0BERLIN HIGH SCHOOL

OBERLIN HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT HANDBOOK

BEHAVIOR

ASSEMBLIES--CONDUCT

All assemblies and programs are considered class time. Teachers will escort classes and sit with students in designated areas. Students will move to the area in an orderly manner. They should be quiet and respectful during programs. Students should not make unnecessary noises or movements that distract from the presenter. Students may be asked to participate in the presentation. They may applaud at appropriate times, but should not whistle or “boo” at any time. Students should not applaud after devotions. Remember: a visitor’s impression of us is based on our conduct.

ATHLETIC EVENTS—CONDUCT

Students should show proper courtesy and respect before, during, and after the game. Students should show appreciation for superior performance by both teams and should stay the entire game no matter who is winning. Students should not distract members of either team during tense moments or start a cheer when the opposing team has one in progress. Students should refrain from entering the court or field during game time and should be good losers and modest winners. Students should exhibit good sportsmanship by not making derogatory remarks or yells. Students should not smoke cigarettes or use alcoholic beverages or drugs at any school function. Any student or spectator who misbehaves at an athletic event may be asked to leave. If ejected, the student or spectator will be banned from any future contests in that sport for the remainder of the season. Depending on the severity of the behavior, the administration may choose to ban him/her from attending any athletic event for the remainder of the school year.

BEHAVIOR OF STUDENTS

This handbook outlines parish policies on Internet use, dress code, discipline, suspension, expulsion, student searches, weapons, knives, student smoking or tobacco use, alcohol and drug abuse education programs, electronic devices, laser lights, and sexual harassment. Detailed policies are on file in the office.

The School Board recognizes the necessity for reasonable control and discipline over the conduct of students under its jurisdiction. Every employee in the public school system is authorized to hold each pupil to a strict accountability for any disorderly conduct in school, on the school grounds, or at school-sponsored activities. The Superintendent shall establish regulations for disciplinary measures within schools and continually monitor and appraise their usefulness.

Principals have both the authority and the duty to take disciplinary action whenever the behavior of any student interferes with or substantially disrupts the proper atmosphere for learning within the classroom or other parts of the school.

Any school employee may report to the principal any student who acts in a disorderly manner or is in violation of school rules, or any misconduct or violation of school rules by a student who may or may not be known to the teacher or employee. The principal shall review and act upon such information to determine if suspension or other disciplinary action is necessary. All reports of misconduct or violation of school rules shall be fully documented and shall include the name(s) of the student(s) if known, the alleged violation or determined by the principal, and the principal’s decision of disciplinary action, if any. Should the principal fail to act on any misconduct or violation of school rules, he/she shall report his/her reasons to the Superintendent and to the teacher/employee reporting the violation.

Students who regularly disrupt the school environment shall be considered delinquent and may be reported to the juvenile court. Any student who exhibits disruptive behavior, an incorrigible attitude, or any other discipline problems in general may be recommended by the principal for expulsion, assignment to an appropriate alternative education program, or transfer to adult education if the student qualifies. It is the professional belief of the staff and administration that this disciplinary plan will assist in providing a safer, healthier, and happier atmosphere for all students to learn. Exceptional Education students will be disciplined in accordance with Louisiana State Department Bulletin 1706.

Disciplinary Action

Types of disciplinary action include but are not limited to the following: loss of free time, assignment of cleaning duties (if related to the offense), exclusion from extra-curricular activities, after school detention (ASD), lunch detention, in-school suspension (ISS), out-of-school suspension (OSS), and expulsion.

Minor Infractions include but are not limited to the following:

1. Disrupting school during instructional time, announcements, homeroom, class changes, or class meetings or special programs.

2. Not paying attention during a lesson (especially if distracting others).

3. Being unprepared for class.

4. Cell phone policy violation.

5. Running in halls and cafeteria.

6. Behaving inappropriately or loudly in the cafeteria.

7. Throwing objects.

8. Bringing straws, gum, candy or food to class.

9. Bring unrelated materials to class/doing unrelated work in class.

10. Violating uniform/dress code policy.

11. Violating physical education dress-out policy.

12. Unnecessary or intimate bodily contact that is inappropriate at school.

Severe Behavioral Infractions

Students exhibiting one of the following behaviors may be suspended from classes. Suspension may be in-school or out of school. These behaviors include but are not limited to:

1. Harassment, threats, verbal abuse, bodily injury, or disrespect to students, staff member, teacher, or visitor.

2. Skipping ASD (after-school detention).

3. Theft and vandalism.

4. Willful disobedience.

5. Making unfounded charges against an employee of the school board.

6. Use of profane language.

7. Being found guilty of immoral or vicious practices.

8. Disturbing the school and habitually violating school rules.

9. Instigating or participating in fights while under school supervision.

10. Violation of traffic and safety regulations.

11. Leaving school premises without permission.

12. Leaving class/assigned are without permission; not reporting to the area.

13. Leaving detention without permission.

14. Any offense that the principal deems as severe.

Heinous Behavioral Infractions

The principal shall recommend for expulsion from school any student that:

1. Is suspended for a fourth time.

2. Commits an offense in violation of state law.

3. Commits battery on a school employee.

4. Commits any other offense (or series of offenses) that warrants expulsion.

BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS

Respectful

On time

Always positive

Responsible

REWARDS

These may include compliments, self-confidence builders, no-infractions parties, extended lunch break, pizza parties, mystery rewards, casual dress days with guidelines, etc., and other rewards approved by the principal.

CONSEQUENCES/NOTE SYSTEM

Infractions will be tracked on WebPAMS for each student’s behavior. When a student fails to follow guidelines, he/she will be subject to the following discipline plan:

1. The first minor offense in one class period may result in the student receiving a verbal or nonverbal warning—depending on the situation.

2. The second minor offense in one class period may result in the student receiving a discipline note and having a minor infraction input on WebPAMS, stating the nature of the inappropriate behavior—depending on the severity of the situation.

3. The third minor offense in one class period will result in the student being sent to the office where the principal or assistant principal will decide the action to be taken.

MINOR AND MAJOR INFRACTIONS

Every Thursday, minor infractions will be posted so students can track their minor infractions each six-weeks. Each six-weeks, the accumulation of minor infractions will start over. The consequences for committing minor infractions are as follows:

• 3rd Minor Infraction: Administrator will contact parent/guardian and student will have lunch detention.

• 6th Minor Infraction: Student will receive one day of ASD (after-school detention) and parent conference will be requested

• 8th Minor Infraction: Student will receive one day of ISS (in-school suspension)

• 10th Minor Infraction: Student receive two days of ISS (in-school suspension)

• 11th Minor Infraction: Student will receive one day of OSS (out-of-school suspension) and a second parent conference will be requested

• 12th Minor Infraction: Student will receive two days OSS (out-of-school suspension) and a parent conference is required before the student is allowed back at school

• Each subsequent infraction may result in harsher consequences for the student

HABITUAL OFFENDERS

Students may be suspended for any reason following the accumulation of multiple ASD or ISS. At the principal’s discretion, this may or may not include referrals that are consequences of the note system.

BEHAVIOR—AFTER-SCHOOL DETENTION (ASD)

Students may be assigned to after-school detention (ASD) for misbehavior. ASD paperwork is sent home with the student. The rules are:

1. The student is allowed one tardy to ASD. Any further tardiness will result in an ISS.

2. If a student refuses to do work or exhibits disruptive behavior, the ASD teacher will immediately contact the principal and/or the parent. This type of disruption will result in a one-day OSS.

3. If a student does not attend ASD on the scheduled date without advance notice to the principal of an approved extenuating/emergency circumstance, the student will be assigned ISS the following day.

4. ASD will not be rescheduled due to conflicts with school or personal events.

BEHAVIOR—EXPULSION

The Superintendent or his/her designee may expel a student from school. After the fourth suspension, state law requires an expulsion recommendation.

BEHAVIOR—IN-SCHOOL SUSPENSION

In-School Suspension (ISS) is used by the principal to remove a student from the classroom while maintaining him/her under the supervision of the school. The student completes work missed while in ISS or upon his return to class. Rules of ISS are as follows:

1. Students will report to Principal’s Office at 7:45 am on the ISS day. Students may eat breakfast before reporting to ISS if they arrive on time.

2. Students will not leave the assigned area at any time except with an administrator.

3. Students must complete all work assigned in ISS without talking or other disruption. If they are disruptive, they will be suspended immediately.

BEHAVIOR—OUT-OF-SCHOOL SUSPENSION

Upon suspension of a student, the principal will notify the parent and request a conference—either in person or by phone. Upon the student’s return to school, if the results of this conference have not been successful, the principal will schedule a second conference. If the principal believes that the response of the parent is needed for the student’s successful return to school and the parent fails to respond, the principal may recommend long-term suspension to the Superintendent. The School Board is notified of all suspensions. Parents may appeal a suspension to the Superintendent; his/her decision is final.

Students missing classes during a suspension are unexcused and given failing grades for work missed during the suspension. Students will have the opportunity to make up work missed during the suspension time; however, only partial credit will be given for that assignment. They may also be denied the privilege of participating in such co-curricular and extra-curricular events as field trips, dances, or reward events.

BEHAVIOR—PAPERWORK

When a referral is made to the office or a disciplinary action is taken, the student receives a disciplinary form for the parent. This form must be signed by the parent and returned by the student within two (2) school days. A copy of the document may also be mailed home. This ensures that the parent is informed of the problem and the consequences. OHS will call the parent as needed.

BULLYING

Oberlin High School is obligated to investigate allegations of bullying and take steps designed to address such misconduct. It is critically important that students understand the consequences of their actions, including those that they may not have intended.

The state of Louisiana has mandated that all school boards maintain a policy that prohibits bullying or harassment of any kind, and that any charges of bullying/harassment will be met with serious disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion. It is also extremely important that your child refrain from any conduct which might in any way be construed as retaliation against the accuser. The act of making an accusation or cooperating in an investigation, whether the accusations ultimately prove to be true or false, is considered a protected activity.

Finally, we stress that a finding of bullying or harassment does not require proof that your child intended to actually harm another person. Hence, what may appear to be just teasing; a prank; a joke; or a subtle, seemingly harmless statement, text, or posting can offend other people and can lead to allegations of bullying. Accordingly, we must be reminded to consider how other people interpret what we do or say, regardless of what we intend.

The family of the person making the allegations will be provided a letter concerning the outcome of our investigation, and we ask that all persons involved not discuss this matter, as it is confidential. We appreciate your consideration in regards to this matter.

BUS RULES AND REGULATIONS

Students must follow safety rules for riding a bus. Rules apply to regular bus runs, extracurricular activities, field trips, and athletic events. A student’s right to transportation is contingent upon his good behavior. Bus safety rules are listed:

• Cooperate with your driver. Your safety depends upon it.

• Be on time; the bus will not wait.

• Cross the road cautiously when waiting for and leaving the bus.

• Follow the driver’s instructions when loading and unloading.

• Remain quiet enough not to distract the driver.

• Have written permission and be authorized by the principal to get off a stop other than your own.

• Be courteous; be safety-conscious; protect your riding privilege and enjoy your ride.

• Do not stand when a seat is available and the bus is in motion.

• Do not extend arm, head, or objects out of windows and doors.

• Do not use the emergency door except for emergencies.

• Do not eat or drink on the bus.

• Do not damage the bus in any way.

• Do not use the following on the bus: tobacco, matches, lighters, obscene material.

• The following are also prohibited on the bus: alcohol, drugs, pets, glass objects (except eyeglasses), cell phones, weapons of any kind, and objects too large to be held in your lap or placed under your seat.

• If a student must ride a different bus for one day, the parent must write a note to be approved by an administrator in advance of the day needed. Changes to bus rides are approved only if the driver has room on the bus to safely accommodate the student.

CELL PHONE & ELECTRONIC DEVICE POLICY

Oberlin High School will no longer allow students to use their cell phones on campus during the school day. If students must bring cell phones to school to use for after-school activities, they must keep ALL cell phones turned OFF in their locker or vehicle. If the cell phone is on and/or visible while on campus, the consequences will be as follows:

When a student is caught in possession of their cell phone during school hours (upon arrival in the morning and through the dismissal bell in the afternoon), the cell phone will be taken away, a minor infraction will be issued, and a $5.00 fee will be assessed. Once the $5.00 fee is paid, the cell phone will be returned to the student at the end of the day.

In the event that a student is using a cell phone on campus and is discovered to have posted ANYTHING on social media during the school day, the consequences will be determined based on the content and tone of the social media post(s). Consequences can include, but are not limited to, in-school suspension or out-of-school suspension.

Electronic devices will not be allowed at school. Electronic devices include, but are not limited to: music players, video games, tablets, etc. Teachers will take the item, write a note or behavior referral (depending on kind of usage) and send both to the office. Items will not be given back to the student; parents must come to the office to retrieve items.

CHEATING CONSEQUENCES

Cheating on an assignment and/or exam will result in a grade of 0/F. Multiple instances of cheating will incur additional consequences.

DANGEROUS WEAPONS/KNIVES

Students, staff, or visitors may not possess (on his person, in his locker, or in a vehicle) a firearm or dangerous weapon/substance on school property or within 1,000 feet of school property or while on a school bus or at a school activity. These are firearm-free zones. A dangerous substance is any gas, liquid, or other substance or instrument that in the manner used is likely to produce death or great harm.

Students who possess a firearm, weapon, or dangerous substance will be suspended and recommended for expulsion. After seizing a firearm/dangerous weapon, the principal or his designee will report the confiscation to law enforcement.

Knives: Students are prohibited from carrying or possessing knives on school property or while on a school bus or at a school activity. There is no reason for a student to bring a knife to school. Any student in grades K-12 carrying a knife of less than two inches in length shall be suspended for three days if evidence indicates that no harm was intended. Any student in grades K-12 carrying a knife of two inches or more in length shall be expelled from school for the remainder of the year if evidence indicates that no harm was intended. Any student who uses a knife of any length to threaten or cause bodily harm will be recommended for expulsion for twelve (12) calendar months. Upon the knife’s confiscation, the principal will notify the police and the superintendent.

When a knife or other cutting tool is needed for a class or extra-curricular activity, it will be provided by and used under supervision of school personnel.

FOOD AND GUM POLICY

ONLY food/drinks purchased at Oberlin High School will be permitted. NO glass containers are allowed on school grounds. Gum is prohibited on campus. The consumption of food/drink in classrooms will be left up to the classroom teacher’s discretion.

GANGS AND GANG ACTIVITY

No student shall wear, possess, use, distribute, display, or sell any clothing, jewelry, emblem, sign, or other items that are evidence of membership or application in any gang. No student shall commit any act or omission or use of speech, either verbal or nonverbal (gestures, hand signs, graffiti) that are evidence of membership or application in a gang.

HALL CONDUCT

Classes are in session at all times. A student must conduct himself in a courteous manner. Shouting, shoving, running in the halls, and loitering in the hall during lunch are not allowed. Students are not permitted in the hall without hall passes except during class changes. Students are encouraged to walk to the right side of the halls to ensure smooth traffic flow.

HALL PASSES

This planner contains a hall pass. Students are allowed six excused passes per six-weeks to take care of personal emergencies and phone calls for illness. Teachers must approve the use of the hall pass by initialing it before its use. If the teacher’s permission is not obtained in advance, the student may receive an unexcused admit. It is expected that students will handle their business in a reasonable amount of time. Should a student take longer than is considered reasonable, he will be referred to the office. Once students have used the six hall passes for the six-weeks, they will receive discipline notes.

HARASSMENT

Harassment of any kind—sexual, physical, verbal, or emotional (bullying)—is not allowed at this school. When an initial incident occurs, students are counseled. Further offenses are handled more harshly. In the case of sexual harassment, students are given a copy of the harassment policy, which is explained to them by an administrator. Extreme cases—even initial ones—may result in ASD, ISS, OSS, and recommended expulsion.

INTERNET USE

Students may use the Internet only if the Internet Usage Contract has been properly signed, filed at the school site, and approved by appropriate school personnel and then only in accordance with School District policy and regulations governing such usage.

Any person using computers or other electronic information resources shall be required to use such equipment in a responsible, legal manner. Only school-appropriate material should be accessed on the Internet. The principal will determine what is appropriate. Inappropriate use may result in ASD, ISS, OSS, or expulsion.

LUNCH AND BREAKFAST PROGRAM

Meal prices will be announced in August. Students should pay for meals before school in the cafeteria. Students will receive free/reduced lunch applications at the beginning of the school year. Completed forms must be returned to the homeroom teacher or front office. Students may apply for free/reduced meals throughout the year. Extra meal items may be purchased; however, they must be paid in cash and not charged to the lunch account.

Behavior: Students should move to the cafeteria in an orderly manner at the assigned time. Running, pushing, or cutting in line are not allowed. They should behave appropriately—with manners—while in the cafeteria. Throwing food, loud talking, and disruptions are not allowed. Soft drinks and other foods may not be brought into the cafeteria. Once the meal is completed, students should take trays to the receiving counter and deposit them there after putting all paper and uneaten food in the waste containers provided. Chairs should be returned to their places. Students may use the restroom facilities, courtyard area, and library during lunch break. If there are questions during lunch, check with the duty teachers in a courteous manner. OHS is a closed campus; students must stay on campus at lunch. This includes any seniors who have an afternoon class.

SEXUAL HARASSMENT

OHS does not tolerate any form of sexual harassment. Sexual harassment is defined as any unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. Incidents of sexual harassment may include verbal harassment such as derogatory comments, jokes, slurs, remarks, or questions of a sexual nature; physical harassment such as unnecessary or offensive touching; and visual harassment such as derogatory or offensive posters, cards, cartoons, graffiti, drawings, looks, or gestures. Harassment does not only depend on the perpetrator’s intention but also upon how the targeted person perceives the behavior or is affected by it. Individuals affected by sexual harassment should make it clear that such behavior is offensive to them. If the harassment continues, they are to report it immediately to the principal or her assistant.

UNAUTHORIZED AREAS

The following are considered off-limits to students during regular school activities, except when they are under the supervision of an instructor:

• Athletic area, such as football field, field house, practice field, and gym

• Welding and industrial arts shop

• Any parking lot (without proper permission)

• All students not participating in an after-school activity or sport must be off campus by 3:15 pm and must be with adult supervision.

VANDALISM

Vandalism is a crime. Vandalism to school property is costly; students may be faced with criminal charges, suspension, expulsion, and/or restitution.