the School Safety Act of 2001 are cumulative and in addition to existing school district discipline procedures. The teacher is the authority in the classroom and, as such, is charged with classroom management. The administration will continue to support the teacher in decisions made in compliance with the written discipline code of conduct, school policies and procedures. "Disruptive Behavior" means conduct of a student that is so unruly, disruptive or abusive that it seriously interferes with a school teacher's or school administrator's ability to communicate with the students in a classroom, with a student's ability to learn, or with the operation of a school or a school-related activity, and which is not covered by other laws related to violence or possession of weapons or controlled substances on school property, school vehicles or at school-related activities. Such behaviors include, but are not limited to foul, profane, obscene, threatening, defiant or abusive language or action toward teachers or other school employees; defiance, ridicule or verbal attack of a teacher; and willful, deliberate and overt acts of disobedience of the directions of a teacher. (See Policy JD.) "Habitually disruptive" refers to such actions of a student which cause disruption in a classroom, on school property or vehicles or at a school-related activity on more than two (2) occasions during a school year, and to disruptive behavior that was initiated, willful and overt on the part of the student and which required the attention of school personnel to deal with the disruption. (See Policy JD.)

The school district may use video camera equipment in classrooms for the purpose of monitoring school disciplinary problems.

Date Approved: July 8, 2004 FIGHTING JCBC

District policies governing student fighting are adopted by the School Board and published annually in student handbooks as official policy statements of the school district.

Date Approved: July 8, 2004 CARE OF SCHOOL PROPERTY/VANDALISM JCBD

Section 37-11-9 states that "if any pupil shall willfully destroy, cut, deface, damage, or injure any building, equipment or other school property he/she shall be liable to suspension or expulsion and his/her parents in loco parentis shall be liable for damages." Parents/guardians will be notified in writing of a student's destruction or defacement of school property. Also see Policy JC.

Date Approved: July 8, 2004 UNLAWFUL OR VIOLENT ACTS JCBF

Any unlawful or violent act is absolutely prohibited on school property or during school-related activities. DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS A student shall be subject to automatic suspension and recommendation of expulsion by the Superintendent or principal when there exist reasonable grounds to believe that a student has committed an unlawful or violent act on school property, during school-related activities or otherwise when the commission of the unlawful or violent act has or threatens a disruptive effect on the educational process or threatens the safety of the student or others. Such suspension pending expulsion or reassignment to the alternative school program shall take effect immediately subject to the procedures of due process stated in Policy JDE Expulsion. Any student who possesses any controlled substance, a knife, handgun, other firearm or any other instrument considered to be dangerous and capable of causing bodily harm or who commits a violent act on school property shall be subject to automatic expulsion by the Superintendent or principal of the school in which the student is enrolled. Such expulsion shall take effect immediately subject to the Constitutional rights of due process, which shall include the students right to appeal to the School Board. REPORTING All school employees shall report unlawful activities and violent acts in accordance with Policy JCBFA. DEFINITIONS An unlawful activity" means any of the following: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Possession or use of a deadly weapon; Possession, sale or use of any controlled substance; Aggravated assault; Simple assault upon any school employee; Rape; Sexual battery; Murder; Kidnapping; Fondling, touching, handling, etc., of a child for lustful purposes; Any violent act.

A violent act is one which results in or is an attempt to cause death or physical harm of another person. School property includes any school building, bus, campus, grounds, recreational area, athletic field or other property owned, used or operated by the District.

DISRUPTION TO THE EDUCATIONAL PROCESS The Superintendent and principal of a school shall have the power to suspend a pupil for good cause, including misconduct in the school or on school property, as defined in Section 37-11-29, on the road to and from school, or at any school-related activity or event, or for conduct occurring on property other than school property or other than at a school-related activity or event when such conduct by a pupil, in the determination of the Superintendent or principal, renders that pupil's presence in the classroom a disruption to the educational environment of the school or a detriment to the best interest and welfare of the pupils and teacher of such class as a whole, or for any reason for which such pupil might be suspended, dismissed, or expelled by the School Board under state or federal law or any rule, regulation or policy of the school district. However, such action of the Superintendent or principal shall be subject to review by and approval or disapproval of the School Board. If the parent, guardian or other person having custody of any child shall feel aggrieved by the suspension or dismissal of that child, then such parent, guardian or other person shall have the right to a due process hearing. The parent or guardian of the child shall be advised of this right to a hearing by the appropriate Superintendent or principal and the proper form shall be provided for requesting such a hearing. 37-9-71 (2000) NOTE: MS Code Section 97-3-19 includes in the definition of capital murder "Murder which is perpetrated on educational property as defined in Section 97-37-17." LEGAL REF.: MS CODE 37-11-18; 37-11-29 (6); 43-21-605 (4); 37-9-71 Mississippi Public School Accountability Standards CROSS REF.: Policies EBBA School Safety Plan JCBF Reporting of Unlawful or Violent Acts JCBJ Drugs and Alcohol JCBH Gun-Free Schools JDE Expulsion

Date Approved: July 8, 2004 Date Revised: May 12, 2005 REPORTING OF UNLAWFUL OR VIOLENT ACTS REPORTING OF UNLAWFUL OR VIOLENT ACTS District employees shall comply with all requirements imposed by law with regard to reporting unlawful or violent acts which have or may have occurred on school property or during school-related activities or for which students have been expelled. NOTIFICATION TO PRINCIPAL Any school employee shall notify his/her principal immediately upon obtaining knowledge that one of the following unlawful activities or a violent act has or may have occurred on school property or during a school-related activity: 1. Aggravated assault, including but not limited to: a. Assault resulting in serious physical injury; or b. Assault involving use of weapon; 2. Assault on a school employee, simple or aggravated; 3. Destruction or vandalism of school employee's personal property; 4. Indecent liberties with a minor; 5. Possession of a firearm or other weapon; 6. Possession, use or sale of any controlled substance; 7. Rape; 8. Sexual battery; 9. Other sexual offense; 10. Murder or other homicide; 11. Kidnapping; or 12. Other violent act. When an emergency situation exists and the principal is not available for immediate notification, the employee shall immediately notify the appropriate central office administrator and, as soon as possible thereafter, shall notify the principal. NOTIFICATION TO SUPERINTENDENT A principal receiving an employee's report or having personal knowledge of such acts shall immediately notify the Superintendent or his/her designee. NOTIFICATION TO LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY A principal shall orally notify the appropriate law enforcement agency when he/she has a reasonable belief that one of the above-stated acts has occurred and shall thereafter notify the appropriate local law enforcement agency in writing. NOTIFICATION TO PARENTS, YOUTH COURT AND LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY The Superintendent shall notify the parents/legal guardians, the youth court and appropriate local law enforcement agency when a student is expelled because of unlawful or violent activity. JCBFA

The Superintendent shall notify the parents/legal guardians, youth court and appropriate local law enforcement agency when a crime has been committed by a student on school property or during a schoolrelated event. The district shall be in compliance with state law in regard to reports to youth court, confidentiality of records, and responses to unlawful/violent acts. NOTIFICATION TO DISTRICT ATTORNEY The Superintendent or principal shall notify the district attorney of an accusation of fondling or sexual involvement with a minor student (under 18) by a school employee (18 or older) upon determination that there is a reasonable basis to believe that the accusation is true. WRITTEN REPORTS An employee making the oral report shall complete and submit to the principal a written report on a form provided by the Superintendent within twenty-four hours. If the principal has a reasonable belief that an unlawful or violent act has been committed, he/she shall complete and submit to the appropriate local law enforcement agency and to the Superintendent a written report on a form provided by the State Board of Education for such purposes within forty-eight hours. If a crime was committed by a student, the Superintendent shall complete and submit to the youth court and the appropriate local law enforcement agency an affidavit in a form prescribed for such purposes. If expulsion resulted from a student's unlawful activity act, the affidavit shall contain such notice and will be submitted upon the Board of Trustees approval of the expulsion. If the offense involved possession of a firearm in violation of Policy JCBH Gun Free Schools, the Superintendent shall also submit the written report to the appropriate division of the State Department of Education. Copies of all written reports and notices shall be retained by the principal and the Superintendent.

DEFINITIONS "School property" means any school building, bus, campus, grounds, recreational area, athletic field, or other property owned, used or operated by the District. A "violent act" means any action which results in death or physical harm to another or an attempt to cause death or physical harm to another. The "appropriate law enforcement agency" is the agency with jurisdiction in the place where the unlawful activity or violent act occurs. The appropriate local law enforcement agency is the Columbia Police Department. The crimes which must be reported are defined by the applicable Mississippi law.

LEGAL REF.: MS CODE 37-11-29; 37-9-14(2)(w) and (x); 43-21-605(4) CROSS REF.: Policies JCBF Unlawful or Violent Acts JCB Student Conduct JD Discipline Plan Date Approved: July 8, 2004

Date Revised: June 29, 2006 GUN-FREE SCHOOLS WEAPONS POSSESSION OF WEAPONS ON SCHOOL PROPERTY A. GUNS Any student who has in his/her possession any type of gun, operable or inoperable, while he/she is in school, on school property, on the school bus, on the way to and from school, or at any school function or activity will immediately be suspended and recommended for expulsion by the Superintendent or principal of the school where the offending student is assigned. Law enforcement will be notified. 97-37-17, MS CODE. B. OTHER WEAPONS USE OF Any student who uses or threatens to use any hard or sharp object, regardless of its original purpose, as a weapon while he/she is in school, on school property, on the school bus, on the way to and from school or any school function or activity will immediately be suspended and recommended for expulsion. Examples of such weapons include but are not limited to knife, bully club, brass knuckles, ammunition, throwing stars, pipe club, brick, bat, chain, razors, box cutters, etc. Weapons used by students shall be seized and turned over to the school administration. Principals shall exercise their own discretion in each instance concerning the necessity of the notification of the appropriate law enforcement authorities. C. OTHER WEAPONS POSSESSION OF Possession by a student of any hard or sharp object, regardless of its original purpose, that may be considered a weapon while he/she is in school, on school property, on the school bus, on the way to and from school or any school function or activity shall be considered in violation of this policy. Suspensions or other punishment for violation of this section of the policy shall be issued by the principal, who shall deal with each individual case based on the circumstances. The Superintendent is hereby authorized to purchase, install and utilize metal detecting devices to enforce this policy. Students who violate this policy shall be afforded all due process rights and procedures provided by the school district. However, suspensions issued by the provisions of this policy shall not be delayed or postponed because of tests and/or examinations. The School Board authorizes a reward of up to $500.00 to any person who provides information that leads to the confiscation by the school district or by a law enforcement agency of any illegal firearm on school property. The name of any person who provides such information leading to the confiscation of an illegal firearm shall remain confidential. The Superintendent is charged with the responsibility of insuring that procedures are in place to maintain such confidentiality. 37-3-84 (1997) Any student who is in possession of a firearm on school property shall be automatically suspended for ten days and recommended for expulsion for a period of one calendar year by the principal. The suspension shall take effect immediately following the provision of initial due process. JCBH

The Superintendent who receives a recommendation for expulsion shall be authorized to modify the period of time for such expulsion on a case-by-case basis. Such expulsion shall take effect immediately subject to the constitutional rights of due process, which shall include the students right to appeal to the local school board. (37-11-18, MS Code) READMISSION A student who is expelled for possession of a firearm on school property must apply for readmission to the regular school program. Readmission may be granted by the Board upon receipt of documentation showing that the student has participated in successful rehabilitative efforts including but not limited to progress in an alternative school or similar program. Also see JCAA.

Date Approved: July 8, 2004 BUS CONDUCT JCBI

District policies governing student bus conduct are adopted by the School Board and published annually in the District Student Code of Conduct & Discipline Plan as official policy statements of the Columbia School District, together with disciplinary actions related to student misconduct. While the law requires the school district to furnish transportation, it does not relieve parents or students from the responsibility for children's conduct. Free transportation is a service provided under state law only to those living outside the municipality and one mile or more from the school they attend. The Board shall require children to conduct themselves on the bus in a manner consistent with established standards for classroom behavior. In cases when a child does not conduct himself/herself properly on a bus, such instances are to be brought to the attention of the child's parent/guardian by the driver. The bus driver will inform the parents of the misconduct and request their cooperation in control of the child's behavior. If problems persist, the principal of the school the student attends and the transportation supervisor will become involved in the disciplinary proceeding. Children who become a serious disciplinary problem on the school bus will have their riding privileges suspended or revoked. In such cases, the parents of the children involved become responsible for seeing that their children get to and from school safely. It is the responsibility of each bus driver to ensure that all students are properly seated on the bus for the entire length of the route. ASSIGNED SEATING Each bus driver of the Columbia School District will assign a seat to each student on his or her bus. A copy of the seating chart will be turned in to the transportation supervisor, within the first two weeks of school, who will keep the charts on file. As updates or changes occur, a revised chart must be submitted to the transportation supervisor. REPORTING RESPONSIBILITIES The bus driver will report disciplinary offenses to the principals where students attend school. If initial disciplinary procedures by the bus driver are unsuccessful (parent contact, assigned seating, etc.), principals have the responsibility to administer disciplinary action for the purpose of assuring proper behavior on the bus. MINOR OFFENSES Examples of minor offenses are moving around on the bus, being too noisy, picking on or at other students, throwing objects, spitting, extending hands out of windows, going out rear door, not remaining in seats, etc. Disciplinary Actions for Minor Offenses: a. First Offense: Have a conference with students and warn them if another offense occurs that they will be suspended for five (5) school days from riding the bus. Parents to be notified. b. Second Offense: Suspended from riding the bus for five (5) school days. Parents to be notified. c. Third Offense: Suspended from riding the bus for ten (10) school days. Parents to be notified. Have conference with parent and student before student can again ride bus. d. Fourth Offense: Suspended from riding the bus for the remainder of the semester or the school year. Parents to be notified.

e. Some minor offenses may also carry a suspension from school classes, particularly if offense occurs two (2) or more times. MAJOR OFFENSES Examples of major offenses are showing disrespect for driver, using profanity, making threats, refusing to give name and other desired information, smoking, drinking, gambling, etc. Disciplinary Action for Major Offenses: a. First Offense: Suspended from riding the bus for five (5) school days. Parents to be notified. b. Second Offense: Suspended from riding the bus for ten (10) school days. Parents to be notified. c. Third Offense: Suspended from riding the bus for the remainder of the school year. Parents to be notified. d. Most major offenses will carry a suspension from school classes. INTERFERENCE WITH OPERATION OF SCHOOL BUS It is unlawful for any individual other than a student scheduled to be a passenger upon a particular bus, a member of the public school administration or faculty, or a law enforcement official, to directly or indirectly interfere in any way with passenger entrance and exit or the operation, including unauthorized boarding thereof, of a bus used in public school student transportation unless permission has been obtained as prescribed by the Board. VIOLENT ACTS Examples of violent acts are fighting or striking another student. Disciplinary action for violent acts: a. First Offense: Suspended from riding the bus for ten (10) days. Parents to be notified. Students may be suspended from school at the discretion of the principal. b. Second Offense: Suspended from riding the bus for the remainder of the semester, or the remainder of the year, upon approval of the Superintendent. Students may be suspended from school at the discretion of the principal. c. Assaulting a driver, possession or use of weapons, etc., are considered most serious offenses, and as a result, the principal will suspend the student from school for a specified time or recommend expulsion from school. In addition, the student may be suspended from the bus as per sections "a" and "b." GENERAL a. In cases where students from several schools are involved in an incident, the principals will consult each other before deciding on corrective measures. b. It is the responsibility of principals to investigate reported misconduct and to determine the category and actions to be taken relative to each offense. These procedures are not intended to be all-inclusive or restrictive. Every effort will be made to follow the actions herein described; however, principals may take additional and/or different action should the situation warrant and they deem it necessary.

Date Approved: July 8, 2004 ALCOHOL/DRUG USE JCBJ

The Columbia School District is dedicated to providing a drug-free learning environment for students. The Board directs that each student shall be specifically prohibited from being under the influence of, bringing onto, consuming, or having in his/her possession on a school bus, on the school premises, or at a school function away from the school any narcotic drugs, prescription medications, marijuana, inhalants, imitation or counterfeit substances that resemble any legal or illegal drug, other controlled substances as defined by state statutes, or any paraphernalia associated with the use of these substances. The provisions of this policy shall not apply to any pupil who is under the care of a licensed physician and who is taking medication under the supervision and direction of such physician. All prescription medicines shall be kept in the numbered and labeled bottle provided by a pharmacy. The provisions of this policy statement shall apply to all pupils during all of the period of time that they are under and subject to the jurisdiction of the school district as defined by the laws of the State of Mississippi and while participating in or going to or from any school activity sponsored by the school district and while under the supervision and direction of any teacher, principal, or other authority of the school district. Any pupil violating any of the provisions of this policy shall, in the sole and absolute discretion of the principal and the Superintendent, be subject to automatic expulsion for a calendar year, provided, however, that the Superintendent shall be authorized to modify the period of time for such expulsion on a case-bycase basis. Such expulsion shall take effect immediately subject to the Constitutional rights of due process, which shall include the student's right to appeal to the School Board.

Date Approved: October 12, 2006 Effective Date of Implementation: January 1, 2007 Date Revised: June 14, 2007 COLUMBIA SCHOOL DISTRICT RANDOM DRUG TESTING POLICY JCBJA

The Columbia School District is dedicated to providing a drug-free learning environment. In an effort to protect the health and safety of students from illegal and/or performance-enhancing drug use and abuse, and to curtail the use of such drugs, the Columbia School District Board of Trustees adopts the following policy for random drug testing of all students in grades seven (7) through twelve (12) who participate in extracurricular activities, co-curricular activities, or who seek a privilege for which a school permit is required (i.e., operating a motor vehicle on campus). STATEMENT OF PURPOSE AND INTENT Although the Board of Trustees, administration, faculty and staff desire that no student use illegal or performance-enhancing drugs, the authority to restrict use is limited. Therefore, this policy governs only the use of illegal and performance-enhancing drugs by students engaging or participating in activities identified above. This policy supplements and complements all other federal, state, and local policies, rules, and regulations regarding use and possession of drugs, including, but not limited to, policies, rules, and regulations regarding student searches, student conduct, and reasonable suspicion of use or possession of drugs. The purposes of this policy are as follows: To prevent injury, illness, and harm to students that may arise from illegal and/or performanceenhancing drug use. To offer students school activities free of illegal and/or performance-enhancing drug use. To undermine the effects of peer pressure by providing a legitimate reason for eligible students to refuse to use illegal drugs. To encourage eligible students who use drugs illegally to participate in treatment programs.

DEFINITIONS Eligible Students All students in grades seven (7) through twelve (12) who participate in extracurricular activities, co-curricular activities, or who seek a privilege for which a school permit is required (i.e., operating a motor vehicle on campus) are included in the pool of eligible students to be randomly selected for drug testing. See Appendix A for a list of extracurricular and co-curricular activities. Parents/guardians of a student who does not participate in any of the activities, programs, and/or privileges covered under this policy may request that their child be included in the pool of eligible students. Procedures and consequences are the same for all participating students. Drug Use Test A scientifically substantiated method to test the presence of illegal or performanceenhancing drugs, or the metabolites thereof, performed by an independent drug testing agency will be used for purposes of this policy. Random Selection Basis Eligible students will be selected randomly by means of a mechanism that 1) results in an equal probability that any eligible student will be selected, 2) does not give the school district the discretion to waive the selection of any eligible student, and 3) is administered by a professional drug testing agency employed by the district.

Illegal Drugs Drugs considered to be illegal include any substance that a student may not sell, possess, use, distribute, or purchase under either federal or Mississippi law. Illegal drugs also include, but are not limited to, all controlled drugs as defined by state or federal law, all prescription drugs obtained without authorization, and all prescription and over-the-counter drugs being used for an abusive purpose. Performance-Enhancing Drugs Drugs considered to be performance-enhancing include anabolic steroids and any other natural or synthetic substance used to increase muscle mass, strength, endurance, speed, or other athletic ability. The term does not include dietary or nutritional supplements such as vitamins, minerals, and proteins that can be lawfully purchased over-the-counter. Positive Test Result The results of a toxicological test that reveals the presence of an illegal or performance enhancing drug, or the metabolites thereof, by using the standards customarily established by the drug testing agency administering the drug test is considered to be a positive test result. PROCEDURES Participation in activities/programs which causes a student to be defined as an eligible student is a privilege. Consent to drug testing is a mandatory prerequisite for students to participate in such activity/program. Each eligible student shall be given a copy of this policy and of the Columbia School District Participants Pledge/Consent/Release Form. Both the student and his/her parent/guardian must read, sign, and date the form. No student shall be allowed to practice or participate in any activity/program to which the policy applies until he/she has returned the fully executed form. See Appendix B - Participants Pledge/Consent/Release Form Annually, principals and a representative of the independent drug testing agency will present an informational session to students to educate them about the sample collection process, privacy arrangements, drug testing procedures, consequences of positive drug tests and related procedures and practices. The purpose of the session is to reassure the student, to avoid embarrassment or uncomfortable feelings about the drug testing process, and to give notice of the consequences of a positive test result. Eligible students will be chosen on a random selection basis from a list of student identification numbers of all eligible students regardless of whether the activities/programs are off-season or in-season. Ten percent (10%) of eligible students will be randomly selected a minimum of four times during the school year. An independent drug testing agency will select the student identification numbers at random and will present the numbers to the Superintendent or his/her designee. The Superintendent/designee will deliver the list to the principals at Columbia High School and Jefferson Middle School to identify names of students whose ID numbers have been selected. A designated restroom will be secured and a certified collector will be posted at the door. Students will be called in individually to provide a urine specimen. The specimen will be placed in a tamper proof bag and placed in a secure location until all specimens have been collected. The drug testing agency shall conduct all aspects of the drug-testing program, including the taking of urine specimens, so as to safeguard the students personal and privacy rights to the maximum degree practicable. The test specimen shall be obtained in a manner designed to minimize intrusiveness to the student. If, at any time during the sampling procedure, the drug testing agency employee has reason to believe or suspect that a student is tampering with the specimen, the drug testing agency employee may stop the procedure to determine if a new sample should be obtained. The drug testing agency employee shall give each student a form on which he/she may list any legally prescribed medication he/she has taken in the preceding thirty days. The students parent/guardian shall be able to confirm the medication list submitted by the student during the twenty-four hour period following any drug test. The medication list shall be submitted to the drug testing agency in a sealed and confidential envelope so that district employees shall not see the confidential medication list. If test results are positive for use of prescription drugs the student did not list, the drug testing agency will attempt to contact directly the students parent/guardian to obtain a list of all prescription medications the student is taking or has taken for the preceding thirty days and to permit the parent/guardian to submit verification of

prescriptions within twenty-four (24) hours. If the parent/guardian does not respond to the drug testing agencys calls within forty-eight (48) hours of its first attempt to contact, the drug testing agency shall have no further duty to attempt to contact the parent/guardian. The school will continue its attempt to contact the parent/guardian as outlined in the consequences section of this policy. If the drug testing agency reports a positive test result for prescription medications to a students parent/guardian, they may submit additional information to the drug testing agency within twenty-four (24) hours of notification of the positive test result. The student will be allowed to continue to participate in an activity/program until the drug testing agency has completed its review of the additional information and make a report of a positive test result to the principal and the Superintendent/designee. Positive test results are cumulative (i.e., A student who tests positive in one school year and tests positive again in another school year will be subject to the consequences of a second positive test result .)

TESTED SUBSTANCES The Board will maintain a list of substances for which students may be screened. The list is subject to review and change without advance notice. The list may include, but not be limited to the following: alcohol, amphetamines, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, benzoylecgonine-cocaine metabolites, marijuana metabolites, methadone, methaqualone, opiates, phencyclidine, and propoxyphene. Any illegal or illicit drug may be included on the list, and any student who is included in the screening pool is subject to being tested for all or any combination of drugs on the screening profile without advance notice. TEST DAY CHECK-OUTS, CHECK-INS, OR ABSENCES A student who is subject to random testing and is absent on the day of the random drug screening will not be penalized should his/her name be on the random list for testing that day; however; his/her name may be included in the next screening. A student who is subject to random testing and is absent when the random drug screening process begins but checks in before the process is complete will be subject to a drug test at the time of check-in should his/her name be on the list of randomly generated names for that day. A student who possesses a check-out note from a parent or guardian that specifies a time and date when a student should be permitted to check out will be permitted to check out at the predetermined time. Should his/her name be on the randomly generated list of testing on that day, he/she may be included in the next screening. It will be considered a refusal to test if a student whose name is on the randomly generated list of students to the be tested asks to call his/her parent to come and check him/her out after the drug testing agency has come on campus. CONFIDENTIALITY The drug testing agency will notify the principal of the school the eligible student attends and will also notify the Superintendent or his/her designee of any positive test results. To keep the results confidential, the principal will notify only the student, the students parent/guardian, and the coach/teacher/sponsor of the activity/program in which the student participates of the test results. Test results will be kept in files separate from the students other educational records, shall be disclosed only to those school personnel who have a need to know, and will not be turned over to law enforcement authorities. Records of a students positive initial or confirmation drug and/or alcohol test results shall be kept until he/she turns 18 years old or leaves the school system whichever comes later.

CONSEQUENCES Eligible students who have a positive drug test under this policy shall be subject to the following consequences: First Positive Test Parent/guardian is notified by school officials by phone, if possible, and in writing. The student is excluded from all activities, programs, and privileges until a meeting of the student, his/her parent/guardian, and school administration is held. Within five (5) school days of the meeting, the student must show proof of participation in a school-approved substance abuse counseling program. The student must agree to submit to a second drug test within twenty (20) calendar days of the meeting and re-test negative before he/she can resume participation in any activity, program or privilege. The student and his/her parent/guardian must sign the Return to Participation Requirement.

Failure to meet these conditions will result in a forty-five (45) school day exclusion from covered activities, programs, and/or privileges. Second Positive Test Parent/guardian is notified by school officials by phone, if possible, and in writing. The student is excluded from all activities, programs, and privileges until a meeting with the student, his/her parent/guardian, and school administration is held. The student is excluded from participation in all covered activities, programs, and privileges for thirty (30) calendar days. o If the student participates in more than one activity, program or privilege and both or all are in season at the time of the positive test, upon the meeting with school officials, the student will be excluded from both or all activities, programs, and privileges for the prescribed term. o If the student is not participating in any in-season activity, program or privilege, he/she will serve the exclusion period no earlier than the opening game/performance of the next season in which he/she participates; however, the counseling portion and the re-testing portion will begin immediately. o If the student who is excluded from an activity, program or privilege serves a portion of such exclusion but reaches the end of all games, meetings, performances within that activity, program or privilege, the student will complete his/her exclusion period in his/her next in-season sport or activity. o If a student who is excluded from an activity, program or privilege serves a portion of such exclusion but reaches the end of all games, meetings, performances within that activity, program or privilege and does not belong to any other sport or activity through which he/she may complete the exclusion period, the students remaining exclusion period will continue with the first in-season activity or sport in which he/she participates in the next school year. The student must enter a school-approved substance abuse counseling program and must be released from that counseling program or provide verification from the counselor that he/she is actively participating in a counseling program before he/she can resume any activity, program or privilege. The student must re-test negative before he/she can resume participation in any activity, program or privilege.

The student and his/her parent/guardian must sign the Return to Participation Requirement.

Failure to meet these conditions will result in a ninety (90) school day exclusion from covered activities, programs, and/or privileges. Subsequent Positive Tests Parent/guardian is notified by school officials by phone, if possible, and in writing. A meeting with student, parent/guardian is held and Return to Participation Requirement is signed. The student is excluded from all activities, programs, and privileges for a period of one calendar year. The student must provide proof of participation in a school-approved substance abuse counseling program.

Failure to meet these conditions will result in exclusion from covered activities, programs, and privileges. REFUSAL TO SUBMIT TO DRUG USE TEST If an eligible student refuses to submit to a drug test, he/she shall be considered in violation of the consent agreement and shall be barred from specified activities, programs, and privileges for one calendar year.

APPEAL The school district will rely solely on the opinion of the drug testing agency to determine whether the positive test result was produced by something other than consumption of an illegal or performanceenhancing drug. There can be an appeal of the test results of the drug testing agency to the principal, the Superintendent, and finally to the Board of Trustees. If, however the student has tested positive for a second time, the student may appeal to the Superintendent who will make a determination which can then be appealed to the Board of Trustees.

Appendix A Random Drug Testing Any student who participates in extracurricular activities or co-curricular activities may be randomly selected for drug testing. These activities may include but are not limited to: Football o Varsity o Jr. Varsity th o Junior High (8 grade) Softball o Slow Pitch Varsity Jr. Varsity o Fast Pitch Varsity Jr. Varsity Basketball o Varsity (boys & girls) o Jr. Varsity (boys & girls) th o Junior High (8 grade boys & girls) Baseball o Varsity o Jr. Varsity Tennis Track o Varsity (boys & girls) th o Junior High (8 grade boys & girls) Golf Powerlifting Jefferson Middle School o Band o Beta Club o Cheerleaders o Student Council Columbia High School o Band o Beta Club o Book Club o Chess Club o Cheerleaders o CoHiAn (Yearbook) o Color Guard/Flag Corps o Diamond Girls o FCA o French Club o French National Honor Society o Jazz Catz Dance Team o Literary Club o Math/Science Team o Mu Alpha Theta o National Honor Society o National Music Honor Society o National Spanish Honor Society o Nutritional Advisory Council o Student Council

Appendix B

Columbia School District Participants Pledge/Consent/Release Form

As a student who wishes to participate in extracurricular activities, cocurricular activities, or seek a privilege to which a school permit is required (i.e., operating a motor vehicle on campus), I pledge to remain free of illegal substances at all times. I understand that violation of the Columbia School District Substance Abuse Policy will result in my exclusion from extracurricular activities, co-curricular activities and privileges as determined by the administration of my school. I agree to submit to alcohol and drug testing at any time as a condition for my initial or continued participation in the above stated privileges and activities. I authorize the drug testing agency, laboratory, or medical provider to release test results to the designated Columbia School District official.

___________________________________ Student Printed Name

_____________________ Date

___________________________________ Student Signature

_____________________ Date

___________________________________ Parent/Guardian Signature

_____________________ Date

___________________________________ Witness

_____________________ Date

Columbia School District Substance Abuse Return to Participation Requirement

Student: ________________________________ Date: ________________________

As a result of violating the Columbia School District Random Drug Testing Policy, I understand that before resuming participation in all covered activities and privileges, the following conditions must be met. First Positive Test Result Provide proof of participation in a school-approved substance abuse counseling program (at student/parent expense, if any) within five (5) school days of this meeting; Submit to a second drug and/or alcohol test within twenty (20) calendar days of this meeting and re-test negative; and Comply with the conditions of the Return to Participation Requirement of the Columbia School District Random Drug Testing Policy Failure to meet these conditions will result in a forty-five (45) school day exclusion from covered activities, programs, and/or privileges. Second Positive Test Result Comply with the thirty (30) calendar day exclusion period; Provide proof of participation in a school-approved substance abuse counseling program (at student/parent expense, if any); Submit to a drug and/or alcohol test and re-test negative; and Comply with the conditions of the Return to Participation Requirement of the Columbia School District Random Drug Testing Policy Failure to meet these conditions will result in a ninety (90) school day exclusion from covered activities, programs, and/or privileges. Subsequent Positive Test Result Comply with the one calendar year exclusion; Provide proof of participation in a school-approved substance abuse counseling program (at student/parent expense, if any); and Comply with the conditions of the Return to Participation Requirement of the Columbia School District Random Drug Testing Policy Failure to meet these conditions will result in exclusion from covered activities, programs, and/or privileges. This is my (first, second, third, ____) Positive Test Result. I agree to the conditions stated above.
Students Signature:_____________________________________________________________ Parent/Guardians Signature:_____________________________________________________________ Principal/ School Administrators Signature:___________________________________

Date Approved: October 12, 2006 Effective Date of Implementation: January 1, 2007 COLUMBIA SCHOOL DISTRICT SUSPICION-BASED DRUG AND ALCOHOL POLICY JCBJB

Students are prohibited from carrying, possessing, using, or selling alcoholic beverages, morphine, marijuana, cocaine, opium, heroin, their derivatives or compounds, drugs commonly called LSD, pep pills, tranquilizers, or any other narcotic drugs, barbiturate, substance, ingredient, or compound that, when taken orally, intravenously, inhaled, or consumed in any other manner, may cause the person to be under the influence thereof, or any other controlled substance regulated by law, including any substance that is falsely represented to be a controlled or counterfeit substance. No student shall act in, aid, abet, assist, distribute, or conceal the possession and/or the consumption, purchase, or the distribution of any illegal drugs or alcoholic beverages by another student or students. Any student who violates the provisions of this policy will be immediately suspended for ten days and recommended for expulsion for one calendar year by the principal. The Superintendent is authorized to modify the period of time for such expulsion on a case-by-case basis. PROVISIONS The provisions of this policy shall not apply to any student who is under the care of a licensed physician and who is taking medication under the supervision and direction of such physician unless the student is illegally selling or distributing medications. The provisions of this policy shall apply to all students during the period of time that they are under and/or subject to the jurisdiction of the Columbia School District, while participating in or going to or from any school-related activity, at any place where an athletic contest or event is taking place, during the course of any field trip, during the course of any trip or activity sponsored by the school district, while under the supervision and direction of any teacher, principal or other authority of the district, or when such conduct does or may threaten to interfere with or disrupt the educational process or pose a threat to the safety of the student or others. REASONABLE SUSPICION TESTING Subject to the limitations contained in this policy, the Columbia School District may require any student to submit to a drug and/or alcohol test at the expense of the school district if there is reasonable suspicion that the student has or is using prohibited drugs and/or alcohol. Reasonable suspicion must be based on specific contemporaneous physical, behavioral, or performance indicators of probable drug and/or alcohol use. The requirement of a drug and/or alcohol test is within the discretion of the district and is not a prerequisite to the administration of consequences under this policy. The following circumstances shall constitute grounds for reasonable suspicion: Direct observation and/or confirmation by a district employee of drug and/or alcohol use or possession Abnormal or erratic behavior indicating intoxication Physical symptoms indicating intoxication including, but not limited to glassy or bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, loss of balance, poor coordination or reflexes

The presence of a drug or alcohol on the student, detectable by the senses, such as the smell of marijuana or alcohol Possession of illegal drugs, prescription drugs for which the student does not have a prescription, alcohol containers, or drug paraphernalia

Intoxication means being excited, stupefied, or affected by alcohol or a drug to the point where physical and mental control is diminished. A report indicating reasonable suspicion that a student may be in violation of this policy shall be immediately given to a member of the administrative staff. The administrative staff member must determine that the circumstances constitute reasonable suspicion of drug and/or alcohol use before a student can be requested to take a drug or alcohol test. The administrative staff member is required to complete a written statement detailing the facts, symptoms, or observations that form the basis of reasonable suspicion. Upon the administrators determination of reasonable suspicion, he/she shall contact the students parent/guardian. If the district decides to require submission to a drug/alcohol test, the student will be immediately removed from school for such test to be conducted within a five (5) hour period of time. If a student appears incoherent, semi-conscious, or convulsive, or appears to be hallucinating, is in respiratory distress or anaphylactic shock, or is in other mental or physical distress indicating danger or injury to the health and safety of self or other students, district personnel shall seek immediate medical help before any other actions under this policy are taken. DRUG/ALCOHOL TESTING Any student required to be tested under this policy will be accompanied by a district employee and a parent/guardian to a professional drug testing agency or to such place qualified for drug/alcohol testing at the school districts expense. All breath, urine, and blood specimens will be collected under reasonable and sanitary conditions. Individual dignity and privacy will be preserved to the extent practicable. Accepted standards for testing, labeling, storage, and transportation of specimens will be followed by the drug testing agency, which will request information regarding prescription and non-prescription drugs and any other information that could lead to a false positive test. Refusal or failure to take a drug/alcohol test under the conditions of reasonable suspicion shall be considered a positive test result. A students parent/guardian may request a retest; however, the results will be considered only if it is scientifically meaningful, timely performed, and in compliance with the professional drug testing agencys guidelines. All positive confirmed test results will be made part of a students record and will be kept confidential and separated in a secured location with restricted access. All initially positive test results for which the confirmation test is negative or which are determined to be false positive shall not become part of the students record. The district shall keep the following records for the periods specified as part of this policy: Records of a students positive initial or confirmation drug and/or alcohol test results and the reasonable suspicion findings for requiring the test shall be kept until he/she turns 18 years old or leaves the school system whichever comes later. Records of a students negative drug and/or alcohol test results shall be kept for one year but shall not become part of the students record.

The district may retain such records for statistical analysis and policy evaluations as it deems appropriate, consistent with confidentiality.

FINDINGS OF DRUG/ALCOHOL USE/POSSESSION CONSEQUENCES If the initial test for drugs and/or alcohol indicates a positive result, the drug testing agency shall immediately conduct a confirmation test. If the confirmation test indicates a positive result, the drug testing agency shall report the positive results to the school principal and the Superintendent or his/her designee. The principal will notify the student and parent/guardian in writing and by phone, if possible, of such positive test results and of the consequences. If the initial test is negative, no further tests will occur unless there is good reason to suspect the quality of the sample. If the confirmed results are negative, the student will be reinstated. CONFIDENTIALITY The results of a students drug test shall not be released to anyone other than the drug testing agency, the Superintendent and his/her designee, principal and other employees or agents of the district who have a need to know such information. Discipline resulting from the drug test results shall be recorded in the students discipline record in accordance with policies of the district. In order to maintain confidentiality, written records of drug testing will be stored in a secure location with restricted access. The district will cooperate with law enforcement, but test results will not be released to law enforcement agencies without a court order or subpoena unless law requires disclosure. Nothing in this policy will prohibit or restrict district officials from making any report required by law to law enforcement agencies or other agencies. DRUG EDUCATION AND COUNSELING The district shall give training to principals and administrators annually in drug and alcohol use/abuse recognition and in the implementation of this policy. Principals and administrators will give professional development to employees in the recognition of drug and alcohol use and abuse, handling procedures, and policy implementation familiarization.

Date Approved: July 8, 2004 ALTERNATIVE SCHOOL PROGRAM/GED JCD

The school district will provide an alternative education and/or GED program for the categories of students identified in MS Code 37-13-92, and the program meets the guidelines established by the State Board of Education. (See Guidelines for Alternative/GED School Programs.) See IDDIA. LEGAL REF.: Mississippi Public School Accountability Standards

Date Approved: March 10, 2005 Date Revised: June 24, 2010 DRESS CODE JCE

The uniform dress code is mandatory for all students in the Columbia School District. Specific guidelines will be revised yearly by the administrative staff and approved by the Board.
Students are to be in compliance with the dress code policy before entering the building and at ALL times on campus, from arrival through departure. Bus students must be in compliance at all times on the bus. Additionally, students are to be groomed and dressed neatly. The principal will determine what constitutes distracting influences in matters of dress and grooming and reserves the right to make modifications as needed. All components of the dress code are to be worn in keeping with the intent of the overall uniform look. Circumventing the policy is prohibited. If a style of dress or appearance is, in the opinion of the administration, disruptive to the educational process, constitutes a potential threat to the safety or health of the student or other persons, or contradicts the intent of the policy, it shall not be permitted. The construction shall be of uniform quality, wash-n-wear or permanent press fabric. No component of the uniform/outerwear may be of denim or jean material. Shirts: Button-Up Oxford Cloth Shirt or "Knit Polo Style" 2-3 button/buttonhole shirt Collared oxford shirt or collared polo style shirt must be worn at all times Solid white or navy polo style Solid white oxford cloth Pointed collar or rounded collar Long or short sleeve With or without pockets No visible emblem Must be tucked in (K-3 exempt) Solid white, navy, gray, or black undershirts or turtlenecks may be worn under the polo style shirt or oxford shirt Sweatshirts (must have a ribbed collar, waist and wrists) Uniform shirt collar must be visible Solid white or navy No pockets or hoods No ruffles, pleats, lace, trim, etc. No visible emblem Sweaters/Vests Solid white or navy Cardigan/Vest (button-up) or pullover - plain front No hoods No visible emblem Coats/Jackets Solid white or navy Must not be oversized No trench coats allowed Students may wear school approved letter jackets/Wildcat wear

TRADITIONAL STYLE Pants/Capri's

Solid khaki (tan) or navy No visible emblem Cuffed or uncuffed, properly hemmed (no frayed, cut, or pinned hems) Pleated or unpleated Must fit at the waist and have a front waistband and belt loops No corduroy, stretch fabric, frayed, sagging, oversized, extremely tight fitting, zip-off pants, low-riders, bell bottoms, carpenter/cargo pants, warm-up windsuits, etc. Length shall not exceed the bottom of the shoe Pre-K - 3rd grade students may wear pull-up pants/shorts with a front waistband (Elastic allowed only on the side and/or back of pants/shorts)

TRADITIONAL STYLE Walking Shorts Solid khaki (tan) or navy No visible emblem Cuffed or uncuffed, properly hemmed Pleated or unpleated Must fit at the waist and have a front waistband and belt loops No corduroy, stretch fabric, or carpenter/cargo shorts Length shall not exceed the top of the kneecap Jumpers/Skirts/Skorts Solid khaki (tan) or navy Regular/Straight/Box Pleat styles No visible emblem No corduroy or stretch fabric Length shall not exceed the top of the kneecap Overalls Not allowed Belts Shoes Solid brown, black, navy, khaki, or white Length cannot exceed the buckle by more than six (6) inches Must be worn with pants and shorts (K-3 exempt) No flip flops, slippers, house shoes, beach shoes

Socks/Tights If worn, solid white, navy, khaki, black, or brown No visible emblem School Spirit Days Spirit day designation is at the discretion of the building principal Uniform bottoms must be worn Royal blue, gold or Wildcat wear may be worn

GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS

Each student has the responsibility to dress appropriately for the school environment. Wearing apparel, hair, and general appearance shall not disrupt the classroom atmosphere, shall not be unusually provocative, or shall not violate health and safety rules of the school. The guidelines for dress and grooming are provided to assist parents and shall apply to all students. Student dress and grooming shall be neat, clean, and follow the general guidelines below. The principal shall have the final decision about the appropriateness of students appearance. 1. 2. 3. 4. Shirts are to be worn tucked into pants, skirts, shorts, or skorts. Full belt must be visible. The length of the shorts, skorts, skirts, and jumpers shall not exceed the top of the kneecap. The construction shall be of uniform quality, wash-n-wear or permanent press fabric. Students are prohibited from wearing additional "patches", pins, tattoos, ornate or cumbersome earrings or jewelry, or any other item that may be considered lewd, profane, obscene, suggestive, vulgar, non-school group affiliated or distractive which may harass, threaten, intimidate, or demean other groups; or which display illegal merchandise or contraband; or any item which may distract from the educational process. Earrings are acceptable for females (but no more than two earrings per ear are allowed). Males are not allowed to wear earrings. Other visible body piercing is not allowed. Students may not wear sweatshirts, sweaters, vests, jackets or coats around the waist, neck, shoulders, etc. Head coverings, including but not limited to caps, hats, bandannas, "doo" rags, hair curlers, sunglasses, headbands, or any "gang" symbols are prohibited. All clothing is to fit appropriately. Oversized and extremely tight fitting clothing is prohibited.

5. 6. 7.

Date Approved: July 8, 2004 STUDENT DISCIPLINE SCHOOL SAFETY ACT DISCIPLINE PLAN JD

The Board recognizes that discipline is necessary to the orderly operation of the education process. Actions which are disruptive or which interfere with the educational process must be dealt with in a fair and positive manner. All students are the responsibility of all faculty and staff members at any time when they are engaged in school-sponsored activities. The rights of the students shall be protected in accordance with due process. The School Board adopts and makes available to all teachers, school personnel, students and parents or guardians, at the beginning of each school year a code of student conduct based on the rules governing student conduct and discipline adopted by the School Board and made available at the school level in the student handbook or similar publication. The code includes: a. b. c. Specific grounds for disciplinary action; Procedures to be followed for acts requiring discipline; and An explanation of the responsibilities and rights of students with regard to attendance, respect for persons and property, knowledge and observation of rules of conduct, the right to learn, free speech and student publications, assembly, privacy and participation in school programs and activities. 37-11-55 (1991)

Except in the case of excessive force or cruel and unusual punishment, a teacher, principal or assistant principal shall not be civilly or criminally liable for any action carried out in conformity with state or federal law or rules or regulations of the State Board of Education or the local School Board regarding the control, discipline, suspension and expulsion of students. The local School Board shall provide any necessary legal defense to a teacher, principal or assistant principal in any action which may be filed against such school personnel. In conformance with the Mississippi School Safety Act of 2001 (Section 37-11-53, MS Code of 1972, amended), the following requirements shall be met by the school district: (1) A copy of the school districts discipline plan shall be distributed to each student enrolled in the district, and the parents, guardian, or custodian of such student shall sign a statement verifying that they have been given notice of the discipline policies of the district. The School Board shall have its official discipline and code of student conduct legally audited on an annual basis to insure that its policies and procedures are currently in compliance with applicable statutes, case law and state and federal constitutional provisions. As part of the first legal audit occurring after July 1, 2001, the provisions of Section 37-11-55 and Section 6 of Senate Bill No. 2239, 2001 Regular Session, shall be fully incorporated into the school districts discipline plan and code of student conduct. The discipline plan of the schools of this district shall include, but not be limited to, the following: (a) a parent, guardian or custodian of a compulsory-school-age child enrolled in the school district shall be responsible financially for his/her minor childs destructive acts against school property or persons; (b) a parent, guardian or custodian of a compulsory-school-age child enrolled in the district may be requested to appear at school by the school attendance officer or an appropriate school official for a conference regarding acts of the child specified in (a) above or for any other discipline conference regarding the acts of the child; (c) any parent, guardian or custodian of a compulsory-school-age child enrolled in a school district who refuses or willfully fails to attend such discipline conference specified in (b) above may be summoned by proper notification by the Superintendent or the school attendance

(2)

(3)

(4)

(5)

officer and be required to attend such discipline conferences; and (d) a parent, guardian or custodian of a compulsory-school-age child enrolled in the district shall be responsible for any criminal fines brought against such student for unlawful activity occurring on school grounds or buses. Any parent, guardian or custodian of a compulsory-school-age child who (a) fails to attend a discipline conference to which such parent, guardian or custodian has been summoned under the provisions of this section, or (b) refuses or willfully fails to perform any other duties imposed upon him or her under the provisions of this section, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be fined not to exceed Two Hundred-Fifty Dollars ($250.00). The school district shall be entitled to recover damages in an amount not to exceed Twenty Thousand Dollars ($20,000.00), plus necessary court costs, from the parents of any minor under the age of eighteen (18) years and over the age of six (6) years who maliciously and willfully damages or destroys property belonging to the school district. However, this section shall not apply to parents whose parental control of such child has been removed by court order or decree. The action authorized in this section shall be in addition to all other actions which the school district is entitled to maintain and nothing in this section shall preclude recovery in a greater amount from the minor or from a person, including the parents, for damages to which such minor or other person would otherwise be liable. The school districts discipline plan may provide that as an alternative to suspension, a student may remain in school by having the parent, guardian or custodian, with the consent of the students teacher or teachers, attend class with the student for a period of time specifically agreed upon by the reporting teacher and school principal. If the parent, guardian or custodian does not agree to attend class with the student or fails to attend class with the student, the student shall be suspended in accordance with the code of student conduct and discipline policies of the school district.

Ref: Sections 37-3-81; 37-383; 37-11-54; 37-11-55; 37-1153; MS CODE of 1972, amended. Also see JCB. CORPORAL PUNISHMENT Corporal punishment may be administered only by a school administrator in a reasonable manner acting within the scope of his/her employment or function. Other means of discipline are strongly encouraged. No such principal or assistant principal so acting shall be named as an individual defendant or be held liable in a suit for civil damages alleged to have been suffered by a student as a result of the administration of corporal punishment, unless the court determines that the principal or assistant principal acted in bad faith or with malicious purpose or in a manner exhibiting a wanton and willful disregard of human rights or safety. Corporal punishment means the reasonable use of physical contact as may be necessary to maintain discipline, to enforce a school rule, for self-protection or for the protection of other students from disruptive students. Corporal punishment in the form of paddling shall be witnessed at all times by at least one (1) certified school employee of the same race and gender as the student. A student may not be struck more than three (3) times for each infraction. Corporal punishment must be administered in a private location with a paddle approved by the Superintendent. 37-11-57 (1997) Also see JDA. STUDENT DISCIPLINE POLICY The School Safety Act of 2001 is cumulative and in addition to the school district's existing authority regarding discipline of students. Pursuant to the Act, the school district has adopted policies and procedures that recognize the teacher as the authority in classroom matters regarding the school district's written discipline code of conduct.

In the event the teacher removes a student who, in the professional judgment of the teacher, is disrupting the learning environment, and the removal is approved by the principal or assistant principal, the student may not be returned to the classroom until a conference has been held with the student's parent, guardian or custodian. During the conference, the disruptive behavior will be discussed and agreements reached that no further disruption will be tolerated. The conference may be in person, by telephone, by e-mail, or by other written communication. Among other provisions, this act provides that a student 13 years of age or older may be subject to automatic expulsion on the third occurrence of habitually disruptive behavior during a school year. (Students under age 13 may be subject to expulsion for such conduct pursuant to other school policies and procedures.) The term "disruptive behavior" means conduct of a student that is so unruly, disruptive or abusive that it seriously interferes with a school teacher's or school administrator's ability to communicate with the students in a classroom, with a student's ability to learn, or with the operation of a school or school-related activity and which is not covered by other laws related to violence or possession of weapons or controlled substances on school property, school vehicles or at school-related activities. Such behaviors include, but are not limited to: foul, profane, obscene, threatening, defiant or abusive language or action toward teachers or other school employees; defiance, ridicule or verbal attack of a teacher; and willful, deliberate and overt acts of disobedience of the directions of a teacher. The term "habitually disruptive" refers to such actions of a student which cause disruption in a classroom, on school property or vehicles, or at a school-related activity on more than two occasions during a school year, and to disruptive behavior that was initiated, willful and overt on the part of the student and which required the attention of school personnel to deal with the disruption. After the second instance of behavior that is determined by the principal or designated administrator to have seriously interfered with the school environment, the parents/guardians will be contacted to help develop a behavior modification plan for the student. See Policy JCB Conduct Disruptive Behavior

Date Approved: July 8, 2004 CORPORAL PUNISHMENT JDA

Corporal punishment may be administered in a reasonable manner by a school administrator in the presence of a certified school employee when necessary to maintain order and discipline. Corporal punishment may be used only after other methods have been tried. CORPORAL PUNISHMENT PROCEDURE Parents must be informed in writing of the reason for corporal punishment. Written documentation of each disciplinary action involving corporal punishment shall be maintained in the principal's office. In all cases the rights of students shall be protected in accordance with due process. Parental request that corporal punishment not be used will be followed. Upon receipt of the request not to use corporal punishment, parents will be notified that their responsibilities become more critical for discipline and that detention and suspension are the next corrective measures for misbehavior. Also see JD.

Date Approved: July 8, 2004 DETENTION OF STUDENTS JDC

Students who fail to observe school rules and regulations or are uncooperative in general may be detained after school and/or assigned Saturday detention as punishment for improper conduct. It is the responsibility of the parent or guardian to provide transportation for such detention.

Date Approved: July 8, 2004 SUSPENSION JDD

When unacceptable behavior cannot be corrected by the resources of the teacher or school administration, the Board hereby authorizes the school principal or his/her designee to suspend any student for violation of any published rule or regulation or for any other act of misconduct or insubordination as a final effort to influence the student's future behavior. DEFINITIONS "Suspension" is the denial of the privilege of attending school in the district imposed after due process upon any student of the district at the direction of the principal of the school in which the student is enrolled. A suspended student may return to school following the expiration of the suspension period without application for readmission but shall be required to be accompanied, on return to school, by a parent, legal guardian or custodian. A "suspension" includes the denial of the privilege of participating in or attending any school-related activity for the period of the suspension. Further, suspended students shall not trespass upon any other school campus or enter into any other school building except for a pre-arranged conference with a principal. AUTHORITY TO SUSPEND As provided by statute, the Superintendent has the power, authority and duty to delegate student disciplinary matters to appropriate school personnel. 37-9-14 (r) MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS A. A principal has the right to amend or rescind any suspension which has been issued. B. Suspended students are not allowed to participate in any school activity during the period of suspension. C. Authority is herewith delegated to the Superintendent to promulgate rules and regulations for student conduct. D. The hearing provided for is informal in nature and procedure; the hearing officer is not bound to strictly adhere to formal rules of evidence. A non-compulsory school age student may be suspended for the remainder of the year in accordance with state law, the school district policy handbook, bulletins or memorandums from the office of the Superintendent, the student handbook published for schools, and other appropriate official school directives. A. The principal may, on the basis of an informal hearing, suspend a student for up to three (3) consecutive school days, known as short-term suspension, for the first suspension and five (5) consecutive schools days for subsequent suspensions. A suspension of more than three (3) days up to ten (10) days may be issued with approval of the Superintendent. The principal is to contact the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) to come to school for a conference. There is no appeal procedure except to the principal of the school responsible for suspending the student for ten (10) or less consecutive school days.

B. The principal may suspend a non-compulsory school age student for a period exceeding ten (10) consecutive school days or for the remainder of the school year, known as long- term suspension. Coincident with such suspension, the student will be given a "Notice of Suspension and Statement of Rights Thereunder." This will give notice of the right to a hearing. It will also contain a statement of the charges, basis for the charges and a notice that the parent or guardian has five (5) days from notification to request a hearing before a hearing officer. The student will be advised of his/her right to legal counsel and all other rights to which he/she is entitled. A copy of the notice will be hand-delivered to the student when possible, and the original will be mailed to the parents or legal guardians unless delivery is made in person or the parent/guardian comes to the school for a conference. If no request for a hearing is received, the decision of the principal is final. If the student, his parent(s), legal guardian(s), or attorney requests additional time, the student will remain out of school until the hearing occurs. School officials may exercise this same option with consent of student, parent, legal guardian or their attorney. C. A compulsory school age student may not be suspended for more than ten (10) consecutive school days (except for students expelled for possession of a weapon or other felonious conduct). (Ref. Section 7-13-92 Miss Code Ann. Supp. 1997) (See JBA Compulsory School Attendance.) BOARD AUTHORITY As provided by statute, the School Board has the power, authority and duty: 1. To suspend or to expel a pupil or to change the placement of a pupil to the school district's alternative school or homebound program for misconduct in the school or on school property, as defined in Section 37-11-29, on the way to and from school, or at any school-related activity or event, or for conduct occurring on property other than school property or other than at school-related activity or event when such conduct by a pupil, in the determination of the school Superintendent or principal, renders that pupil's presence in the classroom a disruption to the educational environment of the school or a detriment to the best interest and welfare of the pupils and teacher of such class as a whole, and to delegate such authority to the appropriate officials of the school district. 37-7-301 (e) (2000) 2. To support, within reasonable limits, the Superintendent, principal and teachers where necessary for the proper discipline of the school. 37-7-301 (g) (2000) DISRUPTION TO THE EDUCATIONAL PROCESS The Superintendent and principal of a school shall have the power to suspend a pupil for good cause, including misconduct in the school or on school property, as defined in Section 37-11-29, on the road to and from school, or at any school-related activity or event, or for conduct occurring on property other than school property or other than at a school-related activity or event when such conduct by a pupil, in the determination of the Superintendent or principal, renders that pupil's presence in the classroom a disruption to the educational environment of the school or a detriment to the best interest and welfare of the pupils and teacher of such class as a whole, or for any reason for which such pupil might be suspended, dismissed, or expelled by the School Board under state or federal law or any rule, regulation or policy of the local school district. However, such action of the Superintendent or principal shall be subject to review by and approval or disapproval of the School Board. If the parent, guardian or other person having custody of any child shall feel aggrieved by the suspension or dismissal of that child, then such parent, guardian or other person shall have the right to a due process hearing. The parent or guardian of the child shall be advised of this right to a hearing by the appropriate Superintendent or principal and the proper form shall be provided for requesting such a hearing. 37-9-71 (2000) The Board may review a student's suspension upon request of the parent, legal guardian or custodian of a suspended student. Requests for review must be made in accordance with Board procedure, Policy JCAA.

NOTICE The student handbooks shall include specific grounds for disciplinary action and procedures to be followed for acts requiring discipline. Students and legal guardians shall be required to provide the school with a written statement verifying that they have received notice of the discipline plan, in accordance with Policy JD and JDA. In all cases of suspension the parent, legal guardian, or custodian shall be notified in writing within 24 hours of such suspension, giving the reason therefor. If a student is to be sent home during normal school hours, a parent or guardian shall be notified before the student is dismissed. No student shall be sent home during normal school hours unless a parent, guardian, or custodian has first been notified. DUE PROCESS All suspensions shall be handled in accordance with the procedures in JCAA. SPECIAL EDUCATION STUDENTS As provided under Section 2 of Senate Bill 2506 (1999 Legislative Session), "Educational services for children with disabilities who have been suspended or expelled from school shall be provided based on the requirements of IDEA, applicable federal regulations and state regulations." REPORTS The Superintendent, or his/her designee, shall report any student suspensions or student expulsions to the school attendance officer when they occur. 37-13-91 (6) Principals shall make a written report of each suspension to the Superintendent each grading period to include: 1. Name of student, address; name of parent or guardian. 2. Statement of the reasons for the suspension including the date, time and place. RETURN TO SCHOOL A student suspended for more than three (3) days must return to school accompanied by a parent, legal guardian or custodian before he/she will be readmitted to school. NOTE: According to a 1998 Attorney General Opinion, automatic fail provision of an absences policy may not apply against legal, excused absences. Such absences policies may not be applied against absences resulting from disciplinary suspension if absences policies are applied to truant children who are otherwise passing, the district must afford the child procedural due process. (Attorney General Opinion, Carter, 1-998) (#183) (97-0817) LEGAL REF.: MS CODE 37-7-301 (e) and (g); 37-13-91 (6) (1995); Senate Bill 2506 (1999); Goss v. Lopez, 419 U.S. 565 (1975) CROSS REF.: Policies JCAA Due Process JDA Corporal Punishment JDE Expulsion

DUE PROCESS FOR SHORT-TERM SUSPENSIONS (THREE DAYS OR LESS) An informal immediate hearing shall be held with the student and the principal or assistant principal immediately after the student is accused of violation. No notification shall be given to the parent prior to this hearing. The student shall be notified of what he/she has been accused and the basis of that accusation. He/she shall be given the opportunity to present his/her account of the incident. With only certain exceptions, the principal or assistant principal shall bring together in one place students or others involved in the incident, so that he/she may hear differing views, if any, of persons affected by the incident. After determining the facts under procedures outlined above, the principal may suspend a student for a period not to exceed three (3) consecutive days without further proceedings of any kind. The action of the principal or assistant principal shall be final, and there shall be no appeal therefrom. A. The principal or assistant principal may separately interview everyone involved only if exceptional conditions exist, such as the following circumstances: 1. Cases where hostility may be resumed or danger to students may exist. When confrontation could lead to a resumption of hostilities or endanger any student, the principal will take care that he/she presents to the students separately interviewed the information otherwise received so that opportunity is afforded for response. 2. Cases between students and school officials. When a confrontation exists between a student and a teacher, assistant principal or other persons in authority, the principal or assistant principal will ascertain if other persons have knowledge of the event. These other persons should be interviewed jointly with the student who may possibly require disciplinary action. 3. Cases involving large groups. When a large group of students is involved and no meaningful exchange of information is likely, the principal may meet with smaller groups representing divergent viewpoints, or he/she may present to each small group meeting separately the information he/she has otherwise received so that opportunity is provided each divergent group to respond. B. In case the principal or assistant principal sees a need to take immediate action, as when it is necessary to restore order and to resume the orderly discharge of normal school functions, and only then, he/she may immediately eject a disorderly student or students. The student or students sent home under these circumstances will be instructed to return the following day with or without parent or legal guardian as the principal or assistant principal may determine, whereupon action will be taken. Also see JDE Expulsion.

Date Approved: July 8, 2004 EXPULSION JDE

A student may be expelled for committing any of the offenses identified as expellable offenses in the discipline plan. DEFINITIONS 1. Expulsion is the denial of school attendance for a specified minimum period of time or for an unspecified period of time, but in no event less than one calendar year, after which time a student may be readmitted only upon application and with approval by the Board in accordance with Policy JDG. 2. Limited expulsion is the denial of school attendance for the remainder of the school year. A principal may recommend a limited expulsion when a student who has been suspended three (3) times during the same school year commits a fourth offense or in circumstances otherwise proper for such action. The student may be readmitted the following school year only upon application and with approval by the Board in accordance with the Policy JDG. AUTHORITY TO EXPEL As provided by statute, the Superintendent has the power, authority and duty to delegate student disciplinary matters to appropriate school personnel. 37-9-14 (r) When a principal determines that a student has violated one or more of the specific standards of conduct described in the discipline plan, he/she may recommend expulsion of the student to the Superintendent. Should the Superintendent elect to expel the student, he/she shall arrange for a Board meeting to hear the matter. BOARD AUTHORITY As provided by statute, the School Board has the power, authority and duty: 1. To suspend or to expel a pupil or to change the placement of a pupil to the school district's alternative school or home-bound program for misconduct in the school or on school property, as defined in Section 37-11-29, on the road to and from school, or at any school-related activity or event, or for conduct occurring on property other than school property or other than at a schoolrelated activity or event when such conduct by a pupil, in the determination of the Superintendent or principal, renders that pupil's presence in the classroom a disruption to the educational environment of the school or a detriment to the best interest and welfare of the pupils and teacher of such class as a whole, and to delegate such authority to the appropriate officials of the school district. 37-7-301 (e) (2000) 1. To support, within reasonable limits, the Superintendent, principal and teachers where necessary for the proper discipline of the school. 37-7-301 (g) (2000) The Board shall review and make a final decision on all recommendations of expulsion made by the Superintendent or a principal.

NOTICE The student handbooks shall include specific grounds for disciplinary action and procedures to be followed for acts requiring discipline. Students and legal guardians shall be required to provide the school with a written statement verifying that they have received notice of the discipline plan in accordance with Policy JD and JDA. DUE PROCESS All expulsions shall be handled in accordance with the procedures in JCAA. SPECIAL EDUCATION STUDENTS As provided under Section 2 of Senate Bill 2506 (1999 Legislative Session), "Educational services for children with disabilities who have been suspended or expelled from school shall be provided based on the requirements of IDEA, applicable federal regulations and state regulations." REPORTS When a student is expelled, the parent, legal guardians or custodians must be notified immediately on a form provided by the Superintendent for such purpose. When a student is expelled for the commission of a crime or other unlawful activity or violent act, the reporting requirements of Policies JCBF and JCBF-P are applicable. The Superintendent or his/her designee shall report all expulsions to the school attendance officer when they occur. READMISSION Any student who has been expelled must apply to the Board for readmission to the regular school program in accordance with Policy JDG. NOTE: According to a 1998 Attorney General Opinion, automatic fail provision of an absences policy may not apply against legal, excused absences. Such absences policies may not be applied against absences resulting from disciplinary suspensions; if absences policies are applied to truant children who are otherwise passing, the district must afford the child procedural due process. (Attorney General Opinion, Carter, 1-998) (#183) (97-0817) LEGAL REF.: MS CODE as cited; 37-11-18; 37-11-29; 37-9-71; 37-13-91 (6) Senate Bill 2506 (1999); Goss v. Lopez, 419 U.S. 565 (1975) CROSS REF.: Policies JCAA Due Process JD Discipline Plan JDA Corporal Punishment

Date Approved: July 8, 2004 DISCIPLINE REPORTING JDF

It is necessary for the protection of both students and faculty members that all student discipline actions be properly documented and reported. Consistency of documenting and reporting among all the schools in the school district is vital for a smooth running, effective program. Similar disciplinary referral forms shall be used in each school. A record shall be maintained in the principal's office of the occurrence of all major offenses and the administering of any corporal punishment. The teacher shall keep a record, in the classroom, of minor offenses.

Date Approved: July 8, 2004 READMISSION AND DENIAL OF ADMISSION JDG

A student who has been expelled from this district must apply and be approved for readmission to the regular school program. The application for readmission shall be in a form provided by the Superintendent for such purpose. A student who has been denied admission based on a pending or current expulsion may be approved for readmission to the district by the Board according to the procedures in this policy. I. TIME FOR READMISSION APPLICATION (Applicable to expulsions from this District only) A. If the expulsion was for a specified period of time, application for readmission should be made at least two (2) weeks before the conclusion of the expulsion period. B. If the expulsion was for an unspecified period of time, application for readmission may be made at the beginning of the following school year provided that all or part of two semesters have been served outside the regular school program.. C. When the student is enrolled in another regular school program or participating in an alternative school or similar program during the expulsion period and at the time of application, application may be made any time after the conclusion of specified expulsion period or after one (1) year from the date of expulsion. II. PROCEDURES The procedures set forth in Policy JCAA shall apply to requests for readmission. III. STANDARD FOR READMISSION/ADMISSION The Board may grant readmission or admission upon a documented showing that the student has participated in successful rehabilitative efforts including but not limited to progress in an alternative school or similar program.

Date Approved: July 8, 2004 ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT JF

The districts administrative staff shall develop and implement a system of recognition and rewards for students. Criteria used in the evaluation process to determine a student's grade must be supported by rationale. The criteria must be in writing and must include the following: 1. Course content (goals, objectives, materials, etc.) as outlined in the curriculum guides 2. Methods of evaluation grades will reflect some combination of the areas listed below: a. Classwork b. Homework c. Test scores d. Participation e. Skill application f. Preparation for class 3. The effect of absence on grades 4. Procedures for making up assigned work and tests 5. Other criteria as may be approved by the Superintendent and School Board LEGAL REF.: MS CODE as cited and Senate Bill 2156 (1999 Legislative Session) CROSS REF.: Policies BA Board Operations Goals and Objectives Mission Statement CA General School Administration Goals and Objectives

Date Approved: July 8, 2004 Date Revised: June 26, 2008 VALEDICTORIAN/SALUTATORIAN/CLASS RANK JFB

The valedictorian of the class shall be the student with the highest weighted grade-point average. The salutatorian of the class shall be the student with the second highest weighted grade-point average. The weighted grade-point average will be calculated at the end of the third nine weeks grading period of the senior year. The student named as valedictorian or salutatorian must have attended Columbia High School for at least ten consecutive nine-weeks grading periods. In the event of a tie for valedictorian, the student with the highest numeric grade average based on weighted GPA courses will be named valedictorian. The student with the second highest numeric grade average based on weighted GPA courses will be named salutatorian. In the event of a remaining tie after this consideration, covaledictorians will be named; no salutatorian will be named. In the event of a tie for salutatorian, the student with the next highest numeric grade average based on weighted GPA courses will be named salutatorian. In the event of a remaining tie after this consideration, co-salutatorians will be named. If a student retakes a course to improve his or her grade, only the original grade will be used to determine the valedictorian, salutatorian, and class ranking. PHASE LEVELS Courses at Columbia High School are identified by phase level. Phase 4 courses are advanced placement classes. Phase 3 courses are advanced/accelerated classes (college preparatory). Phase 2 courses are identified as regular academic classes. Phase 0 courses are non-academic elective classes. The phase level is determined by course content and requirements. Each student will receive a weighted grade-point average (GPA) based on the following scale:

A
AP Phase 4 Adv./Acc. Phase 3 Reg. Phase 2 *Non-academic Electives Phase 0
5 4.5

B
4.5 4

C
4 3

D
3 2

F
0 0

*A grade and Carnegie unit will be assigned; however, the grade will not count in the weighted GPA or in determining class ranking. Therefore, phase 0 classes will neither help nor hurt. As a result, every CHS student is afforded the opportunity to become a well-rounded individual by participation in non-academic courses while encouraging high academic participation and success.

Summer school and correspondence courses shall be classified no higher than Phase 2. A students rank in class is based on a weighted grade-point average calculated from all subjects (Phases 2-4) pursued in grades 9 12 using the following grading scales. For students who entered ninth grade prior to the 2008-2009 school 94 - 100 = A 86 - 93 = B 76 - 85 = C 70 - 75 = D 69 and below = F For students entering ninth grade in the 2008-2009 school year and thereafter 90 - 100 = A 80 - 89 = B 70 - 79 = C 65 - 69 = D 64 and below = F

Date Approved: July 8, 2004 STUDENT INSURANCE JGA

Students are provided the opportunity to purchase accident insurance at school from a company approved by the Board and the Superintendent. All students participating in inter-school athletic programs and band are required to participate in an accident insurance program acceptable to the Board and the Superintendent. The school may act as a collection agent in receiving premium payments for the approved company which provides accident protection. The collection of premiums will take place during a period of time and in the manner specified by the Superintendent. After the specified time for collections, all payments are to be made directly to the insurance company by individuals. Students must be covered by accident insurance in order to participate in interscholastic sports.

Date Approved: July 8, 2004 STUDENT HEALTH SERVICES JGC

Student health and safety shall be safeguarded through an organized program of services designed to handle health and safety problems and to coordinate school and community health and safety resources. For any student who has had head lice on three (3) occasions during one (1) school year, the principal shall notify the county health department of the recurring problem of head lice with that student. The student shall not be allowed to attend school until proof of treatment is obtained. 41-79-21 (See Policy JGCE.) Sanitary conditions in the schools shall meet State Board of Health requirements. LEGAL REF.: MS CODE as cited Mississippi Public School Accountability Standards CROSS REF.: Policies JGCC Communicable Diseases JGCD Student Health Services Medicines

Date Approved: July 8, 2004 HEALTH SERVICES PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS JGCAA

Students engaging in competitive sports must have a physical examination each year prior to the opening of the sports season. School authorities should receive and have on file a copy of each examination report. School personnel shall conduct hearing and/or vision screening on any student who has not been successful in the regular education program. This screening will be conducted without written parental consent as a means of determining whether hearing and/or vision problems are hindering student progress. Parents shall be notified if the student fails hearing and/or vision screening.

Date Approved: July 8, 2004 IMMUNIZATIONS AND VACCINATIONS COMPLIANCE JGCB/JGCC

The School Board has the power, authority and duty to require those vaccinations specified by the state health officer as provided in Section 41-23-37. 37-7-301 (i). Immunizations and Vaccinations Mississippi law requires that every student in grades K-12 have on file with the school one of the following before the student can be allowed to attend school even for one day: A. A Certificate of Compliance (MSDH form); B. An unexpired time-limited Temporary Compliance Form (MSDH form); or C. A combination of one of these with a Certificate of Medical Exemption (MSDH form). The Certificate of Compliance is necessary for the enrollment of all students, grades PreK-12. Students who previously had Certificates of Compliance in grades 2-12 in the prior year do not need new Certificates of Compliance for the current school year. Students required to have new Certificates of Compliance are the following: A. All students enrolling in pre-kindergarten, kindergarten or first grade for the first time who have not been issued a certificate previously; B. All students enrolling in a Mississippi school for the first time; C. All previously enrolled students with the original Certificate of Compliance marked "incomplete" and those who have a Temporary Compliance Form with an expired date. Students shall be excluded from enrolling in school until the proper form is obtained. The Mississippi Supreme Court has ruled that the exemption from required vaccination because of religious belief is invalid. In-state transfer students must have an appropriate compliance form within their cumulative folders. ALL SCHOOLS MUST SEND THE ORIGINAL COPY OF THE COMPLIANCE REPORT FORM IN THE CUMULATIVE FOLDER OF THE CHILD TRANSFERRING TO ANOTHER SCHOOL. Students enrolling in a Mississippi school from another state (out-of-state transfer) shall present one of the three required Mississippi State Department of Health Compliance report forms noted above. County health departments or private physicians may issue a valid Certificate of Compliance or a Temporary Compliance Form. Only Certificates of Medical Exemption Forms approved by the local county health officer or his/her designee and the child's physician are considered valid. In instances where further information is required by the county health departments or the local health officer for the final disposition regarding immunization needs of a child seeking enrollment, a Temporary Compliance Form is given at the time of the request, provided a review of the case indicates that immediate attendance poses no apparent significant threat to the child or students or staff of the school. A child is in compliance if he/she is enrolled with either a Temporary or a Full Certificate of Compliance on his/her first day of attendance, whether that first day is at the beginning of the school year or during the school term. The deadline for having forms on file in schools is not October or December; these deadlines are for reports only. The interval from the beginning of the school year to the filing of these Compliance

Reports is not a "grace period" with regard to the obligation of the schools to have each child in compliance; instead, it gives schools time to tabulate and complete the reports. Both a Preliminary Compliance Report and a Final Compliance Report are required by the schools. Procedures require that the Preliminary Compliance Report be completed and sent to the immunization health program representative at the "return address" stamped on the report forms by October 1. The Final Compliance Report must be completed and returned by December 31. Forms for the Preliminary Report and instructions are available from the State Department of Education. Any student enrolled on a temporary certificate of compliance, who is not in full compliance at the end of ninety (90) calendar days from enrollment, shall be excluded from school until compliance is achieved. An exception may be granted if the local health officer shall attribute the delay to a condition making compliance impossible and so verifies to the school.

Date Approved: July 8, 2004 COMMUNICABLE DISEASES JGCC

The School Board has the power, authority and duty to exclude from the schools students with what appears to be infectious or contagious diseases; provided, however, such student may be allowed to return to school upon presenting a certificate from a public health officer duly licensed physician or nurse practitioner that the student is free from such disease. 37-7-301(h) (1996) 1. A student with a chronic infectious disease such as, but not limited to, hepatitis B, herpes simplex, AIDS/ARC or cytomegalovirus shall be removed from the classroom temporarily and until the districts medical advisor, in consultation with the students physician, determines whether the students presence in the school poses a risk of transmission of such chronic infectious disease to others. 2. Should it be determined by the schools medical advisor that attendance poses no threat, the student shall be allowed to resume attendance at school subject to restrictions or limitations recommended by the school's medical advisor. 3. Should it be determined by the schools medical advisor that attendance at school poses a risk of transmission of such chronic infectious disease to others, an appropriate alternative education program shall be established for that student which shall continue until the districts medical advisor determines that the risk of transmission to others has abated and normal school attendance can resume. 4. The decision of the districts medical advisor shall be final. Exclusion From School The school district may exclude from school any student suffering from contagious or infectious diseases. Each staff member has the responsibility to observe students and notify the principal of any student suspected of having an infectious or contagious disease. A student who is absent from school as a result of contagious or infectious diseases shall be excluded from attending school as indicated below: Disease Chicken Pox German Measles Red Measles Mumps Scarlet Fever Pediculosis (lice) Hepatitis Conjunctivitis (pinkeye) Exclusion From School Eight (8) days after eruption appears (until rash is dry) Four (4) days after onset of rash; clearance by physician Seven (7) to ten (10) days after onset of rash; clearance by physician Nine (9) days after glands swell (until swelling has subsided) One (1) day (with antibiotic treatment) Four (4) days (without treatment) Until nits are gone Clearance by physician Until under proper treatment

Impetigo Ringworm

Until under proper treatment oral antibiotic therapy is started Until under proper treatment topical antifungals for lesions anywhere except scalp. Ringworm of the scalp does not respond to over-the counter medicines. The student must see his/her physician for oral antifungal therapy. Student may return to school as soon as treatment by doctor is started. Until under proper treatment May return to class 24 hours after treatment by physician if free of fever

Scabies Strep Throat

NOTE: The principal may require a written note from the student's family doctor or public health department for a student returning to school after having a communicable or infectious disease. IMPORTANT NOTICE Universal Precautions: Employees will use this method of infection control in which all human blood and other potentially infectious materials are treated as if known to be infectious. All staff shall use the following routine and standard procedure to clean up after a student has an accident or injury at school. 1. Blood or body fluids emanating from ANY student shall be treated cautiously. 2. Rubber gloves shall be worn when there is a risk of a staff member coming in contact with blood or other bodily fluids. 3. Items soaked with blood or other bodily fluids shall be placed in leakproof bags for washing or further disposition. 4. Hand washing immediately after contact with a student is routinely recommended if physical contact has been made with the students blood or bodily fluids, including saliva. The school district shall provide gloves and other appropriate materials for use by the staff for compliance with this policy.

Date Approved: July 8, 2004 STUDENT HEALTH SERVICE - MEDICATION JGCD

1. Administration of medication is foremost the responsibility of the parent/guardian. All medications that can be given outside of school hours without serious effects must be given before or after school. 2. The first dose of any medication should be given at home in case there is an allergic reaction. 3. School personnel/nurses are not responsible for giving missed or late home doses of medication. 4. Prescription medication will only be administered if: a. b. c. A physicians order and parent/guardian written permission slip is received at school including childs name, name of medication, amount of medication needed, and time of administration. Medication must be supplied in the bottle dispensed by the pharmacy with the following on the label before the school can accept it: childs name, name of medication, how often the medication is to be given, and the dosage. The information from (a) and (b) must be the same.

5. Non-prescription medication: a. b. Parent/guardian signs the permission form. Medication is in the original package.

6. Medication will not be given from a teachers own personal supply. 7. A new form must be signed for each medication or change of medication order. A new form with the physicians orders must be signed at the beginning of each school year if the medication is continued from one year to the next. 8. Both prescription and over-the-counter medication must be brought to school by the student's parent or legal guardian. 9. The proper disposal of unused medications is important, and it is the responsibility of the parent to obtain all unused medication from the school when the medication is discontinued, the school year ends, or the family transfers to another district. All medication left in the school under these conditions will be disposed of by the school nurse or delegate. 10. Students may keep asthma inhalers and diabetic medications with them at all times if given permission from the parent/guardian, physician, and school nurse. In accordance with state law as enacted in the 2003 Regular Session of the Mississippi Legislature, the school district shall permit a student to self-administer asthma medications if his/her parent or guardian meets following requirements: 1. Provides written authorization for self-administration to the school; and 2. Provides a written statement from the student's health care practitioner that the student has asthma and

has been instructed in self-administration of asthma medications. The statement shall also contain the following information: a. The name and purpose of the medications; b. The prescribed dosage; c. The time or times the medications are to be regularly administered and under what additional special circumstances the medications are to be administered; and d. The length of time for which the medications are prescribed. 1. The required statements required shall be kept on file in the office of the school nurse or school administrator. 4. The school district shall inform the parent or guardian of the student that the school and its employees and agents shall incur no liability as a result of any injury sustained by the student from the selfadministration of asthma medications. The parent or guardian of the student shall sign a statement acknowledging that the school shall incur no liability and the parent or guardian shall indemnify and hold harmless the school and its employees against any claims relating to the self-administration of asthma medications. 5. The permission for self administration of medications shall be effective for the school year in which it is granted and shall be renewed each following school year. 6. A student with asthma may possess and use asthma medications when at school, at a school-sponsored activity, under the supervision of school personnel or before and after normal school activities while on school properties including school-sponsored child care of after-school programs.

Date Approved: July 8, 2004 HEAD LICE JGCE

School District principals will exclude from school and refer for treatment any student with known infestation of head lice. The students parent/guardian will be notified that the student must receive proper treatment and have no visible nits before the student may return to school. The treatment must be an approved medical treatment, not a home remedy. If a student is found to have head lice on three (3) occasions during one (1) school year as determined by the school nurse, public health nurse, or physician, the principal or administrator will notify the county health department of the recurring problem. An approved form will be used to refer the student to the health department. The health department will be notified that the student is to be expected. The parent/guardian will take the completed form and the student to the health department. The school nurse will follow up with the health department and the parent for release to return to school. Also see Policy JGC.

Date Approved: July 8, 2004 EMERGENCY DRILLS JGFA

The Superintendent is directed to establish comprehensive plans and procedures to provide for the orderly movement and safety of students. The plans should include emergency evacuation routes for natural disasters and other causes. Emergency drills shall be conducted a minimum of once per month without prior announcement.

Date Approved: July 8, 2004 SUPERVISION OF STUDENTS JGFB

Students will be supervised by a school employee at all times the school has jurisdiction over such student. OFF-CAMPUS STUDENT EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITY All off-campus student educational activities require the approval of the principal. Accompanying the request for approval must be information specifying those students who are to participate in the activity and the basis for their participation. Out-of-state student activities require Board approval. In addition, the request must include the following: Specific references to the curriculum; Source of payment for the off-campus educational activity; Method of transportation; Beginning and ending times and dates; Names of school personnel to attend; Names of additional chaperones; Method of financing adult/parent participation; and Other pertinent information.

Such requests should be submitted three (3) weeks prior to the off-campus educational activity. Parents and guardians must sign the Parental Consent to Student Educational Activity and Release From Liability form in advance of the off-campus educational activity.

Date Approved: July 8, 2004 DISMISSAL PRECAUTIONS JGFC

School personnel will assume responsibility for the student at the beginning of the school day. Dismissal of the student during the school day at other than regular dismissal times will be regulated by specific administrative guidelines.

Date Approved: July 8, 2004 STUDENT AUTOMOBILE USE Parking on school property is a courtesy offered to students and others by the School Board. The parking facilities are to be used for school purposes, which include attendance at school activities or other school-authorized activities which occur before or after the regular school day. Violators may be charged with trespassing and/or vehicles towed at the owner's expense. The district shall not assume any responsibility for damage to vehicles. Loitering in or near vehicles is not permitted. Failure to abide by vehicle regulations may result in disciplinary action, including loss of the privilege of driving a vehicle to school. JGFF

Date Approved: July 8, 2004 STUDENT FEES JHA

The School Board authorizes each school to charge reasonable fees, but not more than the actual cost, for the following: A. Supplemental instructional materials and supplies, excluding textbooks; B. Other fees designated by the School Board as fees related to a valid curriculum educational objective including transportation; C. Extracurricular activities and any other educational activities of the school district which are not designated by the School Board as valid curriculum educational objectives, such as band trips and athletic events; D. Student ID's. All fees except for those in item C above shall be charged only in accordance with the following school district financial hardship waiver policy: A. Financial wavier shall be kept in strictest of confidence with all files and personal disclosures restricted from review by the general public. B. A pupil eligible to have such fees waived as a result of an inability to pay for said fees shall not be discriminated against, nor shall there be any overt identification of a pupil who has received a financial hardship waiver. C. The inability to pay the fees shall not result in a pupil being denied or deprived of any academic awards or standards, any class selection, grade, diploma, transcript or right to participate in any activity related to educational enhancement. In order to request a student fee waiver, a student or parent must complete a waiver of student fee form and submit it to the principal. The principal may form a special committee to consider this petition. This committee will be made up of teachers and administrators. A students eligibility for a fee waiver will be dependent upon the students family income, financial condition, extenuating circumstances, etc.

Date Approved: July 8, 2004 FUND-RAISING ACTIVITIES See JKB. JHBA/JHE/KEBB

Date Approved: July 8, 2004 SORORITIES, FRATERNITIES, AND SECRET ORGANIZATIONS JHCAA

Students are prohibited from becoming a member of or belonging to or participating in the activities of any high school fraternity, sorority, or secret society as defined in Section 37-11-37.

Date Approved: July 8, 2004 STUDENT COUNCIL, OFFICERS, CLASS OFFICERS, CAMPAIGNING, COUNTING VOTES JHCB

District policies governing election, membership, qualifications, duties, campaigning, and counting votes in regard to Student Council and class officers and members are adopted by the School Board and published annually as official policy statements of the school district.

Date Approved: July 8, 2004 FREE SPEECH JHCD

The district recognizes a student's right to free speech provided it is exercised in a manner which is not prohibited by law nor disrupts the educational process. Ref.: Section 37-11-55, MS Code of 1972, as amended

Date Approved: July 8, 2004 STUDENT ACTIVITIES BAND HIGH SCHOOL JHEAB

District policies governing the band are adopted by the School Board and published annually as official policy statements of the school district.

Date Approved: July 8, 2004 REQUIREMENTS FOR CHEERLEADER TRY-OUTS AND ELIGIBILITY FOR CONTINUATION AS A CHEERLEADER 7-12 JHF

District policies governing cheerleader try-outs and eligibility for continuation as a cheerleader are adopted by the School Board and published annually as official policy statements of the District.

Date Approved: December 15, 2008 Date Revised: June 10, 2010 Date Revised: October 14, 2010 FOOD SERVICE Child Nutrition

JIA

1. All meal payments, which include cash, checks, and prepays are to be made at the point of service. A maximum of $20.00 charged is allowable for primary and elementary school students. Charges are not allowed for middle and high school students. Students reaching these limits will receive an alternate meal until their charges have been paid. Accountability in the school and the collection for these charges are the responsibility of the Cafeteria Manager with the assistance of the Director of Child Nutrition and the Principal. Charges are not allowed for adults. 2. No food items will be sold on the school campus one hour prior to any meal service period. This includes student accessible school vending machine sales. No commercial business food deliveries may be received or consumed in the cafeteria dining room during serving periods. 3. The Child Nutrition Department will serve only those foods which are components of the approved federal meal patterns. Additional foods will be served as necessary to meet caloric requirements of the age group being served. To reduce plate waste, offer versus serve will be implemented in grades Pre-K through 12. Students will be offered five meal components. Students must select a minimum of three different meal components to qualify for a reimbursable meal. The choice of three or four items does not relieve the non- needy child from paying the full price of the meal. 4. With the exception of milk products, a student may purchase individual components of the meal only if the full meal unit is purchased. Desserts are not a meal component; and, therefore, additional desserts cannot be purchased. 5. Students who bring lunch from home may purchase milk products. Beverages other than milk, juice, or water shall not be consumed in the dining room during the lunch period except in an unidentifiable container.

Date Revised: July 19, 2005 SOLICITATION BY STUDENTS (FUND RAISING) JKB

Students or staff are not to solicit funds, supplies or materials in the name of the school district unless specifically approved to do so on a project by project basis by the Superintendent. A statement signifying that students are duly representing the Columbia School District, signed by the principal of the school, is required of any student soliciting funds on behalf of the school district. All schools in the Columbia School District will be permitted two major selling campaigns or fund raisers annually and each organized club approved by the school administration may be permitted to hold up to two fund raising projects annually.

Date Approved: July 8, 2004 DELIVERY AT SCHOOL OF STUDENT GIFTS JLCD/KHCD

Personal gifts for students shall not be accepted by school personnel for delivery to or pickup by individual or groups of students.

Date Approved: July 8, 2004 STUDENT/STAFF RECOGNITION PLAN JNA

The Superintendent and administrative staff shall implement a system of recognition and awards for students and staff. Such recognition and/or awards include but shall not be limited to the following: Honor Rolls Certificates of Merit Recognition Programs Nominations for State, Regional, and National Awards Scholarship Nominations

Date Approved: July 8, 2004 ANOMALOUS STUDENTS SPECIAL EDUCATION JQB/IDD

Students with disabilities requiring special education instructional services who wish to receive a standard high school diploma must meet all unit/credit requirements, all state assessment requirements and perform at established performance levels. Allowable and/or appropriate modifications will be made in testing procedures for students with disabilities. See IDDF.

Date Approved: July 8, 2004 HEARING/VISION/BEHAVIORAL/ ACADEMIC SCREENING JQL

Students in grades K and 4 will be screened for visual and hearing deficits annually. The State Department of Education criteria will be used to determine pass/fail. If a child fails either vision or hearing, a recheck will be conducted in two weeks. If a child fails either screening at the second testing, a letter will be mailed to the parents regarding results and recommendations. HEARING/VISION Any student who has not been successful in the regular education program may be screened for hearing and vision as a means of determining whether hearing and/or vision problems are the cause of the student's lack of success in the regular education program. BEHAVIORAL/ACADEMIC Any student who experiences behavioral/academic problems which impede learning in the educational program may be screened through observations or classroom evaluations by the students teacher(s) and/or other district service providers as a means of determining whether behavior problems and/or academic difficulties are the cause of the students lack of success in the educational program.

Date Approved: July 8, 2004 Date Revised: May 13, 2010 HOMELESS CHILDREN DEFINITIONS For the purposes of this policy, the following definitions shall apply. A. A homeless child or a homeless youth is an individual who: 1. Lacks a fixed, regular and adequate residence or has a primary night time residence in a supervised publicly or privately operated shelter for temporary accommodations (including welfare hotels, congregate shelters and transitional housing for the mentally ill), an institution providing temporary residence for individuals intended to be institutionalized, or a public or private place not designed for, or ordinarily used as, a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings. Is temporarily staying with relatives or friends due to a recent loss of jobs, housing or financing as opposed to living together for cultural or traditional reasons. Is an agricultural migrant child who typically does not remain in one location more than two (2) weeks. Is a runaway who resides in a special shelter. Resides in a domestic abuse shelter. Resides on the street, in a tent, vehicle, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations, or similar settings. JQN

2. 3. 4. 5. 6. B. C. D.

Any individual imprisoned or otherwise detained by an Act of Congress or State Law is not homeless or a homeless individual. The school of origin is the school that the child or youth attended when permanently housed or the school in which the child or youth was last enrolled. The place of abode includes any of the places indicated in paragraph a above.

SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED 1. Pursuant to and in compliance with the requirements of the 2001-2002 reauthorization as the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, 42 U.S.C. 11431, it shall be the policy of the school district, to the extent practicable under requirements relating to education established by state law, that each eligible child of a homeless individual and each eligible homeless youth will have access to a free appropriate education comparable to the education provided the children of district residents who are non-homeless, without isolation or stigma. The placement of an eligible homeless child or youth will be made according to the Assignment of Pupils Policy (JBCCA) and will take into consideration the best interests of the homeless child or youth and placement requests made by a parent.

2.

3.

The choice of placement in either the school of origin or the school serving the place of abode will take place regardless of whether the child or youth is living with the homeless parent(s) or has been temporarily placed elsewhere by the parent(s). Provided the homeless child or youth meets eligibility criteria, he/she will be provided transportation services; compensatory education programs for the disadvantaged; educational programs for the handicapped and for students with limited English proficiency; programs in vocational education; programs for the gifted and talented; and school meals programs. Any and all records ordinarily kept by the school district, including immunization records, academic records, birth certificates, guardianship records, evaluations for special services and programs shall be kept on homeless children and youth and shall be forwarded in a timely fashion should a child or youth enter a new school or school district; and in a manner consistent with S1232g of Title 20. The school district will coordinate with local social service agencies and other agencies or programs providing services to such children or youth and their families. The school district will designate a homelessness liaison to insure that homeless children and youth enroll in and succeed in the schools of their district; and homeless families, children and youth receive educational services for which they are eligible, and referrals to health care services, dental services, mental health services, and other appropriate services. The homelessness liaison shall inform school personnel, service providers and advocates working with homeless families of the duties of the liaison. The school district has reviewed and will continue to review and revise, to the extent practicable under the requirements relating to education established by state law, any policies that may act as barriers to the enrollment of homeless children and youth in schools. In reviewing and revising such policies, to the extent practicable under the requirements relating to education established by state law, consideration shall be given to issues concerning transportation, requirements of immunization, residency, birth certificates, school records, or other documentation and guardianship. If a dispute arises over school selection or placement, the homeless child or youth shall be enrolled in the school sought by the parent or guardian, pending resolution of the dispute. Disputes regarding the assignment of a homeless child or youth and other issues or disputes will be directed to the attention of the school official responsible for that particular matter for prompt resolution. If this dispute cannot be resolved locally, any aggrieved party may make written request for a review of the matter to Coordinator of the Homeless Program, State Department of Education, P.O. Box 771, Jackson, MS 39205.

4.

5.

6. 7.

8. 9.

10.

11. 12.

LEGAL REF.: MS CODE as cited CROSS REF.: Policy JAA Equal Educational Opportunities JBCCA Assignment of Pupils

Date Revised: July 19, 2005 STUDENT RECORDS JR

Permanent records and cumulative folders for individual students contain all required data and are collected, maintained, and disseminated according to Columbia School District Data Collection Guidelines and in compliance with state laws, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, and the Confidentiality Section of federal special education laws. 1. The State Board of Education shall prepare and provide necessary forms for keeping permanent records and cumulative folders for each pupil in the schools of the district. In the permanent record and cumulative folders, the teachers and principals shall keep information concerning the pupils date of birth, as verified by certified birth certificate, record of attendance, grades, and withdrawal from the school, including the date of any expulsion from the school system and a description of the students act or behavior resulting in the expulsion. The records shall also contain information pertaining to immunization and such other information as the State Board of Education may prescribe. The cumulative folder, in addition to that information maintained in the permanent records, shall also contain such other information, as the State Board of Education shall prescribe. It shall be the responsibility of the person in charge of each school to enforce the requirement for a certified birth certificate for each pupil before enrollment. Any child enrolling in Kindergarten or grade 1 shall present a certified birth certificate upon enrollment. Any child in grades 2 through 12 not in compliance at the end of sixty (60) days from the opening of the fall term shall be suspended until in compliance. 37-15-1 (1995) 2. Student permanent records shall be kept, while it is active, in a fire resistant container. The permanent record shall be considered active: (a) if the student is enrolled in the school; or (b) if he/she has withdrawn or has been expelled and the students of the class of which he/she was a member shall not have reached the time of graduation. At the point of the students graduation or at the time when the student would normally have graduated had he/she not withdrawn or been expelled from school, the students permanent record shall become a part of the permanent binder in the central fire resistant depository as designated and provided by the School Board of the school district, or as an alternative method, the records may be maintained in fire resistant storage at the school last attended by the student. The permanent binding and preservation of the inactive records shall be the duty of the Superintendent of the school district who shall maintain a central depository of the records. 37-15-2 (1995) 3. The cumulative folders provided for above shall be kept in the school where the students are in attendance. Both the permanent records and the cumulative folders shall be available for inspection by public and private school officials, including public school teachers within the school district who have been determined by the school district to have legitimate educational interests. In no case, however, shall such records be available to the general public. Transcripts of courses and grades may be furnished when requested by the parent or guardian or eligible pupil as prescribed in the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, as amended, 20 USC Section 1232. The records shall be kept for each pupil throughout his/her entire public school enrollment period. In the event a pupil transfers to a public school, then the cumulative folder shall be furnished to the head of the school to

which the pupil transfers; if a pupil transfers to a private school, then a copy of the cumulative folder shall be furnished to the head of the school to which the pupil transfers. The permanent record shall be kept permanently by the school district from which the pupil transferred. At no time may a permanent record of a student be destroyed, but cumulative folders may be destroyed by order of the School Board of the school district in not less than five (5) years after the permanent record of the pupil has become inactive and has been transferred to the central depository of the district. However, where a school district makes complete copies of inactive permanent records on photographic film or microfilm which may be reproduced as needed, the permanent records may be destroyed after the photographic film or microfilm copy has been stored in the central depository of the district. 3715-3 (1987) No records which are in the process of being audited by the State Department of Audit, or which are the basis of litigation, shall be destroyed until at least twelve (12) months after final completion of said audits and litigation. 37-15-8 (1997) The district requires an annual pupil performance record for each active student to include the following: a. A listing of required skills to be mastered in each grade and/or course b. A record of master/non-mastery of each skill c. Record is to be completed by the student's current teacher(s) at the end of each school year and will become a part of the student's cumulative folder. Also see CN.

Date Approved: July 8, 2004 TRANSCRIPTS JRB

District policies governing transcripts are adopted by the School Board and published annually as official policy statements of the school district.

Date Approved: July 8, 2004 FEE POLICY WAIVER OF FEES See Policy JHA. JS