Parent-Student Handbook
Drew Central Middle School
250 University Drive
Monticello, AR 71655
Phone: 870-367-5235
Fax: 870-460-5502


Fifth, Sixth, Seventh & Eighth Grades


The policies and procedures contained in this handbook are the results of time and effort on the part of the administration, faculty, parents and school board. This information has been carefully presented in order that students and parents may know and understand the policies of Drew Central Middle School. We want you to feel that you are a welcomed part of the school and that each that enters these doors will receive the best education available.

Ultimately, each student will gain from school according to the effort he/she applies. To increase the degree of educational success, it is very important that teachers, parents and administrators communicate openly and frequently concerning the progress of students.

Joy Graham, Principal






To: All Parents/Guardians

From: Wayne Fawcett, Superintendent of Schools
Ref: Signature on student documents


State Law (80-1629.6-80-1629.8) requires documentation of student and parent receipt of student discipline policies. The student handbook contains pertinent information from Drew Central Middle School and both you and your child should read the handbook and keep it handy for future reference.

In order for us to be sure that you received your copy, it is essential that we have your signature to that effect, on file in the office. The signature sheet is in the back of the handbook concerning corporal punishment, attendance and general policies and the photo policy. (This sheet is blue)
Please return this sheet with your signature to your child’s teacher as soon as possible.

Because of past problems in getting these returned in a timely manner, the district has established the following policy. Any student who does not return these signed pages within thirty (30) days after school starts, will be suspended until these signed documents are received

Thank you for your cooperation in this matter.





NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY AND EQUAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY

It is the policy of the Drew Central School District to provide equal opportunities without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age, qualifying disability or veteran status in its educational programs and activities accordance with state and federal laws. This includes, but is not limited to, admissions, educational services, financial services, financial aid and/or employment.
Inquiries concerning this policy should be directed to:
Mike Johnston, Equity Coordinator
250 University Drive
Monticello, AR 71655
870-367-6893



Drew Central Middle School
Mission and Motto

MISSION:
Drew Central Middle School believes all students can learn.
Our school is committed to preparing students to become responsible, productive citizens.



MOTTO:
“Academic Achievement and Well-Being”



HISTORY OF DREW CENTRAL SCHOOLS

The Drew Central School District, established in 1927 by the Drew County School Board, was named the A and M Training School #5 because of its affiliation with Arkansas A and M College in Monticello. The purpose of establishing the school was to provide training for teachers. The name of the school was changed to Drew Central School District #5 in 1934 and remained a part of the college until 1936. At this time, the college and the school had grown to the point that the two needed to be separate entities. Other factors, such as a fire that destroyed the school buildings, created necessity for separate institutions. The college leased 20 acres of land to Drew Central for 99 years for the site of the current campus of Drew Central. An additional eleven acres was leased in 1983, making a total of 31 acres at the present time. The current Drew Central School District contains 570 square miles, and allof the district is in rural Drew County, with all students being bussed from this area to the campus in grades K-12.
Several consolidated/annexed districts have been incorporated into Drew Central to make it what it is today. In the early 1900's, Drew County had over 80 small schools. In 1990, Wilmar was the last school to be annexed with Drew Central, with the total Wilmar school population moved to the Drew Central campus in 1992.
Today there are only two major school districts within the county boundaries, Monticello School District and Drew Central.


DREW CENTRAL SCHOOLS MISSION STATEMENT

Drew Central is dedicated to the educational success and well being of all students our district services.

We believe that democracy is a way of life as well as a form of government. We also believe that democracy is the best form of government with a basic need of any democratic community as a politically literate citizenry. Because of this conviction, we feel that the foundation of our educational program is to develop the cultivation of democratic ideas which necessitates a stressing of the individual, as well as responsibility and social awareness accompanied by respect for the abilities and consideration of the rights of others. Our educational program strives to develop in our young people the responsibilities that the democratic system requires of citizens.
Future citizens, the young people of our community of school age, should have the same and equal right to an educational program and should be encouraged to develop their abilities to the highest extent possible. The students should be made aware of the fact that characteristics and habits, that are developed while in school, are determining factors in the way they will live after leaving school.
It is our obligation to make provision for the optimum growth of each individual student physically, mentally, and emotionally, and at no time should the school seek to mold its students to the same pattern.
Both students and teachers should have mutual understanding of each other’s problems and consequently, maintain the proper respect for the rights and privileges associated with the dignity of the individual. Students should be encouraged to think of their teachers as friends in whom they can confide and from whom they may seek advice in the full knowledge that their thoughts and confidences will be met with the utmost respect.
Teachers should maintain their dignity and aloofness only to the extent necessary to discourage undue familiarity. Teachers should be well-rounded individuals enjoying broad learning and specific training in their teaching fields and have an understanding of teacher code of ethics. All members should be intensely interested in young people. Both men and women should be employed to the extent that a wholesome balance of the two exists in the school, and of the nature of those whom they teach. The school strives to employ certified personnel in all areas of the curriculum.
The curriculum of the school should be suited to the educational needs of the students. These needs are established very early in life. Emphasis will be given to the mastery of basic skills, beginning at kindergarten and extending through the primary and intermediate grades. Students who achieve this mastery level will have a firm foundation to begin the challenges ahead of them in the secondary programs. Since many of our students attend college after graduation, we feel that it is necessary to establish the usual college entrance requirements as the core of the curriculum.


* ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS*
Any student who meets the state entrance requirements is eligible to attend Drew Central Schools.

SCHOOL CHOICE ACT 609/TRANSFER BETWEEN SCHOOLS
Any students living outside the Drew Central School District will be admitted only after an official transfer has been granted. When a student enrolls late, the days that have been missed will be counted as absences if the student has not been in attendance at another school. Any student transferring from a school accredited by the Department of Education to a school in this district shall be placed into the same grade the student would have been in had the student remained at the former school. School records will be examined to determine proper placement.

ENTRANCE FROM HOMESCHOOLING
Any student transferring from home school or a school that is not accredited by the Department of Education to a District school shall be evaluated by District staff to determine the student’s appropriate grade placement.

Act 574 of 1995
Requires parents registering a child to indicate whether the child has been expelled or is a party to expulsion proceedings in another district.

Act 63 of 2003
Prior to a child’s admission to an Arkansas Public School, the parent, guardian, or responsible person shall provide the school with:
The child’s social security number, or if they request, the district will assign the child a nine (9) digit number designated by the Department of Education.
One of the following documents indicating the child’s age: A birth certificate; A statement by the local registrar or a county recorder certifying the child’s date of birth, An attested baptismal certificate, A passport, An affidavit of the date and place of birth by the child’s parent or guardian, or Previous school records, or United States military identification.
*Registration*

Drew Central Elementary will hold spring registration each year for incoming preschool and kindergarten students. The age for attending public school is between 5 & 21. Students already enrolled at Drew Central will be automatically enrolled for the following year unless the school is notified that the child will not be attending Drew Central by the request of records from another school or parent notification. New students and transfer students will report to the principal’s office for enrollment procedures.

Freedom of Choice Guidelines for Drew Central Schools

Any student in the Monticello School District can choose to attend Drew Central Schools on a Freedom of Choice form completed by June 30 for the following school term. Students moving into the Monticello District or the Drew Central District after July 1 can choose their place of attendance on a Freedom of Choice form before enrolling in any school.

Students who live in the Monticello School District and have been attending Monticello cannot transfer to the Drew Central District during the year unless they receive a legal transfer or their family moves to the Drew Central District. Students living in the Drew Central District and attending Monticello Schools on a Freedom of Choice or transfer can return at any time to the Drew Central Schools.

Students attending the Drew Central Schools by Freedom of Choice or transfer will lose their right to attend Drew Central Schools if they drop out and enroll in Monticello at any time during the year. Students who live in the Drew Central District and are attending the Drew Central Schools will be allowed to stay in Drew Central on a Freedom of Choice form if their parents move to the Monticello District.

Withdrawal of Students

When moving from our school, parents are requested to notify the school two (2) days in advance of a student’s impending withdrawal. The withdrawal form and instructions will be obtained from the office. All textbooks, library books, and lunch payments must be cleared before student’s records are sent to another school.

* ATTENDANCE POLICIES *

All students between the age of five (5) and seventeen (17) on September 1 of that year shall attend school. (Act 292 of 1990) All students must be in regular attendance in order to be successful in their school work. Failure to be in regular attendance may result in serious problems with their academic progress and achievements.
The No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act of 2000 calls for all Drew Central Middle School students to meet the proficient level of performance in literacy and mathematics by the end of the 2013-2014 school year. In the intervening years, Drew Central Middle School must make adequate yearly progress (AYP) towards meeting that goal. Aside from the academic performance of students, Drew Central Middle School can be placed on the School Improvement Schools list if less than 95 percent of eligible students are tested or the school does not meet the secondary indicator (school attendance).

CLASSIFICATION OF ABSENCES

Absences will be excused for the following reasons only: Illness of student, death or serious illness of a family member, court appearance, medical or dental appointments, school-sponsored activity, or extenuating circumstances agreed to by the principal. Extenuating circumstances result only when there is a prolonged illness or confining injury and the student has previously maintained an acceptable record of attendance.
An absence for any other reason will be classified as unexcused. An unexcused absence with permission from the parent or guardian and preapproved by the principal or his/her designee, (i.e. vacation, trip, and/or other special circumstances) will count toward the total absences permitted in a semester. An unexcused absence without permission, (i.e. skipping) will count toward the total absences permitted in a semester.
Students are permitted no more than ten (10) absences per semester. The following schedule will be followed:
a. When a student has five (5) days or more absence, a doctor’s slip will be
requested.
b. When a student has eight (8) absences, a conference with the parent/guardian
shall be required.
c. The parent will again be notified when ten (10) absences occur and the
prosecuting attorney may be notified.

Act 473 and Act 70-Arkansas Compulsory Attendance Law
Whenever a student exceeds 10 aggregate days in a semester, the District shall notify the prosecuting authority and the parent, guardian, or persons in loco parentis shall be subject to a civil penalty as prescribed by law.

Make-up Work from Absences

If an assignment is made on the day of the absence the student will have three (3) days to make up the missed assignments (this includes test, projects, homework, etc). After three days, no credit will be granted on the work missed. If an assignment or test is announced, while the student is present in class, for a particular date and the student is absent on that date, he/she will be required to turn in the assignment or take the test immediately upon returning to school. If a student had been suspended from school the work missed during the suspension assignment will not be made up.

ADMISSION PROCEDURES FOLLOWING AN ABSENCE OR TARDY

Students must have a note from parent or guardian, doctor, funeral program, court documents, etc. or the absence or tardy will be considered unexcused. A telephone call in cases of prolonged illness is requested. Students should present notes to the office prior to the first bell to avoid an unexcused tardy to the first period class

BELL SCHEDULE
*Beginning Bell – 7:45 a.m. Tardy Bell – 7:50 a.m. Ending Bell – 3:15 p.m.*

POLICY REGARDING TARDINESS AND EARLY CHECK OUT

Prompt arrival at school is expected of all students. Late arrival disrupts class and causes loss of instructional time. Students arriving after the tardy bell will be marked tardy.
Students who plan to eat breakfast should be in the cafeteria no later than 7:30 a.m.
A student will not be counted tardy due to the arrival of a late bus on which the student is riding. Students who arrive late must come by the Middle School Office to check-in and pick up a tardy slip to present to their teacher.
Students will be counted present a full day if they are in attendance the whole school day session, 7:50 a.m. – 3:15 p.m. One-half day is counted present from 7:50 a.m. – 11:40 a.m. or 11:41 a.m. – 3:15 p.m. Half-days will count toward excessive absences.
A student’s parent, guardian, or person in loco parentis will be notified by a letter, when the student has been tardy three (3), six (6) and nine (9) times.

TARDY POLICY

Students are expected to be present for class on time and prepared with all necessary materials to participate in class. Tardies start over every nine weeks.
Violation of this policy within a nine-week grading period will result in:
3 Tardies: Detention Hall or student may take corporal punishment for the first detention assignment in a nine-week period. Students eligible for corporal
punishment will report to the office at the beginning of their lunch period on the day their assignment is posted.
6 Tardies: 3 days In School Suspension
9 Tardies: 5-days Out-Of-School Suspension or assigned to School-Within- A-School (SWAS).
* A student who accumulates more than 9 tardies in a nine-week grading period will be placed under administrative review of their placement in school through a parent conference.
 
TRUANCY

Students who are on campus or come to campus must attend classes or be authorized to be excused from attending classes. If students do not attend class and have no bona fide permission to be absent from class, they will be considered truant from class. The administration will investigate all charges of truancy. Students who are adjudged to be truant following administration investigation will be assigned to In School Suspension and the Intake Officer will be contacted. Only the principal has the authority to assign students to In School Suspension.
Truancy Discipline Procedures:
ð First Offense – Parent Notification, Intake Office Contacted
and 5 days In School Suspension Assignment
ðSecond Offense – Parent Notification, Family in Need of Services (FINS) filed
and 3 days of Out of School Suspension
CLOSED CAMPUS AND CAMPUS VISITORS

Drew Central Middle School is a closed campus. In order to insure the safety of our students, all parents and other visitors must report to the office upon arrival, sign in, and pick up a visitor’s pass before going to any area of the campus. Upon leaving, the visitor must return to the office and check out. Students are to remain on campus and to leave only with the permission of the principal and the student’s parents. Students are not to be in the parking lot at any time or to visit with persons in parked cars in the parking lots or on the streets. Detention assignments and possible suspension will result for students choosing to violate this regulation.
Students are not to invite, encourage, or bring visitors/pets to school for any reason without permission from the principal or his/her designee. Any person needing to see a student during the school day must check through the principal’s office for permission to be on campus. No loitering on campus by unauthorized visitors.
Come to school, meet us, talk to us and volunteer your time and energy. Your involvement will show your children that you value their education.
Parents count! Let’s work together!

RELEASE OF PUPILS

Definite procedures are followed to assure the safety of children who are released during the day.
1. Parent permission in writing or by telephone is required before a child will be allowed to leave during the day.
2. The parent (or other named adult in the note or telephone conversation) should come to the office and sign for the child. All students MUST be signed out in the office.
Students will remain with the teacher until notified by the office that they have been checked out. The student will then report to the designated office to be picked up by the authorized person.
3. If your plans change during the day, please call the school no later than 2:30 p.m. to assure that your child receives the message. NO ONE will be permitted to check out a child directly from the classroom.
4. If any person other than the parent or guardian is to pick up the child, the school MUST HAVE a statement from the parent specifying necessary information.

ACT 660 of 1993:
TRANSFERRING CHILDREN BETWEEN CUSTODIAL AND NON-CUSTODIAL PARENTS:
SECTION 1. (a) In order to avoid continuing child custody controversies from involving public school personnel, and to avoid disruptions to the educational atmosphere in our public schools, the transfer of a child between the child’s custodial parent and non-custodial parent, when both parents are present, is prohibited from taking place on the property of a public elementary or secondary school on normal school days during normal hours of school operations.
SECTION 1. (b) The provisions of this act shall not prohibit one parent (custodial or non-custodial) from picking the child up from school at pre-arranged times on pre-arranged days if prior approval has been made with the school’s principal.


*ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL PROCEDURES OF STUDENTS*

MORNING PROCEDURES

The Middle School Building will not open for students until 7:30 a.m. To ensure a safer, atmosphere for all students, the following procedures have been adopted:

Bus Riders – Students riding buses will be unloaded at the Middle School if they do not eat breakfast at school. Students not be eating breakfast will report to the Middle School Playground or to the Multi-Purpose Building during inclement weather after unloading from the bus. All Middle School students who will be eating breakfast at school will unload at the cafeteria.

Car Riders – Car riders may be dropped off each morning at the North Entrance of the Middle School or the parking lot at the South Entrance of the Middle School. Car riders should go directly to breakfast or to the playground, or if it is after 7:45 a.m., to their classroom upon arrival.



AFTERNOON PROCEDURES

Bus Riders – Buses will be lined up circling the parking area in front of the Multi-Purpose Gym, and students will be dismissed to load the buses at 3:15 p.m. Buses are arranged in the same order every afternoon. If your plans change during the day, please call the school no later than 2:30 p.m. to assure that your child receives the message.

Car Riders – Car riders will be dismissed at 3:15 and will exit at the north entrance of the Middle School to be picked up.

Parents of car riding students must drive thru the student pick up lane.
Parents please do not park in the drive through at the north entrance if you will be leaving your vehicle for any reason.
Students who remain after school, with the exception of our after school tutoring
program receive no supervision.


*Transportation and Safety Guidelines*

The Federal Highway Safety Standard #17, entitled ‘Pupil Transportation Safety’, requires that each pupil who is transported in a school vehicle be instructed in safe riding practices.
As the parent or guardian of a transported pupil you can help us in meeting the intent of this standard. The safety of all pupils transported in a school bus is a responsibility shared alike by all parents, guardians, pupil passengers, school bus driver, teachers and school administrators.
Buses shall be routed to provide the best service for the greatest number of students. Bus routes will be planned to provide the most economical operation of buses with road conditions being the major criteria. Good conduct is necessary for a safe bus ride.
Safety takes precedence over convenience in selecting bus stops. School buses are not required to stop at every door. After you have read these rules and regulations, you are urged to go over them with your child.

**These are the guidelines that will be followed in complying with Federal Highway Safety Standard #17 in the Drew Central Public Schools:
1. The driver of the school bus is responsible for the safety of all students riding the bus. He or she has the same responsibility as the teacher in controlling discipline.
2. Your child should know his/her bus number or symbol, location of the bus stop and the driver’s name. Please help teach your child this information.
3. The first duty of the passenger is to obey the driver’s directions promptly.
4. Be at the bus stop five (5) minutes before regular pickup time. Stand back 10 feet from the bus stop and wait until the door is opened before moving closer to the bus. Do not play in the highway.
5. Students are to be ready to get on the bus when it stops. Do not expect the driver to wait for you to come out of the house.
6. State laws require that students be assigned seats. They are to sit in their designated seats and remain seated while the bus is in motion, with the aisles clear.
7. While loading or unloading, enter or leave the bus orderly and quickly.
8. Students must get off at their regular bus stop unless a written statement from the child’s parent/guardian which has been previously approved and signed by the principal is given to the driver indicating a different bus stop.
9. Students who must cross the road after leaving the bus in the afternoon must go to a point on the shoulder of the road ten feet in front of the bus. Students should cross the road only after the bus driver has signaled them to do so. Students should cross the road before the bus leaves.
10. The bus driver shall not leave the stop until everyone has crossed the road, unless a student or students refuse to cross, at which time the driver may continue the route after waiting a reasonable length of time when it is determined the student or students will not cross. A written conduct report will be given to the principal the following school day.
11. No food or drink will be consumed on the bus.
12. No obscene words, gestures, or signs will be permitted on the bus.
13. Students are not to tamper with any safety devices such as door latches, first-aid kits, fire extinguishers, emergency flares, etc.
14. Students are not to put their hands, arms, heads, bodies, or other objects out of the window of the bus.
15. The use or distribution of any form of tobacco or any controlled substance will not be permitted on any school bus.
16. Excessive noises of any kind will not be tolerated. No radios, tape players, CD players or any other noise making device will not be played while on the bus.
17. Students are not to write on the bus or damage the seats. Parents/guardians are responsible for any damage inflicted to school property by their child.
18. No fire arms, knives, or sharp object (s) of any kind are allowed on the school bus. Including “toy” weapons.
19. Pets or other living animals will not be allowed on the bus.
20. No objects may be thrown on the bus or out of the bus windows.
21. Fighting, scuffling, or physical play activities will not be permitted on the bus.
22. Students are expected to take all personal belongings, books, coats, sweaters, etc., when leaving the bus.
23. Any student who creates a disruption on a school bus will be reported to the principal for disciplinary action. Misconduct or severe disruption will be grounds for losing the privilege of riding the bus.

BUS DISCIPLINE PROCEDURES
First Offense – Parent notification and three (3) days bus suspension
Second Offense – Parent conference by phone; may include the bus supervisor and/or driver and five (5) days bus suspension
Third Offense – Parent notification by mail and thirty (30) days bus expulsion
Fourth Offense – Parent notification by mail and bus expulsion for the remainder of the school year

*2010-2011 Drew Central Middle School Health Policies*

Students must have a note from their teacher, or other staff member, with an explanation of their problem, before they are allowed to go to the nurse’s office.

COMMUNICABLE DISEASES AND PARASITES

Students with communicable diseases or with parasites shall demonstrate respect for other students by not attending school while they are contagious. In some instances, a letter from a health care provider may be required prior to the student being readmitted to the school.
The parents or legal guardians of students found to have live lice or nits will be asked to pick their child up at school. They will be given information concerning the eradication and control of head lice at that time. Before students may be readmitted following an absence due to head lice, the school nurse or designee shall examine the student to make sure appropriate treatment procedures have been followed. The school may conduct screenings of students for head lice as needed. The screenings shall be conducted in a manner that respects the confidentiality of each student.

STUDENT ILLNESS/ACCIDENT

If a student becomes too ill to remain in class and/or could be contagious to other students, the nurse, principal or designee will notify the student’s parent or legal guardian to pick the student up from school. Students will be sent home if any of the following criteria are present:
Fever of 100.1F or higher
More than one episode of vomiting or diarrhea
Symptoms of conjunctivitis (pink eye). Student may return to school after being on medication for 24 hours.
Symptoms of a contagious/communicable disease
Serious injury (deemed such by teacher, principal, or school nurse)

If a student becomes seriously ill or is injured while at school and the parent/legal guardian cannot be contacted, the failure to make such contact shall not unreasonably delay the school’s expeditious transport of the student to an appropriate medical care facility. The school assumes no financial responsibility for treatment of the student. When available, current, and applicable, the student’s emergency contact numbers and medical information will be utilized. Parents are strongly encouraged to keep this information up to date.

When a student has a known allergy or asthma and requires medication for an emergency situation (allergy to wasp or bee sting or other allergic reactions), written documents for the use of medication will be required from the physician. It is imperative that parents notify the nurse of any medical condition(s) that may affect a student at school such as diabetes, asthma, allergies, and vision or hearing problems, a physical or mental disability, etc. This will allow the school to provide the safest and most effective learning environment for all students.

Arkansas Code 6-18-702 of 2000: IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS:
Arkansas State Law states that children must have documentary proof of immunization on file at school. It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to furnish the school with proof of the required immunizations. If your child is missing or delinquent in receiving the required immunizations, your child MAY BE EXCLUDED FROM SCHOOL until
the needed immunizations are received and documented proof is presented to the school nurse. Transfer students have 30 days from the date of enrollment to provide proof of
immunizations.
Required immunizations are as follows:




Vaccine Doses Requirements Grades Required
DTaP, DTP/DT, or Td 4 last dose on or after 4th birthday All students K-12th & Transfer
Polio 3 last dose on or after 4th birthday All students K-12th & Transfer
Hepatitis B 3 students 11-15 y/o may have 2 dose schedule Kindergarten, 7th grade, & Transfer
MMR 2 1 dose Mumps & Rubella; 2 doses Measles All students K-12th & Transfer
Varicella 1or 2* 1 or 2 doses depending on age. One (1) dose required if given at less than 13 yrs of age. Two (2) doses separated by 28 days required if dose 1 is given at or greater than 13 yrs of age. Written verification of disease history (chicken pox) by parent/guardian/physician accepted in lieu of receiving vaccine 7th
Tdap 1 Not required if student has had Td vaccine
in past two (2) years 7th
STUDENT MEDICATIONS

When it is necessary for your child to take medication during school hours, the following requirements must be met:
1. No medication will be given without a written physician’s order that includes student name, medication name, dose and time medication is to be administered, and the physician’s signature.   This includes over-the-counter medications.  A Request for Administration of Medication form must also be completed by the student’s guardian for each medication to be administered to a student.   Please note that a physician’s order is not necessary with a prescription medication as long as the medication is in the original container with a current prescription label.  Please make sure that all inhalers have an affixed prescription label.
2. All medications must be brought to the nurse’s office by a parent with the required order and completed form before it will be given.  Medications will be kept in the nurse’s office in a locked cabinet.  All medications must be in the original container with a valid expiration date.
3. The school health office will not supply any over-the-counter medications such as antacid tablets or cough drops.  
4. Any left-over or outdated medication(s) that have not been picked up by the parent/guardian 10 days from notification or at the end of the school year will be disposed of by the nurse. 
5. If your child requires a morning dose of medication, it is recommended that he/she receive it at home BEFORE LEAVING FOR SCHOOL. We have found that the educational process is enhanced when students take their morning medication(s) at home. They arrive at school ready to meet the day.  Medication that is prescribed 3 times daily should be given in the morning prior to school, in the afternoon immediately following school dismissal, and at bedtime.  Thus, administration is not required while the student is at school.
6. Unless authorized to self-administer, students are not allowed to carry medications while at school. The only exceptions to this are inhalers and epinephrine injections.  Students with asthma or allergies will be allowed to carry and be responsible for administration of these medications only if the Authorization for Self administration form has been completed and is on file at the school.  This form includes written consent of the student’s physician and parent/guardian.

Act 1694 of 2005: ASTHMA INHALERS & AUTO-INJECTABLE EPINEPHRINE
Allows students to carry and use prescription Asthma Inhalers and Auto-Injectable Epinephrine while in school, at on-site school sponsored activities and at off-site school sponsored activities. The parent or guardian shall provide the school with appropriate medical documentation, which shall include: Evidence that the asthma inhaler or auto-injectable epinephrine, or both, have been prescribed by a health care practitioner with prescriptive privileges; Evidence that the student needs to carry the asthma inhaler or auto-injectable epinephrine, or both, on his or her person due to a medical condition; and a copy of an individualized health care plan for the student. All medical documentation provided with regard to the student shall be kept on file at the school office and the school nurse’s office.




Arkansas Codes ANN. 6-15-202 (1987) and 6-18-701
SCREENINGS AND PHYSICAL EXAMINATION (EPSDT)
All students entering public school for the first time must have a physical examination (Early Periodic, Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment - EPSDT) or its equivalent. (The equivalent of EPSDT refers to a physical examination administered by a licensed physician or a registered nurse qualified to conduct screening examinations.)
The school will provide exams or screenings with the intent of detecting contagious/infectious diseases or defects in hearing, vision, and other elements of health that could adversely affect the student’s ability to achieve their full academic potential.
The following screenings will be done yearly by or under the direction of the Drew Central School Nurse in accordance with Arkansas Law or Mandates:


Screening 5th 6th 7th 8th
Vision/Hearing * *
Scoliosis (girls) * *
Scoliosis (boys) *
BMI - Height & Weight * *
Screenings for vision/hearing may be performed on students in grades 5th and/or 7th if a referral is made to the school nurse by a teacher.
Participation in some sports and school activities will require students to pass a physical examination. This is to ensure that the student is physically capable of withstanding the activity. If a student refuses the exam, he/she will not be permitted to participate in the desired activity.
Act 29 of 2004- BODY MASS INDEX (BMI)
The Body Mass Index for each student will be sent to the parents, per Act 29 of 2004. Routine BMI screening will be made by the school nurse. A parent may refuse the BMI or scoliosis screening by submitting written notification prior to September 15, 2009, as the nurse will begin conducting screenings at that time. A form for screening refusal is located in the back of the student handbook.
Health Forms Located in the Student Handbook
1. Parent Refusal of Screenings of Physicals
2. Request for Administration of Medication
3. Authorization for Student to Carry Medication

EMERGENCY CARE CARD

The main purpose of this card is to help us locate the parent in the event of illness or emergency involving the child. Hospitals and private doctors will not give emergency medication or treatment, or perform surgery unless the parent/guardian is present. It is very important that we be able to locate you at any time. Please list phone numbers or neighbors who will know where you are when you are not at home. Please list on the card, in red if possible, any allergies or serious medical problems your child may have. Please complete the emergency card given to you at Open House and return it to your child’s teacher. This card will be updated twice a year by the nurse.


*DISCIPLINE: INTRODUCTION & PURPOSE*

STUDENT DISCIPLINE – GENERAL STATEMENT OF JURISDICTION

The primary objective of Drew Central Middle School Student Discipline Policy is to teach students to be responsible for their own behavior. We believe all students can behave appropriately while at school. We will not allow students to stop the teacher from teaching or prevent the other students from learning. The choice of behavior is the student’s. The school staff has the authority and responsibility to take fair and reasonable measures to maintain proper control and discipline among students placed in their care. Due process shall be given to all students prior to punishment. The rules listed should not be thought of as all inclusive. Any conduct that tends to disrupt the educational programs will be grounds for disciplinary actions. All students in the Drew Central Middle School shall comply with the policies in this handbook and any other reasonable instructions while on the school campus, on or off school grounds, at a school-sponsored event, or in route to and from school.
The Drew Central School District Board of Education, administration, and staff are committed to maintaining a school climate of mutual respect in which all students can learn and one which ensures the safety and welfare of everyone in the school environment.

RESPONSIBILITY OF THE SUPERINTENDENT

The superintendent is responsible for exercising leadership in establishing all necessary procedures, rules, and regulations so that the Board of Education’s policies relating to standards of student behavior will be effective.

RESPONSIBILITY OF THE PRINCIPALS

The building principal of each school is expected to disseminate to all students at the beginning of the school year and to each new student(s) upon registration, the rules, and regulations currently in effect for that school. In developing rules and regulations, the principal is expected to involve representatives of the teaching staff, the student body, and the patrons of the school.
Each principal, or the principal’s designee, is authorized to assign students to detention and to suspend or recommend the expulsion of students. The principal is expected to inform the parent/guardian of any student whose behavior is in serious conflict with established procedures, rules, and laws. The principal of each school is responsible for conducting continued in-service education for all personnel on a regular basis to interpret and implement established policies.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE TEACHERS

The Drew Central School District Board of Education, acting through the Superintendent, holds all school employees responsible for the supervision of the behavior of students during the time the students are legally under the supervision of the school. The Board believes that teachers are critical to the learning process and further believes that teachers must have the authority necessary to manage the classroom in a manner that results in an effective learning climate. However, the responsibility for establishing and maintaining a positive school climate must be shared by all - students, teachers, administrators, support staff, and parents.
Consequently, teachers, as well as all other school staff, must confront, intervene, and report inappropriate student behavior whenever and wherever it occurs within the school environment. This document serves as notification to students and parents that the Drew Central School Board authorizes teachers and other certified staff to use appropriate disciplinary measures to the degree necessary to maintain order and student control. This authority includes, but is not limited to the following:
1. The removal of certain privileges that are normally associated with school, such as recess, field trips, school assemblies, and participation in classroom/building activities designed as a reward for appropriate behavior.
2. The requirement of a conference with parents as a step in an overall plan of interventions.
3. A referral to an administrator and exclusion from class when the student’s behavior is intolerable to the learning process and the utilization of In-School Suspensions where conditions permit.
4. The right to file criminal charges when physically or verbally abused.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF STUDENTS

1. Attend school daily, arrive on time, and participate fully in all classes.
2. Obtain all the education and training necessary to become a contributing member of society.
3. Express opinions and ideas in a respectful manner so as not to offend or slander others.
4. Know all school rules and regulations that govern student behavior and conduct himself/herself in accordance with the rules and regulations. Be willing to abide by the decision reached through the appeal process.
5. Meet standard of decency, safety, health, and good taste in dress and appearance.
6. Bring needed materials/school supplies to and from school.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF PARENTS

1. Provide for the physical needs of the child.
2. Prepare the child emotionally and socially to be receptive to learning and discipline.
3. Have the child attend school regularly and on time.
4. Assist the child in developing proper personal and social habits.
5. Know school requirements and procedures.
6. Discuss problems with the appropriate persons to prevent misunderstandings.
7. Work for the success and improvement of public education in the Drew Central School District.

*Definitions*

Abuse: Abuse means to wrong in speech, reproach coarsely, disparage, revile, or malign. Use of profanity or vulgar expressions directed at another person is considered abuse.

Act of Violence: Any violation of Arkansas law where a person purposely or knowingly causes, or threatens to cause death or serious physical injury to another person. (Act 1520 of 1999)

ALE: Alternative Learning Environment: A student intervention program in compliance with AR code: 6-18-508 and 6-18-509 that seeks to eliminate traditional barriers to student learning.

Assault: The willful attempt or threat to inflict injury upon the person of another, coupled with apparent present ability to do so. Any display of force that would give the victim reason to fear bodily harm is assault, even if touching or striking does not occur.

Battery: A person commits battery if he purposely makes physical contact with another person and causes bodily injury. Battery is a Class A misdemeanor. If the injury is to a law enforcement officer or a school employee, it is a Class D felony. Battery, which causes permanent disfigurement or disability, is a Class B felony. (A.C.A. 5-13-201-203)

Bullying: The intentional harassment, intimidation, humiliation, ridicule, defamation, or threat or incitement of violence by a student against another student or public school employee by a written, verbal, electronic, or physical act that causes or creates a clear and present danger.

Contraband: Any articles which are illegal or articles which a student possesses illegally. (Example: Things stolen from the Book Fair, drugs)

Corporal Punishment: Corporal punishment as used in the schools refers to paddling a student for breaking a school rule.

Deadly Weapon: A) A firearm or anything manifestly designed, made, or adapted for the purpose of inflicting death or serious injury; or B) Anything that in the manner of its use or intended use is capable of causing death or serious injury. (Act 1520 of 1999)

Detention: Loss of a student’s free time after school.


Disruptive Conduct: Behavior which includes defiant and hostile acts; acts involving moral turpitude; and disrespect for authority in the school buildings, on school grounds, or at school-sponsored events.

Due Process: To guarantee that a student will not have his/her rights taken away unfairly, there are established procedures which school personnel must follow. (For example, when suspended from school, the principal must notify the student and his/her parent/guardian of the reason and explain the appeal procedures.)

Equal Educational Opportunity: The Board of Education believes that every child, regardless of race, creed, color, sex, cultural, or economic background, or disability, should be given the opportunity to develop and achieve to the maximum extent possible. To provide equal educational opportunity, all programs offered by school within the District will be open to all students.

Extended Time-Out (ETO): A principal may assign ETO for a portion of the day as a consequence. During ETO, the student completes regular class assignments and is monitored by a district employee.

Fighting: Any action by one or more students to another for the purpose of inflicting bodily harm. Fighting includes throwing punches, slapping, throwing one to the ground intentionally, kicking or hitting with an object or provoking a fight by name calling.

Firearm: Any device designed, made, or adapted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive or any device readily convertible to that use, including such a device that is not loaded or lacks a clip or other component to render it immediately operable, and components that can readily be assembled into such a device. (Act 1520 of 1999)

Expulsion: Principals may recommend to the Superintendent that a student be prohibited from entering the school or school grounds until the end of the year, or permanently, depending upon the severity of the offense. Expulsion must be approved by the Board of Education.

In-School Suspension (ISS): Rather than suspending students from the school campus for infractions of rules, a principal may assign students to In-School Suspension. During ISS, the student completes regular class assignments and is monitored by a district employee.
While in ISS, a student may not participate in or attend any school activities involving Drew Central Schools at home or away. If a student attempts to do so, he/she will be asked to leave and will be assigned one extra day of ISS.

Insubordination: The term is used to describe a state of being disobedient, resistant to authority, or unwilling to follow directions.

Parent: Refers to the person or persons who, by blood relationship or through custody or guardianship proceedings, have control or charge of any student in attendance in District schools until age 18 or independent status is attained.

Probation: School personnel may suspend punishment for a rule violation and notify the parent and student in writing, at a parent conference that the student must obey the rules for the remainder of the year under penalty of recommendation for expulsion.

Reasonable Force: School personnel may apply the minimum amount of force necessary to stop or restrain a student form conducting himself/herself in such a way that could result in physical injury to himself/herself or to others.

Reasonable Suspicion: School personnel who have reason to believe that a search will produce evidence that a student has violated or is violating the school rules or the law may conduct a search.

Rights and Responsibilities: Students, as well as parents and school personnel, are guaranteed full rights of citizenship by the United States Constitution; and those rights cannot be denied except through due process of law. In order for others to enjoy citizenship rights, it is necessary for students to behave in such a way that others are treated equally and with respect.

Suspension: The principal may prohibit a student from entering the school or school grounds for a period of time set by the principal or superintendent. Suspensions will be no longer than ten school days, including the day on which the violation occurred, unless it is meant to be determined by the Board of Education.
Even though credit for daily work will not be allowed, makeup work may be permitted for exams. Students who accumulate 15 total days or four assignments of suspension may be expelled for the remainder of the semester.

Terroristic Threatening: (Act 1046 of 2001) Threatening to cause death, serious injury, or substantial property damage with the intent to scare or intensely frighten another person. This offence is a Class D felony, unless the threat is to merely cause physical harm or property damage; which is a class A misdemeanor. If a threat that would otherwise be a Class A misdemeanor is made to a school employee, then it is a Class D felony.

Truancy: If students do not attend class and have no bona fide permission to be absent from class, they will be considered truant from class.

Writing Skills: Writing Skills can be used for a variety of writing tasks and assignments. Students learn the concepts of organization, topic sentences, transitions, and conclusions. They are in the process of becoming independent writers and learn to make good decisions about the examples and explanations they include in their paragraphs.

*General Rules*
The following regulations are designed to protect all members of the educational community in the exercise of their rights and duties
STUDENTS MUST OBEY THE REASONABLE INSTRUCTIONS OF SCHOOL EMPLOYEES.
1.Firearms/Weapons-Parental Responsibility: In accordance with Act 1150 of 1999, the Superintendent of any school district shall recommend the expulsion of any student from school for a period of not less than one year for possession of any firearm or other weapon prohibited upon the school campus, at school bus stops, or at school-sponsored events by law; provided, however, that the Superintendent shall have discretion to modify such expulsion requirement for a student on a case-by-case basis. (The expulsion shall be noted on the student’s permanent school record.) The Drew Central School District will require parents, guardians, or other persons in loco parentis of a student expelled for a firearm or other weapon to sign a statement acknowledging that the parents have read and understand current laws regarding the possibility of parental responsibility for allowing a child to possess a weapon on school property. The statement shall be signed by the parents, guardians, or other persons in loco parentis prior to re-admitting a student or enrolling a student in any public school, immediately after the expiration of an expulsion period.
●A student shall not possess, handle or transmit a knife, razor, ice pick, explosive, pistol, rifle, shotgun, laser pointer or any other object that can be considered a weapon or dangerous instrument. No toy weapons are allowed at school, including paper knives and guns. A student shall not possess, handle or store contraband materials while on school property or at a school-sponsored event. (Act 104 of 1983 Special Session)

2.Freedom of Publication and Distribution: Students are entitled to publish and distribute materials, provided that the students assume the responsibility for the contents. They are responsible for cleaning up any litter that may result. (ACT 1109)

3. Freedom of Speech and Assembly:
Students are entitled to verbal expressions of their personal opinions as long as the rights of others are not violated and the expression does not cause disruption of the educational process.
Students are allowed to assemble peaceably. To avoid disruption of the educational
process all student meetings must function as a part of the educational process or as authorized by the principal. Meetings that interfere with the operation of the school are prohibited. Demonstrations and disorderly activities on the part of the students at any time on school grounds will not be tolerated. Participation in such demonstration activities, no matter how well intended, shall bring suspension.

4.Identification Requirements: Upon request, all persons must identify themselves to school employees.

5. Off Campus Events: Students at school-sponsored events shall be governed by school district rules, regulations, and personnel. Violation of the rules or refusal to obey reasonable instructions of school personnel may result in the loss of privilege to attend the events and may result in disciplinary action applicable under the regular school program.

6.Personal Search: Personal searches are discouraged, however, in the event that there is reason to believe that a student has stolen property, contraband, or a weapon on his/her person, a personal search by a faculty member of the same sex is authorized. By law, school officials need not obtain a warrant before searching a student who is under their authority. The search of a student by a school official will be justified where there is reasonable suspicion that the search will turn up evidence that the student has violated the law or rules of the school and is reasonably related to the objective of the search and not excessively intrusive in light of the age and sex of the students and the nature of the infraction.
The following guidelines will be followed:
A student will be asked to empty his/her pockets and possibly remove his/her shoes and socks.
A pat down search of a student shall be done by a school official of the same sex.
An adult witness shall be present when a personal search is conducted.

7.Public Displays of Affection: Students are to refrain from kissing, sitting in laps, or intimate hugging and touching while at school or school sponsored activities.
Violation of this policy will result in the following:
1st offense: Warning
2nd offense: Detention Hall Assignment
3rd offense: Detention Hall Assignment and Parent Conference.

8.Reasonable Force: Drew Central authorizes the use of reasonable force by any certified employee in the exercise of lawful authority to restrain a student, to protect a student from harm, or to maintain order at any school-sponsored event.

9.Search and Seizure: School personnel may legally search desks, backpacks, and students.
The following guidelines will be followed:
A search shall be conducted upon receipt of information that the search would produce evidence indicating the student has violated the law or school rules.
Students should be so informed that school authorities have equal access to backpacks and/or desks and may inspect them at any time.
Items that may be reasonably determined to be a threat to the safety to others, or that are used to disrupt the educational process, may be removed from the student’s possession.



*Discipline Policy Statement*

A student shall comply with reasonable directions or commands of teachers, student teachers, teacher aides, principals, administrative personnel, superintendents, school bus drivers, school security officers or other authorized school personnel. Students are expected to treat teachers and fellow students with respect and courtesy. Horseplay and physical teasing as well as shoving, striking, fighting, or threatening others constitute battery and/or assault and are forbidden. All threats of violence, bullying or property damage will be taken seriously. Students should be aware that uttering or writing threatening remarks can not only lead to disciplinary action but may also lead to criminal penalties. Violations of the Discipline Policy could result in the minimum punishment of a reprimand or as much as the maximum disciplinary action of recommendation of expulsion from school. Further, by law, local law enforcement must be notified whenever an act of violence is committed on school property.

CODE OF STUDENT CONDUCT

Drew Central Middle School will operate fully within the frame work of the following Code of Student Conduct.

Class Conduct - Each classroom teacher will establish rules to govern the behavior within his/her individual classroom. Your child’s teacher will provide you with his/her individual rules.

Transition Conduct - All students will be quiet and orderly when in the hallway. No talking in the quiet zone.

Cafeteria Conduct - Eating in the cafeteria should be a pleasant experience for students. Students are expected to enter and exit quietly and orderly, and to keep their space clean. Talking at a soft level will be permitted. However, if the noise level exceeds the acceptable level, duty teachers may request silence until orderly conduct is resumed. Students must ask permission before leaving his/her seat. Students playing with their food, throwing food , yelling, fighting, etc. will be considered inappropriate behavior and will result in disciplinary action such as clean-up time, D-Hall, In-School Suspension, or corporal punishment based on the severity of the infraction and the number of times the student has exhibited the unacceptable behavior.

Outside Conduct and Rules - Each grade will play in his/her assigned areas. To ensure safety for all students, all playground equipment must be used correctly. No tackle football, skateboarding, wrestling or Karate type activities are allowed. All students are to begin lining up immediately after the bell rings. Students choosing to play after the recess bell rings or failing to line up properly will be penalized one recess.

School Rules - Keep hands, feet and unkind comments to yourself. Respect others, no bullying, respect school and personal property. Gum will be left at home. CD players, tape players, game boys, Pokémon or Yu-gi-oh cards, skateboards, MP 3 players, IPODS, roller skate shoes (heelies) and other toys will be left at home. No Sunflower Seeds or drinks that are red in color are allowed at school.

PROCEDURES FOR OFFICE REFERRALS

Due to the incidence of fighting and bullying, the following procedures will be taken when it is determined that fighting or other disruptive behaviors require disciplinary actions.
Conference with administrator and notify parent by phone or mail. Counseling session scheduled with school counselor.
Joint decision with parent as to one of the following options:
A. Corporal Punishment
B. Three days In-School Suspension

Administrator and classroom teachers will make decision using the following options, based on the severity of the infraction(s), parents will be contacted.
A. Three days suspension
B. Five days In School Suspension
C. Five days Suspension
D. Administrator will make decision based on severity of the infractions.
** Each subsequent In School Suspension assignment following a student’s initial In School Suspension assignment will result in two days being added.

CHRONIC DISCIPLINE POLICY

A student who is disruptive in the instructional and/or non/instructional area and hindering the other student’s right to be educated on a regular basis shall be considered a chronic discipline problem. This student may be removed from the classroom by the teacher. (Act 1281) Disciplinary procedures will follow set policies for chronic behavior problems.
If the same student is removed twice in a nine week period, a conference must be held with the following attendees:
Principal or Designee, the Teacher, Counselor, Parent/Guardians/or persons in loco parentis, and the student, if appropriate.
Failure of the parent or guardian to attend does not prevent the conference from being held or action being taken.
The instructional area would include the regular classroom, activity and ancillary classes such as Special Education, ESL class, Gifted and Talented, Music, P.E., Computer Lab, Art and Library.
The non-instructional area would include the playground, cafeteria, in school vehicles, on school buses, at designated school bus stops, at school sponsored activities, at school sanctioned events, or other school property.
DETENTION

Loss of a student’s free time after school.
Detention will be held in the Middle School Library after school
Students who have been assigned detention should report to Mrs. Gardner in the library between 3:25 and 3:30 p.m.
Any student that is late to detention or misses an assigned detention will serve an extra day.
Any student that does not cooperate with Mrs. Gardner (or her substitute) will be assigned extra day(s).
Parents/Guardians will be notified of their student’s detention assignment.
Parents/Guardians must pick up their child from detention by 4:15 p.m.
Students will not be excused from detention for extra curricular activities, appointments, etc.
Students will have three (3) days to serve their detention assignment.  If the student is absent from school on the third day, his/her detention is due unless a professional excuse is provided to verify the absence the student will be assigned to ISS.

IN SCHOOL SUSPENSION

The purpose of the in-school program is to work with students who are chronic disruptions to the daily routine in the regular classroom. It will be used after other forms of discipline have been tried without success. It may be used for an immediate placement in case of a severe disruption.
If a temporary placement is made, the parents will be called and advised of the action that has been taken and the reason for said action. If the parent can not be reached by telephone, a note will be sent home with the student(s) to advise the parents. If a three-day or more placement is made, the parent will be notified the student is to report to In-School-Suspension. One notice will be sent home by the student and another copy will be mailed to the parents.
While assigned to In-School Suspension, a student may not participate in or attend any school activities involving Drew Central Schools at home or away. If a student attempts to do so, he/she will be asked to leave, and will be assigned one extra day of In-School Suspension. If a student refuses to comply with the In-School Suspension assignment, he/she will be suspended from school for the entirety of the In-School Suspension assignment.

ALE – ALTERNATIVE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

A student intervention program in compliance with AR Code 6-18-508 and 6-18-509 that seeks to eliminate traditional barriers to student learning.
The Drew Central/Monticello ALE facility is located at the City Park facility in Monticello. The Placement Team for ALE will include the school counselor, Principal, Parent or Legal Guardian and the regular classroom teacher.

Criteria for ALE placement:
Students placed in ALE, though capable, typically manifest one or more of the following:
Academic problems - Disruptive behavior
Dropped out of school - Recurring absenteeism
Personal/family situation - Abuse
Frequency of relocation - Homelessness
Inadequate emotional support - Mental/physical health problems
Pregnancy - Other

BULLYING POLICY [Warning – Expulsion]

Respect for the dignity of others is a cornerstone of civil society. Bullying creates an atmosphere of fear and intimidation, robs a person of his or her dignity, detracts from the safe environment necessary to promote student learning, and will not be tolerated by Drew Central Middle School or by the Drew Central Board of Education. Students who bully another person shall be held accountable for their actions whether they occur on the school ground, off school grounds at a school-sponsored or approved function, activity, or event, or going to or from school or a school activity.
Definition:
Bullying means the intentional harassment, intimidation, humiliation, ridicule, defamation, or threat or incitement of violence by a student against another student or public school employee by a written, verbal, electronic, or physical act that causes or creates a clear and present danger of:
Physical harm to a public school employee or student or damage to the public school employee’s or student’s property;
Substantial interference with a student’s education or with a public school employee’s role in education;
A hostile educational environment for one (1) or more students or public school employees due to the severity, persistence, or pervasiveness of the act; or
Substantial disruption of the orderly operation of the school or educational environment;
Attempts means, the taking of substantial steps toward engaging in harassment, intimidation, bullying and cyber-bullying activity shall be regarded for purposes of this policy in the same way as if the actor had been successful in completing the harassment, intimidation, bullying or cyber-bullying activity;
Conspiracy means, conspiring with two or more others to engage in harassment, intimidation, bullying and cyber-bullying activity, shall be regarded for purposes of this policy in the same way as if the actor has been successful in him or herself completing the harassment, intimidation, bullying or cyber-bullying activity;
Electronic act means, without limitation a communication or image transmitted by means of an electronic device, including without limitation: a telephone, wireless phone or other wireless communication device, computer, or pager that results in the substantial disruption of the orderly operation of the school or educational environment;
Electronic acts of bullying are prohibited whether or not the electronic act originated on school property or with school equipment, if the electronic act is directed specifically at students or school personnel and maliciously intended for the purpose of disrupting school, and has a high likelihood of succeeding that purpose;
Harassment means, a pattern of unwelcome verbal or physical conduct relating to another person’s constitutionally or statutorily protected status that causes, or reasonably should be expected to cause, substantial interference with the other’s performance in the school environment;
Solicitation means, the solicitation of another person to engage in harassment, intimidation, bullying and cyber-bullying activity shall be regarded for purposes of this policy in the same way as if the actor had been successful in him or herself completing the harassment, intimidation, bullying or cyber-bullying activity;
Substantial disruption means, without limitation that any one or more of the following occur as a result of the bullying:
Necessary cessation of instruction or educational activities;
Inability of students or educational staff to focus on learning or function as an educational unite because of a hostile environment;
Severe or repetitive disciplinary measures are needed in the classroom or during educational activities; or
Exhibition of other behaviors by students or educational staff that substantially interfere with the learning environment.
Examples of “Bullying” may include but be not limited to a pattern of behavior involving one or more of the following:
Sarcastic “compliments” about another student’s personal appearance,
Pointed questions intended to embarrass or humiliate,
Mocking, taunting, or belittling,
Non-verbal threats and /or intimidation, such as “fronting” or “chesting” a person,
Demeaning humor relating to a student’s race, gender, ethnicity, or personal characteristics,
Blackmail, extortion, demands for protection money, or other involuntary donations or loans,
Blocking access to school property of facilities,
Deliberate physical contact or injury to person or property,
Stealing or hiding books or belongings, and/or
Threats of harm to student(s), possessions or others.
Students are encouraged to report behavior they consider to be bullying, including a single action, which if allowed to continue, would constitute bullying to their teacher or the building principal. The report may be made anonymously.
Teachers and other school employees who have witnessed, or are reliably informed that, a student has been a victim of behavior they consider to be bullying, including a single action, which if allowed to continue, would constitute bully, shall report the incident to the principal. The principal shall be responsible for investigating the incident(s) to determine if disciplinary action is warranted.
Concluding whether a particular action or incident constitutes a violation of the bullying policy requires a determination based on all of the facts and surrounding circumstances, followed by the determination of disciplinary sanctions.
Consequences and appropriate interventions for students who commit acts of bullying may range from positive behavioral interventions up to, but not limited to suspension according to severity of the incident(s).
Discipline for violation of the Bullying policy as follows:
1st Level – 3 days of Detention Hall / Corporal Punishment / 3 days I.S.S. (depending on the severity of the incident). Student will write Bullying policy and consequences.
2nd Level – Pattern of behavior (3 discipline incidents) – 5 days O.S.S. / 5 days School With-in A School (Boot Camp). Recommendation of counseling and a report will be made to appropriate law enforcement officials.
3rd Level – 20 days S.W.A.S. /20 days A.L.E. /Expulsion (depending on the severity of the incidents)
Act 1437 of 2005 requires that a student who files a complaint will not be subject to retaliation or reprisal in any form. Students found to be in violation of this policy shall be subject to disciplinary action up to and including expulsion. In determining the appropriate disciplinary action, consideration may be given to other violations of the student handbook which may have simultaneously occurred.
Notice of what constitutes bullying, the District’s prohibition against bullying, and the consequences for students who bully shall be conspicuously posted in every classroom, cafeteria, restroom, gymnasium, auditorium, and school bus. Parents, students, school volunteers, and employees shall be given copies of the notice.
The District has no duty to regulate off-campus internet messages, statements, postings, or acts. Nevertheless, the District reserves the right to regulate, review, investigate, and discipline students for harassment, intimidation, bullying or cyber-bullying, or for other disciplinary violations when such activities threaten violence against another student or otherwise disrupt the learning environment or orderly conduct of the school, school business, or school activities.
Consequences and appropriate interventions for a school/district employee found to have committed an act of bullying will be instituted in accordance with District policies, procedures, and agreements. Additionally, egregious acts of bullying by certified educators may result in a sanction against an educator’s state issued certificate.
Consequences and appropriate intervention for a visitor or volunteer, found to have committed an act of bullying shall be determined by the school administrator after consideration of the nature and circumstances of the act, including reports to appropriate law enforcement officials.
These same actions will apply to persons, whether they are students, school employees, or visitors/volunteers/independent contractors, who are found to have made wrongful and intentional accusations of another as a means of bullying.

DISCIPLINE FOR THE DISABLED

Discipline procedures for students with disabilities in the Drew Central District shall be conducted in compliance with the student’s IEP which conforms to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which meets the requirements of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.
Other specific clarification follows:
1. To the extent removal from school would be applied to students without disabilities; the same shall apply to the removal of a student with a disability for not more than 10 school days for any violation of school rules. During this time of removal, the school is not required to provide educational services.
2. If removal for more than 10 days is recommended, procedures outlined in the IDEA federal and state regulations shall be implemented.
3. When a student with a disability is removed from school, written notice shall be sent to the office of the Special Education Supervisor.
4. The Drew Central District has a designated grievance officer, Bill White, for students who qualify under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.


*Specific Policies*

CELL PHONE POLICY

Possession of cell phones, paging devices, beepers or similar electronic communication devices by students on school property during the school day is prohibited. (ACA §6-18-502) An exception to this policy may be made for students who participate in after-school activities, provided the cell phone is turned in at the office at the beginning of the school day, and is checked back out to the student at the end of the school day. Any after-school use of cell phones is at the student’s risk. The school assumes no responsibility for loss or recovery of missing cell phones.
Violation of the cell phone policy will result in:
1st offense: Student will be assigned to In School Suspension. Phone will be confiscated and returned to a parent only after a conference has been held.
2nd offense: 3-day out of school suspension. Phone will be confiscated and held until the end of the semester.
3rd offense: 5-day out of school suspension. Phone will be confiscated and held until the end of the school year.
4th offense: Recommendation for expulsion from school for one calendar year.


DRUG & ALCOHOL POLICY

Any student caught giving or selling a controlled substance, drug or alcohol, to another student on school property will be suspended for the remainder of the semester with no option for completing class work. (Act 706 of 1997) Local Law Officials will also be contacted.

Any student caught in possession of a controlled substance, drug or alcohol, will be dealt with in the following manner and Local Law Officials will be contacted.
First Offense: Two weeks (10 school days) Out of School Suspension. Also, students must be enrolled in a drug program at the parent’s expense. Parents must provide transportation to and from the intervention program. Proof of attendance must be furnished to the office.
Second Offense: Suspension for remainder of the current semester. Students age 12 and older will be assigned to School With-in a School (Boot Camp). Students age 11 and younger may or may not be allowed to complete school work at home depending on the circumstances in the case.
Third Offense: Suspension for the remainder of the semester with no option for completing assignments.


FIREWORKS

A student shall not possess, handle or store firecrackers, smoke bombs, cherry bombs or any other kind of fireworks that reasonably could be a danger to himself/herself or to other students, that could cause damage to school property or that could be disruptive to the learning climate of the school.

GAMBLING

A student shall not participate in any activity which may be termed gambling or wagering where the stakes are any other object or objects of value.

GANGS, GANG SIGNS & GANG ACTIVITY

No students will use gang signs or graffiti, wear gang colors, clothing, and jewelry or purport to be a member of any street gang, crew, posse, set or secret society on school grounds. Students walking around in groups for the purpose of intimidating or fighting another student will be guilty of gang-like behavior and will be dealt with as such.
Violation of this policy will result in:
First Offense: Temporary suspension until a parent conference can be held
Second Offense: Suspension from school
Third Offense: Possible expulsion


IMMORALITY

A student will abstain from indecent and immoral acts. (Act 1150 of 1999)

INSULT OR ABUSE OF A TEACHER OR STAFF MEMBER

It is unlawful for any person to abuse or insult, verbally or physically, a public school teacher or staff member while that person is performing school responsibilities. Engaging in such conduct will be reported to Local Law Officials and is punishable by a fine of not less than $100 no more than $1,500. The student(s) will also be suspended for five days. School districts are required to report any prosecutions under this section to the Local Law Officials and the Department of Education.
(A.C.A. 6-17-106)

PHYSICAL ABUSE OR ASSAULT OF SCHOOL STAFF OR STUDENTS

A student shall not cause or attempt to cause physical injury to a school employee, fellow student or any other individual. A student, who intentionally or knowingly causes physical injury to a teacher or other school employee, while that employee or teacher is acting in the course of employment, has committed second degree battery and Local Law Officials will be contacted. Second degree battery is a Class “D” felony. (Act 207 of 1997)
RACIAL OR ETHNIC SLURS

Students who are guilty of racial slurs, ethnic obscenities, or other derogatory remarks
will be disciplined as outlined below:
First Offense: Parents will be notified. A Conference will be held with both parents of the victim and the accused with the intent to accomplish communication and for it to be made known this behavior is unacceptable.
Punishment - 3 days In-School Suspension
Second Offense: Constitutes continual and total disregard for Drew Central policy and will be dealt with accordingly. Re-notification of parents: Parents should be made aware they are responsible for their children.
Punishment - 3 day Out of School Suspension.
Third Offense: Suspension with recommendation for expulsion.

SEXUAL HARASSMENT

Sexual harassment of any sort will not be tolerated.
Definition: Unwelcome physical contact (touching, grabbing), sexually explicit language or gestures (teasing, telephone calls). Uninvited or unwanted sexual advances, use of vulgar language, the presence of sexually explicit photographs or materials and the telling and or writing of sexual stories or jokes.
Violation of this policy will be dealt within the following manner:
First Offense: Parent conference with both sets of parents to accomplish communication and to make clear that the behavior is unacceptable and against the law. (Title VII Civil Rights 1964) Punishment - three days In-School Suspension.
Second Offense: Re-notification of parents for the purpose of making them aware they are responsible for the student’s behavior. Punishment - three days suspension.
Third Offense: Suspension with recommendation for expulsion.

TERRORISTIC THREATENING (A.C.A.5-13-301)

Communicating a Death Threat (oral or written) ...Act 1046 of 2001
Threatening to cause death, serious injury, or substantial property damage with the intent to scare or intensely frighten another person constitutes Terroristic Threatening. This offense is a Class D felony, unless the threat is to merely cause physical harm or property damage; which is a class A misdemeanor. If a threat that would otherwise be a Class A misdemeanor is made to a school employee, then it is a Class D felony.
Any student who communicates a death threat oral or written, including cyber bullying, under this policy will be subject to the following procedures:
*First Offense: Parent/guardian conference with an administrator and teacher. Depending on the severity, appropriate law enforcement will be contacted. There will be a joint decision with the parent/guardian as to one of the following three options:
A. Corporal Punishment
B. In-School-Suspension
C. Out of school suspension
* Second Offense: The parent/guardian will, at their expense provide a psychological examination, by a state-licensed psychological examiner, to determine if the student is a threat to himself or to others.
Additionally, the student will be suspended a minimum of five days.
If the psychological examination determines that the student is a threat to himself or others, then a conference will be held with the parents and school administration to determine the best academic plan for the student.

THEFT

A student shall not steal or attempt to steal property belonging to the school or public or private property while under jurisdiction of the school. Students shall make restitution of any property stolen by them and shall be subject to other disciplinary measures. (Act 706 of 1997)

TOBACCO POLICY

Students shall abstain from use of tobacco or tobacco related products in any form while on the Drew Central campus or attending a school-sponsored trip or activity off campus. Students should not have tobacco paraphernalia (lighters, matches, etc) or tobacco products (skoal, cigarettes, snus, etc.) while on the Drew Central campus or while attending any school sponsored trip or activity that is off campus.
Violation of this policy will result in:
First Offense: Three (3) days In-School Suspension and parent conference.
Second Offense: Five (5) days Out of School Suspension, no school work will be made up
Third Offense: Suspension with recommendation for expulsion.

BEHAVIOR NOT COVERED

The school district reserves the right to punish behavior which is not conducive to good order and discipline in the schools, even though such behavior is not specified in the preceding written rules. Parents of students may be liable for damages to school property caused by the students.

CORPORAL PUNISHMENT

Act 333 of 1995 Authorizes any teacher or principal to use corporal punishment with the following provisions:
1. It follows warnings that the behavior will not be tolerated.
2. It may be used only after other alternatives, including but not limited to counseling, which has failed or in unusual circumstances. A maximum of three (3) licks with a standard school paddle.
3. An attempt will be made to contact the parent or guardian prior to corporal punishment. If corporal punishment is given, the parent or guardian will be notified by mail the date and reason for such punishment.
4. It will be administered in the office of the appropriate administrator.
5. It will not be administered in the presence of other students, with malice or anger or in excess.
6. Before corporal punishment is administered, the student should be advised of the rule and infraction of which he / she is being punished in the presence of the administrator. If the student claims innocence, the certified employee will permit the student to state his/her position. School officials will conduct formal hearings prior to corporal punishment.
7. Refusal to take corporal punishment will result in a three day suspension from school.
8. The principal will be present when corporal punishment is administered, and a written report shall be filed in the principal’s office and be signed by the person administering the punishment and the witness.

DUE PROCESS
The due process rights of students and parents at Drew Central Schools are as follows:

1. Prior to any suspension, the school principal or his/her designee, shall advise the pupil in question of the particular misconduct of which he or she is
accused, as well as the basis for such accusation.
2. The pupil shall be given an opportunity at that time to explain his/her version of the facts to the school principal or his/her designee.

3. Written notice of suspension and the reason(s) for the suspension shall be given to the parent/guardian of the pupil.

4. The parent or legal guardian of a pupil or students having a grievance shall have the right to appeal to the superintendent of schools.
    If they are dissatisfied with the Superintendent's decision, they can appeal to the Drew Central School Board, within five (5) days by writing to:
President, Drew Central School Board,
250 University Drive,
Monticello, AR 71655.
    The school board will meet within ten days of receipt of the request for appeal.

OUT OF SCHOOL SUSPENSION

State laws and State Board of Education regulations permit local school officials to suspend students from school who are unwilling to behave in an acceptable manner.
Due process must be provided.
Suspension Procedure :
1. The principal of any school or designee is authorized to suspend students from school for disciplinary reasons up to ten school days, including the day upon which the suspension was initially imposed.

2. Prior to such suspension, the principal or designee shall inform the student either orally or in writing about the infraction at which time the pupil shall be given opportunity to explain his/her version of the facts.

3.A.C.A. 6-18-507 (f)
Upon suspension of a student, the school shall immediately contact the student’s parent or legal guardian to notify the parent or legal guardian of the suspension. The contact required in subsection (f) of this section is sufficient if made by:
Direct contact with the parent or legal guardian at the primary call number or in person.
By leaving a voice mail at the primary call number
Sending a text message to the primary call number
Email if the school is unable to make contact through the primary call number
Regular first class mail if the school is unable to make contact through the primary call number or email.
Notification log of contacts attempted and made to the parent or legal guardian will be kept by the school.
4. Additionally, the parent will be mailed a copy of the suspension notice which shall include the reasons for the suspension and its duration.



EXPULSION

The principal of a school may recommend that a student be expelled from school with loss of credit.
Expulsion Procedure:
1. A written recommendation to the superintendent shall include a statement of the charge against the student.
2. If the superintendent concurs with the recommendation, he/she shall schedule a hearing before the school board.
3. The school board may expel a student for the remainder of the semester for the seriousness as to make a suspension inappropriate or where it finds that the student’s continued attendance at school would be unacceptably disruptive to the educational program.
4. The superintendent or designee shall give written notice, mailed within ten calendar days from the alleged incident which caused the expulsion recommendation, to the parent if the student is a minor or to the student if he/she is an adult. The hearing will be conducted not earlier than three calendar days or more than seven calendar days following the date of the notice except that the superintendent and the student and the student’s parent may agree in writing to a date not conforming to this limitation.
The notice also will state charges against the student in clear and concise terms, the names of witnesses who will appear against the student and a brief statement concerning the nature of their testimony.
In every case of a hearing held by the school board regarding the expulsion of a student, the president of the board or, in his/her absence, another member selected by the board shall preside at the hearing. The student shall be entitled to representation by a lawyer or lay counsel.

Group Hearing for Expulsion

When two or more students are charged with violating the same rule and have acted together and the facts are basically the same for all such students, a single hearing may be conducted for them if the president of the board believes the following conditions exist:
1. A group hearing will likely result in confusion.
2. No student will have his/her interest substantially prejudiced by group hearing. If during the hearing, the president finds that a student’s interest will be substantially prejudiced by the group hearing, a separate hearing may be ordered by the student.

STUDENT SCHOOL RECORDS & EDUCATIONAL RECORDS

All academic records and personal records pertaining to individual students are confidential and can only be inspected by students, parents, and school officials
(Public Law 93-380). Records can be inspected by parents and students by making an appointment through the principal’s office. Parents have the right to challenge any records that they believe are misleading, inaccurate, or inappropriate.
Student records will not be released unless written permission is obtained from the parents of the student. A student 18 years old or older must sign for a release of their records. A written release will not be required to send student records to other schools in which the student has enrolled or for school official at Drew Central Schools to inspect the records.
Any student records that are believed to be inaccurate, misleading, inappropriate by parents or students can be challenged for corrections by the following procedure; the principal of the school should be contacted and a conference arranged concerning the records. If this meeting is unsatisfactory, the parents can appeal to the superintendent of schools. If this appeal is unsatisfactory, an appeal can be made to the Drew Central School Board.
The Drew Central Schools may produce school directories containing the name, addresses, phone numbers and grade levels of students. The directories may be released by the school. Any parent of students under age 18 years old and students 18 years old or older may request that this information not be released. The principal must be notified by September 15 of the school year in writing if there is request not to release the information in the directory. A form for directory release refusal is in the back of the handbook.


*Reporting Progress to Parents*

Parents should expect to be informed of their child’s progress and the school’s activities in a variety of ways. These may include:

Progress Reports – Parents will receive their child’s progress reports on:
* September 30, 2010, at the school wide Parent/Teacher conferences
* November 23, 2010, sent home with student
* February 10, 2011, at the school wide Parent/Teacher conferences
* April 21, 2011, sent home with student.
Teachers shall document the participation or non participation of parents/legal guardians for each scheduled conference.

Report Cards – Parents will receive their child’s Report Card on:
(to be sent home with students)
* October 28, 2010 * March 10, 2011
* January 6, 2011 * June 2, 2011


Benchmark Exams –Students in grades 3-8 will be given the Benchmark Exam
April 11 – 15, 2011.

End of Course Algebra I Exam – Students in 8th grade will be given the End of Course Algebra I Exam May 10-11, 2011.

English Language Development Assessment (ELDA) – LEP students in grades K-12 will be given the ELDA in the window of March 28 – May 6, 2011.

OTHER REPORTING PROCEDURES TO PARENTS MIGHT BE:
Monthly Newsletters, Student Handbook, Cafeteria Menus, Home Access Center (HAC), Teacher notes, post cards and telephone calls, Media coverage – Radio, Newspaper, and Internet, Drew Central Web Site – http:// www.drewcentral.org /.
Informative meetings held at school for parents:
Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) / Parents Make a Difference Nights.
The Drew Central PTO meets on the first Tuesday of each month in the library.
HOME ACCESS CENTER
The Home Access Center is a web application which allows parents to view their children's registration, class assignments, report card, discipline, attendance, and scheduling information for their children. Drew Central Middle School will mail a letter home to the parent/guardian that will include their login and password.
With the Home Access Center, you can:
View demographic information for your child, such as student name, birth date, gender, building, grade, counselor, homeroom number, and residency status.
View student and guardian address information.
View your child's Interim Progress Report and Report Card information for the current year.
View your child's attendance information in calendar format, with color-coded absence types.
View your child's current schedule.
View your child's class work.
View your child's discipline infractions.
Click on the name of a teacher, or counselor to automatically generate an e-mail.  
https://hac.k12.ar.us/homeaccess/


. * Grading Policies *

The Numeric Grading Scale used by our school is used by all public schools in Arkansas. Grades assigned to students reflect only educational objectives and are consistent with laws and regulations.
A = 90% - 100%
B = 80% - 89%
C = 70% - 79%
D = 60% - 69%
F = 59% & Below
Grades Five and Six will receive grades in Reading, Math, Science, Writing Skills,
Social Studies and additionally art, music P.E. & Band (if applicable).
Grades Seven and Eight will receive grades in Math, Science, Social Studies, Writing Skills and English, art, choir/band (whichever if applicable), PE/Health and Athletics. Additionally grade seven receives a grade in Keyboarding and grade eight in Career Orientation.

ACADEMIC RECOGNITION

Students will be eligible for academic recognition based on the following criteria:
Principal’s List – Any student who is on grade level in the regular classroom and has all A’s (4.00) for the current grading period will be placed on the Principal’s List.
Pirate’s Pride List – Any student who is on grade level and has an overall grade point average of 3.00 - 3.99 will be placed on the Pirate’s Pride List.
Pirate’s Merit List – Any student who is on grade level and has an overall grade point average of 2.50 - 2.99 will be placed on the Pirate’s Merit List.
Pirate’s Anchor List – Any student who is performing below grade level and has at least a 3.00 grade point average would be eligible for the Pirate’s Anchor List.

Conduct – conduct grades for students will be indicated in the following manner:
Outstanding, Satisfactory, Needs improvement, Unsatisfactory
* Any student who receives a U (Unsatisfactory) in conduct or a D or F in any subject will not be eligible for any academic recognition or achievement lists.


Act 390 of 2005 - Any parent or student who does not want to have their student identified as an honor student or listed on the honor roll shall submit a written request to the principal of the school requesting that the student not be identified by September 15 of the current school year.

Attendance Awards-Awards for perfect attendance are given at the end of each nine weeks. If a student has been absent one full day or more he/she will not be eligible for the attendance award. Students with perfect attendance will receive perfect attendance ribbons or certificates during the Awards Assembly held each nine weeks.

HOMEWORK POLICY

Homework is considered to be a time for skill practice, enrichment, or more in depth attention to a given unit of study or subject area.
Homework will be in accordance with the following policies:
1. It should not be excessive.
2. It should be for practice that is related to previously taught skills.
3. It will be checked and discussed, and can be averaged in grades.
4. Specially assigned projects will be included as part of the overall grade.

Exceptions to the above policies are as follows:
1. Students who do not complete daily work may be required to finish it at home.
2. Studying for tests is not considered “formal” homework.
3. If a student is having difficulty in a given subject area, extra homework may be assigned for extra practice.

Your child’s teacher will devise a procedure in which homework assignments will be made and recorded. The teacher will make you aware of the procedures to be used. Parents will be contacted through the Home Access Center (HAC) when a student consistently fails, two times, to complete homework assignments on time and a different homework plan may be initiated at that time.
Students in grades 5 & 6 must purchase a homework assignment book. It is the child’s responsibility to write assignments down in the assignment book. Parents are encouraged to monitor the student’s assignments on a daily basis. When the student has completed the work, the parent\caregiver\guardian should check the box in the homework notebook and sign on the appropriate line/box.

MAKE-UP WORK

Students who have been absent will be required to make-up missed work. Grades can be withheld if make-up work is not turned in and could lead to failure if the situation is not remedied immediately. It is the parent’s responsibility to check with their child to see if he/she obtained all make-up work from the teachers.
If an assignment is made on the day of the absence the student will have three (3) days to make up the missed assignments (this includes test, projects, homework, etc). After three days, no credit will be granted on the work missed. If an assignment or test is announced, while the student is present in class, for a particular date and the student is absent on that date, he/she will be required to turn in the assignment or take the test immediately upon returning to school.

PUPIL PLACEMENT

The Drew Central School District is dedicated to making pupil placements that insure the continuous development of each student enrolled. The professional staff is expected to place students at the appropriate grade level based on the student’s academic, social, and emotional development.




PROMOTION & RETENTION

Students will normally progress annually from grade to grade. Exceptions may be made when, in the judgment of the professional staff, retention would be in the best interest of the student.
Act 35 of 2003 Special Session states
*All students below proficient on the State’s mandated yearly Benchmark Assessment receive remediation.
Students not completing their individual Academic Improvement Plan (AIP) shall be retained.
Other criteria for retention are:
*Student has a failing grade (59% or below) in reading, writing skills, and or math, or is significantly below grade level.
*Teacher recommendation based on failing grades (59% or below) for the year in two or more subjects.
*Failing in three (3) subjects.
*Scores shown on Target Test, DRA, DSA, NRT (Light’s Retention Scale)
*Student’s failure to master the skills at the particular grade level, based on the state’s frameworks for that grade. (Teacher-made tests, including criteria-referenced tests and performance-based tests, will be used to determine this level of achievement.)
Students, who are not meeting one or more of the above criteria, will be closely monitored by the teacher.
*By the end of the first semester, if the student is still failing, a parent/teacher conference will be scheduled.
*If a student is still failing a formal notification will be made at least one month prior to the last day of school.
*Parents may request another conference at that time. Parent/Teacher conferences shall be scheduled at a time and place to best accommodate those participating in the conferences.
*After both written and oral communication has occurred, a decision will be made regarding promotion or retention.
*Parental wishes will be considered, but the final decision will rest with the school authorities.
*Special Instructional Services*

Drew Central Schools provide a variety of programs designed to meet the individual educational needs of every student. The following programs are available for students who qualify for them.

AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM
The 21st Century Community Learning Center (21st CCLC), also known as the Drew Central After School Program, is a grant awarded by the State of Arkansas. It is designed to academically assist students. The goal of the program is to provide a safe environment that is conducive to learning.
The Drew Central After School Program is open to any student seeking additional academic help. To enroll in the program, applications may be obtained from the office and are required for admission. The site is open Monday through Thursday from 3:15 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. The Drew Central After School Program site is closed on school holidays, breaks, staff development days/afternoons, and days when students are dismissed early. The hours of operation may be periodically adjusted to benefit the participants and or the program as a whole. Contact Mrs. Cathy Edmonds at 367-6076 for more information.

CHARACTER EDUCATION PROGRAM

In order to teach our students important character traits to be successful, we need parents to help instill these important behaviors in our students. Children learn what they live. Each month a different guiding principle will be stressed:
September – Responsibility January – Optimism
October – Respect February – Honesty/Trustworthiness
November – Perseverance March – Loyalty
December - Compassion April - Cooperation
May - Courage

COUNSELING

Drew Central Middle School has two counselors Mr. Bill White and Mrs. Pam Smith. Students are counseled individually, whole group, and small group.
Specific needs sessions are held whenever a need arises. This office strives to maintain confidentiality, as well as ethical and professional standards dictated by the American School Counselor Association and the Arkansas Dept. of Education. In-School referrals for any contracted school based mental health agency are coordinated through the counselor’s office. Drew Central School District Board and administration may request proof of certification and/or licensure of those providing mental health services to our students. Additional on campus mental health providers available are Living Hope, Day Springs, Phoenix Services and Delta Counseling.

ESL/ELL EDUCATION

English as a Second Language (ESL)/English Language Learners (ELL) education is available for students whose primary language is not English. Contact 367-5235 for more information.

GIFTED AND TALENTED EDUCATION

The GT Program of Drew Central consists of a pullout program, for the identified students, as well as an in-class enrichment program. The identified students grades 5-6 go to the GT Resource Room 75 minutes per week for enrichment, acceleration, and higher level thinking activities; another 75 minutes of enrichment is done in the regular classroom. The group participates in the annual Quiz Bowl, Project Fair, and Chess Tournament held at the SEARK Educational Cooperative each spring. Grade 7-8 students identified as GT participate in Honors Classes.
Students selected for the program must be identified through screening for high level achievement, creativity, and task-commitment. Teachers refer potential GT students in the spring, and tests are given to these students in the early fall for placement. The purpose of the program warrants careful consideration of the referrals, in order to meet their special needs that cannot always be met in the regular classroom. Students who do not need additional enrichment activities do not need to be pulled out of the regular classroom for such services.
For more information, contact Brady McDuffee at 367-5235.

MASTERY MATH

The Mastery Math model is used for teaching math to students. This model stresses teacher/student interaction and brings consistency to the mode of instruction. With this approach, students are instructionally grouped at the appropriate level. ALL students, whether in special education or gifted programs, can be academically successful and feel good about themselves if they are provided with appropriate instruction.

PARENT CENTER

The Parent Center is designed to unite teachers, parents and students together through fun activities and learning workshops. In strengthening the home and school connection, we can assist our students in achieving their highest potential in education.
Services Offered are:
Family Reading - Quarterly evening events to promote family reading utilizing the Accelerator Reader Program.

Monthly Newsletters

Parent of the Year Award

For further information regarding any of these programs, contact Anna Jones, Parent Center Coordinator at 367-5235.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Physical Education is required for all Middle School students for 60 minutes a week. If a student’s participation has some limitations, it will be necessary to submit a written note to the office submitting an excuse from physical education activities. Continued limitation will require a medical doctor’s excuse on file in the office.

COMPREHENSIVE LITERACY

A Literacy Workshop Model to enhance the achievement of students in literacy with explicit instruction that develops strategic learners. Comprehensive Literacy also promotes building life-long readers.
For further information contact Mrs. Melissa Eason at 367-5235.

SPECIAL EDUCATION

Students served in the Special Education Program must qualify under PL94-142. After a student is referred for testing, a conference is held to explain reasons for the referral, parent/student rights, and the testing procedure. After the parent or guardian gives permission, a psychological examiner evaluates the child and those results determine whether or not the child qualifies for services. After testing, another conference is held with the parent/guardian to discuss result and placement if indicated. Contact Terri Smith or Julie Callison at 367-5235.

SECTION 504 STATUS

Section 504 status applies to students with disabilities. The student may be considered disabled if he/she has a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities. Examples of such disabilities are temporary disabling conditions such as an accident or injury requiring the student’s extended absence from school, communicable diseases, attention deficit disorder, behavior disorders, chronic asthma or severe allergies, physical disabilities, and diabetes. Upon evaluation and recommendation, reasonable accommodations in the student’s instructional program and services are provided. Contact Bill White at 367-5235 for more information.

TITLE I – Schoolwide
Title I is a federally funded program designed to work with students who need extra help in the areas of reading and math. It is a teacher directed program implemented schoolwide to help students get on grade level. For information concerning this program, contact Trudy Jackson, Federal Programs Coordinator, at 367-5235.


*General Policies*
The following policies contain general information of the Drew Central School District and they address issues that have not been covered by specific policies in this handbook.

SCHOOL TELEPHONE

Students will not be permitted to use the telephone unless it is an emergency. Please make necessary plans with your children before they leave home in the morning so they will not have to call home after they arrive at school. If your plans should change during the day, please call the school no later that 2:30 p.m. to assure that your child receives the message. Due to the large number of messages and the difficulty in locating students, the office cannot guarantee that the message will be delivered and they will not accept any responsibility for the missed communication if the call was not received before the 2:30 p.m. deadline.
Calls to students and/or teachers are discouraged during scheduled classes. Please feel free to leave a message or number to be called by the student and/or teacher during a free time. Emergency calls dealing with illness will be taken immediately.
*Drew Central telephones are on a “roll-over” system and the phone numbers that show up on the home’s Caller ID many times are not the office or phone from which the call was originated. Please be patient when you return the school’s call.

EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Extra curricular activities such as field trips, programs, etc. will have a curriculum connection and will be limited in order to protect instructional time in the classroom. All students are eligible to participate in extra curricular activities unless this privilege has been removed due to discipline problems.


SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAM

The lunchroom is operated for the benefit of the pupils. It is hoped that as many as possible will take advantage of this service. In order to meet the nutritional requirements of the pupils, a well-balanced hot lunch is served daily. The cafeteria uses a computer program to enter and monitor student balances. Each student has an identification number that they use throughout grades K - 12. Any new student will be assigned a number.
Parents are requested to pay by the week, two weeks, or month. Students will be notified when their balance becomes low in the computer. Students will not be allowed to charge lunches and/or milk. If they plan to eat, they must have money in their computer account or have the money to pay when they pick up the lunch.
Lunch menus are announced on the radio daily and included with the monthly newsletter.
Free and reduced lunches are available for students who are eligible. Forms are sent home with every student at the start of the new school year. Parents must fill these out promptly so that eligibility can be determined. Provisions will be made for these students until approval is received. *If parents have a change in income during the school year, they are asked to request a new free/reduced lunch application from the school.




LUNCH AND BREAKFAST PRICES
Breakfast Lunch
Daily Weekly Daily Weekly
Regular $0.75 $3.75 $1.50 $7.50

Reduced $0.40 $2.00 $0.50 $2.50

Teacher/Visitor $0.75 $3.75 $2.00 $10.00

Any student who does not participate in the school lunch program should bring a lunch from home. Students need this nourishment and are strongly discouraged from skipping lunch. Any student who is not eating lunch should bring a note from his/her parents stating that they are aware the child is not eating and that they approve letting the child make this choice.

SPECIAL DIETARY NEEDS – Act 1146 of 1995

When a licensed physician certifies that a child has a disability and prescribes substitutions, schools are required to make substitutions in foods listed in the meal pattern.
A copy of the physician’s statement will be kept on file in the school office and the cafeteria manager’s office, and shall include the following:
• The student’s disability and an explanation of why the disability restricts the participant’s diet;
• The major life activity affected by the disability; and
• The food or foods to be omitted from the student’s diet, and the food or choice of foods that must be substituted.

Meal substitutions for children without disabilities – Schools may make substitutions for a child who does not have a disability but is unable to consume a food item because of medical needs; however, SCHOOLS ARE NOT REQUIRED TO DO SO. Arkansas law requires that only a licensed physician can prescribe diet modifications for school meals for a student with or without a disability or chronic medical condition.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR FOOD AND BEVERAGES IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS,- ACT 1220 of 2003

Students will not have access to vended food and beverages anytime, anywhere on
school premises during the declared school day. If caught accessing the vending
machines any items purchased by the student(s) will be confiscated.
Effective July 1, 2005, during the declared school day, the school site may not serve; provide access to, through direct or indirect sales, or use as a reward, any Foods of Minimal Nutritional Value (FMNV) or competitive food. This includes FMNV and competitive foods given, sold or provided by school administrators, or staff (principals, coaches, teachers, club sponsors, etc.) students or student groups, parents or parent groups, or any other person, company or organization associated with the school site.
The Child Nutrition Program may only sell food items in the cafeteria, during meal periods that are already offered as a component of a reimbursable meal during the school year, including extra milk, fresh fruits, vegetables, and/or an extra meal meeting the same requirements of the reimbursable meal. School food service departments shall not sell or give extra servings of desserts, french fries and/or ice cream.

Exceptions to Limiting Access to Food and Beverages in All Schools:
There will be nine designated snack days in each school year.
During the nine designated snack days will be the only time students are allowed to eat or drink in the classroom.
Parents Rights - This policy does not restrict what parents may provide for their own child’s lunch or snacks. Parents may provide FMNV or candy items for their own child’s consumption, but they may not provide restricted items to other children at school.
School Nurses - This policy does not apply to school nurses using FMNVs or candy during the course of providing health care to individual students.

FERPA

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act is a federal law that governs the maintenance of student records. Drew Central School District controls records in compliance with this Act. Those who have the right to inspect and review the educational records of the student include the following:
1. Parents/guardians of students who are not yet 18 years of age
2. Parents/guardians who claim students who are 18 years of age or older as dependents under Section 852
3. Students who are at least 18 years of age

INTERNET POLICY - ACT 801 OF 1997

Students may have the opportunity to use a variety of technologies at school, including computers and the Internet. Students are to use this technology as directed by the staff, which conforms to the school curriculum. Students who use any technology in an inappropriate manner and/or not as directed by the school are in violation of school policy and subject to discipline, and up to and including the loss of the right to use the technology (which may involve loss of credit if the technology use was course work.) Students who violate technology user agreements are also subject to the penalties outlined in the agreement.

FIELD TRIPS

School-sponsored field trips are a part of the school program. Parental release forms are required for participation. Students may lose the privilege of attending the field trip for misbehavior.

WINTER OUTSIDE POLICY

The Internet weather site http://www.wunderground.com will be consulted to find the temperature and wind speed for our area. If the temperature is 38 degrees or above and the wind chill factor is above freezing, the students will go outside for recess. The front pavement area will be used if the playground is in unacceptable shape. The principal or the assistant principal will determine any exception to the above policy.

STUDENT PROPERTY

Parents are requested to label all items such as coats, hats, lunch boxes, etc. Students should not bring toys and other items that are not needed for school work. This includes Walkman, Nitendo DS, or other electronic games. Students will not be allowed to bring baseball, basketball, Pokémon, or football cards. The school cannot accept responsibility for these items. Teachers have the right to confiscate such items and take them to the office of the building principal.

SENDING MONEY TO SCHOOL

Please instruct your child concerning his/her responsibility in caring for money brought to school. Send only the amount of money needed for the day. Lunch money should be placed in an envelope with their name, lunch number and amount of money enclosed noted on the outside. At no time should students bring large amounts of money to school.

REPLACEMENT OF BOOKS

Textbooks are provided at no cost for normal student use. Fines are imposed for damage, and undue wear. Replacement fees are charged for lost textbooks, books from the classroom library and Curriculum Library. Grades will be held until these fees are paid. Prices will vary depending on the cost of the book.

SMART CORE / CORE CURRICULUM - 6th - 12th Grades

Smart Core is required curriculum that is part of Next Step, a state initiative focusing on improving Arkansas public high schools for all students so that they are prepared for life beyond graduation. The goal is to implement educational strategies that are innovative, effective, rigorous, revenant and rewarding so that all students are prepared to compete and be successful in the ever-changing global market.
All students are required to partipate in the Smart Core curriculum unless their parents/guardians, or students if they are age 18 or older, sign the Smart Core Waiver Form participate. Those students not participating in the Smart Core curriculum will be required to fulfill the Core Curriculum to be eligible for graduation.
Parents must sign either the Smart Core Informed Consent Form or the Smart Core Waiver Form and return to the school. Forms are required to be signed prior to registering for seventh grade classes, or if enrolling in the district for seventh through twelfth grade classes. Counseling by trained personnel shall be available to students and their parents/guardians regarding questions about the consent form.
While there are similarities between the two curriculums, following the Core curriculum may not qualify students for some scholarships and admission to certain colleges could be jeopardized.
Students initially choosing the Core curriculum may subsequently change to the Smart Core curriculum providing they would be able to complete the required course of study by the end of their senior year.
Student wishing to change their choice of curriculums must consult with their counselor to determine the feasibility of changing.
Forms are located in the back of the Student Handbook.

MEDIA CENTER POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

Library/Media Center Mission Statement:
The mission of the Drew Central Middle School Library/Media Center is to ensure that our students and staff are effective users of ideas and information and to encourage reading for pleasure.

The Library/Media Center is open during regular school hours.
Funds raised from the Fall and Spring Book Fairs and Magazine Sales are used to purchase materials for the Accelerated Reader (AR) program and contest prizes.
The Library/Media Center Fund provides one or more author visits per year.
Students should only test on his/her Accelerated Reader account. Failure to comply with this rule will disqualify them from the AR contest.
Students and Teachers are responsible for the books and AV materials checked out in their name.
Replacement fees will be charged to a student or a teacher who has lost any books or AV materials.
Replacement fee of $1.00 will be charged for books that have been returned and are missing bar codes, spine labels and/ or AR (Accelerated Reader) information.
Students are allowed to check out two (2) books, and teachers are allowed to check out 15 to 20 books, unless they have lost library books on their account.
Report Cards of students with lost books will be held until the library/media center account is clear.
Students withdrawing from Drew Central must always make sure their library/media center account is clear.
A signed permission slip is required for students to check books out.

SCHOOL REPORTING RESPONSIBILITY

Whenever the principal or other person in charge of a public school has personal knowledge or has received information leading to a reasonable belief that any person has committed or has threatened to commit an act of violence or any crime involving a deadly weapon on school property or while under school supervision, the principal or the person in charge shall immediately report the incident or threat to the superintendent of the school district and the appropriate local law enforcement agency. (ACT 1520 of 1999)

STUDENT INSURANCE and AR Kids First Program

The Drew Central School District maintains a contract with a reputable insurance company providing accident insurance for students. The protection is offered to each student for a small fee. Students have an opportunity to purchase this insurance at the beginning of each school year and are encouraged to do so. Forms will be sent home by each student during the first week of school.

STUDENT DRESS AND GROOMING CODE POLICY

The Drew Central School District recognizes that dress can be a matter of personal taste and preference. At the same time, the District has a responsibility to promote an environment conducive to student learning. This requires limitations to student dress and grooming that could be disruptive to the education process because they are immodest, disruptive, unsanitary, and unsafe, could cause property damage, or are offensive to common standards of decency. Student dress codes for the District’s schools shall be included in the student handbooks and will be consistent with criteria.

Dress Code
Students are expected to dress in clothing which is appropriate for school, and which will not distract from the learning atmosphere of the classroom. Any extreme in appearance that may disrupt the normal operations of the school will not be acceptable.
Students should practice good dress and grooming habits that are clean and sanitary.

Guidelines for School Apparel:
1. Clothing with rips, tears, patches, stress/distressed marks or holes above the knee are prohibited. Clothing with rips, tears or holes above the knee that show undergarments, shorts, leggings, patched material, pocket liners or skin are prohibited.
2. Clothing resembling sleep wear such as pajamas, house shoes, slippers, etc. is prohibited.
3. Pants or slacks should be work at the natural waistline. “NO SAGGING”
4. Leggings or spandex are not considered proper body covering. Clothing worn over leggings or spandex should meet proper dress code requirements.
5. Clothing should not be transparent or see through. Any see-through, low-cut, or extremely tight clothing which makes underclothing or leggings visible, or is suggestive will be prohibited.
6. Students must wear proper undergarments.
7. Tops must have at least two inch wide straps over the shoulder, no sagging armholes, and a body length which will cover the waist. Shirts must be long enough to tuck in so that the midriff will not be exposed. Tanks tops, muscle shirts, sleeveless shirts (males), spaghetti straps, or basketball type jerseys shall not be worn unless a shirt with sleeves is worn over or underneath the top. Low-cut attire, bareless backs, halter tops, mesh attire, or shirts, tops or blouses with open sides are prohibited. Exposure of cleavage is not acceptable.
8. Shoes must be worn at all times (no house shoes or slippers). No skate shoes or heelies are allowed.
9. All clothing must be properly worn. (snaps snapped, buckles buckled, buttons buttoned, zippers zipped, etc) This includes straps designed to be worn over the shoulder (i.e. jumpers, etc.)
10. Inappropriate symbols will not be allowed. Clothing or items (i.e. backpacks, jewelry, purses, bags, buttons, caps, etc) displaying symbols, slogans, pictures or suggestions that are of a vulgar nature, depicting alcoholic beverages, bars, taverns, pornography, illegal drugs, use of suggestive or inflammatory words or gang insignias should not be worn or carried. No writing may be visible on the backside of pants, shorts or skirts. No chains shall be worn on or connected to student clothing.
11. No hats, headbands, sweatbands, head scarves, hoods, sunglasses or wave caps shall be allowed to be worn in any school building by either boys or girls. Those items worn inside any building will be taken and kept by the principal.
12. Shorts, skirts or dresses which have no holes, slits, tears or distressed areas shall have a hemmed bottom edge(s) and be no shorter than four inches from the top of the knee.

Students not in compliance with the dress code will not be allowed to attend class until they are in compliance.

Violation of the Student Dress and Grooming Code Policy will result in:
1st Offense: Warning, call parents to bring clothes or send home to change. Students waiting for proper clothing will be placed in In School Suspension until clothing is brought. Class time missed due to students going home for proper clothing will be considered an unexcused absence.
2nd Offense: One day of In School Suspension, call parent to bring appropriate clothes or send home to change.
3rd Offense: Three days of In School Suspension, call parent to bring appropriate clothes or send home to change.
4th Offense: Three days of Out of School Suspension and work missed can not be made up.
*FOR YOUR INFORMATION*

STUDENTS SICK DURING RECESS

Students may not stay inside during recess unless they are sick.
If you wish for your child to stay in at recess due to sickness, write a note stating the nature of the illness. Unless a note is sent, the child will be sent outside to play when weather permits. Students who stay inside due to illness will be sent to detention hall for supervision.

VALENTINE’S DAY HOLIDAY

No “special” deliveries are accepted at school during the week of Valentine’s Day.

SELLING PERSONAL ITEMS AT SCHOOL

There will be no buying, selling, or trading of personal items at school. Students should be encouraged not to share personal items such as chap stick, brushes or drinks.





















Drew Central Middle School Handbook Committee

Joy Graham, Principal Pam Smith, Counselor
Alexa Beatty, Teacher Rhonda Sanderlin, Teacher
Shelia Gardner, Media Specialist Connie Horn, HQ Paraprofessional
Melissa Eason, Literacy Coach Stephanie Jackson, Math Coach
Kristine Hoskins, Parent Jenny Chambers, Parent
Stacy McKeown, Parent Amanda Hood, Secretary
Clark Wilmoth, Teacher/Science Coach





























Drew Central Schools
Objection to Screenings or Physical Examinations


I, the undersigned, being a parent or guardian of a student, or a student eighteen years of age or older, hereby note my objection to the physical examination or screening of the student named below.

Physical examination or screening being objected to:

_____ Scoliosis Test

_____ BMI (height & weight)

_____ Other
(please specify):____________________________________________________

** This is only valid for the current school year. **




Name of Student (printed) Grade/Teacher


Signature of Parent or Student (if over 18 years)


Date School Year















Drew Central Schools
Request for Administration of Medication
(870)367-6893
All medication (including over-the-counter) must have a written physician’s order to be administered at school. A complete and correct pharmacy label on prescription medication will be accepted as a physician’s order.
Prescriber’s Authorization

Student’s Name: _________________________________________Date of Birth:___ _______________Grade: ____

Condition for which medication is being administered:____________________________________________________

Medication Name: ________________________________________Dose/Route: ____________________________

Time/Frequency of administration:______________________________________________________ PRN only
(If medication time is “lunch” or “noon,” medication will be given within 30 minutes of student’s lunchtime.)

If PRN, for what symptoms:________________________________________________________________________

Medication shall be administered from: ______________________to___________________ or last day of school
Month/Day/Year Month/Day/Year






*This order is only valid through the current school year. A new medication administration form must be completed for each medication and each time there is a change in dosage or time of administration of a medication.

Parent/Guardian Authorization
I/We request designated school personnel to administer the medication as prescribed by the above prescriber. I/We hereby release and discharge Drew Central School District and Its employees and officials from any and all liability in case of accident, injury, damage, or other mishap in connection with the administration and supervision of taking said medication including any side effects, illness or other injury which may occur to my child. I/We certify that I/We have legal authority to consent to medical treatment for the student named above, including the administration of medication at school. I/We understand that at the end of the school year or once medication has been discontinued, an adult must pick up the medication, otherwise it will be discarded. I/We authorize the school nurse to communicate with the health care provider and/or pharmacist as allowed by HIPAA. I certify that the above information is correct and agree to the stated terms:

Parent Signature:______________________________________________________Date:_____________________

Parent Name: ____________________________________Home #:__________________ Cell #:_______________

Emergency Contact:_______________________________ Home #:___________________Cell #:_______________

Self Carry/ Administration of Emergency Medication Authorization/Approval
Self carry/administration of emergency medication must be authorized by the prescriber and parent, and must be approved by the school nurse according the State medication policy.

Prescriber’s Authorization for the self carry/administration of emergency medication:______________________________________
Signature/Date
Parent’s Authorization for the self carry/administration of emergency medication:_________________________________________
Signature/Date
School RN approval for the self carry/administration of emergency medication:___________________________________________
Signature/Date
Order reviewed by the school nurse: ________________________________________________________________ Signature/Date





Teacher Name: __________________________

Drew Central Schools
NOTICE TO PARENTS
**Remove this form from the handbook and return to the school
within 30 days after school begins on August 19, 2010**

Act 104 of 1983 requires that school districts develop district-wide policies. Parents, students and school district personnel were involved in the formulation of our current policies. These policies were approved by the Drew Central School Board. The Act requires that parents and/or guardians be advised of the policies. Your child has been given a copy of the policies. Please review the policies with your child so that both of you will be aware of the provisions. The parent/guardian must sign the form below and return it to school as soon as possible. Signing this form indicates that you and your student have reviewed the policies in this handbook.

My child has received a copy of the attendance and discipline policies and all general policy statements of Drew Central Middle School

Student’s Signature___________________________________________________

Parent/Guardian Signature_____________________________________________

Date_________________________________


Petition to Withhold Administration of Corporal Punishment

As the parent or legal guardian of (student name) ______________________________________
I DO NOT want corporal punishment administered to my child at school. I understand that by making this request school personnel may assess alternative forms of discipline for my child which could include suspension from school or other disciplinary actions.

Parent Signature__________________________________________________

Date ____________________________________



Petition to Withhold Directory Information or Photographs

As the parent or legal guardian of (student name) ______________________________________
I DO NOT want my child to receive public recognitions of achievement OR photographs of my child published by the school in newspapers, the yearbook, or school website.

Parent/Guardian Signature ____________________________________________

Date ___________________________________________

SMART CORE INFORMED CONSENT FORM
(GRADUATING CLASS OF 2014 AND AFTER)
Name of Student: _____________________________________________________
Name of Parent/Guardian: _____________________________________________
Name of District: _____________________________________________________
Name of School: ______________________________________________________
Smart Core is Arkansas’s college- and career-ready curriculum for high school students.
College- and career-readiness in Arkansas means that students are prepared for success in entry-level, credit-bearing courses at two-year and four-year colleges and universities, in technical postsecondary training, and in well-paid jobs that support families and have pathways to advancement. To be college- and career ready, students need to be adept problem solvers and critical thinkers who can contribute and apply their knowledge in novel contexts and unforeseen situations. Smart Core is the foundation for college- and career-readiness. All students should supplement with additional rigorous coursework within their career focus.

Successful completion of the Smart Core curriculum is one of the eligibility requirements for the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship. Failure to complete the Smart Core curriculum for graduation may result in negative consequences such as conditional admission to college and ineligibility for scholarship programs.

Parents or guardians may waive the right for a student to participate in Smart Core and to instead participate in the Core curriculum. The parent must sign the separate Smart Core Waiver Form to do so.
SMART CORE CURRICULUM
English – 4 units
English 9th grade
English 10th grade
English 11th grade
English 12th grade

Mathematics – 4 units
Algebra I or Algebra A & B (Grades 7-8 or 8-9)
Geometry or Investigating Geometry or Geometry A & B (Grades 8-9 or 9-10)
Algebra II
Fourth Math Choice of: Transitions to College Math, Pre-Calculus, Calculus, Trigonometry, Statistics, Computer Math, Algebra III or an Advanced Placement mathematics

(Comparable concurrent credit college courses may be substituted where applicable.)
Natural Science – 3 units with lab experience chosen from:
Physical Science
Biology or Applied Biology/Chemistry
Chemistry
Physics or Principles of Technology I & II or PIC Physics

Social Studies – 3 units
Civics or Civics/American Government – 1 unit
World History – 1 unit
U.S. History – 1 unit

Oral Communications – ½ unit
Physical Education – ½ unit
Health and Safety – ½ unit
Economics – ½ unit (may be counted toward Social Studies or Career Focus)
Fine Arts – ½ unit
Career Focus – 6 units
By signing this form, I acknowledge that I have been informed of the requirements and implementation of the Smart Core curriculum and am choosing the Smart Core curriculum for my child.
_________ _________­­­­­­­­­­­­____ ____________ _______________________ ________
Parent/Guardian Signature Date School Official Signature Date
SMART CORE WAIVER FORM
(GRADUATING CLASS OF 2014 AND AFTER)
 
Name of Student: ___________________________________________________________
Name of Parent/Guardian: ___________________________________________________
Name of District: ___________________________________________________________
Name of School: ____________________________________________________________
Smart Core is Arkansas’s college- and career-ready curriculum for high school students.

College- and career-readiness in Arkansas means that students are prepared for success in entry-level, credit-bearing courses at two-year and four-year colleges and universities, in technical postsecondary training, and in well-paid jobs that support families and have pathways to advancement. To be college- and career ready, students need to be adept problem solvers and critical thinkers who can contribute and apply their knowledge in novel contexts and unforeseen situations. Smart Core is the foundation for- and career-readiness. All students should supplement with additional rigorous coursework within their career focus.

Successful completion of the Smart Core curriculum is one of the eligibility requirements for the Arkansas
Academic Challenge Scholarship. Failure to complete the Smart Core curriculum for graduation may result in negative consequences such as conditional admission to college and ineligibility for scholarship programs.

Parents or guardians may waive the right for a student to participate in Smart Core. By signing this Smart Core Waiver Form, you are waiving your student’s right to Smart Core and are placing him or her in the CoreCurriculum.
CORE CURRICULUM
English – 4 units
• English 9th grade
• English 10th grade
• English 11th grade
• English 12th grade
Mathematics – 4 units
• Algebra I or its equivalent
• Geometry or its equivalent
• All math units must build on the base of algebra and geometry knowledge and skills.
** A two-year algebra equivalent or a two-year geometry equivalent may each be counted as two units of
the four (4) unit requirement.
Science – 3 units
• At least one unit of Biology
• At least one unit of a physical science
Social Studies – 3 units
• Civics – ½ unit
• World History – 1 unit
• U.S. History – 1 unit
Oral Communications – ½ unit
Physical Education – ½ unit
Health and Safety – ½ unit
Economics – ½ unit (may be counted toward Social Studies or Career Focus)
Fine Arts – ½ unit
Career Focus – 6 units

By signing this form, I acknowledge that I have been informed of the requirements and implementation of the Smart Core curriculum and am choosing to waive the Smart Core curriculum for my child. I understand the potential negative consequences of this action as outlined on this form.
_____________________ _________ ____________________________ _________
Parent/Guardian Signature Date School Official Signature Date


To: Parents and Guardians of Drew Central School District

From: Wayne Fawcett, Superintendent

Date: August 1, 2010

RE: Accident Insurance for Students

The following facts should be fully understood by the parents and guardians of all Drew Central School District athletes and students who participate in school sponsored activities in grades PK-12.

Drew Central School District has entered into a contractual agreement with United HealthCare StudentResources for athletic and extracurricular insurance underwritten by United HealthCare Insurance Company for all students in grades PK-12. This coverage is for AAA sponsored activities, including all AAA athletic events. Your child will be covered while participating in, practicing for, and traveling to and from such an activity in a school furnished vehicle.
Drew Central School District assumes no responsibility as a result of injuries that occur at school or during a school sponsored event including athletic events, however this insurance is provided at school expense. This is a SECONDARY INSURANCE to whatever health insurance the parent or guardian has for their children and all claims should be filed with the primary health insurance company and with United HealthCare. You will need to indicate on the claim form the name and address of your regular insurance carrier.
If the student has no other insurance coverage, United HealthCare will become the primary carrier and will pay accordingly. The parent or guardian should indicate on the claim form if they have no other health insurance.
All policies have limitations. United HealthCare will pay up to the amounts that are listed on the student brochure. The brochure will be sent out in the Parent Kits. Parents will be responsible for any amounts remaining after both the primary health insurance and United HealthCare limitations have been reached.
The Drew Central School District and its employees are NOT responsible for any costs for treatment to your child by any doctor.
In case of an injury, it is the responsibility of the parent to file a claim form. These forms are available in the Superintendent’s office. They can also be printed from United HealthCare StudentResources’ website at www.k12studentinsurance.com. The coaches, sponsors, and administrative personnel will be happy to assist you in completing the form; however no Drew Central School District employee is responsible for filing your claim.
As with any policy, there are policy exclusions. Please review the Policy Limitations that are listed in the brochure.
Treatment must begin within 30 days from the injury and claims must be filed within 90 days of the injury. Benefits will be paid for covered expenses incurred within 52 weeks from the date of the accident.
The At School Coverage is provided for your child by the district at no cost to the parent or guardian. It provides coverage for injuries that occur at school or during school-sponsored activities during the regular school year. You are eligible to purchase the 24 hour coverage if you wish from the Student Brochure.

I have read and understand that the coverage provided by the Drew Central School has certain limitations and is considered primary coverage only if I have no other coverage for my child(ren). I further understand that Drew Central School District is NOT responsible for payment of any medical expenses not paid by United HealthCare. If you have any questions please feel free to call Cristy Dunnahoe at 367-5369.
Drew Central Middle School
Faculty and Staff Directory
2010-2011






Wayne Fawcett

Superintendent

MED from UALR and ASU


Joy Graham

Principal
BSE, U of A - Pine Bluff
MSE, Ark State Univ.
Ed.Specialist, Henderson Univ

Trudy Jackson

Assistant Principal
Federal Programs
BS, UAM
MSE, UALR


Classroom Teachers



Alexa Beatty

Fifth Grade Teacher

BA-Business Admin, UAM


Angela Chambers

Fifth Grade Teacher

BA-Elementary, UAM

Shawn Curtis
Fifth Grade Teacher
ASU & UAM

Leigh Anne Wilmoth

Fifth Grade Teacher

BA-Elementary, UAM




Rose Ann Adcock

Sixth Grade Teacher

BSE, UAM


Deborah Jones

Sixth Grade Teacher

BA-Elementary, UAM


Gaybie Smith

Sixth Grade Teacher

BSE & MSE, ASU




Shelia Borse

Eighth Grade Teacher
BA, Thomas More College
MA, University of Dallas


Larry Harris
Seventh Grade Teacher
& Athletics
BA, UAM
MAT, UAM


Rhonda Sanderlin

Seventh & Eighth Grade Teacher

BA, UAM


Susan Scott

Seventh & Eighth Grade Teacher
BSE, Henderson
MSE, UAM


Onnie Simpson

Seventh Grade Teacher
BA-Elementary, UAM
MA-Elementary, UAM


Gail Snider

Seventh & Eighth Grade Teacher

BA, UALR


Karen Piper

Seventh & Eighth Grade Teacher

BSE, UAM

Jennifer Tyson

Seventh & Eighth Grade Teacher

BA-English, ASU


Certified Specialty Areas



James Bell

Athletics
BSE, UCA
MSE, NW Missouri State


Nelwyn Birch

Keyboarding

BS, UAM


John Britton

Agriculture

BS, ASU


Rebecca Brooks

Choir
BME, Mohave Comm. College, Northern AZ Univ.



Allison Dyer

Special Education
Self Contained BS, Mississippi State Univ.
MSE,Special Ed.Univ. of West Alabama
Master Level courses in Ed. Leadership, UAM



Julie Callison


Intervention Specialist


BA, UAM


Melissa Eason

Literacy Coach, Grades 4-8

BSE, Henderson
M.Ed., UALR


Janine Eubanks

Music

BA-Music, UAM


Michael Goad

Athletics
BS, UAM
MAT, UAM


Sheila Gardner

Media Specialist
BA-Elementary, UAM
MSE-Media Spec., UCA


Alan Goodding

Algebra I
BS, UAM
MAT, UAM


Kim Greer
Curriculum Coordinator
& Grants
BSE & ME
Texas @ Tyler


Lindsay Groce

Art

BS, Arkansas State Univ.


Larry Harris

Keyboarding & Athletics
BA, UAM
MAT, UAM


Erika Herman

Art
BA-Art, Lakeland College


Stephanie Jackson

Math Coach, Grades K-6

BA-Elementary, UAM
MA-Elementary, U of A


Charlena Johnston

LEA Supervisor
BSE, U of A
MSE, U of A


Nick Kelnhofer

Athletics

BS, UAM


Cindy Luper

Math Coach, Grades 7-12
BS, UAM
ME, UAM


Angel Mathews
Physical Education &
Cross Country
BS, ME, Delta State University


Brady McDuffee

Gifted & Talented BA, UofA
ME, SAU



Sylvia Ngar

Special Education
Self Contained

BA-Elementary, UAM
MEd-Elementary, UAM


Pam Smith

Counselor
BA-UAM
M.ED -ULM


Truman Self

Band Director

BME, Univ. of Central Ark


Denise Spence

Speech /Language Pathologist

Masters, Louisiana Tech


Edgar Spencer

Physical Education

BS-PE & Health, UAM


Terri Smith

Intervention Specialist
BSE & MSE
Henderson State Univ.


Penny Vance
Family & Consumer Science
BSE, UCA
MS, UCA


Bill White

Counselor

BSE-Biology, Speech, UAM
MSE-Counseling, U of A


Non-Certified Specialty Areas


Natalie Acosta
ESL
Halifax County H.S.

Gail Block
Custodian
Drew Central High School

Linda Cater

Special Ed./Self-Contained Aide
Drew Central High School

Terra Chambers
Americorp
Drew Central High School

Shawna Densmore
Americorp
Drew Central High School

Cristy Dunnahoe
Business Manager
BA – Accounting, UAPB

Kami Griffin
Nurse
BSN from UAM


Dava Harrington

HQ Paraprofessional
North Little Rock H.S.
ParaPro - HQ


Lillie Herring

Special Education, RN
Self-Contained Monticello H.S.
Jefferson Regional Medical Center, School of Nursing


Amanda Hood

Secretary Middle School

Drew Central High School

Connie Horn
In School Suspension Drew Central High School
ParaPro - HQ

Kristine Hoskins
HQ Paraprofessional Drew Central High School
ParaPro – HQ


Anna Jones

Parent Center Coordinator

UAM, 60 + hrs

Rena McCone
Payroll Monticello H.S.
UAM, 60+ hrs.

Bonita Nolen
HQ Paraprofessional BA-Physical Ed, UAM
ParaPro – HQ

Becky Pace
HQ Paraprofessional Wilmar High School
ParaPro – HQ

Martha Taylor
Computer Lab Manager Drew Central High School
UAM-60+ hrs., LPN

Christy Trantham
HQ Paraprofessional Monticello H.S.
ParaPro – HQ

Pam Walker
Special Ed./Self-Contained Aide
CNA, Echo Vo. Tech., Crossett

Kay Worbington
Secretary Special Ed.
BA-Business Administration
UAM