"The
Drew Central School District will maintain compliance
with all
current rules, regulations, and laws regarding school
policy."
These policies were reviewed and approved by the
Board of Directors of the Drew Central School District
June 19, 2003.
This handbook is an attempt to answer questions which arise regarding policies of the school. It has a multiple purpose:
1. To aid new students by acquainting them with the entire program of the school.
2. To give a ready source of information for older students and faculty members.
3. To acquaint parents and other members of the community with the school's programs.
It is hoped that pupils, faculty and parents may work effectively to better the school; working to uphold its ideals and traditions.
HISTORY OF DREW CENTRAL SCHOOLS
Return to IndexThe Drew Central School District, established in 1927 by the Drew County School Board, was named the A and M Training School #5 because of its affiliation with Arkansas A and M College in Monticello. The purpose of establishing the school was to provide training for teachers. The name of the school was changed to Drew Central School District #5 in 1934 and remained a part of the college until 1936.
At this time, the college and the school had grown to the point that the two needed to be separate entities. Other factors, such as a fire that destroyed the school buildings, created necessity for separate institutions. The college leased 20 acres of land to Drew Central for 99 years for the site of the current campus of Drew Central. An additional eleven acres was leased in 1983, making a total of 31 acres at the present time.
The current Drew Central School District contains 570 square miles. All of the district is in rural Drew County, with all students being bussed from this area to the campus in grades K-12. Several consolidated/annexed districts have been incorporated into Drew Central to make it what it is today. In the early 1900's, Drew County had over 80 small schools; today there are only two school districts within the county boundaries, Monticello School District and Drew Central. In 1990, Wilmar was the last school to be annexed with Drew Central, with the total Wilmar school population moved to the Drew Central campus in 1992.
Surprisingly YOU do. Your parents and all taxpayers are legally required to pay taxes that build and maintain the public school system. Everyone pays taxes in one form or another. Therefore, any damage done to this building, equipment, buses or books must be paid for with your own family's money. It is not enough that you should refrain from doing anything to increase this cost to your parents, neighbors and yourself, but you must help protect this school by discouraging or reporting such activity b y any others. REMEMBER, MOST TROUBLE STARTS AS FUN.
Return to IndexThe school colors shall be red and white and the Pirate shall be the mascot.
Sing we the praises of old Drew Central
Thank thee for worthy goals;
Gladly we cheer thee with voices ringing,
School with comrades old.
Fill every heart with the loyal spirit
Be ever brave and true;
Filled with the love of Drew Central High School
We'll stand up for you.
Alma Mater, on with thee,
Face defeat or victory.
We'll sing your praise
Where'er we be,
Drew Central High School on with thee.
Oh when the DCH team fall in line
We're gonna win this game another time and
for the DCH team we love so well
We're gonna yell and yell and yell and yell and yell
We're gonna fight, fight, fight for every score
We're gonna circle in and score some more
We're gonna boost those Pirates to the sky, through the
sky
Fight, Fight, Fight.
Return to IndexDrew Central High School District exists to lead all students to become productive and independent citizens, as well as confident, respectful, and responsible members of society.
THE DREW CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES ARE:
Return to Index1. To teach core concepts and abilities in the educational curriculum.
2. To develop critical and creative thinking skills for making good, responsible choices.
3. To develop social responsibility, such as cooperation, respect for the rights of others and self, honesty and dependability.
4. To develop civic responsibility through teaching the basics of American democracy and good citizenship.
5. To develop leadership ability.
6. To promote student curiosity and independence to the extent that they will become their own best teachers.
7. To promote a wise of productive use of leisure time.
8. To teach students to be proud of their achievements and themselves.
9. To ensure that each child is well-nourished and understands the importance of a well balanced diet.
10. To increase parental involvement and participation in promoting the social, emotional and academic growth of students.
11. To develop an awareness in the changing workplace critical to the students' future economic well-being.
12. To strive for a safe and disciplined environment conducive to learning, free of drugs, alcohol, weapons and violence.
GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE POLICIES
The school day at Drew Central consists of seven class periods. A regular day is six hours of instructional time.
Study halls are provided for study and preparation of school work. Students must use their study time wisely by bringing to the study hall some work to do and by conducting themselves in a manner conducive to creating an atmosphere of quietness.
1. Students in study hall are to study, or otherwise do school work.
2. Students in study hall are not allowed to sleep. With the permission of the teacher in
charge, a student may lie their head on their desk if they do not feel well.
3. Talking by students is allowed under the following conditions: only two students are
allowed to talk at a time and they must stand when talking. They must talk only with
permission of the teacher in charge.
4. Student passes to see the counselor, a teacher in conference period or go to the
principal's office may be requested from the teacher in charge of the study hall. Students
are not allowed to be "Passed" to a teacher who has a class that period.
Students may be exempted from the final examination if they meet the following requirements:
1. Must have an "S" in conduct.
2. Must have a "B" average for the spring semester. Graduating seniors may be exempted on a "C" average for the spring semester.
3. No more than three unexcused absences in class.
4. No assignments to ISS (In-School Suspension), OSS (Out-of-School Suspension), SWAS (School-Within- A- School - Boot Camp).
Grades assigned to students for performance in a course shall reflect only the extent to which a student has achieved the expressed academic objectives of the course. Grades that reflect other educational objectives such as the student learning expectations contained in the curriculum frameworks may also be given.
| Grading Scale: | Grade Value: |
| 90-100 A | A = 4 Points |
| 80-89 B | B = 3 Points |
| 70-79 C | C = 2 Points |
| 60-69 D | D = 1 Point |
| 59 and below F | F = 0 Points |
GPA will be computed by dividing the number of grade points or quality points by the number of semesters of work.
Honors and general track and remedial track will be computed for class rank in that order.
A student may repeat a course and substitute the higher grade. Credit will be given only one time, however, the grade will be used to calculate Grade Point Average. Beginning with the Class of 2006, the selection of Valedictorian and Salutatorian will be based on the grade point obtained by the student the irst time a course is taken. While the grade point of a student may be improved by re-taking the course to replace a lower grade with a higher grade, these two positions deserve a place of special honor. (Revised 2002)
Students are placed on the honor roll provided they make an overall grade point of 3.0. A student may not be on the Honor Roll if he/she has a "U" or two "N's" in conduct even if he/she has a 3.0 grade point average. A student who has been suspended from school or assigned to In School Suspension will not be eligible for the Honor Roll.
|
Normal Grade Point System for all courses except Advanced Placement and Honors courses: |
Weighted Grade Point
System for Advanced Placement and Honors courses: |
| A = 4 | A = 5 |
| B = 3 | B = 4 |
| C = 2 | C = 3 |
| D = 1 | D = 2 |
| F = 0 | F = 0 |
*Weighted grades will not be used to calculate class rank, honor roll status, or the selection of Valedictorian and Salutatorian. The Normal Grade Point System will be used to calculate these honors.
TRANSFERRING GRADES TO DREW CENTRAL
Return to IndexStudents transferring into the Drew Central School District from a school system requiring less than 24 credits will be evaluated on a case by case basis by the school board to determine if state minimum requirements will be accepted for graduation. Students must have been enrolled at Drew Central for at least four semesters preceding graduation in order to be eligible for the top two honor positions.
CORRESPONDENCE WORK - (General Diploma Only)
Return to IndexStudents may earn no more that two (2) units of credit through correspondence work. Final grade in a correspondence course must be received at Drew Central no later than the due date for senior grades in order for a senior to participate in graduation exercises. Correspondence courses will not be used in determining grade point and class rank.
Conduct grades are assigned by each teacher in the classroom.
Four week progress reports will be sent home between the nine week grading period.
Honor graduates are determined on the basis of accumulated grade point, which must be 3.50 to be computed at the end of the eight semesters of school. Honor graduates must take the Honors Diploma course of study. No remedial courses will be accepted. Final academic grade point average must be 3.50 or higher. A student may receive an Honor Diploma with a 2.00 GPA in Honors courses. No correspondence courses, summer school courses or college courses will be accepted to meet the Honors graduate requirements.
All students must carry a minimum of 5 academic courses per semester. For Drew Central class rank and GPA recognition purposes, grades received in activity courses will not be use in figuring GPA. Seniors who need fewer than five credits to graduate and do not need to take five classes will be counseled on an individual basis to determine appropriate class load.
A student has three school days to change from one class to another at the beginning of a semester. A student will have five school days to drop a class without receiving a grade of "F".
* A student must have met all requirements for graduation prior to the graduation ceremony to be eligible to participate in the graduation program.
Students earning a diploma from Drew Central High School must meet the following requirements for graduation:
English 4 units
Oral Communication ½ unit
Social Studies 3 units (1 unit of world history, 1 unit of U.S. history, ½ unit each
of Civics and Geography required)
Mathematics 3 units (1 unit of algebra or equivalent, 1 unit of geometry or equivalent. 9th and 10th grade math together will meet the algebra requirement provided both 9th and 10th grade math are completed.)
Science 3 units (1 unit of biology and 1 unit of a physical science are
required)
Health ½ unit
PE ½ unit
Fine Arts ½ unit
Keyboarding ½ unit
Career Focus Electives 8 ½ units
Drew Central will offer two tracts of study to its students. They are College Prep, and General. In order for students to be eligible for one of the following items, they must have completed the College Prep curriculum.
1. Academic Challenge Scholarship (requires a 2.50 GPA)*
2. Seal on graduation diploma (requires a 2.75 GPA)
3. Unconditional admission to an Arkansas higher institution of learning (2.0 GPA)*
4. Honor graduate status/member of National Honor Society (3.50 GPA)
5. Selection as Valedictorian or Salutatorian
* All students will be required to meet the requirements of Acts 977 and 1115 of 1997 regarding the common core curriculum, Arkansas Challenge Scholarship, and unconditional admission to college, as detailed in the following section.
English 4 units
Mathematics 3 units (Math 9, Math 10, Informal Geometry)
Science 3 units (Physical Science, Biology, Principals of Technology I - must have one Life Science and one Physical Science)
Social Studies 3 units (Civics, World Geography, World History, American History)
Fine Arts ½ unit (Art, Band, Choir, Drama)
Oral Communications ½ unit (Speech)
Keyboarding ½ unit
PE/Health & Safety 1 unit
Electives 8 ½ units
Total 24 units
Each student must have a 2.oo GPA after 8 semesters of high school work to receive the Honors Diploma. These courses must come from the Honors Diploma curriculum. No correspondance courses or remedial courses will be accepted to meet the Honors Diploma requirements. College courses will be accepted to meet the Honors Diploma elective requirements. A 2.75 GPA is required to get a state seal on the diploma
COLLEGE PREP/HONORS DIPLOMA - CLASS OF 2007
In addition to the above requirements, students beginning with the class of 2007 and beyond will be required to have a 2.75 GPA after 8 semesters of high school work to receive the Honors Diploma
English 4 units
Mathematics 3 units (Algebra I - may be taken in Jr. High, Geometry, Algebra II,
Trigonometry or Calculus, Advanced Mathematics)
Science 3 units (Physical Science, Biology, Chemistry, Advanced Biology or
Physics - must have one Life Science and one Physical Science)
Social Studies 3 units (Civics, American History, World History (required for Academic Challenge),
Global Studies, Economics or World Geography)
Foreign Language 2 units (Spanish I, II)
Fine Arts 1 unit (Art, Band, Choir)
Keyboarding ½ unit
PE/Health 1 unit
Oral Communication ½ unit
Electives 6 units
Total 24 units
Students are classified according to the number of units of credits they have:
Sophomore 6 Credits
Junior 12 Credits
Senior 18 Credits
Graduate 24 Credits
ARKANSAS ACADEMIC CHALLENGE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
Return to IndexStudents who plan to graduate in 2002 and later must meet the following requirements to be eligible for the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship:
4 units of English
4 units of mathematics (4th unit of math must be above Algebra II)
3 units of science (Advanced Biology does not count toward this requirement)
3 units of Social Studies
2 units of a single foreign language
ACT score and GPA requirements:
ACT Score GPA
15-16 3.25
17-18 3.00
19 2.50
20-24 2.25
25-36 2.00
Students in grades 9-12 who enroll in college courses for elective credit: A 3-semester-hour college course will be equal to ½ unit credit. College courses may not substitute for courses required for graduation, but may be used to satisfy elective course requirements. (Act 1097 of 1991, Act 1188 of 1993)
Students who have completed the 8th grade are eligible to enroll in
college courses and to receive high school credit provided the following
guidelines are met.
College courses may not be used to satisfy core course requirements for
graduation, but may be used to satisfy elective course
requirements. Students in grades 9-10 must take the ACT and earn a
composite score of 19 or higher prior to taking a college course. 9th and
10th grade students who are planning to take Freshman Composition or
College Algebra must earn a score of 19 or higher on the English or
Mathematics sub-test of the ACT. Students in grades 11 and 12 must take
the ACT prior to enrollment in a college course. It is recommended that a
student earn a score of 19 or higher on the ACT before attempting to take
college courses. All students who desire to enroll in college courses
must have a letter of recommnedation from the principal or
designee. (Revised 2002)
UNCONDITIONAL ADMISSION TO AN ARKANSAS PUBLIC COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY
Return to Index|
Students who graduate from high school before 2004 must complete the following coursework for unconditional admission to to an Arkansas public college or university |
Students who graduate from high school after 2004 must complete the following coursework for unconditional admission to to an Arkansas public college or university | |
| 4 units of English | 4 units of English | |
| 3 units of Natural Science | 3 units of Natural Science | |
| 3 units of Mathematics | 4 units of Mathematics | |
| 3 units of Social Studies | 3 units of Social Studies |
MATH AND SCIENCE SCHOOL SENIORS (Act 1326 of 1997)
Return to IndexStudents who attended Drew Central High School prior to acceptance to the Arkansas School for Mathematics and Sciences may elect to participate in graduation activities the year they graduate, including class composite picture, prom, and graduation exercises.
Students who attend ASMS will be sent a questionnaire at the beginning of their fourth year of high school in which they will indicate the activities they plan to attend. The questionnaire will be sent to the last address of record in the school district records. Failure to return the form by October 1 will constitute a waiver of the election to participate. Students who will graduate early and who intend to participate in any activities must notify the high school principal in writing by October 1, that they will graduate early and plan to participate in graduation activities.
ASMS students will be responsible for the costs of these activities to the same extent that Drew Central High School students, and agree by participating to abide by the provisions of the Student Handbook at these functions. ASMS students who violate provisions of the handbook at senior activities may be barred from attending future events upon recommendation of the high school principal, subject to appeal to the superintendent, whose decision shall be final.
ASMS students who participate in graduation exercises will not be eligible to be recognized as valedictorian or salutatorian, but upon presentation of an official transcript from ASMS by April 15 will be recognized as an honor graduate if appropriate and based on criteria of the Drew Central School District for honor graduates. ASMS students who choose to participate in graduation ceremonies will not receive diplomas issued by the Drew Central School District, but instead will be presented with certificates of recognition.
SEVENTH AND EIGHTH GRADE COURSE REQUIREMENTS
Return to IndexSeventh Grade: Mathematics, Science, English, Social Studies, *P.E., *Health, *Music, *Art,
(*classes rotate each 9 weeks)
Electives: Band, Basketball, Study Hall, Choir, Keyboarding, Reading
Eighth Grade: Mathematics, Science, English, Social Studies, Practical Arts & Career Orientation
Electives: P.E., Choir, Band, Basketball, Study Hall, Keyboarding, Reading
Note: Seventh and Eighth Grade students must pass six semesters of English, Math, Science and Social Studies per year to be promoted to the next grade.
Teachers may elect to appoint students as "Student Helpers" for one semester at a time. Student Helpers must have a minimum 2.00 GPA for the previous semester. Student Helpers earn ½ unit of activity credit per semester. A student and the parent or guardian must sign a "Student Helper Contract" which states, among other concerns, that a student who drops, or is dropped from student helper status will receive a grade of "F" for the semester. 9th - 12th Grade students may only be assigned to one period per day as a student helper. 7th and 8th grade students are not eligible to be student helpers.
Criteria for Exceptional Senior Award should have outstanding academic ability, contribution to community, participation in extracurricular activities and rapport with group and staff. The student who receives the most votes from the faculty will be the recipient of this award.
Purpose: The Drew Central School Council provides a system of recognizing students for academic accomplishment and to provide additional motivation for scholarly activity.
1. Students who satisfy program requirements will be awarded a chenille letter with a logo
depicting scholarship, which can be sewn on any jacket or sweater. Students who letter in
successive years will receive a gold letter bar.
2. Points will be recorded after every nine week period.
3. Points can be carried over from one year to the next.
4. The reward requires a grade point average of 3.75 for three nine week periods.
5. Points are given as follows: Academic
A = 4
B = 3
6. Points will be awarded for any class, excluding Special Education and Vo Tech or any class
which a full credit cannot be earned.
7. Awards will be given at Awards Day in April.
8. Students in the 7th through 12th grade will be eligible for these awards.
9. Any student who has a "U" or two "N's" in conduct, or has been suspended or assigned to
Alternative Learning Environment will not be eligible for this award.
ACADEMIC RECOGNITION PROGRAM FOR GRADES 7-12
Project 3-D is a positive motivational program for secondary students to attain and keep a 3.50+ average throughout the school year. Upon achieving this academic status the first time, students will receive t shirts with the program logo; for a second period of achievement, they will be treated to a Scholar's Day Out vacation day from school. A Scholar's Day Out may not be taken the week prior to, or the week of, semester tests. For those who maintain this average for the first three consecutive nine week periods, the culminating activity will be an overnight stay at a tourist area, wit h meals and entertainment partially funded. The junior high achievers will be given a day long educational field trip.
All these students must maintain an S in citizenship in all classes, with no detention hall days,
In School Suspension or suspensions, to be eligible for the rewards. At the beginning of the subsequent school year, award recipients will be publicly recognized during an assembly with individual trophies and school plaques. Those who maintain the average all four nine week periods will have their names engraved on a Principal's Roll plaque; all 4.00 students will be listed on the Superintendent's Roll. Both plaques will be displayed in the high school hallway.
In order to motivate all students, an "early lunch" ticket and a free soft drink will be awarded to those who raise at least one academic grade one letter from the preceding grading period, without other grades dropping.
Beginning with the 1996/97 school term, all graduating seniors must have taken a proficiency examination before completion of high school. The examination may be taken during grades eleven (11) and/or twelve (12). Guidelines for the exam will be outlined specifically in the rules and regulations that will be developed by the Arkansas Department of Education.
A student in grades 7 and 8 may receive a social promotion from the principal if they are two (2) or more grades behind their age placement.
It is important that "every student" has plans and purpose for his life. The Guidance Staff of the Drew Central School wish to participate in helping each student reach the limits of his potential. None can be ignored because each student will grow and either become an asset or liability to the society. Any person who does not feel a part of his society, who is not accepted in it, is a source of danger to it and its members. Therefore, within the limitations of time, space and personnel, the counselor and staff will strive to meet the needs of each student. Regardless of what your sex, color, race or creed might be, you are always welcomed in the Counselor's office. Your problems, regardless of size, whether they be educational, vocational or personal warrant our time.
Homework is a beneficial adjunct to the in school instructional program. Students learn through homework, self discipline and good study habits. Homework will be assigned in each class, for practice, for skills taught and as research using content appropriate to the course.
Drew Central High School needs the support and resources of volunteers in the high school. People with diverse experiences are a valuable resource for motivating and educating students.
The service that a volunteer may render to the school depends upon the needs of the school and the teacher as well as the abilities and interest of the volunteer. General areas for volunteers assistance include: resource people, tutoring individual students, general classroom assistance, library, health room and chaperoning off campus trips and on campus activities. The High School Principal is the coordinator for the volunteer program and may be contacted at 367- 6076.
POLICY - TEACHER/PARENT CONTACTS
Return to IndexIt shall be the policy of the Drew Central School District to provide opportunities for communication personally with students' parent(s) or guardian(s) once each semester. The following procedure will be used each year in reporting student performance:
1. One parent/teacher conference day of at least six (6) hours will be held each semester to talk
with parents about student performance.
2. Progress reports will be sent home by each child at the end of each for and one half week
grading period.
3. Report cards will be sent home at the end of each nine week grading period. (Report cards will
be available at each Parent/Teacher Conference day.)
4. Additional parent/teacher contacts may be necessary for some students. These conferences will
be at the discretion of the parent and/or teacher. Appointments for additional conferences will
be made through the principal's office. The teacher will be notified at least one day prior to
the appointment.
5. Parents will be asked to sign an attendance form when they attend a parent/teacher conference.
This signature will assist the school in keeping up with personal contacts made either by the
school or parent(s)/guardian(s) of the child.
One of the goals of the Drew Central School is to provide educational programs for the gifted and talented. Selection of students for this program is based on Act 106 passed by the General Assembly of Arkansas and Public Law 91 230 that generated the following definition:
Gifted and talented students are those of high potential or ability whose learning characteristics require qualitatively differentiated educational experience.
Possession of those talents will be evidenced through an interaction of above average intellectual ability, task commitment and creative ability.
Students may be nominated for screening for this program by teachers, parents, peers (secondary level), self and standardized test scores. Students nominated to the program may require further testing to determine qualifications for the program.
If you have any questions about this program or would like a nomination form, please contact Judy Bynum, Gifted and Talented Coordinator, or the principal of your school.
ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS FOR COMPETITIVE INTERSCHOLASTIC ACTIVITY PARTICIPATION
A student promoted from the sixth to the seventh grade automatically meets scholarship requirements for eligibility. A student promoted from the seventh grade to the eighth grade automatically meets scholarship requirements for the first semester. Second semester eighth grade students and first semester ninth grade students meet scholarship requirements for junior high if they successfully pass four academic courses the previous semester, three of which are in the core curriculum areas specified by the Department of Education's Standards for Accreditation of Arkansas Public Schools. Ninth grade students must meet requirements of the senior high scholarship rule, as defined below, by the end of the second semester in ninth grade in order to be eligible to participate in the fall semester of their tenth grade year. Student promotions at the seventh and eight grades meet scholarship requirements for participation in competitive interscholastic activities.
In order for a student to remain eligible for competitive interscholastic activities a student must have passed four academic courses the previous semester and either:
Have earned a minimum Grade Point Average of 2.0 from all academic
courses the previous semester.
or
Have met the "proficiency standard" as defined by the State Board of Education on the
state criterion-referenced tests, including both the mathematics and literacy tests , for
twelfth-grade eligibility.
or
Have achieved at or above the 50th percentile on the Basic Battery on the norm
referenced test administered by the state for tenth- and eleventh-grade eligibility.
It is the policy of the rew Central School District to limit and control interruption of instructional time in the classroom and the number of absences related to such activities. The weeek of Semester Exams will be considered Dead Week. No after-school activities, including athletic events, will be scheduled during Dead Week. Dead Week is defined as Sunday through scheduled classes on Friday. (Revised 2002)
Students at Drew Central Schools have the right to join an existing club if they meet the requirements set forth by the constitution and by laws of the club. Students shall not be restricted from membership in a club on the basis of race, sex, national origin or other arbitrary criteria.
School fraternities and secret societies are banned in Arkansas Public Schools (Act 171, 1929).
QUALIFICATIONS FOR HOLDING OFFICE
Return to IndexAll officers of any school organization shall have at least a "C" average in academic subjects and the recommendation of five teachers and an administrator. A student must maintain a "C" average in order to remain in office. A student may be removed from office if he/she is assigned to In School Suspension, suspended, or expelled from school.
At the beginning of each school year, time shall be set for campaigning and campaign speeches before the student body, for students wishing to run for class office. An election will be held by secret ballot and if no student gets a simply majority, there will be a run off between the top two candidates. Class officers should realize that they are accepting the responsibility of that office when elected.
The Student Council is an organization which has objectives and works toward those objectives in the most efficient methods possible. The council is not a club. It is a student organization whose members are elected by the student body to represent t hem and therefore serve their interests. It provides a forum by which students may participate in clearly defined areas of the student program. A student council president cannot serve as president of any other school organization.
In addition, the council supports all school organizations, promotes good citizenship, supports and originates school activities, manages all assembly programs, and in general, is a service organization to the school.
The election of the officers takes place each spring. The election is explained in the constitution. Candidates for office must have a 2.0 GPA for the previous two semesters. The nominees are president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, reporter and two representatives at large, voted on by the student body. If enough candidates are running for offices, there will be a school wide assembly for campaign speeches.
The Drew Central Student Librarians Association is an organization which works toward increasing pupil interest and participation in school work. Some of the characteristics and traits looked for in student assistants are dependability, respect for authority and scholarship. The membership is open to all students in grades seven through twelve.
The National Honor Society was started by J.G. Masters in the early nineteen hundreds in secondary schools in several sections of the country. The object of the Drew Central Chapter of Honor Society is to render service to the school, to create an enthusiasm for scholarship, to promote worthy leadership and to encourage the development of character in pupils of Drew Central High School.
Membership in this organization is based on scholarship, service, leadership, citizenship and character. Candidates for membership must have completed one semester in Drew Central High School, be members of the junior or senior class, and be enrolled in Honor Diploma courses. One must have a cumulative GPA of not less than 3.33 and retain it to remain in the society. After one obtains the scholastic requirements, his eligibility will then be based on his service, leadership and character. Members of the sophomore class may be chosen a s probationary members if they meet the above requirements.
Chapters of the Junior National Honor Society now exist in each of the fifty states, the District of Columbia and in American schools in more than a dozen foreign countries. There are now more than 3,300 chapters of the Junior National Honor Society, and the number is still growing steadily.
The purpose of this chapter is to create an enthusiasm for superior scholarship, to develop citizenship, to stimulate a desire to serve, to promote leadership and to install exemplary qualities of character. To be eligible to become a member, it is necessary to be in the seventh, eighth, ninth grades or first semester of the tenth grade and have a cumulative GPA of not less than 3.33. Candidates are then considered on the basis of citizenship, service, leadership and character and elected by the entire faculty or by a faculty council.
FUTURE BUSINESS LEADERS OF AMERICA
Return to IndexFBLA is a national youth organization for high school students who are or have been enrolled in business subjects. FBLA is sponsored by the National Business Education Association. It operates as a part of the school program under the guidance of a business teacher. It is democratically organized and designed to provide young adults with educational, vocational and leadership experiences. It encourages improvement in scholarship and strengthens the confidence in their work.
FAMILY, CAREER AND COMMUNITY LEADERS OF AMERICA
Return to IndexThe FCCLA is an extracurricular activity of DCHS, enjoyed by the students who are taking or have taken Home Economics. Chapter meetings are held once a month. The chapter also chooses different members, according to the work done by each individual, to attend the district and state meeting. The activities of FCCLA include a trip to the Arkansas Livestock Exposition, which is determined by the general conduct of the students. The local chapter President must be taking Home Economics.
The FFA is an organization consisting of members who are taking Vocational Agriculture or who have completed all the courses offered. Being a FFA member enables one to participate in judging contests on district, state and national levels. The purpose of this organization is to promote agriculture, leadership, citizenship and ability to work efficiently. Activities include spending a week at Camp Couchdale (a summer camp for boys), going to the State Livestock Show and the Chapter Fish Fry (which is held annually). The following list of officers help keep FFA a national organization: President, Vice president, Secretary, Treasurer, Reporter, Sentinel, Jr. Advisor and Student Council Representative.
THE PIRATE YEARBOOK/JOURNALISM
Return to IndexThe PIRATE yearbook is a pictorial record reflecting the life of Drew Central students from grades K 12. It is produced by a group of high school students in grades 10-12, working under the direction of a faculty member. The students are selected in the spring of the year by applications submitted to the advisor. Yearbook staff must have a 2.5 GPA and a "B" in English. The yearbook staff begins working the first week in July by selling ads to area businesses. Yearbook sales are made during the fall and spring. Many hour of copy writing, picture taking, layout design and proofreading are spent during the coming months. The reward for this hard work is the completed book which is delivered during the first month of the next school year.
The Drama Club is designed to allow students to perform and develop an appreciation of the fine art of acting. Membership can be attained by any student presently or previously enrolled in Speech and Drama. Students must have a grade point average of at least 2.00. Activities include at least one play or musical a year, attendance and participation at the Big Oak Classic Tournament at UAM and various fund raising activities.
The choral music activities are open to all Drew Central Students (grades 7 12) who wish to participate. The choral groups perform regularly at school assemblies, community activities and district and state festivals.
Beginner and advanced band are available to students in grade five through twelve.
BOYS:
Drew Central High School boys' sports consists of cross country, basketball, baseball, tennis and Cheerleading.
GIRLS:
The girls' sports at DCHS consist of cross country, basketball, tennis, cheerleading and softball.
It is the desire of the coaching staff and administration that every boy or girl have a chance to participate in interscholastic athletics.
SELECTION OF HOMECOMING ROYALTY
Return to IndexThe Homecoming Court will be selected by each grade. Ballots will be
distributed to each student in grades 7-12 to nominate six girls from
their grade. The students will be encouraged to vote for firls with
outstanding personal qualities. The ballots will be tabulated and the top
six girls from nominees from each grade with at least a
2.0 GPA for the previous semester will be the Homecomin Nominees. A
Homecoming selection assembly will be held and each class will vote on two
maids from their grade and vote for the Homecoming Queen from the Senior
nominees. The two maids with the most votes from each grade (7-11) will
be elected to the Homecoming Court. The Seniors will have three elected
members of the Homecoming Court. The Senior with the most votes from the
Student Body will be the Homecoming Queen and announced at the afternoon
of the Homecoming Ceremony.
Escorts will be chosen by the girls elected to the court and must be
participating in any school athletic program. The Senior Maids will get
first pick of escorts, then Juniors, Sophomores, Freshmen, 8th Grade and
7th Grade, in that order. Each maid will pick an escort from the same
grade classification. If this is not possible then the Maid may pick from
another grade classification.
The colors for the activities will be school colors. The Student Council
President is responsible for emceeing the activities. The afternoon
assembly on Homecoming Day will be held in the auditorium. The evening
ceremony will be held in the gym.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE HOMECOMING COURT:
1. The Court will be responsible for seeing that the stage is decorated.
2. The Senior Court will select the dresses.
3. The Senior Court will choose the Homecoming theme.
4. The Senior Court will choose a singer and pianist from the Drew Central staff or students.
5. The Senior Court and Homecoming Sponsor will choose the Flower Girl and Crown Bearer from the Drew Central Elementary students.
STUDENT EXPENSES ON SCHOOL TRIPS
The school will provide transportation on all approved educational trips. All other expenses must be paid by the student or the sponsoring club. Trip approval forms must be completed by the sponsor and turned in to the principal for approval at least five days before the trip.
PARENTAL CONSENT FOR MEDICAL/DENTAL TREATMENT ON SCHOOL TRIPS
Return to IndexA form must be signed and on file in the high school office giving consent for Medical/Dental treatment when the parent or guardian cannot be contacted, before a student can participate in a school trip.
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES AND STUDENT BEHAVIOR ON SCHOOL TRIPS
Return to IndexExtracurricular activities supplement the regular instructional program and afford opportunities for a wide range of experiences, both academically and socially. Extracurricular activities during the school day will not be allowed to interfere with the minimum instructional time for the school day (6 hours). Students who participate in school approved trips shall be considered as in school while on the trip. (All school rules and policies apply.) Students shall not do anything to cause Drew Central any embarrassment while participating in extracurricular activities.
Violation of this policy will result in:
1. Penalties applied to student behavior on school trips as assessed under the authority of handbook policies and school rules already established and any that may be added to meet program responsibilities.
2. The administration will review student behavior to assess current and future participation in extracurricular activities or school-sponsored trips. When necessary, the administration will recommend to the school board the expulsion of students due to behavior violations.
Student records cannot be released without a release form signed by the parent of students under 18 years of age. Students 18 years of age or older may sign for their records. One copy will be given free. All other copies will be $1.00 each.
As a parent or a student over 18 years of age, you have the right to inspect your educational records. You have the right to a hearing to insure that the records are not inaccurate, misleading or otherwise in violation of the privacy or other rights o f students, and to provide an opportunity for the correction or deletion of such inaccurate, misleading or otherwise inappropriate data contained herein and to insert into such records a written explanation by the parents requesting the contents of such records. Your request to inspect such records shall be complied with as soon as we can arrange it and in no case more than 45 days from the receipt of your request. The same time limits apply for a request for a hearing to challenge the content of such records.
The principal in each building has a copy of the district's policy on student records which you may examine. You have the right to file a complaint with the Federal Office of Education concerning alleged failures of the district to comply with the requirements of 93,380. We maintain three types of records: (1) those of academic progress; (2) discipline records, and (3) immunization. The principal is the person in charge of the records in each building.
STUDENT SCHOOL RECORDS AND EDUCATIONAL RECORDS
The Drew Central Schools may produce school directories containing the names, addresses, phone numbers and grade level of students. The directories may be released by the school. Any parent of students under 18 years old and students 18 years or older may request that this information not be released. The principal must be notified by September 15 of the school year in writing if there is a request not to release the information in the directory.
From time to time students may be photographed at school or at school activities by teachers, a photographer contracted by the school to take photographs for school purposes, or by students working on school projects. These photographs may be published in the school yearbook, on the school website, in other school publications, or in the local newspaper. Parents/guardians who do not want photographs of their student published must notify the principal in writing stating that they do not want photographs of their student published.
BIRTH CERTIFICATES/SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER
Return to IndexNo child shall be admitted to any public school without an official copy of that child's birth certificate and that child's social security number. If a child does not have a social security number, an ID number will be assigned. (Act 838 of 1991)
Every student entering school must have the following immunizations: DPT/TD, Polio, Measles and Rubella. These must be verified by a signed notice from a doctor or health nurse. Students will not be allowed to enroll in school if they do not have the immunizations. Seventh grade students and entering college freshman must have two MMR.
Only students living within the confines of the Drew Central School District or though living in another district have the mutual consent of the School Boards of both districts, or under the freedom of choice rule, may attend school in the Drew Central District.
Children of an employee who is employed at least half-time with the Drew Central School District, or is an employee of the Southeast Arkansas Educational Service Cooperative may attend school at Drew Central even though the employee may reside in another school district. (Act 1207 of 2001)
POLICY AFFECTING STUDENT TRANSFERS
Return to IndexThe Drew Central School District will strive to provide a quality education for every student. To ensure that conditions for quality education will remain constant the following procedures will be used for students transferring from another public or private school:
1. Students transferring into the Drew Central School District from another Arkansas Department of Education accredited public or private school will be enrolled in the same grade level in which the student had been transferred.
2. Grade level enrollment for students transferring into the Drew Central School district from public or private schools that are not accredited by the Arkansas Department of Education, or home schooled students returning to public school, the building principal, counselor and teacher will determine the needed test that will be given to assess the achievement level of the transferred student.
3. Students in grades 9-12 transfering from a Home School who can present documentation of participation in a course of study accredited by a recognized regional or national accrediting agency with standards similar to the Arkansas Department of Education Standards for Accreditation of Public Schools or North central Association (NCA) accreditation standards may have those course credits accepted to meet grade classification and graduation requirements. Transferring students classified as Seniors, who wish to receive a diploma from Drew Central High School, must attend school for nine months immediately prior to graduation to be eligible for a diploma.
TRANSFERS AND FREEDOM OF CHOICE GUIDELINES
Return to Index1. Any student in the Monticello School District can choose to attend Drew Central Schools on a
Freedom of Choice form completed by July 1st for the following school term.
2. Students moving into the Monticello District or the Drew Central District after July 1st can
choose their place of attendance on a Freedom of Choice form before enrolling in any school.
3. Students who live in the Monticello School District and have been attending Monticello cannot
move to the Drew Central Schools during the year unless they receive a legal transfer or their
family moves to the Drew Central District.
4. Students living in the Drew Central District and attending Monticello Schools on a Freedom of
Choice or transfer can return at any time to the Drew Central School District.
5. Students attending in the Drew Central Schools by Freedom of Choice or transfer will lose
their right to attend Drew Central Schools if they drop out and enroll in Monticello at any time
during the year.
6. Students who live in the Drew Central School District and are attending the Drew Central
Schools will be allowed to stay in Drew Central Schools on a Freedom of Choice form if their
parents move to the Monticello District.
It is generally recognized that school is a place for work and study, therefore, students are urged not to bring guests to school with them. A house guest may accompany a student to school provided he/she observes the same rules and regulations as students, though this is not encouraged, and is approved by the principal. No guests will be allowed during semester tests.
Telephones in the office are for school purposes only. A pay phone is located in the parking lot for student use before school, between classes, at noon and after school.
Student are issued a cafeteria identification number. Students may not charge lunches/. Forms for free or reduced lunch are available in the High School office.
Return to IndexLockers are rented to the students at a charge of $5.00 per year, of which $4.00 is refunded upon return of the lock to school officials. Locks are provided with the locker and are subject to administrative search.
Textbooks are furnished free of charge to all students at Drew Central High School. Books that are lost or damaged will be paid for by the student who is assigned the book. Replacement costs will be charged if the book is lost or unusable.
MONIES OWED TO SCHOOL, CLUBS OR CLASSES
Return to IndexAny student owing money to the school, clubs or classes will not receive grades until the money is paid. Credit cannot be withheld because of class dues, however, students who do not participate in club or class activities may be excluded from club or class functions. The club or class sponsor will notify the parent by mail of any outstanding charge at least one week before report cards are issued. Report cards and transcripts will not be released until accounts are cleared. A student who owes money to a club will not be eligible to participate in any club activies the following year until the amount due is paid.
Student transportation on school owned buses is to be considered a part of the regular school program. Bus drivers are legally empowered to enforce order on the buses and are expected to do so. Students who persist in disobeying bus regulations will be suspended from the bus by the administration.
It is the intent of the Drew Central School Board to furnish the best buses possible for transporting students with the financial limitations we have. Bus routes will be changed from time to time as needed to meet population changes. It will be the policy of this Board to make every effort to have a bus come within one half mile of every student so long as the bus can remain on a properly graveled road by doing so. The board will not honor requests to make short doubles where students would have to walk less than one half mile unless hardships can be shown to the satisfaction of the Board.
No person other than, other than bona fide students or school workers may ride the bus. College students may ride so long as there is room, but may not deprive any regular student of a seat. To do so would constitute just cause for asking them not to ride. In general, buses are to be used for regular students only transporting them to and from school and to and from places that the normal extracurricular activities of the school necessitates. The superintendent may authorize the use of buses for field trips and extracurricular activities only within the bounds of the State of Arkansas. A bus is not to be used for transporting non students at any time or for any reason other than that under conditions of emergency.
In order to insure the safe transportation of students, Drew Central will enforce the following rules while students are on the bus:
1. Instructions will be followed the first time they are given.
2. Do not extend any part of your body or any object from the bus at any time.
3. Students will not move from their assigned seats unless given permission to do by the bus driver.
4. Students will obey all rules or instructions considered necessary for the safe operation of the bus.
The violation of any of these rules may result in one or more of the following disciplinary actions being imposed by the bus driver:
1. Detention Hall
2. Five day suspension from the bus.
3. After a conference with parent and administration, suspension for the remainder of the semester.
If the violation is considered serious enough, the student may be suspended by the school board for the remainder of the school year of permanently.
Students may drive automobiles to school as they and their parents see fit, but must leave them parked in a specified area on the school campus and stay out of them from the time they arrive in the morning until school is out. This is interpreted to mean not sitting in the automobile before school and during the noon hour as well as not driving the automobile during these times.
Student driving to Vo Tech must have proper papers signed and approval given before driving to Vo Tech. No passengers are allowed in these instances unless approved by both the principal and Vo Tech.
All students driving vehicles to school and parking on campus must meet state law. This requires all students to be 16 years of age or older with a valid Arkansas Driver's License and liability insurance. A copy of driver's license and liability insurance must be filed in the counselor's office. The Student Council is responsible for issuing parking permits at a cost of $5.00 each.
Students are to park their vehicles and leave the parking lot when they arrive on campus and are not allowed to go back to them without permission from faculty or administration. Students should cross the street only when buses are unloading and are not to go to cars of other students.
Students can leave campus in their own vehicles after school is out until the first bus pulls up to leave the campus and then they are to stop leaving until all buses are off the campus, then they are allowed to leave at a safe rate.
Violation of these rules will be:
1. The student will have the privilege of driving to school and parking on school campus revoked.
2. The vehicle will be towed from campus at the student's expense.
The Student council will be responsible for selling parking permits and policing the parking lots during the 7:45 a.m. to 3:10 p.m. school day.
All students must register their vehicle with the Student Council, in the senior high counselor's office. The cost of the permit will be $5.00. The permit must be displayed for identification and proof of registration to gain access to the DCHS parking lots. The student will provide proof of drivers license and liability insurance in order to receive a permit. A copy of these rules signed by the student and parent will be required to be on file.
Cars without permits will be ticketed. Permits may be temporarily transferred to another vehicle by permission. Students and/or employees parking improperly in the handicapped spaces will be ticketed.
All Tickets will be $10.00 and must be paid in 10 days from the date of issuance or the fine is doubled. If the ticket is not paid in 15 days from the date of issuance, all driving privileges will be revoked until the ticket is paid. If the vehicle is found on campus between 7:45 a.m. and 3:10 p.m. while driving privileges are revoked, the vehicle will be towed at the student's expense. At the end of each semester if tickets are outstanding, driving privileges will be suspended indefinitely.
All students between the age of five (5) and seventeen (17) on October 1 of that year shall attend school. (Act 292 of 1990) All students must be in regular attendance in order to be successful in their school work. Failure to be in regular attendance may result in serious problems with their academic progress and achievements. A student must attend school three (3) hours to count 1/2 day and six (6) hours to count a full day.
A student who is absent from school must contact his/her teacher within three (3) school days upon returning to school in order to make up work missed during the absence. The student has three (3) school days to make up the work missed (this includes tests, projects, homework, etc.) After the three (3) days, no credit will be granted on the work missed . If an assignment or test is announced, while the student is present in class, for a particular date and the student is absent on that date, he/she will be required to turn in the assignment or take the test immediately upon returning to school. Doctor's slips, funeral programs, and court appearance slips will be accepted as excuses for excessive absences. These slips must be presented to each teacher and turned in to the office at the end of the day. The deadline for presenting slips for excessive absences is three days after the absence occurs. Report cards and progress reports will indicate the student's absentee record.
After five (5) days absence, parents will be notified by regular mail. After eight (8) days, a second letter will be sent by regular mail. After ten (10) days of unexcused absence during the semester, no credit will be allowed. Also, the prosecuting attorney and the parents or guardian will be notified.
Periodic checks will be made by telephone to determine the reason for the student's absence from school. This will also serve notice to the parent in the event a student is not at school when he/she should be. Students who are absent during either all o r part of the school day shall not participate in any school activity on that day or night unless permission is granted by the principal.
EXCUSED ABSENCE FOR DRIVER LICENSE TEST
Return to IndexOnly one excused absence shall be allowed to take the Drivers License Test.
Students who are on campus or come to the campus and do not attend classes will be considered truant from those classes. The administration will investigate all charges of truancy. Students who are adjudged to be truant following administration investigation will be assigned to In School Suspension. Only the principal or assistant principal have the authority to assign students to In School Suspension.
Students are expected to be present for class on time and prepared with
all necessary materials to participate in class. Tardies start over every
nine weeks.
Violation of this policy within a nine-week grading period will result
in:
3 Tardies: Detention Hall or student may take corporal punishment
for the first detention assignment in a nine-week period. Students
eligible for corporal punishment will report to the office at the
beginning of their lunch period on the day their assignment is
posted.
6 Tardies: In School Suspension (refer to ISS policy for length of
assignment)
9 Tardies: In School Suspension (refer to ISS policy for length of
assignment)
12 Tardies: 5-day Out-Of-School Suspension or assigned to
School-Within-A-School (SWAS).
A student who accumulates more than 12 tardies in a nine-week grading
period will be placed under administrative review of their placement in
school through a parent conference.
Drew Central High School has a "closed campus". Students are expected to remain on campus throughout the school day. Students with a medical appointment should present a written note or have a parent/guardian telephone the office before the student w ill be allowed to leave campus. Parents are discouraged from checking students out of school for reasons other than medical appointments or emergencies. Those students who become sick during class hours should check out at the PRINCIPAL'S OFFICE or at the NURSE'S OFFICE: students will not be allowed to go home unless a parent is notified by phone or person and gives permission.
Students are to check in and out through the PRINCIPAL'S OFFICE when arriving at school late or leaving early during the school day.
Students who are to leave campus for any reason during school hours must obtain permission from the PRINCIPAL'S OFFICE ; "sign out" in the office and "sign in" when he/she returns. A student's parent/guardian will be required to telephone the office before a student is allowed to "sign out". Failure to "sign out" will result in violation of the truancy policy.
HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL'S OFFICE PHONE: 367-6076
A senior with a first or seventh period study hall may leave campus if he/she has filled out the proper form. However, the seniors are not to wander around campus. Wanderers risk losing the privilege of being able to leave. Students who do not return the form are required to report to study hall as usual. To validate the form, there must be a call from a parent for the study hall period listed. Students must maintain a 2.50 GPA (last grading period). This privilege is for seniors only.
Students at Drew Central may distribute and possess literature, including, but not limited to newspapers, magazines, leaflets and pamphlets, except that the district may prohibit, a specific issue of a specific publication if there is a substantial, factual basis to believe its possession or distribution will cause, or is causing, substantial disruption of school activities.
All literature must be free of obscenity, libelous statements, personal attack and within the bounds of reasonable conduct. All literature shall be approved through the principal's office for a time and place to distribute the literature where no interference with school activities will occur. All petitions shall be free of obscenity, libelous statements, personal attack and with the bounds of reasonable conduct. All petitions shall be approved through the principal's office for a time and place where no interference with school activities will occur while being signed and distributed.
SCHOOL NEWSPAPER AND UNOFFICIAL PUBLICATIONS
Return to IndexSchool newspapers and unofficial publications produced by students at Drew Central Schools shall be free of obscene language and libelous materials. These publications shall be for the sole purpose of reporting school news.
STUDENT DISCIPLINE - GENERAL STATEMENT OF JURISDICTION
A student may be suspended or expelled for immorality, refractory conduct, insubordination, infectious disease, habitual uncleanliness, or other conduct that would tend to impair the discipline of the school or harm the other pupils, regardless of whether the student's conduct occurs on or off campus and during or between school terms and regardless of whether a specific prohibition of the conduct is contained in this handbook.
The school board gives authority to the building principal to investigate all allegations of student misconduct. The principal may uphold or modify decisions based on policies in the handbook at the discretion of the principal.
PARENT NOTIFICATION OF STUDENT MISCONDUCT
Return to IndexTeachers will file a Discipline Incident Form in the office documenting student misconduct on each occurrence of a violation of classroom rules or school policy that results in a written warning or other disciplinary measure. A copy of the form will be mailed to the parent/guardian. Parents are encouraged to contact the teacher through the principal's office whenever questions about student behavior arise. Teachers are also encouraged to contact the parent/guardian whenever classroom behavior becomes a concern to the teacher. The most effective methods of encouraging appropriate behavior always involve the school and the home working in partnership.
The principal, or designee, will make a reasonable, good faith effort to contact the parent or guardian of any student who is reported to, interviewed by, or taken into custody by law enforcement personnel, except in cases of investigation of suspected child abuse or neglect. (Act 1217 of 2001)
***A student shall not possess, handle or store contraband materials while on school property or at a school sponsored event.
The Drew Central School District must create and maintain a climate in the schools that assures they safety and welfare of all students. In order to do this, it will be necessary at times to conduct searches of student's lockers and automobiles. The following policy will be followed concerning searches at Drew Central Schools:
STUDENT LOCKERS:
Lockers at Drew Central Schools are owned by the school and rented to the students. However, a
student can expect privacy of the locker, except the school reserves the right to search the lockers, under the following conditions: there is a reasonable suspicion that a controlled substance, gun or other contraband is present. A blanket search of lockers shall not be conducted except in unusual circumstances, such as the case of a bomb threat, etc.
PERSONAL SEARCH:
A search of a student's personal property shall be limited to a situation in which the administration has a reasonable suspicion that the student is concealing evidence of an illegal act, contraband, weapon or has violated a school rule. An adult witness will be present when a personal search is conducted. A pat down search of a student shall be done by a school official of the same sex.
A search of student's personal property or automobile will be conducted when there is reasonable suspicion that the personal property or automobile contains contraband, weapons or evidence or an illegal act or violation of a school rule.
REMOVAL OF STUDENT FROM CLASS BY TEACHER (Act 1281 of 1999)
(a) Consistent with state and federal law, a teacher may remove a student from class and send
him or her to the principal's or principal's designee's office in order to maintain effective
discipline in the classroom.
(b) A teacher may remove from class a student:
(1) Who has been documented by the teacher as repeatedly interfering with the teacher's
ability to teach the students in the class or with the ability of the student's classmates to
learn; or
(2) Whose behavior the teacher determines is so unruly, disruptive, or abusive that it
Seriously interferes with the teacher's ability to teach the students in the class or with the
ability of the student's classmates to learn.
(c)(1) If a teacher removes a student from class in accordance with subsection (b) of this
section, the principal or his designee may place the student into another appropriate classroom, into in-school suspension, or into the district's alternative learning environment
established in accordance with § 6-18-508, so long as such placement is consistent with
the school district's written student discipline policy, or the principal or his designee may
return the student to the class, or take other appropriate action consistent with the school
district's discipline policy, state law and federal law.
(2) If a teacher removes a student from class twice during any nine (9) week grading period, or
its equivalent as determined by the Department of Education, the principal or his designee
may not return the student to the teacher's class unless a conference is held for purposes of
determining the causes of the problem, and possible solutions, and with the following
individuals present:
(A) The principal or his designee; (D) The parents, guardians, or persons in loco
(B) The teacher; parentis; and
(C) The school counselor; (E) The student, if appropriate.
(3) The failure of the parents, guardians, or persons in loco parentis to attend the conference
provided for in (c)(2) shall not prevent the conference from being held nor prevent any
action being taken as a result of that conference."
Students are expected to dress in clothing which is appropriate for school an which will not distract from the learning atmosphere of the classroom. Any extreme in appearance that may disrupt the normal operations of the school will not be acceptable.
TYPE OF CLOTHING APPROPRIATE FOR SCHOOL ARE:
1. Shorts, skirts or dresses which have no holes, slits, tears and have a hemmed bottom
edge(s) no shorter than six inches (the length of a $1 bill veertically) from the top of the knee when standing; no spandex will be
allowed.
2. Pants/slacks with no holes, slits, tears above the knees and "NO SAGGING". Sagging is defined as wearing the waistband of slacks, pants, shorts or skirts below the natural waistline. A belt is required for over-sized pants.
3. Tops must have at least two inch wide straps, no sagging armholes, and a body length which will cover the waist. Tank-type tops, halter tops, and/or spaghetti strap tops are not acceptable for school wear.
4. Clothing with no vulgar, obscene, suggestive or offensive messages or which advertise or support drugs, alcohol or tobacco.
5. Caps, hats, visors, scarves, headbands, bandannas, sunglasses are not to be worn in any school building by either boys and girls. Those items worn inside any building will be taken and kept by the principal.
6. Blouses and shirts must cover the buttocks when worn with leggings or stirrup pants.
7. Shoes will be worn at all times while at school.
8. Jewelry depicting drugs or other inappropriate symbols will not be allowed.
9. Any see-through, low-cut, or extremeyl tight clothing which makes underclothing visible, or is suggestive, will be probihited.
10. All clothing must be properly worn..(snaps snapped, buckles buckled, buttons buttoned, zippers zipped, etc.)
Violation of the policy will result in:
1st offense: Warning, call parents
to bring clothes or send home to change.
Classes missed due to
being sent home will be considered unexcused absence.
2nd offense: One day of detention hall, call parent to bring appropriate clothes or send home to change.
3rd offense: Three days of detention hall, call parent to bring appropriate clothes or send home to change.
Any effort to give aid or receive aid during an assessment is considered cheating. Assessments may include tests, homework, lab work, skill evaluations, and other assignments. Teachers will post their own policy regarding cheating in their classrooms. Penalties may include loss of credit for the test or assignment as well as other punitive actions.
DAMAGE OR DESTRUCTION OF SCHOOL PROPERTY
(Act 104 of 1983 Special Session)
A. A student shall not cause or attempt to cause damage to school property or steal or attempt to
steal school property.
B. The school district will attempt to recover damages from the student destroying school
property.
Return to IndexA. A student shall not steal or attempt to steal property belonging to the school or public or
private property while under jurisdiction of the school.
B. Students shall make restitution of any property stolen by them and shall be subject to other
disciplinary measures.
* PARENTS OF STUDENTS MAY BE LIABLE FOR DAMAGES TO SCHOOL PROPERTY CAUSED BY THE STUDENTS.
A student shall comply with reasonable directions or commands of teachers, student teachers, substitute teachers, teacher aides, principals, administrative personnel, superintendent, school bus drivers, school security officers or other authorized school personnel. Students will be considered insubordinate when they refuse to obey any rule or regulation of the school or school district or the reasonable instructions of school district personnel.
No student shall:
1. Block the doorway or corridor
2. Prevent students from attending a class or school activity
3. Block normal pedestrian or vehicular traffic
4. Use violence, force, noise, coercion, threat, profanity, intimidation, harassment, fear, passive resistance or any other conduct intentionally to cause a disruption
5. Refuse to identify himself/herself on request
6. Encourage other students to violate any rule or school board policy
7. Be profane in their remarks to teachers, administrative staff or other students
A student shall not possess, handle or transmit a knife, razor, ice pick, explosive, pistol, rifle, shotgun, pellet gun or any other object that can be considered a weapon or dangerous instrument
A student shall not possess, handle or store any gun or weapon on school property, including a designated school bus stop (Act 1282 of 1999). The possession, handling or storing of any gun, firearm or other weapon will subject the individual to a suspension of no less than one (1) year from school, provided, however, that the superintendent shall have discretion to nullify such expulsion requirements for a student on a case by case basis. (Act 567 or 1995)
A student shall not possess, handle or store firecrackers, smoke bombs, cherry bombs or any other kind of fireworks that reasonably could be a danger to himself/herself or to other students or could be disruptive to the learning climate of the school.
Students involved in a fight, assault or altercation for the first time at school or during school activities may be paddled, assigned detention hall, In School Suspension, suspended or assigned to the School Within A School program. The school administrator will make the decision on the method of discipline based upon the investigation of the fight, assault or altercation. The second time a student is involved in a fight, assault or altercation, he/she will automatically be suspended from school or assigned to the School Within A School Program for five or ten days. The third fight, assault or altercation will result in the student being recommended for expulsion from school or assigned to the School Within A School Program. In keeping with Act 1243 of 1997, all felonies or other violent criminal acts committed against a teacher, school employee or student will be reported to the appropriate local law enforcement agency and school district.
INSULT OR ABUSE OF SCHOOL EMPLOYEE (Act 1565 of 2001)
Return to IndexIt is unlawful, during regular school hours, and in a place where a public school employee is required to be in the course of his or her duties, for any person to address a public school employee using language which, in its common acceptation, is calculated;
A) Cause a breach of peace;
B) Interfere with the operation of the school; or
C) Arouse the person to whom it is directed to anger, to the extent likely to cause
imminent retaliation.
A student who violates this act may be: assigned to In School Suspension, School Within A School Program, Alternative Learning Environment, suspended, or recommended for expulsion.
COMMUNICATING A DEATH THREAT (Act 1046 of 2001)
Return to IndexCommunicating a death threat concerning a school employee or student is a class D felony. Any student who communicates a death threat under this policy will be reported to the appropriate law enforcement agency. Additionally, the parent or guardian will, at their expense, provide a psychological examination by a state-licensed psychological examiner to determine if the student is a threat to himself or others. The student will be suspended or assigned to the School Within A School program until the required psychological examination has been delivered to the principal. If the psychological examination determines that the student is a threat to himself or others, the student may be assigned to the School Within A School program, Alternative Learning Environment, or recommended for expulsion from school.
COMMUNICATING FALSE ALARMS (Act 567 of 2001)
Return to IndexAny person who purposely initiates or circulates a report of a present, past or impending bombing, fire, offense, catastrophe or other emergency knowing that the report is false or baseless and could likely result in response by emergency personnel, or cause the evacuation or partial evacuation of a school building is subject to prosecution under Arkansas Law.
Students who issue false alarms as described above will be suspended or assigned to the School Within A School Program for a period of not less than five days. Repeated offenses my result in expulsion for the remainder of the current school year with all loss of academic credit.
PHYSICAL ABUSE OR ASSAULT OF SCHOOL STAFF
Return to Index(Act 104 or 1983 Special Session, Act 207 of 1997)
Definitions:
"Assault" is the willful attempt or threat to inflict injury upon the person of another, coupled with the apparent present ability to do so. Any display of force that would give the victim reason to fear bodily harm is assault, even if touching or striking does not occur.
"Battery" is similar to assault, but requires unexcused physical touching or injury.
"Abuse" means to wrong in speech, reproach coarsely, disparage, revile, or malign. Use of profanity or vulgar expressions directed at another person is considered abuse.
STATEMENT OF POLICY - BULLYING:
Students are to keep their hands to themselves, and treat teachers and fellow students with respect and courtesy. Horseplay and physical teasing, as well as shoving, striking, fighting or bullying and threatening others with physical injury, etc., constitute battery and/or assault, and are strictly forbidden. Profanity and rude and abusive language directed at others is considered abuse, and
this is also strictly forbidden. Violation of this policy will result in disciplinary action, and may also constitute a criminal offense. By law, local law enforcement must be notified whenever a felony or an act of violence, including the threat of violence or any crime involving a deadly weapon, may have been committed on campus.
PENALTIES:
Fighting will be dealt with under existing penalties for fighting
Violations of this policy may result in reprimand, detention hall, corporal punishment,
In School Suspension, out-of-school suspension, recommendation for expulsion,
or assignment to the School Within A School Program, depending on the nature and
severity of the violation.
In all cases of violent acts or commission of felonies, law enforcement agencies will be notified. Also, a report will be made to the superintendent of schools within 3 days of the
incident. The person reporting the act will be notified that a report has been made to the
superintendent and to local law enforcement agencies. Students and their parents may
also be charged with penalties under civil statutes by students and parents who have been
assaulted.
A student shall not cause or attempt to cause physical injury to a school employee, fellow student or any other individual. A student who intentionally or knowingly causes physical injury to a teacher or other school employee while that employee or teacher is acting in the course of employment has committed second degree battery. Second degree battery is a Class "D" felony. (Act 207 of 1997)
***No using, offering for sale or selling beer, alcoholic beverages or other elicit drugs by students on school property (Act 104 of 1983 Special Session).
Student shall not possess, sell, use, transmit or be under the influence of any narcotic drug, hallucinogenic drug, amphetamine, barbiturate, marijuana or other controlled substance, as defined in Act 590 of 1971 of the state of Arkansas, as amended , or beverage containing alcohol or intoxicant of any kind. A trace of illegal drugs, alcohol in one's body is a violation of this policy.
Students of Drew Central District should be aware that school district officials have access to a drug dog. The dog is a gentle dog which has been trained to local alcohol, marijuana and other illegal drugs in lockers, in automobiles and on persons. Periodic inspections and/or request of the school board, superintendent and/or principals, will be made by the dog and handler in an effort to prevent possession and use of alcohol and drugs on the campus. Students shall be responsible for contraband found in lockers, automobiles and on themselves.
Viiolation of this policy will result in:
1st violation: Assigned to the School Within A School Program for 18 weeks or recommended to the school board for expulsion.
2nd violation: The student will be recommended for expulsion.
3rd violation: The student will be recommended for permanent expulsion.
These consequences will be imposed independently of court action. However, the consequences may be lessened or waived if information provided by the student leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons illegally dealing in drugs.
Controlled substances may be possessed and used by a student who has a prescription for the substance, provided the substance remains in the container in which it was obtained from the pharmacist.
In the event of consideration of a drug test it will be the responsibility of the student and their representatives to pay for and secure a proper Drug Test under the following testing procedures:
The urinalysis sample will be provided within 24 hours from notification of an incident to a government-certified laboratory (Arkansas Medical Laboratories) which will test using procedures according to the United States Department of Health and Human Services as defined by NIDA (National Institute on Drug Abuse). A certification of the chain of custody of the sample provided for testing must accompany the test sample results.
The test will be a gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) test with results expressed in quantitative analysis. The concentrations that exceed the linear region of the standard curve shall be documented in the laboratory record as "greatest than highest standard curve value". The trace levels for confirmation test cutoff levels expressed in nanograms per milliliter shall be as follows for the following substances:
Marijuana metabolite 15 ng/ml Phencyclidine 25 ng/ml
Cocaine metabolite 150 ng/ml Amphetamines:
Opiates: Amphetamine 500 ng/ml
Morphine 300 ng/ml Methamphetamine 500 ng/ml
Codeine 300 ng/ml
All test results shall be communicated to the Superintendent or his designee prior to the scheduled meeting of the Board of Education in review of the notified incident.
Drew Central students will be banned from possessing or using tobacco paraphernalia (lighters, matches, etc.) or tobacco products (Skoal, cigarettes, etc.) while on Drew Central campus or while attending any school sponsored trip or activity that is of f campus.
Violation of this policy will result in:
1st offense: In School Suspension and a parent conference will be scheduled.
2nd offense: In School Suspension.
3rd offense: Suspension with recommendation for expulsion or assignment to the School Within A School Program. (Ref. Ark. Stat. Ann. 80 509, 80 1629)
GANGS, GANG SIGNS, GANG ACTIVITY
Return to IndexNo student will use gang signs or graffiti, wear gang colors, clothing, jewelry or purport to be a member of any street gang, posse, set or secret society on school grounds.
Violation of this policy will result in:
1st offense: Temporary suspension until a parent conference can be held.
2nd offense: Suspension or School Within A School Program.
3rd offense: School Within A School Program or recommended for expulsion.
Students are to refrain from kissing, sitting in laps, or intimate hugging at school or at school-sponsored activities.
Violation of this policy will result in the following:
1st offense: Warning
2nd offense: Detention Hall Assignment
3rd offense: Detention Hall and mandatory parent conference
School should be a safe learning environment for all students. In an attempt to accomplish this objective, sexual harassment of any sort will not be tolerated. Sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome physical contact, sexually explicit language or gestures, uninvited or unwanted sexual advances, an offensive overall environment, including the use of vulgar language, the presence of sexually explicit photographs or materials and the telling of sexual stories or jokes.
Violation of this policy will result in:
1st offense: Parents notified: Conference with both parents of victim and accused with the intent to accomplish communication and for it to be made known behavior is unacceptable and against the law. Punishment 3 days detention.
2nd offense: Constitutes continual and total disregard for Drew Central policy and will be dealt with accordingly. Re-notification of parents: parents should be made aware they are responsible for their children. Punishment 3 days suspension / School Within A School Program.
3rd offense: Recommendation for expulsion / School Within A School Program.
*THIS IS A VIOLATION OF TITLE VII CIVIL RIGHTS ACT OF 1964
Students who are guilty of racial slurs, ethnic obscenities, or other derogatory remarks will be disciplined as outlined below.
1st offense: Parents notified: Conference with both parents of victim and accused with the intent to accomplish communication and for it to be made known behavior is unacceptable. Punishment - 3 days detention
2nd offense: Constitutes continual and total disregard for Drew Central policy and will be dealt with accordingly. Renotification of parents: parents should be made aware they are responsible for their children. Punishment - 3 days suspension / School Within A School Program.
3rd offense: Recommendation for expulsion / School Within A School Program.
Computers and internet access are made available to students for academic purposes only. The Drew Central School District maintains a filtering device to attempt preventing access to internet content that could be harmful to minors (Act 1533 of 2001, Act 912 of 2001). It is the user's responsibility not to initiate access to such material. No student who uses school computers will attempt to circumvent the filtering device to access blocked content, including the use of outside email providers to access such material on school computers. Additionally, students are not to download and/or install software to any school computer, nor attempt to gain access to areas of the local school computer network that are not available to the general student population. Students shall abide by all copyright laws as they apply to software and on-line resources.
Penalties for violation of this policy will include:
1st offense: Warning issued and parent notified that the policy has been violated
2nd offense: Loss of use of all school computers for a period of 5 days. This includes use of computers for class work and assignments
3rd offense: Loss of use of all school computers for the remainder of the semester. This could subject the student to loss of credit in certain classes or prevent students from taking certain classes.
Students will not be allowed to possess electronic devices that will result in disruption of the educational process. Such devices may include, but not limited to: cassette players, CD players, radios, and laser pointing devices (Act 1408 of 1999). Students in possession of beepers, cell phones or other communication devices will be required to keep such devices deactivated so as not to ring or sound during a class.
Violation of this policy will result in:
1st offense: The device will be taken and returned only to the parent.
2nd offense: Possible suspension / School Within A School Program.
3rd offense: Possible expulsion /School Within A School Program.
A student shall abstain from indecent and immoral acts.
A student shall not participate in any activity which may be termed gambling or wagering where the stakes are any other object or objects of value.
The school district reserves the right to punish behavior which is not conducive to good order and discipline in the schools, even though such behavior is not specified in the preceding written rules
Any instructions or announcements are enforceable after they appear in the memo one time and a student is subject to disciplinary action after the instruction or announcement appears in the memo three times.
DISCIPLINE FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
Return to IndexStudent with disabilities who engage in misbehavior are subject to normal school disciplinary rules and regulations. If a student with disabilities requires particular discipline procedures, they shall be adopted for that student and included in the IEP by the IEP team. If a student with disabilities is suspended or expelled from school, an alternative educational program will be provided. The counselor of each school will be the grievance officer to review discipline of students with disabilities i f requested by parents or students over the age of 18 years.
All students with disabilities will have an IEP meeting held when the student has been suspended for five (5) days. When a student has been suspended for ten (10) days, his IEP committee will meet, within three (3) days of the occurrence, to determine placement.
The due process rights of students and parents at Drew Central Schools are as follows:
1. Prior to any suspension, the school principal or his/her designee, shall advise the pupil in
question of the particular misconduct of which he or she is accused, as well as the basis for
such accusation.
2. The pupil shall be given an opportunity at