One criteria of a student’s success in school is regular and punctual attendance.  Frequent absences may lead to poor academic work, lack of social development and possible academic failure.  Regular attendance is of utmost importance for school interest, social adjustment and scholastic achievement.  No single factor may interfere with a student’s progress more quickly than frequent tardiness or absence.  Therefore, regular and punctual patterns of attendance shall be expected of each student.

According to state law, it is the obligation of every parent/guardian to ensure that every child under their care and supervision receives adequate education and training and if, of compulsory attendance age, attends school.

Continuity in the learning process and social adaptation is seriously disrupted by excessive absences.  In most situations, the work missed cannot be made up adequately.  Students who have good attendance generally achieve at higher levels, enjoy school more and are most employable after leaving school.

All students in grades kindergarten through 12 are expected to attend school for the academic year unless they fulfill all requirements for graduation at an earlier date.

Excused Absences

The following shall be considered excused absences:

A student who is temporarily ill or injured, or whose absence is approved by the administrative or executive director on a prearranged basis.  Prearranged absences shall be approved for appointments or circumstances of a serious nature only which cannot be taken care of outside of school hours.

A student who is absent for an extended period due to physical, mental or emotional disability.

A student who is pursuing a work-study program under the supervision of the school.

A student who is attending any school-sponsored activity or activities of an educational nature with advance approval by the Administrative or Executive Director.

A student who is absent in observance of an established religious holiday.

A student whose absence is approved by the Administrative or Executive Director at the request of the parent or guardian.

RMSEL may require suitable proof regarding the above exceptions, including written statements from medical sources.

Unexcused Absences

An unexcused absence is defined as an absence that is not covered by one of the foregoing exceptions.  Students who are suspended shall be considered unexcused.

Continued unexcused absences and/or repeated tardiness may be considered cause for disciplinary action.  The Administrative or Executive Director shall develop procedures to implement appropriate penalties. 

When a student returns to school after a period of absence, a note signed by one of his parents should be sent which indicates that the student was absent with their permission.  The note must contain the parent’s full name, the date and the number of days the student was absent.

Tardiness

Tardiness is defined as the appearance of a student without proper excuse after the scheduled time that a class begins.  Because of the disruptive nature of tardiness and the detrimental effect upon the rights of the non-tardy student to uninterrupted learning, penalties shall be imposed for excessive tardiness.  Parents/guardians shall be notified of all penalties regarding tardiness.

If a student leaves school or a class without permission of the teacher or the administrative or executive director, the student shall be considered truant.  The parents/guardian of the student shall be notified at the first offense regarding truancy.  On the second offense, the student may be suspended from school for up to three days.  Additional truancies shall be grounds for suspension and/or withdrawal to the student’s home school.  No credit shall be permitted for any student for any class or portion of a class during which time the student was truant.

Unexcused Absences/Truancy

If a student is absent without a signed parental excuse or if the student leaves school or class without permission of the teacher or Administrative or Executive Director, the student shall be considered truant.  Determination of an absence as excused or unexcused will be based upon the criteria stated above.  A “habitual truant” shall be defined as a student of compulsory attendance age who has four clock hours of unexcused absences from school in any one month or ten clock hours of unexcused absences during any school year.  Said absences are cumulative, need not be consecutive, nor confined to one class.  Absences due to suspension shall not be counted in the total of unexcused absences.

A plan shall be developed for a student who is declared habitually truant with the goal of assisting the child to remain in school.  When possible, the child’s parent, guardian or legal custodian will be expected to participate with RMSEL personnel during the development of the plan unless extenuating circumstances prevent their participation.  Appropriate school personnel shall make all reasonable efforts to meet with the parent, guardian or legal custodian to review and evaluate the reasons for the child’s truancy.

In order to reduce the incidents of truancy, parents of all students shall be notified in writing at the beginning of each school year of their obligation to insure that all children of compulsory attendance age attend school.  Parents shall be required to acknowledge in writing awareness of their obligations and to furnish the school with a telephone number or other means of contacting them during the school day.

The school shall establish a system of monitoring individual excused and unexcused absences.  When a student fails to report on a regularly scheduled school day and school personnel have received no indication that the parent is aware of the absence, school personnel or volunteers under the direction of school personnel shall make a reasonable effort to notify the parent by telephone.

The school will attempt to determine the reason for a student’s unexcused absence, taking timely and appropriate corrective and/or disciplinary action relevant to the case of the student’s absenteeism.

The responsibility for the dress and appearance of students generally rests with individual students and their parents.  Students are encouraged to dress appropriately for all school activities and should not be disruptive or detrimental to the learning environment.  Further, the general standards listed below will be in effect.

Clothing

A student’s clothes and accessories may not obscure his/her face, contain messages or images that promote illegal activities or be provocative or offensive.  Beach or swimwear is not allowed at school, unless specifically requested for a fieldwork activity.  Parents and students should consult their activity calendar daily to ensure the student’s attire is appropriate for the activity, which could range from attending a symphony performance to rock climbing.

Footwear

Shoes, sandals or boots must be worn in the school building.

Dark Glasses

A student may not wear dark glasses in the building unless he/she has received permission from his/her crew leader (grades K – 5) or the Administrative or Executive Director (grades 6 – 12).

Safety

Reasonable cleanliness is expected as a matter of general health and welfare.  Wearing apparel that interferes with or endangers the student while he/she is participating in classroom activities may not be worn.  The decision as to the safety or unsuitability of the clothing is a matter for the instructor’s judgment.

Consequences

Disciplinary action for violation of dress standards will include notification of the violation, the requirement that the clothing be changed before re-entering class, and, at the discretion of the crew leader, Executive Director, or Administrative Director, a conference with parent(s) or guardian(s).  More severe disciplinary consequences, including suspension or referral to home district with a recommendation for expulsion review may result from repeated or serious violation.

Gang Related Behaviors and Dress

This policy has been adopted pursuant to the requirements of state law, in recognition of the fact that gang activities at school impose a threat to the welfare and safety of students and others in the school community and cause substantial disruption to the educational process.  The term “gang” as used in this policy refers to all groups of three or more individuals who share a common interest, bond, or activity characterized by criminal, delinquent, or otherwise disruptive conduct engaged in collectively or individually.

The sponsoring districts have determined that gang activity in schools is often marked by the prominent display of certain colors or other indicia in wearing apparel by students:  graffiti with distinctive symbols; and the used of signals and gestures known to denote gang membership.  Students who adopt a dress style suggestive of such displays, even when unassociated with gang activity, may become targets of antisocial behavior.  The purpose of this policy is to protect the health, safety, and welfare of those in the school community and to prevent the initiation or continuation of gang membership and gang activity in our school.

1.      Any manner of grooming or apparel, including clothing, jewelry, hats, emblems, and badges, which by virtue of color, arrangement, trademark, or other attribute is associated with or denotes membership in or affiliation with any gang will not be allowed in school buildings or on school grounds, at school sanctioned activities and events and while being transported in school approved vehicles.  The prohibition of gang-related apparel will be applied at the discretion of the crew leader in consultation with the school’s Administrative Team as the need arises.

2.      Gestures, signals, or graffiti which denote gang membership or activities are prohibited in the school building and on school grounds, at school-sanctioned activities and events, and while being transported in school approved vehicles.  This prohibition of gang-related gestures, signals, and graffiti will be applied at the discretion of the crew leader after consultation with the school’s Administrative Team as the need arises.

3.      Gang graffiti on school premises will be photographed as soon as it is discovered and then will be promptly removed, washed down, or painted.  The photographs will be shared with local law enforcement authorities and used in future disciplinary or criminal actions against the offenders.

4.      Any student wearing or carrying overt gang paraphernalia or making gestures that symbolize gang membership will be referred to the Administrative Director or the Executive Director for disciplinary action.

5.      Disciplinary action for violation of these standards will include notification of the violation, where applicable; the requirement that the apparel be changed before reentering class; and, at the discretion of the Administrative Director or Executive Director, a parental conference.  More severe disciplinary consequences, including suspension or referral to home district with a recommendation for expulsion review will result from repeated or serious violation.

6.       The school will establish open lines of communication with local law enforcement regarding this policy in order to further its purposes.

Expectations

RMSEL intends for student to grow toward self-discipline, to accept responsibility, and to learn to appreciate the rights of others.  The five character values stressed in the learning process that students are expected to strive toward demonstrating in their behavior are:

              Courage                                                 Integrity

              Compassion                                         Responsibility

              Discipline

Classroom Rules

Teachers are free to establish their own classroom rules, often in collaboration with their students.  Along with the character values, mentioned above, three fundamental expectations are in effect school-wide:

1.       Each student is responsible for his or her own learning and for supporting the learning of others.

2.       Each student is to learn with his or her whole mind and body.

3.       Each student is to take care of the learning environment.

Hallway Rules

The Character Values form the basis for behavior in the hallways with the addition of the rules listed below:

1.       Walk

2.       Use quiet voices.

3.       Keep hands and feet to yourself.

4.       Treat displays and projects with respect.

5.       Halls are off limits during recess and lunchtime unless a supervisor gives permission.

6.       Sports equipment, including balls, should not be used in the halls.

7.       Students who need to work in the hall should be respectful of those working in the classroom.

School Grounds, Trips and Activities

Students are to behave in a respectful, non-disruptive manner while at school and on school excursions.  This includes walking quietly in the school halls, without bouncing balls, touching displays, or roughhousing.  Public displays of affection, such as kissing, are inappropriate.

Public Displays of Affection

Public displays of affection such as kissing are not allowed on school property or on school trips or activities.  As a general guideline, displays of affection that would be inappropriate among siblings are inappropriate in public.

Sexual Harassment of Students

Sexual harassment is recognized as a form of sex discrimination and thus a violation of the laws which prohibit sex discrimination. 

A learning environment that is free from sexual harassment shall be maintained.  It shall be a violation of policy for any staff member to harass students or for students to harass other students through conduct or communications of a sexual nature.

The following definition shall apply as sexual harassment:  unwelcomed sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature may constitute sexual harassment when:

Submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of a person’s educational development.

Submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for education decisions affecting such individual.

Such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s educational performance or creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive educational environment.

Sexual harassment as defined above may include but is not limited to:

Sex-oriented verbal “kidding,” abuse or harassment

Pressure for sexual activity

Repeated remarks to a person with sexual or demeaning implications

Unwelcomed touching, such as patting, pinching or constant brushing against another’s body

Suggesting or demanding sexual involvement, accompanied by implied or explicit threats concerning one’s grades or similar personal concerns

Students should report all incidents of sexual harassment to their teacher, Administrative or Executive Director, or other trusted adult.  Students may file an informal or formal grievance of sexual harassment.

All matters involving sexual harassment complaints shall remain confidential to the extent possible.

Filing of a grievance or otherwise reporting sexual harassment shall not reflect upon the individual’s status or affect grades.

Non-harassment/ Nondiscrimination of Students

RMSEL affirms the right of all students regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, or disability, to be treated with respect and to be protected from intimidation, discrimination, physical harm, and/or harassment.  Individuals or groups are in violation of this policy if, on school grounds, at school-sanctioned activities, or in vehicles sponsored by the school, they:

1.       Make demeaning remarks directly or indirectly, such as name-calling, racial slurs, or “jokes” or physically threaten or harm an individual on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, or disability;

2.       Display visual or written material or deface school property or materials to demean the race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, or disability of an individual or group;

3.       Damage, deface, or destroy private property of any person because of that person’s race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, or disability.

Students who believe that they or any other students have been the subject of harassment and/or discriminatory behavior will report the incident immediately to the any staff member, appropriate supervisor, or their designees.  Complaints about harassment/ discriminatory behavior will be investigated immediately. (See also “Discrimination/Harassment” under “Disciplinary Action for Specific Infractions.”)

Harassment or Assault of a School Employee

Incidents of assault upon, disorderly conduct toward, harassment of, the making of a knowingly false allegation of child abuse against, or any criminal act directed toward a school teacher or school employee, or instances of damage occurring on the premises to the personal property of a school teacher or school employee, will result in a minimum of a three-day mandatory suspension.  Further suspension or recommendation for expulsion will be imposed if injury or damage to property has occurred.

Alcohol and Drug Use

Student use, possession, distribution, or sale of alcohol or illicit drugs is prohibited at RMSEL, on school grounds, at any school-sanctioned activities, when students are being transported in school sponsored vehicles, on off-campus lunch, or at any time or in any place where illicit drug use might interfere with or obstruct the educational program or operations of RMSEL or the health, safety or welfare of students or employees. 

Illicit drug use is the use of illegal drugs and the abuse of alcohol and other drugs, including anabolic steroids.  For the purpose of this policy, illicit drugs include, but are not limited to, opiates, narcotics, marijuana, intoxicants of any kind, counterfeit drugs, and drug-containing paraphernalia.  A violation will subject a student to appropriate disciplinary action, up to and including referral to home district with a recommendation for expulsion review and referral to law enforcement.  Recommendation for expulsion will be mandatory for any distribution, trade, exchange, or sale of a drug or other controlled substance in a school building or in or on school property. (See also “Alcohol and Drug Use” under “Disciplinary Action for Specific Infractions.”)

Tobacco Use

In order to promote the general health, welfare, and well-being of staff and students, smoking, chewing, or other use of tobacco products by staff, students, and members of the public are not allowed on school grounds.  Students are not allowed to use tobacco at school-sponsored activities, events, trips, or anywhere they go during the school day. (See also “Tobacco Use” under “Disciplinary Action for Specific Infractions.”)

Student Responsibility

All property brought to school is brought entirely at the owner’s risk.  RMSEL does not assume responsibility for students’ personal property.

Electronic Equipment

Personal headphones, portable CD or cassette players, radios and electronic games are not to be used at any time during the school day except during the lunch period.  Teachers may grant exceptions to this rule if use of the personal electronic equipment can be used for educational purposes.  Failure to comply with this rule will result in confiscation of the personal equipment.

Roller skates, In-line skates, Skateboards, etc.

Roller skates, in-line skates and skateboards are not allowed on school property.  They must be removed at the school boundary and stored in a safe place during the school day.  If used on school property, skates and/or skateboards will be confiscated on the first offense.

Confiscation

Any personal property being used in a distracting or inappropriate way will be confiscated and returned at the end of the day.  Repeated violations will require a parent conference and may ultimately result in permanent confiscation.

Money

If it is necessary for a student to bring a large sum of money to school for an after school event, it should be brought to the main office manager for safekeeping.

Lost and Found

Found clothing, backpacks, water bottles, lunch boxes, etc. are located in the west stairwell at the north end of the main hallway. 

Camping Knives

Only high school students may bring a folding camping knife or Swiss Army knife on extended fieldwork.  The knife blade(s) must be shorter than three inches.  The student must have a signed acknowledgment of the policy and permission slip signed by a crew leader and a parent (Knives for High School Fieldwork Form).

Any misuse will result in the immediate forfeiture of the knife to a crew leader and disciplinary action appropriate to the behavior which may include suspension, referral to the home district with a recommendation for expulsion review, and notification of law enforcement authorities.

Weapons

The possession and/or use of any dangerous weapon by students at school is detrimental to the welfare and safety of those students and others in the school community.  Carrying, bringing, using, or possessing any dangerous weapon in the school building, on school grounds, at any school sanctioned activity or event, or while being transported in a school approved vehicle, without the authorization of the school is strictly prohibited.  Dangerous weapons means:

1.       Firearm, whether loaded or unloaded, or a firearm facsimile;

2.       Any pellet or BB guns, or any other device, whether operational or not, designed to propel projectiles by spring action or compressed air;

3.       Knives, including a fixed blade knife with a blade that measures three inches or greater in length or a spring loaded knife or a pocket knife with a blade longer than three and one-half inches;

4.       Or any weapon, device, instrument, materials, or substance, whether animate or inanimate, used or intended to be used to inflict death or bodily injury.

Any student who acts in violation of this policy will be placed on immediate suspension and a referral to home district with a recommendation for expulsion review will be initiated promptly by the Administrative or Executive Director.