Pepin Area School Student Handbook 2007-2008

Beliefs/Philosophy

The School District of Pepin believes in the development of students .

•  Education requires a commitment to developing the potential of every student.

•  Each student can learn, although at different rates and in different ways.

•  Self-Esteem and success are determinants of future achievements.

•  Students learn best in a safe, positive, and supportive environment.

•  Education is the inter-generational link in the continuance of our cultures, history, and heritage.

•  Education is a dynamic process involving both teaching and learning.

•  Effective teaching is a planned, interactive process that utilizes
creativity and collaboration to facilitate learning.

•  Learning is a lifelong process of growth and improvement.

•  The responsibility for education (academic, social, emotional, physical, and ethical) is shared among students, parents/guardians, staff and
citizens.

•  Schools are accountable to the public.

Mission

The mission of the School District of Pepin is to provide the
educational foundation that will enable all students to be responsible
decision makers, to be adept at problem solving, to display a positive
regard for self and others, and to be contributing members in an ever-
changing technological and global society. To accomplish these ends, we
will utilize innovative curriculum, effective instructional practices, and a
strong school/community partnership.

School Fight Song

Pepin High School Hats Off To Thee,
To Our Colors True We Shall Ever Be
So Firm and Strong, United Are We.
Rah, Rah, Rah For Pepin High
Rah, Rah, Rah, Rah, Rah, Rah,
For Pepin High!!

Table of Contents

Abusive Actions
Disrespect, disobedience, or vandalism by action or verbally to any teacher (in or out of school), adult, or student is unacceptable behavior and will be disciplined accordingly. (Board Policy #444, 444.2, 444.4)

Attendance/Truancy
Students may be excused for the following reasons:

•  Bona fide religious holiday.

•  Student illness or medical appointments.

•  Parental excuse: A parent may excuse a child 3 days in advance for up to 10 days in a school year. (State Statute 118.15(3)(C)) After 10 days of excused absences per school year, the district may require parent or guardian to provide written doctor's excuse upon return to school.

•  Family emergency approved by the principal.

Excuses that do not follow the above guidelines will be considered unexcused by the school, and students will not be allowed to make up the work missed during their unexcused absence.

Automobile Use
High school students who are licensed drivers shall be allowed to drive cars to school and to park on school grounds in compliance with established automobile regulations. All automobiles driven to school are under the jurisdiction of the school administration while at school, and the rules and regulations made by the board of education must be followed:

1. Student vehicles are to be parked northeast of the building in the student
parking area.
2. Students are not to park in the area designated as teacher and staff area parking.
3. Students are not to drive their vehicle during the school day unless they have
acquired a pass from the office.

Bell Schedule

Class Meetings
All class meetings should be scheduled three (3) days in advance. Only a class advisor can schedule a class meeting, and permission must be granted by the high school administration. Parliamentary procedure should govern all meetings. The administration must be notified of all decisions, which result from the meetings.

Classroom Conduct
Students may be removed from the classroom for the following reasons:

•  Violation of district policies regarding suspension.

•  Violates conduct expectations set forth in the handbook.

•  Is disruptive, dangerous or unruly.

•  Interferes with teaching and learning.

Details can be found in the Classroom Conduct Policy in the high school office.

Controlled Substance
Controlled substance as used in these rules includes tobacco, alcoholic beverages, including beer, and narcotic drugs not prescribed by a physician and determined to be illegal by state statute. (Board policy 447.2)

Dances and Parties
Make all arrangements for an activity through and with the approval of your class advisor(s), the student council, or the principal. Activities should be planned at least two (2) weeks prior to the scheduled date. Follow these procedures:

•  Plan the agenda to include time, place, date, hours, theme, dress, chaperones, and cost of refreshments, decorations, entertainment, transportation, etc. if any.

•  Be sure to have clearance from the proper authorities.

•  Inform faculty chaperones at least a week in advance of the activity to be held. A minimum of two is required at any school activity.

•  If transportation is necessary, a school bus shall be used. Students must go and return by the same means of transportation unless other arrangements have been made with their parents and cleared with the administration or advisor.

•  Cleanup committees are required if refreshments and/or decorations are to be
provided.

•  If there will be entertainment at a cost, financial arrangements must
be handled through the class advisor.

Detention
Detention will be served in the office at the following:

7:45-8:15 AM
3:15-3:45 PM
Students should bring appropriate materials to occupy their time. Multiple detentions may result in an in school suspension.

Whenever a student has been assigned detention, a record of those detentions will be placed in the student's permanent file. (Board Policy 444.2)

Discrimination Complaint Procedure
If any person believes that the Pepin Area School District or any part of the school organization has inadequately applied the principles and/or regulations of the
Wisconsin pupil nondiscrimination statute (118.13 and P19), Title IX (sex), or section 504 (handicap) or in some way discriminates on the basis of sex, race, color, national origin, age, or handicap, he/she may bring forward a complaint to the High School Office at the following address:

Bruce Quinton,Equity Coordinator
510 Pine Street
Pepin, WI 54759

Informal Procedure
The person who believes he/she has a valid basis for a complaint shall discuss the concern with the local Equity Coordinator, who shall inform the district administrator, who shall investigate the complaint and reply to the complainant in writing within two (2) days. If this reply is not acceptable to the complainant, he/she may initiate formal procedures according to the steps listed.

Formal Complaint Procedure
STEP 1: A written statement of the complaint shall be prepared by the complainant and signed. This complaint shall be presented to the local Equity Coordinator, who is also the district administrator, within five (5) business days of receipt of the written reply to the informal complaint if the informal procedure is used.

STEP 2: The district administrator shall meet with all parties involved, formulate a conclusion, and respond in writing to the complaint within ten (10) business days.

STEP 3: If the complainant remains unsatisfied, he/she may appeal through a signed written statement to the school board within five (5) business days of his/her receipt of the superintendent's response in Step 2. In an attempt to resolve the complaint, the school board shall meet with the concerned parties and the representatives within 15 days of receipt of such an appeal. A copy of the board's disposition of the appeal shall be sent by the board secretary to each concerned party with ten (10) business days of this
meeting.

STEP 4: If, at this point, the complaint has not been satisfactorily settled, further appeal may be made to the

Office for Civil Rights,
U.S. Department of Education,
300 South Wacker Drive, 8th Floor,
Chicago, Illinois 60606
(in the case of complaint using federal law Title IX and Section 504)

or to the

State Superintendent
Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction
P.O. Box 7841
Madison, Wisconsin 53707
(state statute 118.12 and PI9)

Dress of Students

The following guidelines will be followed regarding student dress:

•  Footwear must be worn at all times in school.

•  Bandanas and hats are not to be worn in school.

•  Students will not wear clothing that exposes their navel or bra straps.

•  Students will not wear clothing that promotes alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drugs, or that is sexually suggestive or offensive.

•  If a student violates these rules, they will be asked to change their attire to appropriate standards. Refusal to do so will result in the student being sent home until they agree to return to school appropriately dressed.

Due Process
All students have a right to due process, regardless of sex, race, religious preference, ethnic origin, or handicaps.

Equal Opportunity
The Pepin Area School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or handicap.

Fees

The following fees are in effect for the school year:

•  District owned instrument - $30/year.

•  Band uniforms and choir gowns - $5 deposit, refundable at the end of the school year.

•  Locker Padlocks- $3 deposit, refundable at the end of the school year.
           

Fighting and Disorderly Conduct
Students involved in fighting and/or disorderly behavior will be subject to being charged with Disorderly Conduct (State Statute 294.01 (297.01) and a suspension from school.

Fire and Tornado Drills
Scheduled drills are held each year. Each classroom has been provided with instructions for movement during such emergencies and drills. A special signal will be given, at such a time teachers will direct students during these movements and drills. Students will be attentive and orderly throughout the entire procedure. Fire and Tornado drill exit instructions are posted in each room.

Food Program

School Breakfast Program
Pre-K - Adult/ Day: $0.95
Reduced Price/ Day: $0.30

School Lunch Program
Daily
K-3: $1.45
4-6: $1.60
7-12: $1.85
Staff: $2.65
Reduced: $0.40

Students and adults will be charged full meal price for seconds. Seconds of choice table (bread, butter, vegetables, fruit, etc.) are included in the initial charge.

Parents are asked to pre-pay their lunch accounts for all students. Participants are expected to maintain a positive balance in their accounts.

Fund Raising Activities
The classes of Pepin High School may conduct activities to earn money for their class treasury. All fund raising activities must be approved by the high school principal.

General Rules
The rules of the school are in effect from the time the student leaves home in the morning until they return home in the afternoon.

Grades
Students will be graded on an A-F, 4.0 scale by standards individually established by each teacher. Report cards will be issued at the end of each nine-week period and progress reports are to be sent home at the midpoint of each 9 week grading period for all students.

Graduation Requirements
English 4 Credits
   Must contain written communication, oral communication, grammar and usage of the English language and literature.
Social Studies (Civics and U.S. History) 3 Credits
   Must include state and local government. (One elective credit)
Mathematics 2 Credits
   The credits required of each student must contain the properties, processes, and symbols of arithmetic, the elements of algebra, the elements of geometry, and the elements of statistics.
Science 2 Credits
   Must contain Biology and Physical Science.
Physical Education 1.5 Credits
   Including the effects of exercise on the human body, health related physical fitness and activities for lifetime use.
Health Education 0.5 Credits
   Containing personal health, family health, community health, and environmental health.
Computer Education 0.5 Credits
Guidance Curriculum 0.5 Credits

A total of 14.0 state/local district mandated credits. An additional 12.0 credits selected from any combination of vocational education, foreign language, fine arts, and other courses for a total of 26.0 credits.

Health Insurance
The Student Assurance Services, Inc. benefit plan gives protection to any student receiving injuries while participating in any school activity. The coverage outlined in the pamphlet sent home with each student at the beginning of the school year. If medical costs exceed the coverage, the parents are liable for the balance. Report any injury to the office immediately! This coverage provides benefits for students sustaining injuries while:

•  Attending regular school sessions.

•  While traveling to and from school for regular attendance and extracurricular
activities.

The coverage does not provide for students who become injured while participating in an extracurricular event.

Steps to Follow if Your Child Sustains an Injury:

•  The child must be treated by a doctor within 30 days of the injury.

•  Obtain a claim form from the office.

•  Process the medical expenses incurred through your family insurance.

•  Send the balance of unpaid medical bills, ITEMIZED doctor and hospital statements, and the complete claim form to

Student Assurance Services, Inc.
Drawer B
Stillwater, MN 55082

Home Bound Program
In the case of an extended absence due to an illness, handicap, pregnancy, or divergent behavior, the counselor must be contacted for home study. The homebound program gives the student the opportunity to study at home on a program outlined through the school in cooperation with the high school staff.

Honor Roll
To be included on the honor roll at the end of each quarter, the following grade point averages must be achieved:

A Honor Roll: 3.65 or higher
B Honor Roll: 3.00 or higher

Illness
Students who become ill during the school day may be allowed to rest in the office until the parents or designated relatives/neighbors can be notified that the student will be coming home.

If a student develops symptoms of illness, or is injured at school, the parent/guardian will be notified immediately. If necessary, such person will be requested to come to the school and get the student. In a case of an emergency, the school may call the family physician or another physician.

Immunization
State Law requires every student attending public school to be completely immunized or have a signed waiver on file. New students must submit written evidence within 30 days after admission of all immunizations received. (This holds true for all students when an additional (new) vaccine is required.) All students at Pepin Area Schools must have 4 DPT/DT/Td - 4 Polio - 2 MMR/Measles, Mumps, Rubella, 3 Hep. B for Pre-K, Kindergarten, and 7th, 8th, & 9th grade students. The school nurse will notify parents of any deficiency.

Inclement Weather
During the winter months when it may become unsafe to transport students
to school, there will be an announcement regarding the cancellation of school. Following are the media locations which will be contacted in case of inclement weather or in case of any school cancellations:

WCCO 830 AM
WEAQ 94 FM
KWMB 1190 AM (Wabasha)
WAXX-WAYY 104 FM/1150 AM
WRDN 96 FM (Durand)
WEAU TV 13
KMFX 102.5 FM
KWNG 104.1 FM

Other special announcements due to cancellations of activities will also be made public via the radio when possible. There will not be practice for any activity, if school is closed early or for the day. Scheduled contests or performances will be evaluated on an individual basis.

In-School Passes
All students not in a regularly assigned place must carry with them a pass permit, authorizing them to be at that location by the teacher who has jurisdiction over them. No student is to be walking around the halls without such a pass.

Inter-Personal Relationships
Students may hold hands or walk with their arms around each other's waist, other displays of affection are prohibited.

Internet Usage
All students must have a signed Internet usage form on file in the high school office for them to be allowed access to the Internet. All students at the beginning of the 2001-2002 school year will be required to turn in a new form.

Leaving the Building
All students leaving the building during the regular school hours must have permission from the high school principal. All students reporting in the morning are expected to remain all day. All students who leave school due to illness must report to the office first. Students leaving school during the day without permission will be dealt with and are subject to reprisal. Make sure you get a pass before you leave the school, regardless of the reason.

Lost and Found
Lost items should be reported to the office immediately. An article may be reclaimed by proper identification. Students are responsible for the safe keeping of all valuables. Do not keep valuables in the hallway or dressing room lockers.

Medication
ALL MEDICATIONS MUST BE KEPT IN THE SCHOOL OFFICE

•  Over the counter drugs may be administered to pupils with written parental consent. Medicine must be labeled with the student's name, type of drug, time of administration and dosage and turned into the office immediately upon arrival at school, along with a signed permission form (a copy is available from the school nurse).

•  Prescription drugs may also be administered to pupils with written instructions from a physician, and sent in a properly labeled container and turned into the office immediately. (There is a different form for prescription drugs, available from the school nurse).

•  If a student needs medication on a daily basis for a long period of time, a parent will need to sign a form that is available in the office.

•  The entire medication policy 452.3 is available in the district office and you are encouraged to examine it if you wish.

New Students in the District
Students new to the Pepin Area School District must have proof of state required immunizations. Students not immunized will be sent home until they have received the required shots. All students will be required to have had two doses of the measles, mumps, rubella vaccine. Hepatitis B is required for all students entering kindergarten and 7th grade.

Noon Periods
Students will have 30 minutes for lunch each day. If they live in close proximity to the school, they may walk home if they get prior approval from their parents and the office.

Profanity
The use of profanity may result in a detention or suspension from class or from school.

Registration
Each student registered at our school, must have "Date of Birth" verified by birth certificate or baptismal certificate. Verified information should be recorded on permanent record. A continuous record of all pertinent data, grades, test scores, etc., is kept for each student from the time he/she enters school until graduation or withdrawal. All pupils entering from a school outside the district must show proof of age and record from a former school. Pupils will be placed in grade or subject areas relevant to ones they have been taking.

Schedule Changes
Changes may be made up to the first week of each semester with approval of the parents, teachers, and high school administration.

Search and Seizure
The Pepin Area School District reserves the right to search within the following guidelines:

•  Student Searches: A search of a student is justified when there are reasonable grounds for suspicion that the search will turn up evidence that the student has violated or is violating the law or rules of school. The principal and one other adult that is the same sex as the student being searched will conduct these searches.

•  Locker Searches: The student's locker and its contents may be searched when a school authority has reasonable suspicion that the locker contains illegal or contraband items. Such searches will be conducted in the presence of another adult.

•  Automobile Searches: Students are permitted to park on school property as a matter of privilege, not of right. The interior of a student's automobile may be searched if the school authority has reasonable suspicion to believe that illegal, unauthorized, or contraband items are contained inside.
 

Sportsmanship
The administration strongly encourages all fans and athletes to role model proper behavior at all athletic events.

Study Halls
Study halls are a time for quiet study. Game playing, listening to music, lifting weights or any other athletic activity are not to be done during this time. If students wish to do research in the library, they must first get a pass from the school librarian.

Substance Abuse
Students shall not at any time use or have in their possession alcoholic beverages, tobacco, and/or illegal drugs on school property. Students who violate this rule will face mandatory suspension and possible expulsion. The student may also incur additional discipline as law enforcement personnel are contacted for such behaviors.
(Board Policy #442.2, 444.4)

Tardies
Any student who has two (2) unexcused tardies per semester will receive a one-half hour detention for the third (3) tardy and every tardy thereafter.

Telephone Calls
A phone for local calls is available outside the main office for student use during passing times and lunch.

Transportation
School Buses
Students have the privilege of being transported to and from school unless he/she has been suspended for abuse of the rules. The student is responsible to abide by the rules of safety and the driver's rules. The driver has the right to request a student to not ride or to leave the bus. This action will be reviewed by the administration.

Rules for Riding the Bus

•  Stand off the roadway while waiting for the bus.

•  Keep your seat at all times while the bus is moving.

•  Keep arms, head, and feet inside the bus at all times.

•  Cross the roadway immediately in front of the bus. Await the driver's signal to cross.

•  Do no talk to the driver while the bus is in motion. Keep your voice at a low, normal tone.

•  Outside of ordinary conversation, proper classroom conduct is to be maintained at all times.

•  The driver is in full charge of the bus and pupils. Pupils must obey the driver.

•  The driver has the right to assign students to certain seats if necessary to
promote order on the bus.

•  Pupils must be on time. The bus cannot wait for those who are tardy.

Penalties for Infractions
1st offense - Suspension for three days.
2nd offense - Suspension for two weeks.
3rd offense - Suspension for one month.
4th offense - Suspension for the remainder of the school year.

All parents are notified of this ruling. If a student is suspended from his bus, his parent(s) will be required to provide transportation to and from school for the entire period of suspension.

Vandalism/Theft
All school owned property is owned by the state & any damage to property of the state will be investigated & the perpetrator of any damage, theft, or vandalism to such property will be prosecuted.

Visitors
There shall be no non-student visitors at any time during the school day without clearance from the office. Only prearranged visitors will be approved. Any person other than school personnel, must be approved by the administration.

Walkmans, Cell phones, Pagers, Laser Pointers
These devices are not allowed in school and will be confiscated by the principal and returned to the student at the end of the day. If this becomes a recurring problem, they will be confiscated for the duration of the school year.

Weapons-Dangerous Paraphernalia
Guns, knives, clubs, explosives, fireworks, or any instrument whose purpose is to inflict (or could inflict) harm or bodily injury, are not to be on school property. All items will be confiscated and not returned. The student may be expelled or suspended as well as reported to law enforcement officials. (Board Policy #442, 444.4)

Pepin High School Extracurricular Code

Extracurricular activities at Pepin High School are a privilege for students. This code is written to encourage all Pepin High School students (grades 7-12) to engage in healthy, constructive and positive activities.

Subject to the WIAA and Pepin High School standards, students are eligible to participate in extracurricular activities (including all athletic teams, cheerleading squads, pom pon squads, forensics, band festivals, drama, and other activities as determined by the school's administration).

1. Orientation:
All students and their parent/guardians must attend an orientation meeting at the beginning of the school year if the student wishes to participate in extracurricular activities. Students and their parent/guardian will sign the athletic code of agreement at this time.

2. Academic Standards:

Attendance
To be eligible for participation in an activity (practice or event), a student must be in school all day. The only exceptions to this are:
· Medical appointments
· College visits
· Family emergencies/funerals approved by the Principal/A.D.

Academic Ineligibility
Any high school student with an "Incomplete" grade two weeks after the end of each nine week grading period will be ineligible for participation in extracurricular activities until the next grading period. Any student with four "D's" or a failing grade is ineligible until the next grading period.

3. Property
Students are responsible for any school property that is issued to them. Misuse of the property can result in fines or possible suspension from the activity the student is participating in.

4. Prohibition on the use of Drugs and Alcohol
Students involved in extracurricular activities at Pepin High School shall not at any time use or have in their possession alcoholic beverages, tobacco, and/or illegal drugs.

•  First Offense- Restriction from competition for 20% of all regular season events for those activities the student is involved in following the offense, and the completion of a two hour chemical education class.

•  Second Offense- The second offense will result in a 50% suspension of activities the student is involved in following the offense, and the completion of an AODA evaluation (and all follow up requirements from the evaluation) from an outside agency coordinated through the Pepin High School counseling department. Families will be responsible for the expense of the evaluation.

•  Third Offense- Third and successive violations of any kind will result in twelve-month suspensions from the date of the violation and the completion of an AODA evaluation (and all follow up requirements from the evaluation) from an outside agency coordinated through the Pepin High School counseling department. Families will be responsible for the expense of the evaluation.

•  If a student is suspended from competition at the start of a WIAA tournament series, they are suspended from all play for the entire tournament.

•  If a student fails to complete the season in an activity, the penalty shall remain in full effect for the next season.

5. Inappropriate Behavior

A student may have his/her participation privileges suspended by the coach/advisor or administrator as a result of any criminal or inappropriate behavior.

6. If a student wishes to challenge a suspension, they (and their parent/guardian) may meet with a panel that includes the Principal/Athletic Director, their coach, and one other person outside of athletics/activities chosen by the District Administrator to review the charge. If the student wishes to further appeal the charge, the following process shall be followed:

The District Administrator will meet with the parties involved, review the charges and make a final decision. Students are free to appeal procedural errors to the school board, and if still not satisfied with the decision, the student may appeal to the WIAA. The process for this procedure is located in the WIAA handbook in the high school office. Students will remain ineligible for competition during the appeals process.

6. Revisions

These standards will be modified when needed upon approval of the majority of the coaching staff. These standards are subject to board approval.