SCHOOL ARRIVAL

The school day begins at 7:35 a.m. and ends at 2:35 p.m.  For safety and supervisory reasons, students should not be dropped off or arrive at school before 7:25 a.m.  If students arrive before this time, the Drought School staff is not responsible for these students.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

At the opening of each school day, it is with great honor and reverence that the student body and staff engage in the Pledge of Allegiance.  For any religious or political reason, those who wish to refrain may do so quietly.

 

NONDISCRIMINATION

The Drought School District, in accordance with federal laws, does not discriminate on the basis of race, age, color, national origin, or sex, nor does it discriminate against any otherwise qualified handicapped individual in its practices.  Inquiries or complaints regarding this policy should be directed to the district administrator.

 

SCHOOL VISITORS

School board policy requires all visitors coming into and leaving the school building to report to the office so that office personnel have knowledge of the visit.  This includes all employees and volunteers not regularly assigned to the facility by design or schedule.

 

SCHOOL VOLUNTEERS

Volunteers are a valued resource when used in conjunction with teacher supervision and instructional plan.  Any parent or community member wishing to volunteer specific services are asked to please contact the administrator prior to any involvement with the instructional staff or student body.

 

LUNCH/MILK PROGRAM

Hot lunch will be offered daily through Taher, Inc. for $2.10 a day.  Tickets can be purchased every Tuesday morning from 7:45 – 9:00 a.m.  Tickets can be sold in daily, weekly, or monthly amounts. Milk tickets will be sold on this day also for .35 each.  Tickets must be purchased in order to receive a lunch or a milk.  For safety’s sake, please do not send cash with your child.  Checks can be made out to Taher, Inc. (not Drought School).

 

SNACK

Students may bring a light, nutritious, and easily manageable snack for morning break (please remember this is just a snack, lunch will follow shortly).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

 

 

FUND-RAISERS

It is the policy of our school district to allow only school sponsored organizations to raise funds for activities that will provide a service to either the school or the community.  Furthermore, policy states that fund-raisers are to be approved by the Fund-raising Committee (if one exists), the administrator or the school board.

 

SCHOOL DANCES

School dances will be sponsored for students in grades 6-8 (exceptions for 5^th grade).  High school students will not be allowed to attend the dances.  A total of six dances may be scheduled per year (2 dances per grade).  If students desire a dance for a special occasion that would exceed the above limit, they must make a written request to the administrator at least 2 weeks prior to the event, including the reason for the request, and the names of the chaperones (chaperones must include at least one male and one female, one of which may be a staff or board member, and are to maintain supervision of all students at all times). Dances will be held from 6:30.-9:00 p.m.., or as designated by the administrator.  Students will not be allowed to leave and re-enter the building at any time, and therefore parents are required to enter the building when picking up their children.  Each school will need to provide a minimum of one chaperone; this also applies to our students attending other school-sponsored dances.  PLEASE NOTE:  If your child is attending a dance at another school, your child will not be permitted to enter the dance until the chaperone from Drought School is present.  Please do not leave your child until you are certain their chaperone is present.  Under no circumstances will students be outside the building or in any unauthorized area of the building that is not supervised.  It is the responsibility of the sponsoring class/group to make all the necessary arrangements and to inform other participating schools of rules and regulations.

 

 

SPECTATORS /PARTICIPANTS AT EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Spectators MUST be in the bleachers at all times watching the game unless you are in the cafeteria consuming food from concessions.   Children below the age of 12 must be under parental supervision at all times.  The outside play area and parking lot are not supervised and therefore are off limits during an extra curricular activity. 

 

 Students will not be permitted to remain after school to wait for an activity without an adult chaperone.  All students in grades 5-8 who are spectators must have written permission from a parent/guardian to stay after school for an extracurricular activity.  Students will not be allowed to make phone calls on the day of the event and must remain at the activity.

 

Any athlete who is either eligible or ineligible must sit with the team during any athletic event. 

There is to be NO:

Running in the halls

Going into lockers

Loitering in the halls

Loitering outside

 

In the event that students do not follow these rules they will be required to call their parents and get picked up immediately.

 

 

 

 

 

CONCESSIONS

While attending an extra curricular activity where concessions are sold, please respect the wishes of the custodians and other spectators by eating anything messy in the cafeteria instead of in the bleachers.  These foods include:

 

Soda

Hot Dogs

Nachos & Cheese

Popcorn

Chips
 Ice Cream

 

 

ACTIVITY PROGRAMS (PRIMARY GRADES 5-8)

Athletics, music, drama, and forensics are an integral and related part of the school experience.  As such, it provides certain opportunities difficult to experience or duplicate in other school activities that emphasize values aimed in and for later life. Students must understand that participating in these activities is a privilege, and that there are obligations and responsibilities involved with that privilege.

 

 

ELIGIBILITY RULES

The following requirements are necessary in order for a student to participate in these activities:

 

Scholastic Requirements:  All students planning to participate in any extracurricular athletics MUST maintain a passing grade in ALL subjects at eligibility review time in order to be eligible to participate.  Student eligibility will be reviewed at least 8 times a year - at midterm and report card times.  If a student fails a class, they will not be allowed to practice or continue in their sport until the next eligibility review time.     However, if a student has a failing grade at midterm, they are given a grace period of two weeks to bring the grade to passing.  The student is allowed to participate in practices and/or any scheduled games during this two-week period.  If, at the end of this two-week period the student has not brought the grade to passing, they will not be allowed to participate until the next grading period.

 

Vacations:  If a student is eligible when they leave, homework must be completed within seven consecutives days (upon return) to remain eligible.

 

Absences:  If a student is absent (excused or not) at the end of a grading period and receives an incomplete on their report card, they must complete work within seven consecutive days upon return, or remain ineligible through the next eligibility period.

 

Physical Form:  A physical form must be signed by a physician and returned to school prior to participation in interscholastic athletic activities and practice.

 

Parental Approval: The parent/guardian must give preliminary approval for their child to participate in each selected activity.  This approval also includes a liability disclaimer.

 

School Attendance: A student may not play in a game or practice with the team unless in attendance at school that day.  A “School day” is considered to be 4 hours or greater.  Certain circumstances such as funerals, weddings, and field trips may waive this requirement.  For non-athletic events, an exception may be necessary, but only with the approval of the parent/guardian, activity director, and the administrator.

 

 

Grade Levels For Non-Athletic Participation: The degree and nature of each event will be the determining factors at what grade level a student may participate at and/or at what grade students are selected.  Students in grades 6-8 may participate in athletic competition with the approval of the coach and permission of a parent/guardian.  Generally, 5^th grade students will not be allowed to participate in competitive athletics.  However, the administrator, at their discretion, may allow participation to fill out a team, if necessary. 

 

Tryouts for team selection and membership will be at the discretion of the coach.

 

Alcohol/Drugs/Tobacco: Any and/or all of the above is not allowed within 500 feet of the school premises, and will not be tolerated at any time whatsoever.  Any student found to be in violation of this policy will be immediately suspended from school, and will also be subject to the consequences of board policy. This applies to all students, not just those involved in extra-curricular activities.

 

CODE OF CONDUCT

Since athletes and program participants are highly visible representatives of the student body, their behavior and conduct should be exemplary, both in and out of school.  Coaches and Activity Directors will make known the acceptable rules and standards for their activity as well as follow these same standards.  However, the following are a minimum list of requirements:

 

Appearance:  Since students and coaches represent Drought School, the athletic director will set acceptable standard of apparel.  Uniforms are to be worn in their proper manner, and returned by the due date, clean and in good condition.  It is the coach’s responsibility to make sure all uniforms are turned in and stored in their proper places.  Coaches are also to be aware that when they wear Drought School apparel they are expected to conduct themselves as representatives of Drought School whether they wear the apparel for Drought School functions or not.

 

Discharge From An Activity:  The coach or director may discharge a participant because of tryouts, requirements, or inappropriate behavior.  If a student wishes to quit an activity, he/she must have parental permission with good cause (illness, deficiency in academics, etc.).

 

Equipment: Whenever uniforms or equipment are issued to students, it is to be returned on the due date, in good condition.  The cooperation from parents is needed for this. Participants will be required to pay for equipment that is damaged or not returned.

 

Language: Profanity is unacceptable, whether by the students or the coaches.  It is the responsibility of each coach or director to establish standards of acceptable language for the team/group.

 

Travel:

Participants will travel together in school provided transportation.  The exception will be only when parents specifically, in person or in written notice, provide another means of transportation to or from the activity for their child. Spectators can ride the team bus to an activity in extreme circumstances, only with prior permission from the administrator.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SCHOOL ATTENDANCE/ABSENCES

Regular school attendance is so important that special emphasis is worthwhile.  One days’ absence involves two days’ work (the day missed and the day returned).  It is recommended that the student be away from school the least amount of time possible. However, the district recognizes the needs of the student beyond the normal school setting

 

APPOINTMENTS

Please schedule regular doctor, dental, and other appointments after 2:35 p.m.  If a student is to miss because of a vital appointment, the student is required to hand in assignments due that day to the teacher(s) of the class(es) they will be missing.  Failure to do so will result in a zero.

 

Students are not to leave the school premises during the school day without the permission of both parent and school office.  In the event that you will be picking your child up prior to the 2:35 p.m. dismissal time, please notify the office as soon as possible.  Include the date, time, and reason for the early dismissal.

 

EXCUSED/UNEXCUSED ABSENCES

Teachers report all absences to the office by 8:00 a.m. In order to have an excused absence, a parent/guardian must call the school office by 9:00 a.m., or send a note prior to the day of the absence, but no later than 24 hours after the absence.  This is considered a service for your student’s protection.  If this procedure is not followed, the student will receive an unexcused absence. Students will not be allowed to make up any work that they missed due to an unexcused absence unless dire circumstances dictate otherwise. 

 

When a student must be taken out of class during any part of the school day, it will be considered a half-day absence.

 

TARDINESS

Students are to be in their classrooms by the time attendance is taken, or they will be marked tardy. After 4 tardies (regardless of what quarters they occur in), the student will be required to serve a 30-minute detention.  If a student is later than 8:00 a.m., they will be marked as half a day absent.  He/she will also need to stop in the office to obtain a pass.   Parents are required to sign their children in/out at the office upon arrival/departure. **If a person unknown to the office personnel will be picking up your student, please inform the office.  Also, please inform that person that they will be asked for identification in order for the student to be released to them.  In the event that the school bus is late, students will not be marked tardy providing they enter the classroom within the same time frame as others from the same bus.

 

 If a 4K student is late coming in or leaving their session more than a total of 3 times, the administration reserves the right to remove the student from the 4K program indefinitely and fill their spot with another student on the waiting list.

 

PERFECT ATTENDANCE

A student cannot be absent from class, or tardy to class, during any part of the school day in order to be eligible for Perfect Attendance each quarter.  The only exception given is for funerals. 

 

 

 

 

 

VACATION

Because it is difficult to give work in advance when not preceded by proper instruction, students will receive their work upon their return to school.   Students then have seven consecutive days to make up homework, tests, and quizzes. (Weekends are included in consecutive days.)  It is the student’s responsibility to schedule times with their teacher to take makeup tests and quizzes.  In order to be eligible for sporting events all vacation homework must be turned in within the time allowed (see Eligibility Rules, Scholastic Requirements).

 

 

                                                     

 

HEALTH & SAFETY ISSUES

 

IMMUNIZATION

All students are required to present evidence of completed basic and recall (booster) series immunizations.  Once students are admitted to school, they have a short grace period to get all immunizations current.  By the 15^th and the 25^th school day accrued, the school nurse will notify (in writing) the parent/guardian of any child who has not met the immunization or waiver requirements.  The notices will cite the terms of those requirements and will state that court action and forfeiture penalty could result due to noncompliance.  If a student fails to satisfy these requirements, the school will exclude them from attending classes until they have proof of met requirements.  

 

As of June 1, 2001, the Wisconsin Administrative Rule HFS 144 changed to include the Varicella vaccine (chickenpox).  By 2004, ALL students are required to show proof of the Varicella vaccine or the date in which the student had chicken pox upon enrolling in Drought School.       

 

Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) must have been received on or after the first birthday.

 

Grade                                     Number of Doses                                                                               Immunization

K-8                                                          4                                                                                            DTP/DTaP/or DT

4                                                                                            POLIO

2                                                                                            MMRS
                3                                                                                            HEPATITIS B

                1 (OR 2 OR prior history of disease)                               VARICELLA

                                     

 

COMMUNICABLE DISEASES

Any office personnel or administrator may send home, for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment, any student suspected of having a communicable disease or of having any other disease or condition having the potential to effect the health of other students and staff including, but not limited to pediculosis (lice) and scabies.  If a student has a temperature of 100 or above they will be sent home immediately.  The person authorizing the action shall ensure that the school nurse is informed of the action and disease being circulated.  Notes sent home related to outbreaks such as Lice or Fifth Disease are at the discretion of the school staff.

 

 

 

 

OVER-THE-COUNTER MEDICATION 

Supplies of nonprescription medication (aspirin, cough syrup, cough drops, asthma inhalers, and other forms of medication) must be kept in the school office.  Students are not allowed to keep medicine in their lockers or school bags at any time (with the exception of inhalers and even then  a Doctor’s signature must be attained in the office).

 

If the following procedures are not followed, medicine will not be distributed:

 

Ø       Medicine must be in original container.

Ø       Write your last name on the container.

Ø       Complete the form provided at registration (“Medication Request – Non prescription”).

 

 If you did not receive a form or are out of them, please contact the school office to obtain one. The follow procedures can be followed until you can get the proper form:

 

Ø       Medicine must be in original container.

Ø       Write your last name on the container.

Ø       Send a permission slip allowing the distribution of the medicine to include the following information:

 

a.        Date

b.       Child’s name

c.        Name of medicine, time, and dosage given

d.       Name of physician                                          

e.        Reason for medication

f.         Signature of parent/guardian

 

PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION

If the following procedures are not followed, medicine will not be distributed:

 

(New Medication Request forms must be received annually at the beginning of the school year for those on yearly prescriptions.)

 

Ø       When sending medication, it must be in the original container, including child’s full name, name of drug and dosage, pharmacy name and phone number, prescription number, and physician’s name.

Ø       Complete the form provided to you at registration (“Medication Request – Prescription”).

If you did not receive a form or are out of them, please contact the school office to obtain one. 

 

The following procedure can be followed until you get the proper form:

Ø      Send a permission slip allowing the distribution of the medicine to include the information stated above.

 

If the medicine will be given at school for more than 10 days, a medication form needs to be completed by the child’s doctor.  These forms are available in the school office.

 

All medication will be kept in a locked cabinet.  The administration of medication will be supervised by the designated school personnel at a time conforming to the indicated schedule. A record is to be kept of each time medication is administered, along with the signature of the person giving the medication.

Parents must notify the school when a drug is to be discontinued or dosages/times change.

EMERGENCY INFORMATION

The office maintains emergency forms on file.  When a student becomes ill or injured, parents will be contacted to pick up their child.  If no one is home, we will try to contact the parent at work. If still not available, the person listed on the emergency form will be contacted.  If no one can be reached, and it deems necessary, the student will be taken by rescue squad to the emergency room of the nearest hospital.  The cost will remain the obligation of the parent or guardian. IF AT ANY TIME THE EMERGENCY INFORMATION CHANGES, PLEASE NOTIFY THE OFFICE IMMEDIATELY. 

 

 

INCLEMENT WEATHER AND EMERGENCY CLOSINGS

If the school is to be closed due to inclement weather, WTMJ 620AM or WRJN 1400AM will carry the closing announcement.  When you hear Waterford High School is closed, that means Drought School is closed also. (Drought School may or may not be mentioned separately).  We are not included in the Racine County Schools.  Please do not call the school to see if classes will be held.  On rare occasion a decision to close the school early may occur.  If a student is concerned that they cannot gain access into the house or will be alone, the school will take all steps necessary to make contact with parents or childcare providers to see that they will be tended to.  This is one reason why the emergency card on file in the office needs to be kept up to date, with any changes immediately noted.

 

ACCIDENT OR ILLNESS

Any accident or illness is reported immediately to the administrator.  When the administrator receives an accident or illness report that is considered serious or questionable, the students’ parents will be immediately contacted.  The school does not assume the responsibility in questionable cases, or those that occur on school property or school functions.  In the event emergency personnel must be summoned, the school will not be held responsible for any incurred costs.

 

RECESS EXCUSE DUE TO ILLNESS

We encourage parents to keep their children home if they are too sick to go out for recess.  If this is not possible, please be sure to send a note to the office requesting the student to remain inside.  If there is a prolonged excuse from recess(es) for 2 or more days, a note from the child’s physician should be submitted.

 

 

ACADEMIC AREAS

 

STUDENT COUNCIL

In the nature of a democratic society, Drought School does allow the student body to assemble.  The student council will develop guidelines and policies to enable the students’ needs to be met. An advisor will be provided to guide the students in their efforts.

 

REPORT OF STUDENT PROGRESS

Upper grade staff at Drought School uses an “Academic Correspondence Report” as a method of communicating your child’s academic achievements and/or lack of progress.  These reports will be sent out on an “as needed” basis.  Please sign and return these reports as necessary.  All parents at Drought School receive a report card of their child(ren)’s progress every quarter.  An academic grade is given, and comments are sometimes added.  Midterm reports are issued in approximately the fifth week of each quarter (see calendar).

 

Grading System for K-2^nd Grades

S=Satisfactory
H=High Achievement
N=Needs Improvement
U=Unsatisfactory

Grading System for 3rd-8th Grades

A………………………………………92-100
B……...…………………………………84-91
C……...…………………………………74-83
D……..…………………………………65-73
F……...………………………………….0-64
N/C……….……………………….No Credit
I.......Incomplete (credit given upon completion)

HOMEWORK

The role of homework as a link between home and school is a vital one.  Homework assignments can serve as a means of providing a bond of common effort between parent, child, and teacher.  Most parents are found to be strongly supportive of the school’s homework policies, and research shows routine homework and good achievement go hand in hand.

 

At Drought School, students may be given homework regularly, recognizing that learning can take place after school also.  Homework is a beneficial way for parents to be involved in their child(ren)’s education.  Teachers provide a minimum of 10 minutes per day of supervised study for the following day’s classroom assignment.  If your child always has extensive homework, you should ask your child why he/she is not finishing the majority of his/her homework at school.  If further information is needed, contact his/her teacher(s).

 

STUDY HALL

The purpose of scheduling study halls is to allow the students ample time to complete classroom assignments and study for upcoming tests or quizzes.  Students are expected to enter with all necessary assignments and materials.

 

ABSENT HOMEWORK

For students who will be out for some time due to illness, it is strongly suggested that the parents pick up the homework, to allow the student to complete it during their absence.  The teachers should be given a reasonable amount of time to get the homework together, preferably by the end of the day.  This work should then be turned in either the day they return or the following day.  Upper grade daily assignments are written in the class assignment folder. These folders are available to parents and students, and may be copied by such for absent work.

 

Teachers will allow students to make up missed work during approved absences.  Students are permitted two consecutive days for each day absent to make up and turn in all homework missed.  Whatever homework due on the day the student was absent is due the day they return.  It is the students’ responsibility to turn in homework upon return.

 

GRADUATION

The Drought School board, administration, and staff regard graduation as a privilege, not a right of the student.  If an 8^th grade student does not conform to expected standards set within the 8^th grade level, he/she will be given a certificate of attendance at Drought School in place of a diploma.  It is at the discretion of the administrator and/or school board to hold a student from graduating and/or the graduation ceremony if they deem it necessary.  Excessive absenteeism, continued failure to follow academic requirements and/or failure to follow school rules, are a few examples of what could keep a student from graduating. The board reserves the right to change graduation standards when needed.

 

RETENTION

Students who fail to perform academically to an adequate level will be held back the following year to repeat the same grade level.  This is to be determined by the administrator and/or school board.

 

 

STUDENT CONDUCT AND EXPECTATIONS

 

 

STUDENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

All student behavior should be based on respect and consideration for the rights of others.  Students have the responsibility to know and follow the rules and regulations of the school.  They are responsible for their actions and behavior.  If it does not coincide with the expectations of the school, they must assume the consequences.

 

CARE OF SCHOOL AND PERSONAL PROPERTY BY STUDENTS 

Because the school and nearly everything within its doors belongs to the community taxpayers, the building and materials within and associated with the school are on loan to the students.  Therefore, students should use the utmost care with school items. Should abuse/damage to school property occur, the student(s) involved in abuse/damage will be held responsible.

 

TEXTBOOKS/SCHOOL SUPPLIES 

Drought School provides textbooks free of charge.  They must be covered to prolong wear.  A yearly fee is charged for consumable workbooks and supplies, paid at registration.  Since these funds are used for consumable teaching materials (such as workbooks) a refund is not available for students withdrawing from Drought School before the school year ends.  Students are responsible for lost or damaged textbooks, library books, or other school owned materials.  Please do not tape book covers to textbooks.  Report cards, diplomas and/or transfer records may be withheld until payment(s)/arrangements are made for damaged/lost items.

                       

Breakdown Of Damaged Textbook Costs:

 

 Age of Textbook                                 Cost

0 – 2 years old                                      75% of textbook cost if cover damaged inside or out

                                                                50% of textbook cost if torn pages (but usable)

                2 – 4 years old                                      50% of textbook cost if cover damaged inside or out

                                                                                50% of textbook cost if torn pages (but usable)

                4 years +                                                25% of textbook cost if cover damaged inside or out

                                                                                25% of textbook cost if torn pages (but usable)

***If textbook is damaged enough that it cannot be used, the student will be responsible for 50% of textbook cost regardless of how old the textbook is.  The above breakdown is subject to change at the discretion of the Administrator.

 

LOCKERS

Students may be assigned a locker and may possibly share one with another classmate.  The locker can have one or more added shelves for adequately holding your books and supplies.  Your homeroom teacher may assist you in organizing your locker.  Here are some simple rules regarding locker privileges:

 

§         Papers/notebooks are not to be thrown into a locker to pile up.

§         Food is not to be kept in the locker overnight (Bring those lunches home!).

§         Locks are not allowed on the locker, and therefore any valuables or large sums of money are not to be brought to school.

§         Tape cannot be used on the lockers; magnets work nicely.

 

 

 

 

 

STUDENT BEHAVIOR

Students attending Drought School are expected to:

 

Ø       Take full advantage of the educational opportunities offered, with their best efforts to learn.

Ø       Come prepared with proper materials and supplies: notebooks, pencils, textbooks, Etc. Students will not be permitted to return to their lockers during class time without permission from their teacher.

Ø       Be attentive and respectful to teachers, and work hard to complete class work and homework.

Ø       Respect the rights of others wanting to learn free of distractions and interruptions.

Ø       Treat others as equals, recognizing the importance and value of individuals.

Ø       Wait for dismissal from their teacher, not the bell.

 

PLAYGROUND

Students are expected to follow the rules for safety and fair play (as outlined by the recess attendants, teachers, and administrative staff), using the equipment as it is meant to be and staying away from parked cars.  They are expected to dress appropriately according to the weather (boots for snow and wet asphalt). Respect for the safety of others must always be shown.  If certain games are considered too dangerous by the above mentioned personnel, students will be notified to refrain from such activities (i.e. tackle football, hardballs, snowballs, king of the mountain, wrestling, boxing, fighting or any form of).

 

Appropriate Behavior On The Playground:

 

·          Line up for recess inside and out QUIETLY (some classes are still in progress).

 

·          Stand in line keeping your hands and any outside equipment to yourself.

 

·          Stay within sight of the recess attendants.  If you cannot see them, they cannot see you!

 

·          The Parking Lot is restricted to all students.

 

·          The dumpster area is for dumping garbage, and should not be entered for any other reason.

 

·          Outside Drought School Staff will retrieve equipment that lands on the roof of the building or out into the street only.

 

·          The following behaviors are not appropriate and will not be tolerated by the recess attendants:

 

Kicking

Fighting

Swearing

 Pushing/Pulling

Hitting with hands or other equipment

Throwing anything other than proper equipment

Verbal abuse: name calling, teasing, or threats of any kind

 
All students are expected to go out for recess, unless inclement weather dictates otherwise, teachers have requested them to stay in for other reasons, or for health concerns (see Recess Excuse Due To Illness).

 

 

 

 

SWEARING AND/OR PROFANITY

Swearing and/or profanity of any kind is not allowed and will be reported to the students’ parents.  Repeated offenses could result in expulsion from school or classes.  Please note: it is very difficult for teachers to maintain this standard when the child’s role models set a different example.

 

SEXUAL HARASSMENT 

The Norway Jt7 School District does not tolerate sexual harassment in any form and will take all necessary and appropriate action to eliminate it, up to and including discipline of offenders.  It is the policy of the School District to maintain and ensure a learning environment free of any form of sexual harassment or intimidation toward/between students.

 

WEAPONS

In order to provide a safe and harmless environment, possession and/or use of a weapon is strictly forbidden.  As a state law, a dangerous weapon is any firearm, loaded or unloaded, or any device designated as a weapon and capable of producing death or great bodily harm; any electrical device, or instrument which, in the manner it is used or intended, is calculated to likely produce great bodily harm or even death.  Any student found to be in possession of a dangerous weapon/firearm will be referred to law enforcement officials and will face possible expulsion.

GUM CHEWING

Gum chewing is not allowed (except for designated days to be announced).

 

DISTRACTIONS

All toys, trinkets, walkmans, boom boxes, etc., that distract from useful work will be confiscated and returned at the teacher’s discretion.  Please Note:  It is inappropriate for students to bring electrical devises to school, including but not limited to cell phones and Ipods, etc.  If these devises are brought into the building, they will be held in the office and returned to the student at the end of the day.

 

HALLWAYS

Hallways are to be used for orderly passing between classes and to enter and leave the school building.  Teachers supervise them and students are expected to follow the rules of conduct outlined throughout this handbook.  Students need to have permission from their teacher (as noted inside their assignment notebook) to be occupying the hallway.

 

ASSEMBLY PROGRAMS

Students are expected to remain quiet and respectful to the presenters.  Failure to do so may result in being removed from the assembly or denied the privilege to attend the next one.  Positive gestures are encouraged, whereas negative gestures toward any part of the assembly will not be tolerated.

 

FIELD TRIPS

Students are expected to be on their best behavior, representing Drought School in a positive manner.  This includes proper dress, attitude, and language.  Students may be denied attendance for disciplinary reasons. Some field trips may require a fee for admission or transportation purposes, in which case the parents will be notified by a letter sent home along with permission slip to attend.  It is required that all students have a signed permission slip from their parent/guardian turned in to the sponsoring teacher/organization.  The students who do not have permission prior to departure will not be permitted to attend.  Parents are encouraged to attend the field trips as chaperones with approval from the homeroom teacher (some limits may be necessary).  Please note: non-school age children cannot be included on field trips using busing, as contracted by school and bus company.  Refunds for missed field trips will not be given if the field trip was such that tickets had to be purchased ahead of time.

 

If a student is absent the day prior to a field trip, the work they missed (and the assignments due the day they missed) must be made up before they can participate in the field trip.  If the work is not made up, the student will be required to stay behind unless other arrangements have been made.  Our intent is to encourage students to have all their work up to date and turned in.  Teachers use the day prior to a field trip to prepare the students for what they will experience.  It is in the student’s best interest that they are aware of what is expected.

 

FIELD TRIP CHAPERONES  (Printable Forms)

Chaperones must be at least 18 years old and must have a copy of their driver’s license and automobile insurance on file in the office before they are allowed to drive students to any destination as a chaperone.  They are also required to fill out and return the Chaperone Responsibility form located at the end of this policy handbook. 

 

8^TH GRADE FIELD TRIPS

In an effort to maintain the quality and yet reinforce to students that this is a privilege that is earned, we feel the need to reiterate the criteria:

 

Ø       Grade point average of 1.5 without any incompletes at the time of the trip.

Ø       90 % average overall school attendance.

Ø       Good behavior throughout the school year – the teachers and administrator reserve the right to deny any student from attending the field trip if their behavior on previous trips was less than desirable.

 

WALKING/BICYCLE USE    (Printable Forms)

The district will allow students in 5^th-8^th grades to walk and/or ride their bicycles to and from school.  However, they must heed all state laws and school rules involving such privileges. Prior to walking/riding to school, the student must obtain a walking/bicycle permit from the office and have their parent/guardian sign it and return it to be filed in the office.  The students cannot ride around in the parking lot (especially behind parked cars), and must wait for the buses to leave in the afternoon before they can ride their bikes home.  Forms are located in the office, and at the end of this policy handbook.

 

BUSING

Students will not be permitted to ride another bus other than the one assigned unless it is first cleared with the bus company (Dousman Transport, 262-534-2191) and a signed note from home giving specific information has been signed by the office administration.  General rules apply to riding the bus: no eating/drinking on the bus, voices are to be kept at a quiet level as respect for the bus driver, and ABOVE ALL, remain seated while the bus is moving.  Failure to comply with these rules may result in loss of riding privileges up to one week.  Extreme disciplinary measures may be to be taken as necessary.

 

 

 

 

 

DRESS AND PERSONAL APPEARANCE

In order to provide an environment that is safe, healthy and free of disruption, hostility, and distraction, the following dress restrictions have been developed:

 

1.        “Sagging” (wearing pants that fall off the hips) is not permitted.

 

2.        “Short Shorts” or “Daisy Dukes” are not permitted.  These are considered too revealing.

 

3.        Footwear must be worn.  Shoes that damage flooring will not be allowed.

 

4.        The wearing or carrying of outerwear garments (including headwear) will not be permitted in the school.  The Principal may make exceptions to this rule.

 

5.        Students will wear safety or special purpose equipment whenever it is required.  Clothing (or jewelry) that could constitute a safety problem in any class will be prohibited by that instructor.

 

6.        Clothing, jewelry or other items promoting alcohol, tobacco, or other illegal substances will not be permitted.

 

7.        Any clothing (or jewelry) normally identified with a gang or gang related activity (inclusive of gang-related colors if for purposes of gang identification) will not be permitted.

 

8.        Clothing displaying print that is offensive in nature will not be permitted.  Offensive print would include words, statements, or graphics referencing sexual activity, profanity, obscenity, violence, or racial/ethnic slurs.

 

9.        Net shirts, halter-tops, spaghetti straps, torn clothing and half shirts are not appropriate for a school setting.

 

10.     Students are expected to wear clothing that covers their torso.

 

11.     Chains or other items that could be used as weapons are not allowed.

 

12.     Coats will be stored in student lockers and not worn to classes during the school day.

 

Any student choosing to challenge the above stated regulations will be sent home to change their attire at the administrator’s discretion.

The administration reserves the right to decide what is considered inappropriate, and with the administrator’s approval can recommend appropriate change in/of attire. 

 

GUIDELINES FOR DISCIPLINE 

When it deems necessary to discipline a student due to inappropriate behavior, the following guidelines will be followed:

 

1.        The student will be asked to refrain from their disruptive behavior.

2.        If student continues, he/she will be removed from others to minimize distraction.  The staff will follow this order of removal:

a.        Put outside of the classroom in the hallway.

b.       If hallway was does not deter the behavior, the child will be sent to another classroom.

c.        If necessary, the student will be given a detention.

d.       Finally, the student will be sent to the office, where additional discipline procedures will be enforced as necessary.

 

At the discretion of the administrator, the student will be suspended for excessive behavior including but not limited to the following actions:

*Fighting

Strong language

Insubordination

Disrespectful attitude

 

*Fighting is defined as any physical action taken against another person with the intent to harm them.

 

If excessive behavior continues, the administration will be forced to proceed with expulsion.

PLEASE NOTE: Depending on the severity of the situation, and at the discretion of the administrator, any of the above may be changed for a more effective discipline result.

 

FOURTH AND EIGHTH GRADE

ADVANCEMENT POLICY

 

Drought School uses four criteria to advance students from fourth to fifth grade and from

eighth to ninth grade.  These criteria include:

 

1.        Academic performance

2.        Performance on the Wisconsin Knowledge and Concepts Examination

3.        Teacher recommendation

4.        Other academic criteria

 

Prior to applying these criteria for determining advancement at the fourth and eighth grade levels, student progress must be monitored in a manner consistent with the promotion and advancement policies currently in place in the district.  Also, the possibility of retention should be referenced at the end of the 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd quarters in both fourth and eighth grade if the student is not meeting the academic performance criteria at that time.  The decision to not advance a student at the fourth and eighth grade levels will be made by the final week of the school year after all grades are finalized.

 

 

Criteria For Advancement:

1. Academic Performance:  A student must receive a passing grade of D- in five of five core area subjects to be promoted at the fourth and eighth grade levels.  The core area subjects are math, science, social studies, reading and language arts.  In conjunction with meeting the academic performance criteria, students must also meet the requirements outlined below for the Wisconsin Knowledge and Concepts Examination.

 

2. Performance on the WKCE: In addition to the academic performance criteria, students are also required to perform at the basic proficiency level or above on four of the six WKCE sub tests.  Those sub tests include math, reading, language arts, social studies, science and writing.  The four content areas that are at basic performance or higher must include reading and math.  Since proficiency levels are not established for the writing portion of the test, basic performance on the writing test has been identified as 3.0 or higher on the six-point holistic score system used by WKCE.

 

3. Teacher Recommendations:  If a student is not promoted based on achieving the established criteria for both academic performance and the Wisconsin Knowledge and Concepts Examination, a student may be promoted based on a recommendation from a teacher/administration review committee.  At the minimum, this committee shall consist of the building principal and all teachers responsible for providing the student instruction in the core area subjects.  This committee can consider some or all of the following:

 

                                                               i.      Written recommendations regarding the student’s readiness to be advanced to the next grade from teachers having responsibility for core area subjects.

                                                             ii.      A portfolio of student generated materials assembled by the parent/guardian illustrating achievement of grade level academic objectives.

                                                           iii.      Other academic criteria as outlined, if appropriate.

 

4. Other Academic Criteria: Other academic criteria the teacher/administration review committee may consider includes the student’s grades in non core subjects, daily assignments, cognitive ability, school attendance, previous retentions, experiential background and progress LEP and 504 students are making on goals outlined in a student education plan.  The application of this policy for students with disabilities is further outlined below.

 

Exceptions for Students with Disabilities: Students with disabilities (special education) that do not meet the academic performance and WKCE criteria outlined in this policy may be promoted if the student’s IEP team determines the child has achieved the objectives as outlined in his/her current Individual Education Plan (IEP).

 

Participation in the WKCE: Pursuant to Wisconsin Stat., 118.30(2)(3), a pupil’s parent or guardian shall have the right to excuse their child from taking the Wisconsin Knowledge and Concepts Examination.  If a student is excused from the WKCE, the decision to advance the student will be based on academic performance (as outlined above), teacher recommendation (as outlined above), and, if necessary, other academic criteria as defined above.  Federal and state laws exempt certain students from taking the WKCE based on the following exceptions:

 

·          Parent opt-out

·          Special education-individual educational plan (IEP).  This only applies if the exemption is specified in the IEP

·          Rehabilitation Act 504.  This only applies if the exemption is specified in the regular education accommodation plan.

·          Limited English Proficiency (LEP).  This exemption only applies if the student’s Limited English Proficiency level is #1, #2, and #3 as defined by the Wisconsin Department Public Instruction in PI 13.03(3)(a)-(e).  DPI recommends that students at English proficiency levels #4 and #5 participate in all WKCE content domains, with appropriate accommodations.

Recommendations:  The district shall develop a student educational plan for any student that is retained for an additional year based on not achieving the criteria outlined in this policy.  This plan is to be in place by the second week of school in the school year following the retention.

 

Appeal Process: The advancement or retention decision rendered based on the application of this policy may be appealed by the parents of a minor child to the district administrator within 30 days and if satis