MISSION STATEMENT

It is the mission of Southside High School to provide an educational program that enables our students to learn, achieve, succeed and become proficient in reading, writing and math. Southside High School is dedicated to providing quality and equitable educational opportunities for all students that will help them realize their academic potential, become productive citizens, and prepare for their futures.

SCHOOL CALENDAR

CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS

ADMINISTRATION

OFFICE

GRADING SCALE

ADVANCED PLACEMENT COURSES

HOMEWORK AND INDEPENDENT STUDY SKILLS

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

DIPLOMAS

THE SCHOOL DAY

BELL SCHEDULE FOR THE SCHOOL DAY

VICTOR E. STEWART LIBRARY INFORMATION

HIGH SCHOOL POLICIES AND REGULATIONS

ATTENDANCE

EXCUSED ABSENCES

PARENT PERMISSION ABSENCES

COLLEGE VISITS

UNEXCUSED ABSENCES

PARENTAL/GUARDIAN CONTACT

STEPS TO FOLLOW WHEN ENTERING LATE OR LEAVING SCHOOL

ATTENDANCE POLICY (STUDENTS 18 OR OLDER)

TARDINESS

ILLNESS AT SCHOOL

HALL PASSES

LEAVING CAMPUS

TRUANCY

PENALTIES FOR TRUANCY

LUNCH

TOBACCO POLICY

CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE RELATED DISCIPLINE PROCEDURES

DRESS CODES FOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

SUSPENSION (OUT-OF-SCHOOL)

TYPES OF ACTION FOR WHICH A STUDENT MAY BE SUSPENDED

IN-SCHOOL SUSPENSION (STUDENT DISCIPLINE CENTER)

PROHIBITED ARTICLES

CELL PHONE POLICY

CHEATING

LOCKERS

FIRE, BOMB THREAT AND TORNADO DRILLS

BUS REGULATIONS

PARKING

BULLING POLICY

TEST SCHEDULES

WESTERN ARKANSAS TECHNICAL CENTER INFORMATION

Disclaimer - Any rules in this hanbook can be superseded by the School Board

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S

2009-2010 Calendar

August 11 (Tuesday)              Teachers Report – Professional Development
August 12 (Wednesday          Professional Development
August 13 (Thursday)             Professional Development
August 14 (Friday)                 Teacher Preparation
August 17 (Monday)              Professional Development
August 18 (Tuesday)              Teacher Preparation
August 19 (Wednesday)         Students Report
September 7 (Monday)          Labor Day – No School
October 16 (Friday)               End of First Quarter
October 21 (Wednesday)       Parent Teacher Conferences after student day 3:30 – 6:30 p.m.
October 22 (Thursday)           Parent Teacher Conferences after student day 3:30 – 6:30 p.m.
October 23 (Friday)               Professional Development
November 25 (Wednesday)   Thanksgiving Recess begins
November 30 (Monday)         Classes resume
December 18 (Friday)             End of First Semester
December 21 (Monday)          Winter Recess begins
January 4 (Monday)                Classes resume
January 18 (Monday)              Martin Luther King Day – No school
February 15 (Monday)            Professional Development
March 12 (Friday)                   End of Third Quarter
March 17 (Wednesday)           Parent Teacher Conferences after student day 3:30 – 6:30 p.m.
March 18 (Thursday)               Parent Teacher Conferences after student day 3:30 – 6:30 p.m.
March 19 (Friday)                   Professional Development
March 22 (Monday)                Spring Recess begins
March 29 (Monday)                Classes resume
April 2 (Friday)                        Professional Development
May 28 (Friday)                       End of Fourth Quarter - final student day

2009-10 TBS Dates:
1st Session       August 20 – September 24
2nd Session      September 28 – October 29
3rd Session       November 2 – December 8
4th Session       January 11 – February 11
5th Session       February 15 – March 16
6th Session       March 29 – April 30

Southside offers a variety of clubs and organizations in which a student can participate.  Involvement in a club allows a student to meet new people and work together for common goals.  The more you are involved, the more pleasant your high school experience will be.  All clubs and organizations are open to all students who meet the requirements.

NON-DISCRIMINATORY STATEMENT

In compliance with federal nondiscrimination laws the Fort Smith Public Schools do not discriminate in employment and education practices relative to race or national origin (Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964), handicap or disability (section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act), sex (Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972), or age (The Age Discrimination Act of 1975). The coordinator and contact person for all the above civil rights areas is the Assistant Superintendent for Personnel & Support Services, Fort Smith Public Schools, P.O. Box 1948, Fort Smith AR 72902-1948, phone 479-785-2501. SCH

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The administrative staff at Southside includes the principal and three assistant principals. The principal coordinates all activities of the school and makes final decisions on matters which arise. He has the responsibility of keeping the school running smoothly by ironing out the myriad of daily problems. The assistant principals handle discipline and maintain attendance records for all students. They are responsible for campus security and assist the principal in the day to day operation of the school.

The guidance department includes the Director of Guidance and three counselors. They help to prepare students for the transition from high school to work or college and assist them in mapping out their course of study. They also supply information concerning careers and conduct various aptitude tests which guide them in aiding students. Parents can request that the district testing services test their child due to academic problems. The school examiner can provide testing information to the parents concerning the application and results of testing. The counselors have numerous catalogs, pamphlets, books and occupational files which are available to students in choosing their vocations. When individual questions arise about college or a career, the counselors discuss these files with the student. The administrative staff and counselors are always willing to meet with parents to discuss the student's problems and to attempt to solve them.

To maintain school records and aid teachers and students, Southside employs full time office personnel. These include the registrar, attendance secretaries, principal's secretary, general office secretary, guidance secretary, and financial secretary.

The teachers can provide parents with the most accurate information about their student. Parents should call or email their child's teacher for concerns that relate specifically to that teacher and his/her classroom..

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The main office sells school supplies such as paper, pencils, folders,and most necessary study materials. The registrar is responsible for driver's license verification and good student insurance discounts.

Grades are important to everyone, not only to the student and parent, but also to the teacher, school and community. 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 may also be given.  The honors scale is used to calculate rank in class but is not used to calculate the official G.P.A. See the following grading scale and grade point scales:

Advanced Placement courses (A.P.) prepare students for Advanced Placement tests through which students may obtain college credit.  A.P. courses are governed by a National Curriculum and teachers are trained to teach those courses.  Individual colleges hold the final determination of type and/or amount of credit.

A corrected final transcript will be sent to post secondary institutions for the students who did not take the test.

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Parent/guardian and teachers should be partners in the education of children.  Their joint efforts in assigning and monitoring homework can provide an excellent opportunity to strengthen the home-school relationship and to help the student feel that home and school are working together for his/her best interest.

Homework will be assigned and used as an integral part of the teaching/learning experience for students. Teachers will provide specific homework assignments. Each school may adopt guidelines to assure balance in homework assigned to each student.  General homework guidelines for Grades 7-12 are 1-2 ½ hours per day.

Homework should be assigned regularly, clearly stated, regularly collected, checked and returned to students.  Each teacher should advise students how and the extent to which homework will be used in determining final grades.  To develop students’ independent study skills the teacher should:

1. Discuss the skills needed to accomplish homework assignments
2. Demonstrate a simple step-by-step process of completing a homework assignment
3.  Model the techniques of listening, following instructions, note taking, reading for comprehension, preparing papers
and locating materials in the library
4. Have students demonstrate their knowledge of independent study skills
5.  Teach the students how to organize materials and to work independently.

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A student must earn at least twenty-three (23) units in grades 9-12 to be graduated from a Fort Smith high school. Only two (2) physical education units may count toward graduation. These units must include:
·  ENGLISH - four (4) units.
·  SOCIAL STUDIES - three (3) units - One (1) unit U.S. History, one unit Social Studies (1/2 unit Civics or 1/2 unit American Government), and one (1) unit World History.
·  MATHEMATICS - four (4) units - Must include one (1) unit of Algebra I (or its equivalent) and one (1) unit of Geometry.
·  SCIENCE - three (3) units  - One (1) unit Biology, one (1) unit Physical Science (Physical Science, Earth Science, Chemistry, or Physics), and one (1) unit Science elective.
·  PHYSICAL EDUCATION - one and one-half (1 1/2) units of Physical Education. One unit of Marching Band may be applied to the P.E. requirement or one (1) unit of JROTC may be applied to the P.E. requirement.
·  HEALTH EDUCATION - one-half (1/2) unit.
·  FINE ARTS - one-half (1/2) unit.
·  ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - one-half (1/2) unit.
A student identified as disabled, as per State Department of Education definition of disabled, may be graduated by meeting the requirements above or by completion of his  IEP (Individual Education Plan) for graduation, as established by the student’s programming committee.

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Upon completion of graduation requirements, the Fort Smith schools award two (2) types of diplomas:
·  HONORS DIPLOMA - meet requirements for graduation, maintain a 3.0 grade point average, and pass eight units of pre-AP courses -- six of which must be earned in grades 10, 11, & 12. (A.P. & Pre A.P. courses will be so identified on the transcript.)

·  DIPLOMA - meet requirements for graduation.

No student can participate in any senior class or graduation activities unless he has met or is meeting all requirements for graduation. Students must be within one credit of graduation to participate in graduation ceremonies. Diplomas will be awarded to pupils following completion of final credits. For more specific information concerning courses and graduation, you should see your guidance counselor.

Southside posts a recognition roll at the close of the first and second semester. To qualify for this honor, a student must carry a schedule of 4 full-credit courses per semester, must have a grade point average of 3.00 or above for the quarter by the number of full credit courses taken that semester, and must have a satisfactory citizenship rating.

The Basic School is available at night during the school year, for students who have failed a course, to take courses to meet graduation requirements.

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Each day at Southside begins with the first period at 8:05 a.m. The morning tardy bell rings at 8:10 a.m. The second period is designated as the homeroom. Through this instructor, all class business is conducted. A brief period is allotted for announcements given over the public address system. Southside provides a five minute passing time between classes. Lunch is served during two different periods of 30 minutes each and is lettered in the order of A and B.

The day’s schedule usually remains unaltered except in the event of special educational, business, or pep assemblies. There is not a change of schedule due to tests except for semester examinations at the conclusion of each semester. At this time, in order to test the seven periods, one test is given one day with extended time followed by our regular schedule, and the next two days include three classes per day with 1 hour and 35 minutes in length per class and 1 hour for lunch.

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1st  Period     8:10 -  9:00
2nd Period    9:05 - 10:05
3rd Period   10:10 - 11:00
4th Period   11:05 - 11:55
5th period - A lunch 11:55 - 12:25   class 12:30 - 1:20
5th period - class 12:00 - 12:50   B lunch 12:50 - 1:20
6th Period   1:25 - 2:15
7th Period   2:20 - 3:10

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The Victor E. Stewart Library contains over 17,000 volumes and subscribes to approximately 50 periodicals and 2 newspapers. The library automation program is Winnebago Spectrum. For research purposes students may use library computers to access the Internet, online reference databases, college and career databases, and other computer programs. Additional reference materials include three years of back issue magazines and vertical file information on a variety of topics.

Study hall and lunch passes may be obtained from the library staff. Student ID cards are valid until graduation. Students must pay $2.00 to replace a lost or stolen card. The check out limit is three books. Following Fort Smith Public School guidelines, if books are not returned by the date due, a fine of $.10 per each overdue day will be assessed. Reference books may be checked out overnight and are due by 8:00 a.m. the next school day. A fine of $1.00 per day is assessed for overdue reference books. The charge for a lost book is 1.25 times the current price of the book. A printer and copier are available for student use in gathering information for reports and research papers at a charge of $.10 per page copied. Color printing is $.25 per page. Students are asked to abide by all classroom, school, and library policies and
procedures when working, studying, or reading in the library.

Parents are encouraged to visit the Parent Center located in the library. Books, pamphlets, brochures, and other helpful information are available.

The library staff maintains a web page and wiki sites to better assist students and parents with needed information.

http://www.fortsmithschools.org/schools/sside/library_web_page/library.htm http://southsidefslibrary.pbwiki.com/
http://southsidehs.pbwiki.com/

Library hours are 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 7:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. on Friday. Extended hours are scheduled as
needed.

Pupils are expected to acquaint themselves with the special policies and regulations effective in our high school. Questions concerning school policies should be discussed with the principal or the assistant principals or guidance counselors.

A pupil who graduates from a Fort Smith high school must complete the last two of his high school units in the school which grants the diploma.

A pupil may not take his final requirements in a summer session and satisfy graduation requirements for Fort Smith schools when all other high school work has been done elsewhere.

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THE FOLLOWING REGULATIONS APPLY TO ALL STUDENTS AT SOUTHSIDE HIGH SCHOOL

Types of absences: Excused, Parental Permission & Unexcused

EXCUSED-An absence is excused in the following instances:

1. Personal illness of the student with official written verification.
2. Official school sponsored activity.
3. Court appearances with official written verification.
4. Medical/Dental appointments with official written verification.
(Parents/guardians are urged to schedule medical or dental
appointments after school hours. When this is not possible, theappointment should be scheduled during a study hall or scheduled so that the student will not miss the same class(es) repeatedly.)
5. Death or serious illness in the immediate or extended family. (Official written verification may be required.)

An excused absence shall afford the student the privilege of making up all assignments and/or class activities as the teachers direct.
Official written verification includes signed doctor, dentist, court or legal documents identifying the office and/or the name of the professional who provided the service.

PARENTAL PERMISSION

1. Parental permission may be granted for any reason, including
personal illness without written verification, provided the parent has
contacted the attendance office, by note or phone call, the day the
absence occurs.
2. The student may not exceed five (5) parental permission absence
for the school year. If a student exceeds five (5)days of parental
permission absence in any class for the school year, all parental
permission days thereafter are classified as unexcused.
3. Parental permission shall afford the student the privilege of making up
all assignments and/or class activities as the teachers direct.
4. Absences for parental permission shall not be granted in conflict with
semester examination schedules.

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 at least one day before using college leave.
Request forms are to be picked up in the counseling 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 a parent permission
absence.

UNEXCUSED ABSENCES

1. An unexcused absence shall be considered to be a willful absence (truant) from school if it is without the knowledge of the student’s parents/guardian.
2. Any other absence not considered excused in the two preceding sections will be counted as unexcused.
3. Any student who is truant or has an unexcused absence forfeits the right to make up any work for credit.
4. Students on short-term suspension from school (not to exceed ten days) will be considered unexcused for the purpose of making up work. Suspended students will not be allowed to make up tests (excluding
semester tests) taken on suspension days.

a. Assignments and/or projects that are assigned and due during suspension may not be made up for credit.
b. Projects assigned before suspension but due during the suspension may be submitted for credit.
c. Projects assigned during suspension but due after the suspension ends may be submitted for credit.
d. The parent/guardian may request class information (assignments, etc.) that could be used by the student in an effort to remain current in classes for no credit.
e. No suspended student will be denied the opportunity to take semester tests.
f. Students on short-term suspension from school (not to exceed ten days) shall be considered absent but excused for the purpose of absenteeism.

5. A student with four (4) or more unexcused absences per semester may be assigned consequences. Minimum–reprimand; Maximum-suspension.

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The parent/guardian should contact the school attendance clerk by 9:00 a.m. any day that a student will be absent.  Parents should provide their name, their child’s name and grade, and the reason for their child’s absence.  In addition to assisting the school with the attendance record, parent/guardian notification to the school is a security measure to verify the locations of all students.  Any other concerns over the child’s attendance or tardy record should be addressed with the attendance clerk.

Upon the second unexcused absence in any semester the parent/guardian will be notified by phone or letter that upon the fourth unexcused absence the student may be assigned to Saturday School and a petition will be filed with the County Prosecuting Attorney or City Prosecuting Attorney to request appropriate legal action necessary to improve the student’s attendance.  Such notification may lead to a penalty of up to $500 plus court costs in accordance with A.C.A. 6-18-222.

Students with long-term, medically documented illness or injury may be allowed to make up work and may be given assistance in obtaining credit for courses in which they are enrolled.

COURSE CREDIT

Credit may be denied to students grades 9-12 enrolled in credit courses when a student has more than 15 total days absent in a semester.

DENIAL OF PROMOTION

Excessive absences may be basis for denial for promotion or graduation.

GRADING

A student who is absent from any given class will be permitted to make up major tests and major assignments if the student has an excused absence. The student must make arrangements with the teachers, on the first day the student returns to class to complete work missed because of an excused absence. A student will be given a "0" or "F" if the assignemtn(s) missed is the result of an "unexcused" absence.

MAKE-UP WORK FOR SUSPENDED OR TRUANT STUDENTS

Students 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.

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PARENTAL/GUARDIAN C

ENTERING:

1.     Students entering late during any part of the day MUST check in through the attendance office.  Students should have their parent/guardian call or bring a note to the attendance office or an assistant principal stating the reason for entering late.
2.     All students entering late will be counted as tardy.  Entering after the first 20 minutes of a class will be counted as an absence.

EXITS:

1.     Students are NOT allowed to leave campus unless their parent/guardian has signed them out in the front office OR they have an official exit from the office.
2.     Students exiting early MUST bring a note to or have their parent/guardian call the attendance office BEFORE SCHOOL.
3.     If a student re-enters after an exit, the student must bring their exit slip back to the attendance office when they check-in.  If a student does not return from an appointment, his/her parent should notify the school.
4.     If a student exits at any time during his/her last scheduled class of the day, the student will be counted ABSENT for that class period.

Failure to follow the above procedures will result in the absence being recorded as unexcused.

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Each student 18 years old or older will be limited to a maximum of 15 days absence during any one semester. A student who is absent from any class more than 15 days per semester will be dropped from that class for the remainder of the semester. A failing grade will be recorded for the course.  A student who is dropped from as many as two classes during a semester because of excessive absence will be dropped from school until the beginning of the next semester. The only exception to this policy will be made when a student exceeds the maximum number of allowable days absent as a result of severe personal or family medical problems (as certified by the attending physician), school business, or other extenuating circumstances as determined by the principal and/or assistant principal.

Students who are 18 years old or older may be dropped from class and/or school prior to being absent 15 days when there is evidence of lack of cooperation relative to this policy and acknowledgment that future attendance would not be meaningful.  School suspension will not be counted against the students’ maximum allowable 15 days absence.

SEMESTER TEST EXEMPTION POLICY

Students who have an A, B, or C in a class and have only three  (3) absences or less 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 to raise their grade may not have their semester grade lowered because of the optional test.

Promptness is expected of all students.  A pupil who is not in his/her proper place when the tardy bell rings is considered tardy.

1. If you arrive late to school, you MUST check in through the attendance office.  If you arrive within the first 20 minutes of a class, you will be counted tardy and receive a slip to go to class.
2. If you are late to a class, the teacher may require you to go to the office for a tardy slip.
3. If you have been detained by a teacher, ask for a note from that teacher before going to the office for a tardy slip.
4. Tardies are recorded per semester.
5. Repeated tardiness to a class will result in the following penalties:

1st-3rd tardy –Classroom policy applies.  Teacher records and informs student.
4th tardy - Sent to office & given 1 day of lunch detention
5th tardy - Sent to office & given 2 days of lunch detention.
6th tardy - Sent to office & given 1 day in SDC.
7th tardy - Sent to office & given 2 days in SDC.
8th tardy - Sent to office & given 1 day of Saturday School.
9th tardy - Sent to office & given 2 days of Saturday School.
10th tardy - Sent to office & dropped from class with failing grade.

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Parents should call the school nurse for questions or concerns over their child’s health.  The school nurse can provide information about the child’s health if that child has previously reported any concerns or problems.  Parents should allow the school nurse to share any necessary information about their child with that child’s teachers.
The following procedures will be followed if you become ill at school:

1. A student becoming ill must report to the attendance office.
2. If a student has to stop by the restroom before coming to the attendance office, he must report to the attendance office as soon as possible or send someone to the office to notify the attendance office of his/her whereabouts
3. Students are not to leave the building or stay in the restroom when they become sick.
4. Students who come to the health room may be sent home by the nurse after a parent/guardian is contacted.  A parent/guardian can give permission to exit or send the student back to class.
5. Failure to follow these procedures will result in the student being considered truant. (See Penalties for Truancy)

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Students are required to have a signed agenda giving permission to be out of the classroom.

Southside has a closed campus.  After arriving on campus, no student may leave the campus for any reason without checking out through the office. Failure to follow the below procedures will result in the consideration of an unexcused absence.

1.    If a parent/guardian wishes their child to leave school during the day, the parent/guardian must call or the child must bring a note to the ATTENDANCE OFFICE before school starts stating the time and reason for leaving.  The student will then be given an exit permitting them to leave at the specified time.
2.    Unexpected or emergency requirements to leave school can be arranged by telephone with the assistant principal or with the parent/guardian coming by the office to check the student out of school.
3.    In order for a student to leave campus during the lunch periods, a parent/guardian must pick up the student through the front office.
4.    Students are not to go out to the parking lots without permission from an assistant principal.
5.    Failure to follow the above procedures will result in the absence being considered unexcused.

A student absent without the consent of his/her parent/guardian is truant. Truancies are recorded per year. You are also considered truant if you:
- Leave school without checking out through the office,
- Are absent from a class without permission,
- Obtain a pass or transfer to go to a certain place and do not report there,
- Become ill and go home or stay in a restroom instead of reporting to the health room.

Truancy will result in the following penalties:
1st Offense – Parent/Guardians notified of the truancy. Student assigned 1 day in SDC and warned of the penalties for future truancies.
2nd Offense – Parent/Guardians notified of the truancy. Student assigned 2 days in SDC.
3rd Offense – Parent/Guardians notified of the truancy. Student assigned 3 days in SDC.
4th Offense – Parent/Guardians notified of the truancy. Students 17 years and younger are assigned 1 day of Saturday School. Students 18 years and older are given 5 days suspension.
5th Offense – Parent/Guardians notified of the truancy.  Students 17 years and younger are assigned 2 days of Saturday School.  Students 18 years and older are given 10 days suspension.
6th Offense – Parent/Guardians notified of the truancy and the student will be recommended for expulsion.

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Southside has a cafeteria where students can purchase lunch either from a regular plate lunch or a variety of foods.  CAMPUS IS CLOSED TO ALL STUDENTS DURING LUNCH from 11:55 a.m. to 1:20 p.m. Students are not allowed in the parking lots without written permission from an administrator. 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 and deposit them in the proper place.
2.         No food is allowed to be eaten in any hallway, stairway, or room. All food and drink must be eaten in the cafeteria or in the pavilion behind the school.
3.         Drinks are allowed only in the back half of the main hall or in the cafeteria area.
4.         It is not the responsibility of cafeteria personnel or custodians to clean up after you. It is your responsibility.
5.         Failure to abide by the above rules will result in disciplinary action.

Smoking is not allowed on the Southside campus, parking lot, or in the building.

Penalties for violation of tobacco rules are:

1. A student in possession of cigarettes, other tobacco products, lighters or matches will be given 3 days suspension and his/her parent/guardian will be notified.

2. A student smoking (1st offense) will be given 5 days suspension for outside smoking and 10 days suspension for inside smoking and his/her parent/guardian will be notified.

3. A students’ second offense of tobacco possession or use will result in a 10-day suspension.

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(A student shall not possess, sell, use, transmit, or be under the influence of any narcotic drug, hallucinogenic drug, amphetamine, barbiturate, marijuana, beverage containing alcohol, other intoxicant or mood-altering substance of any kind, or other controlled substances, as defined in the State of Arkansas Uniform Controlled Substances Act 5-64-101.  A student may not possess any substance represented to be a controlled substance.  A student may not possess any drug or alcohol paraphernalia.)

Students who involve themselves with illegal controlled substances (including alcohol) and participate in school activities are not appropriately fulfilling their responsibilities to properly represent their school and set good examples for others. Therefore, the following policy has been developed for school administrators to follow when controlled substance problems are encountered:

1. DISCIPLINARY ACTION TAKEN TOWARD STUDENTS WHO ARE INVOLVED WITH CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES:

1st Violation - The student will be subject to an automatic 10-day out-of-school suspension and the police will be notified.  A student may have the opportunity to return after the 10 days if the parents or legal guardian can show documented proof by a trained chemical dependency professional that the student is receiving or has received satisfactory treatment.
2nd Violation -The student shall be suspended for a minimum of 10 days with a recommendation for long term suspension or expulsion. The police will be notified.

The activity program acts as an extension of the school curriculum and is an integral part of the educational program. Participation in activities helps prepare students for responsible roles in society, allows students the privilege of representing their school, and affords these students the opportunity to set good examples for others to follow.

2. DISCIPLINARY ACTION TAKEN TOWARDS STUDENTS WHO ARE INVOLVED WITH CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES AT SCHOOL OR WHILE PARTICIPATING IN A SCHOOL ACTIVITY AND ARE INVOLVED IN EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES:

1st Violation -The student shall be removed from that said activity until all the requirements are met in Number 1, 1st Violation.
2nd Violation-The student shall be suspended for a minimum of 10 days with a recommendation for long term suspension or expulsion. The police will be notified and the student will be automatically removed from all extracurricular activities and shall not be allowed to participate in any school activities for the remainder of that school year.

3. DISCIPLINARY ACTION TAKEN TOWARD STUDENTS WHO ARE INVOLVED WITH CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES BUT NOT AT SCHOOL OR WHILE PARTICIPATING IN A SCHOOL ACTIVITY AND ARE INVOLVED IN EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES:

1st Violation -Allow the coach or sponsor to handle individually. Student will not be suspended from school but may be suspended from the activity for a period of time, or suspended for a certain number of games or activities. Parents will be notified.
2nd Violation-The student will be dropped from the activity for the balance of the year and his/her parent/guardian will be notified.

The administration reserves the right to recommend long term suspension or expulsion when the offense is serious enough to warrant the more severe penalty.

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 by 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 wide open sides, tank tops, see through clothing, etc.

f. Underwear cannot be exposed.

a. Advertisements for alcohol, drugs or tobacco.

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

c. Suggestive language, slogans or sexual connotations.

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

5) Shorts or skorts.

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 code policies will be followed.

7) Clothing resembling sleepwear, such as pajamas, house shoes, slippers, etc. is 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 is prohibited.
14)  Students will not be allowed to wear, carry or use backpacks and tote bags during the school day.  From 8:10-3:10 all backpacks and tote bags will be kept in the student’s locker. Girl’s purses must be no larger than a standard notebook. 15) Trench coats or overcoats cannot be worn during the day.

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The Board of Education believes that student activities sponsored by the school district program are a vital part of the total education program and should be used as a means of developing wholesome attitudes and good human relations as well as knowledge and skills. The Board further recognizes that not all the district’s goals and objectives can be met in formal classroom study. Therefore, the district’s extracurricular programs will provide opportunities for student participation in activities designed to meet their leisure, recreational, social, and emotional interests and needs.

Extracurricular/non-instructional activities are defined as any school sponsored activity which is not part of a course of study including, but not limited to pep rallies, intramurals, clubs, athletic teams, cheerleaders, drill teams, and other similar groups. Student activities in the Fort Smith Public Schools will be governed by the following guidelines:
1.    Student activities shall be scheduled for practices, meetings, performances, etc., outside the school day as much as is practical.
2.    To participate in activities such as athletics, cheerleaders, drill teams, or similar organizations, a student must maintain a 2.0 grade point average each semester and pass four core subjects the previous semester. Honor societies and other select activities may establish higher academic requirements for participation.
3.    All students participating in activities governed by the Arkansas Activities Association shall meet applicable standards for the particular activity.
4.    Students shall not be eligible to participate in any athletic event or other extracurricular/non-instructional activity while on suspension.
5.    Interruptions of academic classes should be kept to a minimum.

(This policy is adopted as partial fulfillment of the requirements specified in Standard for Accreditation, Arkansas Public Schools.)

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Suspension from school is a penalty which may be used for chronic or serious infractions of school rules. Excessive suspension may result in expulsion. The following guidelines will be used when suspending a student:
1.   Length of suspension will be determined by school authorities and will reflect the offense committed.
2.   Parent/Guardians will be notified in writing of the action taken.
3.   A student on suspension will not be allowed to participate in or attend any school activity at or away from school.
4.   A student on suspension will not be allowed on school property unless accompanied by a parent/guardian on official business. Violation of this regulation will result in the student being prosecuted for trespassing and will also result in additional days of suspension.
5.   When students have been notified that they are suspended from school, they shall remain away from all school district premises and any school district activities, in town or out of town, until the principal or designee reinstates them. Suspended students may return to school premises when accompanied by their parent/guardian for a student/parent/principal conference.
6.   A student will not be allowed to make up any work missed during the suspension.

7.  A student will be admitted back to school on the day following the end of  th suspension after a satisfactory solution to his conduct is agreed on by parent/guardians and administrators in conference.

(including but not limited to:)

• Repeated truancy, excessive tardiness or excessive absences
• “Cutting” class
• Fighting - Students fighting (aggressor or defender) will result in a 10-day out of school suspension.  The police will be notified and both students will be charged with disorderly conduct.
• Smoking, possession or use of tobacco products, lighters or matches
• Possession, use, sale or under influence of alcoholic beverages
• Possession, use, sale or under influence of a controlled substance  Controlled substance literature or paraphernalia is prohibited.
• Possession or use of firearms or weapons on campus
• Possession of fireworks or other explosive devices are prohibited on campus.
• Possession of pornographic or sexually explicit material
• Persistent violation of school regulations
• Hazardous or reckless driving in parking areas, school grounds, or access roads
• Profanity - Use of the “f” word will result in a 3-day minimum of SDC (In-school suspension).  If directed toward another student 5-days out of school.  If directed toward any faculty/staff 10-days out of school suspension.
• Open displays of affection or immoral conduct
• Willful refusal to follow reasonable instructions
• Stealing food from cafeteria
• Being in parking lots without permission
• Chains on billfolds, etc
• Extreme dress that is disruptive to class, i.e.: sagging, costumes, etc.
• Destruction or defacing of school property
• Forging, falsifying, or possessing school forms or using forged notes or excuses
• Disrespect toward teachers or other school employees - “Any person who shall abuse or insult a public school teacher while such teacher is performing normal and regular or assigned school responsibilities shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be liable to a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $1,500.” (Act 6-17-106 of 1995)
• Fraternity/Sorority Activity School Policy: Prohibits as a breach of discipline the display, publication or announcement in any manner, on school property and in school facilities and with relation to any part or facet of the program, membership in a national high school fraternity or sorority. This is intended to include within the prohibition, at school or in connection with school activities, the wearing of fraternity or sorority insignia; the assembling of groups based on fraternity or sorority membership; influence or attempted influence upon school affairs or activities by pupils as members of fraternities or sororities; or communications orally or in writing in any manner of membership or any other fact regarding fraternities or sororities.
• Gang Activity Policy: Prohibits as a breach of discipline the display, publication or announcement in any manner, on school property and in school facilities and with relation to any part or facet of the school program, membership in any gang. This is intended to include within the prohibition, at school or in connection with school activities, the wearing of gang insignia, colors, or clothing; the assembling of groups based on gang membership; influence or attempted influence upon school affairs or activities by pupils as members of gangs; or communications orally or in writing in any manner of membership of any other fact regarding gangs.
• Cheating on tests or other assignments
• Possession of a beeper, any electronic paging device, a laser light or laser pointer of any kind
• Use of cellular phones or I-Pod’s during the school day -  All cell phones and I-Pod’s should be turned off during the school day.
• In-school suspension (SDC) violations
• Sexual harassment
  

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In an attempt to provide an alternative to out-of-school suspensions, Southside has instituted the use of SDC (Student Discipline Center). This is a means of preventing a student from being regularly suspended from school and will give him/her the opportunity to carry on their regular work and be in attendance. A student can only be assigned to SDC 3 times per semester.  Any additional infractions that warrant SDC will result in an out of school suspension.

The following guidelines will be used when a student is assigned to SDC.

1. Students will attend the Student Discipline Center (SDC) the entire school day.

a.One five-minute break in the morning and one five-minute break in the afternoon.

b. Lunch will be eaten in the cafeteria under the supervision of the teacher. 

2.  If a student causes a problem to SDC he/she will be sent back to the assistant principal for additional disciplinary action.

3.  Once a student has been assigned to SDC he/she must attend the required number of days. If he/she refuses he/she will not be able to attend school (unexcused absences) until he/she decides to meet the SDC requirement.

4.  If a student is sent to the assistant principal from a particular teacher’s classroom for a disciplinary reason and is assigned to SDC, he/she will be kept out of that class for that day and then assigned to SDC the following day.
5.  Requests for class assignments for students who have been assigned to SDC will be put in the teachers’ boxes by the end of the school day.  Class assignments must be given to the SDC teacher at the beginning of first period the following day.
6.  Students must attempt to complete all assignments by the end of the school day. If they do not complete them, they must have them completed by first period of the next day.  Each day the seventh period SDC teacher will make a list of those students not completing their class assignments. This list will be given to the first period SDC teacher the following day. If students have not completed their assignments by the start of first period, they will be assigned an additional day of SDC.
7.    Attendance in SDC will mean non-participation in extracurricular activities during school hours for that day or days. (This does not include those activities held after school -- 3:10 p.m.)
8.    Work study program students will be expected to stay in SDC the entire school day.

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The following articles are hazardous to safety or disruptive to classes and are prohibited in the school (including but not limited to:)

• Tobacco products - cigarettes, cigars, smokeless tobacco (snuff), chewing tobacco, lighters, matches, etc.
• Water pistols
• Sling shots
• Knives or weapons
• Firecrackers, smoke bombs, rockets, etc.
• Horns and other noisemakers
• Cap guns
• Radios, tape players, CD’s, DVD’s, MP3’s or any electronic devices
• Drug paraphernalia and literature
• Beepers, cellular phones or paging devices - Text messaging is prohibited.
• Laser pointers or laser lights of any kind
• Pornographic or sexually explicit material
• Backpacks or tote bags during the school day
• Playing cards of any kind
• Chains on billfolds
• Use of skateboards and other similar devices are prohibited on school property - Violators will be prosecuted.
• No pets of any kind are allowed on school property or at any school activity without the express permission of the building principal.  

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1st Offense – Warning and confiscation of the device.*
2nd Offense – SDC for 1 day, confiscation of the device.*
3rd Offense – SDC for 3 days, confiscation of the device.*
4th Offense – Out of School suspension, confiscation of the device.*

*Phones confiscated from students will not be returned for a 24-hour period.  If phones are confiscated on Friday, phones cannot be picked up until the next school day.  The school will not be responsible for loss, damage, or theft of any electronic device brought to school or onto district property.