COLLEGE VISITS

Seniors are allowed two college days for the year. These days are to be used for visiting prospective colleges and universities. Requests for college leaves are to be completed two days before using college leave. Request forms are to be picked up in the attendance office. A letter from the college or university, signed by a school official and stating that the student made the visit is required if college leave is to be granted. The letter is to be submitted to the attendance office on the day the student returns to school. Failure to provide this documentation will result in an unexcused absence or truancy.

DENIAL OF PROMOTION/COURSE CREDIT

Excessive absence may be a basis for denial for promotion or graduation. Credit may be denied a student when she/he has more than fifteen days of total absence in a semester. The principal and the teachers of that student will determine this.

DROPPING CLASSES

Students who withdraw from a class after 10 school days will receive an “F” for the semester.

Late Enrollment

A student who is exempt by age from the compulsory school attendance laws will not be permitted to enroll after the fifteenth (15th) day of the first semester or the fifteenth (15th) day of the second semester unless determined by the superintendent or his designee to be eligible for enrollment or re-enrollment due to extreme extenuating circumstances.

MAKE-UP WORK

Students may make up work missed due to excused absences or parent permission absences only. It is the responsibility of the student to present an excused admit slip to the teacher and to request the make-up assignment on the day he/she returns to school. Students have as many days as they have been out to make-up the work. If make-up work is not requested within two (2) days of returning from an excused absence, the student forfeits the opportunity to make-up work missed.

Parents may request make-up work through the counselor’s office after a student has missed three (3) consecutive days.

A student will be given a “0” or “F” if the assignment(s) missed is the result of an unexcused absence. A student suspended from school will not be given credit for any work missed during the suspension. Any student who is truant forfeits the right to make-up any work for credit.

Semester test exemption policy

Students who have a grade of “A”, “B”, or “C” in a class and have three (3) absences or fewer in that class have the option of being exempt from the semester test in that class. Students who qualify for the exemption but elect to take the test in order to raise their grade may not have their semester grade lowered as a result of the optional test.

1. Each teacher will keep records on a per class basis. The teacher will inform the students of their exemption status.

2. Students will have been enrolled during the entire semester (within the first 10 days of the semester). Students transferring in during the semester cannot be exempt from tests that semester.

3. Three (3) tardies in a class will equal one (1) day of absence.

4. School business absences will not be counted.

Tardy policy

Promptness is expected of all students. A student who is not in his/her proper seat when the tardy bell rings will be considered tardy.

Classroom teachers must record all tardies in the grade book.

• 1st Tardy-3rd Tardy—Classroom policy applies. Teacher records and informs students.

• 4th Tardy—1 day SDC or discretion of assistant principals.

• 5th Tardy and Thereafter—Discretion of assistant principals, including but not limited to SDC or Saturday School.

BEHAVIOR IN THE HALLWAY

· Walk on the right side of the hallway.

· Students in the hallway during class time MUST have their signed planner (Northside Handbook), and they should proceed directly to their destination.

· Horseplay and running are not permitted.

· Do not stop to talk with your friends and block the flow of traffic.

· A minimum noise level will be maintained.

· There will be no display of affection in the halls or anywhere on campus. (This includes holding hands, arms around one another, kissing etc.)

· Students will not congregate in groups.

· Be courteous and respectful to all persons.

· Students are not allowed in hallways during lunch.

If students are in the hallway during class time, before school, or after school, they should have a pass from the office or their planner correctly filled out with a time by their teacher (one student per hall pass). Students are to take care of their personal needs during passing periods. Students will not be allowed to go to the restroom during class unless the office has a note from a physician detailing the medical problem requiring this or unless an emergency exits. Students are to clear the building by 3:30 p.m. Once students exit the building, they are not to reenter.

Lunch

Northside has a cafeteria where a student can purchase lunch either from a regular plate lunch line, a hamburger line, or a salad/a la carte line.

Northside High School has a closed campus for lunch. Students are strictly prohibited from leaving campus once they arrive. If a student is to leave during lunch, his or her parent or guardian must come into the attendance office to check him or her out of school. That parent or guardian must also check the student back in through the attendance office when he or she returns. Failure to follow this procedure will result in an unexcused absence.

The following rules must be observed when using the cafeteria:

1. Do not leave trays, paper, milk cartons, paper cups, or silverware on the tables. Return them to the dishwashing area.

2. No food or drink is allowed to be eaten in any hallway, stairway, or rooms. All food and drink must be eaten in the cafeteria, outside on picnic tables, or in the atrium. Students are not allowed in the halls during lunch.

3. Cleaning up after students is not the responsibility of cafeteria or custodial personnel: IT IS THE STUDENTS’ RESPONSIBILITY.

4. Students are required to use their photo ID for all transactions in the cafeteria.

MESSAGES

EMERGENCY MESSAGES ONLY will be delivered to students. Classes will not be interrupted to deliver messages regarding transportation, personal appointments, work schedules, family errands, etc.

VISITORS

All visitors must check in at the attendance office (Main Office) and obtain a visitor’s pass.

ANTI-BULLYING POLICY

The Fort Smith School District is committed to providing a safe learning environment for each of its students. Bullying is a destructive behavior that will erode the foundational principles on which a school is built. The District will not tolerate any behavior that is classified as bullying, and it will take steps to eliminate such behavior. School employees and volunteers are encouraged to report any instances of bullying to the building principal or designee. Students who believe they have been a victim of bullying or parents who believe their child has been victimized by a bully should file a complaint by contacting a school counselor, teacher, or principal. Bullying is defined as behavior that may include, but is not limited to teasing, taunting, threatening, frightening, and/or hurting other students physically or emotionally, or influencing others to use such practices. Individuals who withhold information or purposely provide inaccurate facts, or otherwise hinder an investigation of bullying, shall also be subject to disciplinary action.

It is impossible for teaching or learning to take place in a classroom unless good order is maintained. The staff and faculty at Northside have a positive, professional attitude toward discipline that fosters and rewards mature, responsible behavior by students. However, if a student does behave in a disruptive manner or disobeys school rules, there are certain minimum steps that will be followed that insure the involvement of teacher, parent, counselor and administrators with the student to correct the behavior problem. If it becomes necessary to suspend a student for behavior problems, all entitlements of due process of the law will have been met. Disciplinary actions may be appealed. All appeals must begin with the building principal.

STUDENT DisciplinE Center

I. Assignment to SDC —

A. Only the principal, assistant principals, or their designee may assign students to or remove students from the SDC.

B. The SDC supervisor may assign extra time for improper conduct or may recommend reduced time for exemplary conduct.

II. Operation of the SDC — All students assigned to the SDC:

A. Will be assigned for a minimum of one complete day. If for any reason the assigned day in SDC is not completed in full, the student will be assigned

to spend the next day in full in the SDC.

B. Must be in the SDC room on the day they are assigned, seated in their assigned area, and starting to work before the tardy bell rings.

C. Must bring all books, workbooks, paper, pencils/pens, rulers, typing paper, and any other materials necessary to complete the assigned work. No extra

reading material will be allowed in the SDC room.

D. Will remain in their assigned cubicle, sitting in an upright position, and facing the back wall at all times. There will be no sleeping, no laying head

on desk, on hands, on arms, or against the side of the cubicle. The student will raise their hand and first obtain permission from the SDC supervisor in

order to receive assistance or to leave their cubicle for any reason.

E. Will be allowed to go to the restroom only once in the morning (at approximately10:00a.m.), and only once in the afternoon (at approximately

2:00 p.m.), and then only if the individual student requests to go, and then only to a specific restroom and within the time limits set by the SDC

supervisor. If a student has any medically documented problems that might be complicated by this rule, that student must make alternative

arrangements with the principal that has assigned him/her to SDC, and those arrangements stated in him/her SDC file.

F. Must notify SDC teacher 1st period if he/she intends to eat lunch. Will go to lunch with the SDC supervisor. They will eat the plate lunch in the

cafeteria and obtain their lunch there, bring their lunch, or not eat at all. All students in the SDC will walk to and from the cafeteria in a single file and

not speak to, wave to, nod to, or in any way acknowledge other persons in any way while going to, being in, or coming from the cafeteria. The SDC

supervisor will assign each student a specific seat at a specific table and after obtaining food, the students will remain in that seat until advised by

the SDC supervisor that it is time to leave. The students will then take back their trays and dispose of any waste in the proper manner and form a single

file to return to the SDC room.

G. Must complete all assignments that are given to them by their classroom teachers and by the SDC supervisor. The SDC supervisor may assign

additional work and this must be completed by the end of the day also.

H. Will be dismissed by the SDC supervisor at 3:20 p.m. Any time assigned in the SDC will be completed before a student can resume his/her normal schedule.

II. Behavior in the SDC—There will be no:

A. Disrespect shown to the SDC supervisor or to other students in SDC.

B. Disruptive behavior of any kind.

C. Food, drink, gum, games, cards, magazines, or any other unauthorized material in SDC room.

D. Talking to anyone throughout the entire day except to the SDC supervisor and cafeteria personnel.

E. Writing on the desktops or cubicle walls, or destruction to the school’s or to anyone else’s property in any way.

Any violation of or non-compliance with the rules in this section will result in an out-of-school suspension. Any time that has been assigned in the SDC but not completed must be made up before that student can resume his/her normal schedule.

Suspension

Suspension, in or out of school, is a penalty which may be used for chronic or serious infractions of school rules. The following guidelines will be used when suspension of a student is necessary:

·Length of suspension will be determined by school authorities and willreflect the offense committed.

·Parents will be notified in writing of the action taken.

·A student on out-of-school suspension will not be allowed to participate in or attend any school activity at or away from school.

·A student on out-of-school suspension will not be allowed on school property unless accompanied by a parent/guardian on official business.

·A student will not be allowed to make-up any work missed during out-of-school suspension.

·A student will be readmitted to school after a satisfactory solution to his conduct is agreed on by parents/guardians and administration.

Unacceptable actions

Engaging in unacceptable actions will result in SDC, out-of-school suspension, or expulsion. The following is a list of these unacceptable actions:

1. A student shall not assault, threaten to assault, or physically or verbally abuse a school employee, or any other individual. Communicating a death

threat in any manner is prohibited.

2. Willful refusal to follow reasonable instructions.

3. Fighting or instigating a fight.

4. Profanity.

5. Illegal or immoral conduct.

6. Possession or use of tobacco products.

7. “PDA” - Public Display of Affection.

8. Stealing.

9. Forging, falsifying, or possessing school forms or using forged notes or excuses.

10. Hazardous or reckless driving in parking area on school grounds or access roads.

11. Destruction or defacing of school or personal property.

12. Persistent violation of school regulations.

13. Any violation of school policies or regulations.

14. Violating the district student dress code.

15. Sexual harassment will not be tolerated within this school. Sexual harassment is defined as deliberate or repeated offensive comments, gestures or physical contact of a sexual nature, and/or unwelcome and offensive written or printed communication of a sexual nature.

16. Engaging in any behavior or action intended to threaten, intimidate, terrorize or harm others, or disrupt the educational process, is prohibited.

17. Posting or distribution of flyers, posters etc. without approval of administration.

CHEATING

Students are expected to do their own work and to develop the qualities of honesty, integrity, and ethical behavior. Students found cheating will be given a zero on the assignment involved. The student will be referred to the assistant principal and assigned to SDC and the parent will be notified. Future referrals to the assistant principal for cheating will result in a zero for the assignment involved, and suspension or suspension recommendation for expulsion from school.

Articles Prohibited

The following articles are hazards to safety or disruptive to classes and are prohibited in the school. Possession or use of the following items will result in SDC, suspension, or expulsion unless otherwise noted:

1. Fireworks of any kind. Possession or use of fireworks will result in suspension from school.

2. Mechanical noisemakers.

3. Weapons of any kind. Students in possession of a weapon will be suspended for ten (10) days; the school administration will recommend

expulsion until the end of the school year, and the police will be notified.

4. Possession, use, sale or under the influence of controlled substances, alcohol, drugs or drug paraphernalia. Students in possession of, attempting

to sell or under the influence of controlled substances, alcohol, drugs or drug paraphernalia will result in a ten (10) day suspension from school,

possible recommendation for expulsion, and the police will be called. Students not recommended for expulsion may return to school after the 10

days with proof of a substance abuse assessment. Additional violations will result in recommendation for expulsion.

5. No student shall possess any unauthorized electronic devices such as pagers, cellular phones, laser pointers, two-way radios, tape players, tapes,

CD players, CD’s, MP3 players, radios, televisions, cameras or any other electronic device that might interfere with the educational process of the

school during school hours. All electronic devices are subject to search by the administration.

6. Use of skateboards and other similar devices are prohibited on school property. Violators will be prosecuted.

CELLULAR PHONES

Possession of communication devices during regular school hours. Cell phones are allowed on campus. Phones are not to be on or in use between the hours of 8:00 A.M. to 3:20 P.M. If a student is found to be in possession of a cell phone on or using the phone it will be confiscated and the parent/guardian will have to come get the phone and SDC will be assigned. Excessive referrals for cell phone use could result in a suspension.

Search & Seizure

Search and seizure is permissible on school property or at a school activity when there is a reasonable suspicion that the search would produce evidence of a violation of the law or school rules. Lockers remain the property of the Fort Smith Public School District and are subject to inspection by school officials for reasonable cause.

SURVEILLANCE CAMERAS

Areas of the Northside High School campus are subject to surveillance by cameras to enhance student and employee safety.

Student Dress Code

In order to enhance high standards and promote the teaching and learning process in our schools, we must encourage neatness, cleanliness, and decency in personal dress and appearance of all students and school personnel. In view of that, all students and school personnel will be expected to be dressed and groomed to present a respectable image in keeping with current styles and good taste during the school day and at school activities.

General:

1. Students will be expected to wear school clothing and not recreational apparel to school.

2. Styles must not infringe on the rights of others or pose a hazard to personal safety.

3. State health laws require that shoes be worn at all times.

4. Hair must be neat and clean.

Specific Prohibitions:

1. Clothing styles that are revealing to the point of disruption or distraction. Examples include but are not limited to the following:

a. Spaghetti straps.

b. Any type of strapless apparel.

c. Shirts, blouses or tops that expose any part of the midriff.

d. Any type of spandex apparel or clothing that is tight to the point of being inappropriately revealing.

e. Low-cut attire, bare backs, halter tops, mesh attire or shirts, tops or blouses with open sides, tank tops, see through clothing, etc.

f. Underwear cannot be exposed.

2. Clothing or body art that advocates poor standards of character and citizenship. Items in this category include:

a. Advertisements for alcohol, drugs or tobacco.

b. Displays of excessive violence. Slogans associated with death, suicide or killings are included.

c. Suggestive language, slogans or sexual connotations.

3. Clothing, drawings, body art, or items that denote or suggest membership in a fraternity, sorority, secret society, organization, or gang.

4. Short skirts. Skirt length must be equal to longer than the extended fingertips when the arms and hands are extended straight at the sides.

5. Shorts or skirts.

a. Girls will be permitted to wear skirts, jeans, long slacks, or Capri pants.

b. Boys will be permitted to wear jeans or long slacks. All jeans or slacks must be at least ankle length.

c. Shorts or skorts may be worn at activities before or after school practices, rehearsals, or workouts at the discretion of the sponsor.

All other dress codes policies will be followed.

6. All clothing must be worn in the manner in which it was intended. Clothing with straps, suspenders, etc. must be worn with all straps properly fastened.

7. Clothing resembling sleep wear, such as pajamas, house-shoes, slippers, etc. prohibited.

8. Clothing with rips, tears or holes is prohibited.

9. Hats or other head coverings are prohibited on campus except at athletic events or outdoor activities. Bandanas are prohibited at all times.

10. “Sagging” or “bagging” is prohibited.

11.Gloves of any kind are prohibited.

12.Sunglasses (worn in the building) are prohibited.

13.Any type of chain, including wallet chains, dog chains or collars, or studded apparel are prohibited.

14.Students will not be allowed to bring backpacks or tote bags to school. Girl’s purses must be no larger than a standard notebook.

ID Cards

Students are provided with ID cards when they enter Northside High School. The card is good for the student’s sophomore, junior and senior years.

—Students must carry their cards at all times.

—Students must use their cards for any and all transactions in the cafeteria.

—Students must show their ID cards to any member of the school staff upon request.

—ID cards must be presented to participate in school-sponsored activities, to board buses for field trips, to pick up yearbooks, to attend dances, and to check out materials from the Library.

— Lost ID cards can be replaced in the Library Media Center at a cost of $2.00.

Lockers

Lockers are assigned for the entire year. Locks must be provided by the student and be the school approved combination type. Lockers remain the property of Northside High School and are subject to inspection by school officials for reasonable cause.

—Only school approved combination type locks may be used (V-10). Any other lock will be cut off.

—Only one person per locker. Students sharing lockers will be disciplined.

—Locks may be purchased at school.

Fire Drills

Fire drills are held at various times throughout the school year to prepare students to exit the building in case of fire or other dangers. The following procedures must be followed to insure maximum safety:

1. A fire evacuation plan is posted in every room. Students should become familiar with the plan for each room they are in.

2. When the fire alarm sounds, the students must obey orders promptly and leave the building according to the evacuation plan.

3. Students must move at least fifty (50) feet from the building to insure their safety.

4. Students must clear the breezeway area between the main building and the Annex.

Tornado Drills

The signal for any emergency, except fire, will be a continuous ring of school bells. When the alarm sounds:

1. Move quickly to the downstairs hallways.

2. Sit down as close to the walls of the hallway as possible.

3. Lower head between knees and cover head with hands to help avert flying glass or debris.

4. Roll will be checked.

5. The “All Clear” signal will be one long ring of the bells.

6. Practice drills will be held prior to the tornado season.

BUS REGULATIONS

Buses are provided to transport students to and from school in certain areas of the city. This service is a privilege granted to those who do not abuse it. Failure to follow the rules set up for using this service will result in the student being suspended from using the bus service.

The following rules must be observed by those using the bus service:

—Students should be on time at the designated pick up point.

—Bus riders are under the supervision of the driver and must obey his/her instructions.

—Keep head and hands inside the bus at all times.

—No “horseplay” or loud talking is permitted on the bus.

—Do not tamper with or damage any part of the bus.

—Do not leave your seat while the bus is in motion.

—Do not throw anything from the bus windows.

—No smoking, drinking or eating is permitted on the bus.

—Student behavior must not violate any rules listed in other sections of this handbook.

—Emergency exits are to be used only in case of an emergency.

—Be courteous to fellow students and to the driver.

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