INTRODUCTION - Huntsville City Schools



2012 – 2013

HUNTSVILLE CITY SCHOOLS

OFFICIAL

STUDENT-PARENT

HANDBOOK

BOARD MEMBERS

Laurie McCaulley, President – District 1

David Blair, Vice-President – District 2

Jennie Robinson, Ph.D. – District 3

Topper Birney – District 4

Alta Morrison – District 5

ADMINISTRATION

E. Casey Wardynski, Ph.D.

Superintendent

Barbara J. Cooper, Ph.D.

Deputy Superintendent

Discrimination on the basis of sex, race, age, religious belief, disability, national origin, or ethnic group shall be prohibited in all educational programs and activities of the Huntsville City Schools. Huntsville City Schools’ Compliance Coordinator is Ms. Edith Pickens, 200 White Street, Huntsville, Alabama. Telephone 256-428-6970.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

Introduction i

Code of Ethics for Parents/Educators 1

Schools/Facilities Directory 2

School Calendar/Report Card Schedule 3-4

General Information 5-8

Assignment of Students (pg. 5) School Closings (pg. 5)

Cafeteria (pg. 5) School Hours (pg. 5)

Due Process (pg. 6) School Visitors (pg. 5)

Extended Day Care (pg. 5) Sexual Harassment (pg. 8)

Field Trips (pg. 7) Student Harassment (pg. 8)

Parent Concerns (pg. 7) Student Transfers (pg. 6)

Counseling and Guidance Services (pg. 6) Textbooks (pg. 6)

Identification Cards (pg. 8) Work Permits (pg. 6)

Reporting Abuse/Neglect (pg. 8) Youth Services Program (pg. 8)

Registration Information 9

Attendance 10-12

Early Warning Program/Attendance Laws (pg. 12)

Student Absences (pg. 10)

Student Attendance Standards for Driver’s License/High School Credit (pg. 11)

Rights and Responsibilities 13-20

Alcohol/Drug Use (pg. 18)

Assigned/Owned Possessions (pg. 13) Petition (pg. 13)

Bomb Threats (pg. 18) Religion (pg. 13)

Clubs and Organizations (pg. 17) Search and Seizure (pg. 18)

Directory Information (pg. 16) Smoking (pg. 18)

Dress Code Guidelines (pg. 14) Trespassing (pg. 14)

Expression (pg. 13) Unannounced Drug Detection Visits (pg. 18)

FERPA (pg. 15) Vehicle Registration/Parking (pg. 17)

Medication/Health (pg. 19-20) Weapons (pg.17)

Patriotism (pg. 13)

Curriculum/Instruction………………………………………………………...…….. . 21-23 High School Exams (pg. 22) Participation in Graduation (pg. 22)

Homework (pg. 23) Private Tutoring (pg. 22)

Internet (pg. 22) Promotion (pg. 22)

Make Up Work (pg. 23) Response to Intervention (RtI) (pg. 23)

Credit Recovery (pg. 23) Statewide Testing Program (pg. 22)

Academic Eligibility for Extracurricular Activities ................................................ 24

Special Education Services/Section 504 ................................................................ 25

Student Conduct on School Buses/Transportation Exception.......................... 26-27

Electronic Devices/Cell Phones/Normal Progress…………………………………… 28

Appendix.………………………........................................................................ …. 1A-24A

INTRODUCTION

Education is a partnership between the student, the parent, and the school – a partnership to provide quality education in a positive and supportive environment. For the Huntsville City Schools to be successful, your cooperation and support are needed. Parents, please take time to review and discuss the items in this handbook with your children who are enrolled in the school system. If you have questions regarding any item(s) now or as the year progresses, please contact the principal of your child’s school. We want to work with you to resolve any question or concern. Our policies and procedures are written to benefit the students.

The purpose of this Student Handbook is to inform

students and parents of some of the policies and procedures adopted

by the Huntsville City Board of Education.

AFTER YOU HAVE REVIEWED THE HANDBOOK, PLEASE DETACH, SIGN, AND RETURN THE LAST PAGE. YOUR SIGNATURE ASSURES THE SCHOOL THAT YOU HAVE RECEIVED, READ, AND DISCUSSED THE HANDBOOK WITH YOUR CHILD. WE LOOK FORWARD TO HAVING A PRODUCTIVE AND REWARDING YEAR.

-i-

Code of Ethics for Parents

As a parent of a student in the Huntsville City School System, an individual is expected to maintain personal dignity in his/her relations with the child, the child’s teachers, and all other employees of the school board. The parent should recognize the worth and dignity of each individual and recognize the supreme importance of the pursuit of truth, of devotion to excellence, and of the nurturing of democratic citizenship.

The parent should obey local, state, and national laws and should hold himself/herself to high ethical and moral standards. He/She should be loyal to his/her country and to the causes of liberty and democracy. He/She should be supportive of the local Board of Education and its employees who act in the public trust. This support should involve participation in the provision and maintenance of a high quality instructional atmosphere in each of the city schools.

Recognizing the significance of parental support to quality education, the parent should constantly strive to maintain communication and cooperation between himself/herself and the personnel of the school system in all matters that affect the student. By this action a parent will show a respectful attitude toward and appreciation for the need for education in today’s society.

Section 16-28-12

Requires that any parent/guardian who enrolls a student in school assume the responsibility for the student’s regular attendance and proper conduct.

Section 16-1-14

Any local school board may remove, isolate, or separate pupils who create disciplinary problems in any classroom or other school activities and whose presence in the class may be detrimental to the best interest and welfare of the class.

Code of Ethics for Educators

The Alabama Education Code of Ethics defines the professional behavior of educators and serves as a guide to ethical conduct. Professional Educators employed by the Huntsville City Board of Education shall strive to follow the guidelines of the Alabama Educator Code of Ethics as published and amended by the State of Alabama Department of Education from time to time.

*Note: The complete Alabama Educator Code of Ethics can be found in the Huntsville City Schools policy manual.

School/Center Directory

Academy for Academics and Arts 2800 Poplar Avenue 428-7600

Academy for Science & Foreign Language 3221 Mastin Lake Road 428-7000

Blossomwood Elementary 1321 Woodmont Avenue 428-7020

Butler High 3401 Holmes Avenue 428-7950

Chaffee Elementary 7900 Whittier Road 428-7040

Challenger Elementary 13555 Chaney Thompson Road 428-7060

Challenger Middle 13555 Chaney Thompson Road 428-7620

Chapman Schools 2006 Reuben Drive 428-7640

Columbia High 300 Explorer Boulevard 428-7576

Davis Hills Middle 3221 Mastin Lake Road 428-7660

Dawson Elementary 5308 Mastin Lake Road 428-7500

Ed White Middle 4800 Sparkman Drive 428-7680

Farley Elementary 2900 Green Cove Road 428-7160

Goldsmith-Schiffman Elementary 1210 Taylor Road 428-7150

Grissom High 7901 Bailey Cove Road 428-8000

Hampton Cove Elementary 261 Old 431 Highway 428-7180

Hampton Cove Middle 261 Old 431 Highway 428-8380

Highlands Elementary 2500 Barney Avenue 428-7200

Huntsville High 2304 Billie Watkins 428-8050

Huntsville Middle 817 Adams Street 428-7700

Johnson High 6201 Pueblo Drive 428-8100

Jones Valley Elementary 4908 Garth Road 428-7220

Lakewood Elementary 3501 Kenwood Drive 428-7240

Lee High 2500 Meridian Street 428-8150

Martin Luther King, Jr Elementary 3112 Meridian Street 428-7100

McDonnell Elementary 4010 Binderton Place 428-7280

Monte Sano Elementary 1107 Monte Sano Boulevard 428-7300

Montview Elementary 2600 Garvin Road 428-7320

Morris Elementary 4801 Bob Wallace Avenue 428-7340

Mountain Gap P – 8 821 Mountain Gap Road 428-7720

New Century Technology High 2500 Meridian Street 428-7800

Providence P – 8 10 Chalk Stone Street 428-7125

Ridgecrest Elementary 3505 Cerro Vista Drive 428-7380

Rolling Hills Elementary 2901 Hilltop Terrace 428-7400

University Place Elementary 4503 University Drive 428-7440

Weatherly Heights Elementary 1307 Canstatt Drive 428-7460

Westlawn Middle 4217 Ninth Avenue 428-7760

Whitesburg P – 8 107 Sanders Road 428-7780

Williams Elementary 155 Barren Fork Road 428-7540

Williams Middle 155-A Barren Fork Road 428-7330

Instructional Television 706 Read Drive 428-7860

Environmental Education Center 1107 Monte Sano Boulevard 428-7307

Huntsville Center for Technology 2800 Drake Avenue 428-7810

MERTS ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES 200 White Street 428-6800

HUNTSVILLE CITY SCHOOLS

CALENDAR 2012 – 2013

August 10th (Friday) Teacher Work Day

August 13th (Monday) Teacher Institute

August 14th-17th (Tues.-Fri.) Teacher In-Service

August 20th (Monday) First Student Attendance Day

September 3rd (Monday) Labor Day Holiday

November 12th (Monday) Veteran's Day Holiday

November 21st-23rd (Wed.-Fri.) Thanksgiving Holidays

Winter Break for Students: December 24th – January 2nd

Winter Break for Teachers: December 24th – January 2nd

January 3rd (Thursday) School Reopens Full Day Students &Teachers

January 21st (Monday) Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday

Spring Break: March 25 – March 29

May 23rd (Thursday) Last Student Day (Full Day Teachers/Students)

May 24th (Friday) Teacher Work Day

May 23th & 24th (Thursday & Friday) Graduation

May 28, 29, 30, 31 (Tues.-Fri.) Weather Makeup Days (if needed)

85 Days ( 1st Semester

95 Days ( 2nd Semester

180 - Student Days

187 - Teacher Days

*There are no weather days included in this calendar.

If days are lost due to weather, the calendar will be extended accordingly.

HUNTSVILLE CITY SCHOOLS

Division of Pupil Services

Report Card Schedule

2012-2013

|NINE WEEK PERIODS |

|BEGINS |ENDS |STUDENT DAYS | |

|August 20 |October 17 (Wed.) |42 | |

|October 18 |December 21 (Fri.) |43 | |

|January 3 |March 11 (Wed.) |47 | |

|March 12 |May 23 (Thurs.) |48 | |

|Central Office Closing Dates |

|July 4-6, 2012 | Independence Day |

|Sept. 3, 2012 | Labor Day |

|Nov. 12, 2012 | Veterans’ Day |

|Nov. 21-23, 2012 | Thanksgiving Holidays |

|Dec. 24-26,2012 | Winter Holidays |

|Dec. 31, 2012 - Jan. 2, 2013 | New Year’s Holiday |

|Jan. 21, 2013 | Martin Luther King, Jr. Day |

|March 29, 2013 | Spring Holidays |

|May 27, 2013 | Memorial Day |

SCHOOL OFFICE

Hours of Operation

7:45 a.m. – 3:45 p.m.

ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE – 428-6800

Annie C. Merts Center, 200 White Street, 35801

Hours of Operation

8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

ADMINISTRATIVE ANNEX

714 Bob Wallace Avenue

GENERAL INFORMATION

SCHOOL HOURS

The school building will not be open before 7:30 a.m. Please do not send your child to school before this time as there are no certified personnel on duty. Class begins at 8:00 a.m. Elementary students must leave the premises at 2:30 p.m. Students participating in the after-school Extended Day Care Program must report directly to assigned rooms at 2:30 p.m. Middle school students must leave the premises at 3:00 p.m. High school students are required to leave campus at 3:15 p.m. Magnet school hours vary. Students enrolled should inquire and adhere to the designated times.

SCHOOL CLOSINGS

The Superintendent will close schools when weather or other conditions are too hazardous for safe operation. Parents will be notified of emergencies via Parent Notification System. News media will be notified by 6:30 a.m. unless extreme weather conditions occur during the school day.

EXTENDED DAY

Parents may choose to pay for students in Pre-K through 5th grade to enroll in the Extended Day program located with participating schools. Students in grades 6-8 are accepted only at certain designated programs. The program operates Monday – Friday from 2:30 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. Full-time services are offered during Spring Break and Summer Break. For application or more information about current tuition rates, please contact the Lead Teacher at your selected site. For further information, call 256-428-6933 or visit us on line at hsv.k12.al.us/dept/merts/extendedday.

CAFETERIA

Students may purchase hot meals for both breakfast and lunch.

SCHOOL VISITORS

For the protection of the students and the school employees, all schools have a closed campus policy. Parents and all persons visiting a school for any purpose are required to go to the principal’s office immediately upon entering the building to report their presence and business.

ASSIGNMENT OF STUDENTS

Students must attend the school in the zone in which the legal residence of the parent(s) or person(s) who has legal custody of the pupil is located, unless otherwise assigned by the Superintendent. All other students must make application for assignment through the Office of Pupil Services. Application for percentage of race transfers must be made prior to July 1.

IF IT IS DETERMINED THAT A STUDENT IS OUT–OF–ZONE THROUGH FALSIFIED INFORMATION, THE STUDENT WILL BE ASKED TO RELOCATE TO THE CORRECT SCHOOL IMMEDIATELY.

ASSIGNMENT OF STUDENTS (continued)

Students whose parents move into another school zone within the Huntsville City School System during the school year may elect to complete the semester in the school they have been attending or adjust to the school serving their new residential area. Students whose parents move into another school zone outside the Huntsville City School System must immediately relocate to the school serving their new residential area.

STUDENT TRANSFERS

The Board of Education assumes primary responsibility for developing and implementing a system of student transfers. The definitions and conditions will apply in the context of the policy and only application for the reasons contained in the policy will be accepted provided space is available at the requested school.

WORK PERMITS

The Alabama Child Labor Law has changed. Work permits are no longer required, however employers must obtained a certificate to employ minors under the age of 16/17. Minors age 14 or 15 must obtain an Eligibility to Work form which will be completed by a school official. The form may be obtained at each high school.

TEXTBOOKS

Textbooks furnished free of charge to students will remain the property of Huntsville City Schools. In accordance with state law, all textbooks must be returned to the teacher at the end of the school year upon promotion or transfer. The parent or guardian shall be held liable for any loss or damage of textbooks. No textbook will be re-issued to any student while debt for lost or damage textbooks is outstanding.

COUNSELING AND GUIDANCE SERVICES

The counseling and guidance program is a comprehensive, developmental K-12 plan. The program components are personal/social development (learning to live), academic development (learning to learn), and career development (learning to earn a living). Counseling and guidance are essential services in the instructional program of all the schools. The services provided serve to ensure that students have the necessary skills to make wise decisions in the three program components. All elementary, middle, and high schools offer counseling and guidance services.

DUE PROCESS

Due process is accorded an individual when the body undertaking the proceeding against the individual adequately informs the accused of the charges, gives the accused the opportunity to challenge the testimony given, and permits the presentation of information on his/her own behalf. The concept of due process stipulates that all law will be equally enforced so that all people subject to the law will be given fair play.

FIELD TRIPS

A permission form must be signed by the parent or guardian and returned to school before a student is allowed to leave the school on a student trip. All field trips must have adequate adult supervision. No student will be allowed to leave the school on a student trip without properly completed forms. The parent/guardian must sign and return a permission form to the school for trips within Huntsville City or Madison County. Trips outside of Madison County require a completed, signed, and notarized Out-of-County/Overnight Student Trip Medical Release Form. The Board is not responsible for reimbursements for money paid in advance for trips in instances where the trip is cancelled or the student does not attend. Refunds are not guaranteed in either of those instances.

If medications must be given to the student during the student trip, a School Medication Prescriber/Parent Authorization Form (available on line at the HCS website) for each prescription and over-the-counter medication must be completed. The completed School Medication Prescriber/Parent Authorization Form must be delivered to the school nurse or medication assistant four weeks prior to the trip departure date. The medication to be given must be delivered to the nurse or the medication assistant by the parent/guardian one week prior to the trip departure date.

Students who require special health procedures in the daily and/or emergency management of their specific health condition may not be excluded from participation in the student trip. The parent/guardian may accompany the student to provide medical care needed. If the parent does not attend, Health Services will determine the appropriate staff based on the student’s needs.

PARENT CONCERNS

Parent concerns and problems which may arise from time to time should be resolved at the lowest possible level. In order to resolve concerns in the most appropriate fashion in the shortest period of time possible, each concern should start at the most immediate level of administration/supervision.

1) Parents are encouraged to consult with the classroom teacher and/or guidance counselor to

resolve school related concerns about their children.

2) Arrange a meeting with the school administrator if the matter is not resolved at the

teacher/counselor level. Concerns should be submitted in writing and should be specific in terms of action desired.

3) If the matter is not resolved after utilizing the above steps, contact the appropriate

department listed below regarding the concern:

Elementary Programs (K-5th grade) 428-6975 Pupil Services 428-6890

Secondary Programs (6th-12th grade) 428-6970 Career Tech 428-7810

Transportation 428-8350 Athletics 428-6866

Special Education 428-6872

4) If parents feel that no satisfactory solution has been reached, contact the Deputy

Superintendent at 428-6826.

5) If a solution is not achieved at the Deputy Superintendent’s level, contact the Office

of the Superintendent at 428-6810.

IDENTIFICATION CARDS

ID cards may be issued to all ninth and eleventh grade students. ID cards may be required for identification at all school activities. ID cards will be surrendered at the time of withdrawal. Lending the ID card or using another’s ID card or failing to present it to an authorized school official on request is a violation of school regulations. Upon request by a school official, a student must make his/her identity known. The student must also accompany the school official to the school office, if requested. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action.

YOUTH SERVICES PROGRAM

The Youth Services Program has been established as a joint venture between the City of Huntsville and the Huntsville Board of Education to enhance community relations and to develop relationships that will create a positive interaction between students, parents, teachers, and the community. As a part of this program, School Resource Officers (SROs) are assigned to each of the Huntsville City High Schools. Questions relative to this program should be addressed to the Office of the Superintendent at 428-6810.

STUDENT HARASSMENT

It is the policy of the Huntsville City School District to maintain a learning and working environment that is free from harassment. No student shall engage in or be subjected to harassment, violence, threats of violence, or intimidation by another student through conduct or communication that is based on race, sex, religion, national origin, or disability. Students who violate this policy will be subject to disciplinary sanctions as outlined in the Code of Student Conduct.

REPORTING ABUSE/NEGLECT

Any school employee having knowledge of known or suspected child abuse/neglect shall immediately report the facts as known, either in person or by phone, to the State of Alabama Department of Human Resources, 535-4500, or the Police Department, 722-7211. The employee shall also notify the Superintendent’s Office (Pupil Services Division, 428-6890).

STUDENT SEXUAL HARASSMENT

It is the policy of the Huntsville City School District to maintain a learning and working environment that is free from sexual harassment. It shall be a violation of school policy for any member of the Huntsville City Schools staff or any student of the Huntsville City Schools to harass through conduct or communications of a sexual nature.

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

1. To determine the school zone/cluster for each child in the family, contact the school nearest your residence or contact Pupil Services at 428-6890.  Questions regarding out-of-zone enrollment should also be directed to the Office of Pupil Services.

2. Contact the appropriate elementary, middle, or high school for each child who is enrolling. The parent should provide:  Birth Certificate, Certificate of Immunization or exemption as required, Social Security Card, proof of residence (a signed lease, deed, mortgage, or letter from the property manager), and a utility or phone bill addressed to the parent or guardian at the address being established as residence.

3. The parent should provide: Certified Copy of Birth Certificate (kindergarten and first grade only), Certificate of Immunization (“Blue Card”) detailing proof of immunization, or a Certificate of Exemption issued by the Alabama Department of Health.

Required Vaccines For School/Daycare Attendance

|Name |Number of Doses |

|Diphtheria/Tetanus/Pertussis |5 doses (4 if the 4th dose was received after the 4th birthday) |

|*TDaP (Tetanus/Diphtheria/Pertussis) |1 dose at (booster) prior to entering 6th grade |

|Polio |4 doses (3 if the 3rd dose was received after the 4th birthday) |

|Measles/Mumps/Rubella |2 doses of Measles, 1 dose of Mumps, and 1 dose of Rubella |

|Varicella |1 dose (Kindergarten – 10th Grade) |

|Pneumococcal Vaccine |4 doses up to age 14 months (preschool—ages 3 and 4) |

|Hib |4 doses up to age 5 (daycare only) |

4. Immunization certificates are available from the Madison County Health Department, 301 Max Luther Drive, Huntsville, telephone 256-533-8675 and from local physicians or military clinics.

5. To enter kindergarten, students must be five years old on or before September 1 (2)**; to enter first grade, students must be six years old on or before September 1 (2)**. Students who are six years old after September 2, have successfully completed public kindergarten in another state, and have been certified to attend first grade in that state may be accepted in first grade. These students, however, will not automatically be accepted in first grade in this school system. Grade placement will be made on the basis of test scores, performance, and/or demonstrated ability.

6. According to Alabama State Department of Education resolution (12-8-88), ALL students (K-12) should have a valid social security number and card.  For each person who is otherwise entitled to admittance but does not have a social security card, the local superintendent will assign a temporary number in accordance with the directions specified by the State Department of Education.

7. For additional information, contact the Office of Pupil Services at 428-6890 or log on to the Huntsville City Schools website hsv.k12.al.us.

* Please note: Effective August 2010, all students 11 and 12 years of age entering 6th grade will be required to have a booster dose of tetanus-diphtheria toxoid and acellular pertussis vaccine (Tdap) prior to enrollment in 6th grade.  This requirement will escalate by one successive grade each year for the following 6years to include sixth through twelfth grades, beginning Fall of 2016.

 

**An opinion of the Attorney General states in effect that under the common law one’s age is computed by including the day of birth so that a given age is attained the day before the birthday anniversary.

ATTENDANCE

The Huntsville City Board of Education believes good student attendance enhances learning. When a student is not in school, he/she misses valuable instructional time. For this reason, the Board equates attendance with academic achievement and establishes policies and procedures designed to encourage and require students to be in school.

STUDENT ABSENCES

A. Excused Absences – Parent(s)/guardian(s) must provide a written explanation of the reason(s) for each absence within two school days after each absence (or consecutive absences). If the written explanation is not provided within the two day period, the absences will be coded unexcused. A student must be in attendance one-half day to be counted present. Absences will be excused for the following reason:

1. Personal illness without doctor’s excuse, with parent/guardian excuse

2. Personal illness with a doctor’s statement

3. Death in the immediate family

4. Weather preventing attendance (would endanger student’s health)

5. Legal requirements, such as subpoena or other required court appearance

6. Prior permission by the principal at the request of parent or guardian

7. Legal quarantine

A student may have a total of 10 excused absences for illness without a doctor’s statement. After an accumulation of 10 excused absences for illness without a doctor’s statement, the student will receive unexcused absences for illness unless absences are documented with a doctor’s statement. Any exception to this policy will require a doctor’s documentation of a chronic illness which causes absences which may not comply with the attendance policy. A student will continue to receive excused absences for reasons 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 above.

B. Unexcused Absences – Any absence(s) not classified as excused absence(s) will be coded unexcused. Days absent due to suspension will be coded “S – Suspended”. All suspended students will be allowed to make up homework, tests, or activities, etc. missed due to suspension.

C. Absences Due to School Related Activities – Students who participate in school sponsored, school related, or authorized activities and are thereby absent from school or class will not be counted absent from school. Students are expected to make up work missed while attending the activities, and should be given the same opportunities as those afforded students with excused absences. Students who attend but do not participate in school sponsored or school authorized activities will be counted ‘absent’ and the absence will be considered unexcused unless otherwise excused by the principal.

D. Absences Due to Religious Purposes – Absences for religious purposes are excused only if the parent/guardian submits a written request. Such requests must clearly specify the denomination and the particular religious observance for which the excused absence is requested. Requests for excused religious absences exceeding three days per student, per year, must be approved in writing by the principal or the assistant principal.

STUDENT ATTENDANCE STANDARDS FOR DRIVER’S LICENSE

The Huntsville City School System shall comply with Alabama law (Section 16-28-40) governing school attendance standards and the operation of motor vehicles. School attendance standards are met by enrollment in a school or General Educational Development (GED) program or job training program approved by the State Department of Education.

The Department of Safety will be notified when a student has more than 10 consecutive or 15 cumulative days of unexcused absence during a single semester.

ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS FOR HIGH SCHOOL CREDIT

The high school Principal may deny course credit or subject credit to a student if the number of unexcused class absences exceeds the following:

Ten (10) unexcused class absences of a student on a traditional two semester (36 weeks) schedule or five (5) unexcused class absences of a student on a traditional semester (18 weeks) schedule.

EARLY WARNING ATTENDANCE, TRUANCY & CONDUCT INTERVENTION PROGRAM

The Early Warning Program is a joint effort between the Huntsville City Schools Board of Education and the District Attorney’s Office. It is designed to reduce truancy, the number of student dropouts, and to provide an intervention program for student behavior at school. The format of the program consists of group sessions held weekly, throughout the year, in the courtroom of the Madison County Courthouse. The purpose of the Early Warning sessions is to share information concerning compulsory school attendance law legal requirements and the school board policies pertaining to truancy, attendance, and behavior, thus constituting an Early Warning.

Students and parents required to attend Early Warning sessions are students who have been referred for one of the following reasons or combination of reasons:

1. Five or more unexcused absences

2. Ten or more questionable excused absences which were not satisfactorily explained

3. Ten or more unexcused tardies

4. Up to three out-of-school suspensions

All students (K-12) are subject to the regulations of the Early Warning Program and the provisions of the Compulsory School Attendance Law as follows:

Section 16-28-3-

“Every child between the ages of seven and 17 years shall be required to attend a public school, private school, church school or be instructed by a competent private tutor for the entire length of the school term in every scholastic year---.”

Section 16-28-12-

Requires that any parent/guardian who enrolls a student in school be responsible for the students’ regular attendance and proper conduct. It also provides that a parent may be fined $100.00 and receive up to ninety days in jail.

Section 12-15-15-

Provides that a parent may be fined $500.00 and receive up to one year of hard labor if convicted of parental neglect; contributing to the delinquency of a minor; or if the child is found to be a child in NEED OF SUPERVISION. They may also be required to pay restitution to the Board of Education.

An important part of the EARLY WARNING PROGRAM is to offer help or assistance to parents and students with problems which may interfere with the Hearing Process.

STUDENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

EXPRESSION

Students should be provided the opportunity for free expression of ideas. The primary responsibilities in a student’s life have to do with the process of inquiry and learning, of acquiring and imparting knowledge, and of exchanging ideas. The right of students to freely express themselves in the absence of a finding of substantial disruption has been firmly established by the courts.

Students have the right to express their opinions verbally and symbolically as long as such expression does not infringe upon the rights of others. The use and display of oppressive signs, flags, and symbols by individual students are prohibited.

Students are entitled to express in writing their personal opinions. Students who edit, publish, or distribute handwritten or printed material, including non-school sponsored newspapers, among their fellow students within the school, must assume responsibility for the content of such publications. Libelous statements and obscenity are prohibited in all publications. The distribution of written material will be limited to designated areas and time.

School officials have the authority to ensure that student expression is responsible and is not disruptive.

PETITION

Students have the right to present petitions; however, the collecting of signatures on petitions shall neither disrupt classroom procedures nor interfere with the educational process. Petitions must be free from obscenities, libelous statements, and personal attacks.

RELIGION

Students have the right to their own religious beliefs. The school must refrain from extending the mantle of public sanction or support to any particular religion.

PATRIOTISM

The Huntsville City School System encourages patriotism. Students shall have the right to recite the pledge, sing the national anthem, salute a flag, or take part in patriotic ceremonies. If students object to such ceremonies, they shall remain quiet.

ASSIGNED/OWNED POSSESSIONS

Students and parents are responsible for all items assigned to them at the school level as well as any personal items which students have in their possession at school.

DRESS CODE GUIDELINES

State educational authorities and recent court decisions have determined that style of dress and hair should not disrupt classes, interfere with learning, prevent instruction, and should comply with state health and safety standards. The Huntsville City Schools believe that requiring neatness, cleanliness, and appropriateness in clothing encourages an atmosphere conducive to learning, work, and discipline. Students are required to dress in a way that is appropriate for school. Students will not wear any article of clothing or display any insignia or sign that shows disrespect for any person, creed, race, color, sex, or nationality. Parents/guardians are expected to monitor students’ dress. The following is a list of dress guidelines that apply but are not limited to:

1. Clothing that displays antisocial, immoral or illegal behavior is not allowed. Any article of clothing, jewelry, or haircut depicting gangs, satanic, occult, violence, sex, drugs, alcohol, mutilation or language that could be considered obscene or vulgar will not be allowed.

2. Jewelry that could be used as a weapon is not allowed.

*3. All shorts/skorts, skirts and dresses must approach knee length. Slits in skirts and dresses must not be extreme or revealing.

*4. If so designed, shirts and blouses must be tucked in pants and/or skirts. Oversized tops may not be worn below the waist.

5. Except for religious purposes, hats and head coverings may not be worn in school buildings.

6. Sunglasses, gloves, bandanas, and house slippers may not be worn in school buildings.

7. Bib overalls and/or suspenders must be snapped, hooked and/or buttoned and kept on shoulders. Belts must be buckled.

8. Pants may not be oversized, too tight, or allowed to sag. Undergarments must not be exposed. Pant legs must be uniform length and may not drag on the floor.

9. Revealing tops, spandex, or clinging garments are not permitted.

Any student in violation of the dress code will be required to change. Time missed from classes will be unexcused (students must make-up work missed). Disregard for the dress code will lead to disciplinary action, in accordance with the Huntsville City Schools Official Student/Parent Handbook. Individual schools may opt to require a uniform. Parents may inquire at the school site for more information.

The final decision regarding dress will rest with the building principal or his/her designee.

* Elementary principals are urged to use discretion according to student age and size.

TRESPASSING

A suspended or expelled student will not be eligible to be present on school property, to attend on-campus or off-campus activities, to participate in any school sponsored activities, or to enroll in any public school in the Huntsville City Schools until the suspension or expulsion is properly cleared.

Students considered to be trespassing are subject to disciplinary action and/or arrest.

STUDENT RECORDS (FERPA)

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act

Annual Notification of Rights

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords parents and students over 18 years of age ("eligible students") certain rights with respect to the student's education records. These rights are:

1. The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of the day the school receives a request for access. Parents or eligible students should submit to the school principal a written request that identifies the record(s) they wish to inspect. The school official will make arrangements for access and notify the parent or eligible student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. Records or information maintained by a school official exclusively for personal reference or use and which are not available to any other person, except his or her substitute, are not student education records available for inspection, review, or challenge by the parent or eligible student.

2. The right to request the amendment of the student's education records that the parent or eligible student believes is inaccurate or misleading. Parents or eligible students should write the school principal, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading. If the school decides not to amend the record as requested by the parent or eligible student, the school will notify the parent or eligible student of the decision and advise them of their right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the parent or eligible student when notified of the right to a hearing.

3. The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. One exception, which permits disclosure without consent, is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official may be a volunteer or person employed by the school as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, substitute, or support staff member (including health or medical staff, school bus drivers, clinic/health services volunteers, and certain law enforcement unit personnel); a person serving on the school board; a person or company with whom the school has contracted to perform a special task (such as an attorney, auditor, medical consultant, evaluator, or therapist); or a parent or student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility.

The school will additionally disclose or forward education records without consent to officials of another school district in which a student seeks or intends to enroll. Education records may also be disclosed in connection with an emergency if the knowledge of the information is necessary to protect the health or safety of a student or other persons.

STUDENT RECORDS (FERPA) continued

4. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the School to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA are:

Family Policy Compliance Office U.S. Department of Education

400 Maryland Avenue, SW

Washington, DC 20202 4605

DIRECTORY INFORMATION

The Huntsville City School District may disclose appropriately designated "directory information" without written consent, unless you have advised the District to the contrary. One purpose of directory information is to allow the District to include this type of information from a student’s education records in certain school publications.

Examples include but are not limited to:

• A playbill, showing your student's role in a drama production;

• The annual yearbook;

• Honor roll or other recognition lists;

• Graduation programs; and

• Sports activity sheets, such as for wrestling, showing weight and height of team

members.

Directory information, which is information that is generally not considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if released, can also be disclosed to outside organizations without prior written consent. Outside organizations include, but are not limited to, companies that manufacture class rings or publish yearbooks. In addition, federal laws require local educational agencies receiving assistance under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to provide military recruiters, upon request, with three directory information categories: names, addresses and telephone listings unless a parent or an eligible student have advised the LEA that they do not want the information disclosed without prior written consent.

If you do not want the District to disclose directory information without your prior written consent, you must notify the District in writing. The District has designated the following information as directory information:

• Student’s/Parents’ name

• Participation in officially recognized activities and sports

• Email address

• Photograph

• Date of Birth

• Telephone listing/Address

• Weight and height of members of athletic teams

• Awards and Honors

• Grade level

VEHICLE REGISTRATION AND PARKING

Parking regulations vary in different schools depending on the available space; however, at all schools, students are required to comply with the safety regulations of the school in order to use the parking facilities. The protection of all students is a major concern where vehicular movement occurs on or near a school campus.

Schools issuing parking permits require that the student present a valid driver’s license and liability insurance to secure a vehicle parking permit. All vehicles must be identified by a student permit sticker. Vehicles on campus are subject to search as covered under search and seizure. Vehicles without permits or improperly parked may be towed away at owner/driver’s expense. Student parking must be in areas assigned on the school grounds. Students may park only in school assigned areas.

Students may not remain or linger in or around cars or vehicles on school property. Students may not return to parking areas during school hours without the permission of the school principal or other designated officials.

CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS

A club or organization must be approved by the principal in order to function in the schools. Each club or organization must have a faculty sponsor approved by the principal. On file in the principal’s office should be the name of the club or organization, the faculty sponsor, the stated purpose of the group, and the criteria for membership.

Criteria for membership in any club or organization which functions in the Huntsville City Schools must be consistent with federal and state legal requirements for programs and operation in public schools and the Huntsville City Board of Education policy. No student will be denied the opportunity to become a member of a club or organization solely on the basis of race, color, creed, national origin, sex, religion, or age.

Clubs and organizations which operate primarily for social purposes are not allowed to function or operate in or to promote activities in the name of the Huntsville City Schools.

WEAPONS

No student may have known possession of a weapon or anything designed, made or adapted or used for the purpose of inflicting death or serious physical injury. Such weapons include, but are not limited to, BB gun, pellet gun, air rifle, starter gun; switchblade knife, box cutter, sword, dagger, or stiletto; any club, baton, blackjack, or metal knuckles.

No student may possess, discharge, and/or use any firearm which will, or is designed to, or may readily be converted to, expel a projectile by the action of an explosive; the frame or receiver of any such weapon; any firearm muffler or firearm silencer; any similar destructive device.

No student may have any instrument, which may resemble or give the appearance of being a knife, gun, or any lethal or dangerous weapon. The intent of this policy includes the possession of such knives, guns, or any lethal or dangerous weapons or instruments located in automobiles or any other place on school premises, and at any school sponsored and/or related trips or activities away from school premises.

SMOKING

Use and/or possession of tobacco products is prohibited on all Huntsville City School property.

ALCOHOL/DRUG USE-STUDENTS

Any student on school premises, in a school-owned vehicle, or during any school-sponsored trip or activity who possesses, uses, or dispenses drugs (i.e., alcohol, marijuana, stimulants, depressants, hallucinogens, or opiates) or controlled substances shall be subject to suspension and/or expulsion.

BOMB THREATS

Any student found to have made a bomb threat or to have falsely reported such a threat that is related to any school system facility, operation, or activity is subject to immediate expulsion procedures.

Any student who stands by and aids, abets, or assists another person to make a bomb threat or to falsely report such a threat that is related to any school system facility, operation, or activity is subject to immediate expulsion procedures.

Any student, who counsels, advises, persuades, encourages, or dares another person to make a bomb threat or to falsely report such a threat that is related to any school system facility, operation, or activity is subject to immediate expulsion procedures.

SEARCH AND SEIZURE

Lockers, although provided to students for the student’s convenience, are school property. Searches and general housekeeping inspection (with or without notice) of school property, including lockers, may be conducted by authorized school personnel. Any prohibited material discovered can be used against the student in school disciplinary proceedings.

Principals, including acting or assistant principals, security personnel, and/or principal designee may search or authorize a search of the property of any student, including vehicles, in their respective schools, but only based upon facts supporting reasonable suspicion to believe the student is concealing prohibited material. When a specific search is conducted, except pursuant to life, health, and property, the student shall be invited to be present during the search which shall be witnessed by one other school official.

Items, which may be seized during a search and retained by school officials, are items in violation of school system policy, illegal items, and possessions reasonably determined to be a threat to a person’s health and safety or security. Items which are used to disrupt or interfere with the educational process may be temporarily removed from the student’s possession.

All students may be required at an unannounced time to walk through a metal detector. Possession of any weapon, including knives, box cutters, tear gas guns, and chemical weapons constitute grounds for expulsion as a Class III offense.

UNANNOUNCED DRUG DETECTION VISITS

It is the policy of the Board of Education that law enforcement agencies are permitted to make periodic unannounced visits to any facility/building in the system for the purpose of detecting the presence of illegal drugs. Items found to be in violation of school system policy may constitute grounds for expulsion.

STUDENT MEDICATION

Medication Forms: Prescribed and/or over-the-counter (OTC) medication is administered only upon receipt of a completed School Medication Prescriber/Parent Authorization Form (PPA). This form is available in the school office or on-line at hsv.k12.al.us, under the heading “Medical Forms.”

Delivery of Medication: All prescription medication must be in a current, pharmacy-labeled prescription container. All OTC medications must be in an un-opened (sealed), manufacturer-labeled container and identified with the student’s name written in permanent ink. The parent/guardian or parent-designated responsible adult should deliver to school (not the student).

Acceptance of Medication: Both the parent/guardian and the medication assistant or licensed nurse will sign the back of the Medication Administration Daily Record` (MAR) to verify amount received or retrieved.

Storage of Medication: All medication must be stored in the school office or nurse’s office. Exception to this rule applies to medications prescribed to prevent or treat medical emergencies.

Emergency Medication: A student may carry his/her emergency medication on his/her person for self-administration with proper authorization on the School Medication Prescriber/Parent Authorization Form (PPA). Students must not deliver or carry any type of Medication to and from school except those authorized for self-administration/self-carry.

Expired Medications: The parent/guardian will be notified when medications expire, and must pick up all medication within two weeks. If not picked up, medication will be destroyed in accordance with federal and state guidelines.

End of each School Year: The parent/guardian or authorized adult must pick up all medications on or before the last day of classes, or the medications will be destroyed. Medications cannot be kept at the school between the end of the regular school year and the start of summer school.

Summer Programs: The parent/guardian or authorized adult must bring in required medication with completed medication forms on the first day of any of the summer programs, and pick up the medication on or before the last day. Medications cannot be kept at the school when the student is not attending.

STUDENTS FOUND TO BE IN POSSESSION OF MEDICATION (PRESCRIBED OR OTC) OR WHO GIVE AWAY, SELL, OR ATTEMPT TO GIVE AWAY OR SELL MEDICATION MAY BE SUBJECT TO SUSPENSION, PROBATION, OR EXPULSION.

PREVENTATIVE HEALTH MAINTENANCE

Every student enrolled must have a current “Blue Card” (Alabama Certificate of Immunization) or authorized exemption on file at his or her school.

Meningococcal vaccine (MCV4) is recommended for all children 11-12 years of age and for unvaccinated adolescents at high school entry (15 years of age). immunization.

Influenza “flu” vaccine is now recommended for all age groups.

Effective hand washing is the most powerful weapon available to fight the transmission of most infections. However, even when the best efforts are made, students may experience some illness. Adequate nutrition, rest, and exercise are important in the fight against illness.

Wounds that may spread infection must be covered at all times while at school.

STUDENT EXCLUSION DUE TO ILLNESS

Should a child develop vomiting, diarrhea and/or fever (100 or higher) while at school, school personnel will contact the parent/guardian and request that the child be taken home.

In the absence of a medical diagnosis or a physician-signed clearance to return to school, students who are ill should be excluded according to the following guidelines:

|Symptom |Recommended Exclusion Period |

|Fever (100 degrees or higher) |Until 24 hours after the last episode of fever without anti-fever medication |

|Diarrhea |Until 24 hours after the last episode of diarrhea |

|Skin rash with fever |Until 5 days after the onset of the rash and 24 hours after the last episode of fever |

| |without anti-fever medication |

|Skin rash without fever |Until 24 hours after the rash has faded |

|Vomiting |Until 24 hours after the last episode of vomiting |

CURRICULUM

Elementary instruction is based upon the Alabama State Courses of Study for Grades K-5. Elementary instruction includes reading, English, spelling, writing, mathematics, science, social studies, and physical education. For specific curriculum information refer to the Alabama State Courses of Study.

PROMOTION

Grade promotion will be based on student achievement. Students not promoted in grades one through five, regardless of the cause, will be provided an appropriate remedial program.

In elementary school, students must pass math and reading as well as either science or social studies. In middle school, a student who fails two or more subjects or a student who fails a subject for two consecutive years must attend summer school in order to be promoted.

In highly extenuating circumstances in grades one through eight*, the principal, after conference with the teacher and with the approval of the Superintendent, may recommend promotion of a student who does not meet the requirements for promotion. The student’s record will be marked “administrative promotion”.

*Students who are administratively promoted from grade eight must attend an alternative program before entering their designated high school.

STATE MANDATED ASSESSMENT PROGRAM 2012-2013

The State Mandated Assessment Program for the school year 2012-2013 will include:

Grade(s)         Assessment

3-8                  Alabama Reading and Mathematics Test + (ARMT+)

5 & 7               Alabama Science Assessment Grade 5 and Grade 7

3-8 & 11          Alabama Alternate Assessment

3-12                ACCESS for Limited English Proficient (LEP)

8.              EXPLORE

              10              PLAN

9-12                Alabama High School Graduation Exam (Fall, Mid Year, Spring, Summer)

*No student takes all the tests listed above, nor is all day devoted to testing on the specified number of days.

• The possession of a digital device (including but not limited to cell phones, MP3 players, cameras, or other telecommunication devices capable of capturing or relaying information) is strictly prohibited during the administration of a secure test. If a student is observed in possession of a digital device during the administration of a secure test, the device will be confiscated.

• If a student is observed using a digital device during the administration of a secure test, testing for the student will cease, the device will be confiscated and is subject to search, the student will be dismissed from testing, and the student’s test will be invalidated.

HCS MANDATED ASSESSMENT PROGRAM 2012-13

The HCS Mandated Assessment Program for the school year 2012-13 will include:

Grade(s)         Assessment

1 – 12        STAR Enterprise Math and Reading (3 to 4 benchmarks during the school year)

STAR Enterprise Math and Reading Growth percentile will be included as a percentage of the student’s grade each 9 weeks for those students that show growth.

P – 1                STAR Early Literacy (4 benchmarks during the school year)

9 – 12              ACT QualityCore End-of-Course Assessment for the following classes: 

English 9 English 10 English 11 English 12

Algebra I Algebra II Geometry PreCalculus

Biology Chemistry Physics U.S. History.

The QualityCore grade will be included as a percentage of the student’s final grade for the course for those students that show growth.

HIGH SCHOOL EXAMS

Because of the high accountability standards imposed at national and state levels, all high school students in the Huntsville City School System will take all of their first and second semester exams. There are no examination exemptions, unless approved by the principal and the Superintendent/designee. Students who enroll in Advanced Placement classes are required to sit for the AP tests at the end of the academic year in order to receive the extra quality point.

PARTICIPATION IN GRADUATION CEREMONIES

Only those students who have completed all of the following requirements for a diploma or those students who have completed their prescribed Individual Education Plan (IEP) will be allowed to participate in the graduation ceremony.

(1) Students seeking the Alabama High School Diploma or the Alabama High School Diploma with Advanced Endorsement must complete the state course requirements, earn the required 24 credits, and pass all five sections of the Alabama High School Graduation Exam.

(2) Students with disabilities, identified by IDEA or Section 504, seeking the Alabama High School Diploma or the Alabama High School Diploma with Advanced Endorsement must complete the state course requirements, earn the required 24 credits, and pass all sections of the Alabama High School Graduation Exam except the one subject-area test in the area of identified disability.

(3) Students receiving the Alabama High School Diploma with Credit-Based Endorsement must complete the state course requirements, earn the required 24 credits, pass at least one career and technical course, and pass three of the five sections of the Alabama High School Graduation Exam including reading and mathematics.

(4) Students with disabilities, identified by IDEA, seeking the Alabama Occupational Diploma must complete the state course requirements and earn the required 24 credits. Students with disabilities, identified by IDEA, seeking the Alabama Occupational Diploma are eligible to receive the Alabama High School diploma if they pass all sections of the Alabama High School Graduation Exam except the one subject-area test in the area of identified disability, meet all other graduation requirements for the AOD, and have the required alternate documentation.

(5) Special education students receiving a Certificate of Graduation must either complete their prescribed IEP programs or earn the required 24 credits for graduation but fail to pass the required sections of the Alabama High School Graduation Exam. Students receiving the Certificate of Graduation are allowed to participate in graduation ceremonies.

INTERNET

Access to the Internet has been made available to students, teachers, and staff of the Huntsville City Schools. The goal is to promote educational excellence in the Huntsville City Schools by facilitating research, resource sharing, innovation and communication. The Internet is to be used in support of research and education that is consistent with the educational objectives of the Huntsville City Schools.

PRIVATE TUTORING

For information, see Policy 6.1.4 (Private Tutoring).

MAKE UP WORK

A. If a student is absent for a school sponsored trip or for an excused reason, the teacher will provide an opportunity for the student to make up missed assignments and/or tests. This opportunity will be provided within a two-week period following the absence of the student. The teacher cannot be expected to re-teach the lesson, but the pupil will receive a reasonable opportunity to learn missed lessons.

B. Teachers are under no obligation to permit students who are absent for unexcused reasons to make up missed assignments; however, when the absence is apparently beyond the control of the pupil, the teacher may choose to provide an opportunity for the student to earn a grade for those days absent. This does not apply to absences due to suspension/expulsions.

C. Students who do not pass (receive credit) for required courses in grades 9 through 12 must repeat the course. Credit in all required courses is necessary for graduation. Opportunities to repeat required courses are offered in the summer school program.

D. Students are allowed to make up missed assignments or tests for a period of suspension. A time line of two weeks or the end of the nine weeks’ grading period, whichever comes first, is allowed for make up work, unless the end of the nine weeks’ period coincides with the absence so closely that a hardship is created for the student.

CREDIT RECOVERY

Students who did not receive credit in a course due to non-mastery of content or skills may apply for credit recovery. Credit recovery is based on making up deficiencies rather than on repeating the entire course. To be eligible for credit recovery, students must have achieved a baseline score of 40 or above (on a 100 point scale). The final grade in credit recovery may not exceed 70 (on a 100 point scale). Students with a baseline score below 40 (on a 100 point scale) are not eligible for credit recovery and must repeat the entire course. Credit recovery may be delivered by a highly qualified teacher or through instructional technology.

HOMEWORK

Homework should be meaningful and reasonable. It should not be a substitute for teaching but should be reinforcement, a practical application, or enrichment of what has been taught. Consideration should be given to the time involved in completing the assignment. Each School faculty should cooperatively develop a homework policy which follows the guidelines in the Alabama Courses of Study. The policy shall insure that students spend a reasonable amount of time outside the school doing homework.

RESPONSE TO INSTRUCTION (RtI) AND PROBLEM SOLVING TEAMS

Response to Instruction (RtI) integrates core instruction, assessment, and interventions within a multi-tiered system to maximize student achievement and reduce behavior problems. Through the implementation of RtI, schools identify and monitor students at risk. Schools use problem solving and data-based decision making to provide research-based interventions and adjust the intensity of interventions based on the student’s progress. RtI Problem Solving Teams replace Building-Based Student Support Teams. Problem Solving Teams make high quality decisions to support all students, especially those at risk of failing to achieve state performance standards.

ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY FOR EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

STUDENT TRANSFERS

PERCENTAGE OF RACE

A request for a percentage of race transfer will be considered provided a request is submitted prior to July 1st of each school year and provided there is space available at the requested school. A percentage of race transfer is as follows: To enhance desegregation, a student of ANY RACE may apply to attend a school where there are fewer students of his/her race. Applications to the Huntsville City School System will be accepted at any time for new students who DID NOT RESIDE in Huntsville prior to July 1st of the same calendar year. Students already approved for percentage of race transfer need not reapply each year unless school and place of residence has changed. Students granted a percentage of race transfer Are Not Eligible to participate in sports for the first academic school year the transfer is granted according to the Alabama High School Athletic Association.

MAJORITY TO MINORITY

The school district shall permit a student attending a school in which the student’s race is in the MAJORITY to attend a school in which the student’s race would then be in the MINORITY. Applications for transfer need to be made in the Office of Pupil Services located at the Merts Center. This transfer grants students eligibility if all other requirements are met.

ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY FOR EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Voluntary extracurricular and co-curricular activities are defined as continuing activities available to students beyond the regular day.

Scholastic eligibility for participation in sports will be governed by the rules of the Alabama High School Athletic Association. No grade requirements beyond those established by the AHSAA may be imposed for sports or cheerleading. Requirements beyond those established by the AHSAA, however, may be imposed for other school activities. Other school system rules, including conduct rules, apply to students participating in sports, cheerleading, and other extracurricular and co-curricular activities.

Students granted a percentage of race transfer Are Not Eligible to participate in sports for the first academic school year the transfer is granted according to the Alabama High School Athletic Association.

All other rules pertaining to the Athletic Eligibility may be found in the Alabama High School Athletic Association Handbook. These handbooks are located in the Office of the Principal in each middle and high school.

SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES

Huntsville City School provides a full range of services and educational support for identified exceptional students ages 3 to 21.

Autism Multiple Disabilities

Deaf-Blindness Other Health Impaired

Emotional Disturbance Orthopedically Impaired Gifted/Talented Speech/Language Impaired

Hearing Impaired Traumatic Brain Injury

Learning Disabled Visually Impaired

Mentally Retarded

All referrals, evaluations, and educational support are provided in accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and Alabama Act 106, Exceptional Children Act, and The Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

Information regarding classes or referral procedures may be obtained from the school principal or from the Special Education Office, 428-6872.

SECTION 504 REHABILITATION ACT OF 1973

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 states that “no otherwise qualified individual with a disability shall be excluded from the participation in, or denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.”

It is the responsibility of the Huntsville City Schools to take reasonable steps to identify and evaluate students within the intent of the American’s With Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 who need accommodations or special services or programs in order that such students may receive a free appropriate education. Additional Due Process rights may be afforded students who are identified under Section 504. Contact the building principal for information.

Huntsville City Schools’ Compliance Coordinator is located on the second floor of the Annie C. Merts Administration Building at 200 White Street, Huntsville, Alabama. The telephone number is 428-6970.

GIFTED/TALENTED

Huntsville City Schools houses a program for gifted students in every elementary school. Intellectually gifted children and youth are those who perform at or have demonstrated the potential to perform at high levels in academic or creative fields when compared with others of their age, experience, or environment.  These children and youth require services not ordinarily provided by the regular school program.  Children and youth possessing these abilities can be found in all populations, across all economic strata, and in all areas of human endeavor. Gifted students may be found within any race, ethnicity, gender, economic class, or nationality.  In addition, some students with disabilities may be gifted. 

Teachers, counselors, administrators, parents or guardians, peers, self, or any other individuals with knowledge of the student’s abilities may refer a student.  Additionally, all second grade students will be observed as potential gifted referrals using a gifted behavior checklist.

For each student referred, information is gathered in the areas of Aptitude, Characteristics, and Performance.  The information is entered on a matrix where points are assigned according to established criteria.  The total number of points earned determines if the student qualifies for gifted services. To make a referral, contact the gifted education teacher at your child’s school or the Director of Special Education at 428-6872.

STUDENT CONDUCT ON SCHOOL BUSES

School bus conduct and discipline are parental and student responsibilities. Rules and safety regulations have been established for the benefit of all concerned. It is important that these rules be observed in order to ensure the safety of all student passengers. Parents are requested to ensure that their child (children) fully understand(s) school bus rules and obey(s) them.

Students should be at their assigned bus stop on time and ready to enter the bus upon arrival. School buses operate on a strict schedule and will not wait for students who are late. When students miss their bus, parents are responsible for providing their child’s transportation to school. Questions and/or concerns should be directed to Kyle Koski, Assistant Director of Safety & Transportation, at 428-8352.

SCHOOL BUS RULES OF CONDUCT

1. Follow all school rules as published in this handbook.

2. Do not use profane or obscene language.

3. Food and drink are not allowed.

4. Do not litter.

5. Possession or use of tobacco products is not allowed.

6. Do not damage the bus or equipment on the bus.

7. You must remain in your seat.

8. Keep your head, hands and feet inside of the bus.

9. Do not fight, push, or shove.

10. Do not tamper with bus equipment.

11. Pets are not allowed on the bus.

12. Do not bring flammable or other hazardous materials on the bus.

13. The bus driver is authorized to assign seats.

BUS DISCIPLINE PROCEDURES

Bus discipline will be handled by the Principal or the Principal’s designee as outlined below.

For Elementary school students:

1st Violation – student given a written warning

2nd Violation - two (2) day suspension from the bus

3rd Violation - five (5) day suspension from the bus

4th Violation - fifteen (15) day suspension from the bus

5th Violation - the student will be suspended from the bus for the remainder of the school year.

For Middle and High school students:

1st Violation – student given a written warning

2nd Violation - ten (10) day suspension from the bus

3rd Violation - the student will be suspended from the bus for the remainder of the school year.

Anytime throughout the school year, if a student is considered a threat to the safety of students and/or the safe operations of the bus, the student may be removed from the bus for the remainder of the school year.

TRANSPORTATION EXCEPTION PROCEDURES

The parent/guardian of students wishing to use district transportation and who do not otherwise meet the eligibility criteria approved by the Board of Education may apply to the Transportation Department for a Transportation Exception. A Transportation Exception may be granted if there is “space available” on a bus. Exceptions forms will be processed as quickly as possible. If space is available at the time of submission, your child will be a designated a “Guest Rider” and will be allowed to board the bus the next day.

NOTICE: Buses will not be added to a route and bus stops will not be modified in order to accommodate Transportation Exceptions (Guest Riders). This form must be resubmitted at the beginning of each school year.

Procedures

1. Enroll or be enrolled in a Huntsville City School

2. Obtain a Transportation Exception Request Form in one of the following ways:

A. Access from the internet at , click on Departments, then click on Transportation.

B. Go to the school your child is enrolled at and complete the appropriate form.

3. The completed form can be:

• Brought to Transportation Department at 714 Bob Wallace Ave., Huntsville, AL 35801

• Faxed to 256-428-8351

• Email the attachment to: kyle.koski@hsv-

• Mailed to Transportation Department at:

Huntsville Board of Education

Attn: Transportation Dept.

P. O. Box 1256

Huntsville, AL 35807

Transportation will contact you within 5 days of receipt of the request by telephone. If you have not heard from Transportation within five days, call 256-428-8352.

4. Exception forms will be processed on a first come first served basis.

5. If space on the requested bus route is not available, a waiting list will be maintained. The order of the list will be based on the date the application was received by Transportation Department. Buses will not be added to a route and bus stops will not be modified in order to accommodate Transportation Exceptions.

Transportation Exceptions may be rescinded for reasons that include changes in space availability. If Transportation Exceptions have to be rescinded because of lack of space, the application date will be used to determine the order of rescission beginning with the most recently approved date. That is, the last student exception approved will be the first to be rescinded and placed on the waiting list.

Transportation Exceptions will be rescinded if the student violates any bus rule. There

will be no warnings given regarding the students (Guest Rider) behavior. If the student (Guest Rider) receives a disciplinary referral, their bus privileges will be suspended for the rest of the school year.

6. Due to the large volume of exception forms received at the start of the new school year there may be a delay in processing the forms.

ELECTRONIC DEVICES/CELL PHONES

Allowing students to bring to school electronic devices, including, but not limited to cell phones, pagers, or other audio/video devices, is a privilege afforded by Huntsville City Schools. Use or visible possession of any such device during school hours is strictly prohibited except by permission of the Principal or in the case of devices issued to students by the District for educational purposes. In addition, students may us personally-owned technology such as e-readers, tablets, notepads, laptops, or similar devices for instructional purposes with specific permission of their teacher. An acceptable use form, including specific instructions and conditions, will need to be signed and additional restrictions may apply. The use of electronic devices may not disturb or impede extracurricular activities.

The Board permits restricted and conditional access to, and use of, its technology resources, as well as personally-owned devices, for instructional purposes only and not for personal use. Students may use only accounts, files, software, and/or other technology resources that are assigned to, provided, or approved for him/her.

The Board reserves the right to place conditions on, restrict, or prohibit the use of personally-owned technology resources, including all electronic devices and storage media on its property. School officials may read, examine, or inspect the contents upon reasonable suspicion that the device contains evidence of a violation of Board policy, the Code of Student Conduct, or other school rules.

NORMAL PROGRESS

It is expected that high school students will pass all or almost all of their courses each year. In view of this expectation, a student who has not earned the minimum credit necessary for graduation in a five-year period, or who is over 21 years of age, must find an alternative situation for classes and will not be permitted to remain in a regular high school.

Consideration may be given for extenuating circumstances such as prolonged illness or family crisis with the Superintendent’s approval.

It is expected that high school students will attend school so that they may earn the minimum amount of required Carnegie Units necessary for graduation. Regular attendance is required. Accordingly, after a student who is 17 years of age or above, has 15 unexcused absences (and is failing course work), the principal, or designee, will give or send parent(s) a letter to the address of record of the student, addressed both to the student and student’s parent(s) or legal custodian, explaining that the student has missed an excessive number of days of school and will be dismissed from school unless attendance is improved. If the student accumulates an additional 5 (total of 20) unexcused absences, the principal, or designee, will give or send a letter to the parent(s) and the student informing them that the student is in immediate danger of being dismissed from school. If the student accumulates an additional 10 (total of 30) unexcused absences, the principal, or designee, will give or send a letter to the parent(s) and the student informing them that the student is dismissed from school subject to the right of the student to demand a hearing with someone designated by the Superintendent. At such hearing, the student and/or the student’s parent(s) will have the opportunity to explain the reasons for the absences and the reasons why the student should not be dismissed from school for the remainder of the semester. In the event the hearing officer sustains the action of the principal, the student will be dismissed from school for the remainder of the semester but may be allowed to re-enroll the following semester.

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