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To Students and
Parents:
The Great Falls Public Schools Student Handbook contains
information that students and parents are likely to need during the school
year. The handbook is organized
alphabetically by topic. Throughout
the handbook, the term the student's parent is used to refer to the
parents, legal guardian, or other person who has agreed to assume
school-related responsibility for a student; the term Superintendent
is used to refer to the Superintendent or his designee; the term principal
is used to refer to the principal or his/her designee.
The Student Handbook is designed to be in harmony with
Board policy. Please be aware that
this document is updated annually, while policy adoption and revision are
ongoing processes. Therefore, any
changes in policy that affect student handbook provisions will be made
available to students and parents through newsletters and other
communications. These changes will
generally supersede provisions found in this handbook that have been made
obsolete by newly adopted policy.
Please note that references to policy codes are included to help parents
confirm current policy. A copy of the
District's Policy Manual is available in the school office or on the
District's web site at www.gfps.k12.mt.us/boardpolicy.htm
In case of conflict
between Board policy and any provisions of student handbooks, the provisions
of Board policy that were most recently adopted by the Board are to be
followed.
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The Great Falls School District does not discriminate on
the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, or disability in
providing education services, activities, and programs, including athletic
and vocational programs, in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act
of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972; Section
504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended. The following District staff member has
been designated to coordinate compliance with these requirements.
Director of Special
Education and Student Services (phone 268-6026).
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In compliance with Federal Law and No Child Left Behind
(NCLB)/Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) Reporting, the District Report Card can
be accessed in the main office in each building or the Office of Public
Instruction website www.opi.state.mt.us.
Great Falls Public Schools is fortunate to have a very
qualified teaching staff. By law you
have the right to know the qualifications of your child’s teacher(s).
You may ask:
- if
the teacher has met state qualifications and licensing rules for the grade
levels and subject areas he/she teach,
- if
the teacher is teaching under emergency or other provisional status
through which state qualifications and licensing rules have been waived,
- the
degree major of the teacher,
- any
other certifications or degree held by the teacher.
If your child works with paraprofessionals (tutors, for
example), you may
ask about their qualifications. You also have a right to know these
qualifications for any substitute teacher who is in your child’s classroom
for four consecutive weeks.
If you would like any of this information please write to:
Human
Resources Manager
P.O. Box 2429
Great Falls, MT 59403
Please give your child’s full name and the school he or
she attends as well as your name(s) and an address where we can reach
you. Great Falls Public Schools
respects your right to know and values your involvement in your child’s
education.
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A District employee who has reason to suspect that a
student may be an abused or neglected child shall report such a case to the
Montana Department of Family Services (1-866-820-KIDS (5437) Department of
Family Services central intake). The
employee shall notify the Superintendent or principal that a report has been
made by the employee. An employee does
not discharge the obligation to personally report by notifying the
Superintendent or principal.
Any District employee who fails to report a suspected case
of abuse or neglect to the Department of Family Services, or who prevents
another person from doing so, may be civilly liable for the damages
proximately caused by such failure or prevention and may be guilty of a misdemeanor. The employee will
also be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination.
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41-3-201, 41-3-202, 41-3-203
41-3-205, 41-3-207
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ATTENDANCE
Regular
school attendance is essential for a student to make the most of his or her
education: to benefit from teacher-led activities, to build each day's
learning on that of the previous day, and to grow as an individual.
State Compulsory
Attendance Laws (M.C.A.
20-5-101; 20-5-102; 20-5-103) requires:
A student between the ages of 7 and 16 must attend school
or District-sponsored alternative learning centers unless the student is
otherwise legally exempted or excused.
A student who voluntarily attends or enrolls after his or her
sixteenth birthday is required to attend each school day.
School employees must investigate and report violations of the state
compulsory attendance law. A student
absent from school without permission from any class or portion of a class or
from required school programs will be considered truant and subject to
disciplinary action. Truancy may also
result in assessment of a penalty by a court of law against the student and
his or her parents.
The updated GFPS Attendance Policy (board Policy 3120, 3122-3122R) can be found on the GFPS website link:
www.gfps.k12.mt.us/DistrictInformation/Board/BoardPolicy/bpsecthree.htm#3120
GFPS Tardy/Truancy
Policy
·
Classroom tardies should be handled by the
teacher. Excessive tardies may be
referred to the building administrator.
·
Truancy is defined as an unexcused absence
from any assigned class period or leaving a class without permission.
·
Reference your school building handbook for
specific Truancy consequences.
·
In Grades 9-12 any suspension day shall be
considered an absence and shall be counted toward the total number of days of
absence.
·
Each truancy incident in grades 9-12 may cause a five percent (5%) reduction
of the semester grade in the class or classes affected. Refer to high school “Disciplinary Action
For Truancy” in the high school building handbook.
·
On the fourth truancy incident in grades 9-12,
the student may lose credit in the
class or classes affected and may be withdrawn from school for the
remainder of the semester.
·
Students who have not reached the age of 16
years will remain in classes as prescribed by law.
·
At the
discretion of the Teacher of Record and the Administrator, any affected
student may petition for return of credit if he/she has been able to
satisfactorily complete all class work and have no further discipline or
attendance violations.
·
In grades 9-12 unexcused absence from assigned
study hall are considered truancy.
Since no credit is granted for a study hall, an unexcused absence from
study hall will result in detention and/or suspension.
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3120
M.C.A. 20-5-106
3130
3120
3122
3122R
3130
3122
3122
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STUDENT NAME GRADE ________
ID NUMBER_______________
All
students shall attend school regularly.
Regular attendance is a requirement for receiving credit in a given
class at the high school level. A
student may lose credit in any given class when absences reach a total of
eleven (11) per semester. A student
may be withdrawn from school if the credited class load falls below four (4)
classes.
Truancy is defined as an unexcused absence
from any assigned class period, or leaving a class without permission. The Great Falls Public Schools shall
exercise full enforcement of Montana Attendance and Truancy Laws. (School Laws of Montana: Codes 20-5-102, 20-5-103, and 20-5-106.)
ABSENCE EXTENSION: Any suspension day shall be considered an
absence and shall be counted toward the total number of days of absence. The school Principal and his/her designee
may extend the number of allowable absences in consideration of verified
medical excuses, school-related activities, or other emergencies which are
unavoidable, and acceptable to the Principal.
DISCIPLINARY ACTION FOR TRUANCY
FIRST INCIDENT:
§ Student
conference with Administrator and written warning concerning possible loss of
credit.
§ Written and/or
phone notification to parent or legal guardian.
§ Notification of
truancy to appropriate counselor and School Resource Officer if applicable.
§ Notification to
respective teacher(s) of one of the following:
§ Option of ASAP
(After School Assistance Program) for two hours.
§ Option of 5%
semester grade reduction in class or classes affected.
SECOND INCIDENT:
§ Student conference
with Administrator and written warning concerning possible loss of credit.
§ Written and/or
phone notification to parent or legal guardian.
§ Notification of
truancy to appropriate counselor and School Resource Officer if applicable.
§ Notification to
respective teacher(s) of 5% semester grade reduction in class or classes
affected.
THIRD INCIDENT:
§ Student and parent
conference with Administrator and written warning concerning possible loss of
credit.
§ Notification of
truancy to appropriate counselor and School Resource Officer if applicable.
§ Notification to
respective teacher(s) of 5% semester grade reduction in class or classes
affected.
FOURTH INCIDENT:
§
Student
conference with Administrator and loss of credit in the class or classes
affected.
§
Phone
contact with parent or legal guardian by Administrator; and/or
parent/Administrator conference at parent request (redress of rights).
§
If
the class load falls below 4, the student may be dropped from school for the
remainder of the semester if he/she is 16 years old or older.
§
Students
who have not reached the age of 16 years will remain in classes as prescribed
by law.
§
At
the discretion of the Teacher of Record and the Administrator, these students
may petition for return of credit if they have been able to satisfactorily
complete all class work and have no further discipline or attendance
violations. The Administrator may use
other alternatives to help students recover some of their credits.
§
School
Resource Officer will be notified if applicable.
TEACHERS
TO BE NOTIFIED:
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STUDENT SIGNATURE
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DATE
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PARENT SIGNATURE
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ASSOCIATE PRINCIPAL
SIGNATURE
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Student visual possession and/or
use of cellular phones, pagers, and other electronic signaling devices or
calling devices on school grounds during the instructional day is a privilege
which shall be permitted only with the express permission of the school
building administrator or designee.
Permission must be granted to the student each time he or she is to
use a cell phone, pager, electronic signaling device or calling device. At no time shall any student operate a
cellular phone or other electronic device with video capabilities in any
locker room, bathroom, or other location where such operation will violate
the privacy right of another person, or, interferes with the institutional
and instructional process. Unauthorized visual possession and/or use
will result in confiscation of the device by school officials, including
classroom teachers, and may result in disciplinary action. Confiscated devices may be returned, at the
discretion of the building administrator, to the parent or guardian of the
student or to the student.
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To protect children from contagious illnesses, students infected
with certain diseases are not allowed to come to school while
contagious. Parents of a student with
a communicable or contagious disease must
notify the school
administration so that other students who may have been exposed to the
disease can be alerted. These
conditions may include but are not limited to pinkeye, scabies, head lice,
impetigo, hepatitis, strep throat, measles, etc. The Board recognizes that communicable
diseases which may afflict students range from common childhood diseases (acute
and short-term in nature) to chronic or life-threatening diseases such as
human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.
The District shall rely on the advice of the public health and medical
communities in assessing the risk of transmission of various communicable
diseases to determine how best to protect the health of both students and
staff.
The District reserves the right to require a statement
from the student's primary care provider authorizing the student's return to
school. In all proceedings related to
this policy, the District shall respect the student's right to privacy.
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Usually
student/parent complaints or concerns can be addressed simply by a phone call
or a conference with the teacher or appropriate staff member. For those complaints and concerns that
cannot be handled in such a manner, the District has adopted a Uniform
Grievance Procedure. All individuals should use this grievance procedure
if they believe that the Board, its employees or agents have violated their
rights guaranteed by the State or Federal Constitution, State or Federal
statute, or Board policy.
The District will endeavor to respond to and resolve complaints without
resorting to this grievance procedure and, if a complaint is filed, to
address the complaint promptly and equitably.
The right of a person to prompt and equitable resolution of the complaint
filed hereunder shall not be impaired by the person's pursuit of other
remedies. Use of this grievance
procedure is not a prerequisite to the pursuit of other remedies, and use of
this grievance procedure does not extend any filing deadline related to the
pursuit of other remedies.
Uniform Grievance
Procedure
Level 1:
Informal
An individual with a complaint is encouraged to first
discuss it with the teacher, counselor, or building administrator involved,
with the objective of resolving the matter promptly and informally. An exception is that complaints of sexual
harassment should be discussed with the first line administrator who is not
involved in the alleged harassment.
For specific sexual harassment complaints please refer to page 35.
Level 2:
Principal
If the complaint is not resolved at Level 1, the grievant
may file a written grievance stating: 1) the nature of the grievance; and 2)
the constitutional provisions, state or federal statutes or Board policy
violated; and 3) the remedy requested.
It must be signed and dated by the grievant. The Level 2 written grievance must be filed
with the principal within 30 days of the event or incident or from the date
the grievant could reasonably become aware of such occurrence.
If the complaint alleges a
violation of Board policy or procedure, the principal shall investigate and
attempt to resolve the complaint. If
either party is not satisfied with the principal's decision, the grievance
may be advanced to Level 3 by requesting in writing that the Superintendent
review the principal's decision. This
request must be submitted to the Superintendent within 15 days of the
principal's decision.
If the complaint alleges a violation of Title IX, Title II, Section 504 of
the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, or sexual
harassment, the principal or designated Building Nondiscrimination
Coordinator will investigate and file a report with the District
Nondiscrimination Coordinator within 30 days after receipt of the written
grievance. If the District
Nondiscrimination Coordinator agrees with the recommendation from the
principal/Building Nondiscrimination Coordinator, the recommendation will be
implemented. If the District
Nondiscrimination Coordinator rejects that recommendation or determines a
need for further investigation, this investigation will be completed by the
District Nondiscrimination Coordinator and a report will be filed with the
Superintendent. If the Superintendent
rejects the recommendation of the Coordinator, and/or either party is not
satisfied with the recommendations from Level 2, either party may make a
written appeal within 15 days of receiving the report of the Coordinator to
the Board for a hearing.
Level 3: Superintendent
Upon receipt of the request for review, the Superintendent
shall schedule a meeting between the parties and the principal. The parties shall be afforded the
opportunity to either dispute or concur with the principal's report. The Superintendent shall decide the matter
within 10 days of the meeting and shall notify the parties in writing of the
decision. If the Superintendent agrees
with the recommendation of the principal, the matter may either be referred
to an outside investigator for further review or resolved by the
Superintendent. If either party is not
satisfied with the decision of the Superintendent, the Board is the next
avenue for appeal. A written appeal
must be submitted to the Board within 15 days of receiving the
Superintendent's decision. The Board
is the policy-making body of the school, however, and appeals to that level
must be based solely on whether or not policy has been followed. Any individual appealing a decision of the
Superintendent to the Board bears the burden of proving a failure to follow
Board policy.
Level 4: The Board
Upon receipt of a written appeal of the decision of the
Superintendent, and assuming the appeal alleges a failure to follow Board
policy, the matter shall be placed on the agenda of the Board for
consideration not later than their next regularly scheduled meeting. A decision shall be made and reported in
writing to all parties within 30 days of that meeting. The decision of the Board will be final,
unless appealed within the period provided by law.
Level 5: County Superintendent
If the case falls within the jurisdiction of the County Superintendent of Schools, the
decision of the Board may be appealed to the County Superintendent
by filing a written appeal within 30 days after the final decision of the
Board, pursuant to the Rules of School Controversy. The Rules of School Controversy are
available in the District Business Office.
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To prepare students for an increasingly computerized
society, the District has made a substantial investment in computer
technology for instructional purposes.
Use of these resources is restricted to students working under a
teacher's supervision and for approved purposes only. Internet access is available to the
District's students, faculty, and community members. Neither the school’s network nor the Broader
Internet (whether accessed on campus or off campus, either during or after
school hours) may be used for the purpose of harassment. The District may provide filtering software for computers
accessing the Internet. To remain
eligible as users, students' use must be in support of and consistent with
the educational objectives of the District.
Access is a privilege, not a right, and entails responsibility.
Students and parents should be aware that electronic
communications (e-mail) through District computers are not private and may
be monitored by District staff.
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In order for students to take advantage of available
learning opportunities and to be productive members of our campus community,
each student is expected to:
·
Demonstrate courtesy, even when others do not.
·
Behave in a responsible manner, exercising self-discipline.
·
Attend all classes, regularly and on time.
·
Prepare for each class; take appropriate
materials and assignments to class.
·
Meet District and building standards of
grooming and dress.
·
Obey all campus and classroom rules.
·
Respect the rights and privileges of other
students, teachers, and other District staff.
·
Respect the property of others, including
District property and facilities.
·
Cooperate with or assist the school staff in
maintaining safety, order and discipline.
·
Avoid violations of the Discipline Policy
below.
Applicability of
School Rules and Discipline (Board Policy 3310):
To achieve the best possible learning environment for all
of our students, Great Falls School District rules and discipline will apply:
·
While the pupil is in school or on school property (which includes all district owned
and leased buildings and grounds, including parking lots), on the way
to and from school, or during intermission or recess.
·
Off school grounds at a school-sponsored activity
or event or any activity
or event which bears a reasonable relationship to school.
·
Anywhere, if the conduct may reasonably be
considered to be a
threat or an
attempted intimidation of a student, staff member and/or
guest or an interference with school
purposes of an educational
function or damage to or destruction of school
district property.
Disciplinary action may be taken against any student
guilty of disobedience or misconduct, including
but not limited to:
·
Using, possessing, distributing, purchasing,
or selling tobacco products.
·
Using, possessing, distributing, purchasing,
or selling alcoholic beverages.
Students who are under the influence of alcohol are not permitted to attend school functions and are treated as
though they had alcohol in their possession.
·
Using, possessing, distributing, purchasing,
or selling illegal drugs or controlled substances, look-alike drugs, any
misuse of non-prescription medicine, and drug paraphernalia. Students who are
under the influence of illegal drugs or controlled substances are not permitted to attend school
functions and are treated as though they have drugs in their possession.
·
Using, possessing, controlling, or
transferring a weapon or any object that reasonably could be considered or
used as a weapon on school property
(which
includes all district owned and leased buildings and grounds,
including
parking lots.)
·
Using, possessing, controlling or transferring
a firearm or any object that can reasonably be considered, or looks like, a
firearm on school property (which includes all district owned and leased
buildings and grounds, including parking lots.)
·
Disobeying directives from staff members or
school officials and/or rules and regulations governing student conduct.
·
Using violence, force, noise, coercion,
threats, intimidation, fear, or other comparable conduct toward anyone or
urging other students to engage in such conduct.
·
Causing or attempting to cause damage to, or
stealing or attempting to steal, school property or another person's
property.
·
Engaging in any activity that constitutes an
interference with school purposes or an educational function or any
disruptive activity.
·
Being truant.
·
Hazing/Harassment/Intimidation/Bullying/Menacing
by Students, Staff, or
Third Parties is strictly prohibited
·
All
forms of harassment in cyberspace, often called cyber bullying, are
unacceptable.
·
Forging any signature, making any false entry,
or authorizing any document used or intended to be used in connection with
the operation of the school.
·
Engaging in any act, whether verbal or
nonverbal, furthering the interest of any gang or gang activity.
Corrective
Action and Punishment
For the purposes of the District's policies relating to corrective
action or punishment:
·
Suspension means the exclusion of a student from attending
individual classes, or school and
participating in school activities for a specified and limited period of time. Only
administrators may suspend.
·
Expulsion means the exclusion of a
student from attending school
and participating in school
activities for a specified period of time. Only the Board has the authority to expel.
·
Discipline constitutes all other forms of
corrective action or punishment, including brief exclusions from a class for
not more than the remainder of the class period and exclusion from any other
type of activity conducted by or for the District. Non-academic discipline shall not adversely
affect specific academic grade, subject, or graduation requirements, as long
as all required work is performed.
·
Academic discipline infractions include, but
are not limited to truancy, cheating, and plagiarism. The student may receive grade reductions or
lose credit. Please read the district Truancy Policy on Page 5.
·
For minor infractions of school rules or
regulations or for minor misconduct, staff may detain students.
·
Make-up work:
·
K-8 students who are absent as a result of an
out-of-school suspension
have the right to make up the work
missed.
- 9-12
students at CMR and GFHS who are absent as a result of an out-of-school
suspension have the right to make up the work missed. They will make arrangements to
complete the work within a reasonable amount of time.
- 9-12
Paris Gibson Education Center students who are absent as a result of an
out-of-school suspension may continue their work upon re-enrollment.
- Teachers
are not expected to reconstruct lessons taught while students are
suspended.
- Reasonable
amount of time varies from building to building. Please refer to the section on make up
work in the building handbook.
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3310
9320
M. C. A. 20-5-201
3310
3340
re: Extra/co-curricular
Tobacco, Alcohol, and
other Drug Rules. Pages
16-19
3310
45-8-361 MCA
20 U.S.C. 351, et seq.
3122
3122R
3612
3226
4226
5226
3611
3300
3300
3300
3312
3312R
3300R
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Corporal punishment means knowingly and purposely
inflicting physical pain on a pupil as a disciplinary measure.
·
A person who is employed or engaged by the
District may not inflict or cause to be inflicted corporal punishment on a
student.
·
A person who is employed or engaged by a
school district may use physical restraint, defined as the placing of hands
on a pupil in a manner that is reasonable and necessary:
- to quell a disturbance;
- to provide
self-protection;
- to protect the pupil or
others from physical injury;
- to obtain possession of a
weapon or other dangerous object on
the person of the pupil
or within control of the pupil;
- to maintain the orderly
conduct of a pupil including but not limited to relocating a pupil in a
waiting line, classroom, lunchroom, principal's office, or other
on-campus facility; to protect property from serious harm.
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MCA 20-4-302
3310
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(HIGH SCHOOL ONLY)
The District permits high school students to take correspondence
courses (courses by mail) and/or on line courses (course over the internet) for credit toward high school
graduation. Credit for such courses may
be granted provided the student petitions through the Academic Variance
Committee. Permission must be granted
by the Academic Variance Committee prior to commencement of the course. The correspondence/on line course is part
of an education plan submitted by the regularly enrolled student. All costs for these courses are
borne by the student or parent.
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2410R
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Students and parents are encouraged to talk with a school
counselor, teacher, or principal about their academic concerns. Students will be provided information that
will help them make the most of academic and vocational opportunities. Refer to the Building Handbook concerning
specific information on class scheduling.
Students who are interested in attending a college,
university, or training school or pursuing some other type of advanced
education should work closely with their counselor so that they take the high
school courses that best prepare them.
The counselor can also provide information about entrance examinations
and deadlines for application, as well as information about automatic
admission to state colleges and universities, financial aid, housing and
scholarships.
The school counselor is also available to assist students
and parents with a wide range of personal concerns, including such areas as
social, family, or emotional issues or substance abuse. The counselor may
make information available about community resources to address these
concerns.
Please note: School counselors do
not conduct psychological examinations, tests or treatment. School counselors do not provide individual
therapy. Elementary Counselors (K-6)
spend the majority of their time teaching classroom lessons and working with
small groups on a selected topic.
All forms of harassment in cyberspace, often called cyber
bullying, are unacceptable. Cyber
bullying includes, but is not limited to, the following misuses of
technology:
·
Harassing, teasing, intimidating, threatening,
or terrorizing another person by sending or posting inappropriate and hurtful
e-mail messages, instant messages, text messages, digital images or web site
postings (including blogs).
·
All reports of harassment in cyberspace will
be investigated by school administrators and/or SROs.
·
Sanctions may include, but are not limited to,
the loss of computer privileges, detention, suspension or expulsion from
school.
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3226
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The District may release
certain directory information regarding students, except that
patent(s)/guardian(s) may prohibit such a release. Directory information shall be limited to:
- Name
- Address
- Gender
- Telephone listing
- Electronic mail address
- Photograph
- Date and place of birth
- Parents’/guardians’ names and addresses
- Grade level
- Enrollment status (e.g., undergraduate or
graduate; full-time or part-time)
- Academic awards, degrees, and honors
- Information in relation to school-sponsored
activities, organizations, and athletics
- Weight and height of members of athletic teams
- Major field of study
- Dates of attendance
- Most recent educational agency or institution
attended
The notification to
parent(s)/guardian(s) and students concerning school records shall inform
them of their right to object to the release of directory information.
Military Recruiters/Institutions of Higher Education
Pursuant to federal law,
the District is required to release the names, addresses, and telephone
numbers of all high school students to military recruiters and institutions
of higher education upon request. The
notification to parents and students concerning school records shall inform
them of their right to object to the release of this information.
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3600R
3600R
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DISRUPTIONS
No one may disrupt or obstruct any school program,
activity, or meeting.
No one may threaten or incite another to commit any act
that will disturb or interfere with or obstruct any lawful task, function,
process or procedure of any student, official, employee or invitee of the
District.
Please read Visitors
on page 41.
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4332
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School Materials
All school publications are
under the supervision of a teacher or sponsor and the principal.
Non-School Materials
The distribution of materials from outside the school system uses a
considerable amount of valuable educational time. This time is taken away from students,
teachers, and the clerical staff. It
is the District's policy to limit the distribution of materials to parent and
student organizations sponsored by the District or other governmental
agencies. Materials which provide
information valued or needed by the District may also be distributed.
All organizations must have the approval of the Superintendent
before materials may be distributed.
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3222
3222R
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Students are reminded that their appearance significantly affects
the way others respond to them.
Matters of dress remain the primary responsibility of students, in
consultation with their parents or legal guardians. Personal appearance of students shall be
respected provided it does not interfere with the health and safety of
students or others and does not
disrupt the educational process.
Please refer to the building handbook for a specific list
of grooming requirements for that building.
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3224
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Students must be a minimum of 14 ½ years of age on or
before the first day of class to
enroll in the Driver Education Program.
Middle school students who have met the age criteria are
eligible to take the training the summer after the Grade 8 year.
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Participation in school and
school-related activities is an excellent way for a student to develop
talents, receive individual recognition, and build strong friendships with
other students. Participation is a
privilege.
The District publishes a music
handbook and a senior high and middle school athletic handbook that contain
more specific information and limitations.
While many of the activities are
governed by the Montana High School Association (a statewide association of
participating districts), eligibility for participation in any of these
activities is governed by the District as well as MHSA rules:
·
Attendance/Academic Eligibility: To be
eligible to participate in a MHSA
contest, a student must be in regular attendance from the date of
enrollment
and must be receiving a passing grade in at least 25 periods of prepared
class work per week (5 courses) in
the school where the student
participates.
·
Age Rule:
A student is not eligible for MHSA sponsored events if he/she turns 19
years of age before midnight, August 31, of the school year in question.
·
Transfer Rule:
Any student who transfers from one high school to another high school
is ineligible to participate for 90 pupil instruction days from the date of
enrollment in the new school except in the following cases:
·
There is a corresponding change of residence
by the parent or guardian.
·
The student is placed in that school district
by court order.
·
The student is a member of an accredited,
MHSA-approved foreign exchange program.
·
The student applies for and receives a
hardship ruling from the MHSA.
·
Eligibility of a student will be determined by
the administration in each school.
·
Students participating in school-related
activities, whether sponsored by the MHSA or not, shall not use, have in
possession, sell, or distribute alcohol, tobacco, or illegal drugs, or abuse
prescription or non-prescription drugs during school-related activities. This rule is in effect 24 hours a day.
·
The administration shall establish procedures
for the monitoring of student dress while engaging in extracurricular
activities.
Please note:
Extra/co-curricular activities and clubs may establish standards of behavior,
including consequences for misbehavior that are stricter than those for
students in general. If such a
violation is also a violation of school rules, the consequences as determined
by the administrator will apply in addition to any consequences specified by
the organization.
Extra/Co-curricular
Tobacco, Alcohol and Other Drug Rules
·
Disciplinary action (referenced on page 11
& 12) may be taken against any students who possess, use, sell, buy, give, or are under the influence of drugs, marijuana, alcoholic
beverages, tobacco in any form, intoxicants,
or any other substance defined by law as a controlled substance or dangerous
drug, at any time during the school
year. The school year shall be defined
as the first day of class/activities to the last day of class/activities as
assigned by the Board of Trustees.
·
A student alleged to have violated tobacco,
alcohol and other drug rules shall be immediately suspended from
participation in extracurricular or co-curricular activities pending a
finding of violation or non-violation.
A finding of violation may be made by:
·
An admission by the student to school
authorities.
·
A plea or finding of guilt in a court of law.
·
A finding or violation in an administrative
hearing.
·
A student may dispute or contest allegations
of a violation of tobacco, alcohol and other drug rules by him or her. In the event a student does dispute such
allegations, an administrative hearing shall be held to determine if a
violation occurred.
·
Any administrative hearing held to determine a
violation of tobacco, alcohol and other drug rules shall be conducted within
3 calendar days of the report of infraction.
The principal shall preside over the hearing with the following
persons allowed to attend:
·
School Resource Officer
·
One additional school official
·
The student
·
The parent(s) or legal guardian(s) or the
student
·
Witnesses
·
A representative of the student (if requested)
·
Other persons may be called to present
evidence concerning the charges.
·
Attendance of other persons in the hearing
shall be permitted only when testifying.
·
Subject to the following provisions of this
section, a student who is found to have violated:
·
Alcohol and other drugs rule will be
ineligible to participate in any
extracurricular or co-curricular activity for calendar year
from the date of the infraction of the
rule.
·
Tobacco rule will be ineligible to participate
in all extracurricular or co-curricular activities for the duration of 20
days.
·
Days shall include regularly scheduled school
days, and any
previously scheduled legitimate
practices, competitions, or performances on non-school days. If a finding of a violation is made, the
penalties outlined in paragraph number 1 above shall apply. If a finding of no violation is made, the
student shall be immediately restored to full eligibility.
·
Any student may appeal any decision of the
administrative hearing regarding actions under this section to the Assistant
Superintendent by filing a written request for appeal and consideration
within 3 calendar days of the principal's decision.
·
The suspension shall be placed on hold as soon
as the principal is informed that an appeal is in progress.
·
The Assistant Superintendent shall, within 5
calendar days of receiving the request for review, notify the person lodging
the request of the rationale for upholding the request or upholding the
suspension. The decision of the
Assistant Superintendent shall be final.
·
As soon as the principal has been informed that
the request for appeal has been completed and the suspension has been upheld,
he/she shall immediately impose the suspension on the student.
·
In lieu of the calendar year of ineligibility
upon a finding of a violation of alcohol and other drug rules, the principal
of the school which the student attends may extend the option to the student
of participating in an appropriate district-approved chemical awareness
program. IF this option is accepted,
the 1 calendar year ineligibility shall be waived and there shall be imposed
a 30 school day suspension from extracurricular or co-curricular
activities. The suspension will begin
on the date of a finding of violation.
·
The approved chemical awareness program will
take precedence
over any scheduled practices,
performances, or competitions.
- Students
who do not participate and successfully complete the chemical awareness
program will be subject to the enforcement of the one year (12 months)
ineligibility from all extracurricular or co-curricular activities.
- Participants
are required to follow the established team activity rules and adhere to
the same practice routine required of all participants in that activity.
- Participants
are not allowed to represent their schools in any performance/competition
during the period of suspension.
·
Students are encouraged to self-report
violations to any coach or
school
official. If a student self-reports:
·
The
principal may impose a 20 day extracurricular suspension instead
of the 30 days as defined above.
·
An
acceptable self-reporting time is defined as 5 pm of the next day as
defined above.
·
Students who violate tobacco, alcohol and
other drug rules for a
second time during the same school year
will be suspended from all
extracurricular and/or co-curricular
activities for a period of one year
(12 months).
·
The suspension will begin on the date of a
finding of a violation.
·
Students who violate alcohol and other drugs
rule for a second time during one school year will be required to complete a
district-approved chemical awareness program before district eligibility is
reinstated.
·
The principal may waive to one year (12
months) ineligibility and impose a 30 day suspension from extracurricular
and/or
co-curricular activities for
students who violate tobacco rules for a second time during one school year
if the student participates in and completes an appropriate district-approved
tobacco education group.
The student is responsible for all associated fees thereof.
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3340
Senior High Athletic
Handbook
3340
3310
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Materials that are part of the
basic educational program are provided with state and local funds at no
charge to a student. A student,
however, is expected to provide his or her own pens, pencils, paper, erasers,
and notebooks and may be required to pay certain other fees or deposits,
including but not limited to:
·
Membership dues in voluntary clubs or student
organizations and admission fees to extracurricular activities.
·
Personal physical education and athletic
equipment and apparel.
·
Voluntarily purchased pictures, publications,
class rings, yearbooks, graduation announcements, etc.
·
Voluntarily purchased student accident
insurance.
·
Musical instrument rental and uniform
maintenance, when uniforms are provided by the District.
·
Personal apparel used in extracurricular
activities that becomes the property of the student.
·
Parking fees, student identification cards,
student planners (Paris Gibson Education Center) and post-high school
graduation follow-up surveys.
·
Fees for lost or damaged textbooks or
materials, or lost, damaged or
overdue library books.
·
Fees for driver education program.
·
Fees for optional courses offered for credit
that requires use
of facilities not available on District premises.
·
Fees for student participation in all
extracurricular activities in middle and high schools.
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The District participates in the
National School Lunch Program and
offers students nutritionally balanced lunches daily; in addition, some
schools offer a breakfast program. The
District shall provide free and reduced price meals to students according to
the terms of the National School Lunch Program and the laws, rules and
regulation of the state.
Parents are encouraged to
complete an application whether they intend to participate in the program or
not. Many school programs are funded
based on the number of students eligible for free and reduced lunch. In addition, students who qualify for free
and reduced priced meal status also qualify for reduced fees for GFPS
academic and extra-curricular programs, including summer school, and for
scholarships for community activities.
The District shall inform parents of the eligibility
standards for free or reduced price meals.
Parents may apply for free or reduced price food service at any time
during the school year. The identity
of students receiving free or reduced price meals will be confidential in
accordance with the National School Lunch Program guideline. A parent has the right to appeal any
decision with respect to his/her application for free or reduced price food
services. The following District staff
member has been designated for coordinate compliance with these
requirements: Supervisor, Food Service (Phone 268-6047).
|
8200
|
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·
Student clubs or classes, outside
organizations, and/or parent groups occasionally may be permitted to conduct
fund raising drives for approved school purposes. An application for permission must be made
to the building principal.
·
Except as approved by the principal, fund
raising is not permitted on
school property.
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3530
3535
|
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·
The issuance of grades and progress reports on
a regular basis serves as the basis for continuous evaluation of the
student's performance and determining changes that should be made to effect
improvement.
·
Report cards shall be issued after each
grading term, except for those issued to kindergarten students, who receive a
report card at the end of each semester.
·
Paris Gibson Education Center students receive
teacher advisor progress reports quarterly in lieu of report cards.
Parent Portal
·
This is the parents’ access to the GFPS
Student Information System, Power School.
·
Power School will allow parents
password-protected access to grades, assignment, and attendance information
at any time of the day.
·
If you have multiple children in our schools,
you will receive a unique user name and password for each child.
·
Please keep your passwords confidential so
only you can access the information.
Grading System
·
The grading
system utilized within the Great Falls Public Schools is uniform with regard
to the scale used at grade levels.
Primary students (grades K-2) are graded according to the following
set of marks:
Grades K, 1 and 2: G - Good Progress
S - Satisfactory Progress
I - Improving
N - Needs Improvement
·
At grade 3, the students are still graded
according to the set of marks developed for grades 1-2, with the exception of
marks in mathematics, spelling and English, which are graded on the following
basis:
A = Excellent 90-100% D = Below
Average 60-69%
B = Above
Average 80-89% F = Unsatisfactory
59% - Below
C = Average
70-79%
The third grade
progress report is a transition report, which allows students and parents the
opportunity to experience the set of marks used uniformly in grades 4-12,
while still being tied into the set of marks used in grades 1-2 in
appropriate areas.
·
Grades 4-12 utilize the grading scale shown
below:
A = Excellent 90-100% D = Below
Average 60-69%
B = Above
Average 80-89% F = Unsatisfactory
59% - Below
C = Average
70-79%
·
Study skills, work habits and citizenship are
grades on a G, S, I, N basis in grades 1-6.
·
Students in grades K-12 may receive
individualized comments from their teachers.
EXCEPTIONS:
·
G, S, N, I are the marks used to denote grades
in Handwriting, Art, Music, Health Enhancement (physical education), and
Library in grades 4-6.
·
There are three grades available in Middle
School Health Enhancement (physical education) classes in grades 7-8. They are A, P (pass) or F (fail).
·
Grades 5-6 use a separate instrumental music
progress report.
·
G, S, N, I are the marks used to denote grades
in reading at grades K-6.
·
The # sign is used in conjunction with grades K-6
to denote that the curriculum has been modified in some way, to meet
individual needs.
·
The x sign is used in grades 9-12 to denote a
course is being audited for no credit
·
The I mark is used in grades 9-12 to denote a
course grade contains incomplete work and the student has two weeks to
complete all missing work for a passing grade.
·
The IP mark is used in grades 9-12 English to
denote the student is currently passing but has not yet achieved proficiency
in speaking and/or writing.
·
The IR mark is used in grades 9-12 to denote a
student is being allowed to recover a lost credit through the Academic
Variance Committee Process.
·
The CW mark is used in grades 9-12 to denote
credit is being withheld from a student due to violating the Attendance Rule.
If a grade is disputed, a review of the student's work and
of the class record book is made by principal and teacher. Every effort shall be made to resolve the
differences through conference.
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2420
2420R
2420R
|
|
The Board shall award a regular
high school diploma to every student enrolled in the District who meets the
requirements of graduation established by the District. The official transcript will indicate the
specific courses taken and level of achievement.
High School
(9-12) Graduation Requirements
- English
(4 credits) with demonstrated proficiency in public
speaking/communication skills and writing each year to earn credit.
- Social
Studies (3 credits)
- Mathematics
(3 credits, including Algebra I unless waived through the Applied Math
prerequisite process.)
- Science
(3 credits, which shall include Foundations of Science or an additional
elective upon demonstration of equivalent proficiency, one credit in
biology and one credit of science elective)
- Health
Enhancement (2 credits)
- Vocational/Practical
Arts (1 credit which shall include either Career and Technical education
and/or media production)
- Fine
Arts: Art, Drama, Music (1
credit)
- Computer
Literacy (.5 credit or demonstration of proficiency in word processing,
spreadsheets, database management and Internet basics)
- General
Electives (5.5 credits, which shall include a second year of sequential
study in a fine art, foreign language or vocational/practical art)
Alternative Programs
Credit
toward graduation requirements may be granted for planned learning experiences
from accredited programs such as summer school, university courses, and on
line courses, and credit recovery
programs.
Credit
for work experience may be offered when the work program is a part of and
supervised by the school.
Audit
- Courses
may be audited for no credit by junior or senior students if the course is not specifically
requested for graduation.
- Advanced
Placement coursed may not be taken for audit.
- Preference
in a course requested for audit will be given to students taking the
course for the first time for credit.
Grade
Averaging (Re-taking A Course)
All
courses attempted will be recorded on the transcript, with documentation of
the student’s performance. The overall
grade-point average will be calculated using all grades recorded for all
courses attempted, and that grade-point average will be used for purposes of
student ranking without regard to whether any courses were repeated. Preference for enrollment in all courses
will be given in the following order, based on space available: students
taking the course for the first time; students repeating the course after
previously failing to receive credit for the course; and students repeating
the course after previously receiving credit for the course, with students
who have lower grades having preference.
Exceptions may be made to the preference order upon recommendation of
a student’s counselor and approval
by the High School administration. The transcript may note a course that has
been repeated in some manner, i.e., an asterisk, and include a statement
explaining the grade-point-average calculation method.
Honor Roll
·
Specific information regarding Elementary
students honor roll can
be found in each building's handbook.
·
High School and Middle School students must
have a minimum grade
point average of 3.00 to be placed on
the regular honor roll. Specific
information regarding honors at graduation
and honor roll requirements
are included in the building handbook.
Early Graduation
In accordance with
provisions of § 20-9-313, MCA, the Board hereby authorizes the High School
Principal to grant permission to students who have completed the minimum
requirements for graduation after completion of the seventh (7th) semester. Any student seeking to graduate early must
submit an application to the Principal at least two (2) semesters prior to
the proposed graduation date.
Applications must be in writing and co-signed by parents or legal
guardians if the student is a minor. If
students do not meet the early graduation requirement, they must enroll as
full time students in their eighth semester (minimum of three courses).
Participation in
Commencement Exercises
Participation
in the commencement exercises is an earned privilege. As such, participation in this ceremony is
reserved for those members of the graduating class who have completed all of
the state and local requirements for graduation and are in good standing before
the date of the ceremony. Students who
complete their requirements after the date of commencement exercises will
receive their diploma at the time of completion. Students who violate the District’s
discipline policy may be prohibited from participating in commencement
exercises.
Organization and Content of
Commencement Exercises
The
school administration may invite graduating students to participate in high
school graduation exercises according to academic class standing or class
officer status. Any student may choose
to decline the invitation.
Students
will participate in the graduation exercises of the High School they are
enrolled in during the last Semester preceding graduation.
Waiver of Requirement/Academic Variance
The Principal will establish an academic variance
committee to review all petitions for waiver. The Principal may recommend and
the Superintendent approve modification to graduation requirements under
special circumstances.
HAZING/HARASSMENT/INTIMIDATION/BULLYING/MENACING
The Board will strive to provide a positive and productive
learning and working environment.
Hazing, harassment, intimidation, menacing, or bullying by students,
staff, or third parties is strictly prohibited in the District and shall not
be tolerated.
Students whose
behavior is found to be in violation of this policy will be subject to
discipline up to and including expulsion.
Staff whose behavior is
found to be in violation of this policy will be subject to discipline up to
and including dismissal. Third parties whose behavior is found
to be in violation of this policy shall be subject to appropriate sanctions
as determined and imposed by the Superintendent or the Board. Individuals may also be referred to law
enforcement officials.
|
2410
2410R
2410R
2410R
2410R
2410R
2410R
20-9-313 M.C.A.
2410R
2410R
3226
4226
5226
|
|
Homework is a constructive tool
in the teaching/learning process when geared to the needs and abilities of
students. Purposeful assignments not
only enhance student achievement, but also develop self-discipline and positive
work habits. As an extension of the
classroom, homework must be planned and organized, must be viewed as
purposeful to the students, and should be evaluated and returned to students
in a timely manner.
Homework is required at all
grade levels. Homework should be an
application or adaptation of a classroom experience and should not be
assigned for disciplinary purposes.
A written implementation plan
has been developed for each educational level or building (K-6, 7-8 and 9-12)
that clearly indicates to students, parents and staff the procedures and
practices that will be followed in assigning, completing, reviewing,
evaluating and returning all assigned homework.
Please refer to the building
handbook for specific homework requirements for that building.
|
2430
2430R
|
|
Upon initial enrollment, a Certificate of Immunization
document shall be completed by the student's parent or guardian. The certificate shall be made a part of the
student's permanent record.
A student must be fully immunized against certain diseases
or must present a certificate or statement that, for medical or religious
reasons, the student will not be immunized.
The immunizations required are diphtheria, pertussis, rubeola
(measles), rubella, mumps, poliomyelitis
and tetanus. Haemophilus influenza type B is required for
students under age 5.
A student who transfers into the District may photocopy
immunization records in the possession of the school of origin. The District will accept the photocopy as
evidence of the immunization. Within
30 days after a transferring student ceases attendance at the school of
origin, the District must receive the original immunization records for the
student who transfers into the District.
|
3110
3110R
3413
M.C.A. 20-5-403
M.C.A. 20-5-403
|
|
Questioning of
Students
When law enforcement officers or
other lawful authorities wish to question or interview a student at school:
·
The principal will verify the identity of the
officer or other authority and ask for an explanation of the need to question
or interview the student.
- The principal ordinarily will make reasonable
efforts to notify parents unless the interviewer raises what the
principal considers to be a valid objection. The principal ordinarily will be
present unless the interviewer raises what the principal considers to be
a valid objection.
·
The principal will cooperate fully regarding
the conditions of the interview if the questioning or interview is part of a
child abuse investigation.
- The principal will not be responsible for notifying
parents. This is done by the
Montana Department of Family Services. (Refer to Abused and Neglected
Child Reporting on page 3)
Students Taken into Custody
Before a student is released to a law enforcement officer
or other legally authorized person, the principal will verify the officer's
identity and, to the best of his or her ability, will verify the official's
authority to take custody of the student:
·
By a law enforcement officer if there is
probable cause to believe the
student has engaged in delinquent conduct or conduct in need of
supervision.
·
By a probation officer if there is probable
cause to believe the student has violated a condition of probation imposed by
the juvenile court.
·
To comply with a properly issued directive to
take a student into custody.
·
By an authorized representative of Child
Protective Services, Montana Department of Protective and Family Services, without a court order,
under the conditions set out in the Montana Code relating to the student's
physical health or safety.
|
3231
3440
4313
4410
M.C.A. 41-3-202
M.C.A. 41-3-202
|
|
Students must be discouraged from making life threats,
even in jest.
In every case, parents of the offending student will be
notified. Suspended students will not
be readmitted without a parent/administrator conference.
Parents of the threatened student will be notified.
When confronted with potential life threat situations, the
principals, counselors, assistant superintendent, and SRO, as needed, will
determine
which of the following levels apply and then take the
described action:
Level I
·
The statement was a spontaneous response as a
result of a brief anger flare-up.
·
The student may be suspended up to a maximum of 10 days, depending on the nature
of the incident and the student's past behavior.
·
A referral for a Threat Assessment may be
appropriate at this level if more information about the student is needed.
Level II
·
The statement indicates the student’s
behavior, intent, or involvement:
§
is more than a spontaneous response.
§
is unclear or ambiguous.
§
reflects a plan.
·
To ensure the safety of the other students, a Threat Assessment will be
conducted by the school’s Threat Assessment Team. The district may provide homebound instruction when there is some likelihood
that the student might be out might be out more than 10 days.
·
If the
Assessment indicates the student is
not a threat to self or others,
he/she may be readmitted contingent on following the Plan for Success and
Safety developed by the Threat Assessment Team.
·
If the
assessment indicates the student is
a threat to others, he/she may
receive additional disciplinary action up to and including a recommendation by the Superintendent for expulsion.
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A
student who must take any medicine during the school day which requires
school personnel to assist in the self-administration of medication must
bring a written request from his or her parent and the medicine in its
original, properly labeled container, to the school office. A physician's form is needed for
prescription medications and long-term medications. Forms are available in the school office
and through a physician.
Administering Medicines to Students
Any
school employee authorized in writing by the school administrator or school
principal:
·
May assist in the self-administration of any
drug which may lawfully be sold over the counter without a prescription to a
student in compliance with the written instructions on a district medication
form that is completed and signed by the parent or guardian. School
district personnel will not furnish students with over the counter
medications at school.
·
May assist in the self-administration of a
prescription drug to a student in
compliance with the written instructions of a Montana Certified Medical
Practitioner, if the student’s parent
or guardian completes and signs a district medication form.
|
3416
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|
The
following criteria will be considered in determining a permissive transfer:
1. The
permissive transfer must originate from the transferring school (area where
student’s parents or legal guardian reside).
Forms are available at each school building.
2. Formal
written approval must be given by each building principal, with final approval
given by the Superintendent.
3. Permissive
transfers will only be considered if classroom space is available at the
requested school.
4. Transportation
must be provided by the parent(s) for the student(s) attending a different
school on a permissive transfer, and the student(s) will not be eligible to
ride the school bus.
5. Permissive
transfers will be judged on the educational value for the students; however,
community needs such as child care will be considered.
6. Each
request for and approval of a permissive transfer is valid for the time a student attends that
school. It does not have to be renewed
yearly. However, if class size
changes, the students permissive transfer might be revoked (see #3 above).
7. Students must reapply as they move from
elementary to middle school and from middle school to high school.
8. A
permissive transfer may be revoked by the principal at any time because of attendance problems or disciplinary
issues.
9. No transfers will be made to accommodate
extra or co-curricular
activities.
|
3110R
|
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All
prospective athletes must have a physical examination before participating in
any district-sponsored athletic activity.
The potential student athlete must present a GFPS Physical Examination
Record signed by the examining physician or other medical personnel
indicating that the student has passed a physical examination administered
since the close of the previous school year.
All information discovered by a physical examination or a
health screening shall be held as confidential information pursuant to Montana law.
The Parent-School agreement must also be signed by the parent before any
equipment may be issued to the student.
In certain sports, other consent and permission forms may
also have to be signed before participation will be allowed.
The Board may arrange each year for health services to be
provided to all students. Such
services may include, but are not limited to:
·
The development of procedures at each building
for the isolation and temporary care of students who become ill during the
school day.
·
Consulting services of a qualified specialist
for staff, students, and parents.
·
Vision and hearing screening.
·
Scoliosis screening.
·
Immunization as provided by the Department of
Health & Environmental Sciences.
|
3410
|
|
District officials may not invite or permit members of the
clergy, staff members, or outsiders to give prayers at school-sponsored
assemblies and extracurricular or athletic events.
Students may express their individual religious beliefs in
reports, tests, homework, and projects.
Staff members should judge their work by ordinary academic standards,
including substance, relevance, appearance, composition, and grammar. Student religious expression should neither
be favored nor penalized.
Students may organize clubs to discuss or promote
religion, subject to the same constitutionally acceptable restrictions that
the District imposes on other student-organized clubs.
Students may distribute religious literature to their
classmates, subject to the same constitutionally acceptable restrictions that
the District imposes on the distribution of other non-school literature.
Persons who are not enrolled in
Great Falls Public Schools may not distribute religious or other literature
to students on school property, consistent with and pursuant to the
District's policy on solicitations.
Students may pray individually or in groups and discuss
their religious views with other students, as long as they are not disruptive
or coercive. The right to engage in
voluntary prayer does not include the right to have a captive audience
listen, to harass other students, or to force them to participate. Students may pray quietly in the classroom,
except when they are expected to be involved in classroom instruction or
activities.
|
2332
|
|
All students are entitled to enjoy the rights protected by
the Federal and State Constitutions and laws for persons of their age and
maturity in a school setting. Students
should exercise these rights reasonably and avoid violating the rights of
others. Students who violate the
rights of others or violate district policies or rules will be subject to
disciplinary measures.
No student will be required to participate without
parental consent in any survey, analysis, or evaluation (including those funded in whole or in part by the
U.S. Department of Education) that concerns:
·
Political affiliations;
·
Mental and psychological problems potentially
embarrassing to the student or family;
·
Sexual behavior and attitudes;
·
Illegal, antisocial, self-incriminating, and
demeaning behavior;
·
Criticism of other individuals with whom the
student or the student's family has a close family relationship;
·
Legally
recognized privileged relationships, such as with lawyers, doctors, or ministers;
·
Religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs
of the students or parents; or
·
Income, except when the information will be
used to determine the
student's eligibility to participate in a special program or to receive
financial assistance under such a program.
No test, questionnaire, survey, or enumeration containing
questions about a pupil's or a parent's personal beliefs, practices in family
life, sex, morality and religion will be administered without Board approval.
Parents will be able to inspect any teaching materials
used in connection with such a survey, analysis, or evaluation.
Parents and their students may opt out and not
participate. The student will be given
an alternative assignment.
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3200
2132
The Family Educational
Right and Privacy Act
(FERPA)
Protection of Pupil Rights
Amendment (PPRA)
20 U.S.C. 1232h
Regulations: 34CFR Part 98
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Student publications are intended to serve both as
vehicles for instruction and student communications. Material appearing in such publications
should reflect all areas of student interest, including topics about which
there may be controversy and dissent.
Prior to distribution in school or on school premises, a
copy of all school sponsored and non-school sponsored student publications
shall be provided to the principal.
The principal may prohibit distribution of publications that violate
the right of expression as provided in Board policy and in state and federal
law.
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3221
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A student will not be released
from school at times other than at the end of the school day except with
permission from the principal or designee and according to the building
sign-out procedures. Unless the
principal has granted approval because of extenuating circumstances, a
student will not regularly be released before the end of the instructional
day.
A student who will need to leave school during the day
must bring a note from his or her parent that morning. A student who becomes ill during the school
day should, with the teacher's permission, report to the school office. The school staff will decide whether or not
the student should be sent home and will notify the student's parent.
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The District believes that the
cooperation of school and home is a vital ingredient in the growth and
education of the student and recognizes the responsibility to keep parents
informed of student welfare and progress in school.
The issuance of grades and progress reports on a regular
basis serves as the basis for continuous evaluation of the student's
performance and for determining changes that should be made to effect
improvement. These reports shall be
designed to provide information that will be helpful to the student, teacher,
counselor and parent. Please read section on grading guidelines on pages 21& 22.
Written reports of absences and student grades or
performance in each class or subject are issued after each term, except for
kindergarten students who receive a report at the end of the semester. Paris
Gibson Education Center students are issued progress reports on a continuous
basis.
Great Falls Public Schools hold two official
parent-teacher conference times, one in the fall and one in the spring. Please refer to the current district
calendar for the specific dates.
However, parents have the right to a conference at any time.
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2420
2420R
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Retaliation is prohibited against any person who reports
or is thought to have reported a violation, files a complaint, or otherwise
participates in an investigation or inquiry.
Such retaliation shall be considered a serious violation of Board policy,
whether or not a complaint is substantiated.
False charges shall also be regarded as a serious offense and will
result in disciplinary action or other appropriate sanctions.
The District recognizes that students of the same age are
at many intellectual and developmental levels and that these differences are
a normal part of human development.
Because of these differences, the administration and teaching staff
make every effort to develop curricula and programs that meet the individual
and unique needs of all students.
Retention or special promotion at any grade level is an important educational
decision. The retention or special
promotion decision should be approved only if, in the judgment of the study
team (which includes the student's
parent/guardian, appropriate teachers, counselors,
administrators and other appropriate support staff), it will result in
measurable improvement in the student's range of abilities, both academic and
social.
District retention or special promotion guidelines mandate
the study team develop a plan of action that includes interventions, and a student assistance plan
including goals for the following year.
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3226
4226
5226
2421
2421R
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Accident
Prevention
Student safety on campus and at
school-related events is a high priority of the District. Although the
District has implemented safety procedures, the cooperation of students is
essential to ensure school safety. A student
is expected to:
·
Avoid conduct that is likely to put the
student or other students at risk.
·
Follow the behavioral standards in this
handbook, as well as any additional rules for behavior and safety set by the
principal, teachers, or bus drivers.
·
Remain alert to and promptly report safety
hazards, such as intruders on campus.
·
Know emergency evacuation routes and signals
·
Follow immediately the instructions of
teachers, bus drivers, and other District employees who are overseeing the
welfare of students.
Emergency Medical Treatment and Information
If a student has a medical
emergency at school or a school-related activity, when the parent cannot be
reached, and, in the judgment of the principal or person in charge, immediate
medical attention is required, the injured student may be taken directly to
the hospital and treated by the physician on call. When the parent is located, he/she may
elect to continue the treatment or make other arrangements. Each parent or guardian must provide an
emergency telephone number where the parent or designee of the parent can be
reached.
Drills: Lockdowns, Fire,
Tornado, and Other Emergencies
From time to time, students, teachers, and other District
employees will participate in drills of emergency procedures. The school
district works closely with the Great Falls Police Department and local
emergency services to annually review and revise our protocols and procedures
to ensure student and staff safety. During a drill or in an emergency
situation, access to the school buildings maybe limited or restricted due to
the circumstances at hand. When a
drill or emergency notification is given, students should follow the
direction of teachers or others in charge quickly, quietly, and in an orderly
manner. Student cell phone use may be restricted during a drill or emergency
situation. Parents will be notified by school officials with details of the
emergency situation through the local media or when appropriate, in a follow up
correspondence sent home with students.
In the interest of promoting student safety and attempting
to ensure that schools are safe, free of firearms and other weapons, and drug
free, District officials may from time to time conduct reasonable searches of
school property and equipment, as well as of students and their personal
effects.
If a search produces evidence
that the student has violated or is violating either the law or the
District's policies or rules, such evidence may be seized and impounded by
school authorities.
School Property
and Equipment
School property and equipment includes all District owned
buildings and grounds, including parking lots and all property leased by the
District.
Students' desks and lockers are school property and remain
under the control and jurisdiction of the school even when assigned to an
individual student.
Students are fully responsible for the security and
contents of the assigned desks and lockers.
Students must be certain that the locker is locked, and that the
combination is not available to others.
Searches of desk or lockers may be conducted on a random
basis throughout the school or individually at any time there is a reasonable
cause to believe that they contain articles or materials prohibited by
District policy, whether or not a student is present.
The parent will be notified if any prohibited items are
found in the student's desk or locker.
The parent will also be notified if law enforcement is involved.
Students'
Personal Effects
School authorities may search the student and/or student's
personal effects (including cell phone and other electronic devices) in the
student's possession when there is reasonable suspicion that the
search will produce evidence the particular student has violated or is
violating the law or the District's student conduct rules.
Vehicles on
Campus
Any vehicle parked on school property is under the
jurisdiction of the school. School
officials may search any vehicle any time there is reasonable cause to do so,
with or without the presence of the student.
A student has full responsibility for the security of his or her
vehicle and must make certain that it is locked and that the keys are not
given to others.
Use of Detection Dogs/Law Enforcement Officials
The
District may request the assistance of law enforcement officials to conduct
inspections and searches of lockers, desks, parking lots, and other school
property and equipment for illegal drugs, weapons, or other illegal or
dangerous substances or material. There may be searches conducted through the use of specially trained dogs.
Passive Alcohol
Sensor (PAS)
School authorities may use a Passive Alcohol Sensor device
when they have reasonable suspicion that a student has used alcohol based upon such factors as
alcohol on breath, impairment of speech and motor control, admission by the
student or reports of the student's consumption of alcohol by reliable
sources.
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District Crisis Response
Manual
Individual Building safety
Plans
3431
8301
M.C.A. 20-1-402
3231
4410
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The District encourages parental and student support in
its efforts to address and prevent sexual harassment and intimidation in the
public schools. Students and/or
parents are encouraged to discuss their questions or concerns about the
expectations in this area with a teacher, counselor, principal or designee
who serves as the Building Nondiscrimination Coordinator for Students.
Students must not engage in unwanted and unwelcome verbal
or physical conduct of a sexual nature directed toward another student or a
District employee. This prohibition
applies whether the conduct is by word, gesture, or any other sexual conduct,
including requests for sexual favors.
All students are expected to treat other students and District
employees with courtesy and respect, to avoid any behaviors known to be
offensive, and to stop these behaviors when asked or told to stop.
A substantiated complaint against a student will result in
appropriate disciplinary action, according to the nature of the offense.
The District will notify the parents of all students
involved in sexual harassment by student(s) when the allegations are not
minor and will notify parents of any incident of sexual harassment or
intimidation by an employee. To the
greatest extent possible, complaints will be treated as confidential. Limited disclosure may be necessary to
complete a thorough investigation.
A complaint alleging sexual harassment by another student
or sexual harassment or intimidation by a staff member may be presented by a
student and/or parent in a conference with the principal or designee or with
the Building Nondiscrimination Coordinator.
The parent or other advisor may accompany the student throughout the
complaint process. The principal or designee
or District Nondiscrimination Coordinator, (phone 268-6026) will conduct an appropriate investigation
according to the Uniform Grievance Procedure (please read Complaints on Page 8-10).
The student will not be required to present a complaint to
a person who is the subject of the complaint.
If the resolution of the complaint by the principal
(principal's designee) or Nondiscrimination Coordinator (phone
268-6026) is not satisfactory to the student or parent, the student or
parent should proceed according to the Uniform Grievance Procedure as
outlined in Board Policy 3215 (refer to pages 8-10 of this Handbook).
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5012F
3225
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A student's school records are confidential and are
protected from unauthorized inspection or use. A cumulative record is maintained for each
student from the time the student enters the District until the time the
student withdraws or graduates. A copy
of this record moves with the student from school to school.
By law, both parents, whether married, separated, or
divorced, have access to the records of a student who is under eighteen (18)
or a dependent for tax purposes. A
parent whose rights have been legally terminated will be denied access to the
records, if the school is given a copy of the court order terminating these
rights.
The principal is custodian of all records for currently
enrolled students at the assigned school.
Records may be reviewed during regular school hours, upon completion
of a written request. The records' custodian or designee will respond to
reasonable requests for explanation and interpretation of the records. If circumstances prevent a parent or
eligible student from inspecting the records, the District will either
provide a copy of the requested records or make other arrangements for the
parent or student to review the requested records.
The only persons who have general access to a student's records are parents
of a minor or of a student who is a dependent for tax purposes, the student
(if 18 or older), and school officials with legitimate educational interests. School officials with legitimate
educational interests include any employees, agents or Trustees of the
District; cooperatives of which the District is a member; or facilities with
which the District contracts for the placement of students with disabilities,
as well as their attorneys and consultants, who are:
·
Working with the student.
·
Considering disciplinary or academic actions.
·
Considering the student's case.
·
Considering an individual education program
(IEP) for a student with disabilities under IDEA, or an individually designed
program for a student with disabilities under Section 504.
·
Compiling statistical data.
Or
·
Investigating or evaluating programs.
The parent's or student's right of access to and copies
of, student records does not extend to all records. Materials that are not considered
educational records, such as teachers' personal notes on a record pertaining
to former students after they are no longer students in the District, and
records maintained by school law enforcement officials for purposes other
than school discipline, do not have to be made available to the parents or
student.
Student records may be released pursuant to a court order,
state or federal statue, or upon receipt of request from a state educational
agency with a current, demonstrable educational need. Parental consent is required to release the
records to anyone else. When the
student reaches 18 years of age, only the student has the right to consent to
release of records.
Students over 18 and parents of minor students may inspect
the student's records and request a correction if the records are inaccurate,
misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student's privacy or other
rights. If the District refuses the
request to amend the records, the person making the request has the right to
ask for a hearing. If the records are
not amended as a result of the hearing, the person making the request has 30
school days to exercise the right to place a statement commenting on the
information in the student's record.
Although improperly recorded grades may be challenged, parents and the
student are not allowed to contest a student's grade in a course through this
process. Parents or the student have
the right to file a complaint with the
U.S. Department of Education if they believe the District
is not in compliance with the law regarding student records.
Copies of student records are available to parents and
eligible students. Parents may be
denied copies of a student's records: (1) after the student reaches age 18
and is no longer a dependent for tax purposes; (2) when the student is
attending an institution of post-secondary education; (3) if the parent fails
to follow proper procedures or pay
the copying charge; or (4) when the District is given a copy of a court order
terminating the parental rights. If
the student qualifies for free or reduced-price meals and the parents are
unable to view the records during regular school hours, upon written request
of the parent, one copy of the record will be provided at no charge.
Certain information about District students is considered
directory information and will be released to anyone who follows procedures
for requesting it, unless the parent objects to the release of any or all
directory information about the child.
The opportunity to exercise such an objection was provided on the form
signed by the parent to acknowledge receipt of this handbook. Should circumstances change; the parent can
contact the principal to indicate his or her desire to change the original
request. Directory information includes
a student's name, address, telephone number, date and place of birth,
participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and
height of members of athletic teams, photographs (which includes media
coverage), dates of attendance, awards received in school, and most recent
previous school attended.
Special
Education Records
Parents of a student with disabilities who has been
provided special education services by the District will be notified when any
information that specifically identifies the student is no longer
needed. If the parent requests
destruction of the information and the time established by law for retention
has expired, the records will be destroyed.
However, if the retention period established by law has not expired, the
material will be deleted from the records, but the records will be maintained
until the time has expired.
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3600
3600R
3600F
3606
3608
M.C.A. 20-1-212
Federal Educational Rights
And Privacy Act (FERPA)
20 USC 1232g.
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The District's K-12 summer program of instructional
offerings shall be for the purpose of remediation of credit, maintenance of
skills, and enrichment.
All classes offered in the 9-12 summer school for credit
must meet minimum state requirements for accreditation. Credit-bearing courses have been aligned
with the district curriculum benchmarks
and focus on academic core curriculum required for graduation.
The 9-12 summer school option is open to students needing to make up course
work that they have failed previously.
9-12 summer school may not be taken to replace course work not previously
taken in an attempt to graduate early, unless the student has obtained prior
approval through the building Academic Variance Committee.
Some courses may be
available for credit enhancement.
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2240
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Board-approved textbooks are provided free of charge for
each subject or class. Books must be
treated with care. Students will not
be charged for normal wear of materials that are lent to them; however, they
will be charged replacement cost for excessive wear or loss.
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2311
M.C.A. 20-7-601
M.C.A. 20-7-602
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In Town Busing
·
Students on all established bus routes will be
provided bus
transportation to their assigned school
from their legal residence
as follows:
a) Elementary,
Grades K through 6 - One (1) or more miles from
an Elementary School.
b) Middle
School Grades 7 and 8 - One and one-half (1 ½) miles
c) High
School - Two (2) miles
- Regularly
scheduled bus transportation may also be provided for a lesser distance
than indicated above when there are unassigned seats. Bus stops and routes will not be
changed to accommodate these students.
- This
service is provided at no cost to students. Bus routes and any
subsequent changes are available at the school. Further information may be obtained by
calling Transportation Supervisor
(phone 268-6016).
Responsibilities
: Pupils
Pupil must realize that safety is based on group
conduct. Each pupil is responsible for
following all rules and regulations regarding safety and general conduct on
buses.
Since the privileges of transportation are discretionary
with the Board of Trustees, pupils violating bus rules may be suspended from
the use of bus privileges by school authorities.
Parents will be notified of all misconduct.
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8101
8110R
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For safety purposes, Great Falls Public Schools or Great
Falls Police Department video equipment may be used to monitor student
behavior on buses, in common areas on and/or around or adjacent to a school's
campus. Students will not be told when
the equipment is being used.
Video surveillance records can be used to document
violations of Board Policy, administration regulations, building rules or
State and Federal law.
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3235
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Parents and others are welcome to visit District
schools. For the safety of those
within the school, all visitors must first report to the school office. Visits to individual classrooms during
instructional time are permitted only with approval of the principal and
teacher and so long as their duration or frequency does not interfere with
the delivery of instruction or disrupt the normal school environment.
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4313
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