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T A B L E O F C O N T E N T S

Page SCHOOL MISSION- PHILOSOPHY- OBJECTIVES 2 SCHOOL SCHEDULE 3 I. SCHOOL REGISTRATION 4 II. THE SCHOOL DAY 5 III. ILLNESS AND ATTENDANCE POLICY 5 (See also attached School Board Policy) IV. PLAYGROUND GOALS 6 V. PUPIL MARKING AND EVALUATION 7 VI. STORM DAYS AND EMERGENCY WEATHER 7 VII. FIRE DRILLS AND EMERGENCY EVACUATION 8 VIII. BUS ROUTES AND BUS RULES 8 IX. SCHOOL FOOD SERVICES PROGRAM 9 X. SCHOOL HEALTH SERVICES 9 XI. SPECIAL DAYS 10 XII. SPECIAL PROGRAMS 10 XIII. OTHER INFORMATION 11 XIV. SNOW POLICY 11 XV. SPORTS ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS 12 XVI. DRESS REQUIREMENTS 12 XVII. FAMILY RIGHTS AND PRIVACY ACT (FERPA) 12 XVIII. SUSPENSION FOR MISBEHAVIOR 13 PERTINENT POLICIES 1. Elementary Retention and Promotion Policy 15 2. Non-Discrimination Policy 17 3. Administering Medication to Students 19 4. Attendance and Absence Policy 20 5. Student Computer Acceptable Use Policy 6. ND Dept. of Health Immunization Requirements

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Mission --- Purpose --- Vision MLS Mohall Public School

2017 - 2018

Our Mission is to Make Learners Successful Purpose: The MLS School District exists to provide opportunities that allow all students to develop their potential. Our vision is the build confident learners by providing all students a quality education. Each student will be given the opportunity to develop intellectually, socially, physically, emotionally, and vocationally to become competent lifelong learners. MLS School strives to: Support each student’s learning Promote success by engaging students in their learning Provide a safe, respectful school climate for all Use progressive techniques to empower learners. Believe in excellence in all that we do.

Vision: MLS School District deals with youth and their individual interests and personalities. We provide educational instruction that models the values of respect for others, responsibility for one’s actions, and reliability for completion of their tasks. Our responsibility is to motivate every student to optimum individual achievement, as well as to promote effective group and social skills, and above all, to increase the quality and rate of retention of learning. Our dedication and commitment will be directed to the premise that every student shall receive an appropriate education with the least restrictive environment.

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S C H O O L H O U R S S C H E D U L E 8:00 A.M. Business Office Opens 8:05 - 8:15 School Buses Arrive (Breakfast is served 8:00-8:20) 8:20 A.M. Go To Class Bell Rings for Grades k-6 8:30 A.M. Classes Begin for Grades K-6 Varies By Class Restroom Break Noon hour recess: 11:15 - 11:45 Recess for Grades K-1 10:30 - 11:00 Recess for Grades 2-3 12:00 - 12:30 Recess for Grades 4-6

Grades k-3 recess: .

2:00 - 2:15 Recess Break for Grades K-2 2:00 - 2:15 Recess Break 3rd grade T, Th (PE/ M,W, F) 3:20 P.M. Dismissal Time Announcements 3:27 P.M. School Buses Leave from Bus Zone 4:00 P.M. Business Office Closes

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I. SCHOOL REGISTRATION 1. Each year the Pre- Kindergarten and kindergarten students register in March for the

following school year. The Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten teachers will have a parent orientation meetings scheduled at the beginning of school.

2. Each new school year, students in Grades 1-6 will register on opening day of school

in their grade classroom for that school year. 3. Textbooks and workbooks needed in your student's study program in Grades Pre K -

6 are provided at no cost by the MLS School District. 4. Other necessary work materials such as pencils, paper, crayons, glue, etc. are to be

furnished by each pupil. 5. Teachers do not request Supplemental Educational materials to be furnished for

your child in the school program, however, each classroom teacher may send home a list of specific materials and plan for the coming school year.

6. New students, in Grades 1 - 6, entering the MLS School for the first time, are

required to have their previous school send all of their necessary records sent to the MLS School office. Necessary forms may be obtained from the school office or the Elementary Principal.

7. Parents are encouraged to have a yearly physical and dental examination of their

child before the start of each school year. 8. Immunizations requirements: Parents are required to have child's immunization

records updated and presented to the Superintendent's office at the start of the school year. These records will be kept in the student's cumulative file.

9. MLS Public School Policy requires definite starting age of new Kindergarten and

Grade 1 Students: a. Pre-Kindergarten students must be 4 years old before August 1st. b. Kindergarten students must be 5 years old before August 1st. c. Grade 1 students must be 6 years old before August 1st. 10. The telephone number of the MLS Elementary School is 756-6560 or 756-6660.

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II. THE SCHOOL DAY 1. Teacher supervision of the elementary classrooms starts at 8:00 A.M. until 3:50 or

thirty minutes after dismissal Monday through Thursday and after the buses leave on Friday.

2. Grades K - 6 start school at 8:30 A.M. each school day. 3. The elementary students will be dismissed at 3:20 P.M. each school day.

4. The Noon hour recess is: 11:15 - 11:45 Recess for Grades K-1 10:30 - 11:00 Recess for Grades 2-3 12:00 - 12:30 Recess for Grades 4-6

5. Grades k-3 recess is: .

2:00 - 2:15 Recess Break for Grades K-2 2:00 - 2:15 Recess Break 3rd grade T, Th

6. Restroom Breaks vary for each class. 7. All school buses leave from the bus zone at 3:27 P.M. 8. Parents are not to have their children come to school before 8:00 A.M. each school

day. Students will be expected to go outside, so dress appropriately. 9. No electronic devices are allowed during the regular school day. This includes

cellphones, MP3 CD, iPod's, PDA's & ect. Teachers will use their discretion during trips & activities.

III. ILLNESS AND ATTENDANCE POLICY

1. Each time your child is absent from school because of illness or other reasons,

please send a written "excuse" to the teacher, stating the specific reason for the absence.

2. A Pupil Safety Control Policy is in effect which means that no student can be taken

from school during the regular school day unless a written request is presented to your child's teacher who in turn will present it to the Elementary Principal and/or the Superintendent's office. All parents are asked to check into the main office to pick

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up their children. The office will call the class room to have your child sent to you in the office. Do not go to the class room unless instructed to do so by the office.

3. Any parent wanting to remove their child from school for an extended period of time

must present a request to the Superintendent of Schools, must have written permission of the child's classroom teacher and Elementary Principal. The school will develop a plan for the school work that must be completed.

4. Students who are at school until 2:00 P.M. will be counted as a full day of

attendance. Students who leave between 10:00 A.M. and 2:00 P.M. will be counted as one half day of attendance.

5. Students will be considered tardy if they come to school one to thirty minutes late.

Thirty-one minutes or more will be considered one half day absence.

IV. PLAYGROUND GOAL Students will play in a safe manner at all times.

Guidelines and rules are necessary to make the playground a safe place for all students.

Please help students observe the rules below when they are on the playground.

Area- Students are to stay on the playground, inside the fence, on the blacktop or in the

field within sight and/or hearing of the playground supervisor. Students are required to

stay away from classroom windows as well as to not disturb the learning of those in the

building.

Playground Equipment- Students are to swing one person at a time. Sideways swinging

and spinning are not appropriate use of a swing. Students are to sit and go down the

slides, one person at a time. Do not climb up slides or stand while sliding down. Use the

equipment the way it was intended.

Rocks and Sticks- There will be no throwing of snowballs, rocks, sticks, or other hard

objects on the playground.

Bicycles are to be parked in the bike racks upon arrival at school and remain there until

dismissal.

Games-Soccer, kickball, throwing balls back and forth, and flag football should be played

on the grassy area beyond the playground equipment. Foursquare, hopscotch, tetherball,

jump rope, and basketball can be played on the pavement. All playground equipment

such as jump ropes, bases, and balls are to be used appropriately and returned when the

bell rings.

Pushing and rough games- Pushing other students and rough play does cause many

student injuries and fights on the playground. Rough play or play fighting begins as fun

but causes tempers to flare in many instances. Fighting is not permitted on school

grounds.

Flag Football- Follow the rules of flag football. Flags must be at sides. Go for the flags

only. Show good sportsmanship. Questions will be settled and final when majority rules.

All equipment will be brought in at end of recess.

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4 Square- Follow the rules of 4 square. Show good sportsmanship. Questions will be

settled and final when majority rules.

Balls/games- Ball tag is allowed only with soft nerf balls. Wall ball is not allowed.

Clothing- Please dress for the weather conditions. You will be going outside for recess.

If winter gear (warm coat, snow-pants, snow-boots, hat /gloves) becomes a persistent

problem, parents will be contacted.

Temperature 50* or colder, students will wear coats. Wind chill below -15*, recess will

not be outside. V. PUPIL MARKING AND EVALUATION

1. Grades K through 6 are on the Nine (9) weeks marking period, with Parent/Teacher Conferences scheduled at the end of the first nine weeks marking period and at the end of the third nine weeks marking period.

2. Report cards are sent home on the Wednesday following the end of each nine

weeks period. 3. The Marking System in use is the: A,B,C,D,F Plan in Grades 3 through 6. A. Percentage levels are: 93--100% -- A 87---92% -- B 80---86% -- C 79---70% -- D 69---00% -- F B. "S" for Satisfactory, "N" for Needs Improvement, and "U" for Unsatisfactory, are

the types of marks used on Report Cards in Grades 1 and 2. C. Kindergarten report cards are a standards based check list system.

VI. STORM DAYS AND EMERGENCY WEATHER

1. On every school day, when there is a question of whether school will be held because of "storm conditions" that information will be made available by broadcast over ALERT NOW, Minot KCJB (910 AM) radio, and KXMC & KMOT television stations by 7:00 A.M. each day that the storm conditions exist.

2. Please do not call the school for closings due to weather. Please wait for the

announcement. 3. When storm conditions develop during a school day, the students will be sent home

on school buses. School will be dismissed at the safest period of time in relations to the known approaching weather conditions.

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4. In the event a situation would arise that would have the MLS School responsible for emergency mass housing and feeding of the students, such a standby plan is in effect whereby the students could be housed in Mohall homes and other available facilities of the MLS Schools.

5. All Parents of bus students should supply the school with the name of a storm home

family at the time of registration. VII. FIRE DRILLS AND OTHER EMERGENCY EVACUATION DRILLS 1. Throughout the months of every school year, special fire drills, tornado drills, and other emergency evacuation drills are held. 2. Teachers and students know exact traffic lanes to follow in leaving the school buildings at anytime during the school day.

3. Teachers and students go to designated assembly areas away from the school buildings, where, if necessary, they could be transported by school bus to other emergency safety areas.

VIII. BUS ROUTES AND BUS RULES

1. Students and parents should know the number of the school bus and the name of your bus driver.

2. School buses, all conditions considered, are not to arrive at school before 8:00 A.M. 3. All school buses depart each day from the school bus zone at 3:27 P.M. 4. Your child's bus will stop a maximum of three minutes at a farm station. 5. If you desire your child to get off at a friend's farm on a specific day, a written

request will be given to your child's bus driver on that day. 6. Please have your child wear the proper type of clothing in relation to changing

weather conditions that will happen throughout the school year. 7. District bus drivers have the same control authority for good conduct at all times on

the school bus as a classroom teacher would have in the school. If bad conduct continues by any one student, or a group of students, those students will not be allowed bus transportation to school.

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8. We ask that you do not park your cars in the bus zone before school and between 2:30 and 3:35 P.M. Buses need to have room to unload and load the students in their specified area.

IX. SCHOOL FOOD SERVICES PROGRAM

1. A planned nutritious breakfast and a lunch program are available to students every

school day throughout the year. 2. Meal tickets may be purchased on a single day; a one week; a two week; and a four

week or full year. 3. The specific price to be charged for meal service will be announced at the start of

every school year. 4. Meal tickets are expected to be purchased on a cash or check basis. No charging. If a bill accumulates to over $25.00 per student or $50.00 per family, your

child/children will not be able to continue eating school provided meals until the bill is paid in full.

5. A weekly menus is published in the "Renville County Farmer", and also available on

Power School. 6. The National School Lunch Program sponsors a free meal and reduced price meal

program for children in a family if the total income of a parent does not exceed a certain amount. This information is made available to all district parents by a news story in the Renville County Farmer.

* Please contact the Superintendent of School/ Business Office for an application.

7. The First District Health Unit and the Division of Food Services, Department of Public Instruction, visit the MLS Mohall School Lunch Program during the school year.

X. SCHOOL HEALTH SERVICES

1. In case of an accident or injury to your child while at school we will: A. Notify you of the type of injury or accident. B. Ask you of your selection of Doctor or Dentist for the treatment to your child.

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2. Screening tests for hearing problems are done through Peace Garden Special Education Services to Pre-School, Kindergarten, third, fifth, eighth, eleventh, and all Special Education students.

3. Individual pupil cumulative Health Records are maintained in your child's school

pupil cumulative files. (Attached are the ND Dept. of Health Immunization Requirements)

XI. SPECIAL DAYS

1. Elementary school parties are scheduled during the Fall, Winter, and Spring. These parties are held at 2:30 P.M.

2. Parents are asked to assist teachers with planning and carrying out these occasions.

Each family is asked to help with at least one of these special school parties. 3. When possible, other experiences are given students, such as attendance at grade

basketball tournaments, elementary music festivals, etc. 4. When out-of-town trips are made, a Parent Permit Slip may be sent home with your

child for you to authorize their participation in these events. School transportation, with chaperones, is provided for these activities.

5. Some classes may collect money for a film or special treat at their party.

XII. OTHER SPECIAL PROGRAMS

1. Title One Programs are Federal support programs that require concentration on student skill needs. The money available to a School District is determined each year by the Coordinator of the Title One Programs at the Department of Public Instruction.

2. Title One is a program of concentration on Student "Basic Skills" in Reading and Mathematics.

3. A Schedule of Elementary Physical Education is built into the program of the

elementary school for grades Pre- K through 6 4. The Elementary School Instrumental Program provides an opportunity for students

starting in Grade Five and continuing in Grade Six. 5. The Elementary School Vocal Music Program is built into the program of the

Elementary School for Grades Pre- K-6.

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6. Special Education Services is a cooperative service that is maintained with the Peace Garden Special Services in the areas of Special Education. All MIS03 guidelines are met.

XIII. OTHER INFORMATION

1. Bicycles, when brought to school, are to be parked in the bike racks provided on the elementary school playground.

2. Bicycles will not be used during recess hours or driven about during the noon

recess. 3. Bicycles are not to be ridden on the asphalt playground at any time before, during, or

after school. 4. Elementary School pupils are not to play on the school lawn, sidewalks, or in any

street traffic areas. Please stay on the playground areas. 5. Throughout the school year, be concerned about the proper types of clothing for

your child to meet existing weather conditions. 6. Special Memorandums will be given to students concerning their conduct and safety

habits at athletic games, music programs, and other public programs. 7. Students are not to ride their bikes in the bus zone before or after school while the

buses are arriving, parked, or leaving the bus zone. 8. The School Board, Administration, Teachers, and Staff ask that you visit the school

often. XIV. WINTER SNOW POLICY

1. All elementary children must have cold weather clothing: such as caps, gloves, mittens, snow pants, winter coats, snow boots, etc.

2. All students must go outside for recess breaks. If any student is missing cold

weather clothing he/she may be required to go outside and stand along side the school building in a snow free area.

3. There will be no throwing of snow, snowballs, ice chunks anywhere at anytime. 4. All students must stay off the snow hills at all times. 5. Students are not allowed to get wet outside and sit in class with wet clothing.

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XV. SPORTS ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

1. All students participating in sports activities must be eligible to participate in any athletic practice or game.

2. Each student must have a passing grade in all academic areas of learning in the

classroom. 3. Any student who is getting below a grade "D" will miss both practice and the game

for the following week. The student will then be on probation. 4. The Principal will average the grades of the student on probation on the Monday of

the week. 5. After the probation week is over the teacher will average the grades of the student

and if the student is passing the student will then be eligible for the next week. 6. The parents of the student on probation will be notified of the action to be taken with

ineligibility.

XVI. DRESS REQUIREMENTS

No student shall wear any clothing that contains sayings, sexual, gang or insinuations that are inappropriate for school or that contains drug, liquor, beer, or tobacco emblems or sayings. No strapless shirts, undergarments will be covered at all times. Shirts exposing students midriff area is not acceptable. Dress or Bermuda-style shorts will be acceptable school attire. Very short cut-offs, or other inappropriate shorts (example: ragged, torn, Lycra or Spandex, etc.) are not permissible. They must go to finger tips of students when arms hanging at their sides. "Pajama" clothes are not permissible.

XVII. FAMILY EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS AND PRIVACY ACT

All provisions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) will apply in the general welfare of all students of the MLS Mohall Public Schools. Under this Act no information concerning any student will be released to unauthorized persons without the written consent of the parent/guardian. Parents have the right to review the contents of their child's cumulative record for accuracy. Contact should be made with the superintendent's office.

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Law Enforcement Officials will not be allowed to question any student during school hours without permission from the parents, unless they are acting on behalf of Social Services in the investigation of suspected child abuse or neglect.

XVIII. SUSPENSION FOR MISBEHAVIOR

A. It shall be the philosophy of the school to provide an atmosphere for learning that recognizes the right of all students to instruction that is not unduly influences by the inappropriate conduct of others.

B. Parents will be notified by the elementary principal if their child's behavior is

disrupting the learning atmosphere within a classroom. C. Repeated misbehavior will result in the issuance of a "Class Disturbance" report by

the classroom teacher. The consequences of this drastic action are: Grades K-3 -- Self-Contained Classroom:

1. Student will be removed from the classroom and put in detention for the remainder of the day, or until the parents have met as per No. 2 below.

2. Parents will be notified. A mandatory meeting with the parents, student,

teacher, and principal to discuss that student's behavior and to develop a plan to correct the unacceptable behavior will be required before the student is re-admitted to the classroom.

3. A second "Class Disturbance" will result in a suspension from school up to

two days. 4. Incorrigible behavior will result in a referral to the School Board for

corrective action. Grades 4-6 -- Self-Contained Classroom: 5-6 -- Science - Math only Departmentalized

1. Student will be removed from the class and put in detention for the remainder of that class period.

2. Parents will be notified. A mandatory meeting with the parents, student,

teacher, and principal to discuss that student's behavior and to develop a plan to correct the unacceptable behavior will be required before the student is re-admitted to the class.

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3. A second "Class Disturbance" will result in a suspension from school up to two days.

4. Incorrigible behavior will result in a referral to the School Board for

corrective action.

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ELEMENTARY RETENTION-PROMOTION POLICY It is our belief that the retention of students should be treated as a positive practice, not as a punishment. It is further felt that additional time expended at an earlier grade level will provide for future academic and social benefits for students, because they will be more able to compete with their peer group. It is extremely important that a student be in a placement setting where they can learn most effectively. For this reason the following recommendations are presented as a guideline to determine the best possible placement for students. GRADING SCALE: Grades 3-6 will use the following grading scale to evaluate a student's achievement level: (Grades 1 and 2 use S, N, U) 93%-100% A 87%- 92% B 80%- 86% C 70%- 79% D 69% and below F A uniformed grading scale is necessary to determine the appropriate grade placement of a student. RETENTION WOULD BE CONSIDERED IF:

1. A child misses 20 days (grades 1-6). 2. Inability to achieve reading at grade level in grades 1-6. (Not necessary to be failing

in other subjects) 3. Failing two subject areas other than reading. 4. If a child is socially or emotionally immature; examples which are (daydreaming,

easily distracted, not getting work done on time, inability to follow directions, or lack of motivation).

5. Most retentions will be made at 1-3 grade levels. 6. Final decision whether a child is retained rests with the classroom teacher and the

elementary principal. The burden of this decision should not be placed on the parents.

7. There is no law that states a learning disabled student cannot be retained. If a

student is diagnosed Learning Disabled in grades 1-3, it will be suggested he or she

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be retained if they are within the guidelines that are listed in this policy and Individual Educational Plan.

8. a. New students entering Mohall Elementary School at the beginning of the year will

be evaluated during the first nine weeks. If the child is functioning below grade level the parents, classroom teacher and elementary principal will meet to develop a plan to benefit the student. b. Transfer students that enter during the school year will be evaluated according to these guidelines.

9. All students in Kindergarten will be taught the following before they enter first grade: a. initial consonant sounds b. number concepts 1-10 c. print legibly their own name d. recognize basic colors

If a child does not master these four areas, a conference with the parents, classroom teacher, and elementary principal will be held to develop a plan for the child.

10. A student may repeat Kindergarten if a parent makes a formal request to the

classroom teacher and the elementary principal. A meeting with all the people involved will determine if the child will then repeat Kindergarten.

11. Once the decision and plan has been made to retain a child, a carefully planned

program is to be provided to ensure to the student the individual help which he/she needs and that protection is programmed to ward against repetition of experiences in which failure had occurred before.

12. A team consisting of the elementary principal, classroom teacher and the parent

will meet to decide if a student needs to be retained or promoted.

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N O N - D I S C R I M I N A T I O N P O L I C Y STATEMENT The MLS Mohall Public School District No. 1, in the County of Renville and State of North Dakota, supports the provisions of Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1963, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 which commit all schools to the elimination of discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex and handicap, in employment policies and/or practices and in those educational programs and/or activities offered to its students. It is the expressed intent of the Mohall Public School District to provide equal opportunity for all students, free from limitations of race, color, national origin, sex and handicap. This concept of equal opportunity will serve as a guide to the School Board, the administration, and staff in making decisions related to the employment of personnel, school facilities, curriculum, activities and regulations affecting students and employees. LOCATION OF POLICY: A copy of the Board policy is available for review in the administrative office at the Mohall Public School. COMPLAINT PROCEDURE: Any student or employee of the District who believes he or she has been discriminated against, denied a benefit, or excluded from participation in a district education program or activity on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, or handicapping condition may file a written complaint with the compliance administrator or follow other procedures outlined in the complaint procedure. (See Board Procedure/Policy ND and Policy Exhibit NDD) COMPLIANCE ADMINISTRATOR: The compliance administrator for these Board Policies is, Mr. Fylling, Superintendent, MLS Mohall Public School, Box 187, Mohall, North Dakota, 58761, Telephone No. (701) 756-6660. Adopted: May 11, 1992 Annual Date of Verification: ____________________ ______________________________ (School Board President) (Policy NDAA)

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A D M I N I S T E R I N G M E D I C A T I O N T O S T U D E N T S The giving of aspirin/tylenol at school is not approved without the prior consent of a parent or legal guardian. Only upon written order of the physician and with written consent of the parent or legal guardian, may a member of the school staff assist in or supervise the administration of any other medication. Students who must depend on receiving medication during school hours for medical reasons must have a written order from a physician giving specific directions for taking the medication. Directions should also be clearly marked on the bottle. Any medication which is ordered by the physician to be administered at school may be given using the following procedures:

1. The medication sent or brought to the school must be accompanied by a signed request from the parent or legal guardian and the physician (see attached form).

2. The following information must be included in the physician's written order and on the

label of the prescription container: a. The student's name; b. Amount of dosage; c. Time of administration; d. Name and strength of medication; e. Amount of medication in prescription; f. The instructions for administration should include any possible side effects; g. Length of time student will be on medication; and h. Special care such as refrigeration. 3. The parents' or legal guardian's consent must authorize administration of a specific

medication and must grant permission for school personnel to administer the medication.

4. If medication is for emergency use only, such as a bee sting kit for known acute

allergic reaction, then it may be administered by the school nurse or a person trained by a physician or nurse, upon written consent from a parent or legal guardian. In emergency cases, such as acute allergic reactions, the school personal shall promptly notify emergency medical personnel and the parent(s) or legal guardian. In many communities, the emergency number now is 911; the emergency number for the community in which the school is located shall be included in the school's policy and procedures.

5. All medication kept in the schools for administration to students will be kept in a

manner to protect the safety of the student and other students. 6. A record shall be kept of the administration of the medication, noting date, time, and

the initials of the person administering it. All such records shall be deemed a part of the student's education records and shall be confidential.

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7. Administration of prescribed medication during school hours will regularly be noted on

the cumulative health records of the student. 8. All medications are to be returned to the parent(s) or legal guardian at the end of each

school year or when the student withdraws from a school. MLAA Attendance and Absence Policy North Dakota state law requires all children between the ages of 7 and 16 to be in

attendance every day school is in session, with the exceptions for illness and certain other incapacitates as defined in the NDCC. Compulsory attendance in school is not required if the child is receiving home-based instruction in accordance with state law. Any student who is either permanently or temporarily prevented from attending school because of a handicapping condition will be provided with an appropriate educational program, either through the Peace Garden Special Education Unit or through appropriate home-bound instruction.

The Mohall Lansford Sherwood District considers regular attendance by those students

who are required to be in school or who have chosen to attend if over 16 years of age essential for success in school and in future educational and career activities. Tests scores alone may not be a proper indication of the skill students achieve in any particular course. Benefits of lectures, discussion, group activities, and class participation of other kinds cannot be replicated and are lost forever to those who are absent.

Excused absences shall be those caused by verified illness, funeral, court appearance,

drivers test, medical appointments, religious reasons, assisting with family business, and such other absences granted in advance by the principal. Procedures to follow for an "advanced make-up" or "make-up" slip are found in the Student Handbook.

The Mohall Lansford Sherwood Public School District recognizes that the most

commonly used and the most difficult absence to verify is a request for an excused absence for "illness." If such absences for "illness" become habitual and the principal is not satisfied that the absences are excusable, the principal shall request a meeting with the parents/guardian to determine a course of action to take, including a request for a doctor's statement as to the need for such habitual absence. A refusal to meet and provide the appropriate documentation will result in a declaration of an "unexcused absence" for the unverified absence. The responsibility for making the absence excused rests with the parents and students.

School work missed by the student during an absence shall be made up regardless of

the reason for the absence, whether excused or unexcused. Notification of a group

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absence to participate in school-sponsored activities will be given to the teachers for their assignment of "advanced work." Specific procedures to follow in the event of an individual absence, whether excused or unexcused, are found in the Student Handbook.

All administrative decisions in the application of this policy may be appeal to the School

Board if such request is made in writing and submitted to the superintendent at least one week prior to the next regularly scheduled meeting of the School Board.

Ten or more absences, whether excused or unexcused, as shown on the principal’s

Attendance Register during a semester would be considered excessive and detrimental to the achievement of the goals of the courses in which the student is enrolled. Therefore, when eleven absences have been recorded during the semester, the student will no longer receive semester credit for courses taken. In addition to the total days per semester, a student shall be allowed a maximum of ten absences per class per semester. Should a student exceed absences allowed in a particular class, they will not earn credit in that class. Absences do not include those days when the student is participating in school sponsored activities. An unexcused absence, as determined by the building principal, will result in the application of the penalties as outlined in the Student Handbook.

Should a student exceed the allowable number of absences, due process procedures will

be followed. 1. The parent/guardian will be notified when seven absences have occurred and then

again after nine absences. 2. Notification will be made by mail and by telephone to the parent when the student

records his /her tenth absence. 3. Parents of students who exceed the limit may appeal to an Attendance Review

Committee to determine if an extension is warranted. Documentation form parents will be required.

4. The Attendance Review Committee will be made up of the superintendent, principal, and guidance counselor.

5. A decision will be made and sent to the parent(s) in writing within three days of the appeal meeting.

6. A second appeal to the Mohall Lansford Sherwood Board may be requested if the decision of the Attendance Review Committee is not acceptable by the parents.

All out of school suspensions will be counted as absences. Board Procedure MG (Promotion and Retention) Cross Reference: Elem. Student Handbook (Illness and Attendance Policy) Elem. Student Handbook (Retention/Promotion Policy) H. S. Student Handbook (Attendance/Absence Procedures) H. S. Student Handbook (Failing/Promotion Procedures)

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Legal Reference: NDCC 15-29-08 (General powers and duties of school board) NDCC 15-41-06 (High school courses - Requirements - Credits - Alternative curriculum

plans) NDCC 15-34.1 (Compulsory School Attendance) NDCC 15-34.1-06 (Home-based instruction) NDCC 15-34.1-03 (Compulsory attendance - Exceptions)