Elkton School

Home of the Elks

 JH/HS STUDENT HANDBOOK 2010-11

 Elkton School District Philosophy

The Elkton Independent School District 5-3 believes in the worth, dignity, and uniqueness of each individual.  We believe the purpose of the educational process is to prepare each student to accept responsibilities for self, family, community, country, and the changing global society and to empower students with a dedication to lifelong learning.

Therefore, the District will offer a broad curriculum to fit the needs and levels in the intellectual range of all students by providing academic, vocational, and activity programs which give each individual the opportunity to develop his/her potential.

We believe this can best be attained through the joint efforts of students, parents, staff, and community.  

GENERAL POLICIES

The student handbook for the current school year includes school district policies of the Board of Education and other procedures to offer students an equal opportunity for a free and appropriate public education.

DISSEMINATION OF POLICIES

The school board shall provide for notice of all policies and regulations affecting student conduct, which could result in suspension to be given to the students or parents, and otherwise give general publicity.  Publication in the student handbook shall be considered adequate notice.  

ATTENDANCE

1. Students who have not missed more than the equivalent 2 complete days and have no more than 6 (3/semester) tardies throughout the year will be exempted from taking second semester finals.  All students will take first semester exams.  Attendance will be recorded hourly.  It is recommended that doctor, dental, orthodontist, and other appointments be made in the afternoons or before school begins. Funerals are excused with a note from parents and will not enter into the perfect attendance summary.  Elkton Public Schools will require students who are failing a class to take the semester exams regardless of attendance and we encourage all other students to consider taking the exams to raise their overall grade.  Hardship cases may be appealed to the administration.

2.  Students are given four minutes to pass between classes.  Any student not in the room by the time the buzzer rings is tardy.  If a student has been held by the instructor of a class, he\she needs an excuse from that instructor in order to be admitted to the next class.  Tardies will be punishable by detention or suspension if the problem becomes serious. Delays in the start of classes due to operational directives of the school will not count against any student (I.e. assemblies, late buses, weather restrictions, etc.)

3.  When a student is absent from school, one of his\her parents/guardians should call the school (542-2541) on the day the student is absent to verify his\her being gone.  Please call by 9:30 a.m. If we receive no word, the school will attempt to call to verify.

4.  The natures of excuses which will be honored by the principal are:

·         illness

·         illness in the home

·         work with parents' consent, except for excessive amounts, and only for parent.

·         funerals

  6.  Students who expect to be absent for work or because of family or home situations should have their parents notify the school and have work completed before the time of the absence.  This also applies to school trips for athletics, music, FFA, FCCLA, etc.

7.  The responsibility for making up the missed lessons rests with the students, not the teacher. Students will be given 2 days to make up schoolwork in order to get credit following an absent day, subsequent days of absence all 1 day of time for make-up for each day absent after the 1^st day.  Unexcused absences must be made up to prevent a lapse in instructional areas - although zeros will be given for such days.  Excused absences must be made up and grades assigned for such work.  Make up slips are required to be readmitted after an absence.  The student must obtain a slip the day he/she re-enter school and must have a written permission slip from the parent or guardian...no exceptions! The school will accept a phone call from a parent or legal guardian in place of a written note.

8.  When a student misses the eleventh day in a given semester, he\she will automatically fail all courses for that semester.  The same rule applies for individual class periods.  Any student that misses a given class 11 times in 18 weeks will automatically fail that particular class for the semester.  Hardship cases may be appealed to the Board of Education.

9.  All incompletes not finished at the end of the semester will revert to a failing grade for the course.  (Hardship cases may be appealed to the Administration.)

10.  College Visitation:  Two post secondary school visits will be allowed that will not count toward the attendance policy absences.  Administrative approval is needed.  Any further school visits will be counted against the attendance policy.  All post secondary school visits must be arranged through a contact with the guidance department or it will not be excused.

11.  Inclement Weather: Parents will make the final decision regarding their K-12 student’s school attendance. If you feel a dangerous weather condition exists, keep you children safely at home regardless if school is being held or not.  They will not be counted absent.

Guidelines for Second Semester Test Exemption for Seniors.

Board Approved April 2008

A senior must meet one of the following criteria in order to be exempt from taking the spring semester tests, if they did not meet the criteria for students in grade 7-12 listed in the first bullet below.

Existing: Students who have not missed more than the equivalent of 2 complete days and have no more than 6 (3/semester) tardies throughout the year will be exempted from taking second semester finals. All students will take first semester exams. Attendance will be recorded hourly. It is recommend that doctor, dental, orthodontist, and other appointments be made in the afternoons or before school begins. Funerals are excused with a note from parents and will not enter into the perfect attendance summary. Elkton Public Schools will require students who are failing a class to take the semester exams regardless of attendance and we encourage all other students to consider taking the exams to raise their overall grade. Hardship cases may be appealed to the administration.

New: Seniors who do not meet the criteria listed above may also qualify as listed below:

o GPA of 3.67 this year and having no more than 10 absences per individual period for the entire year.

o GPA of 2.67 this year and having no more than 8 absences per individual period for the entire year.

o GPA of 1.67 this year and having no more than 5 absences per individual period for the entire year.

o Seniors will take semester in each of the individual periods that they have exceeded the limit of absences based on the criteria above.

Existing: College visits, school related absences, and funerals will not be counted in the totals listed above. However, all other absences will be counted individually per class period.

Existing: Seniors will take semester exams in all classes, if they exceeded the tardy limit of no more than 6 (3/semester) throughout the entire school year.

Guidelines for SENIOR OPEN Study Hall Privilege

Board Approved February 2008

A senior must meet one of the following criteria in order to be exempt from study hall attendance during the second semester.  In order to keep this privilege, be sure to adhere to the guidelines and responsibilities that accompany it.

• A senior with a GPA this year of at least 3.67
• A senior with a GPA this year of at least 2.67 and missing no more that eight (8) of the same class period for the school year.
• A senior with a GPA this year of at least 1.67 and missing no more than five (5) of the same class period for the school year.
• Students cannot have a “D” or an “F” in any class.

Guidelines to be followed:

1. The grades and attendance standards that allowed students to earn this privilege must be maintained.
2. Seniors must return a signed wavier from their parents.
3. Students are not allowed to drive or be in or on any motorized vehicle during regular school hours.
4. When classes are in progress, seniors are to be out of the main hallways near classrooms or stay in their assigned classroom.  They may be in the library, or the hallways by the principal’s office and south gym hallway.
5. Tardiness will not be accepted upon returning to class.  If a student receives his/her (5th) tardy during either the 3^rd or 4^th nine weeks, it will result in a loss of the privilege.
6. Days absent will be counted as stated in the school attendance policy.

This list of conditions does not necessarily cover all conditions that may result in the removal of senior privileges.

Seniors will have open study hall when no scheduled activity is planned, if they have senior privileges.  If a senior is in chorus, they are to be in chorus on those scheduled days each week.

CARE OF SCHOOL PROPERTY AND RESPECT OF SCHOOL 

·         All school property shall be treated with care.  Students who maliciously or carelessly damage school property shall be required to reimburse the school district for the cost of replacing or repairing the property and shall be disciplined according to discipline policies.  

·         Students are expected to walk in the halls.

·         LOCKERS:  Each high school student is assigned a locker for storage of books, school supplies, and coats.  It is the student’s responsibility to see that his or her locker is kept locked in their assigned locker and in working order at all times.  You are responsible for all items left in your locker.  Do not share your combination with anyone.  Lockers are school property and subject to search at any time.

BUS PLAN 

·         Share your seat on the bus with other students.

·         Students should be ready when the bus arrives.

·         Bus drivers shall have full authority to quell any disturbances that might arise while the bus is en route. All disturbances will be reported to the school principals for immediate action. Constant troublemakers and creators of misbehavior may be forbidden to ride on the bus in accordance with the transportation policy on file in the offices or with the bus drivers. Parents will be notified.

CLASS MEETINGS 

All class or student organizational meetings must be cleared through the principal's office by the advisor of the organization that is requesting the meeting.  Class meetings shall not be held without the class advisor being present.

DETENTION HALL

Students who are required to attend detention for disciplinary reasons must notify their parents so their parents can provide transportation for them.  Parents will also be notified by the school.

HEADPHONES, RADIOS, MUSIC PLAYING DEVICES, AND CELL PHONES

Headphones, radios, portable personal music players, and cell phone are not to be brought into classrooms.  If students are found using these devices in class, they will be confiscated and turned into the office, where the student may pick them up after school.  The school is not responsible for lost or stolen items.

SECURITY CAMERAS

Security Cameras are installed in high traffic areas within the Elkton School.  These cameras are to monitor the safety of our students and staff.

AUDIO TAPING OF CONVERSATIONS

For the protection of all parties involved, the Elkton School administration reserves the right to audiotape any phone or personal conversation involving students, parents, ect., dealing with student or other school related issues.  Notice may or may not be given.

MONEY AND VALUABLES

Students are discouraged from bringing large amounts of money or valuables to school.  The school cannot be responsible for lost or stolen items. 

HONOR ROLL: Students who maintain grade averages of 3.6 to 4.0 shall be eligible for "A" honor roll and 3.0 to 3.599 for the "B" honor roll.  The honor roll will be computed by the following numerical system:  A=4 points, B=3 points, C=2 points.  The total numbers of points you receive for a reporting period will be divided by the number of subjects you are taking.  A “D” or “F” grade will automatically eliminate you from the honor roll. 

The guidance counselor will calculate and publish the Honor Roll each quarter.

LUNCHROOM AND NOON HOUR 

Elkton School lunch hour is closed. Students may not leave the building or go home for lunch. Students will remain in the gym after eating until they return to class.  Students who bring a sack lunch from home will eat in the lunchroom.  No pop or soda is allowed over the lunch hour.

STUDENTS PROVIDING THEIR OWN TRANSPORTATION 

·         Any student providing his/her own transportation shall be under the direct supervision of the school administration.

·         There shall be no driving of vehicles during school hours without approval from administration.

·         Extreme caution must be exercised by the student when approaching and leaving the school grounds.

·         Students will not return to cars without permission of the administration.

TELEPHONE / TELEPHONE USAGE

There is local phone service available in the main office.  The telephone may be used by the student in emergency situations on approval by a teacher, secretary, or administration official.  Unless an emergency exists, messages will be taken for all incoming calls. We will not interrupt classes for incoming calls.

 LEAVING OR RETURNING TO THE BUILDING OR GROUNDS 

·         No student is allowed to leave the school grounds at any time during school hours for any reason without permission from the office and having signed out in the office.  A student neglecting to do so will receive 1/2 day of unexcused absence.

·         Any student who is tardy in the morning must check in at the office before going to their class.

DRESS CODE 

The purpose of a dress code is to promote the best possible atmosphere for students to achieve their highest potential and safety.

Students should at all times be dressed in a manner that is conducive to a business-like scholastic atmosphere and in a way as to reflect positively upon the school and community.  Please refer to the progressive discipline plan for further explanation.

Shorts may be worn only during the months of August, September, October, March, April, and May.  No biker shorts, short shorts, or boxer shorts allowed.  Wear shorts with finished hems - no cut offs, jeans or sweats.  Dress appropriately or the privilege will be lost.  A student who abuses the policy will receive a warning and he/she will be assigned detention if guilty of another incident.  If you have questions concerning the appropriateness of your attire, it is best not to wear it.

Students are expected to be well groomed and use proper hygiene.

Computer Usage 

Students are encouraged to utilize all available technology at school.  Every student is required to have a signed Acceptable Use policy on file each year.  Students who fail to abide by this policy may forfeit the use of the technology.  

FIRE, FIRE DRILLS, LOCKDOWN, LOCKDOWN DRILLS, AND TORNADO DRILLS:  In the case of a fire drill, or a real fire, students are to follow the instructions of the teacher in charge of the class or study hall in which they are participants.

·         Speed is desirable during all fires and fire drills, but not to the point of throwing away caution.  Every person walks to his/her station of safety.

·         Students gather in groups according to the class or study hall that they are in and retreat at least one hundred feet from the building.  Students shall wait for the teacher in charge of their group until they are done taking roll.

·         All students will remain in their groups until they are given instructions to leave them.

·         If the fire or drill occurs at noon, the students should leave the building by the fire exit which is posted in the room they are in.  Students shall fall into groups, by classes, one hundred feet from the building for roll call.  

KEYS TO SUCCESS

STUDENT'S RESPONSIBILITIES:

·         Come to class prepared to learn. Bring absolutely all necessary materials.

·         Be attentive in class to understand the objective of the lesson and take notes as needed to provide background for the preparation of the homework.

·         Clearly understand the directions, extent, and options in the homework.

·         Prepare the assigned homework neatly and accurately and have it ready to hand in on the due day.

·         Use the resources of the school (i.e. after school teacher conference, peer tutoring, Honor Society tutoring, etc.) when experiencing difficulty with assignments.

·         Set priorities that put daily educational achievement ahead of other activities.

·         Get organized by making use of the planner provided.  

EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES GUIDELINES

The following guidelines are in effect for all extra curricular activities offered by the Elkton School District.  Questions may be addressed to the school administration or the coaches/advisors of that particular activity.

Eligibility

All students who are enrolled in the Elkton Public School shall be eligible to participate in school-sponsored activities under the following conditions:

ELKTON JUNIOR-SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES PARTICIPATION ELIGIBILITY

Athletes, cheerleaders, band, chorus, FCCLA, and FFA must be passing all classes with no “F” grades in any subject.  Eligibility is determined at the midpoint in each nine weeks and the end of each nine weeks.

In order to participate in activities under the guidelines of the SDHSAA, a student in the Elkton Junior – Senior High must be passing all their classes with no grade lower than a “D” minus.

If a student is determined to be ineligible, they will be notified by a Coach, Athletic Director, or Principal.  The student will be ineligible to for one week schedule from Monday through Sunday.  We will recheck ineligible students later to determine if they become eligible to participate again.  If not, they will remain ineligible until the end of the nine week period.  If a student is ineligible at the end of the nine weeks, they will be ineligible for one week.  If they do not regain their eligibility during that time, they will be required to wait until the midpoint grade check.  The midpoint of a traditional schedule is 4.5 weeks.

STUDENT ACITIVTY PARTICPATION ELIGIBILITY

Rules of the South Dakota High School Activities Association

Section I. General Requirements

(a)    Age. The student must be under 20 years of age at the time of participation.

(b)    Enrollment.  Must have enrolled not later that the sixteenth school day of the current semester.

(c)    Eight Semester Rule.  Only students who have not fulfilled requirements for graduation are eligible for interscholastic activities.  A student shall be eligible for four first semesters and four-second semesters of interscholastic competition.  For the purpose of this subsection, enrollment in school for fifteen school days or participation in one or more contests shall count as a semester of eligibility.  Once a student enrolls as a ninth grader, all semesters must be consecutive unless verified in writing by a physician that withdrawal from school is necessary due to a serious illness or injury.

(d)    Scholastic/Academic Eligibility Rule.

(1)     Preceding Semester.  The student, unless they are entering high school for the first time, shall have successfully passed twenty hours of high school work per week, for which academic units of credits earned are used in the issuance of a diploma, for the preceding or for the most recent semester of attendance in any accredited high school.  For the purpose of this subsection, enrollment in school for fifteen school days or participation in one or more contests shall constitute a semester in determining eligibility.  Provided, however, the Board of Education of Directors or Executive Director shall have the authority to waive the fifteen day attendance rule when and if a student withdraws from school after fifteen days of attendance as a result of an injury or illness and does not return to any school for the remainder of the semester and the student does not receive any high school course credits.

(2)     Current Semester.  The student shall be enrolled in an accredited high school and attend a minimum of twenty-hours of high school work per week during the current semester for which academic units of credits earned are used in the issuance of a high school diploma.  Correspondence course approved in advance by the high school principal for which credits earned are used in the issuance of a high school diploma may count towards the twenty-hour eligibility requirement.

(3)     A student’s grades that are dependent upon the completion of a project such as a vocational education project after the close of the academic school year shall be determined by the grade averages of record assuming satisfactory completion of the project.

(4)     Students who have been declared ineligible because of academic deficiencies from the previous semester may not earn scholastic/academic eligibility by taking an academic course(s) during the summer vacation period.

(5)     Beginning and Ending Semester.  For the purpose of this subsection, the first semester shall be considered as ending at midnight on the day before the second semester begins and the second semester shall be considered as starting on the first day classes are held in said semester.  The actual ending of the second semester or school year, rather than the dated of graduation exercises or diploma date, controls the determination when eligibility terminates.

(6)     South Dakota state law prohibits minors from purchasing, possessing, receiving, or consuming tobacco products or from attempting to purchase or receive tobacco products. Students who do so will be suspended for five (5) days and be reported to local law enforcement.  Effective July 1, 1998, state law fines minors $200 or 7 days in jail.

(7)     Participation in athletic events and other activities require that all students be eligible under the rules and regulations of the SDHSAA.

(8)     Any person adjudicated, convicted, or are the subject of a suspended imposition of sentence for possession, use, or distribution of controlled substances or marijuana as defined in chapter 22-42 is ineligible to participate in any extracurricular activity at any secondary school accredited by the Department of Education and Cultural Affairs for one year.  Upon a subsequent adjudication, conviction, or suspended imposition of sentence for possession, use or distribution of controlled substances or marijuana by a court of competent jurisdiction, that person is ineligible to participate in any extracurricular activity while that person is attending any school accredited by the Department of Education and Cultural Affairs.  Upon such a determination in any juvenile proceeding the Unified Judicial System shall give notice of that determination to the South Dakota High School Activities Association and the chief administrator of the school in which the person is enrolled.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

Graduation requirements of the Elkton Public Schools shall consist of the requirements as established by the State Board of Education and the Elkton School Board.

The State Department of Education requires a minimum of 22 units (credits) for graduation. Elkton High School requires students to earn a minimum of 23 ½ units to graduate.

Starting with the graduating class of 2010, ALL Students must meet the following core criteria regardless of the pathway chosen:

·         English/Language Arts – 4 ½ units (must include English 1-4 and Modern Communications)

·         Journalism – ½ unit

·         Social Studies – 3 units (must include World Geography, World History, US History, and US Government)

·         Fine Arts – 1 unit

·         Health/PE – 1 unit

·         Economics – ½ unit

·         Computer Studies – ½ unit

Those in the Standard Pathway must complete the following units in addition to the core criteria above:

·         Mathematics – 3 units (must include at least 1 credit of Algebra 1 or higher)

·         Science – 2 units (any lab science)

·         Any combination of World Language, Computer, or CTE courses – 2 units

Those in the Advanced Pathway must complete the following units in addition to the core criteria above:

·         Mathematics – 3 units (must include Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2)

·         Science – 3 units (must include Biology and either Chemistry or Physics)

·         Any combination of World Language, Computer, or CTE courses – 2 units

Those in the Distinguished Pathway must complete the following units in addition to the core criteria above:

·         Mathematics – 4 units (must include Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2, and another Advanced Math)

·         Science – 4 units (must include Biology and either Chemistry or Physics)

·         World Language – 2 units (must be the same language)

***The SD Board of Regents requires that entering undergraduates meet the following criteria for admission to a baccalaureate degree program:

·         Rank in the top 60% of high school class OR Achieve ACT of 18 or above OR Earn GPA of at least 2.6 in high school courses

·         Complete the at least the criteria for the Advanced Pathway with a GPA of 2.0 or better (OR score high enough on the ACT subtests)

******Taking a foreign language in high school is recommended but not required for graduation from Elkton High School. At this time, SD post-secondary institutions are not requiring students to have foreign language for admission. However, many post-secondary schools outside of SD are starting to require foreign language for admission. For example, the MN State Colleges & Universities System requires that undergraduates applying for state universities have 2 years of a single world language. The University of MN campuses have the same requirement. Thus, it is important to check the admission requirements of the colleges, universities, or technical schools you are interested in to determine if you should take a foreign language in high school.

Progressive Discipline Policy of Elkton Junior High and High School

Student Discipline Policy

Introduction:   The following discipline policy applies to all students, grades 7-12, in the Elkton School District.  The consequences described apply regardless of whether the misbehavior took place in school, on district property, in a district vehicle, at a school or district activity, or at a school bus stop.  The consequences may also apply for misbehaviors that took place at another location but directly affect school programs or activities.  On a case-by-case basis, the principal may implement consequences other than those outlined herein where it is necessary to protect the safety of students and staff or as necessary to prevent disruption of the educational environment.  Any behavior that may constitute a crime under state and federal law may be referred to law enforcement. 

Definitions:

Detention means the action of a staff member or the principal that requires a student to spend a specified period of time before or after school with the individual who assigned the detention.  The individual assigning the detention will determine the date, time, and location of the detention and will notify the student’s parents of this information.

In-school Suspension means the exclusion of a student by the principal from a class or an entire school day where the student must be present in the school building but will work independently in an isolated location to be determined by the principal.  A student assigned to in-school suspension will be allowed to complete all schoolwork assigned during the in-school suspension period, and he or she will receive credit for all work completed.  The student may also participate in extra-curricular activities but only to the extent the activity does not interfere with the assigned detention time. 

Short-term suspension means the exclusion of a student by a principal or superintendent from a class or from school for not more than 10 school days.  During the short-term suspension period, the student may not be in the school building or on school or district property, and the student may not participate in or attend school or district events or activities.  Each school day missed as a result of short-term suspension will be considered an unexcused absence, and no credit will be given for schoolwork assigned during the absence.

Long-term suspension means the exclusion of a student by the district superintendent or school board from a class or from school for more than 10 but not more than 90 school days.  During the long-term suspension period, the student may not be in the school building or on school or district property, and the student may not participate in or attend school or district events or activities.  Each school day missed as a result of long-term suspension will be considered an unexcused absence, and no credit will be given for schoolwork assigned during the absence.

Expulsion means the action of the school board that terminates a student’s membership in school for not more than 12 consecutive months.

Harassment and Bullying:     The Elkton School District prohibits all forms of infringement of the rights of others between and among students and adults connected with the operation of the District.  The District will enforce all state and federal laws prohibiting harassment and bullying, and any individual who believes he or she has been subjected to physical or verbal harassment or bullying may file a written Harassment/Bullying Report with the district superintendent.

Upon investigation of a written Harassment/Bullying Report, the principal or district superintendent may impose short-term suspension of three (3) to ten (10) days upon the individual(s) engaging in harassing or bullying behaviors and refer the matter to law enforcement.  Depending upon the severity and frequency of the behavior, the principal or superintendent may also recommend long-term suspension or expulsion.  Any individual who believes he or she has been subjected to physical or verbal harassment or bullying may also seek to resolve the matter through the grievance procedure outlined below.

Additional information regarding the District-s policies against harassment and bullying and a Harassment/Bullying Report form may be found in the Superintendent’s Office. 

 Due Process Procedures:      Pursuant to South Dakota law and regulation, the following procedures will be followed when a student is disciplined through short-term suspension, long-term suspension, or expulsion.

 1.  Short-term Suspension: If a short-term suspension from a class, classes, or school is anticipated because of a student’s behavior, the principal shall give oral or written notice to the student as soon as possible after discovery of the alleged behavior, stating the facts that form the basis for the suspension.  The student must be given the opportunity to answer the charges.  If a student is suspended, the principal must give the parent oral notice, if possible, and shall send the parent or a student who is 18 years of age or older or an emancipated minor a written notice that provides information regarding the student’s due process rights.  A student who is an unemancipated minor may not be removed from the school premises before the end of the school day without contacting a parent unless the student’s presence poses a continuing threat or danger, in which case the student may be immediately removed from the school and transferred into the custody of a parent or law enforcement.

2.  Long-term Suspension:            

a. Written report required: If long-term suspension is anticipated because of a student’s behavior, the superintendent must file a sealed, written report with the school board by the end of the fifth school day following the first day of the long-term suspension and may request that a hearing be held before the school board. The report must include the facts of the situation, the action taken, the reasons for the action, and the superintendent's decision or recommendation. The report must remain in the possession of the school board secretary or business manager, sealed and unavailable for review by individual school board members, until the time set for a hearing. The superintendent must send a copy of the report to the student's parent or to the student if the student is 18 years of age or older or an emancipated minor at the same time the report is filed with the school board's secretary or business manager.

b. Right to request hearing -- Notice of hearing. If the superintendent finds grounds for a long-term suspension from a class or classes, the superintendent may exclude the student from a class or classes by using the short-term suspension procedure set forth above. The superintendent shall give a written notice to the student’s parent or to a student who is 18 years of age or older or an emancipated minor and may schedule a hearing. The notice shall contain the following minimum information:

·         The policy allegedly violated;

·         The reason for the disciplinary proceedings;

·         Notice of the right to request a hearing or waive the right to a hearing.

·         A description of the hearing procedure;

·         A statement that the student’s records are available at the school for examination by the student’s parent or authorized representative; and

·         A statement that the student may present witnesses.

If a hearing is requested, the superintendent shall give notice to each school board member of an appeal to the board for a hearing. The superintendent shall set the date, time, and place for the hearing and send notice by first class mail to each school board member and by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the student’s parent or to a student who is 18 years of age or older or an emancipated minor.  If no hearing is requested or the hearing is waived, the action of the superintendent is final.      

c. Right of waiver. The student, if of the age of majority or emancipated, or the student’s parent may waive the right to a hearing in writing to the superintendent. If the hearing is not waived, the hearing shall be held on the date, time, and place set in the notice unless a different date, time, and place are agreed to by the parties.

d. Hearing procedure. The school board is the hearing board and shall conduct the hearing in the following manner:

·         The school board shall appoint a school board member or a person who is not an employee of the school district as the hearing officer;

·         Each party may make an opening statement;

·         Each party may introduce evidence, present witnesses, and examine and cross-examine witnesses;

·         Each party may be represented by an attorney;

·         The school administration shall present its case first;

·         The hearing is closed to the public. A verbatim record of the hearing will be made and will be sealed pending court order;

·         Witnesses may be present only when testifying. All witnesses must take an oath or affirmation administered by the school board president or business manager;

·         Each party may raise objections; however, objections are limited to relevancy and scope of the question;

·         All relevant evidence must be admitted; however, unproductive or repetitious evidence may be limited by the hearing officer;

·         The hearing officer may ask questions of witnesses and may allow other school board members to interrogate witnesses;

·         Each party may make a closing statement;

·         After the hearing, the school board shall continue to meet in executive session for deliberation. No one other than the hearing officer may meet with the school board during deliberation. The school board may seek advice during deliberation from an attorney. Consultation with any other person during deliberation may occur only if a representative of the student is present; and

·         The decision of the school board must be based solely on the evidence presented at the hearing and must be formalized by a motion made in open meeting. The motion must omit the name of the student and must state the reason for the board's action. The school board shall notify the student or the student’s parents in writing of the decision. The notice must state the length of the suspension or expulsion.

e. Right of appeal. The student may appeal an adverse decision by the school board to the circuit court.     

f. Attendance policies. The attendance policy of a school district may not exclude a student from a class or from school for more than ten days without providing due process procedures outlined here.

g. Referral to placement committee of students in need of special education. If a student identified as in need of special education or special education and related services pursuant to SDCL 13-37-1 is expelled or subjected to long-term suspension, the procedure in � 24:05:26:09 applies.

3. Expulsion:  

If expulsion is anticipated because of a student’s behavior, the student will be afforded due process procedures substantially similar to those outlined above, including those governing written report by the superintendent, notice of hearing, right to waive hearing, hearing procedures, right to appeal, and referral to placement committee for students in need of special education and related services.  As with long-term suspension, the Elkton School District may not expel a student from one or more classes or from a school for more than ten consecutive school days without providing the due process procedures described above.

Grievance Procedures:  Students, parents, and employees are encouraged to use the following procedures if they believe they have been subject to unfair or discriminatory disciplinary action, or they have a specific complaint regarding the content or implementation of District’s discipline policy.  In addition, the following procedures may be used to resolve issues related to Harassment/Bullying Reports filed with the District.  The burden of proof lies with the individual filing the grievance or report. 

In order to ensure each grievance is addressed in a fair and equitable manner, it is important that the individual filing the grievance does not proceed to the next level until he or she has made a good faith attempt to resolve the matter at the lowest level.  The same is true for Harassment/Bullying Reports.  However, in the event the individual filing a Harassment/Bullying Report feels he or she has been subjected to verbal or physical harassment by a teacher or staff member, he or she may proceed to Level 2. 

Level 1:  The individual filing the grievance or Harassment/Bullying Report will have an opportunity to discuss the matter with a teacher or staff member.

Level 2:  If the grievance or issues related to a Harassment/Bullying Report remain unresolved at Level 1, the individual filing the grievance or report may bring the matter to the Principal for his/her consideration.

Level 3:  If the grievance or issues related to a Harassment/Bullying Report remain unresolved at Level 2, the individual filing the grievance or report may bring the matter to the Superintendent of Schools/CEO for his/her consideration.

Level 4:  If the grievance or issues related to a Harassment/Bullying Report remain unresolved at Level 3 and all of the procedures outlined above have been exhausted, the individual filing the grievance or report may bring the matter to the Elkton School Board for consideration.  

As stated above, Harassment/Bullying Reports must be filed in writing with the Superintendent’s Office.  Grievances regarding the content or implementation of the District’s discipline policy may be made orally or in writing at Levels 1-3.  However, any unresolved grievance brought to the Elkton School Board must be presented in writing.  The School Board’s decision is final unless the individual filing the grievance requests a hearing.  If a hearing is requested, the School Board shall comply with the procedures outlined above.   

PLEASE NOTE: Due to state and federal privacy laws, no district employee, administrator, or school board member will be permitted to discuss Harassment/Bullying Reports or disciplinary action or inaction regarding a specific student unless the grievance or report is filed by that student, his or her parent or guardian, or authorized representative.

Questions may be addressed to the Administration.

For further information check out the following resources: