5110 - STUDENT HANDBOOKS

Southern Local School District

Administrative Guidelines

5110 - STUDENT HANDBOOKS

The guidelines and procedures by which students are to function while attending school in the District are to be contained in one (1) or more student handbooks. The principals at the elementary and secondary levels, working with their teaching staff are to develop appropriate handbooks which are consistent in content, with relevant Board policies, and with these guidelines. Each is to provide the following types of information and aids, as appropriate to the students' level:

An initial section containing:

		1.	the purpose of the handbook;
		2.	the purpose and goals of the school;
		3.	the description of how the handbook is to used;
		4.	a listing of resource people and/or documents which students can use to obtain answers to questions or concerns.

One (1) or more sections containing essential rules, procedures, and/or guidelines needed for students to function properly in the school environment so as to better accomplish their educational goals and the goals of the school. Such sections should include the following areas:

		1.	Attendance
		2.	Academics
		3.	Co-curricular/Extra-curricular Activities
		4.	Athletics

For each section, there should be an explanation indicating how the rules, procedures, and/or guidelines contribute to the effective operation of the school.

	C.	A section describing, in detail, the Code of Conduct. The Code should describe the behaviors, including dress and grooming, expected of the students on a day-by-day basis. It should also provide an explanation as to why those behaviors are important to the proper development of the student, the productive interactions among the people in the school, and the effective operation of the school.
		The Code should also describe those behaviors that will not be tolerated and why they are unacceptable. Such behaviors shall include but not be limited to:

		1.	use, possession, or distribution of drug items defined in Board Policy 5530 and any paraphernalia associated with them;
		2.	any illegal activity such as theft, gambling, forgery, extortion, possession of dangerous weapons, etc.;
		3.	unethical actions such as lying or cheating;
		4.	any form of violence or rowdyism;
		5.	any action that disrupts the school operation or environment;
		6.	any action that defaces, damages or destroys personal or public property;
		7.	any form of littering or damage to the school environment;
		8.	any violation of Board policies, District guidelines, or school rules.

	The section should also provide a description of the consequences and disciplinary actions up to and including expulsion for non-compliance with school rules and for unacceptable behavior. Included in this description must be a complete and accurate statement of the student's rights to due-process.

	A section describing the services that are available to students and their parents to help them accomplish their goals and function effectively in the school environment.

Whenever students are to follow a particular procedure, the following information should be provided:

	A.	purpose of the procedure;
	B.	the result the procedure should produce;
	C.	each step of the procedure, including needed resources, listed in proper sequence.

One (1) or more references including a Table of Contents, an Index, if needed and feasible, and appendices when appropriate.

The information contained in each handbook should be clear and logically organized, accurate, and sufficient enough so that, when students and their parents refer to it, they can meet the intent of what has been stated.

Each handbook is to be a model of proper use of the English language both substantively and grammatically.

Prior to the final publication and distribution of a handbook, the copy and proposed format are to be submitted to the Board of Education for final review and approval by no later than fifteen (15) days prior to the start of each school year.

Approved 3/25/91