2008-2009

This handbook has been developed in response to common questions received from parents and students. On the following pages you will find important information regarding school policies and procedures such as schedules, rules, recommendations, and other information useful in planning.

As a district, the Shields Valley Public Schools believes that a quality education is best achieved through a family-school partnership where children, parents, and staff work together to enable each student to reach his/her maximum potential. With that in mind, we encourage you to read this handbook carefully and to keep it handy for future reference. Furthermore, we welcome your input concerning our educational programs and encourage you to call or visit should questions or concerns arise.

Please remember that this document is for your convenience and does not constitute comprehensive Administrative or Board Policy. Revisions of this book may be made on an on-going basis and the district reserves the right to address any question or problem in the most appropriate manner at the time of occurrence.

Board of Trustees Administration

Sky Anderson, Chair         Erik Wilkerson, Superintendent

Ned Zimmerman             Alan Peterson, Elementary Principal

Ken Arthun                     Dan Beck, JH/HS Principal

Audra Fairchild

Mae Downey

Linda Wertz, Clerk

Welcome to the "Home of the Rebels," where spirit, pride, and tradition are the bywords of a school in which our communities take pride! Academically our schools rate with the best and proof of this is apparent when following up the careers of Shields Valley graduates. Those of you who come into school with the idea of getting as much education out of it as you can will benefit. School is what you make it – the harder you try the more you will receive in return.

Besides being involved academically, we hope that you participate in the many activities that the Shields Valley Public Schools have to offer. By taking part you are helping to carry on the tradition of "Rebel Pride." In turn, your high school years will be more memorable and meaningful.

One basic responsibility of the Shields Valley Schools is to help each student develop an understanding and appreciation of our representative form of government: the rights and responsibilities of the individual and the legal process whereby necessary changes are brought about. Students have the right to a public education as provided by the Montana Constitution. Students also have a corresponding responsibility to respect the rights and responsibilities of others in the school community and to establish a climate for learning within the school.

It is impossible to list all of the rights of students. Correspondingly, it is impossible to list all of the students’ responsibilities. However, it must be emphasized that a lack of responsibility means a weakening of rights. "Pride in Excellence" is our motto and in order to establish this tradition, we need a dedicated commitment from the entire school community. Students, staff, and community working together can make "Rebel Pride" a reality. Being a participant rather than just a number will make our school great.

The following statements of student’s rights and responsibilities for the Shields Valley Schools are designed to help the community, students, staff, and school board to work together to allow each student to reach the fullest potential possible. In order to operate a school district in the most efficient manner and to the satisfaction of all those concerned, it is necessary that we have a few simple regulations to guide you during your activities in and around the school. We are not desirous of establishing a set of rules that regulate you in the "do" and "don’t" manner unless it becomes absolutely necessary.

Read the following regulations carefully and do the utmost to carry them out to the best of your ability. You will be contributing greatly in furthering Shields Valley in becoming one of the best schools in Montana.

P.O. Box 40

Clyde Park, MT 59018

(406) 686-4621

(406) 686-4937 FAX

Mr. Dan Beck, Principal

Mr. Tom Breitbach, Science

Mrs. Sue Dailey, Resource

Ms. Lacey Brunner, English

Ms. Carol Galey, Physics/Spanish

Mrs. Lori Sarrazin, Math

Mrs. Lisa Held, Guidance

Mr. Ryan Utterback, Health Enhancement

Mr. Ken Huff, History

Ms. Sarah Morales, Library

Mr. Randy Kohler, Band/Choir

Mr. Jim Lubke, Industrial Arts/Weights

Mrs. Mitzi Richards, Business Education

Mr. Jim Rose, Agriculture

Mrs. Sharon Waddell, Art/Title I

P.O. Box 40

Clyde Park, MT 59018

(406) 686-4621

(406) 686-4937 FAX

Mr. Dan Beck, Principal

Ms. Carol Galey, Science/Spanish/8^th Math

Mrs. Lisa Held, Guidance

Ms. Lacey Brunner, English 8

Ms. Sarah Morales, Library/Study Hall

Mr. Randy Kohler, Band/Choir

Mr. Ryan Utterback, Health Enhancement

Mrs. Alice McInerney, History 7/English 7/Title I/Home Ec.

Mr. Jim Rose, Agriculture/Industrial Arts

Mr. Ken Huff, History 8

Mrs. Sue Dailey, Resource

Absences…………………………………………………………………………… 1

Academic Calendar Dates………………………………………………………….. 41

Activity Fee………………………………………………………………………… 1

Adding and Dropping Courses.…………………………………………………….. 1

Alcohol and Tobacco Use………………………………………………………….. 2

Assemblies…………………………………………………………………………. 2

Attendance Policy………………………………………………………………….. 2

Bus Transportation…………………………………………………………………. 4

Change of Address/Telephone……………………………………………………... 5

Cheating/Plagiarizing………………………………………………………………. 5

Class Period Schedule..…………………………………………………………….. 5

Closed Campus Policy……………………………………………………………... 6

Computer Network/Internet Use Policy……………………………………………. 6

Conclusion…………………………………………………………………………. 29

Dances……………………………………………………………………………… 8

Disciplinary Procedures………………………. …………………………………... 8

Detention…………………………………………………………………… 8

Expulsion…………………………………………………………………... 9

In-School Suspension……………………………………………………… 8

Out-of-School Suspension…………………………………………………. 9

Dress Code…………………………………………………………………………. 10

Eligibility for Extracurricular and Co-Curricular Activities……………………...... 10

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act……………………………………….. 39

Fire and Disaster Drills…………………………………………………………...... 15

Firearms Prohibition……………………………………………………………….. 15

Food or Drink………………………………………………………………………. 16

Foreword…………………………………………………………………………… ii

Grading Scale………………………………………………………………………. 16

Graduation Requirements………………………………………………………….. 17

Hall Passes…………………………………………………………………………. 18

Honor Roll…………………………………………………………………………. 18

Junior High/High School Faculty………………………………………………….. iii

Lockers……………………………………………………………………………... 18

Medication…………………………………………………………………………. 19

Parent/Student Rights in Identification, Evaluation, and Placement………………. 40

Parent-Teacher Conferences……………………………………………………….. 20

Personal Hygiene…………………………………………………………………... 20

Physical Examinations……………………………………………………………... 20

Promotion Requirements…………………………………………………………... 20

Public Notice for Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973………………….. 39

Quarter and Semester Tests………………………………………………………... 21

Rec Day…………………………………………………………………………….. 22

Release of Students………………………………………………………………… 22

Report Cards……………………………………………………………………….. 22

Rules for Student Conduct…………………………………………………………. 22

School Colors………………………………………………………………………. 38

School Lunch………………………………………………………………………. 24

School Pictures……………………………………………………………………... 24

Search and Seizure Policy………………………………………………………….. 24

Automobile Searches………………………………………………………. 25

Locker Searches……………………………………………………………. 25

Personal Searches…………………………………………………………... 25

Seizure of Illegal Materials………………………………………………… 25

Shields Valley High School Constitution………………………………………….. 30

Student Records……………..……………………………………………………... 26

Study Hall………………………………………………………………………….. 26

Tardies……………………………………………………………………………… 26

Telephone Use……………………………………………………………………... 27

Title IX (Equal Opportunity) Policy……………………………………………….. 27

Valedictorian and Salutatorian Honors…………………………………………….. 27

Vehicle Use…..…………………………………………………………………….. 28

Visitors……………………………………………………………………………... 29

Withdrawal from School…………………………………………………………… 29

All student absences must be reported to the office by a parent or guardian by telephone or written excuse. When a student arrives to school after an absence (or tardy), he/she is required to report directly to the office and submit parental permission for his/her absence. This is a requirement of the law and is not optional. All absences and tardies are recorded on the student’s report card and the school’s permanent record.

Students who know in advance that they will be absent must notify their teachers and/or complete an advance make-up slip (available at the office) prior to their absence. Teachers may require advance work to be completed and turned in before the absence; otherwise the work will be considered late. Unless requested to submit work in advance, students are given one day for each day of excused absence to make up any missed work.

Should a student become ill during school hours, he/she may request to be excused to the office. Students may be excused from school upon written or verbal approval by a parent or guardian or building administrator. (See also "Release of Students.") In cases where the parent is not aware of an absence or does not request that an absence be excused, the absence will be considered unexcused.

An unexcused absence is any absence for which a student did not receive prior approval from a parent/guardian or building administrator. Unexcused absences will not be tolerated at the Shields Valley Schools. Each building administrator shall have the authority to determine the appropriate consequence for a student whose absence is considered unexcused. Unexcused absences may warrant suspension. (See also "Attendance," "Tardies.")

A mandatory Activity Fee (Activity Ticket) is charged to each junior high and high school student in the fall for the purpose of funding extracurricular activities. A paid activity ticket entitles students to admission to all home athletic events, regular band and choir concerts, student council assemblies, as well as some concerts, tournaments, and special events. The activity fee also pays for meals, lodging, travel, and equipment for students who participate in these activities. The current activity fee is $25.00 per student. Parents may also purchase an activity ticket entitling them to similar privileges for $40.00 each. Activity Tickets can be purchased at the school office.

Students should give considerable thought to the selection of their courses prior to the construction of a class schedule. Typically, registration for classes at the high school takes place during one evening in the spring or late summer. However, an additional three-day period at the beginning of each semester is allowed for the purpose of dropping or adding classes.

At that time students wishing to drop or add classes must complete a "Class Drop/Add Form" (available at the office), which must be signed by the teachers of the corresponding classes, a parent or guardian, the principal, and guidance counselor. After the three-day period students must remain in their assigned classes until the end of the semester or year, depending on the courses selected. The principal’s decision concerning students dropping and adding classes is final.

The Board of Trustees prohibits the possession or use of alcohol or tobacco products by any student anywhere at any time on any school property. Violators shall be punished by suspension and/or local authorities will be notified to fine these individuals. Students in possession of tobacco on school grounds or at a school function shall receive a minimum of two days out-of-school suspension; students in possession of alcohol on school grounds or at a school function shall receive a minimum of three days out-of-school suspension. (See also "Rules for Student Conduct," "Disciplinary Procedures.")

Assemblies are held at the junior and high schools for a variety of purposes, including student council meetings, motivational speakers, pep rallies, and informational purposes. Students are expected to be a gracious and polite audience for all guests. Assemblies presented at school to the student body are free of charge and compulsory for all students.

The general welfare of all students is best served by regular attendance. Research has found that regular attendance is the single most important factor in a student’s success in school at any level. It is sincerely felt by the administration and staff that to do well in school and to benefit from the educational opportunities available, a student must be in school and have a good attendance record. Therefore, students are expected to attend all assigned classes each day.

For students in grades seven and eight where credit is not issued, a student will be in jeopardy of being retained at the current grade level when the lack of attendance exceeds 15% (13.5 days) of a semester. Successful completion of a summer school session for a 7^th or 8^th grade student with excess absences may be required in order to progress to the next grade level. The school district is under no obligation to provide this service to students.

High school students will be allowed ten absences per class, per semester. Any absence beyond that number may mean a loss of credit in those subjects missed. The only absences not used in calculating the attendance record for the 10-day high school limit and the 15% junior high limit are:

1. Those that occur due to school-sponsored activities, since these are considered an equivalent educational experience. These exemptions apply to students participating in sports events, music-related events, academic field trips, and others deemed co-curricular.

2. Bereavement in the immediate family (grandfather, grandmother, father, mother, sister, brother, or other immediate relatives). Extended bereavements may be reviewed by an Attendance Board on a per-case basis.

3. Subpoenas to appear in court or court-ordered appearances, and/or out-of- district placements for special services.

4. Illness, hospitalization and/or medical and dental appointments verified by a doctor's statement.

5. In-school and out-of-school suspensions.

Absences which will be counted toward the 10-day high school limit and 15% junior high limit include family trips, work days, vacations, visiting friends or relatives, watching tournaments when not an actual participant, hair, or photography appointments, skiing, hunting, non-mandatory court appearances, attending concerts, shopping, or any other absences deemed unacceptable by the Attendance Board.

After going over the tenth absence for high school students or the 15% limit for junior high students, the high school student may have credit withheld, or be recommended for retention if a junior high student. That student, with parental accompaniment, must appear before the Attendance Board, consisting of the corresponding principal, the guidance counselor, and those teachers in whose classes the student has exceeded the allowable number of absences.

The Attendance Board shall review the absence report to determine if the student will have credit withheld or be retained, which will occur unless extenuating circumstances surface. The Attendance Board may, after hearing a student’s/parent’s appeal for preservation of credit, deny grade advancement or place stipulations on a student whose credit or grade advancement will be dependent upon an agreement with student and parents concerning attendance for the rest of the semester. In addition, the Attendance Board may make decisions regarding the student's participation in extracurricular activities.

Any decision by the Attendance Board to deny grade advancement can be appealed to the Superintendent and/or school board. If the appeal is rejected, one can assume the Board feels the absence could have been avoided. If the appeal is granted, the student will return to class with the Attendance Board's stipulations. If the stipulations are violated, a loss of grade advancement will result.

Shields Valley students who reside at a distance greater than walking distance to school are assigned a bus route that provides service to where they live. Students transported by school bus must ride their assigned buses daily to and from school and meet their buses at their designated stops. Parents are responsible for having their children to the bus stops on time.

Students who reside in the Wilsall area but attend school in Clyde Park either walk or are transported by route bus to Wilsall in the morning to ride a "shuttle bus" to Clyde Park. In the afternoon these children are dismissed to ride the shuttle bus back to Wilsall, where they walk or board their route buses home. Likewise, students who reside near Clyde Park but attend school in Wilsall walk or ride their route bus to Clyde Park to ride a "shuttle bus" to Wilsall. These children are also dismissed in the afternoon to ride a shuttle bus back to Clyde Park, where they will then walk or board their route buses home.

If a student wishes not to ride the bus home at the end of the day, he/she must bring a written note from a parent to the office. Or, should conditions change during the day so that a student would not ride the bus that day, a parent must contact the main office, preferably before 2:15 P.M., in order to deliver the message to the student. If someone other than the parent/guardian intends to pick up the student, that information must be included in the note or call. (See also "Release of Students.")

If a student wishes to participate in a weekly after-school activity such as Scouts, 4-H, piano lessons, etc., a one-time note may be written giving the student permission to attend that activity and not ride the bus. This note will be kept on file in the office and is sufficient permission for that activity for the entire school year. However, if the student wishes to not ride the bus to go to another place other than the activity specified in the note on file, the parent must write a separate note giving permission for the new activity.

In the event of an emergency such as an illness where a parent is hospitalized, or a death in the immediate family, a student may ride another bus provided that the principal and/or transportation supervisor has granted permission and that all relevant school personnel are informed.

All students who use the school bus transportation must abide by the following rules of bus conduct:

1. Pushing, fighting, throwing snowballs, or "horse play" while waiting to board a bus is not permitted.

2. Students must remain behind the curb and wait until the approaching bus comes to a complete stop before attempting to board.

3. Students may never walk between two parked buses or run along the side of a moving bus.

4. Students must be seated at all times when riding a moving bus. Throwing objects, loud or boisterous conduct, or any other activity that may distract the bus driver is not permitted.

5. The bus driver/contractor may adjust/add rules as needed.

Any disciplinary incidents on the bus will be handled by the bus driver/contractor with the building principal involved as needed. The bus contractor in conjunction with the building principal will determine appropriate disciplinary action.

At times transportation on the school bus may be provided for out-of-district activities such as field trips and activities. At those times students will be required to return a permission form that must be completed and signed by parents and returned to the school office or activity sponsor prior to the trip. Students who travel by school bus or other authorized school transportation must return in the same vehicle unless released to the direct custody of parents/guardians.

It is important that the school office maintain up-to-date address and telephone records for each student in case of illness, emergency, or accident. Parents are requested to contact the school office immediately should a change in address or telephone number occur during the year.

Cheating and/or plagiarizing will not be tolerated at the Shields Valley Schools. Student work accomplished through dishonest means or improper access, including but not limited to copying another person’s work, providing another person with answers, or plagiarizing the words or ideas of another will be assigned a grade of zero without opportunity for make up.

On Monday through Thursday, the period schedule for the junior high and high schools consists of eight 45-minute periods, a 30-minute lunch period, and three-minute passing times. On Friday, the eight class periods are shortened to 39 minutes, while maintaining a 30-minute lunch period and three-minute passing times, resulting in a dismissal time of 2:30 P.M. Both schedules are listed below:

Monday-Thursday Friday

8:25-8:30 Passing 8:25-8:30 Passing

8:30-9:15 1^st Period 8:30-9:09 1^st Period

9:15-9:18 Passing 9:09-9:12 Passing

9:18-10:03 2^nd Period 9:12-9:51 2^nd Period

10:03-10:06 Passing 9:51-9:54 Passing

10:06-10:51 3^rd Period 9:54-10:33 3^rd Period

10:51-10:54 Passing 10:33-10:36 Passing

10:54-11:39 4^th Period 10:36-11:15 4^th Period

11:39-12:05 Lunch 11:15-11:18 Passing

12:10-12:56 5^th Period 11:18-11:57 5^th Period

12:56-12:59 Passing 11:57-12:22 Lunch

12:59-1:45 6^th Period 12:27-1:06 6^th Period

1:45-1:48 Passing 1:06-1:09 Passing

1:48-2:34 7^th Period 1:09-1:48 7^th Period

2:34-2:37 Passing 1:48-1:51 Passing

3:20 Shuttle bus dismissal 2:20 Shuttle bus dismissal

2:37-3:25 8^th Period 1:51-2:30 8^th Period

Shields Valley Public Schools is entrusted with maintaining the safety and well being of students from the time they leave for school until they return home. All students in all locations are required to remain on campus at all times unless prior permission to leave is obtained from the office. A student who requests to leave campus during the school day must provide the office with parental permission before he/she can be released. (See also "Release of Students.")

Students who reside "in town" or within walking distance (only) of school and/or parent or guardian’s place of employment may submit a "Closed Campus Exception Form" (available at the office) for permission to walk (only) to the residence of a parent or guardian or to their place of employment (only while working) to eat lunch. Students are not permitted to drive vehicles during lunch, nor are they permitted to be accompanied by other students without "Closed Campus Exception" forms. (See also "Vehicle Use.") All students who leave campus during school hours, including those with "Closed Campus Exception" forms are required to "sign out" at the office before leaving and "Sign-in" upon return. Students without "Closed Campus Exception" forms are not permitted to leave school for lunch unless into the direct custody of a parent or guardian.

All students are required to sign an "Internet User Agreement Form" (to be sent home with students) before they are permitted to access the school’s network/internet on school computers. Once online, students are expected to access sites consistent with educational objectives and are prohibited from inappropriately using the network/internet.

Acceptable Use:

"Acceptable use" of the network/internet is defined as activities consistent with the educational objectives of the Shields Valley School District, specifically those in support of education and/or educationally relevant research.

Inappropriate Use:

Users shall not use the district computer network or internet to:

1. Purchase goods, solicit sales, or conduct business. Users shall not set up web pages to advertise or sell a service.

2. Transmit or receive information containing obscene, violent, abusive, sexually explicit, inappropriate, or threatening language and/or images, including music, videos, games, or other content deemed educationally inappropriate.

3. Plagiarize, share, or transfer educational content, materials, property or passwords of others.

Discipline:

Violation of district policy and rules will result in loss of access to the district computer system:

1st Infraction: Removal from the computer network for 20 school days.

2nd Infraction: Removal from the computer network for 90 school days.

Additional disciplinary action may be determined at building level, in keeping with existing procedures.

Privileges:

The use of the network/internet is a privilege and is not a right. Inappropriate use may result in the cancellation of privileges as determined by school personnel.

Network Etiquette:

Network/internet users are expected to abide by accepted standards of network etiquette. These include but are not limited to the following:

Polite interchanges/messages

Using appropriate language

Respecting and safeguarding secrecy of personal information of students and staff

Assuming that all communications and information accessible via the network are the private property of the author(s)

Security:

Network/internet users are required to notify school personnel in the event that a security problem on the internet or network is identified. Users are prohibited from demonstrating a security problem to other users, or logging on using another student’s name or account. Users attempting to log on to the network/internet as a system administrator, or those identified as security risks will lose privileges.

Vandalism:

"Vandalism" is defined as a malicious attempt to harm or destroy the data of another user or of the network/internet. Vandalism will result in cancellation of privileges. Monetary reimbursement may be expected.

The Shields Valley Junior and High School classes and organizations may plan and sponsor dances after submitting a "Dance Request Form" to the principal for approval. Sponsoring organizations are required to provide all necessary arrangements and clean up for the dance.

Dances are open to students in the Shields Valley School District only. Exceptions are made for out-of-district dance guests at high school dances only, provided that a "Non-District Dance Guest Permission Form" (available at the office) is completed by a Shields Valley student and submitted to the principal at least twenty-four hours in advance of the dance.

Chaperones at school dances have the right to refuse students admission based on student dress and/or behavior; students who leave during a dance will not be re-admitted. (See also "Shields Valley High School Constitution.")

The business of school is learning and sometimes there are individual students who interrupt learning in the classroom by disruptive behavior. One of the most important lessons education offers is discipline. While it does not appear as a subject, it underlies the whole educational structure. It is the key to good and proper consideration for others.

Teachers have the primary responsibility and authority for the maintenance of discipline in the classroom, in the school buildings, and on the school grounds. They may use such reasonable measures as may be necessary to maintain control in these locations. Teachers are expected to make every effort to take care of discipline issues themselves without referral to the office. However, if problems occur repeatedly, or if any single incident of a more serious nature occurs, students may be referred to the office. Disciplinary measures may include, but are not limited to:

For minor infractions of school rules or regulations, or for minor misconduct, students may be detained after school. Detentions vary in length from 15 to 60 minutes depending on the infraction and/or number of occurrences, and are served on the day following the infraction. In cases of after-school detention, parents are notified by mail that their child has been assigned detention.

Detentions are not scheduled at the convenience of the student and may result in missed activities or practice, etc. If the student misses an assigned detention, his/her detention time is doubled the following day. If a second detention is missed, the student is placed on in-school suspension for the following day. Students detained after school will be under the supervision of a staff member or designee.

Any infraction, major or minor, may cause a student to be placed on in-school suspension. An in-school suspension will not count as an absence. A student on in-school suspension reports to the principal's office each day of the suspension immediately upon arrival on school property. The student is excluded from participating in all extracurricular activities or functions during the suspension time, except practice sessions.

Students may not be allowed to participate in extracurricular activities or functions during the week of their suspension or in any way assume a position that associates them as members of the activity. The term "week" means a period of five school days from the first day of the suspension. Students may be suspended in school for up to three days. Students receive credit for work done during in-school suspension, but it must be completed as assigned and must be handed in no later than 8:30 a.m. on the date following the suspension unless a prior arrangement with the teacher has been made.

Students may be suspended out of school for severe or repeated misconduct at the discretion of the administration. Students suspended out of school are prohibited to come on school property at any time during the suspension. A student who is suspended out of school will be excluded from participation in all extracurricular activities or functions during the suspension time, including practices.

Students who are suspended out of school will not be allowed to participate in extracurricular activities or functions during the week of their suspension or in any way assume a position that associates them as members of the activity. The term "week" means a period of five school days from the first day of the suspension. Students who are absent as a result of an out-of-school suspension do not have the right to make up missed work.

Expulsion is the exclusion of a student from school for an indefinite period of time. The purpose of expulsion is to protect the educational atmosphere and to provide for the rights and general safety of all persons. A student may be expelled from school only by the Board, and only after due process procedures have been followed.

Parents, as well as students, are expected to assume the responsibility for children wearing appropriate apparel at school. When a student’s dress interferes with the education, health, or safety of other students, that student’s manner of dress will be restricted and his/her parents contacted. Besides reducing distractions to the educational process, a well-groomed, appropriately dressed student is better likely to be accepted by his/her peers. With these things in mind, the school district has adopted the following guidelines for student dress at the junior high and high schools:

1. Students must be neat and clean.

2. Shoes must be worn in school at all times.

3. Headgear, hats, or scarves are not permitted to be worn in school during regular school hours.

4. Halter tops, tank tops without another shirt, or apparel that exposes the midriff are not allowed.

5. Clothing with obscene or suggestive insignia or wording, or beer, liquor, or tobacco advertisements is not allowed.

6. Shorts may be worn that are in good quality with no holes or tears, and must be at least mid-thigh in length or even with the fingertips extended, whichever is longer. Spandex is not allowed unless covered by appropriate shorts. Shorts worn for P.E. class are not allowed to be worn to the students other classes.

7. Skirts, "skorts," and acceptable long pants must be at least mid-thigh in length; all pants must be worn around the student’s hips, no lower.

The Board of Trustees authorizes the district administration to determine acceptable wear. If an administrator feels a shirt is obscene or offensive, for example, the student may be asked to turn the shirt inside out or go home and change. Likewise, the principal may grant exceptions to the above guidelines on a per-case basis. (See also "Personal Hygiene.")

Extra- and Co-curricular activities shall include all athletics, clubs, organizations, recreation days, senior trip, music, etc., named here and any other not named but associated with the Shields Valley Public Schools.

To be eligible to participate in a Montana High School Association contest, a student must have received a passing grade in at least twenty periods of prepared work per week or its equivalent during the last preceding semester in which the student was in attendance. If a student is assigned an "incomplete" or a "condition" in a subject, a passing grade has not been received in this subject. The record at the end of a semester is final and scholastic deficiencies may not be made up in any way.

"Interpretation"

Twenty hours of prepared class work means four subjects that grant one unit of credit each for the full school year or their equivalent, e.g. three classes carrying one unit of credit for the school year and two classes carrying one-half unit of credit for the school year would meet this requirement. In addition to the Montana High School Association semester academic eligibility policy listed above, the Shields Valley School Board has adopted the more stringent academic policy listed below.

Eligibility for the Shields Valley High School and the Shields Valley Junior High School will be checked on a weekly basis. Each teacher will complete a teacher eligibility form on Monday or in case of holidays, the first day of the week, from which an eligibility list will be compiled. Any student with a cumulative average of "F" (below 60%) in any class shall be listed as ineligible and disqualified to participate in extracurricular or co-curricular activities for that eligibility week. The eligibility week shall run from Tuesday morning until the next Tuesday morning. Eligibility for the first two weeks of each quarter will be based on the previous quarter’s grade.

Co-curricular activities such as Choir, Band, BPA, Close-Up, and FFA are still governed by current district eligibility policies. Weekly eligibility applies to all extra- and co-curricular activities with the exception of national competitions, in which the "F Rule" would apply.

Students in extra- and/or co-curricular activities must not have an "F" (below 60%) in any subject at the end of the previous semester to be eligible to attend national conventions, national competitions, or any other trip that may qualify as national competition.

Absences for school-sponsored activities are excused, but students are held responsible for the work missed. In order to participate in an extra- or co-curricular activities, including practice, students must be in school for the afternoon classes the date of the event. Unforeseen circumstances are subject for approval by the principal. (See also "Absences.")

It is the position of Shields Valley Public Schools that participation in extra-curricular activities is a privilege extended to the students who are willing to make the commitment to adhere to the rules that govern the program. It is the district's belief that participation in organized activities can contribute to the all-around development of young men and women and that implementation of these rules will serve the following purposes.

Students and at least one of their parents or guardians will attend the pre-season mandatory parent meeting where the rules are explained and discussed.

A student shall not use, possess, sell or distribute any prohibited substance.

The following definitions will be used to interpret this policy.

Prohibited substance means alcohol, tobacco, illegal drugs, and abuse of prescription or non-prescription drugs.

Possession means. (1) The use of a prohibited substance.

This policy applies to middle and high school students who are involved in the extra-curricular activities program. Students found to be in violation of this policy while under school supervision will be subject to the provisions of this policy and the school's discipline policy governing the behavior of all students.

Extra-curricular Activities: Activities under the supervision of building principals or the activities director. Examples: Athletics and Speech & Drama.

District administrators have the responsibility to update and implement this policy for extra-curricular activities. The involved staff has the responsibility of student awareness and implementation of this policy. Students who elect to participate in extra-curricular activities, and parents or guardians are responsible for understanding this policy and recognizing it in written form.

The School District will work in cooperation with Southwest Chemical Dependency for Chemical Assessments and Education.

This extra-curricular policy applies to all students participating in an extra curricular activity from the commencement of the activity on the date set by the MHSA and shall continue to apply to the student until the extra curricular activity ceases fully.

SELF-REFERRAL: The purpose of this provision is to encourage a student/athlete to seek help. The student may not use this voluntary admission if the authorities already know the training infraction. This provision may be used only one time on a first or second violation by a student while enrolled in grades 7-8 and 9-12, and will be documented by the principal and/or activities director. To be treated as a self-referral, this must be the first knowledge that the school official has of a violation. A self-referral carries a 10-activity day suspension from competition, but the student will continue to practice. Students who agree to participate in a Screening and Brief Intervention with Southwest Chemical Dependency and follow any intervention that results from the screening will have their suspension reduced to 5-activity days. Students must participate in the Screening and Brief Intervention before they will be eligible to participate in a sports season. If any intervention is deemed necessary and at any point the student fails to complete the intervention, the student will be suspended for a total of 45 activity days. During this time the student will be allowed to practice.

REFERRALS: A school staff member can be made aware of the violation of this alcohol/drugs/tobacco policy by any source (such as police, school personnel, counselors, coaches, advisors, community members, parents and other students, but not limited to these.)

A meeting with the student, parents, coach/sponsor and school administrator. Suspension from activities for 45 activity days. The student will be allowed to practice with the team during their suspension. Prior to re-admittance to the team the student must meet with the coaches and members of the team to detail the actions that led to the suspension and ask those individuals for permission to rejoin the team.

Or

The student and their parents will be given the option to work with Southwest Chemical Dependency. The Principal will recommend a Brief Screening and Early Intervention with Southwest Chemical Dependency. If the student successfully completes the Brief Screening and Early Intervention and agrees to follow the recommendations from the intervention, the suspension will be reduced to 15 activity days. Students working cooperatively with Southwest Chemical Dependency will practice with their team; students not working with Southwest Chemical Dependency will not practice. Some interventions may take longer than the suspension time. Students will be allowed to participate after serving their activity day suspension if and only if they are actively completing their intervention. If at any point the student fails to complete the intervention, the student will be suspended for a total of 45 activity days. Prior to re-admittance to the team the student must meet with the coaches and members of the team to detail the actions that led to the suspension and ask those individuals for permission to rejoin the team.

1. A meeting with the student, parents, coach/sponsor and school administrator and

suspension from activities for 45 activity days. Student must obtain an Alcohol and Chemical Assessment from Southwest Chemical Dependency and follow the recommendations in the assessment. Upon completion of the suspension and the drug and alcohol program, the student is then eligible to participate. Students working cooperatively with Southwest Chemical Dependency will practice with their team; students not working with Southwest Chemical Dependency will not practice.

A meeting with the student, parents, coach/sponsor, administrator. The purpose of the meeting will be to offer help to the student.

Student will be prohibited from participation in the school extra-curricular activities (as defined in this policy) for one calendar year.

3. Referral for professional help.

* Athletes and their parents are responsible for any monetary costs incurred with Southwest Chemical Dependency.

* If a participant denies implication on a first violation when he/she is questioned when an investigation is in progress and is later proved to be in violation, the penalty shall automatically double in duration. If a participant denies implication on a second violation when he/she is questioned when an investigation is in progress and is later proved to be in violation, the student will be prohibited from participation in the school extra-curricular activities (as defined in this policy) for one calendar year.

Activities that do not have a consistent practice and competition schedule will follow all of the stipulations of the Extra-Curricular Chemical Use Policy except that the consequences for violations will be determined by the activity advisor and building principal. These activities include FFA, BPA, Close-Up, Student Council, Pep Band, and any other activity where a student is representing the school district.

*Note – If a student is involved in multiple activities they will accept the consequences of each activity as it pertains to this policy.

Ineligibility shall bar a student from participating in any inter-school activity (activity between our school and another school). Ineligibility shall not bar a student from participation in any intra-school activity (activity when only our school is involved).

Basketball games, football games, volleyball games, track meets, rodeos, speech and drama meets, and some co-curricular activities will be considered inter-school activities.

Ineligible students may practice with their activity groups in order to maintain interest and/or proficiency during the period of ineligibility (one week) but cannot enter into inter-school competition or performance of any kind or travel with a group or team. This eligibility policy goes beyond that of the Montana High School Association eligibility rule, with which the district will fully comply.

A fire alarm, consisting of a loud, intermittent buzzer at the high school and a loud, continuous bell at the junior high, is sounded for the purpose of a fire, either a drill or an actual emergency. At that time, students are to evacuate the building as rapidly as possible in an orderly manner, as directed by their classroom teacher. Fire exit routes are posted in each classroom.

It is the policy of Shields Valley Schools to provide a safe and secure environment for all students. In accordance with the Gun-Free Schools Act of 1994, any student who is determined to have brought a weapon onto school district property or to a school-sponsored event shall be expelled from school for a period of not less than one year.

This policy shall not apply to weapons brought on to school property with the express permission of the district administration, such as for weapons safety courses, authorized demonstrations, hunter safety courses, or under other circumstances deemed permissible by the district administration.

For purposes of this policy, a "weapon" shall be defined as: (A) any weapon (including a starter gun) which is designed to or may readily be converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive; (B) the frame or receiver of any such weapon; (C) any firearm muffler or firearm silencer; (D) any destructive device; or (E) any instrument, article, or substance that regardless of its primary function, is readily capable of being used to produce death or serious injury. (See also "Rules For Student Conduct.")

Pop and candy are allowed before school, in the gym after lunch is served (only), and after school. At no time are food and drink permitted in the classrooms without teacher permission. (See also "School Lunch.")

The Shields Valley Junior High and High School have adopted the following grading scale for the calculation of report card grades and grade-point average (GPA):

Grading Scale GPA

100 – 93 = A 4.00

92 – 90 = A- 3.67

89 – 87 = B+ 3.33

86 – 83 = B 3.00

82 – 80 = B- 2.67

79 – 77 = C+ 2.33

76 – 73 = C 2.00

72 – 70 = C- 1.67

69 – 67 = D+ 1.33

66 – 63 = D 1.00

62 – 60 = D- 0.67

<59 = F 0.00

the semester average correctly rounds to 92, or A-.

Twenty-three (23) units of credit are required for graduation for all students, except as listed below for transfer students. A unit of credit is defined as the equivalent of at least 225 minutes per week for one year. Semester-long courses usually earn one-half (0.5) credits, while year-long courses usually earn one (1) credit. Some courses may be offered for one-half (0.5) credits for the full year and one-quarter (0.25) credits for the semester, or less*. These are established at the discretion of the high school principal.

At a minimum, each student must complete the following course requirements to graduate from Shields Valley Public Schools:

I. Language Arts: 4 units of credit required.

II. Mathematics: 2 or 3 units of credit required. (See below)

III. Science: 2 or 3 units of credit required. (See below)

IV. Social Studies: 3 units of credit required.

VI. Health Enhancement: 2 units of credit required.

V. Fine Arts: 1 unit of credit required.

VI. Vocational/Practical Arts: 2 units of credit required.

In order to meet the Shields Valley Schools graduation requirements, at least 3 credits must be earned in one of the two areas: Math, Science.

Students in the eighth grade may complete "accelerated" classes for high school credit at the discretion of the teacher and/or administrator. Credit will be awarded in increments of 0.5 or 1.0 credits to be determined by the teacher at the completion of the program. Students must earn at least one (1) credit per class to be exempted from a corresponding high school course. High school credit awarded for "accelerated" classes in the junior high will not apply toward the graduation course requirements.

In cases of transfer students, Montana graduation requirements must be met. Other graduation requirements will be at the discretion of the Superintendent of Schools. The following guidelines will be used and apply only to students transferring from schools with graduation requirements which are less than those of Shields Valley Public Schools. These are contingent on evaluation of transfer student transcripts.

A student who transfers into the following grades and attends for the amount of time listed must meet the following credit and graduation requirements:

Sophomores: Full year – 23 credits and meet district graduation requirements

Half year – 22.5 credits with required courses taken

Juniors: Full year – 22 credits

Half year – 21.5 credits

Seniors: Full year – 21 credits

Half year – 20.5 credits

All students must have a hall pass to be outside of their classrooms during class time. Passes may be secured from teachers with their permission or from the office. Only one student may use a pass at a time.

To receive honor roll recognition, a student must earn a 3.33 GPA average. Students with a 3.75 GPA average or better qualify for high honor roll. Computer-generated nine-week report card averages will be used in determining honor roll achievement. All subjects with the exception of Teacher Aide, Weight Training, and Library Aide count toward the calculation of honor roll. (See also "Grading Scale.")

Students in grades 9-12 who have earned a 93% average for the previous quarter will be granted an Honor Pass. This pass entitles the students to check into and leave study hall. After checking in and being released, the student may go to the library (with permission of the Librarian) or outside in front of the school to study and/or visit. If the library is being used and weather doesn’t permit the students to go outside, the students must return to study hall. Honor pass students are required to move quietly through the building without disrupting students and staff, and are not to be in the hallways during regular classroom instruction. Honor pass privileges can be revoked at the discretion of the high school principal.

School lockers are the property of the district and are to be cared for properly. Students may use only the locker to which they are assigned and may not place stickers, posters, tape, decals, etc., (unless part of an approved activity) on the outside of lockers. Lockers are to be kept closed and orderly at all times. Students may not store personal items in lockers that do not fit, or in hallways or empty, unassigned lockers. A student may be subject to fines for willful damage to lockers and/or other school property.

Students may place locks on their lockers if the office is provided with the lock’s combination or a duplicate key prior to the lock being placed on the locker. Locks placed on lockers without approval are subject to removal without notice. The school is not responsible for lost or stolen property.

Locker room lockers are supplied to students in P.E. and the district’s extracurricular athletic programs. Because these students store district athletic equipment and personal belongings during hours that the locker rooms are not monitored, each student in these activities is required to rent a district lock at a rate of $1.00 per year. These locks are the property of the school and any damage or loss must be replaced at the student’s expense.

The superintendent reserves the right to authorize the principal to perform a periodic check of all lockers and/or to inspect a student’s locker when there is reason to believe that the locker is used for the storage of a substance or object which is prohibited or which constitutes a threat to the health, safety, or welfare of the occupants of the school or the building itself. The school reserves the right to inspect individual lockers without advance notice or student permission. (See also "Search and Seizure Policy.")

The Shields Valley School District strongly encourages the administration of medication at times other than during the school day. However, it is recognized that such a practice may not always be feasible. Therefore, all medications used by students at school, including asthma inhalers, aspirin, etc., must be registered with the school office before they can be taken. Medication is defined as all drugs, whether prescription or over-the-counter.

When necessary the district shall provide caretaking/handling of prescription medications. Caretaking means storage of prescription medication with reasonable precautions for security and preservation. Handling means providing students with proper dosages at times specified on container labels or in written instructions from a physician. Neither caretaking nor handling means administering medication to students.

When a child is required to take prescription medication during school hours and the parent cannot be at school to administer it, the building level central office personnel or their designees shall assume the responsibility for medication caretaker/handling once the following requirements have been met:

A current, signed parental consent form has been submitted to the district. A current, signed physician's order for medication has been provided to the district and will include:

a. Child's name

b. Name of medication

c. Purpose of medication

d. Time medication is to be taken

e. Dosage

f. Possible side effects

g. Termination date for administering the medication

A properly labeled pharmaceutical container with patient name, medication name, specific dosage and dispensation time instructions has been provided to the district.

Written communication regarding any special storage instructions (e.g. refrigeration required) has been provided to the district.

Written affirmation from parent/guardian that:

a. The initial dose of the prescription has been administered to student at home, in the physician's office, or in the hospital.

b. A continued supply of the medication is the sole responsibility of parent/guardian.

c. Delivery of medication to district is the sole responsibility of parent/guardian.

d. The District has no responsibility if medication is not delivered or is otherwise not available.

The student will be required to take medication on his/her own while at school. School personnel may assist the student by reminding him what time to take medication, but under no circumstances will school personnel administer routine medication. Exceptions to this policy include life-threatening conditions such as allergic reactions to bee stings or other pre-existing conditions requiring school personnel to administer medication.

The parent of the child must inform the school office of any change in the child's health or change of medication. The school district reserves the right to reject requests for permission to store/handle prescription medications.

Parent-teacher conferences are scheduled twice a year and serve as an opportunity to discuss student progress at school. Information concerning parent-teacher conferences is disseminated after the end of the first quarter in October and again at the end of the third quarter in March. Parents are encouraged to call, however, at any time should they desire conferences with any or all of their child’s teachers.

Children are expected to come to school clean, well groomed, and free from offensive odors resulting from poor personal hygiene. Students are expected to be well-groomed at all times; i.e. teeth brushed, hair combed and clean, clean undergarments worn daily, and all outer clothing neat and clean. (See also "Dress Code.")

All students participating in athletic extracurricular activities must have a current physical examination before they will be permitted to practice or play. This examination must be certified by a physician and shall be in effect for one (1) year from the date of the examination.

To be promoted, students in grades seven and eight must meet three (3) criteria:

In each grade, pass for the year at least three (3) of the core subjects of English, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies*; and

In each grade, pass at least 50% of the semesters taken in any of the subjects not listed above.

In each grade, perform acceptably in all subjects as determined by the faculty for grades seven and eight, and/or the administration.

In high school, students are required to take seven (7) subjects per year and must complete the following courses and earn the following number of credits for promotion to the next grade level:

Freshman (5 or more) Sophomores (10 or more)

Earth Science Math

English 9 Biology

Physical Education English 10

Math Physical Education

Word Processing World History

Electives Electives

Juniors (15 or more) Seniors (22 or more)

English 11 English 12

U.S. History Government

Electives Electives

The courses listed above are required for graduation and are considered part of the 23 credits required for graduation. (See also "Graduation Requirements.")

High school students are administered a final (quarter) test or project at the end of each nine-week session to be weighted no more than one-fifth (1/5) of the grade for that grading period. Quarter tests are given at the end of the first and third quarters, while semester tests are given at the end of the second and the fourth grading periods.

High school students may be exempted from quarter tests if they have a 93% average or greater and no more than two absences and three unexcused tardies in the class. All students in grades 9-12, however, are required to take semester tests. A student who is exempt from taking a quarter test has the right to take that test to improve a grade should he/she choose. An exempt student may take a test without lowering his/her current grade.

All students will be required to be in attendance during the testing periods, even if they are exempt from taking the test.

Quarter and semester tests are given to junior high classes at the discretion of the teacher. If quarter tests are given, no exemptions will apply.

Each year students in grades 7-12 participate in one Recreational Program Day ("Rec Day") as an extension of their Physical Education instruction. Students typically choose among three activities such as downhill skiing, swimming, or bowling and are transported by bus to the activity of their choice.

Attendance on Rec Day for junior high and high school students is mandatory; students who participate in Rec Day are excused from school for the entire day. Rec Day at the junior and high school is contingent upon 75% participation at each school to be determined by a deadline in advance of the day. This means, for example, if the junior high exceeds 75% participation and the high school does not, the junior high, only, will attend Rec Day or visa versa.

Students must submit a written note signed by a parent or guardian indicating whether they intend to ride the bus to and/or from the Rec Day, or with a parent or other adult. Students who fail to ride the bus after indicating that they will do so will be ineligible to participate in Rec Day as a member of the school, will not receive the discounted rates, and will not receive a refund for funds paid in advance.

Parents who wish to remove their child during the school day for medical appointments, etc., are required to report to the office and/or inform the attendance secretary or principal of their intent before removing their child. No child may be removed from any classroom, building, grounds, or function except by a parent having legal custody or a legal guardian. (See also "Closed Campus Policy.")

Student report cards are issued at the end of each academic quarter with a cumulative grade in each subject for that quarter. Students receive semester grades, which are indicated on the report cards of the second and fourth quarters, at the end of the first and second semesters, respectively. All report card grades are entered in the permanent school records together with the complete record of attendance.

In addition, a mid-term progress report is sent home to all parents after five weeks of each quarter of school has elapsed. The purpose of this report is to apprise parents of their child’s grades and to allow students opportunities for improvement before the final quarter grades are issued. (See also "Grading Scale.")

Teaching responsibility for one's actions, self-discipline, and setting guidelines for youth are part of the educational process and therefore is a responsibility of the public schools. The Board of Trustees believes that their cumulative wisdom, together with that of those employed in the school system, provides an adequate knowledge and experiential foundation to set and enforce reasonable standards for student conduct. Accordingly, the following basic standards are adopted:

1. Disciplinary action shall be restricted to correcting behavior that occurs on school property or in connection with any school-sponsored activities in any location. On occasion, corrective disciplinary action may be carried out if students are on the way to or from school, or participating in a non-school-sponsored activity on school grounds.

2. A student shall not be permitted by use of violence, force, noise, coercion, threat, intimidation, fear, passive resistance, or any other conduct, to cause the substantial and material disruption or obstruction of any lawful mission, process, or function of any individual, student, or school. A student shall not be permitted to urge other students to engage in such conduct for the purpose of causing the material and substantial disruption of the educational process.

3. A student shall not threaten, assault, or cause physical injury to other students, school personnel, or any other person on school property or in connection with any school-sponsored activities in any location.

4. A student shall not knowingly possess, use, transmit, or be under the influence of any controlled substance, including, but not limited to any narcotic drug, hallucinogenic drug, amphetamine, barbiturate, marijuana, alcoholic beverage or intoxicant of any kind while on school property or in connection with any school-sponsored activities in any location, whether participant or spectator.

5. A student shall not smoke, chew, or possess any tobacco product in any school building or on school property. Regulations are applicable to school time, school hours and to all school-sponsored events at home or away from home.

6. The willful destruction of any school property (desks, textbooks, equipment, buildings, etc.) either before, during, or after school hours shall not be permitted and will result in the offender(s) paying for or replacing damaged or destroyed property, in addition to any other action the administration and/or board may deem fit.

7. A student shall not possess, handle, or transmit sling-shots, snow balls, knives, razor blades, razors, ice picks, matches, lighters, explosives such as firecrackers and smoke bombs, guns or any other object that reasonably may be considered dangerous or could be used as a weapon.

8. Foul, abusive, or inappropriate language is barred from use at all times.

9. Electronic devices such as televisions, radios, hand-held games/computers, cell phones, video cameras, MP3 players, etc., are not permitted in the school without teacher permission.

10. Community-approved socializing activities between boys and girls are encouraged; however, a hands-off policy is enforced. Public displays of affection such as arms around the waist, necking, etc., are interpreted as a violation of good conduct and are not permitted. The only public display of affection permitted is hand holding. This applies to all school functions on school property.

11. Students shall obey all directions of administrators, teachers, aides, bus drivers, custodians, secretaries, and other school personnel, all of whom are authorized to give such directions in accordance with school district rules and regulations unless such personnel are otherwise directed by administrative personnel or by board action.

School lunch tickets currently cost $2.00 each for junior high and high school students and include milk and salad. Lunch tickets may be purchased in advance; students may also bring a lunch from home and milk may be purchased separately for $.25 a carton. Free and reduced lunches are available for those students who qualify; application forms are available in the main office.

Our cooks determine the daily menu for school lunch. These menus are produced monthly and are posted in the office(s) as well as published in the monthly Community Newsletter. Our cooks appreciate written suggestions for meal ideas as they continually seek to prepare meals that are nutritious and which students like to eat.

Good, orderly conduct is expected of every student while eating lunch. After lunch, students are to remain in the gym, or they may be permitted outside depending on weather. Pop is not permitted at the lunch tables at any time during the lunch period. (See also "Food or Drink.")

A professional photographer takes each student’s picture annually at school, typically in the fall. Team sport pictures are usually taken on the same day as the individual student pictures. Information regarding school pictures will be sent before they are taken in the fall.

To maintain order and discipline in the schools and to protect the safety and welfare of the students and staff, school authorities may search a student, student lockers, or student automobiles under the circumstances outlined below and may seize any illegal, unauthorized, or contraband materials discovered in the search. A student’s failure to permit searches and seizures as provided in this policy will be considered grounds for disciplinary action.

Students’ lockers are school property and remain at all times under the control of the school; however, students are expected to assume responsibility for the security of their lockers. School authorities may for any reason conduct periodic general inspections of lockers at any time without notice or student consent, and without a search warrant. (See also "Lockers.")

Students are permitted to park on school premises as a matter of privilege, not of right. The school retains authority to conduct routine patrols of student parking lots and to inspect the exteriors of automobiles on school property. The interiors of student vehicles may be inspected when a school authority has reasonable suspicion to believe that illegal or unauthorized materials are contained inside. Such patrols and inspections may be conducted without notice or student consent, and without a search warrant. According to the state statute called "Drug Free School Zones," vehicles used by students to attend school that are parked within 100 yards of school property may also be searched. Alerts by trained canines may establish reasonable suspicion.

A student’s person and/or personal effects (e.g., purse, book bag, etc.) may be searched when a school authority has reasonable suspicion to believe that the student is in possession of illegal or unauthorized materials. If a pat-down search of a student’s person is conducted, it will be conducted in private by a school official or designee (i.e. school nurse) of the same sex, and with an adult witness present when feasible.

If extreme emergency conditions require a more intrusive search of a student’s person, such a search may only be conducted in private by a school official or designee (i.e. school nurse) of the same sex, with an adult witness of the same sex present, and only upon the prior approval of the Superintendent, or designee in the absence of the Superintendent, unless the health or safety of students will be endangered by the delay which might be created by following these procedures.

If a properly conducted search yields illegal or contraband materials, such findings shall be turned over to the proper legal authorities for ultimate disposition, and/or will result in appropriate school disciplinary action. In cases involving personal searches or automobile searches, district officials will attempt to contact parents as the process progresses. However, inability to reach parents will not cancel or delay the search process unless law enforcement authorities become involved and advise otherwise.

Under the Family Educational and Privacy Rights Act (FERPA), the parents of a student or an eligible student are permitted to inspect and review the education records of that student. In case of divorce or separation, the school district will provide access to educational records to both custodial and non-custodial parents, unless there is a legal binding document that specifically removes that parent from inspection rights. Otherwise, schools cannot legally disclose information considered to be part of an education record without the prior consent of the holder of FERPA rights

Information that can personally identify a student may be released without prior consent, however, when the information is considered directory information. Directory information may include a student’s name, address, phone number, birth date, e-mail address, phone number, class schedule, height, weight, dates of attendance, honors, awards, clubs and teams to which the student belongs, and pictures of the student participating in events.

The Shields Valley School District designates all information listed above as directory information that it may release without prior consent. Directory information does not include grades and GPA, Social Security number, student identification number, race, gender, or ethnicity. FERPA does not mandate that the school release directory information when requested; the school may release information at its own discretion.

Students in study hall are encouraged to use their time to prepare for class. Students without relevant class work are expected to have other work or materials to keep themselves busy during study hall. Students who fail to bring something to do may be given work by the study hall teacher. Students are expected to work quietly so as not to interrupt or disturb other students. Students unwilling to comply with study hall guidelines and/or teacher instructions may face disciplinary actions.

A student may be excused from study hall to do lab work or other relevant work in the classroom of another teacher by securing a pass in advance from that teacher. Students with permission to leave study hall are required to report to study hall for roll before leaving the classroom.

Students in the junior high and high school have three minutes to pass between classes and are expected to be in class on time. Students who are inexcusably tardy to class or school will receive one-half hour detention for each unexcused tardy after their second unexcused tardy per semester. Suspension will be warranted if a student is a habitual offender. Students who are tardy will be counted "absent" in any class which 50% or more of the class was missed. (See also "Attendance.")

When a student’s tardiness becomes frequent or disruptive, the student shall be referred to the principal or counselor. If counseling, parent conference, or disciplinary action is ineffective in changing the student’s attendance behavior, he/she may be suspended from the class.

When a student receives a phone call during the day, office personnel will take the message. Students will not be called from class unless it is an emergency. For emergencies or for school business students may ask permission to use the telephone in the office, which may be permitted if the phone will be used between classes, before/after school, or at lunchtime.

It is the intention of the school district that equal opportunity shall be provided in all areas of the education program, regardless of sex, national origin, race, or disability, and that discrimination for whatever reason shall be eliminated. Therefore, the Shields Valley Public Schools hereby:

Affirms the right of every student to have access to all courses (including physical education classes, vocational education courses and programs) without regard to sex;

Affirms the right to counseling without regard to gender;

Affirms the right to equal treatment (including aid, benefits, services, employment, assistance, honors and awards, extracurricular activities, and application of rules and regulations) without regard to gender;

Prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in policies, programs, or practices relating to student marital or parental status;

Affirms the right of every student to participation in interscholastic, intramural, and club athletics without regard to gender; (The school may operate separate teams for each gender where selection for such teams is based upon competitive skill or the activity involves a contact sport.);

Affirms the right of every student to eligibility for financial assistance without regard to gender;

Allows persons (students, parents, members of the community, and staff) wishing to present complaints concerning gender discrimination by the school to prepare a written statement or appear in person before the principal at any time. If satisfaction is not received, the person may appeal directly to the school board.

Valedictorian and Salutatorian honors are determined through a point system which multiplies a student’s G.P.A. (grade point average) by "difficulty factor" points assigned to each class offered in the high school. The senior with the highest "point" average at the end of the seventh semester receives the Valedictorian honor, while the senior with the second highest "point" average receives the Salutatorian honor. (See also "Grading Scale.")

The rationale behind this kind of point system is to ensure that all students are given an opportunity to compete for Valedictorian and Salutatorian, while not discriminating against those who may have chosen a more difficult curriculum. The following difficulty factors* have been determined by a panel of teachers and are used in the determination of Valedictorian and Salutatorian honors only: (Revised May 2007)

Classes with a value of 4 points: Advanced Biology, Algebra II, Advanced Math, Chemistry, Physics, Psychology, Sociology.

*Classes without difficulty factors will be assigned a point value at the discretion of the high school principal. Point value is based on value when class was taken.

To be eligible for Valedictorian and Salutatorian honors, a student must be a full-time senior who will have attended school for not less than eight semesters, and enrolled in the Shields Valley High School for the last two, consecutive semesters. Part-time students and students completing high school via correspondence courses will not be eligible for these honors.

The Shields Valley Public Schools enforces the following guidelines for student vehicle use:

Any student who drives a motorized vehicle to school is required to have a valid driver’s license.

Students are not allowed to drive cars or motorcycles during the school day without the permission of the principal.

Students are to observe a 15 mile per hour speed limit around the school(s) at all times.

Students who fail to comply with these stipulations and speed limits may lose their right to park on school property and/or the local authorities will be notified.

All visitors are requested to report to the school office upon entering the building. All non-parent visitors must make prior arrangements with the office of a minimum of twenty-four (24) hours notice prior to the visit. Unscheduled visitors will be directed to the office so that a visit may be scheduled for them. Student-age visitors are not permitted unless supervised by an adult other than the classroom teacher or other district employee, and whose visit is briefer than one-half day.

Parents are welcome and are encouraged to visit the school but must report to the main office upon their arrival. In the case of divorced or separated parents, the school cannot grant a non-custodial parent the right to see his/her child without a court order. (See also "Release of Students.")

Any student desiring to transfer to another school and/or withdraw from school must have written consent of a parent or legal guardian. After submitting written permission to the principal, the student must complete a withdrawal form indicating that all books, equipment, and/or other school property has been returned in acceptable condition. Once all items have been checked in and any fees and fines paid, the student will be withdrawn from the school and his/her records or grades forwarded.

This in brief is the Shields Valley Schools, the home of the Rebels teams, the organizations you read about, and its students. Be proud of your school, it’s only what you make it. Be a good member of any organization you belong to – work for it, be proud of it – support it.

Don’t let Shields Valley School down and it won’t let you down. Again, welcome, students, and good luck.

We, the Associated Students of Shields Valley High School, in order to form a more prefect school, establish justice, ensure student and individual rights, and to promote education of the students herein, do hereby establish this constitution for Shields Valley High School.

Section 1 – All the legislative powers granted shall be vested in a student council, which shall consist of one representative from each of the four classes, four executive officers elected from the student body, and the four classes’ presidents.

Section 2 – The Student Council shall be composed of one member from each class, chosen by popular vote by the members of the respective classes for a term of one school year. The four executive officers, president, vice-president, secretary-treasurer and delegate-at-large, shall be elected at large by the entire student body.

Section 3 – The Student Council shall approve all awards given by the various organizations with the president of the Student Council signing each of the award certificates.

Section 4 – The Student Council normally shall meet once every school month. The Student Council President shall set these meetings by conferring with the principal.

Section 5 – The Student Council quorum shall consist of two executive officers and five out of eight representatives.

Section 6 – All measures shall be passed by a majority of the Student Council, excluding the president.

Clause 1 – The executive power shall be vested in the president of the Associated Students of Shields Valley High School. He/she shall hold office for the term of one year and, together with the vice-president, secretary-treasurer; delegate-at-large shall be elected as follows:

Clause 2 – Regular elections shall be held on the second Tuesday in May. Polls will open only during the noon hour on that day. To file for nomination a student must file a petition with the secretary-treasurer of the Associated Students stating the office for which he/she wishes to run and containing his own signature and the signatures of ten percent (10%) of the student body. Deadline for filing shall be 3:30 p.m. on the Wednesday preceding Election Day.

Clause 3 – To be eligible for election to the above named offices, a student must be a member of the incoming junior or senior class. The student must have passed all solids for the previous semester.

Clause 4 – If an elected officer fails to maintain passing grades while holding office, he/she shall be immediately removed from said office and a special election shall be held on the second Tuesday after the end of the semester to fill the vacancy. However, in the event that the president is removed from office, the vice-president shall be elevated to the office of president and a special election shall be held to elect a vice-president.

Clause 1 – The president of the Associated Students of Shields Valley High School shall serve as president of the Student Council. He/she shall preside at all meetings but shall have a vote only in case of a tie, to break that tie or to make it.

Clause 2 – The vice-president of the Associated Students shall serve as vice-president of the Student Council. He/she shall preside at all meetings in the absence of the president.

Clause 3 – The secretary-treasurer of the Associated Students shall serve as secretary-treasurer of the Student Council.

Clause 4 – The delegate-at-large shall represent all the students form grades 9-12 and promote their interests.

Clause 5 – To hold office all officers must have received a majority of votes; there shall be a runoff election among the candidates who receive the most votes.

Each class shall have officers consisting of president, vice-president, secretary-treasurer, and one student council representative to be elected at large within the class no later than the first month after school convenes. The term of office for each officer shall be one school year.

Clause 1 – The president shall preside over all meetings of his/her respective class. He/she will oversee all other officers of the class, and he/she has the power to appoint class members to various committees.

Clause 2 – The vice-president shall preside over all respective class meetings in the absence of the president. All powers vested in the president shall devolve on the vice-president in the case of the president’s death, removal, resignation, or inability to perform his/her duties.

Clause 3 – The secretary-treasurer of each respective class shall record all minutes of the meeting of that class. He/she shall carry on all correspondence and financial business relating to that class and keep records of such.

Clause 4 – The student council representative shall attend all Student Council meetings, take an active part in council discussions and activities, and report back to the class all-important business.

Clause 5 – The vice-president and secretary-treasurer shall be given the right to participate in all class discussions and are entitled to vote on all class business. The president shall vote only in the case of a tie to break that tie or to make it. The student council representative shall have one vote in Student Council business.

A student shall be eligible to hold office only if he/she has maintained passing grades in all solid subjects the previous quarter. If an elected officer fails to uphold this standard of eligibility, the student shall be removed from office. The new person shall be elected or appointed to fill said vacancy.

All debts contracted and engagements entered into before the adoption of this constitution shall be as valid against the student body as before.

This constitution and the laws of the Student Council which shall be made in pursuance thereof, and all rules made of which shall be made under the authority of the Student Council, shall be the supreme law of this school, anything in the constitution or laws of any organization or class not withstanding, providing they shall be within the limits of, and conform to the laws of the State of Montana, and or policies and rules of the Board of Trustees, and/or the administrative rules and regulation of this school.

The Student Council shall have power to propose an amendment to this constitution upon approval of at least two-thirds (2/3) of the Council membership, excluding the president. An amendment shall originate either by motion or approval within the Council, or by petition from the student body. Said petition shall clearly state the proposed amendment and be signed by ten percent (10%) of the student body. An amendment becomes valid upon ratification by a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of each of the classes; provided that any amendment does not infringe in any way upon the students’ rights provided for in this constitution.

This constitution shall be in full force and effective when ratified by two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of each of the four classes of this school.

Section 1: Rules concerning the awards system of Shields Valley High School.

Only students who earned letters in their respective activity will be permitted to wear the block "SV."

All other organizations will be permitted to have their choice of emblem, subject to Article I, Section 4 of the Constitution.

The following organizations have chosen the following emblems:

1) Rebel Club – Block "SV"

2) Band – Lyre type emblem with block "SV" inset

3) Speech and Drama – Drama mask with "SV"

All other organizations desiring emblems must submit their emblem to the Student Council for approval.

BASKETBALL: Participate in at least one-half (1/2) of all varsity quarters during the regular season.

FOOTBALL: Participate in at least one-half (1/2) of all varsity quarters during the regular season.

VOLLEYBALL: Participate in at least one-half (1/2) of all varsity matches during the regular season.

TRACK: Qualify for the Divisional Track meet in an individual or relay event and/or score a minimum of twelve (12) points during the season in varsity matches.

RODEO TEAM: Attend a minimum of ten rodeos and a majority of all meetings and functions.

SPEECH AND DRAMA: Place a minimum of fifth in a meet and/or attend all scheduled meets.

MUSIC: One full year of successful participation.

Due to extenuating circumstances, a coach or sponsor may vary these requirements when awarding a varsity letter. This will be done only with the approval of the building principal and athletic director.

Section 1: Persons eligible

All local high school students.

Students participating against our school in different activities on the date the dance are held.

Students who come on pep buses, when their team is participating in some activity on the date the dance is held.

Section 2: Persons ineligible, when accompanied by a high school student or not

Student on suspension.

Persons who leave the dance after they arrive inside the dance cannot return.

Groups from another town when they have not apparent reason for being there.

All elementary and junior high students.

Section 3: Dance violations

No person shall at any time be in possession of or have liquor on his/her breath.

No person shall have tobacco or smoke at a dance.

Section 4: Chaperones

There shall be at least three chaperones at each dance.

At least two of the chaperones must be members of the faculty.

Parents may be the other chaperone at a dance.

The Student Council and High School Principal must approve all bands.

Section 1: The athletic department is organized to promote interscholastic sports.

Anyone interested in extracurricular or co-curricular activities may join.

Athletes participating in the various sports may earn a varsity letter. To earn a letter in basketball, football, and volleyball, a player must participate in at least on half of the quarters played by the team each season. In those situations where there are less than ten players, lettering shall be left to the discretion of the varsity coach. To letter in track, a participant must earn a minimum of twelve points or qualify for the Divisional Track Meet.

School awards for basketball, football, volleyball, and track will be:

1) First year of lettering – chenille letter (a block "SV") with a basketball, football, volleyball, music, speech and drama, cheerleading, rodeo, or track emblem.

2) Second year and each succeeding year the participants will receive a bar emblem.

3) Junior varsity players will receive a certificate.

4) Varsity managers will receive a chenille letter (a block "SV") and a manager’s emblem.

5) Statisticians will receive a certificate.

6) Captains will receive an emblem.

The coaches may give special awards. All awards given must be in compliance with the rules established by the MHSA.

Shields Valley High School shall be a member of the conference assigned them by the Montana High School Association.

Section 2: Band is organized to raise the musical taste and standards of the school and community.

Band is open to all students.

Members furnish their own instruments or rent a school-owned instrument for the year.

Elected officers will be president, vice-president, and secretary-treasurer.

Band members may earn awards for participation. Band students will receive a lyre-type emblem with the block "SV" inset and a band emblem for the first year of participation. For the second year and each succeeding year, band students will receive a bar.

Section 3: The choir is organized to better understand and appreciate music.

Any student may join by registration at either semester.

There will be regular rehearsal, special rehearsals, and some special groups.

The officers elected will be a president, vice-president, secretary-treasurer, and librarian.

There are no special dues, and members may earn awards.

Section 4: The drill team is to provide entertainment at various events during the year.

Drill team is open to anyone from grades 9-12.

Practice outfits will include tennis shoes or flat heel shoes, socks, shorts, and a shirt unless otherwise stated.

Practice will be from 4 – 6 p.m., Monday and Thursday, unless otherwise stated.

Any unexcused absences will result in not drilling at the next performance. Two or more excused absences will result in not drilling at the next performance.

Drinking, drug abuse, and smoking will result in suspension from the team for the remainder of the year.

When performing out of town, members will ride the pep bus.

Section 5: The National Honor Society is organized to create an enthusiasm for scholarship, to stimulate a desire to render service, to promote worthy leadership, and to encourage the development of character in all students of Shields Valley High School.

Students are selected by a faculty committee picked by the building principal. Students must have a 3.33 grade point average to be considered.

Each member of this chapter will be entitled to wear the emblem adopted by the National Honor Society.

The superintendent shall appoint the sponsor of the organization.

Section 6: The Pep Club is organized to promote school spirit and sportsmanship.

Any interested student may join.

There is no special meeting date.

The officers shall be president, vice-president, secretary, and treasurer. Officers will be elected at a meeting in the spring, prior to the year they hold office.

The club will set dues.

The superintendent will appoint the advisor.

Section 7: The Rebel Club is composed of varsity athletic award winners. It is organized to further interest in athletics and to assist the school athletic department.

The primary function of the Rebel Club is to sponsor Homecoming activities.

Any student receiving a varsity letter in competitive sports is automatically a member.

Letter winners receive a block "SV" when they receive their first letter, and bars are presented for each succeeding year that a student letters.

All athletes and managers will be expected to abide by the training rules set up for participation. These rules are read and signed by the athlete and the parent.

The officers elected are president, vice-president, and secretary-treasurer.

The By-Laws may be amended by a two-third (2/3) affirmative vote of the Student Council at any regular or special meeting.

Section 1: Homecoming

Student Council president and vice-president will crown the king and queen before the varsity game begins that evening.

The flowers (hand bouquet of three carnation and three roses) will be paid for out of Student Council funds.

The boy’s crown will be paid for from the Student Council fund and kept by the school.

Homecoming king and queen are not eligible as king and queen candidates for the Junior Prom.

Section 2: Junior Prom

King and queen candidates must be members of the senior class. All seniors interested in competing for prom king and queen will have their names placed on a ballot. Only students in the junior class will be allowed to vote.

The junior class will select students from their class to crown the king and queen.

The flowers will be paid for from the junior class fund.

The boy’s crown will be paid for from the Student Council fund and kept by the school.

Section 3: Parent Night

This night will be used to honor senior players and their parents since it will be the last home game the seniors will have the opportunity to play in during their high school career.

Flowers for the seniors and their parents will be purchased by the Booster Club or from the athletic fund.

Section 4: Tournaments

Flowers for the players, coaches, cheerleading advisors, and managers will be purchased by the Booster Club or from the athletic fund.

Section 5: Senior Trip

Unless the senior class petitions the Board of Trustees, the senior trip will be limited to 450 miles by bus (from school to initial destination) within the continental United States (a greater distance would necessitate providing an additional driver). The trip will be restricted to a total of four days to be completed at least ten days prior to the completion of the school year, and it will replace no more than two regularly scheduled school days.

Chaperones are with students to advise, direct, and make necessary decisions, not to prevent students from breaking the rules – to abide by the rules is the individual student’s responsibility. At least one chaperone will be provided for every six students, and one member of the Board of Trustees and/or a school administrator shall serve as one chaperone.

At least two chaperones will be chosen from school district personnel on a volunteer basis. If there are no volunteers, the school district holds the right to assign the duty. A committee consisting of at least one administrator, one senior class sponsor, the senior class president, the student council president, and one or more parents of members of the senior class will screen other potential chaperones for suitability.

Rules

All rules concerned with proper conduct in the Student Handbook will be followed.

Students will be responsible for the protection of their own money and other valuables.

Students will abide by all curfews established by chaperones.

Luggage and other personal belongings may be inspected by chaperones at any time.

Students who use tobacco products will be disciplined by the procedures established in the Student Handbook.

Students who consume, have in their possession, or are guilty by association of a controlled substance, including alcohol, are breaking the law. They will be remanded to the proper local authorities and will remain there until a parent or legal guardian picks them up. Those students will no longer be a part of the Shields Valley School District’s sponsored trip. The student or students involved in this type of conduct will not be allowed to participate in the graduation ceremony.

Any student who leaves a designated area without a chaperone’s permission will not be allowed to participate in the graduation ceremony and will be disciplined during their next regular school day, which could include in/out-of-school suspension.

Chaperones may enforce additional rules as the need arises.

No monies will be refunded to individual seniors who do not participate in the trip.

During the academic semester in which the trip takes place, students who have been cited with an M.I.P. (Minor In Possession), convicted of other serious violations of the law, or disciplined with out-of-school suspension(s) will not be eligible to participate in the trip.

Students may not get tattoo or a body piercing while on the senior trip.

Section 504 is an Act prohibiting discrimination against persons with a disability in any program receiving federal financial assistance. The Act defines a person with a disability as anyone who:

Has a mental or physical impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. Major life activities include activities such as caring for one's self, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning and working.

Has a record of such impairment; and is regarded as having such impairment.

In order to fulfill its obligation under Section 504, the Shields Valley School District recognizes a responsibility to avoid discrimination in policies and practices regarding its personnel and students. No illegal discrimination against any person with a disability will knowingly be permitted in any of the programs and practices in the school system.

The school district has specific responsibilities under the Act, which include the responsibility to identify, evaluate, and if determined to be eligible under Section 504, to afford access to appropriate educational services.

If the parent or guardian disagrees with the determination made by the professional staff of the school district, she/he has a right to a hearing with an impartial hearing officer.

If there are questions, please feel free to contact the Superintendent of Schools, Section 504 Compliance Coordinator, Shields Valley Public Schools, Box 131, Wilsall, MT 59086, phone 578-2535.

________________________________________________________________________

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) requires notification to parents that parents and eligible students (age 18 or older) are permitted to inspect and review the educational records of their child. This Act gives the parent or guardian the right to:

Inspect and review his/her child's educational records.

Make copies of these records.

Receive a list of all individuals having access to those records.

Ask for an explanation of any report on the grounds that it is inaccurate, misleading, or violates the child's rights.

Below is a description of the rights granted by federal law to students with disabilities. The intent of the law is to keep you fully informed concerning decisions about your child and to inform you of your rights if you disagree with any of these decisions.

You have the right to the following:

Right to have your child with disabilities take part in, and receive benefits from public education programs without discrimination because of her or his disability.

Right to receive all information in the parent's or guardian's native language or primary other mode of communication.

Right to have your child receive a free appropriate public education which includes the right of the child to be educated with students without disabilities to the maximum extent appropriate.

Right to have your child have equal opportunity to participate in school programs and extracurricular activities sponsored by the school.

Right to receive notice a reasonable time before the district identifies, evaluates or changes your child's placement.

Right to inspect and review all of your child's educational records, including the right to obtain copies of education records at reasonable cost unless the cost would deny you access to the records, and the right to request amendment of the record if you believe information contained in the record is inaccurate or misleading. If the school district refuses to amend the record, you have the right to request a hearing.

Right to have educational evaluation and placement decisions made based on information from a variety of sources and by persons who know the needs of the student, meaning of evaluation data and placement options.

Right to periodic re-evaluation and evaluation before any significant change in placement. (Normally three years review.)

Right to an impartial hearing if you disagree with the school district's proposed action. You will be an active participant. You have the right to be represented by counsel in the impartial hearing process. You have the right to appeal the impartial hearing officer's decision.

J. Butcher

Section 504 Compliance Coordinator

Phone 578-2535

August 21-22 Orientation/Staff Development

August 25 First day of School

September 1 Labor Day-No School

October 16-17 Staff Development-No School

October 31 End of the First Quarter (47 Days)

November 3 Second Quarter Begins

November 11 Parent Teacher Conferences (After School)

November 26 School Dismissed at 11:39

November 27-28 Thanksgiving Break-No School

December 19 School Dismissed at 11:39

December 19-January 2 Winter Break-No School

January 5 School Resumes

January 16 End of the Second Quarter (43 Days)

January 19 Third Quarter Begins

January 19 Staff Development-No School

February 16 Presidents Day-No School

March 20 End of the Third Quarter (43 Days)

March 23 Fourth Quarter Begins

March 19 School Dismissed at 11:39

March 31 Parent Teacher Conferences (After School)

April 9, 10-13 Spring Break-No School--Early dismissal 11:39 on the 9th

April 14 School Resumes

May 24 Graduation

May 25 Memorial Day--No School

May 29 School Dismissed at 11:39-End of Fourth Quarter (47 days)

May 30 Teacher Check Out Day