0BERLIN HIGH SCHOOL

OBERLIN HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT HANDBOOK

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

ACCIDENT/INJURY PROCEDURE

OHS recognizes its responsibility to provide proper care to students when they become ill or injured. Student accidents and injuries MUST be reported to the main office and/or the nearest teacher immediately—regardless of the nature or severity of the injury. The procedures for handling an injured student follow:

1. The person in charge will give temporary first aid, depending on the nature/extent of the injury, and determine if the injured can be moved.

2. Office personnel will be immediately notified of student illness/injury. Administration will contact the school nurse to come and assist with medical aid.

3. The parent is then called to pick up the injured student. The parent assumes the responsibility of further care.

4. If the parent cannot be reached, the school will contact relatives and have them assume responsibility.

5. If the above steps fail, the principal or assistant principal will care for the student and see that the student receives medical attention if necessary. Neither the APSB or OHS shall assume any liability for the treatment of the student; the parent is responsible for fee payment.

6. If needed, a physician will be given available information concerning the accident or illness. If required, students may be sent to the emergency room.

7. The principal will notify the Superintendent of all serious accidents to students, whether they occur on the school grounds or a school bus.

8. Teachers and other witnesses will be asked to complete an accident report. Office personnel will then prepare formal, accurate reports.

Students who have school insurance will be given a claim form for the doctor. Families will file claims. The athletic director reports athletic injuries to the office.

ADDRESS/PHONE NUMBER CHANGES

Parents or guardians should report changes in a student’s mailing or physical address or phone number immediately to the main office. This information is needed in daily work and emergencies. Changes must be made in person.

ALCOHOL AND DRUG ABUSE

The Board directs that each student shall be specifically prohibited from being under the influence of, bringing, consuming, or having in their possession on a school bus, on school premises, or at a school function away from the school, any alcoholic beverages, intoxicating liquors, narcotic drugs, prescription medications, marijuana, nitrate base inhalants, imitation or counterfeit controlled substances, or other controlled substances as defined by state statutes, unless dispensed by a licensed physician allowed by law.

1. On the school grounds during and immediately before or immediately after school hours.

2. On the school grounds at any other time when the school is being used by a school group.

3. Off the school grounds at a school activity, function, or event. Students under the treatment of a physician shall register with the office any and all authorization from said physician for the use of a prescribed controlled substance.

NOTE: Any violation of any provision of this code shall constitute sufficient grounds to cause the principal and/or superintendent to formulate charges against a student or students, and such charges, if proven correct, shall result in disciplinary action which is in accordance with parish policy and state laws.

Student Smoking/Use of Tobacco: Students shall not be permitted to have tobacco in their possession or to smoke on the school grounds at any time, or at school activities, or when riding school buses to and from school. Students caught with tobacco products, including electronic cigarettes, will incur the following consequences:

1st Offense = 3 days OSS (Out-of-School Suspension)

2nd Offense = 5 days OSS

3rd Offense = Student will be recommended for expulsion

Student Alcohol and Drug Use: Oberlin High School is dedicated to providing a drug-free learning environment for the students attending public schools. The use of illicit drugs and the unlawful possession and use of alcohol is wrong and harmful. Any student found in violation of the above shall be suspended and recommended for expulsion by the principal. Any student who distributes, sells, or dispenses, in any manner or form whatsoever, a controlled dangerous substance as defined by state law to another student or anyone else while on school premises shall be expelled pursuant to the provisions and guidelines as set forth in state law.

Reports of Substance Abuse: State law mandates that teachers and other school employees report suspected substance abuse in school. These cases shall be reported to principal. The principal must report each case of possession, distributing, sales, or manufacturing to the proper law enforcement authority.

Searches: Random searches with a metal detector of a student or his personal effects and random searches of school grounds using drug detection dogs may be conducted at any time. The acceptance and use of lockers, desks, etc., or the parking of vehicles on campus constitutes consent to the search of such lockers, desks, or vehicles by authorized school personnel. When a drug detection dog alerts to the presence of drugs, the principal or his designee shall conduct a physical search of the locker, premises, or vehicle. Any suspected illegal drugs discovered during the search shall be confiscated and turned over to a commissioned law officer for custody.

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.

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.

FAMILY INVOLVEMENT/ACTION TEAM FOR PARTNERSHIPS-–SCHOOL

Oberlin High School recognizes that a child’s education is a responsibility shared by the school and family throughout the entire period the child spends in school. To support the goal of the school district, and to educate all students to succeed, the schools and parents/families must work as knowledgeable partners. Although parents/families are diverse in culture, language, and needs, they share the school’s commitment to the educational success of their children. Oberlin High School, in collaboration with parents/families, will work toward establishing programs and practices that enhance parent/family involvement and reflect specific needs of students and their families.

To this end, Oberlin High School supports working toward the development, implementation, and regular evaluation of its parental involvement programs, which will involve parents/families in the decisions and practices at all grade levels in a variety of roles. We also recognize the importance of administrative leadership in setting expectations and creating a climate conducive to parental participation. A full description of Oberlin High School’s Family Engagement Plan is available in the office upon request.

FIELD TRIPS/SPECIAL EVENTS

Permission slips must be signed for students to participate in field trips. A trip is not considered school-sponsored unless a faculty member or sponsor is present. Parents may help with transportation only if they have submitted proof of required auto insurance to the office. The sponsor will remain at school until the last child has left.

Any student having a grade of “F” in a class or having excessive absences will not be allowed to attend any school-sponsored trip or athletic event that would cause the student to miss class time.

The office designates special events. No refunds are given unless the event is cancelled. Administrators will review all students recommended for exclusion from field trips and/or special events as requested by the trip sponsor. Principals and teachers may exclude students from an activity based on behavior. Reasons for exclusion include, but are not limited to: (1) suspension for any reason, (2) multiple ASD or ISS assignments, or (3) chronic behavior problems in the classroom.

FINANCES AND DEBTS

Students frequently incur financial debts to the school such as cafeteria meals, lost textbooks and library books, damage to school property, club sales, etc. In the event a debt is not cleared, the report card and/or records will be withheld. If a senior student’s debt is not cleared, he will not order senior supplies or participate in graduation ceremonies. If a student is in debt to the school, the student will not be allowed to join any athletic team, club, or organization or participate in any co-curricular or extra-curricular activities or ceremonies until the debt is cleared.

HANDICAPPED STUDENT POLICY

The APSB provides a free and appropriate public education to all handicapped students within its jurisdiction. Students who are handicapped as defined by special education law and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 will be identified, evaluated, and provided with appropriate instruction and educational services.

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.

INSURANCE

Each student will receive a student insurance packet on the first day of school. The insurance company, approved by APSB, provides at-school coverage and 24-hour coverage. Checks should be made payable to the insurance company. Parents must complete the appropriate forms and return them to the homeroom teacher. Claim forms are available in the main office.

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.

PARENTS’ RIGHT TO KNOW

All parents and legal guardians have the right to request information regarding the qualifications of their child’s teacher. This information can be obtained through the principal’s office or through the Allen Parish School Board office. Parents can also visit the Teach Louisiana website to find basic qualification information at the following address:

https://www.teachlouisiana.net/Default.asp

PARKING AND TRAFFIC REGULATIONS

Students who drive a motor vehicle to school must register it in the office by presenting a VALID Louisiana Driver’s License, Proof of Insurance, and paying $5 for a parking permit. Upon arrival, students will park the vehicle immediately in the student parking area near the gym and will exit the vehicle. Sitting in or on parked cars is not allowed. All traffic signs and speed limits must be followed.

Cars and other vehicles are not to be loaned to other students or vandalized by other students. Driving is a privilege that can be revoked. Students who violate these policies are subject to disciplinary action by the principal. School officials have the authority to conduct reasonable searches of student vehicles when warranted.

SCHOOL RECORDS - FERPA

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99) is a Federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. The law applies to all schools that receive funds under an applicable program of the U.S. Department of Education.  Schools must notify parents and eligible students annually of their rights under FERPA. Parents and students have the following rights under FERPA:  

1. To inspect and review the student's education records maintained by the school;

2. To request that a school correct records which they believe to be inaccurate or misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student’s rights;

3. 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.  Generally, schools must have written permission from the parent or eligible student in order to release any information from a student's education record. However, FERPA allows schools to disclose those records, without consent, to the following parties or under the following conditions (34 CFR § 99.31):

• School officials with legitimate educational interest;

• Other schools to which a student is transferring;

• Specified officials for audit or evaluation purposes;

• Appropriate parties in connection with financial aid to a student;

• Organizations conducting certain studies for or on behalf of the school;

• Accrediting organizations;

• To comply with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena;

• Appropriate officials in cases of health and safety emergencies; and

• State and local authorities, within a juvenile justice system, pursuant to specific State law.

4. 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 is:

Family Policy Compliance Office

U.S. Department of Education

400 Maryland Avenue, SW

Washington, DC 20202-4605

SEARCH AND SEIZURE

The APSB authorizes any teacher or administrator in the parish—with probable cause—to search any vehicle, desk, locker, area of the grounds or buildings, or person with reasonable belief that the said student has in his possession any weapon or illegal drug or other prohibited item including alcoholic beverages, inhalants, and stolen goods. Probable cause is having personal knowledge from a reliable person.

The APSB is the exclusive owner of any public school building and any desk or locker utilized by any student contained therein and is the exclusive owner of any and all of the grounds area of any public school building set aside specifically for any student’s personal use. The acceptance and use of locker facilities or the parking of privately-owned vehicles on school campuses by students constitutes consent by the student of such locker facilities or vehicles by authorized school personnel.

Any automobile parked on School Board property may be searched at any time by school officials who have reason to believe that items in violation of School Board policy are contained therein. If the automobile is locked, the student shall unlock the vehicle. If the student refuses to unlock the vehicle, law enforcement authorities shall be summoned, and the student shall be subject to discipline.

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.

VISITORS TO CAMPUS

All visitors to school must register in the office and receive a “Visitor’s Pass.” They should report to the main office when they arrive and state the nature of their visit. They will be directed to the appropriate place. Parents should not go to a classroom or other area unless they have a pass from the office and/or are accompanied by a school employee.

WITHDRAWAL FROM SCHOOL

If a student is leaving OHS for any reason, he/she and the parent/guardian should:

1. Report to the office and talk to the secretary or counselor.

2. Receive and sign the transfer/withdrawal form in the office.

3. Report with the form to each teacher, the librarian, and the cafeteria manager, as well as any club advisers. Have him/her sign the form when books are returned and debts paid.

4. Bring the form back to the counselor or secretary to pay for any lost or damaged materials to complete the process.

It is essential that students complete the withdrawal process properly; otherwise, their transcript of grades and credits will not be transferred to the next school of attendance. Also, a student who is seventeen (17) years of age may withdraw from school prior to graduation with the written consent of his/her parent/guardian.