PARENT/STUDENT HANDBOOK

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Our mission
Today and tomorrow: committed to excellence for all.

August 1, 2007

Dear Parents and Students,
The Parent-Student Handbook is provided to all families of students who enroll in the Hutchinson Public Schools. It contains very important information about Board of Education policies, state and federal regulations and other information for students and families.
Rights of students and responsibilities of the school district are covered for several very important topics. Please keep this handbook for reference throughout the school year. If there are questions about any of the information contained in the booklet, please call the office of your school principal.
An understanding of your rights and responsibilities is an important part of your satisfaction with your school system. Please call on us when we can assist you in any way.
Dr. David Flowers,
Superintendent

District Mission Statement
Today and tomorrow: committed to excellence for all.

District Vision Statement

Hutchinson Public Schools are committed to providing a stimulating learning community for our students, faculty and staff. We challenge our students to reach their full personal and academic potential. Excellence will be accomplished in a trusting, caring and cooperative environment.

District Beliefs

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District Goals

Goal 1:  Recruit and retain high performing faculty and staff
Goal 2:  Show continuous improvement of student learning
Goal 3:  Maintain a safe school environment conducive to teaching and learning
Goal 4:  Focus support systems on wise stewardship of school district resources

Handbook approved by BOE 7-9-07

The first day of school for Grade 9 is Wednesday, Aug. 15, 2007. The first day of school for Grades 1-8 and 10-12 is Thursday, August 16, 2007. The first day of school for Kindergarten is Monday, August 20, 2007.
Secondary Schedules

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Attendance: General Policy
            State law (K.S.A. 72-1113) requires students to attend school. Students benefit most when they attend school each day. The only excused absences are those resulting from personal illness, medical/dental appointments, court appearances, death in the immediate family and official school-related activities that have prior administrative approval. Other absences may be approved at the building principal’s discretion. All other absences are considered unexcused. Three or more absences in a row will require a doctor’s note for the absences to be considered excused.
When a student is absent, a parent or legal guardian must call the school on the day of the absence or send a note the day the student returns.

Attendance: Kansas Residency Law
K.S.A. 72-1046 states that: Any child who has attained the age of eligibility for school attendance may attend school in the district in which the child lives if (1) the child lives with a resident of the district and the resident is a parent or a person acting as a parent of the child; or (2) the child lives in the district as a result of placement therein by a district court or by the secretary of Social and Rehabilitation Services; or (3) the child is a homeless child.

Attendance: Kindergarten Entrance Law
A student must be 5 years of age on or before August 31, 2007, to enroll in kindergarten. A birth certificate, Social Security number and immunization record, as required by the State of Kansas, are necessary for enrollment and must be on file before the student attends school.

Attendance: First Grade Entrance Law
A student must be 6 years of age on or before August 31, 2007, to enroll in first grade, unless the child has completed kindergarten in an accredited school. A birth certificate, Social Security number and immunization record, as required by the State of Kansas, are necessary for enrollment and must be on file before the student attends school.

Attendance: Excessive Absences
The district defines excessive absences as five days of absence during any trimester (either excused or unexcused). As soon as a student misses five days of schools during the period, it will be reported by the building principal or designee as an attendance concern to the District Attendance Officer. The only exception to this procedure is when the building principal has absolutely no doubt the absences were unavoidable (ie: hospitalization, valid co-curricular/extracurricular activities, etc.)

Attendance: Homework Makeup
Students are responsible for obtaining and completing make-up assignments for all classes. Unless otherwise noted in a student-signed student contract or student-signed syllabus for the course, students will have one day for every day absent to complete make-up assignments.

Attendance: Release of Students during School Day
A student shall be released during the school day upon a written or oral request from the student’s parent or person acting as a parent. Before releasing a student during the school day, the building principal or a designee shall verify the identity of the person seeking release of the student. If the principal is not satisfied with the identification provided by the person seeking release of a student, the student’s release may be refused. If a student is to leave the building during the day for an appointment, the student is to be checked out and in by a parent or person acting as a parent at the office.

Attendance: School Closing Information
On occasion, school must be closed due to severe weather or other emergencies. Information about such closings will be given to radio stations: KWBW (1450), KHCC (90.1), KSKU (FM 106) and also on the Internet (www.usd308.com) prior to 7 a.m. each day in question. Information also will be aired on Cable Channel 20.

Attendance: Tardies
Students are responsible for arriving to class on time.
Students are considered tardy if they are not in their assigned seat when the final bell rings for a morning or afternoon session in elementary school or for the start of a class period at Hutchinson Middle School or Hutchinson High School.
Consequences for excessive tardies are determined by the building principal. Refer to school handbooks for details.

Attendance: Truancy
State law (K.S.A. 72-1113) states that a student who has unexcused absences for three consecutive school days or five school days in a semester (a half school year) or seven school days in any school year, whichever occurs first, as not attending school as required by law.
To help prevent truancy, the Reno County District Attorney’s Office sends letters to parents to remind them of the law after two unexcused absences.

Academic Dishonesty
Academic dishonesty is not acceptable.
Cheating, defined as copying another student's work and claiming it as your own, and plagiarism, defined as the use of another person's original ideas or writing without giving credit to the true author, are both prohibited practices. Materials taken from electronic sources are covered by this policy.
A student who engages in any form of academic dishonesty will be subject to the loss of credit for the work in question, as well as other disciplinary measures up to and including suspension and expulsion.

Address Changes
If during the school year, you move, please let the schools know your new address as soon as possible.
House Address
If you are moving to another school within USD 308, letting staff know helps the schools work together to ease the transition. If you are moving out of district, it allows district staff to get student records to the new school on a timely basis.
Telephone
            Should you change your telephone number and stay in the same school, please let the school know that information.
E-mail
            If you should change the email address you regularly check, please let the school offices know this as well. It will allow the district to update its listservs for the different schools.

Advertising and Promotion in Schools
Board Policy KI and KI-R states:
The superintendent reserves the right to refuse distribution of any material by outside individuals or groups to the students of the district in accordance with the rules adopted by the Board.

Political Campaign Materials
In order to further citizenship training, the Board encourages responsible use of political materials.
Advertising in the Schools
No advertising for commercial purposes shall be permitted in the school buildings or on the grounds of the district without approval of the superintendent. Advertising in student publications shall be regulated by rules and regulations developed by the superintendent. Ads concerning drug paraphernalia and any controlled substance are prohibited in any school-sponsored publication.
Free Materials Distribution in Schools
No student shall be forced to participate in the distribution of any non-school materials in the schools.
Political Campaign Materials
Subject to the approval of the superintendent, each building principal shall establish rules and regulations governing the distribution of political campaign materials in the school building during election campaigns in order to afford opportunity for all viewpoints to be considered. No student shall be forced to participate in the distribution or receipt of any political materials.
Special Interest Materials
No mailing lists of students or employees of the district shall be given to individuals, organizations or vendors for the purpose of distributing materials without a written request and approval of the appropriate records custodian as provided for in Policies JR and JRB.
Advertising in the Schools
Advertising in the student publications may promote products by brand name except that commercial ads promoting the sale of any controlled substance or drug paraphernalia are prohibited.

Animals and Plants in the School
With the prior approval of the principal, animals or plants may be brought to school for instructional purposes only. No person may bring his/her pet to school unless the animal is being used as part of an instructional lesson on the day the pet is present at school.
If someone is injured by an animal or comes into contact with a toxic plant, the incident shall be immediately reported to the administration by the supervising teacher. The principal shall notify the appropriate persons. (Board Policy ING)

Animal Guidelines and Procedures
The safest and best practice is to take students on a field trip to observe animals in their natural or near natural habitat. However, students can learn by observing animals over time in the classroom. To avoid liability and injury to students, the following guidelines have been developed.

Procedures when a teacher wishes to have an animal in the classroom:

Procedures when a student wishes to bring a pet to school:

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Asbestos Notification
The Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) of 1986 was enacted to provide guidance and establish requirements for the effective management and abatement of asbestos hazards in schools grades K-12. One of the AHERA requirements is this notification, which is intended to inform the public that Asbestos Containing Materials (ACM) are present in USD 308 schools. This notice is not intended to provide comprehensive information concerning the ACM and specific hazards.
All of the USD 308 facilities that contain ACM are surveyed every three years. During the course of this survey all ACM is carefully inspected and assessed for potential exposure or degeneration potential. A three-year asbestos management plan is generated to provide guidance for the proper maintenance or removal of the material. Additionally, periodic reinspections of the ACM are conducted to ensure that there have been no changes in the material's condition or to take corrective action if changes are noted.
A copy of the management plan for each facility is located in the administrative office of the respective building. The supervisor of buildings and grounds is the designated program manager, and all inquiries should be addressed to him.
The careful management of asbestos containing materials will ensure that students and employees of USD 308 will have a healthy and safe environment to learn and work.

Bicycles/Scooters at School
Students in grades three and above are permitted to ride bicycles to school. Children are not to ride other students' bicycles. The students are to walk bicycles when on the school grounds. Bicycles must be parked in the bicycle racks at the schools; students should provide a lock to secure the bike. Student riders take full responsibility for the security of their bicycles. Additionally, bicycle riders must follow all traffic rules and regulations for vehicles, according to Kansas law.
Additionally, bicycles must not be ridden in the marked crosswalks, on the sidewalk entrances to the school or on the hard surface adjacent to the school. Students are encouraged to wear a CPSC-approved bicycle helmet at all times when riding a bicycle.
Students in kindergarten through second grade may only ride a bicycle to and from school when accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
Unless approved by the building administrator, scooters shall not be ridden to school.
Motorized (electric- or gasoline-powered) bicycles or scooters are prohibited for students in elementary schools and Hutchinson Middle School unless specifically noted in a student's IEP.

Care of Textbooks and Library Books
When textbooks or library books are damaged or lost, the student or parent will be required to pay for the lost or damaged books before new ones are issued. If needed, arrangements can be made to pay for lost or damaged materials.

Child Abuse
Kansas law requires any employee who notes instances of suspected child abuse to report to SRS or other appropriate agencies.

Child Custody Arrangements
If there are special custodial arrangements for your student it is required to have the appropriate legal paperwork on file in the building office.

Complaints: Discrimination
The district is committed to maintaining a working and learning environment free from discrimination, insult, intimidation or harassment due to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin or disability.
Any incident of discrimination including acts of harassment shall promptly be reported for investigation and corrective action by the building principal or district compliance coordinator. Any student or employee who engages in discriminatory conduct shall be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination from employment or expulsion from school.
Discrimination against any student on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or religion in the admission or access to, or treatment in the district's programs and activities is prohibited.
Any student who believes that he or she has been discriminated against may file a complaint with the building principal, another administrator, the guidance counselor or another licensed staff member. Any school employee who receives a complaint of discrimination or harassment from a student shall inform the student of the employee's obligation to report the complaint and any proposed resolution- of the complaint to the building principal. If the building principal is the alleged harasser, the report shall, be made to the district compliance coordinator. Any student complaint of discrimination shall be resolved under the district's discrimination complaint procedures.

Complaints: From Parents and the Public
Issues and concerns should be addressed at the level where the concern/issue originated. For example, in a school setting, the issue should first be addressed to the teacher and then to the principal if the situation cannot be resolved.
Issues that cannot be resolved at the classroom and building level will be forwarded to the Public Information Officer (PIO). The PIO will in turn refer the issue/concern back to the appropriate principal or supervisor for resolution. The PIO will follow up with the person voicing the concern within two weeks to determine if the process of resolving the issue worked. The follow-up phone call will focus on how the resolution process worked not on whether or not the person submitting the complaint was happy with the resolution.
Formal Complaint
When a patron wishes to file a formal complaint against the school district or against an employee of the school district, the patron may do so on the form provided by the school district. The complaint will be researched at the level where the complaint originated. The appropriate administrator will forward an explanation of how the complaint was resolved to the Public Information Officer. If the complaint cannot be resolved at this level, the administrator will send a copy of the formal complaint to the Public Information Officer for further study and resolution.

Complaints: Students about School Rules
Any student may file a complaint with the principal concerning a school rule or regulation as it applies to the student. The complaint shall be in writing, filed within 20 days following the application of the rule or regulation, and must specify the basis for the complaint. The principal shall investigate the complaint and inform the student of the resolution within 10 days after the complaint is filed.

Corporal Punishment
The Board of Education of the Hutchinson Public Schools believes that corporal punishment (i.e. spanking of students) is not a productive disciplinary act. The Board, therefore, directs that corporal punishment is not to be used in the Hutchinson Public Schools. Restraint is not considered corporal punishment. Restraint is defined as the act of controlling the action of a pupil when actions of the student may inflict harm to others or to himself/herself.

Crisis Plans

Hutchinson Public Schools strives to provide the safest education possible for its community of nearly 6,000 students and staff.
A partnership has been formed with the Hutchinson Police Department, Hutchinson Fire Department, Reno County Emergency Management and Reno County Emergency Services to develop and refine district crisis plans.
The plan has been written with a model that allows for rapid changes when safer practices are developed. Staff, students, emergency responders, parents and the community all play critical roles in the success of the plan.
            When an emergency occurs, all efforts are focused on helping students and staff. USD 308 will work with local radio stations to provide regular updates to the community about the incident. By listening to information on local radio and responding to other facilities as directed, less telephone and vehicular congestion occurs, further helping students and staff. In many cases, students and staff are safer inside the school than outside, and families would be placing their own safety in jeopardy by attempting to go to the school.

building has a Crisis Management Plan and a crisis intervention team. The plan provides for procedures that will be followed in the event of a crisis. Below is information for parents about crisis plans.

Fire and tornado, drills will be held regularly as required by law. A lock-down and evacuation drill will be practiced yearly.
If severe weather is occurring at dismissal time, students will be kept in classrooms until it is considered safe enough to release them unless the parent comes into the building and personally escorts the child from the classroom to the car.

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Elementary School Supply List
            School supplies are not included in the book rental system. Each pupil is to have the supplies that are marked for the grade in which the student is enrolled. Supplies may need to be replenished throughout the school year.
Check for building-specific lists at enrollment.

ESOL Requirements
The district will use a district-wide home language survey to identify every student in the district who has a primary home language other than English. The district then will use the Kansas English Language Proficiency Assessment, normed on limited English proficient students, to determine proficiency in reading, writing and speaking/understanding English for every student who has a primary home language other than English in the district. Students who, based on this measure are determined to be limited in their English proficiency, are to be placed in the district’s English Speakers of Other Languages/Bilingual program. This assessment data, along with information on native language ability and past school performance, will be used to set goals for each limited English proficiency student.

Facilities Use
Public portions of district facilities may be available to be used by the community after school hours and on weekends. An application must be made, and the principal must approve the use of the building. The applications and building usage fee schedule are available in school offices.
A building usage fee may be charged to your organization.

Field Trips
Field trips often are included as a learning activity supporting curriculum. Parents will be asked to sign field trip permission Form 112 giving the student permission to participate in each field trip.

Gifts: From Parents to Students
When parents send gifts or flowers to the school for their child, the gift will be kept in the office until 10 minutes before the final bell.

Gifts: To Schools
All gifts, including cash, presented to the school should be received in the following manner:
Those gifts, including cash, which have a value of $100 or more are to be presented to the Board of Education at a scheduled meeting.
The Board of Education delegates the responsibility for accepting gifts, including cash, of less than $100 to directors, department coordinators or building administrators. All cash contributions shall be handled in accordance with acceptable accounting procedures and be subject to audit.
The Board of Education reserves the right to accept or reject any gift.

Grading Scale
Grading Scale for Grades 4-12
100 percent to 92 percent = A
 91 percent to 83 percent = B
 82 percent to 74 percent = C
 73 percent to 65 percent = D
 64 percent and Below = U or F
Parents with students in grades four through 12 may access daily grades and attendance through PowerSchool.

K-3 Performance Levels
4 = Advanced: Exceeds grade level essentials/state standards
3 = Proficient: Meeting grade level essentials/state standards
2 = Basic: Making progress towards grade level essentials/state standards
1 = Below: Progress is not being made
X = Not assessed at this time

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Harassment: Sexual Harassment
The Board of Education is committed to providing a positive and productive learning and working environment, free from discrimination on the basis of sex, including sexual harassment. Sexual harassment shall not be tolerated in the school district. Sexual harassment of employees or students of the district by Board members, administrators, licensed and support personnel, students, vendors and any others having business or other contact with the school district is strictly prohibited.
Sexual harassment is unlawful discrimination on the basis of sex under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Kansas Acts Against Discrimination. All forms of sexual harassment are prohibited at school, on school property and at all school-sponsored activities, programs or events. Sexual harassment against individuals associated with the school is prohibited, whether or not the harassment occurs on school grounds.
It shall be a violation of this policy for any student, employee or third party (visitor, vendor, etc.) to sexually harass any student, employee or other individual associated with the school. It shall further be a violation for any employee to discourage a student from filing a complaint or to fail to investigate or refer for investigation, any complaint lodged under the provisions of this policy.
Sexual harassment is unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and other inappropriate oral, written or physical conduct of a sexual nature when made by a member of the school staff to a student or when made by any student to another student when: (1) submission to such conduct is made, explicitly or implicitly, a term or condition of the individual's education; (2) submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for academic decisions affecting that individual; or (3) such conduct has the purpose or effect of interfering with an individual's academic or professional performance or creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive academic environment.
Sexual harassment may result from verbal or physical conduct or written or graphic material. Sexual harassment may include, but is not limited to: verbal harassment or abuse; pressure for sexual activity; repeated remarks to a person, with sexual or demeaning implication; unwelcome touching; or suggesting or demanding sexual involvement accompanied by implied or explicit threats concerning a student's grades, participation in extra-curricular activities, etc.
The district encourages all victims of sexual harassment and persons with knowledge of such harassment to report the harassment immediately. The district will promptly investigate all complaints of sexual harassment and take prompt corrective action to end the harassment.
Any student who believes that he or she has been subjected to sexual harassment should discuss the alleged harassment with the building principal, another administrator, the guidance counselor or another licensed staff member. Any school employee who receives a complaint of sexual harassment from a student shall inform the student of the employee’s obligation to report the complaint and any proposed resolution of the complaint to the building principal. If the building principal is the alleged harasser, the complaint shall be reported to the district compliance coordinator. The building principal or district compliance coordinator shall discuss the complaint with the student to determine if it can be resolved. If the matter is not resolved to the satisfaction of the student in this meeting, the student may initiate a formal complaint under the district’s discrimination complaint procedure.
Complaints received will be investigated to determine whether, under the totality of the circumstances, the alleged behavior constitutes sexual harassment under the definition outlined above. Unacceptable student conduct may or may not constitute sexual harassment, depending on the nature of the conduct and its severity, pervasiveness and persistence. Behaviors which are unacceptable but do not constitute harassment may provide grounds for discipline under the code of student conduct.
An employee who witnesses an act of sexual harassment shall report the incident to the building principal. Employees who fail to report complaints or incidents of sexual harassment to appropriate school officials may face disciplinary action. School administrators who fail to investigate and take appropriate corrective action in response to complaints of sexual harassment may also face disciplinary action.
When a complaint contains evidence of criminal activity or child abuse, the building coordinator or district coordinator shall report such conduct to the appropriate law enforcement or SRS authorities.
To the extent possible, confidentiality will be maintained throughout the investigation of a complaint. The desire for confidentiality must be balanced with the district's obligation to conduct a thorough investigation, to take appropriate corrective action or to provide due process to the accused.
The filing of a complaint or otherwise reporting sexual harassment shall not reflect upon the individual's status or grades. Any act of retaliation against any person who has filed a complaint or testified, assisted or participated in an investigation of a sexual harassment complaint is prohibited. Any person who retaliates is subject to immediate disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion for a student or termination of employment for an employee.
False or malicious complaints of sexual harassment may result in corrective or disciplinary action against the complainant.
The policy shall be published in student, parent and employee handbooks as directed by the district compliance coordinator. Notification of the policy shall be included in the school newsletter or published in the local newspaper annually.

Harassment: Student-to-Student Sexual Harassment
All students attending the Hutchinson Public Schools have the right to learn in an educational environment free of all forms of discrimination and conduct which can be considered harassing, coercive or disruptive, including sexual harassment. Student-to-student sexual harassment has been recognized as a practice that undermines the learning process by creating an environment that is upsetting, threatening or degrading to the student being harassed. No student, male or female, should be subjected to unsolicited and unwelcome sexual overtures or conduct, either verbal or physical.
Examples of overt and subtle types of harassment that could occur include the following:

Sexual harassment does not refer to occasional compliments of a socially acceptable nature. It refers to behavior that is not welcome and is personally offensive. Students who engage in sexual harassment should know that such behavior may result in disciplinary actions which may include restrictions on the offender's activities and learning environment, suspension or expulsion.

Health: Assessments
            Students up to the age of 9 years who have not previously attended school in Kansas must have a health assessment completed within 12 months prior to school entry. Students will have 90 days following enrollment to comply with this directive regarding health assessments.

Health: Medications at School
Administered by Staff
Medications will not be administered to students at school unless a completed and signed Parent Request to Administer Medication, Form 709, is on file in the school office. The form is available at http://www.usd308.com/staff/forms/Form709RequesttoAdministerMedication.pdf.  Medications may then be administered to the student by the school nurse or a staff member designated by the school nurse. The medication shall be administered in accordance with the times, dosage and duration noted on Form 709. Before any medication is administered, approval must be given by the school nurse. Whenever medication is administered, a notation must be made immediately on the School Medication Log, Form 730.
All medications, whether prescription or nonprescription, shall be kept in a secure location in the building. All prescription drugs shall be in their original container. The container should indicate the physician/dentist name, student's name, name of medication, dosage, date and RX (prescription) number. (When medication must be given at home and school, parents can request two containers from their pharmacist.) All non-prescription medication must also come to school in its original container.
If there is ever any question of possible adverse reaction(s) to medication, the administering of the medication will immediately be stopped. The parent(s) and emergency personnel shall be contacted as necessary.
All medications kept at school will be reviewed on a regular basis by the school nurse. Parents will be notified by the school nurse regarding out-of-date medication. Such medication will not be given at school. The school nurse and the parents will mutually decide upon disposition of the out-of-date medication.

Health: Physical Examinations for Athletics
Annual physical examinations are required for each student who participates in interscholastic athletics or cheerleading. The following procedure is recommended:

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Health: School Immunizations
 (K.S.A. 72-5209
and following and KDHE Regulation 28-1-20)
            Current immunizations are required for all students in grades K-12.
The immunization law requires all students in grades pre-K to 12, new or those already enrolled, to be fully immunized against measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough and polio.
Beginning in school year, 2007-08, two doses of varicella-containing vaccine will be required for students entering kindergarten and first grade. A second catch-up dose of varicella vaccine is recommended for all children, adolescents and adults who previously had received one dose to improve individual protection against varicella (chickenpox) and for more rapid impact on school outbreaks. 
            Immunizations for Hepatitis B is required for any Kansas student enrolling in kindergarten, first grade, second grade and third grade classes for the 2007-08 school year. 
Immunizations may be received from your family physician or are given with a minimal charge based on income, Monday through Friday, at the Reno County Health Department, 209 West 2nd Avenue, Hutchinson.
            As required by law, building principals will suspend any student who does not have complete immunizations unless that student has (a) a signed physician's statement that the immunization would seriously endanger his/her health or (b) a statement signed by the parent or guardian indicating that immunizations/health assessments are opposed on religious grounds based on the teachings of a particular denomination. Students will not be permitted to start school until immunizations are up to date.

Health: Dental Examinations
Each year dental inspections are performed in the school by a certified dental hygienist. Follow-up checks are performed on students who have been recommended for dental work.

Health: Head Lice
Head lice respect no economic, social or cleanliness boundaries. No school in America is exempt from the affliction. Periodically, students are checked for head lice by school staff. If lice or nits (lice eggs) are found on your child, you will be contacted and asked to take your student home promptly. Should lice be found, please contact your pediatrician or family physician for directions to control head lice. School staff will not remove lice or nits.
Any students having adult lice or nits will have to remain out of school until all the adult lice or nits have been removed. Continuous cases of head lice will be reported to the Social and Rehabilitation Services as a “child in need or care.”

Health: Illness
Although regular school attendance is important, it is equally important for students to stay home when ill. Students are to remain at home until they are fever free for 24 hours. If a child is determined to have 99.6 degrees of temperature at school, he/she will be sent home after contacting the parent or guardian. It is essential to have emergency telephone numbers where parents and guardians can be contacted for notification of the illness or other emergencies.
 Students are to stay home if they have a communicable disease

Insurance: Private Vehicle
Insurance is required on all private vehicles used to transport students on school-sponsored trips. An Insurance Coverage Report (Form 174) must be completed each year and be on file in the principal's office at your school before a private vehicle can be used to transport students on a school sponsored trip. The form may be obtained at your school office. A photocopy of the driver's valid operating permit shall be attached to Form 174. Form 174 is available at http://www.usd308.com/staff/forms/Form174InsuranceCoverageforPrivateVehicles.pdf.

Insurance: Student
Through membership in the Kansas State High School Activities Association and district insurance, catastrophic insurance is provided to students in grades 7-12 who may be injured in athletics as a result of participation in an interscholastic school activity sponsored by the KSHSAA. This insurance is a supplement to regular insurance carried by parents on a student. This insurance has a deductible of $3,500 and a limited lifetime maximum medical benefit for permanent injury. Claim forms are available in the district Business Office.
For all other students, grades K-12, who do not participate in interscholastic activities or athletics, the catastrophic insurance plan has a $10,000 deductible which supplements regular medical insurance carried by parents for their student and provides coverage for an injury sustained in such supervised school activities. Claim forms are available in the district Business Office.

Law Enforcement: Drug Dogs
USD 308 has the ability to work with the Kansas Department of Corrections to bring in trained drug dogs to search school lockers. These unannounced searches occur only after a school has gone into a lockdown procedure with students cleared from the areas in which the drug dogs will search. If the drug dogs locate something suspicious, licensed district staff will open the lockers or other public areas. Any evidence of illegal activity will be turned over to law enforcement for further investigation.
While these searches typically occur in secondary schools, the district reserves the right to bring the drug dogs into any district facility.
USD 308 does not employ private security firms to do these searches.

Law Enforcement: School Resource Officers
In a cooperative program with the Hutchinson Police Department, school resource officers have been assigned to the district. One officer serves the elementary schools, a second officer serves Hutchinson Middle School and a third officer serves Hutchinson High School.
These officers are available to work with students. You may contact the SRO through school offices.

NCLB Highly Qualified Staff
USD 308 schools must meet federal regulations related to teacher qualifications as defined in No Child Left Behind. These rules allow parents to learn more about their children’s teachers’ training and credentials. The district will provide this information to parents. At any time, parents may ask:

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Parents also may ask whether their children receive help from a paraprofessional. For parents whose child receives this assistance, the district can provide information about the paraprofessional’s qualifications.
            The district’s staff is committed to helping children develop the academic knowledge and critical thinking he/she needs to succeed in school and beyond. That commitment includes making sure that all of our teachers and paraprofessionals are highly skilled.
            Parents who have any questions about their children’s assignment to a teacher or paraprofessional may contact the district at 665-4400.

Parent-Teacher Conferences
            Parent/Teacher conferences are scheduled twice a year. Reports are shared with parents at that time. Remember, anytime you have a concern or question is a good time to schedule a conference. You do not need to wait until the scheduled conference dates.

Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment
Surveys: Parental Inspection Rights
Parents shall have the right to inspect any survey created by a third party before it is administered or distributed to students in the school. Prior to distribution, parents shall have the right to inspect any survey that seeks information about: political affiliations or beliefs of the student or the student's parent; mental or psychological problems of the student or the student's family; sex behavior or attitudes; illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating or demeaning behavior; critical appraisals of other individuals with whom respondents have close family relationships; legally recognized privileged or analogous relationships, such as those of lawyers, physicians and ministers; religious practices, affiliations or beliefs of the student or student's parent; or income (other than that required by law to determine eligibility for participation in a program or for receiving financial assistance under such program).
Written Permission Required
If such survey is funded in whole or in part by U.S. Department of Education funds, a survey that seeks this information shall not be administered without the express written consent of the parent. If the survey is not funded by the U.S. Department of Education, parents must be given direct notification of the survey through a school newsletter or e-mail and provided with an opportunity to opt their child out of the survey. If the survey is part of the curriculum, parents shall have the right to inspect any instructional materials used in conjunction with the survey.
Physical Examinations
Prior to the administration of any non-emergency, invasive physical examination or screening that is required as a condition of attendance, administered by the school, scheduled by the school in advance and not necessary to protect the immediate health and safety of the student, the school shall provide parents with notice of the activity and provide parents with an opportunity to opt their child out of the activity. This requirement does not apply to routine dental, hearing and vision screenings required under Kansas law.
Parental Rights: Marketing Information
If the school collects, discloses or uses personal information from students for the purpose of marketing or selling that information, parents shall have a right to inspect any instrument used for the collection of such information before it is administered or distributed to students in school. Parents shall be provided with notice of such activities and provided with an opportunity to opt their child out of the activity. The requirements concerning activities involving the collection and disclosure of personal information from students for marketing purposes do not apply to the collection, disclosure or use of personal information collected from students for the exclusive purpose of developing, evaluating or providing educational products or services for or to students or educational institutions, such as the following:

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Release of Information – FERPA Rights
Unless the information collected from students is designated as directory information (see Student Records: Notice for Directory Information), no information gathered about students shall be released to third parties without the express written consent of the parent or eligible student.

Seat Belt Use in Passenger Cars or Vans
            Drivers and all passengers transported in district-owned cars or vans used for any school trips or activities must wear seat belts.

Site Councils
Each school in the state of Kansas has a council of representatives from its school and community to serve in the interest of the education of its students. The group represents parents, patrons and school employees. The council is advisory in nature. Adoption of policy and procedures remains the direct responsibility of the superintendent and the Board of Education. Regularly scheduled site council meetings will be held during the school year.

Skates/Skateboarding at Schools
            Skateboards and skates are not allowed at elementary school during the school day. Each secondary school has its own rules governing skating and skateboarding. Check those school handbooks for more information. Any shoe with wheels is prohibited at schools.

Statement of Non-Discrimination
In compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (P.L. 88-352), the Hutchinson Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color or national origin in employment or in the operation of any programs or activity of the district.
In compliance with Title IX of the 1972 Educational Amendments, the Hutchinson Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of sex in employment or in the operation of any program or activity of the district.
In compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Hutchinson Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of handicap in employment or in the operation of any program or activity of the district.
Grievance and appeals procedures have been adopted by the Board of Education.
Rick Kraus, Human Resources Director, is designated the responsibility of the coordination of efforts for compliance with Title IX of the 1972 Educational Amendments and for investigating any complaints under said laws. He can be reached at 665-4867.
Linda Grote, Director of Special Education, is designated the responsibility of the coordination of efforts for compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and for investigating any complaints under said laws. She can be reached at 665-4426.
Dr. David Flowers, Superintendent, is designated the responsibility of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (P.L. 88-352). The Hutchinson Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color or national origin in employment or in the operation of any programs or activity of the district. He can be reached at 665-4408.

Student Conduct
            Each principal shall develop rules and regulations to govern student conduct consistent with board policies. District-wide rules of conduct follow. Additional building-level rules of conduct will be published in building handbooks. Violation of any provision of the behavior code may result in disciplinary action up to and including suspension and/or expulsion.

Student Conduct: Alcohol and Illicit Drugs Prohibited
The possession, use or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students, school employees or volunteers on school premises or as a part of any school activity is prohibited. This policy is required by the 1989 amendments to the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act, P.L. 102-226, 103 St. 1928.
Administrative Regulations for Elementary Schools:

Alternatives outlined for parents or guardians

The counselor may assist, when deemed appropriate by the principal, in cases of alleged violations of the policy.
In order to assure appropriate re-entry to the classroom after an evaluation is completed, the principal will schedule a conference with parents, child, assigned teacher and counselor to plan positive re-entry to school.
A second violation of the policy may result in immediate short-term suspension with recommendation for long-term suspension (not to exceed 90 school days). Re-entry will occur following the completion of an appropriate treatment program.
Penalties for distributing alcohol or illicit drugs for elementary students
A student found to be distributing alcohol or illicit drugs in violation of the policy shall be suspended for a short-term (1 to 10 days) with a recommendation made for long-term suspension (not to exceed 90 school days). The appropriate law enforcement authorities shall be contacted.
Administrative Regulations for Middle and Senior High Schools:
When a student violates the policy for the first time, he/she will be referred to counseling.
A second violation will result in an immediate short-term suspension (1 to 10 days) and a recommendation made for expulsion. An administrative hearing shall be held during the short-term suspension period. The appropriate law enforcement authorities shall be contacted.
There will be an automatic up to 10 days suspension imposed. A formal hearing will be scheduled during the suspension to determine the following alternatives:

Failure to comply with all of the stipulations above will result in a recommendation made for expulsion.
Penalties for distributing alcohol or illicit drugs for secondary school students
A student found to be distributing alcohol or illicit drugs in violation of this policy shall be suspended for a short-term (1 to 10 days) and a recommendation made for expulsion. An administrative hearing shall be held during the short-term suspension period. The appropriate law enforcement authorities shall be contacted.

Administrative Regulations for Activities:
Application of this regulation shall pertain to students who violate the prohibition of alcohol and illicit drugs policy while participating in a school sponsored activity. This will apply to violations that occur at school or at school activities and also which occur outside school but are documented and verified.
First Offense:

The student will again become eligible after completing items 1, 2 and 3 above.

Second Offense:

Third Offense:

Student Conduct: Hazing/Harassment/Intimidation/Bullying/Menacing
The Board is committed to providing a positive and productive learning and working environment. To that end, bullying, harassment, hazing, intimidation or menacing by students, district employees and third parties on or in district facilities is strictly prohibited. (Board Policy JGED)
Definitions
"District Facility" includes the District's schools and other facilities owned, leased or used by the district, and other property and facilities at which district students or employees are present in connection with any district-sponsored, district-approved or district-related activity or function, such as field trips or athletic events where students are under the control of the district or where employees are engaged in district business.
"Hazing" includes, but is not limited to, any act that recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental health, physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation or as a condition or precondition of attaining membership in, or affiliation with any group or organization or district-related activity such as, forced consumption of any alcoholic beverage, drug or controlled substance, forced exposure to the elements, forced prolonged exclusion from social contact, sleep deprivation or any other forced activity that could adversely affect the mental or physical health or safety of a student or that requires or encourages, authorizes or permits another to be subjected to wearing or carrying any obscene or physically burdensome article, assignment of pranks to be performed or other such activities intended to be degrading or humiliating.
"Harassment" includes, but is not limited to, any act which subjects an individual or group to unwanted, abusive behavior of a nonverbal, verbal, written or physical nature on the basis of age, race, religion, color, national origin, disability, marital status, academic interest, relative academic success, sexual orientation, physical characteristic, cultural background, or socioeconomic status.
            "Intimidation" includes, but is not limited to, any threat or act intended to tamper with, damage or interfere with another's property, cause substantial inconvenience, subject another to offensive physical contact or inflict serious physical injury on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin or sexual orientation.
            "Menacing" includes, but is not limited to, any act intended or which reasonably may be expected to place a district student, employee or a third party in fear of imminent serious physical injury.
            A "third party" includes, but is not limited to school volunteers, parents, school visitors, service contractors or others engaged in district business, such as employees of businesses or organizations participating in cooperative work programs with the district and others not directly subject to district control in connection with inter-district and intra-district athletic or other competitive events or other school events.
Any district student, employee or third party who has knowledge of conduct which violates this policy or has been subjected to hazing, harassment, intimidation, bullying or menacing in violation of this policy shall immediately report such conduct to a teacher, counselor, district employee, the appropriate building principal or to the superintendent. If a teacher, counselor or other district employee receives a report of conduct, or becomes aware of conduct, prohibited in this policy, the building principal or superintendent shall be informed of such report or conduct as soon as possible and, in any event, within no more than 24 hours. Except in the case where a teacher or counselor has dealt with any act as defined above, among or between students, and has reason to believe the issue(s) has been resolved, such a report would not be required.
            Complaints regarding the conduct of a building principal shall be made to the superintendent or the superintendent's designee. Complaints regarding the conduct of the superintendent shall be made to the president of the board.
            All complaints regarding conduct that may violate this policy shall be promptly investigated by the appropriate building principal or by the superintendent or the superintendent's designee. Complaints reported anonymously shall be investigated in a manner consistent with investigations of any other complaint.
            The person who reports conduct in violation of this policy shall be notified of the results of the investigati