USV Local Schools
2020-2021
August 10 Professional Developement
12 Teacher Workday
13 First Day of Classes (Thursday)
September 7 Labor Day, No School (Monday)
8-11 Fair Week, No School (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday)
14 Classes Resume (Monday)
October 12 Professional Development, No School for students (Monday)
16 End of the 1st nine weeks (42 days)
(Friday)
19 Start of the 2nd nine weeks
(Monday)
19 Fall Conference K-12 (Night
1, Monday 3:30-7:00)
22 Fall Conference K-12 (Night
2, Thursday 3:30-7:00)
November 25 Conference Exchange Day, No
School (Wednesday)
26-27 Thanksgiving Break, No School (Thursday/Friday)
30 Classes Resume (Monday)
December 18 Last day of Classes (Friday)
18 End 2nd nine weeks (Friday)
(42 days)
21 Christmas Break begins
(Monday)
January 4 Classes resumes (Monday)
4 Start of the 3rd nine weeks,
(Monday)
15 Professional Development, No School for students (Friday)
18 Martin Luther King Jr. Day,
No School (Monday)
February 10 Winter Conference K-12 12:00-7:00 No School for students (Wednesday)
15 President’s Day, No School (Monday)
March 12 End of 3rd nine weeks (Friday) (46
Days)
15 Start of the 4th nine weeks
(Monday)
19 No School (Friday)
April 2 No School, Good Friday (Friday)
5 No School (Monday) 6 Classes Resume (Tuesday)
May 21 Last Day of School/End of 4th nine
weeks (Friday) (47 days)
22 Graduation (Saturday)
24 Teacher Workday (Monday)
1st nine weeks – 42 days, 2nd nine weeks – 42 days, 3rd nine weeks 46 days, 4th nine weeks 47 days, 2 Conference Workdays, 4 Professional Development/Workday = 183 days
Make-up days Monday, February 15,
Friday, March 19, Monday, April 5 and at the end of the school year
UPPER SCIOTO VALLEY SCHOOL
STUDENT HANDBOOK
Welcome to Upper Scioto Valley. This student handbook contains policies and procedures that are of particular importance to our students and their parents or guardians. These policies have been designed to provide students with an environment most conducive to learning. Our goal is to challenge each student to reach their highest potential, to strive towards independent and critical thinking, and to grow in both personal and social awareness, while recognizing each student’s community. Cooperation between these groups will ensure the successful personal development of each of our students. It is imperative that the parents/guardians and students review this handbook and become familiar with it.
If you have any questions about the information in this handbook please contact the school at (419) 757 – 3231.
This book is a guide for your
success at Upper Scioto Valley this year.
You and your parents should read through the student handbook so that
you understand the rules and expectations for this year.
UPPER SCIOTO VALLEY SCHOOL
MISSION STATEMENT
With students, parents, teachers and community
cooperation, we will strive in a safe supportive environment to create
successful, respectful and responsible citizens by challenging, inspiring and
empowering all learners through rigorous and meaningful curriculum using
effective instructional strategies and technology.
ATTENDANCE
POLICY
The educational program offered by
this District is predicated upon the presence of the student and requires
continuity of instruction and classroom participation. Attendance shall be required of all students
enrolled in the school during the days and hours that the school is in session.
A student in grades 7 through 12 may be considered a
full-time equivalent student provided the student is enrolled in at least five
(5) units of instruction, as defined by State law, per school year.
In
accordance with statute, the Superintendent shall require, from the parent of
each student of compulsory school age or from an adult student who has been
absent from school or from class for any reason, a written statement of the
cause for such absence. The Board of
Education reserves the right to verify such statements and to investigate the
cause of each single absence or prolonged absence.
TYPES OF ABSENCES
The State of Ohio addresses the
issue of school attendance in ORC 3321.04.
In brief, the policy is as follows: Absences from school for any reason
other than those listed below and recommended by the State Department of
Education are not acceptable and will carry disadvantages to the student. Those
reasons are:
EXCUSED:
AUTHORIZED (A)
The
Board considers the following factors to be reasonable excuses for time missed
at school:
A. personal illness (a written physician’s statement verifying the illness may be required)
B. illness in the family necessitating the presence of
the child
C. quarantine of the home
D. death in the family
E. necessary work at home due to absence or incapacity
of parent(s)/guardian(s)
F. observation or celebration of a bona fide religious
holiday
G. out-of-state travel (up to a maximum of four (4) days per twenty-four (24) hours per school year that the student’s school is open for instruction school year) to participate in a District-approved enrichment or extracurricular activity.
H. such good cause as may be acceptable to the Superintendent
I. medically necessary leave for a pregnant student in
accordance with Policy 5751
J. service as a precinct officer at a primary, special
or general election in accordance with the program set forth in Policy
5725
Attendance
need not always be within the school facilities, but a student will be
considered to be in attendance if present at any place where school is in
session by authority of the Board.
The
Board shall consider each student assigned to a program of other guided
learning experiences to be in regular attendance for the program provided that
s/he reports to such staff member s/he is assigned for guidance at the place in
which s/he is conducting study, and regularly demonstrates progress toward the
objectives of the course of study.
The
Superintendent may excuse a student over fourteen (14) years of age from
attendance at school for a future limited period for the purpose of performing
essential work directly or exclusively for his/her parents or guardians. Such excuse should not exceed five (5) days
and may at the discretion of the Superintendent be renewed for five (5)
additional days. At no time, however,
shall such excuse cause a student to be absent from school for a period of more
than ten (10) consecutive days.
At the discretion of the Superintendent or his/her designee, a student may be excused for a longer period of time than ten (10) days if a child's parent or guardian has recently died or become totally or partially incapacitated and there is no older brother or sister living in the home who is out of school. (The Superintendent may request a certificate of a physician attesting to the physical condition of the parent or guardian.)
Attendance
shall be taken at the beginning of every block/period in buildings with
block/period-based scheduling. Absences from a class block/period shall be
accounted for to the nearest full hour.
Attendance
shall be taken at the commencement of the school day in buildings with
non-period-based schedules. Attendance
for students arriving late or leaving early must be tracked and recorded to the
nearest full hour.
Excessive Absences
When a student of compulsory school age is absent from school with or without legitimate excuse for thirty-eight (38) or more hours in one school month, or sixty-five (65) or more hours in a school year, the attendance officer shall notify the child's parent or guardian of the child's absences, in writing, within seven (7) school days after the date of the absence that triggered the notice requirement. At the same time written notice is given, any appropriate intervention action listed herein may be taken.
A
student will be considered habitually truant if the student is absent without a
legitimate excuse for thirty (30) or more
consecutive hours, for forty-two (42) or more
hours in one (1) school month, or for seventy-two (72) or more hours in one (1)
school year.
Legitimate excuses for the absence of a student who is
otherwise habitually or chronically truant include but are not limited to:
A. the student was enrolled in
another school district;
B. the student was excused
from attendance in accordance with R.C 3321.04; or
C. the student has received an
age and schooling certificate.
Absence
Intervention Team
To the extent required by law as determined on an annual basis, within ten (10)
days of a student becoming habitually truant, the Principal shall assign the
student to an absence intervention team.
Within fourteen (14) school days after the assignment of a student to an absence intervention team, the team shall develop an intervention plan for that student in an effort to reduce or eliminate further absences. Each intervention plan shall vary based on the individual needs of the student, but the plan shall state that the attendance officer shall file a complaint not later than sixty-one (61) days after the date the plan was implemented, if the child has refused to participate in, or failed to make satisfactory progress on, the intervention plan. Within seven (7) school days after the development of the plan, reasonable efforts shall be made to provide the student's parent/guardian/custodian, with written notice of the plan.
Each absence intervention team may vary based on the needs of each individual student but shall include a representative from the child's building, another representative from the child's building who knows the child, and the child's parent or parent's designee, or the child's guardian, custodian, guardian ad litem, or temporary custodian. The team also may include a school psychologist, counselor, social worker, or representative of a public or nonprofit agency designed to assist students and their families in reducing absences.
The members of the absence intervention team shall be selected within seven (7) school days of the student meeting the habitually truant threshold. Within the same period of seven (7) school days, the Principal shall make at least three meaningful, good faith attempts to secure the participation of the student's parent/guardian/custodian, guardian ad litem, or temporary custodian on that team. A good faith attempt to secure the participation of the parent shall include, but not be limited to, contacting (or attempting to contact) the parent by telephone, email, or regular mail. If the student's parent responds to any of those attempts, but is unable to participate for any reason, the Principal shall inform the parent of the parent's right to appear by designee. If seven (7) school days elapse and the student's parent/guardian/custodian, guardian ad litem, or temporary custodian fails to respond to the attempts to secure participation, the attendance officer shall investigate whether the failure to respond triggers mandatory abuse or neglect reporting to the public children services agency. At the same time, the absence intervention team shall continue to develop an intervention plan for the child notwithstanding the absence of the child's parent/guardian/custodian, guardian ad litem, or temporary custodian.
If a student who is habitually truant violates the order of a Juvenile Court regarding the student’s prior adjudication as an unruly child for being a habitual truant, s/he may further be adjudicated as a delinquent child.
In
order to address the attendance practices of a student who is habitually
truant, the intervention team may take any of the following intervention
actions:
A. notify the Registrar of Motor Vehicles of the student’s absences
B. take appropriate legal action
In the event that a student becomes habitually truant within twenty-one (21) school days prior to the last day of instruction of a school year, the Principal may, in his/her discretion, assign a school official to work with the child's parent/guardian/custodian, guardian ad litem, or temporary custodian to develop an absence intervention plan during the summer.
The plan shall be implemented no later than seven (7) days prior to the first
day of instruction of the next school year.
OR
The absence intervention process shall commence upon the first day of instruction
of the next school year.
Reporting Requirements
The attendance officer shall file a complaint in the juvenile court against a
student on the sixty-first (61st) day after the implementation of an absence
intervention plan or other intervention strategies, provided that all of the
following apply:
A. The student is habitually truant.
B. The school district or school has made meaningful attempts to
re-engage the student through the absence intervention plan, other intervention
strategies, and any offered alternatives to adjudication, if applicable.
C. The student has refused to participate in or failed to make
satisfactory progress on the plan, as determined by the absence intervention
team, or any offered intervention strategies or alternative to adjudication.
If the student, at any time during the implementation phase of the absence
intervention plan or other intervention strategies, is absent without
legitimate excuse for thirty (30) or more consecutive hours or forty-two (42)
or more hours in one school month, the attendance officer shall file a
complaint in juvenile court against that student, unless the absence
intervention team has determined that the student has made substantial progress
on the absence intervention plan.
In the event that the sixty-first (61st) day after the implementation of the
absence intervention plan or other intervention strategies falls on a day
during the summer months, the attendance officer may extend the implementation
of the plan and delay the filing of the complaint for an additional thirty (30)
days from the first day of instruction of the next school year.
The Superintendent is authorized to establish an
educational program for parents of truant students which is designed to
encourage parents to ensure that their children attend school regularly. Any parent who does not complete the program
is to be reported to law enforcement authorities for parental education
neglect, a fourth class misdemeanor if found guilty.
Whenever any student of compulsory school age has
sixty (60) consecutive hours in a single month or a total of ninety hours of
unexcused absence from school during the school year , s/he will be considered
habitually absent. The Board authorizes
the Superintendent to inform the student and his/her parents, guardian, or
custodian of the record of absences as well as the District's intent to notify the Registrar of Motor Vehicles, if appropriate, and the Judge of the Juvenile Court of the student's unexcused absence.
If a student who is habitually truant violates the order of a juvenile court regarding the student’s prior adjudication as an unruly child for being a habitual truant, s/he may further be adjudicated as a delinquent child.
The District shall report to the Ohio Department of Education, as soon as
practicable, and in a format and manner determined by the Department, any of
the following occurrences:
A. When a notice that a student has been
absent with or without legitimate excuse for thirty-eight (38) or more hours in
one (1) school month, or sixty-five (65) or more hours in a school year is
submitted to a parent/guardian/or custodian;
B. When a child of compulsory school
age has been absent without legitimate excuse from the public school the child
is supposed to attend for thirty (30) or more consecutive hours, forty-two (42)
or more hours in one school month, or seventy-two (72) or more hours in a
school year;
C. When a child of compulsory school
age who has been adjudicated an unruly child for being an habitual truant
violates the court order regarding that adjudication;
D. When an absence intervention plan has
been implemented for a child under this policy.
This policy was developed after consultation with the judge of the juvenile
court of Hardin County/Counties, with the parents, guardians, or other persons
having care of the students attending school in the district, and with
appropriate State and local agencies.
* Suspension of Driving Privileges: pursuant to Board Policy, if a student of compulsory school age has been absent without legitimate excuse for more than ten consecutive school days or for at least fifteen total school days, the student’s parent or guardian will be notified in writing that the student’s temporary instruction permit or driver's license may be suspended or that the opportunity to obtain such a permit or license will be denied.
All sign in / out policies apply to college credit plus and work release students.
Parental excuses for absences shall not exceed four
(4) days / 24 hours. Therefore, parental
excuses for absences in excess of four (4) days / 24 hours per semester will be
considered unexcused absences unless a valid written doctor’s excuse is provided within 72 hours. After 72 hours the excuse cannot be changed. Any reason the student misses for parent excuse will count for the four days, this includes vacations.
When
family trips are unavoidable, the school should be notified in advance. To
avoid truancy, a vacation form needs to be filled out and can be obtained from
the secretary. These days will count toward the four (4) days / 24 hours parent
days per semester.
SIGN IN/SIGN OUT SHEET
A form is maintained
in the main office for the purpose of allowing a student to sign in or out of
school. Students arriving late or returning from an appointment (doctor/ dental
appointment, funeral, etc.) must sign in and provide the required information
on the form. Students cannot leave the school building/grounds during the day
without parental permission, signing out, and obtaining permission from the
adult office personnel to leave the school.
MARKING ABSENCE OF STUDENTS
Per House Bill 410, student
absenteeism will be identified by hours.
EXCUSING CHILD FROM SCHOOL
1. If possible, a parent/guardian should write a note with the student’s name, time, and reason for leaving and the student should bring it to the office for approval before the start of the school day.
2. If a parent/guardian
is picking the student up at school, s/he should come to the front office and the
teacher will release the student at the time indicated on the note.
TARDINESS
When you arrive late to school, you must first report to the office, in order to "sign in". We realize that emergencies may happen from time to time. However, we believe that it is important to be punctual. Tardies are based on the students' start time. Therefore, the following procedures will be used in relation to tardiness to school. This will be for each semester.
First Tardy…………….no punishment
Second Tardy………….no punishment
Third Tardy …………..Resource Officer/administrative meeting
Additional
consequences (as warranted) will be used in relation to unexcused absences to
school as a means to provide structured time to complete missed class work.
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY (CHEATING/PLAGIARISM)
Absolute integrity is expected of
everyone at Upper Scioto Valley.
Academic and personal integrity entail a firm adherence to a set of
values essential to an academic community grounded in honesty, trust, fairness,
respect, and responsibility for all.
Violations -The following are examples of
activities that violate the spirit of academic integrity. This is not a definitive list:
1. Knowingly representing the work of others as one’s own;
2.
Using, obtaining, or providing unauthorized assistance on examinations,
papers, or any other academic work;
3.
Forging a signature to certify attendance, completing a course
assignment, or any other gain for any purpose not authorized;
4. Altering a teacher’s grade book or computer records;
5.
Changing answers and seeking credit on assignments or examinations after
work has been graded or returned;
6.
Communicating, copying materials, allowing another to copy your
materials, using unauthorized materials during a quiz, test, project, or
homework assignment;
7.
Submitting falsified information for grading purposes;
8.
Removing tests or parts of tests with the knowledge or consent of the
faculty member;
9.
Stealing, using or accepting stolen copies of tests or answer keys;
10. Committing any other violation intended to obtain credit for work that is not one’s own.
The following
statement is applicable for all documents submitted at USV:
As
a student at USV, I will neither give nor receive unauthorized aid
in class work, quizzes, tests, preparation of reports or projects, or in any
other work that is used to evaluate me with specific
permission for collaboration or with proper citation. I know all of my work may
be submitted to a variety of sources to check for plagiarism. I understand that a zero (0) will be
assigned for any assignment, quiz, test, project, or activity on which a
student cheated along with additional disciplinary action.
STANDARD OF
GRADUATION
A
total of 21 credits are required for graduation. These units must include the following
minimum requirements:
English ……………….4 units
Social Studies ……………….3 units (inc. American History, Govt.)
Mathematics ……………….4 units
Science ……………….3 units
Phys. Ed, Health ……………….1 unit
For. Lang./CTE/Art ...……....…….1 unit
**
All obligations must be taken care of before graduation privileges take
place.
Successful completion of a Senior
Project is required.
Graduation
Requirements
For the Class of 2019 through the Class of 2022, a
diploma shall be awarded to students meeting the curriculum credit requirements
and who achieve one of the following three options: a cumulative passing score
with the required number of points in each area on end of course exams, earn
the required points on the WorkKeys assessment and an approved
industry-recognized credential, or earn a remediation-free score in English
language arts and mathematics on the ACT or SAT, subject to limitations on
assessments as outlined below.
Additionally, all students must receive instruction in
cardiopulmonary resuscitation and the use of an automated external
defibrillator from an approved source during Grades 9-12, unless the student is
exempted from such training due to disability or by written request of the
parent.
For
students graduating in the class of 2018 and beyond:
The
District will comply with State Board of Education requirements for
graduation. Students shall earn required
credits for graduation in the appropriate subject areas, and achieve one of
three pathways:
A. earning a State Board of Education approved,
industry recognized credential or group of credentials and a workforce
readiness score on the Workkeys assessment; or
B. earning a cumulative score on end of course exams
equal to State Board requirements for the year of graduation; or
C. earning remediation-free scores in English language
arts and math on a nationally recognized college admission exam.
Starting with the class of 2023, the State of Ohio has
implemented new graduation requirements.
These requirements include new graduation seals that demonstrate
competency in a wide range of areas.
Students must secure a minimum of two of these seals during their high school
career to be eligible to graduate. One
of the two seals must come from the list of State defined seals and the other
must be one of the three locally defined seals.
- Ohio Department of
Education Seals
?
OhioMeansJobs
Readiness Seal
?
Industry-Recognized
Credential Seal
?
College-Ready
Seal
?
Military
Enlistment Seal
?
Citizenship
Seal
?
Science
Seal
?
Honors
Diploma Seal
?
Seal
of Biliteracy
?
Technology
Seal
- USV Local Seals
?
Community
Service Seal
?
Fine
and Performing Arts Seal
?
Student
Engagement Seal
Students must also attain a competency score on each of the
Algebra I and English Language Arts II end of course exams.
CLASSIFICATION
OF STUDENTS BY CLASSES
Your
classification in the high school is based on having the following minimum
credit as of the opening day of school each year.
Senior.…………………….14 units
Junior.………………………9 units
Sophomore………………….5 units
Freshman.-Promotion from 8th
grade
CREDIT FOR CLASS
When exams are
given, the final grade for any student will be figured with the percent he/she
receives on six grades. These are the
four nine weeks grades, the midterm exam and the final exam. Each of the four nine weeks grades will count
as 20% of the final grade. The midterm
and final will each count as 10% of the final grade.
For a semester class the final grade will be figured using the two nine week’s grades and the final exam. Each nine weeks will count as 40% of the grade with the final exam being the other 20%.
Diploma with
Honors
High School Academic Diploma
with Honors for Graduating Classes of 2011 and Beyond
Students need
to fulfill only 7 of the following 8 criteria
|
Subject
|
Criteria
|
English
|
4 units
|
Mathematics
|
4 units, including Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II or equivalent and
another higher level course or a four-year sequence of courses that contain
equivalent content
|
Science
|
4 units, including physics and chemistry
|
Social Studies
|
4 units
|
Foreign Language
|
3 units, including at least 2 units in each language studied
|
Fine Arts
|
1 unit
|
Career-Technical
|
Not
counted toward requirements and may not be used to meet requirements
|
Electives
|
Not
counted toward requirements
|
Grade Point Average
|
3.5 on a 4.0 scale
|
ACT/SAT Score [excluding scores from
the writing sections]*
|
27 ACT / 1210 SAT
|
Additional
Assessment
|
None
|
ELIGIBILITY
CRITERIA FOR
AWARD OF
MERIT
The requirements listed
below have been adopted for the Award of Merit. This certificate will be
awarded by the State Board of Education to all those who meet the criteria
specified in A and C or B and C below.
A. College Prep
Requirements – complete the following minimum requirements:
1. English – 4 units (May include 1 unit of fundamentals of speech.)
2. Mathematics – 3 units (Must include 1 unit of algebra and 1 unit of geometry.)
3. Science – 3 units (Must include 2 units from among biology, chemistry and physics.)
4. Social Studies – 3 units (Must include 2 units of history and 1/2 unit of civics or government.)
5. Foreign Language – 3 units (Must include no less than 2 units of any language for which credit is sought i.e., 3 units of one language or 2 units each of two languages.)
6. Complete 2 units from
one or more of the following, or 2 additional units from one or more of the
areas listed A.1 through A.5 above.
a. Business
b. Computer Science
c. Visual or Performing
Arts
B. Career-Technical
Curriculum Requirements
1. Complete a career
technical occupational preparation program
2. Complete the following
curriculum requirements
a. English – 4 units
b. Mathematics – 3 units
c. Science – 3 units
d. Social Studies – 3 units
Applied academic credits
earned via career-technical education shall apply to the criteria for the Award
of Merit.
NOTE: Courses
completed prior to ninth grade, taught by a teacher licensed to teach high
school, and recognized as high school level work by the local school district
board of education. Courses that are part of the Postsecondary Education
Options Program also apply to the criteria for the Award of Merit.
3. Complete two units
from one or more of the following, or two additional units from one or more of
the areas listed in B.2 above.
a. Business
b. Computer Science
c. Foreign Language
d. Visual or Performing
Arts
C. Performance
Criteria (applies to both curricula)
1. Maintain above average
attendance for grades nine through 12 (compared to a rolling four-year state
average). For 2009, the four-year state average is 94.20 percent attendance.
2. Demonstrate
outstanding achievement in the curriculum as evidenced by one of the following:
earning the equivalent of an overall grade point average of 3.25 on a four
point scale for grades nine through 12; earning the equivalent of an overall
grade point average of 3.5 on a four point scale for grades 11 and 12; or
ranking in the top 25 percent of the class, whichever is more inclusive.
3. Participate in
co-curricular, extracurricular or community activities in accordance with
procedures established by the district board of education.
4.
Demonstrate outstanding citizenship/character traits in accordance with
criteria established by the district board of education.
ASSESSMENTS
In addition to
course credits, students will earn points toward graduation on six
end-of-course exams. These exams replaced the Ohio Graduation Tests.
The courses in
which students take an end-of-course exam will be: English II, Algebra I, Geometry,
or Integrated Math II, Biology, American History and American Government.
Students can earn
from 1-5 points for each exam, based on their performance.
5 – Advanced
4 – Accelerated
3 – Proficient
2 – Basic
1 – Limited
Students who take American History or American Government as part of Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, college dual credit or Credit Flexibility programs can use their scores from the programs’ end-of-course exams in place of the state end-of-course exam scores to accumulate graduation points.
EXAM RETAKES
Students that
score below proficient on an exam may retake it after they receive some extra
help on the material. Students that score proficient or higher on an end-of-course
exam can retake exams only if, once they take all the exams, they have not met
the minimum graduation points to graduate. In this case, a student can
retake any exam after receiving some extra help on the material. The same rules
apply to substitute exams, which may be used interchangeably with approved
tests.
GRADUATION POINTS
With few
exceptions, students must accumulate a minimum of 18 points from scores on
their end- of-course exams to become eligible for a diploma. Within the 18 points, all students must
accumulate four (4) points in Language Arts, four (4) points in Mathematics and
six (6) points in Science/Social Studies.
CHANGING
SCHEDULES
Once a student
has selected his/her courses for the year and has had his/her pre-registration
approved by the counselor; there should be no necessity for changing a
schedule. The exception could be when a
course is not offered due to insufficient registration or a change in your
career objectives. Students will be
given the opportunity to change schedules in August before school starts. After the start of school schedules will not
be changed.
GRADE REPORTING
PROCEDURES
Report cards will
be issued every nine weeks and will be available online in Progressbook. Interim reports will be issued for all students
near the midpoint of the grading period and will also be available online in
Progressbook. Parents are urged to
contact the school when a problem or a question arises.
GRADING SCALE
In the 2020-2021 academic
year, the grading scale will change to a ten point scale from the seven point
scale it had been.
A = 100-90
B = 89-80
C = 79-70
D = 69-60
F = 59 and below
HONOR ROLL
Principal’s List – 3.85 GPA or above (no D’s, U’s, F’s or Inc.)
Honor Roll – 3.8499 – 3.000 GPA (no D’s, U’s, F’s or Inc.)
Note:
students earning a 2.999 or below are not on
the Honor Roll
STUDY HALL:
General Rules
1.
If students are going to another classroom, they must have a pass and their
agenda
signed
by that teacher.
2.
All students leaving study hall must sign out and have their agendas signed by
the
study
hall teacher. No one may be in the hallway without an agenda.
3.
Students going to the Media Center must also sign out.
4.
Students are not permitted to sleep or put their heads down.
5.Students
should have school related work to do or a book to read.
6.
Students are not permitted to talk.
7.
Students are not permitted to sit on tables.
VACATIONS:
Vacations
during the school year are discouraged because school attendance is directly
related
to school success. If it is absolutely necessary for students to be on vacation
with
parents/guardians,
the appropriate form must be filed in the office and signed by all
teachers
at least seven (7) days prior to leaving school for the vacation. Vacation days
will be counted toward the absence policy. It is the student's responsibility to secure any work necessary for his/her classes PRIOR TO leaving on vacation. All make-up work will be due to the teacher within two days of the student's return to classes.
TECHNOLOGY
GUIDELINES
Computer use is encouraged and made available to
students for educational purposes. The
use of school equipment and access to the Internet (or e-mail) is a privilege,
not a right. The school retains the ownership of all hardware and software. Users have no expectation to privacy regarding the use of any school district equipment at any time. Use of the Internet will be controlled based upon content. Devices are controlled and monitored by a Google Management System. This prevents most viruses from infecting the devices. Go Guardian will also be used to monitor student chromebooks on and off campus. The school reserves the right to inspect, copy, and/or delete all files and records created or stored on school owned computers. Students need to understand that “delete” does not equate to “destroyed”. Students will be given an acceptable
use policy and required to sign an agreement before being assigned a
network password. Violation(s) of the acceptable use policy may result in discipline
under the Student Conduct Code. The
use of school computers and other technology is a privilege not a right. This privilege may be taken away for misuse.
STUDENT FIRE DRILL PROCEDURES
Fire drills are held at irregular intervals throughout
the school year. Please remember these
basic rules:
1. Follow your teacher’s instructions as to the proper exit.
2. Keep calm, do not talk, push or run.
3. Stay with your class at all times and stay in line.
4. Walk at a moderately fast pace.
5. Do not re-enter the building until instructed to return.
EMERGENCY
TORNADO/DISASTER PLAN
1. WARNING INSTRUCTION – A warning bell or public address system will be used to alert teachers and students to proceed to the designated areas.
2. PROCEDURES
A. Teachers in rooms adjacent to a restroom or other rooms not under
supervision of a teacher at the time shall be sure that anyone in the room
receives the warning and evacuates the room to the shelter areas.
B. Teachers shall take attendance registers or
class records from which attendance can be taken once students are secure in
the shelter areas.
C. Students shall be instructed to leave all
books, coats, and other belongings and to proceed to the shelter as quickly as
possible.
D. While going to the shelter, there shall be no
talking or running. Lines will move
quickly and in order to the shelter areas.
E. If time does not allow going to the designated shelter or “safe” area, students and teacher shall assemble in the safest area in a room along an inside wall away from openings, windows, or doors. Children shall be quickly seated with hands on neck or head. Students may be directed to crawl under desks or other large pieces of furniture to afford some protection.
CONDUCT AND DISCIPLINE CODE POLICY
Education
cannot proceed without discipline.
Discipline is the presence of a friendly, yet business-like rapport in
which students, teachers, and administrators work toward POSITIVE GOALS.
The
items in this code are applicable to all Upper Scioto Valley School students
during a school activity, function, or event whether on school property or
other property. Additionally, this code
applies to students if the misconduct take place off of property owned or
controlled by the school district but the misconduct is connected to activities
or incidents that have occurred on property owned or controlled by the school
district. Further, this code applies to students regardless of where the
misconduct occurs, when the misconduct is directed at a district official or
employee, or the property of such official or employee.
Violation by a student of any one or more of the
following rules of conduct may result in disciplinary action(s), which may
include, but not limited to verbal apology, written assignment, loss of
privileges, community service, detention, Saturday school, parental contact,
referral to legal authorities, emergency removal, disciplinary removal,
out-of-school suspension, in-school suspension, expulsion, or permanent
exclusion. A student may be suspended
pending the outcome of expulsion proceedings.
The consequences set forth
below are to be used as general guidelines and may be altered within the
discretion of the appropriate teacher/administrator.
CODE OF CONDUCT RULE: Definition
ALCOHOL: Use, possession,
concealment, transmitting, or being under the influence of an alcoholic
beverage, brewed or fermented, is prohibited.
ASSAULT, ASSAULT AND
BATTERY: Assault and/or battery or
threat thereof to any school personnel, other student, or visitor will not be
tolerated.
BOOKBAGS /
BACKPACKS: Must be secured in lockers at
all times and are not allowed in the classroom setting. Small purses no larger than 8 inches will be
permitted.
CAFETERIA VIOLATION:
Removing food, candy, juice, etc. outside of the auditeria area is prohibited
as well as throwing food, utensils, etc. in order to ensure safety and protect
the rights of others.
CARS/VEHICLES IMPROPER
USE: No student shall violate traffic and parking regulations on school
premises or while under the jurisdiction of the school authorities and
cars/vehicles must be operated in compliance with state and local laws.
CHEATING: Giving or
receiving assistance (written, oral, or otherwise) on any assignment to be
graded as work of a single individual is prohibited.
CHRONIC FAILURE TO BE
PREPARED FOR CLASS: Students are expected to have teacher-required materials
for class.
COMMUNICATION/ELECTRONIC DEVICES:
See Cell Phone policy.
DANGEROUS WEAPONS:
A student shall not possess, transport, transmit, conceal or attempt to possess, transport, transmit, or conceal a dangerous weapon, explosive ordnance, dangerous instrument, or “look-alike” weapon, ordnance, instrument or any other object a reasonable person might consider a dangerous weapon, firearm, knife, explosive ordnance or dangerous instrument.
DEFIANCE/
DISRESPECT: The refusal to accept the
authority or to carry out the directions of any school staff will not be
tolerated because it destroys a safe and orderly environment. School staff means any teacher, substitute,
aide, custodian, cafeteria worker, volunteer, chaperone, bus driver, coach,
sponsor, secretary, administrator, or school support staff.
DISCRIMINATION: All
persons and groups within the school will be treated with dignity and respect
because discrimination destroys the learning environment. Discrimination on the basis of age, gender,
race, color, religion, national origin, disabilities, economic status, personal
or physical characteristics, or other characteristics of individuals or groups
will not be tolerated. This includes
actions, gestures, statements (spoken or written), dress, or symbols that
insult, offend, taunt, or demean others because of their individual or group
differences.
DISRUPTION: Instructional
time and/or any extra-curricular time will not be disrupted by students because
disruptions interfere with the learning of others and destroy the continuity of
the learning process. This includes
classes where there is a substitute.
DRESS CODE VIOLATIONS
See Dress Code policy.
DRUGS AND OTHER SUBSTANCES: The possession, use, distribution or attempted distribution of drugs, (illegal, prescription, and/or over-the-counter drugs), alcohol, inhalant intoxicants, or look-a-like (placebos) or medicine that is not permitted on the school grounds in accordance with the district’s policy governing the use, distribution, and/or possession of medication is expressly forbidden.
FAILURE TO REPORT: It shall be the responsibility of the student
to notify a teacher or an administrator immediately if they have reason to
believe that there is a legitimate threat that jeopardizes the safety of the
school, the school grounds, a school bus, the bus stop, or any school related
activity.
FALSE ALARMS: Reporting
false alarms, which include fire, and/or bomb threats are expressly forbidden.
FALSE REPORTS: Reporting
incidents, making accusations, or giving false testimony, written or verbal, to
school personnel is not permitted.
FIGHTING/PHYSICAL ABUSE:
Fighting and/or physical abuse among two or more students will not be
tolerated. This shall include inciting
and/or encouraging others to fight.
GAMBLING: Gambling for
money, valuables, or other considerations is forbidden.
HALL PASSES: Students
must carry a hall pass when in the hallway during instruction/class/study hall
periods.
HARASSMENT: Word,
gestures, or physical contact, which offend, intimidate, threaten, abuse,
persecute or demean anyone are not allowed.
Harassment of students or staff for any reason is prohibited.
IMMORAL ACT: Intentional exposure of part of one’s body in a place where such exposure is likely to be an offense against the generally accepted standards of decency in school, including but not limited to rude or inappropriate behavior, is prohibited.
INDECENT MATERIAL:
Materials that are vulgar, obscene, profane, or offensive are not allowed
because they show a lack of respect for others and distract from the
educational process.
MISUSE OF TECHNOLOGY: Computers, computer networks, and other electronic technology shall only be used for valid educational purposes and shall not violate the “Acceptable Use Policy”.
OBSCENITY/PROFANITY: The
use of vulgar or indecent language or gesture, including actions or displays of
an obscene nature is prohibited because it is offensive, illegal, shows a lack
of respect for others and disrupts the learning environment.
PLAGIARISM: Students are
responsible for giving due recognition of sources from which material is
quoted, summarized or paraphrased, as well as to persons from whom assistance
has been received.
POSSESSION OF A
FIREARM: Students are forbidden to bring
a firearm or possess a firearm (including a starter gun or any destructive
device) at a school operated by the Board or on to any other property owned or
controlled by the Board or to an interscholastic competition, an
extracurricular event, or any other school program or activity that is not
located in a school or on property owned or controlled by the school. See 18 U.S.C. Section 921.
POSSESSION OF A KNIFE: Students are forbidden to bring a knife or possess a knife at a school operated by the Board or onto any other property owned or controlled by the Board or to an interscholastic competition, an extracurricular event, or any other school program or activity that is not located in a school or on property owned or controlled by the school. See 18 U.S.C. section 921. "Knife" shall be defined as any instrument that possesses a pointed or sharp-edged blade of metal or other rigid material and that is designed or can be used for cutting, slicing, or stabbing; this definition shall include, but is not limited to, straight razors, utility knives, box -cutters, ice picks, pocket knives, switchblades, and buck knives
PUBLIC DISPLAYS OF
AFFECTION: Physical displays of affection between students at school or on
school property or at a school function is not permitted. No hand holding, no
kissing, etc.
REPEATED VIOLATIONS:
Repeated violations of the code of conduct are subject to more severe
consequences on the discipline continuum.
SETTING FIRE or
ATTEMPTING to SET FIRE: This includes possession of a lighter.
SEXUAL MISCONDUCT:
Unwelcome acts of a sexual nature committed by a student against another
student without consent including sexual advances, requests for sexual favors
and/or other verbal or physical conduct, including written communications of an
intimidating, hostile or offensive nature, or action taken in retaliation for
the reporting of such behavior are strictly forbidden.
SKIPPING CLASS: When a
student is in attendance, skipping a class including study hall or any other
assigned activity for a class (without proper authorization) is not allowed.
TARDINESS: Students will
be on time to both school and to class.
THEFT: Theft of school property or equipment,
theft of personal property of any school personnel, or of another student or
visitor, including property at school-sponsored activities is forbidden.
TEMPORARY DENIAL OF
ADMISSION: A student may temporarily be
denied admission to school after offering an opportunity for a hearing, if the
student has been suspended or expelled from an Ohio or out-of-state school
district and the period of suspension or expulsion has not expired.
TRUANCY: Truancy from
school or any other assigned activity for part or all of a day without school
authorization is not allowed.
TOBACCO:
A student shall not possess, use, transmit or conceal any tobacco
products, including rolling papers, lighters or matches on school premises,
during school activities, or events off school grounds. No student shall smoke on school
property. Holding a lighted or unlighted
cigarette is interpreted as smoking.
This includes, but is not limited to: e-cigarettes, JUULS, vape-pens,
clove cigarettes, or other lighted smoking devices for burning tobacco or other
substances.
UNAUTHORIZED SALES: Unauthorized sales are prohibited because
they create disruptions.
UNSPORTSMANLIKE OR
INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR AT A SCHOOL-SPONSORED ACTIVITY: Students are expected to comply with the
rules established by the school and with the rules of the sports, clubs, and
activities in which they participate or spectate.
VANDALISM: Vandalism and
destruction of school property and/or personal belongings of others is not
allowed.
VERBAL ASSAULT: The use of obscene or profane language,
harassment, or threats on a staff member or student is prohibited.
CELL PHONES
The use of a cellular phone or other personal communication devices
(PCD) to engage in non-educational related communications is expressly
prohibited. At the beginning of school each day, PCDs are to be powered off and
stored out of sight. Students may power
on their PCDs at lunch each day as long
as they are powered off again and stored away at the conclusion of the lunch
period. The use of any personal
communication device at lunch is a privilege and if abused, this policy will be
changed.
Students who use their PCD to violate the code of conduct (i.e.
cheating, academic dishonesty,
harassment, bullying, etc.) will face the consequences spelled out in the code of conduct (detentions, suspensions, etc.) Students are prohibited from using PCD’s during the school day, including while off campus on a field trip, to capture, record, and/or transmit the words, sounds, and or images of any student, staff member, or other person. Using a PCD to transmit the words, sounds, and images of another person is considered an invasion of privacy. The use of PCD’s in locker rooms and bath rooms is prohibited.
Possession of a PCD by a student at school during school hours is a
privilege that may be forfeited by any student who fails to abide by the terms
of this policy. Students who violate this PCD policy will have their device
confiscated, and the phone will only be released to a parent or guardian.
Students are personally and solely responsible for the care and security of their PCD’s. The board of education assumes no responsibility for theft, loss, or damage to, or misuse or unauthorized use of PCD’s brought onto school property.
Parents/Guardians are advised that the most appropriate and recommended
way to get in touch with their child during the school day is by calling the
office. Students may use school phones to contact parents/guardians during the
school day.
BULLYING/HARASSMENT
OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL
Students may be given school consequences and
discipline if bullying, harassment or intimidation takes place outside of
school and materially or substantially disrupts the educational environment and
discipline of the school.
DETENTIONS
Students
assigned a detention will have a minimum of 24 hours to notify their
parents. A detention may be before or
after school. A student should come to
this period with materials for study.
Students are required to provide their own transportation. Failure to report to assigned detention
periods may result in additional discipline.
RULES FOR
DETENTION:
1. Be on time. You cannot leave until the detention is over
and the Detention Supervisor has dismissed you.
2. Bring school
assignments and materials for study.
3. Bring paper,
pencils, and other necessary materials.
4. Students may not
sit idly or sleep in detention. Students who do not bring homework will be
assigned work by the detention supervisor.
5. Do not talk or
cause any distractions or disruptions.
6. Students who do
not attend detention will be assigned additional disciplinary action. If a
student is at school and does not attend detention, a doctor excuse must be
provided or the student will face further disciplinary action. Transportation problems are not reasons to
miss detention. Students are required to adjust extracurricular schedules to
accommodate assigned detentions.
SATURDAY SCHOOLS
Students assigned a Saturday School will be given a
minimum of 24 hours to notify their parents.
Saturday Schools will be held on Saturday mornings from 8:00 until
11:00. Failure to report to assigned
Saturday School may result in additional discipline. Students are required to provide their own
transportation.
RULES FOR SATURDAY SCHOOL:
1. Be on time.
You cannot leave until the Saturday School is over and the Saturday
School Supervisor has dismissed you.
2. Bring plenty of work and school materials
including paper, pencils, books, and other necessary items. You will need schoolwork to last the entire
three-hour time period. Students who do not bring work will be assigned work by
the supervisor. Failure to complete that assignment will result in additional
discipline.
3. Do not bring candy, beverages, radios, cards,
magazines, or any other food or recreational items.
4. Be ready to work. You will not be allowed to put your head down
on the desk and/or sleep.
5. Follow all rules, behave, and cooperate with
the teacher in charge; Failure to do so can result in removal from Saturday
School.
6. Students who do not attend Saturday School
will face additional disciplinary action. Transportation problems are not
reasons to miss a Saturday School. Students are required to adjust
extracurricular schedules to accommodate assigned Saturday Schools.
IN-SCHOOL DETENTION
In-School Detention is a disciplinary action which results when a student’s behavior warrants the student to be excluded from the everyday school environment yet still remain in school. This method of discipline is on the progression of discipline. During In-School Detention, a student is able to complete the assigned school work and receives credit for the completed school work. The time a student spends within In-School Detention does not affect a student’s attendance. During this time the student will have limited lunchroom and restroom privileges and may be excluded from assemblies or additional activities. The In-School Supervisor, teachers and/or principal may assign additional seatwork if necessary.
SUSPENSION/EXPULSION
A
student may be suspended or expelled in accordance with Board Policy and the
law, for violation of the Student Conduct Code and other school rules and Board
Policy.
Suspension
or expulsion from school means that the student shall not be on school property
and shall not attend classes or activities during the inclusive times of
suspension or expulsion. Suspensions
and expulsions that are out of school and the days missed may be considered
unexcused absences. A student who is suspended shall be permitted
to complete any classroom assignments missed during the suspension.
The Superintendent may prohibit a student from attending and/or participating in the District’s graduation ceremonies as part of a student’s suspension, expulsion, or removal from school.
EMERGENCY REMOVAL
If a student’s presence on school premises poses a continuing danger to persons or property or an ongoing threat of disrupting the academic process, the student may be removed from school premises on an emergency basis, without notice and a hearing under the normal due process procedures. If a student is so removed, written notice of a hearing and the reason for the removal will be given to the student as soon as practicable before the hearing, and such hearing will be held within three school days from the time the initial removal was ordered. If a student is so removed for a period of less than one school day and suspension or expulsion is not contemplated, no notice or hearing will be given.
EXPULSION
FOR ONE YEAR
A
student will be expelled for one year for bringing a firearm to school
or to any other property owned or controlled by the Board.
A
student may be expelled for one year for bringing a firearm to an
interscholastic competition, and extracurricular event, or any other school
program or activity that is not located in a school or on property owned or
controlled by the Board.
PHYSICAL RESTRAINT
Section 3319.41 of the Ohio Revised Code specifies that: A
person employed or engaged as a staff member, teacher, principal or
administrator in a school, whether public or private, may, within the scope of
their employment, use and apply such amount of force and restraint as is
reasonable and necessary to quell a disturbance threatening physical injury to
others, to obtain possession of weapons or other dangerous objects upon the
person or within the control of the pupil for the purpose of self-defense, or
for the protection of persons or property. USV administration and staff have
been trained in the CPI physical
restraint program.
PERMANENT EXCLUSION
In
accordance with the law, the Board of Education may seek to have the State
Superintendent of Public Instruction permanently exclude a student who has been
convicted of or adjudicated delinquent for the reason of the following offenses, committed while the student was
sixteen years of age or older:
1. Carrying a concealed weapon, or conveying or
possessing a deadly weapon or dangerous ordinance on property owned or
controlled by a Board of Education or at an activity under the auspices of this
Board.
2. Possession, selling, offering to sell, and/or trafficking in controlled
substances on property owned or controlled by a Board of Education or at an
activity under the auspices of this Board.
3. Murder, aggravated murder, voluntary or
involuntary manslaughter, assault or aggravated assault, or rape.
4. Gross sexual imposition that was committed on
property owned or controlled by the Board of Education or at an
activity under the auspices of a Board of Education, if the victim was an
employee of the Board of Education.
5. Complicity to commit
any of the above offenses, regardless of where the complicity occurred.
COMMUNITY SERVICE
The Superintendent may instead require a student to
participate in a community service program or another alternative consequence
for a number of hours equal to the remaining part of the period of the
suspension. The student shall be
required to begin such community service program or alternative consequence
during the first full week day of summer break.
The Superintendent may develop a list of appropriate
alternative consequences, and set forth such list in the applicable guidelines.
In the event, the student fails to complete the
required community service or the assigned alternative consequence, the
Superintendent may determine the next course of action. Such course of action, however, shall not
include requiring the student to serve the remaining time of the suspension
at the beginning of the following year.
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PROHIBITION FROM PARTICIPATION IN
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
The
Board authorizes the Superintendent or other district administrative personnel
to prohibit a student from participating in any particular or all
extracurricular activities for such period of time as the person implementing
the prohibition determines to be appropriate.
The
decision of the person implementing the prohibition is final. No appeal is permitted.
Upper Scioto Valley
Athletic Code of Conduct
It shall be the purpose of
Upper Scioto Valley High School and Junior High School to provide a well
planned and well-balanced program of interscholastic athletics for our
students, who are enrolled, attend, and who meet the academic and residential
standards of the Upper Scioto Valley School District. Competitive sports are an
important part of the total education program for students in our school.
Athletic activities will provide educational experiences not otherwise provided
in the curriculum. Emphasis will be upon teaching through activities in
addition to teaching the skills of the activities. Every attempt will be made
to provide numerous opportunities for students to participate in activities,
which promote growth and development, teach social and recreational skills, and
develop leadership qualities. Participation in athletics is not a right but a
privilege to those students that follow the rules of the code of conduct. The
interscholastic athletic program will operate and be managed under policies and
guidelines set forth by the Upper Scioto Valley Board of Education, the Ohio
High School Athletic Association, and the Northwest Central Conference.
The athletic program shall be based on the following
premises:
- That interscholastic athletics are an integral part of the overall
educational program.
- That the total development of the student is our main concern.
- That the fundamental functions of the school lie in the work
within the classrooms and that extracurricular work should supplement, not
interfere with the basic functions for which schools are established and
maintained.
- That the contest rules, regulations, and supervision of the
programs should ensure the maximum protection of the health and safety of
the participants.
- That athletics is an important area, in the total operation of the
school program, which is exposed to public view.
Eligibility and Training Rules
By participating in athletics
at Upper Scioto Valley High School and Junior High School, students are
accepting the responsibilities of an athlete and will abide by all policies,
rules, and regulations established by the Upper Scioto Valley Board of
Education, the Ohio High School Athletic Association, the Northwest Central
Conference, and the coach. The Code of Conduct takes effect the first day of
practice and continues to the end of the season as described by the OHSAA.
Members of the athletic teams
at Upper Scioto Valley must be aware of the important role they have in
representing their school and community. Team members are recognized outside
the school. For this reason, students must be willing to accept this unique
role as ambassadors of the school. If athletes are to truly accept this role,
they will reflect this in their conduct and training all year as well as the
time in season.
The following rules and
regulations have been developed to serve as a basis for all sports at Upper
Scioto Valley Junior High School and Senior High School.
I. Participation
The seasons for two or more
sports may be held concurrently. An
athlete may participate in two sports at the same time. A primary sport must be identified and
documented, prior to the season beginning,
per a district form. Cheerleaders
wanting to cheer and play a sport can do so under the same guidelines. If an athlete is on a squad after the first 2
weeks of participation in that sport, he or she cannot be a candidate for
another concurrent sport during the school year.
II. Scholastic Eligibility
Students must meet all Ohio
High School Athletic Association scholastic eligibility requirements as well as
those established by the Upper Scioto Valley Board of Education. Eligibility
for each grading period is determined by the grades received the preceding
grading period. Semester average, exams,
and yearly averages have no effect on eligibility.
ATHLETIC ELIGIBILITY
To
be eligible to participate in athletics a student must meet the following
requirements:
1. During the
preceding grading period, students in grades 7-12 starting must have received
passing grades in a minimum of five
credits.
2. During the
preceding grading period, students in grades 7-12 must have a 1.0 GPA.
3. An athlete who is
academically ineligible may practice with the team with the approval of the
head coach, the athletic director,
and the high school principal.
4. Meet all other
eligibility requirements mandated by the Ohio High School Athletic
Association.
III.
Non-Interscholastic Participation
Participation in a non-interscholastic contest, while a member of a school squad in the same sport, is prohibited. An athlete becomes a member of a squad by participating in an interscholastic event (scrimmage, preview, or regular season contest). (10-3-1) An athlete may have no contact with the school coaching staff in a non-interscholastic program except from June 1 – July 31. (4.2)
IV. Citizenship
- The school has the right to subject any athlete to disciplinary
consequences for any misconduct by
an athlete that occurs off of property, but that is connected to activities or
incidents that have occurred on property owned or controlled by the
district. Also, any misconduct by an athlete that, regardless of where it
occurs, is directed at a district official or employee, or the property of
such official or employee. This
includes, but is not limited to, the promotion or creation of indecent
material.
- Improper conduct will lead to direct disciplinary action by the
administration. Improper conduct is
anything deemed as such by school staff and administrators according to
the athletic policies, student handbook, and board policies.
Disciplinary action to be determined based on the nature
and severity of the offense.
- Hazing/Harassment of other athletes or students will not be
tolerated and will be handled by the coaches and administration. No
district employee shall plan, direct, encourage, aid in, permit, condone,
or tolerate hazing or harassment in any form. An athlete involved in
hazing or harassment will first be removed from the team while an
investigation is conducted. Following the investigation, a determination
will be made by the administration based on its finding as to whether or
not the athlete will be permitted on the team again. Also, further
disciplinary consequences could occur at the discretion of the
administration.
V.
Attendance
An athlete must attend school a half-day (11:40 a.m. -
prior to / after) to be able to participate or play the same day. If an athlete
has an excused absence from the office, other than illness, they will be able
to participate or play that day with permission of the athletic director or
principal. Athletes, too ill to be in school a half-day, are not permitted to
practice or play in a game that night.
VII. Travel
All athletes and
cheerleaders must ride the approved transportation to competitions. After the
competition, athletes may, on occasion, go home with a parent/guardian provided
that the coach receives proper prior written notice. (This policy applies to
participants in other extra-curriculuar and co-curricular activities as well.)
VIII.
Drugs/Alcohol/Tobacco
A. Athletes shall not
use, possess, transport, or furnish illicit drugs or other toxic materials this
may include prescription drugs or over the counter drugs in the wrong manner;
use, consume, or transport alcohol or tobacco products. This includes e-cigarettes,
JUULS and vape pens. (steroids are considered illicit drugs unless prescribed
by a physician).
B. Athletes shall not
participate in criminal acts, which violate the sense of propriety and decent
of community or law. THERE WILL BE NO
VERBAL WARNINGS. All punishments will
begin immediately after all facts of the infraction have been reviewed.
Alcohol/Tobacco
Violations
1. FIRST
OFFENSE – Athlete will be denied participation in the specified number of contests as follows:
a. 2 regular season/tournament contests – football and football cheerleading
b. 4 regular season/tournament contests – track, volleyball, golf, basketball, baseball, softball, and basketball cheerleading
Denial of participation
in athletic contests will carry over into the next sports season. (ex: If only
1 game remains in the football season, and the athlete is suspended for 2
games, the athlete will be denied participation in the first game of
the next sports season in
which he/she participates in.)
2. SECOND
OFFENSE – Athlete will be denied participation for the remainder of the season and/or 40 % of the next sports season. In addition, the athlete must attend an assessment program and follow all recommendations made by the program. The athlete will be denied participation until this requirement has been met. The athlete has one week to contact a licensed/certified assessment group to set up sessions. All costs associated with the assessment/education will be the responsibility of the athlete and his/her family.
3. THIRD
OFFENSE– Athlete will be denied participation in all athletic activities for one calendar year. The athlete must also receive an assessment and follow all recommendations of the assessment. The athlete will be denied participation until this requirement is met.
4. FOURTH
OFFENSE – Athlete will be denied participation in all athletic activities for the remainder of his/her high school career.
In order for an athlete who has been denied participation due to drugs/alcohol/tobacco use to return to the athletic program, he/she must complete the recommendations of the assessment program including a written report indicating the athlete’s successful completion of the recommendations presented to the principal.
Illicit
Drugs
1.
FIRST OFFENSE – Athlete will be denied participation for the remainder of the season and/or 40 % of the next sports season. In addition, the athlete must attend an assessment program and follow all recommendations made by the program. The athlete will be denied participation until this requirement has been met. The athlete has one week to contact a licensed/certified assessment group to set up sessions. All costs associated with the assessment/education will be the responsibility of the athlete and his/her family.
2.
SECOND OFFENSE – Athlete will be denied participation in all athletic activities for one calendar year. The athlete must also receive an assessment and follow all recommendations of the assessment. The athlete will be denied participation until this requirement is met.
3.
THIRD OFFENSE – Athlete will be denied participation in all athletic activities for the remainder of his/her high school career.
In order for an athlete who has been denied participation due to drugs/alcohol/tobacco use to return to the athletic program, he/she must complete the recommendations of the assessment program including a written report indicating the athlete’s successful completion of the recommendations presented to the principal.
Violations of the athletic code of conduct are cumulative from the beginning of the athlete’s seventh grade year to the final day of possible participation of an athlete’s senior year.
GENERAL
ATHLETIC GUIDELINES
Pre-Season Parent’s Meeting
At the beginning of each
sports season there will be a mandatory
preseason meeting which requires the attendance of athletes and their parents. This meeting shall consist of (a) a review of the student-eligibility bulletin and key eligibility requirements; (b) a review of the school’s Athletic Code of Conduct; and (c) a sportsmanship, ethics, and integrity component as directed by the OHSAA.
Squad
Selections
It is the philosophy of Upper Scioto Valley
High School and Junior High School that athletic participation be open to as
many students as possible. However, due to limitations of space, equipment, and
number of players needed, it is sometimes necessary to limit the number of
athletes on a particular squad. The criteria and date for squad selections will
be established by the coach and explained to all candidates. Coaches will have
a one-on-one meeting with each individual who is not selected for a squad. Athletes and parents should note that
squad selection is, by its very nature, subjective in judgment. As long as the
coach follows the principles listed previously, the administration will not
intervene.
Communication/Chain
of Command
Any communication/grievance athletes or
parents have must be channeled through the following people in the following
order:
1. Coach
2. Athletic Director
3. Principal
4. Superintendent
5. Board of Education
Awards
Upper Scioto Valley athletes will be
honored at the conclusion of the fall, winter, and spring sports seasons.
1. All athletes who complete a sport season will receive
a certificate of participation. Awards will be made at the end of each sport
season as determined by the head coach of each sport.
2. Additional awards beyond the above certificate are:
a. A Varsity “U” will be awarded only once in an individual’s career
b. A sport insignia will be given for 2nd year
awards
c. A bar will be given for 3rd year awards
d. A trophy/plaque will be given for 4th year
awards
e. A RAM AWARD will be given to one individual per
Varsity Team
3. An athlete who is selected 1st Team
All-Ohio or has scored a point (1) in an individual sport at a state
championship, will have their picture and plaque placed in the USV ALL OHIO
HALL OF FAME in the Field House Lobby.
4. Any athlete who receives an All-State recognition will
receive a plaque.
5. Any state championship or runner-up teams will have a
team picture placed in the high school gymnasium.
6. Any league champion or district champion teams will have
patches awarded to team members.
7. Coaches are permitted to award special awards/certificates for their sports individual efforts. These must be cleared through the athletic director before presentation. They will be ¼ of the total number of players on the squad. Example: If you have a total of 28 players on your team you will be allowed up to 7 special awards to be handed out.
Award
Ceremonies
Any student/athlete who does not attend the
awards ceremony will not be issued any type of an award that may have been
earned. An excuse would have to be
approved by the Head Coach, Principal, and Athletic Director and be approved
before the ceremony.
Inclement
Weather Practice Sessions
In the event of cancellation of school,
practices at the varsity level are allowed if traveling conditions have
improved. The safety of the athlete is to be given prime consideration in
making the decision to hold practice. At no time will the athlete be required
to attend a practice if the safety of the athlete is in question. All junior
high practices/games will be cancelled.
Dismissal/Quitting
Any athlete who has been dismissed from a
squad for any violation during a sport season will not be eligible to
participate on any other athletic squad or conditioning program including
weight room during the same sports season. If an athlete quits a squad after
the first scheduled contest, they must obtain a release from the head coach in
that sport and be given approval by the athletic director/principal before they
enter a conditioning program of another sport in the same season or the next
season in which the athlete wishes to participate.
STUDENT DRESS
CODE
The Principal/Assistant Principal will
decide if parents should be called to bring clothes or clothes may be issued to
the student. Any time out of the
classroom for dress code violations will be counted as unexcused.
1. No low-cut or revealing clothing.
Tops must not be cut low under the arms, and they must overlap the pants
at all times. All tops must be factory
hemmed at the sleeve, neck and bottom.
2. No clothing or accessories with offensive
language or designs promoting alcohol, drugs, tobacco, sex or discriminating
images.
3. Shorts, dresses and skirts must be fingertip in length.
4. No spaghetti strap tank tops, undershirts, or halter shirts will
be worn as outer garments.
5. Shoes must be worn at all times.
6. Heavy winter coats may not be worn during
school. This includes Varsity jackets.
7. Hats and hoods
are not to be worn during the school day. This excludes spirit days.
SEARCH AND
SEIZURE
A student shall not use school property to store items considered to be dangerous, prohibited by law or school rules. If there is reason to believe that such items are being stored on school property or at school activities, or if such items may be on a student’s person or in personal items, then a reasonable search and seizure will result. If a school official believes that a student has on his person a weapon or substance dangerous to persons or property, then the official has the right and duty to conduct an immediate search and seizure.
LOCKERS
Each student will be assigned a school locker. The locker is the school’s property and the school reserves the right to inspect the locker at any time with or without the student being present and without prior notice. The administrator in conjunction with at least one other staff member will do the inspection. Lockers are to be kept neat, cleaned, and closed. Each student is liable for contents of his/her locker. Any contents that are a violation of school code will result in disciplinary action. If you do not want to abide by the above locker rules, you may refuse use of the locker. If so, you will then have to carry your books and paper with you to each class. All bookbags, backpacks and purses (of any kind) are to be placed in lockers and not transported into classroom settings, during school hours.
USE OF MOTOR VEHICLES
Students are allowed to drive to and from school under the following conditions. Students must complete the Student Vehicle Form 5515 F1 and provide the principal with a copy of his/her driver’s license. Students must realize that driving to school is a privilege and this may be revoked at any time.
FEES AND
FINES
The Upper Scioto Valley Board of Education
furnishes textbooks for each pupil, but the student must pay for expendable
items such as notebooks, paper, pencils, workbooks and lab fees. Each grade/class will have fees that should
be paid as soon as possible. The library
and various departments will charge a normal fine for overdue, damaged or lost
books.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Announcements
are given every morning. Students need
to listen carefully to know what is expected of them. The staff member must sign and date all
announcements to be made.
FIELD TRIPS
Field
trips are an additional educational experience to connect learning both in and
out of the classroom. However, they are a privilege, and not a right. Students
must be in good academic standing and have a good attendance record in order to
participate.
18 YEARS OLD
Although the 18-year-old is at the age of
majority and therefore can legally make decisions, the 18-year-old must abide
by the school rules required of all students.
Permission granted from office and parental contact will still be made
on early dismissals or late arrivals.
LUNCH ROOM
Occasionally school activity groups will have lunch brought in
from outside. Provided the advisor
supervises, this action will be accepted with prior approval. All other lunches are to be handled in one of
two ways.
1. Bought in the cafeteria
2. Brown bagged in the morning.
Occasionally, a parent may bring their child’s lunch to them at lunchtime. This would be considered brown bagging, and we ask that this arrangement be made prior to the start of the day to avoid disruption.
VISITORS
Visitation
by parents is welcome. Classroom observation requires advance notice and
approval. Student visitors are not permitted except under very special
circumstances. We do not permit the
visitation of little brothers or sisters.
All visitors should report to the office upon entering the building to
sign in on the visitor sign in sheet.
LOST AND
FOUND
Lost
and found articles are kept in the office or other areas around the
building. Students who are looking for
lost articles should check in the office immediately. The office will dispose of any article not
claimed within a reasonable length of time.
STUDENT
INJURIES
If you are injured coming to school or while at school, you should report to the duty teacher or to the office immediately to see if first aid treatment is necessary. If the nurse, principal, secretary or teachers cannot treat the injury, parents will be called. A pupil will not be sent to the doctor or hospital without parent’s consent or authorization except under emergencies. The rescue squad will be called on all serious injuries.
ASSEMBLIES
All
assemblies will be held on school grounds.
The following is a list of important assembly manners:
1. Stay with your class / RAMS time on the way to the
program.
2. Sit with your class / RAMS time during the assembly
3. You may talk quietly with your neighbor before the
program begins.
4. Appearance of a speaker is your cue to stop talking
and come to attention.
5. Do not talk during the assembly.
6. Leave the assembly only when excused and in an orderly
manner.
STUDENT
INSURANCE
Students
choosing to purchase insurance through the school should pick up a form in the
office and return it before September 15.
TAKING
MEDICATION IN SCHOOL
A student taking medication during school hours must bring the medication and the physician’s request form for administration of medication, if
applicable, to the office when arriving at school. This includes over the counter medications
the child wishes to take at school. The
administration of prescribed medications, the possession of emergency
medications (asthma inhalers, epi-pens) and over the counter medications are
governed by Board Policy.
NEWS MEDIA
Newsletters for the parents will be published
throughout the year. A monthly calendar
of events will be available in the high school and middle school office.
Special
events and articles about our students and the school will appear in the Ada
Herald and Kenton Times throughout the year.
SCHOOL DANCES
All
school dances including but not limited to Homecoming and Prom are for high
school students only, unless otherwise noted.
If you are bringing a date from another school or someone who is out of
school permission must be obtained from the high school office. This permission slip must be filled out five
days before the dance or event.
SCHOOL
DELAYS/CANCELLATIONS
The
arrival of winter brings severe weather conditions and possibly school delays
or cancellations. When conditions
warrant delays or closing school that information can be found on the school
website and through the following stations:
Station Call No. Location
WIMA 1150
AM Lima
WIMT 102.1
FM Lima
WKTN 95.3 FM Kenton
WZOO 92.1 FM Lima
WLIO TV Channel
35 Lima
WBNS TV Channel
10 Columbus
BUS
TRANSPORTATION
The bus drivers will give the
students a copy of bus rules for behavior when riding the bus. Failure to obey these safety rules may result
in temporary or permanent suspension from riding your assigned bus. Students are permitted to ride only the bus
they have been assigned. School bus
transportation is a privilege and not a right; and the bus driver is the sole
authority on the bus while students are being transported. (A.C. 3301-83-08)
Parents are responsible for: (A.G. 8600)
- the safety of their child while going to or from the bus stop and
while waiting for the school bus, including waiting for a school bus at
their designated place of safety;
- their child being at the bus stop prior to scheduled pick-up time;
- damage by their child to school buses, personal property, or
public property.
In order to provide children riding the bus the safe transportation
they deserve, the district has adopted the following rules, believing all
students can behave appropriately and safely while riding on a school bus. Misbehavior will not be tolerated. At times during the year your child may be
videotaped on the bus.
The Student Conduct Code as
stated in the student handbook must be followed.
1.
All students are
assigned a permanent pick-up and drop-off point, when riding the bus students
will only be permitted on or off at that point.
- Students that cross in front of the bus must stop at their designated place of safety and wait on the driver’s hand signal before crossing. All students upon exiting the bus must go directly to their designated safe spot and stay there until the bus has safely cleared the area. Students needing to go to the mailbox should do so after the bus is out of sight.
- Stay in assigned seat while the bus is moving.
- Keep hands, feet and personal objects to yourself and inside the
bus.
- Do not distract the driver through misbehavior.
- No smoking, bad language, rude gestures, teasing, or bullying on
the bus.
- No eating or drinking on the bus.
- Animals, firearms, ammunition, weapons, explosives, or other
dangerous materials or objects are prohibited on buses. (AG 8600)
- Pupils must not have alcohol or drugs in their possession on the
bus.
- There shall be no use of cell phones on the school bus.
If a student chooses to break
a rule, the following consequences will be applied:
1st Incident: Driver
warns student
2nd Incident: Reassign
seat and conference with driver
3rd Incident: Transportation Supervisor calls parent or
guardian
4th Incident: Discipline
slip sent to principal
Severe, illegal, or
continuous misbehavior: Student will
lose bus privileges
7th – 8th Grade
First offense – Bus suspension for one (1) day or discretion of principal
Second offense – Bus suspension for three(3) days or discretion of principal
Third offense – Bus suspension for five (5) days or discretion of principal
Fourth offense – Bus suspension for ten (10) days or discretion of principal
Fifth offense – Bus suspension for the remainder of the school year
9th – 12th Grade
First offense – Bus suspension for three(3) days or discretion of principal
Second offense – Bus suspension for five (5) days or discretion of principal
Third offense – Bus suspension for ten (10) days or discretion of principal
Fourth offense – Bus suspension for the remainder of the school year
The transportation policy has already been discussed with your child. Please discuss it with him or her to be sure it is understood. Thank you in advance for your support of the district’s program. If you have any questions or comments, please contact the school administration at 419-757-3231
SEXUAL
HARASSMENT
The Upper Scioto Valley School District is
committed to eliminating and preventing sexual harassment from all school and
facilities. Sexual harassment is
improper, immoral, illegal, and will not be tolerated within the district. This policy is implemented to inform both
students and personnel as to what sexual harassment is and what procedures are
to be followed in dealing with sexual harassment within the district.
Definition
of Sexual Harassment
Prohibited harassment includes, but is not limited to the following:
1. Unwanted sexual advances, including propositioning, repeatedly
asking someone out for a date after it is clear that the person is not
interested.
2. Making or threatening reprisals after a negative response to
sexual advances.
3. Non-verbal conduct: leering, making sexual gestures, displaying
sexually suggestive objects, pictures, cartoon, or posters.
4. Verbal conduct: making or using derogatory comments, epithets, slurs, or jokes, making sexually based remarks about another person’s or one’s own body.
5. Verbal abuse of sexual nature, graphic verbal commentaries about
an individual, suggestive or obscene letters, notes or invitations.
6. Physical conduct: touching assault, impeding or blocking movement.
The Board’s sexual harassment policy is intended to protect against sexual harassment before it becomes actionable sexual harassment. The term “sexual harassment” is intended to mean sexual harassment in the broadest meaning of that term in current popular as well as legal usage.
AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOR TOWARD
STUDENTS
The Board of Education is committed to providing a safe, positive, productive, and nurturing educational environment for all of its students. The Board encourages the promotion of positive interpersonal relations between members of the school community. Aggressive behavior toward a student, whether by other students, staff, or third parties is strictly prohibited and will not be tolerated. This prohibition includes, physical, verbal, and psychological abuse. The Board will not tolerate any gestures, comments, threats, or actions that cause or threaten to cause bodily harm or personal degradation. This policy applies to all activities in the District, including activities on school property and those occurring off school property if the student or employee is at any school-sponsored, school-approved or school-related activity or function, such as field trips or athletic events where students are under the school’s control, or where an employee is engaged in school business.
Aggressive behavior is defined as inappropriate conduct that is repeated enough, or serious enough, to negatively impact a student’s educational, physical, or emotional well being. This type of behavior is a form of harassment, although it need not be based on any of the legally protected characteristics, such as sex, race, color, national origin, marital status, or disability. It would include, but not be limited to, such behaviors as stalking, bullying, intimidating, menacing, coercion, name-calling, taunting, making threats, and hazing.
Any student that believes
s/he has been or is the victim of aggressive behavior should immediately report
the situation to the building principal or assistant principal, or the
Superintendent. The student may also report
concerns to a teacher or counselor who will be responsible for notifying the
appropriate administrator or Board official.
Complaints against the building principal should be filed with the
Superintendent. Complaints against the
Superintendent should be filed with the Board President.
Every student is encouraged,
and every staff member is required, to report any situation that they believe
to be aggressive behavior directed toward a student. Reports may be made to those identified
above.
All complaints about
aggressive behavior that may violate this policy shall be promptly
investigated.
If the investigation finds an
instance of aggressive behavior has occurred, it will result in prompt and
appropriate remedial action. This may
include up to expulsion for students, up to discharge for employees, exclusion
for parents, guests, volunteers, and contractors, and removal from any officer
position and/or a request to resign for Board members. Individuals may also be referred to law
enforcement officials.
The complainant shall be notified
of the findings of the investigation, and as appropriate, that remedial action
has been taken.
Retaliation against any
person, who reports, is thought to have reported, files a complaint, or
otherwise participates in an investigation or inquiry concerning allegations of
aggressive behavior is prohibited and will not be tolerated.
Such retaliation shall be
considered a serious violation of Board policy and independent of whether a
complaint is substantiated. Suspected
retaliation should be reported in the same manner as aggressive behavior. Making intentionally false reports about
aggressive behavior for the purpose of getting someone in trouble is similarly
prohibited and will not be tolerated.
Retaliation and intentionally false reports may result in disciplinary
action as indicated above.
The following definitions are
provided for guidance only. If a student
or other individual believes there has been aggressive behavior, regardless of
whether it fits a particular definition, s/he should report it and allow the
administration to determine the appropriate course of action.
“Bullying” is defined as a person willfully and repeatedly exercising power or control over another with hostile or malicious intent (i.e., repeated oppression, physical or psychological, of a less powerful individual by a more powerful individual or group). Bullying can be physical, verbal, psychological, or a combination of all three. Some examples of bullying are:
A.
Physical – hitting, kicking, spitting, pushing, pulling, taking and/or damaging personal
belongings
or extorting money, blocking or impeding student movement, unwelcome physical
contact.
B.
Verbal – taunting, malicious teasing, insulting, name calling, making threats.
C.
Psychological – spreading rumors, manipulating social relationships, coercion, or
engaging
in social exclusion/shunning, extortion, or intimidation.
“Harassment” includes, but is not limited to, any act which subjects an individual or group to unwanted, abusive behavior of a nonverbal, verbal, written or physical nature on the basis of age, race, religion, color, national origin, marital status or disability (sexual orientation, physical characteristic, cultural background, socioeconomic status, or geographic location).
“Intimidation” includes, but is not limited to, any threat or act intended to tamper, substantially damage or interfere with another’s property, cause substantial inconvenience, subject another to offensive physical contact or inflict serious physical injury on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin or sexual orientation.
“Menacing” includes, but is not limited to, any act intended to place a school employee, student, or third party in fear of imminent serious physical injury.
“Harassment, intimidation, or bullying” means any act that substantially interferes with a student’s educational benefits, opportunities, or performance, that takes place on or immediately adjacent to school grounds, at any school-sponsored activity, on school-provided transportation or at any official school bus stop, and that has the effect of:
A.
physically harming a student or damaging a student’s property;
B.
knowingly placing
a student in reasonable fear of physical harm to the student or
damage to the student’s property; or
C.
creating a
hostile educational environment.
Students may be given school consequences and
discipline if bullying, harassment or intimidation takes place outside of
school and materially or substantially disrupts the educational environment and
discipline of the school.
“Staff” includes all school employees and Board members.
“Third parties” include, but are not limited to, coaches, school volunteers, parents, school visitors, service contractors, vendors, or others engaged in District business, and others not directly subject to school control at inter-district or intro-district athletic competitions or other school events.
For a definition of and
instances that could possibly be construed as hazing, consult Policy 5516.
Confidentiality
To the extent appropriate
and/or legally permitted, confidentiality will be maintained during the
investigation process. However, a proper
investigation will, in some circumstances, require the disclosure of names and
allegations.
Notification
Notice of this policy will be
annually circulated to and posted in
conspicuous locations in all school buildings and departments within the
District and discussed with students, as well as incorporated into the teacher,
student, and parent/guardian handbooks.
State and Federal rights posters on discrimination and harassment shall
also be posted at each building.
The
superintendent is directed to develop administrative guidelines to implement
this policy. Guidelines shall include
reporting and investigative procedures, as needed. The complaint procedure established by the
Superintendent shall be followed.
Students may be given school consequences and
discipline if bullying, harassment or intimidation takes place outside of
school and materially or substantially disrupts the educational environment and
discipline of the school.