Dear Parents, Guardians, and Students;
Welcome to the 2015-2016 Couch Elementary school year. I look forward to
working with the students at Couch Elementary. We, the administration, fac-
ulty and staff, are committed to providing a high quality, well-rounded educa-
tion in the safest of environments to our students. Each child’s educational
success is dependent upon the hard work of the educator and student along
with the cooperation and support of the parent/guardian/community. Couch
Elementary stands committed to the achievement of this mission.
Couch School has placed an emphasis on reading because we know that the
key to learning and knowledge is reading. We have stressed reading and ask
that you read with your child at home. Reading well will help your child excel
in school and in life.
This handbook has been developed as a guide to the policies and procedures
of Couch Elementary School, but is not all inclusive of the day to day opera-
tions of the school. Please review the student handbook with your child/
children. It contains important information about the rules and regulations at
Couch Elementary School.
Please be involved in your child’s/children’s education. If you have questions,
do not hesitate to contact the school at (417)938-4215. I look forward to
working with you this school year.
Sincerely,
Pam Smith
Elementary Principal
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
School Calendar 3
Mission & Philosophy 4
Admission 4-5
Attendance 5-6
Tardies & Retention Policy 6-7
Appearance & Dress Code 8
Visitors Policy 8-9
Parent/Teacher Organization 9
Student Check In/Out Policy 9
Students Staying After School 9
Telephone Usage, Posting Announcements 9-10
School Insurance 10
Student Off Limit Areas 10
School Breakfast & Lunch 10
Classroom Parties 10
Bus Changes, Student Textbooks, Personal Belongings 11
Cell Phones 11
Emergency Evacuation 11
Student Evaluation, Grading Scale & Progress Reports 11-12
Missouri Assessment Program (MAP) 12
Pledge of Allegiance 12
Withdrawal from School 13
Discipline Policy 13-20
Elementary Playground Rules 20-21
Drug Policy 21
Notice of Nondiscrimination 21-22
Asbestos Notice 22
Public Notice 22-23
Complaint Resolution Procedure 23-24
Student Disenrollment Procedure 24-25
Hazing & Bullying 25-26
No Child Left Behind 27
Public Notice 27-28
Health & Medication 28-29
Sexual Harassment 30
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Couch R-1 School District
2015-2016 School Calendar
August 10, 11, 12 Teacher Workshop
August 13 School Starts – First Quarter
September 7 Labor Day – No School
September 25 Teacher In-Service – No School
October 9 End of First Quarter – 40 days
October 16 Parent/Teacher Conference – No School
November 16-20 Fall Break – No School
November 23-27 Thanksgiving Break – No School
December 18 End of Second Quarter – 39 days
End of First Semester – 79 days
December 21-January 1 Christmas Vacation – No School
January 4 School Resumes
Begin 3rd Quarter and 2nd Sem.
January 18 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day – No School
January 29 Teacher In-Service (No School)
February 12 Parent/Teacher Conferences – No School
February 15 President’s Day – No School
March 4 Third Quarter Ends—41 days
March 25-28 Spring Break – No School
May 5 Fourth Quarter Ends – 42 Days
Second Semester Ends – 83 Days
Last Day of School – Dismiss at 12:30
First Semester Second Semester
August 13 January 18
September 20 February 19
October 21 March 21
November 11 April 21
December 14 May 4
Total 1st Semester 79 Total 2nd Semester 83
Make-up days: May 6, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, January 18, February 15, and May 16 and 17. If the sev-
enth missed day falls after January 19 or February 16, and more than 8 makeup days are needed,
May 18 and 19 will be used. The preceding 10 days are listed in order that they will be used for
make-up. If additional days are needed, the dates will be added on to the end of the above dates.
4
COUCH R-1
MISSION AND PHILOSOPHY
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of Couch R-1 School District is to provide experiences that will
enhance the skills and talents students possess in order to prepare them for
life.
PHILOSOPHY
The Couch R-1 School District recognizes that the purpose of education is to
help the student realize his/her self worth thus leading them toward becom-
ing a productive member of a democratic society. A strong emphasis must be
placed upon the fundamentals of academic, physical, and technical skills as
well as social and democratic values. The district adheres to the beliefs that
cooperation among parents, educators, students, and community is essential
for success.
Each student is a unique individual; therefore, we believe that education
should provide an opportunity for the maximum development of each individ-
ual within the limitations of his/her capacities. We believe that the student
must take responsibility for his/her education as an opportunity to enhance
his/her skills and talents as a guide to becoming a productive member of soci-
ety. Students should internalize ownership of the knowledge and skills they
gain while attending Couch R-1 School.
We recognize the role of the educator is to provide an environment in which
individuals can be challenged to the maximum level of their capacity, as they
acquire knowledge and skills to solve problems which will help them to be-
come productive members of society.
We recognize that the role of the parents/guardians is to encourage their
child each day to give his/her best effort to maximum education.
ADMISSION
The minimum age for enrollment in Kindergarten is the age of five (5) as of
August 1st of the year of enrollment. Any student who has been enrolled in a
Kindergarten program in another state for a period of not less than sixty (60)
days, and who will become five (5) during the school year in which he/she is
enrolled in Kindergarten, and whose parents or guardians establish domicile
in their school district, may be enrolled in Kindergarten upon the written re-
quest of the student’s parent or guardian.
The minimum age for enrollment in first grade shall be six (6) before August
5
1st of the year of initial enrollment if the child has completed a Kindergarten
program prior to enrollment. Any six (6) year old child who has not complet-
ed a Kindergarten program prior to enrollment in the Couch School District
shall be evaluated by the principal or designee. The child will be placed in the
first grade if the evaluation results indicate that the child is ready for enroll-
ment at the first grade level. If the evaluation results indicate that the child is
not ready for enrollment at the first grade level, the child will be enrolled in
Kindergarten.
A copy of the birth certificate, social security card, and immunization record is
required at the time of admission. Students who do not have immunization
records available will not be allowed to enroll until appropriate records are
received. Also, students enrolling in Kindergarten or first grade must provide
proof of a comprehensive vision examination by January 1st of the first year in
the district, in accordance with the law.
Before a student can be admitted, to any grade 1st through 6th, written evi-
dence must be presented that he/she has been promoted to the grade in
which he/she is seeking enrollment. Home schooled students will be evaluat-
ed by the principal or designee to determine placement.
ATTENDANCE
School attendance is the responsibility of the parents. Students should be in
school unless forced to be absent due to illness, etc. Parents failing to send
healthy children to school are in violation of the law.
Any time a student is absent, and the parent or guardian has not contacted
the school, the principal or designee will contact the parent or guardian.
When a student has accumulated five (5) absences, excused or unexcused, in
any semester, the school will set up a conference with the parent or guardian
to discuss the student’s attendance and current level of academic perfor-
mance. The purpose of the conference is to clarify the school’s expectations
regarding attendance and elicit suggestions from parents on ways to improve
the student’s attendance. When a student has accumulated a total of ten
(10) absences for the year, the school will set up a conference to develop an
attendance plan that includes specific intervention strategies designed to im-
prove the student’s attendance. When a student misses more than ten (10)
days, the district will determine whether there is a reason to suspect educa-
tional neglect or whether the parent is violating the compulsory attendance
laws. The district may then contact the Children’s Division Department of
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Social Services. More than ten (10) absences will be a factor in determining
whether a student may be retained.
Ten (10) unexcused absences will result in students being reported to the
State of Missouri as truant.
Perfect attendance shall be awarded to those students missing no more
than three total hours of school for the entire year.
Students will be allowed the number of days missed plus two (2) to make up
work after being absent. (In grades 5 and 6 it is the student’s responsibility to
request make-up work from the teacher.)
TARDIES
It is important for students to arrive at school on time and remain the entire
day. A student is considered tardy if he/she arrives after 8:00 a.m. Students
who are tardy to school must check in at the office. Students who are tardy
more than five (5) days per semester, will be required to serve noon deten-
tion for each subsequent tardy.
RETENTION POLICY
The board of education, administration and staff of the Couch R-1 School Dis-
trict are dedicated to the maximum educational development and progress of
all students. The personnel have the responsibility to place these students at
a level that will ensure growth emotionally, socially, and academically.
Normally, a student will progress from one grade to another, based on his/her
ability to master the objectives and skills required to move from one level to
the next level. When this normal progress does not occur, then sometimes, it
is the best interest of the student to be retained. Each situation will be han-
dled individually, based on the child’s needs. In most situations, the basis for
promotion or retention is academic achievement. There are however, other
factors that must be considered also, including: educational history, social and
emotional maturity, physical size, attitudes, etc.
The recommendation to the parents that their child be retained will occur
only after a very thorough and complete professional analysis has been con-
ducted. Because of the firm commitment that retention will be made only in
the best interest of the child, the recommendation will be a team decision
using the combined knowledge of all personnel working with the student.
The principal, after consultation with the parents and all of the personnel that
deal with the student, will make the final decision concerning the placement
for the upcoming school year.
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Guidelines for retention:
Children will normally be retained only one time during their elementary
school years.
Except under unusual circumstances, students will not be retained after
the first three years of school. However, Couch Elementary School will
abide by the state’s reading law regarding reading assessment and reten-
tion (See Senate Bill 319 on page 6).
A staff meeting must be held to review the data prior to discussion with
the parent. The following must be included in the staff meeting: princi-
pal, classroom teacher, specialists, and school counselor. A majority of
those present at the staff meeting must agree to the retention. Dissent-
ing opinions must be attached to the final recommendation of retention.
Parents should agree to the retention. While we strive to gain parent
approval and support, the policy is very clear that the school personnel
will make the final decision.
Procedures for retention:
When a student is having difficulty, the classroom teacher will keep the
parents informed of all intervention strategies used to accelerate their
child’s performance.
The teacher will inform the building principal in writing by March 7th of
any student that is having difficulty and not working up to recent grade
level. No mention of a retention recommendation will be made to the
parents until authorized by the principal.
The principal will make the necessary arrangements to ensure that appro-
priate assessment data is available and arrange for the required staff
meeting.
A registered letter will be forwarded to the parents, by March 31st, advis-
ing them that their child is continuing to have difficulty and may be re-
tained. Recommendation regarding retention for students enrolling dur-
ing second semester will be processed prior to the end of the school year.
The staff committee will meet during the fourth quarter to make the final
recommendation to retain or not to retain the student.
After the final decision has been made, the teacher/principal will arrange
a conference to inform the parents.
The decision may be appealed by notifying the superintendent in writing.
Senate Bill 319:
8
Governor Bob Holden signed Senate Bill 319 on June 29, 2001. The measure
emphasizes the early assessment of students’ reading skills and requires
school districts to intervene with students who are reading below grade level.
The law that became effective on July 1, 2001 requires:
● Assessment of students in grades 3-6 to determine their reading level.
individualized “Reading Improvement Plans” for students in grades 4-6
who are substantially below grade level in reading.
Additional reading instruction for students with Reading Improvement
Plans.
● Retention of students in grade 4 if they are reading below the third grade
level. Students with Individual Education Plans (IEPs) are exempt from this
requirement.
APPEARANCE & DRESS CODE
All students should maintain a neat and well-groomed appearance during the
school day, and while attending school sponsored activities. The following
guidelines will be used in judging appropriate student dress:
Hair should be clean and well-groomed.
Dress & grooming shall be clean and in keeping with health and sanitary
practices.
Dress & grooming should not disrupt the educational process.
Examples of inappropriate attire include: short-shorts and skirts
(shorts and skirts shall be no more than four inches above the knee),
bare-midriff tops, spaghetti strap tops or open mesh.
Clothing with indecent or “double-meaning” writing or pictures will not
be permitted, including tobacco, alcohol, or other obscenities.
Head cover of any type may not be worn inside the building during school
hours.
Sunglasses are not to be worn in the building.
It is the parent’s responsibility to provide suitable dress. Parents will be noti-
fied to bring proper attire for the student.
VISITORS POLICY
Visitors, which include student’s parents, grandparents, and other individuals,
with permission from the Principal’s office are welcome at Couch Elementary
School. Visitors should follow these guidelines when visiting the school:
Each visitor should go directly to the Principal’s office to let him/her know
they are in the building and will be visiting. All visitors during the regular
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school day will receive a visitor’s badge prior to proceeding elsewhere in the
building.
We discourage students from bringing visitor friends to their class.
Visitors are not allowed in classrooms during instruction time.
PARENT/TEACHER ORGANIZATION
The Couch Elementary has an active Parent/Teacher Organization (PTO) that
meets monthly. If you are interested in joining, call the elementary office at
(417) 938-4215 for further information.
STUDENT CHECK IN/OUT POLICY
Students arriving late for school must come to the Principal’s office accompa-
nied by the person bringing them to school. An attendance sheet stating arri-
val time, date, etc. must be signed.
Students having necessary appointments or business during the school day
must be checked out by a parent/guardian or other party designated by the
parent/guardian using the following procedure:
1. The parent/guardian must call or come by the Principal’s office to inform him/her of who is picking up the child.
2. The person picking up the child should go to the Principal’s office first and sign the check-out sheet. The student will then be called.
3. Parents dropping off and/or picking up students before or after school
should drop off or collect their child at the south entrance of the elemen-
tary building. This will be the primary access point of the building.
STUDENTS STAYING AFTER SCHOOL
Students staying after school for school approved activities must have written
permission from parents/guardians. Students who are not involved in the
activities are not permitted to stay after school.
TELEPHONE
The Couch Elementary office telephone number is (417) 938-4215. We be-
lieve very strongly that the lines of communication between the school and
parents should always be open and honest. Therefore, if you have any con-
cerns or are unclear about particular information, please feel free to call.
STUDENT USE OF TELEPHONE
Students will be allowed to use the telephone only in cases of emergency, as
determined by the building principal or designee. Students will not be called
out of the classroom to receive phone calls. Messages may be left with the
school secretary or principal.
POSTING ANNOUNCEMENTS
10
Posting of announcements or materials on bulletin boards or in halls will re-
quire clearance through the Principal’s office.
SCHOOL INSURANCE
Low cost insurance is available for all students while under the jurisdiction of
the school. Application forms are available on the school website:
http://markel.sevencorners.com Parents may go directly to the website fol-
lowing this link to obtain insurance for their student.
STUDENT OFF LIMIT AREAS
The teacher workroom is off limits for all students unless given permission by
a classroom teacher. The refrigerator and microwave are for teacher use on-
ly.
No student in Elementary will be permitted in the High School building with-
out permission from a teacher.
SCHOOL BREAKFAST & LUNCH
Lunch money should be paid monthly.
If your child can not drink milk with their lunch due to medical reasons,
please have your doctor write a note and send it to your child’s teacher.
Your child will be given juice or water to drink with their meal.
Each student is to be mannerly, courteous, and quiet in the lunchroom.
When students bring lunches, they may bring drinks, however, sodas are
not allowed. No refrigeration is available.
No drinks in glass bottles are allowed in the lunchroom.
Students are not allowed to eat food from other student’s plates.
No food is to be taken out of the cafeteria.
CLASSROOM PARTIES
Annual party days for the entire Elementary will include:
1. Halloween Masquerade Party
2. Christmas gift exchange
3. Valentine’s Day
Students must be present the day of the party in order to attend. All food and
drinks brought for parties must be in compliance with the district’s wellness
policy.
BUS CHANGES
11
Students riding a different bus must have written permission from the Princi-
pal’s office. The office may be contacted about bus changes by either a note
or phone call from the child’s parent/guardian. A parent/guardian must also
notify the school if their child will not be riding the bus after school, and who
will be picking them up.
STUDENT TEXTBOOKS
Textbooks are provided from school tax money paid by parents. While these
books are furnished to the students without charge, they are not free. Stu-
dents are responsible for the proper care and return of books at the end of
the school year or when withdrawing from school.
PERSONAL BELONGINGS
We recommend that students do not bring toys or other personal belongings
to school. Teachers cannot be responsible for student’s personal belongings.
Radios, CD players, MP3 Players, handheld video games, head phones, cellular
phones, pagers, trading cards, etc. are not allowed. Parents will be required
to pick up and sign for any items confiscated from students.
CELL PHONES
Developments in cell phone technology in recent years have resulted in en-
hanced communication opportunities. However, the use of cell phones in
schools poses increased risks of school disruptions, academic dishonesty, bul-
lying, and criminal activity. As a result, cell phones will be banned in school
buildings during the instructional day and on school buses coming to and from
school. Students found in possession of a cell phone will be disciplined ac-
cording to the handbook policy:
EMERGENCY EVACUATION
All classrooms have individual fire, tornado, and earthquake plans. Each
teacher will give instructions and procedures for evacuation.
STUDENT PERFORMANCE AND EVALUATION
Report cards will be sent home at the end of each eight (8) weeks. This is a
means of informing parents/guardians of the student’s progress in each sub-
ject. Parent/Teacher Conferences will be held at the end of the 1st and 3rd
quarters.
GRADING SCALE
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95-100 A 73-75 C 90-94 A- 70-72 C- 86-89 B+ 66-69 D+ 83-85 B 63-65 D 80-82 B- 60-62 D- 76-79 C+ 59 and below F
PROGRESS REPORTS
Progress reports are a means of communication with parents/guardians re-
garding whether their student is progressing satisfactorily. Progress reports
will be mailed during the fifth (5th) week of each quarter to inform parents of
their child’s progress.
To participate in extra-curricular activities fourth, fifth and sixth grade stu-
dents will be required to maintain a passing accumulative semester grade of
60% and above in all classes. One two-week probationary period at the time
of the two week grade check will be given each semester.
MISSOURI ASSESSMENT PROGRAM
Students will be given standardized tests in the following subjects at designat-
ed grade level:
K: Terra Nova 4: MAP- Communication Arts, Math
1: Terra Nova 5: MAP- Communication Arts, Math & Science
2: Terra Nova 6: MAP- Communication Arts & Math
3: MAP- Communication Arts & Math
Students scoring at the advanced, proficient or moving up from below basic to
basic levels on the MAP Communication Arts and Math tests will receive one
excused absence for each subject in which they scored at these levels. MAP
Passes must be used during the school year in which they are issued and
may not be used during standardized testing dates or in the event of school
suspension. Make-up work will be at the discretion of the classroom teach-
er.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Senate Bill 718 requires that Missouri schools recite the Pledge of Allegiance
weekly. Couch Elementary students will recite the Pledge of Allegiance at the
beginning of every school day. Students who do not wish to participate in this
activity, must contact their principal so other arrangements can be made.
STUDENT WITHDRAWAL FROM SCHOOL
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Students who are transferring to another district or who are withdrawing
from the Couch R-1 School District for any reason shall notify the building
principal or his/her designee of the last day of attendance and complete nec-
essary withdrawal procedures. Official notification concerning a student’s
withdrawal from school will be issued to teachers by the appropriate adminis-
trator or counselor.
DISCIPLINE POLICY
GOALS AND PHILOSOPHY
In an endeavor involving large numbers of people, a reasonable discipline is
necessary for a smooth operation. Teaching/learning being “the” operation
of school makes discipline necessary.
Most teachers agree that the best discipline is self-discipline, so with this in
mind, we will resort to punishment and suspension or expulsion in an effort
to maintain an atmosphere in which the teacher can teach and students can
learn. (It is our firm belief that students have a right to a quiet and orderly
school atmosphere, and that teachers have a right to work at their profession
without interference).
In pursuing this line of thought, we have attempted to create a list of unac-
ceptable behaviors and punishments that will result from such actions. This
philosophy is based upon a framework of long-standing school rules. With
the exercise of common sense it will be little or no problem to live within this
framework.
Any rules we may write and any punishments we may prescribe at this time
will not supersede the administration’s prerogative of suspension, or expul-
sion.
Throughout this discipline policy, in-school suspension will be used as much as
practical in lieu of out-of-school suspension. However, out-of-school suspen-
sion will be used in certain flagrant violations when deemed necessary by the
administration. Some of these violations are: drug/alcohol abuse, threat of
violence, disruption of the orderly school process, etc.
VIOLATIONS AND CONSEQUENCES
1. Verbal correction by the teacher.
2. Visit the principal for counseling and/or punishment. 3. Noon detention (loss of recess time) 4. Assignment of work detail, or some other form of restitution. 5. Corporal punishment 6. In-School Suspension
14
7. Social Suspension (loss of extra-curricular activity privileges) 8. Out-of-School Suspension 9. Suspension from school bus 10. Expulsion
BEHAVIOR AND DISCIPLINE
The Board of Education has shown support for House Bill 207 (holding parents
responsible for damages done by their dependents to public buildings and
equipment.) Any student found with explosives in their possession which
pose a danger to persons or property, or a threat to disrupting the academic
process shall be removed immediately from school premises and a notice and
hearing shall follow as soon as practical thereafter.
Important! Punishment for each offense may vary according to severity of
the offense. For example, third and fourth offense punishment may be as-
signed if the misbehavior is extreme even on the first offense. All acts of
violence and/or violations of the Safe Schools Act will be reported to juve-
nile authorities.
Tardy
The student will check in at the office.
1st–5th – verbal warning
Each additional tardy will result in a noon detention.
Disrupting class; talking, laughing, clowning, etc.
The teacher will:
1st – verbal warning
2nd – 1 noon detention
3rd – 1 noon detention & notify parent
4th – 2 noon detentions & notify parent
5th - Refer to principal for ISS or Corporal Punishment & notify parent
Each successive referral will bring longer ISS terms or OSS.
Failure to participate in class
The teacher will:
1st – verbal warning
2nd – 1 noon detention
3rd – 1 noon detention & notify parent
4th – 2 noon detentions & notify parent
5th - Refer to principal for ISS or Corporal Punishment & notify parent
Each successive referral will bring longer ISS terms or OSS
Failure to go to class prepared
15
The teacher will:
1st – verbal warning
2nd – 1 noon detention
3rd – 1 noon detention & notify parent
4th – 2 noon detentions & notify parent
5th - Refer to principal for ISS or Corporal Punishment & notify parent
Each successive referral will bring longer ISS terms or OSS.
Inappropriate conduct in the cafeteria, library, assembly, hall, bathroom, PE,
Music or Art
The teacher will:
1st – verbal warning
2nd – 1 noon detention
3rd – 1 noon detention & notify parent
4th – 2 noon detentions & notify parent
5th - Refer to principal for ISS or Corporal Punishment & notify parent
Each successive referral will bring longer ISS terms or OSS
Misbehaving for a substitute teacher
The teacher will:
1st – verbal warning
2nd – 1 noon detention
3rd – 1 noon detention & notify parent
4th – 2 noon detentions & notify parent
5th - Refer to principal for ISS or Corporal Punishment & notify parent
Each successive referral will bring longer ISS terms or OSS
Using offensive and/or abusive language
The teacher will:
1st – 1 noon detention & notify parent
2nd – 2 noon detentions & notify parent
3rd - Refer to principal for 1 to 3 days ISS or corporal punishment & notify par-
ent
4th - Refer to principal for 1 to 3 days ISS or corporal punishment & notify par-
ent
5th – 1 day OSS
Each successive referral will bring longer OSS terms.
Cheating
The teacher will:
1st – 1 noon detention & notify parent
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2nd – 2 noon detentions & notify parent
3rd - Refer to principal for 1 to 3 days ISS or corporal punishment & notify
parent
4th – Refer to principal for 1 to 3 days ISS or corporal punishment & notify
parent
5th – 1 day OSS
Each successive referral will bring longer OSS terms.
Possessing obscene materials
The teacher will:
1st – 1 noon detention & notify parent
2nd – 2 noon detentions & notify parent
3rd - Refer to principal for 1 to 3 days ISS or corporal punishment & notify
parent
4th – Refer to principal for 1 to 3 days ISS or corporal punishment & notify
parent
5th – 1 day OSS
Each successive referral will bring longer OSS terms.
Public Display of Affection
The teacher will:
1st – 1 noon detention & notify parent
2nd – 2 noon detentions & notify parent
3rd - Refer to principal for 1 to 3 days ISS or corporal punishment & notify
parent
4th – Refer to principal for 1 to 3 days ISS or corporal punishment & notify
parent
5th – 1 day OSS
Each successive referral will bring longer OSS terms.
Dress code violation (If clothing cannot be changed the student will be sent to
ISS for the remainder of that day.)
The teacher will:
1st – verbal warning, opportunity to change clothing item in violation of dress
code & notify parent
2nd – 1 noon detention, opportunity to change clothing item in violation of
dress code & notify parent
3rd - Refer to principal for 1 ISS, opportunity to change clothing item in viola-
tion of dress code & notify parent
Each successive referral will bring longer ISS terms.
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Disrespect/Insubordination to staff member
Refer to the principal for:
1st – 3 noon detention or corporal punishment & notify parent
2nd – 5 noon detentions or corporal punishment & notify parent
3rd - 3 days ISS & notify parent
4th – 5 days ISS & notify parent
5th - 1 day OSS
Each successive referral will bring longer OSS terms.
Cursing a member of the staff
Refer to the principal for:
1st – 5 noon detention or corporal punishment & notify parent
2nd – 3 days ISS & notify parent
3rd - 5 days ISS & notify parent
4th – 3 days OSS
5th - 5 days OSS
6th - Superintendent review for suspension up to 90 days.
Smoking or chewing tobacco products
Refer to the principal for:
1st – 5 noon detention or corporal punishment & notify parent
2nd – 3 days ISS & notify parent
3rd - 5 days ISS & notify parent
4th – 3 days OSS
Each successive referral will bring longer OSS terms.
Bullying/Harassing/Menacing/Instigating Trouble
Refer to the principal for:
1st – 5 noon detention or corporal punishment & notify parent
2nd – 3 days ISS & notify parent
3rd - 5 days ISS & notify parent
4th – 3 days OSS
Each successive referral will bring longer OSS terms.
Fighting (parent will be notified each time)
1st – 3 days ISS & 5 days Social Suspension
2nd – 5 days ISS & 10 days Social Suspension
3rd – 3 days OSS & 20 days Social Suspension & referral to juvenile office and/
or law enforcement
4th – 5 days OSS, 30 days Social Suspension & referral to juvenile office and/or
18
law enforcement
5th – 10 days OSS, Social Suspension for the remainder of the school year &
referral to juvenile office and/or law enforcement
6th – Referral to the Superintendent and/or Board of Education for long-term
suspension, & referral to juvenile office and/or law enforcement
Destroying or damaging school property deliberately
1st – 3 days ISS or corporal punishment, cost of repair & notify parent
2nd – 3 to 5 days OSS, cost of repair & notify parent
3rd – Superintendent review for suspension up to 90 days & cost of repair.
Stealing (At the discretion of principal based on value of item)
1st – 3 days ISS & notify parent
2nd – 5 days ISS & notify parent
3rd - 3 days OSS
4th – 5 days OSS
5th – Superintendent review for suspension up to 90 days.
Possessing alcohol or controlled substances
1st – 3 to 5 days OSS
2nd – Superintendent review for suspension up to 90 days.
Assaulting a member of the staff
1st – 3 to 5 days OSS
2nd – Superintendent review for suspension up to 90 days.
Possessing fireworks, firearms, or any other weapons that may pose a threat
to the safety and well-being of others
1st – 3 to 5 days OSS
2nd – Superintendent review for suspension up to 90 days.
Cell Phone Violation
1st – phone confiscated, parents notified & phone returned to student at the
end of the day
2nd – phone confiscated, parents notified & required to pick up the phone
3rd – phone confiscated, 1 day ISS, parents notified & required to pick up the
phone
Each successive referral will bring longer ISS terms or OSS.
Inappropriate bus conduct
The bus driver will:
1st – verbal warning
2nd – refer to principal for principal/student/parent conference
19
3rd – refer to principal for 3 days bus suspension
4th – refer to principal for 5 days bus suspension
5th – refer to principal for 10 days bus suspension
Any subsequent offense will be handled at the discretion of the principal.
Students who receive social suspension or out-of-school suspension will not
be allowed to attend extra-curricular activities.
INDIAN TIME/FUN FRIDAY
Students with no tardy, discipline issues, and/or missing assignments for the
week will be given a 30 minute play time outside on Fridays.
AUTHORITY
All teachers have equal authority over all pupils during the time they are un-
der the jurisdiction of school authorities.
CONDUCT AT SCHOOL EVENTS
All students should display good conduct and sportsmanship at all school
events such as assemblies and ballgames.
TOBACCO POSSESSION
The possession and/or use of tobacco products of any kind are not permitted
on a school bus, on school grounds, or in any buildings at any time day or
night including both home and away ballgames.
Teachers and/or administrators will confiscate any tobacco discovered in stu-
dent’s possession. Possession of tobacco products will result in disciplinary
action.
DEFACING SCHOOL PROPERTY
Students found guilty of writing on walls, desks, books, or defacing or destroy-
ing school property shall pay in full for all such damages. Students failing to
pay full damages may, after due notification of the parents or guardians, be
suspended from school and may be readmitted only upon approval by the
Board of Education
PUPIL CONDUCT ON BUSES
1. The driver is in charge of the pupils and the bus. Pupils must obey the driv-
er promptly.
2. Pupils must be on time. The bus cannot wait beyond its regular schedule
for those who are tardy.
3. Pupils should never stand in the roadway while waiting for the bus.
4. Classroom conduct is to be observed by all students while on the bus, ex-
cept for ordinary
20
conversation.
5. Pupils must not at any time:
A. Move from seat to seat while bus is in motion.
B. Extend arms or head out of windows, throw things from the bus,
or throw things at anyone on
the bus.
C. Use tobacco in any form.
D. Take drink bottles or cans on the bus.
E. Refuse to sit by any other student or save seats for someone else.
F. Damage the bus by writing, marking, or cutting on any part or
destroying anything on the bus.
6. Any pupil who consistently causes trouble shall be sent to the Principal’s
office for a conference. If any
student continues to cause trouble, he/she will be suspended from riding
the bus by the Principal.
7. Pupils must use front door to load and unload except in a case of emergen-
cy.
8. Students who damage the bus in any way shall pay for damages done. Par-
ents will be held
responsible for student damage.
9. The driver or school officials may require students to sit in certain seats if
found advisable.
ELEMENTARY PLAYGROUND RULES
GENERAL RULES
1. Wrestling and scuffling are not permitted.
2. Rocks, sticks, acorns, etc. are not to be thrown.
3. Only 4th & 5th graders are allowed on the baseball field with duty teacher
permission and supervision.
4. The area around the gas tank is off limits to everyone.
5. Playing between the High School building and the Lunchroom is not per-
mitted except by special permission during muddy conditions.
6. No one is permitted to come inside the Elementary building during recess
without permission.
7. No running in the halls while going to recess, or coming in from recess.
8. No horseplay while standing in line.
9. No running up or down steps.
21
10. Everyone must wear shoes on the playground.
11. No drinks in cans or bottles are permitted on the playground.
SWING RULES
1. Standing on swings is not permitted.
2. No swinging sideways.
3. Only one person at a time in the swing.
4. Pushing others in the swing is not permitted.
5. No jumping out of swings.
6. Do not twist the swing chains or throw them over the top.
OVERHEAD LADDER
1. No sitting on top of overhead ladder.
2. Only one person may cross the ladder at a time.
3. Kindergarten and 1st grade are not permitted on the overhead ladder.
SLIDES
1. Only one person at a time may slide down.
2. No standing on the slide.
3. No running up the slide.
BARS
1. No sitting on bars.
DRUG POLICY
The use of illicit drugs and the unlawful possession and use of alcohol is
wrong and harmful. The possession and/or use of controlled dangerous sub-
stance, narcotic, and/or other drugs as defined by State and Federal laws are
illegal and therefore prohibited on school grounds and at any school activity.
Students found in possession of, or using the aforesaid substance shall be
suspended forthwith from school until such time as the Board of Education
shall act upon the case. The parents of the offending student will be notified
of their legal rights, and due process will be followed. The Board reserves the
right to call in outside civil authorities where it deems appropriate.
The Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989 (Public
Law 101-226) requires that parents and students be given a copy of the stand-
ards of conduct and the statement of disciplinary sanctions. Couch School will
provide information about any drug and alcohol counseling and rehabilitation
and re-entry programs that are available to students. Compliance with this
policy is mandatory according to Public Law 101-226.
NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATION
22
Applicants for admission and employment, students, parents, employees,
sources of referral of applicants for admission and employment, and all un-
ions or professional agreements with the Couch R-1 School District are hereby
notified that this institution does not discriminate on the basis of race, color,
national origin, sex, age or handicap in admission or access to or treatment or
employment in its programs and activities. Any person having inquiries con-
cerning Couch R-1 School District’s compliance with the regulations imple-
menting Title VI, Title IX, or Section 504 is directed to contact the Superinten-
dent of Schools at Couch High School, at (417) 938-4211, who has been desig-
nated by the Couch R-1 School District to coordinate the District’s efforts to
comply with the regulations implementing Title VI, Title IX, and Section 504.
ASBESTOS NOTICE
Some buildings contain asbestos materials on the Couch R-1 School campus.
An inspection of asbestos containing materials and assumed asbestos contain-
ing materials is conducted every three years by Mead Environmental Associ-
ates, Inc.
Anyone wanting more information or wishing to view the Couch R-1 Asbestos
Management Plan can do so in the Superintendent’s office.
PUBLIC NOTICE
Procedures by which the public can find out information concerning location
and steps to follow in accessing the Couch R-1 District facilities and services:
1. Each of the districts buildings are ADA accessible.
2. ADA restrooms are located in the following buildings:
A. Elementary
B. Library Complex
C. High School
D. New Gym
E. Pre-School
3. There are handicapped parking spaces located as follows:
A. Two spaces near library complex
B. One space near music room
C. One space near playground
D. One space near the ball field
4. Anyone who has ADA needs that requires access to the concession area of
the ball field may gain assistance by contacting the Couch R-1 coach that is
conducting the ball field activity of the day. The coach will assist by allowing
23
them to be driven to the home dugout. Once there, they can exit their vehi-
cle and immediately get through the fence to a safe area to watch the activi-
ties and get concessions.
5. Anyone with ADA needs that wish to obtain additional information or
needs special arrangements made to assist them in accessing any of the
Couch R-1 school facilities or services may contact any of the following per-
sons:
Allen Moss - Superintendent @ 417-938-4211
Sherry McMasters - HS Principal @ 417-938-4212
Pam Smith— Elementary Principal @ 417-938-4215
STANDARD COMPLAINT RESOLUTION PROCEDURE
FOR NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND PROGRAMS
This complaint resolution procedure applies to all programs administered by
the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education under the
No Child Left Behind Act.
A complaint is a formal allegation that a specific federal or state law or regula-
tion has been violated, misapplied, or misinterpreted by school district per-
sonnel or by Department of Education personnel.
Any parent or guardian, surrogate parent, teacher, administrator, school
board member, or other person directly involved with an activity, program, or
project operated under the general supervision of the Department may file a
complaint. Such a complaint must be in writing and signed; it will provide
specific details of the situation and indicate the law or regulation that is alleg-
edly being violated, misapplied, or misinterpreted.
The written, signed complaint must be filed and the resolution pursued in
accordance with local district policy:
The principal shall schedule a conference with the student and any staff
members involved to attempt to resolve the problem. Parents/Guardians
may be involved in the conference, or a later conference for parents/
guardians may be scheduled at the discretion of the principal.
• If the problem is not resolved to the satisfaction of the student and/or parents/guardians, a request may be submitted for a conference with the superintendent of schools. The superintendent shall ar-range a conference to consider the problem, and to inform partici-pants of the action that will be taken.
• If the student and/or parents/guardians are not satisfied with the action of the superintendent, they may submit a written request to appear before the Board of Education. Unless required by law, a
24
hearing will be at the discretion of the Board. The decision of the Board shall be final.
If the issue cannot be resolved at the local level, the complainant may file a
complaint with the Missouri Department of Education. If there is not evi-
dence that the parties have attempted in good faith to resolve the complaint
at the local level, the Department may require that parties to do so and may
provide technical assistance to facilitate such resolution.
Any persons directly affected by the actions of the Department may file a sim-
ilarly written complaint if they believe state or federal laws or regulations
have been violated, misapplied, or misinterpreted by the Department itself.
Anyone wanting more information about this procedure or how complaints
are resolved by contact local district or Department personnel.
STUDENT DIS-ENROLLMENT PROCEDURE
The following procedure is intended to assist building administrators by es-
tablishing procedures associated with the disenrollment of students.
1. The student handbooks will set forth that it is expected that a
student, if the student is eighteen (18) years or older, or the parent/guardian,
if the student is under the age of eighteen (18) years, will contact the building
principal and inform the building principal that the student intends to with-
draw from school and is not transferring to another school, going to an alter-
native school, or participating in home schooling. Upon receiving such infor-
mation, the principal will schedule the student and parents, if they so desire,
to meet with the student’s counselor to discuss the reasons the student in-
tends to withdraw from school to allow the counselor to offer alternatives to
withdrawal from school. The student, if he or she is eighteen (18) years of
age or older, or the parent/guardian if the student is under the age of eight-
een (18) years, will be required to complete all necessary documents regard-
ing the student’s withdrawal from school. If the student who is eighteen (18)
years or older, or the parent/guardian, for a student under the age of eight-
een (18) years, refuses to come to the school to complete the withdrawal
forms, but authorizes either in person or by phone the disenrollment of the
student shall be dis-enrolled by the building principal.
2. When a student is absent for six consecutive days, the building
principal, or his or her designee, shall contact the parent/guardian or the stu-
dent, if the student is eighteen (18) years of age or older, regarding the stu-
dent’s absences. The school official who contacts the parent/guardian or stu-
dent will attempt to receive information regarding the reason for the stu-
25
dent’s absences, in order to determine whether the absences should be ex-
cused, or whether some action should be taken by the school district so that
the student can return to school.
3. If the student does not return to school after the student or
parent/guardian is contacted by the appropriate school official, then the
building principal shall send a letter to the student, if he or she is eighteen
(18) years of age or older, or the parent/guardian, if the student is under the
age of eighteen (18) years, informing the student or parent/guardian that the
student will be considered to have voluntarily dis-enrolled himself or herself if
the student does not return to school. The student or parent/guardian will be
encouraged in that letter to contact the building principal or his or her design-
ee to discuss with them the student’s non attendance and to provide to that
individual any information regarding whether the period of absence should be
considered excused.
4. A student may be dis-enrolled for the semester for non attend-
ance if the student fails to return to school after receiving a non attendance
letter, and the student or parent/guardian fails to provide to the school infor-
mation as to why the student’s periods of absences should be excused.
HAZING AND BULLYING
General
In order to promote a safe learning environment for all students, the Couch R-
1 School District prohibits all forms of hazing, bullying, and student intimida-
tion. 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 participa-
tion in activities. Students who have subjected to hazing or bullying are in-
structed 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 princi-
pal. The principal shall promptly investigate all complaints of hazing and bul-
lying and shall administer appropriate discipline to all individuals who violate
this policy. District staff that violates this policy may be disciplined or termi-
nated.
The superintendent will provide for appropriate training designed to assist
26
staff, coaches, sponsors and volunteers in identifying, preventing and re-
sponding to incidents of hazing and bullying.
The district shall annually inform students, parents, and district staff and vol-
unteers 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 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 lim-
ited 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 activi-
ty, or other stress-inducing activities. Hazing may also include, but is not lim-
ited to: acts of physical brutality; whipping; beating; branding; exposing to
the elements; forcing consumption of any food, liquor, drug or other sub-
stance; forcing inhalation or ingestion of tobacco products; or any other
forced physical activity that could adversely affect the physical health or safe-
ty 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, includ-
ing name-calling, put-downs, extortion, or threats; or threats of retaliation for
reporting such acts. Bullying may also include cyber bullying or cyber threats.
Cyber bullying is sending or posting harmful or cruel text or images using the
Internet or other digital communication devices. Cyber threats are online
27
materials that threaten or raise concerns about violence against others, sui-
cide or self-harm.
NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND ACT OF 2001
Dear Parent/Guardian:
Our district is required to inform you of certain information that you, accord-
ing to The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (Public Law 107-110, have the
right to know.
Upon your request, our district is required to provide to you in a timely man-
ner, the following information:
• Whether the teacher has met state qualification and licensing criteria for the grade levels and subject areas in which the teacher provides instruction.
• Whether the teacher is teaching under emergency and provisional status through which state qualification or licensing criteria have been waived.
• Whether your child is provided services by paraprofessionals and, if so, their qualifications.
• What baccalaureate degree major the teacher has and any other graduate certification or degree held by the teacher, and the field of discipline of the certification.
In addition to the information that parents may request, districts must pro-
vide to each individual parent:
• Information on the achievement level of the parent’s child in each of the state academic assessments as required under this part; and
• Timely notice that the parent’s child has been assigned, or has been taught for four or more consecutive weeks by, a teacher who is not highly qualified.
PUBLIC NOTICE
All responsible public agencies are required to locate, evaluate, and identify
children with disabilities who are under the jurisdiction of the agency, regard-
less of the severity of the disability, including children attending private
schools, highly mobile children, such as migrant and homeless children, and
children who are suspected of having a disability and in need of special educa-
tion even though they are advancing from grade to grade. The Couch R-1
School assures that it will provide a free, appropriate public education (FAPE)
to all eligible children with disabilities between the ages of 3 and 21 under its
jurisdiction. Disabilities include autism, deaf/blindness, emotional disorders,
hearing impairment and deafness, mental retardation, multiple disabilities,
orthopedic impairment, other health impairments, specific learning disabili-
28
ties, speech or language impairment, traumatic brain injury, visual impair-
ment/blindness and young child with a developmental delay.
The Couch R-1 School assures that it will provide information and referral ser-
vices necessary to assist the State in the implementation of early intervention
services for infants and toddlers eligible for the Missouri First Steps program.
The Couch R-1 School assures that personally identifiable information collect-
ed, used, or maintained by the agency for the purposes of identification, eval-
uation, placement or provision of FAPE of children with disabilities may be
inspected and/or reviewed by their parents/guardians. Parents/guardians
may request amendment to the educational record if the parent/guardian
believes the record is inaccurate, misleading, or violates the privacy or other
rights of their child. Parents have the right to file complaints with the US De-
partment of Education or the Missouri Department of Elementary and Sec-
ondary Education concerning alleged failures by the district to meet the re-
quirements of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
The Couch R-1 School has developed a Local Compliance Plan for the imple-
mentation of State Regulations for the Individuals with Disabilities Education
Act (IDEA). This plan contains the agency’s policies and procedures regarding
storage, disclosure to third parties, retention and destruction of personally
identifiable information and the agency’s assurance that services are provided
in compliance with the General Education Provision Act (GEPA). This plan
may be reviewed in the principals’ office on days school is in session.
This notice will be provided in native languages as appropriate.
Last revised August 2005
HEALTH
Medication
Prescription Medication
Prescription medication may be administered to students during school hours
with written permission from the parent/guardian. The prescription label will
be considered the equivalent of a prescriber’s written direction. The appro-
priate form is available in the health office.
Over-the-Counter Medication
Over-the-counter medication may be administered to a student upon receipt
of written request and permission to do so by a parent/guardian. All over-the
-counter medications must be brought to the school in the original packaging
and will only be administered in accordance with the manufacturer’s label.
29
The appropriate form must be on file in the health office for students to re-
ceive over-the-counter medication from the school supply.
Self-Administered Medication
Students with chronic health conditions may self-administer medications with
completion and notarization of the appropriate forms available at school. The
school nurse should be notified of any medication students bring to school.
Illness and Injury
Parents/guardians will be contacted to pick up students if he/she has a tem-
perature of 100 degrees or above, or in the event of other illness or injury, at
the judgment of the nurse or other school personnel.
Any chronic health problem your child has should be reported to the
school for appropriate follow-up by the nurse.
Health Screenings
Screening for vision, hearing, speech, spinal, height and weight are
done annually for specific grades. If a possible problem is detected, the stu-
dent will be rescreened after an appropriate time. If a possible problem is still
detected, a referral will be sent to the parent/guardian for professional evalu-
ation. You will not be notified of positive screening results but may obtain the
information by contacting the school nurse. Students may opt out of screen-
ings with a written request and signature of parent/guardian requesting a
specific screening not be done.
The school will not perform routine school-wide head lice screening.
However, should case/s be reported, screening will be done, based on the
identification of students most likely to have been exposed, as well as those
residing with that student. Students who have lice in their hair will be isolat-
ed and excluded from school until treatment is obtained. Students who have
been treated will have to be examined by the school nurse or other personnel
before returning to classes.
Notification of needed immunizations will be sent to parent/
guardian. Students will be excluded who are not in compliance by the appro-
priate date according to state law.
30
SEXUAL HARASSMENT
IS
NOT A JOKE
Sexual harassment is illegal. It hurts people.
Our school has a policy that sexual harassment is unwanted sexual attention
or behavior that makes someone uncomfortable or embarrassed in a harmful
way.
Under federal and state laws, schools are required to maintain a school set-
ting that is free from sexual harassment.
We will take action against anyone who is guilty of sexual harassment. We
want everyone to feel safe here at school.
If you have been sexually harassed, please let us know!
Talk to: Allen Moss or Sherry McMasters
Title IX of the 1972 Education Amendments also prohibits sexual harass-
ment in schools. People can file complaints with the Office for Civil Rights,
USDED, 10220 North Executive Hills Boulevard, Kansas City, Missouri, 64153-
1367.
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