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WELCOMEThestaffofOtsegoJuniorHighSchoolwelcomesyouandhopesthatyouhavearewardingeducationalexperiencewhilehere.Byworkingcooperativelywithyourteachersandclassmates,youwillbeabletomakethemostofyourtimeatOJHS.Thebasicskillstaughtwillenableyoutothinkcritically,solveproblems,andmakeinformeddecisions.Yoursuccessisimportanttoallofus!Successtakeshardwork,cooperation,anddedication.Weareheretoassistyou.Bestwishesforaverysuccessfulyear.

GENERALINFORMATIONThishandbookisprovidedtoyouandyourparent/guardiantobetterunderstandtheschoolrules,policiesandprocedures.AsastudentofOJHS,YOUsharetheresponsibilityalongwithteachersandclassmatesformaintainingaproperlearningenvironmentwithintheclassroomandschool.Thiscanbestbeachievedwhenyou,yourclassmates,andteachersworktogether.Youareentitledtoknowtheframeworkofprocedureswithinwhichyouareexpectedtoassumepersonalresponsibilityforyouractionsandtoknowthedisciplinarymeasurestobetakenwhenyoufailtoshowthispersonalresponsibility.AsastudentatOJHSyouwillbeexpectedtodothefollowing:

1. CooperatewithALLschoolpersonnel,followtheirinstructions,andaccepttheirguidance.2. Showrespectforyourselfandothersandbehaveinaresponsiblemannerintheclassroom,

hall,onthegrounds,thebusorwheneverunderteachersupervision.3. Recognizethattheteacheristhefinalauthorityintheclassroomandthatanactof

disobedienceorinsubordinationisaseriousactofmisconductandwillnotbetolerated.(Ifyoumisbehave,youmayreceivedisciplinaryaction).

4. Attendclassdaily,beontime,bepreparedforclasswiththepropermaterials,completeassignments,andbedressedappropriatelyforclassactivities.

5. Seekchangeinschoolrulesandpoliciesinanorderlyandresponsiblemannerthroughproperchannels.

6. Cooperatewithstaffinvestigationsofdisciplinarycasesandvolunteerinformationrelatingtoaseriousoffense.

7. Payschoolfees.Werealizethatthesejuniorhighschoolyearsareonlyapartofastudent’seducationandmustbearesultandextensionofelementaryschool,aswellasanintroductionintothehighschoolprogram.ActivitiesatOtsegoJuniorHighSchoolreflectourconcernforasmoothtransition.Communicationisavitalpartofeducationandmustbeencouragedbetweenstudents,faculty,staff,administration,parents,guardians,andcommunity.Aschool-parentpartnershipisessentialtotheeducationofjuniorhighschoolstudents.Inreturn,youmayexpecttheOtsegoJuniorHighSchoolstafftoprovideanenvironmentthatwillenableyoutoworktowardyoureducationalgoals.Nopersonshall,onthebasisofrace,color,ornationalorigin,beexcludedfromparticipationin,bedeniedthebenefitsof,orbesubjectedtodiscriminationunderaprogramoractivity.

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GENERALGUIDELINES

Thefollowingguidelinesaretoassistyouandyourparent/guardianinunderstandingtheoperation,expectationsandproceduresatOJHS.Theadministrationreservestherighttodetermineanyguidelinesthatarenotcoveredorthosewhichmayneedtoberevisedinthebestinterestofstudents.ACTIVITIES,CONTESTANDPRACTICESAllactivitiesandpracticesmustbefinishedby9:00p.m.onMondaythroughThursdaynightsand10:00p.m.onFridayorSaturdaynights.Anyotheractivityorpracticeshouldbeonavolunteerbasis.AFTERSCHOOLACTIVITIESYouareencouragedtoparticipateinband,choir,athletics,contests,andotheractivitiessuchas,StudentCouncil,HonorSocietyandQuizBowl.TherewillbeaPay-To-Participatefeeforallextra-curricularactivities.Youareencouragedtoattendallschoolrelatedactivities.TheStudentCodeofConductisineffectatallschool-relatedactivities.Onceyouhavebeenadmittedtotheactivity,youwillnotbepermittedtoleaveandreturn,unlessthesupervisorgrantspermission.YouarenotallowedtocomeandgoasyoupleaseNostudentisallowedtoparticipateinanafter-schoolactivity,includingquizbowl,cheerleadingpracticeortryouts,orathleticpractice,unlessthestudentisinattendanceatschoolalldayfromnolaterthan10minutesafterschoolbeginsuntiltheendoftheschoolday.Exception:Thestudenthasofficialdocumentationfortheabsenceorlatearrivalorspecialarrangementshavebeenmadewiththeprincipal.ARRIVALANDDEPARTUREIfyouareastudentwhowalkstoschoolorisdroppedoffbyaparent,thenyouarenottoarrivebefore7:15a.m.YouareNOTpermittedtogotoyourlocker,beinthehallsorrooms,orstandoutsideoratthedoorways.Onceyouhavearrivedattheschool,youmustreporttotheGym,andyouarenotallowedtoleave.Attheendofeachschoolday,youaretoleaveschoolgroundsby2:45p.m.unlessyouareinvolvedinaschool-relatedactivityorunderthedirectsupervisionofschoolpersonnel.Loiteringisnotpermitted.Ifyourideabus,youareexpectedtobecourteousandnotruntothebus.Donotmovetowardthebuswhileitisstillinmotion;waitadistanceoffivefeetuntilitcomestoacompletestop.Thisisstrictlyenforced.

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ATTENDANCERegularattendanceatschoolisextremelyimportant.Ohio’sMissingChildLawrequiresparentstonotifytheofficebyphonenolaterthan10:00a.m.eachdaytheirchildisabsent.Parentsmayreporttheirchild’sabsencebycalling419-823-4381#3.Failuretonotifytheofficewillresultintheofficemakingatelephonecalltothechild’shome.Anyabsencenotaccompaniedbyaparentalphonecall(ornoteuponreturn,withthestudent’sfirstandlastname,reason,dateofabsence,andparent’ssignature)willbeconsideredunexcusedandtruant.Theentirenotemustbewrittenbyaparent.Telephonecallswillbemadetoverifyabsenceswhenwedonotreceiveacallfromaparentorifanoteappearsquestionable.ExcusedAbsencesInorderforanabsencetobeexcuseditmustfallwithintheguidelinesintheOhioRevisedCode:

1. Personalillness–physician’sstatementmayberequired.2. Illnessinthefamily–doesnotapplytochildrenunder14yearsofage.3. Quarantineofthehome.4. Deathofarelative.5. Observanceofareligiousholiday.6. Emergencyorsetofcircumstanceswhichinthejudgmentoftheprincipalconstitutesa

goodandsufficientcauseforabsence.7. Courtsubpoena.8. Reasonsotherthanthoselistedabovearetobeclearedwiththeprincipalbythe

parent/guardian,priortotheabsence.UnexcusedAbsencesUnexcusedabsencesinclude,butarenotlimitedto,thefollowingaccordingtotheOhioRevisedCode:1.Oversleeping 6.Missingthebus2.Baby-sitting 7.Carproblems3.Vacation(mustgetformfromoffice) 8.Hunting(mustgetformfromoffice)4.Truancy 9.Stayinghometodohomework5.Shopping 10.OutofSchoolSuspensionIftheofficedoesnotreceiveaphonecallornotewithin24hoursoftheabsence,thentheabsencewillbeconsideredunexcused/truant.Pleasebeawarethatifyourabsenceisunexcused,youmaynotbeabletomakeuptheworkmissed,andyoumayreceivea“0”.Afterfive(5)daysofunexcusedabsenceorhabitualtardiness,youmaybereferredtotheJuvenileMediationProgramandsubjecttodisciplinaryactionorcourtreferral.OfficialDocumentationdefinitionOfficialdocumentationincludeswrittennoticefromadoctor,dentist,hospitalorcourt.Inmostcaseswhenyoubringinofficialdocumentationweexcusethoseabsenceswhenwearelookingatastudent’sattendancerecord.ExcessiveAbsence/JuvenileMediationProgramWewillsendlettersafter5and10daysofabsences:

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1.After10absences,wewillsendlettersrequiringdoctor’sexcuseforfutureabsences.2.Aftercontinuedunexcusedabsencesandtruancychargesmaybefiled.AppointmentsIfitisabsolutelynecessarytoscheduleadoctor’sappointmentduringtheschoolday,thenyoumustbringanotesignedbyaparent/guardianpriortoleavingschoolandanotefromthedoctoruponreturning.StudentPersonalPre-PlannedAbsenceAstudentmustgetaformfromtheofficeatleast2daysinadvanceofanypre-plannedabsence.Thisformshouldbereadandsignedbyaparent,thenthestudentmusthaveteachersinitialit,andtheprincipalsignit.(RememberthisisanUnexcusedabsenceandteachersarenotrequiredtogivehomework,gradehomeworkorgivecreditforwork.)Pleasetakevacationsduringunscheduledschooldays.AbsenceandExtracurricularActivitiesToparticipateinacontestorattendpractice,astudentmustbeinschooltheentiredayofthecontestorpracticeunlesspriorarrangementsaremadewiththeprincipal.Inthecaseofaweeknightevent,astudentmustbeinattendancetheentirefollowingdayinordertoparticipateinthenextcontestorpractice.Make-UpWorkandTestsWhenabsentfromschool,itisyourresponsibilitytocontactteachersandmakearrangementsformake-upworkassoonasyoureturntoschool.Ifyouareabsentforanextendedperiodoftime(3daysormore)theassignmentscanbeobtaineduponrequestfromtheoffice.OurdailyassignmentsarepostedontheOtsegoSchoolsWebsite:http://www.otsegoknights.org.Excusedabsencesfromschooldonotexcusestudentfrommakingupmissedwork.Youhaveonedayforeachdayofexcusedabsencestomakeupassignments,quizzes,andtestsyouhavemissed.Studentsgoingonvacationshouldfirstgetaformfromtheofficeandthenrequestworkfromteacherspriortoleaving.TardinessStudentsarrivingaftertheattendancebellareconsidered“late”andmustreportdirectlytotheoffice.Officepersonnelwillrecordthetardy,determineifthetardyisexcusedorunexcused,andpossibly refer the student to an administrator. The second unexcused tardy, and every tardythereafterinanineweekperiod,willresultinadetention.BOOKBAGSANDSIMILARCARRIERSBookbagsandsimilarcarriersarenotallowedinclassrooms.Theyaretobekeptinlockersonly.However,trappersareallowedinclassrooms.

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CAFETERIAAllstudentsmusteatinthecafeteria.Youmaybringyourlunchorpurchaseit.Milkandsnacksmaybepurchasedseparatelyifyoubringyourlunch.Youareexpectedtousegoodmannersandgoodbehaviorwhileeating.Listedbelowarecafeteriarules:

1. Enterandleavethecafeteriainanorderlyfashion.2. Ifyouarebuyingfood,waitcourteouslyintheappropriatelineasdirectedbythe

supervisor.Cuttinginlineorsavingaplaceinlineisnotpermitted.3. Whenyouhaveyourfood,pleasebeseatedandremainseatedunlessyouneedtomakean

additionalpurchase.4. Commoncourtesyandgoodmannersarealwaysexpected.Loudorrowdybehaviorwill

notbetolerated.5. Eachstudentisresponsibleforproperlydisposingofhisorhertray,wrappings,containers,

andleftoverfood,andformakingsurethatthetables,seats,andfloorinhisorherareaisclean.

6. AlllunchmoneyandchecksmustbeturnedintotheOJHSofficebeforefirstperiod.CLASSCHANGEPleasebecourteousandmovequietlywhenchangingclasses.Staytotherightsideofthehallsandstairs.DONOTRUN,PUSH,orSKIPSTEPS!Pleasekeeplockervisitstoaminimum.Becauseofthenumberofstudents,ithasbeennecessarytoestablishtrafficpatternsforthestairs.Southstairsareup;Northstairsaredown.COMMUNICATIONAllstaffmembersmaybereachedviatheiremailaddress.Youmayfindthisbyclickingontoourdistrictwebsite(www.otsegoknights.org)andclickingonyourstudent’sbuildingsite.Teachersusuallyanswermessageswithintwoworkingdaysifnotsooner.Ifyouhaveaconcernwithastudentoranemployee,pleaserefertothe“IHaveAConcern”pamphletavailableinallschooloffices.Thispamphletoutlinesthechainofcommandforcommunicatingallproblems.Iftheproblemisnotresolvedatthefirstlevel,talktothepersonatthesecondlevel,andsoondownthelevelsasfollows.Level1–Teacher,coach,advisorLevel2–PrincipalLevel3–SuperintendentLevel4–BoardofEducationCHEATING/COPYINGPlagiarism,copyingoffwebsites,copyingorallowingotherstocopyhomeworkassignmentsortestswillnotbetolerated.Takingand/orcopyinganotherstudentsworkwithoutpermission(byateacher),willresultinapenalty.Thefirsttimeastudentiscaught,azerowillbegivenontheassignment.CAMERASCamerascannotbeusedinschoolwithoutpermissionfromtheofficeorarequestbyateacherthatisapprovedbythePrincipal.

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DELAYS/CANCELLATIONSOtsegoschooldistrictutilizestheInstantAlertsystemforschooldelays,cancellationsandotherimportantannouncements.Parentscanupdatetheirinformationonthewebsite:instantalert.honeywell.com.Delaysandcancellationsarealsolistedonlocalradioand/orTVstations.Pleasedonotcallthesuperintendent,principal,orschool.EmergencydismissalformsarenotrequiredatOJHS.However,ifyouwouldlikeone,theycanbeobtainedfromandthenreturnedtoouroffice.DRESSCODEAsastudentattendingOJHS,yourdressandgroomingshouldmeethealthstandards,safetyconditions,andenhancethepositiveimageofourschool.Anyformofdressorgroomingthatdistractsordisruptstheeducationalprocessisunacceptable.Ifyouhaveaquestionaboutappropriateclothing,pleasecheckwiththeprincipalpriortowearingittoschool.Decisionsregardingappropriatedressareunderthejurisdictionoftheprincipal.Thisdresscodeappliestoschool,co-curricular,andextra-curricularactivities.Studentswithinappropriatedresswillbesenthomeortheymusthaveclothingbroughtinthatisacceptable.• Wearclothingappropriateforschooltypeactivitiesandweather.• Clothingshouldnotbetootight,tooloose,ortooshort.Nooversizeclothing,saggyorbaggy

pants,nolownecklines(nocleavage),ormidriffshirts.Allpantsmustbewornatthewaistandbefastened.Pajamasand/or“pajamatype”clothingareunacceptable.Nochainsareallowedonanyarticleofclothing.

• Clothing should be neat and clean.Nodistressed, ripped, or holey clothing canbeworn atschool.

• Studentsshallnotwearclothingitemsthatcontainmessagesthatarevulgar,offensive,obscene,orlibelous;thatdenigrateothersonthebasisofrace,color,religion,creed,nationalorigin,gender,sexualorientation,ordisability;thatpromotealcoholordruguse,orviolence,orthatareotherwisecontrarytotheschool’seducationalmission.

• Gangattireoranysuchclothingorsymbolsthatmaybeassociatedwithgangsisnotacceptable.

• Studentsmustrecognizethatbriefandrevealingclothingarenotappropriateapparelinschool.Thefollowingguidelinesonbriefclothingareexamplesanddonotcoverallsituations.Studentsshallnotweartanktops,haltertops,garmentswithspaghettistraps,straplessor“see-through”garments.Sleevelessgarmentsmustextendtotheendoftheshouldersandfitcloselyunderthearms.Skirts,skortsandshortsmustnotbeshorterthanfingertiplengthwhenarmsareheldstraightdownatyourside.Undergarmentsmustnotbevisible.

• Anyclothingorgroomingthatcreatesadisruptionintheclassroomisnotacceptable.Thisincludes:visiblebodypiercingotherthanears.Additionally,anydressthatisdestructivetoschoolproperty(suchascleats)orcreateshealthorsafetyproblemsarenotallowed.

• Hats,caps,bandannas/scarves,anyheadgear,coatsandsunglassesarenottobeworninthebuildings.

• ShoesmustbewornatALLtimesforhealthandsafetyreasons.• Coachesandadvisorsofathleticteamsandstudentactivitygroupsmayrequirestricter

standardsofstudentdressformembersoftheteamorgroupwhenthestudentsareengagedinschoolactivitiesasrepresentativesofOtsegoJuniorHigh.

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• Intheinterestofstudenthealthand/orsafety,studentsmayberequiredatspecifictimestoconformtostricterstandardsthanthegeneralstandardsstatedabove.

DRUGTESTINGPOLICYOnJuly23,2002theOtsegoBoardofEducationapprovedrandomdrugtestingforstudentsparticipatinginanyextra-curricularactivity.Randomdrugtestingmaybedoneduringeachathleticseason.

CELLPHONESANDOTHERWIRELESSCOMMUNICATIONSDEVICES

Possessionofacellphoneorotherelectroniccommunicationdevice(ECD)byastudentisaprivilege,whichmaybeforfeitedbythestudentifhe/sheviolatesthispolicyorisaskedtorelinquishitbyastaffmemberoradministrator.

Studentsarepermittedtohavetheircellphonesduringthecourseoftheschoolday.Theymaybeusedbeforeandafterschool,inthehallwaybetweenclasses,andintheCommonsduringlunch.Studentsaretofollowtheirteacher’spolicyforusageintheirclassroomandstudyhalls.Violationofthispolicywillresultinconfiscationofthedeviceandwillresultindisciplinaryaction.Cellphoneusage(ortexting)isnotpermissibleforanyreasonatanytimeinanyrestroom.iPods,MP3players,CDplayers,andothermusicplayingdevicesmaynotbeusedduringtheinstructionaldayexceptduringlunchorbyapprovaloftheclassroomteacher.Failuretoabidebythisrulemayresultinconfiscationofthedeviceandappropriatedisciplinaryaction.Thisincludeswearingofearpieces/headphonesforanyoftheseorotherdevices.Thereistobeabsolutelynophotographyorrecordingofaudio/videoatanytimewithoutpriorapprovalfromateacher,staffmember,oradministrator.Cellphonesshouldnotbeusedtotakepictures,videosorvoicerecordingswithoutteacherandadministrativeapproval.Ifastudenttakesapicture,video,orvoicerecordsastaffmemberwithouttheirapprovalhe/shewillresultindisciplineactionandfutureuseofsuchdeviceswillbeforfeited.Studentssuspectedofviolatingthispolicy,willbeaskedtoprovethattheydonothaveacellphoneintheirpossession.Refusaltodosowillresultinaninvestigationandbeingsenttoanadministratorforappropriatedisciplinaryaction.TheBoardofEducationreservestherighttodefinetheeducationalvalueofanynewelectronicwirelesscommunicationdevicesthatmaybecomeavailabletothegeneralpublicinthefuturetoprohibittheiruseiftheyhavelittleornoeducationalvalueorifsuchdevicecreateslearnerdistractionordisruption.Thedistrict isnot responsible forthe loss, theft,damage,orvandalismtostudentcellulartelephonesorECDsaswellasotherstudentproperty.StudentsandparentsarestronglyencouragedtotakeappropriateprecautionstomakesurethecellulartelephonesandECDsarenotleftunattendedorunsecured.Coachesandsponsorswillsettheirrulesandenforceconsequencesinvolvingtheuseand/ormisuseofthesedevices.Studentsarenotpermittedtopossessthefollowingdevicesoncampusoratschoolsponsored

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activities(includingfieldtrips)withoutadministrativeapproval.Violationofthispolicywillresultinconfiscationofthedeviceandwillresultindisciplinaryaction.1. Two-wayradios2. Pagers3.Walkietalkies4. Radiophones5. Laserpointers6. Portablegamingdevices(PSP,DS,etc.)7. Recordingdevices(withoutteacher/administrativeapproval)BringYourOwnTechnologyProgram:Electronicdevices(e-readers,tablets,laptops)includingcellphonesmaybeusedinclassesasalearningtoolifthedeviceisapprovedbytheteacher.Theteacherhasfinalsayifthedevicecanbeusedduringclassasanappropriatelearningtool.Studentsareexpectedtosilenceallelectronicdevicesduringclasstimeunlessapprovedbytheteacherandthedeviceisbeingusedasapartoftheeducationalcurriculum.Studentscaughtusinganelectronicdeviceinclasswithoutpermission,orusingitinaninappropriatemannermayhaveitconfiscatedandsenttotheoffice.Disciplinaryactionwillbegiventostudentswhoabusethisprivilege.FALSIFICATION/FORGERYStudentsshallnotmakeafalsestatement,afalseaccusation,orprovidefalseinformationthatinanywaydefamesordamagesthereputationofanotherstudentorstaffmemberorhindersaninvestigation.Astudentshallnotbeinvolvedinactivitiessuchasforgery,impropercollusion,oranyformofdishonesty.FEESFeesshouldbepaidatthebeginningoftheschoolyear.Nonpaymentoffeesforcoursematerialsordamagedorstolenmaterialmayresultinstudentsbeingineligibleforanyextracurricularactivitiesincludinginterscholasticsports.Allunpaidfees/fineswillfollowstudentintothenextgradelevel.GRADINGAllparentsandstudentshaveaccesstogradesonline.Atthebeginningofeachyear,instructionsincludingloginandpasswordinformationwillbegiventoallparentsandstudentsfortheonlinegradingprogram.InstantAlertswillnotifyparentswhenallmid-termandquartergradesarefinal.Allgradesarefigurednumerically,andconvertedtothefollowingletterscale:91–100=A81–90=B71–80=C61–70=D0–60=FS+=AboveAverageS=AverageS-=BelowAverageU=UnsatisfactoryFinalgradesforallclasseswillbedeterminedbyaveragingthefirstsemesterandsecondsemestergrades.Ifyouhaveaquestionregardinggrades,pleasecontacttheteacherforadditionalinformation.

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GRADESINCOMPLETEAnincompletemustbeconvertedtoagradewithintwoweeksaftertheendofthegradingperiod.Ifworkisnotcompletedtoremovethe“I”,thegradewillbeconvertedtoan“F”.GUIDANCECOUNSELORTheGuidanceCounselorwillassiststudentsindevelopingskills,makingdecisions,acceptingothers,andresolvingconflicts.Ourcounseloralsohelpsstudentsidentifystrengths,setgoals,andlearneffectivestudyandtest-takingskills.Thecounselorworkswithteachers,parents,andotherstaffmemberstoencouragestudentstoreachtheiracademicpotential.Guidanceandcounselingactivitiesaredoneonanindividualbasis,insmallgroups,andinclassrooms.Theseactivitiesinclude,butarenotlimitedto,orientationandregistrationofnewstudents,counselingprograms,parentandteacherconferences.HOMEWORKHomeworkisavaluableextensionofclassroomlearningandanintegralpartoftheinstructionalprogram.Dependingonthecoursecontent,yourhomeworkmaybeshort-termand/orlong-termassignments.Detentionsmaybeassignedifhomeworkisnotcompletedandmaybeservedwiththatteacher.HONORROLLAnHonorRollwillbedevelopedattheendofeachquarterandpostednearthePrincipal’sOffice.Namesofstudentswithagradepointaverageof3.5-4.0willbeprintedintheSentinel-Tribune.IMMUNIZATIONSANDHEALTHSCREENINGSAllstudentsarerequiredbystatelawtohavebasicimmunizationsagainstdiphtheria,tetanus,whoopingcough,mumps,measles,rubella,andpoliopriortoenteringschool.TheCountyHealthDepartmentatvarioustimesduringtheelementaryandjuniorhighschoolyearsprovidesboostershotsforthesediseases.Freevisionexamsaregiventoall5thand7thgradestudents.AsecondMMRshotisrequiredofall6thgradestudentsbeforetheyenterthe7thgrade.Inaddition,aTdaporTdboosterrequirementfor7thgradeisnowineffect.ILLNESSORINJURYWHILEATSCHOOLYoumustreporttotheofficeifyouareillorinjured.Officepersonnelwillthendeterminethecourseofaction.Youwillonlybesenthomeduetoinjuryorillnesswithpermissionfromtheoffice.LEAVINGTHEBUILDINGStudentsarenottoleavethecampusorschoolgroundsforanyreasonwithoutfirstreceivingpermissionfromofficepersonnel.Parentswishingtotaketheirchildoutofschoolearlymustenterthebuildingusingthefrontdoorandsignouttheirchildintheoffice.LOCKERSANDLOCKSStudentsareassignedlockers.Itisnotnecessarytohavealockonyourlocker,howeverifyouwouldliketousealock,theycanbepurchasedfor$5.00each(locksmustbepurchasedfromtheschool).Lockersaretheexclusivepropertyoftheschooldistrictandareloanedtostudentsfor

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theiruse.Lockerscanlegallybeinspectedbyschoolpersonnelatanytime.Illegalitemsstoredinlockers,itemsthatposeathreattoastudent’ssafety,oritemsthatdisrupttheeducationalprocess,areprohibited.Lockersshouldnotcontainvaluables.Onceyouhavebeenassignedalockerdonotmovetoanotherlockerorsharealockerwithanotherstudent.Theschoolisnotresponsibleforlostorstolenitems.Also,studentswillnothangitemsonthehallwallsorfromtheceilingwithoutpermissionfromtheoffice.LOST&FOUNDIfyoulosesomething,pleasechecktheLost&Found.MEDICATIONIfpossibleallmedicationshouldbetakenathome.Ifnotpossible,theparent/guardianmustfillouttheAuthorizationforMedicationorTreatmentformavailableintheoffice.Medicationswillbegiveninaccordancewithadministrativeguidelines,boardpolicy,andtheOhioRevisedCode.Allprescriptionornon-prescriptionmedicationthatneedstobetakenatschoolmustbestoredintheofficeinitsoriginalcontainerandtakeninthepresenceofofficepersonnel.Itisthestudents’responsibilitytocometotheofficefortheirmedication.Studentsareallowedtocarryasthmainhalersandepi-penswiththemifadoctor’snotehasbeenturnedintotheoffice.MEDIACENTER/LIBRARYThemediacenterprovidesasourceofinformationandreadingmaterialinmanyformatsforallstudentsatOtsegoJuniorHighSchool.Books/etc.arenottoberemovedfromthemediacenterbystudentsunlessproperlysignedoutbymediacenterpersonnel.Ifbooksarelostordamagedbeyondrepair,studentsmustpayforthem.Paymentwillbeaddedtothestudent’sfees.PERSONALPROPERTYLabelormarkallarticlesofvalue(coats,shoes,bookbags,etc.)withyourname.Itisbestnottobringanythingofvaluetoschool.Lunchmoneyshouldnotbekeptinyourlocker.AlllunchmoneyandchecksmustbeturnedintotheOJHSofficebeforefirstperiod.Pleasetakecareofyourtextbooksandpersonalitems,sothesethingsdonotgetlostorstolen.Theschoolisnotresponsibleforanypersonalpropertylostorstolen.PHONEAphoneisavailableintheofficeforemergencyuse.Youarenottousethephoneforpersonalcalls.Thephoneisforemergencycallsonlysuchasillnessorchangesinathleticevents.Studentsmustgetpermissionfromofficepersonnelbeforeusingthephone.Parentsshouldsetupalternativeplansfortimestheymaybelategettinghomeorschoolisdismissedearly.Also,besureyourchildhaslunchmoneyandhomeworkbeforeleavingthehouse.Tellthemaboutanyafterschoolpickupplanpriortoleavinghome.Thiswilleliminateunnecessaryclassinterruptionsforstudentmessages.PUBLICITY/ANNOUNCEMENTSAnyarticlesforthenewsmediamustbeclearedinadvancewiththeprincipal.AnnouncementsfortheP.A.mustbeturnedinpriorto7:30a.m.andwillonlybegivenduringthedailyregularscheduledannouncements.

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**Parents/GuardianspleasebeawarethattheOtsegoSchoolsand/ortheirauthorizedagentsmaypubliclyreleaseyourchild’sname,usevideotapes,photographs,andotherwisepublishorcausetobepublishedanyinformationrelevanttohis/herachievements.Theinformationmaybeusedinlocal,regional,stateornationalpublicationsoftheagencieslistedabove,releasedtoappropriatenewspaperand/ornewspublications,aswellasanyschoolwebsite.NamesandphotographsmayalsobeusedforthepurposeofpublicizingprogramsadministeredbyOtsegoSchoolsand/ortheWoodCountyEducationalServicesCenterincludingeitherorganizationswebsites.Anyparent/guardiantosuchreleasepertainingtotheirchild/childrenshouldinwritingadvisethebuildingprincipal.

RIGHTSOFEXPRESSIONAnypetitions,leaflets,orotherprintedmaterialsyoumaywanttodistributemustbeapprovedinadvancebytheprincipal.Youmustgiveacopyofthematerialtotheoffice.Youmaynotdistributeanythingthatcontainsprofanity,obscenity,vulgarityorfalse/injuriousstatements.RECORDSApermanentfilecontainingyouracademic,attendanceandmedicalhistoryismaintainedintheoffice.Thisfileisavailableforreviewbyparentsuponrequestoftheprincipalorguidancecounselor.SCHOOLPROPERTYTheBoardofEducationhasmadeeveryefforttomakeOJHSpleasantandcomfortableforyou.Newequipmentandmaterialsareaddedeachyear.Itisimportantthatyoutreatschoolitemsasyouwouldyourownthingsathome.Ifyoumarkordamageschoolequipmentorpropertyinanyway,youwillberequiredtocleanthearticleand/orpayfordamages.Thelawspecificallyprovidesthatyouandyourparentsorguardianareresponsibleformaterialsloanedtoyou.SCHOOLGROUNDSThefollowingrulesapplywheneveryouareonschoolgroundsbefore,afterorduringschool.

1. ThrowingsnowballsisNEVERpermitted.2. Baseballsmaynotbeusedinanygames,unlessitisaschoolsanctionedactivity.3. Tacklefootballwillnotbepermitted,unlessitisaschoolsanctionedactivity.4. Noonewillplayonthefrontlawnareas.5. Noonewillbepermittedtoplayonthestreet.6. RubberBandsarenotpermitted.

SEARCHANDSEIZUREItistheresponsibilityoftheprincipaltotakeprudentandreasonableactiontoprotectthehealth,safetyandwelfareofallstudents.Yourlockers,desksandsimilaritemsarethepropertyoftheBoardofEducationandareprovidedsolelyasaconvenienceforyoutouse.Searchesoflockers,aswellasgeneralsearchesofschoolproperty,maybeconductedatanytimethereisreasonablecauseorsuspiciontodosowithorwithoutyourpresence.Randomsearchesoflockersmayincludetheassistanceofdogstrainedtodetectthepresenceofdrugs.Otsegopersonnelhavetherighttocheckcomputersandanyorallelectronicdevices(includingcellphones)ifthereexistsareasonablesuspicionthatitmayhavebeenusedinanactivityprohibitedbytheCodeofConduct.

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SURVEILLANCECAMERASForstudents’safetyandwelfare,videosurveillancecamerasareplacedthroughoutthebuildingandschoolgroundsandonbuses.Actionsrecordedonthesecamerasmaybeusedasevidenceindisciplinaryaction.TEXTBOOKSTextbooksareprovidedtoyoufreeofcharge.Youareaskedtousethesebookscarefully,andalltextbooksshouldbecovered.Ifyoudamageorloseabook,youwillbeexpectedtopaydamageorreplacementcost.Ifyouareissuedadamagedbook,reportittotheteacherimmediately.TORNADO/FIREDRILLS/LOCKDOWNStatelawrequiresthatmonthlyemergencydrillsbedone.Youareexpectedtoknowthelocationofemergencyexitsandtocomplywithemergencyproceduresanddirectionsgivenduringallfireandtornadodrills.ALockdownDrillwillbedoneduringeachsemester.TRANSPORTATIONOnceyouhaveestablishedanormalmethodofcomingtoschool,thismethodshouldnotbechanged.Ifyourideabus,youareexpectedtoridetheassignedbuseachday.YouareNOTpermittedtoridetoschoolorhomewithaclassmate.Thebusdriverisincompletechargeofyouonceyougetonthebus.

1. Arriveatbusstopbeforeyourscheduledpick-uptime.Youaretoload/unloadatyourdesignatedstopinanorderlymanner.

2. Studentsneedingtocrosstheroadaretodosoatleast10feetinfrontofthebusafterbeingsignaledbythedrivertocross.

3. Studentsaretoridetheirregularlyassignedbusandload/unloadattheirregularbusstop.OnlyOtsegostudentsareauthorizedtorideourbuses.

4. Studentsarerequiredtoremainonthebusoncetheyhaveboarded.Studentsaretogodirectlytotheirseat.Theyaretoremainintheirseatwhilethebusisinmotionwiththeirfeetonthefloor,theirbacktotheseatback,andtheirseatontheseatcushion.Theaisleandexitsmustbekeptclear.

5. Studentsaretoberespectfulandtoobeythedriverpromptlyandcourteously.Studentsareexpectedtofollowtheserulesonthebus:

a.Notalkingornoiseofanykindatrailroadtracks.Atothertimesquietconversationisunlessthedriverrequestsnotalking.

b.Donotuseprofanelanguageorgestures.c.Donoteat,chewgumordrink.d.Donotpossessalcohol,drugs,ortobaccoproducts.e.Donotlitter,throworpassobjectsinthebusesoroutofthewindows.f.Donotputheadorarmsoutofthewindow.g.Nofighting,pushing,tripping,hitting.

6. Studentsmayonlycarryobjectsonthebusthatcanbeheldontheirlap.

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Studentscannotbringanimalsorpotentiallydangerousobjectsonthebus.7. Atdismissal,studentsareexpectedtoreportdirectlytotheirassignedbus.

DisciplineforinappropriatebehavioronandoffaschoolbusAlldisciplineissuesonthebuswillbehandledthroughthecodeofconduct.Disciplinaryactioncouldbeawarning,detentions,orsuspension,aswellasasuspensionintransportationprivileges.MISCONDUCTOFASERIOUSNATURECANRESULTINIMMEDIATESUPSPENSIONOFTRANSPORTATION.VISITORSTheOtsegoJuniorHighSchoolwelcomesvisitors,andwehopetheyenjoyseeingourstudents,faculty,staff,andeducationalprogram.Tomaintainasafeandsecureschoolandacademicenvironment,weaskthatvisitorsfollowtheseguidelines:

1. Visitorsneedtoreporttothemainofficeandsignin.2. Visitorsneedtobeclearabouttheirpurposeforvisiting,and/orwhomtheywishtosee.3. Visitorswishingtoobserveclassroomsmustseekapprovalwiththeprincipaltwenty-

four(24)hoursinadvance.4. Theadministrationreservestherighttodenyvisitationtoanyone.

WITHDRAWALSIfyouareleavingschoolortransferringtoanotherschooldistrictyoushouldnotifytheofficeatleastonedaypriortoleavingsothattheproperformsmaybecompleted.Acheckoutformwillbeprovidedtoyoubytheofficeandmustbecompletedduringthelastdayofattendance.Anyfinancialobligationsmustbemetandallmaterials/propertyofOtsegoLocalSchoolsmustbereturned.

STUDENTCODEOFCONDUCT

ScopeofJurisdiction:Thiscodeofconductisineffectwhilestudentsareundertheauthorityofschoolpersonnelorinvolvedinanyschoolactivity.Thisincludesbutisnotlimitedtoschoolbusesandpropertyunderthecontrolofschoolauthorities,andwhileatinterscholasticcompetitions,extracurricularevents,orotherschoolactivitiesorprograms.Inaddition,thisCodeofConductincludes:

1. Misconductbyastudentthatoccursoffschooldistrictpropertybutisconnectedtoactivitiesorincidentsthathaveoccurredonschooldistrictproperty.

2. Misconductbyastudentthat,regardlessofwhereitoccurs,isdirectedatadistrictofficialoremployeeorthepropertyofanofficialoremployee.

RESULTSOFVIOLATINGCODEOFCONDUCT

YouareresponsibletoknowandunderstandtheStudentCodeofConduct.ViolationsoftheCodeofConductmayresultinthefollowing:verbalorwrittenwarningreprimand,referraltoguidancecounselor,parentalcontactorconference,detention,communityservices,emergencyremoval,

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referraltolawenforcementagencies,suspensionorexpulsion,removalfromco-curricularorextracurricularactivities,orotherpenaltiesdeemedappropriatebytheschooladministrators.TheadministrationreservestherighttoexerciseflexibilityandindividualityininterpretingandimplementingtherulesoftheStudentCodeofConductincompliancewithOtsegoLocalBoardofEducationPolicy.Theadministration,likewise,maydevelopappropriaterulesandregulationsascalledforbyvarioussituations.Inaddition,theadministrationmay,whenitisinyourbestinterest,disciplineyouinwaysotherthanstatedintheStudentCodeofConduct.Inallcaseswhendisciplinaryactionistaken,theguidancecounselorcanassistyouinnotbecomingarepeatoffender.However,yourfailuretocomplywithanyrulesorregulationswillbeduecauseforsuspensionorexpulsion.Rule#1–Insubordination

Youaretofollowthedirectionsoftheprincipal,teachers,substituteteachersoranyotherschoolpersonnelduringanyperiodoftimewhenyouareundertheauthorityofschoolpersonnel.Causingclassdisruption,behavinginarudeorunrulymanner,beingdisrespectfultowardastaffmemberandfailingtocomplywithareasonablerequestgivenbyastaffmemberwillallbeconsideredinsubordination.Repeatedviolationsofanyminorrule,directiveordisciplinaryprocedurewillalsobeconsideredinsubordination.

Rule#2–Profanity/AbusiveLanguageYouarenottouseexpletivesorprofane,indecent,andobscenelanguage,eitherverballyorinwriting,towardanystudent,teacher,schoolpersonnelorguest.Thisalsoincludesobscenegestures,signs,pictures,orpublications.

Rule#3–Assault/Fighting/ThreattoSchoolPersonnel/IndecencyYouarenottocauseorattempttocausephysicalinjuryorbehaveinsuchawayascouldcausephysicalinjury,threatenbodilyharmorthreatentodamagethepersonalpropertyofanyindividualeitherinoroutofschool.Failuretocomplywillbeduecauseforsuspensionorexpulsion.Ifthisoccurs,theappropriatelawenforcementauthoritywillbenotified.AnystudentinviolationoftheOhioRevisedCodeissubjecttosuspensionorexpulsion.Incidentsthattakeplaceonschoolgroundsoratanyschoolrelatedfunctionmaybeturnedovertothelocallawenforcementauthorities.

Rule#4–PhysicalAbuse/VerbalHarassment/ThreateningBehaviorYouarenottocauseorattempttocausephysicalinjury,verballyharassorbehaveinsuchamannerwhichthreatensorcouldcauseinjurytostudents,schoolpersonnelorvisitorswhileunderthejurisdictionoftheschooland/oronschoolproperty.Inadditiontosexualharassment,whichincludesunwelcomesexualadvancesoranyformofimproperphysicalcontactorsexualremark,harassmentshallalsoincludeanyspeech,action,orassemblythatcreatesahostile,intimidating,oroffensivelearningenvironment.Rule#5–DisruptionofSchoolYouarenotbyuseofviolence,force,noise,coercion,threat,fear,intimidation,passiveresistance,dressoranyotherconducttocausethedisruptionorobstructionofthemission,processorfunctionoftheschool.Appropriatelawenforcementauthoritymayalsobenotified.TheBoardofEducationhasadoptedazero-tolerancepolicyinregardstobehaviorthatisdescribedintheabovesection.

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Rule#6–Truancy/TardinessYouarenottobetruantfromortardytoschoolorclasses.Truancyisdeclaredwhenyouareabsentfromschool,oranyportionoftheday,withoutschoolauthorization.Excusesfromschoolmustmeetwithschoolattendanceguidelinesandmustbeapprovedbyauthorizedschoolpersonnel.Ifastudentreceives5truanciesduringtheschoolyear,thenthestudentswillbereferredtoJuvenileCourt.

Rule#7–Stealing/AttemptingtoSteal/ReceivingStolenPropertyYouarenottostealorattempttosteal,orreceive,retainordisposeofthepropertyofanotherpersonwithouttheconsentoftheowner.

Rule#8–VandalismYouarenottoknowinglydamageschoolpropertyorprivatepropertyeitheronschoolgroundsorduringaschoolsponsoredactivityoffschoolgrounds.Ifyoudefaceordamageschoolpropertyorthepropertyofanotherperson,youareliabletopayexpensescausedbyyouractions.Theappropriatelawenforcementauthoritymaybenotified.

Rule#9–LeavingSchoolPropertyOnceyouhavearrivedontheschoolpremises,youmaynotleaveunlesspermissionisgrantedbytheoffice.Theofficemustsignyououtifyouleavethebuildingforanyreason.

Rule#10–MisconductinNon-instructionalAreasYourbehaviorinrestrooms,hallways,cafeteria,onschoolgroundsandatschoolsponsoredevents(inoroutoftheschoolbuilding),isexpectedtoreflecttherulesofgoodtasteandarespectfortherightsandsafetyofothers.Youareexpectedtocomplywithreasonablerequestsmadebystaffinallnon-instructionalareaswillinglyandquickly.Beremindedthattheauthorityoftheteacherdoesnotendattheclassroomdoorandyouareexpectedtocooperatewithallschoolpersonnel.

Rememberthefollowingbehaviorsareunacceptable:*Running,skippingsteps,loudtalkingand/oryelling,andhorseplayintheschool.*Displaysofaffectionsuchashugging,kissing,holdinghandsandotherformsofaffection.*Lingeringintherestrooms.Rule#11–WeaponsandDangerousInstruments

Astudentshallnotcarrytoschool,toaschoolactivity,ontheschoolbus,orinacar,anyobjectthatcanbeconsideredaweapon.Weaponsincludeanytypeofknife,gun,chainorclub.Commonitemswhicharenotnormallyconsideredweaponsmaybe,undercertaincircumstances.Theweaponwillbetakenandlawenforcementauthoritieswillbenotified.TheBoardofEducationhasadoptedazerotolerancepolicyinregardstobehaviorthatisdescribedinthisparagraph.

Rule#12–FireworksorExplosivesYouarenottopossess,use,orthreatentouse,anyfireworks,explosives,stinkorsmokebombs,ordevicescapableofinflictingphysicalorbodilyharm.Theappropriatelawenforcementauthoritywillbenotified.Youmaybeexpelledorsuspendedforanyoftheabove.

Rule#13–UnauthorizedFireYouarenottopossessalighterand/ormatches,orstartorassistinstartingafireintheschool,onschoolgroundsorataschoolsponsoredactivityatanytime.TheappropriatelawenforcementauthoritywillbenotifiedTheBoardofEducationhasadoptedazero-tolerancepolicyinregardstobehaviorthatisdescribedintheabovesection.

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Rule#14–FalseAlarmYouarenottoinitiateafalsefirealarm,bombthreatoranyothertypeofemergency/disaster.Appropriatedisciplinaryactionwillbetakenandlawenforcementauthoritywillbenotified.TheBoardofEducationhasadoptedazero-tolerancepolicyinregardstobehaviorthatisdescribedintheabovesection.

Rule#15–FailuretoServeDetentionIfyoufailtoserveadetention,youmaybesuspended.Theonlyexceptiontothiswouldbewhenarrangementsaremadeinadvance,orifthereasonisofemergency/medicalnatureandthiswouldrequireadoctor’sverification.

Rule#16–EatingOutsidetheCafeteriaYouarenottocarryfoodordrinksoutsidethecafeteria.Lunchesbroughtfromhomeandsnacksordrinkspurchasedatschoolaretobeeateninthecafeteria.Food,candy,anddrinkscanonlybeeatenoutsidethecafeteriawithpermissionfromtheprincipal.

Rule#17–SchoolTransportationIfyoufailtocooperateinanywaywithourbusdrivers,orfailtofollowschoolbussafetyrulesorviolatetheStudentCodeofConduct,youwillreceivedisciplinaryactioninaccordancewithStudentCodeofConduct.Youmaybesuspendedfromthebus.

Rule#18–InappropriateBehavioratExtracurricularEventsIfyouviolatetheStudentCodeofConductorrefusetofollowtheinstructionofauthoritiesatschoolsponsoredactivities,eitherhomeoraway;youwillreceivedisciplinaryactioninaccordancewiththeCodeofConduct.

Rule#19–Smoking/UseofTobaccoProductsYouarenotpermittedtosmoke,possessorusetobaccoproductsintheschoolbuildingoronschoolproperties,orwithinsightoftheschoolatanytime.Thisincludespossessionoftobaccoparaphernalia(e.g.packages,tins,etc.)ande-cigarettes.

Rule#20–DrugTestingpolicyTheOtsegoBoardofEducationhasapprovedrandomdrugtestingforstudentsparticipatinginanyextra-curricularactivity.Randomdrugtestingmaybedoneduringeachathleticseason.

Rule#21–Alcohol/Drug/CounterfeitDrugsTheOtsegoLocalBoardofEducationintendsthatschoolbuildingsandgrounds,activities,classes,andallinstructionalareasbecompletelyfreeofcontrolledsubstancesandalcohol.Thefollowingstudentconductisprohibited:A. Theuse,possession,purchase,transmissionorsaleofanyalcoholorcontrolled

substanceduringschool,onschoolgrounds,oratschoolsponsoredfunctionsand/oractivities,oronschool-ownedorprovidedtransportation,isnotpermitted.Thisincludespossessionofdrugparaphernalia(includingbutnotlimitedtorollingpapers,pipes,anddrugcontainers).

B. Anycontrolledsubstancessuchas;beer,liquor,non-prescriptiondrugs,chemicals,etc.mustnotbeconsumedorinhaledpriortoorduringschooloranyschoolsponsoredactivity.Astudentwillbereportedifsignsexist,suchas;reddenedeyes,unusualactivity,smell,etc.thatmayindicateuseofcontrolledsubstances.

CounterfeitDrugsA. Acounterfeitcontrolledsubstanceisdefinedas:

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1.Anydrugthatbears,orwhosecontainerorlabelbearsatrademark,tradenameorotheridentifyingmarkusedwithoutauthorizationoftheownerorrightstosuchtrademark,tradenameoridentifyingmark.2.Anyunmarkedorunlabeledsubstancethatisrepresentedtobeacontrolledsubstancemanufactured,processed,packedordistributedbyapersonotherthanthepersonthatmanufactured,processed,packedordistributedit.3.Anysubstancethatisrepresentedtobeacontrolledsubstancebutisnotacontrolledsubstanceorisadifferentcontrolledsubstance.4.Anysubstanceotherthanacontrolledsubstancethatareasonablepersonwouldbelievetobeacontrolledsubstancebecauseofitssimilarityinshape,sizeorcolor,oritsmarkings,labeling,packaging,distributionorthepriceforwhichitissoldorofferedforsale.

B. Nostudentshallknowinglypossessanycounterfeitcontrolledsubstance,norshallanystudentknowinglymake,sell,andoffertosell,givepackageordeliveracounterfeitcontrolledsubstance.

C.Nostudentshalldirectlyorindirectlyrepresentacounterfeitcontrolledsubstanceasacontrolledsubstancebydescribing,eitherinwordsorconduct,itseffectsasbeingthesameorsimilartothephysicalormentaleffectsassociatedwiththeuseofacontrolledsubstance.

D.Nostudentshallfalselyrepresentacounterfeitcontrolledsubstanceasacontrolledsubstance.

TheBoardofEducationhasadoptedazero-tolerancepolicyinregardstobehaviorthatisdescribedintheabovesection.Failuretocomplywillbeduecauseforsuspensionorexpulsion.

Rule#22-CyberHarassmentCyberharassmentwillnotbetolerated.SeverepenaltieswillbeturnedovertoLawEnforcement

DISCIPLINARYPROCEDURES

Itisimportantthateachofyouassumeresponsibilityforyourownactionsinaccordancewithsociallyacceptableconductandtherules,regulationsandpoliciesoftheschool.Youareexpectedtobehavewithintheboundsoflawandorderandrespecttherightsofothers.Whileinschool,membersoftheschoolstaffwillactinplaceofyourparentsinmaintainingdiscipline.Theyareexpectedtomakeeveryefforttocorrectandeffectivelyresolvedisciplineproblemsthatoccurwithintheirrangeofresponsibilities.Theyshallhavetheauthoritynecessarytomaintainaproperlearningclimateusingreasonableenforcementtopreventandstopanyactthatmayinterferewiththescholarlyanddisciplinedatmosphereoftheschool.Theymayalsocallotherschoolpersonneltoassistthemindischargingtheirresponsibilities.Teachersmayreferstudentstothebuildingprincipalwhowilldeterminetheappropriatedisciplinaryaction.Studentssenttotheprincipal’sofficecanexpectthefollowingdisciplinaryactions:

• 1-Oneormoreadministrativedetentions• 2-Possiblesuspensionfromschool• 3-Ifsenttotheofficebyasubstituteteacherthedetentionisdoubled

AdministrativeDetention

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Parents/guardianswillbegiventwenty-four(24)hoursnoticeofdetentions.Youwillbeexpectedtodohomeworkassignments,silentreading,ordutiesduringthedetention.DisciplinaryPenalties(Failuretocomplywillbeduecauseforsuspensionorexpulsion)TardytoSchool(perquarteryear)

1stoffense:onewarning2ndoffense:detention3rdoffense&after:detention

Skippingoroutofclasswithoutpermission

OnedetentionLeavingschoolgroundswithoutpermission

ThreehourdetentionProfaneorinappropriatelanguage

DetentionsTardytoclass(perquarteryear)

1stoffense:teacherdiscretion2ndoffenseandeachoffenseafterthatisadetention

TobaccoViolation

1stoffense:3daysuspensionorattendancetoasmokingcessationprogram(attendanceatthisprogramstillcountsasafirstoffense)2ndoffense:5daysuspension3rdoffense:10daysuspension

Alcohol,Mood-AlteringChemical,orSubstanceViolation

1stoffense:suspensionupto10daysandtoon-sitesubstanceabusecounselor.2ndoffense:suspensionfor10daysandmaybereferredtosuperintendentforfurther

action.Thestudentshallberequiredtoseekprofessionalevaluationatanappropriateagency(atfamily’sexpense.)

Harassment(sexual,namecalling,teasing)

1stoffense:Referraltocounselor&possibledetention.(Severeharassmentcouldresultinimmediatesuspensionorchargesfiled.

2ndoffense:detention.3rdoffense:Referralto*JuvenileCourtfordiversion,ReferraltoCRCforAssessment(at

parentexpense).*ChargesmaybefiledwithProsecutor.

In-SchoolSuspensionIn-schoolsuspensionisanalternativetoout-of-schoolsuspension.Ifyouareassignedtoin-schoolsuspension,itprovidestheschoolanopportunitytoadministerimmediate,effectiveandcorrectivedisciplinewhenyouhavebrokenschoolrules.Itallowsyoutopaytheassessedpenalty

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withoutinterruptingyoureducationalprogram.In-schoolsuspensionwillbealengthoftimetobedeterminedbytheprincipalwithinputfromtheclassroomteacher.Ifyouareassignedtoin-schoolsuspension,youwillbegivenclassassignmentstobedonewhileinsuspensionandreceivecreditforworkcompleted.Youmustremainoffschoolpropertyandcannotattendanyschool-relatedactivity,eitherhomeoraway,duringthelengthofthesuspension.EmergencyRemovalIfyourpresenceposesacontinualdangertootherstudentsorpropertyorisathreatofdisruptingtheacademicprocess,youmayberemovedfromtheclassorremovedfromschoolforatwenty-four(24)hourperiod.Out-ofSchoolSuspensionIfyouaregivenanout-of-schoolsuspension,youmustremainoffschoolpropertyandcannotattendanyschool-relatedactivity,eitherhomeoraway,duringthelengthofthesuspension.Ifyouviolatethiscondition,youmaybechargedwithtrespassingand/orinsubordination.Ifyouaresuspendedfromschool,youwillreceive0’sinallclasses.Youmaykeepupwiththeclasshomework,butcreditwillnotbegivenforthework.Out-of-schoolsuspensionswillbehandledasfollows:

1. Writtennotificationofthereasonsandtheintentiontosuspendmustbegiventothestudent.

2. Aninformalhearingwillbegiventothestudenttochallengethereasonsfortheintendedsuspensionorotherwisetoexplainhisactions.Thehearingwillbeheldbytheschoolofficialintendingtosuspendthestudent.

3. Ifthesuspensionistobecarriedout,withintwenty-four(24)hoursofthesuspension,theparent/guardianofthestudentmustbenotifiedinwriting.Thenoticemustincludethereasonsforthesuspensionandtherightofthestudent,parent/guardiantoappealtheactiontotheboardofeducationoritsdesignee,therighttoberepresentedintheappealandtherighttorequestthatthehearingbeheldinexecutivesession.

ExpulsionThesuperintendentmayexpelyoufromschoolformajororrepeatedoffenses.Astudenthastherighttoappealthedecisiontotheboardofeducationorit’sdesignee.Anexpulsioncancarryoverfromthefirsttothesecondsemesterandmayalsocarryovertothenextschoolyearorlonger.Ifyouareexpelledfromschool,youwillreceive0’sinallclassesduringtheexpulsionandwillnotbeallowedtomake-uptheworkmissed.Youwillnotbepermittedtoparticipateinanyextracurricularactivities.Expulsionswillbehandledasfollows:

1. TheSuperintendentmustgivewrittennoticetothestudentandhisparent/guardian.Thenoticemustincludethewrittenreasonsfortheintendedexpulsionandthatthestudentandhisparent/guardianorrepresentativehavetheopportunitytoappearbeforethesuperintendentorhisdesigneetochallengetheexpulsionorexplainthestudent’saction.ThenoticeshouldreferencethespecificsectionintheStudentCodeofConductandmust

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statethetimeandplacetoappear,notlessthanthree(3)norlaterthanfive(5)daysafterthenoticeisgivenunlessthesuperintendentgrantsanextensionoftime.

2. Thestudentorhisparent/guardianorrepresentativemayrequestanextensionoftimeandthesuperintendentisrequiredtonotifythestudentandhisparent/guardianorrepresentativeofthenewtimeandplace.

3. Ahearingisheldbeforethesuperintendentorhisdesigneeattheappointedtimeandplace.Thestudent,hisparent/guardianorrepresentativeisgiventheopportunitytodefendoneselfagainstthecharges.

4. Writtennotificationofthedecisionandtherighttoappealtotheboardofeducationoritsdesigneeisrequired,foranexpulsion.Thenoticemustincludethereasonsfortheexpulsion,therighttoberepresentedintheappealandtorequestthehearingisheldinexecutivesession.

ATHLETICS/ATHLETICELIGIBILITY

TheathleticpolicyatOJHSisincompliancewiththeOhioHighSchoolAthleticAssociationandOtsegoBoardofEducationPolicy.OtsegoJuniorHighSchoolstudentsareeligibletocompeteinanyinterscholasticsports.Theseincludecross-country,football,andvolleyballinthefall;basketballandwrestlinginthewinter;andtrackinthespring.Cheerleadingisalsoofferedinthefallandwinter.OtsegoisamemberoftheNorthernBuckeyeConference.OtsegoJuniorHighSchoolmeetsallguidelinesestablishedbytheOhioHighSchoolAthleticAssociationofwhichtheschoolisamember.Student-athletesareexpectedtoabidebytheStudentCodeofConductaswellastherulesoutlinedintheAthleticCodeofConduct.Incoming7thGradeStudents:Anystudentcomingtothe7thgradeforthefirsttimewillbeeligibleforthefirstgradingperiod(9weeks)regardlessofpreviousacademicachievement.Tobeeligiblebeyondthattimehe/shemustreceivepassinggradesin75%ofthosesubjectscarriedintheprecedinggradingperiod.YoumustbeenrolledintheOtsegoLocalSchoolstobeeligible.Incoming8thGradeStudent:Thestudentmustbecurrentlyenrolled,musthavebeenenrolledinschooltheimmediatelyprecedinggradingperiod,andhavereceivedpassinggradesduringthegradingperiodin75%ofthosesubjectsinwhichthestudentwasenrolled.Thisincludesallsubjectslistedonthestudent’sreportcard.Failuretomeetthisrequirementwillrenderthatstudentineligibletocompeteforthenextgradingperiodinitsentirety.(Ifastudentattendssummerschoolandsuccessfullycompletesit,theprincipalandathleticdirectorwillreviewthestudents’eligibility.)Alettergradeof“I”(Incomplete)isconsideredtobean“F”whendeterminingeligibility.The“F”gradeforanincompletemaybechangedwithin5schooldaysofthequarterendingforeligibilitypurposes.Schooldaysinclude:regularinstructiondays,calamitydays,teacherinserviceorworkdays.Holidaysandschoolbreaksarenotconsideredschooldays.Onlytheadministrationand/orAthleticDirectorcanapproveanychangesineligibility.

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OnceyouhavemettheaboveconditionsasrequiredbytheOHSAA,youracademicandbehavioralprogresswillbeevaluatedonaweeklybasisforthedurationoftheseasonofthesportoractivity.Youracademicperformancewillbebasedonyourcurrentclassroomaveragefromthebeginningofthegradingperiodtothepresentpointintimeofthatgradingperiod.Ifyouarenotedontheeligibilitylistforacademic,behavioral,oracombinationofbothdeficienciestotalingtwo(2)ormoretimes,youareineligibletocompeteinanycontestsorextra-curricularactivitiesforthatweek.Youmaypracticeandtravelwiththeteam,butmaynotdressforthecontest.

Ø (Studentswithadetentionwillnotpracticeinanathleticpracticeoranyotherextracurricularactivityuntilthedetentioniscompleted.)

AthleticAttendancePolicy(Seeitem#4inAthleticResponsibilityWaiver)Toparticipateinacontestorattendpractice,anathletemustbeinschoolallthedayofthecontestunlesspriorarrangementsaremadewiththeprincipal.Inthecaseofaweeknightcontest,anathleteorcheerleadermustbeinattendancetheentirefollowingdayinordertoparticipateinthenextcontest.Thiseligibilitypolicywillapplytoanystudentathletes,managers,statisticians,cheerleaders,andotherextracurricularactivitiesatOJHSinvolvingstudentsingrades7and8.Thejuniorhighschoolprincipalordistrictsuperintendentmaydeclareastudentimmediatelyineligibleforinvolvementinaseriousoffense.

STUDENTINTERNETUSEManylaws,includingthoserelatedtocopyrightinfringement,harassment,slander,andobscenityapplytoInternetuse.Theinternetcontainsextensiveinformationonavarietyofsubjects.Notallthisinformationisaccurateorreliable,particularlywheretheadviceofmedical,legal,accountingorotherprofessionalswouldbeappropriate.Cautionisadvisedwithinformationobtainedontheinternetandusersshouldnotrelyonadvicefoundtherein.Theschooldistrictexpresslydisclaimsresponsibilityforsuchadvice.ThereisnoprivacyontheInternet.Nevergiveoutpersonaloridentifyinginformationaboutyou,anyoneelseortheschoolInternetaccesswillbeprovidedtothestudentsofOJHSattimesandplacesdeterminedbytheschoolforeducationalpurposes.UsebyoutsidestudentclubsandorganizationsislimitedtothosetimeswhentheInternetaccesspointsarenotinuseforinstructionandshallbelimitedtoeducationalpurposesandgovernedbythispolicy.AccesstotheInternetwillbeunderthedirectionandsupervisionofthestaffassignedtotheInternetaccessarea.TheschoolreservestherighttomonitorandcontrolallInternetactivityincluding,butnotlimitedto,thetransmission,receiptandstorageofe-mailandtheWeb-sitevisited.Aviolationofthispolicywillbetreatedasaviolationofthestudentdisciplinecodeandmayresultinlossofinternetaccessprivilegesorotherdisciplinarymeasuresassetforthinthedisciplinecodeincludingsuspensionorexpulsionasappropriate.Beforestudentsmaybepermittedaccess

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totheInternet,theywillcompleterequiredtrainingandprocesstherequisitepermissionforaccessform.Nopublicforumiscreatedthroughtheprovisionofthisaccessortheuseofthesystem.Studentsshallnot:1.Access,transmit,and/orretransmitmaterial,whichpromotesviolenceoradvocates

destructionofproperty.2.Access,transmit,and/orretransmitanyinformationcontainingsexuallyorientedmaterial.3.Access,transmit,and/orretransmitmaterial,whichadvocatesorpromotesviolenceorhatred

againstparticularindividualsorgroupsofindividuals.4.Access,transmit,and/orretransmitmaterialrequiringapasswordorsecurityauthorization

withoutlegallypossessingsuchpasswordorauthorization5.Use,possessand/orloadbootlegsoftware(bootlegsoftwaremeansanysoftwarewhichhas

beendown-loadedorisotherwiseintheuser’spossessionwithouttheappropriateregistrationofthesoftware,

includingthepaymentofanyfeesowingtheownerofthesoftware.)6,Commitorattempttocommitanywillfulactinvolvingtheuseofthenetwork,whichdisrupts

theoperationofthenetworkwithintheschooldistrict,includingthepossession,useorattemptedusecomputer

viruses.

STUDENTCOMPUTERUSEGUIDELINESComputeruseatOJHSisencouragedandmadeavailabletostudentsforeducationalpurposes.Theschoolretainstheownershipofalldata,hardwareandsoftware.Theschoolreservestherighttoinspect,copyand/ordeleteallfilesandrecordscreatedorstoredonschoolownedcomputers.Studentsmustobservethefollowingguidelines.Failuretodosowillresultinpenaltiesasdeterminedbytheteachingstafforschooladministrationinaccordancewiththestudentcodeofconductandtheseguidelines.1. Filesstoredonschoolcomputersarerestrictedtoschoolrelatedassignmentsonly.Personal

filesmaynotbestored.2. Networkpasswordsecurityistheresponsibilityofthestudent.Allpasswordsgivento

studentsareprivateandshouldnotbeshared.3. Studentsshallnotcopy(withoutauthorization),damage,oralteranyhardwareorsoftware.

Studentsshallnotdeleteafile(withoutauthorization),orknowinglyintroduceacomputervirustoanyschoolprogram.

4. Studentsshallnotuseoralteranotherperson’spassword,files,ordirectories.Studentsaidingteachersarerestrictedtousingonlytheprogramselectedbytheteacher.

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5. Allnon-schoolsoftwareandstoragematerial(diskettes,jumpdrives,CD’s,etc.)mustbecheckedforvirusesandapprovedforusebyanetworkadministratorbeforebeingusedonanycomputerandaresubjecttoinspectionandapprovalbyschoolpersonnelatanytime.Anyschoolstoragematerialusedathomemustbescannedforvirusesbeforebeingusedonschoolmachines.

6. Useofalltelecommunicationsisrestrictedtoschoolrelatedprojectsandmustbesupervisedbytheteacherornetworkadministrator.InternetusersmustcompleteanInternetUseConsentformandcomplywiththeschool’sInternetpolicy.

7.Nostudentshallattempttoestablishorestablishcomputercontactintoschooldistrictrestrictedcomputernetsoranyotherunauthorizeddatabases.

Penalties:Penaltyforminorinfractionsmaybeappliedasdeterminedbytheteacherand/ornetworkAdministrator.1stOffense:10schooldayslossofcomputerprivileges&parentnotified2ndOffense:20schooldayslossofcomputerprivileges&parentnotified3rdOffense:90schooldayslossofcomputerprivileges&parentnotified4thOffense:Lossofcomputerprivilegesforremainderofyearandparentnotified.Privilegeswillberestoredatthebeginningofthenextschoolyear.Thefirstviolationinthenewschoolyearwillcountasathirdoffense.Studentsreceivingthelossofprivilegespenaltywillhavetheirpasswordschangedorblockedduringthepenaltyperiod.Teachersmayrequestreinstatementoflostprivilegesforastudentonlyforthepurposeofcompletionofrequiredassignments.Astudentreinstatedunderthisprovisionmustbesupervisedatalltimes.ThebuildingprincipalwillenforcetheStudentDisciplineCodewhenapplicable.PenaltiesforDisciplineCodeinfractionsmayincludesuspensionandexpulsionaswarranted.

THINGSTOREMEMBER1. IfyouareanOJHSstudentwhowalkstoschool,orisdroppedoffbyaparent,youmaynot

arrivebefore7:15a.m.2. Yourparent/guardianisaskedtocalltheofficepriortoanyscheduledabsence/appointment

aswellascallingthemorningofastudent’sillness.Ifthisisnotdone,youwillreceiveanunexcusedabsenceandbeconsideredtruant.YoumustBRINGANOTEfromaparent/guardianAFTEREVERYABSENCE,aswellascallingthemorningoftheabsence.(Besuretoputstudent’sfirstandlastnameonnotesincetheparentmayhaveadifferentlastname.)Theschoolsnumberis419-823-4381#6.

3. YoumustBRINGANOTEfromparent/guardianEVERYTIMETHENORMALMETHODOFTRANSPORTATIONTOORFROMSCHOOLISCHANGED.

4. Onceyouhavearrivedatschool,youmaynotleavetheschoolgroundsduringtheschooldayunlessyouhavewrittenpermissionfrombothyourparent/guardianandtheoffice.

5. RememberRUNNINGINTHEHALLWAYSISNOTPERMITTED.6. MARKALLPERSONALITEMSWITHYOURNAME.

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Parent/GuardianNotificationtoShareInformationforPurposesofBillingPublicInsuranceand

ConsenttoBillPublicInsurance

DearParent/Guardian,LocalEducationAgencies(LEAs),suchasschooldistricts,areeligibletoreceivefederalMedicaidreimbursementformedicallynecessaryservicesprovidedtotheirspecialeducationstudentswhentheservicesmeettherequirementsofthestate’sMedicaidprogramandareprovidedinaccordancewiththestudents’IEPs.TheIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationImprovementActof2004(IDEA)andtheFamilyEducationalRightsandPrivacyAct(FERPA)requireschoolstoobtainwrittenparentalconsenttosharestudents’educationandhealth-relatedrecordssuchasEvaluationReports,IEPs,anddirectservicesandtobilltheseservicestoMedicaid.WearerequestingyourpermissiontosharethisinformationwiththeMedicaidAgency(theOhioDepartmentofJobsandFamilyServices)andourMedicaidbillingagentinordertosubmitaclaim.Pleasenote:

1. Nomatterwhetheryougrantconsentorrefusetoconsentorrevokeyourconsent,yourchildwillstillbeprovidedwithanevaluationand/ortheservicesonhis/herIEP,andyouwillnothavetopayforthoseservices.

2. Yourconsentisvoluntary.Ifyougiveconsent,youwillnotincuranyout-of-pocketexpense,andtherewillnotbeanydecreaseinyourchild’savailablelifetimeMedicaidcoverage.

3. Ifyougiveconsent,youmayrevokeitinwritinganytimeafteritisgiven.Yourrevocationofconsentwillnotnegate(undo)anactionthathasoccurredafterconsentwasgivenandbeforetheconsentwasrevoked.

4. Thewithdrawalofconsentorrefusaltoprovideconsenttothedistrictdoesnotrelievethedistrictofitsresponsibilitytoensurethatallevaluationsand/orservicesonyourchild’sIEPareprovidedatnocosttoyou.

Uponrequest,youoryourchildmayreceivecopiesofyourchild’srecordsthataredisclosedasaresultofthisauthorization.Thispublicationservesastherequiredannualnotificationunder34CFR§300.503(c)Ifyouhaveanyquestionsorconcerns,pleasecontactthedistrict’sMedicaidCoordinator,SusanBollinfromWeswurd,LLC,at(419)346-9651.