Cooper County R-IV School District

2008 – 2009 School Year


Mission Statement

 

Cooper County R-IV School District reflects the heritage, values and strengths of our community.  We are the heart of the community and our success is in direct correlation to this community’s support.  The school’s goal is to meet and exceed the educational expectations of our students, community, state, and nation.  Our students will graduate from Cooper County R-IV School District well prepared and confident that they can take their place in society by holding onto their small town values as they strive to achieve their big time dreams.  

 

Board of Education

James Lenz                                                           President

David Layne                                                        Vice President

Cindy Barnett                                                      Treasurer

Cheri Friedrich                                                      Secretary to the Board

Travis Burnett                                                      Member

Brian Emde                                                          Member

Brenda Schmidt                                                   Member

Kevin Waller                                                        Member

 

Administration

Mary Lynn Battles                                  Superintendent

Connie Kunze                                                      Principal

Gary Deffenbaugh                                              Athletic Director

Janet Widner                                                        Secretary

Cheri Friedrich                                                      Bookkeeper

 

 

Welcome to the 2008-2009 School Year

 

The faculty, staff, and administration of the Bunceton R-IV School District welcome you to the 2008-2009 school year. We are looking forward to another “School of Distinction” year in academics and extra-curricular activities. We are a school where faculty and students EXCEL, parents and community CARE.  This Student Planner, which includes the Student Handbook, has been prepared to help you achieve the most that you can from this school year.

 

STUDENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Board of Education believes that students have rights and schools must be a place where students are encouraged to learn.  Standards of conduct are established by the Cooper County R-IV Board of Education to create an environment in which each student’s right to learn is recognized, respected and protected.

 

It is the Board's belief that, as part of the educational process, students and their parents/guardians should be made aware of their legal rights and the legal authority of the Board to make and delegate authority to its staff and to make rules and regulations regarding the orderly operation of the district schools.  If the policy guidelines adopted by the Board are to be successful, it must be understood that school officials and teachers have the authority to interpret and apply policy in a given situation.  Students must obey any such interpretation subject to an appeal.

 

Students and their parents/guardians will be notified of their rights and responsibilities, including standards of conduct, through handbooks distributed annually.  When the rights and responsibilities of individuals are clearly understood, the elements of respect and cooperation will result in the harmonious and constructive education of the student.  Among these student rights and responsibilities are the following:

 

EACH STUDENT HAS THE RIGHT TO:

1.        Have the opportunity for a free education in the most appropriate learning environment.

2.        Have the opportunity for freedom of speech and the press so long as the exercise of those rights is not disruptive.

3.        Be secure in his/her persons, papers, and effects against unreasonable searchers and seizures; privacy in regard to his/her personal possessions, unless there is reasonable suspicion that the student is concealing materials prohibited by law or that his/her personal properties inhibit the educational process.

4.        Expect that the school will be a safe place with no fear of bodily harm.

5.        Expect an appropriate environment conducive to learning.

6.        Expect not to be discriminated against on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, national origin, or handicap.

7.        Expect to have full access to school rules and regulations.

 

EACH STUDENT HAS THE RESPONSIBILITY TO:

1.        Know and adhere to reasonable rules and regulations established by the local Board of Education on and implemented by school administrators and teachers.

2.        Respect the human dignity and worth of every other individual.

3.        Refrain from libel, slanderous remarks, and obscenity in verbal and written expression.

4.        Study diligently and maintain the best possible level of academic achievement.

5.        Be punctual and present in the regular school program.

6.        Dress and groom in a manner that meets reasonable standards of health, cleanliness, modesty, and safety.

7.        Help maintain and improve the school environment, preserve school property, and exercise the utmost care while using school facilities.

8.        Refrain from gross disobedience, misconduct, or other behavior, which would lead to any physical harm or to the disruption of the educational process.

  1. Respect the reasonable exercise of authority by school administrators and teachers maintaining discipline in the school and at school sponsored activities.
  2. Obey the law and rules so as not to be subjected to ill effects or endanger others by the possession or the use of alcohol, legal drugs, and other unauthorized substances.
  3. Carry only those materials, which are acceptable under the law and accept the consequences for unacceptable articles stored in one's locker.

 

ATTENDANCE

Good attendance is necessary for satisfactory progression in school.  Students should strive to attend school regularly and to be on time.  In the event that a student has to be absent from the school, the following procedures will be followed:

  1. Parents are asked to notify the school prior to the beginning of the school day on the day of the absence.  If no notification is received, the school will make an attempt to call the parent or guardian on the day the student is absent.
  2. Prior to being admitted back to school after an absence, the parent or guardian is to call or provide a note to the school giving the reason for the student's absence.
  3. When the student returns to school from an absence, the student will obtain an Admit Slip from the principal's office.  The student must get this slip signed by all teachers whose classes the student was absent.  At the end of the school day, the seventh period teachers will be turn this slip into the office along with the absentee slip for the day.
  4. Students are required to make up any work missed during their excused absence.  It is extremely important that students make arrangements with their teachers to get their work completed.  They will have one day extra for each day missed to make up their work.  It is the student's responsibility to see that this is done - not the teacher's.  Students must take any test given over any material that has been previously covered.
  5. If a student's absence is going to be due to travel or a similar foreseen reason, parents or guardians are encouraged to notify the school prior to the absence.  A form for this purpose is provided in the office.
  6. Students who participate in an evening program or activity that is school sponsored must be in attendance all day on the day of the event, unless arrangements have been made with the principal prior to the absence.
  7. In order for a student's absence to be considered as excused, the parent/guardian must call the school on the day of the absence prior to 10:00 A.M. specifying the reason for the absence, unless the school already has on file a completed prearranged absence form.

 

UNEXCUSED ABSENCES PER SEMESTER

1.        An unexcused absence will result in 0% credit for class work or tests the day of the absence.

2.        Students arriving later than 10 minutes will be counted absent.

3.        After (3) hours of absences per the same class hour, a written notice will be mailed to parents.

4.        After five (5) hours of absences per the same class hour, a conference will be initiated with parents.

5.        Absences will be totaled by each class hour; absences beyond (8) hours per class will result in NO CREDIT.

6.        An absence will be charged to a student who receives 5 tardies per any one class.

7.        If there are extenuating circumstances, a student may appeal to the superintendent within three (3) school days of notification or loss of credit.

8.        The nurse shall have the authority, the principal concurring, to send a student home temporarily for offensive uncleanliness or because of any communicable disease or illness.

1.        After a student has been absent three (3) successive days for illness, a doctor's excuse and /or parent conference will be necessary upon returning to school.

2.        Written excuses from home must be turned into the office before classes begin in the morning.

 

EXCUSED ABSENCES PER SEMESTER

a.        school sponsored activities

b.        doctor/dental appointment – after 3 class absences-Dr.’s signature with appointment time in and out required

c.        sickness

d.        death in the family

e.        taking a driver's test (written or driving)

f.         visiting a college (with prior approval)

g.        family emergency

 

3.        When a student knows that he or she will be absent from school tovisit a college or for some other special reason, he/she obtains approval for the absence prior to the absence by having the Prearranged Absence form completed.  When visiting a college or university, the Career-College Day Visit Request form must be completed and turned into the office or student will be counted truant with an unexcused absence upon returning from a college visit. No absences, except medical and/or emergencies will be allowed during Final Exams.

4.        Absences for any other reasons will be considered unexcused

unless arranged for and approved by the principal in advance.  Credit will not be given for unexcused absences.

5.        A student who wishes to leave  school during the day for such

reasons as dental or medical appointments or take the test for a driver's license must obtain the Prearranged Absence Form from the office, have parents sign it, take it to each instructor whose class he/she will miss for the instructor's initials and return it to the office.  The student must sign out in the office prior to leaving school and sign in if returning before the school day is over.

 

TARDY REGULATIONS PER SEMESTER

Students are tardy when they are not in the classroom when the bell rings.

 

For every 3rd tardy (3, 6, 9, 12, etc.) an after-school detention is assigned

After the 5th tardy (5, 10, 15, etc.) an absence will be charged to that 

      student for the class in which he/she is tardy

After the 23rd-27th and 31st tardy 2 days ISS will be assigned

 

HALLWAY PROCEDURES

When walking in the hallways, students are asked to:

1.     keep to the right

2.     walk in an orderly manner.  NO running.

3.        observe courtesy at all times.

4.        refrain from yelling and whistling.

Hallway rules exist at all times--before, during, and after school hours.

 

EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVIITES

All school activities are part of the total educational program offered by the school.  Students are expected to behave and conduct themselves accordingly.  Any student who abuses the privilege of attending and/or participating in extra-curricular activities shall be dealt with by the principal.  All students are to conduct themselves as gracious hosts and/or gracious guests when attending all school activities.

 

Under NO circumstances are students to be disrespectful.  Items such as name calling, excessive yelling, or any other disturbance to the other participants will constitute suspension from attending future activities.

 

All students participating in an athletic contest shall be required to have a physical examination, and to meet such other requirements as are established by the school and by the MSHSAA.

 

Students attending a school-sponsored activity are required to obtain signatures from those teachers whose classes they will miss and to complete the form required to do so.

 

STUDENT TRANSPORTATION

All students are to ride on the school bus or a school-designated vehicle and they are to return on that same vehicle when going to and from a school sponsored activity.  The student may ride to or from a school-sponsored activity with a parent/guardian provided the parent or guardian requests permission for their child to do so by signing a release form from the designated supervisor or coach of said activity.

 

Students are responsible in notifying their parent/guardian about departure and/or arrival times from activities.  Any student not picked up within 15 minutes of stated time will receive a warning.  After the 2nd offense, student will not be allowed to participate in the co-curricular activity.

 

All non-school and school personnel who wish to ride a school-sponsored vehicle to and/or from school-sponsored activities MUST obtain permission from school administration prior to the trip and be recorded on the trip sheet.

 

Bus drivers will make sure all students are in a seat except when that student is entering or leaving the bus.  For safety reasons, students may not sit on the floor or bus steps.  The bus will not move until each student is seated with arms, legs, head and or personal property inside. Food, gum, and beverages will not be consumed on the bus during the regular morning or afternoon bus routes.  As the bus is considered school property, the same conduct is expected of student on the bus as in the school building. Safe operation of the school bus is the goal of bus conduct rules.  When students behave in such a way as to endanger themselves and others, appropriate action will be taken.  The bus driver will complete the Transportation Disciplinary Report Form and take it to the Principal.

 

The following are subject to disciplinary action:

1.        Standing while bus is moving, yelling, littering on the bus, not sitting in seat, pushing, throwing items in or out of the bus including shooting rubber bands or paper wads or not following directives of the bus driver.

2.        Fighting on School Bus

3.        Verbal Abuse of Bus Driver

4.        Possession / Use of Tobacco Products While on the School Bus

5.        Damaging or Vandalizing the Bus

6.        Possession and /or Use of Alcohol, Mood Altering or Illegal Substances While on the Bus

Failure to comply with these rules may result in the following:

1.        Assigned seats by the bus driver

2.        Assigned duties by the bus driver or Administration

3.        Suspension from the bus route by the Administration

4.        Out-of-School Suspension by the Administration

 

STUDENT DRESS

All students are expected to come to school neatly dressed.  No student will be permitted to wear clothing with advertising and/or slogans, pictures, or writing that is suggestive or distasteful in any way.  Items of clothing and buttons may not bear alcoholic beverages, drugs, or tobacco insignias, advertisements, or writing of provocative, profane, rude, suggestive or otherwise inappropriate writing.  Scarves, caps, sunglasses, short shorts, tank tops, and mid-riff tops are NOT to be worn during school hours.  Dress or grooming may not interfere with the teaching/learning process or cause undue attention for an individual student.  Shorts MUST be mid-length and tops MUST be long enough to tuck in.

 

Any student, grades 7-12, participating in extra-curricular activities or school-sponsored away trips must wear dress attire agreed upon by the sponsor of the activity and the administration.  Any student NOT adhering to this dress code will NOT be allowed to travel to or to participate in the extra-curricular activity.

 

FUND RAISING ACTIVITIES

Fund raising projects, for the senior trip will be held after school and on weekends.  All workdays will be on Saturday; no school time will be used.  No fund raising activity will require that any student be taken from class.

 

Grades 9-12 will be limited to two (2) major (door-to-door or canvassing type) fundraisers (1 per semester), but may have as many community service projects (bake sales, car washes, etc) as they wish.  The 7th and 8th grades will be allowed no more than two (2) service projects per semester. (This includes the carnival.)  An outline of fundraising activities for grades 7-12 will be updated each quarter and presented to the principal.  All fund raising projects must be approved by the principal, who may in turn, refer them to the BOE for approval.  If a class has its own fundraiser, they may keep it.  If they give it up, it will first be offered to the senior class.  If the senior class does not wish to do the project, it will be offered to the next lower class, etc. It shall be a major responsibility of the class and/or organizational sponsor to provide the leadership according to school policy and the Principles of Public School

 

Accounting guidelines whereby a secure method of safekeeping is provided for all moneys received and collected for all class and/or organizational projects.  The sponsor must be present at all fund raising activities unless the principal has approved a parent replacement prior to the activity.  The sponsor, not the parent, shall be accountable for all financial transactions made prior to, during and following all class and/or organizational fund raising projects.  All receipts will be counted, tabulated and the financial accounting form completely filled out before receipts will be deposited into the class and/or organizational account.  The deposit of all receipts shall be submitted to the bookkeeper of the school district on the morning of the school day following the fund raising activity.  The Class and Organizational Financial Accounting Form must be completed in its entirety and documented by the sponsor, as well as the president and treasurer of the class and /or organization before the receipts are submitted to the school bookkeeper.  It shall also be the responsibility of the sponsor to determine that all bills are paid in a timely manner.  A profit and/or loss statement will be maintained to determine the success of the fund raising activity and the report submitted to all members of the class and/or organization, the administration and Board of Education. 

 

No class dues will be assessed the 7th and 8th grade students.  All 7th and 8th grade students and their parents will be informed of all expectations, procedures, and assessments prior to each fundraiser by their class sponsor.  All 7th and 8th grade students who have paid all their assessments will be allowed to participate in the end-of-the-year activities.

 

HEALTH SERVICES

The Cooper County R-IV School District employs a full-time school nurse.  Students who are injured or become ill while at school will be sent to the nurse’s office.  If the illness or injury is assessed to be of such a nature that the student should go home, the student’s parent(s) or guardian(s) will be informed by phone.  Responsibilities of the school’s health program include:

1.        Develop and maintain a practical and appropriate system for providing first aid and emergency care for students and staff who become injured or ill while at school.

2.        Identify and exclude from school those students and staff with communicable diseases and initiate appropriate follow-up to ensure their prompt re-admission. 

3.        Prevent the outbreak and spread of communicable diseases through consistent enforcement of existing laws and school policies regarding immunizations for students and school personnel.

4.        Monitor and maintain a clean, safe and healthful school environment so that conditions that might interfere with the teaching/learning climate are minimized.

5.        Develop, implement and evaluate a comprehensive health curriculum to prepare students to assume responsibility for their own health.

 

TELEPHONE USAGE

The school telephone in the front office will be used ONLY in an emergency.  If the call is long distance, the call will be documented and the student will be charged for the phone call.  Students should use the pay telephone before and after school in the commons area and will not be released from class to use the telephone.  Students should request permission before using the phone.

 

SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAM

The lunch program operates on shifts.  Students are expected to eat their lunch and stay in the lunchroom at all times.  Permission to leave the lunchroom during lunch must be obtained from the teacher and/or administrator in charge.  All foods, whether school lunches or lunches brought from home, will be eaten in the cafeteria.  Students will return to their classrooms with the assigned teacher.  There will be no "place saving".

 

Students MUST have their lunch card or pay cash.  A supplemental lunch will be offered to any student without either.  Students should always allow teachers and staff to eat first, as they have other duties during lunch period.

 

Vocational-Technical students will report directly to the lunchroom upon returning from Boonville and will remain in the lunchroom after eating unless they have permission to leave the lunchroom from a teacher or staff.

 

STUDENT REGISTRATION AND ENROLLMENT 

All new and transfer students under the age of eighteen (18) must have their parent/guardian accompany them to the front office to fill out the enrollment form(s) and sign release papers enabling the Bunceton School to secure past educational records, immunization records, etc.  All students are required by law to meet minimum immunization standards set by the State Department of Health, therefore, all students must bring immunization records and proof of required "shots" with them when they register.  No student will be allowed to attend classes until all require immunizations are completed.  A copy of the required immunizations is on file in the front office.  All individuals aged five (5) to 21 who are domiciled within boundaries of the school district may attend its schools without payment of tuition.  All persons seeking admission to the district and its instructional programs must satisfactorily meet all residency, academic, age, immunization, health, disciplinary, and other eligibility prerequisites as established by Board policies, rules and regulations, and by state law.

 

Requests for Student Records

Within 48 hours of enrolling a student, the school official enrolling the student shall request those records required by district policy for student transfer, including discipline records, from all school previously attended by the student within the last 12 months.

 

Statement of Prior Suspension, Expulsion or Criminal Offense

The Board of Education requires the parent, guardian, or other person having control or charge of a child of school age to provide upon enrollment a signed statement indicating whether or not the student has been suspended or expelled from a school in this state or any other state for an offense in violation of Board policies.  In addition, the person enrolling the student must affirm that the student has not been convicted of or charged with an act listed in the "Admission Restriction" section of this policy.  This registration document shall be maintained as a part of the student's scholastic record.

 

Student Suspended or Expelled From another District

No student may enroll in a school in the district during a suspension or expulsion from another district if it was determined upon attempt to enroll that the student's conduct would have resulted in a suspension or expulsion in this district.  The parent, guardian or student may request a conference with the superintendent or designee to consider if the conduct of the student would have resulted in a suspension or expulsion in this district.  If it is determined that such conduct would have resulted in a suspension or expulsion in this district, the superintendent or designee may make such suspension or expulsion from another district effective.  If it is determined that such conduct would not have resulted in a suspension or expulsion in this district. the superintendent or designee shall not make such suspension or expulsion from another district effective.

 

Admission Restriction

In accordance with 167.171, RSMo, no student may be readmitted or enrolled in the school district who has been convicted of or charged with an act which if committed by an adult would be one of the following:

1.        First degree murder under 565.010, RSMo

2.        Second degree murder under 565.021, RSMo

3.        First degree assault under 565.050, RSMo

4.        Forcible rape under 566.050, RSMo

5.        Forcible sodomy under 566.060, RSMo

6.     Robbery in the first degree under 569.020, RSMo

7.        Distribution of drugs to a minor under 195.212, RSMo

8.        Arson in the first degree under 569.040, RSMo

9.        Kidnapping, when classified as a class A felony under 565.110,  RSMo

 

In order to register a student, the parent, legal guardian or the student shall provide proof of residency or proof that a waiver has been requested as outlined below and shall complete all admission requirements as determined by Board policies, rules and regulations.

 

In cases where a resident student wishes to register and such student is not able to provide proof of residency, the student, parent or legal guardian must present proof that a waiver has been requested in the last 45 days.  Waiver of proof of residency may only be granted on the basis of hardship or good cause. 

 

Under no circumstances shall athletic ability be a valid basis of hardship or good cause for the issuance of a waiver.  The Board shall convene a hearing to consider the request as soon as possible, but no later than 45 days after the receipt of the waiver request, or else the waiver shall be granted.  In instances where there is reason to suspect that admission of the student will create an immediate danger to the safety of other pupils and employees of the district, the superintendent or designee may convene a hearing within three (3) working days of the registration request to determine whether or not the student may register.

 

STANDARDS OF CONDUCT

Students are expected to maintain a courteous and respectful attitude toward all staff personnel, as well as other students.  Fighting, gambling, profanity, habitual truancy, possession of alcohol, possession of cigarettes or other tobacco products and destruction of school property or staff property will be grounds for disciplinary action.

 

Anyone caught fighting will have disciplinary action taken against him/her and the punishment will be EQUAL for ALL involved.

 

Anyone in the hall during class time MUST have a yellow hall pass unless he/she is with a teacher.  Students will go directly to the area for which the pass was written.  An after-school detention will be assigned to any student not carrying a hall pass.

 

Students are to refrain from public display of affection on school grounds or at school-sponsored activities.

 

The Board of Education has the legal authority to make all needed policies, rules and regulations for organizing and governing the school district.  This includes the power to suspend or expel a student for conduct, which is prejudicial to good order and discipline in the schools or impairs the morale or good conduct of the students.  These policies, rules and regulations will apply to all students in attendance in district instructional and support programs, as well as at school-sponsored activities and events.  Students who have charged, convicted or pled guilty in a court of general jurisdiction for commission of a felony may be suspended in accordance with law.

Building principals are responsible for the development of rules and regulations regarding student conduct needed to maintain proper behavior in schools under their supervision.  Principals, subject to appropriate due process procedures, may summarily suspend any student for up to ten (10) school days for violation of these policies, rules and regulations.  Notice of suspension shall be given immediately to the parent or guardian, and to the superintendent.

 

Flagrant disregard for policies, rules and regulations, or continued truancy may result in suspension by the superintendent or expulsion by the Board,

both are subject to appropriate due process procedures.  The superintendent may suspend a student for up to 180 school days; however, expulsion of students is a function only of the Board of Education.

 

Teachers shall have the authority to make and enforce necessary rules for the internal governance in the classroom, subject to review by the building principal.  The Board expects each teacher to maintain a satisfactory standard of conduct in the classroom.

 

Any time a referral that warrants formal disciplinary action is submitted, a reasonable effort will be made by the principal to either contact the parent or guardian by written notice delivered by the student, through the mail, or by direct telephone contact.

 

The Student Code of Conduct is designed to foster student responsibility, respect for the rights of others, and to ensure the orderly operation of district schools.  No code can be expected to list each and every offense, which may result in the use of disciplinary action.  However, it is the purpose of this code to list certain offenses if committed by a student, which will result in the imposition of a certain disciplinary action.  Any conduct not included herein, or an aggravated circumstance of any offense or an action involving a combination of offenses may result in disciplinary consequences that extend beyond this code of conduct as determined by the principal, superintendent and/or Board of Education.

 

Behavioral Expectations

The discipline code set out in Administrative Regulations is intended to be illustrative but not an exclusive listing of acts of misconduct and the consequences for each.  Misconduct, which is not specifically listed in this regulation, may be deemed to warrant discipline up to and including expulsion following provision of all due process procedures.  In addition, the disciplinary consequence listed for each offense may be increased or decreased by the Administration or the board of Education due to mitigating or aggravating circumstances. Copies of these regulations, as well as the District's corporal punishment policy will be provided to each student at the beginning of each school year.  Copies of these documents will also be available for public inspection during normal business hours in the superintendent's office.  All out-of-school suspensions of three (3) days or more may require that the parents/guardians meet with the Board.

 

1.        Possession or presence under the influence of a controlled substance or substance represented to be a controlled substance

a.        First Offense:  Ten (10) OSS.  Notification of law enforcement officials

b.        Subsequent Offense:  Expulsion, notification of law enforcement officials

2.        Sale of a controlled substance or substance represented to be

a controlled substance

a.        First Offense:  Expulsion, notification of law enforcement officials

3.        Assault of Student--Use of physical force with the intent to do     

bodily harm

a.        First Offense:  Ten (10) to 180 days OSS and notification

of law enforcement officials

b.        Subsequent Offense:  Expulsion and notification of law

enforcement officials

4.        Assault of Staff Member--Use of physical force with the intent to do bodily harm

a.        First Offense:  Expulsion and notification of law enforcement officials

        5.     Possession of a Weapon--Defined in Policy 2611

b.        First Offense:  One year suspension and notification of law enforcement officials

c.        Subsequent Offense:  Expulsion and notification of law enforcement officials

6.        Verbal Assault—Endangerment of life

a.        First Offense:  Three (3) days OSS and notification of law enforcement, juvenile officer and parents.

b.       Second Offense:  Ten (10) – One Hundred Eighty (180) days OSS and notification of law enforcement, juvenile officer and parents.

7.        Possession of or under the influence of alcohol

a.        First Offense:  Ten (10) days OSS and notification of law enforcement officials

b.       Subsequent Offense:  Eleven (11) to 180 days OSS and notification of law enforcement officials

8.        Arson--Intentionally causing or attempting to cause a fire or

explosion

a.        First Offense:  Eleven (11) to 180 days OSS and

notification of law enforcement officials

b.        Subsequent Offense:  Expulsion and notification

of law enforcement officials

9.        Sexual Harassment--Physical touching of another student in the

area of the breasts, buttocks, or genitals

a.        First Offense:  One (1) to ten (10) days OSS

b.        Subsequent Offense:  Eleven (11) to 180 days OSS

10.     Sexual Harassment--Use of sexually intimidating language, objects or pictures

a.        First Offense:  One (1) to five (5) days ISS

b.        Subsequent Offense:  Ten (10) to 180 days OSS

11.     Threatening Language--Use of verbal threats to do bodily harm

a.        First Offense:  Three (3) days ISS

b.        Subsequent Offense:  Five (5) to ten (10) days OSS

12.     Extortion--Verbal threats or physical conduct designed to obtain money or other valuables

a.        First Offense:  Five (5) days ISS

b.        Subsequent Offense:  Five (5) to ten (10) days OSS

13.     Fighting--Physically striking another in a mutual contact as differentiated from an assault

a.        First Offense:  Three (3) days OSS

b.        Subsequent Offense:  Five (5) to ten (10) days OSS

14.     Disruptive Behavior--conduct which has the intentional effect of disturbing education

a.        First Offense:  1-3 days ISS

b.        Subsequent Offense:  Three (3) to ten (10) days ISS

15.     Theft--Non-consensual taking or attempt to take the property of another

a.        First Offense:  Restitution and one (1) to three (3) days OSS

b.        Subsequent Offense:  Restitution and five (5) to 180 days OSS.  Notification of law enforcement officials

16.     Vandalism--Intentional damage or attempt to damage property belonging to the staff, students, or the District

a.        First Offense:  Payment for repair or replacement and one (1) to five (5) days OSS

b.        Subsequent Offense:  Payment for repair or replacement and eleven (11) to 180 days OSS

17.     Truancy—Any student will be considered truant if:

                                                               i.      after leaving for school from home he/she does not report to school

                                                              ii.      after reporting to school he/she leaves the school grounds without permission from the Principal

                                                            iii.      he/she does not attend class while at school

b.        First Offense:  One (1) to three (3) days ISS

c.        Subsequent Offense:  Five (5) to ten (10) days ISS

18.     Defiance of Authority--Refusal to obey directions or defiance

of staff authority

a.        First Offense:  Three (3) days ISS

b.        Subsequent Offense:  Three (3) to ten (10) days ISS

19.     Improper Displays of Affection--Consensual kissing, fondling, or embracing

a.        First Offense:  One (1) day ISS

b.        Subsequent Offense:  Two (2) to five (5) days ISS

20.     Indecent Exposure--Includes display in public location of buttocks, breasts, and genitals

a.        First Offense:  One (1) to three (3) days OSS

b.        Subsequent Offense:  Five (5) to ten (10) days OSS

21.     Use of Obscene, Profane or Vulgar Language--Language which depicts various sexual acts, human waste, and blasphemous language

a.        First Offense:  Three (3) days ISS

b.        Subsequent Offense:  Two (2) to ten (10) days OSS

22.     Possession or use of Tobacco or Tobacco products

a.        First Offense:  Three (3) days OSS

b.        Second Offense:  Five (5) – Ten (10) days OSS

23.     Disruptive Speech or Conduct--Use of hate language to demean other persons due to the race, gender, disability, natural origin, or religious beliefs.  This provision also includes conduct, verbal, written, or symbolic speech, which materially and substantially disrupts class, school activities or school function

a.        First Offense:  Three (3) days ISS

b.        Subsequent Offense:  Two (2) to ten (10) days OSS

24.     Assault with a weapon

a.        First Offense:  Expulsion and reported to law enforcement officials

25.     Fireworks (Student are forbidden to bring on to school grounds or property)

a.        First Offense:  Three (3) days OSS

b.        Subsequent Offense:  Ten (10) to 180 days OSS

26.     False Alarm (includes bomb threats, setting off fire alarms or making unauthorized 911 calls) Reported to Law Enforcement

a.        First Offense:  Three (3) days OSS

b.        Subsequent Offense:  Ten (10) days OSS

27.     Hazing (Teasing, frightening, tormenting, coercing, humiliating)

a.        First Offense:  One (1) to three (3) days OSS

b.        Subsequent Offense:  Five (5) to ten (10) days OSS

28.     Cheating (A student knowingly permits another student to copy answers on homework or examination or a student copies answers of another on homework or examination is guilty of cheating.)

a.        First Offense:  Teacher shall collect the student(s) paper(s), mark a 0% for the work, and notify the parent and the office immediately as to the action taken.

b.        Second Offense:  Parent(s) will be informed of the 2nd offense, a conference will be required, and a (1) one day ISS will be assigned.

 

Disorderly Conduct

Students who do any of the following will receive an after-school detention (non-inclusive)

1.        Shooting rubber bands

2.        Throwing food

3.        Spitting in the school building

4.        Intentionally throwing paper or other material on the floor

5.        Running in the school building--after receiving one warning

6.        Chewing gum in school building

 

Students MUST serve an after-school detention on the assigned day.  Failure to do so will result in the following penalty:

                1st Offense:  Student will be assigned two (2) days of after-school detention

                2nd Offense:  Student will be assigned ISS

 

IN-SCHOOL SUSPENSION (ISS)

1.        Student issued an ISS will NOT be allowed to participate in extra-curricular activities from the time the consequence is given until the total ISS days are completed.

2.        Student may dress out for home activities, sit on the bench, but may NOT ride a school bus for extra-curricular activities.

3.        Student assigned ISS is required to attend all practices of extra-curricular activities.

 

ISS Guidelines

1.  Students are to report to the office after 1st bell (7:50 A.M.) to pick up an ISS assignment sheet and then report to the ISS room.

2.  Engage in absolutely no idle conversation with other students.

3.  Students are to work on assignments for the current class period and day only.                                            

4.  Students may read if all assignments are completed through the current class period.  Students should NOT work on assignments for later class periods.

5.   Students should write teacher’s name and date on their assignments.

6.  While in ISS, the student should:

                a.  be quiet.

                b.  stay on task.

                c.  NOT sleep.

                d.  remain seated unless given permission to be up.

                e.  maintain a clean work area.

                f.  be given (1) A.M. and (1) P.M. restroom/drink break.

(An additional day of ISS will be assigned for NOT following guidelines.)

 

OUT-OF-SCHOOL SUSPENSION (OSS)

When the administration feels OSS is necessary, it will be at the discretion of the administration whether or not the student's parents/guardians will come before the Board of Education to request that their son/daughter be re-admitted to school.  It will be necessary that the parents/guardians show just cause and reason that their son/daughter should be allowed to return to school.

Students will receive 60% of the grade received toward credit from their classroom work and homework, including tests.  They are to receive 60% of the grade receive toward credit on their test during the time of the OSS period.

 

Three areas that the Board of Education stresses for OSS are (1) Bad language, (2) fighting and (3) disrespect towards faculty, staff or other students.

 

Any student who has been assigned OSS will not be allowed to attend any extra-curricular activities during the entire period of suspension.  A student receiving OSS on Friday will not be allowed to attend extra-curricular activities that weekend until he/she returns to classes on Monday. Any student who has received an OSS of seven (7) days or less MUST, before being permitted to return to his/her classes, meet with the superintendent of schools for a re-entry discussion session.  Any student who receives an OSS for more than seven (7) days may be asked to appear before the Board of Education with his/her parents/guardians.  If the Board chooses not to meet with the student and his/her parents/guardians, the superintendent will meet with them.

 

WEAPONS IN SCHOOL

The Board recognizes the importance of preserving a safe educational environment for students, employees and patrons of the  District. In order  to maintain the safety of the educational community, the District will strictly enforce the necessary disciplinary consequences resulting from the use or possession of weapons on school ground, buses or at school activities.  A weapon is defined to mean one or more of the following:

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

2.        Any device defined in 571.010, RSMo, including a blackjack, concealable firearm, firearm, firearm silencer, explosive weapon, gas gun, knife, knuckles, machine gun, projectile weapon, rifle, shotgun, spring gun or switchblade knife.

3.        Any instrument or device customarily used for attack or defense against an opponent, adversary or victim; or any instrument or device used to inflict physical injury or harm to another person.

 

In accordance with federal and state law, any student who brings or possesses a firearm as defined in 18 U.S.C. 921 or a device as defined in 571.010, RSMo, on school property or at any school activity will be suspended from school for at least one (1) calendar year or expelled and will be referred to the appropriate legal authorities.  The suspension or expulsion may be modified on a case-by-case basis upon recommendation by the superintendent to the Board of Education.  Students who use or possess other weapons defined in this policy will be subject to suspension and/or expulsion from school and may be referred to the appropriate legal authorities.

 

This policy will be submitted annually to the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education along with a report indicating any suspensions or expulsions resulting from the possession or use of a firearm as defined in 18 U.S.C. 921.  The report will include the name of the school in which the incidents occurred, the number of students suspended or expelled and the types of weapons involved.

 

MIT-E (MISSOURI INTERACTIVE TELECOMMUNICATION EDUCATION) NETWORK

All MIT-E students will follow the policies set forth by the MIT-E Network.

 

PRIVILEGE PASSES

Privilege passes will be awarded to students at the end of the first three quarters of school for excellence in academics, attendance, tardiness, and conduct.

 

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

The number of units for high school (grades 9-12) graduation is 24 as required by the Cooper County R-IV School District.  The required units are as follows:

4 units communication skills (English I, II, III)

3 units social studies (American History and 1/2 unit of  government and 1/2 unit of geography must be passed)

3 units math (one must be Algebra I)

3 units of science

1 unit of fine arts

1 unit of practical arts

1 unit of physical education

1 unit of keyboarding applications

½ unit of health /

½ unit of personal finance

 

A "Carnegie Unit" in physical education is required for graduating unless a physician recommends in writing that a student be excused.  A student must take a course of instruction in the institutions, branches and functions of the government of the state of Missouri and of the government of the United States, and the electoral process.  a student who receives a high school diploma or certificate of graduation on or after January 1, 1994, shall satisfactorily complete such a course of study.  Such a course shall be of at least one semester in length and may be two semesters in length.

 

This makes a total of 13 1/2 units required and 10 1/2 units elective, giving a total of 24 credits required for graduation.  Basic skills courses will be counted as electives.  Any student graduating in the middle of the year or who attends on 1/2 time will not be eligible to participate in sports and class activities.  A total of 9 units must come from the English, Social Studies, Math and Science areas.

 

College Preparatory Certificate requirements are as follows:

4 units of English                    1 unit of Practical Arts

3 units of Social Studies          1 unit of Physical Education

3 units of Math                        6 Electives

2 units of Science                    3 Advanced Electives

1 unit of Fine Arts                   24 Total Units of Credit

 

This makes a total of 24 units of credit. This certificate is approved by the Board and is a voluntary incentive award designed to encourage students to pursue a rigorous course of studies in high school.  To qualify for the certificate, graduates will have to earn 24 units of credit overall.  They will have to earn at least a 3.0 grade point average in those four subject areas and score above the national average on a college-entrance exam (SAT or ACT). The three advanced electives may be from the core curriculum (English, Math, Science, Social Studies) or from foreign language or advanced vocational-technical courses.  The Board strongly recommends that at least two years of the same foreign language be a part of the students advanced elective courses.

 

Seniors transferring into the Bunceton R-IV School District before or during their senior year will be expected to follow the graduation requirements set forth by the board of Education; however, if logistics make this impossible to follow, the requirements from the school from which they have transferred may be used so they may graduate as required by Section 170.011 RSMo.

 

COLLEGE ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS (See guidance counselor for individual and/or specific college requirements.)

 

ACT Dates are as follows:

Registration Deadline                              Test Date

August 12th                                             September 13th  @ Boonville

September 18th                                         October 25th @ Boonville

November 7th                                          December 13th @ Bunceton

January 6th                                               February 7th @ Bunceton

February 27th                                           April 4th @ Bunceton

May 8th                                                    June 13th  @ Boonville

$31.00 Registration fee (ACT No Writing) / $46.00 (ACT plus Writing) Register online @ www.act.org or see guidance counselor for ACT Packet.

 

CLASS CREDIT REQUIREMENTS

To be a sophomore, students must have successfully taken and completed five (5) high school credits.  To be a junior, a student must have taken and completed successfully eleven (11) high school credits.  To be a senior, a student must have successfully taken and completed seventeen (17) high school credits.  All high school students will be classified according to the number of high school credits each has received.

 

 

VALEDICTORIAN/SALUTATORIAN STATUS

1.        Must earn a minimum of 3 credits in honors or advanced placement courses using the standard grading policy (A, B, C, D, F)

2.        Courses taken for dual credit in areas of English, Math, Social Studies, Science, Foreign Language, or Technical-Vocational courses will be considered honors level courses

3.        Meet the course requirements for College Prep Certificate

 

The Valedictorian and the Salutatorian will be awarded to the students with the highest and second highest G.P.A. respectively who also meet the above criteria.  To receive the Valedictorian/Salutatorian award, the student must be enrolled at Bunceton during his/her entire senior year. G.P.A. will be calculated through 3 decimal places.

 

JUNIOR HIGH PROMOTION POLICY

To be promoted from the 7th or the 8th grade, a student must successfully pass 60% of the core classes of English, Math, Science, and Social Studies.  At either grade level, a student would need to make passing grades on 5 of the 8 grades (4 core courses times 2 semesters).

 

GRADING SYSTEM, GRADES, AND REPORT CARDS

Grades are a necessity and should be part of the learning process.  Thus, the following guidelines have been established.  Grades/honor rolls will be given on a quarterly basis.  If a student is failing or near failing, the parents will be notified weekly. 

 

The grading system is as follows:

Letter Grade

Numerical Grade

Grade Point Average

Honor Roll

A+

98-100

4.000

Principal's

A

93-97

4.000

Principal's

A-

90-92

3.666

A

B+

87-89

3.333

B

B

83-86

3.000

B

B-

80-82

2.666

B

C+

77-79

2.333

 

C

73-76

2.000

 

C-

70-72

1.666

 

D+

67-69

1.333

 

D

63-66

1.000

 

D-

60-62

  .666

 

F

0-59

  .000

 

 

 

WEIGHTED CLASSES

Classes to be weighted should include as part of their requirements either a research paper or major project.  Beginning with the academic year, the following weighting scale will be applied to the grades received in the classes identified below:

 

                           REGULAR                           WEIGHTED

A+                           4.000                                       5.000

A                             4.000                                       5.000

A-                            3.666                                       4.666

B+                           3.333                                       4.333

B                             3.000                                       4.000

B-                            2.666                                       3.666

C+                           2.333                                       3.333

C                             2.000                                       3.000

C-                            1.666                                       2.666

 

Weighted Subjects (*) and Dual Credit (**) are as follows:

Algebra II*                                              German I / II **

American History**                                Intro to College Writing**

Anatomy/Physiology*                            Journalism*

Animal Science*                                     Mythology*

Business Tech I / II**                             Novels*

Chemistry*                                              Physics*

College Algebra**                                  Political Science**                 

College Writing/Research**                    Sociology*

Communication Skills**                         Spanish II*

Expository Writing*                                Trigonometry**

                                                                                               

NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY

 

NHS SELECTION CRITERIA

To be eligible for membership, candidates MUST be:

1.        Members of those classed as sophomores, juniors, or seniors by Cooper County R-IV School Policy.

2.        Transfer students who have been in attendance at least one semester in the appropriate grade level at Cooper County R-IV.

3.        Candidates who have a cumulative scholastic GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

4.        Candidates who receive at least a 3.0 average score on the four areas of scholarship, service, leadership and character to be eligible as a prospective member.

 

While academic criterion is important and should be considered first, membership should never be considered on the basis of grades alone.  There are four areas of criteria a student must show to be a member of NHS:

 

1.        Scholarship

A cumulative grade point average must be above 3.0.  Permanent records are examined and cumulative grade point averages are figured.  All courses such as music, physical education, art, health and English are considered in determining GPA.  Students with cumulative GPA’s of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale are academically eligible. A list of those students is then given to a committee of five high school teachers (Faculty Council).  The Faculty Council will be randomly sampled from the secondary teacher faculty by the principal.  Those serving on the Faculty Council the previous year will not be eligible for the upcoming year.They will rate each candidate on a scale of 1-4 (4 being high, one being low) on the three remaining qualifications.  It is recommended that any rating of a two or one be followed by comments indicating what circumstances led to this below-average rating.  The adviser can verify these comments prior to the meeting of the Faculty Council.  At the meeting of the Faculty Council for selection, such ratings can be added up or averaged.  The selection of each member to the chapter shall be by a majority vote of the Faculty Council.  In addition to selecting the Faculty Council, the principal has the right to: 1)approve all activities and decisions of the chapter; 2)appoint a member of the faculty as chapter adviser who may serve consecutive terms; 3)receive appeals in cases of non-selection of candidates and the disciplining or dismissal of members.

 

2.        Leadership

This is highly important for membership selection.  The student who exercises leadership:

·         is resourceful in proposing new problems, applying

        principles, and making suggestions

·         demonstrates initiative in promoting school activities

·         exercises positive influence on peers in upholding school ideals

·         contributes ideas that improve the civic life of the school

·         is able to delegate responsibilities

·         inspires positive behavior in others

·         demonstrates academic initiative

·         successfully holds school offices or positions of responsibility; conducts business effectively; demonstrates reliability and dependability

·         is a leader in the classroom, at work, and in other school or community activities

·         is thoroughly dependable in any responsibility accepted

·         is willing to uphold scholarship and maintains loyal school attitude.

 

3.        Service

Service is generally considered to be those actions undertaken by the student, which are done with or on behalf of others without any direct financial or material compensation to the individual performing the service.  The student who serves:

·         volunteers and provides dependable and well organized assistance, is gladly available, and is willing to sacrifice to offer assistance

·         works well with others and is willing to take on difficult or inconspicuous responsibilities

·         cheerfully and enthusiastically renders any requested service to the school

·         is willing to represent the class or school in inter-class and interscholastic competition

·         does committee and staff work with complaint

·         shows courtesy by assisting visitors, teachers, and students.

 

4.        Character

Character is probably the most difficult criterion to define.  You should consider the positive as well as the negative aspects of character.  It can be said that student of character:

·         takes criticism willingly and accepts recommendations graciously

·         consistently exemplifies desirable qualities of behavior

·         upholds principles of morality and ethics

·         cooperates by complying with school regulations concerning property, programs, office, halls, etc.

·         demonstrates the highest standards of honesty and reliability

·         regularly shows courtesy, concern, and respect for others

·         observes instructions and rules, is punctual, and faithful both inside and outside the classroom

·         has powers of concentration, self-discipline, and sustained attention as shown by perseverance and application to studies

·         actively helps to rid the school of bad influences or environment.

 

A letter will be sent home to notify parents that their child has met the scholarship qualification.  A general meeting will be held with the student to distribute the information forms, give directions, and answer questions. Those selected by this process are not full members until they have been properly inducted in an induction ceremony.  This ceremony is held after the third quarter of each year.

 

Once inducted, members have the responsibility to continue to demonstrate the qualities of scholarship, leadership, service and character.  If a member does not uphold these qualities, the advisor will inform the member in writing of the violation to include, the time period given for improvement and a warning of the possible consequences of non-improvement.  The Faculty Council and Principal will meet to discuss the violation and to determine whether the member will receive disciplinary measures, will resign, or be dismissed.  A student who is dismissed or who resigns is never again eligible for membership in National Honor Society. Any student not selected for NHS will receive a summary sheet stating strengths and weaknesses within the four areas, but may not view the scoring guide.

 

ACADEMIC LETTER

An academic letter will be awarded to any high school student who achieves a 3.50 GPA for the first three (3) quarters of the year with no grade lower than a "C-" on any quarter grade report.  A student earning an academic letter for the first time will be awarded a letter, a lamp of knowledge, and a bar.  a student who earns a letter for the 2nd, 3rd, or 4th year will be awarded a bar for each year.

 

COOPER COUNTY R-IV ELIGIBILITY POLICY

Teachers will submit names to the Principal each Monday of students who are failing (F) or near failing (D), as well as mail a progress report home to

parents/guardians of those students receiving an (F).  In a positive effort to help students having difficulty with low grades, tutoring will be required instead of an assigned after-school detention.    

 

If a student fails one class two weeks in a row:

1.        he/she cannot participate in extra-curricular activities for one week

2.        the student will be required to attend tutoring with a teacher of a subject with an F to improve work in specified subject

3.        tutoring will be required once a week in order to be removed from the ineligibility list and/or raise the F grade to a D- or better

4.        the student will be assigned one (1) day ISS if tutoring is not completed

 

Tutoring may be completed before school, 8th hour study hall, and/or after school to be scheduled with the tutoring teacher prior to the tutoring session. The tutoring teacher will sign off on an official form when the student has completed tutoring.  If at the end of the one week, he/she has brought up the grade to passing and is not failing in any other subject for two weeks in a row, he/she may continue with extra-curricular activities.

 

Extra-Curricular Activities are activities outside the regular school day for which no grade or credit is received. 

 

The following are examples and they are non-inclusive:

All sports                                                Music Contest

Speech Contest                                        Clinics

Business Contest                                     Prom

Shop Contest                                           Academic Bowl

Cheerleading                                           Drama Club

Math Contest                                           National Honor Society

Science Contest                                       Student Council

 

If the end of the quarter comes in the middle of the week of ineligibility and the student becomes eligible at that time, he/she does not have to complete the entire week of ineligibility.  While ineligible, students cannot ride school-sponsored transportation to extra-curricular activities.

 

ENTERING AND WITHDRAWING FROM SCHOOL

“Entering school” for the purpose of eligibility consists of regular registration and attendance in classes.  A student must have ENTERED SCHOOL WITHIN THE FIRST ELEVEN DAYS of the semester in which he is competing.  This rule is automatically waived in case a student is prevented from entering high school within the required time limit because of service with the National Guard, United States Army, Navy, Marine Corps or Coast Guard, provided that he enrolls in school within thirty days after he receives his discharge.  A student moving from a school district, which has a normal school year beginning in September to a district, which has divided terms becomes eligible upon the change of residence and enrollment in a school in that district, provided he meets all other requirements.  In case of withdrawal, if withdrawal occurs on or after the twentieth school day of the preceding semester, a student is ineligible for one complete semester; if withdrawal occurs before the first twenty days of the semester have elapsed, that student will not be considered as having been in attendance that semester provided that he/she has not participated in interschool activities during this period.  This applies only to those students who drop out of school altogether before the twentieth day of a semester.  It does not apply to students who transfer to another school altogether before the twentieth day of a semester.  It does not apply to students who transfer to another school during a semester and continue their attendance.

 

ADDING AND/OR DROPPING OF CLASSES

To drop or add a class during the first two (2) weeks of the semester, the following procedures will prevail:

1.        No required class may be dropped.

2.        The student will obtain the drop/add form from the principal or counselor.

3.        The student will fill out the form with respect to the class or classes he/she wishes to drop and add including the reason and take the form to his/her parents for a signature signifying approval.

4.        The student will then take the form to the instructor whose class he/she wishes to drop and obtain that instructor's signature.

5.        Next, the student will take the form to the instructor whose class he/she is adding to obtain that instructor's signature.

6.        Finally, the student will take the completed form to the principal for a discussion about the classes the student is requesting to drop and add.

7.        The principal will either approve or not approve the request before the end of the two-week period.

8.        No yearlong classes may be dropped at the beginning of the 2nd semester unless the student is a senior and has to enroll in another class to fulfill a graduation requirement.

9.        Students will be expected to make up all work missed in the class or classes he/she is joining.

10.     Dropping and/or adding classes will be based on the student's graduation requirements, as well as the student's academic abilities.

11.     No class may be dropped or added after the first two (2) weeks unless the instructor and/or administration make the request.

 

CLASS MEMBERSHIP

All students will receive an ACTIVE CLASS MEMBERSHIP FORM at the beginning of each school year to be completed in order to be an active member of his/her class.  This form must be signed and returned to the class sponsor in the allotted time set by the sponsor and/or the school district or the student automatically becomes a non-active member of his/her class.  As an ACTIVE MEMBER, I understand that I must participate and follow all guidelines set up by my class and/or the school district and will keep any dues, fines, or fees paid by stated deadlines set by my class and/or the school district.  Assigned fines must be paid within two weeks.  I understand if my dues or fees remain delinquent at the end of the school year, I will automatically become a non-active member. As a NON-ACTIVE MEMBER, the student is still considered a part of the class for all matters other than the fundraising and senior trip. Funds are non-refundable whether or not the Active Membership Form is signed or unsigned. 

 

If a new student enters the Cooper County R-IV School system and wants to be an active member of his/her class, the sponsor will determine a fee for becoming an active member of the class and working toward the Senior Trip.  This fee is determined by taking the balance of the class funds and dividing by the number of active members in the class. A student who has declared that he/she is an active class member should pay class dues according to the amount and date established by the class.  Under no circumstances, unless an emergency arises, shall an active member be permitted to pay dues after a school year is over and completed. 

 

SENIOR TRIP

The senior class will be allowed to travel by air in the Continental U.S. for senior trips and cannot extend the time spent on the trip of one week, unless they have Board of Education approval.  There must be a 100% written approval by each student and each parent/guardian for the seniors to fly.  Students should be able to enjoy the time and have some fun, but the major purpose of the senior trip should be educational.  The opinion of the Board of Education is that it should be as small a cost as possible.  To be eligible for the Senior Trip, the student must attend Cooper County R-IV for the entire second semester of his or her senior year and be an ACTIVE MEMBER of his/her class with all dues, fines and/or fees paid.  The student must have met all of the Cooper County R-IV requirements for graduation before leaving on the trip.  It is required by the Board of Education that all students are in good standing with the class and have no criminal offense charges or convictions.

 

MSHSAA ELIGIBILITY

Pupils participating in athletic contest shall be required to have a physical examination and to meet such other requirements as may be established by the school and by the MSHSAA.

 

Citizenship Standards

Students who represent a school in interscholastic activities must be creditable citizens and judges so by the proper school authority certifying a list of students for competitions.  Those students whose character or conduct is such as to reflect discredit upon themselves or their school is not considered “Creditable Citizens.”  Conduct shall be satisfactory in accord with the standards of good discipline.  A student shall not be considered eligible while under suspension.  The student who is expelled or who withdraws from school because of disciplinary measures shall not be considered eligible for 365 days from the date of expulsion or withdrawal.  If a student misses class on the date of a contest without being excused by the principal, he/he shall not be considered eligible on that date.  Each individual school has the authority to set more restrictive citizenship standards and shall have the authority to judge its students under those standards. A new Board of Education Citizenship Standards Policy – Code 529 – will be given to each student prior to the start of any co-curricular activity.  It will require signatures by the student and the parent/guardian for a student to become eligible to participate in the appropriate activity.

 

Academic Standards

Statement of Philosophy-Participation in high school activities is a valuable educational experience and should be looked upon as a reward for academic success.  Students with low academic ability need the educational development provided through participation in activities as much as students with average or above average ability.  Activity participation should be for all students   making  appropriate progress  toward   graduation  and otherwise in good standing.  A student in grades 9-12 must be currently enrolled in and regularly attending courses that offer a minimum of 2.25 units of credit, and must have earned a minimum of 2.25 units of credit the preceding semester of attendance; or a student must be enrolled in a full course at his or her level in a special education program for the handicapped approved by the Missouri State Department of Education which, though not graded, enrolls pupils of equivalent age, and the student must have made standard progress for his or her level the preceding semester.  A beginning 9th grade student who failed more than two subjects the previous semester shall be ineligible for one semester.  A student must be making satisfactory progress towards graduation as determined by local school policies. 

 

A student who is dually enrolled in college and high school classes but who does not receive high school credit on his/her high school transcript for the college work, may have college hours earned during a regular semester count up to a maximum of 1 unit of credit toward determining high school eligibility as follows: 

½ unit of high school credit for a 2 or 3 credit hour class; 1 unit of high school credit for a 4 or 5 hour college credit class.  A 7th or 8th grade student must be currently enrolled in and regularly attending the normal course for that grade or must have enrolled in a full course at his or her level in any public school special education program for the handicapped approved by the Missouri State Department of Education which, though not graded, enrolls pupils of equivalent chronological age.  A student must have been promoted to a higher grade or a higher level in special education at the close of the previous year.  However, any student who failed more than two scheduled subjects, or failed to make standard progress in special education, shall be ineligible the following semester regardless of promotion to the higher grade.  This shall not apply to students promoted from the 6th grade and entering the 7th grade for the first time.

 

A student who was academically ineligible the preceding semester but meets the academic standard at the close of that semester becomes eligible the day classes are attended in the succeeding semester.  Credit earned or completed after the close of the semester shall not count as having been earned that semester, except in cases of a delayed final examination because of illness verified by a physician. Credit earned in summer school shall not count for or against the student’s record for eligibility purposes.  This rule is automatically waived in case a student fails to complete the required units of credit in a given semester because of his being drafted or being called to service in the National Guard or military service. 

 

The Board of Directors shall have the authority to determine the academic standards students shall meet in a school, which does not have a traditional two-semester school year.  Any changes approved shall be equitable for all students.

 

Semesters of Participation

A student shall not participate for more than four seasons while in grades 9-12 in any interscholastic activity, and these shall be during the student’s first eight semesters of attendance in high school beginning with his or her entrance in the ninth grade, and the eighth semester shall follow immediately the seventh semester.  Any part of a contest or interscholastic event in which a student competes shall count as a season of participation in that activity.  Attendance on or after the twentieth day of a semester shall count as a semester of attendance under this rule.  If the student participates in any part of an interscholastic event or contest, it shall count as a semester of participation.  A student who applies for, is granted, and leaves school any time after the junior year to take advantage of Early Release Program shall no longer be eligible for interscholastic competition even though he/she later returns to school. 

 

A student is eligible for only TWO SEMESTERS in each the 7th and 8th grade, beginning with the first semester of entrance in each grade.  A student who is repeating a grade is not eligible.

 

RELEASED TIME AND PART TIME STUDENTS

Any student wishing to attend school part time must have prior approval by the Board of Education and consent of their parent(s)/guardian(s).  Part-time students shall be those students who are attending less than seven classes daily.

 

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY COMPLIANCE

It is the policy of the Cooper County R-IV School District not to discriminate in regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin or age in its complete educational programs and provides equal opportunity to all handicapped individuals between the ages of birth and 21, regardless of the handicapping condition.  Any alleged act of unfairness or any decision made by school personnel, which students and/or parents or guardians believe to be unjust or in violation of pertinent policies of the Board of Education or individual school rules, may be appealed to the school principal or a designated representative.

 

The following guidelines have been established for the presentation of student complaints and grievances:

1.        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.

2.        If the problem is not resolved to the satisfaction of the student and/or parents or guardians, a request may be submitted for a

3.        conference with the superintendent.  The superintendent shall arrange a conference to consider the problem and inform participants of the action that will be taken.

4.        If the student and/or parents or guardians are not satisfied with the action of the superintendent, they may submit a written request to appear before the Board of Education.  The decision of the Board of Education shall be final.

5.        All persons are assured that they may utilize this procedure without reprisal.

6.        All records of notices, conferences, and actions taken to resolve student complaints and grievances will be filed and identified as grievance records, and will not be placed in school personnel files.

 

SODA MACHINE

The school soda, juice, and snack machine will be closed during school hours.  Food and/or drink in the classrooms will only be allowed with administration approval.

 

STUDENT COUNCIL

The Student Council consists of student representatives elected from each class and council officers who are elected each spring for the forthcoming year.  To be eligible for membership on the Student Council, a student MUST have a minimum 2.5 GPA per semester and MUST NOT have received an OSS during the previous semester.  A student council member MUST:  (1) attend meetings each month, (2) attend special student council meetings, (3) fill the soda and juice machines either before or after school, (4) work on student council activities, such as Homecoming, dances, etc.

 

LIBRARY MEDIA CENTER CHECKOUT POLICY

This policy is posted in the Library Media Center and a copy will be available for all students at the beginning of each year before checking out books.

 

LOCKERS

Students are assigned to lockers and must not change from the assigned locker without administrative approval.  No open containers of food or beverages are permitted in the lockers.

 

Padlocks will be available to any student upon request to the administration; however, the lockers remain the property of the Bunceton Public Schools and may be searched by the administration at any time.

 

ASSEMBLIES

Assembly programs are an extension of the learning activities of the classroom.  Students are expected to conduct themselves at assemblies as they would during any classroom activity.  Out-of-school guests are frequent visitors during these programs, and the behavior of the student body during such programs reflect favorably or unfavorably on the school and/or student body.

 

GUIDANCE COUNSELING

Guidance refers to that part of the school program, which is most concerned with helping the students to become more effectively adjusted to his/her future in terms of his/her needs, interests, abilities, opportunities, and social responsibilities.  The counseling office is open most periods to any student. 

 

SCHOOL VISITORS

Visitors to the Cooper County R-IV Schools are always welcome; however, all visitors are requested to sign in and sign out.  For convenience purposes, a record will be kept in the central office of all visits made to the school.  In an effort to hold interruptions to a minimum during the school day, the Board of Education requires that the teacher/staff member or student requesting to be seen will be called to the office to meet in the conference room, or a designated time to meet with the visitor will be decided upon by office personnel and /or administration. If a student wishes to bring a visitor to school, he/she must receive permission from the principal at least one day in advance.  A student may not bring the same visitor to school over twice in a school year.

 

DRIVING AND PARKING

Driving an automobile to school is a privilege.  Student drivers will be expected to fill out the appropriate paper work in the high school office.  Like any privilege, it may be revoked at any time if students exhibit foolish or dangerous behavior or if the car detracts from the learning environment.  Students are not allowed to return to their cars during school hours without administrative approval.  The Driving/Parking Lot Acknowledgement form will be given to those students each year.

 

INSURANCE

A student accident insurance policy is available through the school.  The forms for this insurance policy are available in the main school office.

 

ATHLETIC INSURANCE

The Missouri State High School Activities Association by–laws state that a student shall not be permitted to practice or compete for a school until the school has verification that he/she has basic athletic insurance coverage.  Therefore, the MSHSAA participation certificate must be obtained from the coach, completed, signed by the parents, and returned to the coach prior to participation in any athletic practice.

 

HOMECOMING ACTIVITIES

The nights that students are working on homecoming posters, students will be out of the building by 9:00 P.M.

 

PROM ACTIVITIES

Prom activities will be limited to grades 9-12. The freshman class and the sophomore class are to pay $75.00 each towards the cost of the prom each year and the junior class is to pay the balance of the expenses.  The senior class is permitted to attend free.

 

ELECTRONIC APPARATUS

Students may NOT bring radios, tape players, CD players, headphones, electronic games, paging devices, cell phones or other electronic communication devices to school without permission from the administration.  Bringing a cell phone to school during school hours will result in the following:

   1st – Phone confiscated and kept in office until student’s parent picks it up

   2nd – Friday Night 3 Hour Detention Assigned and phone kept in the 

            office until the end of the year.

   3rd – 1-3 days OSS.  Phone kept until the end of the year.

 

AREA VOCATIONAL TECHNICAL SCHOOL

Students may not drive to the Vo-Tech School without prior approval of the administration.

·         1st offense – One (1) day In-School Suspension (ISS)

·         2nd offense – Student will be withdrawn from the Vo-Tech School

 

A student who has received prior approval to drive to the Vo-Tech School shall not allow other Vo-Tech students to ride with him/her.

·         1st offense – One (1) day In-School Suspension (ISS) for ALL students involved.

·         2nd offense – ALL students involved will be withdrawn from the Vo-Tech School

 

YEAR END ACTIVITIES

All student property must be removed from the school and/or grounds before the student’s last day of attendance unless written permission is received from a teacher or staff member.  Any property left will be forfeited to the school district. At the time of locker clean out, each student will receive a Checkout Sheet to be completed by the student, signed by each teacher and the Principal and turned into the office.  Once lockers have been cleaned out, NO BOOK BAGS will be allowed back at school. 

 

The shortened schedule will be followed on the last day of classes and all Checkout Sheets should be turned in BEFORE the last day of school.  No student guests will be allowed to visit classes the last day of school.  Students failing to follow this Board of Education Policy will ensure the following:

1.        Parents will be notified by telephone call and by mail.

2.        Student will begin the next year in ISS until fines/fees are paid, but will be required to attend extra-curricular practices.

3.        OPTION:  Student may do work for the school district to pay the debt off.  All work assignments will be implemented by the Superintendent.

 

Students will automatically not be allowed to attend extra-curricular activities until debt paid, and will automatically not be allowed to eat school lunch until lunch bill is paid.  Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and milk will be served to students with unpaid lunch charges.

 

 

 

Bunceton School Alma Mater

Bunceton High School alma mater of our happy youth,

Thou has taught us love and duty, honesty and truth,

Praise our standards, praise our colors, noble gold and black,

Loyal sons and faithful daughters, ye shall never lack.

We shall cherish thee forever, our beloved high,

Sing thy praises, laud thy glory, ever to the sky.

 

 

 

Bunceton School Fight Song

When dear old Bunceton High School falls in line

we’re gonna win this game another time,

and for the school we’ll yell, yell, yell,

and for the team so full of pep, we’ll say with step,

and then they’ll take that ball right down the court,

and then once more they’ll never, ever yield.

We’ll show the rest that we’re the best, by every test.

Go Bunceton High!

Rah, Rah, Rah!

Bunceton!