All students are to be familiar with the information within this handbook and are subject to all the rules and regulations set forth by the Union Board of Education, State Department of Education, and the Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association.

The information contained within this handbook is to further the link of communication among the school, the students, the teachers, and the parents or guardians.  We ask each student and parent or guardian to read the handbook to become more familiar with the educational process and the required conduct of the student while at the Union Sixth and Seventh Grade Center.

If there is any question concerning the information within this handbook, please feel free to call the Sixth and Seventh Grade Center at 459-2730.
 
 

Today, Union is part of Metropolitan Tulsa and the four original communities have faded with the advancement of new housing divisions. Expanding enrollment in the rapidly growing district promises a high school of 2,000 students within the next few years. The high school is classified 6A and is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools. School population exceeds 12,600 for the district, and that figure is growing rapidly each year.

Art, music, and physical education are offered in the elementary schools in addition to the traditional curriculum. Specialists in remedial reading, speech therapy, learning disabilities, and special education are assigned to each elementary school along with media specialists. Also, programs for gifted students are offered at all levels.

The comprehensive secondary curriculum serves both the college-bound and the non-college-bound students. Classes of varying levels of difficulty are offered to meet individual student needs. The rich extracurricular program embraces athletics, journalism, speech, drama, skills development, driver education, instrumental music, chorus, clubs, and student government functions. Students interested in vocational programs are bused to the appropriate Tulsa Technology Center for the curriculum they desire.

The 28-square-mile Union District takes in much of southeast Tulsa and extends to the northwest corner of suburban Broken Arrow. Boundaries extend from 31st Street South at the northern edge to 106th Street South at the southern end. The eastern edge runs primarily along 145th East Avenue, and the western boundary varies from Mingo at the narrowest point to Yale at the widest point.
 

 1. To develop skills in four areas of communication: reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
 2. To develop a desire for learning.
 3. To learn how to examine and use information.
 4. To understand and to practice democratic ideals.
 5. To learn about and try to understand the changes that take place in the world.
 6. To appreciate culture and beauty in the world.
 7. To understand and to practice the skills of family living.
 8. To learn how to respect and to get along with people who are different.
 9. To develop a feeling of self-worth and pride.
 10. To develop good character and self-respect.
 11. To learn how to be a good manager of personal resources.
 12. To gain a good general education.

The Union Sixth and Seventh Grade Centers strive to develop in adolescent students a sense of self-worth and to encourage growth that will enable each of them to become learned citizens capable of making responsible choices.
 

The Union Sixth and Seventh Grade Centers believe that free public education is an inherent right, a privilege, and a duty of the individual.  The school is concerned with the social and physical development of each individual. Group interaction and utilization of community resources will further encourage each student’s social and physical maturity.

Administrators, counselors, teachers, and students work together in an atmosphere that promotes cooperation, shared experiences and knowledge, and enthusiasm.

The teacher is to provide the structured environment and inspiration which are conducive to student growth. Teachers also share in the efforts of the school to plan, structure, and implement activities which contribute positively to various phases of moral, intellectual, social, and physical growth.

Students will be learning new concepts and continuing the practice of basic skills; at the same time they will be involved in the process of learning how to learn. Emphasis will be placed on communication and math-science skills. The students will also be given opportunities to explore new areas of knowledge and interests in all curricula.

All students will be encouraged to explore, to discover, and to appreciate their world and their own ability to change or contribute to it.  Academic content and the well-being of the child are of equal importance.

The school works in close cooperation with home, community, and civic organizations to complement the activities of each for the complete development of the student.

Because we value education,

1. We are on time, prepared, and participate in class.
2. We respect the space and property of others.
3. We are considerate in language and actions.
4. We follow directions the first time they are given.
5. We travel with a pass.

Descriptors:

1.  On time:
 Students arrive in class before the late bell.

 Prepared for Class:
 Students bring all materials needed for class, leaving gum, candy, and radios at home.  Leave coats, backpacks, and hats in lockers.

 Participate in Class:
 Students follow class procedures and are actively involved in class activities.

2.  Respect of Space and Property:
 Students respect themselves.
 Students are aware of and respect each other’s personal space and property (HOP - “Hands off, please.”)

3.  Language:
 Students do not curse, use “put downs,” or make ethnic remarks. Students use appropriate tone and nonverbal communications.

 Actions:
 Students consider their actions and choose to be courteous toward an individual or an entire class.

4.  Follow directions:
 Students follow directions when given the first time from any adult in the 6th/7th Grade Center community.

5.  Passes:
 When going to the bathroom, students will use the teacher’s bathroom pass. For all other movement in the hallways, teachers will provide one pass for each student who must leave the room.

Professional Day                 August 9, 1999
Work Day                          August 10, 1999
Professional Day                 August 11, 1999
First Day of School             August 12, 1999
Labor Day                         September 6, 1999
End First Quarter             October 13, 1999

State Teachers Meetings      October 21 & 22, 1999
Parent Teacher Conferences October 29, 1999
Thanksgiving Holiday            November 24, 25 & 26, 1999
End Second Quarter/1st Semester
                                         December 17, 1999
Winter Break                     December 20-31, 1999
Classes Resume                   January 3, 2000
Martin Luther King Day      January 17, 2000
Parent Teacher Conferences February 18, 2000
Professional Day                 February 21, 2000
End Third Quarter              March 8, 2000

Spring Break                    March 27-31, 2000

Professional Day                 April 21, 2000
Last Day of Classes             May 19, 2000
 

 (Two (2) snow days have been built into the calendar.)
 

FIRST NINE WEEKS' PERIOD
August 12 - October 13, 1999

Progress Reports September 15, 1999
Nine Weeks' Tests      Week of October 4, 1999
Grade Cards              Week of October 18, 1999

SECOND NINE WEEKS' PERIOD
October 14 - December 17, 1999

Progress Reports November 17, 1999
Nine Weeks’ Test (if given)
 Week of December 6, 1999
Semester Tests Week of December 13, 1999
Grade Cards Week of January 3, 2000

THIRD NINE WEEKS' PERIOD
January 3 - March 8, 2000

Progress Reports February 2, 2000
Nine Weeks' Tests Week of February 28, 2000
Grade Cards Week of March 13, 2000

FOURTH NINE WEEKS' PERIOD
March 9 - May 19, 2000

Progress Reports April 12, 2000
Nine Weeks’ Tests Week of May 8, 1000
Semester Tests Week of May 15, 2000
Grade Cards Week of May 22, 2000

Prefix for all phone numbers:   459-

Principal Richard Berumen 4771
Asst. Principal Norma Rodriguez 4772
Asst. Principal John Chargois 4774
Counselor (A-K) Susan Hartzler 4782
Counselor (L-Z) Marilyn Lawrence 4781
Principal's Sec. Camilla Chapman 4771
Attendance Sec. Sandra McCaw 4777
Ass’t. Princ. Sec. Sheena Griffin  4729
Registrar Kay Howard 4775
Receptionist Skeeter Smallwood 2730
School Nurse Debbie Furgerson 4780

Auer, Nancy Geography  4763
Aulerich, Donna Media Aide                   4767
Baddley, Randa Social Studies 4725
Beasley, Jason Math 4753
Bevis, Maribeth English 4705
Blevins, Reanel Math 4723
Briggs, Vickie Family Living 4766
Brungardt, Julia P.E. 4712
Caruso, Ann Science 4714
Chamberlin, Jack Geography  4713
Churchill, Deena Geography                    4718
Cleveland, Jeff Water Safety 5760
Cooks, Debbie English 4764
Cooper, Judy S.E.D. Aide 4726
Doerr, Cappy  Geography  4731
Emmons, Neta English 4717
England, Darwin Tech.Ed. 4760
Fridrich, Kirk Science 4741
Fridrich, Tina Science                         4734
Harris, Joshlyn Math 4715
Hasz, Stacy Geography 4703
Heenan, Cathe  Math                             4736
Hoeltzel, Janet English 4711
Holt, Marcia L.D.                              4716
House, Jan Science 4704
Howard, Glenn BPE 4708
Huneycutt, Ingrid Spanish 4778
Johnson, Stephanie  MR Aide                       4750
Jones, Rebecca Geography/ARC 4719
Kent, Ann English  4791
Libby, Melissa Vocal Music 5737
Lim, Emily Science 4762
Luster, Ginger Science 4722
Manley, Cindy  M.R. 4750
Massey, Linda English       4727
McGoffin, Ellen Skills 4721
Medina, Jill Art 4751
Montgomery, Patricia English/Math 4728
Nunneley, Kaye Reading 4707
Pennington, Scott SED 4726
Phillips, Pam Math                             4753
Reagor, Carol Media Aide                   4767
Roberson, Kay Exp. Lang. Arts    4749
Smith, Donna Media Specialist 4743
Smith, Doug Geography                  4735
Snider, Gary                  S.S.S.P                       4786
Stacy, Angie P.E.                            4708
Stacy, Jim P.E. 4712
Stanford, Dennis Science  4724
Surface, Paula Orchestra 4755
Tempest, Jennifer Math 4709
Tomlinson, Terri Band 4746
Turney, Frances Math 4785
Walker, Linda Math/English 4737
Walker, Melody Speech Path 4793
Williams, Curtis Time-Out 4720
Wipf, Joann  English 4733
Wolfe, Ben P.E. 4708

Prefix for all phone numbers is 459-

Principal Richard Berumen 4771
Asst. Principal Helen Elliott 5770
Asst. Principal John Chargois 4774
Counselor (A-K) Rachel Adams 5772
Counselor (L-Z) Bill Mann 5781
Principal's Sec. Camilla Chapman 4771
Attendance Sec.  Mary K. Shackelford 5777
Ass’t. Princ. Sec. Sheena Griffin  4729
Registrar Kay Howard 4775
Receptionist Skeeter Smallwood 2730
School Nurse Debbie Furgerson 4780

Ackmann, Diane Band 5736
Bailey, Don Boys P.E. 5708
Barker, Diane Reading 5712
Bell, Vicki Reading  5751
Blankenship, Angie Reading 5703
Brown, Robin Social Studies  5729
Chandler, Joan Science  5704
Coleman, Janet Orchestra  4755
Cooper, Sarah English 5702
Cunnane, Kris Science    5756
Cunningham, Shar. English 5717
Daily, Kathy L.D. 5763
Davis, Linda Vocal Music   4756
Davis, Mary Ann Reading   5745
DeBoer, Karen Social Studies  5719
Diven, Jan Girls P.E.     5720
Ford, Karen Math     5759
Garcia, Rudy P.E. 5708
Garrett, Peggy Keyboarding 5718
Goins, Gena                  L.D.                            5758
Haefele, Vicki ARC                           5741
Hinds, Connie Science  5706
Hulsey, Roxann Art 5787
Humphries, Cyndy Math 5707
Jackson, Lorry English 5711
James, Cela  Reading   5715
Jones, Michael Art                5744
Jones, Sue Keyboarding 5790
Kelley, Dale Math       5730
Kinder, Debbie Keyboarding               5791
LeGrange, Nancy Reading    5769
LaMar, Jennifer Science          5746
McDonald, Jan              M.R.                           5700
Mitrik, Mike S.E.D.                         5789
Mooney, Barbara Reading 5757
Nichol, Liz Reading          5731
North, Leslie A.R.C.
O'Brien, Jan            Science 5726
Owen, Tracey Math             5705
Randolph, Sally Spanish                    5761
Rich, Sally Girls P.E. 5720
Roberts, Mary MR Aide 5789
Rozell, Margaret English    5749
Sharpe, Jasmine Social Studies 5748
Shaw, Debbie English
Simmons, Barbara Social Studies   5755
Snider, Gary SSSP                       4786
Spavital, Tina Math   5752
Stanford, Julie English 5757
Stege, Shelley     L.D.   5742
Travelstead, Chuck Social Studies 5709
Unruh, Kim English  5765
VanTriest, Pat Social Studies 5747
Walton, Judy Social Studies 5701
Walton, Kristen Math                        5713
Widener, Jodi Science 5766
Williams, Curtis Time-Out 4720
Yarborough, Michele Science 5716
Yocom-Smith, Carol L.D.                         5725
 

7:45 - 8:45 First Period
8:45 - 8:49 Passing
8:49 – 9:44 Second Period
 9:44 - 9:48 Passing
9:48 – 10:43 Third Period
10:43 – 10:47 Passing

10:47 - 12:19 Fourth Period
  & Lunch

First Lunch 10:47-11:17
Second Lunch 11:17-11:47
Third Lunch 11:47-12:17
 

 12:15 - 12:19 Passing
12:19 - 1:14 Fifth Period
 1:14 - 1:18 Passing
1:18 - 2:15 Sixth Period
 

This notice is a Child Find project to make patrons aware of the availability of special education and related services for students with disabilities. Programs and services are provided for eligible students in the areas of specific learning disability, deaf/hearing impairment, visual impairment, orthopedic impairment, other health impairment, multiple disabilities, mental retardation, speech or language impairment, emotional disturbance, traumatic brain injury, and autism. If you have or know of a child who may have a significant disability which adversely affects educational performance, please contact the Special Services Office at the Education Service Center, 459-5432.

1. The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of the day the district receives a request for access.

 Parents or eligible students should submit to the school principal (or appropriate school official) a written request that identifies the record(s) they wish to inspect. The principal will make arrangements for access and notify the parent or eligible student of the time and place where the records may be inspected.
2. The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the parent or eligible student believes are inaccurate or misleading.

 Parents or eligible students may ask the district to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate or misleading. They should write the school principal, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading.

 If the district decides not to amend the record as requested by the parent or eligible student, the district will notify the parent or eligible student of the decision and advise them of their right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the parent or eligible student when notified of the right to a hearing.

3. The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.
 One exception which permits disclosure without consent is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the district as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff member (including health or medical staff and law enforcement unit personnel); a person serving on the School Board; a person or company with whom the district has contracted to perform a special task (such as an attorney, auditor, medical consultant, or therapist); or a parent or student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks.

 A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility.

 Upon request, the district discloses education records without consent to officials of another school district in which a student seeks or intends to enroll. (NOTE: FERPA requires a school district to make a reasonable attempt to notify the student of records request unless it states in its annual notification that it intends to forward records on request.)

The following student directory information may be published or transmitted by Internet without prior parent consent:
 - Student’s name, address, telephone, date and place of birth;
 - Student’s participation in officially recognized activities, sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams;
 - Student’s date of attendance, name of school, degrees and awards received.
Parents may request in writing that the above directory information may not be published or transmitted by the school district.

4. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the district to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the office that administers FERPA are: Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, 600 Independence Avenue, SW  Washington DC 20202-4605

The office of the Superintendent of Schools
shall maintain the official FERPA policy.

It is the policy of the Union Public School District to provide equal opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, qualified handicap, or veteran status in its educational programs and activities, in access to them, in treatment of individuals with disabilities, or in any aspect of their operations. This includes, but is not limited to, admissions, educational services, financial aid, and employment.

This notice is provided as required by Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Questions, complaints or requests for additional information regarding the ADA and Section 504 may be forwarded to the designated ADA and Section 504 compliance coordinators:

ADA Coordinator Section 504 Coordinator
Benefits Specialist Director of Special Services
5656 S. 129 E. Ave. 5656 S. 129 E. Ave.
Tulsa OK  74134 Tulsa OK  74134
(918) 459-5432 (918) 459-5432
8 am-5 pm, Mon.-Fri. 8 am-5 pm, Mon.-Fri.

Title VII Coordinator Title IX Coordinator
Dir. of Human Resources Director of Athletics
5656 S. 129 E. Ave. 6636 S. Mingo Rd.
Tulsa OK  74134 Tulsa OK  74133
(918) 459-5432 (918) 459-2680
8 am-5 pm, Mon.-Fri. 8 am-5 pm, Mon.-Fri.

This notice is available in large print, on audio tape, and in Braille upon request.

Union Public Schools establishes this policy to assure a non-discriminatory environment for its students. The district will take steps to maintain appropriate order in the schools, protect the rights of students, and provide procedures for reporting, investigation and discipline resulting from reported concerns.

Conduct

Harassment based on race, color or national origin which causes or contributes to a racially hostile environment that interferes with a student’s right to learn will not be tolerated. This conduct may include racially derogatory remarks and acts, such as racial slurs, epithets and other verbal, written, graphic or physical conduct of a hostile, intimidating, abusive, degrading, threatening or violent nature.

Procedure

Students who believe they have been subjected to racial harassment, or staff or parents of students who are aware of racial harassment, shall report such conduct to the building principal. Principals shall investigate the complaint and proceed with disciplinary action, if appropriate, in accordance with the district’s policy regarding student behavior (Board Policy #5050). The district will take prompt and appropriate action to end the harassment, prevent its recurrence, and eliminate the hostile environment.

Educational programs are built on the foundation of continuity of instruction and participation in the classroom setting. Consistent classroom attendance can lead to the development of strong work habits, responsibility, and self-discipline. Because attendance also has a definite correlation to academic performance, the quality of a student’s education suffers when he/she is absent from class. Students are encouraged to maintain regular attendance and to schedule non-academic activities during times which will not conflict with classroom instruction.

 Provided, that this section shall not apply:
 1. If any such child is prevented from attending school by reason of mental or physical disability, to be determined by the district upon a certificate of the school physician or public health physician, or, if no such physician is available, a duly licensed and practicing physician.
 2. If any child is excused from attendance at school, due to an emergency, by the principal of the school in which such child is enrolled, at the request of the parent, guardian, custodian, or other person having control of such child.
 3. If any such child who has attained his/her 16th birthday is excused from attending school by written, joint agreement between (a) the school administrator of the district where the child attends school, and  (b) the parent, guardian, or custodian of the child. Provided, further, that no child shall be excused from attending school by such joint agreement between a school administrator and the parent, guardian, or custodian of the child unless and until it has been determined that such action is for the best interest of the child and/or the community and that said child shall thereafter be under the supervision of the parent, guardian, or custodian until the child has reached the age of 18 years.

If a child is absent without valid excuse four or more days or parts of days within a four-week period, the parents shall be notified. If the child is absent from school for 15 or more days or parts of days within a four-week period without a valid excuse, the attendance officer shall immediately report such absences to the district attorney in the county wherein the school is located for juvenile proceedings pursuant to Oklahoma Statutes.
D. Under state law, attendance at school is compulsory until a student reaches the age of 18 or graduates from school.
E. All students attending Union secondary schools, unless they are legally emancipated or meet the requirements to qualify for “self-support,” shall be required to have absences excused by their parent/guardian. Students who are legally emancipated or meet the requirements of “self-support” may assume responsibility for all absences.

 Definition: Students will be recorded as “absent” when they are late to their assigned class in accordance with each building’s administrative regulations. This will apply to both the regular schedule and to the modified assembly schedule. Excused tardies are not recorded as absences.

Student absences are limited to ten per semester for each class. Students who exceed ten absences in a semester may receive an “F” grade for that class. If a student exceeds ten absences, a doctor’s statement that confirms the dates of the illness must be turned in to the attendance office upon the student’s return to school.

To protect students from being overly involved in activities and thereby harming their educational progress, the number of absences allowed for school-related activities is limited to ten per school year. Any absences over ten for student activities will be recorded as excused absences and will count towards the student’s ten absences per semester.

Absences which will not count towards the student’s ten activity absences include school-sponsored education trips which are an extension of the classroom; co-curricular events; approved meetings with counselors, administrators, or teachers; and regular student government meetings.

College visitations may be exempt from the attendance limit of ten days provided the following criteria are met: (1) limited to two per year, (2) parent notifies attendance office, (3) documentation confirming the visit is provided by the college or university and turned in to the attendance office upon return to school.

Examples of excused absences:

•  Personal illness or serious illness in the immediate family.
•  Doctor or dental appointments (every effort should be made to arrange the appointment outside of school hours).
•  Death or funerals.
•  School activities.
•  Religious holidays.
•  State-approved holidays.
•  Attendance at awards/recognition programs.
•  Absence of an emergency nature deemed unavoidable by the school principal.

Unexcused absences: Result when a student misses one or more classes during a school day or when any of the following reasons are given:

Examples of unexcused absences:

•  Oversleeping.
•  Missing the bus.
•  Car trouble (High School/Intermediate High School).
•  Leaving campus without the consent of a parent/guardian and school representative.
•  Weather (unless the building principal declares an emergency).
•  More than ten minutes late from lunch (High School).

Examples of truancy:

•  Leaving campus, after once arriving, without the advanced consent of the parent.
•  Leaving class without permission.
•  Erroneous phone calls to have the student dismissed from class
•  Other fraudulent attempts to be absent from school not covered in this definition.
•  "Walk outs" and/or "skip days".

Guidelines for Discipline Due to Truancy

First Offense
 Assignment of A.M., P.M. or Saturday detention
Second Offense
 Saturday detention (doubled)
Third Offense
 Three (3) days suspension to the home.
Fourth Offense
 Five (5) days suspension.
Fifth Offense
 Ten (10) days suspension.
Sixth Offense
 Forty-five (45) days suspension.

Students are counted tardy if they are NOT in their assigned seats when the tardy bell rings. Students detained in the office or by a teacher need a tardy slip from the person who detained them before they proceed to the next class.
First Tardy  Verbal warning
Second Tardy  Parent notified
Third Tardy   3 days detention or may
  include Saturday detention
Fourth Tardy   4 days detention or may
  include Saturday Detention
Fifth Tardy   One day’s suspension
 to the home

Students who are more than 20 minutes late for class will be considered absent for that period.

Perfect Attendance Certificates are awarded by the Sixth and Seventh Grade Centers to students having been neither absent nor tardy for the school year. The State Department of Education offers Perfect Attendance Certificates to students having been neither absent nor tardy for a period of three (3) or more consecutive years.

Students are considered tardy if they are NOT in their chair when the tardy bell rings.

Students are considered absent if they have missed more than 20 minutes of a class period.

Please contact school before 10:00 a.m. any time a student will not be in attendance

6th Grade - Call 459-5777
7th Grade - Call 459-4777

When it becomes necessary to close school because of severe weather conditions or other emergencies, announcements will be made through local radio and television stations.

Union Public Schools offer a homebound program through the Special Services Department. The criteria are as follows:
A. A student must have an acute or chronic condition which prevents attendance in regular classes for a minimum period of two (2) weeks. This must be verified by a doctor’s statement.
B. Applications for this service are approved by the Director of Special Services.
C. The State Department of Education must approve the request. Homebound service will only begin after the proper forms have been successfully completed and placed on file in the Special Services Office.

In-District: Notify the school of any address and/or telephone changes so parents can be notified in the event of an emergency.

Out-of-District: Notification of the school is necessary so the student can be withdrawn from the roll, and his/her transcript can be forwarded to the new school (refer to “Rights to Records”). Should a student move out of the district, he/she may remain at the Sixth and/or Seventh Grade Centers to complete the current school year if the parents supply transportation.

Homework

On the sixth or seventh grade level, the assignment of homework serves the dual purpose of reinforcing classroom activity and preparing the student for the extra classroom commitment required by more demanding academic work in senior high.

Grading

The letter grades A, B, C, D, F, and I shall be used to indicate the achievement of Sixth and Seventh grade students in all instructional areas. The letter grades used shall indicate the following degree of achievement:

A / 90-100  Superior quality of work
B / 80-89 Above quality of work expected
C / 70-79  Satisfactory quality of work or
 satisfactory progress in terms of ability
D / 60-69  Below quality of work expected
F / 59-Below  Unsatisfactory work (failing)
I Incomplete grade:
 student is granted two weeks
 to complete his/her work or the
 actual earned grade will be recorded.

Grade Point Average

The standard “Four Point” grading system (A=4, B=3, C=2, D=1, F=0) will be used in calculating the G.P.A.

Preparedness for Class

Being properly prepared for class is essential for academic success. Basic requirements for most classes are pencil, paper, and a book.

Progress reports are to be sent four weeks before the end of the nine-week period or whenever conclusive evidence of the student’s possible failure or significant decline in performance is present. The teacher shall notify parents whenever the student is failing, and an appointment with the parent may be scheduled. No student shall receive a failing grade for any grading period unless the progress report procedure has been followed.

The signature of the parent or guardian is required on the progress report. The progress report is made in triplicate with the following distribution:

A. The original copy to the student.
B. One copy to the student’s counselor.
C. One copy retained by the teacher.

Students will have three days to return properly signed progress reports. If the progress report is not returned within three days, the teacher will contact the parent/guardian by phone. If the parent/guardian cannot be reached by phone, a duplicate progress report will be mailed.

Based on the performance of each student, grades shall be averaged at the close of each nine-week period.

Students shall be provided the opportunity to see their grades at some time during the grading period in order to monitor progress.

Report cards will be issued at the end of each nine-week period (refer to the calendar). We encourage parents to come in for a conference with the teacher and counselor regarding any grade problem. Please call the counselor’s office at least one day in advance to make an appointment for a conference. We urge parents to maintain contact with the school through the counselors concerning any problems a student may be experiencing at school.

All school work missed during an excused absence may be made up. Procuring missed assignments and/or makeup work, as well as returning it to the teacher within specified time limits, is the student's responsibility. No penalty shall be assessed for makeup work as long as it is turned in or made up in the same number of days the student was absent plus one extra day. For example, a student who is absent four days will have homework due on the fifth day the student is back in class unless homework has been requested to be completed during the student's absence. Then the homework is due upon the student's return to class. Homework should not be requested unless the student is capable of doing it. If homework is requested prior to a planned absence, all work is due the day the student returns.

If a student is absent longer than three days, the parent may call the attendance office to obtain the student’s assignments. If the request is made before 10:00 A.M., the assignments may be picked up between 2:30 and 3:00 P.M. the same day of the request. However, if the request is made after 10:00 A.M., the assignments may NOT be expected to be ready before 2:30 P.M. the following day.

If necessary, a parent may request a grade check for a student the second, fourth, sixth, and the eighth weeks of each nine-week period. Progress reports are sent home the fifth week for any student who has a D or F, and report cards are sent home at the end of the nine-week grading periods.

Since grade checks are a courtesy from the teachers to the parents and represent a tremendous amount of time, we must not permit the students to take advantage of this benefit. Therefore we ask parents to write a note each time they request grades. The student must bring the note to the appropriate counselor during the appropriate week of a grade check.

7th GR.:
English Advanced, On Level
Geography  Advanced, On Level
Science  Advanced, On Level
Math  Advanced, On Level
Electives: Study Skills, Expressive Language Arts,
 Vocal Music, Band, Orchestra, Art,
 Intro. to Tech. Ed., Physical Education,
 Family Living, Spanish, ARC
 

In order to obtain a schedule change, a student must first obtain a Schedule Change Request Form from the counseling office. This form should be filled out completely and returned to the counseling office promptly. All requests for schedule changes will be considered.

Schedules will NOT be changed for the following reasons:
A. The first three days of school due to enrollment.
B. To have another teacher or a different hour to have class with a friend.
C. To have lunch with a friend and/or to have a different lunch time.
D.  Due to credits, there will be no schedule changes after the first fifteen (15) school days.
E. Schedules will be changed only if the change can be made without affecting too many classes.
F. Students are only allowed to change schedules one time.
G. A change will not be made if the change overloads another class.

Each school year, usually during the month of March, students are enrolled for the next school year. After receiving the COURSE DESCRIPTIONS booklet, parents should take an active part in helping their child make the best schedule for the next school year.

Promotion is a highlight of a school year and affects the teacher, pupil, and parents. Therefore, serious consideration should be given to the following factors:
A. Number of years retained
B. Chronological age.
C. Scholastic achievement.
D. Cognitive ability.
E. Developmental and social maturity.
Whenever a teacher or teachers recommend that a student be retained at the present grade level or not be passed in a course, the parent/guardian, if dissatisfied with the recommendation, may appeal the decision by contacting the counselor or building administrator.

A seventh grade student must earn 2 1/2 credits in the core curriculum (English, mathematics, geography, science) to be promoted to the next grade level.
1/2 Credit = One Semester.

Any student wishing to withdraw or transfer from Union 6th/7th Grade Center must take the following steps:
A. Make an initial request to withdraw or transfer through the registrar. This request should be made at least one day before the intended date of withdrawal. Contact from a parent/ legal guardian of a minor student must be obtained in order for a student to withdraw.
B. Report to registrar or office before classes begin on last day of attendance to pick up withdrawal form. The student will submit the form and books or materials issued to him/her to the teacher of each class. Each teacher will assign a cumulative letter grade to date and will indicate whether or not books or materials have been turned in and if any fees have not been paid. Students must be in attendance a minimum of two weeks in order to receive a withdrawal grade.
C. Obtain signed clearance from the library and cafeteria.
D. Upon completion of all parts of withdrawal slip, return the slip to the registrar or office for final approval. Approval for withdrawal will not be granted until all requirements above are met.
E. Student records will not be released until all fees owed are paid.

The Sixth and Seventh Grade Centers have a staff of highly qualified guidance counselors. Each guidance counselor assists students by strengthening their academic goals, creating positive social relationships, and building solid aspirations for the future. Since the intermediate years are the building blocks for high school, all students are encouraged to utilize their counselors.

Students needing to see their counselor should “sign-up” in the counseling office before school, at lunch, or between classes. . . NOT DURING CLASS TIME. The counselors will send for students who have signed up for assistance.

Even though the guidance counselors do not function as private therapists, they are available to counsel students in crisis situations. If a parent believes his child is in need of special services on an ongoing basis, he may contact the counselor for information regarding services in the community.

Schedules are developed by the student’s appropriate counselor.

While the mission of Union Public Schools is to educate its students, it is important that dress contribute to the atmosphere of a good educational environment. It is hoped that a minimum amount of time and effort is spent on enforcement, however, it is the responsibility of the student and the parent to adhere to these guidelines. Exceptions to this policy are at the discretion of the building principal. There may be clothing, hairstyles, and/or accessories not specifically addressed herein that may be so disruptive to the educational process that the building principal may need to take immediate corrective action. In those cases requiring such action, the building principal may act immediately.

A. Clothing must be clean, safe and healthful.
B. Clothing must not be revealing, disruptive, or distract from the educational process in any way. Shorts, dresses, or skirts that are shorter than the tip of the longest finger with arms fully extended against the leg are considered disruptive or distracting to the educational process. Also prohibited are halter tops, tank tops, and shirts which expose the midriff or full back.
C. Clothing must not carry messages either written or suggesting the promotion of illegal substances, including but not limited to drugs, alcohol, tobacco products or practices. Messages of a suggestive or vulgar nature are prohibited.
D. Clothing must not be derogatory to any individual, group, or institution, including hate group messages.
E. Modest one-piece swimsuits must be worn while using the pool.
F. All students are required to wear shoes. Cleated or steel-toed shoes or boots are not permissible in the school building.
G. Hair is to be well groomed and clean. Extreme hair styles, mustaches, beards, and extreme and visible body piercing that disrupt the educational process or endanger the health and safety of the students will not be permitted. Students may be required to alter their hair styles to meet the requirements of activities or classes where a student’s health and safety may be endangered.
H. Caps and hats may not be worn in the building. Coats may not be worn during the school day except at the discretion of the classroom teacher or administrators (dependent on classroom conditions). Coats should be kept in lockers except when arriving/ exiting the building.
I. In the interest of safety, students are not allowed to bring or wear chains to school, including wallet chains and collars.

Performing Group Uniform Guidelines
Uniforms used by parent- or school-sponsored groups will be selected by the sponsor with approval of the principal or director responsible, after consultation with the Superintendent or designee. Uniforms should be tasteful and appropriate for the activity. Some approved uniforms may be appropriate for performances or competitions, but not for school attire. Whenever possible, parents should be a part of the selection process in conjunction with the school sponsor.

(NOTE: Exceptions to this policy may be made by the building principal when special circumstances arise.)

Guidelines for Discipline for Dress Code Violations

First Offense: Verbal warning and/or call parents. Students may be required to change clothes.

Second Offense: Detention and call parents. Students must change clothes.

Third Offense: Detention and call parents. Unexcused absence for any missed class time. Student must change clothes.

Fourth Offense: One day’s suspension to the home (no credit for work missed). Contact parents.

(Students will NOT be sent back to class until they have met the guidelines of the dress code.)

Students who are issued a textbook or who check out a library book and subsequently fail to return that same book shall reimburse the district for full replacement cost. Textbooks are expected to last six years, and students are expected to assume responsibility for their care. Charges for damaged, non-reissuable books can be imposed by the building principal. Books damaged to the point that they cannot be reissued are treated as lost books with full replacement costs being assessed.

Parents or students will be given a refund if the book is found and returned in reissuable condition before June 30.

All students are expected to conduct themselves in a mannerly and orderly fashion while in the cafeteria and/or the commons area. Students are responsible for returning trays and trash to the tray return area.

Price of Lunches

Regular School Lunch $1.50
Extra Milk    .20
Reduced Lunch    .20
A La Carte Items cost varies
Fast Foods cost varies

Lunches are subject to price changes during the school year when the need arises.

Food may NOT be ordered from outside vendors and/or delivered to school without prior permission from a principal. Parents must be present with the student in the cafeteria if food is brought from outside.

Lunch Period

Students should go to their lockers to put away books and materials before entering the lunch lines. Books and gym bags, etc., should not be carried through the lunch line. Students who wish to study during the lunch period may do so if they obtain permission from a teacher to use the classroom, but they will need a hall pass stating that permission.

No student is to be in any classroom during the lunch period unless that teacher is in the room to supervise. No one is permitted in the halls without a pass during lunch. Students should get needed materials during the passing periods.
If students are taken out of the building for lunch, they must return by the end of the normal lunch period (30 min.). Students will be counted tardy or absent if they return from lunch late.

Cafeteria Behavior

Please abide by the following rules during lunch time so that everyone’s lunch will be pleasant, comfortable, relaxing, and expedient:

A. Students are to return trays and trash to the tray-return area. Students must wait to be dismissed from their table.
B. Students are NOT to throw food, catsup, salt, etc.
C. Chairs may not be saved.
D. Students are not to break the lunch line or save places in the line.
E. Each student is to buy and select his/her own lunch.
F. Please do not take books and notebooks etc., to the cafeteria during lunch.
G. Once students are seated at a table they are not to leave without permission from the teacher.
H. Food is NOT to be taken from the cafeteria into the hallways and/or classrooms.
I. Do not enter hallways until the lunch period is over.
J. Use the restrooms in the cafeteria area.
K. Please keep food items on the cafeteria trays.
L. Five (5) students may be seated at a round table and eight (8) at a rectangular table; chairs are not to be moved from one table to another.
M. Do NOT cut in the lunch lines and/or enter the serving areas through the cashiers.
N. After going through the lunch line, students are to be seated at a table and remain at that table during lunch.
O. Students are to remain seated at their tables until dismissed.

Students are to return their trays to the tray area but should return to their table immediately and remain seated until the bell rings to return to class.

A hall pass should be open and visible to any teacher who may ask to see the hall pass in the hallways. Hall passes must be presented and returned to the appropriate teachers.

All requests to leave the school campus while school is in session must be cleared through the receptionist, and there must be parent verification by note or phone of this request to leave. Leaving school without permission is classified as truancy. Parents must check out students at the attendance desk before the student may leave school for any reason.

Restrooms are to be used before or after school, between classes, or during the lunch period. Students are expected to help keep restrooms clean. Please do not litter, smoke, write on the walls, or damage the school’s facilities in any way. If out of a classroom to use the restroom, please use the closest, appropriate (boys’ or girls’) restroom.

Lost and found articles should be reported to the front office. Also when reporting a lost article, please give the report in writing with all the appropriate information about the lost article.

The school phones are for school business purposes only. Students will NOT be called out of class to answer calls except in cases of emergency. Students are NOT to use the telephone in the classroom or office without permission.

The office phones are for school business and emergency calls.

Due to many special occasions/holidays, we are often faced with the dilemma of receiving a variety of gifts (flowers, balloons, etc.) at school throughout the year. These items cannot be delivered to the classroom and are often so large they cannot be taken on the bus, so they must be stored in an already busy and crowded office area. Due to these complications, we cannot allow deliveries of this type during normal school hours. Your cooperation is appreciated.

A. Walk to the RIGHT of the halls, and do not block traffic by standing in groups.
B. Discard trash in the containers provided.
C. DO NOT RUN IN THE HALLS!
D. Do not congregate in the halls, locker areas, lobbies, or commons area between classes. This time should be used for passing from one class to another.

Continued disregard of accepted hallway courtesy could result in disciplinary action.

Individual lockers are provided for all students. Locker assignments will be made by one of the student’s teachers. Students who enroll in school after the initial locker assignment may be assigned a locker by the assistant principal’s secretary.

Students are encouraged not to share lockers and/or lock combinations. Students should be extremely careful that the locker combination does NOT become known by any other student. In the event that items are stolen from the student’s locker, the student should report immediately to the main office. Locker combinations are kept on file in the event a student’s parent or an administrator needs emergency access to the locker. Students are responsible for all items placed in their lockers at any given time.

REMEMBER DO NOT SHARE LOCKERS – DO NOT SHARE LOCK COMBINATIONS.

STUDENTS MAY NOT “RIG” LOCKERS! Students will receive detention for doing this. Any damage to a locker due to tampering will be paid for by the student.

Disciplinary action will be taken against any student who is found guilty of tampering with another student’s locker. A “jammed locker” IS NOT an excuse for being tardy to class. Report to your class and teacher to get permission to go to the custodian’s office for locker assistance. These tardies count on semester tardies.

Students will have no privacy in school lockers, desks, or other school property from school administrators, teachers, or security personnel.

Student lockers will be assigned subject to this policy.

Student lockers may be inspected and/or searched at any time without reasonable suspicion of a violation of a school rule, prior notice, the student’s presence or the student’s consent to such a search. By acceptance of the assignment or use of a school locker or gym locker, students consent to any and all inspections or searches and acknowledge that they have no privacy in such locker.

Students should use only the locker specifically assigned to them. The use of a locker not assigned to a student may result in disciplinary action against both the student to whom the locker is assigned and the student who is not authorized to use that locker. However, the student to whom the locker is assigned shall be presumed to be the owner of the items in the assigned locker.

Students who feel for any reason that they cannot abide by this policy should decline to accept assignment of a school locker.

The school will insist that couples conduct themselves at school or school-sponsored activities in such a manner that attention of others will not be attracted to them. No public display of affection, which includes holding hands, hugging or kissing, should occur during school. Repeated occurrence may lead to disciplinary action.

GUM CHEWING WILL NOT BE ALLOWED. Gum will not be permitted at the Union Sixth and Seventh Grade Center. Candy will be restricted to the cafeteria areas or outside.

THE SELLING OF GUM AND/OR CANDY TO OTHER STUDENTS IS PROHIBITED. The selling of these items (or any item) without permission from the principal constitutes a violation of school policy, and disciplinary action will be taken. All items will be confiscated and not returned.

Various school dances, athletic events, and other school activities will be provided during the school year. These activities provide students with an opportunity for entertainment and social gatherings after school hours. These activities will be well supervised and parents are always welcome to attend.

School activities are considered an extension of the school day. All rules, regulations, and policies will be enforced. Students choosing to leave a school dance before the conclusion of the dance will not be permitted to return.

To avoid long lines at the telephone and a long wait outside at the conclusion of an activity, it is suggested that prior arrangements be made concerning the pick up time and place.

Only Union sixth grade students and seventh grade students are admitted to respective student dances.

School Day - All students are restricted to the school campus from time of arrival in the morning until time of departure in the afternoon. No student is to leave the campus during the school day unless checked out through the attendance office by parent/ guardian or school nurse. Students are NOT to leave school after once arriving on campus by bus or own transportation without the permission of the principal or assistant principal.

Students should not arrive at school before:
 7:15 A.M.  -  7th Grade
 8:00 A.M.  -  6th Grade

Students should be picked up after school no later than 3:30 P.M. unless they are involved in some special school activity.

Large quantities of money or objects of substantial value should not be brought to school.

A student bringing to school any object of great value should check it in with the principal or assistant principal’s office. The school assumes no responsibility for lost or stolen articles. Do NOT bring radios, tape recorders, electronic games, or other such items to school. These items will be taken up and returned only at the end of the school day. If a student repeats this violation, the item(s) will be picked up and kept in the office until the end of the school year.

Expensive items should not be brought to school at any time as they may be lost, damaged, and/or stolen. Specific items being referred to are expensive famous label purses, radio/cassette players, jewelry (rings, watches, family heirlooms), jackets, expensive gym shoes, etc. The school assumes no responsibility to replace or pay for any item lost or taken by others.

DO NOT BRING “COLLECTIBLE” ITEMS TO SCHOOL!
The selling and/or trading of collectibles (sports trading cards, stamps, magazines, comic books, etc.) is prohibited at school. The selling/trading of these items constitutes a violation of school policy, and disciplinary action will be taken. These “items” will be confiscated and not returned.

Certain items including, but not limited to, toys, laser pens, permanent markers and White-Out, should not be brought to school. These items have proven to be disruptive and/or used inappropriately. Any other items in addition to those listed which the administration feels are disruptive or dangerous will also be confiscated.

Parents should restrict calls to students during school hours. Students will be called to the office for emergencies or instructional messages only. Please make calls before school dismisses at 2:15 p.m.

Hats, caps, and sunglasses are NOT to be worn in the school building. Students not adhering to this rule will have their attention called to the matter, and recurring incidents will be handled by disciplinary action.

Snowballs are NOT to be thrown in or near the school buildings or cars.
 
 

School policy is to accept only those visitors who have legitimate business at the school. Guests and visitors must be cleared through the office of the principal or the assistant principal. Parents are always welcome. Student visitors will NOT be permitted in the classroom or cafeteria during the school year without the permission of the principal.

Cheating on examinations, tests, quizzes, etc., at the Sixth and Seventh Grade Centers is considered an act or intent to gain or give information/ knowledge for or during an assignment, test, quiz, examination, etc. The penalty for the act or intent of cheating will be a zero (0) for that assignment, test, quiz, or examination.

Expected behavior during an examination, test, quiz, etc., is as follows:
A. Silence is expected. Any talking, speaking out, verbalizing of any kind without the teacher’s permission is prohibited and will be considered gaining or giving information.
B.  Field of vision is limited to your own paper. Any glances that are directed away from your paper will be considered gaining or giving information.
C. Tests, examinations, or quizzes are a method of determining what you have learned in a class; therefore, they become invalid when they are shared with another student. Your test, examination, quiz, paper(s), etc., are to stay on your desk until the teacher gives additional instructions.
D. Any student(s) found in possession of a test, examination, quiz, etc., not belonging to the student(s) will be considered cheating, and the student(s) involved will receive a zero (0) for the exam in question. Unless the teacher gives different instructions, the only materials you will be allowed to have on your desk during a test, examination, quiz, etc., will be the test paper, plain cover sheet, and pencil and/or pen.

The library media center will open for students two weeks after classes resume, the exact day to be announced.

The library media center is open for seventh grade from 7:15 A.M. until 2:30 P.M. during the school year. It is open for sixth grade from 7:55 A.M. until 3:05 P.M.
Students are allowed to come to the Media Center before school. Passes are obtained from the morning duty teachers in the foyer area of the gym or the cafeteria. Students must sign the morning library roster and the morning library pass. Students may use the Media Center for studying, checking out books or general reading. Students must stay in the Media Center until the regular passing time.

Passes signed by a faculty member are required for individual students to enter the Media Center during school hours.
Photocopies of material can be obtained at the circulation desk for ten cents per copy if a student library aide is on duty. Photocopies of objectionable materials will not be allowed.

Books are checked out for two weeks and may be renewed for a two-week period if a hold has not been placed on that title. Reference materials may be checked out for overnight or weekend use only and are required to be returned no later than beginning of second hour the following school day. Penalties for overdue books are as follows:

Library Books Five cents per school day
Reference Materials Ten cents per school day,
  beginning second hour
  of the day it is due.
Lost Books Replacement Cost

Each nine weeks, students must clear their library records of overdue or lost books. If a lost book cannot be found at this time, it must be paid for. If these books are not cleared, the student report card is held until such time as the book is found or paid for. If a paid-for book is found, the student will receive a refund less the amount of the fine due at the time the book was paid.

A nurse will be on duty during the school day. Except for an emergency, a pass from a teacher will be required to go to the nurse. In all cases, the student must be cleared by the nurse and by the attendance office to leave the school premises. Parents must be notified before the student leaves school because of illness, and arrangements must be made with the parent and/or guardian to take the student home since the school does not have facilities to care for students who are ill for an extended period of time (greater than one hour).

LOCATION - Office Area

Normally, the nurse will not treat an injury or illness except for first aid. If the nurse is not in her office, the student should go to the main office for assistance. DO NOT GO TO THE RESTROOM OR STAY IN A RESTROOM IF YOU ARE ILL.

Medications

All medications, non-prescription or prescription, must be taken to the nurse upon arrival at school.

Prescription: The prescription medication must have the pharmacy label attached with the name and address of the pharmacy of origin, date of filling, name of student, name of prescriber, directions for administration, and prescription number.

Non-Prescription: All over-the-counter medications must be in their original containers with the directions for administering.

No medication, even ASPIRIN, will be given to a student without a parental authorization form. Forms are available from the nurse. Any medication requiring administration longer than a two-week period must have a physician’s written request.

Immunizations

A certified immunization record indicating date and type of immunization received is a prerequisite to enrollment of all new students. All immunizations must be kept up to date in accordance with Oklahoma State Law for all students. Please contact the school nurse if specific information is needed.

Chronic Illnesses or Special Health Problems

If a student has a chronic illness or any special health problem which requires special attention or care by the school nurse, the parent needs to have the child’s medical history and/or a doctor’s statement on file with the school nurse.

A. All organizations must have a sponsor.
B. All organizations must have approval from the administration for designated meeting place(s). Any organization using school facilities after school hours must submit the proper district facility usage form for approval (first through the assistant principal, then to the ESC).
C. School-sponsored organizations should have on file in the assistant principal’s office written by-laws or a constitution as well as a summary paragraph stating the purpose and basic functions of the organization.
D. All publicity pertaining to clubs and organizations must be signed by the sponsor and approved through the administrator’s office. Schools may prohibit publicity items that are defamatory, violent, obscene, or disruptive to the educational environment.

The ARC Council directs the activities of Sixth/Seventh Grade ARC. Any social activities are organized by this group, and the council serves in an advisory capacity in regard to seminars and publications. The council is made up of elected representatives: president, vice president, secretary/ treasurer, publicity chairperson, and two representatives from each ARC hour. Any member of ARC is invited to attend meetings and provide input.

Academic awards are awarded to Seventh Grade students to recognize academic excellence. The criteria for this achievement is maintenance of a 3.8 overall grade point average for two consecutive semesters. These two semesters will be the previous spring and fall semesters.

Activity participants in grades 7-12 must have maintained, up to the end of the preceding week in which the activity occurs, a passing grade in all subjects.

If students fail to meet the minimum scholastic standard at the end of the week, they will be placed on probation for the next one-week period. During probation, students may continue to participate in activities. If students are failing to meet the minimum scholastic standard at the end of a probationary one-week period, they will be ineligible to participate during the next one-week period. The ineligibility period will begin on Monday and end on Sunday.
Students who have lost eligibility under this provision must achieve minimum scholastic standards in order to regain eligibility. Students regain eligibility with the first class of a new one-week period.

Organizations And Events Affected By Policy

The student eligibility policy will affect all student activities which are competitive in nature, involving two or more schools, and where recognition, ratings, or awards are given and winners determined.

Exceptions

Individual organizations may adopt higher standards for participation at the discretion of the instructor, with approval from the principal and director. These standards will be communicated in advance to the students and their parents. Documentation of this communication will be retained by the individual instructor.

Documentation/Administration Of The Policy

The Directors of Athletics and Fine Arts will develop a schoolwide weekly grade check procedure. They will be responsible for collecting the data and informing the principals, instructors, students, and parents/ guardians affected by this policy.

Students who participate in extracurricular activities must also maintain their eligibility in accordance with OSSAA regulations and the Department of Education of the State of Oklahoma.

Academic Teams Gymnastics
Band Natl. Spelling Bee
Career Seminars Science Fair
Chorus School Dances
Computer Arts Spirit Week
Cross Country Student Council
Creative Writing Tennis
Engineering Challenge Track
Geography Bee Wrestling
Gifted Program Yearbook

OKLAHOMA SECONDARY SCHOOLS ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION

Attendance

A student who has not attended classes ninety percent of the time for the semester becomes ineligible. Exceptions may be made by the principal due to illness, injury, death in the immediate family, or valid reasons for late enrollment.

Semester Grade

A. Students must have received a passing grade in any five subjects counted for graduation which they were enrolled in during the last semester they attended fifteen or more days. (This requirement would be five school credits for the Sixth and Seventh grade students.)
B.  If students do not meet the minimum scholastic standard, they will not be eligible to participate during the first six weeks of the next semester they attend.
C. Students who do not meet the above minimum scholastic standard may regain their eligibility by achieving passing grades in all subjects they are enrolled in at the end of a six-week period.
D. Students enrolled for the first time must comply with the same requirements of scholarship. The passing grades required for the preceding semester should be obtained from the records in the school last attended.

Special Education Students

Special education students who are enrolled in special education classes, have an Individual Educational Plan, and who have been certified by the principal as doing a satisfactory quality of work may be accepted as eligible under this rule, with the approval of the Board.

Eligibility Hardship Criteria
 

The following criteria will be used in considering the granting of residence hardship eligibility cases:
 1. Children of divorced parents.
 2. Attending school in the district where the parents are employed.
 3. Changing residence to care for members of the immediate family.
 4. Changing residence due to unstable home environment.
 5. Changing residence due to change in parents financial condition.
 6. Remaining in a school district where student is established.
 7. Placement in a new residence by order of the Oklahoma Department of Human Services or a court order.
 8. Change in school attendance when recommended by professional staff for a student who is undergoing chemical abuse rehabilitation.
 9. No penalty will be assessed to student when he/she participated illegally due to errors made by school personnel in the enrollment process.
 10. Transportation and/or safety.
 11. Student desiring to continue a program.
 12. An exception may be made to any rule in the OSSAA rules and regulations Handbook except Rule 1, the age rule. However, exceptions to many rules, such as the semester, seasons of opportunity, attendance, scholarship, and end of season, etc., will be a rarity.

The following criteria will NOT be used when considering the granting of residence hardship eligibility cases:
1. Simple change in guardianship.
2. Discontentment with the school in which the student's eligibility has been established.
3. Changing schools to take a curriculum offering or an activity that is not offered unless a student is denied the opportunity to continue a program.
4. Reinstatement of eligibility of a student who knowingly gives a school official an incorrect address.
5. The age rule.
6. Parents living in or maintaining more than one residence to circumvent eligibility.

To enhance a safe, secure learning environment and to help foster an attitude of respect for the rights of others, Union Public Schools prohibits any gang-related involvement and activities at school, during school related functions, or on any district property.

The district identifies gang activity and/or involvement as:
A. Wearing, possessing, using, distributing, displaying, or selling any clothing, jewelry, emblems, badges, symbols, signs, graffiti, or other items that are evidence of membership in or affiliation with a gang or other secret society.
B. Committing any act or using any speech, either verbal or nonverbal (gestures, handshakes, stares, etc.) showing membership in or affiliation with a gang or other secret society.
C. Using speech or committing an act which furthers interest of any kind in any gang activity, including, but not limited to:
1. Soliciting and/or initiating others for membership in a gang or other secret society.
2. Requesting a person pay for protection or otherwise intimidating or threatening a person.
3. Committing an illegal act or violation of district policies.
4. Inciting other students to act with physical violence upon another person.
5. Engaging in concert with others in intimidating, fighting, assaulting, or threatening to assault others.

FIRST VIOLATION: Parent and police notification. Suspension to SSSP for a period of 45 days.
SECOND VIOLATION: Suspension to the home for the remainder of the current semester and the succeeding semester.

Preamble

A primary responsibility of schools in Oklahoma and their professional staffs is the development of an understanding and appreciation of our representative form of government, the rights and responsibilities of the individual, and the legal processes whereby necessary changes are brought about.

The school is a community. Rules and regulations of a school are the laws of that community. All those enjoying the rights of citizenship in the school community must also accept the responsibilities of that citizenship. A basic responsibility of those who enjoy the rights of citizenship is to respect and live within the laws of the community.

The Board of Education, administration, faculty, and staff of the Union School District recognize that the parents of Union students share a major responsibility in the well-being of the students of the school. Cooperative supervision of the students by the school faculty and parents is the key factor in determining the level of success achieved by the student.

Parents should be aware of school policies such as seeing that the child is in school regularly and on time, going through the proper channels when the child is absent, and in general, aiding the school in every way possible. School policies and procedures are formulated for the purpose of benefiting the child. Parents must realize the value of cooperative effort and that honesty is the best policy. If it is honestly felt that a policy is unfair or that a student has been treated unjustly, we request that parents contact the school and try to resolve the problem through discussion with all of those involved.

Students also have a definite responsibility to the school, to their parents, and to themselves. There are several concepts which young people should acquire through their relationships with teachers and other authority figures. They must learn to be sensitive to the needs of others and be willing to accept responsibility for both social and household duties. Students should be developing mature, sensitive ways of dealing with people. With the proper guidance from the school and the home collectively, it is the responsibility of students to see that these mature concepts are developed.

The Union School District has the responsibility to assist each individual in developing their capabilities so that students may become effective and productive citizens. Students can expect to be treated fairly and equally by school personnel. Students can expect a safe and productive environment that fosters learning. More importantly, students and parents alike can expect courteous and accountable behavior in their association with the Union School District.

In an effort to give the students a general idea of what behaviors are expected of them, we offer these guidelines:
Students should -
ATTEND school regularly.
BE PREPARED for each class.
UNDERSTAND and FOLLOW school policies.
RESPECT the worth and dignity of each individual.
RESPECT the rights and responsibilities of faculty members as they perform their duties.
RESPECT the rights of fellow students.
RESPECT the rights and responsibilities of other school personnel, such as custodians, clerical staff, food service and transportation employees.
BE PROMPT in arriving at their assigned places.
OBSERVE a code of conduct for all citizens by the use of proper language, etiquette, and appearance.
INVOLVE themselves in the total school program.
AVAIL themselves of all the school has to offer in the way of curriculum.
DEVOTE all of their energies toward realizing their potential.

Our school operates on a system of rights and responsibilities. Students who show a social maturity and desire to accept their responsibilities are permitted many personal freedoms. To a very large extent, students are treated the way their behavior dictates.

School and class rules are few in number. These rules help create a better learning environment for all students. The rules will be enforced and must be followed by all students. At all times, students are under the authority of any teacher who is in their presence. Be sure that you as a parent or student understand the rules that have been established. As in society, ignorance of the rules is no excuse for non-compliance.

We have been very proud of the student behavior in Union Public Schools. In most cases, teachers have the primary responsibility for dealing with student problems. When student problems become more serious, students will be sent to the principal’s or assistant principal’s office.

You, as a parent, should read this paragraph carefully. Many educational studies have been made which can attest the following two points:
A. You, the parents, are still the most influential persons in your child's life. The values and feelings you hold toward our school will most likely be the values and feelings your child holds.
B.  Children will almost always be able to solve their own problems when they have parents who are willing to become positively involved in finding solutions to their child's discipline problems. Most problems can be solved by a meeting held between the individual teacher, student, and parent; therefore, be sure the student is in attendance for at least part of every conference. Do not leave the child at home. School personnel and parents can come up with all kinds of solutions which will NOT work unless the child is willing to try the solutions. Incidentally, you may feel free to call the principal or assistant principal if you feel the need after talking with the teacher.

Peer sexual harassment is inappropriate, hurtful, and harmful to targets. Sexual harassment shows disrespect for victims whether they are male or female. Union Public Schools will investigate and take appropriate action when acts of peer sexual harassment are reported.

State and federal law specifically prohibit sexual harassment of students. This policy will set forth the kind of conduct followed by all students with regard to the issue of sexual harassment. Sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome, sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other unwelcome verbal, non-verbal, or physical conduct of a sexual nature to a fellow student. Any student engaging in sexual harassment while at school, during any school-sponsored function or while riding a school bus is subject to any and all disciplinary action which may be imposed by the district’s policy regarding student behavior (Board Policy #5050).

The Board recognizes that students do not surrender any rights of citizenship while in attendance at Union schools. The school is a community with rules and regulations. Those who enjoy the rights and privileges provided must also accept the responsibilities that membership demands, including respect for and obedience to school rules.

Students may be suspended for a specific number of days, not to exceed a calendar year. Suspensions until the student performs some remedial act are not permitted; however, the student’s suspension may be terminated at an earlier date if he/she performs some specific remedial act.

Minor offenses will normally result in disciplinary action less than suspension.

Discipline of students with disabilities will be administered pursuant to federal and state laws.

The following behaviors while in school, at school bus stops, in school vehicles, on school grounds, going to or from school, off campus during lunch, attending school events or while attending school-sponsored events whether at Union Public Schools or elsewhere will result in disciplinary action which may include in-school placement options or out-of-school suspension.  This list includes, but is not limited to:
A. Conduct which jeopardizes the safety of others including, but not limited to:
 1. Possession, threat or use of dangerous weapons.
 2. Possession of ammunition, explosives or flammable material.
 3. Arson, abuse of fire alarms or safety equipment, or bomb threats.
 4. Fighting.
 5. Membership or involvement in gangs or gang-related activities, in secret clubs, fraternities, sororities or other secret organizations.
 6. Hazing.
 7. Harassment
  a. racial
  b. sexual
  c. student to student
  d. student to staff
  e. threat to students or staff
B. Possession, use, or being under the influence of alcoholic beverages, low-point beer, inhalants or any drug or medication not administered by the school nurse with parental authorization.
C. Use or possession of tobacco or other smoking paraphernalia.
D. Theft.
E. Vandalism.
F. Possession/distribution of pornographic material (written, audio, technological or visual).
G. Extortion.
H. Willful disobedience of a request of any school official.
I. Use of profanity or vulgar/profane gestures.
J. Cheating.
K. Violation of the dress code.
L. Forgery.
M. Gambling.
N. Failure to attend assigned D-Halls.
O. Inappropriate public behavior.
P. Truancy.
Q. Immorality.
R. Inappropriate use of technology.
S. Unauthorized possession of an electronic paging device, cellular phone and/or wireless telecommunications device.
T. Failure to comply with state immunization requirements.
U. Any behavior that disrupts the education process.
V. Violation of school rules and regulations.

The following behaviors while riding on a Union school bus will result in disciplinary action which may include school suspension or restriction of bus riding privileges:
A. Throwing any objects.
B. Placing any part of the body outside of the window (bus moving or stationary).
C. Eating, drinking, and/or possession of food or drink while on a bus. Lunches taken to school are excluded, provided they are packed in a container and the container is not opened on the bus.
D. Failure to remain seated (feet on floor, facing front).
E. Disrespectful words, comments, or actions toward the driver.
F. Blocking aisle.
G. Pushing while loading/unloading or while bus is approaching.
H. Transporting unauthorized items.
I. Peer (student-to-student) sexual harassment.
J. Excessive noise.
K. Improper street crossing during loading or unloading.

 Students will not be permitted to come to school for classes or activities, nor will they be permitted to participate in any extracurricular activities offered by the district while under suspension.
 

Oklahoma law gives students the right to appeal a suspension of more than ten days to the Board of Education.

The principal will keep written records for one year (of each suspension conference) containing the date of the conference, the names of the persons present, and the time duration of each suspension conference.

Attendance At School Pending Appeal Hearing

Pending the outcome of the appeal process, the student will have the right to attend school under such restrictions as the principal deems necessary and proper, except that at the discretion of the principal, the student may be prohibited from attending school pending the appeal hearing if in the judgment of the principal:
A. The conduct for which the student was suspended reasonably indicates that continued attendance by the student, pending the appeal hearing, would be dangerous to other students or school property.
B. The conduct for which the student was suspended reasonably indicates that the continued attendance of the student at the school, pending the appeal hearing, would substantially interfere with the educational process at the school.

A. In order to provide a safe environment for the students and staff of the Union Public School District, the Board of Education adopts this policy prohibiting the possession of dangerous weapons and replicas or facsimiles of dangerous weapons.
B. Dangerous weapons including, but not limited to, firearms are a threat to the safety of the students and staff of the district. In addition, possession of dangerous weapons, or replicas or facsimiles of dangerous weapons, disrupts the educational process and interferes with the normal operation of the district.
C. For the foregoing reasons and except as specifically provided in paragraph M below, possession of a dangerous weapon by any student or employee, as that term is defined in this policy, or a replica or facsimile of a dangerous weapon while on school property, at a school-sponsored activity, or on a school bus or vehicle, is prohibited.
D. For purposes of this policy, “possession of a dangerous weapon” includes, but is not limited to, any person having a dangerous weapon:
1. On his/her person.
2. In his/her locker.
3. In his/her vehicle.
4. Held by another person for his/her benefit.
5. At any place on school property, a school bus or vehicle, or at a school activity with such person’s knowledge of the weapon’s location.
E. A dangerous weapon includes, but is not limited to, a pistol, revolver, rifle, shotgun, air gun or spring gun, B-B gun, slingshot, bludgeon, blackjack, brass knuckles or artificial knuckles of any kind, nun-chucks, dagger, bowie knife, dirk knife, butterfly knife, any knife having a blade of greater than three inches, any knife the blade of which can be opened by a flick of a button or pressure on the handle, any pocketknife where the blade is carried in a partially opened position, any pocketknife with blade shorter than three inches that can be locked in place, razor, dart, ice pick, explosive smoke bomb, incendiary device, sword cane, hand chains, and any replicas or facsimiles thereof.
F. Any student in possession of a dangerous weapon, or replica or facsimile of a dangerous weapon, in violation of this policy may be placed under emergency suspension from school, pending an investigation of the incident by the appropriate school or legal authorities. Students who violate this policy may be suspended from school and all activities for any period of time up to the maximum period authorized by law. Additionally, school administrative staff members may seek to file criminal charges against the student.
G. Any employee in possession of a dangerous weapon, or replica or facsimile of a dangerous weapon, in violation of this policy may, pursuant to applicable Board policy, be placed under immediate suspension from duties pending an investigation of the incident by the appropriate school or legal authorities and may be dismissed or subjected to other disciplinary action as deemed appropriate by the Superintendent or Board. In addition, district employees who willfully or negligently fail to enforce this policy are subject to disciplinary action which may include dismissal. Any disciplinary action for any employee, including dismissal, will be in accordance with any Board policy and any negotiated agreement which is applicable to the employee.
H. If a teacher or other district employee has a reasonable suspicion to believe that a student is in possession of a dangerous weapon, or a replica or facsimile of a dangerous weapon, the teacher or employee shall immediately investigate the matter and shall confiscate any such weapon found if this can be accomplished without placing any students or staff in jeopardy, and shall immediately notify the principal or designee. If the teacher or employee does not believe that the weapon can be confiscated safely, the teacher or employee shall immediately notify the principal or designee of the situation.
I. If a teacher or other district employee has a reasonable suspicion to believe that any employee or other person is in possession of a dangerous weapon, or a replica or facsimile of a dangerous weapon, in violation of this policy, he/she shall immediately report the matter to his/her immediate supervisor.
J. If the principal or designee learns that a student or employee is believed to be in possession of a dangerous weapon, or replica or facsimile thereof, the principal or designee shall:
1. Immediately investigate the matter and contact the police, if appropriate.
2. If not already confiscated by an employee of the district and if it can be accomplished without risk of injury, the principal or designee should take possession of the dangerous weapon, replica or facsimile.
3. Notify the Superintendent or designee.
4. In the case of a student, notify the parents.
5. Cooperate fully with the police.
6. Transfer confiscated weapon to the police department.
K. Except as may be required by law for students with disabilities, any student in possession of a dangerous weapon, or replica or facsimile of a dangerous weapon, shall not be eligible for placement in any alternative education or intervention program or be eligible to transfer to another district school site in lieu of suspension, except on a case-by-case basis as determined by the Superintendent.
L. A student who has been suspended from another school district because of the possession of a dangerous weapon, or replica or facsimile of a dangerous weapon, shall not be accepted as a transfer student into the district until the period of suspension has passed.
M. An exception to this policy may be granted for students or employees participating in an authorized curricular or extracurricular activity or team involving the use or demonstration of a dangerous weapon, or replica or facsimile of a dangerous weapon. For this exception, written prior approval by the principal, in consultation with the Superintendent of Schools, is required.
N. Notwithstanding any of the foregoing provisions, right of due process for all students and rights of disabled students must be observed in accordance with applicable law and Board policies.

It is the policy of the Union Public School District that any student who is determined to have brought a weapon to a school under the jurisdiction of the district shall be suspended from school for a period of not less than one calendar year.

Any suspension imposed under this policy may be modified for any student on a case-by-case basis by the chief administering officer of the school district.

For the purposes of this policy, the following definitions shall control:
A. The term “weapon” means a firearm as such term is defined in Section 921 of Title 18 of the United States Code.
B. The term “chief administering officer” means the Superintendent or the Board of the district.
C. The term “determined to have brought a weapon to a school under the jurisdiction of the district” means any student being in possession or control of a weapon on property owned, leased or rented by the school district including, but not limited to, school buildings, parking lots and motor vehicles; and any student who is in possession or control of a weapon at any district-sponsored function regardless of whether such function is conducted on district property.

Enforcement of this policy shall be consistent with state and federal laws dealing with discipline of students with disabilities.

Any suspension initiated pursuant to this policy shall be subject to the procedural safeguards set forth in the district’s policy for the suspension of students.

The Board of Education understands the concern expressed by parents, educators, students, and other community members regarding the adverse effects of tobacco on the individual. Further, the Board is aware of Oklahoma law that prohibits the possession of tobacco by minors. Therefore, the Board establishes the following policy:

In accordance with Oklahoma law and the wishes of parents, educators and students, tobacco in any form may not be used or possessed by students while on school premises, at school-related events outside school premises, or while in transit to or from school or a school-related event in school-authorized vehicles.

FIRST VIOLATION:  Confiscation, parent notification, and suspension to the home for the remainder of the day and four subsequent school days; or successful completion of a school-approved smoking cessation program.
SECOND VIOLATION:  Confiscation, parent notification, and suspension to the home for two days and five days in the School-Supervised Suspension Program (SSSP); or two days at home and successful completion of a school-approved smoking cessation program.  Upon return to school, the student may be placed on a behavior contract which will set forth the terms and conditions for continued attendance.

Illegal and Illicit Drugs, Drug Paraphernalia and Alcohol

A. Unlawful possession and use of illicit drugs and/or alcohol is wrong and harmful.
B. Students are prohibited from using , being under the influence of, possessing, furnishing, distributing, selling, conspiring to sell or possess, or being in the chain of sale or distribution of alcoholic beverages, low-point beer, illegal or illicit drugs, drug paraphernalia, or other mood-altering substances while at school, on school vehicles, or at any school-sponsored event.
C. Illicit drugs include steroids, prescription, and over-the-counter medications being used for an abusive purpose (e.g., when they are not used in compliance with the prescription or directions for use and are not being used to treat a current health condition of the student). Mood-altering substances include paint, glue, aerosol sprays, and similar substances.
D. Violation of this rule will result in imposition of disciplinary measures which may include suspension for the remainder of the current semester and the following semester.
E. Student violation of this rule, which also constitutes illegal conduct, may be reported to law enforcement authorities.
F. Anyone who reasonably suspects that a student is under the influence of, or has in his/her possession, low-point beer, alcoholic beverages, or a controlled dangerous substance, should report such information to an administrator.

Necessary Medications

A. Students may not retain possession of nor self-administer any medication at school without the authorization of a school health official.
B. Students who have a legitimate health need for over-the-counter or prescription medication at school shall deliver such medications to the school nurse or principal with a parental authorization, in compliance with Oklahoma law and district policy and procedures regarding administering medicine to students.
C. Violations of this rule will be reported to the student’s parents by the principal and may result in discipline which can include suspension.

Distribution of Information

A. Information for students and their parents about drug and alcohol counseling, rehabilitation, and re-entry programs in the geographic area is available from the principal (counselor) at each school.
B. Copies of these rules shall be provided to all students and their parents at the beginning of each school year.
Board Requirements for Drug-Free and Alcohol-Free Schools
The Board of Education of the Union Public School District adopts the following requirements addressing drug and alcohol use by students and employees in order to comply with the Drug-Free School and Communities Act Amendments of 1989.
A. The district shall maintain as part of its curriculum, age-appropriate, developmentally based drug and alcohol education and prevention programs which address the legal, social, and health consequences of drug and alcohol use and which provide information about effective techniques for resisting peer pressure to use illicit drugs or alcohol for all students in all grades offered by the district.
B. The drug and alcohol education and prevention programs shall clearly convey to students that the use of illicit drugs and the unlawful possession and use of alcohol is wrong and harmful.
C. The district has adopted and shall maintain, as part of its student conduct and discipline policies, mandatory standards of conduct and disciplinary sanctions applicable to all students regarding the use of drugs and alcohol. The standards and sanctions shall be included in the student handbook which is distributed to all students, and copies of these provisions shall be provided to students’ parents at the beginning of each school year.
D. Information for students about drug and alcohol counseling, rehabilitation and re-entry programs available to them in the geographical area shall be maintained in each school within the district. Administrators in each school shall develop age-appropriate measures for making students and/or their parents aware of the availability of the information and for making it easily and freely accessible to them.
E. At least every two years, the administration shall conduct a review and evaluation of all the programs and practices implementing these requirements and recommend any needed changes.

The Union Public School District's mission is to provide our community of learners with educational opportunities to acquire and develop the best possible academic, vocational, recreational, social, and participatory skills, enabling them to become valued, contributing members of a changing global society. It is not our intent that disciplinary actions ever become an obstacle to this process. For this reason, Union Public Schools will offer amnesty to any student who approaches the professional staff sincerely seeking help in overcoming any personal problem with controlled substance abuse. A student who does so is not guilty of an “offense” discussed in this policy.

Controlled substances include, but are not limited to:
Alcohol
Illegal Drugs
Narcotics
Hallucinogens
Barbiturates
Anabolic Steroids/Chorionic Gonadotrophin (non-prescription)
Designer Drugs
Unauthorized Prescription Medications/Drugs
Mood- /Behavior-altering Chemicals, Substances, Drugs
Counterfeit/Look-alike drugs
Inhalants

Remember: All medications are to be checked in with the school nurse when student arrives at school.

Initial Offense
Confiscation, parental notification, local police department notification, and immediate suspension.

Terms of Suspension
Suspension is for 45 days with the first three days at home and the remaining 42 days at the School-Supervised Suspension Program (SSSP).

The 45-day suspension may be reduced by ten days (to a 35-day suspension) if the following criteria are met: Student and parent/guardian attend an initial drug and alcohol assessment or screening with a certified drug and alcohol counselor and provide the school with written verification of attendance.

A list of agencies will be provided upon request. The cost of the assessment or screening and/or additional counseling or rehabilitation shall be the responsibility of the parent/guardian. The first three days of the suspension will be to the home with the remaining 32 days at SSSP. The student will return to school under the terms of a behavior contract signed by a school representative, the student, and the parent/guardian.

The suspension may be reduced by an additional 15 days (to a 20-day suspension) if the following criteria are met: Student and parent/guardian meet the criteria described above, and the parent/guardian participate with the student in the Parent Involvement Program. The principal or designee will require that the student and parent/guardian sign a contract to attend the program and complete it within a six-week cycle. A list of times and dates for the meetings will be provided to the parent/guardian and student.

The student will return to school under terms of a behavior contract and will be informed about support groups and be encouraged to attend. Failure to comply with the following criteria: (1) student attend an initial drug and alcohol assessment or screening (ten-day reduction); (2) student attend with parent, the Parent Involvement Program (15 day reduction), will affect the reduction of that criteria only.

The parent/guardian or student (if legally self-supporting) may choose to serve the suspension at home.

Subsequent Offenses
Confiscation, parental notification, local police department notification, and immediate suspension.

Terms of Suspension
The suspension is for the remainder of the current semester and the succeeding semester. The student will be required to have a drug and alcohol reassessment completed (at parent/guardian expense). The first three days of suspension are to the home with the remaining days at SSSP. The student will return to school under the terms of a behavior contract.

The parent/guardian may choose to allow the student to serve the suspension at home. No school credit is received.

Substance Abuse Resource Agencies
Agency                       Telephone Number
Children’s Medical Center 438-5437
Daybreak Dynamics       592-1622
Laureate                                  481-4000
Tulsa Regional                    599-5880

Fighting and/or verbal confrontations or threats among students are NOT permitted at school. After an investigation and if the student is found in violation of this policy, the student will be suspended for a minimum of three (3) school days and may be suspended for the current semester and succeeding semester.

The acts of arson, setting or lighting any fire, bomb threats, or setting of fake alarms will not be tolerated. If a student is found in violation of this policy, the parents and/or the fire department will be notified, and the student will be suspended for a minimum of forty-five (45) school days and may be suspended for the current semester and succeeding semester.

Gambling is not allowed at school or at school-sponsored activities at any time. Gambling includes matching coins, throwing dice, playing cards, etc. Disciplinary action may result if a student is in violation of this policy.

Profanity/obscene gestures are not permitted at the Sixth/Seventh Grade Center, or at any school activity at any time.

Profanity/obscene gestures in either spoken language or written language directed at a teacher, administrator, or any staff person will result in a suspension of forty-five (45) school days.

Derogatory language (language that is inappropriate and/or unacceptable) in the school environment directed to the administration, a teacher, staff member, bus driver, and/or another student will NOT be tolerated and will result in a suspension of up to forty-five (45) school days.

Any threat and/or verbal assault directed to the administration, a teacher, staff member, and/or bus driver will NOT be tolerated and the student will be suspended for a minimum of forty-five (45) school days and may be suspended for the current semester and succeeding semester.

Any act of physical violence directed at the administration, a teacher, staff member, and/or bus driver will result in suspension for the current semester and succeeding semester. Charges will also be filed with the police department.

Theft of any item will be viewed very seriously, and a suspension of five (5) school days to forty-five (45) school days will result.

All school property belongs to the patrons of the Union Public School District and is to be used by and for the benefit of all the students. When students intentionally or carelessly destroy or damage school property by irresponsible actions, they are personally liable and will be disciplined and/or required to pay any costs which could include labor.

State law prohibits the possession of electronic paging devices, cellular phones and/or wireless telecommunications devices by students while on school premises, while the student is in transit to or from school on a school vehicle, or while a student is attending any school-sponsored function, except with the prior written consent of both the parent/guardian of the student and the school principal.

To obtain the administration’s consent, the parent/guardian must present a written request that the student be allowed to carry a pager, cellular phone and/or wireless telecommunications device due to safety or medical necessity. A medical necessity must be verified by a practicing physician. The written consent for possession of an electronic paging device, cellular phone and/or wireless telecommunications device shall be maintained in the student’s file. Teachers shall be notified of those students who are authorized to possess an electronic paging device, cellular phone and/or wireless telecommunications device.

School personnel shall have the authority to detain and search or authorize the search of any student when the student is on school premises, while in transit to or from school in a school vehicle, or while attending any function sponsored or authorized by the school, upon reasonable suspicion that the student is in possession of an unauthorized electronic paging device, cellular phone and/or wireless telecommunications device. School personnel searching or authorizing the search of a student upon reasonable suspicion that the student is in possession of an unauthorized electronic paging device, cellular phone and/or wireless telecommunications device shall have the authority to remove the electronic paging device, cellular phone and/or wireless telecommunications device from the student’s possession.

A student found to be in possession of an unauthorized electronic paging device, cellular phone and/or wireless telecommunications device contrary to this policy may be suspended from school by the school principal for a period not to exceed the current school semester and the succeeding semester.
 

The building principal or designee is authorized to detain and search any student, any vehicle, and any property in the student's possession while on school premises, at school activities, or in transit under authority of the school, for any item possession of which by the student is illegal or prohibited by school rules, or for property believed to have been stolen from another student, an employee, or the school. The search shall be conducted according to the following guidelines:
A. Reasonableness.
1. The decision to search must be based upon reasonable suspicion that:
 a. A violation of the law or school rules has occurred or is occurring.
 b. The student to be searched has committed the violation.
 c. Particular evidence of the violation will be discovered in the search.
2. In deciding whether a suspicion is reasonable, all the circumstances surrounding the case will be considered, including:
 a. The student’s age, history, and record in school.
 b. The prevalence and seriousness of the suspected violation.
 c. The school official’s prior experience in detecting the problem or recognizing suspicious behavior.
 d. The need to make a search without delay and further investigation.
 e. The specificity and source of the information used as justification for the search.
 f. The particular teacher or school official’s experience with the student.
B.  Scope:
1. The scope and extent of the search shall be reasonably related to the kind of objects being searched for and not excessively intrusive in light of the student’s age, gender, or the nature of the suspected violation.
2. A search commenced to discover a particular kind of item may be expanded or continued for additional items if circumstances warrant.
C. Conducting a search of the student’s person:
1. The search will be conducted by a person of the same gender as the person being searched.
2. Another authorized person of the same gender will be present as a witness, if practicable.
3. No student’s clothing, except cold weather outerwear, may be removed prior to or during the search. Students may be required to empty their pockets. Strip searches are prohibited.
D. Discovered items:
1. Illegal items or other possessions or substances reasonably determined to be a threat to the safety or security of others may be seized by school authorities. Principals may turn seized items over to law enforcement officials for disposition.
2. Items which are used to disrupt or interfere with the educational process may be temporarily removed from a student’s possession.
E. Refusal to submit to search:
 A student who refuses to peaceably submit to a search based on reasonable suspicion, or who refuses to turn over items discovered as result of a search, may be suspended for such refusals.
F. Reports:
 The person conducting the search shall prepare a report to be maintained by the principal for one year, which includes the date, time, place, names of witnesses, purpose, basis and result of the search.

These items are not permitted at school.

Before/After School Detention

In order to be counted present, a student must be on time and bring appropriate materials such as homework, reading, etc.
A. Detention assignments will be made by teacher and/or administrator after consulting with the student’s parent/ guardian. After the time and date have been set, the student is expected to attend at that time.
B. Changes in assigned detention can only be made through parent/ guardian request made prior to the detention time or due to an excused absence on the day the detention is to be served.
C. If the student chooses not to serve the detention time assigned or is late for detention, then the detention time will be doubled. If the student fails to serve this detention time, then Saturday Detention will be assigned.
D. If the student continues not to serve assigned detention, the problem becomes one of defiance to authority. This will result in a greater consequence (i.e., suspension) by the principal.
E. Times for detention are as follows:
 6th Grade  AM Detention -  7:45-8:15
  PM Detention -  2:55-3:25
 7th Grade  AM Detention  -  7:10-7:40
  PM Detention -  2:20-2:50
F. All students must be picked up no later than 3:30 P.M.

Saturday Detention

A. Detention begins at 8:00 am and ends at 11:00 am
B. Students who arrive after 8:05 am will not be allowed in and will have to make up the time on another Saturday.
C. Students are to report to the 6th/7th grade front lobby. The detention teacher will meet them there and take them to the detention room.
D. Students are to bring textbooks and assignments to work on.
E. No food is allowed.
F. All regular school policies are to be followed.
G. If a student causes a disruption during this time, the parent/guardian will be called to pick up the student. The student will then be required to serve another detention or other disciplinary action may be taken.
H. Parents need to leave a phone number where they can be reached.

Safety is the overriding concern in all transportation policies and procedures. The information outlined in this section is intended only as a guideline and may be amended or altered as needed to assure the safety of all students riding Union Public Schools buses.

Generally, the bus driver will take the following approach in handling most bus discipline problems:
A. For even minor disruptive behavior, such as not remaining seated, name calling, eating or drinking on the bus, etc., a student may receive the following:
 First Offense - Verbal warning by driver.
 Second Offense - Assigned seat for at least three days (driver has the authority to assign seats to any or all students at any time, for any reason.)
 Third Offense - Parent contacted by phone (or mail if parent cannot be reached).
 Fourth Offense - A “School Bus Incident Report” will be submitted to the administrator in charge of bus discipline. The first report submitted usually results in a loss of bus-riding privileges for three days or more. The second report usually results in a bus suspension for ten days or more. The third report, 45 days or more! Subsequent offenses will be dealt with more severely and may result in permanent loss of riding privileges.
B. Severe Violations - Students who severely misbehave, directly jeopardize the safe operation of the school bus, or directly challenge the authority of the driver or other school official will lose their riding privileges without receiving warnings. Vandalism, fighting, failure to cooperate with the driver, abusive language or gestures directed toward school personnel, possession of use of drugs, alcohol or weapons, or any other violations that affect safety will be dealt with as severe violations.

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