07-08 PLMS Student/Parent Handbook
September 12, 2007

Table of Contents
WelcomeEnrollment Fees & Class Supplies
District and School Newsletters
Posters & Flyers & Invitations
Hazing/Harassment/Intimidation/Bullying/Menacing
Homework and Missing Assignments
ADDENDUM: District-wide Policies
USD 343 School Counseling Policy & Procedures
Perry-Lecompton Middle School is a special place. Young people enter this building the first time as elementary students and exit four years later as high school students working toward their diploma. It is the fervent hope of all who work here that the experience of each student is academically rewarding and full of enriching experiences.
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of Perry-Lecompton Middle School is to provide a positive and safe learning environment where students will be academically challenged, make responsible decisions and become productive citizens.
We believe all students can achieve success given appropriate instruction, sufficient time, and the student attitude that learning is important.
We believe teachers will engage students in active, real-life learning experiences.
We believe teachers will instruct and evaluate progress using varied techniques and evaluations, which promote active learning to a mastery level.
We believe the ultimate accountability for learning lies with the student; however, the Board of Education, the administration, teachers, support staff, parents and community will cooperate to provide appropriate educational opportunities.
PLMS OFFICE EXPECTATIONS & PROCEDURES BUILDING HOURS
The office will be open
from 7:30 to 4:00 daily. The office phone will be answered
during business hours. On Friday the office will close at
3:30.
STUDENTS IN THE BUILDING
Students may not enter the building before 7:45 nor remain in the building after 3:30 except under the direct supervision of a coach, sponsor, teacher, or with a parent or other adult designated by the parent.
- Students must make prior arrangements with a teacher to enter the building before 7:45 and should proceed directly to the designated meeting place.
- Students who enter the building from 7:45 to 8:00 are to proceed to their respective Commons. Teacher supervisors will be on duty in the commons and available for student questions.
- Students shall not remain in the building after 3:30 PM without an adult sponsor or coach.
VISITORS AT SCHOOL
All entrances to the school are locked during school hours. All visitors should enter the building through the front (main east) doors, sign-in at the office and obtain a visitors badge. Unauthorized persons in the building will be asked to leave. Students are requested not to bring relatives/friends to school. Parents are always welcome. Due to our time schedule it may be helpful to call for an appointment to speak to a specific staff member.
DAILYSCHEDULE
| Doors open | 7:55 |
| Breakfast served | 7:55- 8:10 |
| Locker break/Office Concerns | 8:00- 8:10 |
| Announcements | 8:13- 8:15 |
| 1st hour | 8:13-9:02 |
| 2nd hour | 9:05-9:52 |
| 3rd hour | 9:55-10:42 |
| 4th hour | 10:45-11:32 |
| 5th hour (& lunch 25 min.) | 11:35-12:52 |
| 6th hour | 12:55-1:42 |
| 7th hour | 1:45- 2:30 |
| 8th hour | 2:34-3:18 |
ENROLLMENT FEES AND CLASS SUPPLIES
Enrollment fees are $35.00 per year. Families, who think they qualify for the free textbooks program may pick up a form at the office, complete it and return it to.
Each student should see that all of his or her textbooks are used but not abused and that all textbooks are checked-in at the end of the school term. Students are discouraged from writing, marking, or storing papers and pencils in textbooks and should see that books are not thrown or tossed around or mishandled in other ways. Students who damage or abuse their textbooks may be charged for the cost of repairs, rebinding, or replacement of the book. This includes library books.
In addition, a student needs notebook paper and spiral notebooks, a compass, protractor, ruler with both English and Metric units, graph paper and 3x5” ruled index cards. It is also recommended that each student have a set of colored pencils or markers. These items cannot be purchased from the school. The school will provide each student a homework planner.
Fifth and sixth grade students will be given a supply list at enrollment. This list will also be available on-line on the school's web page.
DISTRICT AND SCHOOL NEWSLETTER
The district and school newsletters are available online at www.usd343.org. A paper copy will also be mailed if requested. Please call the PLMS office, email mbailey@usd343.org, or send a note to the office with a student to receive a copy.
POSTERS & FLYERS & INVITATIONS
All signs, flyers, or invitations distributed at PLMS must be approved at the office and meet the following criteria.
- It must benefit USD 343 students.
- Limit of two (one for each Commons).
- Flyers placed only at the office for students to take.
- Private commercial promotions, ads, and flyers are prohibited.
- Private party invitations of any kind are prohibited.
THE LUNCH PROGRAM
Hot lunches are served each day at Perry-Lecompton Middle School. Students are not allowed to leave the building for lunch unless prior arrangements are made with the office. Students may also bring a sack lunch. All lunch and milk prices are subject to change.
Families, who think they qualify for the free and/or reduced cost lunch program may pick up a form at the office, complete it and return it to the school office.
Students must have cash or present their lunch card to eat. Each morning during announcements students will be reminded to come to the office to make arrangements for lunch if they do not have cash or a lunch card. Failure to make arrangements in advance is not responsible behavior and will be addressed through the school discipline plan.
ACCIDENTS AND INSURANCE
At the start of school, there will be a low cost accident insurance policy available. These forms are available at the office.
Students participating in athletics or cheerleading are covered by the Kansas State High School Activities Association Insurance.
ILLNESS
If a student becomes ill at school, an attempt will be made to contact the parents. If parents cannot be contacted the person designated as your emergency contact on the enrollment form will be notified.
BICYCLES AND MOPEDS
Bicycles and mopeds should be parked in the racks in the east parking lot. A lock to prohibit “borrowing” is recommended.
PARKING LOT
Students who have a legal Kansas Drivers License and drive to school must park in the east parking lot. Students who drive must check keys into the office before school begins and pick them up at the office after school ends.
SAFETY DRILLS
Drills are conducted as prescribed by regulations of the State of Kansas and the local school board. Procedures have been developed to ensure the safety of all students.
Teachers will discuss the following Emergency Procedures with their classes.
- When the alarm sounds or an announcement is made, stop all activity and wait quietly where you are until your teacher gives directions.
- Leave all books and belongings.
- If directed to do so, leave the room in a quiet and orderly fashion in line.
- The last person should close the door when exiting the classroom.
- Proceed in line to the designated area without talking. Your teacher will tell your class where to wait.
- Remain in the evacuation areas until the signal is given for the return to the classroom.
- Return to the classroom without a lot of noise.
- If you are out of the classroom, walk at once to the nearest class in proceeding to the evacuation area.
TELEPHONECALLS
Students will not be excused from classes to take telephone calls or make calls (from the phone in the gym) except in emergencies. Telephone numbers and messages will be taken and delivered to students at the convenience of the office. If a student must use the telephone, he/she must get a pass from the teacher, sponsor, or office first to use the student phone at the office. Students shall follow the same procedure to use a cell phone. Contact with students is to be made through the office.
DISMISSAL AND BAD WEATHER
To safeguard the students, advance notice for a change in the usual dismissal procedure should be made by the parent in writing and sent to the office. If possible, send this request to the office one day in advance. Students will be issued a “permit to leave” thus enabling them to leave class without needing to have their parent come to the office. Students will not be released by a phone call except in special instances.
News of school closings can be heard on WIBW radio and WIBW television, Topeka and KLWN, KLZR radio in Lawrence.
All students are expected to be in attendance each day unless they are sick or a family emergency arises. When a student is absent, parents should telephone (597-5159) the day of the absence or send a note explaining the absence when a student returns to school. Parents have 24 hours to submit written or phone excuses for student absences to be considered excused. (Extenuating circumstances may be considered for emergency situations.) If you would like homework sent home, please call the school from 8:30-9:00 am to make the necessary arrangements. Make-up homework sheets and/or the student’s material, texts, etc. will be available for pick-up after 3:00 PM.
School personnel are required by law to report to the District Attorneys Office or SRS children who are not attending school regularly or have excessive absences. If a student has, within a semester, three consecutive unexcused absences, five unexcused absences or ten general absences for any reason, he/she is considered to be missing an excessive amount of school.
The following guidelines will be used before truancy is reported to the County District Attorney or SRS.
- After 5 absences, a general letter will be sent home stating possible attendance concerns.
- After 10 absences, a letter will be sent home stating that any further absences will be considered unexcused without a doctors note.
- Truancy is reported to the proper authorities after a student is recorded with 3 consecutive unexcused absences or 5 unexcused absences in a semester or 7 unexcused absences in the current school year.
Unsupervised students may not leave the premises during school hours without parental permission.
An attempt will be made by the office to notify a parent or guardian by phone if a child is absent without a parent contact.
For attendance recording purposes, students who miss more than ten minutes of a class period will be counted absent for that class.
If a student’s absence is excused the student may practice or compete in a contest that same day, provided both the principal and coach/sponsor agree that participation would not jeopardize the student’s (or the team’s) health or well being.
Always get to class on time. Students should be in their assigned seats when the tardy bell sounds. If you cannot be in class on time, check with the teacher in order to get permission to be late. Teachers will use the discipline plan to manage student tardies.
FIRST AID AND MEDICATION POLICY
The Perry Middle School staff cannot offer more than basic first aid to any student. Our school encourages the home to dispense medication whenever it is at all possible.
Diagnosis or treatments of injuries or medical conditions are within the responsibilities of the school.
Guidelines for Dispensing-
USD #343 will assist in dispensing medication to a student if necessary during the school day. Before ANY medication will be dispensed to a student, the following procedures must be followed:
- The medication must be sent to school in the original dispensary container or the original pharmacy container on which the child’s name, dosage, and type of medication are clearly noted.
- THE SCHOOL CANNOT GIVE THE 1ST DOSAGE OF ANY MEDICATION TO A STUDENT.
- The school must have on file a written document from the physician and the parent/guardian giving school personnel permission to dispense prescription medication, stating reason for giving medication and noting the period of time over which medication should be dispensed to the student.
- The school must have on file a written document from the parent/guardian giving school personnel permission to dispense non-prescription medication, stating reason for giving medication and noting the period of time over which the medication should be dispensed to the student.
A copy of the medication form was distributed at enrollment and a copy can be found in this handbook. More forms are available in the school office.
We understand that this policy can require extra work on the part of the parent. However, a change in state law requires we follow it. It is designed to safeguard children.
EXCLUSION FROM SCHOOL
- The
following conditions require medical attention before returning to
school: If a child develops any of these during the day,
parents will be called immediately to pick up the child.
Please be sure that we have an accurate daytime number on
file.
- Chicken Pox- Child should be excluded from school for 6 days after the onset of the first crop of vesicles (blisters). It is highly recommended that all blisters be scabbed before your child returns to school.
- Pink Eye- Cases should be excluded from school until the discharge from the infected eye ceases.
- Strep Throat - Children with strep throat should be excluded from school until they have been on medication for 24 hours and are fever free.
- Impetigo - Children with impetigo should be excluded from school until receiving medical treatment.
- Scabies - Children who are infested should be excluded from school until treatment with an appropriate antiparasitic drug has begun.
- Ringworm - Infected children may return to school if receiving treatment.
- When a child acts as though his/her head itches, he or she will be referred to the office to be checked for lice. If lice or nits are found, all members of the household will be checked. The following policy applies whenever lice or nits are found.
- Head Lice - The child will be separated from his/her class. After the child is separated, the parent will be contacted to take the child home. After successful treatment, the child must be checked by school or medical personnel and if found free of lice and nits, the child will be eligible to be transported by bus and return to school.
When a child exhibiting any of these conditions has been in class part of the day, notes will be sent home to inform families of classmates of the situation. Due to privacy considerations, the student will not be identified.
STUDENT BEHAVIOR & EXPECTATIONS
1. RESPECT -
for the procedure of the school.
for adults.
for yourself.
for other students.
for property.
2. READY -
for class.
for learning.
for doing my best.
HAZING /HARRASMENT/INTIMIDATION/ BULLYING/MENANCING
The board is committed to providing a positive and productive learning and working environment. Hazing, harassment, intimidation, menacing or bullying by students, staff or third parties is strictly prohibited and shall not be tolerated in the district.
Students whose behavior is found to be in violation of this policy will be subject to discipline, up to and including expulsion. Third parties whose behavior is found to be in violation of this policy shall be subject to appropriate sanctions as determined and imposed by the superintendent or board.
Individuals may also be referred to law enforcement officials.
PERSONAL APPEARANCE
Appearance and behavior are related. Proper attire is necessary in creating an environment conducive to learning. Therefore it is important that students’ appearance should be neat, clean and in good taste. In addition, students, as representatives of our school, are expected to follow the guidelines for personal appearance at all extra-curricular activities, whether at home or another site.
Bare midriffs, loose fitting tank tops, muscle shirts, fish net shirts, transparent shirts, halter tops, and tops with plunging necklines or spaghetti straps (thin straps), and skirts or tops that do not cover undergarments are inappropriate for school attire and are not acceptable.
Any garment which advertises alcoholic beverages or drug-related material, tobacco products, obscene or suggestive slogans, pictures or patches, affiliate colors (gangs), or depicts violence (hate speech), are not permitted to be worn or displayed.
Hats will not be worn in the building during school hours and should be kept in lockers. To show courtesy to others, hats should be removed during music and theatre performances.
If a student’s general appearance does not comply with the guidelines for personal appearance, he or she will be asked to change his/her appearance. Non-compliance may result in disciplinary action.
REWARD TRIPS
The school may schedule a reward trip for students who are in good standing. To be in good standing a student may not have received an OSS or ISS during that semester. Other criteria may be applied if announced to students at the beginning of each quarter. A staff member will be available to stay with students not eligible for the reward trip. These students will be in a study hall.
All eighth grade students who are in good standing and are passing all of their fourth quarter classes may take part in the 8th graders trip to Worlds of Fun at the end of the year.
FOOD AND BEVERAGES
Only water should be taken into areas with carpet. A vending machine for student use will be located in the commons area. Students are allowed to have food or drink in a classroom only after receiving permission from their teacher. Food or beverages are not allowed in the library, computer labs or when students are using laptops.
Each student will be assigned a locker for coats and books. Seventh and eighth grade students will be assigned a gym locker for physical education class. Locks for these lockers are built into the locker doors.
Coats and jackets should be left in student hall lockers. Note: Gym lockers are for PE and athletic purposes only. These lockers will be available for students before school, during PE class and after school only. All articles the student brings to school including book bags, purses, back packs, items for personal entertainment, etc. must be stored in his/her hall locker during the school day. Hints for good use of lockers include the following:
- Every student must use the locker assigned.
- Lockers should be kept clean and neatly arranged at all times.
- Do not tell anyone the combination to your commons area or gym locker.
- Keep lockers locked to prevent possible problems with missing items.
- Do not use tape, glue, adhesive, or stickers in the lockers.
- Do not “pre-set” your lock. REMEMBER - your locker belongs to the school; you are only using it for the school year.
LOST AND FOUND
Each student should assume responsibility of taking care of his/her own possessions. Since each student is provided a locker, there should be a minimum of lost and misplaced articles. There will be a lost and found area located near the office.
HALLCONDUCT
Always walk, never run, and remember to keep to the right when walking in the halls. To keep traffic moving, never walk with more than two together. Physical contact is unacceptable. Keep hands to yourself.
GYMTRAFFIC
When entering or exiting the gym, please use the doors closest to the middle school hallway. Walk across the west end of the gym to the locker rooms or when returning to class.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION CLASS
Anyone who is, for an extended time, unable to participate in PE classes should bring notification from a physician. Temporary exemptions require a note from the parent. In physical education classes it will be required for each student to provide their own uniform. Boys: athletic shorts, school t-shirt, athletic supporter, white socks, gym shoes, and a towel. All items will be marked with the student’s name. Girls: athletic shorts with school t-shirt, white socks, gym shoes, and a towel. Absolutely no blue jean cut-offs will be allowed. School t-shirts with a place for the student to write their name are available at school. Failure to suit out in gym class more than 5 times without a doctors excuse will result in a failing grade in class.
LIBRARY EXPECTATIONS
Books must be checked out during school hours only. There is a penalty for having overdue library books. Library privileges will be suspended the day after the book is due. Lost and damaged books must be paid for before library privileges can be reinstated. Books may be checked out for a period of two weeks. Reference books are to be used in the library only.
ALCOHOL , TOBACCO, AND DRUGS
There is no place for alcohol, tobacco, herbal chew or other drugs (or drug-like) in any form at Perry Middle School. Students shouldn’t use or possess these items on school property or within school jurisdiction. Any violation of a controlled substance will be reported to the appropriate law enforcement agency.
DISCIPLINE PLAN
The staff members at PLMS are dedicated to help students learn to make wise choices and to be responsible for their own choices. Students are expected to adopt and practice a code of self-discipline to promote a safe and non-threatening environment at PLMS. Students as well as staff are expected to be friendly, courteous, respectful, honest, and fair.
The discipline point system at PLMS establishes a matrix of escalating consequences for inappropriate or unacceptable behavior. Consequences become more severe in response to a student’s continued poor behavior choices and the greater the inappropriateness of the behavior. Potentially illegal behavior will be reported to law enforcement.
Every student begins the year with zero points. Points accumulate over the course of the school year. Consequences are established for students who reach each subsequent point level. Students have the opportunity to “earn” points to reduce their accumulated point total. When a student’s point total reaches 8 points a parent-administrator-student conference will be held. Students who reach 13 points will be recommended for a long term suspension for the remainder of the semester. A long term suspension hearing will be held. (See the PLMS Discipline Point Matrix below. Or click link to print a copy.)
HOMEWORK AND MISSING ASSIGNMENTS
Each teacher will establish homework and missing assignment rules and policies at the start of the school year. In all classes, students have a minimum of two school days for each day of excused absence to submit make-up assignments for full credit. In all classes students will be expected to complete and submit all homework regardless of “credit”. Teachers will communicate with the office and parents as needed regarding students who habitually fail to complete and submit their homework.
PROGRESS REPORTS
PLMS utilizes a method of reporting student progress to the parents in addition to grade cards. Beginning on the 3rd week of each grading period, weekly progress reports will be sent home with students on each Monday until the end of the quarter. These reports are sent home with the students to make the parents aware of the student’s progress so steps may be taken to improve the work of the student before the end of the grading period.
Parents are also encouraged to check student’s grades on-line through PowerSchool. Web sites and passwords are sent to parents at the beginning of the year. Please call the office for more information.
Teachers may send informational reports home more often.
GRADING POLICY FOR PERRY MIDDLE SCHOOL
Students will be expected to pass all semester classes. Students scoring 60% or above will be considered passing. If a student does not accomplish this with support during the school year, extra support through retention or summer school could be considered.
Grading Scale
| A+ (100% & above) | C (73%-76%) |
| A (93%-99%) | C- (70%-72%) |
| A- (90%-92%) | D+ (67%-69%) |
| B+ (87%-89%) | D (63%-66%) |
| B (83%-86%) | D- (60%-62%) |
| B- (80%-82%) | F (59% & below) |
| C+ (77%-79%) | INC |
INC: Student has not completed all the given requirements at this time.
CLASSROOM SYLLABUS
Each 7th/8th grade teacher will provide a class syllabus containing:
-Course Summary
-Outcomes to be completed during the course
-Grading policy
-Homework policies
-Course Outline by quarter
Each 5th/6th grade teacher will also provide a class syllabus containing:
-Outcomes for each content area
-Supply List
-Classroom procedures
-Class Party Information
Homework Scores
Non-assessment grading measures may include quizzes, homework, projects, semester exams, or any other measurement that a teacher deems appropriate.
HONORROLL
Seventh and Eighth grade students meeting proficiency in all outcomes for core classes and earning qualifying grades, will be on the honor rolls at the end of the first semester and second semester.
Semester Honors
Kaw Honors All A grades in Core Classes
High Honors All A- or A grades in Core Classes
Honor Roll B+ average or better in All Classes
End of Year Honors
A Academic Ltr. All A grades in Core Classes
A- Academic Ltr. All A- grades in Core Classes
Honors Certificate B+ average or better in All Classes
8th GRADE GRADUATION
To participate in eighth grade graduation exercises students are expected to pass at least fourteen semester classes which includes Directed Studies, during their 8th grade year and must meet the citizenship requirements for eligibility, and must follow all expectations listed in the handbook including expectations for attire.
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITES
ACTIVITIES BUS
An activity bus will be provided after football, volleyball, basketball, wrestling, and track practice for those people who are involved in a Perry-Lecompton Middle School activity. Students who stay after school for detention hall or for study sessions may also ride the activity bus.
The district runs an activity bus nightly to transport students from PLMS to other district attendance center.
PEP CLUB AND CHEERLEADING
All PLMS students are considered to be members of the school pep club and will sit in the sections designated for the pep club at all games and athletic contests. Students are under the supervision of the Pep Club Sponsor and responsible for following behavior expectations stated in the school handbook as well as expectations distributed to students by the Pep Club Sponsor each season. Bus riders are required to furnish parental permission to the office in advance in order to stay for a game or contest.
Students may not leave the school building/campus when staying for an event.
PLMS provides the opportunity to 7th and 8th grade students to be involved with competitive athletic teams, which represent the school in football, volleyball, basketball, wrestling, and track.
Home football games, volleyball games, basketball games, track, and wrestling meets will be held at Perry-Lecompton Middle School / High School.
The following is a basic list of KSHSAA eligibility rules:
- The student must not have reached a 15th birthday on or before Sept. 1 of the respective year.
- The student who transfers schools must attend school 18 weeks before becoming eligible for athletics unless his or her parents actually move to a permanent residence in the vicinity of the new school.
- The student must meet all other requirements of the KSHSAA.
- Each coach/sponsor will inform members trying out for a particular team what is expected in the way of conduct both on and off the field/court. This will be covered at the beginning of each particular sport/season. Cheerleaders are also required to meet these standards.
ELIGIBILITY POLICY
To be eligible for participation (practice or play) in extra-curricular activities at PLMS, students must meet all KSHSAA guidelines including the requirement to be in “good standing” with the school. Students must meet the following criteria for both academics and citizenship to be in “good standing” at Perry-Lecompton Middle School. Fifth and sixth grade students are not eligible to participate in middle school extracurricular activities in any capacity.
Academic Criteria
Student eligibility will be determined weekly after the third week of school in each semester. If a student is failing any class, then he/she will not participate or attend in any game or other competition until the next eligibility check. A student is guaranteed the opportunity to raise his/her grade to passing between eligibility checks.
Citizenship
Students who are not in good-standing may not attend or participate in either games or practices. If a suspension (ISS or OSS) is the imposed consequence, the student will be ineligible to practice and game participation for the duration of the suspension.
Team Rules
Each coach and or sponsor will establish eligibility requirements. A student has a responsibility to the team, group, and self to notify the coach or sponsor of any absence. Failure to do so may be grounds for an unexcused absence.
Unexcused absences from practice, contests or performances will not be allowed. Disciplinary action (held out for a quarter, half, game, etc.) will occur on the first and second unexcused absence. After a third unexcused absence, a recommendation for dismissal will be sent in writing to the Principal.
PHYSICAL EXAMINATION
To be eligible for participation in interscholastic athletics/spirit groups, a student must have on file with the office a physical form signed by a practicing physician or registered physician’s assistant certifying the student has passed an adequate physical examination and is physically fit to participate.
The annual history and the physical examination shall not be taken earlier than May 1 preceding the school year for which it is applicable. The KSHSAA recommends completion of this evaluation by athletes/cheerleaders at least one month prior to the first practice to allow time for correction of deficiencies and implementation of conditioning recommendations.
Physical forms can be picked up at the school office or is available on our web site.
PERRY MIDDLE SCHOOL SITE COUNCIL
The Site Council is an appointed group of school personnel, parents, and community members responsible for providing advice and counsel in evaluating state, school district, school site performance goals, and objectives. The council also helps in determining the methods that should be employed at the school site to meet these goals and objectives.
The staff at Perry-Lecompton Middle School encourages all interested parents/community members wanting to serve on the Site Council to contact Armin Landis at (785) 597-5159, or stop by the school office. Each appointed term will be for two years and can be extended to a second term with Council and School Board approval.
For a printable copy click this link PLMS Discipline Point Matrix
ADDENDUM: DISTRICTWIDE POLICIES
NONDISCRIMINATION
The district shall maintain a learning environment free from discrimination, insult, intimidation, or harassment due to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, or disability.
Any incident of discrimination in any form shall promptly be reported to a teacher, the principal or other appropriate school official for investigation and corrective action by the compliance officer.
Any student who engages in discrimination may be reprimanded and counseled to refrain from such conduct. Any student who continues to engage in discriminatory conduct shall be disciplined. Any student who engages in discriminatory behavior may be disciplined in a matter deemed appropriate by the administration, up to and including suspension or expulsion from school.
DISTRICT WEAPONS POLICY
A student will not knowingly possess, handle or transmit any object that can reasonably be considered a weapon at school, on school property, or at a school-sponsored event. This shall include any weapon, any item being used as a weapon or destructive device, or any facsimile of a weapon.
Weapons and Destructive Devices
As used in this policy, the term “weapon” and/or destructive device shall include, but shall not be limited to:
-
- any item being used as a weapon or destructive device;
- any facsimile of a weapon;
- any weapon which will or is designed to or may readily be converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive;
- the frame or receiver of any weapon described in the preceding example;
- any firearm muffler or firearm silencer’
- any explosive, incendiary or poison gas, bomb, grenade, rocket having a propellant charge of more than four ounces, missile having an explosive or incendiary charge of more than one-quarter ounce, mine, or similar device;
- Any weapon which will, or which may be readily converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive or other propellant, and which has any barrel with a bore of more than ½ inch in diameter’ any combination of parts either designed or intended for use in converting any device into a destructive device described in the two immediately preceding examples, and from which a destructive device may be readily assembled.
- any bludgeon, sand club, metal knuckles or throwing star;
- any knife, commonly referred to as a switchblade, which has a blade that opens automatically by hand pressure applied to a button, spring or other device in the handle of the knife, or any knife having a blade that opens or falls or is ejected into position by the force of gravity or by an outward, downward or centrifugal thrust or movement.
- any electronic device designed to discharge immobilizing levels of electricity, commonly known as a stun gun.
Penalties for Possession
Possession of a firearm or other weapon shall result in expulsion from school for a period of one calendar year, except the superintendent may recommend this expulsion requirement be modified on a case-by-case basis (see JDC). Possession of a facsimile of a weapon may result in suspension or expulsion. Expulsion hearings for possession of a weapon shall be conducted by the the superintendent or the superintendent’s designee.
Students violating this policy shall be reported as having a felony or misdemeanor and also referred to the appropriate law enforcement agency(ies) and if a juvenile to SRS or the Commissioner of Juvenile Justice.
Approved: KASB Recommendation-9/91; 6/99; 6/00; 6/01
USD 343 Approved: 12/10/01
USD 343 SCHOOL COUNSELING, K-12 POLICY PROCEDURES
The comprehensive, developmental school counseling program at USD 343 is designed to help all students develop their educational, social, career, and personal strengths and to become responsible and productive citizens. The counseling program consists of a variety of services and activities, including educational and career consultation, individual and group counseling, parent and teacher consultation, referrals to the program and services in the community, testing and test interpretation and classroom guidance.
USD 343 recognizes and supports the comprehensive school-counseling program at all education levels and its policy and procedures.
-
- Students can be referred for counseling by parents, staff, peers, or by self-referral. Referrals may be made either through a counselor referral form or verbal.
- Communication with parents is integral to the counseling program. Although parental notification is not required prior to counseling or consulting with a student, school counselors will notify parents when problems are of a very crucial nature or require on-going services except in the case of suspected abuse.
- The school counselor protects the confidentiality of information received in the counseling process as specified by law and ethical standards. School counselors always consider actions in terms of the rights, integrity, and welfare of students.
- School counselors as well as all school personnel are obligated by law to refer a case when a student has indicated he or she has been harmed. School counselors are obligated by ethical standards to report and to refer a case when a student intends to harm himself, herself or others.
- The school counselor may serve as a referral agent to help students and their families receive assistance from other programs and services in the school system and from agencies outside the school. Except in the case of suspected abuse, every attempt will be made to directly involve parents in the referral process.
- School counselors may consult with other school and community professionals to enhance student development.
- The number of counseling sessions is subject to the discretion of the school counselor.
- Parents or guardians may choose to opt-out of school counseling services. Opt-out forms are available from the school principal.
USD 343 Communication Plan School Counseling
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- Parents will be made aware of USD 343 school counseling policy procedures through a student handbook.
- With the cooperation of the building administrator, school counselors will present the counseling program at Open House/Enrollment Orientation.
- Opt-out information will be made available throughout the district and building newsletter. Opt-out forms will be made available from the building principal.
- Classroom guidance objectives and other relevant counseling information will be provided through the building and district newsletters on a regular basis.
Human Sexuality and Aides Opt-Out
Parents or guardians (or students eighteen years of age or older) may choose to opt-out of the Human Sexuality and AIDS Curriculum. An opt-out form must be obtained from the office. The completed and signed form is to be returned to the school principal.
The signed forms will be kept on file in the school office and a copy will be forwarded to the appropriate teacher so the named student can be correctly omitted from the designated activity. No parent or guardian (or student eighteen years of age) shall be allowed to make a written opt-out request prior to the opening day of the class of the year the opt-out request applies. Opt-out requests shall be required annually and are valid only for the school year in which they are submitted.
Bus Information
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- USD #343 Perry Public Schools is committed to continue providing the safest means of transportation for students. In this endeavor, administration, bus drivers, parents, and students will continue working together to create a safe environment with appropriate behavior while riding on a school bus.
- Bus rules
approved by the Board of Education are:
- Observe the same conduct as in the classroom
- Be courteous, and use no profane language
- Do not eat or drink on the bus
- Keep the bus clean
- Cooperate with the driver
- No smoking
- Do not be destructive
- Stay in your seat
- Keep head, hands, and feet inside the bus at all times
- Students are expected to follow all rules, and to treat the drivers as they would their teachers. Students who continually distract the driver will be excluded from the bus until they have matured sufficiently to ride safely. Parents will be contacted if problems arise, so that you can intervene to help children behave correctly. The principal will also be notified of dangerous practices or unruly behavior.
Please notify the school by written note or a phone call if there is any change in transportation arrangements. Students will not be allowed to change buses or pick up or drop off location without communication from the parent to the school. Also, if your day care provider changes during the school year, the new provider must live on an established bus route for their attendance center if bus transportation is used.
If your child is a regular rider and will not be riding on a particular day, please call the bus barn at 785-597-5303 to notify the driver.
Should you have any concerns regarding your child while riding the bus, please contact the building principal.
Policy IIBG STUDENT COMPUTER USE
Students shall have no expectation of privacy when using district e-mail or computer systems. E-mail messages shall be used only for approved educational purposes. Students must use appropriate language in all messages. Students are expected to use the system following guidelines approved by teachers or the administration.
Any e-mail or computer application or information in district computers or computer systems is subject to monitoring by the staff and/or administration. The school retains the right to duplicate any information created by students in a computer system or on any individual computer. Students who violate these rules, or any other classroom rules relating to computer use are subject to disciplinary action up to and including suspension from school.
Policy KBA District or School Web Sites (See KB,IIBG and ECH)
The board may establish a district web site and may allow creation of web sites for individual schools. A district web site shall be under the control of the superintendent and school web sites shall be supervised by the building principal.
Web Site Rules
Detailed rules relating to web sites are found in appropriate handbooks or in documents approved by the board and filed with the clerk and/or principals.
School rules shall include the following areas:
data privacy and FERPA regulations; (See JRB)
copyright rules, relating to access and use of materials and the property rights of the district, students or employees who create material; (See ECH and IIBG)
board and administration shall determine web site content and monitor use by employees and students.
District and school web sites are maintained to support the public relations and educational programs of the district and/or the schools. Web sites may be modified or terminated at any time by board action.
General Information
The following statements are to be included in all appropriate district handbooks:
Student Privacy Rights (See JRB)
Identifiable student images shall not be posted on district or school websites without prior written permission from the student and, if under 18, the student's parent or guardian. The mailing address, telephone number or other personally identifiable information about any student shall not be posted on district or school web sites. All applicable requirements of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) shall be followed.
Copyrighted Material Posted On Websites (See KBA)
Any original materials created by students are owned by those students. Original materials will not be posted on district or school web sites without prior written permission of the student who created the work. The building principal shall be in charge of monitoring permission to post copyrighted materials.
Software Copyright (See ECH)
Software acquired by staff using district or school web sites, and installed on district computers, must comply with copyright laws. Proof of purchase (copy or original) must be filed in the district office.
Downloading Copyrighted Materials (ECH)
Students and staff shall not download copyrighted materials without prior, written permission being obtained from the author or creator of the material in question. See ECH for “fair use exceptions” which may allow for limited use of copyrighted materials.
Approved: 8/11/03
Policy JGEC Sexual Harassment(See GAF)
The board of education is committed to providing a positive and productive learning and working environment, free from discrimination on the basis of sex, including sexual harassment. Sexual harassment shall not be tolerated in the school district. Sexual harassment of employees or students of the district by board members, administrators, certificated and support personnel, students, vendors, and any others having business or other contact with the school district is strictly prohibited.
Sexual harassment is unlawful discrimination of the basis of sex under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and the Kansas Acts Against Discrimination.&nb

