Student Handbook 2024-25 - Washington High School (2024)

WASHINGTON HIGH SCHOOL CALENDAR 2024-2025

July 16 & 17, 2024 Student Registration

August 1, 2024 Teacher Orientation

August 2, 2024 Begin 1st Semester

Sept. 2, 2024 No School - Labor Day

October 4, 2024 End of Grading Period #1

October 14-18, 2024 No School - Fall Break

October 25, 2024 Parent/Teacher Conference

November 27-29, 2024 No School - Thanksgiving

December 20, 2024 End of 1st Semester

December 23 - January 3, 2025 No School - Winter Break

January 6, 2025 Begin 2nd Semester

January 20, 2025 No School - Make Up Day

February 14, 2025 No School - Make Up Day

February 17, 2025 No School - President’s Day

March 7, 2025 End of Grading Period #3

Mar. 24-28, 2025 No School - Spring Break

April 18, 2025 No School - Good Friday

April 21, 2025 No School - Make Up Day

May 22, 2025 End of 2nd Semester

May 24, 2025 Graduation - 10:00 AM

*Spring Break Week will not be used for make-up days

*Additional make-up days will begin May 22

WASHINGTON HIGH SCHOOL BUILDING HOURS

The building will be open for student use in the morning at 7:30 a.m. and closed by 3:30 p.m. Any student or group of students in the building before 7:30 a.m. or after 3:20 p.m. must be supervised by a member of the faculty. Upon arrival, early in the morning, students should report to the Gymnasium (Hatchet House) until the 7:45 AM bell.

NONDISCRIMINATION AND ACCESS TO EQUAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY - POLICY 1662

The Board of School Trustees does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including transgender status, sexual orientation and gender identity), disability, age, religion, military status, ancestry, or genetic information which are classes protected by Federal and/or State law (collectively, “Protected Classes”) occurring in the Corporation’s educational opportunities, programs, and/or activities, or, if initially occurring off Corporation grounds or outside the Corporation’s educational opportunities, programs, and activities, affecting the Corporation environment.

The following person is designated as the Corporation’s Compliance Officer and, as such, shall handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies of the Corporation and address any complaint of discrimination:

Steve Peterson
Assistant Superintendent
Washington Community Schools

301 E. South Street
Washington, IN 47501
speterson@wcs.k12.in.us
812-254-5536

DIRECTORY INFORMATION POLICY 8330

Each year, the Superintendent shall provide public notice to students and their parents of the Corporation’s intent to make available, upon request, certain information known as “directory information”. The Board designates as student “directory information”: a student’s name; address; telephone number; date and place of birth; e-mail address; photograph; major field of study; grade level; participation in officially recognized activities and sports; height and weight, if a member of an athletic team; dates of attendance; date of graduation; type of diploma awarded; awards received; honor rolls; scholarships.

The Board designates school-assigned email accounts as “directory information” for the limited purpose of facilitating students’ registration for access to various online educational services, including mobile applications/apps that will be utilized by the student for educational purposes. School assigned email accounts shall not be released as directory information beyond this limited purpose and to any person or entity but the specific online educational service provider.

Directory information shall not be provided to any organization for profit-making purposes. The Superintendent may allow access to a school campus or give students’ directory information to organizations that make students aware of educational or occupational options.

In accordance with Federal law, the Board shall comply with FERPA when releasing students’ information to a recruiting officer for any branch of the United States Armed Forces or an institution of higher education who requests such information.

Parents and eligible students may refuse to allow the Corporation to disclose any or all of such “directory information” upon written notification to the Corporation within three (3) days after receipt of the Superintendent’s annual public notice.

Whenever consent of the parent(s)/eligible student is required for the inspection and/or release of a student’s health or education records or for the release of directory information, either parent may provide such consent unless specifically stated otherwise by court order.

The Corporation may disclose “directory information” on former students without consent of the parent(s)/eligible student unless the parent or eligible student previously submitted a request that such information not be disclosed without their prior written consent.

Kevin Frank
Superintendent
Washington Community Schools

301 E. South Street
Washington, IN 47501
(812) 254-5536

WASHINGTON HIGH SCHOOL BEHAVIOR CODE

WHS has high expectations for all students. In order for students to reach their potential, classrooms must be free of disruptive behavior.

Maintaining good discipline within the school is also a community responsibility. Parents must be familiar with and supportive of school standards and work closely with the school staff.

Whenever possible, a teacher will ask parents for help in correcting a problem. If the situation continues or is serious, the teacher will seek assistance from the principal or principal’s designee.

WHS does not discriminate based on race, gender, economic status, handicap condition, national origin or any other personal characteristics in regard to disciplinary actions against students.

Rules and regulations apply to school grounds and premises before, during and after school hours; anytime school buildings or grounds are used by a school group; off school grounds at any school function or event; when traveling to and from school or school activity, function, or event; at bus stops; or at any time or place which may affect an educational function or be identified with WHS.

Examples for most rules are provided. Each rule is accompanied by the range of consequences for violating that rule. The school administrator will determine the level of the consequence based on such factors as the age of the student, number of prior offenses and the severity of the offense.

WHS does not permit employees to use corporal punishment (the physical striking of a student as a disciplinary measure) in disciplining a student. It is recognized that reasonable use of physical force and restraint may be necessary to stop a disturbance threatening physical injury to others, to obtain possession of dangerous objects from students, for the purpose of self-defense or for the protection of persons or property.

A teacher and/or an administrator may use various means in an attempt to change student behavior including, but not limited to, counseling with the student, assigning detentions, having conferences with parents, assigning extra responsibilities or time in school, placing the student in a “time-out” room or an in-school suspension room, assigning community service projects, referring to an intervention team or removing a child from class for a day pending review of the situation. The school principal/designee and teacher may cooperatively remove the student from the class for more than one day if this consequence would be beneficial in solving the problem. A school administrator may use any of those means, or after conducting an appropriate investigation, may suspend a child for up to ten days and, in some cases, a school principal may recommend a student be placed in an alternative program or expelled.

Principals also may establish rules and regulations, as long as they are consistent with this Behavior Code, the policies set by the Board of School Trustees or other rules and regulations established by the Superintendent.

TRANSPORTATION

RIGHT:Transportation is a privilege in the state of Indiana. Students have the right to safe and orderly transportation to and from school or a school activity when such transportation is provided within the transportation guidelines of the school system.

RESPONSIBILITY:Students have the responsibility to ensure that their conduct contributes to a safe and orderly atmosphere while being transported; to refrain from conduct that will offer a hazard to themselves, their fellow students, or the public; and to refrain from violating federal, state, or local law, or the requirements of the transportation guidelines.

FIRE DRILLS

Fire drills are required each month by state law. Signs are located near the doorway of each classroom giving evacuation procedures to follow in an emergency. Please note there are primary and secondary routes. Please observe the following points during fire drills:

1. Lights out.

2. Walk rapidly to exit, but do not run.

3. Do not wait for friends to join you.

4. Stay with your class once outside.

5. Do not reenter the building until you have been directed.

TORNADO/LOCKDOWN/EARTHQUAKE DRILLS WILL BE HELD PERIODICALLY THROUGHOUT THE YEAR.

1. Evacuate to shelter area.

2. Stay away from windows.

3. Crouch against a load-bearing wall.

4. Cover your head and face.

5. Remain in this position and area until an ALL-CLEAR signal is given.

6. During Lock down drills make sure doors are locked, lights are off, and everyone is QUIET.

HALL PASSES

1. Hall passes are generally discouraged.

2. Students will be required to use the SmartPass system on their chromebooks.

3. Students shall not be in the halls except during passing periods WITHOUT a SmartPass. Teachers may request a student's name to check for a SmartPass from any student in the hall. Violators should be sent to the office.

4. A restroom pass may be used for RESTROOM PRIVILEGES ONLY. Students should be instructed to use the restroom located on the SmartPass system. Restroom privileges during class time should be limited (unless special instructions given by the school nurse).

5. SmartPasses should be used for student passage to any specific point in the building. This is to be completed by the student and approved by the teacher or by office staff.

a. WASHINGTON HIGH SCHOOL DISCIPLINE NOTICE

If a student is referred to the office for discipline, the Discipline Notice should be recorded in Skyward.

b. NURSE PASS

Students who are ill may need to see the nurse. A student must have a pass to be admitted to the nurse, except in emergencies. In all instances students must sign in and out of the nurse’s office.

c. MEDIA CENTER PASS

A classroom teacher who assigns media center work for study should issue a SmartPass for the student. In all instances students, must sign in and out of the media center. Please DO NOT send more than 2 students at a time. Teachers should call the media center before sending a student to the media center.

HOMEROOM

1. Students are responsible to bring schoolwork and necessary materials to their homeroom.

2. Students must actively work on schoolwork (sleeping, and refusal to work are not permitted).

3. Students will not leave homeroom for tutoring or other school activities without prior approval and must carry a pass issued by the homeroom teacher or by office staff.

4. Students must work independently unless otherwise permitted by the homeroom teacher. Group work must be done quietly.

MEDIA CENTER/LIBRARY

1. Students will have access to the Media Center/Library between the hours of 8:00 - 3:10. Students may use the Media Center/Library if they have a pass. Students must sign in upon arriving and before leaving the Media Center/Library.

2. Teacher/classroom use of the Media Center/Library has top priority for student use. Disorderly students will be sent back to class and may lose the privilege of using the Media Center/Library.

3. Media Center/Library materials are expected to be returned on time or paid for if damaged or lost. Damaged or lost materials should be paid for prior to the end of a grading period. Failure to return an overdue book may result in the student NOT being allowed to attend extracurricular functions.

CAFETERIA/LUNCH

Students will be provided with at least a 34-minute lunch period and that includes a passing period. The school cafeteria is maintained as a vital part of the health program of the school. To encourage good eating habits, nutritious food is offered at reasonable prices. Students may also bring their lunch from home.

CAFETERIA RULES

1. Running in the school and cafeteria is prohibited.

2. Cutting the line is prohibited.

3. Food and drink are to be eaten in the cafeteria ONLY unless authorized by an administrator.

4. Throw away trash into trash containers.

5. Return all trays and utensils to the dishwashing area.

6. After eating, students must remain in the cafeteria. This applies to all students regardless of grade level.

7. Students are to maintain a low tone of voice while in the cafeteria. Students who are loud and disruptive will be removed and placed in lunch detention.

8. Students who leave the building for lunch (12TH GRADE) must eat their lunch outside of the school building.

9. Students returning from open campus must enter through GATE 6. Students must remain in the immediate area of Gate 6until the bell rings.

10. Students will not be allowed to bring drinks or food into the school; however, students can package their personal lunch at home and bring it to the cafeteria for lunch hour.

11. Open campus is a privilege extended to students in the 12th grades. Failure to follow guidelines may result in a student’s open campus privilege being revoked.

12. Any student who leaves closed campus for an appointment must bring written documentation from that facility.

13. Parents of closed campus students are discouraged from taking their students to lunch.

14. ANY 12TH GRADE STUDENT who leaves for lunch early without authorization from administration will have his/her OPEN CAMPUS PRIVILEGES REVOKED for the remainder of the academic school year.

15. Any underclassmen who leave campus for lunch will be in jeopardy of losing their privilege as a senior. It will be to the discretion of the administration.

16. Fast food is prohibited in the cafeteria and classrooms during lunch time.

17. Food and Drinks-Not permitted throughout the school day in the classroom

18. Only Bottle water is allowed in the classroom.

19. Students may bring their lunch but must keep in locker until lunch time and eaten in café.

20. No Doordash or other food delivery services are allowed at school at any point. Food will be confiscated.

FOOD SERVICE COLLECTION (POLICY 6155)

1. FREE AND REDUCED LUNCH STUDENTS

Free meal benefit status students will not be allowed to have a negative meal account balance. Free lunch status allows a child to receive one (1) free breakfast and lunch every day. Ala carte items are not part of the USDA program and are not allowed to be charged.

2. ALL OTHER STUDENTS

a. Students are expected to pay cash daily or pay in advance for all food purchases. It is the responsibility of the family to keep their lunch account up to date. We encourage the parents/guardians to maintain their child’s account throughout the school year.

b. The Washington Community School Corporation recognizes that on occasion, students may forget to bring money for meals to school. To ensure that students don’t go hungry, but also to promote responsible student behavior and minimize the fiscal burden to the Food Service Department, the District will enforce the following policies by grade level.

3. SECONDARY SCHOOLS (GRADES 7-12)

a. Secondary school students are expected to remain aware of their meal account balance and to bring deposits as necessary. Cashiers remind students daily when their account is low or overdrawn. Students whose account has reached $0.00 or below will not be allowed to purchase meals unless they deposit money in their account or pay for the meal with cash.

b. Students with any negative balance will not be allowed to purchase ala carte items, including milk. If a student still forgets to bring money when needed, he/she must deal with the situation before going to the cashier with a full tray of food and no money.

4. ADULTS

Will not be allowed to charge any meals or ala carte items causing their meal account to go into a deficit balance.

The Food Service Department is not required by State or Federal law, or by Board policy, to provide a meal at no charge to students. Parents are responsible for all meals charged to their child’s account. No, a la carte snacks, beverages, or second meals may be charged resulting in a negative balance. After thirty days of any negative balance, collection procedures will be initiated on all negative balance accounts. If there is no response to letters and after it is judged that the usual methods to collect the money owed the District have failed, then action will be taken to collect in small claims court or turned over to a professional collection agency.

5. EMERGENCY MEALS

a. An emergency meal is necessary when a student wants a meal but does not have money to pay for it. Elementary and Secondary schools have procedures in place to ensure students do not go without a meal as outlined above.

b. An emergency breakfast consists of graham crackers and milk. An emergency lunch will consist of a peanut butter or cheese sandwich and a carton of milk. The cost of the emergency meals shall be fifty percent of the cost of a regular school meal. The cost of the emergency meal provided at this rate shall be added to the sum owed by and due from the student.

SB 185 - WIRELESS COMMUNICATION DEVICE

Washington High School will implement the new IC 20-26-5-40.7

IC 20-26-5-40.7 IS ADDED TO THE INDIANA CODE AS A NEW SECTION TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2024]:

(a) As used in this section, "instructional time" has the meaning set forth in IC 20-30-2-1.

(b) As used in this section, "wireless communication device" means any portable wireless device that has the capability to provide voice, messaging, or other data communication between two (2) or more parties, including a:

(1) cellular telephone;

(2) tablet computer;

(3) laptop computer; or

(4) gaming device.

(f) Each school corporation and charter school shall publish on its website the wireless communication device policy established under subsection (c).

WHS CELL PHONE POLICY

1. While on school grounds, during school hours or at school functions, students are not allowed to record in any form (audio, video, still photography) without prior permission from school personnel.

2. Cell phones and/or electronic devices are not to be an interference to the educational process or the student’s situational awareness. Any cell phone and/or electronic device that causes a disruption of the school’s operation or contributes to a student’s distraction may be confiscated and will be returned to the parent/guardian by administration.

2. Cell phones and/or electronic devices are to be out of sight while inside the school building during school hours. This includes but is not limited to classrooms, hallways, stairwells, gym etc.

3. Cell phone use is prohibited in a classroom and during instructional time.

4. Cell phones and/or electronic devices are strictly always prohibited in any school office, restroom/locker rooms, and any other areas deemed private by school officials.

5. At no time can these cell phones be used to invade the privacy of another student.

6. Cell phones and/or electronic devices are strictly prohibited during times of detention, in-school suspension, or other disciplinary consequences.

7. Administration may allow cell phone and/or personal devices to be used while in the cafeteria during lunch time.

8. Administration may review a student’s cell phone if they deem it necessary to move forward with an ongoing school investigation.

9. Inappropriate use of cell phones or other electronic devices during class will result in disciplinary consequences.

10. Refusal to relinquish a cell phone for insubordination may result in suspension or recommendation for expulsion.

CELL PHONE CONSEQUENCES

1ST OFFENSE—Device held in office for parent retrieval.

2ND OFFENSE—2 days In-School suspension and device held in office for parent retrieval.

3RD OFFENSE—3 days Out-Of-School suspension and device held in office for parent retrieval.

Continued offenses will result in consequences as determined by administration. In conjunction with administration, parents may elect to have the school secure the device for 5 school days in lieu of 2 days of ISS. Parents may also choose to have the school secure the device for 10 school days in lieu of the 3 days of OSS. Students who refuse to turn their device over when instructed to do so by a teacher/administrator will receive additional consequences for being insubordinate.

CLOSED CAMPUS

The Washington School Corporation is committed to a closed campus for grades 9-11 which simply means that upon the arrival of a student on campus each morning, the student shall not leave the building complex without clearance from the Attendance Office. Students will be granted permission to leave the school building only under the following conditions:

1. Students are enrolled in special programs.

2. Dental and Medical appointments - parental verification is required.

3. Prior permission granted by the administration.

Note: to leave the building complex without proper clearance and authorization constitutes truancy and shall be dealt with accordingly. Students are not allowed to leave the building for any reason unless given a pass from attendance.

ACADEMIC/ATTENDANCE STANDARDS FOR ECA PARTICIPATION

1. Students must pass the required 5 classes for nine weeks, or he/she is ineligible for the next grading period. At the end of the semester, it is the semester grade that takes precedence. If a student fails for the semester, the period of ineligibility is nine weeks.

2. Students must be in attendance for 4 full periods (Either 1-4 or 4-7) to attend/participate in any extra-curricular activity. Any exception to this guideline must be approved by administration. Any student suspended from school for disciplinary reasons will not be allowed to participate in ECA contests during the suspended time. The student may be required to attend practice or a contest on the day or days of the suspension from school.

BUYING, SELLING, OR COLLECTING MONEY

All fundraising projects are to be approved by WHS Administration. No private sales are to be made. Any merchandise or items not approved for sale will be subject to confiscation. Only school sponsored sales projects will be approved.

CHROMEBOOKS/ TEXTBOOKS

1. Textbooks and Chromebooks are rented to students for their use during the school year.

2. Chromebooks and textbooks are to be kept clean and handled carefully.

3. Students are given the option to pick up a school provided case at the beginning of the year when they pick up their assigned Chromebook or they may provide their own.

4. Students may be charged for any device or textbook that is lost, stolen, or damaged, and their associated accessories.

5. Students are responsible for any device and textbook they use including their assigned device, loaner devices, and their accessories.

6. If another Chromebook is issued to the student regardless of the reason, the student will be responsible for both Chromebooks and their associated accessories.

If you have questions, call the High School at 812-254-3860.

CONVOCATION PROGRAMS

Convocation and auditorium rules are planned to insure the best possible conduct during a program. It is not expected that every student will find all programs of equal interest; however, whether a person finds a program to his/her liking or not, he/she has the obligation as a student to be courteous and polite to the person (s) presenting the program, and the fellow students who are interested. Teachers will be assigned to designated areas for supervision.

REGULAR DANCE RULES FOR WHS

1. Guests must adhere to all expectations in the WHS Code of Behavior

2. Dress code will be in accordance with WHS Student Handbook

3. Students must attend school for the day prior to the event.

4. Students or guests should be actively continuing their education (If homeschooled will need to show proof)

5. Drop out students will not be allowed to attend the event.

6. Guests may NOT be middle school students and must NOT be older than 20

7. Guests MUST provide a copy of their photo ID with this form

8. Guest will not be admitted unless they are listed on the check-in verification sheet AND have a current photo ID

9. Students/Guests who leave early will not be readmitted to the dance

FORMAL DANCE RULES AND DRESS CODE FOR STUDENTS:

REGULAR DANCE RULES APPLY PLUS THE FOLLOWING

10. Guest forms must be returned on or before due date and on file before the event.

11. Event fee must be paid on or before due date to be able to attend the event.

12. STUDENTS WILL NOT BE EXCUSED FROM SCHOOL FOR HAIRCUTS, NAILS, ETC. IN PREPARATION FOR THE EVENT.

13. Dresses may not be cut below the bust line. Excessive cleavage is not allowed.

14. Dress may be backless if it is not cut below the navel.

15. Midriffs may not be exposed. This includes both the front and sides of the dress.

16. Dresses must not have a slit that exceeds mid-thigh 3 inches above the knee.

17. No pinning will be allowed as an alteration for a dress if without the pinning the dress does not meet dress code.

18. Dress length must be mid-thigh (No more than 3 inches above the middle of the knee both in the front and the back).

19. Suits, sport coats, military dress, or tuxedos must be worn along with a tie and dress shoes.

20. Canes will not be permitted

21. Shirts must be buttoned up to the second button from the collar.

22. Pants should fit properly on the hip and not sag below the waistline.

23. No ball caps or other informal headgear can be worn during the event.

As you begin shopping for a dress/suit, please keep these guidelines in mind. While we will be reasonable in the interpretation of these guidelines, we want you to know that you will not be allowed to participate in formal event activities if you are not dressed appropriately. If you have specific questions about the Formal Dress Code, please see the event Sponsors, Principal, or Main Office for clarification.

E-LEARNING

1. High School students should follow their normal class schedule beginning with their first period.

2. HS students should communicate directly with their teacher via email, Google Classroom, or Google Meet for additional instructions.

3. Students can access their assignments through the eLearning Portal at www.washingtoncommunityschools.org.

4. Activities should not require instruction from parents/guardians, but students may need assistance like typical homework. For Washington Schools eLearning FAQS Please visit our website at www.washingtoncommunityschools.org.

FIELD TRIPS

1. Field trips are academic activities that are held on or off school grounds.

2. There are also other trips that are a part of the school’s co-curricular and extra-curricular program.

3. No student may participate in any school-sponsored trip without parent consent.

4. Students who violate school rules may lose the privilege to go on field trips.

5.Students will not be allowed to take part in field trips if there have been prior disciplinary actions. Permission may be granted by the administration on a case by case situation.

6. Students should be in good standing both academically (passing all classes) and in attendance (no more than 10 absences per semester).

7. Excessive tardiness will also be taken into consideration for attendance on a field trip.

LOCKERS

1. All lockers made available for student use of the school premises (including lockers located in the physical education and athletic dressing rooms, industrial and agricultural education classrooms) are the property of the Washington Community School Corporation.

2. These lockers are made available for student use in storing school supplies and personal items necessary for use at school; the lockers are not to be used to store items which cause or can reasonably be foreseen to cause an interference with school purposes or an educational function, which are forbidden by state law or school rules.

3. Changing of lockers after assignment will warrant disciplinary action. No sharing of lockers will be allowed.

4. The student’s use of the locker does not diminish the school corporation’s ownership or control of the locker.

5. The school corporation retains the right to inspect the locker and its contents to ensure that the locker is being used in accordance with its intended purpose and to eliminate fire or other hazards, maintain sanitary conditions, attempt to locate lost or stolen material, and to prevent use of the locker to store prohibited or dangerous material such as weapons, illegal drugs, or alcohol or anything deemed inappropriate.

6. The school corporation will retain access to student lockers by keeping a master list of combinations and a master key.

7. Students may not use their own locks to prevent access to lockers by school officials, and any unauthorized locks may be removed without notice and destroyed.

8. Lockers are not to be used to store any items that should not be in the possession of the student. This includes, but is not limited to, drugs, alcohol, unreturned school equipment, stolen items, obscene material, or tobacco products including matches or lighters.

9. The school corporation retains the right to inspect lockers to ensure that they are being properly maintained. All inspections of students’ lockers shall be conducted by the principal or a member of the administrative staff designated by the principal.

10. The inspection of a particular student’s locker will not be conducted unless the principal or his designee has a reasonable suspicion to believe that the locker to be inspected contains items which cause, or can reasonably be foreseen to cause, an interference with school purposes or an educational function, or which are forbidden by state law or school rules.

11. An inspection of all lockers in the school, or all lockers in a particular area of the school, may be conducted if the principal or superintendent reasonably believes that such an inspection is necessary to prevent, impede, or substantially reduce the risk of

a. An interference with school purposes or an educational function,

b. A physical injury or illness to any person,

c. Damage to personal or school property, or

d. A violation of state law or school rules.

12. Students will not necessarily be given the opportunity to be present while a general inspection is being conducted.

13. If the principal or designee has a reasonable suspicion that a locker or lockers contain illegal drugs, illegal paraphernalia, weapons, a bomb, explosive chemicals, or stolen property, he may request law enforcement assistance in inspecting a locker or lockers. If a law enforcement official requests to inspect a student’s locker or its contents, a search warrant must be produced before allowing such official to inspect. The principal shall deny any requests from law enforcement officials to search a locker unless the officials give rise to a reasonable suspicion that a locker or lockers contain contraband.

14. Nothing in this policy shall affect members of the custodial staff, who, at the direction of the principal, (1)clean out lockers from time to time in accordance with a general housekeeping schedule, or (2) the locker of a student who is no longer enrolled in school. Further, the custodial staff may open a student’s locker during any vacation period if they have reason to believe such a locker contains rotting, spoiling, or mildewing items such as food, wet clothes, etc.

LOST AND FOUND

1. A lost and found area is maintained in the main office.

2. Students who find lost articles are asked to turn in these articles into the main office.

3. Students may claim these articles by properly identifying them.

4. Lost articles not claimed within a reasonable time will be given to charitable organizations.

RELEASE OF DIRECTORY INFORMATION

The Washington School Corporation may release certain “directory information,” which means information contained in an education record of a student that would not generally be considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if disclose. This may/would include the student’s name, address, parents/guardians’ name(s) and telephone numbers, e-mail addresses, major field of study, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, dates of attendance, awards received, teacher-selected student work with no grades displayed, pictures or video images not used in a disciplinary manner, previous schools attended, hair and eye color, race, sex, date of birth, height, weight, and grade level, without consent to media organizations (including radio, television, and newspaper), colleges, civic or school-related organizations, military recruiters and state or local governmental agencies. The corporation may disclose any of those items without prior written consent, unless notified in writing to the contrary by the first student day of the current school year.

Parents/guardians of a student desiring to object to disclosure of any or certain categories of directory information should request a form (Denial of Permission to Release Certain Directory Information without Prior Consent) from the superintendent’s office. Parents/guardians have the right to sign the Denial form in the superintendent’s office at any time.

SCHOOL CLOSINGS

1. In case of severe weather - the official announcements for school closings may be heard on the local radio stations WAMW or WWBL.

2. School Closings will also be announced through our automated information system.

3. All school functions are cancelled when school is closed.

4. If there is an exception there will be a notification from your school’s administration.

SEARCH AND SEIZURE

A) As used in this section, “reasonable cause for a search” means circ*mstances which would cause a reasonable person to believe that the search of a particular person, place, or thing will lead to the discovery of:

(1) Evidence of a violation of the student conduct standards contained in the student handbook.

(2) Anything, which because of its presence presents an immediate danger of physical harm or illness to any person.

B) All lockers and other storage areas provided for student use of school premises remain the property of the school corporation and are provided for the use of the student’s subject to inspection, access for maintenance, and search pursuant to this section. No student shall lock or otherwise impede access to any locker or storage area except with a lock provided by or approved by the principal of the school in which the locker or storage area is located. Unapproved locks shall be removed and destroyed.

(1) The principal, or a member of the administrative staff designated in writing by the principal, may search a locker and its contents where the person conducting the search or the principal designating the person has reasonable cause to search a locker.

(2) The principal, a member of the administrative staff, or a teacher may search a desk or any other storage area on school premises other than a locker when the person conducting the search has reasonable cause for a search.

C) The principal, or another member of the administrative staff designated in writing by the principal and acting at the direction of the principal, may search the person of a student during a school activity if the principal has reasonable cause for a search of that student. Searches of the person of a student shall be limited to:

(1) Searches the pockets of the student.

(2) Any object in the possession of the student such as a purse, backpack, computer bag, briefcase, etc. and/or

(3) A pat down of the exterior of the student’s clothing. Searches of the person of a student, which require removal of clothing other than a coat or jacket, shall be referred to a law enforcement officer in accordance with subsection C of this section. Searches of the person of a student shall be conducted in a private room by a person of the same sex as the student being searched. At least one but not more than three additional persons of the same sex as the student being searched shall witness but not participate in the search. At the request of the student to be searched, an additional person of the same sex as the student designated by the student, and then reasonably available on school premises, shall witness the search. The parent or guardian of any student searched shall be notified of the search as soon as reasonably possible.

D) The privilege of bringing a student-operated motor vehicle onto school premises is hereby conditioned on written consent by the student driver, the owner of the motor vehicle and the parent or guardian of the student to allow search of that motor vehicle when there is reasonable cause for a search of that motor vehicle. Refusal by a student, parent or guardian, or the motor vehicle owner to provide or allow access to a motor vehicle on school premises at the time of a request to search the motor vehicle, shall be cause for termination without further hearing of the privilege of bringing a motor vehicle onto school premises. The principal or a member of the administrative staff designated in writing by the principal may request a law enforcement officer to search a motor vehicle on school premises, subject to sub-section G of this section.

E) Anything found in the course of search conducted in accordance with this section which is evidence of a violation of the student conduct standards contained in the student handbook may be:

(1) Seized and admitted as evidence in any suspension or expulsion proceeding if it is tagged for identification at the time it is seized and kept in a secure place by the principal or the principal’s designee until it is presented at the hearing.

(2) Returned to the parent or guardian of the student from whom it was seized.

(3) Destroyed if it has no significant value.

(4) Turned over to any law enforcement officer in accordance with sub-section G.

F) Anything found in the course of a search conducted in accordance with this section which by its presence presents an immediate danger of physical harm or illness to any person may be seized and:

(1) Returned to the parent or guardian of the student from whom it was seized

(2) Destroyed, or

(3) Turned over to any law enforcement officer in accordance with sub-section G.

G) The principal, or a member of the administrative staff designated in writing by the principal, may request the assistance of a law enforcement officer to:

(1) Search any area of the school premises, any student, or any motor vehicle on school premises.

(2) Identify or dispose of anything found in the course of a search conducted in accordance with this section.

Where law enforcement officers respond to such a request, no school employee shall assist or otherwise participate in any search conducted.

STUDENT ACCEPTABLE USE/INTERNET SAFETY POLICY

Advances in telecommunications and other related technologies have fundamentally altered ways in which information is accessed, communicated, and transferred in society. Such changes are driving the need for educators to adapt their means and methods of instruction, and the way they approach student learning, to harness and utilize the vast, diverse, and unique resources available on the Internet. The School Board is pleased to provide Internet services to its students. The Corporation’s network has not been established as a public access service or a public forum. The Corporation has the right to place restrictions on its use to assure that use of the Corporation’s network is in accord with its limited educational purpose. Student use of the Corporation’s computers, network and internet services will be governed by this policy and the related administrative guidelines, and the Student Code of Conduct. The due process rights of all users will be respected in the event there is a suspicion of inappropriate use of the Network. Users have a limited privacy expectation in the content of their personal files and records of their online activity while on the Network.

The Board encourages students to utilize the Internet to promote educational excellence in our schools by providing them with the opportunity to develop the resource sharing, innovation and communication skills and tools that are essential to both life and work. The instructional use of the Internet will be guided by the Corporation’s policy on instructional materials.

The Internet is a global information and communication network that provides students and staff with access to up-to-date, highly relevant information that will enhance their learning and the education process. Further, the Internet provides students and staff with the opportunity to communicate with other people from throughout the world. Access to such an incredible quantity of information and resources brings with it, however, certain unique challenges and responsibilities.

1. First, and foremost, the Corporation may not be able to technologically limit access to services through the Corporation’s Internet connection, to only those that have been authorized for the purpose of instruction, study and research related to the curriculum. Unlike in the past when educators and community members had the opportunity to review and screen materials to assess their appropriateness for supporting and enriching the curriculum according to adopted guidelines and reasonable selection criteria (taking into account the varied instructional needs, learning styles, abilities, and developmental levels of the students who would be exposed to them), access to the Internet, because it serves as a gateway to any publicly available file server in the world, will open classrooms and students to electronic information resources which have not been screened by educators for use by students of various ages.

2. The Corporation has implemented the use of technology protection measures which are specific technologies that will protect against (e.g., filter or block) access to visual displays/depictions that are obscene, child p*rnography, and materials that are harmful to minors, as defined by the Children’s Internet Protection Act. At the discretion of the Corporation or the Superintendent, the technology protection measures may be configured to protect against access to other material considered inappropriate for students to access. The technology protection measures may not be disabled at any time that students may be using the Network, if such disabling will cease to protect against access to materials that are prohibited under the Children’s Internet Protection Act. Any student who attempts to disable the technology protection measures will be subject to discipline.

3. The Superintendent or Assistant Superintendent may temporarily or permanently unblock access to sites containing appropriate material, if access to such sites has been inappropriately blocked by the technology protection measures. The determination of whether material is appropriate or inappropriate shall be based on the content of the material and the intended use of the material, not on the protection actions of the technology protection measures.

4. The Corporation utilizes software and/or hardware to monitor online activity of students to restrict access to child p*rnography and other material that is obscene, objectionable, inappropriate and/or harmful to minors. Nevertheless, parents/guardians are advised that a determined user may be able to gain access to services on the Internet that the Corporation has not authorized for educational purposes. In fact, it is impossible to guarantee students will not gain access through the Internet to information and communications that they and/or their parents/guardians may find inappropriate, offensive, objectionable, or controversial. Parents/Guardians assume risks by consenting to allow their child to participate in the use of the Internet. Parents/Guardians of minors are responsible for setting and conveying the standards that their children should follow when using the Internet. The Board supports and respects each family’s right to decide whether to apply for independent student access to the Internet.

5. Pursuant to Federal law, students shall receive education about the following:

a. Safety and security while using e-mail, chat rooms, social media, and other forms of direct electronic communications.

b. The dangers inherent with the online disclosure of personally identifiable information.

c. The consequences of unauthorized access (e.g., “hacking”), cyber bullying and other unlawful or inappropriate activities by students online.

d. Unauthorized disclosure, use, and dissemination of personal information regarding minors.

6. Staff members shall provide instruction for their students regarding the appropriate use of technology and online safety and security as specified above. Furthermore, staff members will monitor the online activities of students while in school.

7. Monitoring may include, but is not necessarily limited to, visual observations of online activities during class sessions; or use of specific monitoring tools to review browser history and network, server, and computer logs.

8. Building principals are responsible for providing training so that Internet users under their supervision are knowledgeable about this policy and its accompanying guidelines. The Board expects that staff members will provide guidance and instruction to students in the appropriate use of the Internet. All Internet users (and their parents if they are minors) are required to sign a written agreement to abide by the terms and conditions of this policy and its accompanying guidelines.

9. Students and staff members are responsible for good behavior on the Corporation’s computers/network and the Internet just as they are in classrooms, school hallways, and other school premises and school sponsored events. Communications on the Internet are often public in nature. General school rules for behavior and communication apply. The Corporation does not sanction any use of the Internet that is not authorized by or conducted strictly in compliance with this policy and its accompanying guidelines.

10. Students shall not access social media for personal use from the Corporation’s network but shall be permitted to access social media for educational use in accordance with their teacher’s approved plan for such use.

11. Users who disregard this policy and its accompanying guidelines may have their use privileges suspended or revoked, and disciplinary action taken against them. Users granted access to the Internet through the Corporation’s computers assume personal responsibility and liability, both civil and criminal, for uses of the Internet not authorized by this Corporation’s policy and its accompanying guidelines.

12. The School Board designates the Superintendent and the Assistant Superintendent as the administrator responsible for initiating, implementing, and enforcing this policy and its accompanying guidelines as they apply to students’ use of the Network.

STUDENT INSURANCE

1. The school assumes NO MEDICAL LIABILITY for student injuries.

2. Student insurance will be available on an optional basis to all students.

3. Insurance envelopes will be distributed during student registration.

4. Students with school insurance who become involved in accidents which require medical attention should contact the school nurse.

SUBSTITUTE TEACHERS

1. These individuals are recognized by the administration the same as classroom teachers.

2. All students will be expected to afford every substitute teacher the same courtesy and cooperation as the regular classroom teacher.

VISITORS/GUESTS

1. All visitors and guests are to report to the Main Office when they arrive at school.

2. Students are not to bring friends who are not enrolled at Washington High School to school with them.

3. Friends of students will not be allowed to visit during school hours.

4. Teachers cannot receive visitors/guests during the school day without it being scheduled and approved by the principal or a member of the administrative staff designated by the principal.

5. Any student who has quit school or has been suspended, expelled, or excluded are not allowed to visit the school or be on school grounds except with permission from the Principal.

WORK PERMITS

Effective 7/1/21 schools will no longer issue work permits. The employers will register with the Department of Labor (DOL) office and list the minors employed. DOL has information on their website at www.in.gov/dol/youthemployment.htm. If you have any questions, feel free to contact their office at Ph. 317-234-5164 or email at childlabor@dol.IN.gov.

DISCIPLINARY CONSEQUENCES

Students who break rules are subject to disciplinary consequences by teachers, administrators, or other school personnel. There are six levels of consequences for offenses. Examples provided do not constitute a complete list of the infractions for which students may be found in violation of rules.

PROGRESSIVE DISCIPLINE STEPS/RANGE OF CONSEQUENCES

Minimum and maximum levels of disciplinary consequences are listed. It is intended that discipline be progressive in nature and move to a more serious consequence with each violation. In the case of more serious offenses, the consequences may not be progressive in nature but reflect the seriousness of the situation.

LEVELS OF DISCIPLINARY CONSEQUENCES

LEVEL 1: CONFERENCE/PARENT CONTACT

Staff members may initiate and conduct a conference or contact student, parent, teacher, counselor, administrator, or others as necessary to correct the behavior.

LEVEL 2: ACTION OPTIONS

Staff members may refer the student to the school counselor, or other staff. The student may be assigned detention, Saturday school, be given school/community services or be denied participation in school or extracurricular activities. An administrator may suspend parking permits and may notify the state of certain misconduct that may cause suspension of a student’s driver’s licenses. Other options may be discussed among parents, teachers, and administrators.

LEVEL 3: IN-SCHOOL ALTERNATIVES

A school administrator may place the student in an in-school suspension program for a class period, one half day, or more. The student may be placed in a specially designed in-school class or program.

LEVEL 4: OUT-OF-SCHOOL AND/OR BUS SUSPENSION (1-10 DAYS)

A student may be suspended from the bus and/or the school for up to ten school days.

LEVEL 5: ALTERNATIVE CONSEQUENCES/PROGRAMS

A student may be placed on school probation or placed in an alternative program within the school. Violations may result in a Level 5 Probationary Contract. This allows the student to remain at the school with restrictions. Violations of the Level 5 Probationary Contract may result in the school filing for an expulsion meeting.

LEVEL 6: EXPULSION MEETING/EXPULSION

For serious misbehavior, the principal may request that a student be expelled from school. An expulsion is the denial of a student’s right to attend school or school-sponsored activities. In some cases, as an alternative to an expulsion, an Expulsion Examiner may place the student in an alternative program outside of the school setting.

RULES WITH DISCIPLINARY CONSEQUENCES

AUTHORITY ASSISTANCE

In addition to the above penalties, a situation involving a student found to be in violation of certain areas of the discipline code may be handled in the following manner:

1. Police will be called to transport the student to the police station

2. Police will notify parents to report to the police station.

3. School officials will suspend the student and recommend expulsion for the remainder of the current semester and the next full semester with a review of the case between semesters.

4. Prosecutors will be notified and may file applicable charges.

Each incident will be investigated by school officials and appropriate action taken based on the evidence found. In all cases a hearing will be held by the Principal or Assistant Principal prior to any suspension. A parent conference may be required before the student returns to class and juvenile authorities will be contacted if necessary. As soon as reasonably possible a letter will be sent to the parents notifying them of the suspension or pending expulsion.

DISRESPECT

(Consequences range from Level 1-6)

A student will not behave in a disrespectful manner towards staff or an adult in authority. Examples of disrespectful behavior include, but are not limited to:

1. WALKING AWAY: 1-4

Leaving while a staff member or adult in authority is talking to the student.

2. TALKING BACK: 1-4

Responding orally in a rude manner to a staff member or adult in authority.

3. INAPPROPRIATE GESTURES AND/OR ACTIONS THAT CAN BE VIEWED AS OBSCENE OR RUDE: 1-4

4. ACTS OF SERIOUS DISRESPECT TO SCHOOL EMPLOYEES: 4-6

DISRUPTION

(Consequences range from Level 1-6)

No student may disrupt class, school, or school-sponsored events. Examples include, but are not limited to:

1. CHRONIC TALKING: 1-4

Repeated talking in the classroom without permission.

2. HORSEPLAY: 1-4

Rough or noisy play or pranks.

3. HARASSING/TEASING/INSTIGATING: 1-6

Pestering or tormenting: instigating a verbal or physical altercation.

4. REFUSING TO REMAIN IN SEAT: 1-4

Getting out of a seat or moving without permission of a staff member.

5. LEAVING WITHOUT PERMISSION: 1-5

Leaving the classroom, building, or assigned area without obtaining approval of the teacher and/or administrator.

6. BUS RULES: 1-5

Not in assigned seat; standing or moving about; opening door/window; eating/drinking on bus; loud, boisterous conduct; riding unassigned bus; other minor offenses.

7. EXCESSIVE DISPLAY OF AFFECTION (PDA): 1-4

Any physical contact beyond walking together is inappropriate. Kissing is not permitted.

8. RECORDING DEVICES: 1-6

Audio or video recording of students, staff or WHS operations, along with any posting of said recordings on any public or social media site, is prohibited unless being used as part of class/school sanctioned activity. Intentionally recording another to incite or cause a disruption may be considered Disorderly Conduct.

9. WHISTLING OR NOISES: 1-4

Noises that interfere with the harmonious operation of WHS or those that cause a disruption to the educational environment will not be permitted. Examples include but are not limited to whistles (either by device or person), horns, bells, electronic devices or individual (person) produced noises.

10. DISRUPTION OF SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT: 1-6

Any other action that disrupts or interferes with educational activities or the school environment.

11. SOCIAL MEDIA: 1-6

IMPROPER USE OF SCHOOL TECHNOLOGY

(Consequences range from Level 1-6)

A student will not engage in the improper use of technology. Examples include, but are not limited to:

1. Damaging or disrupting hardware or software (including school issued laptops): 1-6

2. Entering or retrieving p*rnographic material, inappropriate text/files that may contain derogatory or inflammatory racial, ethnic, or religious slogans or symbols or files that carry viruses or any other type of malware: 1-6

3. Violating copyright provisions without permission: 1-6

4. Accessing school records or another person’s information or files without permission: 1-6

5. Other improper use of equipment: 1-6

6. Bypassing ENSC security policies/filtering: 1-6

7. Using school technology for non-school related activities, such as instant messaging and other forms of social communication that is not related to academic function.

INJURY TO OTHERS

(Consequences range from Level 2-6)

A student will not cause or attempt to cause injury to other students, staff members, or others. Examples include, but are not limited to:

1. FIGHTING: 3-6

Physical contact by pushing, shoving, or hitting, whether injury occurs, is prohibited.

2. SHOVING AND/OR KICKING: 2-6

Pushing and/or kicking anyone

3. HITTING, BITING, SPITTING, OR OTHER CONDUCT THAT CAUSES OR MAY CAUSE INJURY: 2-6

Hitting, biting, spitting, or throwing objects at a student or adult.

4. THROWING OBJECTS: 2-6

Throwing any object that may cause injury in any part of the school, on school grounds, at school events, or at school vehicles.

5. BULLYING: 3-6 **See Bullying Policy**

INSUBORDINATION

(Consequences range from Level 1-5)

A student will obey the lawful direction of any staff member or adult in authority during the time the student is in school or participating in a school activity. Examples of insubordination include, but are not limited to:

1. FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH DIRECTION/INSTRUCTION OF A STAFF MEMBER OR ADULT IN AUTHORITY: 1-5

Failure to follow any reasonable direction given by a staff member or adult in authority

2. REFUSAL TO WORK IN CLASS: 1-4

Failing to do assigned work in class or complete homework.

3. REFUSAL TO SERVE DETENTION: 1-4

Failure to serve detention as directed

4. REFUSAL TO SERVE SATURDAY SCHOOL:1-4

Failure to serve Saturday school as directed.

5. REFUSAL TO PARTICIPATE IN IN-SCHOOL ALTERNATIVES: 1-4

Failure to report to in-school alternatives as directed by a staff member.

6. REFUSAL TO REPORT TO OFFICE: 1-4

Failure to report to the administrative office as directed by a staff member.

7. REFUSAL OR FAILURE TO IDENTILFY ONESELF: 1-4

Failure to identify oneself when requested by a staff member or adult in charge.

8. FAILURE TO PARTICIPATE IN AN ALTERNATIVE TO SUSPENSION PROGRAM: 1-5

9. FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH STAFF REQUESTS REGARDING SILENCING, TURNING OFF, OR RELINQUISHING CELL PHONES TO TEACHERS AND/OR STAFF: 1-6

MISREPRESENTATION

(Consequences range from Level 1-5)

A student will not lie or cheat. Examples include, but are not limited to:

1. ALERTERING REPORT CARDS OR NOTES FROM SCHOOL STAFF: 1-4

Tampering with report cards, official passes, and notes in any manner, including changing grades or forging names to excuses.

2. FALSE INFROMATION: 1-5

Making false statements, written or oral.

3. CHEATING: 1-4

Violating the rules of honesty such as copying another student’s test, assignment, etc.

4. LYING: 1-6

Lying (or withholding truth) from an administrator or staff member during an investigation.

5. PLAGIARISM: 1-4

Using the work of others or published work. (May cause students to fail the course.)

Plagiarism is a serious offense; therefore, a plagiarized paper may result in a zero for the project. Plagiarism occurs when you take someone else’s words or ideas as your own, give incorrect information about a source or a quotation, or copy so many words or ideas from a source that it makes up much of your work. Whenever you use someone’s ideas, words, or phrases, you must give credit to the author. If you paraphrase the author’s words, you must use a citation at the end of the passage. If you use ANY of the author’s actual words, you must put those words in quotation marks followed by a citation. No more than 10 percent of the assigned project may be directly used or copied.

PERSONAL PROPERTY/DISRUPTIVE OBJECTS

(Consequences range from Level 1-5)

Students are responsible for keeping possession of personal devices they bring to school. The District shall not be responsible for loss, theft or destruction of devices brought onto school property.

A student will not use during school hours, any object that interrupts the educational purpose and/or may distract from teaching and learning. Examples include, but are not limited to:

1. Personal security alarms

2. Cell phones

3. Digital cameras

4. Laser lights

5. Ipods

6. Or other electronic devices.

Electronic devices will be considered in use if they are on or in sight during school hours. Items may be confiscated and may be returned to parents/guardians at the discretion of the principal/designee

PROFANITY/OBSCENITY

(Consequences range from Level 1-6)

A student will not use profane/obscene language or make obscene gestures. Examples include, but are not limited to:

1. SWEARING: 1-5

Saying anything that conveys an offensive, obscene, racially offensive, is sexually suggestive, or is in poor taste for a school setting.

2. OBSCENE GESTURES: 1-5

Making any sign that conveys an offensive, obscene, or sexually suggestive message.

3. DEROGATORY WRITTEN MATERIALS: 1-5

Having any written material or pictures that convey an offensive, obscene, threatening, demeaning or sexually suggestive message.

4. DIRECTED AT STAFF MEMBER: 4-6

Writing, saying, or making gestures that convey an offensive, obscene or is sexually suggestive toward a staff member.

PUBLIC DISPLAY OF AFFECTION

(Consequences range from Level 1-4)

Any physical contact beyond walking together is inappropriate. Physical contact such as kissing, hugging, and embracing on school grounds is not permitted.

REPEATED RULE VIOLATIONS

(Consequences range from Level 2-6)

Repeated violations of rules that students are expected to follow. Students who continue to violate the rules will receive more severe consequences up to and including the possibility of expulsion.

STUDENT DRESS CODE

(Consequences range from Level 1-5)

Students and parents are expected to display good judgment in making sure students’ clothing and appearance are neat, clean, and appropriate for the classroom. Students are expected to wear shoes. Hats, sunglasses, and coats can be brought into the building and put directly into the student’s locker prior to the first class of the day.

Inappropriate clothing or other attire that may disrupt the classroom is not allowed. Examples include shirts, sweatshirts or other clothing with slogans, sayings, or messages that are solicitous, profane, obscene, or advertise such things as beer, illegal substances, weapons, ammunition, etc.; bare-midriff shirts, or blouses, short shorts, see-through clothing and other improperly revealing apparel; apparel representative of or worn in a way to indicate gang affiliation; and/or apparel depicting derogatory or inflammatory racial, ethnic, or symbols of violence. Students who are dressed inappropriately will be asked to change or remove the offending article.

STUDENT DRESS CODE GUIDELINES:

Students shall not wear clothing, hairstyles, face paint, or contact lenses that endangers their health, safety, welfare, or that of others, and/or cause a disruption to the educational process.

To help clarify this policy, the following guidelines should be followed:

1. SHIRTS AND TOPS

a. Shirts, blouses, and tops must have sleeves---no sleeveless.

b. Must have at least two fingers width of coverage over the shoulder, or sleeves.

c. Shirts and blouses with low-cut necks are not permitted.

d. Shirts worn with shorts/skirts must not be longer than the shorts/skirts.

e. Shirts, blouses, and all other tops must be long enough to be tucked into pants or slacks.

f. Must not be backless, mesh, and/or see-through.

g. Halters, crop tops, see-through blouses, midriff, shoulder shirts or blouses, spaghetti straps, and tank tops with large armholes WILL NOT BE ALLOWED.

h. Undergarments, cleavage, and/or torso (including armpit area) need to be always covered.

i. No exposed undergarments of any kind.

2. BOTTOMS (PANTS, SHORTS, SKIRTS, ETC.)

a. Pajamas and spandex are not permitted

b. Skirts, shorts, culottes, or skorts must NOT be shorter than the fingertip when standing.

c. Pants of any kind (slacks, jeans, etc.), are to be worn at waist length and no longer than the top of the shoes.

d. No jeans or slacks of any type are to be long enough to extend below the heel of the shoes and not long enough to drag on the floor behind the shoes.

e. Jeans or slacks of any type are not to have straps or any other objects or materials that hang or drag on the floor.

f. All jeans and slacks are to fit well and not appear to be falling off.

g. Pants are to be worn at the waist – no sagging, and or exposure of shorts/undergarments.

h. Any hole or skin showing above the fingertip length (when arms at side when standing) threshold is prohibited.

3. No chains (link type chains or otherwise) of any type are allowed on clothing, on your person, or in your possession.

4. No studded collars, bracelets, etc., can be worn on clothing or the body. Only traditional jewelry is allowed. Clothing or jewelry that may cause injuries, such as chains, wallet chains, bracelets, rings, belts, and/or chokers with spikes or studs is prohibited.

5. There should be no skin exposed above the fingertips while arms are hanging straight at the side for dresses and skirts.

6. Clothing exhibiting suggestive dual meaning, violence, obscene words or messages, or any drug references is not allowed. (alcohol, tobacco, sexual, marijuana leaf, etc.)

7. Students must refrain from wearing anything that visually demonstrates or displays any illegal or morally questionable activity. This includes but is not limited to, any article of clothing which advertises alcohol, and or drugs, tobacco products, gangs, and clothing with unacceptable language and/or connotations.

8. Body accessories that are unsafe for certain activities or are disruptive to the educational environment are not to be worn to school.

9. No headwear shall be worn inside the building. Anything that conceals any part of a student’s face at any time and in any manner is (for example: bandanas, hats, hoodies, sunglasses, and toboggans)

10. Dyed hair is allowed unless it disrupts the educational process.

11. No bare feet are allowed. Shoes must always be worn. Slippers/house shoes are prohibited.

12. Inappropriate tattoos must be covered by the student’s clothing.

13. Backpacks can be brought into the building and put directly into the student’s locker prior to the first class of the day. Students are not allowed to carry backpacks around the building throughout the school day.

14. Administration may provide additional guidelines throughout the year to accommodate the latest trends/styles that find their way into school.

15. There shall be no face coverings such as paint, masks, etc. that obstructs the view of the students face at any time. Health and safety masks may be allowed but subjected to administration approval.

THREATENING

(Consequences range from Level 1-6)

A student will not threaten another student or staff member or other person. Examples of prohibited actions include, but are not limited to:

1. AGAINST A STAFF MEMBER: 4-6

Threatening to strike, attack or harm any staff member.

2. AGAINST A STUDENT OR OTHER PERSON: 2-6

Threatening To strike, attack or harm any student or other person.

3. BULLYING: 1-6

Overt, repeated acts or gestures, including verbal or written communications, text messaging; physical act committed; or any other behaviors committed by a student or group of students against another student with the intent to harass, ridicule, humiliate, intimidate, or harm the other student. This rule will also apply when using property or equipment provided by the school.

TOBACCO PRODUCTS-VAI

(Consequences range from Level 2-6)

Possession and/or use of any tobacco product is prohibited. Tobacco products and matches/lighters will also be confiscated. For purposes of this policy, “use of tobacco” shall mean all uses of tobacco, including a cigar, cigarette, pipe, snuff, or any other matter or substance that contains tobacco, as well as electronic, “vapor,” or other substitute forms of cigarettes.

The following severe violations will result in immediate
and significant consequences and the police may be
contacted. Parents will be notified, as soon as possible.

1. BATTERY:

(Consequences range from Level 5-6)

Knowing or intentional touching of another person in a rude, insolent, or angry manner. Causing or attempting to cause physical injury or behaving in such a way as could reasonably cause physical injury to students, staff, or others.

2. DESTRUCTION OF PROPERTY/VANDALISM:

(Consequences range from Level 3-6)

Causing damage, vandalizing school property or the property of others. The family will be held financially responsible for damages.

3. DISORDERLY CONDUCT:

(Consequences range from Level 5-6)

Engaging in fighting or tumultuous conduct and/or making unreasonable noise or engaging in actions that disrupts the educational atmosphere.

4. ELECTRONIC-RELATED CRIMES:

(Consequences range from Level 4-6)

Engaging in electronic-related crimes.

5. FALSE ALARMS:

(Consequences range from Level 4-6)

False fire alarm or false emergency call.

6. FIREARMS:

(Consequences range from Level 5-6)

Possession of a loaded or unloaded firearm, taser gun, electronic stun gun or any weapon or device that expels a projectile by the action of an explosive. Violation of this rule or having knowledge of another person’s intent to violate this rule and failing to report the information to a school administrator or teacher. Possession, purchase and/or sale of any item represented to be a firearm or any weapon or device that expels a projectile by air.

7. GROUP OR GANG INVOLVEMENT:

(Consequences range from Level 4-6)

Group or gang involvement includes, but is not limited to, group or gang-related coercion; intimidation; display of group or gang colors and paraphernalia; use of recognized group or gang signs, graffiti, related paraphernalia; and/or involvement in activity which incites any racial or ethnic group.

8. INAPPROPRIATE SEXUAL BEHAVIOR:

(Consequences range from Level 5-6)

Participating in inappropriate sexual behavior including sexual harassment or public indecency on school property, at school activities, going to or from school events or at any time where the behavior may interfere with school purposes.

9. ILLEGAL CONDUCT:

(Consequences range from Level 5-6)

Involvement in any conduct on school premises during a school function or event, on the way to/from school or on the way to/from a school event, or at any time or place which violates local, state, or federal law where such conduct poses a danger to the health, welfare or safety of students, staff, visitors or interferes with school purposes. Behaviors include but are not limited to trespassing, arson, gambling, possession of stolen property, petty theft.

10. INTIMIDATION:

(Consequences range from Level 5-6)

A person who communicates a threat to another person with the intent that the other person engages in conduct against their will, or the other person is placed in fear of retaliation for a prior lawful act.

11. NARCOTICS/DRUGS:

(Consequences range from Level 5-6)

Possession, use, under the influence and/or sale of illegal narcotics and drugs such as steroids, marijuana, barbiturates, amphetamines, alcoholic beverages, intoxicants, dab pens, inhalants or any substance that is represented to be a narcotic/drug or alcoholic beverage. This includes paraphernalia and improper use of over-the-counter medications or other substances which may be purchased legally and are used, or believed to, or represented to produce an effect like a drug (for example: Spice).

12. p*rnOGRAPHIC MATERIAL:

(Consequences range from Level 4-6)

Possession and/or distribution of p*rnographic material that would reasonably be considered offensive by community standards for students, that are without redeeming social value or that contain language considered to be vulgarity or profanity.

13. POSSESSION OR USE OF FIREWORKS AND/OR POSSESSION OF AMMUNITION:

(Consequences range from Level 3-6)

Using or possessing any explosive device.

14. PROBATIONARY CONTRACT BROKEN:

(Consequences range from Level 4-6)

Violation of a Level 5 probation agreement

15. THEFT:

(Consequences range from Level 3-6)

Theft by force or treachery, repeated petty theft or assisting/participating/accepting or possession of stolen property.

16. THREAT OF ILLEGAL CONDUCT:

(Consequences range from Level 4-6)

Threat of engaging in a law violation of any kind that constitutes a danger to the safety of others or is an interference with school purposes.

17. WEAPONS:

(Consequences range from Level 4-6)

Possession, purchase or sale of a knife, weapon, explosive, chemical agent dispenser, destructive device or other object that can reasonably be considered a weapon. If weapons are confiscated, they will not be returned. They will be given to the proper authorities for disposal.

WHS CELL PHONE POLICY

1. Cell phones and/or electronic devices are not to be an interference to the educational process or the student’s situational awareness. Any cell phone and/or electronic device that causes a disruption of the school’s operation or contributes to a student’s distraction may be confiscated and will be returned to the parent/guardian by administration.

2. Cell phones and/or electronic devices are to be out of sight while inside the school building during school hours. This includes but is not limited to classrooms, hallways, stairwells, gym etc.

3. Cell phones and/or electronic devices are strictly always prohibited in any school office, restroom/locker rooms, and any other areas deemed private by school officials.

4. Cell phones and/or electronic devices are strictly prohibited during times of detention and Saturday school.

5. Administration may allow cell phone and/or personal devices to be used while in the cafeteria during lunch time.

6. Administration may review a student’s cell phone if they deem it necessary to move forward with an ongoing school investigation.

CELL PHONE CONSEQUENCES

1ST OFFENSE—Device held in office for parent retrieval.

2ND OFFENSE—2 days In-School suspension and device held in office for parent retrieval.

3RD OFFENSE—3 days Out-Of-School suspension and device held in office for parent retrieval.

Continued offences will result in consequences as determined by administration. In conjunction with administration, parents may elect to have the school secure the device for 5 school days in lieu of 2 days of ISS. Parents may also choose to have the school secure the device for 10 school days in lieu of the 3 days of OSS.

Students who refuse to turn their device over when instructed to do so by a teacher/administrator will receive additional consequences for being insubordinate.

SMOKING - TOBACCO SUBSTANCE

1. Indiana statutory law prohibits the sale and use of tobacco to minors, and the school does not permit its use or possession on the school grounds or in the school building, nor at any school related activity by any regular or transfer student, no matter the student’s age.

2. Parents are responsible for establishing guidelines for their children regarding smoking, but the school shall establish its territorial lines for smoking, and tobacco related substances.

3. NO POSSESSION OR USE of vaping devices, tobacco look-a-likes, tobacco substance, e-cigarettes, in the school building, on school grounds and at school functions (including vehicles), or on the school bus is allowed.

4. Possession or use of tobacco substance will have consequences.

CONSEQUENCES OF POSSESSION OR USE OF TOBACCO BY STUDENTS

Students who are found in possession of or who are observed using tobacco in violation of School Board policy and State Law are subject to the following disciplinary measures:

TOBACCO CONSEQUENCES – ON OR OFF CAMPUS

1ST OFFENSE—One day of In-School Suspension. Student will be referred to the Youth First Counselor for education on smoking. Any student less than 21 years of age WILL be reported to the Washington Police Department for being in violation of IC 35-46-1-10.5. Student WILL receive a citation for their offense.

2ND OFFENSE—3 days of In-School Suspension or Out-of-School Suspension and any student less than 21 years of age WILL be reported to the Washington Police Department for being in violation of IC 35-46-1-10.5. Student WILL receive a citation for their offense.

3RD OFFENSE—5-10 days Out-of-School Suspension, and may be recommended for expulsion, and any student less than 21 years of age WILL be reported to the Washington Police Department for being in violation of IC 35-46-1-10.5. Student WILL receive a citation for their offense.

THURSDAY SCHOOL PROGRAM

Thursday School is a program designed to provide a means of modifying a student’s behavior and that does not interfere with the student’s academic progress or have a direct negative effect on grades. Students are to enter and leave the building by the main entrance. Thursday School will be from 3:20 pm – 4:50 pm.

1. Students that violate the rules will receive an out of school suspension in addition to being required to complete a Thursday School assignment. Credit will not be given for partial completion of Thursday School.

2. Each student is expected to bring study materials for the 1.5 hours. Acceptable working materials include textbooks, library books, ​appropriate magazines, and homework assignments.

3. It is recommended that students contact their teachers for assignments so they may do constructive work in Thursday School.

4. Students who fail to bring materials or who fail to keep busy on appropriate work may be dismissed from the program and referred to an administrator for further action.

5. Excused absences include the following: personal illnesses, medical appointments (school note required the next day), unavoidable family emergency, and death in the family. A parent/guardian note or phone call from the parent/guardian must be received by the assigning administrator, on the first day, the student returns to school following his/her Thursday School assignment.

6. Sleeping or giving the appearance of sleeping will result in a dismissal.

7. Students will NOT be excused from Thursday School assignments because of a job or other commitments.

FAILURE TO ATTEND THURSDAY SCHOOL CONSEQUENCES

1ST OFFENSE-1 day In-School Suspension.

2ND OFFENSE-1 day Out-Of-School Suspension, loss of driver’s license, loss of being able to participate in Extracurricular Activities.

3RD OFFENSE- 3 days Out-Of-School Suspension, loss of driver’s license, loss of being able to participate in Extracurricular Activities.

4TH OFFENSE-5 days Out-Of-School Suspension with recommendation for expulsion.

GROUNDS FOR SUSPENSION OR EXPULSION

Grounds for suspension or expulsion are student misconduct or substantial disobedience. The following include examples of student misconduct or substantial disobedience, but are not limited to:

1. Using violence, force, noise, coercion, threat, intimidation, fear, passive resistance, or other comparable conduct constituting an interference with school purposes or urging other students to engage in such conduct. The following enumeration is only illustrative and not limited to the type of conduct prohibited by this rule:

a. Occupying any school building, school grounds, or part thereof with intent to deprive others of its use.

b. Blocking the entrance or exits of any school building or corridor or room therein with intent to deprive others of lawful access to or from, or use of the building, corridor, or room.

c. Setting fire to or damaging any school building or property.

d. Prevention of or attempting to prevent by physical act the convening or continued functioning of any school or education function, or of any meeting or assembly on school property

e. Continuously and intentionally making noise or acting in any manner to interfere seriously with the ability of any teacher or any of the other school personnel to conduct the education function under this supervision.

2. Causing or attempting to cause damage to school property, stealing or attempting to steal school property.

3. Intentionally causing or attempting to cause physical injury or intentionally behaving in such a way as could reasonably cause physical injury to any person. Self-defense or reasonable action undertaken on the reasonable belief that it was necessary to protect some other person does not, however, constitute a violation of this rule.

4. Threatening or intimidating any student for any purpose, including obtaining money or anything of value from the student.

5. Possessing, handling, or transmitting a knife or any object that can reasonably be considered a weapon, or is represented to be a weapon. Any object includes any item that is considered a weapon but is not a firearm as defined in rule 13 below. “i.c.35-47-5-2.5” makes possessing a knife on school property or on a school bus a class b misdemeanor. makes the offense a class a misdemeanor if the offender has a previous unrelated conviction and a class d felony if the offense results in bodily injury or serious bodily injury to another person.

6. Possessing, using, transmitting, intent to sell, whether over the counter or any other type of non-prescription drug, or being under the influence of any narcotic drug, tobacco substance, THC vaping devices, thallucinogenic drug, amphetamine, barbiturate, marijuana, synthetic marijuana, non-authorized prescription drug, alcoholic beverage, glue sniffing or intoxicant of any kind. use of drugs authorized by a medical prescription from a physician and taking the prescribed dosage, is not a violation of this rule.

7. Engaging in the unlawful selling or possession of a controlled substance and/or a look-a-like, paraphernalia, or engaging in a criminal law violation that constitutes a danger to other students or constitutes an interference with school purposes or an educational function.

8. Failing in a substantial number of instances to comply with directions of teachers or other school personnel during any period when the student is properly under their supervision, where the failure constitutes an interference with school purposes or an educational function.

9. Engaging in any activity forbidden by the laws of Indiana that constitutes an interference with school purposes or an educational function.

10. Violating or repeatedly violating any rules that are reasonably necessary in carrying out school purposes or an educational function and are validly adopted in accordance with Indiana law, including, but not limited to:

a. Engaging in sexual behavior including sexting on school property, engaging in sexual harassment of another person which includes sexually related verbal statements, gestures, or physical contact, engaging in voluntary or consensual sexually related contact with another person.

b. Disobedience of administrative authority.

c. Willful absence or tardiness of students.

d. Possessing, using, or transmitting any substance which is represented to be or looks like a narcotic drug, hallucinogenic drug, amphetamine, barbiturate, marijuana, alcoholic beverage, stimulant, depressant, or intoxicant of any kind.

e. Possessing, using, transmitting, or being under the influence of caffeine-based substances, substances containing phenylpropanolamine (PPA),prescription drug, or stimulants of any kind, be they available with or without a prescription. This includes look alike drugs.

f. Engaging in speech or conduct, including clothing, jewelry, or hair style, which is profane, indecent, lewd, vulgar, or offensive to school purposes.

11. Knowingly possessing or using on school grounds during school hours an electronic paging device, cell phone, iPod, iPad in a situation not related to a school purpose or educational function.

12. POSSESSION OF A FIREARM

NO student shall possess, handle, or transmit any firearm on school property. The following devices are a firearm as defined in Section 921 of Title 18 of the United States Code:

a. Any weapon which will or is designed to or may readily be converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive.

b. The frame or receiver of any weapon described above.

c. Any firearm muffler or firearm silencer.

d. Any destructive device which is an explosive, incendiary, or poison gas bomb, grenade, rocket having a propellant charge of more than four ounces, missile having an explosive or incendiary charge of more than one-quarter ounce, mine, or any similar device.

e. Any weapon which will, or which may be readily converted to, expel a projectile by the action of an explosive or other propellant, and which has any barrel with a bore of more than one-half inch in diameter.

f. Any combination of parts either designed or intended for use in converting any device into any destructive device described in the two immediately preceding examples, and from which a destructive device may be readily assembled.

g. The penalty for possession of a firearm: ten (10) days suspension and expulsion from school for one calendar year. The length of the expulsion may be reduced by the superintendent if the circ*mstances warrant such reduction.

h. The superintendent shall notify the county prosecuting attorney’s office when a student is expelled under this rule.

13. Failing to have legal settlement in the attendance area of the school corporation.

14. The Grounds for Suspension or Expulsion previously listed apply when a student is:

a. On school grounds immediately before, during, and immediately after school hours and at any other time when the school is being used by a school group.

b. Off school grounds at a school activity, function, or event, or

c. Traveling to or from school or a school activity, function, or event.

In addition to the grounds listed above, a student may be suspended or expelled for engaging in unlawful activity on or off school grounds if the unlawful activity may reasonably be an interference with school purposes or an educational function, or the student’s removal is necessary to restore order or protect persons on school property. This includes any unlawful activity meeting the above criteria which takes place during weekends, holidays, other school breaks, and the summer period when a student may not be attending classes or other school functions.

Other disciplinary actions may be taken by administration staff, a teacher, or other school staff members who have students under their charge to ensure a safe, orderly, and effective educational environment.

Disciplinary action under this section may include the following:

1. Counseling with a student or group of students.

2. Conferences with a parent or group of parents.

3. Assigning additional work.

4. Rearranging class schedules.

5. Requiring a student to remain in school before/after and lunch for additional schoolwork or for counseling.

6. Restricting extracurricular activities.

7. Removal of a student by a teacher from that teacher’s class for a period not to exceed one class period if the student is assigned regular or additional schoolwork to complete in another school setting.

8. Assignment by the principal:

a. A special course of study.

b. An alternative educational program; or

c. An alternative school

d. Up to 120 hours of community service.

9. Removal of a student from school sponsored transportation.

10. Referral to the juvenile court and/or probation department

11. Using the image or likeness of a staff member to communicate a harmful or derogatory or demeaning message when the reader could reasonably believe that the person portrayed in the communication is not the author.

SCHOOL BUS GUIDELINES

1.BOARDING THE BUS

a. Arrive at the pick-up location 5 minutes before the bus.

b. Wait off the street/road, not on the street/road.

c. Respect other people’s property on the way to and/or waiting at the pick-up location.

d. Wait for the bus to come to a complete stop.

e. Be respectful and take your 1turn getting on the bus.

f. Use the handrail when entering bus steps.

2. CONDUCT ON THE BUS

a. Follow the directions of the driver.

b. Walk to your seat and remain there. Do not stand or move around while the bus is moving. The driver may assign seats.

c. Cell phones must not be a distraction. The driver will address cell phone distractions.

d. Do not get into a lengthy conversation with the driver or cause a distraction unless there is an emergency.

e. Talk quietly so the driver can hear traffic sounds.

f. Keep arms, feet, backpacks, etc. out of the aisles.

g. Do not open or close windows without driver’s permission.

h. Keep hands and head inside the bus. Do not stick or throw anything outside of the windows.

i. Profanity, screaming or physical/verbal harassment is strictly prohibited.

j. Use of tobacco, alcohol, or drugs in any form is strictly prohibited.

k. Use of lighters or matches is strictly prohibited.

l. Use of laser pointers is strictly prohibited.

m. Do not deface/damage any part of the bus. The student and/or parents will be held financially responsible for repairs.

n. Do not litter on the bus.

o. No eating, drinking, or chewing gum.

p. Do not tamper with any safety device or any other equipment.

q. Respectful and courteous behavior is always expected.

3. EXITING THE BUS

a. Do not stand/leave your seat until the bus comes to a complete stop.

b. Take your turn; don’t crowd in front of others.

c. Use handrails when exiting the bus.

d. Watch your step.

e. If you must cross the street, look both ways, wait for the driver to motion you to move, look both ways again to check for traffic before you cross.

f. Follow directions of the bus driver and/or bus supervisor at the transfer point (WHS/WJHS).

4. IN CASE OF EMERGENCY AND WHEN THE DRIVER MUST LEAVE THE BUS

a. Stay seated.

b. Do not touch emergency equipment or anything else on the bus.

c. Depend on the driver’s training to take care of the situation.

COMMUNICATIONS FOR BUSING

The safe and orderly transportation of students must be a combined effort of parents, students, and the school administration. Parents should communicate with their child’s driver and/or transportation director for Washington Community Schools 812-254-5536.

DISCIPLINE FOR BUS

One of the driver’s major responsibilities is to maintain desirable behavior on the bus for the safety and well-being of the students. Despite all efforts, behavior problems may arise. The following steps will be taken if such problems occur.

SCHOOL BUS DISCIPLINE CONSEQUENCES

1ST OFFENSE-The driver will talk to the student and, if necessary, assign the student to another seat. The driver should communicate to the parent with a phone call or bus conduct report. the child’s behavior may warrant a bus suspension by the building administrator. The building administrator will communicate/meet with the driver prior to suspension of bus privileges being taken away. the building administrator will notify the parent that the suspension will take effect as prescribed by the building administrator.

2ND OFFENSE-The bus driver will notify the principal of the school who may take action to suspend the student from riding the bus for up to ten school days. The principal or designee will notify the parents by phone and a copy of the school bus conduct report form will be mailed to the parent and transportation director.

3RD OFFENSE-Additional offenses will be handled by the principal based on the severity of the offense. Bus privileges may be taken away for the entire semester and/or school year.

Note: In accordance with Indiana law, it is a privilege to ride a school bus. Violation of the rules and regulations noted above may result in suspension of transportation privileges.

Our goal is to provide safe transportation to and from school for your child. If you have a concern or question, please call your respective bus driver or Washington Community Schools Transportation Director.

ANTI-HARASSMENT

It is the policy of the Washington School Corporation to maintain an education and work environment which is free from all forms of unlawful harassment, including sexual harassment. This commitment applies to all School Corporation operations, programs, and activities. All students, administrators, teachers, staff, and all other school personnel share responsibility for avoiding, discouraging, and reporting any form of unlawful harassment. This policy applies to unlawful conduct occurring on school property, or at another location if such conduct occurs during an activity sponsored by the school corporation.

Then Washington School Corporation will vigorously enforce its prohibition against harassment based on sex, race, color, national origin, religion, disability, or any other unlawful basis, and encourages those within the School Corporation community as well as third parties who feel aggrieved to seek assistance to rectify the problems. The administration will investigate all allegations of harassment and in those cases where unlawful harassment is substantiated; there will be immediate steps taken to end the harassment. Individuals who are found to have engaged in unlawful harassment will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action.

For purposes of this policy, “School Corporation Community” means students, administrators, teachers, staff, and all other school personnel, including Board members, agents, volunteers, contractors, or other persons subject to the control and supervision of the Board.

For purposes of this policy, “third parties” include, but are not limited to, guests and/or visitors on School Corporation property (e.g., visiting speakers, participants on opposing athletic teams, parents), vendors doing business with, or seeking to do business with, the Board, and other individuals who encounter members of the School Corporation Community at school-related events/activities (whether on or off School Corporation property). Policy 1662

The following person is designated as the Corporation’s Compliance Officer and, as such, shall handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies of the Corporation and address any complaint of discrimination:

Steve Peterson
Assistant Superintendent
Washington Community Schools
301 E. South Street
Washington, IN 47501
speterson@wcs.k12.in.us
812-254-5536

BULLYING

The School Board is committed to providing a safe, positive, productive, and nurturing educational environment for all of its students. The Board encourages the promotion of positive interpersonal relations between members of the school community. Bullying behavior toward a student, whether by other students, staff, or third parties, is strictly prohibited and will not be tolerated. This prohibition includes physical, verbal, and psychological abuse as provided herein. The Board will not tolerate any gestures, comments, threats, or actions which cause or threaten to cause bodily harm or personal degradation. Engaging in bullying behavior using data or computer software that is accessed through a computer, computer network also is prohibited. This policy applies when a student is on school grounds immediately before or during school hours, immediately after school hours, or at any other time when the school is being used by a school group; off school grounds at a school activity, function, or event; traveling to or from school or a school activity, function, or event; orusing property or equipment provided by the school.

ADDITIONALLY, THIS POLICY APPLIES REGARDLESS OF THE PHYSICAL LOCATION WHEN:

1. The individual committing the bullying behavior and any of the intended targets of the bullying behavior are students attending a school within the corporation; and

2. The bullying behavior results in a substantial interference with school discipline or an unreasonable threat to the rights of others to a safe and peaceful learning environment.

GANGS

The Washington School Corporation is committed to ensuring the safety of all students and staff and recognizes the rights of students to receive an education. Because the presence of gangs and gang-related activities can cause a substantial disruption of or material interference with the learning process and other school activities by arousing fear, alarm, resentment, anger, hostility or violence, thereby creating an intimidating, threatening or distracting school environment the following areas are prohibited. The Washington School Corporation follows Indiana code 5840 criminal gangs and criminal gang activity.

PROHIBITED ACTIVITY:

1. No student on school property or at any school sponsored activity shall wear possess, use, distribute, display, or sell any clothing, medallions, or other jewelry, insignia, emblem, badge, patch, symbol, sign, tattoo(whether permanent or temporary)scar or mark, or other elements which identify a gang, or which are evidence of membership or affiliation in any gang.

2. No student, on school property or at any school sponsored activity, shall engage in conduct, whether verbal or nonverbal (i.e., gestures, hand signals, handshakes, etc.) showing membership or affiliation in a gang when such conduct or speech is intended to cause disruption, or when one knows or has reason to believe that such conduct arouses, fear, alarm, resentment, anger, hostility, or violence.

3. No student, on school property or at any school sponsored activity, shall commit any act or omission which is disruptive, intimidating, or threatening, including but not limited to, the following gang-related activities:

a. Soliciting membership in, or affiliation with, any gang.

b. Soliciting any person to pay for protection or threatening any person, explicitly or implicitly, with any other illegal or prohibited act.

c. Painting, writing, tattooing or otherwise inscribing gang-related graffiti, messages, symbols, or signs, on school property or personal property of others during school sponsored activities.

d. Engaging in violence, extortion, or any illegal act or other violation of school policy.

e. Soliciting any person to engage in physical violence against any student or school employee or visitor (whether during school or school sponsored activity or on the way to or from a school sponsored activity) or inciting others to act with physical violence.

f. Copying or distributing any gang related material on school property or at school sponsored activities.

g. Marching, congregating, massing together with the intent to disrupt or intimidate, or when one has reason to believe that such conduct will arouse fear, alarm, resentment, anger, hostility, or violence.

4. Any student, while on school property, or at a school sponsored activity, who is found to be recruiting another student for gang membership, or who is found to be threatening, insulting, or intimidating another student into joining a gang or preventing another student from getting out of a gang, shall be immediately suspended and/or recommended for expulsion from school. The Washington Police Department will be notified of the specific gang activity.

5. Any person who is involved in a gang-related attack, or who threatens a gang-related attack, on a student or school employee on school property, or at a school sponsored activity, shall be immediately suspended and recommended for expulsion from school. The parents and students will be held liable for damages and repair costs to buildings and school property which result from the actions of the student who was involved in gang activity. The Washington Police Department will be notified of the specific gang activity.

ILLEGAL SUBSTANCES

1. Students suspected of being under the influence of narcotic drugs, marijuana or other illegal substances shall be referred to the office.

2. Local law enforcement will be notified.

3. The parent/ guardian will be notified of the circ*mstances, and a drug test will be ordered to be performed that same day.

4. A positive result on a drug screen or breathalyzer (or refusal to submit to these tests) may result in an expulsion for the remainder of the academic school year.

RANDOM DRUG TESTING POLICY

The student and his/her parents sign an enrollment application form on which they agree that the student will participate in a random drug testing program, conducted, and paid for by the Corporation, during the term of the program in which the student is participating.

The Corporation’s drug-testing program may include urinalysis tests, saliva screening and/or breathalyzer to determine if the Student Code of Conduct has been violated. The Corporation will also see that:

1. Testing is administered randomly

2. Consistently reliable results.

3. The privacy of students is protected during the collection of the sample.

4. The privacy of the student is protected by limitations on the disclosure of the test results.

Test results will not become a part of the student’s permanent record. Test information will not be disclosed to law enforcement authorities unless subpoenaed in a legal proceeding. If the Corporation is required to release the information, the student and his/her parents/guardians will be notified 72 hours before the response is made.

Washington Community Schools is concerned about the academic, physical, and emotional well-being of all its students, and believes it has a responsibility to assist students in dealing with a variety of teen issues including drug and alcohol use. The drug-testing program is only one part of a comprehensive Safe and Drug Free Schools and Community program. It is designed to identify students in need of help and to provide them, and their parents, with the necessary resources to deal with substance abuse and other issues. This program does not affect the current policies, practices, or rights of Washington High School with drug and/or alcohol possession or use, where reasonable suspicion is obtained by means other than drug testing through this policy. Washington High School reserves the right to test any student who at any time exhibits cause for reasonable suspicion of drug and/or alcohol usage.

The drug testing program is not intended to be disciplinary or punitive in nature. Students involved in extracurricular activities need to be exemplary in the eyes of the community and other students. With a program, such as this, Washington High School is “Raising the Bar” on the expectations of our students. It is the purpose of this program to prevent students from participating in extracurricular activities while he/she has drug residues in his/her body, and it is the purpose of this program to educate, help, and direct students away from drug and alcohol abuse and toward a healthy and drug free participation. No student shall be expelled or suspended from school because of any verified “positive” test under this program other than stated therein.

THE OBJECTIVES OF THIS DRUG-TESTING PROGRAM ARE:

1. To ensure the health and safety of all students who represent Washington High School in any competitive after school and/or extracurricular activities.

2. To serve as a deterrent to the use of illegal drugs, performance-enhancing drugs, and/or alcohol among the student body.

3. To offer students a credible means to resist peer pressure as it relates to the use of illegal drugs, performance-enhancing drugs, and/or alcohol.

4. To provide a ready source of assistance to any student who may be using illegal drugs, performance-enhancing drugs, and/or alcohol.

The policy covers all students in grades 9-12 who participate or intend to participate in competitive after school, extracurricular activities and/or drive a vehicle to and from school. The school identified activities and organizations are listed in the policy and are on file in the high school office.

Note: In addition to the school-wide list of identified activities to be included in the random drug-testing program, administrators will also identify specific extracurricular activities to be included in the school’s random-drug testing program.

In keeping with local guidelines, competitive after school and/or extracurricular activities are defined as school-sponsored, school-related activities, including identified elective offices, or participation in identified clubs, teams, or organizations.

It is mandatory that each student who participates in competitive after school activities, extracurricular activities, or drives to school sign and return the consent form prior to participation in any activity. Failure to comply will result in non-participation. Each participating student shall be provided a consent form, which shall be dated and signed by the participant and by the parent/guardian. In doing so, the student is agreeing to participate in the random drug testing program at Washington High School.

1. Washington High School will pay for all initial random drug tests. Once a student has a verified positive test result, any future follow-up testing that must be conducted will be paid for by the student or his/her parent/guardian. This must be done to remain in good standing and retain the services of the vendor.

2. A request from a parent or an appeal for another test of a positive urine specimen is the financial responsibility of the student or his/her parent/guardian.

3. Counseling and treatment by non-school agencies is the financial responsibility of the student or his/her parent/guardian.

Under this drug testing program, any staff, coach, or sponsor of Washington High School who may have knowledge of the results of a drug test will not divulge to anyone the results of the test or the disposition of the student involved, other than in the case of a legal subpoena being made upon that person during a legal investigation. Once again, this will underscore the Washington High Schools commitment to confidentiality with regards to the program.

DRUGS TO BE SCREENED FOR INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO, THE FOLLOWING:

1. Amphetamines/Methamphetamines

2. Barbiturates

3. Cannabinoids (marijuana)

4. Cocaine

5. Benzodiazepines

6. Opiates

7. Ethanol (alcohol)

8. Phencyclidine (PCP)

9. Cotinine (nicotine metabolite)

WEAPONS

The School Board prohibits students from possessing, storing, making, or using a weapon in any setting that is under the control and supervision of the Corporation for the purpose of school activities approved and authorized by the Corporation including, but not limited to, property leased, owned, or contracted for by the Corporation, a school-sponsored event, or in a Corporation vehicle.

The possession of a firearm in or on school property, in or on property that is being used by a school for a school function, or on a school bus is a felony (I.C. 35-47-9-2) and is prohibited by Board policy. Possession includes storing the firearm in a personal vehicle while on school property. This prohibition applies to all students including those who have a personal protection permit to carry a handgun.

The term “WEAPON” means any object which, in the way it is used, is intended to be used, or is represented, is capable of inflicting serious bodily harm or property damage, as well as endangering the health or safety of persons. Weapons include, but are not limited to,

1. Firearms

2. Tasers

3. Handguns

4. Stun guns

5. Guns of any type whatsoever, including air and gas-powered guns (whether loaded or unloaded)

6. Knives

7. Razors

8. Clubs

9. Electric weapons

10. Chemical weapons

11. Metallic knuckles

12. Martial arts weapons

13. Ammunition

14. Destructive devices (bombs, incendiary, grenade, Molotov co*cktail, rocket with a propellant charge of more than four (4) ounces, etc.).

A “knife” is defined as “an instrument that:

1. Consists of a sharp edge or sharp pointed blade capable of inflicting cutting, stabbing, or tearing wounds; and

2. Is intended to be used as a weapon.” I.C. 35-47-5-2.5(A)

This policy also encompasses such actions as possession of look-alike items, false fire alarms, bomb threats, or intentional calls to falsely report a dangerous condition.

Students are required to report knowledge of weapons and threats of violence by students and staff to the building principal. Failure to report such knowledge may subject the student to immediate suspension and potential expulsion from school.

The Superintendent will report any student who violates this policy to the student’s parents or guardians and to the law enforcement agency having jurisdiction over the property where the offense occurs. The student also may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion.

Items pre-approved by the building principal as part of a class or individual presentation or a theatrical prop used under adult supervision, if used for the purpose and in the manner approved, would be an exception to this policy; (WORKING FIREARMS AND ANY AMMUNITION WILL NEVER BE APPROVED AS PART OF A PRESENTATION.)

SUSPENSION PROCEDURES

When a principal (or designee) determines that a student should be suspended, the following procedures will be followed:

1. A meeting will be held prior to the suspension of any student. At this meeting the student will be entitled to:

a. A written or oral statement of the charges.

b. If the student denies the charges, a summary of the evidence against the student will be presented; and,

c. The student will be provided an opportunity to explain his or her conduct.

d. The refusal to cooperate in a suspension meeting will result in automatic suspension.

2. The meeting shall precede suspension of the student except where the nature of the misconduct requires immediate removal. In such a situation, the meeting will follow the suspension as soon as reasonably possible following the date of the suspension.

3. Following the suspension, the parents/guardians of suspended students will be notified in writing. The notification will include the dates of the suspension, describe the student’s misconduct, and the action taken by the principal or designee.

IN-SCHOOL SUSPENSION

Students who are assigned to all day In-School Suspension (ISS) must report to the ISS room by 8:00 am, and they will be dismissed at 3:10 pm. Students assigned by periods will report at the beginning of that period and remain until released by the supervisor. In-School Suspension is an on-campus setting that is a behavioral modification program. Its purpose is to help students find alternative solutions for their behavior.

1. IN-SCHOOL SUSPENSION INFORMATION:

a. Bathroom Breaks

There are only two bathroom breaks a day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon.

b. Lunches

A sack lunch will be provided for ISS students, or students can bring their own lunch from home.

c. Early Release

Parents must sign students in and out at the attendance office: no exceptions. They must be cleared by the front office first. The office attendant will notify the ISS teacher that the parent has signed his/her student out.

d. Requirements

All students reporting to ISS must come prepared with assignments and supplies and be prepared to work all day long. Any student reporting to ISS unprepared will be assigned to an additional day of ISS.

2. IN-SCHOOL SUSPENSION CLASSROOM RULES

a. No Electronic Devices

No cell phones, IPODS, MP3 players, or any other electronic devices are allowed; you will not need them while in ISS. If you bring any of these items, the teacher will take it, and you will get it back at the end of the ISS assignment.

b. No Talking

There will be no talking, fraternizing, note passing, or any other contacting between students while in ISS. If you need the ISS teacher, raise your hand and wait to be recognized before talking.

c. No Sleeping

Resting your head in your hands or on the desk or table is not allowed. After three warnings to wake up or lift your head have been given, another day will be added to your stay.

d. Seating

You will be assigned a seat away from other students upon your admission to ISS. This will be your seat until otherwise notified. You may be required to move at any time deemed necessary by the ISS teacher or administration.

e. No Getting Out of Your Seat

Remain in your seat unless given specific permission by the ISS teacher or administration.

f. No Eating, Drinking, or Chewing Gum

No snacks, drinks, or gum chewing is allowed in the ISS. You may not bring breakfast or drinks with you in the morning.

HOMEWORK POLICY WHILE ON OUT-OF-SCHOOL SUSPENSION

When a student is suspended out of school, they will be required to get their make-up work prior to their suspension date and have their make-up work finished on the day they return from their suspension. The student will only be allowed to receive up to 50% credit for the make-up work they turn in at the teacher discretion.

SUSPENSION OF A STUDENT WITH DISABILITIES

For students with disabilities, a temporary cessation of educational or related services constitutes a suspension. Before a student can be suspended, the student must be afforded an informal hearing, wherein the student is entitled to a written or oral statement of the charges against him/her; if requested, a summary of the evidence against him/her; and an opportunity to explain his/her conduct. This information hearing shall precede the suspension of a student unless the nature of the misconduct requires removal of the student. For students with disabilities, suspensions may not exceed five (5) consecutive instructional days or ten (10) cumulative instructional days in a school year.

EXPULSION OF A STUDENT WITH DISABILITIES

Before a student can be expelled from school, the student and the student’s parent/guardian shall be afforded the opportunity for a hearing before an appointed hearing examiner. For a student with disabilities, the hearing must be preceded by a case conference committee meeting. At such a meeting, the case conference committee shall review the student’s behavior and determine whether the behavior is caused by, or is a manifestation of, the student’s disability. If the committee determines there is such a causal relationship between the student’s behavior and the student’s disability, the student may not be expelled. If, however, the committee determines there is no causal relationship between the student’s behavior and the student’s disability, the expulsion hearing may be initiated. In the event of the expulsion of a student with disabilities, educational and related services shall not cease. The case conference committee shall determine the educational services that will be provided during the expulsion period.

The student or parent/guardian has the right to appeal the decision of the person conducting the expulsion meeting to the school board within 10 days of the receipt of notice of the action taken. The student or parent/guardian appeal to the school board must be in writing. If an appeal is properly made, the board must consider the appeal unless the board votes not to hear the appeal. If the board hears the appeal, it will consider the written summary of the expulsion meeting and the arguments of both the school administration and the student and/or the student’s parents/guardians. The board will then take any action deemed appropriate.

LEGAL REFERENCE: 20 U.S.C. 8001 20 U.S.C. 8002 I. C. 20-8.1-5.1-1 et seq.

EXPULSION PROCEDURES

When a principal (or designee) recommends to the superintendent (or designee) that a student be expelled from school, the following procedures will be followed:

1. The superintendent (or designee) may conduct an expulsion meeting, or may appoint one of the following persons to conduct the expulsion meeting:

a. Legal counsel

b. A member of the administrative staff who did not expel the student during the current school year and was not involved in the events giving rise to the expulsion

2. An expulsion will not take place until the student and the student’s parents/guardians are given notice of their right to appear at an expulsion meeting conducted by the superintendent or the person designated above. Failure by the student or a student’s parents/guardians to request and to appear at this meeting will be deemed a waiver of rights administratively to contest the expulsion or to appeal it to the school board.

3. The notice of the right to an expulsion meeting will be in writing, delivered by certified mail or by personal delivery, and contain the reasons for the expulsion and the procedure for requesting the meeting.

4. At the expulsion meeting, the principal (or designee), will present evidence to support the charges against the student. The student or parent/guardian will have the opportunity to answer the charges against the student, and to present evidence to support the student’s position.

5. If an expulsion meeting is held, the person conducting the expulsion meeting will make a written summary of the evidence heard at the meeting, take any action found to be appropriate, and give notice of the action taken to the student and the student’s parents/guardians.

6. If an interpreter is needed one will be provided by Washington Community Schools.

The student or parent/guardian has the right to appeal the decision of the person conducting the expulsion meeting to the school board within 10 days of the receipt of notice of the action taken. The student or parent/guardian appeal to the school board must be in writing. If an appeal is properly made, the board must consider the appeal unless the board votes not to hear the appeal. If the board hears the appeal, it will consider the written summary of the expulsion meeting and the arguments of both the school administration and the student and/or the student’s parents/guardians. The board will then take any action deemed appropriate.

SUSPENSION ASSIGNMENT PROGRAM (S.A.P.)

This program is an alternative to Out of School Suspension. At present, when a student is suspended from school, they are sent home for the duration of the suspension. With this program, when a student is suspended, they are referred to the Community Corrections Department or the Washington Carnegie Public Library, where they report for a community service work assignment. While assigned to this program, the student will work manual labor at one of the approved not-for-profit work sites for the duration of the suspension. The student will not be allowed to participate in extra-curricular activities when assigned SAP.

KEY POINTS OF PROGRAM

1. Parental consent from the suspended student parents/guardian must be secured. If consent is not granted, normal, Out of School Suspension guidelines apply.

2. The administration will refer the student to either the Community Corrections Department for site/work assignment, or the Washington Carnegie Public Library.

3. By participating in this program, the student and their parents/guardian will benefit in the following ways.

a. When the student comes back to school, they will be allowed to make up any schoolwork missed during their suspension.

b. The parents/guardian of participating students will know where they are at and what they are doing while out of school.

4. This program is available only ONE time for a student. If a student is suspended after they have participated in this program or consent is not granted, the suspension will be the normal, Out of School Suspension.

ATTENDANCE POLICY

All students are expected to attend school regularly and to be on time to classes to receive maximum benefit from their instructional program. Good attendance is extremely important. There is a close correlation between attendance and achievement in school; therefore, students should not be absent unless it is absolutely necessary.

While attendance is important there are some reasons when a child should stay home from school. Following the guidelines of the Daviess County Health Department, some reasons for not attending school are:

1. Contagious disease

2. Temperature over 100 degrees (may return after 24 hours fever free without fever reducing medicine)

3. Impetigo

4. Pediculosis (Lice)

5. Conjunctivitis (Pink eye)

6. Tinea (Ringworm)

7. Other reasons may include recuperating from surgery or other medical procedure which may render the student immobile or bed fast.

In keeping with the Board approved attendance philosophy, a student may not be absent from school for more than 10 days each semester. It is believed that students who miss more than nine instructional periods per class per semester have missed a significant amount of classroom interaction as well as instruction. A day absent from the classroom can never be replaced, and the learning that has taken place between the teacher and student can never be duplicated. Reading the material and performing satisfactorily on tests do not compensate for the loss of insight gained during discussion, explanation, or supervised drill. Every absence interrupts a student’s understanding of the material being presented and weakens his/her interest in the continuing program. In addition, regular and punctual attendance in school helps develop habits necessary for the work world they will enter upon leaving school.

The primary responsibility for school attendance rests with the parents and students. The school will assist the parents and students in this responsibility. The cooperation of the student, parents/guardians, and the school is essential in providing a firm framework for the student to achieve the fundamental foundation of regular attendance.

An absence is recorded when a student is not in class. A student who is more than 15 minutes late after the start of the day shall be considered a late arrival until the end of that period. A student who is more than 5 minutes late to any other class after the 1st class of the day shall be considered absent from that class unless an exemption is granted by the administration.

FOR THOSE STUDENTS WHO HAVE AN EXCUSED ABSENCE OR TARDY, THE FOLLOWING PROCEDURES WILL BE FOLLOWED:

1. Excused and unexcused absences will count toward the student’s absences. Unexcused absences are counted from the 1st day of school until the last day of school.

2. If a student reaches 5 CONSECUTIVE EXCUSED absences, he or she must obtain a written medical notice(Certificate of Incapacity), given by the administration to be filled out by the physician.***Note: Certificate of Incapacity is not the same as a doctor’s excuse.***

3. Out-of-School Suspension will not count toward students 10 absences.

4. Students who are absent from school unless covered under I.C. 20-8.1-3-18 (Being a Page or Honoree of the Indiana General Assembly) or school approved activity (example: Field Trips, etc.) SHALL NOT attend school related activities that evening.

5. All notes (when a student returns to school) or phone calls on the day of the absence are required for all absences as confirmation of the parent/guardian having knowledge of the absence.

6. Pre-arranged absence(s) will count toward a student’s absence(s)

7. Emergency situations will be taken under advisem*nt.

a. EXCUSED ABSENCE

A student’s absence will be considered excused if contact is made by phone by the parent/ guardian or written notification of the absence accompanies the student upon his/her return to school and the excused absence criterion is met.

i. Student is ill and the parent/guardian contacts the school (every day for up to ten days).

ii. Student is sent home by the nurse.

iii. Funerals of non-immediate family members or friends.

iv. Doctor’s appointments.

v. Pre-arranged absences.

vi. Hospitalization.

vii. Serving as a page in the General Assembly.

viii. School sponsored events.

ix. Administrative suspensions.

x. Working the polls on Election Day with approval

xi. Documented court appearances.

xii. Doctor documented extended illnesses.

xiii. Extenuating circ*mstances as determined by the administration

Students who have absences classified as EXCUSED will have the benefit of make-up work for credit. Absence notification can be made 24 hours a day by calling 812-254-8350 and leaving a message on the voice mail.

Each student and parent/guardian should realize that the determination of a valid, and therefore an excused absence, rests with the administration of Washington High School.

b. UNEXCUSED ABSENCE

An absence is classified as unexcused according to the following criteria:

1. A parent/guardian fails to verify the absence upon the students return to school.

2. The reason for missing school does not fall under the criteria for an excused absence.

3. The student fails to notify the attendance office in advance in cases of pre-arranged absences.

4. A student has accumulated more than 10 absences in a semester, the absence is considered unexcused, unless a doctor’s statement is provided for each absence.

5. A student leaves school without the knowledge or permission of a school official even if a parent/guardian has been called prior to leaving.

6. A student has an absence due to truancy or missing class without school authorization.

7. Students who are late to class for more than five minutes.

8. Any student who is absent from 4 full periods (Either 1-4 or 4-7) due to an appointment or due to illness, may not participate in or be present at an extra-curricular event the same day as the absence, regardless of a parent/guardian call. Repeated unexcused absences may also warrant other disciplinary action, such as detention, suspension, or expulsion, and may result in action taken under the compulsory school attendance laws. (I.C. 20-8.1-1-3-17) Any combination of 10 excused or unexcused absences in any course during any semester will be considered excessive absences. Students will be ineligible to earn further credit in the course(s) for the remainder of the term unless documented evidence is presented during the attendance review.

9. Oversleeping

10. No transportation

11. Babysitting or caring for parents.

12. Homework, Quizzes and Tests on the day of an unexcused absence will result in a zero and are not allowed to make up for credit for the day of an unexcused absence.

13. Students may not participate in any Co-Curricular activities with an unexcused absence for that day.

Note to parents and students: each absence, whether excused or unexcused or truancy, counts toward the ten-day limit.

THE FOLLOWING IS THE PROCEDURE THAT THE ATTENDANCE REVIEW WILL FOLLOW

1. AFTER THE 5TH ABSENCE

From one or more classes in the semester, contact shall be made with the parent/guardian by school officials regarding the student’s absences. This can be either in the form of a letter or phone call to the parent/guardian.

2. AFTER THE 8TH ABSENCE

a. From one or more classes in the semester, a parent/guardian will be called, and

b. An attendance contract will be signed by a parent/guardian.

3. AFTER THE 10TH ABSENCE

a. From a class or classes in the semester, a parental conference with the parent/guardian, student, and the attendance committee shall be held. Included in the conference will be a review of the student’s absences.

b. The student will be placed on an attendance contract. During this conference or at any time when they believe such circ*mstances merit special consideration, parents/guardians may request a letter of incapacity form. Parents are responsible for returning the completed form in a timely fashion. The student’s academic progress, grades, reasons for missing school, effort in completing makeup assignments, and any other relevant information including medical records will be used to determine the measure for the attendance contract. If no request for extenuating status has been made or if a request has been made and denied, the student will have the opportunity to make up time for their absences over the 10 allowed, to earn their credit.

If the above requirements are not met or attempted to be met by the next attendance review the following actions will be taken

1. Notification of student’s absences to the Daviess County Probation Office.

2. Notification to child protective services

3. Attendance court--Daviess County Courthouse

ATTENDANCE CONTRACT

An attendance contract may include, but is not limited to, any or all the following:

1. A required doctor’s certificate for any further absences (Administrative probation)

2. Revocation of student’s driver’s license

3. Revocation of Extra Curricular Activity privileges including field trips, prom, senior trip, band trips, athletic trips, etc.

4. Notification of student’s absences to the Daviess County Probation Office.

5. Revocation and removal of Co-Curricular activities privileges including but not limited to any clubs and organizations.

MAKING UP TIME

A way to make up time when a student has too many absences may include, but is not limited to, any or all the following:

1. Tuesdays or Thursdays 7am-8am or 3:15 pm to 4:15 pm

2. Monday or Wednesday community service 3:15 pm to 5:15 pm

3. Saturday School 8 am to 10 am

TARDY POLICY

Late to class/school. A student is considered tardy if he or she is not in their assigned room/seat when the bell rings or at the designated time indicating that the period is to start, per discretion of the teacher and classroom rules.

1. A tardy will be excused if the student presents a valid pass signed by a teacher, nurse, or office personnel. The time on the pass will indicate when the student was last seen.

2. Students who are tardy to class - unexcused, will receive (per class):

a. 1-2 Tardies = Warning

b. 3-5 Tardies = Detention (lunch detention in Cafeteria Annex)

c. 6 Tardies = Thursday School (3:20 pm to 4:50 pm) - tardy contract signed by student

d. 7-11 Tardies = Thursday School (3:20 pm to 4:50 pm)

e. 12 Tardies = 1 Day of In-School Suspension

f. 13-14 Tardies = 2 Days of In-School Suspension

g. 15-16 Tardies = 2 Days of Out-Of-School Suspension

h. 17 Tardies And Up =3-10 Days of Out-Of-School Suspension -– may recommend expulsion/alternative placement

3. Guidelines for how attendance is marked in Skyward

a. 10 minutes or less, without excused pass = 1 unexcused tardy

b. 11 minutes or more, without excused pass = 1 unexcused absence

c. 3 unexcused tardies = 1 unexcused absence

HABITUAL TRUANCY POLICY

The Washington Community School Board has defined a habitual truant as One who willfully fails to attend school in defiance of Parental Authority. The State of Indiana defines a truant as a student who has more than 10 unexcused absences in an entire school year and will be subject to loss of credit and/or recommend for expulsion. Public Law IC 9-24-2-1 provides that the Bureau of Motor Vehicles may not issue a driver’s license or learner’s permit to a student who is:

1. Less than eighteen 18 years of age.

2. A habitual truant; and

3. Identified to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles by the student’s principal.

4. Building principals will determine that a student is a habitual truant.

a. When that student has been truant from school three (3) times in any one semester, or four (4) times in a school year and

b. A student who is absent from a class period beyond 10 minutes without an excuse constitutes a truancy; and

c. The student will be identified as a habitual truant following an administrative conference with the student and his/her parent/guardian.

A student identified as a habitual truant is entitled to a review of his/her attendance record at least once a year to determine if the student’s attendance has improved so that the student may become eligible for a driver’s license or learner’s permit.

Non-Issuance or Invalidation and Revalidation of a person’s Operator License or Learner’s Permit

1. NON-ISSUANCE

A driver’s license or learner’s permit may not be issued to an individual less than 18 years of age who meets any of the following conditions:

a. Is a habitual truant as defined in board policy 5119.1 or IC 20-33-2-11.

b. Is under at least a second suspension from school for the school year under IC 20-33-8-14 or IC 20-33-8-15.

c. Is under an expulsion from school IC 20-33-8-14, IC 20-33-8-15, or IC 20-33-8-16.

d. Has withdrawn from school before graduating to circumvent the sanctions listed under this subsection as determined by the superintendent of schools in which the student is enrolled. IC 9-24-2-1.

e. Is considered a dropout under IC 20-33-2-28.5.

f. The school principal is to notify the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles of a student who meets any of the above conditions using State Form 53927 (R/3-12)

2. INVALIDATION

If a person is less than 18 years of age, a habitual truant, under a second suspension, an expulsion, or exclusion, or has withdrawn from school as described in IC 9-24-2, the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles shall, upon notification by the student’s principal, invalidate the person’s license or permit. The invalidation will expire.

a. The longer of 120 days after the student is suspended or the end of the semester during which the student returns to school.

b. The person becomes 18 years of age.

c. The suspension, expulsion, or exclusion is reversed after the person has had a hearing under IC 20-8.1-5.

d. The school principal or designee is to notify the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles of a student who meets any of the conditions listed above using Form A:4/95.

3. REVALIDATION

Revalidation of the permit or license is allowed if the following conditions are met:

a. The student has enrolled in a full-time or part-time education program and has participated in 30 or more days in the program

b. The student submits to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles a statement, which contains the verified signature of the principal or board president of the program in which the student is enrolled and notification that the student has complied with the conditions of subdivision

WASHINGTON HIGH SCHOOL GUIDANCE

Students select their classes in the spring of each school year. Registration information is available online to students at the end of July. It is important to understand that the information in this handbook description is the most accurate and up-to-date information available at the time. As course offerings, Department of Education mandates, and curricular updates occur information in this document may become outdated. The most current version of the WHS Course Description is posted on the Washington High School Website. The on-line version of the Course Description Booklet takes precedence over any older published versions. Recognizing that there may be conflicts, counselors are available on scheduled dates by appointment. These days are one week before school begins in the fall. To better serve students and parents, we ask that you please call the counseling department to set up an appointment with their respective counselor for these dates.

1. GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

The following diplomas are awarded at WHS

a. Core 40

b. Core 40 with Academic Honors

c. Core 40 with Technical Honors

Students select a curriculum lane with an emphasis on their Career Major selected from the Indiana Career Clusters. The completion of Core 40 is an Indiana graduation requirement. Indiana’s Core 40 curriculum provides the academic foundation all students need to succeed in college and the workforce. Meetings will be scheduled to discuss graduation options for students unable to meet the requirements for the Core 40 Curriculum. A detailed curriculum and course description guide is available in the counseling office and on the school’s website: https://www.washingtoncommunityschools.org. Please contact the student’s counselor to receive more detailed information.

2. GRADING SYSTEM

WHS utilizes a cumulative (running total) grading system in which the final grade is calculated from the student’s accumulation of points during the semester. Final exams are calculated in this accumulation of points. Under this system, it is important to understand that the student’s performance is based upon their progress throughout the length of the entire semester. Final letter grades will be recorded on the student’s official transcript. Honor roll and accumulated GPA, along with class rankings will be calculated at the end of each semester

3. WHS GRADING POLICY

NUMERICAL VALUE LETTER GRADE GPA

100 A+ 4.0

94-99 A 4.0

90-93 A- 3.75

87-89 B+ 3.5

83-86 B 3.0

80-82 B- 2.75

77-79 C+ 2.5

73-76 C 2.0

70-72 C- 1.75

67-69 D+ 1.5

63-66 D 1.0

60-62 D- 0.5

0-59 F 0.0

4. WEIGHTED GRADES:

The following courses are designated as courses that are weighted at WHS:

ALGEBRA II H ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY AP COMPUTER SCIENCE A

AP COMPUTER SCIENCE PR AP STATISTICS BIOLOGY H

CALCULUS AB AP CHEMISTRY AP CHEMISTRY I

ECONOMICS H ENGLISH 10 H ENGLISH 9 H

FRENCH IV GEOMETRY H LANGUAGE COMP AP

LIT COMP AP PHYSICS I AP PRECALC H

SPANISH IV US GOV H US HISTORY AP

WORLD HIST AP

a. The number of weighted classes that a student can be credited for is capped at 16 (32 possible weighted semesters/credits). Students may still take additional classes that fall under the weighted category, but once passing the 32 weighted semesters, these courses will receive no additional weight.

b. Once a student completes a weighted class receiving a grade of “C” or above, they will receive an additional .015625 points added directly to their cumulative GPA.

Sample: GPA: 4.0 (all A’s) + 32 weighted credits .015625 = 4.5 (weighted GPA)

5. WHS HONORS INFORMATION

a. SENIORS

i. VALEDICTORIAN

- Based on accumulated weighted GPA at the end of 8 semesters

- Highest accumulated weighted GPA

- Minimum 4 semesters at WHS

ii. SALUTATORIAN

- Based on accumulated weighted GPA at the end of 8 semesters

- Second highest accumulated weighted GPA

- Minimum 4 semesters at WHS

iii. HONOR STOLE

- Awarded to top 10% of graduating class

b. HIGH HONOR ROLL

- Based on each semester

- All A’s

- Minimum 5 credits

c. HONOR ROLL

- Based on each semester

- All A’s and B’s

- Minimum 5 credits

6. ACADEMIC HONORS CEREMONY

Accumulated GPA for honorees

a. Seniors- 3.9 or above (based on 7 semesters)

b. Juniors- 3.85 or above (based on 5 semesters)

c. Sophom*ores- 3.85 or above (based on 3 semesters)

7. FLEX PE CREDIT OPTION

The Indiana Department of Education has opened the possibility to allow students to earn physical education credits in ways other than attending traditional PE classes, provided state criteria is met. This criterion allows a school to issue PE credit for other activities students participate in which would include: any sport in our athletic program (provided an outdoor activity or conditioning component is implemented), WHS Dance Team, WHS Show Choir, and WHS Marching Band. Forms for the Flexible PE Option can be found on the WHS website under “Guidance.” Flexible PE credits will be allowed under the following guidelines:

a. One semester of credit in PE will be issued for successful completion of a sport/activity and its full season in our athletic department or school. A second semester of PE credit will be issued for successful completion of another season in a distinctly different sport or activity. Department of Education literature on this topic states that it is not the intention of this opportunity to allow a student to earn all PE credits through participating for two years in one sport/activity. If a student only participates in one sport/activity, then the student would have to complete one semester of traditional PE class.

b. Students earning both semesters of PE credit through flex credits may be required to take the Indiana Physical Education End Of course Knowledge Assessment. This test measures basic knowledge of motor skills, nutrition, health-wellness, and physical fitness. WHS would provide students with a study guide for this test, to be administered during homeroom, and supervised by a licensed PE teacher.

c. A rubric form will be used by students and their coach or sponsor to certify flexible PE credit. A student would earn an A for meeting the requirements.

d. A student must declare to their counselor during registration prior to the beginning of the 9th grade year their intention to earn flexible PE credit. Any student that has not completed flexible PE credit by the end of their 10th grade year will automatically be enrolled in classroom PE for their 11th grade year.

e. Students may apply for flexible PE credit for activities not approved in this document. A student must apply to the principal. If the principal determines the activity may have merit for flexible credit, a committee composed of the principal, athletic director, a counselor, current PE teacher, and one representative from either band, show choir, or dance team will determine eligibility for flexible PE credit. A student must seek approval for an activity not approved in this policy in advance, prior to participation in the activity.

f. A student would not be eligible for flex PE credit if they were suspended during a sports season for an Athletic Code of Conduct violation

Please fill out the WHS PE Waiver Application found in the athletic office and give it to the athletic secretary at the beginning of the sport/activity season. The athletic secretary will keep the application for the remainder of the season/term, request signatures from the coach, complete the application, and turn it into Mr. Cochren for verification. The counseling department will then record the grade.

8. FINAL EXAMS

Students are required to take their “Final Exams” only on the date scheduled by administration. Exceptions to this policy must be approved by the principal.

VINCENNES UNIVERSITY EARLY COLLEGE PROGRAM AT WHS

GUIDELINES FOR DUAL CREDIT COMPLETION

Washington High School students can earn dual credit (high school and college credit) through Vincennes University Early College programming and through courses from Indiana State University. These courses may be taken online or at WHS during the school day. These courses are all taught at a college level. Due to this fact, students taking dual credit courses take on a high level of responsibility in completing their work in a proficient and timely manner.

Both parents and students must understand and adhere to the following conditions:

1. Washington High School’s priority is offering students the ability to earn a high school diploma. Students who are interested in satisfying degree requirements from VU through the Early College program are ultimately responsible for these requirements. Washington High School staff will assist. Mrs. Arvin (darvin@vinu.edu), our Vincennes University liaison will also be able to assist with the VU requirements. Information regarding Indiana State University can be found in the counseling office.

2. ALL dual credit courses taken by Washington High School students will appear on both the college and high school transcripts, regardless of the grade. These grades WILL count toward your college and high school GPA.

3. As a precaution, parents and students should be aware that college courses, at WHS, VU campus and online, require a greater amount of organization and management by the student than an ordinary high school course. Students are responsible to always adhere to college course deadlines. Students who do not adhere to the university deadlines may receive poor grades. These grades WILL appear on the high school transcript.

4. Students who have questions regarding dual credit coursework or VU coursework should communicate with their WHS teacher or the professor of the course. Students taking online classes should email the professor through the student’s MyVU account. If a student is having difficulty communicating with a VU professor, please email Mrs. Arvin (darvin@vinu.edu).

5. Students will not be registered for a class through Vincennes University until all registration forms and fees are submitted to the counseling office.

6. Students have a small window to withdraw from dual credit classes. Please see Mrs. Arvin for more information on the time frame.

COURSE RETAKE/GRADE REPLACEMENT

A grade retake/replacement occurs when a student retakes a class that he/she has already taken to hopefully receive a better grade. A student who receives below a C- on a course may retake that course for credit. The second grade earned will be averaged with the first grade earned. This average will figure into the cumulative GPA. Both grades will remain on the transcript. A student may take advantage of this option up to two times in his/her high school career. This would allow a student trying to earn an Indiana Academic Honors diploma an opportunity to retake a class where he/she might have received below a C-, thus giving him/her an opportunity to keep his/her Academic Honors diploma.

Retakes of passing classes may NOT be taken via credit recovery. Students may recoup credits from failed classes via credit recovery with counselor/administrative approval. Students wishing to take a course for the first time using online credit recovery software may only do so with counselor/administrative approval. Any student who is retaking a class must do so within one year of the original class. Also, students may not retake a class after graduation.

8th GRADE ALGEBRA

Grades earned in 8th grade Algebra will be recorded on the high school transcript as high school credit unless students decide to retake Algebra in the 9th grade. Students taking Geometry in 8th grade for high school credit must abide by the high school course retake policy.

SCHEDULE CHANGES

Class changes after the semester begins place the student at an immediate disadvantage. Class sizes and crowded conditions often impose additional restrictions to schedule changes. All such changes must be approved and directed by the counselors. The administration reserves the right to change student schedules if necessary. No additional changes will be made after this time unless authorized by the counselor or principal.

1. FIRST SEMESTER

All changes must be submitted within the 1st 5 day of the semester. No changes will be made after the 5-day deadline.

2. SECOND SEMESTER

Students will be allowed to change classes within the 1st (5) school days from the beginning of the second semester. No changes will be made after the (5) day deadline.

CORE 40 OPT-OUT PROCESS

The minimum diploma for WHS is considered the completion of Core 40. Indiana’s Core 40 curriculum provides the academic foundation all students need to succeed in college and the workforce.

To graduate with less than core 40, the following formal opt-out process must be completed:

1. The student, the student’s parent/guardian, and the student’s counselor meet to discuss the student’s progress.

2. The student’s career and course plan are reviewed.

3. The student’s parent/guardian determines whether the student will achieve greater educational benefits by completing the general curriculum or the Core 40 curriculum.

If the decision is made to opt-out of Core 40, the student is required to complete the course and credit requirements for a general diploma.

GOOD STANDING

Students requiring school permission to be involved in extracurricular activities must be in Good Standing.(Extra-curricular activities include but are not limited to dances, permits, and/or field trips). Students are in Good Standing if they are currently passing all their scheduled classes. Students who are in AE need to be making equivalent progress as determined by the instructor.

NURSE OFFICE/HEALTH SERVICES DEPARTMENT

1. IMMUNIZATIONS

Every student must be current to the Indiana State Health Department Immunization Guidelines. An Indiana law requires each year that parents/guardians be informed about meningococcal disease and its vaccine. (IC 20-30-5-18)

- Meningococcal disease is a dangerous disease that can strike children and youth. The disease can progress rapidly and within hours of the first symptoms, may result in death or permanent disability including loss of hearing, brain damage, and limb amputations.

- Symptoms of meningococcal disease often resemble the flu and can include fever, headache, nausea, and stiff neck, making the disease difficult to diagnose. The bacteria that cause meningococcal diseases are transmitted through air droplets and by direct contact with an infected person. Please talk with your child’s health care provider about meningococcal disease and vaccination. All STUDENTS 9th-12th MUST BE IMMUNIZED.

2. HEALTH SCREENINGS

Mandated by state law will be done on students as follows:

a. Visual Screening: Kindergarten, 1st , 3rd , and 8th grade

b. Hearing Screening: 1st , 4th , 7th , and 10th grade

c. Screenings will also be done on any student new to the corporation.

d. In addition, height, weight, and head lice screenings may be performed on students.

3. ILLNESS

a. Students should not be sent to school if he or she has a fever of 100 degrees or more or presents signs or symptoms of a contagious condition in the last 24 hours. If a student becomes ill while at school, the student must get a pass from the teacher to see the nurse. Students will be assessed by the nurse, and if the nurse feels it necessary for the student to go home, arrangements will be made. While it is understood accidents occur, bodily fluid must be contained. All health issues need to be updated in Skyward yearly to ensure the health and safety of each student.

b. Students should NOT call home to be picked up at school for illness until they have checked at the nurse’s office. Proper sign in and sign out procedures must be followed.

4. MEDICATION

a. All medications must be kept in the nurse’s office unless a student has written physician permission to possess and self-administer the medication according to IC 20-8.1-5.1-7.5. The parent/guardian of a student requiring medication during school hours should contact the school nurse for information pertaining to the administration of such. If the student has an allergy or disease such as asthma and needs to carry medication and self-administer medication in school or at a school sponsored activity written physician’s order and parent/guardian permission forms must be completed.

b. Prescription medication taken at school must be brought in by parent in the original prescription bottle and parent/guardian permission forms completed. Non-prescription medication must be in the original container with written parent permission, reason for medication, dose and time to be given. The forms may be picked up and returned to the nurse’s office. Indiana Law, along with individual safety factors, will also be followed regarding the release of medication.

5. HEAD LICE POLICY

a. RESPONSIBILITY OF THE SCHOOL NURSE

The WHS registered nurse is a health care professional who will communicate with and act as consultants for the staff, family, and student. The nurse will provide instruction and support to the student and family.

b. RESPONSIBILITY OF THE SCHOOL

i. Any student within the school corporation suspected of having head lice may be examined.

ii. Any sibling or close contact of the infected student who is within the school corporation may be examined.

iii. Confidentiality must be maintained.

iv. An individual will be sent home upon evidence of living lice.

v. Instruction in treatment will be provided to the caregiver for any student sent home. An FDA approved product must be used.

vi. When the individual returns to the school after a substantiated case of head lice, and proper treatment has been given, he or she should be examined by the school nurse.

6. ACCIDENTS

Every accident or injury in the school building, on the school grounds, at practice sessions, or any other event sponsored by the school must be reported immediately to the person in charge and to the principal’s office.

7. ELEVATOR KEY POLICY

Elevator keys are the property of Washington High School. When needed they will be signed out in the nurse’s office. Any keys not returned will have a $25.00 replacement fee.

8. WHEELCHAIR POLICY

Washington High School will not provide wheelchair access except in emergency situations.

WASHINGTON HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETICS

WASHINGTON SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC CODE OF CONDUCT

1. PURPOSE

Athletics at Washington Junior and Senior High Schools is intended to promote the development of physical and mental excellence and discipline in students as they prepare to enter a competitive environment. To achieve this end, athletes must be willing to practice, train, dedicate, and sacrifice. The purpose of the athletic code of conduct is to standardize and explain the very minimum of conduct by which all athletes must abide and the penalties that will be imposed if there is a violation.

2. SCOPE

As a member of the Indiana High School Athletic Association, Washington High School is subject to and will enforce all the rules of the association applicable to student athletes. In addition to the school rules of conduct, Washington Junior High, and Washington High School students, participating in athletics, will be subject to and required to comply with, the athletic code of conduct in or out of season for 365 days a year beginning the first day of practice or the first day of school, whichever comes first, during the athlete’s enrollment at Washington Junior High or High School.

3. RULES OF CONDUCT

a. An athlete shall be subject to and comply with all rules of the Indiana High School Athletic Association and the laws of the State of Indiana.

b. If an athlete is suspended or expelled from school for a violation of school rules, the athlete may not participate or attend an athletic practice or a contest on the day or days of the suspension from school. Approved by WHS School Board 8/16/90. Revised 5/95, 5/01, 5/03, 7/08, 4/09, 4/11, 5/13, 10/13

4. PARTICIPATION IN CONTESTS OR PRACTICES

a. Attendance at School

Except for i.-v. below, Students must be in attendance for 4 full periods (Either 1-4 or 4-7) to attend/participate in any extra-curricular activity. Any exception to this guideline must be approved by the administration. Any student suspended from school for disciplinarian reasons is not allowed to participate in the ECA contest during the suspended time.

i. Approved medical appointment. In this case the athlete must present a signed statement from the doctor.

ii. Attendance at school sponsored activities.

iii. Participation in any activity which is excused by law.

iv. Family emergency.

v. Other situations which may be excused by the office.

b. Medical

i. An athlete must have a physical examination before being allowed to start practice.

ii. The physical form must be on file in the Athletic Office before the first practice or activity. All other required forms must be completed on-line before the first day of practice or activity.

iii. An athlete who has been injured and has had medical treatment will not be allowed to participate in practice or contests until released by a doctor.

c. Quitting or Removal from a Team

An athlete may not quit one sport and go out for another sport after the season has begun. If an athlete quits a team or is removed for disciplinary reasons on or after the first day of the season, they will not be permitted to participate in another sport until the original sport season terminates. The athlete may participate in another sport, if the head coach of the sport that the athlete has quit or has been removed from, gives the athlete a written waiver. An athlete cut from a sports team may try out for another team without the waiver.

d. Team Rules

Each coach shall establish his/her own rules regarding training, practice, curfews, and any rules not covered by the above guidelines prior to the start of the season. An athlete can be removed from practice(s) or game(s) because of violation of team or school rules. These rules will be in writing so that there will be no misunderstanding on the part of the participants and their parents. Written copies of individual coach policies are to be on file in the Athletic Director’s office.

e. Travel

An athlete must travel to and from out-of-town contests in transportation provided by the school, except where there is an injury, an emergency transportation situation, or where prior arrangements have been made by using the Contest Travel Release Form.

f. Prohibited Substances

The possession, use, transmission or being under the influence of any narcotic drug, tobacco substance, electronic cigarettes, hallucinogenic drug, amphetamine, barbiturate, marijuana, synthetic marijuana, alcoholic beverage, glue sniffing or intoxicant of any kind by students at Washington Jr. Sr. High School is prohibited. This is including prescription drugs not prescribed to you. Use of drugs authorized by a medical prescription from a physician is not a violation of this rule.

5. PENALTIES

POSSESSION OR CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOL

1st OFFENSE

a. Suspension from competition for 33% of the scheduled games for that season, starting immediately and carrying over until all suspended games have been completed.

b. Enroll and Complete Alcohol or Substance Abuse program approved by the administration.

c. Provide two (2) clean random drug tests during the suspension and prior to participation. These random drug screens will be dictated/requested by the school administration and be the financial responsibility of the student and/or parents. After two clean screens are achieved, the athlete will have fulfilled this stipulation.

POSSESSION OR USE OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS AND ELECTRIC CIGARETTES

1st OFFENSE

a. Suspension from competition for 20% of the scheduled games for that season, starting immediately and carrying over until all suspended games have been completed.

b. Enroll and Complete Alcohol or Substance Abuse program approved by the administration.

c. Provide two (2) clean random drug tests during the suspension and prior to participation. These random drug screens will be dictated/requested by the school administration and be the financial responsibility of the student and/or parents. After two clean screens are achieved, the athlete will have fulfilled this stipulation.

Possession or use of any narcotic drug, hallucinogenic drug, amphetamine, barbiturate, marijuana, synthetic marijuana, glue sniffing, prescription drug not prescribed to you or intoxicant of any kind.

1st OFFENSE

- Suspension from competition for 50% of the scheduled games for that season, starting immediately and carrying over until all suspended games have been completed.

- Enroll and Complete Alcohol or Substance Abuse program approved by the administration.

- Provide two (2) clean random drug tests during the suspension and prior to participation. These random drug screens will be dictated/requested by the school administration and be the financial responsibility of the student and/or parents. After two clean screens are achieved, the athlete will have fulfilled this stipulation.

2ND OFFENSE: IF A STUDENT ATHLETE HAS A SECOND VIOLATION OF THE CODE OF CONDUCT

- Suspension from competition for one calendar year from the date of the infraction. This penalty cannot be served at the same time as the previous violation. This is regardless of the category the violation falls under. A second offense is a second offense. The student may be allowed to be on the team but cannot participate in a scheduled contest of any kind. In addition, the student must:

- Enroll and Complete Alcohol or Substance Abuse program approved by the administration.

- Provide two (2) clean random drug tests during the suspension and prior to participation. These random drug screens will be dictated/requested by the school administration and be the financial responsibility of the student and/or parents. After two clean screens are achieved, the athlete will have fulfilled this stipulation.

3RD OFFENSE: IF A STUDENT ATHLETE HAS A THIRD VIOLATION OF THE CODE OF CONDUCT

- Suspension from competition for one calendar year from the date of infraction. This penalty cannot be served at the same time as the previous violations. This is regardless of the category the violation falls under. A third offense is a third offense. The student WILL NOT be allowed to be on the team during the suspension.

- Enroll and Complete Alcohol or Substance Abuse program approved by the administration.

- Provide two (2) clean random drug tests during the suspension and prior to participation. These random drug screens will be dictated/requested by the school administration and be the financial responsibility of the student and/or parents. After two clean screens are achieved, the athlete will have fulfilled this stipulation.

HAZING/BULLYING/HARASSMENT IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED:

Soliciting, encouraging, aiding, or engaging in “hazing” on or in any school property at any time, or in connection with any activity supported or sponsored by the Corporation, whether on or off school property, is strictly prohibited.

“Hazing” means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act meant to induce physical pain, embarrassment, humiliation, deprivation of rights or that creates physical or mental discomfort and is directed against a student for the purpose of being initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization, club, or athletic team sponsored or supported by the Corporation and whose membership is totally or predominately other students from the Corporation.

BULLYING OR HARASSMENT IS DEFINED AS OVERT, REPEATED ACTS OR GESTURES, INCLUDING:

1. Verbal or written communications transmitted.

2. Physical acts committed; or

3. Any other behaviors committed by a student or group of students against another student with the intent to harass, ridicule, humiliate, intimidate, or harm another student. This would include behaviors involving the use of computers provided by the school. (I.C. 20-33-8-0.2)

You or your child should contact the coach, the Athletic Director, the Principal, or the Assistant Principal if you suspect your child has been hazed, bullied, or harassed.

STUDENTS ENGAGING IN ANY HAZING, BULLYING OR HARASSMENT TYPE BEHAVIOR THAT IS, IN ANY WAY, CONNECTED TO ANY ACTIVITY SPONSORED OR SUPPORTED BY THE CORPORATION, WILL BE SUBJECT TO ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS:

1. Removal from participation in extracurricular activities

2. Conference with parent(s)/guardian(s)

3. Suspension for up to 10 days

4. Long term suspension for the remainder of the school term

5. Long term suspension for the remainder of the school year, i.e.: Longer than one term or semester, but less than a full school year.

6. Referral to an appropriate law enforcement agency

7. Permanent expulsion from the School Corporation

ADMINISTRATIVE AUTHORITY

The administration may deny or exclude an athlete from participating in contests or representing the school for violations of any school rule or this Athletic Code of Conduct or acting in a manner that brings embarrassment or shame to yourself and/or your school, or that negatively impacts the reputation of yourself or your school. Examples of such conduct include but are not limited to:

1. Any illegal activity.

2. Any non-illegal activity that is lewd, vulgar, obscene, indecent, or that portrays sexual conduct done in a manner whereby the community learns of such activity.

3. Or any activity that degrades, demeans, or disparages any coach, activity sponsor, school official or student.

THE PENALTY WILL BE BASED ON THE SEVERITY OF THE INCIDENT.

SUSPECTED VIOLATIONS

In the event of a violation or suspected violation, the event shall be investigated by the coach of that sport and reported to the Athletic Director within 24 hours.

PENALTIES

A student may not attempt to circumvent the penalties in the Athletic Code of Conduct. A student must serve his/her penalty in the next sport. This sport must be one in which the student has participated in during the previous year.

RIGHT TO REVIEW DUE PROCESS PROCEDURES

1. If a penalty is imposed on an athlete and the parent wishes to review the decision, they must do so in writing within 48 hours of being informed of the penalty.

2. The review shall be made to the athletic director. When the review is received, the athletic director, within 24 hours, will notify the principal who will appoint, within 24 hours, the review committee. The review committee will consist of the assistant principal and four (4) members of the coaching staff.

3. The review committee will make its recommendation to the principal within 24 hours after the review committee meets and the principal will make the final decision within 24 hours after receiving the recommendation and inform the parents in writing of the decision.

ATHLETIC PARTICIPATION

1. If a student is a member of more than one activity that meets after school, participation in the activity that receives academic credit will take precedence over non-credit activities. Sponsors and coaches may work together to waive this requirement depending on the event.

2. STUDENTS MUST BE PRESENT AT LEAST FOUR FULL PERIODS (EITHER 1-4 OR 4-7) OF SCHOOL TO BE ELIGIBLE TO PARTICIPATE IN THAT DAY’S ATHLETIC EVENT.

3. An athlete who has been a roster member of a team for a minimum of 2 weeks of competition season will not be allowed to quit a team and move on to another athletic team.

4. To compete on two athletic teams during the same season the following conditions must be met

a. Both coaches must be in full agreement,

b. The athlete must have and maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher,

c. A primary sport must be named which will take priority in the event of scheduling conflicts

d. A practice/contest schedule must be determined in advance.

SCHEDULING

Every effort is made to organize a competitive and complete schedule in each sport. Preference in scheduling is always given to conference schools.

Washington High School offers a varied interscholastic athletic program for both boys and girls. Opportunities are available in the following areas:

1. BOYS - football, basketball, baseball, track, wrestling, cross-country, golf, tennis, soccer.

2. GIRLS - basketball, track, tennis, golf, soccer, softball, cross country, and volleyball.

We hold membership in and abide by all rules and regulations of the IHSAA and the Pocket Athletic Conference.

FACILITIES

Washington High School offers facilities for its athletes and it is the athlete’s responsibility to show respect and proper attitude toward maintenance and use of these facilities.

INSURANCE

The Athletic Department will NOT carry any insurance on any athletes within Washington Community Schools. Students must have insurance to participate in athletics. If parents do not have insurance for their students who are wanting to participate in athletics it is recommended that they purchase the student insurance offered to all students. The Washington Athletic Department is not responsible for any out-of-pocket costs that might not be covered by insurance.

ATHLETIC ELIGIBILITY

A BASIC GUIDE FOR SCHOOLS, STUDENTS AND PARENTS

TO STUDENTS

Your high school years will provide some of the most memorable and enjoyable moments you will ever experience. Competition in inter school athletics is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, which will influence you forever. Your participation in high school athletics is dependent on your eligibility. Keep that eligibility. Read the following summary of Indiana High School Athletic Association rules which govern your participation. Review the rules with your parents/guardians. Ask questions of your principal, athletic director/s and coaches.

TO PARENTS

The value of participating in athletics has been well documented. Participants earn better grades, have better attendance and have a greater chance for success in later life than non-participants. Students must meet certain standards to maintain the privileges of competition. Review the following rules with your son or daughter. Your role in stressing and supporting the value of following these rules cannot be emphasized enough.

From the IHSAA

The Indiana High School Athletic Association has been the governing body of high school athletics in our state since 1903. Your school is a voluntary member of the IHSAA and has agreed to follow its rules. Both your school and the IHSAA believe in equal competition among schools and the close relationship between academics and athletics. The IHSAA rules listed in this brochure are only a summary of some of the regulations affecting student eligibility. All rules are found in the IHSAA By-Laws and Articles of Incorporation publication. Your principal and athletic director/s have copies. An on-line version also

is located at www.ihsaa.org

YOU ARE ELIGIBLE IF:

1. AGE

You do not turn 20 years old prior to or on the scheduled date of the IHSAA State Finals tournament in a sport.

2. AMATEURISM

a. You have not played under an assumed name.

b. You have not accepted money or merchandise directly or indirectly from athletic participation.

c. You have not signed a professional contract in that sport.

3. AWARDS AND GIFTS

a. You have not received in recognition for your athletic ability any award that is not approved by your high school principal or the IHSAA.

b. You have not used or accepted merchandise as an award, prize, gift or loan or purchase such for a token sum.

c. You have not accepted awards, medals, recognitions, gifts and honors from colleges/universities or their alumni.

4. CONDUCT AND CHARACTER

a. You have not conducted yourself in or out of school in a way which reflects discredit on your school or the IHSAA.

b. You have not created a disruptive influence on the discipline, good order, moral and educational environment in your school.

5. ENROLLMENT

a. You enrolled in a school during the first 15 days of a semester.

b. You have not been enrolled more than four consecutive years, or the equivalent (e.g., 8 semesters or 12 trimesters, etc.), beginning with grade 9.

c. You have not represented a high school in a sport for more than four years.

6. ILLNESS AND INJURY

a. You are absent five to 10 or more consecutive school days due to illness or injury and have participated in at least four separate days of practice prior to competing.

b. You are absent more than 10 or more consecutive school days due to illness or injury and have participated in at least six separate days of practice prior to competing.

7. PARTICIPATION

a. DURING CONTEST SEASON

i. You do not participate in try-outs or demonstrations of athletic ability in that sport as a prospective post-secondary school student-athlete.

ii. You do not participate in a non-school contest that requires participation during school time, without gaining approval by the school principal or his/her designee.

iii. You do not participate in a practice with or against players not belonging to your school.

iv. You do not participate in a non-school-sponsored contest without an approved waiver.

v. You do not attend a non-school camp.

vi. You do not attend and participate in a student-clinic.

b. DURING SCHOOL YEAR OUT-OF-SEASON

i. You do not participate in a team sport contest as a member of a non-school team where there are more than the following number of students listed below in each sport, including incoming freshmen, who have participated the previous year in a contest as a member of their school team in that sport.

- Basketball 3, Baseball 5, Football 6

- Volleyball 3, Softball 5, Soccer 6

ii. You do not receive instruction in a team sport from individuals who are members of your high school coaching staff (Exception: open facility).

c. DURING SUMMER

i. You do not attend any school-sponsored fall sports camp and/or clinic after Monday of Week 4 (See your athletic director for specific dates).

ii. You do not attend any non-school camp and/or clinic after Monday of Week 7 (See your athletic director for specific dates).

8. PRACTICE

You have completed the required number of separate days of organized practice in your sport under the direct supervision of the high school coaching staff in your sport preceding participation in a contest.

9. SCHOLARSHIP

a. You passed 70% of the full credit subjects or the equivalent that a student can take in your previous grading period. Semester grades take precedence.

b. You are currently enrolled in 70% of the full credit subjects or the equivalent that a student can take.

10. CONSENT AND RELEASE CERTIFICATE

You have the completed certificate (physical form) on file with your principal each school year, between April 1 and your first practice.

11. TRANSFER

a. You do not transfer from one school to another primarily for athletic reasons.

b. You are entering the 9th grade for the first time.

c. You are transferring from a school district or territory with a bona fide move by your parents.

d. You are a ward of the court.

e. You are an orphan.

f. Your former school closed.

g. Your former school is not an IHSAA member school and is not accredited by the state accrediting agency in the state where the school is located.

h. Your transfer was pursuant to school board mandate for redistricting.

i. You enrolled and/or attended, in error, a wrong school.

j. You transferred from a correctional school.

k. You are emancipated, as defined by the IHSAA.

l. You did not participate in any contests as a representative of another school during the preceding 365 days.

m. You return to an IHSAA member school from a non-member school and reside with the same parent/s or guardian/s.

n. You transfer to a member boarding school with a corresponding move from the residence of your parent/s or you transfer from a member boarding school with a corresponding move to the residence of your parent/s.

o. You are a qualified foreign exchange student attending under an approved CSIET program, who has attended a member school for less than one year.

12. UNDUE INFLUENCE

You, your parents, or guardians have not been influenced by any person to secure you as a student at a member school.

NJROTC SUPPLEMENTAL SECTION
(NJROTC Students Only)

SECTION A

NAVAL JUNIOR RESERVE OFFICER TRAINING CORPS (NJROTC) PROGRAM

https://sites.google.com/wcs.k12.in.us/whs-navy-jrotc/home

1. AUTHORIZATION

The Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (NJROTC) program is established under the authority of reference (a), the ROTC Vitalization Act of 1964, which directed the Secretaries of each military service to establish and maintain JROTC units for their respective services. In accordance with 10 U.S.C. Secs. 2031, 2032, and 2033 and 10 U.S.C. Sec. 7911, the NJROTC programs operate under the guidance of the Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV). Naval Service Training Command (NSTC) is the responsible administrative agent for SECNAV for the NJROTC programs and is granted authority commensurate with this responsibility. The NSTC Citizenship Development (NSTC CD) Program Office provides program guidance and support to local NJROTC units and school authorities via the respective Area Manager.

You are a special member of a distinguished 49-year-old program!

2. PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES

NJROTC are programs of instruction offered by secondary level educational institutions with the approval of the Navy. The purpose of these programs is to instill in students in secondary educational institutions the values of citizenship, service to the United States, personal responsibility, and a sense of accomplishment. The objectives of these programs are to:

a. Promote patriotism.

b. Develop informed and responsible citizens.

c. Promote habits of orderliness and precision.

d. Develop a high degree of personal honor, self-reliance, individual discipline, and leadership.

e. Promote an understanding of the basic elements of, and need for, national security.

f. Develop respect for, and an understanding of, the need for authority in a democratic society.

g. Promote community service.

h. Provide incentives to live healthy and drug free.

i. Develop leadership potential.

j. Provide an alternative to destructive behavior and activities, such as gang involvement.

k. Promote high school completion.

l. Promote continuing education.

m. Provide information on the military services as a possible career.

3. NAVAL SCIENCE CURRICULUM

Naval Science (NJROTC) studies is an elective course with one credit for Health (year 1), Physical Education (year 2), and World History (year 3) required for graduation. A fourth year can be used as a general elective.

4. HISTORY

Washington High School NJROTC was established in 1973. It is one of six units in Indiana. Graduates of the program go on to college (some on ROTC scholarship or appointments to prestigious service academies); enlist in one of the various military services; or directly into the civilian workforce.

NJROTC Leadership Positions and Competition Achievements look great on your resume!

5. UNIT MISSION

To graduate from high school with a diploma on time. We will use teamwork to help one another reach our team and personal goals and achieve Distinguished Unit. We serve our community and our school.

6. UNIT MOTTOS

“Learn, Laugh, and have Fun, but never until the Work is Done”

7. CADET ENROLLMENT

To be eligible for enrollment and continuation as a cadet in an NJROTC unit, a student must

a. Be enrolled in and attending a regular course of instruction at the school hosting the unit and be in a grade above the eighth grade.

b. Be a U.S. citizen or national, or alien lawfully admitted to the U.S. for permanent residence.

c. Be physically able to participate fully in the school’s normal physical education program. An exception to this enrollment requirement for students with special needs or require specialized assistance.

d. Be approved by the Senior Naval Science Instructor (SNSI) and the school principal or representative.

e. Maintain acceptable standards of academic achievement and an academic standing that warrants at least normal progression leading to graduation.

f. Maintain acceptable standards of conduct.

g. Comply with the personal grooming standards as set forth in the NJROTC Cadet Field Manual. Common sense and good judgment should be used to attain these standards. Standards shall be maintained so that the unit projects a neat and professional image.

h. Cadets enrolled in more than one Naval Science course simultaneously may only be counted once toward unit minimum enrollment requirements.

8. BENEFITS

The program has an abundance of benefits, particularly for those cadets who maintain a positive attitude with respect to participation and conformance to rules and regulations. Typically, there is a marked improvement in self-discipline, team (cooperative) spirit, maturity, and responsibility.

a. Advanced Placement

Students presenting evidence of successful completion of at least 3 years of Naval Science under any Military Department are entitled to advanced promotion to pay grade E-3 upon initial enlistment in an active or reserve component of the Army, Navy, or Air Force, and pay grade E-2 in the Marine Corps. Students accepted for enlistment, who provide evidence of successful completion of 2 years of a JROTC program are entitled to be enlisted in pay grade E-2 in the Army or Navy.

b. United States Naval Academy (USNA)

Information on the application and nomination process to the USNA is available at US Naval Academy (USNA). The SNSI is authorized to nominate a maximum of three eligible graduating cadets each year to compete for appointments to the USNA. Specific information regarding NJROTC nominations is available at USNA Steps for Admission. Units designated as Naval Honor Schools will be granted additional nominations.

c. Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) Scholarships

Cadets have the opportunity to compete for NROTC scholarships. In addition to the NROTC national scholarship opportunities, NSTC Area Managers may also nominate students for an Alternative Scholarship Reservation (ASR) (see NSTCINST 1533.9). Cadets may also compete for enrolment in the NROTC Preparatory Programs (NPP). Established in 2019, this program helps individuals whose family, social, or economic circ*mstances hindered their ability to prepare for entry into a Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) program and/or compete for scholarships.

d. Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) Scholarships

The CMP offers scholarships to cadet seniors that excel in air rifle marksmanship and meet CMP selection criteria. Details are provided each year to all units and are available on the CMP web site.

Note: there is no requirement to enlist in the military service after completing any portion of NJROTC. Such enlistment is strictly voluntary.

9. PERSONAL GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT

The basic concept of the JROTC program is that all cadets develop and maintain a positive personal growth trend throughout his/her NJROTC career. As a first- or second-year cadet, you must learn the rules and regulations quickly and abide by them explicitly. You must learn the principles of followership and develop some realistic goals to achieve in the short term (during the first year) and some achievable goals for the long term (during the second, third, and fourth years.) To demonstrate commitment and prepare you for participation in competitions and school events, first year cadets must learn and demonstrate military drill and courtesies. As a second-year cadet, you are expected to take on positions of greater responsibility and try to learn the details and requirements of staff jobs to further develop leadership skills. Cadets in their third and fourth years are expected to be ready for assignments to the highest jobs (staff, department heads, platoon leaders, special team leaders, etc.), and lead a department, division, platoon, or special team.

10. VARSITY LETTER, NJROTC

IAW IHSAA Eligibility Rules for high school students, you may earn a varsity letter (‘W’) to wear on school approved varsity jackets for every year you are in NJROTC (maximum of 4 awards). To qualify for the varsity letter, you must meet all the requirements listed below:

a. Compete in at least 3 of the 6 Indiana NJROTC school hosted drill competitions. These competitions are hosted by Pike, Anderson, Bloomfield, Washington, Floyd Central, and New Albany High Schools. The drill competition must contain multiple events. Postal or other single event competitions will not count.

b. Cadet must be in good academic standing and maintain above a 90% average in assigned NJROTC curriculum.

c. Cadet must NOT have been suspended by the NJROTC Program or school for any reason. Cadets placed in a probation status for NJROTC will not qualify.

d. Cadet must NOT have been excessively absent or tardy during each 9-week grading period. Excessive is defined as 5 unexcused absence during any 9-week grading period or 3 tardy marks during any 9-week grading period.

YOU GET OUT OF NJROTC WHAT YOU PUT INTO IT

YOU MUST GIVE RESPECT IN ORDER TO GET RESPECT

SECTION B

UNIT REGULATIONS AND POLICY

1. ACADEMIC ROUTINE

The NJROTC school week is divided into academic study with material/information noted in the NJROTC textbooks and workbooks with training in drill, physical fitness or for squad and platoon leadership on the job training. See Section H for a specific daily routine.

2. NJROTC SERVICE FEES

None. However, cadets are expected to participate in fundraisers.

3. CADET GOOGLE CLASSROOM

You are assigned to one or more google classrooms based on your position on cadet staff. Important information and assignments will be distributed via google classroom. YOU MUST CHECK YOUR GOOGLE CLASSROOM DAILY AS A NORMAL BUSINESS ROUTINE.

4. REQUIRED CADET FORMS

At the beginning in the year and on several occasions during the school year, each cadet is required to complete unit information forms, signed by the parent or guardian. The information is vital and must be filled out promptly and accurately.

5. UNIFORM POLICY

The NJROTC uniforms are an integral part of the NJROTC program. The uniform must be worn no less than one day per week (usually every Wednesday). The detailed uniformed policy may be found in SECTION C of this handbook and supplemented by the SNSI/NSI as required.

6. CADET RECORDS

Each cadet is responsible for the completion and maintenance of his/her administrative paperwork. The Administrative Officer has overall responsibility for the secure storage and maintenance of the service record folders. At a minimum, the cadet record must include up to date: Health Risk Screening form, Pre-participation IHSAA Physical form, Standard Release form. Notes and Naval Science academic work may be stowed in the service record.

7. FIELD TRIPS, DRILLS OR RIFLE MEETS AND AT-SEA CRUISES

A cornerstone of the NJROTC program is the opportunity to take numerous trips to ships, stations, museums, etc. to supplement the information that has been taught in the classroom. They are considered educational outings and are mandatory, unless excused by the SNSI or NSI. Every effort will be made to make a major field trip to a fleet concentration area to tour historical and military landmarks. With each field trip, there is paperwork and preparation that must be completed prior to leaving, including paying any required fees for transportation, meals, lodging, etc. Appearance is also extremely important for field trips. Since you will be representing the school and the NJROTC unit, it is imperative that cadets always maintain an outstanding appearance. There will be personal inspections before each trip as well as a full bag layout before an extended activity. You must pass these inspections or be left behind. Of particular importance is the appearance of haircuts and hairstyles. These must be fully regulated; no other condition is acceptable. Field trips are considered school-sponsored events. The rules, regulations, and disciplinary action guidelines contained in this student handbook apply.

Note: You must meet the deadlines for paperwork and fees. Failure to meet the deadline will result in loss of priority and reservations.

8. UNIT FUND RAISING PROJECTS

Like any other co-curricular and extra-curricular activity, WHS NJROTC has a large operating budget. Generating funds annually is required to pay for outings, transportation, and cadet items. This is accomplished through fundraisers and service projects. It is imperative that you participate in fundraising activities as a contributing member and an effort in fundraising is required for all promotion opportunities—you must help the team.

9. APPEARANCE AND GROOMING STANDARDS

The wearing of the NJROTC uniform should be a matter of personal pride. We ‘dress for success’ in the prescribed uniform every Wednesday or when then SNSI/ NSI directs. Wearing the uniform develops “Esprit de Corps” (morale, team spirit and cohesiveness). Uniform and grooming standards are covered in your Cadet Field Manual.

10. GRADING CRITERIA

Historically, if you maintain a positive attitude and follow the rules, you will earn a significantly higher grade than a cadet who has a poor or negative attitude. If you experience a significant drop in your grade, it is likely due to not wearing the uniform, a poor attitude during drill, PT, and/or failure to do the academic work. Report card grades are based on:

a. Uniform Personnel Inspections

You will be inspected in your uniform on a weekly basis. A grade is assessed for proper grooming and appearance of the uniform using competition scoresheets.

b. Academic Test/Quiz Grades

You will be given a written test after each unit of study or at the discretion of the SNSI or NSI. Other academic assignments will be made at the discretion of the SNSI/NSI.

c. Physical Education Grade

Will be graded for uniform compliance and level of activity. If you do the best, you can and wear the prescribed PT gear you will do fine. Every academic semester, you will undergo a Physical Readiness Test (PRT) in order to qualify for the PT ribbon and to measure your physical readiness. These scores are also used to determine eligibility to various area leadership camps.

d. Merit bonus points

May be awarded at the discretion of the SNSI/NSI at any time. SO, KNOW THE REQUIRED MATERIAL.

11. Your performance will be assessed on four weighted areas and based on a standard grade-scale of 100% points total using NJROTC rubrics for Academics, Aptitude (Personnel Inspections & Drill), Physical Training.

a. Academic Grade: 40% of the total grade.

b. Aptitude (Drill & UPI): 30% of the total grade.

c. Physical Training (PT) grade: 30% of the total grade.

12. RECRUITING

If/when you talk with other students about the NJROTC program, be honest about what the program means to you. If you have a friend interested in enrolling in the program, introduce him/her to the SNSI or NSI. Should two of your friends enroll in NJROTC, you will earn a Recruiting Ribbon and points toward becoming a Cadet-of-the-Month or Cadet-of-the-Quarter.

13. ESSENTIAL EVENTS

Every cadet is important to the unit and team. During the school year there are various events in which it is mandatory for you to participate. You will receive a grade for these events—unexcused absence from essential events will result in a ZERO grade. These functions are classified as “essential” which means that you must be present for the entire event unless excused by the SNSI/NSI. Your absence is not excused unless you present a note from your parent/guardian or doctor. The events designated ‘essential’ are:

a. Area Three Annual Military Inspection (AMI)

AMI is normally scheduled by the Navy from January-April timeframe for inspection by the Area Manager. All cadets are required to participate in some capacity such as the staff briefing, administration, supply, color-guard, armed exhibition, and personnel inspection.

b. Veterans Day Parade (When scheduled by city officials)

This parade is held in downtown Washington or other nearby cities on or about Veterans Day.

c. Christmas Day Parade

This parade is held annually in Washington during the December time frame.

d. End-of-Year Awards Banquet

This is normally held in May to recognize deserving cadets.

e. Hosted Drill Meet

Operational schedules permitting, this competitive meet is held annually with other regional Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard schools in drill, academic and rifle events.

f. Various drill, air rifle, academic, postal teams and field meet competitions

As scheduled and designated ‘essential’ by the SNSI/NSI.

NOTE: If you sign-up for an event, you are expected to fulfill your commitment by showing up. Therefore, it becomes an essential event. If you are a ‘no-show’ without prior communication with the SNSI/NSI, expect repercussions for your inaction like, demotion, extra instruction, ineligibility for extra-curricular activities and promotion. DO NOT LET THE TEAM DOWN!

14. Advancing in Rank

First year cadets are automatically advanced to the rank of E-3 after requirements have been met. For promotions between E-4 and E-6, Cadets must pass a written advancement exam. A score of 100% is required to advance. The criteria for promotion are detailed in Section D.

SECTION C

UNIFORM REGULATIONS AND POLICY

1. RESPONSIBILITY

Each cadet will be issued a complete set of NJROTC uniforms listed on sub-custody signature cards of the cadet and signed by the parents/guardian. A uniform custody card will be provided when uniforms are issued. Commercial alterations to ensure proper fit may be done at unit expense. Items that are lost or destroyed through negligence or failure to turn-in the items upon withdrawal/graduation must be replaced. Payment/restitution must be made to the United States Treasury via the unit. Failure to clear obligations may result in small-claims court action, the withholding of your report card and/or graduation diploma until the obligations have been met.

2. CLEANING AND PRESSING

All uniforms will be kept cleaned and pressed. There are no excuses for not wearing the uniform on the prescribed day…repeat THERE ARE NO EXCUSES. If you foresee that you will not be able to wear the uniform on prescribed days, let the SNSI/NSI know PRIOR TO UNIFORM DAY.

3. PROPER WEARING OF THE UNIFORM

The uniform is to be worn with all earned ribbons and insignias properly attached (as appropriate). All weather coats and relaxed fit black jackets are the only authorized clothing to be worn with NJROTC uniforms. Seasonal uniform combinations and regulations are set forth in the Cadet Field Manual.

a. Khaki Poly/Wool uniforms (aka Navy Service Uniform (NSU)) shall be worn year-round per the Cadet Field Manual and guidelines published by the SNSI.

b. Cadets will receive shoes as part of the uniform issue. They may be replaced at the discretion of the SNSI, NSI, or Cadet Supply Officer and only for normal wear and tear, or sizing.

4. RIBBONS AND NAME TAGS

Ribbons and name tags are an official part of the NJROTC uniform and will be worn with the uniform as prescribed. Authorized NJROTC ribbons and those authorized by the SNSI/NSI will be worn in the order of precedence as set forth in the Cadet Field Manual. For the male uniform, the bottom row of ribbons will be ¼ inch above the left breast pocket seam. The name tag will be worn ¼ inch above the right breast pocket seam, or even with the bottom row of ribbons. For the female uniform, the bottom of the row of ribbons will be 6 ¼ inches down from the left shoulder seam of the over-blouse. The name tag will be worn 6 ¼ inches down from the right shoulder seam of the over-blouse.

5. UNIFORM AND GENERAL NAVY TERMINOLOGY

a. Gig Line

A vertical line on the uniform formed by the edge of the shirt at the buttons, the edge of the buckle, and the edge of the fly on the trouser or slacks.

b. Irish Pennant (‘IP’)

Piece of thread or unraveled cloth, which sticks out from the buttons, buttonholes, rips, seams, etc. They should be trimmed off by scissors. DO NOT PULL them since they will unravel the cloth and cause further damage.

c. Smiles

The wrinkles or creases around the edges of the cap cover (crown). The cover should be stretched tightly and/or cap frame metal strip extended to take up the slack (wrinkles) in the cap cover.

d. Cover

A hat or headgear.

e. Geedunk

Candy, snacks.

f. Gouge

Information from an unofficial source.

g. Scuttlebutt

Rumors or drinking fountain.

h. Head

Restroom/bathroom or lavatory.

6. MEDALS

Medals are part of the NJROTC uniform and may be worn for inspections, parades, civic functions, open houses, etc. Medals will be worn on the left breast pocket ¼ inch below the ribbons. The maximum number of medals in a row is three.

7. COLLAR DEVICES

Collar devices are an official part of the NJROTC uniform and will always be worn with whatever uniform is proscribed. Collar devices depict rank and the NJROTC bar will be worn on the left collar point or coat lapel as set forth in the Cadet Field Manual. (1-7/8 inch from the collar point to the middle of the device).

8. JEWELRY

a. Tie Pins

Shall be a plain brass/gold bar for all cadets. EXTREME PIERCING OR HAIRCOLORS ARE STRICTLY PROHIBITED.

b. Earrings

May be worn by FEMALE Cadets ONLY! They shall be of the small ball (post or screw on) type only. Only gold or brass ball type earrings may be worn, one earring in each car lobe.

c. Watches/Bracelets/Rings

Watches, bracelets, and rings are permitted to be worn while in uniform. Rubber/plastic bracelets for legitimate charities or worthy causes (e.g., cancer, memoriam) are authorized.

9. COLD WEATHER ACCESSORIES

During cold weather, the following may be worn with the uniform

a. Gloves

plain black leather.

b. Scarves

black and worn with the All-Weather Coat or Utility Jacket.

c. Earmuffs

They shall be plain Navy blue or black.

d. Loose fit jacket or foul weather coat

e. Watch-cap

shall be standard Navy issue.

10. UNIFORM DAY ROUTINE

Full uniforms (cover included) will be worn to and from school. The cadet must remain in full uniform (except cover) while in school. Exceptions may be granted ONLY with prior approval by the SNSI/NSI on a case-by-case basis. If your uniform is torn, soiled or becomes otherwise un-presentable during the school day, you must get permission to ‘dress-out’ by the SNSI or NSI—no exceptions.

SECTION D

ADVANCEMENT

1. GENERAL

Advancement in rank is based on time in grade and on demonstrated performance. All entrants in NJROTC Freshman or subsequent years shall start at the Seaman Recruit rank and progress in accordance with the below guidelines. Special exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis by the SNSI/NSI and based on their assessment of their leadership potential, academic standing, grade level and physical fitness. Cadets are appointed to an officer billet by the SNSI with input from the NSI. The program instructors and staff consider the candidates NJROTC overall performance, academic record, attitude, leadership ability, to rate the individual on how well he/she can work as a team member or leader. The selection to the billet of Commanding Officer (Company Commander) and Executive Officer is a great honor. This selection is determined by the SNSI after careful deliberation and discussion with the NSI and senior staff-members. If for any reason any cadet can no longer perform his or her duties and losses the trust of the SNSI, the cadet may be removed from the billet. The SNSI shall notify the WHS Principal via letter, regarding those cadets placed on program probation and/or those cadets recommended for disenrollment per (CNETINST 1533.9 series).

2. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR ADVANCEMENTS ARE

NOTE: These requirements may be waived or amended by the SNSI/NSI and Staff

a. Automatic advancement to E-2 and E-3 after a defined period of time.

b. Advancement between E-4 and E-6 based on passing a written advancement exam.

c. Advancement to E-7 and above based on SNSI/NSI discretion and Cadet Staff position assigned.

SECTION E

RULES OF CONDUCT FOR NJROTC

1. GENERAL

We will always keep NJROTC spaces clean and ready to receive visitors. Gear adrift shall be put in the Lost and Foul locker. Items not claimed over 30 days will be donated to charity. Cadets shall follow the prescribed rules of conduct and related procedures.

2. CLASSROOM

a. At the beginning of class, the Class Leader will read off the roster of all cadet names in his/her class (roll call). When you hear your name, you shall respond “Here sir/ ma’am!” in an audible and distinct voice. The Class Leader will report attendance immediately to the instructor. The Class Leader will then conduct daily exercises. The number of exercises is at the discretion of the Class Leader but will be a minimum of ten. The cadets will return to their ATTENTION position. The Class Leader will read the admin items/notes from the SNSI/NSI posted on the front board. The class is to remain at attention while conducting business or at the order of the Class Leader (e.g., AT EASE, PARADE REST, etc.) The Class Leader will return the cadets to “SEATS!” when ready to turn-over the class to the SNSI/NSI. The cadets will respond with a hardy ‘Aye, Aye, Sir / Ma’am’.

b. During class, each cadet will pay strict attention to what is being said and respect other persons who are speaking BY NOT INTERUPTING or DISRUPTING THE CLASS. Always raise your hand to speak or to ask a question. Comments/questions should relate to the current issue/topic.

c. You must ask permission to leave your seat. Do not move around the classroom unless specifically cleared to do so by the instructor or Class Leader.

d. Take comfort/restroom breaks BEFORE your class period. Do not request to go to the head unless it is an emergency.

e. NEVER leave the classroom without SNSI or NSI permission.

SECTION F

DISCIPLINE RULES AND REGULATIONS

1. GENERAL

a. NJROTC unit discipline is different from that in the regular classrooms. Strict adherence to classroom instructions and rules contribute to the GOOD ORDER AND DISCIPLINE of the unit and are non-negotiable. All school rules and discipline policies apply. You may be subject to both school and NJROTC disciplinary actions at the discretion of the SNSI/NSI.

b. ACTIONS HAVE CONSEQUENCES.

Unexcused absences will be treated as ‘Unauthorized Absences (UA)’ by NJROTC and the cadet will forfeit graded opportunities which were accessed during the period of the UA. For example, missing an academic exam, uniform day, or unit PT when the cadet is ruled as ‘Unexcused Absence’ by the school in the Harmony database will result in a zero grade. Make-ups or exceptions may be made by the SNSI/NSI and on a case-by-case basis.

c. One of the special benefits of the NJROTC Program is the leadership training that permits cadets in leadership roles to provide extra training for fellow cadets should a class or cadet exhibit a failure to maintain military bearing (e.g., courtesy, respect, etc.) and disrupt the class/platoon or unit. However, CADETS DO NOT DISCIPLINE CADETS—EVER, NO EXCEPTIONS. Discipline infractions shall be brought to the attention of the SNSI or NSI immediately for action.

d. The NJROTC Program is based on disciplined adherence to rules and regulations. By requiring strict adherence to the rules, the program runs smoother and more efficiently.

e. Discipline is intended to be instructive and to help you understand the rules. Generally, warnings are given to new cadets first. If the cadet corrects the problem as suggested, the incident is over. If the cadet ignores the warning, disciplinary measures will be taken.

f. Cadets lying, cheating, or stealing may suffer IMMEDIATE consequences.

g. On prescribed uniform days or anytime in uniform, male or female cadets wearing earrings, facial or bizarre body piercings, ear lobe extenders, extreme hair styles/colors, etc. to class and refuses to or is unable to remove them will be ineligible for promotion, ribbons, etc., and will be placed in a “NPC” status (non-participating cadet) for openly violating NJROTC rules and regulations. The cadet may be removed from the class to preserve unit integrity.

h. Parents will be informed of persistent problems per school guidelines; the NJROTC program relies on cadets to demonstrate responsibility, maturity, and expects self-discipline following and leading others.

i. The following will not be tolerated within the classroom and are not limited to:

i. Failure to bring required materials to class

ii. Failure to meet due dates

iii. Tardiness

iv. Leaving gear adrift

v. Signing up for an event or activity and not showing up

vi. Disrespect to a cadet or instructor

vii. Public displays of affection

viii. Disruption of class or on the drill field

ix. Expression of disloyalty

2. MAJOR CONDUCT INFRACTIONS

In the event of a major conduct infraction, school policy will take precedence and be enforced, to include possible probation or expulsion from the NJROTC program.

a. Disrespect to instructors, teachers, administrative staff, and school staff.

b. Smoking or chewing tobacco

c. Fighting

d. Defacing government or school property

e. Repeated minor offenses

f. Profanity

Note: school rules require that a teacher or instructor witness the profanity.

g. Any infractions deemed major by the SNSI/NSI.

h. Not following the instructions of the SNSI or NSI.

i. Lying, cheating, or stealing.

Violation of the CADET HONOR CODE may result in expulsion from the unit.

j. School Offenses or Civilian Authority Offenses that brings discredit to the unit

Cadets who violate any school policies or rules (in or out of school) or Civilian Authority Laws that brings discredit to this unit will result in the cadet being placed on probation or expulsion from the unit.

k. Probation

Cadets placed on probation shall receive a formal letter stating the terms.

l. Suspension

Cadets suspended from school are ineligible for the Exemplary Conduct Ribbon given at the end of the year. Cadets will also be placed on probation status for three (3) months, and all awards or promotions will be withheld or suspended until the cadet returns him/herself to good standing.

SECTION G

STANDING POLICIES

1. INSTRUCTOR/CADET RELATIONS

a. Cadets or parents shall not call or visit instructors at home without invitation except for emergencies or vitally urgent NJROTC business. PLEASE conduct all business during normal school business hours.

b. In the best interests of both instructors and the cadets, doors shall remain open for all mixed- gender counseling and business. The instructor will make every reasonable effort to have another cadet present when dealing with any female cadet. A male instructor shall not transport individual female cadets under any circ*mstances.

c. Should a cadet require transport by an instructor, the last cadet to be dropped off must be of the same gender.

d. Cadets may be transported by the SNSI/NSI unless parents’ object. Those parents will be responsible to transport their children to and from events.

2. NJROTC CLASSROOM AND OFFICE ENTRY PROCEDURES

a. The NJROTC office space will always be run in a business-like manner. It will be limited to NJROTC business only.

b. Entry into the instructor office procedures will be formal and done with permission only. Cadets will knock on the door three times and request permission to enter the classroom once class has commenced.

c. If you eat food in the classroom, homeroom, or lunch, you are responsible to clean up after yourself.

d. Conduct all business at the SNSI/NSI office window unless otherwise directed. Turn all paperwork into the ‘ALL CADET PAPERWORK HERE’ bin to the right of the instructor’s office.

e. Do your part to make sure the spaces are kept clean.

f. Cadets must get permission to use the phones or copier.

3. TEST / RETEST POLICY

a. The SNSI or NSI may permit retesting of material at their discretion but should be reserved for those cadets with Individual Education Plans (IEP) or documented learning disabilities.

b. For the Physical Readiness Test (PRT) or Cadet Knowledge Exam, the cadet may take the exams or portions therein multiple times. The highest score will be recorded.

4. PHYSICAL FITNESS STANDARDS

a. Cadets are subject to the requirements of the host school concerning participation in physical activities. Cadets should provide a sports physical examination conducted by a licensed medical provider and a completed Cadet Health Risk Screening Questionnaire Form (NSTC 5761/113), Health Risk Screening Questionnaire, both dated no earlier than 12 months prior to the event.

b. The Health Risk Screening Questionnaire Form (NSTC 5761/113) must be signed by both the cadet and the cadet’s parent/guardian. If the cadet answers “yes” to any of the questions, the bottom of the form must be completed and signed by a licensed medical practitioner conducting the physical examination. Any cadet failing to submit the Questionnaire should not be allowed to participate in program-sponsored events.

c. Prior to participating in NJROTC events, all cadets shall be asked about their general health since completing the health questionnaire and undergoing their preparticipation IHSAA sports physical examination. Instructors should not allow cadets recovering from a recent illness or reporting a change in health or risk factors not indicated on their Risk Factor Screening Questionnaire to participate in arduous events until examined by a medical practitioner.

5. UNIFORM PERSONNEL INSPECTION (UPI) AND MILITARY CONDUCT

a. UPI’s are given on the prescribed day and are worth a maximum of 100 points. Results will be recorded on the UPI Worksheet and on the UNI-BOARD. Extra-credit may be given at the direction of the SNSI/NSI.

b. UPI discrepancies will be deducted per the worksheet. Uniform bonus, for exemplary appearance or correct answers to merit questions in the form of Chain of Command, Academic, and Orders to the Sentry knowledge will be added.

c. Cadets who do not wear their uniform will have the full 100 points deducted. No merit questions apply.

d. Cadets who are reported to have not worn their uniform for the full academic day without SNSI/NSI permission to dress-out will receive a 75% grade.

e. Class Leaders or Uniform Personnel Inspectors shall document the uniform grades using the WHS NJROTC Personnel Inspection Form. Class Leaders shall enter the grade in the grade book and post the appropriate widget on the UNIBOARD located on the wall. The following widgets shall be used:

i. GREEN

Satisfactory completion of personnel inspection.

ii. RED

Unsatisfactory uniform/grooming appearance, failure to wear the uniform, or unexcused absence.

iii. YELLOW

Excused Absence/Uniform being tailored

Note: Remember, this is a uniformed program. By virtue of you signing up for this course, you agree to abide by the rules. If you expect to enjoy the benefits of NJROTC, expect to share in the responsibilities of becoming a squared-away cadet.

SECTION H

1. DAILY CLASS SCHEDULE

Monday: Academics

Tuesday: Academics

Wednesday: Academics

Thursday: UPI (Uniform Personnel Inspection)/Drill

Friday: Physical Training

2. EXTRA-CURRICULAR SCHEDULE

Note: Extra-curricular schedules are subject to change. Changes noted on the classroom

White board take precedence. Practices will normally take place topside of the Hatchet House gymnasium, outdoors or another site designated/scheduled by the team coach. Air Rifle practice is held at the WHS NJROTC Rifle Range.

SECTION I

CADET KNOWLEDGE

1. ORDERS TO THE SENTRY

a. Take charge of this post and all government property in view.

b. Walk my post in a military manner, keeping always on the alert, and observing everything that takes place within sight or hearing.

c. Report all violations of orders I am instructed to enforce.

d. Repeat all calls from any post more distant from the guard house (quarterdeck) than my own.

e. Quit my post only when properly relieved.

f. Receive, obey, and pass on to the sentry who relieves me, all orders from the Commanding Officer, Command Duty Officer, Officer of the Deck, and Officers and Petty Officers of the Watch only.

g. Talk to no one except in the line of duty.

h. Give the alarm in case of fire or disorder.

i. Call the Officer of the Deck in any case not covered by instructions.

j. Salute all officers and all colors and standards not cased.

k. Be especially watchful at night, and during the time for challenging, challenge all persons on or near my post, and allow no one to pass without proper authority.

Note: cadets will sound off in a loud, clear voice when asked to recite a particular order. For example:

“CADET, WHAT IS THE FIFTH ORDER OF THE SENTRY?”

“SIR/MA’AM, THE 5TH ORDER OF THE SENTRY IS—QUIT MY POST ONLY WHEN PROPERLY RELIEVED, SIR/MA’AM.”

2. MILITARY TIME PHONETIC ALPHABET

Visit https://sites.google.com/wcs.k12.in.us/whs-navy-jrotc/home

YOUTH FIRST

Youth First exists to transform and strengthen the lives of young people and their families. We are the only organization that provides Master level social workers in area schools and prevention programs for families and youths. On-site, free of charge, behavioral health services, programs to prevent substance abuse, improve family relationships and develop life skills. Youth First’s mission is to strengthen youth and families through evidence-based programs that prevent substance abuse, promote healthy behaviors, and maximize student success. Youth First provides a variety of programs to support students along with their families.

HOTLINE NUMBERS

National Suicide Prevention- 1-800-273-8255

National Teen Dating Abuse- 1-866-331-9474

Crisis Call Center- 1-800-273-8255 or text CARE to 839863

LOCAL NUMBERS

Pregnancy Care Center: 812-257-1041

Pace Health Connection: 812-254-6936

Daviess County Health Department: 812-254-8666

Powerhouse: 812-254-7693

Washington Police Department: 812-254-4410

Daviess County Sheriff’s Department: 812-687-7200

Child Protective Services: 812-254-0024

NOTIFICATION OF AVAILABILITY OF ASBESTOS MANAGEMENT PLAN

The 1987 Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) required asbestos inspections of all public and private schools (K-12 grades).To ensure that the identified asbestos containing materials are maintained in a safe condition, AHERA also requires that the asbestos materials be checked every 6 months by trained school personnel and by an IDEM accredited inspector every three years.

The Management Plan for all the schools in the school corporation is available for your viewing in the Superintendent’s Office. It may be copied at a nominal fee of 15 cents per page, by notifying the office.

PEST CONTROL POLICY

Washington Community Schools is committed to providing students a safe environment. It seeks to prevent children from being exposed to pests and pesticides. While pesticides protect children from pests that may be found in the school and its surrounding grounds, under some circ*mstances they may pose a hazard to children. Therefore, pest control practices may involve a variety of chemical and non-chemical methods that are designed to control pests effectively while minimizing potential pesticide exposure.

The Corporation will:

A. annually inform parents and staff members of the Corporation’s pest control policy at the time of student registration by a separate memorandum or as a provision in the staff and/or student handbook;

B. provide the name and phone number of the person to contact for information regarding pest control;

C. maintain a registry of parents, guardians, and staff members who want to receive advance notice of all pesticide use, and, provide such notice at the start of each school year and during the school year when a student enrolls in or transfers into a school;

The Corporation's notice at the start of each school year shall invite parents, guardians, and staff members to be added to the pesticide notification list, and the Corporation shall permit a person to be added to the registry at any time upon their request.

D. provide notice of planned pesticide applications to parents and employees who have requested advance notice;

E. maintain written/printed/electronic records for two (2) years of any pesticide applications, and make these records available to anyone for inspection and copying upon request.

The Corporation will provide notice to those in the registry at least forty-eight (48) hours prior to the date and time the pesticide application is to occur unless an emergency is declared. The notice will include the date and time of the pesticide application, the general area where the pesticide is to be applied and the telephone number to contact for more information.

In case of emergency pesticide applications, because of immediate threat to the public health, the school shall give written notice as soon as possible.

The Corporation may provide for training of school employees to become certified pest control applicators. Financial support for such training may be provided by the Corporation subject to budgetary constraints of the Corporation.

Indoor Air Quality Coordinator

Indoor Air Quality Coordinators serve as the lead contact point for indoor air quality concerns and can identify IAQ issues and help eliminate their sources before any complaints have been made to the school (or state). The Washington Community Schools Indoor Air Quality Coordinator is Graham Giesler. He can be reached at 812-254-5536.