En Español
Table of Contents
Immunizations
Discipline, Behavior, and School Policies
Student Discipline
Tobacco & Illegal Drugs
Knives, Firearms and Weapons
Assault, Violence and/or Intimidation
Willful Disobedience
Dangerous or Disruptive Items
Dress Policy
Bus Conduct
Miscellaneous
Visitors
Parent/Teacher Conferences
Toys and Pets
Notice of Limited Supervisory Times
Health and Safety
Trespassing on School Property
Insurance
Student Activities
Field Trips
Cafeteria Regulations
Backpacks
Textbooks & Materials Loaned to Pupils
Student Grievance Procedure for Sexual Harassment
Policy: Prohibition of Sexual Harassment by Students
Parents’ Rights in Evaluation, Placement,
Hearings and Student Records
Student Rights and Responsibilities
Memorandum on Immunization Law
Memorandum on Consent for Health Screening
Federal Compliance
Student or Applicant Grievance Procedure
Student Policies
Compulsory Attendance
Attendance Requirement for Promotion
Criteria for Execused Absences, Tardies
and Early Check-Out
Notes Required for Execused Absences,
Tardies and Early Check-Out
Criteria for Unexcused Absences
Make-up Work
Procedures for Tardies and Early Check-Outs
Procedures for Unexecused or Excessive Absences
Curriculum
Grades and Reporting
Grade Level Requirements
Grade Placement
Procedures for Late Work
Paper Headings
Homework Guidelines
Zaner Bloser Handwriting Samples (Manuscript and Cursive)
Gilchrist County Elementary Student Policies
IMMUNIZATIONS
Florida Statues require that all pupils entering kindergarten and
the first grade to be immunized against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis,
polio, rubella, measles, mumps, Hib meningitis, hepatitis B and varicella
(or history of illness). These immunizations must be up-to-date. Students
entering from out of state must have a physical. If under age 10,
student must have above immunizations [diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis,
polio, rubella, measles, mumps, Hib meningitis, hepatitis B and varicella
(or history of illness)]. A child is now permitted to enroll in the
first grade if he turns six years old before September 1st and successfully
passes kindergarten. A birth certificate is also required for students
registering for the first time in public schools. All students enrolled
in school must have an up-to-date shot record and birth certificate.
Return To Contents
DISCIPLINE, BEHAVIOR AND SCHOOL POLICIES
Students are responsible for taking home all papers sent home by the
school, Principal, etc.
ReturnTo Contents
STUDENT DISCIPLINE
Each elementary classroom has a set of rules and consequences for
discipline. Parents may be called if their child does not following
the classroom code of discipline . After this contact, if the child
continues to be a discipline problem, they will be referred to the
Principal’s Office where additional disciplinary actions may occur:
1. Warnings and calls to parents are given.
2. Alternative punishment such as supervised detention before or after
school, lunch or during recess may be used.
3. Corporal punishment may be administered by the Principal and/or
designee and must have parent permission. Corporal punishment shall
be administered in the presence of an adult school personnel witness.
A regulation paddle shall be used.
4. In-School suspension. Students may be removed from class or classes
and assigned to in-school suspension as a result of misconduct.
5. Suspension from school will occur after the above methods have
not changed a child’s behavior and/or if the misbehavior is deemed
severe enough to warrant immediate suspension. A parent conference
may be requested before a child may re-enter school from a suspension.
6. Other methods of discipline may involve parents coming to school
and shadowing their child throughout the day; students preparing and
presenting a written plan for behavior improvement; missing recess
or special activities including field trips, etc.
7. Each time the principal/designee’s office receives a written referral
for discipline, one copy of the report will be sent to the parent,
one to the school employee and one to be retained in the principal’s/designee’s
office.
Return To Contents
TOBACCO, ALCOHOL AND ILLEGAL DRUGS
Students are not allowed to bring, use or distribute tobacco products,
illegal drugs, alcohol or drug paraphernalia on the School Board property,
school transportation, at bus stops, school sponsored events or any
of its activities. Any student who violates the district, State or
Federal policies relating to the unlawful possession, use or distribution
of illicit drugs, drug paraphernalia and/or alcohol is subject to
disciplinary sanctions up to and including expulsion and referral
for prosecution.
ReturnTo Contents
KNIVES, FIREARMS AND WEAPONS
1. Knives or other dangerous instruments are prohibited from the schools
and school activities.
2. Firearms, ammunition, weapons or any item that can be used as a
weapon (this includes firearms, guns, or replicas, thereof) are not
to be
brought on school property in a concealed or non-concealed manner.
3. Any student determined to have brought a firearm to school, any
school activities, or on any school sponsored transportation will
be expelled for a minimum of not less than one full year and referred
for criminal prosecution.
Return To Contents
ASSAULT, VIOLENCE and/or INTIMIDATION
Acts of assault, violence and/or intimidation shall immediately be
reported immediately to the appropriate administrator. No one
shall
engage in harassment or discriminatory conduct which creates a hostile,
intimating, abusive, offensive or oppressive environment. Disciplinary
action may be up to expulsion and/or may be reported to the proper
law enforcement agencies.
Return To Contents
WILLFUL DISOBEDIENCE
Pupils will at all times show the proper respect toward faculty members,
student teachers, substitute teachers or other authorized school personnel.
A pupil who willfully disobeys a faculty member or other authorized
personnel shall be referred immediately to the appropriate administrator
for disciplinary action. Pupils shall be made to understand that continued
disobedience shall bring suspension and possible expulsion from school.
Return To Contents
DANGEROUS OR DISRUPTIVE ITEMS
1. Any item which disrupts the class, detracts attention from the
class program, defaces school property or in any way endangers the
safety of any pupil, shall not be brought on the school buses or on
campus. If a student is found to be in possession of such an article,
it shall be taken by the teacher and delivered to the Principal or
designee.
2. Pupils shall not carry objects that are generally considered to
be weapons (including chemical sprays). If the administrator believes
that the intent of the pupil possessing the item was that of harm
to another person, the punishment shall be suspension until the School
Board can rule on a request for expulsion.
Return To Contents
DRESS POLICY
All students attending Elementary schools are required to dress in
a manner that provides proper attention to health, safety, and the
orderly conduct of activities of all students, to avoid disruption
and the orderly administration of the school program in each school
for the welfare and best interest of all children attending school.
For this purpose, the following regulations will be used as a guide
to follow when selecting school clothing. It is the obligation of
the students to maintain their appearance and their personal belongings
in a manner that reflects well on themselves and the school. It is
their responsibility, as well as that of their parents, to see that
they are property dressed and well groomed. Any type of makeup, hair
arrangement or garment that detracts from the proper social and academic
atmosphere of the school will be prohibited by the school.
1. Shoes must be worn by students at all times except at the discretion
of the teacher. All shoes must have a heel strap. On scheduled P.E.
days, shoes appropriate for physical activity must be worn.
2. Tops and bottoms (items of clothing) must meet at the waistline
at all times.
3. Elementary students are not to wear hats or headgear on campus
unless part of an approved school uniform.
4. Dark glasses may not be worn on campus without a written doctor’s
prescription during regular school hours.
5. Shorts, skirts and dresses may be worn if the length of each is
not more than 5 inches above the top of the kneecap.
6. .Shirts and dresses that are sleeveless/collarless/or with spaghetti
straps should not be loose or tight fitting to an extent that they
reveal underclothing or inappropriate body areas.
7. Clothing may not contain words or pictures which are degrading
or distracting. Headgear is included. Clothing shall not be worn in
a manner that depicts gang symbols or affiliation. (This includes
slogans or references to tobacco, sex, drugs, alcohol, gangs, cults,
racists, or sexist oriented sayings or pictures.)
8. No pants shall be worn below the waistline.
9. Belt or wallet chains may not be worn on school grounds.
10. Any questionable clothing will be reviewed by the Principal and/or
designee for a decision regarding appropriateness and parent/guardian
may be called.
Return To Contents
BUS CONDUCT
Students who are eligible to be transported are entitled to free transportation
only so long as the student abides by the rules of safety and behavior
necessary for the operation of the system. Serious infraction of these
rules may cause the students to lose this privilege. Students may
only ride their own assigned bus. Students may not ride bus home with
friends. It is the responsibility of the parent to see that the student
abides by regulations or to provide for the student’s own transportation.
Suspension from a school bus does not affect the requirements of attendance
laws and regulations. Basic bus conduct rules are:
1. Stay in assigned seat. Students are not to move around on the bus.
2. Students should not yell, sing, or make loud noises on the bus.
Students should be quiet at railroad crossings and while discharging
pupils.
3. Students will obey the bus driver at all times.
4. Students shall wait until the bus has come to a complete stop before
attempting to get on and off the bus.
5. Proper rules of conduct should occur while waiting for the bus.
6. Enter or leave the bus only at the front door after the bus has
come to a complete stop.
7. If necessary, cross the highway in the proper manner and as instructed
after leaving the bus. Always cross the roadway 10 feet in front of
the bus.
8. Keep head, elbows, and hands inside the bus windows at all times.
9. Refrain from throwing objects inside or outside the bus.
10. Refrain from using profane or objectionable language or engaging
in any other objectionable conduct. There shall be no pushing, fighting,
or any type of misconduct at any time.
11. Avoid damaging or defacing the bus or bus equipment. Students
shall be responsible for the cost of any such damage.
12. No sharp instruments or weapons of any kind are allowed on the
bus.
13. Be on time -- buses cannot wait on students who are tardy.
14. Do not talk to the driver unless it is absolutely necessary.
15. Do not eat, drink, chew gum, or have tobacco products on the bus.
16. Do not bring animals (dead or alive) on the school bus; i.e. dogs,
cats, rabbits, chickens, snakes, fish, etc.
17. Do not bring anything in glass containers on the bus including
science specimens, etc.
18. Bring only band instruments which are on the approved list.
ReturnTo Contents
MISCELLANEOUS
1. Students are to respect and obey all school employees at all times.
2. No sales of candy, food or drink other than in the lunchroom are
permitted during the school day.
3. No excessive displays of affection will be permitted.
4. Gum is not permitted on campus.
Students may not barter, sell or trade items or any personal property
on school grounds
ReturnTo Contents
VISITORS
Parents or visitors to school shall always sign in at the front office
and may be issued a visitor’s pass. Anyone picking up students during
the day must be authorized on the registration form and must meet
the student in the front office. The school must receive in writing
specific information for any change in a child’s normal pick-up. Emergency
changes may be called into the Elementary Office prior to 1:00 p.m.
Please do not call frequently to have messages given to your children.
Each time messages must be given reduces learning time for the entire
class.
ReturnTo Contents
PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES
In order to minimize unnecessary interruptions to the education of
our students, parent/teacher conferences shall not occur during regular
classroom times.
Return To Contents
TOYS AND PETS
Toys, pets, headphones, radios, wrist watches that beep, electronic
equipment, and any other items deemed inappropriate or cause distractions
and an annoyance are not allowed. Please do not bring them to school.
Disciplinary actions may be administered.
Return To Contents
NOTICE OF LIMITED SUPERVISORY TIMES
Gilchrist County Schools will provide supervision to its students
according to FL Statute 232.25:
1. During the time (s)he is attending school;
2. During the time the student is on the school premises participating
in a school-sponsored activity;
3. During a reasonable time (30 minutes) before and after regular
school hours or at school-sponsored activities.
Return To Contents
HEALTH AND SAFETY
Schools shall have provisions for caring for students who become ill
at school. In cases of pupil’s injury, first aid shall be given and
parents notified. If an injury appears to be serious, medical assistance
will be secured as soon as possible. Parents are to furnish the school
with the names of persons to contact in case of accidents, injury,
or illness. School health nurses are available at each school. To
contact health offices, please call Trenton at 463-3224 or Bell at
463-3275.
Return To Contents
TRESPASSING ON SCHOOL PROPERTY
The principal may request law enforcement to issue a trespass warning
upon the return of any persons who have been previously asked to leave.
The principal has the authority to refuse entrance to school property
to convicted sex offenders or sexual predators. Any person requested
by the principal to leave shall do so immediately.
Return To Contents
INSURANCE
Parents will be provided with a voluntary insurance plan for students
attending Gilchrist County schools. Parents who do not have their
children covered under their own policies are urged to take advantage
of this plan. The only liability insurance which the Board of Public
Instruction carries is protection of pupils at school-sponsored and
school-supervised activities.
ReturnTo Contents
STUDENT ACTIVITIES
All school sponsored activities shall be properly chaperoned by the
school faculty or parents. No group may practice any form of initiation
involving physical abuse or any secret rituals, signs or symbols shall
be permitted in any of the schools of Gilchrist County. Hazing is
prohibited. (School Board Policy)
ReturnTo Contents
FIELD TRIPS
Field Trips are a part of the school curriculum and are intended to
enhance units of study taught in the classroom. Each class, grade
level, or organization will send specific information to the parent
regarding the field trip. All students participating in the field
trip activity must have a permission slip signed by the parent/guardian.
Students may ride home with parents if a permission slip has been
approved by the Principal. If parents request that their child ride
home with someone else, they must submit a notarized request and it
must be approved by the Principal. Depending upon the activity, parents
may be requested to be chaperones. The list of chaperones must be
approved by the Principal/designee. Chaperones will be instructed
on their responsibilities during the field trip. Parents who are chaperones
may not take any additional children on the field trip. Chaperones
must adhere to the school dress code policies.
ReturnTo Contents
CAFETERIA REGULATIONS
1. All persons are responsible for cleaning up food spilled in the
cafeteria and to return all trays and paper products to the waste
area.
2. No food or containers are to be taken from the cafeteria unless
authorized by the principal.
3. All students will eat their lunch in the cafeteria unless authorized
by the principal.
4. Lunch time is for eating. Conversation should be limited and kept
at a very low voice level.
Return To Contents
BACKPACKS
Elementary students are discouraged from using rolling back packs.
Aside from the safety issue, the classrooms do not have storage areas
for these items during the school day.
Return To Contents
TEXTBOOKS AND MATERIALS LOANED TO PUPILS
Pupils are responsible for textbooks loaned for their use. Parents
or guardians are liable for any loss, destruction, unnecessary damage
or failure to return such books. Pupils who lose, severely damage,
or fail to return a textbook will not be issued additional textbooks
until such books are replaced or paid for.
Pupils are also responsible for library books and other school materials
loaned to them. They shall replace or reimburse the school for loss
or unnecessary damage to such items. Report cards may be held until
such items are cleared.
Return To Contents
STUDENT GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE FOR SEXUAL HARASSMENT
1. Any student that feels they have been the victim of sexual harassment
by a student or staff member should file a written complaint, stating
the act or acts, stating the date(s), and stating the name of witnesses,
with the building principal, assistant principal, guidance counselor,
or school-based coordinator. The complaint must be signed by the complainant.
2. The principal, (Superintendent’s designee) shall investigate the
alleged incident and shall render a decision regarding the incident.
In determining whether alleged conduct constitutes sexual harassment,
the totality of the circumstances, nature of the conduct, and the
context in which the alleged conduct occurred will be investigated.
3. If the decision of the principal is not satisfactory to the victim
of the alleged sexual harassment, the student may file a written complaint,
stating the act or acts, stating the date(s), and stating the name
of witnesses, with the Superintendent. The complaint must be signed
by the complainant.
4. The Superintendent shall investigate
the alleged incident and shall render a decision regarding the incident.
In determining whether alleged conduct constitutes sexual harassment,
the totality of the circumstances, nature of the conduct, and the
context in which the alleged conduct occurred will be investigated.
5. The Superintendent’s decision shall
be final.
6. The right to confidentiality, both of the complainant and of the
accused, will be respected, consistent with the Board’s legal obligations
and with the necessity to investigate allegations of misconduct and
take corrective action when this conduct has occurred.
ReturnTo Contents
POLICY: PROHIBITION OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT BY STUDENTS (5.21)
The School Board desires to maintain an academic environment in which
all students are treated with respect and dignity. A vital element
of this atmosphere is the Board’s commitment to equal opportunities
and the eradication of discriminatory practices including sexual harassment.
Sexual harassment is specifically prohibited by state and federal
law and instances of harassment may result in both civil and criminal
liability on the part of the individual harasser as well as the School
Board. Sexual harassment’s destructive impact wastes human potential,
demoralizes students, and perpetuates the tendency to further unacceptable
behavior. For these reasons, the School Board forbids harassment against
any student on the basis of sex. The Board will not tolerate sexual
harassment activity by any of its students.
1. Definition. Sexual harassment consists of unwelcome sexual advances,
requests for sexual favors, and other inappropriate verbal or physical
conduct of a sexual nature, wherever such harassment occurs on school
property or at a school-sponsored event, that is aimed at coercing
an unwilling person into a sexual relationship whether or not it involves
physical contact; or that substantially interferes with a student’s
academic performance, or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive
school environment.
Examples of sexual harassment may include but are not limited to the
following:
a. Verbal harassment or abuse of a sexual nature;
b. Subtle pressure for sexual activity;
c. Repeated remarks to a person with sexual or demeaning implications
(e.g., a person’s body, clothes, or sexual activity);
d. Unwelcome or inappropriate physical contact such as patting, pinching,
or unnecessary touching;
e. Suggesting or demanding sexual involvement accompanied by implied
or explicit threats;
f. Display of sexually suggestive objects, pictures, or written materials.
Sexual harassment does not refer to occasional compliments or welcomed
interactions of a socially acceptable nature.
2. Specific Prohibition. It is sexual harassment for a student to
subject another student or a school employee to any unwelcome conduct
of a sexual nature on school property or at a school-sponsored event.
Students who engage in such conduct shall be subject to penalties
as described herein.
3. Procedures. Any student who alleges sexual harassment by another
student should complain to the building principal, assistant principal(s),
guidance counselors or school0based equity coordinator. Filing of
a complaint or otherwise reporting sexual harassment will not affect
the student’s status, extracurricular activities, grade or any other
assignments. The complaint should: be in writing, state the act or
acts, state the date(s), state the names of witnesses, and be signed
by the complainant.
The right of confidentiality, both of the complainant and of the
accused, will be respected, consistent with the Board’s legal obligations
and with the necessity to investigate allegations of misconduct and
take corrective action when this conduct has occurred.
In determining whether alleged conduct constitutes sexual harassment,
the totality of the circumstances, nature of the conduct, and the
context in which the alleged conduct occurred will be investigated.
The Superintendent or designee has the responsibility of investigating
and resolving complaints of sexual harassment.
4. Penalties. A substantiated charge against a student shall subject
that student to disciplinary action consistent with the Code of Student
Conduct.
STATUTORY AUTHORITY: 230.22(2); 230.23(17), F.S.
LAWS IMPLEMENTED: 228.2001; 230.23005(1), F.S.
Return To Contents
PARENT RIGHTS IN EVALUATION, PLACEMENT, HEARINGS AND STUDENT RECORDS
Procedures
Under state and federal regulations, the School Board of Gilchrist
County is required to inform all parents of policies for protecting
the confidentiality of child identification data. As part of this
policy, the Exceptional Student Education Program must maintain confidentiality
consistent with the student records procedures developed by this school
district. These procedures are listed below.
Gilchrist County Schools actively seek to locate and serve exceptional
students and maintain information on those students screened and identified
as exceptional. The term “exceptional student” refers to all of the
following: emotionally handicapped, specific learning disabled, mentally
retarded, gifted, speech and language impaired, deaf or hard of hearing,
physically impaired, homebound/hospitalized and blind or partially
sighted.
Several kinds of information are gathered to help schools locate and
serve exceptional students. Such information may include the following
areas of behaviors and abilities: social, emotional, physical, academic,
psychological and communication.
Information is collected through screening programs, checklists, teacher
and counselor observations, standardized tests and home visits. Persons
from whom relevant information is gathered include parents, teachers,
psychologists and other school specialists, physicians and other professional
personnel as well as the child.
Data about students is used to help in the development of appropriate
educational programs for exceptional students and for reports required
by state and federal agencies. Students are screened periodically
for vision, hearing, speech and academic achievement or readiness.
These are the first steps in identifying students with suspected exceptionalities.
If school personnel determine that further evaluation of a child is
called for, the child’s parent/guardian will be consulted before the
school proceeds.
Although the School Board of Gilchrist County is responsible for providing
an appropriate education for each student and is responsible for placement
of exceptional students, parents/guardians have the right to due process.
These rights may be exercised any time parents wish to appeal the
assignment, reassignment or denial of assignment of their child in
any exceptional education program. The procedural safeguards which
provide for parent due process rights are listed below.
PROTECTION IN EVALUATION PROCEDURES
Parents have the right to:
1. Review all records related to the identification, evaluation and
placement of the child.
2. Review the procedures and instruments to be used in the evaluation.
3. Refuse consent to the evaluation (subject to the school system’s
right to a hearing).
4. Be informed of the results of the evaluation.
5. Obtain an independent educational evaluation which will be considered
in any decisions regarding the child.
6. Receive information upon request about where an independent evaluation
by a certified examiner can be obtained.
7. Upon disagreement with the school system’s evaluation (subject
to the school system’s right to a hearing), obtain an independent
evaluation at public expense when ordered by a hearing officer or
when agreed to by the School Board in the absence of a formal hearing.
PROTECTION IN EXCEPTIONAL STUDENT EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM PLACEMENT
Parents have the right to:
1. Receive prior notification of changes in educational placement
including recommendation for assignment, reassignment or denial of
assignment in any exceptional education program.
2. Notification in their primary language or other primary mode of
communication (unless it is clearly not feasible).
3. Refuse consent to initial placement in an exceptional education
program (subject to school system’s right to a hearing).
4. Request an impartial hearing if they disagree with the recommendations
for educational placement.
PROTECTION IN IMPARTIAL HEARING PROCEDURES
Parents have the right to:
1. Be accompanied and advised by counsel and experts in the pertinent
area of exceptional.
2. Present evidence and confront, cross-examine and compel the attendance
of witnesses.
3. Obtain an independent educational evaluation to be presented as
evidence.
4. Examine and reproduce all relevant school records.
5. Prohibit introduction of evidence that has not been disclosed at
lease five days prior to the hearing.
6. Have the child who is the subject of the hearing present and open
the hearing to the public.
7. Obtain a record of the hearing.
8. Appeal the decision of the hearing.
PROTECTION FOR CONFIDENTIALITY OF INFORMATION
Parents have the right to:
1. Inspect and review educational records.
2. Receive a response from the educational agency to reasonable requests
for explanations and interpretations of records.
3. Obtain copies of the records.
4. Seek correction of records.
5. Prior consent for disclosure of personally identifiable information.
6. Request a hearing when there is a problem or question regarding
confidentiality of information in their child’s records.
PARENTS’ RIGHTS IN STUDENT RECORDS
Annual Notification of Parents, Guardians and Adult Students of Their
Rights Under the Provisions of Federal Privacy Rights of Parents and Students Act of
1974, Florida Statute, Chapter 228 and State Board of Education, Procedures 6A-1.955.
The information that follows is to inform you of your rights as detailed
in the legislation stated in the above title. The School Board of
Gilchrist County has adopted policies and procedures to ensure compliance
with these legislative acts. As a parent, guardian or adult student,
you are entitled to the following information and statements of your
rights:
1. The right to inspect all of the educational records of the student
that contain personally identifiable information regardless of where
it is located, other than the personal files of school personnel maintained
solely for their own use. Reasonable, formal notice of your request
will be required.
2. No individual, organization or agency outside the school system
(other than those specified by law or Board Policy) will be permitted
to inspect, have access to or be provided copies of a student’s educational
records without your written permission.
3. A record will be maintained (1) of each request for information
from a student’s educational record and of the nature of the information
requested, (2) of each written permission received from you, authorizing
the release of information from your student(s)’ record and (3) the
nature of the information released and the name of the person and/or
organization receiving the information. This record will be available
for your inspection.
4. It is the policy of the School Board of Gilchrist County to send
copies of student educational records, upon request, to other schools,
school districts, colleges and universities without first obtaining
your written permission as provided by law.
5. Upon your formal request to a Principal, you have the right to
an informal hearing to challenge the content of the educational records
or to request correction of any inaccurate or misleading information
contained in the record. This includes the right to have a copy of
the record provided at cost and the right to have the record reasonably
interpreted by a school official. If, in the opinion of the school
official, there exists a language barrier to non-English speaking
eligible parties, an interpreter may be provided. If the results of
the informal hearing are not satisfactory, you may appeal that decision
to a higher authority or place a document in the student’s record
stating your objections.
6. In certain situations, it may be to your advantage to waive our
rights to inspect the student record or to inspect a certain part
of the record. In these situations you may be advised to waive your
right to inspect, but you may not be required by any school official
to waive your right. You will be required to sign a formal written
document if you choose to waive your right of inspection.
7. Student educational records are usually located at the school of
attendance, but certain specialized records are located at the District
Office. The Principal is obligated to make available, upon your request,
a full disclosure as to the whereabouts of your student’s records.
8. The School Board may release “directory information” on the students
to the general public which includes, name, address, telephone number,
participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight
and height - if an athletic team member, name of the most recent previous
school or program attended, dates of attendance at schools in the
district and degrees and honors received, and date and place of birth.
You have the right to restrict this information from the public records
but this right must be a written request to the principal made within
30 days of receipt of the Code of Student Conduct.
9. Further details of this policy and procedures are available at
any school and at the District Office. This policy and procedure will
be made available for your inspection upon request during normal business
hours.
Return To Contents
STUDENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Code of Student Conduct is concerned with those student rights
and responsibilities this District feels are necessary if students
are to progress successfully through our schools. These student rights
and responsibilities are broadly stated and are meant to be used as
principles upon which each school will base its rules and regulations.
These rules and regulations should be developed in consultation with
faculty, parents and students.
The rules and regulations developed from these principles may vary
from school to school; they may be treated differently depending on
whether the school is elementary, middle or secondary. Whatever form
the rules take, they must be consistent with the District’s and the
School’s goals of education with due regard for the student’s health,
safety and welfare.
These student rights and responsibilities in no way diminish the authority
and responsibility of the Gilchrist County School Board, Principals,
administrators and teachers as provided for in state statutes and
School Board Policy. It is not the intention of this Code to create
legally enforceable rights for students beyond those normally enforceable
at law.
Assembly
The freedom of students to assemble in a non-disruptive manner shall
be preserved.
Rights
Students have the right to assemble.
Responsibilities
Students have the responsibility to plan for, seek approval of and
conduct those assemblies which are consistent with the educational
objectives of the school.
Attendance
School attendance is necessary to education. School personnel and
parents have an obligation to enforce school attendance policies,
laws and procedures. School attendance is compulsory from the beginning
of the normal school term for all children who are five years old
or older on or before September 1st of any school year and who have
not yet attained the age of 16 years, unless such a person is eligible
for exemption under the applicable Florida Statute(s) or has been
expelled by the School Board. A child who attains the age of 16 years
during the school year shall not be required to attend school beyond
the date upon which he attains that age.
Rights
1. Students have the right to information on School Board policies
and procedures and individual school rules that pertain to attendance.
2. Students have the right to make up (within three days) work missed
because of excused absences.
3. Students have the right to appeal a decision pertaining to an absence.
Responsibilities
1. Students have the responsibility to abide by the policies and rules
on attendance.
2. Students have the responsibility to request make-up work from their
teachers within a reasonable period of time after the absences.
3. Students have the responsibility to provide the school with an
adequate explanation with appropriate documentation indicating the
reasons for an absence within 72 hours.
Free Speech and Student Publications
One of the basic purposes of education is to prepare students for
responsible self-expression in a democratic society. Citizens in our
democracy are permitted self-expression under the first and 14th Amendments
of the U. S. Constitution. Full opportunity should be provided for
students to inquire, to question and to exchange ideas. They should
be encouraged to participate in discussions in which many points of
view, including those which are controversial, are freely expressed.
Rights
1. Students have the right to express their opinions orally or in
writing.
2. Students have the right to publish and distribute leaflets, newspapers
and other printed material under the supervision of the Principal/designee.
3. Students have the right to form and express their own opinion on
issues without jeopardizing their relations with their teachers or
school.
Responsibilities
1. Students have the responsibility to express and publicize their
opinions and ideas in such a manner so as not to offend, slander or
libel other persons.
2. Students have the responsibility to be aware of all the rules and
regulations governing student behavior that relate to publicizing
information.
3. Students have the responsibility to become informed and knowledgeable
about issues and express their opinions in a manner that is suitable
for the forum in which the discussion is taking place.
Knowledge and Observation of Rules of Conduct
Schools must make available the rules of conduct to students and parents.
Students have a responsibility for knowing and observing both school
rules and those laws which govern their conduct.
Student Conduct
Rights
1. Students have a right to expect clear and understandable rules
of student conduct to be available to them.
2. Students have a right to expect the rules of conduct to be enforced
without discrimination.
Responsibilities
1. Students have a responsibility to know the school rules which pertain
to them and to seek the help of faculty or administrators when in
doubt.
2. Students have a responsibility to observe the rules of conduct
which pertain to them.
Participation in School Programs and Activities
Students learn from each other. Positive association with each other
may contribute greatly to the overall education of students. Schools
have a responsibility to promote appropriate formal and informal programs
and activities among students.
Rights
1. Students have the right to organize and participate in associations
and extracurricular activities within the school which are organized
for any proper and lawful purposes, providing that no such group denies
membership to any student because of race, religion or nationality.
2. Students have the right to have an elected representative student
council appropriate to the school level and to take an active part
in student activities designed to help make rules that affect their
lives in school.
3. Students have the right to privacy of their personal possessions
unless there is reason to believe that the student is possessing or
concealing materials prohibited by school rules.
4. Students have the right to expect professional and ethical treatment
of personal information shared with school personnel.
Responsibilities
1. Students have the responsibility to seek prior and proper consent
from administrators and any other designated school personnel before
organizing student associations and to meet the approved criteria
for membership in clubs, organizations and activities.
2. Student Council officers and representatives have the responsibility
to be aware of school needs and concerns of the student body and to
work toward the attainment of their needs. Students have the responsibility
to participate regularly in their respective organizations and to
conduct themselves in an appropriate manner and to operate according
to the School Board policies and local school regulations.
3. Students have the responsibility not to carry, possess or conceal
any materials that are prohibited by school rules.
4. Students have the responsibility of providing the school with accurate
and current information.
Privacy
Schools have a responsibility to ensure the privacy rights of students.
Rights
1. Parents, guardians or eligible students (18 years of age or attending
a post-secondary institution) have the right to review, update and
challenge the information in the student’s permanent cumulative record.
2. Students have the right to be protected by legal provisions which
prohibit the release of personally identifiable information to other
than legally authorized persons without the consent of the parent,
guardian or eligible student.
Responsibilities
1. Parents, guardians or eligible students have the responsibility
of providing the school with accurate and current information.
2. Parents, guardians or eligible students have the responsibility
to release information to legally authorized persons.
Respect for Persons and Property
Students shall conduct themselves in a manner reflecting mutual respect
and consideration for the personal and property rights and privileges
of others. It should be understood that usage of school property and
property of others is a privilege and therefore requires permission
from appropriate persons.
Rights
1. Students have the right to expect a safe school environment in
which to learn and live.
2. Students have the right to expect courtesy, fairness and respect
from members of the school staff and other students.
3. All students have property rights.
4. Students have the right to a clearly understandable statement defining
the personal property which may be brought to school.
Responsibilities
1. Students have the responsibility to assist and cooperate with the
school staff in operating a safe school.
2. Students have the responsibility to extend courtesy, fairness and
respect to members of the school staff and other students
3. Students have the responsibility to respect the property rights
of others. Students are responsible for their own property as well
as school property entrusted to them.
4. Students have the responsibility to abide by school rules pertaining
to personal property and to request clarification when in doubt.
Right to Learn
To satisfy a student’s right to learn is the primary reason for the
existence of school programs and facilities. Gilchrist County School
Board is obligated by law to provide an appropriate program of education
to all.
Rights
1. Students have the right to an educational program which is appropriate
to their needs and goals.
2. Students have the right to pursue their education under competent
instructors.
3. Students have the right to voice their opinions in the development
of their curriculum.
4. Students who are married, pregnant or parents have the right to
remain in the regular school program or take advantage of specialized
programs for them.
5. A student’s marks in each class should represent fairly and impartially
his/her progress in that class. The student should have the opportunity
of periodically reviewing his/her progress with the teacher.
Responsibilities
1. Students have the responsibility to take advantage of the educational
experiences offered to them and to put forth their best efforts.
2. Students are responsible to meet the requirements of all classes.
3. Students have the responsibility to contribute to curriculum development
in a responsible way.
4. Students have the responsibility for their own health and safety
and for making up any work missed.
5. Students have the responsibility to achieve their progress through
their own efforts. Students are responsible to periodically review
their progress with teachers and seek additional help in problem areas.
Return To Contents
MEMORANDUM
To: District School Superintendent
From: Carey E. Ferrell
Subject: Enforcement of Immunization Law
The purpose of this memorandum is to bring to your attention a possible
problem in enforcing Section 232.032(8), FS, which indicates that
effective August 1, 1982, school districts would temporarily exclude
from attendance any student who is not in compliance with the provisions
of subsection (2) of the law. This subsection indicates that all students
in school have proof of immunization. Section 232.032(3), FS, indicates
that the two exemptions to subsection (2) would be for medical or
religious reasons. The problem is specifically what does the school
district do if a parent refuses to give permission to have his/her
child immunized and does not present a medical or religious exemption
and the child is within compulsory school attendance age.
Section 232.032(5), FS, indicates that parents or guardians are responsible
for ensuring that the child is in compliance with the provisions of
the immunization statute. Section 232.09, FS, indicates that each
parent of a child within the compulsory attendance age shall be responsible
for such child’s school attendance as required by law and that the
absence of a child from school shall be prima facie evidence of a
violation of this section.
In view of the statutes mentioned above, the school district should
follow its existing procedures for taking parents to court for their
children’s non-attendance if parents do not give permission for having
their children immunized and do not present a medical or religious
exemption. It is recommended that such procedures be initiated only
after an earnest effort has been made to obtain the parent’s permission
to have their child immunized in compliance with Section 232.032,
FS.
ReturnTo Contents
MEMORANDUM
To: Parents
From: Don Thomas
Subject: Consent for Health Screening
Based on Laws of Florida, Section 15, Chapter 79-268, the following
health screenings are required to be offered at school:
height, weight, nutritional survey, hearing, vision, dental, fluoride
mouth rinse and Scoliosis. A one-time permission form is required
in your child’s permanent folder. If you wish to remove your child
from these screenings, this must be done in writing and given to the
school principal and this will be placed in his/her folder.
Return To Contents
FEDERAL COMPLIANCE
The School Board of Gilchrist County, Florida, adheres to a policy
of non-discrimination in educational programs/activities and employment
and strives affirmatively to provide opportunity for all as required
by:
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of l964 -- Prohibits discrimination
on the basis of race, color, religion, or national origin.
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of l964, as amended - Prohibits
discrimination in employment on the basis of race, color, sex, or
national origin.
Title IX of the Educational Amendments of l972 -- Prohibits discrimination
on the basis of sex.
Age Discrimination Act of 1975 -- Prohibits discrimination on the
basis of age between 40 and 70.
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of l973 -- Prohibits discrimination
against the disabled.
Veterans are provided re-employment rights in accordance with P.L.
93-508 (Federal) and Florida State Law, Chapter 77-422, which also
stipulates categorical preferences for employment.
The Gilchrist County School District acts in compliance with Title
IX of the Education Amendments of l972.
The Gilchrist County School Board does not discriminate on the grounds
of age, race, color, national origin, sex, religion, disability, or
creed in recruiting hiring, assigning, promoting, paying, demoting or dismissing
of any School Board employee.
No student in the Gilchrist County School District shall on the basis
of sex be excluded from participating in any educational program or
activity provided by the schools in Gilchrist County School District.
Contact Person: Mr. Don Thomas, 310 NW 11th Ave, Trenton, Florida
32693 (352-463-3200)
ReturnTo Contents
STUDENT OR APPLICANT GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE
You have the right under Florida Law to file a grievance if you feel
a decision made by an employee of the Gilchrist County School Board
was made unjustly or was unfair to you. You must follow the procedure
to file a grievance.
1. Any student or applicant that feels they have been discriminated
against should first discuss the alleged grievance with the employee
concerned. It is best to work out any problem at the lowest level.
2. If a solution cannot be found, the student or applicant must within
the next five (5) working days give to the Principal of the School
the alleged grievance in writing.
3. The School Principal has five (5) working days to find a solution
and furnish the aggrieved student or applicant an answer in writing.
4. If this answer is not satisfactory to the student or applicant,
he/she must give to the Superintendent of Schools the alleged grievance
in writing within the next five (5) working days.
5. The Superintendent of Schools has five (5) working days to find
a solution and furnish the aggrieved student or applicant with an
answer in writing.
6. If this answer is not satisfactory to the aggrieved, he/she must
at that time request in writing a hearing before the school board.
7. The Superintendent of Schools has thirty (30) days in which to
arrange for a hearing. The Gilchrist County School Board will sit
as a board of hearing. The aggrieved will be given the time and place
of the hearing in writing seven (7) days prior to the hearing.
8. The board of hearing will furnish all concerned parties their decision
in writing within ten (10) days. The decision of the board of hearing
will be final.
If you are not certain of the procedure to follow in filing a grievance
you may contact Mr. Don Thomas, Superintendent, 310 NW 11th Ave, Trenton, Florida 32693 (352-463-3200).
Return To Contents
|
