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HLA Student Handbook 2011-2012

Adopted by USD 210 Board of Education

Click to download PDF copy of the HLA Student Handbook

 

 

Hugoton Learning Academy

Public Charter School

 

“Expectations for Excellence”

 

 

529 S. Main St.

Hugoton, KS  67951

Phone: 620-428-6374     Fax: 620-428-6378

www.hugotonlearningacademy.com

 

 

2011-2012

Student Handbook

 

The following policies and administrative procedures apply to actions of students during school hours, before and after school, while on school property, while traveling on school vehicles funded by the Hugoton Learning Academy, at all school-sponsored events and when the actions affect the mission or operation of the Hugoton Learning Academy (HLA).

It is to be considered a privilege and an honor to attend the HLA, therefore, students may be subject to disciplinary actions for serious acts of misconduct that disrupts the orderly educational process of the HLA and such misconduct could result in dismissal from the HLA.

Notice of Non-Discrimination
The HLA does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, handicap/disability, religion, or age as treatment of students in programs and as to employment. Persons having inquiries concerning the district’s compliance with Title VI, Title IX, Section 504, Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Age Discrimination Act may contact the Hugoton Middle School Principal, the school district’s Section 504 coordinator, 115 West 11^th, Hugoton, KS 67951, or phone 620-544-4341.

HLA Hours of Operation

Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
8 am – 8 pm	8 am – 8 pm	8 am – 8 pm	8 am – 8 pm	8 am – 8pm

Our Mission
To increase attendance and graduation rates among disengaged or unenrolled youth by providing academic and school-to-work skills training through Individualized Learning Plans (ILP’s).

Our Purpose
The HLA will provide new opportunities for improved student learning and increased learning opportunities for students in special areas of emphasis. By changing the student schedules and individualizing the student’s learning experiences, student learning will increase. ILP’s make allowances for tailoring instruction to meet students’ particular needs and increase student comprehension. The HLA will increase learning opportunities for students in special areas of emphasis specifically in employability skills. By requiring every student in every grade to take classes dedicated to various aspects of employment and developing work skills needed in a modern context will allow HLA students a unique opportunity to leave public school with great economic advantages over their counterparts who do not receive this training. Because of the rigorous academic courses at the HLA, upon graduation students will be adequately prepared to enter the world of work, vocational training, or post-secondary academic institutions with success.

USD 210 Board of Education
Mr. Don Beesley
Mr. Todd Gayer
Mr. Martin Daharsh
Mr. Barry Hittle
Mr. Doug Martin
Mrs. Nancy Honig
Mrs. Stephanie Heger
Mrs. Debbie Theye, Clerk

Administration
Mr. Mark Crawford…………………………Superintendent
Mr. Dennis Gonzales………….………..Principal/Director
Mrs. Emily Snyder…………..…...Vocational Coordinator
Mrs. Barb Trujillo……………….....Adult ESL Coordinator
Mr. Jan Kilbourne…………………………..Math Instructor
Mrs. Michael Burrows………......…Academic Coordinator

Parental Involvement
In order for student success to be possible it is essential that parents be a part of the HLA. Parents will be welcomed and encouraged to act as volunteers at the HLA as well as being an active part of their child’s Individualized Learning Plan (ILP) team meetings.

Admission Team
The HLA admission team will be essential and accountable for decisions pertaining to admission to the HLA. The admission team consists of the HLA Director, Vocational Coordinator, Academic Coordinator and a Guidance Counselor or any other student-chosen advocate. The decisions of the Admission Team will be final.

Advisory Board
Activities of the HLA must first be approved through the advisory board with final decision made by the HLA Director.

Mr. Dennis Gonzales
Mrs. Emily Snyder
Mrs. Michael Burrows
Mrs. Brittani Mahan
Mr. Roger James
Mr. Martin Daharsh
Mr. Mark Crawford
Ms. Barb Trujillo

Suggested improvement to the HLA may be made to any of its members and discussed at an advisory meeting.

Individualized Learning Plan
Each student will have an advisory team consisting of the student, parent/guardian or advocate, HLA Director, Vocational Coordinator, and Academic Coordinator. This team will meet at a minimum of once per semester to track student progress, discuss further progress and set goals. Information pertaining to student progress will be documented in the student’s ILP. The Academic Coordinator will monitor student progress with assistance from all teachers in the completion of the ILP.

Enrollment
The 2011-2012 school year open enrollment will end September 12, 2010.  Enrollment for the 2012-2013 school year will begin April 13, 2012. 

All students are required to fill out the Enrollment Form and Entrance Interview Questionnaire.  Students will not be considered enrolled if both documents are not completely filled out and signed. 

All out of district traditional aged students (both onsite and virtual) who wish to apply after the enrollment period will go through the same application process.  (Virtual out of district student enrollment fees will change after the end of the current school year enrollment period.  Please see the “Fees” section for additional information.)  If student meets criteria, based on their Entrance Interview Questionnaire, they will be accepted on a trial period.  The trial period will be based on the students Individual Learning Plan (ILP).  The students ILP will determine the amount of time we will give them on their trial period.  At the end of the trial period the student will either be accepted as a full time student, or be dismissed. 

The trial period will consist of:
A virtual test to see how the student is able to adapt to an online curriculum.
A set schedule, to monitor if the student is able to keep a schedule.
A set progress report, to see if the student is able to meet daily goals in each of their courses.

If any of the above items are not successfully met, the HLA will dismiss the individual.

Fees
On-site students:

All students, 7^th to 12^th grades, living within the district boundaries are eligible to apply for admission to the HLA.  The application process will include completing an application for admission, three written recommendations (one from a parent/guardian, one from a community business representative, and one from a school representative), and a face-to-face interview with the admission team.

The interview process is two-fold:  To ensure that applicants and their families understand the nature and expectations of the HLA; and to ascertain the compatibility of the HLA mission and structure to the characteristics and goals of the applicant.  If the admission team finds that the student is not a good fit for the school, they reserve the right to not admit the student into the HLA. 

All full time/traditional aged students will be enrolled in five classes, which may include a mix of required and elective classes.

All fees are to be paid upon enrollment.

1. Book Rental Fee………..…………………..$20.00
2. School Supplies fee…………..………...…$10.00

Total:  $30.00

Activity Pass (optional)………...……….$28.00

Make checks payable to Hugoton High School

Virtual Students:
All students, 7^th to 12^th grades, living within the state of Kansas are eligible to apply for admission to the HLA.  The application process will include completing an application for admission, three written recommendations (one from a parent/guardian, one from a community business representative, and one from a school representative), and a written interview questionnaire.

All full time/traditional aged students will be enrolled in five classes, which may include a mix of required and elective classes.

All fees are to be paid upon enrollment.

Before September 12, 2011:

Text and Service fee………………………………..$30.00

Total:  $30.00

After September 20, 2010:

Curriculum licensing fee…………………………..$300.00

Text and service fee…………………………………$30.00

Total:  $330.00

**No fee’s will be refunded.

Virtual School Requirements – Traditional Aged Students
At the HLA, parents play an essential role in ensuring students’ success, achievement and accountability. Serving as Learning Coaches, parents (or their designees) are responsible for their student’s day-to-day activities. The Learning Coach typically provides support, but far less daily supervision.

In order to be considered as a full time virtual student, the student’s parent or guardian and the student themselves must agree to the following:

1. Supervise your child's work.
2. Provide support and encouragement.
3. Maintain communication with instructors
4. Monitor progress through instructor contact.
5. Hold your child responsible for completing course work.
6. Oversee the care of school materials.
7. Bring your student to all testing sessions.  (Requirement of admission to HLA
8. Maintain a steady Internet connection over the course of the school semesters.  (Requirement of admission to HLA)

Virtual School Requirements – Non-traditional Students
Students above the age of 18 are considered non-traditional students.  In order to be considered for enrollment the student must agree to the following:

1. Maintain communication with instructors/HLA staff.
2. Monitor progress through instructor contact.
3. Hold yourself responsible for completing course work.
4. Be present at the HLA for final exams, requirement for admission.
5. Maintain a steady Internet connection over the course of the school semesters, requirement for admission.

HLA Employability Curriculum
The employability curriculum and the on-the-job training classes form the basic character of the HLA. In order to prepare students to adequately address the employability challenges they will receive training both characteristics of desirable employees and in the development of the Partnership for 21^st Century Skills as necessary to prepare for the emerging modern job markets.

These 21^st Century Skills include: Global Awareness, Civic Engagement (including required community service hours), Economic/Financial Literacy, Information and Communication Technology Literacy, Thinking and Problem Solving, Interpersonal and Self Directional Literacy. Students enrolled will be required to take employability classes focusing on career exploration and self-assessment from the Kansas Career Pipeline and other resources.

Students will participate in field trips to a variety of job sites and interact with in-class speakers who will introduce their own job and career experiences. Students will be required to declare a Program of Study, identifying one career pathway they are most interested in pursuing. HLA’s Program of Study will come from one of the eight career clusters:

1. Finance
2. Hospitality and Tourism
3. Law, Public Safety and Security
4. Human Services
5. Health Sciences
6. Architecture and Construction
7. Arts, Audio/Video Technology, and Communication
8. Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources

A student’s Program of Study can be altered as necessary each semester up to the student’s senior year. Do to the nature of the program and the graduation requirements it is essential that students have legal documentation indicating they are eligible to work in the United States.

Go EduStar/E2020
Go EduStar is a computer system whereby the parents/guardians of a student may make application on the computer through the HLA website.  This system will allow the parents/guardians the privilege of checking on their student’s attendance, behavior and grades. 

E2020 is our curriculum component of the students course work.  Parent email address will be required upon enrollment (if possible) and weekly academic progress will be automatically sent to the parent/guardian. 

Grade classification by credits earned:

Freshman	Sophomore	Junior	Senior
0-4 credits	5-9 credits	10-14 credits	15+ credits

Grades are issued at the end of each semester.  The report cards will be distributed the week following the close of the semester. 

A:  90-100%

B:  80-89%

C:  70-79%

D:  60-69%

F:  0-59%

Graduation Requirements
Notice that a total of 22 units of credit are required by the Hugoton Learning Academy for graduation.

This law applies to students who graduate in the year 2001 or later.

Take notice that the HLA pre-college curriculum consists of:

1. Four units of English
2. Three units of mathematics
3. Three units of social studies
4. Three units of natural science
5. Two units of employability
6. One unit in the field of computer technology
7. One unit of physical education
8. Five elective units

Academic Honor Roll
Blue and Red Honor Roll:  3.30 GPA

Eagle Honor Roll:  All A’s

To qualify for the Eagle Honor Roll and Blue and Red Honor Roll, a student can have no grade below a C.  The Honor Roll is determined at the end of each semester.  Students who are on Honor Roll will have their names recognized in the local newspaper.

Student of the Month
HLA Student of the Month combines both excellence in school and positive progress towards employment through the HLA employability class.  Both students and staff will vote monthly for the student of the month.  The criteria for Student of the Month is:

• Demonstrates self-management skills
• Character and demonstrates the best values at the HLA
• A Leader
• Reliable
• Communication skills
• Time management skills
• Team Leader (Academic related)
• Overall best student
• Attendance
• Showing the most progress in his/her classes

Student/Classroom Schedule
Students will be working with an Academic Coordinator to devise an appropriate schedule that will meet the needs of the student. Each student will have an ILP in which they can work at their own pace for completion of coursework so long as they finish on designated days.

General schedule: Classes will start at 8:10 am, lunch will be from 11:20 am -12:05 pm, and the school day will end at 3:15 pm. 

9^th and 10^th Grades: will be expected to attend 6.5 hours of learning time each day, a total of 32.5 hours per week.

11^th Grade: will be required to attend 22.5 – 27.5 hours each week with the option of additional job training or work experience to make up a total of 32.5 hours per week.

12^th Grade:  will be required to attend class 17.5 – 22.5 hours each week with the option of additional work experience to make up a total of 32.5 hours per week.

Large group instruction for employability skills will be taught:

1. Developing Career and Living Skills (Introduction):  Monday and Wednesday 2:00-3:00 pm
2. Preparing for Career Success (Advanced):  Tuesday and Thursday 2:00-3:00 pm

Final Exams/State Assessments
The staff at the Hugoton Learning Academy will proctor all final exams and state assessments at the Hugoton Learning Academy.  Any student who may live outside of our district must be present on our testing days in order to receive credit for their course.  The student will be academically dismissed if they are not present for the set testing days.  The testing days are set and available through our district calendar.

ID Badge
Each student will be issued a name badge with picture and HLA lanyard at the beginning of the year at the schools expense.  If lost or defaced this card will be replaced at the expense of the student. 

Lost card fee (mandatory):  $5

Replacement lanyard fee (not mandatory):  $3

The student will use this ID badge to both show identification and to clock in and out of school.  Failure to wear ID will result in detention.  Failure to have ID will result in unexcused absence or tardy from school, since student will not be able to clock in or out of school for that day. 

Dress Code
Since our students are learning employability skills, it is important that they know and understand the importance of appropriate dress. Students are expected to dress in accordance with the “business-like” learning environment of the HLA.

Dress modestly and in a manner that shows respect of yourself and others. Dress and grooming must adhere to generally accepted standards and should not be offensive or pose a threat to public or personal health or safety and should not disrupt/distract from the instructional aspect of the HLA. Accordingly, the following are deemed inappropriate and not all inclusive:

• Bare Feet
• See-through clothing
• Clothing inappropriate, immodest, or nude slogans/pictures having profane, violent or sexual connotations.
• Clothing advertising, suggesting or alluding to the use of substances illegal to minors or promoting liquor establishments that sell alcohol.
• Shorts or skirts shorter than fingertip length, with the arm and hand completely extended. Shirts must remain below the waistline.
• Swimming suits or cut offs
• Clothing showing the chest, midriff, stomach, or under clothing.
• School athletic gear ~without HLA Staff approval
• Hats, bandannas and sunglasses are not to be worn in the HLA. This includes wearing these items around the neck and head.

Students wearing such apparel will be asked to call someone and have them bring appropriate clothing to the HLA. Students who do not follow this dress code will be placed on a plan of assistance and given ample opportunity to wear appropriate clothing. As with any plan of assistance, if it is determined the student will not abide by the plan, the student may be dismissed from the HLA.

Attendance
Historically, successful students have at least one thing in common; they attend a minimum of three hours a day, three days a week.  Attendance is extremely important in this type of program, as it is impossible for you to work on your lessons when you are not present in the classroom.  Please notify the HLA as soon as possible if you will be absent.  Students who have attendance problems will be dealt with on an individual basis. 

Students who have a habit of good attendance generally achieve higher grades, enjoy school more, and are much more desirable to employers after graduation. The HLA expects all students to attend the HLA regularly and to be on time. We appreciate all parental cooperation and support in this endeavor. Compliance is the responsibility of the students and their parents/guardians.

Tardy
Due to the individualized schedules of each student, it is expected that the student will not be late to class. Each student will be expected to clock in upon arrival and clock out at the end of the day. Being tardy WILL NOT be accepted on the work site, students MUST be on time.

Absences
Students coming to the HLA late at the beginning of the school day or after lunch will be given an absence if they are forty-give (45) minutes late. Students less than forty-five minutes late will receive a tardy.

Absence Defined
1. Excused: Absences due to personal illness, family illness, medical appointments, death in the family, etc. will be excused with parent’s/guardian’s permission or authorization.

2. Unexcused: Parental authorized absence for shopping trips, haircuts, baby-sitting, vacations, etc. will be unexcused absences, but will not result in the assignment of disciplinary action. Students could lose the right to make-up any work missed. If the absence is know in advance, students are expected to get all work completed before the absence occurs.

3. Truancy: (“ditching”) Absence from the HLA without parents/guardians permission or authorization. Truancy results in disciplinary action by the HLA. Unexcused absences are not a violation of the student discipline policy because the parents/guardians authorized the student’s absence and were knowledgeable of the student’s whereabouts. Disciplinary action and In-School Suspension (ISS) will be assigned.

Procedure To Follow In The Event Of Absence
1. Parents/guardians are expected to notify the HLA each day a student is, or will be absent prior to the start of school on the day of the absence.

2. Students returning from an absence of one or all classes must present a note or have had a phone call to the HLA from their parent/guardian stating the reason for their absence before they return.

3. Students shall not be permitted to return to the HLA following an absence until such written excuse or telephone call is obtained.

Leaving School During The Day
1. Students are not permitted to leave the HLA after their arrival without the HLA’s authorization. Permission to leave can only be obtained from the HLA Director or HLA staff. The HLA must be notified by the parent/guardian, of the time the student is to be dismissed, and who will be picking up the student. The designated person must come into the HLA to pick up the student and sign him/her out.

2. Students with pre-arranged absences must checkout with the HLA staff.

3. The check-out sheet must be signed and the student must clock out when they leave the HLA, and again if the student returns to the school that day. Those who fail to do this will face disciplinary action.

Excused Absences With Parent Authorization
An excused absence must meet one of the following criteria:

1. School sponsored trip.

2. An absence due to inclement weather/road conditions.

3. An absence for the general welfare of the student (dental, medical, illness, court, etc.)

4. Family illness or death in the family

5. An absence, in the opinion of the HLA Director, that was in the best interest of the student’s family. (emergency, personal, etc.)

6. Senior College Days will only be excused if proper paper work and pre-arrangements are made with the HLA staff.

NOTE: Students NOT incapacitated by illness, but who are seeking medical attention on a repeated basis, may be asked to submit a doctor’s note verifying appointments in order to be allowed to make up missed assignments.

Pre-Arranged Absences
A pre-arranged absence requires the student to make proper arrangements with the HLA staff PRIOR to leaving. Students are to always check with the HLA staff regarding the necessary requirements while gone from the HLA. Worked missed because of pre-arranged absence which occurs at the end of the semester must be submitted BEFORE leaving the HLA. No make-up days beyond the close of the semester grading period will be granted for pre-arranged absences. NO INCOMPLETES will be issued in place of a semester letter grade unless mitigating circumstances have been determined.

Unexcused Absences With Parent Authorization
Per K.S.A. 72-1113: A student is considered truant if he/she is inexcusably absent the substantial part of either three consecutive days, five cumulative days per semester, or seven cumulative days per school year, whichever comes first. Any event or appointment, which can be scheduled outside of the school day, will not be considered reasonable or valid reasons for absences from the school. Unexcused absences are simply absences not covered by our excused absence policy. Some examples include:

1. Hair appointments, car repairs, etc.
2. Recreational trips such as skiing.
3. Sleeping in (resting, tired, etc.)
4. Staying home to do school work.
5. Doing errands in or out of town.
6. Visiting relatives.
7. Working as a laborer when no emergency exists.
8. Translating (unless prior approval has been made in the office.)
9. The HLA Director reserves the right to determine if an absence is excused or unexcused at the time the student returns to the HLA.

Parents/guardians will be notified of all absences NOT cleared with the HLA by a note or phone call.

Unexcused Absences Can Result In The Following
1. Suspension from HLA activities.
2. Loss of the right to make up work.
3. Loss of credit for classes at the HLA.
4. Notification of SRS/County Attorney for those “truant” under the age of 16. Continual and habitual truancy/ditching by students over 16 may result in their being dropped from the HLA. Students dropped, or those who quit, may NOT enroll until the following semester. Every effort is made to keep students in the HLA.

Behavior/Conduct
Students attending the HLA may be disciplined for any of the following reasons:

•Willful violation of any published, adopted student conduct regulation;

•Conduct which substantially disrupts, impedes, or interferes with school operation;

•Conduct which endangers the safety or substantially impinges on or invades the rights of others;

•Conduct which constitutes the commission of a felony;

•Conduct which constitutes the commission of a misdemeanor;

•Disobedience of an order of any HLA authority if the disobedience results in disorder, disruption or interference with school operation; and

•Possession of a weapon at school, on school property or at a school-sponsored event.

Violation of any provision of the behavior code may result in disciplinary action up to and including suspension and/or expulsion from the HLA.

The HLA shall cooperate with law enforcement in security matters and shall, as required by law, report criminal acts committed at school, on school property or at school-sponsored activities.

Telephone/Cell Phone Use
HLA telephones are for school business.  Use of phones for personal business should be avoided except in case of an emergency.  Use of phones for social calls is not permitted.  Students shall not make long distance calls on district telephones without the prior permission of the HLA Director or HLA staff. All messages will be taken and given to students in a timely manner.

Students are allowed to carry cell phones while attending class at the HLA.  Cell phones cannot be used during regular class time.  If a cell phone is seen or heard during regular class time it will be given to the principal.  Cell phones are can be used between classes, or during break time.

1^st offense:  Parent needs to pick phone up from the office after school.
2^nd offense:  Parent needs to pick phone up from the office after school and ISS will be assigned.
3^rd offense:  Parent needs to pick phone up from the office after school and 2 days of ISS will be assigned.
4^th offense:  Parent will be notified that phone has been taken away from student and it will be handed back the last day of the current school year.  2 days of ISS will be assigned for the 4^th offense.

iPods, MP3 Players, Electronic Devices
It is recognized that some students learn best if they have music playing as they study.  If a student wants to bring their own system, it can be used only at the discretion of the HLA staff. If such a system is used, the student must provide their own headset and the music should be at a volume level in which others around cannot hear the music. This is important for the care of the student’s hearing and for the respect of others around them. Students will be responsible for the safety of their own equipment.

Classes Taken At Hugoton High School
Students may be allowed to take classes at Hugoton High School that are not offered at the HLA if it directly relates to their chosen program of study. Conduct at Hugoton High will be the same as the HLA but the class work could be more involved. If the Hugoton High administration is called to intervene on a behavioral matter of an HLA student, the privilege to attend Hugoton High classes will be taken away. If the student continues to display inappropriate behaviors after the return to the HLA, the student could be dismissed from the HLA.

Safety
Fire Drill:  The State of Kansas requires at least one fire drill per month during the school year.  Procedure for fire drill evacuation of the building will be as follows:  All staff will be responsible for instructing the students as to which exits are available for emergency evacuation.  Once the signal is sounded all staff/students will evacuate from the entire building as rapidly as possible.  All personnel will exit at designated doors and report at least 50 feet from the building.  Staff/students will return to classes when the all-clear bell is given.

Tornado Drill:  The State of Kansas requires three drills each year.  Procedures for tornado drill evacuation from classrooms will be as follows:  All staff will be responsible for instructing their classes toward emergency shelters and how to take cover.  Once the signal is sounded all staff/students will move immediately to their emergency shelter area to take a seated position on the floor, shielding face and head.  Staff/students will return to classes when the all-clear bell is given.

School Lockdown Drill:  Procedures for the school lockdown will be as follows:  The signal is an announcement via announcement.  All staff will be responsible for locking classroom/office doors, accounting for all students, and instructing students where to relocate in the room away from doors and windows.  No one is to leave a locked area unless directed to by the school administrator or law enforcement officers.

Visitors
The HLA is a learning/working school; therefore all visitors must check-in with the HLA staff. Although the HLA welcomes visitors into our school we also want to make sure all students are given the proper opportunity to learn in a safe and non-threatening environment. If a student has a desire to show others their school, we want to make sure they have the opportunity.

All requests for visitors must be approved at least 24 hours prior to the visit.  Those coming into the school for tours may be given a tour if the HLA Director or HLA representative deems it an appropriate time for a tour. Visitors may be asked to return at a more desirable time for students and faculty.

Cafeteria Procedures and Conduct
Breakfast and lunch will be served to HLA students in the elementary school cafeteria.  Breakfast will be served from 7:40-8:05 each day.  Lunch will be served from 11:20-12:00 each day.  Students may choose to bring their own lunch, or leave for lunch during the school day.

Parents/guardians are responsible for students who leave campus for lunch.

Bus Transportation
Bus students are to be ready to board the bus (at the end of the school day) by 3:10.  Bus transportation to school in the morning is to be arranged between the Transportation Director and the students’ parent/guardian.  Bus drivers monitor behavior and misconduct could lead to loss of bus privileges. 

Weapons
A student shall 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.

Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment shall not be tolerated at the HLA. 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.

It shall be a violation of HLA policy for any employee to sexually harass a student, for a student to sexually harass another student, or for any employee to discourage a student from filing a complaint, or to fail to investigate or refer for investigation, any complaint lodged under the provisions of HLA policy.

Sexual harassment is unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and other inappropriate oral, written or physical conduct of a sexual nature when made by a member of the school staff to a student or when made by any student to another student when:

•Submission to such conduct is made, explicitly or implicitly, a term or condition of the individual’s education;

•Submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for academic decisions affecting that individual; or

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

Sexual harassment may include, but is not limited to:

•Verbal harassment or abuse;

•Pressure for sexual activity;

•Repeated remarks to a person, with sexual or demeaning implication;

•Unwelcome touching; or suggesting or demanding sexual involvement accompanied by implied or explicit threats concerning a student’s grades, participation in extra-curricular activities, etc.

Specific examples of sexual harassment include:

•Making sexual comments or jokes;

•Looking or gesturing in a sexual manner;

•Touching, grabbing, pinching in a sexual way;

•Brushing up against;

•Flashing or mooning;

•Spreading sexual rumors about an individual;

•Pulling clothing in a sexual manner;

•Showing or giving sexual pictures, messages or notes;

•Blocking passage in a sexual way;

•Writing sexual messages or graffiti on walls, locker rooms, etc.;

•Forcing a kiss on someone;

•Making negative remarks regarding someone’s sexual orientation;

•Forcing someone to do something sexual;

•Spying while someone is showering or dressing.

When acts of sexual harassment or other violations of HLA policy are substantiated, appropriate action shall be taken against the individual.

Any student who believes he or she has been subjected to sexual harassment should discuss the alleged harassment with the HLA Director, guidance counselor, or another certified HLA staff member. The HLA encourages any student who has been harassed or a student who has knowledge of harassment to report it. 

The HLA is to promptly investigate any claims of sexual harassment. If the matter is not resolved to the satisfaction of the student in this meeting, the student may initiate a complaint under the HLA’s discrimination complaint procedure.

The filing of a complaint or otherwise reporting sexual harassment shall not reflect upon the individual’s status or grades.  Confidentiality shall be maintained throughout the complaint procedure.

Racial Harassment
Racial harassment is unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, color or national origin.  All forms of racial harassment are prohibited at the HLA, on HLA property, and at any HLA-sponsored activities, program or events.  Racial harassment against individuals associated with the HLA is prohibited whether or not the harassment occurs on school grounds.

No student, employee or third party is to racially harass any student, employee or other individual associated with the HLA.  No HLA employee should discourage a student from filing a complaint, or to fail to investigate or refer for investigation, any complaint lodged under the provision of this policy.

Racial Harassment can be physical or verbal or written or graphic.   Any student that has been harassed or has witnessed it should report it to the HLA Director or HLA staff.  No HLA employee should discourage a student from reporting such claims.  Retaliation against a student reporting such claims will not be tolerated.

USD #210 Board of Education

Drug Free Schools and Communities Act
JDDA Drug Free Schools
Maintaining drug free schools is important in establishing an appropriate learning environment for the district’s students.  The unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illict drugs and alcohol by students on school premises or as part of any school activity is prohibited.  This policy is required by the 1989 amendments to the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act, P.L. 102-226, 103 St. 1928.

JDDA-R           Drug Free Schools

                        Student Conduct

As a condition of continued enrollment in the district, students shall abide by the terms of this policy.

Students shall not unlawfully manufacture, distribute, dispense, possess or use illicit drugs, controlled substances or alcoholic beverages on school district property, or at any school activity.  Any student violating the terms of this policy will be reported to the appropriate law enforcement officials, and will be subject to the following sanctions:

Any student who is selling or trafficking drugs, drug paraphernalia, and/or other controlled substances at school, on school property, or at a school supervised activity shall receive a mandatory expulsion from Hugoton Public Schools for one school year (186 days).

Any student who is in possession of or under the influence of alcoholic beverages, drugs (except as medically prescribed), drug paraphernalia, and/or other controlled substances at school, on school property, or at a school supervised activity will be subjected to the following disciplinary actions: (The Board of Education reserves the right to determine the severity of discipline for any and all infractions of this policy)

First Offense

• Student will be placed on a short-term suspension for five school days and suspension from all student activities for a period of not less than one (1) month when found to be in possession or use of alcoholic beverages, illict drugs and/or other controlled substances.  Recommendations will be made for suspension of an additional 25 school days.  The district will also extend an invitation to the parent or legal guardian for a due process hearing.  The district hearing officer will submit in writing their determination as a result of the information presented at the hearing.  In additional hereto a referral shall be made by the school district to a community resource program.
• In addition to the procedures outlined above, at the time of suspension, parents and/or legal guardians will be afforded the option to have the suspended student referred to a community source (which may include mental health agency counseling programs, an alcohol and drug service agency, or substance abuse specialist, etc.) to discuss the student’s problem with drug/alcohol.  The parent/legal guardian will be responsible for any and all expenses incurred for these services.  Upon receipt of written documentation that the student is complying with the agency’s recommended action, the suspension may be modified and the student allwed back in school.

Subsequent Offenses
On second and subsequent offenses for alcoholic beverages or illict drugs and/or other controlled substances the student will be placed on an immediate short-term suspension of then school days.  Recommendation will be made for an extended suspension of 25 school days and up to and including expulsion for the Hugoton Public Schools for 186 days.  Students who are suspended or expelled under the terms of this policy will be afforded the due process rights contained in board plicies and Kansas’s statues, KSA 72-8901, et seq.  Nothing in this policy is inteded to diminish the ability of the district to take other disciplinary action against the student in accordance with other policies governing student discipline.

Students expelled from Hugoton Public Schools for 186 days must complete a drug education or rehabilitation program, the cost of such a program will be borne by the student and his/her parent, before the student will be re-admitted to school.

The superintendent, or designee, shall provide writeen notice to the Division of Vehicles of the expulsion or suspension of a student for possession, use of, sale or distribution of alcoholic beverages, illicit drugs or controlled substances, at school, upon school property or at a school supervised activity.  Such notice shall include the student’s name, address, and date of birth, driver’s license number, if available, and the reasons for the expulsion or suspension.

Students who are suspended or expelled under the terms of this policy shall be afforded the due process rights contained in board policies.  Nothing in this policy is intended to diminish the ability of the HLA to take other disciplinary action against the student in accordance with other policies governing student discipline.  In the event a student agrees to enter into and complete a drug education or rehabilitation program, the cost of such program will be borne by the student and his or her parents.

A list of available programs along with names and addresses of contact persons for the program is on file with the board clerk.  Parents or students should contact the directors of the programs to determine the cost and length of the program.

Tobacco
Possession and/or use of any tobacco product by students is prohibited in the HLA, in any HLA-owned vehicle, at HLA-sponsored events or on the HLA grounds.

Violators will be reported to law enforcement.

Gangs
Gang activities which threaten the safety or well being of persons or property on the HLA grounds or at HLA activities, or which disrupt the school environment, are prohibited.

The type of dress, apparel, activities, acts, behavior or manner of grooming displayed, reflected or participated in by any student:

•shall not lead HLA officials to reasonably believe that the behavior, apparel, activities, acts, or manner of grooming displayed is gang-related;

•shall not present a physical safety hazard to self, students, HLA staff, and other HLA employees;

•shall not create an atmosphere in which a student, HLA staff, or other person’s well-being is hindered by undue pressure, behavior, intimidation, overt gesture, or threat of violence; or

•shall not imply gang membership or affiliation by written communication, marks, drawing, painting, design or emblem upon any HLA building, any personal property or on one’s person.

If the student’s behavior or other attribute is in violation of these provisions, the HLA Director will request the student to make the appropriate correction.  If the student refuses, the parent/guardian will be notified and asked to make the necessary correction.  The HLA Director shall take appropriate corrective and disciplinary action as necessary.

Hazing/Initiations
Incidents involving initiations, hazings, intimidations, and/or related activities which are likely to cause bodily danger, physical harm, personal degradation or disgrace resulting in physical or mental harm, or which affect the attendance of another student, are prohibited.

Bullying
Bullying is prohibited in USD 210 and the HLA.  Bullying means: Any intentional gesture or any intentional written, verbal, electronic or physical act or threat that is sufficiently severe, persistent or pervasive that it creates an intimidating, threatening or abusive educational environment for a student or HLA staff member that a reasonable person, under the circumstances, knows or should know will have the effect of:

Harming a student or HLA staff member, whether physically or mentally;

•Damaging a student’s or HLA staff member’s property:

•Placing a student or HLA staff member in reasonable fear of harm; or

•Placing a student or HLA staff member in reasonable fear of damage to the student’s or HLA staff member’s property.

Bullying also includes cyberbullying.  "Cyberbullying" means bullying by use of any electronic communication device through means including, but not limited to, e-mail, instant messaging, text messages, blogs, mobile phones, pagers, online games and websites.

Additionally, bullying means any form of intimidation or harassment prohibited by the board of education of USD 210 in policies concerning bullying adopted pursuant to K.S.A. 72-8256 or subsection (e) of K.S.A. 72-8205, and amendments thereto.  USD 210 and the HLA will not tolerate these actions by students or HLA staff.

Any act of bullying by either an individual student or group of students is prohibited on or while using HLA property, in a HLA vehicle or at HLA-sponsored functions.  This policy applies to students who directly engage in an act of bullying, to students who, by their behavior, support another student’s act of bullying, and to all HLA staff members who engage in similar behaviors.

No HLA teacher, HLA administrator, or USD 210 employee shall engage in, permit, or tolerate bullying.

Retaliation against a victim, good faith reporter, or a witness to bullying is prohibited.

A person who engages in an act of bullying, reprisal, retaliation or false reporting of bullying, shall be subject to discipline in accordance with the HLA policy and procedures.  The HLA may take into account the following factors:  the ages of the parties involved; the developmental and maturity levels, special education needs of the parties involved, and the severity of the behavior.

Offenses over time may result in discipline up to and including suspension and/or expulsion or termination from the HLA.  As appropriate, reports to local law enforcement will be filed to report criminal bullying behaviors.

Suspension/Expulsion
A student may be suspended or expelled from the HLA, for reasons set forth in Kansas law, by the following certified personnel: Superintendent or HLA Director. 

A suspension may be for a short term not exceeding ten school days, or for an extended term not exceeding 90 school days.  An expulsion may be for a term not exceeding 186 school days.

Any student who is suspended or expelled shall receive a copy of the current suspension and expulsion law and this policy.  The superintendent/HLA director shall conduct expulsion hearings for weapons possession.  The superintendent or HLA director or committee of certificated employees of the HLA in which the pupil is enrolled or a hearing officer appointed by the board, or another person appointed by the board shall conduct expulsion hearings.

Rules Which Apply in all Cases When a Student May be Suspended or Expelled:

•Refusal or failure of the student and/or the student’s parents to attend the hearing shall result in a waiver of the student’s opportunity for the hearing.

•Students who are suspended for more than 10 days or expelled from school may appeal to the board within 10 calendar days of receiving written notice of the hearing results.

•A student suspended for more than 10 school days or expelled from school shall be provided with information concerning services or programs offered by public and private agencies which provide services to improve the student’s attitude and behavior.

•A student who has been suspended or expelled shall be notified of the day the student can return to school.

•If the suspension or expulsion is not related to a weapons violation, the HLA Director may establish appropriate requirements relating to the student’s future behavior at school and may place the student on probation.

•If the expulsion is related to a weapons violation the superintendent may establish appropriate requirements relating to the student’s future behavior at the HLA and may place the student on probation.

•The days a student is suspended or expelled are not subject to the compulsory attendance law.

•During the time a student is suspended or expelled from school, the student may not:

•Be on HLA property or in any school building without the permission of the principal.

•Attend any school activity as a spectator, participant or observer.

Reasons for Suspension or Expulsion

Students may be suspended or expelled for one or more of the following reasons:

•willful violation of any published, adopted student conduct regulation;

•conduct which substantially disrupts, impedes, or interferes with HLA operation;

•conduct which endangers the safety or substantially impinges on or invades the rights of others;

•conduct which constitutes the commission of a felony;

•conduct which constitutes commission of a misdemeanor;

•disobedience of an order of a HLA authority if the disobedience results in disorder, disruption or interference with HLA operation; and

•possession of a weapon at the HLA, on HLA property or at a HLA-sponsored event.

Short-term Suspension Procedures

Except in an emergency, a short-term suspension (not exceeding five school days) must be preceded by oral or written notice of the charges to the student and an informal hearing.  If a hearing is not held prior to the suspension, an informal hearing shall be provided no later than 72 hours after imposition of a short-term suspension.  Written notice of any short-term suspension shall be delivered to the student’s parent or guardian within 24 hours after the suspension has been imposed.  Short-term suspension hearings may be conducted by any person design-nated in policy as having the authority to suspend.

At the informal suspension hearing, the student shall be:

•notified of the right to be present;

•informed of the charges;

•informed of the basis for the accusation; and

•allowed to make statements in his/her defense.

When a suspension is imposed during the school day, the student shall not be removed from school until a parent has been notified.  If a parent cannot be notified during regular school hours, the student shall remain at school until the regular dismissal time.

Long-Term Suspension or Expulsion Procedures

Before a student is subject to long-term suspension (not to exceed 90 school days) or expulsion (not to exceed 186 school days), a hearing shall be conducted by a hearing officer who has authority to suspend or expel.  The superintendent/HLA Director shall designate a hearing officer.  Formal hearings shall be conducted according to procedures outlined in current Kansas law and:

•The student and parents or guardians shall be given written notice of the time, date and place of the hearing.

•The notice shall include copies of the suspension/expulsion law, and appropriate board policies, regulations and handbooks.

•The hearing may be conducted by either a certified employee or committee of certified employees.

•Expulsion hearings for weapons violations shall be conducted in compliance with Kansas law by persons appointed by the board.

•Findings required by law shall be prepared by the person or committee conducting the hearing.

•Records of the hearing shall be available to students and parents or guardians according to Kansas law.

•Written notice of the result of the hearing shall be given to the pupil and to parents and guardians within 24 hours after determination of such result.

Student Rights During a Long-Term Suspension/Expulsion Hearing

The student shall have the right:

•to counsel of his/her own choice;

•to have a parent or guardian present;

•to hear or read a full report of testimony of witnesses;

•to confront and cross-examine witnesses who appear in person at the hearing;

•to present his or her own witnesses;

•to testify in his or her own behalf and to give reasons for his or her conduct;

•to an orderly hearing; and

•to a fair and impartial decision based on substantial evidence.

Appeal to the Board

The following conditions shall apply if a student or the student’s parent or guardian files a written appeal of a suspension or expulsion:

•Written notice of the appeal shall be filed with the clerk within 10 calendar days of the hearing.

•The board shall schedule an appeal with the board or a hearing officer appointed by the board within 20 calendar days.

•The student and the student’s parent shall be notified in writing of the time and place of the appeal at least 5 calendar days before the hearing.

•The hearing shall be conducted as a formal hearing using the same rules noted earlier for expulsion hearings.

•The board shall provide a certified court reporter to transcribe the hearing.

•The board shall render a final decision within the next regular scheduled board meeting after the conclusion of the appeal hearing.

Searches of Property
The HLA Director is authorized to search property if there is reasonable suspicion that HLA policies, rules or directives are being violated. All searches by the HLA Director shall be carried out in the presence of another adult witness. Any person other than the HLA Director who wishes to search a student’s locker or property shall report to the HLA Director before proceeding.  In no event shall any person be permitted to search a student’s locker or property without the HLA Director’s consent unless the person has a valid search warrant authorizing a search.

If a law enforcement officer desiring to search a student’s property has a search warrant, the HLA Director shall permit the search, which shall be made in the presence of the HLA Director.

Searches of Students
The HLA Director is authorized to search students’ clothing and belongings if there is reasonable suspicion that HLA policies, rules or directives are being violated.

•Students will be told why the search is being conducted

•An attempt to contact parents will be made

•Items that may be connected with illegal activity will be confiscated

•Law enforcement may assist with the search

•A report will be written and kept on file with the superintendent

Interrogations and Investigations
The superintendent may conduct investigations and question students about infractions of school rules or the student conduct code.  If there is reason to believe a violation of a criminal law has been committed, the HLA Director shall notify the appropriate law enforcement agency and may request further investigation of the alleged violation.

When law enforcement officers conduct an investigation and/or question a student(s) during school hours, the HLA Director shall make reasonable attempts to contact parents, guardian or representative of the student(s) prior to questioning.  To the extent possible reasonable requests of the parents, guardian or representative shall be observed.  The HLA Director shall document notification or attempted notification of parents, guardian or representative.  If a student’s parents, guardian or representative is not present during questioning of a student, the HLA Director or a certified school staff member shall be present.

Grievance/Complaints Policy
Any student may file a grievance/complaint with the HLA Director concerning a school rule or regulation if it applies to the student.  The grievance/complaint shall be in writing, filed within 20 days following the application of the rule or regulation, and must specify the basis for the grievance/complaint.  The HLA Director shall investigate the grievance/complaint and inform the student of the resolution within 10 days after the grievance/complaint is filed.

Discipline Policy/Point System
Education requires the student to engage in some degree of self-discipline in order to receive benefits from educational opportunities offered. An educational institution enhances and promotes the students’ best interest in acquiring an education, the HLA is obligated to provide and ensure an environment free from behavioral problems. The HLA’s disciplinary policy not only encourages and supports the student’s acquiring the best possible education, but it also:

• Gives the student a just program that includes ample opportunities for modification of their behavior.
•  Provides students, parents, and school personnel with clearly stated and advance knowledge of the course of action to be followed in disciplinary matters.
• Provides for a means of consistency in applying in disciplinary actions
• Provides a program that is progressive (moderate to most severe action)
• Provides students an alternative to out-of-school suspension

Point Violations
1 Point Violations

• Inappropriate clothing, 1st  offense
• Inappropriate language/use of profanity/abusive language, 1st offense
• Academic Insubordination (not doing as instructed)
• Disrupting classroom learning environments
• Being tardy
• Violation of absence/tardy regulations

2 Point Violations Inappropriate clothing, 2nd offense

• Extreme (5 minutes or more) disruption of the classroom learning environment
• Public display of affection
• Disorderly conduct
• Hazing/Bullying
• Harassment (sexual or racial)
• Use of cell phone in class, 1st offense, cell phone given to office, returned after school
• Academic Insubordination (not doing as instructed) 2nd offense
• Use of cell phone
• Violation of absence/tardy regulations, 2nd offense

3 Point Violation

• Defiance of authority
• Computer network violation
• Academic Insubordination (not doing as instructed)
• Hazing/Bullying 2nd offense
• Harassment (sexual or racial) 2nd offense
• Leaving class without permission
• Academic dishonesty violation, including but not limited to, plagiarism, improper use of internet sources, improper citations, copy homework, cheating on test, etc.
• Refusing a reasonable request
• These violations may stay with the student the entire year, depending upon severity.

5 Point violations or an accumulation of 5 or more points will likely result in termination at the HLA.  Students may be allowed to attend Hugoton High School or other district academic placement.  Students who have been terminated from the HLA will not be allowed to return to the HLA.

• Tobacco, use or possession, reported to local law enforcement
• Alcohol, use or possession, reported to local law enforcement
• Drug use or Drug paraphernalia possession or use, reported to local law enforcement
• Leaving campus/building without administrative permission
• Theft, reported to local law enforcement
• Weapons on HLA grounds will be reported to local law enforcement.  Weapons include any gun, knife, or other item being carried with intentions to harm or intimidate another person.
• Fighting, physical and/or verbal. Will be reported to local law enforcement
• Assault.  Will be reported to local law enforcement

Internet Use and Student Rights
The HLA offers Internet access for students. The Internet system has been established for educational purposes to include classroom activities, career development, and high quality, self-discovery activities. It has not been established as a public access or public forum and the HLA has the right to place reasonable restrictions on the material student’s access or post, the training needed before being allowed to use the system, and enforcement of all rules set forth in the student handbook and the laws of the State of Kansas. Students may not use this system for commercial purposes or offer, provide, or purchase products or services through the system or use the system for political lobbying.

Unacceptable Use of Internet Policies
To insure personal safety, do not post contact information (e.g, address, phone number) about yourself or any other person. All email use, without teacher approval and supervision, at any time is a violation of handbook policy, refusing a reasonable request by HLA authorities.

Students will not attempt to gain unauthorized access to this system, deliberately attempt to disrupt the system, engage in illegal acts, threaten the safety of a person, inadvertently spread computer viruses, use obscene, profane, vulgar, rude, inflammatory, disrespectful language including prejudicial or discriminatory attacks.

Students will not plagiarize works found on the Internet. Plagiarism is taking the idea or writing of another and presenting them as if they were your own. Copyright infringement occurs when you inappropriately reproduce a work that is protected by copyright. Direct any questions regarding copyright law to HLA personnel.

Students will not access material that is profane or obscene or that advocates illegal acts or violence or discrimination toward other people. If you mistakenly access inappropriate information, immediately tell HLA staff to protect yourself against a claim of intentional violation of this policy.

Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Books and Equipment
Students should verify the condition of each book/equipment with the HLA staff when books/equipment are checked out. The student will replace books or equipment lost or damaged by careless or avoidable accidents. Students will be charged full replacement cost. Any book that will need to be re-bound will be accessed. Equipment will be paid for commensurate to the replacement cost. Marking, tearing, or defacing books or equipment will be considered cause for replacement.