Belton High School

Student-Parent Handbook

2014-2015

Our mission is to graduate college- and career-ready students through

engagement in personalized, relevant learning experiences.

Belton High School

801 W. North Avenue

Belton, Missouri 64012

(816) 489-7500

Fax (816) 489-7505

Dr. Fred Skretta, Principal

Dr. Denise Rangel, Assistant Principal, Grade 10

Ms. Janet Brown, Assistant Principal, Grade 11

Mr. Kevin Gerke, Assistant Principal, Grade 12

Mr. John Schaefer, Activities/Athletic Director

The BHS Student-Parent Handbook lists guidelines and procedures for Belton High School students and their parents. Students

and parents are also encouraged to review the policies of the Belton School District Board of Education. Board Policy is

available online at the BSD website, http://policy.msbanet.org/belton/byletter.php?section=a.

August 2014

Dear Students & Parents,

This is an incredibly exciting year for Belton High School! We are opening the 2014-2015 school

year in a new, amazing school home; we will be operating with a new schedule to include daily

Pirate Achievement Lab (PAL) Time to ensure student success; we will be welcoming new teachers

and staff to work with you; and, most importantly, it is the beginning of a new year for every one

of us!

Students, as you approach this new school year, I hope you share in my excitement – and I

sincerely hope that you will set high goals for your own success in 2014-2015. Please consider

your success in several realms: social, emotional, and academic. To be clear, social success and

emotional success are preconditions to academic success. My work as Principal is focused first

on making Belton High School a place where all students experience a sense of belonging,

ownership, safety, and security.

For students AND parents, this handbook is provided to set expectations for working together to

create such a school community and to ensure the social and emotional success of all students.

We frame our expectations in The Pirate Principles. In July/August, we focus specifically on the

Pirate Principle of tolerance. Beginning the new school year means meeting new people, learning

procedures, and adapting to differences as we work to build a school community of

approximately 1,000 members. Tolerance [tol-er-uh ns] is a noun defined as:

1. a fair, objective, and permissive attitude toward those whose opinions, practices, race, religion,

nationality, etc., differ from one's own; freedom from bigotry.

2. a fair, objective, and permissive attitude toward opinions and practices that differ from one's

own.

3. interest in and concern for ideas, opinions, practices, etc., foreign to one's own; a liberal,

undogmatic viewpoint.

4. the act or capacity of enduring; endurance: My tolerance of noise is limited.

(www.dictionary.com)

I’m sure you can see why tolerance is so important! Please approach everything with tolerance.

Get involved in an extracurricular activity, club, or activity where you will meet new Pirates and

expand your experience. Research shows that students who are involved in activities have a

higher rate of academic success – because involvement means you belong, and you will learn

teamwork, time management, and other important skills that support academic achievement.

Please set goals for your success now… and let us know how we can make sure you achieve those

goals in 2014-2015!

Best Wishes,

Fred Skretta, Ed.D.

Principal NOTICE OF

NONDISCRIMINATION AND ANTI­HARASSMENT

Applicants for admission and employment, students, parents of elementary and

secondary school students, employees, sources of referral of applicants for admission and employment, and all professional organizations holding professional agreements with Belton School District are hereby notified that this institution does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability in admissions/access to or treatment/employment in its programs and activities. This includes harassment creating a hostile environment and discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, disability, age or use of leave protected by the Family and Medical Leave Act. The Board is an equal opportunity employer. Marital, maternal or paternal status shall not affect the rights and privileges of

district students to receive an education. Those students are eligible to participate in all activities and receive all honors the same as any other students enrolled in the school district. Any person having inquiries concerning Belton School District’s compliance with

the Title VI, Title IX, or Section 504 is directed to contact Mrs. Lisa Cummings, Title VI and Title IX Coordinator at (816) 489­7020 and/or Dr. Steve Morgan; Section 504 Coordinator at (816) 489­7024 who have been designated to coordinate the institution’s efforts to comply with federal regulations. Correspondence may be sent to 110 W. Walnut, Belton, MO 64012.

Any person may also contact the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, regarding the institution’s compliance with the regulations implementing Title VI, Title IX, and Section 504.

Parent and Student Rights Under Section 504

The following is a description of student and parent rights granted by federal law. The intent of

the law is to keep you fully informed concerning decisions about your child and to inform you of

your rights if you disagree with any of these decisions.

YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO:

1. Have your child take part in and receive benefits from public education programs without

discrimination based on a disability.

2. Have the school advise you of your rights under federal law.

3. Receive notice with respect to Section 504 identification, evaluation or placement of your child.

4. Have your child receive a free appropriate public education. This includes the right to have the school

make reasonable accommodations to allow your child an equal opportunity to participate in school

and school-related activities.

5. Have your child educated in facilities and receive services comparable to those provided students

without disabilities.

6. Have your child receive special education and related services if she/he is found to be eligible under

the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) (PL 101-476), or to receive reasonable

accommodations under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.

7. Have evaluation, educational, and placement decisions made based upon a variety of information

sources, and by individuals who know the student, disability, evaluation data, and placement options.

Parents of a child with a disability have a responsibility of providing the school district with access to

information regarding the child with a disability.

8. Have transportation provided to a school placement setting at no greater cost to you than would be

incurred if the student were placed in a program operated by the school district.

9. Give your child an equal opportunity to participate in non-academic and extracurricular activities

offered by the school district.

10. Examine all relevant records relating to decisions regarding your child’s identification, evaluation,

educational program, and placement.

11. Request amendment of your child’s educational records if there is reasonable cause to believe they

are inaccurate, misleading or otherwise in violation of your child’s privacy rights.

12. The parents / guardian of a student with a disability or an eligible student and/or the District have the

right to request an impartial due process hearing relating to decisions or actions relating to the

student’s identification, evaluation, program or placement and the parents or guardian have the right

to be represented by counsel in such hearings. The parents or guardian or eligible student and/or the

District also have the right to a review procedure involving such hearings.

1. File a local grievance with your school district if you feel your child is being discriminated against

because of their disability. If not satisfied with local hearing, a Notice of Appeal may be filed in

accordance with the Belton School District #124 Section 504 Grievance Procedures.

2. Contact the Office of Civil Rights or other agencies.

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a civil rights statute which provides that; “No otherwise

qualified individual with disabilities in the United States…shall, solely by reason of his/her disability, be

excluded from the participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any

program or activity receiving federal financial assistance or under any program or activity conducted by any

Executive agency or by the United States Postal Service.” (20 USC Section 794). While Section 504 requires that

the disability “substantially limit a major life activity” such as walking, it need not necessarily adversely affect

the student’s educational performance.

Many 504 referrals have included some type of medical condition such as ADHD, Bipolar, etc. it is not a

requirement for the formal medical diagnosis to be present for a child to be considered for or found eligible

for a 504 Accommodation Plan. However, when a student has or is reported to have a medical condition, the

504 team will request current medical information. This medical information will be fully considered but not be

the sole deciding factor in eligibility determinations or plan development.

If you suspect that your child or your student needs an evaluation under Section 504 please contact your

assigned school counselor to begin the process.

Each school has a Section 504 coordinator. The BHS Section 504 coordinator is Dr. Skretta, Principal. The

district coordinator is Dr. Steve Morgan

Belton High School Mission Statement

Our mission is to graduate college- and career-ready students

through engagement in personalized, relevant learning experiences.

Strategic Plan Objectives

1. Every student will fulfill academic requirements to prepare for personal post-secondary goals.

2. Every student will develop pride, sense of belonging, and self-esteem through involvement in school life and

community service.

3. Every student will embrace and understand the practical and responsible use of technology.

4. Every student will lead a life of high character and active citizenship.

Tactical Focus Areas & Tactic Statements

I. STUDENT FOCUS ACTION TEAM

Team Leaders: Dr. Pat Denney (Guid), Amber Webel (Guid), Sheila Gilchrist (CTE), Brad Batchelder (SS)

Personal Plan of Study, Academic Focus Curriculum & Guidelines, Guidance Curriculum

We will support students to develop and achieve their personal post-secondary goals.

II. CURRICULUM & INSTRUCTION ACTION TEAM

Team Leader: Laura Gibson (ENG), Kim Robinson (FACS), Michelle Sumler (MA), Lee Winslow (SC), Kelly

Vaughn (Sped)

Curriculum, Expectations for Rigor, Engaging Learning Experiences

We will lead students to complete a rigorous personalized plan of study through a literacy- and

numeracy-rich curriculum.

III. TECHNOLOGY ACTION TEAM

Team Leader: Martijn Keltner (SC), Steven Elllis (FPA), Sarah Bunse (SC), Brad Moser (Tech)

We will incorporate practical, responsible use of technology in and out of the classroom.

IV. PIRATE PRIDE & CULTURE ACTION TEAM

Team Leaders: Kimberly DeLapp (CTE), Eric Scherfenberg (PEH), Todd Vaughn (PEH), Joni Harrell (SS), Carie

Schuster (FL), Marla Elliston (Classified/Parent)

School Pride & Ownership, BHS Culture & Climate, Character Education, Positive Behavior Interventions & Supports

(PBIS), Student Handbook

We will create a culture of understanding, appreciation, and respect where students embrace a sense of

belonging and pride.

BHS Graduation Requirements

Our ultimate goal is for all students to graduate on time and be prepared for college or a career.

Belton School District Board of Education Policy IKF establishes a graduation requirements are

26 credits. Please see the Career and Education Planning Guide for specific requirements by

subject area, course descriptions, and career/education planning. In general, semester classes

are worth 0.50 credit.

BSD Board Policy IKFB states: “Students may only participate in graduation ceremonies

if they have successfully completed ALL graduation requirements.”

In our 8-block schedule, students have four classes each day with alternating A-Day/B-Day

classes. At the freshman level, students may earn up to 7.00 credits. At BHS, a student has the

opportunity to earn 4.00 credits each semester, and each year a student has the opportunity to

earn 8.00 credits. Thus, over the course of four years, students can earn up to 31 credits, or

5.00 more than required to earn a BHS diploma.

Bell Schedules for 2014-2015

Pirate Achievement Lab (PAL) Program & Academic Focus Period

The PAL Period is a daily period for academic intervention and enrichment that runs concurrently

with the lunch period. Academic Focus is our advisory program, with students assigned to a

teacher/advisor by grade level. In this year’s schedule, we will begin the school year with

students in their assigned AF location in order to complete advisory tasks and acclimate to all

things BHS. Throughout the remainder of the year, on a weekly basis every Monday students

will attend Academic Focus as assigned, and Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday will be

PAL Period days. During the PAL period, students with any grade of D or F will be assigned to a

specific PAL teacher for the extra time and academic support needed to improve learning and

performance. Those students will also be assigned to a specific lunch shift. Students who are

earning grades of ALL A’s, B’s, and C’s, and meeting expectations for citizenship and attendance,

will be eligible for a “Gold Pass.” With the Gold Pass, students will have freedom and

responsibility with respect to how they spend the PAL Period. In addition to academic support

classes, student clubs/organizations will meet, and periodic special events with guest speakers

will be held for students with the gold Pass. Eligibility for the Gold Pass will be reviewed and

monitored through the Academic Focus Advisor and students will be assigned their PAL status

on a 2-week rotation.

A+ Program

Belton High School is certified by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary

Education (DESE) as an A+ school. Through the A+ Program, students who complete certain

requirements related to Grade Point Average (GPA), attendance, tutoring hours, and citizenship

guidelines, will be eligible through the State of Missouri for tuition at designated Missouri

community colleges and/or technical/trade schools for two years. A+ certification is an

incredible opportunity for students in Missouri, and we encourage ALL students to register and

achieve the A+ requirements – even if they do not intend to enroll at a community college or

technical/trade school. Many 4-year colleges and universities in Missouri also offer competing

scholarships that match the A+ Program. PLEASE visit with our A+ Coordinator, Mr. Gerke, to

inquire about the A+ Program. Additionally, general information may be found at the website of

the Missouri Department of Higher Education:

http://dhe.mo.gov/ppc/grants/aplusscholarship.php.

Counseling

Counseling services are available for all students in the BHS Counseling Center. Students are

assigned to a specific counselor based on their grade level:

10th Grade: Ms. Amber Webel

11th Grade: Mr. Chad Cross

12th Grade: Dr. Pat Denney

Counseling services include assistance with career and education planning; course selection and

scheduling; administration and interpretation of various test/assessment scores; assistance

with academic support and study skills; career and occupational information; college and

university admissions and visits; scholarship information and applications; or anything else

students feel they would like to discuss. All conferences are strictly confidential; however; in

the event that a student shares concerns about harm to himself/herself or others, counselors

will take necessary and appropriate actions. In order to visit a counselor, please schedule an

appointment by visiting the Counseling Center. Appointments may also be made by telephone

at 816-489-7514.

Scheduling Appointments with School Staff

Parents/guardians may make appointments for conferences with teachers, counselors, or the

administrators by contacting the BHS Main Office at 816-489-7500. Please know that we

advise scheduling appointments in advance, as it may not be possible for an

administrator or other staff member to accommodate an unannounced visit. Staff

members may also be contacted via email. The staff directory is available online. In general,

staff email addresses follow the format of jdoe@bsd124.org for the name, “Jane Doe.”

Schedule Change Requests

A student may submit a request to change his/her class schedule in the following cases:

1. The student has not met course prerequisites;

2. The student needs a course required for graduation;

3. The student has already completed a particular course or graduation requirement and

the course is not needed.

4. A scheduling error exists, such as an incomplete schedule, and the addition of a

particular class creates a conflict with another class offered that same period.

Administrative schedule changes may be made in the event that course sizes need to be

balanced or for disciplinary reasons. The schedule change request form is available in the

Counseling Center, and a deadline for submission will be publicized with the form.

Pirate Principles

As part of the Belton School District, Belton High School frames our expectations for character in terms of the Pirate Principles. Students will be instructed in the Pirate Principles in the Academic Focus period and they will receive positive recognition for demonstrating them. Students may be recognized with a “Swashbucklers Superlative” positive referral and/or a “Treasured Pirates” recognition based on the Pirate Principles. The Pirate Principles include:

July/August Tolerance January Caring

September Self-Discipline February Accountability

October Responsibility March Citizenship

November Integrity April Compassion

December Respect May/June Courage

Technology: Safe, Appropriate and Responsible Use for Learning

Belton High School has implemented a 1:1 learning environment in which all students are

provided a MacBook Air. This powerful learning resource is a tool to expand learning and teach

21st Century skills. Technology is meant to be used for learning and we will be addressing safe,

appropriate, and responsible use of technology frequently throughout the year. Students are

allowed to use cell phones, smart phones, MP3 players and other electronic devices on campus

before and after school, during passing periods, and during lunch shifts. Cell phone use in

locker rooms and restrooms is strictly prohibited. Board Policy EHB, Technology Usage is

available here.

Online and Social Media Safety & Responsibility Rules for BHS Students

1. Guard your privacy. What people know about you is up to you.

2. Protect your reputation. Self-reflect before you self-reveal. What’s funny or edgy today

could cost you tomorrow. Or next year. Or in five years…

3. Nothing is private online. Anything you say or do can be copied, pasted, and sent to

gazillions of people without your permission.

4. Assume everyone is watching, including your grandmother. There’s a huge, vast

audience out there. If someone is your friend’s friend, they can see everything. In fact, assume

that your grandmother is watching. Don’t do anything online or via social media that you

wouldn’t want Grandma to see.

5. Apply the Gold ‘N Purple Rule. Treat others the way you want to be treated. If you don’t

want it done to you, don’t do it to someone else.

6. Choose wisely. Not all content is appropriate. You know what we mean.

7. Don't hide. Using anonymity to cloak your actions doesn’t turn you into a trustworthy,

responsible human being. Creating dummy accounts on social media doesn’t make you an

honest person.

8. Think about what you see and read. Just because it’s online doesn’t make it true. You’ll

learn more about selecting appropriate and reputable references in your classes.

9. Be smart, be safe. Not everyone is who they say they are. But you know that.

Based on Time Warner Cable & Common Sense Media Internet Safety Rules

School Safety & Security: Hazing and Bullying (Board Policy JFCF)

In order to promote a safe learning environment for all students, the Belton No. 124 School

District prohibits all forms of hazing, bullying and student intimidation. Students participating in

or encouraging inappropriate conduct will be disciplined in accordance with JG-R. Such discipline

may include, but is not limited to, suspension or expulsion from school and removal from

participation in activities. Students who have been subjected to hazing or bullying are instructed

to promptly report such incidents to a school official.

In addition, district staff, coaches, sponsors and volunteers shall not permit, condone or

tolerate any form of hazing or bullying or plan, direct, encourage, assist, engage or participate in

any activity that involves hazing or bullying. District staff will report incidents of hazing and

bullying to the building principal. The principal shall promptly investigate all complaints of hazing

and bullying and shall administer appropriate discipline to all individuals who violate this policy.

District staff who violate this policy may be disciplined or terminated.

The superintendent will provide for appropriate training designed to assist staff, coaches,

sponsors and volunteers in identifying, preventing and responding to incidents of hazing and

bullying.

The district shall annually inform students, parents, district staff and volunteers that hazing and

bullying is prohibited. This notification may occur through the distribution of the written policy,

publication in handbooks, presentations at assemblies or verbal instructions by the coach or

sponsor at the start of the season or program.

Definitions

Hazing – For purposes of this policy, hazing is defined as any activity, on or off school grounds,

that a reasonable person believes would negatively impact the mental or physical health or

safety of a student or put the student in a ridiculous, humiliating, stressful or disconcerting

position for the purposes of initiation, affiliation, admission, membership or maintenance of

membership in any group, class, organization, club or athletic team including, but not limited to,

a grade level, student organization or school-sponsored activity.

Hazing may include those actions that subject a student to extreme mental stress including,

but not limited to, sleep deprivation, physical confinement, forced conduct that could result in

extreme embarrassment or criminal activity, or other stress-inducing activities. Hazing may also

include, but is not limited to: acts of physical brutality; whipping; beating; branding; exposing to

the elements; forcing consumption of any food, liquor, drug or other substance; forcing

inhalation or ingestion of tobacco products; or any other forced physical activity that could

adversely affect the physical health or safety of an individual.

Hazing may occur even when all students involved are willing participants. Hazing does not occur

when a student is required to audition or try out for an organization when the criteria are

reasonable, approved by the district and legitimately related to the purpose of the organization.

Bullying – For purposes of this policy, bullying is defined as intimidation or harassment of a

student or multiple students perpetuated by individuals or groups. Bullying includes, but is not

limited to: physical actions, including violence, gestures, theft, or damaging property; oral or

written taunts, including name-calling, put-downs, extortion, or threats; or threats of retaliation

for reporting such acts. Bullying may also include cyberbullying or cyberthreats. Cyberbullying is

sending or posting harmful or cruel text or images using the Internet or other digital

communication devices. Cyberthreats are online materials that threaten or raise concerns about

violence against others, suicide or self-harm. Students involved with cyberbullying or

cyberthreats while at school or using the district’s equipment or Internet access will be subject

to appropriate discipline.

Sprigeo Reporting Tool

As part of our effort to ensure safe schools, the Belton School District utilizes an online

reporting system called Sprigeo students the opportunity to report concerns/incidents of

hazing, bullying, harassment, and other school safety concerns. The Sprigeo system makes

automatic notification to school administrators so that they can investigate and deal

appropriately with the reported incident(s). The system can be accessed online at

www.sprigeo.com

Dress Code (Board Policy JFCA)

The Board of Education recognizes the value of allowing individual student expression as well as

the necessity of protecting student health and safety and maintaining an atmosphere conducive

to education. Student dress code procedures must be designed with the goal of balancing

these competing interests.

All dress code procedures will adhere to health and safety codes and comply with applicable law.

Dress that promotes disruptive behavior including, but not limited to, the promotion of the use

of drugs, alcohol, tobacco, or criminal or sexual activity, will be prohibited. No procedures will

impose dress and grooming codes based on gender in violation of Title IX. District procedures

will specifically define ambiguous terms, and examples will be provided when practicable. (End

Board Policy JFCA.)

For the purpose of clarity, expectations for student dress are geared at ensuring a safe and

respectful school atmosphere where the focus is on learning. Students should wear attire

which does not attract undue attention nor disrupts the educational learning process. All

students must wear shoes. Students representing the school in an activity or on a field trip

should dress according to the sponsor's/group's dress expectations as representatives of BHS.

The following guidelines will help students with their dress:

1. Students must remove hats, hoods, other head coverings, and sunglasses upon

entering the building, and may not wear any of these in the “public” areas of the school

such as the Commons or hallways. Teachers have discretion to permit wearing

hats/hoods in classrooms, and they will be explicit about their individual

expectations/guidelines.

2. Items making reference to profanity, sex, alcohol, drug use or tobacco use, including

apparel that would be deemed inappropriate for public display, are not allowed.

3. Strapless and “spaghetti strap” apparel, backless tops, and tube tops are not permitted.

The acceptable width of shirts/dresses with straps should follow the guideline of

“lasagne straps.” Attire should not allow for exposure of the bare midriff or cleavage.

4. Short shorts or excessively short skirts are not allowed.

5. Pants and trousers worn low around the hips (sagging) are not allowed. Visible

underwear is not acceptable.

6. No spiked or heavy chained jewelry or attire that can be injurious to others.

7. Whenever student attire causes a disruption to the learning process or, in the

reasonable opinion of the building administrator, is likely to be a threat to one’s safety

or health, the student will be requested to change to more appropriate attire.

Students determined to be in violation of the dress code will be asked to change, a

parent/guardian will be called, and the student may be assigned detention or suspension.

Student Drug/Alcohol Abuse (Board Policy JFCH)

The Belton No. 124 School District is concerned with the health, welfare and safety of its

students. Therefore, use, sale, transfer, distribution, possession or being under the influence of

unauthorized prescription drugs, alcohol, narcotic substances, unauthorized inhalants, controlled

substances, illegal drugs, counterfeit substances and imitation controlled substances is

prohibited on any district property, in any district-owned vehicle or in any other

district-approved vehicle used to transport students to and from school or district activities.

This prohibition also applies to any district-sponsored or district-approved activity, event or

function, such as a field trip or athletic event, where students are under the supervision of the

school district. The use, sale, transfer or possession of drug-related paraphernalia is also

prohibited.

For the purpose of this policy a controlled substance shall include any controlled substance,

counterfeit substance or imitation controlled substance as defined in the Narcotic Drug Act, §

195.010, RSMo., and in schedules I, II, III, IV and V in section 202(c) of the Controlled

Substances Act, 21 U.S.C. § 812(c).

Students may only be in possession of medication as detailed in Board policy JHCD. Searches of

persons reasonably suspected to be in violation of this policy will be conducted in accordance

with Board policy.

Any student who is found by the administration to be in violation of this policy shall be referred

for prosecution and subject to disciplinary action up to and including suspension, expulsion or

other discipline in accordance with the district's discipline policy. Strict compliance is mandatory.

The school principal shall immediately report all incidents involving a controlled substance to the

appropriate local law enforcement agency and the superintendent. All controlled substances

shall be turned over to local law enforcement.

Students with disabilities who violate this policy will be disciplined in accordance with policy JGE.

Tobacco Products & Tobacco Free School Grounds

The use of any and all tobacco products in school and on Belyon School District grounds is

strictly prohibited. For the purposes of this policy, e-cigarettes and vapor cigarettes are included

in this prohibition.

Weapons in School (Board Policy JFCF)

The Board recognizes the importance of preserving a safe educational environment for

students, employees and patrons of the district. In order to maintain the safety of the

educational community, the district will strictly enforce the necessary disciplinary consequences

resulting from the use or possession of weapons on school property. No student may possess

a weapon on school property at any time, except as specifically authorized during a

school-sponsored or school-sanctioned activity permitting weapons. The school district will

provide secured storage of student firearms if necessary.

School property is defined as: Property utilized, supervised, rented, leased, or controlled by the

school district including but not limited to school playgrounds, parking lots and school buses,

and any property on which any school activity takes place.

A weapon is defined to mean one or more of the following:

1. A firearm as defined in 18 U.S.C. § 921.

2. A blackjack, concealable firearm, firearm, firearm silencer, explosive weapon, gas gun,

knife, knuckles, machine gun, projectile weapon, rifle, shotgun, spring gun, switchblade

knife, as these terms are defined in § 571.010, RSMo.

3. A dangerous weapon as defined in 18 U.S.C. § 930(g)(2).

4. All knives and any other instrument or device used or designed to be used to threaten or

assault, whether for attack or defense.

5. Any object designed to look like or imitate a device as described in 1-4.

Pursuant to the Missouri Safe Schools Act and the federal Gun-Free Schools Act of 1994, any

student who brings or possesses a weapon as defined in #1 or #2 above on school property will

be suspended from school for at least one (1) calendar year or expelled and will be referred to

the appropriate legal authorities. The suspension or expulsion may be modified on a

case-by-case basis upon recommendation by the superintendent to the Board of Education.

Students who bring or possess weapons as defined in #3, #4 and #5 and not otherwise included

in #1 and #2, will also be subject to suspension and/or expulsion from school and may be

referred to the appropriate legal authorities.

Students with disabilities who violate this policy will be disciplined in accordance with policy JGE.

This policy will be submitted annually to the state Department of Elementary and Secondary

Education along with a report indicating any suspensions or expulsions resulting from the

possession or use of a firearm as defined in 18 U.S.C. § 921. The report will include the name of

the school in which the incidents occurred, the number of students suspended or expelled and

the types of weapons involved.

Student Discipline (Board Policy JG)

It is essential that the district maintain a classroom environment that allows teachers to

communicate effectively with all students in the class and allows all students in the class to

learn. To assist district staff in maintaining the necessary classroom environment, the Board of

Education has created a discipline code that addresses the consequences, including suspension

or expulsion, for students whose conduct is prejudicial to good order and discipline in the

schools or impairs the morale or good conduct of other students.

The comprehensive written code of conduct of the district is composed of this policy and

includes, but is not limited to, the following policies, procedures and regulations: JG-R, JGA, JGB,

JGD, JGE and JGF. A copy of the district's comprehensive written code of conduct will be

distributed to every student and the parents/guardians of every student at the beginning of

each school year and will be available in the superintendent's office during normal business

hours.

Application

These policies, regulations and procedures will apply to all students in attendance in district

instructional and support programs as well as at school-sponsored activities. Off-campus

misconduct that adversely affects the educational climate will also be subject to these policies,

regulations and procedures. Students who have been charged, convicted or pled guilty in a court

of general jurisdiction for commission of a felony may be suspended in accordance with law.

The Board authorizes the immediate removal of a student upon a finding by a principal or

superintendent that the student poses a threat of harm to self or others, as evidenced by the

prior conduct of such student. Any such removal will be subject to the appropriate due process

procedures and in accordance with law.

No student may be confined in an unattended locked space except in an emergency situation

while awaiting the arrival of law enforcement personnel. For the purpose of this policy, a

student is unattended if no person has visual contact with the student, and a locked space is a

space that the student cannot reasonably exit without assistance.

Enforcement

Building principals are responsible for the development of additional regulations and procedures

regarding student conduct needed to maintain proper behavior in schools under their

supervision. All such regulations and procedures shall be consistent with Board-adopted

discipline policies.

Teachers have the authority and responsibility to make and enforce necessary rules for internal

governance in the classroom, subject to review by the building principal. The Board expects each

teacher to maintain a satisfactory standard of conduct in the classroom. All district staff are

required to enforce district policies, regulations and procedures in a manner that is fair and

developmentally appropriate and that considers the student and the individual circumstances

involved.

All employees of the district shall annually receive instruction related to the specific contents of

the district’s discipline policy and any interpretations necessary to implement the provisions of

the policy in the course of their duties including, but not limited to, approved methods of

dealing with acts of school violence, disciplining students with disabilities and instruction in the

necessity and requirements for confidentiality.

Student Discipline Regulation (JG-R1): Disciplinary Consequences

Specific examples of discipline violations and corresponding consequences are

contained in Belton School District Board Policy JG-R1, available for review here: BSD

Board Policy JG-R1

Student Absences & Excuses (Board Policy JED)

Regular and punctual patterns of attendance will be expected of each student enrolled in the

school district. Students should strive to maintain a good attendance record, because there is a

direct relationship between school attendance and grades, citizenship and success in school.

It is recognized that absence from school may be necessary under certain conditions. However,

every effort should be made by students, parents/guardians, teachers and administrators to

keep absences and tardiness to a minimum.

Frequent absences of students from regular classroom learning experiences disrupt the

continuity of the instructional process. The benefit of regular classroom instruction is lost, and

cannot be entirely regained. The school cannot teach students who are not present. The entire

process of education requires a regular continuity of instruction, classroom participation,

learning experiences and study in order to reach the goal of maximum educational benefits for

each individual student. The regular contact of the students with one another in the classroom

and their participation in well-planned instructional activities under the supervision of a

competent teacher are vital to this purpose.

The superintendent, with the assistance of the administrative and professional staff, shall

establish rules and procedures for student attendance within the district. Such rules and

procedures shall be published in the various student and parent/guardian handbooks, and shall

be subject to review by the Board of Education. Irregular student attendance shall be checked

by the building principal or his or her designee to determine the cause of absence. Causes for

absences may be obtained by telephone calls, verified notes from parents or guardians,

contacts with other members of the student's family, or home visits.

No rule or procedure will preclude a student from making up work missed due to any type of

absence, including due to suspension.

A comprehensive system of attendance records will be maintained for each student. Each

teacher is responsible for the accurate reporting of daily attendance in the classroom. The

building principal is responsible for supplying information to parents/guardians in regard to

student absences, and for submitting attendance information to the superintendent's office.

The district will contact the Children's Division (CD) of the Department of Social Services or the

local prosecutor in cases where the district has a reasonable suspicion that a student's lack of

attendance constitutes educational neglect on the part of the parents/guardians or that

parents/guardians are in violation of the compulsory attendance law. No such action will be

taken unless other strategies and interventions have been implemented and proven ineffective.

If a student in foster care is absent from school due to a decision by a court or child-placing

agency to change the student's placement or due to a verified court appearance or related

court-ordered activity, the grades and credit of the student will be calculated as of the date the

student left school, and no lowering of the student's grades shall occur as a result of the

absence under these circumstances.

Truancy

Students who are absent from class or school without the knowledge and consent of their

parents/guardians and the administration, or students who leave school during any session

without the consent of the principal, shall be considered truant. Students may also be

considered truant if they have accumulated excessive unjustifiable absences, even with the

consent of parent/guardians.

The designated attendance officer for the district shall assist the administration when a student

attendance problem warrants additional investigation or assistance.

Student Absences and Excuses - Regulation (Board Policy JED-R1)

The following rules, regulations and procedures shall apply to student attendance in the Belton

School District #124.

Excused Absences

Absences are bound to occur due to legitimate illness of and/or injury to the student. Five days

per semester of absences will be allowed for each student. Absences of more than five days per

semester will be considered excessive. Exceptions to this rule include extenuating

circumstances such as severe illness and/or injury; religious observances; or visits with a parent

or legal guardian who is an active duty member of the military who has been called to duty for,

is on leave from, or is immediately returned from deployment to a combat zone or combat

support posting, with permission of the superintendent or designee. Medical absences require a

doctor’s excuse.

Excessive absences will be referred to the principal or designee for review and disposition.

Possible disposition of excessive absences will include: suspension, retention or referral to

juvenile court.

Elementary and Middle School Absences

Students who are absent from class will be permitted to make up work missed. Arrangements

for such make-up work and the time allowed for such make-up work is the responsibility of the

student to work out with the classroom teacher.

High School Absences

Students who are absent from classes will be permitted to make up work missed (up to five

days per semester). It will be the responsibility of the student to arrange with the teacher

suitable time to make up any necessary work (i.e., activity period, before or after school). One

day will be permitted for each day absent in which to make up missed assignments.

Unexcused Absences

Middle School

Students who are suspended out of school or truant may make up daily work missed for 75

percent credit allowing one day for each day missed.

Habitual unexcused absences will result in retention, suspension, referral to the Juvenile Court

or referral to the superintendent for possible suspension/expulsion.

High School

In cases of unexcused absences, it is expected that all missed work will be made up with one

day permitted for each day absent in which to make up missed assignments as per the

guidelines for excused absences. Except in certain situations with foster care children in

accordance with law, partial credit up to 75 percent will be given for made-up assignments.

Habitual unexcused absences will result in retention, suspension, referral to the Juvenile Court

or referral to the superintendent for possible suspension/expulsion. (End Regulation JED-R1)

Belton High School Attendance Procedures

The Missouri Department of Education through the Missouri School Improvement Program

(MSIP) sets the goal of ensuring that more than 90% of students achieving an attendance rate

of 90% or better. We will focus our attention on individual attendance, knowing that good

attendance is an obvious factor correlated with good academic achievement.

Regular and punctual attendance is expected of BHS students. Students should strive to

maintain a good attendance record because there is a direct relationship between school

attendance and grades, citizenship, and success in school. It is recognized that absence from

school may be necessary under certain conditions. However, every effort should be made by

students, parents/guardians, teachers, and administrators to keep absences and tardiness to a

minimum.

Verified Absences

A verified absence is defined as an absence from class due to illness or other unforeseen

circumstance that is verified by a parent contacting the BHS Attendance Office within 48 hours

of the absence. Parents/guardians are asked to call the Attendance Office at 816-489-7500 any

day their student will be absent from class in order to verify the absence.

Notification of Absence by BHS

The BHS Attendance Office will make every effort to notify parents/guardians of student

absences. However, it is ultimately the responsibility of the student and parent/guardian to be

apprised of student attendance. Parents/guardians are encouraged to register for online access

to the BHS student information system, through which attendance and grades can be viewed

via the internet.

· A formal letter will be mailed to the parent/guardian at three (3) and five (5) periods of

absence.

Excused Absences

Excused absences will be recorded when verified by a parent/guardian with documentation of

any of the following:

· Severe illness and/or injury which may require documentation from a medical practitioner

· Religious observances

· School-sponsored activities

· Death in the family

· College visits (2 per year for juniors and seniors only, with documentation from the

college/university)

· Visits with a parent or legal guardian who is an active duty member of the military who has

been called to duty for, is on leave from, or is immediately returned from deployment to a

combat zone or combat supporting posting.

Unexcused Absences

Unexcused absences are defined as absences that are unverified and/or do not include an

excuse as defined above. Unexcused absences include truancy or skipping, and will be met with

the following continuum of consequences:

· First truancy = parent contact plus detention equal to the time absent

· Second truancy = parent contact plus detention equal to double the time absent

· Third truancy = parent contact, in-school suspension, plus attendance contract

· Additional truancy may result in parent contact, in-school/out-of-school suspension, referral

to Superintendent, referral to the Cass County Juvenile Court, possible expulsion

Excessive Absence and Loss of Academic Credit

Our school attendance goal as a whole and for individual students is 95%. More than four (4)

periods of absence per class, per semester, will be considered excessive. [In our current 4 x 4

block schedule, students have eight (8) periods of classes.] Students who accumulate more

than four (4) periods of absence in any given class, per semester, may lose academic credit for

that class, and will be required to complete an appeal process to earn credit if a passing grade is

earned. The appeal process will require the student to explain the circumstances around the

excessive absence and state the reason(s) why credit should be granted despite excessive

absenteeism.

· Appeal Process: Students with excessive absence as defined above will be

required to complete an appeal process within an established deadline after the

end of the semester term in which absence was excessive – normally, two (2)

weeks of business days after the end of the term. Appeal forms will be

provided to the student, and the parent/guardian will be notified. An appeal

committee at BHS will consider the student’s appeal anonymously and

determine whether or not credit should be granted.

· Makeup Attendance at the BHS Student Support Center: The appeal

process will not be required and credit will be granted (with a passing grade in

the course) if the student makes up excessive absences by attending the BHS

Student Support Center outside of school hours within the deadline for the

appeal process. The Student Support Center provides students with extra

academic support from BHS teachers so students can complete assigned

classwork, strengthen content knowledge, and bolster academic skills.

Students are required to sign in and sign out of the Student Support Center in

order to record their attendance.

· A referral to the Cass County Juvenile Court may be made in the case

of excessive absence.

While the school will attempt to notify students and parents of attendance violations,

ultimately it is the student’s responsibility to monitor his or her attendance.

Parents/Guardians are asked to call in any absences as early as possible at 816-489-7500.

Written notes will not substitute for the phone call.

Tardy Procedures

Tardies 1, 2 Entered in teacher’s grade book - teacher warns student

Tardy 3: Parent/Guardian notified by teacher

Tardy 4: Teacher detention assigned

Tardy 5: Discipline Referral, Detention

Tardy 6: Discipline Referral, Detention

Tardy 7: Discipline Referral, Detention

Tardy 8: Discipline Referral, Detention

9th Tardy +: Discipline Referral, ISS, Saturday School, additional consequences

These are general guidelines for tardies. Administration has the authority to discipline students

for tardies as deemed necessary.

Grade Cards

Progress report cards are issued every three weeks; final reports are issued at the end of each

semester. Letter grades are used to designate a student's progress. Honors and dual

enrollment college courses are generally weighted for grades above a C-. Grade cards will be

withheld if fines and other obligations are not met.

Grading Scale

The following standard grading scale is used to compute grades at BHS:

A 95% C 73%

A- 90% C- 70%

B+ 87% D+ 67%

B 83% D 63%

B- 80% D- 60%

C+ 77% F 59% and below

Honor Roll Grade Point Average Criteria

Principal's Honor Roll 4.0 and above

"A" Honor Roll 3.5 - 3.99

"B" Honor Roll 3.0 - 3.49

Academic Awards

Students with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or above will receive a BHS academic award according to

the following:

Freshmen (end of 1st semester of HS): certificate of recognition

Sophomores (end of 3rd semester of HS): certificate and academic letter

Juniors (end of 5th semester of HS): certificate and bar

Seniors (end of 7th semester of HS): certificate and medal

This Academic Awards Ceremony for 2014-2015 is scheduled for March 10, 2015

Leaving Campus/Coming in late

No student may leave school property once arriving without first receiving permission from a

parent AND the office. Students must sign out properly in the school office. Leaving without

permission may result in disciplinary action. If a student returns to school during the same day

or arrives at school late, they must first report to the office and sign in.

If the student is late enough to be considered absent unexcused from class, detention minutes

may be assigned.

Closed Campus/Lunch Guidelines

Belton High School has a closed campus. Students may not leave the campus for lunch,

between classes, or any other time of the day. STUDENTS MAY NOT SIGN OUT FOR LUNCH.

Furthermore, students may not have an outside visitor deliver lunch for the student to pick up.

Parents/guardians may visit to eat lunch with their student at school. If so, we ask that the

parent/guardian call ahead of time for approval and to verify correct lunch times. Upon arrival, all

visitors will need to register at the Main Office and wear a visitor badge that will be provided,

including parents/guardians who visit to eat lunch with their student.

Student Planner

Students are provided an academic year calendar/planner as an organizational tool and for use as

a hall pass. Students must have their planner to go to the nurse, office, restroom, library,

another classroom, etc., and sending teachers, nurse, administrator, will sign and time their

permission in the planner. Replacement planners cost $5.00.

Final Assessments/Examinations

ALL Students are required to take final assessments/examinations during the published dates

for each semester. Any request to complete finals outside the scheduled window must be

made by completing a formal request with the Principal.

Final Exam Dates for 2014-2015:

1st Semester: December 16-17-18-19

2nd Semester: Seniors - May 7-8-11-12 (Last Day = Wed., May 13)

Juniors/Sophomores - May 15-18-19-20

(Dates may change in the event of Snow Days & Makeup Days)

Lockers

Students will be assigned lockers for the storage of books, clothing, personal articles, etc.

Students cannot change locker assignments without office approval and the submission of a

BHS Locker Change Form. Items must be removed prior to the last day of school. THE

SCHOOL WILL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR LOST OR STOLEN ITEMS. This includes gym

lockers as well.

Lost and Found

Lost and found items are to be turned in to the Main Office. Please check with the office if you

have lost any item. Unclaimed articles may be donated to charity if unclaimed within a

reasonable period of time.

Athletics/Activities

Belton High School is a member of the Missouri State High School Activities Association and

the Greater Kansas City Suburban Conference. To participate in activities with other schools, a

student must adhere to the eligibility requirements set forth by thSHAA and the Belton Board

of Education. (See the Student Athletic Handbook and observe credit requirements). STUDENTS

MUST PASS AT LEAST THREE AND A HALF (3.5) CREDITS IN THE PREVIOUS SEMESTER (18

WEEKS) AND BE ENROLLED IN THREE AND A HALF (3.5) CREDITS FOR ELIGIBILITY IN ATHLETICS

AND ACTIVITIES.

The following MSHSAA activities are available to students who meet eligibility

requirements:

Basketball Soccer Tennis Football

Cheerleading Volleyball Softball Golf

Dance Team Swimming Speech & Debate Track & Field

Wrestling Cross Country Newspaper Yearbook

Music/Academic teams

The school is held responsible for the conduct of all fans at home and away activities by

MSHSAA. Students and fans will be supervised by BHS administrative personnel. Students who

are suspended (ISS or OSS) may not attend or participate in any school activity while the

suspension is in effect, including competitions, musical concerts, theatrical performances, etc.

Students who are OSS are not permitted on or near school property during their suspension.

School Dances

Several dances are hosted during the school year. It is a privilege to attend school dances, and

this privilege may be lost for disciplinary reasons. Only students in grades 9 through 12 may

attend BHS Dances. Students may bring one outside guest under the age of 21 if the guest is

approved by administration. To gain approval, students must submit a Dance Guest Form to

the Main Office at least three (3) days prior to the dance. A background check will be

conducted and the home school of guests will be asked for approval, as well.

Homecoming Dance: September 27, 2014 - 7:30-10:30 pm at BHS

Prom: April 11, 2015, 8:00-11:00 pm at Overland Park Convention Center

Health Room

Students who need prescription medication during the school day must come to the Health

Room, where Health Room personnel or another designated adult will administer medications.

All prescription medication must be kept in the Health Room along with written

permission authorizing Health Room personnel to administer the medication. Students

cannot have medications of any type in their possession. Established guidelines to protect

students from errors in medications and the medication permission forms are available in the

Health Room. The Missouri Safe Schools Act mandates that all students who carry an inhaler at

school must have the required form completed by both doctor and parent and placed on file in

the Health Room. It is recommended that an extra inhaler be kept in the Health Room.

Student Driving Privileges

Students who wish to drive to school must purchase a parking permit through the Main Office.

Vehicles parked on school grounds without a visible parking permit are subject to towing at the

owner’s expense.

Students who drive to school are allowed to park only in the West Student Lot.

Students who are transported to school via district provided bussing will be dropped in the

South Bus Lot with entrance into the South Commons.

Students who are transported to school by parent/guardian are to be dropped at the North

Main Entrance loop.

Staff only are permitted to park in the North and East Parking Lots.

Students may lose their parking privilege as a disciplinary consequence.

Technology Resources Policy

At Belton High School we will encourage and provide instruction in the appropriate and

responsible use of technology resources, including social media, for the sake of learning.

Towards that end,

Bulletin Boards, Posters, and other Promotional Material Posted/Distributed at BHS

All posters or flyers for activities sponsored by school or non-school groups must receive

approval from the Student Activities Director and/or Principal before being placed in the building.

All sales events must receive prior authorization from the Activities/Athletic Director’s Office.